D'Artigo sighed. He took Miv's hand in his own, and said in a wistful voice, "Well see, Pale Rose... We'll see."

She squeezed his hand. "Don't be sad or I will be forced to become serious again."

"I'm not being sad Pale Rose... I'm being uncertain. Life can change in a split second... I've learned not to take anything for granted."

Already, her muscles were retightening, and Miv started to pull away.

D'Artigo tightened his grip on Miv's hand. "Please... don't be afraid of my speeches... I've gone through rough times, and it has affected me. I'm looking for a meaning. I don't want to lose everything again."

Slowly, she put a hand on his mask. "I really do hate this thing. It stops me from kissing you."

D'Artigo's hand was like lightning, darting up and grabbing Miv by the wrist with an iron grip. However, this must have been pure reflex, as he immediately loosened his grip... however, he did not let go.

"Pale Rose. I have an exposed forehead. If you desire your lips to caress my facial skin, then do so there. You will get reciprocation later... However, my face is to remain hidden under this mask. Please, respect that..."

D'Artigo gingerly pulled on Miv's arm, trying to get her hand off of his mask.

"I wasn't going to yank it off, Mr. Touchy. Just try and destroy it mentally."

Miv did withdraw her hand though.

"Well... I... sorry." D'Artigo says. "I'm just edgy about people touching my body and my mask."

"And if it could be destroyed mentally, it would be done already."

"Yeah, I caught that. And you don't seem too edgy about ME topuching your body."

"You don't seem to restrained in your desire to touch my body."

"Would you liie me to be?"

Instantly, she put two feet of distance between them.

"Not saying that. I'm simply commenting on the reality of the situation. Do you want to deny me of yourself?"

"No."

She stayed put though, eyes daring him to move.

D'Artigo chuckled. "Hehe, yes, I thought you'd say that. So then the question is, why are you still that far away?"