AUTHOR'S NOTE: I think as you grow older your tastes change. For instance,
I never liked
bacon as a child but I do now. So maybe Lina's tastes changed too. Her first love was Gourry but
after awhile his stupidity could really start to get on her nerves. Gourry is a good first love, but
Zel is the kind of man you could spend your life with. I think Lina would recognize that as she got
older. The bacon thing, okay? Even if you don't like it just bear with me please. I know the mood
of the story swings a lot but that's just how it is. This is my first fic, so if you don't like it go
jump it a pit of flaming lava singing Mary had a Little Lamb. That always makes me feel better. If
you do like it REVIEW! I need repeated praise or I get all pathetic and
lonely. I might write more pretty fics if I get good reviews… Enjoy! ^_^
P.S. Don't own nothin… but this fic… MINE!
P.P.S Sorry bout the format… If I get complaints I'll fix it but I'm lazy…
The Bacon Thing
The sky was clear of clouds that night. The stars were shining brightly and clearly down on the
little clearing were Lina Inverse sat on a dead log. On this night, however, Lina's mind was
anything but clear. Her watch had ended about an hour ago but she couldn't sleep. Amelia was
dozing on the other side of the clearing. 'Hmmph,' Lina thought, 'Amelia never was very good at
taking watch. I'll just have to do it for her.' Lina sat there and gazed at the sleeping forms of her
three friends. 'Amelia, sweet innocent Amelia. She cares more about others than herself and her
belief in justice is so strong. I guess it would have to be to remain innocent in the world we live
in. She may be incredibly annoying at times but I know she will always be there for me.'
'Zel. He is so strong, even if he doesn't realize it. Not bad looking either. He always complains
about how people stare at him when we walk into a town. He thinks they are repulsed by him. I
think the women stare at him in wonder and the men…… well; I don't really want to know. He
really is wonderful to look at. So unique. And he cares even though he won't admit it. He is
almost as smart as I am though with all his complaining I sometimes wonder if his IQ is the same
as Gourry's.'
'Gourry. Her Gourry. He is such an idiot. Sometimes he makes me just want to kill him, but he
can be so sweet. He can be smart occasionally and observant. Like when we are about to be
attacked. He always knows ahead of time. Even I haven't been able to do that. And he protects
me. I don't need it but it feels nice to have someone watch out for you every once and awhile.
Ever since that day five years ago I thought myself in love with Gourry. Every one else thought so
too. It was something that was just there. We couldn't change it, especially after he rescued me. It
was a wonderful feeling, being in love. I thought we would always be together after that. Just us.
It was fine for a while. We parted ways with Zel and Amelia and went off to start our life
together. It was so much fun! Traveling with the one I love, out under the stars or sharing a cozy
room at an inn. The biggest problem was getting enough food for the both of us! But we had that
problem even before we became a couple.
When we met up with Zel and Amelia again things just slipped back to the way they were before
that day Gourry rescued me. He didn't seem affected by that but I wondered. As for me, I almost
felt relived. I didn't want to hurt Gourry but he was starting to really bug me. Not the minor
annoyances that were typical of him. I was used to those by now. It was more like a deep
resentment. And I had no idea why I felt this way. I started feeling guilty, after all I shouldn't be
feeling this way about him. I loved him, I mean LOVE him. And he loves me. Even though he
never actually said it I know he did…DOES.
After we saved the world again we parted ways with Amelia and Zel and went back to the way
we were before, but things were never quite the same again. It was just routine. At least for me it
was. Gourry I couldn't tell. Now all these years later it's the same thing. This time we are all
searching for some new cure for Zel. It wasn't planned. We just met them at an inn. They were
traveling together. Maybe that means Amelia has finally gotten her wish. They haven't acted like
a couple but maybe they are like Gourry and I. When others are around just keep quiet about our
relationship. I hope Zel and Amelia are together. I want Amelia to be happy. But then why do I
resent her so much?
The stars were very bright tonight. That's why he couldn't sleep. At least, that's what he tried to
tell himself. It wasn't the stars. It was his own mind. He was confused. He had heard all the
rumors about the powerful sorceress and the swordsman who was her bodyguard. They were
lovers. That's what everyone said. They always shared a room at an inn. But he hadn't seen any
of that lately. Lina insisted on sharing a room with Amelia and Gourry stayed with him. He was
almost relieved but he wasn't sure. Were they putting on an act or not? And if not, then what
about the rumors? Five years ago, when Lina gave up her life for Gourry and Gourry risked his
for her, Zel knew he had lost all hope. They were in love and he was just a monster. How could
he change anything? He knew that they thought he and Amelia had something but that wasn't true.
For a while he turned to her to fight his feelings for Lina. After a while, though, he realized he
couldn't change the way he felt.
He thought Amelia still had a crush on him but he was sure she would grow out of it. She would
probably meet some prince from a neighboring kingdom who would catch her heart and they
would be married and live happily ever after. The kind of fairy tale ending he secretly wished
for but could never have. Now all he felt for her was the kind of love a big brother would have
for his little sister. But he still had feelings for Lina and he had to know if all was lost or not.
He lay there contemplating the stars when he heard a noise. THUD. THUD. THUD.
"What the…!" Zel slipped out of his bedroll and followed the noise. He was rather surprised at
what he saw. Lina was standing by a dead log kicking it. "If it annoys you that much why don't
you just Fireball it like you would Gourry?" He asked in a small voice.
Lina jumped about two feet in the air and let out a string of quite expletives that made Zel blush.
"Zelgadiss Graywords, what the HELL do you think you're doing? Sneaking up on me like that."
Lina hissed at him.
"Sorry. I heard a noise and I wondered what it was. I know Amelia likes to nap during her
watch. But what are you doing? You're watch ended two hours ago." Zel had a slightly puzzled
look on his face.
"Sorry to have woken you up Zel, but I couldn't sleep."
"Don't worry. You didn't wake me up. But you didn't answer my question. What are you doing?"
"I was just thinking and it made me mad. I didn't want to wake you guys up so instead of dragon
slaving this place I just… well, you know." Lina made a sweeping gestured at the fallen log.
"Kicked an innocent log?"
At this Lina, who had been hanging her head in embarrassment, glared at Zel fierce enough to
make him wince.
"Ah, Ahem. Ah, sorry about that. Please don't kill me. Instead, why don't we talk about what
made you mad?" Zel tried to back away from Lina holding his hands protectively in front of him.
Unfortunately there was a root right behind him and he feel flat on his butt.
Lina giggled and held out her hand, "Come on. Have a seat."
Zel blushed and looked at her then took her hand. He brushed the dirt of his bottom and sat down
next to Lina. 'I wish I could have brushed that dirt of for him.' Lina thought. 'Arrhg! Why did I
just think that? What has gotten into me!' Lina silently shook her head and was glad she wasn't
one for thinking out loud.
"Now Lina, what is bothering you so much?" Zel peered at her with his usual stone face (no pun
intended^_^ actually…) and maybe just a hint of worry in his eyes. Lina wasn't too sure. 'He
sure is hard to read!' "Its nothing. Really. Don't worry a bit."
Zel stared at her disbelievingly. "For some reason I don't believe you."
"I told you I'm fine! Now leave me alone before I fireball your ass outta here!" Lina glared at
him furiously.
Zel tilted his head to the side and stared at her. Just as she was starting to fidget under his intense
stare he said, "You wouldn't."
"Wouldn't what?" she said in a distant voice. For some reason her skin felt very warm all of a
sudden.
"Fireball my ass."
"Oh. Maybe, maybe not." Lina was finding it harder and harder to concentrate as he stared at her.
"I'd like to do something else to his ass though." She thought. Or thought she thought.
"What did you say?" Zel had a supremely odd look on his face as he stared at her through the
gloom.
"Nothing! I didn't say anything! Why?" Lina spluttered out a little to fast.
"Oh. It must have been the wind."
Zel silently berated himself. 'Stop thinking like that! She doesn't want you she wants Gourry!'
At the same time Lina was thinking, 'Be careful! He almost heard you! But why was I thinking
that in the first place? I don't like Zel like that...Right?'
After the two finished yelling at themselves Zel turned to Lina.
"You haven't yet told me what made you so mad. What was it?"
Lina thought for a moment and sighed, finally giving in. "I was thinking about my love life."
Zel's heart gave a painful lurch but he kept on his course. "Exactly what love life is that?" Lina
glared daggers at him. "I didn't mean it like that!" he quickly apologized. "I just meant, what
particular love life are you talking about? Is it Gourry?" He finished with a whisper.
Lina stared off into the distance for what seemed like an eternity to Zel before she slowly
answered, "Yeah, kinda."
Zel looked at her and asked, "What do you mean kinda?"
Lina sighed and looked at the stars. "Certainly are bright tonight aren't they?" A long silence
ensued that was both comfortable and uncomfortable. Lina didn't want to talk about her love life,
especially to the man who had made it so confusing. But just being near him was comforting. She
wanted to lean against him and be protected by him.
Zel was thinking along the same lines as Lina. He didn't want to discuss her love life, especially
since it didn't involve him. But being with Lina was relaxing which was saying a lot considering
her habit of blowing things up. Besides, backing out now would look suspicious.
Suddenly, Lina sighed, breaking Zel out of his revere. "Fine! All right! If you will just shut up
and stop complaining I'll tell you what is wrong! Happy now?!" she exclaimed irritably.
Zel stared at her a moment and said, "Lina, just what are you talking about? I didn't say
anything!"
Lina glared at him and mumbled something about him going on again. Silence descended once
again before Lina sighed again and said, "Sorry. I just… I'm having trouble right now and I don't
know if I should tell you about it or not." Zel stared at her as she went on, "My love life is totally
screwed up."
Lina let things hang at this while she struggled with what to say and Zel sat patiently and watched
her. "Gourry and I have been a couple for a really long time now and I love him. Its just that…"
Zel's heart squeezed painfully when she admitted her love for Gourry. 'See. This is just what you
always thought. She could never love you!' Zel would have glared at himself if he could.
Lina continued, not noticing the look of pain on Zel's face, "Well, I love Gourry, I really do. But
not like that. Now he is just more of an annoying older brother. I know he loves me but I don't
know what exactly he feels for me." At this Zel's hope started to rise, 'Maybe I do have a chance
with her after all!'
Lina sank into though while Zel though about this new turn of events. Again, Lina sighed. (She's
been doing a lot of that lately) "Its just that, I could live like this but I have feelings for someone
else. That's what first made me realize something was wrong with me and Gourry."
At this Zel's heart sank. 'First she loves Gourry and now someone else! Why can't she make up
her mind and love me!' 'No that's not fair.' The logical part of him thought. 'She has to do what
will make her happy.' "Who do you love?" He blurted out much to his chagrin.
Lina sighed (again, I know…) and continued as if he hadn't spoken at all. "I just don't know if he
loves me. He never pays any attention to me or when he does he just treats me as a child.
Sometimes I want to Fireball his ass so bad. But he never pays attention to me." She finished of
in a whisper.
Lina was slumped down on the log with her head in her hands hoping that Zel would not see the
tears trickle down her cheeks. Suddenly she felt a pair of strong arms slip around her shoulders.
She quickly looked up to see Zel looking at her with concern. "Shhh. Don't cry." He gently
brushed away the tears running down her cheeks, glinting in the moonlight. "If you want I will
chase him down for you and make him pay attention to you. I'll tie him down and you can
Fireball him all you want."
Lina sniffled and made a noise that sounded suspiciously like a giggle. "Thanks Zel, but I don't
think that would work." Lina leaned back and tilted her head to the side to give him a long,
appraising look. "Thanks. You've made me feel a lot better." At this she leaned back into his
arms and snuggled close to him.
Zel was suddenly having a very hard time thinking, what with trying to wipe up his nosebleed
and not disturb Lina in his lap. When he finally got the situation under control he asked, "Why
don't you tell him how you feel? Its not like you to hide and wait for someone to rescue you. Go
after him and if he doesn't pay attention to you, Fireball him."
Lina thought about this for a while and suddenly stood up. "You're right Zel. I should tell him
how I feel. I can't go on like this! And Gourry will understand. I think." Lina looked slightly
worried about this but continued as both got up to walk back to camp. "I will tell him how I feel
and if he tries to ignore me I will Fireball his ass to Kingdom Come!"
"Come? Were is that?"
"Oh, east of Saillune somewhere."
"Really. Never heard of it."
AN: DUM DA DA DUM! Ohh… suspenseful… not really, just read on…
bacon as a child but I do now. So maybe Lina's tastes changed too. Her first love was Gourry but
after awhile his stupidity could really start to get on her nerves. Gourry is a good first love, but
Zel is the kind of man you could spend your life with. I think Lina would recognize that as she got
older. The bacon thing, okay? Even if you don't like it just bear with me please. I know the mood
of the story swings a lot but that's just how it is. This is my first fic, so if you don't like it go
jump it a pit of flaming lava singing Mary had a Little Lamb. That always makes me feel better. If
you do like it REVIEW! I need repeated praise or I get all pathetic and
lonely. I might write more pretty fics if I get good reviews… Enjoy! ^_^
P.S. Don't own nothin… but this fic… MINE!
P.P.S Sorry bout the format… If I get complaints I'll fix it but I'm lazy…
The Bacon Thing
The sky was clear of clouds that night. The stars were shining brightly and clearly down on the
little clearing were Lina Inverse sat on a dead log. On this night, however, Lina's mind was
anything but clear. Her watch had ended about an hour ago but she couldn't sleep. Amelia was
dozing on the other side of the clearing. 'Hmmph,' Lina thought, 'Amelia never was very good at
taking watch. I'll just have to do it for her.' Lina sat there and gazed at the sleeping forms of her
three friends. 'Amelia, sweet innocent Amelia. She cares more about others than herself and her
belief in justice is so strong. I guess it would have to be to remain innocent in the world we live
in. She may be incredibly annoying at times but I know she will always be there for me.'
'Zel. He is so strong, even if he doesn't realize it. Not bad looking either. He always complains
about how people stare at him when we walk into a town. He thinks they are repulsed by him. I
think the women stare at him in wonder and the men…… well; I don't really want to know. He
really is wonderful to look at. So unique. And he cares even though he won't admit it. He is
almost as smart as I am though with all his complaining I sometimes wonder if his IQ is the same
as Gourry's.'
'Gourry. Her Gourry. He is such an idiot. Sometimes he makes me just want to kill him, but he
can be so sweet. He can be smart occasionally and observant. Like when we are about to be
attacked. He always knows ahead of time. Even I haven't been able to do that. And he protects
me. I don't need it but it feels nice to have someone watch out for you every once and awhile.
Ever since that day five years ago I thought myself in love with Gourry. Every one else thought so
too. It was something that was just there. We couldn't change it, especially after he rescued me. It
was a wonderful feeling, being in love. I thought we would always be together after that. Just us.
It was fine for a while. We parted ways with Zel and Amelia and went off to start our life
together. It was so much fun! Traveling with the one I love, out under the stars or sharing a cozy
room at an inn. The biggest problem was getting enough food for the both of us! But we had that
problem even before we became a couple.
When we met up with Zel and Amelia again things just slipped back to the way they were before
that day Gourry rescued me. He didn't seem affected by that but I wondered. As for me, I almost
felt relived. I didn't want to hurt Gourry but he was starting to really bug me. Not the minor
annoyances that were typical of him. I was used to those by now. It was more like a deep
resentment. And I had no idea why I felt this way. I started feeling guilty, after all I shouldn't be
feeling this way about him. I loved him, I mean LOVE him. And he loves me. Even though he
never actually said it I know he did…DOES.
After we saved the world again we parted ways with Amelia and Zel and went back to the way
we were before, but things were never quite the same again. It was just routine. At least for me it
was. Gourry I couldn't tell. Now all these years later it's the same thing. This time we are all
searching for some new cure for Zel. It wasn't planned. We just met them at an inn. They were
traveling together. Maybe that means Amelia has finally gotten her wish. They haven't acted like
a couple but maybe they are like Gourry and I. When others are around just keep quiet about our
relationship. I hope Zel and Amelia are together. I want Amelia to be happy. But then why do I
resent her so much?
The stars were very bright tonight. That's why he couldn't sleep. At least, that's what he tried to
tell himself. It wasn't the stars. It was his own mind. He was confused. He had heard all the
rumors about the powerful sorceress and the swordsman who was her bodyguard. They were
lovers. That's what everyone said. They always shared a room at an inn. But he hadn't seen any
of that lately. Lina insisted on sharing a room with Amelia and Gourry stayed with him. He was
almost relieved but he wasn't sure. Were they putting on an act or not? And if not, then what
about the rumors? Five years ago, when Lina gave up her life for Gourry and Gourry risked his
for her, Zel knew he had lost all hope. They were in love and he was just a monster. How could
he change anything? He knew that they thought he and Amelia had something but that wasn't true.
For a while he turned to her to fight his feelings for Lina. After a while, though, he realized he
couldn't change the way he felt.
He thought Amelia still had a crush on him but he was sure she would grow out of it. She would
probably meet some prince from a neighboring kingdom who would catch her heart and they
would be married and live happily ever after. The kind of fairy tale ending he secretly wished
for but could never have. Now all he felt for her was the kind of love a big brother would have
for his little sister. But he still had feelings for Lina and he had to know if all was lost or not.
He lay there contemplating the stars when he heard a noise. THUD. THUD. THUD.
"What the…!" Zel slipped out of his bedroll and followed the noise. He was rather surprised at
what he saw. Lina was standing by a dead log kicking it. "If it annoys you that much why don't
you just Fireball it like you would Gourry?" He asked in a small voice.
Lina jumped about two feet in the air and let out a string of quite expletives that made Zel blush.
"Zelgadiss Graywords, what the HELL do you think you're doing? Sneaking up on me like that."
Lina hissed at him.
"Sorry. I heard a noise and I wondered what it was. I know Amelia likes to nap during her
watch. But what are you doing? You're watch ended two hours ago." Zel had a slightly puzzled
look on his face.
"Sorry to have woken you up Zel, but I couldn't sleep."
"Don't worry. You didn't wake me up. But you didn't answer my question. What are you doing?"
"I was just thinking and it made me mad. I didn't want to wake you guys up so instead of dragon
slaving this place I just… well, you know." Lina made a sweeping gestured at the fallen log.
"Kicked an innocent log?"
At this Lina, who had been hanging her head in embarrassment, glared at Zel fierce enough to
make him wince.
"Ah, Ahem. Ah, sorry about that. Please don't kill me. Instead, why don't we talk about what
made you mad?" Zel tried to back away from Lina holding his hands protectively in front of him.
Unfortunately there was a root right behind him and he feel flat on his butt.
Lina giggled and held out her hand, "Come on. Have a seat."
Zel blushed and looked at her then took her hand. He brushed the dirt of his bottom and sat down
next to Lina. 'I wish I could have brushed that dirt of for him.' Lina thought. 'Arrhg! Why did I
just think that? What has gotten into me!' Lina silently shook her head and was glad she wasn't
one for thinking out loud.
"Now Lina, what is bothering you so much?" Zel peered at her with his usual stone face (no pun
intended^_^ actually…) and maybe just a hint of worry in his eyes. Lina wasn't too sure. 'He
sure is hard to read!' "Its nothing. Really. Don't worry a bit."
Zel stared at her disbelievingly. "For some reason I don't believe you."
"I told you I'm fine! Now leave me alone before I fireball your ass outta here!" Lina glared at
him furiously.
Zel tilted his head to the side and stared at her. Just as she was starting to fidget under his intense
stare he said, "You wouldn't."
"Wouldn't what?" she said in a distant voice. For some reason her skin felt very warm all of a
sudden.
"Fireball my ass."
"Oh. Maybe, maybe not." Lina was finding it harder and harder to concentrate as he stared at her.
"I'd like to do something else to his ass though." She thought. Or thought she thought.
"What did you say?" Zel had a supremely odd look on his face as he stared at her through the
gloom.
"Nothing! I didn't say anything! Why?" Lina spluttered out a little to fast.
"Oh. It must have been the wind."
Zel silently berated himself. 'Stop thinking like that! She doesn't want you she wants Gourry!'
At the same time Lina was thinking, 'Be careful! He almost heard you! But why was I thinking
that in the first place? I don't like Zel like that...Right?'
After the two finished yelling at themselves Zel turned to Lina.
"You haven't yet told me what made you so mad. What was it?"
Lina thought for a moment and sighed, finally giving in. "I was thinking about my love life."
Zel's heart gave a painful lurch but he kept on his course. "Exactly what love life is that?" Lina
glared daggers at him. "I didn't mean it like that!" he quickly apologized. "I just meant, what
particular love life are you talking about? Is it Gourry?" He finished with a whisper.
Lina stared off into the distance for what seemed like an eternity to Zel before she slowly
answered, "Yeah, kinda."
Zel looked at her and asked, "What do you mean kinda?"
Lina sighed and looked at the stars. "Certainly are bright tonight aren't they?" A long silence
ensued that was both comfortable and uncomfortable. Lina didn't want to talk about her love life,
especially to the man who had made it so confusing. But just being near him was comforting. She
wanted to lean against him and be protected by him.
Zel was thinking along the same lines as Lina. He didn't want to discuss her love life, especially
since it didn't involve him. But being with Lina was relaxing which was saying a lot considering
her habit of blowing things up. Besides, backing out now would look suspicious.
Suddenly, Lina sighed, breaking Zel out of his revere. "Fine! All right! If you will just shut up
and stop complaining I'll tell you what is wrong! Happy now?!" she exclaimed irritably.
Zel stared at her a moment and said, "Lina, just what are you talking about? I didn't say
anything!"
Lina glared at him and mumbled something about him going on again. Silence descended once
again before Lina sighed again and said, "Sorry. I just… I'm having trouble right now and I don't
know if I should tell you about it or not." Zel stared at her as she went on, "My love life is totally
screwed up."
Lina let things hang at this while she struggled with what to say and Zel sat patiently and watched
her. "Gourry and I have been a couple for a really long time now and I love him. Its just that…"
Zel's heart squeezed painfully when she admitted her love for Gourry. 'See. This is just what you
always thought. She could never love you!' Zel would have glared at himself if he could.
Lina continued, not noticing the look of pain on Zel's face, "Well, I love Gourry, I really do. But
not like that. Now he is just more of an annoying older brother. I know he loves me but I don't
know what exactly he feels for me." At this Zel's hope started to rise, 'Maybe I do have a chance
with her after all!'
Lina sank into though while Zel though about this new turn of events. Again, Lina sighed. (She's
been doing a lot of that lately) "Its just that, I could live like this but I have feelings for someone
else. That's what first made me realize something was wrong with me and Gourry."
At this Zel's heart sank. 'First she loves Gourry and now someone else! Why can't she make up
her mind and love me!' 'No that's not fair.' The logical part of him thought. 'She has to do what
will make her happy.' "Who do you love?" He blurted out much to his chagrin.
Lina sighed (again, I know…) and continued as if he hadn't spoken at all. "I just don't know if he
loves me. He never pays any attention to me or when he does he just treats me as a child.
Sometimes I want to Fireball his ass so bad. But he never pays attention to me." She finished of
in a whisper.
Lina was slumped down on the log with her head in her hands hoping that Zel would not see the
tears trickle down her cheeks. Suddenly she felt a pair of strong arms slip around her shoulders.
She quickly looked up to see Zel looking at her with concern. "Shhh. Don't cry." He gently
brushed away the tears running down her cheeks, glinting in the moonlight. "If you want I will
chase him down for you and make him pay attention to you. I'll tie him down and you can
Fireball him all you want."
Lina sniffled and made a noise that sounded suspiciously like a giggle. "Thanks Zel, but I don't
think that would work." Lina leaned back and tilted her head to the side to give him a long,
appraising look. "Thanks. You've made me feel a lot better." At this she leaned back into his
arms and snuggled close to him.
Zel was suddenly having a very hard time thinking, what with trying to wipe up his nosebleed
and not disturb Lina in his lap. When he finally got the situation under control he asked, "Why
don't you tell him how you feel? Its not like you to hide and wait for someone to rescue you. Go
after him and if he doesn't pay attention to you, Fireball him."
Lina thought about this for a while and suddenly stood up. "You're right Zel. I should tell him
how I feel. I can't go on like this! And Gourry will understand. I think." Lina looked slightly
worried about this but continued as both got up to walk back to camp. "I will tell him how I feel
and if he tries to ignore me I will Fireball his ass to Kingdom Come!"
"Come? Were is that?"
"Oh, east of Saillune somewhere."
"Really. Never heard of it."
AN: DUM DA DA DUM! Ohh… suspenseful… not really, just read on…