Lucky and Elizabeth sit on the couch, about a foot apart, the popcorn bowl separating them. "Chasing Amy" is playing on the screen. Elizabeth focuses on the movie, as Lucky keeps shooting glances at her and the popcorn bowl, willing it to disappear.

After waiting a few minutes, which seem like hours to Lucky, he picks up the popcorn bowl and slides his body into the space it once occupied. Liz's eyes remain focused on the film. Lucky watches her with a sidelong glance before returning his gaze to the TV, noting that Holden McNeil would forget all about Alyssa Jones if he met Elizabeth Webber.

Elizabeth reaches for the popcorn bowl. She grabs a handful and turns her eyes back to the movie. She smiles, enjoying that Lucky's moved over to be closer to her. He makes her feel so safe, when even her own shadow can terrify her. She smiles, silently acknowledging how 'lucky' she truly is. Her eyes float back to the screen.

On screen, Holden and Alyssa are sitting in a truck, arguing, when Holden suddenly makes an admission.
~*~"I love you", he confesses.
Alyssa stares at him. "You love me?"
Holden nods. "I love you. And not in a friendly way, although I think we're great friends.."~*~

Lucky shifts nervously in his seat, glancing over at Elizabeth. He desperately wants to put his arm around her, to say these very words to her, but can't. It would be too soon, he reasons, turning his eyes back to the screen. Great choice, Spencer, he thinks. This isn't too agonizing!

~*~Holden continues: "And not in a misplaced affection, puppy-dog way, although I'm sure that's what you'll call it. And it's not because you're unattainable. I love you. Very simple, very truly."~*~

Lucky glances over at Elizabeth again. Elizabeth feels tears slowly slide down her face, struck by the power of Holden's words. They could be describing her feelings for Lucky. She casts a sidelong glance at Lucky, whose eyes are staring back at her.

~*~" You're the epitome of every attribute and quality I've ever looked for in another person. I know you think of me as just a friend, and that crossing that line is the furthest thing from an option you'd ever consider. But I had to say it. I can't take it anymore. I can't stand next to you without wanting to hold you. I can't look into your eyes without feeling that longing you only read about in trashy romance novels.~*~

Lucky places the popcorn bowl on the table, his eyes still trained on Liz's face. She's so beautiful, he thinks. She smiles at him.

"I must be terrible to watch a movie with," she says nervously, "sitting here crying like this."

Lucky shakes his. "No! I mean, no," he says, lowering her voice. "You're great to watch a movie with." He slides a little closer to her, and Liz gently rests her head on his shoulder. Lucky's eyes roll upwards, inwardly thanking god for her touch.

~*~" I can't talk to you without wanting to express my love for everything you are. I know this will probably queer our friendship but I had to say it, because I've never felt this before, and I like who I am because of it.~*~

Their eyes focus again on the screen, but Lucky's mind is elsewhere. It's concentrating on Elizabeth.

They watch the rest of the film in silence, Elizabeth's head resting on Lucky's shoulder, his hand lightly covering hers.

To be continued...