Inevitable for us...

The man you trust

Emma was extremely nervous.

 What if she was caught and killed before the queen? What if all her friends were forced to go through full apotheosis? What if Paul was? What if by helping them out she was just dooming the entire planet?

Her inner monologue was interrupted by Paul, "Got it Emma?" he asked.

She realized that they were the only ones left in the room.

They sat in silence for a few seconds as Emma continued to think of the risks and consequences that their mission would bring.

A wave of emotion overcame her as she felt her arms wrap around Paul and began to sob.

Paul looked shocked since just a few minutes ago she claimed that "this wasn't the time for 'us' ".

"Paul, I'm frightened. I don't want to get hurt. I don't want anyone to get hurt because of me... I don't want you to get hurt because of me." she said, weeping.

"It's okay. No one is going to get hurt because of you. You'll be okay. All of our friends will be okay." he paused. "We'll be okay." he looked down at her and smiled, wiping away her tears.

"Promise?" she asked.

"Promise. I would never let anything happen to you," he replied.

She felt secure in his arms but, she knew they had to get to work. She held on to him for another minute, contemplating their relationship, their future, and their past. Knowing very well that they could never be together, but still hoping that somehow it could happen. And wondering how could this be the same man, who a day ago she thought might kill her?

She eventually pulled away, even if she didn't want to.

"Okay, let's get to work," she said.