2/21/05

Disclaimer: The characters in this fic, such as Kurando, Anastasia, etc. don't belong to me; they are property of Midway, so don't sue! ;.;

Dedications: God, my friends, my cousins, my lovely readers for giving me their requests, Aruze for gracing this magnificent RPG with a sequel – despite the ending they chose to go off of – and finally, random bouts of sudden inspiration that gave me the idea to write all these.

Shadow Hearts II: Snapshot

Special Installment: Gifts III

By Tiger5913

Comfort, Kurando x Anastasia – dedicated to Rikainiel

"Kurando? I can't sleep…"

The soft plea was acknowledged with an understanding nod under moonlight, and then shuffling noises ensued as the princess climbed into bed with her boyfriend. It was an act of innocent comfort when he snuggly wrapped his arms around her, holding the girl closely to his warmth. She returned the embrace with a tight squeeze, to which Kurando smiled faintly, and then she elicited a small sigh of contentment as she settled in comfortably. Both knew what the others might think, but neither cared; they were happy together.

"Good night, Kurando…"

Anastasia slept soundly that night.

Containment, Kurando x Anastasia – dedicated to A Lifeless Beauty

Oh, the perils of becoming a man…

No matter how intense the subconscious scenario, the young man never sought release. Not even when his mind had conjured up images of his fiancée in her pure, bared beauty, wearing nothing but the smooth skin she was born with. Not even when he wondered how it would feel to run his hands along her slender body, or feel her tremble when he covered her form with his.

Nope, on the outside, Kurando was a perfect gentleman. As long as he controlled himself, the wild inner urges would never surface against his will.

Desire, Kurando x Anastasia – dedicated to A Lifeless Beauty

While the kiss was innocent, his wandering hands were not.

He was chivalrous, considerate, relatively shy overall, but he was also a man with desires. Because his young fiancée adored him so much, she willingly went along with his yearning. Not that it wasn't enjoyable for her, though – his gentle kisses filled her with tenderness, while his curious exploration made her heart pound fiercely. He wanted to give Anastasia as much pleasure as he felt just being with her, and by her little gasps and cries, it sounded like he wasn't doing too badly.

Kurando smiled, and joined them together.

Discovery, Kurando x Anastasia – dedicated to A Lifeless Beauty

Now he understood her warning.

The young swordsman was by no means a recluse, but he'd never taken the time to fawn over primitive urges when more serious tasks were at hand. Just a peek at a few pages of the erotic magazine made his heart pound fiercely, and now whenever he looked at Anastasia… well, surely she would be disgusted if she knew what he was thinking.

Catching his gaze on her, the Russian princess blushed faintly, but gave Kurando a sweet smile and small wave in response, which just awakened his dormant sexuality even more.

Damn that magazine…

Guardian, Karin x Nicolai – dedicated to Beachan

It shocked him that she was an amateur fighter.

She was a lieutenant in the German army, with her country in the middle of a fierce world war, and yet she got rattled by a mere skeleton monster! He wondered how she even completed military training… or maybe she hadn't. Well, he was the one who brought her to Apoina Tower, so she was, essentially, his responsibility. He would care for her well-being, and protect Karin with his mystical powers until they left.

Presented with such a case, Nicolai healed her with a Cure spell, and she smiled her gratitude.

End of Installment

Andrew Glasco: Yes, I'm trying to expand my horizons. (OMG, Tiger doesn't have tunnel vision!) Shocker, eh? XP Let's see what else I can cook up in the future, hehehe…

Angel-chan2: Chicken soup! Let me at it! ;) Ack, I was sick for about a week with laryngitis, and I couldn't go to work for a couple of days, which really pissed me off. I am still recovering from my illness right now, but fortunately, I'm a lot better than I was last week. Thank you so much for your sweet concern! XD

Beastman: Bah, it sucks to be alone on Valentine's Day, eh? Maybe you won't be next year, if you try hard enough. Eek, I don't think I can fit good enough emotions in these drabbles, but maybe in a longer fic… We'll see.

bitterSWEET-love: Thank you! Wow, I'm really surprised that so many people liked Yuri's gift to Alice. I was worried that it might be too corny or weird or… well, something along those lines. I'm glad everyone is proving me wrong. And judging by your response, I'm guessing you're a big fan of Yuri x Alice, eh? I'll keep that in mind… ;)

buffy720: Hehe, the Yuri x Alice fans are showing up in bundles! You guys have been cleverly concealing yourselves until now, eh:P I sure will keep writing more Yuri x Alice drabbles, and hopefully, more happy ones because I'm sure that Yuri is tired being angst-filled all the time, heh.

CuddlyChristina2004: I want lime! I want lime! I want lime! ;) Hehe, don't worry, I'm not that one-tracked. Whenever you update your DW fic, let me know ASAP, okay? You've kept us waiting for quite a while, girl… :(

Leebot: Ah, it's all right. Your comments are always worth waiting for, my dear. :) And about the V-Day conversations, no problem – no one should be alone on that day, right? You were doing me just as much a favor as I was doing you. I think you're a really great friend too, but I sure hope that doesn't get in the way of us being MADLY IN LOVE WITH EACH OTHER! XD

Lynn U: No, no huggles… GLOMPAGE! X100! Heh, I sure hope nobody is angry with me, especially with how long I took to update this time… cough, cough… And about the reviews, take your time for the best quality! The Belated Honeymoon isn't going anywhere, so it will wait patiently for your feedback (as will I, teehee).

MikoNoNyte: Aww, come now. I don't think your story was a downer. Hey, it really happened, so what can we do? Of course, I felt very sad for Yuri when I was reading, but then I just remember the good ending, and I'm all happy again, hehe. He sure is a sweetheart to Alice, isn't he? XD

Parallel-Blue13115: I have (finally) updated! Argh, you have no idea how glad I am to get this up… Damn school and work, eating up all my time… -.-0

Puffy Tribulation: Puffy darling, don't be sorry! You know I'm always happy to hear from you! What were Yuri and Alice doing…! By golly, you really are a pervert, LoL! XD Writhing agony…! Surely, you jest! By the way, you should never worry about bothering me, because you never will. :) Your reviews greatly entertain me, I can assure you. Now you, go write something, damn it! XP

Raven Shinobi: Yay, another Karin x Nicolai fan! Our little fandom is growing… I'm so proud. :) And yes, I really adore the friendship between Joachim and Anastasia, so I'll definitely have to whip something up for them. Hah, I still can't believe that Joachim can get downed by a kick from a small, petite girl like Anastasia… XD

sable-fahndu Hmm, Kurando and Anastasia dancing… That would mean they'd be in some fancy Russian ball, and Kurando would have to wear a tux, right? Ooh, what a fabulous mental picture… You've given me an interesting idea! Much thanks!

Veronica Mignon: Oh my goodness, you're reading a romance piece of your own accord! I think I'm gonna faint! XD No, just kidding, but in all seriousness, I'm extremely flattered and honored that you would read this, despite the mushiness. I sure would like to write a longer, real fic on Kato x Ouka, but I'll have to wait for inspiration to hit…

Lastly, A Comment To All Readers: Holy shiznit, that was a LOT of comments to reply to… you guys certainly know how to keep me busy! XD Ack, but on a more serious note, I offer my deepest apologies for the long absence. Exams are taking place both this week and the next, so it's time for me to hit the books! Sigh… I hope that this sudden and new gift installment will compensate, but if it doesn't, then feel free to hit me with something in your review, heh…