Chapter Seven

Noon, Sunday

I could not ask for more than this time together

I could not ask for more than this time with you

And every prayer has been answered

Every dream I've had's come true

Yeah, right here in this moment

Is right where I'm meant to be

Here with you

Here with me

-Edwin McCain/Sara Evans, 'And I Could Not Ask For More'

Nita sighed contentedly, her head on Kit's shoulder, her own shoulders wrapped in the warm embrace of Kit's right arm, watching the fire flicker and dance in the hearth, bathing the living room in a golden glow.

Her gray eyes flickered sleepily in the firelight, accompanied by a small noise that immediately caught Kit's full attention.

"Neets?" he murmured, grinning affectionately at her as she unsuccessfully tried to stifle a huge yawn.

"Tired already?" he needled, prodding her gently in the side. With a squeak of surprise, she jumped, nearly dislocating Kit's arm, then gave him a gentle smack on the side of the head.

"Kiiiiiit," she groaned, rolling her eyes exasperatedly, though a smile threatened to spread across her face. "Cut it out… please?"

He appeared to consider it for a moment, then playfully ruffled her hair and pulled her close as she squeaked an indignant protest.

They sat together for some time, staring into the fire's depths as emotions whirled between them, a dazzling array of color flowing from one open mind to the other as they gazed into the depths of the fire, painstakingly contemplating their next movements.

Kit was the first to break the silence, twisting his head around to gently kiss Nita on the forehead, taking her breath away for a few moments as he murmured in her ear.

"Isn't it past lunch?"

Nita rolled her eyes, struggling to keep her face straight. Leave it to Kit to think of his stomach at a tender moment like this.

Kit made a face at her, and she burst out laughing.

"Oh, c'mon, Kit," she groaned. "I don't wanna get up… I'm comfortable here."

They glowered at each other for a few moments before Kit sighed and settled back down, returning his arm to its former position around Nita's slim shoulders and drawing her close on the loveseat.

Smiling softly, she snuggled up to him, placing her head on his chest and listening to the steady rhythm of his heart.

Kit let his gaze wander over her hair, the firelight enhancing its reddish-gold glow, perfecting her angelic image in his eyes.

And to think, he had never noticed her as a girl, never dreamed of kissing her, up until the end of the school year. She had just been there, not too conspicuous, not too insignificant. She had just been… there.

Indeed, it was incredible what you could discover when life took a surprising careen towards the new and unexpected.

Slightly weary from their walk and their culminating dance in the rain, Nita drifted off towards sleep, the last thing she heard being the crackle of the fire, and the beating of Kit's heart in her ears.

A/N: I'm sorry it was so short, but I've been out of my writing niche for far too long. Between school, friends, and a very unexpected discovery, I haven't had too much time to write. But English is going my way, and I'll try and work on updating more often. I'm not too sure about the quality of this chapter compared to my earlier ones, but this is the absolute best I could do with this chapter. Apologies if this is below par for me, and I'll try and update soon. Guaranteed before Halloween.

8th grade is… interesting so far.

-viper676