I Love You Anyways

"Did you just say what I think you said? Did I just hear you right? The man who always said that he would never fall in love admitting that he was wrong. Admitting that his was right."

Jace nods ``You did. I... With Ashilynn it's different. She walks into a room and I automatically become happy. I don't know why or how but she makes me feel alive again. I haven't felt this way... In years''

"Jace you can say since before mom died in front of me. I won't get mad. It happened long ago. The time for grieving her has long since passed. I know you blame yourself but don't. You haven't felt this happy since before mom died. I get it. I am happy for you brother. "

Jace just nods and finishes the salad. Not long after the pasta too is finished. The boys both make their own plates. Jace also makes Ashilynn a plate and Daniel grabs her a glass of cranberry juice. Then they head into the other room.

Ashilynn sits up when she sees the boys enter the room. Jace gives her a look of worry and love before handing her the plate he made her. Daniel follows suit and hands her the glass of juice.

"Thank you!" she says as she downs her drink faster than what would normally be possible. " I needed that. I may have overworked myself a little bit.

Jace looks at her passionately. "Yes love you did. At least you know how to prevent this in the future. May I ask what caused you to overdo it, or would that be inappropriate?"

Ashilynn gives him a small smile and speaks up. "You may ask but do not get mad at me for the answer... I wanted to be prepared in case I had to be the one to kill Tanner and I guess I overdid it just a smidgen. '' Ashilynn says, looking down at the floor with fear and shame written all over her face. " I guess it's kind of stupid but he was my best, and only friend in heaven and I knew it would throw me off if we met in battle later and I was unprepared to see him. I cannot hesitate when or if it does happen. I'm sorry I worried you all."

Gabriel looks at his daughter with tears in his eyes. "Ashilynn darling I can't pretend to know how you feel. I can tell you are blaming yourself for his choosing to leave but it's not your fault sweetie. He knew what he was doing."

Ashilynn looks over at her father as tears now start to fall from her own eyes. "But dad... Don't you see? It is my fault. I can't deny it. He proposed to me and I laughed in his face. Dad I turned him evil..." Ashilynn's shoulders start to shake uncontrollably as crocodile tears now stream down her face.

Both boys stay where they are.

Stunned at the scene going on before them. Ashilynn's father gets up and moves to the couch. He pulls her into a hug and holds her until she stops crying.

Finally Jace gets up and walks across the living room to hold her hand and comfort her.

"Ashilynn, darling you did nothing wrong. You knew in your heart that he was not your soul mate so you told him no. You gave both of you a chance to find true love. He chose not to accept your decision. He was the dumb one. Not you. " Jace leans closer and kisses her cheek. "Don't let his stupidity drag you down my love. You don't need that."

Ashilynn sniffles. "You're right. I shouldn't let him get to me like that. He didn't love me the way he thought he did. I did not love him either. I did the right thing. Sorry about training boys. We will try again tomorrow morning. For now let's just eat and watch a movie. I'm plum tuckered out and could use a break.