(( for   anything going on  in their house))

Ben and Lu-Ti arrived from their shopping trip. Ben headed for the kitchen, leaving Lu-Ti to take her new outfit upstairs to the walk-in wardrobe.

Having been instructed to 'do something quick' Ben nade his hot and sticky prawns with noodles and a salad on the side. He was almost ready to dish up by the time Lu-Ti came down again.

"Here we are, first proper dinner in our new home. Would you like a glass of wine?"

  Lu-Ti  smiled  as he took in a deep breath,That  smells  wonderful, I am going to be  quite ashamed  when i talk to other wives  and they  tell me things they cook? I have  mostly..how they say, run-of-the-mill foods. Except  Adam  showed me  how  Lou's mother
 made  Turkey. I must make that for some holidays.

"My mother cannot cook either. My dad can, but being Army he's not always around so I learned in self-defence. Turned out I actually enjoy cooking. At the moment, I am less busy than you so I shall be happy to do most of the cooking. We can rethink when I find out what I shall be doing when I finish playing."

Ben dished up and fetched a bottle of wine.

"A nice chilled pink, my love?"

 Lu-Ti laughed,You pick, I am her to  enjoy the  food  and  My  man. I will not have more the one glass, i think. I dislike  going to bed and wake up with fuzzy head.

Ben smiled at the 'my man' - it made him feel warm and fuzzy in... interesting places.

"I'm much the same. I like having a clear head. If you want to learn to cook, I can teach you the basics, then the best thing is to experiment. And read cookbooks."

Dinner was good. The rest of the evening even more so. Who thought you could do so much more than wash yourself in a shower? And the one in the master bath seemed to have been designed with such in mind!

Thursday night

When they arrived home (that had a nice ring to it!), Ben called Coach Fry to report in where he would be for the night.

It was a warm, clear evening so they went out onto the outside terraces looking out over the river. Ben had a bottle of wine and a couple of glasses, and enticed Lu-Ti into having a glass as they sat and chatted about arrangements for the wedding.

Ben also shared an email he'd received from his cousin Madeline, who was in journalism school in New York. She'd begun a relationship with a fellow student and said that although it was early days, she thought he might be The One! She intended to wait until they graduated before settling down, though, thankfully he was of the same mind.

"So there may be another wedding to attend," Ben grinned.

"Or more if Byron gets serious about Natalie."

Later they retired to the delights of their bedroom. Ben was content. He could get used to this!

After the pep rally

Ben and Lu-Ti drove up to their new home. The place had a triple garage but Ben hadn't really got into the habit of parking inside yet and left the truck outside.

He opened the front door and ushered Lu-Ti in.

"I am for bed, I think. Coming?"

  Lu-Ti  slipped off her  shoes, and  Giggled,I would  be, most disappointed  if you were not!. I will   make sure  everyhting is in order, then join you..

Lu-Ti would move  to  kitchen and  make cetin thedoor had  been locked, and the door to the garage., then  would scamper  up the  stairs  to join Ben.

By the time Lu-Ti got upstairs, Ben was in bed. Tired but waiting. He'd need to be a lot more tired than he was to not wait for his beloved.

Some things were even better than sleep.

  Lu-Ti arrived,  seems  her clothing was left in the Bathroom. she  kissed him  deeply and said...Now?  Show me how fierce my Dragon is...

 the lights  were  doused...

Hear this Dragon roar!!!!

 Lu-Ti let  Ben know she wouldn't  need to go to the Lair  until 8:00. she  fell into a 'happily exhausted ' sleep   as she   laid against Ben.

Outside there was  the soft  Hum of a  small boat heading up  the  river, other then that  it was  quiet.

Ben's eyes popped open before the alarm even rang. A long arm and large hand dealt with it before it went off. Now he had to figure out how to wiggle out from under Lu-Ti who was fast asleep.

Some slow and cautious wiggles later he was free, and went into the bathroom to get ready for the day. Looking out the window it looked like a pleasant day. T-shirt and jeans on, he padded downstairs barefoot and into the kitchen to make himself some breakfast - bacon, eggs, some baked beans and about a gallon of coffee. That would do nicely!

He let himself out of the house, got into the truck and drove off towards the stadium. He hated the day before a game - he was all ready to play, and that last day was an exercise in patience!

That evening

They arrived home with bags of hamburgers and fries. Ben got some plates and they feasted in front of the TV, searching for a movie they could agree on to watch.

Once they'd eaten Ben asked Lu-Ti if she wanted a glass of wine or a coffee, then wandered into the kitchen. Now having a good big space in which to experiment, he wanted to start baking bread. His late paternal grandmother had and he had early memories of waking up to glorious smells and coming down to fresh baked bread for breakfast.

 Lu-TI calls over from the couch..do you want to watch Sci_fi movie..or   pirate movie  with Ms Lark in?

 LU-TI got a  text, and answered it with a Call.....

A flour-covered Ben stuck his head out to say he didn't mind what they watched, but saw that Lu-Ti was on the phone and left her to it.

Kneading dough was fun as well as a good workout, Ben found. He was enjoying himself.

 Lu-Ti put her phone down..I think i will put on Lark's   Movie.  I do not like her much anylonger.. But i liked her Movies.. I want to see how   i have changed. If noting else,  there is lots  of sword  fights and cannons!

Ben set his dough aside to prove and set a timer. He came back into the lounge.

"Swords sound good, beloved. Glass of wine?"

  Yes  Please..  The Cherry red?  and  grab the back of  Carmel corn... she  sealed in   as the   movie   was set to stat, she paused for ben to be ready.

 She  Looked at  Ben as she took her   wine  and  gave  him a teasing smile,..and  do not  get turned on too much  By Lark, she is...bigger then me.. Unless of course,  you use that excitment on me!

"I have eyes only for you, beloved," said Ben, handing her a glass of wine and the bag of popcorn (he detested the stuff) before settling down with a glass for himself.

He sat sipping and watching the movie until the alarm went off.

"Back in a moment."

He went into the kitchen to give the dough a second pummeling, then left it to prove again, coming back to watch the movie.

  Lark  was   rather  amazing in her performance. and, of  course, Looked good  doing it.

  It is  Big Shame, she  as..what they say? A Bitch? She  could have leped  Dragon Studios. But..her  Lure  for Money was  greater  then her Lure  for  her craft.

"Yes, she's a good actor, but not so nice a person. You, however, are good at your job, a nice person... and hot to boot!"

His hands began to wander.

 Lu-Ti looked  at him with a smile  as she popped a few  puffs  of  Carmel  Corn..I think you are plying me with y9our words, so that ..as   Lark just said.. 'I heave to!"..Then you'll send your boarding party!

"But will you beat me off with a cutlass?" Ben aksed, eyes sparkling with mischief.

  Lu-Ti giggled I shouldn't think i would need a cutlass..and that might hurt!!

 the  movie  was now in the part  where LArk and the Captain of the  Brig  that had been  chasing them, before  Lark used the wind against them  and  she was  seducing  the  Captain  to tell where where  the  Brits where based.

Ben reached out and looped one long arm around Lu-Ti, drawing her close, and stretching his long legs out. He was confortable and relaxed.

"I love you so much. Did I say that before?"

  She  Giggles   and   snuggled  into him.You might have  said  it before?  And I love you!...and..I am thinking  this movie can be finished  some other  Time...Maybe...we should get you to Bed..big game tomorrow...
she looked  up  with a sneaky smile  .

Ben returned the smile.

"Good little Dragons need their beauty sleep..."

He was quite certain that she had other things in mind. He got to his feet.

"I'll clear up down here, you go on up."

He shut down the media centre, took the wine glasses and the remains of Lu-Ti's popcorn through to the kitchen, where he washed out the glasses. Then he put his dough in the oven and set the timer to come on in the early hours, and scampered upstairs.

  The  night  ended  with , sleep and warmth. Lu-TI seemed overly active this night. making sure  Ben would have less 'nerves' in the morning.

 the night pas  with obly the sound of a small party   boat going passed,

As he'd hoped, Ben awoke to the heavenly smell of fresh bread wafting through the house. He luxuriated, enjoying his beloved beside him, warm and very much still asleep.

Ben slipped out of bed and got himself ready for the day. He went downstairs and started a pot of coffee and got his bread out of the oven. It smelled heavenly, a great way to start the day. He fried up some bacon, made himself a bacon sandwich and wandered out onto the deck overlooking the river, mug of coffee in hand, to enjoy the early morning.

He was looking forwards to the game and intended to get a swim in before meetings and lunch.

Eventually he went back inside to see if his beloved was awake yet.

  Lu-Ti  came down stairs, she was,Mostly dressed. her   Dragonette Uniform  draped over  a  chair.

they would have  a special   outfit for this game. Dragon Green , that looked like a  one piece Bathing suit.  ither  Black  legs  and Blac  Arms.  White  letters across the chest, outlined in  black that said ' NJD ' Dark Dreen books  that  were Calf  high with  black and white  laces. There was  to sparkles   this time. These   were  No-Nonsense' uniforms, despite the   'V neck cut.

 she Kissed  Ben.This is very Big  day! it  has been decades  since   Jacksonvilie  has entered a Title game..and The Dragons have done it thier first year.

"You look fantastic, beloved. I'll have to be careful to keep my eyes on the ball rather than on you once the game starts."

Ben poured her a coffee.

"What do you want for breakfast? Did you smell the bread? It came out well."

Ben was happily pottering around the kitchen in a hoodie, jeans, barefoot on the tiles.

After the Championship game

Ben and Lu-Ti arrived home.

"How hungry are you?" Ben asked as they went inside.

 Lu-Ti  shrugged,I do not know?  Something  simple and warm..it  got  cold towards the end of the game, and the game lasted  long..and we add alot of time for celebration too..
  a hot shower  would be nice as well..

"We have the rest of the bread and could do some soup and cheese if you are OK with that. As for washing, I fancy a soak in a hot bath."

Ben went into the kitchen and started in on some soup.

"You like egg-drop soup?"

  Lu-Ti   pursed her  lips...somehting Simple? Open a can even? I will take a shower. and we can do the Hot tub after   the soup.

she  went  up stairs   to get her shower.

Musing on the idea of getting a hot tub for the outside decking, Ben indulged himself with some quick soup-making, cut the bread, and found some cheese.

When Lu-Ti came down, everything was ready on the dining room table.

   Lu-Ti  came  down stairs, she  had a bit of a frown as  hs e  tossed he r  phone on the  table  near her purse.

  ahh..see? simple is good ! she  sat  down dipped  a piece of  folded bread with   cheeses into the soup and  took a bite.

"Even damp you look beautiful, beloved," said Ben, getting up to serve her soup.

"Is everything all right?" he asked, noticing the frown and tossed phone.

  Lu-Ti  shook her head,..no..its is nothing, but a Bother. Some one talked to   Adam  and Sage . Thery were..'bad  people' . Adam wisely called    Yuto  to get in touch with
 father Security people that protect  our  factories  and such,,,I do not think they will be a bother , any longer.  I makes me  angry, that some people  think they  may dictate  think they,how  our lives  are to be... They will learn, as others have..

Ben got up and went to put his arms around Lu-Ti.

"Nobody will ever trouble you while there is still breath in my body."

He kept his concerns to himself. Wouldn't it have been better to call the police if a member of the team had been threatened? Lu-Ti sounded more like a mob boss protecting her own with her own. What were the equivalent in Japan? Yakuza, if he remembered aright. What was he getting himself into? Well, the Amotas had adopted Adam, so it was only reasonable that they'd want to protect him. Was he reading too much into this? Probably.

With a final kiss, he sat down and resumed eating.

  Lu-Ti smiles..Thank y9ou, my warriors... But  I am well trained by father.. Yuto cannot beat me,,Adam rarely does, ,,well..except the sword.. Adam   took to that  much better then I. his  fighting skins are..how shall i say it..'tainted ',,he  has street fighting , mixed  with the arts father  taught us.....That is how he beats me at times, he  is...unorthodox, and savage..He does not take dishonor lightly..and strikes at those  who would harm  those he feels are his friends... I could easilt defeat some  poeple.... but  I would not quite  destroy them..

 I was so angry, when you almost got  hurt..I could do nothing... i demanded Adam do something...but he  said he would..it  took some time.. but  it came.

 she  wiggled   her  spoon at him.. Until, we , as a family, as a Franchise, stopped being  attacked  and taken advantage of..  it will be  very harsh at times.. Do not mistake this for  the game you played in College..Millions..Billions are wagered. each team sees thier  bottom line, rise and fall with success..


she leans forward to look  into his eyes...Coach Sims   has  set the table. everyone knows  how we play..why we do it. The people who run betting things..they cannot  grasp this..so they lose  more  and more Money... Loyal fans, regardless of how foolish it if. Believe in us  to  continue to  play the  way we play..and  each week..they get  happy...Betting people  do not like that..That is why 'bounties ' are out on You, Duke, Adam, Mik , Heather  and others...There are enough players out there why will gladly hurt some one , to make extra Money...we are , most lucky, we have  some  who  will not  stand  for that, and  will eliminate the threat..

 she leaned  a bit closer, giving him a kiss.we do not need  Don Quixote  ...we need  The Punisher. We have  both  on the  team..Do not  let people  hurt you, because  you think they will not do it... she  straightens up and smiled...I do like how you blocked the last two game..That is something   our  opponents  did not see in films before

"I intended no disrespect, beloved," Ben said, bowing his head.

"Do you think your father would do me the honour of teaching me the way of the warrior?"

He ate a piece of bread and cheese.

"As for the blocking, it's a side of my game I need to develop. Tight Ends are supposed to both score and enable others to score. I prefer scoring, so neglected the blocking part of my game. Now I am working on that, to make myself a better player."

Bounties? He'd heard rumours of course. Everyone had. But was that real?

"Would you care for a glass of wine?"

 Lu-Ti  smiled...Yes please.. we  could watch  the highlaights on the late  sports show, and see what they  say about Dragns  and SaintsMaybe  we will see  The Commeical  with  Sage, Lindsey and Adam?

 Or..we can go out  and  sit  look at the hannel... look at stars.

Ben got up, cleared the table, and fetched a bottle of wine and a couple of glasses.

"Do you want to watch TV?"

Ben thought that sitting out and looking at the river would be more relaxing. He didn't like the concept of that TV ad anyway.

 Lu-Ti  just gave a smile...alright, Let us go outside...perhaps   eniough football for the day...

"Make sure you are wrapped up warm. You don't want to catch a chill having just had a shower and all."

Ben led the way outside where there was a kind of stack of decks, 2 in total, with plenty of seating.

 Lu-Ti got up  , it was close  to  6:00am...I am goign to  Amtoa  med Kids with Dragonetes  and some players... I must be  at  Complex  by 8:00... I am goign to text   Lindsey..about   some  weddign things, the Venue  will be the Estate and the reception there  as well, but we need dresses and some other things... You shopuld   be getting you  suit or Tux, and  Drag Adam, and whomever  esle is  in yor party?,, I have two  Cousins from Japan, that will be in my party along with  Lindsey.. I should  have one more from here?..I will talk with Lindsey.

she sent a Text Lindsey: I will be at Complex  at 8:00 for  dragonettes  and some players to go to  Amota  med  Kids... we should find  time to  do someht6ign for dresses and such?..let me know  when ,,,if not  some time to day..we can figure things out... I have two cousins  from  Japan that will be on my side, as well as you.. I feel i need one more from here?..Text me when you can, or  come to Complex.

 After  a  small breakfast,  Lu-TI got into her  'hospital appropriate ' Uniform,  and   Gave  Ben  a  kiss  and  a hug..

 You may come if you wish, we can never have too many players?..after I must stop at offcie  I have  Much to da, and Hope Lindsey will  contact me, so we get ball rolling for Wedding, other wise.it will be a rather  pedestrian  show?

 she would wait to see if  Ben was comign , then go

 LU-TI to Complex>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

"Of course I'll come... just let me find some shoes and a more Dragon top..."

Ben ran upstairs for footwear and a Jackie the Dragon t-shirt, then went outside where Lu-Ti was already in the truck.

=> Complex

Later that day

Ben turned up and carried all his stuff into the house. The clothing upstairs to the main bedroom, the rest to be sorted out in the living areas downstairs. He put on a clean shirt to be ready for the evening, then he was back in the truck and driving towards the Dragon Complex in search of his beloved.

  Out in the drive  way, a  Hispanic  looking  man who  had a younger , raven haired  women,, they  had   a cake container and a box container..

  hello, new  neighbor!  we  were waiting for chance to  greet you..and I assume yoru Wife? I am Manny  Mingo, This is  my Wife , Carla.. we  live  two  houses down , in the Light  blue Home... Holding the  Box in his  left hand he extended his right. , The  woman held the cake container   and beamed a bright smile.

   My Family  has  some Mexican  restaurants in the new jack area, that do rather well... I have  here 24  for Homemade  enchiladas  Carla  made... and she  has  a Lemon-vanilla   cake  that is her  specialty?.. we offer them as   house warming...Is Your wife  about?

Ben smiled broadly.

"A pleasure to meet you both. I'm Ben Hope. The lady is actually my fiancé, Lu-Ti Amota, we'll be married in about 3 weeks' time, so I bought the house ready for us to settle in. It's a lovely neighbourhood. Do come in. My beloved may be around later, we have an evening engagement but I'm just about to go and fetch her from work."

He led them inside to the kitchen, where he exclaimed over the food they'd brought.

"Those smell fabulous. You'll have to show me how to make them sometime. I don't know much about Mexican food. The next couple of weeks are going to be very busy, but after then I was planning a cook-out. I'll let you know, if you'd like to come."

 Manny  Smiled at the compliments  to the Food.I was hoping to meet your Lady tonight<, But that is the way of thing, is it  not.. here is
  out  Number for our Home. If you can  find  time we can  get Get toegther... There is a german fellow  down the  street from us? he  has a Cr dealership, that is ..how you say..'High End", but he  is a good  person./Brown>

 he points to the Cake  , then the  enchiladas,<Brown>both should be  in the fridge,  since you will be away?.. oven heat the enchaladas..the  cake   taste even  better  chilled

"I'm not sure what we are doing this evening. We have a party to attend, but sometimes we eat before we go - if so, those enchillandas may not last very long. I can call you if that happens if you'd care to meet Lu-Ti now. The welcome is really appreciated. If there are other nice people around here, maybe I should have a party to meet all of you. But that will have to be after the Superbowl. You see, you've told me you are a restauranteur and the other neighbour is a car dealer... I play football for a living!"

He wasn't surprised that his name wasn't recognised, not everybody was familiar with the team roster even if they had a passing interest in the local team. Plenty of people favoured other sports or weren't interested in sports at all. His mother was one, sport bored her.

He went to store the food as directed.

"I'll bring the dishes back once I have washed them. Thank you again."

  Manny  and Carla seemed  happy..yes?   For  The Dragons..we  know this...sadly..we like soccer  much better., and  we have  only been watching   football since   fans  want that on the TV  if they are eating   on Sundays!..but  we  are learnign the  game  more.. we have heard  your Name  mnay times   even on the spanish  ESPN  channel.

 Carla  gave  Ben an Understanding Smile.there is no rush?  Si ?  You and Yoru wife  see us  when things   quiet down, we are not goign anyhere!

 they gave  Ben handshakes  and  headed out the door to walk down to thier house.

"No worries. Do you follow women's soccer at all? One former US national team player has changed codes, and plays for the Dragons now. Heather Montgomery. See you both soon."

He returned the handshakes and headed off back to the Complex.

After the party

By the time they got home, Ben was tired. At least part of that was his lack of interest in parties. Lu-Ti enjoyed them so he'd keep on going with her.

"You ready for bed or is there anything else that you want?"

As ever, he'd indulge her every whim... provided he stayed awake!

There  was a  moment ofthough   as  Lu-Ti took off her shoesI know it is late?  but i have been thinking of the  food  you said our neighbors brought over?.. maybe a a taste of that...and...the cake? she giggled at the last part.

"Still hungry? OK, do you want a glass of wine with that?"

Actually a late snack quite appealed. He warmed the enchiladas through and got the cake out of the fridge, bringing everything through to wherever Lu-Ti had settled. This late it was probablly too chilly to sit out.

"Here you are. This does look good. We'll have to track down the restuarant and eat there someday."

    Lu-Ti smiled   as she breathed in the   aroma.there was a mexican  food shiop, a few blaocks  away from Lou's Mom's  place.. it was 100 %  mjexican.. you could  smell the spcies  and   and such  as  you neared the Building.. this smells just like that!

 she used a  fork and  cut away a bit.. she  fanned her  mouth, She had   asked for Ice Tea.. takign a sip, she giggled.Oh  my!..it is   just like that palce!...this..is very spicey..  Adam...he has how he says  'a wimpy mouth"..he does not  like overly spiced   foods.. Our  Family does...

 yes!, we need to find this place,, I want to try  thier other offerings... she eagers   took another fork full..

"They live in the blue house 2 doors down. Glad you like the food, hoped it wouldn't be too spicy for you."

Ben went to get her an iced tea and grabbed himself a beer.

  Lu-Ti nodded as she   forked off  another  bite. yes. My Family isused to   spiced  foods.  Adam used to  sneak out of the hoius to go to buger Palces, because he couldn't  eat much. Father pretended not  tyo see him 'escape". Just for fun?  Father would  'Catch Adam" when he came home... Adam used to say he  was seeing a girl, ebcause he didn't want to her the chef's  feelings

 we have some family recipes  that have  chicken , peas  noodles  and waterchestnuts..it is very good..and 'pinchy'

"I guess I'd better have a chat with your family chef, learn some of your favourites from him," said Ben, who was also enjoying the enchiladas.

"My father once told me about a visit he made to Hong Kong. He was staying with a British soldier who is vegetarian, so snuck out to burger joints to get a meat fix. He reckons that a meal that doesn't have meat or fish in it is a side dish, not a full serving!"

He popped the top off his beer and took a drink. He enjoyed beer, but had no intention of getting himself a DUI so never touched it when driving. Easier just not to have any than try to second guess how much was under the limit.

   Lu-Ti   smiled at Ben when he returned. I have  15 Cookbooks  at  the Manor , that are Mine, at least half of them are in Japanese.. So..to learn all of  our food secrets , you will have  to  cook with  me... Watch our chefs  cook at the Manor.. or learn Japanese reading.

she giggled,I am sure  there will be the Cook Outs at  theManor, where  Father  thinks  he is a wonderful chef!.. Yuto and Adam Like his  burgers... I like the Ribs  he  makes.. Mother does not like the mess he makes!

"So far I have been concentrating on learning to speak Japanese, but I guess I'd better learn to read and write as well," said Ben.

   Lu-Ti  flipped her hand back and forth as she took another bite. It could be important to read, depending on what you do after playing days?, and there  will always be trips home to Japan

 did you know?  Adam  could speak and Understand  Japanese.. i mean..he is  not  very good, but he  understands and  can make himself Understood..and? as far as i know...nonme of us  taught him... It was very  distrubing when he lashed out out me in Japanese, when i did the saame to him... he did it at a meeting as well.. The family..is....most  off balence  for that., it makes us wonder what  else he can do , that he learned

She Waggled  a finger  at him,no sneaky business...yes?  we do not need  two sneaks in the family!
This message was last updated by the player at 21:01, Tue 23 Jan.

"OK, so I waited until I could string a sentence together before I let on that I was learning Japanese," said Ben, throwing his hands up in mock surrender.

"But that was because I wanted to surprise you! And show the whole family how serious I am about you. Even without the business interests, you still have family in Japan. I hope you will want me by your side when you visit... or decide that's where you want to live. I'd hate to spend much time in a country where I could not get by in the language. As to what I'll be doing after playing, well... I don't know yet. But being able to function in a foreign language is never a hindrance..."

 she   finished her  enchilada , and  dabbed her lips,Now?  we have  Cake...and then go to bed..and after that?  we go to sleep..yes? she Grinned  at  him. sipping her drink. It was a bit  late, she had to be at the Offcie  by 6:00 but  Ben  could  sleep in if  he wished.

Ben got up to serve the cake.

"What are your plans tomorrow. I'm not sure what I'll be doing. It's wierd not having a practice."

  Lu-Ti  sighed,Much work getting things  for us going to Miami. We  have  to have security  ready  and all those things. the added  responsibility  for Saintsations  being flown down by  our airlines as well..The , around Lunch Time,  Lindsey and I are to go look  for  Wedding Dresses  and   pick out something  for bridesmaids to wear.. then? back to work until about 6.. maybe  i quit sooner. it depends on what i am doing and who is  trying to make me kill them!  she huffed.

"You work hard, beloved. What do you want me to wear for the wedding? A tux or something more... unusual?"

Some people set great store by clothing for a wedding. Most of the attention was on the bride, of course, but the groom had to be at least presentable. He'd seen pictures of British weddings where something called 'morning dress' was popular, a black tailcoat and striped pants, or sometimes all in a pale grey. Grooms in uniformed service could wear the fanciest outfit their service provided, but somehow he was certain a football uniform wouldn't do. Kilts were popular with people who had any pretensions to Scottish ancestry...

"Or do you want me to surprise you?"

I th8nk, for America, you dress with Tus...yes?  Yuto Loves  Tuxes..Adam..no  so much. how   do your other Groomsman  feel of Tux  wearing? she   took a bite of  cake...

 This...is very good!...we have to thank them in some way?

  she waved her hand..I have been in American  weddigns   as Bridesmaid... i did not like most of the dresses... I am goign to have Lindsey help me, so none of the  ladies  feel like they have ugly Dress.. Yes?  I am Bride, but everyone knows this?.. there is no reason to make   my  p[arty  look less then me..do you think?

"I shall only have eyes for you, beloved," said Ben, who was by now getting those 'I wish it were all over' vibes about the wedding.

"As for our kind neighbours, I think a dinner invitation might be in order. They're not football fans, so something like Superbowl tickets out of my allowance probably wouldn't be appropriate."

  we wil have to see, Yes?  Maybe  we bring them over Sunday?  only the pro bowl game is on..and it is a silly thing, None of our People will be playign in it, since  we have Superbowl.. We  could have  dinner  inside, ot , if it is warm enough, you could  Grill and I will make some things?

"But it's..., um. Yes, that might work," said Ben, who'd been about to say that it was football, moreover a game he could just watch for sheer pleasure, rather than because the outcome affected him and the team, or there was a team they'd have to face playing. He thought better of it, however, and hoped Lu-Ti didn't notice.

"Bit late to call them now. I can go round with a note tomorrow."

    when they were Finished , Lu-Ti  helped Ben with the  dishes  and  putting the leftovers  away.

  tomorrow , sometime after  work, we  should tansfer  the food  and   cake to Containers, and  we  could use the excuse to take the   clean containers back to them.

 faster all was done..Come?  I have work tomorrow  so we need to go to bed. Afterwards....we will go to sleep... she  grinned.

  around  6:00  Lu-Ti  got out of  bed , and went for a Shower, if  ben was  up, she  would say she'd be down in a moment  for Coffee.

  If Ben was sleeping she  would  , be, near soundless as she  made her way to the bathroom to take her showe.

  .......

 when finished  and  dressed in a  skirt heels  and  purple blouse,  she  would come  down for the  Coffee.I am  going to work when  finished here, I will , around   Lunch time or so, Be leaving with  Lindsey for  dress looking?.. when we  come back, I will need to stay until around 6  or  so? should i take my car, or  are you going  anywhere?

Ben got up and had coffee ready by the time Lu-Ti came down. He listened to her prattling about her plans, feeling a bit lost because he didn't have any.

"If you want, I can take you over and pick you up this evening at six. Or take you car and not have to worry."

   Lu-Ti  smiles,If you wihs? You may take me? I am..prisoner..of  my  job. I will be there, Until Lindsey and I go, then I will be back to finish things, or set things in motion.. I will not be  done until around 6?

   after the breakfast  was finished, and the washing up was done,I am ready when you are.

"All right, beloved."

Ben led the way out to the truck, held the door for Lu-Ti, then jumped in and drove her to the Dragon Complex.

After delivering Lu-Ti to work, Ben decided to make the most of the additional day off. He visited a tackle shop and picked up some basic fishing equipment then went home and tried his hand at fishing from the jetty that came with the house.

Maybe he wasn't very good at fishing or maybe there weren't any fish around, or at least none gullible enough to try his bait, but he didn't catch a thing!

Once he got bored, he fetched a book and a flask of coffee and found that it was a wonderful place to sit and read. This time of year it would be a bit chilly in the evening, but it was pleasant in the late morning.

After a nice lunch, taken down by the river, Ben went back into the house, thinking he needed to set up a wifi repeater to the end of the jetty, and started searching men's outfitters. Time to sort out a tux. Given his size, he'd probably have to get one made to measure, so he couldn't hang about. In that case, he'd go for black, then he could wear it any time a tux was suitable. Dragon green highlights in cummerbund, bowtie, pocket square. Quiet and dignified.

After some searchong, Ben found a bespoke menswear store called Jaxson Maximus whose offerings looked good. He called for an appointment, at first they were saying in about 2 weeks then he mentioned his name and suddenly they found an appointment for that very afternoon! Marvelling somehwat, Ben headed out, he'd have to hustle to make the time they'd given him!

<<<<<<<<<<<  from  restaurants

  when they  got  Home, Lu-Ti was very happy to remove her  heels..I think..if i must wear heels, Yuto  and Father shoudl as well!... I did, a few years ago, notice how   men  in the board  roms, looked at me, differant way, when i have   heel, or I havd flats... Yuto  didn't  know. Adam  said  it  just made me more 'woman -like'..whatever that means..but  its  all part of  my  'power look'..Oddly enough, if i  where  Yoga  pants  or  jeans and wear sneaker..i get same looks..Men are incredibly complex inside their heads!

 She looked at the  clock  as she  reached the  stairs,Let us  do  another  thing, that makes me feel like a woman... there was a little smile  as she went up the stairs.

"You're all woman... and I like that!" Ben said, chasing her upstairs, giggling.

It may be some time before the pair of them get to sleep.

Ben and Lu-Ti arrived home. Ben was still enjoying the thrill of arriving at his own home.

Inside, he sorted out an over night bag, then asked Lu-Ti how dressy the party was. Did he need a suit or could he be more casual? A step up from the hoodie and jeans, to be sure, but a nice pair of pants and a long-sleeved shirt with a collar, at least.

 ....This is 'Fun' party, yes? I will wear  jeans and  Nice dragon green top, and  sneakers..though that will make me  much  shorter then you..they  have the dance floor  laid out   on the side  between the Manor and the lake..there  will  a bar  and such  in the back by the pool, and  , off course the Dining room will have   Buffet tables and  a bar There Is a   DJ who will play songs   he will be  near the floor, and there will be a bar out there as well

 Father and Carlton are making a big Push for these  ... independents . Carlton Like Underdogs..Father  ..and maybe  Mother? They missed thier chances..Father  wants to give these peple ..a good chance.

"Oh, well, can I stay like this, then?" Ben asked. The hoodie is Dragon-green with a small cartoon Jackie on the left breast and on the back  his HERE THERE BE DRAGONS slogan.

"WHat time would you like to leave?"

 Lu-Ti held  up a  finger rand gently poked  it in Ben's chest.we  must be there  before 8...we are part of the Host Family..so it would not  be  well received  if  we were late!

Ben trapped the finger and kissed it.

"Then we had better be on time! How long do you want to enhance your beauty?"

Not that he thought it needed enhancing, but he remembered how his mother tended to drive his father to distraction until a teenage Ben suggested that he told her they needed to be 'wherever' about half an hour before they actually were expected. She never worked that one out, but the Hope passion for punctuality was maintained without any more rancour!

 we  can go now.  If  I do not like the way i look, have  have things in my room to  fuss with... better to be  seen as 'already there!'

"OK then, let's go."

Ben threw his bag into the truck, handed Lu-Ti in rather more politely, and drove to the Amota Estate without further ado.

On the way he pointed out some of the places he'd noticed in prowling the area, and asked Lu-Ti where she went when she needed a doctor or a dentist.

<<<<<<<<<<<  Friday Night after   AFC Title.

 As they drove,  Lu-Ti said ,there wil be  many  Dragon gettign awards... You know you will be geting a few...it is Honor  for team, and the player.. Yuto has Divison   flay  in  the showcase  at main entrance.. There is the  other flag for  AFC Title and the  AFC  conferance  trophy.. across the  hall from it, will be all the records  yu and others have  made, and how many all stars  we have put  on the Team, and how  many All-Pros.. It wil be a big night.. The   Sunday, after very hard hitting practice, we get to see   if Lindsey and  Saage  bring home  an Emmy for  themselevs at Dragon studios..

"It's all a bit unreal right now," said Ben, concentrating on his driving.

"But none of us exist in isolation. I cannot score a touchdown if the QB doesn't thow me the ball and the rest of the O don't keep the D off my back."

He thought about that. Maybe it would do for the speech he was apparently supposed to give. He made the turn into their road and presented his card to the gate reader. The barrier opened and he drove through.

"Anything you fancy for dinner? I'll go do some shopping after dropping you off."

 Lu-Ti thought  for a Moment... You do not understand, the  ways of the Press  and the league!..Yes, it  takes everyone to  score, or stop bad guys from scoring, But it is you  they see cross the goal line, or  make big catch...yes?. Players  understand this.. Some fans   too? But most only see 'Big Ben' cross the little  , so little girl and scoreboard  can do their  'dancer!'

  I am in mood for   BK Burgers? but we will have many of those  the next two days, if  we  want them, at the Den.  What about Tacos? Teddy's  Taco's are just about  3  blocks  away. No cooking , you can relax?

"For me, cooking is relaxing. But if Teddy's Tacos you want, beloved, that's what you shall have."

He drove up to the house and they both got out. Cooking may be relaxing, but he didn't particularly enjoy shopping. They went inside and he pulled up the menu on his laptop.

"Come and pick what you want. Get me a house taco with beef and extra beans, please. Do you want wine? As I don't have to go out, I'm getting a beer."

  Lu_ti  orders   3  house tacos for ben, and a  six pack of  soft tacos, with packets of  Hot  and Mild sauces. and a 6 chicken stick box  along with a  frozen  Fruit drink for herself, since   Ben was having a beer.

 I have us  getting some extras. I am getting frozen drink, since you have beer? or did you want one?

once the order was made , Lu-Ti  said...You want to watch TV...or   look at NFL  Channel to see what they are saying about the Game..

Ben came in with his beer and sat down in an armchair.

"NFL Channel, if you can bear it for a bit. Then maybe a movie..."

 Yes.. that will kill time until the food  comes.. then we can settle in and eat with the Movie

 she   turned the  TV  one

(( see media ))

Ben watched the NFL show and sipped his beer. His mind wandered off to recipes for jambalaya.

"Do you like jambalaya, beloved?"

It wasn't long befpre the doorbell rang and he went to collect the food and tip the delivery person.

Lu=Ti  giggled,I have never  tried  it? But if it has crawdads.I won't eat it. Coach Sims  and  Adam always say, " i won't eat  what i use for bait!"..but..they have  chicken and  sausage and  vegetables, The sauce or 'soup' might make it a bit  too 'hot' for some people?.

she got excited for her Frozen Drink   as well as the goodies that were  ordered.

"I didn't know you fished. I tried from the end of our jetty a few days ago, didn't catch a thing. Either there were no fish around or I am rubbish at fishing. I suspect the latter."

Ben sorted out plates for their food, got a fresh beer, and settled to eat. He'd let Lu-Tu choose a movie and hope to stay awake. He was tired after a lot of running around.