Story Listing:

1. S2 E3 – NOT Liming

2. S2 E3 – Da Hong Pao POW (3 parts)

3. S2 E3 - The Crossword

4. S2 E3 - A Most Delicate Operation (5 parts, M in chapters 4 + 5)

5. S2 E4 - The Falling Out

6. S2 E4 - Breaking Up Is Hard To Do (5 parts)

7. S2 E4 - The Kiss (4 parts)

8. S2 E4 - For Days and Weeks and Months

9...WiP?

S2 E3 – NOT liming

"And you?" he asks quietly, leaning casually against the veranda door jamb.

She is smiling sweetly, lost in thought for several moments before she reacts, "Oh, um, I'm just taking it easy. Nothing really." Ask me to stay, she thinks, please.

He wrinkles his nose and frowns a bit, "Liming? Is that liming?" This is his new word of the week and he's not sure he knows how to use it. His voice is low and hesitant.

She pauses, "No, not really."

"You see, I hear people say that, that they're doing nothing, but what does that actually consist of? What are its constituent parts? Define 'nothing'."

"I'm not sure I understand the question."

He sighs, "No, that's just it, isn't it? You don't understand the question and no matter how hard I try, I can't seem to understand the answer." He looks away. She suddenly feels bereft, as if a dearly wanted prize has been snatched away. "Maybe some things are supposed to remain a puzzle," he adds. She sighs, YOU are certainly a puzzle, she thinks.

He quirks his eyebrows and smiles gently at her, his face at rest, something she doesn't often see. Sunlight glints in his eyes, sparking green fire. She is just about to say good night and turn away when something huge and angry rises in her. NO! Not this time! I'm not going to just walk away! I'm NOT!

She takes a deep breath and stands her ground. His eyes continue to watch her, gently, almost sleepily. He is so relaxed. When would be a better time? Let's see what happens, she thinks.

"You know," she drawls low in her throat, "… there's other meanings of the word 'nothing'."

He looks bemused, "There are? In which dictionary?"

"Mine, for one. There's the nothing you do on your own, the kind of nothing you do when you're alone and lonesome. Are YOU ever alone and lonesome?"

His gaze sharpens. He straightens up slightly, not quite as relaxed, "Well, I've come to enjoy my own company, as I told you…"

"Yes, I remember. But a man needs a woman… and a woman needs a man… maybe not all the time… but sometimes. Yes?"

He is getting flustered, "Well, no… I mean… some men… well, yes… perhaps… but…"

"Do you know your eyes glow in this light? Your skin is golden right now."

His mouth opens and closes soundlessly. He has absolutely no come-back for that.

"And do you know what I'd like to do right now?" He shakes his head very slowly. "I'd like to do nothing with you, here, right now. Would you let me do that?" He thinks it over very carefully then nods hesitantly. "Oh, good. Thanks," she says then takes his face in her hands and gently kisses him.

When she draws back and looks at him, his eyes are closed and he seems to be elsewhere. After a few moments he opens his eyes and they blaze up brighter than before. He looks at her for a long time as she patiently waits. He straightens up, smooths down his tie, "And that's your definition of 'nothing', is it?" He shuffles back and forth for a few seconds, not sure if he should stay or if he should go. Finally, he turns back to her, "I must say, I think I prefer your vernacular over mine. Can we do more 'nothing' together?"

She smiles, "I've got all night. I have nothing to spare."

He smiles, "I see. Nothing to lose, then?"

She steps into his personal space and he allows it, looking down at her indulgently. "Nothing ventured…" she murmurs.

He laughs, "Ah… nothing gained. Gotcha." He is glowing with more than sunlight now, "Think we can do nothing while the moon comes up… with maybe a bottle of wine? I happen to have a mature Rioja."

She takes his proffered arm and he leads her back through the door and into the deepening shadows within, "Richard, there is nothing I'd like more."

END