Little Red Box

Viktor smiled into the phone as he said his goodbyes to Sadie. His heart was fluttering as he hung up the phone, part of his mind trying to convince him not to go through with his plan for tomorrow. Keep things normal he told himself, don’t endanger your friendship because you’ve got a hard on for the girl. He forced those thoughts back down and rolled over so he was staring at the ceiling, trying to force his eyes closed.

His mind whirled with thoughts of Sadie, but thirty straight hours of work quickly won out over his desire to figure out his feelings. He quickly fell into a deep sleep his dreams full of images of a beautiful dark haired woman pleasuring him for hours. He awoke many hours later, embarrassed by the mess he had made of his bed. He sighed and rose his eyes turning towards the window. Sadie’s room appeared empty and he checked the time, surprised how long he had slept. She was likely at work now. He trooped towards the shower, taking a long time to get ready for the day, finally settling down with a cup of coffee and getting to work.

Morning quickly faded into afternoon and afternoon into early evening as he worked, until around four when he brightened his eyes, calling the office. He’d found the money! With a quick phone call he informed his partner to take the necessary steps to get everything in order. He smiled and sat back, letting all his stress flow away for a moment. Everything was fixed at work, he still had four days before Christmas to relax and he was having dinner with Sadie tonight. That thought made a little of the stress come back, knowing that it was a little over an hour away. He headed into the bathroom, taking another quick shower before fishing out the nicest suit he had from his closet. He was all ready by five thirty and he figured that was enough time for Sadie to get home. He smiled and grabbed the dozen roses he’d bought earlier that day when he went out for lunch and walked out the front door, smiling as he stepped up to Sadie’s door and rang the door bell.
 
The day flew by and soon Sadie found herself back at home. She turned on her music as it was something that soothed her. Right now she was listening to something jazzy, soft and smooth. Some would even say seductive.

Getting into shower, washing her body, feeling the warmth over her skin. Sadie had though of nothing but Vik the entire day. She couldn't wait to spend time with him. It was a wonder she got anything at all done.

Drying herself odd she went to the closet found her red backless dress and smiled. No bra tonight she though. The dress would cling to her body like a second skin. The fabric was soft and smooth and would flutter when she would walk.

Going to her dresser she pulled out a pair of red silk panties. More like thong she thought to herself. Stepping in them she watched her reflection in the mirror. She then put on the dress. Sadie was right, it hugged her like nothing she had ever worn.

She made her way back into the bathroom, put some curls into her hair and added some lip gloss. She had a natural beauty and didn't pike on the makeup for that reason.

Just as she was about to put on her shoes she heard the doorbell ring. Viktor she thought with a smile. SHe walked out and opened the dorr with a smile. Seeing first the flowers and then the man she wanted.

"Vik thank you, come on in. I just need to get my shoes. Might I say you look great."
 
Viktor waited on the front door, shifting around nervously, trying to do his best to straighten his face and not give her any reason to think that he was anxious. He smiled slightly as he heard the sound of light footsteps coming for the door and he brought the flowers up from behind his back to give to her.

The door opened and Viktor tried to think of something witty to say, but his breath was taken away by what he saw. Viktor wore a finely tailored Armani suite expertly shaped to his body, but what she wore made him feel like a kid in his dad’s suit. Her dress hugged every curve perfectly, the soft fabric clung to her body sending memories of the previous night rushing to the front of his mind. He stood completely speechless for a moment as she invited him in, finally recovering his wit enough to smile graciously at her and follow her inside. “You look…. Absolutely stunning tonight.” He said in all honesty, trying to wrench his eyes off her as he followed her past the entryway of her home.

He knew she would look good, hell she could have put on a garbage sack and somehow made it look good, but this was something else entirely. Again his mind started debating the merits of being honest with her this night. Did he really want to risk losing her fully? Again he forced his objections to his plan down. It had to be done. “So our reservations are in about half an hour. Did you want to drive or should I call for a car?” He asked, his eyes still watching her every movement with awe and affection.
 
Moving into her room she put on her strappy red heels. The four inch heels gave her caves a workout but damn they made her look good. She smiled running her hands over her body before heading back into the living room. Sadie smiled once again at the very stunning man.

"You can drive my car if you want Viktor. I'll let you," she said teasingly as she grabbed her little red bag.

Her stomach was doing flip flops. Sadie had never been so nervous. She hoped she looked like a woman and not just a friend. She wanted him to see her as so much more. Knowing now that there was a chance he could have seen her last night made her smile inside.

Twirling around in front of him she asked,"So I did alright with my dress?"
 
Viktor gawked again when she returned to the living room, thinking that there couldn’t be much she could do to improve upon her appearance but the heels had definitely been a good touch. He smiled at her, trying to do his best not to stare, but knowing she must have at least some idea the effect her appearance was having on him.

“Sure I’ll drive, if you trust me enough that is.” He said with a chuckle trying to use a small amount of humor to defuse the sexual tension that was almost palpable to him. His mind just kept flickering back to what he had seen last night, and that combined with the thought of his plan for tonight was making him so nervous he almost felt a little sick.

He watched her twirl in front of him, the dress doing very interesting things to her body during the movements and he felt some primal need rising up inside him that he had to force down. It was much harder to do than he thought it would be. “You did great… I don’t think I’ve ever seen or will ever see a more beautiful woman after tonight.” He said with a warm smile and a wink, rising to his feet, getting her coat and helping her put it on from behind. He briefly considered encircling her waist, telling her everything there and then, getting it over with, but he held himself, wanting to at least get a final meal with her before things got weird.

He offered his arm to her and walked towards the door, snagging her car keys, his mind full of thoughts of the future and the trial that awaited him this night…
 
Sadie could feel his eyes on her, almost melting into her body. She smiled, it was nice to feel like a woman. A woman that was with a man that may think of her as more then a friend. At least she hoped he would.

"Vik, thank you," Sadie said.

What she wanted to do was run her hand over his cheek. To feel his skin against hers. To press her soft lips to his and taste him. She held back though. For the sake of their friendship. She wanted that and couldn't let her body's needs drive her.

"I trust you Viktor, just one scratch though," she laughed as he opened the door for her.

She sat in and watched him walk around. His suit looked amazing on him. Tailored to fit him perfectly. She could only stare. That needed to stop before he asked her about it.

He started the car and she began playing with the radio. Wanting something to suit her mood. Something sweet, soft, a tad romatic one would say. Sadie didnt care she wanted it. So she would have it, she thought.
 
Try as he might Viktor couldn’t keep his eyes off Sadie this night. The dress fit her perfectly, accentuated everything about her that made her beautiful and just reminded Viktor how much he needed her. He hoped she hadn’t noticed that he was staring at her, lust in her eyes, but by the small smile she wore upon her face it was clear that she had. Well she had chosen the dress, maybe, just maybe, Viktor hoped, she had wanted him to see her the way he was right now. More likely though she just wanted to make him feel uncomfortable to get a laugh out of the situation.

He stared into her eyes as she thanked him, slight confusion playing over his eyes but he just smiled and nodded, figuring she would assume he knew what was going on even if he was completely lost himself.

“I’ll do my best, though I can’t guarantee anything, a beautiful machine like this is just begging for me to let the horses out…” He revved the engine slightly and then chuckled at the false annoyance that flashed across her face. “Don’t worry, I’ll be gentle.” He promised as she fiddled with the radio. He took off down the road, smiling at her choice of music. Everything seemed perfect Viktor thought. If only they were together.

Fifteen minutes later they had arrived downtown and Viktor pulled up to the restaurant, smiling as the valet came forward and opened the door, noticing the way he looked at Sadie. He tossed the keys to the young man and offered his arm to Sadie as they moved into the restaurant.

He whistled slightly, taking in the grand architecture. An interesting fusion between gothic and classical. The sweeping ceiling held crystal chandeliers and the soft sound of violin music filled the restaurant. The maitre d’ recognized him instantly as Viktor had been in yesterday to make the reservation. “Ahhh kind sir, this way please, the table has been readied.” He smiled as he led them down into the restaurant, all eyes turning to stare as they passed. “Wow Sadie, you certainly are a head turner.” He whispered into Sadie’s ear as they were seated.
 
Sadie looked around the restaraunt in awe. She had never seen something so amazingly beautiful. It nearly took her breath away. That could have been just being with Viktor. Sadie didn't know, it didn't matter as they moved through the place. Soon they were being seated. Everyone seemed to be staring.

Sadie laughed soft when he whispered the same thing she had just been thinking about. "I don't think Vik its all me. You are very stunning in that suit," she told him.

She watched as menu's were placed on the table. She had decided to let him order for her on the way here. Viktor didn't know it yet though. She smiled up as the waiter left them briefly.

"Since I'm feeling in the trusting mood Viktor. Order for me would you. I'll test you dinning skills so to say," she said her eyes sparkling in the low light.

Yes Sadie was teasing him but also wanted this to feel like a date. Not just old friends hanging out with each other. Something more, something different. Her hands played with her napkin as she watched him. Sadie had never been happier.
 
Viktor blushed slightly at her compliment. He knew he looked good in the suit, he’d bought it and had it tailored just for that purpose. But there it felt completely different knowing he looked good and having Sadie tell him he did. “Nah, if they’re staring at me it’s only because they want to know what I did right to have such a lovely woman on my arm.” He said with a knowing smile as he picked up his menu raising it to his face to hide a nervous wiping of his brow. Everything seemed to be going perfect, which just made Viktor all the more certain the night would end in disaster.

Viktor blanched slightly as Sadie informed him that he would be ordering for her, then chuckled slightly. “So you’ll be having the cheapest item on the menu then?” He said jokingly as he scanned the menu for something he thought she’d enjoy. The waiter came by again and Viktor, still not having decided on what they’d be eating, ordered an expensive bottle of pinot noir and another of Riesling white wine from the Saar region. The waiter brought the wine just as Viktor had decided what they would dine on. He smiled at Sadie before ordering. “I’ll be having the dry aged new york steak with garlic mashed potatoes. I’ll also have the potato, leeks and Alaskan king crab soup to start. The lady will start with the house Caeser salad and have the Australian rock lobster tail with rice pilaf.” He set the menu down and let the waiter collect them and fill their wine glasses as he stared across the table at Sadie. “That sound alright to you?” He asked with a playful smile.
 
Sadie smield as she listed to Viktors order. Lobster was her favorite. She didn't know if he remembered or just guessed. Either way dinner was turning out wonderfully. She sat there looking at him, hearing the soft music being played. Not being able to help herself she swayed a little in her seat. She would love to dance with Viktor. She imagined he was a great dancer.

"You did very well Viktor. I love lobster, one of my favorite things. Here I thought you would got me something from the kids menu just to be a smart ass," Sadie laughed.

She took a sip of her wine. It tasted wonderful going down her parched throat. Sadie was a tad nervous. Wierd she had never been this way before. She and Viktor had always had their moments, but she never felt like this. Not sure what to say, where their conversation should go. Sadie knew she shouldn't worry. That she should just relax and enjoy her night with him.

"So Viktor, do you think you might be willing to have a little go on the dance floor with me?"
 
Viktor poured them both a glass of wine and sipped it slowly savoring the smooth woody flavor smiling softly at Sadie over the rim of the glass. He had remembered she’d loved lobster. He remembered when she had gotten perfect grades sophomore year and her parents had taken the whole lot of them out for dinner. For some reason she had insisted he come along, I guess they were good friends then, still it had struck Viktor as odd then. Still he remembered how excited Sadie had been when she’d gotten her lobster and that made it easy for Viktor to choose her meal. “Believe me, if I could have found the kids menu amongst all that French writing I’d have been all over it in a moment.” He said with a teasing smile on his face. “Nah, that’s not right at all. This night is for you Sadie.” He said cryptically, taking her hand and kissing it with a playful wink.

Viktor thought maybe he was overdoing it a little, he was really nervous, trying to figure out the proper moment to bring up all the things he had to say. He wanted a chance to eat, to spend some time with Sadie… and he wanted everything to be perfect because deep in his gut he was fairly sure this would be the last night he’d see her again. He sighed slightly as he stared at her, again questioning the wisdom of being honest with her. He watched her move, somehow she managed to be subtly sensual even just swaying to the music. He blinked slightly as he realized they had somehow finished off an entire bottle of wine already, and dinner hadn’t even come yet.

He smiled at her as she asked him to dance, glancing back to make sure that their first course was still a bit away. He looked back to her, staring into her dark eyes again, wondering what she was thinking. “Well I’ve never been much of a dancer…” not true “but I’d be a fool to pass up the chance for a dance with such a beautiful woman.” He blushed slightly, the wine making him say things before his brain registered the words. He rose on steady legs and offered his hand to her, leading them both onto the dance floor where he took Sadie in his arms and let the rhythm guide his feet.
 
Sadie smiled as she stepped into his arms. They went around her like they had always belonged there. As if she was made simply for him. That idea made her e very happy. So did the fact that she now found herself wearing a wonderfull dress, and had ogles of people staring at them.

"I remeber you being a great dancer Viktor. Think I would forget your mother making you take class after class. Lucas teased you for hours over them."

Sadie laughed remember the little fights that they had. Her brother and this man. How had it all changed, why? SHe resigned herself to always wondering. When she spoke to her brother he never would answer. Always putting her off with a story or soething about his kids. It never stoped.

Sadie stoped thinking about the past. She was now here with Vik and would make the most of it. She moved with him, her body mere inches from his. They danced as though they were the only ones there. It amazed her as he twirled her around the room. The soft jazz filling the air as they laughed together.

"I'm so glad your here Viktor. Its been wonderful spending time, getting to know you all over again," Sadie whispered as she leaned her head lightly on his shoulder.

The musice fell around them as they moved a little slower. The music turning more romantic, more sensual. Sadie's hands, one in his hair while the other rested on his chest, felt the heat from his body. She could have been imagining it but it was almost if he wanted to kiss her.

So close...

Then the music ended and so did their dance as they made there way back to the table. Seeing the begings of their meal Sadie took a sip of her wine and began to eat. A silence between them now.
 
Viktor smiled ruefully as she called him on his lie. “Well sure I took dance classes, but that was many years ago. I don’t know if I really remember any of it…” He said before pushing her out into an elaborate spin and pulling her close before dipping her down low. He looked down into her eyes, something inside him screaming that this was the perfect moment. Forget about the truth, forget about explanations, forget about everything that had happened Viktor. Just kiss her!

The moment passed and Viktor felt very disappointed in himself. He couldn’t make the leap. Not until he’d come clean. That’s what he told himself but a little voice in his head mocked him, telling him he was just to scared to take the final leap. He sighed and continued dancing with Sadie, feeling her body so close to his. He swallowed slightly but quickly let his nervousness flow away from him as he lost himself in the flow of the dance. Sadie was a wonderful partner, anticipating his every move and following him flawlessly. She hadn’t forgotten the dance training she’d gotten either it seemed.

“I’m really glad I came back. This has been exactly the stress relief I needed, and so much more.” He said with a cryptic smile. “It’s been so wonderful seeing you again… it’s like I never left.” He said, seeing the questioning look that passed across her eyes. He smiled and twirled her again taking a deep content sigh when she rested her head against his shoulder. “I have a surprise for you after dinner.” He said smiling knowingly at her as the music slowed slightly. The romantic mood brought the urge to kiss her roaring back again, but this time he held back, knowing that his moment would come. Besides, he didn’t want to ruin dinner.

They made their way back to the table, sitting and beginning their first course. He stared at Sadie, feeling a little awkward as he sipped on the wine, knowing that soon he would be professing his true love for her.
 
Suprises, Viktor knew that Sadie loved them. She would be itching to find out what it was before too long. He knew that too. Knew that she would be near begging before he would tell her what it was. She had always been that way...

Damn him!

He knew her too well she thought as she began to eat her salad. Watching him, the silence growing more and more with each moment. Sadie didn't want that. She wanted conversaation, nothing keeping them apart.

"So you just told me that little bit to make me squirm. You knew how I love suprises. You are so evil," Sadie said with her own grin.

Things between them seemed perfect. She loved this, these special times. There was no pressure. Sure sexual tension was there, but it had always been. At least for her. She dealt with. Learned to be okay as long as she was near him.

Her future now seemed a little different. Sadie wanted it to include Viktor but she had no idea if he wanted to be part of it. All she could do was hope. Maybe wish on a star or two...
 
Viktor wasn’t sure what was causing the silence between them unless maybe Viktor had let too much of what he was thinking show on his face on the dance floor, but he had thought he’d done a good job of hiding, even deflecting anything by leaving her to think about whatever surprise he had prepared for her. He smiled ruefully at that, knowing she’d be tortured by the mystery of it.

He ate his soup carefully, not wanting to spill any on his suit but at the same time he kept his eyes focused on the beautiful woman ahead of him. He prayed silently that she was still as interested in him as she’d been all those years ago. He knew he’d done a great deal of damage to their friendship when he’d ran off unexplained, but hopefully she’d forgive him that once she knew…

He sighed, trying to think of something to say to break the awkward silence, but Sadie beat him to it and he breathed a small breath of relief as he smiled at her. “Well… maybe I like to see you squirm…” He winked. “You’re just too cute when you want to know a secret. Plus… it gives me all the power over you!” He laughed playfully his eyes full of mirth. The waiter showed back up and took away their empty plates, replacing them with their entrees. Viktor’s stomach rumbled as he looked at the meals before them. “Wow, this all looks delicious.” He said hungrily, but he quickly refilled their wine glasses before picking up his fork and knife to tear into his steak.
 
Sadie finished her meal just as the main course was being brought out. It looked wonderful. She couldn't wait to give it a try. Sadie watched as Viktor filled her wine glass and his. Was he trying to get her drunk, she thought with a laugh. As if he needed t. She would go to him willingly.

"Smells just as good as it looks. Excellent choice there Vik," she smiled as she began to eat.

Words were few as they each tasted their food. Sounds came from Sadie with each bite, mostly moans that gave her approval. The lobster was perfect. She had never tasted better. She looked up and into Viktors eyes as he was watching her intently.

"I know I'm making noises. Its just so delicious, it couldn't be helped. Would you like to try a bite?"

SHe hoped he would. She would love to feed him. Any reason to be just a little closer. To feel the heat from him, smell his cologne, it would be worth it. Sadie watched him with bated breath for an answer.
 
Viktor put the bottle down again, picking up the glass and taking a long sip. He wasn’t trying to get her drunk, but rather but himself in a more confident state so his rising doubts about the rest of the evening would disappear. He smiled slightly over the rim of his glass as she complimented his meal choice for her. “Well… I would hope that something as spendy as lobster would be good…. Since you just couldn’t be happy with the free bread…” He said with a chuckle and a wink as he took another sip, now feeling positively lightheaded as he ate his meal.

The steak was cooked to perfection, just juicy enough and blackened on the outside. Everything was perfect; he could see why this place always got such good reviews. He grinned at the noises Sadie was making while she ate her lobster, clearly enjoying the meal, which made him glad he’d made the right choice. Not that it would have been very hard if everything tasted this good. She looked up slightly embarrassed and he chuckled. “It’s fine, it’s taking all my willpower not to smack my lips after each bite…” He smiled. “I’d love to try some…” He leaned forward, hoping she’d choose to feed it to him rather than having to take it on his fork. Again he wondered if he should forget about being honest and just kiss her… but again he forced himself to patience as he waited for Sadie to give him some of her food.
 
Getting a forkful of her delicious lobster she moved over and fed Viktor. She couldn't help but smile the entire times as she watched him. Her eyes light up as she watched his lips move. She wanted to feel them move on her she knew. A little of the butter sauce was on the corner of his mouth and Sadie couldnt help it. She took her fingertip and wiped it away, taking it into her mouth and cleaning off her own finger.

Their eyes locked on each other. Silently watching, a tension between them growing with each passing moment. Slowly Sadie sat back down and looked away first. She watched her fork move on her plate and then resolve with a smile to ask him how it had tated. She needed to know. She knew that it tasted delicious being wipes from his mouth and wondered if he had felt it too.

"So Viktor, what do you think. Is it to your liking or do you need another bite?"

Sadie waited, a sly smile in her eyes. Wondering if he would take her up on it. Would it even mean anything if he did? Probably nothing other then good food. That would be her luck she thought silently. She reached over and took another sip of wine, licking her lips as she watched Viktor.
 
Viktor opened his mouth slightly as she gently placed the fork inside his mouth. He wasn’t surprised to find it was one of the most delicious bits of food he had ever eaten, but the taste was merely a background sensation as his eyes roamed over Sadie’s face, smiling happily. He thought he saw something in her eyes, something he was praying to see, a hint of more than just friendship. He sighed silently, figuring he was only seeing what he wanted to.

Her finger on his face sent a little jolt through his body again and he looked again into her eyes as she brought her finger to her mouth. He felt a stirring underneath the table as he watched her, again his mind wondering if maybe he wasn’t just seeing what he wanted to. Perhaps there was still a bit of spark between them. He smiled at her as she picked her fork back up and then questioned him about how the food was. “It was delicious. They certainly know how to make a lobster here, and you certainly know how to make it seem even more tasty.” He said chuckling nervously at his own bad jest. He busied himself cutting another off his steak so he wouldn’t have to look at her for a moment as he regained his composure.

Finally he smiled back up at her. “Fair is far.” He cut off a tiny bit of steak and held it up for her to take. “The beef here is absolutely delicious.” He carefully fed her a tiny bit, making sure none of it got on her lovely gown. The rest of the meal passed rather uneventfully, making the same kind of comfortable small talk that seemed to define their relationship as they finished off the wine. Finally the waiter showed back up again, clearing their places and asking if they’d like dessert. Viktor looked to Sadie, cocking his head. “Well would you like to stay and sample their treats or are you ready for your surprise?” He asked teasingly.
 
Hmmm stay and sample the treats here or find out what suprise he had for her, it was easy for Sadie. She smiled at Viktor, took a drink and then she told him what she wanted. It was a simple answer as if didn't already know. She nearly laughed at the thought.

"Viktor you know I'd much rather have my suprise, to hell with their treats. Sorry sir but it's true," she sadly told the guy.

She smield at Viktor as he laughed at her. She knew he would. It was part of the reason she said it as she did. Watching him laugh she couldn't help but do so as well. By the time they recovered the waiter had brought the chack and Vik had paid for their meal.

Curiosity ws getting the best of Sadie and she wanted to know what was the suprise. She loved them but hated them in the same moment. Her head shook as she thought about what it could be. Vik had given no hints just told her she had one. What was it?

"Give me a second though. I have to use the ladies room."

Getting up she walked to the restrooms. Noticing a few people staring as she walked. Their eyes looking her over. She looked in the mirror there. Adding a touch of lip gloss to her and smiled. She hoped that he caught onto her signals and would know Sadie wanted more but should he not then she would stop trying. Give into the fact they would be friends.

She walked out and was stopped by a man. Sadie saw Viktor go to stand as the guy handed her a napkin. She watched as he walked away and VIk meet her near their table. She knew he would ask but the guy had only handed her something and not spoken. Looking at Viktor Sadie opened it.

You are amazing. Call me..

Sadie took the napking and rolled up and put it on her plate. She watched Viktor, would he say anything she wondered? Maybe, maybe not so she decided to. "Why is it some guys think that works? As if I would ever, plus I'm here with you."

She smiled at him, letting him know that at this moment she was here with him. There was no place Sadie would rather be. She was happy with VIktor and now she wanted her surprise.

"Surprise please," she said.
 
Viktor smiled as Sadie sat there considering her options. He was pretty sure the decision had already been made in her mind before he’d even finished asking the question and the waiter stood there patiently as she pretended to debate it in her head. Viktor’s smile turned into a hearty laugh as she answered, apologizing to the waiter. The waiter put on a fake angry face and then joined them in laughing right along before retreating to his station to print up their check. Viktor couldn’t control himself, just feeling so happy being with her that he just kept laughing, which caused her to continue as well. A couple of people from the adjoining tables stared at them but he paid them no mind.

Viktor took the check when the waiter delivered it, not even looking at how much the meal was before slipping his card out and putting it on the table. He nodded to Sadie and watched her walk towards the ladies room as he sat there happily. This was the happiest he had been in as long as he could remember, at least since he had left the town all those years ago. He saw many men’s heads turn as Sadie walked across the restaurant towards the bathroom. He let out a small chuckle as he saw the angry faces of the women whose men were distracted by the vision of beauty walking across the room. He found himself again thinking about the night before, when she had unknowingly stripped for him. He blushed, guilty at those thoughts and the stirrings they brought up in him.

The waiter returned with the bill and Viktor looked at it now, widening his eyes slightly at the cost, but still leaving a very healthy tip for the waiter who had helped make the evening so nice. He stood just as Sadie was coming back out of the restroom and straightened his jacket, making sure there was no food or anything else on it. His eyes narrowed slightly in jealousy as she was intercepted by another man who passed her something, but he reminded himself that they weren’t really together, he had no right to be jealous when he couldn’t even bring himself to kiss her. Soon he told himself. Soon he would tell her, the evening was proceeding perfectly towards his setup for it.

He smiled and picked up Sadie’s jacket for her as she finished her business with the gentleman, holding it out for her to slip into. He saw her dump the napkin on the table and he smiled slightly at he saw the writing on it. “I don’t think most guys think it’ll work, but with a woman as beautiful as you they’re willing to try just about anything…” He leaned forward and kissed her cheek as she slipped into her jacket. It was a soft kiss, another one that lingered a moment too long to be completely friendly, but his confidence had been growing throughout dinner as he tried to interpret her actions towards him, his heart telling him that maybe there was something there that he desperately hoped there was.

Still he blushed slightly as he offered her his arm and they exited the restaurant, feeling like the luckiest man in the room as he walked out with Sadie. He retrieved the car from the valet, slipping the young man a ten dollar bill as he climbed in. “Ok… surprise time.” He said with a smile as he pulled the car out of the restaurant parking lot.

His memory of the town was still a bit foggy, especially with some of the major landmarks having changed while he was away, but there was one place he’d never forget how to get to. He drove confidently through town, and before long it was obvious where they were going, Ford’s pond. He pulled the car up right next to the pond, hopping out and dashing around to her side of the car before she could open her own door. He nearly slipped at ate it, but he skidded to a stop, opening the door for her. “I wanted… I wanted to come out here.” He said with a slight smile at the look on her face. They’d spent so much time out here as children, playing on the ice in the winter. “Stay there a second and close your eyes.” He said smiling as he dashed to the closet tree, going behind it. He breathed out a sigh of relief as he saw his duffle bag, placed earlier that day was still there. He snagged it and came back, unzipping it and pulling out two pairs of iceskates. “Ok, you can open now…”
 
Sadie sat quietly in the car. Her hands just itching wanting to know what he was going to do. As they drove she guessed where he was taking her. Ford's pond, which they had been so many times before. As children they had played there countless times. Skating and running around. In the swimming there. It had always been a place of foind memories.

Sadie watched as Viktor moved around her nearly falling before opening her door. She nearly laughed as he helped her from the car. There was a suprise at stake and so she calmed herself. Standing there her eyes closed because thats what he wanted she waited. She heard his feet crunching on the little bit of snow that hung around.

What was he doing?

Sadie waited. Her eyes closed then she heard him return. She was standing there antsy wanting to open them but waiting for go head. It happened sooner then later. She saw in Viktors hands two pairs of skates. She nearly laughed, in fact she giggled a little. Walking over to hi she took the pair he gave her and sat down on a log to put them on. Sadie never said a word. Poor Viktor had no idea she hadn't done this in years. She would bust her ass that was no doubt.

"So Viktor you do know I haven't done this in forever and will break my leg if I'm not careful. You had better help me with this. Honestly thoguh I love it. I haven't been here, or felt so happy in so long, before you left."

Sadie slowly stood and waited very carefully for Viktor. She wasn't trying this without him. He would atleast break her fall if she fell on him. That was always a good way to think of things. She smiled at him. Her eyes twinkling a little knowing she was here with him, along. It was a tad romantic. The moon shinning and the stars coming out to sprinkle the night sky.

"Ready there?"
 
Viktor watched her face apprehensively as she opened her eyes. He was afraid that she wouldn’t be interested in doing this, especially since she was wearing such a fancy dress. He cracked a smile though as she giggled and took the pair of skates. He shrugged slightly as she took the skates from his hands and went to sit down on a log to put the skates on. He didn’t bother to say this was only the first part of her surprise, the second would come later.

He sat down next to her, pulling on the pair of skates he had gotten for himself, glad to see that the ones he had grabbed for her seemed to fit well. He smiled at her worry and winked slightly. “Don’t worry, I’ve stayed in practice up in the city.” He still played ice hockey when he had the time, which hadn’t been as much as he’d like. “And believe me, it’s just like riding a bike, you won’t have any trouble at all.” He smiled as he looked into her eyes, the moonlight reflected off the still falling snow and dancing in her brown eyes. He’d never felt so right in his life as he sat there, just looking at her, wanting to take her in his arms and never let go again. His eyes lit up with adoration for her as she said how happy she was. They were so right together.

“Let’s do it…” He said with a smile as he took her arm and helped her out to the pond. He skated across the surface quickly, making sure that it was perfectly safe before coming back to her and helping her back onto the ice. He laughed as she skated out onto the ice hesitantly, flailing a tiny bit. “Ok, so maybe not quite like a bike…” He admitted chuckling, “But you still look like you know what you’re doing.” He encouraged her as he took her hand in his, slowly skating across the pond. Soon she’d regained a bit of her confidence, though she still seemed a bit shaky as they skated across the pond. The moonlight bathed the pond in soft light, the snow sparkling like fields of diamonds as they skated. Viktor pulled Sadie closer to him, taking pleasure in the feeling of her body, the warmth coming off her breath as they skated, the air silent except for the whishing of their skates.
 
Sadie took Viktors hand and together they moved on the ice. Several times she almost landed on her butt, thanks to him though she remained steady. It seemed to be something he had no idea he was doing. He calmed her and made her feel safe even doing something she hadn't done in years. Her hand locked in his as the went, her feet still wobbly. They talked and laughed it all seemed a little to real. As though it were coming to an end Sadie thought to herself. She didn't want that. She wanted this night to last forever.

Turning her head sh saw something out of the corner of her eye. It was a little bunny. Turning to quickly she lost her footing and leaned on Viktor. They both fell to the ground and began laughing. Sadie turning as red as her dress. She knew it was only a matter of time.

"I'm sorry Viktor. I told you I wasn't that good. I'm really suprised I hadn't fallen before now. I don't know how I stayed on these two left feet," she said lifting herself off of him, although she felt content to be there.
 
Each minute seemed to take an eternity to pass as Viktor lost himself in the feeling of the moment. He had never been more content than he was right now at this very moment, with Sadie in his arms, the cold air on his face making their breath hot. Viktor smiled lovingly at Sadie as she wobbled her way across the pond, his hands steadying her as she regained her confidence. He could feel every inch of her hand on his, felt the slight nervous shaking of his as he held it gently but firmly, not wanting to let go of her touch. He looked up at the moon, smiling as it shined down upon them, knowing he had picked the perfect night for what was ahead and now he no longer felt fear, knowing that no matter what happened this night would always be here.

They skated for what seemed hours, though only a little bit of time had passed. He saw Sadie turn her head and he looked sideways, seeing the small rabbit hopping around the edge of the pond. He was about to say something when he felt Sadie’s feet slip and she toppled down on top of him, causing him to fall to the ground with her on top of him. Sadie began to blush heavily as they both laughed, just taking comfort in each other’s company.

“It’s ok, you’re doing just great…” He hesitated as she began to pull herself up, reaching out and wrapping his arm around her waist to keep her from standing back up. He pulled her back down on top of him so that he was looking right into her eyes. “I… I have a confession Sadie…” He said, taking a deep breath as he saw the curiosity in her eyes. Suddenly he just started talking, the words coming out of his mouth almost uncontrollably. “I invited you to dinner, not just because we hadn’t seen each other for a few days, but because I wanted to come clean, be completely honest about what happened all those years ago, why I don’t talk to Lucas anymore and why I left…” He took a deep breath as he continued on, seeing the surprise and eagerness to know the truth in her eyes. “You know how me and Lucas were, we were completely inseparable, no matter how many stupid fights we got in, we were always the best of friends…” She nodded her agreement with this statement. “Well… the truth, well I mean you know how Lucas was about you too, always so overprotective, never approving of any of the guys you dated, even when you were old enough to make your own choices…” She nodded, confusion replacing the eagerness in her eyes. “Well… the thing is…” He took another deep breath, looking away from her for a second as he got his thoughts in order. “I came to Lucas the night of the fight and well… I told him the truth… I told him that I was falling for you.” He saw the look of shock in her eyes but he plowed ahead. “It’s just… you were always the only girl who made me feel right and it took me a long time to realize just what it was I was feeling… You were always the one for me Sadie…” He kept talking, desperately trying to get the story out. “Lucas got upset, told me that only a real bastard would do that to a friend… We got into a huge fight and the next day I realized that I couldn’t bring myself to tell you how I felt, not knowing what it would do to you and Lucas… I had to run, and so I did, I fled without saying goodbye to anyone, fled to the city.” He sighed heavily. “I’ve never been truly happy Sadie, not since I left, not since that night. It took me this long to come back, took my mother’s death to make me see just how important love really is.”

He took another heavy breath, praying he hadn’t been reading all the signals she had been giving this night incorrectly. His hand came up, grasping the back of her neck and pulling her face close to his, as Viktor let his lips better explain all the feelings his words could not.
 
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