Zelgadis sighed contentedly as Lina snuggled against him in their bed. "It's incredible," he thought, "How happy I am right now. I never thought I could be this happy ever again."
He looked down at Lina, whose body was mostly concealed by the blanket of the bed thy had shared. A wave of love and happiness welled up at the sight of her contented smile. "I still can't believe we did... THAT." he thought to himself. "Who would have thought any woman could find someone like me attractive like that. Heh, but Lina certainly did seem to enjoy herself."
Suddenly Lina stirred, looking up at him with loving eyes. "I love you, Zel." He smiled and brushed back her hair as he replied, "And I love you, Lina."
Lina smiled. Then her face took on a more serious tone. "I want to stay with you forever, Zelgadis, and I hope you feel that way too." He nodded and indicated for her to continue. "So we should be completely honest with each other, right?" He nodded again, slightly puzzled as to the direction she was taking. "I have a confession to make, and I'm afraid you won't like me any more after I tell you."
Zelgadis gazed at the worried look on Lina's face and gave her a reassuring smile. "Lina, don't be silly. Nothing you tell me could ever make me stop loving you. I'll always be with you, no matter what."
"Oh Zel, I love you!" she cried as she grabbed him in a hug. Zelgadis shook his head with a smile, then asked, "But what did you want to tell me?"
Lina began to avoid his eyes while playing with the blanket's edge. "Well, you see, I kind of... lied about my age." Zelgadis shrugged. "So what?" he replied. "So you're not seventeen. Big deal. How old are you really, then?"
"Well, I'm actually only thirteen." Zelgadis froze. "Th-th-thirteen?" he stammered in response. Lina nodded happily. "Yes, I was SO worried how you would take it. But since you don't mind, I'm so happy! And don't worry Zel, I'll be fourteen next month!"
Zel's eyes rolled back into his head right before he proceeded to faint. Lina sighed. "Oh well, he took that better than expected. Still, I'd better wait till he gets over this to let him know I'm his cousin too."