Rating: PG13

Pairing: T/L

Disclaimer: I own nothing but this antiquated Dell, which is not earning me any money by posting my drivel here.

A/N: Thanks to all who reviewed this story and my other new story, aka ranting fit, LOL! I hope you like this part. The first portion is me without my beta (cries inconsolably.) I hope she is free to beta for four. She's just so in demand, in case you were wondering, her name is Angie or RFRAngel92 and her story Don't Tell Me is wonderful, go read it. Anyway, any errors are all mine, at least I own those!

HAIKU DRIVEL

Chapter Three

Since leaving Mickey's, Travis and Lily had been walking along in companionable silence, taking turns kicking a small rock along the pavement. Each of them had their hands in their pockets pretending nonchalance, but as the bustle of the shops blended into slumbering streets lined with houses, their façade crumbled. The race to the skittering rock amused them both and still they were silent, except for the occasional chuckle or mock shout of outrage at being cutoff from their goal.

The game ended rather suddenly when Travis kicked the rock rather forcefully and it careened into a vehicle with extremely shiny wheels, setting off its alarm. As a nearby porch light flicked on, Travis grabbed Lily's hand and they bolted for safety, crouching in the shadows of a nearby sedan.

Lily's heart was racing but she wasn't sure if it was the adrenaline from the alarm or Travis' close proximity behind her. Add to that list the warm hand on her shoulder holding her firmly in place in their "safe" position. When he spoke he was near enough for his breath to tickle her ear, her head tilting toward him in reflex.

"We really should take responsibility if we damaged that vehicle."

Lily turned slightly on her haunches, again caught unaware by his nearness, his face near enough now that she could feel the heat radiating from his cheek. This unnerved her, "We who? You were the one trying to "Bend it like Beckham. Besides…" she peered over the hood of the sedan, "what is that…a Delta 88? The wheels and stereo alone are probably worth more than the car."

A wry grin slipped across Travis' face as he acknowledged the truth of that statement. "Well, come on, let's go this way, just in case." He pointed to the deeper shadows of the lawns. Without thinking, he grabbed her hand and led her through a few of the yards until they reached the corner that led them to Lily's. For the first time, Travis realized he was still holding Lily's hand, yet she hadn't said anything. He felt his heart rate increase again, nearly to the level caused by the car alarm. Then he thought of Ray and the disaster he had caused by kissing the girl Ray liked. He didn't want to release her hand, not to mention it might seem a rejection to her. Instead, he loosened his grip. He saw her surreptitiously glance down at their linked hands. The conflict clearly crossed her expression as she slowly slid her bottom lip into a soft bite.

Ever so slowly, she loosened her grip from his hand as well, until they were only linking fingers. Then again, until they were brushing knuckles softly as they walked. She did not pull away any further. Her question seemed almost an intrusion to the secrecy of the moment.

"So what did you write about?"

"Pardon?"

"Your haiku. What was it about?"

Travis was glad for the shade of night as he felt a blush creeping up his neck, thinking of the haiku's he had written at the station…about her. He cleared his throat to dispel the sudden tightness, "Actually, I haven't written mine for class yet."

"Well, I'm sure you'll have one by tomorrow; it is only seventeen syllables." They laughed at the reminder of their earlier teasing. Lily stopped walking and it took a moment for Travis to realize they were at her house. "Thanks for walking with me, Travis."

Her smile was genuine and relaxed; he calmed somewhat as he returned it. "No problem, Lil. If you like, I could walk with you in the morning."

He noticed only a slight quirk in her brow as if she was deciding his motive, but she responded without guile. "That would have been nice, but I've got to get to the gym early and practice."

He nodded his head, "Ah…your newfound obsession with self-defense."

She laughed, "Well, I figure a lame punch in the arm wouldn't stop a real predator."

The mere mention of that possibility brought something fierce to the surface for Travis. "I would always protect you, Lily." As her mouth opened softly in shock, he back-tracked awkwardly, "As would Robbie and…and Ray."

"Yeah…well…I'll see you tomorrow then?"

"You bet." He began walking backward, "Goodnight, Lily."

He gleaned a little joy that she didn't turn either, but rather mimicked his backward shuffle all the way to her door. "Goodnight, Travis."

Travis didn't turn until she had entered her house; the soft click of the closing door producing belated courage, "Sweet dreams, Lily."

Travis woke with a start; eyes snapping open wide, his breathing harsh and uncontrolled. His entire body felt heated, so he kicked his sheets back to try to cool down. Closing his eyes again, he concentrated on regulating his breathing, taking deep controlled breaths, trying to release the tension with each exhale. He knew that repressing any emotions would cause tension even in dreams. He really needed to talk with Lily. After a few moments, he opened his eyes and groaned; cold shower it was then.

Such an early start afforded him the option of stopping by the local gym. He hoped to catch Lily there and walk with her to school. He had to admit he also hoped to see her practice; he was curious about "Action Lily." The gang really never did physical activities and when it occurred, it was usually "sans Lily." He came upon the old gym, fresh paint covering a decade of disrepair and several veritable violations of code. In a moment of whimsy, he imagined himself to be paparazzi, trying to sneak a snapshot of the latest star leaving the gym with her personal trainer. A large cork bulletin board just inside held various notices and announcements that hung down in disarray, nearly obscuring the fire exit map. He pushed them aside to locate the workout rooms. They were just around the corner from the basketball courts. He headed in that direction. After a few yards, he realized the map had been unnecessary, as he heard the strains of Lily's latest musical obsession growing in volume with each step.

She was working out against the large boxing bag, shifting her stance and throwing fierce punches. He could hear her little grunts of exertion; she would kill him to know that he categorized them as "cute." Actually, she was quite good; he tried to recall how long she had said she'd been taking classes. Her feet were sure and when she threw a punch her whole torso brought power from her core, not just from the shoulder. Just as quickly, she broke into a short spurt of air guitar complete with flying hair. His face curled into a grin.

He was about to call out to alert her of his presence when she let out a primal yell and executed a roundhouse kick into the bag. The grin dropped off his face as his eyebrows rose with respect. He remained in the shadows, curious to see what else she had learned. A part of him chastised his skulking behavior as borderline perverse. He shoved that thought aside as Lily began her punches again. Only this time she would set up and quickly repeat several moves in order. She was sequencing, teaching her body to perform power moves on instinct. Now he was moved beyond respect; he was drawn to her.

The impish part of him took control as he moved in stealth toward her. She remained unaware as she concentrated on her sequence. Just a few more steps…he jumped in front of her, catching her fist in his own as she threw a punch that would have landed squarely on his jaw. She let out a squeak that he again categorized in the dangerous reference of "cute."

"Travis! You scared me to death!"

He grinned, "Seemed like you could handle yourself." He glanced at their hands, his own still wrapped around her fist. He released it and she took a step back resetting her personal space boundary.

She was looking at her feet as she shifted from side to side, adrenaline and the fight-or-flight response causing her to fidget. Her eyes flitted to his, "Well, how long have you been here, anyway?"

"Long enough to know you've been holding out on us. You're getting really good."

Lily grinned, "Yeah?"

"Yeah."

She looked down at her feet again and then suddenly sprang forward with a punch. Travis sidestepped smoothly to safety, laughing, "Oh, you don't want to go there, Ms. Randall."

She was literally bouncing on her feet like a featherweight boxer. "Sure I do. Sparring is an excellent way to judge reflex and agility. You do want to help me, don't you, Travis?"

He quirked an eyebrow at her. He wanted to but for all the wrong reasons, all of them selfish and none of them helpful. If he got into a physical sparring match with this newfound female aggressor he wouldn't sleep well for a month. He heard a slight giggle…Lily giggles? This time he barely dodged her kick. Regroup…deceptive, giggling, aggressive vixen. He smiled widely, "You asked for it!"

In answer she let out a happy shout and came at him. He blocked everything she gave but was still impressed by her athleticism. She wasn't holding back just because it was him and he felt guilt for not honoring her as an opponent. So he went on the offensive and watched as her eyes widened and her pupils dilated as she worked hard to keep up. He landed a few blows but she held her own.

She let out a throaty laugh and he tilted his head in question. Spin…block…she dropped from his vision…and he went down with a thud as her leg flared out in a low sweep taking him out. Regroup again…long-legged, deceptive, giggling vixen. She was looking down at him about to laugh again when he rolled and swept her feet with his body. He reversed his roll with a snap and pinned her beneath him.

Time froze as he looked at her, eyes black like a cat on the prowl, her breathing ragged. Her skin glistened from the exertion and her hair splayed out in wild, tousled waves. He felt her completely relax beneath him, he knew he should move but instead he spoke. "I guess I win."

Her voice was a mere whisper, a vast contradiction to her display of aggression only moments before. "Yeah, wanna claim your prize?"

Still he hadn't moved and he knew he should, "I don't want to hurt you, Lily."

Her eyes blinked slowly. "Semantics, Travis. You don't want to get hurt. Everything is a risk."

He got up then, looking down upon her, hoping she wasn't angry or hurt by his retreat. She smiled softly and he returned it, holding out his hand to assist her. Once up she brushed herself off, straightened her hair somewhat, and held out her hand. "Good match, Travis."

As soon as he clasped it, he knew he was in trouble. She spun toward him, bringing his arm over her shoulder as her back slammed into his chest. She lifted with her legs and the momentum flipped him over. He hit the ground hard and groaned. He opened his eyes in a squint of pain to see that she was standing about a foot from his head.

"A girl's best defense is the element of surprise," she said with a laugh. She turned in the direction of the showers, "Be back in a minute."

He watched from his upside down position. Her lithe form strutting ever so slightly in victory. He couldn't decide if he was in trouble or in love. Semantics, indeed.

A/N: Helllloooo Reader!! You're the next contestant on Review That Story! Scroll on down!

Tell me what I could win!

Why quick updates of course!

To be sure, but is that all?

NO! If you click on the correct button, you could win a mention in subsequent author's notes!

Aw, come on, you can do better than that, I can get that anywhere. There has to be something else!

Certainly, you could win satisfaction at having left constructive criticism to help shape the story or enough kind words to have bolstered self-esteem. Most importantly the world will know what you like and how to respond to YOU.

(crickets)

That's it???

Well, yeah.

No new cars?

Uh, no.

No vacations?

No.

This show bites, there wasn't even any free cheese.