Zarbon frowned and checked his figures again, but the data remind the same.  He had been on earth for 1 year, 8 months, and 7 days.  Sighing, he doodled a chibi Tonya holding a heart to the side of his calculations.  He knew what he wanted to do, but he had no idea on how to do it.

 Suddenly he remembered there were eight other people living in the house, and Daniel visited often.  Surely one of them could give him the answers he needed.  Snapping the notebook closed, he grabbed a fresh pencil and set off to find someone to talk to.

 He found Alec and Sebastian discussing work and relaxing in the den.  They glanced at him when he sat down, but didn't pause their conversation.  Zarbon flipped open his notebook and studied some formulas he had jotted down earlier from one of his experiments.  He always carried paper and a writing utensil to jot down unfamiliar words and phrases so he could ask Tonya about them later.

 Finally, the other men realized he was waiting for something and ended their conversation.

 "Need something Zarbon?" Sebastian asked.

 "Umm...Yeah...Actually," he blushed slightly.  "I need some...advice."

 Alec looked surprised.  "Advice?" he asked, "From us?"  Zarbon nodded as the blush increased.  "On what?"

 "Dating," Zarbon said quietly, his eyes firmly on the book in his hands, his cheeks a fine shade of cherry.

 "Dating?" Sebastian repeated, and then laughed, "You're joking, right?"  Zarbon shook his head turning even redder.

 Alec glared at Sebastian realizing just how embarrassing this was for Zarbon.  He half wondered what color Zarbon was turning under the hologram but pushed the thought aside. 

"What do you want to know?" he asked.

 It didn't seem possible, but Zarbon managed to blush even more as he looked up.  "Everything," he answered. "Customs...traditions...Everything."

 "Why?" asked Sebastian.

 "I've never taken Tonya out on a date," Zarbon said ashamed, "I thought it would be nice idea, but I don't know what to do."

 Alec and Sebastian stared at him in shock.  Recovering first, Alec looked thoughtful.  Well...he is an alien.  Would make sense to figure out most native customs before trying something as complex as dating.

 Sebastian blinked in surprise.  "You've been sleeping with her how long and you've never taken her on a date!" he exclaimed.

 Alec admired Zarbon's restraint and Sebastian's courage.  He knew he wasn't brave enough to so blatantly criticize the ex-mercenary's private life; not when the man could vaporize a person a single look.  Cutting in before the fight could start, Alec said, "Well, you could take her to a movie."

 "Dinner at a nice restaurant is always good," Sebastian added.

 "Bring her a bouquet of her favorite flowers," Alec suggested.

 "And candy.  Girls love chocolate," Sebastian grinned.  "Hey, blue boy, you should be taking notes."

 Zarbon willing complied, his pencil flying as the guys continued suggesting ideas.  After they had exhausted their ideas, Zarbon thanked them, and headed out to find another source.

 He found Daniel in the garden trimming hedges.  Daniel nodded to him, "Hey, Zarbon.  What's going on?"

 "Umm, nothing much," Zarbon answered.  He took a deep breath.  "Hey, Daniel?  What do you and Sally do when you're on a date?" Daniel turned and looked at him with an eyebrow raised.  Zarbon blushed.  "I mean...ahh...I want to take Tonya out, but I don't know what to do.  I was hoping for ideas."

 "Oh.  You had me wondering for a minute," Daniel shrugged, "What do you two usually do when you go out?" He smirked, "Or do I want to know?"

 Zarbon looked embarrassed.  "We...I...never..." he tried to form a coherent sentence.

 "You've never taken her out before?" Daniel finished for him.  Zarbon nodded.  Daniel looked mildly surprised, but not shocked.  "Really?" he said then shrugged, "Well, what does she like to do?"

 Zarbon chewed his lip for a second.  "Umm...she likes to read, play video games, crafts.  Sometimes we take walks through the garden and look at the stars," he paused. "Cuddling.  She really likes to cuddle."

 "Sounds like you have several options.  You could take her to the planetarium or the library.  Maybe drive to the lake and have a picnic," Daniel said as he resumed working.

 Zarbon jotted them down and glanced over his growing list.  Daniel suggested a few more ideas before Zarbon thanked him and left.  Deciding that Techno wouldn't be much help, Zarbon decided to move on to the girls.  He knew better than to ask Dee and didn't really trust her anyway after the whole In Bed thing.  If he wanted to surprise Tonya, he couldn't ask her so he began to look for the others.

 Both Poopsie and Jessica agreed with the suggestions he already had, but still had a few new ones.

 "It has to be a romantic movie," Jessica said, "Not one you would typically go to.  A chick flick.  And arrange to pick her up.  Take her to a ball game of some kind." And so on.

 Poopsie pondered his query for a moment.  "You could take her fishing," she said. "Or you could just drive around and talk.  The perfect ending would be to curl up together in a blanket in front of the fire.  Just do what you known she'd like and everything will be fine."

 Zarbon found Sally in her room reading a book.  He knocked on the open door knowing she hated it when people just walked in.  She glanced up, marked her place, and sat up.

 "What can I do for you, Zarbon?" she asked.

 He stepped into the room and put a hand on the door. "May I shut it?" he asked.  She shrugged, looking curious, and he closed it. "I...umm...want to take Tonya out on a date, and was trying to gather ideas.  Do you have any?"

 Sally just looked at him for a second, then smirked.  "Tomorrow ween e takes you or dat ride, you've gat two look your bast.  You've gat two bot your eyes... lyke diz.  You've gat two pucker oop your leeps... lyke diz." Zarbon looked completely lost.  "Little Mermaid?" Sally said, but he just looked at her.  "Never mind.  Who have you asked so far?"

 "Alec, Sebastian, Daniel, Jessica, and Poopsie," Zarbon ticked the names off on his fingers.  "I'm not asking Dee or Techno."

 Sally laughed, then sobered, and gave him a look.  "So I'm the last?"

 Zarbon swallowed hard.  "Always save the best for last," he said.

 Sally grinned, "Well, what have the others said already?"

- - - - - - -
 Sally had lots of good ideas, Zarbon thought as he studied his notes.  But she liked a lot of the ones I already had.  He tapped the pencil on his thigh, occasionally starring the ideas he liked the best.  Hmm...I can bring her flowers, but I think I'll skip the candy.  Don't need her bouncing all over the movie theater.  Ummm, then we can go to dinner at...the Olive Garden?  Applebee's? Zarbon pondered for a minute.  "Pierre's!" he exclaimed, "but I'll have to get Techno to get reservations.  Then we can go to Alec's spot and come home."  He reviewed his plan with a smile and nodded with satisfaction.  Now all I have to do is ask her.

 Three hours later, everything had been set up for the date, but Zarbon still hadn't asked Tonya.  This was partly because she was still at work and wouldn't be home till six.  In addition to that, he didn't know what to say to her.  The reservation at Pierre's was for 7:30 pm on November 15.  That gave him six days, counting today, to figure it out.

 He spent the next two hours in his lab working on various projects, trying to work it out.

 "Hey, Tonya.  Busy Friday?  No?  Want to go see a movie and grab a bite to eat?"  Zarbon shook his head.  "Tonya, are you busy Friday?  We could go out, catch a movie, and get dinner.  Okay?"  He frowned.  "Would you like to go out with me and see a movie?  We could get food after that and maybe take a drive."  Zarbon sighed, "I can blow up a mountain in the blink of an eye.  Why does this have to be so damned difficult?"

- - - - - -  

 Tonya was in her room changing her shirt when Zarbon knocked on the door.  "Who is it?" she asked trying to pull her shirt off, but got it caught on her hat that she'd forgotten to take off.

 "Zarbon."

 "Come in," she called trying to free herself, but not succeeding.  Zarbon came in, took one look at Tonya before shutting the door, and coming to her aid.  "Thanks," she said when he finally untangled her.  She kissed him and gently stroked his back.  He could practically feel his IQ dropping as he tried to summon his courage to ask her.

 They parted and he took a deep breath.  "Tonya, I...ahh...was wondering..." he trailed off as she looked at him expectantly.  "Are you ready for dinner?" he finished lamely, mentally cursing his cowardice.

 She cocked her head; curious why he hadn't finished what he had started to say.  "Yeah just let me put on a shirt." Snatching it from the bed, she slipped it on, and walked with him to supper.

- - - - - - - -
 Zarbon tried valiantly over the next two day to ask Tonya out, but he always chickened out or was interrupted before he could finish.  Tonya began to realize something was going on and that most of the others knew what, but no one would tell her.  She tried to corner her suddenly shy beau, but he would just blush and stammer when she caught him.

 Tonya decided to give up trying to figure it out and just go complain about her perpetual mushroomish state of being to Spook.  She and Spook were thrashing some young hooligans who thought they could come in to the tavern and cause trouble when Zarbon knocked.

 "Come in!" she called as Felina flung one of the punks through the doors.

 He shut the door behind him and took a deep breath.  I can do this! he thought.  "Tonya?"

 "Yeah," she answered with out turning around.

 "Are you doing anything Friday evening?" he asked, fighting the urge to bolt.

 "Nothing...that...I...know...of," she answered distractedly as she typed.  She was busy grappling with a half alligator man with a large sword.

 Zarbon noticed her lack of attention and strangely, it gave him courage.  "I was thinking maybe we could go out and see a movie then go to dinner."

 "Take that, Butthead!" Tonya exclaimed as she booted her opponent out of the tavern via the open window.  Zarbon's words suddenly registered and she whipped around to stare at him.  "Did...did you just ask me out?" she asked blinking.  He nodded slowly and her eyes widened. "Of course," she said quietly, "I'd love to go out with you."

 "You would?!" Zarbon grinned like an idiot, "Alright.  See you then." He ran out of the room, leaving the door open, and did a cartwheel in the hall.

 Tonya just smiled to herself at his enthusiasm.  Have to ask him for the details later, she thought as she resumed Rping, then heard a tap at the door.

 "Oh Tonya?" She turned slightly to look at Zarbon again. "I'll pick you up here at 4:30, K?"  She nodded and he darted off again.  Tonya waited for a second and sure enough he came back again.  "Could you wear a dress or something?" he asked timidly, "I'd appreciate it.  Thanks."

 Tonya waited for him to reappear, but he didn't come back.  She shrugged and turned to tell Spook the good news.

- - - - - - - -
 Brushing her bangs to the side, Tonya smiled at her reflection.  While she wasn't wearing a dress, she thought her outfit might fit Zarbon's request.  Tonya checked to make sure her hair clip was still in place, then fussed with her necklace, and brushed a string from her shoulder.

 She had avoided even thinking about her date until three hours ago because she would get so giggly that she couldn't sit still.  But now, just a mere half an hour before her date, butterflies had invaded her stomach, and she was incredible nervous.

 Oh, come on girl! she thought, You've been together for over a year, damn near two, get over it.  She sat on the end of the bed, leaned against the post, and sighed.  But it's still my first date and everyone's always nervous for that.

 The knock on the door startled her and she looked at her watch.  It was almost four thirty and Tonya's heart fluttered as she walked to the door.  Opening it, she froze and stared at Zarbon in surprise.  His hair was in its normal neat braid, but he was wearing a tie and dark brown dinner jacket.  His slacks were khaki colored and he was holding a dozen long stem red roses with several sprigs of lilac blossoms intermixed in the large bouquet.

 Realizing she was staring, Tonya blushed and dropped her eyes demurely.  "Hello, Zarbon," she said.

 "Hello.  These are for you," he said handing her the bouquet.  She took it and buried her nose in the fragrant blossoms.  Zarbon wished he'd thought to bring a camera.  She looked so beautiful standing there with her hair down holding the flowers.  The red of the roses was contrasted by the deep green of her long sleeved blouse, but it all blended with the black ankle length skirt.

 "They're beautiful," Tonya said looking up, "I didn't know you could get lilacs this time of year."

 Zarbon smiled smugly. "You just have to find the right greenhouse and flower shop.  You can get practically any flower, in any color, in any amount if you know where to look.  I'm glad you like them."

 Tonya nodded.  "But now I'll have to get a vase before we leave.  I would hate for these to wilt."  Zarbon smirked and produced a vase from behind his back.  She laughed, "I should have known.  You always have a plan."  He filled it with water from the bathroom tap and she put the flowers in it.  "So what are we doing tonight?  I mean, beside the movie," she asked as she looped her arm with his.

 "You just have to wait," he replied, tapping her nose lightly.

They walked down the stairs, where Poopsie, armed with her camera, and the rest were waiting.  After a couple of pictures, the couple slipped out the front door, picking up their heavy coats for the cold night.  Zarbon's Jaguar was waiting for them in front of the door, and he opened the door for her.  When they got to the movie theater, they found sixteen different movies were playing.

"So what shall we see?" Tonya asked Zarbon as he read the list.

"Umm...Jessica said we should go to a romantic movie, a chick flick," he answered, "How about that one?"

"Definitely a chick flick," Tonya agreed grimacing, "How about that one?  It's previews look really good, they blow things up, and I've heard there's a sex scene.  That's romantic, right?"

Zarbon smirked and rubbed his chin.  "Some how I doubt that's what she meant, but okay."

He paid for the tickets and they picked a seat in the back row.  Tonya leaned against him and he put an arm around her.  They cheered quietly when the commercials finally ended and the movie started.

"Oh," Tonya said, sitting up, "It's the new James Bond flick.  No wonder there's sex." 

When the final credits started rolling, Tonya sighed and gave Zarbon a smug smirk.  "You know, if it was that easy," she said, "Everyone would be doing it." Zarbon smirked.  "No, pervert," Tonya rolled her eyes and smirked. "Not the sex.  The spying thing."

 He kissed her cheek as they left the theater.  "Pervert," he whispered back.  "I knew what you meant."

They got out of the theater about 7, and Tonya was curious where they were going next but he refused to tell her.  Her eyes went wide when he stopped in front of the fanciest, most expensive, and the hardest to get into restaurant in town.  You had to make reservations at least three months in advance or have lots of money.

 The one valet opened Tonya's door and offered her a hand while a second opened Zarbon's door.  Zarbon handed the man his keys and walked around the car to claim Tonya's arm again, acting the whole time like this was something he did everyday.  Tonya on the other hand was trying not to stare at all the other people dressed in five thousand dollar suits and dresses, and she felt rather faint and a little terrified.

 "Zarbon?" she whisper so only he could hear, "This is the most expensive place in the county.  How are we going to pay for it?" She clung his arm trying not to bolt.

 Zarbon chuckled, and whispered back, "Do worry about it, koi.  Relax."  He squeezed her arm gently.  "Techno and I have it all worked out," he reassured her.  By this time, they had reached the maître d' and Tonya felt another wave of panic. 

 "Do you have a reservation?" he asked snootily with a French accent, looking his long nose at Zarbon.

 "<Yes, we do,>" Zarbon answered in prefect French, "<Under the name Chan.>"

 Tonya's jaw dropped in surprise, but the maître d''s attitude instantly became friendlier. "<Ah, yes, here it is.  Please follow me,>" he said picking up two menus and leading them into the huge dining room.

 Tonya's eyes grew wide as she saw beautiful, glittering crystal chandeliers and real silver silverware as they passed through the room.  Plush red carpet muffled their footsteps as well as the chatter from other tables.  Zarbon watched her expression with amusement before reaching over and gently closing her mouth.  She blinked at him and he gave her a wink and a smile.  She blushed and smiled back.

 "<Will this be suitable?>" the maître d' asked, indicating a table for two near the dancing floor, but still slightly secluded.

 "<This is fine,>" Zarbon said with a nod.  He gently nudged Tonya toward the chair the maître d' was pulling out.

 She sat down, folded her hands in her lap, and he pushed her up to the table.  Taking the menu from the maître d', she opened it, and realized with a start it was all in French.  Tonya knew very little French and had an idea of what some of the dishes were, but not enough to help her out.  The maître d' nodded again to Zarbon then returned to the front.  Dropping the menu a little, she peeked over the top at Zarbon.  He was studying his menu, picking out entrees he thought Tonya'd like.  Glancing up, he noticed she was looking a little lost and he smiled.

 "Can you read this?" she asked quietly.  Zarbon smirked and nodded.  Tonya looked at him for a second, then raised an eyebrow.  "You're enjoying this aren't you," she accused.

 "Oui Oui," he answered, nodding again his eyes sparkling with laughter.  She frowned and he leaned forward, folding his arms on the table.  "The tables have finally turned, koi," he said amusement filling his voice.  She glared at him for a second, glanced at the other tables, then raised her hand as though to hide a whisper, and stuck out her tongue.  Zarbon laughed and Tonya smiled, wrinkling her nose, and shook her head.

 "<Hello, my name is Mark.  I'll be your waiter.  What would you like to drink, tonight?>" asked a man in a waiter's uniform holding a order tablet.

Zarbon looked at Tonya and she looked back down at her menu.  She looked up again.  "<What did he say?>" she asked Zarbon in Japanese.

"<He asked what we would like to drink,>" Zarbon replied in the same language.

Tonya nodded and turned to the waiter. "Water, please," she said.  Mark nodded and wrote it down.  

"<I will take water as well,>" Zarbon said.

Mark wrote that on the pad as well.  "<Are you ready to order, or do you need some more time?>" he asked.

"<Do you know what you want to eat or do you need more time?>" Zarbon asked, trying not to smile.

"<What do you think, love?>" Tonya said smiling sweetly, "<I can't read or speak French.>"

Zarbon chuckled.  "<May I order for you?>"

Tonya shrugged.  "<Might as well or else tell this nice man to come back,>" she said.

Zarbon nodded. "<She'll take a number 42, and I'll have a 46,>" he said.

Mark nodded and then left to turn in the order.  The quartet that had been taking a break was warming up now.  Tonya was checking out the tablecloth trying to decide what the fabric was, but couldn't and concluded that it was very expensive.  The beautiful, live plants spaced perfectly around the room added to the atmosphere.

"It's really nice here," Tonya said, "But I bet it's really expensive too."  Zarbon shrugged and she reached for his hand.  She rubbed the back of his hand with her thumb.  "I don't mean to sound unappreciative, but you don't have to spend a lot of money on me, love," she said quietly, "I would have been just as thrilled to go to Burger King with you." And I wouldn't have had to wear a skirt.

Zarbon smiled softly and took her hand with both of his.  He turned her hand over and gently stroked her palm.  "I know, koi," he said, "But I thought it would be nice to come somewhere special we usually wouldn't go.  A girl only gets one true first date and I want this to be perfect for you."

Tonya smiled warmly, her eyes sparkling with love.  She blushed and looked down, finding she couldn't think of any reply appropriate for his beautiful words.  The quartet began to play a waltz and Zarbon looked toward the dance floor.

"Would you like to dance?" he asked.

Tonya looked up and nodded shyly.  Without releasing her hand, Zarbon stood and helped her up.  They walked to the empty dance floor and began to dance with the music.  They swayed closer and closer as the song ended and another began.  This one was faster, but they didn't miss a beat.

Zarbon held her close as they moved and Tonya laid her head on his shoulder.  "Maybe it was the moonlight," he whispered, "Scent of you on the breeze.  Maybe it was your shadow fell over me."  He whispered all the lyrics from Brooks and Dunn's "My Heart is Lost to You" to her as they danced.  Tonya felt like she would melt into a puddle of goo if he weren't holding her up.  At the end of the song, he twirled her and then dipped her, holding her parallel to the floor.  They heard applause and they looked at the other customers who were clapping up a storm.  They blushed and he pulled her back up.  Bowing to the crowd and went back to their table.

They talked until the food arrived about various topics, mostly speaking Japanese so no one would understand their conversation.  Another man was helping Mark bring out the food, and grinned with appreciation at the beautiful girl.  He noticed the looks passing between the couple, and Zarbon holding Tonya's hand.

Nudging Mark after they'd set down the plates, he motioned to Zarbon.  "<Someone's going to get lucky tonight,>" he said with a smirk.

"<I'm lucky every night I get to spend with her,>" Zarbon said smiling at Tonya.

Tonya looked at him curiously while Mark snickered at his embarrassed coworker as they walked away.  "<What?>" she asked.

"<The waiter was speculating about my chances of getting lucky tonight,>" Zarbon said.

"<Oh?>" she asked, raising an eyebrow, "<And what did you say?>"

"<That I'm lucky every night I get to spend with you,>" Zarbon replied.

Tonya blushed.  "<I wish we were outside so I could show you just how lucky you are,>" she said.

After they finished and were back in the car, Zarbon drove up to the spot Alec had told him about:  the Lover's Lane of Tequila Heights.  Unknown to the couple, Alec had been watching for Zarbon's car and followed them up.  The hill overlooked the city, which shone like a diamond at night.  Zarbon parked the car, but left it running to hold off the chill of the night.

Tonya unbuckled her seatbelt and slid across to snuggle against his side as he turned off the radio.  Gently tracing a pattern on his thigh, Tonya laid her head on his shoulder and absently watched her finger.  "So why did we come up here?" she asked innocently.  She was truly curious because it wasn't his style to come to a place like this; too many other people could show up and it was much too open.

He didn't answer so she looked up at him and noticed he had been watching her now stilled hand.  Gently taking her hand, he brought it to his lips and kissed it.  "I want to tell you something," he finally said, brushing his thumb lightly across her knuckles.  She kept her mouth shut, shifted to look at him better, and squeezed his hand for encouragement.  Zarbon took a deep breath, looked her straight in the eye, and said, "I love you."

Tonya blinked and felt the blush rise in her cheeks.  She was glad she was already sitting down or she would have fallen.  Dropping her eyes, she smiled, then met his gaze.  "I love you too," she said.  A flicker of disappointment flashed across his face, but he smiled.  She cocked her head frowning slightly trying to figure out what was wrong.

We tell each other that we love one another hundreds of times a day, she thought, but he seemed slightly disappointed with my response.  It's not like he never says "I love you."  Her eyes widened suddenly as she realized the point.  She looked away and tried to think of any time he had said those three little words, but all she could recall was Aishiteru, which meant basically the same thing.

Tonya smirked softly and looked up at him, blinking back tears of happiness.  She kissed him passionately, throwing her arms around his neck, the tears slipping down her cheeks.  Zarbon was a bit surprised, but returned the kiss with just as much feeling knowing she had understood.  Ignoring the other car, she began to show him just how much she loved him with slow, burning, lingering kisses.

* * * * * * *
"I handle this," Seth told Alec as they pulled up.  He straightened his hat and started to open the door.

"Wait," Alec commanded, "I'll handled this."

"But I can do it," Seth protested.

"I know but I want to," Alec said.  "That's my landlady and one of my roommates.  I sent them here as a gag."

"Alright," Seth grumbled, "Then what are you waiting for?"

"They appear to be talking, and I don't want to interrupt if he's proposing or something," Alec replied.  Seth rolled his eyes and Alec gave him a look.  "You know Sebastian Lewis, right?" The rookie nodded.  "Remember his orange hair not to long ago?  She did that." 

"You're joking!" Seth exclaimed.

Alec shook his head and Seth quickly removed his hat, setting in his lap.  "He pissed her off," Alec shrugged. "He was lucky though.  They still haven't found the body of the last guy."  Seth's eyes grew big and Alec laughed, "Now I'm joking."

They watched the couple for a few minutes and saw Tonya start the kissing match.  Alec got out of the car and pulled his coat tighter against the chill.  He smirked as the couple jumped when he rapped on the window.  Flicking on his flashlight, he shined it into the car, and motioned for them to roll down the window.

The wind picked up as the window whirred down and the couple huddled together.  "Hello, officer.  Can we help you?" Tonya asked politely.  Though his face was shadowed, she knew from his scent that it was Alec.

"It's Alec," Zarbon said slightly confused with her formality.

"He's on duty and we're busted so he's Officer Black," Tonya said.

"Ahem," Alec cleared his throat.  "Are you aware that you are not allowed up here at night?"

"Yes, Officer," Tonya replied, squeezing Zarbon's arm to keep him silent.  "Poopsie had you set us up, didn't she?" Tonya asked with a wink.

Alec took the hint.  "Yeah, sorry about this man," he said, "But you know how women are."

Zarbon looked at Tonya with a smile. "Luckily I do," he said then kissed her cheek.

"Well, you'd better get out of here before my partner, Joe Friday, comes over to read you the riot act," Alec suggested stepping back.

"Thank you!  See you later," Tonya called before the window rolled up.

Zarbon drove towards home and Tonya smiled sadly out the window.  It was almost ten, but she wasn't ready for it to end.  Soon the familiar limestone wall was visible and she was waiting for the turn into the driveway, but it never came.  Tonya blinked as he drove passed it and continued out to the sandpits.

He parked just off the road and turned to her.  "Would you like to go for a walk?" he asked.

Tonya blinked for a second and then nodded.  Zarbon pulled his extra trench coat from the backseat and got out to open the door for her.  She giggled as she buttoned up the coat because it was much too big for her and almost dragged on the ground.  Slipping an arm around her waist to hold her close, he called up a ki shield to help keep them warm.

They walked in companionable silence, not needing to say anything to convey their feelings.  Zarbon was in charge of their wandering and paused on the edge of a wide clearing.  She felt his arm tighten and glanced up at him.

"Do you remember this place?" he asked quietly, his voice tight as they walked toward the middle.

She looked around and felt that it was familiar, but she couldn't place it.  He stopped in a slight depression in the sand and she took a few steps away from him.  Turning around, she tripped over the coat's tails and fell on her butt.  Laughing, she leaned back on her hands to smile at Zarbon.

The smile falter as it dawned on her where she was.  Tonya's eyes widened and she looked at Zarbon frantically.  He pulled her up and held her close as she clung to him shivering.  Pulling back she searched his face trying to find the answer to the question she couldn't ask.  His ki flared brighter and he kissed her, his passion chasing away her fears.

"When I left that night," his voice was thick with emotion, "I thought I would never see you again.  I thought if I knew you were safe, that I could move on, but I was wrong.  I couldn't live without your smile, your touch, your scent, and the hundreds of other things that make you unique."

Once again Tonya was at a lost for words if not actions.  She kissed him deeply until they both were panting.  She shivering again and buried herself deeper into his embrace.

"I would die without you," she whispered, "You are my heart and my soul."

The wind picked up and the cold drove them back to the car.  It was close to 11:30 now, but she still didn't want it to end.  She was slightly disappointed when he turned up the drive.  She sighed when he stopped in front of the door and took off her seat belt.

"I had a wonderful time tonight, love," she said, "I'm just sorry it's over."

Zarbon grinned.  "Not quite," he said as he got out of the car.  Opening the door for her, he helped her out and up the stairs.  He stopped her in the foyer, hung up her coat, and said, "Wait here."  He ran to park the car in the garage, and soon returned with a bottle of wine and two glasses.

They walked into the den and Tonya sat down on the blanket in front of the fireplace, leaning against the couch.  Zarbon sat down the wine and glasses before building up the banked fire.  He reclaimed the bottle and opened it with a flourish.  After he filled the glasses, he recorked the bottle, set it aside, and cuddled up to Tonya, turning off the hologram.  The sweet red wine relaxed them even more and they removed their shoes.

Zarbon was setting her boots aside, but paused and looked at them better.  "I don't remember these," he said toying with the zipper on the side, "I don't remember this skirt either."

Tonya sipped her wine and smirked.  "I bought these on my little recon mission back in June." She stroked the faux fur lining.  "They reminded me of my snow boots from when I was little and were on sale.  So I bought them.  And I needed a skirt for different things, and it was on sale, so" she shrugged.

He sat the boot down and picked up the wine bottle.  "Need a refill?" he asked.  She drained the last swallow from it, then held her glass so he could fill it.

She swirled her wine and sipped it, waiting until he was doing the same before speaking.  "You know," she said in a mock accusing tone just as he took a big swallow, "If I didn't know better, I'd think you we're trying to get me drunk so you could seduce me."

Zarbon almost choked on his wine.  "No," he answered, then coughed.  "I want both of us to be clear headed on that night," he said completely serious.

Tonya kissed him and tasted the sweetness of the wine.  "I was kidding," she said.

She took another sip of wine, but didn't swallow and kissed him, pushing him back a little.  Some dribbled down his chin and she had to catch it before it dripped onto his white shirt.

"Maybe you should take it off," she said loosening his tie, "Don't want to stain your shirt."  Zarbon nodded and she began to undo the buttons.

He shrugged out of the jacket and shirt, and she tossed them over the back of the couch.  They experimented with the wine kiss technique for a while, but it was soon forgotten as the intensity grew and the wine ran out.  Somewhere in the back of his mind, he realized the wine seemed to switch their personalities.  Tonya was quieter and more submissive, but he felt bolder then ever.  They finally broke for much needed air, and Tonya relaxed against his side, her head once again on his shoulder. He held her close with one arm, his hand resting lightly on her hip.  He closed his eyes and breathed deeply enjoying her scent as it seemed to surround him.

Tonya shifted slightly and he felt her fingers brush his face.  Opening his eyes, he looked at her and smiled at the sleepy/relaxed look on her face.  He relaxed again, watching her face as she traced his features, trying not to not to become aroused by her strangely erotic innocent exploration.  The fingers moved down his throat slowly, then traced the muscles of his chest, teasing him with feather light touches that were doing nothing for his self-control.

  He knew from her expression that she wasn't trying to drive him insane with desire, but she was succeeding better than anything else she did.  When she started tracing his abs, Zarbon just about lost control, and he forced himself to remain still and not grab her.  Her fingers came up to trace his face again and as she traced his lips, he found he couldn't resist opening his mouth.  He drew her fingers in with his tongue and gently sucked them.  Tonya looked completely surprised, then wrinkled her nose, and pulled her hand away to wipe it on his pant leg.  Then she tried to trace his lips again and he repeated his action. 

She frowned and wiped her hand again, a mischievous light entering her eyes.  She shifted to straddle him on all fours and kissed him lightly, her lips whispering over his.  Zarbon tried to restrain himself, but he wanted a good solid kiss and she didn't seem to realize that.  With her on all fours he couldn't wrap his hands around her waist and pull her close either.  Knowing he was breaking one of their rules, he slide his hands down her back to cup her buttocks, and pulled her forward. 

Tonya now was setting across his waist and he could get a proper kiss as she wrapped her arms around his neck.  One of his hands slide up to her waist and the other rested on her back as she melted against him.  When this kissing match ended, Tonya yawned and laid her head on his chest, his heartbeat lulling her to sleep.  Zarbon shifted and moved to lie down on the blanket, pulling her with him, and wrapped the blanket around them.

Bowie had been making his nightly rounds and came into the room just as the kiss ended and Tonya went to sleep.  He froze and started to back out of the room when Zarbon lay down and pulled the blanket over them.  Quietly, Bowie slipped from the room and pulled the door almost shut with his paw before continuing his rounds.

- - - - - - -
About nine the next morning, Dee, Jessica, Sebastian, Sally, and Poopsie were heading for den to start the fire.  It was the warmest room in the house aside from the bedrooms and they usually met there in on these brisk winter mornings.  They didn't think really think much about the door being mostly closed and just pushed it open.  The group stared at the sight before them.

An empty wine bottle and two glasses on the coffee table, Zarbon's shirt and tie and jacket on the back of the couch, a pair of panty hose tossed on the couch, and an extinguished fire in the fireplace.  Then they spotted the couple curled on their sides, wrapped up in front of the fireplace.

Poopsie, Dee, and Sally first thought that maybe the obvious was true, but quickly dismissed the idea.  While they might kiss in public and had often been caught in some very hard to explain positions, Tonya and Zarbon would never have picked such an open place for a midnight rendezvous.  Sebastian and Jessica on the other hand were sure they had just caught the couple in the act.  Dee and Poopsie quickly covered Jessica and Sebastian's mouths and with Sally's help, drug them to the kitchen where Techno was drinking his coffee.  

Jessica stammered, "Tonya...Zarbon...floor...den" she sank into a chair, burying her face in her hands, "Trauma!"

Sebastian shrugged Dee off and glared at the girl.  "Zarbon and Tonya had sex in the den last night," he told Techno, "We need to get the room cleaned pronto."

Techno looked at the others girls, who shrugged.  "I don't believe it," he said, shaking his head.

"Well, their still in there," Jessica said, "You can go see for yourself."

"Wait," Poopsie said, "Did anyone else just hear someone knocking?"

* * * * * *
The intrusion of the other girls had slightly woken Tonya and she rolled over onto her other side.  Zarbon spooned up closer to her and she started to drift deeper into sleep.  Then someone started knocking at the front door.  She felt for his watch and turned on the hologram without truly waking up.

Daniel had come to help Sally study for a test and was knocking at the door when Alec came home from work.

"Oh, hey Daniel," Alec said opening the door, "Come on in.  Their all probably in the den."

Both of them stared as the entered the den, glanced at each other, and quickly left.  They hurried to the kitchen were Jessica and Sebastian were trying to prove that they were right. 

"Hello, Daniel," Sally said, glancing at Poopsie with a slightly worried expression.

"Hello, umm...did you now Tonya and Zarbon are" he trailed off unsure how to finish.

"Yeah, that's what we're trying to tell T here, but he doesn't believe us," Jessica said.

"They got drunk and had sex, what's so hard to believe about that?" Sebastian demanded of the group.

"I still don't think one bottle of wine would get them both drunk enough to have sex in the den," Techno said, "It's just not their style."

Bowie walked in just then and paused.  He shook his head then walked to his water bowl and got a drink.  "Bark," he woofed to get their attention.

"What is it boy?" Sebastian asked, "Did Timmy fall down the well?  Did Tonya and Zarbon get it on in the den?"

Bowie growled and shook himself.  "Rwoouh," he said, trying to combine a bark with the word no.

"Did he just say 'no'?" Daniel asked.

* * * * *
"I wonder what their arguing about it the kitchen," Zarbon murmured sleepily.

"I dunno," she replied.

"Should we check it out?" he asked.

"Probably," she answered, but neither made any move to get up.

Another five minutes passed before they got up, collected their stray clothes, and stumbled to the kitchen.  They walked in and everyone turned to look at them.  Tonya was carrying the clothes and Zarbon had the blanket draped over his shoulders.  They both still looked half asleep and blinked owlishly at the group.

"Well, you finally proved you're normal, Zarbon," Sebastian said patting Zarbon on the back, "I just wish you hadn't done it in the den."

"Did what?" Zarbon asked.

"You had sex in the den, right?" Jessica asked the sleepy couple.

"Did you?" Tonya asked Zarbon.

"I don't think so," he said after a moment, "Did you?"

"Not that I recall," she answered.

"I meant with each other," Jessica said. 

Tonya shrugged and yawned.  "You guys are noisy.  We're going back to bed.  Nighty night," she said.

Zarbon followed her to his room and he dug out nightclothes for both of them.  He stripped to his briefs then put on his a-shirt and shorts.  Tonya stepped into the bathroom to change and he crawled into bed to wait.  She emerged a few minutes later and moved to join him, but paused by the bedside and began to laugh.

"What?" Zarbon asked as she shrugged and crawled into the bed.

She snuggled against him and chuckled again.  "I just realized that I've broken most of the rules I'd set for my first date," she said.

"Oh?" he asked wrapping his arms around her.

"Never kiss on the first date.  Don't go to a very secluded spot with my date," she said, "And last but most important, don't sleep with the guy on the first date."

Zarbon chuckled and kissed her.  "Are you disappointed?" he asked.  Her answer wasn't verbal, but he was pretty sure it was a "No."