I wonder, sometimes, if he realizes just how much I love him. During the day, when everyone is awake, and we are all searching for the Soul's Edge, there generally isn't much time to wonder such things. Not when I can see his eyes and how they soften when they meet my own, or when his lips curl up ever so slightly whenever we manage one of our oh so casual touches.

During the light of day, it is easy for me to believe that all is well. But at night, when everyone settles down, and we sleep in each other's arms, I start to wonder. I look at his peacefully sleeping face, slumber softening the delicate features so that he finally looks as young as he is and again wonder at the incredible fortune that has allowed this young man to enter into my life and give me such joy.

I trace his eyebrows with my fingers and smile when he nuzzles my hand as I move to trace the scar on his cheek. When my thumb coasts along his soft lips, they open slightly as he sighs. A lock of his hair has fallen across his face, and I smooth the silky tendrils back, placing a soft kiss on his forehead. Settling back down and wrapping my arms his lean form, I pray to the heavens that nothing disrupts this almost idyllic time of our quest.

I also pray that he finds peace for his soul. For all the strength in them, his shoulders seem too small for all the sorrow and responsibility that he carries. If there were some way that I could take his sorrow into myself, I would. There is nothing that I wouldn't do for this beautiful young man. Nothing. If I was told that the only way to ensure that he would have a long, happy life was to die for him, I would grab at that chance without a moment's thought. Not that he would let me.

Even my honor is nothing compared to my feelings for him. I would give up my country, my home, my family for him if he asked. There is enough honor and integrity in him, however, that I know he never will. That only makes me love him even more. It is amazing that my heart can contain such powerful passion for him without bursting.

His eyes flutter open and he smiles as he sees me watching him, his hand reaching up to rest on my cheek. When he speaks, his voice is rough and lazy with sleep, "Can't sleep?"

I smile back, cover his hand with my own, and turn my face so that I can place a kiss on his palm before settling them both over my heart. "Just thinking."

"You think too much," he yawns, "What about?"

The smile on my lips grows lopsided as I admit, "You, and how much I love you."

The corners of his eyes crinkle as he wrinkles his nose in amusement. "Go to sleep, old man."

I laugh softly and close my eyes obediently. He snorts and snuggles his body even more snugly against mine, burrowing his head under my chin. I can feel his warm breath against my chest as he sighs a soft, "Love you, too," and slips back into sleep. I realize that it doesn't matter if he realizes how deep my feelings for him run. It is enough that I know, and that he does love me back. It is enough. I rest my cheek against the softness of his hair and sleep, eagerly awaiting the next day.