August 31, 1994

**Iolani POV**

Once I finally decided to drop in on my e ipo, I wanted to go all out...really knock his socks off. While it's only been a week since we've last seen each other, it already felt like much longer given everything that's happened and I wanted to show him everything he's been missing. And I've got the perfect outfit to do it with...I just need to find it...

With that thought in mind, I almost absentmindedly walked over to my stereo and put in the last CD I'd bought earlier this afternoon...one with a strange looking gold symbol on the case. I wonder what this one has in store...

I head toward the bathroom first, plugging in my blow dryer and curling iron, and pulling out all my best makeup...along with my favourite signature perfume. This included a lot of homemade stuff I'd had specially made back in the Islands that you just can't seem to find here...and believe me, I'd tried. I don't know what I'll do when this runs out. Maybe I should've asked Lo to bring some with her...

I hadn't gotten myself really dolled up since before I left home...and I wanted to really put my best effort into this, so needless to say I was a little nervous. I took a few moments to really pump myself up, and to gradually put my plan into motion. First things first, Lani...time for a shower....

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Several minutes later with my hair on top of my head like a swami, I stepped out of the shower just as the next song on the CD kicked in.

Hearing the first few chords really brought a smile to my face, and managed to set the mood as I start an impromptu bop to the beat while making my way toward my room in search of the outfit I had in mind. So you want to be loved to the 9s do you? We'll just see about that...

It takes no more than a matter of moments for me to locate the desired outfit, a deep blue lingerie set I'd bought impulsively just after I first came to Minneapolis as a wicked grin creeps onto my face. He's going to love this...

When I first bought this a few months ago, I had no idea exactly when or if I'd ever find a reason to wear it, but I quite simply fell in love with it the moment I saw it...

...and now I remember why, I think with a secret smile as I slowly pull the fragile blue lace bra and panty set on, pull the towel off my head, then fumble around for, and slip into the matching shoes before twirling around to take in my reflection in the mirror. Well e ipo...you've definitely never seen your Lani look quite like this...

With a bounce in my step and a goofy grin on my face I head back toward the washroom, intent to complete my look with a hint of dramatic flair. If this doesn't knock his socks off, I don't know what will...

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I quickly blow dry and brush my hair out, gently separating and running the curling iron through it to create a headful of smooth, loose curls...the tendrils framing my face in an enticing manner. Nicely done, girl...it seems you've still got it.

I give myself a wink of encouragement, continuing to move along to the beat of the song still playing in the background as I spritz myself with my signature scent...an enticing blend of tiger lily, honeysuckle, and aquatic undertones. It smells just like home...

I'm beyond ecstatic over how well everything seems to be coming together, my excitement bubbling over into my next actions, my hands starting to shake in their impatience. I'm just about ready for you, honey...are you sure you're ready for me...?

A seductive grin again sweeps across my face as I slowly pull together my favourite cosmetic shades, adding the final touches to the look I have in mind, before scurrying back to my room to look for the final piece that's going to pull everything together. This is going to be good...

Finding it still tucked in my closet exactly where I last left it, I pull it out to give it a once over before slipping it over my outfit with a smile.

I step over to the mirror to give the whole ensemble my final approval...making sure everything came together the way I'd envisioned as I let out a bit of a nervous giggle. After all...I don't want any unexpected wardrobe malfunctions...

Ultimately satisfied with the final result, I give my reflection one last encouraging smile, rushing out to grab my matching handbag and heading out the door just as the song finally comes to a close. I'll love you for all time...

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**The Artist POV**

Ever since Rosie left a few minutes ago, her advice has been swirling around in my mind. Does she miss me as much as I'm missing her?

I can't believe it's already been a week since I left Lani's apartment to attempt coming back to my old life. I'm honestly still not sure if returning was a good idea...but in the end, what choice did I have? It's not like I could just stay away forever. I don't need to be a genius to know that'd never work....

As I reflect on everything that's happened in the one short week I've been back, I find myself shaking my head in chagrin. My life has pretty much been the way I left it...me on the other hand...

At least I've managed to make some headway in terms of cleaning my life up so I can finally bring Lani into it...but I still feel I have a long way to go. But damn it, I miss her...so much. Is it even worth me waiting any longer for her if I'm this unhappy...? Shit...maybe Rosie was onto something...

After all, I've already tried calling her...repeatedly, but somehow I always managed to miss her. Or worse yet...maybe she's ignoring me. Please tell me that's not it. I don't think I could deal with that...

What the hell has she done to me anyway? I'm usually such a man of action. This definitely isn't me... I feel disgust for my inactivity start to leave a bitter taste in my mouth, and irritably start scolding myself. Enough of the passive approach already! Forget the damn phone, man! It's about time you paid Lani a little visit...

Realization slowly starts to settle in as I give myself a decisive nod, a look of determination in my eyes as I head to my room to prepare myself for my first meeting with Lani since leaving her apartment a week ago. Ready or not, Lani...your Prince is coming for you...

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Lost in thought, I step into my room for a few minutes to think about how I'm going to surprise Lani, and slowly make my way over to have a seat on my bed for a moment to collect my thoughts. Should I get her anything...flowers maybe...? Come on man...that's pathetic. You can do better than that...

But before I could think any further on it I felt the mattress shift just slightly, a set of dainty fingers quickly obscuring my vision. What the hell...?

A set of soft feminine lips brush against my ear, her sultry voice whispering out a seductive, "Guess who..." as a warm tongue, traversing the shell of my ear, breasts pressing gently up against my back causes goose bumps to creep all over my body...and my chagrin, a tightening in my pants. Dammit! I know that voice sounds familiar, but who the fuck is it?

The voice pipes up again, playfully pouting as her teeth start to gently nibble the side of my neck. "Awww baby...I've missed you..."

"Carmen...?" I ask quietly, a hint of confusion lacing my voice. "Is that you?"

Suddenly her hands remove themselves from my eyes, wrapping tightly against my torso as her voice softly murmurs into my ear. "Welcome home, honey," she offers, her hand making its way toward the growing bulge in my pants. Uhh...no...

I jump up suddenly and turn around to face her as my quilt drops to her waist, displaying her bare breasts for my perusal with a suggestive smile, as a look of shock lights up my face. Of all the times you could show up...why now?

I look down to divert my gaze from her chest, which seems to be open for business, muttering in a quiet, but serious tone. "I think you need to leave..."

"Now, now..." she replies in a seductive tone, wagging her finger in my face she pulls the quilt off and slowly makes her way toward me. "You can't tell me you haven't missed me...I know I've missed you," she continues teasingly, stalking in my direction as I gradually back away. Oh my god...is she nude?! Lani...remember, you want Lani... I've got to get her out of here!

Eventually I find myself backed against the wall with nowhere to go, and a look of panic crosses my face as she looks at me seductively as she gently wraps her arms around my neck, gradually guiding me directly towards her heaving chest. I try to gently back away, but she's got me trapped. Now what?!

"Carmen!" I say forcefully, eventually jerking my head out of her grasp in the nick of time, meeting her eyes with a look of determination as I bite out. "Stop it!"

"Come on, baby..." she tosses back in a teasing tone, placing one hand gently against my chest as her other one starts fiddling with my belt buckle. "We both you know you don't mean that. Remember that thing I always told you I would never do...?" she continues in an enticing tone, causing a heated glow to come into my amber gaze. Now you're offering this...now?!

I reluctantly nod my head curtly in the affirmative, at this point not sure what to do. Damn you. Carmen!

"Well...." she continues in a playful manner, her index finger making slow gentle circles across my chest through my shirt, her other hand gradually working the belt out of my pants as she leans in capture my lips with her own. "...tonight I'll do anything you want..."

I let out a reluctant groan, and as I feel my pants slowly slipping down, I somehow manage to snap back to reality and break the kiss, turning my head away. I can't do this...I love Lani...

"I can't do this, Carmen. I'm sorry..." I reply softly, gradually slipping away from the wall and out of her embrace as a look of humiliation and anger gradually overtakes her features. Now this can't be good...

I hear her exasperated voice pipe up from just behind me, "Are you serious right now?! Do you not understand what I'm offering you here...?!"

With stone cold silence as my only reply, I move over to a pile of discarded clothes lying on the floor, swiftly gathering them together before around and attempting to hand them to her with an apologetic look. I'm sorry, but you need to leave...

In an act of sheer defiance she refuses to grab them, allowing them to slip from my hands back onto the floor. "Pick those up." I eventually demand with a tone of finality, gesturing toward the floor in irritation. Now you're really starting to get on my last nerve... Put some damn clothes on woman!

She meets my gaze, eyes lighting up in challenge and shakes her head in the negative before retorting saucily, "Make me." Are you really going to do this?

"Either you put some clothes on now and leave on your own, or I take these with me..." I threaten, my voice soft as I glance at the skimpy pile of clothes still littering the floor as I meet her eyes with a stony look "...before calling security to escort your naked ass out of here. It's your choice, mama."

Her eyes stay locked on mine for several beats as she tries unsuccessfully to break my resolve. Come on, Carmen...please just leave already...

"I take it you drove yourself here." I continue in a clipped tone, crossing my arms across my chest. My eyes lock onto hers as I slowly bend toward the ground, preparing to pick up her clothes with a determined gleam in my eyes. Last warning...

She offers me a reluctant nod, rushing to sweep her clothes off the floor in a heartbeat. She glances back for a split second, catching my gaze with a furious look before making a beeline into my bathroom and slamming the door behind her. Oh thank god....

"You have two minutes...after that, I'm calling security!" I toss over my shoulder in the general direction of the bathroom door before I slowly walk away for what I hope is the last time.

Just as I step out into the hall and my bedroom door clicks shut, it finally comes to me. I suddenly know exactly what I need to do.

A look of excitement lights up my entire face, and I feel as though I'm walking on air. I determinedly rush toward the studio intent to put my plan in action...tonight. If this doesn't win Lani over, then nothing will!