Significance

He gazed down into her eyes again. Those captivating blue-green eyes, looking back up at him with curiosity. She had to know by now - there was no way to hide his feelings from her, curled up together such as they were. And yet... it was such a big step. A frightening one. But it was there in front of him, and he had to take it. He wanted to take it.

He knelt forward, leaning down closer, and as his eyes drifted shut, his lips touched hers. Gently. Cautiously. Timidly. It was a weak kiss, devoid of substance but loaded with significance. A kiss to show he could- and was willing to. His eyes opened.

"You're a brave man," she whispered, smiling. His heart raced, almost as fast as his mind. She wasn't rejecting him... not that he really believed she would, as much time as they'd spent together these past few days. But for a first kiss, he was ashamed to give her something so small and pathetic.

"Got a secret for you," he replied, his voice equally hushed.

"What?"

"I can do better."

He leaned forward, pressing his lips to her once again. And left them there, a long, sure, steady kiss that made them both tremble inwardly. A little thrill went up his spine, gaining speed and strength until it hit his brain. Small sparks danced across it, shorting out whatever thoughts they touched. He sat back, his head spinning, breathing ragged.

"You're right," she grinned. "That was better."

Then she tilted her head up and kissed him back.