Alright, here it is. Finally, the long awatied date of Rahne and Kale. Yes it was dragged out, i know; move on please. and here we are with the shout outs
Pauloj1983: Thanks, i'm glad you like the chapter and the descriptions. I donb't know if I'll have Todd hook up with Amara or another person, other than Katie, from his past. The reaction will be in the next chapter, shown in a flash back and with some serious payback for Todd.
Lecheecopae: Yes and it wil probably get alot more fluffy, for just this chapter only however. As for Pejime...(LinandSeraph chase after Pejime, Serpah breathign fire and Lin swinga katana. Lycurgus shoots the odd burst of cold but likes being cuddled too much.)
iamhollywood: I was afraid i was going to have a hard time writing Todd, but now thatI think about it i can actually realate to him very easily. As for Kale'sand Todd's awkwardness, thats because of an issue that will come. There will be more, don't worry; next chapter, you see Todd going solo.
Alrigtht, Now canyoujust read the story and review it please? Yes?Then, GET STARTED ALREADY!
The Date of Thistles and Clovers: Part I
Kale nervously fidgeted as he waited at the bottom of the stairs, his shaking hand running through his still wet hair and he shook his head again. Very single fiber in his body was pounding with anticipation and excitement at what the night might bring, hoping that he also wouldn't screw it up.
He was dressed in the best that he could find at the time and had many of the girls in the Institute staring at him with keen interest. His broad chest was cover in blood red, long sleeved shirt with a black sleeveless shirt underneath. He wore long black pants that gathered at his ankles is a respectful way, a thick black belt wrapped around his waist.
He had taken a quick shave after his shower and he had put his necklaces back around his neck, the three chains dangling around his neck with the emblems resting against his chest. His dark red, an almost black color, leather jacket added more of a formality to him, unzipped with his shirt halfway unbuttoned.
Kale gazed out the window at the slow setting sun of Bayville and sighed as he closed his eyes, allowing the warms sun to wash against his tanned skin. One of the things he loved was to see the final settings of the sun as she made her way to sink beneath the horizons border.
"So, you ready for the big date?" A faint Boston accented voice asked him
Kale turned to see Bobby and Jubilee, Kitty and Rogue standing behind him. He had heard and felt the footsteps but he chose not to show it and just enjoy the sunset. Kale smiled at the ice-making mutant and the boy returned the grin; Bobby was in full support of Kale dating Rahne and had suggested to Kale that he take Rahne out when he got his bearings.
"As ready as I'll ever be, Ice boy." Kale said, sidestepping a playful punch from the boy.
"Now sugar, we just wanna reiterate something that ya might have over looked." Rogue said firmly, the three girls' arms either on their hips or crossed over their chest.
"And might that be, what, dear Rogue?" Kale said, his Irish accent as thick, and maybe even thicker, than Rogue's southern accent. "Remember to top up the gas in the car?"
The girls glared at him with such intensity, the former assassin nearly crack up with laughter but restrained him self and cupped his chin with his right hand. Kale gave it to the girls for looking out for their friend and worrying about her on her first date, but Kale refused to do anything like that.
"Hurt her and, like, we'll hand you your spine." Kitty said with a death glare.
Kale solemnly nodded his head, although he was shaking with laughter and he had a smile plastered on his lips; the valley girl was as terrifying as she was tactful. Before they could threaten him any more, Bobby gasped and Kale looked at him; seeing the boy stare at the stairs, Kale followed his gaze and felt his jaw drop at the sight.
"Am I dressed alright or should I change?" Rahne asked, worries creeping in her voice.
Kale saw absolutely nothing wrong with the way she was dressed; instead of her normal form fitting green tops, she had a loose green blouse that showed her bare shoulder and had elegant collar that held the fronts of her dress up, while her hems fell down the tops of her pants.
Rahne had also switched her light blue, tight jeans for pair of baggier pant that were blended in a green and blue tie-dye and she had a light green dress of the top, with the ends tied on her right side. The skirt ripped as she made her way down and Kale saw her feet were in open toed shoes instead of her beat up sneakers and her hair was down.
The fact that she had let her hair down like he had seen it when he first came to the mansion amazed him even more; her fiery red hair curled around her cheeks and the back dipped a little bit behind her back. She also had faint emerald eye shadow and red lipsticks carefully applied to her lips, just making her look like a divine being.
Kale was still in a trance when Rahne had reached the last few stairs and he instinctively held out his hand, helping her down. The simple contact brought him back to reality and allowed him to form something in the English language to say to Rahne.
"N-N-No-o." Kale stammered, his throat suddenly parch dry, forcing him to talk softly. "Your fine; you're absolutely beautiful."
Rahne's cheeks started to glow a faint red and she bit her lip nervously, her eyes gazing over Kale's attire. Like Kale, she too had been taken with the way he looked so hansom in different clothes and it looked like he had tried hard to appease her. Rahne felt his freshly shaven cheek as she moved her hand up to his face and let her hand drop down his chest, her fingers running down his right arm.
When her hand met the ends of his jacket sleeves, Kale opened his hand and took hold hers. Rahne looked up at him and saw the rare unsure smile on his face, mirroring her own worries. Returning the smile with warmth, Rahne linked her fingers with his.
"Ye look really hansom, Kale." Rahne said shyly, the tips of her fingers curling around the knife of his hand.
"I did try for you." Kale confessed, his smile becoming sheepish while his free hand rubbed the back of his head.
"Aw, thank ye, Kale." Rahne said, nudging him with her shoulder and giving him a gentle peck on the cheek.
The others in the waiting room watched the two animalistic mutants with smiles and silently made themselves scarce, disappearing into the nearest room. Rahne and Kale hardly noticed, the couple too involved with each other and how they looked tonight.
"Well milady, shall we?" Kale asked, gesturing to the door with his free arm.
"Aye, kind sir, lets." Rahne said with enthusiasm, their hands yet to come apart
Outside, Kale opened the door of a black sedan car and helped Rahne into the car. Once he was in the other side, he fished the keys out of his pocket and started the car. Kale caught Rahne looking and sniffing around the car and smiled as she looked a little confused.
"The Professor allowed me to borrow his car." Kale explained, jiggling the handles into drive. "I tried to get Scott's car."
"Why didn't he let ye borrow his car?" Rahne asked.
She was surprised; Scott normally didn't mind lending out his car, as long it wasn't Kitty behind the wheel. Rahne gulped as she remembered the time she had let Kitty take her and Jubilee to the mall and watched Kitty set a new speed record. It wasn't that Rahne didn't like speed, she just like it when the driver was a little bit more in control.
Rahne watched as Kale look over the seat and slammed his foot on the gas, sending them rocketing backwards. Her eyes widened and jaw dropped when Kale spun the car fully around and they sped off to the gate. Rahne glanced at Kale and saw that, unlike Kitty who got a crazed, psychotic look in her eyes behind the wheel, he was focused and completely calm.
"Scott said he had things to do." Kale answered, pressing the gate opener when he saw it approaching.
"Ah, probably out on a date with Jeanie." Rahne concluded, her relatively small body falling in the seat slight as they continued out.
The black car roared slightly as Kale drove them onto the main road and turned toward Bayville, the draconic teen using his military training to easily weave through the traffic. "I really miss my bike." Kale said sadly.
"Aw, poor Kale missing his favorite toy?" Rahne teased slightly, giggling at his mock pout.
"I'll have you know that that bike was bloody wicked, even you would get addicted to riding it like I did." Kale said, his smile dropping a little bit. "Anyways, it was blown up when my house was bombed."
"Bombed!" Rahne stifled a cry, turning to him to see him nod his head. "Who did it, terrorists?"
"Oh, they were close enough to terrorist." Kale said darkly, the speed jumping slightly. "Nah, they were mutant haters and some served in the Republican army."
"Oh my god, I'm surprised ye weren't hurt." Rahne said concernedly.
"I was fine." Kale assured her; taking her hand in his hand, he guided it over his chest where the blast had gotten him. "See, nothings missing."
Rahne smiled as her face went beat red and when he let his hand go back to the gear stick; she let her finger tips stay in the grooves of his fingers. Her soft palm rest on the back of her hand and Kale smiled, his thumb absently rubbing hers.
"Your skins so soft." Kale murmured as he watched the road, stopping at red light. "It's like living silk that can never be frayed or torn."
Kale's eyes widen as he realized what he aloud and his face brined like the Dragon Flame inside of him, smacking his head on the side window. Rahne felt a tingle down her spine and bit her lip in embarrassment, but also in gratitude at his comment.
"It's okay, yer hand is very warm." Rahne said, the heat from his hand spreading from him to every inch of her skin. "Yer like a walking blanket that heats people up instantly."
"So you want to snuggle up on the couch tonight then?" Kale asked innocently.
Rahne's face ignited in heat and she knew that she must be bright red, her jaw dropping while her green eyes widened. Kale glanced at her and then back at the road, trying to suppress a grin, but was finding it increasingly difficult.
Rahne turned quickly to look out the window and silently began to berate her self, until she felt familiar warmth take her hand. Kale let their arms twine around and linked their fingers. Tenderly looking over her shoulder, Rahne saw he had an apologetic smile on his face and smiled as he mouthed "I'm sorry" to her, smiling at his efforts to be kind to her.
"Here we are, a little side stop before dinner." Kale said as he pulled into a parking lot.
Rahne watched as Kale spun the wheel and the car itself spun into a parking spot, the tires skidding against the tarmac as the car moved.
Kale got out and opened her door, helping her out like he would be expected to. The two metamorphs clasped hands again and walked very close to each other as they walked along the street.
"Alright, I check the theatres earlier this week and I don't mind seeing any of the movies playing so I'll leave the choice up to you Rahne." Kale explained as they walked down the street, the half set sun cast some of the last rays. "Is that okay?"
"Aye, that's fine as ye don't mind watching a chick flick." Rahne teased.
Kale momentarily looked horrified to play along with the joke and then his eyes flashed as he had an idea, an almost wicked smile spreading over his face which made Rahne a little worried to hear what he said.
"I guess that's okay." He said a little half heartedly. "I know something better to look at for an hour and a half."
"Oh really?" Rahne asked, her mischievousness matching his gleam. "And what pray tell might that be."
As Rahne said this, she dragged her finger along her jaw line, tracing her pulse along her neck and down her shirt which just happened to be right between her chest while she arched her eyebrows in a seductive and playful way. Kale's mind went completely dead as he watched her and walked into a lamppost, a hanging plant pot smacking him full in the face with an open mouth.
Kale stumbled back and slipped off the sidewalk landed on his back, his back making a loud smacking sound. After lying there dazed for a minute, Kale quickly straightened up and began to brush himself off.
Rahne stood there in shook for a second then crack up with laughter at his crash landing. Kale watched her with a face of mock indigence but soon joined in and grabbed her around her waist, his chest pressed against her back.
"I'm gonna get ya for that one, Wolfhound." Kale said in her ears and then did the cruelest thing he could in the position he was in; he tickled her.
His nibble fingers danced all over her ribs and Rahne's laughter increased by ten fold, her body unable to double over because he held her up. She soon managed to twist around in his grip and grabbed his wrist while shoved him against the wall, holding his hands above his head with her enhanced strength while she pressed her body against his.
"That…is enough…of that, Drakón." Rahne said a little saucily, out breath from his tickling but more from the closeness.
"Yes, love." Kale said softly, his voice shaking slightly.
He was suddenly aware of how close their faces were to each others and Kale could feel the shivering soft breaths against his lips, a warm fire tingling down his spine. Rahne had never, never in her time at Xavier's, been this close to anyone that she felt strongly for, that wasn't family, for this length of time, Kale's red gems gazing into her green emeralds and she felt herself gravitating closer.
Slowly, their arms lowered and they hesitantly wrapped their arms around each other, Kale's wrapping around her waist while Rahne chose to wrap around his neck. Kale gently leaned down and Rahne felt her eyes close as he slowly got closer.
HONK!
Rahne leaped against Kale chest and her eyes snapped open, looking over her shoulder to see a car had stopped short in front of someone else; Kale's left arm rose up around her shoulders and his right hand reached behind his jacket, stopping when he saw there wasn't a threat. Sighing in irritation, Rahne slumped her head against Kale's chest, while Kale let his head smack against the wall.
"Well." Kale said with an oddly hoarse voice. "Lets go see about those movies."
"Aye." Rahne said, extremely disappointed. "How far is it?"
"Just down the block" Kale answered, his voice stronger now.
Rahne backed away from Kale and started to walk beside him when she felt his hand slide around her back, resting on her hip. Rahne looked at him out of the corner of her eyes and saw Kale suddenly looked like he had made stupid mistake, his hand starting to move away with doubtful movements.
Sliding closer to him, Rahne wrapped her arm around his back and rested her had against his powerful arm; she was scared too but she had realized a few days ago that Kale had issues with making moves, so she would have to let him know it was okay to these things. Kale at this point felt his Dragon Flame send the heat in his body skyrocketing; tenderly he replaced his arm and rested his cheek on her hair, enjoying her wondrous scent of wild flowers and mountain forests.
They walked down the street like that, seemingly to be desperately holding each other. A passing couple smiled at them and Rahne felt as though she belonged with Kale, blushing when the women winked at her who made her face burn and the man gave Kale thumbs up; the two mutants looked at each other and then nodded to the other couple before continuing their walk.
Rahne slowly closed her eyes and let Kale guide her, trust him enormously. Rahne knew it was rather stupid to like someone as much as she did Kale so early on in their relationship, but it just felt so right. To be held by him, laugh from his jokes, kissing him; it all just felt as though they had been made for each other…
"We're here." Kale said softly, shaking her from her little daze
Rahne opened her eyes and saw that in front of them was a series of poster; she read: Van Helsing, A Knights Tale, Blade Trinity, House of Flying Daggers, Underworld, Moulin Rouge, Sin City and Reign of Fire.
"I didn't think ye would want to see Underworld or Van Helsing because I wasn't sure if…well, if you would get offended, honestly." Kale told her.
Rahne was impressed by this; Rahne really didn't like werewolf movies because she felt it was often a discrimination of her kind, even though she wasn't a real werewolf.
"I don't mind, the werewolves in this movies actually look half decently and the stories about them are somewhat respectable." Rahne said and Kale nodded. "What are the others about; I've heard about Moulin Rouge, the Heath Leadger knight one and the third Blade movie, but what are the others about?"
"Well, the Flying Daggers is about this soldier who has to help this blind Chinese dancer get to a group of warriors. She is one of these warriors and they throw knives with perfect accuracy, but she doesn't know the soldier was sent to kill them. The soldier ends up falling for her." Kale said, pointing to the first movie. "It's got that chick from the Crouching Tiger movie that stole the sword.
"So, it's a romance and action flick, right?" Rahne asked, standing in between his arms and against his chest.
"Yeah, something like that." Kale then moved his hand to the next poster. "Sin City is a comic adaptation, but you aren't going to want to watch it."
"Why not?" Rahne asked looking up at him in confusion.
"You want to see half naked women and graphic mutilations for nearly two hours?" Kale asked raising his eyebrows. "I mean, this guy rips off this villain's-"
"Uh, no thanks." Rahne interrupted before Kale finished the gory description and looked at the last one. "Ooo, a dragon movie; de ye mind watching dragon movies."
Kale smirked at the question. "Sometimes; this one is actually pretty damn good with its dragons and how they look. And it has Christian Bale in it, what not to like?"
Rahne thought for a moment; she was tempted by the dragon movie, partly because it looked wicked and it might have some have decent action, but it also would give her reason to jump into his arms.
On the other hand, Rahne had wanted to see Underworld; the werewolves looked somewhat amazing and since they were fighting vampires, should win; but also gave another reason to jump into his arms. Rahne thought about it, then had an idea.
"How long is Underworld?" She asked, turning to face
Kale was a caught off guard and squinted to think about what the details in the Hollywood database said. With Rahne so close, it was difficult to remember; slowly the details came back to him.
"An hour, I think, why?"
"And Reign of Fire?"
"An hour" Kale was now thoroughly confused by her questions.
"Then let's see both!" Rahne exclaimed. "One decent werewolf movie and one decent dragon movie sound good to me."
Kale thought about it; the movies were on separate showings and minutes after each other. It was only seven o'clock and if they had dinner then the two movies, they would be done around ten thirty.
"Sound like a winner." Kale said with a smile as she hugged him. "We just have to make sure we're at the park by eleven."
"Why, what else de ye have planned?" Rahne asked with a hug smile, leaning back a little.
"A surprise, one you will really like." Kale answer cryptically. "Really, really like."
"Well, the night looks good so far, so why not; anyway, I like surprises." She said rubbing her nose against his. "Come on, lets get these tickets and get dinner."
"Yes milady." Kale answered as he followed Rahne in a trance like state into the theatre.
An hour later, the two red heads were sitting at a table in an open patio with their entrees and drinks in front of them, the sky darkened so the waiter had put candles on for them. When they had come in, Rahne felt a little out of place in the English based restaurant but watched with a little bit of amazement as the maitre treated Kale and her like they were a married couple.
They walked through the restaurant and Rahne felt all the men looking at her with amazed awe, feeling a little regal. But it stung her when she saw all the women eye Kale with over appreciative approval and squeezed his hand tighter, forgetting her super strength.
They were lead out side, into an out courtyard with gardens around the place. Posts were set up around the garden to hold candles up and gave a romantic setting. Rahne saw that they were lead to the centre table, surprising Rahne and Kale.
"I'll say this much, Kale." Rahne said, as she swallowed her food. "This is a really great spot. Reminds me of the pictures Amara showed me of her palace home."
"Well, I'm just glad you having a good time." Kale said, smiling at her.
He had shrugged off his jacket and rolled his sleeves up a little bit, revealing the traces of his cord burn on his left arm. Rahne often wondered what he had done before his time with the X-Men and why he often refused to talk about it.
It was odd, he had a past that he didn't want her to know, probably because he thought she would have judged him differently. Rahne also had a history she didn't wanted unveiled to him and for similar reason; she shuddered as she remembered Reverend Craig.
"Hey, what's wrong?" Kale asked, reaching over and taking her hand. "You can tell me if you want."
It was odd that Kale could help her ignore the past but she knew one day and maybe one day soon she would have to talk to him about what had happened to her in Scotland, but until then she want to enjoy his company as long as she could; she didn't want to scare him off.
"It's nothing." Rahne lied, patting his hand gently. "Just remembering me mum."
"How long has it been since you've seen her?" Kale asked softly, pushing his food around on his plate.
"Oh, ma real mum died giving birth and I'm living with a foster mum." Rahne explained.
Kale cringed at the news and mentally cursed him profusely at his ignorance; he had heard she was a foster kid but did he pay attention, no. Kale gently banged his fist against his face as he groaned.
"Damn…I'm sorry, Rahne" Kale apologized.
"It's okay, I think of Moria as me really mummy and it's great." Rahne said with a smile. "How about ye, any parents to write home to?"
"No, my mother and father died half a year after we adopted Todd and we were…we…" Kale fumbled here; did he dare tell her what really happened? "We had a really screwed time afterwards."
"Bad foster homes?"
"Worse than anything you could possibly imagine." Kale said, his lips ready to sip the water but stopped. "I'm still haunted of what happened to me after I left the orphanage and the ten years I spent in the most fucked up place in history."
"You carry a heavy burden of pain." Rahne said quietly, her hand dying for his contact again and was surprised by his bitter laugh.
"Rahne, even if you knew half what I did, you hate for all eternity." Kale said, placing his elbows on the table and leaning his head on his laced fingers. "I am fearful of my past, mainly that it will come for me and that you will leave me when you find out what I was."
"I won't leave you." Rahne said leaning close to him, so close she could see every detail in flame burst eyes which flashed briefly. "Kale, I lo-"
A loud crash was heard and Rahne looked over to that a waiter had tripped over a man's leg, resulting in huge tray load crashing over the floor. Rahne sighed as she leaned back but was caught off guard when Kale leaned in and kissed her gently on the lips, his Dragon flame sending a rage of fire through her. At first her eyes widened in shock but soon fluttered closed and she fell it the kiss.
It was a sensation that she only found when she transformed into her wolf form and Rahne whimpered slightly Kale held her captive by the simple action. It wasn't anything serious or passionate but the words unsaid that I meant were worth more to her than anything in the world. Kale slowly parted Rahne and the lycanthropic mutant gasped at the sudden lacking of heat, resting her forehead against Kale's as she felt him breathe heavily after the kiss as well
"I know, Rahne, what you were going to say." Kale said as he pulled away slowly. "For I feel the same way and I do too."
Rahne was breathless as he remained halfway from sitting down in her chair and she just couldn't do anything else. Slowly she fell into her seat and smiled as Kale took her hand, giving it a squeeze before she picked up her knife and fork.
They quickly finished up, asking the odd question; Rahne described the Scottish isle, Moria Island, were she had grown up and promised to take Kale there to visit to Ms. MacTaggart; Rahne nearly died of laughter when she saw how uncomfortable he was at the notion. Kale had described the various places he had traveled to in all their wondrous glory, including Ireland, Canada, Japan and Egypt, not telling her why he was there.
"Would you like anything else?" Kale asked, seeing they bother were finished, but frowned when he saw Rahne sniffing the air subtly. "What's wrong?"
Most people wouldn't have noticed the slight increase and slightly erratic tone of her breath, but Kale's sense did catch them. Also, her bright green eyes danced around the room with hunters gaze and stopped when she looked above, on the balcony that was behind Kale.
"Nothing, just thought I smelled someone." Rahne said shrugging her shoulders. "Shall we head over?"
"Sound like a winner." Kale said as he raised his hand for the check.
Kale sighed as he let himself sink deep into the theatre chair and glanced around the theatre; there weren't that many people in yet to see Underworld and by the looks of how many tickets weren't sold, the theatre would be fairly empty.
Kale was sitting in the centre of the middle row and was holding Rahne's seat for her, his date having just let to use the bathroom. Kale sighed as he let his head fall back and gaze at the ceiling; his body was still raging after the kiss he had given Rahne and he smiled as he remembered the soft feeling of her lips against his.
As he licked his now dry lips, Kale heard a slight of movement and turned to see Rahne making her way to him. She smiled and once she had sat down, she leaned against his strong frame. Kale gently lifted his arm and let it fall around her shoulders, his finger tips playing with the tips of her red hair.
Slowly the theatre darkened and they watched the trailers for other movies play, laughing when they saw the trailer for Guess Who. Soon the movie was under way; the opening of Selena perched on the clock tower as her voice narrated the opening. Kale chuckled when Rahne growled as the woman said her orders.
In the subway fight, Rahne quietly cheered the werewolves on as they blasted the vampires to pieces and then the biggest on tore the vampire with Selena apart. She did literally leap into Kale's arms and lap when the other werewolf popped out of the shadows out of nowhere; she wasn't scared, he knew that from her scent, she just wanted a reason for him to hold her.
Kale shifted back in his seat and lowered her down onto his a lap, making sure no one was behind them; he then position her in between his legs so that they were at head height. He let his arms slowly wrap around her waist and his head rested in the nook of her shoulder, his growls during certain parts of the movie sending shudders of delight down her back.
"You know, that's like what we did." Kale purred in her ear when Selena had kissed Michael and then chained him to a chair. "Other way around without the dungeon setting, mind you, but similar none the less, wouldn't ya say Rahne?"
Rahne shuddered and swatted him on the arm good naturedly, letting her hands interlink with his fingers, making an X shaped over her front. Kale smiled and gave her a kiss on the cheek. Rahne turned to look at him and closing her eyes kissed him, sending each on a sensory overload. Kale gasped as his lips met hers and slowly fell into it, matching her passion and his eyes feel shut. She parted her lips from their magnetic attraction but moved no further. In his body and soul, Kale felt everything ignite in a rapturous flame and made every part of his body hyper sensitive; he never knew that his first real kiss with Rahne would be so freeing or that his second would be so powerful
Rahne moaned as softly as she could so that only her boyfriend would be able to her it and she felt a surge in the passion as he kissed her harder; he was her boyfriend, or at least she hoped he was by the level of fire in her. His hand brushed against her cheek and held the back of her neck, his lips sending his fire scorching through her.
As she let her mouth open, Rahne knew form some depth of her heart and soul that she loved him, scars and all. She knew he might have a dark past but one day he would square with her on what happened to him, as she would with him; Rahne gasped as they broke apart for the much needed air.
"That…that was…where did you learn to do that?" Kale asked her, giving her a devilish grin when he saw her shrug her shoulders with a sly smile. "You are a tease."
"Isn't that half the fun?" She asked mischievously, rubbing her nose against his.
"You are something else, Ms Sinclair." Kale said, holding her hand.
"And you are quiet the gentleman, Mr. Nority." Rahne replied, leaning in to kiss him again.
Okay, it might have been a tad long, but it was nesscisary. And i have a question for all those readers, like a little Trivia thing about the story:In chapter 18, how many people was Kale believed to have killed?
Now please review, i really need you input on this story.
-Lin