A Long Due Encounter

A chill ran down his spine as he felt Arianna wrap her arms around him. A feeling so unfamiliar to him thanks to the years of separation. Holding her, he closed his eyes for a little while taking in the moment.

"Ari, it will be a waiting game. We don't want to jump into the water with sharks just yet. It's OK, though, we can do this. The best thing is we now know that each other is still alive. We have a purpose to keep pushing again."

Saying this, he put his hands on her shoulders and moved her out some to look down into her eyes, "I'll write to you, so expect a mountain of letters. I am willing to risk so I can hear your voice and see you even though we may be far away from each other."

Letting go of her, he turned to the pool table beside them and grabbed the small pad of paper used to keep score of the games played and the broken pencil. With both in hand, he wrote down how to contact him. Handing it over to her, he smiled and kissed her on the cheek.

"You can reach me with that. It's over a secure line so we can have a little bit of time alone before anyone notices our connection. I'll make an attempt to make a return trip back down here. Hopefully by then, we'll be ready to move the next step of our plan in motion. Until then, Ari, stay alive. You're a strong girl, I won't have to worry too much about you, but I will always worry just a little since you're the only person I have left to go home to."

He wiped away the small tear that was forming by her eye as he shook his head and chuckled. "You're almost acting like this will be the last time you see me again. Remember when you took off for Earth, you were really excited and told me not to worry. Looks like we have swapped roles! Ari, I'll be careful, I promise. You know I won't put myself in danger if it means I won't be seeing you again. I'll come back for you, this I promise."

Sighing, he closed his eyes and began the mental preparation that was needed so he could walk out of this place and head back to the 9th Combined Operations fleet. Collecting himself enough, Bryce took off from his wrist a watch with a leather band, time obviously showing its damage and wear. This was the only personal object he had of what his so-called family left behind before he had the pleasure of being with the Saoirses. He assumed it belonged to his father and has since worn the watch. Now, though, he thought it was time for Arianna to look after it for him as he handed it to her.

"Here, take it. If you have this, I have no choice but to come back for you! My wrist already feels naked without it! I've grown too used to that thing... Anyways... I love you Ari, I'll come back for you soon." He smiled, one last time to her before turning for the door, taking one last look at her before vanishing outside.