[color=Ivory]". . . I know you are,"[/color] Jaden said with a sigh, the authority and undertone of anger leaving him as he ran a hand through his hair. He consider embracing Clara, patting down her hair, letting her knew that he did forgive her, at least, that he wanted to forgive her, but thought better of these actions. He didn't want to act too distant, but he also didn't feel right in trying to act like nothing had happened. [color=Ivory]"I should've been more truthful with you throughout the years, or at the very least, should've handled everything better. I failed you, I hurt you, and in your hurt, you sought comfort and support that I also failed to give. I. . . I was just so afraid of driving you away that I thought leaving you to your own devices would be for the best. I didn't want to push you. . . and in doing so I allowed Asmodeus to seduce you yet again."[/color]

With another sigh, Jaden fell backwards across the bed, wrapping himself up tightly in the covers, wrinkling his nose as the smell of sweat and sex surrounded him. [color=Ivory]"I'm more to blame for everything that happened last night then you are, as it is my failures and weakness that even lead you to that situation.[/color] Looking up at the ceiling with sapphire eyes, his mind wandering over his long life, remembering every failure and mistake he'd ever made. In the face of every negative thing in his life, a fire burned with them, a fire that momentarily burned away the darkness that had gathered in his soul. [color=Ivory]"But I'm not going to let it happen anymore."[/color]

Rising quickly into an upright position, Jaden gently gripped Clara's shoulder, looking her directly in the eyes as he spoke. [color=Ivory]"I promise you, from here on out, that I'm not going to fail you ever again. I will be honest with you, I will do my best for you, and I will never, ever let anyone hurt you again, myself included. In return, however, I want you to promise me, right here and now, that if Asmodeus ever manages to contact you again, do ignore him, to tell him off, to do anything but what he tells you. Okay?"[/color]