The (Non) Date (Ricki)

[Milo Chevalier]

Milo felt Ricki move. He wanted to tense up and hide somewhere. His heart felt like it was in his feet. Hearing his name, he looked down at Ricki. There was a mixture of feelings that he was feeling, but the one that was portrayed on his face was the vulnerable caring look. Right now, Milo felt more vulnerable than anything. He thought his feelings were out there. After all, he had already kissed her. Granted he kissed her temple, but still he kissed her. Nervous did not cover the emotions.

As he looked at her, he saw the hope and wide-eyed expressions on her face. There was a sneaking suspicion that he had and knew that he could go ahead and make another move. He did already kiss her and judging by the fact that she didn't sound disgusted, disappointed, upset, or angry, Milo took that as she was taking this okay. Taking in a deep breath, he wasn't sure what she was asking, but he didn't really care at the moment. He already kissed her temple, now it was time to go a little further. Since she was already looking up at him, without a word, he brought one hand up to her cheek and leaned in so that their lips met.

There were alarm bells going off in Milo's head, but he ignored them completely. He was finally doing something that made him happy. He was not concerned about the possible rejection he could face after this. This moment was a long over due.

[Ricki Crawford]

The way he looked at her made her stomach twist and her breath catch in her throat. She might have been misreading the signs for years, but right now, in this moment, there was no mistaking that look.

There was still a part of her that was afraid... afraid that this was all just temporary, afraid that he didn't mean it, afraid that things wouldn't work out and she would lose her best friend. What if it was all just the romance of the moment--the wine, the food, the music? What if things went too far and it became awkward later?

There were so many "what ifs" in this situation; she could miss a chance if she listened to all the "what ifs." She could let this moment pass her by and then spend a lifetime wondering "what if" she hadn't taken this chance right now.

All she knew was that the look in his eyes made her knees go weak, and she knew, even before their lips touched, that he wanted to kiss her. When he did, she let out a soft gasp as she closed her eyes, leaning into him as her hand curled up behind his head, holding him closer. It was everything she had dreamed about and more.

[Milo Chevalier]

This was the moment Milo daydreamed for years. He could not believe he finally did something. It was past due that he finally made a move. However, what if in the morning this whole thing wore off? What would happen after she left? Milo didn't want her to leave. He wanted her to stay. He was afraid if she left then he would have dreamed the whole thing. This couldn't be a dream. He knew that this felt and was real.

Good Godric if Joe was here now. He could hear his friend saying that it was high time. There would definitely be an "I told you so." He would deal with tomorrow, tomorrow. He would deal with today, today.

Slowly Milo pulled away from Ricki just so he could breathe. The fact that she responded to him made old feelings return. He had not felt this way in a long time. Taking a look at Ricki, there was a smile. Milo rubbed his thumb against her cheek. For once, or maybe twice, in his life, Milo, the person who always knew what to say, was speechless. He had no idea what to say. Instead of speaking, he leaned in and kissed her again, this time a little more urgently.

[Ricki Crawford]

Ricki couldn't even believe this was happening. The feeling of his lips on hers was something she had imagined many times in the past, but actually experiencing it was more powerful and terrifying than she could have ever pictured. For a long moment, she just surrendered to the kiss, forcing her mind to stop questioning and doubting and worrying. She wanted this, and apparently, he wanted her, too. There was nothing more natural than two friends finally giving in to their feelings for each other.

Only, Ricki could never fully shut down her mind. It was always working, always thinking and questioning and doubting and worrying. She started to wonder what this all meant, whether he actually felt the way she did or if he was just looking for something temporary. What if this didn't work out, and they broke up? Would they still be able to work together? Would they even still be able to be friends? Milo was, above all, her best friend, and if she lost him because of this she would never forgive herself.

She had seen how quickly he lost interest in the women he dated. Of course, she was rather the same way, but for her, it was because no man could really compare to Milo. But why hadn't it worked out for him with the other women? Why did he get bored so quickly? Was it for the same reason? Or was he just fickle and he was responding to the wine and the music and the dress she was wearing?

Slowly, she started to pull away and she looked up at him with her crystal blue eyes. "Milo--" she began, reaching up to cup his cheek with one hand. "I--"

I love you. That was what she wanted to say. Instead, she heard herself saying, "I really should get going."

[Milo Chevalier]

Of course, Milo should have known. He felt like his stomach hit is feet and his throat was tightening. Those words seem to hit him like he hit a brick wall. I really should get going. Naturally Ricki didn't feel the same way. There was no way she could. They were friends after all and why would she end up having different feelings for him. Maybe he read the entire situation wrong. Joe could have been completely and totally wrong. Maybe she just let it go as far as it did because she had a little too much wine. Milo wanted to kick himself for not keeping his guard up.

There was a moment that Milo looked confused, then a little sad. He realized his facial expressions spoke too much and changed his face to a neutral expression. "You-you don't have to go," he said. "There's more food. You could eat a little more if you like." Milo was fumbling for his words. Milo knew he did something wrong and he was not exactly sure what. He felt like he needed to drink down the rest of brandy in his cabinet stock.