A gift... of sorts

[Lovely]

October 1, 2008
evening
Veinna Estate

Holiday season at the estates seemed to start hardly after the red, white and blue had come down and the sparklers were barely cool. Leaves in the orchard were barely starting to shift their autumn golds and reds and already catalogs were being searched and scoured for the extended family who would be in the field at Christmastime. Richie thumbed through one that had been sent home from Moscow as a joke for Wil, but the widower seemed to show genuine interest in it, flipping pages and eyeing the girls as he slowly sipped his cognac.

She watched her brother in law and close friend thumb through the catalog with an interest that she wasn't sure about.. whether it was a good thing or not. Perhaps it was a sign that his brother Aberto had been right in doing what had been done... "Richie, darling... we do need to find you a nice girl...." Josie nodded, regarding him over the edge of the catalog she was flipping through.

Feeling like he'd been caught with his hand in the cookie jar, he tossed down the book. "That one...," he teased, pointing to the 1001-Mail-Order Brides. He looked up at her and sipped the last of his drink, reaching for another book.

Josie picked up the catalog and smiled, wickedly. "As you wish... " She rolled catalog into a tube and swatted him with it. "You have a package waiting.. in your room."

He ducked the swat and grimaced with a shrug and 'da hell?' mouthed. A more audible groan floated out of him. "Nice girl... why?"

"Because you deserve one?" She shrugged, utterly amused and wishing she could see his face when he went upstairs to open his package. She knew of course what was waiting for him and though the means of getting 'it' were not as desirable, she had a feeling in the end it wouldn't matter.

"Fine, fine... can't leave well enough alone," he growled as he stepped away, coming a step to grab his catalog. "My Christmas list.. ya mind?" He gave her a cold smirk, though his eyes held a curiosity that only those in the family had learned to read. He wasn't ungracious, and he didn't lack an ounce of curiosity, his heart skipping a beat as he charged to his room, slowing as some of the hired help passed in the hall. He wasn't ever one to appear eager... he just hid it well.

[Lovely]

Two of the boys were posted at his room, one outside the door, sporting a nasty black eye. The other was just stepping out wiping a bit of blood from a split lip. They both grinned at one another and then eyes him. "Lucky bast.." One of them mumbled, the other turned to him, with a nod.

He paused and looked them over. "What are you two con artists up to?" He smiled, brightening the spark in his eye. "Great shiner... award winner there. You get a picture of that?"

The guard turned and mumbled a string of curses under his breath before turning back with a smile. "Merry Christmas.... I really hope you don't like your gift.. cause I'll love disposing of it for you." Marcus grinned and moved away from the door, gingerly touching his cheek.

He pointed to the room beyond the door, then to the black eye. "Whatever's in there did that? Sweet! Hey.. bright side is.. that's probably the worst that'll happen to you today.. things are looking up for you Marc... go on.. clear off.. nothing to see here." Or was there, he wondered.

Marc growled at the door and turned, grabbing the other guard's arm. "You sure you don't want us to stand post?" He really didn't want to, more than to hope he could personally take care of the package.

"I'll handle it," he insisted, giving Marcus a wary glance. "Dismissed." He waved the boys off and entered slowly. "Hello? I hear there's a jack-in-the-box in here bustin' chops... anyone want to tell me about it?" He looked around cautiously and closed the door behind him, locking it from intrusion or rapid escape of whatever had given one of their ace hounds a set of goggles.

The girl turned from where she stood near his dresser. Her wrists were a bit raw from where they had been bound so tightly, the shreds of twine were in a heap on the floor, across the room. She turned and set down the brush, his brush, that she had been using to smooth her waves. "I think a -jane- in -the -box is more correct... and they deserved it." She gave a semi pleasant smile and fussed with torn clothes. "Do you have a shirt I can borrow?" She asked, frowning at the condition of the one she wore. "Did you come in here to get your chops busted? I would hate to disappoint.."

"No, I came in here because someone likes to play jokes on me and I was up for a laugh. I'm not laughing at the moment," he pointed to the closet and watched the girl, keeping his distance. The girls in his brother's family were enough to be wary of and he'd learned that lesson the hard way. "Help yourself. Tees in the drawer and the shower's through there. You got a name.. Jane?"

"Well thats good.. if you were laughing.. I'd have to give you a black eye, too." She folded her arms and looked at him. "They really did deserve it." She glanced at the door he pointed to and the mention of a shower. Her face seemed to soften for a moment as she considered the offer. "Are you sure.. you don't mind?" She motioned at the bathroom, her gaze coming back to him, though she couldn't help glancing to the door behind him. Her mind working out ways to get 'free', though she was aware of what that could mean for the rest of her life. She turned to the bathroom and called over her shoulder. "I have a dumb name.. just call me Bob."

[Lovely]

"Bob? You look more like a Frank.. maybe a Fred," he smiled. "Okay.. Bob... knock yourself out. No window, though, so don't get a bright idea. Just a fan. But I've got some awesome conditioner... some of that Hawaiian stuff? Go ahead. Guess I'm supposed to talk to you or something, but I'd rather you were comfortable."

She paused and turned at the door. "A fan, yeah? How big is it? Does it lead up into the air conditioning ducts?" She raised a brow. "I'll be in the shower if you feel the need to talk to me." She moved into the bathroom closing the door and starting the water running. She stepped from the toilet to the lip of the sink to check the fan.. just in case.

He chuckled as he opened the door to hand her a towel. "Doesn't lock, either, and I told you.. it's just a fan. Sorry. I"m not that bad once you get to know me. I might even help you bust some noses. The boys had it coming."

"Can't blame me for double checking." She shrugged and reached out to use his shoulder to steady herself as she stepped off the counter, landing lightly on her feet. "Thanks." She grabbed the towel and set it to the side of the sink. She yanked at the shirt, letting it fall to the floor in a small heap. "They did..." She nodded and then eyed him, with hands on her hips. "So... what's your name?"

"Richard... Richie... and this is Richie's world. My sink... my poor excuse for an escape route... my private little corner of the universe and my... you're something."

"Thank you Dick... " She smiled. "Nice little piece of the universe.. I guess.. I'm part of your little corner or yours or something like that now."

He gave her a cold glance, picking the heaped shirt from the floor to put on the hook. "Dick is not my name... it's something I am... my name is Richard. This is a shirt.. something it is, is 'not supposed to be on the floor'. This... is a hook... meant for the shirts...," he said, hanging it up for her. "You're here for whatever reason you were brought here. I don't own you, but I think I might like to know a little more... when you freshen up a bit."

Her eyes seemed to darken as she reached for the shirt and dropped it to the floor. "That used to be a shirt.. now it's trash... You should make those dogs take it out." Her chin tipped and she reached to slip her skirt off, which she held out. "This is a skirt.. do you have a specific hook for these?"

"Same hook. Look, I'm not sure what's going on exactly, but you could start with being a gracious guest. I haven't tried to tie you and I'd like to look at that rash when you're done. Why they used ropes I don't know, but I'm not the one you need to be mad at here. Go on and take your shower, relax. I'll see if I can get you something more suitable. Size 8?" Although she'd disrobed in front of him, he remained unaffected outwardly. His eyes glanced and subtly approved, but he didn't want to make her feel more of a prisoner by leering at her.

She sighed softly and nodded. "Yes.. size 8.. if it's alright.. can I have something casual... t-shirt and.." She shrugged. "Do you prefer Richie or Richard?"

"Richie.. Richie's fine," he said in a softer tone, taking her clothes and stepping away. "I'll see what I can dig up." He stepped out and moved to pitch the torn items in the waste basket. The other side of the closet had been left pretty much untouched and the items that remained were evidence of nearly the decade that had passed. He pulled out a hanger with a size 8 jean and found a simple shirt for her as well, bringing them back to her. "Will these work?"

[Lovely]

She wiped the water from her eyes, with her hand as she leaned from the shower. Looking at the clothes she nodded. "Thank you.... Richie." She said in a less challenging tone, her hand working to spin the handles to turn the water off. "Towel..please?" She motioned behind him to the one she'd set on the sink.

He handed her the towel and arranged the hanger on the hook, stepping out for her to dry off and dress in privacy. He hit a switch on a remote, kicking up his stereo to a pleasant classical jazz from his collection that flirted around a Sinatra tune before ol' blue eyes himself started crooning out of the speakers. Richie sang along as he lounged back on his bed and waited.

She could hear the music beyond the the door, which was open a crack and found herself whisper singing along with him. She kept her voice low as she was accustomed to doing. She toweled off and stretched a little, she'd been confined for so long... She dressed in the 'borrowed' clothes and stepped to the doorway. She leaned there watching him quietly, with a small hint of smile. She looked less angry and hard assed now, the shower and a few minutes unmolested had served to calm and soothe her a bit. "very nice... " she spoke softly when there was a break in the music. "You going to rock me to sleep and sing me a lullaby?"

He jumped, moving his feet from the bed and sitting up. "Sing you a... was I singing out loud? Huh... didn't even notice," he said, looking her over in the old soft-edged clothes. "Cleaned up nice. Let's take a look at those wrists... and maybe you can tell me what the hell is going on."

"you were... and it was very nice." She looked down at the floor for a moment and then shifted her arms behind her and clasped her hands together lightly. "It's alright, I'll be fine."

He smiled. "Don't argue... of all the households to be thrust into as a reluctant guest, we have more doctors in the house than you can shake pretty darn near anything you wanna shake."

"Lucky me.. but I don't need a doctor." Her shoulders squared as she straightened up, showing she was strong and able. Though she stood there in bare feet and someone else's clothes, there was a certain proud look to the girl.

"At ease, soldier.. I'm not going to interrogate you.. much. Have a seat," he smiled a little warmer. "Anywhere.. do you drink? Would you like one?"

"I've been through interrogation training.. give me your best shot." She slowly started to wander around the outskirts of the room, looking at things curiously. "Water is fine. Thank you." She spoke politely, though a bit wild, she had manners and seemed somewhat refined.

"Training? What for? Getting brought home to guy's houses as 'presents'? Look, I don't know your name. You're not being forthcoming with even that, I'm not sure I want to waste my time. How about we try a different tactic. Why did the boys do this to you?"

[Lovely]

"Because they could." She turned and faced him. "The Veinna family is just about the richest most powerful family in the world... you have hands, funds, men, and muscle in just about every civilized place and many not so civilized... but you already know that part."

"Okay, so tell me the part I don't know," he grinned. "You're making me dizzy. C'mon and sit down... please?"

"I'd rather not... I have been confined for a long time.. feels good to be in the open.. " She motioned around the room. "Heck your bathroom is bigger than my.. it may not feel so big and open to you, but the grass is greener or maybe there is none.. something like that." She paused. "You mentioned a drink?"

"I did. What would you like?" He chuckled lightly. "With this place, we have closets bigger than some entire houses. It's not necessarily something I enjoy pointing out, but it's true. Do you take ice?"

"Surprise me.. " She licked her lips, she'd not been allowed to consume alcoholic beverages, though she was of age now. "What does one put in a closet that big?"

He shrugged and mused, bringing her a simple iced vodka and one for himself with a martini olive pickling it. "The usual.. clothes, shoes, bowling ball... cousin Ernie..."

"Beloved cousin Ernie, of course?" She gingerly took the glass from him, sniffing it lightly before taking a taste. Her face scrouched up a little and then she took another sip, licking her lips at the feel it caused on her tongue and lips.

"That's vodka. Doesn't have much taste, but has all the kick. If it's too strong, I can give you more ice... got some lime if you want. So what's the real name, Bob?"

She took another sip, shaking her head in offer of him 'fixing' the drink. "Fauve.." She said quietly, engrossed in testing and tasting the alcohol he'd given her. She lifted her gaze to him. "I like it.."

"I do too," he said, taking a sip of his glass, not elaborating whether he meant what he drank or her. "So they brought you here.. apparently for me. Not sure why. Could have left well enough alone, and you certainly put up a fight. What is it about you... that they chose you for me, hm?" He set the drink down and rested back on the bed, leaning hard into his arms at either side as he watched her.

"I put up a fight, because I thought I was being disposed of." She said honsetly, looking over him quizically. "You really don't know.. anything about this?"

"Not a thing. Like a jack-... excuse me.. 'jane' in-the-box. Crank it up... ooo look.. a surprise."

"You're not supposed to question your cracker jack prizes.. just supposed to take them." She countered lightly. "We could say Aberto didn't have the heart to watch me be destroyed like the others."

"Aberto? Ahh the picture becomes clearer. So you're an 'accepted' gift? Approved of to come to my doorstep, is that it?"

[Lovely]

"More like lucky... maybe hand picked.. cultivated... perhaps..." She sipped her drink, eyeing him as she considered her words carefully. She held back from telling him very much, though she felt as though she'd already said too much.

"Thank you, if you think you're lucky, I'll take that compliment. But I don't think that's the word you're looking for. Did he leave any blood for you to live off of or have you been given anything to eat that didn't consist of his vials and injections?"

She shook her head slowly. "What day is it?"

"Tuesday... and maybe I better get you something to settle that alcohol then."

"Was Thursday, last I remember.. and I ate the day before..." She paused and seemed to take 'stock' of herself for a moment. "I would say it's been nearly six days since I've eaten.. can't be more than that. Two weeks I would feel worse than this."

"Sound like a legionaire," he chuckled. "What branch... what kind of training?"

"One of those branches that don't exist." She sipped a bit more off her glass, blinking and sucking her lower lip a little. "And if I tell you what sort of training, how will I give any more surprises?"

"Ve have our vays," he said, puckering and folding his arms, taking a moment to adjust an imaginary monocle over his eye before wiggling the eyebrow above it. "You did a good enough job on Marcus... the black eye, by the way. He'll be disappointed to know that I'm not getting rid of you. Hoping you might even kinda want to stay. I won't be able to let you waltz out. Not for my sake, but for safety. Of course, I'm not sure if that's your safety or the crew you haven't busted yet. That's all the surprise I think I need for one day. So... what do you want to eat? You eat meat? You want sweets? Name it, it'll be brought up for you."

She closed her eyes. "Just a bit of bread, would do well. This long without anything.." She shook her head. "To feast would not be wise, need to slowly introduce food back in. Perhaps one of those drinks, meal replacements for nurishment?"

"Not bad. You really have been trained nicely. And all that on no food, I can imagine what you're like out there on a full tank," he mused, impressed with her, but still wary. He was resentful of the brothers' intent to hook him up this way, but she'd passed and she was something else.

"thank you.. I really want a nice big steak, medium rare... But I'd like to enjoy it as well." She opened her eyes and smiled a little at him. "So bread and a meal in a can.... mmm mmm you gonna join me?" She wiggled an eyebrow.

"Sure, actually I really wouldn't mind," he said, picking up his phone and hitting a line that rang somewhere in the house. He quickly let the other end know what was requested. "Anything else you'd like? Oh," he turned to the phone and requested that a tailor be arranged for her as well to remedy her clothing situation. She could easily wear Maggie's clothes, but he was already having a hard time seeing them on her.

[Lovely]

"Did you just order a.. tailor?" She marveled at that for a moment and then tugged on the shirt. "These.." She didn't finish the thought but was smart enough to know the clothes were not his and must belong or have belonged to someone. She was fatigued from the lack of food, all the tests and the long trip... it had been quite an ordeal, but one she was strong enough to come through with more ease than most would.

She caught something in his expression and set her glass down, pulling the top over her head and sliding the jeans down. She folded them and set them neatly on the dresser. "Since I'm not going out tonight... would you have a tee shirt and boxers, I could use to lounge in?"

"Sure.. knock yourself out... dresser.. go ahead and dig," he said softly, watching her and sipping his drink. "You didn't ha... thank you." He regarded his glass a moment and sighed, setting it aside to slide back where he'd been lounging, trying not to look at her slender and well-kept form. He grasped the remote and changed discs, letting a soft show tune float through the room.

Fauve nodded and turned, bending over slightly as she rifled through his drawers to find what she needed. She came up with a light blue tee and boxers where the pattern and colors cordinated. They were a little big on her but covered her and didn't fall off, so she was good. Her long lean legs and lightly tanned skin tone were enhanced by the 'shorts' and colors. She ran her fingers through her hair, working through a few small tangles left from after her shower. She was still a bit restless but had eased quite a bit since he'd come into the room, this showed in the way she stood, the set of her shoulders and expression.

Fauve was tempted to move and join him in sitting on the bed, instead she watched him and leaned on the edge of the dresser. Her hands on the top of the dresser, arms bent to give her light support, caused her chest to thrust out a little in front of her. She chewed her lip a bit. "So...."

He'd been lost someplace, focusing on a point not in the room as he listened to the music, affording her what privacy he could without leaving. He hummed and sang softly to the music until she spoke and drew him back into the room with her. He turned to look at his garments on her and how she stood, a smile cracking over his lost expression. "Nice. Comfy? You look a little... tense," he teased.

A half smile curved her lips. "Could be that I am a little tense..?" She shifted her feet, crossing her legs at the ankle and looking around the room. Her eyes settled back on him, moving over him slowly, taking him in, in more than a -sizing him up as a potential foe- way. She'd already taken him in as something that could be in her way in an attempt to get out, but now she looked at him like an actual person. She ended her perusal of him at his eyes, which she met without falter or excuse.

"You've stayed in one place more than ten seconds.. think you could grace me with your presence a little closer? I don't bite... I charge by the hour when I do."

Her tongue ran over her lips and she nodded slowly. She pushed off the dresser, her slender legs carrying her gracefully to the bed. She lowered to sit beside him, very gently. "It's a pity you charge... I have no money." Her arms rested on her legs and she leaned forward on her them.

"I can run you a tab if you want," he said softly as he felt her weight tip the bed ever so slightly. It had been a long time since he'd felt that motion beside him.

She shook her head. "I don't want to owe you something I may not be able to repay."

He shrugged. "On the house. You don't owe me anything. If anything, besides an apology, I probably owe you safe passage out of here. Unless you don't mind staying for a while. It's been a long time since I snuck a girl up to my room. Granted I didn't do the sneaking part."

[Lovely]

"You really... I.. you.. would.. if I want to leave?" She shook her head again and turned her face towards him, a questioning and wary expression. "Safe passage out of here was not mentioned on the way in.."

"Nobody asked me, did they? They brought you here for me. If I want to take you out to dinner... say.. in France.. they couldn't do jack."

She licked her lips and rubbed her hands, palms together, over each other. "And after dinner?"

"You like Tiramisu? In Tuscany?" He smiled, keeping a wary eye on her hands, reaching out for one, offering his, palm up. "Are you cold?"

"I haven't eaten in almost a week, the first I had to drink was that.." She pointed to the glass she had left on the dresser. "I was locked in the trunk to smuggle me out and make the trip... then Aberto drew more vials of blood then I have ever seen... and I have had plenty of samples drawn..." She paused taking a deep, slow breath. "I think I'm going into shock.." She swallowed and took another breath, fighting her body's reactions as best she could. Her hand slowly reached to rest over his, her fingers were like ice.

"Sweet Jude, you're freezing," he exclaimed softly, covering her fingers with his other hand to warm her. "Let me see what's taking them so long, okay?" He instinctively reached to kiss her cheek as he would have done with Cass, purely second nature in a fatherly manner.

She flinched from his kiss and her head snapped to stare into his eyes for a moment. "I'm sorry.." She whispered, looking away to the floor. Fauve concentrated on her breathing, keeping it even and not letting panic trigger in her.

He smiled softly. "No no, excuse me. Habit.. my daughter. She um... nevermind. I didn't mean to startle you," he said, recognizing the nerves for what they were and backing away. He let go of her fingers and reached for his robe. "Tuck this around your shoulders for now. It'll warm you up a little." He laid it down within reach and called down to the kitchen as the knock on the door came.

She looked at the robe and to the floor again, slowly turning her head to watch him move to the door. Her fingers curled around the soft fabric and she pulled the robe around her, never taking her eyes off him. Even as she eased further up on the bed and leaned her back against the headboard.. her eyes remained on him. She curled her legs in to sit 'indian style', resting her hands in her lap, the robe pulled around her to keep her warm.

He exchanged only a few words with the man who stood in shadows with the tray as he took it from him and closed the door. He brought it to the nightstand and set it up for her. "Anything else you want, you're to call down and they'll bring it to you. He tells me we just had strawberries delivered and Chef just finished making a cake for my sister-in-law's birthday. For now... a special home version of 'meal in a can'... something the boys seem to like. Protein, a little fruit.. tastes better anyway. Hope you like it," he said, handing her the full, cold glass.

Her fingers trembled as she reached for the glass and she scowled, dropping her hand to her lap, disgusted at herself for being weak and even more for showing it. Her fingers flexed. clenched and uncurled before she reached for the glass again, this time there was no visible tremor. She sniffed the glass as she had done before and then looked at him. "Drink some." She said softly, handing the glass towards him.

"It's not poisoned or drugged, I promise you," he said, sipping some for her and handing it back. "Actually.. it's chocolate." A moment later he made a face and scowled, sneered and coughed a little, acting the part well of having been 'damaged' by the contents, and 'fainting' to the bed at her feet.

[Lovely]

"pity.. you were kind of growing on me." She whispered, the glass, untouched, was set to the tray and she uncurled from her spot on the bed. "Well your breathing.. so it must only be drugged." She draped the robe over him as she slipped from the bed and crept to the door. She peeked into the hall and then moved back to him, her hands slipping into his pockets to rifle for keys and anything she could use.

His hands were faster to grasp than one might expect as he stopped her at his pockets. "Ehhht... not until I know your real name. No dame gets in my pockets til the second date," he smiled, sitting up. "The drink's fine, now sit down and eat.. drink.. whatever. Then we'll see about getting you out of here."

Her eyes narrowed and she pulled back, her hands held close to her chest. A light trickle of blood ran down each arm from the holes which were disappearing, where the 'spikes' had extended from the top of her wrists. She'd not stabbed or cut him as her eyes swept down to check, immediately. "Told you just call me Bob.." She whispered, her eyes rising to meet his.

"Nice trick, 'Spike'... I'm not going to hurt you, now put those away and sit.. drink.. please?"

She rolled her wrists and sat down on the bed, sliding back against the head board again. She watched him in her peripherial vision as she looked down at the bedspread. She reached for a napkin from the tray and wiped the blood from her arms.

"I was kidding about the date and the pocket thing. Hey.. Bob.. it's okay.. look at me," he said softly as he sat up and moved to check her arms. "So that explains why you wouldn't let me see. May I?" He offered a hand and took the other napkin from the tray. "Please?"

She looked up at his face and gingerly held out her arm to his hand. "It's fine... they close up quickly.." She let her gaze drop again, her wrists were still raw from the twine, but the marks from her extentions seemed to be puckering closed and sealing up on their own.

He dabbed water from the second glass that was cool and filtered on the bleached, clean cloth. He tended the rope burns gently. "Could still get infected. Just making sure you don't run into more trouble you don't need." His eyes flicked from the wounds to her gaze that seemed fearful and wary. "What do I have to do to get you to trust me?"

"Give me a good reason why I should." She spoke softly, her eyes moving from the covers to meet his again. Something in her gaze spoke of the determination, strength, and courage she held within her. Beyond that there was the gleam of a wild, rebelious, uninhibited girl with the spirit of a fighter and the will of a survivor. And deeper still was the heart of a woman, with warmth, love, trust, a sense of humor and the capacity for great caring and joy. All the things that made her human and all the things she'd had to bury in order to survive.

[Lovely]

He swabbed the rash, being careful to not trigger the spurs, he hoped. "Because I have yet to give you a reason not to. I might change my mind, but for now, I think I'll remain on the trustworthy side, hm?" He set the cloth down, but kept a hold of her fingers, reaching for the drink again. "I insist you have this or I will order that steak and feed it to you."

"I would not suggest you try to force feed me anything... I can make you into a Richie-ka-bob." The barest hint of a smile touched her lips, her eyes moving over his face. "The first lesson I learned, where I was... Is to trust no one."

"Reminds me of a story," he said. "You ever read Greek myth? Actually, it's from Homer.. Odysseus and the like. Hercules and his tasks, I believe. One of the odysseys was to the Isle of Crete that was guarded by a cyclops. The men were trapped on the island with this creature they didn't know how to defeat and weren't sure they'd not be made food for the terrible one-eyed man who towered over them," he mused, returning her smile with one eye closed, then the other, playing 'cyclops' for a moment. "Big scary one-eye thought he was all tough, but the captain and crew were smarter than he thought. Cyclops insisted on asking the captain's name and he replied 'I'm No One'.. odd name, thought Big Ugly. He played along and a battle of wits between him and the captain lasted long into the night while the captains men stole away to build a raft out of scrap wood and tatters of their own clothes. When the time came, the captain ran off, setting Big Ugly on a chase after him," he said, letting her hands go and setting the cloth aside. He reached for the robe and slipped it away from her to hang up in favor of a more becoming sweater. He brought this back for her and laid it in her lap. "So, Big Ugly chases the captain, only to run into a trap that leaves his one eye skewered, blinding him and the captain can go free. Cyclops wails out to the night and the Sirens call to him from the shore, distracted as well as the captain and his men sail away. They cry to their friend demanding to know what happened to him and he moans, clawing at his blinded eye that he was wronged. 'By Whom', they ask. 'No one'... he sings in misery. 'No One has blinded me.'" He sat back, certain he'd bored her to tears and still watched the glass that hadn't moved to her lips.

She looked at the sweater and then to him with a nod. "Thank you." The sweater slipped over her torso and she cuddled into it, looking kind of sweet with her rich brown waves falling in slight disarray around her shoulders. "That was a very touching touching story.... Was it an attempt to get me to tell you my name?" She followed his gaze to the glass and sighed, she picked up the glass and held it in her hands, but didn't drink right away. Her eyes swept slowly over him a couple times before the glass was raised to her lips and she took a tiny sip.

"It was an attempt at something.. I dunno," he grinned, looking a little distant. "It's a story about trust, really. See, big ol' one-eye.. didn't watch out for himself, thinking he was invincible. Then one day... bam... something caught him totally off guard.. something he didn't see coming." He looked up at her and grinned a little softer. "Looks good on you."

"I don't think I'm invincible. I know exactly how expendable I am and if I didn't posses whatever it is that Aberto deemed worth... whatever, I know where I'd be. But that doesn't mean I should just trust the first person who is nice to me, does it?" She took another, larger sip of the glass. "It's good." She commented in after thought.

"Who said I was talking about you?" He winked and leaned back on his elbows, scooting back to pull his feet up on the bed again. His head fell back and he watched her. "My boys.. they know what they like."

"Okay good.. because I don't want to talk about me." She continued to sip the drink, a moment later asking. "Your boys?"

He chuckled. "Fair enough. I'll eake it out of you when you're not expecting it I guess. Yeah.. my boys. Two of 'em. If I didn't love 'em to death, I'd sure as heck kill 'em myself half the time. They're dolls, both of 'em.. and their sister."

[Lovely]

"You have three kids?" Her eyes moved over him, her interest seeming to spark a little. "What are their names?"

"The girl... that's Cassie. She's pure spark, so watch out for her. Then there's Drake. Don't let him get started or he'll talk your ear off.. clean off... or he'll sing it off, one of the two. And then there's Tyler. I tried to stop him, but he wouldn't listen. He's good at that not listening thing."

"They have very nice names... how old are they?" Her head tilted and a bit more of a smile touched her lips. "they sound... fun..." She reached to the soft bread that waited on the tray and broke of a small piece to nibble on, she'd managed to sip away almost half of her drink.

"Sure.. fun... teenagers," he sighed, closing his eyes a moment. He opened them looking at her as she ate more. "Eh, old enough to borrow the car, stay up too late and make me gray before my time. They have to remind me how old they are.. their mom was the one with a memory for that sort of thing. Me? I just remember the unimportant shet.. plays.. stories... "

"If it makes you feel any better.. I haven't seen any grey... and stories are important... I bet you told them great bedtime stories before they started staying up too late."

"You kidding? That's why they stay up now. Drake's on this theater kick at the moment and Tyler... oh lord help me, he's me."

"Can't be all that awful, if they make you smile like that.... and I'm sure there are much worse things to be than to be like you." Her eyes warmed for a moment as the sincere words were spoken. Another piece of bread found her fingers and was nibbled on.

"Yeah well, we'll see," he paused. "It shows, huh? Damnit... maybe I'll make him go to accounting school. Hm... there's a thought."

"Children should be allowed to do what they dream of doing... as long as it doesn't involve mass destruction or genicide."

"Not stopping them...any of them from doing that as long as they have the business handled first, that's all. It's a tradition, really. I didn't make up the rules and I sure as hell broke as many of them as I could. They'll turn out alright," he grinned, looking distant again as his head turned back and he watched the dots on the ceiling, blinking away some memory that haunted him. "No mass destruction here. More of the one-on-one, every man for himself kind here."

"Every man for himself from the guy who wants to know how to get me to trust him?... Interesting." She set her now nearly empty glass to the side and leaned forward a little.

[Lovely]

"Didn't say I believed in it. It's just the way it is," he sighed. "Better? Warming up a little?" He looked down his chest to her, not sitting up just yet.

"Practice as you preach.." She said softly, simply her hands rolling out to her knees and she nodded. "Yes.. warmer now."

"What I preach is to have them be tolerant as well as wise. Learn as much as they can and be a part of as much as they can. They're pretty sharp, really, so I don't do much," he said honestly, slowly sitting up and sitting opposite her. "I'm no one's judge and jury... and I don't mean that like the story of big ugly, okay? I don't generally care about secrets and pasts and shadows. That's what Richie isn't. I may be a dick, but I'm not about digging."

She let his words roll around in her head and licked her lips, her eyes shifting over him. She sighed softly and leaned back a little to look him in the face, very plainly but genuinely wanting to know, she asked. "So what do you want here... from me?"

"Let's start with what 'they' want and I'll get around to it. 'They' picked you.. or left you... for a reason, thinking we'd get along and there's a long gorey textbook that comes with that I won't go into here... not yet anyway. 'They' thought it would be funny to offer you up like an hors d'oeurve, flat out on the tray for the taking. 'They' should f*cking know me better by now and shouldn't have done it that way. I'll worry about that later. 'They' stuck you full of holes and fed you like crap for nearly a week which makes Richie a little cranky. Then 'they' had the nerve to think you needed to be tied up in here... which makes Richie even more cranky. No one should treat a lady with that little respect and 'they' will hear it from me when I calm down a little. As for me.. what I want..is for you to relax... to trust me.. maybe accept me as a friend because it sounds like you may need one once in a while... like now, maybe.. and I offer you a place to stay where you're safe and can be you."

She leaned back further, resting on the pillows against the headboard. "Is it really that simple? I mean.. cut out all the 'they' crap... and is it really that simple.... just stay here, be me.. relax..trust you... that's it?" Her hands folded in her lap, her thumbs playing with one another a little. "Is there anything else that I should know... that makes Richie cranky?"

"Not knowing a pretty lady's real name," he winked. "But I'll get over that. It is that simple. You can have whatever you want brought to you here, just like a hotel. TV, satellite, something like.. hell I dunno.. two thousand stations to surf through. I don't watch the thing, but it's in the cabinet. Stereo and CDs... satellite there, too, if you want it. Fabulous view if you want to take a look through there.. private balcony. You could sunbathe nude.. can't be seen from the other rooms."

"I don't sunbathe, nude or otherwise. I do not watch television... music I like. The veiw isn't as important as if I'll be able to walk out into that view at some point. I am not a pretty lady, so I hope that comment wasn't directed at me." She folded her arms and looked at him, her jaw working in a slight frustrated motion for a moment. "My name is Fauve... okay.. told you it was a stupid name."

"Huh. Fauve? Suits you. Means 'wild and spirited'... and it's French. It's hardly stupid. Ask Cass what her full name is sometime," he grinned. "If she doesn't kick you in the shins for bringing it up." He moved off to pull open the curtain to show her the view and the edges of the estate they could see. "If you want to wander outside, you can. There are guards out there at all times... not to keep you in, but to keep others out. If I tell them you're out there, they'll leave you alone."

Her legs swung over the side of the bed and she was at his side with ease and speed, looking out across the now dark grounds. "They'll leave me alone? Even black eye and split lip boys? " She flashed an amused smile at him and looked out as far as she could see. "I assuming the fece has a good current running through it, camera's, guards... dogs... besides the feral boys... I'd say at least twenty men, at any given time.. all armed... probably have a good arsenal with the money the family has... factor in the actual family.. those that are armed... quite the little army.." She nodded and turned her gaze to him.

[Lovely]

"Maybe," he grinned. "Or maybe I won't tell them and let them take their chances and see if they can handle one little, innocent, sweet lady? I did say safe passage. I don't intend to make you stay... I want to somehow make you want to stay... or at least come back, okay? Richie's world doesn't have many people in it."

"So you think I could take em? Yeah... I can take em.." She nodded, giving him a cocky sly look, though it was purely playful. She hooked the curtain with her finger and tugged, letting it fall closed. "Fauve's world... just has Fauve in it.... Not sure anyone else could survive in it... " She touched his cheek with the knuckle of her index finger. "We won't worry about that right now though.... It's late... and I'm keeping you up."

"No.. you're not. I'm keeping me up, looking after you," he grinned. "Not saying I could take you, but I'd likely survive.. maybe."

"Maybe.." She whispered with a bit of a smile. "Since you've been so nice and looked after me so well... I have to return that kindness.. by looking after you." She folded her arms and tilted her chin. "As you official looker after-er... I say it's time for bed mister!"

"Time for bed, huh? So you can take your corkscrews there as soon as my eyes are closed, open me up a little to let me 'breathe'?" He teased, but there was some concern. "An official looker-after-er, huh? Well... since I've been told, rather than asked, I suppose I'll have to humor you, hm?"

"They're not corkscrews.. corkscrews.. are.... screwy." She gently reached to take his hand. "If I promise not to gut you, maim you, or slit your throat.... or otherwise cause you great physical harm.. will you kindly get the rest you body requires?" She blinked her eyes, batting lashes at him. "I'll even say pretty please and thank you."

"Are you the same girl I came in on who tried to climb through the fan an hour ago?" He gave her an odd glance and started to look around the floor at her feet, beneath the desk and to the corners of the room, looking for something.

"Did you lose something? Have I made something amiss?" She stepped back, looking down and moving cautiously as if fearing she would inadvertantly step on something.

"I'm looking for pods," he muttered as if serious, pausing in mid search, looking up to her gaze with a wink. He nodded to the cushions. "Alright... I'll do it, but only because you asked nicely and didn't threaten to kill me yet. Yet... being the operative word here." He wasn't shy, but he wasn't sure about her entirely as he undid his belt and slid out of the tee he'd been wearing.

"Pods? What sort of po.." She frowned when he winked and sighed, shaking her head as he teased her again. She realized she was still watching him as he undressed and bit her lip, meeting his gaze a moment. Fauve turned her back, part way, where she could see his movements but he was obscured from full view, giving him privacy but not leaving herself open to attack. "If you'll just toss me a pillow.."

"Toss you a pillow? Why?" He said, stepping out of his own jeans and folding them to rest in the chair. He gathered his robe again, sliding his shorts off to toss in the hamper, letting the robe hang loose about him for a moment. He picked up one of the pillows and handed it gently before tying up the belt on his robe and sitting on the bed.

She turned after he handed her the pillow, pausing until she felt it 'safe' to look. "Well if you need them all.." She dropped down to her knees on the carpet, shifting to lay on her side, propped on one arm. She held the pillow, poised to place it under her head, but waiting and looking to him to tell her if he wanted it back.

[Lovely]

He watched her, knotting his brow as she chose a spot on the floor. "Oh no... hell no... no you don't. Get up here. You're not a dog, Fauve. Shit, even the dogs in the house sleep in the beds.. um.. nevermind. Just... no... c'mon. I insist. Please." He patted the space next to him on the bed. "No one's using it.. it's all yours... unless you mind terribly."

[color"teal]A hand ran back through her hair, slender, deft fingers curling into the thick mane. She seemed hesitant and eyed him cautiously, speaking in a low voice. "It's your bed.. I do not wish to put you out or inconvienence you."[/color]

He shrugged, "Big enough for two. Hard to inconvenience someone who's asleep anyway." He tried a simple logic. "Which I won't be able to do knowing you're on the floor, so come on up here."

"It is.. quite the big bed... " She ceased any argument and rose, giving herself a good long stretch. Her taunt muscles flexing and straining in the contortions she twisted herself into. Sighing contently, she moved to climb onto the bed next to him. She knelt almost in the middle eyeing him and catching her lower lip in her teeth. "Richie... I ..ah.. " She tugged at the tee a little. "Don't normally sleep.. in so much."

"No need to apologize," he winked. "I told you. You're safe... means that too. Although, to be honest...you are something... and neither do I. Lights go out, the robe comes off."

As he spoke, once his words 'okayed' her, she began slipping free of the garments. The tee was pulled in a single motion from her torso, she stood on the bed, where she was and the boxers glided off her hips and down her silken legs. She untangled the boxers from her ankles and shifted back to kneeling, folding the clothes neatly and offering them to him. She nodded to his words once he was done speaking and she had settled quietly on her knees. "I would not expect nor wish for you to deviate from how you would normally be, just because I am..... a temporary disturbance, in the room."

He took the stack from her, his gaze trailing up the length of arm to her shoulders and over the rest, quietly admiring, but not lingering or gawking. He turned on a small candle lamp on the headboard then moved with the stack to the chair, shutting down the rest of the lights in the room and drawing the curtain closed. His room would be lit early by the sunrise, so he usually kept the window covered well. Once the room was hidden from outside eyes and lights, he moved back to the bed, a tell-tale yawn escaping him despite himself. It had been a busy day and this excitement drained him a little more. The robe left his shoulders that remained at ease and laid down like second nature, propping up a pillow to half-sit, only partly covered by the sheets.

She let him settle as he would and then crawled to the head of the bed to slip under the sheets, sitting up beside him. Her eyes trailed over his form in the dim light, appreciating the way the shadows fell over him. She was covered about to her waist, and was careful not to tug the sheets away or off him in any way. She merely allowed his excess to drape over her legs.

"So you're not a shy girl. That's good to know. One of my bad habits...," he said softly, looking down the length of the bed then turning to her. "I tend to step on toes and nerves a lot. Figured I'd warn you. I don't think I was born with a shy bone anywhere... I gave them all to Aberto, I think."

"I'm shy..." She pouted a bit and nodded her head, 'insisting' that she indeed was. "very shy... what would make you think I wasn't shy?" Her hand ran over her stomach lightly, then paused slowly tracing gentle circles there. "Don't worry about my toes or nerves... it's just a temporary disturbance... "

He frowned a little in the thought trying to find a way to word it. "Not like a shy girl to strip without music or tips.. in front of a strange man she knows little about... or opt to stay next to him when he's next to her without a stitch himself.. that's all. Not that I mind.. at all... kinda nice really. It's been a long time since..." He shrugged it away and looked her over. "You can have more than an edge if you're cold. I'll just steal them back later anyway."

[Lovely]

"If you want to put on music and give me tips.. I won't protest too loudly." She rolled her shoulders a little and turned her head to him. Closing one eye, she regarded him with a bit of a smirk. "Do I look cold?" It was nearly playful, teasing and daring him to 'look'.

"I dare say, not like you did earlier before your so-called dinner, but it appears a tad bit nipply, if that's what you mean," he grinned, wiggling a brow. "If you cover up or not is your choice. I won't say I don't care.. I do.. but I'm not going to force you either way."

She shifted down a little and pulled the sheets up to meet her and cover her. "I did say I wouldn't hurt you... and you could get an eye poked out, you know."

"You asked," he said, reaching to turn out the small candle bulb. A faint green glow pulsed from the stereo and he reached for the remote to turn on music softly to dull the sounds of the random creaks and footfalls in the hallway she didn't need to concern herself with. No one would be coming in and they could both rest soundly.

"Good night, Richie." She whispered, moving to lay down fully, beside him. Her gaze held to the ceiling as she listened to his breathing. The music covered other sounds as it played softly, but her ears strained to hear if steps approached or passed by. She folded her hands over her tummy and lay perfectly still, waiting for his breath to indicate he'd fallen alseep.

He'd humor her.. he had little choice. The vodka in his own glass without dinner had been enough to calm his nerves and kill the restlessness. He edged down and turned to face her, as he was used to facing that side whether it was occupied or not, and watched her until his eyelids became heavy. It was only a short time before the heavy breath of the shift to solid sleep came over him.

She slept fitfully and for short spurts at a time, fifteen minutes here, half hour there, flinching awake and finding herself still in the same room. She'd hardly shifted her position and sometime in the wee hours, she rolled to her side, her back to him and her face to the door. She was also near to the edge of the bed, attempting to take up as little space as possible. A part of her had planned to wait for him to sleep and then slip out, but she also was aware that she needed to rest, or her body would give before she made it very far. Perched at the edge with just a scrap of sheet covering her, she curled slightly and dozed.

He'd always been a light sleeper. Though he was out quickly, he was wakened just as quickly as she tossed. He moved the blanket and sheet to cover her more and left his arm raised to offer her the comfort of nestling closer so she wasn't precariously on the edge. "Hey... I don't mind... c'mon," he whispered softly in his groggy state.

His movement and voice brought her from the light dozing, she half rolled to peer at him with tired eyes. "I woke you?.. I'm sorry..." She shivered and inched closer to him.

"Sweet Jude," he murmured with his eyes only half open. "Cold." He settled the blanket to cover her and pulled her to his warm chest. Instinctively he curled around her, his slightly taller form fitting hers to warm her back and legs. He hardly noticed the closeness as he was fairly well asleep again.

She wasn't used to being so close or cuddled with another person, but his warmth was soothing and inviting, She found herself settle back against him and curling with him. Her eyes growing heavier and heavier, relaxed and wrapped in his arms to ease her off into a more solid and restful sleep.

[Lovely]

********************

A few hours later, she awoke again, though she felt more rested and had actually slept 'through'. It was hard for her to stay sleeping, a strange place.. so much had happened.. She was warm against the man beside her or rather behind her in the postion they were laying in, but beyond the covers the room was a bit chilly. She discovered such as she shifted and the blanket tugged a gap, letting a cool bit of air into their warm coccoon.

*shivers and cuddles closer* "you're a lot warmer now."

"I am.." Turns head to try and see him better, she nods, her hand coming to her forehead.

"Comfy?" He asked, murmuring through the grogginess, his arm still comfortably draped.

"Yeah... thank you." She speaks in a soft voice, a little above a whisper, letting her shoulder rest against his chest a little as she shifted more to her back.

He propped up on his shoulder a little to view her more easily, but still let her rest against him. "You're welcome," he said with equal quiet. "Told you you were safe. You can relax a little."

She shook her head slightly, moving so she lay on her back, still smoothly along him. Their body heat keeping her warm and more relaxed than she would have been. Her face turned to look at him, one arm curling into the pillows above her head, fingers playing lightly with a few strands of hair.

"No, what? No, you don't feel safe? No, you can't relax? What does that take?" His fingers walked over her ribs gently, feeling her smooth skin, but not tickling.

"Neither?.. I'm not on my terms.. someone else's territory.. completely unfamiliar... the week has been... rough. I have no idea what's going to happen next. I feel out of whack and weak from the not eating or drinking, and all the blood they took... I don't know what to expect and I don't know if I am ready to take on what could come at me... "

He instinctly whispered a soft kiss over her shoulder. "That's.. why you need to relax. I can get you another drink that will help. Or whatever might interest you."

Her lips parted in a soft gasp at the touch of his lips on her shoulder. She forgot to answer him as she gazed at him with warm chocolate eyes.

"What?" He looked at her as if he'd done something tragically wrong rather than merely appreciating the company.

"What, what?" She whispered back, confused by his expression. Her hand lifted and touched his cheek in gentle reassurance. She surprised herself with this action and gave him a shy smile.

"You taste good," he murmured, adjusting to nestle more comfortably. "Hawaii... must be the hair stuff." He kissed her shoulder again and looked up to her eyes.

"I..?" She shook her head with a slight chuckle. "I've never had anyone taste me to tell me that... thank you?"

"You're welcome," he said softly and laid back again. "I'm sorry."

"Why are you sorry?"

"I didn't mind it..."

"I'm sorry that... well not sorry that you're here, but sorry that they did this to you."

She sighed and nodded her head. "It could have been worse... You could even say I'm being ungrateful.." She murmured quietly, her eyes rolling to the ceiling.

"Are you?" He watched her and curled back around her. "I don't think you are."

[Lovely]

She sighed. "Maybe... Part of me says I should just be grateful to be here and not... " She shrugged. "That I owe Aberto and I should just do whatever it is... that he wanted me here to do.."

He half smiled, "You already are. Don't you worry about Aberto. He's just my brother. I'm the one not acting like he wants or would hope."

"What does he want you to do?"

"Get f*cking stupid and act like a rabbit," he groaned. "Look, don't... just.. let's not talk about him right now, okay?" His tone warped into annoyed but softened back to gentle as he burrowed a little, settling a kiss closer to her neck. "Not right now."

She shivered as his lips grazed over a sensitive spot. "Okay... that's good.. I have no idea what you meant by that." She chuckled and turned her head to watch him as he curled closer to her. "No talking about your brother... "

"What's good? That?" He brushed her neck again, setting his lips to play a little longer. His fingers walked over her ribs again, moving slowly up to curl her into him as he reached his kiss up the side of her neck.

She started to tell him what she meant, but lost the words before they reached her lips. She gasped and shivered again as his lips played over the spot. Though she was laying down, it gave her a weak kneed feeling, her fingers curling over his arm. Her other hand on his shoulder as she stretched along him, her back arching, pressing her against him as her neck tilted in response to his lips.

"Definitely warmer now," he whispered over her neck. "Should go back to sleep." He leaned up to slide his hand along the tender curve of her back, holding her closely, the reminder that neither of them wore a stitch becoming more apparent as he slowly moved the kiss from her neck to her lips.

"Wasn't sleeping.." She murmured as her lips welcomed his, her tongue softly flickering to his lips. Her eyes shuttered as she let her hand slide to his back and along his side. "hi... " She smiled softly, feeling.. playful? "Care to play with me?" She asked him, feeling too awake and not wanting to be 'alone'. She was hoping to keep his company for awhile to help ease her again.

He pondered a moment and then grined. ".. sure... 'go fish'?"

"alright... teach me how to play?"

"teach y... you don't know?"

Fauve shook head. "No.. sorry.."

He raised an eyebrow. ".. huh... maybe it's just me being around kids all the time... just spoiled that way, I guess." Richie grinned softly. "Okay... um.. 'go fish'... normally.. you need a deck of cards."

She smiled softly, her gaze had lost it's hard and cool 'tone'. She chews her lip softly. "Cards.. no other ways to play it.. getting cards would require you moving.. and I might get all cold again if you do."

"Um.. right. Sure, we can play it without cards.. but you have to trust me, okay? I'll 'think' of what cards I have.. you think of what cards you have... five of them... easy to start.. the rest of them are...," he mused a moment and his voice softened, his hand resting on her side by her belly.

She took a deep breath, such a simple thing.. just trust him. Right.. she could trust him, couldn't she? For something like a game, it wasn't a big deal.. but if she trusted him for this.. that could mean... "Okay.. Trust you." She said softly, closing her eyes and picturing five cards. "Alright.." She opened her eyes and looked to him, for the next step.

[Lovely]

"Really easy... you want to be the first one to get rid of all your cards... so you have to make pairs... you ask me if I have what you want and I ask you back... and the first out of cards wins. If you ask and the other doesn't have it... you 'go fish' and take a card... from the stack over here," he said slowly, brushing his thumb where it rested on her cool skin.

Her tummy sucked in slightly under his soft touch, as her skin raised with light goosebumps. She swallowed, licking her lips, and nodded her head. "Just one card, if you don't have what I want?"

"Unless... you find what you want in the stack," he said, his voice strangely soft, feeling the gentle bumps under his fingertips. "Just a little at a time.. I mean, yes.. just one at a time."

"What happens if I find what I want in the stack? What do we do then?" Her voice was softly above a whisper, her eyes heating up a little.

"You get to keep going and ask again."

She nodded and fought the urge to take his hand and guide it over her skin. Where he touched felt cool and warm at once, and she found herself wanting the sensation of his warm hand moving over her cool skin, causing more goosebumps. With a slightly shaky breath she tried to push such thoughts aside. "Who goes first?" She chuckled softly. "I think you.. to show me how it's done...?"

"Hope you've got a good imagination cuz mine's... pretty vivid," he grinned, looking away and closing his eyes. "Okay.. I forgot what my cards were... oh yeah.. okay... do you haaaaaave... any twos? If you do, you say yes and I'll just remember to count down. If not.. I have to draw."

"Okay.. I don't.. " She chuckled gently. "Sorry.."

"Nope, don't be sorry.. not at all.. allll part of the game," he grinned, moving his hand softly. "Nope.. not a two.. your turn." He feined a grimace behind the smile that grew warmer and more gentle, his thumb rubbing absently in soft circles.

His thumb had her biting her lip softly, the tiniest of shivers running over her skin. She was nearly so distracted by the sensation, that she had to close her eyes again to 'remember' her cards. Her warm browns opened and she smiled, a bit shy and asked quietly. "Do you have any nines?"

"Hmm.. nmm-mm," he shook his head, pursing his lips a little now, nodding to his hand. "Go fish," he winked.

Her tongue ran softly over her lips. "Would you?" She held her fingers out as if to accept a card that he would draw at her side.

Clenching gently, he gripped her side and whispered as he leaned closer, "It's a nine... go again." His hand lifted to hers and laced her fingers.

Her eyes were on his, fingers curling to his, as she found herself shifting to be closer to him. "I.. um.. " Her thumb brushed over his hand. "Queens.. do you have a queen?"

He nodded. "Go again," he whispered.

Her breath trembled out and she could not take her eyes from his. She was seriously having trouble concentrating on anything other than his gaze. "..F.. five?"

He shook his head. "Take a card." He leaned forward, letting her hand go and letting his rest on her again, this time to her back.

[Lovely]

Her fingers tickled along the 'cards' on her side and she frowned shaking her head. "Your turn."

"How about an ace?" He said distantly, his eyes shifting to watch his fingers move up her shoulder and down her arm.

"mmmmmm hm" She sighed, her eyes closing for a moment, her head nodding a gentle affirmation.

"I've lost count, how about you?" He sighed, letting his warm breath fall on her softly.

"You had a queen and I had an ace.." She murmured. "And the rest..." Her lips curled into a small smile as she tipped her head to lightly kiss his neck, very near his collar bone.

A rush of air pulled into him as the kiss met his own cool skin. "What cards?" His words floated out and he rolled to his back, pulling her gently with him, letting her settle wherever and however she wished.

She stretched lightly over him, half over his chest and half curled beside and around him. One hand resting lightly on his chest and the other at his shoulder, she gazed semi-down at him. She just could not resist his lips, so temptingly close and leaned to him with a soft kiss.

"Very nice," he murmured, still sleepy despite a somewhat alert appearance. His eyes still blinked heavily and though he tried to remain focused on her company, he was fading back out with a stifled yawn. "You're really, really comfy and I'm really... I'm sorry."

"Shhhh." She hushed with a brush of her lips. "take your own advice and relax.. rest.." She whispered, softly. shifting to stretch beside him again, her head resting on his shoulder this time. "You are.. very comfy and warm.." She murmured quietly.

He'd heard her words and was certain he'd acknowledged them with a slight nod or a brush of his lips to her forehead. Or he'd wanted to but didn't quite as the fog filtered down on him, relaxing him as she suggested before he realized he was in the midst of a warm and pleasant dream.

She didn't pull away or curl to the edge of the bed, now. Her eyes felt heavy and his comforting warmth tugged and lulled her to keep her eyes closed longer and longer. She was listening to him breathing, nice even breaths when she drifted off into a deeper sleep than before.