CHAPTER 15
Faster Amelia, sing sing!
By: Kiavie-chan

(A.N. ooohhhh...that naughty word I have been promising all of you is here! And I know not much in the action or plot development department happens in this chapter...its mostly for my need of some comedy and romance...it's also my way of reflecting on Xelloss as a human....the song that a certain someone sings later in the story is "Crystal Clear" by Jaci Valasquez...I thought this song fits the character very well...)

Xelloss finally emerged from his room after many hours, his face showing no evidence of his feelings or concerns. Everybody practically knew to just leave him alone for the time being, that this was something that Xelloss had to wrestle with himself. Mazoku or no, he was not the type that wanted comfort. He wanted to analyze, think, reason...not cry, hug, and "talk about it".

His smile came so much more easily when he enjoyed misery.

It was poetic justice, really. Amelia, if she were not so kind hearted, would actually think this befitting. He has hurt, murdered, tortured, everything unjust in the book. And now, a new life, a new way...and everything he had learned to love was ripped away from him.

Xelloss decided that he truely disliked justice and everything poetic at that point. Life in general...well...

"WHY IS MY LIFE SO FUCKED UP?!" He screamed to no one in particular, turned around, and stomped out of the room.

Lina sat there with a chicken leg hanging out of her mouth, Gourry paused in mid shovel (fork piled high with meat) Zelgadis raised his eyebrows not moving his cup from his lips, Amelia stared at him with saucer eyes and mouth dropped, Shyphiel held a delicate hand in a feminine manner up to her lips, Valgarv also rose his eyebrows smirking slightly, and Naga tossed Lina a questioning look.

Almost reading his thoughts from earlier, Zelgadis made a comment. "It's almost like the gods are getting justice on him for what he did as a mazoku."

For some reason...that made Amelia angry. For once, Amelia did not support Justice. "Zelgadis-san...sometimes you make me so angry I...." Amelia trailed off, standing up and staring at the chimera. "This isn't justice...it's cruelty! It's sad! If it was supposed to be justice, why involve Filia-san? She didn't do anything! Or poor Tsunami-chan? Xelloss, at this time, is more like you than you will ever see!" She turned around, following Xelloss earlier example and stomped out, yelling "YOU HAVE STONE FOR BRAINS!"

outside and updeck, Xelloss leaned over the rail of the ship, looking to the water thoughtfully. "Get my vengence...ha...I'm not stupid." He peeled off a little splinted and examined it disheartedly as he continued his thoughts. "Filia is still alive...I can feel it. But Tsunami..." He couldn't feel her at all inside of him. Nothing. "Where are you, my little Tsu-chan?" He asked quietly as he tossed the splinter to the sparkling water below.

The princess walked up quietly behind Xelloss, then appeared beside him, sitting on a barrel and leaning her back to the rail Xelloss was hunched over.

"Xelloss-san...I know that this is a question that is asking for a bitter and sarcastic answer...but are you feeling alright? I mean..." Amelia drifted off..trying to think of a different way of phrasing it or an explaination for the question.

Xelloss sighed. "I know what you mean, Amelia-chan. I'm ok, in physical terms. And though I am incredibly angry, sad, and confused amoung other things, I am fine in the metal department as well. It's just that my life is so..." Xelloss could not find a suitabe word for the pain, anguish...everything he was feeling. "I think I pretty much summed it up in there."

Amelia nodded. "I understand. I have not suffered the amount of personal lost as yourself, but I can relate."

Xelloss turned to look at Amelia, still without a smile, nodded himself. Amelia stared at him for a moment.

"Xelloss-san...you know that your eyes are very pretty when you are human?" Amelia said without thinking, noting the violet crystal which lived within his iris'.

Xelloss blinked in surprise, then smiled. "Why Princess, are you paying me a compliment? I am flattered."

Amelia got over her embarrisment and laughed at his comment. "Yes I was, I believe. And that smile seems a lot more honest with human eyes to boot."

Xelloss laughed lightly and turned so his back was also leaning against the rail. "Ano...Amelia-chan, how are you? You seemed troubled lately."

Amelia sighed like Xelloss did ealier and stood to stand beside Xelloss, leaning against the rail as well. "I am...it's odd really. Um...well, there is someone I feel stongly for..."

Xelloss interuppted her and smiled, holding up a finger. "Ah, a certain chimera within our ranks I am sure."

Amelia blushed, about to protest.

"Oh, come now, princess, don't lie! Everyone knows it. Save Zelgadis-kun, who has rocks for brains."

Amelia blinked at his statement and belly laughed so hard that Xelloss wasn't sure what was wrong with the girl. He laughed as well though, catching a little bit of her mirth. "*Giggle* Amelia-chan, what on earth is so amusing?"

"I just told Zelgadis that."

Xelloss face faulted and looked at the princess. "You told him he had rocks for brains?!" He cried incrediously.

"Well...something more along the lines of "Stone for brains".." Amelia giggled.

"My goodness, princess, you have been around Lina-chan for much too long! The viciousness is spreading! Though I can't say Zelgadis-kun didn't have it comming to him." Xelloss mused.

"What do you mean?" Amelia asked, the giggle fits finally ceasing.

"Well...tell me princess, why did you lash out on him? What was the reason?"

Amelia thought about it and decided repeated Zelgadis' words would make a mistake. Xelloss was actually in a good mood at the moment and Amelia wanted to keep him there. "I would rather not repeat what he said."

Xelloss had a feeling it was about him, and decided that Amelia was not going to say it in fears of making him angry. He nodded, and held up his finger again. "Ok...then now what is the *true* reason princess?"

"True reason?"

"Why are you angry at him? Why did you lash out?"

"Because of what he said."

"No...Amelia-san, I have a feeling it was about me, correct?"

Amelia nodded.

"Now see...looking into the psychological view of this, I believe that his statement DID make you angry, however, I believe when you insulted him that you were referring to something else. What he said about me was not a direct link to you or your feeling, so subconsciensly you used it as a vent for your feelings, so that he would not know your anger at a different situation."

Amelia's eyes grew wide as she thought about his words. "Xelloss-san...you sure know how to drive in the head of the nail, don't you?"

Xelloss smiled at the princess and absentmindedly peeled another splinter. "Hai. But I was also once a mazoku that was around you all the time, that could feel your emotions. You're frustration, your anger, your hurt...I felt all those. Though there was not much to feed off of from you, they were there."

Amelia sighed and also peeled a splinted off, examing it. "What should I do Xelloss-san..." Amelia thought about what she just said and laughed. "Whoa..I never thought I would be asking you for advice in this sort of thing."

Xelloss also laughed. "The world has been full of irony lately. Soon well discover that Gourry is a genius."

They both went into a fit of hysterical laughter before they resumed their conversation. "Anyway Amelia-chan, you are a very intelligent person. But the problem is, so is Zelgadis. And Zelgadis has denile and stubboness in his corner. That just means that you need to be crafty. The straitforward approach wont do you any good. It will just make him embarrised and angry. You need to trick him, make him admit to you before you confront him. Or he will just receed into his personal shell even more. Do you know what his problem is, Amelia-chan?"

Amelia shook her head, listening to his words with interest.

"He is afraid. He thinks that you might accept him now, but after you truely see him that he will be nothing more than an ugly monster.." Amelia was about to protest but Xelloss held up his finger to stop her. "Ah..let me finish. HE thinks he is a monster...he has spent so much time embedding that belief into his head, that that's all be believes. He wont change his mind with simple words. For Zelgadis, you need actions. For they speak much more loudly than words...and words are what he has been telling himself. You need to speak louder than his mind, and your voice cannot do it alone."

Amelia blushed slightly, staring at the splinter and nodded slightly. "Actions...what do you mean?" She blushed a deeper red.

Xelloss laughed slightly and put his arm around her shoulders to both of their surprise. "Amelia-chan, you are so naughty! Blushing like that! That is not what I am talking about though. If you did something like that he would think he took advantage of you and never forgive himself. So that is a no-no." He waggled his finger at her again with his free hand, winking at her. "You have to get him to admit to loving you first, Amelia-chan. Then he will believe you, and himself. When he admits to loving you in return, he cannot convince himself that it is a lie, that he took advantage of you, or anything like that.

Amelia's blush lighened. "Do you think that he loves me?"

Xelloss sighed. "That, princess I do not know. Do you love him?"

Amelia stared at the splinter. "I do...at least I think I do. I am not sure what love of this kind feels like...I don't know how to discribe it."

Xelloss smiled. "Ah, that, Amelia-chan, is a feeling that is indiscribable! It feels good, but it hurts. The person you love can make you feel warm or cold...you want to give them everything, and be given to by that person. You seek to make them happy, to give them their dreams. To give them support, to show them everything they ever wanted, and to take them places they never imagined. To hold them...to comfort them...even though you may argue, insult eachother, become angry, and throw fits of rage...it overpowers everything. They linger in your thoughts, drift in your dreams, and everywhere you hear their voice. Because they are your world, and your world is everything you want to know."

Amelia stared at him in surprise, feeling tears building up in her eyes as she looked upon Xelloss smiling at her. "Xelloss-san......"

Xelloss cocked his head to the side, a little confused by her reaction to his discription. "Did I say something wrong? I was telling the truth!" He got a little defensive, and made an "urk" sound when Amelia latched onto him, hugging him tightly.

"Xelloss-san...I am so sorry..." Amelia was astonished. He put her feelings to words so well. And at the same time she realized he was talking about his feelings for Filia, and the empathetic princess was pained to think of loosing Zelgadis. "I am so sorry about what happened to you..."

Xelloss sobered a bit, actually holding onto the princess in return. He never pictured finding comfort in the little sorceress...but...then again her positive feelings were like poison as a mazoku. Now...as a human it was quite the opposite.

"It's quite alright, Amelia-chan. I am sure you and the others did everything in your power. But I will get Filia back. That I have no doubt. But right now we can't do anything about that. But we can do something about your problem."

Amelia pulled away and creased her forehead in a thoughtful/questioning look. "My problem?"

"With a certain reluntant chimera." Xelloss smiled.

"How?" Amelia inquired, truely curious to what the former mazoku had up his sleeve.

"Well...as I understand it, we are surviving on whatever funds the ship can provide, correct? Well, our funds are not endless, in fact they are horribly depleated. So..." Xelloss revealed his plan to Amelia.

Amelia stared at Xelloss in shock and disbelief. "You want me to WHAT?!"

"It's a good plan, Amelia-chan! I am sure it will work! If that doesn't get ol' stone boys blood boiling I have no idea what will!" Xelloss smirked.

Amelia gave a huge blush and looked out to the water. "...............alright."

"Sugoi!" Xelloss chirped. "That's the spirit!"

*hours later they dock*

"I am SO hungry!" Lina hollared, getting ready to stomp off a ship and head for the nearest resturant.

"Me too!" Gourry added, following at the red heads heels.

"Um...Lina-san?" Amelia called out timidly.

"What is it Amelia?" Lina asked a little irritably, being momentairly distracted from her goal.

"We have limited funds." Amelia phrased delicatly.

"Lina...we hardly have any money left!" Shyphiel added.

"Yes, you have drained this ship quite efficently, Lina-chan." Xelloss muttered. "I am going to go sell some of my paintings to earn some more. I suggest you find a temporary job yourself Lina-chan. Find some bandits." Xelloss had many paintings tucked under his arm, having a hard time keeping them all in one place.

"I'll go with you, Xelloss-san." Amelia said, taking a few of the paintings and helping the purple haired man.

Naga looked at her sister then at Amelia. "Amelia, you don't mind if I go with Lina, do you?" Naga asked softly, her attitude towards her sister much different and loving than to others.

"Go ahead! I'm just going to help Xelloss-san. Have fun." Amelia smiled as she watched Lina, Gourry and Naga walk off. Zelgadis stood there, looking at Amelia for a moment, before he turned and followed the three.

Amelia sighed. "He's still mad about what I said."

Without saying a word to anyone, Val and Shyphiel walked off together into the moving sea of people, leaving Amelia and Xelloss along.

"Well...that was easier than I thought it would be." Xelloss commented offhandedly. "Well...lets get this thing started!"

The two of them also decended into the people.

Many hours later, Xelloss and Amelia finally found what they were looking for. They stood before a large building, where the sounds of chattering people and music carried thoughout the building and to the street.

Amelia stared at the building, having second thoughts. "Xelloss-san...I am not so sure that this is a good idea anymore."

"Lighten up, Amelia! This will be good for you." Xelloss contradicted.

"But...I am not sure my morals would agree..." Amelia began.

Xelloss waved his hand and cut her off. "Amelia, nothing bad will happen to you. And you are doing nothing bad. This is art!"

For some reason Amelia did not feel reassured.

A couple hours later Amelia was sitting in a dressing room with Xelloss and several other girls.

"Xelloss-san I'm nervous!" Amelia clutched her hands together.

"Amelia, your having another conscience attack. Forget the voices. This is not as bad as you think it is!" Xelloss began tumbing throught the different outfits.

One of the girls approached Amelia. "Have you ever done this before?"

"No...I am really nervous." Amelia looked up at the bright brown eyed woman before her.

"Oh, I still get nervous to this day! But it's fun!" She gave Amelia a bright smile.

"Really?"

"Oh yes! I love doing this! Here, how about I show you a few things?" She offered, finding a clear place on the floor.

Amelia nodded and stood next to the woman, while Xelloss thumbed through the costumes and holding one up occasionally.

*****

Lina let loose a huge sigh as she picked the twitching and burnt bandits clean of their valuables. "Zelgadis, when are you going to stop moping?"

"I am NOT moping." He grumbled in protest.

"Actually, you seem pretty upset with my little sister telling you off! OH HO HO HO HO HO HO HO HO!" Naga's horrendous laugh rang throughout the area.

Zelgadis and Gourry had never heard the laugh. And never do they want to again.

Gourry was attached quite firmly to Lina, chibified, as he stared at the tall woman in the wannabe dominatix outfit let out her most potent weapon. "Lina! I'm scared!"

Zelgadis....well....

*twitch* *twitch* *twitch*

"OH HO HO HO HO HO! Why, one would almost think you liked my sister by the way you reacted!" Naga declared.

Zelgadis couldn't take it. It did the only thing suitable that came to mind...*WHACK!* he smacked her across the head and sent her flying to the dirt.

Lina looked down at Naga and smirked at Zelgadis. "Yeah, that's pretty much what I do."

Gourry peeled away and looked at Lina. "Did it stop?" He whimpered.

Lina pat his head reaasuringly and smiled. "Yes...the bad laughing lady stopped, thanks to Zelgadis."

Gourry turned to Zelgadis. "Thank you! But...you know she's right. What Amelia said seems to bother you a lot."

"As if I was supposed to be happy to hear a friend say that to me?" He snapped.

"Amelia was just upset." Lina told the chimera. "She wasn't trying to hurt you, she was angry."

"I think she over reacted a bit." Zelgadis grumbled.

"Maybe she was mad about something else then." Gourry said offhandedly.

Lina blinked at Gourry in slight surprise and smiled at Zelgadis. "He could be right. In stead of mopping about what she said to you, maybe you should find out what's wrong."

Naga finally stopped twitching and was brushing the dirt off her skin, tossing Zelgadis a nasty look. "You know...my sister does not normally lash out at people like she did you. Unless they defy her sense of justice of course." Naga sighed. "Gods she takes after daddy so much in that respect. I miss him so much..." Naga's voice drifted away for a moment as she was lost in memories. "Anyways!" She came back suddenly. "She only lashes out at people like that if she cares about them. As they say, those you love and trust are the only ones who can hurt you most. So I think you should take it as a sign she cares about you, Zelgadis." Naga commented, starting to walk further down the path. "Well, Lina, are we going to blast some bandits or what?"

"Naga, don't you dare leave without me!" Lina yelled, running after the tall woman with Gourry close behind.

Zelgadis' face was a little flushed from the comment that Naga made. *Amelia..cares for me...* he had seen signs before, but he tried to wave them off, ingnoring them. Telling himself that her affection belongs to someone else, not him. In time she would realize.

He looked up, noticing the fading figures of his companions and started after them. He heard Naga suggesting someting.

"Lina, after we get enough money how about we go eat somewhere nice."

"Sounds like a plan!" Lina chirped.

*****

"Ne, Amelia-chan, try this on would you?" Xelloss held out a white, simple dress. It was long, with a slit up the side, the neck line dipped low. He thought it would be very becomming on her.

Amelia took the dress and went behind the changing screen. "Ano...Xelloss-san, have you picked out something for me to sing yet?"

"Indeed. I picked it out a while ago. Something I wrote." He laughed, a little embarrised. "I thought it would suit you, Amelia-chan."

"Oh?" She inquired, pushing back the curtain and stepping out. "Can I see it?"

Xelloss just stared at her.

"Nani?" She asked, afraid someting was wrong. "Do I have something in my teeth?"

"No...you are very lovely when you want to be, Amelia-chan. I should smack Zelgadis myself."

Amelia blushed a very deep red and looked away. The dress really *was* becomming on her. It accented her curves very nicely, and the white made her look even more pure that she already did. Her hair style was the same though...

"Amelia-chan, I think we should do something with your hair." He commented, taking her arm and sitting her in front of a mirror and waving a hair stylist over.

"What's wrong with my hair?" Amelia asked offhandedly, and blinked as Xelloss placed a couple sheets of paper into her lap. "What's this?"

"It's the song." Xelloss said, smiling as the hairstylist approached and fingered her hair. he was a tall, thin statured man that wore very *interesting* clothes.

"Oh, honey you hair is beautiful! It would look just marvelous curled and pinned up! Oh, oh! Let me get the curlers!" The man ran off.

Xelloss and Amelia sweatdropped. "Er...well....he's energetic isn't he?" Xelloss commented.

Amelia laughed a little and looked down at the music, reading the words. "Xelloss...this song is sad..."

"That's correct. I think a sad song will have more of an impact than something happy and sunshiny." He said in his cheerful tone.

"Xelloss-san...how are we going to make sure Zelgadis comes here?" She asked, looking up at the former mazoku.

"That, Amelia-chan, is a secret." He grinned and sat down on the make up counter.

Amelia pouted. "I was hopping being a human would help that secret stuff."

Xelloss shrugged, closing his eyes and grinning stupidly. "I suppose not."

The man came back and started fussing with the princesses hair, while Xelloss spoke to the pianist. "I would like to play her number if you don't mind." He pointed at Amelia.

"Do you know how to play?" The man inquired.

"Do you think I would be asking if I didn't?" Xelloss asked irritably, sitting at the bench and putting up the sheet music. Studing it for a moment, he played the first note tentivly

. "You are going to have to be able to play more than just the first note." The man stated smugly.

Xelloss glared at the man over his shoulder. "Oh? I would have never guessed. More like this, then?" He started to play the music that he knew so well, his fingers running smoothly over the keys. The other man's eyebrows shot up.

"Eh..not bad. Ok, you can play her number." He walked off, assuming that Xelloss needed the practice.

"Oi...Amelia-chan, I am going to play, why not practice with me while he fiddles with your hair."

"Fiddle? Honey, I do not 'fiddle'. This is art!" The man proclaimed.

Once again Xelloss and Amelia sweatdropped.

*****

"I think we have enought Lina." Zelgadis commented to the sorceress.

"....alright. FOOD TIME!" She yelled, marching back in the direction of the town.

"Hey, Lina!" Naga called.

"What is it, Naga?" She didn't bother to look over at her old rival.

"I have a suggestion of where to go." She said with a smile.

"Really? Where?"

"It's called "The Broken Keys" tavern." Naga replied. "I heard their food is very good, and they actually have some good entertainment.

Lina shrugged her shoulders. "Eh, as long as the food is good and plenty!" She exclaimed as they headed towards the tavern.

They came before th place, it was *huge*. Many stories tall, the buildings higher than ground level were rooms to stay at. When they walked in, they noticed many tables to dine at, a large, encompassing bar, a stage, and several black boxes throughout the dinning room.

"Looks nice." Lina commented.

Zelgadis did not say anything, but Gourry made a "comment".

"I don't see any broken keys..."

Lina smacked him across the head. "There isn't any, baka."

"Itee...Lina why do you have to hit so hard?" He whinned as they were seated relatively close to the front, next to a black box.

"What are those black boxes for I wonder?" Lina mused.

"They are mini stages." Zelgadis spoke up. "For when the singers want to be in the middle of the crowd."

"Oh..." Lina waved down the waiter. When the man came, she handed the menu immediatly back and replied "Yes." As well as Gourry. Naga made an order for a drink, and Zelgadis got his "usual"...coffee.

The waiter, after almost collaping in dispair, cleared his throat and gave all of them a forced smile. "The show will be starting in five minutes. Do enjoy." He walked off with his order.

The lights dimmed rather quickly, and a man in a suit stood on the stage with a micophone. "Good evening Ladies and Gentlemen, tonight we have a lot of talent ready for you...a special line up! There are even a few totally new acts tonight, but we will be playing some favorites of course!" He smiled, and went on a discription of the evening before them.

Naga was just glancing around, thinking to herself *I hope this is the right place...where, it's where that Xelloss guy told me to bring everyone. I wonder what he's up too..* She thought as she fumbled with the purse of coins that he had given her in *thanks* for her cooperation. Then she noticed two people at another table.

"Ne, Lina, aren't those two your friends?" She asked, indicating a couple at a far off table.

Lina looked at where she was pointing and raised her eyebrows. "Well well...seems Valgarv and Shyphiel are getting along nicely..." Watching as the two of them engaged in a quiet conversation, each smiling ever so often. "I'm glad they get along."

The first act was up...several women dancing in a a cabana line to a very jumpy song...the food came out very quickly, at the end of the performance. Gourry and Lina set off to eating at their usual pace, while Naga sighed contently as she stared into her glass of liquior. While Zelgadis sat in silence.

Many acts passed by, and towards the end, as before each performance, the man in the suit came out to give a bried explaination of the performance to follow.

"Next is one of our new performances. They are only doing this for one night, folks, so we are very lucky. Next up is a beautiful young woman, with a song that will move you to tears. Her voice is that of an angel. And she looks like one too!" He exclaimed. "Her friend, who will be the pianist for this song, wrote the music for her. Please give a warm welcome to Amelia and Xelloss!" Clapping rang throughout the audience.

Lina and Gourry choked on thier food at this, Naga grinned, and Zelgadis almost dropped his cup.

Amelia was standing on the box next to them, not looking at her compainions as the spot light hit her. Xelloss started playing, and Amelia lifted her head and sang with all her heart.

When I'm a sparrow in winter, You are a seed I find
When I'm a heart with a splinter, Your blood keeps me alive

Amelia lifted her head to the ceiling and continued to sing, her white dress sparkling in the light as she smiled softly to herself. Xelloss had his side to the audience, his attention focused on the keys before him.

If I could call you a color, You'd be the deepest of blues
v If I had my pleasure of anything, You'd be the one that I'd choose

She turned her head slowly and looked at Zelgadis, her eyes looked sad and full of emotion. Zelgadis blushed slightly and set down his cup, but kept his eyes on the princess. She cannot possibly be talking about me...can she?...

Now it's crystal clear I'm falling for You
Now that I can see the mystery's revealed
Now I'm coming clean
I can feel my fears released
Now it's crystal clear I'm falling for You
Amelia stepped off the box and was walking between the tables, stopping so often to look at a gentelman and sing a few of the words for him. Zelgadis sighed when he saw her. I didn't think so... For some reason that tore at him like nothing else.

I'm soft like clay
Your hands they mold
For You, I would run away
Just to hear You calling out my name
Amelia circled around until, at the last word she came up behind Zelgadis. He did not turn around, but he felt the flush on his face. Lina held up a little "You go girl" sign and flashed a victory, which made Amelia smile while she was singing. Naga grinned up at her little sister, almost prideful of the bravery her little sister was showing. Gourry...well...he just was thinking, trying to figure out what exactly Amelia was doing.

Now it's crystal clear I'm falling for You
Now that I can see the mystery's revealed
Now I'm coming clean
I can feel my fears released
Now it's crystal clear I'm falling for You

Amelia just stood behind him while she sang. Why isn't he turning around?...fine, Zelgadis-san, if you wont turn around I make you face me....be brave like Xelloss-san told me to... Amelia walked up to his side and placed a hand on his shoulder, leaning her face close to his as she sang.

I'm broken and empty
Without You, I'm blinded
I need You,
I need You near me, I need You near me
Zelgadis nearly jumped out of his skin when he felt the girls hand upon his shoulder, and blushed deeply when he felt her gentle breath against his face as she sang to him. He kept his eyes focused on the wood of the table, too embarrised to look at the princess in the eyes at such a close range. Amelia was starting to get aggrivated, she was trying *so* hard to get him to look at her...and he kept his eyes cast down. Well...she wasn't about to let all the trouble she and Xelloss went through go to waist. She side stepped and sat on the table right in front of him, smiling as she sang, keeping her hand on his shoulder.

Now it's crystal clear I'm falling for You
Now that I can see the mystery's revealed
Now I'm coming clean
I can feel my fears released
Now it's crystal clear I'm falling for You

Zelgadis looked up at her as she sang and continued his blush. He did not move...he was afraid to. He thought she might dissapear, or get himself caught in an embarrising situation. Her face was so angelic when she sang...and her eyes were so clear, honest...she was so soft...he blinked when he realized his thoughts were trailing to places they should not, and started to downcast his eyes when the entire place went dark...pitch black. He gasped so quietly he was sure he was the only one who knew of it....and he felt Amelia shift slightly as she sang the last words.

Please catch me, I'm falling for You...

He felt her lips...they kissed his in a feather soft brush, so innocent and sweet that Zelgadis was left breathless. He closed his eyes against the darkness of the room, closing out his senses to everything save what he was feeling. Dispite everything, his self loathing, his bitter demeanor, all the angst...he wanted to feel this more than anything at the moment.

He was about to return the kiss when Amelia pulled away and walked from him, decending into the darkness as the last keys Xelloss was playing faded. The blush had lightened for some reason, a light stain on his face. The lights came up and everyone in the room was looking at him. His embarrisement returned full force as he looked down at the cup he set down earlier and studied it's contents *very* closely.

Lina was looking around for her friend, chicken in hand, Gourry was devouring his food, Naga was beeming like a proud parent, and Zelgadis...

"I need to go for a walk." He stood and walked away from the table heading for the front door. Lina stood to stop him and ask him some potentially embarrising questions, but Gourry pulled on her cloak and made her sit down. The sorceress glared at the swordsman.

"What did you do that for?" She snapped.

"Leave him alone Lina...and besides, if you follow him you leave your food undefended." He smiled and picked up a large slice of ham.

"Goooouuuuuuuury! I was eyeing that peice! It's mine by right!" She lunged at the swordman and the food fight began.