Arrow Lake Hold it, even though it kills you slowly

She studied his face in the terrifying silence, watching as shock gave way to an expression completely devoid of emotion. Her heart began to beat impossibly faster, as her mind raced with all the possible ways he might react. She was careful to keep her own expression guarded, though, even if she felt like she might implode from the intensity of the confusing and deafening quiet.

His features softened, but her heart sank painfully into her stomach when he finally spoke, as what he offered was somewhat cryptic. She knew he cared for her; that was nothing new. He hadn't really told her if he cared for her in the same way that she had just admitted she cared for him. So, was that his way of letting her down gently? Intellectually, she knew this had been a possibility, but she was not prepared for quite how painful it would be to learn that her feelings were not shared. An infinitesimal flicker of hurt shadowed her face, but she quickly regained control of her expression, not wanting his pity or to push him into saying anything more.

When he moved closer, she tensed a little, but then relaxed and closed whatever space remained between them. She pressed her face into the fur of his sturdy chest, surprised to still find comfort in his scent and warmth. He was still Mahler, afterall, even if he couldn't be to her what she so desperately longed for.