~ A friend in need....~<br/><br/>His pat on her behind, really a stroke more than a swipe, almost weakened her resolve enough to make her turn and kiss him again, but looking out across the sand and seeing Kira's taught back made Maddi walk towards her still, her steps making no sound at all on the soft sand.<br/><br/>She looked over her shoulder at Elijah for a moment smiling a sweet promise, his words had robbed  her of her own but she knew later she would be able to tell him again what was in her heart, she felt it was only right that she did, not because he would expect it, but because if she didn't tell him just how much she wanted to be with him forever there would be no truth between them and she wanted no hidden half-truths to take whatever chance she had of happiness away.<br/><br/>As she drew nearer to Kira she also swallowed back the tremor of fear which went with that decision, not wanting to face the possibility that he may not want what she wanted.........<br/><br/>Then she reached out and concentrated on her friend, one step at a time<br/><br/>"How are you holding up sweetie?" she asked, her hand stroking Kira's back and shoulder.  She stayed behind her, her other hand coming up to match the other, gently caressing her neck and the sun-kissed skin. Maddi thought that Kira might need a moment to compose herself, so she stayed behind her freind, letting their bond of friendship just settle around them and giving her the space to both talk and look at her only when she was ready.