{E1}

"Now there's nothing in the way"

Ash smiled down at her. Her hand rested on his cheek, her thumb gliding along his cheekbone. They held each other in a warm, loving embrace.
"Happy?"
"Very." She didn't want to let go, she would prefer to stay there for longer, but she knew all good things had to end eventually. "Can we not stay like this for a while longer?"
"I'm afraid not, ma'am, you're on a busy schedule today." They pulled away and he walked to her bedroom door, opening it to allow her access to the hallway.

German, with Mr. Brandt. She couldn't really concentrate on what he was saying or trying to teach her. Her eyes would often wander, her mind as well. It didn't annoy Mr. Brandt, since he would still be paid even if she wasn't learning anything. More lessons, more money, all in his favour.

Now it was music with Mrs. Dalton, of course Lia would pay attention as much as possible, the woman scared her. But again, her mind would wander as she played the piano, she thought about how her and Ash played it together when she struggled, how he helped her when she didn't ask for it.

Her mind always wandered to the same thing. Ash Landers. She couldn't get rid of him, not that she'd mind.

Dancing lessons was a real struggle. How could she not think of him since he was right in front of her, smiling. Replacing her normal dancing teacher since he was ill. "Are you ready?"
"You know what happened last time we danced, it may have been a few months ago but how can I not think of that?"
"Act like it's not me teaching you."
"Ash, I've never met another white haired and amethyst eyed man, I can't imagine anyone else." After a bit more of conversation they had started to dance to the music that played. Of course, Lia was better this time round since she wasn't intoxicated this time. His hand rested on her waist, her hand on his shoulder, other hands holding each other's.

The family sat at the dining table. John, Marion, Samuel, Daniel and Lia. There were casual conversations passed around among them.
"Lia, you really need to start thinking about marriage."
"Oh John, not now, please?"
"No Mari, she's had plenty of time on this, it needs to happen soon."
"Father, I've told you I'm not marrying anyone unless I love them for who they are, not their status or wealth." The meal seemed to drag after that.

Finally, she had free time. She decided to take a walk, bringing Ash along with her. The spring breeze hit her, she shivered but she was relaxed by it. They walked to a clearing and something changed within her. Her eyes met his, she smiled before she hitched up the front of her dress a little a broke out into a sprint, holding her hand out at the breeze hit her face. He followed. Their hands meeting like then often would.

They ran. Without any reason, but they didn't need one.

She pulled him close, resting her back against the trunk of the tree. She laughed, still trying to catch her breath. Their foreheads pressed together as they looked into each other's eyes, huge smiles plastered on their faces.
"Will you stay with me forever?"
"I will, for eternity, Lia." He'd finally called her by her name, which made her smile grow, if it was even possible. Her hand on his cheek brought them closer until their lips met.

"When the walls come down."