Arcturus could read the disappointment, hurt even in her expression, hear it in that one tiny word. He knew she cared for him, in some way, even if she denied it, actively fought against it. She must have felt it, in some way, the way their souls resonated. She just couldn't believe it yet.
"Just two months, maybe three," he said gently, reassuringly, "depending on how long the hike down takes me.
"I've pick a plot of land, a little removed from the village, but good and flat. I was thinking of settling permanently here, but I'll have to travel to sell my goods, and to purchase the things... like glass pains for windows, I can't get here, if I'm going to build a house."
A part of him nearly panicked at the thought of being for far from her. Mortals were not like Starstrideds, they were finicky and flighty with love and affection. Would she still want him when he returned, would she give herself away to someone else in his absence. In her fear would she run headlong into the arms of someone who could never care about her - live and breath and die for her - the way he did, because it felt safer, more familiar?
No. He couldn't believe it. He may as well just cut his hearts out here and now if he was going to believe that.
"I do," he said quietly, almost a whisper, "you have to know I love you. Even if it scares you. I'm sorry my affections are too intense for you. I could no more leave you here and not return than I could stop drawing breath and continue living."
He'd said too much - again. Like the first time. He met her gaze suddenly, intensely, the truth in his words could not be hidden when he looked at her like that. "I'm sorry." He didn't know what he was sorry for. For scaring her, maybe, when all he wanted was for them to be a part of one another - to protect and care for her. "I know it worries you when I speak like that. Please let me know if you would like me to bring anything back from the city for you." He leaned the broom against a wall and silently left the room and Imogen alone.