A/N: Standard disclaimer, no rights of ownership, etc. etc. If you like this story, make sure to check out its sequels. There are a whole crazy mess of them now. Also view the accompanying fanart at my website, www.vejiitasei.com.
You can view this story in its un-chaptered form at my website, also. I went back and broke it up into chapters because I was getting complaints that it was too long. Sorry if the chapter divisions seem awkward in places, or if some chapters seem too short or too long. That's what happens when you write a story without chapter divisions, and then later chop it up.
Reviews are welcome!!
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The was in full swing, Lina realized after several hours of stuffing herself. Xellos sat across the table from her, the fingers of his left hand curled around his glass of wine. The night was still young, and there was still food to be eaten. She looked up at the trickster priest and took a large bite of bread. He smiled back at her and opened one of his eyes a crack, raising an eyebrow.
Lovely evening, he said so low she could barely hear him.
she said around her bread, quickly averting her eyes and fixing her attention on Gourry. The man had been drinking ale after ale, and his cheeks were flushed a heady pink. He grinned at her, his smile disarming her, just as it always had. He really was a handsome man, she realized suddenly, and he only had eyes for her. Why, all she had to do was tell him to go wait for her in her room and he would be hers for the taking yet again. She was tempted, if just for a moment, to do so. The feel of all his swordplay-hardened muscles beneath her fingers always thrilled her, and he was a very physically powerful man.
The feeling of being watched grew stronger and she turned back to Xellos. The Monster had both eyes open and was watching her intently. She could feel his gaze run over her jaw and the lines of her neck, making her shiver. As she looked at him he took off his gloves and spread his hands out on the table for a moment before fingering one of the knots in the wood. Suddenly she found herself wondering what those long, graceful fingers could do to her.
She shook her head and growled. See, this was exactly the reason she should have just avoided men forever in the first place. Nothing good came out of it. Well, that was a lie. She had actually come to quite enjoy physical intimacy. So nothing else good came of it, she decided to think. Yes, that was more accurate.
Gourry whispered in her ear.
How many rooms did Xellos get?
How many of us are there?
I see, he said with a nod, and she nearly broke out laughing. If she wasn't mistaken, Gourry was attempting to look crafty. I think I would like to meet up with you later.
Because I love you and I want to show you.
You're drunk.
No. It takes a lot more than this to get me drunk.
Lina looked at him askance. True, it did take quite a bit to get Gourry drunk, but she knew he was well on his way. He had a tolerance from years of mercenary work as well as his size on his side, but even such factors could be overcome by sheer numbers of mugs of ale.
Glancing to her left, she saw that Zelgadis and Amelia were well on their way to being totally tanked. Roughly five empty ale tankards sat in front of Zel, and he apparently was trying to lecture Amelia on something. She wasn't sure exactly what he was saying, but every so often he would stop, look around myopically, and then begin again. She didn't think he knew what he was talking about either. Amelia, however, found it hilarious. No matter what he said or did she giggled madly, fluttering her eyelashes and finding little ways to touch him.
In fact, Lina wasn't feeling so sober herself. She had a few ale mugs in front of her as well, and she was awfully warm. Gourry slammed another empty pint down on the table and sighed, wiping his mouth on the back of his hand. This is great stuff, Xellos! he crowed, voice pitched more loudly than was necessary. I can't believe it! I feel like a million bucks! Or I think I do, I've never actually felt a million bucks. He collapsed into a fit of laughter and Lina groaned.
Not too many people have, Xellos replied, signaling a barmaid to bring the swordsman another drink. Xellos was downing his sixth glass of wine.
Gourry leaned across the table, eyelids drooping. You know, I like you, he slurred, poking Xellos in the shoulder. You're an outstanding fellow. You are a damn fine woman, too. Remember when we were in Femille? You had great breasts back then. I wish Lina had breasts like you did.
Er, thank you, Xellos said with a smile. I think Lina's breasts are perfect, actually.
Lina growled, feeling the room spin slightly.
I'm too hot! Zelgadis cried, starting to take off his shirt. Why did it get so hot in here?
It just is, Amelia purred, leaning on Zel's arm and fingering his bare skin.
No, it's not fair! Zelgadis said. I'm hot!
Dance, then. Sweat will cool you off, Gourry said with a wave of his ale mug.
A dance! Zel said, raising a finger in the air. His hand weaved and was otherwise incapable of remaining steady. Through her own growing haze of alcohol she realized that Zelgadis was totally trashed. But I can't dance!
I can dance! Gourry said, climbing on the table. I can dance great!
Oh, good, Zelgadis replied, letting Gourry hoist him onto the table. I don't like being hot.
Take off your pants! Amelia crowed, cupping her hands around her mouth.
Zelgadis turned to her and blinked, his body swaying to and fro. Yeah, I wouldn't be so warm then, he agreed, and off came the pants.
Cute undies, Xellos murmured to Lina, and she raised her eyes to see Zelgadis standing in a pair of black bikini briefs.
Dance, Mister Zelgadis! Amelia shouted, pounding her fist on the table.
Zel looked at Gourry and the two began to jump around, shaking the silverware. Lina slurred. You're gonna ruin my food, you damn morons!
Oh no, Lina's an angry drunk, Amelia giggled. You go, Mister Zelgadis!
Lina squinted and realized that they were drawing a crowd. Of course, there was no shortage of drunk people in the inn, and soon other men were on tables, dancing their hearts out. Let's all dance together! Gourry cried, jumping off the table, and soon was lost in a crowd.
Zel smiled and tried to climb down, but slipped on part of a zucchini and landed heavily on the floor. Amelia uttered a sharp cry of distress and disappeared from sight as well. Lina scowled and began to stand, wondering where the other two went, when suddenly Xellos was beside her. It seems only we two are left, Miss Lina, he whispered, his breath warm on her ear. Something rose inside her and she turned to look at him, suddenly lost in his deep amethyst eyes. His slitted pupils drew her in and absorbed her, leaving her mesmerized by him. He reached out and gently picked up a lock of her hair, closing his eyes and running it under his nose. Absolutely lovely, he murmured, rubbing the silken fire of her hair over his cheek. Amazingly soft.
You've got pretty hair, too, she said, clumsily burying her hand in his thick, straight locks. His hair was even finer that she imagined, but there was so much of it, and it was far smoother and silky that she had expected. Oh, that's nice, she muttered.
There are nicer things, he said, stroking the crown of her head with one hand as he laced his fingers of his free hand with hers. His skin was smooth and cool against hers and she shuddered as his hand moved from her head to trace the large tendon in her neck. Would you like to see them?
Maybe. Why should I?
Xellos hiccuped and wiped at the corner of his mouth with a finger. I'm not sure, he giggled. But I think it would be fun. Don't you feel like doing things just for the fun of it once in a while?
She shrugged as she felt his arm steal across the back of her chair, his fingers gently rubbing the skin of the arm furthest from him. Perhaps once in a while can't hurt.
Of course not, he murmured, parting the hair by her ear with his nose and nuzzling her. Do you know that your scent is absolutely spellbinding?
She smiled coyly, ignoring the way the room spun around her. I've been told, she cooed.
And that was only half my talent! Zel cried, hoisting himself off of the floor. Amelia appeared beside him, hair disheveled as she steadied him. He took his seat heavily and pointed a finger at Lina. You gotta be careful around a...a. . .whatever he is, Zel warned with a serious look on his face, the effect marred only by the fact that he was swaying in his chair.
Amelia giggled and placed Zelgadis' clothes on the table next to her as she slid as close to him as she could. Oh, Mister Zel, you're so clever! she chortled.
Lina snapped, annoyed at the interruption. It wasn't everyday she was seducing the strongest Monster under the five lords.
That reminds me of a song, Zelgadis said, turning to Amelia. Come on, do the rhythm! he directed her.
She blinked, then put her hands on the table and began to tap on the wood, grinning like crazy at the nearly-naked man. Is this right?
A little slower, and in three, he slurred, tossing his head like a primadonna.
Like this?
Yesh! S perfect!
I'm so happy! she giggled. You're so cool!
Good lord, Lina groaned. Shut the hell up! Can't you see I'm busy?
Zel looked at her blankly. That reminds me of another song, but I gotta sing this one first, he proclaimed. Okay, Amelia! Are you ready?
Well, at the very least they're having a good time, Xellos murmured into her ear, flicking the lobe with his tongue. She shuddered and looked away, noticing a crowd of people near the door.
Someone hold his hair, a woman said, and Lina briefly caught a glimpse of Gourry outside, on all fours.
Ignore him, Xellos said, his voice wrapping around her like satin.
Give me a reason, she said.
When the dawn comes caaaaallling, Zelgadis sang, putting a hand on the table as he climbed up on his chair.
You look even better from this angle! Amelia swooned, forgetting her task and wrapping her arms around his calf.
My lady love goes waaaaallllking, Zel continued, his voice as loud as possible.
Shut up! Lina screamed.
She went down to the poooooonnnnnd. . .
You have such a lovely voice, Mister Zelgadis!
But the water was all gooooonnnne. . .
If you don't shaddup I'm gonna dragon slave your sorry ass! Lina screeched, starting to crawl onto the the table.
No, no, Xellos whispered behind her. Don't pay attention to him. He pulled her back and put his hands on either side of her face, gently caressing her cheeks.
Uh, okay, Lina said, immediately lost in his endless gaze.
Focus on me, Xellos continued.
She came back to me cryyyyyying. . .
Dammit, Zel, Lina growled, breaking away from Xellos and making a grab for Zelgadis' legs.
Xellos tackled her bodily from behind, dragging her in the opposite direction. Miss Lina, that really isn't polite, he chastised.
She growled in inarticulate frustration and tried to fight him. He pinned her to the floor with ease, however, and she gasped at his strength. She hadn't known he would be so physically strong, and it took her breath away. His grip on her was gentle, and yet she could not break it, try as she might. she snarled.
I'll just have to make you forget about him, he said, reaching down to her waist and tickling her with a laugh.
she squealed, giggling madly and trying to twist away from his wandering fingers.
You can't make me, Xellos said in return, his tone in the fashion of a song.
She laughed even harder as he hunched over her, tickling like crazy, her batting ineffectually at his arms and shoulders, He leaned even more closely and kissed her on the throat, sending little tremors of heat through her entire body.
Wait, I forgot the next line, Zelgadis said, his voice sounding distant.
Isn't it something about night? Amelia volunteered.
Oh, right. Just as the night was dyyyyying. . .
Miss Lina, Xellos murmured against her skin, moving his arms beneath her. She wrapped her arms around his neck and buried her face in his fabulous hair, nuzzling against his ear. She found the top of the curve of his ear and took it between her teeth, nipping gently. A shudder ran through his body and he pulled her to him tightly. Miss Lina, you shouldn't do such things, he rasped.
Then what am I supposed to be doing? she snapped, going from amorous to angry in a heartbeat.
Oh, just wait until we're in a room, all right? I promise it will be soon.
It better be. If you don't hurry your ass up I'll break your damn legs.
He laughed and she closed her eyes, feeling the smooth movements of his muscles beneath his clothing as he picked her off of the floor. The hands and arms that held her were strong, and although they didn't have Gourry's bulk, they were still just as hard. She wondered idly if Monsters were built like human men. He giggled as he wove down the hallway, unsteady on his feet. I suppose I had too much to drink.
I think we all did, Lina said with a burp, clinging to him as he careened down the passage.
he said finally, setting her down and propping her against the wall. Her vision swam as she tried to focus on him, a corner of her mind dimly aware that she was far too inebriated and was bound to pass out at any moment.
She sighed as he slid his arms around her and pinned her to the wall, running his lips lightly over the skin of her neck and giving her goose bumps. She made a small noise and pressed against him as he planted a hard thigh between her legs to steady her. You smell good, she mumbled, the words barely intelligible.
And you are simply delectable overall, he murmured in her ear, running his hands up her sides over her clothes. He reached up and cleared the hair away from her ear, tracing its curvature with his tongue. She shuddered again, wanting to see what the man that held her could do, when something deep in her chest set off an alarm.
What happened to Gourry? she asked, feebly trying to get out of his embrace but somehow not capable of discerning how it was he was holding her to the wall.
Does it matter, Miss Lina?
Is he okay?
I'm certain he's fine. Now, please relax, he said, lips pressed against her neck.
No, I have to find him, she said weakly, managing to get away. She took a few steps and faltered. I want my Gourry! she cried out, seeing a strange, hard look cross the Monster's face as he looked down at her. Then the room spun several times and she was aware of falling, and everything went black.
