I added some detail and it ended up kind of long, so I split it in two.
The capitol had been built on the remains of a once great city. It was ideal in many ways, but it had few issues. One of these issues was the giant crater that resided in the center of the community. It was said to have been made by some kind of nuclear bomb, which I remembered studying briefly in my Applied Chemistry Class. It would have cost millions to fill it up, so instead, they turned it into a park.
That’s right, our community playground was built in one of the most haunting reminders of the war that nearly tore our country apart.
Hence, the bowl.
I jumped off our speeder and waved goodbye to my Chauffeur. I knew sending him away meant I would have to hitch a ride home with the Prince, but I did it anyway. I didn’t want any witnesses.
It didn’t take me long to find Nathaniel.
I should have known not to send my Chauffeur away, as we wouldn’t be alone anyway. The Prince never went anywhere without his entourage of body guards and other attendees, most of whom were there to protect him from the psychotic side of the young female population.
He looked up at my approach and I realized he looked different. Instead of his radiating smolder he gave me an awkward half-smile, and then quickly looked away. I could see tenseness in his shoulders and he was hunched down slightly. He was nervous, and it was the first time I had ever seen him so since we were five.
This could not be good.
“Darcy” he was, fidgeting, he never fidgeted. This situation could not possibly get any weirder.
“I just wanted to say that I’m sorry.” I lied, it could. “I shouldn’t have kissed you yesterday, not then, not when you were...vulnerable.” he looked at me as he said this. Despite how completely nonplussed and wrong-footed I was feeling at the moment, I was touched by his sincerity. It was kind of sweet, him apologizing like that. I was such an emotional wreck at that point, I almost started crying again. Almost.
“But the thing is...” he trailed off, I waited. “I liked it.” He finished. “I like you, Darcy.” He put his hand on mine, and for once I didn’t freak out or pull away.
I realized what I had found so different, so peculiar about him. This was the most human I had ever seen him act in my entire life. No longer the textbook example of gorgeousness, confidence, or control. No longer the promising leader already beginning to fill the demanding role of future king.
No longer the mold for perfection.
Now he was unsure, fighting with self-doubt, desire, and uncertainty. The one who couldn't see the path in front of him, but knew that he somehow still had to follow it although the thought terrified him. Someone who hesitated on the brink of a huge risk. Someone like me. Suddenly, he didn't seem so distant and unreachable. Now he was someone I could talk too, touch, feel...
“Look, I know this is weird," he continued, interrupting my discovery. "But I was thinking, maybe we could spend some time together, just you and me.” He attempted an encouraging smile.
“Come on, I’ll let you pick what we do first.” he let go of my hand, only to stand up and offer it to me again. His grin broadened. I hesitated, and his smile faltered. He looked self-conscious as the enthusiasm faded from his eyes. Something in his face broke, but there was a part of him that still held on, hopefully.
I thought of everything I had been through in the last twenty-four hours. Every reason why I should politely, justifiable, refuse.
I thought of all my fear, all my hesitation, all my pain. All my desires to simply turn off and forget the world. To stop pretending to care anymore.
The Prince hadn't moved. He simply stood, waiting politely for my decision.
I looked into that crumbling face. He had been so kind to me, even if I hadn't realized it. He'd come to find me after I'd run off, listened to all my musings, comforted me, and so gently kissed me. Then later, he'd had met with me and tried to apologize for potentially hurting me despite his discomfort. While here he had been so sweet, so caring, so understanding.
And now, it was me he was offering to spend the whole day with.
My mind was made up. I took his hand. His face lit up into a grin. He grasped my hand more firmly, but gently, and we left.
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