Title: Diamonds, Chapter 2.
Rating: G
Warnings: none that I can think of.
Characters/Pairings: Sheridan, Luis, mentions of Alistair and the Lopez-Fitgeralds
Summary (for chapter): When Sheridan dipped a slender hand down in the shimmering water and giggled at Juliet's soft nicker, he was hit with the realization that the girl standing at his side was the same girl from the night before, the same girl who'd chased the waves into the wee hours of the morning.

Chapter 2

"Juliet, you're such a good girl," Sheridan sighed happily as she patted the chesnut mare's neck. She laughed softly when the horse neighed in response. "What's that? Well, I like you, too." Sitting tall in the saddle, Sheridan admired the beauty around her. "It's so peaceful out here. You know what, Juliet? I think this will be my new secret place, a place I can escape to." I have a feeling I'm going to need it, she thought, leaning down to hug Juliet's neck.

"Do you always talk to animals like that?"

Sheridan's blond head whipped around, looking for the face to go with the voice, and she felt the strangest sensation when she found herself looking into a pair of the most gorgeous brown eyes she had ever seen. "Wow," she breathed. Raising a hand to her flaming cheeks when the owner of the amazing eyes grinned even wider at her, Sheridan blurted, "Who are you?" Her blue eyes darted around, looking for someplace, anyplace to hide, because she was making an absolute fool of herself.

"My name's Luis," he (the Adonis…that was her name for him…the Adonis) answered. "And you didn't answer my question," he laughed.

"What question?" Sheridan stared at him blankly for a second, before she remembered. "Yes," she admitted sheepishly. Her blue eyes sparkled with amusement in the face of her own embarrassment.

With her alluring eyes and easy smile, Luis felt himself being drawn closer and closer to her. There was just something about her, something familiar.

"Animals always listen when you pour your sorrows out to them," Sheridan explained to him with a smile.

Luis felt his heart clench at the sadness lurking beneath the smile, the wistfulness in her tone. He reached into his pocket then and held his palm out, talking in a low voice when Juliet nuzzled his hand for the sugar cube. "That's a good girl, Juliet."

"How did you know her name?" Sheridan asked, unable to hide her surprise.

Luis thought about lying, teasing her, telling her she had told him the horse's name. But he didn't want to tip his hand. He didn't want her to know how long he had been watching her (staring at her was more like it). "Juliet and I are old friends, aren't we girl?" he murmured as he stroked the velvet nose. Luis laughed at the puzzled expression on his mystery girl's youthful face and decided to come clean. "I work at the Crane stables. To help my family out with the bills," he elaborated.

"Oh," Sheridan said quietly.

Was that disappointment he heard in her voice? Her smile was a little less bright and the look in those blue eyes unreadable. Luis found himself wondering what she was thinking.

Father, Sheridan thought with dismay. What would he think? He'd probably forbid it, abhor the thought of her talking to a member of the staff.

"Hey," Luis gave one of her tanned legs a tug to regain her attention. "Why the face? Was it something I said?" Against his will, he found his eyes drawn to her mouth as she chewed on her bottom lip in seeming thought.

"No," Sheridan finally uttered.

Luis felt a rush of relief at her answer and inwardly chastised himself (That's weird, Luis…why are you even feeling anything at all? You only met the girl minutes ago). He pushed those thoughts away and took Juliet's bridle in his strong grip, leading the mare forward. "You never did tell me your name."

Where are you taking me, Sheridan wondered silently, but she said nothing, did not protest. "My name's Sheridan," she finally answered him when she rediscovered her voice. She promptly lost it again at the breathtaking sight that greeted her. Water rippled in the golden sunlight, its sound soothing and pleasant to her ears. When Juliet lowered her neck to drink from the cool stream, Sheridan took that opportunity to slide from her mount. "It's beautiful," she whispered in awe.

Luis watched her, the odd feeling of familiarity growing with each passing second. When Sheridan dipped a slender hand down in the shimmering water and giggled at Juliet's soft nicker, he was hit with the realization that the girl standing at his side was the same girl from the night before, the same girl who'd chased the waves into the wee hours of the morning. His heart pounded against his ribcage and his blood rushed through his veins as he remembered the enchanted figure she'd made in the starlight.

"You're staring," Sheridan teased, giving him a glowing smile. Slipping her shoes from her feet, she waded out into the stream, holding out a beckoning hand. "Come on," she called. "It feels wonderful, so crisp and cool. You aren't afraid of getting a little wet, are you?"

A golden brow arched at Luis in challenge, and he could only shake his head (what was with this girl and water? ). But…Luis Lopez-Fitzgerald wasn't one to back down from a dare. And it was awfully warm, he rationalized as he felt sweat trickle down his back. What the hell, he thought as he pulled his shirt over his head and toed off his shoes. He smirked at the look of astonishment written plain as day across her pretty features. "Didn't expect me to take you up on your offer, did you?"

Sheridan's fiery blue eyes flashed at him, and she grinned impishly. "Just remember…you asked for it."

Asked for it? Asked for what?, Luis barely had time to wonder before she thoroughly drenched him with a splash of water and took off running as far as her legs would take her. And what did he do? Well, the only thing he could do, of course. Luis chased after her.

Aww...I do miss this version of Sher and Luis.

Makes me feel all warm and nostalgic on this freezing day.

Maybe editing this story will reawaken my long lost inspiration to finish it.

Who knows?

Feedback is love.

Thanks for reading!