STAR

I exhale deeply, pacing back and forth on the streets edge, waiting for Michael to come.
He said he'd be here no later then 8:00 PM, where is he?

Worry fills my chest, making me sit down on the asphalt and sigh.
I glance down at my outfit. I hope it's not too much.
I'm wearing the red skirt that Dwayne got me, plus the black belly shirt.
I tied my hair in a braid, and threw a red bandana on top my head.

Hopefully, it doesn't look like I'm trying to hard.

I begin to bite at my nails, before I see a headlight and hear a moterbike engine off in the distance.
Hope rises in my chest. That must be him!

I stand up right when Michael pulls up, one foot lowering to hold him and his bike level.
He flashes me a smirk. "Hey beautiful."

I blush, greeting him with a kiss before I climb onto the back.
"So where are we going tonight?" I ask, resting my head on his back as he begins to drive.
We've practically done everything. Boardwalk, dinner at restaurants, picnics...

So what else can we do?
"Haven't decided yet. I thought you'd like to decide," he says.

"Hmm," I purse my lips, snuggling closer to him. "How about some dinner at our favorite diner, remember?" I tighten my grip around his waist, "it's where we went the night we met."

He smiles softly. "I remember well," he smirks over his shoulder at me, "best night of my life."
I blush, sneaking my fingers under his shirt to feel his skin.

Its warm to the touch, and I can't help but shudder a little feeling the warmth on my fingertips.

He laughs again, but in a sly way.
This night will be fun.

***

We ate dinner at our favorite diner, and Michael, being a total sweetheart, bought me dessert.

I don't want this night to end.

Because once our plates are cleaned and we're outside, I'll have to go back to the cave and be the silent, weak Star.

I don't want that.
Not tonight.

We step outside, and Michael smacks his fists against each other.
I shyly twist a strand of my hair, standing awkwardly before him.
I don't want it to be over...I want to spend more time with him.

I want to do something...different.

"So," he looks at me, "I guess I should take you-"

"No," I say, a little too forceful and fast.
He stares at me, brow furrowed.
I look at him. "Let's go someplace. Like, a motel or something."

His eyes widen. "Star-"

"Please?" I ask, stepping closer to him. "I don't want to go home."
It's true . Once I go home, I'll hide in the dark of the cave, waiting for either Luna to come, or for another date with Michael.

I want to break out.
Just this once...

For a moment, he looks like he wants to refuse, but instead, he nods.
Even I can see the feeling I feel in his eyes.

"Alright, let's go."

***

We found a decent priced motel on the outside of Santa Carla, and after we paid and got our key, we went inside.
Michael shut the door behind me, and I stand in the middle of the room, a complete nervous wreak.

Why did I do this?
It's...awkward.
Of course, I'm used to being alone with boys.
But tonight...it's different.

With this boy, I have feelings and desires for him.
Whereas, with the Lost Boys, I think of them as my second family.
Nothing more, nothing less.

He glances at me after a moment of silence. "You okay?"

I look at him, "yes, yes," I exhale a nervous breath, shaking on the inside. "I um...I'm gonna take a shower."
Before Michael can respond, I run into the bathroom, locking the door behind me.

I exhale a shaky breath, realization sinking in my chest.
I hope I'm not forcing him to do anything he doesn't want to...
But...nothing should happen tonight, right?

I slip out of my clothes and step into the shower.
The hot water splashes on my skin, making me sigh a breath of comfort.

It's been so long since I've had a proper shower.
I want to stay under the hot water forever...

I scrub at my hair and arms, deep in thought.
Michael and I have been a couple for months now, and we've yet to say 'I love you.'

Deep down, I know I am in love with him.
But at the same time, I keep my lips shut.
What if I tell him, and he doesn't love me back?
It would shatter me...

I step out of the shower, towel wrapped around me as I look into the mirror.
I exhale, reaching for my clothes.

But I stop.

Once I slip this on, I'll be plain old Star again.
The quiet, scared, shy one.
I don't want that.
I want to be confident.
I want to show Michael how I feel...
I want him...

I step outside with only a towel my cover.
My heart is beating out of my chest.
I'm making a daring move, one that I'm willing to take that chance.

Michael is laying on his back, but when he sees me, he gets up on his feet and approaches me.

I look up at him, before I let the towel fall.
I can hear his breath hitch, but I can't see his face.
My eyes are glued shut in nervousness.

"Star..." He reaches and touches my hair.
I slowly open my eyes.
He stares at me in such a way I've never seen before.

Desire. For me.

"Are you sure?" He whispers.
This is it.
Do I push him away? Or do I give him, and him give me, a piece of ourselves we've never given to anyone?

I nod. "Yes."
I wrap my arms around his neck, bringing him in a devouring kiss.

His arms wrap around my waist, pulling me to the bed before he lays me down gently.
I slip my hands under his shirt, feeling the firmness of his chest.
My heart shudders.

His hands run all over me, exploring every inch of my bare body, fire pulsing through my skin.
I slip the shirt over his head, feeling his back muscles, kissing him deeper.

His kisses lead down my jaw, my neck, and my chest, trailing kisses...

I tangle my fingers in his hair.

Soon, the world fades away.
We become one, both physical and spiritual,
and that is when I realize.
He is my Mate.
And I am his Mate.
Now, and forever more...

Once we reach our limit and lay under the blankets, I curl into his side to hear his breathing.
I touch his heart.

He's fast asleep by now, but I softly kiss him without waking him.

"I love you..." I whisper.
Though he didn't hear it...

And when the morning dawns, we both giggle like children and blush like crazy, staying in bed longer then we should, being the only things that matter in the world...