This week's prompt, in honor of St. Valentine's day... Romance. Sweet or sultry, just remember that if your story takes you into a more racy element to place it into the "Rubber Room," catagory... Peace out....

now here's one for the 'shippers....

Originally posted by KT1972 now here's one for the 'shippers...

Anchors away!

Starting thing off slowly... plenty of time for the rubber room to heat up as the week goes on and no prizes this week for guessing who this ficlet features either ********* She gazed at him over the table, emerald green eyes meeting startling blue. He was suddenly speechless; the waiter bringing the bill was a welcome distraction as he handed over his card. Arm in arm they left the restaurant, she rested her head on his shoulder, "I don't want tonight ever to end," she whispered softly. He looked down to her, a smile creeping slowly across his face, "it doesn't have to end just yet." His smile widened at the questioning expression on her face. Taking her hand, he led her to the deserted beach, the moonlight sparkling on the receding tide. He noticed her shiver and pulled her towards him, the sudden contact proved intoxicating and he stopped trying to resist her as he pressed his lips to hers. She willingly yielded to his embrace. No words were necessary as their kiss communicated more than either could have vocally expressed. This was the beginning of a beautiful romance! *****

Very nice, KT! Now it sounds like Ken... but would he hand over a credit card without even thinking about it?

No prizes? But guessing is so much fine! Very nice, KT!

Very sweet, KT! This week's prompt is my chance to build upon the potential Anderson romances I've been hinting at...and people's pokey stick has also been hinting at...

yay, go for it Daniella!!!

Originally posted by KT1972 and no prizes this week for guessing who this ficlet features either

But I so enjoyed that gift basket filled with fine coffees and Belgian chocolates. *********

He was suddenly speechless; the waiter bringing the bill was a welcome distraction as he handed over his card.

Welcome distraction? Is he not enjoying gazing into his beloved eyes, and that he would be hard pressed not to tear his gaze from her??? Hee! Imagine his surprise when he realizes that it has been 'skimmed,' when Nambu calls him on the carpet for all those 'unauthorized' charges....or maybe he just lifted Joe's/Jason's out of spite...dear lord, this why I can't write romance...must be all the paint fumes... All in all, sweet little ficlet KT, it is nice to see Jun being treated well for a change...like Jinpei it seemed she got the short end of the stick in so many ways.

So sweet KT, somehow I'm imagining this is Mark and Princess, not Ken and Jun.

Originally posted by Transmute Jun Very nice, KT! Now it sounds like Ken... but would he hand over a credit card without even thinking about it?

Yes, very nice! But maybe it's Joe? As he doesn't get ragged on about his tab at the Snack J the way Ken does, I generally assume his finances are sounder than Ken's (it probably costs a lot less to live in a trailer). But then, I don't think of his eyes as being "startling blue," but rather a bit more greyish.

Originally posted by ChrisW So sweet KT, somehow I'm imagining this is Mark and Princess, not Ken and Jun.

It's still Eagle/Swan though!

Originally posted by lborgia88

Originally posted by Transmute Jun Now it sounds like Ken... but would he hand over a credit card without even thinking about it?

Yes, very nice! But maybe it's Joe? As he doesn't get ragged on about his tab at the Snack J the way Ken does, I generally assume his finances are sounder than Ken's (it probably costs a lot less to live in a trailer). But then, I don't think of his eyes as being "startling blue," but rather a bit more greyish.

Hmm, if it wasn't for the eye colour, it could easily be Joe/Jason! neh, I like the Condor free to play though

Oooo, that was lovely, KT! *swoon* I posted a picture in the rubber room for this one called "Slippery When Wet"... Springie's Prompt Response

[unrecoverable text]

Awwww poor Ken, he certainly has a hard time of it. (no pun intended) It seems he can't be truly honest with anyone about how he really feels about his teammates.

Originally posted by KT1972 Awwww poor Ken, he certainly has a hard time of it. (no pun intended) It seems he can't be truly honest with anyone about how he really feels about his teammates.

Lonely is the head that wears the crown ...

Originally posted by Springie Oooo, that was lovely, KT! *swoon* I posted a picture in the rubber room for this one called "Slippery When Wet"... Springie's Prompt Response

Very nice, Springie! I like the water effects.

Chris, you made me feel sorry for Ken. Hopefully, some day, he'll get his wish and Jun will get hers.

Originally posted by Becky Rock Chris, you made me feel sorry for Ken. Hopefully, some day, he'll get his wish and Jun will get hers.

Let's just say it gets worse before it gets better, but not in the sense of romance ...

Originally posted by ChrisW

Originally posted by Becky Rock Chris, you made me feel sorry for Ken. Hopefully, some day, he'll get his wish and Jun will get hers.

Let's just say it gets worse before it gets better, but not in the sense of romance ...

I enjoy drama and angst just as much as I do romance, and you convey the pain of Ken's situation so well here... Is there any chance that "next year," Jun will be Joe's Valentine's date? That would be my advice to her.

Yes, I agree with LB! Joe should definitely have been Jun's date!!!!!

Originally posted by lborgia88 I enjoy drama and angst just as much as I do romance, and you convey the pain of Ken's situation so well here... Is there any chance that "next year," Jun will be Joe's Valentine's date? That would be my advice to her.

I seem to enjoy drama and angst quite a bit. I do try to keep it in my fiction and out of my life, doesn't always work though! Hmm, well, in the fic a year from then Ken has been presumed captured and missing for months. I can see Joe in this AU bringing her flowers and telling her that this year Ken would have finally gotten his head out of his ass and brought them. It's not really a spoiler that Ken gets captured, it happens in the first scene.

Chris, you had me feeling sorry for poor Jun...waiting for something that would never happen... I really expected that Joe would take Jun out!

Originally posted by Transmute Jun Yes, I agree with LB! Joe should definitely have been Jun's date!!!!!

Poor Joe, the pressure! Actually, I enjoy Joe/Jun stories as much as I enjoy Ken/Jun stories.

Originally posted by Springie Chris, you had me feeling sorry for poor Jun...waiting for something that would never happen... I really expected that Joe would take Jun out!

Well one of you is welcome to have him return and do that, LOL. And yeah, I do feel sorry for Jun, though I also want to give her a swift kick and tell her to stop pining. ETA: Now you all have me picturing Joe and Jun starting to date, and Ken beating his own head against the bar, everyone thinking he's mad that someone else is seeing Jun.

Chris, that was such a sweet sad tale...I felt for both Ken and Jun, but especially for Ken. You really touched on his humanity. I even felt for Joe, a little bit, him being kinda clueless as to what was going on right beside him... Well, well, done. Looking forward to the rest of it.

Originally posted by k2p2 Chris, that was such a sweet sad tale...I felt for both Ken and Jun, but especially for Ken. You really touched on his humanity. I even felt for Joe, a little bit, him being kinda clueless as to what was going on right beside him... Well, well, done. Looking forward to the rest of it.

Aw shucks. *kicks little speck of dirt*

Originally posted by ChrisW Aw shucks. *kicks little speck of dirt*

Anyway, my work hours were shifted today...not fun, so Iona's next installment has been put on the back burner for a time. Which isn't to say that anyone else is off the hook, so GET WRITING!

Originally posted by k2p2 Anyway, my work hours were shifted today...not fun, so Iona's next installment has been put on the back burner for a time. Which isn't to say that anyone else is off the hook, so GET WRITING!

Indeed! Romance is in the air. We wanna see it!

Maybe tomorrow. Right now, I just want the damn dryer to buzz so I can fold and go home and take my contacts out. That might keep the headache that is sitting between the top of my head and the base of my skull from going between my left eye and my right eye. I didn't wear them for the last two days I had to drive today and my glasses have a missing arm and aren't safe for driving. I know TMI! But typing it out helps me focus and think a bit less.

Originally posted by amethyst I know TMI! But typing it out helps me focus and think a bit less.

Youch! Not TMI for me, we all need to vent in life, and pain is a good reason to vent. Feel better soon!

I hope you are feeling better soon, Amethyst! I'm still thinking about this prompt. I have a feeling I might answer it with my Got To Get This Out post....

All of my thoughts on the subject are going negative. Ame, I sympathize with your headache. Mine is finally settling down after a few weeks. Just think about a naked Jason, posing just for you.

Thanks, everyone! Finally home, contacts are out, and even popped a few Advil. Not sure yet if I need a more. The pain in the back of my head is gone, but my left eye still has some, but that could be from the contact being left in too long. But the best part is, DH had the boys ready to unload the car for me as soon as I got home, so I didn't have to do any of it. TJ, I think I'm looking forward to Thursday more than ever now. Chris, your post is a great prequel to your story. After you get the sequel done, you can expand it and turn it into a trilogy. Becky, this headache started Saturday, and I'm already for it to be gone. Tomorrow, I can wear glasses as DH is off and can drive, but Wednesday that is not an option. I hope it doesn't hang out for longer than that. And as far as headaches go it's not bad, it's just there, and it's presence, until today, was more annoying than painful. The picturing does work, though, especially if I can close my eyes and block everything else out.

Originally posted by k2p2 Which isn't to say that anyone else is off the hook, so GET WRITING!

Easier said than done -- I always get stuck in a "Bah Humbug!" mode whenever romance is involved, especially around Valentine's Day!

Amethyst--feel better soon. Glad you had help waiting for you when you got home. I hope you can get your glasses fixed. Headaches are the worst. Becky-Don't worry about going negative...romances do go sour, it is part of life. TJ, I need to catch up on your writings...sometime soon.. EW-I can't write romance either, nor am I very good at it...neither story idea I have is directly Romantic...maybe for me it is more of an 'idea,' rather than 'ideal.'

That's my problem. My DH and I have never celebrated Valentine's Day. We feel we don't need a special day to show we love each other when we do it all the time.

Originally posted by Becky Rock We feel we don't need a special day to show we love each other when we do it all the time.

That sounds lovely. . .now, if you'll pardon me. . .

Originally posted by amethyst Chris, your post is a great prequel to your story. After you get the sequel done, you can expand it and turn it into a trilogy.

If you hear me banging my head against the wall, that's because that's exactly what I did with my latest original work. I wrote 3 drafts of a novel and finally had to admit to myself that it was book 2. So I've written a draft and a half of book 1 and am taking a break to play with this fanfic. Why do I always start with the 2nd story?

Originally posted by k2p2 Amethyst--feel better soon. Glad you had help waiting for you when you got home. I hope you can get your glasses fixed. Headaches are the worst.

Thanks. They're not fixable, but I hope to get them replaced soon.

Originally posted by ChrisW

Originally posted by Springie Chris, you had me feeling sorry for poor Jun...waiting for something that would never happen... I really expected that Joe would take Jun out!

Well one of you is welcome to have him return and do that, LOL. And yeah, I do feel sorry for Jun, though I also want to give her a swift kick and tell her to stop pining. ETA: Now you all have me picturing Joe and Jun starting to date, and Ken beating his own head against the bar, everyone thinking he's mad that someone else is seeing Jun.

So how about this: Joe's date tries to kill him, he escapes, goes back to the Snack J, sees Jun, decides that she will probably be the only girl who will not try to kill him (although you never know...) and asks her out.

Originally posted by Becky Rock All of my thoughts on the subject are going negative. Ame, I sympathize with your headache. Mine is finally settling down after a few weeks. Just think about a naked Jason, posing just for you.

Naked Jason...it might work for me next time I get a blinding migraine...will try and let you know!

Originally posted by ElectricWhite

Originally posted by k2p2 Which isn't to say that anyone else is off the hook, so GET WRITING!

Easier said than done -- I always get stuck in a "Bah Humbug!" mode whenever romance is involved, especially around Valentine's Day!

Yeah yeah yeah...as if we've never read about the romance between a certain wheelchair and a certain tin bot... No more excuses, EW!

Originally posted by Becky Rock That's my problem. My DH and I have never celebrated Valentine's Day. We feel we don't need a special day to show we love each other when we do it all the time.

We're the same way, Becky. Before kids we might actually go out and have a nice dinner or something. Now it's just another day, albeit one where I pass out candy and make a special effort to tell everyone I love them. And speaking of that... I LOVE ALL OF YOU!!!!!! You guys on Gatchamania really make my day! Every day. Love to everyone!

Originally posted by Daniella T Yeah yeah yeah...as if we've never read about the romance between a certain wheelchair and a certain tin bot...

I would hardly call that romance!!!!!!!

Originally posted by Transmute Jun

Originally posted by Becky Rock That's my problem. My DH and I have never celebrated Valentine's Day. We feel we don't need a special day to show we love each other when we do it all the time.

We're the same way, Becky. Before kids we might actually go out and have a nice dinner or something. Now it's just another day, albeit one where I pass out candy and make a special effort to tell everyone I love them. And speaking of that... I LOVE ALL OF YOU!!!!!! You guys on Gatchamania really make my day! Every day. Love to everyone!

A big kiss to you all from me also!

Originally posted by Transmute Jun

Originally posted by Daniella T Yeah yeah yeah...as if we've never read about the romance between a certain wheelchair and a certain tin bot...

I would hardly call that romance!!!!!!!

Yeah! And, in case you haven't noticed, I'M NOT A WHEELCHAIR!!! Gads, what does that say about me, anyway? A piece of my hardware gets admirers, but I...I...

Originally posted by ElectricWhite Gads, what does that say about me, anyway? A piece of my hardware gets admirers, but I...I...

Considering the admirer your chair got, are you really disappointed? Besides, you've got the Eagle and the Condor fighting over you. Maybe not the way you want, but since you control the story, you can change that, too.

Originally posted by amethyst Besides, you've got the Eagle and the Condor fighting over you. Maybe not the way you want, but since you control the story, you can change that, too.

I never thought of it like that. Thanks.

Originally posted by ElectricWhite

Originally posted by amethyst Besides, you've got the Eagle and the Condor fighting over you. Maybe not the way you want, but since you control the story, you can change that, too.

I never thought of it like that. Thanks.

Now I call that Romance with a capital R! + EW! Go for it!

Originally posted by Daniella T

Originally posted by ElectricWhite

Originally posted by amethyst Besides, you've got the Eagle and the Condor fighting over you. Maybe not the way you want, but since you control the story, you can change that, too.

I never thought of it like that. Thanks.

Now I call that Romance with a capital R! + EW! Go for it!

If I can just get past a little, nagging fear of getting the Condor fans mad. . . the last thing I want to do is bring about Condorgeddon!

Originally posted by ElectricWhite If I can just get past a little, nagging fear of getting the Condor fans mad. . . the last thing I want to do is bring about Condorgeddon!

I think EW has just called us possessive, violently possessive. I guess she has a point. But we can share, especially when the story is good.

Ok, I'll be good and share.... but it better be worth it EW!!!!!

EW, you're better off with no admirers than the one your wheelchair got! But that being said... I said I love EVERYONE here! That includes you!

Originally posted by Daniella T So how about this: Joe's date tries to kill him, he escapes, goes back to the Snack J, sees Jun, decides that she will probably be the only girl who will not try to kill him (although you never know...) and asks her out.

See now my irony meter would want to have her try to kill him (real or accidental) by the end of the night. *grin* All the better if Ken followed them and also almost kills him (accidentally or for real). My brain is apparently in brat mode this week. Happy Valentine's folks! I'm glad to have found my peeps.

Originally posted by Becky Rock That's my problem. My DH and I have never celebrated Valentine's Day. We feel we don't need a special day to show we love each other when we do it all the time.

My hubby's commute involves major airlines...Holiday's are special to us, although we usually end up celebrating them on the weekends...although he did mention to be on the lookout for a box to be delivered.

transmutejun We're the same way, Becky. Before kids we might actually go out and have a nice dinner or something. Now it's just another day, albeit one where I pass out candy and make a special effort to tell everyone I love them.

I remember when my kids were small, dressing them up in red and baking cupcakes for dinner...gads...how long ago was that? They are both taller than I am now...

And speaking of that... I LOVE ALL OF YOU!!!!!! You guys on Gatchamania really make my day! Every day. Love to everyone!

Love you to!

Originally posted by ElectricWhite

Originally posted by Daniella T

Originally posted by ElectricWhite

Originally posted by amethyst Besides, you've got the Eagle and the Condor fighting over you. Maybe not the way you want, but since you control the story, you can change that, too.

I never thought of it like that. Thanks.

Now I call that Romance with a capital R! + EW! Go for it!

If I can just get past a little, nagging fear of getting the Condor fans mad. . . the last thing I want to do is bring about Condorgeddon!

Woo! I say, go for it. The story needs to be told and in your way!

do we need to get the pokey sticks out again?

Originally posted by KT1972 do we need to get the pokey sticks out again?

Maybe those special holiday chocolate dipped pretzel ones--you know, with the sprinkles?

Awww, I was saving them for a special occasion too!!

Originally posted by ChrisW

Originally posted by Daniella T So how about this: Joe's date tries to kill him, he escapes, goes back to the Snack J, sees Jun, decides that she will probably be the only girl who will not try to kill him (although you never know...) and asks her out.

See now my irony meter would want to have her try to kill him (real or accidental) by the end of the night. *grin* All the better if Ken followed them and also almost kills him (accidentally or for real). My brain is apparently in brat mode this week. Happy Valentine's folks! I'm glad to have found my peeps. :

Everyone has been busy! It could be one of those thing where Jun becomes a clutz and she innocently nearly kills Joe 4 or 5 times. Puts the car into drive instead of reverse and nearly crushes him aginst the garage door, that kind of stuff.

Originally posted by Transmute Jun

Originally posted by Becky Rock That's my problem. My DH and I have never celebrated Valentine's Day. We feel we don't need a special day to show we love each other when we do it all the time.

We're the same way, Becky. Before kids we might actually go out and have a nice dinner or something. Now it's just another day, albeit one where I pass out candy and make a special effort to tell everyone I love them. And speaking of that... I LOVE ALL OF YOU!!!!!! You guys on Gatchamania really make my day! Every day. Love to everyone!

Love you, too, TJ!

Originally posted by ElectricWhite If I can just get past a little, nagging fear of getting the Condor fans mad. . . the last thing I want to do is bring about Condorgeddon!

Condorgeddon is now my new favorite word, btw!

Originally posted by Becky Rock It could be one of those thing where Jun becomes a clutz and she innocently nearly kills Joe 4 or 5 times. Puts the car into drive instead of reverse and nearly crushes him aginst the garage door, that kind of stuff.

Poor Joe might never date again! Of course, Ken might be arranging these little calamities to make sure those two can't hit it off.

Originally posted by Transmute Jun I said I love EVERYONE here! That includes you!

You did say that. Sorry I didn't respond to it. Even though I don't express it as openly as others, I feel the same about you all, too.

Originally posted by ChrisW Condorgeddon is now my new favorite word, btw!

So 'Condorama' has been surpassed, then?

Originally posted by Transmute Jun So 'Condorama' has been surpassed, then?

Condorgeddon sounds far more Joe. Raw destruction.

A little something to read: "Chris, don't do anything to make her parents worry!" EW called from the porch to the car backing out of the driveway. She couldn't help smiling a bit as she watched her oldest great-nephew, whom she had raised since he was two, drive out of sight. She paused a moment after she wheeled herself inside and shut the door. Valentine's Day used to mean a special trip to the store for an armload of colored paper, glue, glitter, and stickers for Chris to make a card for each of his classmates. It couldn't have been that long ago, could it? Now that the only part of Valentine's Day that she could like was over, ElectricWhite made her way to her desktop; she'd check on her email and glance at a couple of sites before settling down for an evening of shooting rubber bands at the TV every time somebody got too saccharine about the day. Spam...spam...spam...a message from Center Neptune. Something inside her screamed to delete the message without opening it, but her curiosity got the better of her. The message was in binary code. She didn't have to know binary code to realize what the message was -- yet another love letter from Zark to her wheelchair. What the hell was with that robot, anyway? Didn't he realize her wheelchair had the same IQ as a chunk of concrete? EW let out a disgusted grunt as she got away from her email box. She didn't look back as she traversed cyberspace to the Gatchamania site. She found no sign of anybody else being there. Of course. Other people were getting ready to mark the day, were marking the day, or were recovering from marking the day. But never EW. After always being cast as the "just like" girl from the instant she hit puberty, she got the hint. She was doomed to hear, "You're such a great friend. I wish I could date somebody just like you!" She knew there'd be no Birdies here. After all,the height of the Eagle/Swan/Condor dance was on Valentine's Day. And, even if they were here, the Eagle and the Condor would probably run away at the sight of her! As she continued moving around the site, she expected her wheelchair to start squeaking and those squeaks echo off the walls -- the place was that desolate. There weren't any posts that loaned themselves to a witty or helpful reply, so she started to leave. But then she saw it. Taped to a wall was a red square with "EW" handwritten on it. She went over to it and reached for it. "A card?" she said to nobody, "Now, who'd do that?"

Great job, EW! I like how you kept it open at the end. You know, if you're really desperate, you can catch a flight to California, and join us for a boring evening of left-overs and Netflix in a crowded apartment. My oldest is gone for the night, you can have his bed if you can find it underneath all the stuffed animals. But I should warn you, my youngest seems to have the cold from hell (I think she's going to the doctor tomorrow), and my middle one is packing for Snow Camp -- Boy Scouts out for four days in the Sierras. At least they have snow; we were worried about that a few weeks ago. (I'm staying home where it is warm and there is no snow; in fact the last time it snowed here, he was in preschool).

EW: I bet that's actually 5 little cards, all competitively taped on top of one another! As someone who was always "one of the guys" I totally understand.

Originally posted by ChrisW As someone who was always "one of the guys" I totally understand.

You know, the worst part of that is you can't remind them you're not just "one of the guys" because as soon as you do they start looking at you like you've sprouted a third eye on your forehead or something.

As they said on When Harry Met Sally: Men and women can't be friends because sex gets in the way. EW, nice piece. I especially liked the idea of shooting rubberbands at the TV. I think I may have found a new pasttime.

1101=Binary for 13...that's all I know. Tape my valentine to the others, please! Mine has the Dove chocolates with Raspberry swirls stuck on them. Nice little story, loved the ending along with the possiblity that there may be more coming later (I hope so). Raise my glass to you!

Originally posted by amethyst You know, the worst part of that is you can't remind them you're not just "one of the guys" because as soon as you do they start looking at you like you've sprouted a third eye on your forehead or something.

"OMG she has boobs!" You know, Jun is probably quite sympathetic to this problem.

Originally posted by ChrisW You know, Jun is probably quite sympathetic to this problem.

I think there's a bit of dialogue in the Jigokiller's episode where Ken actually says that they'd forgotten she was a girl...

Originally posted by amethyst Great job, EW! I like how you kept it open at the end. You know, if you're really desperate, you can catch a flight to California, and join us for a boring evening of left-overs and Netflix in a crowded apartment. My oldest is gone for the night, you can have his bed if you can find it underneath all the stuffed animals. But I should warn you, my youngest seems to have the cold from hell (I think she's going to the doctor tomorrow), and my middle one is packing for Snow Camp -- Boy Scouts out for four days in the Sierras. At least they have snow; we were worried about that a few weeks ago. (I'm staying home where it is warm and there is no snow; in fact the last time it snowed here, he was in preschool).

Thanks for the offer; I'll be there in spirit! I hope your youngest gets better soon. If you've been having the kind of weather I've been having here in Southern Indiana, it's no shock she hasn't been able to beat it! (My dad's been averaging one bout with pneumonia a month this winter. Not fun at all.)

Originally posted by Becky Rock I especially liked the idea of shooting rubberbands at the TV. I think I may have found a new pasttime.

I'm glad you like the idea! Though, I have to admit that it took a little while before I settled on rubber bands. . .it got too expensive to replace TVs when I used bullets!

Bullets? Wow. Poor TVs!

Originally posted by k2p2 I think there's a bit of dialogue in the Jigokiller's episode where Ken actually says that they'd forgotten she was a girl...

Right there is!

I love your piece, EW! I can feel your pain as your wheelchair gets a love letter, but you are alone, and then, that mysterious card.... (BTW, I don't think Zark cares about the wheelchair's IQ, IYKWIM.) I had a pretty unromantic day yesterday myself. I left a card for DH and candy for him and the kids, before I left for work at 4:30 am. Then the kids came home with another pile of candy from school, and DH got home late and said 'Oh yeah, Happy Valentine's Day." before I had to roll on into bed by myself while he stayed up late to work some more. Yep, romantic day... maybe on the weekend we'll make up for it... if the kids will let us!

EW, I'm sure the card you found is a collective one from all the Gatchamaniacs you made smile/giggle/ROFL with your stories!

Well, with all the chocolate and the other goodies you all are giving, who needs love?

OK, here's this week's contribution, after a few (gentle) pokes by your pokey sticks. This story follows almost immediately after "Adeste Fideles": //Anderson was rather good at maths, but even he could not calculate how long it had been since he had last been on a date. Romance, huggles, snogging, cuddling in front of the TV, all these were things that belonged to his imagination -- even his memory could not really conjure them. So the idea that he would actually ask Sarah out was one that should not have occured to him. Should not have, but it had. It had taken all his courage to take Sarah's hand in his as they sat listening to the ISO choir, where Jason was making a surprise appearance, on Christmas Eve. The holidays that followed, and then the brunt of work that fell on him as soon as the ISO was back to normal battle mode, gave no indications that Sarah was eager to repeat the experience. On the other hand, she was always kind and friendly to him, and, recently, Anderson had used his well-established spy network (i.e., Zark) to verify that she was, indeed, single. So with Valentine's Day coming up, he did it. He sent her an email. And asked her out. Not to the movies, or to his place, or anything like this, just to a dinner in new restaurant that had opened next to ISO headquarters. And now he was drumming his fingers on his desk, unable to concentrate, while he waited for Sarah's reply. An assistant opened the door. "The new Rigan delegate, sir, here to see you." "Thank you. Show him in." "Um, sir, it's a she." "Okay, then show her in," he snapped in exaggeration. Did everyone have to be so bloody politically correct? Did it matter if he said "show him in?" A young woman walked in, dressed in an austere military-style suit. She stood to attention in front of Anderson, even though the ISO was not, strictly speaking, a military organisation. "Andrea Roberts, sir. Colonel Cronus suggested I come see you as soon as I reported for duty at the ISO." He stood up and shook her hand. "Welcome to the ISO, and the war, Ms. Roberts," he said tiredly. "You do know, don't you, that hostilities between Spectra and the Earth will begin any day now?" "Sir, I've been instructed to pledge you Riga's assistance in anything you need. You will not face Spectra alone." Anderson nodded a couple of times, trying to concentrate on her words but finding himself, suddenly, preoccupied with her startling blue eyes. He blinked. "Thank you very much. Now, I trust you have settled down and found a place to live?" "The Rigan delegation will provide that, sir," she replied, her back still ramrod straight. "I trust I will be briefed quickly, and will attend the next ISO meeting." "Take a seat, won't you?" Anderson found himself saying, then shook his head angrily. Here he was, flirting with a Rigan delegate while at the same time he waited for an email from an ISO colleague about an invitation to dinner! What WAS wrong with him anyway? "Everything all right, sir?" asked Andrea politely. "Yes, yes, sorry, I'm a bit tired and..." "That's understandable, sir. Look, I won't keep you long, them. I'm sure I'll see you again soon." She shook his hand, and he barely had time to say "Of course, we'll see each other soon", before she was out of the room. Blinking, Anderson sat down. Well, he WOULD see her again, that was for sure. Just then, his computer beeped, notifying him of an incoming email from Dr. Sarah Petrides. It was only two words: "What time?" Anderson breathed in relief, not having realised before how much he counted on Sarah agreeing to meet him. Maybe that's why he was so taken by Andrea, as a defense against Sarah's possible rejection. Sighing deeply and realising that he was thinking nonsense again, he pressed the "reply" key.//

Originally posted by ElectricWhite Well, with all the chocolate and the other goodies you all are giving, who needs love?

Cheers!

It's good to see Anderson being human now and then! Nice piece, DT.

Great job, Daniella! I hope there is more to come.

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Amethyst, I hope you give us more! I'm very intrigued now about her past -- and, like TJ says, the identity of her and her partner!

Daniella--very sweet. Good to see things from Nambu/Anderson's perspective, as I expect his juggling of responisibilities never really does give him much time for himself and your little story gives us that glimpse into the inner man. Well done... I only have a minor quibble...and it is MINOR. (Yeah, i am in crit mode, I just finished a friend's novel and have to write a detailed evaluation-my brain has trouble shifting gears at times...

Here he was flirtiing with a Rigan delegate...

I'd like you to show us how he was flirting, I didn't really get that impression...He was, per usual, the perfect gentleman.

Amethyst--wow, what a nice snippet. I wonder why Jun doesn't like love songs anymore, it is Jun isn't it? Much more to this story, and it needs telling....

Daniella, loved seeing Anderson has human traits after all, not only the nerves about asking Sarah out, but his anxiety while waiting for the reply. I have to agree with K2 though, there wasn't enough evidence that he was flirting with Andrea... maybe that comes later in the story? Ame, my first thought was Swan/Eagle, then I thought Swan/ Condor.... now I don't know what to think.....Can't wait to read the rest, I guess I need to learn to have some patience

Daniella: Now I'm very curious about those bright blue eyes. Amethyst: Color me intrigued, wondering which "he" this is and what's gone wrong! I suppose I shouldn't be so certain on the "she" either.

Daniella, it's nice to read more about the Chief. To think, he might have a love life. Ame, I know who I think your characters are, but I hope you have more to share!

Originally posted by k2p2

Here he was flirtiing with a Rigan delegate...

I'd like you to show us how he was flirting, I didn't really get that impression...He was, per usual, the perfect gentleman.

But see, it's Anderson's POV. Since he's normally quite reserved, perhaps in his own way he WAS flirting, or saw himself as flirting. He did react in a manner that was out of the ordinary, for him.

Originally posted by Transmute Jun

Originally posted by k2p2

Here he was flirtiing with a Rigan delegate...

I'd like you to show us how he was flirting, I didn't really get that impression...He was, per usual, the perfect gentleman.

But see, it's Anderson's POV. Since he's normally quite reserved, perhaps in his own way he WAS flirting, or saw himself as flirting. He did react in a manner that was out of the ordinary, for him.

I agree with TJ. The way I read it, Anderson was self-consicious and therefore perceived himself as flirting, where the delegate probably just saw as a tired and stressed professional. It's great irony and subtly.

Originally posted by amethyst

Originally posted by Transmute Jun

Originally posted by k2p2

Here he was flirtiing with a Rigan delegate...

I'd like you to show us how he was flirting, I didn't really get that impression...He was, per usual, the perfect gentleman.

But see, it's Anderson's POV. Since he's normally quite reserved, perhaps in his own way he WAS flirting, or saw himself as flirting. He did react in a manner that was out of the ordinary, for him.

I agree with TJ. The way I read it, Anderson was self-consicious and therefore perceived himself as flirting, where the delegate probably just saw as a tired and stressed professional. It's great irony and subtly.

Yeah, one more to chime in on this. . . I thought that, since he was so nervous from waiting for a response to his email, he was being hyper-critical of himself. He seemed to ease up on himself a bit once he got the response he'd been hoping for.

Amethyst, count me among the legions sitting on the edge of their seat (in my case, literally!) in anticipation for the rest!

Originally posted by k2p2

Here he was flirtiing with a Rigan delegate...

I'd like you to show us how he was flirting, I didn't really get that impression...He was, per usual, the perfect gentleman.

TJ, Ame, EW: You guys are right! He wasn't, but he THOUGHT he was. In his mind, even unfocusing his attention from work for a few moments amounted to flirting and duty dereliction, the poor guy!

So he's projected his own character traits onto Mark, and that's why Mark's so dutiful and sees Princess as nothing more than a teammate!!

Originally posted by KT1972 So he's projected his own character traits onto Mark, and that's why Mark's so dutiful and sees Princess as nothing more than a teammate!!

It would make sense, wouldn't it?

A shame, since it's Princess who is paying the price for it!

Okay...I have another meeting to go to tonight. When was thinking about posting this prompt, I told Amethyst that this was going to be a busy week....it has just been crazy, with hardly any time to write at all. Anyway, I have two story starts...and I thought I'd let y'all decide which one is the better of the two that I should work on and try to post either Friday or Saturday... 1)A continuation of the main Iona story...this time introducing a new character that knows something from her past... 2)A filler piece, not unlike the bit I sent Becky, having to do with Joe's relationship with Iona... Both are about 3/4 of the way done. Let me know either in the comments or PM....

The filler piece intrigues me, as much as I'd like to read the continuation of Iona's story, (I'm sure you'll be able to fit that into a later prompt) but mention the condor and I'm sold!!!!!

I think you should do whichever piece best fits the prompt of 'romance'.

Okay, my submission is through my 'Got To Get This Out' story. Since I'm having one 'post' do double duty, I made my submission this week about twice as long as usual. Apologies to those of you who are not following my other story. If you choose to jump in now, all you need to know is that Jason and Princess are in a relationship, and they're keeping this a secret from everyone else. Oh yeah, and Zark is dead. Enjoy! http://www.gatchamania.net/thread.php?sid=&postid=143328#post143328

Originally posted by Transmute Jun Okay, my submission is through my 'Got To Get This Out' story. Since I'm having one 'post' do double duty, I made my submission this week about twice as long as usual. Apologies to those of you who are not following my other story. If you choose to jump in now, all you need to know is that Jason and Princess are in a relationship, and they're keeping this a secret from everyone else. Oh yeah, and Zark is dead. Enjoy! http://www.gatchamania.net/thread.php?sid=&postid=143328#post143328

I will repeat the comment I made on the other thread: how can you do this to us? Lovely story, and lovely twist at the end, but there has to be more!

Originally posted by Transmute Jun I think you should do whichever piece best fits the prompt of 'romance'.

K2, I agree with everyone. Like KT and Daniella, the second idea intrigues me the most. However, you have to write where the muse is, particularly on limited time. In the meantime, we'll all be patiently waiting and hoping for it to be soon, while understanding if it's not. TJ, wonderfully romantic, particularly on Jason's part. Mark, IMHO needs some serious help. Poor Princess, being put on the spot like that. He'll be lucky if she doesn't reach for her Yo-Yo. Everyone, thanks for the comments. I have the end of that little piece written up, need to type it now (I'll get it posted tonight or tomorrow). The middle will have to wait for revisions (as will the names), which will be after I get the first two stories written (or rewritten as is the case in the first). However, in the mean time, I'd love suggestions for the song they danced to.

Amethyst, I think to know the song they danced too, we'd have to know their identities, and how the two have related/interacted in the past. As for Princess, I am still trying to figure out myself how she will react! Right now she's just stunned. Daniella, yes there will be more... next Thursday! This is the story I update every Thursday. If you go back to the beginning of the thread, you can see it's been going on for about a year now.

Originally posted by Transmute Jun I think you should do whichever piece best fits the prompt of 'romance'.

Either piece will fits decently with Romance...such as I write it...but it seems the filler bit seems to be sparking the most interest. Will see what I can do...

Originally posted by amethyst However, in the mean time, I'd love suggestions for the song they danced to.

I gonna go for broke and suggest...."I Got You Babe," by Sonny and Cher... (living on caffine, which does terrible things to the 'muse.')

Ame, If the male is the Condor, can I suggest "How you remind me" by Nickleback?

Originally posted by KT1972 Ame, If the male is the Condor, can I suggest "How you remind me" by Nickleback?

For that matter, the Condor could use Broken Wings by Mr. Mister.

Good choice TJ, now what about the Eagle? How about "Silent Running" by Mike and the Mechanics?

Originally posted by Transmute JunDaniellam yes there will be more... next Thursday! This is the story Iupdate every Thursday. If you go back to the beginnign of the thread, you can see it's been going on for about a year now.

For some reason, I thought you were ending the story, I'm glad I was wrong!

K2, I, of course, vote for the Joe/Iona piece.

Uh oh, there seems to be a lull in the conversation! Let's see if this stirs things up a bit. . . The wheelchair was on its side, the left wheel spinning languidly in the air. Zark gently ran his fingers along the exposed chrome. . .

EWWWWW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Originally posted by ElectricWhite Uh oh, there seems to be a lull in the conversation! Let's see if this stirs things up a bit. . .

First thought when I read this.....

The wheelchair was on its side, the left wheel spinning languidly in the air. Zark gently ran his fingers along the exposed chrome. . .

Since when does ZARK HAVE FINGERS??? Lol... Really, hope to be writing and posting tonight...Kids were home from school today, and I have to pry the laptop from them...gah!

I think you posted this before, EW. It's not new!!!! Uh... not that I'm encouraging you to write more... unless it doesn't include Zark!

Originally posted by Transmute Jun I think you posted this before, EW. It's not new!!!! Uh... not that I'm encouraging you to write more... unless it doesn't include Zark!

Now, where did I say it was new, hmm? I just said I wondered if it would stir things up a bit! (And, anyway, the chair's other wheel was spinning the last time, if I remember correctly...) Oh, man, I just had an image of wheelchair love pop into my head that doesn't include Zark! I hope you're happy, TJ!

Originally posted by ElectricWhite Oh, man, I just had an image of wheelchair love pop into my head that doesn't include Zark! I hope you're happy, TJ!

Well, happy isn't exactly the word... but if it doesn't include Zark, it will be far better, I'm sure!

Originally posted by Transmute Jun

Originally posted by ElectricWhite Oh, man, I just had an image of wheelchair love pop into my head that doesn't include Zark! I hope you're happy, TJ!

Well, happy isn't exactly the word... but if it doesn't include Zark, it will be far better, I'm sure!

CONSIDER YOURSELF WARNED! The wheelchair sat upright in Zarks's ready room, its wheels locked in place. 1-Rover-1 was in its seat, making the chair bounce vigorously. . .

OMG!!! you're telling us that 1-Rover-1 humps wheelchairs!!!!! Whatever is this world coming to?

Originally posted by ElectricWhite The wheelchair sat upright in Zarks's ready room, its wheels locked in place. 1-Rover-1 was in its seat, making the chair bounce vigorously. . .

Ah, how cute. Rover is using the wheel chair as a trampoline.

Either way, robots are finding more ways to void the chair's warranty! (BTW nice comeback, Ame! I must remember that!)

Originally posted by ElectricWhite (BTW nice comeback, Ame! I must remember that!)

Thank you! We're heading out to dinner if we can get from here to there with weekend traffic. Figured that was the best way to keep from losing my appetite.

OMG. He's a Mississippi wheelchair-hound!

Originally posted by Becky Rock OMG. He's a Mississippi wheelchair-hound!

Ohhh what have I unleashed now?!

While that doesn't exactly keep my stomach calm, it's still far better than Zark!!!!!

Originally posted by ElectricWhite

Originally posted by Becky Rock OMG. He's a Mississippi wheelchair-hound!

Ohhh what have I unleashed now?!

Ermmm...for one thing, a dog?

EW's new theme song: "Who Let the Dogs Out?"

I loved that song being sung by the alien pug in Men in Black 2.

Originally posted by amethyst EW's new theme song: "Who Let the Dogs Out?"

It works better than "Dead Puppies Aren't Much Fun"!

Originally posted by ElectricWhite

Originally posted by amethyst EW's new theme song: "Who Let the Dogs Out?"

It works better than "Dead Puppies Aren't Much Fun"!

I don't even want to know!

Originally posted by amethyst

Originally posted by ElectricWhite

Originally posted by amethyst EW's new theme song: "Who Let the Dogs Out?"

It works better than "Dead Puppies Aren't Much Fun"!

I don't even want to know!

It's an actual song, a regular on the playlist of the Dr. Demento radio show (it was really popular!) The group's name was Ogden Edsel.

I fondly remember being a student in London and watching "Beavis and Butthead" with my American flatmates, and the song "Walking the dog" with Beavis and Butthead rocking to it...

It looks like we'll have a kennel full of dog songs before long!

BTW, the dog in the smiley looks remarkably like Milou from Tintin (which, trust me, is BIG in Belgium)!

Originally posted by Daniella T BTW, the dog in the smiley looks remarkably like Milou from Tintin (which, trust me, is BIG in Belgium)!

It took me a moment. . .in America, Tintin's dog is called "Snowy". While Tintin's not as big here, I know a lot of people who were familiar with the books before Spielberg's movie came out.

I'd heard of it or saw it somewhere, but never followed it, although the movie looked interesting. I hope to catch it on one of the movie channels.

Dog's got a different name in each country. Even in Belgium, it's Milou for the French-speakers and Bobby for the Dutch-speakers, not to mention that Tintin is Kuifje in Dutch! Becky, the movie is very interesting, mainly due to the technology used. I had never read the comics, and was I bit reluctant to go see the movie, but I loved it!

Originally posted by Daniella T Dog's got a different name in each country. Even in Belgium, it's Milou for the French-speakers and Bobby for the Dutch-speakers, not to mention that Tintin is Kuifje in Dutch! Becky, the movie is very interesting, mainly due to the technology used. I had never read the comics, and was I bit reluctant to go see the movie, but I loved it!

I should be ashamed of myself. As soon as I saw "Kuifje", I found myself about to say, "Um, geshundheit?" I should be really, really ashamed of myself!

Originally posted by ElectricWhite I should be ashamed of myself. As soon as I saw "Kuifje", I found myself about to say, "Um, geshundheit?" I should be really, really ashamed of myself!

It's even better when you hear it, instead of just reading it! BTW, I really love Dutch, and have been trying to learn some, but some words still crack me up

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Intriguing, K2, but I'm a little confused as to who David is and his relationship to the whole affair. I'm guessing that he has premonitions and can make intuitive leaps because of them? Or am I misinterpreting? How old is Iona supposed to be in this piece?

Originally posted by Transmute Jun Intriguing, K2, but I'm a little confused as to who David is and his relationship to the whole affair. I'm guessing that he has premonitions and can make intuitive leaps because of them? Or am I misinterpreting?

David is a pilot. One of those disposable UN/ISO fellows that make up the series. I thought to give one a name and a personality. Sorta like my own immigrant ancestors that fought in WW2. What I was trying to do in my limited time, was to show that David can 'see,' things. Toss him a baby shoe, he might be able to tell you where a missing child is. Brush against an enemy pilot, he might be able to figure out their plan of attack, etc....He is smart, he is cunning, and he believes he might have betrayed the one girl he loved in order to save his own ass, and those of his squadron..

How old is Iona supposed to be in this piece?

I'll answer a quote with a quote....Second paragraph of the intro...

A good chunk of it happens right before "Dirty Game." when Jinpei and Iona get ahold of the launch codes for the Phoenix...

Part of the original version of this had a big verbal fight between Iona and Jinpei, that Ken breaks up--but instead of making things better between the two younger members, it only made them worse...

K2, it was nice to read about one of the background people.

Originally posted by Becky Rock K2, it was nice to read about one of the background people.

So Davy obviously likes Iona, wants to be more than friends even, is Iona just shy or simply not interested in him the same way?

So Davy obviously likes Iona, wants to be more than friends even, is Iona just shy or simply not interested in him the same way?

I think he likes her, perhaps a lot...but he also knows she has ties to the Special Forces....As far as Iona goes, she's lived a VERY sheltered existance, which I think could be said for the entire team...but deep down, she'd like to get to know him better. Yes.

I loved the way you introduced Jun in the piece! This is getting more and more intriguing, well done!

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good to see Iona is intergrating well with the teammates!! So what did Ken think of the outfit then?

k2p2: An intriguing new character, and a chilling vision. I like his fear of her two "brothers." Man it has to be hard to get a date with Joe and Ken watching your would-be suitors with looks usually saved for Galactor.

Hehe specimen in the bug collection, good one.

Originally posted by KT1972 So what did Ken think of the outfit then?

I have no idea...but after Jun put Iona's hair up in a couple of beaded combs and put some lip gloss on the poor girl, I'm sure Joe had a hissy....

Originally posted by ChrisW k2p2: An intriguing new character, and a chilling vision. .

Yeah, and did you see next week's prompt? Yep, I got the bodies....

I like his fear of her two "brothers." Man it has to be hard to get a date with Joe and Ken watching your would-be suitors with looks usually saved for Galactor.

Poor Davy, even with that knife he keeps in his case for those 'iffy,' places Molly books for them to play, Davy knows he'd be waaayy outclassed. Sorta like bringing a knife to a gunfight, except the other two don't need any guns... I can picture the scene...Ken slapping Joe on the back at the breakfast table saying..."Remember, Iona, a good friend will help you move." And Joe answering..."But a best friend will help you move a body." Iona pushes her plate of scrambled eggs away in disgust and storms off. Ryu, noticing the unfinished breakfast pulls it toward him, muttering...."You got that right." And they wonder why she's so skinny....

Originally posted by ElectricWhite Taped to a wall was a red square with "EW" handwritten on it. She went over to it and reached for it. "A card?" she said to nobody, "Now, who'd do that?"

Originally posted by amethyst Great job, EW! I like how you kept it open at the end.

I agree! Though I am curious who the sender is...

K2, I love this little addition! It's nice to see Iona bonding with the rest of the Team (i.e. other than Jinpei and Joe). It's also nice to see Jun get some 'girl time'... you can tell it's something she misses.

Originally posted by k2p2 Yeah, and did you see next week's prompt? Yep, I got the bodies....

Oh yes. Already threw my bodies on the floor. *grin*

Poor Davy, even with that knife he keeps in his case for those 'iffy,' places Molly books for them to play, Davy knows he'd be waaayy outclassed. Sorta like bringing a knife to a gunfight, except the other two don't need any guns...

*grin*

I can picture the scene...Ken slapping Joe on the back at the breakfast table saying..."Remember, Iona, a good friend will help you move." And Joe answering..."But a best friend will help you move a body."

*snicker* Oh dear, Dave's in trouble.

Originally posted by lborgia88

Originally posted by ElectricWhite Taped to a wall was a red square with "EW" handwritten on it. She went over to it and reached for it. "A card?" she said to nobody, "Now, who'd do that?"

Originally posted by amethyst Great job, EW! I like how you kept it open at the end.

I agree! Though I am curious who the sender is...

It never ceases to amaze me how some of the most anal people regarding their appropriate inside attire tend to wear the least at the beach. So Jun finally has a fellow female to talk to.

Originally posted by Daniella T Maybe that's why he was so taken by Andrea, as a defense against Sarah's possible rejection. Sighing deeply and realising that he was thinking nonsense again, he pressed the "reply" key.

I hope you continue this! So nice to get a look into Chief Anderson's personal life -and it looks like it's about to get a lot more interesting!

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Originally posted by k2p2 David is a pilot. One of those disposable UN/ISO fellows that make up the series. I thought to give one a name and a personality.

Good idea -we know those people exist, and it's interesting to see how the war against Galactor, or the Ninjas, look from their perspective.

Originally posted by k2p2 What I was trying to do in my limited time, was to show that David can 'see,' things. Toss him a baby shoe, he might be able to tell you where a missing child is. Brush against an enemy pilot, he might be able to figure out their plan of attack, etc...

Rather eerie, this "seeing" ability that he has -I take it that Dr. Nambu is aware of David's ability then? The vision that he had doesn't seem to promise anything good for his chances with Iona!

Originally posted by lborgia88 Ooh, there's a story there...

Yes there is, and it is finally coming slowly. The first draft of the final portion is done. Now I just need to write the beginning and middle and revise.

Originally posted by lborgia88 I hope to see more this! I'd guess it's Swan and Condor here?

There is more to come, but I'm not sure how quickly it will be before I post the finished version. As for the last part, guess away, but I won't confirm or deny. At least not at this time.

But Ame, enquiring minds want to know!

k2p2- love your writing style...and the way you gave such attention to detail in the development of the background characters! Good to see Jun bonding with another girl, too! Interesting idea- the "seeing" ability...I had this type of idea nagging at me for a while...but it involved Jun...and I'm not sure if my idea was exactly the same as yours (as far as what the ability involves)...

Originally posted by Springie k2p2- the way you gave such attention to detail in the development of the background characters! Good to see Jun bonding with another girl, too!

Character backgrounds seem to be my specialty. I have waaay to much of them...But it also comes from what I learned about writing. I'm really trying to show what these characters are like through their behavior. Seems to be working. (does happy dance)

Interesting idea- the "seeing" ability...I had this type of idea nagging at me for a while...but it involved Jun...and I'm not sure if my idea was exactly the same as yours (as far as what the ability involves)...

oooooh--can't wait to read it. Although as far as ESP-type perceptions go, this is going to be it, and for Davy, it is not reliable, nor can he interpret things correctly all the time.

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Sweet!! Still left wondering who the couple are, they have been together many years now, but why haven't they kept in touch with the others? (I'm assuming the others are the rest of the team!) Going to enjoy reaading the whole thing when it's completed!

And where is he going? This is really intriguing!

Can't help it but I want to tidy....yes, I know it is rough, but a very nice start. The only thing that really had me scratching my head is that whomever this is, they have been gone for 15 years and are just now coming home-or-they've been at this type of life for 15 years? --and you have no idea how close to home this hits... The first Gatch fic I wrote (and going nowhere, I might add) deals with this same subject.

Originally posted by k2p2 Can't help it but I want to tidy....yes, I know it is rough, but a very nice start. The only thing that really had me scratching my head is that whomever this is, they have been gone for 15 years and are just now coming home-or-they've been at this type of life for 15 years? --and you have no idea how close to home this hits... The first Gatch fic I wrote (and going nowhere, I might add) deals with this same subject.

Thanks K2! Actually everyone. These comments help as revise. Actually, since I should make that my first revision, they've been a couple for fifteen years. He's only been gone a few days. Don't feel bad abut it going no where. I started the first part of this story, almost three years ago, and still need to finish it. If I don't I can't finish this segment. Plus there is a middle part that is still begging to come out too. I look forward to seeing yours. You know, you can use the Writer's Block to post the draft to get feedback. That might give inspiration to get the story turned around again.

Amethyst, this is definitely intriguing! But I can see why she doesn't want to travel with the kids... he must be going somewhere not kids-friendly... the ISO?

Interesting, Amethyst! My mind is still trying to wrap itself around who it could be...great piece!

Definitely looking forward to seeing more of this, Amethyst. Enjoying trying to figure out who "he" is, can't wait to find out.

Ame, you've further wet my whistle, but I'm not positive this couple are members of the team. The midde will come out of nowhere. I get some of my best ideas or solve some of my biggest blocks in the shower.

Originally posted by Becky Rock Ame, you've further wet my whistle, but I'm not positive this couple are members of the team.

Interesting point...allowing for even more speculation!

Ooh, glad to see there's more... I'm still guessing that it's Swan & Condor -the reference to "good luck charm" has me thinking that he's out of town often because of something to do with car-racing!

My romance piece has been expanded into a full story (it's not a romance story though, hehe): http://www.gatchfanfic.com/viewstory.php?sid=1351

Not all romance stories end with a romance. Some of hope, some of angst, some are just one sided, some have a little bit of everything.

Originally posted by amethyst Not all romance stories end with a romance. Some of hope, some of angst, some are just one sided, some have a little bit of everything.

Indeed.