Love Story

See the lights; see the party, the ball gowns

The two danced a while longer, Alex Rider holding Desiree Swan close to his chest, making sure that the girl didn't fall over while she was still in her medically induced uncoordinated state. His lips were still tingling from the kiss, his mouth now drawn into a small smile as he looked down into Desiree's crystal blue eyes.

"What was that for?" Alex asked, keeping his voice soft.

"What was what for?"

"The kiss."

Desiree smiled up at him, though there was some uncertainty behind her crystal blue eyes as if she was worried that she'd just done the wrong thing.

"I just...I just wanted to have something to remind me of you," Desiree whispered back, "You know, when I go home."

"Well...it was nice," Alex said rather lamely, though his smile had spread.

"It was, wasn't it?" Desiree grinned, her eyes sparkling with joy.

Both spies were resolutely ignoring Alex's best friend Tom Harris, who was currently rolling around on the ground in laughter. His date frowned at his stupidity, though the girl did have a small smile on her face as she watch on amusedly while her date made a fool of himself. Although, not many people were focussed on Tom's idiocy; most were staring at either Alex or Desiree, and the ones that weren't hadn't witnessed the kiss at all.

"I wish they'd stop staring," Dessi sighed, her eyes flickering around at all the eyes focused in their direction. It was actually making her nervous, being under the scrutiny of so many people.

"Yeah, but then, it is your fault," Alex grinned.

"What? How is it my fault?"

"Well, if you hadn't kissed me, they wouldn't have had anything to stare at, and thus you wouldn't be complaining about their staring," Alex explained in an exaggeratedly slow manner, teasing the girl in his arms.

"Well, excuse me for breathing," Dessi huffed, though there was a smile on her face.

"You're excused," Alex smirked.

"Oh, ha ha, very funny."

"Thanks, I try."

Desiree rolled her eyes again. "Sometimes, I don't know why I'm friends with you."

"Yeah, I get that a lot. Especially from that idiot rolling around on the floor," Alex said, jerking his head at his friend who was still in fits of laughter, "He really is immature, isn't he?"

Dessi snorted. "You're one to talk!"

"What's that supposed to mean?" Alex asked.

"Oh nothing, nothing at all," came the innocent reply.

Alex gave Dessi a pointed look, narrowing his eyes in suspicion, but said nothing in reply. Desiree leaned her head onto Alex's shoulder, her eyes fluttering shut. The boy grinned rather stupidly at the contact, keeping the two rocking in time with the music. They danced slowly, letting the music fill in the comfortable silence which they'd fallen into.

Little did I know, that you were Romeo, you were throwing pebbles. And my daddy said stay away from Juliet. And I was crying on the staircase, begging you please don't go.

The two spies danced the night away, holding each other close as if they could take comfort and solace in the other's warmth. Other couples drifted on and off the dancing square, but there seemed to be an unspoken agreement not to disturb the two, who were definitely lost in their own worlds. Even Tom stayed away, although that may have been due to his date physically holding him back every time he showed any indication that he wanted to go over to his best friend and annoy him.

Eventually, one by one, the couples left the dance. Tom was dragged away by his date. Cindy stalked past Alex and Dessi, throwing them harsh death glares that she'd clearly been practicing. However, the two were so lost in their own worlds that those glares went unnoticed.

Alex was the first out of the pair to stir from his trance-like state. The boy blinked, looking around at the empty place in confusion before realising what must have happened. He leaned down again, brushing his lips gently over Desiree's upturned cheek.

"Dessi?" He whispered softly into the girl's ear. "Dessi, I think it's time to go."

"Already?" Came the soft reply.

"Yeah. Come on, we don't really want to keep Jake waiting." Alex grinned. Desiree agreed, though rather sleepily, before slipping her non-broken hand inside Alex's. They both smiled rather shyly at each other, before he led her outside. Once they reached the doors though, he paused and turned to face the girl again.

Slowly, almost hesitantly, he leaned downwards, before pressing his lips against hers.

It's a love story, baby just say yes.

Later that night, the two were waiting outside the dance in the darkness. Above them was a clear sky, soft stars twinkling down at the two spies who were blind and deaf to everything but each other. Alex had his arm wrapped around the girl, who was leaning into his body, enjoying the warmth he provided against the freezing cold breeze.

"So much for keeping Jake waiting," Desiree teased, nudging Alex gently in his side.

Alex huffed. He was about to give Desiree some sarcastic reply or other when a sleek, black, and clearly government issued car pulled up next to them. The doors opened and Jake, Jack and Anna all got out, the three in a very heated argument about football (or soccer to the Australians). Terry and Dean seemed to prefer the safety of the car, and with the known tempers of the other three, no-one could blame them.

Alex gave Dessi a cheeky grin. "Sorry, you were saying?"

"Oh, shut it," the girl said with a shove that almost sent Alex sprawling into the snow. He regained his balance and threw Desiree a glare, before another car pulled up behind the first. Alex could see Agents Daniels and Banks inside, though neither man seemed to want to come out. Perhaps they too could hear Jake, Jack and Anna's argument...

"Well, I guess this is it," Desiree sighed, looking up at Alex with crystal blue eyes. "I...It's been wonderful to get to know you."

"Same," Alex said, blinking rapidly to stop the feeling of wanting to cry.

"I...Thanks...thanks Alex. For everything," Desiree said with a sad smile before sticking out her hand. "Goodbye."

Alex glanced down at the offered hand, then glanced over at Jake. The man still seemed involved in whatever argument he was having. Taking the chance, Alex grabbed Dessi's hand and used it to pull her up close. Ignoring her gasp of surprise, he captured her lips in one final kiss.

"Goodbye," he whispered as Dessi rested her forehead against his.

There was a moment of silence. Too much silence. With a start, Alex jerked away from the girl to find Anna and Jack gazing lovingly at the two, Terry and Dean laughing themselves silly (though the closed doors and windows blocked out any sound they may be making. Ben and Andrew Banks also appeared to be in hysterics, Ben banging on the steering wheel apparently fighting for breath as he laughed. And Jake...well Jake had locked eyes with Alex and was currently giving the boy the most feared death glare in the history of death glares.

"Uh oh," Alex muttered under his breath, turning and taking off at a run as Jake made a lunge for the boy.