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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Zelgadis, song finished, tried to step down from his chair and landed on the floor with a thud, a giggling Amelia spilling down on top of him, her cheeks flushed a bright red. Did you go boom? she cooed, crawling onto his chest and smiling.
I guess so, he said. The floor isn't hot. It feels good.
You feel nice, too, she murmured, reaching up and tracing his full lower lip with a finger. You have a beautiful mouth, Zelgadis.
His breath caught in his throat and he shuddered. he protested weakly.
She smiled and gazed at him from half-closed eyes. What? Do you want me to stop?
Uh. . .no, I don't think so. I don't know what's going on. Where are my pants?
Amelia rolled off him and poked around. she said, holding them up so he could see, and hiccuped. I have your shirt, too.
Oh, I want those back, he said, standing shakily and wobbling towards her.
Come get them, she giggled, and turned and fled up the stairs.
he said, staggering as he tried to follow her. She ducked into a room and he went in as well, but when he got into the room she wasn't there. He took a few paces towards the bed, looking about in confusion.
The door slammed behind him and he heard his clothes hit the floor. I'm right behind you, she said, and pushed him onto the bed.
He grunted as he hit the mattress and squirmed as she pounced on him. Hey, stop it, he said, uncomfortable with her seeing his bare skin. He wasn't normal, he didn't want her to see it.
Why? Don't you like me?
I like you fine, he grumbled, embarrassed even through the fuzz in his brain. What had Xellos put in those drinks? It had to be Xellos' fault. Everything was the Monster's fault. He would never get so drunk all by himself.
Well, I like you a lot, she said softly, straddling him. He gasped as she slid her palms over his bare chest, the skin of her hands warm on his skin. Never had he felt so good, and he closed his eyes and moaned softly as she touched him. You're beautiful, she whispered, running her hands over his arms.
So are you, he slurred in reply. A woman had never touched him like that before.
she breathed, bringing her face close to his.
His heart pounded away madly inside his chest as her nose touched the tip of his, her face so near that he could feel her breath on his skin.
She didn't respond, simply lowered her mouth to his. Her lips grazed the skin of his mouth and he felt a shiver run the length of his body. He raised his head a fraction and she went in for the kill, locking him in a kiss. A gurgling noise of panic came from the back of his throat, but she did not move away. Slowly he began to relax, reveling instead in the soft sweetness of her mouth pressed to his, and gradually he reached up and touched her shoulders. He withdrew and gently rolled her onto her back, his fingers tracing the curve of her cheek, unable to believe he was finally getting to touch her. He kissed her again, his hand moving down to her waist and pulling her to him. He was going to start to kiss her neck, but realized soft snores were coming from her. She had passed out, apparently. He smiled and felt the fuzziness in his own head overtake him as well. Resting his head on her chest and curling his arms about her midsection, he was soon fast asleep himself.
A rooster's crowing awoke him and he came to slowly, blinking in the morning light. He groaned and tried to roll over, but a warm weight pressed against his body stopped him. A scowl crossed his face and he looked down, then nearly wet himself. Lying on his chest, fist curled near her face and resting on his sternum, was Amelia. He uttered a shout and sprang out of bed. She sat bolt upright at his movement and looked around, complete and utter surprise written all over her features. She let the sheet drop and he realized her shirt was partly undone, exposing a portion of her generous bosom. He felt dizziness descend upon him and he yelled again, trying to cover his eyes. What's going on? she asked, shielding her eyes from the morning sun with a hand.
How in the hell am I supposed to know? he cried in return. Oh my god, Prince Phil is going to kill me!
Why? What did we do? she said, then her eyes grew wide. Oh, we didn't, did we?
How should I know? he spluttered, dashing and pulling on his pants.
Don't you remember?
No! Do you?
Not really. . .
He finally stopped shaking long enough to gather his wits about him. Well, you're still wearing most of your clothes, although how mine got across the room is a complete mystery. Do you feel any different? Is anything sore?
she replied. I feel the same as yesterday.
He breathed a sigh of relief. Then nothing happened, most likely.
I guess you're right, she said, still shading her eyes. My head is killing me.
Mine too, Zelgadis replied, looking very pointedly away from her chest.
Why don't you come sit down, then? she asked, patting the bed next to her in an innocent fashion.
You're. . um, your shirt. . .it isn't shut all the way, he mumbled.
He heard her gasp and a quick rustling of fabric. Oh my gosh, she said to herself, quickly rearranging her clothes. I can't believe this.
It's not my fault, he said, still looking away.
I'm decent, she told him, and he turned his head in time to see her eyes flicker down his chest.
Please don't look at me, he said, hunching his shoulders and bending to pick up his shirt.
Her face softened and she looked at him with those huge blue eyes of hers. Why not?
Because I'm not normal, he muttered, beginning to put on his shirt as he approached the bed.
His progress was halted by a hand on the fabric of his tunic. she said firmly. That's nonsense.
What are you talking about? This stone body of mine is awful, he said, voice dripping with bitterness.
She made an impatient noise and tore the shirt out of his hands before he could protest. I don't think so, Zelgadis, she said, her tone more gentle than the look on her face. Your skin is fine. Your body is fine. No, they're more than fine, they're wonderful.
But they're...freakish...
I think they're unique and exotic. No one looks like you, she replied.
How can you think that?
She laughed, much to his surprise, the sound melodious and carefree. Because I know you! she answered. You are Zelgadis, nothing less. I. . .I, she said, faltering suddenly.
I'm afraid to say.
You can be honest with me. I'm prepared for the worst, he replied grimly.
Do you promise you won't be angry with me?
Yes. Please, just tell me the truth.
She took a deep breath and closed her eyes for a moment. When she opened them again she gazed at him levelly, her blue eyes searching his face. I think you're beautiful, Zelgadis, she murmured. I've wanted to be near you for a very long time. I was actually sort of afraid that you would find a cure. I thought maybe you wouldn't be the same if you got your old body back. I like the one you have just fine. No, I like it more than that. She paused, her shoulders slumping, and she sighed. I don't know how to say what I mean. I think my head hurts too bad to speak straight.
He felt something well up inside him, unable to tell if it was tears, laughter, or joy. Please try, Amelia, he choked.
I'm still afraid, she whispered.
He grabbed her hand and squeezed it, looking desperately into her face, searching for anything.
Mister Zelgadis, I-
Just Zelgadis. We're friends, aren't we?
Of course we are. That's why I'm scared. I don't want to ruin our friendship.
We will always be friends, no matter what. Please tell me what you want to say.
Suddenly she looked up at him with tear-filled eyes and gripped his hand hard. Zelgadis, I love you.
He felt the blood drain out of his face and he stared at her, struck dumb. He couldn't believe the words that had just come out of her mouth. he breathed.
I love you. I've loved you for years, just the way you are.
He let go of her hand and stood, stalking across the window to stare out the window. His shock seemed to permeate every single cell of his body and he grabbed the windowsill tightly to keep his balance.
He heard a sob break free from her chest and knew without turning around that she was starting to cry. He could almost feel the tears running down her face. I'm sorry, she cried. I didn't mean to upset you. I don't want to ruin our friendship. Please, I'm sorry.
He turned around then, and his heart broke at the sight of her all curled up in the large bed, covering her face with her hands as her whole body shook with near-silent sobs. There's no need to be sorry, he replied, walking over to the bed and sitting down next to her.
I'm sure it's uncomfortable for you to be around someone you know loves you if you don't love them back, she said, voice catching in her throat.
he breathed, tears nearly welling up in his own eyes as relief washed over him. No matter how hard he tried to deny them, he still had feelings, and it was breaking his heart to see her so upset. He reached out and brushed the bangs out of her eyes, running his thumb over the soft flesh of her forehead. Please, don't cry.
Oh, don't worry about me, she blubbered, sitting up and madly wiping at her eyes. Please, just forget I said anything.
He smiled and took her chin in his hand, her eyes opening wide. How could I forget when I wanted to hear it? he whispered, and swallowed hard. Closing his eyes, he moved his hand to the side of her face and kissed her tenderly on the mouth. He felt her arms wrap around his shoulders and it felt like he was being reborn, a strange weight lifting from his chest. They kissed for some time, but she finally broke away and crawled into his lap, resting her head on his chest.
Do you mean it? she murmured after some time.
Yes. Do you?
With all my heart, she said, turning her head and looking up into his face.
He smiled and ran his hands through her thick, soft hair. I'm very glad.
She grinned at him and it was as if the sun was shining on his very soul. My head still hurts horribly, she said. We still have some time left. Do you want to lie down?
His smile widened and in a few moments he had slid under the covers. Let's rest a bit, he agreed, holding his arms open. She crawled under the covers as well and he felt a thrill of joy race through him as she wrapped her arms around his torso and rested her head on his chest. Be patient with me, Amelia, he whispered.
she replied, and within a matter of moments they had both fallen into a peaceful, gentle slumber.
