Chapter 23 The Hun (2/2)

”Isn't that better?” asked Rassa, ”If its been here for longer it clearly proves it has no interest in us as we haven't found anyone dead with two pucture marks on their neck have we?”

His tone was harsher than he meant it to be, and he saw Jane look at him with surprise. Rassa sighed, picking up his full basket and heading for the edge of the Orchard.

”Sorry, I didn't mean that,” Rassa stated as he left.

Jane watched him leave. She had never seen Rassa so...solemn. It was a vast difference from what he'd been a few days ago when he'd laughed and smiled at her like normal. Abandoning her basket, Jane jogged after Rassa, then threw her arms around him from behind, hugging him tight. Rassa froze in surprise.

”What-”

”It's okay,” Jane said, ”Whatever is bothering you. I know it'll be okay. Besides, you know you can talk to me right? I'll always be there for you. You're my best friend”.

Rassa couldn't help the tears that were welling in his eyes. He remembered the fear he'd seen in her eyes. Remembered the sound of her rapidly beating heart as her mind constructed the picture of a monster. She wouldn't be there for him through everything. He knew that.

”Sure,” he replied, making sure his tone was even, ”Always”.

After a moment, Jane let him go, then watched as he disappeared back between the trees. There was something wrong. Very wrong. And even if she tried, Jane somehow knew he would never tell her.

This was why, when they got off work that evening, Jane took Rassa's hand and dragged him deeper into the Orchard. When there was no one around, Jane paused, looked back at Rassa then moved forward and pecked him on the lips. When she drew back she was blushing, and Rassa simply stood, frozen in surprise.

”I really do promise. I'll always be there for you,” Jane said simply, then she turned back towards the village and walked off. After a moment, Rassa raised his fingers to his lips touching them lightly.

He couldn't deny that his first kiss felt nice. He could see why the older boys said it was pleasurable and talked about it so much. That and...other things. But there was an added affect of pleasure for Rassa, one that he was positive the other boys couldn't feel.

Being close enough to feel the pulse of blood through her lips was truly intoxicating.