30 Dates

[Kingdom Hearts: Axel/Roxas, 2 - Café]

Wed, 23 Jul 2008 16:50:56 GMT

Title: Thirty Dates
Author: rainbowserenity
Written for: 30_dates
Fandom: Kingdom Hearts
Pairing: Axel/Roxas
Theme: 2 - Café
Rating: T
Disclaimer: Squeenix owns my soul.
FF.net link
Summary: Café Twi was supposed to be nothing more than a fun place to hang out at. All Roxas wanted to do was run far, far away from it. Too bad Axel still has that no-ice-cream-or-else rule implanted. CURSES.
A/N: I take no responsibility for any brain implosions Roxas' father might cause. ;P

(How weird. ‘Gay’ meant ‘happy’ and yet he was the poster child for ‘angry.’ Or maybe ‘pissed off blond kid that wanted this extra redheaded appendage to go the hell away and burn in a fiery mosh pit.’)

Crossposted everywhere, sorry if it eats your F-list! :X

[Kaleido Star] [Sora NaeginoXLeon Oswald] [Theme #25]

Sat, 05 Apr 2008 20:54:35 GMT

Fandom: Kaleido Star
Pairing: Sora Naegino/Leon Oswald
Title: Shine
Theme #25: Ice Skating
Author: royalbk
Rating: T with hints of M

"If you keep spinning in circling like that, you will loose your balance and fall."

"If you keep being so serious and forbidding, you'll get wrinkles before you're twenty-five." She laughed. "Lighten up and join me on the ice instead!"

"Everything in me rebels at the idea of mingling with so many people. I'd rather not." Leon retorted dryly, content to just drink his strong coffee and watch Sora as she spun and glided on the blue ice.

"Oh come on Leon," it was the sweetest and most pleading tone she could muster, "weren't you the one who promised to help me improve my skating skills?" She bypassed him once, twice, spun in a wide circle in front of him...hoping to gain his attention.

It was hard but she knew he valued perfection and she was far from attaining it still. Her skating activity was limited to only a few dangerous moves and some risque spins and twirls meant to impress the less knowledgeable on the subject.

"Please? I promise to get you one of the extra large mint-flavored ice-cream cones with extra chocolate sprinkles if you come and help me now."

Leon curled his upper lip in a manner that was entirely amused. "Do not insult me by insinuating that I would allow my date to pay for anything. Especially on my account. If I decide to come over there and offer my assistance, it will be because you show me something worthwhile to work with."

Worthwhile? Worthwhile! Did she really need to stand on the pinkie finger of her left hand to impress him? She'd thought that they'd gotten over these childish, prideful actions years ago. Wasn't the angel's act good enough for him? The Mystical Act?

"That better not have sounded the way I heard it from over here, Leon Oswald, or I'll make you swallow those words when we get home!"

On the other side of the separating half wall Leon dipped his head a fraction of an inch under the pretense of finishing the last remains of his bitter coffee. It was most satisfying to see that his stinging blow had hit its mark - her anger was rare and especially difficult to draw out. The way the cupid's bow that was her mouth curved downwards in a displeased frown, the subtle furrow of her eyebrows, the passive aggressive stance she took without even noticing...

Oh, victory was grand at times. He couldn't wait to let her know too.

"Really?"

Only later on, as he proved to her that staying mad at him was impossible - by locking them in the bedroom for the rest of the afternoon - would Sora realize the intention behind those words. And the tone that accompanied it.

"Really! After more than three years, you should know that I don't appreciate anyone mocking my skills. What are you trying to prove by upsetting me?"

The almost feline-like smile that darkened his eyes to a metallic grey, did nothing to soothe her wounded feelings. He crushed the plastic cup in his hand and threw it in the thrash can without missing a beat. "Showing you that I always win when it comes to our little bets."

It was the revelation waiting to happen.

Sora swallowed, feeling ill all of a sudden. He wasn't talking about that bet, was he?

"What bet?"

"That bet," he replied calmly, picking up her belongings and his with easy grace. "Shall we be going home now?"

Something dropped in her stomach and Sora wondered if it wasn't just sadistic anticipation of what he would do to her once they were home. The details were a little vague but...

"That bet didn't count! I wasn't thinking straight. It was your fault that I wasn't thinking straight and you know it!"

Leon smiled to himself - faintly but devious as far as she was concerned - and wrapped an arm around her waist to pull her out of the skating rink. She was right. It had been his fault.

"May I remind you that we shook hands on it? It was all about getting you to feel anger, and expressing it outwardly, without using any forceful means, accidental blunders or coarse words...and since you didn't think it possible for me to win, you left the prize to my choice."

That sounded bad. Very bad.

Had she still been drunk after Anna's party from the night before?

Sora laughed nervously, feeling tremors run through down her spine when he kissed her lips carelessly - fleetingly - and put her down on the ground. "Shall we?"

"You have five minutes."

"Generous today, aren't we?"

She almost had the feeling that he was purring with contentment beside her.

"For what I have planned for today...you have no idea little kitten."

[Kingdom Hearts, Axel/Roxas, 24 - Fireworks; 4th of July]

Thu, 27 Mar 2008 21:23:40 GMT

Title: Thirty Dates
Author: rainbowserenity
Written for: 30_dates
Fandom: Kingdom Hearts
Pairing: Axel/Roxas
Theme: 24 - Fireworks; 4th of July
Rating: T
Disclaimer: Squeenix owns my soul.
FF.net link
Summary: You're supposed to spend loud, noisy holidays with friends, not stalkerish "boyfriends" that are only around you because of a totally stupid deal. Worst. Fourth of July. Ever.
A/N: TY to aurons_fan for being a totally fabulous beta. :D

(Crap, why were they up here again? Someone could fall and break their neck! ...Hey, maybe it would be Axel. Sweet.)

Crossposted everywherrre, sorry if you see it more than once! ^^;

Stargate Atlantis - McKay/Lorne Theme #10

Tue, 15 Jan 2008 16:23:44 GMT

Fandom: Stargate Atlantis
Pairing: Rodney McKay/Evan Lorne
Title: Taking the Secret out of "Secret Santa"
Theme: 10. Party
Author: lds
Beta: Kerensa, all remaining errors are proudly mine.
Word Count: ~5300
Rating: PG-13
Warning: Here there be Slash. Preslash, mostly.
Disclaimer: I own everything! No wait. I own nothing, MGM et al own everything, damn it! In fact given the amount of Stargate stuff I own, they have a serious chunk of what little money I did have at one point.
Summary/Author's Notes: At the party after the gift exchange, Rodney finds out who his Secret Santa was, eventually... Meant to post closer to Christmas, but the holidays got in the way. And it was suppose to be a short sequel to Secret Santas and Why Rodney Doesn't Like Them (formerly The Problem with Secret Santas) but it really got away from me.

(Kingdom Hearts, Axel/Roxas, Theme #4)

Sun, 13 Jan 2008 02:11:21 GMT

Title: Thirty Dates
Author: rainbowserenity
Written for: 30_dates
Fandom: Kingdom Hearts
Pairing: Axel/Roxas
Theme: 4 - The Mall; Shopping
Rating: T
Disclaimer: Squeenix owns my soul.
FF.net link
Summary:
A/N: I have a sudden craving for meat. *flails*

(Axel continued dragging him around. “We have to buy fireworks for tomorrow!” he said...well, gaily. Duh.)

RainbowSerenity

Crossposted everywhere, sorry for eating any F-lists. ^^;

Kingdom Hearts, AkuRoku, 18 - Visit at Work

Sun, 21 Oct 2007 02:18:50 GMT

Title: Thirty Dates
Author: rainbowserenity
Written for: 30_dates
Fandom: Kingdom Hearts
Pairing: Axel/Roxas
Theme: 18 - Visit at Work
Rating: T
Disclaimer: Squeenix owns my soul.
FF.net link
Summary: Poor Roxas. Now he can't even get any peace and quiet at work now that Axel knows where it is. Maybe he could move to another town. Or better yet, another planet. Yeah, that's the ticket.
A/N: I don't know who to feel more sorry for in this one, Axel or Roxas. xD

(Apparently, Axel-hating was totally in this season.)

(Kingdom Hearts, Axel/Roxas, 3 - The Movies)

Fri, 07 Sep 2007 21:01:59 GMT

Title: Thirty Dates
Author: rainbowserenity
Written for: 30_dates
Fandom: Kingdom Hearts
Pairing: Axel/Roxas
Theme: 3 - The Movies
Rating: T
Disclaimer: Squeenix owns my soul.
FF.net link
Previous Dates
Summary: During the second date of Roxas' month-long torture, he manages to get covered in butter, gets stared at by strangers, and has more thoughts of suicide than anyone at the movies should possibly have. When did he ever think these dates with Axel would be boring?
A/N: Um. I like nachos. Mmm. :D

(So do you want some popcorn, butterhead? Maybe some candy? I know you like the sweet stuff.)

RainbowSerenity

Crossposted like mad! Sorry if it eats your F-list. ^^;

(Kingdom Hearts: Axel/Roxas, Theme 1 - First Date)

Mon, 13 Aug 2007 14:20:12 GMT

Sombrero!Axel and Roxas wish you a Happy AkuRoku Day!

And...they also bring you fic. 8D

Title: Thirty Dates
Author: rainbowserenity
Written for: 30_dates
Fandom: Kingdom Hearts
Pairing: Axel/Roxas
Theme: 1 - First Date
Rating: T
Disclaimer: Squeenix owns my soul.
FF.net link
Summary: When Roxas accidentally causes Axel to lose his job (it was seriously just an accident!), Axel comes up with the craziest scheme for Roxas to 'make it up to him' - but how long before the blond totally snaps?
A/N: Aaaand we're off. New challenge ahoy! 8D Expect all of the themes of this one (it'll eventually make one loooong fic) to be a bit on the cracky side. But a little strange humor never hurt anyone, eh? ;D

(He and Axel would eventually explode from shooting sarcastic remarks at each other, and nobody wants that. Right?)

RainbowSerenity

Chiaroscuro, ch. 3: A Reel Adventure (Avatar: The Last Airbender, Zuko x Katara, #03: Movies)

Fri, 20 Apr 2007 06:26:58 GMT

Fandom: Avatar: The Last Airbender
Pairing: Zuko x Katara
Title: Chiaroscuro, chapter 3: "A Reel Adventure"
Theme: #03: Movies
Author: bittersweet_ink
Rating: K+/PG
Summary: A random collision results in Zuko and Katara going out for coffee. Strange how life works.

( Working at the coffee shop had its downsides... )

The other chapters can be found here.

FF.Net: Mirror | Review?

- hl

Stargate Atlantis - McKay/Lorne Theme #09 Dance

Sun, 15 Apr 2007 18:35:37 GMT

Fandom: Stargate Atlantis
Pairing: Rodney McKay/Evan Lorne
Title: A Leading Question
Theme: #09 Dance
Author: lds (aka lazigyrl)
Beta: Kerensa, all remaining errors are proudly mine.
Word Count: ~820
Rating: PG
Warning: Here there be Slash
Disclaimer: I own everything! No wait. I own nothing, MGM et al own everything, damn it! In fact given the amount of Stargate stuff I own, they have a serious chunk of what little money I did have at one point.
Summary/Author's Notes: Rodney needs to relearn some old dance steps. My beta also kindly supplied a title as I was at a loss.

[Kaleido Star] [Sora NaeginoXLeon Oswald] [Theme #28]

Thu, 12 Apr 2007 22:01:25 GMT

Fandom: Kaleido Star
Pairing: Sora Naegino/Leon Oswald
Title: Sweet
Theme #28: Ice Cream Parlor
Author: royalbk
Rating: T

He was glaring at her. One of his trademark bored stares that conveyed enough annoyance to make her giggle.

Leon looked like a bristled cat even without trying and Sora couldn't help but lean back and admire her work with a cheeky smile. It had taken only a moment of inattention from his part to allow her to try a mischievous idea, which had been floating in her head ever since he had ordered some of that delicious ice cream for her.

'Think pink!' her mind supplied helpfully.

"You know," she giggled beneath her hand and struggled valiantly to hide it, "you look lovely in stripes. I never knew you could look so...attractive in pale colors."

Her boyfriend sighed subtly - if she hadn't known him so well, she wouldn't have known - and took a napkin to wipe the bright lines off his cheekbones and nose. Throwing her another one of those looks that spoke of how much he thought her a child.

Sora pouted and took up his napkin to try and properly remove the last vestiges of ice cream from his face. It was precisely because he hadn't said anything yet, that the annoying feeling was starting to settle in her gut, "Don't stare at me like that. It makes me feel guilty."

So caught up was she in her task, that she completely missed the upwards curl of his lips and the twinkle in his eyes. She also missed the way his arm snaked around her waist, touching but at the same time not, and the silent glide of the spoon against the glass cup...until it was too late.

"You are...entirely too gullible."

She blinked, brought back to attention by his hot breath against her neck...and squeaked in alarm when she caught sight of the threat nestled in between his fingers.

"Leon! Don't you dare do it."

The corner they had chosen was dark and intimate, in a crowded parlor, and her demise was without a doubt in his hands.

He was stronger, faster, with a clear goal in mind…and definitely on the wrong side of the booth! There was no possible way she could escape this punishment.

Leon was definitely enjoying revenge too much.

A squeal. A low, rumbling chuckle of amusement. Wild shuffling. Muffled whimpers and thrashing.

Many people leaned sideways in their seats, trying to catch a glimpse of the young couple. Mind you, this little store was one of the many unknown ones in New York...and customers tended to be generally the same. It was a wonder that such a - beautiful - pair had come in just a few minutes ago.

The women were jealous and the men appreciative. Also the other way around. Odd coloring such as these two had, was remarkable anywhere. Besides, it was fairly obvious that these two complemented each other well and no amount of biting comments or carelessly made comments could change that.

"Gah!" Sora struggled to contain her giggles, finding it unfair that Leon could control her so easily. He was so much stronger than she was and it was completely uncalled for! He could hold her still with only his arms and not even put too much effort in it. "Stop, stop, stop!"

This time she was glaring at him...sporting some lovely chocolate stripes and a particularly endearing spot on the top of her nose. Her hair, before neatly combed and loosely flowing down her shoulders, no resembled something only a witch would wear – frizzy, messy and electrified. Leon's lips curved into fathomless half smile of mirth.

Now this was priceless. It was a pity he didn't have a camera with him.

"This shade of Chocolate Delight suits you fairly well. It matches your eyes."

More pouting. And ranting. Blushing and sputtering.

He had just the remedy to that and the ice cream problem. Though, Leon added rakishly to himself, his method might not be as pure as hers had been.

"...and just how are you going to fix it mister? I'm not going home looking like a cheetah." Sora tried to appear menacing and scary, at least once in her life, but sincerely doubted of her success with the completely unaffected way he was staring at her.

Well – humph! Was it her fault that Leon could scare a lion out of his fur? The man could be downright menacing when he wanted to and Sora didn’t think her – what did he call it? – kittenish anger did much to dent his aloof nature.

Almost straddling him, looking like something out of a horror movie and vastly at a disadvantage compared to his towering height – even when sitting down, mind you - she sincerely doubted she made any other impression other than that of a feline with her hackles up.

Not very menacing.

The answer came when Leon pushed her further in the small booth, one hand holding her snugly and the other pressed next to her head, against the wall. His eyes took that peculiar glint, reserved only for her eyes, in a way that reminded her of other times…

Her mind clicked!

"Don't you dare!" her voice notched up in embarrassment, "I mean it Leon! This is a public place. Don't. You. Dare!"

Still, when he closed in to nibble on her cheek, she let out a low, breathy moan, wrapping her arms his neck to hold him there. That felt incredibly arousing...and Leon knew it very well. Innocent, nice and cheerful Sora desperately wanted a bed in close vicinity - so it wouldn't seem so wrong when she jumped him and disrobed him hastily.

She slapped her hormones. Kami! He was going to be the death of her.

"Leon..." He kissed her firmly, effectively swallowing the rest of her sentence, and fire exploded in her belly. Her boyfriend had this very nice way of handling her when he thought that she would shut up.

At the moment, Sora could’ve agreed to the notion of flying pigs if he had asked her to.

Thank any god out there that, with the way their booth was positioned, no one could see them or she would've screamed her head off at him for making her blush so much. She couldn't deny that this whole dating process had many perks though! Marriage on the horizon sounded nice...if and when that came. She wasn't in a hurry.

Leon was hers...but, on all that was holly, she was still going to have her revenge on him when he was finished - insert flush - cleaning her of chocolate.

Even though she had been the one to start it!

End.

[Final Fantasy VII/VIII crossover, VincentxRinoa, Theme #2]

Sat, 24 Mar 2007 19:28:56 GMT

Fandom:Final Fantasy VII / Final Fantasy VIII
Pairing:Vincent Valentine x Rinoa Heartilly.
Title:Black Coffee.
Theme:(2) Cafe
Author:lady_neephene
Rating:'Pg-13'
Disclaimer:I don't own the characters, they belong to Square-Enix.
Summary: What people say about dark coffee was true because it was really horrible.

The young sorceress was silently sitting in one of the many tables that the small café had, it was one that was in the shadows and by those moments she had gotten used to it, awaiting patiently. It was the least she could do knowing that it was not his companion fault that he was taking so long, after all it had been her the one that had proposed that they should come to check this place out since her friends claimed it was an amazing place, though it had taken her a lot to convince him to come with her.

She sank against the cushion of the seat she was in and sighed, she was getting bored but then again it was her own fault for having suggested and then convince –well more like practically beg- him to come here, well she supposed it was a bit selfish to make him come here knowing that he didn't enjoyed to be in crowded places, mostly because the way he looked or so he claimed but she suspected it was because of her, maybe he was ashamed of being seen with her.

Rinoa gazed down at her hands, maybe that was it, maybe Vincent was ashamed of being seen with her, could he be worried about how different people thought they were with the other or was he worried about the reaction their friends will have? Really she couldn't tell, she only knew that they had been dating for four months now in secrecy and though at first Rinoa had agreed that such secrecy was necessary, she didn't wanted no one to mess with this if it was a new chance nor people judging them, but now she was getting tired of it.

It had been a quiet agreement that they will not comment to no one that they had been seeing each other after the famous 'Set up', it was almost like if it was needed for them to set a solid ground solely between each other without allowing their friends to interfere with what they had with either advices or complains. But now Rinoa truly felt that Vincent and she had enough solid bases with the other considering that it was time to in a way show themselves in public, but there was something that eluded her knowledge what was her to him?

Was she a friend, a companion or a lover? In all the time they had dated he had never kissed her, though from times to times he allowed her to peck him on the cheek, and the far they had gotten was holding hands –and that was all of her own accord- but that did not changed the fact that in her mind and even heart she considered him a boyfriend but she was not sure what was her to him…

“Took longer than expected but this place is too coped up” A familiar masculine and oh so deep baritone voice said.

Hazel orbs looked up at the considered dark gunman, she watched him as he took a seat in front of her placing the cappuccino she had wanted in front of her while he focused on the black coffee he so liked. She looked deeply at him could it be that such a conclusion was a delusion from her part? Could it be that he didn't wanted nothing from her more than companionship from an understanding person in the matter of broken heart? Was she in stake of suffering from heartache and have her recently mended heart broken again by him? Oww so many possibilities…

“Is there something wrong?” He asked noticing the way she was looking at him.

She bit her lip a bit thoughtfully, would it be wrong if she asked she didn't think so besides she needed an answer to her ponderings “I need to ask you something”

“Go ahead”

“Oh…umm…well…” She was not the type of person to get lip-locked when she wanted to ask something, so taking a deep breath she asked the inevitable “Are you ashamed of me?”

The sudden question effectively took him by surprise and if it hadn't been for the serious worried look that she had he will have thought she was kidding “No, why will you think that?”

“Is just that well…we have been going out for four months now and though at first I understood the need to have it a secret and I shared the idea I think that enough time has passed and we have not told anyone…we're still in secrecy like if we have to hide when what were doing is nothing wrong” She explained softly and looking down at the table “So I thought that maybe it was because you were ashamed of me and didn't wanted no one to see us together”

“Well I'm not ashamed of you, I think it should be the other way around actually” He hushed her before she could say anything to fight that comment, because having judged by her expression she was going to do “Look Rinoa, I know what you mean…I was merely waiting for a sign from your part to let me know that you were ready for the others to know”

“Ohh…I see” She flushed in embarrassment, really she should have expected that a man like him will take such considerations, he was after all very old school when it came to treat a woman something that she found quite refreshing “I'm sorry, I should have taken that into consideration”

“You don't need to apologize” He quickly disregarded that like if it was not of such big importance though he was a bit curious about something “Now I'm the one that has to ask you something”

She regarded him with a rather curious look “And what will that be?”

“What brought this up?” He asked noticing the small flinch that wrecked her body “Or was that your way to letting me know that you want people to know about what we have?”

“Hmm…kind of” She confessed, though she wanted to let people know that was not the reason she asked “I was curious, but I do want people to know what we have…especially since that Shelke girl is getting way to close for comfort”

He looked at her pointedly “You do realize that she looks like a ten year old”

“I don't care how old she looks like!” She exclaimed a bit annoyed and with a pout “She clearly likes you and she bothers me, you don’t know how many times I have wanted to tell her to back off”

“You can be quite jealous and protective when you want to be” He said plainly.

“Well I have to and don't you dare come preaching to me about being overprotective mister” She tease mocked him, sure she was jealous and protective but he was quite overprotective of her as well “So…are we going to…you know?”

He pondered on that for a minute “Yes, I think it's about time anyway”

“Okay then” She was ecstatic; his words had made her so happy now it was only question to see how the others reacted “Hmm…can I have some of that?”

“I really don't think you will like it” He commented quietly.

“Oww…come on, I have always been quite curious to taste it and now it's my chance” She carefully took the cup of her companion and smiled before taking a sip “EWW….this is so bitter”

“Told you that you wouldn't like it and black coffee it’s meant to be bitter” He said before shocking his head a bit.

A frown marred her face before she focused on finishing her own beverage, it was amazing how could some people punish themselves by drinking that vile stuff, Rinoa looked over at Vincent and decided to forgive him such a bad taste in drinks after all he had agreed to let people know about each other.

Bleach; Ichi/Ishi; Theme 14: Vista

Thu, 15 Mar 2007 01:46:28 GMT

Fandom: Bleach
Pairing: Kurosaki Ichigo/Ishida Uryuu
Title: Sunset Hill
Theme: 14) Vista
Author: G. Zan
Rating: PG-13
Summary: Ishida's favorite thinking spot has been taken over. But he doesn't mind so much when he finds out who it is.
Notes: Betaed by silkalivedoll; thanks so much, HB! 8D

Follow the fake cut for the story!

Stargate Atlantis - McKay/Lorne Theme #04 Shopping

Wed, 14 Mar 2007 15:53:10 GMT

Fandom: Stargate Atlantis
Pairing: Rodney McKay/Evan Lorne
Title: The Last Stop
Theme: #04 Shopping
Author: lds (aka lazigyrl)
Word Count: ~1400
Rating: R (for the store they are in)
Warning: Here there be Slash
Disclaimer: I own everything! No wait. I own nothing, MGM et al own everything, damn it! In fact given the amount of Stargate stuff I own, they have a serious chunk of what little money I did have at one point.
Summary: I really couldn't picture these two shopping for some reason so where this came from I am not sure. It is all dialogue. I am not sure if I got the character voices quite down but it was fun to write.

Stargate Atlantis - McKay/Lorne Theme #08 To a Play

Tue, 13 Mar 2007 17:24:28 GMT

Fandom: Stargate Atlantis
Pairing: Rodney McKay/Evan Lorne
Title: A Play for all Ages
Theme: #08 To a Play
Author: lds (aka lazigyrl)
Word Count: ~950
Rating: PG
Warning: Here there be Slash. No beta as usual.
Season/Episode: Season 3 - McKay and Mrs. Miller
Disclaimer: I own everything! No wait. I own nothing, MGM et al own everything, damn it! In fact given the amount of Stargate stuff I own, they have a serious chunk of what little money I did have at one point.
Summary/Author's Notes: Future!Fic as I wanted someone to be old enough to be in the play that McKay and Lorne attend. The play itself is an adaption of "Alice in Wonderland" for performers for grades K-6. Or so it claimed, I didn't buy it to see if it was a realistic claim or not.

Card Captor Sakura, Sakura/Syaoran, Theme #19

Sat, 10 Mar 2007 01:44:30 GMT

Fandom: Card Captor Sakura
Pairing: Sakura/Syaoran
Title: Movie Night
Theme: #19, First Night Over
Author: cyanwitch
Rating: G
Summary: He hadn't expected her to be quite so early...

“Syaoran!”
“S-Sakura? You’re early.” The Chinese boy looks at his girlfriend guiltily, hiding the dirty socks he is holding behind his back. She doesn’t notice.
“Yeah, Oni-chan and Yukito both went out of town on a vacation, and I didn’t even have to pretend I was going to Tomoyo-chan’s. And I wanted to surprise you.”
“She cocks her head to the side as he blushes and shifts backwards, wishing he had cleaned up sooner. He usually keeps things neat, but the last week has been hectic and things tend to accumulate. She’s not sure what to make of his odd behavior, and her gaze turns questioning. He blushes harder.
“O-one moment!” He dashes off to his room – the nearest – socks clenched tightly in his hand, and he throws them into his closet. When he runs back in, he catches a glimpse of confusion on her face, but it is quickly replaced by a smile.
“Ready to watch the movies?” She holds up a plastic bag, filled with DVDs. He nods, and she flops down on the couch. Neither is letting it show; both are slightly nervous.
The nervousness lingers until well into the first movie, but they are finally able to relax and enjoy it. He kisses her softly; it isn’t so new that it’s unfamiliar, but it’s new enough that they can’t help but blush as they pull apart. She cuddles up close to him, resting her head on his shoulder, and when the sun rises they are asleep, popcorn scattered over the floor and the menu of the first DVD shining from the screen.

(Final Fantasy VII/VIII Crossover / VincentxRinoa, Theme #5)

Sat, 03 Mar 2007 19:56:25 GMT

Fandom: Final Fantasy VII / Final Fantasy VIII
Pairing: Vincent Valentine x Rinoa Heartilly.
Title: Swings.
Theme: (5) To the park
Author: lady_neephene
Rating: `PG-13'
Disclaimer: I don’t own the characters, they belong to Square-Enix.
Summary: About Vincent's bit of phobia of swings.

For the sixth time ruby eyes looked up at the clock that hung on the wall only to see that it was still pointing to ‘3.25’ and it had not moved from that. Why was he so strangely anxious? It was not like him to act that way and he was still pondering whether he should go or not to the appointment Rinoa had made for both.

In a way he supposed that he had to go, Rinoa will be waiting for him there and it will be rude to let a woman waiting, he was not the type to show that kind of treatment for women. Knowing that he was going to regret it, Vincent stood up he knew he was going to need eight to ten minutes to reach the park.

He was waiting for the elevator of the new corporation when Reeve suddendly appeared besides him; none said a thing and silently got inside the elevator waiting to get to the lobby, all the better for him because he didn’t wished to reveal what he was going to do especially to Reeve that was the one that got him in the problem in the first place.

“Going somewhere?” Reeve suddendly asked.

‘Just my luck’ Vincent thought but kept an impassive expression “If I’m here it’s because I am”

“May I know where?” Curiosity getting the best of Reeve since it was weird for him to go out like this.

Vincent pondered on that for a few moments “I don’t think I need to brief you with that information” He felt a bit relieved when the metal doors slid open “However I can tell you that I’m going to meet someone”

With that said Vincent stepped out and leisurely walked to the front glass gates with Reeve watching a bit taken aback by his attitude, he will have to wait for the apparent anger the man felt for the scamp of last night to subside for him to ask questions.

---------------------------
‘3:34’

Four minutes, he was four minutes late. Well really that was nothing to worry about, it could only mean that he was coming late because he had some problems at coming out of that hideous place, which was plausible right? Vincent wouldn’t leave her just like that and he will have certainly called her to inform her if he couldn’t make it, wouldn’t he? But then again last night he had not accepted to come and she had left before he could say anything.

A small pang of worry overcame her with the thought; maybe he had decided that it was better to stay away instead of getting problems with Cloud, which had been his friend even before she came to the picture, a slight frown marred her pretty features.

Clock-sharp Rinoa had gotten the park fountain exactly at 3:30 like she had said only to find the place Vincent free, so she had decided to wait for him but now she was getting worried that she was going to be stood up, flexing her arms over her chest she gazed at her reflection on the clear water and wondered if she had something wrong.

“What are you doing?”

The sudden question behind her almost made her jump out of her skin, she had been too distracted to notice that someone was coming up behind. She turned around to meet the person and a huge smile appeared on her face.

“You came!” She exclaimed delightfully.

Vincent simply nodded “I didn’t make you wait long, did I?”

“Yes…no…I mean” Rinoa took a deep breath to soothe herself, she was just to happy and nervous that he had actually came “I have only four minutes here”

“I will have come before but I had some troubles when I left” He half lied, he did had troubles leaving the building but not due to his task related issues but she didn’t need to know that “But do forgive me for making you wait”

“No, don’t worry, it’s okay” She said quickly and disregarded the topic “How long can you be here?”

He hadn’t really thought about that, he had just left “I suppose I can spare an hour”

“I think that will be enough” She smiled and walked to him looking at him curiously “But this won’t bring you troubles with Reeve or anyone else, would it?”

“Do not worry about that” He assured her, really he doubted he will have much troubles after all things seemed calm back at WRO.

“Very well then” She gently hooked her left arm with his right one, not being one to ask for permission and considering they were on a date “There’s a place I want to go”

Once again not even waiting for an answer and surprising him a bit, he didn’t expected a petite woman like her to be so strong, she pulled him to where she wanted. For strange that it was, because never had he been bothered by what other people might think or believe of him it will be quite obvious that he will call the attention, but now he was painfully aware of the eyes that were over them.

But then again people was bound to turn an see if they saw a man that looked like he did, clad in black and crimson with a golden claw where his left appendage should be will always stand out like a sore thumb, more now that seemingly sane and rather innocent looking young woman clung to him like almost a life line, he knew that his appearance almost all of the times allowed him to fall in the category of either a vampire or a demon so it wouldn’t be surprised if most of their onlookers will be thinking that he was a creature of the night, even though it was plain daylight, leading a young innocent woman to eternal damnation.

Whether Rinoa felt the critical looks they were receiving he couldn’t tell because either the young sorceress didn’t noticed them or was ignoring them, probably the latter, and she kept chatting away like if being together in that moment was the most natural thing in the world. That was one of the many times that Rinoa had proved Vincent wrong from the conclusions he had made when he saw her the first time, he was not the type of person that went under the motto of ‘Don’t judge a book by it’s cover’ but when he had seen Rinoa it had been inevitable.

The young woman was to damn cute and pretty for her own good also giving an air of a princess to with he had concluded she was a spoiled shallow girl, but his opinion had been truly modified the more he saw her act, sure sometimes she made some childish tantrums when she didn’t got what she wanted but she was only nineteen and was still acceptable on her.

Finally the sorceress made them stop in the playground area of the park, that was currently empty, which caused him to look at her with a critical eye, sometimes she might defy his concept of her as a bit childish but other times she might enhance it like in those moments, she only smiled and led him to the swings. Letting go of his arm rather gently she sat on the first one she saw and started to slowly move back and forth, a smile plastered on her face, sure it might seem childish to some but it had been so long since she had been on one.

“It’s been so long” She breathed rather happily before fixing her gaze on him “Come on, sit in the swing next to me”

“That’s not necessary, I’m quite comfortable here” He neutrally dismissed the proposal.

“But what’s the fun on that, come on just take a sit” She looked at him at deeply when he simply shook his head and didn’t even tried to move “Is there something wrong?”

Like usual his expression was blank “Nothing is wrong”

“Okay, then take a seat” She tried once again and felt like scowling when he didn’t tried to move to comply with her request and told her no with his eyes “Why not?”

“Because…no” He answered in a way he felt was rather lame and so out of his character.

Apparently she thought the same because she raised an eyebrow for a few instants before realization dawned on her “For Hyne!!! I can’t believe it, you’re afraid of swings”

“Is rather presumptuous for you to conclude that only because I don’t wish to sit in a swing” He retorted back rather coldly at his companion.

“Hmm…I suppose it will be” She pondered on that for awhile before a teasing glint appeared in her eyes “Then prove me wrong and sit”

He contemplated what he could do in those moments, is not like if it was such a difficult request to fulfill but he could not, it was shameful but he couldn’t “…No”

“What happened?” She asked with such a soft and compelling gentleness that was impossible to resist “You know you can tell me, is not like if I will laugh”

“Hmm…even I have to admit is a bit ridiculous” He was in his custom not caring position and talking like if it was not that important at all “It’s the typical thing that I fell rather ungracefully from one, fracturing my arm, when I was a kid and since then I suppose you can say I have a bit of phobia to them”

“See, that wasn’t so difficult and I know in a way what you mean, when I was a kid my hair ended tangled in the chains and they had to cut it out for me in order to be freed, though I didn’t fell I was afraid that such a thing might happen again” She started to once again push herself back and forth looking at him serenely “My mother told me that I needed to face my fears or I wouldn’t be able to move on and so with her by my side I did…a week later she died since that day I had not been on a swing…”

“Rinoa…” He started trying to avoid what he considered a rather uncomfortable topic.

“It’s difficult but here I am, I know it’s not such a big fear for you and I’m sure you will be able to move forward without trouble, after all you have powered through much more difficult things in your life” She stopped and smiled at him like if nothing was wrong “Face this minimal fear with me by your side”

For some instants he looked at her in silence, sometimes she amazed him with the glimpses of maturity that she displayed when the situation required it from her persona, not changing his blank expression or hinting anything in his body language he moved to the swing besides her and took a sit, not that he was there he couldn’t help but think that it had been quite ridiculous not to mention shameful that he had developed a bit phobia for something so simple as a swing.

With a small giggle Rinoa started to push herself faster and harder in the swing well aware of Vincent’s eyes on her, really she couldn’t tell if that could be considered a date but they were alone together and having a good time so for her it was considered a date, she closed her eyes bending her back a bit afterwards with and feeling her hair moving back and forth with her movements, it was the first time in six months that she was truly happy and somehow she knew that he could tell as much.

Eventually she came to a stop and looked at him with a satisfied smile on her face, he looked back at her and though he didn’t smiled she could tell that he felt at ease that’s why she felt so bad for the words she was about to say in those moments.

“Hmm…Vincent” She lightly called him.

“Yes”

“Think you can help me” She moved her head slightly only to show him that some locks of her hair had tangled on the chain again “I’m…apparently stuck”

Even though the situation was quite bad for her hair in those moments, she couldn’t help but feel a warmth spread all over her body when she noticed the rather minimal smile that had come into his face, Rinoa felt more than happy that she had managed to pull forth the beginnings of a smile from a person like Vincent it was a great victory for her. She fully smiled at him when he stood up an moved to stand in front of her, felt her cheeks warming a bit when he bent closer to her to untangle her hair, well now that was what she would call a date…now if only she could manage for their lips to meet.

Sorry for some grammar errors but I needed to give a break to my beta

[Kaleido Star] [Sora NaeginoXLeon Oswald] [Theme #21]

Sun, 25 Feb 2007 14:50:03 GMT

Fandom: Kaleido Star
Pairing: Sora Naegino/Leon Oswald
Title: Twinkling Bells
Theme #21: Beach ; Lake ; Ocean
Author: royalbk
Rating: T

She was laughing - not the moderately, restrained giggles of amusement but bouts of uncontrollable laughter that had her ribs bursting and her stomach hurting. Her breaths were coming in short pants and her eyes were tearing...it was that kind of laughter!

But, really, Sora couldn't control herself and her twisted humor at all. Even if she had been able, the fact that he was glowering at her so darkly, his eyes twitching cutely in her opinion, was enough to send her back into hysterical giggles.

"This is not funny!" Water dripped of him in clear droplets and his hair stuck to his face and his body limply.

"You're right," she found the energy to throw her own wet hair back before she collapsed against his chest once more, "it's not funny...it's downright hilarious! I haven't laughed so hard in ages."

Perhaps Leon was hoping to intimidate her into silence with that piercing glare but if that was his intention, he was wasting his time. She was already immune due to long periods of exposure.

"Maybe it's just me but didn't we fall into the lake a few moments ago? I don't see what the devil you find so entertaining."

"People are staring at us like we sprouted another head." She whispered fiercely, trying to tone down her too cheerful grin. "Next time I'm getting my camera...this is definitely a Polaroid moment!"

Indeed people were looking, he noted offhandedly, and although his menacing stare screamed 'move back or suffer' Leon couldn't blame anyone - he was carrying a woman who could pass off as a drowned rat and he grudgingly admitted to being in no better state.

It was all the fault of the damn, drunk driver of the carriage anyway. By God, Leon didn't regret having thrown him back in the frozen lake a second time; the only thing there was to regret was that the driver had escaped with barely a few bruises.

Sora had stopped him from rectifying that situation...unfortunately. His fist in that man's face would've done the world -or at least him- a great deal of good.

"You're very quiet Leon," Sora peered suspiciously up at him, tugging at a long strand of white hair, "if you're contemplating going back there and putting the poor man into the hospital, forget it."

A noncommittal grunt was her only answer. She frowned and poked him in the chest.

"Don't you use that grunt with me mister!"

Poke. Poke. Poke.

"Stop that." Leon caught her hand, threading his fingers with her, and gently set her down on the ground. She pouted, the look not at all wasted with they way clothes molded to her curvy body, and Leon suddenly had a dark revelation.

It involved jealousy, other men who couldn't keep their eyes off his Sora and not so surprisingly dragging her to the nearest possible bed...shower...even the walls of his apartment would do right now.

His intentions must've been reflected in his eyes because Sora blushed hotly and suddenly threw herself in his arms once more. Her eyes were just as feverish as her face and if Leon knew her well, which he did, she was probably blushing to the tops of her breast.

That particular train of thoughts was rather appealing...

"Why didn't you tell me that my clothes were see-through?" She hissed like a wild cat, fingers twisting in the collar of his shirt with power surprising for such a small frame.

Leon couldn't withhold the faintest smirk. He loved it when the tables were turned. Being in charge was the best...in all aspects of life.

"And pretend I do not enjoy it pet?" That nickname had never failed to get an obvious reaction from his little love and Leon used it as much as he could - when they were in private, it did wonders. He draped his long coat on her shoulders and allowed his hot breath to ghost tantalizingly against the shell of her ear.

"Pervert!" Sora swatted her shoulder but there was no mistake what that inflection in her voice meant. Lots of fun for later.

"Ah, but you like me this way. Didn't you once say that making up after fighting was the best activity out there?"

She squeaked.

"I especially remember one interesting, little tidbit..." The following words were whispered in a low tone and Leon enjoyed every moment he could make her squeal, flush and express her indignation.

People were getting fewer and fewer due to the coming of nighttime and if anyone saw them now, they would just be considered another lovey-dovey couple kissing. It seemed so from another's vintage point...

Her face could've shamed the red roses surrounding them.

"That was low Leon Oswald!"

"I think I can live with falling into lakes more often if I can get you this flustered..." He added thoughtfully.

"Now wait a second here..."

He didn't. Instead he proved that he was right by kissing the daylights out of her.

Sora couldn't protest against that. Who in their right mind would?

"Impressionistic First Impressions" (Avatar: The Last Airbender, Zuko x Katara, #1)

Sun, 11 Feb 2007 20:35:52 GMT

Fandom: Avatar: The Last Airbender
Pairing: Zuko x Katara
Title: Chiaroscuro
Chapter Title: "Impressionistic First Impressions"
Theme: #01. First Date
Author: bittersweet_ink
Rating: K+/PG at the moment
Summary: [AU] December, 1939: In Germany, there was war. But in Florence, Italy, all was quiet. An unsuccessful artist attempting to carve a path through life was immersed in this quiet, and so was a young university student struggling to find her place in the world. December, 1939: Their paths converge, and in each other they find the light in the rapidly deepening darkness.

( In Germany, there was war: Immaculately dressed armies marching in rank and file, the brass buttons on their uniforms glittering in the sun as their arms and legs moved together in perfect clockwork unison. )

- hl

Stargate Atlantis - McKay/Lorne Theme #23 Birthday

Sat, 10 Feb 2007 03:48:49 GMT

Fandom: Stargate Atlantis
Pairing: Rodney McKay/Evan Lorne
Title: After Party Celebrations
Theme: #23 Birthday
Author: lds (aka lazigyrl)
Word Count: ~1700
Rating: NC-17
Warning: Here there be Slash. Light Bondage
Disclaimer: I own everything! No wait. I own nothing, MGM et al own everything, damn it! In fact given the amount of Stargate stuff I own, they have a serious chunk of what little money I did have at one point.
Summary/Author's Notes: The story is simply a private party after Lorne's birthday party. I am not good at writing smut, I was 600 words in before they kissed. It's difficult for me to write sex scenes so I kept delaying it. The other difficult thing was actually writing Lorne and referring to him by his first name, but I have to stop using his last name when writing intimate story lines. The other difficult thing was actually writing Lorne and referring to him by his first name.

Final Fantasy Crossover (VincentxRinoa, Theme #1)

Wed, 07 Feb 2007 18:35:02 GMT

Fandom: Final Fantasy VII / Final Fantasy VIII
Pairing: Vincent Valentine x Rinoa Heartilly.
Title: Set up of Hell.
Theme: (1) First Date.
Author: lady_neephene
Rating: ‘Pg-13’
Disclaimer: I don’t own the characters, they belong to Square-Enix.
Summary: We know a set up is a problem but its worse when you find your ex in said set up.

“No” It was probably the sixth time the word had been heard in the room.

Both Yuffie and Selphie watched the dark haired girl as she pretended to be engrossed in her biology book, obviously an attempt to ignore them as biology was one of her lest favorite things.

Really no one could blame Rinoa for trying to entertain herself with another thing, especially since both of the other girls were nagging her to go out on a date. Seriously, did she look desperate and pathetic enough to need them to set her up on a date? With nothing against them but Yuffie and Selphie’s choice of men were not that good. Yuffie after all was with someone as rude as Reno while Selphie has settled for the flirting cowboy wannabe Irvine. Not that she had anything against them but they were not exactly boyfriend material, at least not to her.

But then again they could be worried for her; after all, six months had trickled by since she had broken up with Squall, who would have thought that her seemingly loving boyfriend would fall for a certain blond haired guy? Certainly not Rinoa, but she was not so selfish as to not allow him to pursue his happiness after everything that he had done for her. In any case since Squall, well, she had not dated anyone and it was not due to the lack of proposals but it was due to her lack of enthusiasm.

“Aww, come on Rin!” Selphie whined and looked at Rinoa with puppy dog eyes “Just give it a shot, you’ll have fun”

“Look, I’m not in the mood to go out on a date” Rinoa replied, turning a page of the boring book she was reading “Besides, I don’t think fun is something that’s in the vocabulary of Vincent”

After that statement neither of the other girls replied. That was another thing that had bothered Rinoa; not only did they have set her up on a date but they had set her up with Vincent Valentine. Again, she had nothing against the gunman and former Turk. She thought he was handsome, but his silence and his cold attitude made him more distant than Squall had once been and she really didn’t think she would be able to open up to another person like she had with Squall.

“Well who knows? Maybe you can be the person that can get him out of his ice fortress.” Yuffie finally said with a huge grin on her face “Gaia or Hyne, whoever you like, knows that Vinny really needs it.”

Rinoa sighed wearily “Look I appreciate that you’re trying to help me, but, really, I’m not in the mood”

“Oww…Rin…” Selphie started to complain.

“Nah, it’s okay, she already said that she didn’t want to go.” Yuffie interrupted, surprising both girls, usually she was not the type to call it quits “But it’s a shame though...”

“What is?” Rinoa simply asked.

“Well you see, Vincent already agreed to go and it would be a shame for him to end up alone, waiting for you after a long work day and you won’t show up.” Yuffie lay in the rather comfortable bed of the sorceress “And he was looking forward to it too.”

Rinoa looked at her in shock “Was he?”

“Yeah, when he found out it was you he accepted.” Yuffie sighed with feigned sadness; sometimes it was good that Rinoa was so naïve “What a pity.”

“Fine, since you took the time to do this, I might as well go.” Rinoa said, closing her book and standing up “I’ll just take a bath and change.”

“Okay!” Yuffie waited till her friend disappeared into the bathroom to turn to Selphie with a grin “There, now let’s cross our fingers.”

Selphie giggled lightly “You invented all of that, didn’t you?”

“Of course I did, do you think that the ice vampire clone would do that?” Yuffie said softly and mentally patted her own back. “Though I wonder how the others convinced him to go to the bar in the first place.”

Selphie just shrugged whatever excuse the guys had used on him must have been pretty convincing because the former Turk had decided to go. Now she only had to cross her fingers and hope that they didn’t had to face the wrath of Rinoa that could put Sephiroth and Ultimecia to shame.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The former Turk arrived at the bar at least ten minutes before he was supposed to and had decided to sit in one of the darkest, as dark as that bar could be, corner tables to wait for the others. It had been a bit odd for Reeve and Tseng to insist so fervently that he be included in their man time at the bar. Personally, he would have preferred not to have anything to do with it, but they had insisted and Reno had annoyed him so much that he hadn’t had any exit other than to accept.

Now, almost fifteen minutes after the hour they had settled on, he had gotten bored and had decided to leave. If they asked him tomorrow what had happened he would say that something had come up and he couldn’t have made it to the meeting. He was about to stand up when he saw Rinoa, or at least he thought that the woman dressed in red and walking toward his table was Rinoa.

“Hello.” Well, she was definitely Rinoa; she lightly smiled at him and took a seat. “Sorry for being so late.”

He blankly looked at her “Late?”

“Yeah, but you know that it’s normal for a woman to be late.” She answered, defending her tardiness. “And I’m only fifteen minutes late, I could have been forty-five but this time I went faster.”

He didn’t reply and simply watched as a waitress walked up to take her order. When the waitress left to fetch the beverages Rinoa turned to look at him and gave him a small smile. When the red wine Rinoa had ordered arrived she remained, it was just made painfully obvious that the others were not coming and they had tricked him.

“Set up.” He simply whispered to himself.

“Yes, I know.” She answered. It had been almost a miracle that she had heard him considering that he had whispered and his coat covered his mouth. “I was mildly surprised as well when Yuffie and Selphie told me.”

He pointedly looked at her, it was not private that the woman had avoided those kinds of things like the plague since she and her former lover parted ways. “And you’re okay with this?”

“Well, at first I wasn’t up to it because it would’ve been a bit odd.” She said with a small shrug in her shoulders like if it was a natural response “Besides it was about time that I got out instead of staying at home, grieving for something that’s out of my control”

He ignored the sigh that threatened to leave his mouth. “And you decided to…hmm…go out with me?”

“Why not? Besides, you weren’t against this set up either” She retorted back.

Silence fell between them. Vincent frowned, assuming that Yuffie had said something that she shouldn’t have said to lead Rinoa into believing he had agreed to this. He considered telling her, but seeing Rinoa really smiling, not the fake smiles she had given everyone for the last six months, made him restrain from doing so. Besides, it wouldn’t be gentlemanly to treat a lady that way and he was too polite to do so.

Besides it was going to be one night, how troublesome could it be?

If he had only known…

Rinoa took a sip of her wine before starting to talk with him. Vincent had often heard from Squall, who due to his involvement with Cloud was always close, that Rinoa possessed a charming aura that could compel even the most silent person in the world to crack their mask and talk with her. At first he had thought he was only an old lover fondly talking about a dear person of his past but now he was seeing first hand evidence that proved Squall was right.

Well it was not exactly as if Vincent was completely antisocial, he just liked his solicitude and, yeah, he had brooded in his past, always blaming himself, but now he was in a new stage of his life where he could start over. But Rinoa was his complete opposite, she was outspoken, spirited, open, and honest with her feelings, compassionate and emotional, ambitious and stubborn, she had all the things that he lacked or had lost and strangely he found that refreshing.

A familiar piano tune started to play in the background, a small air of sadness was visible in Rinoa’s persona before she closed her eyes. Vincent watched her in silence and was a bit surprised when a joyful recalling smile appeared on her face. He could easily recognize those because he had always smiled that way when he thought of Lucrecia.

“You know, Vincent,” She said gently while one of her fingers slowly traced the circular brim of her wine glass “My mother wrote that song,”

“Did she?” He asked knowing that was what she wanted him to do.

“Yes, it was before she met my father, she only had the tune but she couldn’t write good lyrics for it but she found inspiration from a man.” She explained softly and looked up at him with an expression of calm sadness. “There was this man that always came to watch her play the piano, he was always watching her but what he didn’t know was that she was watching him too and she fell in love with him. Eventually they talked and my mother found the inspiration to write the lyrics”

He contemplated her for a few moments wondering what he could say to her but couldn’t come up with anything “I see.”

“You know Vincent, you’re…” Whatever Rinoa was going to say was not finished because she was crudely interrupted.

“Vincent, what are you doing here?” The familiar voice of the blond man made Rinoa flinch slightly and Vincent only braced himself when they walked to the table. “You’re here al…”

Squall frowned a bit “What are you doing here with Rinoa?”

The woman who had attempted to make herself invisible against the plush coach seat, hoping that they had only come to say hi and leave before realizing she was there. But leave it all to Squall to be able to see her anywhere, so she composed herself and looked at them as calmly as she could manage.

“Didn’t notice you were there.” Cloud commented with a bit of a nervous smile.

‘That was the point...’ She thought with some remorse “No, don’t worry.”

Awkward and tense, those were the two words that could describe that moment. It was just what Rinoa needed; being caught in a set up date by her ex-boyfriend and his current boyfriend. Why couldn’t life be more kind to her? She felt like dying, not because she was on a date with Vincent but because she had been caught on her first official date after her break up by the two people that had left her single.

“As much as we would like to stay and talk with you.” Vincent’s deep baritone voice sliced through the tense silence as he stood up “Rinoa and I must leave.”

The alluded girl quietly nodded and also stood to follow Vincent out of the bar. Never in her life had Rinoa been so thankful, once they were outside and the cold night air caressed her skin she allowed herself to take a deep calming breath. She had no doubts that Squall might question her tomorrow but she didn’t quite care right now.

“Thank you.” She finally said, looking up at Vincent with an appreciative smile.

He simply shrugged his shoulders “It’s okay, you looked really uncomfortable in there”

“I was.” She breathed out her answer before looking pensive for a few instants “I suppose that kind of ruined the date.”

Since when it had evolved into a date? “Don’t worry about it.”

“I’ll make up for it” She quickly said and smiled brightly “…meet me tomorrow at the park fountain around 3:30 pm, okay?”

Rinoa smiled one last time before leaving without waiting for Vincent’s answer. He was left wondering whether if what had just happened was real and letting it settle in his mind because of the inconvenient way…

Had she just asked him out?

RPS, Pierre/David, 18

Thu, 01 Feb 2007 16:49:40 GMT

Fandom: RPS - Simple Plan
Pairing: Pierre/David
Title: Mr. Wonderful [Ch.6]
Theme: 18- Visit at Work
Author: tragicaffairr
Rating: PG-13
Summary: Blind dates are always disasters, or at least that’s how its supposed to go.

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5

“So…you guys kissed on the Ferris wheel?” Seb raised his eye brows, prompting for David to retell the scene again.

“I swear, Seb, sometimes I think that you’re the gay one, having me tell you every detail anytime I go out with someone and freaking out over the ‘juicy details,’” David laughed as Seb had practically squealed at the retelling of the previous night’s adventure. The other man smiled widely, disregarding the stab at his masculinity.

“But Pierre isn’t just someone now is he?” Seb prodded. David sighed, folding his hands behind his head. And looking up at his stucco ceiling that was uniform for all apartments in the building.

“I don’t know, I mean, we definitely click. Well, I think we click, because I sure as hell haven’t been this happy in a relationship in a while,” David ignored Seb’s mutters of ‘no shit’ as he continued. “We’re taking things slowly, which is good as whenever I rush into things they always seem to fall apart. I’m content with Pierre, Seb. He’s nice, and funny, and he seems to actually care. I think it could work, but right now it feels like we’re just two friends who’ve known each other forever just hanging out.”

“Two friends who like to kiss,” Seb quipped. David rolled his eyes but didn’t answer, as it was true. “And I think taking it slow is good for you David, let’s you have a relationship. You aren’t supposed to go into these things with being under pretenses and expectations, which you usually do, and then just fulfill those expectations without anything else. Relationships are about getting to know the other person and being close to them. Not how much you can get off before getting bored,” Seb lectured.

“Since when did you become the relationship guru, oh single one?” David sarcastically teased, but knew that he did have a tendency to just jump into something with little intention of letting himself open up to the person in any way other than physically. Much of his past relationships had only lasted because of the sex, which he wasn’t exactly happy about. It wasn’t that he was unhappy that he and Pierre hadn’t done anything yet, it was just ground he needed to familiarize himself with. The emotional side of a relationship. “But I guess you’re right. It’d be nice to get close with Pierre.”

“So he isn’t just a somebody?”

“No, Seb, he isn’t,” David responded, amused with how Seb could go from demeanor to demeanor in conversations, usually bordering on childish.

“I have to go to work soon…” Seb mused, letting the statement hang in the air. David didn’t respond, looking at the artwork on his wall. He liked paintings and the occasional photograph. Most of the pictures were of couples, the typical happy couples that were always depicted as the perfect relationship. Staring at one in particular over the couch he was now sprawled on, he imagined himself and Pierre in the scene. He could never picture himself in any of those pieces before, although he had tried when he’d been with other people. It just didn’t work out, but now it was almost simple to easily fit himself and Pierre into the characters of the works. He was absently tracing the people in the work, making a new piece on the canvas of air. Seb just watched his friend, waiting for the other to speak. He didn’t have to wait long for an explanation.

“Do you think I’ll ever be like that?” David asked airily. Seb glanced up at the picture of the two people together, obvious content with each other.

“I’d like to think we all will be, at least temporarily,” he admitted. David turned to look at him.

“But what about me?” David questioned, eyes caught in an unfamiliar emotion with eyebrows furrowed. Before giving the other time to answer, he turned back to staring at the picture and began talking once again. “Now we just need to get you a nice girl so you can practice your own relationship philosophy. You know, Ms. Laventure always had a thing for you…” David smirked as Seb shuddered.

“Oh god, no.” David’s smirk widened at the thought of the old woman who lived down the hall, always trying to lure them into her apartment that smelled of moth balls and melting plastic. The one time they fell for it, as she had used the bribe of and elaborate dinner and dessert that turned out to be microwavable, they were more than eager to escape. She was the crazy old woman with all the cats, minus the felines as it wasn’t allowed to have them in the building and Ms. Laventure was too much of an upstanding citizen to go against the rules. She had taken pride in telling them repeatedly her flawless driving record and lack of encounters with the law as well as how they should be more careful so they wouldn’t ‘tarnish their names’. David and Seb had a hard time not laughing throughout that conversation, David even excusing himself at one point.

“I think it’d be cute. She’d keep you out of trouble and you could serve as a reminder of her dear John. You could definitely put your theory to work there.”

“You’d set me up with her?! After all I’ve done for you?” Seb faked hurt, throwing his hand over his heart with a thump. David pretended to think.

“Well, seeing as ALL of your setups haven’t sucked, I’lll go with that girl in the coffee shop you’re always giving eyes too,” David decided, smiling devilishly at Seb. Seb’s face fell for a moment before he turned pink.

“Y-you noticed that?” he faltered.

“Ooh, Miss Coffee House Girl, I love the coffee here. It’s so rich, especially when you make it. Oh, you don’t make it? Well it’s just so much better when you serve it. Your sweetness must ooze into the very cup I’m drinking from. May I stand up here making a fool out of myself while staring at you as I drink it although there are obviously other customers waiting behind me,” David mocked.

“Shut up, I wasn’t that bad,” Seb defended.

“Right, Mr. Smooth, you floored her with your simile to your dog,” David assured.

“Puppy, not dog. It was insinuating she was cute! You know, like a puppy?” Seb whined. David shook his head. “Like you’re any better! Mr. I-hate-clichés. You wanted to have your first kiss with him at sunset on a Ferris wheel! Where is your creativity? Hmm?” Seb pointed out.

“It isn’t cliché, it’s romantic.”

“Right. Well, I have to get to work,” Seb sighed, getting up. Thinking for a minute, David considered whether or not he wanted to tag along. He hadn’t eaten yet that morning and he wasn’t in the mood to cook for himself.

“I think I’ll come with, I need to eat,” David stated, swinging his legs onto the floor. Seb looked down on him, shaking his head before pulling him up.

“One day you’ll learn to actually use that kitchen of yours for more than the fridge, microwave oven and phone,” he sighed as he balanced David. David smiled sheepishly before shrugging.

“Maybe, but not today. Now let’s go before you’re late and I don’t get a discount for being your brother,” David snickered at their overused tactic.

“Someone’s going to say something eventually and you’ll be out of cheap food and I’ll be out of a job.”

“Well, that isn’t today either. C’mon, before I die from starvation,” David no convincingly threw out, jumping over the couch to get his hoodie.

“Because you’re so weak from malnutrition,” Seb said loudly.

“I’m good at hiding my pain,” David impishly stuck out his tongue, heading down the hall waiting for Seb to close up. Going down the stairs, as he was decided not to be completely lazy and take the elevator, or it could be just to annoy Seb, he made it out to the car first. Seb took his time, smirking at the impatient David who was nearly tapping his foot in agitation.

“Maybe today will be the day you get a car so you don’t have to mooch off of me to get you places,” Seb suggested.

“Maybe today will be the day I snap and go on a homicidal rage, killing the closest person who would,” David gasped overdramatically, “be you. Then I’d just take your keys and car without having to worry about one of my own.” Seb was lost for a response to that so just opened the car, revving it up and watching David eagerly pile in. The ride wasn’t too far, but it would have been a pretty long walk. David figured he’d just hang around the restaurant for a while before checking out the neighboring shops and get a ride back later. Seb parted ways with David at the door, going to the left to check in and get his work shirt. David took a seat at the bar rather than waiting to be seated. He was given a menu almost immediately and fingered through the pages. He could have ordered without even looking, as he knew almost every item on the menu after coming here for so long.

Ordering himself a water, he continued to glance through the pictures in the menu, deciding what he was in the mood for. As he lifted the cup to his mouth, someone jabbed into him from behind, sending him forward. His teeth clanked against the side of the glass, sending the icy contents sloshing slightly onto his jacket. Sputtering out the water, he steadied it and put it down before rounding in his seat. Eyes gleaming in annoyance, he turned to see who had knocked into him. The rage died out almost instantly and he froze, mouth slackened with half formed words.

“I’m sor- David?” Pierre looked shocked himself, obviously flustered by having caused a patron to spill their drink.

“Oh, uh, hey?” David greeted, eyebrows knitting together to show his confused astonishment of Pierre being there.

“Oh, I’m sorry about your drink…” Pierre said, cuing David taking notice of the liquid sinking through the fabric, who then hurriedly grabbed some napkins from the dispenser. As he padded down his jacket and mumbled his dismissals of the event, Pierre smiled softly at him. “You keep turning up everywhere, don‘t you? I have my very own stalker…I‘m flattered yet somehow intimidated.” David blushed, avoiding eye contact. “At least I get a good looking stalker.” David still couldn’t think of anything to say, not witty quips or smart remarks that he was usually stocked with. Pierre found amusement in how easy it was to rouge David’s cheeks as they darkened even more with this lack of words. “So what are you doing here?”

“Me? Seb works here so I tag along sometimes to get the family discount. Being his brother and all,” David admitted, smirking at his revelation of their antics. Pierre rubbed his chin, pretending to think.

“Hmm…brother…this couldn’t just be a tactic to taste my delicious food for a cheaper price, could it?” Pierre rhetorically asked. David blinked rapidly for a moment, processing the information, as if the eye movements had helped him absorb it more thoroughly.

“You’re the cook?” David asked in disbelief.

“I prefer the term chef, it makes me feel important and that I don’t just flip hamburgers on a grill or something,” Pierre teased.

“You cook,” David said in an excited tone. Pierre cocked his head and looked at David, obviously amused.

“Yeah…”

“And here I am, eating microwavable meals where my boyfriend makes some of the best damn food in town. I think I might have to keep you for myself and not let you out of my apartment.” Pierre laughed at David.

“That wouldn’t be much fun, then we couldn’t go out at all,” Pierre stated.

“I think it’d be very fun,” David smiled up at Pierre, eyes dancing playfully. Pierre smiled back, finding himself without words this time.

“As much as I’d like to take you up on your offer, I have to go back to the kitchen before all of these hungry people come after you for stealing away the chef,” Pierre sighed, looking back towards the kitchen. “Have you ordered yet?” he turned back to David.

“No, I was still deciding on what to choose…”

“Great. I’ll be back with something soon. You’ll love it,” Pierre assured, pecking David on the lips before heading back to the kitchen. David watched him, sipping carefully at his water once again. He never figured that Pierre would be the chef. Seb did mention he knew him from work, but David hadn’t really thought of it. He never thought of Pierre’s job at all. It was a surprise to him that Pierre would know how to cook, as he had never known anyone other than his friend Chuck in college that could do more than boil water for pasta. His family was never the ones to make elaborate dinners when he lived there so he never had anyone to learn from. Pierre didn’t really seem the type to be a cook-chef, he corrected. But he never really thought about what ‘type’ a chef is, so it was plausible. This began David on thinking about other aspects of Pierre that he had yet to learn.

What was his favorite color? Favorite food? Did he even have a favorite since he was a cook? What about his family or past? Where does he live? Did he always want to be a chef? What was his favorite thing to do? Those and a million more questions swarmed David. It spooked him a bit at how much he wanted to know everything about Pierre. He wanted to know him and take the time to learn it all. As he was thinking about all of the possibilities of Pierre’s life, he was brought back by a plate being placed in front of him. Shaking his head as if to rid his thoughts, he looked up to see Pierre there again. He had to clench his jaw for a minute a to stop himself from asking every question he could think of. He allowed himself one question.

“What is it?” he asked looking back down at the plate as Pierre took the stool next to him.

“It’s good, try it,” Pierre insisted. David eyed him warily, as his question hadn’t been answered by that. Stabbing some of the cooked vegetables that lined the plate with his fork, he brought them to his mouth, chewing them tentatively. The sauce and seasoning mixed nicely on his tongue, making him let out a noise of appreciation. “You’re right, it is,” he said before taking another bite. Pierre smiled proudly.

“It’s a new dish that we’re thinking of adding on the menu and needed someone’s opinion other than the employees’ here who think everything I make is amazing,” Pierre chuckled. David pointed at the food with his fork, nodding as he swallowed.

“This, this is one of the best things I’ve ever tried. It looks a bit odd, but the taste is great,” David assured. He filled up another fork and held t out to Pierre. Pierre scrunched his face, before turning away slightly and laughing. “Taste it,” David insisted. Pierre rolled his eyes before taking the offered food. Chewing it and dramatically keeping his eyes rolled away, Pierre finished before turning to David who watched him expectantly. “See? It’s good!”

“I made it, I’m obligated to disagree,” Pierre joked. David shook his head, eating some more.

“I’m so going to have to exploit this new knowledge for my advantage,” David warned. “Seb is always on my case about have I have such a nice kitchen and I’ve never learned how to do anything more than boil water and use the microwave oven.” Pierre laughed.

“I’ll put it to good use and make sure you pick up a few things, my kitchen is rather small and al of my friends know me for taking over their kitchens whenever I come over,” Pierre admitted.

“Ah, so not only is it your job but your passion,” David noted.

“What can I say? The food calls to me,” Pierre shrugged, causing David to giggle around the fork of food. “I have to get back to the kitchen again…I’ll be out to check on you later, okay?” Pierre said. David frowned a bit.

“You can’t stay for a bit?” he asked.

“I have work,” Pierre pointed out.

“Oh, yeah. But you better be back,” David warned. Pierre nodded before kissing David on the cheek and leaving him to his food. David looked back at his food and sighed lightly. He understood that Pierre had work to do but was a little disappointed that he couldn’t take a lunch break like they did in the movies. Chuckling to himself, he shook his head at how cliché he was being lately. He’d been wanting things to be ‘just like the movies’ with Pierre since the beginning. While it seemed to be kind of romantic, it sickened his at how typical he was being. Could he not tell reality from those fictitious tales, David questioned himself before eating some more of the dish. He really hoped they put this- whatever this was, on the menu before it was extremely good. He finished it rather quickly and took to examining the decorations of the restaurant- he’d been going there since he was a boy and they still hadn’t updated their décor. It was homey feeling by then, the odd trinkets on the wall that were tokens of times before he was even born made him interested in the history behind all of it. He had always been fond of thing’s history and remembered when he made up a long take when he was about eight that brought together most of the decorations that lined the walls. Now, he was used to them and they seemed to hold no history other than that of the building. He wasn’t sure how long he was just sitting there before Pierre came, but he barely noticed.

“I’ve always liked those pieces, the whole place is like an attic of old stuff,” Pierre stated. David nodded, letting his eyes linger just a little longer before teraing them away.

“I used to make up stories about all of them and how they ended up here when I was younger,” David admitted.

“Really? You must have been a creative kid. I just thought they were weird and didn’t get why they were all hung up around the building,” Pierre replied. David shrugged.

“I really liked the dish, and if it isn’t on the menu by the next time I come here, I’m going to complain,” David announced. Pierre snorted in amusement. “When are you getting off of work?” David asked, hoping that it wouldn’t be too late and end when Seb’s shift did. He was only working the mid-day shift as he’d been working a lot less lately and focusing more on his studies.

“Six,” Pierre informed.

“Oh,” David said, making a face. “Seb only has one shift today.”

“How about you call me after, say, six thirty if you still want to do anything,” Pierre suggested.

“Yeah, that’d be good,” David affirmed. Pierre smiled before leaning down to kiss David. The kiss lingered, letting David relish the feel of Pierre near him. It wasn’t the sloppy open mouth kiss that he was used to, but it conveyed more emotion than any of those ever did. At that moment, it didn’t matter to him anymore that they were taking things slower than he normally liked. It was comfortable and everything just seemed to fit, and David wouldn’t want anything more in the world than for Pierre’s lips to just stay like that against his. Smiling into the kiss, David pulled back first to watch the warm hues of Pierre’s eyes swirl as they kept the proximity. They seemed to just be enjoying each other’s warm breath and content eyes before Pierre placed a final peck on David’s lips.

“See you later,” Pierre said, before he began his walk back to the kitchen. A shot of alarm went through David at a realization.

“Pierre, wait!” he called after him. Pierre stopped, people bustling in between them. “I…I don’t know your phone number,” David admitted sheepishly. Pierre smiled widely, brushing past the people back to David’s spot. Grabbing a napkin, he scrawled it out in bubbly numbers before sliding it over to David.

“There, now I really have to go back before they notice.” David kissed him one last time before smiling and waving him off. Turning back to his water, he took a sip, smiling over the rim. Watching Pierre sift through the people and back into the kitchen, he sighed happily. He caught Seb looking at him from where he was carrying a platter of food, his eyes sparkling knowingly as he sent David a wink. David rolled his eyes and flipped him off, earning a large smile from Seb and David would bet he was laughing. Getting his check, he left enough to cover it before sliding off of his stool and pocketing Pierre‘s number. The place was getting crowded and it was obvious Pierre wouldn’t be able to visit him again without getting in trouble. Heading out the door, he worked his way down the street, passing the all too familiar shops he had planned on visiting, now preoccupied with thoughts of what exactly he was going to do later and the contentment that came with being with Pierre.

He ended up in a local park and lost track of time seeing as Seb had to call him to see if he walked back. David sheepishly told him his whereabouts and Seb came to pick him up. David’s cheeks and nose were pink when he got into the car and neither said anything momentarily.

“He’s the chef,” David announced. Seb glanced at him for a moment before bringing his eyes back to the road.

“Gee, I just work with the guy so I never knew that,” Seb responded. David glared.

“You didn’t tell me he was the chef! Now I need to buy things for him too cook. Maybe he’ll be able to teach me a few things.”

“Has this sparked a new interest in that kitchen of yours?”

“Shut up, you can’t cook either. I mean, how hard can it be? All you need to do is buy the food and cook it, right?”

“I guess it’s that simple. So now all you need to do is actually have things that aren’t microwaveable or pre-made.”

“Yeah, simple.”

“David.”

“Yeah?”

“You know you buy those things at a supermarket, right?”

“Asshole,” David squealed, slapping Seb’s arm who was laughing. David turned pink slightly before resting his head against the window. Smiling, he glanced at the illuminated clock on the dashboard. Looking back outside again, he hoped that seven would come sooner.

Stargate Atlantis - McKay/Lorne Theme #2 Cafe

Thu, 01 Feb 2007 01:51:50 GMT

Fandom: Stargate Atlantis
Pairing: Rodney McKay/Evan Lorne
Title: Mornings
Theme: #2 Cafe
Author: lds (aka lazigyrl)
Word Count: ~250
Rating: PG
Warning: Here there be Slash
Disclaimer: I own everything! No wait. I own nothing, MGM et al own everything, damn it! In fact given the amount of Stargate stuff I own, they have a serious chunk of what little money I did have at one point.
Author's Notes/Summary: A discussion on McKay's eating habits during one of their morning get togethers.

ETA: I should mention this is AU in that I have them on Earth, not Atlantis, but the same roles otherwise.

Stargate Atlantis - McKay/Lorne Prompt #15 Picnic

Sat, 27 Jan 2007 23:05:46 GMT

Fandom: Stargate Atlantis
Pairing: Rodney McKay/Evan Lorne
Title: You try to be romantic...
Theme: #15 Picnic
Author: lds (aka lazigyrl)
Word Count: ~1100
Rating: PG-13
Warning: Here there be Slash
Disclaimer: I own everything! No wait. I own nothing, MGM et al own everything, damn it! In fact given the amount of Stargate stuff I own, they have a serious chunk of what little money I did have at one point.
Summary/Author's Notes: McKay tries to surprise Lorne with lunch. This is not the story I started to write, it really isn't. Still trying to get use to the first name Evan.

Cut of the fake kind