Liza laid down in her bed. She was nervous and afraid she wouldn't sleep. What does the boy of her dreams dream about? Mentally securing her tether, she rested her head on her pillow. Her curiosity was overwhelming. She would normally control that, but he did say he wanted to get to know her better. She knew she was rationalizing, but at the same time, he gave her permission to go and so she would go. He wouldn't have given it unless he wanted her to do it.
So she closed her eyes and plunged into the deep recesses of her own mind. Pushing off her mental walls, her spirit shot out of her body, a purple tether wrapped around her waist that connected to her body's head.
Liza didn't have to know where Quinn lived to find him. She only needed to "feel" him. Concentrating, she focused on his energy and before too long, two streets over she saw a sandy colored aura. She pushed off and made her way to his house. The entire structure was bathed in a sandy colored light. Following her feeling, she found herself in his room.
There she saw Quinn sleeping peacefully in a twin bed. His room was neat with the usual furniture, although not as elegant as D.J's, but equipped all the same. She wandered around his room looking at things. She noticed that his window was open, and the sheer curtains were blowing gently in the breeze. The A/C was on, why would he leave the window open?
On his dresser she saw Yu-Gi-Oh cards laid out. Seriously? Quinn made a noise and she turned to look at him. He had only moaned a little and rolled over. Looking back at the cards, she decided that every boy has a nine year old inside him. Shrugging she turned back to the sleeping young man.
This is it. Point of no return. She sighed and moved to the side of the bed. His eyelashes rested on his cheeks, his face was so peaceful. His hair was a little haphazard since he rolled over. It reminded her of a little boy that would wake up with bed head. She wished she could smooth it down for him, but as soon as her spirit hand touches him, she will be pushed into his mind and his dreams.
She wanted to savor the moment. There might not be another like it. And she was chickening out. Just as she turned to leave, she heard Quinn mumble.
"Liza?"
Startled, Liza looked at him to make sure he was still asleep. His eyes were closed and he was smiling his crooked smile. He snuggled in closer to his pillow and was quiet again, still smiling.
That...was beyond adorable. Ok, she would do it. This boy has a serious way of getting to her. She reached her hand out and lightly touched his cheek. In seconds, she was lying down with a hand on her own cheek. Before she could open her eyes, she felt soft lips caress hers. She couldn't help but smile. The only one that would be on the other side to accept her into his world would be Quinn.
Liza opened her eyes and, to her delight, saw Quinn looking back at her, his crooked smile sending a thrill through her. He sat on the bed beside her and they embraced. The feeling here was so wonderful. She felt so light. Gazing around over Quinn's shoulder, she was surprised to see their surroundings. The bed was in an incredible garden. Greenery spilled over every surface. There were stone statues of cherubs and pillars of white marble. The entire place could rival any Greek god's resting place.
"What is this place?" she asked, releasing him.
"Welcome to my world. It's so great that I can really share it with you. It beats telling you about it." He stood, taking Liza's hand. "This way I can show you."
Liza looked around in wonder. What sky that could be seen was brilliant crystal blue. The greens of the leaves on the trees were deep shades of crayon green. Paradise birds of all kinds warbled and flew around, leaving behind rainbows of color. In the center was a pool of crystalline water. Turning around, Liza saw that the bed had disappeared and was replaced by a white chaise with gauzy curtains pulled back around it.
Quinn sunk down to one knee.
"My goddess, I live to serve thee." He had taken her hand and pressed his forehead to it, and to Liza's amazement, there were gold bracelets around her wrist. On further inspection, she found she was wearing an amazing toga dress, resembling the Greek gods' clothes. She felt her hair and found it was intricately pulled up and fastened with gold clips and delicate gold chains. Long gold earrings hung from her earlobes and by the time she finished inspecting herself, she found that Quinn now dressed as the male counterpart to her costume.
"This is amazing, Quinn! Look at me!" Liza laughed gleefully.
"Oh, I'm looking, don't worry." Quinn laughed with her. "Come, my lady, it is time for your respite." He led her over to the chaise and, nervously, she laid down. A small table appeared with fruit of all kinds, some she'd never even seen before, appeared.
"Grapes, already peeled," Quinn said, winking. Two large spade shaped fans appeared and gently fanned the two of them. Quinn picked up a grape and gently popped it into her mouth and then kissed her just as gently.
"Mmm this is so amazing."
"You're amazing. I can't do this with any other girl. You make this amazing. I'm so glad you came. I was afraid you might not."
Liza smiled, embarrassed.
"I almost didn't. I don't generally dreamwalk anyone that isn't related or in need of me or..." Liza stopped; she didn't want to tell him about the criminal.
"Or what?"
"Nothing."
"Liza, you're keeping things from me again. Don't you trust me?"
"I do, it's just..."
"What?"
"I don't like thinking about him. He gave me such a bad feeling."
Quinn sat up, alarmed.
"Him? Who? What's he done to you?"
"Please, can't we just enjoy this place?"
"Liza, I care a lot about you. If somebody's hurting you..."
"No, it's nothing like that. Really. It's complicated and I don't really know how to tell you yet. Please, can it wait?"
Quinn was silent a moment. And then he laid beside her and took her into his arms. She laid her head on his chest.
"It can wait. Just don't keep me in the dark and let yourself get hurt, ok?"
Lizanodded her head. She had never felt sosafe in her life.
