Second Impressions.

The alarm went off, buzzing to let Stitch know that it was seven A.M.. Stitch lazily reached over to slap the alarm off, but he noticed the duct-tape that was used to repair the clock the last time he 'slapped' it, and instead unplugged the clock. He sat up and yawned, stretching the sleep from his tired body. A week had passed since the re-union, Stitch had moved into the guest room at Angel's, his bed was a drastic improvement compared to the couch.

Stitch sat a second longer before he got up. He found a pair of blue jeans, with a small hole cut in the back for his stubby tail. He searched in the closet and chose a red shirt with an orange sunset on the back. After he was dressed, he wandered still half asleep to see what was happening outside.

Angel was in the kitchen, busy at work cooking breakfast. 6-2-5 was hard at work watching the early morning cartoons. 6-2-5 smiled as Stitch entered the room, "Hey buddy, you should really try to sleep on your stomach, I could hear you snoring through the wall!"

Stitch stopped, pondered a second on what 6-2-5 had said, then came with the response, "No-no, what you heard was Angel..."

"Hey!" Angel sounded from the kitchen, Stitch laughed.

6-2-5 shook his head, "So, you gonna meet Lilo at the Coconut Hut today?"

Stitch blinked, the memory coming back to him, he all of a sudden seemed wide awake. How could he forget? Stitch remembered talking to her on the phone last night, they were going to meet at the Coconut Hut on the beach and spend the day together. Stitch looked at the clock, the time read 7:28, he had to be at the Hut in forty-five minutes. Without a second thought, Stitch bounded for the shower.

Angel watched Stitch rush past the kitchen, and laughed, "Men, they are absolutely hopeless."

6-2-5 sauntered into the kitchen and wrapped his arms around his wife, "Oh come on, was I ever that way?"

Angel turned into her husband's arms, "Oh my dear, you were worse."

They embraced in a lover's kiss, then continued with the morning.

Lilo stared at the mirror. She examined her attire, light jeans and a white t-shirt seemed to casual. Nani walked in, and for the hundredth time and said, "Ohh, you look fine, don't worry!"

Pleakly walked by, and for the thousandth time said, "Are you going in THAT!"

Lilo didn't know what to think, but considering Pleakly walked around in women's clothing for about ten years, she went with Nani's opinion.

Lilo wandered into the living room and glanced at the clock, it was almost time to leave. Lilo sat down for a minute and watched Komalla and Serenity play in the floor together. Lilo smiled, a feeling of nostalgia washed over her. Lilo had watched Serenity for the past few days, anytime Komalla was around, Serenity could be found right at his side. Serenity was stuck to Komalla like glue, and she would protect him from any dangers he would wander into, and she would walk him to his piano lessons and back again. Lilo smiled, 'They wander the town just like me and Stitch used to.'

Nani walked in and sat by Lilo. The two sisters watched the two little friends play in the floor for a little while, then Nani asked Lilo, "So, ya nervous?"

Lilo shook her head, "Nah, why should I be?"

Nani smiled, "Ohh, just wondering. I was nervous when I first went out with David."

"What?" Lilo seemed surprised, "Oh no, this isn't like that, I mean, we're just friends going to eat together. Old friends reuniting over some coconut."

Nani chuckled, "Oh, okay. We'll, you'd better be going, you don't want to keep Stitch waiting."

Nani handed Lilo the key to the dune buggy, and Lilo headed for the door. Lilo turned, "See ya later Nani!"

Lilo closed the door, and Nani listened as the dune buggy picked up speed towards the beach. Nani watched the youngsters playing on the rug, and said to herself, "Just friends eh? I've seen the way he looks at you, the same way David looks at me..."

Nani stood and walked in the kitchen, to give David a kiss.

Stitch sat at the table, watching the waves of the great oceans roll in and out with a set rhythm. He had been there for a while, waiting for Lilo to come. He had changed into better jean-shorts and a nicer light blue shirt. Stitch stared at his sandals, his claws had poked through his tennis shoes, so he resigned himself to sandals.

Stitch heard a dune buggy pull up, and he turned to see Lilo step out and wave at him. Stitch could feel his heart flutter, he waved back, a nervous smile appeared on his face. Lilo began to walk to the table on the pavilion outside the small eatery, and Stitch suddenly became very self-conscious of his appearance.

His thoughts were a blur, 'Is there anything in my fur? Does this shirt look okay? Do I smell? Should I have worn nicer clothes? I should have worn nicer clothes...'

Stitch's thoughts were cut short as Lilo reached the table and gave him a nice hug. All worries that he may have had melted away, the only thoughts he held now were pleasant, he now thought of how beautiful she was.

Lilo pulled away and looked at him, "You haven't been here long have you?"

Stitch shook his head, "No-no! Not long at all!"

Lilo sat down opposite Stitch on the small beach-side table, she smiled, "Good. How have you been Stitch?"

Stitch stared at her for a moment, wishing he could frame that smile, then said, "Oh, I've been okay. You know with the war going on and all...there's been plenty to do. What've you been doing Lilo?"

Lilo smiled warmly again, Stitch felt like melting under that smile, "You know, the whole college scene. I'm going into the field of crime scene investigator, I'd like to write books on the side."

Stitch nodded, "Yeah, you mentioned books at the reunion. What kind would you write?"

Lilo thought a moment then said, "You know, I think I would write fantasy or science fiction. Those are my favorite kinds of books."

"Oh yeah! You know it! One of my favorite earth books is The Hobbit, I love that series. You know, I bet you could write a series just as good, if not better than that one!"

Lilo blushed, "Oh, I don't know about that. I've always wanted to write a series of intergalactic quests, more futuristic stuff, you know?"

Stitch nodded, "I understand."

"So what about you Stitch? What are you going to do after the war?"

Stitch scratched his head in thought, "You know I've never thought about it. I'd probably go into some sort of police thing. But I'm not sure..."

They sat there a minute longer, watching the waves moving in and out. Suddenly Stitch could hear his stomach growl, Lilo heard it too and giggled, Stitch was glad she couldn't see him blush.

"Are you hungry Stitch?"

Stitch nodded, "Oh, uhhh, yeah. You wanna get something here?"

Lilo looked at the Coconut Hut, "They serve hamburgers. Come on!"

They got up and went to order two hamburgers. Stitch insisted on paying, and pretty soon they were sitting back at the small table, munching on their burgers and sipping cola in the summer sun.

Lilo finished her food and asked Stitch, "So, it's been awhile since we've seen the town, you wanna go exploring?"

Stitch gulped down his burger, "Yeah, I saw some of it the other day, but I'd love to see more."

They got up, and walked to the buggy. Lilo climbed in the driver's side, and Stitch settled into the passenger's side. Lilo started up the buggy and they were off to see the town they had each grown up in. Lilo smiled as they passed the different buildings, each one unique and holding a special memory for her. Stitch watched with interest as well, but most of his time was wondering if he was boring her, if he wasn't being much fun.

Conversation sprang up again once they passed the pound.

"Do you remember that place Stitch?"

Stitch gazed at the place he had first met Lilo, it certainly held a special memory, "Yes, it seems to ring a bell."

Lilo giggled and put her hand on his, "You were so cute!"

Stitch felt embarrassed and scared at the same time, her hand was so soft, "What do you mean, 'were'?"

Lilo laughed again, Stitch thought it was the most beautiful sound in the world, "Oh, you still are! Why? Are you worried that some ladies won't find you cute?"

Stitch thought to himself, 'Well, not anymore.' Then he answered, "Well you know, a guy's got to worry."

Lilo looked at him and smiled, "Well, you're still cute to me."

Stitch grinned a huge grin, and they rode on. They explored the entire town, stopping at some of the small shops to see what they had in stock. Lilo purchased a wide brimmed hat, and handed it to Stitch. She said, "Check this out, it'll look awesome on you."

Stitch put it on and stared at it in the store's mirror, he looked ridiculous, "Uh oh yeah, it looks great."

Lilo laughed, "Good, because I got it for Gloria. I don't think you'd like to wear a ladies hat."

Stitch was glad she couldn't see him blush, "Oh, well, it'll look better on her..."

Lilo smiled and handed him a small package, "Don't worry, I got you something too."

Stitch smiled as he opened it, it was a snow globe of a Hawaiian hula dancer, "I love it, thanks."

Lilo smiled, "I hoped you would, come on, let's continue the tour."

The day went on, the two friends catching up on old times. Lilo talked of meeting Gloria, how Gloria had helped her feel accepted in California, and how Gloria was such a good friend. Stitch told Lilo of his new friendship with 6-2-5, their adventures in the war together, and how he was staying at Angel's house.

The sun began to set behind the curtain of the horizon. And Lilo wound the buggy around to Angel's house. Stitch stepped out of the buggy, and walked around to Lilo's side.

"This was awesome Lilo, we should do it some more."

Lilo nodded, "You know, I'd love to." She then leaned up and gave Stitch a small kiss on the cheek, then said, "I'm really happy to see you again Stitch."

Stitch grinned stupidly, "Oh, you have no idea how glad I am to see you."

Lilo smiled, "See you around. Call me tomorrow, we'll plan something else."

"Okay, see ya Lilo."

Lilo smiled and pulled away. Stitch watched her drive towards the sunset, his heart still beating from the kiss. He touched his cheek delicately, smiling as he walked inside.

Inside he found Angel sitting on the couch. She looked at Stitch as he entered, and smiling asked, "So how was it?"

Stitch was at a loss for words, this day couldn't be summed up with just an answer, yet he knew of a word that came close, "Perfect," then he thought for a minute and asked, "Angel, when you and I dated, did you think I was boring?"

Angel thought a minute, "Ummm, no, not really. Why? Did you worry about it?"

She said the last bit in a too sweet voice, Stitch ignored it, "No, just wondering."

Angel chuckled, "Just be you Stitch, that's all you need to be."

Stitch looked around and realized for the first time that 6-2-5 was missing, "Hey, where's 6-2-5?"

"Oh he went down to the gym with Sparky."

Stitch nodded, "I'll fix us some dinner."

Stitch went into the kitchen to cook, all the time his head was running with thoughts of happiness. Angel watched him go, thinking, 'Yep, lovesick fool.' Though she thought it, she smiled, 'Good for him.'

Lilo drove home, watching the sun lower beyond the horizon. She had had so much fun today, why did such a day have to end.

Lilo watched the sun set, casting its amber rays on the ocean, "Stitch...he's so sweet. He hasn't changed a bit, though he is more muscular."

Lilo blushed at the thought and waved it away.

"No, not again."

Memories flooded her as she thought back to the time she had fallen for someone else.

Lilo snuggled in Ricky's arms, watching the movie. She felt so happy, they were curled up on her couch, watching a romance movie. Komalla was asleep down the hall. Lilo had invited Ricky over because Stitch had gone out with Richter to have some fun.

Ricky moved in close to Lilo, she could feel his warm breath, "So, Lilo, you are looking quite nice tonight."

He moved in closer, and Lilo met him in a passionate kiss. They held each other, Lilo thought nothing in the world could matter now, and if Armageddon should come, she could end life happily.

They ended as they heard voices outside. Lilo recognized Stitch's new voice, it had a smooth sound, and seemed to fit him nicely. The door opened and Stitch walked in, and his eyes immediately went to Ricky. Lilo didn't know why Stitch didn't like Ricky, and anytime she brought it up he would say he had nothing against Ricky.

Ricky nodded and smiled at Stitch, Stitch didn't return the smile. Lilo ended the standoff, "How was your evening?"

Stitch said, not in the most friendly voice Lilo had ever heard, "It was good. I'll leave you two alone."

Yet Ricky stood, "No no, I should be going any way."

Ricky got up, and Lilo followed him out the door. Outside, Ricky held her, and Lilo said, "I'm sorry about Stitch, Ricky."

Ricky smiled, and Lilo felt like melting away, "Don't worry, I'm sure he'll come around to liking me."

Ricky kissed Lilo good night, and walked to his motorcycle, and drove off down the road. Lilo watched him go and went back inside, sad to see him leave.

When she got back in the house, she found Stitch had gone to his room. Lilo was glad, she felt angry at him for acting that way. She sat down on the couch, and watched T.V., and after awhile, Stitch came down and joined her. They sat there a minute, and Stitch ventured forward with, "I'm sorry, Lilo."

Lilo didn't look at him, "You should be."

Stitch hung his head, he started to talk, yet Lilo cut him off, "I don't see what your problem is. Ricky hasn't done anything to deserve such disrespect!"

Stitch didn't say much, he simply stared at the floor, then finally said, "I'm sorry Lilo, I'll see you in the morning."

He walked down the hall, and Lilo could hear his door shut. She immediately felt bad, 'Maybe I was too hard on him.'

She watched T.V. for a second longer, then went to bed. They didn't share a room anymore, they had both grown so much, and Nani didn't like to see them in the same room. Lilo told her she was being silly, but Nani wouldn't listen.

Lilo crawled into bed, and sleep slowly took over, where she dreamed of old times. She and Stitch had grown apart recently, and she hoped it didn't last long.

Soon sleep overtook her, and she slept.

Lilo snapped out of her revery, and drove up to her house. Night had fallen. She walked inside and found Nani and Komalla asleep on the couch, the television showed cartoons playing. Gloria was waiting, she smiled as Lilo came in, "So, did ya have fun?"

Lilo smiled, "Yeah, I really did."

Gloria nodded, "Good to hear it, there's some pizza left over, help yourself."

Lilo nodded and walked to the kitchen to eat. After dinner, she went upstairs and settled in to bed, where sleep quickly overtook her, and gave her sweet dreams till the morning came.