Daughter of Darkness

Artemis winced, picking up on the feelings. she gasped and went into his arms, burying herself there and holding him tight, trying to make him feel better. She didn't say anything. what was there to say?

Kale held her tight, greatful for her comfort. They sat there in silence for a long while, his hand rubbing Artemis's back gently. He looked down at her and sighed. She deserved more than this. Right then, he made the desicion to give her better. He pushed the feelings aside, burrying them and the memories with Tara.

"I'm almost done the book" She murmured, trying to cheer him up

Kale smiled, "that's great Artemis. I knew you could do it." He chuckled as he rubbed her back.

Artemis looked up at him "then you have to pursue what ever it was you said was impossible, like you promised"

Kale's face fell slightly and he sighed, leaning his head against hers. "It's not that easy, Artemis."

"A deal's a deal!" she exclaimed "shall I stop reading then?"

"No, no you should never stop reading." Kale looked at her, wishing he could make her understand. "Affairs of the heart, is different than reading."

"At least try?" Artemis begged, upset that he wasn't going to reach for it anyway. she wanted to see him happy. she loved him

Kale watched her carefully. "Ok," he murmered after a long moment. "I'll try right now." His eyes searched hers. "Artemis... I love you. More than a friend. More than a sister."

Artemis's eyebrows furrowed, what did that leave then? oh.
"you're, you're in love with me?" she repeated staring into his eyes, trying to see if he was messing with her not

Kale gave a small nod. "Yes, I am." His voice dead serious, his eyes not leaving hers.

Artemis grinned "really?"

Kale raised a brow slightly and smiled. "Yes, really. I'm in love with you, Artemis."

"I'm.. I'm" she frowned "how do you know if you're in love with someone back?"

Kale shrugged. "You just..know." He watched her and gave a small smile, brushing the hair gently from her face and tucking it behind her ear.

Artemis tilted her head, studying him, trying to figure out what type of love she had for him. She couldn't it was all too.. confusing "I'm sorry," she murmured, " I.. I can't understand it.. it's all so.. new, to me" tears pricked her eyes and she leaned into his hand, his touch feeling amazing

Kale watched her, giving her a half smile. "It's alright, I understand." He said, his hand cupping her cheek. He sighed and kissed her lips gently. "Just know that I'm always here for you. No matter what." he said and wrapped his arm around her and leaned his head on hers, his heart going back to its aching.

Mirissa stirred a little, rolling onto her side and snuggling close to Jack before dropping back off to sleep. She felt safe with him, the nightmares no where to be found.

Artemis frowned as he pulled away from the kiss, now it made much more sense, she liked it. she didn't say anything about it though, just laid there in his arms, her thoughts a conflicted mess

Kale held her close, not wanting to over step his boundries, his mind exauhsted. He found himself falling asleep as he held her.

Jack smiled and kissed her head as he held her.

Mirissa stirred again, blinking slowly as she looked up at him. A small smile formed on her lips as her eyes sparkled happily. "Hello."

Dani stumbled slowly from the doctor's room and began searching the hall for her father.

"Hello," Jack smiled down at her and kissed her nose. "How do you feel?"

Mirissa shivered from just the light touch and smiled happily once again. "I feel fine." She Sid giving her standard answer and laying her head against his chest. "And loved, happy, free. I feel free."

Jack smiled wider. "That's good. That's how I want you to feel, always." He kissed her forehead as he held her close.