Once More with Feeling

[Karina]

Karina: She had a long day of trying to gather items for Lions to keep him busy until she passed a particular shop. She stood outside the door like a stalker for at least an hour or two before she was brave enough to walk inside to make a purchase. Rushing home to get there before Lions, she set the two little matching boxes on the foot of the bed and began to pace the apartment. She was probably making a mistake but time would tell.

Lionsheart Steel:'Hi Honey I'm home...' He'd said this too many times when he'd been sneaking in and out of Alpha...it made him giggle...Vampires acting like the 9/5rs. He never expected a reply nowadays....and so far he'd never got one.

Karina: She nearly jumped out of her skin when his voice moved through the apartment before hearing the door shut. Taking a deep breath before she all but ran to the living room with a worried look on her face but tried to act all cool. "Hey! Get into trouble today?"

Lionsheart Steel:Lions looked first surprised and then attempted a nonchalant stance."Who me?.....Trouble?....Well it is my middle name....I hope you got some of those fricken monkey handemy things..." he couldn't help but smile. "I haven't checked yet...but I think I'm good sweetheart!"

Karina: She perked her brow and then chuckled. "True, it is your middle name. Monkey hand? Why would I need to lock people out?" As he smiled, she relaxed and tilted her head. "That's not funny."

Lionsheart Steel:"Oh yeah."chuckling"..it's not monkey hand...mind you...you could always lock me out and save you the trouble!"He grinned wider and winked, she'd nearly believed he thought it was monkeyhands...

Karina: She looked shocked and then sat on the arm of the couch before she looked back at the bedroom. Frowning as she played through his words and what she did, she looked back at him. "Is that what you want?"

Lionsheart Steel:He wasn't sure why but her demeanour had changed, She seemed shocked as the question fell from her lips. Moving to close the distance he slid a hand to her shoulder and another to her left cheek."Don't be daft...I've only just found you again!"His head moved towards her and he placed a kiss on her brow."It was just a bit of fun Ree...you know...me...being a jester as usual!" Smiling as he gazed into her eyes."You aren't getting rid of me that easily....I love being close to you again"

Karina: Eyes watched him as he moved toward her. Relaxing only a little as his hand rested on her shoulder and leaned her head into his hand as it rested on her cheek. His words were reassuring. A soft smile played upon her lips as she nodded slowly and lightly. "I know...I'm sorry." His smile and the words that followed made her melt. "Are you sure?" She hated showing her vulnerability to anyone and though she tended to be vulnerable with him but she still wanted to be strong but right now....she wasn't sure.

Lionsheart Steel:"Sure?"He eyed her and wondered what was un-nerving her...Rina wasn't one to be rattled easily...Little Amazon...that's why he called her this."I've never been more sure...I have wished to be this close to you for so long my heart hurt"

Karina: She tried to not look worried but her eyes showed it even if she finally got her body to listen and act normal. "And you don't want to change your mind?"

Lionsheart Steel:"Look Ree....I don't know what's worrying you...but we can sort it out....together....you know? Like old times?"He pulled her head to his chest circled her with his arms and gave a gentle squeeze."I think that's what we're destined to do!"

Karina: She nodded slowly as she listened. Her arms wrapped around him as he embraced her. Sighing softly as she could feel that he was sincere. Pulling back, she looked up at him as she bit her lower lip. "I love you, Lions. I will always love you even if you get to a point that you fall out of love with me."

Lionsheart Steel:"Oh oh"He grinned as he looked at her nervously biting her lip."And that's possible is it?....I suppose I'm going to wake up one day and my feelings just flew out the window yeah?"cupping her cheek once again he smiled as he brought their heads together."And I love you Karina....and always have....from the first moment I set eyes on you...all the time you guided me whilst I tryed out for Ty.....when we used to goof around at their meetings...and even when the last shot put me down....If I didn't love you so much...I would have avoided it."He pulled back and nodded as they shared a look."You see?......I'm yours...do with me as you will"

Karina: She was glad to hear his jokes. He always knew how to make her relax even though he had his fun. "It could be possible." Sighing softly as he cupped her cheek once again before resting his forehead against hers. Each word played on her mind. He had glorious memories of them until he mentioned her killing him. She frowned and began to cry. As he pulled back, her eyes remained on his as she listened to his words. "I'm so sorry about that. I was so mad but then I cried for days because I killed you....I killed us. I should have trusted you." Pausing for a moment, she made her final decision. Standing up from the arm of the couch, she took his hand and led him to the bedroom. She guided him in but remained in the hallway as her eyes stared at the two little boxes on the bed. "I think I was foolish today but I did something..."

Lionsheart Steel:He followed her lead hand in hand and as She stopped at the doorway her hand kept leading him through, he looked from Rina to the bed and back again before doing a rapid doubletake, there were two small boxes on the bed...he heard her saying something about foolish but his feet were already at the foot of the bed, he looked back to her, puzzled."Foolish? How?...."

Karina: She watched him. He had stopped long enough to look at her but soon his head whipped back and forth as if he was watching a tennis match. When he finished the distance, she leaned against the door with her arms crossed. He didn't pick up the boxes, he didn't even touch them but instead he looked back at her with confusion as he questioned her. She nodded her head towards the boxes. "I can always try for a refund or put them in a safe somewhere. They might not even work but I don't know....thought it was worth a try but I'm rushing, I know I am." She rushed in and scooped up the little boxes. "Forget about it...it was stupid. We can just get ready for bed."

Lionsheart Steel:"Forget?....what?"More confused than ever, he caught her arm....gently...but firmly."Refund?....rushing?....Okay! Stop right there!"He searched her face for clues but saw only what appeared to be unsure embarrassment maybe?"What's in the boxes?.....yeah...first things first. Hmmm lemme see?"She'd totally piqued his curiousity now!

Karina: She spun to face him as he grabbed her arm. She was so nervous and almost scared as she looked him in the eyes and then back down at the boxes. Sighing as she nodded, he had a right to know what she did as they were never good at keeping secrets from each other. Slowly she opened each box to show him. The blue stones sparked in the dim lighting while the other made the ring seem to glow with the blue stripe. "I don't even know if the ritual will work since we already done it before..."

Lionsheart Steel:"Oh Ree....."The surprise must've been so evident on his face."They are so perfect....so perfectly us....but how did you..."He stopped short now realising what all of her angst had been about."I see.....and this is what's been making you dance for the last 20 minutes?!....So....does this mean what I think this means then?"And at that moment his mischief machine kicked in."Hmmmm now wasn't it my turn last time?....I'm sure I did the deed last time?"His finger idly tapped his lip in comic contemplation."Well...it is a leap year...so are you proposing?"

Karina: He liked them, he said they were perfect and she relaxed a little. "I stood outside the store for a couple hours before I had the nerve to walk in." Slowly she nodded her head as his mind seemed to swim and process the meaning of the two little boxes. "Yes, you were the one that asked last time." Perk of her brow as he continued and the question of the hour presented itself. "That depends...are you saying 'Yes'? Because if not...nope."

Lionsheart Steel:"So let me get this straight......"He grinned...a properly mischievous one at that" I had to just go for it and trust my own judgement....you're going to second guess yourself and me...and sit on the fence?" poking a finger into her midriff he shook his head"No girl...you gotta go for it and see what happens...it's in the hands of the gods!"

Karina: He was going to make this difficult for her even when she had been second guessing since the moment she walked through the door with the rings in hand. Closing the boxes as she looked at him and sighed. Her whole body shook as anxiety took over. "You know...shooting things are so much easier. You're going to tell me 'No'. We have only been back together for a week...." She sat on the bed sighed before she looked at him again. "I'm sorry I rushed. We hadn't even talked about it first."

Lionsheart Steel:Her uncertainty poked a raw nerve in him, 'Rina had never been this unsure of herself in all the time he'd known her.... this actually was unexpected...almost as much as her producing the rings! Kneeling down so he could be at eye level, he clasped one of her hands in his in a bid to reassure her as he spoke."Ree....sure...this was a surprise.....and a very nice one too...and I meant what I said...they are absolutely perfect for us! You were nervous going into the shop hmm?"And as She nodded he smiled warmly...not a sign of the previous mischief or lunacy."....but you went in...and you made the choice...so I say to you now.....Trust your gut....and ask the question...."His eyes never left hers as he made to stand once again....pressing a kiss to her forehead on the way up.

[Lionsheart Steel]

Karina: Her eyes remained on her even as he kneeled down in front of her. Each word weighed on her ears, taking them into consideration. He was always so kind, also nurturing even at times when she didn't deserve it, and he was trying to relax her even now. Closing her eyes as he leaned in and kissed her forehead after he stood up. He was right. He was always right. Biting at her lip as she looked up at him and went for it. "Then will you be mine again. Be supportive even when I don't deserve it. I love you." She grumbled to herself because she was being weak and she hated the feeling. "****!" She kept from growling at herself and spit it out. "Jesus Lions...would you want to marry me?"

Lionsheart Steel:Leaning back down...but this time just to lift her up, he grinned and pulled her closer"There was that so bad?..."Sensing that answer would be preferred sooner rather than later he paused looking thoughtful"And you promise to love honour and obey?"He winked and continued before she could answer"I'm only kidding....the answer is yes......yes yes and more yes....you sexy bugger!'

Karina: As he pulled her up, she accidentally dropped the little boxes on the floor while he pulled her close. Wrapping her hands around him as she perked her brow at his question. "It was terrifying..." She perked her brow and then relaxed into him at his words that followed before the wink. She was about to answer his question when he said that he was just joking and followed a proper answer. He wanted to marry her and at that, she smiled before she buried her face into his chest. "Thank God."

Lionsheart Steel:His own surprise of her pulling the boxes had been replaced when he realised he had a little bit of a lever for a bit of fun, when he realised how nervous She was, he'd been briefly spooked but it didn't take long to talk her around. The question although awkward had been asked...his answer given...Her embrace was a welcome one and benefitted them both...he felt slightly weak kneed that not only did Rina marry him the first time...but now saw fit to ask him to do it all again!!"No 'Ree...thank you....not god!"

Karina: Her arms squeezed him tighter as she gave a sigh of relief. Her face stayed in his chest as she didn't want to pull away. He was her home, her protector, her life and he was willing to accept her and her flaws. She was bound to correct a mistake that she made. "Why thank me?"

Lionsheart Steel:He gave a squeeze in return and took a deep un-needed breath before he continued"I'm thanking you....because...you arrived here found me wounded and heavily on the wanted list...if I hadn't been shot up by botching that burglary I wasn't going to be here....infact....I wasn't planning on being in Harper Rock."He paused as he thought how different things could have been"I was just trying to get money and my business in order....Rina...I was leaving. I was picking up and shipping out. There was nothing left for me here...or so I thought...."He shook his head"....how wrong was I eh?....So yeah....I'm thanking you for stopping me making the biggest mistake ever!"Allowing himself to release the pressure slightly so he could place a peck atop her head. "I love you 'Ree....My little Amazon!"

Karina: He was going to leave? All the information that filtered through her brain now caught her off guard as he never gave the indication that he was thinking of leaving and yet here he was thanking her for stopping him. As he kissed the top of her head, she smiled before she looked up at him. "Maybe it was Fate then because I just came home after a night of hunting." Her eyes dazzled in the light as they searched his. "You never said anything about leaving? How were you going to leave if everything is blocked off preventing us from leaving? What would you have done if you did make it and then was deported back if you were found? You don't plan on leaving anymore? Because of me?" She couldn't stop the questions but they were important questions, at least to her.

Lionsheart Steel:He gave a small nervous laugh as he nodded"One at a time Rina....please!"He heard her questions and the new 'facts' speckled in with them"So you're saying we can't leave? We're blocked in?"His voice was raised in a surprised tone"This I did not know!.......Hmmm I suppose that explains the soldiers...."He paused for thought"Ahhh so am I to guess that the alerts have been heightened?....."silent for long seconds again as this sank in" Karina....I was so sure that you wouldn't ever want to see me again....I messed up....big time....and I was about to leave....I was certain there was nothing left here for me...."His face wore a frown as he spoke"First I lost Ty......and then I lost you.......and then I wake up and Eleanore my child was nowhere to be seen and I had no notion where....you see?...Nothing."His demeanor changed rapidy and he smiled at her...his eyes were rounded and he was definitely happy"So yes....I'm staying put....and only because of you!"

Karina: She nodded as he mentioned the soldiers and not being able to leave. "There was this Ancient Vampire that caused a lot of issues. Eve was catching me up on her. There is a lot that has happened and because of that there are check-points every where. They are trying to microchip us. Humans know about us now so yes, the alerts are heightened." She frowned as he frowned and spoke on everything that he had lost but then there was that brilliant smile that she always adored. "I'm glad that you're staying."

Lionsheart Steel:"Me too....especially as there is this much peril!" He squeezed her momentarily"Someone's got to take the heat off you...."He chuckled"....and who better than Harper Rocks accident prone allurist eh?....Don't worry...they'll be so busy investigating my misdemeanors they won't have the manpower to put a chip in you!"

Karina: She couldn't help but chuckle. "Well if that's the case then we need to find more Thief hands to keep you from dying on me." Tilting her head before she gave it a shake. "You don't need to get microchipped either. It's bad enough they are hard on us but they don't need to treat us like dogs either."

Lionsheart Steel:He grimaced and shook his head"I don't need no stinkin' chip....and they're not putting one in you!"and then he broke into a giggle"That's my job....I get to put one into you....and not a chip!"Winking cheekily he reached down and slapped her butt.

Karina: Of course he would turn such a serious conversation into one about sex but she completely eased up. Laughing as he slapped her but, she reached up and cupped his cheeks, pulling him down to her so that she could kiss him deeply. "Only you would turn the conversation but I'm totally down with that." She kissed him again before she pulled back so that she could pick the little boxes up off the floor so that they didn't get stepped on if things go more heated.

Lionsheart Steel:Her kiss caught him off guard so stealthily was it placed...but he wasted no time in returning it, he watched her pick up the boxes, eyes like a small child at Xmas."Sooooo can I wear it?"He looked eagerly at the little box" Please?" the thought of having her gift on his finger gave him reassurance, and that was something he sensed they both needed right now."You could wear yours too?"Looking at her and nodding, he lifted his hand to her face."Can I ask....how did you know it had to be blue?"

Karina: His kiss made her smile and as he asked if he could wear it, she looked down at the boxes before she opened the larger on of the two and held it out to him. "Of course you can." As he stated that she could wear hers as well, she didn't skip a beat as she opened the other box and took out the set within. Taking off her former wedding band to their last marriage, she placed it in the little box before she put the black and blue ring set on her finger. Her eyes looked up at him as his question floated across the space between them. "Because of your eyes."

Lionsheart Steel:Sliding the ring over his finger and taking a moment to admire it again before watching her don her own band too. Her answer was simple...so simple he'd never contemplated it. Smiling widely he nodded"It's also my favourite colour....and now you know why I love you so much....you intuitively know sometimes what will make me happy"Allowing his hand to slip and rest on her shoulder"Surely it was ordained we be together, coincidence that you came back here after the hunt....and I make such a pigs ear of a simple robbery? I think not!"

Karina: "I never believe in coincidence. I'm a Mystic. I deal with magic and the demi-fae with rituals. Coincidence doesn't fit into that, it's Fate. The cosmos had better plans than us just wondering the city and just passing each other by. We get another chance and I'm taking it." She looked it his hand, admiring the ring as it rested on her shoulder before her eyes looked back up at him. "I will always try and make you happy."

Lionsheart Steel:"A little bit of the mystic may be in me too....it's just too unbelievable at this moment....but whatever...I'll take it too!"Her words were like music to his ears and he smiled slowly as she spoke them"I know....and I will always be happy."Pulling her towards the bed"We should celebrate don't ya think?"

Karina: "If that's true then we should work on your training." He looked amazing and she was happy that the worst part that made her so nervous and weak was over. Now they had the rest of time to get things right this time. Laughing as he pulled her to the bed, she nodded at his words before she went up on her tip toes to kiss him deeply. "Yes, I think we should!"

-X- FADE TO BLACK -X-