To Raise a Banner Deleted Scene

Hassan stood closer than I thought he had ever stood to me before. The air in the alcove was feeling warmer despite the heavy rain outside. The courtyard would be flooded but that didn't matter. Not when Hassan was reaching out a shaky hand towards my cheek. Hassan Monsare, shaking. He put his hand down and stared at me. I didn't know what to do. I had survived two attacks and it was this boy looking at me, that put me on edge. 

"Is everything okay?", I asked taking his hand.

He sighed looking out the window and then at me.

"Yes, it's just...can I kiss you?"

I blinked. I hadn't heard that right.

"What?"

"I said", he leaned closer taking one of my stray curls that was  dangerously close my cheek, between his fingers. "That I want to kiss you."

"No, you asked if you could kiss me."

"So can I?"

"I don't know. Can you?"

He gave a wide porcelain smile, before caressing my cheek, his breath ghosting my lips. Then he kissed me. His arm slid around my waist while his hand cupped my cheek delicately. David had shoved me against a wall with no inhibition, gripping my dress as if it was a lifeline. Hassan smelt of starched army shirts and oranges, David of fresh sweat and the outdoors. When Hassan and I parted, I felt like I had gotten something special. When David jumped away from me, I felt like a violent taking took place, an explosion of passion that made no sense whatsoever. I looked up at Hassan smiling at me, unrumpled as ever. David's chest had been heaving as if he had run a marathon, and his lips were slightly swollen. I wanted to slap myself. If I was going to compare every boy to David, I would find all of them wanting. Childhood was over now. I reached for Hassan and placed a gentle peck on his stubbled cheek, my hand resting against the badges on his chest. He turned to me and asked,"How was it?"

"Sweet and satisfying," I replied.

He chuckled, that low rumble that was beautiful because of its rarity.

"The first of many I hope."

I bit my lip, so I wouldn't disagree with him.

The first of many indeed.