My moon...a changeable land

[Zane Lucifer Bishop]

Damn! It seemed such a small step. Why is she so resistant to the notion of someone caring about her enough to ask? Try and salvage it. Who knows how long it may be til you have another chance if she leaves the tower now, like this.

Zee's friendly smile faded as hers did, though his did so more slowly. A minute wince coincided with each step she took away from him, as if each one caused him pain. He leaned forward slightly, looking as though he meant to pursue her. It was a difficult choice. No part of his mind was certain of his next action. The part he was most familiar with was screaming at him to stop her, but cautioning him not to frighten her away. The part that had never spoken up before until recently and that did not appear to consider any subject but Wysteria worth commentating on nudged him forward, whispering that he couldn't let her leave in that state. Yet it also seemed to hold him back, telling him that if she truly wanted to leave, to let her go. Zee's face, the concern still evident, was also twisted in confusion as he watched her, kept his eyes on hers.

His feet however did not move. In the end he went with the caution that his mind so often recommended. His eyes lowered to his own feet as she stepped down to the floor. He muttered almost reflexively in response to her comment about his bravery and her imperfection.

"Yeah, maybe I should've been in Gryffindor."

He dropped from the ledge as well, though as he landed he sat upon it. His eyes raised to meet hers as she turned around. His face still showing the confusion and concern and perhaps a hint of disappointment, he arched a single eye brow at her claim of not being upset, knowing it to not be entirely true. His words came out in a whisper, apparently having lost his voice momentarily.

"Wysteria, don't."

He coughed softly, seeking to moisten his parched throat. His voice returned, though he still spoke softly.

"Don't leave. I know you don't want to. Not like this anyway. I know you're not perfect. I would not have you be. I ask you to be nothing that you are not already. If you do not wish to answer my question, you have that right. But please do not run away because you feel threatened. Just . . ."

He raised his right arm slowly, extending his hand to her in an inviting but not demanding manner.

"Trust me . . ."

[Wysteria Edwin]

Wysteria turned when he said "don't". Something about his voice made her stomach flip, although she didn't know what it was exactly. The tone wasn't smooth, collected or planned. It reminded her of when she heard him laugh; there was an honesty behind it that was weakening to her will to leave. When he cleared his throat, she found herself believing what he was telling her about him not wanting her to be what she's not. She took a very long breath, realizing whatever she felt wouldn't go away right now. But staying would increase it, meaning that she would put him in danger with every second she stood with him in the tower.

She looked down at the hand he extended to her, and it was too much. It was all too much for her to comprehend and process, quantify and analyze. She shook her head just barely, trying to figure out what she could possibly say to that. I wish I could trust you...

Wyst suddenly smiled at him, and took his hand and gave it a firm shake, then released it.

"I'll trust you to keep my company next time I can't sleep, eh?" Wyst said in a far too casual manner, as if the last few minutes hadn't happened. "I think we've got Ancient Runes together tomorrow, so I better get a good night's sleep for that wouldn't you think? I'll see you tomorrow morning," she said, smiling. Wyst turned on the spot and headed out the door, letting the door close behind her. She took a moment at the foot of the stairs to mentally regain her barrings after what had happened. He was too close, but it was more disturbing to her that she didn't stop herself earlier. She headed down the stairs, twirling a piece of hair in her fingers as million thoughts buzzed through her head.

[Zane Lucifer Bishop]

Interesting. Her confusion is as evident as your own. She is scared, yes. Scared of . . . of being close to you? Of trusting you? But why? What is it in her past that so haunts her present decisions? Has she trusted and been hurt? Multiple times perhaps? With such a convincing . . . admittedly honest display before her, how powerful must be her fear to override her desire to stay. Oh yes, she desires to stay. Remember that, whatever happens in the next few seconds. She desires to stay.

The faintest smile came to Zee's lips as Wysteria considered his outstretched hand. He could tell that she wanted to take it. Part of her anyway. He only hoped she would, though he wasn't quite sure what he would do next. This move hadn't been mapped out in advance. His words and actions came without the quick thinking which was typically a prerequisite. He just did what felt best. It left him unsure of how to proceed should she stay.

It proved to not be an issue however as she smiled what he thought a rather hollow smile and grasped his hand in an overly platonic manner. He only nodded at her words. They were severely disappointing and yet he found himself somewhat relieved. He didn't need to worry about his uncharacteristic unsuredness as she was not going to stay. Watching her walk away, he couldn't help but appreciate once more her lithe, graceful movements, even when she seemed as out of sorts as she was. She was beautiful for sure, though he realized at that moment that in all his attempts to be charming and win her favor he'd never mentioned as much to her.

Yawning, he stood and headed for the stairs himself. Confusion still had a firm hold of his mind, compounded by exhaustion. He would sleep and think more on this in the morning. Morning. They did have Ancient Runes. He imagined how that might go, how she might greet him. A slow grin spread. He was right. A part of her, a notably larger part since the last time she'd left him alone in that tower, had certainly wanted to stay with him. Tired as he was, his steps were unusually springy as he made his way all the way down to the dungeons.