Title: Heartfelt
Chapter: One
Author: squeezynz@free.net.nz
Rating: major Mills & Boons, still only PG13.
(you have been warned)
Decided to let free reign to my romantic urges. Pure, shameless MVR...shippiness factor at its fullest.No Giants, no adventure, no action, just fluff. Blame it on the fact that I've been reading way too many JAG Fanfic lately, full of lovey dovey stuff, UST and RST and other romantic rubbish *LOL*....sorry, I just had to write this. Blame it on me being a 'woman'....it just comes naturally.
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"You know, you're going to have to stop doing that,"

Betty regarded her friend sitting across from her at the small, rough hewn table. Valerie sat, legs crossed at the knee, her hands holding a rapidly cooling coffee mug, gazing across the clearing to where the men labored to erect a new support pole for the canvas covering the outside sleeping area.

Getting no response, Betty let her eyes slide around to the same spot that seemed to hold such a fascination for Valerie. She saw Steve and Mark, stripped to the waist, putting their weight behind the heavy pole, while Fitzhugh and Dan pulled on a rope, slowly straitening the support, ready to rope it into place. For a long moment, Betty admired the men as they sweated under the hot morning sun. Since they had landed on this planet, everyone had had to work hard, long hours and short rations had trimmed and toned muscle and sinew. The younger men, Steve, Mark and Dan, by doing the bulk of the heavy labour, were unwittingly honing their muscles to a condition never realised on Earth. Even Fitzhugh, although he'd be loathe to admit it, was the fittest he'd been in his life, despite his constant shirking of most of the workload whenever possible. As she continued to watch the work party, Betty couldn't help but admire the way their muscles moved, stretching and bunching at the men strained. Steve, being younger than Mark, was that bit leaner, his arms well defined and sleek. Mark was more heavily muscled and his back broader, but Betty couldn't really see much difference between them, both fit and athletic in the prime of life.

"I don't blame you, it's certainly a sight to gladden any woman's libido," said Betty, letting go a heavy sigh.

Valerie blinked, her gaze coming round to rest on her friends pretty face, astonishment fighting with embarrassment on her face.

"Betty, did I just hear you say 'libido' ?"

"Oh don't play coy Val, its been plain for weeks, I'm just surprised you haven't taken it further,"

Valerie flushed bright red, casting her eyes down to the mug in her hands, her thick lashes hiding her bright eyes from Betty's sharp glance.

"I don't know what you're referring to, really I don't," said Valerie, airily, trying to regain some of her composure in face of Betty's knowing look.

An unladylike snort followed Valerie's statement, Betty having difficulty containing her derision at Valerie blatant untruth.

"I'm not blind Val...its clear to everyone that Mark is more than just interested in you, and from the way you moon over him, its plain the feelings are reciprocated,"

"I do not 'moon' over him, Betty, given how close we have to live, its not surprising if we trip over each other, and I'm hardly going to ignore him, or any of the others, for that matter," Valerie retorted, her face flushed, stung by Betty's comments.

"Oh don't get into a pet, I don't mean any harm, your secret's safe with me. I'm glad you've connected with Mark, he's certainly protective of you, and I think that's sweet,"

"He's no more protective of me, than he is of you, or Barry or Dan," tried Valerie, vainly attempting to hide her discomfort.

"Then how do you explain that look he's sending you right now," said Betty, leaning across the table and smiling broadly at Valerie's startled face.

"I'm not going to look," hissed Valerie, looking down at her coffee and grimacing, realising it was now too cold to drink.

"Maybe that's a good idea, if you were a piece of paper, you'd be on fire right now," said Betty, chuckling at Valerie's look of consternation. Despite her best intentions, Valerie turned her head and glanced over at the group by the awning. Steve and Mark were standing beside the pole, Dan tying off the guy rope, while Fitzhugh stood back. Steve was saying something to Dan and Mark had picked up a towel to wipe the sweat from his face. As she raised her eyes to his, blue met blue, gazing across the width of the clearing, neither one moving as if held in a spell. A muffled snort from across the table made Valerie blink, dragging her attention back, breaking her connection with the Mark.

"I'll go fetch the fire extinguisher...." said Betty, flashing Valerie a broad grin as she got up from the table and started towards the hatchway of the Spindrift.

"Oh you...." spluttered Valerie, getting up as well and following her. As she reached the steps she risked another glance and found, to her acute disappointment, that Mark had turned away and was talking to Steve. For a moment she paused to admire his broad shoulders, before stepping lightly into the Spindrift.

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The warm weather held, making everyone hot and uncomfortable, the men stripping off more often, partly to keep cool and partly to save their clothes from becoming soaked in sweat as they worked. Valerie and Betty had an easier time, being able to make use of Valerie's extensive summer wardrobe, packed originally for a holiday on the French Riviera. Both girls wished there was a river or swimming hole somewhere nearby for them all to cool off in, but their closest water source was only a trickle from a leaking tap, hardly enough for their basic needs, let alone anything as frivolous as a swimming pool. Mark had managed to rig up a water cooler so that at least their drinking water was cool and Betty and Valerie took turns supplying the men with a regular supply of liquid refreshment.

On a particularly scorching day, Valerie found herself alone at the ship with only Mark for company. She had awoken that morning with a splitting headache, caused, she presumed, from the heat and lack of sleep. Steve had previously organised a trek to harvest a patch of berry bushes that day, so Valerie volunteered to stay behind and monitor the radio, not realising that Mark was also staying back to work on some engine modification. She had seen Betty roll her eyes and wink at her, as Valerie stood in the doorway of the Spaceship, waving them off, and had to swallow her laughter at Betty's obvious misreading of the situation.

"Anyone would think I'd asked for this headache, just to stay back with Mark," she scoffed to herself, refusing to admit anything more than relief that she would have the place to herself for the day. "And Mark to yourself" a little voice said inside her head.

Turning back into the Spindrift, Valerie cannoned into Mark coming out of the passenger cabin. Only an quick grab from Mark stopped Valerie falling backwards. His hands, warm on her arms, sent a frisson of awareness through her skin. As she gasped in surprise her own hands came up to brace herself on his chest, her fingers curling in the thin material of his t-shirt.

"Oh...I'm sorry Mark, I didn't realise you were there,"

"No harm done, are you okay ?"

Valerie looked up, her startled gaze resting on his mouth as it curved in a small smile, her preoccupation not unnoticed by the object of her scrutiny.

"Valerie ?" he asked, pleased that she found him pleasant enough to look at, but concerned that she seemed to have spaced out on him.

"What....oh....um..I'm fine, thanks Mark," Valerie pulled her scattered wits about her and stepped out of his embrace, her eyes flicking away from his face, her lashes veiling her thoughts from his sharp gaze.

Drawing in a deep breath, Valerie plastered a smile on her face and made to walk past Mark, feeling foolish but unable to stop herself grinning like an idiot. Mark watched her go and shook his head. He never seemed to know what to say, and the moment always passed too quickly. He had enjoyed holding Valerie, even if it was only by accident. He tried to touch her whenever he could, whether it was taking something from her, when their fingers would touch, or helping her over some obstacle. Those were the sweetest, moments in time he wished he could prolong. He often found himself looking at her for no better reason than to watch her expressive face or to admire the way sunlight made her hair flash fire. He tried to be subtle and not stare openly, but more often lately he'd found himself following her with his eyes, watching her perform even the most mundane of tasks, taking pleasure in her movements, however ordinary.

He was pretty sure Steve and Dan had noticed, but neither had made any comments and he thanked them silently for their tact. He tried not to think about his feelings for Valerie too deeply, knowing his own propensity for over analysing a situation. It was a trait that had helped when making business decisions, but usually sounded the death knell for any attempt at a relationship, making him afraid to commit. Given their unusual situation, he supposed his feelings for Valerie were a natural reaction from being in close contact with an attractive woman on a daily basis. But if that was the case, why didn't he feel the same about Betty. She was equally as attractive as Valerie, just as animated and vivacious. Mark decided to leave that thought on the back burner and get his mind back on the matter in hand. Drawing a deep breath, an unconscious copy of the one Valerie had just taken, Mark stepped out of the Spindrift and turned his attention to the engine part requiring his expertise.

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Valerie picked up the tray with its jug and cups and carried it out of the Spindrift. The sun made her squint as she stepped out of the ship, the heat making her instantly break out in a sheen of perspiration. Stepping carefully down the steps she made her way over to where Mark stood over the workbench, his attention solely on the part in pieces on the surface.

"Time for a break Flyboy," said Valerie brightly, plonking the tray down on the bench, the cups chinking together.

"Thanks Val, I'm ready for a drink, I think its even hotter than yesterday, if that's possible"

"Here, straight from the cooler," said Valerie, holding out a cup. As Mark reached over their finger tips touched and a frisson of energy passed between them, Valerie glancing down quickly to where their fingers touched before looking up to meet Marks equally startled expression.

"I...I..." she stuttered, drawing her hand away reluctantly.

"Are you going to join me ? I could use the company," said Mark, smiling at her and pulling over a chair. Unable to resist the appeal in that smile, Valerie pulled up one of the rickety chairs and sat down, pouring herself a drink. She watched fascinated as Mark tilted his head back and took a long drink of the cool water, a few drops spilling over to run down the strong column of his throat. Valerie ran the tip of her tongue over her dry lips, watching the drips reach the collar of his t-shirt and soak in. Blinking rapidly she dropped her eyes to her own cup and decided the heat must be affecting her to be this obsessed with the man sitting opposite her.

She started out of her daydream when Mark held out his cup, asking for a refill.

"What's for lunch ?" Mark asked, determined to keep Valerie there as long as possible, but unable to think of anything more scintillating to talk about.

"The usual...." she replied. "Stew" they both said together, making them exchange a rueful smile.

"At least if they bring back a good haul of those berries, we'll have desert to have after the stew,"

"That's if Fitzhugh doesn't eat them all before they get back," retorted Valerie, laughing. Mark drank in the sight of her sparkling eyes and curving mouth, her even teeth visible behind sweetly plump lips, a tip of a pink tongue barely hinted at. Realising he was staring, Mark took another gulp of the water and almost choked, erupting into a fit of coughing. Valerie quickly jumped out of her chair and came over to thump him on the back as he bent over, trying to catch his breath.

"Are you okay ?" she asked, bending over his shoulder to peer into his face.

Finding Valerie's sweet face only inches from his own, Mark found his gaze once more locked with hers. Time seemingly suspended as they read the range of emotions mirrored in each others eyes.

"Valerie," Mark whispered, straightening up, his hand coming up slowly, one gentle finger tracing the curve of her cheek. Valerie found herself caught in the magic of his eyes, unable to pull away. As his hand came up she leant forward and they paused, a fraction away from each other.

"Yes," breathed Valerie, a second before their lips touched, a feather light connection, a slight pressure as they hesitantly explored the intimacy of the embrace. Valerie's eyes slid shut as Marks other hand came up to cup the back of her head, his fingers caressing her soft hair. The next few seconds passed without any comprehension of time, lost to the outside world as they explored the feeling of nerve endings firing at double speed, of skin touching skin. In a smooth move, Valerie found herself sideways on Mark's lap, her arms moving up to wrap around his neck as the kiss deepened, their lips testing and feeling their way, Valerie's warm lips parting as Mark's tongue begged entrance. Mark had wrapped a strong arm around Valerie's back, his fingers splayed across her back as he pressed her to his chest, his other hand still holding her head, his fingers combing through the silky strands as they continued to pour the full measure of their passion into that first embrace.

Breaking for air, gasping at the strength of their desire, they pulled apart slightly, breathing heavily. Valerie found herself lost in Marks passion filled gaze, his eyes darkening to the blue of the ocean, their warmth bathing her in a glow of awareness. Without saying a word, Valerie closed the small space between them, her warm lips covering his with a series of small pecks until his lips claimed hers and they stayed locked together, duelling for possession as time ceased to exist.

A groan, echoed on both sides, pulled them apart again, their hearts hammering, Valerie sure that she would just melt in the heat of the moment. She rested her forehead against Marks, fighting to get her breathing under control. It gave her a measure of satisfaction to know that Mark was having as much difficulty as she was, his heart beating as rapidly as hers, the pulse in his neck keeping time with her own heartbeats.

"Oh my...." she breathed, pulling back and bringing a hand from behind his neck to rest on his chest, her fingers feeling the thud of his heart under the thin fabric of his t-shirt.

"Valerie....I...." Mark started, his tongue snaking out to wet his suddenly dry lips. Valerie watched fascinated, raising her hand to touch a delicate finger tip to his lips, tracing their outline.

"Valerie..." Mark tried again, his eyes slipping shut as Valerie leaned forward and started nuzzling his cheek, her lips kissing a trail down to his mouth. Tilting her head Valerie revelled in the sensations flowing over her as Mark plundered her lips again, his broad hands wrapped around her waist and back, pressing her closer as if trying to absorb her into his skin. A part of her mind registered the fact that Mark was very aroused, evidence of that currently pressing into her bottom where is rested on his thighs. A small wiggle elicited a deep groan from Mark, Valerie feeling a thrill of power at causing this usually controlled man to respond so readily.

"If you don't stop wriggling, I won't be held responsible for the consequences," Mark growled, giving her a squeeze, making Valerie giggle.

"I never considered myself the responsible sort," said Valerie, her eyes bright as they met Mark's, his own partially veiled by his thick lashes as he surveyed the enticing redhead draped over his lap.

"Then I'll have to take that mantle," said Mark, thickly, " albeit unwillingly,"

Repositioning his hands, Mark suddenly propelled Valerie off his legs and onto her feet, her surprise at the sudden move apparent in her startled expression.

Getting to his feet, Mark ran an unsteady hand through his short hair, his eyes full of an unspoken apology before turning and facing away, presenting his back to Valerie, his head bent.

Feeling hurt at the sudden rejection, flushed with embarrassment, her blue eyes swimming in tears, Valerie stared at Mark's broad back for a moment before swinging around and walking angrily towards the Spindrift, her walk turning into a run, reaching the steps and taking them in two jumps before disappearing into the cool depths of the ship.

Behind her Mark turned slowly around, his face a conflict of emotions, his hands clenched at his side. Sighing heavily he turned back to the workbench and picked up the discarded engine parts, looking at them as if he'd never seen them before in his life, his thoughts all on the woman in the ship.

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When the others returned, Betty immediately sought out Valerie, her sharp look not missing the evidence of tears in Valerie's red rimmed eyes and woebegone expression.

"What happened ?" Betty sighed, sitting herself down on the arm of the flight chair that Valerie currently occupied.

"I threw myself at his head, and he rejected me...end of story,"

Betty contained her surprise with difficulty. She had been sure that given some privacy, Mark and Valerie would finally get their relationship off the ground. Today had seemed like a heaven sent opportunity, but somehow it had gone wrong, if Valerie's face was anything to go by.

"I don't understand, what happened ?"

Resting her elbow on the arm of the chair, Valerie brought her hand up to partially cover her face, closing her eyes and letting go a deep sigh.

"I wish I knew Betty, one moment its all on...hot and heavy, the next I'm dumped on my feet and given the cold shoulder,"

"Did Mark say anything...give you an explanation ?"

"Not a word, I was mortified. I just haired out of there into the ship. Been here ever since, I can't face him Betty, its too awful."

Betty looked nonplussed at Valerie's explanation, her brow creased with a frown.

"Well you'd better tell me everything that happened, maybe we can sort it out, you can't hide in here forever, the other's will know something's happened and start asking questions," said Betty, folding her arms across her chest and regarding her friend expectantly.

Drawing a shuddering breath, Valerie lowered her hand and leant forward in the seat, rubbing her hands down her short skirt.

"Okay...I took Mark some water, it was so hot, we had a drink then Mark caught his breath, some water went down the wrong hole, I think,"

"I'm with you so far," said Betty, encouragingly.

"I patted him on the back and somehow we ended up kissing,"

Betty smiled at the dreamy look that was taking over Valerie's face, her eyes losing focus as she remembered the event.

"And ?" prompted Betty.

"And we kissed for a while, I was sitting on his lap, we broke apart to catch our breath when he suddenly lifted me off his lap and turned his back on me,"

"Did you say anything, can you remember ?"

"Remember ? Its etched on my brain like a brand," snorted Valerie. "He said something about not being responsible for the consequences, I said something about not being the responsible one, and he said something about taking on that mantle, then he pitched me off his lap."

"Hmmmm I don't see.....wait, was Mark 'really' getting into all this heavy petting ?" asked Betty, her face thoughtful.

Embarrassed, Valerie flushed, her eyes flicking down to gaze fixedly at her fingers where they were pleating her skirt.

"Yes...if what I felt pressing against my backside was anything to go by,"

Betty's eyes got rounder as she gaped at Valerie, seeing the small smile that ghosted Valerie's lips as she recalled the sensation of feeling Mark's arousal through the thin material of her dress.

"Then that's the problem," said Betty suddenly, jumping to her feet and starting to pace.

Looking up at her friend, Valerie spread her hands in bewilderment.

"What's the problem, don't leave me in the dark ?"

"He's too adorable, who would have thought it," said Betty, a broad grin lighting up her pretty features. Valerie looked on, perplexed.

"Valerie, he just trying to protect you, as he always does,"

"Protect me," Valerie squeaked, "from what ?"

"You are so dense sometimes," said Betty, "if you and Mark carry through on this relationship, to its inevitable conclusion, what do you think the outcome will be...say...in nine months time ?"

Valerie's dawning comprehension made Betty start giggling.

"Honestly Val, I wonder sometimes which of us is the sophisticated woman of the world....I think love has addled your ability to think rationally,"

"Oh really, that's too much...but its explains a lot," mused Valerie, her expression thoughtful. "Betty, I think I'm ready to come out of hiding,"

"Thought you might be, lets go see what they've been doing in our absence,"

Hopping off the arm of the chair, Betty linked her arm through Valerie's. Exchanging a conspiratory look, the two women walked out of the passenger cabin and out of the ship, into the late afternoon sun.

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Mark may have occupied his hands with fixing the engine part, but his mind barely concentrated on the job. He frequently found his thoughts wandering off, thinking over and replaying the events leading up to his apparent rejection of the woman he now admitted to himself, he loved beyond all else. His heart twisted painfully when he remembered the look of hurt and bewilderment on Valerie's face after being tossed off his lap. He blamed himself entirely for letting the situation get so out of hand, but his body still sang as it remembered the sweet feeling of holding her in his arms, his senses humming in response to her passionate kisses. It was his bodies reaction to their lovemaking that prompted him to end it so abruptly. If things had gone any further he would have ended up ravishing her there in the clearing, with no consideration of the consequences, his mind to overwhelmed with the feel of her pliant body and willing lips.

Shaking his head he tried to banish the images, but his body, still riding the wave of endorphin's, refused to allow him any peace. Dragging in a deep breath he scraped a hand through his short hair and firmly pushed all thoughts of Valerie from his mind. Reaching for the water jug, he poured himself another drink and chugged it down, the cool liquid helping to cool his fevered emotions.

When the other's finally returned he was able to present his usual cool and urbane exterior, even if his smile was a little strained and his eyes appeared more guarded, the others didn't notice anything amiss, too caught up in relating the events of their successful 'berry hunt'.

Fitzhugh almost immediately ducked out of any of the cleaning and preparation work, slipping away to his bunk and collapsing with a theatrical moan. Barry, finally able to let Chipper off the lead, scampered off to give his pet a much needed playtime, while Steve and Dan started emptying the plump fruit into the waiting baskets. Betty had noticed Valerie's absence, shooting a searching look Mark's way. Mark felt her glance and tried to keep his face bland, putting all his effort into helping Dan and Steve organise the harvest. After a pause he looked up to see Betty disappearing into the ship, his sigh of relief and slump of his shoulders unnoticed by his companions.

Steve had asked about Valerie but hadn't pursued Mark's off hand reply that she was somewhere in the ship. Dan had given Mark a considering look, his dark eyes shrewdly assessing Mark's expression but he chose not to pursue his suspicions. Wincing inwardly Mark turned away and concentrated on the unloading of the fruit, regret eating him up inside.

They had just finished when Betty and Valerie appeared in the doorway of the Spindrift, arms linked and eyes lowered, hiding their thoughts. Mark gulped, his eyes drawn irresistably to Valerie's bright hair, the sun shooting glints of its rich sheen. The two girls sauntered over to where the men stood, Betty letting go of Valerie's arm as they came to stand next to the fruit baskets.

Valerie made herself ignore the tall man standing at the edge of the group, the effort taking all her strength, her heart thumping painfully in her chest. Smiling brightly she waved a hand at the juicy looking berries, her eyes fixed anywhere but on Mark.

"That's quite a haul Steve, should take care of dessert for the next month or so," she said, her voice steady, much to her relief.

"If we can find a way of preserving and storing them, they could keep us in fruit for longer than that," Steve replied, crossing his arms over his chest.

"We could try making some tins or containers out of that sheet of aluminium we found last week," Mark suggested, his voice sending shivers down Valerie's spine, her resolve weakening.

"Could you bend it into shape, what about lids ?" asked Dan.

"I can fashion a jig to make the shape, the lids can be heated and fixed on once their full," Mark explained, his eyes flicking to Valerie's face, frustrated that she seemed to be avoiding looking at him, her eyes downcast, veiled by her thick lashes.

"Sounds like a plan, we'll make a start tomorrow. Betty, you and Val will need to clean out that large pan we used to cook the mushrooms is there much left in it ?"

"Just enough for tonight meal, then its free," said Betty.

"Well I'm going to get cleaned up, that juice is damn sticky, I think one of the berries must have leaked through the bag, Betty can you give us a hand ?"

"Sure Dan, let me help you get that jacket off, ugh I can see the stain...follow me," Valerie watched as Betty lead Dan away, tutting over the mess coating his flight jacket. Steve cast a quick glance at his silent companions, noting Marks poorly disguised glances at the quiet woman in front of him.

"I'm going to get cleaned up as well, give us a shout when supper's ready," said Steve, shrugging in confusion as his words fell on deaf ears. Turning away he walked towards the Spindrift, leaving his two shipmates standing by the fruit, too absorbed in their own problems to notice his absence.

"Valerie, I'm sorry," said Mark quietly, his gaze fixed on the back of Valerie's head. Turning slowly, Valerie surprised a look of vulnerability on his face before his head bent, hiding his all too expressive eyes from her. Walking over to stand in front of him, Valerie kept a firm control on her emotions, keeping her face calm, her breathing light. When she was only a step away, she stopped, her hands hanging loosely at her side, her eyes drinking in the man in front of her, her lips curving into a smile as she felt the power rise inside her.

"Mark, look at me,"

She saw his eyes flick up to meet hers, his lips parting in surprise as he took in the candid and unmistakable look of love shining from the depths of her wide blue eyes.

"I think we need to talk," said Valerie, one hand reaching across the narrow space to grasp his, their fingers entwining.

Without waiting for an answer, Valerie started to lead Mark away from the clearing, down the path away from the Spindrift. Betty, returning to the ship for a spare towel, saw the couple reach the bend in the trail and disappear from sight. "At last," she smiled, passing into the ship with a lighter step.

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Mark was a mass of conflicting emotions, his heart telling him he'd follow this woman wherever she led, to hell and back if need be, his head telling him to think of a plausible excuse to return them as quickly as possible to the ship before her nearness overcame his scruples.

Valerie was also a seething mass of raging conflicts, her head berating her for being so audacious and daring, her heart dancing a jig and already planning her future with the man holding tightly to her hand.

Reaching a fork in the trail, Valerie chose the left hand track, a glance over her shoulder confirming Mark's willingness to let her lead the way.

"Do you trust me, Mark ?" she finally asked, the silence since leaving the camp starting to make her nervous.

"Is this a trick question ?" Mark replied, attempting to relieve the tension growing with each step away from the ship.

"No its not a trick, I want...no I need to know."

"Yes....yes Valerie, I trust you,"

"Good, oh here we are...perfect,"

Valerie stopped walking and turned to grab Mark's other hand, pulling him further into the glade at the base of the giant tree, her face alight with mischief. Mark couldn't help himself, his mouth pulling into a wide smile as he recognised the outpost. Valerie let go of his hands and flopped down onto the soft moss lining the area at the base of a large rock that sheltered the small space between the tree roots.

"I promise not to bite, Mark, so sit down and lets talk,"

Swallowing hard, he did as she asked, lowering himself to the soft ground a few feet from where she sat, his back supported by the rough bark of one of the roots, his long legs stretched out in front of him.

"Valerie, I owe you an apology....this afternoon..."

"Don't Mark....what happened was too nice to warrant an apology, can you really say you regret what we did ?"

"No...I don't regret a second...but we can't do this, the consequences..."

"Mark, what do you feel for me ?"

Her bald question put him on the spot. He glanced over and saw her eyes fixed on him, her expression serious.

"I think I made my feelings pretty clear this morning," he replied, a flush creeping up his neck. Valerie regarded him in exasperation, shaking her head.

"I know you want me...but do you love me ?"

Mark's lungs ceased to function, his heart pounded as his breathing stilled and his brain ground to a halt. Just as suddenly his lungs sucked in a sharp breath and his brain started functioning again.

"Yes," he said, so quietly Valerie had to strain to hear him.

A wide smile spread across Valerie's face, her heart leaping about in her chest as she stood up and walked over to where Mark sat, his head lowered again. Stepping over his outstretched legs she lowered herself onto her knees, straddling his lap, her skirt hitching up her legs. As she settled herself across his thighs, Mark raised his head and brought his hands up to settle on her waist to steady her. Valerie placed one of her hands on his shoulder while the other smoothed an unruly lock of hair away from his forehead. Raising herself up on her knees slightly so that she was practically nose to nose with him, Valerie let her eyes roam over his face, the fingers of her free hand following her eyes, tracing his eyebrows and down the strong planes of his face, along his jaw to end up on his lips, her thumb smoothing his full bottom lip. Mark kept himself completely still as Valerie continued her exploration, his eyes sliding shut as his skin conveyed a myriad of sensations, his hands twitching as they rested on her slim waist.

"Open your eyes Mark, I want you to see me," said Valerie, her voice smoky with desire.

Snapping his eyes open Mark had a second to take in Valerie's beautiful features before his eyelids slammed back down as she pressed her full lips to his, teasing his lips with the tip of her tongue. With a groan his rigid control broke and he opened his mouth to ravage the lips so temptingly pressed to his. Mark wrapped his arms around her back, pressing her against the long line of this body, her soft contours moulding perfectly against his, his reserve swept away on a tide of emotion, his senses overloaded by the woman in his arms. Breaking the delicious contact he started to kiss his way down her jaw, nuzzling her ear and pressing kisses to her neck, pressing his face into her yielding skin, breathing her scent while her hair tickled his nose. A soft moan brought him back to her mouth, his lips devouring her in a relentless tide of sensation. His hands started to roam her back, kneading and stroking until Valerie writhed in his embrace, pressing against him, trying to get closer still. Pulling away slightly, Mark gathered enough breath to speak.

"I want you so much...I don't think I can stop now,"

Panting, her heart beating erratically, Valerie licked her lips, drawing his attention back to her mouth.

"I don't want you to stop...ever...love me Mark, love me now,"

With a growl of sheer animal lust, Mark ground his lips into hers, their tongues duelling, teeth clashing, a primeval fight for supremacy as he lowered her to the soft moss, limbs entwined, not wanting to let go for a second. Around them the night closed in, drawing a humid, dark veil over the small, sheltered glade.

Lying side by side, Valerie started to tug at Mark's t-shirt, drawing it over his head and throwing it aside, her hands immediately running over his chest, her fingers feeling the hard muscles under the velvet skin, the tickle of chest hair as she smoothed her hand over his body, making him groan as he buried his face in her neck, his lips leaving fire everywhere they touched. She arched against him, her leg around and between his, drawing him ever closer in her embrace. Reaching around her, Mark rolled her over onto his chest, his fingers finding the zip of her dress and pulling is down, his lips never leaving hers. Breaking the kiss, Valerie sat up, breathing heavily. Easing her dress down each arm, she pushed it down to her waist, her bra gleaming dully in the gloom of the glade, only the gleam of Mark's eyes telling her he was watching every movement. Rolling off him, she stood up and pushed the dress to down to her ankles, kicking is away to lay next to his t-shirt. Mark had raised himself onto his elbow, his eyes drinking in the slender form, clad only in bra and briefs, standing like a wood nymph in front of him.

"You are so beautiful....so lovely,"

With a slight noise, suspiciously like a sob, Valerie lowered herself back onto the moss, gathering Mark to her, once more entwined, lips locked in a passionate kiss. Raising himself above her, Mark saw a glimmer of tears. Instantly contrite he used his thumb to wipe them away, his lips kissing the corner of her eyes as her lids closed, shielding her eyes from him.

"Why are you crying...do you want me to stop ?" he asked, overcome with feelings of tenderness for the women lying so trustingly in his arms.

"No Mark, I'm just so overwhelmed...I never thought I'd ever fall in love," she explained, her eyes open once more, her fingers caressing his face as he continued to look down at her, his face inches from hers. "I want us to have a future, to have it all, I want this to last forever,"

"I'm happy with loving you right here, right now...let the future take care of itself, we have it all tonight, we have each other, lets make the most of that...let me love you forever,"

Giving her no time to reply, Mark closed the gap between them and plundered her mouth, his hands warm and knowledgable, roaming over every square inch of her soft skin, drawing out moans of pleasure as his lips followed his hands, Valerie's soft cries bringing his own passion to a fever pitch, the velvet night filled with the sounds of their love and fulfilment.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Betty, have you seen Valerie or Mark ?" asked Steve, his eyes curious.

"Yes, I have, Steve," said Betty, continuing to gather up the supper dishes.

"Well....where are they ?" said Steve, his frustration growing as Betty continued to gather the dishes, her face enigmatic in the firelight.

"Lets just say, I think we're going to have to change the sleeping arrangement around here when they get back," Betty finally replied, her eyes dancing as she watched Steve open his mouth then close it again, the import of her words sinking in. Dan caught Betty's eye and they exchanged a wide grin, before Betty whisked herself off to take care of the dishes.

Looking after the departing figure of Betty, Steve could only shake his head, his mouth curving into a rueful smile.

Getting to his feet, Dan stretched, his joints popping in the stillness of the warm night. Steve watched as Dan started to make his way to his bedroll, after a couple of steps Dan stopped and turned back to face his Captain.

"You might consider following Mark and Valerie's example Steve, you're not getting any younger yourself....times a wastin' "

"Just what is that supposed to mean ?" Steve exclaimed, jumping to his feet, hands on hips to face his co-pilot.

"Only that a certain thick headed Captain shouldn't let the chance of happiness pass him by.....go help Betty with the dishes, Steve,"

Then before Steve could think of a rejoinder, Dan had disappeared into the lean to, leaving his friend to gaze abstractedly into the fire.

Rubbing his chin thoughtfully, he looked around the empty clearing then started walking towards where he could hear the splashing of the wash tub.

"Hey Betty....need a hand with those dishes ?"

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The End.

(see that wasn't so bad-love it, hate it, let me know)