Disclaimer: the lyrics on this page aren't mine. they're the lyrics of 'It is you (I have loved') by Dana Glover. It's on the Shrek soundtrack. Don't know who exactly wrote the lyrics, but they're not mine. just so you know.

'Where the hell are they? Surely there can't be that many fans asking for autographs tonight. I mean, it's only a small gig.'�

Looking up from her book, ElArtemis raised her eyebrows at her red headed sister sitting across the table from her. She sat slumped forwards on the wooden table, resting her chin on the polished surface of it, tapping her feet impatiently on the floor. Her eyes were fixed on the door on the opposite side of the bar from where they sat together, waiting for her uncle and his band to come out from backstage. They had invited Sakura and ElArtemis along to the gig that night so they could hang out at their mansion afterwards, but the two girls had been waiting for at least 45 minutes now, and there was still no sign of Almost Tainted coming through that door.

'You know what they're like, Sakura, they were all wearing so much make up tonight. Just have a little patience.'� ElArtemis advised, feigning indifference.

Ostensibly, she made it appear as if she wasn't getting impatient waiting for the boys to come out, but really, she knew exactly how Sakura was feeling. Just as Sakura harboured feeling of love for the band's bassist, Neo, ElArtemis too had a soft spot for one of the members of Almost Tainted. Her cheeks grew warm as she reflected on the angelic features of the lead singer, Fran. His dyed turquoise hair, mismatched honey eyes and lean, toned body. She knew for a fact that he was in perfect shape, as he regularly went without a shirt, finding them bothersome and awkward, what with his wings and all. A smile crossed her lips as she thought of the many times her sister had informed her that he too had taking a liking to her, but ElArtemis wasn't about to risk her heart for what her mother would call a 'simple crush'.

Across the table, Sakura suddenly shot to attention, sitting up straight and looking in surprise at someone behind ElArtemis, who instinctively turned in her seat to see who was behind her. Her eyes widened and blood rushed to her cheeks as she saw before her the very boy she had just been daydreaming about. As always, he wore no shirt, and he wore dark blue combats that complimented the lighter shade of blue in his hair. He was looking down on her, looking almost awestruck, and their eyes caught one another's gaze for one amazing moment in time.

'Heya Fran, glad you decided to come out and visit us finally!'� Sakura's voice cut into their thoughts and the moment passed as sudden as it had come about. Fran dragged his eyes from ElArtemis', looking up towards Sakura.

'Ah- actually, I was wondering if I might have the pleasure of the Lady ElArtemis' company for a moment, on her own. I have a few matters I'd quite like to discuss with her of the private kind.'� Fran stuttered, suddenly looking very hot under the collar. His cheeks flushed to match the colour of Sakura's hair as she pouted, looking hurt.

'Hey, I'm your friend too, y' know! There's nothing you can't- ohhhhhh!'� she gasped suddenly, finally noticing the bouquet of flowers grasped in Fran's hands, and, over at the backstage door, 3 other boys waving frantically at her. They seemed to be trying to sign to her something along the lines of

'Get the bunny out of there!'

She looked at the blushing couple, grinning perversely.

'Heh'� um, I think I'm gonna go check up on the rest of the guys, or something. I'll be right back, whenever you want! See ya!'� And with that, Sakura was speeding across the bar, and then she disappeared backstage, leaving Fran and ElArtemis looking awkwardly at each other.

'Um, would you like to accompany me outside, Lady?'� Fran asked eloquently.

ElArtemis blushed even harder at the use of her title.

'I'd be honoured.'� She answered, taking Fran's outstretched arm and letting him lead her outside.

The cold winter winds hit them as soon as they stepped outside, a refreshing change from the humid heat of the bar behind them.

'Look at it. Isn't it beautiful?'�

Fran gazed out across the freshly fallen snow, mesmerised by the plains of white. ElArtemis, though, had eyes only for him. To her, he was the most beautiful thing out here, and she was beginning to wonder if what she felt for him really was just a crush.

'There is something that I see

In the way you look at me

There's a smile, there's a truth in your eyes'�

He slid his eyes toward her, suddenly aware of her eyes on him. His face broke into a brilliant smile and he turned to her, holding out the bouquet of roses.

'Here. I, um, bought these for you.'� He said shyly. ElArtemis just stared at them, surprised, so he reached out and took her hand. He wrapped it around the bottom of the bouquet, passing them over to her. 'Take them. They're yours.'� He urged.

'But an unexpected way

On this unexpected day

Could it mean this is where I belong

it is you I have loved all along'�

She stared in wonder at the beautiful flowers now in her grasp, new emotions overcoming her. Fran stepped closer to her, stretching his hand towards her ebony hair. Gently he took a strand of it in his fingers, watching it slide between them. He lifted his gaze without warning, surprising ElArtemis by looking deep into her eyes.

'It's no more mystery

It is finally clear to me

You're the home my heart searched for so long

And it is you I have loved all along'�

'Fran, I'� I really think'�'� she started, but was silenced by his fingertips brushing her lips. They were soft, never having been used in manual labour or any other activity that might have made his hands calloused. His mouth curved upwards into a gentle smile, one that stole the breath from her lungs, binding her to him.

'There were times I ran to hide

Afraid to show the other side

Alone in the night without you'�

'This may seem sudden to you, El, but I'� think I might be falling in love with you. No! No, I know for sure I am. From the very start, when Sakura first introduced us, I've thought you were amazing. You're strong but gentle, wise and kind and beautiful'� and I've fallen for you. I've fallen for you hard. I love you, El, and I really need to know'�. if you love me back. Because if you don't, then I'll back off. I don't want to cause any trouble, I just'� needed to get it off my chest.'�

Fran said truthfully, stepping even closer to ElArtemis' star struck form, and gripping her shoulders tenderly in his hands. For a moment, she said nothing, then slowly, a smile spread across her face.

'But now I know just who you are

And I know you hold my heart

Finally this is where I belong

It is you I have loved all along'�

'You won't need to back off, Fran. I think that maybe, I've fallen in love with you too. How could I not? You're so nice to me. You're not pushy, and you care for me before yourself.'� She smiled up at him, the first unrestrained smile he had ever seen on her beautiful face.

'It's no more mystery

It is finally clear to me

You're the home my heart searched for so long

And it is you I have loved all along'�

Struck by this sudden open show of emotion from ElArtemis, Fran was unable to hold back his own. Without any warning he swooped down and pressed his mouth to hers, moving his hands down to her hips as he did so. Her eyes widened in outright shock for the second time that evening, frozen in his embrace.

'Over and over

I'm filled with emotion

Your love, it rushes through my veins'�

Then she relaxed, realising that she didn't feel violated by having his body so close to hers. She took one last look at his face and let her eyes drift shut, letting the flowers drop from her hands as she did as her instincts told her and wrapped her arms around his neck and shoulders. She closed the final few centimetres between their heated bodies by pressing against him trustingly; deepening the kiss they were sharing.

'And I am filled

With the sweetest devotion

As I, I look into your perfect face'�

Fran was the first one to pull back, slowly lifting his eyelids and gazing lovingly down at ElArtemis' flushed face. Even thought it was freezing cold outside, they both felt unbearably heated.

'I love you, El. I really, really do.'� He whispered, resting his chin on the top of her head. ElArtemis leaned into his bare chest, yearning to feel the touch of his skin again.

'I love you too, Fran.'�

'It's no more mystery

It is finally clear to me

You're the home my heart searched for so long

And it is you I have loved

It is you I have loved

It is you I have loved all along'�

He smiled at her, relieved that he wasn't to be rejected. She bent down and retrieved her bouquet of flowers, then with the other hand took Fran's warm palm.

'Come on. Let's go back inside.'� She said. Fran nodded, and together they walked back through the snow, hand in hand, the excitement of new love pulsing thought their veins.

Silently, they swore they'd never leave each other's side, not until the day they died.

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