Open Your Eyes
Chapter 2
Disclaimer - Diao Chan, Lu Bu, Dong Zhuo, and Red Hair all belong to the Koei Dynasty Warriors game.
A/N - Hey, it's me again. I know that I'm a day early, but don't expect me to update next Monday, b/c I won't even have a computer then. I'm leaving for a family reunion in Minnesota on Saturday, and I won't get back until Tuesday. I'll try to write the chapter during the flight, it all depends of the atmosphere and stuff. I know, I'm funny about stuff like that sometimes. I don't like to write when too many people are watching. So I guess it all depends on whom I really sit by on the plane, lol.
I'm so happy that people are actually reading my story. Thanks to all of you who took the time to review, the responses are at the bottom. I really do appreciate each and every one of you who reviewed, it really brightens my day to see that there are some people out there who enjoy my writing. Well, on with the story.
~*~ Recap:
"This is the first time you've ever ridden on Red Hair, isn't it?" Lu Bu broke the silence, still not allowing any emotions to be heard through his voice.
"Yeah, pretty much." she sighed as they slowed to a trot.
"So, that means that you've never experienced how fast she can go. Would you like to?" he asked, this time there was a hint of amusement in his voice. And before he even let her reply, they went zooming past the stable and into the woods.
~*~
And now for the continued part:
~*~
Diao Chan felt ecstatic. She had never felt so alive before. They were racing full speed to heavens knows where, and she was actually enjoying it?
No, that wasn't quite right, she wasn't just enjoying this new feeling, she was having the time of her life. The wind was blowing through her long, silky hair, which had fallen down after she had taken her ribbons out. This was few times that she had let herself be seen with her hair down, and now, she was glad that she hadn't bothered to put it back up with something else.
As for Lu Bu, he was feeling about the same, the ecstatic part that is. It had been a long time since he had been on Red Hair while riding this fast. It even seemed faster than it did on his ride back to Dong Zhuos.
The best part had been when they had first taken off, gaining full speed. He couldn't help but to smile when he heard Diao Chan 'Eep' in surprise, or when he had felt her hold on his waist tighten as she pressed herself even tighter against his body to keep from falling off. Yeah, life was good, he had his best friend back, and, if he had anything to do with it, another one to boot, one that could actually talk.
Diao Chan was thoroughly enjoying the ride now. She had forgotten all of her recent fears in the excitement of such great speed. Never in her life had she thought that anything could travel at such a breathtaking speed as this. Her death grip had loosened as she leaned back, enjoying the feel of the rushing wind. Heck, she was so lost in wonderland that she didn't even notice the dangerous position she had put herself in.
However, this did not go by unnoticed by Lu Bu as he gradually brought Red Hair's speed down until they had stopped completely. Ignoring the disappointed sigh of protest that Diao Chan had when she realized the slack in their speed, he hopped off of his fiery red stallion, and walked it up to the nearby stream to drink after helping Diao Chan out of the saddle.
"Why have we stopped?" Diao Chan asked ask she walked over to the streams edge, finding that her legs were a bit shaky from the ride. Lu Bu didn't answer, but she didn't really care at the moment. She was too busy wondering as to why she was gasping for her breath after doing absolutely nothing. Scrunching up her face, she decided not to give it too much thought and to let the heavens deal with it.
Looking up, she saw Lu Bu quickly advert his gaze. Heaving a sigh, she decided that she was also too tired to think about the many reasons as to why he had been looking at her. Then she noticed it.
"What's so amusing?" she asked, seeing his little smile before he could hide it.
"Nothing." he grunted in reply, refusing to allow any emotions to be heard in his voice. Emotions were weak. They only led to a quicker end. Yet, no matter how much he told himself this, he couldn't block out that little annoying voice in the back of his head saying, 'Better a happy life than a long one.' He tried to argue with himself by saying that the only way to be happy was to be powerful, and to be powerful, he couldn't allow himself any weaknesses. Yet again, he couldn't help but to wonder if what he was saying was completely true. But it had to be, didn't it? Only fools fell in love, for they would risk their own life for their loved ones, and only fools risked their lives, for their loved ones would most likely be killed anyways. So, what was the point of it?
Smiling to himself about his victory (A/N - Wow, he won an argument against himself, : P.) he let his gaze wonder over to Diao Chan again. She was using the stream as a mirror as she put her hair up with two pink ribbons, considerably shorter than her previous ones. Wondering where she could of possibly of pulled the new ribbons out of, he realized that she was currently looking at him.
Diao Chan had caught him staring again, but this time, she only stared back, trying her hardest to suppress a giggle. When he finally noticed her, she smiled brilliantly, causing him to quickly look away. 'Men,' she thought rolling her eyes, before speaking up.
"You never really answered my first question." she stated, her curiosity growing, as she walked over to where Lu Bu had just sat, and made herself comfortable in the location next to him.
"Red hair needed a rest." came his gruff reply as he gazed off into the woods before turning back to look her strait in the eyes. "And besides, you were slipping." he said, his voice a bit softer, even smoother.
Diao Chan felt as if she would melt right there on the spot, beneath his gaze. A long silence engulfed the two, neither able to break eye contact, neither knowing what to say.
Gathering her courage, Diao Chan was finally able to speak, all though it was barely about a whisper. "Thank you for taking me with you out here." came her timid voice. How had it become so timid anyways. When had she ever been the one to feel the least bit scared of talking to a man. Usually she didn't even car if they killed her or know, knowing perfectly well that no one would dare, well at least as long as they weren't on the opposing side. Still, then they would probably just capture her and give her to their lord as a present of something. Just thinking about that made her sick. Trying to get her mind onto a different topic, she suddenly realized how much closer her face was to Lu Bu's. And by the look of it, it seemed as if he was in deep thought.
In fact, Lu Bu was in deep thought, though it wasn't really anything important. He was wondering as to how he had gotten himself into such a position when he saw a loose strand of hair fall into Diao Chan's face. He raised his eyebrow at her hair, as if daring another to fall into her beautiful face.
Diao Chan blushed under his gaze, yet she still wasn't able to unlock her eyes off of his. Then she felt the tickle of a strand of her hair falling into her face. She scrunched up her face at the uncomfortable feeling, and also in an attempt to keep from giggle at Lu Bu's expression.
Seeing her face twitch in response to the annoying strand, Lu Bu, without even thinking, brought one of his hands up to her face to brush it aside and behind he ear. He saw her shiver under his touch, and he wasn't able to bring his hand back. It was like it had a mind of it's own. He sat there, helpless, as he watched it cup her cheek. It was then that he realized how close they were. He felt as if he was being pulled even closer, just like a bug is to a bright light.
There was about an inch or two of space now between then, yet Diao Chan stayed put. It seemed that she had no control over her body what so ever. And yet, at the moment, she didn't really care. She could feel his hot breath pooling over her soft lips, begging her, taunting her. She felt her own body move closer, although she had no memory of ever commanding it to. She was in such a daze that she had no idea how long she had been out there, or the fact that it wasn't quite as dark as it was before. ~*~
A/N - Eh, sorry to do that to yah, but I just couldn't help it. Plus, I wanted the next part to be in the next chapter, so that everything would be in order, and you know, not so confusing.
Okay, I know they might be moving a bit fast, though some of you might not think so, but I'm thinking about slowing it down a bit. Tell me what you think about it, okay.
I'm still not sure if I should just make this one of those little short and cute fics, or if I should drag it out and make a plot to go with it. Neways, I guess I'll just find out as I go.
~*~ Review Responses:
Ms. heartily - Awesome! My first review, and it wasn't my sister (she has to read it, lol). Anyways, thanks so much for taking the time to read my fic. : ) You thought it was really good, yay, reviews really do help to brighten a day, lol.
Tiger5913 - I do too, aren't they just the cutest couple. I'm glad I made my point, though I was also trying to stick to the plot on her bio on the game, I hope it wasn't too confusing. Thanks for taking the time to review, it really cheers me up when I receive reviews from more people then just my sister, lol.
Music-Box - Yay, I'm glad you like. *gasps* A compliment on my storyline, wow, I didn't expect that, thanks a bunch, ^___^. Continuing...next Tuesday, maybe Wednesday, but most likely Tuesday.
Black Phoenix - Thanks, I appreciate the review, and I'm glad you liked the chapter. Yes, they do need more Diao Chan/Lu Bu fics, they're my fav.s. I'll be looking forward to your new fic, ^_^. I'll most likely keep writing till the end, though the more I write, the worse it usually tends to get, ug. Wait, I will finish the fic, you don't have to worry about that, though if I lose interest, it might take a while.
Teardrop Crystal - Thanks for actually rating this story, though I guess it's probably because you had too, lol. I'll try to help, but like I said before, I stink at writing fics that I don't take an immediate interest to. Anyways, just give me a call and we'll see what we can do.
Talll3itch - Thanks, I'm glad you liked the chapter, I hope the same went for this one too, ^_~. I just love the Diao Chan/Lu Bu pairing. Though I can understand why this would be your first, considering the number of them out there (little to none, lol.).
A/N - Again, thanks to all who reviewed, I loved every single one of them. And if you know of any really good DW fic, please leave it in your review. I'm just starting to read Dynasty Warrior fics, and I would appreciate the help. Or if any of you have a fic you want me to read, I'll gladly do. Hey, if you took the time to read mine, then I'll take the time to read yours, just leave something about it in your review. Or just e-mail me, it should be on my bio.
Also, I would appreciate it if you would rate this chapter from 1%-100%. If you don't want to then you don't have to, it won't hurt my feelings.
As before, flames are welcome, along with corrections, suggestions, and places of needed expansions or even contractions.
Lady Black Pearl
Disclaimer - Diao Chan, Lu Bu, Dong Zhuo, and Red Hair all belong to the Koei Dynasty Warriors game.
A/N - Hey, it's me again. I know that I'm a day early, but don't expect me to update next Monday, b/c I won't even have a computer then. I'm leaving for a family reunion in Minnesota on Saturday, and I won't get back until Tuesday. I'll try to write the chapter during the flight, it all depends of the atmosphere and stuff. I know, I'm funny about stuff like that sometimes. I don't like to write when too many people are watching. So I guess it all depends on whom I really sit by on the plane, lol.
I'm so happy that people are actually reading my story. Thanks to all of you who took the time to review, the responses are at the bottom. I really do appreciate each and every one of you who reviewed, it really brightens my day to see that there are some people out there who enjoy my writing. Well, on with the story.
~*~ Recap:
"This is the first time you've ever ridden on Red Hair, isn't it?" Lu Bu broke the silence, still not allowing any emotions to be heard through his voice.
"Yeah, pretty much." she sighed as they slowed to a trot.
"So, that means that you've never experienced how fast she can go. Would you like to?" he asked, this time there was a hint of amusement in his voice. And before he even let her reply, they went zooming past the stable and into the woods.
~*~
And now for the continued part:
~*~
Diao Chan felt ecstatic. She had never felt so alive before. They were racing full speed to heavens knows where, and she was actually enjoying it?
No, that wasn't quite right, she wasn't just enjoying this new feeling, she was having the time of her life. The wind was blowing through her long, silky hair, which had fallen down after she had taken her ribbons out. This was few times that she had let herself be seen with her hair down, and now, she was glad that she hadn't bothered to put it back up with something else.
As for Lu Bu, he was feeling about the same, the ecstatic part that is. It had been a long time since he had been on Red Hair while riding this fast. It even seemed faster than it did on his ride back to Dong Zhuos.
The best part had been when they had first taken off, gaining full speed. He couldn't help but to smile when he heard Diao Chan 'Eep' in surprise, or when he had felt her hold on his waist tighten as she pressed herself even tighter against his body to keep from falling off. Yeah, life was good, he had his best friend back, and, if he had anything to do with it, another one to boot, one that could actually talk.
Diao Chan was thoroughly enjoying the ride now. She had forgotten all of her recent fears in the excitement of such great speed. Never in her life had she thought that anything could travel at such a breathtaking speed as this. Her death grip had loosened as she leaned back, enjoying the feel of the rushing wind. Heck, she was so lost in wonderland that she didn't even notice the dangerous position she had put herself in.
However, this did not go by unnoticed by Lu Bu as he gradually brought Red Hair's speed down until they had stopped completely. Ignoring the disappointed sigh of protest that Diao Chan had when she realized the slack in their speed, he hopped off of his fiery red stallion, and walked it up to the nearby stream to drink after helping Diao Chan out of the saddle.
"Why have we stopped?" Diao Chan asked ask she walked over to the streams edge, finding that her legs were a bit shaky from the ride. Lu Bu didn't answer, but she didn't really care at the moment. She was too busy wondering as to why she was gasping for her breath after doing absolutely nothing. Scrunching up her face, she decided not to give it too much thought and to let the heavens deal with it.
Looking up, she saw Lu Bu quickly advert his gaze. Heaving a sigh, she decided that she was also too tired to think about the many reasons as to why he had been looking at her. Then she noticed it.
"What's so amusing?" she asked, seeing his little smile before he could hide it.
"Nothing." he grunted in reply, refusing to allow any emotions to be heard in his voice. Emotions were weak. They only led to a quicker end. Yet, no matter how much he told himself this, he couldn't block out that little annoying voice in the back of his head saying, 'Better a happy life than a long one.' He tried to argue with himself by saying that the only way to be happy was to be powerful, and to be powerful, he couldn't allow himself any weaknesses. Yet again, he couldn't help but to wonder if what he was saying was completely true. But it had to be, didn't it? Only fools fell in love, for they would risk their own life for their loved ones, and only fools risked their lives, for their loved ones would most likely be killed anyways. So, what was the point of it?
Smiling to himself about his victory (A/N - Wow, he won an argument against himself, : P.) he let his gaze wonder over to Diao Chan again. She was using the stream as a mirror as she put her hair up with two pink ribbons, considerably shorter than her previous ones. Wondering where she could of possibly of pulled the new ribbons out of, he realized that she was currently looking at him.
Diao Chan had caught him staring again, but this time, she only stared back, trying her hardest to suppress a giggle. When he finally noticed her, she smiled brilliantly, causing him to quickly look away. 'Men,' she thought rolling her eyes, before speaking up.
"You never really answered my first question." she stated, her curiosity growing, as she walked over to where Lu Bu had just sat, and made herself comfortable in the location next to him.
"Red hair needed a rest." came his gruff reply as he gazed off into the woods before turning back to look her strait in the eyes. "And besides, you were slipping." he said, his voice a bit softer, even smoother.
Diao Chan felt as if she would melt right there on the spot, beneath his gaze. A long silence engulfed the two, neither able to break eye contact, neither knowing what to say.
Gathering her courage, Diao Chan was finally able to speak, all though it was barely about a whisper. "Thank you for taking me with you out here." came her timid voice. How had it become so timid anyways. When had she ever been the one to feel the least bit scared of talking to a man. Usually she didn't even car if they killed her or know, knowing perfectly well that no one would dare, well at least as long as they weren't on the opposing side. Still, then they would probably just capture her and give her to their lord as a present of something. Just thinking about that made her sick. Trying to get her mind onto a different topic, she suddenly realized how much closer her face was to Lu Bu's. And by the look of it, it seemed as if he was in deep thought.
In fact, Lu Bu was in deep thought, though it wasn't really anything important. He was wondering as to how he had gotten himself into such a position when he saw a loose strand of hair fall into Diao Chan's face. He raised his eyebrow at her hair, as if daring another to fall into her beautiful face.
Diao Chan blushed under his gaze, yet she still wasn't able to unlock her eyes off of his. Then she felt the tickle of a strand of her hair falling into her face. She scrunched up her face at the uncomfortable feeling, and also in an attempt to keep from giggle at Lu Bu's expression.
Seeing her face twitch in response to the annoying strand, Lu Bu, without even thinking, brought one of his hands up to her face to brush it aside and behind he ear. He saw her shiver under his touch, and he wasn't able to bring his hand back. It was like it had a mind of it's own. He sat there, helpless, as he watched it cup her cheek. It was then that he realized how close they were. He felt as if he was being pulled even closer, just like a bug is to a bright light.
There was about an inch or two of space now between then, yet Diao Chan stayed put. It seemed that she had no control over her body what so ever. And yet, at the moment, she didn't really care. She could feel his hot breath pooling over her soft lips, begging her, taunting her. She felt her own body move closer, although she had no memory of ever commanding it to. She was in such a daze that she had no idea how long she had been out there, or the fact that it wasn't quite as dark as it was before. ~*~
A/N - Eh, sorry to do that to yah, but I just couldn't help it. Plus, I wanted the next part to be in the next chapter, so that everything would be in order, and you know, not so confusing.
Okay, I know they might be moving a bit fast, though some of you might not think so, but I'm thinking about slowing it down a bit. Tell me what you think about it, okay.
I'm still not sure if I should just make this one of those little short and cute fics, or if I should drag it out and make a plot to go with it. Neways, I guess I'll just find out as I go.
~*~ Review Responses:
Ms. heartily - Awesome! My first review, and it wasn't my sister (she has to read it, lol). Anyways, thanks so much for taking the time to read my fic. : ) You thought it was really good, yay, reviews really do help to brighten a day, lol.
Tiger5913 - I do too, aren't they just the cutest couple. I'm glad I made my point, though I was also trying to stick to the plot on her bio on the game, I hope it wasn't too confusing. Thanks for taking the time to review, it really cheers me up when I receive reviews from more people then just my sister, lol.
Music-Box - Yay, I'm glad you like. *gasps* A compliment on my storyline, wow, I didn't expect that, thanks a bunch, ^___^. Continuing...next Tuesday, maybe Wednesday, but most likely Tuesday.
Black Phoenix - Thanks, I appreciate the review, and I'm glad you liked the chapter. Yes, they do need more Diao Chan/Lu Bu fics, they're my fav.s. I'll be looking forward to your new fic, ^_^. I'll most likely keep writing till the end, though the more I write, the worse it usually tends to get, ug. Wait, I will finish the fic, you don't have to worry about that, though if I lose interest, it might take a while.
Teardrop Crystal - Thanks for actually rating this story, though I guess it's probably because you had too, lol. I'll try to help, but like I said before, I stink at writing fics that I don't take an immediate interest to. Anyways, just give me a call and we'll see what we can do.
Talll3itch - Thanks, I'm glad you liked the chapter, I hope the same went for this one too, ^_~. I just love the Diao Chan/Lu Bu pairing. Though I can understand why this would be your first, considering the number of them out there (little to none, lol.).
A/N - Again, thanks to all who reviewed, I loved every single one of them. And if you know of any really good DW fic, please leave it in your review. I'm just starting to read Dynasty Warrior fics, and I would appreciate the help. Or if any of you have a fic you want me to read, I'll gladly do. Hey, if you took the time to read mine, then I'll take the time to read yours, just leave something about it in your review. Or just e-mail me, it should be on my bio.
Also, I would appreciate it if you would rate this chapter from 1%-100%. If you don't want to then you don't have to, it won't hurt my feelings.
As before, flames are welcome, along with corrections, suggestions, and places of needed expansions or even contractions.
Lady Black Pearl