Etienne

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 Etienne laughed at Harken. She loved their conversations and his sense of humor. They walked along the edge of the ocean.

"You know my mother says that we shouldn't walk at night unless we're really serious," Harken stated reaching over timidly and taking her hand.

Etienne smiled at the action. Milo had taught her the proper social standards of the current time so that she could fit in. Despite this and much because of her odd upbringing she often felt like a fish out of water regardless. She loathed that physical interactions were seen as so negative and inappropriate. It was something foreign to her from her interactions with Milo. He had always welcomed physical contact and closeness since she was a child. It made her feel safe and loved, but she never got that intimacy with anybody else.

"Are you really serious?" Harken questioned.

"I have very deep feelings for you," Etienne answered smiling widely at him.

"I love you Etienne and I would be honored to take your hand in marriage."

"Oh, Harken." She threw her arms around him hugging him tightly. This hug was different than the ones from Milo. She breathed in deeply. His aura was so bright at the moment it was blinding especially in the dark of the night.

Etienne opened her eyes as she was still embracing Harken her head turned to the left overlooking the ocean. She couldn't help but feel a chill run down her spine. She could feel eyes watching her and she assumed it was Milo since she couldn't see any auras. He had watched her before and she was completely fine with him keeping an eye out for her, but this felt different and it unsettled her like she needed to see Milo right away.

"I must get home," She said finally pulling back from the hug. "I want to tell Milo immediately."

"Oh, I was hoping that we would tell everybody together."

"I don't know if I'll be able to contain myself around him. We're very close and we don't keep anything from each other."

"We can tell everybody during the day tomorrow so you'll barely have to hold your tongue."

"Milo won't be able to meet tomorrow day. He already has a prior engagement. I'm sure he'll be able to join us that evening though."

"See then we can tell everybody tomorrow even if it a bit late and there will be no more waiting."

Etienne nodded her head though she knew she couldn't possibly keep the secret.

"I'm excited to make the announcement and then start the planning. We'll be married in no time at all."

Etienne's heart fluttered at the statement. She couldn't quite place it, but it wasn't something that she was used to feeling.

Harken escorted Etienne back to the house.

"My darling I love you."

This statement also made Etienne feel funny. Milo was the only one who called her that and the words felt funny coming from Harken.

The door opened on the two of them Milo standing on the other side. Etienne quickly pulled back from Harken at the action and Harken put a step of distance between the two of them.

"Sir," Harken stated holding out his hand for a handshake.

Milo bowed instead.

"My apologies for interrupting. I was just getting peckish, was going to go find somebody who could offer me some food."

Etienne smiled at the joke Harken couldn't possibly get.

"Come on I'll manage you up something. We were just saying our good nights."

"Would you like to come in for some food, Harken?"

"No!"

Harked looked at Etienne not believing the sudden forwardness.

Milo only smiled at Harken like he had been the one to answer.

"Well, I'm sure we will see each other again very soon. Good evening."

He did a slight bow towards Harken again and left the entrance way disappearing into the house.

"Good evening," Etienne stated smiling at him again and let herself inside without another word leaving Harken slightly confused the whole scene had happened so fast.

"Must you say things like that?" Etienne asked. "Causing me to act in such a manner."

"I don't think it is so out of manner. I think it fits you perfectly."

Milo took a seat on the couch, he held open his arms inviting her to come to him. She welcomed his offer and sat in his lap letting him hold her close.

"I do wish you would have never given up your preference of dressing as a boy."

"I'm not to blame for that. Time is."

"Well better for me to hate time than you resent me."

"I could never resent you."

"That's just another reason to hate time. You don't hate me because our time is finite. Put forever into that equation and chaos just might ensue."

Etienne pulled back slightly so she could look Milo in the eye.

"Are you pretending? Do you know?"

"Know what my darling?"

"Harken asked for my hand in marriage?"

Milo smiled at the statement.

"How lovely my darling. We must celebrate properly for this occasion."

"You're not mad at me?"

"I could never be mad at you, not really. You are my link to humanity however limited that time may be."

Etienne pulled him into a hug even harder. His energy was invigorating her energy which had felt misplaced earlier. She knew their relationship was very different, but she couldn't deny the love and bond with Milo was forever cemented and nothing could rival it.

"I would still choose you, Milo," Etienne stated her face still buried in his shoulder.

"You say that now, but life changes and so will you."

She pulled back tears brimming to her eyes at the statement.

"I know with all of my heart Milo that I will always choose you no matter how much I change. You keep saying time is the enemy and the thing to hate, but I know with all of my heart that you will remain the true keeper of my heart, my soul."