"Wish" update! *finally!*5-12-10

[Mars]

I figured I'd post the "newer" chapters here, since it's been so long. Hope that's okay!
Since class is back I should be able to post a lot more often. Yaay!

Late May. It was the midpoint between spring and summer. The weather was officially pleasant enough to pry my mind off of work. Listening to everyone else yammering about their vacation plans didn't help. I found myself daydreaming about getting away when I probably should have been poring all of my concentration into doing my job.
When I got off that night the first thing I did was grab my phone and dial a certain familiar phone number.
"Hey. When does your vacation start?"
"Really soon. Why? What's up?"
"Well...I've been hearing about everyone else's plans for the last week or so. Going somewhere with palm trees, sand, and clear water is starting to sound like an insanely good idea. I was thinking maybe we could like, go together. If you're interested, I mean." I bit my lip and anxiously awaited his response. After what felt like an eternity of thoughtful silence he finally spoke.
"Y'know, Southern California's amazing this time of year. How does that sound?"
"It sounds perfect." My voice was calm, but inside I was positively screaming for joy. In less than fifteen minutes we managed to put together a solid plan and I was psyched beyond all reason. If his voice was any indication (it usually was) he was every bit as excited as I was.
---
A week later I was sitting on my front porch, suitcase in tow, waiting for Apolo to pick me up. Late? Nah. He was never late. Why would he start now...?
The logic wasn't even remotely helpful until I saw his car racing down the road. He pulled into the driveway, leapt out of the car, and immediately flashed an apologetic smile.
"Sorry. I would've been here at least ten minutes ago but I got caught up in a swarm of post-Memorial Day traffic."
"It's alright. It's not like you're always late or anything." I bit my tongue to keep myself from saying something even more ridiculous than that. "I think we both know that's my job."
A very, very small part of me expected him to roll his eyes. Common sense, developed by all the time we had spent together up to that point, argued otherwise.
"Which, by the way, you do really well." He grinned and gently poked my nose. "C'mon, Marlise. Paradise awaits."
--
I don't like flying. Never have, probably never will. This was my dream vacation, millions of girls would have committed murder to be in my shoes, but I was still more than just a little nervous.
After I got buckled in I took a deep breath and closed my eyes as I exhaled. I opened them again when I felt his reassuring, pleasantly warm hand against mine.
"Gonna be alright?"
"Yeah. This is normal. If it wasn't for you I'd probably still be sitting in the terminal, shaking like a leaf." That feeling of caring and complete understanding had never been stronger. Somehow simply talking to him made me feel better, kind of like fear didn't stand a chance when he was around.
"I'm glad I could help, but don't thank me yet. I have a surprise for you."
Suddenly my mood switched from nervous to curious. I can't say I minded that.
"Okayy. What is it?"
"I know you like reading to pass time on long trips like this, so I brought this for you." A priceless, downright sweet smile as he handed me a book. My heart started pounding and the butterflies returned in full force. "You're the first person to read it besides the editors, so I hope you like it."
"I'm pretty sure I will." I couldn't hug him easily, since the plane was taking off, so I settled for squeezing his hand and whispering a quick "Thanks."
By the time the 'seatbelt' light went off I was much more relaxed. I read intently, taking in every word and feeling his hand stroking my shoulder as I turned the pages. At one point I took a break and we spent a few minutes talking.
"Have you ever been to California before?"
"Once, when I was like, twelve. It kind of sucked, though. My mother and I ended up getting into a huge fight over her boyfriend, and things pretty much went downhill from there."
"It won't this time. I can promise you that much." He shifted our clenched hands and kissed my fingers. "We're going to relax, have fun, and not worry about anything or anyone. How does that sound?"
"Perfect. Just one question."
"Shoot."
"Where, exactly, are we staying?"
"That's a surprise. You'll see when we get there."
---
"There" turned out to be a paradise in hotel form. It was a beachfront property with modern architecture, complete with palm trees and fountains. The place was modern, no question about that, but it was very natural at the same time. The moment we walked through the doors I felt very, very out of place.
"I..I can't stay here. It's not right."
"Why not?"
"It's too..I don't know.."
"Glamorous? Expensive?" He supplied, raising an eyebrow and quirking his head. The barest trace of a smile was tugging at his lip.
"Well..Yes, you could say that."
"Don't worry about it. This is your vacation too, and I want you to have the time of your life. Besides, I heard that this hotel has a strict policy against paparazzi interference." ZAP! Just like that my mind was changed.
"I could definitely live with that." I was trying to sound neutral but couldn't keep myself from grinning.
"Glad to hear it. So, shall we?" He grinned and held out his hand in the undeniably charming style that made me smile every single time.
"You bet. Let's go."
---

[Mars]

It wasn't a bad evening in any sense. In fact, I thought things went wonderfully well. We ate at a small cafe, enjoying the pleasant local atmosphere. Afterwards, I made a suggestion that was practically ripped from every single romantic movie on the planet, but by some cosmic miracle he agreed to it. We spent quite a while on the beach, lasting well after the sun went down. I wiggled my toes into the sand and leaned closer to him, taking in the warm contact as well as everything he had to say. During a lull in the conversation a thought popped into my mind. Using my old no-harm,no-foul mentality I took a breath and went for it.
"Apolo?"
"Yeah?"
"D'you think I'm too old-fashioned?"
"Personally, I don't think so. Not one tiny little bit." He clearly wasn't mad, judging by his voice or the gentle stroke of his fingers against my hand. "Do you really think we would be this close if you were?" Obviously a reference to our relationship as well as how we were sitting.
"Not in a million years." I yawned and shifted closer to him. He smiled and hugged me, like a single yarn was the cutest thing he'd ever seen me do.
"Let's call it a night, alright?" The words were no higher than a whisper, even if nobody else was around. I nodded and walked back with him, knowing that tomorrow would be a pretty busy day. Fun, too. Couldn't forget that.
I didn't fall asleep as soon as my head hit the pillow, but I was so at-ease and relaxed that it didn't take long.
---
More's on the way!

[mellie]

They are so cute together. I so love your fanfic, so more please. =)

[Mars]

more's on the way I'm thinking of a code-word I could use on Twitter to say when postings are made. Gotcha, perhaps? lol!

[mellie]

I sent you an @reply about this on twtr.

[Mars]

Hours later we were back on a noticably more populated beach. It didn't take very long for a hilarious argument to break out between us. The premise was pretty simple. He wanted to swim with me, but I wasn't really in a rush to get into the water. So, naturally, he was bound and determined to change my mind by any means necessary.
"You've gotta come in eventually."
"I will, just not now." I tried to shrug it off, but he wasn't giving up that easily.
"You're sweating. The water will cool you off."
"It's okay. I can wait."
"Not if I can help it. I'll throw you in if I have to." Arms crossed, dead serious expression. Secretly I thought he found the situation as funny as I did, but he wasn't letting it show.
"I'd love to see you try." I crossed my arms, mimicing him, and stuck out my tongue. Next thing I knew, he had succeeded in lifting me up off the ground and was grinning pretty wickedly. "Noo! Stop! I take it back!”
“Too late. You know I never back down from a challenge.” A very, very, VERY wicked grin. “Brace yourself, baby. You’re going in!”
Suddenly I was flying, eyes clenched closed, then splashed.
“Okay. I’m in. Are you happy now?” Even as I shook water out of my eyes I was laughing. To be completely honest, I felt freaking great. Waterlogged, yes, but still great.
“Definitely. Now, c’mon. I know you want payback.”
“Who, me? Nah. Never. Not in a million years.”
“Really?” His arms were crossed again. This time, though, there was a clearly amused smile and his head was tilted slightly upward. I realized I was face to face with Apolo-the-friggin’-goof whether I liked it or not….aaand I liked it. Sure, sweet romance was wonderful, but all the times we just relaxed or goofed off were just as important.
“No. Not really.” I reached over and splashed him. Within two and a half seconds we were both laughing, and the tone had been set for the entire afternoon.
Some time later I caught myself watching him. He dove, swam for a while, then resurfaced, wiping strands of wet hair out of his face.
It wasn’t really special, but for some reason I felt like I was seeing him for the first time. He noticed my gaze and grinned.
“Y’know you’re blushing, right?”

“That’s probably just sunburn.” When he put his hand on my cheek, I knew I was pretty much screwed. I’m just a bad liar, plain and simple.
“It just got worse. I guess that makes me the sun.” He smiled softly, let his hand shift down to my equally red shoulder.
“..Ow.” I winced, even though the touch was considerately gentle. Immediately he moved his hand back to my cheek, his expression one of loving concern.
“I think we should go and take care of this. Did you pack anything for sunburns?”
“Y-yeah. Aloe, just in case.”
“That’ll work. I’ll take care of you, alright?” Everything he said, everything he did, seemed to convey one specific message: Trust Me.
“Gotcha,” I whispered. I already trusted him. It had never been an issue, and probably never would be.
-

[mellie]

Ohhhh how sweet. He's gonna take care her sunburn now. He is a definite goofball though. More please.

[Mars]

real update coming soon...along with some serious typo checking, lol

[Mars]

Short, but kinda cute =) A bigger post is coming soon. Watch for it!
-
His definition of “taking care of me” involved rubbing generous amounts of aloe into my shoulders. I couldn’t complain. He clearly knew what he was doing, and I couldn’t help feeling relaxed with each gentle touch. He wasn’t being romantic, just really sweet. Even in my blissful daze I could tell the difference. I closed my eyes and sighed, feeling both blessed and very, very grateful.
“Feel better?”
“M-hm. I feel like I could fall asleep, too.”
“You can take a nap if you want. I’ll make sure you wake up on time.”
“Sounds like a good idea.” I yawned again. Then I closed my eyes, snuggled into the pillow, and let his fingers lull me to sleep.
-

[mellie]

Short but sweet. Thanks & patiently waiting for more.

[Mars]

=) you'll be the first to know, mels
...huh..wonder where teri went? haven't heard from her in ages...

[Mars]

Finally! Yay! *dances* and to think I thought I was getting writer's block... Woo! ^_^

Some time passed, but it somehow managed to feel like a few minutes before I was woken up with a series of nudges.

“Morning, Sleeping Beauty. Time for the ball.”
“Mmph. I think that was Cinderella,” I muttered before peering up at him from behind the pillow. He was wearing a shade of blue that suited him perfectly. Privately, I thought he looked hot. Not just gorgeous, but downright hot. I blinked the thought away and stretched.“Do I have time to wash my hair?”

“You should. It’s not like we’re in a big rush or anything.” A casual shrug. “Take your time. I’m not going without you. I could if you really wanted me to, though!” He flashed me a goofy grin and I threw a pillow at him, unable to resist giggling in the process.
When I was with him, it didn’t matter how many screaming fans or flashing cameras were around. That night was no exception.
I didn’t know what he was thinking until we were safely at our destination. As we waited to be seated I saw an unmistakably pleased smile. I was pretty sure this meant I had just scored major points in his eyes. Not bad, considering I was the girl who had once soaked a nosy cameraman with a wine cooler.
By the time we finally sat down the smile had transformed into an all out grin.
“You’re not nervous.”
“Nah, but I am psyched. I never thought I’d go anywhere like this, ya know?”
“That’s understandable. Sincerity, accented by covering my hand with his own. “I’m glad we’re here.”
“Me too.” I couldn’t help smiling as I glanced at the menu. Then I heard him swear violently under his breath and looked up. “What? Something wrong?”
“See that girl over there by the bar?”
“Uhh..the one that’s eyeing you like she’s starving and you’re a steak?”
“Yeah. We went out once, a few years ago.” He shook his head before continuing. “The whole night was basically a friggin’ disaster. I acted like nothing was wrong, at least until she tried to get into my pants. Repeatedly.”
“Wow. How did you escape?”
“I told her the truth, that she wasn’t really my type and that we both needed to move on.”
“Can’t blame ya there,” I mused, deliberately flashing a sweet little smile and tiny wave in her general direction. I was rewarded with a decidedly pissed-off glare as I turned my attention back to him. “You can do WAY better than that.”
“Definitely.” His thumb grazed over my fingers, conveying so much emotion in such a casual touch. “In fact, I think I already have.”
Before I had a chance to respond the server returned with our orders, and then headed off through the crazy crowd. I paused and took a sip of sprite to let my thoughts regroup.
“I gotta admit I’ve never felt exactly like this. So..in tune with someone else, I mean. That makes sense, right?”
“It makes perfect sense.” He smiled and poked me in the nose gently. Suddenly nothing else seemed to matter. Not the cameras, not the screaming fans, not even the long-gone Bar Chick. For all intents and purposes we could have been back in Seattle on an ordinary date.
Yet…it wasn’t ordinary in any sense of the word. Not even close. This was the first time I realized just how close we’d gotten over the past few months. Wow. Just…wow.
Once again his voice brought me out of my semi-daydreaming state.
“So, are you having fun?”
“Yeah. There is something I want to do, though.” I was deliberately teasing. He raised an eyebrow and the sparkle in his eye seemed to suggest that he knew I was goofing around.
“Really? What might that be?”
“I want to dance with you. If you want to, I mean.” Oh crap. Stammering again, out of the irrational fear that he’d think it was a stupid idea. With a smile he traced two fingers over my cheek and that fear bit the dust.
“Sounds good to me.” He took my hand again, kissed my fingers, and we moved on.
---

[mellie]

Sweet, but I hope bar girl doesn't do something to ruin their date. Patiently waiting for more.

[Mars]

sorry, more would have been posted but my flashdrive decided to take a crap on me right after the last chapter...it looks like it's responding now. hoping for the best there!

[Mars]

In any ordinary situation dancing really isn’t my strongest skill. Usually Apolo was the one who suggested it, and by some cosmic miracle we managed to meet with some success. We had only danced together seven or eight times, which was mostly due to lingering shyness on my part.
Tonight was different. I wasn’t worried about looking like an idiot, tripping and falling, or even stepping on his feet. Letting go and having fun were much more important.
After a series of fast songs the DJ played a slower ballad. It was vaguely familiar and definitely sweet. It was also just enough to bring out my ‘partner’s’ gentleman side.
“Marlise, may I have this dance?”
His head was tilted so our eyes could meet, and there was an unmistakable smile present. He offered his hand and my heart melted.
“Yes. Definitely.” I took his hand and was immediately pulled into his arms. So what if I wasn’t the best dancer on the planet? All I cared about was being so amazingly close to him.
Now THAT was sweet.
This dance was, by far, better than any silly old dream. Like anything else, though, it couldn’t last forever. Unfortunately.
The second the song ended he kissed my cheek and whispered something into my ear.
“Let’s go.”
After so much noise and activity I was more than ready to leave. So I nodded and followed him into the cool night.
Nobody was around, not even a random roamer. The sky was clear. We had a nice view of stars and the crescent moon that shone overhead. Magical. Just…magical.
“It’s such a beautiful night tonight.”
“It sure is. C’mere.” Up to that point we had been walking side-by-side. Now, though, I stepped closer, he curled his arm around my waist, and my hand reclaimed its usual place on his shoulder. “This makes it even better.”
“You’re right. I’m surprised nobody else is around, though.”
“They’re probably all too busy partying. Forget about them, though. We’re here. That’s all that matters.” Our eyes met. He smiled, and instantly I felt blood rush to my cheeks. “Is something wrong?”
“No . Nothing at all. It’s just…well, I kind of want to kiss you.”
“By ‘kind of’ you mean ‘really’, right?”
“Yeah.”
“Go ahead, then. It’s not like anyone else is around.”
“Huh. Good point..” I leaned closer, closed my eyes, and felt the usual emotional onslaught as our mouths met. Short, sweet, yet still spine-tingling. Wow!
“So, are you glad you waited?”
With each word his fingers traced tender lines across my cheek, letting the cool metal of his ring graze against my skin.
“M-hm.” I couldn’t resist smiling, which was pretty understandable. “This is like, the perfect end to the perfect day.”
“It’s not over yet, though.” Softly, deliberately, he kissed my cheekbone and all intelligent thought flew out the window. I blinked in an attempt to clear my hazy mind.
“So, um, who’s making breakfast in the morning?”
A contemplative pause, complete with a sigh.
“I say we sleep in, maybe eat at the hotel. What do you think?”
“Good idea,” I whispered. It was all I had time to say before he kissed me again. It kind of took me by surprise, but I wasn’t complaining.
It was the perfect night, after all.

No matter how serious our relationship became, one thing never seemed to change. He was still as charming and sweet as he’d been the day we met. Sometimes, even little things were enough to make me melt.
The next morning, I woke up, saw how he was holding me, and instantly smiled. His left arm was wrapped snugly around my waist, while his right hand rested right above my heart. I knew it could have been involuntary, but that didn’t really matter. I didn’t care either way.
“Apolo? Are you awake?”
“Barely.” A yawn. “Something wrong?”
“Nah. Everything’s great.” I stroked a lazy hand through his hair. “I love you, by the way.”
This made him smile. In the morning sunlight his eyes looked almost golden.
“Love you too, ‘Lise.” Mid-sentence he yawned before turning his attention back to me. “You look great this morning.”
“Not really. My hair’s a mess, my clothes are all rumpled –“
“You’re also relaxed, refreshed, and not doing anything that’s gonna make me change my mind.” He poked my nose. “Especially not now.”
“Why? What happened?”
“The light just hit your eyes.” I was treated to one of his sweet-yet-wicked smiled. “That almost sounded like something you’d say.”
“Nothing wrong with that. Eyes can be very, ah, beautiful.” Personally…I thought the eyes gazing intently at me surpassed that definition, but that was besides the point. Really. “Just like hands, I guess.” Here impulse took over and I slid my hand over his. Within five seconds that impulse paid off as his fingers curled around mine.
“I agree.” He grinned and kissed the back of my hand. At that precise moment my stomach roared (loudly) and immediately I felt blood rush to my cheeks. “Hungry?”
“Starving. Is the food here any good?”
“We’ll see soon enough.” He shrugged casually and smiled. As usual, his carefree attitude was contagious. When he smiled like that I couldn’t help smiling right along with him.
---

(More soon! working on the next chap, it should be interesting if all goes well )