Spirits of the Earth

For the lovely Goblin King. <3 (And maybe Zozee? Dunno, we'll see.)
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The life of a Shadow Ranger could be very exciting. There were missions to go on, taking you across the entire world, adventures that children could only dream up in their wildest fantasies. There were people to hunt, kill, and bring to justice. You met some of the most interesting people all across the globe. However, you always came back to the Clockwork City when the work was done, so long as you survived, of course.

Right now the life wasn't all that exciting. Mission complete and time to head home. Maybe she should have been more pleased about that. Who knew how long she'd be stuck in the Clockwork City this time, though. Patrols were important, but she liked being out in the world. Like right now, for instance, they were in a forest, and the trees were beautiful.

So beautiful that she was hiding up in the branches of one, blending into the shadows as she peered down at her victim. Shadow Ranger Kenneth was sitting with his back to the trunk of the large tree, looking over a map. Usually she was excited about any mission, but when she got to go on a mission with Kenneth it was that much better! They had trained together as fledglings, and she rather liked the goofy klutz.

She had plucked an acorn from the tree and carefully aiming, dropped it, watching with glittering sapphire eyes as it fell, landing with a soft 'thunk' on Kenneth's head. Tesha had to cover her mouth with a hand to hold back her giggles. Maybe this was childish behavior, but where was the fun in growing up if you couldn't act a little childish now and then? Of course she'd been doing this for a good half an hour, with probably a half dozen acorns having been dropped on her poor friend, who was getting more and more flustered with each little nut that hit him.

Completely focused on his work, Kenneth was oblivious to the world around him. He did not notice the gentle breeze that tousled his dark hair nor where his mission partner had disappeared off to let alone disappeared to begin with for that matter.

Something dropping on his head caused him to lift his head to look in front of him before slowing looking up. Nothing moved within the shadows as far as he could see so he sighed and went back to trying to understand the map in front of him. By his estimates they should be a lot closer to home than they were and he was beginning to fear that he had led them astray at some point. Tesha would not let him live that one down that was for sure.

Another thunk of an acorn falling caused Kenneth to blink and narrow his eyes but refuse to acknowledge it. Off and on for over half an hour he was pelted with falling acorns before he finally had enough and threw his head back.

"Damn squirrels I swear on your fluffy behinds I'm going to find you and I'm going to eat you and I'm going to enjoy it you little bastards!"

YES! It had taken over half an hour, but Tesha had claimed victory. Really, Kenneth's patience was to be commended, or maybe he was just that adorably dense. Still, she finally got him riled up and the results were hysterical. This was far better than anything she could have come up with on her own. It would only have been better if there was actually a squirrel nearby for Kenneth to spot and blame the whole thing on even more.

Half an hour of self-restraint was more than Tesha was capable of and the suppressed giggles turned into full-blown cackles. Kenneth was so easy and fun to mess with! Maybe it really wasn't a wonder why so many of the Dark Mothers liked teasing him. Then again, the Dark Mothers seemed to love coming up with reasons to tease all of the Shadow Rangers - at least the men.

Not being careful, Tesha's laughter turned into a squawk as she slipped and plummeted towards the ground, fortunately Kenneth broke her fall as she plopped right into his lap with a thud. "Ow..." She wasn't really hurt, maybe a bruise on her butt and/or back, and she almost immediately cracked up laughing again.

Kenneth heard the sound of moving tree branches and the tear of parchment seconds before a heavy weight dropped into his lap causing him to grunt and wrap his arms around it. He recognized the voice though and his eyes widened in realization as he let go. Shadows forbid Tesha think he was coddling her. As he brought both of his hands up to the sides of his head he realized that each held a piece of the map and he wailed in horror.

"The map! Our way home! What are we going to do?" he lamented, his eyes wide and worried looking. "Are you alright Tesha?" His face switched from worried to serious as a thought infiltrated his mind. "It was those blasted squirrels wasn't it? They shoved you out of the tree. I swear those bastards have been a nuisance from the start."

He sighed and shook his head in regret until he caught sight of the map again and began to wail anew. "Ohhh we're never getting home! This is a disaster!"

Tesha barely even noticed that for a brief moment, Kenneth's arms had been around her, holding her in his lap. No, she was far too busy laughing, and when he began wailing she only laughed harder. He had been so obsessed over that stupid map, and it hadn't helped them at all anyway, frankly she didn't think it was much of a loss.

He asked if she was alright and she fought with herself, trying to get the laughter under control, but he made it so hard. All Tesha could do was shake her head and crack up again as he blamed the squirrels for pushing her out of the tree. It was too much! Nobody could be that thick in the head, but here Kenneth was, living and breathing right before her, or beneath her, as the case may be as she realized that she was still sprawled in his lap.

It took a mighty effort, but she choked down her laughter and wrapped her arms around his neck before planting a playful kiss on his cheek, exaggerated kiss sound and all. "Forget your silly map, it wasn't helping anyway. Mostly because you were the one reading it." She teased him before rolling out of his lap and getting stiffly to her feet. That fall had hurt a little, but she hoped she hadn't hurt him by landing on him.

He froze as she flung herself at him and laid a kiss upon his cheek. Kenneth's eyes shifted to watch her but he otherwise made no movement, much like prey would in face of the great predator. In his fear of being slapped or yelled at it, he nearly missed her snide comments concerning his map and skills.

It was only after she left his lap that he realized it and was scrambling to his feet in protest. "Hey! What's that supposed to me? I can read just fine thank you very much! You just destroyed the last scrap of hope we had of getting home. Now we're forever doomed to wander the wilds. It's HOPELESS Tesha! We're doomed!"

Kenneth's reactions to getting one of her playful kisses on his cheek always amused Tesha. The poor guy froze up and got so red every time. Part of her wondered if maybe she shouldn't do it anymore since it obviously bothered him so much. Then again, as she dusted herself off and listened to his dramatic wailing, she figured if she stopped doing things just because they bothered him she'd have to completely stay away from him the rest of her life.

"Oh stop being such a girl. We're fine. And you were not reading it just fine or we wouldn't have gotten lost and we wouldn't still be lost after you staring at the map for half an hour. And what do you mean I destroyed it anyway? The squirrels pushed me out of the tree, remember?" Damn she was good, she managed to say that without even smirking.

Kenneth raised his gaze to the branches overhead as he counted to ten in his head in order to not lose his temper. "Well yes you because technically speaking it was your body that fell through it not theirs. And for your information, I am NOT being a girl Tesha!"

He growled and balled the ruined map up before throwing it grouchily. A cry from overhead resounded from the trees moments before a handsome mockingbird flew to land atop Kenneth's head.

"Ah Brennus, could of you to come," he said letting out a relieved sigh. "Which way is home friend?" The bird instantly twittered before flying off in one direction followed by returning to Kenneth's shoulder. "Guess you're right after all Tesha. Not so doomed yet."

Tesha rolled her eyes, but bit her tongue. Pushing Kenneth's buttons was one thing, but she didn't want to make him completely blow up at her. He was probably the nicest guy she knew, but you always had to watch out for the quiet, nice ones. Apparently they were the most terrifying when they finally did get pissed off. If that was true, then she didn't want to ever see Kenneth pushed to that point!

Though she was going to say something about his crumpling and throwing of the torn map, but then Brennus came to the rescue. She tilted her head and watched the man and his bird with a grin. A mockingbird was so interesting for Kenneth, but she liked it, and it was cute watching them as the faithful companion pointed the way home.

"I'm always right!" Tesha declared matter-of-factly before skipping lightly in the direction Brennus had indicated. "It's such a lovely day, don't you agree? Perfect weather for a stroll through the forest."

"What's that supposed to mean? You are not always right. It's impossible!" The Shadow Ranger rushed to scoop up his rucksack and race after her, Brennus flying ahead to lead the way home. "What's it with you and forests anyway? They're just dumb trees. Nothing special," he grumbled falling into step beside her.

Tesha could ignore that first thing about it being impossible for her to always be right, but when he insulted her trees, well, that's when the gloves came off. Her blue eyes might as well have been chips of ice as she glared at him as he walked next to her. How dare he say such a hurtful thing about her beloved forests.

"They aren't "just dumb trees"! They're beautiful and green and alive." Her tone was dripping with indignation, as if he'd just insulted her personally. Until she was a full shadow ranger and given her first assignment outside of the Clockwork City she'd never seen a real tree, and the moment she'd seen one, well, it had been love at first sight.

He blinked several times in shock not understanding what was happening at all. Despite her words, Kenneth really did not comprehend what all the hype concerning trees was about. A tree was a tree as far as he was concerned.

"Is it an elf thing? Because of your dad? Because seriously I don't get it. A tree is just a tree Tesha. You eat them, you cut them down, you use them. But they're not really that great in the grand scheme of things in comparison to say people. You know?"

"An elf thing?" Tesha growled, practically bristling as she combed her long silver hair from her face, where a bit of it had fallen. He was part elf too! Not very much, but still. "Forget it. I wouldn't expect someone like you to understand."

She folded her arms across her chest, letting them rest just beneath her breasts as her chin tilted up and she stalked along, feelings genuinely hurt. Couldn't he see that he was insulting something that she loved? It didn't matter if he didn't love trees or think they were special, they were special to her.

Kenneth would feel movement in his rucksack, and a moment later a fuzzy brown-grey head with a white star on it's forehead popped out, looking around and blinking its dark eyes before crawling out and curling up on his shoulder, pressed against his neck. Dizzy had been napping in Kenneth's bag, but all the commotion had woken him.

Kenneth flinched to hear such anger in her voice. He knew he had hurt his fellow ranger and dear friend and he wanted to make it up to her if he only knew how. His face dropped, becoming sullen as his steps slowed and he lagged behind.

The movement in his pack startled him until a soft fuzzy face brushed against his own and settled against his neck. The Shadow Ranger smiled and reached a hand up to pet behind the Spirit Animal's ears. Whispering softly he greeted the little one affectionately before letting it rest. Tesha's mink was always one of his favorite Shades to deal with aside from his own.

Tesha didn't bother looking back as Kenneth lagged behind, dragging his feet. She knew how sensitive he was, but at the moment she didn't care. Truthfully a simple apology would have been enough to cool her temper and soothe her hurt pride. It was just a simple fact of life that Tesha had a hard time staying angry with Kenneth for very long, he was too sweet, too dense, and too sensitive to be angry with.

The mink purred as it was petted, affectionately nuzzling against the hand before settling down to sleep curled in the crook of the Shadow Ranger's neck. Tesha looked back to see them and rolled her eyes muttering something about a "traitor".

He cocked his head to the size to nuzzle his face against the soft, warm fur before looking ahead at Tesha. It did not escape him how she looked at them before continuing onward, what he assumed was a curse upon her lips. It made him sick to realize he had so greatly upset her. He loved what a force of nature she was as it always left him in awe. His insensitive comments robbed her of that and Kenneth desperately wanted to fix that.

Taking care not to jostle little Dizzy too roughly, he increased his steps to catch up with her again. "Tesha," Kenneth called softly, worry and concern in his features. "Can you forgive me? I was cruel and insensitive to you and you did not deserve that. I'm sorry."

There was no acknowledgement at her softly called name, Tesha didn't want to look at him, he'd have that look on his face. It was quite an infuriating look, too. Impossible to resist, impossible to stay angry. Why did he always have to be so earnest? He apologized, and she knew he really meant it, even if he didn't understand why he'd made her so upset in the first place.

Sighing, her expression contorting slightly, Tesha just let the anger go. It was no use trying to hold onto it. Anger was toxic anyway. Besides, it didn't matter what Kenneth had said or done, he was still her best friend - lovable, thick-headed dope that he was. "I always forgive you, but the trees aren't dumb." She insisted stubbornly, but she did look at him now, flashing him a smile to let him know that they were good.

"No, not dumb," he parroted back, wide-eyed and worried still as he watched her expression, expecting an outburst at any moment. No matter how long they had known each other, Kenneth never could predict her moods. He blamed it on her being both female and a warrior for his aunt was much the same way.

Hesitantly he fidgeted in the silence before bursting out quickly. "So we're good now?"

Tesha didn't believe him, but at least he said it. Sighing she tilted her head back, eyes closed as she smiled. The branches and leaves above them provided shade as they walked, but little beams of sunlight peeked through to lightly kiss her face with their warmth. She'd already put their little argument behind her.

She laughed softly at his little outburst and twirled around energetically. How much she loved being outside, and now that that negativity was over she could go back to enjoying it. "We're greeeeeeeat, Kenny."

He startled as she spun about but then smiled in relief. Kenneth loved seeing her like this. She looked so free when she danced about happily. Although he would never admit that he considered it dancing. Tesha would most likely put him in a headlock if she knew.

Kenneth winced, pursing his lips together though at the old nickname. How he hated being called 'Kenny.' "My name is Kenneth Kent, Tesha Nallvir. Why must you call me that ridiculous childish name?" he whined dramatically.

No, calling it dancing wasn't likely to garner appreciation from the headstrong young woman. Even if it might as well have been dancing. Tesha just considered it expressing herself and releasing pent up energy. It was easy to be happy and carefree out here, and that's exactly how she felt, as if there wasn't a care in the world just then.

She was still twirling about as he admonished her for calling him Kenny, which only made her giggle. "Because Kenneth is so serious and Kenny is cute. At least I'm not calling you Kenny in front of a bunch of people!"

"Very true but I would hate for you to fall into such a habit and slip in front of company. Would be quite unfortunate, wouldn't you agree Tessie?" he jibed, keeping his features neutral and head held high as he marched onward, eyes following the drifting flight of his Shade.

Brennus, made soft twittering sounds as if laughing at the conversation and did a loop in the air before continuing to lead them onward. "See even Brennus agrees!" Kenneth declared.

Tesha made a face when he called her Tessie. She even stopped spinning to pout at him. "You're no fun, Kenneth Kent!"

At least he'd made his point. The last thing Tesha wanted was people calling her Tessie. That's what her parents had called her when she was little. Actually her mom still called her that sometimes, but at least her father had stopped it when she grew up. Sighing she looked around, wondering how far they were from the Clockwork City. Honestly the short time off track hadn't bothered her at all, it just gave her more time away from the underground prison.

He laughed boisterously and followed her at a sedate pace, feeling far more relaxed now. "Now whoever said I was fun? I'll have to be sure to set them straight for the record. Can't have such bald-faced lies spreading in the city. Who knows what else people will start saying! Next thing I'll be hearing, they'll be saying that I'm the city's best cook! Can you imagine?"

"Yeah right, no one in their right mind would accuse you of being good at cooking, let alone the best." Tesha snickered as she grinned at him. She liked when Kenneth laughed or smiled. He was a good-looking guy, but when he smiled, there was something more.

"And you should try being fun sometime, you might enjoy it! Just look at me, I'm fun all the time!" Actually that was debatable, but you couldn't blame her for trying. Out on missions, especially when with Kenneth, yes, she felt light and happy and free. When stuck inside the city her mood soured a bit and she didn't seem as keen to spark a playful attitude.

No, around the others she had to be serious and professional. Couldn't let them think she wasn't good enough, or was too childish to do her job. With Kenneth she didn't worry about it, she didn't have to try to impress him, she knew she could just be herself without the judgement.

Kenneth begged to differ, finding her far from fun and closer to scary. He never knew how to take her moods and unlike the Dark Mothers he often served, she did not respond in the same way to his gentle, coaxing words. Tesha was a woman desiring freedom and adventure. She did not take well to pampering, at least not any kind of pampering Kenneth had tried to provide. Shadows help any man who tried to treat her with sweetness and gentleness. She was not to be caged as evidenced by her love of missions. They were no sooner home before she was raring to go back out again.

"Well maybe you can teach me this thing called fun then? Unless you really aren't the one to have fun all the time."

Tesha would have protested on his views of her. She didn't think she was scary. Though reluctantly she would have had to admit that she didn't react well when people tried to treat her too gently. Why should they worry more about her than a man? Wasn't she just as capable as the men around her? They didn't need to water down things for her just because she was a girl. It all circled back to her insecurity about being good enough.

"Well I don't know, Kenneth. I'm not sure you're actually cool enough to be all that fun." She teased him. "You are a spaz, though. You know that?" Tesha giggled and skipped along a few paces, still feeling fairly good.

"Oh thanks," he huffed, rolling his eyes as he sped up to keep up. "You're such a nice friend! Well tell me then oh great and mighty warrior, how does one become chilled? And for your information, I'm not a spaz!"

A stream of curses followed his statement as Kenneth accidentally stepped in fox hole and was growled at by an angry mother. He hopped from side to side trying to back away from the small creature as her pups exited the burrow and also yipped at him.

Tesha was so mean, even she realized that. Still, she couldn't help it, the young woman wore it like armor to protect herself from something she couldn't even explain. Being too nice was taboo, she couldn't be sweet, gentle, loving, and caring. They'd say she was weak. At least she was pretty sure they would, and that paranoia was enough to keep her tongue and wit sharp and cutting. Even when it hurt her too.

"I know I am! That's why I'm your bestest friend in the whoooooooole world, right?" Heaven forbid they be serious. "And being chill is easy, it's called not freaking out over every little thing!" She said matter-o-factly.

Kenneth broke out in curses a moment later and Tesha looked back in time to realize what had happened. Laughter erupted from her as her friend tried to escape the angry fox momma and her terrifying babies.

Dizzy to the rescue, though! The mink had woken from all the commotion and he hissed angrily at the fox, who seemed to think a moment if it was worth fighting over, then decided it wasn't as she urged her babies away from the weasel, who was a predator and potentially dangerous to her kits.

Kenneth let loose a mighty sigh of relief as the fox and her young departed thanks to the heroics of Tesha's mink. The Shadow Ranger raised a shaky hand to pat the soft-furred head, mumbling his thanks. "Thank you sweet, Dizzy. You did good."

He had never wished to harm the little creatures nor destroy their nest. His desire to always do the right thing and help others always left him in the most uncomfortable situations he found. There really was no pleasing a female as far as he could tell. Tesha had gotten mad, the Dark Mothers he often served sometimes threw things, even the little fox had been furious with him. It all caused his shoulders to slump in defeat.

"I guess I am a spaz with no cure. How horrible," he bemoaned tiredly, shuffling to follow Brennus once more.

The shadow spirit accepted the praise and the pat with more purring before snuggling against Kenneth's neck again.

It was hard not to laugh at Kenneth's predicament with the mother fox, but his words caused the laughter to die in Tesha's throat as her bright eyes cut to him. There was little the young woman enjoyed more than picking on Shadow Ranger Kent, but not to cause him pain or distress.

"Hey now, don't talk like that. I know you're a bit overly dramatic, but that's just you being you, and I like you just fine the way you are. Everybody likes you, even if you are a spaz." Tesha was being as sincere as she'd ever been about anything else.

He shrugged a shoulder, his sullen expression not even fading the tiniest bit. "What good is everyone liking me if I'm useless? You're the smart one, the strong one, the quick one. I'm just the idiot spaz Tesha. No one looks twice at me unless to laugh. We both know I'm only here because my aunt's favor with the Shadow Master. She can hide their relationship all she wants but we know it's true. He loves her, she feels indebted to me as her last tie to the old world," he growled sweeping his hand out in an arc around them, "so I'm allowed to stay despite all my failings. What's so special about that?"

His face darkened moments before he shoved it back down to face the ground and yanked his hood up to cover his face. "Just let it lie Tesha. Pointless to argue anyway."

Tesha almost couldn't believe the words coming out of Kenneth's mouth. Actually, no, she could believe them, and they made her furious. Her blue eyes might as well have been fire. He wanted to 'let it lie' did he? She could grant that wish! In a flash she had launched herself at him. In about two seconds flat she had her partner and friend on the flat of his back, her legs straddling his stomach as she pinned him to the ground with a hiss.

"You listen here you whiny, self-pitying moron. You are not useless. Your aunt's relationship with the Shadow Master has nothing to do with you being a Shadow Ranger. You are a Shadow Ranger because you earned it, just like the rest of us, the Shadow Master would not have let you do the Rites if you were not worthy. Saying he would let you slide by is an insult to him, and an insult to yourself, and I will not have it."

Her hands were gripping the front of his clothing, but she relaxed her grip and smoothed the material apologetically. Tesha sighed and the fire went out of her eyes, just looking down at him with frustration. Her tone dramatically improved as well as she reigned in her temper. "Please don't talk down about yourself Kenneth." She reached a hand up to give his hair a light tug. "It really upsets me when you do. I'm not so smart, strong, or quick. I act like I am, but honestly the way you fight, it takes my breath away. I could watch you in battle all day and never lose the feeling of awe. Maybe you're not the smoothest, coolest of us, but you are definitely worthy."

One moment he was on his feet and sulking the next he was flat on his back and staring wide-eyed up at his partner. As she yelled at him, he laid there simply blinking up at her in shock. First she was screaming at him and then he was being told that he was breath-taking. If Kenneth was being honest with himself, he was not sure how to take the whole situation.

Scared she would start screaming again, he quickly nodded his head in understanding and swore to never insinuate that Alucard had made a mistake in allowing him to complete his Rites. Kenneth was even more concerned about Tesha's claiming he was awe-inspiring though. That did not sound like her at all. It took him a while to mull on that before he finally was able to come to a conclusion: Tesha wanted him to feel better therefore she paid him a twisted version of a compliment.

All that mattered to him though was that his friend had tried because she cared. That alone made him smile. "Thank you Tessie," he murmured, clapping a hand on her shoulder. "Means a lot to me to have you here for me no matter what. Thank you."

Tesha had been enraged a few moments before, now she just felt tired as she looked down at him, what could she do but accept his apology for insulting the Shadow Master? That wasn't what really bothered her as she carefully examined his eyes and face. Kenneth didn't believe her. She realized he thought she was just saying nice things about him to cheer him up. Honestly, she wasn't sure if that should piss her off or make her sad. He thought she was lying to him.

Sighing as he clapped her on the shoulder Tesha tried to accept his thanks rather than argue with him more, at least he was smiling now, and that was the important thing, she guessed. Lowering her hand from his hair, she let her fingers brush along his cheek for just a moment before lightly patting his cheek - trying to cover up the affectionate gesture with a more typical playful one - and getting to her feet, offering him a hand up. "You're my friend, Kenny, my best friend, of course I'll be here for you, through thick and thin, you just can't get rid of me."

Maybe he'd get mad again for her calling him Kenny, but he'd called her Tessie first. Besides, she grinned at him teasingly. "And I promise not to tell them that a girl kicked your ass."

He was oblivious to her affections, seeing the touch and resulting pat on the cheek only as their usual playful antics and nothing more. Kenneth gladly took her hand, practically jumping back up to his feet. A small shake of his head and chuckle was the only reaction to being called his childish nickname. He certainly had earned that payback.

"Friends 'til the end," he stated confidently. "Oh well aren't you nice! Although to be honest I'm not exactly sure anyone would classify you as a girl."

Tesha couldn't stop her fist from balling up and swinging at him, but she did manage to check the force and aim of the punch, hitting him relatively moderately on the upper arm instead of really hard in his face. Silently she cursed her own temper. She couldn't really control it very well. Not having a good enough control over her emotions was probably one of her greatest weaknesses. Rage in battle could get you killed if you let it overwhelm you.

"And what, pray tell, would you classify me as?" Her blue eyes were flashing as she looked up at him with a dangerous sort of smile on her lips - one that Kenneth was no doubt familiar with. It was the smile that let him know that if he said something really dumb they were probably going to have a little tussle.

He rubbed his arm with a scowl but smiled in the face of her displeasure. Normally Kenneth would have been incredibly concerned about her current expression, yet he felt confident this time that he had the most perfect response to her dangerous question. "Why a warrior of course," he voiced matter-of-factually without any hint of hesitation or concern.

Tesha had kind of expected a teasing answer to that question, but what she got absolutely floored her. All malice left her immediately as her eyes lit up, sapphires glittering with absolute glee. Her elegant face was split by the largest grin possible. Pleasure practically radiated from her. He'd certainly had reason for his confidence.

Flattery wasn't something that Tesha generally took to, at least not the kind that men normally offered women. She didn't care if a man complimented her appearance, that meant nothing to her, but for Kenneth to call her a warrior - that meant more than anything.

"Why, I think that's the smartest thing you've said all day!" She teased him.

"Well as long as it's only all day and not anything longer than that. I would hate to think that I say stupid things most of the time instead of some of the time." He smiled broadly, finally able to relax now that he saw she also seemed happier. Just to confirm though he asked it anyway, "so...we're square now?"

"To be fair, that was a really smart thing to say." Tesha offered with only a hint of teasing in her tone. It really had been a great answer. In five words he'd taken her from ready to beat him to wanting to kiss him - not that he knew that second part. When he asked if they were "square" she gave an exasperated sigh and rolled her eyes, but couldn't get rid of her grin. "Right as rain, my silly friend."

Kenneth laughed and eased comfortably back into friendly banter with her as he resumed walking. Ahead of them Brennus twittered angrily at having been ignored before once more resuming his efforts to lead them home.

"Happy as clams?"

"I never did understand that one." Tesha admitted with a laugh as she watched Brennus with no small amount of amusement. Dizzy had run up from wherever he'd hidden and climbed up her leg and torso until he was sitting happily on her shoulder, looking around with interest at last.

"I wonder how far out of the way you led us anyway." The silver-haired ranger mused, looking around the forest with a lazy sort of attitude. Being lost really didn't bother her in the slightest, it just meant they were away from the Clockwork City for more time, which was fine by her. Being cooped up underground was the worst.

"Me neither," he laughed back with a shrug. His eyes slid to the side though as his lips pursed together in a look of displeasure. "I'm not that bad you know. We're probably only a mile or two off."

Up ahead Brennus trilled, making another quick loop back to them, brushing his wings against each of their cheeks playfully. "Oh you shut it birdbrain," Kenneth groused. "Spirit Guides," he continued shaking his head and looking to Tesha, "can't take them anywhere!"

Sapphire eyes flashed playfully at his displeased expression, it was so easy to get to him. Tesha thought she was well within her rights to tease and pester Kenneth to her heart's content, but not anyone else - of course. Well, except their Spirit animals! She burst out laughing at Brennus' antics and her friend's reaction to the soft brush of feathers against their cheeks.

"Well maybe not yours. Mine is perfectly behaved!" Dizzy chattered in what seemed to be agreement as his ranger reached up to pat the soft, fuzzy head affectionately.

Kenneth huffed and glared over at the mink. "Traitor," he growled playfully before reaching out to also pet Dizzy's head. "All of you working against me. Dizzy I thought we had a deal! You were supposed to help out with Brennus over there and I was..." The ranger stopped, his words trailing off as he looked up at Tesha with wide eyes before trying to walk faster ahead of her.

Tesha watched Kenneth with a smirk as he began talking to her spirit animal, but then those sapphires narrowed as he cut off his speech and started walking faster, moving ahead of her instead of by her side. Now that wasn't suspicious at all, she thought dryly. Kenneth was really bad at conspiring, she thought only somewhat mollified by the thought.

"What are you boys up too?" Her tone accusing as she glared at Kenneth's back before shooting a grumpy scowl at Dizzy and then Brennus as well. MEN! Couldn't trust 'em a lick.

"Nothing!" he squeaked as he increased his speed from a brisk walk to a jog. "Nothing to be concerned about Tesha. I swear! You can trust me on this! Right Dizzy?" Kenneth looked back hoping to see the mink's nod of agreement. He was sent sprawling though as his boot caught in a tree root and he smacked down hard into the ground.

"Still nothing!"

An annoyed growl came from Tesha as she watched Kenneth practically run away from her. Yeah, way to alleviate her suspicion! She adored Kenneth, had since they were fledglings together, but the boy wasn't the brightest or smoothest blade in the armory. Right now he was being decidedly irritating.

Dizzy's only answer to the question was a soft clicking sound as he clung to Tesha's shoulder as she sped up, moving far more gracefully than her partner. When Kenneth fell face first to the ground  a soft snicker escaped the woman as she moved to stand and look down at her fallen comrade with narrowed eyes.

"Nothing? You don't sound or act like it's nothing."

Kenneth spit out grass and dirt as he turned his head to the side. "Of course nothing! What could it possibly be? Honestly Tesha it hurts you don't believe me. I thought we were friends! FRIENDS!" He coughed and sputtered some more as he got to his knees and finally to his feet.

With a sigh he shook his head in disbelief. "You really don't believe me, do you?"

Tesha watched him slowly get up, she didn't even offer to help. When he said it hurt that she didn't believe him she actually snorted. "When someone says that it's 'nothing' and then runs away it is very suspicious."

"On the other hand, you're right about one thing. What could it possibly be? Don't get me wrong, you're my friend, but you're really bad at lying or hiding things." She sighed, arms folded across her chest as she shook her head. "What am I going to do with you?"

"I was going for a jog! Besides, was it not you who complained about me getting us slightly off course?" The ranger gasped in shock at her and gripped his chest as if in pain. "You dare call me a bad liar like it's a bad thing? I will have you know I am quite the honorable man! And you can do whatever you want with me as long as I arrive home in one piece unharmed," he replied cheekily.

"Very honorable." Tesha agreed with him wholeheartedly. Sometimes it was actually annoying just how good he could be. Although a few moments later her sapphire eyes were shining deviously.

"Whatever I want? Are you suuuuuuuure about that? Because that sounds an awful lot like an invitation to, you know, do something." She stepped closer, head tilted slightly to peer up at him with an almost predatory gleam to her bright eyes.

Kenneth blinked at her slowly, completely oblivious to how potentially dangerous his statement was to his sanity. "Yeah? I mean I did say whatever," he replied with a shrug. "Traditionally that does mean doing something if that's what you wanted." Brennus twittered a warning at her closeness but the ranger completely ignored it, blind to the look in her eyes.

Tesha was examining Kenneth's face carefully from half-lidded eyes, listening to him talk, before sighing and shaking her head sadly. He really didn't have a clue. Was it ignorance or innocence? No matter how much she teased him or pushed him, he just didn't get it. Why did he never notice her? Well he obviously noticed her, but he didn't notice her. There was a difference.

"You're so clueless it's painful sometimes, Kenneth." With another sigh Tesha took a step back, running her fingers through her silver hair in frustration. She'd been so tempted to kiss him, but it wouldn't help. He'd laugh it off or blush it off or stutter it off as being nothing but her teasing him. God he was infuriating at times.

"Let's just go home." She muttered as she turned away and stalked off in the direction of the Clockwork city.

For the briefest of moments, Kenneth thought he saw something in the way Tesha looked at him but then it was gone just as quickly as it had caught his eye. He shrugged it off as the sunlight shining through the foliage above them and hurried to catch up to her. While he had no idea how close he had come to receiving a kiss that he then would have blushed and stuttered his way through, he could see his friend was down about something.

Sidling up beside her, Kenneth threw his arm around her shoulders and pulled her tight against his side. "It really wasn't anything serious my friend. You know I wouldn't do something like to you, right? You're the only friend I've got Tess. I wouldn't give that up for the world."

Sapphire eyes slid closed as that arm encircled her shoulders, Tesha let out a heaving sigh as Kenneth pulled her close to him. Tilting her head she let it rest against his shoulder as her arm snaked around his waist. It was a slightly awkward way to walk, but she didn't care. She had to hand it to him, he was trying to be comforting, she was kind of surprised he even noticed that something was bothering her, even if he was off base on the cause.

"I know you would never hurt me or upset me on purpose, Kenny." Tesha peeked up at him an smiled faintly. "Our friendship means a lot to me - everything to me. I couldn't ask for a better friend." But I want more than that. Huffing softly she let her gaze fall to the ground as she leaned softly into him. It wasn't all she wanted, but it would just have to be enough.

"Never," he repeated emphatically. Kenneth squeezed her close, resting his head atop hers as he took in her scent and let his eyes slowly close to narrow slits as he enjoyed the small quiet moment. He did not even wince as she called him the dreaded 'Kenny' and instead smiled softly.

"So I'm forgiven?"

Was he forgiven? What a silly question.

"Always." Tesha smiled as she snuggled against his side, enjoying the way his head rested against hers, and well, just basking in the attention from him in general. Her other arm wrapped around his stomach so that her arms now encircled his waist. "Have I ever not forgiven you?"

He looked down to see the other arm encircling his waist and felt himself blush slightly, glad that she would not be able to see the warmth of his cheeks. "Always my friend, but there is no time like the present to start and I cannot always believe you will forgive me. One day I may cross that line and I will be quite heartbroken should that day ever come. I could not bear the idea of losing my dearest of friends. No one else ever stands by me like you do Tesha. I doubt anyone ever will."

Tesha was suddenly glad that her face was turned down, because her eyes began watering slightly. They were beautiful words, but it hurt because Kenneth had no idea what he was even saying to her. He didn't realize just how much the words meant.

Blinking away the moisture in his eyes she mentally kicked herself, telling herself to suck it up. "Honestly, I can't even think that you would be capable of doing something that would make me not forgive you. You're too sweet. Too nice. The day I stop forgiving you will probably be the day I die."

Pulling back enough to look up with him she forced a sly grin. "And you better believe it, Kenny. I'll always stand by you. You're stuck with me. You poor thing."

"Well I think you're the unfortunate soul here Tessie!" he joked, squeezing her before letting her go to walk comfortably beside her. "Just don't go dying on me alright? I really like knowing I'm forgiven." Kenneth winked playfully. "Having something like that hanging over my head for all eternity would be horrible!"

"You're so right. Poor me stuck with a spaz like you. Don't worry about me, though, seriously. I'm brilliant! If anything I should be worried about you dying on me." Tesha had accepted the squeeze, and reluctantly let go of him as he pulled away enough for them to walk "comfortably", though she'd thought they way they'd been walking had been quite comfortable.

Now it was time to get back to normal. The sweet moment couldn't last. Forcing herself to smile, after a few moments she felt like she was smiling because she wanted to. Things weren't perfect but at least she had him in some form. "So how long until we get home again?"

He smiled softly over at her. "You are brilliant," he breathed quietly. Yet the quiet moment was not meant to be and in a heartbeat he was flushing and shaking his head. "Well I can't say for certain. I mean that is to say we're not too far off course but we're not exactly on the right path yet? Maybe?"

Kenneth held his hands up slightly and hunched over while making a face before throwing his hands up entirely. "Okay fine," he admitted, "I have no idea! But really it can't be that bad. I mean I was only misdirected for a little while. Right?" He scratched his head, ruffling his hair as he muttered to himself, hoping they were not too lost after all.

A fleeting smile crossed Tesha's lips as he agreed that she was brilliant. Of course he agreed, it was true! Wow, what an ego. That only made her grin to herself. Well, when you were right, you were right. Rather than dwell on her over-inflated sense of self, she listened to Kenneth ramble with an amused smirk.

"Oh stay calm, Kenneth. Brennus will steer us straight. I was just wondering if we were going to make it back by dark or not." They were Shadow Rangers, they did not fear the dark or the night, but still, they did have to sleep. Adding another day to the trip wouldn't really put a damper on her mood in the slightest. It would only mean another night away from the Clockwork City - preferably under the stars.

"Why Tesha? Scared?" he teased, sticking his tongue out at her while knowing differently. Of the two of them, Kenneth was definitely the more jumpy and ill at ease in the dark. Not having been raised among the Vigilant Shadows from an early age left him with a childhood fear of the threats that talked of the things that went "bump in the night."

"We'll be home in no time I'm sure! Though perhaps a bit late for supper," he added in a mournful lament.

"As if." Was the immediate reply, accompanied by rolling blue eyes. Tesha was a "pure" Vigilant. Not that she really understood why it mattered. A Shadow Ranger was a Shadow Ranger. They wall went through the same training and had to pass the same tests. Didn't they? There was no difference except that she had actually been born and raised in the Clockwork City where some others, like Kenneth, hadn't.

His comment made her huff softly, later for supper, bah! It didn't matter to her if they were late for supper, she'd rather be late for breakfast too. Oh well, goodbye hopes and dreams she thought sadly. Well, maybe there would be a night for stargazing another time. "I wonder what's for supper tonight anyway. I hope a good set of Fledglings is in the kitchen tonight, remember last week? Oh my shadows, those kids couldn't cook. Then again, we weren't exactly great either."

Tesha had hated kitchen duty with a passion as a fledgling.

Kenneth grunted softly in agreement but made no other comment against the unfortunate Fledglings who had been set on kitchen duty last week. While he enjoyed a good meal, he too remembered the horrors of the kitchen and could find no blame with such a grueling and nerve-wracking task. He thanked every single one of his stars that he graduated from Fledgling status and no longer was stuck with risking everyone's lives with his cooking on a regular basis.

"Some of us still aren't any good at it," he ribbed back though, winking and nudging her with his elbow. It was no secret how poor a cook Tesha was despite her mother's best efforts to teach her otherwise.

It wasn't that she couldn't sympathize with the poor Fledglings, Tesha hadn't been a Shadow Ranger for that long, certainly not long enough for the memories of kitchen duty to have faded even a little. That still didn't mean she wanted to eat the cooking some of the kids in training were managing. If you could call some of it cooking.

When Kenneth nudged her with his elbow and gave a wink she grunted in reply. Nope, cooking was definitely not one of her skills. Her mother could cook great, but her mother was a regular homebody. Tesha was not. Her lousy cooking skills were no secret and she wasn't ashamed of the fact, but that didn't mean she was about to let that statement go unchallenged.

"Some of us are still better cooks than you." Okay, not by much.

"Oh there are many that are better cooks than me! I have no doubt about that but at least I'm not as bad as you." Kenneth laughed as he stuck out his tongue and pulled a goofy face at her.

"Between the two of us it's a wonder we even survive missions away from home. We're as much a danger to ourselves as everyone else," he continued to joke. "Actually now there's an idea! Perhaps the next time we have to deal with infidels we could just invite them to dinner! Problem solved, everyone dies of food poisoning!"

"No way, you're just as bad as me, if not worse!" Tesha had no idea which of them was the worse cook, but she wasn't about to admit that Kenneth Kent was better than her at anything. It was just the principle of the matter.

She let out a light, airy laugh at his idea. It was all the funnier because it wasn't actually a horrible idea. "Oh shadows, this is why I only bring food that doesn't need cooked on missions!" Sure, jerky and crusty bread wasn't exactly the tastiest of meals, but at least she wouldn't kill herself with her cooking! "That or I bring someone that can cook."

Kenneth gave a cry of surprise. "Aha! So that's why you insist on my coming with you! I am a glorified cook! Do you hear that Dizzy? Brennus? A cook! Years of Ranger training so I can return to kitchen duty!"

He shuddered jokingly but the twinkle in his eye gave away any feelings of repulsion and upset that he was trying to portray. He knew it was not the truth but was enjoying their camaraderie immensely. It was something Kenneth would not trade for all the riches in the world.

"Yeah, not even close." Tesha said with a roll of her bright blue eyes. "The reason I insist on you coming with me so often is just because I like having you around and we make a good team. I make doubly sure I bring enough provisions when you tag along. Or else we'd both starve."

Kenneth might not have been the smartest, fastest, or strongest Shadow Ranger, but she always could count on him in a pinch and he made her happy. So who better to bring? Plus they worked well together.

"We make an alright team," he admitted modestly with a gentle smile. "We each have our flaws and our strengths that at this point in time mesh well together. Now if only one of us could learn to cook we might be able to take the world by storm!"

Kenneth laughed freely as they strolled along. "I suppose our poison meals will have to do for now."

"If one of us ever learned to cook nothing could stop us from world domination," she joked. Even Tesha wasn't that ambitious. She liked being a Shadow Ranger, the Vigilant Shadows had been her home, her family, and her place in the world from the moment she took her first breath. The rest of the world was inconsequential. Although...

"Hey Kenneth, do you think we'll ever have a Shadow Queen?" A thoughtful expression had taken over her features. There had never in all their history been a Queen instead of a King. It seemed grossly unfair to her.

His head snapped to the side as he looked at her briefly in surprise before a wicked reply came to mind. "Why? Looking to apply? I don't think that'd go over well. You certainly aren't the settling in type after all."

No, Tesha didn't think she'd actually like being in charge of the entire Vigilant. Too much work, and too little time to get away from the Clockwork City. That she wasn't the settling in type wasn't the point though.

"Are you implying that I couldn't do it?" She hissed, eyes narrowing as she studied him with an almost deadly calm. Even if she was too young and too impulsive for such a position of power, she wasn't about to let someone think she couldn't do it.

"Not at all," he replied calmly, not even realizing how close he was to a possible ass-kicking. "I'm implying my dear friend that a woman of your fire would not do well in captivity. I know you Tesha, you long for sunlight and fresh air. You would go stir-crazy locked indoors while buried under stacks of papers."

Kenneth shook his head quietly. "Perhaps one day we will have a queen but I do not think she will be you. You are far better suited be the fierce warrior guardian than the diplomatic and political queen. But," he sighed, "you never know. Perhaps we will need a warrior queen one day."

Damn him for making sense and for knowing her so well. Paperwork and politics, could there be a worse way to spend your time? Tesha grunted softly, not wanting to admit he was right. She would go stir-crazy if set to such a mundane task. Maybe in a few hundred years the spitfire young woman would have settled enough for such things, but for now she couldn't fathom a life that didn't involve the thrill of dangerous assignments that took her far from home.

"Shadows willing we'll never need a warrior queen." She mused softly. During the battle of Blood Moon she had been very young, just old enough to begin training, and so had been kept safe far from the fighting. Tesha had seen the aftermath, though. It had been a huge tragedy. Sighing with a hint of frustration, she shook her head. "You're right that it wouldn't be a good life for me, but I could do it! I just wouldn't want to."

Kenneth nodded his head quickly in agreement. "I have no doubt of it, my friend. You are indeed a woman to be reckoned with. I would not be surprised if you had paired up with Aunt Rowan to learn the ways of the woman warrior. She is one of the greatest warriors I have ever known," he stated with deep pride, glowing on his face and in his eyes.

"Given a century and I still would never be half as great as her. Tesha was your father of the Vigilant when she arrived? Now that I think of it, she's never told me why she came. I wonder if perhaps if Tershal knows."

Tesha couldn't help but grin at her friend. It was obvious how much Kenneth looked up to his aunt, and even she could admit the woman was rather awe-inspiring. Rowan had been a great Shadow Ranger, perhaps one of the greatest female rangers ever, but she had given it up to be a Dark Mother. Young and impulsive as Tesha was, she couldn't imagine the difficulty of reaching such a decision, or why the woman had done it. After all, she wasn't a mother and couldn't possibly understand the depth of a mother's choice in such a matter.

"Your aunt is pretty spectacular. I hope I can be as great as her someday." She sighed, wondering if she would someday measure up to the great female rangers like Rowan. For now she'd just have to content herself with small leaps and bounds in the right direction. "I don't know, actually. Father doesn't talk about stuff like that much. Maybe you should ask him. I bet he'd tell you if he was already here, but I doubt he would know your aunt's reasons. You know my dad, he doesn't much care to pry into other people's business."

"Oh you will," he declared earnestly with a boyish grin of surety. "But do you really think it wise to ask him? I mean is that really something he would talk about or would he think it gossip? I just...it's just that she's just so," Kenneth looked from side to side nervously before dropping his voice to a nearly imperceptible whisper "scary."

Tesha swelled with pride, just a little, when he was so quick to assure her that she would definitely be as great as his aunt someday. She took that as very high praise. It always made her feel warm and stupidly happy when Kenneth showed such confidence in her abilities. Rather than have a goofy grin plastered across her face, she managed to keep a much more dignified smirk on her lips.

"Your aunt is amazing, not scary. At least I don't think she's scary. And if you're too chicken to ask my father, then I guess you'll never know!" She taunted playfully.

Kenneth pouted and skulked at her taunting before turning to her with the most puppy-dog like look he could manage. "You mean you won't ask for me? He likes you better than me Tessie. He would answer anything for you. Please," he begged, clasping his hands together hopefully. "For me?"

"Oh no, don't even start that." Tesha scowled, giving Kenneth's puppy-dog face a bit of a glare. It was hard to resist when he looked so adorable. Still, she didn't know what he expected from her, and she snorted. "Besides, are you talking about my dad? I mean, he's my dad so yeah, he likes me better, but my dad doesn't talk to anybody about anything. So the idea that he would answer anything for me is just dumb."

Why didn't he just ask Rowan? That was where the best answer would come from if he was going to get any answer at all. "I don't think mom can even pry information out of dad when he doesn't want to share it. Well, maybe...I don't know. My mother is pretty stubborn when she wants something."

"But Tesha," he whined, making his lower lip stick out as he did. "Actually you're right! Your mom is the perfect person to ask. She can wheedle anything out of anyone. I swear if she didn't become a Dark Mother she would have made an excellent strategist and interrogator. Or diplomat, hell your mother is good at it all. She's brilliant! Must be a woman thing. I mean you, your mom, my Aunt Rowan, all brilliant women!"

Tesha silently pondered if maybe Kenneth had lost his mind. Oh sure, her mother was a right pain in the ass, but strategist? interrogator? diplomat? Yeah right! Her mother was good at nagging. Hardly something Tesha thought was worth taking pride in. Then again, her relationship with her mother had always been strained. They were so different.

Actually, Tesha was far more like her mother than she even realized. They were both incredibly stubborn and strong-willed, but the similarities didn't end there. The young ranger would never acknowledge that she had anything in common with her mother, and she didn't see the resemblance, so pointing it out would get someone nowhere.

"Good luck with that. If it's to be asking mom, then you do it. She likes you better." Tesha threw back at him with a bit of snark. Her mother always got on her nerves and they argued constantly. Constance, however, adored Kenneth. Indeed, her mother had made rather suggestive comments about how wonderful Kenneth was on many occasions when her dear friend wasn't around.

As if she needed her mother to tell her what she already knew. That alone galled her. Maybe that was why she couldn't bring herself to tell him how she really felt about him. The idea that it would make her mother just so happy and smug was unbearable.

Kenneth scoffed and rolled his eyes at his dearest friend. "Oh come on now Tesha, don't be like that. Your mother loves you! She only wants what's best for her little girl and that doesn't exactly match what you think is best for you. I'm sure if I had a mom she would do the same thing to me. Don't be so hard on her or yourself. Not everyone is as fortunate as you are to have such amazing and supportive parents in addition to the fabulous Dizzy the mink," he added teasingly, waving his hands to point out the adorable little shadow shade.

"Maybe I will ask her though. Think she'd make dinner for me too?"

Wrong thing to say. The frigid glare that Tesha leveled at Kenneth would have frozen him solid if there was any justice in the world. She expected the "what's best for you" argument from her mother. But to hear Kenneth say something like that, and it didn't exactly sound like he was defending her decision to go against her mother's wishes. More like siding with her mother, is what it sounded like to her.

"Bullshit! I have an older brother. Wanna know how many times she's nagged him about giving her grandchildren? Never! Not once! Maybe you agree with her. Maybe, heaven forbid, someone I thought was my best friend thinks that I need to be tucked away in a dark corner somewhere "safe" with a baby on each hip for the rest of my days."

"I did not say that," Kenneth growled back, his lips pressing into a tight line. If there was one thing he hated it was someone made assumptions about him or his thoughts. "What I'm saying is at least you have someone in your life who gives a damn what happens to you Tesha! I grew up with most of my life just being some little lost boy who has some woman who claims to be an Aunt he's never even heard of show up at the orphanage that he's called home and become resigned to being for the rest of his life to be dragged off to some underground place with people that laugh at him for being different and where he never feels he fits in. Rowan may have been a great warrior in her time and I am immensely proud to know her because of it but she's hardly the most loving and comforting woman in the world.

"So do I think you should be locked away with babes on your hips? No! Frankly I think you're better suited in the field because at least you're happier there and you're good at what you do. And NO don't you dare start saying I think you wouldn't make a fine mother. But that is for you to choose and it's not any more my business than it is hers. So don't you dare go putting words in my mouth Tesha Nallvir because at least you have something I never will!"

Chest heaving and cheeks burning as hot as his heart ached, Kenneth yanked his hood up to hide his face and the angry tears that threatened to fall. He knew he was "soft" and did not fit in here. But like an uneven jigsaw piece he had been made to fit and he was doing the best he could with the lot he had been given in life. It may hurt her to think he would side with her mother but it hurt him even more that she could resent something he craved so deeply. If he could he would run, if he knew where he was he would blink out of existence, burying himself deep within shadow until he could slow his beating heart and push back the pain that had smashed against his inner walls. But he was incredibly lost and far from home. Instead, Kenneth was forced to try and storm ahead in order to get away from a woman who both infuriated him and sadden him. 'If she could only see,' he thought. 'If I could only make her see.'

Tesha was rigid and tight-lipped as Kenneth raged at her. She took the verbal assault without a single word. The expression on her face was hard and cold, but internally she was reeling a little. Friends for years, Kenneth was generally a quiet, sweet, soft-spoken man. It wasn't typical to see him genuinely angry, and she felt horrible because she was the one that had made him this upset. She'd hurt her friend because she was a hateful, bitter bitch, was the general consensus from her internal dialog.

Something he said hurt her too, though, and she felt tears sting at her eyes. Did he really think that there was nobody that gave a damn what happened to him? Tesha could think of several people that would be devastated if something happened to him. Herself chief among them, but her parents would be upset too, she knew that for sure. Constance was in the habit of mothering anyone and everyone that would let her, but her mother did have a particular soft spot for Kenneth. Tershal was a rather aloof and distant man, but she knew her father loved her very much, and he was fond of Kenneth, for being her friend and just because he thought he was a good man.

Did he not think his aunt gave a damn? Sure, nobody could ever claim that Rowan was an overly emotional woman, but like Tershal, that didn't mean she didn't care. Tesha couldn't claim to know for sure what went on in Rowan's mind or heart, but she was willing to take a guess that the woman must have some love for her nephew, after all, she'd went through the trouble of bringing him to the Clockwork City.

Kenneth finished his tirade, pulled up his hood, and stormed ahead of her. Part of Tesha wanted to stop him. She wanted to apologize, to hug him fiercely and call him an idiot for not seeing how much she cared, but she held herself back. He obviously wanted to be away from her, and she couldn't blame him. Hanging her head in shame she cried softly, putting her face in her hands before disappearing. She teleported as far as she could, then did it again. And again. And again.

She didn't care if she was getting closer or further from the city, she just wanted to hide her shame. The idea of Kenneth seeing her cry was unappealing, and if he wanted away from her then that was what he would get. No wonder he didn't notice the way she looked at him. Why would he want to? Tesha might have had a pretty face, she though dryly, but she was pretty damn ugly when you looked beyond the outside.

He knew the moment she was gone. Kenneth could not explain why he did not have to look behind him to know but he just did and his heart wept for her absence. He tried to keep walking forward but he quickly stumbled as tears blinded him and he fell to his knees in shame.

His hands gripped the leaf litter and grass below him as if clinging to the earth would keep him from falling further while his entire body convulsed with the effort to contain his sobs. "Don't leave me," he whispered brokenly. "Not when I need someone most. Don't be like the rest, don't leave."

'I've driven away the only friend I've ever had. How could I be so stupid? So blind? Tesha! Please I-I love you. I need you Tesha, come back. Come back!'

Trying to reign in his tears, he called for his Shadow Spirit, sending Brennus off to find Tesha as he curled up against the base of a tree. "Make sure she's okay. I was stupid and cruel. I shouldn't have pushed and raged like that. Just look out for her okay? Now go," he urged, sending the bird winging up into the sky to try and find someone who did not wish to be found.

All the jostling had upset Dizzy, who had curled back up in his favorite spot - inside Kenneth's bag. Of course the Shadow Spirit could also sense the sudden, great distress of his Tesha. The first instinct of course was to go find his Shadow Ranger, but the small mink could also keenly feel the despair of the Shadow Ranger whose side he was by. So just as Brennus took off to find Tesha, Dizzy emerged from his hiding place to crawl and wiggle his way up so that he could curl up and snuggle under Kenneth's chin as the man lay curled beneath the base of the tree.

The little, fuzzy creature tried to be comforting. All the stressful emotions upset him. He didn't like for his Shadow Ranger to be worked up like this, and feeling it in Kenneth didn't help either. The Shadow Spirit's willingness to stay by Kenneth while his own ranger was away was a testament to the bond the two rangers shared. Hopefully he'd realize that while Tesha had left him there for the moment, part of her was still with him.

Tesha on the other hand, had managed to shift herself a good distance away, and now look around the forest with a frown. Running from a problem was never a solution, and it was cowardly to boot. She just couldn't stand the thought that Kenneth didn't want her there, and so she'd done the only thing that had come to her at the time. Now she regretted it immensely. How could she just leave him like that? Hadn't he gushed about how she always stood by him?

Tears were running down her cheeks, unchecked. She really had been too mean, even for her. How could she have not taken into consideration how he would feel about what she'd said? Maybe because it hadn't occurred to her that he might feel so alone in the world. That hurt too. Had she laughed like the others at his differences? Sure, she teased him about his clumsiness, but she hadn't thought herself malicious.

Tesha had embraced Kenneth completely when he had come to the Clockwork City. She'd never looked down on him for being born from outside the Vigil. Hadn't her family been warm and accepting of him? It wasn't the same, she guessed. He was right, he didn't have his own parents, but...Well maybe her family just wasn't enough. A sudden thought crushed her, maybe he just didn't want to be part of her family. She had loved him for a long time, had hoped maybe one day he would see that, and would see that her family was his family. Hell, her mother more or less claimed him already.

There was a large tree nearby and she climbed into it, finding a large enough branch and hugging her legs to her chest as she buried her face in her knees and cried. For a change she didn't even bother to hold back, letting out racking sobs as her whole body shook with her outpouring of emotion. Better to let it all out now so that she could face him again with a straight back and head up.

Kenneth welcomed the gentle comfort as he reached up to pet the soft head and hold the little mink close. "I didn't mean to Dizzy. I didn't want to drive her away. She's just so special and smart and has so much going for her and I wish she could just see that! I would kill to have that kind if love and attention even if it is smothering. I know she thinks it's overbearing but still."

He rubbed his cheek against the Shade's head even kissing it as he showered the mink with affection and his own tears began to slow. "Thank you friend. I needed that," the ranger quietly told Dizzy and Tesha both knowing that if she desired to, she could be listening and watching in on them both.

Meanwhile Brennus had finally reached Tesha, to land on the branch in front of her. Tilting its head, Brennus trilled in a comforting way in hopes of making her feel better in a way that at the moment Kenneth could not.

Dizzy made the soft purring noises of contentment as he was pet and cuddled, hoping to soothe the upset ranger that held him. The Shadow Spirit listened and snuggled and purred, just trying to bring reassurance with his continued presence. Obviously Tesha was coming back if Dizzy was staying with him.

Tesha jerked her head up when she heard Brennus trilling at her. Hastily she rubbed her eyes on her sleeves, trying to cover up that she'd been crying so much. She didn't even know how long the bird had been there, she hadn't heard him approach or land, oh shadows, what if Kenneth had seen and heard her like that? The last thing she needed was for him to know she'd been bawling like a baby.

It was impossible to hide the red, puffy tell to her eyes, but the young ranger did her best as she reached out and lightly brushed her fingers against his feathers. The temptation to look and listen through Dizzy had been there, but she ignored it. Kenneth wouldn't want her attention right now. He'd wanted to be away from her. Though as she looked at Brennus Tesha knew that it wasn't really true. If Kenneth hadn't have sent the Shadow Spirit after her, he wouldn't be there.

Running off had been the wrong thing, but she couldn't change what was done. All Tesha could do now was try to make up for it. It took her several more minutes to compose herself enough to climb down from the tree, but once she did, she called softly to Brennus and patted her shoulder inviting him to come so they could go back to Kenneth together. Once the bird was settled she stroked his feathers lovingly a few times, wishing instead she was offering the comforting touch to a certain ranger.

It took several teleports to get close enough to where she had left, but when Brennus left her shoulder, she followed him to Kenneth, who was still huddled at the base of a tree, petting her mink spirit. Dizzy scrambled out of the way when his ranger appeared, because he might have been squished otherwise. Tesha practically fell into Kenneth's lap, wrapping her arms around his neck and hugging him fiercely.

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to make you mad at me. When I thought you didn't want me here I couldn't stand it so I ran away. I know you don't think like that. You never have. I was just being angry and stupid. Please say you forgive me." The words came out as a rushed whispering plea, but she couldn't trust her voice any louder than that, she was afraid it would break and that she'd cry again. She couldn't stand the thought of him mad at her, though.

Brennus gently nibbled on the tip of her ear before flying off to join Dizzy in Tesha's wake. While both the Shadow Spirits knew what was coming, Kenneth was caught completely off guard as his friend plopped herself down in his lap.

Instinctively his hands moved to encircle her waist as if they belonged there and Kenneth found himself grateful for his raised hood as it mostly hid his own blotchy face and fish out if water expression. His eyes bulged and his lips opened and closed for several long moments while Tesha chattered on and on, breaking this heart with guilt with every word she uttered.

Without a word he pulled her close, reveling in the feeling of embracing someone even as he whispered into her ear. "Nothing to forgive." Kenneth gave her an extra squeeze, his lips brushing her cheek like butterfly wings as he finally and reluctantly pulled away. "Do you forgive me?" Came his own hoarse question as his hood fell back, revealing his own equally puffy and red eyes.

Tesha had thought all this time that Kenneth was angry. Had been quite sure of it. The feel of his hands around her waist, and of being pulled close in a warm embrace practically had her melting into him, though at the same time somehow her arms became tighter around him. This wasn't the behavior of someone angry at her, not at all. Her body actually trembled with her sense of relief at not being rejected by him. She had honestly been afraid he'd push her away.

The hoarse quality to his voice about had her burst into tears again as he squeezed her and she felt the feather-light touch of his lips against her cheek. She didn't want him to pull away, but reluctantly she lifted her red eyes to his face and saw the soft glisten of his tear-stained face, causing her heart to sink. Not only had she made him angry with her, then she'd turned right around and made him cry on top of it. Tesha didn't think she had ever felt so low and unworthy in her life.

Tilting her face up and leaning in she softly placed an apologetic kiss on each of his cheeks, the salty taste of his sorrow staining her lips. Pulling her arms back from around his neck she moved a hand to each of his cheeks and used her thumbs to gently wipe away his remaining tears. "There is something to forgive. I never want to be the cause of tears of pain. I never meant to make you cry." Her voice broke slightly then, eyes beginning to glisten with moisture. "I feel like such a horrible person."

The ranger shivered lightly under her gentle touches, feeling quite small and childlike as she wiped away his burning tears. "You didn't," he tried to say, as he choked back further tears. He hated knowing how horrible she felt. They both were suffering from hurting each other and only seemed to be stuck in a cycle of being upset at making the other upset.

"I just got something in my eyes," Kenneth continued with a crooked smile. "No need to worry. Just some pollen or something. You're okay though? You didn't run into trouble while we were separated?"

The lie was more than obvious and Tesha frowned at the owner of the lap she was currently seated rather comfortably on. They both seemed to be on the brink of breaking down again. She could see it in his eyes, despite the crooked smile he forced for her. "Yes I did, Kenny. I don't need you to protect me with lies. I just need you to forgive me."

She leaned into him, pressing their bodies close as she hugged him again, arms moving back around his neck. "And I'm fine. We weren't even apart that long. Even if I had run into trouble, you know very well I could handle it." She admonished him lightly, trying not to provoke anymore anger or tears. There had been quite enough of both for one day.

"I already did," he sighed, hugging her tightly while trying to convince himself that it was only because he was trying to offer his best friend comfort and not because he could not bear the thought of letting her go.

Kenneth chuckled softly, allowing the shake of his head to bury his face more against her neck without shame. "Far better than I too," he admitted. "Do you...do you think we should stop for the night Tesha? I mean I'm not exactly sure how well Brennus can navigate once it's dark." It was an excuse but in the same breath it was an olive branch to the woman, as Kenneth probably knew better than most how much the half-elf loved to be out of doors. One more night away from home certainly was not going to be the death of them.

A soft sigh escaped Tesha as he hugged her tightly. It was nice, being so close to him, having his arms around her. For a moment she could pretend that everything was just right and that he knew just how much she loved him, and that he loved her too. Actually she knew he probably did love her - as a friend and nothing more. Shadows, how awful would that be? Maybe that was the only kind of love she deserved from him. If she even deserved that with the way she treated him sometimes.

He spoke into her neck, where his face was resting so pleasantly, and it caused her to shiver softly. She wondered what it would be like to have him kiss her there, against her delicate throat, she'd tilt her head back and...Tesha blinked and blushed at the thought. Kenneth didn't think of her like that. Also he was waiting for an answer. What had he asked again? She'd been so distracted.

"Oh, I guess. Not to doubt Brennus or his capability, of course, just getting lost once was enough, I think." Plus it meant another night out there with Kenneth, just the two of them and no other duties to drag them apart.

He nodded against her, content to not argue and just be still. It was unbelievable to him just how good it felt to hug someone close the way he was holding onto Tesha. It made him wish that he could do this all the time though he doubted that she would be so willing to sit and hug whenever he felt like it. 'Perhaps we should argue more often if this is the result. I could handle that,' he lied to himself, knowing he could not bear the heartbreak that came with fighting with her and the fear that she may not come back. Their friendship was far more important to him than ever being hugged again.

"Hungry?"

Tesha honestly wasn't sure how long they had been like that, with faces buried against each other's necks and bodies pressed so warmly together. It felt like an eternity and but a single heartbeat all at the same time. So when he asked if she was hungry, the young ranger shook her head stubbornly, reluctant to move from her comfortable position. Although she wondered if she was making him uncomfortable.

"Am I bothering you like this? I shouldn't be so clingy. I bet I'm making your legs numb." She mumbled softly before leaning back so she could look into his face again, hands resting on his shoulders now and squeezing softly.

"You're not a bother Tesha. Why would you think that?" He asked her, suddenly realizing how awkward their current position was with her currently straddling his lap. Kenneth swallowed thickly, blushing darkly as he tried to keep his gaze somewhere respectable but finding it even more difficult as he became more and more aware of how close and cozy they were together.

"Are you okay? You didn't answer my question."

It was here where Tesha finally broke into a sly grin. Some might have found their position awkward, but she honestly wasn't embarrassed in the least with the idea that she was straddling Kenneth's lap. Okay, well maybe a little, but it was his reaction now that he finally realized where exactly she was that kept her face from doing more than giving the barest of flush as she leaned forward so that her lips were just a breath away from his ear.

"I thought I might be bothering you because you're red as a beet, Kenny." She responded with a soft, breathless chuckle. Leaning back again so she could take in the undoubtedly glorious reaction on his face her blue eyes were sparkling playfully and the teasing was evident in her voice as she spoke again. "And I did shake my head no, but you must have had something else on your mind and missed it."

Kenneth's lips pressed firmly together as his cheeks darkened. His head had scrunched down on his neck and as far back from Tesha as he could make it go until it was resting on the tree as he attempted to avoid the possibility of her causing any other embarrassingly delightful sensations coursing through his being with her close proximity and tantalizing scent. In the moments where she had been hugging him, he had managed to temporarily forget that it was a woman sitting in his lap. Now it was not just any woman but a woman who happened to care quite deeply for, more so than he possibly even knew and he felt ashamed of himself for having such base human feelings for her.

'She deserves better not only in a man but in a friend. No true friend thinks of his friend in such a-' he could not even think the word, finding himself burn from the tips of his ears all the way down the length of his neck. 'Poor Tesha, as if she does not already have enough male attention and trouble now from her friend too? Shadows, if she ever found out she'd kill me.'

"No, no," the ranger hurriedly squeaked. "Nothing on my mind. Must just be tired. Been a long day, plus the whole getting detoured and really no thoughts whatsoever!" Kenneth swallowed dryly and licked his lips, wishing his mouth did not feel so much like burlap. "What were we talking about again?"

When you were right, you were right. Tesha was grinning from ear to ear as she watched Kenneth hunch down and back, trying to get as far from her as possible, while at the same time, she felt his arms still snugly at her waist. She wondered if he realized he was trying to get away while holding her close at the same time. Knowing Kenny probably not. He was so red, and somehow he got even redder. She wondered what naughty thought crept through his sweet, innocent mind to cause that.

His squeaking reply made her grin falter, and she instead pouted lightly at him. Kenneth was obviously extremely awkward, and she should probably stop this now, before she really upset him again, but she really didn't want to. Part of her wanted to keep pushing him, just a little more, to see what she could find. Another part of her was afraid of what she might find. Right now she could pretend she had a chance with him, but what if he really didn't want her like that at all?

"No thoughts at all." She asked, sounding mock hurt. "Here you've got me in your lap and you've not got any thoughts? Am I not pretty enough for you?" It was here that she let out a dramatic gasp, lifting a hand and placing it across her heart. "Or is it another woman? That's it, isn't it? You wound me Kenny! Having a girlfriend and not bringing her to meet your best friend. Tsk. Tsk."

He closed his eyes tightly as he shook his head emphatically. "Not a one," Kenneth tried to insist, her words having caused his own to be a contradiction to the truth. Already he began to feel stirrings that he much rather not have. Thankfully the mortification he felt was able to overpower his temporary lust and he was able to control himself from ruining their friendship forever.

"Now Tesha, you know no woman would want me. I'm neither strong nor handsome. I'm just the perfect male best friend to help a lady get from point A to point B, you know, the boy next door type. Besides if there was a woman then you would be the first to know. Can't exactly be leaving my own love-life entirely up to me now can I? Have to have an expert opinion on a lady's virtues as seen from my lady-warrior best friend."

A hard edge entered those sapphire eyes as they narrowed sharply. Tesha had already gotten on to him once today for taking down on himself. Honestly, the man never learned, and he was completely oblivious. Did she have to come right out and say it? Maybe nothing short of attacking him would get the message across. How could he not see the way she looked at him? Again, she wondered if it was just because he didn't want to see it. Worse, what if he did and chose to ignore it? That almost seemed like giving him too much credit.

"You know I hate it when you talk bad about yourself. Maybe you're a bit of a klutz and spaz, but you're strong, and I've seen you fight. You're amazing. I wouldn't lie about it, and you know it. If you sucked I would tell you so. As for handsome and women wanting you..." Tesha trailed off and bit her bottom lip before lowering her voice secretively. "I know at least one woman that wants you, so there."

"Okay, okay," he replied defensively, raising his hands in surrender. "So I'm good at a few things. That doesn't mean that there's-wait did you say there's a woman that likes me? Like, likes me, likes me? You wouldn't joke about that right? How do you even know this? In fact, don't tell me! I don't need to know what you ladies all discuss when the men aren't around. Probably just make me turn purple with shame anyway."

Tesha couldn't help but roll her eyes. Stubborn, oblivious, and goofy. What did she see in him again? Not that it really mattered, she thought glumly. She could offer herself up on a silver platter and she doubted he would even realize what he was being offered. Well, it had been worth a shot, she guessed. Frankly, Tesha'd had answer enough, and what she'd managed to get out of him was enough to make a horrible, aching pit in her stomach. Or maybe her chest. Wanted to know about some other woman, but completely ignored the one right in his lap. Yeah, she'd learned more than enough.

"Yes, likes likes you. And you're probably right." She said with more than a hint of exasperation before continuing in a mock girly trill. "We talk about men like, all the time, don't you know? Which are the most handsome, or strong, or brave. Which are the sweetest, which have the prettiest eyes or the best smile."

She dropped the act and just shrugged her shoulders. Tesha wasn't in the habit of gossiping about men. If Kenneth really thought she was, he was more of an idiot than she thought. All this time his hands had been at her waist, and that had been comfortable, indeed, until a few moments ago she'd been more than happy with the current arrangement, but now she was feeling the awkwardness probably as keenly as he was.

"If we're staying out here tonight we should find a good campsite. Preferably near a stream." Untangling herself from him, Tesha stood up while putting on a fake smile. She could act like everything was normal and fine. She sure could. Reaching out her hand to offer him help up she put a teasing quality back in her voice. "And that woman I mentioned? She thinks you're all of the above, just so you know."

He was sad to see her get up and realized only as she left and cool air caressed his palms that he had been clinging so tightly to her. Without looking at her, Kenneth stumbled up to his feet with her help, brushing dirt and leaves from the back of his pants as he did.

"All of it," came his awe-filled and mumbled repetition. He was struggling not to think about who it might be or worse yet whom he wanted it to be. Trying to look over his shoulder at himself he finally sighed and turned around so his back was facing Tesha. "Did I get it all off?"

It was not the question he wanted to ask but it at least kept his heart safe. 'Of course it's not her you idiot. She's only your friend. She's probably already got some lucky bastard of a lad courting her to begin with.'

After helping Kenneth up Tesha stepped back and watched him brush the dirt from his pants. There was grim on her knees where she'd been straddling him, but she ignored it. Wasn't like a little dirt was going to hurt anything. All Tesha wanted to do now was find a good spot, set up camp, and make an excuse to go to bed early.

Though she couldn't help but give a lop-sided smile at her friend. He seemed really surprised that someone would be attracted to him. Was he really that dense? Tesha knew she wasn't the only woman around that thought Kenneth had some very appealing qualities. Though the idea of one of them getting to him made her stomach clench. Maybe it was a good thing he was so oblivious, it fended off other women's advances.

Still didn't help her though. He turned around for her examination, and she couldn't help but grin. Maybe he didn't like her like that, but that didn't mean she should pass up such a perfect opportunity to get a free feel in. Might be her only chance to touch his ass, after all. "Nope, you sure didn't!"

Without further warning she swiped her palms across his firm cheeks a couple times, so helpfully "brushing" away the "dirt" before patting him on the behind with a chuckle. "All clear, pal. Now the ladies will have a clear view."

Kenneth was oblivious to the fact that his best friend was behaving a bit more than friendly in those moments as she was "helping" him out. Her statement though gave him extreme pause before his eyes widened and he was moving in circles in an attempt to see the back of his pants.

"What do you mean clear view? Is there a hole in my pants? Tesha please don't tell me you're letting me walk around with a hole in my pants. You know how embarrassing that is!"

Totally unintentional, but hilarious result! Tesha burst out laughing as he started spinning around trying to see if there was a hole in his britches. She actually had to put her hands on her knees as she cackled merrily at his expense. Ah, now this was more like their usual selves, she thought. No repressed sexual tension being fought off now!

Coughing slightly she managed to stand up straight again, blue eyes flashing with amusement, but finally no longer laughing outright. "No, there's no hole in your pants. I just meant there's no dirt to obscure the view." She grinned widely. "Not that I've ever noticed how nicely a guy's pants might accentuate his firm, shapely ass, of course."

"Oh, come on! Why'd you have to go and lead me on like that? Seriously Tesha that wasn't very nice at all!" Kenneth scowled and brushed his rear off one more time for safety's sake before settling to stand beside his laughing companion.

Brennus came to rest on the man's shoulder even as he sighed grumpily. "Suuure you haven't, how else would you know then that women stare at men's posteriors? So," he ribbed, elbowing her playfully in the side, "which guy was it? Do I know him?"

'How badly am I going to have to kill him?'

Oh that shut her up real fast. Tesha grunted as he elbowed her lightly in the ribs. Making a face at him she shook her head and tried to remain dignified as her face started turning pink. "You might have heard of him, but no way. We are not having this discussion! We were talking about your uneventful love life, not mine!"

After everything that had just happened there was no way. Tesha couldn't even risk the possibility of accidentally fessing up that the only man on her mind was him.

Kenneth snorted smugly before clicking his tongue and giving the woman beside him a wink. "Doesn't sound to me as if your love life is quite so uneventful my friend. On the contrary, sounds like you've been holding back in your poor old pal. Come on now, give up some dirt. Is it Henson? Ooo maybe Jekklyn. I'm right aren't I? The big quiet type to match the loud and proud lady ranger."

Tesha gritted her teeth, how could he possible miss all of that time with her on his lap and get all smug and know-it-all here? The names Kenneth threw out had her scowling and she shot him a warning glare. "Have you ever spoken to Henson? He's boring. Jekklyn might be quiet, but he's a jackass when he does open his mouth. No and no, wrong on both counts."

Shaking her head she started walking, they should find that campsite. Maybe the search would distract Kenneth from this very awkward line of questioning.

He nodded his head in understanding. "Aye you're right.  Henson is a miserable bastard to be around and you're lucky you don't hear half the things I do from the other. Glad to know you have better tastes than those two turds. Although in all honest I was looking for a reason to throw them in the ring for a tussle. You still sure you don't like them? Or any unsavory characters?" Kenneth teased while throwing an arm around her shoulders and hugging her close to his side.

Tesha snorted. "Did you honestly think I had bad taste in men? Give me some credit, Kenneth. You know me better than that." She stuck her tongue out at him and smirked. "Oh please, the only unsavory character I hang out with is you." She teased him, bumping lightly into him with her hip.

Kenneth shrugged and made a noncommittal sound. "Well it's good to know that on the wildness scale I'm the baddest bone in the barrel. Or wait, that's not how that phrase goes. Crud! Well you're not so bad off then if you're stuck with me. You always are singing my virtues now aren't you?" He smiled warmly at her as he bumped her back a but harder.

Kenneth? Wild? Those two words probably didn't belong in the same sentence, unless Kenneth was being attacked by some wild, ferocious beast. Like that mother fox earlier. Tesha laughed softly at the memory of it and at being bumped, which caused her to stumble a little. Thankfully she only fell against his side lightly with a chuckle. "Not my fault you are so virtuous! I could think of worse people to be stuck with. Besides, you shouldn't worry about me and men. There's only one man I want, and I promise he's not a creep, so just trust me, okay?"

Not that she was about to admit who that man was.

"Not a creep she says! AND unwilling to tell who the lucky man is. I think I may have to just torture it out of you!" So saying, he pulled her firmly again this side and tried to wrestle her into a position where she would not be able to escape him or worse, lock him in place.

Torture it out of her? Tesha gave a squawk of surprise as she was pulled against his side. Instinctively she began fighting back, squirming and grabbing, trying to escape his grip, before suddenly she threw her weight into his side trying to tackle him to the ground, which would make wrestling so much easier.

"You can't win, Kenneth!" She laughed as they struggled. God she loved him. There was always a lightness about her when he was near. Tesha had to prove her worth to everyone around her - except him. As a young female Fledgling so many people had been against her, but never him, and she knew he was one of the few people she could truly just be herself around. He wasn't waiting for her to screw up, like all the others. Kenneth wasn't looking for a reason to tear her down and be able to say "see, women are meant to be Dark Mothers".

Kenneth went down like a rock but clung to her the whole way, insistent on dragging Tesha down with him. "We'll see about that! I'll get that name out of you if it's the last thing I do!" he howled, trying to roll them so he was on top of her. Laughter danced in his eyes as his fingers quested to try and tickle the answers he desired out of his best friend. The awkwardness and even their arguement was quickly forgotten as he fell back into old patterns.

Down they went, rolling without a care in the dirt and leaves as they each struggled to gain the upper hand. Tesha was trying - desperately - to get him pinned beneath her so she could lord a victory over him, and while it was true she was certainly no pushover, he was larger and stronger than her.

A sharp gasp was followed by a squeal as she began thrashing beneath him as Kenneth's fingers found the ticklish places along her sides. "Never!" She panted out between near-hysterical peels of laughter.

"Oh you will my pretty! Mark my words, I shall have his name out of you one way or another." Relentlessly, Kenneth continued to roll and fight with Tesha in an effort to subdue her. The leaves and twigs that tangled in his hair and clothes was disregarded as he struggled to maintain the upperhand while keeping her from returning his tickling efforts.

"Surrender and I shall cease!"

"No!" Tesha wailed as her feet kicked at him, she'd somehow found herself face down in the dirt with Kenneth on top of her and those damn hands of his tormenting her with relentless tickling. It wasn't fair that he knew her weakest points, all the right places to tickle to make her squeal in both anguish and delight.

"You can't make me tell! Do your worst!" She growled defiantly through the breathless laughter. This was actually a lot of fun, the young ranger couldn't properly recall the last time she'd enjoyed such an unrestrained bout of wrestling and rough play with her best friend. Somewhere they had been forced to grow up and now she was reminded of their more innocent days.

Kenneth laughed from where he sat on Tesha's legs. "Your worst you say. I have all day my friend. The pain has only begun. I shall have you breathless and begging by the time I'm done with you sweet that's for sure!"

Playfully he cackled before once more attacking her with tickles as he leaned over her, his words whispered in her ears. What he did not think about though is that as he shifted his weight forward he was making it easier for her to roll him later if she so desired. While bigger and stronger, Tesha tended to be faster and lither.

Laughter was choked off with a groan. Did he seriously not realize what he'd just whispered in her ear was sweet, agonizing seduction? The fact that he didn't realize what he'd said just made it all the worse. Tesha wished Kenneth had said that with a much different intent and purpose. For a few moments she was distracted by the thought of him having her pinned beneath him, breathless and begging, in a different situation entirely.

The ranger's cheeks burned like fire at the thought, and her opponent had made a mistake of shifting his weight in a way to put him at a disadvantage when she suddenly bucked up and rolled them, striking like a snake she attempted to seize his wrists and pin them down.  "What's this about your pretty, and 'sweet' anyway?" She laughed out.

In a matter of seconds Kenneth was beneath her and staring up wide-eyed in surprise. Innocently he asked, "would you rather I call you ugly and sour? I could if that's what you REALLY wanted." His cheeks flamed with embarrassment though. He had not even realized they had slipped out let alone she had caught him in the act. The ranger wiggled beneath her, testing his bonds as he flex his fingers.

"You have me at your mercy now. Whatever shall you do?"

Kenneth's squirming only earned him a tighter grip on his wrists. Honestly if he really wanted he could probably wrestle himself out of her grip and grab her again, but she wasn't going to give in easily. This was a "fight" she really felt the need to win.

"What girl wants to be called ugly? It wasn't the being called pretty. You didn't just call me pretty. You said my pretty. Your exact words." She ignored the question, because she didn't trust her answer. Tesha could think of several things she'd love to do to him. Not one of them was something she could just tell him.

"Well," he began slowly, "as my captive that made you my pretty. Although given my current state," Kenneth wiggled again, "I suppose that makes me your pretty." He stuck his tongue out playfully, bucking up against Tesha in a mock bid for freedom. "Got a problem with that?"

"A likely story." She snickered. Of course his wiggling and bucking were very distracting. Kenneth might be oblivious, but she sure wasn't. With her pinning him down like this their bodies were pressed together once again. "Hm, well if you're my pretty, I wonder what I should do with you."

Tesha got a serious expression on her face, pretending to think it over. The young woman knew what she'd like to do with him. Unfortunately that didn't seem to be an option. Why couldn't he just see how much she liked him?

Kenneth chuckled, batting his eyelashes like a girl and cried out in a falsetto tone. "Oh no! Whatever shall I do! Don't hurt me! I'm too young and pretty to die!" The act could not be kept up for long though as he burst into a fit of laughter that left him breathless and with aching sides.

"Off Tesha, your fat-ass is squashing my delicateness!"

Fat-ass? Did...did he just call her a fat-ass?! Tesha glared bloody murder down at Kenneth before an evil smirk crossed her lips. Pushing down on him more, she wiggled about on top of him a bit, making sure to add a little more of her weight, though not enough to hurt him, she hoped.

"Who are you calling fat-ass? I don't remember complaining when your lard-ass was squishing me. Seriously, I don't know if I should wonder about this girl that seems to like looking at your tubby butt or sympathetic as it is too big to miss."

"Hey! At least they're looking! Not every guy can say the same," he joked good-naturedly while trying not to focus on what her wiggling was reminding him of. Clearing his throat, he tried to shift himself in such a way as to remove her from discovering any embarrassing accidents on his part but was not seeming to have any luck.

"Besides," Kenneth continued, "I need a big butt to cushion all the falling I do. Imagine how I would suffer without it! Why I'd be in the infirmary every other month just to heal, and it's only every other because it takes a month to heal it back!"

"Oh, so you like the idea that there are women staring at your huge, fat ass? My little Kenny is growing up!" Tesha teased with a smirk. "Before we know it you'll be coming to me all bashful and bragging about your first kiss!"

The ranger snorted and shook his head. "You're assuming a girl will hold still long enough to let Clumsy Kenny near her person let alone her soft, plump lips. Besides, I respect a woman far too much to kiss and tell on her."

He smiled fondly, thinking of the one woman who he would love to kiss for an eternity without ever needing to breathe a word to anyone about it.

What a curious expression. Tesha peered down at Kenneth's face, the way his lips curved. "The look on your face tells me you were thinking of someone when you said that. So you respect this mystery girl's right not to kiss and tell but wanted to torture the name of a guy out of me? Tsk. Tsk."

Ugh. There was someone. Maybe he wasn't with her yet, but he was obviously thinking of someone just now. Sighing she rolled off him, sitting beside him. "Must be some girl. Hope I don't have to kick her ass. If she breaks your heart I'll break her."

Kenneth blushed and turned his head to look to the side nervously. "That will be quite some feat," he laughed. It caused him to giggle a lot to think about Tesha kicking herself in the rear, though he hoped it was not because she broke his heart. Then again he wondered if he was already setting himself for heartbreak loving a woman who was too focused on her career to want to settle with someone or even consider a family if her own.

"I can assure you though there is no girl."

'She's all woman!'

Tesha rolled her eyes. Kenneth could deny it all she wanted, but he was a terrible liar. Still, she wondered who he could possibly have his eye on. She hadn't even noticed! Probably some young newly arrived girl for the Dark Mothers. That would be so like him, really. Hard as it was to admit, a woman like that was probably a better match for someone as sweet as Kenneth Kent.

"Sure there isn't. If you don't want to tell me, that's okay though. I just hope she makes you happy. Which she can't do if you don't ever actually talk to her." She laughed. "Admiring from afar isn't going to get you anywhere old friend."

"I've talked to her. I talk to her all the time. Problem is even with talking I'm not going to get anywhere. Better to admire than end up dejected, rejected, heartbroken and still admiring for the rest if my life."

He shrugged and smiled. "Much easier this way!"

The confusion was etched on Tesha's face clearly now. What the hell did he mean he talked to her all the time? In all their years as friends the young ranger had never once seen Kenneth talk to a girl like that. Then again, he did spend a lot of time around the Dark Mothers. He seemed to pull that duty a lot. By choice, she thought irritably.

"I never see you talking to any women, who is she? Come on, you can't say something like that and leave me hanging. Besides, what do you mean talking won't get you anywhere? Kenneth, trust me, you could get any woman you wanted if you tried. Have you been trying?" At that she scrutinized him with keen sapphire eyes.

Kenneth sat up and sighed. "Of course I've been trying! What kind of idiot do you take me for? Seriously Tesha!" Under his breath he added moodily. "Don't want just any woman. Want..." With a huff he shook his head. "How did we get on this topic again?"

"How we got on the subject is irrelevant. Don't get snippy with me young man, especially after trying to tickle-torture information out of me." Tesha grumbled, fixing him with a stern look. "And you obviously haven't been trying the right way if you talk to this woman all the time and you're not kissing her yet."

"Young? YOUNG?! I'm older than you missy! And and well kissing is um difficult business. I'm not exactly going to kiss her if she doesn't want to be kissed. Shadows she might brutally maim me or worse! Besides are YOU kissing any men? Are they kissing you?"

Kenneth's eyes burned with jealousy as he pulled viciously at blades of grass. "What is the RIGHT way then?"

"Kissing is not difficult, and how do you know she doesn't want to be kissed? Honestly, knowing you for the dense lug-head that you are, I bet you wouldn't know she wanted to kiss you if she was in the process of kissing you." Tesha growled at him. "And not that it's any of your business, but no I don't go about kissing men willy-nilly. Who's got the time? Besides, I already told you there's only one for me, and right now he doesn't seem interested in me."

No, but Kenny seemed awfully interested in someone! It was enough to make her fold her arms haughtily across her chest and pout. "As for the right way, you could try, I don't know, letting her know how you feel about her. Might help her show an interest if she knows you're interested in her. 'Course you're really shy, so maybe a more subtle approach. Have you tried doing little romantic things to get her attention?"

Kenneth grumbled under his breath and sulked. "She doesn't like romantic gestures. She's impossible and unpredictable. Doesn't matter anyway, she obviously loves someone else and it's not me. I'm not about to steal another man's girl."

Under his breath he added, "no matter how unfit for her he is."

Tesha rolled her eyes. She shouldn't be surprised at this point by anything stupid that came out of his mouth.

"Don't be dumb, Kenny. All women love little romantic gestures. Not that you would know, because I'm sure you've never tried. Just like I'm sure you have no idea what you're talking about with this other man nonsense! Have you asked this girl if she's in love with someone else? I bet you're wrong!"

The ranger puffed up defensively, his jaw fluttering unflatteringly. "Of course I've asked her! She likes another guy, you think I just say these things? Honestly Tesha," Kenneth huffed and looked the other way before snapping his head back around to face her.

"And if every woman likes romantic gestures then what would you want?"

There was a pretty good part of her that was certain Kenneth was wrong. Tesha bet he was asking the wrong questions. That would be so like Kenny. He'd beat around the bush, too shy to say two words to the poor woman, receive a vague answer and just assume that she wasn't interested in him.

Of course she didn't expect him to ask her a question like that! Sapphire eyes grew wide before she blushed and looked away. What kind of question was that? Well, she had told him all women liked romantic things. She supposed she'd had it coming.

"You have to promise you won't laugh." Sighing she plucked a blade of grass up and picked at it, using it as a focal point so she wouldn't have to look at her friend.

He snorted and rolled his eyes in disgust. "As if I would. Now spill or I'll...do something." For as defensive and disinterested as he appeared, Kenneth was paying extremely close attention to Tesha. For once he was getting a bit of a break when it came to her and his heart and he was going to seize it with both hands if it was the last thing he ever did.

Tesha rolled her eyes right back at him. Yeah, he's do something alright she though, totally not intimidated at all. Kenneth couldn't threaten her worth a damn she thought, grinning to herself. Though she frowned a moment later, closing her eyes. She'd never told anybody this, but if there was someone she could trust with the information, well, Kenneth would be it.

"Alright, alright. So, the most romantic thing I think a guy could do for me, would be to wait for a perfect summer night, lay out a large blanket with a great view of the stars, and just spend the night together under the summer sky, talking, laughing, and sipping wine while enjoying each other's company." She laughed slightly nervous at what he'd think of that. "Cheesy, right?"

Kenneth blinked several seconds in silence before smiling softly. "Well that's not so scary," he blurted out before he meant to. "No, it's not cheesy it's just...perfect," he breathed softly. "Just most girls seem so shallow. I know a hundred guys that would rather do that special romantic thing for a girl like you over having to waste wages on trinkets and chocolates and flowers."

"Ah, well I do like chocolate." Tesha grinned, feeling a sense of relief. Kenneth hadn't laughed at her, she should have known that he wouldn't. Not her sweet, gentle heartache.

"Some girls might be into those things, but honestly cut flowers just die, better to leave them in the ground where they belong, and since when do I wear a bunch of jewelry? No, I think the cozy night under the stars is better. Really, anything that came from the heart is better. Any guy can just buy something. I wonder if they think they can just buy a girl's love?"

"Since when?" he teased playfully, knowing that she did indeed indulge in chocolate when she felt like it. "Honestly I can't say. I believe that we think it's what the ladies want. They want to be lavished in affection and offerings of our devotion and to know we can provide for their every need and whim. And if that's not it then I have no idea what I'm doing with my life anymore." Defeated, Kenneth sighed and slumped back against the ground in a heap.

Tesha made a face. What nonsensical drivel! Of course what the hell did she know about it? She was in love with a goofy klutz that seemed to forget that she was a woman half the time. "I guess. Maybe some women do want that. Maybe most of them do. Maybe I'm just weird."

She shrugged her shoulders and grinned at Kenneth as she dropped to the ground beside him and nudged him with an elbow. "No self-pitying! You'll figure it out. Nobody's got all the answers. Hey, if you're so worried about this girl maybe you should ask my dad for advice. I mean, man-to-man kind of conversation might help you more than talking to me."

'Yeah because that will go over well. Hi Tershal, I'm in love with your daughter. Mind giving me some advice on wooing her? Shadows below he'd kill me!'

"Maybe...maybe your mom might better though...don't you think? Not that you're not good on this just...woman that got her man kind of thing? I don't know. Can't I just be resigned to never having her? I was doing alright with that I thought," Kenneth lamented, throwing his arm over his eyes.

"Resigned? Doing alright? You're moping like a lovesick puppy! Come on, Kenny! It can't be that bad. Just talk to my dad, or mom, if you must. She is kind of good at getting what she wants, but I dunno if you're bold enough to employ her methods." Tesha laughed softly, but the truth was she wasn't bold enough to either! Her face heated up at the idea of just walking up to Kenny, sitting in his lap, and telling him they were getting married. That's what her mother had done to her dad!

"I am not! Am I?" Pouting childishly, Kenneth worried his upper lip in deep thought. "Maybe it's best I don't ask either of them. Your mother is rather energetic and you're father might disapprove. Oh I wish Rowan was better with these situations! It would make my life so much easier!"

Peeking out at Tesha he gave her a crooked smile. "Thank you though my friend. You have truly been quite supportive and helpful. I don't know what I would do without you."

"Why would my dad not approve?" Tesha asked genuinely confused. Her dad was the most laid-back accepting, or indifferent, person she knew. She couldn't imagine her dad disapproving of any woman that Kenneth picked.

She'd thought to say more, but he was smiling at her so adorably, and his words made her grin broadly. "What are friends for? And we both know without me you'd be miserable and alone." She teased him with a smirk.

Dark soulful eyes shifted nervously as he realized his slight slip of tongue. "Just well that man needs to be able to figure things out if he wants to prove his worth to his woman. I'm a lesser man for being...what I am. And don't ask, you know what I'm talking about. But yes, without you I would be alone."

No. No Tesha wasn't sure she had any idea what he was talking about! What did he mean he was a lesser man for being what he was? What exactly did he think he was? Anger blazed to life in those bright blue eyes as she sat up to glare down at Kenneth.

"You listen to me Kenneth Kent, and you listen good. You are in no way, shape, or form a lesser man to anyone. You're probably the best man I know. If this girl is in love with someone over you she's a fucking idiot, and you deserve the absolute best. Any woman will be lucky to have you, and it doesn't matter who she is, I'm probably going to hate her damn guts because she won't be good enough!"

Softly he spoke without a hint of sarcasm or reproachfulness. "She's more than good enough, my friend. And I know you care for me and are worried, as my best friend it's commendable and I'm proud to have you as that."

'Though I wish you were more.'

"However, I'm not speaking about being useless. You've already tackled me enough for that one. It's just," he sighed heavily. "This is probably the only case where I am forced to admit it's a guy thing and you won't understand. But don't kill me for it!" he hurried to add, his hands raised in defense.

"Believe me, woman or not you're one of the finest warriors I've ever met and I certainly wouldn't see you as any greater if you were male. But, this particular situation is just..." Kenneth growled and waved his hand. "Women have their stuff and this is just a man thing. Don't ask."

Looking up at her with hopeful eyes he added a quiet, imploring "please?"

Tesha sighed irritably, folding her arms across her chest and attempting not to look as if she was pouting, though that kind of was what she was doing. Of course Kenneth would think the girl of his choice was good enough, that didn't mean that she would ever think the lucky bitch was.

"Men are stupid." She decided out loud, not acknowledging his plea or even looking down at him. This was an awkward and difficult conversation, it had been since she'd sat down on his lap a few minutes ago. Wait, how long had they been talking?

"I care for you a lot, Kenneth. I want you to be happy. You're just gonna have to accept that I'm gonna think any woman you choose isn't good enough, just like I'm sure any guy I decide to be with isn't going to live up to what you think I deserve." She shrugged her shoulders, knowing she'd never be with anyone at this rate.

"Very stupid!" Kenneth agreed readily. "Of course no guy is good enough for you! You're...you're," he blushed as he realized he was about to say 'perfect' and decided to change it to something else. "Special. You're special Tesha and those turds don't even deserve to be near special. Not even me and don't you dare say otherwise because it has nothing to do with my belief in my self-worth. But if you're willing we could uh...agree to disagree?"

With a tilt of his head and a lop-sided grin he asked, "truce?"

"Truce, I guess." Tesha rolled her eyes and shook her head. She didn't feel special. Far from special, she would have to say.

"If I'm so special, why -" Here the young ranger paused, catching herself before she said the wrong thing, swallowing softly she finished lamely with, "-doesn't he want me?"

Why don't you want me if I'm so damn special?

Why did things have to be so complicated? Maybe she was the one that needed to have a talk with her mother. No, the very idea of admitting to her mother that she'd been right wouldn't sit well at all with her ever. The woman would gloat over it as some twisted personal victory. It wasn't fair. No matter which way things went, she was the loser in the end.

Speaking truthfully and from the heart, the ranger said what was on his mind. "Either he's the largest if buttholes I've ever heard of or I imagine he feelsuc the way I-know others do. He feels unworthy of such love and attentions and that you deserve better."

'I know that's what rages in my own heart Tesha. I'll never be good enough for a warrior queen in disguise but I'll love her and protect her all the same.'

"Don't be down my friend. I'm sure if you hit him across the head enough times he'll figure it out," he told her with a bright smile. "It works on me now doesn't it?"

That was the stupidest thing she'd ever heard. What the hell was with men and feeling unworthy of her? Kenneth obviously thought no one was good enough, and from the way he was talking this wasn't just him being himself. Were men really that ridiculous? Some of them, obviously. Then again, there were plenty that thought they were the shadow's gift to women and couldn't understand when a woman didn't fall all over them. What strange and confusing creatures men were. Maybe she should talk to her father about them.

"Obviously it doesn't work on you." Tesha said testily. "I hit you all the time and you never figure anything out. Maybe your head is just thicker than most. From what you're saying, though, I guess if I want my man I'll have to be like my mother and just take what I want. It worked on my dad."

"It would have to be," he joked. "How else would I survive all the falling I do?" Kenneth's heart broke though as he knew what a best friend should say to her. Grinning through his internal pain he continued, "seems that way now doesn't it? And your father certainly is quite the stubborn individual. I know you don't always get along with your mother but her method you have to agree was quite effective.

"I mean," he whispered leaning in conspiratorially, "I'll let you in on a little secret. We men are a rather thick lot and need a good strong woman like you to keep us in line. The rest of us just need a good ass-whopping."

Yes, Tesha had to admit that her mother's method had been rather effective. That was her parents though. She wasn't the same person as her mother, and Kenneth certainly wasn't much like her dad. Would the same tactics work? What was the worst that could happen? He could say no, reject her, think she was being silly. What if she ruined their friendship? She wanted more but could she risk losing it all?

There really was only one way to find out. He was leaned in, they had been talking about relationships, he'd wanted to know which guy had caught her attention. Now was as good a time as any for the confession. Tesha leaned in, quickly closing the distance between them before he could back away and pressed a soft, timid(so unlike her to be unsure of herself!) kiss to his lips before whispering quietly to him.

"I think I'll have my work cut out for me trying to keep you in line."

He could not believe it. He most certainly could not believe it. For the first time in his entire life Kenneth had been kissed on the mouth by a woman and it was not just any woman, but the woman of his dreams.

It was like a nightmare and a dream come true all rolled together. Not only had he received his first and most desired kiss in the world but he had just given what he felt was the world's worst kiss to the one that made his heart beat out of time.

'A dead fish could have kissed her better!' the ranger lamented as he blinked owlishly up at Tesha. As coherently as possible, Kenneth opened his mouth to tell her how much he loved her and to ask if she really meant it. Or at least that was what he had intended to say. What actually came out was entirely different and far less articulate.

"Huh?"

There hadn't been exactly fireworks, but the kiss hadn't been bad. It wasn't like Tesha had been expecting their first kiss to be magical, though there had been her fantasies. At least he hadn't recoiled in horror! Small victories.

She smiled nervously, obviously insecure. "You wanted to know which guy it was that I had my eyes on, it's you Kenny. It's always been you."

Kenneth could not believe his burning ears. His eyes bugged out as his hands flailed about akin to a newborn bird's wishing to fly. It was only after he had cleared his throat several times that he was finally able to get his tongue back in working order to stutter in disbelief.

"R-run that b-b-b-by me ag-g-gain?"

"I love you, Kenny. I've had a crush on you since I was fourteen. I-I'm sorry. I didn't mean to..." Tesha trailed off helplessly. What hadn't she meant to do? To kiss him? No, she'd definitely meant to do that. Make things weird and uncomfortable between them was not her intention, but she had the sinking feeling that was exactly what she'd done.

Shadows she was stupid, there was another girl he had eyes on. He didn't want her and she couldn't exactly take it back or laugh it off. Not after kissing him on the lips and saying what she'd said. Her face had flushed crimson as she pulled away and looked down at her lap.

Softly, so as to not reveal the fear of his racing heart through his voice, Kenneth whispered, "didn't mean what?" His dark eyes shone with the first prickles of tears as he tried not to panic and belief it was an accidental or impulsive action on her part and therefore something she now regretted.

"Tesha?" his voice cracked.

"I didn't want to ruin everything." Tesha whispered softly, voice barely audible. "I love you, but I understand why you wouldn't love me. I just didn't want to keep it in anymore. Better to confess and know for sure than to wonder forever."

She shrugged her shoulders uncomfortably. Sapphire eyes were shimmering with tears that had welled up unbidden. Furiously she blinked her eyes, trying to force them back, but only managing to make them spill down her cheeks. Angry at herself and how foolish she had been, was still being, she wiped the tears harshly from her face.

"Then we have a bit of a problem. In fact," he breathed heavily, realizing only then that he had been holding his breath, "it's a rather big problem because you see Tesha. Tesha look at me please," Kenneth urged, reaching out to take her chin in the palm of her hand.

"Because you see, my dear, I um, that is I uh well," a gulp forced him to pause before he could attempt to continue, "I-" Kenneth huffed angrily, cursing under his breath before crashing his lips down upon hers in an awkward rush.

Tesha hadn't thought she could feel worse in that moment, but she had been wrong. She couldn't decide if her heart was sinking or shattering when he said they had a problem. More tears poured out as her bottom lip quivered. She'd ruined everything! Her best friend in the whole world was never going to be able to look at her the same way again. Everything would become awkward and unbearable. Her heart began racing with panic as she thought for sure she was going to lose him.

His hand on her chin easily pulled her attention to his face, shining blue eyes peering uncertainly into his beautiful dark eyes as he tried to stutter out a response. A moment later his lips were smashed against hers in a very awkward, perhaps even slightly painful, kiss. Tesha's eyes were wide as she made a sound of surprise against his mouth. Kenneth was kissing her? She could almost cry in relief now as she threw her arms around him in a tight embrace.

He winced at the pain of his nose crashing into hers coupled with the sound of her gasping. "I'm sorry," he muttered against her lips. "I shouldn't have." Kenneth tried to pull away from her only to feel her arms lock around him and he relaxed some against her.

"I'm sorry Tesha."

"No, don't you dare apologize for kissing me, you dense fool." Tesha murmured softly as she pressed a soft kiss to his lips, then to the corner of his mouth. There were still tears clouding her eyes, but the young ranger was smiling as she clung tightly to him. Burying her face against his neck she gave a sigh as her body sagged against him.

"But," Kenneth tried protesting, shivering as she melted not only his brain but his heart with her kisses and sighs. "Tesha are you alright?" He pulled back to look down at her worriedly. The slack way she rested within his arms concerned him, making him fear she had been injured and not told him after all.

"Tesha?!"

Why couldn't he just stop talking and hold her? Then again, if he did that it wouldn't be the goofy Kenneth Kent she'd fallen in love with. Tesha sighed testily and held tighter to him, adjusting herself to a more comfortable position that let her be more cuddled against him.

Tilting her face up slightly she whispered softly in his ear. "Of course I'm alright. Never better." She sighed softly in contentment, eyes closing lightly as she nuzzled her face back into his neck, placing a soft kiss against his warm skin with a hum of happiness. "Just hold me, Kenny, please?"

He eyed her suspiciously but said nothing as he let her get comfortable. Every muscle in his body was screaming tensely to stay put for fear of disturbing her. If Tesha wanted to be held then he was going to hold her if it was the last thing he ever did. He just hoped he did not ruin it for her or that she could hear his heart pounding away within his chest where she was leaning against him.

Tesha could hear and feel the way his heart beat so quickly, where her own heart had calmed into a steady beat. Why was he so tense? She could feel the stiffness in his body, the rigid way he held himself. Was this too much? Maybe she was putting to much on him too quickly. A rush of guilt went through her as she lifted her head to look at him.

Studying his face for a moment she sighed and pulled away. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable. It's just, when you kissed me I thought...I mean, you hadn't pushed me away or told me I was being stupid so I thought maybe..." She shrugged her shoulders. Tesha didn't want to force him to give her the attention she'd been wanting from him for years. It didn't mean anything if it wasn't what he wanted too.

"I'm not uncomfortable! Why would I push you away? You're not stupid! Tesha why would you say something like that? Tess? Just, maybe we should set up camp I guess," he sighed wearily and sadly.

Kenneth felt utterly defeated. For the briefest moments he had touched heaven and then it was ripping itself away from his embrace. He wanted to scream and cry. He wanted to laugh and shout. The poor boy did not know what to feel but he did know he was in for a world of trouble for one thing or another. Kenneth just prayed it would not cost him his friendship with his one and only friend, Tesha.

Tesha smiled wanly at Kenneth, he got worked up so easily. She should have known better than to throw herself at him like that. The ranger wondered if it was even possible for her friend to relax given the current situation. Well, she'd just have to work at putting his mind at ease.

Leaning forward again, a gentle kiss was placed tenderly on Kenneth's lips. "I love you, Kenny. I just was so worried that you wouldn't feel the same way, and you were so tense...and you still haven't said how you felt. I mean...do you like me as more than a friend? Am I way off base and out of line wanting more from our relationship?"

Originally she'd wanted to camp near a source of water, and she still did, but hunting for a good spot also seemed like a huge chore. Camp wasn't really what was on her mind right now anyway. There was still a nervous edge and tension to her, but she felt surprisingly calm and relaxed. Kenneth had kissed her. There was something there between them that was more than platonic.

There it was. Three little words and kiss had completely dumbfounded Kenneth into flabbergasted silence. He could not even give her the words she wanted to hear if he wanted to and how he wanted to. Dark eyes blinked repeatedly in time with the opening and closing of his gaping mouth.

"Uh uh uh um, well..." He blushed all the way to his roots as he struggled to answer her but eventually dissolved into a basket of nervous giggles.

Well, it wasn't exactly what Tesha was hoping for, but it was still better than rejection. Her dear friend was turning quite an impressive shade of red, and his nervous giggled made her laugh softly at him. He was unbearably shy. She'd never met a man to rival him in awkwardness. Somehow, she still didn't care. Tesha just wanted him to be hers.

"Easier question, do you want me to stop kissing and touching you? Yes or no?" Bright eyes looked at him expectantly as her hand reached out to thread their fingers together, trying to reassure and comfort herself as much as the action was for him.

First he started to nod his head then he was shaking it. Confused by what he felt and the right answer, Kenneth eventually ended up with his head moving in a circle of indecision that had no meaning whatsoever. However, the hand joined with hers squeezed back lightly as he gripped it more securely and lovingly in his own. Weakly, the ranger gave a helpless shrug.

'I love you Tesha, I do! My tongue is just as clumsy as the rest of me.'

Talk about mixed signals, she was frustratingly confused by his reactions.

"Leave it to you to fail at answer a yes or no question." Tesha laughed softly, blue eyes gleaming slightly. "Well if you can't figure it out, I guess I'll just have to figure it out myself."

Keeping a firm hold on his hand, she reached up with her other hand to lightly brush her fingers against his cheek as she leaned back in to kiss him again. Well, he hadn't told her to stop, and while he seemed about as nervous as a long-tailed cat in a room full of rocking chairs, he also seemed to accept her affection.

His head drooped in shame at being such a failure. Yet, her gentle caress soothed him as Kenneth leaned into her hand. The kiss though blind-sided him again. He most certainly accepted her affections and attentions, if he could just tell her the same. Kenneth clung to her hand while his other moved to cup the hand resting upon his cheek as he nuzzled into it. His eyes fluttered closed in contentment and a soft breathy sigh.

Tesha let her forehead rest lightly against his, content to just stay like that for a little while, it was a rather tender and intimate moment. After just enjoying the closeness for a few moments she gave his hand a soft squeeze and moved to press a kiss to his cheek.

"About camp, do you want to go hunt for a good spot or should we just settle down right here and not worry about anything else? I don't care where we are, as long as we're together."

Blinking to try and clear the fog of euphoria clouding his mind, Kenneth pulled his head back slightly to look around the area. His tongue licked his lips nervously as he fought to remember what it was he was supposed to be doing as he looked around them.

"Safe here?" The ranger shrugged before looking back at the woman so pleasantly close to him. "Can move."

Tesha sighed softly. Kenneth couldn't even form coherent sentences. She hadn't thought he'd react this badly. Well, she'd known for a long time that he was a rather goofy man. Maybe distancing herself just a tiny bit physically was a good idea. Her poor friend needed to clear his head so that he could actually talk to her, because they had a lot they needed to talk about.

Standing up, she gently pulled her hand from his, looking down at him with a crooked smile. "Let's find a creek or something, Kenny. We'll camp beside it for the night and head back to the city in the morning."

Kenneth's hand continued to reach out for hers even as she pulled it away from him. With a pout he got back to his feet and scooped up his bag somewhat dejectedly. "You're right water probably would be a good idea. Can't exactly cook without it I suppose. Good for controlling fires. Okay, let's go, Tesha before it gets any darker."

Then, a stroke of brilliance finally hit him. Grinning widely, he slid right up next to her and took her hand in his, lacing their fingers back together and marveling at how much like perfect puzzle pieces it felt like. "Actually, now let's go."

Cook? Tesha grimaced at the very idea of one of them cooking. Thank god for Fledglings serving meals in the Clockwork City or she'd have probably starved. Well, no, that wasn't true, her mother would have fed her, all while lecturing her on cooking and why she should learn to be good at it. Well, for now they were kind of on their own in the food department, but they'd manage.

A grin lit up her face as Kenneth actually came up and laced their fingers together again as he took her hand in his. She felt her heart flutter slightly at the contact, and she couldn't pull her eyes from his face as she admired his grin. It was so good to see him smiling like that. Squeezing his hand she nodded happily as she finally dragged her eyes away from him and to their surroundings.

"Let's see if Brennus can find a good place. Got to love having eyes overhead." Tesha said as she lightly pulled Kenneth along with her as she headed in what she thought was the right direction to take them even closer to home. She just hoped there was water in that direction.

The aforementioned Shadow Spirit immediately took flight, calling for them to follow as it led them deeper within the treeline. Kenneth could not wipe the smile off his face as he squeezed back and gently swung their hands back and forth.

"He's good at that," he replied distractedly. He had eyes only for Tesha though. "You've got Dizzy?"

Tesha couldn't help but laugh softly as they walked together, hand-in-hand. She felt light and free, getting her secret off her chest had really done wonders for her. Damn, another thing her mother was right about. Well, she wouldn't acknowledge her mother being right, but to herself she could admit that it was nice to finally express herself to Kenneth.

Judging by the way he was swinging their hands, couldn't stop looking at her, and the goofy grin, she had to imagine he was feeling pretty good right now too. She just wished he would say something in the way of confirmation.

"Dizzy?" She blinked, for a moment not sure what he was talking about. "Oh! Right, Dizzy. Um."

"'Um' doesn't sound too promising," he teased, giving her a wink. "Diz? Where are you, you furball? We're off!" A tiny fuzzy head chattered from between the pair as the Shadow Spirit made its presence known.

"Oh there you are. Well at least someone's ready then. Sleeping in my bag again eh?" Kenneth laughed and used his joined hand with Tesha's to gently rubs the soft furry head before Dizzy popped back inside. "He is rather fond of my bag now isn't he?"

Tesha scrunched her nose up at Kenny before sticking her tongue out at him. He was gonna talk about her not saying something coherent or intelligent? Ha! She grinned anyway as Dizzy poked his head out from Kenneth's bag that hung between them.

"Maybe he just loves you as much as I do." She offered. After all, her Shadow Spirit did like to crawl into her friend's bag, and Dizzy had been cuddling with him when she came back to apologize for her horrible behavior.

Kenneth flushed and stared down at the ground. He honestly did not know how to respond to it without ruining the moment between the two of them. Instead he simply smiled slightly and nodded his head.

Squeezing her hand back, he cleared his throat thoughtfully. "So um, any ideas on eats? I mean we did plan to be home today and uh we've got a bit of a change of plans now, don't we?"

Tesha felt a painful twinge of disappointment, but swallowed the emotion and tried to focus on the question. They were a little behind schedule, so he wasn't wrong, food was a concern. Although missing supper wouldn't kill either of them, but they would probably miss breakfast too. Damn.

"I don't really know. I doubt there's anywhere to buy food around here, and I'm not much of the gatherer type. Knowing my luck I'd find something poisonous and kill us both."

He laughed and nodded his head. "Oy but it'd be better than anything I would probably pick up. You know what rubbish I am at finding or catching food. I might have a bit of dried meat left in my sack if little Dizzy hasn't decided to help himself. Then, once we get a fire going I suppose we can freshen up and get some early sleep if that's alright with you."

"No objections here. Sounds like a great plan, actually." There was only one way that Tesha was going to be able to get any sleep tonight. Somehow she thought Kenneth would find it hard to sleep if she got her way.

Her plan was already formulating in her head, and she had no intention of sharing what she was up to with her partner until they actually laid down for the night. Too much chance he might try to run otherwise! Trying to get Kenneth was going to be worse than stalking a jumpy rabbit. Why couldn't she have fallen for a normal guy? The type that would have eagerly returned all her advances instead of clamming up like a timid deer. Ah, well Tesha knew that she could never settle for normal anyway.

Oblivious to Tesha's plots, Kenneth lost himself to trying to process all that had happened. Tesha had kissed him. In fact, he had kissed her too. Nervously, he cast a wary glance towards her but when all he could find was a smile upon her lips, it really began to hit him that she was not angry with him.

'Maybe she's forgotten it and we're back to normal then. That wouldn't be so bad...would it?'

Tesha stopped suddenly, tilting her head to the side and listening intently for a few moments. Her smile widened as she heard what she wanted to hear - running water. "Hey, we're getting close. I bet we'll find a great spot to build a fire. Plus I can bathe."

She wondered how cold the water would be, she'd love to wash up a little. That was one good thing about the Clockwork City, she'd grudgingly admit, there was always hot water for a nice, relaxing bath. A good long soak sounded divine right about now, not to mention sending out her laundry for the Fledglings to clean, but she'd settle for rinsing the day's dirt, grim, and sweat off her body.

"How do you know?" Kenneth looked up startled, blinking rapidly in surprise. "Wait dumb question, you always know. And yeah uh, bathing would be good, I guess." He blushed darkly, the moment he realized he was imagining her in the act of bathing.

"Well," he squeaked, having to pause and clear his throat, "perhaps you can go bathe while I get the fire going? I mean I wouldn't need you for that and would give you some um, privacy."

How did she know? What a stupid question. Thankfully he figured that much out on his own and was rewarded with a sly grin. At least Kenny knew that he was thick-headed! Plus she could only imagine what had run through his head that caused him to blush like that. Of course, she had a pretty good imagination when it suited her.

"Awesome, you work, I'll relax." Tesha laughed softly. It wouldn't be as relaxing as a hot bath, but it was still better than nothing. Without feeling the slightest hint of guilt she let go of his hand and dashed off in the direction they'd already been heading, calling back to him playfully over her shoulder. "Think you'll have that fire going before I'm eighty, slow poke?"

Kenneth rolled his eyes and simply shook his head. "Oy I'm not that pathetic! Shut up and go enjoy your bathe you pruney hag-to-be!" Playfully, he shoved her towards the water before kneeling to begin the makes of a very wimpy fire. He made sure to keep his back to the water no matter how strong the temptation was to watch her divest herself of her garments and sink into the icy, cleansing depths of the nearby stream.

Tesha stuck her tongue out at him as she ran to the water's edge. It was a shallow and relatively narrow creek, but it would have to do. At least they had clean drinking water until they left in the morning. Humming softly she peeked over her shoulder to see that Kenny was preoccupied with starting the fire for their camp.

Her friend was far too shy and timid to try to watch her bathe. She chewed her bottom lip for a few moments, wondering if she should try to tempt him by bathing right here or if she should go downstream a little ways to put her out of sight so that he'd only see if he actually went looking for her.

Sighing she found a secluded section of the creek and began peeling off layers. At least there was little chance of running into anyone else out here in the middle of nowhere. Tesha could live with Kenneth getting a peek of her naked and vulnerable, but someone else seeing her would be mortifying.

He huffed and he puffed but every time he was close to making a spark something would happen. The wind would blow it out, his kindling would roll away, the wood he gathered was too wet, it was an unending list of complaints. But, thankfully it was enough to keep Kenneth from focusing too much on the cause of his racing heart.

"Blasted fire!" he finally shouted in frustration, kicking at the logs as he stomped off to try and find some drier sticks.

Tesha squeaked softly when she first stepped barefoot into the creek, which only went up to her knees at the deepest in this particular stretch of water. The water was freezing. Maybe just a really quick bath, then! She really just wanted to feel clean so that she'd be more appealing to Kenneth, not that he seemed to ever notice anything. Men. Well at least she would notice, and feel better and more confident in her seduction abilities. Not that she was planning on seducing him just yet!

She blushed to herself as settled down into the water, goosebumps prickling on her skin as the water swirled around her. Sitting the water just barely covered enough of her breasts to be modest. In the otherwise quiet night she heard Kenneth shout his frustration and Tesha laughed softly at him. Maybe when she was done she'd have to help him with that fire after all.

It was just then that something extra cold and wriggly happened to brush against her leg. Before she could rationalize the sensation as probably just a harmless fish, Tesha let out a shriek and jumped up and out of the water. Immediately her face lit up hotly as she realized she'd let herself be startled by a stupid, harmless fish!

Her cry was enough to have Kenneth racing towards her without a second thought. "Tesha? Tesha!" he cried, barreling through the shrubbery and to her side, sword in hand. He wrapped an arm around her without thinking even as he scanned their surroundings for any signs of trouble, finding none though he looked back at her.

"Are you alright? What's wrong? Someone hurt you? Something? Can you speak? Tesha? Is it your head? How many fingers am I holding up?" Kenneth fired off question after question, refusing to give her any room to speak as the deep worry of his heart reflected in his eyes.

"K-" Tesha blinked as she was completely bombarded by questions. Her face was flushed a crimson red, but her expression had become a bit annoyed. "Ken-" She couldn't get a word in edgewise, and he seemed oblivious to the fact that his arm was around her naked body, which she had folded her arms across as best she could to hide herself from him.

"Kenneth!" She finally hissed out, blue eyes glowering at him. "I'm fine, everything's fine. I just, uhm, I didn't mean to worry you, but uh...Kenneth..." She let her eyes glance down at herself, only turning her face a brighter shade of red.

Her shout stunned him into silence long enough to bite down on his tongue and listen for a heartbeat but no more than that. "Yes? What is it? Did someone try to, well try to," pulling her close to his chest and resting his head against hers, he stuttered out in a whisper the end to his question, "take advantage of you? You can tell me, Tesha. I won't hurt you, and I swear I won't let anyone else hurt you either."

Oh sweet shadows! Tesha made a sound of annoyance as he pulled her against his chest. She was standing there naked, pressed against him, and he was asking if someone else had tried to take advantage of her. What an absurd idea. For starters, there was nobody else here! If there had been some creep she'd have beaten them to a bloody pulp herself. There was some small part of her that enjoyed his protectiveness, a part that she couldn't admit to, but he made her heart flutter a little.

"Of course you won't hurt me, goofball. Why on earth would I ever think you'd hurt me? There's nobody else here. I just got startled, that's all. False alarm. No danger here, promise." She mumbled against his chest, and though she was still quite red, a bit of a smile crossed her lips as she peeked up at him with those bright blue eyes. "You know, most guys at least buy a woman a drink before holding them naked in their arms."

Relief flooded his system to hear she was okay and it was just a start, nothing more. His ears were roaring so much though that he barely heard what she was saying and had to lean back, his arms still around her to look her in the face.

"Huh?" Eyes wide in incomprehension, his face was twisted into an expression of complete and utter confusion. "What are you talking about?"

"I. Am. Naked." Tesha said, very slowly and deliberately, just for his benefit. "You know, undressed, without covering, nude."

Her arms were still wrapped around herself, trying to maintain at least a tiny fraction of modesty, which was really hard considering the situation. Just a little earlier she'd been contemplating trying to tempt him to peek in on her, but now that he was right there with his arms around her she felt a sudden surge of shyness. What if he didn't like what he saw? Nonsense! She was fit, trim, and perfectly feminine! Still, she couldn't help but worry that if he saw her like this he'd not want her.

Kenneth blinked for several extra long seconds more than was necessary. All color momentarily drained from his face before suddenly flooding. Immediately his eyes darted skyward as his hands dropped away from Tesha to clasp tightly over his eyes.

"Of course, of course!" he declared loudly, trying to blindly back away from her some. "Naked, bathing, right. Sorry about that I uh," Kenneth gulped thickly as he ran backwards into a tree, "swear I didn't see anything! I'll just uh go yeah uh yeah uh. SORRY!"

Turning around but with his hands still covering his eyes, the ranger promptly tripped into a pricker bush and fell fully into it, completely ensnaring himself in its clutches. "STILL DIDN'T SEE ANYTHING!"

And finally the dawn arrived, and Tesha nearly choked on her laughter as realization came over Kenneth's face. What came next was the most ridiculous display to date. Maybe. Kenny was pretty good at being absurdly clumsy.

At first all Tesha could do was laugh at his predicament as he tangled himself in a thorn bush. She wondered how badly he was being poked and scratched for his goofiness. Well, she supposed it just served him right for being so senseless! Still, he was her friend, and she loved him...

Hurriedly she pulled her pants and shirt back over her head, leaving the rest of her gear where it lay and walked over to where her partner was struggling. "Hold still dummy, I'm going to help you out, and if you kick me because you're flailing like a fool I'm gonna pummel you."

"No, no, no I'm fine! Don't help!" Kenneth protested loudly as he continued to flail himself deeper into the thorn bushes. "I can almost touch the bott-OUCH! WOMAN ARE YOU TRYING TO KILL ME! That HURTS!" The ranger thrashed about a bit more, trying to both escape his companion's insistent tugging as well as free himself but he really had no luck. All he was succeeding in doing was making it entirely worse for himself.

"Shadows you're such a baby!" Tesha growled irritably as Kenneth continued to flail around like the goofy idiot that he was. Thorns were scratching at her hands and arms as she tried to pry the poking branches away from her moron friend. "Just HOLD STILL! It'll hurt less, dumbass. The way you're thrashing you're going to end up getting me stuck too!"

The male hissed from his vulnerable position all the while grumbling about how she would not get stuck if she would just leave him to it already. Eventually though he relented, though not before getting himself good and wholly stuck before admitting his defeat.

"You know I wouldn't be in this position to begin with if it wasn't for you. You really shouldn't call me such names. I at least wasn't the one caught screaming at the wind or fish or whatever the shadows it was," he growled, displeased when he heard Brennus' unique chirp twittering in the background.

"If I didn't call you names you'd think there was something wrong with me, and you know it." Tesha quipped back, punching Kenneth lightly in the side. The young woman was scowling darkly, cheeks heating up at being reminded that this was, indeed, her fault. It had been her scream at nothing that had gotten him in trouble to begin with, but honestly, it had been an accident.

Putting aside her anger, she carefully pulled and untangled, working Kenneth free of the jumble of thorns, at least enough that she could grab him by the back of his shirt and pull him out of the bush.

"True," Kenneth conceded as he was finally righted. The sudden rush of blood to his head though made him weak in the knees and dizzy as he fell heavily forward right into Tesha. His arms felt like lead in water as he fought to catch himself from knocking her over while at the same time steadying himself. "Sorry sorry," he muttered, his eyes squeezed tight in discomfort for several moments.

Tesha was beginning to wonder if maybe she should have just let Kenneth get himself out of his own fool mess. As he fell against her she tried to keep them both on their feet, honestly she did. Superior size and weight, coupled with being knocked off-balance won out, though, and they both crumpled in a heap. Tesha grunted as he landed on top of her, having the air knocked out of her a bit.

"For shadow's sake! Lay off my mother's cookies you cow, you're bloody heavy!" Tesha squirmed underneath him, trying to push him off for a moment before stilling as she realized she was on the ground with Kenneth on top of her, causing her face to turn crimson as she peeked up at him widened eyes.

Kenneth had fallen on her tons of times, far more often than was probably reasonable for a normal person, but none of those times before had the tension of confessed feelings been between them. Somehow their innocent tumbles were different than they had been that morning.

One moment they were standing and the next, Kenneth was crushing his dear friend as he landed solidly upon her. He was seconds away from apologizing when she startled him with her outburst. The hilarity of the moment caught up with him and he could not help doing the first thing that came to his mind as she still beneath him.

"MooooOOOOOOO!" Kenneth instantly dissolved into a fit of giggles and huffing coughs as he rolled off Tesha to lay beside her. The biggest, goofiest grin lit up his face as he twitched beside her, the pain of his numerous cuts and still embedded thorns forgotten in his moment of childish brevity.

Tesha blinked up at Kenneth, expression one of confusion, then slipping into a grimace as he rolled off of her. Huffing she rubbed her stomach lightly from where he'd squashed her. The sound of his childish laughter made her bristle, honestly, it was like being around a freaking toddler!

Though his big, goofy grin almost made her heart melt. Almost. "You are a child. Yep. Can't be more than four. Un-FREAKING-believable."

"I'm tree," he declared loudly in a baby voice while holding up two fingers. Moments later the ranger once more succumbed to an attack of laughter before in a wheezing voice attempting to speak normally. "Ah come one Tesha, lighten up a bit! No sense acting like you have a thorn up your butt. You can leave that to me, shadows know I have plenty!"

Tesha managed to snort, still rubbing her stomach grumpily as she got up, having quite enough of his goofball antics for the moment. That thorn bit was kind of funny, but she wasn't about to start laughing and pretending she wasn't annoyed with him. Actually, she was feeling a little pissed at this point. Her own hurt feelings at work, no doubt, but hey, she could keep her cool shadows damn all!

Walking over to the rest of her clothes she started tugging her boots on, bitterly picking a few thorns from her hands and wrists afterwards and picking up her hardened leather armor, working at securing it over the soft linen and leather against her skin.

Kenneth raised one brow at her wordless exit before shrugging and slowly getting up. He winced as several thorns made their presence known and worked at pulling out the ones he could reach even as he kept one eye on Tesha.

"You do understand the meaning of lighten up right?" he called after her. "Because all that armor is not lightening, it's actually making things much heavier. That would be the opposite you see." His hands moved about fluidly as he expressed himself and fought to bite back a smile as he strove to see crack one herself.

Tesha could have groaned. She didn't want him to make her smile right now! Why did he have to be so sweet, so dorky, so lovable...? It wasn't fair when she wanted to be mad at him. Being mad at Kenneth was something she was really good at, but staying mad at him was something she found near impossible.

"So are you suggesting I take more off?" She asked sweetly, batting her eyelashes at him. "Because I think that was what got your ass full of prickers, goofy."

The ranger cleared his throat and tried to straighten with dignity despite thorns and blushing cheeks. "What I am saying that I don't find it necessary to be adding more to your already fully clothed state of being. Though I would much appreciate it if you didn't disrobe again until at least a time when I have had a chance to recover from my current ordeal. I have been gravely wounded to the very bottom of my being as it were and value the opportunity to lick my wounds in peace."

Tesha snorted, rolling her eyes as she finished putting her light armor back on, ignoring his protest against it. "You act as if I wouldn't let you lick your wounds in peace. I'm the most understanding, accommodating person you know."

Right. Uh-huh. Sure she was. Tesha always had been fond of pestering Kenneth, it went back to the fact that she had a crush on him and hadn't known how to really deal with her feelings, let alone express them. So instead she picked on him, poked, prodded, teased...all the while desperate for his attention. Negative or positive hadn't mattered to her.

"Don't worry, I won't disrobe again where you can see for a while."

He rolled his eyes and snorted. "Only if you were the last person I knew in the world." Kenneth returned to limping while removing thorns until her last statement registered. "Hey! What do you mean for a while? You want to repeat this all over again sometime in the future? Shadows save me! Least you can do is let me pad up before becoming the human pincushion. There are places thorns should not be on a man and let me tell you, THEY'RE THERE!"

Okay, that did her in. Tesha burst out laughing. "Oh man, that's great. Sorry you're all thorny, Kenny, but you did it to yourself! I was completely innocent...this time! You should have watched where you were going. Besides, I wasn't planning on being naked in front of you this time, remember? Next time it'll be under...hm...better circumstances."

Kenneth blinked owlishly over at her, his ears hearing something slightly different than she said at first which only served to make him blush darkly when she talked about future naked instances. There were no words he could think of to not hang himself with his own noose. As such he turned stiffly on his heel and all but frog marched himself back to the campfire while trying not to remember the glimpses he had gotten of her beautiful form.

Tesha watched him turn and walk away, shaking her head with a bit of a smirk. She hadn't missed how red he'd gotten. Poor, poor Kenneth, he was really struggling with this, wasn't he? Sighing, she looked out into the darkening forest, pondering what to do now. What did you do when you'd kissed your best friend and told him you loved him?

After a few minutes she turned and followed him to the campfire he had created, finding somewhere to sit near the flames, drawing her knees up to her chest, wrapping her arms around her legs, and resting her chin on her knees with a sigh.

He heard her approach and tried to keep from fidgeting too much. His brain struggled as if he was swimming upstream to try and remember what it was he had been working on before the unfortunate scream and thorn incident.

"Food!" the ranger suddenly squealed, hopping to get back to it. What he observed at the fire though made him whine and collapse to his knees in defeat. The little bit of meat they had left he had left to warm over the fire and was now ash from having fallen off his warming stick. "This is pathetic," he growled, using the stick to poke at the flames.

"Naked thorn ash," Kenneth blamed crossly with the largest pout he could manage.

Tesha watched Kenneth squeal over the bit of dried meat before falling to his knees. It was his incoherent little pout that had her snickering softly, though. They didn't have any other food and neither would be able to gather something edible. Even if they could hunt, they couldn't manage to cook it properly.

"Looks like we're waiting until tomorrow to eat. Won't be the first night I went to bed on an empty stomach during a mission." She sighed as she stood up and walked over to sit beside him, leaving just enough space between them so they weren't actually touching. The fear of him recoiling was still a bit strong, and she honestly didn't want to make him too uncomfortable with the still very awkward situation they found themselves in.

Kenneth continued to mutter under his breath, looking extremely put out as he took her statement as a jibe at his cooking skills or rather lack thereof. It was therefore a surprise to him when she sat herself down beside him a mere breath's away as it were. If he had the courage a simple shifting of his elbow would even have them touching but he remained stiff and resolute, still incredibly embarrassed by their kiss.

"Well maybe next time you'll cook for yourself instead of complaining," he grumbled at her, pulling his knees into his chest to place his forehead on them. "Who gets first watch tonight?"

"Like I could do better." Tesha pointed out. She couldn't cook either. Not at all. It really hadn't been meant to be a poke at his lack of cooking skills, merely a reassurance that this little blunder wasn't the worst that could or had happened.

"I can take the first watch, if you think you can get any rest." She wasn't all that tired, her mind was still churning with confusion and frustration of all that had happened that day.

"I'll stay with you until I can," he told her as he blinked wearily into the flames. "No use tossing and turning until you get fed up and tell me it's my turn anyway." Kenneth rubbed at his eyes, letting his forehead rest in the palm of his hand when he was finished. He did not even realize that in doing so he placed himself with his head partially resting against Tesha's arm. "What a week eh?"

Tesha smiled as Kenneth ended up with his head leaning against her arm. It was a start. She found herself sitting stiffly, afraid to move because if she did he might pull away or move away altogether. "Yeah, it has been a hell of a week."

Today was the most exhausting, at least for her. Certainly the most nerve-wracking.

It was not long before exhaustion won Kenneth over and his head began to rest more heavily upon Tesha's arm. He slumped forward further and further as soft snores echoed from his throat. Unconsciously he flung his arm over her lap and held onto her, making Tesha his personal pillow as he allowed his tensions to fully abandon him in dreamless sleep.

Almost as soon as Kenneth was asleep Tesha shifted slightly to make sure his head was cradled comfortably in her lap, with her fingers smoothing over and through his dark hair affectionately while he snored softly.

"Oh Kenny...Kenny...Kenny...what's a girl to do with a daft goofball like you?" The young ranger asked quietly, a small smile playing across her lips.

He grunted before flopping over onto his other side so that he could bury his face into her stomach. "Tessie," Kenneth mumbled under his breath with a contented sigh and a hint of a smile. Another inaudible word escaped his lips as he tried to tug her body closer to his own sleepily.

A soft chuckle was given as her dearest friend cuddled his face against her stomach, her arms moving to hold him gently. Tesha probably managed a good hour of keeping watch before her eyes started feeling grainy and heavy. Stubbornly she refused to wake up Kenneth, her goofball looked far too peaceful for that, but Dizzy appeared chattering softly before taking up a watchful position.

"Thanks pal, you're a life-saver." The young ranger yawned quietly before gently prying Kenny off her lap so she could wiggle her way down to cuddle herself against his chest, one arm draping over his side while one of her legs entangled with his.

Kenneth grumbled mightily in his sleep at the loss of comfort and warmth but was quickly silenced as the woman he dreamed of once more settled within the circle of his arms. He immediately latched onto her tighter, pulling her firmly against his chest with his arms supporting her waist and the back of her head.

He was in heaven and slept peacefully, breathing in a familiar scent that left a smile upon his face even in dreams. Morning came too soon though and he found himself groggily nuzzling into warmth before realizing what or rather whom it was. Kenneth was careful to not try and wake Tesha yet his heart raced with realization that not only were they sleeping close together but that he must have fallen asleep on guard duty. He cursed under his breath even as he fought to quickly scan the immediate area for signs of danger.

Tesha grunted as Kenneth pulled her against his chest so quickly and tightly. After a few moments of near-futile squirming she settled in her new position, giving a sigh as her face nuzzled against his chest. Within a couple minutes she was deeply and contently asleep in her friend's arms.

Far too soon something was disturbing her. A subtle shifting, quiet mutterings had those intense blue eyes dragging open reluctantly. It took a few moments for her mostly asleep brain to decide that the disturbance was her warm sleeping companion waking up. Grumbling incoherently, Tesha tightened her hold on Kenneth, snuggling closer and burying her face once more against his chest to block out the morning light.

"Go back to sleep." She mumbled irritably. Nearby Dizzy was sitting quietly, his vigil on the forest had been interrupted as he peered at his Ranger and Kenneth curiously.

He murmured softly and incoherently to her as he gently patting her back and shoulder as his eyes continued to scan the surrounding area. Absentmindedly, Kenneth even placed a featherlight kiss to the top of Tesha's head, not even realizing he had done so as he was still too tired to be held responsible for his actions.

"Sorry for waking you, Tesha. Go back to sleep. It's alright now," he whispered softly, instinctively wrapping his arms more firmly about her as well to keep her warm now that the fire had died down. Brennus flitted nearby, making his presence known while cawing softly in a show that everything was clear and he was also on the lookout.

The gentle patting brought a soft huff from Tesha as she peered up at him with one eye, the other still hidden against his chest as she calmly accepted the affectionate gestures, including the kiss to the top of her head. That had made her lips curl into a slight grin as she knew that Kenneth wasn't really paying attention to what he was doing. Poor boy'd probably be so red and awkward if he'd realized what he'd just done.

"Noooo." She murmured in protest as she wiggled around in his arms until she could reach up to drag his face back to look at her with one hand before stealing a kiss. "Come back to sleep with me. Not as nice sleeping alone."

Oblivious to the antics that his fellow ranger was up to, Kenneth continued with his patrol search of their area until Tesha wrestled him down and ceased his resistance with a kiss. His eyes widened to the size of plates as he remained still and breathless against her.

"I think you need the sleep more than me," he at last breathed, still staring at her as if he could not believe what had just happened.

"I think we both need to get back to the Clockwork City and get food more than either of us needs sleep." Tesha mused, a wry smile on her lips. She really couldn't say that she was shocked by Kenneth's reaction to her kissing him. It would be nice if his reaction didn't sting so much. With a sigh she released him, and looked up at him expectantly, as his arms were still quite firmly wrapped around her and until he let go, neither of them were going to be able to go anywhere.

Kenneth blinked at her owlishly. "You kissed me," he whispered. "I mean you...kissed me. You. I..." The ranger could not wrap his head around the fact that Tesha had willingly kissed him. "We really should get you fed," the young man ended up muttering distractedly, wondering to himself if lack of food was causing her to feel a bit confused.

Tesha couldn't help but chuckle at Kenneth. Her sweet klutz wasn't exactly eloquent at his best, but this was downright comical. It was impossibly to resist the urge to lean her head up and steal another quick peck on his lips. "Yes, I kissed you. We kissed yesterday too, or had you already forgotten that?"

She hated mornings, it was too early to be up, but she was hungry. Not to mention they would be expected back, if not already then very soon. No need to start worrying people. Heaven forbid her mother get worried - about Kenny, not her. She could already picture her mother scolding her for having poor Kenny out too long without one of her good, home-cooked meals.

With a tired sigh she nudged Kenny with her leg, he still had a firm hold on her and she wouldn't be able to easily escape his grasp. "Are you going to let me go so we can get up or shall we just lay here all day cuddled up so my mom can yell at me for not bringing you home on time?"

He reddened fiercely at the memory of their first kiss and Kenneth found himself immediately releasing her while clearing his throat shyly. "yes, yes, best to get you back before Mrs. Constance gets cross with me for starving her lovely daughter. It is my fault after all that you haven't eaten dinner." Kenneth sighed heavily, shaking his head as he got to his feet. "Again."

Tesha gave a dry laugh at Kenneth's assessment of who Constance was going to be cross with for their late arrival. "Yeah right. You're the golden boy in mom's eyes, don't worry. You hung the moon and stars, can't do any wrong. If anyone's going to get yelled at for not feeding someone properly it's me. After all, I'm a woman, should have magically produced you some fantastic food out of thin air or something."

Okay, maybe she was exaggerating. A little. Dizzy ran over and crawled up her clothing to perch on his ranger's shoulder as Tesha managed to get to her feet. Much as she enjoyed being out in the fresh air and sunshine, she did miss her bed mightily just then.

Kenneth snorted and shook his head. "I'm the man here, Tesha and I'm supposed to provide the food to cook. Of course no one expects you to just suddenly produce food. You're not a cow after all. Genders aside we are both rangers. She should know after marrying one that sometimes we have rough patches in the food department. Neither of us are likely to be yelled at though if we get home without me taking any extra detours that is."

"Yeah, well if you don't want to take any extra detours I vote we let Brennus do all the navigating from here on out." Tesha huffed softly as she began gathering their things for the trip home. She was fuming silently about the whole man thing he'd just blurted out. As if Tesha wasn't perfectly capable of providing the food!

Kenneth groaned as assisted with throwing his own items back into his rucksack haphazardly. "I'm never going to live getting us lost down am I? This is going to be one of the tavern night stories for the barracks again isn't it?" He shuddered in an over-exaggerated fashion as he recalled other stories of his clumsiness or mistakes that had circulated about on nights of relaxed drunkenness. "S'not fair."

"Life's not fair." Tesha grumbled. For instance, her life felt insanely unfair at that moment. Most of her time trapped underground when she longed for fresh air, sunshine, and trees. That didn't even scratch the unfairness of being in love with her best friend and feeling wholly inadequate to deal with it. Especially when, at least to her, Kenneth seemed very unsure about the whole thing.

"Very true," he sighed softly. He stretched then, his eyes to the sky as he watched Brennus circle overhead. "How long do you figure before we're back again? I don't know about you but I'm sure I could really use a bath. Probably smell like a horse's back end at this point."

"Not more than a couple hours, I'd bet." Tesha sighed as she started walking. She was hungry, tired, and frustrated. The sooner they got home, the better. For once. "Yeah, you do kind of stink. I can't decide if I want a hot bath or breakfast more. I'm starving and filthy and this mission sucked."

Kenneth snorted and shook his head. "Why thank you for your honesty. Always appreciated, Tesha." He shook his head and chuckled despite himself though. "Well why not combine the two. I'm sure food in the bath can't go amiss. A little pampering never killed anyone...I think."

"What else are friends for?" Tesha quipped cheekily. Things were a little weird and tense right now. She'd been afraid of that. It was why she had kept it bottled up for so long, and she wasn't sure if she should have spoken up sooner or kept her mouth shut. All she could do was try, very hard, to act like everything was normal. "Besides, I slept with my nose practically in your armpit. I'm lucky to still be alive!"

"Oy!" the ranger cried out. "It's not me who chose to fall asleep there. Besides it doesn't smell that bad," Kenneth continued to protest. He lifted an arm to take a sniff before blinking rapidly and crinkling his nose with a cough. "Yes-yes it is! I take it back. Your resilience is truly amazing my friend. Truly!"

Tesha couldn't help but cackle at his antics. She was still tense and worried about how the previous night would affect her relationship with Kenny, but for now things seemed to be almost normal. They were just goofing off and joking around like usual. Hopefully things wouldn't slip completely back, though. She didn't want to go back to normal she wanted better than normal. "Well maybe you should consider eating in the bath if you're that hungry and that smelly!"

Kenneth scowled slightly and shook his head. "As if I could manage to sneak one of your mother's wonderful meals to the public baths without having to sacrifice the majority of it to the other vultures lollygagging about." He huffed and slumped ahead in defeat. "It'll have to be a bath first if I want to not offend anyone's noses. Your father would probably have me thrown out for putting him off his appetite or something."

Tesha couldn't help but laugh. "Don't act so down about it. I think I'll take a bath first too, honestly. Then we can both sit down and gorge on whatever mom's got cooked up. I bet it is delicious. Shadows but I want one of her thick venison stews, you know the one, right? 'Course you do. Or maybe a nice steak, or one of her pastas." Tesha was making herself drool slightly, if she were being honest with herself.

The ranger hummed in pleasure. "I would maim for a loaf of her fresh bread." He groaned at the thought of it. "Topped with fresh fruit and cream. Kill me Tesha, I don't think I can suffer the idea of another second without her cooking. This world is too much for me," Kenneth lamented as he mock-staggered into her, draping an arm over her shoulder as he stumbled.

On cue, Tesha's stomach grumbled loudly at the mention of her mother's bread. The idea of fruit and cream on top made the young ranger groan unhappily. Why did they have to get lost and lose a day? She might have disliked being stuck underground in the city they called home, but damn if she didn't miss her mother's food.

With a mighty sigh, and slight stagger, Tesha put an arm around Kenneth's waist as he leaned against her. "We should stop talking about food, we're just making each other hungrier. Our own stomachs will eat us before we get back at this rate."

"Might be worth it to cease this endless agony," he groaned dramatically. His own stomach also growled long, low, and loud for them both to hear. Kenneth glared disappointedly down at his own torso. "Even my own body will not let me hear the end of my slight directional miscalculation. Oh the horror!"

"You're such a drama queen." Tesha laughed softly, nudging Kenneth in the side. At least he knew how to lighten the mood. Laughing at him was easier than being completely cranky.

"Next time we should definitely pack extra rations though. Just in case. Especially the way you eat." It had been impossible to resist teasing him. Always was.

Kenneth cleared his throat. "King," he corrected her pointedly. "Drama king. And are you calling me fat, Tessie? I resent that remark!" He ran his hands down his sides as if trying to demonstrate his svelte figure. "Look at me, I'm perfect! Why I'm practically wasting away as it is!"

Tesha snorted and gave Kenneth a side-long look. He wasn't fat, but she wasn't going to tell him that with him acting all puffed up like a peacock. "Definitely a drama queen, and one could navigate the whole of Zenith's Grasp before you would waste away."

"Your vote of confidence in me is truly inspiring," Kenneth deadpanned monotonously. "In fact you should definitely switch into a position that would provide you with more opportunities to public speak. You'd be a great motivator for the youth of Clockwork City."

"Somehow I don't think the fledglings would find my motivational speaking quite as riveting as you do." Not to mention Tesha didn't like speaking in front of large groups as a general rule. Too great a chance to make a fool of herself. She was a fighter, not a talker.

Kenneth snorted. "As if what they have now is any better. How long has the shadow master been around anyway? From the way Rowan tells things he was ancient even when she started and that was ages ago. When your father started too for that matter, right?"

"Yeah, the Master Shadow was already old when my dad was just a fledgling. He's been around forever. I think since the founding of the Clockwork City, actually. He's just always been there. Bet dad would know more about it." Her dad probably had books on the history of the Vigilant that mentioned the Master Shadow going back thousands and thousands of years.

"Well you ask him then and give me the summary notes on what he says," he teased. A look to the sky surprised him that the sun was much further along than he expected. He never even noticed how much had time had passed with them just chatting and goofing off pleasantly.

"So we're sure we'll make it back today?"

"I don't know why you're such a coward around my father." Tesha grumped at Kenny, sticking her tongue out for good measure. Both of her parents loved Kenneth Kent. She was pretty sure her mother actually liked Kenny better than her, and her father might not have been the easiest man to read, but it was easy enough to know that Tershal held a great deal of fondness for his daughter's clumsy best friend.

"Of course we're making it back today. No problem. If we don't, we'll starve before morning."

He gave her an incredulous look and stumbled in his stride. "Your father is a great man and should not be troubled with such little things. You're family so you get away with it. Besides, he trained Rowan. If any man can train and put up with her and not end up running away scared then seriously that just makes him all that much scarier. He forged a fiery-tempered lady ranger and fathered another one. The man certainly has got the process down pat but shadows help the man that pisses those women off because Tershal's not far behind them." Kenneth shuddered for added effect.

Sure, Tesha knew her father was a bit of a legend in his own right. After all, he'd been around for a really long time and was known to be very good at what he did. So maybe someone else would have cause to find him scary, but she could only roll her eyes at Kenny's fear of the man. Her dad liked Kenny a lot, like one of his own children almost!

"You're a chicken. My dad likes you as much as my mom does, which is to say a lot. You're practically, no, you are family."

"I take offense to that! I am not just some common chicken. I am prized rooster," Kenneth declared in a heavily accented, pompous manner, tapping his chest as he puffed up and postured. Deflating quickly though to become himself again with a chuckle he continued, "seriously though I don't know how you can make that claim. He's always giving me that one-eyed stare like he can see through me. I'm almost certain that's where Rowan got it from. You sure he isn't some kind of psychic? He can't read minds can he?"

"If my dad could read minds we'd both be dead, and he gives that stare to everyone." Tesha's dad had perfected that dad stare, and the other part was only partly an exaggeration. After all, it was one thing for her father to accept Kenneth as part of the family because he was Rowan's nephew, quite another thing for him to know that his daughter was in love with him!

She suddenly worried how her father would take that. Tesha had never told anyone. Constance would be thrilled if she managed to coax some kind of relationship out of her very flighty partner. Tershal was anyone's guess. Nobody ever really knew what was going on in that intimidating head of his.

Kenneth snorted. "To be honest he'd have to get in line. There is a loooooong list of things meant to have had me ten measures underground already. Of all that I am incapable of dying seems to have also made that list. Or perhaps I'm just too good at living. Now there's a thought," he trailed off, murmuring to himself as his brow furrowed in deep thought.

"Do you think that's possible, Tesha?"

"There's no such thing as too good at living, Kenny, and you better stay "too good" at it! If anything happened to you..." Tesha really didn't want to think about life without Kenny. The goof had been her best friend for almost as long as she could remember. "Well it doesn't matter because I would never let anything happen to you."

Without really thinking about it her hand reached out to find his and squeeze it lightly, as if reassuring herself that he was there and fine after those brief, troubling thoughts of him not being there anymore.

"I know, I know," he stated, talking over her while waving his hands, "you'd bring me back to life, beat the living daylights out of me and kill me yourself just out of spite for dying on you. Probably do it more than once too just for kicks." He was completely oblivious to her feelings on the matter and smiled warmly when she gave his hand a teasing squeeze which he returned enthusiastically. "Until then I guess you're just stuck with me."

Tesha glared at Kenneth as he spoke over her, saying what he thought she might do. The worst part was that did sound like a threat she would make. It still made her heart lurch to think of him dying. She could make bold threats in jest, but she knew in her heart that she could never hurt him, not truly, and not on purpose.

"You're an idiot, but you're my idiot and you better not forget it." She huffed softly, wishing that he could see just how much he meant to her.

Kenneth laughed loudly, his hand still in hers. "Ah so you claim ownership then do you? Lookout world! I belong to Tesha Nallvir and she'll kick your ass as sure as look at you if you mess with me!" he shouted at the top of his lungs, both of his hands raised up in the air in triumph. Above them, Brennus cried out shrilly at his antics, swooping and diving in front of the pair to ensure that Kenneth was alright.

"Wasn't kidding!" Tesha growled, though she was fighting off a grin as she turned quickly and gave him a light jab in the side in retaliation to his laughing at her. "You are mine. My best friend, my dorky goofball, my grace-challenged pain-in-the-ass. Mine."

He squeaked and jerked away at her prodding but it did nothing to quell his mirth. Hearing her claim him as hers set a fire in his veins like nothing ever had before. As an orphan all he had ever wanted in life was a family and a sense of belonging. When Rowan had found him he had gained both but Kenneth realized then that he was a greedy man and he desperately wanted more. Even now he knew how much he loved Tesha and wanted to return her claim with one of his own, that she belonged to him. But, he knew he had no right to her. She was a free and fierce woman that should not belong to any man than the one of her choosing. He would forever remain her friend instead, for in his eyes that was more than a penniless orphan deserved. Kenneth nodded his head to her, offering a soft if slightly sad smile before repeating in a tight whisper not meant for anyone's ears, "forever yours."

Why didn't he say something? Anything?

It hurt so much. Tesha glowered over at him angrily, blue eyes flaming at the moron that she'd fallen in love with for whatever reason. She hadn't consciously chosen to love Kenny, but from the very beginning when Rowan had brought him to the city, the stubborn, rebellious thing that she was had been drawn to him - claiming him.

Back in more innocent years just as his friend, his guardian, his protector, his defender...Nobody had been allowed to be mean to Kenneth Kent. Nobody except her. Only she was allowed to pick on him, tease him.

"You're infuriating." Tesha huffed as she crossed her arms across her chest grumpily, shoulder slumping slightly.

"Why thank you!" Kenneth exclaimed, not understanding that they were no longer playing and that Tesha was rather upset with him. "That is probably my favorite compliment! Well right after being called your idiot of course. Have to keep these things in order now, don't we? But, by all means don't stop there," he cried raising a hand in her direction while the other rested above his heart, "don't hold back, I know you have more sweet praises to inflate my ego. Please feed me more oh great and terrible Tesha! I beg thee!" He folded his hands in front of him in a begging fashion as he dropped to his knees in her path.

No matter how much she knew that Kenny wasn't mocking her, Tesha couldn't help but feel a burning, bitter anger at his antics. It hurt to think he was dismissing her feelings so carelessly. She'd laid her heart bare to him and while he claimed to love her, his actions were like a sharp slap in the face to the contrary.

Tesha wasn't in the mood for playing this game. Instinctively her foot came up and Kenny would find himself with a boot landing flat against his chest, kicking him out of her way before she unceremoniously stepped over him, not even bothering to look down at him as she did so.

"Here's a praise for you - go fuck yourself Kent." She didn't think she could put enough bite into those words to adequately convey how pissed and hurt she felt.

He grunted as she felled him, knocking the wind out of him with her kick so that he laid stunned upon the forest floor for several moments before he was able to roll back to his feet and chase after her. Unwilling to allow her to stay furious with him for long especially when he did not quite understand why she was upset to begin with, Kenneth pulled her back into his arms, her back against his chest once he caught up with her. He held on tight in order to keep her from running but enough to hurt her as he embraced her close. There was love and pain in his heart for being able to do such a thing without being her only one to hold her such.

"Forgive me, Tesha," his whispered, his head bowed against her own. "My jest went too far and I'm sorry, truly. Things got out of hand. Please don't stay cross with me. I can't lose my only friend over something so stupid.

"I love you too much," he whispered not realizing he had said it aloud as he squeezed her a little closer.

Tesha had never been good at staying furious with Kenny, but her anger had not cooled yet. Instinctively she lashed out at him when he grabbed her, a foot coming up to kick back against his shin even as her dope pulled her tight against his chest. Her blue eyes fell closed, pain and rage crossing her face at how much she wished to simply lean back into him and be held, but knowing that it would just be brushed off like nothing.

She felt like nothing. Tears threatened to fall from her eyes as she wallowed in that horrid feeling. Tesha meant nothing to him. Which was ridiculous. And she knew it was ridiculous. Not being wanted in the way she wanted didn't mean he cared about her any less as a friend. It just felt like it.

"LIAR!" She snarled, eyes flying open as she renewed her struggles in his grasp. It would have been easy enough to teleport away. Tesha just didn't want to. With a sound of incoherent anger she jabbed her elbow into his gut as hard as she could. Love her? Love her? "You don't love me! If you loved me you wouldn't lie to me. You wouldn't drag your name from my lips just to turn around and reject me."

Kenny had pestered her relentlessly to know the name of the man she loved and had dismissed her feelings for him like nothing. He didn't want her the way she wanted him and she'd have to figure out a way to learn to live with that. Or to change his mind.

Kenneth grunted at the kick in his shins but refused to let go. He had expected nothing less from her as she was a woman of fire and not to be contained even by the likes of him. To be called a liar though set his ever low-burning ire aflame. The elbow to the ribs was just the icing on the cake that forced him to fall backwards with her still clutched tightly in his arms. Then, reacting with the grace and speed he was known for only in combat he quickly rolled them so that he had her pinned between the earth and himself.

"I am not a liar," he hissed into her ear, the pain of her accusation crystal clear in his tone. "I love you more than you could ever know! I love you so much that it hurts to breathe when I'm with you but I never want to leave you because it hurts even more when you're gone. I love you even though I don't deserve you. I love you even when I know that you deserve so much better. You are my first and only friend and I would sacrifice anything and everything to see you happy. I don't have much in this world so don't you dare call me a liar Tesha Nallvir when all I have to my name is my word! Don't you dare!"

It was always disconcerting when one was faced with the sensation of falling. Tesha tried to squirm from Kenneth's grip, but let out a grunt when falling turned into being pinned to the ground with that insurmountable weight on top of her. All joking aside, no matter how much, badly, or often she might tease her friend, he could be a force to be reckoned with as much as anyone - even her.

From this new position Tesha couldn't even move her arms to try to throw Kenny off or get leverage to roll them again. An almost feral growl was coming from her now as she listened to the angry voice hissing into her ear.

"All you have? What about me? What about my family? You have us. You've always had us. Don't you dare fucking insult my family for everything they've done for you - for all the love we've given you. Don't insult me by claiming you love me in one breath and the next bemoaning how you don't deserve me when I would throw myself at you if you would only acknowledge it!" Even knowing the struggle was futile Tesha did her best to break free, to do something, to do anything.

"I'm an orphan, Tesha," he reminded her in a defeated voice. "Without your family's support and pity I have nothing. I have no way to repay them. I have nothing, don't you understand? You're everything I'm not Tesha. You're everything I could never be and I would only bog you down. I can't support you, I can't care for you. People can't live on love alone," Kenneth whispered, feeling like crying as his voice cracked.

"I love you and because I love you I don't want to see my best friend wasting her life with a loser with no family and no prospects like me. Please, Tesh-what do you mean acknowledge it?" He paused in surprise, the words just starting to sink in for him but not in a way that left him warm and fuzzy on the inside. Instead he felt dread and fear. In his surprise his grip on her loosened as he became distracted by his own spinning thoughts.

"My family's pity?" Tesha immediately growled, her struggles becoming almost violent as her anger rose at such an accusation. Her family had never looked down on him, had never asked or even implied that some repayment for their love for him was needed. Her parents practically took him in as one of their own and he insulted them again and again right to her face!

"By the Shadows you're a fucking idiot!" Why did she love this stupid, foolish boy?! "Who said I need supported? Where the hell do you think my father gets what he needs to support our family? The Shadows! The city gives us everything we need, food, shelter, care! You act as if we would be starving beggars on the streets if we were together. Have you so little regard for all that has been given to you through the years by the Shadows?"

He wasn't holding her as tightly and she brought her elbow back into his gut and scrambled out from under him, turning on him still quite furious. "Shadows take you, Kenneth Kent. Fuck you if you would reject me for so dumb a reason."

Kenneth squealed in pain, immediately releasing his grip on her entirely as she stormed off and screeched at him. Part of him heard her words, understood the truth in her points, and even agreed with her while another part continued to feel worthless and incapable of providing her with the care that he felt she deserved beyond the necessities the city provided its people with. Yet, deep in his heart, Kenneth was still coming to terms with how deep her sincerity was, how dearly she loved him and most of all how callously and blindly cruel he had been pushing her feelings aside in the face of his own insecurity and fear.

The worst realization of all for him though was that he was too much of a coward to say so. He did not have the courage to get up off the ground and sweep her off her feet until she forgot all their arguments. He was too weak to apologize for fear that he would anger her further. Kenneth hated himself. In his mind he was a disgusting piece of shit.

Tired and defeated he dragged himself back to his feet and shook his head. "Tesha I-" Kenneth shook his head more, unable to look her in the eye. "You're right." He desperately wanted to say he was sorry yet the words were locked in his throat. Dragging them out was like sawing through rock with a spoon. "I'm sorry," he choked. "I'm sure you don't believe me and I certainly don't deserve your forgiveness because you're right but...I don't know. But nothing I guess."

It was hard to try to contain that kind of seething rage. The kind that only really hit you when your heart was hurting so much the only way to keep it from breaking was to funnel that pain into white hot anger. Kenneth didn't mean to, but the things he said felt like a slap to the face. Not only to her, but her entire family.

They loved him. All of them adored him. He wasn't just some poor, pitiful orphan boy to them. Kenneth was as good as family. Shadows, her mother liked him more than her! Tears were prickling at her eyes, threatening to fall.

Her shoulders hunched up and she turned away from him. Tesha normally enjoyed hearing him tell her she was right and he was wrong, but right now it just felt like more stabbing jabs to the chest. Why did he have to be so stubborn? Why did she have to be so stubborn? They would both suffer less if they could just relent.

"I don't need any man to take care of me." She hissed through tears. "So don't you fucking worry about some stupid notion of providing for me. I've always been just as capable of looking out for myself as any of you stupid boys. Better than most of you!"

Tesha lifted her chin, still trying to force the tears away. "I love you, Kenny. I have for a long time, and I will keep loving you. If...if you don't want me. That's fine. But I will always want you."

There really wasn't much else for her to say, was there? Stiffly she began walking again.

'I'm not rejecting you,' he wanted to say but the words were locked within his throat. Kenneth felt completely defeated. He shuffled after her quietly, hot tears streaming down his face unbidden as they headed for home. His own mind turned against him, berating and howling at him for being so cruel and foolish towards the one woman he loved above all else.

The sight of the approaching entrance to their underground city did not even bring him the joy that it normally did. Home felt useless when he had most likely destroyed not only all chances with Tesha as lovers but destroyed their long friendship as well. Like a man walking to the gallows he headed to her home. Perhaps Constance and Tershal could knock some sense in him, or murder him. Right now either option would work as long as it put him out of his devastating misery.

Tesha barely saw where she was going, the tears blurred her vision as she did her best to keep her head high. She refused to break down and cry right now. Not where he could see. It was a good thing her feet knew the way home so well, because she passed through the entrance to the city and did not wait up for Kenneth.

No, she walked as fast as she could without running. Tesha didn't run from anything. Certainly not from a stupid man that hurt her feelings.

The front door slammed behind her as she made it home at last, and her bedroom door followed suit. Only then did she allow herself to break down sobbing as she threw herself on her bed, burying her face in a pillow as she let out her misery.

Her parents had tried to welcome her home, but she'd ignored them. Tershal knocked softly before going in, sitting on the edge of his daughter's bed and gently rubbing her back as she cried. Like he'd done all her life. It didn't matter how old Tesha got, she was still his baby girl, and it hurt him to see her so upset.

Constance didn't try to comfort her daughter, as soon as Kenny walked through the front door he'd be beset with the mother hen. "Look at you poor dear. You're back late and starving no doubt. I've got a nice soup on with fresh bread and butter. Come have some supper, sweetie. You'll feel better."

Kenneth winced at the sounds of his dearest of friends stomping and slamming doors. The only reason he even followed her was because he knew if he did not then Constance would come hunt him down. At least this way he could prove he was alive and intact before trying to make his excuses and head back to...well anywhere else that was not there.

"Thank you Mother Constance but, I'm afraid I can't rightly stay this evening. Tesha could really use some of your attention more than I. I'll uh just come back later," he tried, scratching the back of his head awkwardly as he shifted to back away from her.

"Nonsense!" Constance sniffed, eyeing him with an all too familiar motherly sternness. Of course she knew Tesha was very upset in her room right now, and she knew that Kenneth was probably the cause for that tantrum she'd caught the tiniest glimpse of when her daughter stormed in. "Tershal's with her now, I'm sure everything will be fine."

Knowing the stubbornness of her sweet boy, Constance had no issue grabbing him by the arm and pulling him towards the kitchen. "You look positively wretched, sweetheart. Sit and eat and tell me what's got you two so upset. You'll feel better."

"I assure you, I'm quite well. Thank you though," Kenneth said becoming slightly more panicked as Constance attempted to lead him to the table. The last thing he wanted was to be here while Tesha was upset and likely to come storming back out and see him there. "Please Mother Constance I uhhh should really be off to report how everything went and all. And my um Aunt is probably worried sick waiting for me," he stuttered while grasping at straws to come with excuses and pull away. There was no way that Rowan would of course be worried. She had every faith in the boy and had always allowed him to do what he liked.

"You are not well and your aunt knows right where you're at, Kenneth." Constance told him sweetly, which was a stark contrast to the way she grabbed his ear and finished leading him to the table. She was a kind, motherly woman, but not the most patient with nonsense. Tugging him into a chair, she gave a simple command. "Sit."

She bustled about for a moment and placed a bowl of chicken and vegetable soup in front of him, and a thick slice of toast to go with it. "Now stop being contrary and eat. You know that I can't let you go hungry, and I'm far more stubborn than you are. Besides, I have a plate of your favorite cookies for dessert. Whatever is the matter can be fixed right up if you don't go running off at the first chance you get. Now tell me why Tesha is in her room bawling her eyes out instead of out here scarfing down her supper and picking on you."

That was how it would and should have been when the pair got home from working together.

Kenneth did his best not to complain as he was suddenly dragged by his ear into sitting. For such a small woman Constance certainly knew how to get things done. The young ranger did not dare argue with her further for fear of her doing something worse. Instead he stayed put even if he did sulk a bit and hang his head in defeat. Not even the mention of her amazing cooking and baking was enough to rouse his heart though from its guilt and sadness at hurting Tesha.

He winced at the very mention that Tesha was crying and then dropped his head into his arms on the table. "I hurt her," he declared, his voice muffled by the table. "She hates me and I broke her heart. I don't even deserve to be here."

"Of course you deserve to be here." Constance scowled at him. She knew the boy well enough to expect his resistance and his sulking once he realized she was not to be denied. It pained her, with a mother's concern, to see either of them so upset. Kenneth was not of her body, but the boy was as much her baby as Tesha.

"Tesha doesn't hate you." She said gently, coming around to lightly squeeze his shoulder and smooth her other hand over his hair as he kept his face down. "Why don't you tell me what happened?"

"She does hate me," he protested sullenly, resting his chin on his arms petulantly. "May I have a cookie now please?" Kenneth asked with round, pleading, wet eyes and a large pout before continuing to tell his story sadly. "I told Tesha I loved her and she got really, really made at me. And now I've completely ruined it forever and we'll never be friends again," he finished, choking on a sob that forced his face back into the comfort of his arms where he could hide his tears.

Constance placed the whole plate of cookies next to him. She could never say no to that face! If only she could fix everything right that second and make sure none of her babies ever hurt. Ah, but that was beyond even her mothering.

"That doesn't sound right at all." It had taken a mighty effort for her not to squeal when Kenneth said he'd told Tesha he loved her. She'd always thought they would be a wonderful and adorable little couple! Constance had been hoping that they'd get together for a few years now, she'd always suspected they might since the day they'd taken little Kenneth into their family fold.

"Tesha adores you. I know she does. Why would she be angry at you for loving her?" That was definitely the question. She made little comforting rubs on his back, feeling horrible to know that she had not one, but two, crying children. What had her daughter done to upset him so?!

Kenneth sneaked a hand out to swipe a cookie before dragging it into his self-made mini-fort. He nibbled on the cookie slowly before finally sitting up and taking large bites out of it until it was gone and reaching for another. "She's angry," he sniffled while swallowing a mouthful, "because I told her the truth and she disagreed. She hates me now. I broke her heart." Kenneth's voice cracked as tears openly fell down his cheeks. He wanted nothing more than a hug but was too ashamed to ask for one from the mother of the woman he loved.

"I told her I'm not worthy enough to be with her and she lost her mind. It was terrifying."

Constance wasn't sure what to really make of the whole situation. Although she had to agree with her daughter on something. "Kenneth Kent don't you dare say things like that in this house. You are like my own son, and it would make me so happy for you and Tesha to be together."

She pulled him into a fierce hug. There was little she would love more than to see Kenny with her daughter as more than just friends! Constance wanted grandchildren, and if any man were going to give them to her with Tesha it would definitely be Kenneth. She knew how much her daughter cared for the darling boy.

It was all too much for him. The moment Constance embraced him, Kenneth turned into a blubbering, sobbing mess. He clung to her fiercely, crying his heart out onto her shoulder as he did so. "She deserves so much more," he sobbed in a cracking voice. "I love her so much and I only want the best for her! That isn't me! Why won't she see that? I just want her happy. I just want my friend back." On and on he went, crying rivers into Constance's clothes as all of his pent-up emotions came surging forward and he shook with the force of it all.

Constance was a mother, first and foremost, so when Kenneth clung to her, sobbing and shaking with his emotions, she did what any mother would for her child. She tried to comfort and soothe him. Her hand gently rubbed his back as she held him, not even saying anything as she let the heaviest of the pain unload onto her dress in the form of fat tears. It didn't bother her. He wasn't the first baby to soak her clothing, and he wouldn't be the last.

"There, there..." She cooed softly, rocking him jut a little like one might a small child. "You have to get over this notion of thinking you know what's best for her. Tershal thought he knew what was best for me too, and look how that worked out for him."

She hadn't taken no for an answer, that's how. Now she had three wonderful children with him, and a very upset adopted one as well.

"I know enough to know I'm not it," he blubbered, still clinging to Constance fiercely. "I'm nothing like her! She's strong and beautiful and smart and and and she's made for better things, Mother Constance!" Kenneth pulled himself back to look at the woman sternly with red-rimmed eyes. "She is!"

His moment of character did not last long though as he slumped forward once more. "I'm not better things. I'm just somebody's castoff whose family only decided to show up because they felt guilty about moving on in life. I belong here. Tesha belongs out there! She loves all things not here and I'm here. Why can't she see that?"

"Well she obviously loves something here." Constance grumbled with no small amount of exasperation. Really? As dearly as she'd loved the boy, mothering him more than her own headstrong daughter (mostly because she felt that he needed it more), he could be a truly stubborn idiot.

Then again, she'd married a stubborn idiot.

"Tesha belongs here. We all belong here. We belong to the Shadows. She won't be out there except when serving the Shadows. If you ever want her to be happy then you need to understand that she has to find something that makes her happy here. You make her happy, Kenneth. I'm her mother, I know how she looks at you. All you're doing is making both of you miserable." It was probably all a waste of breath, but Constance had to try to appeal to his sensibilities.

Provided he had any.

Kenneth sighed weakly, feeling the weight of the world and his poor decisions crushing down on him. "Too late now. I've ruined everything then. She hates me for sure. I always ruin everything. I even ruined her." He sat up and attempted to drag himself out of his chair. "I should go home. I'm sure you want to see to Tesha anyway. Thank you Mother Constance," he spoke softly as he bowed. His face was a total expression of resigned acceptance of a life of misery in that moment. He wanted nothing more than to crawl into a dark hole and die.

Constance threw her hands up in frustration, clearly she was not getting through to him with her motherly affections and reassurances. Well, sometimes men were just stupid and would only listen to another man. Thank Shadows she had one of those on hand to assist her as Kenneth rose and attempted to retreat.

Tershal had appeared and gave a soft nod to Constance, who quickly went to see to her daughter, both parents tag-teaming the pair of wayward children.

"I doubt you've ruined anything, son." The grizzled older ranger offered softly as he laid a hand on Kenneth's shoulder gently. "Come into my study and let's talk for a bit. Tesha had quite a lot to say about your mission."

His breath caught in his lungs at the unexpected voice of his mentor and sole father-figure. Kenneth deflated at the older man's touch, his shoulders slumping and his head hanging like a man sent to the gallows. For a moment the boy's eyes squeezed tightly closed as he fought back tears before nodding his head jerkily.

"Yessir. I'm sure she did sir," he choked out, following sluggishly on the other ranger's heels. "I'm sorry for the trouble I've caused you and your family sir," he finally stated once they were in the study. The walk there though short had him sweating arrows for all the disappointment and despair he felt inside topped with fear of what Terahal would have to say about him and to him.

Tershal headed straight to his favorite armchair and settled down comfortably in front of the hearth, gesturing to the second chair.

"Sit." It wasn't posed as a request.

"I don't consider you to be any trouble, son. And you are our family." He had known Kenneth since the boy was, well, a boy. When Rowan had brought the youth to the city Tershal hadn't hesitated to take him under his wing, bringing him into his home like a member of the family. Constance certainly hadn't complained about having another child to mother.

The old ranger waited for Kenny to sit before letting out a tired sigh. "Are you alright?"

Kenneth didn't need to be told twice. He knew an order when he heard one. Upsetting Tershal Nallvir was very close to the bottom of the list of things he wanted to do right then. Hearing himself called family though made his heart sink, his head following it to star at his calloused hands currently in his lap.

"Yessir. I'm quite fine thank you. I-- I'm afraid I cannot say the same of your daughter though." He sighed heavily, feeling as if a heavy stone were crushing his chest with that exhale. "Forgive me but Mother Constance is likely also cross with me. I contradicted her and likely have upset her as well with my poor behavior. I"m sorry for the mess I've managed to cause you and your family sir."

For a long moment Tershal simply stared at Kenneth with his lone eye, taking in his demeanor and his words with equal measure. His expression was unreadable. When he spoke his gaze shifted to the hearth. "You do not seem fine, son. I wager my daughter is more fine than you are.The trials and tribulations of young love. Heh."

They were both his children, by blood or choice it hardly mattered.

"I wouldn't worry about Constance either, that woman has fussed over you since you arrived here years ago. You're quite popular with the women in my family, Kenneth." Tershal actually let out a deep chuckle. He'd been aware of his daughter's infatuation with the boy for a while, of course. If he was going to give his daughter up to another man, he could be quite okay with it being this one.

The young man pursed his lips, his shoulders drooping even further as he was called out on his fibbing. Of course, Tershal would notice. Nothing ever escaped him, especially from a pathetic and terrible liar like Kenneth. He couldn't even bring himself to protest knowing that there really was no use.

While comments of "young love" certainly made him wince it was the mention of his popularity with Nallvir family that made him truly groan and drop his head into his weary hands. "I can't tell if you're trying to help or make it worse," he bemoaned into his hands. "If you're going to kick the snot out of me for breaking your daughter's heart can we just get on with it? I know I probably deserve to suffer more but I'm pretty sure I can torture myself a lot better than you right now."

"Help." Of course Tershal was trying to help, but whether he was actually helping was another matter entirely. He saw a furtive movement in the doorway and his lips quirked slightly in a smirk. "I'm not going to kick you yet, that'll depend on what you do about making my daughter cry."

Tesha had paused in the doorway, watching her father and her...best friend? Her eyes were red and puffy, her face blotchy, she knew she looked a right mess, but she didn't care. When her father finished talking she barged into the room and practically tackled Kenneth. She hated fighting with him, at least like this.

"You're an idiot, but you're my idiot. Do you hear me? *Mine*."

A keening sound that perhaps was trying to be a laugh but came out more as a choked sob escaped Kenneth at the claim it was meant to help him. He didn't believe it. He couldn't believe it! He had done the unthinkable. He had hurt his dearest and most beloved friend, the beat to his heart, his Tesha. This was his family and he had utterly ruined everything. Yet, here was Tershal, ever the father figure in his life claiming he wanted to help him instead of harm him for hurting the man's daughter enough to make her, the unbreakable, unbeatable, unshakeable warrior queen, cry.

He was kept from answering further though as a solid body slammed into him, nearly sending him tumbling out of the chair and sprawling onto the floor. A well-placed foot was all that caught him as his hands instinctively went up and latched onto the body in his lap and held on fiercely. No matter how much she likely hated him, how much she wanted to tear him to pieces, how much she would likely break him, Kenneth was not about to let this love of his life fall.

"I am an idiot," he whispered back, too afraid to look at her as he clung to her tightly, tensed for the blows but unable to tear himself away when she smelled so much like home. "I am an idiot," he choked out. "An idiot that loves you and should never have said that and I'm so, so sorry Tesha. I'm sorry. I'm so, so sorry."

Kenneth loved her.

That was what she had wanted for so long. Tesha had adored this moronic man for years, had stayed by his side, had loved him in secret and he loved her. She clung to him tighter, burying her face against his should as he held her and apologized. The tears had stopped, but they started again as she stayed there in his lap.

"I love you, Kenny." Her words were whispered against the skin of his neck before she raised her head, fingers tangling in his hair, and pressed her lips against his. It was a wet, salty kiss, but it was wonderful all the same.

Tesha didn't even notice Tershal quietly slip from the room to give them a little privacy in their tumultuous moment.

His arms moved as if made of lead to wrap around her warrior's frame and cradle her close to his thrashing heart. They only squeezed tighter to hear her declaration of love and feel the brush of her lips against his own. For several moments he did nothing more than hold her. But as realisation set in and his heartbeat ceased roaring in his ears, Kenneth's mind finally caught up with her words and touch.

He gripped her bruisingly close, in complete contrast to the tender kiss he returned as gentle as a butterfly's wing. "You love me?" the young man breathed against her skin, eyes still closed with the adrenaline of their kiss. "I love you," he continued firmly as he embraced her close and nuzzled against her neck.

"Oh Tesha, please don't be teasing me. I can't survive this kind of joke. Just end me now if that's the case. Please."

Tesha didn't care that Kenny's hold on her was positively crushing, it was too much of a relief to be held tightly in his arms. Why had they even needed to fight over this? It seemed so pointless! All she wanted was exactly this, to be held by the man she loved as she clung desperately to him in return.

"I love you Kenneth Kent. I wouldn't joke about that." Her voice was hushed and a bit raw as she buried her face against his shoulder. Their bodies were already pressed so close, but she still tried to squirm even closer. "You'll be mine, right?"

One hand slid up to cradle the back of her head as he relaxed his hold enough to not crush her but continue to hold her close. With a heavy sigh he pressed his temple close to the top of her head, nuzzling tenderly and taking comfort in her presence.

It still didn't feel real. She was here. She as warm. She was holding him and yet....it still felt like a dream. Dream or not though, Kenneth was willing to see it to its end because he loved her. And more importantly, if he chose to believe the dream at least, she loved him.

"I have always been yours, Tesha," he murmured against her hair. "My heart is forever yours."