you again (landon)

[landon james hart]

Landon knew that there was too much that Carter gave away through her eyes. He had been reading them since they were much, much younger and knew her better than anyone in the world...with the exception of Norah. There were some things that Norah just knew better period because she was a girl and girls understood other girls better. Now was especially a time when he wished that Norah were here because she could get anything out of Carter...plus, things probably wouldn't be like this if Norah were still around. In fact, he knew that life would be vastly different if Norah were still alive. He probably would have married Carter given the chance and in fact, wanted to. The only problem was never having the chance to tell her how he felt back then, before Norah died and before she disappeared for twelve years from his life. Now he was married to another woman, amidst a separation that could end in divorce.

Carter averted her gaze and Landon felt guiltier than ever for everything she had gone through. He had wanted to be there for her after and should have tried harder to find her than he did. When she started getting down on herself, not even looking him in the eyes anymore, Landon kicked himself in the ass for being such a jerk. When she walked away, he caught up with her again and took her hand. "I don't want you out of my hair Carter. Just the opposite in fact...I want you in my life. I miss my friend. And with the way my life is going lately, I'm gonna need a friend." Landon knew that with the way things were going with Eleanor, he would be filing divorce papers within a month or two. Nothing was working for them anymore and he knew that it hadn't for a long, long time.

[carter alyssa noble]

Carter gasped and turned to him when he caught her hand. Her eyes went directly to where they touched. His skin was so warm on hers, just like she remembered it. They didn't touch often when they were in high school, but when they did, the heat was something that always surprised Carter. He was much warmer than any other man she'd ever touched. He felt safe, even now, when her eyes caught his and she was still afraid. She felt safe with him. And she felt like she had to protect him, not run away from him. She wanted to comfort him like he made her feel, even after all these years, with just one small touch.

But at the same time, she was still apprehensive. Landon was different, she was different... Things had changed, and though he wanted her as a friend, missed her even, Carter wasn't sure they could ever be the same. At this point, she would want something more. She would want to know what his skin felt like against hers, what he looked like when he was sleeping. All those personal things that only lovers knew. But Landon was married, and he was the type who would stay true. Carter would never know those things. And that would hurt worst of all. "Landon, I..." Should she tell him about the war going on in her mind? Definitely not. But she could at least reach out to him. "Look, Landon... I'm screwed up. I know that. I don't want to disappoint you, and I know I will. There's no use arguing about it." She smiled sadly at him. "Just... Go home to your wife." She slipped her hand out of Landon's and turned away from him.