| The Ski Trip Part II |
| �They must be asleep.� Toma said as he turned on the lights. They all heard the water splash outside and headed to the back door. They flipped on the floodlights and saw Goten and Bra in the hot tub. �Turn off the lights, you damned baka.� She screamed at them for the light had temporarily blinded her. The door opened and the gang started to pour out onto the deck. �We have a hot tub?� Toma whispered. �Cool, I�m going in.� He ran back inside to get his suit on. Bra hopped out disgusted at the ruined moment. She threw on her robe and stormed past the gaping crowd. Zelena and Marron followed close behind. Heading upstairs, Zelena asked �So? Anything juicy happen?� �Well it was about to when you morons had to come tramping in.� She sighed. Up in the bedroom the girls waited on the bed for further explanation. She told them everything up to the point where they intruded. Zelena slapped her hand over her mouth, and giggled viciously. �Let me tell you about tonight�s startling revelations.� Marron started to gossip. �Akira put his arm around Nina, and Mia was practically sitting on Trunk�s lap the entire time. It was a very romantic setting. Wouldn�t you say Zelena?� �Was it? I really didn�t pay attention.� She was honest in her reply. Zelena loved playing matchmaker, but when it came to romance or guys throwing hints her way, she was oblivious. If guys weren�t blunt, they would never get a chance to go out with her. Which is the reason for her lack of a relationship. Marron shook her head, and Bra laughed. <><><><><> The group got up early the next day and headed over to lodge for breakfast. Toma waved Oterro over to join them. He bolted over there and quickly took the seat next to Zelena. Bra and Marron hid their faces behind the menus, so no one would see them snicker. �Goten you said that you would teach me how to snowboard, and since I�m dressed for it, I�m going to hold you to it.� Bra smiled at him. Everyone else was carrying on a different conversation not paying any attention to her or Goten. He fidgeted nervously in his seat remembering how gorgeous she was in the hot tub and how he almost kissed her. �Sure Bra, no problem.� He said shakily. They all finished up breakfast and started to head for their equipment. �Hey guys, we�re going to hang out at the house today.� Akira said suggesting that we would be himself, Trunks, and the twins. They were aching to spend some alone time with the girls, and plus skiing was just not their forte. They knew between Goten, Toma, and now Oterro that the girls were safe. �Have fun guys, we�ll be home before dinner time so think of where you want to go tonight.� Zelena said as she bolted out the doors, anxious to go skiing. Oterro could barely keep up with her, but was determined to ski with her. �Is it me, or does Toma�s friend have a thing for Zelena?� Akira said to no one in particular. This sent Bra and Marron into a laughing fit, which earned them glares from the rest of the group. �Yeah he does. But if he�s not blunt�well we all know how blind she is.� Toma answered. Trunks, Akira, and the twins headed back to the lodge, while the rest of the gang went to the slopes. <><><><><> �So how long have you been training under my brother?� Zelena asked Oterro as they rode the chair lift. �Actually not that long, I have been training under a different dojo since I was little. When I met Toma in college, he said that he was going to open up his own school. We started talking, and I figured he could teach me new techniques.� �Do you have any brothers or sisters?� She was just making pleasant conversation. �Actually my only family is my cousin, Abrian. My parents died when I was little, and he raised me. So I guess you could say he�s my father and brother.� He laughed. She felt bad and he saw the look in her eyes. �It�s alright. It happened a long time ago.� �Why aren�t you snowboarding today?� She said noticing the skis. �I like to switch back and forth.� He lied. Although he knew how to ski he preferred snowboarding, but he wanted to do what she was doing. �Do you think you could teach me to snowboard?� She asked innocently. �I would be honored.� He replied. If she only new how she was driving him crazy. For the past 24 hours he was studying her, and memorizing every move she made not to mention the way she smelled. He just wanted to stroke that soft looking black hair, and to kiss those lips. He knew under that tomboy personality was a women just begging to be released. The chair reached the top and they jumped off. �Come on I�ll race you.� She challenged. He had been skiing for a very long time, and knew that there was no way she could beat him so he held back so she could win. <><><><><> Goten was in the midst of showing Bra how to handle the snowboard and she kept losing her balance falling into his arms. It wasn�t cause she wanted to, it was because she couldn�t get over the mental thing of having both of her feet locked onto one board. �Argh.� She growled. �I picked up skiing within a few hours. Why can�t I get this?� �You can�t pay attention to the binding of your feet Bra.� He patiently instructed. He did admit to himself that he rather enjoyed catching her as she kept falling. <><><><><> Spending this much time with Toma, Marron started to develop strong feelings for him. He snowboarded while she skied beside him. They didn�t say much, and the tension between the two was growing. The three couples continued on with their activities. <><><><><> Trunks, Akira, Mia and Nina were all in the hot tub together, drinking beers and letting the bubbles massage their muscles. �I could do this forever.� Said Trunks. Mia was now sitting on his lap, and he had his arms around her waist. �So what�s it like being the vice president of such a famous company?� Mia asked Trunks. �Not too much fun, huh Trunks. The way your mother keeps your nose to the grind.� Akira teased. �Oh yeah, like you have room to talk. Your mother doesn�t exactly give you a long leash now does she.� Trunks retorted. �Is that why you kept turning down dates with me?� Nina teased, and she tickled his ribs. She whispered in Akira�s ear, �Let�s go sit by the fire, and leave these two alone.� �We�re going in now. See you guys later.� Akira quickly jumped out following the little vixen inside. They both headed up stairs to change out of their wet suits; before she could go into her room he grabbed her arm and slowly brought her to him. Trunks turned Mia around, so he could look at her face. He put one hand on her throat, stroking the softness under her chin. She closed her eyes at his touch. She kept them closed as he kissed her passionately. She slid her hands up to his shoulders rubbing his rock hard muscles. Akira slowly released from their kiss, and they headed back to their rooms to continue on with the changing of the clothes. They met back downstairs, and he had gotten a big blanket and some pillows making a little bed for them in front of the fireplace. They faced each other lying on their sides, and just gazed into each other�s eyes. �You have the most incredible green eyes.� He whispered to her. She smiled at him. �I�m especially fond of those little freckles on your nose and cheeks.� She wrinkled her face at him for that last comment. �I hate these freckles. They make me look like a kid.� She retorted, speaking softly. �And I like your black eyes match that raven mane on your head. I�m especially fond of the way your eyes turn jade when you�re worried or angry.� This time he wrinkled his face up at her. He kissed her briefly, she snuggled closer putting her face into his muscular chest inhaling his scent, and he wrapped his arms around her holding on tightly. He buried his face in her sweet smelling strawberry blonde hair. She napped in his chest, breathing shallow and he knew she was out. He just watched the fire dance off the color of her hair, which made it look like it too was on fire. He was falling for this woman, and wondered how it would be when they were trying to do class work together, `Oh well, I don�t want to think about that now`. Even though the water was warm, Mia started shaking from her body adjusting to the warmth. Trunks lifted her out of the water, and quickly wrapped her in a towel that was beside the tub. �Oh your so strong Trunks.� She purred. He smiled at the compliment, and took her inside. Shutting the door behind them, he gently put her down. They quietly padded over to the living room, where they saw the two lying on the floor. His eyes were closed but he wasn�t asleep. When he heard Trunks step close he opened his eyes and gave his cousin a smirk. Then he mouthed �Shhhhh� to inform them of the napping woman in his arms. Trunks and Mia smiled and headed upstairs to change. �Hey Mia.� Trunks whispered. �Go get something warm on, then meet me down in the living room. I wouldn�t mind cuddling on the couch with you.� He smiled at her mischievously. She smiled back at him and disappeared into her room. <><><><><> Bra finally started to get the hang of snowboarding. She still fell down a lot, but was getting better. Oterro and Zelena were continuing with their racing. He couldn�t believe how much energy she had. He was growing tired. Toma had told him that they were different, but that it was to be kept a secret for if he should ever let it slip there would be chaos. He vowed never to tell, and he was a man of his word. They made it to the bottom of the hill where the others were waiting for it was time to head back to the Chalet. �Oterro? We will probably be going out again, would you like to come with us?� Toma asked. He could see that his friend was tired, but offered anyway. �Oh yes you must come with us.� Bra chimed in, sensing that Oterro was going to wimp out, and she wanted to push Zelena and him together. He looked at Zelena�s radiated face, and felt renewed energy. �Sure why not.� They said good-bye and headed off towards their rentals. <><><><><> �HEY GUYS WE�RE HOME.� Zelena shouted. The noisy group emerged and noticed the couples lounging around the living room. �Oops, sorry. Didn�t mean to wake you lazy people up.� Nina and Mia woke up in their lover�s arms when the rowdy bunch barged in. The foursome reluctantly got up from their haven, and went to greet the others. They all migrated back into the living room to discuss dinner plans. The doorbell rang, and Bra jumped to answer it. The resorts messenger handed her an envelope and walked away. She closed the door and started to open it heading back to the curious group. A smile spread across her face as she read the invitation. �Well don�t keep us in suspense brat. Tell us what it is.� Trunks said sounding a little like Vegeta. She stuck her tongue out at him. He sniffed, �Oh yeah that�s mature.� �It appears that we are invited to a formal dinner and dance on Wednesday night. Compliments of the resort.� She squealed, for this was going to be perfect to draw Goten in closer to her. �It suggests that it is a couples thing, but of course going stag is acceptable. So apparently it�s going to be a romantic thing.� Upon hearing that it was a couple�s dance, Zelena quietly snuck upstairs. Not that she was feeling sorry for herself; she just wasn�t coupled with anyone. She was too dense to think of Oterro, and all of the guys downstairs either had a date or a potential. There was no way she was going by herself. �That�s cool, I�ll just go night skiing� she said to the empty room. �I want to go.� Bra pouted when she saw the guy�s reluctant faces. �Don�t you guys want to go?� Referring to the girls. �Come on Akira, it will be fun.� Nina pleaded. The guys all moaned in unison. �It says formal, and we don�t have tuxes.� Trunks said in the guy�s defense. He knew resisting was going to be futile even though the guys had no intention of wanting to go. The girls held all the cards, and they knew that they didn�t stand a chance. �Don�t be silly, it gives a rental place that can have them ready by Wednesday. So that settles it. Tomorrow we go into town and of course we need formal gowns, and the guys can go get their tuxedos.� Bra planned. �Let�s discuss this over dinner, I�m famished.� Cried Toma. �Okay let�s get ready for dinner, but there is no more discussions on the already planned event. We are going and that is final.� Bra said as she crossed her arms over her chest, and scowled just like Bulma would do. Bra and Marron went into the bedroom, and saw Zelena finishing getting ready to go out for dinner. �Why did you leave?� Asked Marron. �We are all going to the formal on Wednesday.� �Nah, I�m not interested in going stag. I don�t mind. I�ve been wanting to go night skiing anyway.� She said happily. Bra and Marron rolled their eyes, unbelieving of Zelena�s ignorance towards Oterro. They didn�t say anything, for it was going to have to be from him. The girls glanced at each other as they silently made a plan to attack him. <><><><><> They went to Oterro�s rental to pick him up. Toma went to the door to get his friend. He greeted Toma with tired eyes. �Jeez you look like crap.� Toma told his friend. �I�m alright. Just got a little worn out that�s all.� He said as they headed to the limo. Zelena sat closer up to the driver, and Bra grabbed Oterro pulling him to the back with her. Now was her chance to tell him of her great plan. �Oterro. Did you get the invite to the formal on Wednesday?� She whispered in his ear. He nodded is answer. �Well we�re all going, but Zelena won�t go because she doesn�t want to go by herself. So I was thinking that maybe you could ask her to go.� She planted the seed. Now she just had to watch it grow. Marron smiled at her conniving friend in the darkness of the limo. Oterro had already planned on it, and thought it was funny that Zelena�s cousin was playing matchmaker. He laid his head back, and closed his eyes. �Hey Oterro.� Bra nudged the sleeping guy beside her. �We are here. It�s time for dinner.� �Oh sorry guys. Guess I fell asleep.� He grinned sheepishly. Everyone had been staring at him. <><><><><> After dinner, the gang walked the streets taking in the beauty of this little town. Bra saw the dress shop that she would drag her friends to tomorrow. Marron grabbed Toma�s hand, he looked down at her stunned that she made a move, and he gripped her hand in response. Goten walked beside Bra, but not too close. He needed to talk to Trunk�s, to see what he thought about the two of them as a couple. Trunks, Akira, and the twins headed the group, and Zelena and Oterro brought up the rear. Now is the perfect time he thought. �Zelena?� He purposefully slowed down his gate, hoping that she would do the same. �Yeah.� She responded. �You know that formal thing on Wednesday?� �Yes. I decided to do some night skiing.� �Oh. Is that set in stone?� He asked. His question stunned her, she didn�t think about doing anything else. Before she could reply, he continued �because, I was wondering if maybe�um�that you would allow me to escort you to the dance.� She stopped. When he realized that she was no longer beside him, he turned to see that she was about 5 feet behind him. He casually walked up to her and searched her face for the answer. �Well. I guess so. I suppose that would be alright.� She said, and he smiled at her. `Yessss` he screamed in his head. They continued on their walk and felt like he was walking on clouds. <><><><><> The group dropped off Oterro, said goodnight and drove off. Goten grabbed Trunk�s arm to keep him from following the group upstairs. �I need to ask you something Trunks.� He said in a whisper. Trunks apparently wanted to go follow Mia, but saw the urgency in his long time friends face. �Sure what�s up?� he gave in. �Now don�t get all mad or anything. What would you say if Bra and I liked each other.� He tensed waiting for Trunks to blast him. �Heh heh. What could I say? Except you better treat her good, or you will have to deal with me.� Trunks was stunned. �Hmmm. I�m really scared. You know I would never do that. What about Vegeta? Do you think he would blow if he new?� Still feeling uneasy. �Good question. I don�t think I could honestly answer that. He never reveals his true self to us. Oh sure we know that he loves us in his weird way, but that�s a tough call.� Trunks could see the disappointment in his friends face. He put his arm around Goten�s shoulder and they headed towards the stairs. �I seriously doubt that father would kill you, because he would have to contend with Goku. If he doesn�t like you seeing Bra, then he just may hurt you a little.� �What would you do if you were me?� Feeling even worse then before. �I guess I would probably do what my heart says and deal with the rest as it came.� They reached the top of the stairs, and they went into their separate rooms. Lying in bed Zelena�s mind was reeling. Bra and Marron where chitchatting in the darkness of their room. �He asked me to go to that formal thing.� Zelena blurted. The room went into total silence. Bra reached over and grabbed Marron�s hand. �That means I have to wear a dress. Blah.� She moaned. �I don�t know anything about this frilly stuff.� She leaned over and turned on the light beside her bed. �What if he wants to dance?� She now became mortified and thought that maybe she had made a mistake. �Calm down Zelena.� Bra said urgently. �Once you put on a dress, see the reactions from men, it will make you feel different. Like maybe you�re special, it�s an awesome feeling. As for dancing, stand up.� Bra grabbed Zelena out of the bed and yanked her to a standing position. �Pretend I�m Oterro.� Zelena was about to protest, when Bra snaked her arm around Zelena�s waist and threw a dangling arm up onto her shoulder. Then Bra grabbed the free hand and held it in hers. Marron was roaring at the sight, for Zelena towered over Bra. Ignoring Marron, Bra started to slowly move the two to an imaginary slow song. Zelena rolled her eyes in misery. �This is ridiculous.� Cried Zelena. �What is so fantastic about this?� �Well it�s much better with the opposite sex.� Bra grinned. She let go of Zelena and hopped back in to bed. �So now you got the gist of it, now quit worrying and get some sleep.� The light was turned off, and snores started filling the air from Marron and Bra. Zelena just couldn�t fall asleep; this formal was bugging her. The next morning Marron and Toma were the first ones downstairs. Marron told him about Oterro taking Zelena to the dance. Toma thought about his sister in a dress, and stifled a laugh. �Why don�t you call him up to see if he wants to go with us to town.� Marron suggested. Toma shrugged and started to call his friend. Oterro agreed and said that he would be over in about a half hour. They grinned evilly at each other as they plotted to work the magic between Oterro and Zelena. Marron�s grin faded, she walked up to Toma, and planted a kiss on his mouth. He was in shock and didn�t respond at first, until he felt the heat rise into his cheeks, then he returned the kiss. They reluctantly pulled away as they heard the noisy bunch stampeding down the staircase. Marron saw the melancholy look in Bra�s face, and she went over to her to see what the problem was. They separated themselves from the chatting group. Bra followed Marron out the back door. �Now what�s the matter? You look so sad.� Marron said in a concerned voice. Bra was staring out into the forest and playing with snow as she thought about that damned dream. �Goten.� She said simply. Marron looked sympathetically at her friend. �I had a dream that he yelled at me to leave him alone. I get such mixed signals from him, and it�s driving me crazy.� �He almost kissed you in the hot tub the other night, remember?� Marron urged. Before another word was spoken they heard the door open behind them. They didn�t look to see who it was, and they were annoyed at being interrupted. �Hey guys we�re getting ready to go.� Trunks looked at his sad sister, and Marron cut him an irritated look. �What�s the matter Bra? Is it Goten?� In a quick flash both girls turned around to face Trunks. �I had a little chat with Goten last night. So I know.� Bra sighed, and turned back around. �Huh, what�s there to know? Just that I�m chasing after someone who doesn�t even know I exist?� She groaned. �Oh but that�s not true sister-chan. He knows you exist.� Trunks countered. �Then what�s the problem? Why does he act so afraid of me?� He took in a deep breath, he felt so bad for the two. �He�s afraid of our Father.� Bra whipped around with an astonished look in her eyes. �That�s it?� She squealed and her eyes brightened. She jumped into her brother�s arms and gave him a big hug. �Thank you brother-chan. I love you.� She whispered. �Silly girl, I love you too. Now get your butt in there so I can get some breakfast.� Marron followed the two inside with a smile on her face; she couldn�t wait to tell Zelena. Inside they heard what sounded like a motorcycle pull up to the house. �That must be Oterro.� Toma exclaimed, and he headed to the door to greet his friend. �He�s got a motorcycle?� Zelena yelled. She ran to the door passing Toma. She threw the door opened and saw Oterro getting off of his bike. �Awesome Oterro, you have a motorcycle. I love those, but mom and dad won�t let me get one.� She said sourly. �Hey what are you doing here anyway?� �I invited him to go to town with us.� Toma interjected. Zelena turned her gaze back to Oterro�s bike. He saw the excitement in her eyes, and thought of a wonderful idea. �Would you like me to take you to town on the bike?� He saw Toma behind Zelena shaking his head and mouthing the word no at him. Before Oterro could retract the offer, Zelena turned to her brother for permission; she just missed his gesture to Oterro. �Please Toma. Please, Please, Please.� She groveled. Akira came up behind saw the bike then looked at his sister knowing exactly what was going on. She saw him, and knew that her hope of going was over. �Stay out of this Akira. I�m not talking to you. Toma please.� Toma stood in front of her with his arms crossed over his chest, and a scowl was spread across his face. Oterro was staying out of this, although he was praying that Toma would relent. �You know mom and dad do not like you on those things.� Toma growled. �If you got hurt, it would be my ass on the line not you.� �I won�t get hurt. I�m sure that Oterro is a safe driver.� She pleaded. The remaining group inside came out of the house talking about breakfast and how hungry they were. Everyone silenced when they saw the four tense people standing there. �What�s up?� Marron said breaking the tension. Zelena saw her opportunity to weaken her opponent. �Well Marron, I want to go to town on Oterro�s bike, but Toma here is giving me a hard time.� She gleamed knowing it was a done deal. �Oh let her go Toma. Oterro won�t let anything happen to her. Will you Oterro?� Marron said never looking away from Toma. A moan escaped his lips. Akira watched all of this manipulation in disgust. �If she goes, and something happens Toma, you will take the blame not me. I will deny any knowledge of this!� He walked off holding Nina�s hand as they made their way to the waiting limo. Toma walked up to Oterro, �Please be careful Oterro, protect her with your life.� He pleaded then he walked away. As the gang piled into the limo, Oterro helped Zelena with her helmet. He couldn�t believe how close she was, butterflies were knocking against his chest in a ferocious way. �You may want to put your hair on the inside of your jacket.� He suggested. She opened her coat so he could assist her. The limo pulled off as he gathered her hair in his hands. It was so soft, just as he had imagined it would be. Even though it was thick, it felt like fine silk. He silently thanked Kami for not having his gloves on at the appropriate time. His emotions were soaring, and yet Zelena had no clue what this was doing to him. He hurried up with the task before he did or said something stupid. He put his helmet on, and straddled the bike as he tightened the chinstrap. She then straddled the bike behind him and sat down. He showed her where to put her feet, and she guided them to the appropriate pegs. �Hang on tight.� He instructed. Then he started up the bike as he mumbled, �as tight as you would like.� He was disappointed when she put her hands on his shoulders, instead of his waist. He lowered his dark visor and headed down the road. When Zelena put her hands on his muscular shoulders she felt a current run through her gloved hands and she jolted in the seat. �ARE YOU OKAY?� He shouted above the wind, as he felt her twitch. He felt her slide her hands down to lock around his waist. This gesture was her reply, and a moan escaped his lips as he released a huge breath. A feeling that had never been felt before started to stir in her when she touched him. She tried desperately to put a name with the emotion, but it just wasn�t strong enough � yet. She decided to ignore it, and just enjoy the ride. |
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