◊ Dark Waters ◊

Late June, 1998

The grass crunched under his boots as he made his way stealthily towards the lake. The early morning chill bit into his skin, and he drew his cloak closer around him. A small smile tugged at his lips as he hastened his steps; slinking in and out of the shadows like a predator.

A movement caught his eyes. He stood still, blending into the darkness, as he watched a similarly cloaked figure hurried past, oblivious of his presence. His smile broadened as recognition dawned. Trust his companion to be punctual, as usual. He watched as the figure disappeared over a small crest on the sloping lawn before following suit.

A small cluster of trees lined the banks of the lake, the moonlight made everything soft-edged and shadowy. A light breeze ruffled his hair as he walked down the slope, finally stopping under a large tree. The shadows threw a surreal dark and light relief in alternating patterns.

A bundle of clothes lay in a crumpled heap underneath the tree, as if the owner had discarded them in a hurry. He peered into the darkness and listened hard. There was an absence of the gentle nocturnal sounds; a telltale sign that someone had cast a Silencing charm on the surrounding area. The air was warmer too – whoever had cast the charm had cast a Warming Spell as well. He nodded appreciatively.

A sudden movement, barely twenty feet away drew his attention – a flash of pale in the moonlight, breaking the dark, mirror-like surface of the lake. He smiled and walked closer to the water edge.
The swimmer floated lazily; arms stretched out, face upturned towards the skies – a picture of blissful serenity.

He walked back to the tree, shed his clothes and tossed the bundle carelessly on the ground before walking back to the shore. He waded out into the lake; the cool water sent shivers up his spine as his feet found purchase on the slit and flat, slimy stones. The water was up to his waist now, and he began to swim slowly towards the other boy.

"What took you so long?" the familiar melodious voice, tinged with a hint of playfulness greeted him.

He hmm-ed distractedly, as he treaded water. They were close enough to touch, but neither made any move to do so. He glanced sideways at his companion who continued to float lazily; eyes shut, a small secret smile tugging at the corners of his mouth.

Safe in the knowledge that his companion was blissfully unaware, he allowed his gaze to travel. He took in every inch of the pale smooth skin which seemed to radiate its own inner glow, drinking in the ethereal beauty of one so young, yet seemed so old ... his eyes lingered over the smooth plane of the abdomen, the lightly muscular arms and chest, before being drawn further down ...

"You are staring,"

The light chuckle jerked him out of his entranced state, and he blushed furiously. A small splash broke him out of his paralysis, and his insides chilled as a hand brushed lightly against his shoulder. He choked back a cry as cool lips covered his own; the kiss was chaste and quick – from one companion to another, yet he couldn't still his racing heartbeat.

"Mm," warm breath caressed his cheek, and then it was gone, as swiftly as it came. He raised his eyes hesitantly, finally locking with the amused twinkle of his companion. Fingers reached down into the water, searching and eventually linking with his. "Come on," a playful tug, the soft caressing voice – he felt his heart leap into his mouth as the other boy flashed a mischievous smile before swimming away.

Three years.

They had been friends for almost three years now. They were affectionate and steady by nature, and their happiness was to be together. Each sought for a relationship that proved enduring, and as it grew, neither thought "Am I leading, or am I being led?" Each loved and was loved in return, but it had always been platonic to a degree.

Yet, each time he came close to Harry, the same heady rush overpowered him; he wanted to bask in the proximity of Harry's body, to hold him, to love him and ... to be owned by him. Even as they lay together at night, talking easily of the day's events – they were always close; frequently touching even as they sleep, spooned together, hair mingling on the cool pillows, cheek to cheek – but never in those years had they gone further than the warm yet chaste embraces and kisses.

Another soft splash broke him out of his reverie. His eyes were drawn to his companion's, and he held Harry's gaze as he swam closer, and made a playful grab for him. Harry laughed softly, and ducked out of his reach, splashing water in his direction before disappearing from his sight.

He shook his head lightly, and looked around for the other boy. The lake was eerily calm, and the Silencing spell having effectively blocked out all nocturnal sounds. Mild panic tugged at the edges of his instinct; he didn't like being out alone at night, ever since the war started. He turned a full circle, cursing inwardly, as he searched for the his companion.

Arms curved around his waist, pulling him underwater. He let out a sharp yell and kicked out wildly. The terror passed as he resurfaced, gasping for air. A light chuckle came from his right, and he felt the familiar arms pulling him closer, until his back was flushed against his companion's body.

"Scare you didn't I?" the tone was teasing. He twisted in the circle of Harry's arms until they came face to face.

"Idiot," he grinned. "You first class ass."

Harry laughed lightly and tweaked his nose. And then, without warning, he lunged towards Draco and gave him a through ducking.

"What —" Draco spluttered and shook his head, trying to clear his vision. He pushed his hair out of his eyes, and a look of grim determination distorted his face as he swam swiftly after his companion. Oh no, you won't get away so easily this time, he thought resolutely.

Harry laughed and swam further away. The water glistened on his skin, giving it a pearly sheen. His eyes all but sparkle with mischief. Draco swam closer, and closer still. He made a grab at Harry, and pulled him roughly against his body. The boy did not attempt to get away this time; instead, he let himself be drawn to Draco's naked, wet, and slick body.

"Hey," Harry laughed in protest as Draco hugged him tightly. "That hurts." He tried to twist himself away without success. He gave a little huff of mock frustration as he tried to struggle out of his captor's grip.

"Oh no, you don't," Draco breathed in his ear as he tightened his hold, and grinned mischievously. His eyes were riveted to the dark green gaze of his companion's, and his heart missed a beat as he took in the light flush colouring Harry's cheeks even as the boy averted his eyes coyly.

Fingers brushed against his sides; Draco started, and licked his lips nervously. Their eyes met.

He hissed sharply as Harry's hands rose, unbidden, to rest on his shoulders. They held each other's gaze for what seemed like an eternity – no words were spoken, as words could not express the multitude of thoughts that raced through their minds. Colour rose to his cheek, and he finally tore his eyes away, just as Harry pulled away fractionally.

"Sorry," he said far too quickly, trying not to sound nervous. A strange irrational fear gnawed at his insides.

Harry hmm-ed distractedly, but made no further effort to pull away. He closed his eyes and tilted his head back, a small smile curving his lips. He seemed to concentrate on drawing circles on Draco's shoulders with the heels of his palm. "Will you kiss me?" the plea came out of nowhere, startling Draco.

"Of course," he replied huskily, even as he covered Harry's cheeks and neck with warm, chaste kisses. Harry chuckled lightly and pressed their cheeks together.

"Nice," he whispered, his breath cooling the water on Draco's skin. Harry had always been tactile when they were together, often making silent demands to be cuddled and kissed. Draco never had any problem with satisfying his companion's wishes. Harry murmured indolently even as he ran his hands down Draco's back, as Draco continued to nuzzle into the tender juncture between his shoulder and neck.

The sound soothed Draco, just as the contact comforted him. He wanted to press himself into Harry, to get under his skin. He felt his body tingle from the contact, and then Harry broke away from him and swam slowly away. Draco grinned and followed his beloved.

"Look," Harry whispered as he floated on his back. He lifted an arm and pointed at the skies. A small smile curled his lips as he began naming the constellations. "Aren't they beautiful?"

"Yes," Draco voice was throaty, his gaze fixed on the dark-haired youth. "Beautiful."

Harry laughed teasingly, and turned to face him. "You are staring again ... what's wrong?" He smiled; his smouldering eyes bore deep into Draco's.

Draco laughed, but it came out forced and hollow. He licked his lips nervously and gasped as Harry came closer and reached out to run his hand through his hair. Draco spluttered as he swallowed a mouthful of water.

 "You okay?" Harry kept his eyes on Draco's, even as he pressed his body close, holding onto his companion.

Draco felt his resolve burn away, and he shook his head imperceptibly. He whispered hoarsely, "No."

"No?" Harry asked, mildly bewildered.

Draco pulled away and began swimming towards the shore. He ignored Harry's pleas for him to stop, and felt a rush of shame coursing through his limbs. He bit his lips and concentrated on putting as much distance between them. He heard Harry's strong strokes coming closer and he almost cried out in shock when arms circled his waist, pulling him underwater.

"What's wrong? What's the matter?" Harry said insistently, as they broke to the surface.

Draco bowed his head, unable and unwilling to look into his companion's eyes. He felt a tightening in his chest; the other boy had no idea just how desirable he looked, and how much his smouldering eyes warmed him, igniting little fires of desire that spread through his body and ran together until his very blood was molten.

Draco fought back the tears of frustration that threatened to undo him; he was way too deep in denial. He wanted so much to consummate their relationship, but he wasn't entirely sure how the other boy felt. He didn't want to broach the subject – their friendship was much too precious to him; and he repeatedly told himself that he was willing to spend an eternity denying his unholy desire, rather than lose his beloved companion by pushing the other into something they might both regret.

"Draco, look at me," the voice was soft, yet there was no mistaking the command in the tone.

He lifted up his head and his gaze was drawn inexorably into his companion's eyes. What he saw there jarred him, and his grip tightened convulsively. He knew he was staring, and suddenly, their proximity stirred the desires within him. He shivered as Harry's fingers traced cool circles on his shoulder, before moving to his neck, finally cupping his jaw. His body reacted to the touch, and he felt himself getting aroused. He pulled back, terrified of his body's reaction; it wasn't as if they hadn't been physically close before, but it had never been this intense. He struggled to get away, afraid that Harry would be disgusted if he knew how aroused he was by the boy's seemingly innocent actions.

A soft, warm breath caressed his skin; the hand cupping his face lifted it, forcing him to look into his companion's eyes. He watched, fascinated, as a glimmer of comprehension dawned upon Harry.

"Tell me, do you ... want me?" Harry said softly, breaking the silence. The words seemed wrong and graceless, even as they tumbled from his lips. Harry bit his lip apprehensively, but his gaze remained steady.

Draco pulled back a fraction, surprise registering on his face as the words seeped through his consciousness. He said hoarsely, "What do you mean ... ?" Hope rose within his heart, but he dared not entertain it, lest it be shattered yet again.

Slender, cool fingers caressed his cheek; the touch tender, almost loving. The grip on his waist tightened imperceptibly, and his eyes slid shut as warm breath caressed his cheeks once more. "You are free now, Draco. We are finally free. The war is over ... nothing can stop us from being together now," soft whispered breath stirred the desire within him. A pause, then sensuously, "I want you."

He fell silent as the words registered in his mind. Emotions swirled, hazing his mind, robbing him of clarity. His fingers spasm convulsively, digging hard into Harry's shoulder. He shut his eyes and bit his lip in an effort not to scream and break down with relief. Harry wanted him, as much as he wanted Harry.

When his voice came, it was barely above a whisper, "I want you too. God, I have wanted you for so long, it hurts."

Harry released his hold on Draco, and nudged him back gently. He reached out tentatively to stroke his companion's face even as Draco stared at him wordlessly, and their eyes met once more.

Draco was captivated by the openness in Harry's eyes, and his breath hitched when Harry reached up to caress his cheek, a delighted smile lighting his face. Everything Harry did was magnetising him, just the way it had all these years. The hand moved away, only to return briefly to caress his back – up his spine, fingers brushing against the nape of his neck, then back down and lower still until they rest on the curve of his back.

Draco shuddered, and closed his eyes as brief explosions of pleasure racked his body. His heartbeat seemed overloud, and a chill crawled up his spine as long, tapered fingers traced his cheek tenderly, turning his face and compelling him to lock eyes with his companion once more.

"Draco," Harry murmured, his voice even lower than normal. Draco shivered at the intimate brush of Harry's breath against his cheek, and he tried to suppress a sigh as Harry's hand touched the nape of his neck, rubbing lightly.

He slid his eyes shut and leaned closer, turning his face towards Harry's, so close that their lips almost touched. He could feel Harry's breath warming his skin, and he sighed as soft lips brushed against his temples. The water was cool against his skin, and Harry's proximity seemed to burn him from outside in as an arm curved around his waist, pulling him closer, enveloping him in a warm embrace. Draco choked down a sob as he relaxed against him, nuzzling lightly into his neck.

The newness of the intimacy frightened and excited him at the same time; it was as if they were relearning each other. He squeezed his eyes tighter as Harry brushed his lips tentatively against his, chastely. A low purr escaped him, and he opened his eyes cautiously and smiled. He imagined he could hear their twin heartbeats pound in counterpoint to one another, the beat getting faster by the moment. Then he was lost, as Harry kissed him on the cheek, lingering slowly against his ear. Their eyes met and he saw the question there, and he nodded his assent silently.

Then they were kissing again, and it wasn't chaste. They clung tightly to each other, afraid lest they would drown in the dark waters should one of them let go.

"Harry," he gasped into his mouth, as his hand held the back of his companion's head, so that he could not escape the embrace. Harry staggered under the force of his embrace, and stumbled backwards into the water, pulling Draco down on top of him. All rational thoughts abandoned him, as they resurfaced, gasping for breath yet unwilling to relinquish their hold on each other.

Draco trembled violently and dug his nails into Harry's shoulders, raking it down his back as Harry covered his cheeks, his eyelids, his temple and his neck with half-desperate kisses. And when their lips met in mutual hunger, a muffled groan escaped Draco, and all he wanted at that moment was to be with Harry and make him his.

Strong arms enveloped him, holding him close as he vented out his passion. They stood chest deep in the water, arms locked around each other – so close that no one could tell where one ended and the other started.

A low moan escaped Harry, as Draco latched his mouth onto his skin – kissing, biting and marking a string of blood red love-bites on his body. He arched towards his companion's touch, his body shuddering in ecstasy. He dug his nails into Draco's skin, and gasped as Draco ground their groins together. He could feel the urgency in the thrust, and this aroused him in turn.

Harry gripped his companion's shoulder hard, and pulled him sharply. He heard Draco gasp as he kissed him hard, delighting in the way Draco clutched at him in frenzy. Harry dropped his hand into the water and ran it down Draco's side, letting it rest briefly on his hip before moving tentatively to caress his erection.

Draco's eyes went huge, as his body pushed unbidden into the touch. He nodded once, giving his assent, his grip on his companion tightened, almost bruising, as he felt the first slow, hesitant strokes brushing against his sensitised skin. He pressed himself urgently into Harry's touch, even as their eyes locked on each other. He let out a low moan, as the touch became bolder, and his hand moved automatically to grip his beloved's face.

His companion was a sight to behold, and his chest hammered wildly as he ran his thumb on Harry's lower lip. The sight of Harry's tongue flickering out to lick his thumb almost undid him; he pushed the digit into the hot, wet mouth and bit back a cry as he felt the urgent suction as Harry sucked his thumb hard. Draco began to cry incoherently as Harry quickened his strokes. His free hand dropped into the water and skated down Harry's back before coming to curve gently on his buttocks. His eyes were riveted on Harry's even as his fingers kneaded flesh. He shivered, with cold or tension he no longer cared, as his fingers moved to stroke his companion's raphe. Harry bucked into his touch, his grip on Draco's erection became urgent as Draco pushed his finger into Harry's warm and willing body.

Draco thought he was going to explode into a million pieces. The sight of his beloved staring at him with uninhibited carnal lust etched on his beautiful face finally undid him. He gasped raggedly as his climax threatened to overpower him; he cried out Harry's name repeatedly, as he pulled his thumb from Harry's mouth and claimed his lips in hot, desperate kisses even as his body spun out of control.

"Come for me, Draco ... come for me," Harry breathed into his mouth, as his hands moved feverishly up and down Draco's erection. Draco reacted by melding their bodies together, his finger pushing deeper into Harry, passing the barrier. His breath hitched, a tear slid down his cheek and he gave in to the wicked sensations. He couldn't tell if the scream was real or imagined – it felt like his chest had been cut open, the poison sucked out, cleansing him, purging him, breaking him into a million pieces as his seed spilled over Harry's hand, only to be washed away by the currents. His knees finally buckled, and he pulled his finger free, only to return and grip tightly on Harry's hip. He pulled Harry down on top of him as he tumbled underwater, his feet sliding on the slit and slimy stones, unable to find purchase.

They clung to each other, unwilling to break their feverish hold and kisses, as the dark waters closed over their heads. The need for air made them resurface, and Draco could not help but stare into his companion's eyes. What he saw there made him gasp, there was a fierce desire burning behind those eyes, making Harry look like a predator. He blinked, his body stiffening as Harry gripped his wrists tightly.

"I want you," Harry whispered fiercely. "I want you now."

Before Draco could react, before he could do anything, Harry had gripped him around the waist and dragged him up the bank. Their feet slipped and slid in their hurry; their mutually urgent desire begging to be released. They were panting by the time they reached the tree where their discarded clothes lay.

Without relinquishing his hold on his companion, Harry nudged Draco against the tree trunk, and proceeded to kiss him hard. Draco felt the rough bark chafing his skin, and the cool breeze made him tingle all over; but he was beyond caring – Harry's hands were roaming hungrily on his body, his tongue plundering his mouth and he felt the incredibly hard erection pressing against his belly.

He wanted Harry, perhaps even more than Harry wanted him. He wanted to hold him, tease him, and please him. He wanted to make love to Harry, he needed to see his beloved companion writhe sinfully beneath him, clutching at his skin, drawing welts on his body. He needed to hear him call out his name in wanton abandon as he possessed the incredible beauty that was Harry and make him his very own. But right now he wanted Harry in his mouth, he wanted to taste him, to pleasure him, to swallow his seed and make it part of him ... he wanted to have Harry in his bloodstream; he wanted Harry in his flesh, his every nucleus, his very being.

Draco pulled sharply away, and he used his weight to twist Harry around and pushed him against the tree trunk. Nails raked his back as he dropped to his knees and took his companion into his mouth in one fluid move. Fingers gripped his hair even as he dug his own nails into Harry's hips, pinning him against the tree trunk. The grip on his hair tightened, forcing his head up, and their eyes locked once again. They never broke eye contact, even as Draco took Harry in deep inside himself. Harry bucked, and Draco gripped him harder; and when the dark haired youth struggled, he increased his pressure.

Harry groaned; Draco's mouth was achingly hot and wet against his sensitised skin. He lost all coherent thoughts as wicked sensations overpowered him, sending bolts of pleasure ripping through his body. He thought he screamed, but he couldn't be sure. A knot tightened deep in his belly and he screwed his eyes shut. Nervous sweat dampened his forehead as his hand tried to find purchase on the rough bark, his other hand moving to grab Draco's shoulder, and then his hair, pulling roughly as the knot tightened further.

His eyes snapped open, locking with Draco's once again. Draco's eyes were dark and hazy with desire, and Harry couldn't stop his climax. He arched his back, heels digging into the grass, and he shouted incoherently as Draco took him deeper, pleasuring him in a myriad of ways. His muscles tensed, his breathing ragged as he spiralled over the edge. Draco swallowed every drop of his warm seed without losing eye contact. Harry felt as though his heart would burst from the incredible sight of his companion claiming him, making him a part of himself. He slid bonelessly to the grass when Draco finally relinquished his hold.

Harry smiled as Draco slithered up his body and lay on top of him. He never imagined losing control could be so intense, and the pleasure was magnified by the fact that he was sharing it with Draco. His knees fell limply to his sides as he sighed, insensate. He reached up and kissed Draco deeply, savouring the taste on his tongue. Draco's passion enveloped him, lulling him possessively.

Draco shifted, and pressed his lips against Harry's ear. His voice was low and raw with ardour as he whispered just one word, "Mine."

It was a declaration, simple yet shattering in its honesty; Harry couldn't help but stifle a sob as Draco claimed his lips in a fiery kiss. Draco pressed into Harry, his arousal hardening for the second time. His body acted before his mind caught up. He pressed their foreheads together, their faces inches apart. They were so close, and his vision was filled with the dark green beauty of Harry's eyes.

Their eyes locked for what seemed like an eternity. Neither of them moved for a long time. The silence was deafening, and Draco felt as if his blood had turned to fire. And then he heard Harry whisper with fierce conviction, "I want you. I need you to be mine."

There was an intense fire burning within, and a longing so strong. Draco felt his breath catching  in his throat. Harry's fervour pleaded to him as waves of raw emotions swept through his face, laying his soul bare. The words were like rain after a drought; it resuscitated him, and brought him back to life.

He stroked Harry's face gently, painfully aware of his aching needs. He captured Harry's face in his hands and drowned in those captivating emerald eyes. He wanted to make love to Harry, he wanted to join their bodies and celebrate their passion. He wanted them to become one, and he believed Harry wanted the same thing. However, he felt compelled to ask, "Can I?"

Harry nodded mutely, his eyes speaking volumes where words had failed him. Draco clutched at his arms, as tears sprang from his eyes. The teardrops quivered for a moment on his eyelashes, before splashing onto Harry's cheeks. Harry whispered Draco's name, bringing him back from the edge, as he reached up and kissed the tears away. He tugged his companion's arm gently, pulling him down to lay on top of him. Draco slid an arm behind his back, supporting him, even as he nudged Harry's knees apart. His eyes fall shut momentarily, as he took in a shuddering breath. He felt Harry's hands clasping his face, thumbs running little circles on his skin.

"It's okay," the whisper was low, almost seductive. Draco nodded shakily, his free hand slipping behind his companion's neck and up into his hair. He wanted this so badly, and he trembled with tension as he tightened his grip on Harry's hip. Light butterfly circles caressed his skin, and Harry kissed him gently. Draco's body immediately responded to the touch and he pressed himself closer to his companion.

Draco's heart leapt into his mouth as his eyes snapped open to lock with Harry's. His companion's eyes all but sparkle in anticipation, the soft flush on his cheeks further heightened Draco's desire. Draco hand scrabbled on the ground, finally finding purchase on their clothes. He rolled them up one handed and pushed it behind Harry's back. He returned his focus on the dark haired youth, and his body felt like combusting. His hands shook, his vision blurred and he couldn't help making strange mewling sounds even as he pressed tentatively into his companion's body. A moan escaped his lips as he felt Harry's hands gliding across his back.

He pushed forward, slowly at first as Harry lay unmoving, accepting the sensation. An imperceptible shadow flickered across Harry's face, and he bit his lip involuntarily. Draco halted, not wanting to hurt his beloved, yet he didn't really want to stop. "Are you okay?" he asked gently. "I could stop, if it hurts you ... " he trailed off, praying fervently that Harry won't change his mind.

Harry held his eyes and smiled gently. "Don't stop," he breathed, as his hand moved to caress Draco's cheek. He'd wanted this just as much as Draco did; he'd dreamed of this so often since the first time they were together. He wanted Draco, he wanted to complete him and to be completed by him. His hand skated down Draco's body, resting momentarily on his buttocks. "Don't ever stop," he whispered fervently as he arched into Draco's body, even as he pulled him into himself.

Draco's eyes widened, as an exquisite tightness enveloped him. He mewled unintelligibly, as his rooting instinct took over. The sight of his companion writhing sinfully under him made his heart beat like a trip-hammer; the feel of his ankles digging into his back made him lose every dredge of coherent thought. Powerful sensations overloaded him, sharpening his senses. His skin tingled, his blood was like molten lava – all he could feel was Harry; Harry squirming beneath him, Harry enveloping him, Harry bruising him with his nails, Harry calling out his name repeatedly.

His universe contracted, and all that mattered was Harry ... Harry ... Harry ...

Draco shuddered, as he rocked against Harry. The friction, the heat, the raw passion assaulted him as Harry thrust against him, bringing him closer and closer to release. He tried to stop his onrushing climax, but he felt as if he would die if he wasn't sated soon. He felt sharp teeth biting into his arm, but he was beyond caring. He focussed on pleasuring his companion; he wanted for Harry to share the pleasure together.

"Can't hold ... ," he moaned, as Harry tightened his ankles on his back.

Harry arched into Draco, and ran his hands over his own skin in an attempt to dampen his ardour, but the action served to inflame it further. "Oh god, oh god, oh god," he gasped repeatedly, his body losing control.

"Harry," Draco breathed huskily as he claimed Harry's mouth.

He couldn't hold out much longer, the pleasure was too great. They rocked together, locked in their mutual fervour – their bodies slick with sweat, their cries unashamedly loud as they collapsed in mutual frenzy. Their held each other's eyes even as they clung to each other for what seemed like an eternity; and watched each other's face intently as both shattered into climax.

The pleasure went on and on, even as they lay spent in each other's arms. Harry smiled and took Draco in the circle of his arms, ruffling his sweat-dampened hair playfully. Green bore into grey as their gaze locked in mutual comprehension. He sighed and held Draco closer, and smiled as Draco curved his arms gently around his waist, and slung a leg across his thighs in a possessive full-body embrace. For long moments they lay unmoving in each other's embrace, waiting for their heartbeats to slow.

A balmy breeze blew across the lake, stirring little ripples on the dark surface. Nocturnal sounds broke through the silence; the steady lapping of water on the shore, the soft hooting of the owls as they returned from their hunt, the soft rustle of the leaves blowing gently in the breeze.

They held each other in silence, lost in each other's eyes and overwhelming devotion; and when they looked up again, the pearly sheen of dawn's early light had broken through the eastern skies. They raised their eyes to the splendour and shared a moment of divine peace.

END

Started:Sunday, February 16, 2003 :: Completed: Friday, March 6, 2003.