[b]"There is something which bothers me, though."[/b] He said from behind her. She stopped and turned to look at him, still holding his hand. Her eyes held curiosity as well as a tinge of worry. [b]"Is that you said that we were supposed to bring a friend..."[/b] He continued. She tilted her head, confused. 

[i]Why would he be confused abou-[/i]

[b]"And not a romantic partner."[/b] He finished, interrupting her thoughts. She felt her body tense her, her mind shooting towards thoughts about Xanthus. Her eyes went down to the hand holding Bael's, aimed at the ring on her finger. She took in a deep breath and looking back up at his face, her eyes sad and almost... broken in appearance. [b]"Romance isn't something I'm really looking for..."[/b] She explained, trailing off. She looked off in another direction and pulled her hand away. 

[i]I'm probably hurting him by touching him anyway...[/i]

[b]"Hey, I'm just kidding and all. Don't get your hopes up! The music is getting louder, means we're likely closer. Let's hurry."[/b] Bael interjected, smiling at her. She looked up at him, her face still reflecting her depression. [b]"Yes... Let's hurry."[/b] She mumbled, sending him a small smile. She walked off a bit ahead of him and turned to face him, smiling warmly, a sad depression found in her eyes. She took her right hand and placed it over her left ring finger, pushing the ring around. [b]"Coming?"[/b] She asked and motioned her head toward the door they were very nearly at.