Disclaimers: All characters belong to rightful owners.
Story concieved by Lee.


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Okay, so here was this really cute girl together with him and they were kissing and it wasn't like he was jumping down her throat or anything but he was pretty much lost and...

*Uh, get a hold of yourself, Darran.

*No, really.*

Darran pulled away just a little and drew a deep breath, unable to keep himself from grinning at Para. He'd just been testing the waters-- umm, more or less-- and the kiss hadn't been all that deep, but he still felt... light-headed. Dizzy and totally enchanted... *Wow. So I already knew I wanted to try and keep in touch with this girl... now I've really _got_ to...* Maybe it wasn't the most coherent sentiment, but it was absolutely heartfelt.

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Para noted a thrill spiral up through her at the kiss and, though it was pleasant, there were darker thoughts behind it. Shoving those away forcibly, she remained with her eyes closed for a few moments, even after Darran had withdrawn, and, smiling slowly, she wondered if it always felt that good.

'No, I think that's just him.' She mused to herself as she blinked her eyes open. Meeting his eyes, she gave him a wide, perfectly happy smile as she cocked her head on side. 'There's something about him that just makes me feel so nice. I think it's the way he looks at me. I feel so special...'

"You shouldn't have done that." Para mock-scolded him as she tried to keep from breaking into a grin. Of course, the mischevious glint in her eyes probably broke apart the whole illusion, but she was trying, anyway.

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"Well that's good to hear... but I'll give you a more thorough examination later if you'd like." Lucia grinned slyly before bursting into giggles. Talking things out with Sam could really wait. It was wonderful to have someone that she could feel this carefree around. Why ruin a good thing?

"We're here." She stopped in dead in her tracks, peering into the small bakery. It wasn't very crowded, and there was nobody that she knew who would bother her. Things were certainly starting to look up. "Mmm my mouth is watering!"

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"You think that, do you?" Lukas replied, the corners of his mouth turning downward in a faint frown. Although the blonde's words *seemed* sympathetic, the Cajun strongly suspected that they were anything but, and that he also knew all about the one glaring exception to that statement... and took great delight in that knowledge. He was sorely tempted to unload on Kisoku again-- both barrels, this time-- but somehow managed to curb his temper just on the off chance that there was still someone in New Eden-- other than Sam, of course-- who *didn't* know the extent of his feelings for the blonde yutz.

"Well.." he drawled, assuming a facade of easy good humor that he didn't feel, "If that be the case, then why I spend so many evenin's snuggled up wit nothin' more excitin' than my git-box, eh?" Turning to his other three companions, he favored them all with a lazy grin, "You guys hungry? We should probably order something, no? 'Less y'all just come here for the atmosphere."

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"Um... no..." Tesu replied, blushing a bit, "Not really..." The young dancer had never been to school and was a bit embarrassed about his lack of education. During his years with Khezra, they had never remained in one place long enough, and then later, after falling in with Ausar, the Egyptian wouldn't allow it when he had worked up the courage to broach the subject.

Despite his almost habitual nervousness around people he didn't know well-- outside of work, anyway-- the raven-haired youth couldn't suppress the small smile that tugged at his lips at Alexei's mention of tic-tac-toe. "Yeah..." he agreed, turning to Addie, "And watch out... he's a pretty mean opponent, too..."

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"Of course, I think so! You're a great guy, Lukas! Super smart, super talented, super sexy! You're a dating triple threat! Not to mention you have the good old southern charm, which is guaranteed to break hearts and turn heads. Am I right?" Kisoku turned to the others, flashing the younger southerner a playful wink before continuing his rant.

"The reason for your empty evenings is simple..." The blonde smiled a devilish grin. Thwarted love attempts behind him, he was ready to get back to his goofy, mischievous old self, and what better subject of torture than his dear Cajun friend? "You simply haven't asked the wonderful, fabulous me out for an exciting looooove adventure! Oh... unless you'd rather ask somebody else at this table! All worthy candidates to be sure, but let me say in my defense, dating me is a life-changing experience! And I have loads of recommendations to prove it. Heck! Just ask Sam!"

His grin spread further and further, threatening to cut his face in half. But just as quickly as he could turn his playfulness on, he could turn it off. He settled in his seat and pouted. "I don't know about you guys, but I know I could go for a McPara shake right about now..."

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For the briefest of instants, his cobalt blue eyes became flint-hard with rage at Kisoku's barbed comment, and once again Lukas was sorely tempted to load his little red wagon with more than he wanted to carry... but again, he refrained, a more entertaining idea coming to mind. Leaning forward slightly, he propped his elbows up on the table and fixed a thoughtful gaze onto the blonde "Hnn... maybe you right, Kiso..." he said slowly, "So... whaddaya say, budreaux? I'm free any night but the night of the dance, an' I take you anyplace you want to go... uhh... 'cept for Pontchartrain... so how 'bout it?"

Settling back in his seat once more, the young Cajun waited for the other youth to stutter out a refusal, barely able to keep the smirk off his face. Really... Kiso should know better than to get into a poker game with him by now...

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*Ugh...I should've known that was coming.* Kisoku thought to himself, while outwardly he appeared to be pondering his friend's offer. He knew Lukas was as clever a boy as he. It was the only way his seemingly kind attacks could really hit home. And they had been hitting home... so why'd Lukas have to suddenly play along? He knew the answer was obviously to throw him for a loop, which Kisoku Capulet just could not allow.

"Sure thing! Wow, I didn't think you'd actually accept that proposal. You're usually so cold to me Lukes! But I'm glad." Kisoku smiled softly, trying to appear as sincere as possible. And in the corner of his mind, he thought that this little charade might hurt Arvel's feelings. Afterall, he seemed so excited about going to a dance with the Cajun, but if Lukas wanted to play, Kisoku would have to be game. It was part of the never ending back-and-forth that was their friendship. "I think I have some free time on Sunday... not the most exciting or romantic of days, but it's what I have. Oh the time- consuming woes of being me! Ah well, at least I have this date to look forward to."

He smirked, raising a suggestive eyebrow, but that was only the beginning. Kisoku decided it was time to give his friend another delicate push. He stealthily extended his leg under the table, slowly sliding his foot up against Lukas's leg. Surely, that would get the Cajun to snap, but to top it off, he turned his attention to the other members of the table, acting completely ignorant to what his foot was doing. "Hmm... On second thought, I think I want fries with that shake. They have some pretty good stuff here. Though I really ought to be watching my girlish figure."

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A slight widening of his dark blue eyes was the only indication that Kisoku's answer wasn't quite the one he'd expected. Well... hell... he was stuck now, and there was nothing for it but to continue to play along. He too was a bit worried about Arvel's reaction, but he'd explain to the younger boy later that this was just another... well, 'game' seemed too benign a word, but it was the only one he could think of to describe the rather odd combination of carefully veiled barbs and dares that composed the somewhat uneasy friendship between himself and Kisoku.

Feeling the blonde's foot snake stealthily up along his leg, the Cajun youth was tempted to give the offending limb a vicious kick... or to simply reach across the table and throttle the man and be done with it. Nor was the urge lessened when the older youth made another pointed reference regarding his shake and fries. Although money was probably the least of his own worries, he still found it annoying-- the Capulet heir had enough in the way of worldly wealth to buy and sell everybody in New Eden... but he still couldn't get his own food at McParadise?

Resisting his murderous impulses... for the moment... the redhead rose to his feet, giving his friend a rather sour look, "What? You forget your Diner's Club again, budreau?" Turning to Arvel and his friends, he smiled, "I'll go order-- What you guys want?"

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Kisoku didn't even bother to supress his giggles as Lukas got to his feet. Well, enough was enough, and playtime was over. He too rose to his feet. "Well, don't let it be said that I'm not grateful. I'll help carry the trays and stuff. I'll leave the memorizing of orders to you, Lukas. An old man like me certainly can't handle that much information."

He latched onto the redhead's arm, blinking up at him with eyes that said he was ready to call a table truce. He only hoped Lukas didn't punch him right then an there, as did happen on occasion. He gave the boy's arm a quick, playful pinch. "Ne, Lukas, have you been working out?"

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Needless to say, both Kisoku and Lukas' worries were well founded. The conclusion Arvel had drawn from this display was that: (a) Kisoku and Lukas wanted one another, and (b) they were both mean to people they liked. This obviously meant that Lukas was not interested in him and was only taking him to the dance because he hadn't thought Kisoku would go with him.

He fretted silently. Getting up and leaving would be too obvious, but maybe he should, anyway. This was going to be a very awkward meal if he had to watch Lukas flirt with someone else the entire time.

He stood abruptly when Lukas asked for their orders. "Ummm... that's a'ight!!! I ain't hungry!!! Umm, I gotta go. I forgot, mom wants me to go get flea med f'the cats! Thank you for offering, though, bah!!!" And with that said, he made a beeline for the door.

Estelle and Jeremy watched him go, somewhat shocked by his departure. "Wai--Arvel!?" Estelle stood, still trying to process what had happened. "You," she grabbed Lukas' arm, "bring him back."

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"Ah," Alexei nodded sagaciously, "School is not so important. You held your own against Erik." He grinned at the other two boys, "Chachacha, this would be our destination...?" He queried, as Addie began slowing down.

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If nothing else, Darran was sure of one thing by now: Para was, of course, a tease. So hey, as long as she didn't push him away, he figured he was still running on this streak of (freaking incredible) good luck. He even counted himself lucky she would hold hands with him without flinching-- sometimes, and it bugged the hell out of him, the scars did scare people off.

But who needed to think about that right now? Para's words weren't having much affect on him-- if anything, his smile only spread wider-- but the show was half the fun anyway. "Eeep," he muttered meekly, hunching over in his seat to peer up at her with puppy-dog eyes that danced a good deal more than they frowned. "I... beg your pardon?"

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Lukas was on the verge of making another scathing reply to Kisoku's mock flirtation when suddenly Arvel leaped to his feet and after making some sort of flimsy excuse, pelted for the door. After giving Kiso a 'look what you've done now' glare, the Cajun turned to follow the younger boy... only to be halted by Estelle and her order to bring the young red head back. Well, jeez... that's what he was *trying* to do, if everyone would just get out of his way and let him do it. Lukas didn't pause to point this out to the girl, however, but simply nodded and continued on his way.

Hitting the door just a few moments after Arvel, the older youth glanced around, spotting the younger boy just a few feet away. "Hey, Arvel-- wait up a minute, chere!" he called, racing over to catch up with his young friend.

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"I don't know," Sophia admitted frankly, "because I don't even know the extent of his powers. I know the police are rife with corruption, and I'm perfectly sure he's bribed some major officials." And if nothing else, she was furious at the thought that justice could be so perverted by greed. If for nothing else-- though to be sure, there was much more-- she would destroy him and all his cronies for trampling upon the only forces that could keep New Eden pure.

"In fact," she continued, staring up almost challengingly at Dante, "anything you could tell me about the limits of his power would be appreciated. I will find away to strip it all from him and put him in jail where he belongs." He knew how evil Barano was, and she was sure he knew he _ought_ to help her. But whether he cooperated or not, she suspected, had less to do with morals and more to do with fear. What kind of hold did Barano have, to chain a man so obviously rebellious?

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Kisoku received the full force of Lukas's patented 'look what you've done now' glare, slinking back into his chair with a guilty pout. He hadn't meant for the boy's feelings to get hurt. He was just used to playing around like that with his friends... well, maybe not as much with Lukas as with Sam. He let his head thunk against the greasy table in front of him.

'This day just gets better and better,' he thought to himself with a sigh. The blonde was beginning to think that he had a supernatural talent for bringing other's grief. 'I'm just a black cat with a damn good dye-job...'

He raised his head from the table with a grim smile on his face. He'd make this whole stupid joke up to Arvel and his friends somehow, but for now he'd just try to salvage the mood. "Well, umm, the real meal might take awhile. I'm gonna go get us some apple pies and coffee. Just yell if you want anything else to munch on."

He got up from the table and pulled his wallet out of the pocket of his pinstipe pants as he approached the counter. A less-than-cheery girl whose name tag said "Vivica" asked him for his order. "Umm let's see... lemme get 6 apple pies, 5 small coffees, 3 McPara-Land Cookies, and... what else... hmm... one of those happy meal beanie toy thingies. They do sell those seperately right?"

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The problem with fast food was that it came piecemeal, really. Kein had just had a nice roast beef sandwich at the little burger joint down the block from his office, but for decent coffee he had to walk two more blocks to the megachain. Actually, come to think of it, maybe there was some sort of niche for fast food...

Pondering the opportunities there, he opened the door and started mentally estimating as he walked to the line. Ten million for a plot of land, maybe, another ten for architects, decorators and contractors... he'd have to check up on the costs of foodstuffs later...

So, occupied as he was in guessing at the total gains of a fast food restaurant's first six months, Kein didn't even notice a familiar voice at the head of the line, only separated from him by one customer entirely unaware of the hell about to come at her from both sides.

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"What do you mean, you can't give me the freakin' toy on its own?"

"I'm sorry sir. You can order the happy meal if you really want the toy."

"Why can't you just let me buy the freakin' toy! Do you have any idea who I am? I could buy and sell you a hundred times over! Ugh!"

"Sir, please try to control your temper!"

"Fine! FINE! Just give me a damn chicken nugget happy meal, okay?"

"That'll be 24.36..."

He handed the now nervous looking McParadise employee his cash, and she scurried away to put together his order. He turned to the woman behind him with an exasperated sigh. "It is impossible to get good customer service these da--"

And then he saw who was behind the woman behind him, and he momentarily forgot how to breathe properly. *HIM! ...someone up there really hates me today...*

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Kein was jerked out of his calculations by the sound of someone having a bratfit in close, _loud_ proximity. And this time, there was no ignoring the voice... or the hatred in his eyes, for that matter...

"Lovely, Kisoku," he muttered venomously in reply, "I suppose you're terrorizing teenage workers to keep your bitching skills in top form? Or does that toy play an integral role in the workings of Capulet Motors? --Wouldn't be surprised at that, actually, considering the slipshod operation you run."

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Kisoku felt his blood boiling in his veins at the mere sound of Kein's voice. The man's words, however, drove him off the short dock of sanity.

"Actually--" He snapped, advancing upon his twin. "--right about now I'm thinking how its little plastic wrapper would be the perfect choking hazard to shove down your throat.

"Honestly, Kein! This is twice in one month. Are you going to make a habit of stalking me now? Because I'd really like to know if there are any situations that my bodyguards need to rectify...."

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