Shadow looked down upon earth from the window of Space Colony ARK, such a mysteriously beautiful planet.
"what is it like down there?" Shadow asked Maria who was standing beside him.
"From what I can remember its not that much different than it is up here. Its a lot greener, and more open, but everywhere is always, 'to dangerous' or to far from the hospital.'" Maria told him, cheerfully as always.
"Maybe someday we'll be able to go, and I'll take you wherever you like."
"I'd like that Shadow, oh we could go to the fair! I always wanted but the doctors always told me it was to risky." she said a little too excitedly, coughing roughly.
"Here, you can sit here." Shadow said sympathetically, "I'd love to take you to the fair. what does it look like?"
"Its a huge event with tons of people, and they have rides and all kinds of food. Grandpa told me that's where my parents fell in love."
"Hmm how does a big event make you fall in love?" He retorted gruffly.
"You're such a pessimist Shadow." Maria laughed, "Its where they shared their first kiss."
"kissing is one of the most disgusting things you can do with another person." Shadow retorted, "Do you know how dirty your mouth is?"
"How would you know Shadow?" Maria replied teasingly, "Have YOU ever kissed anyone?"
Embarrassed by this reply Shadow blushed and turned away, "...Its not like you have either."
Maria looked at her feet, "...I will someday..."
"Someday" Shadow said longingly, "you just have to wait for the professor's cure."
Maria burst into tears, "I don't think I can wait, I'm always waiting! waiting for a cure, waiting for a treatment, I'm just so sick of it!"
Struck by this odd outburst Shadow quickly put his arms around his closest and only friend, "Maria this is so unlike you."
"I'm sorry Shadow." Maria sniffed, "Its just so hard not knowing if I'm going to make it to be an adult...Not knowing if I'm ever going to be loved."
"I love you Maria" he replied tenderly.
"I know Shadow and I love you too, but I mean real love. its different you know."
"is it different?" Shadow said still holding Maria in his arms.
instantly, in the intensity of the moment, he knew what he needed to do, Shadow slowly put his hand on Maria's chin and softly moved it up so she was looking in his eyes, wide with anticipation. he leaned his face in towards Maria till there was no space left between then and gently pressed his lips against hers. The softness and warmth of her lips surprised Shadow. Maria was taken aback by this sudden act. At first she was confused, but then she gave in to the tingling sensations running though her lips to her spine. After they parted lips there was an overbearing but not quite awkward silence, each one not sure of future implications of what had just happened, but neither one of them regretted anything.
Maria broke the silence by softly saying, "I guess maybe its not that different." Shadow and Maria both looked in each warmly and giggled
