Make Love, Not War

by Donna and Ev

            It was the first really nice day in a while, and Peter was bored.
His daughter Erica, was busy with her lessons and he knew better than to
bother them. Perhaps he could find someone interested in a chess game. Shrugging on his coat, he headed outside.

            It was one of the first decent days since he had recovered from
his illness.  He reflected as he walked that it was really pleasant walking out
by the beach, so he took a detour in that direction.  The sound of the waves
against the shore was relaxing and the sight of the sun on the water made him happy.  Then he walked around a dune and there was a couple sitting on a blanket on the sand.  Danika and Monroe.

            He glanced at the two lovers, and then averted his eyes,
remembering the times that he had shared Danika's bed. But something made him do a double take. On closer inspection, he saw what it was. The sunshine fae was absolutely glowing!

            Peter had never seen her glow like that before.  She seemed very
happy.  So did Monroe.  He was happy for them both, but a little jealous too,
in a way.  He decided to walk a little faster and get away from them.

            But they saw him first. "Peter!" yelled Monroe. "Don't run away!
Come on over. We have something to tell you."

            Sighing, Peter headed in that direction.  He wondered what in the
world they had to tell him.  "Hi!  Nice day for a walk, isn't it?"  He wanted
to sound polite, but not as though he had a lot of time to stop and talk.

            "Yes it is," Danika said, looking him over. "You lost a little
weight while you were sick, didn't you? I'm glad you are feeling better now.
What this guy couldn't wait to tell you is that he and I are expecting a baby
now. Thought you would want to know."

            Peter's jaw clenched and he started to walk away but Danika
wasn't finished. "You and Dima really should stop fighting. Everyone else can see you two are perfect for each other!"

            Peter stopped and turned to look at the two of them.  "I'm happy
for you both."  He paused.  "Why do you think Dima and I are so good for each other?"

            "You never talked to me the way you talk to her," Danika said
softly. "Think about it, ok?"

            Peter gave her a slow smile and nodded before he turned again and
continued down the beach.  He didn't miss the way Monroe slid an arm around her waist and the way they looked into each other's eyes, though.  It really DID set him to thinking.  Why exactly was it that he and Dima seemed to fight? She was a beautiful woman and had been really patient and kind to both him and Erica.

            Shaking his head, he headed into town. Usually someone at
Franck's cafe was willing to get thoroughly trounced in a chess game. But when he went inside, he found his look alike snuggling up with the pretty dark-haired fae named Kai. "Hello Peter," she called out. "How are you feeling nowadays? I really enjoyed having Erica over by the way."

            Peter tried to avoid meeting her eyes, a little uncomfortable at
having interrupted them.  "She enjoyed being there.  She's told me all about
your farm and all the animals.  I really appreciate everything you did for her
while I was sick.  I hope it wasn't too much of an imposition."

            "Not at all. Blossom and I really love having her around.
Speaking of Blossom, she would like Erica to spend the night again. Why don't you take her up on it, and maybe invite Dima over for a special dinner here at the cafe?"

            "Danika said I should get together with Dima, too."  Peter looked
thoughtful.  "Maybe I should do something.  What kind of flowers does she
like?"

            "Not sure," Kai answered. "But Blossom has lots of flowers. You
can have her pick a bouquet for you when you drop Erica off."

            "And Grace and I will fix you a special meal. You can eat it
here, or take it home if you like," Franck suggested." He put his arm protectively around Kai, causing Peter to do his second double take of the day. Damn! She was glowing too! What was it, an epidemic?

            "I was thinking of fixing something myself.  A nice dessert to
bring home would be good, though.  I can do a little cooking."  He paused and
looked at the expressions on their faces.  "It looks like you two are pretty
happy together."

            "We are," Franck said with a smile. "In fact, I'm living at the
farm house now, if you ever need me for anything."

            Peter's eyebrows went up.  "All right."  He suddenly had a great
idea for the evening.  "I have some ideas for a nice meal for Dima.  Would you be able to help me get the things I need to fix it?"  He gave Kai his
pleading puppydog expression.

            "Of course," she chuckled. "All you have to do is ask, Peter!"

*********

            Later in the evening, Peter was dropping Erica off with Blossom
and Max.  Erica had all her books to work on a little homework, which seemed to make her happy.  Blossom had a big smile when Peter described to her what he wanted to do for dinner and she had some nice fresh veggies in her greenhouse and some flowers.  "Come on.  You can have a tour and pick out what you'd like.  I have some flowers that might work, too."

            Leaving Erica to play with the babies, he went out with Blossom
to her garden. As they picked the flowers he wanted, Peter hesitated, and then asked the question on his mind. "Do you think Dima and I have a chance with each other?"

            Blossom smiled.  "Peter, I know she likes you.  If you two could
just stop fussing at each other and settle down, I think you would be
wonderful together.  You have some personality traits in common."  Blossom grinned, not wanting to actually say they were both stubborn.

            "I think she is the only woman I've ever known that doesn't back
down when I get .. you know," he said with a grin.

            "Intense?" Blossom chuckled.

            "Yeah. Intense," Peter said with a cheeky grin.

            "She's been known to have her moments, as well."  Blossom smiled.

            Peter's eyes sparkled at this little bit of information.  "Um...
Where would I look for scented bath oil, scented candles, maybe some rose
petals?  I have some ideas for tonight after dinner, as well."

            "I can fix you up with some of that stuff," she said.

            A short while later, he was on his way back home with baskets
full of veggies, flowers and good smelling stuff. Once in his house, he started supper, and then made sure everything was the way he wanted. When it was finally done, he sent one of the beach bums up to get Dima.

*****

            The whole house was perfectly clean and full of candles, with
just the perfect fire going in the fireplace.  There were white rose petals
waiting where they would stay fresh to be scattered over the bed later and into the tub.  The rose scented candles and bath oils were ready in the bathroom.  All he was missing was music, but there was nothing he could do about that. Everything was ready.

            He then rushed into the bedroom and changed into his best clothes. His timing was just about perfect. As he was buttoning up his shirt, he
heard Dima's knock on the door.

            He took one last look around and nodded.  Everything was as
perfect as he could get it.  He made sure his breathing was calm, so she wouldn't know how much he had been rushing around to prepare, then opened the door.

            "Good evening, Dima," he said with his most charming smile. "I
hope you don't mind, but I wanted to pay you back a little for all your help
while I was sick, so I made dinner."

            She raised her eyebrows a little and looked past him into the
house.  Everything glowed softly with candles and something smelled wonderful from the kitchen.  She smiled.  "It smells very nice.  And you look nice tonight, too."

            "Thank you," he said with a charming smile. "Come on in. Oh, by
the way, Erica is at the Johnsons'. They wanted her to spend the night."

            Her eyebrows raised again.  So, he was planning on seducing her
tonight, was he?  Exactly how much would he do to win her?  She smiled and let him kiss her hand.  "Everything looks very nice."

            "Thank you," he said again, taking her coat from her. "Have a
seat. I hope you are hungry."

            "Actually, I am.  I didn't know you could cook.  You don't do it
very often.  Why is that?"  She was impressed with all the care he had taken
with the candles, the fire, and rearranging the room slightly to be more
pleasant.  He had gone to a lot of effort. 

            "I can't let Erica do it all the time," he chuckled. "She does
make good cookies though, as you well know." Once Dima was seated, he set out the small pork loin with roasted potatoes and carrots. Returning to his stove, he took a platter of buttermilk biscuits out of the warming oven.

            She was impressed, in spite of herself, but not about to let on
to him.  "Did you get this from Franck's restaurant?  Be honest, now."

            "He offered," Peter said with a cheeky grin. "But I said I can
cook for you myself."

            He pulled out her chair and seated her at the table.  There were
fresh flowers in a vase, a nice, clean tablecloth, and all lit by candles. 
She smiled again.  He seemed to be trying awfully hard.  "It smells very good."

            Peter dished out the food. "Your sister Danika thinks we should
make love, not war."

            Dima laughed softly.  "She has told me that, too.  And so have
Kai and Blossom.  We didn't seem to be fighting too much while you were sick. Except when you wanted to get up and go out too early.  You are very stubborn."

            "So are you," Peter chuckled. "One of the guys told me we are
like two big horned sheep butting heads all the time. Though, to tell you the
truth, I find it rather fun!"

            Dima lowered one eyebrow and gave him a slow smile.  "I suspected
that.  There are some interesting aspects of it.  You do look kind of cute
all wet."

            He grinned. "You do too. Very cute."

            "Do you think we can get through an entire evening without us
butting heads?"  She smiled at him as she tasted the pork chop.  He was a
surprisingly good cook.

            "Not likely. But I promise to behave. At least for tonight," he
said with a wink. "Seriously, it would be great if we gave it a shot at
something other than fighting. For Erica's sake if nothing else. If it doesn't work out, we can't say we didn't try."

            "I will try, for Erica's sake."  She took another mouthful of the
food.  "This is very nice.  You should cook more often."  She appreciated the
taste for a moment, then continued,  "Do you have something planned for after dinner?"

            "A nice visit in front of the fire?" he suggested. "After that,
we shall see."

            She saw that look of self-assurance in his face.  "Yes.  We shall
see."  She couldn't help wondering what he really did have planned.  "Is
there a dessert to go with this lovely meal?"

            "Of course," he chuckled. "Some of Erica's cookies!"

            "Wonderful!"  she smiled.  "Anything made with love has a better
flavor."  After she said that, she paused.  It really was true, and if this
meal was any indication, Peter really did have true feelings for her.

            Whether it was love for her, or the love of good competition was
yet to be seen. Even so, she was willing to ride this one out. Peter really
could be pleasant to be around when he got off his arrogant high horse.

            The meal was surprisingly pleasant and when it was finished, he
cleaned everything up on his own, insisting that she not help him, after all
she had done for him while he was sick.  That earned him a couple of points, at
least.
            Afterwards, they sat in front of the fire, talking about anything
and everything, and of all things, played a game of chess!

            Dima hadn't played very often, but she at least knew how the
pieces moved.  She learned quickly.  Peter seemed pleased.

            She lost of course, but immediately demanded a rematch. That
pleased Peter even more!

            She did a little better each game, as she learned the strategy. 
"I can see why you enjoy the game so much."  She smiled into his eyes.

            Peter was silent for a few moments, fighting the urge to lean in
and kiss her. But something told him that would be a big mistake. "Dima," he
said in a husky voice. "May I please kiss you?" he asked.

            One eyebrow raised a little.  He was asking permission!  "Yes. 
You may."  She grinned at him.

            Peter leaned in slowly, giving her plenty of time to pull away.
The kiss was surprisingly gentle and sweet, considering the fire that was
starting to build up inside of him.

            She could feel his heat, as if it was literally rising off him in
waves, but still he was gentle and considerate of her.  She began to kiss him
back, hesitantly at first, but his fire called to her own and she deepened
the kiss.

            After a moment, Peter broke the kiss, breathing heavily. "Dima,
would you like to relax in my tub? Blossom gave me some scented oils."

            "Relax in the tub with you, you mean?"  she smiled.  She lifted
one hand to caress his face and then trail down his cheek.

            "If you wish," he said in a hoarse whisper. "If not, I will
understand."

            He looked so fragile, hopeful and trying to be confident, and
that fire was underlying it all.  "It might be nice to be in warm water together for a change," she smiled.

            She liked this change in Peter. He was being so considerate! She
knew what he wanted of course, and in a funny way, she realized she wanted it too. But even so, she wasn't above making Peter work for it!

            He kissed her hand and bowed to her.  "Please, just give me a
moment to prepare things," he smiled.  He stopped off in the bathroom and started the bathwater.  When it was warming, he poured in some rose scented oil and scattered rose petals over the water, around the sides of the tub, and over the floor, then made a trail of them from the tub to the bedroom, with a scattering of them on the bed itself.  Then he lit the candles in the bathroom.  Every level surface had candles.   He had to admit, it was pretty nice.  He had silk robes ready for them both for when they got out of the water, and nice, soft towels, too.

            Taking her by the hand, he led her into the bathroom. Dimas eye's
widened. "I'm impressed," she admitted. "You have gone to a lot of trouble to make me so!" And with that, she started to undress.

            "May I?"  He placed his hands over hers, stopping her as she
began to unbutton her dress.  "It can be so much more pleasant."  He looked into her eyes with the heat he was feeling spilling out of his own, making them dark and compelling somehow.

            She shrugged. "All right," she said with a nod. Peter undid one
button after the other, and was both delighted and extremely pleased to find that she was not wearing anything under it.

            "May I?"  He leaned closer, making it plain that he wanted to
kiss her some more, in more interesting places. He was making sure he didn't
offend tonight.  There would be nothing he did that she didn't want.

            She nodded, smiling softly as he started at the nape of her neck
and then worked his way down, showering her body with hot, tender kisses. "You smell like a fresh rain shower," he breathed onto a small breast.

            She shivered as he breathed on her.  He was right.  This was so
much more pleasant.  She sighed happily.  "You've done this before, haven't
you?"

            "A few times," he chuckled. "But not in a while." He dropped to
his knees and kissed her belly, his hands reaching up to caress the soft skin
of her flanks.

            She moaned softly in pleasure at his touch.  He seemed to know
exactly what to do and what she would like.  How did he do that?  He was human, but he seemed to have a kind of magic of his very own.

            He continued to kiss her, to taste her for a few minutes more.
Then getting to his feet, he took off his shirt and then dropped his pants to
the floor. "Come," he said, reaching out for her hand. She hesitated, then put
hers in his, letting him lead her to the bathtub.

            The water was very warm and the scent of the rose oil made it
luxurious.  The rose petals were a nice touch.  They tickled a little when they
floated against her leg as she stepped in.  Just a delicate brush like silk. 
She turned to look at Peter.  He was very easy to look at.  His proportions
were very pleasing, everywhere she looked.

            Together, they sank into the warm, scented water, Peter's hands
exploring her body. "Have you ever been with a man before?" he asked softly.

            "This is my first time."  Dima blushed slightly as she looked up
at him.  Then she looked down and blinked, blushing a little brighter.

            Hearing this, Peter was doubly glad he was not rushing her.
Finding her mouth, he kissed her once more. The rest of the evening passed in a blur. At one point, they left the bath and moved to his bed, and there, very lovingly, he took her for the first time.

            She snuggled into his arms.  "I didn't know it was like this." 
Her hands explored his body, stroking him until he was hard again.  She looked down and admired for a moment.  "I want it again, Peter."

            He chuckled. "Your wish is my command," he said with fire in his
eyes. This time, he did not have to be gentle or slow! Dima liked it that way
too, and even requested a third time!

            Before they began the third time, she whispered in his ear,
"Would you like to give Erica a sister?"  It seemed only fair to ask, since he had asked permission of everything he did.

            He paused, a surprised look on his face. Dima had been one of the
few women in Newport that had not protected herself by becoming pregnant. Was she thinking about that now? No, she would have said it outright if she was concerned about her safety. She really did want to give Erica a little sister! Swallowing hard, he nodded. "Yes. I would like that very much."

            She hugged him tight, kissing his chest and rubbing her face into
the hairs that tickled her skin.  "Then take me again.  Please."

            "Gladly," Peter said. "Gladly."