Faleron didn't talk for a long time, his eyes were looking at Kel even if they weren't focused. After a couple of minutes, she placed a hand on wither die of his face causing him to focus on her face. "What is it Fal." Kel was concerned; she had never seen him like this. He blushed and pulled out of her reach, which made Kel unhappy for some reason. "I know you came here to tell me something."

Faleron inhaled deeply and let out the breath slowly. "My grandma died. I really don't care that she did, please don't think I am a horrible person for that I'll try to explain."

"I don't," Kel patted his had. He grabbed her hand and started to fiddle with it, tracing the lines, curling her fingers. Suddenly Kel hoped her fingernails were clean.

He continued, "I suppose it is sad that she died, but I feel more upset, regretful." Kel was finding it increasingly difficult to concentrate on his words as he caressed her hand. "We never liked each other. Well she didn't like me first so then I returned the same feelings. It is difficult to describe how we felt. My mother once told me that I was too polite and she thought I must be up to trouble. She was very cynical. Everybody had an ulterior motive. Even you. The summer after your first year she said that I must be sleeping with you because, of course, why else would I be friends with you." He gave Kel an apologetic smile. "That would be why when Garvey said the same I reacted so strongly. But Grandma and I were always at each other's throats. Out last argument was really bad. My mom and sister started crying, it was more my little sister. I promised her in one of my letters that I would make amends with Grandma before she died. Now I've disappointed Samantha, that's my sister. She won't forgive me, especially when she finds out that I didn't acknowledge her birthday or midwinter for the last two years."

"I don't see why you were so upset."

At first Faleron was surprised that Kel would say this. Then he thought about it and agreed, "I don't either. But then again I was just worried about my sister. I felt bad about not keeping my promise and my actions."

"There's nothing you can do now. You have admitted that you did these things and you feel bad about them. I think that you should just forget it all."

Their fingers were now entwined. "Thanks Kel. I feel a lot better now that someone knows." He brought their hands up to his mouth and kissed her knuckles. When his lips touched her hand she got hot and cold at the same time, she shivered, and it felt like a circus began in her stomach. As Kel got over the random kiss, he let go and lay down cool as nothing happened.

When Kel regained her senses she leaned over to Fal, "So…Fal. Oh you're asleep." Kel tried to stand up, it didn't work because her leg fell asleep. It was late. Her candle burnt down three rings. Deciding to give up Kel stretched out beside her friend and went to sleep too.

Something was tickling Kel's neck. Her hand flunked to swat away whatever was there. Strangely enough her hand hit something else and wasn't able to complete the mission to her neck.

"Argh," That wasn't Kel's voice. She opened her eyes in time to see Faleron blinking the sleepies from his eyes. His was spread eagle style across her bed on his stomach. Kel was on her back, pinned down by Fal's arm across her chest and one of his legs crossing hers. His head had been resting on her shoulder and his breath tickled her neck. Faleron moved the arm on her chest to rub his eyes more efficiently. Kel shivered as it brushed her breast lightly.

"Good morning Kel," He greeted as he rolled off Kel and got up.

Trying to act nonchalant Kel said, "Morning." She stood up and splashed water onto her face. Then she went to the window and looked out. After a minute she walked back to Faleron. They stood facing each other. Faleron broke the silence. "I think I'll just go change my shirt. Sorry for falling asleep. But thanks for not waking me up and for listening last night." His head stooped down to kiss her and Bang! Kel's head turned at the last second because of loud noise on the other side of her wall. The kiss landed on her cheek. "I'll see you at breakfast." Though thoroughly disappointed, he acted like that was what he meant to do the whole time. When he got to his room he cursed whoever made that noise.

"Hey Kel," Faleron and Kel had been sitting in silence doing work after a meeting. Kel looked up and stopped to who she was listening. "What do you think about love?" Faleron needed to know if there was any chance that she was even interested. It had been a week since he attempted to kiss his love.

"Well, it's great, I suppose. If you actually find true love," she replied.

"What about love at first sight?"

"Gods Fal, I don't know. I guess it is possible. I have never heard of it happening for real, but it is a possibility." Kel didn't really care at the moment. She had a lot of work to do.

"I don't think that it is truly possible. I think love isn't obvious like a trumpet blare. You can't just look at someone and know. That would be pretty shallow. Don't you think?"

She nodded the conversation was getting interesting. "What do you think it is like then?"

"I think it's quiet; you have to pay attention to know. It's hidden until something causes you to realize how you really feel. I think that love unfolds naturally out of a beautiful friendship." Something about Faleron's gaze made Kel's heart flutter queerly. It made her eyes falter and a flower of pink stain her cheeks. He saw this and didn't say anything, just stored her reaction in his heart knowing there was still hope.

I had a really boring birthday here in Minnesota. I had a snowball fight with my brother. That was probably the most exciting thing, but I got cut because he cheated with ice and I was wearing a t-shirt so I got hurt on my arm. Not very cool. I hope you like this chapter.