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Restoring Faith	By : Lady_Kae Category: +G through L > Harvest Moon Views: 2535 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own any characters used from the game Harvest Moon: ToT. All characters ,game related material, and lyrics, save for original content is property of their respective owners and no money is being made from this fiction.

Chapter List
- 10
- 11
- 12
Disclaimer: I do not own any of the rights to the song 'Angel Eyes' by the Jeff Helaey Band
Chapter 11: Wanting
Restoring Faith
A Harvest Moon: Tree of Tranquility Fanfiction

Having finally said what he had been needing to say for a long time, Gill finally leaned in and pressed his lips to Kohri’s.
Gill scowled as he looked up at his ceiling. That might be the right approach, but Kohri still would have pushed him away in the end.
He had been dreaming of her again, as he had been without fail ever since their little moment in the classroom on Monday, but Gill was using the time he couldn’t sleep wisely. Tomorrow was Friday, and Gill was determined to finally tell Kohri how he honestly and truly felt, even if he was unsure how exactly that was. It was more than infatuation, more than friendship, but not quite love.
There was desire, sure, but Gill knew that Kohri wouldn’t want to just jump into something without the promise of it panning out. She was a rare blossom in these days, as she was confident in what she wanted even if she didn’t know who she wanted. She didn’t date, much less just jump into bed with just anyone. Gill was sure that she was untouched. In that case, both of them had something in common.
Gill hadn’t slept with anyone before either. Angela would have been his first and only lover if they had married. Even then, he now understood and accepted that it wasn’t meant to be.
He turned over, curling his arm under his pillow, and he sighed forlornly. Should he just wait for Kohri to make a move, try to pretend that he was unaffected? That wouldn’t work, not in his case at least. He puzzled over it some more, a deep furrow in his brow as he tried to estimate the outcome of each scenario. There were no favorable results in this case. For the first time in a long time, Gill didn’t know what to do. He was completely stumped in this case.
He wished there was something he could do, but there was nothing. Kohri didn’t want to put anyone in danger unnecessarily, and if she were in a relationship with anyone, it would put them right in the cross hairs. If only there was something they could do about her case. Agent Muffins was doing as Kohri asked and building everything to where it would be airtight.
Gill tossed once more, trying to get comfortable, and he sighed once more. When it came to Kohri, it probably would have to wait until she knew for certain that she, and whomever she decided to start a relationship with, would be safe.

Kohri was all smiles as she cooked supper. Gill would be arriving any minute now for debate night. She needed to talk to him as it was. Due to the strain she was under between caring for Gnocchi Ranch and Souffle Farm, she needed more time to devote to her studies.
A knock rang through the house and Kohri peeled her apron away as she made her way to the door. “ C’mon in Gill, supper’s almost ready.” she said brightly.
Gill was stunned into silence for a moment as he took in the angel before him. She was silhouetted against the light coming out from her living room. Her hair was down and pinned back, as it had been in his dream, but it was the way she was dressed that had thrown him for a loop.
A three tiered skirt belled out gently from her hips, and it was in pleasing shades of green. She wore a white, three quarter sleeve blouse with it, and a pair of slippers graced her feet. The necklace he had gifted her with adorned her neck, it was the only piece of jewelry that she ever seemed to wear in fact. It twinkled, bringing his focus to the gentle slope of her neck that disappeared past the collar.
The harvest goddess couldn’t even begin to compare to the woman before him in Gill’s opinion.
After what seemed to be a pregnant pause, Gill finally found his voice. “ You look lovely tonight, Kohri. I must ask though, what brought on this change?” Gill inquired delicately.
Kohri chortled as she moved the pot of steaming tomato soup to the table where some grilled cheese sandwiches, mozzarella cheese, salted crackers, and an array of other accompaniments waited. Two bowls and plates sat at the ready along with their silverware. “ Believe it or not, this is how I used to dress when I still lived on the mainland. I got too warm with my jeans on for that matter. With the skirt and leggings that I’m wearing, I feel just right though.” she replied. Her azure gaze cut over to Gill as he took his normal seat. “ Are you afraid you’re going to be too distracted when we finally get knee deep in our debate later?” she added with a flirtatious purr.
Gill’s cheeks reddened faster than he could contain it and he looked away for a moment. “ Not in the slightest.” he said. Provided that you’re not moving all over the place as you’re wont to do at least. he thought to himself.
Kohri laughed softly, only to follow it up with a disbelieving ‘Mmmhmm’. Gill served himself up some of the soup first while Kohri grabbed a few sandwiches. “ Actually, I need to talk to you about something before we get started tonight Gill. A few things really.” she said softly.
Gill’s eyebrow arched in curiosity as he began filling his plate next. “ What about?”
“ Our exams are coming up soon and I don’t have near as much time to study for them as I did last week. With me having to help out Souffle Farm while Craig is on the mend from his broken leg, I’m wearing myself pretty thin.” Kohri admitted as she dunked a cracker into the bowl.
Gill nodded. “ I’m trying to get myself ready too. If we need to, we can put a hold on our debate nights until the exams have passed and Craig’s back to work. I’d hate to have you lose just because you were too tired to think straight.” Gill teased with a playful grin.
Kohri couldn’t help but laugh at that, but inwardly, she was relieved that he had been the one to offer up the break. “ If you could get Luke and Owen off my ass, I’d kiss the very ground you walk on.” she chortled.
Gill snorted derisively. “ That’ll never happen. They don’t listen to me either, remember? What else is there?” Gill spooned some of the soup into his mouth and a look of sheer bliss crossed his face. “ Okay, basil, rosemary...What else?”
Kohri smiled and she shook her head. “ Nope, I’m not telling you this one. It’s my mom’s recipe.” Her face sobered a little and she stirred her soup nervously. “ I finally had a breakthrough on what I was looking for in the library, Gill. I...I don’t even know where to begin in all honesty…”
Gill looked at the table pensively for a moment. “ The beginning always works.” he offered.
Instead of their normal debate, Kohri began confiding in Gill about the odd dreams that she had been having since her arrival on Waffle Island. The visions of the Harvest Goddess, the messages that she had tried to impart, and then finally the conversation she had with her parents on her birthday came out, and he listened patiently through it all.
“ I didn’t want to ask anyone because I was afraid I was legitimately going insane from all the pressure I’ve been under. I didn’t want you, or Owen or Luke looking at me like I’m a psycho.” Kohri admitted.
Gill got to his feet and he walked around the table, silent the entire time. He took to a knee when he got beside Kohri and he pulled her into a supportive embrace. “ I could never think that about you Kohri.” he said softly, running his fingers through the loose sable tresses. He straightened and one hand gently cupped her cheek. “ Yes, I used to be able to see the sprites when I was a boy, as could my mother. Come by the manor tomorrow after you finish up at Souffle Farm. I might not be able to talk to you, but I’ll pass the message on to my father to give you more information on the Harvest Goddess and the island. There’s something I need to look for in the meantime. I’ll take my leave tonight so I can start looking for what you might need.”
Kohri smiled as she nuzzled Gill’s palm and both her hands rested on his forearm. “ Thank you.” she whispered thickly. Tears were sparkling in her eyes at his acceptance and she pulled him in closer. “ I can’t even begin to tell you how much I needed you to tell me that.” Her lips pressed into his cheek, soft and sweet as she let him stand straight. “ If I can, I’ll come by. It might have to wait a while in the long run.”
Gill pressed a kiss into her brow as well. “ You’re welcome, Kohri. Take your time. I’m in your corner one hundred percent.” he whispered as well. He was hesitant to admit to her how he felt now, as he knew how goal oriented she could be. He’d only be a distraction for her.
He was sure he could wait.

A month passed by. Craig was finally given the all clear to get back to work, and he all but shooed Kohri off the next morning. In the excitement, Ruth had forgotten to call her to warn her. Gill and Kohri rarely saw each other in passing, as the young woman really hadn’t needed to go to the town hall for anything now that she had finally gotten a clue as to where she needed to start. That wasn’t to say that she didn’t miss his presence over the ensuing weeks. Fridays started becoming much too quiet around Gnocchi Ranch.
Luke and Owen were worried that their teasing was to blame for Kohri and Gill’s cessation of their debate nights. Kohri had told them countless times that the two of them were trying to just get past their exams, but the two men honestly felt it was just lip service to make them feel better. Finally Kohri gave up trying to comfort them in this case. They’d learn the hard way that she was telling the truth.

Kohri sighed languidly as she stretched in her office chair. She had just finished up her last exam for the term and she was free for the next quarter. All her equipment had finally arrived and everything was still boxed up for now, awaiting the day when she would finally start setting up her lab to do her experimentation. Sure, she could have devoted a day or two to just that, but there was something that told her to wait.
Her thoughts turned to Gill for what seemed the millionth time that week. Kohri honestly and truly missed him, but she had just been much too busy to be able to even take more than five minutes to talk to him. Between her crops, the crops over at Souffle Farm, and making sure that she was on top in her studies, Kohri had been spread very, very thin.
Things could finally get back to normal, well as normal as it could get considering what was ahead of her. She’d make a stop by Tamelin Manor later to see if Gill had finished up his exams as well. Maybe they could even make a night of it.
Kohri grabbed her sweater from the coat rack as she readied herself to go out into the autumn chill and she smiled softly as she barely brushed against the necklace Gill had given her. She hadn’t taken it off ever since the moment he had put it around her neck. A pleasant shudder ran up and down her back. Kohri could still, quite distinctly for that matter, remember the feel of his touch as he had gifted her with the trinket. Once she had her keys in hand, Kohri exited her home and she locked the door behind her.
November had set in fully and Kohri relished in the feeling of the crisp, fall air. Having lived in a metropolis her entire life, this was a first for her and she loved witnessing the changing of the leaves all over the island. The animals were preparing themselves for their winter hibernation, and Kohri giggled as she looked at one particularly fat squirrel. He was stuffing acorns into his mouth at an astounding rate. Her pace was leisurely as she made her way to town. It wasn’t often anymore that she could just enjoy a stroll through the district without worrying if she was going to be late for one thing or another.
Oh yes, the break she was taking this winter was most definitely in order.
Kohri passed by Jin’s house, going over the half a year that she had been here on Waffle Island. She had had the thought once before, and it still held true now. Even if they got the desired result with her case, Kohri wasn’t moving back to the city. There was nothing for her there. Waffle Island had become home in a very short amount of time and Kohri found that she absolutely loved living here. She was almost certain Amelia wouldn’t even recognize her as the same person the next time she finally came out to the island.
Kohri waved to Colleen as she passed the inn, and the proprietor waved back between sweeping leaves off of their little portico
“ Did you want some cocoa, Kohri?” she asked with a smile.
“ Maybe on the way back, Colleen.” replied the young rancher. Kohri made the left turn on Arborio Road where Tamelin Manor stood in all it’s glory and she hopped up the steps happily. She rose the knocker, tapping out ‘Shave and a Haircut’
“ Come in!” came the faint reply from somewhere inside the house. She honestly couldn’t tell if it was Hamilton or Gill, though she suspected the latter of the two.
Kohri opened the door and she set about debundling herself as warmth washed over her. She mentally reminded herself to double check her stock of firewood when she got home. It would be horrible if she had no heat tonight. “ It’s Kohri!” she called out jovially.
Footsteps echoed from the second level and a hurried tempo alerted her to someone coming down the stairs. In what seemed, like an instant, Gill cleared the bottom of the steps with a wide grin on his place. “ Is it safe to assume you’re not in a hurry today?” he asked.
Kohri could barely contain her exuberance at seeing Gill after so long, despite the fact that they lived within forty five minutes of one another and she met him in the middle of the room. Her arms wrapped around his waist in a tight hug and she sighed happily as he returned the embrace. “ Thank the goddess I only have one semester left until I get my degree.” she said softly. “ I don’t do hermit as well as I thought I would.”
Gill laughed at that as he motioned for Kohri to take a seat on the sofa. He was dressed in a pair of well fitted white slacks, a crisp white shirt, and a light blue vest. If Kohri were honest with herself, Gill cut a damn fine figure in those clothes. “ Father’s finishing up the paperwork for the Harvest Festival today, and the Art Festival is next week. I wasn’t sure if Luke or Owen had filled you in yet.”
Kohri shook her head in the negative as Gill took a seat next to her. “ No, they haven’t seen that much of me either in all honesty. I owe them a round or two now that I’m free from both my studies and helping out Craig and Ruth. I have about a week before all my crops are ready for harvesting, so I have some much needed down time.” she replied. “ How are your exams going?”
Gill was thankful that Kohri hadn’t seen the way he was looking at her while she had been talking. “ I have two left, both tomorrow. Would you like some tea?”
Kohri nodded emphatically. She wanted to catch up with Gill and she was intending to stay for as long as she was welcome. “ I would love some Gill. Do you have any chai?"
Gill nodded as he began walking for the kitchen. Kohri heard him puttering about for a few moments and he came back out, heading instantly for the stairwell. “ I need to back upstairs to grab something while that’s going.” he explained quickly.
While Kohri was waiting, the door opened again and Hamilton walked into the house look fairly harried.
“ Gill! I hate to disturb you, but I need your help with something for a few moments!” he called out.
“ We have a guest sitting on the sofa father!” Gill called back downstairs, his tone laden in exasperation.
Hamilton looked over to Kohri as she waved sheepishly and he chortled. “ It’s good to see you Kohri. How is everything on Gnocchi Ranch?”
“ Very well now that I’m finished with my exams. I need to double check a few things I may need in the next day or two, but I will be very thankful once the winter months settle in fully. I need a breather.” she admitted. Gill came back down the steps, shrugging on a jacket. He had a blue knit cap on top of his head and a matching scarf around his neck.
“ Tell me what it is and I get it taken care of father. Would you mind giving Kohri a small history lesson behind the painting?” Gill asked Hamilton. It was clear he didn’t want to head over to the town hall, but all three of them knew that whatever it was Hamilton was having trouble with would get done much faster if Gill took care of it himself.
“ I was looking over the expense report for the Harvest Festival and the numbers aren’t adding up. The same thing for the art festival. I hope I didn’t throw the budget into disarray.” Hamilton told him.
Gill frowned at this news. That could very well take a few hours. He had been hoping to spend an hour or two catching up with Kohri as they hadn’t really seen that much of each other since their last debate night. He sighed heavily as he shook his head and his gaze met Kohri’s from across the room. “ I’ll see you later Kohri. It was good seeing you while I could.”
“ Can I count on seeing you Friday then?” she asked with a grin. That had only been one of the reasons Kohri had come over today.
Gill’s attitude changed in an instant. She had come over to tell him she was ready to get back to their weekly endeavor. “ Sure thing. I’ll bring dinner with me this time.” he offered as he left the manor.
The tea kettle took that exact moment to whistle shrilly and Hamilton raced for the kitchen to finish the tea that Gill had started. He quickly grabbed a few biscuits and cookies for them to snack on as well as setting up the milk and sugar. Hamilton smiled as he carried the tea tray over and he poured a cup for Kohri. “ So Gill was going to tell you about the painting? What brought this about?” he asked. Hamilton didn’t even need to ask how Kohri took her tea. Gill had mentioned it a few times already that depending on the tea, she liked a little bit of milk and sugar.
“ It’s about the Harvest Goddess and the Sprites. Gill told me that he and his mother could see them.” Kohri asked. She didn’t bother beating around the bush in this instance.
Hamilton sighed heavily. “ I see you found Phoebe’s book. Yes, Jill could see them, which was surprising considering that only children normally can. Gill used to play with the sprites when he was a little boy, before the Mother Tree died…” He slid Kohri’s teacup over to her and he began preparing his own. His gaze fell on the painting over the fireplace and Kohri followed it as well. “ Once there was a great tree on this island, and five beautiful rainbows filled the sky. Fifteen years ago the great tree died and the rainbows disappeared. The island’s beautiful guardian, the Harvest Goddess, was said to have lived in the tree, and she was so kind. She cries above the clouds, saddened by the loss of her beloved tree. So now both the sky and land weep, desperately searching the skies for a rainbow. Gill wrote that when he was only ten…” Hamilton sighed even heavier as he tried to think a little more about how to best answer Kohri’s incoming inquiry. “ There’s a quilt that has an associated poem somewhere here in the house, but I’m not entirely certain as to where it is.”
Kohri thought for a moment. “ Gill had mentioned that he was going upstairs to grab something when you came in. Is it possible he knows where it is?” she asked. She took a sip of the chai and she sighed happily. It seemed as if Gill had made mention of her tea habits.
Hamilton nodded in reply. “ It’s very possible if the both of you were already talking about the island’s history once before. I’ll be sure to ask him once he get’s home later. “ Did you have any questions for me?”
Kohri nodded as she set about to gleaning as much information on the Harvest Goddess and the Mother Tree as she could from the mayor. She said her goodbyes when they agreed that she had asked all she could and Kohri looked up towards the stairwell that led to the town square. She had hoped to spend a little more time with him in all honesty. It scared her just how much she had missed Gill over the last month. Instead of the distance lessening her feelings for him, it had only made her all the more attached.
She had never wished for the phrase ‘Absence makes the heart grow fonder.’ to be wrong her case before this.
They had agreed to meet Friday, but Kohri still wanted to see him now. She began making her way up the stairs when Gill cleared the top of them, coming back down on his way home. His face lit up in surprise and delight when he spotted and he looked over towards where the manor was.
“ How did it go crunching the numbers?” Kohri asked as he fell into step beside her.
“ My father got the totals mixed up for the reports.” Gill replied with a heavy sigh. He was wondering if he should set up an appointment with Jin to have his father tested for a few things. It seemed as if Hamilton had been having a very difficult year running everything. Gill had needed to pick up the majority of the slack. As the deputy mayor, he didn’t mind it every now and again, but Gill had needed to control every aspect of paperwork over the year. “ Let me walk you home and we can talk that way. I’d rather not go right home in all honesty.”
“ A long, leisurely stroll it is then. Maybe you can join me for dinner this evening?” she offered shyly. She silently looped her arm with his and Gill smiled tenderly at both the offer and the gesture.
“ Maybe. I can’t deny that I’m a little worried about going over to your house considering our track record.” he replied. Gill would love nothing more than to spend the evening catching up with Kohri, but he had his last to finals to complete over the phone tomorrow. Whenever they got into the same room, a debate was bound to happen between them. As appealing as the idea was, he did not want to be; albeit pleasantly, mentally worn out before then.
“ I don’t want to debate, at least not tonight. I was hoping that we could just talk. I...I missed you over the last month Gill. Besides, I can see something is on your mind. It might be time for a little talk with Dr. Phelps.” she offered.
Gill sighed heavily and he saw that Kohri was leading them the long way around the Maple Lake district. “ We can talk and walk. I would love you visit tonight, but I have to review for my exams tomorrow. If we can’t do dinner tomorrow, there's still Friday.” Gill told her honestly.
Kohri sidled in closer to Gill with a nod. “ Fair enough.” she replied. “ Talk to me then. What’s got you perturbed?”
“ I’m worried that father might be evidencing early symptoms of Alzheimer’s or dementia. At first I thought he had me taking charge of all the festival prep because I would need to learn to do it anyways, but the little mistakes he’s made with just the paperwork makes me afraid it’s something more.” Gill whispered. “ I’ve had the suspicion since the Ocean festival in all honesty, so don’t think it’s a spur of the moment thing.” Despite how worried he was, Gill couldn’t deny how good she felt against him, even though it was something as simple as strolling down the road arm and arm. Though he hadn’t said it, Gill had missed Kohri very much as well.
“ I think it’s something much more simple than that, and that your father is too stubborn to admit it.” Kohri said with an understanding smile. “ He squints at everything he has to read. I bet you anything he just needs a pair of glasses.”
Gill smirked slightly. Another wager hm? “ How can you be so sure? Neither of us practice medicine after all.” he inquired. He wouldn’t mind having another friendly little bet between them again. He might even win this one.
“ Says the man with no medical license worried that his father is exhibiting early onset of two of the most debilitating mental illnesses possible. If you must know, my father was the same way. Mom finally made him get his eyes checked, and lo and behold, his vision wasn’t what it used to be.” Kohri said. She came to a pause and she turned them up to go through the Ganache Mine district next. She wanted Luke and Owen to see them together.
“ Alright then, what’s the reward?” Gill asked her.
Kohri smirked as she came to a pause and she leaned in as close as she dared to Gill. It was rather comical as he was leaning backwards a bit and his cheeks were brightly flushed.“ That’s easy. We get to ask the other to do any one thing, and I truly mean anything Gill.” Kohri purred. She knew the tone of of voice she was using was no where near appropriate for a simple wager between friends, but she couldn’t help herself on the same note. She loved the subtle flirting between them, every little bit of it. More was unsaid between them than should be, but Kohri figured that Gill was being kind and respecting her boundaries for now.
After the last month, Kohri was on the verge of saying to hell with all the boundaries she arbitrarily made for herself when she moved here earlier in the year. She had been frightened and alone at the time. Things were changing, she was changing.
Kohri was almost hoping that Gill would win the wager, if only just to find out if he’d take her up on the offer that she had silently put on the table.
“ Anything?” Gill repeated nervously. That was easy enough. All Gill wanted right now was one single date. A real date where it was clear that he was courting her. He wondered what Kohri’s favor would be.
“ Anything you could ever want, within reason of course.” Kohri confirmed, and her hands began sliding up Gill’s arms temptingly.
Gill smiled confidently as he took her hands in his and closed the distance to where they were barely apart. “ You’re on, Kohri.” he purred sensually in return.
Kohri mirrored that same smile as she began walking towards Ashemore Carpentry before Gill realized that he was trailing behind her. “ Good. Just be prepared to work when you hear that your father needs a pair of glasses."
Owen was still hammering out stone when Gill and Kohri passed by the shop and he grinned at the sight they made. “ Finally ironed out the differences?” he asked Kohri.
Gill looked confused. Owen thought they had been fighting? “ It’s nothing serious, Owen. We’ve both been busy between our jobs and studying. We agreed to take a break considering how heavy our workloads had gotten. I’ve still for paperwork waiting for both festivals this month waiting for me.”
Owen looked between the two disbelievingly for a moment. He had been sure that Kohri had pushed Gill away because he and Luke had been teasing her incessantly about her attraction to him. Then again, she never admitted it either. Right now, however, it looked like he and Luke should have just taken Kohri at her word when she tried to assure them it wasn’t their fault. “ How are things going?” he asked as he picked his hammer up. This was the last of the stone he needed to split for the day, and Owen was anxious to get it done.
He had a double date tonight with Luke and Selena. Admittedly, his date was less than pleased with the way their date had come about.
“ Craig’s back to work and I finished up my last exam today. Gill and I are already talking about resuming debate night this Friday too. I can’t deny I’ve missed my sparring partner.” Kohri said with a grin.
Owen snorted derisively. “ You two are scary to watch when you get started. If you’re open tomorrow, you, me, and Luke need to hit the bar. We’ve missed our Aramis.” he said.
Kohri looked up at Gill and he chortled. “ Friday it is then. You already decreed you owed them a round or two.”
Kohri’s brow furrowed a little in confusion. “ Why not tonight?” she asked.
Owen rubbed the back of his neck as he mumbled something. Kohri cuffed him upside the head and he winced. “ Luke and I have a double date tonight.” he admitted.
Kohri smiled at the news. At least her friends hadn’t been that lonely while she had been in hermit mode. “ Lemme guess, Kathy and Selena?” A nod answered her and she smiled brightly. “ Both of you come by the ranch before you go get the girls. I’ve got some flowers that can be made into bouquets for them.”
Owen ruffled Kohri’s hair affectionately even as he gave her a quick hug. “ Thanks Kohri. I need to start getting ready soon. I’ll grab Luke and we’ll be by in about an hour.”
Gill was smiling as he and Kohri resumed their walking. “ Well played, Miss Phelps.” he chortled.
Kohri smiled mischievously as Gill tucked her hand into the crook of his elbow again. “ I don’t know what you’re talking about Mr. Tamelin.” she crooned, only to dissolve into peals of laughter with him.

Gill came to a pause as Kohri unlocked her front door and he exhaled a little forcefully. He wasn’t ready to call it a night yet and go home, but he needed to review for his exams. Friday wasn’t that far away after all. “ Thank you for that Kohri. I didn’t think I realized just how much I missed our debate nights until now.” he said honestly.
Kohri smiled up at him, the look in her azure eyes soft. “ Same here. I guess this works out in the long run though. I need to stock up on some firewood over the next couple days. Elli’s weather report mentioned a massive cold front coming in. We’ll talk more Friday. I have a feeling we’ll be catching up more than anything else this week. Be sure to let me know how things go with your father and Jin.” She gave him a quick hug in parting and Gill returned it without any prompting.
“ I will Kohri. Good night.” Before either of them could say anything else, Gill pressed a kiss to her brow before walking off.
Kohri was left staring at Gill’s back for a solid minute in shock. Even though his kiss had been in a relatively innocent spot, the middle of her forehead, it had felt anything but platonic. Kohri’s cheeks were flushed as she watched him disappear pass the curve that lead to the three way fork towards Waffle Town. It hadn’t been a quick peck, but a sweet caress that had every nerve in Kohri’s body thrumming needily for more.
Why didn’t he aim lower? she thought numbly before she finally went inside. Her cheeks reddened even more when she realized that she had wanted Gill to kiss her. Kohri set about to dressing down and she crossed over to where she had a plethora of blooms just waiting to be paired off. She needed to put her mind on something else.

Kathy was waiting impatiently by the door, much to Selena’s amusement. “ Calm down blondie. Owen promised they’d be here no later than six. It’s kinda sweet they wanted to double date though.” the red headed woman said.
Kathy groaned a little as she looked to the clock. It was ten to six now. The only way Owen had scored this date out of her was that he had beaten her at a horse race. “ You call it sweet, I call it extortion.” she grumbled.
Selena snorted. “ A rose by any other name.” the islander retorted. “ Honestly Kathy, would you have told him yes if Owen had approached you directly?
Kathy thought it over. No, she wouldn’t have. Still, did he have to make her go on a date with him as his prize?
That he earned fairly and skillfully?
Damn it. the golden haired woman thought despondently as she thunked her head against the wall a few times.
A knock echoed through the house and Kathy stated at the door like a deer caught in lamplight. She didn’t want to admit that she was nervous about this. She liked Owen, a lot if she were honest. Why was she hesitant about going on a date with him then?
Because Owen was a forever kind of guy and Kathy wasn't sure if she was ready for that.
“ What are you waiting for Kath! Get the door already!” Selena exclaimed as she did a final check on her hair.
Kathy opened the door with a shaking hand and she looked up into the kind coal eyes of her date for the evening. She was surprised by his appearance to say in the least, as Owen was wearing a white turtleneck with a black blazer and a pair of khakis. He wore a pair of comfortable shoes as well, and he was smiling softly as he looked down at her. A lovely bouquet of flowers held gingerly in his hands as he drank her in.
Okay, admittedly he cleans upreally freaking good. She thought absently.
“ Luke!” Selena squealed excitedly, barreling past Kathy to get over to the younger Ashemore.
“ Hey Lena.” Luke replied, completely smitten with the dancer. “ I got something for ya.” Luke held up a similar bouquet of flowers for his date and she bounced happily as she sniffed them appreciatively.
This served to rouse Kathy from her stupor. “ Good evening Owen.” she said softly.
Owen smiled tenderly as he drank in her appearance. “Hi Kathy. Not to cheapen the fact that Luke just gave Selena the same thing, but I have some flowers for you.” he said nervously himself.
Kathy took the blooms in hand and she smiled at the sight of anemones in there, even though they were out of season. There was only one person that would have these flowers on hand. “ Kohri made the bouquets, didn’t she?”
Owen nodded as Kathy took a small sniff and she sighed happily at the smell. “ I asked her to put the anemones in…” he began, his voice soft. “...I, uh, I noticed that they’re your favorites.”
Kathy looked back up at Owen for a moment, her gaze softer and not nearly as apprehensive about this date as she had been all night. Kathy didn’t broadcast much about what she liked, but Owen had taken note that these were her favorites. The only time that could have been was at the flower festival back in May when they were just getting ready to come into season. “ Gimme a sec to get these in some water and we’ll get going.”
Owen sighed in relief at the fact that Kathy had liked the bouquet. It gave him hope that they were going to have a great time on their date tonight. Luke and Selena were oblivious to everything else except one another behind him. It was all good. Luke had been trying to woo Selena for months and they were finally getting somewhere. Kathy had been upset about the fact that he had pinned her down for a date the way he had and she might be mad at him still through the entire thing. Owen could only hope that he would be good enough company to qualify for a goodnight kiss.

Kohri was thankful for her two best friends for being as accommodating as they were. Luke had already started chopping firewood for Kohri when he had seen how low her stores were and the three of them had a huge stack on the side of her cottage now. A courier was waiting for Kohri when they arrived and she paled instantly when she saw who the correspondence was from.
I got lucky when these two decided to be my friends. She thought, smirking knowingly as Owen and Luke walked with her towards the bar in companionable silence. Owen had been in a happy, dazed stupor for most of the day and Luke?
He was still trying to hide the hickeys that Selena had left on his neck.
“ Luke, just stop already. I offered you some cover up back at my place but you turned your nose up at it.” Kohri said with a grin. She had been getting her payback for all the months he had teased her about Gill from the bright red love bites.
“ Damn straight I said no. I’m not gonna get caught walking around with girly war paint on my person.” Luke groaned as he tried to get his collar to stay up. “ Shit! Samson and Sue are over here to visit her. Goddess, he's gonna pound me!”
Kohri snorted in mirth. “ Maybe it’s the Harvest Goddess’ way of giving you that spanking you offered if she was mad.” she teased with a broad grin.
Luke turned about five different shades of red in the low light. “ Owen, dude, you have to let me borrow your scarf! I don’t care if it smells like a coal mine!” he pleaded.
Owen seemed to sober up a little at that and he rubbed the back of his neck in embarrassment. “ Uh...Sorry bud but no can do. Kathy did her own damage last night and I don’t want to get into a brawl with Hayden. I was a gentleman, but Kathy…” Owen’s pace slowed a little as he thought of how Kathy had shown him how much she enjoyed his company.
Not only had he gotten a good night kiss, but a few love bites as well despite the fact they didn’t go that far. Owen, for as much as he adored the very ground Kathy walked upon, was not going to jump at the chance to bed her on the first date. He was better than that.
More than that, she was worth waiting for.
“ Geez, I hole up for a month to study and I come back to a couple of lovestruck pups.” Kohri chortled.
Owen smirked devilishly. Now that he knew their teasing hadn’t driven Gill off, it was back on the table. “ You looked pretty lovestruck yourself, Kohri.” he retorted smoothly. Owen laughed as Kohri turned a few shades of pink herself, and he clapped her on the back.
Luke grinned from ear to ear as he slung his arm over Kohri’s shoulders. “ You’re not kidding Owen. Gill and Kohri looked mighty cozy walking arm in arm yesterday. Kohri, do us all a fav….Ack!”
Kohri had grabbed Luke’s wrist and she currently held his arm pinned behind his back as they walked. “ Unless you want a sore ass and a bruised ego Luke, do not even think of finishing that sentence.” she said with a confident smirk.
“ Okay, okay! Uncle!” Luke hissed as they came up to the bar. He made a big show of shaking out his wrist and he shook his head at Kohri. “ I had no idea you could do that.”
“ That’s because you were never in reach for me to do it.” Kohri returned with a broad smile. “ It’ll certainly make both of you think twice of trying to pick on me where Gill’s concerned.
“ I say you just need to barricade the two of you in your house for a day or two. Just kiss him senseless already.” Owen said flatly as they sidled up to their normal stools at the counter. “ Evenin’ Hayden!”
Hayden’s green eyes were full of mirth as they fell on Owen and Luke. Kathy and Selena had been talking about how well their double date with them had gone, and frustrated they were that things hadn’t gone any further than just some heavy making out. “ Good evening, Owen. Kathy’s been on cloud nine since your date last night.” The barkeep was smiling from ear to ear it seemed. As far as Hayden was concerned, it was one step closer to getting her married and him some grandkids.
Owen had the grace to blush and he nodded in return. “ She’s not the only one. I’ve been smiling like an idiot all day. Boss ain’t too happy with me right now either.” he admitted.
Hayden chuckled as he slid a round of beers in front of all three of them. “ This one’s on the house.”
Luke was looking everywhere for Samson and Sue nervously, all the while holding his collar to his neck as tightly as he could. “ Dude...I’m terrified that they’re going to just gonna pop up outta nowhere.” he groaned miserably.
Hayden chortled and he tossed Luke a spare scarf from the lost and found. It was a green one that would match his shirt well. “ Cover up son, though I’m pretty sure Samson will know for a fact that Selena was the aggressor in this case. Her skin is unblemished after all.” he said kindly. His gaze fell onto Kohri as she looked between her friends, her lower lip quivering in mirth. “ Haven’t seen you in the bar in a while Kohri. Everything alright?”
Kohri nodded. “ Everything’s fine Hayden. As you know, I was helping out over at Souffle Farm was Craig was convalescing. On top of that, my own fields, and my studies, I didn’t even have time for debate night.” she explained before taking a deep drink of the brew in her mug. Damn she had been needing that. “ The good news is is that Craig’s back to work and I’m taking a break from school until the spring time.”
Hayden nodded and he moved off to the side as the three friends got into catching up from the last month apart. He covertly watched them however even as he dried some of the glasses. Kathy and Selena had joined them and the five were having a good time, but the barkeep couldn’t help but take notice that Kohri’s smile didn’t quite reach her eyes. He was sure that she was happy for them, but she was the odd one out and she was feeling it.
Everyone on this island had commented more than once that Kohri was a smart match for Gill, given that they both shared a love for knowledge, learning, and books. Their debate nights were legendary on the island, as they could be heard clear out on the road near Kohri’s home and Owen and Luke had told their own little war story of one that they had witnessed. They had likened the event to watching a verbal war take place, and it could get brutal.
Hayden kept his thoughts to himself, but he personally felt that Angela had been all wrong for Gill. Sure they had gotten along well, but she hadn’t challenged him the way Kohri did. Both of them needed someone intelligent in their lives to keep them mentally sharp.
A slow song struck up on the music player and couples began taking to the floor to share the moment. All for one person.
Kohri was staring into her drink as if it were the most interesting thing in the world, feeling completely lost to her own misery. Sure, she wouldn’t mind a dance or two, but she didn’t want it to be Owen or Luke. It would feel as if it were out of pity now that they had someone special in their lives while she didn’t. The bar was crowded and lively, but she had never felt more alone than in that moment.
What was even harder to swallow was that she had done it to herself.

Gill entered the bar for a moment, as he was picking up a to go order Hamilton had called in about thirty minutes ago. He and his father had pulled a late night in the office getting the last of the paperwork finalized for the art festival. Looking around, he wondered if Kohri was still here catching up with Owen and Luke. A cursory glance to the dance floor revealed the two men dancing slowly and closely with their ladies, but Kohri wasn’t on the floor. Hayden waved him over, holding up the bag of food all the while, and that was when he spotted her. Kohri was hunched over her drink as if trying to shield herself from the crooning, velvety tones of Elvis Presley and all of the dancing couples behind her.
Gill motioned for Hayden to hold on as he turned to go over to Kohri. His hand slid over both of her shoulders briefly to get her attention and Kohri turned to face him in surprise. “ Everything alright?” he asked gently.
Kohri gave him a wan grin. “ Currently feeling alone in a crowd of people, but that’s alright. This one is for all the couples anyways.” she sighed out before taking a small swig of her beer. “ I’ll get up and dance with them later when the song isn’t so damn romantic.”
Gill smiled softly and he took a seat beside her and Hayden slid a water over to him. “ I can’t be here long Hayden…”
“ Your dad’s at the door and he spotted you talking with Kohri. I think it’s safe to say he’s taking his portion home. I’ll fix you up a fresh one to eat here.” he said with a smile. Sure enough, Hamilton was coming over to them as well.
“ Go ahead and stay Gill.” the mayor said with a grin. He adjusted a new pair of glasses and he looked between the two young adults.“ I dare say you deserve that much considering I cut your time together short yesterday. Good evening Kohri.”
Kohri smiled at Hamilton. “ Good evening Mayor Hamilton. Long night tonight?”
“ I had to help with the last of the paperwork after my exams. It worked out in the long run as he had an appointment with Dr. Jin this morning as well.” Gill explained.
Kohri’s mouth was twitching in amusement. He was clearly not pleased to have lost the bet between them. Ah well, now Kohri had a favor that she could cash.
“ We still got it done. I’ll see you at home Gill. Enjoy yourself tonight. You deserve it. Take tomorrow off for that matter.” Hamilton said with a broad smile as he kept looking between the two. He remembered a time when he and Jill had looked at one another like that.
“ I’ll see you in the morning father. I’ll be walking Kohri home once she, Owen, and Luke are done drinking.” Gill told him simply.
Hailton nodded in approval. His son was such a gentleman when it came to the fairer sex. “ Very well, good night Gill, Kohri.”
The moment the bar door closed again, Kohri collapsed against the bar in guffaws. “ Your face was priceless! I could only imagine how it looked when your father showed you his new glasses!” she wheezed.
Gill shook his head as Hayden placed a fresh plate of tomato risotto down in front of him. “ If you think you’re laughing hard now, just imagine my dismay when I realized that I lost another bet between us.” he told her. “ So far the score is two to zero in your favor.” He took a few bites as Kohri looked out to the couples dancing and having a good time. “ Green eyed monster took hold for a moment there huh?”
Kohri jumped in her seat and she sighed heavily. “ A little. It’s my own fault I’m alone though.” she told him, giving him the ‘You KNOW why’ gaze all the while. “ I’d rather ride out the storm and wait then have something happen that I can’t bounce back from emotionally.” Her gaze lingered longingly on all the couples dancing closely to another romantic song. “ I can’t lie that I feel as if I’m missing out. I have no one that looks at me like that. I wouldn’t mind feeling as if I’m the only thing that matters to someone, even for a few scant moments.”
Gill was about to tell her that there was someone that did feel that way, but he was cut off when the sultry guitar tones of the Jeff Healey Band rang through the bar. His mind made up, Gill pushed his bowl away and his hand grasped Kohri’s. He had loved this song for years, as had his parents. Gill could still remember vividly watching them dance when it came on over the radio. “ Dance with me…” he whispered.
Kohri blushed prettily as she felt Gill gently usher her from her barstool and onto the floor. “ Gill, honestly, it’s okay...You don’t have to dance with me.”
“ You’re right, I don’t have to, but I want to.”
Girl, you're looking fine tonight
And every guy has got you in his sight
What you're doing with a clown like me
Is surely one of life's little mysteries
Gill spun Kohri, eliciting a small laugh from her as she came to rest against him. His other hand came to rest on her side as they settled into the rhythm. Kohri was relaxing into the song and he felt her sigh as her head came to rest on his chest. The world faded around them as Gill rested his cheek against her head, breathing in the scent of lavender and mint that she always seemed to have.

So tonight I'll ask the stars above
"How did I ever win your love?"
What did I do?
What did I say
To turn your angel eyes my way?
Kohri let her reservations ago as she listened to the lyrics and Gill’s heartbeat. It was such a strong, soothing cadence. Even though the song had barely started, Kohri settled herself into the feeling surrounding her.

Well, I'm the guy who never learned to dance
Never even got one second glance
Across a crowded room was close enough
I could look but I could never touch

So tonight I'll ask, the stars above
"How did I ever win your love?"
What did I do?
What did I say
To turn your angel eyes my way?
“ You don’t have to weather this storm on your own, Kohri.” Gill whispered against her ear. His hand tightened ever so lightly and she turned her chin up to look up at him. They were barely inches apart, so close that Gill felt as if he were breathing in as soon as she exhaled. His steely gaze was locked to hers, searching for something, anything, that would permit him to close the space between them to taste her lips.
Kohri shook her head, and looked away. “ I don’t want to have a port in the storm, Gill. Not now at least.” she said, her heart clenching painfully. The way he was looking at her a moment ago was exactly what she had told him that she wanted. “ I…I know that you won’t let me push you away completely because of Wren, but I can’t let him take you too. You, Owen, and Luke are putting yourselves in danger because of me…”
“ He might know that you’re not dead, Kohri, but you can’t keep living in fear of something that might not ever happen. As for the danger aspect, I refuse to let that run me off.” Gill’s eyes were gentle despite the sternness of his tone, and he spun her out and pulled her back in, bringing back the smile that had been there a moment before. “ You have so much to offer the world, Kohri, and to someone else…”
Don't anyone wake me
If it's just a dream
'Cause she's the best thing
Ever happened to me
Kohri’s breath froze in her chest and she hurriedly pressed a single finger to Gill’s lips. By the goddess, they were as soft as she had imagined, even just under her digit. She had to stop him now before he opened up an entirely new can of worms. “ Gill...Let’s just enjoy tonight...Please.”
As much as she wanted this, Kohri was terrified of losing him to the demons that still hunted and haunted her.

All you fellows
You can look all you like
But this girl you see
She's leavin' here with me tonight

There's just one more thing that I need to know
If this is love why does it scare me so?
It must be somethin' only you can see
'Cause girl I feel it when you look at me
Gill held Kohri a little tighter to him as he saw fear pass over her face and silently he pressed a kiss to the top of her head. He wanted more than this, he knew both of them did. It was as if the dynamic had changed suddenly between them when they saw one another yesterday. Slowly, she relaxed against him as the settled into their tempo once more and Gill rested his cheek against hers to whisper in her ear. He wanted to be the port she needed, to be anything and everything she wanted and more.
So tonight I'll ask the stars above
"How did I ever win your love?"
What did I do?
What did I say,
To turn your angel eyes my way?
Hey, hey, hey, yeah, awww
The words died on his lips as Kohri turned to place a soft, gentle kiss full of longing against his cheek. “ Things will change soon, Gill…” she told him, her voice a little thick. The illusion that it was only the two of them had fallen and shattered with the closing chords of the song. She hadn’t wanted it to end. “ I don’t want to keep living like this, in fear of losing everything all over again, any more.”
Tears spilled down her cheeks and she moved to run out into the cold. She didn’t want anyone to think he had said anything untoward to her.
Luke and Owen followed her with the eyes from opposite ends of the dance floor.
“ Go check on her Luke. Make sure she’s okay.” Selena said graciously. Normally, she was as jealous as a hellcat when it came to men, but Selena knew for fact that Kohri didn’t have designs on her beau. Besides, that, she was one of Luke’s best friends and Selena knew there was no coming between that. The only thing she could do in this instance was be friends with Kohri as well, and that wasn’t hard to do.
Kathy had already given Owen the same look and blessing as all three men ran from the bar to check on Kohri.
Luke caught Gill by the shoulder to get his attention as he and Owen caught up to the flaxen haired man. “ What happened?” he asked worriedly. He knew Gill wouldn’t do anything to upset her on purpose, it just wasn’t in him to be cruel to someone.
Gill looked at the bar for a moment and he scowled. This was far the safest spot to talk about Kohri’s real reason for being here on Waffle Island. “ Over here. I don’t want anyone listening in.” He could hear Kohri's footsteps fading toward the dock. At least he knew where she was.
Owen leaned against the half wall that surrounded a few benches. It was relatively close to Tamelin Manor and a definite earshot out of the bar. It didn’t look like they had been followed however. “ Lemme guess. Something to do with the prick that’s been haunting her all this time?” That could be the only reason for Gill pulling them all the way over here.
Gill nodded silently. He didn’t trust himself entirely at the moment not to say anything that could be used against him.
“ She tried warning us off too, Gill, but then again, we’re not you.” Luke told him, point blank. “ We’re not blind, and while it’s arguable in my case, we’re not stupid either…” he began, smiling softly. “ Kohri won’t admit it, but she doesn’t deny that she’s got it bad for you, Gill.” He wouldn’t reveal just how he knew this, and never would if he could help it. Luke and Owen teased the mickey out Kohri for harboring the attraction for the deputy mayor after all.
“ What Luke means to say is is that she doesn’t want to risk the potential happiness you guys could have until her case has settled.” Owen clarified with a small glare cast in Luke’s direction. “ Kohri’s like a little sister to both of us, so we’re bound to be protective of her. I won’t claim to know just how you feel about her, but allow me to say that the way you look at her is almost the same as how you used to look at Angie.”
It wasn’t anywhere close if Owen were honest, it was much more intense.
Gill sighed heavily as he ran his hands through his hair. Would it hurt to confide in them? They were Kohri’s best friends after all, and not matter where things went from here, all of them had her in common. Would it hurt for him to finally voice just how he felt for her? Finally, after a few minutes of indecision, Gill spoke.
“ You’re not wrong Owen…” Gill whispered as he met the warm, coal gaze of the taller man. “ I can’t deny that I’m falling in love with her. I don’t want to push, but I don’t want things to stay the same between us either.”
“ Just give her time. Follow her lead on this, trust me I learned the hard way myself.” Luke said gently. He was referring to himself and Selena in that statement. The dancer hadn’t wanted anything to do with him at first and Luke had to give her the time to not only warm up to him, but get to know him as well. “ Both of you know that there's something there. Kohri just might not be ready yet. We all need to keep in mind what happened to her after all. Not only that, she finally heard back from Agent Muffles or what ever her name was. They have a court date set for next February, but they c8pp;7an’t serve the papers because he’s traveling abroad and won’t be back til after the new year. She’s trying very hard to put on a strong front, but she’s feeling the pressure now that she knows the end may be near.”
“ Muffins.” Gill corrected with a snort of amusement as he processed what Luke had just told him. More than likely, she would have told him tomorrow when he came over for debate night. Was that even still on now?
“ Same difference.” Luke laughed. “ Do you know which way she went?”
Gill pointed towards On the Hook and the three of them began making their way over. “ I’ll let you guys talk to her first. I don’t know if she…” Gill couldn’t bring himself to finish what he had been about to say. That Kohri might not want to see him at all right now.
Owen gently patted Gill on the back as they walked. “ I think out of the three of us, Gill, Kohri needs you most of all.”

Kohri was sitting on the edge of the dock with her knees tucked up to her chest when Owen and Luke sat down on either side of her, checking in on her to make sure that she was alright. Owen took his jacket off for now, draping it over her tiny shoulders to help her warm up a bit. Luke’s arm wrapped over those same shoulders in a platonic, brotherly embrace as she leaned against him.
Watching someone else give comfort to the woman he felt so strongly for was probably the hardest thing Gill had ever done in his life. He was trying to take Luke’s advice however, allowing Kohri to lead where they went from here. If that meant giving her her space and allowing her best friends to take the wheel from here, so be it.
Gill watched them for a few more minutes before he turned to head home. It was for the best that he make a silent exit. He’d call Kohri sometime tomorrow to see if she still wanted to get back to debate night that night, or to inquire if she wanted to put it off for another week or two. He couldn’t place when the change between them had happened, but the tension was palpable. Too palpable...A single tear trekked down his cheek as he thought of how stupid he seemed to get around her. He should have caught on that something else was bothering her than just being alone in a crowd full of people in love. All he had latched onto was what she had said she wanted and look where it got them tonight.
“ Gill!”
Kohri’s voice brought him to a pause and he turned around to see her jogging down the pier towards him. Gill braced himself for the impact as Kohri’s arms wrapped tightly around his neck, almost sending them stumbling. He caught her well enough though, and he eased her back to her feet even as he savored the contact between them. Sure he was hunched over a bit uncomfortably, but when didn’t men put up with it? He couldn’t stay like this all night, but Gill would deal with it for as long as Kohri needed him to.
White hot tears fell against his chilled skin and Gill felt his heart clench in sorrow that she was hurting this badly. “ Don’t leave me…” she whimpered against his neck. Her feet were dangling Sobs racked her body as his arms wrapped around her tightly. “ Please...I…”
“ You don’t have to explain why Kohri…” he said soothingly. “ I won’t go anywhere, I promise.” She was so small against him, so precious to him. Gill wouldn’t let her go even if Taloolah were tied around his waist and trying to drag him the other way.
“ Take me home...Please...Just stay with me tonight.”
Tonight and every night when you let me...he thought to himself as Kohri began pulling him towards the little used path from the beach towards the Caramel River District.

“ I do owe you an explanation. I know you said I didn’t have to, but you deserve to know...” Kohri sniffed as they walked slowly.
Gill took Kohri’s hand in his, bringing her knuckles up to his lips for a brief moment. “ No, you don’t. You heard back from Agent Muffins. Luke and Owen appraised me shortly after you ran over to the pier.” he began. “ That means you might have to face Wren sooner than you were probably expecting, hence the anxiety attack in the bar. It also explains what you meant when you told me everything would be changing soon.”
Kohri sighed in relief that Gill already knew what news she had received and also for the fact that he understood her well. Their hands and fingers had yet to unwind, and Kohri stared at the connection sorrowfully. This wasn’t fair, she was the one holding them back, and all because she was afraid of what Wren could possibly do to both of them. “ I hate this…” she hissed. More tears came unbidden and Gill pulled her into his arms again. They were alone this time, as Owen and Luke had gone back to the bar to settle Kohri’s tab for her. “ I’m holding everything back because I’m such a fucking coward!”
Gill held her out at an arm’s length, his eyes flashing with anger. “ You are not a coward, Kohri, nor have you ever been in the time that I’ve known you. Your concerns are justified and don’t ever tell yourself otherwise. What we have going on between us can wait however long it takes until you feel you’re ready to take that step. I waited five years for you without knowing it was you I needed, Kohri. I can wait until Wren is finally behind bars, or however long after that you feel you want to move this forward. I won’t push you, or harass you, that’s not the kind of man I am. You’re not the kind of woman that wants to date every bloke she comes across.
“ You want the same thing I want, something meaningful, something worth putting the time and effort into...You want someone to love you for exactly who you are, to challenge you, and to help you become the best person you can be. For all the differences we have, we’re two sides of the same coin, Kohri, because those are the same things I’m wanting, and needing.” Gill’s voice had been very stern when he first started speaking, but it had become very soft as he finished. He felt exposed, vulnerable. He had just told her he loved her without actually telling her.
Gill, in one passionate outburst, had undone everything he had been trying to hide from her.
Kohri stared at Gill in a slight state of shock, at least until his words sunk in. He was going to wait for her no matter how long it took. Gill felt that she was more than worthy; in fact he probably felt he was the unworthy one, even if she didn’t feel the same way about herself. He saw her as someone he could build something long lasting with, not someone who would only keep his attention for a few, possibly passion filled, months. Gill wasn’t telling her this because it was what he knew she wanted to hear either. He was telling her what she needed to hear from him and he wouldn’t lie to her just to save face.
It would be so easy to just fall into his arms now, but Kohri would be forever looking over her shoulder, always worried, always scared of something happening to one or both of them until it was truly over and done with. The promise of having something and someone waiting for her at the end of this hard road was exactly what Kohri had needed to hear from Gill. It was banishing the doubt that had taken up residence in her heart, and replacing it with the one thing that she hadn’t realized she needed until that moment.
Hope.

A/N: Please don't kill me. Things will be coming to a very serious head next chapter. Enjoy!
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Restoring Faith