She wrapped her arms around his neck and stayed there for a moment before pulling away, "...you..."

Pietro stared at her, trying to figure out if this was real or some sort of dream, "... you... and... oh fuck it" he gave up trying to speak and kissed her again passionately. Who cared if it was real? It felt real, and it was happening finally. His arms held her tight and close, strong but gentle as his hands ran up her back and through her hair. It was like trying to fit a lifetime of holding back into one sweet kiss.

Ciara gladly welcomed his embrace, running her hands into his hair. She'd dreamed of this moment for so long. To have her speedy knight finally hold her like this. To kiss her. His kiss was much like his fathers. It was like sparks went off and her knees gave out. She pulled him back onto the bed, wanting nothing more than to kiss him more.

He lifted her up and without breaking the kiss, laid her down on the bed and climbed on top. It was impossible to know how much time passed, it felt simultaneously like forever and not long enough but finally they had to catch their breaths and Pietro snuggled beside her, "Please don't wake me up" he whispered, "I don't want this dream to end"

She snuggled back, pulling the blanket over top of them. "Me neither..." She panted. "But this isn't a dream... it's real...I think I can tell you my secret now.."

Pietro wrapped his arm over her stomach and nuzzled into her, "I'm sorry, but could you say that again?"

She smiled, enjoying his embrace and whispered softly "This isn't a dream... This is real.... Pietro, you've never been in the friend zone..."

He breathed in deeply and let out a happy sigh, "hmmm... let me confirm your findings" he began kissing her again.

She giggled happily. "Did you just make a reference to science? Hawt." She kissed him back passionately. Finally, something was going right for a change.

"Ah, you like that? Lets see, uuhh... Protons and Neutrons and atoms and science!" he grinned.

"Oh my.." She laughed happily, kissing him for each word. "It's about time, mister."

"I think I'm going to need my tutor back so I keep this up" Pietro chuckled as he pushed a bit of hair out of her face, "... so... what's this secret you were talking about?"

"I think I could pencil you in..." Blushing a little, "My secret...well... That I've always loved you..." She said looking away. "I don't know if you know this but I went back to that park several times hoping to see you... And then when I finally met you in high school.."

"I didn't even know it was you in high school" Pietro replied, "hell, I didn't know that kid was you until Scott showed me a picture of you as a kid-which reminds me, I made you something!"

"Oh... I suppose, you did move around a lot...You made me something? Can I see?"

He nodded and sped from the room, returning moments later with the dress in hand. "I know I screwed up in high school... but I never did forget the little girl I met on the playground"

Slowly Ciara stood up, a blank expression on her face and within seconds she was overjoyed. "OMG It's the dress! You made me my dress!" She nearly jumped on him, passionately kissed him. Then she rushed into the bathroom and out again. "Zip me up, Zip me up!" She said hopping from one foot to the other excitedly.

Pietro couldn't help but laugh as he zipped her up in the back, "I take it you like it then?"

She spun around in circles before leaping into his arms, "OHMYGOD!I'mnevertakingthisoff. Thankyouthankyouthankyou." She kissed him over and over again.

Pietro laughed, hugging her, picking her up and twirling around with her, "It was my pleasure m'lady"

---

"And where do you think you're going?" A nurse at the nursing station asked as Ciara came down the hallway.

"I just wanted to walk around the floor... I couldn't sleep. Is that alright?"

"Oh, that's alright then... Where did you get that dress?"

She blushed, "My boyfriend made it for me."

"Huh. Wish my man knew how to make such nice clothes... But you know you're suppose to wear the robes we gave you right?"

"Just for my walk?" She asked sweetly.

"Alright, but then back into your robes, little lady."

She smiled and continued down the hall. The hallways on her floor was a large square. She paused outside her room when she noticed someone sleeping there. He was big and fluffy with animal furs.

She remember glimpses of her experiences after being captured by the purifiers. She remembered a lot of fur. Without much thought, she climbed into his lap and into the soft fur.

Sabertooth stirred and looked down to see Ciara curled up with him, he gave her a glare and growled.

Ciara cuddled closer. Without opening her eyes, she reached up and scratched behind his ear, "Good kitty...grrr..."

Sabertooth's eye twitched a little. He glanced around briefly, noting that it was very late/early and there was no one around. Finally he gave in, holding Ciara close and purring as she scratched his ear.

"Thank you for saving my life..." She said softly before drifting to sleep.
---

"Dr.McCoy... Dr. McCoy." Called a nurse. "I know you're busy but Ciara has somehow gotten hold of citizen clothing and won't put her robes back on... I was wondering if you had a word with her?"