She agrees to the kiss.

A kiss wasn't much to ask, but Venus knew that Ace was hoping to cajole much more out of her. Venus knew Ace liked her, and if she wasn't so focused on ****, she could see herself settling down and living happily with someone like him. Ace was a good man, and he always had his companions' backs.

But with so much on her mind, she wasn't sure she could open herself up to someone like Ace. Not in the ways that he wanted. She could see the hope in his eyes and it hurt her knowing that she was fighting to keep herself from loving anyone like she had her family. Losing everything the way she had, made her afraid to love someone so much.

"Ace you are a nice guy. I do like you alot."

"But," He said, knowing it was coming. His expressions were so easy to read and he was starting to look like a hurt puppy to her.

"I don't want you getting hurt hoping I'll give you everything you want. I'll give you a kiss Ace, but please don't ask for more."

Before he could even begin to utter another word, she gave him a soft kiss on his cheek. She started to turn away but he put his hands on her shoulders and stopped her. She looked back at him and his eyes were warm and hopeful.

"Venus, I know you hurt. I know you are scared. Everyone in the Guild can see it. You work yourself to **** and you never ask for help. **** is everything to you. I know you lost for family, but don't be afraid of letting your new family in. That's what we are Venus. Every man and woman in the Hunters would give their lives to help you in any way you can. Please don't shut us out. Don't shut me out."

She could feel tears coming to her eyes. She had never thought of it in the way he put it. The Hunters as her family? Tychus had took her in and the Guild had wrapped her in their way of life. They had trained her, and watched over her. She always had a warm bed and food waiting by a nice fire any time she needed it. Maybe he was right. Maybe she did have a new family.

Ace smiled as he saw this new idea dawn on her. He wrapped his arms around her and pulled her into an embrace and held her to him. Before she knew it, the tears she had been holding back began to flow. She missed her parents and sister, but she hadn't realized that other people cared about her so much. She cried into his shoulder as he rubbed her head and back lovingly. When she cried all she could, he allowed her to pull away so she could rub the tears from her face.

Once she was done, he cupped her face in his palms and gently kissed her lips. She pressed against him and returned the kiss in return, no longer fighting him. He held the kiss for a few moments then released her.

"You finally get it Venus. I wont ask you for more. But I hope you think about it. I'll go see if I can get a room for the night and then tomorrow we can set out for Regis."

Ace started to turn to leave, but she caught his arm. When he turned, she stood there looking nervous and not meeting his eyes.

"Ace.... I...."

Ace waited patiently for her to get out her feelings.