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"Look at me. Listen to me. I am yours. I would give my life to protect you. I will never let you die."
Most men would be embarrassed to hear a woman say this kind of thing to their face. He was one of them. But those eyes. Those maddening, storm grey eyes. They possessed a will beyond anything he'd ever known. No matter what he'd come up with to argue with her, she'd dismiss it and protect him anyway.
Something in her nature, something in her past. She'd always been like this. Always so strong willed, so fierce, so dedicated.

"I... I don't need you to protect me. I can take care of myself."
He looked away. He couldn't meet her gaze. Because he knew it was true. She would die protecting his life. She would fight for him beyond death. And in his heart, he knew that without her support, he would crumble. She contained enough willpower for the both of them. Secretly, he was grateful.

And she knew that.
But she was silent.

"Suit yourself, Lyudekin."
Those eyes caressed him with a gentle gaze. She pushed her chair out from the table, stood. Threw her coat over her shoulder. Looked back at him with an arrogant sneer. It was false. There was an unavoidable sadness in her eyes. She always always tried to appear strong. Just like he did.

"Don't come looking for me. You won't be able to track me down."
He watched her go. Heard the door shut quietly behind her. He sank down, head in his hands, staring defiantly at the grain in the wood. Sometimes he couldn't understand. Or was it just that he refused to? She cared so much about him, but was he really worthy of all her dedication? With a sigh, he slumped down on the table, idly watching the candle flames flicker. Whose idea had it been to use candles anyway? He shook his head. His mind was still preoccupied on their recent fight.

"We're so alike, you and I."
She had said that a long time ago. Looking back, he couldn't help but agree with her. They were similar. They both had no place in this world. He, for he was a traitor. She, for she was just... not normal. She was human, yes. But something about her suggested she wasn't from this world. She was too odd, she didn't belong. He felt the same way, to an extent.
They had both lost someone who had loved them dearly. For her it was her brother, for him, his nursemaid. She could understand his pain...
Both had been raised with military discipline. He was a soldier, she claimed to be a knight. When her moods struck her she was far more deathly calm and serious, she was so cold that there was no way he could not have believed her. All the same, at times she would smile but often it wasn't enough to make him smile radiantly back.

It was a long time before she returned. And when she did, he was slumped down on the table, shoulder length red hair spread over one arm, shimmering in the dying candlelight. He was awake, but he wouldn't raise his head. Was he too proud? He didn't know.
She said nothing, however. Merely strode around the table, leaned over him, hugging him from behind.

"I meant what I said. I'll be there, whether you want me or not."
"I know."
He didn't move. Just spoke the words aloud. Just to reassure. Just in case. Her grip on his body tightened.

"Do you need me, Lyudekin?"
The question hung in the air. It was in inquiry of fear, she couldn't hide the slight trembling note in her voice. But did he? He kept silent. She had stayed at his side as a friend. As more than a friend. And as she had said, the two of them were so very much alike.

"Of course."
He spoke in a barely audible whisper, but he knew she'd hear even if he had said nothing. Friends. More than friends. Comrades. Warriors. All these ties, she couldn't leave him alone. Where would it leave him if she disappeared?
She'd always thought him beautiful, delicate and fragile for a man. And it would take just one wrong move, one harsh action, and he could fall at her feet. She had been the same way once. She knew how he felt.

"Will you let me stay?"
She smiled a little, hearing him sigh. One hand shifted from its place on the table, fingers blindly reaching up, toying with her hair.

"Yes. Stay with me."
It was embarassing admitting thses sorts of things. But she had always enjoyed teasing him. It was in her nature to do so. It made him smile. Faintly.
He heard her soft 'hm' of satisfaction, felt her shift so that she was nuzzling against the soft crimson strands of his hair. He shivered slightly, feeling her lips brush his cheek. Softly. Gently. But suddenly, all contact was gone. She stepped away from him, smiling. And he slowly raised his head, watching her. On her own, she had a strong heart. She may have been weak in spirit, but she could survive on her own.

Sometimes, he wished he posessed her strength. But until he found where it lay, he had her. She would never leave his side.
Friend. Comrade. Warrior. Beloved.
With so many ties, they were alike in many ways.