[i]"Well, you've gotten used to using the fire, I see."[/i] Vance smiled as Victoria created a flame within her palm, watching the lively green fire dance with bright eyes. He then looked at his own palms, trying to recall what he had gained from killing the thing; he knew he gained something, at the very least. [i]"It's alright, Vic,"[/i] Vance told the Sister of Battle as she gulped; he could tell that Victoria still thought of what had happened that day with negativity. And so, he gently placed his right palm on the Sororitas' left cheek. [i]"None of it was your fault. It was I who led you to that shack, I who led you down those stairs... you did nothing wrong."[/i]

"I once thought, that.." [i]Victoria stopped herself from speaking, grabbing Vance's right hand with her own right hand, her pale fingers clutching his as she brought the two palms between herself and Vance, smiling with such a glee that would match a child upon his birthday as she looked up at Vance. It was done with such a softness that she was ironically known for, yet almost desperate, though Victoria held back that longing feeling of need quite well.[/i] "-I had thought that our meeting, and our alliance, was.. merely temporary. Something that I would cast aside. Something that I would forget. ...I didn't, how could I? It was the closest moments to what I once had.. a partnership, a friend.. I couldn't let that go. And the attic.. none of us knew. And yet, with all of my discipline and pretty symbols and medals, I.. I still fell. ...and you showed me true bravery, true.. friendship. No, beyond that.. love. I owe my life to you, Vance, yet I have nothing to give. All I have are words and.. love, which I-" [i]Victoria went quiet, suddenly shrugging as if worried, nervous, and hoping that Vance wouldn't catch on.[/i] "-You get what I mean.. right?"

Vance's face was completely blank, wondering if he had misinterpreted Victoria's words. He had a feeling that he probably did; after all, he was never really good with people... so he simply smiled slightly, tightening his hold on Victoria's hand affectionately. [i]"To be fair, it was you who was attacking it from close range, while I stood back and threw fire at it. Of course you'd sustain an injury or two... or maybe more than just an injury, but the point is, I couldn't've done it without you."[/i] He smiled, sitting himself down upon the bench while Victoria continued and spoke of owing her life and whatnot. [i]"I'm... not sure I understand, really,"[/i] He admitted–whatever 'love' Victoria spoke of was foreign, and so Vance was careful to not jump to conclusions. [i]"But had it not been for you, I'd've died the day we met. So even if you say that you owe me your life... we're technically even."[/i]

"Even? ...I suppose, then. Sure.." [i]Victoria nodded with a reassurance as she sat next to Vance, looking as if she would lean upon him before pulling away, breathing in as if attempting to remain casual and relaxed. She let go of Vance's hand, her own gripping the wooden base of the bench.[/i] "The love bit, it's.. complicated. It interferes with a lot of beliefs that I was taught, yet those beliefs have abandoned me in my darkest moments. I don't know how to explain it, truly."

[i]"You don't have to explain it if you find it difficult,"[/i] Vance said, raising an eyebrow. He wasn't dense or anything; he decided to trust his judgement and hopefully assume what Vic meant correctly. [i]"I... think I know what you mean.... It's... yeah, I'd imagine that it'd be quite difficult to explain without this getting rather awkward."[/i] Vance forced a laugh, averting his gaze by staring straight ahead as he spoke.

"I think it was already quite awkward." [i]Victoria stifled a snicker, still looking at Vance as she clasped her hands together. A sigh rang out, parting her lips, while her voice spoke up as well.[/i] "...Yeah. It's dangerous, and stupid, especially if.. if something happened, and I couldn't do anything to stop it. I know that, but.. I love you anyhow. This.. sounded a lot better in my head.."

[i]"Heh... yeah, I guess so."[/i] Vance shuffled slightly, not really knowing what to say in this situation... it was horribly awkward. [i]"I... I love you too, Vic,"[/i] He finally said, bringing up the courage to turn his head and look straight at the Sororitas. [i]"I love you."[/i] He said again, before his expression darkened ever so slightly, and he looked away to turn his face upwards, staring at the ceiling. He wanted to say something, but... he knew that he couldn't.

[i]Victoria turned her head back towards the direction of the young man, nodding as she leaned upon his body. Since she was somewhat shorter, her head rested against his shoulder, her breathing somewhat audible for Vance. She gripped his right arm, closing her eyes as if.. resting upon him. Victoria didn't know if she could say anything else, to be quite honest.[/i]