The top of the Astronomy Tower.

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Sareph stands on top of the tower, looking out over the landscape, not wanting to be disturbed.

Ruin had left his chamber, anger stirring inside him. He shook his head and let his feet carry him to where ever they wished to go. After about half an hour of wandering around, Ruin ended up at the top of the Astronomy tower. He sighed and sat down on the floor, his back against a wall. He closed his eyes and let his head fall back against the wall as well, breathing deeply.

Aimee had searched everywhere for Ruin, and as she'd began to give up hope she found him, up on the astronomy tower.

'Ruin... I'm so sorry about Apollo, I don't know what's gotten into him' She saide, standing timidly by the door.

Ruin looked up, and stared at her for a few moments. "It's not your fault." he said, his voice quiet. "Please, just come talk to me." he said, his voice shaking slightly.

She walked over and kissed him lightly. She sast next to him and layed her head on his shoulder and breathed deep. 'What do you wish to talk about?' She asked.

He let out a soft sigh. "Why aren't we spending time together?" he asked, bringing his knees up like always. "And why are you so uncomfortable around me?"

She breathed out shakily. 'I wish I could tell you but I have no idea myself. I...' She paused, unsure of how to continue. 'I... I think I love but you scare me because of that. Love was never in my plan. I never know what to do when I'm with you, or how to act.' I say.

He cupped her cheek with his hand. "You act like yourself, just not so closed off to me. I want you to be able to be honest with me, and open and tell me when something is bothering you. Like the other day when you were in pain. You just kept avoiding me." he let out a sigh. "I need you to be able to trust me Aimee."

'The other day was nothing just lie I said at the time and I do...'She hesitated... How could she tell him she trusted no one?
She looked to the ground and said nothing. Hoping he would leave the subject of trust well alone.

Ruin frowned, "You don't trust me." he said, looking at her. "We need to be able to trust each other." he said, chewing on his lower lip. "Aimee, I know I love you. There's no doubt in my mind. I was very close to making a....you know. But how can I give something like that to you, when you don't trust me."

She frowned and carried on looking to the floor. 'I do trust you... In my own way. Just like I love you in my own way. I'm sorry if that's not good enough for you but that's all I can give you. Trust isn't I think I give lightly. In fact, there is no one on this earth, myself included that I trust.' She said, looking into his eyes halfway through, her eyes regretful.

"I can accept that you love and trust me in your own way. However, I want you to be straight forward with me. I don't want you to be beat around the bush and give me half answers."

He flies up through the floor of the tower, seeing Aimee and a guy there. ''G'day there!'' He smiles and hovers before them.

"Is there no privacy anywhere in this damn castle!" he said, clearly frustrated.

She stood and walked over to the side, looking down. 'That's something you have to accept about me.' She said sadly. Ruin would never her deepest darkest secrets, the reason why she was the way she was.

''Nope, nu-uh, sorry. As a ghost, I don't really care for privacy, so go on with whatever you were saying.'' He smiles and floats on his back in lazy circles.

Ruin stood, letting out a heavy sigh, and walked over to Aimee. "See this is what I'm talking about. You run from me." he said, turning the girl to face him.

'I... I don't run from anyone.' She looked him in the eyes and said, her voice full of regret. 'I can give you anything but not what you ask. Not fully. Maybe we should,...' She broked off.

The ghost of Serenity floated up to the top of the astronomy tower and saw another ghost interfering in the affairs of students. 'Come along now. You know ghosts are banished from the castle for interfering in the lives of the students. We should leave now.'

She swept the ghost along with her and together they left the breathers to their peace.

He grumbled but flew along after her.

Ruin stared at her, words leaving him for a moment. "If that's what you wish. So be it." he shook his head and let her go. Hold back until you're away from her. "I don't want that...I....I don't." he closed his eyes and took a shaky breath. "Aimee..." his voice broke and turned so his back was to her, his shoulders shaking slightly.

She reached out to touch him, but stopped herself, her hand hanging there in mid air for a moment before dropping to her side. She sighed. 'I don't know how we can carry on without you being hurt and I may not be a nice person but I don't want to hurt you.' For the 1st time in a long time, she felt tears in her eyes, and she let one drop out, it tracing a path down her cheek, glistening slightly in the weak sun that was shining down on them.

A large raven flew in and thrust a scroll into Aimee's hand and pecked her furiously until she unscrolled it and read it. It was from Apollo enchanted so that only Aimee could read it. It read:


Aimee!

What the hell do you think you're doing? It needs no explanation that a bond exists between us that has existed between so very few people. You should also know that that bonds allows us a glimpse into the emotional state of the other.

I know what's going on – oh, I'm not there but I know as surely as if I were, because you are there! – and I tell you now: do not do what you know you will regret. You know you do not want to break up with Ruin so for once defy the curse of our twisted family and go for it. What do you have to lose by trying? Surely a lot. What do you have to lose from not trying? Everything.

Oh, definitely, I am a hypocrite to speak these words, but let them spur you into the right action rather than gnaw away at your soul ever after!

Do not let fear restrict you

Apo

After taking a deep breath and turning, Ruin looked at her. "Aimee I'm only hurt because you don't open up to me. I don't understand why?" Tears were falling freely from his eyes now. "I would never ever take advantage of that kind of vulnerability."

She read it and frowned. She let it fall to the floor, his words sparking another tear to fall, the shook her head. What does he know of love? Or of me for that matter? She thought to herself.

She turned away, unable to see his tears. 'I can't explain. I never will. Just...' She shook her head. What was the point She thought grimly to herself and shut her eyes.