30: First Kiss
"What was your first kiss like?"
"Eh?" Elie looked up from her comfy position against Haru's chest, to stare at Julia, who had voiced the question. She sat with Let, and looked around at the other couples surrounding her, expecting an answer from everyone.
"Just curious. Everyone says they remember their first kiss."
Musica spoke up. "You mean our very first one, or just with each other?" He nodded at Melodia next to him. "Cause I gotta tell you, it's been a long time since my first one. Hell, I think I was ten at the time… I don't remember much about the early girls.."
Melodia glared at him. "I don't know if that's a good thing…"
"Your first kiss with your mate." Julia confirmed. She smiled at Let. "You remember love? I think we were sixteen at the time."
Let looked thoughtful. "Yes, I recall. But I don't believe I intended to kiss you. You sprung a dare on me."
"Let was acting all cocky, so I challenged him to a little sparring match. If he won, I would cook dinner for him for a week. If I won, he had to kiss me. And I mean, really kiss me."
Elie sat up, interested. "So who won then?"
Julia grinned. "Who do you think? I thrashed his ass."
Let just rolled his eyes. "That was a draw, and you know it woman. I let you win."
"Sure you did. You graciously gave up free food for a week in exchange for a kiss."
"Either way, I got something good out of the deal."
Musica couldn't resist a laugh. "Man, that is sad Let. Letting a girl beat you up for a kiss."
Haru pointed at him. "So how the hell did you get Melodia to kiss you? You put a gun to her head?"
Everyone chuckled, while Musica just steamed. "I'll have you know it was pretty damn romantic. It was when we were fourteen…"
Melodia stopped his speech with a hand over his mouth. "I'd better tell this one. He'll just give you the x-rated version."
She started the story before Musica could protest. "Years ago, I met Hamlio when he was still robbing places for the Silver Rhythm crew. He ran into my dad's flower shop, and asked if he could hide from some cops who were chasing him."
Musica smirked with pride. "Heh, the cops would never suspect me in a wussy place like that.. OW!"
Melodia removed her elbow from his rib, then continued. "So, I hide him under the counter, and when the cops go past, he decides to repay me… and so he kisses me."
"Aww! How cute!" Elie gushed.
Musica just shrugged. "Hey, it was the least I could do." He grinned. "The most I did was sneak back there later, find her in her nightshirt and….
Melodia elbowed him again. "You are NOT telling them that story!"
Julia chuckled, then looked at Shuda and Cattleya. "How about you two?"
"Well, it's hard to forget." Cattleya sighed. "It was when he stayed on the island before meeting Haru on his quest. I was just minding my own business, and he suddenly grabs me and ravishes me."
"What!" Haru glared at Shuda with a look that could kill.
Shuda just shrugged. "What can I say? We were alone, and she looked particularly beautiful on that night."
Cattleya looked at him oddly. "I'd spent all day gardening. I was all sweaty and filthy."
"Just what I like in a girl." He smirked.
"You have no romantic bones in your body."
"Do you remember our first one?" Belnika asked of Iulius. He seemed to drift off at the question.
"Of course! How could I forget such a beautiful event? It was on our first date. Ahh, what a night that was. The stars were out in force, the music was divine, and you looked heavenly in your green dress when I took you home." He grinned lavisiously. "Even more so when I took it off.."
"Iulius…" Belnika giggled. "Too much detail!" She looked at Haru and Elie. "So, how about you two?"
Elie suddenly turned pale. "Us?"
"Yeah, you two." Musica spoke. "We were waiting all through that damn Rave quest for you two to lock lips, and we never saw it until we came home."
"Surely, you had kissed at least once during our adventure." Let joined in.
Haru smiled. "Well, we did actually. It was…"
"Haru!" Elie's hand shot up and covered his mouth. "No! I don't want to tell them!"
Everyone looked suitably shocked. "Wha…. Why Elie-chan? We told you ours." Belnika demanded.
"Yeah…" Haru looked at her oddly. "What gives?"
Elie cringed at their scrutiny. "Please Haru. I don't want them to know what happened."
"What? You two kissed and did something kinky after wards? Musica chuckled.
"No we did not!" Elie was now a bright red. "It's just… it's just so embarrassing."
"You think our first kiss was embarrassing?" Haru gasped. "I… thought it was pretty damn romantic."
"I'm sorry Haru… but if they knew the circumstances…"
Haru silenced her with a finger to her lips. "Elie-chan, they're our friends. They won't judge you over what happened. If they don't like the story, that's their problem."
"Yeah, come on Elie." Musica urged. "Besides, it can't be any worse than getting your ass kicked by a girl." He pointed at Let and Julia, who glared at him.
"And if they do laugh…" Haru clenched his fist. "I'll take care of em."
Elie took a deep breath. Haru was right. There was no point in hiding the story of that night anymore. It was still pretty embarrassing, but at least one person didn't think so. She cast a glance at Haru, feeling protected by his gaze.
"Alright then…" She saw the others lean in to listen. "It happened several months ago, when we were still trying to get the Rave stones united. It was Belnika's birthday, so we threw her a party….
----------
Several months ago….
Elie and Belinika looked around the large room. For her birthday, Ruby had hired a small hall in the local hotel, and had also splashed out on loads of decorations and ribbons on the wall, including a large "Happy 19th Belnika!" banner. A large table was stacked with a huge cake and plates of food.
"Oh, this is so wonderful.." Belnika gasped. She smiled at Iulius and Ruby, who had set everything up. "You didn't have to go to so much trouble."
"Nonsense." Iulius replied humbly. A good party should look as dazzling as possible, to reflect its elegant guest of honour."
Belnika blushed. "Well… thank you."
Elie smiled at the cute scene. To everyone but each other, it was obvious they had the hots for one another.
Haru, Let and Shuda entered, surveying the room. "Wow, this looks great!" Haru commented. He stopped as he stared at the girl's evening dresses. "And you two look lovely."
Now it was Elie's turn to blush. "Oh.. thanks Haru." As she felt Haru's eyes on her, she mentally praised herself for picking out the blue dress for tonight.
"So, where's Silver Rhythm?" Shuda asked. "I would like to get this thing started."
Let answered him. "He's just gathering his outlaw crew together. Plus, he said he needed Julia's help to acquire something for the party."
"Really, poyo?" Ruby blinked. "I was sure I got everything.."
"Drinks are here!" The door burst open, and Musica and Julia ran in, pushing a trolley filled to the brim with bottles of beer, wine, sake and several large beer kegs.
"Sorry we're late, but no worries, we are well stocked for tonight!" Musica beamed.
Belnika stared wide eyed at the trolley. "My… that is a lot of alcohol."
"Well, the Silver Rhythm crew are coming, and you need plenty of booze to keep them happy."
"Absolutely not!" Iulius snapped. "This is a quiet, dignified party for Nika-chan. I will not have you turning it into some frat-house kegger!"
"Relax, ya fruit. I'll make sure the guys behave themselves."
"Yeah, chill out." Julia raised a cup of sake. "We got some wine and stuff for Belnika, and anyone else who wants some."
Elie looked at the bottles. "Ooh, I'll have to try that. I've never had wine before."
Iulius seemed content at this. "Oh alright, but any shenanigans, and I'll have your boys chucked out. Now, I just have to check on the fois gras…" He ran off, leaving the rest to unload the cart.
"Isn't this a bit too much?" Belnika queried as Musica lifted a keg to the table. "I don't think we'll be able to finish all this off."
Julia smiled knowingly. "Oh we will, trust me."
----------
Some time later, the party was in full swing. Musica's crew and various other guests from Mildean were mingling, while Haru and the gang stayed closer to the birthday girl, chatting about their various adventures. Griff pottered about, filming anything interesting on his video camera. Amazingly, despite the amount of free drink flowing, the guests were behaving themselves, and everything was going without a hitch.
Little did anyone know the trouble that was brewing thanks to the former Resha Valentine and her newfound love for wine.
"Mmmmmm!" Elie swallowed the last of her glass. "This wine is delicious! Where has it been all my life!" She poured herself another glass.
Haru, who had been pacing himself on a gin and tonic, looked concerned. "Easy Elie. That's your third glass."
"Oh, but I need it to toast Belnika with." Glass in hand, she climbed up onto the table, and tapped it to get everyone's attention.
"Everyone! Everyone!" I want to make a toast." She looked at Belnika. "When I first met Belnika, I was insanely jealous of her. She was pretty, smart, could use magic better than me… I felt really inferior standing next to her. But when she helped us against the Blue Guardians, I began to see the real person within her. When she agreed to join us on our crazy quest, I saw how brave she was. When she helped me learn more about Etherion, loaned me some of her dresses, and got Let and Julia to stop fighting for a while, I saw how selfless she was. And every day I spend with her, I never cease to be amazed by just how caring and wonderful she is. Belnika, thanks for being one of the best pals I could ever meet."
She raised her glass, as did everyone else. "To Belnika! Cheers."
As everyone cheered, Belnika's eyes filled with tears. "Elie-chan… that was so wonderful."
Elie hopped off the table, and hugged her friend. "Hey, you deserve it."
Haru patted her shoulder. "That was really nice of you Elie."
She shrugged. "Just speaking the truth." She swigged from her glass.
"A beautiful speech Elie-chan." Iulius gushed. "Please, accept some champagne for doing so well." He handed her a tall glass.
"Ooh, bubbly." She instantly downed the liquid. "Nice!
Iulius looked a bit put off. "Well, you're meant to savor it really.."
"Oh Nika-chan! How rude of me. Let me get you one." As she took a step towards the drinks table, she stumbled.
Haru looked concerned. "You okay Elie?"
She smiled. "I'm fine, just a bit tipsy."
"Maybe you should cut back on the bubbly…"
"Nah! I'm okay, really!" She walked, shakily, over to the drinks.
Haru moved over to Musica. "I'm getting worried about Elie."
Musica rolled his eyes. "Dude, you need to chill out. Elie doesn't need your help 24/7, no matter how much you like doing it."
"I know, but she's really putting the drinks away tonight. I just wonder if she's gonna regret it."
"She's had a few glasses of wine. I hardly think that's enough to make her go crazy."
Haru thought about this. "Yeah, I guess you're right. She'll probably just get sleepy…."
"Harrrruuuu! Come here!" Elie's shout pierced the air.
Haru walked over to the main table, where the gang and several other guests were gathered around. At the table, Elie and Julia sat facing each other, several tins of Kooka Kola alcoholic soda between them. They glared at each other with determined eyes.
"Um.. what's going on?" Haru asked.
"Little Elie here was bragging about how much wine she's drunk." Julia pointed. "So I thought we'd see just how she is at holding her liquor with a little drinking contest."
Elie grinned "Yeah, she bet me all her Heart Kreuz tops I couldn't drink more cans than her. I ain't passing up a chance like that."
Haru swallowed uncomfortably. This did not sound good. "Uh, girls, I don't think this is wise. You're already pretty…."
Let grabbed his shoulder. "Never get between a Dragonrace and a drink, my friend. You'll lose every time."
"You ready Elie!" Julia grabbed her first can. "I warn you, my people are damn good at this."
"Yeah, yeah, like everything else." Elie popped open a can. "Let's do this!"
The two gunned down their drinks, while various guests yelled "Chug! Chug!"
Haru watched helplessly. "This is gonna end in tears."
----------
An hour and several cans later…
"OH ho ho ho ho!" Elie cackled, nearly falling off her chair. She pointed in front of her. "I whipped you good Julia."
"I beat you Elie." Julia mumbled. "And I'm over here." She was standing to Elie's side.
"Stop moving around! You're going so fast, I see two of you." She giggled inanely.
I knew this was gonna happen…" Haru sighed. He and Musica moved closer to help her.
"You okay Elie?" Musica asked. Elie just giggled again.
"Of course I am Musica, ol' buddy ol' pal… Just a bit tipsy, is all." She staggered to her feet.
Haru took her hand. "Er, you look a little tired Elie. Maybe you should go to bed."
"Sure… but first.." Before anyone could stop her, she clambered onto the table.
"Hello everyone!... hic!" She slurred loudly, barely keeping her balance. "I just wanted to say, that I have the bestest friends in the whole wide world! Really!" She waved to the others. "They are just so utterly cool… even if they are a bit weird."
"Oh man!" Haru gulped.
"Like Let over there. How come you never smile? You have like, exactly two facial expressions. Stern and sterner! Would it kill you to crack a grin once in a while? Or do you just wait till Julia tells you to? He he… the way she beats you up… obvious who wears the trousers in that house!"
Let stared at her with his usual stony glare, while Julia looked rather offended. "I'm not that bossy."
"And Shuda!" Elie shakily aimed her finger at him. "You dirty old perv! Hitting on Haru's sister like you did. What is she, nine years younger than you? It's sick I tell you, sick!"
Musica laughed at Shuda's expression. "Oh man, this is comedy gold!"
"Musica!" Haru snapped. "Elie! Get off there!"
Elie turned to Iulius. "Iulius, why on Earth do you spend half the morning preening yourself? You use face cream, hair cream, eyelash curlers.. what are you, a girl? Maybe if you looked beyond your mirror for once, you'd see that Belnika is madly, passionately in luuuuurve with you." She giggled. "I wouldn't lie."
Iulius froze, not sure what to make of this, and Belnika suddenly turned a bright crimson.
"And Musica? I hate to say it sweetie, but you're the worst example of a playboy I've ever met. Aren't you supposed to have tons of girls at your beck and call? I guess they don't like your name. Who the heck calls a kid Hamlio anyway?"
"Hey, that's cold man!" Musica gasped.
Haru had seen enough, and climbed onto the table, grabbing Elie around the waist. "Okay party girl. That's your lot for tonight."
Elie smiled at him. "Oh no, I'm not done yet. I have yet to tell my greatest secret." She wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him closer. "Haru, for two years now, you've been the honey in my milk, the chalk in my cheese, the ants in my pants…" She giggled again. " I'm a poet and I didn't know it."
"Elie, lets just go." Haru tried to move her.
"Anyway, what I wanna say is…. I love you!"
Haru's whole body seized up. The whole gang stared at them with surprised gazes. Griff was filming the whole thing with the camera.
"Wha.. wha… what did you say?" Haru stammered.
She sniggered again. "I said, I love you! You can't hear me through all that hair?"
She leaned into his chest, her voice sounding increasingly dopey. "Oh Haru, I love you so. I've loved you since you saved me from Lucia. Hell, why shouldn't I? You're cute, you're really charming… and you're a total beefcake! Swinging that huge sword around is great exercise."
"Er.. I guess.." Haru flushed crimson, not knowing how to handle this sudden revelation.
"Oh you are!" Elie pushed her hands under his shirt. "You're a six pack under here. And have you seen your ass lately? It's incredible!"
Finally able to move his limbs again, Haru grabbed her and hefted her onto his shoulder, caveman style. He carried her down to the floor. "Okay! We are going to bed now!"
"Wheeeee! I'm flying!" Elie yelled as he walked as fast as possible to the door.
----------
Elie looked at her friends as she paused the story. Cattleya and Melodia were trying hard not to laugh, while Musica and Shuda were making no effort whatsoever.
"Ha! Oh man, I remember that party. It was a freaking hoot!" Musica howled. Melodia whapped him on the head.
"Er… but I felt sorry for you all the same."
"Thank you." Elie smiled.
"So, how does a kiss factor into this?" Julia asked. "Did you two.."
"Let me carry on. So, Haru lugs me to my room…"
----------
Haru's mind was a train wreck as he carried a semi-unconscious Elie to the room she shared with Belnika. He kept replaying it in his thoughts.
"I love you…. I love you…"
"She didn't mean it. She couldn't have. She was out of her gourd, saying random crap. There's no way she…" He shook his head, trying not to think about it. Right now, his main concern was getting Elie to bed.
He entered her room, and carefully put her on her feet in front of the bed. She looked at him with a silly grin.
"Okay Elie-chan, get into bed." He soothed, as if speaking to a child. "You need to sleep it off."
"Ooooo, that looks cozy…" She took a step towards her bed, stumbled, and fell to the floor. Any other time, it might have been comical, but he was worried she would do herself an injury.
"Oh Elie…" He helped her back up. "Why do you make things diffi…."
He was cut off as Elie suddenly grabbed his head, and pressed her lips to his.
Amidst the pleasurable sensations he felt - The touch of her skin, the slight wine taste on her lips, the curves of her body – he could feel his mind actually being scrambled within.
"Sweet crap! She's kissing me. She's actually kissing me! My God, it's better than I thought.. so nice.. wait! She's utterly pissed. She's doesn't know she's doing it. This isn't right!"
Haru grabbed her shoulders and pushed her away. "What the hell was that?"
She tittered. "Just getting some sugar, baby."
She fell backwards onto the bed, while Haru turned around to try and compose himself. The shock of Elie actually kissing him was only just being reduced by the knowledge that she was act completely out of character. She would never have kissed him like that, straight out of the blue for no reason. Unless…
Nah, that didn't seem right. Why should Elie kiss him? What had he done for her, besides keep her out of danger? Even that didn't make him worthy of such a gift.
He turned around to check is she was all right. And nearly collapsed as blood rushed to his head and certain other parts.
Elie was naked. Sitting on the bed stark naked, wearing only that silly smile. She looked at him with a bleary eyed look.
"Haruuuuuu… I wanna feel you."
He stared agog. He had had many, many dreams about Elie in the buff, which usually turned into something a lot more risqué. But now it was happening for real. She was naked, and asking him to touch her, feel her, do something a lot more besides kissing. He could do anything he wanted with her. For a second, he felt compelled to live the fantasy.
But he couldn't. Not when Elie was like this. If he wanted to be with Elie, it would be if they both wanted it, not because she was acting on drunken impulse. Hell, he wondered if she had any idea what she was doing at all. He couldn't do it, not unless she said yes.
He loved her. She deserved better than a drunken fling.
He moved over, and covered her with the blanket. "Sorry Elie, but no. I can't"
Her face was one of sudden sadness. "You don't?..." Tears welled in her eyes. "So… you don't like me."
He immediately held her in a hug. "I like you more than you could imagine. But for now, you have to sleep." He gently laid her on her back.
"Okay…" She murmured, closing her eyes. He waited a few minutes as she lay in silence, until he heard her gently snoring.
Haru sighed, running a hand through her hair. Once again, he's kept Elie safe from danger, though of a different kind today. From herself, and him.
He found Belnika's bed, and lay on top of it, wanting to be near in case she needed him.
After all, protecting the girl who had snared his heart… it was a living.
----------
"Awwww…" Cattleya sighed. "That's so sweet Haru, you staying to watch over her."
Elie glared at her. "It's not sweet! I totally made an ass of myself, and kissed Haru while under the influence! It's hardly the stuff great romances are made of!"
She sighed. "See, this is why I didn't want to tell you. Now you're gonna laugh at me."
"Oh relax Elie." Julia laughed. "Trust us, people have done far more embarrassing things while drunk."
"It's hardly your fault. You just acted on impulse." Shuda assured.
Belnika grinned. "And since Haru stayed in your room that night, I had to stay with Iulius…" She smiled at her beau. "And that's when things really began for the two of us."
Elie was feeling glad her pals were being nice about it. "I guess… it is pretty minor when you look back at it…" She smiled at Haru. "And at least we got our first kiss, right Haru?"
"That wasn't our first kiss." Haru stated.
"Huh?" Elie gaped, as did everyone else. "Uh, yes it was Haru."
"It didn't count, you were drunk." Haru frowned. "Don't tell me you've forgotten what happened the next day."
"Of course not!" Elie retorted. "How could I forget that day? But that was our second kiss, not our first."
"The day after was when we had our first kiss."
"No, it was that night, when you put me to bed."
"Which was all I was doing! You were completely pissed up. You probably would have kissed Lucia if he'd been passing by."
"The hell I would!"
"The point is, you didn't know you were doing it, therefore, it doesn't count."
"But I remember it, therefore it does!"
"AHEM!" Shuda interrupted. "If it's not too much trouble, would one of you twits please tell us about this kiss you had the next day?"
Haru spoke first, silencing Elie with a hand over her mouth. "I'll tell this one. It was the morning after…
----------
The next morning.
"Ooooohhh… arrgh…" Elie sat up, her head throbbing painfully. She felt warm, groggy and generally terrible. What had happened last night? She tried to remember, but only got a blank.
She looked around, her eyes bleary from alcohol-induced sleep. She could only make out blurry shapes, one of which looked a bit like Haru sleeping on the bed next to hers…
She rubbed her eyes, and realized Haru was sleeping on the bed next to hers, still in his clothes from last night. Why was he here? Where was Belnika?
"Haru! She yelled, regretting it as her headache got worse. Haru was roused by the cry.
"Morning Elie-chan. You feeling okay?"
"No!" She moaned. "I feel like crap."
"Hardly surprising, considering all that booze you had last night."
"Booze…" She could barely remember. "How much did I have?"
"Let's leave it at a lot."
"Uhhh…no wonder…" She rubbed her head. "I'm never gonna binge like that again." She looked at the Rave Master. "So, why are you in Belnika's bed?"
He smiled. "Well, I thought I should stay nearby, in case you felt ill or something during the night. I guess Belnika took my bed."
She was awed. "You stayed here all night just for me? That's so sweet of you."
He shrugged. "It's no big deal."
"Oh, I just feel bad for acting out like that… er, I didn't do anything embarrassing, did I?"
Haru swallowed. If she didn't remember anything about last night, then it was for the best it stayed that way. Not just for her dignity, but for his secret.
"Er.. no, not really. You stumbled a bit, fell asleep, and I took you to your bed." He lied.
She sighed in relief. "Oh thank God. I was afraid I'd acted really stupid or something."
"Yeah…" Haru got off the bed. "I'm gonna go get breakfast started. Why don't you take a shower and some aspirin? You'll feel better."
"Sounds good." Elie got to her feet, rubbing her head as she walked to the bathroom. "Thanks for staying with me Haru. You're a real pal."
Haru sighed and walked out, muttering to himself. "Yeah… a pal"
Downstairs, Haru entered the hotel's dining room, and located Let, Julia, Iulius and Belnika sitting together. Moving closer, he noticed Iulius and Belnika seemed rather lovey-dovey toward each other, holding hands and staring in each other's eyes. It seemed something good had come from Elie's drunken rant.
"Hey guys." He sat to join them.
"Hi Haru." Julia grinned cattily at him. "So, Belnika told me you stayed in that room with Elie all night. Not up to anything, were you?"
Haru spluttered. "Wha… what! How dare you suggest I take advantage of her! I just put her to bed, that's all!
"Jeez, chill out Haru, I was just joking." Julia laughed. "I know you would never do anything like that to Elie. She'd murder you otherwise."
"How is she feeling?" Belnika asked.
"Pretty ill, considering."
"Well, we have the perfect remedy." Iulius beamed. "Once she hears how her little speech got me and Belnika to realize our attraction for each other, she'll perk right up."
"Yeah, about that…" Haru looked concerned. "Elie doesn't remember anything from last night, so please don't mention anything about it, okay?"
"What?" Let blinked.
"Well, I just don't want her to feel embarrassed."
Let sighed. "Haru, she's bound to find out eventually. There's no point in forgetting it ever happened."
Julia chimed in. "Yeah, I thought you would be glad she said she loves you."
"She was drunk!" Haru snapped. "That was the only reason she said it."
"I dunno… she sounded pretty sincere…"
He frowned. "Look, she was talking crazy, it means nothing."
"Then why are you so concerned about it?" Let asked.
Haru was unable to answer. Thankfully, Elie chose that moment to come by, holding a plate full of food.
"Hi guys." She sat next to them. "So Nika-chan, did you enjoy the rest of the party?"
"It was… interesting." Belnika lied, wishing to spare her friend's feelings. "Quite good fun."
"Yeah, a real blast." Julia joined.
Let fixed a fake smile on his face. "Yes, a good night for all."
"Glad you all enjoyed it." Elie beamed. "I m just sorry I fell asleep and missed it all."
"Oh don't worry!" You didn't miss too much." Let tried not to laugh.
"Well, that's okay…" Eli noted the time on the clock wall. "Ooh, the cartoons are on!" She grabbed her plate and ran for the hotel's TV lounge. Haru sighed in relief.
"Thanks guys."
"Yes, but how long do you intend for us to keep this up?" Iulius asked.
"Just until I can tell her in private."
"In private, eh?" Julia's voice was laced with innuendo. "So, you intend to tell her your true feelings at last?"
"No!"
"Come on Haru. This is a perfect opportunity. She told you, now you tell her."
"She was drunk!" That doesn't mean she actually loves me!" He collapsed on his chair. "I don't know what she thinks…"
At that moment, Musica and Shuda entered, both laughing their heads off. Haru glared at them. He was not in the mood for hijinks.
"What's so funny?"
Musica tried to speak while still laughing. "Oh… oh man! Griff videotaped Elie's little performance last night, and…. HA HA HAAAA!"
"That woman should consider a career in stand up, ha!" Shuda managed to speak.
An enraged Haru bolted upright. "Shut up you assholes! How dare you talk about Elie like that!" He got up into their faces. "Where's the tape?"
"Jeez, calm down…"
"Where is it!"
"Okay, okay… We left it in the tape player in the TV lounge."
Haru's eyes turned to saucers. "TV lounge… NOOOOOOO!"
He ran at full speed towards the room in question, hoping he could stop her in time. But as he entered, he saw he was too late. The TV was on, displaying Elie ranting on the table, and Haru trying to get her down. Elie stood still, staring at the screen in shock. When she turned to see Haru, and the others piling through the door, her face was very pale.
"Haru… Did I do this?"
"Er…." Haru was lost for words. He know there was no way out of this.
"You lied to me!" Tears flowed down her face. "Why didn't you tell me?"
"I just…" He felt his heart break at the sight of her anguished face. "I just didn't want you to be upset."
"Well this is certainly a good way of doing it!" She snapped.
Julia stepped up. "Hey, don't get angry at Haru. He was just…"
"I know what! Elie cried. "I'm can't believe I did all that last night. I… I told Shuda he was a pervert! I insulted all of you. And Haru… saying that stuff in front of you. God, I must have made you feel stupid."
Haru suddenly felt a stab in his chest. Elie just confirmed she hadn't meant what she said… so why didn't he feel relieved.
Julia and Belnika ran forward and hugged their friend. "There there Elie, it's alright, we forgive you." Belnika soothed.
"Yeah, we know you didn't mean any of it." Julia grinned. "And trust me, people have done much more embarrassing things when drunk."
"You would be the expert.." Let commented. Julia whacked him on the head.
Elie managed to smile. "Oh… thank you guys. I'm.. I'm so sorry."
She then turned to Haru, and grasped him in a hug. "Haru… thank you so much for looking after me. I really wish I hadn't embarrassed you."
"It's okay, really."
"No it's not. Who knows what I might have done if you hadn't stopped me."
Unfortunately, Haru knew all too well what she might have done. They had been so close.. maybe.. maybe she wouldn't have minded, except she hadn't meant any of it.
But feeling Elie so close to him, hearing her be so sincere about staying with her.. he wondered, would she had let him touch her that night for real?
"No, I couldn't do that to her… could I?" He murmured to himself.
"Did you say something Haru?" Elie asked.
Haru jolted and stepped back. "Er.. I was just thinking… I gotta go practice my techniques!"
He ran out of the nearest exit, leaving a confused group of friends.
"What's with him? He never misses breakfast?" Elie wondered.
"Who knows what goes on in that mop-head of his?" Julia shrugged.
"Well, I'm gonna take a bath. I still feel fuzzy after all that booze.
Several minutes later, Elie was relaxing in a scented bath, finally feeling clear in her head. Her mind couldn't help replaying her recollections of last night, and she cringed in memory.
"God I acted stupid… I still can't believe Haru put up with me all night…" She smiled. She could never think of a day Haru never cared for her. Either protecting her from bad guys, or just hanging around to chat and make her laugh. He always acted so boisterous, but he really was the sweetest man around…
"I wanna touch you…" A thought occurred in her head.
"When did I say that?" She thought back to last night. What had happened? She'd gotten pissed, Haru had carried her to her room, she had….
She leapt out of the bath, water flying everywhere.
"OH MY GOOOOOOOD!"
----------
An hour of sword swinging later, Haru still couldn't get that image of Elie naked out of his head. The words she spoke kept bouncing around his head. "Haru… I love you… touch me…"
He'd been so close to attaining his fondest dream, and yet so far away… the unfairness of it all was driving him mad.
"I can't take it anymore!" He yelled as he entered the hotel lounge. Musica, Shuda, and Let looked at him, with stares of concern and annoyance.
Shuda spoke first, in a sarcastic tone. "Hello guys. Hi Haru. I have a problem, would you like to hear it? Of course Haru, we don't mind. Honestly, show some manners Haru."
"Well excuse me for not being polite! I'm just going insane over Elie, that's all!"
Musica moved up. "Are you talking about last night. Haru, relax. What she said to you, it doesn't mean anything."
"How do I know!" Haru wailed. "What if… what if she meant it? You know what she did when I got her to her room? She got naked, right in front of me!"
Everyone's eyes widened at that revelation. "Whoa! So.. did anything happen?" Musica asked.
"If something had happened, I sure as hell wouldn't be talking to you morons!" Haru raged. "I'd be over there with her in bed, doing…"
He sighed and leaned against the wall. "I don't know what she thinks of me. I don't know what to do about it."
Shuda huffed. "Say, here's an idea off the top of my head. TELL HER YOU LOVE HER!"
Haru just glared. "Oh yeah, like she'll really warm to me after what happened. I'm not sure if she even likes me like that.
Let just sighed. "Haru, Elie has stuck by you on this crazy quest since the beginning. You've told her countless times to just stay back so she doesn't get hurt, but she follows you anyway, no matter what the danger. Now, if that isn't a sign she has some feelings for you, I don't know what is."
"Plus, there's one thing I've learned about drunks." Shuda spoke. "More often than not, they tell the truth."
"The truth…" Haru was silent as he mulled this over. "You really think she meant it."
"Only one way to find out, isn't there?"
Haru nodded. "Yeah… I guess so.. I'd better find her.
----------
Elie burst into the room Julia and Belnika were sharing, wearing only a towel and still wet from the bath. "I got naked!"
Julia looked at her oddly. "Yes sweetie, that's what you generally do when you have a bath."
"No, last night!" Elie wailed. "When Haru took me to my room, I took my clothes off in front of him! I think I even asked him to.." She blushed crimson.
"Oh my…" Belnika gasped.
"Holy… well, did he do it?" Julia asked.
"What? NO!"
"Wow… Haru's got some restraint."
"I can't believe I did that!" Elie was going hysterical now. Belnika tried to calm her down.
"Don't get so upset about it Elie-chan. You made a mistake, but Haru didn't act on it. It's nothing to worry about, so just forget about it."
"I can't!" Elie cried. "Everytime I think about it… I know what I really wanted. I wanted him to touch…" She trailed off, and sat on the floor in despair.
"Elie-chan.." Belnika sat next to her. "I think it's time. Time you told Haru how you really feel about him."
"I think I did last night."
"Well yes… but if you do it with a clear mind, I think it has more meaning."
"What good would it do?" Elie sighed. "After the way I acted, he won't touch me with a large pole."
Julia laughed. "Come on, this is Haru we're talking about. The guy's put up with you since this whole Rave thing began."
"I know. I make life so hard for him…"
"And yet, he still makes sure you're okay." Julia smiled knowingly. "So I don't think a little drunken episode will really keep him apart from you."
Elie looked at the friends, a smile forming. "Damn, you have to be right, don't you?"
She got to her feet. "I guess I better talk to him… God I'm nervous…"
"Maybe a drink will calm you down." Julia grinned.
The other girls glared at her.
"What?"
----------
Night was beginning to fall. Elie had put off looking for Haru for several hours, using the time to go shopping, paint her nails, and generally try to ignore the fact that soon she would have to tell Haru she loved him.
When she had run out of things to do, she went to look for him. Oddly the others said they hadn't seen him all day.
She was worried then wondering if something bad had happened, or if she had turned him away. Thankfully, Shuda mentioned he'd seen him back at the airship.
She reached Musica's ship, and spotted Haru sitting on the prow, gazing at the stars. Watching him, she was reminded of all the times he had stood by her, never leaving her alone. Everyone was right. Pissed out of her head or not, she truly loved him.
She made her way up through the ship to the prow. Haru noticed her, and smiled as she walked up. "Hey, I was wondering when you would show up."
"You were waiting for me?"
"Julia told me to, said you had something important to say?" He patted the spot next to him.
She sat down, the narrow space on the prow putting her only an inch apart from him.
"So um.. what did you want to ask?"
Elie took a deep breath. "Well… I can't stop thinking about last night.. and what I said and did to you.."
"I know." She was surprised by his response. "I can't stop thinking about it either."
She felt fear in her belly. "Wait Haru, before you say anything, I have to say this!"
"Um.. okay?" He looked blissfully clueless. Under any other circumstances, she would have thought he looked cute.
"Okay, um… I'm sorry I said all that stuff to you… I just couldn't control myself. I acted stupid, and I said things… you maybe shouldn't have heard." She sighed. "It's stuff I wanted to say for a long time, but I was afraid I would hurt you…"
"I wasn't hurt." He spoke.
"Huh?" She saw he was looking at her now, a smile on his face.
"When you said those words to me… I was pretty freaked. I was scared you actually meant all of it.. then I was more scared you didn't mean it.
"What.. you're glad I acted like an ass!"
"Well, sort of… I mean, I wish you hadn't embarrassed yourself… but I'm grateful."
He took her hand. "Because it made me realize, I've been hiding my feelings for you as well. And whether you meant it that night or not… I eventually felt relieved to know you felt that way about me.
Elie was confused now. "Haru, what are you getting at?"
"I guess what I'm saying is… I … you know… I really…" He stumbled, then sighed. "Oh to hell with it!"
He grasped her, and smothered her lips with the deepest kiss he could muster. Elie gasped and tried to squirm out in shock, but soon she was pliant against him, reveling in the sensation. When they finally separated, she stared at him.
"Oh my… that's what I was gonna do!"
"Really?" He blinked. "So… you really meant it?"
She blushed. "Yeah. I mean… not at the time, but I was always thinking it… I never would have said if it wasn't for the booze… oh whatever!" She hugged him. "I love you so much!"
"I love you too…" Haru hugged her tight. "And from now on, I'm gonna make sure you know you're loved."
She arched an eyebrow. "Oh really? Just how are you going to do that?"
"I'll think of something…"
They kissed again, content at last.
----------
"…And that's what happened." Haru finished the story, noting the others looked quite impressed.
"Wow.." Julia smiled. "I can't believe you never told us about this until now. I should have known back then."
"We didn't want to tell you then." Elie spoke. "We wanted our privacy for a while."
"Yeah, you guys would have just been nosy." Haru affirmed.
"We would not!" Musica glared.
Elie just shrugged, then turned to Haru. "You know, you were right… I think that did deserve to be our first kiss."
"Yeah.. and it's still the best one ever."
The two held hands and inched closer for a kiss.. their lips almost touched…
"Ooh! I got another one!" Musica grinned. "What was your first time making love like?"
Haru and Elie froze, their eyes showing fear. Slowly, they got up, Haru took her arm, and they both walked away from the group without a word.
"There's no way we're telling them THAT story, right?" She whispered.
"Not in a million years." He confirmed.
And with that, they headed home, eager to remind each other of their love.