<em>Watching James leave, Ethan was filled with some doubt.  He was very glad to have this time with Anna alone together, but he felt bad that he let James go alone, knowing that.</em><br/><br/>"You know Anna, everything James said was spot on.  We both love you, and we've both seen the anguish you put yourself through...and now...Anna you're much too good to let ANYONE treat you in anyway other than...well...Anna you should be treated like a...oh hell, a princess, okay!?"<br/><br/><em>He felt like such a goof now, calling her a princess.  But in his eyes she always had been, even the first time he saw her in grade school.  He had wanted then to get to know her, and strangely enough, even at that young age, he imagined the two of them at the prom.  But before he could get to know her, or even meet her for that matter, she was gone.  And being a silly elementary school boy, his attentions, and affections were soon planted elsewhere.<br/><br/>In the back of his mind though, Ethan never forgot Anna.<br/><br/>When they finally met up in college, Ethan was dating another girl,  That relationship didn't last long at all, but as fate again was bound to keep he and Anna apart, she had already begun dating another boy as well.  They truly didn't seem meant for each other.<br/><br/>And now.  Ethan listened as Anna spoke of things, smiling at her, wanting nothing more than to gather her up in his arms and shield her from anything bad or harsh life might yet have in store for her.  <br/><br/>And now...now Ethan was almost positive that James was in love with Anna too.  After all the years they had spent together as best friends, how could Ethan not know that about him?  So it appeared yet another wall had been put up between he, and his lady love.<br/><br/>So he remained mute on that subject, stayed by her side, stroked her hand, and prayed that she would get better fast.  If she was now meant to be with James...if James could take care of her, and give her the life she deserved, Ethan wouldn't stand in their way.  As heart wrenching as it would be, he would be there for both of them in complete support.</em><br/><br/>"Yea, sorry my ass."<em>He chuckled when James returned and boasted of his hunger taking part of Ethan's pie.  Ethan didn't really care.  He was hungry for sure, but he could deal with James' shenanigans, especially if it brought a smile to Anna's face.</em><br/><br/>"Give over bro...and no worries, we were finished talking about you anyway."<br/><br/><em>Leaning down, Ethan brushed his lips against Anna's temple, then stood away from the bed to eat his pie.  He had made several revelations tonight, and while he would have desperately hoped for a different outcome.  He would make the most of the friendships between he, Anna, and James.  He would rather have her unrequited love, and retain her friendship, if that was what she wanted for happiness.</em>