The walk back to find Hartley and Kip was more than uncomfortable for Crow. He wished Penelope would say something—[i]anything[/i]—to break the silence that had fallen between them. He would have done so, himself, but his tongue was tied with worry. He didn’t know what was going to become of their friendship now that Penelope seemed to have figured out about his feelings towards her. If only he had kept his mouth shut, he could have kept the secret longer.

He glanced at Penelope, only to find her deep in thought as well. [i]She’s probably trying to figure out the best way to let me down,[/i] he dropped his gaze wistfully. [i]Of course that’s what it is. She’s too nice to let me keep thinking I might someday have a chance with her.[/i] He felt a strange mixture of disappointment and relief at the thought. While he wanted desperately to have her, he knew he could never be with a knight. It didn’t make sense. At least this way, he would have some sense of closure.

Crow looked up again when they finally found Hartley and Kip. He frowned, noticing the distance between the two. [i]It’s just like me and Penelope right now,[/i] he noted dryly. Hartley must have told Kip the truth a little earlier than he had planned to, and she didn’t seem to be taking the news very well. He sighed. It had been too much to expect anything more of her. Why would any woman, even a peasant, choose to accept a thief?

As Penelope began questioning Hartley, it seemed that Crow’s suspicions were correct: He had been honest with Kip and she hadn’t taken him back. Crow opened his mouth to suggest that they just head back to the inn and call it a night, but Penelope spoke first, saying something he never expected.

[color=fff79a][b]“Well, stay here. I’m going to go talk to her.”[/b][/color]

He stared after her in surprise as she left to talk to Kip. What could she possibly have to say to change the girl’s mind? He suddenly remembered what she had said earlier: [i]I hope she accepts him. The poor kid has enough problems with his family. Last thing he needs is to be rejected just because he’s a thief.[/i] She really was going to try. He wondered again how far that courtesy was extended. Did she just think that way about thieves and peasants, or would she consider the possibility of a knight and a thief? [i]There’s no way,[/i] he reminded himself. [i]Don’t forget how uncomfortable she was when you complimented her. She doesn’t have feelings for you.[/i]

“So,” Hartley’s melancholic voice drew Crow from his thoughts. “What’s going on between you and Penelope?” He rolled his eyes when Crow spun on him with wide eyes. “Please. I can tell something happened. You both looked just as distant as Kip and I are right now.”

“It’s nothing,” Crow lied.

“Come on, Crow,” Hartley said blandly. “You’re more obvious than you think you are.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“Why do you think I was so aggressive in my pursuit of Penelope? I was trying to stay ahead of my competition.”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Crow averted his gaze. “I told you, we’re just—”

“Yeah, yeah,” Hartley interrupted. “‘You’re just friends.’ You keep saying that, but I’m starting to think it’s more for you than for me.”

Crow said nothing.

“Why won’t you tell her the truth?” Hartley asked. “You just made that big speech to me about how I needed to be honest with Kip, and how I’d never know if she’d accept me if I didn’t try.”

“It’s not the same,” Crow muttered. “Penelope is a knight. Knights and thieves are natural enemies. We may be able to be friends now, but it would be impossible to continue when we go back to our lives in Brerra. Besides, you and Kip were already courting before you became a thief. She has feelings for you. I doubt Penelope would want anything to do with me romantically, especially when she could have any nobleman she wants.”

“Sounds like a lot of excuses to me,” Hartley nudged him with his shoulder. “You think too much. Love doesn’t have to make sense. It isn’t logical. It’s just a feeling, and if Penelope feels it for you the way you do for her, then what’s stopping you?”

“I hate that you’re actually making sense right now,” Crow scoffed. “When did you get so wise, kid?”

“I always was,” Hartley smirked. “You just took a while to notice.”

“Alright,” Crow gave the boy a shove. “Don’t go getting a big head because you said one smart thing.”

Hartley laughed and then grew quiet as his eyes fell on the two women, “I just hope she cares strongly enough for me that she won’t be scared off…”

“With Penelope talking to her, I’m sure she’ll come around,” Crow rested a hand comfortingly on the boy’s shoulder. He looked up at Penelope, watching her from a distance. [i]Stop thinking, huh?[/i] he mused. [i]Maybe the kid is right.[/i]