The Walking Paths

*Kenoo and his air were finally coming to an end, and as much as he wanted the kiss to continue he knew it would have to stop. With one last long kiss Kenoo pulled back and let his lunges refill*

Keller made a small whimper of protest, as he pulled away. Although her breathing had been fine--- by breathing through her nose--- she took in a deep breath of air. "Kenoo..." she said, breathing out.

*Kenoo closed his eyes and waited for all his air to come back. As he waited her heard her call his name. With his eyes still closed he spoke*

Yes

Keller smiled, as the words left her mouth, "Did you know you taste extremly good...?"

*Kenoo flashed a small smirk and opened his right eye*

No I didn't know that...what do I exactly taste like?

Keller smiled, her hand still pressed against his stomach. "Cherries.... Cherries and vanilla..."

*Kenno's smirk turned into a smile, as he opened his left eye as well*

Well that's news to me...cherries and vanilla...

Keller laughed--- musical and light, her laugh, "Yep, cherries and vanilla. Very good, together." she said.

Keller looked into his eyes, "Well, if you ever get the chance, try them..." she said.

Maybe I can try them with you one day

*Kenoo slowly began moveing his fingers up and down her back*

Keller shivered from his touches, "I think we can arrange that..."

*Upon feeling her shiver Kenoo lend up and kissed her softly*

Glad to hear it

Keller kissed back, momentarily, then pulled away. Gently, she layed her head on his chest--- still sitting in his lap.

*Kenoo leaned back more until he laid completely flat. He made sure to keep Keller wrapped in his arms as he moved*

For the first time in a long time. I am truly at peace and it's all because of you

Keller snuggled up against Kenoo, moving even closer to him. "You do not know how much that means to me..." Her voice was calm, soothed, as she listened to his steady heartbeat, "To have been the one.... to have made that happen..."

*Kenoo smiled at her saying she was happy, but then slowly that smile faded*

Keller before you move any futher with me. I must let you know something

Keller looked up at him, gently laying her chin on his chest. Her tone, her expression, her eyes--- everything about her was suddenly serious, completely content on listening to what he had to say, "Yes?"

*Kenoo took a deep breath and looked into her eyes*

I am not a very good or nice person outside of the time I spend with you. When I'm not with you I show no signs of emotion or weakness. Because of that people may try to use you to get to me. I want you to promise me, that if anybody should do that. You will run and let me take care of it. I don't want you to see me as the monster I truly am.

Keller looked into his eyes, listening to every word he said. Carefully, she sat up, taking in his words. "Kenoo..." she trailed off, shaking her head. Reaching up, she cupped his cheek, gently, and rubbed his cheek with her thumb. "Kenoo... I just cannot promise that.... Not only... can I not swallow my pride enough to let someone else.... do that..... But.... No, Kenoo... I do not care what you are... or how you act. I love you... and I will not leave your side, especially if this were to happen." she said, stubbornly.

*Kenoo let out a small sigh. He had figured she wouldn't do it*

They will put you in danger to make me weak. I can not allow that, please just do it for me

Keller crawled out of Kenoo's lap, and sat beside him. She pulled one leg to her chest, but kept the other one outstetched. Her eyes ran along the path, traced the outline of the trees in front of them, looked at the sky--- darting from star to star. They looked everywhere but at Kenoo. "I canno-can-cann..." For the first time in a long time, Keller stuttered. Kenoo had flustered her, even hurt her unknowingly. Not being able to please him pained her, even killed her inside.

*Kenoo set up next to her*

Keller I love you and I don't want to see anything hurt you. Please understand

Keller turned towards him, and pressed her head against his shoulder, as unreasonable tears started to flow down her flushed cheeks. "Kenoo.... I understand.... But... as mu-much as I hate it.... I just cannot do what.... what you asked..." The tears freely slid down her cheeks, her small frame shaking from some many emotions.

*Kenoo raised his head to her face and wiped the falling tears*

Its fine, just please stop crying