Even though the cold air closed around him as he made his way to the locker room, Zelgadis' excitement kept him warm, the thought of his being in drag a mile away. Ahead Lina strode confidently, the hockey stick slung across her shoulders. He watched her with a smile, another warmth coming to his face and chest.

            "Zel, why are you blushing?" Xellos popped in next to him, then caught glance of Lina, "Oh, I see. Yeah, she was pretty hot tonight. Kind of gives you some interesting thoughts, does it not?"

            "Yeah," Zelgadis admitted, then turned and glared at Xellos, "What? Shut up Xellos!" Throwing a punch, Zelgadis nearly clipped Xellos, who simply leaned away from the blow.

            "Hey, I didn't mean to offend you Zel."

            "Why can't you just back off sometimes?"

            Xellos smirked, "Ah, so it is true."

            Zelgadis wheeled on Xellos, ready to punch again, "You open your mouth one more time…"

            "No, wait," Xellos insisted, pointing over Zelgadis' shoulder. Zelgadis turned his head and saw Valgarv and Martina approaching Lina, the look on Valgarv's face bitter and full of fury.

            "Stay back," Zelgadis said as he spun on his heels, starting a light jog to catch up to Lina.

            Lina watched as Valgarv and Martina approached, her confidence high and caution equally so. Martina had tears in the corners of her eyes, and Valgarv looked as if he was ready to start chewing wrought iron.

            She stopped when the two for them blocked her way, and tried her best to not look annoyed, "What do you two want?"

            Valgarv stiffened his stance, crossing his arms, "First off, I think you owe someone an apology."

            Lina assessed Valgarv for a moment, then raised an eyebrow inquisitively, "Who?" She was not going to let the self-proclaimed "Demon Prince" intimidate her into doing anything she didn't want to.

            "To me you idiot," Martina blurted, "Not only did you steal my shot, you injured me out there!" The near tears in her angered eyes hung by a thread, and yet Martina seemed to hold them, a glint of confidence in her eyes. Lina sighed; this act was not going to impress her.

            "Martina, look at it carefully. I gave you a gap to use, and you didn't go for it. Instead you got your dumb ass flattened by a Ruby Eye player. Then I took the ball, which was loose, and made a run for the goal.

            "But you wouldn't let that go, would you? No. You simply ran after me and tried to wipe me out in an attempt to make a shot that could make the game or send us into overtime. And that injury you supposedly have; I'd suppose that you have some bruises, some scrapes, and some lumps. Nothing you can't handle."

            "But, I'm delicate," Martina plead, her voice slightly losing its whine.

            "Then you shouldn't have been on the field. And since when were you delicate?"

            "Since I started watching out for her," Valgarv glared.

            "Oh, so now you speak," Lina laughed, "Watching out for her huh? Martina, you picked a bad guy for your bodyguard. Seems like he couldn't protect you on the field. Now, if you'll excuse me…"

            "We're not finished yet, Lina," Martina spat, and Lina turned to face her.

            "Oh yes we are Martina," Lina shot back, "I am washing my hands of you and your creep boyfriend, plus anything related to either of you."

            "So, does that mean you won't apologize?" Valgarv asked as he unfolded his arms, his stance menacing as he took a step closer.

            "Hell no! I have nothing to apologize to you two…"

            Valgarv backhanded her with a clenched fist, sending Lina to the ground. Pain exploded in Lina's head along the jaw line and on the side where her head hit the ground.

            "Lina!"

            Zelgadis screamed out as Lina fell. Anger rose within him, suddenly boiling over and inflaming his fury further as he shortened the distance between he and Valgarv. Valgarv turned, seemingly oblivious to Zelgadis' shout and carrying a look of shock on his face, "Valgarv, you're dead!"

            Valgarv had only a moment to react before Zelgadis closed the gap between them, and yet he was so surprised he couldn't move. Maybe it was the ire in Zelgadis' eyes, or perhaps it was the fact that Zelgadis was in a cheerleader outfit with pom-poms and barrettes.

            The two bodies collided, and Valgarv went tumbling, folding at his stomach where Zelgadis' shoulder had impacted. The pain caused the adrenaline to flow, and Valgarv quickly recovered, leaping to his feet.

            "Son of a bitch!" Zelgadis yelled as he took a swing, Valgarv able to block the powerful blow, and returned with a punch as well, connecting with Zelgadis' left eyebrow, causing an explosion of pain on Zelgadis' face. Zelgadis bit down on the scar in his cheek, causing it to rupture and allowing fresh blood to pass over his palate. The new pain canceled the pain of the impact, and Zelgadis drove his fist forward and up, catching Valgarv under the ribcage. The air audibly rushed from Valgarv's lungs, and Zelgadis followed his strike with another punch that connected with Valgarv's right eye.

            "Valgarv!" Martina squeaked.

            "Zel!" Lina called as she dashed over to pull Zelgadis away.

            "What?" Zelgadis barked as someone snatched his arm. He spun around angrily and met Lina's eyes, fierce and powerful, the eyebrow hoop even carrying an angry shine to it. He felt his anger start to cool, and he allowed his shoulders to slowly sag.

            "Come on Zel, let's get out of here," Lina scowled, her eyes still fierce, but her voice carrying something in its tone that made Zelgadis' stomach twinge; she wasn't mad, she was worried.

            "Alright Lina, let's get out of here," Zelgadis replied, placing his hand against the small of her back as he walked with her towards the locker rooms, past Martina who was kneeling beside a wheezing Valgarv.

            Once well out of earshot, Lina turned and hit Zelgadis upside the head.

            "Ow," Zelgadis cursed as he reached up to rub the area of impact, "What was that for?"

            "For being an idiot," Lina replied as she slipped away to the locker rooms,  "Now go get changed."

            For a moment Zelgadis was left standing alone, confused, and cold. The draft under his skirt quickly reminded him that it wouldn't get any warmer, and he also scooted off to the locker rooms to change.

            "What was that?" Xellos asked as Zelgadis came in and pulled his top off. Zelgadis shot him a small look of annoyance.

            "Valgarv hit Lina," Zelgadis replied simply, and removed the skirt, "What was I supposed to do?"

            Xellos shrugged, "I thought she'd be able to handle it herself."

            "I know she could have, but he hit her in the jaw," Zelgadis countered, "If he caused any damage, Lord of Nightmares would be one less lead singer, and how do you think that would bode on our future?"

            Xellos thought about if for a moment, "Not well at all." He slipped out of his skirt as well, and then out of the Speedos he had everyone wear under their skirts in the place of panties.

            "Exactly," Zelgadis said, noticed that Xellos was naked, blushed, and quickly changed his outfit so that he could leave. Once outside, he breathed a sigh of relief. He saw Lina's Shelby pull up, and he climbed into the car.

            "So, where to…?"

            Lina kissed him, lending to him her passion and worry, causing him to melt.

            After a few minutes, Lina pulled away, smiling softly. Her eyes seemed happier than before, and he smiled stupidly back.

            "What was that for?"

            "For being an idiot."

            A knock came to the car window, and Zelgadis nearly jumped. He looked behind him, and Miwan waved to them, a smile on his lips. Zelgadis pushed the window lever, and with a soft whirring the window lowered.

            "What's happening?" Zelgadis asked, wondering if his face was turning red. With the way his head was swimming he wasn't sure.

            "Well, Xellos sent me over to invite the two of you to a victory party," Miwan declared, "His house, from an hour from now to whenever you decide to leave."

            "So, what's your involvement with this?" Lina asked.

            Miwan blushed for a moment, then replied, "He asked me to help with setup, and offered for me to stay for the party as well."

            Zelgadis looked to Lina, who only smiled, "Sure Miwan. Tell Xellos we'll be there in an hour. In the meantime, we can find something to do."

            "Don't be in any hurry to get there, I'm sure we'll be more than busy," Miwan remarked, stopped and blushed, then disappeared from sight. Zelgadis gave a questioning look to Lina, who only shrugged in response and started the car.

            "So, where are we going?"

            Lina shrugged, "Anywhere and everywhere for an hour. Sound good?"

            Zelgadis nodded, and Lina started to drive. Zelgadis lowered the window to let the cool night air flow through his hair and over his ears. The stars seemed to drift lazily along as he watched, Lina's radio blaring out a rock tune:

I, I look but never touch.
She says I drink too much.
I only care about myself, sex, and the couch.
You. You light up my whole day.
Whenever you're away.
I'd love to say I've got you figured out.
No way.

If I get my hands on you, I would make you do all the things I want you to.
And bend your will to mine, never hear you whine.
Everybody break out.
It's enough to shout, it's enough to shout.

It's enough, yeah it's enough…*

Zelgadis looked to Lina, who only smiled and threw her head back as she started to sing, " She's callin', we're brawlin'. This is the hell that is my life. I'm laughing, she's crying. This is the hell that is my, hell that is my life."
            Zelgadis laughed, and then followed up Lina by doing the second verse, " I. I feel the world revolves around me. I take my one way street. I only have one serious bone in my body. You. You say you're not amused. You love to hate me too. You claim you wish you never got my name tattooed."

Lina joined Zelgadis for the next segment, the two of them grinning widely at one another, " Now you got your hands on me. And you can make me be, what you want me to be. And slash away my will, still you're my only thrill. Everybody break out. It's enough to shout, it's enough to shout. It's enough, yeah it's enough." *

Once Zelgadis realized what he had said to Lina, he threw his eyes to the floor of the car. His mind drifted to New Year's of the heat between them and the passion they'd experienced. He wondered still if that was just an illusion, a simple mistake made by two intoxicated people.

"You know Zel, we should find somewhere to walk a little, you know, get some fresh air." Lina suggested, and Zelgadis looked up, her own cheeks noticeably redder than before, "It just seems like it's so hot in here."

"Yeah, I agree," Zelgadis said as he positioned himself so that more cold air swept over him. He watched buildings slide by, the police station, grocery stores, small businesses; everything seemed to blur together after a while.

He felt the car stop, and his world refocused, trees silhouetted by a nearby lamppost and a playground off in the shadows.

"The park?"

"You had somewhere better in mind?" Lina asked, "Besides, at this hour of night no one comes out here, so we won't have any problems."

Zelgadis looked to her, "Problems, problems with what?" Her eyes met his, and he saw in them softness and desire he'd not seen before.

"Zel, am I attractive?" she asked as she scooted closer to him, the leather seats squeaking slightly.

"Well, of course you're attractive Lina," Zelgadis responded, unsure of how to continue. He honestly couldn't just tell her of the fantasies he'd experienced of her, how the image of New Year's still burned hot in his memory, and how he yearned for that closeness again.

Lina slid all the way over to Zel, leaning her light frame against him, the heat from her body lying itself heavily upon him, "Does my body please you?" Zelgadis swallowed hard, and he tried his best to maintain an air of calm.

"Yes, your body is very pleasing," he thought of what to say next, but only came out with, "Lina, do you still remember New Year's Eve?"

"Yes," Lina said as she climbed into his lap, curling herself up against him. Zelgadis could feel his own heart pounding, and he forced himself to relax his breathing.

"Do you think it might feel right this time?"

Lina met his eyes and smiled, "I'm sure we can try," and kissed him. Zelgadis dropped any pretenses of trying to remain calm, instead allowing his hands to explore Lina's body, finding their way in under her long sleeved shirt and taking in the feel of her soft skin. He could feel her hands as well lifting his shirt. For a moment a twinge of fear gripped him, the scars itching terribly for an instant, but were then gone as passion retook him.

Their kissing continued, both more cautious in their approach than before as they carefully examined one another. No clothes had come off, but both seemed comfortable with that for the moment.

"I want you to touch me, Zel," Lina said as she lifted her shirt. Zelgadis let out a heavy breath as his eyes fell upon the gentle curves of her breasts, hidden from sight by the cups of her bra. Though they weren't as large as most young women of her age, they seemed better formed, and their being slightly smaller intrigued him and excited him even more.

With shaking hands he gently seized them, gently plying each with his hands through the fabric, and he felt Lina shudder.

"Are my hands too cold?"

Lina shook her head, "No, it just feels good to have your hands on me, that's all. Please go on."

He continued to stroke her body, eventually causing her to rest tucked against his shoulder, her eyes closed as she focused on the sensation running through her body. She had always been wary of this kind of contact, but with Zelgadis she felt comforted, assured that he would be gentle with her.

Stopping one of his hands, she redirected it to the zipper on her pants, "You can touch here too, if you want."

Zelgadis nodded, and he began to undo the zipper, slow and clumsy but with patience. He watched intently as the white edging of her panties began to show, plain with no frills at all. Somewhat appropriate he thought to himself.

Lina's watch beeped, and Zelgadis looked to it, "Hey, what time is it?"

Lina activated the glow feature on her watch and looked, slight embarrassment on her face, "10:00, why?" As the passion started to fade, she wondered what possessed her to be so heady, so physical.

"Shit, it's been almost an hour already? We were going to go to Xellos' party, right?" Though the excitement of all this was pushing him towards intimacy, he still wasn't sure if he wanted to go further yet.

Seeing an opportunity to cool down and think things through more thoroughly, Lina smiled, "Yeah, we were. Let's go see what he's up to."

Doing their best to regain composure, Lina climbed out of Zelgadis' lap and slipped into the driver's seat. She turned back to look at him, noticed something, and started to laugh.

"What's so funny?"

"Your barrettes are still in place."

Zelgadis stopped, reaching up to check for himself. When he felt them still in place, he blushed and moved quickly to remove them. Lina still laughed, and Zelgadis shot her a dirty look. Lina noticed the glare, leaned over, and kissed him on the cheek, "You're cute when you're pouting."

            Despite his frustration, he was forced to smile. He was overreacting. He even started to laugh as well; he must've looked pretty funny with the barrettes in his hair. "Let's get going."

            "Agreed," Lina replied as she backed the car up and turned it around. Zelgadis returned to staring out the window, listening as Lina turned the radio back on:

            You're such a delicate boy

            In the hysterical realm

            Of an emotional landslide

            In physical terms

            With your cherry lips and golden curls

            You could make grown men gasp when you go walking past

            And in your hot pants and high heels

            They could not believe that such a body was for real

            It seemed like rainbows would appear

            Whenever you came here the clouds would disappear

            Because you look just like a girl

            Your baby blues would flash and suddenly a spell was cast…*2

            "Zel, what are you thinking about?"

            Zel turned his head, "Nothing much, really; our relationship for one, the band too." He lied about the band. He didn't want to appear too anxious about that last intimate exchange. Sure, it was exciting. It put him on a high he had never thought possible, both wonderful and frightening all in the same moment.

            "Oh."

            "What?

            "No, its nothing," Lina assured Zelgadis, "I was just curious as to what you were thinking." Lina adjusted her radio, and the new tune floated gently to Zelgadis' ears:

            How did we ever go this far?

            You touch my hand and start the car

            And for the first time in my life

            I'm crying

            Are we in space do we belong

            Someplace where no one calls us wrong

            And like the stars we burn away the miles…*3

            The two of them sat in silence, only the music between them. Zelgadis looked to Lina, and he felt a sense of awe as he saw light from the moon give her a soft glow. She was almost angelic, and he felt a warm comfort sitting in the car with her.

            "How's your jaw?"

            "Huh, oh fine," Lina chuckled, "Just a little sore. I'm sorry, but if that's Valgarv's idea of an attack, he never really learned how to fight."

            "I'm glad to hear it. I was just worried that he may have really hurt you."

            Lina let out another laugh, "I'm harder to break than that. Though you needn't worry about it, it's touching to know that you were worried." She reached over and touched his face, running her pointer finger over one of the scars, "Besides, I think you took more damage from Valgarv than I did."

            "Valgarv may act big and try to impress, but he is more of a stuffed sack than anything else."

            They both laughed at this remark, and then fell silent again as they came up to 2190 Astral Break Boulevard. The drove up the driveway, parked where they usually did, and strolled up to the front door, which lay open, music blasting. The warm air of the inside greeted them, and they looked about.

            Little had been done with the décor, and Miwan zipped past them, his normally free-flowing shoulder length green hair tied back into a neat ponytail, "Feel free to sit down anywhere. I'm almost finished here, and Xellos is in the kitchen preparing drinks, if you want to speak with him."

            They nodded, and Zelgadis lead Lina to the tearoom, each of them taking a seat on cushions. Zelgadis adjusted in his cushion while Lina sat back comfortably in her.

            "Miwan and Xellos have been hanging out a lot together," Lina remarked. Zelgadis only nodded, "I wonder why."

            "I wouldn't know," Zelgadis replied, "Hey, do you think that Xellos would spike the punch again?"

            "Wouldn't put it past him, Zel. He's had alcohol mixed in with all the drinks at every party we've attended here."

            "Halloween?"

            "Well, maybe not Halloween," Lina agreed, "But every other time."

            "If it isn't the adorable couple who are lead singers for Lord of Nightmares, Lina and Zel," Xellos smirked as he came out of the kitchen with a pitcher of red liquid, "You two are the first to get here. Kick back, relax, and save your energy; you'll need it tonight."

            Lina and Zelgadis looked at one another, then at the floor blushing. Zelgadis shifted his vision, casting his gaze aside at Lina. She was still looking at the floor, the blush high in her cheeks.

            Xellos set down the pitcher and a set of plastic glasses, "Since this is a small scale party, we won't need to make as much punch as we did for New Year's."

            "Who's all showing up?" Lina asked, the blush suddenly vanishing. Xellos smiled and counted off the guests.

            "Well, you and Zel, Miwan, Zangulus and Jiras. Vrumugun couldn't make it tonight, so that means Amelia, Filia, and myself."

            "Hello?" called Zangulus and he and Jiras stepped through the front door. Xellos greeted them and ushered them into the tearoom.

            "Oh, and for those who are wondering, the house is ours. If you want to stay the night, that's fine. Hell, stay a week if you want to! Just remember that the offer remains." He looked up to the door again, and Filia came in wearing a pair of jeans and white polo, followed by Amelia, who wore a hooded sweatshirt over what appeared to be a long-sleeved shirt and pair of jeans, "Hello, and welcome to the party."

            "Not very big, is it?" Filia asked as she stepped into the tearoom.

            "I think it's just the right size," chimed in Amelia, who removed her sneakers and walked into the tearoom, kneeling at the central table, "Ooh, punch!"

            "Have some, I brewed it to celebrate our victory," Xellos beamed, "And besides, after all that excitement, why let it dissipate so quickly?" Without another word, Xellos quickly filled the glasses and handed one to each person and raised his own into the air, "To victory."

            "To victory," everyone chanted.

            Xellos looked to Lina and Zelgadis, "To Lina and Zel; you two are the best friends a young man such as myself could ask for. Thank you for everything you've done, and some extra thanks for making such a good-looking couple."

            "Here, here!" Amelia asserted, and the group grumbled in agreement. Zelgadis looked to Lina, who returned his gaze, and the two of them turned red.

            "To Filia, my longtime rival," Xellos continued, "I am sorry to see that our paths will leave one another after this year. For so many years now you and I have been fiercely opposing one another, and I think it's time we made peace." He raised his glass to her, and she stared at him for a moment surprise registering on her face.

            "Well, I wasn't expecting this from you Xellos, but it is very gracious to offer this peace. I accept your offer; a toast to you." She raised her glass to him, and the two of them drank deeply.

            Zelgadis looked down at the glass, thinking a moment before rising, "Ahem, I would like to make a toast." He could feel their eyes on him, and he swallowed a lump as he continued.

            "First of all, I want to thank you Xellos: without someone to take swings at I probably wouldn't have survived coming back to school. And besides, who else could make me smile and growl at the same time?"

            He turned and addressed Zangulus and Jiras, "You two, I thank you as well. With you two and the band taking me in, it feels like I have a real family, somewhere I can feel safe and accepted."

            Saving what he thought was best for last, he turned to Lina, "Lina, I must thank you for so much that you've done for me and…"

            "Okay Zel, let's save the lover's talk for later," Xellos chimed in, his face already getting flushed, "Have some punch everyone, and let's party!"

            Xellos produced a remote from his pocket, pressed a couple of buttons, and the speaker system pounded with the music's increased volume. Zelgadis watched as Xellos motioned to Amelia and Filia to come out into the foyer to dance, Zangulus and Jiras quickly catching up.

            Suddenly, Lina took his hand and led him into the foyer, pausing only a moment to take his drink and set it down on the tea table. Swinging her hips seductively, Lina started to dance, sparking desire in Zelgadis as he followed her to an open spot. Heat rose in his face, and he started swaying to the rhythm. Lina smiled and closed the distance, rubbing her back up against him. Pleasantly surprised, Zelgadis responded to her movements, matching her bumps and weaves deftly, and he brought a hand around her waist, splaying his fingers across her stomach. The music, though blasting, was little more than a dull roar, his excitement paired with his pounding heart drowning out almost all noise.

            "Zel, can we talk?" Lina asked, her expression shy and smiling. Zelgadis felt the haze dissipate, and he nodded, allowing himself to be led. He followed her upstairs and into a bedroom, this one much simpler than the last one they'd been in, looking like something from the Victorian era.

            Lina sat down on the bed and had Zelgadis sit next to her, "What were you going to say?"

            "What?"

            "When you were toasting me, what were you going to tell me?"

            "Oh," Zelgadis blushed. Where was that courage he'd had only minutes earlier, "Are you sure you want to hear it? I think it's kind of stupid."

            Lina took his hand, "Zel, you can't be that stupid, particularly around me. Please, I would like to hear what you were going to say."

            Zelgadis took a deep breath and attempted to gather his courage, "Okay, I'll tell you." He took another deep breath and let it out quickly, "I was going to tell you that I was grateful for everything you'd done for me. You brought me out of a rut and showed me that my life wasn't pointless or dead in the water. And despite my attitude and tendency to piss people off, you stayed with me."

            Lina smiled, "Thank you Zel, though I never really noticed what you claim. I just thought you were lonely," she leaned over and kissed his cheek, "But I'm glad you decided to stick with me; I know I can be a real bitch sometimes."

            Zelgadis looked to Lina, still inches from her face, and he kissed her. Startled for only a moment, Lina returned the kiss and crawled into Zelgadis' lap. Wrapping her arms around his neck, she enjoyed the feel of his hands slipping in underneath her shirt and touching the skin, the extra feeling of the scars making for an interesting, if not erotic sensation.

            When she shuddered again, Zelgadis paused for a moment, then returned to his objective, hands gently massaging Lina's breasts through her bra. Her breathing, steadily growing heavier, excited him, making his stomach clench.

            Lina removed her shirt and started to remove Zelgadis' as well. She stopped however when he froze, "Are you okay?"

            "Yeah, I'm fine," Zelgadis said, "It's just that I'm feeling a little self-conscious right now." He looked down; he knew he really didn't have anything to worry about, or did he? Maybe if she saw the scars again it would kill her attraction.

            Lina gripped him under the chin, "You shouldn't think so little of yourself."

            "But, these scars. They make me…"

            "Do you think I care?" Lina asked, and kissed him without another word. Zelgadis felt the fear, the doubt, and the strength of his protests melt away, leaving him in a warm and fluid daze.

            "You and I fit so well together Zel, it doesn't matter what we are," Lina said as she pulled the shirt off. She eyed the scars that crisscrossed his chest, his sides, and his back, and then started to trace them with her finger.

            "What are you doing?" Zelgadis jumped back, red with embarrassment. Lina only responded by leaning forward and kissing a scar that shot jaggedly across his chest, and he could feel her tongue tracing the raised flesh.

            "Enjoying them, what does it look like?" Lina looked up, and she smiled. Zelgadis felt a rush of relief, and he kissed her once again, Lina fumbling with his belt. Changing his own actions, he also started to strip her, first disconnecting her belt, and then sliding her pants and her socks off.

            He stared at her, curiosity and attraction merged. Her panties held on her body well, coyly hiding her most secret parts while giving him a tantalizing look at her figure, well rounded for someone of her build but without looking excessive. Her face, though confident, carried the red of blush, and she looked at him with a smile.

            "Wow, I've never felt this nervous before," Lina said, hugging herself.

            "Neither have I," Zelgadis admitted, his own heart pounding, "I guess one of us should take charge, right?"

            "Right."

            Lina edged closer to Zelgadis, her knees touching his as she looked at him. They stared at one another for several moments, each one growing more and more uncomfortable.

            "So," Lina said.

            "So?"

            "Shouldn't you take charge Zel? I mean you are the boyfriend."

            "I'm nervous though."

            "So am I," Lina said, a slight exasperation sound escaping her voice, "It's not like I know exactly what I'm doing."

            "Neither do I."

            "Well,"

            "Well what?"

            "I don't know," Lina responded and let out a sigh, than added after a moment, "Aw, what the hell?" She dove forward, knocking Zelgadis backwards, and kissed him, running her hands up and down his back. Zelgadis felt the rush again and pinched her butt.

            "You're a jerk," Lina chuckled as she grabbed his crotch, giving it a tight yet affectionate squeeze. She licked her lips, feeling kind of odd but at the same time aroused, as she nipped his ear, "But you're my jerk."

            "Zel?" Xellos called as he made his way down the hall, head aching slightly, "Too much punch," he reminded himself, "Zel? Lina?"

            He noticed a door cracked open. Gently pushing on it, he slowly walked inside, "Good morning you two. Well, I hope the two of you enjoyed…"

            He stopped though, when his eyes fell upon the room's occupants. Sitting at he foot edge of the bed was Jiras, shirtless, and sitting on the side of the bed was Zangulus, also shirtless, both of them looking up from their reading, a newspaper scattered over the bedspread.

            Without saying anything else, Xellos quietly stepped back out into the hallway and continued his search. Whistling to himself and quickening his pace, he looked for any indicators as to where his two lovebirds were hiding away, "Lina, Zel."

            Zelgadis opened one eye, staring irritably at the door. What did he want at this hour of the morning? He felt the warm presence next to him, and for a moment he froze, wondering whom it was he was in bed with. His eyes caught the flash of red hair on the pillow just as his memory registered the previous night; the throes of passion, warmth of flesh in his hands, and the incredible sensation of making it with someone who cared about him and didn't care about his scars.

            He heard the door handle click open, and he prepared a pillow.

            The door swung open, and Xellos entered the room smiling, "Good…"

            Zelgadis lobbed the pillow, smacking Xellos in the face, "Xellos, what are you doing waking me at this hour of the morning?"

            Xellos raked at the pillow in surprise, then pulled it down, "It's noon."

            Zelgadis looked to the alarm clock on the nightstand, and sure enough the clock display read 12:00.

            "So it is. What do you want, anyway?"

            "Mm…what's going on, Zel?" Lina asked sleepily as her eyes opened. When she saw Xellos, she threw her pillow at him, "Xellos, don't you ever concern yourself with other peoples' privacy?"

            "Only if I haven't already seen them naked," Xellos deflected the pillow, "Besides, the two of you are just too cute that way…I know! Wait here while I get a camera." He laughed and spun on his heels to run from the room. Lina halted him though, who had somehow managed to clear the distance from the two of them with blanket wound around her body, and knocked him to the floor.

            "Oh no you won't. The last thing I need you to have is blackmail material." She bent over him and glared, "You do understand what I'd do if you tried to blackmail me, right?"

            "Boy Spooker?" Xellos asked, neither frightened nor terribly amused. Lina only nodded and offered her hand to him. After she had pulled him up, she dusted him off, "So, let's say you apologize to us by buying us lunch."

            "Lunch?"

            "Wherever we want to eat and whatever we want," Zelgadis added.

            "Good thinking, Zel," Lina winked and turned to Xellos again, "Sound good?"

            Xellos chuckled, "Sure, why not? In fact, I'll treat everyone that stayed to lunch. Why don't you call your uncle Rezo, Zel?"

            Zelgadis looked about the room, "Right." His eyes scanned the surfaces of dressers, tables, and even the nightstand, but the only thing he saw was the alarm clock.

            Suddenly, Lina's cell phone flew into his face. Reflexively he caught it and looked at it, "Thanks Lina."

            "Sure, just don't talk too long on it."

            He nodded and turned the phone on, then dialed his home number. He listened, waited five rings, and then hung up.

            "What's up?" Lina asked.

            "Not home," Zelgadis admitted.

            "Again? This doesn't seem like your uncle to do this.

            "It isn't; he's a stickler for time and resources. He never does anything off his schedule."

            Xellos shrugged, "Ah well, it seems that things are beginning to change around here," he glanced to Lina, then to Zel, "Aren't they?"

            Zelgadis got up from the bed, face red with embarrassment, and shooed Xellos from the room, "We'll be out in a few minutes."

            "A quickie, huh?"

            "Just, get out of here!" Lina shouted, her own face reddening by the minute.

            After Zelgadis slammed the door shut, he turned around and walked back over to Lina. She looked at him for a moment, "Zel, I was wondering…"

            "Me too," Zel admitted.

            "About how…?"

            "Things went last night? Yeah."

            "Well?"

            "I certainly enjoyed myself."

            "Yeah," Lina laughed nervously, "So did I."

            Silence overcame the two of them, and they both looked to the floor. Zelgadis ran his hands through his hair and let out a deep breath.

            Lina looked up, and Zelgadis met her gaze, "You know Zel, perhaps we…"

            "Are thinking too hard about this?"

            "Right," Lina laughed again, and Zelgadis nodded, laughing nervously as well and looking away. He felt her hand upon his, and he looked back to her again.

            "This is something we can't think too hard about," Lina told him, "I mean look, it's part of a natural process; why are we afraid of it?"

            "We shouldn't be."

            "No, we shouldn't."

            Another round of nervous laughter and averted stares, and Zelgadis thought about what they were doing. He turned his head to look at her again, "Lina, we're being…"

            "Stupid about this?"

            "Exactly."

            "We should probably just kiss and be done with it."

            "I agree," Zelgadis affirmed.

            Lina paused, "Well?"

            "What?"

            "Aren't you going to kiss me?"

            Without further warning, Zelgadis grabbed her around the waist and pulled her in, pressing his lips gently yet passionately against hers. Quickly Lina felt her resolve melt, and suddenly she wanted to go back to bed with Zel, to have him hold her in his arms until she fell asleep again. But that was for another time.

            When they pulled away from the kiss, a soft rush of air escaped Lina's lips, and the world ceased to be a haze. She could only smile stupidly though, and walked over to the bed, "Alright Zel, let's go to lunch and get this shit figured out later, okay?"

            Zelgadis was coming down from his own rush when Lina's words reached him, "Sure, that sounds great. We'll get to that later."

            "You've got something you need to attend to right now though," Lina commented, "You should probably put on some shorts."

* Song is "The Hell That is my Life" by Zebrahead

*2 Song is "Cherry Lips"  by Garbage

*2 Song is "How Did We Ever Go This Far?" by Tatu