THE BALLET
"Take her to the ballet." Fateful words, spoken in earnest, deeply insightful… when he'd first thought about taking her, he had one goal in mind. But then he sat there, watching the performance, and was struck by one undeniable fact:
Zane Donovan, the original smooth criminal, loved the ballet.
He'd never been able to escape that after the first night. The evening had started rather early, but the best ballet in the state was in Portland and that wasn't an easy evening drive from Eureka. While it was expensive, it was within his means to afford a helicopter ride from the town's excuse for an airfield to the city; from there to a rental car, from there to dinner at Morton's, from there to the Portland Ballet.
At first he'd said to himself that it was worth it all just to see Jo Lupo in a dress again, because damn it all she looked so fine in one. Judging from the smile she'd had from the moment he'd picked her up, she knew where they were going. That same glow, a half-suppressed and occasionally guilty smile, had stayed with her the whole time, taking his breath away at the oddest moments, causing him to stumble and loose his words just every once in a while.
Then the ballet itself: He hadn't even checked to see what it was when he was setting everything up, didn't even consider that there might be some greater story. It was a bunch of crazy people in tutus prancing around a stage, how unique could it be? And yet there he sat, transfixed by the dancers, Jo holding one arm, tucked up next to him as they both stared in awe and wonder.
When it was all over, he reached up and quickly wiped a stray bit of dampness from one eye, sniffled a little and tried to cover it with a cough. She would have none of it. She tugged his arm, leaned in, and kissed his check.
"Thank you, Zane," she had said, a wide grin on her face. She was almost literally glowing.
"My pleasure, Josephina," he had replied, still overtaken by his reaction.
Tonight was no different, except that tonight he knew he would love it, as she would, and the helicopter wouldn't be picking them up until mid-morning, after a late brunch.
When the house lights came up this time, he wasn't trying to hide the brief spot of emotion, why lie about enjoying it? As they finished applauding, she leaned in and kissed him on the cheek. "Thank you, Zane," she said.
"My pleasure, Josephina," he replied, turning to kiss her back, "My Josephina Ballerina."
"I will taze you," She threatened with a grin as she reciprocated.
"That is so hot."
Yes, indeed. Zane Donovan loved the ballet.
Disclaimer: Eureka isn't mine, but I love getting a chance to play around in this wonderful world.
Author's Notes: My friend Sydnew's been going through a rough spot, so I thought I'd write a little bit of fluff with her two favorite characters in hopes of at least a brief spot of cheering up. I hope this helps at least a little. Enjoy!