His heart thumped in his chest, his eyes locked on hers. She was twisting, her body and her words both, her feet shuffling and almost moving on the path. Time seemed to stretch out and, as if in slow motion, Robbie could see the conflicting emotions play across her face. It was like watching a stormy sea calm, waves subsiding, only to be replaced, then, by a new turmoil from below. He couldn't be sure if what she said about her father was true or not, Robbie had been too young when they had all lived in Cherryville to really get a sense of what her father was and wasn't capable of. Still, it made sense, in a terrible way, and he was suddenly struck by how awful it must have been to have been so jarringly separated from everyone she had thought were friends.<br/><br/>She was fighting with herself, emotions flickering and words tumbling from her lips, and he could do nothing but watch, concern in his eyes, as she tried to deny feelings that were, as she spoke, rekindling in his breast. She was sweet, CC, ever so sweet. And funny. And kind. And clever. All the things that the awkward kid he had been had admired. He had relished their private time together, going over homework or just walking around or cycling without the other four. He'd loved their whole gang, of course, but what he and CC had had was special. Stolen moments of youth.<br/><br/>"I can. I do" he murmured, eyes fixed on hers. Her cheeks were flushed and he knew his must be to. He tugged on her hand, slowly, reeling her in like a fisherman despite the panicked staccato beat of his heart. "People change, CC, but you and I haven't. Not what we had between us. I've been on a promise for you forever, Callie Coleman, and I think its time you realised that".<br/><br/>And, with more courage than he had ever mustered in his entire life, he tugged her to him and planted an earnest, caring, passionate kiss on her surprised lips.