A/N: I apologize for the long wait...

A Lost Star

Crescent Rain Drops & Dreams Pt. 1

The early morning rain really made dead business at Cals diner which meant a lot of down time for the employees that consist of Naveen, Tiana, and a new waiter by the name of Rosa. Tiana didn't find it necessary to hire another person after Antonio but she could figure out why.

"Tiana…" she really emphasized on the 'a'."Is this how you wipe the tables?"

Tiana rolled her eyes at the question. "Rosa you can wipe the tables anyway you please. As long as they're clean."

"But what if I do it wrong?" Rosa picked up a spoon and tried looking at her reflection. "Tiana when do we go to break? Mr. Cals told me that it's important that I keep up my appearance."

Rosa's eyes then brighten when she saw Naveen leaving the kitchen and squeaked. "Antonio! Over here!"

Naveen groaned and tried ignoring the woman.

"Oh you can hear me!" Rosa said with a giggle and looked at Tiana. "Men love me. I mean, look at me!"

"I'm sure they do," Tiana looked out the window at the rain. "And I have to walk into this rain."

Naveen went over to Tiana and stood beside her. Since their meeting at her mother's house earlier that day when he came to paint their porch, she seemed to have opened just a bit. And she didn't have an attitude towards him.

"You have to walk out there by yourself?" he asked.

"I can manage," Tiana said without looking at him. Tonight's slow shift was torture for as Antonio was almost everywhere she was. Not that she mind. That new girl Rosa was really trying to get his attention with her perfectly cut blonde hair and voluptuous…blouse.

"I would never ruin my beautiful hair by walking in that rainstorm, Rosa smiled at her reflection.

Ignoring her comment, Naveen said to Tiana. "You know that if you need any help…"

"I'm fine Naveen," Tiana finally looked up at him with a small smile. "But thank you. Really."

Naveen returned the gesture.

"Alright, alright!" Cals stepped in. "Diner is closed for the day."

"But we've got two more hours left," said Tiana.

"The rain is supposed to be getting worse which means no customers and I refuse to run my electricity so everybody get out…" the older man then grinned at Rosa."Would you like a ride home, baby?"

"Oh course, Mr. Cals!" Rosa giggled. "And I had such a great time. Antonio was a big help."

Naveen frowned. "I was?"

"Of course you were! You taught me how to wipe tables and take orders!"

"Uh…" Naveen and Tiana looked at one another. "…Tiana actually—

"That's right!" Tiana interrupted him. "He was a big help."

"Yeah, yeah good for Antonio now everyone out." ordered the man.

Tiana went to grab her hat and coat with Naveen not too far behind.

"Hey!" he began.

"I hope this umbrella holds." Tiana picked up the umbrella from the closet as Naveen slipped on his jacket.

"In case it breaks I've got mine," he offered.

"I should be okay," she walked back out into the diner to see a single key on the table. "He wants me to lock up." She then opened the door for herself and Naveen and locked the door once they were outside.

"Does it always rain in New Orleans?" He opened his umbrella as Tiana placed the key in the mailbox and started to open her own umbrella.

"I never really notice," she said, walking down the sidewalk. She didn't want to be rude with Antonio but she couldn't miss the trolley.

"Tiana wait up!" Naveen caught up with her.

"Don't you have a truck to drive home?" she asked.

"Ray has it…but I've—

"Ugh no!" Tiana exclaimed just as her umbrella blew up.

"Here. I'll share mine." Naveen offered.

"No, I…can…fix this…" Tiana tried putting the umbrella back in its shape but realized it couldn't be fixed. So she threw it into a trash can and surrendered under the offered umbrella.

Naveen could see that she tried to keep her distance while staying under but whenever she tried she would accidentally bump into him.

"Looks like you're having a hard time staying under this umbrella…" he eased his arm around her shoulders."…is that better?"

Tiana was surprised by his gesture but didn't push away. It actually felt good. "Um…thank you." She heard him snickering and she rolled her eyes. "You're really enjoying me being uncomfortable aren't you?"

"You're being cautious as you should be. Sharing an umbrella can be quite intimate."

She sighed and realized how foolish she was acting. "I don't know about that." And was thankful for the trolley nearing their way.

As she stepped on and was about to pay her fare Naveen quickly put the amount in.

"I've got it." He then put his fare in.

"I could've paid my own way." She sat on an available seat in the almost empty ride.

Naveen sat beside her with his hand on the handle of the closed umbrella. "Well you don't have to today." He gave Tiana a charming grin and was almost pleasantly surprised to see her giving him a small crack of a smile.

"Thank you," she said. "But I will pay my way next time."

"You really need to loosen up and relax sometimes. It would be nice for a change," he said, with a hint of sarcasm.

"And you need to loosen down," Tiana rolled her eyes knowing that her response wasn't as clever.

Naveen only chuckled

"What's so funny?" she asked, looking out the window.

"This memory that came to mind." He partly told the truth.

That caught her interest so she turned to look at him, "You've been remembering events from your past?"

He nodded. "I had this one particular dream about my parents, or at least I assume they're my parents."

"How did they look? How were their personalities?"

Naveen was pleased to see her as interested as he was. So he explained as detailed as possible. "They seemed like okay people. A bit uptight and stern. My father was sterner and seemed to be talking to me about responsibility. But that was all I could remember."

"At least you're beginning to remember," Tiana pulled out her hand over Naveen's. "Well, my stop is coming up." she rose and started towards the doors.

Naveen got up as well and followed Tiana off the trolley. "Tiana!"

"You do realize that the next bus or trolley won't be for several hours," she said, rushing to her house.

He shrugged his shoulders. "Eh. I need to get out more,"

"Glad that it stopped raining long enough for us to get in the house." Tiana opened the door and closed it as soon as they got inside. "Mama?" she called out.

Naveen found a folded piece of paper on the floor with Tiana's name written on it. "Here's a note for you."

"Thank you," she took the paper and began reading. "Hmm...she's at the La Bouffs and won't be back until this evening." she refolded the paper. "Lottie must've needed her over."

"Lottie?" he asked.

"An old childhood friend of mine. She's so convinced that she'll marry a prince just so that she could be a princess. You know, one of those wishful types. I love the girl, but wishing on stars will get you nowhere."

"I don't know about that," said Naveen, who was not so sure why he said it himself.

"Have a seat," Tiana instructed. "Are you hungry?"

"I could use a sandwich." he sat back and relaxed on the sofa.

She looked them up and down. "Well you better get off your behind and make your own sandwich."

"What?" he got up, surprised with her sas.

She laughed. "Sit back down. I'll fix us something."

"No I'll help." he offered.

"Please. I insist." she said.

"I can mince and satu," he bragged.

Tiana held a humour grin while taking out the salt and pepper. "It's sauté and you've done enough for me already."

"Fine. We're even."

"Oh so you're giving up so easily, " she teased.

Naveen arrogantly strutted over behind Tiana. "Who said that I was giving up? I only said that we were even…and while we're on the topic. Why aren't we on even terms of our relationship?"

"What are you doing?" she asked, her heartbeat increasing as he took her hands.

"Asking you a question," he brushed his lips on her temple.

"Antonio…" she lightly panted, fighting the urge to turn around and kiss him."I'm trying to make us something to eat." She also wasn't stopping him as she forgot about mincing the bell peppers.

Naveen soon brushed his lips down to the side on her neck and shoulder. He was willing to go as far as he could until another flash flooded his memories...

'I'll never get married!' he announced to a group of friends while they cheered him on.

Three provocative women wearing only their underwear approached him.

As cocky as ever, Naveen rubbed his hands together and says,

'Mush mutts! Mush.'

Like trained animals the women all began either taking off his shoes to give his feet a massaging while kissing them and getting a tongue-a-thon session from one of the women...

Naveen frowned at the memory and couldn't imagine treating Tiana in such a way. As he tried ignoring the indecent thought another memory rolled in...

'I thought you love me!' cried some women.

'No! He loves only me! Tell her, Naveen!" cried her sister.

'No, it's me!' exclaimed another sister.

Naveen only chuckled with his guard standing behind them. "I told you ladies that I will never settle down. Not even for princesses who cannot deny my handsomeness."

"I will be your slave. Your everything if you choose me," promised the woman.

'No me!' said her sister

'No me, please,' begged her sister.

But Naveen simply snapped his fingers and left the guards to throw out the women as if they were yesterday's garbage...

Naveen quickly pulled away from an aroused Tiana feeling the exact same away but also scared to death.

Tiana turned to look at him and wondered what was on his mind. "What is it, Antonio?"

"I don't know..."

She saw the lost man and knew that he must've remembered something from his past. "Do you want to talk about it?"

"I...yes...no!" he began, but then shook his head.

"Here. Sit down." she led him to the couch where she sat beside him. "What did you remember?"

"Naveen," he answered, still unsure on how much he should share.

"Na-what?" she asked, curiously.

"Naveen. People were referring that name to me," he looked at her. "The people were dressed elegantly. Upper-class maybe?"

"Do you remember anything else?" she pressed.

"No." he lied, avoiding to tell her about the memories where he treated women so harshly.

Tiana was satisfied enough and even smiled. "Naveen...is that a first or nickname?"

He shrugged his shoulders. "I don't know."

She wasn't convinced. "Why don't I believe you?"

Naveen looked at her and saw how serious and concerned she was, despite seeing right through him and laughed. "I can't fool you can I?"

She shook her head with a smirk on her lips. "Not at all."

He took this as an opportunity to switch topics. "Or like how I'm about to kiss those beautiful full lips."

That caught her off guard and as she was about to answer, Naveen pressed his lips onto hers. "Mm..." left her lips while finally surrendering to the man's advances.

Naveen was just as eager to kiss and taste her once more. He had to risk all of what was accomplished after her pushing him away and was pleased by the outcome. Instead of cutting the osculation short she continued on with it. It felt so good to feel her soft lips again, and the best part about it was no interruptions from Dr. Facilier.

Then suddenly, heavy knocking could be heard at the front door.

Naveen pulled Tiana closer and began kissing her on the neck. "It's only the wind."

Tiana wanted to believe that but once the knocking began again she pushed him away, "I'm sorry...I have to get this," rising up to answer the door to...

"Mr. La Bouff?" she was surprised to see him.

"Tiana I just had ya mama sent to the coloured hospital," helooked like he was crying, or about to.

"What happened to her? Is she alright?" she asked, Naveen joining her by the door.

Big Daddy restrained himself from inquiring about the young man standing behind her, but stayed silent on that subject and focused on the most important one.

"She's collapsed and never woke up."

Tiana gasped.

()()()()

Ray watched as Evangeline stared off into the morning rain. He spent another night in the woman's company and even if all they did was speak during their time together he was still very much satisfied by with outcome.

Suddenly, he was completely taken off guard when she ran out into the rain, laughing and spinning as if she were a child.

"Come on down here and enjoy God's shower!"

Ray being a man who wasn't afraid to try new activities quickly joined her and got the shock of his life when she pulled him in for a kiss.

The kiss was short-lived that came with an, "I love you, Raymond"

He couldn't believe what he just heard. "Y-you do?"

Evangeline felt like she was in love and nodded her head. "Yes Raymond I love you so much. Even if you are a simple Cajun."

The last comment hurt and on top of that she reeked and tasted like wine. He had his doubts. "How long have you felt that way?"

She laughed and pulled him unto her. "Since the moment you walked be back home. Now kiss me," she tried kissing him again but was stopped. Confused, she asked, "What is it?"

"I loved you from the moment I set eyes on you Evangeline," he confessed while caressing her cheek. "And this simple Cajun didn't need liquor to say it."

The comment offended Evangeline's alcohol induced mind. So she slapped him, immediately regetting her gesture. "Oh Raymond I'm so sorry."

He didn't say another word as he stretched out his arm for her to take it. When she did he walked them on the back porch and into her home before separating from her.

"Have a great day, madam," he said with obvious hurt in his tone.

"No, don't leave," she pleaded and let out a dry cough. "That's all my husband does is leave." Tears streaming down her face.

Ray hated to leave her alone and out of his love he took her hand and kissed it. "I will never leave, but I won't stand around neitha. Not as long as ya still married to him."

He then left the lost woman where she was and headed for his truck.

"Raymond!" Evangeline hurried and took him by the wrist. When his green eyes stared right into her hazel orbs she knew that it wasn't the liquor this time.

Putting her hand on his jaw she looked at him with tear-filled eyes, "I honesty love you Raymond. With all of my heart."

He knew that this time she was being genuine. "Ma belle..." and covered his hand with hers."Ma belle Evangeline."

And for the first time in her life she felt her heart skip a beat by his simple...no, beautiful cajun accent.

()()()()

Tiana and Naveen stood in the waiting room anxious for the results. Big Daddy had already picked up Charlotte and left after staying for an hour and Tiana was grateful for their support. She was all the more grateful to have Naveen there, but she couldn't have him wait with her all day.

"You should be at home resting."

"I want to be here for you and your mother," Naveen said reassuringly with his arms around her frame.

Tiana gave him a weak smile before returning the hug feeling: scared for her mother and her own sanity. Thankfully she also felt safe in 'Antonio's' arms.

Just then, Dr. Facilier opened the door and walked in on the young couple. Surprised and angered to see his little former nurse in the arms of...'Antonio'!

He cleared his throat, catching the couple's attention.

"Good morning..." he greeted despite having to stay several hours than he usually did. "...Tiana...your mother has dehydration and will remain at my hospital until further notice."

"Thank you, Dr. Facilier." Tiana said taking Naveen's hand, suddenly feeling uncomfortable.

It took all the willpower Naveen had to not sock the slender but lanky built man off his feet. His obvious lustful stares were getting more annoying the moment he was aware of being here.

"May I see her...my mother?" she asked the doctor.

He opened the door. "Follow me."

They both started until Facilier stopped them. "One visitor at a time."

Tiana frowned. "I thought that it was two visitors,"

"Things changed since you left, darlin'," The Dr. said, giving her a glare. "Now do you want to see ya mama or stay out here with lover boy."

She looked up at Naveen who nodded his head. "I'll be alright out here."

"I'll be right back." Tiana let go of Naveen's hand and walked through the open door pass Facilier who then gave Naveen a glare.

The prince returned the gesture until the doctor closed the door behind him.

He only hope that the doctor wouldn't try anything now that he and Tiana were alone. There was something about Facilier that actually made Naveen relate to him. And that thought actually scared him.

"Faldi faldonza," he said.

()()()()