Timur- Kiss Me Again

The ball is for him, but Timur feels very much like an outcast, the events from earlier that day emphasizing that fact. He tugs on the collar of his shirt.

"Stop looking so nervous," Karolek tells him, looking around the room.

"We stick out like sore thumbs," Timur mumbles back. A trumpet sounds, and Timur, along with the rest of the people in the room, turns to face the main entrance.

"Presenting his Majesty, King Tushar Istas and her Royal Highness, Queen Haimati Istas of Krystaliv." The two monarchs come out and look upon the crowd below. They don't look overly happy, but to Timur, they never do. The King and Timur make brief eye contact, and Timur gives him a respectful head nod. The King and Queen descend the stairs, and the announcer calls out Belia's name. The doors open again, and Timur feels like he got punched in the stomach; she is stunning. He watches Belia gracefully come down to the main floor, and he notices Belia looks like she is going to be sick. Taking pity on the Princess, Timur goes over and, with a polite bow, takes Belia away from her guard. Belia's eyes widen when she looks at him.

"You look nice," Timur says, trying to think of words.

"You as well." Belia looks over at her parents, who are watching the party from their thrones.

"So, tell me, what are these balls like?" Timur asks, wondering if they are anything like the ones on Voyna. Belia's attention turns back to Timur.

"Well, there's dancing and eating and socializing."

"No drinking?"

"No, not anymore. My grandfather banned intoxicating beverages after my father caused a stir during one such event."

"Your father doesn't seem to be the one to start fights," Timur comments, looking over at the King.

"He's changed a lot." Belia bites her lower lip, and Timur's heart seemingly skips a beat. Soon the two are cornered by Council members and other ranking officials. They were most intrigued by what Timur could tell them, and he didn't like how everyone was catering to him. When there's finally a break in the conversation, Timur takes Belia's hand. He guides her to the center of the floor, and they dance with the rest of the guests.

"How are you feeling? You looked like you were either going to pass out or throw up earlier."

"Better now. I don't like large crowds." The two dance and chat, Timur beginning to see Belia a little differently. After another long round of mingling with the guests, Timur looks for both Karolek and Rin; both are occupied at the moment.

"What do you say to a change in scenery? Take a break from the party?" Timur whispers into Belia's ear.

"I wouldn't object." Timur glances around the room one more time to make sure no one was necessarily paying close attention to them, and he and Belia slip out of the room. Belia teleports them back to the safety of her garden. "This is as private as it gets. Only Kya knows about my garden," Belia says as they walk over to the willow tree. "I wish to apologize for earlier," Belia says.

"What for?" Timur asks her.

"For almost getting us hurt. I sometimes forget that people aren't very welcoming."

"Nothing happened, and I wouldn't have held you responsible if you did," Timur says as he could see the exact same thing happening on Voyna if Belia were to go to his home planet. The lights in the dome fade as it goes into some kind of night mode, and the two can see the stars through the glass.

"They're beautiful, aren't they?" Belia comments, looking up at the twinkling lights outside.

"Yes, they are," Timur replies quietly, looking at Belia. She turns to face him, and Timur scans her face.

"What is it?" Belia asks with concern in her voice. "Do I have something on my-" Timur puts both hands on either side of Belia's head, leans in, and kisses her. Belia pulls away, and Timur expects a slap to his face; instead, she just looks at him with slight disgust; she's slightly out of breath. Timur watches her expressions change.

"I'm sorry, that was out of line," he says to her, somewhat embarrassed. To be honest with himself, Timur isn't sure what possessed him to do it in the first place. He knows it wasn't because he had too much to drink, and it wasn't like he actually liked Belia, romantically that is. Belia opens and closes her mouth several times, but she never utters a word. They keep walking until Belia suddenly stops. She looks intensely at Timur's lips. "Belia?" Timur questions.

"Kiss me again," she practically whispers.

"What?"

"Kiss me again." Belia takes a step closer and Timur does as he's told. After another quick kiss, Belia takes off running. Timur follows her, feeling as giddy as a schoolboy after his first kiss. Timur catches up to her and they fall, Belia on top of Timur. He kisses her again and this time Belia joins in. For the moment Timur could swear he hears Belia's thoughts and feels what she feels. The two release each other and lay on their backs, breathing heavy and looking up at the stars. Belia shivers a little and Timur gives her his outer jacket. "My father isn't going to be happy when he finds out."

"If, if he finds out," Timur says with a mischievous smile and kisses her cheek. They talk some more, mostly about the guests at the party. Eventually, Belia falls asleep in Timur's arms. Timur looks at Belia. It had been so long since Timur had done anything like that, perhaps he just got a little carried away in the moment and romantic atmosphere; a little bit of harmless flirting, that's all it was. As he slowly drifts off, Timur decides marrying Belia just may be better than fighting a war with her people.