Paper Conversation (for Aceline)

[kalib]

She got caught passing me a note,
but before the teacher took it
I read what she wrote.

[/color]
Kalib sat towards the end of the Slytherin’s table, purposefully positioned away from his comrades. Life was beginning to spiral out of control again: his mother was furious at him for being caught outside well past midnight and sentenced him to a week’s worth of detentions with her. It’s not like he’d get an easy job, on no – he was supposed to do lines one night, clean out all the animal cages another, dust every object on her shelves on Wednesday, write a tedious essay on why he’d landed him where he was, and also write to his father to explain his situation in his own word, only to be followed up my his mother’s explanation as well on the last night. On top of all that, he’d fallen back into his bad habit of wanting every girl in the room for his own. Well, it had been nice while it latest – he’d never regret being able to maintain a steady relationship with affairs adding in the mix, but heck… He couldn’t stay still for long; it was time he started looking at other options, a new challenge. Recently he’d been spending more time with other girls then his own girlfriend – yeah, his love life was going great. He’d failed two test this week, reschedules to make-up never: he was stuck with the awful grades.

So, all in all – life was going good.

He laughed dryly at the thought, shaking his head as he stabbed at his chicken breast. That was another thing – he was pretty certain it wasn’t fully cooked. Just another bad thing to add to the growing list of what had gone wrong today. Giving up completely, he shoved the meat off to the side of plate with his fork and proceeding to begin on his potatoes instead: luckily they were fully cooked. Nothing seemed to ‘be hitting the spot’ as those silly Muggles put it. Sighing Kalib decided he might as well stop eating before he made himself sick with the undone meal. He pushed his plate away form him and took one last swig of his orange juice before setting the glass down and standing up. The chair screeched against the flooring, but his leave went unnoticed as he snuck into the Entrance Hall, the students talking too loud for him to really be missed.

His day had stunk – no denying it. However he did have something to look forward to: he’d lowered himself into the schoolgirl art of note passing and managed to get claim over Aceline for the night. Through their paper conversation they’d decided meeting up after dinner would work just about as well as anything else would, but over what they’d be doing remained to be seen. Personally, Kalib was thinking of persuading her into a nighttime stroll and dragging her along if she refused. He was sick of being cooped up in the confidents of Hogwarts and longed for the fresh air. It was just a nice little perk he’d been able to get some company for the occasion.

And it all started with a little note.[/blockquote]

[aceline20]

Aceline sat stiffly in the middle of the loudest and most obnoxious group at the Slytherin table, and though she tried to avoid looking at that boy, her eyes kept flicking back to Kalib. He sat a far distance from everyone, poking at his food and Aceline had to smile. He just looked so dahm cute. In a little brother way....of course. riiiiiiight. Their little arranged meeting had slipped her mind mommentarily, but now, sitting so close to where he sat, it was all that she could think about. Not that she had any reason to be worried. After all, she was Aceline Oliviette Perezz. Kalib should be shaking in his little boy boots right about now. But looking at him, he seemed the essence of calm. Aceline sighed to herself and pretended to laugh at what some long haired Slytherin said. Aceline also poked at her food, which (May I add) was totally done, more so out of extreme boredom than anything else. Tons of thoughts filled her mind and she reached up to run her hands through her hair, a nervouse habit, but immediately lowered them. What would mother think?

Aceline tried to focus on her classes, those of which she was mostly failing, but when she heard a loud scraping noise she looked up and noticed Kalib pushing back his chair and swiftly exiting into the entrance hall. Aceline too pushed back her chair, shoved a fresh apple into her now empty bag, and grabbed her pumpkin juice as she exited out of great hall. A few of her 'friends' muttered protests, but they were short lived, deciding they could live without Aceline's conversation.

Aceline pushed open the big oak doors and with a flip of her blonde hair, slammed the door shut behind her. God, they were so annoying. Aceline was honestly considered hanging with the huffle fluffs. At least they didnt complain so god dahm much. Did they really think she honestly cared about who was snogging who after potions class? Like, freedom of expression! Does it not exist here? At least she had a certain Slytherin boy to take her mind off things...

Aceline walked quickly and quietly up behind Kalib and when she was close enough, she put her cold hands over his eyes.

"Hey, Hemlock." she breathed softly, a smirk obvious within her voice "Did you miss me?

And for once, Aceline wasnt concerned about anything.

[kalib]

As soon as the door shut behind him, the noise died down. It was rather abrupt, the conversations over the pettiest of things, clinging of goblets and silverware, and the creaking of benches – all gone, replaced with a quiet hum through the wooden doors. He felt better once he was out, but glancing around him he still wasn’t too pleased that he was still within the confidents of four walls. Kalib had never been good with staying indoors for long periods of time and had he not agreed to wait for Aceline, he would have already bolted outside. But he forced himself to remain still, facing away from the Great Hall in favor of the oak doors to his freedom.

As hard as it was, he figured it would be worth the weight. He hated admitting to himself that he’d managed to sidestep another night with his girlfriend for something possibly better. It was odd, he’d allowed, that all of it had started with a feeble bit of note passing. Up until this point, he’d never pursued Aceline’s company further then a little harmful teasing. Now he was stealing her away for an evening. And he wasn’t even single. When has that ever stopped you? he thought with a smirk, chuckling just slightly. Shoving his mildly guilty conscious aside, Kalib focused on the doors. She couldn’t be that much longer, could she?

Almost as if on queue Kalib was blind-sighted with surprisingly cold hands. “Hey Hemlock, did you miss me?” A wide grin spread over his lips, “Why hello Ms. Perezz,” he laughed, speaking to what felt like no one. Kalib reached up and took her hands down, spinning around to face her though refusing to let go of her hands. He laced his fingers in hers, remarking lightly “You know, I could have sworn I saw you at dinner and I didn’t think it was all that cold in there. Did you make a secret trip to Antarctica or what?” In all honestly he was positive she’d just been in there – of course, the loud banging of the doors form her leave was a giant clue, but during the course of his frustrating meal he’d been keeping an eye on her. But really, could you blame him? Aceline had a nice figure – you couldn’t sue a guy for looking. Now he just had to really get to know her; a lot easier said then done. But she seemed happy enough; more willing for his company then some other girls he’d recently had run-ins with.

“I hate to be bossy,” he continued smoothly, although his tone implied he didn’t care much for seeming rude, “But I’d rather not stand around here all night. I’ve been stuck in school all day and the fresh air is calling me. Normally I would have already dragged you outside,” he joked, “But are you going to turn into a popsicle if I do?” Kalib pointedly stared at her hands for a moment, taping his own fingertips lightly over hers. “I’d hate to be the death of you.”

[aceline20]

Aceline's heart skipped a beat when he spun around, meeting her eyes with his own. Stupid heart.... she thought to herself as she blamed it's unfortunate beating on her quick escape from the great hall. She let his warm finger's lace themselves within her icy ones.
"Well, you know, a delicate girl like myself, we get cold easily." she responded with a slight tip of her head, letting her blonde hair fall into her cold blue eyes which were now staring up at Kalib. As if the reality of how close they were finally dawned on her, she pulled back, though her hands were still lightly in his as she studied the room, although the lack of interest on her face was evident.

“I hate to be bossy,” She listened to Kalib's word's, as she studied the moving portraits all seeming to stare back at her with amusement. But I’d rather not stand around here all night. I’ve been stuck in school all day and the fresh air is calling me. Normally I would have already dragged you outside" Aceline looked at him. "I’d hate to be the death of you.” A small smirk appeared on Aceline's full pink lip's.

"Puh-lease, Hemlock. I was worried about you" She laughed as she tightened her grip slightly on his hand and proceeded to pull him towards the door.

She pushed the big wooden door open and, without letting go of Kalib's hand, headed outside.

[kalib]

He had to give her credit for trying to hide her emotions, but Kalib had since mastered the form of reading expressions. And when someone had figured out how to rule over their expressions, you’d always still have their eyes – you couldn’t hide the truth in them. So naturally he was pleased to see maybe she liked his company just a bit more then she lead on. God, and it was so easy to loose himself in her deep, blue eyes. She was certainly trying to hide it, but she wasn’t succeeding fully.

“Well, you know, a delicate girl like myself, we get cold easily.” Kalib chuckled, rolling his eyes at her. “You really should learn to wear a big, fluffy coat then, shouldn’t you?” Not that he was one to talk. As it was now, he was just in his school wear. He would always hate that rule of being properly dressed for meals – honestly, what did it really matter if they weren’t a uniform sea of black at dinner? He had sidestepped the cloak bit though, and left his green tie loose. Now he sort of wished he had it though, so he could hand it over to her. But still, he really wasn’t fond of the clothing.

“Puh-lease Hemlock, I was worried about you.” He grinned, Aceline obviously not blind to his lack of a jacket. “Of all the things you could worry your pretty little head over, you choose to mull over my temperature. Don’t worry love, I’m hot blooded.” Ha, and in more then one way. He tried to keep his smirk minimal, but knew he wasn’t full winning that battle. Eh, you win some, you loose some.

Kalib was slightly surprised at her sudden movements, finding it amusing he’d allow himself to be steered by a girl since more often then not it was the other way around, but decided not to protest. After all, she was headed for the grounds and right now, that’s where he really wanted to be. Following in pursuit they went down the steps to the little dirt path, the doors swinging lazily closed behind them. He breathed in deeply, letting the night air fill his lungs, and then glanced at Aceline – and laughed. “Come on,” he teased and pulled her closer to his side. “I’m not about to let you freeze because you’re worried I’ll bite. How does it? ‘His bark is worse then his bite’?”

[aceline20]

Aceline rolled her eyes at Kalib, but not before the small smile lit up her face. She puffed her chest out dramatically, as if she were a super hero.
"As if, Hemlock. Coat's are for the weak!"
she giggled as she spun around to face him, still leading him down the dirt trail, further away from the castle. She pulled playfully on his shirt.
"Besides..I don't see you decked out in winter clothing.
She spun back around to face front, the path was getting slightly rocky and it was not her plan to fall on her face once more today. Klumsy? Possibly. Too hyper to notice where she's going or who she's with? More likely the reason.

"Of all the things you could worry your pretty little head over, you choose to mull over my temperature. Don’t worry love, I’m hot blooded" Aceline laughed.
"I wasnt worried about you freezing to death!" Aceline smiled, glancing at him out of the corner of her eye.
"I was worried you wouldnt be able to keep up with me!"
Suddenly, Aceline felt Kalib's body against her's. She struggled slightly and grummbled about how he was messing up her hair, but once she was close to him, she stopped resisting.
"That may be..for some people. But trust me Hemlock. My bite is waaaay worse than my bark."

[kalib]

“As if Hemlock, coats are for the weak!” He smirked lightly. “Touché,” he complimented with a nod, and then curiously watched her bounce around. She was in good spirits, now wasn’t she? He wasn’t much for the “whipped” appearance, but whether Aceline liked it or not he could feel himself hanging off of her every word. All this time and only now he was being allowed a little insight to her good side. Up until now he’d just been getting a lot of “silly, silly Kalib” looks. Not that he wasn’t used to those mind you. He couldn’t stop the same chuckle that rolled off his tongue as she wound herself back around and walked straight. “Just a little bundle of excitement, now aren’t we?” he teased, resisting the urge to hug her around her middle and see just how ticklish she was.

“I wasn’t worried about you freezing to death!” she scoffed at him, almost as if it was bluntly obvious what she had been worrying over, “I was worried you wouldn’t me able to keep up with me!” Kalib let momentary disbelief dominant his expression, and then rolled his eyes at her. Alright, she’d asked for it – if she thought holding his hand was bad, she might not like him much after this. Halting he quickly spun her around to face him and locked both arms around her waist. “And how exactly do you plan on getting any further ahead of me then I allow?” he questioned as if it were a completely plausible question.

“That may be…for some people. But trust me Hemlock. My bite is waaaay worse than my bark.” Kalib openly laughed, “You think so do you?” he asked, snapping his teeth near her ear. “Are you trying to sell me that, oh, how does it go? You ‘talk the talk’ and ‘walk the walk,’ is that right?” he asked in an admirable tone. “My, my – beauty and brains. Good for you,” he chuckled. Better to play it off as a joke then actually be serious about the whole matter, no?

[aceline20]

“Just a little bundle of excitement, now aren’t we?” Aceline resisted the urge to roll her eyes at Kalib. A small smile played out on her lips instead.
"Complaining, Hemlock?" Aceline asked, with a small tilt of her head as she glanced at Kalib, still pulling him along the trail and into the woods.
"You should appreciate the fact that I let you be stunned by my extreme beauty instead of complaining that I'm not bitching enough. I think there are plenty of other girl's around here who could do that for you." Aceline resisted the urge to bring up a certain someone's name. No need ruining whatever could become of now.

When Aceline felt herself being pulled against Kalib she looked up, not shure if she wanted to smack him or laugh. Regardless to the little angel and devil sitting on her shoulder, the angel won and Aceline found a laugh escape through her lips.
"You just can't get enough of me, can you?" she questioned, looking up at him as she placed her hands delicately on his waist. Amusement filled her voice and her eyes were laughing although a part of her was being very serious.

“And how exactly do you plan on getting any further ahead of me then I allow?” Aceline rolled her eyes. Her head was probely going to hurt like hell from all this eye rolling by the time the night was over.
"How do you know I want to go any further? I may be content right here where I am." Aceline said by way of explaining. She let the beauty and brains comment fly by her, unnoticed. Not like everybody didnt know she had both already. She was too concerned with waiting for Kalib's responce to answer to that.

[kalib]

“Me?” Kalib echoed, acting as though the very thought was not only unreasonable but hardly worth ever accusing him of. “Me? Complain?” He laughed loudly, “Hardly love. How could you ever say such a thing? I never do that…” he stressed firmly, although his tone clearly stated otherwise. On the contrary, he was quite the little complainer. But hey – that’s what happens to you when you’ve got a little brother. You learn to dominate the younger and complain to the parents. After all, it is there fault Andy was around at all…at least, that’s the excuse he’d always thrown at them when he was younger. And look at that – it was their fault after all.

He did let a smirk line his expression as she commented over her own ways…until she mentioned “the other girls.” Well if that’s how she wanted to play… He couldn’t exactly deny it though; Kalib had a bad habit of going after the naughty girls…Aceline was sort of a nice change. Was she by any means the perfect little angel sent form above? Ha – yeeeeeah. But she was a bit more decent; she seemed to actually like his company, not what being around him could get her. Definitely a nice upside.

“You just can’t get enough of me, can you?” He shrugged indifferently, “Guilty as charged,” he sighed as though the entire prospect was inevitable. Now, could he simply just leave it there? Well of course not! This is Kalib Hemlock here, and since when did he ever do anything the simple way? Oh no, the road less traveled was much more exciting. Breaking all rules – or, at least most of them – he kissed her forehead and smiled gingerly. “You couldn’t possibly expect me to stay away forever, could you?” he asked innocently, hoping he wasn’t about to get in trouble. There was a line somewhere between them and yes, he’d just crossed it – but since when was living on the safe side any fun at all?

“How do you know I want to go any further? I may be content right here where I am.” Fighting a grin, he replied smoothly “That’s a very tempting offer, provided of course you mean that,” he added, only half joking. He could get used to having her around. Whether or not she’d permit him to, that remained to be seen.

[aceline20]

Aceline smiled with a playful sense of ease. Aceline being a 'miracle' child was used to getting whatever she wanted. Not only was she her mother's and father's little miracle she was also the only one they ever had. She was raised a spoil brat and the trait just stuck to her during her years growing up. Aceline always had the perfect grade (straight A's-mind you), the perfect boyfriend (gorgeous, smart, troubled-some say), the perfect friends (pretty little backstabbing whores), and enough money in her world that she could just about buy everyone's elses if she wanted to. Never been humiliated, rejected, or spoken back to. Respect? Hell no. People feared her.

Aceline watched as a smirk lit up Kalib's face. He had a rather gorgeous face, it was something undeniable. She ran one of her finger's down his cheekbone and acrossed his jawline, somewhat lost in her own thoughts. The heat of his arm's around her waist seemed to sear through Aceline's school shirt, almost burning her.

“Guilty as charged,” Aceline looked up at Kalib, no longer smiling. She wanted out. But she wanted to be with him. And she didnt know what the hell she was even doing here in the first place. Kalib kissed her forehead. “You couldn’t possibly expect me to stay away forever, could you?”
Aceline forced a smile. "Well...I am pretty god damn irresistible, who can blame you?"

“That’s a very tempting offer, provided of course you mean that,” Aceline wanted to shout "I DO, I DO!", but instead she pulled back slightly.
"We should..finish our..uh..walk. Now." Aceline mummbled. And who turned off the air? She felt like it was almost impossible to breath, like being this close to him was sucking all the air out of her surroundings. God, she hated him. Hated. Hated. Hated. Hated. Hated him. Period. So...is that the reason Aceline leaned over and kissed him? That shure is some kind of hate.

[kalib]

OOC: Uh…I wasn’t sure if you meant Aceline actually kissed him or not…so, um, I’m gunna guess yes, but if not I’ll fix my post…just let me know. ^^


Her fingertips left chills along his skin, “Well...I am pretty god damn irresistible, who can blame you?” Kalib smiled lightly, but he noticed quickly she wasn’t so playful anymore. The smirk lining her lips had somewhat faltered, obvious misgivings swimming inside her. It was true they didn’t have the best history together, I mean, anyone saying they’d been best mates was most likely mental, even if they wee on common footing…friendly terms. Kalib had possibly just pushed himself further into that side, or he’d just killed all chances.

You idiotic fool, you know that was very wrong of you, right? The moment his lips had touched her soft skin the thought hit him like a dead-on bullet. He let himself feel that guilt for a moment, knowing full well the only person who he should be doing that to was Mariella. Just picturing what on earth she would do to him if she ever found out, which of course he wouldn’t let happen, was quite scary. He knew she could get even when she really wanted to. But almost as quick as the thought had come, it left, already his conscience disappearing into the background. What did it really matter anyways? Aceline was his sole focus for the time being, as long as she’d let him stay with her.

Foolish as it was, he couldn’t help feeling hurt when she leaned her weight back, “We should…finish our…uh…walk. Now,” she managed to mutter. Kalib stayed stationary, judging her reaction silently. Words made it clear she wasn’t the slight bit comfortable with his lips anywhere near hers, but something about the hesitancy… It made him wonder if she was all that resistant after all. Don’t be a jerk, he thought solemnly, give the girl some room. He’d almost acted upon that judgment before she was far too close, lips soft and smooth. There wasn’t much room for the shock he should have felt, instead he leaned in, and then pulled back immediately. He watched her carefully, an unfamiliar sense of uncertainty running through him. What had happened to getting along with their walk? “Yeah?” he asked quietly, wanting too much to hear the answer to his ignored implied question. “You seem pretty unwilling to move.” Not that he minded in the slightest but… Do you mean that Aceline? Are you really that content, right here?

[aceline20]

((you guess right! WOOH! Kalib was taking too long to kiss-kiss ms. perezz. She was starting to think he wasnt interested ))

Aceline looked up at him, disapointment pulsing through her veins as she watched him pull away from her.
Why the hell did you just do that? she scolded herself.
In those few seconds within the time Kalib pulled away and she stared up into his eyes she had felt vulnerable, weak and very foolish. She hated Kalib for making her feel like this. She barely knew him, after all, and yet he had her head spinning with so many thoughts and feelings. With a flip of her hair she looked away from him and regained her frosty, sarcastic composure.

“Yeah? “You seem pretty unwilling to move.”Kalib's voice made Aceline's heart pound.

"You seem pretty curious for someone who doesnt want to kiss me." Aceline spat these words viciously. She didnt want to admit it, but when Kalib pulled away from her-it hurt. She knew she was wrong. To kiss him like that. Sad, even. She also heard rumors that he had a girlfriend....
Not that that has ever stopped you before...

[kalib]

OOC: Whew! Mad guessing skills. XD And as you will see, he is quite interested...


A rather long string of inappropriate profanities ran through his mind at the follow of her words, wanting too much to admit he liked her much more then he should. God, when had this gotten so complicated? Just this morning he had been the devoted little tamed down boyfriend, and now look at where he was – flirting and flaunting with a girl that wasn’t his girlfriend. And worse, it was because he honestly and truly wanted to. He wanted to be able to smile at the mention of her name, because he could say she was his; he was hers. He wanted to be able to spend more time with her, without being questioned on why that was. He wanted to let every other guy in the school know he’d beat them to a pulp if they so much looked at her keenly. There was something completely wrong with that, but he couldn’t stop himself from wanting it either.

Aceline’s cold composure cut him badly, feeling awful that knowing her frown was his fault. You seem pretty curious for someone that doesn’t want to kiss me her words echoed through his head, hating to admit it was that very reason that he wanted so badly to kiss her that had stopped him. Kalib was digging himself a rather large hole, one that he’d unintentionally pulled Mariella and Aceline in with him. It’s not like it hadn’t happened before, but he seemed incapably of learning how to remain loyal to one girl at one time. A nasty, nasty habit of his, one that for a short while he’d led himself to believe he’d gotten rid of. But it was back, in the form of Aceline this time, waiting irritably for the response he was still trying to word properly.

She just put herself out for you right there, one side of him argued, you really shouldn’t be so cruel as to deny her the pleasure of opening up in return. It seemed logical enough, but the other, God Kalib, get a grip and find some sense. What are you doing here? And still Aceline waited, not even bothering to look at him anymore, trying to hide her own thoughts. As tense as the air was between them, he couldn’t help but note just how remarkable she looked with the lights hitting her face like that. It made her almost glow, and she might have passed for an angel had she not had such a revolted expression on her face – the one he’d put there. Carefully he raised one hand to cup her cheek, forcing her to look back at him. “I want to kiss you,” he admitted feebly, feeling strangely small and weak – it wasn’t something he was accustom to. “I want to kiss you so badly. There’s a reason for my curiosity love, really. I want to, I want to know you much, much better then this.” Without another word he leaned in to kiss her, leaving no room for doubt in her mind. He let himself think that for just a few small moments she was his, that she wanted him as badly as he wanted her. “I really do,” he murmured quietly.

[aceline20]

((BAH! lol. Me and Aceline are both equally impatient.))

Aceline stared away from Kalib, feeling unsure of herself for the first time in a long time. Aceline hadnt felt this way since Trinity-and before her-none. Aceline was never a strong believer in love at first sight (for all you know you could be in love with a phyco killer)-but Kalib had left her mind spinning since the momment she saw him. Her smooth pale face was now tinted with pink, anger, lust and humiliation getting the best of her. She behaved like a sloppy drunken school girl and that was never okay. She had let her gaurd down-the gaurd she spent precious hours trying to keep up-all for a boy. And she had recieved nothing in return. Mabey her family was right-she was a disgrace to the family name. This wouldnt be the first time Aceline fucked up something. Actually-every time Aceline let somebody even get near her, she messed it up in some kind of way.

Aceline sighed to herself. She thought she had made the right choice. But with Kalib-there didnt seem to be any right choices. Just all wrong marks. She wasnt shure if she should have been sarcastic or cute-hit him or kiss him.
One down...three to go...
Aceline thought to herself bitterly, as she pulled out a small silver compact with the engravings 'A.O.P.' and pretended she found her reflection interesting. Pretty-yes, she knew she was. Long platnium hair, slanted icy blue bedroom eyes, high cheekbones, pale skin, and a completely flawless face. And yet-sitting here-she felt as if none of that even mattered.

Aceline snapped the compact shut when she felt Kalib's warm hand cupping her cheek gently, she jerked her head softly away from his embrace. “I want to kiss you. I want to kiss you so badly. There’s a reason for my curiosity love, really. I want to, I want to know you much, much better then this.” and with those words spoken, Aceline felt Kalib's lips press themselves against hers.
Instinctively, Aceline's eyes closed although she made no move to kiss him back. When Kalib pulled back, she layed her hand softly-almost as though she was afraid-on his.
"I really do..."
"I'd like that." Aceline spoke softly, almost a wisper. "I'd like that alot."

[kalib]

OOC: Ahahaha, me too. I’m not a very patient person. XD


God, you’ve messed up. What to go you freak’n idiot. She wouldn’t even look at him. She stared blankly away, leaving him oddly hopeless. He wasn’t quite sure why it hurt so much. Admitting that in such a short amount of time he’d managed to develop such strong feelings for her made him sound like one of those love-sick puppies – a puppy with no sense at all. What had he just gotten himself into? He was now faced with two options, none of which sounded all together that amazing:

Option one, he had just admitted he wanted to be Aceline and would receive absolutely nothing in return. He would live a long, cold, hard life knowing he’d blown any chance with her in a single second and now he would have to live with her knowing his lovesickness for nothing. Or, option two, she would actually respond positively and be just as happy about the whole ordeal as he was, but if that happened, he was going to find himself face to face with a very furious Mariella in a couple of days, if he could even last out that long. The way word traveled about the school he might very well be told on by tomorrow. Greeeeaaat…

And still, nothing. Aceline stood there like a stone, expressionless aside from what he thought was a quiet blush. Kalib had a small ounce of hope momentarily, but then foolish anger flared up when she only pulled out a little mirror. What, like she had to confirm that she was still beautiful beyond all belief? Girls were always so paranoid about that, making sure absolutely every hair on their head was in place when he figured she could very well be wearing rags and pull it off. As she snapped it back such, he just marveled. She had actually had to check that she still looked perfect – he would gladly tell her she looked amazing anytime she wanted, provided of course, this all worked out.

But after he kissed her, life seemed to filter back into her eyes. Finally, a response! She carefully laid her hand over his, skin smooth and warm, “I’d like that.” His heart soared. “I’d like that a lot.” Kalib let out a shaky breath, resting his forehead on hers and closing his eyes. He slowly flipped his hand over, lacing his fingers with hers. “I must like you,” he laughed weakly, “That was enough to practically give me a heart attack, waiting. Please don’t ever make me suffer like that again.” Kalib almost smiled, still too full of incoherent thoughts to form decent sentences.