Mismatch 21
I've read somewhere that ppl don't read fics with thank yous in the beginning. And that makes me sad... :( So, I decided to try to make it less annoying for them but then I still feel that I must say thanx to those who are so kind to me and keep me from quitting! So, the thank yous are at the bottom... :) see you there!
Now... onto the fic!!!
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"And you just upped and left? Just like that? Didn't you even stay to talk to her? You men are all the same... If something is even the slightest bit off from your master plan, you just take off."
"Geez, I didn't come to you for a lecture." Roxton rolled his eyes.
"Well, as your unofficial sister, I am obliged to tell you the truth." She smiled. "Even if it's to tell you of what an idiot you've been."
"Thanks, Ren. Thanks a bunch." His voice dripping with sarcasm.
"What else am I here for?"
"Uhm. That's a good question. Just what exactly do you do at work?"
"Needless details, John."
"You make me so thankful that I don't really have a sister. One fake one is plenty." He smirked.
"Then how's about you getting me in on the family fortune." She said jokingly as she wiggled her eyebrows.
"How about I say no and we pretend that I did?"
"Spoil sport!"
"Juvenile delinquent!"
"Gasp! I'm shocked and appalled, John. Really, I am." Her face displaying feigned hurt.
"You really are juvenile."
"And you're really trying to change the subject on me. It ain't gonna work, you know." Staring at a defeated Roxton, she continued.
"So tell me. What on earth compelled you to leave without so much as a good-bye?"
"You're not going to give up on this, are you?" She stared at him impatiently. "Fine. So there I was tagging along with Ned to some dinner party and right when I step in the house I'm bombarded by complete strangers, all congratulating me. Of course, I'm confused out of my mind when suddenly, there she is. Right there, staring straight back at me. Next thing I know, some guy shows up and starts insulting me. Basically, trying to start a fight. But being the gentleman that I am..."
Ren tried to contain her laughter, but was unable to suppress a snort.
"Do you mind? I'm trying to talk here."
"No. Not at all. Please continue." She chuckled inwardly. "Gentleman... HAH!" She mumbled.
Ignoring her, he continued with his story. "So there I was, trying to avoid a confrontation when suddenly he started to touch Marguerite and make her feel uncomfortable. I'm sorry... but from then on it was all a blur. I can't remember much of the details. All I know is that the next thing I see is Marguerite cradling the guy who I apparently knocked unconscious.
"So what exactly does that mean?"
"What do you think? That guy obviously had feelings for her and she returned those feelings."
"John, come closer, I have something to tell you." He leaned in and was surprised when Ren's hand slapped him upside on the head.
"What was that for???"
"Don't take this the wrong way, but you're an idiot!"
"What?!"
"How on earth does caring for an unconscious person mean that you're in love with them? Really, now! Did you even bother to talk to her? No way! Cuz, heaven forbid you swallow your male pride and ask her if she feels the same way about you!"
Roxton's face dropped. Ren's biting words obviously having an effect on him. Noticing Roxton's reaction, Ren softened.
"Look, I've always told you the truth, straight up. No beating around the bush. And I'm not planning to change that. But did you even consider asking her?"
"Ren, why do I continue to mess up everything?" As Ren opened her mouth to reply, Roxton quickly added, "DON'T. YOU. SAY. A. WORD. It was a rhetorical question..."
"I wasn't going to say a thing." She smiled, lighting the mood.
After a brief glare at Ren, Roxton looked at his watch. "Well, if I'm not mistaken, I do believe that our lunch break is over."
"Kill joy." She muttered under her breath as she looked at her own watch.
"Pardon?"
"Spilt soy! I was just thinking about how yesterday while at a Chinese restaurant, the guy at the next table spilt his soya milk all over the table. Whew! It was quite a mess!"
"I'll tell you what, I'll give you points for creativity..." Roxton chuckled.
~~~~~
"So what are your plans for tonight?" Ren asked as they stood in the elevator shaft.
"Why?"
"No reason. Just curious." She smiled like a Cheshire cat.
"Right..." He looked at her questioningly.
"Why do you always assume I'm up to something?" Batting her eyelashes innocently.
"You usually are."
"Seriously speaking for a sec, I'm not up to anything. I just wanted to know if you were free tonight. Geoff and I were planning to have some friends over for dinner. You care to join us?"
He paused to think about her offer, "What's the catch?"
"No catch. Common, it'll be fun."
"Fine. I guess you can count me in, Ren. So, is it like a pot-luck dinner? Do you want me to bring anything?"
"Actually, now that you mention it. All you have to bring is a date."
"AHA!"
"What?!"
"No catch, eh? I just knew it! You WERE scheming!"
"Was not! It's just that we were planning to play that game you know... 'Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus'. So, it'd be better if you had a date."
"And just how exactly am I supposed to find someone for tonight? Do you think a woman is just going to suddenly fall at my feet?"
She pulled his head down and pinched his cheeks just like a grandmother would. "With this face, how can any woman resist you?" She said in a cutesy baby voice. The elevator stopped and Roxton stepped out. "I'm not going to lie, I'm not sure if I'm going to come. If I show up, then I show up. If not..."
"Alright. Hope to see you later."
He headed towards his office, ready for a very long afternoon of work. Still thinking about Ren's invite he was slightly spacing in and out of consciousness. Not quite looking at where he was going, as he turned the corner he suddenly found himself slam into someone. The force wasn't enough to knock him off his feet, but it was enough to send the other person to the ground. Automatically, Roxton kneeled to the ground to see if the person was hurt. "Are you alright? I'm sorry, I wasn't watching where I was going." He offered a hand to the stranger.
Taking the hand and staring up at his face, a soft voice spoke up. "At least this time you had the courtesy to stop and say sorry."
"Marguerite?!"
TBC...
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There you have it people... another cliffy... Yes, I've realized that there is a major decline in the quality (and length) of my chapters. And I apologize for that. Yes, I warped a character on the show to meet my own personal purposes. Don't bite my head off. :D Okey, I'm working on the next chapter right now in order to get it out sooner. :) And since I didn't put my thank you's at the top... here I go...
Lisa: "my fan" :D you don't know how much it makes me smile to get an e- mail from you!!! :) You're so supportive and encouraging... it's enuff to make me feel all warm and fuzzy!!! Thank you!
Steffi: Yup yup, another chapter is now out! Finally, right? I'm sorry if I'm putting your nerves to the test. I know, Roxton was no where to be seen in that chapter... and after reading over a lot of my chapters, I see your point. I AM a big tease... but it's so fun to be ;) I know I've been throwing people in a loop with my whole making Charles actually be a nice guy... :) but honestly, how much longer can I drag this fic??? I promise you, this story will find an ending for M/R...
M L Europe: Charles (aka: the not as evil guy anymore) ;) lol! I'm slowing bringing this fic to a conclusion... hope everything is better with you and your mom!!!
Pam: hee hee... poor Charles. I know what you mean, I was having an inner debate of whether or not to make him evil. But as you can see, you know which side won. Hope you weren't waiting too long!
Michi: Thank you so much for your kind words!!! *smiles*
Aldora: a newbie reader??? Hope you're enjoying the fic!!
TLWROX: Ack~! Antea!!! Hope you're feeling better (tho, it was a while ago since you've reviewed) I hope in any way, that my fic made you not feel as icky as you felt. And as for that reunion, I'm sorry you have to wait for another chapter... the good news is that I've actually started writing the next chapter already! LOL! And your message to Charles was hilarious!!! If you ever think that I'm taking too long in getting a chapter out, be my guest to kick my butt! ;)
Lois: Sorry for yet another short chapter... I think the other longer chapters were a result of temporary inspiration from my muse... just wait till the next chapter if you can... :)
LadySammyMRoxton: hee hee.. thank your uncle for me, cuz his internet allowed you to review my fic too... ;)
Maggie: Sorry to make you wait again with baited breath for the next chappie... :) And I still think it's so cute when you call me "V". It makes me smile... :)
Robin2409: Thanx for your patience! Another chappie is on its way!!!
***********************
Please please review!!! :D
I've read somewhere that ppl don't read fics with thank yous in the beginning. And that makes me sad... :( So, I decided to try to make it less annoying for them but then I still feel that I must say thanx to those who are so kind to me and keep me from quitting! So, the thank yous are at the bottom... :) see you there!
Now... onto the fic!!!
***********************
"And you just upped and left? Just like that? Didn't you even stay to talk to her? You men are all the same... If something is even the slightest bit off from your master plan, you just take off."
"Geez, I didn't come to you for a lecture." Roxton rolled his eyes.
"Well, as your unofficial sister, I am obliged to tell you the truth." She smiled. "Even if it's to tell you of what an idiot you've been."
"Thanks, Ren. Thanks a bunch." His voice dripping with sarcasm.
"What else am I here for?"
"Uhm. That's a good question. Just what exactly do you do at work?"
"Needless details, John."
"You make me so thankful that I don't really have a sister. One fake one is plenty." He smirked.
"Then how's about you getting me in on the family fortune." She said jokingly as she wiggled her eyebrows.
"How about I say no and we pretend that I did?"
"Spoil sport!"
"Juvenile delinquent!"
"Gasp! I'm shocked and appalled, John. Really, I am." Her face displaying feigned hurt.
"You really are juvenile."
"And you're really trying to change the subject on me. It ain't gonna work, you know." Staring at a defeated Roxton, she continued.
"So tell me. What on earth compelled you to leave without so much as a good-bye?"
"You're not going to give up on this, are you?" She stared at him impatiently. "Fine. So there I was tagging along with Ned to some dinner party and right when I step in the house I'm bombarded by complete strangers, all congratulating me. Of course, I'm confused out of my mind when suddenly, there she is. Right there, staring straight back at me. Next thing I know, some guy shows up and starts insulting me. Basically, trying to start a fight. But being the gentleman that I am..."
Ren tried to contain her laughter, but was unable to suppress a snort.
"Do you mind? I'm trying to talk here."
"No. Not at all. Please continue." She chuckled inwardly. "Gentleman... HAH!" She mumbled.
Ignoring her, he continued with his story. "So there I was, trying to avoid a confrontation when suddenly he started to touch Marguerite and make her feel uncomfortable. I'm sorry... but from then on it was all a blur. I can't remember much of the details. All I know is that the next thing I see is Marguerite cradling the guy who I apparently knocked unconscious.
"So what exactly does that mean?"
"What do you think? That guy obviously had feelings for her and she returned those feelings."
"John, come closer, I have something to tell you." He leaned in and was surprised when Ren's hand slapped him upside on the head.
"What was that for???"
"Don't take this the wrong way, but you're an idiot!"
"What?!"
"How on earth does caring for an unconscious person mean that you're in love with them? Really, now! Did you even bother to talk to her? No way! Cuz, heaven forbid you swallow your male pride and ask her if she feels the same way about you!"
Roxton's face dropped. Ren's biting words obviously having an effect on him. Noticing Roxton's reaction, Ren softened.
"Look, I've always told you the truth, straight up. No beating around the bush. And I'm not planning to change that. But did you even consider asking her?"
"Ren, why do I continue to mess up everything?" As Ren opened her mouth to reply, Roxton quickly added, "DON'T. YOU. SAY. A. WORD. It was a rhetorical question..."
"I wasn't going to say a thing." She smiled, lighting the mood.
After a brief glare at Ren, Roxton looked at his watch. "Well, if I'm not mistaken, I do believe that our lunch break is over."
"Kill joy." She muttered under her breath as she looked at her own watch.
"Pardon?"
"Spilt soy! I was just thinking about how yesterday while at a Chinese restaurant, the guy at the next table spilt his soya milk all over the table. Whew! It was quite a mess!"
"I'll tell you what, I'll give you points for creativity..." Roxton chuckled.
~~~~~
"So what are your plans for tonight?" Ren asked as they stood in the elevator shaft.
"Why?"
"No reason. Just curious." She smiled like a Cheshire cat.
"Right..." He looked at her questioningly.
"Why do you always assume I'm up to something?" Batting her eyelashes innocently.
"You usually are."
"Seriously speaking for a sec, I'm not up to anything. I just wanted to know if you were free tonight. Geoff and I were planning to have some friends over for dinner. You care to join us?"
He paused to think about her offer, "What's the catch?"
"No catch. Common, it'll be fun."
"Fine. I guess you can count me in, Ren. So, is it like a pot-luck dinner? Do you want me to bring anything?"
"Actually, now that you mention it. All you have to bring is a date."
"AHA!"
"What?!"
"No catch, eh? I just knew it! You WERE scheming!"
"Was not! It's just that we were planning to play that game you know... 'Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus'. So, it'd be better if you had a date."
"And just how exactly am I supposed to find someone for tonight? Do you think a woman is just going to suddenly fall at my feet?"
She pulled his head down and pinched his cheeks just like a grandmother would. "With this face, how can any woman resist you?" She said in a cutesy baby voice. The elevator stopped and Roxton stepped out. "I'm not going to lie, I'm not sure if I'm going to come. If I show up, then I show up. If not..."
"Alright. Hope to see you later."
He headed towards his office, ready for a very long afternoon of work. Still thinking about Ren's invite he was slightly spacing in and out of consciousness. Not quite looking at where he was going, as he turned the corner he suddenly found himself slam into someone. The force wasn't enough to knock him off his feet, but it was enough to send the other person to the ground. Automatically, Roxton kneeled to the ground to see if the person was hurt. "Are you alright? I'm sorry, I wasn't watching where I was going." He offered a hand to the stranger.
Taking the hand and staring up at his face, a soft voice spoke up. "At least this time you had the courtesy to stop and say sorry."
"Marguerite?!"
TBC...
**************************
There you have it people... another cliffy... Yes, I've realized that there is a major decline in the quality (and length) of my chapters. And I apologize for that. Yes, I warped a character on the show to meet my own personal purposes. Don't bite my head off. :D Okey, I'm working on the next chapter right now in order to get it out sooner. :) And since I didn't put my thank you's at the top... here I go...
Lisa: "my fan" :D you don't know how much it makes me smile to get an e- mail from you!!! :) You're so supportive and encouraging... it's enuff to make me feel all warm and fuzzy!!! Thank you!
Steffi: Yup yup, another chapter is now out! Finally, right? I'm sorry if I'm putting your nerves to the test. I know, Roxton was no where to be seen in that chapter... and after reading over a lot of my chapters, I see your point. I AM a big tease... but it's so fun to be ;) I know I've been throwing people in a loop with my whole making Charles actually be a nice guy... :) but honestly, how much longer can I drag this fic??? I promise you, this story will find an ending for M/R...
M L Europe: Charles (aka: the not as evil guy anymore) ;) lol! I'm slowing bringing this fic to a conclusion... hope everything is better with you and your mom!!!
Pam: hee hee... poor Charles. I know what you mean, I was having an inner debate of whether or not to make him evil. But as you can see, you know which side won. Hope you weren't waiting too long!
Michi: Thank you so much for your kind words!!! *smiles*
Aldora: a newbie reader??? Hope you're enjoying the fic!!
TLWROX: Ack~! Antea!!! Hope you're feeling better (tho, it was a while ago since you've reviewed) I hope in any way, that my fic made you not feel as icky as you felt. And as for that reunion, I'm sorry you have to wait for another chapter... the good news is that I've actually started writing the next chapter already! LOL! And your message to Charles was hilarious!!! If you ever think that I'm taking too long in getting a chapter out, be my guest to kick my butt! ;)
Lois: Sorry for yet another short chapter... I think the other longer chapters were a result of temporary inspiration from my muse... just wait till the next chapter if you can... :)
LadySammyMRoxton: hee hee.. thank your uncle for me, cuz his internet allowed you to review my fic too... ;)
Maggie: Sorry to make you wait again with baited breath for the next chappie... :) And I still think it's so cute when you call me "V". It makes me smile... :)
Robin2409: Thanx for your patience! Another chappie is on its way!!!
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Please please review!!! :D