Mister Adorable

[Lovely]

March 21, 2009
10pm


Ariane was just out for a good time with her friends, she didn't come out every weekend like they did, she wasn't a hard partier but it was spring break and what better time to let loose? The girls had ordered several drinks and a few shots, all of them acting as if they were feeling really good and having a blast. One of them noticed a guy not too far off who was watching them, she let the others know and a peel of excited giggles rippled through them. They had already been daring each other and it happened to be Ari's turn to take a dare, the girls eyed the guy watching and came up with one that would be worth his while to gawk at. Ariane thought he was kind of adorable, but all the more reason to want him watching and to notice her above the rest of her scantily clad and gorgeous friends. Ariane was dressed slightly more modest than the others and for her dare she peeled off her over shirt, leaving her in a short skirt and a form fitting tank that looked more like it belonged in the bedroom. With a slight whoop of bravado, she hopped up onto the bar and set her feet on the stool, leaning back slightly, she took a double shot of tequila and let the glass slide over her neck, then dropped it so it would finish sliding down the middle of her chest and the cleavage that was now temptingly on display. There was a roar of approving giggles and howls from the girls and few laughing shouts of, "Maybe we shouldn't have given her that last shot!"

"Oh yes.. .yes you should have," he nodded, leaning closer from his spot at the bar with a broad smile and friendly gleam of gratitude in his eye as he watched the glass slide it's way down in her fingers. He called over to the bartender without even looking to see where he was. "Get her another one."

Ariane caught the first glass and set it on the bar beside her, she turned her head to find that mister adorable had spoken up to get her another shot. She flashed him a sweet grin and mouthed a thank you before puckering a kiss through the air at him. Biting her lower lip and keeping her eyes on 'adorable', as she'd dubbed him, she took the glass the bartender handed her. "Why don't you come share this one?" She dared him now and tipped the glass to take half of the double shot and the repeated the slow trail and drop that she'd done with the other glass, only the one that slid down now had his half of the shot still in it.

"Ooo be still my heart," he muttered watching the pucker and smile. Usually he'd need a pocket full of bills for a show and this had only cost him a shot so far. Join her? He looked around to be sure she meant him. A soft shrug and a step off from the stool he'd been warming up brought him in easy reach of everything she wanted to share. A quick reflex caught the glass with only a drop or two splashed and darkening the nearly-nightie that was churning his imagination in all directions. "Can't spill any like that here," he warned, perhaps meaning he knew someplace else where a few drops in the right places might be appreciated. He'd saved the rest of the shot and slurped it away, giving her back the empty glass.

"Well hello adorable.." She giggled, feeling warm from more than the effects of the tequila as he came up beside her, her eyes seemed to softly glow as she drank him in. She hadn't even realized that she'd called him by the nickname she'd mentally dubbed him with. Her smile was playful but still sweet as she set the now empty glass on the bar. "I'm very drunk.. who are you?" She giggled again, playing the part well with the shots running through her system and causing some very interesting sensations.

"A very, very good friend of the bartender... or I'm about to be. I really need to thank him. Julian... and you are? Besides... very very drunk?"

Her finger tapped on her lip and she pulled her lower lip between her teeth, shrugging and laughing softly. "Single.. where's your girlfriend? I don't want to be tackled by some chick.." She didn't slur her words but it was obvious she'd had a few and was definately feeling the 'freeing' effects.

[Lovely]

He looked around as if he really had one to point to and sighed. "Not here. So you're safe... and so am I. Can I get you another one?"

"Damn.." She whispered, disappointed to find he had a girlfriend somewhere. "Sure!.. What am I having?" She smiled, switching gears at the prospect of another drink.. one that he was paying for.

"I dunno... something on the beach? Seriously, were you staying here long? There's this party at a friend's place. Bring your friends if you want."

"Sounds great.. I'll take one." She laughed and shook her head. "How about another shot for the road? Since you're off to a party.. oh.. my friends.." She turned and waved to the ladies at the table she'd gotten up from. "Hmm I have attractive friends don't I? Will there be men at this party? I think they are pretty revved up.. they might need some dance partners."

"Lots of them, lots of friends. Here's the address if they want to come too. I think I better drive you at least," he wasn't trying to pull any tricks, except the girl that had just walked out on him with another guy was headed to the same place he was. He scribbled out the address, in larger numbers to be sure they could see it clearly, too. "And believe me, these boys love to dance."

"Ohh.. I'm not driving.. they took my keys before we left. They planned on getting me good and proper drunk!" She laughed again, looking back to the table then to this guy again.. what did he say his name was? Julian.. right. "So this party.. say we go.. can you garauntee I'll have a good time?"

He looked back at the door on the off chance his now-ex had reconsidered and looked back at her. "I can absolutely guarantee it. I'm having the time of my life already."

"Looking for someone?" She noticed him glancing towards the door and prodded gently at what he was seeking.

"Not anymore," he admitted, pulling the closest shot off the table and downing it, letting it burn its way through. "That's great. Ladies... if you're joining us, we'll see you there," he waved to the bevy of lovely ladies he could spend hours getting to know, but this one, not only beautiful, but they'd done enough damage already and he was worried whether she'd be alright. "Did they let you have a coat... or maybe your other shoe? Or is that a new fashion trend I didn't know about?"

"I know.. I had two shoes." She giggled and shrugged about the rest. "I don't.. wait no I had a coat at one point.. this little jacket thing.. There it is.." She pointed to the small garment that was tossed over a stool nearby. As she turned she reached a hand to his arm and looked up at him. "Wait.. won't your girlfriend be pissed if you show up wih another girl? I know if you were my boyfriend.. Oh, I'd be beating the chick down for moving in on my fine man." She spoke with her hands alot and so the little speech was 'acted out' with gestures and such.

"Whoa, hey now, no need for that," he smiled, a little nervous, hoping the bouncer didn't think she was trying to fight him off of her. "No, it's okay. I ... don't have one anymore. She was... my ex was here a while ago, but.. her loss, I guess. Thanks."

"I was just saying.. " She grinned, letting her hands drop down, she was a bit wild -you could tell in her eyes but restrained enough to behave -mostly. "You said ex.. right? Good.. I'm just out for some fun tonight.. they.." She pointed to her friends. "think it's funny to try and get me smashed.. I'm far from smashed.. kinda drinking them under the table.." She turned to stick her tongue out at the girls who were full of giggles and 'oos' as they watched and checked out Julian.

[Lovely]

"Well that's good to know so they don't kick my ass later for it. They don't get out much, do they? If you're ready, we can go anytime."

"Tell me you wouldn't love them jumping on you?" She teased, rolling her eyes and moving up to stand, reaching for his hand to steady her as her center of balance shifted. "Actually.. they do this every week.." She said with a tiny bit of annoyance in her voice. Sure getting wasted was good for the soul now and then, but Ariane preferred fun she could remember and didn't give her a pounding headache and make her throw up the next day.

"Guilty as charged, but not tonight. I'll keep that offer in mind though. Seriously, are you doing okay? Every week... is a little much. If you want to be taken home, I understand."

"Me? I'm great.. I'm drunk.. I'm going to a party and I'm still standing and rarring to go.. yep.. life is good." She gave him a grin and then leaned to clarify softly. "I said they do this every week.. not me."

"Lucky you," he smiled down as she leaned to his shoulder. She was cute, more than cute and he was quickly getting over being pissed off. "Guess my timing is pretty good then.... you still didn't tell me your name."

"My friends call me Ari.. nice to meet you.. Julian.. and thanks for being in the right bar at the right time."

"Ari... nice. I like that. Glad to be of service when I can be," he nodded, wondering just what kind of service he could provide. "So, Ari-raring-to-go, I'll warn you that although the drink flows and the boys like to dance, the place is a little.. tight."

"Tight.. guess that means we wont have to worry about the girls jello wrestling?" She leaned her arm against his and gave him a little nudge. "Stop trying to talk me out it and lets go."

"Alright, let's go," he agreed and started to the door, keenly aware of her friends watching. Women were worse than men sometimes that way. "Chances of them joining us over there for any reason other than cashing in their bets?"

"Sure.. for getting drunker and finding hott guys too.." She stopped herself and bit her lip, not wanting to sound mean. "I'm not trashing them.. love 'em to death.. but they like it how they like it.. they will follow us.. as long as you really meant it about inviting them."

"Sure, why not? It'll be fun. I mean it, okay? I'm sure they'll worry about you leaving... good to make sure they know where you'll be... where I'll be... it'll be fine."

"You really want them to know where you are?" She glanced over her shoulder at the girls who were laughing and grabbing their coats and purses. "kind of a scary bunch." She slipped out the entry ahead of him, only a step to make sure she didn't lose him as he had to lead the way.

"They're not so scary. That they'd let you wander off with a stranger is what's a little scary, but not to worry. I'm harmless and they know where we're going.'

"Does the term party girl mean anything to you?.. See.. that's them.. and so going off with a strange man isn't such a big deal for them. I think you're mostly harmless.. but I have a few tricks up my sleeve in case you're not."

[Lovely]

"Tricks? I see. Well it's good I invited them to keep me safe, just in case, then. I think we'll be fine," he chuckled, pointing to the dark car he'd managed to find a space for out front.

"See.. it works well for both us.. mutual body guards." She nodded as he pointed to the car and headed for the one he indicated. "I'm sure they will find themselves some fun once we get there anyway."

"You can count on it," he smiled, warning lightly perhaps that the boys had quite the set-up. He opened her door for her, having to shuffle ahead quickly to move a few items... his ex's no less, off the front seat. He was tempted to simply dump them in the trash, but he wasn't that heartless. "Sorry, watch your step."

"Nice.. thank you." She smiled at him opening the door for her, noticing but ignoring the items he shuffled off the seat. "Wanna make 'em squeal?" She chuckled noticing how her girlfriend piled out behind them and were watching as they headed toward their car.

He looked back at them and then to her as he leaned on the door. He was game and chuckled. "Sure, why not? It's a party, right?"

Ari smiled and stepped closer, one hand settling over his arm on the door, the other slinking to the back of his head. She leaned to kiss him, fully on the mouth and it was not a fake chaste kiss just for show -it was genuine and warm.

It took his breath away not at all being what he expected, though what he had expected he wasn't sure of now. Both of them tainted by alcohol made the kiss itself that much more intoxicating and he couldn't help but take another sip once offered. He returned the kiss as warmly, still heated by his temper, still passionate and that came out a shade in the kiss. He held onto the door to keep from falling over as he watched her eyes a moment. "Glad to meet you," he whispered, forgetting her friends altogether.

The alcohol had not made her head spin but the passion in his kiss surely was trying to, her eyes shone an amazing blue as she gazed on his face. "mmm hmm.." She agreed softly, telling him again when she pressed her mouth to his once more. Another taste.. the drink, his lips and tongue, she explored gently and without shame for wanting that flavor.

She truly wasn't as drunk as she was letting them think, not with the skill she possessed, or at least that was his hope. Julian's hold on the door released to squeeze her arm tenderly. If she wasn't careful, she'd find her friends having much more to squeal about right here. "Hmm... we better go... at least try to get there, okay?" He didn't want to stop.

"Thought we were.." She murmured, her eyes showing a spark as she shifted and folded into the car, reluctant to pull away from him. Her hand trailed over his cheek and down his arm as she slipped into the car.

"We got going alright, but we better save it for when we get to the party. Are they going to follow us or do you think they had enough of a show for now?" He grinned, looking back at them before getting in. Whether any of them heard him or not, it didn't matter. He wasn't putting it on for them.

[Lovely]

"I guess we'll see when we get there." Her eyes were on him, following his movements around the car till he was beside her again. She gave a slight wave to the girls and then focused on him again, finding him vastly more intriguing.

He wasn't sure what to make of it yet. Some part of him wasn't sure this wasn't some elaborate set-up by his ex to get back at him for being a dog as often as he was. She was staring and it was nice, but weird. If he'd gotten that kind of attention from his first date this evening, he wouldn't be here now... which was the blessing he hadn't planned on. Something about this girl didn't feel forced like she was only trying to keep a prize on her arm. Her kiss was something else and he could still taste it, licking his lip a little as he pulled out into the light, late-night traffic. "Guess we will," he agreed.

"Now that I have you alone.." She chuckled and rubbed her hands together, teasing him but in a way somewhat sincere. She wanted to know more about this mystery man who had 'picked her up' in the bar. He was handsome enough, she just hoped he wouldn't turn into a total jerk by the end of the night.

"You'll have your way with me and I'll never be heard from again?" He snickered softly. How it appeared was quite the reverse but as he'd already said, he was harmless. "Tell me a little this pretty girl named Ari.. and why she's so willing to escape a good time with her friends," he said, watching the road and trying to keep his own blush to a dull pink.

"Maybe the first part.. but not likely the second.. I'm more into saving lives than ending them." She laughed softly and shook her head. "Yeah I think it goes totally against my calling."

"No, I don't think so, since you may have saved mine tonight," he muttered, reaching for the stereo, letting some light rock filter into the conversation at a low level. "So is that what you do? Mary Poppins or whatever?"

"Hmm not quite.. I'm a model 'on the side' to pay for everything and I'm going to school to be a nurse. Right now I'm doing an internship in the ER." She informed him softly as if feeling a little shy at talking about herself like that.

"A model?" He nodded and seemed not to believe it, although she certainly could be, right down to the polished toenails on the shoeless foot he'd briefly admired earlier. "So where's the camera now? You're not on some... reality show or something, right? I don't want to be caught on TV after the rolaids commercials, you know what I'm saying? Don't get me wrong, I think it's great, putting yourself through school... nursing's no joke. My aunt was a nurse. She looked like hell in those white stockings, though," he mused.

"I think the white stockings make everyone look bad." She crossed, uncrossed and recrossed her legs as if demostrating or perhaps the thought made her uncomfortable. "No.. no reality show.. gawd with my life.. please.. no cameras.. unless you have one stashed around here?" She glanced around the dim interior of the car and then smiled at him again. "It's just something to help make ends meet."

"No harm in that," he smiled, taking a turn down a dim street. "No cameras in here, not today anyway. Nothing picture perfect here, either." He turned his gaze to her with a sideways grin. "Nothing that would win the ratings on that type of network anyway. Are you cold?" He noticed how she shifted.

[Lovely]

"No.. I'm alright." She flashed a brief smile at him, her eyes shifting to take in the surroundings and the road they had turned on. She was smart enough to know better than to not pay attention to where they went in case something did happen. "Okay.. is it your turn to tell me something or do you want more?"

"Not much to tell. Pretty easy going. Did my time with school, now I'm out," he said, making it sound like prison. "Not exactly a part of the nine-to-five world... anymore."

"Okay.. that was vauge.. very much so.." She kind of blinked and looked out the window a moment before turning back. "I guess you don't want to talk about you then?"

"Most girls hate it when guys talk about themselves, so... nah, not really," he shook his head. "Maybe after a few more drinks, a little of this and a little of that... I'll think about it."

"I'm not most girls." She countered smoothly, her brow arching slightly. "..and after all that I won't be interested in conversation."

"Well I don't talk about me as the main conversation.. usually." The drive was simple enough. He'd made one more turn and it was apparent they were close to the beach he'd mentioned, a cool fog rolling between buildings, most of which were dark except the obvious party place that could be heard and smelled from the distance as he parked at the end of a row of cars on the street.

"Well the whole I tell you a few things, you tell me a few things? That is sort of an important part of getting to know someone. Unless you really want to remain strangers." She shrugged and reached for the car door to let herself out. "Whatever floats your boat, I guess." Her tone was still light, though it did show that she would rather get to know him a little than not.

"I don't do boats," he said, more as an aside as he got out. The door swung heavily and the sound seemed to echo off the surrounding buildings which seemed to be vacant anyway. "Listen, sorry about the way that sounded. I'm just a dull kinda guy with not so much going my way right now. Hopefully that will change tonight, okay?"

"Look.. Julian.. you seem wicked cool and I feel this click happening between us.. which is even cooler, cause how often in life do people really click? Now I don't know if we'll ever see each other again after tonight or if we will be like the best of friends and room next to each other in the old folks home or whatever.. I'm not expecting anything.. You know you could just tell me your favorite color, food, book.. that you're unemployed or anything.. really I don't need a deep detailed history complete with school records and blood type.. I started off thinking tonight was going to be a drag and I was trying to make the best of it. Then you fell in my lap and things started looking up. I just don't want to be a drag or anything by trying to make conversation and get to know you." Her hands moved in quick motions as she spoke, accentuating words and in rhythm with her speech. "We're almost to a party.. if you just want to get drunk and not talk.. tell me now so I know.. cause I kinda had that whole drunk chick thing going for me earlier." She grinned as she came around the car with a light skip up onto the sidewalk.

"You still do," he teased. "And thanks, I guess. I'm not trying to bring you down or push you out... not let you in... it's just a lot of stuff lately that's really close to the top is all... and that would bring you down. I'll tell you a few things when we get inside, I promise."

[Lovely]

She rolled her eyes and sighed playfully. "I bet you say that to all the girls.. " She bumped his arm with her shoulder, her hands clasped lightly in front of her. "I'm not the annoying drunk chick.. am I?"

"Oh, no that was the girl that left me earlier tonight. You're not like that at all," he confided as he escorted her to the door like it was some ritzy hotel, though the sounds they could hear out here made it more obvious that it wasn't.

"Oh great I'm the act that follows the annoying drunk chick.. how am I going to top that?" Her gaze went to the door as they approached. "This must be the place.. sounds like it's quite the hot spot?"

"Actually I... hadn't connected you to her like that, so please don't think that," he said, a little embarrassed with the rebound idea. He turned to get the door for her but instead was met with it opening for him and a fist coming to his face, knocking him back a few feet.

She ducked out of the way. "What the..?" Her eyes flared in aggrivation, what a way to start things off. She looked to Julian and then toward who ever had struck him.

"This must be the place," he said, shaking off the punch and trying to get his eyesight back into focus. Had it been a hair lower his nose would have been broken for sure. The man behind the fist came out to block their way in and Julian looked up at him, offering a grin. "Guess we forgot the cover charge."

"Guess you forgot she don't wanna see you no more," the man gruffed out. He wasn't unpleasant looking either, but he didn't seem nearly as smart.

"Actually.. he's my date.. and I like his face the way it.. is.." She glanced at Julian and took a step in front of the guy who came out. "just because girly girl likes your face -which looks like it got smashed with a frying pan.. doesn't mean those of us with taste like that kind of thing." SHe put her hand on his shoulder to push him back.

"Ari... don't do that," he cautioned, not wanting her to get hurt, but not wanting her to fight his fight either.

"Well get a load of this. Honey thinks she's all that, standing up for her girly girl 'date'...," the man laughed, turning to go back inside.

"Julian.. if you don't kick his ass for that.. I will."

"Nah, that's okay... I got this one," he said, jumping and pulling the guy back out to the porch for a knee in the gut.

"That's my boy.." She just about purred, 'cheering' him on in a quiet way as she stepped back to give him room.

Her boy? He heard her and chuckled as he moved back to get his balance.

[Lovely]

The guy was big enough, but wasn't expecting the retaliation, buckling under the momentum of being pulled backwards. Finding the punk throwing a knee into his ribs was even more unexpected. He caught his breath and roared like a grizzly, sending out a sweeping mallet of a hand to set this record straight, cuffing Julian in the jaw.

Ari watched, more than willing to send the guy flying, kind of wanting to for his being so rude when they arrived. But she was letting Julian handle it, she didn't want to step on his toes so to speak. She also didn't want him to be demolished by the king kong freak.

The cuff spun him enough to knock him over the bench and nearly over the side through the planters. He grabbed a handful of dirt from those and flung it into the guy's face and eyes as he came at him. Julian rolled out and moved to the side, but wasn't done yet.

"That's right babe.. don't take that from him.. knock him on his ass!" The words came flowing out to cheer on her guy against the jerk that had greeted them with the sucker punch.

He was nearly on top of him to haul him up and toss him over the edge when the dust was thrown in his face. Natural reaction had him flailing and brushing it furiously from his eyes and scrambling after Julian. "She said she doesn't want to see your face around here, pretty boy. Let's do something about that... c'm'ere..."

"I thought these were your friends here?" She muttered quietly, watching him manuver against the other guy. "Come on babe.. finish this putz off so we can go have some drinks."

"They are.. were... guess they were more her friends," he shrugged, dodging a swing and ducking out of the way of another. From below, he lurched up, pushing the man back over the bench and into the planters himself this time, giving another punch before he could give him a fistful of dirt. "Even if I introduced them," he added, glancing at the window to see 'her' watching out a moment. Pissed off all over again, his green eyes seemed to light up with that rage and his movements coming faster to pummel and move the man around like a ragdoll.

"Does that mean we're not staying?" She glanced around looking to see if her friends had found their way to the party, maybe they had decided to go on somewhere else. She hoped they didn't show up here.. with people like these. Ari was alright with watching Julian pummel the guy -he surely deserved it, but he didn't seem to be stopping and the guy was pretty limp. With a growl of frustration at being so consciencious she moved to try and pull Julian off. "Hey, hey.. come on.. I think he's done." She spoke in an even tone, her arm coming around to try to guide his fist away and her other resting on his arm.

He came off the guy, ready to go at him again, but just as quick and hard as he was throwing the punches, he stopped and softened at her touch. Whatever fire was in his eyes dimmed and he seemed nearly disgusted with what he'd done, glancing to the window to see the girl gone, then to Ari. "Yeah.. I .. guess he is. Sorry I just... we can stay or go. It's just him and her."

"You mean me? Julian, what the f*ck are you doing? Still trying to own me? You can't keep doing this," the girl at the doorway said, leaning there, not going to help her 'new' guy.

"Great.." She whispered, hearing the girl's voice from behind her, Ari sighed and reached to touch his cheek. "So that's it huh?.. the too good to be true.. control freak, huh?" She winked for him, feeling his cheek swelling. "I think we need to get you some ice.. it's up to you if you want to go.. you can stay and talk to her if you want to."

[Lovely]

"If you call self-defense being a control freak, sure," he winced, feeling the sting now. "Thought you wanted a party? Plenty of ice inside, the night's still young. I'm stayin' if you're stayin'." He didn't give the girl at the door another look.

"In some warped realities it might be." She showed him a small smile and reached to lace her fingers into his. "I wanted a good time.. the party was your idea. I'm staying if you're staying." She leaned the small distance to kiss his unmarred cheek.

"Whaddya mean? I'm having a blast," he chuckled. "Did I mention I'm Irish?"

"Yeah.. that was pretty entertaining." She laughed as well. "Did I mention.. I adore Irish men?.. specially mostly harmless but slightly crazy ones who take me to parties and start it off with a fist fight." She grinned and eased back on her heels to push herself to stand and pull him up with her.

"Great. Do you know any?" he winked as she helped him up. "This one's entirely crazy.. and I didn't start the fight."

"Entirely crazy.. do you remember what I was doing when we met? We could be a dangerous combination." She grinned, keeping her hand curled into his. "Didn't say you started the fight.. just our entrance to the party with one."

"Dangerous.. could be interesting. Let me get you a drink. Let me get me a drink, I think I could use one," he mused, stepping past the irritated woman at the door.

Ari didn't even look at the girl as they passed by her, it was as if she was not even there. Ari's gaze was focused on Julian and quite amused and showing that adoration she mentioned. "A drink sounds wonderful, thanks."

"Never let it be said I don't know how to show a -lady- a good time," he said pointedly for someone to hear as he escorted her toward the 'bar' in the kitchen set up with an assortment.

"Well lets not get ahead of ourselves." She replied after they were past the girl enough that she wouldn't hear their conversation unless she'd followed. "We still have to see how you dance." She teased him, leaning into his arm a bit.

"Like a piss drunk Irish stiff after a fist fight," he shrugged, leaning to the oversized trash bin with ice and bottled beers to pull one out for his cheek and one for her if she wanted.

"Ooo.. that's what I like." She laughed and leaned to take the bottle from him, trading a small kiss for it. "Thank you."

"If I'd known you'd be this easy t'please, lass, I'd have skipped the party altogether and just taken y'right home," he rattled with a less fierce and more charming gleam in his eye.

"Be still my heart, you naughty devil." Her eyes held their own playful and inviting sparkle in a delightful blue to compliment his green.

[Lovely]

"Ah, she's found me out already," he trilled playfully, popping the beer open to drink anyway. "The question is... how naughty do I get to be?" He winked and spun away, reaching for her hand to twirl her back up beside him. "About that dancin'... this way."

She didn't answer his question directly, it was a playful counter question she retorted with as he spun her gently up against him again. The tip of her tongue played over her lip a second. "Who said anything about dancing in front of all these people?" She teased him, a bit bolder as she took a swig of her beer, wrapping her other arm around his shoulder.

"Hmm... I didn't, at least I surely didn't hear myself say it, did you?" He muttered, musing over the closeness even though his face was half-numb and half-scorched with pain. The smile turned up a notch as he muttered closer to her ear. "Say we said nothin' o' the sort... y'think they'd notice? Take a few of these and skitter away to a dark corner somewhere?"

She chuckled, sliding her hand along his arm and looking over his face a little. "I think you might want to bring some ice and a towel.. let me give you a little tlc.." She glanced around at the room they were in and frowned. "Do they have any decent tuck away spots here?" Her fingers brushed tenderly above where his cheek swelled.

He smirked, pointing up at the ceiling, indicating the upstairs probably had several. "Though... how do you define 'decent'?" His expression turned a little worried that his idea of partying friends and hers were a little different. "Y'don't mind a rowdy, cantankerous bunch, I hope... how many points do y'suppose I get for using 'cantankerous', hm?"

"I think you get bonus points for that." She shook her head and leaned into him a bit. "I don't mind a rowdy bunch.. did you see that girl out there cheering you on in the little fight?"

"Mm hmm... I did. Hope you're not the jealous type. I think I might like her just a little. Think you could handle that?"

"Oh hell .. where did she go? I'm gonna kick her ass.. "

Somehow his hand managed to find its way to pinch teasingly. "Kicking it wasn't what I had in mind," he winked, his eyes shining nearly like they had on the porch. "Maybe... she went upstairs."

She jumped a little at the pinch, pushing up against him with a giggle, her arms wrapped loosely around him and she smiled at his 'idea'. "You think.. maybe?... hmm we should go look for her."

"Ooooh yeah," he agreed quietly, not really wanting to move from right here. "You don't suppose she'd notice she's missing something... I think she left this behind," he murmured closer, offering to pull her closer into a kiss like the one at the car earlier, though there was no show to put on this time and he wondered if that's all it had been.

If she could actually purr she would have as he came closer, her arms naturally curling tghter around his shoulders and she lifted up slightly to meet him. This time there was a little more to the kiss that did not rival but surpassed the one by the car. Her lips parted softly to accept his kiss and return it, this time though, the tip of her tongue reached to entice his into a tender dance.

[Lovely]

The acceptance alone spoke volumes that even after his rowdy exhibition she wasn't shying away, telling him to stop, telling him to be anything different. More unexpected was the rest of the action, tempting and teasing, exploring more to get to know him in ways he didn't mind responding to. Partly chuckling, partly pouting that they were far too conspicuous here, he was still reluctant to let go, for however long it was before he remembered he needed to breathe. "Sweeter than wine," he murmured out, seeming happily dazed.

Her breath came like a whispered sigh and her eyes shone bright, though half shuttered as she curled against his chest. She wanted to know more about him, enticed by the kisses they had shared and what she'd seen of him thus far. He seemed 'real', fun, exciting, a little wild, passionate and caring but was that just what she wanted him to be? She hoped he was genuine and was surprised to find herself hoping for anything. Ari nearly laughed and the delight of the moment shone warmly in her eyes and smile.

He couldn't find any words for several moments, wondering if he'd been knocked cold on the porch and this was a dream, but the warmth of her there told him. He glanced around for other implements of his destruction, spying a lethally full bottle of tequila unattended that he reached for, offering with a raised brow, part challenge, part 'why not' for their journey to other parts in the shadows. "Lost and found? I'd say it's found ... and we're to be lost somewhere... up there. C'mon."

Her soft laugh floated out as she looked to the bottle, she accepted that offer with a small nod. Her bright blues leveled on the man though when she spoke. "Looks like an adventure I'd love to be part of." She reached behind her to relace her fingers in his and shifted closer to walk with him, whether he kept her hand or his arm wrapped around her for the trip upstairs. "Might be that the bottle is not the only 'thing' that's found.."

"Well I wonder what she means by that," he teased, wrapping his arm around her, low and hinting as they walked between and around other people parked in varieties of groups and twosomes, some who nodded and smiled, but more or less ignored them in passing, save one furious blonde nursing the grizzly-man in the kitchen whose eye shined darker than the trash bag holding the ice she dipped into for another beer for herself as she stared at the couple moving past.

Ari paid little attention to the people they passed, other than to return a smile when one or a nod to them was recieved. She didn't know these people, they were his friends or friends of his friends and so on, she was polite but not overly anxious to mingle with them. That fact had little to with them and everything to do with the handsome man she was 'sneaking off' with. Her attention was very focused on him, curled close to his side and leaning into his chest as they 'squeazed' by some of the other pairings. The blonde and her bully were not even spared a passing glance as Ari much prefered the warmth she had her arms wrapped around. Her thumb hooked through one of his belt loops as her hand rested on his hip.

"Usually meant to keep them on, but I'd keep a close eye... they tend to do tricks on their own," he teased as she slipped into the loop. He obviously did more than fighting, keeping himself thin, but solid.

She blushed a little at first, thinking he was hinting that he didn't like her hand where it was and starting to slide it away. "Sorry.. just sort of went there." She brushed it off, making note not to do that again. Of course if they never saw each other again after tonight -it wouldn't really matter, but she was starting to want this to be more than a chance meeting. She wasn't a one night stand or all the way on the first date girl, but here she was making her way upstairs with him and considering breaking those rules. It isn't everyday you meet someone you really click with -she'd said it herself and to just let it pass would be a shame.

He chuckled and swerved away, bottle in one hand and tugging at her hand with the other as he backed away and up the stairs, pulling and enticing her to follow faster. "S'alright, I go 'there' all the time," he winked. "No harm, lass, but y've nothing t'be sorry for... now or ever."

[Lovely]

"I bet you do.." She murmured with a bit of a playful smile as she stepped faster to chase after him. Her eyes rolled down and up him again as he backed up the stairs with her following closely. "Well.. aren't you just temptaion wrapped up in stylish clothes." Her eyes danced with a playful teasing as she reached to hook him again and pull herself up against him on the landing at the top of the stairs.

"Never know... could be a model m'self," he teased more, the gleam bright and cheerful as he stopped to 'pose' a brief moment. "Ah.. would y'look at that..," he looked, in awe and leaned closer to her to whisper. "An open room... y'suppose if we sneak up on it..?"

She gave a little 'ooo' when he posed, blowing him a kiss as she nodded to tease. Her eyes cast to the door and she gave him a wink. "Shhh we'll have to be very quiet.." She brought a tempting kiss to his lips and gently pushed him back towards the door.

"Hmm... before or after, I wonder," he said, watching her as she 'tipped' him back up the stairs. He seemed to move like water, dodging an outstretched foot on the landing belonging to a slightly unconscious reveler who leaned on an even less conscious date. "No need for quiet, all's well. This way," he said normally without so much as a flinch from the two he hovered even closer to. Satisfied that they'd notice nothing, he left them to keep watch and pushed the door of the room open further, apparently something he was accustomed to since the trophies and ribbons within bore his own name.

She stumbled gracefully into the room with him, half twined and giving his ear a nibble. Her arm curled around his waist as they stepped inside and pulled apart briefly. Her eyes were drawn to trophies and ribbons and her chuckle came softly. "Soooo come here often?" She teased noticing the name Julian on a few things that were close enough to read. "Wow.. this guy has the same first name as you.. that is so strange.." Her eyes danced with playful sparkle as she did a slow turn in place to look around. "So you.. live here? .. and that jerk had the nerve to hit you? Wow.. I should have let you hit him some more."

He shrugged, blushing a little, but not too dark. He'd forgotten the 'litter' in the place. "More or less... more 'less' lately. It's a place for my stuff anyway and I just visit it once in a while... well, maybe a little more since... um... yeah, wild homecoming, huh?" He caught a glimpse of the work-over he'd gotten reflected in the brass he walked past. "Shit, why didn't you tell me I was bleeding all over?" He seemed embarrassed about it now, making sure he hadn't marked up her blouse.

"It's not that bad.. I can fix it.. I told you you needed ice and tlc.. you should have listened." She gave a shrug and brushed her fingers over the drops of blood that had gotten on her shirt, as if it were no big deal. Many girls would be freaking out over something like blood on their shirt or having to patch him up, but for Ari.. it was just the clean up after the fun. "Do you have a first aide kit somewhere? I can do you up right.. or just improvise with a couple bandaides." She glanced around quickly and grabbed a couple napkins that looked clean. These she gently pressed against the cut to stem the bleeding.

"Nice. Thanks, but about the only medical anything I think we have is this," he said, holding up the tequila. "And don't you think it. I'm not wasting a drop of this for external anything. I'm sure we've got something around, but right now... if I'm not dying..."

"No, you're not dying but alcohol and bleeding is a bad mix.. and that it's you bleeding and I like you. Besides it's icky and messy.. So we're going to fix it and carry on.. kay?"

"What's a good healthy blood-letting once in a while, anyway? Out with the bad... sure it was poisoned enough," he remarked, nearly coldly and feeling far too sober. He opened the bottle to take a sip. "May be bad, but bad can be good and good is good, right?"

[Lovely]

"Listen.. you're getting a bandaide whether you like it or not.. I'll get one out of my purse and hold you down if I have to!" She threatened, part playful, but serious. "The tough guy thing is very sexy.. but blood on my face when we're making out isn't and if you don't let me stop the bleeding that's what we'll be dealing with. It will take me one minute.. promise and I'll kiss you all better after... deal?"

He smiled and took the sip he was after, but only a small one. "Promise? Ari, I'm sure it will be fine. I've done much worse before, but if a bandaid is my worst punishment this evening, so be it, lass. Get to bandagin' so we can carry on with that other stuff you were mentionin'."

She chuckled and her hand went to his shoulder to push him back and down into the chair. She followed him smoothly and slid to sit in his lap, part side ways due to the short skirt she wore. Her tiny purse was slung over her shoulder and diagnal across her chest to rest at her side and be hardly noticed. Inside she had a few essentials, including a very slim case which held an assortment of bandaides and such. She used two little butterfly bandages to pull and hold his skin back together, an antiseptic wipe to gently cleanse the cut, and a tiny packet of antibiotic ointment to help it heal and prevent infection. As she'd promised -it all only took a minute and she leaned to kiss his lips softly when she was done.

"Good as new," he smiled. "Well.. good as I started out, anyhow. Don't need to stop, of course. I don't mind if you keep going."

"I'd say pretty damn good." She murmured, brushing her words teasingly over his lips and shifting to settle more closely in his lap.

"A different direction that I was meaning, but I don't mind that either," he whispered back, setting the bottle aside and clasping his hands behind her back. "Pretty damn... I'll stop there," he grinned up, letting his eyes speak more for him as he reached for more kisses.

She sighed and came down to grant him a deeper kiss, pulling back now and then to tease over his lip and tempt his tongue gently with hers. Her hands cupped his face softly and slid tenderly into his hair, this was not the kiss of a casual meaningless encouter. There was no one there to show off for and she kissed him with a passion that sparked and flowed from her.

The competetive edge was something ever just beneath the surface, striving to come out and be just a little more than before, a little better or stronger, though not with the intention of conquering, but merely challenging himself and her. That inner fire touched the kiss and every subtle movement he made. He didn't need to speak about himself with all he showed her like this.

A part of her felt as though she could go on kissing him for days and she felt the smile tug at her lips as she tenderly took his again. His kiss was like something she'd dreamed, damn near perfect as their sublte shifts and movements matched each other, they explored deeper without words.

"So y'think I'm going to live?" He said, finally resting his head back to breathe and relax a little more, or she'd have more cleaning up to do. "Surely you're not comfortable up there, hm?"

[Lovely]

"Well I can't promise you won't need more mouth to mouth later.. but I think it's safe to say you'll live to drink and brawl another day." Her smile was light as she watched him lean his head back. She wiggled very gently in his lap and shrugged. "Where do you think I'd be more comfortable?"

He looked over his shoulder only a little, the hint at the bed being nearly as strong as the arms holding her. It did appear that he hadn't spent much time in the room unless he was meticulous about the way he left it since the covers were nearly a quarter-bouncing smooth. "Looks neglected a bit, don't you think? Not suggestin' anything more than a little more room, mind you, though I'm not in any hurry now, either," he murmured, his fingers resting a little lower to help her settle right fine where she was.

She glanced at the bed, noticing now how neatly made it was, her eyebrow raised slightly for a moment. "It looks all empty and lonely.." She commented, turning her attention back to the man who kept his stuff in this room. Her fingers brushed over his lips as she licked her own softly. "I have to warn you though.. if we go over there.." She nodded toward the bed. "It's possible that we'd stretch out and even get comfortable.. and eventually we might fall asleep.. then you be stuck with me till morning.. have to wake up next me and all that.. not sure if you want to risk spending the night with me."

"Hm... me taking such a risk as that? Could spell trouble," he teased, not moving anywhere from where he was yet and letting her know just 'scared' he was about her warning with the light squeeze that pulled her more into his lap.

She tipped down to give him a brief soft kiss, whispering to his lips. "Trouble's my middle name.."

"Funny how mine is too... actually it's Vince, but it sounds like 'trouble' when it's whispered at sunrise after a nice sobering nap... if I get around to it."

She half grinned as her face tipped and she slowly nibbled over his neck with soft kisses. "Sunrise.. is a long way off.. what should we do till then? Assuming that was a hint that you wanted me to stick around that long."

"Well it wasn't a subtle one by any stretch, if that's what you're asking. Yes it is... and yes, I do," he whispered, stretching against the offered nibbles. "What would we do for hours? Night's young, yet, and this bottle's barely tipped... myself however... I'm feeling very..."

"Mmm very.." She whispered, tracing along the line of kisses with the tip of her tongue. ".. I like very.." She brought herself around to brush his lips with hers.

"I could tell you a lot more things about me if you're still wanting to talk," he murmured, hardly interested in words as much as more of the quiet, soft experiencing he was enjoying that she had to have noticed by now in the way he held her so close in his lap.

She shifted to recross her legs as she sat sideways in his lap, smiling as soft as her kisses over his lips. "Then pour us a drink.. and tell me more.." She reached for the bottle to uncap it and take a drink.

[Lovely]

"Do I get a choice of which cup I'd like to fill?" He raised his eyebrow with a devilish smirk. "I tease, but not entirely. A bit about me... hmm, that may have said more than I should have already." He reached for the bottle, but moved it aside, hinting more that he wanted to share her sip.

She took his hint and brought her mouth back to his, still wet with the tequila from the swig she'd taken. Her tongue was still tingling as she leaned to tangle with him again.

He shared the tingle and the tender moment, then paused to take a drink and return the favor and subtle flavor of the entwined drink and kiss. More insistent now, he sat up more straight, still holding her cradled but reaching his other hand into the length of feathery hair at her shoulders, caressing lightly and tangling, wishing to entwine deeper.

The taste of the tequila was good, but damn the way he was kissing her -he- tasted better. She felt warmer from the way his fingers tangled into her hair and how he held her than from the alcohol they shared. She slowly pulled away after one very passionate kiss, her eyes filled with sparkles and flame he'd awoken. Taking a breath to calm her galloping heart and senses, she asked softly. "Anything else you want to tell me?"

He nodded, his fingers lightly sifting through her hair. "Though you might hear it better over there," he said gently, not hinting at anything more than being there, but the host of ideas it gave him was hardly quiet in his eyes and the raggedness of his own breath.

She took another glance at his bed and sighed ever so softly, it was so tempting.. so inviting. She wanted to curl up there with him and whatever happened -happened. Though a part of her hoped to wake up curled with him.. next week. She shifted to let her legs slide off his lap some, ready to stand. Ari leaned back to kiss him again. "Promise.. you won't think I'm one of those sl*tty party girls if I can't resist you?" She teased, but lightly told him this wasn't something she did.

"Only if you return the favor... but call me a girl and I won't think twice about leaving you like the puddle downstairs," he winked, moving slowly from the chair.

She chuckled softly sliding her hands over his shoulders as he rose, she backed slowly towards the bed. "I don't think you have any worries about me calling you a girl."

"And y'have no worries about me thinking that about you," he said, fully honest and sounding sober still enough to enforce that sincerity. He danced slightly into her grasp, pulling himself closer to her warmth as she backed to cushion.

She smiled and her eyes held their sparkling warmth as she spoke with a hint of shyness tinting her words. "Of course I do.. I'm letting my guard down and myself be vunerable.. to someone I find intriguing, exciting and attractive in more than just a physical way. I should be terrified."

"Makes two of us," he muttered, offering a grin, bringing his fingers over her cheek. "Though that's not the part that frightens me... more, being afraid you're just a trick of the light, a dream and that I don't see what I see."

[Lovely]

"I'm no dream.. I wouldn't be trembling like this if I were." She murmured softly, keeping her hands on his shoulders so he wouldn't actually see it. She pulled him closer as she eased down backward onto the bed, looking up to his eyes above her. "If I'm the one dreaming.. I don't want to wake up."

Julian set down beside her and shifted himself around against the wall. "And if I don't let you fall asleep until you're completely comfortable? Don't be frightened of me, Ari. I told you, I'm harmless... by that alone I promise you, anything begins and everything stops with your word."

Ari settled to the pillow and watched him, finding him very handsome even with the cut and bruise. "Not scared of you like that. I'm a kick boxer for petesakes. I could have taken big foot down, when he sucker punched you." She whispered, running her finger over his lower lip. "This is a different fear.. I just met you but I want to be in this vunerable position with you.. That is a little scary."

"Fair enough, though I think I did alright against him on m'own." He kissed her fingertip. "It is scary, and knowing you could kick my own arse from here to Tuesday... well, if you were willing to kiss it well after... alright, maybe I'm not a hundred percent harmless, not thinking what y'have me thinking, alright? But I'm not usually one to have anyone polishing my trophy on the first date." He chuckled and rolled to his back a little. "Confession is that I don't do this at all, Ari. Not in over four years with something that ended tonight... and not a moment too soon. Everything's for a reason, right?"

"I'm not exactly a professional trophy polisher.. though my ex had no complaints.." She sighed and rolled to her tummy. "I suppose things do happen for a reason.. A week today.. since mine ended.. Same guy since I was a sophmore in high school. So.. you can guess how often I've done this kind of thing.."

"No complaints if I were to ask you then... t'stay until morning anyway, though you may have nothing to confess in the morning.. this time? My only other confession is that I so strongly feel that reason ... is you... that everything that's happened was for this moment and a month of Sundays of moments just like this."

"I thought I was the only one thinking like that.. was wondering what you'd be doing next weekend.." She burried her face in the pillow a moment to gather her wits and her courage, lifting to reveal a gentle smile as she nodded. "I'd very much like to stay.."

"Well then it's settled. I think we should drink to that," he winked. He propped himself up to start crawling past her for the bottle, but stopped as halfway.

Her eyes followed him as he moved above her, seeing him pause she gave a questioning gaze, wondering if something was amiss.

"Just admirin'... sorry," he shrugged, slipping past the rest of the way as she tracked him. He picked up the bottle and reached for a small box from the top of the desk while he was standing there. Bringing both back, he sat on the other side of her to take a sip from the bottle and pass it over.

"Oh." She breathed with a soft smile lighting up her face, she would have pulled him back and told him to forget the drink but he moved to quickly for her to recover from his compliment and hold onto him. Taking the bottle from him she took another sip and shifted a pillow behind her to prop against as she sat up next to him.

[Lovely]

What he pulled from the box shouldn't have been too much of a surprise considering the decorations holding down the papers on the shelves. He pulled a ribbon from the box and the medal dangle from it close to her hand to look at and read. "Me in a box, I suppose you could say. Or something I was once before I took up drinking and brawling as hobbies."

"Why would you want to put yourself away in a box?" She asked him softly, reaching to hold the medal in her hand, though she looked to his face. "Drinking and brawling are good fun now and then.. but you shouldn't replace yourself with those."

He raised his eyebrow and reached for the bottle. "That was about four years ago. Next question?"

"So.. it was because of the girl?" Her eyebrow rose and her fingers ran over the medal in her hand. "But.. why? Why would she want you to.. why would you..? I'm sorry.. that's probably something .. I shouldn't pry."

"It was a challenge.. she was a challenge down to the end. Not one to pass up a challenge, though it wasn't smart, but it was fun once in a while. I'm seeing now how often it wasn't. Just an hour with you has made me see that."

"Does that mean I'm easy?" She laughed softly, giving him a look as if to say -please don't say yes.

"I wasn't speakin to that at all," he defended, himself, pulling the medal back. "Just statin' an opinion and an observation that in the past hour or two, I think I've come out of my box," he grinned.

"I was kidding.. I just don't want to be.. too 'easy' and boring, if you know what I mean?" She reached to brush his cheek with her free hand. "I like what I've seen since we met.. maybe in a few more hours I can convince you to set your box on fire."

He smiled, but didn't pull away from her touch. "You're assuming it's not already," he whispered, turning to catch her fingers with a kiss.

"Is it? Cause then my question would be how do you want to celebrate?"

"A little of this...," he murmured, setting the box aside to tend to her more directly with his hand around her and reaching for the bottle, keeping both close.

With a swift but gentle movement she pulled the bottle from his hand and leaned over the side of the bed to set it on the floor. She smiled softly as she turned back to wrap that arm around him now. "There.. that's better."

"I can't agree more," he said, even more hushed as her arm pulled him even closer. He found his way to entwine more, her hair, her kiss, the brush of her leg beside his, so innocent yet so... "Much better...," he nibbled over her lip... better than his ex, better than he'd been feeling in months, better to hold her than cold glass, just better.

The soft smile that kept her lips curved up was felt in her heart as well. He was right.. this was much better than anything else she could have been doing right then. Better than anyone else she could have been spending these moments with. She lost herself in gentle exploring kisses for what seemed like hours of tender bliss, though at the same time, it felt as though time stopped.

[Lovely]

***********************************************


If he hadn't looked at the clock, he wouldn't have cared. The girl and her bully downstairs would have gone home and the piles of snoring, beer-dazzled guests would be growing in corners and doorways now. This time he was staying, his own room, his own rules, not following the blonde out the door. He'd never heard the house like this or enjoyed it the way he was now. Julian rolled to his side to admire a few moments, running his fingers through the locks he'd helped tangle. "Sounds like their party's wrapping up out there... which meeeaaans... they're either gone, asleep, or...," he shrugged a little, chuckling his way lightly out of the embarrassed words that almost fell out. It was clear he refrained from saying something tasteless in favor of the whisper instead. "Enjoying themselves like we are."

His voice brought a smile to her lips as she heard it, her eyes fluttered from their resting and the blue hues shone softly over at him. "Hello.." She sighed, relaxed, content.. enjoying herself immensely just being next to him. It was wonderfully different to not feel the pressure to be sparklingly perfect every moment. "I hope that doesn't mean our party has to end." She curled closer to him, gently tucking the covers around to keep them both warm. "I don't think anyone else could possibly be enjoying themselves quite like we are."

"Doesn't have to end, but there may be a moment of insanity and desire for cold, stale pizza or soggy nachos if you're interested." He leaned back to taste her kiss instead. "Unless you're hungry for something else."

"Not interested in soggy nachos.." She slid her arms along his and over his shoulders, wrapping around and pulling him back for another kiss. Damn his lips.. his mouth.. so very kissable, she could get addicted.

"Hmm... so y'have something better in mind, hm?" He could easily lose himself in the tender attention for another few hours. "And what might that be I wonder."

"The sweetest sweet I've tasted.." She murmured, sinking into more tender clinging kisses. so very sweet and addicting.. goodness his lips were wonderful. Ariane felt as though she could spend hours like this.

It wasn't the tequila talking and it hadn't been. He looked at the bottle on the floor and his eyebrow quirked a little. Interesting, he thought, and now he wondered. "Ari... you didn't have any plans today, did you?"

She stretched a bit, snuggling back to him after a moment. "No.. not really.. day off. Was thinking of sleeping in and being lazy.. but I wouldn't really call that plans."

His smile curled a little more playfully. "That's too bad, because I wasn't planning on letting you sleep... and hopefully not letting you be lazy. Well, not exactly," he hinted, curling his kiss down to her shoulder and neck.

"Ohhhh." She giggled ever so softly, brushing her fingers lightly over his back and arching gently into his kiss. "Mmmm I could postpone sleeping for awhile.." She teased, gently digging in with her nails to let him feel them running along his back, but not hard enough to leave real marks.

[Lovely]

*********************

Snuggled against her while she slept, Julian stared at the ceiling and replayed the evening, perhaps the most amazing evening he could remember ever having. That he -did- remember it was an event in itself. So he'd been dumped for a bowl of dogfood and his ego felt like something left in the litter box, so what? He'd met this wonderful girl in a bar who stuck up for him in a fight, who enjoyed conversation -with- him, not at his expense with her girlfriends like he wasn't even there, she liked interesting things and was interested in what he said. And he really liked that she wasn't all about hood ornaments, she liked him as a person, not a Varsity letter. He was afraid to sleep, afraid he'd wake up and she'd have left, too, or maybe that she'd never even existed. He winced, pinching himself, literally, and mumbling untelligibly, trying to wake her. Another and he still felt her warmth and curves against him. He repeated this ritual several times even remarking to himself that it actually did hurt, but he couldn't remember really feeling the punch to his face. He pinched again, still smiling muttering as he had, "Yup... still here."

Ari was curled next to Julian, wearing only his sheet and blanket, personally she was warm and content and tired out from how they'd been enjoying themselves. She was all that until he stirred next to her and she groaned softly as his little 'episode' woke her from a peaceful dozing, she grumbled, "Stop that.." and grabbed for his hand to still him and pull him down around her so she can doze a little more.

"Okay. So if I pinch you and you wake up, do I disappear?" Hearing her voice helped his 'dream' that much more as he curled around her.

"You pinch me and wake me up.. I'll bite you." She murmured back, her lips curling up in a smile as she closed her eyes more tightly. "No getting up yet.. I never get to sleep in or laze around in bed like this.. just enjoy it."

"Says who?" He didn't need to elaborate on what he was talking about. She could tell he was more than enjoying this. He snuggled closer. "You can lounge as long as you want. Time stops here."

"Don't say things like that... you might never get me out of your bed." She let a soft content sigh out, letting her fingers lace into his.

"Mm... sorry to burst that bubble but eventually I'll have to. All play and no work makes Julian a broke and unhappy boy. Can't take you dancing either," he muttered, kissing her shoulder and the back of her neck.

She pouted a little, but the kisses over her skin, brought her smile back quickly. "Eventually I have to go to work myself.. but the thought of staying like this indefinitely was nice while it lasted."

"Oh the thought can stay. That's what pause is for. Hold that thought and come back to it later. I'm a replay man, myself... again and again," he teased, nibbling slowly over her skin.

"Replay hmmm... I like the sound of that." She stretched gently under his attention, savoring the feel of his lips on her skin.

"Whatever was in that drink last night, make sure I get you one of those again," he said, leaning on his arm and looking over her shoulder as she stretched. His aches and pains were nearly forgotten now.

"Why? It wasn't the drink that made the night so enjoyable." She smiled and half rolled onto her back so she could see him somewhat and slip her arm around his shoulder.

"Maybe not but why jinx a good thing by changing it? I believe in luck.... live by it enough," he muttered, changing his tone as she shifted in the morning light and reached up to him.

"And how has your luck been lately?" She'd seen what she would call a mix of good and bad the night before and wondered honestly how he saw the same events.

"Up until about five minutes ago, I'd say a little over my quota of not-so-good. Brought most of it on myself, though. A bit of an overachiever," he shrugged, looking back at the trophies around the room. "Consistent at least in that, but the rest... is definitely turned for the better."

"Why five minutes ago?" She asked, softly, curious still as to what he was thinking. Two different people, her perception of things might be different and she wasn't going to get offended or assume.. before she knew.

"When I stopped pinching myself to make me believe that we're both really here and I'm not just on some super trip from the party. That's when I really woke up," he whispered, leaning down to kiss her a 'good morning'.

"Ah.." Was all she got out before he was leaning down and she lifted up a little to meet him in the gentle kiss.