Accidently In Love

[Max452]

Aradan quietly (as possible as he could) threw a pebble onto Teza Mae's window. It was the dead of night and the young half elf didn't want to wake up the other occupants inside the house, save for one only. The Rider paused to hear a sign of Teza Mae opening her window, as their usual custom for the passed few months whenever they would sneak off for their weekend trips to the Woods. They had to be quiet, else Jason would awake and discover their routine. That was the only reason why they were sneaking around, wasn't it?

Aradan's ear strained impatiently for any sound from Teza Mae, but heard nothing. Did she fall asleep again? It wouldn't be the first time. He bent down, searching for the perfect pebble. He grinned once he found a nice smooth rock. He positioned himself to throw the rock and an odd sort of image of him standing underneath her balcony window struck him. He never occured to him before, but he might actually look like a lover trying to sneak his lover out. He paused, arm poised to throw, as he thought about this. Sure, he was getting some warm feelings whenever he was around Teza Mae, but it was just because he enjoyed her company...not because of something else, right? The half elf frowned. He didn't like not knowing what was going on with himself. Shaking it off for a moment, as he knew they really had to get going if they were to escape the watchmen near the border. He threw his pebble, hearing it strike her window with a plop. He would figure out his emotions later. Right now, all he wanted was to get Teza Mae out so they could be together. Wait...as friends...together as friends! He told himself. Nothing more. She's a really great friend....nothing more, right?

[Tismri]

Teza Mae's eyes flew open as she heard a sharp clack against her window. The noise startled her to full wakefullness, and she was a little embarrassed to have fallen asleep while waiting again. She opened her window and leaned out, waving to Aradan to let him know she'd heard him. Quietly, she grabbed her waiting pack and made her way downstairs, tiptoeing so she wouldn't wake her brother. Once she was outside, she made a break for her best friend.
Best friend...it seemed he was more than content to remain that with her. The thought left the princess feeling unsatisfied, knowing that she'd loved him almost from the moment she met him. It made their situation so frustrating to her at times, but she valued her friendship with him too much to risk saying anything. So she did her best to be happy with what she had. At least there were these weekend camping trips. Just the thought left her feeling giddy and she knew she had something to look forward during the entire week.
"I'm ready!" she told him, an excited smile on her face, nearly grabbing his hand in her impatience to get out into the wilderness.

[Max452]

OOC: All your characters are going after my older guys! Have you noticed that? lol

Aradan was ready to throw another pebble when Teza Mae's window opened. He felt that warm fuzzy feeling form in his chest again. What was that!? He pushed it aside as he waved back to Teza Mae. Bending down, he grabbed his pack, and slung it around his shoulders. He tossed the pebble in his hand to the floor; it'll be right where he'll need it next week.

When Teza Mae appeared, he smiled, ignorning how that warmth in his chest would burn more intensely as she approached. "Great! About time! You fell asleep didn't you?" He teased her as he gripped her hand, without thought, and pulled her into a run so they would get to the woods faster. "I was afraid I would have to spend the weekend alone!" He grinned at her as they reached the city, where Veryan was hidden in the shadows.
About time, you two! The watchmen is going to be here in exactly 5 minutes! What were you two doing? Veryan asked, eyes staring at his Rider and Teza Mae.

[Tismri]

OOC: Yeah, well. What can I say, my girls dig older guys. At least none of these guys are older than my girls' fathers. O.o lol

Teza Mae gave Aradan a sheepish grin at his accusation. "Busted," she admitted. "I can't help it; I can't let Jason get suspicious, and then laying in bed just sends me drifting off." Her heart gave an involuntary flutter as he grabbed her hand and started running, and she worked to keep pace with him. He was faster than she was; she wondered if it had to do with his being half-elf, or a male, or older than she was, or some sort of combination. Or maybe it had to do with his being a Rider longer than she had. Either way, it was sometimes hard for her to keep up with him while sprinting. She took a moment to catch her breath after they'd arrived in Veryan's hiding place. Garrus was there too, eager as always. He snorted as Veryan interrogated their Riders.
Princess was sleeping. Again, he said. He opened his wings and fanned them a couple of times. He was getting impatient for Teza Mae to be able to ride him. At the moment, he was too large to fit inside most buildings, but still too small to ride.
Teza Mae ignored Garrus' accusing statement as she scrambled into Veryan's saddle.
"We better get going, then," she said. "We don't want to get caught." She had an odd feeling about this trip. A sort of anxiety, more than she'd had on previous trips. She wasn't sure, but she just had a feeling that something was going to happen.

[Max452]

OOC: Hey! leave Antien and Eva alone! lol They're confused as it is. lol

A stream of smoke escaped Veryan's nostrils at Garrus' words. We need to start sneaking out at a more early time... The dragon chomped his teeth together as he lowered himself for Teza Mae to mount; Aradan was already nimble enough to climb on without any assistance. Speaking of which, his Rider seemed to be in an odd sort of mood tonight. He couldn't tell what, as Aradan was mostly sending confusion over their mental link. What was confusing? The black dragon rustled his wings for a moment as Aradan finished climbing behind Teza Mae.

"What did you tell him this time?" Aradan asked, referring to Jason. They couldn't exactly explain Teza Mae's weekend absence all the time, but most of the time seemed to work. Although, Aradan had a feeling that her brother was catching on.

Yes, I hope you told him something this time....like you're spending time with some other students for the day or spending the next day studying and making up an excuse that you fell asleep in the library. Veryan added in as he launched himself into the sky, heading toward the fartherest corner of the Woods, where they had yet to explore.

It was an hour until they landed and Aradan hopped off so he could help Teza Mae. "Its already late to set up camp, so we'll just bed together with Veryan tonight." Aradan explained with some new embarrassment. They had done this before, but tonight...Aradan felt nervous...and restless. What was going on? "Just a few hours of sleep, okay? I want to see if we can hunt before dawn." Aradan asked as he rolled out his bed against Veryan's warm stomach.

[Tismri]

Teza Mae shrugged at Aradan's question, glancing at the ground as Veryan took off, Garrus trailing after him.
"I told him I would be busy studying and probably wouldn't be home much," she said. "I...I don't really like lying to him, though." She watched the scenery below them shift as they flew over, and she leaned back against Aradan, relaxing a bit.
One they landed, Teza Mae took Aradan's hand as she stepped off Veryan. She blinked momentarily in surprise as he mentioned having to bed together against Veryan. That thought always made her nervous. She knew if her father ever even caught wind of that, he would personally hack Aradan to pieces, even though nothing ever happened. Tonight would be the same thing...wouldn't it? Still, she felt oddly nervous about tonight, and something about that was reflected in his attitudes.
"It's a little chill tonight," she observed as she unrolled her bed, placing it next to Aradan's. Garrus curled around nearby. She settled herself into her bedroll and turned toward Aradan.
"Good night," she whispered. Her heart was beating a million miles a minute by how close they were, and she gazed at him, unable to close her eyes in an attempt to sleep.

[Max452]

OOC: Hehee I"m about to make this more awkward! Mwuahaha!

As Aradan settled into his bedroll, he replayed Teza Mae's earlier response about lying to Jason. Why were they lying to her brother again? To make sure that her father didn't go crazy at the notion that Aradan and the Princess were spending weekends alone together. Yes, that was it...but...didn't they explain to Teza Mae's parents that Aradan was only a friend? So why were they sneaking about? That confused Aradan. Why...were they sneaking about like star-crossed lovers...lovers...warm...fuzzy...feelings...

Aradan was thus pondering when he felt Teza Mae's gaze on him as they were lying next to eachother. His heart was pounding at their closeness and that warm feeling was growing more prominent again. Aradan's elven eyes gazed over to her face, to her lips and wondered how they would feel against his own. He then felt himself lean in, but didn't register his unconscious action until he felt his own lips against Teza Mae's...his hand reaching over to cup her cheek...his eyes closing... It was only a few moments later that Aradan realized this and shot his eyes wide open. The embarassed Rider jumped backwards, escaping his bedroll as he skidded across the floor, completely shocked at what he had just done...and speechless too.

Veryan grunted out in surprise, having felt his Rider's tormenting emotions for a moment before realizing what was occuring beside him. WHAT?! The dragon snorted, but was frozen in his spot.

[Tismri]

Teza Mae watched as Aradan leaned in. It felt like the world had slowed down, and she was almost certain she was dreaming. After all, she'd been imagining this on a fairly regular basis. But no fancy of the mind could ever have prepared her for the reality. Her heart started beating explosively as soon as his lips touched hers, and the touch of his hand against her face was gentle. Her eyes drifted shut as the moment remained in her mind.
The suddenness with which he pulled away was like being shaken away from a pleasant dream for her. Her eyes opened as she watched Aradan rocket backwards, his expression utterly shocked. She looked at him, a little confused and saddened at his apparent revulsion of their action.
"What's wrong?" she asked him, wondering if it was something about her that had caused him to panic so much.

[Max452]

Whats wrong? That wasn't what he had expected to hear from Teza Mae. He expected her to be angry, to be revolted! To not confuse him further with these growing feelings that seemed to intensify whenever she was around him! He wasn't suppose to like kissing her! They were friends! Friends didn't do that. Lovers did! Lovers....that seemed a bit appealing...what!?

Aradan blinked. "You're...not...mad?" He asked slowly, ignoring Veryan's uncomfortable fidgeting. Um... Garrus...I think we should...um, let's go! The Black dragon got up from his spot, feeling uncomfortable with the situation, but now he understood his Rider's emotions far better than his Rider did. And he didn't want to be around these two when his Rider did come to realize it. Veryan bounded away, leaving the two to discuss their feelings for one another.

Aradan was oblivious to Veryan as his eyes were locked onto Teza Mae. "I...don't know what happened...I just...these...ugh...I feel...these feelings and they seem to just get more intense with you around!" Aradan confessed, not really understanding what was going on! "I don't understand them!" He remained in his position, crouched and a good five feet away from the surprised Teza Mae. "I...kinda liked it...." Aradan confessed about kissing Teza Mae, "...but, its not appropriate! You're a Princess! I'm not royalty! And...and..these...ah! I don't get it!" He held his head in hand, exasperated. "I'm so confused." He plopped himself on his rear as he sat himself down. He took a deep breath. "Teza Mae, I'm sorry...I didn't want to complicate our friendship, I can understand if you're mad at me, I just...I don't know...I'm sorry...its prefectly reseasonable if you dont want to speak with me again." He told her, his face sad; he really had come to like Teza Mae these passed few months and now, because of these weird feelings, he just ruined it all.

[Tismri]

OOC: Like mother like daughter, they both fall for confused, somewhat stupid, totally sweet half elves.

Garrus uncurled himself at Veryan's promptings. He wasn't really sure what was going on, and glanced at where Princess and Aradan were talking. He sensed much confusion from his bond, and a lot of emotions he really didn't understand. However, Veryan seemed rather urgent, so Garrus went off after his friend into the woods to give the Riders some space.

Teza Mae stared at Aradan as he babbled on. She listened really hard, remembering her mother's admonishments that men sometimes had difficulty expressing their feelings. It had taken her parents much longer than necessary to understand their mutual feelings because neither really listened to each other.
In between all of Aradan's circular reasoning, Teza Mae actually managed to catch hold of some understanding. He really did like her! He was in the same position she was, not wanting to ruin their friendship because of their feelings. She moved over to sit next to him, staring into his eyes for a moment.
"Aradan, I've been waiting for you to kiss me for months," she told him. "And I liked it too. It doesn't matter to me if you're royal or not, I like you for who you are as a person." She hesitated a moment. "I love you, actually," she told him.

[Max452]

"You...you...love me?" Aradan stared at Teza Mae, wide eyed. He glanced down at his hands, confusion was there, but not as before. "I...I like you, Teza Mae...I don't know if its love, but...if you want me for what I am, then, I'm willing to try to see where it goes?" He glanced back up to her, a sheephish, hopeful smile on his face.

[Tismri]

Teza Mae gave him a smile; it was a start, it seemed. He hadn't taken her confession quite as she had hoped, but he just needed time to process it all. She took his hand
"That's all I can ask for," she said. Her expression turned a little uncertain. "But...even if it doesn't work out...I want to still be friends with you. That's why I never said anything before. I was afraid I might ruin things between us if I did."

[Max452]

Aradan gave a tender smile at Teza Mae's words. "Me too." He looked at their interlocked hands. "I hope your Father doesn't try to kill me this time." He gave her a wry smile as he gazed into her amber eyes. "So um...I guess we should get some sleep now..." Aradan stood up, still holding Teza Mae's hand as he helped her up.

Um...can we come back now? Veryan asked, his black eyes peered at the two Rider behind a tree trunk. We're tired. To emphasize his point he yawned loudly.

[Tismri]

Teza Mae giggled at Aradan's mention of her father. "I'll let you know when he's planning on coming to visit, so we can behave appropriately." As he helped her up, she found herself gazing into his eyes, still unable to look away. Then she cleared her throat when Veryan suddenly intervened.
"Yeah, sleep...sleep would be good," she said. She needed some time to ponder what all had just happened. This sudden change in circumstances made her at once thrilled and nervous. She'd finally gotten what she wanted. Aradan admitted he liked her, and he'd even kissed her. But he still seemed uncertain, and this in turn made her hesitant. She was afraid of what might happen if things didn't work out.
I don't understand, Princess, Garrus complained to her, her turbulent emotions making him feel something akin to dizzy.
Neither do I, she told him as she settled back down into her bedroll, turning away from Aradan and closing her eyes. She was afraid that if she looked at him much longer, she would lose control of herself and kiss him again.

[Max452]

"That would be nice; I'd like to live." Aradan smirked as he followed Teza Mae back to their bedrolls. Yeah, come back, Veryan... Aradan waved his dragon over, who happily made himself the source of heat for the two young newly lovers. Fixing his bedroll, Aradan placed himself next to Teza Mae, his heart warming and pounding all over again. Oh boy. This was going to be a fun night.

Aradan settled himself in his bedroll. The young half elf was a bit saddened that Teza Mae placed her back toward him, but, perhaps they both needed to figure out this new status of relationship between them. Sighing, Aradan fell asleep, the warm fuzzy feeling keeping him warm.

~~~
It was an hour before dawn when Aradan groggily awoke. It took him a moment to register that his arm was drapped across Teza Mae's waist. His eyes shot open, how the heck did he wind up snuggling against Teza Mae last night!?

You know, I think your subconsciousness took over while you were sleeping. You seemed to be enjoying Teza Mae's heat last night. Veryan's humorous voice echoed in. Aradan blushed and carefully extracted himself from Teza Mae. You're delusional...Aradan muttered.