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  <title>Conquer and Devour.</title>
  <link>http://ellurian.livejournal.com/</link>
  <description>Conquer and Devour. - LiveJournal.com</description>
  <lastBuildDate>Mon, 03 Mar 2008 21:24:09 GMT</lastBuildDate>
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  <lj:journal>ellurian</lj:journal>
  <lj:journalid>5371992</lj:journalid>
  <lj:journaltype>personal</lj:journaltype>
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    <url>http://l-userpic.livejournal.com/67019230/5371992</url>
    <title>Conquer and Devour.</title>
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<item>
  <guid isPermaLink='true'>http://ellurian.livejournal.com/3197.html</guid>
  <pubDate>Mon, 03 Mar 2008 21:24:09 GMT</pubDate>
  <title>Lost Sparrington epics</title>
  <link>http://ellurian.livejournal.com/3197.html</link>
  <description>&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;Hey guys.&lt;/p&gt;  &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;I haven&apos;t posted any fic for a looong time, but now that I&apos;ve discovered the FANTASTIC &quot;Give me that Horizon&quot; archive, I will allow myself to search for&amp;nbsp; two &lt;span style=&quot;&quot;&gt;&lt;/span&gt;great stories &lt;span style=&quot;&quot;&gt;&lt;/span&gt;I&apos;ve read long ago.&lt;/p&gt;  &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;the first one is obviously a Sparrington which features James and Jack together, then flashes back and describes the first time Jack and James shared something: James is sitting in a pub(with his ship&apos;s first mates, very noisy scene, and I think they sang a loud mockery song about pirates as well) &lt;span style=&quot;&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/span&gt;Jack is sitting there all that while, listening but undiscovered. James spots him suddenly, yet Jack asks him not to reveal his presence and James follows him silently out of the pub. They begin talking and Jack conffeses some affection towards James and offers him to try something beyond platonic… beyond enemies. He kisses him rudely, then leaves quickly while leaving a shocked James behind. I think he leaves him a note... I am not sure.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;  &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;If I recall correctly, it also tells about a beautiful scene in which James is forced to quietly observe a soldier being whipped ( I think he lost his nerve somewhere along the scene and &lt;span style=&quot;&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/span&gt;commanded the whipping to stop). &lt;/p&gt;  &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;Back then the story was not finished and the last scene posted described Jack sneaking into James&apos;s cabin onto his ship, followed by a beautiful love making scene described right after wards. The night it happened&amp;nbsp; was described as a stormy, rainy night.&amp;nbsp; The story ends with one of them (James?) waking up in a lonely bed. &lt;/p&gt;  &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;Phew. &lt;span style=&quot;&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;  &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;Ok… another one. &lt;/p&gt;  &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;This story was thankfully completed (a rather mid length story posted in a breath taking single post… gah). It tells about James being abducted and held as a slave in a lost country. Jack is hired to find him by the Port Royal&apos;s governor I think, and succeeds, after a long journey. Tension is built between then during the journey home until the inevitable happens. The story holds some beautiful dark atmosphere, yet it is not tragic at all. &lt;/p&gt;  &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;I REALLY hope someone remembers these, and if I manage to find these stories indeed, I will make sure to send them to the new archive&apos;s authors. &lt;/p&gt;  &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;Thank you… I am not sure whether people realize this, but the stories featured in this fandom are the certainly the best I&apos;ve read. can&apos;t thank the authors enough.&lt;br /&gt; &lt;/p&gt;  &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</description>
  <comments>http://ellurian.livejournal.com/3197.html</comments>
  <category>lost sparrington fics stories epic epics</category>
  <lj:security>public</lj:security>
  <lj:reply-count>6</lj:reply-count>
</item>
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  <guid isPermaLink='true'>http://ellurian.livejournal.com/2944.html</guid>
  <pubDate>Mon, 19 Nov 2007 16:08:33 GMT</pubDate>
  <title>Fools, conquests and Missing moments (Part 6)</title>
  <link>http://ellurian.livejournal.com/2944.html</link>
  <description>&lt;p style=&quot;margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;i&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: &amp;quot;Arial&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;sans-serif&amp;quot;;&quot;&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: &amp;quot;Calibri&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;sans-serif&amp;quot;;&quot;&gt;Author: Ellurian&lt;br /&gt; Pairing: BellDom&lt;br /&gt; Rating &amp;amp; Warnings: Safe at the moment, strong R for sexuality and angst. &lt;br /&gt; Summary: &lt;/span&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 10pt; font-family: &amp;quot;Verdana&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;sans-serif&amp;quot;;&quot;&gt;Lately, I can’t seem to color what we’ve lost. &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;   &lt;p style=&quot;margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: &amp;quot;Calibri&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;sans-serif&amp;quot;;&quot;&gt;Disclaimers: Beautiful, but not mine. &lt;br /&gt; Feedback: Please… Your comments are so very important. &lt;span style=&quot;&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt; &lt;br /&gt; Author&apos;s notes: Maneuvering between work, school and pleasure is damn difficult… I hope some still read this little story &lt;/span&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: Wingdings;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;&quot;&gt;:)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: &amp;quot;Calibri&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;sans-serif&amp;quot;;&quot;&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;   &lt;p style=&quot;margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: &amp;quot;Calibri&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;sans-serif&amp;quot;;&quot;&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;   &lt;p style=&quot;margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: &amp;quot;Calibri&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;sans-serif&amp;quot;;&quot;&gt;This chapter is a tad longer… enjoy.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;   &lt;p&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: &amp;quot;Calibri&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;sans-serif&amp;quot;;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;Previous:&lt;/font&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;   &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 12pt; font-family: &amp;quot;Calibri&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;sans-serif&amp;quot;;&quot;&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 10pt;&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://ellurian.livejournal.com/1542.html&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: blue;&quot;&gt;Part 1&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;, &lt;a href=&quot;http://ellurian.livejournal.com/2004.html&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: blue;&quot;&gt;Part 2&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;, &lt;a href=&quot;http://ellurian.livejournal.com/2271.html&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: blue;&quot;&gt;Part 3&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;, &lt;a href=&quot;http://ellurian.livejournal.com/2416.html&quot;&gt;Part 4&lt;/a&gt; , &lt;a href=&quot;http://ellurian.livejournal.com/2667.html&quot;&gt;Part 5&lt;/a&gt;&lt;br /&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;   &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;1&quot;&gt;&lt;i&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 12pt; font-family: &amp;quot;Calibri&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;sans-serif&amp;quot;;&quot;&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;   &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;1&quot;&gt;&lt;i&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 12pt; font-family: &amp;quot;Calibri&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;sans-serif&amp;quot;;&quot;&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;   &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;1&quot;&gt;&lt;i&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 12pt; font-family: &amp;quot;Calibri&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;sans-serif&amp;quot;;&quot;&gt;********&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;   &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;1&quot;&gt;&lt;i&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 12pt; font-family: &amp;quot;Calibri&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;sans-serif&amp;quot;;&quot;&gt;I lay sprawled sleeplessly on my couch that night, yet I could recall numerous dreams as the following morning enlightened my apartment.&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;   &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;1&quot;&gt;&lt;i&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 12pt; font-family: &amp;quot;Calibri&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;sans-serif&amp;quot;;&quot;&gt;Damn, I missed my drums.&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;   &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;1&quot;&gt;&lt;i&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 12pt; font-family: &amp;quot;Calibri&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;sans-serif&amp;quot;;&quot;&gt;********&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;   &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;1&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 12pt; font-family: &amp;quot;Calibri&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;sans-serif&amp;quot;;&quot;&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;   &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;1&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 12pt; font-family: &amp;quot;Calibri&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;sans-serif&amp;quot;;&quot;&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;   &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;1&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 12pt; font-family: &amp;quot;Calibri&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;sans-serif&amp;quot;;&quot;&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;   &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;1&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 12pt; font-family: &amp;quot;Calibri&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;sans-serif&amp;quot;;&quot;&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;   &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;1&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 12pt; font-family: &amp;quot;Calibri&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;sans-serif&amp;quot;;&quot;&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;   &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;1&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 12pt; font-family: &amp;quot;Calibri&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;sans-serif&amp;quot;;&quot;&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;   &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;1&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 12pt; font-family: &amp;quot;Calibri&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;sans-serif&amp;quot;;&quot;&gt;The following day. &lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;   &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;1&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 12pt; font-family: &amp;quot;Calibri&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;sans-serif&amp;quot;;&quot;&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;   &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;1&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 12pt; font-family: &amp;quot;Calibri&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;sans-serif&amp;quot;;&quot;&gt;*******&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;   &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;1&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 12pt; font-family: &amp;quot;Calibri&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;sans-serif&amp;quot;;&quot;&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;   &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;1&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 12pt; font-family: &amp;quot;Calibri&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;sans-serif&amp;quot;;&quot;&gt;Intoxicated people, crazy riffs and wild drumming. It was a wonderful night for a wonderful gig, surrounded by cheering audience and awesome settings. Yes. We were meant to play together, at least that I knew for sure.&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;     &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;1&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 12pt; font-family: &amp;quot;Calibri&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;sans-serif&amp;quot;;&quot;&gt;&quot;&lt;st1:city w:st=&quot;on&quot;&gt;&lt;st1:place w:st=&quot;on&quot;&gt;Paris&lt;/st1:place&gt;&lt;/st1:city&gt;, thanks very much!&quot;, Matt said into the microphone after playing one final sizzling riff . As I was &lt;span style=&quot;&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/span&gt;watching his face being screened on one of the big monitors, I caught him flashing that small smile he uses only when he speaks to our audience. The crowd cheered wildly and some flowers were thrown at him, along with a small teddy bear which also landed on the stage, almost hitting Matt&apos;s shoulder. &lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;   &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;1&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 12pt; font-family: &amp;quot;Calibri&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;sans-serif&amp;quot;;&quot;&gt;Matt turned to look at it, giggled and turned back to the microphone.&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;     &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;1&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 12pt; font-family: &amp;quot;Calibri&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;sans-serif&amp;quot;;&quot;&gt;&quot;For me?&quot;, he asked sheepishly and a smile escaped my lips as I could actually hear loud cheers rising from the few girls who managed to survive the crazy front. I&apos;ve always liked taunting him for being a lousy flirt while bragging about myself being so much smoother with the ladies.&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;     &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;1&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 12pt; font-family: &amp;quot;Calibri&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;sans-serif&amp;quot;;&quot;&gt;Chris used the pause to walk to the back of the stage towards my direction then turned around to wordlessly glance at me with his eyebrows knotted. I nodded knowingly back at him, but said nothing. I was pretty sure the audience hadn’t been able to sense something was wrong, but Chris caught it as well as I did.&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;     &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;1&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 12pt; font-family: &amp;quot;Calibri&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;sans-serif&amp;quot;;&quot;&gt;We were performing everything well, except one single thing.&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;     &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;1&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 12pt; font-family: &amp;quot;Calibri&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;sans-serif&amp;quot;;&quot;&gt;Matt&apos;s singing through out the night was different. He was being… stiff.&lt;span style=&quot;&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;     &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;1&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 12pt; font-family: &amp;quot;Calibri&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;sans-serif&amp;quot;;&quot;&gt;Chris eyed Matt pensively, me again and walked back to the front stage, obviously confused.&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;     &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;1&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 12pt; font-family: &amp;quot;Calibri&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;sans-serif&amp;quot;;&quot;&gt;A wordless day between the two of us left me completely unaware of how Matt was feeling. Honestly, even if I wanted to, I couldn’t approach him since that for the first time in my life I had nothing to say to Matt Bellamy. &lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;     &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;1&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 12pt; font-family: &amp;quot;Calibri&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;sans-serif&amp;quot;;&quot;&gt;God knows I was worried sick about him though. &lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;     &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;1&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 12pt; font-family: &amp;quot;Calibri&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;sans-serif&amp;quot;;&quot;&gt;Why the hell was his voice so rigid?&lt;span style=&quot;&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp; &lt;/span&gt;Did I somehow hurt him last night? Moved too harshly? &lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;     &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;1&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 12pt; font-family: &amp;quot;Calibri&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;sans-serif&amp;quot;;&quot;&gt;&quot;The funniest thing happened to me yesterday.&quot;, Matt suddenly said into the microphone. Curious, I looked up and watched his back as he spoke.&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;     &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;1&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 12pt; font-family: &amp;quot;Calibri&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;sans-serif&amp;quot;;&quot;&gt;He played a single, slow accord on his guitar and let it dangle. &lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;   &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;1&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 12pt; font-family: &amp;quot;Calibri&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;sans-serif&amp;quot;;&quot;&gt;&quot;It&apos;s funny you know, sometimes you don’t really need to know the truth.&quot;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;     &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;1&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 12pt; font-family: &amp;quot;Calibri&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;sans-serif&amp;quot;;&quot;&gt;“What the hell?”, I whispered to the thin air. He has never said anything like this to the crowd during a gig or an interview. &lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;     &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;1&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 12pt; font-family: &amp;quot;Calibri&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;sans-serif&amp;quot;;&quot;&gt;Matt played another low accord and slowly turned around to look at me. I caught his eyes and gazed at him as blankly as I could. He gazed back at me for a single second, then raised his hand and counted. I counted together with him towards our last song to be played that night.&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;     &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;1&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 12pt; font-family: &amp;quot;Calibri&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;sans-serif&amp;quot;;&quot;&gt;Sing for Absolution. &lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;     &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;1&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 12pt; font-family: &amp;quot;Calibri&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;sans-serif&amp;quot;;&quot;&gt;The concert was over. I was about to walk towards the stage&apos;s edge and wave to the audience together with Matt until I saw him covering his mouth, apparently stifling a choke. Confused, I watched him as he mumbled a quick thank you into the microphone then quickly walked off to the back stage, completely ignoring the joint stage departure we&apos;ve just agreed about the previous morning. &lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;     &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;1&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 12pt; font-family: &amp;quot;Calibri&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;sans-serif&amp;quot;;&quot;&gt;Somewhat dumbstruck, I stared at his disappearing figure then back to the audience. &lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;     &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;1&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 12pt; font-family: &amp;quot;Calibri&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;sans-serif&amp;quot;;&quot;&gt;&quot;Just wave, mate. He&apos;ll be fine.&quot; Chris said within a safe distance from the microphones as he strode towards my direction.&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;     &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;1&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 12pt; font-family: &amp;quot;Calibri&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;sans-serif&amp;quot;;&quot;&gt;Oh yes, during that day Chris certainly was my favorite band member. Of course, he remembered everything.&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;     &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;1&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 12pt; font-family: &amp;quot;Calibri&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;sans-serif&amp;quot;;&quot;&gt;We waved together at the crowd and separated. &lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;     &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;1&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 12pt; font-family: &amp;quot;Calibri&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;sans-serif&amp;quot;;&quot;&gt;Foolishly enough, my guts were overly squeezed with concern and I practically ran off the stage towards the one place I just knew Matt would head to. &lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;     &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;1&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 12pt; font-family: &amp;quot;Calibri&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;sans-serif&amp;quot;;&quot;&gt;I didn’t even bother to knock on the door for the instruments tuning and warm up room.&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;     &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;1&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 12pt; font-family: &amp;quot;Calibri&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;sans-serif&amp;quot;;&quot;&gt;&quot;Matt?&quot;, I said as I pushed the door open, trying to muster a calm tone. He has to be here, damnit. Where else would he go-&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;     &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;1&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 12pt; font-family: &amp;quot;Calibri&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;sans-serif&amp;quot;;&quot;&gt;&quot;Over here.&quot;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;     &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;1&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 12pt; font-family: &amp;quot;Calibri&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;sans-serif&amp;quot;;&quot;&gt;He was leaning over a table at the back of the room, searching for something in one of his bags. I let the door close behind me as I studied, or actually drank, his figure with my eyes. He straightened up slowly from his leaning pose, looked down at himself then back at me, annoyed. &lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;     &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;1&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 12pt; font-family: &amp;quot;Calibri&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;sans-serif&amp;quot;;&quot;&gt;Suddenly, I regretted following him into here.&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;     &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;1&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 12pt; font-family: &amp;quot;Calibri&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;sans-serif&amp;quot;;&quot;&gt;&quot;What?&quot;, He asked impatiently.&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;     &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;1&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 12pt; font-family: &amp;quot;Calibri&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;sans-serif&amp;quot;;&quot;&gt;Go on, talk. &lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;     &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;1&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 12pt; font-family: &amp;quot;Calibri&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;sans-serif&amp;quot;;&quot;&gt;&quot;Are you ok?&quot;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;     &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;1&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 12pt; font-family: &amp;quot;Calibri&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;sans-serif&amp;quot;;&quot;&gt;He sneered and cleared his throat. &quot;Terrific, mate. On my way out.&quot;, he half said as he buttoned his bag, threw it over his back and started walking towards the door and me.&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;     &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;1&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 12pt; font-family: &amp;quot;Calibri&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;sans-serif&amp;quot;;&quot;&gt;Say the words Dominic, for fuck&apos;s sake. &lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;     &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;1&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 12pt; font-family: &amp;quot;Calibri&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;sans-serif&amp;quot;;&quot;&gt;&quot;Why was your voice stiff mate?&quot;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;     &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;1&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 12pt; font-family: &amp;quot;Calibri&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;sans-serif&amp;quot;;&quot;&gt;&quot;Some killer head ache.&quot;, he blurted as he walked pass me, but my hand rose at it&apos;s own will towards his chest to gently push him back before he reached the door.&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;     &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;1&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 12pt; font-family: &amp;quot;Calibri&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;sans-serif&amp;quot;;&quot;&gt;&quot;C&apos;mon mate, what is it?&quot;, I asked again, desperately worried. &lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;     &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;1&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 12pt; font-family: &amp;quot;Calibri&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;sans-serif&amp;quot;;&quot;&gt;He let out a soft sigh, and silently stared at the door. &lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;     &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;1&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 12pt; font-family: &amp;quot;Calibri&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;sans-serif&amp;quot;;&quot;&gt;&quot;Matt… Is it, I mean… Did I hurt you last night?, Was I… too rough?&quot; &lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;   &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;1&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 12pt; font-family: &amp;quot;Calibri&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;sans-serif&amp;quot;;&quot;&gt;Images of both us leaked into my mind as I spoke and the words just barely left my mouth properly. Has it really happened between us?&lt;span style=&quot;&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;     &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;1&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 12pt; font-family: &amp;quot;Calibri&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;sans-serif&amp;quot;;&quot;&gt;Matt&apos;s eyes slowly shifted until they met mine. &lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;     &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;1&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 12pt; font-family: &amp;quot;Calibri&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;sans-serif&amp;quot;;&quot;&gt;&quot;Just a little bit, Dominic&quot;, he finally said, looking at me as if he was waiting for something. As if he was waiting for me.&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;     &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;1&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 12pt; font-family: &amp;quot;Calibri&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;sans-serif&amp;quot;;&quot;&gt;Back then in that particular moment, all I could feel and think was that guilt flared within me. During the days and years to come, I would know that was I said next was perhaps, the most devastating, ill-fated lie I&apos;ve ever told. &lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;     &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;1&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 12pt; font-family: &amp;quot;Calibri&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;sans-serif&amp;quot;;&quot;&gt;&quot;God Matt, I am so sorry… I didn&apos;t want this to happen. The whole thing was a stupid mistake, ok? It meant nothing… Absolutely nothing! I am so, so sorry…&quot;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;     &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;1&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 12pt; font-family: &amp;quot;Calibri&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;sans-serif&amp;quot;;&quot;&gt;Matt&apos;s faced twitched and I stopped talking.&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;     &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;1&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 12pt; font-family: &amp;quot;Calibri&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;sans-serif&amp;quot;;&quot;&gt;&quot;What?&quot;, he said and looked away in what appeared to be a disbelief. &lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;     &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;1&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 12pt; font-family: &amp;quot;Calibri&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;sans-serif&amp;quot;;&quot;&gt;At once, I started to realize what I just said.&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;     &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;1&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 12pt; font-family: &amp;quot;Calibri&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;sans-serif&amp;quot;;&quot;&gt;&quot;Wait…It&apos;s not like that!&quot;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;     &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;1&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 12pt; font-family: &amp;quot;Calibri&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;sans-serif&amp;quot;;&quot;&gt;We both gasped as the door was brutally opened by the sound technicians as they carried back all of the electricity gear and equipment into the room. They gawked at us at first then smiled as they recognized us.&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;       &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;1&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 12pt; font-family: &amp;quot;Calibri&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;sans-serif&amp;quot;;&quot;&gt;&quot;Oi, Great gig, chaps!&quot;, One of them shouted at us from the back as more and more of them moved more gear into the room. &lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;  &lt;/span&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;   &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;1&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 12pt; font-family: &amp;quot;Calibri&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;sans-serif&amp;quot;;&quot;&gt;At once, I saw Matt escaping out of the room. I was about to follow his steps when a giant, black piano was moved into the room, blocking my way.&lt;span style=&quot;&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;     &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;1&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 12pt; font-family: &amp;quot;Calibri&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;sans-serif&amp;quot;;&quot;&gt;At least two minutes had passed until I managed to find a way out of the room, only to discover the sight of the dismantled stage and empty stadium. &lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;     &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;1&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 12pt; font-family: &amp;quot;Calibri&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;sans-serif&amp;quot;;&quot;&gt;Think I was chasing starlight again, damn it. &lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;   &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;1&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 12pt; font-family: &amp;quot;Calibri&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;sans-serif&amp;quot;;&quot;&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;   &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;1&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 12pt; font-family: &amp;quot;Calibri&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;sans-serif&amp;quot;;&quot;&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;   &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;1&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 12pt; font-family: &amp;quot;Calibri&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;sans-serif&amp;quot;;&quot;&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;   &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;1&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 12pt; font-family: &amp;quot;Calibri&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;sans-serif&amp;quot;;&quot;&gt;Two weeks later.&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;   &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;1&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 12pt; font-family: &amp;quot;Calibri&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;sans-serif&amp;quot;;&quot;&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;   &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;1&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 12pt; font-family: &amp;quot;Calibri&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;sans-serif&amp;quot;;&quot;&gt;*****&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;   &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;1&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 12pt; font-family: &amp;quot;Calibri&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;sans-serif&amp;quot;;&quot;&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;   &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;1&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 12pt; font-family: &amp;quot;Calibri&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;sans-serif&amp;quot;;&quot;&gt;“So… How about a dance?”&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;     &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;1&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 12pt; font-family: &amp;quot;Calibri&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;sans-serif&amp;quot;;&quot;&gt;“Ahh…”, I rubbed my nape, probably blushing.&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;     &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;1&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 12pt; font-family: &amp;quot;Calibri&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;sans-serif&amp;quot;;&quot;&gt;“Sure, just better finish my drink first..”, I said, and brought my beer to my mouth, trying to sound genuinely interested. &lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;     &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;1&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 12pt; font-family: &amp;quot;Calibri&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;sans-serif&amp;quot;;&quot;&gt;She smiled sweetly at me and took hold of my hand. “Sounds great… See you later then, Dom…Enjoy your drink.” &lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;     &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;1&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 12pt; font-family: &amp;quot;Calibri&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;sans-serif&amp;quot;;&quot;&gt;I smiled back and watched her turn away, letting out a small sigh of relief. &lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;     &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;1&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 12pt; font-family: &amp;quot;Calibri&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;sans-serif&amp;quot;;&quot;&gt;“Get over it.”, A sudden low voice behind me tore my line of thoughts.&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;     &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;1&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 12pt; font-family: &amp;quot;Calibri&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;sans-serif&amp;quot;;&quot;&gt;“Trying.”, I whispered, and turned around to face Chris’s smiling face which immediately infected mine with a stupid smile. &lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;     &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;1&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 12pt; font-family: &amp;quot;Calibri&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;sans-serif&amp;quot;;&quot;&gt;“When will you make your move?,”, He smiled slyly, then squinted his eyes together, as if he was trying to recall something distant. “Monica.. yes. Fabulous legs. Why did you tell her off?”&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;     &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;1&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 12pt; font-family: &amp;quot;Calibri&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;sans-serif&amp;quot;;&quot;&gt;I chuckled.&lt;span style=&quot;&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp; &lt;/span&gt;“I didn’t. Told her we’ll dance later. Cheers mate.”&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;     &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;1&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 12pt; font-family: &amp;quot;Calibri&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;sans-serif&amp;quot;;&quot;&gt;We toasted, Chris being tipsy and happy. We just finished another great gig, celebrating the end of our local tour in the local pub.&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;       &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;1&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 12pt; font-family: &amp;quot;Calibri&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;sans-serif&amp;quot;;&quot;&gt;“I’m glad you’re alright mate, The Jessica business was tough.”, He said softly, tapping my shoulder. &lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;br /&gt; &lt;span style=&quot;&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;  &lt;/span&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;   &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;1&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 12pt; font-family: &amp;quot;Calibri&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;sans-serif&amp;quot;;&quot;&gt;My heart still pinched at her name, but tragically, she was not the one who was bothering me. &lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;     &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;1&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 12pt; font-family: &amp;quot;Calibri&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;sans-serif&amp;quot;;&quot;&gt;“I’m alright mate.” I said heartily at him. I was certain that he has been having numerous questions regarding me and Jess, yet he’s been saving them for the right moment. &lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;     &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;1&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 12pt; font-family: &amp;quot;Calibri&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;sans-serif&amp;quot;;&quot;&gt;Suddenly he pulled me closer, appearing giddier by the minute. “Monica’s been asking Matt about you..”&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;     &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;1&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 12pt; font-family: &amp;quot;Calibri&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;sans-serif&amp;quot;;&quot;&gt;And my heart pinched again. Shit. &lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;     &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;1&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 12pt; font-family: &amp;quot;Calibri&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;sans-serif&amp;quot;;&quot;&gt;“I don’t think…”, I mumbled.&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;     &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;1&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 12pt; font-family: &amp;quot;Calibri&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;sans-serif&amp;quot;;&quot;&gt;“You don’t believe me?”, He didn’t even finish his sentence. He raised his head, and searched for someone until that person was spotted. He mumbled something with a smile, saying he will be right back, and happily staggered towards the bar.&lt;span style=&quot;&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;1&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 12pt; font-family: &amp;quot;Calibri&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;sans-serif&amp;quot;;&quot;&gt;Soon enough he was heading back, this time with accompanied by Matt.&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;     &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;1&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 12pt; font-family: &amp;quot;Calibri&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;sans-serif&amp;quot;;&quot;&gt;I took a huge sip from my beer, trying to loosen up. I and Matt weren’t experiencing the golden era of our friendship, but at least we spoke to each other.&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;     &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;1&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 12pt; font-family: &amp;quot;Calibri&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;sans-serif&amp;quot;;&quot;&gt;Chris greeted me again, adding some well oiled swears at my rather pensive, dorky expression. I indicated my beer at Matt as a greeting, to which he smiled emptily. &lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;     &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;1&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 12pt; font-family: &amp;quot;Calibri&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;sans-serif&amp;quot;;&quot;&gt;He needs time, I reminded myself, just keep it light.&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;     &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;1&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 12pt; font-family: &amp;quot;Calibri&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;sans-serif&amp;quot;;&quot;&gt;Chris winked at me, leaned down, and whispered something into Matt&apos;s ear.&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;     &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;1&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 12pt; font-family: &amp;quot;Calibri&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;sans-serif&amp;quot;;&quot;&gt;His foggy eyes met mine as Chris talked to him and my hold on my beer tightened.&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;     &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;1&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 12pt; font-family: &amp;quot;Calibri&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;sans-serif&amp;quot;;&quot;&gt;&quot;Yea, She&apos;s been asking me about you. I guess she heard about your and Jess.&quot; Matt commented calmly.&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;     &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;1&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 12pt; font-family: &amp;quot;Calibri&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;sans-serif&amp;quot;;&quot;&gt;&quot;Guys, She&apos;s not really my type-.&quot; I said, being completely honest for a change.&lt;span style=&quot;&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;     &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;1&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 12pt; font-family: &amp;quot;Calibri&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;sans-serif&amp;quot;;&quot;&gt;&quot;Bullocks!&quot;, Chris dismissed me, and looked back at Matt with a teen’s excitement. &quot;What did you tell her mate?&quot;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;     &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;1&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 12pt; font-family: &amp;quot;Calibri&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;sans-serif&amp;quot;;&quot;&gt;Matt toyed with his pint, drinking it slowly. &lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;   &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;1&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 12pt; font-family: &amp;quot;Calibri&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;sans-serif&amp;quot;;&quot;&gt;&quot;That you&apos;re unattached and if I were her I wouldn&apos;t miss it for the world.&quot; He said, smiling bitterly and sending me a sharp look.&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;     &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;1&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 12pt; font-family: &amp;quot;Calibri&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;sans-serif&amp;quot;;&quot;&gt;I ignored him and finished the rest of my drink with a single sip. What an asshole.&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;       &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;1&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 12pt; font-family: &amp;quot;Calibri&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;sans-serif&amp;quot;;&quot;&gt;&quot;She&apos;s in your pocket mate!&quot;, Christ chuckled at me and smacked my shoulder.&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;br /&gt; &lt;span style=&quot;&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;  &lt;/span&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;     &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;1&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 12pt; font-family: &amp;quot;Calibri&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;sans-serif&amp;quot;;&quot;&gt;Silently, Irritation crept into me.&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;br /&gt; &amp;nbsp;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;     &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;1&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 12pt; font-family: &amp;quot;Calibri&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;sans-serif&amp;quot;;&quot;&gt;&quot;Look, Nothing had happened between me and her, alright?&quot;, I told Chris as calmly as I could.&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;br /&gt; &amp;nbsp;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;   &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;1&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 12pt; font-family: &amp;quot;Calibri&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;sans-serif&amp;quot;;&quot;&gt;“So, What are you going to do about it?”, Matt said, not really bothering to look at me as he talked.&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;     &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;1&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 12pt; font-family: &amp;quot;Calibri&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;sans-serif&amp;quot;;&quot;&gt;A flirtatious reply instinctively formed in mind and boiled my stomach. &lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;     &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;1&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 12pt; font-family: &amp;quot;Calibri&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;sans-serif&amp;quot;;&quot;&gt;“Going to do about what?”&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;     &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;1&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 12pt; font-family: &amp;quot;Calibri&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;sans-serif&amp;quot;;&quot;&gt;I almost jumped at Monica’s voice, who seemed to appear next to me out of the thin air.&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;     &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;1&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 12pt; font-family: &amp;quot;Calibri&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;sans-serif&amp;quot;;&quot;&gt;Chris tried to stifle his chuckle with the help of his drink while Matt smiled politely at her, taking her whole figure with his eyes. &lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;     &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;1&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 12pt; font-family: &amp;quot;Calibri&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;sans-serif&amp;quot;;&quot;&gt;Funny, I thought. She’s not his type.&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;     &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;1&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 12pt; font-family: &amp;quot;Calibri&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;sans-serif&amp;quot;;&quot;&gt;“Just discussing some tricky acoustics with my drums from Monday’s show”, I said, surprising myself with a swift yet logical answer. &lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;     &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;1&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 12pt; font-family: &amp;quot;Calibri&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;sans-serif&amp;quot;;&quot;&gt;Chris averted his face, laughing openly now. Matt giggled softly, finally looking at my face openly.&lt;span style=&quot;&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;     &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;1&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 12pt; font-family: &amp;quot;Calibri&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;sans-serif&amp;quot;;&quot;&gt;“Oh, that stage problem you told me about?”&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;     &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;1&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 12pt; font-family: &amp;quot;Calibri&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;sans-serif&amp;quot;;&quot;&gt;“Err.. What?”, I said quietly, confused.&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;     &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;1&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 12pt; font-family: &amp;quot;Calibri&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;sans-serif&amp;quot;;&quot;&gt;She leered at me with a smile. “You know, What you told me about when we sat in Starbucks? After Monday’s gig?”&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;     &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;1&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 12pt; font-family: &amp;quot;Calibri&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;sans-serif&amp;quot;;&quot;&gt;Matt&apos;s eyebrows rose and he looked at her pointedly. Chris turned his eyes to me, confused just as well.&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;     &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;1&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 12pt; font-family: &amp;quot;Calibri&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;sans-serif&amp;quot;;&quot;&gt;Right away, I was reminded of the private dinner we shared two days ago. My breath caught within my throat, realizing I just told Matt and Chris nothing had happened between us.&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;     &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;1&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 12pt; font-family: &amp;quot;Calibri&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;sans-serif&amp;quot;;&quot;&gt;I blushed wildly, embarrassment showering me.&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;     &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;1&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 12pt; font-family: &amp;quot;Calibri&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;sans-serif&amp;quot;;&quot;&gt;Monica looked at Chris, Matt then at me, puzzled. &lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;     &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;1&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 12pt; font-family: &amp;quot;Calibri&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;sans-serif&amp;quot;;&quot;&gt;“Did I say something wrong Dom?”, She asked me.&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;     &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;1&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 12pt; font-family: &amp;quot;Calibri&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;sans-serif&amp;quot;;&quot;&gt;“No, no..” I said and cleared my throat. &lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;   &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;1&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 12pt; font-family: &amp;quot;Calibri&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;sans-serif&amp;quot;;&quot;&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;1&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 12pt; font-family: &amp;quot;Calibri&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;sans-serif&amp;quot;;&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;1&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 12pt; font-family: &amp;quot;Calibri&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;sans-serif&amp;quot;;&quot;&gt;She took hold of my forearm gently and winked at Chris and Matt. &lt;span style=&quot;&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/span&gt;“We didn’t discuss anything sensitive about the band guys, we were just having a late night… date”. &lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;     &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;1&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 12pt; font-family: &amp;quot;Calibri&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;sans-serif&amp;quot;;&quot;&gt;Bloody hell. &lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;     &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;1&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 12pt; font-family: &amp;quot;Calibri&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;sans-serif&amp;quot;;&quot;&gt;My mind raced for something, anything to say as my friends were waiting for some kind of a response from me. &lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;     &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;1&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 12pt; font-family: &amp;quot;Calibri&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;sans-serif&amp;quot;;&quot;&gt;“Don’t tell me you forgot us, Dom.”, Monica said to me, genuinely humored.&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;     &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;1&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 12pt; font-family: &amp;quot;Calibri&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;sans-serif&amp;quot;;&quot;&gt;“It’s ok, sometimes Dom forgets things. Forgets to tell about things, too.”, Matt said with a low voice, his words feeling like small darts.&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;     &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;1&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 12pt; font-family: &amp;quot;Calibri&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;sans-serif&amp;quot;;&quot;&gt;I looked at him urgently, trying to catch his gaze with my own. I wanted to tell him… To shout at him what he already knows. &lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;     &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;1&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 12pt; font-family: &amp;quot;Calibri&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;sans-serif&amp;quot;;&quot;&gt;“Did you have fun in your… date?”, he asked Monica, his lips forming his most insincere smile I’ve ever seen&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 12pt; font-family: &amp;quot;Calibri&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;sans-serif&amp;quot;;&quot;&gt;.&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;     &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;1&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 12pt; font-family: &amp;quot;Calibri&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;sans-serif&amp;quot;;&quot;&gt;“It was lovely.” She giggled and rested her head on my shoulder for a second, wearing a wide smile on her face. Everything happened too fast.&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;     &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;1&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 12pt; font-family: &amp;quot;Calibri&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;sans-serif&amp;quot;;&quot;&gt;“I see. Good for you.”, Matt stoically. &lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;     &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;1&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 12pt; font-family: &amp;quot;Calibri&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;sans-serif&amp;quot;;&quot;&gt;Chris only kept drinking his beer, his questioning eyes fixed on mine. &lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;     &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;1&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 12pt; font-family: &amp;quot;Calibri&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;sans-serif&amp;quot;;&quot;&gt;Monica smiled at Matt again then took a hold of my hand and turned to face me.&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;     &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;1&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 12pt; font-family: &amp;quot;Calibri&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;sans-serif&amp;quot;;&quot;&gt;“How about that dance we talked about?”, she asked me in a teasing voice.&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;     &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;1&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 12pt; font-family: &amp;quot;Calibri&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;sans-serif&amp;quot;;&quot;&gt;“Amm… yea.”, I said nervously.&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;     &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;1&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 12pt; font-family: &amp;quot;Calibri&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;sans-serif&amp;quot;;&quot;&gt;Matt coughed behind Monica, shifting his look away from us uneasily. He scratched his head, wiped his face then cleared his throat.&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;     &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;1&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 12pt; font-family: &amp;quot;Calibri&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;sans-serif&amp;quot;;&quot;&gt;“Well boys and girls, enjoy the rest of your evening. Chris, Dom, later Mates.”, he said very quickly, and disappeared into the crowd even before he finished his sentence.&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;     &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;1&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 12pt; font-family: &amp;quot;Calibri&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;sans-serif&amp;quot;;&quot;&gt;Chris tapped his back and greeted him good night. Monica wished him the same.&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;     &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;1&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 12pt; font-family: &amp;quot;Calibri&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;sans-serif&amp;quot;;&quot;&gt;“Thanks”, he replied and turned around to leave. &lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;     &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;1&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 12pt; font-family: &amp;quot;Calibri&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;sans-serif&amp;quot;;&quot;&gt;“Drive safely, mate.”, I said, not expecting him to reply, and I expected correctly.&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;     &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;1&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 12pt; font-family: &amp;quot;Calibri&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;sans-serif&amp;quot;;&quot;&gt;Monica turned her face back to me. “Come on, I like this song…”&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;     &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;1&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 12pt; font-family: &amp;quot;Calibri&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;sans-serif&amp;quot;;&quot;&gt;Chris rose from the bar he was leaning on, and leaned close to my ear.&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;     &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;1&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 12pt; font-family: &amp;quot;Calibri&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;sans-serif&amp;quot;;&quot;&gt;“Don’t worry about it, tell me later.” He said reassuringly. &lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;     &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;1&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 12pt; font-family: &amp;quot;Calibri&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;sans-serif&amp;quot;;&quot;&gt;I thanked him quietly then took hold of Monica’s hand. With a silent sigh, I lead her to the dancing area. Her eyes were fixed on mine as I gently placed my hand on her waist and held the other one up with hers, yet I did not return her gaze.&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;     &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;1&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 12pt; font-family: &amp;quot;Calibri&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;sans-serif&amp;quot;;&quot;&gt;We started dancing slowly to the song which I didn’t bother to recognize. My mind felt drained, my legs painfully heavy. Monica placed her head on my shoulder, murmuring something about my scent which I was too tired to register. &lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;     &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;1&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 12pt; font-family: &amp;quot;Calibri&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;sans-serif&amp;quot;;&quot;&gt;&quot;You&apos;re a bloody fool Dom&quot;, Matt&apos;s voice in my head again and I opened my eyes quickly, hoping to shove the memory as far I can. &lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;     &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;1&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 12pt; font-family: &amp;quot;Calibri&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;sans-serif&amp;quot;;&quot;&gt;We are supposed to be best mates for god&apos;s sake. How could I do this to him. To myself. &lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;1&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 12pt; font-family: &amp;quot;Calibri&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;sans-serif&amp;quot;;&quot;&gt;If I&apos;ve already said everything there was, what exactly was I hoping for?&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;     &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;1&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 12pt; font-family: &amp;quot;Calibri&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;sans-serif&amp;quot;;&quot;&gt;&quot;You&apos;re something else Dom&quot;, I heard Monica say against my shirt and I chuckled nervously.&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;     &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;1&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 12pt; font-family: &amp;quot;Calibri&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;sans-serif&amp;quot;;&quot;&gt;&quot;What are you thinking about?&quot; She continued, lifting her head from my shoulder to look at my face. &lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;     &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;1&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 12pt; font-family: &amp;quot;Calibri&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;sans-serif&amp;quot;;&quot;&gt;She wants to talk? Now? Just brilliant. &lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;     &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;1&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 12pt; font-family: &amp;quot;Calibri&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;sans-serif&amp;quot;;&quot;&gt;Trying my best to hide my unease, I looked away searched for a suitable answer. &lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;     &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;1&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 12pt; font-family: &amp;quot;Calibri&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;sans-serif&amp;quot;;&quot;&gt;&quot;Well?&quot;, Monica said and squeezed my hand. &lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;     &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;1&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 12pt; font-family: &amp;quot;Calibri&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;sans-serif&amp;quot;;&quot;&gt;&quot;I… Why don’t you tell me your thoughts me first?&quot;, I tried.&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;     &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;1&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 12pt; font-family: &amp;quot;Calibri&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;sans-serif&amp;quot;;&quot;&gt;She considered my words, then smiled slyly at me again. She lowered her head back on my shoulder, and talked.&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;     &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;1&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 12pt; font-family: &amp;quot;Calibri&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;sans-serif&amp;quot;;&quot;&gt;I sighed with relief, and turned my eyes again to the crowd. Faces of people I don’t know… Faces of… Matt. &lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;     &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;1&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 12pt; font-family: &amp;quot;Calibri&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;sans-serif&amp;quot;;&quot;&gt;My breath caught. He was there, still in the pub, leaning against the wall near by the exit. &lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;     &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;1&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 12pt; font-family: &amp;quot;Calibri&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;sans-serif&amp;quot;;&quot;&gt;And he was staring. Gazing at me. Crimson fire colored my face, and I gazed back, unable to do otherwise. &lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;     &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;1&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 12pt; font-family: &amp;quot;Calibri&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;sans-serif&amp;quot;;&quot;&gt;His face wore a dark expression, his eyes disturbingly beady. &lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;     &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;1&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 12pt; font-family: &amp;quot;Calibri&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;sans-serif&amp;quot;;&quot;&gt;My life long mate, my best mate, he was dashingly beautiful. &lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;     &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;1&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 12pt; font-family: &amp;quot;Calibri&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;sans-serif&amp;quot;;&quot;&gt;It&apos;s not what you think, my lips formed voicelessly at him. &lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;     &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;1&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 12pt; font-family: &amp;quot;Calibri&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;sans-serif&amp;quot;;&quot;&gt;At first he remained perfectly still, then his eyes squinted lightly. His own lips moved, as if he was answering me quietly, and vision of him kissing me senseless sent fire through my body. &lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;     &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;1&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 12pt; font-family: &amp;quot;Calibri&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;sans-serif&amp;quot;;&quot;&gt;“Ok, now your turn.”, Monica’s startled me. I blinked several times, tearing my eyes from Matt’s.&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;     &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;1&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 12pt; font-family: &amp;quot;Calibri&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;sans-serif&amp;quot;;&quot;&gt;“What?”&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;     &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;1&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 12pt; font-family: &amp;quot;Calibri&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;sans-serif&amp;quot;;&quot;&gt;“Your thoughts, Dom.”, She sounded impatient.&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;     &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;1&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 12pt; font-family: &amp;quot;Calibri&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;sans-serif&amp;quot;;&quot;&gt;I breathed deeply. “I am thinking about…”, I stopped myself from gasping into her face.&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;     &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;1&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 12pt; font-family: &amp;quot;Calibri&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;sans-serif&amp;quot;;&quot;&gt;Her eyes were actually glinting, waiting for a magnificent answer.&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;     &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;1&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 12pt; font-family: &amp;quot;Calibri&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;sans-serif&amp;quot;;&quot;&gt;“Someone special.”, I said as tenderly as I could manage.&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;     &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;1&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 12pt; font-family: &amp;quot;Calibri&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;sans-serif&amp;quot;;&quot;&gt;She giggled gently and squeezed my arm, obviously satisfied with my reply. &lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;     &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;1&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 12pt; font-family: &amp;quot;Calibri&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;sans-serif&amp;quot;;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/span&gt;I smiled hastily then averted my eyes, searching for Matt again.&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;     &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;1&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 12pt; font-family: &amp;quot;Calibri&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;sans-serif&amp;quot;;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/span&gt;I caught his figure moving towards the pub’s exit. He turned around just before reaching the door and gazed at me the same way he did in that instruments room almost two weeks ago… as if he was waiting for something.&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;     &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;1&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 12pt; font-family: &amp;quot;Calibri&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;sans-serif&amp;quot;;&quot;&gt;And then he left. &lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;     &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;1&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 12pt; font-family: &amp;quot;Calibri&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;sans-serif&amp;quot;;&quot;&gt;I inhaled sharply, fighting the urge to run after him. He wouldn’t listen, and I wouldn’t want to say anything anyway. &lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;     &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;1&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 12pt; font-family: &amp;quot;Calibri&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;sans-serif&amp;quot;;&quot;&gt;Taking Monica to my apartment and spending the night with her had sounded so easy, and I needed my relief. I should do just that.&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;     &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;1&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 12pt; font-family: &amp;quot;Calibri&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;sans-serif&amp;quot;;&quot;&gt;I should…&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;     &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;1&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 12pt; font-family: &amp;quot;Calibri&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;sans-serif&amp;quot;;&quot;&gt;Oh, that bastard.&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;     &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;1&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 12pt; font-family: &amp;quot;Calibri&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;sans-serif&amp;quot;;&quot;&gt;“Monica, I…have to go now.”, I said, blushing furiously.&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;     &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;1&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 12pt; font-family: &amp;quot;Calibri&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;sans-serif&amp;quot;;&quot;&gt;“What?”, She took a step back , looking disappointed.&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;     &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;1&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 12pt; font-family: &amp;quot;Calibri&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;sans-serif&amp;quot;;&quot;&gt;“Let me call you, alright?”&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;     &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;1&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 12pt; font-family: &amp;quot;Calibri&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;sans-serif&amp;quot;;&quot;&gt;“Oh… ok.”, She said, openly upset. &lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;     &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;1&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 12pt; font-family: &amp;quot;Calibri&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;sans-serif&amp;quot;;&quot;&gt;“I am so sorry. Good night.”&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;     &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;1&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 12pt; font-family: &amp;quot;Calibri&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;sans-serif&amp;quot;;&quot;&gt;I kissed her cheek lightly, then turned to walk at the direction of the door, without looking back.&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;     &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;1&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 12pt; font-family: &amp;quot;Calibri&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;sans-serif&amp;quot;;&quot;&gt;I needed to talk to him, I needed to finish this. I had to see him… and kick his stupid arse.&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;     &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;1&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 12pt; font-family: &amp;quot;Calibri&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;sans-serif&amp;quot;;&quot;&gt;But where do I find the words?&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;     &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;1&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 12pt; font-family: &amp;quot;Calibri&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;sans-serif&amp;quot;;&quot;&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&amp;nbsp;*******&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;   &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;1&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 12pt; font-family: &amp;quot;Calibri&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;sans-serif&amp;quot;;&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;1&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 12pt; font-family: &amp;quot;Calibri&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;sans-serif&amp;quot;;&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;1&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 12pt; font-family: &amp;quot;Calibri&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;sans-serif&amp;quot;;&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;1&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 12pt; font-family: &amp;quot;Calibri&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;sans-serif&amp;quot;;&quot;&gt;End of part 6.&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;   &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;1&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 12pt; font-family: &amp;quot;Calibri&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;sans-serif&amp;quot;;&quot;&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;   &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;1&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 12pt; font-family: &amp;quot;Calibri&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;sans-serif&amp;quot;;&quot;&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;   &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;1&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 12pt; font-family: &amp;quot;Calibri&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;sans-serif&amp;quot;;&quot;&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;   &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;1&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 12pt; font-family: &amp;quot;Calibri&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;sans-serif&amp;quot;;&quot;&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</description>
  <comments>http://ellurian.livejournal.com/2944.html</comments>
  <category>museslash</category>
  <category>belldom</category>
  <category>ellurian</category>
  <lj:mood>shocked</lj:mood>
  <lj:security>public</lj:security>
  <lj:reply-count>11</lj:reply-count>
</item>
<item>
  <guid isPermaLink='true'>http://ellurian.livejournal.com/2667.html</guid>
  <pubDate>Thu, 11 Oct 2007 08:44:11 GMT</pubDate>
  <title>Fools, conquests and Missing moments (Part 5)</title>
  <link>http://ellurian.livejournal.com/2667.html</link>
  <description>&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;margin-bottom: 12pt; text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;  &lt;/p&gt;    &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 10pt;&quot;&gt;Author: Ellurian&lt;br /&gt; Pairing: BellDom&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Rating &amp;amp; Warnings: Rather safe for now, Sexuality in later parts.&lt;br /&gt; Summary: Anything but the girl.&lt;br /&gt; Disclaimers: Beautiful, but not mine. &lt;br /&gt; Feedback: Your opinion means a lot to me, drop a comment if you read and don&apos;t be shy :)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 10pt; font-family: Wingdings;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;&quot;&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 10pt;&quot;&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;  &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;  &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 10pt;&quot;&gt;Previous parts:&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;  &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;  &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 10pt;&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://ellurian.livejournal.com/1542.html&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: blue;&quot;&gt;Part 1&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt; , &lt;a href=&quot;http://ellurian.livejournal.com/2004.html&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: blue;&quot;&gt;Part 2&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;, &lt;a href=&quot;http://ellurian.livejournal.com/2271.html&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: blue;&quot;&gt;Part 3&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;, &lt;a href=&quot;http://ellurian.livejournal.com/2416.html&quot;&gt;Part 4&lt;/a&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;  &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;  &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&amp;nbsp;*Author&apos;s note: Note that I may edit/correct typos and captions here and there. Yup, I beta myself...;)*&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;  &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;  &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;**********&lt;/p&gt;  &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;i&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 10pt; font-family: &amp;quot;Arial&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;sans-serif&amp;quot;;&quot;&gt;My hand instantly covered my mouth, stifling a choke. From behind me, Matt groaned sharply. &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/p&gt;  &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;i&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 10pt; font-family: &amp;quot;Arial&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;sans-serif&amp;quot;;&quot;&gt;I could swear I felt Gaia&apos;s voice rocking the foundations of my room.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/p&gt;  &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;************&lt;/p&gt;  &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;  &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;  &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;  &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;Part 5:&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;  &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;  &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;*****&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;    &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;&quot;I’m letting her in.&quot;, I said breathlessly without looking at Matt who stood behind me and He murmured a faint agreement. &lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;    &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;&quot;Are you… decent?&quot; I asked him with voice as low as possible. &lt;span style=&quot;font-family: &amp;quot;Arial&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;sans-serif&amp;quot;;&quot;&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;    &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;&quot;As much as you are&quot;, he replied shortly.&lt;span style=&quot;&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;    &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;Hearing him straightening his clothes, I quickly adjusted mine as well and reached for the door. I rested my forehead on it for a second and prayed my recent tears were not visible. &lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;    &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;&quot;Wait!&quot;, I heard Matt whispering as loudly as he could from behind me.&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;I sneaked a look and saw him trying to ease his heavy breathing with his palm covering his mouth. He inhaled deeply then briskly wiped some sweat from his forehead. &lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;    &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;Gaia rang again, twice this time. &quot;Dom! Are you in there?&quot;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;    &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;“Damn it Matt!”, I said and I looked at Matt urgently. Finally He nodded at me and I turned around to pull the door open.&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;    &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;Gaia’s figure revealed to me, as pretty as always, only her eyes were awfully red and her cheeks were still raw from her own tears and worries. &lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;    &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;&quot;Dom? Are you ok? You didn’t-…Matt?&quot;, she started then stopped as she noticed Matt behind me. &lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;    &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;I stepped back, letting her into the apartment.&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;    &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;&quot;Hey baby.&quot;, Matt said flatly.&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;    &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;She glanced at me, obviously shocked. &quot;For how long have you been here together?&quot;, she asked nervously. &lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;    &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;I immediately tensed. &quot;I&apos;m not sure-&quot;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;    &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;&quot;Ten minutes.&quot;, Matt preceded me. &lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;    &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;Gaia carried her eyes to Matt and back to me again. She looked confused, unsure of how to judge the situation.&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;    &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;&quot;What? You called me twice Dom, then hung up. I tried to call back but you didn’t answer. I was worried, so I came over…&quot;, she said, her eyes making my guts wrap around themselves.&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;    &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/span&gt;&quot;What happened?&quot;, She asked the inevitable, looking at both of us.&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;    &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;&quot;I was just about to…ahh..&quot;, I cleared my dry throat.&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;    &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;&quot;We needed to talk for a short while&quot;, Matt stated, and a sigh escaped my lips.&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;    &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;She turned to Matt completely, her confusion quickly forming into irritation. &lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;  &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;&quot;You’ve disappeared since last night and you could not let me know you came here?&quot; She asked him with tight voice. &lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;    &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;&quot;Gaia, calm down…&quot;, he said tentatively.&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;    &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;&quot;Matt! Don&apos;t tell me to calm down for god&apos;s sake! Couldn&apos;t you call me?&quot;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;  &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;She almost shouted, just about to lose her temper completely.&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;    &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;Matt sighed. &quot;I&apos;ve already told you, I needed some air.&quot;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;  &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;Why was he being impatient with her?, I thought.&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;    &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;&quot;Yea, that’s what you told me. So what were you doing here?&quot;, She asked more urgently. &lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;    &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;I could only observe their strange exchange, but I knew I wasn’t forgotten behind. &lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;  &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;Matt remained still with his fingers fidgeting with his shirt. What the hell was he going to tell her?&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;      &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;My breath caught in my throat. Was she suspecting anything? I looked at my bed quickly, frantically searching for something which might give away what just happened.&lt;span style=&quot;&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp;&lt;br /&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;  &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;Suddenly, I heard a small sob and I looked back at Gaia who covered her eyes and tried to stifle another sob.&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;    &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;&quot;What was so important that kept you from calling Matt?&quot; She said, close to tears.&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;    &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;&quot;Baby.&quot;, I heard Matt’s soothing voice.&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;He stepped close to her, taking her hand in his, and leaned to kiss her lips. &quot;There were some things I needed to find out, alone.&quot; &lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;    &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;I felt my chest sting at the sight and I averted my eyes immediately. I would not envy her.&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;    &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;&quot;Alone with Dom?&quot; She insisted. I cringed at my name being mentioned. &lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;    &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;&quot;We were making some things clear. Dom was actually pressing me to call you.&quot; Matt said, obviously getting nervous by the minute. &lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;    &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;Gaia turned around to stand by Matt&apos;s side and regarded me. I wore a tight smile, hoping it would relax her. &lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;    &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;&quot;Did you go out looking for him like you said you would?&quot; She asked genuinely. &lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;    &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;&quot;Visited every place I thought was relevant.&quot; I answered.&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;    &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;&quot;Why did you call and hang up twice then?&quot;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;    &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;Foolishly enough, I glanced at Matt for a moment, unconsciously trying to tell him that all of this wouldn&apos;t have happened if he had just let me make the stupid call. &lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;    &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;&quot;Timing was wrong. We just… needed a few extra minutes. I didn’t mean to scare you…I&apos;m sorry.&quot;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;    &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;She seemed to consider my words, not too keen about their meaning.&lt;span style=&quot;&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;  &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;This time though, the moment she opened her mouth to reply, Matt slid his hand to her waist and she softened at once. It was so obvious I almost giggled.&lt;span style=&quot;&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;    &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;The one thing I knew about Gaia was the fact that she loved Matt. Awfully. She was quite intelligent, yet dazzled by her emotions towards him. &lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;    &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/span&gt;Of course, Matt knew this. &lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;    &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;&quot;I see. Did you figure everything out then, both of you?&quot;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;    &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;I wanted to smirk right into her face. The girl had no idea of the crazy abyss we’ve both tripled into. Frankly, neither did I. &lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;    &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;&quot;I guess everything is ok now, yea.&quot;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;      &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;She slowly smiled. &quot;You two are lucky to have each other. Thanks for helping him out again Dom.&quot;&lt;span style=&quot;&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp; &lt;/span&gt;She said heartily then planted a gentle kiss on Matt&apos;s lips. I could actually sense him being restless, not knowing what to say.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;  &lt;br /&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;  &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;I watched them both and hissed as an image of Matt&apos;s hand in my hair suddenly appeared my in mind. My heart burnt, making me feel dizzy. &lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;    &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;Gaia left Matt&apos;s side and stepped closer to me, put her hand on my shoulder then kissed my cheek. She looked at me intently.&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;    &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;&quot;I don’t know what I would have done without you this time Dom. I&apos;m so sorry if I was a little harsh on the phone… I was-&quot; &lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;    &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;Suddenly her eyes narrowed, apparently noticing something on my face. &quot;Are you ok? Your eyes are red…&quot;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;    &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;My whole body tensed instantly, my mind thinking fast. &lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;    &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;&quot;Amm… What?&quot;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;Instinctively I glanced at Matt again. Just get yourselves out of here for god&apos;s sake, I thought fiercely.&lt;span style=&quot;&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;    &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;&quot;It&apos;s because of Jess, Isn&apos;t it? All of this.&quot; She asked sadly. &lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;    &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;Oh fuck. Not this, not now. &quot;Ah, yes… yes.&quot; , I coughed and rubbed my eyes. &quot;I just need my rest.&quot;, I added quickly. &lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;    &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;Not so elegantly, Matt cleared his throat and swiftly came close to both me and Gaia, grabbing her waist as gently as possible and kissed her hair.&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;    &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;&quot;We better let him rest baby.&quot; He said and I noticed his cheeks were still slightly flushed. &lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;    &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;Gaia&apos;s smile grew even wider at Matt&apos;s proximity and delicate gestures and she patted my shoulder again. &quot;It will all be just fine. Who knows? You two might even… you know.&quot;, she said with a wink. &lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;    &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;I forced a fake chuckle, but said nothing.&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;    &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;&quot;We&apos;d better move out babe.&quot;, Matt said in a haste.&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;    &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;&lt;i&gt;You&apos;re a bloody liar,&lt;/i&gt; his voice rang in my ears. &lt;i&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;    &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;&quot;Thanks Dom, I will see you tomorrow yea?&quot;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;    &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;&quot;Aye, good night mate.&quot; I replied quietly. Just get out, I thought.&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;    &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;Still smiling, Gaia said her goodbyes, and stepped away from between me and Matt. For a moment, we were facing each other again. He stole a glimpse of my lips and gave me sharp look, sending shivers through my spine. &lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;    &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;Turning away, he walked out of the apartment, closing the door behind him. &lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;  &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;Without thinking I walked into the shower, stripped my clothes and stepped into the water. I closed my eyes for long moments while hundreds, if not thousands thoughts ran through my mind. &lt;span style=&quot;&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;    &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;My mind went blank as I changed my bed sheets though. It was no use. Shedding his scent off the bed was impossible.&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;        &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;I lay sprawled sleeplessly on my couch that night, yet I could recall numerous dreams as the following morning enlightened my apartment.&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;    &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;Damn, I missed my drums.&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;  &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;  &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;End of part 5.&lt;/font&gt; &lt;/p&gt;  &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; dir=&quot;rtl&quot;&gt;&lt;span dir=&quot;ltr&quot;&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</description>
  <comments>http://ellurian.livejournal.com/2667.html</comments>
  <lj:security>public</lj:security>
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  <guid isPermaLink='true'>http://ellurian.livejournal.com/2416.html</guid>
  <pubDate>Sun, 23 Sep 2007 23:36:39 GMT</pubDate>
  <title>Fools, conquests and Missing moments (Part 4)</title>
  <link>http://ellurian.livejournal.com/2416.html</link>
  <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;Author: Ellurian&lt;br /&gt; Pairing: BellDom&lt;br /&gt; Summary: Run Desire, Run. Run him like a blade. &lt;br /&gt; Disclaimers: Beautiful, but not mine. &lt;br /&gt; Feedback: Please! Let me know what you think… your comments mean so much more than you can possibly know.&lt;br style=&quot;&quot; /&gt;&lt;br style=&quot;&quot; /&gt;&lt;/font&gt;  &lt;/p&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;&lt;i&gt;&lt;b&gt;Rating &amp;amp; Warnings: Strong Sexuality in this chapter!&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;Previous parts:&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://ellurian.livejournal.com/1542.html&quot;&gt;Part 1&lt;/a&gt; , &lt;a href=&quot;http://ellurian.livejournal.com/2004.html&quot;&gt;Part 2&lt;/a&gt;, &lt;a href=&quot;http://ellurian.livejournal.com/2271.html&quot;&gt;Part 3&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;Author&apos;s notes: I apologize for the delay, some pressure at work has shoved this fic aside for awhile.&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&amp;nbsp;**Another note: Iv&apos;e made some typos corrections (Yes.. It&apos;s true. I beta myself :)**&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;&lt;i&gt;*****&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;p style=&quot;line-height: normal;&quot; class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;&lt;i&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 12pt; font-family: &amp;quot;Times New Roman&amp;quot;;&quot;&gt;His lips parted as if to say something, but he hesitated.&amp;nbsp; &lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;p style=&quot;line-height: normal;&quot; class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;&lt;i&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 12pt; font-family: &amp;quot;Times New Roman&amp;quot;;&quot;&gt;&quot;I know you&apos;re in love with someone else.&quot; He finally said.&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;&lt;i&gt;*******&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/font&gt;  &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: Arial;&quot;&gt;Part 4:&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;    &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: Arial;&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;*****&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;    &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: Arial;&quot;&gt;I aborted the call and placed my cell phone on the bed with shivering fingers. &lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;  &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: Arial;&quot;&gt;&quot;Jessica said she thinks you are in love with someone else.&quot;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;  &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: Arial;&quot;&gt;I felt as if a kick was shot right into my stomach, and barely managed to breath.&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;  &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: Arial;&quot;&gt;&quot;What?&quot;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;  &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: Arial;&quot;&gt;&quot;You were thinking about someone else. She could see it in your eyes.&quot; &lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;  &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: Arial;&quot;&gt;I stared at him, dumbstruck. “Someone else?”, I repeated his words rather foolishly. &lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;  &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: Arial;&quot;&gt;“You’re catching up fast. Yea.. Someone else. A stranger.”, He scorned.&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;  &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: Arial;&quot;&gt;A small breathless snigger almost escaped my mouth. Damn. He knew, yet he didn’t know. &lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;  &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: Arial;&quot;&gt;&quot;It&apos;s true isn&apos;t it?&quot; He shook his head in disbelief, his lips parted.&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;  &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: Arial;&quot;&gt;My mouth was dry, too terrified to speak and uncover another piece of the truth which would only bring up more questions. I ran my hand through my hair, and murmured a weak &quot;It doesn’t matter anyway&quot; at him. &lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;  &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: Arial;&quot;&gt;He hissed.&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;  &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: Arial;&quot;&gt;&quot;Oh fuck it. Fine, be a bloody stranger Dom.&quot; He said angrily, and turned around to leave.&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;  &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: Arial;&quot;&gt;With an unexpected instinct I shot up from my bed and grabbed his arm fiercely. He grimaced, but didn’t try releasing himself.&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;  &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: Arial;&quot;&gt;I caught his eyes with mine. &lt;span style=&quot;&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/span&gt;He looked so sad, yet furious at the same time. The words leaked out of my mouth in frenzy. &quot;Matt, I had my own reasons to keep this quiet, you are my best mate, have always been-&quot;&lt;span style=&quot;&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;  &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: Arial;&quot;&gt;&quot;You&apos;re a bloody liar.&quot; He almost yelled at me, and caught my fist with his, trying to pull me off him. &quot;Let me go Dom-&quot;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;  &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: Arial;&quot;&gt;&quot;You don’t understand a bloody thing, for fuck&apos;s sake&quot;, I heard my self shouting at him. I gripped his fighting palm with my other hand and yanked it back to his chest, still not letting go of his other arm. &lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;  &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: Arial;&quot;&gt;&quot;I had kept it quiet because…I mean, I did this for the band, alright? For our stinkin&apos; band, you daft.&quot;, I shouted into his face.&lt;span style=&quot;&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;  &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: Arial;&quot;&gt;He stopped struggling, surprised at my sudden shout. Then he just chuckled breathlessly, mocking me again.&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;  &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: Arial;&quot;&gt;&quot;Oh, this is grand. Don’t tell me mate, You&apos;re in love with Kelly aren&apos;t you?&quot;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;  &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: Arial;&quot;&gt;I felt like spitting onto his face. I released his arm instead and took a step back quietly, my mouth too thick with fury. &lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;  &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: Arial;&quot;&gt;&quot;You&apos;re a true arse when you want to be.&quot; I said with low voice.&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;  &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: Arial;&quot;&gt;He was clearly ignoring my words as his sly look was still visible among his anger and excitement. He rubbed his wrist from my grip, and I realized I just hurt him. Have I lost cont-&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;  &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: Arial;&quot;&gt;&quot;Do I know her?&quot; He suddenly asked.&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;  &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: Arial;&quot;&gt;Bloody hell. I was irritated to my very bone, left with naught but a mere piece of patience. &lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;  &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: Arial;&quot;&gt;&quot;Fuck off this place Matt, You don’t want to know this. Get the hell out.&quot; I said in an unfamiliar, dangerous voice.&lt;span style=&quot;&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;  &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: Arial;&quot;&gt;&quot;You&apos;ve already kicked me out anyway.&quot;, He said too calmly. &lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;  &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: Arial;&quot;&gt;&quot;Who is she?&quot;, he pursued.&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;  &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: Arial;&quot;&gt;His damned arrogance finally took me over the edge. I cursed the moment Gaia had decided to involve me with his reckless, selfish disappearance. I swiftly closed the gap between us and pushed him forcefully to the wall. He instinctively punched my cheek, and I grabbed his fist, pinning it to wall next to his head. &quot;Fine!&quot;, I shouted again.&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;  &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: Arial;&quot;&gt;He moaned in pained surprise, but I was far beyond being sensible. My lips were suddenly very close to his ear. I heard nothing but my own heart kicking in my chest.&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;  &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: Arial;&quot;&gt;I truly hated him for this.&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;  &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: Arial;&quot;&gt;&quot;It&apos;s not a she, Matt.&quot; &lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;  &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: Arial;&quot;&gt;I yanked him against the wall, forcing a yelp from him this time. I took two steps back as a lump formed in my burning throat. I felt utterly alone. I felt ugly. &lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;  &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: Arial;&quot;&gt;&quot;Happy now?&quot; The final bits of sanity within me prayed that he will run now. &lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;  &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: Arial;&quot;&gt;But he just stayed there, breathing frantically, looking more lost than ever. &quot;Not a she&quot;, I caught his lips pronouncing soundlessly. &lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;  &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: Arial;&quot;&gt;&quot;Who is it?&quot; He asked again, in a look I was not able interpret. &lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;  &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: Arial;&quot;&gt;Chris would never forgive you, an empty voice whimpered inside my head, pulling me to my oblivion. I looked away to the window and shut my eyes tightly. &lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;  &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: Arial;&quot;&gt;&quot;Matt, Please. Don’t ask me to tell you this.&quot;, I whispered so thinly at him. My whole body was trembling, flooded with every possible emotion I&apos;ve been repressing for years. &lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;  &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: Arial;&quot;&gt;&quot;Who?&quot; He whispered back.&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;  &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: Arial;&quot;&gt;I felt an enormous weight crushing my chest as I realized I had no way out of this. Don’t run away from me, mate, my mind cried.&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;  &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: Arial;&quot;&gt;&quot;You, mate.&quot; I uttered the words I have never come to terms with.&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;  &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: Arial;&quot;&gt;Long silence engulfed the room as I could only hear the two of us breathing, my eyes still shut. A few silent tears moistened my cheeks. It was over. I wiped my eyes and nose with my wrist, only to see it stained with blood. It was his punch I thought, letting my hand drop to my side. I was defeated.&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;  &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: Arial;&quot;&gt;&quot;You&apos;re a bloody fool Dom.&quot;, he said, but I could barely register his words. Why was he still there?, I thought painfully.&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;  &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: Arial;&quot;&gt;My lips formed a weak, broken smile. &quot;Gaia is worried Matt. Really worried&quot;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;  &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: Arial;&quot;&gt;Suddenly he was there again, so close to me, keeping me still with his hand on my shoulder. I groaned as his sleeve suddenly touched my lips, wiping the blood away from my face gently. His hands were trembling, together with his entire body. &lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;  &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: Arial;&quot;&gt;&quot;A genuine, useless fool.&quot; He said with shaky voice, his sleeve still brushing my lips, his hot breath on my sweaty chest.&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;  &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: Arial;&quot;&gt;I felt my tired heart shutter. More tears streamed down my face. &lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;  &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: Arial;&quot;&gt;I stepped back, pulling my face away from his hands in confused embarressement.&amp;nbsp; &lt;span style=&quot;&quot;&gt;&quot;I expected as much.&quot;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;  &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: Arial;&quot;&gt;I sighed deeply and opened my eyes only to see his face so close to mine, and I inhaled sharply. &quot;Seriously now Matt, Gaia is waiting…Please go.&quot;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;  &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: Arial;&quot;&gt;He didn’t move at first. He Gazed at me with the saddest eyes. He took a step closer then, his chest almost touching mine, his eyes almost meeting my nose. Before I could actually see it, he started leaning his face closer, rising on his toes.&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;  &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: Arial;&quot;&gt;Panic caught my chest when I understood what he was doing. I tried to step back, but was met by the bed, almost losing my balance. He put his palm on my shoulder again, and pulled me back to him. His breath warmed my tears. &quot;You&apos;re a bloody fool.&quot;, he barely whispered.&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;  &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: Arial;&quot;&gt;His trembling body suddenly tightened, and then I felt his lips kiss one of my tears, ever so faintly. I shuddered and moaned with shock. &quot;No, Matt..&quot;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;  &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: Arial;&quot;&gt;&quot;I hate you for this.&quot;, He whispered shakily, then pressed his lips to mine. His fingers gripped my shirt, pulling me impossibly closer, until our chests touched. &lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;  &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: Arial;&quot;&gt;My eyes shot open and saw naught but a spinning room. My hand came to his chest, and pushed him away abruptly. His legs were met by the bed, which sent him stumbling onto the mattress behind us. His hands didn’t let go of my shirt though, and we collapsed together with me falling on top of him. I barely managed to yelp before he caught my face again, pressing his lips to mine. &quot;Matt&quot;, I tried to shout at him, but he didn’t stop. He moved his lips against mine, opening them slowly. &lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;  &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: Arial;&quot;&gt;I felt everything, and I felt nothing. I forgot my own name and truth. &lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;  &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: Arial;&quot;&gt;Old, long trapped tears formed, gliding on my face. My body froze as his lips grazed mine delicately and I felt my mouth surrender to his. He brought his hand to the back of my neck and pulled my head closer, pushing his tongue into my mouth. &lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;  &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: Arial;&quot;&gt;Our tongues met, and I shuddered violently. There he was beneath me, trembling and writhing – not aware of his own actions, I was sure.&lt;span style=&quot;&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;  &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: Arial;&quot;&gt;I wanted to lift myself out of bed, I wanted to run and deny everything, but I was out of control. He flicked his tongue gently against mine, and rationality was lost. I felt myself harden immediately, heat engulfing my most secret, darkest desires. &lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;  &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: Arial;&quot;&gt;I have never touched a man in my life.&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;  &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: Arial;&quot;&gt;With my right leg already between his legs, my left leg slowly crawled and placed itself next to my right one. I barely stifled a hiss as I spread his legs open and sank my crotch down onto his. My palms gripped the sheets tightly as I tried to control my tight, throbbing erection. He was still holding my neck, slowly stroking my tongue with his. His other hand ran through my hair with shaking fingers, brushing her way down to my upper back then flattened on my shoulder blade. &quot;Stop the tears&quot;, he whispered into my mouth, his voice higher than usual, trembling as well.&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;  &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: Arial;&quot;&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;  &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: Arial;&quot;&gt;My eyes shot open to his words, tearing my lips from his, and I dared looking down at his face. His face wore the oddest expression yet his eyes were dark with unmistakable lust. A groan escaped my lips and I grinded my hips. My hardness met his as he arched, sending a low, dark moan out of me. I studied his face, his eyes half shut, biting his lower lip and his cheeks flushed. Everything was forgotten, vanished.&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;  &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: Arial;&quot;&gt;I wanted to fuck the life out of him right there, right then. &lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;  &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: Arial;&quot;&gt;&quot;Stop crying.&quot; He panted, pulling me down to him. I stared at his face as he kissed me once more, his tongue tasting me fiercely. Without my permission, my hips thrusted against him again, harder this time. I was beyond the point of sanity, so far away from turning back. I started moving back and forth between his legs, feeling my self stroking his own heat. &lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;  &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: Arial;&quot;&gt;Distant screams of rationality and fear were drowned by my intoxicated senses. &lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;  &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: Arial;&quot;&gt;My legs moved out of their own accord, spreading his legs even further apart. My whole body moved uncontrollably, positioning itself more tightly onto him while my hand slid down and grabbed one of his thighs only to pull it up, trying to wrap it around my bottom.&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;  &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: Arial;&quot;&gt;&quot;I&apos;m so sorry, Matt, so sorry&quot;, I whimpered into his maddening mouth and thrusted my hips roughly again and again.&lt;span style=&quot;&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp; &lt;/span&gt;&quot;So sorry.&quot; Out of breath, I tore my mouth from his and placed my face on the pillow. His hands slid to my upper back, hugging me closer as he tried to meet my movements. His mouth was producing small, paced moans which matched my thrusts. &quot;I tried to stop it, I swear to you.&quot;, I whispered into his warm neck, not even registering my own words. &lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;  &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: Arial;&quot;&gt;His hand moved up to my hair, stroked it again, and then his body suddenly tensed. His breath caught and he buried his face in my neck. Unable to stop my hip from grinding into him, I rose up to see his face. &quot;Wha-&quot;, I started, but his hands wrapped themselves around me again and he hugged me tightly. The lightest kiss was placed on my neck. I groaned, sending a sudden, violent thrust into his pelvis. &lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;  &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: Arial;&quot;&gt;Like a gunshot, the door bell suddenly rang.&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;  &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: Arial;&quot;&gt;Swiftly, as if a gun really was pointed at my temple, I lurched up from the bed, faltered to my elbows, then rose up on my quavering legs. Matt, wavering behind, quickly rolled up to a standing position as well. I didn’t dare looking directly at his eyes but his flushed cheeks and wild breathing were obvious. &lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;  &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: Arial;&quot;&gt;The doorbell rang again. &quot;Dom? Are you there?&quot;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;  &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: Arial;&quot;&gt;My hand instantly covered my mouth, stifling a choke. From behind me, Matt groaned sharply. &lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;  &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: Arial;&quot;&gt;I could swear I felt Gaia&apos;s voice rocking the foundations of my room.&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;  &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: Arial;&quot;&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;  &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: Arial;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;End of part 4.&lt;/font&gt; &lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;  &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: Arial;&quot;&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;  &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: Arial;&quot;&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;  &lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: Calibri;&quot;&gt;&lt;br clear=&quot;all&quot; style=&quot;page-break-before: always;&quot; /&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: &amp;quot;Times New Roman&amp;quot;;&quot;&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: &amp;quot;Times New Roman&amp;quot;;&quot;&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: &amp;quot;Times New Roman&amp;quot;;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: &amp;quot;Times New Roman&amp;quot;;&quot;&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</description>
  <comments>http://ellurian.livejournal.com/2416.html</comments>
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  <guid isPermaLink='true'>http://ellurian.livejournal.com/2271.html</guid>
  <pubDate>Thu, 23 Aug 2007 18:25:24 GMT</pubDate>
  <title>Fools, conquests and Missing moments (Part 3)</title>
  <link>http://ellurian.livejournal.com/2271.html</link>
  <description>&lt;p dir=&quot;ltr&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;Author: Ellurian&lt;br /&gt; Pairing: BellDom&lt;br /&gt; Rating &amp;amp; Warnings: Some swearing ,Strong R for later sexuality and tension. &lt;br /&gt; Summary: Have you come here for forgiveness? Have you come to raise the dead?&lt;br /&gt; Disclaimers: Beautiful, but not mine. &lt;br /&gt; Feedback: You&apos;re all wonderful… Thank you so much the comments! Thought you wouldn&apos;t stand the fact that the story has to build up before the real action kicks off :)&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt; Previous parts:&lt;/font&gt; &lt;/p&gt;  &lt;p dir=&quot;ltr&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://ellurian.livejournal.com/1542.html&quot;&gt;Part1 &lt;/a&gt;, &lt;a href=&quot;http://ellurian.livejournal.com/2004.html&quot;&gt;Part2&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;    &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; dir=&quot;ltr&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;  &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; dir=&quot;ltr&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;  &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; dir=&quot;ltr&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;&lt;i&gt;*****&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;  &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; dir=&quot;ltr&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;&lt;i&gt;Laughter or tears, I am not sure, but I wanted to burst.&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;  &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; dir=&quot;ltr&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;&lt;i&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;  &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; dir=&quot;ltr&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;&lt;i&gt;It was Matt.&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;    &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; dir=&quot;ltr&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;&lt;i&gt;*******&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;  &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; dir=&quot;ltr&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;    &lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 12pt; font-family: &amp;quot;Times New Roman&amp;quot;;&quot;&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;  &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; dir=&quot;ltr&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;      &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; dir=&quot;ltr&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;Part 3:&lt;br /&gt;*****&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;  &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; dir=&quot;ltr&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;  &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; dir=&quot;ltr&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;&quot;For you mate, enjoy.&quot;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; dir=&quot;ltr&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;He pushed a bottle of my favorite beer into my chest, and walked past me into the room indifferently. &lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;    &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; dir=&quot;ltr&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;I stared at him, trying to hide my disbelief. &lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;    &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; dir=&quot;ltr&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;His hair was somewhat messy, as his dark blue shirt was. The scent of alcohol was there, yet not as strong as I had expected it to be. He searched the apartment for something or someone then turned to face me. &lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;    &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; dir=&quot;ltr&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;“Where’s the party mate? No new girls yet?” He taunted. &lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;    &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; dir=&quot;ltr&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;“Wanker. Where have you been?”, I asked as mildly as I could master.&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;    &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; dir=&quot;ltr&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;He took my figure with his blank eyes and giggled in a mocking manner which burned the last bit of my patience.&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;    &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; dir=&quot;ltr&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;&quot;You look sweaty mate, you smell too.&quot;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;    &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; dir=&quot;ltr&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;&quot;Did you even think about calling someone? Letting anyone know where you were?&quot;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;    &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; dir=&quot;ltr&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;He only licked his lips and repeated his irritating giggle.&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;    &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; dir=&quot;ltr&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;&quot;Oh. Were you searching for me, Dommy?&quot; He said in a sly, dark manner. His eyes were fixed on mine, suddenly making me feel uncomfortable. I stared back at him, not entertained.&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;    &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; dir=&quot;ltr&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;“Or did you want tell me something I don’t know maybe?” His mocking continued.&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;    &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; dir=&quot;ltr&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;I felt my face flush swiftly.&lt;span style=&quot;&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp; &lt;/span&gt;Damn. That odd look in his eyes, his thin lips somewhat pursed – All of these reminded me of our conversation last week in the hall, and the same anxiety I felt then crept into me again.&lt;span style=&quot;color: red;&quot;&gt; &lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;    &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; dir=&quot;ltr&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;“Not that I can think of.&lt;span style=&quot;&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp; &lt;/span&gt;Gaia is damn worried you know, you left her with no choice but to call me to ask where you disappeared to.” I accused him.&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;    &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; dir=&quot;ltr&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;He spread his palms in the air carelessly. “Don’t you ever need to get some air on your own?”&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;    &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; dir=&quot;ltr&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;“But why did you ditch her alone like this?“ I asked him, genuinely piqued by now.&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;    &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; dir=&quot;ltr&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;He smiled emptily. &quot;I only learn from the best, mate&quot;.&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;    &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; dir=&quot;ltr&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;I frowned at him, utterly confused.&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;    &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; dir=&quot;ltr&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;&quot;What?..What the hell is that supposed to mean?&quot;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;    &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; dir=&quot;ltr&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;He raised his hand and pointed his index finger at me. &quot;Jess is home alone, no?&quot;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;    &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; dir=&quot;ltr&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;I exhaled nervously, almost wishing he would have shown up safe in Gaia&apos;s place instead of mine. Why does he keep pursuing that subject?&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;    &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; dir=&quot;ltr&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;&quot;Don’t throw your dirt at me, Matt. I&apos;ve already told you, Jess wanted out.&quot; &lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;    &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; dir=&quot;ltr&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;His mocking glare became an icy stare. &quot;really.&quot;, He whispered.&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;    &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; dir=&quot;ltr&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;“Really”, I hissed at him. He should go now. &lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;  &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; dir=&quot;ltr&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;&quot;I&apos;m going to call Gaia now. She&apos;s pissed worried about you.&quot;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;    &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; dir=&quot;ltr&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;I turned away from him, walking to my cell phone. I picked it up and dialed Gaia&apos;s number. First pulse.&lt;span style=&quot;&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;    &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; dir=&quot;ltr&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;&quot;You&apos;re a liar.&quot; &lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;    &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; dir=&quot;ltr&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;My breath caught and I turned around to him. A small word hovered in my mind suddenly…Exposed. &lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;    &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; dir=&quot;ltr&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;“What?”&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;    &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; dir=&quot;ltr&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;I wasn&apos;t sure of what he was about to say, yet I quickly prayed he doesn’t know, at least not everything. Please, no.&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;    &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; dir=&quot;ltr&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;&quot;It was You who broke up from her, didn’t you?&quot;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;    &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; dir=&quot;ltr&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;My forehead covered in light sweat. My mind went completely blank.&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;    &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; dir=&quot;ltr&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;“What? No… She was the who left, I mean, She said-“&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;    &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; dir=&quot;ltr&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;“Stop. Lying.” , He said acidly, his eyes piercing my very soul.&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;    &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; dir=&quot;ltr&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;“I…I am not sure..“&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;    &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; dir=&quot;ltr&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;With my burning throat, my voice faltered.&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;    &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; dir=&quot;ltr&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;He swallowed slowly, and licked his lips.&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;    &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; dir=&quot;ltr&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;&quot;You wanted out, not her. So it&apos;s true then.&quot;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;    &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; dir=&quot;ltr&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;Absolutely speechless, I remained silent, staring at the most distant point of my room.&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;  &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; dir=&quot;ltr&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;This is exactly what I&apos;ve been trying to avoid. I had no other choice, a small voice shouted from within me. &lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;    &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; dir=&quot;ltr&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;&quot;They&apos;re good friends you know, Jess and Gaia. Tell the truth to each other. You wouldn’t believe what happened afterwards though; She actually told me the whole story...She’s saved you another bloody phone call mate!”&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;    &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; dir=&quot;ltr&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;My chest tensed at his sarcasm. What could I possibly tell him? That I had asked Jessica to keep this detail between me and her? That I knew I was being a total idiot but could not think of another way? That I would lie to him again if I had to?&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;      &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; dir=&quot;ltr&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;&quot;It was a personal matter between me and Jess, Matt. Her respect had meant a lot to me so I… didn’t want to talk about it. … I… &quot;, I ran out of words, of directions.&lt;span style=&quot;&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;  &lt;br /&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;  &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; dir=&quot;ltr&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;His single chuckle betrayed his bitterness.&lt;span style=&quot;&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;    &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; dir=&quot;ltr&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;&quot;I see. Is there anything you want talk about at all?&quot; He said sharply, his anger dripping out of him, and I had remained quiet.&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;    &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; dir=&quot;ltr&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;“Are we nothing but colleagues now?. What the hell has gone wrong?”&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;    &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; dir=&quot;ltr&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;Colleagues? My heart missed a beat. I had no idea that’s how he’s been feeling…&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;    &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; dir=&quot;ltr&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;&quot;What? Matt…It&apos;s nothing like that…&quot; My words kept stumbling, &quot;God knows I didn’t want to lie to you, or anyone else. I wanted to tell you, but..&quot;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;    &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; dir=&quot;ltr&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;&quot;But you’ve been acting like a total stranger for months now.&quot;, he completed the sentence for me.&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;    &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; dir=&quot;ltr&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;I had to lie Matt, I wanted to shout. &lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;    &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; dir=&quot;ltr&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;My mind raced for some rational explanation. I couldn&apos;t tell him the truth, could I? The band wouldn&apos;t have survived it… I mean, Chris would have never forgiven me had he known I was having these…thoughts. Shit.&lt;span style=&quot;&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;    &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; dir=&quot;ltr&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;I was totally lost. I needed to think. I needed to come up with an apology to him, to make my truth disappear again. &lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;    &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; dir=&quot;ltr&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;&quot;You&apos;ve got nothing to say then.&quot; He said with voice tight with anger.&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;    &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; dir=&quot;ltr&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;I inhaled unevenly, almost paralyzed by his urgency and my exposed lie. &lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;    &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; dir=&quot;ltr&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;&quot;Look mate, this is not the right time, alright? Let me call Gaia, I mean… She called me and everything.&quot;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;    &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; dir=&quot;ltr&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;I picked up my cell phone again, and redialed her number. &lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;    &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; dir=&quot;ltr&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;I barely heard his steps towards me, but suddenly his was there, in front of me, snatching away the cell phone, still ringing. &lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;    &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; dir=&quot;ltr&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;&quot;Don’t you call her Dom, she&apos;s my girlfriend, damn it.&quot;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;    &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; dir=&quot;ltr&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;His words shocked me. He has never referred Gaia like this before. He aborted the call and threw the cell phone on my bed.&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;    &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; dir=&quot;ltr&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;&quot;Not the right time you say, fine. I bet I could ask her about this and she would tell me everything since I&apos;m the last to know anyway. Why are you so eager to call her? You don&apos;t give a bloody damn whether I&apos;m there with her or not.&quot;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;    &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; dir=&quot;ltr&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;I looked straight into his eyes, I&apos;ve had enough of his shitty, selfish attitude. &lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;    &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; dir=&quot;ltr&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;&quot;Your girlfriend called me with tears, you daft. Where do you think I&apos;ve been? I just came back from searching for you around the whole friggin&apos; town like a bloody babysitter, damn it.&quot;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;    &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; dir=&quot;ltr&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;A bitter, arrogant smirk spread on his face and he stepped closer to me. &lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;  &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; dir=&quot;ltr&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;&quot;Helping out a lady in distress after leaving your own girlfriend behind... Why, you&apos;re a true gentleman&quot;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;    &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; dir=&quot;ltr&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;Hell, he didn’t even care I went after him. &lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;    &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; dir=&quot;ltr&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;&quot;At least Jess didn’t call another man for help while she was with me.&quot; I shot at him, lost in my excitement.&lt;span style=&quot;&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;    &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; dir=&quot;ltr&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;He wanted to punch me, I could see it in his eyes. He swore at my face instead.&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;    &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; dir=&quot;ltr&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;&quot;Whatever Matt. Don&apos;t worry your pretty little head about this aye? Next time your girlfriend calls I&apos;ll tell her you&apos;re a lost case and go back to sleep.&quot;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;    &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; dir=&quot;ltr&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;I tried to walk to my bed for my cell phone again but he put his palm on my chest and pushed me back lightly.&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;    &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; dir=&quot;ltr&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;&quot;Well then, Did you cheat on her?&quot;, He asked bluntly.&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;    &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; dir=&quot;ltr&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;I felt myself snap under his mockery, and I stared at him with dismay. &lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;    &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; dir=&quot;ltr&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;&quot;Come again?&quot;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;    &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; dir=&quot;ltr&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;His smirk disappeared and he fixed me with his icy stare again. &lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;    &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; dir=&quot;ltr&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;&quot;You heard me.&quot;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;    &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; dir=&quot;ltr&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;&quot;You&apos;re off the limits&quot; I warned him.&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;    &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; dir=&quot;ltr&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;&quot;Have you been screwing around or not?&quot;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;    &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; dir=&quot;ltr&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;I actually hissed at him and bent my face to his.&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;  &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; dir=&quot;ltr&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;&quot;Let&apos;s put it this way. I hadn&apos;t laid my hands on any one else but Jess since we had become a couple.&quot; &lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;    &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; dir=&quot;ltr&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;&quot;Is that so.&quot; He answered.&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;    &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; dir=&quot;ltr&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;Burning with fury, I restrained my mouth and glanced at the door then back at him.&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;    &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; dir=&quot;ltr&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;&quot;Bugger off.&quot; I said with a dark voice I almost didn’t recognize.&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;    &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; dir=&quot;ltr&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;Not so gently, I pushed him away from me, shivering with anger and unexplained fear. I walked to my bed and picked up my cell phone. &lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;    &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; dir=&quot;ltr&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;Listening to the pulse, I turned to face him, catching his eyes gazing into mine. His lips parted as if to say something, but he hesitated.&lt;span style=&quot;&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;    &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; dir=&quot;ltr&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;&quot;I know you&apos;re in love with someone else.&quot; He finally said.&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;  &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; dir=&quot;ltr&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;  &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; dir=&quot;ltr&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; dir=&quot;ltr&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;*****&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;  &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; dir=&quot;ltr&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;End of part 3. &lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;  &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; dir=&quot;ltr&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;  &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; dir=&quot;ltr&quot; style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</description>
  <comments>http://ellurian.livejournal.com/2271.html</comments>
  <category>museslash</category>
  <category>belldom</category>
  <lj:mood>weird</lj:mood>
  <lj:security>public</lj:security>
  <lj:reply-count>10</lj:reply-count>
</item>
<item>
  <guid isPermaLink='true'>http://ellurian.livejournal.com/2004.html</guid>
  <pubDate>Mon, 20 Aug 2007 19:25:29 GMT</pubDate>
  <title>Fools, conquests and Missing moments (Part 2)</title>
  <link>http://ellurian.livejournal.com/2004.html</link>
  <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;Author: Ellurian&lt;br /&gt; Pairing: BellDom&lt;br /&gt; Rating &amp;amp; Warnings: Safe at the moment, strong R for later sexuality and angst. &lt;br /&gt; Summary: I should smack that sod&apos;s head for doing this to her. And to me. &lt;br /&gt; Disclaimers: Beautiful, but not mine. &lt;br /&gt; Feedback: Please! The more you comment, the more I manage to overcome my hesitations to post this &lt;span style=&quot;font-family: Wingdings;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;&quot;&gt;J&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt; &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt; Author&apos;s notes: First story here! This chapter is a bit shorter, but the pace heats up, I assure you.&lt;/font&gt; &lt;/p&gt;  &lt;p&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;Previous:&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;  &lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://ellurian.livejournal.com/1542.html&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;Part 1&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;  &lt;p&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;  &lt;p&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;  &lt;p&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;Part 2:&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;  &lt;p style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot; class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;  &lt;p style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot; class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;*****&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;  &lt;p style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot; class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;    &lt;p style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot; class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;&quot;Yea&quot;&lt;o:p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;  &lt;p style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot; class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;&quot;Hey Dom, How&apos;re you?&quot; Gaia asked me tentatively.&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;    &lt;p style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot; class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;&quot;Everything is peachy, Gaia.-&quot;, I rubbed my eyes, waking up slowly. &quot;How&apos;re things?&quot; And for god&apos;s sake, why do you have to call at this hour, I thought.&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot; class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;&quot;Is Matt there with you Dom?&quot;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;    &lt;p style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot; class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;&quot;Huh? Chris told me you two left together yesterday.&quot; I said, puzzled.&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;    &lt;p style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot; class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;&quot;He left our room last night and hasn&apos;t called yet.&quot; She said unevenly.&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;      &lt;p style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot; class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;I rubbed my nose and wondered. She had called me, so I guessed I was allowed to ask some basic questions.&lt;o:p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;  &lt;p style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot; class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;&quot;Did you have a fight?&quot; I asked with my voice still sleepy.&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;        &lt;p style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot; class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;She took a quick, upset breath.&lt;br /&gt;&quot;You see Dom. That&apos;s the point. We didn’t. We were discussing your &lt;st1:place w:st=&quot;on&quot;&gt;&lt;st1:city w:st=&quot;on&quot;&gt;Paris&lt;/st1:city&gt;&lt;/st1:place&gt; schedule last night, and then… He said he needed to take a walk. He hasn&apos;t come back yet.&quot;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;  &lt;p style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot; class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;I frowned. I should smack that sod&apos;s head for doing this to her. &lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;    &lt;p style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot; class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;&quot;I will try to call him and-&quot;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;    &lt;p style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot; class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;&quot;You realize I&apos;ve already done that, Dom.&quot; She was worried alright.&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;    &lt;p style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot; class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;Those bloody alcohol sessions of his, I thought. Damn it. &lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;    &lt;p style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot; class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;&quot;Have you told someone else yet? What time is it anyway?&quot; I rose up from the bed slowly, already distressed. Bloody idiot.&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;      &lt;p style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot; class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;&quot;It&apos;s almost morning Dom, two o&apos;clock already... I called you first.&quot; She said in her upset tone.&lt;o:p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;    &lt;p style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot; class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;I sat up, and rubbed my eyes with the phone stuck in my ear.&lt;o:p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;  &lt;p style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot; class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;&quot;Listen Gaia, let&apos;s keep this between us for the moment, He&apos;s probably… ahh…&quot; I hesitated. &lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;    &lt;p style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot; class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;&quot;Drunk?&quot; She asked me very, very sadly and I sighed. &lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;    &lt;p style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot; class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;&quot;I&apos;m dressing up now Gaia, Please try to relax. I assure you – he&apos;s perfectly alright.&quot; I was trying to tell my self the same, but my heart beats were picking up fast. I pulled my jeans up as she kept quiet for several moments. &lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;    &lt;p style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot; class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;&quot;Dom?&quot;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;    &lt;p style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot; class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;&quot;Yea?&quot;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;    &lt;p style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot; class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;&quot;Has he told you anything? About me?&quot; She said finally, obviously curious and worried at the same time.&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;    &lt;p style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot; class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;I considered her question it for a minute. Myself and Matt haven&apos;t had a chat for quite a while now but…. Still. &lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;    &lt;p style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot; class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;&quot;Not that I can think of. Why?&quot;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;      &lt;p style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot; class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;&quot;He&apos;s been acting in an odd way for quite a while now. I… don’t know.&quot;&lt;br /&gt;She was very close to tears, I could tell. &lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;    &lt;p style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot; class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;I leaned on my closet, not knowing what to say. Lately I have noticed some difference in the general way Matt behaved while being with Gaia, specially in the way he spoke about her, but…She&apos;s a good girl. She&apos;s good for him.&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;    &lt;p style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot; class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;&quot;He has said nothing to me...&quot; I&apos;m not good at this… not good at these conversations. &lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;    &lt;p style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot; class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;&quot;I am leaving my room now… Will keep you updated Gaia, Please try to rest. Please?&quot;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;    &lt;p style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot; class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;She sighed, clearly troubled.&lt;span style=&quot;&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp; &lt;/span&gt;I couldn&apos;t help but think she didn&apos;t deserve this. &lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;    &lt;p style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot; class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;&quot;Thank you Dom, He&apos;s lucky to have you as a friend.&quot; &lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;    &lt;p style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot; class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;Not for the first time, I felt a knot form in my stomach at her words. I stared blankly at my window, wondering for the millionth time whether she would have ever forgiven me had she known about some of my darker secrets. Probably never would have. &lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;    &lt;p style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot; class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;&quot;Get your rest Gaia, I will call you soon.&quot;, I said and hung up, barely waiting for her reply.&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;    &lt;p style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot; class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;In less than a minute after the conversation ended, I was already out, starting my car with my eyes still red from sleep. &lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;      &lt;p style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot; class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;I had searched almost 10 pubs and clubs that night, until I decided I&apos;m heading back to the hotel to talk to Chris about this. All the three of us have committed these escapes in the past, with Matt starring in most of them. Experienced with these things or not, my guts were whispering to me that something was wrong.&lt;span style=&quot;&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp; &lt;br /&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;    &lt;p style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot; class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;I entered my room, boiling with emotions I&apos;ve come to despise by now. I leaned on the nearest wall, thinking about what would be best to do next. I could not force him back to his girl.&lt;o:p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;  &lt;p style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot; class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;That soddin&apos; wanker, Why does he have to do this to her?&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;      &lt;p style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot; class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;A smaller voice tickled my mind. Why does he have to do this to me?&lt;span style=&quot;&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;  &lt;p style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot; class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;I was suddenly reminded of Kelly&apos;s pained face during that night of our final break up, a week ago. I shut my eyes tightly. I did the same to her, and-&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;    &lt;p style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot; class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;A knock on my door interrupted my thoughts. Whichever room service it was, I willed it disappear. &lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;    &lt;p style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot; class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;&quot;Who is this?&quot; &lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;    &lt;p style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot; class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;&quot;The one and only.&quot;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;    &lt;p style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot; class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;Laughter or tears, I am not sure, but I wanted to burst.&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;    &lt;p style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot; class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;It was Matt.&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;  &lt;p style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot; class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;-------&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;  &lt;p style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot; class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot; class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;End of part 2. &lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;  &lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 12pt; font-family: &amp;quot;Times New Roman&amp;quot;;&quot;&gt;&lt;br clear=&quot;all&quot; style=&quot;page-break-before: always;&quot; /&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot; class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;  &lt;/p&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 12pt; font-family: &amp;quot;Times New Roman&amp;quot;;&quot;&gt;&lt;br clear=&quot;all&quot; style=&quot;page-break-before: always;&quot; /&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot; class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt; &lt;/p&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: left; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;&quot; class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</description>
  <comments>http://ellurian.livejournal.com/2004.html</comments>
  <category>part 2</category>
  <category>museslash</category>
  <category>belldom</category>
  <category>muse</category>
  <category>slash</category>
  <lj:mood>excited</lj:mood>
  <lj:security>public</lj:security>
  <lj:reply-count>12</lj:reply-count>
</item>
<item>
  <guid isPermaLink='true'>http://ellurian.livejournal.com/1542.html</guid>
  <pubDate>Fri, 17 Aug 2007 20:57:49 GMT</pubDate>
  <title>Fools, conquests and Missing moments (Part 1)</title>
  <link>http://ellurian.livejournal.com/1542.html</link>
  <description>&lt;br /&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;Author: Ellurian&lt;br /&gt;Pairing: BellDom&lt;br /&gt;Rating &amp;amp; Warnings: Safe at the moment, Strong R for later sexuality and angst.  &lt;br /&gt;Summary: He has so many questions to me, here against the wall.  &lt;br /&gt;Disclaimers: Beautiful, but not mine. &lt;br /&gt;Feedback: Please, anything of everything. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Author&apos;s notes: My first contribution for the community, hope you will enjoy this :)&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;And oh, I just love small details. &lt;br /&gt;--------&lt;br /&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Fools, conquests and Missing moments (Part 1)&lt;/b&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Chris almost dropped his coffee when he noticed me. Tom looked up at me, seizing my face. I breathed out slowly, reminding myself that I would have reacted the same had I been in their shoes.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&quot;Good morning, mate&quot;, Tom said.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&quot;Hey&quot;, I reply in a gentle voice.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;I took off my coat and sat down, thanking Chris for the warm coffee waiting for me, and also noticed one more cup, still orphaned. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;I raised face to look at them, sensing my own radiated fatigue. Tom sighed. &quot;Take a day off, Dom, I&apos;ll catch up with you later on. It&apos;s just some scheduling discussions… Nothing more.&quot;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;I sipped some coffee slowly. &quot;Don’t worry about it, Tom. I&apos;m fine.&quot;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;He rubbed his nose and sighed sadly. &lt;br /&gt;&quot;I was sorry to hear about the whole story mate, I thought you two would make it..&quot;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Chris mumbled a silent agreement. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&quot;Yea. Me too.&quot;, I lied. &quot;What was the latest available date for the &apos;London times&apos; interview-&quot;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;The door suddenly opened and revealed Matt, Entering the office hastily. He spotted me immediately, as if he was searching for me in the first place. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&quot;Only 15 minutes late this time, Mate&quot;, Chris said, happy to break the gloomy atmosphere.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&quot;Sorry mate. I was ah…&quot; He looked at me again - bewildered, asking me thousand questions with a single stare. I managed a faint smile, just to reassure him I am indeed, still alive and kicking.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;He reached the table and sat down next to me. I took his figure with my eyes, noticing he was wearing the same clothes from yesterday, with his shirt sloppily half buttoned. I looked up to his face and recognized the same confused expression again. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;I inhaled deeply, trying to keep my face blank. How will I answer his questions? How will I answer mine?&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Tom and Chris started discussing the interviews timing and scheduling, leaving both me and Matt out of these matters. I truly appriciated Chris&apos;s ability to absorb and manage these logistics details for the three of us, especially today.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt; &quot;Seriously now mate, I don’t understand.&quot; Matt suddenly said in a low voice, not even looking at me. I fumbled with my coffee.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&quot;I&apos;m fine, mate. It has been going on for quite a while, you know that…We just decided that-&quot;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;I was interrupted by the local secretary, who offered us refreshments. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;I cleared my throat, saved by the bell, or whatever her name is. Frankly, I am worn out. To hell with making apologies, especially to Matt. I was not able talk during those moments yesterday night… Simply couldn&apos;t.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&quot;I know-&quot; He started, but was interrupted by Tom, who urged us to officially begin the appointment. Matt grabbed his coffee, blurting out some words I couldn’t figure out. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;I could actually &lt;i&gt;feel &lt;/i&gt;him tense next to me as I turned my face to Tom.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&quot;We&apos;re short on time&quot;, he said, and I bit my lip impatiently.  &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;I silently half listened through out the meeting, and was more than glad to see it end.&lt;br /&gt;Chris quickly left the room as he was receiving a call from Kelly, and Matt followed him out. Of course, he ignored me as he left. That sod. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;I stood up from my chair, collecting my bag, and noticed Tom approaching me. &lt;br /&gt;&quot;Take a day off tomorrow mate.&quot;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;He didn’t even let me reply.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&quot;It&apos;s just a day off Dom… Catch your sleep.&quot;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;I sighed quitely. Alright. &lt;br /&gt;&quot;Thanks mate. We&apos;ll see you in two days then&quot;.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;He patted my shoulder, wished me a good day, and left the room.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;I followed him out and turned right to the hall leading to the parking lot. I was about to take the car keys out of my bag as a silhouette passed the corner of my eye. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;I stopped walking and looked back.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Matt was leaning against the wall, staring at the floor.&lt;br /&gt;&quot;I really don&apos;t get it.&quot;, He said.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;I stepped closer to him and took a deep breath. Despite the unease between us, a giggle almost escaped my lips as I noticed his expression. His lips were slightly pursed together while avoiding eye contact with me, reminding me of a shy teenager. Awfully cute, as usual. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Suddenly he let out a deep breath and raised his eyes to me. &lt;br /&gt;&quot;Why didn’t you call me Dom? Why didn’t you let me know?&quot;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;I felt my jaws tighten immediately. Since the moment I decided not to call him last night I knew these questions would eventually come, and even though there was none, I had tried to think of a rational answer. With nothing to say, I could only stare at the wall behind him&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&quot;I just don’t get it. You called Chris but not me?&quot;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Bloody hell. I don’t need this. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&quot;Matt, I was just too tired to talk, I called whoever came up first in my cell phone.&quot; &lt;br /&gt;Clearly irritated, he straightened up from the wall. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&quot;Oh, that explains it all then. Lucky for me, Chris called me this morning, asking me to fetch some extra coffee for you. Eventually he told me that you and Jessica broke up. Saved you a bloody call.&quot;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;He pulled his nose and readjusted the bag on his back, looking away.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&quot;He was quite speechless when he understood I knew nothing about it yet.&quot; He said with a sarcastic voice. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;I knew exactly why I didn’t call him, yet it didn’t prevent the old pain from stinging me again. I bit my lip, reluctant to feel more of these disturbing, troublesome matters. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;He turned to leave, and I grabbed his shoulder, capturing him between me and the wall. I had to say something, anything.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&quot;Wait… Wait a minute.&quot;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;He stood still, looking distantly at the hall&apos;s door. I released his shoulder slowly, still blocking his way out. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&quot;Look mate, I wasn’t prepared to talk, alright? You know Chris, he doesn&apos;t ask too many questions. It was what I preferred last night, aye?&quot;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;His eyes narrowed, inflamed.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&quot;Chris doesn&apos;t ask too many questions&quot;, He repeated my words slowly. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;I felt like kicking myself. Him too.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&quot;It&apos;s not what you think-&quot;.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&quot;It sure is&quot;, He interrupted, and I felt my hands clutching my bag tightly.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;He rubbed his nose again and remained silent.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;It was tough, but I managed not to gaze at him. Instead, I filled my head with various thoughts, mainly about Jessica, booze and Matt himself. My face felt red-hot. It has been a long time since I have seen him like this, and because of me. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;He finally looked at me, appearing to be in deep thoughts. These awfully enduring, repetitive moments with him were difficult. This time though, he was the pensive one. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&quot;Forget it. I guess I thought It was something else.&quot; &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&quot;Like what?&quot; I was suddenly tickled by curiosity.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&quot;Err… Nothing…, Nothing at all. I was just thinking out loud.&quot; He spoke even faster than usual.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;I swallowed nervously. I have been trying to avoid this very conversation all along. I have to stop this.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&quot;Jessica just….She wanted out.&quot; I said with a small voice. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;He looked at me intently. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&apos;Oh&apos; was all he said, blankly. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;I wanted out. Away from this guy. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&quot;So it all comes down to one thing then…Are you alright?&quot;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;I let the question hang in the air while staring at him. My throat was shouting the real answer with no voice. Indeed, this was what it all came down to.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&quot;I&apos;m ok. Just need my sleep I guess…&quot;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;He nodded quietly, mumbling his agreement. Again he was trying to avoid eye contact, and fumbled for his car keys. He stepped away from the space between the wall and me. Sadness crept down my throat. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&quot;See you tonight&quot;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&quot;Monday. Taking the rest of the day and tomorrow off.&quot; &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;He looked disappointed.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&quot;Rest well. Hope they won&apos;t bother you with too many questions mate.&quot; &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;I sneered, too tired to defy his dripping sarcasm.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Blank eyes gazed at mine for a brief moment, and he left.  &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;I wanted to call him back, I really did. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Feeling my lungs too heavy, I quickly walked to my car instead, needing to feel that small car booth closing on me – alone. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Car started, the radio was switched on only to hear Starlight&apos;s chorus playing – and was switched off immediately. anything but this song.  &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;I felt my eyes getting moist and I swore very, very silently.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;I don’t need this.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;------&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;End of part 1. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/font&gt;</description>
  <comments>http://ellurian.livejournal.com/1542.html</comments>
  <category>slash.</category>
  <category>museslash</category>
  <category>belldom</category>
  <category>muse</category>
  <lj:mood>nervous</lj:mood>
  <lj:security>public</lj:security>
  <lj:reply-count>14</lj:reply-count>
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  <guid isPermaLink='true'>http://ellurian.livejournal.com/1045.html</guid>
  <pubDate>Sat, 17 Sep 2005 15:48:52 GMT</pubDate>
  <link>http://ellurian.livejournal.com/1045.html</link>
  <description>Title: The Throb Who Smiled  - Part 1 Of  2. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Pairing: Ladies and Gents, This be a Sparrington.&lt;br /&gt;Rating: PG, I suppose. Will develop into NC17  though. &lt;br /&gt;Warnings: Some mild Language, angst. &lt;br /&gt;Summary: For a minute there, he lost himself. &lt;br /&gt;Feedback: Please. &lt;br /&gt;Archive: I Can&apos;t see any reason for refusal, but please, let me know - Ellurian@yahoo.com&lt;br /&gt;Disclaimer: Beautiful, but not mine. &lt;br /&gt;Author&apos;s note: Second piece is to be published soon.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;The day Bootstrap&apos;s son had lost his freedom in exchange for the glamour of love and marriage, was the very day Captain Jack Sparrow had lost his temper. For the first time in his life.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;The captain was now sitting near his bed, in his cabin aboard the magnificent but not infinite Pearl. He desperately wanted to, but could not forget the waves of anger which had washed over him, nor the words which had shuddered his ever consistent, beloved delinquency. What a distasteful day it was.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;He swore he never expected meeting the bloody-all-mighty Norrington in that lousy library. Though not very much of a surprise, Jack was unconsciously fascinated by the revelation that the commodore was feeling trapped in that wedding just as much as he was. There was no other reason for the officer to be found isolated in that dark room, and Jack knew that.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Ironically enough, along side with the fact that the lass was the core of the whole bloody mess, Elizabeth was the main reason for his immunity from the commodore or any other kind of authority. Indeed, the way Norrington had flinched and dropped his book to the floor at the pirate&apos;s sight was priceless, and so he decided to play a little further with the situation.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&quot;Are you following me, Captain?&quot;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;A tremendous smirk simply shot out of his stomach with no warning at all. Oh, boy.  &quot;I think I might leave it to yer&apos; mind to contemplate about this matter, Commodore. And-&quot; He bowed slightly, &quot;-a beautiful evening to ye&apos; as well. The whole place is simply shimmerin&apos; of love.&quot; &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Clearly annoyed and uncomfortable, the commodore simply lifted the book, returned it to it&apos;s place on the cupboard, and went to the nearest window. &quot;Yes.&quot; &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Jack took a few steps closer to Norrington, fully determined to obtain some slight entertainment from this mindful, up-tight figure in front of him. There was more than those walls of the boring law beyond those eyes, more than the dirty old noose. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;During that night of revelation, he knew just the spot.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;He brought his hand to his eyes, examining his nails with some fake interest. &quot;Let me jus&apos; say commodore… Of my humble opinion, that bonny lass is a bit… erm - twitchy. Perhaps s&apos;for the best, eh? I mean-&quot;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Both of Jack&apos;s hands flew up defensively at the sound of the commodore&apos;s palm landing noisily on the nearest table. Beautiful eyes of green, so he noticed now, were blazing with anger. &quot;No one, specially not one such as yourself, is welcome to discuss Eli-Ms. Turner or her decency with me.&quot; He drew a deep breath. &quot;May I  remind you only once, Mr. Sparrow, that it was not my wish to let you ramble around the house with no superior watch, but Elizabeth&apos;s wish alone. Though my patience is indeed limited, I only carry out her own will. Now, get out of here.&quot; &lt;br /&gt;Somewhat breathless, The man turned around, leaving Jack to face his back. Ah, obviously he wasn&apos;t the first one to babble about the naughty, heart throbbing Lizzy. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Now, In his own dark cabin, Jack snorted. That, that was his cue. That angry, confused and badly damaged commodore of the navy was extremely dangerous. And lonely. Had he known better to distract himself from that shining treasure of storming emotions and inner battles, he would have done just that. Get out of there. But oh, no. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;He only brought his hand to his beards and stroked them slowly instead. &quot;But why, commodore?&quot;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Swiftly, he was facing Norrington&apos;s front again. &quot;What?&quot;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Jack looked at him intently. &quot;Why are ye&apos; stayin&apos;? Why not leavin&apos; to the nearest tavern and find some fine lass, or whatever it is y&apos;e prefer an&apos;-&quot;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&quot;For the last time Sparrow. Get. Out.&quot;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Such a low voice. Steady, but stressed.  Awfully unlike the sea, Jack mused. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;He did not stop staring right into those two rivers of green. &quot;Stole your manhood, now didn&apos; she? Right infront of her father, Turner and…me very self.&quot; He bared his teeth with a smirk.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;The floor shook twice with two large strides, which brought the commodore  extremely close to him, his hand searching for his absent sword. &quot;You little piece of impotent filth, I should have burnt your deformed ship long, long ago. This is non of your bloody business, Non of it. &quot;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Unbelievebly, Those god damned navy words had stung him. Him and his freedom. You do not insult the pearl. Just…not. &quot;But oh, Norrington, at least the Pearl I love doesn’t lie t&apos;me. My lady doesn&apos; use me, or my rank.&quot; He said with greeted teeth, feeling suddenly warm.  &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;And Jack saw the hurt, the terrible shame reflecting from gentle but restricted face. Why was he doing this? &lt;br /&gt;Very bitterly, the commodore chuckled. &quot;Oh, yes, of course. How could I possibly forget? Jack Sparrow, the one who lost his ship to his best mate. The one who was marooned, and saved by the power of the mighty rum.&quot; He took one step back. &quot;One who sank the fastest ship.&quot; Norrington only stared at him, already exhausted, and snorted. &lt;br /&gt;&quot;Buffoon, you are not a man. You are not even a pirate.&quot;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Now and then he knew he did not expect those knives to be shot back so swiftly at him. So accurately. Like never before, Captain Jack Sparrow was boiling with anger, his smugness defeated by the damn, constitutional truth. Oh, Jack loathed the truth. &lt;br /&gt;How did the damn prick know?  &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Now it was his turn though, and he bashed himself onto Norrington, determined to leave the room with his notoriously unrestrained soul with absolutely no attachments or appalling doubts about no-damn-thing. He was after all, the great Captain Jack Sparrow. &lt;br /&gt;He brought his hands close to the other man&apos;s chest, fighting himself not to push that neat scum to the floor. Instead he flattened his hands against Norrington&apos;s chest, not quite touching it.&lt;br /&gt;&quot;Seems to me mate, that your stinkin&apos; navy rank didn&apos; get ye&apos; much either, eh?&quot; He  mustered his mouth to smirk as broadly as he could. &quot;Not only that Mister Turner with your former future wife and now his lovely Elizabeth stood up against you, but they had protected me as well. Hell, Norrington, Me timbers are shiverrin&apos;! They made me their friend!&quot;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Breathless,  Jack saw the Commodores face flush with embarrassment and more pain.&lt;br /&gt;What a ride, Jack pondered. And to think all he had wanted were some additional navy jokes to spill over the wenches in Tortuga.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;As for Norrington, he only stared at him, not breaking their dangerous, somewhat hot proximity. The great captain of the Caribbean shivered. &quot;They are your friends then?&quot; The commodore said very quietly.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Jack tried to grin as genuinely as possible. He felt some deadly triumph in the air. &quot;aye, mate.&quot;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Silence.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&quot;Is that why you&apos;re in this room alone tonight, Mr. Sparrow?&quot;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;He opened his mouth to answer, but no sound was made. The truth slapped him soundly enough. And the way Norrington had said those words. So very quite, almost sadly. Almost…Intimately. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Unconsciously he took a quick step back, away from the suddenly very calm officer.&lt;br /&gt;He was feeling odd. Very odd.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&quot;Damn it Norrington, at least they didn&apos; use me.&quot;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;The other man&apos;s eye narrowed. From that moment, Jack recalled everything happening all too fast. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Abruptly, Norrington was very close again, with his hand suddenly gripping Jack&apos;s arm almost painfully. Jack rose his other hand to push him back while attempting to wriggle out of his grip, but the man was just too strong. Soddin&apos; large people, Jack thought. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&quot;You just don’t get it, do you?&quot;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Heat was spreading from his arm to his entire body, together with bitter sweet masculine scent. Pretty or not, Jack mused, this is wrong. Very wrong. And suddenly he was being pulled towards the window. Norrington pulled Jack with him, clearly unaware of just how close they were as he haulted. He only stared out to the ground. Jack followed his gaze, and saw Will and Elizabeth dancing on the grass, surrounded by the Governor and the rest of their relatives and dear ones.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;His concentration was cropped yet again by the embracing heat and the doubts about his current victory which had filled him. &quot;What is it, mate? Let them have their-&quot;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&quot;Do you see Elizabeth?&quot;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;He had no other choice but to avert his eyes back to the happy pair. &quot;&apos;course, commodore. There&apos;s nothing-&quot;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&quot;What is she doing, sparrow?&quot;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&quot;Eh? I don&apos; know, dancing? Smiling? Talki-&quot;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&quot;That’s why, Sparrow. That&apos;s why I am here.&quot;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Jack tore his eyes from the world and looked at Norrington&apos;s face, transfixed. His hand was still gripping him, warming him to the core of his body and soul. &lt;br /&gt; &lt;br /&gt;&quot;I needed to see her happy, that she is alright. Lies or not, I can not deny the fact that she is precious to me, and forever will be. Now that I saw it, I can go back to my home. Not released from the pain, but free of doubt. That is why I am here tonight, Mr. Sparrow.&quot;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;His fingers loosened on Jack&apos;s arm. Jack bit his tongue. Infront of him was… a free man. He lost his lady to one best mate, but he was not confined with the chains of revenge. Broken hearted as he was, he only wished for her safety, and not to commandeer her.   &lt;br /&gt;In the back of his head, Jack saw the first woman he made love to, more than twenty years ago. He too was free of doubt back then. No single bullet shot in sight.  &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;You have to be very innocent in order to wish for one&apos;s happiness without a glint of personal interest. Complete, Jack thought as he looked intently onto the man&apos;s face with envy and awe. Beautiful, truly. &lt;br /&gt;A single urge hit his heart, to rest his head on the man&apos;s chest. Bewitched, Jack shuddered with fear. The noose flashed before his eyes, being swiped in deep light green waters.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Norrington felt Jack shudder, and suddenly looked at him, embarrassed. As if only now the man understood their proximity and how exposed he was. &quot;I-I am not sure-&quot;.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Urged by the life of wilderness and solitary, Jack used the moment and pushed back, away from the commodore. Forever hopefully. &quot;Nough&apos; said, mate. I shall find me way outta here. No worries eh?&quot;. He pressed his palms together, and stepped towards the door, his eyes fixed on Norrington&apos;s face. His aroused body lingered at the door, letting his eyes travel the man&apos;s body. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;The commodore too was lost in thought and could barely hold his gaze. He rubbed his neck then wiped the visible sweat on his forehead. &lt;br /&gt;&quot;The lass&apos;ll be jus&apos; fine, I&apos;m sure, Norrington.&quot; Finally he turned around, and stepped out of the door slowly. &quot;And you too, mate.&quot;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;And he ran.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;As the memory ended, Jack tasted his fine rum once more, then laid the bottle on the cupboard near him with a thud. Back in present time. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Aye, He could recall every single moment of the whole damn event. And that scent will never leave his mind. Aboard his own Pearl, Jack Sparrow rose from his cot, and stepped to his bed. Onto it was lying the commodore&apos;s body at the moment, bruised and motionless. For the hundredth time, his hand rose very slowly to his own mouth, not daring to touch the fingers which had gripped his own arm that night, or brush the lips which spoke the sweet, arousing darts of the stinging truth and lost innocence. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;The knock on the door awakened him. Gibbs entered the cabin with bandages and steaming water. &quot;Oy, when do ye think he&apos;ll wake up Jack?&quot;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Jack sighed, and turned to face the sailor.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&quot;Whenever he wishes to, mate.&quot;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;He pushed the door open, and left his cabin in the favor of the sun and wind.&lt;br /&gt;Or so he thought. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;To Be Continued...&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;End of  Part 1/2.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Enjoyed it? I hope so. Let me know what you think :)</description>
  <comments>http://ellurian.livejournal.com/1045.html</comments>
  <lj:security>public</lj:security>
  <lj:reply-count>12</lj:reply-count>
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  <guid isPermaLink='true'>http://ellurian.livejournal.com/848.html</guid>
  <pubDate>Tue, 10 May 2005 19:19:12 GMT</pubDate>
  <title>The Glint 2/? - A cage of Dror</title>
  <link>http://ellurian.livejournal.com/848.html</link>
  <description>&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;The Glint 2/? - A cage of Dror&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;Rating: Hmm, minor R I assume.&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;Pairing: One thoroughly pensive commodore and a pirate who cares most for his freedom but couldn&apos;t possibly resist, mate.&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;Summary: Woman&apos;s intuition can drive you straight to hell. &lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;Warnings: Slight angst, UST and slash. &lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;Archive: I Can&apos;t see any reason for refusal, but please, let me know - &lt;a href=&quot;mailto:Ellurian@yahoo.com&quot;&gt;&lt;font color=&quot;#0000cc&quot;&gt;Ellurian@yahoo.com&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;Feedback: Please! I would be more than happy to read your opinion.&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;Disclaimer: I wouldn’t &lt;i&gt;Dream&lt;/i&gt; of stealing anything, such as those pretty pearls from the mouse. Fingers crossed.&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;?XML:NAMESPACE PREFIX = O /&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;Author&apos;s notes – The word &quot;&lt;b&gt;Dror&lt;/b&gt;&quot; means both &lt;b&gt;&lt;i&gt;Freedom&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/b&gt; and &lt;b&gt;&lt;i&gt;Sparrow&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/b&gt;, in Hebrew.&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;Folks, No beta for&amp;nbsp;me. Apologies for any kind of errors, which are all mine.&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;On with my musings, then.&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;-*-&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;You can&apos;t push it underground&lt;br&gt;You can&apos;t stop it screaming out&lt;/font&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;4&quot;&gt;&lt;i&gt;How did it come to this?&lt;/i&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;-*-&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;Anamaria blinked as the first rays of sun hit her eyes. She rubbed them gently, then dragged her fingers back to her captain&apos;s lower abdomen, there her hand continued to path small circles lightly. Her head close to his neck, she inhaled his Masculine, ocean mingled scent deeply and sighed. &lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;&quot;T&apos;was a peachy, Jack&quot;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;A short, muffled moan was echoed.&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;&quot;Aye.&quot;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;She lifted her head, rested it on her elbow and ran her eyes upon his length. The blanket covered his lower torso only, leaving his bare chest to glow in the rising sun. His arm was draped over his eyes, probably shielding them from the new light. &lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;Jack has been breathing deeply, but very silently for several long moments now, and she knew he wasn’t dozing.&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;&quot;Hm. Was it really?&quot;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;Jack moved his arm a little, exposing one sleepy eye to glance at her.&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;&quot;Wha&apos;s the matter lass?&quot; He mumbled impatiently.&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;&quot;Oh, a&apos;int so sure. Usually at this point ye&apos; start askin&apos; me why, oh why women slap you after thee had given them such divine pleasures, or… Ye&apos; simply ask for some more peachyness.&quot; She pinched his shoulder.&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;He squeaked, then leered at her lazily. &lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;&quot;Perhaps me self a&apos;int really in the mood for talkin&apos; or shaggin&apos; at the moment.&quot;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;&quot;Did I exhaust ye&apos; then?&quot; She smiled viciously. &lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;&quot;Ah, but luv&apos;, ye&apos; don&apos; really know what true exhaustion is until you&apos;ve tried to suffice both one woman&apos;s and a pearl-lady&apos;s needs eh?&quot; he said dramatically. &lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;She chuckled mockingly, then bit her lower lip seductively. &lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;&quot;Ye&apos;re bein&apos; broody then.&quot;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;Short silence. His hand returned to cover his eyes.&lt;span style=&quot;mso-spacerun: yes&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp; &lt;/span&gt;&quot;Nay.&quot;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;She pursed her lips together, both disappointed and bewildered at her partner&apos;s odd disinterest. &quot;Truly Jack, s&apos;been long since I&apos;ve seen you like this, if ever.&quot; &lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;She looked at him for response. &quot;for several days now.&quot;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;Jack dropped his hand and rose to his elbows, annoyed.&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;&quot;What is it with ye&apos; bein&apos; so noisy this fine mornin&apos;?&quot;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;She ignored his comment and chose to examine his eyes instead. &lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;&quot;ye&apos;re broodin&apos;, Jack.&quot;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;He scowled at her, then let himself drop back to the bed, pulling the blanket with him to cover his face. &quot;Maybe if you allowed me to doze peacefully, I&apos;d be able to act more like good ol&apos;Jack. What say ye&apos;, eh?&quot; His voice was somewhat muffled under the covers, but still steady.&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;Anamaria was very curious about the whole matter. For about three weeks already, the man was simply not a &lt;cite&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;FONT-STYLE: normal&quot;&gt;mischievous prank&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/cite&gt; as he usually was, not even when it came to sex or flirting. She reached her hand to pull the blanket off his face quickly enough before he could resist. He glared at her for the theft only for a moment, then turned his eyes to the window, staring at the ocean quietly. &lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;&quot;&lt;i&gt;I say,&lt;/i&gt; it came to me mind yesterday night actually. Ye&apos;ve been ponderin&apos; about god knows what since that tight-arsed naval hunter was left off at &amp;lt;?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = &quot;urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags&quot; /&amp;gt;&lt;?XML:NAMESPACE PREFIX = ST1 /&gt;&lt;st1:place w:st=&quot;on&quot;&gt;Port Royal&lt;/st1:place&gt;.&quot;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;His face tensed slightly, then quickly returned to their blank composure.&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;&quot;Was glad to get rid of him actually&quot;.&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;The female pirate&apos;s eyes narrowed a bit in suspicion.&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;&quot;Are ye&apos; worried he&apos;s gonna rush his boolies against the &lt;st1:city w:st=&quot;on&quot;&gt;&lt;st1:place w:st=&quot;on&quot;&gt;Pearl&lt;/st1:place&gt;&lt;/st1:city&gt; then?&quot;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;He snorted.&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;&quot;Not even with the pearl&apos;s sails set aflame he&apos;s gonna catch up with me, commandin&apos; that swine-sized ship of his.&quot;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;A short pause. Jack lifted his hand, and pointed his finger at Anamaria&apos;s direction absurdly. &quot;But trust me on this one, eh luv&apos;? S&apos;better for us all if he&apos;s far away from me onsies.&quot; &lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;She arched her right eyebrow at this. &quot;Didn&apos; think otherwise Jack.&quot;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;&quot;Hmph&quot;, Jack signaled his content with a short, silly growl.&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;Clearly unsatisfied, she continued to probe lightly.&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;&quot;Why did&apos;ya want him aboard anyway? We could&apos;a snatched that fat Swann governor and get much more jokin&apos; around about his wig whether he was around.&quot;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;The commodore&apos;s ragged, ridiculous wig flashed before Jack&apos;s eyes for a tiny moment. &quot;Still can&apos;t see what ye&apos;r complainin&apos; about luv&apos;, Ye&apos;ve gotten a fine share of the ransom me very self had demanded.&quot; While talking to her, his eyes didn’t abandon the endless waves even for a second. He somehow &lt;i&gt;concentrated&lt;/i&gt; upon them rather than just gazed at them absently, she noted, then smirked to herself. &quot;Aye, got a few good observations at his fine buttocks too.&quot;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;Swiftly his eyes caught hers. &quot;Ye&apos; did?&quot;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;&quot;Yup.&quot;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;Another snort, then his gaze drifted, this time to the wooden ceiling.&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;She reached her hand to play with one of his locks of thick hair, while considering his responses so far. She pursed her lips. &quot;Ain&apos;t gonna tell me what&apos;s borin&apos; ye&apos;r head then?&quot;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;Slowly he tore his eyes from whichever upper spot they had tested, and regarded her thoughtfully for long moments. He seemed to be… contemplating within himself. Deeply, she thought.&lt;span style=&quot;mso-spacerun: yes&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;&quot;Nay&quot;.&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;Ana scowled at him, somewhat hurt. &quot;Well, why the hell not Jack?&quot;, her voice slightly louder.&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;Apparently, Jack was fully awake now, and well disturbed in more ways than one. In a swift, but clumsy movement he lifted his naked body to a sitting position, as if something in his gut was just boiled. His hands rose to the air even before he opened his mouth to speak, both of them trying to emphasize his rattling emotions. &quot;Because luv&apos;, because, this… this matter will consume me freedom, will be the end of Captain Jack Sparrow. Ye&apos; see, if I go there-&quot;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;&quot;Go where Jack??&quot; she asked with her voice rising.&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;He definitely ignored her. &quot;-If I go there, I may lose me pearl-&quot;, he coughed at this, then continued with his frenzy. &quot;An&apos;, an&apos; only to &lt;i&gt;think&lt;/i&gt; what this useless, impractical unavoidable casualty could do to me reputation among the &lt;st1:place w:st=&quot;on&quot;&gt;Caribbean&lt;/st1:place&gt; luv&apos;-&quot;, he inhaled deeply, bringing one hand&apos;s fingers to touch lightly at his lips and mumbled –&quot;no, no, not good, not good.&quot;. He paused then, looked at her face, and dropped his gaze to her bare breasts.&lt;span style=&quot;mso-spacerun: yes&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp; &lt;/span&gt;&quot;An&apos; sides, I don&apos;..I ain&apos;t…I mean, these-&quot; he indicated her chest with his hands, &quot;These beauties are what I fancy eh?, and not-&quot;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;&quot;That’s enough Jack!&quot; Anamaria caught his wrists. He made no intention of looking to her eyes. &quot;Jack!&quot;, She growled. &lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;Still staring at her breasts, Jack grinned at them with awakening lust. He lifted his face to hers, still grinning foolishly. He could tell she was fighting her lips not to curl up as well.&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;&quot;Stop it Jack. Now tell me what is that, silly useless –causality- ye&apos; just blurted out like a madman.&quot;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;Seriousness slowly conquered his features yet again, his eyes losing the Glint together with it. She could swear she saw something very odd there. Something she had never detected in those eyes before. Was it really there?&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;Despair?&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;Jack brought his hand to rest on her right shoulder gently, smirking. &quot;Forget it luv&apos; now, would ye?, I ain&apos;t really broodin&apos;, or being distracted-&quot;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;&quot;Oh really Jack? Is that why you haven&apos;t said my name even once during the whole damned night? Couldn’t possibly open your eyes and look at me?&quot;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;He breathed deeply, looking at her bluntly. &lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;He tried to make his voice as soft and patient as possible. Ah, failure.&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;&quot;Ana, luv&apos;, ye&apos; know this is not, well- we ain&apos;t really-&quot;, He itched his head while trying to find the damned words. &quot;-An&apos; I can&apos;t always-&quot;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;She pushed him back to the matters with a grunt. &quot;I don&apos; know why I even bother.&quot; &lt;span style=&quot;mso-spacerun: yes&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/span&gt;Then she lifted her naked legs and rose from the bed completely, and went to the edge of the cabin, heading for her clothes. &lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;Jack just stared at her rising figure and admired her dark, sun-shinning buttocks.&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;&quot;Thought t&apos;was a peachy, though.&quot;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;She started to pull over her blouse, and didn’t trouble herself to look at him while she spoke. &quot;Oh, but ye&apos; know what Jack? Ye&apos;ve chosen some nice prisons for yer&apos; stupid self. The endless sea, the so called pearl&apos;s freedom, and o&apos;course, how can I possibly forget- yer&apos; magnificent royal reputation.&quot; She paused, and inhaled. &quot;A cage for the Sparrow, for yer&apos; mind.&quot; &lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;By her last sentence she was already fully clothed, turning for the door. She opened it, but not before giving him a violent glare.&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;&quot;Aye, perfect for ye, luv&apos;.&quot;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;The slamming of the door actually made his hair jingle.&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;Jack just lay there on his bed, itching his chest lightly. He felt rather carefree with his cheeks being left unslapped. &lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;The lass truly had magnificent breasts, aye. It just… didn’t seem to matter too much to him. Not anymore.&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;With his fist, he knocked his forehead three times. No, five. Suddenly he felt something rough under his back. Reaching it with hand and bringing it to his eyes, he recognized one of Anamaria&apos;s silver rings. &lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;He should be lightly disturbed, at the very least, about her. But oh, no. &lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;i&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;Was he doin&apos; alright, that prick?&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;i&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;He cursed in the silent room. &quot;Jus&apos; sod it. Where&apos;s me rum anyway?&quot;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;Jack searched the cabin with his eyes and stopped upon the open window. Through it he met the ocean with his gaze, but suddenly an enormous amount of stinging light hit his eyes mercilessly. He tried to block the angry sun, but he couldn’t. &lt;span style=&quot;mso-spacerun: yes&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;He couldn’t look at the ocean.&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;Angrily he rose from the bed while using some ungraceful movements. He walked quickly to the window with his palm over his eyes and pulled the dark curtain in order to block the sun and those waters.&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;Now able to reopen them, he blinked his eyes, and observed the gloomy, barren cabin.&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;He inhaled sharply. So damned Hollow.&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;&quot;Bloody navals and curses.&quot;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;*Fin*&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;Unt Zhats ir for now. &lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</description>
  <comments>http://ellurian.livejournal.com/848.html</comments>
  <lj:security>public</lj:security>
  <lj:reply-count>3</lj:reply-count>
</item>
<item>
  <guid isPermaLink='true'>http://ellurian.livejournal.com/637.html</guid>
  <pubDate>Tue, 10 May 2005 18:49:53 GMT</pubDate>
  <title>The Glint 2/? - A cage of Dror</title>
  <link>http://ellurian.livejournal.com/637.html</link>
  <description>&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;The Glint 2\? - &lt;b&gt;A Cage of Dror&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = &quot;urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office&quot; /&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;Rating: Hmm, minor R I assume.&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;Pairing: One thoroughly pensive commodore and a pirate who cares most for his freedom but couldn&apos;t possibly resist, mate.&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;Summary: Woman&apos;s intuition can drive you straight to hell. &lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;Warnings: Slight angst, UST and slash. &lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;Archive: I Can&apos;t see any reason for refusal, but please, let me know - &lt;a href=&quot;mailto:Ellurian@yahoo.com&quot;&gt;Ellurian@yahoo.com&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;Feedback: Please! I would be more than happy to read your opinion.&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;Disclaimer: I wouldn’t &lt;i&gt;Dream&lt;/i&gt; of stealing anything, such as those pretty pearls from the mouse. Fingers crossed.&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;Author&apos;s notes – The word &quot;&lt;b&gt;Dror&lt;/b&gt;&quot; means both &lt;b&gt;&lt;i&gt;Freedom&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/b&gt; and &lt;b&gt;&lt;i&gt;Sparrow&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/b&gt;, in Hebrew.&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;Folks, No beta for&amp;nbsp;me. Apologies for any kind of errors, which are all mine.&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;On with my musings, then.&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;-*-&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;2&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;You can&apos;t push it underground&lt;br&gt;You can&apos;t stop it screaming out&lt;/font&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;4&quot;&gt;&lt;i&gt;How did it come to this?&lt;/i&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;-*-&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;Anamaria blinked as the first rays of sun hit her eyes. She rubbed them gently, then dragged her fingers back to her captain&apos;s lower abdomen, there her hand continued to path small circles lightly. Her head close to his neck, she inhaled his Masculine, ocean mingled scent deeply and sighed. &lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;&quot;T&apos;was a peachy, Jack&quot;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;A short, muffled moan was echoed.&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;&quot;Aye.&quot;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;She lifted her head, rested it on her elbow and ran her eyes upon his length. The blanket covered his lower torso only, leaving his bare chest to glow in the rising sun. His arm was draped over his eyes, probably shielding them from the new light. &lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;Jack has been breathing deeply, but very silently for several long moments now, and she knew he wasn’t dozing.&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;&quot;Hm. Was it really?&quot;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;Jack moved his arm a little, exposing one sleepy eye to glance at her.&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;&quot;Wha&apos;s the matter lass?&quot; He mumbled impatiently.&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;&quot;Oh, a&apos;int so sure. Usually at this point ye&apos; start askin&apos; me why, oh why women slap you after thee had given them such divine pleasures, or… Ye&apos; simply ask for some more peachyness.&quot; She pinched his shoulder.&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;He squeaked, then leered at her lazily. &lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;&quot;Perhaps me self a&apos;int really in the mood for talkin&apos; or shaggin&apos; at the moment.&quot;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;&quot;Did I exhaust ye&apos; then?&quot; She smiled viciously. &lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;&quot;Ah, but luv&apos;, ye&apos; don&apos; really know what true exhaustion is until you&apos;ve tried to suffice both one woman&apos;s and a pearl-lady&apos;s needs eh?&quot; he said dramatically. &lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;She chuckled mockingly, then bit her lower lip seductively. &lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;&quot;Ye&apos;re bein&apos; broody then.&quot;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;Short silence. His hand returned to cover his eyes.&lt;span style=&quot;mso-spacerun: yes&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp; &lt;/span&gt;&quot;Nay.&quot;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;She pursed her lips together, both disappointed and bewildered at her partner&apos;s odd disinterest. &quot;Truly Jack, s&apos;been long since I&apos;ve seen you like this, if ever.&quot; &lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;She looked at him for response. &quot;for several days now.&quot;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;Jack dropped his hand and rose to his elbows, annoyed.&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;&quot;What is it with ye&apos; bein&apos; so noisy this fine mornin&apos;?&quot;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;She ignored his comment and chose to examine his eyes instead. &lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;&quot;ye&apos;re broodin&apos;, Jack.&quot;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;He scowled at her, then let himself drop back to the bed, pulling the blanket with him to cover his face. &quot;Maybe if you allowed me to doze peacefully, I&apos;d be able to act more like good ol&apos;Jack. What say ye&apos;, eh?&quot; His voice was somewhat muffled under the covers, but still steady.&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;Anamaria was very curious about the whole matter. For about three weeks already, the man was simply not a &lt;cite&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;FONT-STYLE: normal&quot;&gt;mischievous prank&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/cite&gt; as he usually was, not even when it came to sex or flirting. She reached her hand to pull the blanket off his face quickly enough before he could resist. He glared at her for the theft only for a moment, then turned his eyes to the window, staring at the ocean quietly. &lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;&quot;&lt;i&gt;I say,&lt;/i&gt; it came to me mind yesterday night actually. Ye&apos;ve been ponderin&apos; about god knows what since that tight-arsed naval hunter was left off at &lt;?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = &quot;urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags&quot; /&gt;&lt;st1:place w:st=&quot;on&quot;&gt;Port Royal&lt;/st1:place&gt;.&quot;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;His face tensed slightly, then quickly returned to their blank composure.&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;&quot;Was glad to get rid of him actually&quot;.&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;The female pirate&apos;s eyes narrowed a bit in suspicion.&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;&quot;Are ye&apos; worried he&apos;s gonna rush his boolies against the &lt;st1:city w:st=&quot;on&quot;&gt;&lt;st1:place w:st=&quot;on&quot;&gt;Pearl&lt;/st1:place&gt;&lt;/st1:city&gt; then?&quot;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;He snorted.&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;&quot;Not even with the pearl&apos;s sails set aflame he&apos;s gonna catch up with me, commandin&apos; that swine-sized ship of his.&quot;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;A short pause. Jack lifted his hand, and pointed his finger at Anamaria&apos;s direction absurdly. &quot;But trust me on this one, eh luv&apos;? S&apos;better for us all if he&apos;s far away from me onsies.&quot; &lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;She arched her right eyebrow at this. &quot;Didn&apos; think otherwise Jack.&quot;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;&quot;Hmph&quot;, Jack signaled his content with a short, silly growl.&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;Clearly unsatisfied, she continued to probe lightly.&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;&quot;Why did&apos;ya want him aboard anyway? We could&apos;a snatched that fat Swann governor and get much more jokin&apos; around about his wig whether he was around.&quot;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;The commodore&apos;s ragged, ridiculous wig flashed before Jack&apos;s eyes for a tiny moment. &quot;Still can&apos;t see what ye&apos;r complainin&apos; about luv&apos;, Ye&apos;ve gotten a fine share of the ransom me very self had demanded.&quot; While talking to her, his eyes didn’t abandon the endless waves even for a second. He somehow &lt;i&gt;concentrated&lt;/i&gt; upon them rather than just gazed at them absently, she noted, then smirked to herself. &quot;Aye, got a few good observations at his fine buttocks too.&quot;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;Swiftly his eyes caught hers. &quot;Ye&apos; did?&quot;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;&quot;Yup.&quot;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;Another snort, then his gaze drifted, this time to the wooden ceiling.&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;She reached her hand to play with one of his locks of thick hair, while considering his responses so far. She pursed her lips. &quot;Ain&apos;t gonna tell me what&apos;s borin&apos; ye&apos;r head then?&quot;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;Slowly he tore his eyes from whichever upper spot they had tested, and regarded her thoughtfully for long moments. He seemed to be… contemplating within himself. Deeply, she thought.&lt;span style=&quot;mso-spacerun: yes&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;&quot;Nay&quot;.&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;Ana scowled at him, somewhat hurt. &quot;Well, why the hell not Jack?&quot;, her voice slightly louder.&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;Apparently, Jack was fully awake now, and well disturbed in more ways than one. In a swift, but clumsy movement he lifted his naked body to a sitting position, as if something in his gut was just boiled. His hands rose to the air even before he opened his mouth to speak, both of them trying to emphasize his rattling emotions. &quot;Because luv&apos;, because, this… this matter will consume me freedom, will be the end of Captain Jack Sparrow. Ye&apos; see, if I go there-&quot;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;&quot;Go where Jack??&quot; she asked with her voice rising.&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;He definitely ignored her. &quot;-If I go there, I may lose me pearl-&quot;, he coughed at this, then continued with his frenzy. &quot;An&apos;, an&apos; only to &lt;i&gt;think&lt;/i&gt; what this useless, impractical unavoidable casualty could do to me reputation among the &lt;st1:place w:st=&quot;on&quot;&gt;Caribbean&lt;/st1:place&gt; luv&apos;-&quot;, he inhaled deeply, bringing one hand&apos;s fingers to touch lightly at his lips and mumbled –&quot;no, no, not good, not good.&quot;. He paused then, looked at her face, and dropped his gaze to her bare breasts.&lt;span style=&quot;mso-spacerun: yes&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp; &lt;/span&gt;&quot;An&apos; sides, I don&apos;..I ain&apos;t…I mean, these-&quot; he indicated her chest with his hands, &quot;These beauties are what I fancy eh?, and not-&quot;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;&quot;That’s enough Jack!&quot; Anamaria caught his wrists. He made no intention of looking to her eyes. &quot;Jack!&quot;, She growled. &lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;Still staring at her breasts, Jack grinned at them with awakening lust. He lifted his face to hers, still grinning foolishly. He could tell she was fighting her lips not to curl up as well.&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;&quot;Stop it Jack. Now tell me what is that, silly useless –causality- ye&apos; just blurted out like a madman.&quot;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;Seriousness slowly conquered his features yet again, his eyes losing the Glint together with it. She could swear she saw something very odd there. Something she had never detected in those eyes before. Was it really there?&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;Despair?&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;Jack brought his hand to rest on her right shoulder gently, smirking. &quot;Forget it luv&apos; now, would ye?, I ain&apos;t really broodin&apos;, or being distracted-&quot;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;&quot;Oh really Jack? Is that why you haven&apos;t said my name even once during the whole damned night? Couldn’t possibly open your eyes and look at me?&quot;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;He breathed deeply, looking at her bluntly. &lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;He tried to make his voice as soft and patient as possible. Ah, failure.&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;&quot;Ana, luv&apos;, ye&apos; know this is not, well- we ain&apos;t really-&quot;, He itched his head while trying to find the damned words. &quot;-An&apos; I can&apos;t always-&quot;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;She pushed him back to the matters with a grunt. &quot;I don&apos; know why I even bother.&quot; &lt;span style=&quot;mso-spacerun: yes&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/span&gt;Then she lifted her naked legs and rose from the bed completely, and went to the edge of the cabin, heading for her clothes. &lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;Jack just stared at her rising figure and admired her dark, sun-shinning buttocks.&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;&quot;Thought t&apos;was a peachy, though.&quot;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;She started to pull over her blouse, and didn’t trouble herself to look at him while she spoke. &quot;Oh, but ye&apos; know what Jack? Ye&apos;ve chosen some nice prisons for yer&apos; stupid self. The endless sea, the so called pearl&apos;s freedom, and o&apos;course, how can I possibly forget- yer&apos; magnificent royal reputation.&quot; She paused, and inhaled. &quot;A cage for the Sparrow, for yer&apos; mind.&quot; &lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;By her last sentence she was already fully clothed, turning for the door. She opened it, but not before giving him a violent glare.&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;&quot;Aye, perfect for ye, luv&apos;.&quot;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;The slamming of the door actually made his hair jingle.&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;Jack just lay there on his bed, itching his chest lightly. He felt rather carefree with his cheeks being left unslapped. &lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;The lass truly had magnificent breasts, aye. It just… didn’t seem to matter too much to him. Not anymore.&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;With his fist, he knocked his forehead three times. No, five. Suddenly he felt something rough under his back. Reaching it with hand and bringing it to his eyes, he recognized one of Anamaria&apos;s silver rings. &lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;He should be lightly disturbed, at the very least, about her. But oh, no. &lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;i&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;Was he doin&apos; alright, that prick?&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;i&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;He cursed in the silent room. &quot;Jus&apos; sod it. Where&apos;s me rum anyway?&quot;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;Jack searched the cabin with his eyes and stopped upon the open window. Through it he met the ocean with his gaze, but suddenly an enormous amount of stinging light hit his eyes mercilessly. He tried to block the angry sun, but he couldn’t. &lt;span style=&quot;mso-spacerun: yes&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;He couldn’t look at the ocean.&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;Angrily he rose from the bed while using some ungraceful movements. He walked quickly to the window with his palm over his eyes and pulled the dark curtain in order to block the sun and those waters.&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;Now able to reopen them, he blinked his eyes, and observed the gloomy, barren cabin.&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;He inhaled sharply. So damned Hollow.&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;&quot;Bloody navals and curses.&quot;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;*Fin*&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; DIRECTION: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; TEXT-ALIGN: left&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Times New Roman&quot;&gt;Unt Zhats ir for now. &lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
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  <comments>http://ellurian.livejournal.com/637.html</comments>
  <lj:security>public</lj:security>
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  <guid isPermaLink='true'>http://ellurian.livejournal.com/280.html</guid>
  <pubDate>Fri, 18 Mar 2005 16:40:08 GMT</pubDate>
  <link>http://ellurian.livejournal.com/280.html</link>
  <description>Ah yes, My first post ever. Phew. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;The Glint&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Part 1\?&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Rating: Absolutely safe…. For now.&lt;br /&gt;Pairing: The beautiful commodore and the magnificent pirate.&lt;br /&gt;Summary: Jack thought he knew everything. &lt;br /&gt;Warnings: hmm. Angst? Unresolved Sexual Tension?&lt;br /&gt;Disclaimer: I wouldn’t Dream of stealing anything, such as those pretty pearls from the mouse. Fingers crossed.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;-*-&lt;br /&gt;run, desire, run this sexual being &lt;br /&gt;run him like a blade to &amp; through the heart &lt;br /&gt;no conscience, one motive... &lt;br /&gt;-*-&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Rumblings. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Pirates are rumbling all around me. Of course, I don’t bother to listen. Not for a single moment.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Yes, I was kidnapped. Indeed. Kidnapped by those… Messy people, My tongue being extremely delicate. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;And now…Well, now.&lt;br /&gt; &lt;br /&gt;They had snatched me from Port Royal like a damsel. A drunk damsel - I am ashamed to say. &lt;br /&gt;They had stared at me, bounded to that blasted mast, for 20 days and nights. &lt;br /&gt;They had demanded, and of course – received that vile ransom in exchange for the commodore, -for me-, to be brought upon safety again.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;And now.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Now I am standing upon the earth of the Port Royal, Being unloaded from the damn black pirate ship, having my hands cuffed behind my back. I know I am condemned to stand there without any further movement, or else I will be shot by one of the crew. Still, although unwelcome people are surrounding me with their rumblings and twitchy murmurs, I hear nothing. Nothing but the Sparrow.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Damnation, in the shape of kohl dark eyes, golden skin and jingling trinkets is swaying giddily right in front of me.  &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&quot;Get aboard Gibbs, I&apos;ll be there in a minute.&quot;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&quot;Are ye&apos; sure cap&apos;n? I mean, The messenger has already summoned the navals and –&quot;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&quot;Aboard Gibbs, now.&quot; Said the captain pirate, rather sharply. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&quot;Aye Cap&apos;n Jack&quot; Murmured the Ex-naval bearded man while he climbed up to the deck of the damned. Sparrow just remained to stand where he was, his stare unfocused. &lt;br /&gt;What on heaven&apos;s name does he want now? Apparently that raving human wanted &lt;br /&gt;to say something, but…&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Silence. A disturbing one.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&quot;Don&apos; worry &apos;bout a thing, eh commodore?&quot; He says to me, thankfully breaking the silly but momentary embarrassment.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&quot;Oh, I am calm&quot;, I lie to him openly, all while I knew I was absolutely fuming with him since ever. Oh, The desire to strangle him and his intolerable pride is flushing with in my internals. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;He looked at me briefly, but his face still remained blank.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Oddly enough, The man&apos;s face froze of all their insane expressions since I was unloaded from the ship until now, when he came to stand here with me on this port.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&quot;Yer eyes are glintin&apos; furiously, in spite of what you say, commodore.&quot;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Why, on heaven&apos;s name, oh why does this man, this dreadful brute, can see, no –pierce-, right through me and my lies every time again and again?&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;And why does he have to be the only living soul upon this earth whom is capable of achieving that?&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;God, I despise that fact. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&quot;Non of your business, pirate.&quot;, I spat. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;No facial expression appears while he yet continues to observe the ocean, maybe his pearl.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;His Black Pearl... &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;…My lost Interceptor.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&quot;Aye, a&apos;int me business&quot;, is responded distantly.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;I gazed at him. Something…Something was burning inside of my throat. My rage. My broken…pride?&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&quot;Yours are glinting as well, though&quot;, I said smugly.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;He was still silent, for some strange reason persisting upon leaving his face blank.&lt;br /&gt;This is extremely unlike him, it suddenly strikes me. During those nights and days I was forced to endure his company all along he never missed a single chance to clumsily throw his irritating cheerful smug character all over my icy figure. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Yet then his face turns slowly to focus upon mine and he takes a step closer to me.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;I tense…. slightly.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;His voice is very low, very even.&lt;br /&gt;&quot;That is because you deeply annoy me commodore….Savvy?&quot;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;I was right. His eyes are glinting, shimmering even, with anger. The man was… being serious. For the first time ever since I have laid my eyes upon his silhouette. Is he going to hurt me now? Smash the last dot of pride I have managed to preserve and unleash his rage onto my blood - on my own port while I am stripped from defense?&lt;br /&gt; &lt;br /&gt;Oh, That hatred pirate. &lt;br /&gt;Blast him. BLAST.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&quot;Not a single matter of apology or regret is about to be formed upon my lips Sparrow, What-so-ever. And no threat of yours is going to chan-&quot;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;My words are cut off by his index finger coming up very close to my mouth. I lean my face slightly backwards in order to avoid his touch as much as I can, without showing him he had actually succeeded taking me my by surprise and embarrassment yet again, this time only by his proximity. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Wait…&lt;br /&gt;Did he just intend to touch my lips now?&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&quot;Hush now, commodore. I a&apos;int really interested in your words at the moment ye see, under the specific current circumstances-&quot; He pauses for a minute with his lips pouty in thought, his eye wander aimlessly just for a second, then back to mine- &quot;And under any other general circumstances actually.&quot;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Oh no. Those nonsense of his are certainly not worthy of my response.&lt;br /&gt;I simply glower at him with greeted teeth. The man is not about to make me bare the blizzard which is enveloping my emotions at the moment.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;But suddenly his eyes are lacking some of the anger I saw in them just a moment ago. He leans further closer, and his voice is low and harsh, but somehow different.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt; &quot;Just one more thing commodore, before I leave you here to your own miserable onsies…&quot;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;He still hasn&apos;t lowered his finger completely and now it is pointing at my chest, as if he is lecturing me. And he is leaning even more dangerously closer. &lt;br /&gt;To kick his groin now… oh yes.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&quot;You… I want ye&apos; to take of yerself… Commodore, and not only while duty.&quot;&lt;br /&gt;What? What, in the name of the flames of the blazing hell, did he just say?&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&quot;Oh? so you&apos;d be able to make me feel like an imbecile for the rest of my career? You are to be executed Sparrow, whether it is me to-&quot;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&quot;Oh, just shut your leaking mouth commodore. I didn&apos; mean-&quot;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;What was that in his voice? Hurt? To hell with it.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&quot;Sparrow! I demand you let me go right away-&quot;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;His finger then pushed into my chest a little painfully and I gasp. His face is not very far from mine now and I am forced to look into his eyes. He speaks very slowly to me.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&quot;You can&apos;t possibly try to mend your heart&apos;s broken pieces forever.&quot;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;I gape at him. It is all I manage to do. Why? Why is he doing this to me? Why wouldn’t he just walk away? How will I ever be able to forgive my self…Forgive her…? To move on? Ellizabeth…. How.. could you? I…&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;No. NO. Never. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&quot;You filthy lawbreaker, how dare you say those things to me-&quot;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;And then… Then he snaps. At me.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;He pointing finger disappears to his coat and suddenly a pistol is extracted, so very swiftly I could barely notice it, and is pressed to my right temple. Warm metal against me, and I stiffen completely – silenced.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;It is so hard for me to tell what I can see now in his eyes. Confusion. Some rattling battle is occurring there, within this man in front of me. He is struggling within himself… like me. So close.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;His eyes are digging into mine for long moments, plundering my very personality, my core. He is searching for something. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;I can see… no… can&apos;t be…Some sort sadness?&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;I am scared. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&quot;Yer&apos; wrong commodore. I wouldn’t dare say anythin&apos; to ye&apos;. I even happen not to know  what to say to me own self. No explanations are found…James&quot; &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;*James*. Never in my life have I ever heard my name pronounced like this.&lt;br /&gt;My heart… yes, my heart just leaped within my chest.&lt;br /&gt; &lt;br /&gt;&quot;You are mad, Sparrow.&quot; I manage to bubble out unevenly, while forcing my sight on him. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;He shuts his eyes for a long second, then reopens them.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&quot;Oh commodore, I am. The thing is, ye&apos; see, I am mad for things I shouldn’t be mad for..&quot;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;I don’t understand anything anymore. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;I try to tilt away my head away from him but he presses the pistol further against my skin. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&quot;Don’t move now&quot;, I think I heard him whisper against my face.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;And then he moves his face to my shoulder, stops with his mouth very close to my ear.  &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;I am shivering now. Cold sweat is covering my forehead. The pistol is gently thumping to my brow with my every shudder. God help me.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&quot;Cant you see? The lass was simply not good enough for you.&quot; He speaks so quietly.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Ellizabeth…. Not … good enough? For me? But she is so beautiful…All I wanted was her smile… Her… embrace.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;I shut my eyes tightly. So very tightly. Shivering so harshly I almost lean against him for support, while my hands are tearing against their metallic cuffs.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&quot;What…why are you…&quot;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;His other hand comes up to my shoulder and grabs me violently, digging into my flesh. He is not parting away from my face.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&quot;I just don’ know anymore James. Me pearl is me freedom eh?. I thought I knew everythin&apos;, But I seem to…..How can I…&quot;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;We both stir to Gillete&apos;s screaming voice at the distance. The navy.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt; He sighs against my ear, and the pistol is loosened.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;I feel myself taking a sharp intake of air into my burning lungs.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;And then, I feel something warm, chappy and soft pressing very gently onto my left cheek. &lt;br /&gt; &lt;br /&gt;Goodness…. Those are lips.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;His lips.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Not a single whelp is leaving my dried throat, but my heart is beating, no- racing- in my chest so forcefully I can hear nothing but it&apos;s cannons.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;And… the silky touch is leaving my cheek now. With this comes  a silent sigh.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&quot;Please James, just… take care.&quot;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;The pistol is lowered slowly back to his coat, and then his other hand&apos;s fingers are releasing my shoulder… gliding on my chest lightly while dropping to his side.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;He steps away rather quickly, his eyes are in the distance. So are mine.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&quot;Commodore Norrington!! Captain Sparrow, halt in the name of the law!!&quot;&lt;br /&gt;Gillette&apos;s voice startles us both yet again, but I wont dare to look at him… I wont…&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;But he does look briefly at me, exactly when I defied my eyes on him.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&quot;Commodore.&quot; His voice is calm.. Or is it?&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&quot;Captain.&quot; I only manage to whisper. Good god. I will never dare asking my self upon what I have just gone through.  &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Then he turns his back to me…. And walks away. To the pearl, to his freedom.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;I want to cover my face, but I cant. I am cuffed. In so many ways.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Then, foreign hands are touching me. Strong. Naval. Port Royal. I am back.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;As he&apos;s climbing onto the deck he wont look at me. At his nemesis. He wont. He must&apos;nt.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;And me? I wont look at him as well. Never. I… have to take care of myself.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;*Fin*&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Tbc?&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Well… that’s it for now. I hope you indeed have enjoyed this piece. &lt;br /&gt;All feedbacks are welcome… but please, be gentle :)</description>
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