Hey! Long time no see, huh? Okay, I have to admit, I've been waiting for this chapter since I started this story. Hopefully you'll enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it.

Okay, so you know how in movies and books the first kiss is all romantic? Like the guy and the girl stare into each other's eyes, and in the background romantic music is playing? And then the guy leans in and the girl bats her eyes and they kiss? And then these random birds and animated, magically-talking animals come out of nowhere and start singing? Which, by the way, I think would be really creepy. But anyways, apparently that doesn't happen in real life. I know, shocker. Or maybe it's just me. Kyle always said I was an odd child. Then again, he also said Santa Claus used bungee cords to go down the chimney, so...

But back to my first kiss. Instead of all that, my first kiss went something like this. I had just entered the south wing, and was walking towards where Jamie lay on his cot. Suddenly he woke up, sprang to his feet and yelled, "Where the hell have you been?" I was too shocked to reply, but I wouldn't have been able to anyways, because before I had the chance to, he "planted one on me", so to speak. Yep, Jamie kissed me. Which would have been great and all, except for what happened next.

As he was kissing me, I sort of discovered that I couldn't breathe, and I kind of ended up having to pull back as quickly as I could so I could get some air. This wouldn't have been that bad either, except that as I was pulling away, I choked on my spit, and ended up bending over coughing as Jamie stood beside me, his cheeks bright red.

And then, to top it all off, I, being such a genius, asked, "What – the heck – was that?" in between coughs.

"Um, me kissing you?" Jamie said uncomfortably.

"You kissed me," I said. "You kissed me," I repeated intelligently. "Why did you do that?" I asked.

"Why do you think I would?" Jamie said quietly. Something in his tone made me look up, and when I did, I saw his eyes blazing. What he said next almost made me faint. I probably would have, too except, I couldn't faint because I had so many thoughts going through my head. "Because I love you, Lex. You've always been my best friend, ever since I met you. But during these past few months...something changed. And then when you left with Wanda and Jared, all I could think about was whether or not you'd come back. And thinking about you...dying…that made me sick. And I realized that I need you Lex."

He loved me? He loved me? That was all I could think about for a moment. And then with a start of revelation, I figured it out. Why I always felt that nervous energy when I was around Jamie. Why I felt that jolt of energy the other day when his hand brushed against mine. Why for some reason, even if we were separated for only a few minutes, I began to miss him. The reason I felt all these things was that…

"I love you too, Jamie," I said. I watched a smile grow on Jamie's face and the next thing I knew, I was kissing him. And this time, kissing Jamie wasn't too bad.

At least until Kyle walked in. He whistled loudly, and Jamie and I flew apart, although we didn't go far.

"Well, it's about time," Kyle said.

Then Jamie surprised me again. He put his arm around my waist casually and drew me closer to him. Not that I minded. It was just strange, after having to deny that we were together for so long, to finally realize that I couldn't hit Kyle, because he was right. That was strange to think about. Kyle was almost never right, although he wouldn't admit it. It was even stranger that he was right about this of all things. I had never imagined Kyle predicting my love life.

"So, you two are finally a couple," Kyle said, interrupting my thoughts. He was grinning from ear to ear, but I for once, I didn't care.

"What are you doing here?" I asked.

Kyle shrugged. "I'm supposed to get you two for dinner. But if you need some time alone, then I can come back later."

"C'mon Kyle, give us a break," Jamie said. "First you bug us about being a couple, and now when we finally are you still bug us?"

"Yup. You should've guessed that though, kid. I would think you know me well enough by now that you know I'd never pass up a joke."

I sighed and rolled my eyes at Jamie. He laughed and then told Kyle, "I think we're fine Kyle, but thanks for your consideration."

"Anytime, kid," Kyle said, grinning.

And as I walked out with Jamie and Kyle, for once I was completely happy. Unfortunately, things were about to get a lot worse, and although I didn't know it, it would be a long time before I felt this happy again.

So, what did you think? Was it way too mushy? I tried not to make it so much, but I think it probably is at least a little bit. Ah well, at least I tried. As always, please review! This is Serafina Silvertongue, signing out.