This is dedicated to @moonwatchersister for suggesting it.

I stared at him in shock as I processed what he had just said to me. Blushing, I giggled then managed to choke out a response.

"I love you too." It was quiet, but he heard me. Before I could do anything too stupid I leaned in and kissed him.

I pulled away though as I heard the sound of talons coming towards us.

Another student at Jade Mountain Academy came in, Turtle, and saw us awkwardly sitting there. The young Seawing looked at me, then Clay, then back at me. Smiling he promptly turned around and left the cave.

"Tsunami wants you to come help teach a class Clay." He called over his shoulder as he exited the cave.

For what seemed like an eternity, but was probably only a few minuets neither of us spoke. Trying to avoid his gaze I poked at the few strands of grass that managed to grow this deep in the mountain. When I touched them they immediately disintegrated. Turing my gaze away from the ashes of what was once a beautiful living thing, even if it was only a few strands of grass, I looked out at the calm waters of the underground lake. I couldn't help, but wonder why Clay had said that.

"I better go now before Tsunami gets mad." Clay stammered as he slowly got up to leave. I watched him as he walked away, limping slightly, before I turned my attention back to the clear, calm, turquoise water.

Returning to the thoughts that I had abandoned only moments ago I felt myself grow sad. The promise that everything seemed to hold in that split second that I had kissed him disappeared, leaving me back with that feeling of emptiness that I had come to despise. I realized that someone as perfect as him could ever love someone like me.

In that moment I also came to the realization that maybe he did love me. That there was a chance that the words that he had spoken not too long ago were true. After no one ever wanting to be around me, or even just accept me for who I am, he did. He did and I couldn't even believe him. Coming to the conclusion that he didn't mean it I stood up to leave.

As I left the cave and walked down the hallway I realized that what he had said was true. With a new jump in my step I continued along replaying the words in my head over and over. He said that he loved me. In that moment a felt a burning love for him. He loved me for who I was and I loved him for who he was.

That was......deep. I don't know what happened. I just got swept up in the story I guess. I like writing from Peril's point of view. The need to be accepted just opens up the doors to a lot of different stories. Wow......... Let me know if you want me to do a certain ship.