Dakota sat next to his windowsill, strumming his guitar with a soft sigh. He looked out the window, frowning when he saw Lucia. How can he talk to her about how he felt? They've been together for a few years now, so this should be easy! He felt speaking with her was easy. They had common interests, she listened and cared about his feelings, but...

Dakota wiped away the tears he felt forming. He loved seeing how happy she was, and loved hearing about her interests. Why was it so hard to ask if they could spend more time together like they use to? When they were kids, and when they first reunited. He loved the times he could spend most of his day with her.

He shook his head, carefully setting his guitar against the wall. This always happened. He'd close himself off and distance himself. No matter who it was. He hated to admit it, but he knew he was scared, no terrified, of Lucia losing interest in him. Why he always distanced himself first. Losing her would be easier that way.

He got up, trying to calm himself down, then left out the back door. Dakota headed out into the backyard toward the wooded area. He felt safe in his little spot. Plants and trees surrounding him, a vine swing made with his own plant magic. He took in a deep breath and sat on a log to think.

Lucia was coming to visit her boyfriend. She noticed how he'd been acting different lately, and was wondering what was going on. She glanced at his window, frowning when she saw him lost in thought. What was wrong? She went into the house, saying a hello to Dakota's dad, then went to his room. When he wasn't there, she paused to think. He couldn't have gone far in such a short time. There's only one place he'd be that he showed her.

Lucia made her way into the woods, searching for that special little area of Dakota's. She didn't normally go there without him, but she had to find out what was going on. When she found him, Lucia sat next to him on the log.

“Dakota, what's wrong. You know you can talk to me, right? I've been worried about you since you started acting like this! Can we talk about it?”