Title: I wish I may; I wish I might

Author: Marlena & Trav

Email: All feedback email may be sent to bloodflame013@aol.com

Disclaimer: I ( Actually WE ) don't own anything, or anyone. This is based strictly on role-play. It has nothing to do with the real Pirates of the Caribbean. It would be a 'before look' if anything; based on the content. The characters, setting, etc is from the movie, and this is my way of stating I'm NOT claming ownership. So don't screw me, err sue me, okay? The portrayal of Elizabeth Swann is credit to Marlena; while on the flipside, Will Turner is credit to Trav. Comments are always welcome.

Prologue: Elizabeth Swann is the governor's daughter. Will ( William ) Turner, is a simple blacksmith. As far as everything was stated, these two were from two different worlds, and were never to come together in any way shape or form. But can classes stand in the way of true love?

Chapter Five: Mid-day Rendezvous

It had seemed like days since she parted from Mistress Mary's with Will. It had been less than 24 hours...why did it seem like months? She couldn't have truly been in love with this boy, could she have? The thought alone, of love with Will...it brought a smile to Elizabeth's lips as she adjusted her skirt. Mistress Mary had done an exquisite job on the dress, it really brought out everything about her. Her eyes, her face, her...curves to say the least. It was pale blue, white, and pink - with a lily pattern finish with lace. Very lady like, and much to Elizabeth's taste and liking. She had escaped the house quickly to avoid any confrontation with her father, his men, or the hired help around the manor. She just wanted to get down to the docks as quickly as possible. Almost as if it was to save her own life...that's what seeing Will meant to her. She didn't care if anyone saw it, in fact, she was inviting onlookers to gasp about at the pair walking together on the docks, just talking, laughing about, having a little thing called 'fun'. Something the people of Port Royal weren't familiar with on a daily bases. After all, with Norrington haunting everyone's step to keep them in check? It was for wonder anyone had a second's haste to breathe. She knew he was only doing such to get into the good graces of her father, so he could weasel his way in for a promotion down the road. The slime. It was terrible that Elizabeth could almost see him tying a blindfold to her father's eyes and sneaking around like the snake he really was. After all, he was trying to steal his daughter right out from under his nose. The only problem was she was just too smart for that. And her heart was set upon another. She smiled...as she walked down the dock road, pushing her long hair back over her shoulders. Her stomach felt knotted, like a pair of bad shoelaces that just couldn't be undone. She always was nervous when she knew Will would be around...but it was the type of nervous that made her feel good inside. Warm. Like nothing around her was wrong. Like it was only them in the world...maybe soon, it would just be them. The thought alone made Elizabeth smile as she stood on one of the docks looking out at the blue water around her, taking a deep breath in. "Relax, Elizabeth." She told herself, calmly, as she swallowed hard, but never dropped her smile.

"Relax Will," he scolded himself and he all but ran down the road toward the dock. He suppressed a smile, remembering that he was going to the docks to pick up a package from the ship, not just to see Elizabeth. She was simply a.. pleasant perk of his afternoon. He'd spent so long trying to make his hair stay back in a damned ribbon that not only had he almost missed the toll of 2, but his hurried pace and put all his hard work for naught. Realizing most of his hair had fallen free, he reached back, pulling the tie from the ponytail, allowing the rest of it to fall free. He finally allowed himself a moments breath as he stepped onto the first board of the docks. He scanned the harbor as he tried hastily to regain some semblance of composure with his hair. Business was business. He could see the ship he was waiting on, slowly making it's way through the inner harbor toward it's empty docking spot, but he couldn't see Elizabeth. Perhaps she wasn't there yet, she wasn't exactly savvy when it came to dock times.. she might not know that mid afternoon usually meant between two and four o clock. Or perhaps she'd decided to stay at home and wait until she saw him there. He shielded his eyes with one hand as he gazed up toward her favorite perch. empty. For some reason, though it should have, the thought of her not coming hadn't crossed his mind. Looking himself over, he tightened a shoelace quickly and headed on down the docks, as if he'd been in no rush at all to get there.

Short shallow breathing, relaxing, he's just Will. Her thoughts were screaming these words, but was there really any such thing as 'just Will'? Not to her...he was more than a 'just'...something like...'Will'. Get a hold of yourself, my god! She innerly shouted, she was turning into a blistering idiot over...a boy? Besides, it wasn't as if he was just coming to see her, he had a job to do...something she would know nothing about. She frowned a bit at her own thoughts, as she slowly scuffed her feet against the dock, her arms crossing against her chest, as she looked down. She wished they could have just one day to their lonesome, with no meddlesome jobs to worry about, no Captain Norrington, no sneaky gossipy hired help, no classes, nothing. Just them. But as if that would ever happen in a million years? Not a chance! Not unless they weren't in Port Royal. Not unless they went to a place where nobody knew their name. As if Will would drop his life for you? Psh, you're kidding right? Who was she kidding....she didn't know whether or not she was living in a fantasy world or not... she didn't know if the little gestures and absent expression gazes meant anything. The way he always called her "Ms. Swann", despite her plea for him to call her Elizabeth, and then his "Once more as always, Ms. Swann.." comment. Just the flicker of happiness in his eyes. Maybe it wasn't that at all? Maybe it was just something she wished was there...hence she saw it. Wishful thinking. She sighed, her thoughts weighing heavy on her, it felt like a box of bricks had just fallen onto her chest in one fell swoop. She went to take a step but stopped, noticing Will coming down the dock. She brushed off the front of her dress, taking a deep breath. The trick is to keep breathing. She reminded herself, smiling softly as she waved toward him.

The previous day, he'd something he'd never thought to do with Elizabeth again, play. It had all been a game, for dear Mary's eyes. Mary… He laughed softly to himself. There was someone who still had faith in love conquering all. It may have conquered all things prior, but love had never met Captain Norrington. Indeed, he'd have Elizabeth under lock and key if his will prevailed. He faltered a step and almost tripped on his shoe lace which had become untied once more. Norrington's will had no power it seemed, because there, watching 'Rose Hips' make berth was Elizabeth. His heart jumped a little higher into his throat as he once again had to will it to remain in his chest where it belonged. The trick is to keep breathing He repeated the line over and over, unsure of where he'd heard it. It seemed to be working though, as his breathing evened out slightly. He rubbed his palms against his knickers, and tugged a bit at his shirt which stuck slightly to his chest do to the salty mist which hung heavy in the air. "Ms. Swann." He nodded his head slightly, stepping up beside her to watch the ship. It was as though he'd happened upon her coincidently, two regular people watching the day go by. But as he watched the plank to the dock lower, he reminded himself that off in town, her world was going on without her while she lingered in his. Speaking of lingered…the warm spiced scent of Mary's blossomed from the fabric of the dress, mixing with the tang of salty foam, wet wood and rope. Today, she did not smell like the local princess, she smelled simply like a woman, earthy and warm. The kind of woman a fellow might like coming home to. It was a stray thought, which he forced from his mind. The only fellow coming home to her would be Norrington if things continued on as they seemed to be going. None of him His heart screamed at his mind. This was his afternoon, his time, his chance. If these afternoons were to be his only window into Elizabeth's life, he would gladly hold on and take them for all they were worth. "If you'll excuse me a moment, I have to fetch something." He gestured toward the ship, but waited for her to give leave.

"Please, I insist you call me Elizabeth, Will." Elizabeth said coyly, as she smiled to the boy who had walked up. "Wonderful afternoon isn't it? Just absolutely lovely." Cover up your insecurities with a smile. She was good at that, if of at nothing else. She gave a small nod toward Will as he mentioned his need to work, and she smiled. "Of course, Will. Do as you must. I'll be here for a while if you wish to talk after your means are done." She said with a sweet smile pressing against her light rose tinted lips, as she tried her best to not seem so obvious of her enjoyment of time with him. But how she enjoyed whatever means of moments they spent together. From the smallest moments of sharing smiles, to being able to just plain out talk, it was like a piece of heaven she never would have imagined she could ever take hold of, and bring close to her. She never would have imagined after her father demanded her time be limited with Will, that she would ever get the chances that were laid out before her now. She gave one more smile before turning from Will to gaze upon the sparkling bay, which would give him the innuendo to go about his duty as he needed to. The last thing she would want was for him to fall behind because of her....that wasn't what she had planned. Sure, she had wished to spend time with him and just that be that, but she knew he had priorities that didn't necessarily include her. She could live with such...as long as she got but a moment of his time afterward. So she was finished caring about what people would say if they saw them together...well, almost. She was still worried someone, anyone who may have despised her would make up a long drawn out tale about her escapades with the blacksmith's apprentice. What a fun day that would be at the Swann Manor. Elizabeth resisted grumbling under her breath at such thoughts, as she took a slow, deep breath in...the air tainted with a thick residue of salt from the ocean around her. It seemed to stick to her lungs, uncomfortably not to mention, as she took her breaths in fully. She needed to keep herself calm and such. Was there a better way besides deep breathing? Nothing she could think of off the top of her head, therefore there was no real point in thinking about it...and she should do what she thought of as fit. She glanced back at toward where she had allowed Will to go about his daily business, releasing a small sigh as she watched him. She wished for one moment she could have but an ounce of his...how do you say...dedication? Self worth? ...A little part of just himself, would make her complete.

He ventured from her, up the plank and onto the deck of the ship to collect his parcel. As he followed the captain down into the hold, he glanced back to the dock at Elizabeth, worried silently for her safety. In the back of his mind, he knew that no one would harm the governor's daughter, but.. a woman on the docks.. the temptation was still there. If she was harmed because of him, he'd never forgive himself. Suddenly, as the captain looked for his box, he felt an urgency to be done with this, to go above deck and make sure that Elizabeth was just as he left her, safe and sound. Calm Down! he screamed at himself. She's not yours to protect now or ever you childish fool. But his mind could not take the childish fool's hope from his heart. The sliver of a dream which was rooted in a different world altogether. A happy, well off life in peace, with the woman he loved. No, long ever she'd married and given sons to her husband, and forgotten all about stolen afternoons with Will Turner. Even after she was older, her bright eyes faded with time and her hair greyed, her beauty would still shine in his eyes and her place would still be kept deep in his heart. Suddenly he jolted, banging his head against the ceiling of the low cargo space he stood in. The captain was holding his box out to him, calling his name as if to a deaf man across the ocean. It was all Will could do to apologize and take the box, insisting that he'd not meant to be rude. See now? She'll only get you in trouble. The pesking nagging was at him again, that this friendship was throwing a harsh kink into both of their destinies. "My destiny is my own choosing." He mumbled under his breath as he climbed carefully up the ladder, box in hand. He was glad he had only a small shipment, else the climb might have required a bit more attention than he seemed to possess at the time. He let out a deep sigh as his eyes settled on Elizabeth. There you are, just as I left you. He smiled down to her as he moved toward the plank, thanking the ship's captain again and exchanging a bit of information as to when the ship would be leaving port. And then, there he was again, for the second time that day, a frightened little boy standing, heart in hand, next to the only woman that mattered. The woman who could keep his heart in her pocket or crush it under her shoe. He did as any scared child would do and simply feigned a smile. "Shall we walk?"

Elizabeth was always good at being patient. She knew Will was the type to take his time and do his job properly, even if it was just moving things and hauling. He always put so much into his work. He'll remember you're here, Elizabeth, don't worry. She told herself, a little scared that he might in fact forget all about her. She wasn't worried by those walking past her on the dock, after all...they'd know better than to harm a single hair upon her head...they'd have a date with the gallows if they did any such thing. And that was what Captain Norrington was good for...to make sure that happened. Otherwise, she despised the man. She would go from watching the waves lightly crash on the bottom of the ships and the docks, to watching for Will come back from the ship. He heart seemed to flutter lightly as she saw him again. It was like laying her eyes upon him for the first time, every time. She smiled a bit as he came up once more. She gave a nod. "We shall...are you finished here?" She inquired, as if it's any of your bloody business... She thought, trying to refrain her breaking feeling. She really felt like she burdened him sometimes, with her petty problems and her stupid little worrying sprees. He didn't need that. He had too much to concern himself with as is, he didn't need a spoiled 'princess' to fret about as well. Her thoughts normally stole the show when she was with or looking at Will...she always thought he was too good for her. She knew, he probably thought the same, and with that would there every be anything between them, if they couldn't meet on common ground? It was so unfair. She continued to show off a bright smile, hiding any hurt that she may have felt deep down - she couldn't let that affect whatever she had with Will. She couldn't let her thoughts ruin it. "Where do you need to be, Will?" She asked thoughtfully, as they began walking down the dock.

He nodded slightly. "I am quite finished there.." he gestured off toward the ship. "I've just begun here.." he gestured toward her and back to himself. He just hoped that he wasn't being to bold be assuming that there was something to be finished between them.. it was most certainly long past begun. As they walked, he couldn't help but grin at the tone at which she asked where he should be. She sounded like a mother.. gently reminding a child of a chore and keeping him on his way. True, he wasn't exactly supposed to be here, having a leisurely stroll and chat with Elizabeth, but none of his plans were ever set in stone. He held the small box in his hand out a bit. "This is all I needed to pick up today, so I suspect.." He looked around a bit, to see if there was anyone around who might object to his next statement. "That where I need to be, is right here. After all, it would be hardly proper to invite you down to the docks and not walk them with you." None of this was hardly proper, but he certainly wasn't going to say that. No, sometimes people had to learn to trust their hearts, not their peers. He held the box in his left hand.. so that his hand by her side was free. His heart beat quickened a bit at the feel of the lace on her cuff, brushing the back of his hand. And then of course, there was the ring, which the lace hide just well enough that an inquiring eye had to know it was there in order to see it's glint. But he knew it well. In fact, he wanted nothing more than to take that small, dainty hand in his own. But there were some things that even close friendship couldn't explain away, and that was certainly one of them. Instead, he just tried to push the feel of the fabric itchy at his skin to the back of his mind. "But," He swallowed, proceeding with a wavy voice. it was now or never. "Elizabeth, where are you supposed to be?"

His statement wasn't considered bold, in fact, it made Elizabeth blush lightly. Thank goodness for the naturally red cheeks from the ocean's draft. It always made Elizabeth's face turn a bit red from it's cool nature. She was grateful for such now, as she could feel her face warm. "Well that's lovely of you to say, Will. I was a tad bit worried that you would have much more to do." Elizabeth's tone was confessing, as if she was telling of some wrong she had done. In fact, she hadn't, it just felt like she had. She could feel her cheeks warming even further as he said where he needed to be was right there. With her? Oh god, relax, it's fine...consider his interest a compliment you stupid girl! She felt stupid for blushing over such, but she definitely would consider it a compliment of such nature, of course. "That's very respectable, Will. Thank you." She said with a half smile, folding her hands in front of her as they walked. She was trying her best to hide the fact she had still wore the ring he had given her at Mistress Mary's, which seemed so long ago now. But she could tell he noticed it. She cursed to herself mentally, dammit...you need to hide it more... but why? Why couldn't she just have it out in the open? It was only a friendship ring after all...right? When he asked where she was supposed to be, it actually made her laugh a bit. She was supposed to be catering to Captain Norrington's party that was taking place. Her handmaid covered for her though, so she could go free. "Oh me? Nothing, actually. Jaquiline is caring for everything I was supposed to. She knew I wanted to go for a walk, just not with whom." She giggled quietly, looking up toward Will. Her eyes glinted with mischief. "So what if I didn't give the entire truth? I'd rather be with you than planning a party for Captain Norrington...he doesn't deserve my talent or hand in anything for something so petty. Bad enough I have to show up, you know." She said, shrugging. "I'm not worried, and nor should you be. Everything is just fine." So she really believed that, now. Nothing was going to interrupt her day...nothing was going to ruin her day with Will.

He sighed, "Jaquiline loves you too much... the trouble you seem to get her into. " But still, he smiled brightly, his ego gaining a needed boost in hearing that she'd blown off something for the Captain in order to meet him there. He paused, where a small hill butted against the pier. Weather worn, there was a small beaten path where the wild grass had never quite grown back. Rugged and forlorn as it seemed, he knew that below was a small cove left from some long forgotten storm ages past, hidden completely from the world. After finding it once while exploring the beach, it had become their own little secret to keep. It had been a refuge for them as children, and it had become one to him again in these past few weeks. Only a week before, he'd found the dried remnants of a bouquet Elizabeth had brought toward the end of their play days, to brighten it up. It seemed so far away, and yet so close to him, that last day when she had come to him in tears. She was to be a woman, and he was to be a man, and there was no playing left for them, she had said to him. He looked to Elizabeth, meekly, wondering if she remembered where it led. Or what that little space had led to. He realized know, how hard that day and the days that followed had been for her, that it was really her father speaking and not her. Gazing down the path, then back up at her, he guessing how to get her and her skirts safely down the hill. The path was steep, and she wasn't that sweet barefooted little girl anymore. He took a few steps down the hill and held his hands out to her, knowing he wasn't visible from the ships docked off at the other end of the beach's pier.

"I get her in trouble?" Elizabeth mocked shock, looking nearly appalled. "I'll have you know, she does all she does by her own digression, Mr. Turner.." She said, in a semi-sharp tone, trying to hide her smile. She looked at him offly, though, when he had paused, and her eyes squinted in confusion. She wondered what was on his mind....then all at once it may have hit her. No...he couldn't still remember that.. She was convinced, that he must have forgot about that special spot they used to go to. Their 'play hideaway'. The secret place away from Port Royal. When he held out his hands to her, she all but jumped into his arms. She smiled, taking his hands. "Where are we going?" She asked softly, as if she didn't know. He must have remembered...but...how? Elizabeth tried to hide the fact she knew where he was apt to take her. "I mean, are you sure this is appropriate?" Oh as if she cared! And the smile on her face proved she couldn't have given a damn less. She slowly stepped down with his help, but when she stepped just so, she slipped, falling right into his waiting arms. "Oh...silly me....I'm so klutzy..." She said nervously, almost shyly, as she tried to stand back up on her own. She was slow at such, after all, being in Will's arms was one place she didn't really mind at all. As she stood back on her own two feet, she took a deep, yet shallow breath, looking up at him. "Are we going where I think we're going?" She asked coyly, as she slowly lifted the lower part of her skirt to around mid shin. Just so she'd have a clear space to walk.

He simply smirked at her accusations about where he was leading her. He knew that she was more than aware of where they were headed to. He couldn't suppress his own gasp when Elizabeth fell into his arms. He had to fight the urge to hold her there, but he knew that they were still semi visible to any passersby, and he wouldn't jeopardize Elizabeth's name for something so silly. Instead he helped her back onto her feet. "It depends Elizabeth," he paused.. wondering if she even noticed that he'd said her name twice now with no response. "where you happen to think we are going.." He gave her a coy smirk, but didn't let go of her hand as he lead her across the more level ground, ducking under the edge of the pier, and out of Elizabeth's sight. "Come on," he tugged her hand. The water had hallowed it out a bit in more recent storms, and it had been a palace to them as children already, so it was plenty big enough for them now. Earlier in the morning, he had brought down a crate so she might have a place to sit, if he could convince her to come down there with him. And now here she was, almost there with him again, she just had to let herself take that step.

She was a bit skittish about the entire process, after all, they weren't children anymore. There were tons of feelings left in the open that could have been embraced in such privacy. But she decided against thinking about such as she let him lead her. She was more nervous about falling in the mud and dirt, after all - that would have given clear point as to where she had been to her father and the hired help up at the manor. That would be all she needed. She really didn't seem to think much of it, though, as she stayed close to Will, following him closely with a smile on her face. "This is really nice of you, to just spend time with me, you know." Elizabeth said in a modest tone, as if she could imagine him doing anything else. You're not the center of his universe, get over it. She innerly told herself, but it couldn't break her spirit. Not now. She looked around as they entered the small haven, and a smile crossed her face. A crate was sitting there, had he planned this? No...it had to be a coincidence...he couldn't have planned taking her to this secluded hide away just for fun. You're so oblivious... she really felt so, too. But the feeling she had, it was good. She slowly glanced from Will, to the crate, and back to Will. "Mind if I have a seat?" She asked softly, still smiling.

Will smiled innerly at her desire to be seated, that she was going to stay a bit with him. Quickly, at her request, Will lifted the lid off the crate and removed a coarse blanket from the box before replacing the lid. Glad that there hadn't been any high water lately, he spread the blanket on the ground for himself. "Go ahead, I figured you wouldn't want to get your dress dirty.." He plopped down on the blanket, gazing up at her playful. "come on Liz, that crates not going anywhere.." He was suddenly choking on his playful mood. Liz? She was going to massacre him.. that playful nickname had disappeared the last time that they had been in here. He couldn't help but remember what else had happened that day.. it was the day that friendship had turned into something more. Stupid, and unsure of himself, he'd done the only thing that he thought were make her stay. Foolish as it was, fighting back the tears that threatened to fall, he kissed her. She'd slap him and run. And he'd spent the rest of the day curled up in a ball crying. He scrambled up from the blanket suddenly, he couldn't do this to himself again.. he couldn't do it to her. He leaned against a wooden post. "I'm sorry.. I shouldn't have done this.."

All Elizabeth did, was blink. She was more struck, stunned by his forwardness. She was in a state of pure shock, she could barely even open her mouth to speak. She managed to release a small gasp, as she watched him lean against the post. "Will..." She said, almost breathlessly. Slowly standing, Elizabeth took a deep, heavy breath - as she made her way toward him. She placed her hand on his shoulder, making her face him, her eyes lightly glazed from unshed tears, obvious in the small pools of blue she called eyes. They sparkled slightly, but in that same aspect, they were clouded with confusion. "I'm...I'm happy you did..." She said softly, the shyness was coming back to her as she let out a soft sigh. "I really am..." She was more afraid of what she was going to do, whether he would turn away from her, or worse, leave. She took another breath as she looked up at him. "Don't apologize for something I wanted you to do..." She said, actually grabbing one of Will's hands pulling it into her grasp. "I'm sorry in advance..." she muttered, as she released his hand, and grabbed his face. She breathed in quickly, leaning up and she kissed him. This time, it was more her, and more feeling behind it. As if a thousand oceans exploded, Elizabeth felt a sort of peace when she placed her lips against Will's. Almost as if she had been relieved of the one thing she had wanted to do for so long. She managed to. After a few moments, she pulled away from him, swallowing hard. "You know what...I'm not sorry...not at all." She said, sounding as if in protest, as she stepped back. "Not at all...not now, not ever." And she wasn't. She would never be. It actually brought a half smirk to her face as she looked at him now.

Will had been prepared for screaming, or hitting, anything but what actually happened. Now, his jaw was trembling in shock of what she'd done. He raised his hand to his mouth, fingertips against his burning lips. The previously threatening tears began to spill, causing him to turn away, head against the post. The last thing in the world he needed now was for Elizabeth to see him crying over a stupid little kiss. except it wasn't a stupid little kiss... it was the most important kiss of his entire existence. After a long moment, he wiped his cheeks dry and turned back to her, laughing through the last few tears which shone in his eyes. He tried to muster a serious expression, finding it extremely hard under the circumstances. It was a long, bated few minutes before he could tame his smile and calm his breathing. "You, Elizabeth Swann, should be very sorry.." Try as he might, he couldn't keep the smile off his face. Instinctively, he reached out, taking her hand. "You stole my move.."

Elizabeth let out a soft sigh as she noticed the tears, and she frowned. She didn't mean to make him cry...especially when it was just a kiss. A lovely kiss, though. God how her father would kill her for being so un-lady like...especially with Will. She didn't care...she couldn't. Not after a special moment like that. When he turned back to her, his smile, and how she should be sorry? The fact he couldn't keep a straight face made Elizabeth smirk. As he took her hand, she blinked a bit, stepping closer to him. "Is that so, William Turner?" She said in a mocking tone, her expression turning back to serious. She was good at that, unlike Will. Clearly. She wanted to giggle, but was able to refrain from such. "Well do forgive me for stealing your move...you just should have been quicker with your intentions, don't you think?" She asked, looking up at him slightly. She was now feeling a little more pompous than she had before the kiss. After all, she was the one to really initiate such. It was the first time in her life she had ever felt brave enough to kiss a boy...especially a boy she had known for years...and grew up as friends with. It was a reassuring...good sense of strange, but she liked it.

He held her hand tighter, wiping his eyes with the back of his free hand. "I'm sorry.. think i was afraid of being hit again.." He diverted his eyes a bit, but didn't turn away from her. "I.. have something I've been wanting to tell you something Elizabeth." He took a deep breathe, closing his eyes all together. He didn't think he could bare to see the emotions which might paint across her face. He brushed his thumb over the ring on her finger. "I didn't find that on the floor of Mary's.. well.. I did.. sort of.." He opened one eye, just enough to try and see her reaction. "I made it and put it there. I didn't think you'd take it if I just came out and told you." He opened the one eye fully when he hadn't heard or felt any reaction from Elizabeth. Opening his other eye, he looked at her in earnest, squeezing her hand gently. He opened his mouth to speak, but closed it again. It seemed like he finally had his chance. He placed his free hand on her hip and kissed her gently.

[[Kind of a cliff hanger? *Lol* Sorry, guys. We hope this is good for ye who've been asking and been so patient. Enjoy, and happy holidays.]]