Author's note: Okay, I feel that I should warn potential readers that this is not an ordinary fic. First of all, our fab foursome wear actual, modern-day clothing. The only real reason for this is that I wanted to create a softer, more realistic atmosphere for the story. The other is, um, my fangirly desire to see Zelgadis in nothing but a pair of black pants. ;-) Okay, another stark difference between this fic and the series is my treatment of Zelgadis. Just prepare yourself for a much more confident, comfortable version of everyone's favourite chimera.
Disclaimer: Slayers, the series and its characters do not belong to me. I only own this fic's plot, flimsy as it is. Please, don't sue.
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Crush : Fever and Lightning
The sun hung in the sky much longer that day. It was the first day of summer and, being so, was one of the hottest days that year. While everyone in the village tried their best to stay indoors, Lina and Amelia couldn't have been more pleased with the heat.
"Feel those rays, Amelia," Lina commented. Leaning up, she grabbed a bottle of suntan lotion and began smoothing some out on her legs. "I can't remember the last time I was able to relax and get a tan."
"I know the feeling," Amelia replied. "With all the monsters and bandits we've been fighting recently, it's nice to finally have some peace and quiet." Amelia yawned and flipped over onto her stomach.
"You'd better stop that yawning. We've got a big night."
"We do?" Amelia opened her eyes. "Oh, that's right. I can't believe I almost forgot! Gourry's surprise birthday party. It's so nice of you to do this, Lina."
"Hey, it's the least I can do. After all, he's saved my life a few times." Lina smiled, thinking about the blonde swordsman.
"And you're in no way going to try to sweet talk him into giving you his Sword of Light?"
Lina peered over at Amelia, who was sporting an accusing glare, and smiled innocently.
"Who, me?" Lina asked.
Amelia giggled and rolled her eyes. "You're hopeless, Lina." Amelia rolled on her back and closed her eyes.
A few minutes later Zelgadis and Gourry walked into the Inn, looking around.
"Where are they?" Gourry asked.
"I'm not sure, but I think I overheard them talking about swimming." Zelgadis put his sword down for the moment and walked to the window. Well, now what have we here? Zelgadis thought to himself as he saw Amelia lying on a towel in a light blue bikini. A few beads of sweat formed at her chin and rolled down her neck. Damn. He shook his head, grabbed his sword, and walked up the stairs to his room.
"Are they out there?" Gourry called to Zelgadis.
"See for yourself." Zelgadis climbed the rest of the stairs only to hear a crash downstairs. I guess he did see for himself. Zelgadis smirked and entered his room. Setting down his sword, he grabbed a pair of baggy black pants. He changed into them and stretched out on the bed. God, it's hot. How can they stand being out in the sun for so long? They seem to be standing it fairly well, thought Zelgadis, remembering Amelia. I wonder if she needs help with that suntan lotion. Zelgadis smirked briefly before shaking it off his face. What's with you today?
"Maybe it's the heat," Zelgadis suggested to the empty room. He climbed off the bed and made his way down the hall to the bathroom. Splashing some cold water onto his face, he looked at himself in the mirror. Just get a hold of yourself, alright? Hormones are natural, but keep them to yourself.
Zelgadis walked out of the bathroom only to see Amelia dressed in her previous attire accompanied by a black silk robe. Didn't think I'd be running into anyone...guess I should've put on a shirt. Nevertheless, he walked down the hall.
Amelia nearly fainted. Seeing Zelgadis in only a pair of pants was definitely a surprise. Why does he have to look so good? Amelia tried her hardest to return her face colour back to normal. Oh, no...here he comes. She swallowed, remembering her own outfit.
"Getting ready for tonight?" Amelia asked, trying to make some small talk.
"Tonight?" Zelgadis entered his room, leaving the door open as an unspoken invitation.
Amelia bit her bottom lip and followed. "Yeah, tonight...didn't Lina tell you?" She stayed near a desk by the door.
Zelgadis sat on the bed, pulled a white T-shirt over his head and looked questioningly at Amelia. "Tell me what? Is something wrong?"
"Oh, no...it's nothing" Amelia was cut short by a gust of hot, summer wind coming in through the window. It tugged at her untied robe, revealing her petite frame, covered only by two small pieces of clothing.
Very small, Zelgadis agreed, admiring her curves. He glanced up and watched as the damp strands of her hair flew lightly around her face.
"Um...would you mind..." she asked, motioning towards the window.
Not at all, Zelgadis thought evilly. Two seconds later, he blinked. "Oh, sorry about that." Zelgadis strode over to the window and shut it. Such a pity. "Guess it's gustier than I thought."
Amelia smiled shyly, tying the robe and fixing her hair.
"Now, you were saying..." Zelgadis began.
"I w-was? Oh, right. T-tonight." Amelia swallowed once more. "We were going to throw Gourry a surprise birthday party."
"Ah. And here I thought the evening was going to be dull."
"Did you want it to be?" Amelia asked.
"Well, I wouldn't say no to a dull evening, but I don't mind."
Amelia noticed that his eyes were sparkling. Maybe she was just imagining it.
"So, you're going to come?"
"Sure...though I need to think of something to give him. Don't want to be rude, you know." Zelgadis began to think. "What are you giving him?"
"Who, me?"
Zelgadis smiled. "Yeah, you."
"Oh...nothing special. Just a nice shirt I saw in one of the village shops yesterday." Amelia hoped it wasn't too cheesy, but she really had no idea what Gourry would like.
"Hmm." Zelgadis nodded. "Oh, well...I'll think of something." He walked over to Amelia and reached out his arm.
"Oh!" Amelia moved back, blushing.
Zelgadis reached a little further and opened the door. He looked at the blushing girl beside him. "Speaking of shirts, I forgot one of mine in the bathroom this morning. I'd probably better get it before someone steals it."
"O-okay...right. You probably should." Amelia's face was beginning to shame the bright red sunset outside.
"After you?"
Amelia nodded and scurried out into the hall and into her room.
Zelgadis chuckled. She's so cute when she's embarrassed. He jogged down the hall, grabbed his shirt from the bathroom, and went back to his room to think of an appropriate gift.
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A little while later Lina was in her room when someone knocked on the door. Lina sighed and hopped off the bed. She opened the door and was surprised to see Zelgadis standing there.
"Hey, there. What brings you to this part of the hall?" Lina raised her eyebrows.
"Actually, I was looking for Amelia. She dropped one of her rings...thought she might want it back."
"Well...she's not here. Not in her room, huh?"
He shook his head. "I knocked, but no one was there."
"Hmm...she probably went to go take a bath. Maybe you can catch her coming out."
Zelgadis nodded his thanks. "See you tonight."
"Right." Lina closed the door.
Zelgadis looked down the hall to the bathroom door. Don't even think about it. She's an innocent young woman. He walked a few feet and stood in front of the bathroom door. Hmm...what to do. He moved his hand to open the door when he heard movement on the other side. He slowly backed away and walked back to his room.
The door opened and Amelia stepped out, wrapped in a fluffy pink towel and...well, that's about it. Wet hair trickled small droplets of water down her shoulders and back. The floor behind her creaked, and she spun around.
"Zelgadis!"
"You know, we've really got to stop meeting this way," Zelgadis smiled. He tilted his head, trying to get a better view of her underneath the towel. Though I'm not complaining.
"I...forgot to get two towels." Amelia motioned towards her hair. Why is it that recently Zelgadis only sees me when I'm half naked? Amelia began to blush slightly, clutching the towel as if her life depended on it.
"Well...you dropped this in my room earlier. I thought you might want it back before you noticed it was missing." Zelgadis broke the distance between them in a few strides. He held up the ring. When she just stared at it, he wasn't sure it was hers. Then he noticed her death grip on the towel. "Here." He guided her hand away from the towel and slipped the ring back on her left middle finger.
Amelia looked up at Zelgadis and was about to thank him when a voice interrupted her.
"Proposing so soon, Zelgadis?" Lina watched, amused, as the two blushed. "Found her, I see." Lina winked at Zelgadis and, walking between them, made her way into the bathroom.
"W-well...I guess I better go get ready." Amelia started to back away.
"Yeah, me, too." Zelgadis watched Amelia as she turned around and walked into her room. "Well...this week is going to be fun." Zelgadis smiled again and returned to his room.
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Gourry knocked on Lina's door. No answer. "Hmm. I'll try Zelgadis." A couple knocks landed on the door to Zelgadis's room. "Well...where is everyone? Amelia, Lina, and Zelgadis aren't in their rooms. I hope they didn't leave without me." Gourry made his way downstairs and noticed all the light was gone. He fumbled around in the dark until he found an oil lamp. Lighting it, he looked around the room.
"Surprise!" Amelia and Lina shouted, each casting a lighting spell of their own.
Gourry was so startled that he fell backwards. Luckily, a chair broke his fall. "Wow, you guys. This is all for me?" He looked around the room at all the balloons and streamers.
They all nodded. Zelgadis, who had remained silent, took a step forward. "Happy Birthday, Gourry. This makes you...what, 21?"
"Yeah, I'm 21 today. I can't believe you guys remembered...I barely did."
Lina smirked. "That's not too surprising. So what do you want to do first...eat cake or open presents?"
Gourry's eyes widened. "There's cake?"
Lina nodded and pointed behind him. Gourry turned around and saw a vanilla cake with chocolate icing sitting on the table. "Alright! I want to eat first!"
Lina shook her head. "Again...not too surprising," she whispered to Amelia, who giggled at the comment. Lina walked over and sat down beside Gourry, who had already started eating.
Zelgadis walked up behind Amelia and whispered in her other ear. "So you do have clothes after all."
Amelia turned around and blushed. "Oh, yeah...you'd be surprised." She smiled when she saw the same sparkle in his eyes. He seems so much happier than usual. I guess this lack of action is doing him some good.
"We'd probably better get some cake before it's..." he looked past Amelia to the few crumbs that was left of the cake, "gone." He couldn't help but smile at Lina and Gourry.
"Oh...sorry, guys. Did you want some?" Lina looked at Amelia and Zelgadis.
Amelia saw Zelgadis smiling. There really is something different about him. "Oh, no...it's fine. Wasn't really that hungry."
Lina smiled apologetically. "So, Gourry...how about the presents?"
"Oh, yeah...who's first?" Gourry was smiling like a seven-year-old at a circus.
Amelia stepped forward and handed Gourry a small package. Gourry ripped the package open, semi-noticing the red paper and blue ribbons used to wrap it. He unfolded the forest green button-up shirt. Looking it over, he couldn't stop smiling.
"Thanks, Amelia...this is great! I'll wear it tomorrow."
Amelia smiled. "I'm glad you like it."
Zelgadis stepped up and handed Gourry a book. "Sorry I didn't have time to wrap it...short notice." He glanced up at Amelia, who began blushing slightly.
"Oh, that's fine. It's not the wrapping I want." Gourry looked at the cover of the book, noticing it was a technique book for swordsmen.
"I realize you probably know most of the information in there...but there might be a few new things," Zelgadis explained.
"I'm sure there are...I've probably forgotten a lot of stuff, too. Thanks, Zelgadis!" Gourry flipped through the book before setting it on the table. He looked up at Lina, who was standing a few feet away. "Lina?"
"Yeah? Oh, my present. Sorry." Lina stepped forward and handed Gourry a small box.
Gourry opened it slowly and found a red talisman strung onto a necklace. "Wow...a talisman, Lina?" Gourry glanced at Lina.
"Yeah...a protective one, you know...for when you're fighting." Lina raised her eyebrows. "Do you like it?"
"Do I? Lina, this is great. Really thoughtful." Gourry, once again, wore a grin from ear to ear.
Lina smiled. "Good." She yawned. "Well...I guess it's time we all head up to bed."
Gourry sleepily nodded and followed Lina up the stairs, leaving Amelia and Zelgadis alone.
Amelia glanced at Zelgadis, who was still wearing his black pants and white T-shirt. She watched as he walked over to the window. Interested in what he was looking at, she followed. Standing behind him, she stared at his back. That's a...really nice back to have. She shook her head. "So, what're you looking at?"
"Lightning," he answered softly.
Amelia's eyes widened. "Oh." She slowly walked away and sat down on a couch. "Storm's coming?"
Zelgadis noticed fear creeping into her voice. "Most likely." He turned and walked to her. "Something wrong?"
Amelia looked at Zelgadis. "No...nothing. I just...I don't like storms."
He smiled. "There's nothing to be afraid of." He sat next to her, taking in her appearance. A small white tank top accented her slim figure, and her short cut-off shorts nicely bared her legs.
A crackle of thunder sounded in the distance, causing Amelia to whimper. "Why can't it go away?"
"Amelia," Zelgadis said, "it's not going to hurt you." Zelgadis was highly amused by her fear. Now, just need a loud crack of thunder and she might end up in my arms. Zelgadis rubbed his hand on her shoulder, trying to be reassuring.
Amelia looked out the window, wide-eyed. "I know.." She jumped as it thundered again. "I think."
"Well, maybe if you go try to sleep..?"
"No!" Amelia grabbed Zelgadis's knee. "I...sorry." She let go, embarrassed. "I don't want to be alone."
You don't have to be sleeping alone. Shut up. An extremely loud crack of thunder caused Amelia to squeal and land in Zelgadis's lap, her arms latched around his neck like leeches. Perfect. Zelgadis brought his hands to her back and rubbed gently. "It's okay, princess," he cooed. Amelia's breath was ragged in his ear. He rolled his eyes into his head. Such a good feeling. "Okay, we probably shouldn't be down here this late. Don't want to wake up the innkeeper."
Amelia began to speak as another deafening crash of thunder cracked. Amelia murmured something inaudible. God, I'm acting like a two-year-old...I hope he doesn't think I'm really immature. Man, his shoulders feel good. The only thing that let Zelgadis know she was okay with going upstairs was her small nod.
"Do you want me to drop you off at your room?" he asked quietly.
Amelia squeezed Zelgadis harder. He would've mostly likely passed out by now if he hadn't been made of stone. Take that as a no. Zelgadis moved to get up, then realized it proved to be a harder task that he'd first thought. Yet another crash of thunder ended any thoughts of her letting go. Hmm. How to do this.
"Amelia...when I stand up, wrap your legs around my waist, okay?"
Amelia loosened her grip slightly and looked at Zelgadis with wide eyes. "I don't..." She was interrupted by still more and louder thunder. "Okay."
Zelgadis stood up and felt her legs tighten around him. He nearly growled at the sensation. Calm down. You're not going to take advantage of her. Wrapping an arm around her waist and putting another on her back, Zelgadis climbed the stairs easily, delighting at how light the young girl was. He glanced down the hall to her room before entering his own. Once inside, he thought it best to let her take her fear out on something that didn't require air to breathe. Guess a pillow will have to do. He walked over to his bed and leaned over, laying Amelia on her back.
"Amelia...you can let go. There are some pillows right over there if you need them." Zelgadis gently grabbed her shoulders and pulled her arms away from him. Now, he looked down into her frightened eyes. I hope the storm is the only thing she's scared of.
Amelia looked up at Zelgadis...whose face was only about three inches away. It'd be so easy to kiss him right now. "Is it still storming?"
Zelgadis smiled as her voice wavered. "I'm not sure...if you let go of me, I can go see if it's still lightning." He glanced down at her legs that were still firmly attached to his waist. Nice muscles for such a small person.
"Oh...I'm so sorry." Amelia blushed, untangled her legs, and scooted up the bed to kill a pillow.
Zelgadis watched with interest before trotting over to the window and peering out. "Looks like it has cleared up already." Zelgadis threw a menacing stare to the sky. It couldn't have been an all night storm, huh? He turned around and found that Amelia was still holding the pillow, but with a much looser grip.
"Really?" Amelia couldn't have been more relieved. Although this means I have to go to my room now. Again, her smiled faded.
Zelgadis noticed the smile come and go. "Something else wrong?" He walked over to the foot of the bed and sat down.
"I just..." Amelia was thinking very hard of something else to say. C'mon...think of anything that'll keep you here. "I've been having bad dreams the last few nights."
Zelgadis had to force himself not to smirk. She's not that great at lying...but I'm certainly not going to argue. "Oh? What about?"
"Just...being chased by monsters and such." Amelia looked expectantly at Zelgadis. Please believe me. "I'm scared to go to sleep alone," she threw in for good measure.
Zelgadis nodded. "I know how that is." Hmm...I wonder if she's asking me what I think she's asking me. Can't be. "Forgive me, but what would you like me to do about it?"
"Well, uh..." Amelia swallowed. Rub my back some more. Kiss me senseless. Hold me till I fall asleep. I could go on. "I'm not sure..."
Zelgadis thought for a moment. Oh, forget it. The worst that can happen is that I'll get slapped. Zelgadis got up and laid down beside her, opening his arms. "C'mere."
Amelia watched him with large, innocent eyes. What's he...? Just comforting a friend, that's all. Amelia crawled over and settled next to him, her head resting on his shoulder and arms tucked up in between them. Mmm...this feels good, she thought as he put his arm around her shoulder. Amelia let a small contented sigh and drifted off to sleep, leaving Zelgadis to his thoughts.
Zelgadis gazed down at the princess in his arms. She can't already be asleep. "Amelia?" he whispered softly. Silence. Well...guess she was tired. I wonder if...no. Stop that. She really would slap you if she woke up. God, she smells good. He breathed in the scent radiating from her hair. What is that...vanilla? Zelgadis again studied Amelia's face. So soft. Before Zelgadis could stop himself, he lightly touched her cheek. When she didn't wake up, he traced an imaginary line down her neck to her collarbone. This tank top sure does have small straps, he noticed. It'd be so easy to...argh. What's wrong with you? This is Amelia...sweet, innocent, young Amelia. You're Zelgadis...part demon. Enough said. There's no way in hell she'll ever have feelings for you. Don't kid yourself. Zelgadis sighed and moved his hand away. Oh, well...that's not going to stop me from thinking about her. Zelgadis scooped up Amelia in his arms and stood up. Amelia sleepily opened her eyes and looked up at him.
"Wha..?"
"Shh...go back to sleep."
"Mmm." Amelia closed her eyes and leaned against Zelgadis.
Argh...why does her being cute have to turn me on? Before Zelgadis could do anything else, he walked out of the door down to Amelia's room. Inside, he put her down on her bed and pulled the covers up.
"Goodnight, princess," Zelgadis whispered quietly in her ear. And with that, he took one final look at her for the night and walked out the door.
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Like it? I'll post more if I get a good response.