Reflections of the Heart?

Zora almost laughed at Jude's words. In many many ways, he was so young, had an idealized view of the world even. She didn't want or think she could change Broen, hell she knew that you couldn't force feelings - from anyone. That wasn't what this was about, she wasn't even sure how much she liked Broen, yes she cared on a "I'd hate to see you die or get hurt way", but more than that... she wasn't sure. And even if Zora was sure, she wasn't sure she'd even pursue it even if Broen could care about her. Zora was not good at letting people in. Not on a romantic level anyways. It scared her and frankly, she didn't want or need the heartbreak if things went sideways.

"Jude. I am not wanting to change Broen, nor am I deluded into thinking I can change him, or that I'm somehow different," Zora told him gently but firmly.

"What I saw this evening in the pool means that, yes, there is a good chance I have undealt with feelings for him. But am I going to act or it? No, I am not. Broen has given me zero indication that he cares or is interested in me outside of the physical. And truthfully, I am okay with that." she told Jude, not sure he understood that.

"Besides, you saw him too. Does that not throw you in the same boat as me?" she asked truthfully. "Maybe your warnings to me, are not only for me but to remind yourself of that too?" she stated very gently.

"I understand that, Jude. What happened to Broen was beyond terrible, I can only imagine what was done to him," Zora said softly, and a hint of sadness, now frowning slightly, as everything starting to finally sink in - maybe it was the wine finally hitting her, maybe it was the talk, the baring of emotions that she frequently hid or a combination of everything. All Zora knew is that the knowledge that Broen had been hurt on some unrepairable level actually made her sad, angry, and somewhat protective of him - it was a very odd sensation, and it hit her completely by surprise.

"I won't say anything to him, I promise. I consider him ...somewhat important in my life, I guess," Zora admitted finally, as friend sounded strange to her and she refused to entertain more than that idea. "And therefore, I'd never do anything to hurt him or betray his trust," she told Jude very truthfully.