Part One

"Three nights since," was scribbled with an engraved pin on a piece of parchment. Tears were botching the ink and a quivering hand setting the pin down as well as the book while she rested in her bed.

Evangeline was at a loss for words. Her eyes were gazing at her fingertips as she lay there that night. Tears were rolling down her cheeks as she lay there, all she could think of still was Skyler. Her heart was torn between what had happened and what she quite literally wanted. Yet she was doomed not to have it all because of one simple phrase," I am not yours and you are not mine."

That phrase seemed to haunt her, even torment her beyond repair. It was like living in the story of someone else's life, where there was never a happy ending or even a dream come true sort of fairy tale. But Fairy Tales were for girls before their teenage rebellion, and Evangeline was far past those years and the rebellions as well. It was time to get over what had happened just the night before, but she couldn't stop thinking of it. The more it replayed in her mind, the more her heart continued to break.

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"Please, let me do this before all my courage leaves me..." She begged while her eyes turned to look up at him. Swallowing lightly she stood up on her toes as she locked her eyes with his," You are amazing Skyler, more amazing than I could have imagined. And I'm scared....I'm scared that if I don't say something now I'll lose the chance forever. I care about you, more than I thought I could given what has happened to me before....That's what scares me the most....The fact that if I don't speak up now, I may never get the chance to or find the courage to do so again." Her nerves were staring to scream at her to let them win, but she wouldn't let them. She had one last thing to do, and she'd do it. Before he could speak up she would press a kiss to his lips before drawing away. Not sure what else she could say or do, but waiting all the same for what he could say or had to say.

Skyler's eyes searched hers, as she spoke. His ears searched her words, too. The kiss was brief. Chaste. His eyes remained open during that moment. Finally, he could speak. "Miss Evangeline..." His tone was even more filled with guilt than before. "I now see that I shouldn't have kissed you.." The courage it must have taken for her to say what she had nearly broke his heart. "I do not know what has happened to you in the past to jade you so. You are not mine.." He reached for her cheek, abuse meeting the roughness of his hand. "I am not yours."

Though her cheek begged to linger in his hand she couldn't bring herself to let it stay. A swallow came from her and her eyes closed while she nodded," And that's how you wish it to be..." Understanding on such a level nearly tore at her inside out, but even then she attempted a fake smile to him," But at least....I won't live with the regret of not telling you." Something was stinging at her eyes while she turned her eyes to look to his.

Withdrawing at her refusal for him to touch her, he slowly lowered his hand. He frowned, placing that same hand into his coat pockets. "Yes, it is better to be certain.." Tragically enough, he wished to kiss her again. But that would be far from making her understand. He stepped away from her a single step. "I am sorry, Miss Evangeline.." He lowered his chin to resign to a full fledged apology. There was shame on his face for what he had done.

Tears were breaking from her eyes at this point but she turned her face away to hide them. Her bottom lip trembled for a fraction of a second before she stammered to him softly," Is there no other way' No....other way?" But she knew there wasn't as she stood there hiding her shame for ever feeling this way about him, from him. The stinging only got worse as the wet tears were met by the bitter cold. It was only then that she realized she wasn't only shaking from her nerves still fighting, but also to the chilled air around her.

"Evangeline.." He rose his chin, frowning with the tragedy and weight of a heavy past upon his face. She was shaking horribly. "Let's get you back inside. You will catch cold's death like this.." He implored her. It was beyond gentlemanly. This was for her well being. Hypothermia was unsightly, and not becoming of anyone.

Yet she didn't want to go inside. She didn't care how bad she was shaking or how cold she got, she didn't want to go inside looking like this. Tears were Redding her cheeks and her head had lowered while her hair had all but fallen into her face. Shaking her head in refusal she drew up her hand to her hair and as if making to push it away she wiped at the tears nipping to her cheeks.

"Please..Evangeline.." He begged. At her silent refusal, he looked to the side in frustration. With all the emotions rampant in the air, his composure was far from intact. Finally, he walked to her back. His coat was torn off of him masochistically, placing it on her shoulders. It draped over her, the containing leather as well as his own accumulated heat now surrounded her. This was madness.

She was stronger than this and it would show. Her head turned up, giving her but a moment to regain composure. Swallowing back the lump in her throat she locked reddened eyes on him while she whispered," I don't think I can ever thank you for what you have given me Skyler....I do care for you deeply, and at least you know. That is more than I could ever wish for."

"You need not thank me at all." He was almost offended at her compulsion to offer gratitude at a time like this. Masochism was a stubborn habit. "But if you must thank me.." His voice was gentle, and warm. "Please, let me walk you to your room. You'll be safe there. And you'll be warm again."

"I....I do not want to trouble you Skyler." Was said to him truthfully while she drew in a stiffened breath. Her eyes locked to his while she whispered," I never wanted to be trouble or a bother to you." She said as an understatement, tears screaming to break free. A hand shot to her eyes and she whispered," I'm sorry, I should have never said anything."

"You were never a bother. And you never will be." With a shake of his head, a hand came to the small of her back. Gently, he hoped to lead her back to the Inn. "Evangeline, please...Stop apologizing."

Slow steps came from her as she sighed. Shaking her head she stammered," How can I not keep from doing so when I have made a fool of myself all over being so scared?" Shaking her head once more she wiped at her face and laughed lightly at herself. The nerves were now nagging at her again telling her she should have listened.

"You are no fool. With those words you've earned a patron. A career. You are far from the sort." The strength that encompassed her small form was projected in a weak, docile manner. "It takes genius and intelligence to be powerful with words."

To that she bit her tongue from what she really wanted to say as she stopped at the door of the Inn. Her hand lifted up to his coat and she plucked it from her small form to hold out to him," I shall be fine to make it to my room from here, there's no point in you going back in only to go back out again. Please....have a good night Skyler."

He took his coat from her. Nodding softly, he proceeded to replace it onto his own frame. Arm through one sleeve, than the other. "Very well." In understanding, he shifted his coat upon his frame in preparation. "Good night, Miss Evangeline.." He bowed deeply, and chose against the kiss of her knuckles. At this point, he didn't want to cause her anymore grief.

There was a soft throb in her chest while she whispered," Sweet dreams to you Skyler when you do rest." Bowing her head softly to him in return while she drew in a deep breath. She turned to the knob while her eyes closed. A draw of breath and then a shift as she whispered," Good night."

"May your dreams be even sweeter, Evangeline." He stepped away from the door, giving her room to open the door. "Au revoir." It was sighed out, and he began to walk into the night. He'd wait until she closed the door behind her to indulge.

Once within the warm confines of the Inn she would steal away to her room. Tears were held back and her form quickly moving. As secure as she could be she stayed in her room, her form nestling deeply within her bed where she'd linger deep in though for goodness knows how long.

When the door was closed, he closed his eyes. The colors of brown and dirt vanished from him. And soon, a sheet of gray colored his skin. It was as if a certain light hit him just so. And afterward, there was smoke. And that was all. He was gone.

It was a miracle! Evangeline was out of her room instead of doing what she had hoped for. A bag in her hand and a chipper look on her face. All lies of course, but she could get over it. Her eyes looked over a few features of Skyler's studio and its exterior before she quietly knocked upon the door.

The sun shined to spite the bitterness of cold that hissed through the streets like a restless serpent. There were times were he believed. With the sunlight as brilliant as it was today, he was glad to just be. His shoppe was opened, and a patron or two had entered earlier in the morning. That alone proved for his day to be a decent one.

Evangeline shifted nervously, her hands were a bit full for her to start with just entering. And for all matters and reasoning she was not sure why she was stirred to enter into the place before her. But there she was knocking on the door again.

He was in the back of his shop, hanging a newly made furnishing of a deity that he'd hope to charm more customers with. A simple Buddha. The knocking was hardly audible, but the empty echo of his studio allowed him to hear it with ease. Glancing toward the door, he ran a hand along his skull. The ponytail would do, but it was a nervous gesture. Walking to the door, he opened it for her. "Good morrow, Miss Evangeline."

Seeing him brought a smile to her lips, unusually bright while she spoke up," Good Morrow Skyler!" She exclaimed out as she meandered in and over to a table. Setting down the bag she began to pull out a few things as she spoke," I figured you'd be hungry so here I am. I hope you are alright with sandwiches. It's not much, but it's something to tide you over until dinner time."

His brows climbed the plateau of his forehead at the projection of her voice, and drew back to offer her purchase within. "Sandwiches are more than alright. My menu is usually vacant until later in the day." She probably knew such a thing. Following after her, he watched her set the table. "I am grateful."

Plates were set out while she smiled lightly. Her eyes turned to focus on Skyler for a moment as she smiled brightly," I'm glad to make you happy Skyler." Giggling lightly and plucking out two bottles of ale. Her eyes focused on them for a moment before she plucked their caps from them. Turning about she offered one of the bottles to him," I have good news for you!" She said merrily while she leaned back. She was certainly not acting as expected after what happened last night.

Taking the bottle with a near caution, he looked toward her with a concerned look. Still, he managed a receptive smile. Perhaps this was her attempt at resilience. And that was admirable for any wounded person to undergo. "Oh' And what news is that?"

That or she was not in the right mind," I got a job!" She exclaimed while she beamed at him. Her arms folded behind her back and she rocked on her heels. Her eyes dazzled up at him. Mind wipe much' Seems like it. Who knows, she could just be playing stupid.

He smiled a little wider, with a sheepish undertone. "Yes, Evangeline. You told me.." He lowered to sit down, holding his drink idly. "Are you alright?" He was truly concerned.

Blinking she turned to look at him, her eyes a touch wide while her head tilted to the side," I only got hired yesterday' When did I tell you?" Curiously asked as she set down the bottle and gazed at him curiously.

"Last night, Evangeline." Nodding sagely, he finally took a sip of his beer. He was unsure if he'd regret such a thing, and examined the glass work of the bottle to find the answer. It was futile, but he looked to her again. "You do not remember?"

A blank look over took her face and she rubbed her arm. Her brow furrowed while she settled down next to him at the table. Folding one leg over the other and sighing," Not sure....I can't really remember much from last night. Must have been celbrating too much." Was it a lie or was it the truth," Why?"

"Evangeline, you barely celebrated at all last night." He still frowned. But took another sample of his Ale. "You were joyous at first, but you quickly were soft again. Are you sure you are alright' Did something happen today?"

Shaking her head she contemplated his word, there was a slight frown on her lips for the briefest of moments before she exhaled lightly," Nope.." Grinning happily and keeping a quite bouncy voice. Sipping at the ale she looked at him," Why' What happened last night for my mood to change?" She was beginning to wonder if even she was alright.

"Evangeline.." He began. It wrenched at his own mood to refresh her memory. "We had a very sad conversation.." Stalling, he realized that he was being cowardly. No man acted this way. Recovering, he looked to her. "You informed me of your feelings. And I denied you.."

Shifting a touch she frowned, and this time it stayed. Her lips pressed to the neck of the bottle and a sip was drawn from it as she thought over those words. Drawing in a deepened breath she managed to murmur to him while leaning at her side," Ah..." Furrowing her brows she cleared her throat. Her head shook and she stammered," I see."

"I am deeply sorry, Miss Evangeline. I've ruined your mood again." He rose from the table, leaving the Ale behind.

"Is there any way you could just..." She swallowed lightly," Explain why you did?" Furrowing her brows once more and drew in a deepened breath. Her lips had pursed once more as her eyes tuned to look at him, following him even as he moved away.

Skyler began to pace about his studio. "I warned you when I had kissed you the other night. You are not mine. I am not yours."

Those words brought her crashing down to reality. Her form rose up and she stiffly moved over to him," But why does it have to be that way' What could possibly keep you from taking chances?" Seems she was a bit more determined than last night to have a few words with him. Partially because she didn't remember and curiousity was, well curiousity.

"Many, many things." Skyler answered her sharply. "Please, I am sorry.." He offered. He stopped to gaze outside of his shoppe's window.

"Those things are keeping you from living a life you wanted aren't they' Or are they just too much of your comfort zone that you won't take a risk" Or....Is it just me?" Her mind was dancing through her thoughts while she drew in a strong breath. Arms folded behind her back and she stammered lightly," Could I have done something to change your perspective of me?"

"There's nothing you could have done, Evangeline." His dirtied t-shirt had sawdust bristling at his chest. Some splintering pieces were at his fingertips. But they would never pierce the armor there of callouses. "Do not burden yourself with thoughts of me or about what I have said. I am sorry to have robbed you of your joy for the second time in a row. I've been terribly unkind."

"Terribly unkind. Possibly the most unkind thing you can do to me is not answer any of my questions." Still her brows were furrowed while she sighed and turned him around with a grip to his shoulders. Her eyes looked up into his, showing her determination for answers. The need to know was so great in her and she was scared, so truly scared that he would keep denying her the simple need of answers.

"Mein dire.." He implored. Peering down at her due to the staggering height difference, he frowned. "My perspective of you is a high one. I respect you." He clarified this with a gentle tone. Even his voice treated her like glass.

"And so you respect me you would deny me.." How can you see it like that?" She was terribly confused and it showed in her eyes. Her hand moved up and she paused to caress at his cheek. A swallow fell from her lips while she whispered," I do respect you Skyler, don't think otherwise, but surely you cannot insist that because of the respect you have for me is what is keeping you from....anything that you may feel..." If he had any feelings for her she needed to know.

Skyler brought his hand to the one that she had used to frame his face. Rough and abused, he gently pulled it away from him. Placing it at her side, he shook his head. "Please, Evangeline. I deny you because I am not what you want. You may think so, but it is a farce."

"So you would choose for me what I want?" She asked as she looked up to him with a more determined nature than she thought she could ever have. Her lips were pursed while she shook her head," How is that fair?"

"Please, try to understand. I understand if I have hurt you." Skyler took on a different approach. "You are right. I know what you want. Forgive me, but I am unwilling to give it to you. I regret filling you with hope by kissing you before. I apologize."

"Filling me with hope....Would you have had it any other way?" Turning away she shook her head and moved back to settle down at the table. Her head shook and she shook her head in surrender," Alright. Alright....I'll let it be. I understand. No worries. In the end all it is is the past now isn't it' It happened last night and this is today." Firmly stated as if final before she moved to sip at her ale once more.

"Yes. That is correct." Pacing closer toward the table with the food prepared, he sat himself on the bench that was propped against the wall. He leaned across the table to take his Ale, and took a gluttonous swallow of it. "I didn't expect you wanting to see me so soon. But I see that it slipped your mind." Nod.

"Course it didn't....How could it slip my mind, but how could I not....How could I keep from seeing you. Making sure that you were eating well and that your content is what a friend should do. And to me you are my best friend and always will be." She nodded lightly to that while a rough pull was taken from her bottle.

"Very well, Miss Evangeline." He was satisfied with that, and took yet another drnk from his Ale.

Taking another drink of her ale she stood up and sighed," I must be going for now, but I just wanted to see how you were doing." A sigh came and she whispered," Do not worry for me. Please. I'll be fine."

"Yes, of course." He bowed his head toward her in subservience to her plea and to her departure. He offered a polite, but wounded smile. "Be well, Miss Evangeline."

In a parting gesture she leaned in and brushed her lips to his cheek. Before he could protest she drew away, nodded to him kindly and drew back while her form started on its merry way. Leaving him a kings meal and a small note behind. The note said in simple," I'm so very sorry for ever hurting you or making you feel guilt and shame." But before he would even see it she would be gone and out into the day.

He acquiesced to the simple gesture. Somehow, he didn't mind. It was the casual hello and goodbye to him. He rose as she walked out of his shop, and sat back down. He ate his meal in silence, and found the note. Secretly, he wondered if she had wrote this in the pen he had given her.

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She had....She could not stop using it. Evangeline couldn't put it down. It was her sword, her power, and her way to vent out her new found inspiration and hurt. Her words would be mightier than her pain. For that she was sure.