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Pan's First Kiss(Funny)
Raindrops(Funny)
CHAPTER 1
The amber haired girl gazed at her laptop as the green text flashed across the monitor. She completely ignored Rena's belated 'Christmas message' as she looked right through the computer, intending to reread it later. Her back was straight, arms steady, fingers poised on the keyboard, unmoving; her gaze distant, lost in the deep puddle of thoughts in her mind.
Jason's loud, exaggerated yawn from across the room made Ria snap out of her trance-like state. Dressed in all black, the young boy threw his black cap on the couch and frowned at himself in the mirror. He grabbed his hair and fooled with it, not getting more than organised brown chaos.
Sighing, he scrratched his temple and blew the long auburn bangs that had settled over his forehead, "There's nothing to do... Everyone's asleep!," Jason smiled inwardly as Ria 'pretended' to ignore him, "and *no* *one* to *talk* to..."
Her icey blood eyes blinked at the man who trudged towards the bed and lazily flopped on it, burying his face in the pillows. "I'm dead bored!," he complained, as he lay face-down on the soft cushion of the furniture. Jason sniffed and tried to sit up but only ended up tangling himself in the sheets.
Ria's gaze focused on Jason's hessy hair clumsily brushed and messed behind his head. Her eyes followed twists of brown strands, wondering how it would feel to run her fingers through its softness and silkiness. Ria quickly averted his gaze and observed Jason's long, slender fingers as he clenched and unclenched his fist. She watched as the boy tugged at the sheets, attempting to untwist them from his long limbs. The girl cocked her head sideways, her lips slightly curving upward. She looked up and scanned her friend's chiselled face, tracing the curve of his chin, his pouting lips, and memorizing the shape of his nose. Ria continued studying Jason's facial features then settled her gaze on a pair of big sparkling forest green eyes that blinked at her.
"Whhaaaaattt?." The boy whined, "Ria, Let's get out of this depressingly huge...estate! It's New Year's Eve!!"
One eyebrow arched, Ria stated monotonously, "It's six AM and there's a blizzard outside.," refocusing her attention to the computer and briefly scanned the message she had disregarded earlier. She grunted a 'hn' as she quickly replied Rena's letter.
After a couple of minutes, the soft tapping sounds of keys halted, making Jason peer at her curiously. His lips formed a cute pout and spoke, "C'mon! Let's check out Rena's grounds! This place is massive! And it's really a nice morning. I bet the air's cool and fresh out... OK! So it's snowy and freezing and numbing outside. But that doesn't mean we can't have..."
A bright smile immediately took over Jason's lips as he watched Ria turn off the computer and stand up. He grabbed the sheets around him and struggled to get up, "Hey, wait for me!"
* * *
CHAPTER 2
Smoked salmon, French omelettes, peach waffles, hot chocolate and other luxurious dishes were served on the sophisticatedly-dressed rectangular table. The combination of foods bringing out an awing fascination made everyone gawk and drool.
Breakfast at the Lanford estate.
"Aww, man! Real food!," Jason gobbled his, reaching for the nearest waffle.
The blue haired Nedian girl laughed, "I'm glad you like it." She nodded then looked at Sephiroth who sat in front of her, "So what are we doing today?"
Sephiroth shrugged, "Ask Jason."
Four pairs of eyes simultaneously set their gaze on the soilder who was too busy eating to notice. "You know," he spoke, stabbing a piece of Salmon, "I could really get used to this. Now *this* is life!" grinning to himself, "No missions..." he eyed his omelette--, "...no obligations..." --before swallowing it, "...no--"
"Jason..." Ria cut in, "Stop blabbing."
Jason looked up and blinked at everyone, clueless, "Eh...? What did I do?"
Rena politely smiled and asked, "What do you want to do today, Jason?"
"Is there a mall here? 'Cause I really need to buy new boxers!" he grinned madly at Ria, who failed to notice, "I'm sure we could also use some clothes for tonight's party."
"What party?" Rena inquired.
Jason answered, puppy eyes and all, "Well aren't you hosting one? It *is* New Year's Eve after all! It only happens once a year!"
"Jason, we're up in the mountains, in the middle of nowhere. Who's going to attend?" Sephiroth stated as a matter of fact-ly.
"Party pooper!" Jason stuck out his tongue.
"Wait..." Rena interrupted, "I could prepare something for the five of us...Neh, Jason?"
"Yeah!! You're so nice Rena! I'll help!" he winked.
"Thanks. So, what's the plan for today...?" Ria inquired.
"Mall!" Jason suggested.
"Closed."
"Park?"
"Blizzard."
"TV...?"
"Waste of time."
"Beach?"
"Too far.
"*HELL*?!?!"
"Not funny."
"Fine! This is wa~y too boring. We're stuck here." Jason frowned, "Rena..."
"Mmmm?"
"Do you happen to have a Jacuzzi here?" Jason eyed Ria once again, dying to see her in that red bikini he'd seen her pack.
"Yes, we do." Rena responded automatically.
* * *
CHAPTER 3
The big room was dark and warm, opposite from the atmosphere outside the mansion. The lights were dimmed and soft music was playing on the CD. The five decided they would relax and take opportunity of the short break they've been given.
Two pools were in the middle of the room, each able to accommodate six people. Bubbles spurted and steam rose from the water, the green marble tiles reflecting its soothing motions.
Jason was already in the pool, leaning back, contented and happy. Rena was beside Sephiroth, both of their legs submerged in the water while they sat in silence...peace. Ashton remained seated on the chair beside the pool, his eyes closed, arms over his chest, resting, or probably appreciating the heat that radiated from the pool.
Not bothering to remove her top, Ria lowered himself into the water a couple of feet beside Jason. Her arms resting on the edge of the pool, she leaned back and stared at the white ceiling. The Jacuzzi wasn't what she had in mind, but there wasn't anything else to do. Plus, it was freezing cold everywhere she went, except this room.
"Man, this feels soo great." Jason commented as he wriggled his toes underwater. He closed his eyes and sighed, with a silly 'No-One's-Pulling-Me-Out-Of-This-Jacuzzi' grin. He brushed his fingers through his choppy hair, untangling and retangling it as something to do. Letting some strands into the heated water.
Ria could feel feathery sensations as Jason's hair brushed against the tip of his fingers. She slowly looked at her hand, and the glittering hair she was semi-clutching. It felt so soft and silky between her fingers and grabbed a couple inches more of the beautiful hair and twisted it between her fingers, caressing. She cherished the sight of Jason: eyes closed, head tilted upwards resting on the edge of the pool, and arms crossed over his *bare* chest, while a cheeky grin played on his lips. A very lovely sight.
Suddenly, one forest green eye lazily peered at Ria, and widened at the beautiful girl's intense gaze. They stared at each other for several more seconds, eyes imploring ... searching. Both yearning for the same goal. Time froze and both tried to cope up with their actions, confused yet knowing.
Breaking their avid exchange, Jason averted his eyes and quickly stoop up. He could feel his face grow hot, his heartbeat race, but managed to remain calm.
"Ah... I think I've had enough warmth for the day!" he declared, stretching his arms. He reached for the thick cream-coloured towel and dried his upper torso, then tied it on his hips over his dripping boxers. "Thanks Rena!" he smiled cheerfully. Turning his back to them as he walked out, dissapointed at himself for not getting a genuine look at her bathing suit.
Ria remained in the pool as she ironically *froze* in the burbling heat of the water. Her face composed of her usual, expressionless features. Eyes dull, lips uncaring, but deep inside her heart pumped intense emotions through her brain. Confusion. Hurt. Disappointment. Rejection. Hope.
The boy walked straight to the door, avoiding Ria's confused expression.
Idiot... you blew it. He sighed to himself as he trudged back to his room, shoulders slumped.
* * *
CHAPTER 4
"Aa… Rena lady, you won't get busted for carting all these alcohol in this party, ne? Neh???" Jason grinned mischievously, eyes gleaming as two cases of beer was reeled in by the waiter. The so-called party started 2 hours ago and dinner has just been served. The combat experts sat back on their comfortable red plush chairs enjoying the last few minutes of the year.
"I don't think so…" Rena pursed her lips in a thoughtful line. "So are you guys up for it?"
"I'm not drinking." Ashton stated flatly, ignoring Jason's impish grins and Ria's smirks. He crossed his arms over his chest and closed his eyes, "And you guys aren't making me."
"What a wuss…" Jason sarcastically countered, one fine eyebrow raised.
The long haired boy glared at him determined refuse Jason's plans for him to drink beer. The other girl only smiled with equal determination to make Ashton have a drunkenly wicked time.
He did anyway…
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There were eleven tall brown bottles on the table, most of them empty, and the rest half empty. Five of those empty bottles were in front of Jason, who was having difficulty sitting up straight.
"Now, now..." Jason argued, "For the third -- "
"Fifth!" Ashton snorted, chugging down his second bottle.
"Eh? ... Bah! ... *hic!* ... OK, *fourth*! I am not drunk!" hiccuping, he reached for his fifth bottle. Failing to grab his drink, he frowned, "Can someone hand me my beer?"
"Hey! What time is it?" Sephiroth asked.
"Past two in the morning." Ria replied, looking down at her military watch.
"Oh? Why are we up so early..."
Rena, who was sitting in front of Jason, giggled, "What're your New Year's Resolutions guys?"
No one spoke. Too busy thinking perhaps. The four were a bit taken aback by the question, catching them off-guard.
"Well, for starters ..." Jason began, "... Hey waiter! Gimme another bot'le!" frantically waving at the blurred image behind Rena.
"How about a limit to your beer, Jason" Ria interrupted.
"Wha--?" The boy blinked, sniffing his hair.
"Your New Year's Resolution."
"Oh. No way! That would take out all the fun!" Jason pouted, which was quickly replaced with a big grin when his beer was served. He grabbed the bottle and drank one-thirds of it in a gulp. "Ah!," slamming down the bottle, "Why don't we have a drinking contest?"
The tall girl stood up and spoke, "I think you've had enough alcohol, Jason."
"What? Empty already...?" Jason peered at his beer. He shook it, and tilted it upside down. To his surprise, cold liquid came crashing down his face and on his clothes.
"Shit!!! Soo cold!" he stood up, knocking down his chair. The waiters quickly grabbed towels and fussed over the man's mess. Ria sighed and slowly stood up, a frown on her lips.
Jason staggered backwards and closed his eyes as he felt firm arms aiding him. He sighed and leaned his head on something warm ...
These comforting sensations were the last that had registered in his mind as grogginess took over.
* * *
CHAPTER 5
Jason was a mess. His head hurt like some hammer was banging nails aimed at his temples.
"This fuckin' sucks, man." he cursed himself, "Just how much did I drink?"
Swinging his legs beside the bed, Jason grabbed the night table to support himself up. He trudged towards the bathroom and washed his face. He looked up at the mirror and cringed at himself.
He really *was* a mess! He stuck out his tongue at the mirror and fixed his hair, pulling and hurting himself in the process. After several minutes of struggling to tie up his hair, he dragged his body out of the room and headed for the kitchen.
He needed coffee.
He gave everyone a quick wave and a brief smile then growled: "Gimme coffee and I'll be fine!" he grabbed an empty cup and sat beside Ashton.
"What did I do last night...?" Jason complained. "Eh!" Ashton shrugged, "Alcohol, I guess."
"What's for breakfast...?" Jason asked. Rena smiled and lifted the pan on the stove. "Lunch, you mean! It's one-thirty in the afternoon."
"Naw! Not hungry." Jason took a sip of his coffee, "Oh, by the way,," he grinned, "Happy New Year."
Ria and Sephiroth entered the kitchen a couple of minutes later, removing their scarves and jackets.
Jason smiled and inquired, "Where'd you go?"
"We went and fucked." Sephiroth replied quietly, grabbing a cup of hot chocolate. Satisfied by Jason's surprised reaction, Sephiroth grinned and added again, "We went to go make sure we didn't have *visitors* last night."
"How's your hangover?" Ria chided.
"How much did I drink? I can't even remember how I got to bed." Jason sighed.
The blue haired girl smiled and nodded towards Ria, "Ria helped you to bed."
Sephiroth took a seat. "You were too 'wasted' to walk to your room."
"So... still no mission?" Jason blinked.
Ria answered flatly, "None."
"Yatta! Another free day... what're we doing?" he glanced at Rena curiously.
Rena smiled warmly then shrugged, "Up to you!" she grabbed a vacant chair beside Sephiroth and sat down.
"Oh, I know!"
"Hope it's not another one of your stupid parties!" Ashton retorted, crossing his arms over his chest.
Jason put down his cup, "Hey! So alcohol was a mistake!" defending himself.
"So What do you wanna do?" Ria asked, an eyebrow raised.
The winds calmed the day before, leaving a smooth thick blanket of white everywhere. The hills glowed with unseen crystals, glittering at every touch of the sun's rays. "There's snow outside!" Eyes twinkling, Jason flashed everyone one of his trademarked grins.
* * *
CHAPTER 6
"DON'T. YOU. DARE. RIA. LIEN~N!" Jason yelled at the top of his lungs, nearly deafening the girl who jumped on the slay and pushed it forward, towards the steep incline of the hill, five-stories high. Both fighter's screams and whoops were dragged down with the slay as they sliced through the air and snow like a newly sharpened knife.
Cold air slapped Jason in the face sharp and painful but, heck, he was having the time of his life! He could feel the adrenaline coarse through his veins, and the warmth of the firm arms that surrounded him, almost embracing. He closed his eyes and let his hair flap behind them, tossed and twirled in the air. He leaned back and snuggled close to the well-shaped body behind him.
Ria.
They crashed down in a pile of limbs, snow on their faces, on their hair, in their clothes.
Jason lay on his back, eyes closed, breathing heavily, "Man, you are going to kill me!" he laughed.
He sensed Ria sit up and crawl towards him. "Hey! Listen, I'm not as psychotic as you are, Ria! Don't try to ... I mean" he talked breathlessly, trying not to laugh, "You and your suicidal stunts --"
Jason's eyes snapped open as he felt Ria's soft, warm lips brush over his.
"Jason..." their hot breaths mingling, "Can't you remember? Last night...?"
The boy gasped, his irises narrowing, memories of last night flooding through his mind. His expression shocked, raw emotion displayed on his chiselled features. He remembered…
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"Ria."
"What?"
Bloody, red eyes peering at me... "How do I look? I feel funny."
"Like a mess." Ria chuckles softly, opening the door for me.
I am laughing...but..."But would you still like me?" I ask barely above a whisper, my eyes uncertain and anxious.
"What?" Ria's face suddenly becoming serious.
"I'm sorry... I didn't mean to--" I didn't mean to offend her! I clench my eyes hard hoping the floor would just swallow me up. I can't believe I just said that. She must really think I'm fucked up..
"No, no. It's OK, Duo." The girl quietly replies, interrupting my thoughts.
My eyes are closed....I can't seem to open them. "Ria...?" Are you still there? My mind screamed.
"Yeah?" she whispered, lowering me to bed. Her gentle hands taking off my jacket...my shoes…
I suddenly blurt out, biting my lower lip, "I like you. I like you a lot."
"Jason, you're drunk." She simply tells me, warm hands, tucking me in...
"Is that bad?" I half-argued, half-wondered. Her hands lingering on my shoulders….Warm…
"Yeah, you should refrain from drinking." Ria advised, not quite catching my question.
"No, not that. About me liking you."
Ria is taken aback by my statement. I can feel her gaze sweeping my face, my hair. She is silent for a while probably taking into consideration what I had just said. She's standing up. I touch her hands....they stiffen...
"Jason, you're drunk. People say weird thinks when they are."
I smile, not daring to open my eyes. I open my mouth, hesitating then shut them again. I sigh deeply taking all the courage I could muster up. "But sometimes ... Ria, the weirdest things turn out to be true..."
Silence.
"I-I like you too, Jason." She sighs... I can *feel* her smile...
"You mean it?" I open my eyes wide and unbelieving. I search for any trace of sarcasm in Ria's red orbs but only finding warmth and honestly.
"Aa... Goodnight, Jason"
I reach out to embrace her, but she swoops down and kisses me so softly, so gently...
"Ria, Happy New Year." I murmur happily as I smile and try to kiss her back...
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"So warm..." Jason smiled at Ria, "Yes, I remember..."
They look into each others eyes, both finding love and passion, intense emotions, swirling in their depths.
"You're welcome..." Ria breathed, her lips curving upwards into a smile, one just for Jason.
Jason encircled her arms around Ria and hugged her closer, smiling back with equal sincerity and happiness, "Happy New Year, Ria..." he closed his eyes and savoured Ria's soft sweet lips, brushing against his intent ones in a feather light kiss.
