Very large space of land with a river type pool snaked in different aspects of it and small bridges. the gardens are large and lush which give it much color. walkways are also snaked around the area mainly around the waterways. is you go farther back you will come across just an open field with nothing there but open space until you come across the next house.

Claire walked out to the backyard and headed down towards the pond, she sat down, waiting for when Alec decided he was ready to talk.

Alec sat on a stone bench well hidden by flowers as he stared at the steam of water slowly running past him. his chin resting on his hands lightly and his expression a vacant one.

Claire layed back on the grass as looked up at the sky, closing her eyes as she let the warmth engulf her.

Alec stared at the running water as his mind seemed to go a mile a minute. much too fast for him to be able to follow and make sense of. rubbing his eyes he let out a sound of frustration. he was loosing it and it seemed as though everything was falling apart around him. he had to get himself together but he had no idea how to do it. he just could stay happy though that was the one thing he had craved for, for so many years. his mind always seemed to recall such old memories that he had been forced to relive so many times. all the times he had been horrible and had mistreated people. every time he had felt guilt seemed to float to the surface and unlike any normal person he couldn't lock it away.

Sitting up, Claire looked around, confused as to where the sudden sound had come from. She finally spotted Alec up near the water, but stayed where she was.

alec rubbed his eyes as he frowned. after staring at the water for a couple more minutes he suddenly stood up and pulled his shirt off before diving into it and floating along with the gentle current on his back. his eyes closed and he looked rather content. a small sigh slipping past his lips lightly.

Claire watched him swimming, knowing that she should leave him to himself until he wanted her company. She couldn't, however, stop herself from watching him.

alec opened his eyes when he felt her eyes on him. he for some reason could always tell when she was watching him course he had known her for so long he really wasn't all that surprised. pulling himself upright in the water he swam over to the edge before pulling himself out. looking around he spotted her and he gave a small smile before starting to walk over while at the same time he heated his own skin so the water evaporated off of himself. he knew what he had to do. knew how he had to set things right even if he knew they would most likely leave him more depressed then he already had been for awhile now. we need to talk... he said quietly as he sat down next to though he looked out the large expand of field before them. his expression distant yet sad.

Claire looked up at him. Yeah we do. She said, giving him a small smile.

alec took a deep breath before opening his mouth to speak on to have the words catch in his throat. closing his mouth he tried again only to have it happen once more. he knew he had to say it, but for the life of him he couldn't get the dreaded words out of his mouth.

Claire watched him struggle with what he had to say, and she had a feeling that she knew what it was. Just say it Alec. She told him bluntly.

alec bowed his head in shame and stared at his feet, i...i think we should break up... he said in barely a whisper and his heart ached as the words left his mouth. i'm in no state to be in any kind of relationship right now and it was wrong of me to even have you wait the ten years that i was away. its selfish of me to be keeping you tied to me when i'm like this. no one should be around me until i can get everything together again. he looked at her then with tears brimming his eyes, the last thing i want to do is hurt you but this isn't fair to you at all. you deserve someone that...someone that can give you so much more then me. someone who won't have you guessing and can make you happy. he said as his voice started to get thick with emotion.

Claire shook her head at him. Why do you think I waited around for ten years? I don't care how emotionally broken you are right now. I love you, and you can want to break up with me all you want. But you aren't going to get rid of me. Sure we might not officially be dating, but I will always be there for you. She told him firmly. You can't do this to me Alec, you can't have had me wait for you for ten years and then the moment I get you back make me lose you again.

alec sighed as he looked back down at his feet once more, then what do you think we should do? he asked softly before looking back at her.

It might help if you actually talked to me instead of thinking that I don't want to be burdened with all your troubles. She told him softly.

alec shook his head, i know you don't mind it. i'm the one that doesn't want to burden you about it all...besides its hard to explain sometimes. he said with a small thoughtful frown.

Claire looked at him for a moment. I know it's hard to explain, but maybe if you just tried. You haven't even tried to talk to me about anything yet. I'm here for you to talk to, even if it isn't about azkaban, we barely talk about anything anymore. She told him gently

alec stared at the ground for a long while in thought. his eyes seeming to bore into the grass so intensely that it was surprising it didn't catch fire. its hard... he said after awhile, i've spent so long reasoning to myself why i should be miserable that i don't see a reason why i should be happy.... he said so quietly you could barely hear him. dad keeps saying its normal and what not but... he shook his head as he rested his chin on his hands.

It's because you've been so miserable for so long that you deserve to be happy. She told him.

alec sighed, but i don't see any other reason for it claire. that reason is true yes but i just...i just don't know. he said before rubbing his face in his hands as he let out a sound of frustration.

Claire took his hand gently. You deserve it because you're a good man Alec. You may have made some mistakes, and you've been forced to remember only those things over the past ten years. But you have done so many great things in your life, and you can't forget about them. She told him gently.

alec stared out at the yard with tortured eyes, sometimes its hard to remember all the good i've ever done...i try. i really do try but its so hard to bring those to the front of my mind... he whispered quietly.

That's why you have to let other people help you remember. She told him simply.

alec looked at her with a small smile, and how are people suppose to help me remember other then telling me i was a good person? he asked with a raised brow.

You said you have trouble remembering the good memories, so we can remind you about the good memories, help you to bring them forward in your mind. She tried to explain to him.

alec nodded before laying out on the grass and stared up at the sky, i'm up for anything that you think will help with that... he said quietly.

Claire smiled as she leaned over him. Slowly she leant down and kissed him gently

alec kissed her back lightly with a small smile. a hand going up to rest at the back of her head. his fingers tangling themselves into her hair.

Claire laid on him gently as she moved her hands into his hair, still kissing him softly.

alec pulled her closer to him as a hand went to her lower back and rested there lightly. parting their lips slightly he looked into her eyes, i love you claire... he murmured softly against her lips.

Claire smiled and pressed her lips against his quickly. I love you Alec. She told him with a small smile.