Thank you to those who reviewed!!! I'm going to end this soon because I
have another idea for a general/senshi fic and it won't leave me alone!!
Special thanks to Crystal-Winter, angel, secrets, Ocianne, Hayley Serenity, nova33, Pyro*Chic, Ravenfeathers587, Neo-Princess Selenity and roswellachick who reviewed twice! Sorry if I missed anyone, it heartens me to know that I have fans! ^-^!
Chapter Seventeen
General Nephrite scratched his head; he had no idea what to do. The journey back to the palace had been awkward for all the Generals as the girls wouldn't speak to them. Oh, they would 'hello' and nod but they always kept their distance. They were for lack a better phrase, acting as demure and polite princesses. And it galled him.
Now that they were back at the Palace, he had duties and rarely saw the Princess Lita. But he heard from the palace staff that all the girls were closeted in the women's hall busily planning the upcoming wedding. At that thought, who should approach but the lovesick doting couple?
'General Nephrite,' greeted Serena with a smile, Darien just nodded his head.
'Princess,' he replied, 'how is your wedding plans coming along?'
Darien rolled his eyes and repressed a sigh while Serena beamed excitedly.
'It is going to be so beautiful! We found the perfect flowers yesterday and the invitations look simply divine! The seating arrangements were a bit of a hassle but-' chattered Serena happily.
'Rena,' interrupted Darien with a grin. 'It's going well.' He told Nephrite.
Nephrite opened him mouth but then paused. The couple looked at him expectantly with amusement in their eyes. No question on what he was about to ask.
He shook his head then abruptly, 'Good day,' and turned and began to walk off.
Serena gave a little giggle than unlinked her arm from her soon-to-be husband's arm and raced after the General. 'Male pride!' she thought.
'General' she called as to which he turned and waited.
'Princess?' he looked at her questioningly.
'I have an idea,' she began fighting the urge to giggle. 'Lita is going to love this!' she thought happily.
@~@~@~@
Zoicite had searched everywhere! The stables, the kitchens, the library, Princess Ami just did not want to be found!
She had avoided him with unexpected skill ever since they got back. And whenever he approached her, she rebuffed him.
'This is the last hope,' he muttered to himself clutching the book he held. If this failed he had absolutely no idea what to do.
He was searching the gardens when he spotted Serena and General Nephrite deep in conversation. Nephrite looked doubtful before suddenly breaking into a smile and surprising her with a brief hug. He nodded and quickly ran off.
'Well,' said Zoicite. 'If she can help him than surely she could help me.'
'Princess Serena,' he called. Serena turned and smiled. 'Yes Zoicite,' she asked hiding a grin, not another lovesick General!
'Could you please give this to Princess Ami for me?' he asked handing her the book almost reverently.
'Why yes, of course,' said Serena not seeing the importance of the book.
'Tell her I bid her to read it and it is most vital that she do so.' He instructed with care.
As he turned to leave, Serena asked, 'General? How are things going with Ami?'
He gave a wry smile, 'Just make sure that she reads that book.'
Serena shook her head and glanced at the dusty old tome she held in her hands. In a day, she gambled with herself, Ami would finish this in a day.
@~@~@~@
He aimed a blow at her head not intending to hurt but she deflected it easily and successfully swept his legs out from under him while wearing her skirt.
'I don't have time for this!' huffed Lady Raye, 'I have to go talk to the seamstress!'
Before he could rise, she had left.
'Need a hand?' enquired Malachite offering his hand to the grinning Jadeite.
'Thanks,' he replied and dusted himself off.
'Why do you always let her win?' asked Malachite. 'I was watching and I know your skill. You were barely trying.'
'I don't think it will ease her temper if I whooped her ass every time.' Said Jadeite with a smirk.
'I don't see why you bother,' said Malachite as he began to walk away. 'You are no closer to winning her back then when you were making faces at her in the forest.'
Jadeite laughed. 'At least I am doing something!' he shouted after the General. 'Instead of letting the love of my life slip through my fingers!'
Malachite froze but continued walking without comment.
Jadeite whistling began walking to where he knew the seamstress to be, planning to waylay the Princess Raye.
He did not doubt Malachite's word. Jadeite knew that he had not won her over. And continuing to appear in her path and challenging her was not going to solve it either but as of yet he had not a better plan.
@~@~@~@
Malachite thought furiously as he paced. He knew that Jadeite was right. Keeping his cold demeanour was not working with Princess Mina. Usually the girls would come to him, thinking to melt his heart of ice but as of yet Mina had not approached him.
'Perhaps I pushed her away once too often,' he muttered in regret recalling how she had approached him. 'Maybe it is time I approached her,' he thought, thanking Jadeite as he began to form an idea.
@~@~@~@
'And he bid you read it as it is most important,' repeated Serena solemnly.
Ami gazed at the book in her hands, true it was an old book, uncommon but not that hard to find.
'Did he say anything else?' she asked.
'Yes,' said Serena as she repressed the urge to gin like a maniac, 'He said he loves you and would pluck the stars out of the skies and lay them at your feet if only you would forgive him.'
Ami blushed to which Serena did giggle. 'He did not,' Ami mumbled.
'No he didn't,' admitted Serena, 'but I could tell he wanted to.'
'Yes, and that is why he gave me a smelly old book!'
'You were expecting a bouquet of flowers?' asked Serena mischievously.
'No! I want nothing of the sort!' denied Ami furiously.
'Well then, what do you want?'
'I... I... I want a bouquet of flowers!' she said with a wail. 'I want chocolates and a declaration of love! Is that too much to ask?'
'Consider it done!' said Serena getting up, 'I will go tell him now!' She grinned cheekily and began to run.
'Serena!! Don't you dare do anything of the sort!!' screamed Ami racing after her. 'Come back!'
Thus began a very long chase through kitchen and gardens before ending with a trip and landing in the main fountain which resulted in a water fight.
The senior servants shook their head with a wry smile at the youth; the maids giggled and hid their smiles while the guards openly cheered the lovable Princesses.
@~@~@~@
Thud!
Ami glanced at the book she threw on the bed. She sighed. Though flowers and chocolates weren't forthcoming, from Zoicite even a dusty old book would do. She sighed once more and settled down to read. She glanced at the title, 'Ancient text', surprised for she was truly interested in ancient text.
With a smile she remembered that night she went to his room with the translation to distract him. She chuckled, cucumber indeed!
It was a lovely day outside and the sunshine streamed through her window seat window, it was her favourite spot to sit. She settled down to read.
Several hours later, she was thoroughly enjoying the text when she turned the page, to find a small blue card similar to the one she had given him.
Her heart stopped. Had he returned it? Did he no longer want it? Examining it more closely she gave a relieved sigh. No this one was different.
It had a scene of the night sky, faint stars and the moon sparkled in the background. At the bottom of the card were dark green treetops, a forest. The focal point of the card was the large snowy owl, with wings outspread and feet curled. Its eyes were bright and beak open in what Ami imagined being a plaintive hoot.
It was similar to the owl that Zoicite had been transformed into. Slowly Ami turned the card over. Written in Zoicite's small neat cursive hand - Ami, I love you too. Zoi
Ami smiled feeling warm all over. Some girls might have said that it wasn't enough but Ami knew the gesture behind it. He was giving her the chance to do what he did to her. He knew she was mad at him and could take the opportunity to humiliate him. If she wanted to. And she knew now what she wanted.
@~@~@~@
'To the Moon and the Earth!! May peace and prosperity flow!' Everyone raised their glasses in toast to the happy couple.
The ceremony had been beautiful and now everyone was celebrating with drink and dance. The grand hall could not shelter the number of guests that arrived. It seemed that everyone on earth from nobility to peasant alike had come to celebrate. The party spilled out onto the gardens with couples dancing among the roses. This was only the Earth ceremony; another ceremony would be held on the Moon for the intergalactic nobility.
Serena was absolute stunning in her shimmering white gown, and Darien cut a dashing figure in his tuxedo. At the moment they were watching the clearing where the four Senshi were going to sing and dance for them.
Ami sat upon a rock like a queen on her throne. She had gotten her flute back from Zoicite though she had still been angry at him at the time. She took it out now and began to play the first mellifluous notes.
Lita began to sing in harmony with the notes. A wordless joyous melody while Raye and Mina in their flowing gowns, began to dance.
Lita began to sing-
Tis a soft Summer's eve with the moon in the trees,
And the glimmer of stars and a rose-scented breeze,
Tis the laughter and music that ring through the night,
And the feet that move swiftly in patterned delight.
O Dancing on the grass!
Lita twirled and joined Raye dancing, Mina had stopped and began to sing-
Tis the voices in unison lilting and clear,
And the weaving of harmonies sweet to the ear,
Sung to a melody stirring and keen,
And the music of flutes in the woodlands so green.
O Singing beneath the tress!
Mina spun and began dancing once more and this time it was Raye who sung to Ami's constant playing.
Tis the smoking hot platter of meats heaped on high,
And the dishes of pastries that gladden the eye,
The fruit of the forest, the wine in the cup,
Good cheer and good appetite, long may we sup!
Feasting one and all!
The crowd applauded and the girls curtseyed.
'To Serena, our bubbleheaded bunny! May you never change!' they cried at which Serena promptly burst into tears.
After all the commotion, dancing resumed once more.
Zoicite approached Ami and gave her a bow.
'That was beautiful, Lady Ami,' he said.
'Thank you,' she replied politely and made to turn away.
He reached out and gently grabbed her sleeve. 'Ahem,' he said cheeks slightly red, 'By any chance have you read the book I gave you?'
'Oh that,' Ami shrugged. 'I'm afraid I lost it, so busy was I in preparation for tonight.'
Zoicite paled but nodded his understanding. 'I'll not waste your time then,' he muttered.
'Wait,' called Ami, giving in. 'Would you care to dance?'
Zoicite blinked in surprise before taking her outstretched hand. They waltzed around the clearing in the classic ballroom pose, both not talking.
Ami sighed, really, he could try again! She let go of his hand and instead wound her arms around his neck. He took it all in stride.
'The owl looks quite like you,' she murmured in his ear.
He froze for a bit and forgot to dance but quickly recovered.
'Did you like it?' he questioned, nervous as he couldn't see her face.
'I loved it,' she said simply. 'It reminded me of you.'
He smiled then into her hair. If it reminded her of him and she loved it...... For one so smart Zoicite sure took his time piecing it together.
He drew back to gaze at her. 'I love you too,' he whispered. Ami would've replied but he had drawn her in for a kiss.
@~@~@~@~@
Lita smiled as she walked down the palace corridors. Before leaving the table at Serena's request to get a present for Endymion, she had seen Zoicite and Ami. She was happy for her friend.
She did find it odd though that Serena had hidden the present in Lita's room, 'You weren't there but I hid it anyway, I knew you wouldn't mind. If Endy thinks to look in your closet, I would be very surprised.' She had said.
Lita opened the door, 'I hope she didn't hide too well,' she muttered, wanting to get back to the feast. She had her mind set on dancing with a certain General.
She lit a candle and promptly stepped on a ... rose. She bent and picked it up. 'Funny,' she thought. 'I didn't leave any roses on the floor. Then she noticed another one.
'Curious,' she muttered as she followed the trail of roses which led to her balcony. She gasped in surprise.
There on her balcony was a table set for two. A candle lit dinner to be exact. With the moon shining full and the stars sparkling in the distance, it was an image straight from her dreams.
'These are for you,' said Nephrite as he stepped out from behind the door with a bouquet of flowers, thrusting them into her arms.
Lita blinked in surprise. Still too stunned to react.
Nephrite walked over to the table and uncovered the dishes. 'I made this myself.' He said proudly. 'I haven't spent much time in the kitchens so I don't really know how good it is though.' He said embarrassedly.
When she still didn't say anything, he bit his lip worriedly. 'You don't like it then?' he questioned.
Lita looked at the flowers in her arms and the dinner all set out. He had gone to a lot of trouble to prepare this.
She glanced back at him, he was patiently waiting.
'Lita I did not mean those things I said that night,' he began, anything to fill the awkward silence that threatened to surface. 'That was only my first impression of you after I ate that soup that made my lips swell. You are beautiful and filled with life and vitality. You are intelligent with such a caring heart. You are the first woman I know who like to climb trees and squash innocent rescuers. Forgive me and let us be happy together.'
He ran out of things to say and still she hadn't spoken.
Lita placed the roses on the table and seated herself. 'Well, if you mean the things you say then let's see how well you tried to cook for me then.' She picked up a fork.
Nephrite's jaw dropped open; she was going to judge him by how well he cooked? His unease grew.
He saw her place a morsel of pasta in her mouth and chew it slowly. Both of them grimaced when he heard crunching noises.
He winched when he saw her hack away at her charred piece of steak, and even though she was subtle, he saw her spit the mashed potatoes delicately into her napkin. Needless to say she drank a lot of water before answering.
She walked over to where he stood, head bowed in defeat.
'The pasta was not cooked enough,' she said looking into his eyes though her face was expressionless. 'The steak was cooked too much. The mashed potatoes... let us not even go there.'
'Good thing I haven't showed you the cake still sitting in the kitchen,' he muttered, it had came out lopsided and he had forgotten one of the ingredients but it was ok, he had thought, for he had piled on the icing.
'A worse meal I have never tasted,' she said with a spark in her eyes, 'but I loved it all the same.'
His mouth fell open in shock to which Lita took advantage by kissing him. It didn't take long for Nephrite to recover and give as good as he was getting.
Overhead fireworks burst out in flowers of red, blue and green to the cheers of the assembled crowd.
@~@~@~@
One more chapter to go and then an epilogue!! This story will be finished in a week. Thank you all. ^-^!
Special thanks to Crystal-Winter, angel, secrets, Ocianne, Hayley Serenity, nova33, Pyro*Chic, Ravenfeathers587, Neo-Princess Selenity and roswellachick who reviewed twice! Sorry if I missed anyone, it heartens me to know that I have fans! ^-^!
Chapter Seventeen
General Nephrite scratched his head; he had no idea what to do. The journey back to the palace had been awkward for all the Generals as the girls wouldn't speak to them. Oh, they would 'hello' and nod but they always kept their distance. They were for lack a better phrase, acting as demure and polite princesses. And it galled him.
Now that they were back at the Palace, he had duties and rarely saw the Princess Lita. But he heard from the palace staff that all the girls were closeted in the women's hall busily planning the upcoming wedding. At that thought, who should approach but the lovesick doting couple?
'General Nephrite,' greeted Serena with a smile, Darien just nodded his head.
'Princess,' he replied, 'how is your wedding plans coming along?'
Darien rolled his eyes and repressed a sigh while Serena beamed excitedly.
'It is going to be so beautiful! We found the perfect flowers yesterday and the invitations look simply divine! The seating arrangements were a bit of a hassle but-' chattered Serena happily.
'Rena,' interrupted Darien with a grin. 'It's going well.' He told Nephrite.
Nephrite opened him mouth but then paused. The couple looked at him expectantly with amusement in their eyes. No question on what he was about to ask.
He shook his head then abruptly, 'Good day,' and turned and began to walk off.
Serena gave a little giggle than unlinked her arm from her soon-to-be husband's arm and raced after the General. 'Male pride!' she thought.
'General' she called as to which he turned and waited.
'Princess?' he looked at her questioningly.
'I have an idea,' she began fighting the urge to giggle. 'Lita is going to love this!' she thought happily.
@~@~@~@
Zoicite had searched everywhere! The stables, the kitchens, the library, Princess Ami just did not want to be found!
She had avoided him with unexpected skill ever since they got back. And whenever he approached her, she rebuffed him.
'This is the last hope,' he muttered to himself clutching the book he held. If this failed he had absolutely no idea what to do.
He was searching the gardens when he spotted Serena and General Nephrite deep in conversation. Nephrite looked doubtful before suddenly breaking into a smile and surprising her with a brief hug. He nodded and quickly ran off.
'Well,' said Zoicite. 'If she can help him than surely she could help me.'
'Princess Serena,' he called. Serena turned and smiled. 'Yes Zoicite,' she asked hiding a grin, not another lovesick General!
'Could you please give this to Princess Ami for me?' he asked handing her the book almost reverently.
'Why yes, of course,' said Serena not seeing the importance of the book.
'Tell her I bid her to read it and it is most vital that she do so.' He instructed with care.
As he turned to leave, Serena asked, 'General? How are things going with Ami?'
He gave a wry smile, 'Just make sure that she reads that book.'
Serena shook her head and glanced at the dusty old tome she held in her hands. In a day, she gambled with herself, Ami would finish this in a day.
@~@~@~@
He aimed a blow at her head not intending to hurt but she deflected it easily and successfully swept his legs out from under him while wearing her skirt.
'I don't have time for this!' huffed Lady Raye, 'I have to go talk to the seamstress!'
Before he could rise, she had left.
'Need a hand?' enquired Malachite offering his hand to the grinning Jadeite.
'Thanks,' he replied and dusted himself off.
'Why do you always let her win?' asked Malachite. 'I was watching and I know your skill. You were barely trying.'
'I don't think it will ease her temper if I whooped her ass every time.' Said Jadeite with a smirk.
'I don't see why you bother,' said Malachite as he began to walk away. 'You are no closer to winning her back then when you were making faces at her in the forest.'
Jadeite laughed. 'At least I am doing something!' he shouted after the General. 'Instead of letting the love of my life slip through my fingers!'
Malachite froze but continued walking without comment.
Jadeite whistling began walking to where he knew the seamstress to be, planning to waylay the Princess Raye.
He did not doubt Malachite's word. Jadeite knew that he had not won her over. And continuing to appear in her path and challenging her was not going to solve it either but as of yet he had not a better plan.
@~@~@~@
Malachite thought furiously as he paced. He knew that Jadeite was right. Keeping his cold demeanour was not working with Princess Mina. Usually the girls would come to him, thinking to melt his heart of ice but as of yet Mina had not approached him.
'Perhaps I pushed her away once too often,' he muttered in regret recalling how she had approached him. 'Maybe it is time I approached her,' he thought, thanking Jadeite as he began to form an idea.
@~@~@~@
'And he bid you read it as it is most important,' repeated Serena solemnly.
Ami gazed at the book in her hands, true it was an old book, uncommon but not that hard to find.
'Did he say anything else?' she asked.
'Yes,' said Serena as she repressed the urge to gin like a maniac, 'He said he loves you and would pluck the stars out of the skies and lay them at your feet if only you would forgive him.'
Ami blushed to which Serena did giggle. 'He did not,' Ami mumbled.
'No he didn't,' admitted Serena, 'but I could tell he wanted to.'
'Yes, and that is why he gave me a smelly old book!'
'You were expecting a bouquet of flowers?' asked Serena mischievously.
'No! I want nothing of the sort!' denied Ami furiously.
'Well then, what do you want?'
'I... I... I want a bouquet of flowers!' she said with a wail. 'I want chocolates and a declaration of love! Is that too much to ask?'
'Consider it done!' said Serena getting up, 'I will go tell him now!' She grinned cheekily and began to run.
'Serena!! Don't you dare do anything of the sort!!' screamed Ami racing after her. 'Come back!'
Thus began a very long chase through kitchen and gardens before ending with a trip and landing in the main fountain which resulted in a water fight.
The senior servants shook their head with a wry smile at the youth; the maids giggled and hid their smiles while the guards openly cheered the lovable Princesses.
@~@~@~@
Thud!
Ami glanced at the book she threw on the bed. She sighed. Though flowers and chocolates weren't forthcoming, from Zoicite even a dusty old book would do. She sighed once more and settled down to read. She glanced at the title, 'Ancient text', surprised for she was truly interested in ancient text.
With a smile she remembered that night she went to his room with the translation to distract him. She chuckled, cucumber indeed!
It was a lovely day outside and the sunshine streamed through her window seat window, it was her favourite spot to sit. She settled down to read.
Several hours later, she was thoroughly enjoying the text when she turned the page, to find a small blue card similar to the one she had given him.
Her heart stopped. Had he returned it? Did he no longer want it? Examining it more closely she gave a relieved sigh. No this one was different.
It had a scene of the night sky, faint stars and the moon sparkled in the background. At the bottom of the card were dark green treetops, a forest. The focal point of the card was the large snowy owl, with wings outspread and feet curled. Its eyes were bright and beak open in what Ami imagined being a plaintive hoot.
It was similar to the owl that Zoicite had been transformed into. Slowly Ami turned the card over. Written in Zoicite's small neat cursive hand - Ami, I love you too. Zoi
Ami smiled feeling warm all over. Some girls might have said that it wasn't enough but Ami knew the gesture behind it. He was giving her the chance to do what he did to her. He knew she was mad at him and could take the opportunity to humiliate him. If she wanted to. And she knew now what she wanted.
@~@~@~@
'To the Moon and the Earth!! May peace and prosperity flow!' Everyone raised their glasses in toast to the happy couple.
The ceremony had been beautiful and now everyone was celebrating with drink and dance. The grand hall could not shelter the number of guests that arrived. It seemed that everyone on earth from nobility to peasant alike had come to celebrate. The party spilled out onto the gardens with couples dancing among the roses. This was only the Earth ceremony; another ceremony would be held on the Moon for the intergalactic nobility.
Serena was absolute stunning in her shimmering white gown, and Darien cut a dashing figure in his tuxedo. At the moment they were watching the clearing where the four Senshi were going to sing and dance for them.
Ami sat upon a rock like a queen on her throne. She had gotten her flute back from Zoicite though she had still been angry at him at the time. She took it out now and began to play the first mellifluous notes.
Lita began to sing in harmony with the notes. A wordless joyous melody while Raye and Mina in their flowing gowns, began to dance.
Lita began to sing-
Tis a soft Summer's eve with the moon in the trees,
And the glimmer of stars and a rose-scented breeze,
Tis the laughter and music that ring through the night,
And the feet that move swiftly in patterned delight.
O Dancing on the grass!
Lita twirled and joined Raye dancing, Mina had stopped and began to sing-
Tis the voices in unison lilting and clear,
And the weaving of harmonies sweet to the ear,
Sung to a melody stirring and keen,
And the music of flutes in the woodlands so green.
O Singing beneath the tress!
Mina spun and began dancing once more and this time it was Raye who sung to Ami's constant playing.
Tis the smoking hot platter of meats heaped on high,
And the dishes of pastries that gladden the eye,
The fruit of the forest, the wine in the cup,
Good cheer and good appetite, long may we sup!
Feasting one and all!
The crowd applauded and the girls curtseyed.
'To Serena, our bubbleheaded bunny! May you never change!' they cried at which Serena promptly burst into tears.
After all the commotion, dancing resumed once more.
Zoicite approached Ami and gave her a bow.
'That was beautiful, Lady Ami,' he said.
'Thank you,' she replied politely and made to turn away.
He reached out and gently grabbed her sleeve. 'Ahem,' he said cheeks slightly red, 'By any chance have you read the book I gave you?'
'Oh that,' Ami shrugged. 'I'm afraid I lost it, so busy was I in preparation for tonight.'
Zoicite paled but nodded his understanding. 'I'll not waste your time then,' he muttered.
'Wait,' called Ami, giving in. 'Would you care to dance?'
Zoicite blinked in surprise before taking her outstretched hand. They waltzed around the clearing in the classic ballroom pose, both not talking.
Ami sighed, really, he could try again! She let go of his hand and instead wound her arms around his neck. He took it all in stride.
'The owl looks quite like you,' she murmured in his ear.
He froze for a bit and forgot to dance but quickly recovered.
'Did you like it?' he questioned, nervous as he couldn't see her face.
'I loved it,' she said simply. 'It reminded me of you.'
He smiled then into her hair. If it reminded her of him and she loved it...... For one so smart Zoicite sure took his time piecing it together.
He drew back to gaze at her. 'I love you too,' he whispered. Ami would've replied but he had drawn her in for a kiss.
@~@~@~@~@
Lita smiled as she walked down the palace corridors. Before leaving the table at Serena's request to get a present for Endymion, she had seen Zoicite and Ami. She was happy for her friend.
She did find it odd though that Serena had hidden the present in Lita's room, 'You weren't there but I hid it anyway, I knew you wouldn't mind. If Endy thinks to look in your closet, I would be very surprised.' She had said.
Lita opened the door, 'I hope she didn't hide too well,' she muttered, wanting to get back to the feast. She had her mind set on dancing with a certain General.
She lit a candle and promptly stepped on a ... rose. She bent and picked it up. 'Funny,' she thought. 'I didn't leave any roses on the floor. Then she noticed another one.
'Curious,' she muttered as she followed the trail of roses which led to her balcony. She gasped in surprise.
There on her balcony was a table set for two. A candle lit dinner to be exact. With the moon shining full and the stars sparkling in the distance, it was an image straight from her dreams.
'These are for you,' said Nephrite as he stepped out from behind the door with a bouquet of flowers, thrusting them into her arms.
Lita blinked in surprise. Still too stunned to react.
Nephrite walked over to the table and uncovered the dishes. 'I made this myself.' He said proudly. 'I haven't spent much time in the kitchens so I don't really know how good it is though.' He said embarrassedly.
When she still didn't say anything, he bit his lip worriedly. 'You don't like it then?' he questioned.
Lita looked at the flowers in her arms and the dinner all set out. He had gone to a lot of trouble to prepare this.
She glanced back at him, he was patiently waiting.
'Lita I did not mean those things I said that night,' he began, anything to fill the awkward silence that threatened to surface. 'That was only my first impression of you after I ate that soup that made my lips swell. You are beautiful and filled with life and vitality. You are intelligent with such a caring heart. You are the first woman I know who like to climb trees and squash innocent rescuers. Forgive me and let us be happy together.'
He ran out of things to say and still she hadn't spoken.
Lita placed the roses on the table and seated herself. 'Well, if you mean the things you say then let's see how well you tried to cook for me then.' She picked up a fork.
Nephrite's jaw dropped open; she was going to judge him by how well he cooked? His unease grew.
He saw her place a morsel of pasta in her mouth and chew it slowly. Both of them grimaced when he heard crunching noises.
He winched when he saw her hack away at her charred piece of steak, and even though she was subtle, he saw her spit the mashed potatoes delicately into her napkin. Needless to say she drank a lot of water before answering.
She walked over to where he stood, head bowed in defeat.
'The pasta was not cooked enough,' she said looking into his eyes though her face was expressionless. 'The steak was cooked too much. The mashed potatoes... let us not even go there.'
'Good thing I haven't showed you the cake still sitting in the kitchen,' he muttered, it had came out lopsided and he had forgotten one of the ingredients but it was ok, he had thought, for he had piled on the icing.
'A worse meal I have never tasted,' she said with a spark in her eyes, 'but I loved it all the same.'
His mouth fell open in shock to which Lita took advantage by kissing him. It didn't take long for Nephrite to recover and give as good as he was getting.
Overhead fireworks burst out in flowers of red, blue and green to the cheers of the assembled crowd.
@~@~@~@
One more chapter to go and then an epilogue!! This story will be finished in a week. Thank you all. ^-^!