Redhawk Caldera then you'd love me, love me.

His encouragement sounded more like a command, and even a bit like a threat.  Fin peeked at him again, feeling wary.  She didn't protest for she realized that their relationship depended on her not screwing up.  Her stomach clenched with guilt again as she also realized what an insurmountable task that would prove to be for her.

Finley was quiet as he spoke.  Her mind was clouded with negativity, but she kept each argument to herself, knowing it would do them no good and she was simply in too dark a place to see the truth in his words or to take comfort in them.  She simply nodded, gazing solemnly down at her paws until he touched her and his final question drew her eyes fully to his face.

She stared at him for a moment in silence as though she wasn't entirely sure who he was.  Then finally, with a quiet voice, she asked, "You still.. want me?"  As though her own words had made her aware of the fact that she was staring right at him, she turned her muzzle slightly to hide the ugly scar upon her face.  Her eyes were still turned towards him meekly, her ears perking ever so slightly to capture his response.