Authors note: This was written in my original profile, Kiara41, and was entitled Unexpected. Back then, it was written in 2005, and two chapters were posted before I gave up on it and, eventually, forgot about it. But I found it and decieded to try again on a different profile...that, and I forgot my old password. Names have been changed, as well as a LOT of typos.

Disclaimer: I own all of the characters in here, and the plotline, but I do thank Amelia Atwater-Rhodes for unintentionally giving me the idea.

Chapter I

"Where are you taking me?" Hedin asked impatiently, her legs bouncing in anticipation.

"Keep your eyes shut, we're almost there," Eiodo repeated, still patient as ever with her. Without having to look, Hedin could tell he was smiling from the way his enthusiasm crept into his voice.

"That won't be much of a problem," she retorted, playfully fiddling with the blindfold restricting her vision.

But Hedin liked being surprised. And on this day, her seventieth birthday ((as a side note, I found this right after mine...isn't that weird?)), anything would be special coming from Eiodo. Their bodies were so close; she could feel comforting heat radiating from him. She breathed in the familiar soapy smell of his aftershave as she relaxed her back against the cushioned car seat. It was then Hedin realized she was stiff with anticipation, and with this knowledge she was beginning to feel restless.

The car slowed to a stop, and before she could ask where they were yet again, Eiodo leaned over and pressed his soft lips against hers. He pulled away quickly, making her hunger for more, but his warm breath continued to deliciously tickle the back of her neck. For one moment, that was enough.

"You're so beautiful," Eiodo said absently, brushing the back of his hand on her cheek. His pitch made her wonder if he had meant to speak

Hedin's hands formed a mind of their own and locked around Eiodo's neck, reaching out without her having to physically see where he was. "Love you, too." She smiled. When their lips met again, Eiodo's tongue explored her mouth. She was about to deepen the kiss when he pulled away a second time to remove her blindfold and stare into her odd golden eyes.

His face was angelic—straight from one of those impossibly flawless magazine photos. Raggedy, black-brown hair, looking as if it hadn't been combed in days yet still seemed perfect, fell into his crystal blue eyes. It was still hard to believe he fell in love with her first, and not the other way around.

A second passed before she noticed he had lowered his lips to rest on the nook of her neck. "Promise yourself to me?" he whispered longingly into her ear.

The thought sent goose bumps and an unwanted shiver down her spine. If only it was that easy; to just say it and let it come true. "I can't, I'm still too young to-" she hesitated. Where was she going with this?

He lifted his head and frowned. Hedin immediately regretted speaking so soon, but she knew it was for the best. She didn't know what was going to happen between now and whenever. Still, the hurt in his eyes sent searing hot daggers through her heart.

"I understand."

"Eiodo-"

"Let's go. We're here."