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Transcending Feelings

Chapter 8: I Am Yours

She would see him. After almost two years she'd see him. The sporadic visits were such a pain but finally here it was. Normally she'd be thrilled and overjoyed, but...

"Perhaps it's love."

Those words wouldn't leave her head. She was grateful to Weatherall for giving her the chance to finally open up to someone about her feelings, but why would he suggest love as the culprit to her problems? It was absurd, yes, completely absurd.

And yet she couldn't shake off the persistent feelings welling up inside her. Surely it was just the usual excitement she feels at the prospect of seeing Arno. Plus, it wasn't as if there was any difference from before and now. There shouldn't be any.

Judging by the letters he'd written her he was excited at seeing her too. That fact made her heart skip a beat and she couldn't for the life of her understand why. This was the same type of things he'd always write her. Why was she seeing things from a different perspective all of a sudden?

All of these unanswered questions led her to her own questions.

How did Arno feel about her? Had that event have a similar effect on him as it did her? Was he as confused about this as her? Did any of this even cross his mind once? Élise had to remember this was Arno, he was most likely as thick-headed as always.

She sighed and gave herself one final look before stepping out of her room. There was nothing she despised more than wearing dresses. It was going to be a long ride. Then again, when wasn't it?

They were to meet up at some fancy get together hosted by a family friend. She hadn't been to that particular house for almost five years; back when she wasn't training to become a Templar Grand Master. Her father had gotten the invitation about a month ago and seeing as how it was just a regular party he'd seen no problem in inviting Arno; much to her liking and disliking.

It was as Weatherall said once, the best way to solve a problem is to confront it. She couldn't avoid Arno forever after all. They were bound to cross paths eventually. It was probably the best way to find answers to her questions.

And as the carriage pulled closer all she could think of was how marvelous the place looked. She only had vague memories of the place so it was a relatively new sight, a nice sight to be precise.

"Right this way ma'am." One of the servants said as he led her inside.

"You made it Élise." Her father greeted warmly. "I'm pleased to see you had a safe trip."

"Thank you father." Élise replied and scanned over his shoulder. "Um, is Arno here?"

François De La Serre sighed. "He's running late apparently. I told him the precise time in which the carriage would be departing. That boy, never learns." He finished with a grumble.

Élise wanted to scream. Here she was, fully prepared to finally confront him and her feelings, and he had the nerve to be late? "I'll wait for him. I'm sure he's close."

"Nonsense Élise," He scolded her. "Our host is waiting. We can't be late. Especially since we were personally invited. And Pierre is a close friend of mine."

Élise lowered her head, hiding her pout. "Of course, my apologies father."

Goodness Arno was a big idiot. To think she may have special feelings for a dense, selfish person like him.

... ... …. …. ... ... ... …. …. ... ... ... ….

"Monsieur De La Serre!" A boy -who looked familiar- greeted with a wave. "How wonderful to see you again."

"Aah, Christophe, how good to see you again. How's the business going?"

"Smoothly Monsieur." He replied coolly earning a smile from her father.

"Élise, do you remember Pierre's son Christophe?" François De La Serre said, gesturing the blond boy. "You were but kids when you met."

And of course she remembered. This was the boy who had not been quite fond of Arno during their youth. But she wasn't going to say that.

"Yes, I remember him." She answered and forced a smile at the now grown boy. "A pleasure to be reunited again. How have you been Christophe?"

He took a hold of her hand and placed a kiss on it, making Élise shiver. Not in the way Arno did, it was uncomfortable to say the least. "I've been well. I must say you look splendid."

Once again Élise felt uncomfortable, this time by the boy's lingering gaze. It reminded her too much of the suitors that constantly pestered her.

Her father chuckled lightly. "A charmer I see! Tell me Christophe, where is your father?"

"Oh, he's in the dining hall making final preparations. The last of the guests should be arriving soon."

"Well then, I'll go and let him know we've arrived." He stated before turning to her. "I'll let you get reacquainted with Christophe. I'm sure you two friends want to reminisce."

Had she not been raised right she'd certainly groan in annoyance right about now. Thankfully she had been.

And just like that she was left alone with him.

"It really is a pleasure to see you again Élise."

"Likewise."

"I meant what I said moments ago; you look splendid."

Élise rubbed her arm awkwardly. "Erm, thank you."

"You know, my father runs a very successful corn industry. In fact I'm touted to take over once I'm old enough." He exclaimed with pride.

Élise crossed her arms. She recognized the signs. It was obvious the boy was trying to impress her. "Is that so?"

"Yes. I'm already learning the ropes. I'll be the head of the conglomerate before you know it."

"I suppose it's in good hands then."

"Once I establish myself it'd be nice to indulge your company again; why we could even work together. What do you say?"

There was no possible way Élise could see herself in something like that. To be honest it wasn't as if she had a choice anyway. Her fate was already sealed. "Tempting. I'll keep the offer in mind."

"Well, shall we head to the dining hall? The preparations should be done by now." He suggested.

Élise was relieved for the change of topic. She took her seat alongside her father but couldn't stop her eyes from wandering. Arno still wasn't here. She was beginning to get fidgety.

"Is this seat taken?"

She turned to see Christophe gesturing the empty seat next to her. She wasn't keen but she couldn't be impolite. "No, it isn't. Feel free."

"Thank you." He said as he sat.

From then on the guests filled the room and the food was served. Still no sign of Arno. By now she was beginning to worry. Was he going to show up? If not, who knows when she'd get her chance to see him again? Disappointment was starting to get replaced by flat out exasperation.

"Are you okay?" Christophe asked with concern. "You seem to have something on your mind."

She shook her head. "I'm fine." The food currently on her plate suddenly looked uninteresting despite it being one of her favorite dishes.

The music playing in the ballroom was wonderful. A nice mixture of instruments; and the people surrounding the area were certainly lively. A big contrast to her gloomy exterior.

"Would you like a dance Élise?"

She had to admit the boy was persistent. Before she could reply an all too familiar voice cut her off.

"I'm afraid she's already committed."

Élise eyed the newcomer in surprise. "Arno?"

His hair was longer than before; it was tied in a ponytail. He was taller too and a hint of facial hair could be detected. His voice was deeper as well. No longer was the wooden sword attached to his hip either. It was now replaced with a true metal blade. They were no longer children anymore. It was almost melancholic.

"You're Arno?" Christophe asked with a hint of irritation as he recalled the familiar face from their youth.

"That's right," Arno answered. "You'll have to find a dance partner elsewhere, Christophe."

The boy shot him a glare before walking away in a fit.

It was incredible really; all the things she'd rehearsed for when this time would arrive seemed to fly out the window. All she could do was stare at him in silence.

"Well," He said.

Finally she remembered how he almost didn't show. "Don't 'well' me Arno! Do you have any idea how much you kept me waiting? I was beginning to think you wouldn't show at all."

"You missed me." He stated with a growing smile.

This caused her to blush and turn away. "Don't you dare change the subject. What caused you to be so late?"

"Sorry, I got into some trouble."

She frowned. "Don't tell me you've been cheating at cards again Arno?"

"To be fair I didn't cheat. It's just some gentleman don't know how to handle losing."

This only infuriated her. He left her waiting for a ridiculous game of cards? Did she mean so little to him? "I can't believe you!" She stomped away from him.

Quickly he followed. "Where are you going? Élise!"

"Don't follow me! You selfish buffoon!" She retorted and stormed out the room and onto the hallway. Before he could follow anymore she entered the nearest room and locked it shut. It didn't even cross her mind how childish she was behaving.

"Élise, what's wrong?" Arno asked from outside.

"Just go away!"

"I don't understand what I did to upset you."

"And that's the problem! You're nothing but a fool who only thinks of himself!"

Arno realized then how much of a jerk he'd been for disregarding her feelings. The days in which they were reunited were rare and he should be wise enough to know that by now. Although he couldn't help but feel that there was more to her anger than just him being inconsiderate.

He sighed. "Look, I'm sorry. I'm sorry for taking you for granted. I can tell there's something else troubling you Élise. I know I wasted time but, I'm here now. And the night's still young. Tell me what's wrong."

In response all he got was silence. Typical stubborn Élise. Fine, if she wouldn't open the door then he will have to improvise. He dashed outside and began scouring upwards to the room she was in. It was a bit tricky considering he had to avoid being seen through the windows he passed. He managed to climb onto the balcony and thankfully it was where she was at.

"I said to leave me alone Arno." She said before crossing her arms and facing away.

"I'm not leaving until you tell me what's wrong. And don't tell me it's just me being late because it's bigger than that."

"It's none of your concern."

"Of course it is!" He argued. "Any time you're in a bind I'm always here for you. It's how it's always been between us Élise. Now what is it? Did something happen in Paris? What is it?! Just tell—"

The words were cut off by a pair of lips. His eyes widened in surprise and his whole body froze. He could barely register the breeze blowing in the air. Even when she pulled away and shyly averted her gaze he remained rooted to the ground; eyes still in the same position and staring at her. He was rendered completely speechless.

"Um, Arno?"

"Y-Yeah?" He responded louder than he'd intended.

Élise's mind was a mess. She'd been so spontaneous just like in their first kiss. Only that had been a moment of innocent curiosity while she had definitely crossed the line with this one. Now she was feeling so ridiculous. How could she not think about him? All she had been thinking about was her feelings towards him. It didn't occur to her that he may not even reciprocate her feelings. To think she'd called him selfish.

"I-I'm sorry! This was a mistake." She made a turn to leave, not being able to bear seeing his face any longer.

"Wait!" He quickly caught her wrist and halted her. "The thing is I... I also..." Words just wouldn't come out.

Élise had refused to look in his direction. She could feel his hand shaking nervously. His voice definitely sounded it too.

Mustering the courage she finally faced him. He looked like he wanted to say so much and yet his mouth was pressed together in a tight line. His cheeks were flushed.

"Do you, um," He paused, released her wrist, and turned so his back was facing her. Then, he inhaled and exhaled and faced her once more, albeit with his trademark smirk. "I perhaps would've liked a warning Élise. That's not to say I didn't enjoy it; you have really soft lips you know? Although I think an occasion where it's less spontaneous and more natural would be more to our liking. Don't you agree?"

Élise couldn't begin to describe her delight at his approval with mere words. She returned the smirk and placed her hands on his chest while his hands came to rest gently on her waist. "That can be arranged."

They remained like that for a moment, gazing into one another. And as she stared into his eyes she finally saw the longing in them. She realized that he too had wanted this all along. It was all the motivation she needed to lean forward.

Their lips met once more, establishing their newfound relationship.

Author's Notes

Apologies for the tardiness guys. Anyways hope you enjoyed!

:)