"So, where were you last night?" Elise asked Zoe as she came into the room
she shared with her and Kaori. Zoe just shrugged and sat on her bed, then
pulled off her shoes. Elise walked over and stood in front of her. "You
should really be more careful if you're going to stay the night with your
pet maniac."
"Don't call him that," Zoe snapped, looking up at Elise. "He's not a bad guy, just different. Besides, we fell asleep watching a movie. Nothing happened."
"Well, get changed so we can go shopping," Elise said. "Kaori said there's a really good dress shop near here that has pretty nice clothes."
"Sounds good," Zoe replied, changing clothes. "Who's all going?"
"Kaori, you, and I," Elise answered. "I figure Marisol can fend for herself and where she goes Seeiah goes."
"Yeah," the punky boarder answered, pulling on a t-shirt with the words Rock Princess on it. "I like Seeiah, but I wish she'd see the real Marisol."
"Still bitter about what happened at Garibaldi?" Elise asked. Zoe just nodded. It went beyond bitterness. She had once been pretty good friends with Marisol, even shared a tour bus with her. That had all ened when Marisol had tried, unsuccessfully, to seduce Psymon. It had almost ruined not only her budding romance with the man, but her friendship with him. She could forgive a lot of things, but betrayal was too much. Now she avoided Marisol when she could.
"Are you two ready?" Kaori chirped, poking her head out from the bathroom.
"Yeah, whenever you are," Zoe answered.
Soon the three women were broswing through the small dress shop, looking for that perfect outfit. Kaori settled on a nice red Chinese-styled dress with black trim, while Elise found a nice blue dress embroideried with gold flowers. Zoe, however, wasn't use to dressing up and was having a hard time finding a dress she liked. Searching through the racks and racks of dresses was getting depressing. Kaori suddenly bounced up and nearly tackled Zoe.
"I found the perfect dress for you," the Japanese girl said, waving some black fabric at Zoe. Zoe finally got ahold of the fabric and held it out to see the dress Kaori was going on about. It was beautiful and completely fit her personality.
"This is so rad, Kaori," Zoe replied, smiling, "and my size, too."
"We should go to a slaon and get our hair done while we're out," Elise suggested. Zoe and Kaori just nodded.
"I hate this," Psymon grumbled, standing there while the tailor measured him. "Is it really neccessary?"
"It is if you want the tuxedo to fit right so you'll be comfortable," JP answered, watching. He looked at the tailor. "See if you can fix his inseam."
"Don't you dare," Psymon growled at the little man. He looked at JP. "The pants fit fine."
"Why're you making such a fuss, Psy?" Brodi asked, coming out of the changing room. Naturally his tuxedo looked perfect on him.
"Because I hate this dress-up crap. It's stupid. They want the boarders there, but they won't let us be ourselves," Psymon answered, then yelped and looked at the tailor who had been measuring his inseam anyway. "You stick that pin in my nuts again, and I'm going to shove that pin cushion up your--"
"Psymon!" Brodi shouted, cutting off the Canadian in mid-threat. "Remember, the officials said you had to behave."
"This bites," Psymon sighed. He was glad he wasn't the only one, though. Mac and Luther weren't all that thrilled either. Moby, JP, and Brodi seemed to be in their element though. Eddie was having fun, but didn't really dig the whole tailor thing. Psymon figured the kid was just bummed because the officials told him no powder-blue tuxedos from the 70's. He glanced over at himself in the mirror. It surprised him a bit how much the tux made a difference. He felt strange, though, as if he were looking at someone else in the mirror. He reached up and gave his left sleeve a sharp yank and ripped it from the jacket. The tailor looked up at him.
"Please forgive our inferior fabric, I'll fix that right away," the little man said.
"Don't bother," Psymon replied. "I rather like it that way. Take the other sleeve off, too."
"Psy, they'll never let you get away with that," Mac said, lounging in a chair.
"Oh, I think they will. They can't possibly expect me to dress up all the way. Besides, I can't stand us all looking alike," Psymon snapped. Mac just smiled.
"I'm gonna wear my hat then," the boy laughed.
"Variety is the spice of life," Brodi said softly. "You're right, Psy. We have to have something of ourselves in these."
After awhile, the guys were walking back towards the hotel with their purchases. Psymon saw Brodi starting to veer off from the others. The Canadian quickly caught up with the older man and tapped him on the shoulder.
"Now where you running off to?" he asked.
"I thought I visit one of the temples before the dinner tonight," Brodi answered, turning around to face Psymon. "Would you like to come along?"
"I'm not really into all that spiritual stuff, Brodi, but you go right on ahead. Have a good time," Psymon replied. "I'll take your tux back to the hotel."
"Well, thanks, friend," Brodi said, handing his tuxedo over. Psymon watched him walk off, then went back to join the others. He walked up to Luther.
"Hey, man, can you do me a favor?" he asked as Luther turned to him. He handed the two tuxedos over. "Can you take these back to me and Brodi's rooms? I'm gonna go with him to the temple."
"What, are you two gettin' married or somethin'?" the Southerner laughed, taking the offered tuxedos. Psymon frowned.
"No, asshole, he's going to the temple for who knows why and I want to go with him. I dunno why, but everytime Brodi's get in spiritual mode, it helps me out, too," the Canadian explained. "I figured it couldn't hurt before the dinner tonight."
"Alright, man," Luther answered. "Just don't be late getting back."
"Thanks," Psymon replied and headed after Brodi. It didn't take him long to catch up with the blonde man and he soon fell in step.
"Ah, grasshopper, so you have decided to visit your spiritual side afterall," Brodi chuckled.
"Don't pull that 'walking the earth like Kane' crap on me, Brodi, I just need the exercise. Plus, I thought we could talk," Psymon mumbled. Brodi looked at him.
"What's on your mind, friend? This have anything to do with a certain young woman that sports red facial tattoos?" he asked.
"Yeah," Psymon answered. "I haven't really seen Zoe since last season, and we really didn't keep in touch much during the off season."
"Why not?" the surfer asked. Psymon just shrugged. They walked up to the Kaminarimon Gate in silence. Brodi finally spoke up as they reached the impressive structure. "You still love her, don't you?"
"Yeah, of course I do," Psymon answered, looking at Brodi with wide eyes. He looked down. "I don't know why we didn't keep in touch more. When I saw her yesterday, I just wanted to sweep her into a hug and kiss her like those people in the movies do."
"Why didn't you?" Brodi asked as the two men walked through the gate.
"I just didn't want to look like a dork in front of everyone. Plus, I'm just not good with showing my emotions in public," Psymon replied, looking up at the giant red paper lantern as Brodi threw a coin into the offertory box. Psymon blinked. "What're you doing?"
"It's said that if you toss a coin in here and make a wish, it'll come true," Brodi answered, smiling. Psymon shrugged, dug a coin out of his pocket, figuring it couldn't hurt, and tossed it in. He closed his eyes to make a wish, but saw only Zoe. He smiled, knowing that wish had already come true. Opening his eyes, he saw Brodi looking at him quizzically as throngs of people moved around the two of them. Psymon just shook his head. Brodi motioned for him to follow.
"Do you come here a lot, Brodi?" Psymon asked, falling in step with him again.
"Every chance we're in town, friend. I like this place, there's just something about it," the older man answered. Psymon watched a group of Japanese children run by laughing. He kinda got what Brodi was talking about. This place had so much life in it. He felt a tap on his shoulder and looked back at Brodi. "Come on, let's go over to the temple."
"Why? What's over there?" Psymon asked, following Brodi down the Nakamise Avenue.
"It's the main shrine. You'll like it," Brodi answered, smiling. Psymon shrugged and nodded, following after Brodi. He felt so out of place here. It was like stepping back in time or something. A small child ran into him, not watching where she was going since she was playing with her friends. The girl bounced off his legs and landed on her bottom, then stared up at him. He held out his hand to help her up, but she yelled something in Japanese at him and ran off. Psymon looked at Brodi, who was standing there chuckling.
"What did she say?" the Canadian asked.
"Something about you being a demon, I think. You know, you're not exactly the friendliest looking guy, Psymon," Brodi answered. Psymon frowned.
"I didn't mean to scare the kid," he said softly. Brodi nodded.
"Don't sweat it," he replied. He led Psymon through the bustling street to the shrine. The two men walked up the steps to the temple. Once at the top, Brodi clapped twice and bowed his head. Psymon followed suit. They both tossed coins into a small wooden rack. Silently they entered the temple, and Psymon fell in step behind Brodi. The place made him completely nervous. Brodi just laid a hand on his shoulder and guided him through the temple. Psymon looked at the figures behind the wire-mesh enclosures and sighed softly. After leaving the temple, Brodi and him stopped at a small cafe near the gardens to have some lunch.
"Brodi, I just don't get what you see in all this," Psymon said softly, picking at his food. "I don't understand where the spirituality comes from. I mean, you know all this wisdom and stuff and you have a very calming effect on people, but this place...it's far from what I envisioned a Buddist temple to be like."
"Well, it's true that Sensoji is very commercialized, but I still love it. I like seeing all the people," Brodi answered. "The only temple that matters is the one inside you."
"Good words," Psymon replied, taking a bite of his rice.
"Psy, why did you come along with me?" Brodi asked. Psymon just shrugged.
"I dunno. You're more worldly than I am. I never would have even thought about coming to a place like this before," the Canadian said.
"And now?" Brodi asked. Psymon thought a moment, then smiled.
"Everything the same; everything distinct," he answered, settling back in his chair. Brodi blinked. The younger man smiled. "I saw that in the temple. It sorta fits. I'm still going through life the same way I always have, but I see it differently now. It's like this place. I still wouldn't ever come here, but now it's not the place I thought it was."
"Ah, grasshopper, you are learning," Brodi chuckled, winking at him. He held up a small toy in his hand that he had bought at a souvenier shop on their way to the cafe. "Snatch the bauble from my hand."
"How about I just smack you and take it?" Psymon laughed. The two continued their talk over lunch, then headed back to the hotel. Psymon went to his own room after thanking Brodi for the sight-seeing trip, then took a shower. Afterwards, he put the tuxedo pants, socks and shoes on. He looked around, but couldn't find the dress shirt that was suppose to be with the tuxedo. He figured the tailor hadn't put it in since he'd had the sleeves removed from his jacket. Fine then, he thought. He picked out a clean white sleeveless t-shirt from his closet and put it on, then put the jacket on over it. He looked at himself in the mirror and sighed. Even with the tuxedo punked out, he still felt out of place.
Psymon finally walked down to the lobby to wait with the others. Brodi saw him and walked over. Psymon just nodded a greeting and looked around. Only the men were present in the lobby.
"Brodi, where are the girls?" he asked, looking at his friend.
"Oh, you know ladies," Brodi answered. "They're probably still getting ready and want to make their big entrance. How're you holding up about this dinner thing?"
"I'm really nervous. I don't want to screw up and make the league look bad," Psymon replied. "I also want to have a good time and, you know, show Zoe a good time, too. I'll just have to try my best to fit in."
"Do or do not, there is no try," Brodi said softly.
"More Zen?" Psymon asked, looking at him. Brodi laughed.
"Star Wars, actually," the older man answered. A gasp from the other guys brought their attention around. Standing at the top of the stairs were the five women of the league. One by one, they made their way down the stairs. Marisol was decked out in a form-fitting short green dress. Seeiah wore a nice purple number with long sleeves trimmed in mairbou, matching the neck of the dress. Elise and Kaori strolled down, each wearing the dress they had bought earlier.
Zoe was the last to walk down. Psymon couldn't get over how great she looked in her Chinese-styled black dress. The small red spiderwebs that were embroideried all over it complimented her figure perfectly. Her hair had been put up in a small bun and decorated with Japanese-styled combs. Psymon licked his lips and swallowed as she approached him. For once he was totally speechless.
"Say one word with your mouth shut," Brodi murmured softly behind Psymon. The Canadian nodded. Zoe stood in front of him, looking as uncomfortable as he felt.
"What do you think?" Zoe asked. Psymon didn't say a word, he just pulled her close and gave her the most romantic kiss the two had ever shared. He didn't care if the others were watching or that the officials had come to pick them up. He just wanted to savor this moment with the woman he loved. He pulled back, then kissed her forehead.
"You're the most beautiful woman in the world, Zoe. That dress looks great on you," Psymon whispered softly, his arms still around her. Zoe rested against him, hugging him.
"What the hell did you do to your tuxedo, Stark?" Tenaki asked walking up. Psymon looked at him, narrowing his eyes.
"The sleeves didn't fit right, so I had them taken off. They didn't put a dress shirt in, so I made do with what I had. You can make me go to this thing, you can make me wear formal clothes, but you can't keep me from being who I am," Psymon answered, stepping back from Zoe.
"Yeah, fine, whatever," Tenkai replied. "Just get in the limo."
"All of us, in the same limo?" Mac asked, looking outside. "What the hell is that?"
"It's a customized Excursion that the league had converted into a limo for you all to go to charity functions in. It's big enough for all of you and us officials," Tenkai answered. "Now get in so we can go."
The boarders walked out and piled into the huge SUV limo. Brodi helped Marisol, Seeiah, and Elise in, then climed in himself. Mac helped Kaori get in then hopped in after her. Luther, Moby and JP climbed in, heading to the front of the vehicle. Eddie got in next and sat down with Elise. Psymon looked at Zoe and held his hand out to her. She raised and eyebrow and took it, allowing him to help her into the Excursion. Psymon climbed in after her, the two of them settling down in the back. Tenkai got in, shooting them a "better behave" look and headed to the front of the limo. Once everyone was settled, the vehicle began rolling. Psymon put his arm around Zoe, letting her rest her head against his chest and shoulder, and looked out the window, watching Tokyo go by.
"Don't call him that," Zoe snapped, looking up at Elise. "He's not a bad guy, just different. Besides, we fell asleep watching a movie. Nothing happened."
"Well, get changed so we can go shopping," Elise said. "Kaori said there's a really good dress shop near here that has pretty nice clothes."
"Sounds good," Zoe replied, changing clothes. "Who's all going?"
"Kaori, you, and I," Elise answered. "I figure Marisol can fend for herself and where she goes Seeiah goes."
"Yeah," the punky boarder answered, pulling on a t-shirt with the words Rock Princess on it. "I like Seeiah, but I wish she'd see the real Marisol."
"Still bitter about what happened at Garibaldi?" Elise asked. Zoe just nodded. It went beyond bitterness. She had once been pretty good friends with Marisol, even shared a tour bus with her. That had all ened when Marisol had tried, unsuccessfully, to seduce Psymon. It had almost ruined not only her budding romance with the man, but her friendship with him. She could forgive a lot of things, but betrayal was too much. Now she avoided Marisol when she could.
"Are you two ready?" Kaori chirped, poking her head out from the bathroom.
"Yeah, whenever you are," Zoe answered.
Soon the three women were broswing through the small dress shop, looking for that perfect outfit. Kaori settled on a nice red Chinese-styled dress with black trim, while Elise found a nice blue dress embroideried with gold flowers. Zoe, however, wasn't use to dressing up and was having a hard time finding a dress she liked. Searching through the racks and racks of dresses was getting depressing. Kaori suddenly bounced up and nearly tackled Zoe.
"I found the perfect dress for you," the Japanese girl said, waving some black fabric at Zoe. Zoe finally got ahold of the fabric and held it out to see the dress Kaori was going on about. It was beautiful and completely fit her personality.
"This is so rad, Kaori," Zoe replied, smiling, "and my size, too."
"We should go to a slaon and get our hair done while we're out," Elise suggested. Zoe and Kaori just nodded.
"I hate this," Psymon grumbled, standing there while the tailor measured him. "Is it really neccessary?"
"It is if you want the tuxedo to fit right so you'll be comfortable," JP answered, watching. He looked at the tailor. "See if you can fix his inseam."
"Don't you dare," Psymon growled at the little man. He looked at JP. "The pants fit fine."
"Why're you making such a fuss, Psy?" Brodi asked, coming out of the changing room. Naturally his tuxedo looked perfect on him.
"Because I hate this dress-up crap. It's stupid. They want the boarders there, but they won't let us be ourselves," Psymon answered, then yelped and looked at the tailor who had been measuring his inseam anyway. "You stick that pin in my nuts again, and I'm going to shove that pin cushion up your--"
"Psymon!" Brodi shouted, cutting off the Canadian in mid-threat. "Remember, the officials said you had to behave."
"This bites," Psymon sighed. He was glad he wasn't the only one, though. Mac and Luther weren't all that thrilled either. Moby, JP, and Brodi seemed to be in their element though. Eddie was having fun, but didn't really dig the whole tailor thing. Psymon figured the kid was just bummed because the officials told him no powder-blue tuxedos from the 70's. He glanced over at himself in the mirror. It surprised him a bit how much the tux made a difference. He felt strange, though, as if he were looking at someone else in the mirror. He reached up and gave his left sleeve a sharp yank and ripped it from the jacket. The tailor looked up at him.
"Please forgive our inferior fabric, I'll fix that right away," the little man said.
"Don't bother," Psymon replied. "I rather like it that way. Take the other sleeve off, too."
"Psy, they'll never let you get away with that," Mac said, lounging in a chair.
"Oh, I think they will. They can't possibly expect me to dress up all the way. Besides, I can't stand us all looking alike," Psymon snapped. Mac just smiled.
"I'm gonna wear my hat then," the boy laughed.
"Variety is the spice of life," Brodi said softly. "You're right, Psy. We have to have something of ourselves in these."
After awhile, the guys were walking back towards the hotel with their purchases. Psymon saw Brodi starting to veer off from the others. The Canadian quickly caught up with the older man and tapped him on the shoulder.
"Now where you running off to?" he asked.
"I thought I visit one of the temples before the dinner tonight," Brodi answered, turning around to face Psymon. "Would you like to come along?"
"I'm not really into all that spiritual stuff, Brodi, but you go right on ahead. Have a good time," Psymon replied. "I'll take your tux back to the hotel."
"Well, thanks, friend," Brodi said, handing his tuxedo over. Psymon watched him walk off, then went back to join the others. He walked up to Luther.
"Hey, man, can you do me a favor?" he asked as Luther turned to him. He handed the two tuxedos over. "Can you take these back to me and Brodi's rooms? I'm gonna go with him to the temple."
"What, are you two gettin' married or somethin'?" the Southerner laughed, taking the offered tuxedos. Psymon frowned.
"No, asshole, he's going to the temple for who knows why and I want to go with him. I dunno why, but everytime Brodi's get in spiritual mode, it helps me out, too," the Canadian explained. "I figured it couldn't hurt before the dinner tonight."
"Alright, man," Luther answered. "Just don't be late getting back."
"Thanks," Psymon replied and headed after Brodi. It didn't take him long to catch up with the blonde man and he soon fell in step.
"Ah, grasshopper, so you have decided to visit your spiritual side afterall," Brodi chuckled.
"Don't pull that 'walking the earth like Kane' crap on me, Brodi, I just need the exercise. Plus, I thought we could talk," Psymon mumbled. Brodi looked at him.
"What's on your mind, friend? This have anything to do with a certain young woman that sports red facial tattoos?" he asked.
"Yeah," Psymon answered. "I haven't really seen Zoe since last season, and we really didn't keep in touch much during the off season."
"Why not?" the surfer asked. Psymon just shrugged. They walked up to the Kaminarimon Gate in silence. Brodi finally spoke up as they reached the impressive structure. "You still love her, don't you?"
"Yeah, of course I do," Psymon answered, looking at Brodi with wide eyes. He looked down. "I don't know why we didn't keep in touch more. When I saw her yesterday, I just wanted to sweep her into a hug and kiss her like those people in the movies do."
"Why didn't you?" Brodi asked as the two men walked through the gate.
"I just didn't want to look like a dork in front of everyone. Plus, I'm just not good with showing my emotions in public," Psymon replied, looking up at the giant red paper lantern as Brodi threw a coin into the offertory box. Psymon blinked. "What're you doing?"
"It's said that if you toss a coin in here and make a wish, it'll come true," Brodi answered, smiling. Psymon shrugged, dug a coin out of his pocket, figuring it couldn't hurt, and tossed it in. He closed his eyes to make a wish, but saw only Zoe. He smiled, knowing that wish had already come true. Opening his eyes, he saw Brodi looking at him quizzically as throngs of people moved around the two of them. Psymon just shook his head. Brodi motioned for him to follow.
"Do you come here a lot, Brodi?" Psymon asked, falling in step with him again.
"Every chance we're in town, friend. I like this place, there's just something about it," the older man answered. Psymon watched a group of Japanese children run by laughing. He kinda got what Brodi was talking about. This place had so much life in it. He felt a tap on his shoulder and looked back at Brodi. "Come on, let's go over to the temple."
"Why? What's over there?" Psymon asked, following Brodi down the Nakamise Avenue.
"It's the main shrine. You'll like it," Brodi answered, smiling. Psymon shrugged and nodded, following after Brodi. He felt so out of place here. It was like stepping back in time or something. A small child ran into him, not watching where she was going since she was playing with her friends. The girl bounced off his legs and landed on her bottom, then stared up at him. He held out his hand to help her up, but she yelled something in Japanese at him and ran off. Psymon looked at Brodi, who was standing there chuckling.
"What did she say?" the Canadian asked.
"Something about you being a demon, I think. You know, you're not exactly the friendliest looking guy, Psymon," Brodi answered. Psymon frowned.
"I didn't mean to scare the kid," he said softly. Brodi nodded.
"Don't sweat it," he replied. He led Psymon through the bustling street to the shrine. The two men walked up the steps to the temple. Once at the top, Brodi clapped twice and bowed his head. Psymon followed suit. They both tossed coins into a small wooden rack. Silently they entered the temple, and Psymon fell in step behind Brodi. The place made him completely nervous. Brodi just laid a hand on his shoulder and guided him through the temple. Psymon looked at the figures behind the wire-mesh enclosures and sighed softly. After leaving the temple, Brodi and him stopped at a small cafe near the gardens to have some lunch.
"Brodi, I just don't get what you see in all this," Psymon said softly, picking at his food. "I don't understand where the spirituality comes from. I mean, you know all this wisdom and stuff and you have a very calming effect on people, but this place...it's far from what I envisioned a Buddist temple to be like."
"Well, it's true that Sensoji is very commercialized, but I still love it. I like seeing all the people," Brodi answered. "The only temple that matters is the one inside you."
"Good words," Psymon replied, taking a bite of his rice.
"Psy, why did you come along with me?" Brodi asked. Psymon just shrugged.
"I dunno. You're more worldly than I am. I never would have even thought about coming to a place like this before," the Canadian said.
"And now?" Brodi asked. Psymon thought a moment, then smiled.
"Everything the same; everything distinct," he answered, settling back in his chair. Brodi blinked. The younger man smiled. "I saw that in the temple. It sorta fits. I'm still going through life the same way I always have, but I see it differently now. It's like this place. I still wouldn't ever come here, but now it's not the place I thought it was."
"Ah, grasshopper, you are learning," Brodi chuckled, winking at him. He held up a small toy in his hand that he had bought at a souvenier shop on their way to the cafe. "Snatch the bauble from my hand."
"How about I just smack you and take it?" Psymon laughed. The two continued their talk over lunch, then headed back to the hotel. Psymon went to his own room after thanking Brodi for the sight-seeing trip, then took a shower. Afterwards, he put the tuxedo pants, socks and shoes on. He looked around, but couldn't find the dress shirt that was suppose to be with the tuxedo. He figured the tailor hadn't put it in since he'd had the sleeves removed from his jacket. Fine then, he thought. He picked out a clean white sleeveless t-shirt from his closet and put it on, then put the jacket on over it. He looked at himself in the mirror and sighed. Even with the tuxedo punked out, he still felt out of place.
Psymon finally walked down to the lobby to wait with the others. Brodi saw him and walked over. Psymon just nodded a greeting and looked around. Only the men were present in the lobby.
"Brodi, where are the girls?" he asked, looking at his friend.
"Oh, you know ladies," Brodi answered. "They're probably still getting ready and want to make their big entrance. How're you holding up about this dinner thing?"
"I'm really nervous. I don't want to screw up and make the league look bad," Psymon replied. "I also want to have a good time and, you know, show Zoe a good time, too. I'll just have to try my best to fit in."
"Do or do not, there is no try," Brodi said softly.
"More Zen?" Psymon asked, looking at him. Brodi laughed.
"Star Wars, actually," the older man answered. A gasp from the other guys brought their attention around. Standing at the top of the stairs were the five women of the league. One by one, they made their way down the stairs. Marisol was decked out in a form-fitting short green dress. Seeiah wore a nice purple number with long sleeves trimmed in mairbou, matching the neck of the dress. Elise and Kaori strolled down, each wearing the dress they had bought earlier.
Zoe was the last to walk down. Psymon couldn't get over how great she looked in her Chinese-styled black dress. The small red spiderwebs that were embroideried all over it complimented her figure perfectly. Her hair had been put up in a small bun and decorated with Japanese-styled combs. Psymon licked his lips and swallowed as she approached him. For once he was totally speechless.
"Say one word with your mouth shut," Brodi murmured softly behind Psymon. The Canadian nodded. Zoe stood in front of him, looking as uncomfortable as he felt.
"What do you think?" Zoe asked. Psymon didn't say a word, he just pulled her close and gave her the most romantic kiss the two had ever shared. He didn't care if the others were watching or that the officials had come to pick them up. He just wanted to savor this moment with the woman he loved. He pulled back, then kissed her forehead.
"You're the most beautiful woman in the world, Zoe. That dress looks great on you," Psymon whispered softly, his arms still around her. Zoe rested against him, hugging him.
"What the hell did you do to your tuxedo, Stark?" Tenaki asked walking up. Psymon looked at him, narrowing his eyes.
"The sleeves didn't fit right, so I had them taken off. They didn't put a dress shirt in, so I made do with what I had. You can make me go to this thing, you can make me wear formal clothes, but you can't keep me from being who I am," Psymon answered, stepping back from Zoe.
"Yeah, fine, whatever," Tenkai replied. "Just get in the limo."
"All of us, in the same limo?" Mac asked, looking outside. "What the hell is that?"
"It's a customized Excursion that the league had converted into a limo for you all to go to charity functions in. It's big enough for all of you and us officials," Tenkai answered. "Now get in so we can go."
The boarders walked out and piled into the huge SUV limo. Brodi helped Marisol, Seeiah, and Elise in, then climed in himself. Mac helped Kaori get in then hopped in after her. Luther, Moby and JP climbed in, heading to the front of the vehicle. Eddie got in next and sat down with Elise. Psymon looked at Zoe and held his hand out to her. She raised and eyebrow and took it, allowing him to help her into the Excursion. Psymon climbed in after her, the two of them settling down in the back. Tenkai got in, shooting them a "better behave" look and headed to the front of the limo. Once everyone was settled, the vehicle began rolling. Psymon put his arm around Zoe, letting her rest her head against his chest and shoulder, and looked out the window, watching Tokyo go by.