Title: Friendship
Author: KawaiiChica
E-mail: KawaiiChica@hotmail.com
Rating: PG-13
Disclaimer: Not mine. Never will be. Want my own Lance but its
not happening.
A/N: The song at the end of the chapter belongs to Mariah Carey, not me.
~ Lyrics
" " Speaking
[] Thoughts
***********
"You are the cutest thing ever you know that?" Allura giggled as the kitten played with her hair.
¨Too bad its already sold¨ Pidge rubbed its tummy playfully.
¨Yeah, but Nanny would never let us keep him at the castle, and not to mention the mice there would never forgive me.¨ Allura sighed and handed it back to the salesman. ¨Thank you¨
The man smiled, ¨No problem miss.¨
Leaving the petshop, they looked into the music and electronics store the others had been in last. ¨I wonder if they have that new adaptor for the computer.¨ Pidge stared at the wall through the mirror.
¨Go in and ask,¨ Allura gently propelled him towards the store, ¨I´ll wait out here.¨
¨Ok, be right back,¨ Pidge hurried inside, eager to find out about the newest gadgets.
With a sigh, Allura turned around and walked over to the railing, looking down at the fountain below and the people doing their shopping. They had gotten up late that morning and decided to go shopping for some more clothes since none of them had very much casual stuff. The clothes Tony and Liz had bought lasted them the first week of their vacation, but they needed more, and Allura had convinced them all to go shopping for the day. So far she´d bought a bunch of jeans, skirts, and shirts, but nothing too girly.
¨Well lookie here,¨ A deep voice drawled from slightly behind her.
Allura froze as she recognized him, gazing coldly as he leaned against the railing beside her. [Same blond hair, green eyes, height... the jerk] ¨What an unpleasant surprise.¨
¨Hello to you too gorgeous, didn´t think you could get any better.¨ He chuckled, moving to touch her hair.
Allura stepped back, ¨Well you were obviously wrong, if you´ll excuse me.¨
She turned to enter the store, but his hand on her arm stopped her. He came up beside her, pulling her slightly back, closer. ¨Oh don´t tell me you didn´t miss me?¨
¨If anyone missed someone, its YOU who missed ME.¨ Allura glared and yanked her arm away.
He nodded, ¨I certainly missed the money you made me, and all our good times of course.¨
¨Good Times? YOU BA...¨ Allura was cut off by his laughter.
¨You always were a little hell cat!¨
Allura took the opportunity while he laughed to quickly turn and run into the store, his mocking laughter ringing in her ears. Her eyes lit up when she found three of them at the register, Hunk and Lance were chatting while Keith paid for their purchases. Lifting Lance´s right arm, Allura settled it over her shoulders and set her arm around his waist.
¨Hey you¨ he greeted cheerfully, ¨Find a pet you might want?¨
¨Not really,¨ Allura shrugged, smilng as Keith joined them and showed her the movies they´d bought.
Heading towards the exit, they found Pidge waiting for them there. ¨Find anything you like?¨ Keith asked.
¨Nothing too interesting,¨ he answered dully.
Walking out, Allura was relieved to see he´d left, but quickly froze when she saw him salute her from across the hallway.
¨Something wrong Allie?¨ Lance asked, noticing her tense up.
Looking away, she smiled up to him, ¨Nope, just thought I saw someone, but it doesn´t matter. Where to next?¨
¨HOME!¨ they all said at the same time, hurrying over to the check in desk where they´d left most of their stuff.
***********
¨Swimming?¨
¨Nah¨
¨Billiards?¨
¨Nope¨
¨Movie?¨
¨I´ll fall asleep.¨
¨Well what DO you feel like doing woman?!¨ Lance asked, turning his head to glare at her.
Allura giggled and threw the ball back up, hitting the canopy on their bed. Lance caught it and threw it the same way she had. ¨I don´t know, I don´t feel like doing any of those things.¨
¨How about taking a stroll through the park? Its not too late and its nice outside.¨ Lance caught the ball again.
¨That could be fun,¨ Allura sat up and went over to the balcony, instantly cheering up as she saw the park. ¨There´s a carnival tonight!¨
¨Really?! Then let´s go!¨ Lance stood and put on his shoes, thinking over their options. ¨While you get ready I´m gonna go leave the guys a note telling them where we´ll be.¨
¨Sure, they can catch up with us if they want to.¨ Allura went into the closet to grab her tennis shoes.
Ten minutes later they were walking through the park towards the carnival. Reaching one of the entrances, they looked around at all the activities.
¨Where to first?¨ Lance asked, putting his hands into his pockets.
Allura shrugged and looped one of her arms through his, ¨Lets just walk around and see what we like.¨
Their first stop was at the ticket booth for a map and ride tickets. As they made their way towards one of them, Allura´s attention was caught by a game both. ¨Oh! Can we try to win that?! Its so cute!¨ She pointed towards a small stuffed kitten being offered by the attendant.
¨You know, I could buy you another one, that one´s kind of dirty and old looking.¨ Lance scrutinized the toy from far.
Allura sighed, her eyes on the kitten, ¨But that one´s so cute, and its already here.¨
Seeing the dissapointment in her eyes, Lance moved an arm around her waist and headed over to the booth. ¨If you want it that badly, its yours.¨
Allura beamed and went along happily, even more excited when she realized the game was perfect for him.
¨All I have to do is keep the water in the center of the bullseye?¨ he smirked and gave Allura a wink, ¨I think I can manage that.¨
¨In that case, I could do it too.¨ Allura sat at the gun beside him.
The attendant laughed and took his money, ¨My bets are on her, if she plays.¨
Lance nodded, ¨Mine too, but it doesn´t make sense to compete between each other. Nevermind the fact that I´d be a sorry husband if I didn´t win her at least one toy at the carnival.¨
Allura smiled, amused by his reference to their marriage. [I´m so glad I picked him for my fake husband, he´s the most outgoing and fun.] ¨Yeah well, concentrate honey, I want my kitten.¨
Lance cocked an eyebrow at her, ¨You really think I could lose?¨ He sighed and shook his head, smiling sadly at her, ¨Such little confidence you have in me love, its quite saddening.¨
Hearing the bell ring, he kept his eyes on hers through the whole game, not once glancing to where his gun was shooting. Allura kept her eyes on his too, her foot tapping anxiously as she heard the water spraying, wanting to see how he was doing but not wanting to break eye contact for some reason. The winner´s bell sounded and their eyes stayed on each others as the attendant announced, ¨And our winner is contestand number 5!¨
The kitten appeared between them as he laughed and congratulated her, ¨That husband of yours is a damned good shot.¨
Allura finally broke away, smiling up at the older man, ¨Yes he is.¨
Lance thanked the man and they turned back towards the rides, Allura inspecting her toy as he pulled her close, glaring at the guys ogling her. [Jerks] Deciding to ignore them, he turned in another direction and tapped her shoulder. ¨Where to next love?¨
Allura blinked and looked up to him, ¨Love?¨ [That´s the second time he calls me that.]
Lance blushed and poked at the toy. ¨Well, you´ve been calling me ´honey´ or ´babe´ all week, so I figured I should have a nickname for you too. Since I figured you wouldn´t like being called princess, I rememberd my father used to call my mother ´love´ but if you...¨
¨Oh its not that I mind, its sweet.¨ Allura smiled, ¨I really like actually, its... nice.¨
¨Fine by me.¨ Lance sighed and looked around, noticing they´d walked into the shopping area. ¨Nothing to do here.¨
¨Yes there is, we have to do that!¨ Allura took his hand and dragged him over to an old-fashioned picture shop.
¨MORE pictures?!¨ Lance groaned, ¨We spent all of your birthday taking pictures last week.¨
¨I know, but remember that we went to a carnival for our first date?¨ Allura asked.
¨Yeah¨
¨We took fake pictures of that date, but now we can make them real!¨ Allura smiled as a fotographer came out from the back and welcomed them.
¨You guys interested in any certain time period or planet? We have the ancient Arusian gods, Terran gods, sports, western...¨
¨Western!¨ Allura interrupted, blushing as he smiled at her.
¨Those female costumes are a bit daring if you´re up for it.¨ He looked at Lance as he noticed the rings on her hand, dissapointed to see a ring on his too.
Allura smiled coyly at Lance, ¨You know, besides bikers, I´ve always had a thing for cowboys.¨
¨Whatever you want darlin´ ah reckon its up to you.¨ Lance drawled, having noticed the looks this guy was giving her.
¨Western it is then,¨ Allura held his hand as they followed the guy, who introduced himself as Ian, to the costume room.
¨All black for you,¨ she handed Lance his costume and pushed him into a dressing room, picking through the female ones until she found one she liked and going into another room to change.
Lance stepped out wearing a black pair of jeans, black shirt, navy scarf around his neck, black hat with a silver rope around it and an old fashioned holster with a couple of old revolvers. His boots made noise as he walked because of the spurs and he winced as he saw his hair was crushed by the hat. ¨Do we have to do this?¨ he asked her, looking through the set options.
¨Yes,¨ Allura said, stepping out a few moments later, using a sultry voice. ¨So... how do I look?¨
Lance and Ian turned at the same time both gaping instantly.
From her feet up, Allura´s outfit would give Nanny a heart attack in an instant. On her feet were red, shiny heels with a thin strap over her toes and another one with a silver clasp at her ankles. Nude stockings went up to mid-thigh, held there by red lacy garters and littles suspenders that clipped to the bottom of her red corset. Accentuating her small waist and lean hips, the corset was deocrated with silver thread and clips down the front, little diamonds around the top edge. Two silvery straps went over her shoulders and crossed over her back. Hanging fromt her lower back to her knees was a veil-like skirt that shone red and silver. Her arms had silky red, opera length gloves, and diamond bracelets on each.
Around her neck she wore a Y-shaped diamond necklace which rested at her collarbone, with a thin chain hanging down from the center with a large solitaire hanging her ample bosom. Her ears also had diamonds hanging from them. She´d put on make up, a dark liner accentuated her eyes, bright red lipstick on her pouty lips. Around her forehead was a silver band, with a red feather at the back.
¨I take it you like it?¨ Allura turned to give him a better view, giggling as he merely nodded.
¨Very nice,¨ Ian answered, causing her to blush and Lance to give him a warning look.
¨Then if you guys are ready, let´s get this over with!¨ Allura came up to Lance and tilted her head to the side, studying him with the hat. ¨You know... that´s definitely a good look on you.¨
¨No its not, its squishing my hair.¨ Lance rubbed his forehead, making the hat go lopsided.
Allura giggled, reaching up to fix it, ¨That´s too bad... I really like it.¨
¨Yeah well, lets go.¨ Lance turned and followed Ian, not coming near her. [That outfit is gonna be hard to forget tonight.] Glancing back, he inwardly groaned and quickly turned back forward. [She´s not really your wife, she´s not really your wife...]
***********
¨HEY!¨ Allura glared at him as she looked down at what was left of her candied apple. ¨Look at what you left me with, almost no candy!¨
He laughed as she took a couple bites that were left before throwing away the trash. ¨I´ll make it up to you with a cotton candy later.¨
¨Hmph, you´d better!¨ Allura looked down around for another ride.
¨How about those?¨ Lance pointed to the spinning tea cups.
¨I don´t think my stomach can handle those right now.¨ Allura looked around for another ride.
So far they´d been on the large roller coaster, bumper cars, flying chairs, through the glass and mirror maze, in the spinning room, and on the viking ship twice. Walking side by side, they still only had the kitten as a souvenir, their pictures waiting back at the shop.
¨Your turn to pick Allie.¨
¨That one!¨ she pointed at the haunted house.
¨You sure you won´t get too frightened? Wouldn´t want you to have any nightmares tonight.¨ Lance teased.
¨Oh don´t worry about that, if I get scared I´ll just stay real close to you.¨ Allura counted their tickets as they walked over. Handing them to the attendant, she stepped into the car and scooted over for him to sit next to her. Once the ride started, she held on to the kitten and leaned closer to him, both laughing at the fake spider webs and monsters in the first room.
The next was called ´Real Monsters´
¨They´re all the robeasts we fought against,¨ Lance laughed as he remembered one of their battles. Allura nodded and checked to see which was the most frightening. A sticky hand suddenly came out of nowhere and touched her bare shoulder, causing her to scream and turn into him, her arms going around his waist.
¨Its fake Allie!¨ Lance wrapped his arms over her shoulders, grimacing as he felt the sticky stuff left on her shoulder.
¨I know but if felt so gross!¨ Allura rested her head on his shoulder and sighed, reading aloud the name on the doors to the next room.
´Frightful Truths´
The room was decorated like the streets of the city, a mugging happening in one place, bars, drunks, worse of all was a hologram of two people´s shadows against one wall. Looking away from it, Allura´s mind filled with memories and she didn´t even notice the exit until they were outside and being asked to step out of the car.
Lance went down the steps ahead of her, talking about that last room for a few minutes before he noticed how quiet she´d become. Looking down at her fidgeting with the kitten, he wondered what was wrong. ¨Allie?¨
She didn´t say anything, just shook her head and wiped at her eyes, sniffling. [What could have caused this? I know she wasn´t frigtened by that last room...] Cupping her chin in his hand, he forced her head up to look into her eyes, wondering why the tears in them. ¨Allura?¨
Seeing the worry in his expression, Allura suddenly felt guilty for worrying him and blinked back her tears, wiping at her eyes. ¨I´m sorry, its nothing.¨
¨Its not nothing, something had to have made you cry.¨ Lance pulled a napkin from his pocket and held it up to her nose. ¨Blow¨
Allura giggled and took it from him, ¨I might be a crybaby, but I can blow my own nose.¨
Walking over to the trash can, she threw away the napkin and turned back towards him, holding out her hand. ¨Win me another prize?¨
¨You still haven´t told me what made you cry.¨ Lance stayed where he was.
Allura shook her head, ¨Please don´t make me explain, its not something worth remembering, I just... something in there...¨
¨Tell me later then,¨ Lance came over and took her hand, pulling her close for a quick hug which she returned eagerly. Kissing the top of her head, he stepped back and they headed over to the game booths, looking for another prize. Feeling her shiver, he took off his jacket and helped her put it on, scolding her lightly for not bringing one of her own.
Walking past the last of the rides, their attention was caught by an old man who called out to them. ¨Now I KNOW the young lady wearing the black jacket would just love a ride through the tunnel!¨
Turning to see what tunnel he was talking about, Allura giggled and blushed, Lance quirked an eyebrow at her. "Would you?"
¨Of course she would! What young lady doesn´t come to the fair with a ride through the tunnel of love in mind?¨ The old man waved them over, his cheerfulness getting to them.
¨Why not?¨ Allura laughed and headed over, Lance going along with her. ¨If only to see what its like.¨ she mumbled.
Sitting int he heart shaped little boat, Allura blushed again as the old man winked at a slightly blushing Lance, ¨Don´t worry lad, the ride is nice and sloooow.¨
She covered her laughter with her hand as they drifted away into the pink and white tunnel. Once out of earshot she let go and laughed out loud, soon both of them were laughing, pointing at the cheesy decorations. ¨Can you believe people find this romantic? Big naked babies holding bows and heart-shaped arrows, tacky hearts, streamers and pink water.¨
Lance shook his head, ¨Nope... not my idea of romantic.¨
¨Mine either,¨ Allura sighed and leaned back against him. ¨What is your idea of romantic?¨
¨Mmm... the beach, a lake, or a forest.¨ Lance replied.
Allura nodded, ¨So a romantic date with Lance would include a trip to one of those places.¨
¨Not to mention a nice meal, something light and fun, finger foods. A nice wine, good music, a moonlit stroll or swim...¨ Lance tried to think of what else.
¨Finger foods?¨ Allura turned to look at him.
¨Yeah, its more romantic to feed someone with your own fingers than with your fork, don´t you think? More personal.¨ Lance shrugged, ¨It always worked before.¨
¨I bet it did...¨ Allura sighed, ¨All that does sound nice.¨
¨What´s your idea of romantic?¨ Lance asked, curious.
¨The same, moonlight, music, wine, a nice secluded place. Maybe some rain or snow if we´re inside near a warm fire.¨ Allura toyed with the kitten in her lap. ¨Candles and flower petals too.¨
Lance tapped its nose, ¨Flower petals? Why not the whole flower?¨
Allura shrugged, ¨I remember I read in a book once that the main character walked into her house to find it covered in rose petals. Pink petals over everything downstairs, a trail of white petals leading her upstairs to her bedroom, and red rose petals covering everything there.¨
She sighed and smiled dreamily, ¨And when she stepped up to the fan where a note was hung, she pulled the chain as told and more pink petals rained down on her.¨
¨Sounds romantic,¨ Lance imagined Allura in her room back at the palace, twirling in her princess dress as a stream of pink rose petals rained down on her. He could practically hear her sweet giggling, see the delight in her eyes.
They sat quietly for the rest of the ride, snapping out of their thoughts as they reached the exit and the little dock there. The old man smiled at their peaceful expressions and greeted them happily, ¨I knew you two would enjoy that.¨
¨Yes, thank you.¨ Allura smiled, taking Lance´s hand as she stepped off the boat.
¨Have a nice night!¨ The old man waved as they left, helping another couple into the ride.
***********
¨Just one more ride and then we can go home.¨ Lance said, holding her toys underneath one arm, the other wrapped around her shoulders, her hands still carrying the kitten and now their pictures also.
¨What ride would that be?¨ Allura asked, yawning.
¨The Ferris Wheel,¨ Lance pointed ahead, checking his watch. ¨If we get on in five minutes we´ll have a perfect view.¨
¨Perfect view?¨ Allura looked up at him confused.
¨The midnight fireworks.¨ He stopped beside the line, letting people go ahead as he kept an eye on the time.
¨I didn´t know there´d be fireworks.¨ Allura smiled and watched the wheel start up.
¨It tells you in the map.¨ Lance watched the people on the ride, all couples, all cheerful.
Suddenly his cell phone rang. Allura pulled it out of one of his jacket pockets, since she´d stolen it from him after washing off the sticky stuff from the haunted house, and answered. ¨Hello?¨
¨Princess where are you guys? Its almost midnight.¨ Pidge asked, worry evident in his voice.
¨We´re at the carnival still, like the note says.¨ Allura noticed Lance´s confused look and shrugged. ¨Where have you guys been that you just noticed we´re gone?¨
¨We went to the mall to change that adaptor like I´d told you and met up with Ken and Devon there. They invited us to go to a movie and then we went to eat. We came home a while ago and figured you guys had probably gone to sleep, but Keith just knocked on your door and no one answered.¨
¨Lance left a note for you guys by the tv, we´ve been at the carnival all evening.¨ Allura noticed the ride coming to an end and a line starting up. ¨Sorry Pidge, we´ve got to get in line for the Ferris Wheel now, the fireworks will be starting in a few minutes so if you want to see them go out to our balcony. We´ll be home a little bit after them k-?¨
¨Allie!¨ Lance called her as he handed their tickets to the attendant.
¨Gotta go, bye!¨ Allura quickly hung up and stepped into the ride beside him.
¨They went to the movies with Ken and Dev, and then to eat before going home.¨ Allura explained. ¨The note must have fallen somewhere, they thought we were asleep.¨
¨Yeah right, this early?¨ Lance settled the prizes beside him and rested his arm across the seat behind her. Yawning, Allura turned and leaned against him, her head resting at his shoulder.
Suddenly a pair fireworks sounded, exploding in two pink and blue stars. ¨How pretty!¨ Allura smiled and watched, her eyes twinkling merrily.
¨Yeah,¨ Lance agreed, looking down at her instead, although she didn´t notice.
The ride ended before the fireworks so they walked towards the apartment, leaving the carnival grounds before looking for a place to watch the rest of them. They finally stopped at a bench by the lake.
¨I used to be afraid that the sparks would fall and burn me,¨ Allura laughed as she told him.
¨I used to be afraid of the noise,¨ Lance thought back to his childhood, eyes clouding as he thought of his family.
¨We grew up too fast.¨ Allura sighed, noticing his darkened mood.
Lance nodded, ¨We had to.¨
Allura picked up a pebble from the ground and threw it into the lake. ¨I kind of regretted it for a while... growing up so quickly, all the pressure that was dropped on me when my father died... my innocence gone.¨
¨I don´t know about that one, you seem pretty innocent to me.¨ Lance teased quietly.
¨You don´t know me that well.¨ Allura chuckled sadly, ¨I wrote a song about it once, when I was really depressed.¨
¨I like your songs, you have a nice voice and a good way to express yourself.¨ Lance smiled, ¨Do you remember how it went?¨
¨That song I wrote?¨ Allura stood and thought for a bit, not turning towards him.
Humming for a bit, her voice came out soft and clear as she started to sing.
~ I was a wayward child
~ With the weight of the world
~ That I held deep inside
~ Life was a winding road
~ And I learned many things
~ Little ones shouldn't know
~ But I closed my eyes
~ Steadied my feet on the ground
~ Raised my head to the sky
~ And though time's rolled by
~ Still I feel like that child
~ As I look at the moon
~ Maybe I grew up
~ A little too soon
She turned and kept her eyes locked with his as she sang the next part.
~ Funny how one can learn
~ To grow numb to the madness
~ And block it away
~ I left the worst unsaid
~ Let it all dissipate
~ And I try to forget
She closed her eyes and turned away, her arms wrapped around herself as she sang.
~ As I closed my eyes
~ Steadied my feet on the ground
~ Raised my head to the sky
~ And the time rolled by
~ Still I feel like a child
~ As I look at the moon
~ Maybe I grew up
~ A little too soon
Walking forward, she stood at the water´s edge and looked down at her reflection. Lance came closer, standing a few feet behind.
~ Nearing the edge
~ Oblivious
~ I almost fell right over
~ A part of me
~ Will never be quite able
~ To feel stable
~ That woman-child falling inside
~ Was on the verge of fading
~ Thankfully, I woke up in time
Turning, she held out a hand to him and sat down, pulling him to sit beside her. Her arms wrapping around his chest and she lay her head in the crook of his neck.
~ Guardian angel
~ I sail away on an ocean
~ With you by my side
~ Orange clouds roll by
~ They burn into your image
~ And you're still alive
~ As I closed my eyes
~ Steady my feet on the ground
~ Raise my head to the sky
~ And though time rolls by
~ Still I feel like a child
~ As I look at the moon
~ Maybe I grew up
~ A little too soon...
She hummed for a few minutes, enjoying the feel of his arms wrapped around her.
[How am I supposed to last three months like this?] Lance tightened his hold on her, knowing he´d fall in love before their time was up. [Like I´m not over half-way there already]
Noticing the fireworks were ending, he lay back to watch what was left of the show, bringing her down with him. Allura just moved her arms more comfortably and settled closer to him, not wanting to pull away. [Liz was right... I´m gonna be in big trouble when this vacation´s over and I have to let go]
Feeling the long day catching up with her, Allura yawned and snuggled closer to him, falling asleep in his arms.
***********
Much waffiness in this chapter, I hope you like it. Review and let me know!
~ K.C. ~
Author: KawaiiChica
E-mail: KawaiiChica@hotmail.com
Rating: PG-13
Disclaimer: Not mine. Never will be. Want my own Lance but its
not happening.
A/N: The song at the end of the chapter belongs to Mariah Carey, not me.
~ Lyrics
" " Speaking
[] Thoughts
***********
"You are the cutest thing ever you know that?" Allura giggled as the kitten played with her hair.
¨Too bad its already sold¨ Pidge rubbed its tummy playfully.
¨Yeah, but Nanny would never let us keep him at the castle, and not to mention the mice there would never forgive me.¨ Allura sighed and handed it back to the salesman. ¨Thank you¨
The man smiled, ¨No problem miss.¨
Leaving the petshop, they looked into the music and electronics store the others had been in last. ¨I wonder if they have that new adaptor for the computer.¨ Pidge stared at the wall through the mirror.
¨Go in and ask,¨ Allura gently propelled him towards the store, ¨I´ll wait out here.¨
¨Ok, be right back,¨ Pidge hurried inside, eager to find out about the newest gadgets.
With a sigh, Allura turned around and walked over to the railing, looking down at the fountain below and the people doing their shopping. They had gotten up late that morning and decided to go shopping for some more clothes since none of them had very much casual stuff. The clothes Tony and Liz had bought lasted them the first week of their vacation, but they needed more, and Allura had convinced them all to go shopping for the day. So far she´d bought a bunch of jeans, skirts, and shirts, but nothing too girly.
¨Well lookie here,¨ A deep voice drawled from slightly behind her.
Allura froze as she recognized him, gazing coldly as he leaned against the railing beside her. [Same blond hair, green eyes, height... the jerk] ¨What an unpleasant surprise.¨
¨Hello to you too gorgeous, didn´t think you could get any better.¨ He chuckled, moving to touch her hair.
Allura stepped back, ¨Well you were obviously wrong, if you´ll excuse me.¨
She turned to enter the store, but his hand on her arm stopped her. He came up beside her, pulling her slightly back, closer. ¨Oh don´t tell me you didn´t miss me?¨
¨If anyone missed someone, its YOU who missed ME.¨ Allura glared and yanked her arm away.
He nodded, ¨I certainly missed the money you made me, and all our good times of course.¨
¨Good Times? YOU BA...¨ Allura was cut off by his laughter.
¨You always were a little hell cat!¨
Allura took the opportunity while he laughed to quickly turn and run into the store, his mocking laughter ringing in her ears. Her eyes lit up when she found three of them at the register, Hunk and Lance were chatting while Keith paid for their purchases. Lifting Lance´s right arm, Allura settled it over her shoulders and set her arm around his waist.
¨Hey you¨ he greeted cheerfully, ¨Find a pet you might want?¨
¨Not really,¨ Allura shrugged, smilng as Keith joined them and showed her the movies they´d bought.
Heading towards the exit, they found Pidge waiting for them there. ¨Find anything you like?¨ Keith asked.
¨Nothing too interesting,¨ he answered dully.
Walking out, Allura was relieved to see he´d left, but quickly froze when she saw him salute her from across the hallway.
¨Something wrong Allie?¨ Lance asked, noticing her tense up.
Looking away, she smiled up to him, ¨Nope, just thought I saw someone, but it doesn´t matter. Where to next?¨
¨HOME!¨ they all said at the same time, hurrying over to the check in desk where they´d left most of their stuff.
***********
¨Swimming?¨
¨Nah¨
¨Billiards?¨
¨Nope¨
¨Movie?¨
¨I´ll fall asleep.¨
¨Well what DO you feel like doing woman?!¨ Lance asked, turning his head to glare at her.
Allura giggled and threw the ball back up, hitting the canopy on their bed. Lance caught it and threw it the same way she had. ¨I don´t know, I don´t feel like doing any of those things.¨
¨How about taking a stroll through the park? Its not too late and its nice outside.¨ Lance caught the ball again.
¨That could be fun,¨ Allura sat up and went over to the balcony, instantly cheering up as she saw the park. ¨There´s a carnival tonight!¨
¨Really?! Then let´s go!¨ Lance stood and put on his shoes, thinking over their options. ¨While you get ready I´m gonna go leave the guys a note telling them where we´ll be.¨
¨Sure, they can catch up with us if they want to.¨ Allura went into the closet to grab her tennis shoes.
Ten minutes later they were walking through the park towards the carnival. Reaching one of the entrances, they looked around at all the activities.
¨Where to first?¨ Lance asked, putting his hands into his pockets.
Allura shrugged and looped one of her arms through his, ¨Lets just walk around and see what we like.¨
Their first stop was at the ticket booth for a map and ride tickets. As they made their way towards one of them, Allura´s attention was caught by a game both. ¨Oh! Can we try to win that?! Its so cute!¨ She pointed towards a small stuffed kitten being offered by the attendant.
¨You know, I could buy you another one, that one´s kind of dirty and old looking.¨ Lance scrutinized the toy from far.
Allura sighed, her eyes on the kitten, ¨But that one´s so cute, and its already here.¨
Seeing the dissapointment in her eyes, Lance moved an arm around her waist and headed over to the booth. ¨If you want it that badly, its yours.¨
Allura beamed and went along happily, even more excited when she realized the game was perfect for him.
¨All I have to do is keep the water in the center of the bullseye?¨ he smirked and gave Allura a wink, ¨I think I can manage that.¨
¨In that case, I could do it too.¨ Allura sat at the gun beside him.
The attendant laughed and took his money, ¨My bets are on her, if she plays.¨
Lance nodded, ¨Mine too, but it doesn´t make sense to compete between each other. Nevermind the fact that I´d be a sorry husband if I didn´t win her at least one toy at the carnival.¨
Allura smiled, amused by his reference to their marriage. [I´m so glad I picked him for my fake husband, he´s the most outgoing and fun.] ¨Yeah well, concentrate honey, I want my kitten.¨
Lance cocked an eyebrow at her, ¨You really think I could lose?¨ He sighed and shook his head, smiling sadly at her, ¨Such little confidence you have in me love, its quite saddening.¨
Hearing the bell ring, he kept his eyes on hers through the whole game, not once glancing to where his gun was shooting. Allura kept her eyes on his too, her foot tapping anxiously as she heard the water spraying, wanting to see how he was doing but not wanting to break eye contact for some reason. The winner´s bell sounded and their eyes stayed on each others as the attendant announced, ¨And our winner is contestand number 5!¨
The kitten appeared between them as he laughed and congratulated her, ¨That husband of yours is a damned good shot.¨
Allura finally broke away, smiling up at the older man, ¨Yes he is.¨
Lance thanked the man and they turned back towards the rides, Allura inspecting her toy as he pulled her close, glaring at the guys ogling her. [Jerks] Deciding to ignore them, he turned in another direction and tapped her shoulder. ¨Where to next love?¨
Allura blinked and looked up to him, ¨Love?¨ [That´s the second time he calls me that.]
Lance blushed and poked at the toy. ¨Well, you´ve been calling me ´honey´ or ´babe´ all week, so I figured I should have a nickname for you too. Since I figured you wouldn´t like being called princess, I rememberd my father used to call my mother ´love´ but if you...¨
¨Oh its not that I mind, its sweet.¨ Allura smiled, ¨I really like actually, its... nice.¨
¨Fine by me.¨ Lance sighed and looked around, noticing they´d walked into the shopping area. ¨Nothing to do here.¨
¨Yes there is, we have to do that!¨ Allura took his hand and dragged him over to an old-fashioned picture shop.
¨MORE pictures?!¨ Lance groaned, ¨We spent all of your birthday taking pictures last week.¨
¨I know, but remember that we went to a carnival for our first date?¨ Allura asked.
¨Yeah¨
¨We took fake pictures of that date, but now we can make them real!¨ Allura smiled as a fotographer came out from the back and welcomed them.
¨You guys interested in any certain time period or planet? We have the ancient Arusian gods, Terran gods, sports, western...¨
¨Western!¨ Allura interrupted, blushing as he smiled at her.
¨Those female costumes are a bit daring if you´re up for it.¨ He looked at Lance as he noticed the rings on her hand, dissapointed to see a ring on his too.
Allura smiled coyly at Lance, ¨You know, besides bikers, I´ve always had a thing for cowboys.¨
¨Whatever you want darlin´ ah reckon its up to you.¨ Lance drawled, having noticed the looks this guy was giving her.
¨Western it is then,¨ Allura held his hand as they followed the guy, who introduced himself as Ian, to the costume room.
¨All black for you,¨ she handed Lance his costume and pushed him into a dressing room, picking through the female ones until she found one she liked and going into another room to change.
Lance stepped out wearing a black pair of jeans, black shirt, navy scarf around his neck, black hat with a silver rope around it and an old fashioned holster with a couple of old revolvers. His boots made noise as he walked because of the spurs and he winced as he saw his hair was crushed by the hat. ¨Do we have to do this?¨ he asked her, looking through the set options.
¨Yes,¨ Allura said, stepping out a few moments later, using a sultry voice. ¨So... how do I look?¨
Lance and Ian turned at the same time both gaping instantly.
From her feet up, Allura´s outfit would give Nanny a heart attack in an instant. On her feet were red, shiny heels with a thin strap over her toes and another one with a silver clasp at her ankles. Nude stockings went up to mid-thigh, held there by red lacy garters and littles suspenders that clipped to the bottom of her red corset. Accentuating her small waist and lean hips, the corset was deocrated with silver thread and clips down the front, little diamonds around the top edge. Two silvery straps went over her shoulders and crossed over her back. Hanging fromt her lower back to her knees was a veil-like skirt that shone red and silver. Her arms had silky red, opera length gloves, and diamond bracelets on each.
Around her neck she wore a Y-shaped diamond necklace which rested at her collarbone, with a thin chain hanging down from the center with a large solitaire hanging her ample bosom. Her ears also had diamonds hanging from them. She´d put on make up, a dark liner accentuated her eyes, bright red lipstick on her pouty lips. Around her forehead was a silver band, with a red feather at the back.
¨I take it you like it?¨ Allura turned to give him a better view, giggling as he merely nodded.
¨Very nice,¨ Ian answered, causing her to blush and Lance to give him a warning look.
¨Then if you guys are ready, let´s get this over with!¨ Allura came up to Lance and tilted her head to the side, studying him with the hat. ¨You know... that´s definitely a good look on you.¨
¨No its not, its squishing my hair.¨ Lance rubbed his forehead, making the hat go lopsided.
Allura giggled, reaching up to fix it, ¨That´s too bad... I really like it.¨
¨Yeah well, lets go.¨ Lance turned and followed Ian, not coming near her. [That outfit is gonna be hard to forget tonight.] Glancing back, he inwardly groaned and quickly turned back forward. [She´s not really your wife, she´s not really your wife...]
***********
¨HEY!¨ Allura glared at him as she looked down at what was left of her candied apple. ¨Look at what you left me with, almost no candy!¨
He laughed as she took a couple bites that were left before throwing away the trash. ¨I´ll make it up to you with a cotton candy later.¨
¨Hmph, you´d better!¨ Allura looked down around for another ride.
¨How about those?¨ Lance pointed to the spinning tea cups.
¨I don´t think my stomach can handle those right now.¨ Allura looked around for another ride.
So far they´d been on the large roller coaster, bumper cars, flying chairs, through the glass and mirror maze, in the spinning room, and on the viking ship twice. Walking side by side, they still only had the kitten as a souvenir, their pictures waiting back at the shop.
¨Your turn to pick Allie.¨
¨That one!¨ she pointed at the haunted house.
¨You sure you won´t get too frightened? Wouldn´t want you to have any nightmares tonight.¨ Lance teased.
¨Oh don´t worry about that, if I get scared I´ll just stay real close to you.¨ Allura counted their tickets as they walked over. Handing them to the attendant, she stepped into the car and scooted over for him to sit next to her. Once the ride started, she held on to the kitten and leaned closer to him, both laughing at the fake spider webs and monsters in the first room.
The next was called ´Real Monsters´
¨They´re all the robeasts we fought against,¨ Lance laughed as he remembered one of their battles. Allura nodded and checked to see which was the most frightening. A sticky hand suddenly came out of nowhere and touched her bare shoulder, causing her to scream and turn into him, her arms going around his waist.
¨Its fake Allie!¨ Lance wrapped his arms over her shoulders, grimacing as he felt the sticky stuff left on her shoulder.
¨I know but if felt so gross!¨ Allura rested her head on his shoulder and sighed, reading aloud the name on the doors to the next room.
´Frightful Truths´
The room was decorated like the streets of the city, a mugging happening in one place, bars, drunks, worse of all was a hologram of two people´s shadows against one wall. Looking away from it, Allura´s mind filled with memories and she didn´t even notice the exit until they were outside and being asked to step out of the car.
Lance went down the steps ahead of her, talking about that last room for a few minutes before he noticed how quiet she´d become. Looking down at her fidgeting with the kitten, he wondered what was wrong. ¨Allie?¨
She didn´t say anything, just shook her head and wiped at her eyes, sniffling. [What could have caused this? I know she wasn´t frigtened by that last room...] Cupping her chin in his hand, he forced her head up to look into her eyes, wondering why the tears in them. ¨Allura?¨
Seeing the worry in his expression, Allura suddenly felt guilty for worrying him and blinked back her tears, wiping at her eyes. ¨I´m sorry, its nothing.¨
¨Its not nothing, something had to have made you cry.¨ Lance pulled a napkin from his pocket and held it up to her nose. ¨Blow¨
Allura giggled and took it from him, ¨I might be a crybaby, but I can blow my own nose.¨
Walking over to the trash can, she threw away the napkin and turned back towards him, holding out her hand. ¨Win me another prize?¨
¨You still haven´t told me what made you cry.¨ Lance stayed where he was.
Allura shook her head, ¨Please don´t make me explain, its not something worth remembering, I just... something in there...¨
¨Tell me later then,¨ Lance came over and took her hand, pulling her close for a quick hug which she returned eagerly. Kissing the top of her head, he stepped back and they headed over to the game booths, looking for another prize. Feeling her shiver, he took off his jacket and helped her put it on, scolding her lightly for not bringing one of her own.
Walking past the last of the rides, their attention was caught by an old man who called out to them. ¨Now I KNOW the young lady wearing the black jacket would just love a ride through the tunnel!¨
Turning to see what tunnel he was talking about, Allura giggled and blushed, Lance quirked an eyebrow at her. "Would you?"
¨Of course she would! What young lady doesn´t come to the fair with a ride through the tunnel of love in mind?¨ The old man waved them over, his cheerfulness getting to them.
¨Why not?¨ Allura laughed and headed over, Lance going along with her. ¨If only to see what its like.¨ she mumbled.
Sitting int he heart shaped little boat, Allura blushed again as the old man winked at a slightly blushing Lance, ¨Don´t worry lad, the ride is nice and sloooow.¨
She covered her laughter with her hand as they drifted away into the pink and white tunnel. Once out of earshot she let go and laughed out loud, soon both of them were laughing, pointing at the cheesy decorations. ¨Can you believe people find this romantic? Big naked babies holding bows and heart-shaped arrows, tacky hearts, streamers and pink water.¨
Lance shook his head, ¨Nope... not my idea of romantic.¨
¨Mine either,¨ Allura sighed and leaned back against him. ¨What is your idea of romantic?¨
¨Mmm... the beach, a lake, or a forest.¨ Lance replied.
Allura nodded, ¨So a romantic date with Lance would include a trip to one of those places.¨
¨Not to mention a nice meal, something light and fun, finger foods. A nice wine, good music, a moonlit stroll or swim...¨ Lance tried to think of what else.
¨Finger foods?¨ Allura turned to look at him.
¨Yeah, its more romantic to feed someone with your own fingers than with your fork, don´t you think? More personal.¨ Lance shrugged, ¨It always worked before.¨
¨I bet it did...¨ Allura sighed, ¨All that does sound nice.¨
¨What´s your idea of romantic?¨ Lance asked, curious.
¨The same, moonlight, music, wine, a nice secluded place. Maybe some rain or snow if we´re inside near a warm fire.¨ Allura toyed with the kitten in her lap. ¨Candles and flower petals too.¨
Lance tapped its nose, ¨Flower petals? Why not the whole flower?¨
Allura shrugged, ¨I remember I read in a book once that the main character walked into her house to find it covered in rose petals. Pink petals over everything downstairs, a trail of white petals leading her upstairs to her bedroom, and red rose petals covering everything there.¨
She sighed and smiled dreamily, ¨And when she stepped up to the fan where a note was hung, she pulled the chain as told and more pink petals rained down on her.¨
¨Sounds romantic,¨ Lance imagined Allura in her room back at the palace, twirling in her princess dress as a stream of pink rose petals rained down on her. He could practically hear her sweet giggling, see the delight in her eyes.
They sat quietly for the rest of the ride, snapping out of their thoughts as they reached the exit and the little dock there. The old man smiled at their peaceful expressions and greeted them happily, ¨I knew you two would enjoy that.¨
¨Yes, thank you.¨ Allura smiled, taking Lance´s hand as she stepped off the boat.
¨Have a nice night!¨ The old man waved as they left, helping another couple into the ride.
***********
¨Just one more ride and then we can go home.¨ Lance said, holding her toys underneath one arm, the other wrapped around her shoulders, her hands still carrying the kitten and now their pictures also.
¨What ride would that be?¨ Allura asked, yawning.
¨The Ferris Wheel,¨ Lance pointed ahead, checking his watch. ¨If we get on in five minutes we´ll have a perfect view.¨
¨Perfect view?¨ Allura looked up at him confused.
¨The midnight fireworks.¨ He stopped beside the line, letting people go ahead as he kept an eye on the time.
¨I didn´t know there´d be fireworks.¨ Allura smiled and watched the wheel start up.
¨It tells you in the map.¨ Lance watched the people on the ride, all couples, all cheerful.
Suddenly his cell phone rang. Allura pulled it out of one of his jacket pockets, since she´d stolen it from him after washing off the sticky stuff from the haunted house, and answered. ¨Hello?¨
¨Princess where are you guys? Its almost midnight.¨ Pidge asked, worry evident in his voice.
¨We´re at the carnival still, like the note says.¨ Allura noticed Lance´s confused look and shrugged. ¨Where have you guys been that you just noticed we´re gone?¨
¨We went to the mall to change that adaptor like I´d told you and met up with Ken and Devon there. They invited us to go to a movie and then we went to eat. We came home a while ago and figured you guys had probably gone to sleep, but Keith just knocked on your door and no one answered.¨
¨Lance left a note for you guys by the tv, we´ve been at the carnival all evening.¨ Allura noticed the ride coming to an end and a line starting up. ¨Sorry Pidge, we´ve got to get in line for the Ferris Wheel now, the fireworks will be starting in a few minutes so if you want to see them go out to our balcony. We´ll be home a little bit after them k-?¨
¨Allie!¨ Lance called her as he handed their tickets to the attendant.
¨Gotta go, bye!¨ Allura quickly hung up and stepped into the ride beside him.
¨They went to the movies with Ken and Dev, and then to eat before going home.¨ Allura explained. ¨The note must have fallen somewhere, they thought we were asleep.¨
¨Yeah right, this early?¨ Lance settled the prizes beside him and rested his arm across the seat behind her. Yawning, Allura turned and leaned against him, her head resting at his shoulder.
Suddenly a pair fireworks sounded, exploding in two pink and blue stars. ¨How pretty!¨ Allura smiled and watched, her eyes twinkling merrily.
¨Yeah,¨ Lance agreed, looking down at her instead, although she didn´t notice.
The ride ended before the fireworks so they walked towards the apartment, leaving the carnival grounds before looking for a place to watch the rest of them. They finally stopped at a bench by the lake.
¨I used to be afraid that the sparks would fall and burn me,¨ Allura laughed as she told him.
¨I used to be afraid of the noise,¨ Lance thought back to his childhood, eyes clouding as he thought of his family.
¨We grew up too fast.¨ Allura sighed, noticing his darkened mood.
Lance nodded, ¨We had to.¨
Allura picked up a pebble from the ground and threw it into the lake. ¨I kind of regretted it for a while... growing up so quickly, all the pressure that was dropped on me when my father died... my innocence gone.¨
¨I don´t know about that one, you seem pretty innocent to me.¨ Lance teased quietly.
¨You don´t know me that well.¨ Allura chuckled sadly, ¨I wrote a song about it once, when I was really depressed.¨
¨I like your songs, you have a nice voice and a good way to express yourself.¨ Lance smiled, ¨Do you remember how it went?¨
¨That song I wrote?¨ Allura stood and thought for a bit, not turning towards him.
Humming for a bit, her voice came out soft and clear as she started to sing.
~ I was a wayward child
~ With the weight of the world
~ That I held deep inside
~ Life was a winding road
~ And I learned many things
~ Little ones shouldn't know
~ But I closed my eyes
~ Steadied my feet on the ground
~ Raised my head to the sky
~ And though time's rolled by
~ Still I feel like that child
~ As I look at the moon
~ Maybe I grew up
~ A little too soon
She turned and kept her eyes locked with his as she sang the next part.
~ Funny how one can learn
~ To grow numb to the madness
~ And block it away
~ I left the worst unsaid
~ Let it all dissipate
~ And I try to forget
She closed her eyes and turned away, her arms wrapped around herself as she sang.
~ As I closed my eyes
~ Steadied my feet on the ground
~ Raised my head to the sky
~ And the time rolled by
~ Still I feel like a child
~ As I look at the moon
~ Maybe I grew up
~ A little too soon
Walking forward, she stood at the water´s edge and looked down at her reflection. Lance came closer, standing a few feet behind.
~ Nearing the edge
~ Oblivious
~ I almost fell right over
~ A part of me
~ Will never be quite able
~ To feel stable
~ That woman-child falling inside
~ Was on the verge of fading
~ Thankfully, I woke up in time
Turning, she held out a hand to him and sat down, pulling him to sit beside her. Her arms wrapping around his chest and she lay her head in the crook of his neck.
~ Guardian angel
~ I sail away on an ocean
~ With you by my side
~ Orange clouds roll by
~ They burn into your image
~ And you're still alive
~ As I closed my eyes
~ Steady my feet on the ground
~ Raise my head to the sky
~ And though time rolls by
~ Still I feel like a child
~ As I look at the moon
~ Maybe I grew up
~ A little too soon...
She hummed for a few minutes, enjoying the feel of his arms wrapped around her.
[How am I supposed to last three months like this?] Lance tightened his hold on her, knowing he´d fall in love before their time was up. [Like I´m not over half-way there already]
Noticing the fireworks were ending, he lay back to watch what was left of the show, bringing her down with him. Allura just moved her arms more comfortably and settled closer to him, not wanting to pull away. [Liz was right... I´m gonna be in big trouble when this vacation´s over and I have to let go]
Feeling the long day catching up with her, Allura yawned and snuggled closer to him, falling asleep in his arms.
***********
Much waffiness in this chapter, I hope you like it. Review and let me know!
~ K.C. ~