Thad fell silent as he felt the air around them change. As the conversation turned from friendly banter to serious he felt his world shift slightly. He felt nervous and uncomfortable. He knew what was coming from the way she spoke the words. His eyes looked down at the floor seeking something smart, gentle to say. Something that wouldn't sound childish or vane. He'd know this day was coming, but he never wanted it to. In that moment he realized there was no way he could ever be with anyone else. He loved her and for him that was all there was. To hear the confirmation from her lips. That she was his. No matter what happened from this point out. No matter who she was given to for marriage she was his. He felt his heart swell with joy and at the same time with intense sorrow. He felt it break just as it grew whole. It left him feeling distinctly confused and uncertain. Yet he knew this was how it had to be.<br/><br/>He looked up. Met her gaze and gently squeeze her hand. He saw the tears gathering in her eyes and felt them in his own. He swallowed the lump in his throat and pushed the emotions back. Shutting down the pain and tears and deep anger at the rules he wanted to rage at. It was so unfair. All he wanted was the right to love the woman he loved and be with her forever. Why couldn't they be together no matter what? Why? It didn't matter. He hurt so much, but this wasn't about him. He blinked a few times and gently took her into his arms. Holding her lightly.<br/><br/><span style="color: #FFFF80">"No matter what happens Cat, I'll always be yours alone. I'll always love you. No matter what. I will stay by your side. Everywhere and anywhere you go I shall go. No matter what is required. Regardless of the rules, or consequences or obligations. I'm going to be with you. Always and forever. Cat I am yours. Now, forever, and always,"</span>he whispered softly as he held her against him.<span style="color: #FFFF80">"No matter what the future holds we will face it together. Side by side. Regardless of my station, or yours, I will always be loyal and truthful to you. And you alone."</span><br/><br/>He held her gaze with his.<span style="color: #FFFF80">"I don't care what society requires Cat, I'll never stop loving you. Even if you marry and have kids and I'm nothing more then a nanny to them. I will always love you,"</span>he said letting her see that he would stand by her side to the end of time. He wouldn't leave, just because the rules said they couldn't be together. just because his feels were hurting worse then ever knowing the one thing he wanted above all else he could never have. Even knowing that he'd never be to her what he most desired because of societies rules.