A/N: Again! Thanks to all my readers! Sorry about making you guys think
that authors note thing was about me discontinuing this story ^^;; Trust
me, this story is like.... my love child, lol, it's not going anywhere soon
^^ No matter HOW bad my workload gets ^^ Just bear with me k? Thanks guys!
Disclaimer: *cries* I don't own any of the FFVIII characters and other junk mentioned in this fic..... Everything else is mine ^^ Oh and Lara Croft and Tomb Raider belong to Core while the FFVIII stuff belongs to Squaresoft and Spirited Away belong to Miyazaki and studio Ghilbli ^^ NOT ME! (I wish *snivvel* )
~*~
'So uh... this would be my room,' I said, leading Zell into my messy bedroom. I let go of his hand to pick up the clothes and odd knick-knacks on the floor and stuffed them under my bed. Yikes, I was stuffing so much stuff under there, it took a good few kick to get it all to fit!
'It's.... nice!' Zell said, nodding his head approvingly as he looked around.
I raised an eyebrow at him, 'only nice?'
Zell laughed and pulled me into a hug.
'It's cozy baby,' he said, then let me go and flopped onto my bed, stretching out and putting his hands behind his head, 'I could get real comfy sleeping in this bed with you.'
I laughed and grabbed my giant Piglet and whacked him with it, giggling, 'Well, don't get too comfy, because believe me you wont be sleeping in here I can tell you that much.'
'Tch, I'm sure if I use my charm I can win your parents over....' Zell said, wiggling his eyebrows at me. I laughed and threw a pillow at him. Zell let out a groan and laughed, jumping at me. I yelped as I was pushed back, Zell pinning me down. We looked into each others eyes for a bit... god Zell's were so amazing, they always entranced me...
'Leona,' Zell suddenly whispered, gently running the back of his hand down my cheek, ' this is such a weird experience for me... but I'm loving every second of it, because I am with you, in your own world... it's amazing.'
I suddenly felt a pang of guilt, thinking of the others and what they could be going through right now. With how the time moved between our two worlds that threat could be there already, people could be dying, suffering!
'Hey... what's wrong Kitten? You've just gone pale,' Zell said, sitting up wrapping his arms around me, his hand gently pushing back my hair.
'I just.... Cant help but feel guilty for feeling so amazing now, when everyone could be suffering back in your world,' I said quietly, my head tilted down. Zell knew I was right, and he's probably going to be mad at me for even mentioning it and spoiling the moment, Oh Leona, your so stupid sometimes!
'Leona,' Zell whispered softly in my ear, not so much stating my name.. But... breathing it. It sent shivers through my body and I cuddled closer to him, 'Look Leona..... I'm as worried as you are, but I think now that we've been given this chance, to get away from it all, just for a bit.... We should use the time of peace we have together wisely and do what we normally wouldn't be able to do.'
'But Zell,' I began but Zell put a finger to my lips.
'We don't know what will happen we go back Leona.....' Zell turned his head away a bit, but I could see the tears forming around his eyes, 'If anything were to happen to you.... It would kill me,' Smiling through his tears, he turned back to me and placed his hand on my cheek, 'we have this chance to LIVE together, be a normal boyfriend and girlfriend. All I'm saying is lets have fun while we can..... And worry about those matters when we are faced with them.'
I smiled and nodded my head,' Yeah, you're right, I'm sorry I'm being such a worry wart,' I said, tilting my head to the side as I blushed.
Zell laughed and pulled me into a headlock and kissed the top of my head, 'I love you for it though; it gets frustrating at times.... But hey, everything about you does.'
'Zell!' I cried, jumping up and chasing him out of my room, the two of us laughing. Zell suddenly stopped though and I smacked right into his back, it was sorta like hitting a brick wall and I almost fell backwards!
'What are you two up to?' My dad growled, teasingly of course.
Zell chuckled, albeit nervously, 'Uh, nothing Mr.Chaplin, I think Leona and I are gonna go for a walk,' He said, scratching the back of his head. I came up beside him and smiled at my dad who nodded but eyed us scrupulously.
'Just you two behave,' he said, poking Zell's chest. Zell nodded and patted my dad's shoulder and we both headed for the front door. I sat down on the floor and pulled on my boots and started lacing them up, Zell lacing up his sneakers.
'So where we walking to, kitten?'
I jumped up from where I was sitting and twisted my ankles a bit, checking to make sure my boots were on nice and tight. I turned to Zell and grinned, taking his hand.
'Oh, just a little walk.'
Zell nodded and followed me out of the house, a huge grin across my face.
~*~
'Leona! I thought you said we were going for a WALK! Not a freaking five hour long hike!'
I laughed and bolted up the hill in the woods, hopping over the fallen logs and smiling as I felt the wind whoosh past me. I always loved running through the forest behind my house..... To be honest, every time I ran through it I felt like I was in my fav anime! Princess Mononoke!
'Ahhh, it's still walking you lazy bum!' I called back to Zell, making the mistake of turning my head back to look at him. Immediately I regretted it and my foot caught on a root and I was sent flying. Everything slowed to a crawl as I flew through the air, and almost like instinct; I tucked and rolled, landing as gracefully as possible on all fours.
Zell came running over, the sudden burst of energy he showed making me giggle, 'whoa! You all right Leona?
I stood up, laughing, and dusted myself off.
'Yeah, I'm peachy! Those hours of training you and the others gave me have really paid off!' I said, chuckling, still feeling a little winded, but exhilarated by my sudden tumble. Zell grinned, that sexy crazy grin that makes me crazy for him, and suddenly scooped me up into his arms.
'Leona, other than Selphie, you have GOT to be the craziest girl I know! Who crashes like that, covers it up and say's they're peachy after?' He joked; leaning in closer to nuzzles his nose against mine. I giggled and jumped out of his arms, quickly turning around to pinch his cute bum and run for it.
'Ohhh, frisky are we?' Zell said, chasing after me. I screamed from the thrill of the chase, feeling as if I was flying down the path.
'ZELL DINCHT YOU TOUCH ME AND YOU'RE A DEAD MAN!' I screamed, not actually serious. You know how it feels when your boyfriend or just a good friend of yours is chasing you? That crazy, happy need to run? That's what I was feeling right now..... I have to admit; it feels amazing. I can't believe for so many years of my life I missed out on thi-
'Oomph!' I didn't even have time to finish my thought before I felt strong arms wrap around my waist and pull me close to a warm, strong body. I struggled for maybe ten seconds before Zell started cuddling me, burying his chin and face into my neck, before I completely melted. Screw it.
'Zell.....' I whispered, my smile getting so broad I swear it was about to go right off my face.
'Hm?' Zell moaned and kissed my neck, the feeling of his lips on the sensitive skin sending waves of pleasure through my body.... but also warnings. He started kissing farther down my neck. Oh god Leona..... Now's not the right time for this! Yes, Zell's amazing but not in the middle of a forest! But then....... Gah, if I stop now will I come off as a tease? No... Zell would never think of me as a tease! .... Would he?
I bit my lip and was about to let him continue but my arguing brain got the best of me.
'Zell,' I said sharply. Immediately I felt him stiffen and pull away. I turned around and put my hand on his shoulders. He looked away and I could see his cheeks were totally flushed. I softened and ran my hands down his shoulders till they rested on his biceps, 'It's ok Zell, you did nothing wrong.... just not here, not now, ok?' I spoke softly and soothingly, my hands gently rubbing his arm.
'Yeah, hey I'm sorry Leona, I don't want to seem like I'm moving too fast.....' Zell said quietly, turning around and smiling - I nearly screamed with giddy when I saw the sweet look in his eyes and the blush creeping up on his cheeks, 'I don't want to seem like I'm pushing you ok?'
I smiled and wrapped my arms around his neck, 'Zell you goof..... I know you'd never force me into anything, don't worry, it's ok,' I whispered then leaned in and kissed him. Our kiss lasted what seemed like forever (a nice forever at that thank you very much) before Zell suddenly broke loose and darted ahead.
'Leona! What ya doin' Gal?! Lets go!'
I must have looked stupid, standing there, my lips still puckered, my arms still held up as if they were still around his neck. I shook my head and coughed shyly, a blush now creeping up into my cheeks, 'Yeah, I'll be right there Zell!' I called back.
'You're a psycho bunny,' he called back and started jogging ahead. I stuck my tongue out at his back and ran my hands through my hair, 'Whew..... Leona you are falling like a diamond into the ocean.'
Bravo, Leona. You get the award for the cheesiest metaphor.
'Quiet you,' I muttered to my brain and jogged after Zell.
~*~
'Good, you guys are home in time for dinner!'
I looked up from my head being on Zell's shoulder to see my mom waving at us from my front porch. I groaned and plopped my head back onto Zell shoulder. Now, you'd THINK it would hurt but nope, as strange as it sounds, Zell's sexy, muscley shoulders acted like cushions! Though, I was pretty wiped out..... for someone who was totally wiped when we started our little 'walk' he sure could jog fast.... and far!
'Yeah, sorry if we're a little late, ma!' Zell called, running up the steps to greet my mom. Honestly, he had been here for not even a day.... And not only was he totally growing on my parents, he had already started calling my mom, Ma! I suddenly brought my hands to my face and giggled uncontrollably into them. Zell and my mom looked at me funny and I coughed and regained my composure.
'Right, so what we waiting for huh?' I said, walking into my front door and unlacing my boots. Zell laughed and my mom rolled her eyes at me.
'You and those bloody boots! It's the middle of summer and your wearing them! Your unbelievable sometimes, Leona.'
I smiled and kicked my boot off and put my hand on my moms shoulder, 'Mom, I'm a Tomb Raider and as such, I need to wear my tomb raiding boots at AL times!' I said precisely. My mom rolled her eyes at me again and walked towards the kitchen. I turned and smiled at Zell who was looking rather confused. I chuckled and kissed his nose.
'Tomb Raider is a video game I'm fond of, Lara Croft, the main character, is my idol!' I put my finger to my chin and thought a moment, 'though..... I don't care much for her breasts, too big for my taste thanks!'
Zell looked around, rather mischievously then suddenly groped me!
'Zell!' I cried out, then suddenly caught myself and coughed, 'I mean uh, ANDREW!'
'What is it hunny?' My mom called from the kitchen. I tried to push Zell's hands down off my chest but failed miserably and just started to walk to my room, Zell still very much attached to me, 'Nothing mom! Andrew just tickled me!'
Zell laughed out loud as we headed to my room, as soon as I was sure he was inside, I closed the door and nearly killed myself trying to get out of his grasp.
'No more groping Leona in the middle of my house, ok?' I said, trying to cover up my flushed face with my hand. Zell laughed out loud and plopped down on my bed, looking at his hands as if they had touched a god or something. That alone sent me into a fit of giggles and blushes and I searched my room desperately to find something to cover it all up with.
'Sorry Kitten, just you mentioned that chicks tits and how they were too huge for you, so I groped you, and I agree, you're the perfect size!' He sighed contently and laid back on my bed, his hands behind his head, 'Yup... perfect.'
'Zell, you're a pervert,' I said teasingly. Zell sat up and suddenly grabbed me, pulling me onto my bed. I cried out and the two of us wrestled a bit, my stupid futon squeaking as we did so and what does squeaking of a bed do? It gets parents attentions! That's what it does! I started counting down the seconds.....
Three....
Giggling.
Two.....
Kisses.
One.....
Door flying open and a disgruntled father appearing in the doorway!
'What the bloody hells going on in here!' My dad roared, so loud it reverberated through the entire house. My mother arrived at the door just as quick as my dad did.
'What's going on?' She looked over at Zell and I in a massive heap on the bed and gasped our names.
'Mom, dad, I can explain,' I said calmly. I opened my mouth to say something else when Zell climbed off me and stood in front of my parents.
'I'm sorry if I have offended or upset you at all Mrs. and Mr. Chaplin..... I don't know your house rules, but in all honesty all I was doing with your daughter was wrestling with her a bit. Nothing harmful, my intentions are clean. It will never happen again sir,' He said softly and very straightforwardly. My jaw dropped.
'Hm....' my father 'hm'd', looking at Zell so skeptically I thought he seriously wasn't going to believe him. The funny thing was.... Zell was telling the truth! Except I've never seen Zell talk or act this way..... wow, a side of Zell I never knew. I guess I'll never fully understand this guy.
'Come on Dave, they're telling the truth; our Leona would never do anything like that. Your raising your blood pressure for no reason,' My mom said, taking my fathers hand and leading him out of the room and back to the kitchen. I climbed off my bed and shut my door, Zell and I standing silent for a couple of minutes before we both suddenly burst out laughing.
I imitated how Zell had been standing and teasingly mimicked Zell's words and tone of voice, 'My intentions are clean, it will never happen again sir,' Ok, so MAYBE I made the tone in my voice a little uh..... More kiss ass than Zell's had been. But hey, I like to exaggerate thank you very much!
Zell laughed and wrapped his arms around me from behind, blowing a kiss on the back of my neck, 'Your such a tard you know that Leona?'
I grinned really goofily (hey, I had a perfect image of it in my mirror directly in front of me, I KNOW it was goofy) and leaned back against him, 'Yeah..... But that's why you love me.'
'True....' Zell whispered and turned me around, kissing me softly and sweetly. I melted into his lips and when the kiss ended looked into his gorgeous blue eyes.... eyes that I could easily get lost in.... like I was now, and I don't think I could..... Hell, WANTED to find my way out.
I sighed and sat down on my bed, my head down and focusing on my chipping hot pink nail polish, ' Hey Zell......' I whispered. Zell tilted his head to the side curiously and sat down beside me on the bed, his weight causing the bed to sink in a bit; I did too and Zell wrapped his arm around my shoulder.
'What is it, Kitten?' He asked, his breath warm on my ear. I shivered, both in pleasure and fear. I know Zell would be upset if I mentioned this..... But I had to say something; no matter how much fun I have here with Zell.... I can't forget the others.
'Do you think...... Everyone's ok?' I said softly.
Zell sighed and pulled me closer to him, closer than I could already be with me practically in his lap, 'Look Leona.... we've been through this, at this time there's nothing really we can do and while it's admirable of you to be worried or thinking of them, hell, I am too and I'm worried too...... But we have this time together, and there's no way that I'm not going to take advantage of it,' He said stoutly.
I nodded and stood up, stretching and smiling at him, 'Yeah, sorry, just sometimes I feel bad about having such a good time with you while the others could be suffering,' Zell stood up as well and slid his hands around my waist until they rested on my hips and looked into my eyes.
'Just because we're apart from them, doesn't mean we cant train and prepare to fight with them,' Zell said, winking at me, 'When I say how I want to take advantage of the time together, I don't just mean the easy times with you, I also mean training and getting ourselves ready for whatever battles awaiting us. Your world seems to be in peace and I think we should use this to our benefit and hone in on our skills, yeah?'
I nodded and was about to say something when my mom called us, saying dinner was ready. I opened my door and shouted back an 'OK' and kissed Zell, placing my hands on either side of his face.
'Now remember, your name is Andrew,' I said, laughing. Zell laughed and playfully slapped my butt as I skipped out of my room to the washroom to wash my hands. Zell did the same and then the two of us walked into the kitchen.
Zell and I were just finishing up our dinner (Mmm, Lasagna! I could tell it wasn't exactly Zell's fav, but I made a mental note to ask my dad to cook hot dogs tomorrow night for us!) The phone rang and I was surprised when I heard my friend Chantal's voice on the other end.
'Hey Leona!' She said, her usual perky tone in her voice.
'Hiyas Chantal! What is up and stuff?" I said, sitting down on the stool by the phone, again picking at my chipping nail polish. It was a habit of mine, that and chewing my nails. Ick eh?
'Um, nothing much.... actually, I was wondering if you wanted to go see a movie with me tonight? You can bring that guy with you too!' She said excitedly.
'Wha.....? Hey, wait, how'd you know?' I asked.
Chantal giggled a bit before she answered, 'Audra called and told me; she tells me he's a hottie! Blonde, blue eyed and muscular? Sounds nice Leona.... Dang nam you and always getting the hot ones!'
I sighed and flicked off a chunk of nail polish, 'I dunno..... I never really did get hot boyfriends before, and by the way, his names Ze- uh, I mean Andrew, and yeah! We'd love to go see a movie with you!' I said, looking over at Zell and winking at him.
'All right, sounds awesome! So.... The show starts at 9.... and I thought we'd go see the new Miyazaki film! You know, Spirited Away? I already bought the tickets and I figured since you're the biggest anime freak I know, I'd invite you!'
I nearly fell off my stool.
'WAAAAH!! CHANTAL I LOVE YOU! YOU ARE MY NEW GOD!' I shouted happily into the phone, trying to bow (even if she couldn't see me) and nearly ripped the phone off the wall, 'Yes, we'll DEFINITELY be there!'
Chantal was nearly pissing herself laughing and she barely managed her next sentence, 'Ok... hehehehe! I'll meet you in front of Kings Theatre downtown ok?'
'Yup!' I said, maybe a little too enthusiastically, but hey, I was an otaku and as such, I was allowed to act all stupid and happy when it came to anime! Chantal laughed and we said our byes and hung up. When I finally looked back over at Zell, he was staring at me like I was some raving lunatic. Which was only HALF true thank you very much.
'Heh, we're going to see a movie tonight,' I said happily. Zell raises his eyebrows at me.
'Oh? What's it about?'
I walked over to him and hooked my arm in his, leading him back into my room, 'You'll see when we watch it.... but lets just say it's one of my obsessions other than you.'
Zell looked slightly frightened, but I knew he was only teasing me.
'Right, I'm gonna get ready.... If you cant even wrestle with me, I doubt very much watching me undress and get ready will go over smoothly with my 'rents,' I said, ushering Zell out of my room, 'Just wait out here, I wont be long and then we can start walking down to the theatre! It's only a 15 minute walk from here!'
Zell was only able to manage a muffled ok before I gently pushed him out of my room and shut the door, smiling. Zell and I were going to have a BLAST with Chantal tonight!
~*~
A/N: WHEW! Hey guys! Sorry about the delay of this chapter, I've been working on it and while I still have 5 more pages already typed up that was originally MEANT for this chapter, I'm saving them for the next chapter ^^ Thanks guys! And remember to read and review!
-Dinchtbaby
Disclaimer: *cries* I don't own any of the FFVIII characters and other junk mentioned in this fic..... Everything else is mine ^^ Oh and Lara Croft and Tomb Raider belong to Core while the FFVIII stuff belongs to Squaresoft and Spirited Away belong to Miyazaki and studio Ghilbli ^^ NOT ME! (I wish *snivvel* )
~*~
'So uh... this would be my room,' I said, leading Zell into my messy bedroom. I let go of his hand to pick up the clothes and odd knick-knacks on the floor and stuffed them under my bed. Yikes, I was stuffing so much stuff under there, it took a good few kick to get it all to fit!
'It's.... nice!' Zell said, nodding his head approvingly as he looked around.
I raised an eyebrow at him, 'only nice?'
Zell laughed and pulled me into a hug.
'It's cozy baby,' he said, then let me go and flopped onto my bed, stretching out and putting his hands behind his head, 'I could get real comfy sleeping in this bed with you.'
I laughed and grabbed my giant Piglet and whacked him with it, giggling, 'Well, don't get too comfy, because believe me you wont be sleeping in here I can tell you that much.'
'Tch, I'm sure if I use my charm I can win your parents over....' Zell said, wiggling his eyebrows at me. I laughed and threw a pillow at him. Zell let out a groan and laughed, jumping at me. I yelped as I was pushed back, Zell pinning me down. We looked into each others eyes for a bit... god Zell's were so amazing, they always entranced me...
'Leona,' Zell suddenly whispered, gently running the back of his hand down my cheek, ' this is such a weird experience for me... but I'm loving every second of it, because I am with you, in your own world... it's amazing.'
I suddenly felt a pang of guilt, thinking of the others and what they could be going through right now. With how the time moved between our two worlds that threat could be there already, people could be dying, suffering!
'Hey... what's wrong Kitten? You've just gone pale,' Zell said, sitting up wrapping his arms around me, his hand gently pushing back my hair.
'I just.... Cant help but feel guilty for feeling so amazing now, when everyone could be suffering back in your world,' I said quietly, my head tilted down. Zell knew I was right, and he's probably going to be mad at me for even mentioning it and spoiling the moment, Oh Leona, your so stupid sometimes!
'Leona,' Zell whispered softly in my ear, not so much stating my name.. But... breathing it. It sent shivers through my body and I cuddled closer to him, 'Look Leona..... I'm as worried as you are, but I think now that we've been given this chance, to get away from it all, just for a bit.... We should use the time of peace we have together wisely and do what we normally wouldn't be able to do.'
'But Zell,' I began but Zell put a finger to my lips.
'We don't know what will happen we go back Leona.....' Zell turned his head away a bit, but I could see the tears forming around his eyes, 'If anything were to happen to you.... It would kill me,' Smiling through his tears, he turned back to me and placed his hand on my cheek, 'we have this chance to LIVE together, be a normal boyfriend and girlfriend. All I'm saying is lets have fun while we can..... And worry about those matters when we are faced with them.'
I smiled and nodded my head,' Yeah, you're right, I'm sorry I'm being such a worry wart,' I said, tilting my head to the side as I blushed.
Zell laughed and pulled me into a headlock and kissed the top of my head, 'I love you for it though; it gets frustrating at times.... But hey, everything about you does.'
'Zell!' I cried, jumping up and chasing him out of my room, the two of us laughing. Zell suddenly stopped though and I smacked right into his back, it was sorta like hitting a brick wall and I almost fell backwards!
'What are you two up to?' My dad growled, teasingly of course.
Zell chuckled, albeit nervously, 'Uh, nothing Mr.Chaplin, I think Leona and I are gonna go for a walk,' He said, scratching the back of his head. I came up beside him and smiled at my dad who nodded but eyed us scrupulously.
'Just you two behave,' he said, poking Zell's chest. Zell nodded and patted my dad's shoulder and we both headed for the front door. I sat down on the floor and pulled on my boots and started lacing them up, Zell lacing up his sneakers.
'So where we walking to, kitten?'
I jumped up from where I was sitting and twisted my ankles a bit, checking to make sure my boots were on nice and tight. I turned to Zell and grinned, taking his hand.
'Oh, just a little walk.'
Zell nodded and followed me out of the house, a huge grin across my face.
~*~
'Leona! I thought you said we were going for a WALK! Not a freaking five hour long hike!'
I laughed and bolted up the hill in the woods, hopping over the fallen logs and smiling as I felt the wind whoosh past me. I always loved running through the forest behind my house..... To be honest, every time I ran through it I felt like I was in my fav anime! Princess Mononoke!
'Ahhh, it's still walking you lazy bum!' I called back to Zell, making the mistake of turning my head back to look at him. Immediately I regretted it and my foot caught on a root and I was sent flying. Everything slowed to a crawl as I flew through the air, and almost like instinct; I tucked and rolled, landing as gracefully as possible on all fours.
Zell came running over, the sudden burst of energy he showed making me giggle, 'whoa! You all right Leona?
I stood up, laughing, and dusted myself off.
'Yeah, I'm peachy! Those hours of training you and the others gave me have really paid off!' I said, chuckling, still feeling a little winded, but exhilarated by my sudden tumble. Zell grinned, that sexy crazy grin that makes me crazy for him, and suddenly scooped me up into his arms.
'Leona, other than Selphie, you have GOT to be the craziest girl I know! Who crashes like that, covers it up and say's they're peachy after?' He joked; leaning in closer to nuzzles his nose against mine. I giggled and jumped out of his arms, quickly turning around to pinch his cute bum and run for it.
'Ohhh, frisky are we?' Zell said, chasing after me. I screamed from the thrill of the chase, feeling as if I was flying down the path.
'ZELL DINCHT YOU TOUCH ME AND YOU'RE A DEAD MAN!' I screamed, not actually serious. You know how it feels when your boyfriend or just a good friend of yours is chasing you? That crazy, happy need to run? That's what I was feeling right now..... I have to admit; it feels amazing. I can't believe for so many years of my life I missed out on thi-
'Oomph!' I didn't even have time to finish my thought before I felt strong arms wrap around my waist and pull me close to a warm, strong body. I struggled for maybe ten seconds before Zell started cuddling me, burying his chin and face into my neck, before I completely melted. Screw it.
'Zell.....' I whispered, my smile getting so broad I swear it was about to go right off my face.
'Hm?' Zell moaned and kissed my neck, the feeling of his lips on the sensitive skin sending waves of pleasure through my body.... but also warnings. He started kissing farther down my neck. Oh god Leona..... Now's not the right time for this! Yes, Zell's amazing but not in the middle of a forest! But then....... Gah, if I stop now will I come off as a tease? No... Zell would never think of me as a tease! .... Would he?
I bit my lip and was about to let him continue but my arguing brain got the best of me.
'Zell,' I said sharply. Immediately I felt him stiffen and pull away. I turned around and put my hand on his shoulders. He looked away and I could see his cheeks were totally flushed. I softened and ran my hands down his shoulders till they rested on his biceps, 'It's ok Zell, you did nothing wrong.... just not here, not now, ok?' I spoke softly and soothingly, my hands gently rubbing his arm.
'Yeah, hey I'm sorry Leona, I don't want to seem like I'm moving too fast.....' Zell said quietly, turning around and smiling - I nearly screamed with giddy when I saw the sweet look in his eyes and the blush creeping up on his cheeks, 'I don't want to seem like I'm pushing you ok?'
I smiled and wrapped my arms around his neck, 'Zell you goof..... I know you'd never force me into anything, don't worry, it's ok,' I whispered then leaned in and kissed him. Our kiss lasted what seemed like forever (a nice forever at that thank you very much) before Zell suddenly broke loose and darted ahead.
'Leona! What ya doin' Gal?! Lets go!'
I must have looked stupid, standing there, my lips still puckered, my arms still held up as if they were still around his neck. I shook my head and coughed shyly, a blush now creeping up into my cheeks, 'Yeah, I'll be right there Zell!' I called back.
'You're a psycho bunny,' he called back and started jogging ahead. I stuck my tongue out at his back and ran my hands through my hair, 'Whew..... Leona you are falling like a diamond into the ocean.'
Bravo, Leona. You get the award for the cheesiest metaphor.
'Quiet you,' I muttered to my brain and jogged after Zell.
~*~
'Good, you guys are home in time for dinner!'
I looked up from my head being on Zell's shoulder to see my mom waving at us from my front porch. I groaned and plopped my head back onto Zell shoulder. Now, you'd THINK it would hurt but nope, as strange as it sounds, Zell's sexy, muscley shoulders acted like cushions! Though, I was pretty wiped out..... for someone who was totally wiped when we started our little 'walk' he sure could jog fast.... and far!
'Yeah, sorry if we're a little late, ma!' Zell called, running up the steps to greet my mom. Honestly, he had been here for not even a day.... And not only was he totally growing on my parents, he had already started calling my mom, Ma! I suddenly brought my hands to my face and giggled uncontrollably into them. Zell and my mom looked at me funny and I coughed and regained my composure.
'Right, so what we waiting for huh?' I said, walking into my front door and unlacing my boots. Zell laughed and my mom rolled her eyes at me.
'You and those bloody boots! It's the middle of summer and your wearing them! Your unbelievable sometimes, Leona.'
I smiled and kicked my boot off and put my hand on my moms shoulder, 'Mom, I'm a Tomb Raider and as such, I need to wear my tomb raiding boots at AL times!' I said precisely. My mom rolled her eyes at me again and walked towards the kitchen. I turned and smiled at Zell who was looking rather confused. I chuckled and kissed his nose.
'Tomb Raider is a video game I'm fond of, Lara Croft, the main character, is my idol!' I put my finger to my chin and thought a moment, 'though..... I don't care much for her breasts, too big for my taste thanks!'
Zell looked around, rather mischievously then suddenly groped me!
'Zell!' I cried out, then suddenly caught myself and coughed, 'I mean uh, ANDREW!'
'What is it hunny?' My mom called from the kitchen. I tried to push Zell's hands down off my chest but failed miserably and just started to walk to my room, Zell still very much attached to me, 'Nothing mom! Andrew just tickled me!'
Zell laughed out loud as we headed to my room, as soon as I was sure he was inside, I closed the door and nearly killed myself trying to get out of his grasp.
'No more groping Leona in the middle of my house, ok?' I said, trying to cover up my flushed face with my hand. Zell laughed out loud and plopped down on my bed, looking at his hands as if they had touched a god or something. That alone sent me into a fit of giggles and blushes and I searched my room desperately to find something to cover it all up with.
'Sorry Kitten, just you mentioned that chicks tits and how they were too huge for you, so I groped you, and I agree, you're the perfect size!' He sighed contently and laid back on my bed, his hands behind his head, 'Yup... perfect.'
'Zell, you're a pervert,' I said teasingly. Zell sat up and suddenly grabbed me, pulling me onto my bed. I cried out and the two of us wrestled a bit, my stupid futon squeaking as we did so and what does squeaking of a bed do? It gets parents attentions! That's what it does! I started counting down the seconds.....
Three....
Giggling.
Two.....
Kisses.
One.....
Door flying open and a disgruntled father appearing in the doorway!
'What the bloody hells going on in here!' My dad roared, so loud it reverberated through the entire house. My mother arrived at the door just as quick as my dad did.
'What's going on?' She looked over at Zell and I in a massive heap on the bed and gasped our names.
'Mom, dad, I can explain,' I said calmly. I opened my mouth to say something else when Zell climbed off me and stood in front of my parents.
'I'm sorry if I have offended or upset you at all Mrs. and Mr. Chaplin..... I don't know your house rules, but in all honesty all I was doing with your daughter was wrestling with her a bit. Nothing harmful, my intentions are clean. It will never happen again sir,' He said softly and very straightforwardly. My jaw dropped.
'Hm....' my father 'hm'd', looking at Zell so skeptically I thought he seriously wasn't going to believe him. The funny thing was.... Zell was telling the truth! Except I've never seen Zell talk or act this way..... wow, a side of Zell I never knew. I guess I'll never fully understand this guy.
'Come on Dave, they're telling the truth; our Leona would never do anything like that. Your raising your blood pressure for no reason,' My mom said, taking my fathers hand and leading him out of the room and back to the kitchen. I climbed off my bed and shut my door, Zell and I standing silent for a couple of minutes before we both suddenly burst out laughing.
I imitated how Zell had been standing and teasingly mimicked Zell's words and tone of voice, 'My intentions are clean, it will never happen again sir,' Ok, so MAYBE I made the tone in my voice a little uh..... More kiss ass than Zell's had been. But hey, I like to exaggerate thank you very much!
Zell laughed and wrapped his arms around me from behind, blowing a kiss on the back of my neck, 'Your such a tard you know that Leona?'
I grinned really goofily (hey, I had a perfect image of it in my mirror directly in front of me, I KNOW it was goofy) and leaned back against him, 'Yeah..... But that's why you love me.'
'True....' Zell whispered and turned me around, kissing me softly and sweetly. I melted into his lips and when the kiss ended looked into his gorgeous blue eyes.... eyes that I could easily get lost in.... like I was now, and I don't think I could..... Hell, WANTED to find my way out.
I sighed and sat down on my bed, my head down and focusing on my chipping hot pink nail polish, ' Hey Zell......' I whispered. Zell tilted his head to the side curiously and sat down beside me on the bed, his weight causing the bed to sink in a bit; I did too and Zell wrapped his arm around my shoulder.
'What is it, Kitten?' He asked, his breath warm on my ear. I shivered, both in pleasure and fear. I know Zell would be upset if I mentioned this..... But I had to say something; no matter how much fun I have here with Zell.... I can't forget the others.
'Do you think...... Everyone's ok?' I said softly.
Zell sighed and pulled me closer to him, closer than I could already be with me practically in his lap, 'Look Leona.... we've been through this, at this time there's nothing really we can do and while it's admirable of you to be worried or thinking of them, hell, I am too and I'm worried too...... But we have this time together, and there's no way that I'm not going to take advantage of it,' He said stoutly.
I nodded and stood up, stretching and smiling at him, 'Yeah, sorry, just sometimes I feel bad about having such a good time with you while the others could be suffering,' Zell stood up as well and slid his hands around my waist until they rested on my hips and looked into my eyes.
'Just because we're apart from them, doesn't mean we cant train and prepare to fight with them,' Zell said, winking at me, 'When I say how I want to take advantage of the time together, I don't just mean the easy times with you, I also mean training and getting ourselves ready for whatever battles awaiting us. Your world seems to be in peace and I think we should use this to our benefit and hone in on our skills, yeah?'
I nodded and was about to say something when my mom called us, saying dinner was ready. I opened my door and shouted back an 'OK' and kissed Zell, placing my hands on either side of his face.
'Now remember, your name is Andrew,' I said, laughing. Zell laughed and playfully slapped my butt as I skipped out of my room to the washroom to wash my hands. Zell did the same and then the two of us walked into the kitchen.
Zell and I were just finishing up our dinner (Mmm, Lasagna! I could tell it wasn't exactly Zell's fav, but I made a mental note to ask my dad to cook hot dogs tomorrow night for us!) The phone rang and I was surprised when I heard my friend Chantal's voice on the other end.
'Hey Leona!' She said, her usual perky tone in her voice.
'Hiyas Chantal! What is up and stuff?" I said, sitting down on the stool by the phone, again picking at my chipping nail polish. It was a habit of mine, that and chewing my nails. Ick eh?
'Um, nothing much.... actually, I was wondering if you wanted to go see a movie with me tonight? You can bring that guy with you too!' She said excitedly.
'Wha.....? Hey, wait, how'd you know?' I asked.
Chantal giggled a bit before she answered, 'Audra called and told me; she tells me he's a hottie! Blonde, blue eyed and muscular? Sounds nice Leona.... Dang nam you and always getting the hot ones!'
I sighed and flicked off a chunk of nail polish, 'I dunno..... I never really did get hot boyfriends before, and by the way, his names Ze- uh, I mean Andrew, and yeah! We'd love to go see a movie with you!' I said, looking over at Zell and winking at him.
'All right, sounds awesome! So.... The show starts at 9.... and I thought we'd go see the new Miyazaki film! You know, Spirited Away? I already bought the tickets and I figured since you're the biggest anime freak I know, I'd invite you!'
I nearly fell off my stool.
'WAAAAH!! CHANTAL I LOVE YOU! YOU ARE MY NEW GOD!' I shouted happily into the phone, trying to bow (even if she couldn't see me) and nearly ripped the phone off the wall, 'Yes, we'll DEFINITELY be there!'
Chantal was nearly pissing herself laughing and she barely managed her next sentence, 'Ok... hehehehe! I'll meet you in front of Kings Theatre downtown ok?'
'Yup!' I said, maybe a little too enthusiastically, but hey, I was an otaku and as such, I was allowed to act all stupid and happy when it came to anime! Chantal laughed and we said our byes and hung up. When I finally looked back over at Zell, he was staring at me like I was some raving lunatic. Which was only HALF true thank you very much.
'Heh, we're going to see a movie tonight,' I said happily. Zell raises his eyebrows at me.
'Oh? What's it about?'
I walked over to him and hooked my arm in his, leading him back into my room, 'You'll see when we watch it.... but lets just say it's one of my obsessions other than you.'
Zell looked slightly frightened, but I knew he was only teasing me.
'Right, I'm gonna get ready.... If you cant even wrestle with me, I doubt very much watching me undress and get ready will go over smoothly with my 'rents,' I said, ushering Zell out of my room, 'Just wait out here, I wont be long and then we can start walking down to the theatre! It's only a 15 minute walk from here!'
Zell was only able to manage a muffled ok before I gently pushed him out of my room and shut the door, smiling. Zell and I were going to have a BLAST with Chantal tonight!
~*~
A/N: WHEW! Hey guys! Sorry about the delay of this chapter, I've been working on it and while I still have 5 more pages already typed up that was originally MEANT for this chapter, I'm saving them for the next chapter ^^ Thanks guys! And remember to read and review!
-Dinchtbaby