"Trust me?"

"I... I'm afraid."

Deryn took a deep breath. She looked around the dark and empty park. All of their friends left for the diner already. She and Ilan were alone together for the first time on that beautiful night.

Ilan reached out and took her hand.

"Don't be scared. You know I'd never do anything to hurt you. Just focus on my face and move with me."

He helped her up and they awkwardly arranged themselves. She nodded and he leaned forward. When their bodies touched, her stomach filled with butterflies.

His breath was warm on her face.

"Let me know if you want to stop."

She nodded again and they began pumping slowly.

Higher and higher they climbed.

Deryn turned her eyes toward the stars and soon her head felt as high and light as the moon.

When their speed picked up she wasn't sure if this was a good idea anymore. But Ilan's smile was euphoric and just for her.

She wanted to throw her arms around his neck but knew that would send them both tumbling off the edge.

Plus, her palms were sweaty.

She squeezed her eyes shut. A strange feeling built in her stomach now.

That was her breaking point.

"Ilan! Oh God! Please stop!"

He locked his legs and broke their rhythm. Tears coursed down her cheeks. Ilan's hand brushed the hair back from her forehead and dried her face.

"Please don't cry Deryn. It's over. It's okay to open your eyes."

She shook her head.

"We're still moving."

Ilan jumped away from her. Startled by the lack of his firm presence, Deryn opened her eyes. He stood by her feet, gripping the chains of the swing.

"I'll hold it still so you can climb down."

"I... I don't think I can. My legs feel like gelatin."

"Don't worry, I've got you."

Ilan hugged Deryn's thighs. She placed her hands on his shoulders and he lifted her feet off the hard plastic seat.

More butterflies.

She slid down the length of his body, as he gently placed her onto the ground.

With his arms wrapped around her waist, her heart pounded like she was still moving fast on the swing.

Ilan beamed at her.

"So now that you faced your fear of heights, what else do you want to do tonight?"

Deryn could feel Ilan's heart beating just as hard as hers. She suddenly felt very brave.

"Let's conquer one of yours. Trust me?"

He blushed.

"I... I'm afraid..."

She stood on tiptoes to whisper into his ear.

"Don't be scared. I'd never do anything to hurt you. Just focus on my face and move with me."

Their eyes met first, followed by their lips.

The kiss began slowly. Deryn's heart climbed higher and higher as it deepened.

They paused for a breath. She smirked.

"Let me know if you want to stop."

"I don't think I can. My legs feel like gelatin."

Deryn tightened their embrace.

"Don't worry, I've got you."