It's a Love Story

"If you want. Or in a rented home, whichever you prefer," he told her gently.

"I'm not sure. I'd be scared of you leaving." she said.

"I will not leave," he promised softly, squeezing her hand gently.

"I don't know what I would do if you did..." She said, moving closer to him.

"Do not worry about if I did," he told her softly. "I won't leave. I promise," he said, looking down at her gently.

She nodded, looking up at him. She moved a bit closer and rested her head on his chest.

He hugged her, holding her reassuringly. He wanted to see the smile that his brother had talked about. He knew he wouldn't see it for a long time.

Being in his arms made her feel so safe, so loved. She was starting to fall for Dante and didn't want to. She didn't want to him die and leave her alone.

Dante still held her, telling himself it would be a bad idea to kiss her. She still loved his brother, was still in mourning. He was falling for her, though, that much was certain.

Roman closed her eyes and sighed, holding onto him. "I don't know what to do... I don't know how to feel."

"Ask Pavo," he told her gently. "I cannot hear him, though I can sense he is still in this world. You can speak to him. Don't be afraid of his spirit, Roman," he said softly.

She shook her head. "I don't think I can."

"Why not," he asked gently.

"I'm afraid to hear is voice again." she whispered.

He hugged her closer. "Then let yourself feel what you feel," he told her softly.

"But I'm scared of what I'm feeling." she said softly.

"Why are you afraid of what you're feeling," he asked her gently.

"Because I'm falling for you and I'm scared that you're going to leave like Pavo did." She said. She knew that he had promised not to leave, but he didn't have control of that.

"Roman..." he lifted her face gently with his hand. "I will do everything in my power to stay by your side. No matter what. Please don't be afraid."

She nodded, sighing sadly. "Alright. I'll try not to be." she promised softly.

He nodded and hugged her. "It will be alright," he told her softly.

"I hope so. I don't want all this pain." she said, welcoming his embrace.

"It will go away," he told her gently. "Slowly. But it will go away."

"I'm not so sure." she sighed.

"It will," he held her. "Haven't you gone through a family member dying before," he asked. He knew this was different, but he was trying to show her that the pain would go away.