Cassie strode down the long corridor at a rather fast pace, her eyes intent on reading the paper before her. It was instruction manual about how to use her new laptop.
It looked like Greek! She scowled and rounded a corner.
Her petite body slammed into a much taller one and they both tumbled to the floor. Cassie's papers went everywhere. Cassie opened her eyes as the papers fluttered to the ground and looked down at a surprised Zhane.
"Oh! Zhane! I'm so sorry! I...I..." She stuttered, her cheeks burning.
Zhane put on an amused grin. "That's ok, really. But...I think your knee is giving me a charlie horse, can I get up?"
Immediately, Cassie jumped off him, and reached down a hand to help him up. She was still blushing uncontrollably, and she hoped he didn't think she was a _complete_ klutz.
Zhane took the hand and got to his feet, straitening his jacket. Then he leaned over to pick up the scattered papers. Cassie put a hand on his upper arm. "Oh, you don't have to do that!" She insisted.
Zhane twisted to look at her, and Cassie could feel his biceps expand considerably. She quickly lifted her hand away and got redder.
"I want to. I can handle picking up a few pieces of paper," He replied, flashing his a million dollar smile at her.
Cassie almost melted. Ack! You're not falling for Zhane, are you girl?
Was she?
Cassie kneeled down to help him pick up her instruction manual. They both reached for the same piece of paper, Zhane's hand landing gently on hers.
Their eyes met, and Zhane just grinned. He didn't make any move to take away his hand. Cassie was sure she was gonna throw up.
Jeez, look at those eyes. You can just sink into them. Zhane thought. And her hair...I wonder if it's as soft as it looks.
Oh no. Cassie don't do this to yourself. You're only going to get hurt. Just like with Phantom...he wasn't ready for a relationship. Who says Zhane is? But...I think I really like him...
"So, Cassie. What's all these papers for?" Zhane asked, slowly taking his hand away. Slow enough so he could feel her soft skin.
Cassie shuddered and looked at him. Oh no! What did he just say? I wasn't listening!
A smile tugged at his lips. "I asked, what are all these papers for?"
Cassie caught it this time. "Oh, I got a new laptop, and these papers are trying to tell me how to use it. It's not working." She felt herself drinking in every one of his features. His white blond hair, his gorgeous eyes, his pearl white teeth, the dimples that popped up every time he smiled...
"Well, I could help you with that. I know enough about computers to show you the basics," He offered, standing up with the stack of papers. He snatched the papers that Cassie had picked up, playfully out of her hands. "Lemme carry these. In case we _bump_ into any one else on the way to your room, I don't want them to fly all over again."
Cassie ducked her head so he wouldn't see her blush. What's wrong with me? I never blushed around boys before!
The duo made their way down the hall to her room and stepped inside.
"So where is it?" Zhane asked.
Cassie pointed toward her desk, not quite trusting her voice.
Zhane nodded. "Go ahead and sit down. Lemme look over these instructions real quick."
Cassie sat down in the chair in front of her desk and watched as Zhane flopped down onto her bunk. He flipped through it with remarkable speed, nodding every now and then. Finishing, he stood up and positioned himself behind her, leaning over her shoulder and flipping the laptop on. They waited for it to warm up, and then Zhane reached for Cassie's hand, placing it on the mouse.
He guided her hand with the mouse, telling her to go into her inbox. "This is the most important part of the computer. E-mail and the internet," He told her solemnly, only half kidding.
"Now, what do you want your e-mail address to be?" He asked, looking into her eyes.
"I...I..." She mumbled, and soon finding them both leaning toward one another, their lips locking.
It was awkward for them, though. Cassie was sitting in a chair, half twisted around, and Zhane was leaning over her, and the kiss ended too soon. It still left them breathless, and they looked longingly at one another. Zhane wrapped his arms around her middle and lifted to her feet.
Cassie gazed up at him, and he slowly pulled her closer one of his hands running his hand through her long dark hair. The other hand had cupped her cheek, and he slowly rubbed his thumb over her olive complexion. She closed her eyes and melted in the arms that held her tightly.
Zhane tipped her chin up toward him, and let his lips brush against hers. He leaned his forehead on hers so that they were both looking into one another's eyes. Their noses lightly touched, and Cassie's heart skipped a beat.
What's happening? Ten minutes ago I barreled him over in the hallway and now he's holding me so close I can fell his breath against my cheek? Is this going to fast?
She titled her own head and kissed him firmly, closing her hands behind his neck.
Nah...she answered her own question.
"Now...uh, back to the computer? We could always continue this later. Tonight, down at the park?" Zhane asked as they pulled away.
"Yeah, that'd be nice."
Cassie sat back down in the chair and Zhane kneeled next to the desk one of his arms draped around the back of the chair, his hand freely brushing against Cassie's neck. He'd obviously found a ticklish spot, and she giggled and shoved his hand away.
"Oh...are you ticklish?" Zhane asked innocently, his hand darting to her ribs.
"No! Zhane don't!" the plea ended in a squeal as she tried to get his hands off her most ticklish spot.
The sudden movements dumped Cassie off the chair. She landed on the floor still laughing, as Zhane rushed to see if she was all right.
"Quite fine thank you," She promised, still chuckling.
"Well, in that case..." He replied, his hand slowly moving for her ribs again. She caught the attack and looked at him pleadingly.
"Oh, please stop, I can't take it anymore!"
"But I love listening to you beg..." He teased.
"And I love watching you smile..."
Zhane granted her the wish and grinned, leaning down to kiss her.
Later that evening, as they walked through the dimly lit park as the sun set in the horizon, Zhane glanced down at his newest meaning to live and admitted, "I'm glad you ran me over."
Cassie chuckled, "Yeah, me too."
They held one another's hands tighter and continued their slow trek down the path, content of the silence that surrounded them.
Fate had brought them together, and it would keep them
together...