Konnichiwa minna. I bet you are all wondering; why on friggin' earth is she writing another story. I will tell you why… My birthday's in 20 days! And I'm writing another countdown story! Well, this is the first chapter, I hope you enjoy…

Raindrops on Roses…

The lone fiery blaze of fire eventually slipped away from its noon position in brilliantly clear, azure skies. A feather-light breeze fluttered throughout the city, tossing loose papers and premature fallen leaves in its soft wrath. The higher the delicate torrent travelled the warmer it became, almost enchanting as it strolled into a surprisingly quiet apartment. The roses that had been artfully planted on the balcony produced their bittersweet scent. The scent billowed into the sheets, ruffling them silently uncovering a tall, well defined adolescent about to enter adulthood. Reflexively, the teenager sent out his right hand in search of the loose sheets. Successful, he hauls them over his upper body including his head, which just so happened to encase an ego to match. Though he would appear to let his cockiness to get the best of him, especially in front of the girl who knew him best; now she was a girl to admire… He subconsciously moaned at the thought her… His long time companion who had never left his side… The first person he confided in… Just… His premier in everything…

A reoccurring beeping just begging to be killed echoed through the vastness of his lush apartment. The shades blended together superbly, the hues of cream and pastel blue which leaked out onto pale peach ensuite and placid kitchen with silver marble surfaces and highlights. The neon green lights reflected in the opposing windows, reflecting the fact that it was reality not a futile dream. In response to his dream… or fading fantasy, the adolescent grasped the pillow tightly, lovingly, before releasing it sighing deeply and sadly. Shaking his jet black, blue highlighted hair, trying to shake the dust from his eyes and fluff from his shiny tresses. He snapped his eyes open long enough to spy the radio, shutting his eyes again; he slammed his tough fist on a large black button. He flopped back down, trying to pick up on the remnants of his desires…

'There are no rain drops on roses and girls in white dresses…'

Ironic was it not? A pristine springtide afternoon with the windows reflecting the crystal clear waters of the beach only a few minutes away. The sounds of birds chirping and wedding bells being rung at the nearest chapel. Still, not a single rain cloud on this wonderful, effervescent day… Yet there was a looming rain cloud over in his reality… He had been dreaming about the woman who had planted those roses of his balcony… He had been fantasising since… well… since had had learnt what a dirty fantasy was… Except, this particular fantasy wasn't dirty… Just seemingly out of reach. What was he dreaming of? He and his closest female friend getting married… On a springtide day such as this… Not a single rain cloud in sight. Snowy lovebird-doves chirping softly and fluttering over their wonderfully coifed heads. He smiled desolately at the thought. She would be carrying a bouquet of white, pink and peach roses. One solitary fully blossomed crimson rose in her lovely, long tresses. He shook his head abruptly… That dream would always be tainted by his so-called partner in the business scholarship but soon-to-be arch business rival.

Damn him and curse his foster father and send him to hell for taking her away from me! The teenager mentally screamed at the thought. His nightmares plagued with that smug face. His reality plagued with his charming, womanising ways that had captivated his closest, most cherished friend. But on the level of intimacy that they sometimes shared, normal civilians and other human beings could mistake it as them taking their relationship up to another level. But at the moment, that seemed to be a goal a lifetime away. The orchestral harmony of violins, flutes and various other instruments seemed to emphasise the fact. Groaning, he whipped the covers away and stalked leisurely towards his ensuite bathroom, the techno beat pulsating though the apartment. He was positive that he wasn't disturbing anyone; they probably had been at work or school at the saintly hour of seven am; but they probably had to wake up at the ungodly hour of four am, especially the baby mothers. Pushing a plain button, he tuned up the volume and pumped the alternative music so that it vibrated against the windows, walls and floorboards.

Satisfied with his decision, he started to rock his head to the beat as he opened the cabinet revealing his toothbrush, toothpaste, shaving materials and various other cleansing and first aid necessities. He continued to brush and floss, admiring his reflection in the mirror. His unruly, slightly rebellious, jet, midnight highlighted short cut hair and his rich, almost glowing honey-chocolate irises. Enough to make any girl go wild. The first thing that his closet friend said about his assets; how much she adored his eyes. He smiled at the memory of them having their little, heated staring contest. Whoever won alternated every time. He would often find himself lost in her eyes as well, for they were a wonderful clear, multi-tonal jaded emerald colour. Endless with emotion. Flawless with honesty…

Shivering back to reality, he finished his oral and facial grooming, removing his sleeping long johns and grey boxers. He ran the water for a few seconds for the liquid to become a suitable temperature for him to bathe in. As steam started to cloud the two mirrors, he jumped in the line of the clear, warm, jet fluid. While the droplets battered against his well-toned abdomen and shapely legs, it provoked memories of the earlier, the very early days of his first friendship with a girl. It was a blessing that they were still so close and confiding. Everyone knows that it's hard to remain in contact with someone for that long… Seventeen years… Though this year he was nineteen and she was a very elegant eighteen. She was training to be an actress… and she was very good at that… However, unlike most girls she did have a back up plan. Two in fact. If she didn't make it onto the big screen, she would become a journalist, which she was also training for also… and if that didn't work out… Well, he had offered her a job; rather his father offered her the job to work at his firm… She claimed that she would except if all else failed. But… that third plan that defined her future didn't seem to be panning out to that. Especially since her two-year – unfaithful he would like to say – boyfriend would become her rival in later life… and apparently, competition on that level was only seen fit for those of the male species to handle. He mentally chuckled at the thought of her practically screaming that her boyfriend was such a sexist bastard… This would actually be true in a sense… But she was never like that… Her screaming like that at her boyfriend in reality was practically impossible.

The adolescent shook his head as he stepped out of the shower, turned the water off and dried himself with a flattened white towel. Casually, he wrapped it around his waist, not ashamed of walking around half naked. Only two females had the keys to his apartment… One being his doting mother, who always would like to see him settle down in later life. Her heart was almost crushed when her closest friend's daughter became romantically involved with Wayne's ward. But, she still looked hopeful towards the future as their children had remained so close, through thick and thin, right from the beginning. Many mothers were opposed to the fact that children socialising at such a young age of different genders. All those play dates, taking baths together, sleeping in the same cot together. They even took holidays together, everywhere and anywhere. People also deemed that they became inseparable after that gap year to Europe; well, that's where their relationship had become even more intimate and had strengthened considerably. His mother often beamed a smile at those mothers who had had to raise delinquent children, but they still turned out to be decent human beings.

He poured out a glass of ice cold white liquid. Milk. His most favoured dairy product in the world. The liquid washed over his awaiting tongue and swirled down his yearning throat. It drained down along with the force of gravity, filling his insides with a cool shallow feeling. A feeling that he always preferred in the morning, rather when he woke up and after a good shower. Oh… thinking about milk… He chuckled again at the fleeting memory… How he would always remember to splash her right cheek with a few drops on the natural liquid from kindly cows. Also that fact that she was the other female who owned a key to his apartment. It was within walking distance of virtually everything, and did she like to use her legs… Good times… The tickle fights, the actual combat fighting… various sports… and that other thing that they did. He could never forget and would never misplace that memory. For all he knew, it could be all he would have to go on for a while. He growled lowly as he pictured stabbing and destroying the very epicentre of his pain and distaste. If only she could see through his game… Through his hard, hollow, scheming blue eyes that mirrored cold, clear liquids. Shuddering at the thought, what he could be doing to her. What they could be doing behind closed doors almost frightened him. But he would just have to say… He had been first and will always be first. Grinning while he shrugged, he placed the empty glass in the sink to be rinsed out later before making his way to the balcony. He uncovered the porch chairs and his art canvas. On the cover was a poem that she had written for him when they were in Europe. She had been astounded by the wonderful floral variety that Europe had to offer, the vibrant colours and striking styles. Blending their inspiration together, they made a beautiful piece of artistic excellence for their vocational project. He always had a vivid imagination, but took that to writing songs and drawing. She on the other hand preferred to write poetry in words and capture the reader's imagination, so that it would always align with her. He smiled softly, re-reading the poem for the umpteenth time.

'Crystallised dew drops on a late blooming rose…

Divine doves chirping an unfamiliar prose…

May our friendship forever bloom and blossom with the darling buds of May and June…

As I could cherish no other friend, the way I have cherished you…'

He fingered the simple yet intricate rose that she had pencil shaded from white to dark red. Flipping over the canvas, he viewed many pictures that he had been working on since he was fourteen. Various landscapes and portraits; including one that he was very proud of… His landscape portrait of her lying on the beach, in a baby blue bikini top with pastel purple, low hanging sarong. He had been particularly careful to depict every single little detail; every since they hit puberty, their artwork as well as their relationship took a very mature turn. In this mature turn, they allowed to view each other naked at each turn of the year, making sure that they were never embarrassed or uncomfortable with each other. He beamed a smile at the memory of their first showing at puberty; she had been so timid and shy, but he always clearly reassured her that there would be nothing to be ashamed of. That still happened to this date… even if she did have one of America's heartthrob bachelors as her almost dedicated boyfriend. They would never let their relationship slip. A cool breeze rolled over his strong biceps, they were not overly massive, but they did have a buff tone to them. The breeze also rolled and lolled in the space between his legs underneath the towel. He shivered involuntarily, giving in to his senses, he decided to get dressed.

As he moved towards the closet, he searched for a pair of boxers, socks, trousers and an open-buttoned shirt. She always commented on how sexy he looked, especially when his hair was unruly and rebellious. While exchanging his towel for proper attire, he heard his front door click obviously open. Amidst all the techno that he was blasting out, he could still hear delicate footsteps tiptoe into the ensuite and the gentle jets of water spray behind the shower curtain. A melodious tune could be heard emitting from the peach ensuite. He mentally laughed heartily, memorising the tune. Once fully dressed he walked casually into the kitchen to pour a cool glass of apple juice and make some waffles with honey. He kept them warm underneath the grill and proceeded back onto the balcony. Flipping over to a fresh canvas, he started to strike blue water colour marks lazily, creating a seemingly underwater scene. After ten minutes he started to add detail to the various shades, cautious not to make any mistakes. During that time, he heard the same light footsteps go into his closet, a light rustle emitted from the shallow room. In five minutes the footsteps moved again towards the kitchen, where the grill opened to reveal the glorious smell of freshly baked waffles, drenched and caramelised with the sweetest honey. Bone-china plates were moved from the cupboard and placed on the marble counter. Another liquid was being poured into another glass as the breakfast materials were placed on a tray, waiting to be carried out.

The scent of caramelised waffles, apple juice, roses and jasmine billowed from the atmosphere and appealed to his senses. The tray was placed down on the white, woven coffee table to his right. The woman who had been carrying the tray took a sip out of her apple juice, sighing refreshingly afterwards. She set the cup down and started to massage his tense shoulders. They visibly relaxed after her soft fingertips worked wonders. Eventually, she placed her head down, letting her naturally vibrant, crimson locks flow down onto his left shoulder and his torso.

"Good morning Xavier," she whispered before pecking his cheek and sitting down besides him. Xavier smiled. His full name was Xavier Michael Nicholas. He was taking a major in business studies, general art, martial arts and a minor in music, his favoured instrument being the acoustic guitar and various sports. He was about five foot eleven and had quite an advantage, being both photogenic and athletic. He was the type of person who would rather have a few close friends and stay loyal to them than have many friends who only remained loyal to you because of your popularity or your assets. He put down his paint brush and gazed at the woman beside him. He leaned over and pecked her lips quickly.

"Morning Kori, how's life treating you?" He uttered in the same tone that she had. Her full name was Kori-Ann Xiang Diego; she was an adolescent of dual heritage, being both Korean and Brazilian. She was fluent in many languages such as Spanish, Japanese, Chinese, French, and Italian and of course English. Even though she has a mixed background, she was born in the United States to prevent controversy between her parents' families. They had risked everything to bring her into the world and they were now tending to her younger brother, Ryan Chin-Mae Diego. Their middle names paralleled their personalities… Xiang meant auspicious, which was very true to Kori herself and Chin-Mae meant truth, Ryan always told the truth and would have no exceptions. She was taking a major in journalism, creative writing, dance and a minor in martial arts and general art. Her appearance was breathtaking to any man who laid eyes on her. As he had mentioned before, he could stare into her clear, multi-tonal jaded emerald eyes for hours on end. She had a rather athletic figure, which held a lot of sophistication about her. Her long… very luscious, crimson tresses that cascaded down her back and curled slightly upwards at the base of her slender waist. She had a pair of well-rounded C-cup breasts that softly nestled against her shirt which was a faded green in colour. She also wore simple crop denim jeans with pastel green sandals. Her smoothly waxed, golden complexion legs glistened in the sunshine. A faint blush crept across her cheeks as she though of an answer. Xavier's eyes mentally widened… This can't be good…

"Life is magnificent Xavier; I trust that yours is just as peachy?" Her voice, like a dove serenading its loved ones to go to sleep, or cooing a lover to show some affection, always made his heart beat faster and breath catch in his throat. He gulped an answer.

"Of course babe. Never better… Even though I would like to be able to spend a little more time with you…" Kori sighed.

"Xavier honey, you know you will always have a place in my heart, I cherish you like no other."

"Except for him." He spat back dejectedly. The crimson haired girl rolled her eyes and folded her arms.

"Please don't bring Richard into this. The distrust you are portraying towards him is… well…"

"… Not pleasant as you do not like violence if it doesn't have to be put into practise. Unless it is in all good spirit." Kori grinned a dazzling smile.

"I know that you two have your differences, but you know me a lot more than he ever could." Xavier smiled sadly as he took a bite out of his waffle. Then why can't we be together Kori? Kori searched his honey-chocolate eyes for any emotion, she didn't find any. This was a bad sign. "Please Xavier. I don't want to fall out with you. You're my most cherished friend and I could never find another you… And I don't want to…" She climbed over and curled up on his lap. Reflexively, he wrapped his arms around her and kissed the top of her head. "Besides… I know that if he ever hurt me you would probably kill him."

"Got that dead right! And… don't ever stop calling me honey."

"As long as you never stop calling me babe. Agreed?"

"Deal babe." His manly fingers descended down to her slender waist, tickling her slightly. She giggled infectiously, adding to his pleasure and encouraging his actions. He moved his fingers faster and roamed more areas of her body as she writhed around in his lap. When in a certain position, she started to tickle him with the same affection, making sure to hit his weak spot. He jumped instantly, rolled off the chair and started to tickle her even more. They rolled around on the cool balcony floor, smooth yet hard to the touch. Strangely, they landed in an embracing position, Kori on top of Xavier. Xavier could feel her warm breath nipping at his ear and neck. It was enough to turn him on, but he had more self-restraint than the average horny guy and more respect for her. He cherished her so much; he would die a million times for her to be happy.

Even if she did end up marrying that tyrant of a Richard Cain Grayson. 'He's such a dickhead. He cheats and womanises, yet he still has charms to put on Kori and win her over. Truthfully, he sucks ass and can suck my--'

"Xavier?" He blinked towards her; she was leaning over him, her lips so close to his he could almost taste the honey on her lips. He stared at her for what seemed like an eternity. Her jaded emerald eyes peered into honey-chocolate ones. A magnetic force seemed to draw them closer to each other. Their eyes slowly closed as their yearning lips barely touched.

Cuckoo-cuckoo! Cuckoo-cuckoo!

Their eyes snapped open, realising that what they were about to do would have been illegal in the world of romancing; Kori was no longer available. The green neon digits shone 14:00:12. Xavier sighed as he gently pushed Kori off of him and into a move comfortable position so that they were able to finish their late breakfast. He coughed lightly. "So, what were you going to ask?" Kori eyes shone with fascination and her smile beamed a smile of pure joy.

"Xavier honey… You know my friend Rachel…"

"…Yes…"

"Well… please say yes…she's invited us to be at her sleepover. You know that she would love me to be there, especially since it will be her eighteenth and I can invite someone to bunk with… And I'm choosing you…"

"As much as I would love to say yes Kori… Don't you have a boyfriend to be bunking with? He hates me enough already…"

"No! I mean yes… but that fact that he's Rachel's cousin means that he would already be on the list as family, not a plus one. Please Xavier honey. Please?" She gave him the puppy dog eyes treatment. Normally he wouldn't be able to resist, but a sleepover with Richard being there really didn't appeal to him. She realised that she was going to have to be more convincing. Seductively, she stroked the inside of his left thigh, another weak spot, before placing herself on his lap and kissing him softly on the lips for ten seconds. She broke away slowly waiting for a reply. Xavier looked at her sternly…

"I can't resist you sometimes… and it unnerves me." Kori pumped her fist in the air as she squealed with excitement, kissing Xavier again on the cheek. "So, when does she want us to meet her?"

"Three pm in the park. But… I would like us to hang out for a while. I mean… I barely get to see you at college and then there's," Xavier glared at her, daring her to say the name, "…him. So, what do you say to a jog around the park? We could take your convertible and put our clothes in there." Xavier grinned at a memory that was engraved in both of their minds. "Xavier… Stop thinking about that… It was…"

"…Explosive. Passionate… No matter how many times you try to deny it Kori, it will always come back… With whoever tries to get in there with you… even him!" The adolescent girl blushed profusely, there was no escaping the fact that Xavier would always belong to her and she would always belong to him. Even if they were light years apart, they would never disown each other. "So, who else is coming?"

"Rachel is bringing Richard, I'm bringing you, Logan is bringing his little sister Jacinta and Brianna is bringing Victor as usual. So, it's even, everyone's paired up."

"But romantically… I'm going to be paired with Logan's little sister… That's wrong on so many levels."

"Logan and Jacinta are non-identical twins you idiot!" She swatted his arm lightly.

"I know that but Logan was born three and a half hours earlier so hush babe." Kori mouthed 'bite me' and Xavier bit her neck lightly, causing her to giggle lightly pinching his bicep. He moaned, mocking his pain and let her go, going into the closet. Kori picked up the empty breakfast dine-ware and proceeded to wash them up in the kitchen. In the closet, Xavier picked out what he knew Kori would want to wear at the sleepover. Underwear, sexy shirt, sexy bottoms and silken kimono dressing gown with light sandals. He then started to pack them in his bag along with his stuff. He then walked into the ensuite to pack some essentials… including Kori's. Even though it was prophesised that guys would be slightly unnerved by female essentials, he didn't have a problem with it. He was too comfortable with Kori to have one. He would usually hold her all night when she had period pains, rub her stomach until she drifted off to sleep and then stroke her stomach and waist until he fell asleep as well. Good times…

"Are you going to feel my sanitary towels all day or are you going to pack them?" Xavier almost dropped them as he quickly shoved them in the bag and zipped it up. He shook his head, carrying the bag as he walked out of the ensuite, pecking her on the forehead and put his shoes on. On their way out, Xavier picked up his set of keys, wallet and sunglasses while Kori grabbed her side bag and opened the door. Xavier smirked.

"You do know that the rule is 'Ladies first'?" Kori giggled.

"Stop being so sexist you."

"It's that Richard Grayson who's the sexist bastard."

"Xavier." Kori warned in a low growl.

"I apologise babe. He just gets me so vexed sometimes. But if you're happy with him… I'm happy."

"Yeah, only fifty percent."

"You know me so well, Kori-Ann Xiang Diego."

"And the feeling is mutual, Xavier Michael Nicholas." They both laughed in unison as they jumped into the silver convertible, top down and wind blowing in their faces, tussling their luscious tresses as they sped away towards the scenic recreational area. The scent of roses lingered around them for a while.

Back on the balcony, in the mini garden which had been dominated with roses, one, solitary rose in the corner, just about to bloom, was starting to wither…

-X-

Well, that's all I have to offer for now. I have my textile exam soon so I would like support! But before I update this… I will update my other dedications! Valda you rock my socks! And so does RedXStarRob in particular! For all of you who want another story to read while you are waiting for m to update, please read Miss Rosie Real – Take Me Away. Even though she has only done one chapter, she ROCKS because she is my little grasshopper!

Keep it real… Please review because my birthday's in 20 days!

D-I-WaRrIa