Groove Adventure Rave: Tease Me

Rave is copyright of Hiro Mashima, Kodansha and Tokyopop. No infringement is intended.

-

A faint ray of light filtered through the room's window blinds, indicating daybreak had come. Haru watched as the dim light shone on Elie, sleeping peacefully. He had gotten up early this morning, and had spent the last few minutes just watching her sleep.

It was quiet moments like this that he found himself grateful for how his life had turned out. He could think of loads of incidents when he had almost lost Elie for good. But somehow, either by fate or luck, he was forever linked to this wonderful girl. And it felt terrible that he couldn't make her happy, at the time she deserved it most. He would have done so if he hadn't been so chicken. Instead, she'd kissed another girl by accident, and he'd ended up with a guy on his lap. He shook his head, trying to forget the incident in the sauna. Although the image of Elie and Belnika kissing was rather saucy…

He focused, getting up to dress in slacks and a shirt. After re-reading the hotel brochure, he had a plan to finally make love to Elie, and this time, it had to work. He'd messed up three times before, it would have to work now. The law of averages was on his side.

He bent over to kiss her cheek, then quietly padded out of the room.

He'd only gotten halfway down the corridor however, when Iulius appeared from out of nowhere.

"Haru! Thank God I found you! I've been going crazy!"

"Er yeah…" Haru mentally cringed at the thought of last night's misunderstanding.

"I know I've been avoiding you, but I have to tell you, last night was a total mistake! Really! I've changed! I'm not a philandering flirt anymore! I love Belnika!" Iulius wailed.

Haru held his hands up. "Iulius, relax! I know it was an accident. Trust me, nothing was implied."

"Well, I still feel awful about it. I mean, if you and Belnika didn't have the same size shoulders, I would never have gotten you mixed up."

Haru blinked. "What… I do not have shoulders like a girl!"

Iulius shrugged. "Well, it's either that, or Nika-chan has been working out.. and somehow, the former is a bit more plausible…

"Look, let's just forget it, okay? I have to go and get things ready."

Iulius was intrigued. "Oh really? What titillating secret do you have planned for Elie?"

Haru held up the brochure. "I'm gonna hire a boat, and take her out for a cruise around the small islands around here. It'll be just her and me, no distractions."

"Ingenious! Wish I'd thought of it." Iulius grinned. "Plus, it's a good day to go out. I read earlier that the weather will be perfect today, so you can't fail."

"I hope not. I haven't done well so far." Haru sighed.

"Keep the faith my friend, and you'll… 'come' through, so to speak."

He rubbed his hands. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to see my wife. She's been a bit distant since yesterday… I'll be down the hall if you need me." Iulius ran off.

It was about fifteen minutes later when Haru crept back into the room, sitting gently back on the bed. Elie felt his presence, and opened her eyes to greet him.

"Hi…" She shuffled closer, her arms wrapping around his waist. "Where did you go?"

He faked innocence. "Er.. I haven't gone anywhere."

"You did! I know you went out for something. What did you get?" She pouted.

"How did you know I was gone? You were asleep."

She smiled. "Whenever you go away… I always feel a bit lonely. Even in my sleep."

He held up the boat passes he had purchased. "Well, don't worry, I'll keep you company. I'll have to, we'll be the only people on this boat I rented."

Elie pushed herself up, squealing with happiness. "A boat? Oh that is so cool! It's a speedboat, right?"

He smiled and kissed her. "You can see for yourself, we're going in an hour."

"Alright!" Elie hugged Haru tight. Then a look of concern crossed her face. "Wait, before we go, I should talk to Belnika. I'm still embarrassed about what happened yesterday, but I never apologized…"

"She knows it was an accident. I wouldn't bother her."

Elie eyed him suspiciously. "Says you. I bet you're turned on at the thought of me and her kissing."

"No.." Haru shifted. "Well…. Maybe just a little."

Elie grinned. "If I hadn't found you and Iulius so funny, I'd whack you for that…" She sighed. "But still, I should talk to her, see if she's alright…"

Suddenly, a shrill cry was heard from a distance.

"Oh Iulius! Yes! Yes!"

Haru shook his head. "See? She's forgotten all about it."

-

Musica was busy preparing lunch for himself and Melodia when the phone rang in the living room. He waited for Melodia to get it, then remembered she was upstairs.

"Stupid phone rule…" Cleaning his hands with a cloth, he walked over and answered the phone. "Yeah, Musica."

"Hi Musica. You okay to talk?"

"Haru! Something wrong up there?"

"Not really…but I could use some advice. I'm about to take Elie out on a boat trip… I think I'm finally about to take this marriage to the next step…

Musica gaped. "You STILL haven't shagged her yet? Man Haru, you're starting to scare me now."

"I know, I keep freezing up just before… look, could you give me a tip to relax? I think I keep stopping because I'm too tense?"

"Tense? You?" Musica rolled his eyes. "I dunno… just get her drunk."

"What! I'm not getting Elie-chan drunk just for sex!"

"Not that drunk, just a little. Both of you should have some wine or something, just to relax you."

"Hmm… I guess that could work. Thanks pal."

"This better be the last time though. You should figure this stuff out for yourself."

"Whatever.. Oh, I also ran into Iulius here. He's on his honeymoon too, He wanted me to tell you hello."

"What! That fruit got married?" Musica laughed. "What crazy, half-blind floozy would marry him?"

"He married Belnika."

Musica blinked in surprise. "Well… good for her. Catch you later."

He hung up, still astounded at the last revelation, and turned round to see Melodia, looking at him with disapproval.

"Shame on you Hamlio. Telling Haru to get Elie-chan drunk."

"It was a suggestion. I know Haru, he'll do what he thinks is best." He sat down on the couch. "I don't what's more unbelievable. Haru and Elie incapable of doing the deed, or Iulius and Belnika getting married."

"Iulius?" Melodia settled next to him. "Wasn't he that strange man who pranced through Punk Street half naked during the big victory party for Haru?"

"Yeah, a fine example of the dangers of heavy drinking." He leaned back, one arm winding behind Melodia's shoulders. "And now he's married. Who'd have thought, huh?"

"I guess you never do… until you decide to…" She spoke softly, snuggling next to him. "Haru, Mr Let, Mr Shuda in a few weeks… I even heard that famous actress, Rosa, is gonna marry that director guy she likes so much…"

Musica wondered why she was talking about marriage so much. Somehow, he knew an argument would be brewing. Whether he could come out unscathed was uncertain.

"What's with all the weddings on the brain?"

"Hamlio…" She sounded serious now. "I really don't see… why we just don't get married. Everyone else has."

Musica sat bolt upright. "Hey, pull over! Just cause everyone else has, doesn't mean we should jump on the bandwagon."

"But we've been together for ages now. We love each other.." She suddenly looked very vulnerable. "You do love me… right?"

He gently touched her cheek. "Of course I do. I just don't see the point of complicating things."

"What's so complicated? We'll still be together, but we'll be husband and wife."

"If that's the case, then what's the point? Our lives are fine the way they are, why bother with a license?"

"Because…" She paused, remaining still except for her hands, which took hold of his right hand and pressed it to her chest. "…because we could have so much more."

He wasn't convinced. "More what? What more can I give you? You've got my heart in your hands."

"I'm not sure… we've have to be truly together to find it."

Musica rolled his eyes. "Man you are cryptic sometimes. Look, our relationship is fine. You know it and I know it. There's no point in messing it up with marriage."

"So… you're scared then."

He glared at her. "I'm not scared. I just don't see the point. End of discussion."

She sighed, and got up off the couch, her eyes avoiding him. "You know, lots of people thought I should forget about you when you left to find Silver Ray. They said there was no point in waiting for you to come back. I kinda agreed. The point was never clear… until you came back."

She walked off back upstairs. Musica sat, feeling confused.

For once, he had won an argument with her. So why didn't he feel victorious?

Maybe… maybe he was missing the point..

-

Elie watched from the dock as Haru ran around the small yacht he had rented, dragging ropes and trying to get the sails upright. As he comically fell over some loose rope, Elie decided to give Julia a call. She rang the number on her mobile phone.

"Elie!" Julia replied. "How are you? Gotten any closer to undressing our great Rave Master?"

"Almost… Haru is taking me on a little cruise in a boat. In a few minutes, it'll be just the two of us, all alone. We'll definitely do it for sure."

Julia was confused. "He still hasn't taken you? What's he waiting for?"

"I don't know. I don't know if its nerves, or if something's wrong with him… Maybe there's something wrong with me…"

"Don't start thinking like that! Just tell Haru to get his ass in gear and his act together."

Elie nodded. "Yeah, he should. But to be fair, last night, there was a little incident that put us off.." She gave a small laugh.

"Really? What happened?"

"Oh no, I'm not telling you…"

"Elie-chan!" She turned to see Belnika running up to her, carrying a large chiller box. "I need to talk to you!"

"Oh um.. sure.." Elie was still feeling uncomfortable about last night.

"I just wanted to make sure you were okay. I could imagine I embarrassed you when I kissed you yesterday."

Elie blushed. "Oh well…"

"What the… Belnika? You kissed Elie!"

The girls jumped when they realized Julia was still on the phone.

"Er.. Hi Julia."

"Oh my God! Wait till I tell Let about this! It'll blow his mind!"

Elie hung up, a scowl on her face. Belnika looked mortified.

"I'm so sorry Elie-chan. I never meant.."

"It's okay. It's forgotten. We shouldn't let something like that come between us."

"Yeah.." Belnika tittered. "It was just a silly little kiss.."

The two girls blushed simultaneously.

"But it did feel kinda nice…" Elie breathed.

"A little.." Belnika sighed. "But no offence, but I think Iulius is better."

"Yeah.. Haru's good with his tongue.."

The two laughed, both feeling relieved any awkwardness between them was gone.

"Well, I'm glad you're okay. Oh!" Belnika held up the chiller box. "Iulius and I bought this for you two. Call it a late wedding gift."

"Ooh, thank you."

"But don't open it until you get out to sea…" She winked. "I think you'll find it useful.."

"Okay…" Elie smiled, wondering if she would be able to use this gift while she was 'busy' with Haru.

"Hey Elie-chan, we ready to go!" Haru walked up. "Oh, hi Belnika."

Elie frowned as Haru looked at her, then Belnika, then alternating between the two.

"Haru, get that image of us out of your head!"

He sighed. "Yes dear."

-

A few minutes later, Belnika watched as Haru steered the boat away from the dock, and waved at Elie as they sailed away. She watched until the boat was a speck on the horizon. Hopefully, Haru and Elie would get the happiness they had been waiting for. She turned to find Iulius standing nearby.

"The two lovebirds get their care package okay?"

She nodded. "I hope it works"

"Of course it will work. It's how I got you, right?"

She laughed. "If you think I'm easily snared by being stuffed with treats, you're very mistaken."

He smiled. "Well, how did I snare you then? Just remind me, in case I have to woo you all over again."

"No fear of that…" She stepped closer, her arms reaching around his waist. "I'm yours forever.." She stepped on tiptoe to kiss him. "… and all day. What would you like to do?"

"Oh, I can think of many things.." He leered. "But first, we'll need some energy. Let's get breakfast."

"Energy for what?"

He only flashed a cunning smile as he led her to a nearby café. They settled down, as Iulius spotted a waiter running toward them.

"Ah, Garcon, I would like some eggs benedict.." But the man ignored them and ran on.

"How rude!" Iulius spat. He clicked his fingers to get some service. But no one came.

"What stupid dining place is this? It's got no staff!"

Belnika noticed that lots of people were leaving the beach and docks, and running back to the hotel or into the nearest building. "What's going on?"

A hotel worker approached them. "Sir, madam, I have to ask you to come with me."

Iulius was indignant. "Do you mind? We're trying to eat here."

"Is something happening?" Belnika asked.

"Just the huge storm that's coming in from the north. It's going to be pretty strong, so we're getting everyone to shelter."

"Now hold on! What storm? No one said anything about a storm." Iulius demanded.

"It was reported this morning."

"I think not." He pulled a newspaper from his pocket. "This weather report said today would be perfect."

The worker peered closer. "Sir, that's yesterday's paper. Today's paper reported the storm."

"It did?" Iulius blinked in shock. He looked at Belnika. The realization was on her face as well as his.

"Oh bloody hell!" He jumped up and ran for the docks. "Haru! Elie!"

-

Elie stood on the front deck, looking all around her. The coast was now just a mark in the distance, the only surroundings were crystal blue waters, contrasted by a blue sky and white clouds. It was almost silent, the only sound the lapping of the waves. She gently sat down, feeling so at peace.

"Okay, we're anchored." Haru walked up, wiping his sweaty brow. Elie gazed longingly at him. He'd chosen to change into shorts and a loose shirt, left unbuttoned to reveal his tanned chest. She shivered as his muscles flexed, anticipating the moment when she would be able to run her hands all over them….

Haru noticed the chiller box Elie had brought on board. "So, what's that?"

She bent down to open it. "Belnika said it was a gift… wow!"

The two peered inside the box. Inside were several small dishes, filled with various culinary delights which made the two suddenly very hungry. Strawberries with a bowl of cream, chilled oysters, chocolate mousse, and other small delights. In a small chilled bucket, a bottle of champagne sat with two slim glasses.

"Oh man…" Haru grinned, eager to tuck in. He spotted a small letter attached to the bottle, and opened it.

"Dear Haru and Elie

Sorry, we missed the wedding, but at least we can spice up the honeymoon. You've been good friends when we needed them the most, and this is a small token of our appreciation. Congratulations, and have a beautiful marriage.

Iulius and Belnika"

"Aww, that's so nice of them." Elie cooed. She popped an oyster into her mouth. "Oh, these are so delicious. This is a better gift than the one Shuda gave us."

"I think a lot of things beat out a blender…" Haru mused. He looked at the note again, noticing a postscript.

"P.S. If case you haven't figured it out, each dish is an aphrodisiac. We expect you won't be leaving the boat anytime soon…"

Elie glanced at the note, a clueless expression on her face. "What the heck kind of word is that?"

Haru looked her over and smiled. "Anyone tell you how cute you look when you're confused?"

"Haruuuuu! What does it mean?"

"Well, apparently…" He grinned wider. "This food is supposed to boost your sexual feelings and emotions."

She smiled back, understanding. "So… if we eat this, we'll become sexier?"

"I don't think it works quite like that.." Before he could finish, Elie stuffed some mousse into his mouth.

"Eat up Haru! We don't have all day."

The two sat down together to share from the basket, chatting idly about this and that, and simply enjoying the weather. Both had the notion of getting closer to one another, but for now, they simply wanted to relax together.

Sometime later, Elie felt a bit lightheaded. She saw that dark clouds had now drifted into the sky, but was more interested in the sight of Haru. His shirt had long since been removed, and his toned abs were on display. She giggled. Haru had always charmed her with his kindness and heart… but it helped to remind her that he was damn good looking too.

She shuffled closer, her arms wrapping around his neck. "Harrruuu… I think this food is working.."

He looked at his, and she could see his eyes watching her with desire. "Yeah… must be the champagne…"

She kissed him, gently at first, then pressing harder as he leaned backward, her body settling on top of his. Her hands traveled downwards, stroking his sides and chest. She closed her eyes, surrendering to the feel of his body against hers.

She felt him hold her arms, and gently turn her on her back. His lips moved to caress her neck, while his hands swiftly unfastened her sarong skirt. She shivered as he pulled the material down her legs, feeling his fingers graze her skin.

As he pulled off her bikini top, she grabbed the waistband of his shorts, pulling them down sharply.

Haru sighed deeply as he felt Elie's hands caress his naked skin. He leaned his head in to savor her, tasting her with his tongue. His head moved lower to nuzzle her breasts, causing her to moan. His hands continued to stroke, her cries becoming louder.

"Enough messing around…" He raised above her. "Here we go"

He moved to enter her…

And froze.

"No!" He willed his body to make the final move, but it refused to obey him. He looked down at Elie, her face changing from euphoric, to confused, then settling on hurt.

"Haru… please.."

He trembled. "I can't." He moved away, sitting next to her legs. "I don't know why, but I can't"

She got up and scowled. "Haru, give me one good reason why you won't do this."

"I don't know! I just.. can't!"

"If you don't want to be with me, just say so."

"Of course I do! I want to do this!" He stared into her eyes, the bright amber now blazing. "I love you."

"Well, you've got a funny way of showing it!"

He glared at her, angry at the comment. "Oh, so the only way I can prove my love is sex?"

"No but.." She grit her teeth. "You should at least be able to do this. It's not hard!"

"Oh, like you're the expert."

Elie was about to release a barrage of swear words, but was stopped by a gust of wind, causing her to shiver. Suddenly, she noticed it was a lot darker. The sun was now completely obscured by dark clouds. Also, more wind was blowing, the boat being rocked by large waves

"What the..?" The with no warning whatsoever, a hail of rain fell down, soaking the two instantly.

"EEEEEEKK!" Elie leaped up from the sudden cold. The momentum of the rocking boat caused her to fall forwards. To Haru's horror, she flew over the boat's side, into the sea.

"Elie!" His instincts instantly kicked in, as they had whenever she was in danger. He dived off the side into the water, swimming downward to find her. The cold water felt excruciating, but he ignored it. The only thing on his mind was saving her.

He found her a few feet more below. Grabbing her under her arms, he swam upwards, using all his strength to break to the top.

They broke the surface, both gasping for air. Instantly, Elie held Haru tight. He frantically looked around for the boat, but couldn't see it for the heavy rain.

"Haru, over there!" Elie pointed to a small buoy, with a large lantern on top. They swam toward it, Haru climbing onto it, before helping Elie up. Once settled, Haru used one hand to grab the nearest handhold, the other to encircle Elie's shoulders. She held onto him as tight as possible, trying to conserve heat.

"H..Haru… what d..do we do?"

"J..J.just sit tight. I'm sure the coastguard will find us soon." He chattered.

He looked out at the rain, now so heavy it was clouding his vision.

"Man, from a boat trip to sitting naked on a buoy in a storm. This'll be a story to tell the grandkids."

He flashed a smile hoping to calm her down. She just looked at him with an odd glare.

"Yeah… but the way you're going, I doubt if we'll even have kids!"

He moaned. "Please Elie, not now…

"We wouldn't be here if you could just get your act together! One simple thing….

-

Iulius and Belnika stared out the window, both feeling dread as the storm appeared to get worse.

"Oh no… what if they don't make it?" Belnika trembled. Iulius wrapped an arm around her.

"We just have to hope. Besides, Haru's a strong lad, and the coastguards are everywhere. I'm sure they'll come out just fine."

She smiled, feeling a little better. Of course Haru and Elie would get out. They'd come through worse…

The sound of a helicopter was heard, and they looked up to see the coastguard aircraft descending onto the beach. They ran out towards the helicopter, in time to see Haru and Elie step out, apparently wearing nothing but towels around their bodies.

"I don't know what was worse! The rain or your constant whining!" Haru yelled at Elie.

"Oh cram it lover boy! I never want to speak to you again!" Elie stomped off, shoving past Iulius.

They looked at Haru, who was now sitting on the ground with a desolate look on his face. Iulius gave a faint smile.

"See? Perfectly fine."