Theme #8 — First Kiss (586 words)

"It's been a wonderful afternoon," Usagi whispered. "I want to remember this day forever."

The sun was setting off in the distance. Brilliant colors of pink and lavender filled up the sky. Voices gently echoed down the street as other couples occasionally walked past. The air was beginning to cool and the breeze was getting stronger.

Usagi snuggled closer into Mamoru's arms as a gentle breeze blew over them. As she did so the breeze captured the sweet scent of her hair, slowly drifting it up into the air.

Mamoru smiled as he caught the scent and nuzzled his face into the top of her hair. Slowly he breathed in the sweet scent, allowing his mind to wander as her aroma enveloped him. He loved how she always smelled like…like cherry blossoms.

"So do I…" he breathed softly into the air, so softly that she could barely hear him.

Slowly she looked up at him. Her eyes were soft and welcoming. He had never seen anyone look at him the way she was. A warm feeling was swelling up inside him, and suddenly he became aware of how he was leaning into her. His arms were wrapping firmly around her as he began to relax. He pulled her into him, enjoying the fullness of her soft lips. They lingered there a few moments, and then it was over.

As she opened her eyes, her cheeks turned a light shade of pink. The light from the nearby street lamp played off her face, accentuating her features and causing her eyes to shimmer. She looks so beautiful in this light, more beautiful than ever before. His heart was still beating at a feverish pace and he longed to pull her back into his embrace and kiss her again.

"Thank you, Usako."

A puzzled look grew upon her face. She stared at him for a moment. "For what, Mamo-chan?"

He smiled. "For being the most beautiful Valentine ever."

A huge smile spread across her face as she turned a deeper shade of pink.

He brushed a strand of hair that had fallen out of place back behind her ear. "What do you say we get you home? It's already dark and it's getting cold out."

"Alright," she whispered, still gazing into his eyes. Slowly she turned away. He placed his arm about her waist, holding her close to protect her against the cool night breeze, while she rested her head against his shoulder. Once again the night's breeze carried the scent of her cherry blossom hair into the air.

When the arrived at her house, she began giving him the usual farewell goodnight. The same one she had been giving him for months now. As she turned and began to walk to the front door he reached for her arm and turned her to face him.

"Wait." Mamoru pulled her back close to him. He placed his hand on her waist and drew her into him, gently kissing her on the lips. "Goodnight, Usako."

"Goodnight," she replied. She stood there a moment before beginning to walk towards the front door again.

Just as she had almost slipping through the door she looked back at him over her shoulder, "I'll see you tomorrow." They smiled at each other a moment and then she was gone.

Mamoru walked slowly away from the house, replaying the events of the day in his mind. He chuckled, I bet that she is already planning our wedding.