Author's note: Wow! A big thank you to all the wonderful feedback on my story! I can't believe so many people want me to continue. Thanks so much for the encouragement!

Okay, I noticed a few people commenting on Zelgadis's character, saying that they don't think this is a completely believable portrayal of him. Well, honestly, I don't either. But to me, stories that don't branch out and fill in a character's thoughts or background (even if they're subjective) are missing something. Not enough meat, so to speak. I'm the first one to admit that I'm altering the character's actions and attitudes, if only to spice up the story. And especially in the case of Zelgadis/Amelia stories, you have to change them slightly because, alas, the actual show leaves so much unexplored. We don't get to see how Zelgadis and Amelia would interact if left alone together for an extended amount of time. So, if you're against slightly out-of-character stories, you might want to stay away. ;-) Well, I'll stop ranting and let you read the next chapter. Hope you continue to like. Again, italics indicate a character's thoughts.

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Crush : Moans and Haystacks

Amelia slowly awoke to the sound of birds chirping in the distance. Yawning, she sat up and groggily examined her surroundings. In my room...in my bed. Amelia blushed as she recalled the previous night's events. I practically threw myself at him. Stupid storm...I couldn't even think straight. Sighing, Amelia pushed back the covers and crawled out of bed. I hope he just forgets last night. Amelia grabbed a couple towels and headed down to the bathroom. She entered the bathroom just in time not to hear another door down the hall opening up.

Zelgadis sleepily existed his room and walked down the hall to Amelia's. He was about to knock when he noticed it was slightly open. Quietly pushing his way into her room, he found it was empty.

"Hmm. Already up and about, I see." Zelgadis was about to leave when he noticed her traveling bag. No...don't do it. It's called an invasion of privacy. Against his better judgment, he walked over to the bag and untied it causing many items of clothing to fall out. This looks familiar, he thought as he stuffed the blue bikini back into the bag. Well, well. Zelgadis held up a pair of black satin panties and a matching bra. She can wear that to my room anytime she wants. He smirked. Putting them, as well as the rest of the clothes, back in the bag, he quickly tied it and walked out of her room.

A little while later, Amelia dried off, wrapped the two towels around her, and walked outside. She saw Zelgadis walking towards her...not at all surprised. I might not be surprised...doesn't mean I'm any less embarrassed.

"Hello, Zelgadis." Amelia took in his appearance. Instead of only being in black pants, the only clothing on him now was a pair of beige cargo pants. Her eyes lingered on his chest before looking at his face. Gulp.

"Morning, princess." Zelgadis wasn't sure when he started calling her princess, but since she literally was one, he didn't think he would get in trouble. "Sleep okay?"

"Oh, fine. Thanks." Amelia blushed. I guess he hasn't forgotten last night.

"Glad to hear it," Zelgadis replied. "Hopefully, there won't be any more storms tonight." Although if one does pop up, I'll certainly be looking for you. He gave Amelia a small smile.

"I hope not." Amelia began blushing again. Why do I have to blush at everything little thing? I have to get out of here before he confuses my head with a tomato. "Well...I'd better.." She motioned towards herself.

Invite me in and let me dress you? Shut up, I said. "Right. See you downstairs." Zelgadis began to walk towards the bathroom.

Amelia smiled shyly and entered her room, closing the door.

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Later that morning, Zelgadis climbed down the stairs and found Lina and Gourry, what else, eating.

"Pass the chicken," commanded Lina.

Gourry grabbed the bowl of chicken and noticed Zelgadis walking to the table. "Good morning, Zelgadis."

Zelgadis nodded. "Seems that way," he replied, looking out the window at the perfect weather outside.

"Gourry...gonna do anything with that chicken anytime soon?" Lina asked, eyeing the chicken hungrily.

"Oh, sorry." Gourry handed Lina the bowl.

Zelgadis looked around. "So Amelia hasn't come down?"

Lina shook her head. "Nope, not yet. Looking for her again?"

"Oh, no. Just wondering." Zelgadis sat down and grabbed a chicken leg. "So...still quiet around these parts? No new evil to fight?"

Lina chewed some more chicken and swallowed. "Haven't heard anything...but you know, the bad stuff usually comes right when you're not expecting it."

Zelgadis nodded. "Calm before the storm, as they say." Zelgadis looked over at Gourry and noticed that he was wearing his new shirt as promised. "Nice shirt, Gourry."

Gourry looked at Zelgadis and down at his shirt. "Oh, yeah...it fits pretty good."

Lina nodded her agreement as she continued to eat.

After they finished eating, Lina stood up. "Hey, Gourry...do you want to come with me to get desert?"

"But they've got desert here."

"I know that, but I know a really good ice cream shoppe." Lina started tugging at Gourry's shoulder.

"Well...okay, I guess." Gourry shrugged and stood up. "You want to come with us, Zelgadis?"

"No, thanks. I think I'll go back to my room...sharpen my sword or something."

"Alrighty," said Lina impatiently, dragging Gourry out the door with her. "See you later."

Zelgadis put down the half-eaten leg of chicken back on his plate and glanced up the stairs. "I wonder what's keeping her." Zelgadis stood up and trotted up the stairs. Putting his hand on his doorknob, he looked at Amelia's door. Hmm.

Zelgadis quietly walked down the hall, stood in front of her room, and listened.

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Earlier that morning...after her short meeting with Zelgadis in the hall, Amelia entered her room and closed the door. I really need to start bringing my clothes with me to the bathroom. Amelia looked down at the towel wrapped around her and sighed. She walked over to the dresser in her room, sat down, and looked at herself in the mirror. He looked good, though, didn't he? Amelia smiled and unwrapped the towel on her head. Throwing the towel on the floor next to her, she grabbed her brush and begin untangling the knots in her damp hair.

Okay, girl. Time to be serious. Since when do you get nervous around Zelgadis? We've been traveling for over a year now. He has been acting differently, though. It's nice to see a happier side of Zelgadis...although him brooding is kind of sexy. Argh...see? Zelgadis and sexy in the same sentence? You seriously need to get a hold of yourself. I mean...there's no way he feels the same way. That'd just be too weird and...no, there's no way. I'm probably just a little kid in his eyes. I mean, he saw me pretty much naked three times in the last couple of days...and last night...and he still hasn't shown any interest.

Amelia shrugged. Hey, I can have a crush if I want to. A crush? Yeah...that sounds right. Just a little harmless crush. That's all this is. It'll pass. She unwrapped the towel that covered herself, threw it on top of the other one, and walked to her bed. Not sure what she wanted to wear yet, she slipped on her black silk robe. She walked over to her bag and pulled out a small white baby-tee with short pale pink sleeves. Holding it up, she inspected the pink kitten on the front with 'princess' written underneath it. She smiled, noting her new nickname.

"That'll do. Now...for some pants." She pulled out a pair of faded jeans and walked back to the bed, setting her clothes down. "Oh, yeah." She trotted back over to the bag and pulled a pair of white cotton panties and a bra of the same colour. Retracing her steps, she put the underwear with the rest of the clothes and sat on the side of the bed.

Be nice if Zelgadis were here to do this for me. She giggled at the absurdity of her comment. I do wish he was here, though. She looked down at herself. I wonder what he would do if he was. She brought her hand up to her stomach and began to trace a circle lightly with her finger. Moving her hand up, the circle became a line to the middle of her chest. Thinking about Zelgadis, she took her left breast in her hand, massaging it gently. She raked her fingernail across the nipple, causing it to become hard. She moved her other hand to the inside of her right thigh and rubbed the soft skin. She slowly inched her way upward to the place that was gradually becoming wetter.

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Zelgadis leaned forward, pressing his ear to the door. He was startled when he heard a soft moan. Scared she might be hurt, he reached for the doorknob. Then he heard another moan. He stopped, knowing fully well that it was not a moan of pain. He would have chuckled if he weren't trying to be stealthy. Instead, he just smirked. Well, well. Seems as if the princess isn't as innocent as we all would have believed. So, that's what she was doing. Zelgadis looked at the doorknob. Hmm. Should I? No, but you already know that. Zelgadis's hand made it to the doorknob, and he started to turn it. Zelgadis, stop. You walk in, you humiliate her to death. You walk in, you get mixed up in a lot of complicated stuff. Just stop and go back to your room. Give her some privacy...she obviously wants it. Zelgadis looked at the door and retracted his hand. He slowly backed away and went back into his room.

You made the right choice. Zelgadis smirked yet again. I would've loved to watch her, though.

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A little while later, Zelgadis heard a soft knock at his door. He threw on a black T-shirt and opened the door. He raised his eyebrows when Amelia appeared before him.

"Hi, there. What's going on?" Zelgadis looked down at her shirt, seeing 'princess' written on it. Always did like that shirt. He motioned for her to come in.

"Oh...nothing. I was just wondering where Lina and Gourry were. Have you seen them today?" She walked past him to the window.

Zelgadis closed the door and turned around. He then noticed the tight jeans she had on. Tilting his head slightly, he stared at her. "I saw them earlier, but they went out to get some ice cream. Guess they just haven't gotten back yet."

She turned around, and he quickly lifted his gaze up to her face. "Oh. So, what've you been doing?" She tried not to stare at his chest. Why does his shirt have to be so tight?

"Oh, nothing much. Enjoying the quiet mostly." He pointed to a book on the bed. "Did a little reading." He couldn't wait to get his next question out. "And what've you been doing?"

"Me? Oh...just trying to decide what to wear." Amelia blushed, trying not to sound guilty.

Zelgadis smiled to himself. "Ah. Nice choice." He noticed she had a small grin on her face. What's she up to? He walked over to his bed and sat. "Something on your mind?"

"Well...I was wondering if.." Amelia grinned a little more as she walked closer to him. "I wanted to know if you'd.."

Zelgadis watched with intrigue as she crept closer to him, wearing a sly smile. What is she...I hope she's not drunk. "Yeah?"

Amelia slowly closed the distance between them, still smiling. She was two inches in front of him. "Could you.."

Zelgadis looked up at her, trying to resist the urge to reach out and grab her. "Could I...what?"

"Could you...teach me how to fence?" Amelia said the second part of the question so fast Zelgadis barely understood it.

"Fence?" Zelgadis asked, his eyebrows shooting up.

"Yeah...you know, sword fighting." Amelia gave another small smile.

"You want me to teach you how to use a sword?"

Amelia nodded. "Just a little?"

Zelgadis couldn't help but laugh softly. "Why the sudden interest?"

Amelia moved over and sat next to him. "Well...I just thought it might be useful to know how to use one. You know, in case something comes up. So...will you?" Amelia looked up at Zelgadis with wide, expectant eyes.

Zelgadis looked down at Amelia. Now, how could I say no to those eyes? "No problem."

Amelia gave a huge smile. "Really?"

"Sure...but you'll need a sword. Might be hard with just mine."

"Oh, I have one," Amelia answered quickly.

Zelgadis's eyebrows were definitely getting a workout today. "You have a sword? When did that happen?"

"I got one yesterday...when I was shopping for Gourry. I saw it, and I wanted to learn."

"Ah." Zelgadis smiled. Trying new things left and right. He narrowed an eye. At least, I think they're new things. Zelgadis looked at Amelia. "So, when you do want to do it?"

Amelia blushed at his wording. "Well...since Lina and Gourry are still out, we could now," Amelia answered shyly.

"Guess we could." Zelgadis smiled, knowing his words could hold another meaning.

"Where do you think would be a good place...to train?" Amelia added the last bit to comfort herself.

"Hmm...guess we could use the stables. No one there except the horses, and I don't think they'll try anything." Zelgadis winked at Amelia before standing up and walking over to his bag of clothes. He pulled out a pair of loose black jeans. Looking back towards Amelia, he began examining her from head to toe.

Amelia blushed under the chimera's gaze. What does he think he's looking at? Amelia was thinking if she should slap him when he spoke.

"That won't do." Zelgadis motioned towards her attire.

"What, my outfit?" Amelia glanced down. "What's wrong with it?"

Zelgadis smirked. "Too loose."

"I-it is?" Amelia looked at Zelgadis. This is too loose?

"Yeah...you need to be wearing tight clothes. Don't want anything to get snagged and cause further damage." Zelgadis tried his best to look sincere. It's not like I'm lying...just really liking the rule, that's all.

"Tight clothes? But you're..." Amelia pointed to the baggy jeans in his arms.

Zelgadis smiled. "I know what I'm doing. Just want to make sure you're safe."

"Well...okay." Amelia sighed and stood up. "Guess I'll go change."

Zelgadis nodded and watched her leave. Wonder what she'll come up with. Zelgadis changed into the black jeans, slipped on some shoes, and grabbed his sword. This should be...interesting. He grinned to the empty room and headed out the door. He leaned against the wall opposite Amelia's room.

A few moments later, Amelia stepped out and saw Zelgadis. She smiled and looked down. "This better?"

Zelgadis stared at her new outfit. Extremely tight black pants that flared slightly below the knees covered her lower half, and an equally tight black tank top covered her upper half. She had her hair pulled back in a bun, leaving the shorter strands to loosely hang next to her face and down her neck.

Much better. Zelgadis gave a small smile, causing Amelia to blush slightly. "It'll work. Come on."

Amelia, sword in her hand, followed closely behind Zelgadis down the hall and stairs. She noticed a few other men sitting at the tables. She tried her hardest to hide behind Zelgadis but to no avail.

"Hey there, little lady," said one of the men to Amelia. He stared at Amelia like she was a peace of meat. "Wanna"

Before anyone in the room could blink, Zelgadis unsheathed his sword and held it up to man's neck. "Wanna what?" Zelgadis growled the question to the man.

The man looked at Zelgadis with eyes full of fear. "N-nothing. Nothing at all."

Zelgadis lowered his sword, and the man ran out the door faster than a bat out of hell. Amelia looked at Zelgadis, not sure whether to be thankful or afraid. Zelgadis glanced down at Amelia.

"You okay? He didn't touch you or anything, right?"

Amelia smiled. "I'm fine...he didn't have time to do anything."

Zelgadis softened his gaze. "Good." He sheathed his sword and motioned for her to go ahead of him. He didn't want anyone else sneaking up behind her. Except for me, that is. He smirked, watching her hips sway as she walked.

Once inside the stables, Amelia walked over to a bale of hay and sat down. "So, where do we start?"

Zelgadis put his sword down and took the black shirt he was wearing off, throwing it on the ground.

Amelia eyes grew wide. "What..?"

Zelgadis looked back to Amelia. "Don't want it to get torn." He smiled. "Need to see how you can handle a sword first."

"Oh." Amelia looked at his chest. "Okay."

Zelgadis walked over towards Amelia, causing her gaze to move to his face. "Alright. First things first. Do you know the basic parts of a sword?"

"Well...I know there's a handle and a blade, and the blade's the end that kills people." Amelia swallowed. "Not a whole lot."

Zelgadis walked closer to her and gently took her sword, examining it. "Not too bad...little lighter than I prefer my swords, but the balance is good." He held out the sword in front of Amelia. "Okay, this part," he said while pointing at the wooden covering for the blade, "is the scabbard."

"Scabbard," Amelia repeated softly.

"And this, as you know, is the handle." He pointed to the part jutting out between the scabbard and the handle. "This is the guard. Always keep your hands behind this when fighting," he winked.

Amelia looked disbelieving at him. "Well, I figured that."

Zelgadis laughed lightly. "Sorry, just teasing you." He unsheathed the sword slowly. "And this is the blade. Very dangerous."

Amelia nodded. "What's a good way to hold a sword?"

Zelgadis handed her the sword and asked, "Are you right or left-handed?"

"Right."

"Okay." He took her right hand and put it near the guard. "Now, put your other hand below that one." She did as instructed. "Good. Okay, just get used to holding it...I'll go get mine." Zelgadis walked back over to his sword and picked it up, unsheathing it. He brought his scabbard with him as he walked back and set it next to Amelia's.

"Um...Zelgadis?"

"Yeah?" Zelgadis looked up at Amelia.

"Why does your sword look so different?"

"Well, I have a double-edged blade...both sides are sharp. Your sword only has one sharp side."

Amelia scrutinized her blade. "Oh...I see."

Zelgadis glanced at Amelia. She looks kind of sexy with a sword. Zelgadis smirked to himself. He walked over and stood in front of her, holding up his sword.

Amelia slowly mimicked Zelgadis's actions. I hope I don't look too stupid.

"Okay, guess we can go over the basic moves today. First, there's the slash." Zelgadis backed up and moved his sword through the air. "Just trying to cut or wound your opponent, really."

Amelia watched Zelgadis carefully. He looks so graceful. She hesitantly tried to slash the air.

"Good...like that." Zelgadis nodded. "Okay, then you have the parry." He walked over to her. "Try to slash me."

"W-what?" Amelia looked at Zelgadis. "Are you sure?"

Zelgadis gave a sly smile. "Don't worry...you won't hurt me." He tapped his arm with his sword. "Part golem. Just don't hit me too hard...don't want to shatter your sword." Zelgadis winked.

Amelia smirked at Zelgadis. "Okay." She made a move to slash Zelgadis, surprised when he brought his sword up and blocked her. She looked at Zelgadis. "So a parry's a block?"

"In a way." Zelgadis, his sword still holding hers in the air, moved his sword quickly to her neck. "It's also a counterattack."

Amelia looked at the sword. "O-oh."

He lowered his sword and spoke again. "In blocking your opponent, you leave them open for you to attack."

"Okay, I got it...I think." Amelia drew in a deep breath, still a little shaky from having a sword one inch away from her neck.

Zelgadis noticed she seemed a little nervous now. "I'd never hurt you, you know."

Amelia peered at Zelgadis's concerned face. "I know...I just.." Amelia looked at his sword and back at him. "I know."

Zelgadis moved closer to her. "Good." He looked into her huge blue eyes. It'd be so nice to kiss her. He continued to stare at her eyes until he noticed the innocence pouring out of them. He backed away and held up his sword. "Now, let's see you parry."

Amelia was startled by his abrupt change in behavior but held up her sword. "I'll try."

After an hour or so of practicing, Amelia was worn out. She wiped the sweat off her forehead with the back of her wrist before they began another session of slash and parry.

"Zelgadis, I'm getting a little.." Amelia blocked Zelgadis's slash and fell over into a huge pile of hay. "Tired."

Zelgadis smiled at her. She's so cute. When she made no move to get up, he began to get worried.

"Are you hurt?"

"Mmm. Nothing serious. Something just poked me in the back." Amelia stretched out in the hay. "Time for a nap."

Zelgadis walked over to her and bent his knees. "Maybe so, but not in there." When she didn't listen to him, he thought of something. "Well...I guess the spiders can keep you company."

Amelia's eyes popped open, and she sprang up. "Spiders?"

Zelgadis nodded and stood up. "Mm..hmm. Big, creepy spiders." While he talked, he moved his hand to her arm and crawled up to her shoulder, imitating a spider.

Amelia slapped his hand away. "Stop that." She looked up at him defiantly.

Zelgadis tried his best not to laugh at the small girl. Not counting the fact she was nearly a foot shorter than him, the hay adorning her hair and clothes made her even less intimidating. "I'm sorry." He began picking some of the hay out of her hair. "Can you ever forgive me?" he whispered softly.

Amelia softened her stare at him. God, he has a nice voice. "Okay...but don't do it again." She kept her scolding look for a moment before she felt his hand on her neck, picking off more hay. Mmm...that feels nice.

After Zelgadis pulled most of the hay off her hair and shoulders, he spoke. "Guess we'd better go back. You do look like you need a nap."

Amelia yawned. "Okay."

Zelgadis grabbed his sword and hers and made his way, after Amelia, out of the stables. The entered the inn, and the men who were there earlier kept their distance. The two walked up the stairs, and Zelgadis walked Amelia to her room, handing her sword to her.

"See you later tonight," Amelia said sweetly.

"Count on it," Zelgadis replied, smiling.

After Amelia entered her room, Zelgadis went down to his. Setting his sword down, he plopped down on his bed. He closed his eyes and drifted off the sleep, faintly noting that Lina and Gourry still hadn't returned.

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Notice that I'm trying to very slowly add some intrigue. I promise this story will get darker. But until then, let me know what you think!