HUD: NOT DEAD! Promise. I apologize for the wait, but I thank you all for your kindness. I was promoted at work, which put me on salary and basically on call all during the holiday. Between working obscene amounts of hours, I also had family and friends visiting from out of state. I hope to get back into the swing of things shortly, but here is this little bit in the meantime. :)
Tony was pissed - actually, pissed was an understatement. Tony was livid. Joe/Jim/Carl/asshat from ZenTech had detained him. Literally. Tony had one foot out of the door when he called for him. Tony just kept going, ignoring him as he had been for the entire seminar, but the man had the audacity to follow him nearly to the beach!
Tony put on his best press smile and listened to all the idiot had to offer (which is nothing) until nearly an hour had passed and Tony knew he was late. Late to meet Loki. Who, for all Tony knew, may not even be there now, because of this idiot. Tony shifted his weight to one foot and subtly pulled out his mobile. He needed to bail.
"Sorry to do this, champ, but Pepper has something the company emailed over that I have to see," he said, pitching his best disappointed tone. ZenTech Douche frowned.
"It can't wait? Mr. Stark, I've been trying to speak to you all weekend - "
"It can't, and arrange something with Miss Potts," Tony cut off, turning to head for the resort. He may have sounded shorter than he intended, but fuck him. Tony ignored his calling and entered the outside foyer of the hotel, bee-lining for the concierge desk. He pulled his phone out and pretended to speak to Pepper as the Fuckwad of ZenTech walked into the hotel. Tony watched until the man was around the corner and well away before turning to the woman who may or may not have been judging him.
"Hello," he said sweetly, tucking his mobile away. "I need to order something to be brought out here."
"Certainly, Mr. Stark," she said pleasantly, smiling. So maybe she hadn't been judging him. "What would you like?"
Tony pointed out his order from the poolside service menu, directing one order to be sent to Pepper's room as an early apology for sending that asshole up there. The lady put in his order and assured it would only be a few minutes, but Tony felt antsy.
He was late; usually, it was no change in behaviour for him, but that was when he wanted to be late. Right now, he didn't. He would rather be shot and wear a prosthetic his whole life than be late.
A tan man in white clothes brought out his order; Tony tipped him and the concierge woman generously before heading for the pool and the beach beyond.
Tony kicked out of his flip flops as soon as his feet touched warm sand, pausing only to pick them up before sprinting off down the beach. He wasn't out of shape by any means - working in his lab and his weekly jogs with Rhodey saw to that - but those people on the informercials made running on a beach look easy. Tony's legs and chest burned before that little rock even came into sight.
He paused and huffed, swallowing lungful after lungful of air to get himself under control. This was ridiculous, he was ridiculous, before he decided he really didn't care and set back off at a grueling pace.
Ten minutes later, he was there. Tony paused again to control himself, his chest heaving. He hoped he wasn't too late; fuck, if he was too late and Loki was gone, Tony would personally see to the demise of ZenTech. Hell, he might decide to ruin it faster than his three year plan for Hammer Tech. What's three years when Tony's whole life was ruined in an hour?
As his breathing slowed, Tony straightened up. Either way, he had to know. He headed into the brush, pushing back branches that seemed hell-bend on making sure he couldn't get through. Tony finally made it to the grotto and groaned. Loki wasn't there.
"Loki?" He called, stepping further for a better view. He walked around the rock Loki usually sat on, hoping he may just be out of sight. There was no such luck for Tony, it seemed. The genius sighed and sat down on the rock, defeated. Fuck that guy.
"I'm going to kill that fucker," he growled, running an annoyed hand through his hair.
"Violence does not seem to suit you."
Tony practically jumped a foot in the air at the grotto's answer, spinning around when he heard a shallow splash. Loki worked his way between the rocks protecting the small pool from the ocean and settled into the water. Watching Loki swim just the short distance to the rock was breathtaking. He pulled himself up the same as he did the night before, his fin resting just within the water, and pushed back his wet hair. It clung to his neck and shoulders and back; Tony loved the look of it, impossibly darker than when it was dry.
"Hello," Loki said after he was settled, a small smile on his lips. Tony regained some of his composure and smiled back.
"Hey," he responded, trying not to watch the drops of water run down Loki's neck. "You came back."
"So did you," Loki commented, leaning back on the rock. He braced himself with his elbows and stretched; Tony really couldn't be blamed for sweeping an appreciative gaze along his entire body.
"I'm sorry for being late," Tony answered after a moment. "Some idiot was trying to pitch me for funding."
"What was it for?" Loki asked, looking over and genuinely curious. Tony loved it.
"I wasn't listening," he replied, enjoying Loki's breathy chuckle. "I was angry and distracted."
"What by?" Loki asked again. Tony swallowed.
"You," Tony said truthfully. "You're all I can think about when I leave, Loki. I was worried you wouldn't be here when I finally got away from him."
"I wasn't far," Loki assured, looking over to his little entrance between the rocks. "You are on my mind as well."
Tony sat down beside him and dropped his flip flops. "Yeah?"
Loki looked over, his green eyes bright. "Yes."
Tony smiled quickly, moving just a little closer. "In a good way?"
"Yes," Loki said again, smiling softly. "I want you to kiss me."
"I can do that," Tony muttered, bringing up a hand to lightly trail along Loki's cheek and then cup his chin. His skin was chilled from the water but so soft; Tony caught a stray drop of water with his thumb and rubbed it away. "Ready?"
"Yes," Loki whispered. Tony's smile softened at his breathy tone, filling him with a hope that the influence Loki had over him may just be a two-way street. Loki fingered along Tony's collar, alternating smoothing and tugging on the fabric. The action was nervous, something Tony found truly adorable. He slid just a little closer and Loki's eyes fell shut, his lips relaxing to a slight pout that made Tony's belly warm.
Tony knew he could wait - he could wait forever just to memorize the image Loki presented, beautiful and waiting for him in the most delicate way - but he wouldn't do that. He had already been so late, and he found it a wonder that Loki had even stayed.
Besides, Tony Stark was known for his generosity.
Loki sighed when Tony finally pressed their lips together, his grip tightening on the genius' collar. Tony trailed his fingers along Loki's jaw to move to the back of his neck. His hair still held water but was amazingly soft to the touch. Tony worked his fingers through the black locks and squeezed gently. A sound that equated to a moan fell from Loki's lips, making Tony smirk slightly. Hair pulling - a plus.
Loki angled his chin to press his lips harder, turning the kiss from slightly innocent to heated in a matter of seconds. Tony ran with it, nipping lightly at Loki's full bottom lip and soothing it with his tongue. The other man alternated between moans and sighs that went straight to Tony's groin each time. If he wasn't careful, Tony was sure he'd end up pulling Loki into his lap -
"Oh!" He said, breaking the kiss. Loki hummed and blinked, his eyes hazy and dilated. Tony gave a quick apology peck that Loki tried to follow, making Tony grin and his belly flip. "Sorry."
"Is anything the matter?" Loki asked, his voice husky from their kiss. Tony swallowed and shook his head, not entirely trusting himself when Loki looked practically high and still leaning into him. Loki blinked a few times until his eyes turned sharp again; Tony kind of missed the debauched look. Once Loki's attention was on him again, he smiled.
"No, everything's fine," Tony began, looking down at the package he'd forgotten in his excitement to see Loki again. The mermaid's eyes dropped to his lap as well and widened in surprise. Apparently he hadn't noticed it, either.
"I got something for you," Tony continued. "To apologize for being late."
"Tony." God, Tony loved it when Loki said his name in that breathy sigh. "How kind of you; however, I have nothing to offer - "
"Nope," Tony said immediately. Loki closed his lips and blinked. Tony grinned and tapped Loki's nose. "That's not how gifts work. You don't have to exchange anything; a gift is free."
Loki blinked when Tony tapped his nose, dipping his head as colour tinged his cheeks. He was beautiful. "Then I thank you."
"Don't thank me just yet," Tony grinned. He untied the string holding the box together and tucked it into his pocket. "I don't know if you'll like it."
"Any gift from you I shall enjoy," Loki answered honestly. It was Tony's turn to blush. Heat tickled his neck as he grinned, albeit lopsidedly, making Loki's smile soften.
"Well, ah, I hope so," Tony said, stealing a look up at Loki from beneath his lashes. Loki was still smiling, which was a plus, as Tony lifted the lid to show what was inside. He slid the box over to Loki's lap, making the man tilt his head.
"I - " he paused, turning the box around to face him. "What are they?"
"Strawberries dipped in chocolate," Tony announced. Loki glanced at him briefly, his eyes asking a question. "Go ahead and try one; they're for you."
Loki nodded mutely, staring down at the half dozen white-and-black dipped red berries. He rotated the box at an angle before lifting it eye level for a closer look. Tony felt a smile blossom as he watched Loki survey the box and its contents. After a few minutes passed and Loki still hadn't eaten one, Tony took pity on him and dropped one of his hands to cover Loki's.
"I - I apologize, Tony," Loki blurted when Tony touched him. He carefully passed the box back to Tony's lap and looked away. "I do not know how to 'try one'."
Tony chuckled. "No, no need - I should have explained." Tony picked up one of the darker dipped berries by the green leaves and offered it to Loki. "Strawberries are food; they're to eat." Loki looked over carefully, his eyes still downcast. A light flush dusted his cheeks that was beginning to match the red of his kiss-swollen lips. He's embarrassed. "Go ahead."
Loki nodded quickly and leaned forward. Before Tony could react, Loki wrapped his lips around the end of the strawberry and took a slow bite. Tony swallowed, that not at all being what he expected, but he sure as hell wasn't going to complain. Loki drew back and chewed thoughtfully, bringing his fingers up to catch a drop of red juice. Tony shuffled slightly as Loki's eyes widened and sought his. He offered a lopsided smile, still holding the half eaten strawberry in one hand.
"What do you think?" He asked, trying to ignore how raspy his voice sounded. If he wasn't careful, he might just have to steal Loki away when he left.
"Delicious," Loki said, smiling. Tony offered the rest of what he still held; Loki nodded and ate it, his lips brushing Tony's fingers. The genius swallowed again - hard.
"Thank you, Tony," Loki said when he was finished. Tony shook his head and dropped the top in the corner of the box's lid. "That was...?"
"A strawberry," Tony answered once he felt he could. "That one was dark chocolate."
"Cho-co-late..." Loki mimicked, licking his lips. "Is this a typical meal for you?"
Tony laughed. "No, not really. It's a dessert."
"Dessert?" Loki asked, tone curious.
"Yeah," Tony answered, running a hand through his hair. "It's something you enjoy occasionally, after a meal. It's a delicacy."
"Ah," Loki replied, recognition in his voice. "I understand."
"Do you have something like that?"
Loki nodded. "Yes. There is a small island further out where land dwellers do not live with a tree like these. After a storm, the wind and water knock loose what I have learned to be 'fruit'." Loki paused. "It is shaped oddly and floats on water."
"That's kind of what strawberries are, but these grow underground," Tony said. Loki nodded again, looking down at the box with a quiet longing. It made Tony smile. "Would you like another?"
"Ah, yes," Loki answered. Tony took liberty to pick up another after Loki didn't, assuming the man would believe hand feeding to be the way these were eaten. He was right on most levels; Tony offered a white chocolate dipped one this time, smiling when Loki ate the entire thing in one bite. If Loki though Tony had to feed these to him or they couldn't be eaten, then, well, Tony wasn't going to correct him.
"Will you have one?" Loki asked. There was just one left, dipped in white and drizzled with dark. Tony glanced down, slightly surprised that they'd almost gone through them all. He looked up to offer it to Loki but stopped. There was a quiet question in his green eyes, one Tony was sure he understood. He licked the dried strawberry juice from his fingers and dropped his hands to their rock.
"Only if you feed it to me," Tony answered coyly, winking. Loki smiled and pulled the box to his lap to take the final berry. He pinched back the leaves as Tony had done and brought it to Tony's smiling lips.
"For you," he whispered, making Tony's smile grow. He took the entire berry in with one bite, right down to the leaves. Loki hummed and dropped the cap into the box with the rest as Tony chewed. When he looked back up, there was a subtle heat there that had Tony's heart pounding.
"Thank you," he said once he was done chewing. Loki had never looked away, watching the entire time with that heated gaze.
"No, I thank you," Loki answered softly. He touched Tony's lips lightly with his fingers, wiping away strawberry juice that he promptly licked from his fingers.
Tony couldn't help it - he surged forward and claimed Loki's coy lips, slightly stained from the strawberries. Loki didn't gasp from surprise like Tony had expected from his slightly shy demeanor; instead he pressed back with fervor, enticing a groan from Tony that had the genius sliding closer until their chests were pressed together.
Loki gripped tightly at Tony's shirt, keeping the contact almost desperately. Tony licked his way into Loki's mouth and swallowed his moan. Loki tasted like the Caribbean - bright and warm and sweet; the strawberries and chocolate added an extra layer that Tony couldn't get enough of, spurring the genius to kiss deeper and hold tighter.
He couldn't hold his breath forever, forcing Tony to reluctantly draw back. Their hungry kisses turned to soft pecks as Tony and Loki's chest heaved alike, attempting to regain the oxygen they both desperately needed. Tony chuckled when Loki released his shirt and attempted to smooth down the wrinkles his grip had caused.
"Pepper is definitely going to be suspicious of me now," he mumbled, leaning for another kiss.
"What is Pepper?" Loki asked, tracing the shape of Tony's goatee between soft kisses.
"She's the person I came here with," Tony answered. Loki's expression shifted to a mix of confusion and hurt that Tony immediately disliked. He hurried to fix his error: "She's my best friend and sister; she's family."
Loki immediately relaxed. "I have a brother, but I assume your sister isn't a blithering idiot."
There was an underlying bitterness there that Tony planned to ask about later. Instead he laughed, making Loki relax further. "She's the smartest person I know. I think you'd like her."
Loki hummed. "If she is anything like you, I believe you are correct."
A pang of jealousy flared up in Tony's chest but he ignored it. "Would you like to meet her?"
Loki paused, his fingers stilling on Tony's collar and chin. "Do you trust her?"
"Yes," Tony said without hesitation. Loki smiled softly, leaning forward for a tender kiss that made Tony sigh.
"I would," Loki answered.
Tony smiled and kissed him again - having Pepper on his side would be perfect. She was the best problem-solver he knew.
"No."
"Oh come on!" Tony whined.
Pepper directed her bright blue eyes at him, narrowed with annoyance and clearly unveiled betrayal. "I said no."
"Why? I didn't even get to the good part," Tony huffed. Pepper frowned and set aside her silverware, the metal clinking lightly on the porcelain plate. Tony hadn't seen her at all after he returned from Loki the night before. The genius didn't give it too much thought, still in a strawberry-and-kisses haze that left no room in his thoughts for where his best friend might have been.
"Perhaps it has to do with you dropping Carl on me, unexpectedly, I'll add - he wouldn't leave me alone for hours!"
"But I - "
"Yes, the strawberries were nice but not worth four hours of my time," she hissed. Tony cowed his head slightly, his guilt intensifying. Sure, he should have known what to expect by sending her off to the wolves, but he knew it was for a good reason. He just needed to convince Pepper of that, too.
"I'm sorry, Pep," he said softly, looking up and searching for her eyes. "I had a good reason, a very good reason, and I want to share it with you."
"So say it," she answered, crossing her arms and leaning back in her seat. They were breaking for lunch and thus were very much not alone. A quick glance told Tony they had more attention than he'd like, prompting him to lean forward.
"I can't."
"Why?"
"Because I'd rather show you," he answered, his voice lowering again. "You'll never believe me unless I show you."
That finally got Pepper's attention. For all their years together, Pepper had never once not believed him, be it some harebrained scheme cooked up at five in the morning or a concise business proposition that only she trusted that ended for the better. Tony had never steered her wrong nor hid anything. She was family, after all.
"Why can't you just tell me?" She asked, matching his low tone. There was a pique of interest in her eyes that had Tony mentally cheering.
"There's too many people here," Tony answered. "We'll leave right after the seminar for today, yeah? I'll show you."
Pepper blinked then nodded, but there was a slight edge to her tone that Tony didn't think either of them believed. "This better be good, Stark."
A few more hours passed before Tony stole Pepper away, artfully dodging Carl ("That asshole made me late yesterday." "Who, Carl?" "Oh is that his name? What kind of a name is Carl, anyway?") from ZenTach and making the familiar trek to the beach. He held the gate for Pepper as she walked behind him and only paused to remove his flip flops afterwards.
Tony was glad he had convinced Pepper to change beforehand; he doubted her stilettos would help in all this sand. After they walked in silence for nearly ten minutes, Pepper finally spoke.
"Okay, we're far enough from everyone now," she said, stepping lightly around a few hermit crabs. "Can I get a hint?"
Tony tapped his chin thoughtfully. "Yeah, I think so." A pause was followed by a slow grin from Tony. "How about this - twenty questions to guess. I'll answer in only yes or no."
A snort from his best friend was all he needed to know there was a smile on her face. "Alright, professor. Give me a second."
Tony and Pepper carried on in the soft sand; Tony felt pretty good about his guessing game. Pepper was smart, breathtakingly so, but his true prize was far too far fetched for even her broad mind. No doubt they would get to Loki far before half the questions were asked.
"Ready?" She asked, looking over and waiting for Tony's answering nod. "Is it alive?"
"Yes."
"Is it a mammal?"
Tony hesitated, licking the inside of one tooth. Technically, Loki was half mammal. A technicality was enough for Tony, so he nodded. "Yes."
"Oh did you find dolphins?" Pepper gushed, grabbing Tony's arm. He looked over and grinned at her sparkling eyes.
"No, and that totally counts," he teased, grinning wider at Pepper's pout. "Next?"
"Fine - is it a person?"
Tony drew a subtle breath. "Yes."
"A woman?" Pepper's eyebrow lifted elegantly. Of course she'd immediately think the worse of me.
"Nope!" He deflected cheerfully. The small rock he had lost his shoes at the first day came into view, making his blood rush in anticipation. He quicken just a little.
"A man, then," Pepper concluded, matching Tony's pace. He genius paused once at the rock, his eyes turning to Pepper to catch her reaction. "Is he - " She paused, her eyes widening once the soft tones of Loki's voice reached her ears. Bright blue met smiling honey, the pair surrounded by only the sounds of cresting waves and a voice too beautiful for words.
"Is that him?" Pepper whispered, her grip on Tony's arm tightening.
"Yes; let's go," Tony answered, turning towards the forest. Pepper trailed along behind him, her hand sliding into his in the dense vegetation. Tony held branches and vines aside for her as she continued with their game.
"Is he famous?" She asked, her tone hushed. Tony's answering snort wasn't at all quiet.
"Not even a bit."
"Is he a musician?"
"Nah."
"A songwriter? Performer?"
"No and no; you're at ten."
"Hey! That's not fair - "
"It is by my count, Miss Potts."
"Tony, that first one doesn't - "
"Tony?" Tony paused, Pepper drawing up short behind him. He smiled softly from where he still stood in the foliage, seeing Loki atop their rock and looking for him. Pepper drew a sharp breath as Loki's torso turned and his scales rippled in the sun.
"He's a - " she breathed, her voice quite small.
"Yeah, and I'm pretty sure I love him," Tony answered just as quietly, taking his cue to step into the grotto. "Hey gorgeous."
Loki's answering smile was radiant. "Hello." Tony dropped his flip flops to their usual place and leaned to nuzzle a sweet kiss to his merman's smiling lips. "Are you alone?" Loki asked once they parted, his fingers toying with Tony's collar.
"Nah, Pep's here," he answered with a vague wave of his hand behind him. "She's just taking it all in."
Loki looked beyond his shoulder to where he knew Pepper to be, smiling softly. "Hello, Pepper."
Pepper took that as her sign to step out from behind her friend, The Bush. She bit her lip and waved a pale hand. "H-hello." Tony waved her forward. When she didn't move, Tony sighed and stood up to grab her hand.
"C'mon, Pep. I've been talking you up, so get over here," Tony teased, pushing her to sit where he had been. Loki moved back a few inches, giving the shocked woman more room. Pepper's wide eyes moved along his entire body, from the tip of his tail fin to the top of his very human head. Her mouth hung open inelegantly, prompting Tony to give her a little shake as a sign to compose herself; she took it well.
"Uh, hi," she finally said. Pepper stuck her hand out. "It's, ah, nice to meet you..."
Loki carefully took her hand and pumped his arm once. "Loki."
"Loki," she said, finally smiling. "It's very nice to meet you."
"And I you, Miss Pepper," Loki answered with his own smile. Tony grinned broadly and dropped a hand to both of their shoulders.
"This is so cool - I'm so glad the two of you are meeting," he said. "Coolest part of my day." Pepper's tentative smile grew to a grin as her eyebrow lifted from amusement.
The next few hours flew by - Pepper asked Loki as many questions as she dared (which were quite a few) and the man answered them all. Tony interjected a few times but was far more content to simply stand by and listen. The more the conversation flowed, the more Tony was certain he had made the right choice to involve Pepper. His eyes drew continuously to Loki, watching the shift in the man's beautiful face as he explained his home to an eager Pepper. Those earlier pangs of jealousy from Loki's confidence in liking Pepper faded. The merman was courteous, but there was a certain restraint that he showed that wasn't there when it was just the two of them.
I'm still special, Tony thought. He ducked his head to hide his grin, not seeing Pepper's knowing glance before she turned back to Loki.
The sun had dipped far below the palm trees, shrouding the grotto in shadow, before Tony and Pepper pried themselves away from Loki. The genius leaned in for a soft, lingering goodnight kiss that had Pepper turning to give them privacy. He rubbed his nose lovingly against Loki's, enjoying the soft wrinkles as his mustache tickled.
"I'll see you tomorrow?" He whispered, leaning for another kiss.
"I shall be here," Loki answered and tilted into Tony's advancement. Tony cherished the way Loki's eyes were a shade darker when he finally pulled back, a sure sign that he wasn't the only one feeling tingly.
Loki waved to them as they left; Tony glanced back until he couldn't see those eyes anymore, instead now listening to the quiet song drifting from the grotto.
Pepper was silent until they were back on the beach proper and still didn't speak until Loki's voice was far behind them.
"This is where you've been everyday?" She asked, looking over at him. Tony nodded, keeping his pace even with hers as they walked.
"That's just amazing," Pepper breathed. "I mean, he's just amazing. I don't blame you for wanting to show rather than tell."
"Not to mention the ears," Tony answered, keeping his tone low. "Carl is up my ass like a bad Vegas trip; I don't need him poking his nose where it shouldn't be. Loki wasn't nervous when I met him, but not everyone might agree with us."
Pepper nodded solemnly. "Yeah, that's for sure. Half of those people in that resort would happily cut him open if it meant making headway on a new discovery."
"Pepper," Tony said, drawing up short. He felt a sudden wave of protectiveness for Loki and needed to make himself known. "I know you wouldn't, but I need to say - "
"Don't worry, Tony," she answered, smiling as she dropped a hand to his shoulder. "I know; I saw it in the way you watched him. You're secret is safe."
Tony let out a breath he didn't realize he held and smiled back. "Thanks. Just needed to say it."
They walked on again, silence companionable. Sounds of the water lulled Tony into a soft haze, his body feeling more than a little weightless. Loki meeting Pepper couldn't have been better. His secret meetings had always been wonderful, by now that he could share it with one of his most important people made him feel giddy.
The composure remained until the resort came into view; Pepper stopped and licked her lips. "Tony?"
Something in her tone made Tony stop to look at her; the way she didn't meet his eyes made his stomach twist. "Is everything okay?"
"I was thinking," she answered, trailing off. Her fingers worked the strap of the sandals she still carried. "What are you going to do?"
"Do what?" He prompted automatically, despite knowing the answer.
"When we leave," she finished, finally looking at him. There was a pain there he didn't understand. "Loki, have you told him this is only temporary?"
"No," Tony answered, sighing. He ran his free hand through his hair. "Actually, that's what I wanted to talk to you about."
Pepper's expression shifted as she listened to Tony's quiet plan. "Are you certain that'll work? Rather, have you even asked yet?"
"No," Tony answered carefully, ignoring Pepper's eye roll. "But something tells me he won't say no. It's his choice entirely, of course, but I think this can work. I need your help, though."
Pepper crossed her arms over her chest thoughtfully. "If I make a few calls I think I could change our accommodations for getting home. Maybe even start the modifications - but you have to ask." Tony nodded. "Tomorrow."
Tony grimaced. "So soon?"
"If you want this to work, yes. We're only here for two more days - not even, really. I need to make these changes now." She held his gaze defiantly until Tony finally agreed.
"Good," she triumphed, smiling slightly. "Just hold up your end and I'll handle the rest."
"Thanks, Pep," Tony sighed, drawing her in for a hug. "You're amazing."
"I know," she chirped, drawing a chuckle from Tony. Pepper pushed back enough to look at Tony. "By the way - you should have told me sooner. You know The Little Mermaid is my favourite movie."
A/N: How was that? Please let me know - I half wrote this about three months ago and just finished it the other night. See if you can find the spot. ;) One more part left, and check out the second portion of Shi-Toyu's as well!