Ben smiled really big when she rested her head on his shoulder. And when she grabbed his hand, his heart melted. He gave a laugh at her question. He was quiet for a minute, thinking on where to start the story of his travels. "My travels began when i graduated high school... I gathered up all the money i spent working at two jobs in the mountains of the United States, and took off.. I guess my father's death also made me want to escape from my hometown...I started off in Mexico where i saw the ancient Aztec ruins, and seeing all the things that i loved. I learned about the cultures, and the history...And then i went down towards South America... where i went through the rainforest with some guides of course... and after a while, i went on my own, and wandered... I met different tribes who gave me advice, and food and supplies that i used... I tried to join their tribes, and if i did, i got the tattoo to prove it." He pointed to them with his free hand. He then went on to talking about Europe. How he's visited Stonehenge, and Paris, and the underground world under the streets. He went on for a little bit, telling stories about how he went canoeing on rivers, rock climbing on the mountains in the Alps, and how he learned classical guitar in Spain. There were many stories, but he didn't want to bore her too much. "And now i'm here..." he said, hesitating a second before putting his head on hers, looking at the water. "You want to know something? I think this little island is my favorite place i've visited." he said with a smile.

Ben's life was so fascinating! How could he think that this island was more interesting or better than the Amazon or the underground streets of Paris? Feeling the weight of Ben's head on hers, Aria closed her eyes,
"Why? We are just a small island, cut off from anything new or exciting. We are stuck in the past." Shaking her head, Aria leant back to look more closely at Ben. She was very aware of how close they were now, the feel of their skin touching.

"I think thats why i like it so much.. This island has it all in my opinion... It has the the exciting places like the waterfalls and this cavern... It has nice, and honest people. The dance last night was fun, and exciting, and full of culture and music. Its calming. Its a place where there isn't a lot of tourists coming out and destroying the beauty of this place..." He said quietly, "I think the best part about this island though is you... You've shown me amazing hospitality, and kindness... and you truly are an incredible woman. I don't know why anyone would want to change your personality... Its perfect to me." he said quietly, looking in her eyes again, their faces close together. God she was beautiful.

Feeling empowered by his words, Aria raised her hand and caressed Ben's cheek. He was so handsome, and she felt truly connected to him somehow, like she had been waiting all of her life to meet this man. It felt as though they had always known one another, and now that he was here and had impacted Aria's life in the way he had, exposing his way of life to her, there was no way Aria would ever be content to stay on the island, especially after Ben left. The sudden dark thought made Aria drop her hand away from Ben's face. They were getting too close, and Aria wouldn't be able to stand it if they were to do anything and then had to say goodbye in a matter of days.

Ben's spine shivered at the touch of her hand on his cheek, he looked at her. He wouldn't want to be anywhere else but her at this moment.Not in the amazon, or climbing the Alps, or on a ship crossing the Atlantic. Aria felt like his other half in a way. They both craved that adventure, the rush of going somewhere new and daring. His heart sank a bit when her hand left. it felt cold. He gave a soft kiss to her velvet skin on her cheek. "I have pictures of the places i visited back at my room... maybe sometime i could show you them?" He asked, giving her a small smile, wanting to kiss her again, but knowing he shouldn't... not yet anway.

Taking in a breath Aria did the hardest thing by far that she had done in a very long time. The kiss on her cheek had set the spot on fire, it felt like her skin was glowing, but even though she longed for Ben to take her in his arms and hold her tight Aria made herself scoot away from him, needing the space to think clearly for the first time that day.
"What are we doing, Ben?" She asked quietly, not meeting his eyes,
"You're leaving at the end of the week and we're getting too close." Aria sighed and stood up, she bit her lip to keep the tears from welling up in her eyes,
"I can't do this... I have to go," She said, turning away and scrambling over the sharp rocks, ignoring the pain from the cuts she was receiving until she got to the sand again.

Ben looked at her, his heart sinking as he heard her talking. When she stormed off, he went after her, wincing at the pain from the rocks, but not stopping. "Aria! Wait!" He called after her. Her words hurt. And they stuck to him. When he landed on the sand, he looked around for Aria. She was already gone. He felt a deep pit in his stomach. Although he only knew her for a short time, he couldn't let her go like that... He couldn't just leave after this... The festival...! He could talk to her at the festival... He'll try to win her ribbon... and they will go to the beach... and he will tell her he would stay as long as long as he could be with her... or she could travel the world with him...

Aria could hear Ben calling for her, but she kept running. She had to break this off before Benjamin broke her heart. Jogging off the beach and back to their discarded clothes, she then went back into the town, Aria ran through the square and up the path to her home. There she holed up in the kitchen, baking and cleaning for her mother, doing whatever she said. As Aria chopped fruit for a pie she couldn't help but think that maybe she was meant to stay on this island, to be stuck here. The thought made her want to vomit, but she saw no other option, it would be her only way of forgetting Ben.

Later that evening Aria helped her mother carry pies down to the square for the festival, her dress cleaned and her blue ribbon tying back her hair. Boys from the town watched her as she walked by, she knew that they liked the look of the wild girl looking more like a local girl. At her family's stall, Aria stood behind the makeshift counter, leaning on it, waiting for the night to begin.

Ben stumbled his way back, glad he didnt get lost, and that he found his stuff. As he made his way back to his apartment he kept thinking about Aria. He made it to his apartment, putting his shirt back on, and getting a bit freshened up for the festival later tonight... Until then he thought he'd walk around and try to clear his mind. He saw many women giggle and wave at him, but none mattered to him. He made his way to the docks to see a familiar face whistling, sitting on the edge of a dock. The old Fisherman Paolo was there, casting a line out into the clear sea.

He walked to him and sat down. The man laughed and cheered, giving Ben a brotherly hug. "Benjamin Chase! I haven't seen you much!! How are you? How are you liking my home?" He asked with a laugh, looking out at the bobber in the water. "Its been amazing, Paolo...This place is incredibly beautiful." He said with a laugh, looking into the water. "You seem troubled, my friend... Care to tell this old sailor what's troubling you?"

Ben told him about Aria, and the events they shared. He told him how he made her feel, and how he didn't know what to do. Paolo only nodded, humming a bit at pauses in the story. "You know, Mister Chase, back before i met my beautiful wife... I was a native to the main land. Shocking i know. I was born on the southern most point of the main land, but i constantly went to this place with my father who was a fisherman before me. It just so happened to be this day many many years ago where i joined the festival here. I was young, handsome, and fell deeply in love with the most beautiful woman this man has ever seen. She was strong, quiet, and was very respectful. It was what every man wanted."

"I awkwardly asked her to dance, after she saw me tripping on one of the lobster cages on the dock. She said yes, and we danced, and danced, and danced the whole night... And after that we went to the beach and talked and talked and talked." He laughed, a large smile on his face as he remembered the day. We kissed, we fell in love, and we eventually married. I loved her personality, i loved her beauty, and i loved who she was..." A small silence took place. "I know the world has changed. I have seen the world grow in technology, and population... and the culture. My beautiful wife died two years ago. Don't be sad. Although i grieved before, i am happy now." He gave a soft smile.

"If my wife was here, she would tell you to go for her. Aria is free spirited, and wild, and craves adventure... and i know by just looking at you the day we met you had that same aura. It would be a real shame for you two to go your separate ways, and be what you don't want to. Win her love, Mister Chase with what you know. Have that connection spark... and if you can, get her off this island for now." he smiled. "She will come back. hopefully with you, willing to settle down when both of your spirits have died down naturally. And you will come see me again!" Paolo reeled in a giant fish during the story, looking at it, then releasing it back into the water.

"I don't plan on leaving any time soon, Paolo... Thank you for the advice, my friend." Ben said with a smile, loving the story he was just told. He gave him another brotherly hug, and got up, rushing in to town to find the local band members he played with last night. He talked to them, telling them his plan on getting the beautiful islander's ribbon. They eagerly agreed. Ben was ready to win Aria's heart.

The sun was setting and the islanders were filling the square, the feeling in the atmosphere was excited and high but Aria wasn't joining in the festivities as she usually did. She sat on a stool with one leg crossed over the other and an elbow propping up her head. People had come by the stall to talk to Caterina, Aria stayed in the background despite her mother's urgings to go join her friends.

"That is it, Aria!" Caterina said finally, putting her hands on her hips with finality,
"You have been moping around since you came back from God knows where! You need to go and walk around, find a boy, many of them want your ribbon!" Aria sighed and looked up at her mother,
"Mama..."
"No, no, no," Caterina said pulling her daughter up to a standing position despite Aria's protests. She pushed Aria out from behind the stall,
"I don't want to see you back here tonight!" Caterina shooed Aria away, and the girl felt a little lost for a moment.

Turning to face the main square, Aria saw the band across the square warming up and the people began clearing the stone area for dancing. Two dark haired girls hurried over to Aria.
"Aria! Pietro wants to win your ribbon!" The first one said excitedly, taking Aria's hand and pulling her towards a tall local boy who had a confident smile on his face. Aria blanched for a moment but let herself be pulled towards Pietro. She may as well start somewhere if she were to settle into an island life,
"Hello Aria," Pietro said, taking her hand from her friend. Aria didn't like the feeling of her hand in his, not after knowing her hand in Ben's, but she gave the boy a smile,
"Good evening Pietro. It is a lovely evening."

"Alright boys, remember. As soon as the beat speeds up, join in on what I've shown you. Keep up, and this should be a hell of a show!" Ben said behind the small corner with the band members. They spent most of their afternoon practicing. Ben held his Spanish Guitar in one hand. They talked and joked but they all the got the beat down, it was perfect. As the sun was setting, it was their que to join in. The Italian members walked out first, setting up their instruments. Ben nervously ran a hand through his hair, looking down at his blue shirt, praying Aria didn't find someone to give her ribbon to... Ben got the thumbs up from a band member, and he gave a nod and made his way out. As he stood in front of the band, and the islanders, Ben cleared his throat. "Good evening, Everyone. I know I'm new at this whole ribbon thing... but here's my attempt... This is for the most free spirited, and beautiful woman on this island." He said with a smile, taking a breath, then tapping his guitar to start the tempo. Then he began to play the song , It started off with a slow finger picking, and soon the started to pick up the tempo. And as he did the civilians started dancing, the band played along, and Ben stood up. He started walking into the crowd, going to Aria, dancing along to the melody he was making. It took him forever to get this song down. This is how he spent most of his time in Spain. He saw the man that was close to him, and jokingly pushed him out of the way with his hip to the beat, the people laughing. As the song ended, Ben was breathing rather hard, and the crowd went crazy.

There was so many things he wanted to tell her that moment. On how he planned on staying for a while longer, how he wanted to show her the world, and how much he fell in love with her. All he could think of was. "I would be the happiest and luckiest man on this planet if you would honor me with your ribbon, Miss Aria..." He said with a small smile, hoping she would say yes. "I have a lot to say, and a lot to tell you...but it won't mean a thing if you don't take that leap..." Ben said, referencing the cliff jumping, and their connection.

((I was expecting http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-kl4hJ4j48s

Pietro pulled on Aria's hand leading her onto the dance floor, but when Aria saw who was playing the guitar, she stopped midstep and watched, mesmerized as Ben came towards her playing the most beautiful guitar song she had ever heard. Pietro stood in front of Aria but was bumped away before Aria could do anything and she was suddenly face to face with Ben. She covered her mouth with her hand to smother the laugh that bubbled up inside of her. When the song ended and Ben asked for her ribbon, Aria heard Pietro cough and grunt, but she ignored him. How could she not give this man her ribbon after that wonderful song, the bravery he showed by playing in front of everyone in a culture that was not his own. Reaching up, Aria pulled the ribbon from her hair which tumbled down around her shoulders and down her back. Taking Ben's hand, Aria tied the ribbon around his wrist,
"Mister Chase, it is my honor to give you this ribbon for you to wear for as long as you wish."

Benjamin smiled as wide as he could as he watched her wrap the ribbon on his wrist. Words couldn't express how much joy and happiness he had in this moment. He laughed at her words, shaking his head. "Well in that case, its never coming off." He laughed again, giving her a smile. He looked back at the band, and nodded. They were free to play what they wished. They started to play something slow, Ben put down his guitar, and held out his hand for hers to take. When she did, he smiled and brought her in close, his hands going to her waist again, swaying to the beat. "So i don't plan on leaving at the end of this week... or the week after that..." He said quietly into her ear. He didnt want to freak her out and ask her to travel with him just yet... She has a life here, and wants to ask her when she's thinking clearly, and has time to talk to her friends and loved ones about it. So instead he kissed her cheek again, and kept dancing. He was excited to visit the beach later tonight.. They can talk under the stars, and watch the calm waves, and hopefully kiss an electrifying one

She knew why he wasn't kissing her, but Aria had to keep herself from kissing Ben right out there in the middle of the square. Putting her arms around Ben, Aria smiled brightly and her fingers through his hair.
"Don't make me wait too long, Benjamin," She said in a low voice, laying her head on his shoulder, her forehead pressed against his neck,
"I love my home, my family, and my friends, but I can't stay here much longer... Not after knowing you."

Ben laughed a bit at her words. "I don't think i can wait much longer either." He said in her ear again, swaying along, loving the sensation Aria's body and fingers did to his body. It was an electric touch whenever they connected. He nodded at the second part of her sentence. "I really don't want to leave you... Not after realizing what an absolutely incredible woman you are..." He said, the song coming to an end. He stepped back a bit, taking her hands. "I would love to show you whats out there..." He said, looking at her with a smile.

His words made her heart feel like it was going to burst from her chest. This was a real chance for her to leave this life and be with a man that she desperately wanted to know deeper. Smiling at Ben when he took her hands, Aria nodded,
"I will follow you anywhere, Ben. I will tell my family and we can leave whenever you want."

Benjamin smiled brightly. This was the first time he had someone who wanted to join him in his travels. To be with him. To have someone other than himself to share this amazing life he lived. He gave her a tight hug, lifting her up and twirling her around as he did so, laughing out of joy. He put her down, looking in her eyes. "I still want to stay here for a little bit longer, if that is okay with you." He said with a smile. "it'll give you time to say your goodbyes, and it will give me more time to see what else is here...maybe we can scale to the top of the island some time?" he asked with a smile, excited beyond belief.

Aria laughed as Ben picked her up, reveling in this feeling of pure joy. Is this what love felt like? If it was, Aria never wanted to know anything else for as long as she lived. This was better than any rush she'd ever had before. When Ben set her down and explained to her what he wanted Aria nodded eagerly. She'd been to the top of the mountain before, running away there many times when she was most upset by something.
"We can do that tomorrow, bring a picnic and take our time," She said, holding Ben's hand and leading him off the dance floor as the night revelers continued their fun.
"But first, I believe you should meet Mama and Papa... Considering I am to be leaving home with a man I met two days ago, they have a right to know who their daughter is with."

Extremely happy at the thought, Ben nodded, then following her as she explained where they were going. To be honest he was nervous on meeting them... He was a foreigner, encouraging their daughter to travel the world, and he just met her a couple days ago. "I am eager to meet them." He said, watching the beautiful woman lead her, with as much excitement and joy in his heart as his. He knew for a fact that this was the greatest place he has ever visited.

Pulling Ben up to the pie stall, Aria's parents both standing there looking a little flabbergasted at the show that had just been put on to impress their daughter. Caterina looked at her husband who was stone-faced as he silently appraised Ben.
"Mama, Papa... I want you to meet Benjamin Chase." Aria said, standing close to Ben, her had tight around his.
"He is staying here for a while." The young woman decided it was a better idea to leave out the fact that she was leaving with him until a later date.