The morning rose anew and for once, Divinity awoke to it without aid of her alarm clock. The colony’s sunrise just started, but she was almost wide-awake. How could she not be, she was going SHOPPING today!

Nearly jumping from bed, a bright smile on her sleepy face, she stopped in front of the closet. Her nose immediately wrinkled, but the sight didn’t dim her good mood any. She ruffled through her business suits in the low lighting, trying to find one she could wear for a little while. She intended on buying some more casual clothes to wear for when she was away from work.

‘A good three quarters of my closet is SUITS.’ She mused, pulling a pantsuit from the hanger. She quickly discarded her pajamas and headed for the bathroom.

Not even half an hour later, wrapped in two towels, she stopped in her room to don the clothing. The sun had risen a little more, giving her a good enough view of the color she chose. A pastel yellow; something perfect for a day of breezing through the city. She was fully intent on going through as many stores as possible, and finally relented to herself that it would be quicker to be waited on if she dressed like she had money.

Elicting a small happy squeal, she quickly clamped a hand over her mouth to keep from annoying the downstairs tenants.

Hand-drying her hair for possibly the last time since she moved to the colony, she left the overly damp strands the way they were, most fed up with having to take so long on her thick mane. She grabbed a wide-toothed comb and carefully went through the whole thing. Parting it, she quickly French braided the entire length, keeping it out of her way. Maybe later she’d take it out...

Feeling all dressed up, she took a look in the mirror at her simple face and smiled. Her eyes shone more than normal in the low light, mostly from the excitement of today. She made a mental note to check out makeup, maybe even buy some. Although she rarely wore any, she could always get some eyeliner, maybe some blush...

Shaking herself with an easygoing smile, she left the room. Absently running a hand over the crown of her head to check for bumps, she walked to the closet to pick out shoes. High heels were a big time no no today. She wanted to go with walking shoes, shoes that wouldn’t kill her feet in a measly two hours time.

The only thing she could find that looked mildly good with her outfit was a pair of plain black sandals. Pursing her lips, she decided to hell with the looks and grabbed them. She leaned against the wall to deposit them on her feet. A small flashing caught her eye and she walked to it with a smile.

Sitting in front of the vid phone, she quickly checked her messages. “Hey Diva, I just wanted to make sure we were still DOING this.” He answered pleasantly. “You KNOW I don’t mind going with you Sunday, as long as you give me plenty of time to get ready. I can’t BELIEVE you asked to go out by EIGHT!”

He gave her a horrified look and she laughed. It already was eight!

His head shook slightly. “ANYWAY...I’ll be there by eight THIRTY to pick you up. Yes I know it’s half an hour, but that’s still more time I get to sleep in.”

She giggled, grinning widely. She deleted the message when it was finished, though she swayed on keeping it. It was the first message she received and something drove her to save it as new. But logic won out in the end. Even though she would already check her messages, that annoying red light would still beep. If her family called for some reason and she didn’t know, she would keep going back to the phone to check.

Leaving the chair, she went into the kitchen and rummaged through the fridge for something to eat. Seeing she needed to go food shopping, along with clothes and furniture hunting, she almost wondered if she needed to make a list of what she intended on buying.

Sitting on the counter next to the fridge, she stared at the morning sky, watching the sun rise.

Even though the day was Saturday, not an actual day the office would be open, she KNEW he would be there. She also knew his personal line and called it, instead of using the main line and leaving a message. She felt weird to sleep in on a Saturday, a day she would normally go in for a few hours.

‘Not ANYMORE!’ She gleefully thought.

“Quatre Winner.” He answered. He smiled in an instant, upon seeing her face. “Hey Diva. What’s up? How come you’re not at work?” He teased, leaning back in the chair.

She smirked. “You very well KNEW I wasn’t coming in today.” She reminded, mildly glaring.

His hands raised in defense. “Yea, I know.” He jovially said. She sighed dramatically and shook her head. “Did you need anything?”

“Only to proposition something to you.” She answered, propping her chin up on the table with both elbows. Suddenly feeling giddy, she grinned widely. “How bout you come shopping with me tomorrow?” She asked, brimming with excitement.

A brow rose. “Shopping?” He queried. A slow smile spread over his face. “So, you’re finally going to use some of that money, ne?”

“You got it buster. I just cleared it con mi papa y el dice I can spend a few thousand credits and we’ll still be set for a while.” She happily answered. She almost forcefully restrained herself before she started dancing in the seat.

He chuckled. “Well, I COULD get out of the office for one day.” He thoughtfully spoke, one hand rubbing his chin.

“Oh, like you need to THINK about it!” She blurted out humorously, laughing.

He chuckled, trying to glare at her. He only ended up laughing with her. “This is true.” He slowly commented. They laughed again.

A knock on the door startled her from yesterday’s funny memory. She always did like joking around with him; he had such a good sense of humor!

Sliding off the counter, she set the glass in the sink before hurrying to the door. Not even bothering to look through the peephole, she opened the door. She already knew who it was anyway. “Bout time.” She joked, not even bothering to say a proper hello.

“Nice to see you TOO.” He tiredly joked. He stifled a yawn, jerking a thumb to the stairs. “Come on, I need coffee if I’m going to wake up PROPERLY.”

She chuckled and locked the door behind her, walking down the flight of stairs beside him. “Long night?” She gently asked.

He snorted. “It’s a norm for me.” He muttered, stifling another quiet yawn.

She patted his arm in understanding, smiling encouragingly. She could sympathize with him, but not anymore. Now that she didn’t need to work so many hours, she wasn’t going in on the weekends. It was strictly the workweek for her. She almost felt like it was a privilege to have the weekend off; since she hadn’t since she started almost a month and a half ago.

“So where we going?” She asked, climbing into the backseat. He plopped down next to her, almost closing his eyes as the car started moving.

“Somewhere where they have coffee, and hopefully a buffet.” He answered absently, leaning his head against the backseat.

She spied a glance at him and grinned. “Well there’d BETTER be a buffet, I need to get some GROCERY shopping done today.” She commented, looking out the window.

An eye peeked open. “So, what’re you EATING then?” He asked, looking at her.

She sheepishly looked at the floor. “What I can mix together.” She mysteriously answered.

“I thought you BOUGHT groceries a few days ago...” He protested.

She half grimaced, half smiled. “Did I say how MUCH?” She innocently asked, spying a look at him.

He shook his head, quietly asking what he was going to do with her.

She grinned brightly and continued her vigil outside.

~*~*~

Slowly setting the glass plate on the table, she slid into the seat and hungrily looked at the stack.

“Geez! Are you going to be able to EAT all that??” He asked, eyeing the pile with wide eyes.

She looked at him and nodded, grabbing her fork. Without giving a retort, she dug into the eggs. He eyed the scrambled eggs, bacon, three pancakes, and unopened yogurt uneasily. How did she expect to WALK after all she would have?? “Am I going to have to carry you after we leave?” He joked, taking a large drink of his coffee.

The hot liquid ran down his throat, warming his blood against the chill of the morning. Even inside, the sunlight hadn’t warmed everything up yet, and the heaters were only on for an hour or so.

She quickly swallowed the eggs and went to poke him with her fork. “NO.” She retorted, going for the pepper. “But I could ask you why YOU’RE hardly eating.” She gave his plate a wary look. All he stacked on that thing was two pancakes, three sausages, and a cinnamon roll! She grinned wryly. “You’re going to need your strength for the day. That won’t do you squat.” Her fork waved over his seemingly empty plate.

He shot her a disbelieving look. “Well YOU’RE just trying to stuff yourself!” He defended humorously. “Maybe I’m not that HUNGRY in the morning.”

“Well you’re PAYING for the buffet,” She mumbled around another forkful of eggs, “you might as well enjoy it.”

His head shook in helpless amusement.

After a small pause while they ate, she decided to query something that popped into her head. “So, what’re we doing first?” She asked, not stopping her attack on the plate.

“I don’t know. What do YOU want to do first? It’s not my money so it doesn’t matter to ME.” He answered.

She sighed heavily. “YOU’RE no help.”

He chuckled and shook his head after a second. “Well it all depends on YOU. This is your day Diva.” He softly answered.

She felt that giddiness enfold her again. “I know.” She quipped. He humorously snorted.

She looked at the ceiling and tapped the fork against her cheek. “Well,” She vocally pondered, “we really shouldn't go clothes shopping after eating. There’s no way I’ll be able to fit into the sizes I normally do.”

“Then you shouldn’t have GOTTEN so much.” He immediately retorted, grinning wryly.

She playfully scowled, sticking her tongue out momentarily. He quickly wrinkled his nose back.

“So that option is out. I know that I don’t want to go grocery shopping right in the morning.” Her head shook. “Then, it’s furniture shopping we go!” She jovially announced.

“Good, plenty of time for me to sit while YOU look around.” He kidded, going for his coffee. She laughed softly, shaking her head.

~*~*~

They stopped at the first furniture store of the day, one that looked promising. She nearly bounded to the front doors and stopped, impatiently tapping her foot as he casually strolled up.

He smirked and opened the door for her. “You don’t have to WAIT for me, you know.” He joked, letting her go in first.

“Yes I DO. It’s impolite to just leave you behind.” She absently answered, eyes scanning the huge warehouse.

“Then don’t run to the doors anymore.” He joked, smirking. He followed at her side, looking around aimlessly.

“Sorry pal, not gonna happen. I’m too wound up with the idea that I get actual furniture in my apartment!” She happily rambled. She did a small dance before restraining herself.

He laughed at her little girl attitude, lightly slapping himself on the forehead. He eyed the area for other customers, but didn’t see anyone else. He was thankful for that, but it still didn’t stop the small embarrassing blush across his face or giving his good friend a humorous look.

Brown kept dancing around as she looked, trying to find an idea of color and theme for her home. She hadn’t really thought of such, being too excited with having more objects cluttering her apartment period.

She stopped suddenly and he bumped into her, since he was eyeing a comfy sofa nearby. His attention jerked away from a place to sit and watch. His nose got a good whiff of her shampoo, and he inhaled on impulse. It was intoxicating, but he stepped away with a quick apology before he embarrassed himself further. “What’d you stop for?”

“You have to HELP me here.” She mildly pleaded. He quirked a brow and she grinned sheepishly. “I don’t have any clue of how I want to DECORATE my place.”

He lightly slapped his forehead again, shaking it from absurdity of the situation. She wanted furniture, but hadn’t given any thought of what she wanted! “Oye.” He muttered, heavily sighing.

“Lo siento.” She meekly apologized, tossing both hands up feebly.

“Can I help you?”

Two pairs of eyes jerked to a middle-aged saleswoman walking their way. He smiled and stepped in front of Divinity before she could open her mouth. “We’re just looking for things for her home. We’ll holler if we need help.”

The lady nodded pleasantly. “Well I’ll be right over there if you need anything.” She pointed to the center of the store, right where the employee area was.

She looked at Quatre a little bizarrely. “Okay...” She drawled, going back to looking.

He quickly fell in step with her, smiling slightly. “If you don’t get them to back off immediately, they’ll never LEAVE.” He humorously explained. She giggled quietly.

They looked over the entire area, discussing colors, prices, and quantity of furniture. She didn’t know what color she wanted, but she knew she didn’t want a bunch of different-colored wood. “It just looks tacky.” She joked.

After figuring out the wall and carpet color in her apartment, he suggested she go with bright or cool colors. “After all,” He humorously commented, “white walls and beige carpeting isn’t exactly something to put dark furniture with.”

She nodded thoughtfully, her mind working with the decorative colors of Spain.

She decided on four colors, not heeding what he suggested. “More than two or three colors clutters everything. The way you saw the mansion was basically white and wood.”

“But your father didn’t have el espíritu español.” She dramatically said, briefly promenading with a smile.

“The...WHAT?” He asked, raising an eyebrow. “I only caught the end.”

She sighed, shaking her head. “We need to have another lesson...and SOON.” She backed away laughing when he lightly socked her arm.

“I’m learning, I’m LEARNING.” He kidded, eyes going back to the task at hand.

“The Spanish spirit is what I meant.” She translated, stopping in front of a light oak coffee table. “Didn’t you take notice of some of the colors in our home?” His head shook slowly. She sighed and looked at the ceiling, as if asking God for help. “The house is done up in blue, light orange, pink, and yellow.” She answered.

A thoughtful hand covered her mouth. “And MY colors around going to be pastel yellow, peach, sky blue, and a light brown.”

“Why brown?” He asked, wrinkling his nose.

She smiled momentarily. “That’ll be the oak.” She answered, grinning widely. He rolled his eyes.

Her total came just over 2500 credits. She would've been an impulse buyer, if he didn’t keep asking if she REALLY wanted each object she selected in her apartment.

She got a loveseat and overstuffed armchair in yellow with matching pillows. A light oak coffee table and two end tables, along with a matching wood desk and plush office chair finished the living room.

She selected a round high-set table with two chairs, one for herself and a visitor. The rest of the kitchen was already furnished and extremely small, so the table would fit in nicely.

Her bedroom already was done and completed, so there was nothing needed in that area. But she fully intended on redecorating the sheets and blankets in the room, having only off-white to work with when she moved.

While paying for everything, she asked if it could be delivered. “I live on the first floor too.” She warned, smiling slightly. The saleslady said it could be delivered, and the two set the time for three. She figured it would be plenty of time to get the rest of her ‘list’ done. It was only ten by the clock in front of her, and she figured five hours was plenty of time, even for clothes shopping.

After leaving the store, she breathed a loud sigh, flinging both arms out wide. “Ahh! That felt SO good to do!” She commented, looking to the makeshift sky.

He looked at her, feeling his heart expand at how truly happy he made her. He nonchalantly followed her to the car, just content to watch her. She was so graceful, despite the loose inch high sandals she wore. The yellow suit darkened her Spanish skin, giving her an exotic look. Her lengthy hair was still up in a French braid, but he liked the look. It made her look more mature.

She called his name, jerking him from his thoughts. “Wha-“ He stuttered, blinking.

She giggled and waved to the open door. “I said come ON Quatre! You don’t wanna be left BEHIND do you??” She laughed and got in the car, leaving the driver standing next to the gaping hole.

He blushed furiously, finding he was standing a few foot from the car, too caught up in his thoughts. He hurriedly got in, keeping his head directed toward the pavement to hide the blush to his cheeks.

~*~*~

They hit a fashionable, but not too pricey, mall after a short drive. She kept yanking him through stores, never staying in one for too long. His arm pulled from hers in agitation, clearly able to walk without her dragging him along.

“Do you have ANY idea what you WANT here?” He asked, looking around the crowded area. Huge amounts of multi-aged people cluttered around them. He looked back to Divinity and found a small group of young men eyeing her in appreciation. His jaw tightened, but kept it hidden in case she noticed.

“OOO, HERE!” She suddenly said, grabbing his arm again. He was thrown from his thoughts, and nearly from his FEET, at her constant impulsive nature.

She entered yet another clothing store, looking much like all the OTHERS they’d been to. He jerked his arm from hers, even though she didn’t seem to notice; a rack of close by jeans already took her attention.

He walked behind her, shaking his head. ‘I’ll NEVER understand girls and CLOTHES.’ He thought, leaning against an unused wall. It was a total ironic situation, being as he had twenty-nine sisters. ‘You’d think I’d have LEARNED something.’ He joked, smirking.

His arms crossed as he observed his sporadic friend. He continued looking around the store, finding a small pack of young girls looking at him. He immediately blushed and looked at his shoe, stomping the heel lightly into the ground nervously.

A pair of shoes stopped before him. He quickly looked up, only after she lightly rapt on his head. “HELLLOOOOO, anybody IN there?”

He quickly grabbed her wrist, ducking his head out of the way. “What?” He asked, smiling sheepishly.

She held up the small bundle of hangers and jerked her free hand to the back. “I’m gonna go try these on. Come tell me how they look.”

He opened his mouth to answer, but she already made a beeline for the dressing room. He clamped it shut with a soft sigh. Shaking his head quickly, he awkwardly followed her, idly standing around while he waited. He could still feel eyes from the pack of girls nearby. His lips pressed together tightly, the only thing showing off his uncomfortableness.

‘Hurry UP Diva.’ He pleaded and half whined.

She finished buttoning up the dress and looked in the mirror. She immediately smiled afterward and twirled once. ‘DAMN this looks good!’ It was plain cotton and went to her knees. Two slits only went up to mid-thigh and a v-neck dip gave the short-sleeved dress sex appeal.

“You DONE in there?” He asked loudly, shoes peeking from under the door.

She grinned. “Yea, I’m done.” His shoes disappeared and she slowly opened the door in case he was still too close. “So, how do I look?” She asked, twirling.

His mouth opened to answer and he tried to find words. He couldn’t even bring himself to answer, though his eyes never left her figure. That dress hugged ever curve, like it was made for her. The tan color almost matched her skin. Her slim legs and arms barely poked out from underneath the fabric, but it was more skin that he was used to seeing from her. She looked good. No...good was too simple to use...she was highly pretty.

She blushed after a silent minute passed and he still didn’t answer. She oddly looked at him, seeing his flabbergasted appearance. She quickly blushed and ducked her head, knowing SHE was the reason he was stunned. “Okay, maybe you DON’T have to say anything.” She nervously muttered, smiling.

He mentally shook himself, berating himself at the same time. “No,” He quickly answered, stepping forward, “I’m sorry! You look...GOOD.”

Her smile widened, silently thanking him for the compliment.

She tried on three pairs of pants, five shirts, and two more dresses. She ended up buying it all, mostly from Quatre’s reactions. She gathered that EVERY stunned expression was a good one. The longer it took him to compose himself told her at least he liked what she wore.

She left the store with everything piled in two large sacks, spending little over two hundred credits. She walked into another ‘fashionable’ store and handed him the bags for safekeeping. She walked around again, grabbing hangers every so often.

She bought another dress, two pairs of blue jeans, two shirts and three tank tops. Along with the clothes, she snatched a brown and black belt, a set of plain silver and a set of gold earrings, along a few matching necklaces.

Everything was piled in one large sack. She took the other two from him, even though he offered to carry them. She just felt happy being able to BUY stuff and wanted to hold her purchases. ‘And soon, you’ll be able to WEAR all this!’ She happily thought.

She ended up with four bags all together, the last holding shoes. They each held two sacks, everything going in the trunk when they arrived.

They reentered the mall immediately after, thankfully hands free. She led him to an all-purpose store, going for a few appliances. They paused in the electronics area, brown eyeing an elegant keyboard longingly. Pressing both lips together, she leaned on the full cart.

“If you wanna get it, then GET it.” He said suddenly. She looked at him. “It’s your money.”

She looked at the cart with hooded lids, pursing her lips. He was right, and she be damned if she didn’t buy something ELSE electronic.

“Fitting it in this CART is going to be a problem.” She muttered, a smile breaking through.

He started walking past, grabbing hold on the end of cart before he got too far. She followed quickly before falling forward, since her entire weight rested on the handy device. “Ah, no pienso que estará un PROBLEMO.” He commented offhand, voice heavy with an accent.

She smiled widely, feeling utterly proud he would speak her language in public.

He ran to the driver and had him pull the car up to the exit doors, since the keyboard was larger than one could carry. She grabbed the sacks while he and the driver loaded the electric piano to the backseat. There wasn’t enough room between that and all the sacks she had in the trunk, along with the toaster and microwave boxes.

She also said it would give her a little bit to study the box, just to get familiar with some things the device held. He wouldn’t let her take it out in the car anyway.

~*~*~

Since it was only two, the three brought everything back to the apartment first. The less to carry at once, the better off they’d be, especially with cold food. They set everything in her bedroom, since it would be in the way later.

They took another short drive to a nearby grocery store. She went up and down every aisle, mostly since she bought what looked good, among things she knew were needed. She allowed Quatre to get a few snacks for helping her out the entire time, but he declined. She kept offering as they went down the aisles, as if she didn’t hear him. There was even an instance where he clamped a hand over her mouth when she asked again, keeping her from finishing yet another offer.

As the sacker loaded everything into the car, she looked out the window thoughtfully. She had to repay him for his generosity and kindness at spending the whole morning and afternoon with her. She knew he didn’t have to; especially when she knew was a busy man. Her eyes thoughtfully narrowed. ‘There’s got to be a WAY!’ She fiercely thought.

The car door slammed shut and jerked her attention to the outside world. As soon as the car was in motion once again, her head propped up on a knee, staring aimlessly at the passing streets. ‘There’s got to be SOMETHING I can do to show how thankful I am.’

She knew saying thanks just wouldn’t cover it in her book. Even if he accepted it, she knew that wouldn’t settle the score. She lightly nibbled on her lower lip as they came upon her neighborhood.

After carrying all the bags inside, she quickly glanced at a clock. They had maybe ten minutes before the delivery trucks came.

She turned to him, finding him removing groceries from their confinements. She rushed over to take everything, not wanting to burden him more than normal. “Here Quatre, let me.” She offered, taking a few things from his hands.

He smiled and shook his head. “You have PLENTY of things to put away in the fridge Diva, I’ll get THIS put away.” She looked doubtful, but he ignored it and went about the task.

It was something he actually enjoyed doing. Comparing the life he held only half a year ago, this seemed so NORMAL. He liked it too. Others he employed in the house did all the shopping and cooking for him, hardly allowing him to even make his own meals. He was going to milk the normality for all it was worth, before he had to go back home.

The driver informed the two the truck arrived, only moments before they started hauling things upstairs. She instructed the two lifters to lay everything in the center for her to get to later.

It didn’t take long, even though she could hear the two burly men grunting and groaning from some of the more weighted furniture. She KNEW she should offer her help, but wasn’t strong enough to lift such heavy objects up an entire set of fourteen stairs.

It didn’t take long to bring up eleven pieces of extra furniture. In the meantime, he got the microwave hooked up and programmed, since he initially asked. He wanted to do something besides stand around and do nothing.

He wasn’t strong enough either when it came to lifting such heavy things, so he opted for something he was good at. Machines. He set the microwave in the designated spot next to the fridge, where she normally sat when she ate.

Maybe half an hour later, the large van left the three alone. She stood amongst wrapped furniture, eyeing everything with a gleeful smile and bright eyes. Hands clasped together under her chin. “Oohh, what do I want to open FIRST?” She muttered. “This is like Navidad for me!”

He stopped behind her and rest a hand over her shoulder.

“Leaving already?” She asked downcast, eyeing him sadly.

He smiled. “Let me go speak with my driver okay?”

She nodded slowly, her good mood dimming from the possible lack of company. The thrill of the day dimmed some, now that she figured she would fix everything all by herself. It wasn’t that she COULDN’T get everything moved across the floor, but a companion in an empty apartment would be greatly appreciated.

She continued to stand in the center of everything, touching the boxes gingerly, picturing where she would move the whole lot.

He came back shortly after, shutting the door behind him. He clicked both deadbolts before turning back to her. Rubbing his hands together eagerly, he eyed everything around them. “So, what’re we putting WHERE?” He asked, smiling.

She blinked, a little stunned at this sudden turnabout. A soft smile slowly crept her lips upward, thankful she would have company just a little longer.

Mentally shaking herself, she leaned against the large girth of the thickly cellophane wrapped loveseat. “Well, why don’t we take it ALL apart and THEN figure out where it goes?” She asked, smiling happily.

He nodded and the two got to work.

~*~*~

She looked around the mess with a small grimace. “WEEEEELLL...” She drawled, meeting blue, “MAYBE my suggestion was a BAD one...”

“Gee, ya THINK?” He tossed back, trying to spot the floor. The entire bit of plastic wrap, cardboard, Styrofoam, and peanuts almost completely covered the living room. Leaning against the armchair, he looked at her vaulted ceilings absently. “Maybe we can put it all up THERE.” He evenly joked, a smile showing up soon after.

She looked up with a gaping mouth and snickered. “Yea RIGHT. Got any duck tape?” She retorted. They laughed and shook their heads.

“How bout we start taking all the cardboard out? There’s more of that than the plastic stuff surrounding everywhere.”

“And how do you propose we open the DOOR?” She retorted, crossing her arms expectantly. The loveseat was now currently blocking the only entrance and exit, having been put there while they moved everything around as they unpacked.

He grinned sheepishly, scratching the back of his head. “Yea, kinda got carried away, didn’t we?” He muttered, looking at the floor.

“Well, I’ve learned MY lesson.” She said, rubbing her forehead. “Don’t go and furnish your ENTIRE apartment unless you’ve got about five more foot to each wall.”

“Amen THERE.”

After finish making the situation out to be worse than it was, they stacked half the wrappings in the kitchen and narrow hallway for room. Even before they started throwing the garbage out, Divinity moved her makeshift recycle bin and put the table in its spot.

She situated the chairs and took a moment to sit in one, relishing in the fact that she now had a table! Even though she didn’t have a dining room, she had a table to eat off of. Also, getting the table out of the center of the living room allowed them to get the loveseat from the front door.

It took another half hour to get all the ripped plastic, Styrofoam, and small cardboard pieces out to the large bin. “It’s a good thing you’re allowed such a large holder.” He joked, tossing his share through the designated opening. “Otherwise we’d have to store this until the garbage men took everything away!”

Now able to see the carpet, spotted with dirt and scuffed from constant movement, she cursed herself for not buying a vacuum! Raising a finger, she smirked. “NEXT thing I do on my day off next Saturday.” She joked, wrinkling her nose disdainfully. Until then, she would have to live with the mess.

Leaning against the front door, she took in the arrangement with a prideful look. She smiled, feeling happy tears come to her eyes. She felt more like a grownup now; she had a place all her own, fully furnished, and a good, steady job. She couldn’t help a tear that fell, but quickly wiped it away.

His eyes narrowed slightly in concern. “Something WRONG Diva?” He stepped to her.

“I’m just so happy.” She whispered, feeling a little foolish about the situation. She met his eyes. “It’s all coming together Quatre. I have a steady job, my own place, furniture... I feel HOME, for the first time since I moved away.” He smiled sweetly, lightly hugging her. “I’m happy you stayed to help.” She softly answered, hugging him back.

“Even if we made a MESS there for a while?” He joked back.

She chuckled slowly. “ESPECIALLY when we made that mess. You were here to help and that’s all that mattered.” They pulled away and she smiled gratefully.

His heart lurched in his chest at the beauty of her eyes and face. She still wore her hair in that braid, but it kept all the hair away from her face. There was nothing stopping him from looking at her tanned skin, deep brown eyes, long lashes...

On impulse, he wanted to kiss her, wanted to kiss her. He was more than aware he still held her, but didn’t move away. He preferred the way they were. He liked holding her.

“Now, how bout we plop down on the furniture for the first time?” Her eyes crinkled with childish excitement.

He blinked, regrettably pulled away from his mental train of thought.

She walked to the loveseat and heavily sat in it, sprawling out with a sigh. A joyful smile framed her face, eyes closing in sheer bliss. “Ahh...” She breathed.

He smiled and shook his head, but walked to the armchair and sat sideways in it. He figured since she was sprawled out in every possible direction, it was okay for him to sit in the chair the way HE wanted. A leg draped over one arm, his back resting against the other. An arm went over the back of the thick cushion, feeling like he could melt into the plush pillows.

His eyes closed in sheer heaven after being on his feet and moving for of the day. “This is almost as good as the furniture at my OFFICE.” He muttered, feeling his strength leave him.

She looked over and smiled tiredly. The fullness of the day was wearing off, leaving her exhausted. Plus, she had work tomorrow! ‘But the day’s not over yet.’

Sitting up slowly, as if with great effort, she stood and stretched. “I’m going to christen the kitchen chairs. Care to JOIN me?” She grinned widely and made a casual beeline for the wood chairs. He got up, as if heavily labored also, and joined her. The two quietly sat at the high, round table, tiredness starting to creep up again.

Brown closed, even though she told herself there was still so much the two needed to do. The day wasn’t over and she didn’t want to leave his company. ‘But,’ She realized, ‘I need a twenty minute catnap before I’m up to ANYTHING.’

Having gotten up at maybe six, she’d been up for almost twelve straight hours. ‘I’ve had less stressful WORK days.’ She thought, smiling tiredly.

“We need to DO something.” She suddenly spoke up.

His eyes cracked open. “Like WHAT?” He asked, as if they were two bored roommates who needed to kill the rest of the afternoon.

She shrugged. “Well, we haven’t had anything to eat since breakfast. Let’s go get some dinner.” She sat back, feeling excited again. “Yea! It’ll allow me to wear my new clothes!”

He grinned wryly. “Any chance to show off, eh?” He kidded, poking a side.

She squeaked and slid off the high stool. “But of COURSE.” Solidifying the decision, she turned down the hallway for her room.

Momentarily stopping inside, she strode back down the hall, eyes landing on the couch. “I thought you were going to change?” He wondered.

She set the alarm clock on the new coffee table and landed on loveseat, stomach first. “Later.” She muttered, grabbing a few pillows. “Right now, I’m going to catch twenty. Care to join me?”

He didn’t even resist her offer. Silently getting from the wood stool, his body compacted in the large armchair, his head resting against the arm, knees near his chin. “How do you plan on sleeping if there’s so much light?” He asked seconds later.

An eye peeked open and a tender grin split his face. She must’ve fallen asleep almost immediately; she didn’t move an inch. He stared at her for what seemed minutes, until his eyes closed. Yawning quietly, he snuggled into the comfy chair, not wanting to miss the opportunity for a nap.

~*~*~

The annoying beeping of the alarm woke her up from the most pleasant darkness. Groaning against the light that hit her eyes, an arm reached out, trying to find the device. Not finding it, she leaned over a little, hand waving around. A second later, realizing she off-balanced herself, her entire body tilted.

Both eyes shot open, now fully awake, and she fell with a cry and a heavy THUD. Groaning from the pain of landing on her hip, she meekly reached up and hit the snooze. The annoying thing shut off, she slouched on the ground and refused to move.

He was awake as soon as the alarm first sounded and watched everything. He tried to keep the laughter inside, but a snicker kept escaping in intervals. One hand slowly moved to cover his mouth, even though his insides were quaking.

“Very FUNNY.” She muttered. With another muffled groan, she rolled onto her back and unknowingly bumped into the coffee table. “I forgot where I was for a minute.”

Hands scrubbed her face to wake up. After a quick yawn, she sat up, feeling more alert as seconds ticked by. Her eyes landed on his scrunched up figure, even though he looked more than comfortable. She smiled slightly, fingers going for her braid. She took out the elastic band and started undoing the braid as she patiently waited for him to wake up.

“So where’re we eating?” He asked, stretching. After finally getting out of his temporary makeshift bed, he tried to wake up. The alarm rang way too early for him; he wanted another twenty minutes!

“Why don’t you look up something nearby and we can walk there?” She called from the bathroom. She carefully ran the brush through her hair again, getting out all the tangles.

He did as requested, finding a few places within six or seven blocks. He named off the choices and they decided shortly after.

She figured her hair was good enough and shut the light off, heading for her room. Habitually locking the door, she pulled everything from the bags and eyed it all. After five or six minutes of rearranging possible outfits on her bed, and cutting tags off everything, she decided just to go with something, since she was keeping him waiting.

She was about to call out that she was ready, but words died as she gained a good look of the living room. He was sprawled out on the loveseat, much like she was the first time, resting again. She smiled widely and leaned against the hallway wall, arms crossed. Her head tilted and rested against the wall, just content to look at his peaceful face.

Her legs somehow marched her in between the coffee table and loveseat, even though she didn’t feel like waking him. Just staring at his face brought on a form of unexplainable maternal love. She couldn’t figure it out, but knew that when she woke him up, it would be gone and she wouldn’t have to wonder about it.

Kneeling in the small space, dangerously close to his face, she lightly touched his shoulder. He didn’t stir, or even utter a word. His deep even breathing kept up undisturbed. Smirking slightly, she lightly shook him, feeling a little weird at the touch. Sure they hugged each other, but it never lasted too long. He was an apparent deep sleeper, and she didn’t know how long it would take her to wake him up.

“Quatre.” She murmured. He groaned quietly and she bit her lip to keep from laughing at the cute display. “Come on amigo, time to get up.” She humorously continued.

His body turned to her, but he still slept on. She was forced to jerk her hand away or get it pinned beneath him. Scowling playfully, she touched his other shoulder and shook with a little more force. “Amigo, se levanta.” She repeated a little louder.

His hand moved and grasped the one over his shoulder. She blinked, a little astonished. Sighing, wondering if he was PURPOSELY doing this, she clutched his hand and shook his arm. “Quatre,” She sternly muttered, “WAKE UP.”

His eyes squeezed shut, but his face buried into the thick pillows. She smiled wryly, the other hand going to his face. “Come ON, caballero, let’s get going. I didn’t dress up for NOTHING.” Lithe fingers stroked his face slowly, trying to spark his senses.

After a minute, his eyes fluttered open. “Tickles.” He muttered, scooting on his stomach.

She laughed softly, removing her hands now that he was awake. “Come on Quatre; don’t make me take drastic measures.” She joked, smiling evilly.

His head slowly turned her way, eyes squinting at her. A sleepy brow rose. “You wouldn’t tickle me and risk messing up your couch after just GETTING it.” He groggily defended.

“Who said I was going to TICKLE you, señor?” She asked, smiling widely. He scowled and reached a hand for her, but she scooted back. His arm continued to follow her, his weight shifting. He leaned in, seeing as he was merely an inch from her, but tilted too far.

“Whoa!” He cried out, landing on his back with a THUD. She stood over him and laughed. “NOT FUNNY.” He muttered, gingerly sitting up.

“Oh I beg to DIFFER!” She ribbed, still laughing. His tongue stuck out. She smiled widely and lowered a hand to help him up. “Let’s get going, SHALL we?”

When she let go of his hand, he finally got a good look at her outfit. Those pants hugged her legs like a second skin. The open business jacket revealed just how low-cut her tank top and jeans WERE. The tank ended above her navel, the jeans below the navel. The ‘shirt’ dipped to the middle of her chest, the deep color going well with her tan skin. The shirt looked too tight on her, but flattered her body very well. The jacket seemed the only baggy thing on her.

He swallowed, quickly averting his eyes before he looked at anything else. She looked even better with her hair lying wild around her back. She was a cross between sexy teenager and modern-day woman, and it threw his emotions off-keel. Silently praying to Allah for strength, he followed her to the door.

~*~*~

Holding the door open for her, he walked into the quaint-looking café. They were seated moments later next to a window with a view of the beginning sunset.

Looking up from the menu, he looked around the restaurant. It was relatively small, but cute in a down-home-country-fashion way. “So, what do you plan on doing NOW?” He asked, looking at her diverted gaze.

“About what?” She absently countered, eyes still roaming for something to eat. It all sounded good and she was having a hard time choosing.

“Work.” He clarified. “Do you still plan on working full-time and overtime?”

Her menu nearly hit the table; she put it down so quickly. She looked at him with mock horror. “¡INFIERNO no!” She retorted.

A brow rose, but he decided it was better to not ask this one time. “Then I shall take your answer as...”

“I’ll be working strictly the workweek...OFFICE hours now.” She informed, smirking. “I’d like to see YOU do the same!”

He gave her a bored look. “Like I CAN.” He retorted.

She scowled at him across the small table. “SURE you can. Just appoint surrogates to HELP you.” His head shook, denying her offer. “Oh don’t be such a workaholic!” She burst out. A blonde brow rose. “The vice president was doing a good portion of your work even BEFORE you showed up. He diddied it amongst those under him, giving appointed documents to supervisors in those certain departments; to people who knew what they were doing. It won’t kill YOU to follow the guy’s way of working.”

He scowled lightly, leaning back in his seat. The menu remained untouched as they engaged in a small stare down. “That was the vice president, not me. I’ve got my OWN way of working that suits me.”

“Even though it’s EXHAUSTING you?” She hated it when he pulled long shifts, but as long as they were able to work together during those times, she didn’t matter so much. Now that she had some time off, it was only relative that he did so as well.

“I’ll never learn if I don’t. You forget Diva; I’ve only been working at my father’s company for less than two months.”

Her head shook. “You make it sound like it’s not YOURS.” She softly argued. She suddenly reached across the table and grabbed his hand. “But it is, and YOU are the one with final say-so. Take a day off! Please!” She pleaded. “I can’t really see it in this low lighting, but I’m pretty sure you’ve got circles under your eyes. Why else would you fall asleep on my furniture TWICE?”

“Because it was comfy and you did so as WELL?” He kidded, smiling wryly.

She playfully scowled. “The first time was MY idea, but the second was all YOUR doing. I didn’t even think I could wake you, you slept that hard.”

The waitress came soon after, stopping their argument. After dictating what each wanted to eat and drink, they were left alone again.

He looked out the windows, feeling the discomfort of a rare disagreement. He was also touched, knowing that Divinity didn’t like him working himself too hard. He felt the same way about her. But even though the tides were turned, he couldn’t get out of work as easily as she could. He had too much to learn, even though he was learning. There were some policies and laws among colonies that he needed to understand, some he couldn’t even grasp. The business was a needed one, but a most complex one to learn.

She looked at the restaurant, feeling bad for quarrelling with her friend. She didn’t like trying to tell him what to do, but he didn’t listen to anyone ELSE it seemed. She figured even if she was boss and ordered him to leave; he wouldn’t until he reached a stopping point in his work. Just as she always did.

‘We’re too much alike.’ She mused, mentally sighing. She felt awkward now, but couldn’t find a way to change the subject tactfully.

At length, she sighed loudly, propping her chin up with elbows on the table. He eyed her utterly bored look. “What?” He asked, turning to her.

Their eyes met, the rest of her face turned to something else. “We need to have another lesson.” She answered. “How bout NOW?”

“HERE?” He pondered, looking around.

She nodded, thankful for the strange idea. “Yea. You can learn kitchenware!” She joked, smiling.

He rolled his eyes through a smile.  “Teach away then, oh wise one.” He joked. Looking down at the set place, she unrolled the napkin, picking through her utensils.

She held up the fork. “Okay now, repeat after me. You already know how to sound your syllables, so THAT helps. Tenedor.” He let the word sink in and slowly pronounced it. She had him repeat it a few more times, just so he could get used to the new word.

“You’ll have to write these down in sentences or something later.” She joked, setting the utensil down. She grabbed the spoon next. “Cuchara.” She instructed. He repeated the word speech like the first.

After feeling he was comfortable with the newest word, she put the spoon down and grabbed the knife. “Cuchillo.” She said. “Now don’t forget your double L’s are Y’s.” She reminded.

“Yea, yea, I know.” He waved her off and pronounced the word a few times.

She pointed to her water glass. “Vidrio. And inside is-“

“Agua.” He answered; proud he knew that at least. He said the newest word, wondering if he’d remember everything come tomorrow. It was unlikely, but he had a fairly good memory, he was bound to know some of the words.

Right now, he was just happy listening to her voice speak in her native tongue. He always did like hearing it.

She taught him the words for plate, napkin, tablecloth, and looked around for more. The table was relatively small and there wasn’t a whole lot decorating it. Their food came shortly after the silence, also giving her more to work with.

A smug smile appeared. “Okay, let’s see how you work THIS.” She playfully jeered, holding up a spoonful of rice. “Rice; arroz. And don’t forget to roll your R’s.”

“I KNOW.” He pointedly reminded. He said the word, though not as she did.

Both lips pressed together to keep from laughing. “Try it AGAIN.” She muttered, trying in vain to hold back laughter. His nose wrinkled, but complied. After another wrong go, she giggled shortly. “No, no!” She laughingly broke in, waving her hands to stop him. “I can see we should work on your ‘rolling’ before you try actual words.” She humorously chided.

He took a bite of the steak he ordered, pointedly ignoring that last remark. “I do just FINE.” He defended.

She snorted and quickly put a hand against her mouth to keep any other laughter silent. After gaining a small glower, she reached over and patted his free hand. “I don’t MEAN to make fun of you Quatre. It’s just humorous to hear someone who doesn't speak español NORMALLY to try and pronounce some of the harder words.” She apologized, even if she was smiling. “Try it again, but go slow.”

He did as requested, still not quite able to catch the exact R’s she used. “Okay, new technique.” She carefully leaned forward; making sure none of her hair would get caught in the food. “Come a little closer Quatre, and hold out your hand.”

He raised a confused eyebrow, but did both as commanded. She grasped his wrist lightly, bringing his entire arm over their food. She held his open hand against her neck, and ‘purred’. She continued one long R roll, his fingers vibrating against the center of her neck.

He swallowed, emotions rise up. He silently wished she’d let go of his hand to dim the anxiety a little. After three or four silent pleads, she let go.

“Got it?” She asked, eyeing him. He stared at her dumbly, nodding jerkily. “Then try it.” She suggested. “Just hit the roof of your mouth rapidly.” She smiled meekly. “It’s easier to DO than explaining.”

She nodded for him to go to it and he took a deep breath. He tried doing as she instructed, but only halfway. She listened and shook her head suddenly, one hand moving over their plates again. It rested against his throat lightly. “NOW try it. Let me see if I can feel it.”

His jaw clenched at the feel of her nimble fingers under his skin, but forced off the emotions to act nonchalant. She certainly seemed so, or either too caught up in her ‘lesson’ to know exactly what she was doing...basically driving his emotions, and him, crazy. He repeated the tongue action, feeling more than self-conscious at the moment. His eyes jerked to the other people around him, wondering if they could hear what he was doing. He certainly hoped not!

After he stopped, her lips pursed in thought, than a hand moved to his temple. Her fingers spread over his head, slightly digging into his hair. “Try it ONE more time. It’s easier to know if you’re doing it right by feeling on the upper half of your head.”

His head started tingling where her hand rested. He fought not to tilt his head into her light touch, feeling his eyes grow heavy.

‘NO!’ He harshly ordered. ‘Just get this done and OVER with!’ He prayed to Allah again to give him strength.

After he repeated the action again, successfully for once, she smiled and nodded. “Good. FINALLY.” She joked. “Now, try saying it. Say arroz.”

“Arroz.” He slowly murmured. He was almost overtaken by the feel of what she unknowingly created inside him.

“Okay, good.” She encouraged. Her eyes locked with his mouth, trying to see if he was doing it correctly, even though that was hard to do. “Now, try it at normal speed. And then we can EAT.”

He barely cracked a smile through the serious stare. He was WELL aware she was looking at his mouth, and couldn’t help darting his tongue out from nervousness. “Arroz.” He repeated, finally doing the word justice.

After a small pause, that smile wore down when she finally realized what she was doing, where her hand was, and the exact look he was giving her. She met his eyes, hers widening slightly. She swallowed harshly, every part of her body locking in place. He pinned her with that stare, creating a heat to her. She felt adrenaline run and her heart speed up. Lord, the way he was STARING at her...as if he wanted to KISS her! ‘Yea RIGHT!’ Her mind feebly contradicted. ‘Why would HE want to kiss ME?’

His hand slowly moved, covering hers. She barely felt the contact, but it sent inexplicable shivers up her arm. The feeling of his hand, even though he often did the simple action, made her incredibly nervous and on edge. Neither blinked as they continued to look into each other’s eyes, now fully aware of how close they were. The table seemed even smaller than before. He brought their hands down to the table, just holding hers.

Somehow, she managed to break away, though it was hard. She often longed to stare into his eyes, just because the color fascinated her. But now, it was for a different purpose. She was held captive to the emotions she saw brimming in the sea-like depths.

Finally, she blinked. “Um...we’d better eat before this gets cold.” She muttered awkwardly, trying to swallow. She quickly grasped the utensils, needing something to do. Her eyes kept down to purposely ignore the looks in his eyes. “Don’t want to pay for something we didn’t eat.” She lamely joked, not finding anything funny. She just wished her hands would stop SHAKING.

He knew he made her uncomfortable by the way she wouldn’t look at him and ate her food. He gripped his silverware, silently eating. His mind was a tumult of thoughts. He picked out the fire in her eyes; along with the way she was staring at him. He couldn’t help but stare at her the way he wanted to for days now. It just happened, he couldn’t help it. The air changed from friendliness to unnerving as they ate in silence.