When you landed back in the woods, your landing wasn't as graceful and you felt yourself fall backwards. Because you were holding him so tightly, he fell with you. When you opened your eyes, you found that his face was next to yours - he had fallen on top of you, his weight suddenly making you very aware of the position you were in.

"Sorry." You said quickly, though there wasn't much you could do to get him to move. He lifted his head only slightly so that he could look at you and you felt his eyelashes brush against your jawline. You heard yourself gasp before you realized you did it.

"Something wrong?" he said, his voice low.

You wanted to answer, but you weren't sure if anything really was wrong, besides the obvious. It was nervewracking to be in such close company with someone so incredibly vile but also very handsome. It was the first time you used that word; handsome. But he was, and something told you that he knew you felt this way and was using it to his advantage.

"Close your eyes." he said curiously, bringing his hand to your cheek, running it along the side of your face.

"Why?" you managed to say without too much shakiness in your voice.

"I'm not sure if you want to see this." he said with the same curious tone.

Unsure of what he was going to do but fearing the worst, you closed your eyes tightly, waiting expectantly.

At first, nothing happened. You thought that maybe he was playing one of his clever games. Then you felt the heat of his breath against your lips. He lingered for what felt like at least a few minutes. Your heartbeat accelerated and your mind was turning with different ideas. His words and his actions didn't match, you thought hazily. If he knew that you were suddenly starting to find him attractive, then why wouldn't you want him to kiss you? Maybe he was trying to confuse you -

Then it happened.

Mid-thought, you felt the light pressure of his lips against your own. For someone so rough and rugged looking, the kiss was uncommonly soft. You weren't sure how to respond, but it didn't matter because just as quickly as it happened, he pulled away but only just. Your eyes immedialely flew open and you felt your chest rise and fall. His own eyes were opened only slightly, his hand still at your cheek.

He looked at you expectantly, waiting for a response, or some form of action. For the first time, he looked unsure, vulnerable and it was endearing. You moved your hands, which were tucked at your sides, to his chest, gripping the collar on his sweater. He looked at your face as if he were trying to memorize your features, comitting them to memory. He leaned in once again, but this time he pressed his lips to your forehead.

You closed your eyes under his lips, feeling your breath shudder. At the sound, you felt his lips turn into a grin at your forehead.

"What's funny?" you whispered, unsure if he even heard you.

"This." he said in reference to the relationship between the two of you. "Yesterday you were so eager to run away from me. And now ..." he trailed off.

"Maybe I wouldn't run if I knew-"

"Shh. Shh." he said softly, caressing your cheek. "Later."

"But you-"

"Said that before?" he grinned. "I know, I know. Trust me." he said with genuine intention.

And you did.

A/N; Thanks so much to everyone who has added this to their Story/Author Alert Lists as well as Favorite Stories - it means so much to know that you all are enjoying this as much as I am! I read every single review and am so thankful for your feedback! I know that this is a shorter chapter, but I thought it was sweet and leads well into ... well, you'll see! ;)