Last Exile

Chapter 2

Lavie had won the bet on the horse she had chosen for the race. Moran congratulated her and she kindly thanked him. The redhead started to count the money she collected from the other gamblers.

"Let's see, I have collected $11,000," she exclaimed. "That was fun." Then Lavie stuffed the money in her pockets.

"How about casino?" Moran asked her.

"Sure." Lavie nodded.

"Hey, Lavie, Moran," a voice called from behind them.

"Claus," Lavie said, recognizing the voice. As she whirled around, she was surprised to see him with Alistia.

"How come you're with Alistia, Claus?"

"Er......as you see, She....." Claus began nervously.

"I am his date, Lavie," laughed Alistia.

Claus blushed with his cheeks turning bright red .

Lavie raised an eyebrow and frowned at Alistia's free admission but smirked at Claus' blush. "I see."

"What are you doing with Moran?" the blond boy asked.

"Oh, he's my date, Claus," Lavie said. Moran blushed a bit. "Oh, please, Lavie."

"Claus, we are here to play,"

"By gambling, Lavie?"

"Why not? It's fun," Lavie said. She turned to Moran and grabbed his hand. "Let's go, Moran."

Lavie started to run, yanking Moran along. Unfortunately, her eyes were fixed on her date, she wasn't watching where she was going, thus she collided into two gruffy-looking commercial ship mechanics.

The mechanic took offense and brusquely shoved Lavie away. "Watch where you're going, dame."

Moran grabbed Lavie by the waist. "Are you okay, Lavie?"

Claus and Alistia rushed to Lavie's side. The blond teenager asked "Are you all right?"

"I'm fine, Moran, Claus. Thank you. Excuse me. I got a beef to settle with that buster."

Lavie gently pushed his arms away and walked to the mechanic. Then she decked him with a fist.

The mechanic's companion rushed towards the redheaded woman and took a swing at her only to have his fist blocked by Moran who grabbed it and then jabbed his fist into the other man's face.

The force of Moran's punch propelled the other mechanic towards a crowd of soldiers.

Soon with soldiers and commercial ship mechanics joining in, a fight erupted in the bar.

Moran grabbed Lavie's hand and addressed the three. "Let's go, everybody."

"I agree with Moran," Alistia said. "This fight isn't worth our time. Let's go, Claus."

Claus nodded at Alistia and grabbed her hand. Accepting Claus' holding of her hand, Alistia began to retreat with her companions.

When they were outside the bar, Claus said, "Alis, I'm sorry we didn't get to gamble."

"Don't be sorry. Your offer of the first water was more than enough for me on our date," Alistia said.

Claus cracked a smile at his companion. "Alis....."

"This is the best shore leave I've ever had since the last time I went with Tatiana," laughed Alistia. She suddenly grabbed Claus' head and kissed the shocked teenager on the mouth. Recovering from his shock, Claus embraced the blond girl's waist and returned the kiss.

Lavie sighed at the two lovebirds then turned her attention to Moran. "Moran?"

"Yes, Lavie?"

Lavie wrapped her arms around Moran's neck and kissed him. When she released him from the kiss after a minute, he asked, "What was that for?"

"You saved me from the other mechanic's punch, remember? That was very noble of you."

"Aw, it was nothing. I was just following my chivalry," laughed Moran.

Lavie smiled as she embraced Moran and kissed him again.