She stood abruptly, and handed the jacket back to him. Harry opened his mouth to protest, but opted to remain silent and compliant for once.

"So," her eyes darted back and forth over the river. "That's it then."

He slowly rose to his full height, as close to her as he dared. "Yes, it would seem so."

"Okay then...I, uh...guess I'll be going," Diane nodded in an uncomfortable attempt to say good-bye and began to back away. Harry stopped her by reaching into the space between them, his hand held out to her. She thought his outstretched fingers looked strong but somehow aristocratic in the moonlight.

"Diane? Grant me a last request." There was no trace of sarcasm or self reproach left in his voice. "Do you forgive me?"

He stood tall and true and looked strangely open to accept whatever answer she gave. Moved beyond her walls of fear by that omnipotent force again, she stepped forward, stood on her toes, and kissed his warm cheek.

Then she whispered, "I do."

Although the story about the mystery surrounding Harry is complete on this page, this story has an R-rated continuation which further develops his relationship with Diane. If you would like to read it, please enter the user name (which is 'letter') and password below. The password is the same password used to access the other R-rated fanfiction section of this site. You may obtain the password by satisfying the webmistress that you are at least 18 years old. Write to the webmistress here.

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