Maylie, slightly surprised and taken aback at the sudden fit of unending giggles, furrowed her eyebrows and blinked a few times. She had no idea how to respond to that. Other then stand there and look confused.

Gathering her senses a moment later she asked, "Are you okay...? Was it really that funny?" before berating herself on the inside for sounding so stupid.

Awkwardly standing there, she waiting for the giggles to abate, a slight blush on her face. Despite their disarming effect, the giggles really were endearing, and adorable.

Wiping a tear away from her eye Anne got control of her giggles for a moment and looked up at her friend.

"Its not that" Anne replied with a grin, laughter still bubbling in her voice "Its how you were stood and how you looked at me! It looked like you were about to intensly examine with with probing questions and even put me under a spotlight!"

Anne giggled again, trying to keep her mirth in check "You had a beautiful studious look on you and I was about to be cross examined!"

Realising what she had said Anne stopped for a moment, a quick blush colouring her face briefly as a guilty look flashed across her face, effectively killing her laughter.

"I'm sorry Maylie - it wasn't fair for me to laugh like that... I wish you could have seen how you look though. You looked /perfect/" The last said with a touch of emphasis and an entirely warm smile.

Maylie, once again attempting to scowl at Anne, and failing, even began to giggle lightly herself. The laughter really was infectous. She also couldn't help but blush slightly herself at the strange comments from Anne, especially the second one!

Smiling back at the other girl, Maylie said, "It's okay. I was just confused. And thanks. I think." Pausing a moment to let the more serious part of that conversation skate past, she then smiled mirthfully once more, continuing to say, "And really. When have I ever been probing in the least. The only information I know about you is what you have told me and what I've figured out. Not only that, but was that..." pausing for dramatic effect and emphasizing the next word, "Excitement I heard in your voice. It's as if you want to be cross-examined." While she barely managed to keep a straight face through all of that, she burst out laughing at the end, conviently times as well to distract from the blush she had from saying something such as that.

Anne blinked at Maylies comment and her mock serious look. And then burst out laughing with her friend, peals of laughter ringing through the words.

Between gasps of laughter Anne choked out "Of course!" Her eyes shining with tears as she held her sides, shaking as another bout of giggles ran through her body. "After all its only fair! If you help me study you need a study project of your own to work on!"

Suppressing the laughter with great effort Anne stood up straight and stood slightly away from Maylie, turning so she was looking eye to eye. With effort, she forced her face into one of seriousness only spoilt by the laughter lines that were creasing her lips and eyes. Placing her hand on her heart Anne said, in the most serious voice she was able "I hereby promise i'll endeavour to be the best project you have embarked on, and that i'll try not to enjoy it /too/ much!"

Losing the battle to her giggles her face and body collapsed back into laughter, stepping back to Maylies side so she could lean slightly against her friend for support.

Maylie clutched her stomach as she giggled, her stomach actually beginning to hurt from laughter.

After a moment, she was finally able to suppress her laughter, but such things are short-lived, especially when greeted by more comedy. Comedy in the form of a solemn deadpan joke from Anne, renewing the laughting all around as they leaned on eachother for support.

Maylie couldn't help but blush some at the words though. The object of her recent... fanastasies just offered to be her "study project." The implications were there, even if the intent wasn't.

In response, once she had controlled her diaphramic spasms well enough to speak, she said, "Oh don't worry, you are. Although really, you're more of a hobbie then a project."

Once the laughter had finally subsided, leaving "afterglow" smiles on their faces, Maylie took Anne's arm once more, moving down the path once again as she admired the beauty of the flora, the sunlight streaming in through the cracks in the branches casting a magnificent fragmented glow over the entire area.

Anne smiled happily as they walked. It really was turning out to be a beautiful day and she was entirely happy she had come out and even happier she had spotted her friend! Even if it did mean her sides were now a little sore.

Grinning happilly still she glanced across to Maylie, who looked lost in wonder at the clearing they had arrived to. Anne had been here before and she knew this area well. She had spent many hours sat in that old Oak tree just off to the right basking in the sunlight here, and it was a truely beautiful place.

"She really is beautiful" Anne thought as she admired her fine features, how her dark eyes seemed to glow as she took in the beauty of the clearing, how she held herself. Pausing in thought for a moment of introspection, Anne really couldn't decide if she meant Maylies physical beauty or if it was deeper than that. There was just something about her friend that seemed to sing!

Suddenly realising that she was staring Anne quickly tore her eyes away, a light blush forming just as quickly marring her pale skin.

Maylie, couldn't help but compare the beauty of this natural place to the beauty of her friend. The sunlight peeping through the cracks in the foliage just as her face peeked through her long strands of shimmering dark hair. The tall slender trees like her frame, and the slightly curving branches like her figure. A blush of her own tinged her cheeks as she thought about her friend.

Maylie probably would have realized Anne was staring at her as well, if it weren't for the fact that she was... preoccupied herself. Her actions almost mirrored Anne's as she looked away, still blushing, at about the same time.

However, other thoughts soon faded as they walked into the beautiful clearing, seeming almost like a piece of heaven to Maylie. The sun streaming through a rare opening in the overhead branches to bathe the area in a glowing light, the vivid colors of the plants...

Filled with an almost child-like energy, Maylie giggled and ran into the clearing, jumping and spinning around, laughing the whole time. Looking back at her friend, she bent down and picked a lone, white-petaled flower.

Smiling mischeviously, she walked over to Anne and held out the flower as a gift, unable to stifle another giggle.

Taking the flower gently from Maylies hands she cupped it in both hands and brought it to her nose inhaling deeply, shutting her eyes and savouring the sweet smell, the rest of the world for a brief second.

A soft smile played around her face as she did that, until Maylies giggle brought her back. Maylie was still stood there looking at her barely suppressed mirth. Feeling rather embarressed Anne quickly tucked the flower into her breast pocket mumbling a quick "Thank you", smoothing her shirt with quick movements not entirely certain where to put her eyes or hands for a moment.

Maylie still hadn't moved and seemed to be enjoying watching Anne's sudden embarressment at the rather unexpected gift. Offering her arm again Anne said "Well... you've given me something so its only fair I do too! Come with me!"

Maylie, still controlling her childlike giggles, smiled eider as Anne smelled the flower, pleased at her fortune for randomly picking one that smelled good.

Seeing Anne's embarrassment the rare occurrence of an unabashed Maylie didn't blush as well, like she probably normally would have. Rather she stood there, smiling, bouncing with pent up energy, and admiring how cute and adorable it was when Anne had no idea what to do with herself. Maylie had entered one of her extremely rare energy bursts. Only happening around people she knew and liked, during these times her normal shy reserved personality faded away, and she would be "wound up," moving from one thing to the next at a blinding pace and jiggering with energy.

However, she forced herself to come down slightly, and hooked her arm into Anne's offered one. Smiling, she stumbled a bit as she was immediately dragged into the clearing.

As Anne stepped rapidly though the trees half dragging Maylie she wondered what made Maylie so happy and well.. so energetic! She was bouncing around like a child and the smile was infectious. It made her feel almost nostalgic and reminded her that it really had been a long time since she had behaved like her age! As she moved she felt her pace quicken almost as her heart did, really hoping that Maylie would like the little clearing she was leading her to as much as she did! The thought caused her to pick up her pace a little, a spring coming in her step almost like she was mirroring Maylies bounciness!

Taking a quick turn to avoid a large bush she glanced at Maylie who looked puzzled but was refusing to let go of her arm, using it to keep her balance as she was led over uneven ground. "Almost there!" Anne said a little breathlessly as they climbed up a rather steep incline.

The clearing that they emerged from was one of Annes favorite spots. She had come across it accidently and she had only been able to visit it a couple of times in total so far. Anne pulled Maylie to a stop and took the last couple of steps slowly, letting Maylie look around.

They had emerged from a patch of heavy woodland into another small clearing. This one was different in that its sheltering was much less heavy, meaning that a lot more light was streaming in. The other major difference was that there was a small pool right in the middle with fed a small stream that cut through the clearing, making a clear babbling noise as the water ran through it. Wildflowers ranging from deep red to a pure golden yellow ran down the the sides of the stream intermixed with each other, growing naturally and untamed even through the loose stones that seemed to bed the little stream into place.

Surrounding the little clearing the trees of the forest stood clear and proud giving the feeling of protecting the little grove rather than making it feel oppresive.

The sun was streaming down into the clearing causing Anne to blink as her vision adjusted, turning slightly to look at Maylie.

"I've only come here a couple of times since I found it. The pool seems like its filled by a spring of some sort and its always warm. I love this place simply because its so private.

Anne flushed a little and looked away, part of her wondering why she wanted to show her this private place she found, and partly really hoping that Maylie loved it as much as she did.

Maylie could only try and keep up as she was pulled by the arm by Anne. It was obviously something to be excited about! However, when they finally reached the clearing, Maylie could only stand there and gape.

It was simply beautful. The sunlight streamed in through the lighter canopy cover, making the entire place seem to almost glow. The light shimmered as it refracted off the surface of the pool, sending a myriad of dazzling lights all around. The colorful flowers bent gently with the breeze, only adding to the beauty of the place. A sense of calm and serenity came over Maylie, the clearing feeling very safe and secure, despite the fact that it was in the middle of a forest. The pool feeding a small stream weaving its way through and out the clearing, the sound of the slowly rushing water adding to the peaceful nature.

Maylie couldn't help but notice how Anne looked when she came into the clearing. Her countenance brightened visibly, appearing happy and content, not to mention, uncharacteristically... open. Anne's own beauty seemed to fit perfectly with that of the location's; Maylie was torn between what to look at!

However, this calm atmosphere did not last for long. A mischevious smile broke out on Maylie's face before being replaced by a calm facade, as she walked over to the pool, trying her best to look casual.

Anne watched her friends progress with a puzzled look on her face. She had caught a glimpse of that smile before Maylie repaced it with a calm look and walked forward towards the pool.

Tilting her head to one side she took a step forward, trying to figure out what her friend was up to.

As she stepped forward she knew that she trusted Maylie impicitly... Which was actually a massive suprise to her when she stopped to think about it. She hadn't trusted anyone in... Anne stopped for a moment, eyes looking at nothing as she tried to think of anyone she really trusted and not getting very far! Which made her wonder why she trusted Maylie so much! It was rather strange now she came to think about it!

Refocusing on her friend she watched her make her way to the pool, admiring her body and the way her hips swayed and the way her clothes clung... "damnit!" She cursed mentally to herself shaking her head. She shouldn't think of her friend like this! Its been too long since she had a friend! Least of all someone she trusted!

Maylie was probably the happiest girl in the world right then. She was so at peace with the world... This was definitely going in her memory logs as one of her favorite moments in her life. She had been planning to playfully flick a little water at the other girl, but... Her words suddenly hit her. "I love this place simply because its so private" played over and over in her head as she realized just how significant this place was to Anne. She couldn't believe it. The sheer natural beauty of the place along with this show of... Friendship? Trust? ... More? By Anne crashed over Maylie's emotions. Standing by the pool a line tear cascaded down her face. Not a tear of sadness, a tear of joy.

Turning around to face her friend Maylie approached slowly, wrapping her arms around her arms around Anne in a warm embrace, head on her shoulder. Maylie didn't know what to feel. Part of her was overjoyed that her secret crush was opening up so much to her, that maybe... Just maybe she might feel something for Maylie as well. Another part of her didn't want to risk ruining this one relationship she had by trying to go to far. The last thing she wanted would be to scare Anne away. And yet another part of her was still being overloaded by all the emotion of it all. Usually such a logical person, Maylie wasn't quite sure how to cope with it all, even if the emotions were happy ones.

Getting the courage to speak in their hug Maylie finally managed to whisper, "Th-thank you... I l-love it so much. I-I... Don't r-really know what to say..." Her old stutter coming back as her emotions got the better of her.

The unexpected contact made Anne freeze for a heartbeat, every muscle going tense as she fought the instinct to simply push Maylie away and run. Fortunately it only lasted for just a moment and she relaxed, rather nervously putting her arms around Maylie and holding her lightly, not daring to squeeze just in case it spooked her and caused her to run.

Anne never replied to Maylies stuttered thanks, instead she simply stood there, her eyes shut taking enormous pleasure in Maylies company and her presence against her. She didn't really think that it would last and each moment where it did was something wonderful she didn't feel like she had earnt, like an unexpected gift. With Maylies body lightly pressed against her, she could feel the rise and fall of her breath and she hardly dared to breath at all, scared of ruining this one perfect moment. The water babbling along its own path created a undercurrent that wrapped them up in a gossamer embrace and for a small time there was nothing for Anne aside from the beautiful girl pressed against her.

A soft smile crept onto her face as time stretched, and for the first time in she didn’t know how long she felt at peace with someone else.

Maylie felt the other girl immediately tense at her contact, but breathed an inner sigh of relief when Anne relaxed and even hugged her back. Maylie wanted nothing more then to have this moment go on forever, stay in the embrace of this beautiful, caring girl.

When Maylie did finally pull away, another tear was falling down her face. A tear of happiness. Wiping it off of her face, she smiled softly and laughed at herself a little, "Now look. You got me all emotional and melty inside and now I'm crying because I'm so happy. I hope you're pleased with yourself..." As they stood there, Maylie couldn't help but admire the other girl's beauty, her skin aglow in the soft embrace of the sunlight that was streaming from the opening in the canopy. Her light frame at ease, her smiling face, the way her legs looked under the uniform skirt...

Realizing that she was staring again, she quickly banished those thoughts as her face turned a bright pink color in embarrassment. The last thing she wanted was to ruin this moment. Distracting herself, she once again admired the natural beauty of the clearing before looking back to Anne, one of the biggest, most genuine smiles her had ever worn in a long time on her face.