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Lina sat with Gourry in his dressing room and watching as he organized his wardrobe.
"Okay, the shoes will go here and the pants here . . . should I put the shirts behind the jackets," he mused staring at his closet.
"I think you should sit down before I break your legs," Lina smiled evilly.
Gourry looked at Lina and frowned, "What's wrong Lina?"
"Gourry sit down, we need to talk," Lina said quietly. Gourry walked over to the armchair across from hers and sat down. "What's going on with you lately?"
"What do you mean?"
"The obsessing about your clothes, your hair and your BUTT, not to mention that you've just spent the last twenty minutes fussing over your closet. What's going on," she asked in frustration.
"I-I just want to look my best, that's all," he said defensively.
"But you never cared about how you looked before Gourry," Lina insisted.
"That was before," he said quietly.
"Before what?"
"You were proud of me about the notes," he whispered. "I knew all those girls think Zel' handsome and smart and stuff. I know they don't look at me the same way that they do him, but I think maybe I could win one of the two prizes," he said.
"But I still don't understand Gourry I . . ." she stopped and thought for a moment. "Are you doing this because of me?"
"You were really impressed when I did good on the notes. I wanted you to be proud of me even though I know everyone thinks Zel is handsome and . . ."
"You're handsome too Gourry . . ." Lina blurted out and blushed.
"Really?"
"Yes, half the girls in the audience think so. You wouldn't have gotten to the semi-finals otherwise. And we're friends you don't have to impress me for me to be proud of you. I'm proud to have you as my friend."
"It was just nice having you not be mad at me for doing something stupid," he blushed.
"I know I have a short fuse sometimes, but I'm like that with everybody, especially Amelia some days. That doesn't mean I don't like you or that I'm not proud of you guys, okay?"
"Okay."
"Maybe this is what that dream I had was trying to tell me. That I should be better with my friends," Lina thought. "So can you calm down the Ms. prissy kitty routine," she asked aloud.
"Okay," Gourry smiled. "Lina?"
"Yeah."
"You said that half the girls thought I was handsome, do you . . . think I'm handsome too," he asked shyly.
"Yes, I thought you looked really good," she smiled warmly, thinking that normally she wouldn't have admitted it but tonight wasn't exactly a normal night. She wasn't going to act like Lina Inverse the sorceress genius, bandit killer extraordinare tonight she was just going to be Lina Inverse, a good friend.
Gourry lay in bed, watching as the sky changed colors in the early morning hours. "Tonight's the talent competition," he thought happily, recalling his conversation with Lina the night before. She had been concerned about him and patient with him. "And she thought I looked handsome," he beamed, thinking that was the best part of all.
"I hope I remembered everything I'll nee for tonight," he said absently folding his arms behind his head on the pillow. He recounted the items he purchased in his mind and found that everything he needed he'd had indeed brought.
"It'll be great," he smile, "This is something I'm really good at and it's pretty fun too. Tonight's going to be great."
Zelgadis sat up in bed letting the morning air hit his skin. He felt like banging his head against the wall for his stupidity. "I should have put a stop to things before they got so carried away," he thought, remembering his tickle fight with Amelia. He'd spent the night restless with dreams of her fingers up and down his back. "I just seem to be making an already tense situation worse," he mumbled falling back on his pillow frustrated.
What bothered him the most was the feeling of guilt that played on his conscience. "I'm sending her mixed signals. One day I'm dancing with another woman and the next I'm tickling her. I'M A JERK," he cried to an invisible audience. "What happened yesterday only encouraged her little crush on me, I'm not supposed to be doing that," he sighed. "That talk I've been avoiding we are really going to have to have, now more then ever. I can't say one thing then do something completely different," he decided as a knock was placed on his door.
Zelgadis got out of bed, grabbed his robe and went to the door, "Who is it?"
"It's Mr. Fairbourne, the tailor from Fantasy Alive Tailoring."
He immediately opened the door and ushered the tailor in. "Morning, how is everything coming," the chimera asked anxiously.
"Great. Sorry about calling on you so early, but I figured I should drop these off before you meet up with your friend," the tailor smiled handing Zelgadis a package.
"The clothes are finished just as you wanted and all the things you needed to go with them are set to go."
"Good, I'll need them over at the Palisades tonight. Can they be sent over discreetly?
"I think so, I know a couple of the stage hands, they're my cousins we shouldn't have any problems getting them in."
"How much did it all come too," the chimera asked.
"Here's the bill," the tailor said handing him a slip of paper.
Zelgadis read it over carefully. The outfit and the items needed were listed as well as prices. The total looked to be the amount he had initially assumed everything would come to. "Everything seems to be in order," he said going to his bag of coins to pay the tailor. "How good is the quality," he asked as he counted.
"Very, I know from personal experience. I wouldn't have suggested them if they weren't."
"Yes, I believe that. Here you are," Zelgadis smiled handing him the payment. "Thank you very much for your help."
"You're welcome," the tailor asked "But why all the secrecy if you don't mind me asking?"
"I want this to be a surprise. I've been having a little trouble with the tabloids and would like this to kept under wraps until the very last moment."
"Oh I see," the tailor nodded, "Well your lady friend is really going to enjoy it I think, and appreciate all the trouble you went through for her."
"I don't think you understand my . . . relationship with Amelia, we're just friends," he said quickly.
The tailor looked at him and laughed. "And I'm a Muzuko! Look, there's something going on between you two and pretty soon the pot's going to boil over," he said sympathetically. "I'm just an old man butting his nose in but you two could have something special if you try, besides you look cute together." Then he opened the door and left.
Zelgadis walked back over to the bed and sat down, staring blankly around his room. "I didn't go through all this trouble to impress her," he assured himself as he began studying the creases in his bed sheets. "We look cute together," he said repeating the tailor's words. "Amelia and I really need to have that talk," he said with determination as he began to get dressed.
Zelgadis finally decided on a simple pair of black pants and a white shirt. It was fairly early and he decided it would be the perfect opportunity to make his final arrangements. He saw too it that the package Mr. Fairbourne gave him was delivered by the Courier Fairies and took a minute to mentally review his plans. The instructions he had written down for the tailor had been thorough, as were the specifications of what he needed. "Things should go off without a hitch," he decided, picking up a breakfast menu.
"Mr. Greywords is that you?" Zelgadis looked up from his menu and watched as Evette approached his table. "Good Morning."
"Good morning," she smiled, "I didn't know you were staying at this tavern."
"It's nice little place, quiet too."
"Especially the food, it's great. May I join you?"
"Of course, but I'm not going to have anything substantial, just a coffee and a turnover," he said closing his menu as a waitress appeared. They placed their orders and the waitress left and returned with their coffee and turnovers quickly.
"You know I've been hoping I would run into you again before the pageant ended," Evette said taking a sip of coffee.
"You have?"
"Yes," she smiled. "I really enjoyed myself at the races and I was serious about having another dance with you sometime."
"Well as I said before I'm not much of a dancer I was just following your lead," he murmured into his coffee, hoping it hid his blushing.
"You're so modest," Evette giggled. "It's really cute. The truth is if you don't mind me being forward, I think you have a great body and that you're an incredible dancer and I love to get together with you for dinner or the theater sometime."
"I really don't think that I could," he said eating a piece of his turnover.
"Oh, I understand, what was I thinking you probably have a girlfriend right? It must be that girl you were sitting next to the other day with the black hair and the really big blue eyes. She is a cute girl," Evette mused.
Zelgadis almost spit out his bite of turnover. "You mean Amelia," he asked knowing it was a stupid question.
"Yes, Amelia she's your Image Coordinator right?" He nodded. "I hope she didn't chew you out over our dance, maybe I should apologize. I mean I know I'd be upset if another girl danced with my boyfriend," she said thoughtfully.
"Amelia and I are just friends, that's it friends. To be honest I'm not seeing anyone at the moment," he said quietly.
"It can be really hard to meet new people. This is the most direct I've ever been with anyone, It's just that I had so much fun and I find you really intriguing," she blushed as she ate some of her turnover. He returned her smile and continued drinking his coffee.
Amelia came downstairs looking for Zelgadis when she heard light laughter. "You're so modest. It's really cute," the voice said. Amelia looked up to see Zelgadis having breakfast with Evette. "So this is where he went to," she thought feeling a pang of jealousy as she listened further.
"I think you have a great body and that your an incredible dancer," Evette continued.
"I can't listen to anymore of this," Amelia thought and stormed back upstairs to her room. "She's completely shameless, throwing herself at him like that," she said once the safety of her room. "And he was just sitting there letting her," she thought sadly.
She sat on her bed curled up in a ball for several long minutes fighting the urge to cry when a light tapping came from her door. "It's Zelgadis. Can I come in?"
"Just a minute," she answered. She checked herself in the mirror to see if she showed any signs of her distress then opened the door. "Good morning," she smiled as he walked past her.
"Morning," he returned as she closed the door taking note of the expression on her face. "Are you all right?"
"Yes, I'm fine, why do you ask?"
"No reason," he shrugged, "So what's on the menu for today?"
"Well," she started as another knock came from her door. When she opened it Lina stood on the opposite side smiling excitedly. "Lina, what is it?"
"You're not going to believe this Amelia," the sorceress burst past her excitedly, then saw Zelgadis leaning against the princess's desk. "Am I interrupting something? Oh well doesn't make a different," she laughed, "Amelia look at these," she smiled and handed the princess a slip of paper.
"Complimentary passes to the Tradewinds Spa for a massage, a relaxing dip in our five star hot spring and lunch," Amelia read. "Where did you get these?"
"They were just delivered. Isn't it great, the owner of the Spa sent these over because were the Image Coordinators for the contestants as a treat. Our appointment is this afternoon," the redhead beamed excitedly.
"But what about the public appearances?"
"The pageant execs have a benefit luncheon they want the guys to attend this afternoon. While they do that we can go have a little R & R, what you say Amelia, It'll be fun"
"Well, I'm not sure . . ."
"I think Gourry and I will be fine without our Coordinators for the day, you guys go and have a little fun," Zelgadis said.
"See, even Zel thinks we've earned this, come on Amelia don't be such a party pooper."
"All right, It does sound nice," the princes smiled.
"Great, I'll go tell Gourry and the dragons, they're camping out in his room. You don't mind if Bubbles and Daisy go to lunch with you do you?"
"No at all," Zelgadis answered.
"All right, se you in a few minutes Amelia." Lina then headed out of the door as quickly as she had flown in.
"Well it looks like the day has already been decided for the both of us," Zelgadis said.
"It looks that way."
"You don't sound too excited."
"I'm just surprised that's all. I'm going to have to cancel the appearance I had planned for you today and . . ."
"Don't worry about it," he interrupted. "I think this benefit luncheon will generate more publicity for Gourry and I then anything else. That's probably why the pageant execs want us there. Go have a good time at the Spa and we'll catch up with you later," he smiled leaving.
"He's so insistent that I go," she thought aloud, "Maybe he wants to spend more time with Evette, especially with her praising his physique and dancing," she grumbled.
"Ahhh, this feels wonderful," Lina sighed as she settled herself into warm water
"Yes it does," Amelia sighed.
"Those massages really hit the spot," Lina continued, "I could get use to this kind of pampering."
Amelia nodded her agreement as she sank down deeper in the warm, bubbling water.
"So what was Zel doing in your room this morning?"
"He wanted to know what the plans for today would be, that's all."
"You two seem to be getting close lately," Lina smiled.
"What do you mean," the princess asked looking at her suspiciously.
"Well you two have been together quite a lot with all those appearances, long conversations and what was that laughing I heard coming from his dressing room last night?"
"Nothing," she blushed, "We're just working together really well on the pageant, that's it."
"Is it now?"
Amelia looked at her with a scowled expression across her face. "Stop beating around the bush and get to the point Lina, I really don't feel like playing games!"
"Fine, I was just thinking with all the time you two have spending together, that maybe you've taken the opportunity to declare your feelings in a bigger way then just your normal speeches and longing glances," the sorceress smiled.
"Why do you always have to make fun of me," Amelia yelled to Lina's surprise. "I like Zelgadis a lot and every time I turn around there you are with your snide remarks and innuendo. If you don't like me so much why do we even travel together? I know when we first met I was a gung-ho on bringing justice to the world and didn't always think things through, but those are the kinds of things a person learns through experience and I think I've had plenty of that over the last few years. I just want the rest of the world to be as great a place as where I grew up. I don't see anything wrong with that or how I feel about Zelgadis. I care about him a lot, why is that such a joke to you," she asked in a trembling voice, "Why do have to be so mean?"
"I-I'm sorry Amelia, I didn't mean it like that I was just kidding around," Lina said.
"Your sense of humor could use a little improvement," she sniffled.
"Look, I only tease you about Zel because . . . because I'm a little jealous, okay," the redhead sighed.
"Jealous! You mean you like Zelgadis too." Amelia stared at her in disbelief.
"No, not that," Lina cried, "It's just you know how you feel and you told him, just like that and you keep telling him even though he doesn't seem to acknowledge it. "
"So?"
"SO it's really hard for most people to admit to someone how they feel about them. I personally would rather go another round with Shabrinigdo then tell a guy I liked him. In guess I'm a little jealous of how openly you can express your feelings for Zel," she said quietly. "But if you tell anybody I'll dragon slave you, got it," she added quickly.
"Got it," the princess laughed. "Just don't tease me anymore okay?"
"Okay," Lina smiled, "I didn't mean to hurt your feelings, I guess sometimes I can really go too far."
"It's all right," the princess smiled.
"He'll come around," the sorceress said resting her hand on Amelia's shoulder. "He'll realize how nice you are and he'll come to his senses."
"You think?"
"Yeah, you two have been getting along better so either you started dating and making kissy faces or you'll be better friends," Lina shrugged.
"I think I'd be happy either way," Amelia said. "I never considered the possibility that I wasn't his type until recently."
"You mean because of Evette?"
"I saw them having breakfast this morning. She was telling him how cute he was and that he had a great body and that he was a incredible dancer," she said fuming with each word, "And he was just sitting there listening to every word."
"You think he likes her," Lina asked.
"You saw them dancing at half-time," Amelia cried, "And at breakfast they looked so intimate with each other and she's so tall and pretty."
"What, you don't like the way you look know?"
"It's not that, it's just I'm so short, shorter then you are. People consider you petite which isn't quite short, but not tall and I'm so. ."
"WILL YOU STOP IT," Lina yelled startling the princess.
"People think you're cute ands petite not just short and you've grown taller over the last few years, you're almost taller then me."
"You're not teasing again are you?"
"NO, Gez you almost sound like Zel when he goes on one of his kicks."
"Sorry, It's just so much has been going on lately," she sighed.
"Listen to us, this is a Spa we're supposed to be relaxing and having fun," Lina said splashing Amelia.
"Hey," Amelia laughed splashing her back. Soon a water fight ensued coupled with fits of laughter and spilling water.
Bubbles sat up straight in his chair and looked about at the crowds of people in the dining hall. Daisy stayed close to her brother, eyes downcast trying not to draw attention to herself.
The hall was filled with people seated at small tables with flower centerpieces waiting for the luncheon to begin. At a long table in the front of the hall Daisy and Bubbles sat with Zelgadis and Gourry as well as some officials from the Sorcerers Guild, watching as waiters seated arriving guests and served glasses of wine to those already seated.
Gourry looked at Daisy and noticed her clinging to Bubbles. He patted her head lightly and smiled. "It's all right Daisy we're all a little nervous," he whispered softly. Daisy smiled up at him and loosened her hold on Bubbles slightly.
"I don't think it was a good idea to bring the little guys along," Gourry whispered to Zelgadis, "Daisy's really nervous around all these people."
Zelgadis looked at the little lavender dragon and noticed her anxiety. "She's very shy, I'm sure once things settle down she'll be a little more at ease. If not, we'll make our apologies and leave," he whispered back and Gourry nodded his agreement.
One of the officials rose to address the guests. "I'd like to welcome everyone to this benefit luncheon, especially our two special guests, Mr. Greywords and Mr. Gabriev," the official said turning in their direction. Zelgadis nodded politely to the patrons and Gourry smiled and waved. "Lunch will be served in a moment, but I'd like to remind everyone of the reason we're all here this afternoon and that is to raise funds and awareness for the new Briseral Medical Center. As many of you know there is a great misconception that white magic can just about heal all illness when the truth is it can cure wounds or magically induced aliments not diseases and even with spells cast on cuts or gashes a person still needs to be careful. We hope that then new Medical Center will help people understand this and feel comfortable coming in for treatment," the official ended greeted with a round of applause from the diners.
"This sounds really important," Gourry whispered.
"It is," he whispered back, "That's why the pageant executives wanted us to come, so that people know we support the idea."
"Us and the people who run the pageant, this gives them more publicity, right?"
"You're catching on pretty quick these days," Zelgadis laughed lightly as the applause died down and waiters started serving food.
"Well when I did those notes, it gave me an idea. If I think of something important to say or do to write it down so I remember, it really helps."
"Obviously," the chimera smiled, "You've been keeping up with things really well."
"Thanks Zel," the swordsman smiled.
They settled into eating their lunches as the diners talked animatedly amongst themselves. Daisy seemed to calm down considerably as she and Bubbles shared their lunches.
"It looks like Daisy is all right," Zelgadis thought, watching the little dragon giggle with her brother as he took a sip of wine. His thoughts drifted to the evening's competition. "Maybe tonight after the pageant I should talk with Amelia."
"That was great."
"Yeah, it was really nice to have time to relax."
"And the food at lunch was great too," Lina smiled patting her stomach.
"I don't know about you but I'm stuffed," Amelia smiled as they left the Spa.
"We should do stuff like that more often," the sorceress said as they headed down the street.
Amelia looked at Lina and smiled. They did have a really good time she thought and it was nice being able to tell Lina how she felt about the other girls teasing. "And it was nice of her to reassure me about Zelgadis," she thought. She enjoyed being able to confide in Lina. "It was nice that she confided something in me too."
Lina tugged on her sleeve lightly, "Isn't that Evette," she asked pointing to a woman inside a store window.
"I think so," the princess said watching as the taller woman headed out of the store toward them.
"She's headed this way, do you want to hide somewhere until she leaves?" "No Lina that would be rude," she said. At that moment Evette noticed the two and waved.
"Well you just lost that chance anyway," Lina said as Evette approached.
"Hello girls, How are you," the brunette smiled.
"We're fine," Amelia smiled, "and you?"
"Great, the day started out perfectly. I got to have coffee with Mr. Greywords at the tavern. Speaking of which why don't you two join me for something cool to drink?"
"Well . . ." Amelia started.
"We'd like that very much," Lina smiled.
"Wonderful, I know this great little place a few doors up that you'll just love come one," she smiled and led the way. As she walked Evette's hips swayed slightly, but enough that many took a moment to watch as she passed.
"What did you think you we're doing," Amelia whispered.
"You said you didn't want to be rude."
"Yeah, but I don't really . . ."
"Besides this is a golden opportunity for you to size up your competition," Lina smiled as they entered the cafe that Evette had recommended. The three sat down and ordered drinks that arrived moments later.
"So you had breakfast with Zel," Lina asked.
"Yes, he's a wonderful conversationalist and so polite and modest," she said amazed. "Modest men are so rare."
"I suppose so," Amelia said sipping her drink.
"Even when I asked him out he was so gentlemanly and . . ."
"You asked Zel out," Lina interrupted with a surprised look on her and Amelia's face.
"He turned me down actually, but in a nice way. At first I thought that he was involved with you," she said pointing to Amelia. "But he explained that you two were just friends."
"What made you think that we were involved?"
"Well, he's handsome and really sexy and you're so petite and cute, I hope you don't mind me saying so?"
"Not at all," Amelia blushed.
"And I've heard what a really nice person you are and you two spend a lot of time together. In fact I almost went looking for you to apologize."
"Apologize for what," Lina asked.
"Half-time, it didn't occur to me until I asked him out that you two might be seeing each other, And I KNOW how ticked I'd be if another girl was dancing with my guy."
"That's all right Zelgadis can dance with whomever he likes," Amelia laugh lightly, "But it was nice of you to think about how I'd feel."
"No problem," Evette smiled, sipping her drink. "And the papers seem to see it that way too."
"See what that way," Lina asked.
"That Zel and Amelia are a couple, take a look." Evette then pulled out the latest edition of the Briseral Babbler.
"Mr. Greywords and his Image Coordinator having secret love affair," Lina read. On the cover was a picture of Amelia in Zelgadis's dressing room smiling at him while holding his hand in her blue evening gown.
"Let me see that," Amelia said grabbing the paper, flipping quickly to the article inside.
"Where'd that picture come from," Lina asked.
"The first night of competition, after the Q & A segment. Zelgadis was kind of anxious afterward when I went to tell him we were leaving, so I was trying to calm him down," Amelia explained.
"That means someone was hiding in his dressing room," Lina reasoned.
"That's horrible to invade someone's privacy that way," Evette said. "I'm sorry, I had no idea that's how they come up with their stories, by spying on people."
"It's all right Evette really," the princess smiled. "Here it is. It would seem," she read, "That Mr. Greywords is involved with his Image Coordinator, Ms. Sailunne. Pageant insiders report that the two are quite inseparable and share long conversations. No one is certain to the full extent of their relationship, however many feel . . ." Amelia stopped and read a few more sentences in silence blushing profusely, letting the paper slide from her fingers as the began to shake.
"What could it say that's got you so upset," Lina asked grabbing the paper and continuing to read, ". . However many feel that their relationship is very, very intimate. Many witnesses report seeing Mr. Greywords leaving Ms. Sailunne's room early in the morning as well as the two spending extensive amounts of times in his dressing room before and after competition. "You can feel the sexual energy pulsate between them," a source close to the contestants commented. WHAT THE HELL!!!!" Lina slammed down the paper and grew red in anger.
"I know it goes on to possible theories about what positions they prefer based on some crack-pot body-language analysis and . . ."
"It's not true," Amelia interrupted growing pale, "Things aren't like that, we aren't a couple of, of . . ."
"Horn balls who love to do the wild horizontal monkey dance every chance you get," Lina finished.
"EXACTLY! It's all completely innocent. I go to his dressing room just to check to see if he's ready or needs anything and him leaving my room is,"
"Because you guys go over your agenda first thing in the morning, I know that much," Lina added.
"How could they print such things about people that aren't true," the princess whispered.
"Because they're tabloids and they don't have to check the facts because the paper is based on rumors and all sorts of gossip. I'm sorry it upset you so much Amelia," The taller girl said with a comforting hand on her shoulder.
"I need a little air," the princess said and went outside.
"Is she going to be okay," Evette asked.
"Yeah, its just kind of a shock to find out you're supposed to be involved in some hot, steamy love affair with all the juicy details all over the headlines and you not have a clue you were having the affair," Lina sighed. "I wonder if they have stuff like that about me and Gourry?"
"Well actually . . ."Evette started.
"Oh no they do!"
"It's not as bad as Amelia's article, but there are some rumors that,"
"LIKE WHAT?"
"That you have a Speedo fetish and Gourry has a foot fetish."
"A SPEEDO FETISH, WHAT KIND OF FETISH IS THAT?"
"A good one I think, I mean a good-looking guy in a Speedo is a treat, but the foot fetish had me kind of confused. Gourry doesn't seem like the kinky type."
"He's not, well at least I don't think he his anyway. I think those tabloid guys cooked these up when we went shopping for his pageant attire," Lina reasoned.
"I guess outrageous gossip comes with celebrity," Evette sighed staring at a wall clock. "I'm afraid I have to go to an appointment, are you sure Amelia will be okay?"
"Positive," Lina smiled.
"All right I'll catch up with you guys later." Evette stood up and left the cafe as Amelia reentered. They said good-byes and Evette dashed off as Amelia sat down.
"Feeling better," Lina asked.
"I think so," she smiled slightly. "It just occurred to me though I'm going to have to tell Zelgadis about the article."
"Well I guess it's better that he hears about it from you then someone else," Lina shrugged. "But those people at the paper are a bunch of assholes printing junk like that."
"Don't worry about it Lina, the pageant will be over soon and all of this will just go away."
"Look on the bright side everyone thinks you're dating on of the most wanted men in town," Lina laughed as they headed outside.
"She's nice isn't she," the princess said suddenly.
"Evette, yeah I suppose, but that doesn't mean anything remember he did turn her down when she asked him out."
"But what if next time he doesn't," Amelia thought.