Author's Note: My most sincere and profound apologies for the long time between updates…my laptop motherboard died back in November while I had been recuperating from a serious health issue in a rehab hospital. I had limited access to a computer until I got back home on 3/31. So once I adjusted to being back here I downloaded the story…and worked feverishly to complete it. So here's the finale with thanks to all my supporters…enjoy!

WE'VE GOT TONIGHT

The rooster clock on Kaname's nightstand was showing twenty minutes to seven on the evening of November 3rd, Bunko no hi, the night of Jindai's Autum Leaf Cotillion…as she was adding the finishing touches to her makeup, following the visual guidelines as presented by glossy photos in her latest issue of a top-selling fashion magazine. The models were showing step by step instructions on creating a dramatic holiday look…a precursor to the Christmas season…and since her dress was a rich scarlet in color the shades of shadow, lipstick and blush used by the models in the magazine were appropriate for her. The dress itself was a statement of elegance; a deep red silk creation with delicate jet beading and black lace trim with a sweetheart bodice that showcased her full bosom and generous cleavage. The skirt clung to her hips like a second skin with a slit from the ankle length hemline to mid thigh.

Kaname leaned in, applying a rich lip color named Scarlett Silk that matched the shade of her dress and accentuated a striking contrast to her ivory complexion…with her raven upswept coiffure, long-lashed dark coffee eyes and high cheekbones. Representing an exotic beauty she was creating a transformation…from pretty schoolgirl to beautiful and sophisticated woman. But the million dollar question of the evening would be…will Sousuke EVEN notice? Leaning back and studying the finished product Kaname sighed and wondered…

Why am I bothering? In the past when I did do something special for him he barely noticed…like that time at the beach when I wore my white bikini . With a sigh she rose went into the bathroom and studied her reflection in the full length mirror with a skeptical eye…the image portraying a picture that was fit for the catwalk…but her pessimism was in full force…

Aloud she said wryly, "I bet he'd prefer it if I dressed like Rambo…in full camouflage…complete with bulletproof vest, helmet and bayonet M 16." Kaname knew Sousuke well enough and had enough experiences with the stoic and reserved Mithril soldier to figure that he would be unfazed by her attire. However…

…he did ask Sempai Hayashimizu and Ren to help him with his social skills…all to please me…so maybe he'll see that I've done all this…to please him…at least I can hope so…

The chime of the doorbell cut into her thoughts and with a start Kaname glanced at her watch and saw that it was five minutes before 7:30. The moment of truth…had arrived. With a small gasp she headed out to answer the door…

Outside of the condo door and having rung the bell Sousuke stood waiting, his heart pounding like it did when he would be anticipating the unexpected in combat…like an ambush. In spite of the chill of the autumn evening he felt the sweat dripping down his back and on his palms as he held the small box that contained Kaname's corsage, his mind speaking the words of his ambivalent heart…

Well here I am…and I feel like either I'm about to face a disastrous defeat…or something more incredible then I could ever possibly imagine. I just hope that the operation I planned goes off without a hitch or I'm a goner…

The door then opened…and for an eternal moment the two stood transfixed just staring…

Sousuke gasped as he saw before him the most dazzlingly beautiful creature he had ever laid his eyes upon…a vision in scarlet and black Kaname literally took his breath away…

From her vantage point Kaname was struck speechless by the elegant yet strong figure presented to her that was the very epitome of masculinity…a fairytale prince come to life in a designer tuxedo that turned Sousuke into the man of her dreams…

"Ahh…ahhh…," they stammered in unison as their tender years exposed them as the youngsters they still were…nervous and unsure in spite of being on the fringe of adulthood. And as such neither one felt confident as they collectively contemplated the next move…

However, more at ease in a social situation then Urzu-7 Angel broke the ice as she tittered and opened the door wide as she invited him in. "Come in, Sousuke."

"S-sure."

Broken from his trance the young sergeant followed her into the foyer where Kaname began slipping on her black ankle-strap stiletto heels, gracefully bending down to fasten them and presenting a luscious view of her shapely hips and firmly rounded derriere. Sousuke swallowed hard as with fierce determination he fought off the rise of emotions brought about by his physical reaction to the beautiful girl's willowy action and thanked heaven above when Kaname finally straightened up and faced him.

"There," she said with satisfaction then eyed the box he held in his hands. "Uh, is that for me?" Her manner became demure as she lowered her head shyly, waiting for his response.

Sousuke shook himself mentally as he realized he was indeed still holding the box carrying the corsage he brought her so he replied with a nod, "Uh-huh…please." He held out the box to her.

Excitedly Kaname took the box and opened it. Then her eyes flew open wide and her mouth formed a silent O in admiration and surprise as she saw its contents…for there inside, nestled in deep green tissue paper was a corsage, made of rich red rosebuds and baby's breath, tied with a crimson satin ribbon.

Not sure what the state of her response was Sousuke hurried to explain, "I hope that's satisfactory…as I recalled you were going to be wearing red…so I thought that roses would be appropriate."

"I-it's beautiful," Kaname stuttered as her heart was swimming in amazement…she had hoped, even imagined that Sousuke would know to bring a corsage…but realistically she had her doubts. However, he had stunned her by not only bringing the flowers…but by remembering the color of her dress he had brought just the right ones. With the revelation of his newly developed social cognizance in her mind, she became a bit flustered as she took the corsage out of the box…and handed it to him.

"Could you help me put it on?"

Baffled by her request Sousuke answered, "What do you mean?"

Kaname saw his bemusement and replied with an understanding smile, "Hold it right here." She placed the corsage right at her left breast, just below the black lace trim.

S-she's not serious…is she?? Remembering what happened the last time his hand had rested on that sacred part of her anatomy he asked hoarsely, "Are you sure?"

"Of course, silly…if you hold it steady for me I can pin it on." Noticing his reticence she gazed up at him and pleaded prettily, "Please?"

Not able to refuse anything to those fathomless eyes, Sousuke nodded and raised his hand to hold the stem in place…his fingers resting on the smooth swell…warm and soft as she held the roses and pinned the corsage, fastening it securely…

"There," Kaname said, satisfied…then the atmosphere became supercharged as their eyes met…and locked…

Time then became suspended as both Kaname and Sousuke stared at each other, both held captive as their hearts met on a bridge and became entwined, linked forever…their feelings for each other reaching out, encompassing. But both still nervous by the depth of what was taking place and inexperienced in how to deal with such new sensations…the two jumped away from each other…

"Ahhh…I think we'd better get ready to go," Kaname stammered as she reached for her black silk jacket to hand to Sousuke.

"Uhhh…right."

He took the garment and helped her into it, trying hard to ignore the way his blood was racing through his body at the combination of her fragrance; the way she looked and felt. Taking her by the hand, they walked out to begin the evening…what would turn out to be quite a memorable one…

Almost as soon as they left Kaname's apartment an auto horn sounded, announcing the arrival of a silver stretch limousine. The couple hurried down the stairs and as soon as they got to the curb, the sunroof opened and Onodera's close-cropped head popped out to greet them…as did Shinji.

"Hey Sousuke…Kaname!" he called out.

"Hiya guys…" Kaname answered cheerfully as at the same time the driver jumped out and opened the door where Kyoko and Mizuki both waved from within…"C'mon Kana, Sousuke…let's go," they said impatiently and in unison.

Still holding hands the two approached the waiting vehicle…and climbed in.

___________________________________________________________________________________________

The Park Hotel, in the heart of Shinjuku's business district was a prime choice venue for corporate parties and formal banquets because of its elegance…and due to that fact it was almost unthinkable that a public high school could even dream of holding an event there. However for the school of the daughter of one of Tokyo's most notorious yakuza families…there could be nowhere else…

As the stretch limo she, Sousuke, and the others were riding pulled up to the façade of the hotel, Kaname marveled at the grandeur…towering white columns flanking a grand staircase punctuated by the red carpet laid out and a uniformed footman who opened the car door. Offering his hand to assist her, she responded with a bow and thanks wow! This is really something…just like the Waldorf-Astoria in New York…

Kyoko was next and joined her on the carpet…grasping her arm excitedly she squealed, "Oooo Kana, isn't this fine? Like the entrance to Heaven!"

Kaname smiled at her friend and nodded. "Sure is."

"Did you ever see anything like this in New York…with your father being a UN Ambassador and all?"

Kaname bit her lip as she came up with an answer. Due to the sensitive nature of her father's post as Chairman of Environmental Issues, she had kept a pretty low profile…telling very few people about her family's high position. However, Kyoko was her best friend and as such was privy to that situation…

"Well…really Kyoko…we didn't go to many parties…me and my sister were too young to go anyway…"

Mizuki had just joined them along with the boys and caught the last of Kaname's statement. "What's that? You've been to a place like this, Kaname? When?"

Kaname…now caught in the middle of a circle of inquiring eyes…chose the only route and giggled as she denied, "Oh nothing of the sort." She then grabbed Sousuke's hand and added hastily, "What are we waiting for anyway? Let's get going."

And as she pulled him up the stairs he asked in concern, "Is everything alright?"

"Yeah…I just didn't feel like explaining about my family."

As a SRT Mithril operative his own classified knowledge of her family status…as well as of her being a Whispered made Sousuke instantly supportive. "Understood."

They all gathered in the lobby of the hotel and after depositing their wraps in the coatroom the girls decided to head to the ladies room to freshen up…while the boys were waiting just outside.

Grinning OnoD watched as Mizuki blew a kiss at him before she disappeared behind the door. He then turned to the other men and said self-assuredly, "Boy, does she want me…so guys…what plans do you have for afterwards, huh?"

Shinji echoed, "Plans? What do mean plans?"

OnoD snickered, "C'mon Kazama…you're a man, for Kami sake…don't tell me you don't have a plan to take Tokiwa some place to be alone with her?" He winked and nudged Shinji, causing the usually cheerful youth some discomfort as he finally grasped the meaning.

Now blushing profusely Shinji sputtered, "I-I didn't know we were supposed to do that!" He turned to Sousuke and asked, "Y-you didn't make such plans for Kaname…did you Sousuke?"

Unwilling to disclose his own carefully constructed plan the Mithril sergeant replied abruptly, "I have no comment…one way or the other."

But OnoD was unconvinced as he declared, "Ha! By nature of that answer you've got something major planned, Sagara…so out with it man…give us details."

Sousuke inwardly sighed Civilian teenaged boys certainly seem to be focused on one thing…not to say I don't think about the same thing but I don't want to broadcast my intentions regarding Chidori so freely…it's like letting the enemy know my strategy for an upcoming battle. "Onodera, I th---,"

"Well, look who's here," a sneering tenor cut Sousuke off as the second year player and all around slimeball Satoru Shirai sauntered over to the trio and gave a mocking salute. "What's up, dudes…waitin' for your ladies?"

OnoD scowled as he replied, "Yeah…what about you…you staggin'?"

Shirai shrugged, "Why not? That way I can give all the ladies a chance to get a piece of me." He gave a meaningful look and added, "I hear you and my ex Mizuki are an item now, Onodera."

"Yeah…so?"

Shirai snickered and said, "She's quite a handful…but I bet you already know that."

OnoD demanded, "What the hell does that mean?"

"You're a big boy…I don't have to explain it to ya, do I?"

As OnoD's face darkened suspiciously Shirai turned to Sousuke…

"And I heard that you and Chidori are all hot and heavy, Sagara."

Sousuke retorted, "Your point being?"

"No point…just an observation." Shirai went on as if amazed, "She still chose to come with you even after Tsubaki clocked you the other day." As Sousuke's eyes narrowed slightly he added, "What happened…you forget to bring your rod?"

Trying to goad me into a fight…how useless and pathetic Closing his eyes Sousuke shook his head, sighed and chuckled as he opened them to meet Shirai man to man. "It really doesn't matter what the outcome was, Shirai…the result is as you said, Chidori's with me…by her choice." He then added with a nasty grin, "As I recall the day I first met you she turned you down…cold."

"So what? She was weakening and would've gone out with me eventually," Shirai insisted. "I wasn't ever gonna give up."

"Right," Sousuke agreed sarcastically. "Until I convinced you otherwise." He continued, "Remember what I told you that day…about going near Chidori?"

A cold chill went up Shirai's back as he recalled the very incident in question…and visibly shivered. But he chose to bluff his way out…

"Yeah, yeah…with a gun stuffed up my nose…you're a real tough guy but Tsubaki showed you."

"And I showed you."

The barb struck a bull's eye as Shirai's grin faded and he snapped, "You still lost…what's the matter…can't win a fight unless you're packin' heat, huh? Like when you dragged me in the john to torture me…if you didn't have that gun I'd have beat your ass."

Not rising to the bait Sousuke shrugged casually. "If you say so."

The ladies room door then opened and Kyoko, Mizuki, and Kaname all exited, giggling as they were sharing a joke…so seeing his chance Shirai came over and addressed his ex…

"Hey there, Mizuki-babe," Shirai drawled as he eyed her appraisingly, taking in the form-fitting deep teal strapless gown she wore. "Still lookin' good."

Mizuki's smile evaporated and her eyes narrowed as she sniffed, "Shirai…I---," but whatever stinging retort she had planned to lash out upon him froze on her lips as he sidestepped her and stared rudely at Kaname…

"Whooo Chidori," Shirai breathed. "You're without a doubt the hottest girl here." He leered at her openly and added, "Make sure you save a lot of dances for me…because I'll be comin' for ya…"

With a look of utter disdain Kaname opened her mouth to reply but she and the rest were stunned into silence as the wannabe flirt was suddenly seized from behind in a vice like grip…the muzzle of a Glock 26 semi automatic shoved in his throat…

"What did I tell you before…about going near Chidori?" Sousuke asked in a low dangerous growl.

Completely trapped with the cold steel kissing his carotid artery Shirai lost all bravado as he whimpered, "I-I…"

"Then let me refresh your memory…I said if you tried to get near her again…I'd hunt you, your family and all your relatives down to the ends of the earth…and ki---" WHAP!

Shirai instantly found himself released as in lieu of her harisen Kaname used her evening bag to deliver a blow to Sousuke's cranium, eliciting the usual impassive response…

"That hurts."

Kaname sighed, "Geez Sousuke do you have to overdo it all the time?" She glanced at the cowering mass that was Shirai and said, "Stop fantasizing Shirai…I was never going to go out with you…ever. So just knock it off."

Shirai scrambled to his feet and took off without a word as Shinji, Kyoko, Mizuki and Onodera all watched in confusion. Sousuke, however having recovered from his punishment replaced his gun in the waistband of his tuxedo trousers and then took hold of Kaname's arm.

With a rare smile and an easy charm he asked, "If you're ready now…shall we go?"

Kaname returned the smile and with a nod they headed into the ballroom…with the other four falling in step behind…

The Grand Ballroom where the cotillion was taking place was tastefully decorated to reflect the colors of the autumn season…gold and red leaves strung about the tables, the walls and draperies of gold brocade. A raised stage area was at the front of the vast room, with a polished dance floor at the center dominated with rows of circular tables set up around the perimeter. At the end of the room there was a long buffet table bearing many finger foods and side dishes, with a huge punch bowl and tea setup at the very end. Watched over by the two chaperones…Kagurasaka-sensei and Mizuhoushi-sensei whose own attention…when it was not on the crowd at the buffet…was on each other.

The entertainers for the evening, the Suppin Girls performed songs from their latest CD, drawing everyone to crowd the stage…jumping and dancing to the upbeat tunes as lights flashed in time to the music…while others clustered at the tables mingling, laughing, and otherwise having a great time.

As they sat at their table, Kaname and the girls all glanced around and made excited comments about the event as the boys sat around looking as if they were just there…tolerating all the hype about the formal. Especially Sousuke, whose perpetual feelings of being an outsider were amplified as he made an observation in his mind that, sounded like a mission report…

This social event…appears to be quite lively…everyone's having fun, socializing, eating…and dancing…dancing…hmmm… The other two couples and Kaname had gone to join the crowd gathered in front of the band and dance while he decided to sit it out. Dancing, especially the kind that his classmates did was an activity that baffled Sousuke to no end as he watched everybody jump and gyrate. To him it held no useful qualities whatsoever and made the person doing it look totally ridiculous. But the other type of dancing that he had learned about recently confused him in an entirely different manner…

Two days before the cotillion Sempai Hayashimizu and Ren held the final session tutoring the Mithril sergeant in the social graces…this time Kaname had sat in as the student council president and secretary Mikihara proceeded to show him the art of slow dancing…

In the student council room Ren went over to the stereo, put a CD in and then waited as Hayashimizu spoke…

"Sagara-kun, the most practiced activity when out with a lady…is dancing…slowly." He nodded toward Ren, who then turned the music on and holding his hand out to her, he invited her to come into his outspread arms. Continuing his instruction the president then held Ren and began gliding to a song by a group from Australia called Savage Garden…

I'll be your dream
I'll be your wish I'll be your fantasy
I'll be your hope I'll be your love
Be everything that you need
I'll love you more with every breath
Truly, madly, deeply do…

Sousuke watched intently as Hayashimizu held Mikihara close…as if embracing her while they slowly swayed to the gentle beat…and he snuck a glimpse at Kaname, who watched the couple with a wistful smile…

Hayashimizu's voice broke into his thoughts. "Do you understand what to do, Sagara-kun?"

Sousuke saluted and replied, "Affirmative sir."

"Then ask Chidori to dance"

"Yes sir." He marched over to Kaname , stood before her and held out his hand. "Kaname…" but he hesitated as thoughts of holding Kaname close…overwhelmed him…

She saw how the usually certain and straightforward Mithril soldier appeared to be nervous and almost fearful of this…so Kaname as always made an easier path for him. She rose gracefully to her feet and faced him…taking his hand…

"Sousuke…do you want to dance?"

He gazed into the soft chocolate orbs and replied, "Yeah."

"Then let's dance."

Still holding his hand, she guided his other hand onto the small of her back as she placed her other hand upon his shoulder. "Now listen to the music…and lead me as you move in time."

"Right."

Sousuke followed Kaname's directive and found himself moving instinctively as he heard the music and then as his senses filled with the beautiful girl in his arms…he became lost in the feelings…

"That's right, Sousuke…" she purred. "Just hold me…and move slowly…"

"Sousuke?" Kaname's voice drew him out of the haze of thought that enveloped him. He looked at her standing in front of him and snapped back to the present.

"Huh?"

Kaname waved a hand before him. "You okay? You didn't come with us to hear the band…and just now you were all spaced out."

Sousuke was contrite. "Forgive me…I was just thinking…"

"About what?"

Smiling Kaname took the seat beside him and pinned him with those dark eyes sparkling and working their magic on him. He opened his mouth to answer her but his cell phone buzzed, drawing his immediate attention…

"Sagara here…ETA in five minutes?? But I thought that 2200 hours was the designated time…affirmative…over and out." Slipping the cell back into his pocket, Sousuke rose and grabbed Kaname's hand. "Let's go."

"Where?"

"We're being picked up."

"Picked up…to go where?"

"To the base on Merida Island…so come with me." He pulled her along, pushing past the crowd as they made their way out to the lobby…drawing looks that ranged from amazement to sly innuendo.

Kaname hurried to keep up with his pace. "Why do I have to go?"

"Your presence is essential for this mission," was his curt reply.

She pointed out, "So Mithril called and I have to go with you…you still aren't telling me why?" But Sousuke did not answer, just strode briskly through the lobby with her in tow.

They stopped briefly at the coatroom to grab her jacket, then hurried out halting only long enough for Sousuke to ask where the helicopter pad was. To accommodate the celebrities that stayed at the Park Hotel when in Tokyo, they had converted the roof of the parking garage to a heliport and Sousuke entered the elevator with Kaname to head there.

Getting annoyed as they rode up Kaname demanded, "Aren't you gonna tell me what the hell is going on, Sousuke…why are you dragging me along with you?"

The doors slid open just as he replied enigmatically, "You'll see…just trust me."

When they stepped out the whir of a helicopter landing greeted them…and one of Mithril's transport Apache choppers alit on the pod. Holding her by the hand Sousuke sprinted over to the waiting craft…and helped her to board…

As they took their seats and belted in a shaggy blond head turned and jovially greeted them. "Good evening, folks"

"Kurz?" Kaname was incredulous. "You're here?"

"Yep."

"Then maybe you'll tell me what's going on." She hooked a thumb at Sousuke who sat impassively with arms folded across his chest. "Sergeant Sunshine here is more tight-lipped then usual."

Kurz checked to see that they were securely belted and then replied, "Sorry sweetheart but that's classified." He turned back around and announced, "Hang on 'cause we're off like a dirty shirt."

The roar of the chopper blades drowned her answer out as they took off…

In forty-five minutes the Apache landed on the deserted tarmac of the Merida base airfield…at the far end where rows of other helicopters were parked…and touched down near a jeep that appeared to be waiting. Kurz powered down the motor of the chopper and killed the lights.

Her eyes like saucers Kaname was even more perplexed by what was taking place as Sousuke unbuckled his belt and then hers…took her hand and said tersely, "Let's go."

As she disembarked she waved and called. "See ya later Kurz."

"Sure." Waving back he grinned and added with an appreciative wink, "By the way Kaname, me likey the dress."

She blushed and bowed as Sousuke directed, "Please go and get into the jeep, Kaname."

At that command her smile faded as she snapped a mock salute. "Right away sergeant, sir." She then did as he bade as he watched her march over. Sousuke then addressed his cohort…

"So Kurz…I thought the time we agreed upon was 2200 hours…why'd you come an hour early?"

The blond shrugged, "Sorry man but I had to grab this chopper before it was deployed to the Middle East theater…there's an op going on out there, you know."

Huh, being out of the loop I completely forgot Sighing, Sousuke inquired of Kurz, "Did you load the jeep?"

"Uh-huh…I even found the CD you wanted…but it was tough…I got it from Mao who got it from…Tessa."

Sousuke started as he sputtered, "T-the captain? She doesn't know why you wanted it, does she…or that I'm here with Kaname?" Although she had approved of his contract restructure for him to use Mithril property and equipment for personal use…would be grounds for harsh disciplinary action…even if he was still in full time service.

Kurz snorted, "Give me and Mao some credit for knowin' how to run a covert op will ya?" He sobered and added, "Tessa's our XO but she's also a friend…we'd never do anything to hurt her."

Sousuke looked at him quizzically. "What do you mean by that?"

Kurz shook his towhead and groaned, "You gotta be kiddin' man." He stared in at Sousuke's genuinely puzzled expression. "You really are clueless."

"Clueless…about what?"

He really has no idea that Tessa's in love with him Kurz shook his head again, giving up. "Think about it, Sousuke…her ass would be in a sling if she knew. She'd probably let it pass because it's you but she'd definitely catch flack from the higher ups if they found out…and Mardukas would have a fit…you know what a tight-ass he is."

"Understood," Sousuke agreed. He turned to head to the waiting jeep and said over his shoulder, "And don't forget…we'll be back at dawn to go back to Tokyo."

Kurz assured, "I'll be here…so be good…and uh, Sousuke?"

"Yeah?"

"Love the monkey suit."

"Bite me."

Kurz threw his head back and snickered.

At the jeep Kaname waited…sitting stiffly with her hands tightly clenched…completely in the dark literally as well as figuratively while her thoughts whirled in a vortex of total confusion. Man what's the deal with him now? After the other day in the student council room I thought everything was okay and he really wanted to go to the dance…so what the hell are we doing here at the Mithril Pacific base?

She watched as Sousuke climbed behind the wheel of the jeep and said as he started the engine, "You know Sousuke…if you didn't want to go to the cotillion…you should've told me…as the student council vice president I could've gone alone and…"

Suddenly realizing how mystified Kaname must be at the rapid turn of events he reached over and laid a hand on hers, turning to regard her in earnest. "I'm sorry…just please come with me…I promise I'll explain everything to you once we get there." He wheeled the jeep around and headed northeast, into the wilderness…

When they arrived at their destination Kaname instantly recognized the rocky and secluded beach cliff and marveled that it took only twenty minutes by jeep what had been a ninety minute hike the first time Sousuke brought her to his secret place. He stopped the jeep and she gazed around in awe as they got out.

"It's twice as beautiful at night as it is in the day," she remarked as the three quarter moon lent its light to the scene…giving everything a silver glow. She slipped out of her jacket and raised her arms to let loose her abundant mane, reveling as it rippled in the balmy breeze.

Entranced by the picture Kaname presented Sousuke came forward and agreed, "Yeah." Taking hold of her shoulders he continued, "I know you must be wondering why I brought you here."

She turned her head away, averting his gaze and sniffed, "The thought had crossed my mind."

"And I'm sure you're…disappointed that we left the dance so soon."

"Sort of."

Sousuke took hold of Kaname's chin and gently turned her head to face him. "I'm sorry…I had intended to stay there longer but this…arrangement was top secret…only Kurz and Mao were in on it…no one else, not any of the superiors especially. But all the choppers were being called for a mission at the same time and so Kurz had to move up the rendezvous by an hour."

Kaname arched a slim brow. "Rendezvous?"

Sousuke nodded. "Yeah…I planned this whole operation…with Kurz and Mao helping me…to make this night special for you…for us." He leaned in close and added, "I wanted to be with you…at a place where I knew it would be just the two of us…nobody else. So I brought you here." He was dismayed as he saw her reaction to his careful planning.

Disappointment evident even with the explanation she nodded, "I see…it's really…something." Heaving a sigh she added, "We didn't even get a chance to dance."

Is that the trouble? "Just wait here," was all he said.

Sousuke then went to the back of the jeep and brought out a portable CD player…then placing it on the sand, turned it on…sending out the sounds of Savage Garden…

I'll be your dream
I'll be your wish I'll be your fantasy
I'll be your hope I'll be your love
Be everything that you need
I'll love you more with every breath
Truly, madly, deeply do…

With an affectionate smile Sousuke held out his hand. "Kaname…do you want to dance?"

In an instant her gloomy mood lifted and she smiled as she replied, "You bet."

Gliding into his arms Kaname was swept into the magic of the moment…and the full realization of everything Sousuke did…from how he wanted guidance in how to win her heart…to everything he set up to bring them to this private spot…where they were the only two people in the world…floored her. She felt her eyes well up as she laid her head on his shoulder…loving him with every fiber of her being.

She stifled a sob but as aware of her as always Sousuke pulled away…gently brushed the flying strands of hair from her eyes and inquired, "Kaname? What's wrong?"

Shaking her head she replied, "Nothing."

"Then why are you crying…did I do something wrong?"

Kaname's eyes were wide, as she insisted, "Of course not! This is so…amazing…like nothing I ever dreamed you would do…you really surprised me."

Sousuke heaved a sigh of relief. "I'm glad."

He made to pull her closer to resume dancing….but like before when he arrived at her place and picked her up their eyes met…and locked, this time drawing them into each other's arms without hesitation…meeting in a slow, sweet kiss…that was as timeless as the waves lapping at the rocky shore.

For an indefinite period Sousuke and Kaname remained entwined…wrapped in the full realization of their feelings for each other. As they kissed they explored each other tentatively; furtively…as all young adults do when crossing the threshold…yet barriers that had stubbornly remained…that existed since their first meeting…stood in the way of the full culmination of their love…or the confession of the same.

So instead they lay in each other's embrace all night partially clothed on a blanket that Kurz had supplied. Kaname's silky raven head laid on Sousuke's bare chest, one hand resting on his shoulder…while his hand was laced in the long strands as he held her close to his heart, enveloped in perfect peace…

When the pink herald of the dawn painted across the eastern horizon the young couple both awoke…somehow instinctively knowing that their treasured idyll had drawn to a close. Fully awake Sousuke's eyes met Kaname's sleepy smile…

"Morning."

He returned the greeting. "Good morning."

She said matter-of-factly, "We have to go, huh."

"Yeah," he replied reluctantly.

With no further word between them both rose, dressed…gathered their belongings…and headed for the jeep. After they climbed in Sousuke and Kaname sat and stared silently at the now vacant space on the sand...that still bore the indentations of their bodies stretched out on the blanket. And both made the silent yet mutual promise that they would never again think of this secret spot…without remembering an extraordinary night spent there.

Starting the jeep Sousuke reached over and squeezed Kaname's hand. "Ready?"

She nodded. "Uh-huh."

"Then let's go."

He turned the jeep…and they headed back to the base.

END