A/N Hmmm... I'm going to have to post a whole lot of chapters at the same time... but before school starts, I might as well do some writing while I can. IF anyone even cares to read this.

Disclaimer: Meg Cabot owns Nicola and the Viscount, and The Princess Diaries. I own but a copy of them... which I treasure and read constantly!

RATING: From here on, (just in case) the rating will be PG-13.

Left alone to herself and her musings, Mia was unaware of the approaching Josh. So naturally it was that when Josh caught up with her, she gave an unnecessary scream of surprise. Josh winced and covered his ears. That was un-called for, he dryly remarked, when his initial surprise had worn off. Mia blushed. Sorry, it's just that... well, you surprised me. That seemed to be the case. He paused, then You celebrated your coming of age -sixteen years- birthday with the Moscovitzes last Saturday. Mia blushed as she recalled the little heart shaped pendant she'd received from Michael... but that was obviously on account of her being his little sister's most bosom friend- he loved her like a sister, too.

Yes, I did. Why did he want to know?

As your host, I shall recommend myself as your escort to the dance, of course. What dance? I do not recall a dance Mia said. Why, because only those who have come of age may attend. It is held every second day, and there's one tonight... I must say that Prince Michael- of whom my mother is undoubtedly fond of- has not yet graced us with his presence, although he has been of age for two years already. Perhaps he will take Jarre, after their little tour' of Yhuria, ...that I may finally see if he is even able to dance! And he broke off into laughter at the thought of Michael dancing.

Mia frowned. Obviously she wasn't the ony one who thought of that tour of Yhuria as more thhan just a tour, but perhaps a recommendation. That was not good. Using all her will, Mia summoned a calm, neutral voice. Yes, I have not yet seen him dance... I accept your offer to be my escort. She wished he'd move away from her, because she might not be able to control herself. How had she ever turned away from those lips?

They cried out to her, and she yearned to match them with her own. Josh held her eyes with his, leaving her powerless. Mia didn't care. She wanted to be powerless, to need to be rescued. Josh's lips came in swift and smooth, kissing her forcefully. She responded with the same vigour, her arms around his neck for support. There were no fireworks. Instead, Mia could hear the roar of storms and oceans in her ear, lending her strength in her part of the intense kiss.

After hours of kissing, -or so it seemed to the very much in love couple- they both broke apart, panting heavily. Josh was first to catch his breath. He grinned. Now, that wasn't so bad, was it? Mia could only stare mutely. Josh tried again. You know, you're much better than Lana. Who's Lana? My ex. Seeing he'd upset her, he hastily added, but she always left all the tongue-work to me, you know. You definitely put in your fair share.

Mia didn't know how to react. The guy of her dreams had just kissed her, and told her she was good at it, too. But why did she feel so guilty on account of the pleasure she'd received? Mia liked that kiss- alot. But, for some strange reason, she could not bring herself to completely take joy in that kiss.

She could not banish that awful feeling of guilt.

A/N Why do I bother? Liked it or not? From your reactions, (or lack thereof) it would seem like I'm wearing a sign saying do not review or I shall blackmail you'. Wait... I'm not, am I? Am I?!