Honesty (Devin, Larson)

[Lovely]

Name: Christopher Larson Alias Larson, Chris played by: Tripp likeness used: Peter Facinelli

________

Name: Devin Melody Alias: Dev played by: Lovely likeness used: Jodi Lyn O'Keefe

[Lovely]

June 30, 2008
2:10pm

"I see.." He began.

"What do you see?" She cringed inwardly... here we go...

"I spy with my little eye... a small heist and a pretty new pendant for my little girl to wear to the fancy dress party for Papa Resher's birthday... sparkling 40-some odd karats surrounded by amethyst and ruby... matching earrings and boldly displayed.. upon the beautiful neck of my most... prized.. possession... find yourself a dress, Dev.. we're stepping out..." tosses a wad of cash at her.

Devin glared at him.

"oh come now... that's no way to behave for your employer, is it?"

"Employer? yeah... riight." She whispers.

"Room and board, nice clothes and five-star meals, Devin... provided for your services... makes him your employer.. and mine. You want a street corner of your very own instead? Can arrange that... "

"F*ck off... we both know I'm not here because I like you."

"Tut tut... Miss Melody.. such strong words from such a tiny girl. Shouldn't use words like that unless you're willing to back them up... say it like you mean it."

Glares at him, her jaw tightening subtley and her chin lifting defiantly. Eyes flashing furious, for a moment. "F*CK YOU!" She stood up and tossed his money at him. "Buy your own f*cking dress and wear it too! Cause I'm not going to!" She spoke in a quiet but firm tone, though she knew very well she had little choice in anything. "I Don't Like YOU!" Full of defiance she knew would most likely cost her, she nearly spit the words at him.

He laughed and put the money away, glancing at her with cold eyes. "You do, you just won't admit it." He stepped over to her and reached to stroke her cheek gently.

"No I don't." She whispered, her eyes glancing away for a moment as she fought to keep from trembling under his touch.

His fingers grasped firmly at her chin, holding her as he kissed her roughly and whispered to her lips. "Embarrass me tonight in front of Resher Senior and I will kill you."

"Maybe I will do that... just to get away from you."

"Don't think you'll get off that easy, pumpkin...," he grinned, his face reverting to straight and cold as he breathed on her neck, looking her over closely, his eyes searching every inch of her pretty face before kissing her gently now, lingering to feel her tremble.

She tilted her chin defiantly, almost wishing her would strike her, so she wouldn't have to go with him. But also fearing what he might do if he truly lost his temper with her. She swallowed and tried to shrink away from the kiss, but he held her fast and d**n him for kissing her so gently with such a cold expression, she could not hide the tremor that ran through her.

"Good girl," he winked as he pulled away. "Now get yourself all pretty. Can't have you looking all upset. The car will be around in an hour to take you to get your dress. Dinner's at 8."

She 'growled' frustrated and shoved at his chest. "Get away from me!" She turned and stalked towards her bedroom.

He chuckled as she walked away, brushing his lip with the back of his finger. He watched her every move as she walked away, the grin again going straight and thin. "Don't act like that tonight Devin... or it won't be me you'll answer to."

She paused at the door and turned back with a syrupy sweet smile. "Look on the bright side...if I do.. you won't have to put up with me anymore... and I won't have your hands on me ever again." She blew him a kiss and turned into her room. She shut the door with a slight slam, for effect mostly, he could easily walk in if he wanted to, there was no lock to 'keep' him out...like it would anyway if he really wanted to get in. Taking a deep breath, she went to her closet and pulled out some random outfit to wear, not bothering to even look at what it was. She had to go buy a dress to make him happy and act all nice and be pretty on his arm for dinner. "One day.." she whispered. "One day.."

The door opened a crack. "Sweeten up while you're at it, miss thang.. if you know what's good for you. You'll wish to god it was my hands tonight if you don't." He left the door ajar and moved away down the hall. He had places to be himself and the warning was a fair one. He was the nicer of the alternatives.

His words froze her for a moment, she took deep breaths to steady her shaking hands. A few minutes later she emerged and moved over to the bar to pour a drink, making him one as well, waiting for him to come from his room, down the hall from hers. She didn't say anything as she gestured the drink, not even looking at him. She sipped hers and then chanced a glance at him. "I hope you're not expecting me to buy the dress with my looks." She said softly.

Larson stepped to the bar slowly, looking her over. "Not looks in that sorry get-up, that's for d**n sure. Where the f**k you get that trash? Don't we get you nice things? How come I never see 'em? Can't you just for once in your life sass up without sassin' up? d**n girl, you look good Devin.. show it off... for once." He scowled and set the drink down near her to take his wallet out. "Less water more scotch. You know better." He reached the bills back out to her holding them back a moment. "Show us a smile, now."

She looked down at her outfit and frowned, not having looked at what she put on. She took a deep breath and her eyes met his for a brief moment without flinching, before they lowered slightly. "I'm sorry... I'll go change." She lifted her chin just a bit so he could see her give a pretty smile.

"Good girl," he grinned. He handed her the money and sat down, watching her. "Oh and Devin... change in here. No reason to hide, is there?" His eyes pierced like iron and his smile was iced and raw as he sipped at his drink.

"My clothes are in there." She pointed to her room.

She glared at him. "I hate you." She turned and stalked into her room, going to the closet and picking out a more 'appropriate' outfit. She returned to the main room and glared at him some more, wanting to gouge his eyes out.

He smiled and tipped his head back, watching her down his nose. "Ahhh... so you say, so you say. C'mon Dev... let's see you sass... just a little, now." He tipped the last of his drink down.

"I do." She hissed, her hands clenching at her sides. Yanking at her top she managed it off and threw it at him. "Get rid of it, since you disike it so much." She quickly reached for her other shirt to cover herself from his eyes as fast as she could.

"Ehhht... un uhn... slowly... show us how pretty y'are, now."

"You know what I look like." She closed her eyes, holding her composure the best she could and then set the shirt aside, to let him see her. She moved to take of the baggy pants she'd thrown on and let them drop around her ankles, stepping out of them and tossing them to him. "There... satisfied now?" Her voice soft, timid yet defiant, her hands rested on her hips, just above the pretty lace panties she wore, as always they matched the bra and she looked like she should be sitting on the pages of a lingerie catalog.

"For now. We'll talk after the party about the rest," he leered, getting a good eyefull. He picked up the blouse she'd tossed at him and sniffed at the collar. "Mm... beautiful. Now finish up... c'mon."

She sighed softly, slipping into the short black skirt that showed off her legs nicely. She smoothed it down as it molded to her form, the small slits hinting more of her thighs. She pulled on the light colored top that offset the dark skirt, this too molded around her, accentuating the curves of her torso. The gentle v-collar dipping down to give a modest but beautiful veiw.

[Lovely]

July 1, 2008
1:30 a.m.
Larson's house

The two returned, leaning on each other as they fell in the door, drunk and nearly tumbling, or at least he hoped she was as drunk as he was and that's why she stayed so close. That had to be it. The conversation had started in the car as a guessing game full of teasing and laughter and by the time the driver poured them onto the curb and ushered them in, the talk had taken a tearful turn, leaving Devin nearly speechless and Chris chewing at his numb lip, trying to find a way to take back having told her in his stupor about the real reason her parents had died, and worse that he'd had something to do with it. Maybe it was because he was holding on so tight, but maybe she was holding on, too, shocked, lost, needing something real through the haze of the alcohol. When had she had any, he thought to himself, trying to remember dinner and the party, not seeing her drink much at all. The wrinkled and silent question on his face as he fell into his chair and let go was erased by relief as he kicked off his shoes and tried to feel his toes he watched wiggle numbly on the floor. He leaned back, lacing his fingers over his eyes, trying to peel the layers of smoke out of them. Peeking through his fingers and looking at her upsidedown over the chair back, he realized Devin had only made it as far as the door, but she was still standing, dazed. His fingers fell away from his face and his arms hung limp. "What do you want me to do, huh?"

"... I don't suppose there is any way... to say goodbye to them? Last respects kind of thing?" Her voice softer and more gentle than she had ever used in his pressence. More like the girl who had somehow caught his eye.

"Yeah.. I owe you that... they... they owe you so much more than that, Dev. I'm sorry... truly."

"Don't be sorry... for things you didn't do." She sighed softly. "You got me out... relatively in one piece... they were pretty, understatement, rough on me... but I have all my limbs and such... so I should be thankful I'm here and breathing."

"Thankful?" He shook his head and refolded his fingers over his face again. "Yeah.. yeah, I can take you tomorrow... should do something for someone other than them for a change," he said quietly.

"What do you mean?" She curled her legs up and slipped the heels off her feet. Rubbing her arches and then the balls of her feet, to relieve them after the heels all night.

"Doing something for someone other that Daddy Resher and his boys... that's all. Maybe do the right thing even for a change."

"Yeah that would be nice... for the short time it lasted before you ended up rotting in a ditch." She shook her head. "There is no right thing... not when you're tangled up with the Resher family."

She sighed and lifted her gaze to his. "I think... there is the lesser of evils... and that's what you did.... but what do I know?"

"Tell me...," he shook his head. "No right thing... even for the boys.. in... blue. Bought and sold and live their way... or the highway... right, under a bus. You know the story.. how it goes, Devin. You know all that, but they didn't tell you about your own god damn family... shit.. sorry."

"You really thought they would? I mean think about it... better to keep me fearing they will hurt my family if I don't behave than to just threaten me... and besides to tell me..they would have to admit they did something.... yada yada.."

"They wouldn't have to admit anything, c'mon. They own us.. the rest of the force. They can say whatever they want, Dev... no one to say any different. Daddy Resher can stand up there at that little stand and say we're from Mars and you know what? The public will believe because he's signing the paycheck of most of them. Those he don't, don't know no better."

"Fine... they should have told me... they didn't. Not a damn thing you or I can do about it." She moved and reached for his glass and the bottle. "They got what they wanted... my family is gone... you got what you wanted.... I'm yours.... " She shrugged. "Everyone's happy, and all is well in the Resher world." Devin poured the glass full to the top, spilling a little on her fingers, then took it to her lips, knocking back nearly half the glass. Not used to it, she cringed and shuddered in after affect, and then shook herself out of it, deciding to drink the rest a bit more slowly.

His own drunk was wearing off and he stood to get another glass. "Not happy... you're not happy... it's not all right, Dev.. none of it."

"Like I said not a damn thing either of us can do about what's been done... so what do you suggest now?"

She shook her head and took another gulp of the drink. "Seriously.... you said everything is the same as it was... only now I know why I am here... you were honest with me. I do appreciate that, even if the truth makes me want to drink myself into oblivion... at least I have it now... you saved my life, you got to pop my cherry... and have me any time day or night.. fair enough trade, right?" The effects of the alcohol were begining to show in her, she usually drank less quickly... tonight her goal had been to get comfortably numb..now it was smashed, obliteration... maybe stay drunk for a really long time.

"Don't say it like that, Dev.. please... hate me, that's fine and deserved I suppose, but just don't say it like that."

"Don't say it like what?" She laughed softly. "I can hate you... but I can't say it like that... like it is?" She stood up, teetering slightly and started towards him. "How would you like me to say it? Come on... give me your perspective..."

"Not like that because I'm not like that, Devin. I have a job to do... act like I'm supposed to act.. perform as I'm told... like I always tell you to... hate me for that, but don't hate me... that's not me, okay?"

"I'll reserve judgement for when I know you... the you outside how you have to act... okay?" She walked towards him, finishing off the glass and setting it on the bar. She held up the bottle as if toasting and took a sip from it.

He took his own bottle and raised it in return, grabbing another from the bar and motioning to her room. "Here's to judgement day," he chuckled. "Let's get pissed together."

"If you puke in my room.... I get to trash yours."

"I'll drink to that," he slurred and staggered, hooking her arm and clinking one of the bottles against hers. "You're still really very pretty... damn ...f-fine looking woman, Dev."

"I better look good... I bought the most expensive dress I could find." She chuckled and leaned against his arm as they staggered together to her door.

[Lovely]

"I hate myself for eve... rything they've done.. that I've done... to you, Devin. S'only right... you should hate me too... but you know ...what?"

"No.. I don't know... so why don't you tell me?" She leaned against him, and let him lean on her as they stumbled slightly into her room.

He chuckled and sighed, "Yeah.. bet you don't.. know why? Cuz I'm chicken... a chicken shi... shit bastard can't even... can't even tell a girl I love how I feel about her... how... how f*cked up is that, man?"

She nodded. "Thats... fu-ucked." She plopped her butt on the bed, nearly falling on it. "Wait..wait..." She giggled. "You're.. in love.. with some girl?"

"Hey... y.. you got short.. oh..," he said turning to her as she melted away and sat down. He stumbled to her and paused, trying to remain upright without her, without much success, putting his arm out to the bed as he fell. "Yeah... yeah.. some girl... and the thing is... she hat... hates me... she hates me." He shook his head, looking at the floor as he leaned, slowly turning to sit down.

"She hates you?" She leaned her arm along the bed and clumsily tried to unscrew the cap on the bottle. "Why does she hate you?"

She looked over at him as if suddenly realizing something. "And why the heck do you have me here if you're in love with some girl? Why aren't you off with her? Hmm... man buy her some flowers... take her out on a date... when you're not being a dick.. you're an alright guy... give her a chance to see that side of you." She poked his shoulder as she said the last bit. "Wooo her, even if you can't tell her, show her how much she means to you... cause you'll never know what you could have with her till you try... who knows maybe in a couple years you'll be married with some little Larsons... oo scary thought, running around... Hell Larson... you might even be happy. But you have to go for it.."

"Ain't never been happy Dev... been lucky... bee... been a cop," he said, popping the 'p' as he slid down from the bed to the floor, leaning against it. He put arm up and reached over, gently stroking Devin's arm as he talked. "Hell... I've even been in jail... but... until her, never in love.. and still can't be ... can't be happy." He looked up over his shoulder at her and tried to focus. "You.. you think she... she might... flowers, huh?" His voice was tiny and far away as he looked at her.

She nodded and laid on the bed stretching out across it, her head near his shoulder, almost leaning on it with her hands folded under her chin. Her knees bent and legs curling up to rest on her bum, she gave him the first genuine smile he'd see from her, it was soft, warm and her eyes lit up a little. "Yeah... I think she might... flowers are good.. I love flowers." She sighed softly, putting the bottle down on the floor next to him, her fingers still playing with the cap. "You said you've never been in love till her, so don't sell it short.. and don't give up.. cause if you haven't been in love till her and havent been happy... maybe if you go for it, you'll find happy... or rather happy will find you."

"That's cool... I like that... pretty smile. You're a pretty girl, you know that?" He smiled back, his eyes dancing, partly from her being close, partly from the drink. "Happy... you wanna drink?" He took the bottle and untwisted it, handing it back. "Here you go... pretty lady."

She hid her face for a moment a light blush creeping in her cheeks. "Yeah, Happy.. and talk to her like that... act like this... except maybe without being drunk... cause this is... well You're pretty nice like this." She took the bottle and had herself a long drink of the cooling liquid. "Thanks." She offered him some holding the mouth of the bottle close to his lips.

He took the bottle and rested his hand around hers as it tipped back. Letting the bottle back up, he swallowed gently and looked at her hand in his. He propped up and turned around to face her. "You... so you don't.... what if she didn't hate me... what do think she'd do?"

"Really Larson. I think you could do it, if you really wanted it and you really love her let you heart lead you, at least a little.. not so much that you get stupid or into trouble. I think if you showed her this side of you, she'd like it." She smiled softly. "Some honesty? What girl wouldn't be touched and tickled to have a good looking guy in love with them and trying to win their heart? As long as you're honest and sincere in telling her or at least showing her how you feel, if the words get caught." She nodded. "Go for the dream... go for the love.. Love is what makes it all worth it."

He crawled up close and leaned on the edge of the bed, his face very near to hers. "For the dream? You think so? So... you think she doesn't hate me?"

"I think so.. go for it..." She touched the tip of his nose with her finger. "She might hate you, because she doesn't know you well enough to see past this 'tough' persona you have...."

He laughed and shook his head, "Tough guy... I'm not a tough guy.. am I? You think...? No way... spend too much time being ordered around... and... doing what I'm told.. that's not so tough... nah... not a tough guy Dev... " He paused, looking in her eyes again as she watched him. The cold expressions she was familiar with were still there, but maybe she saw beneath them, read them differently. He leaned forward and touched her cheek with a feather-light finger. "I'm not about being a tough guy Devin," he said, sincerely, his gaze piercing like iron as she'd seen before.

"You come off that way... I mean this whole time.." She look away, down at the blankets. "Like earlier... when you made me change in front of you... yeah I was being a b*tch... but you come off as tough, this bad ass... pretty mean sometimes."

Devin sighed and brought her eyes back to his. "But if you show her your heart and make sure she knows it's all for her... and don't act like the 'persona' when you don't have to keep it up.... I don't think you can go wrong.."

"I like to watch you, I'm sorry...," he said softly, taking his finger under her chin and pulling her back to face him. "I am sorry." He blinked away the ice from the gaze to let the sincerity beam through as he leaned to kiss her gently.

Devin gasped softly and her lips parted to accept the gentle kiss. As he pulled away she found herself leaning towards his lips. Catching herself and stopping, her eyes fluttered open. She stared at him a moment,silently then spoke in a quiet voice. "It's one thing to like watching me.... but..." She shook her head. "Next time don't be such a... jerk about it.... it's one thing if you're standing there talking to me and it's just kinda natural... it's another to make me..." She sighed and shook her head. "You get what I mean right? and you said you were sorry... so let's let that go... ok? Done over, I forgive you for it if you forgive me for the b*tchfest I was having earlier, deal?"

He nodded and slowly met her lips again, lingering in apology and exploration, showing her what was real.

[Lovely]

She was slow to return the kiss, surprised again at the gentleness. Her lips moved softly and clung lightly to his this time. Her eyes slowly opening to gaze into his as she pulled away. "Larson?"

He looked at her, shocked at his own response and pulled back, kneeling beside the bed, swaying slightly. "Hm?"

"About that girl... you ah... you should kiss her like that."

"Really?" He grinned softly, a little crooked and bashful. She would always slug him or turn away, telling him how much she hated him touching her or kissing her, how she would tremble with what he thought was fear. He nodded and leaned back against the bed, brushing her lips softly and slipping a hand into her hair.

"Really." She whispered. What the heck was she doing? She didn't really know, but for once he was being so nice and it felt -nice-. She nearly whimpered as she felt herself leaning to kiss him deeply, her lips parting to let him take her mouth more. Her hands reached for his shoulders and curled into his shirt, tugging him up, to come onto the bed with her.

Following her gentle and insistent tug, he moved up beside her slowly, leaving the bottle behind and forgotten on the floor. He let the shirt slide up over his broad shoulders before he slid down beside her.

She looked at him in a way she had not done before, letting her eyes move over his chest and arms. She'd seen him, but never really looked at him, too busy trying to push him away. Now she looked, openly and then slowly met his gaze with a shy smile.

He laid down on a curled arm and looked at her, feeling her relax beside him for perhaps the first time except when she drank herself deeper than this to lay motionless and unresponsive. She responded.. gently and sweetly to him and it pulled him closer to her, wanting her more than ever. "Devin...?"

She blinked and her smile faded a slight bit as her lips moved to answer him. "Yes?" Her eyes moved over his face.

"I think you were right... she really does make me happy," he whispered, reaching to kiss her again.

She pulled back a little. "Does she?" Giving him a kiss on his cheek, she spoke softly. "Then you should be saving all this for her."

"No, nuh-uhn... it's pay back time now.. I owe her big... really big... I owe you really big Devin... I want to share this with you now... okay?"

"Why?" Her fingers gently traced his jaw.

The drink was slowly pulling him into lethargy, his eyes blinking longer and longer as he looked over her longingly and kissed her fingers. "Cuz I think you know her... really really well... and you helped... a lot, Dev. Love ya baby...."

"I don't know any-.." She paused, eyes widening. "Larson? Who... is..?" She shook her head, hearing his words but not quite thinking she heard him.

He grinned and slipped an arm around her, pulling her closer beside him. "A really pretty girl... saved her life once, you know... couldn't stand to see... see her get hurt...," he yawned. "I love her a lot.... love you... a lot... Dev." He turned his head to wait for her response.

She was shocked, surprised, speechless for a moment as she absorbed his words, fully. "Me?" She whispered. Her eyes searched his face, seeing the truth in his eyes. "So.. I've been giving you tips on how to 'get' me?"

He nodded slowly against her shoulder and kissed her neck lightly.

"Are you going to follow my advice?"

"Flowers," he nodded slowly, yawning, his eyes slipping closed.

She chuckled softly. "I hope you got more than that from it, but those are always nice." She whispered, watching his face, he looked so different... or maybe she was seeing him differently. her fingers were light as they brushed over his cheek, a moment before she leaned and kissed his cheek softly.

He puckered against the air as she kissed his cheek and his arm went slack slowly around her as he fell into sleep beside her.

Her eyes were growing heavy, so she curled closer to his chest and snuggled to him. Normally she would have passed out, shied away, or waited till he slept and moved away from him, usually they were in his room, so she would just come back to her bed once he let her. Tonight, not only did she stay with him, she slept in his arms... drifting off minutes after he did.

[Lovely]

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

Some time in the mid morning hours, Devin stretched along him and rolled to her other side, still keeping herself snuggled close to him.

The movement jostled him and woke him enough to an urgent call. He tilted and blinked groggily in the dim light, feeling someone beside him. It was rare that he didn't wake alone and wondered what he'd done. The soft perfume hit his nose as he moved around the woman and he realized it was Devin.. still beside him and comfortably sleeping, although still dressed and so was he. He blinked at the room, not familiar with the surroundings or bearings and stumbled across her, getting lost in the time it took to get off the bed. He wasn't in his own room. He shook his head and looked around for bearings and realized where he was, moving off to the washroom. A few minutes later he came back, more alert and looking at her from the doorway of her bedroom, grasping for memories.

She groaned and rolled onto her stomach as he moved across her. She sighed heavily and curled up a bit. She grew colder without his body heat and slowly came more awake. Blinking sleepily she stretched and yawned, seeing him in the doorway. "Morning.," She said softly.

"Mornin'," he said with a slow nod and the icey cold stare she'd remember. "Mind telling me what's going on here?"

She started to smile at him as she sat up and then saw his stare. She faltered and then the softness faded from her face as her walls went up. "Nothing... just sleeping it off."

He stepped in and picked the bottle up from the floor, smelling it and coughing lightly. A wave of memory flashed in disoriented scenes in his mind and he sat down on the edge of the bed. "What happened Devin... tell me," he said flatly, almost sounding scared.

She glanced at him and sighed, licking her dry lips. "Can I kill the cat that died in my mouth first?"

He didn't turn to look at her, not sure what face he showed her now. The room swam in front of him as he reached to her hand to have something real and steady to latch onto. He f*cked up... he knew it.. he told her everything and he had to cover his ass as well as hers now... if she told him what he feared. He shook his head. "Just tell me... "

She looked at his hand and then reached her other to his cheek, turning him to her. "Nothing.... we got really drunk... and you passed out." She gave a small smile. "Okay we talked a bit..." She could see his concern, the 'oh shit I f*cked up' look. "About what a b*tch I am and how much of a dick you can be... in a highly unusual display we apologized and forgave each other... then passed out."

She didn't shy away from him.. wasn't pissed at him... he didn't dream it up. His gaze shifted over her and watched her eyes, his mask slipping away and shattering. "I told you didn't I?"

"Told me what? I don't remember you telling me anything.... well... actually... you kissed me and told me you loved me... But we could just say that was the liquor talking... if that's what you're worried about?"

He grinned and let out an amused snort, shaking his head. "No.. if I said it... I'm not taking that part back. The liquor may have let the words fall out, but didn't make me say... I ....," he sighed and looked down. "Meant it Devin... I'm sure there's not a thing I said that wasn't true. That's not what worries me."

"Well good then... you feel like some toast? I don't think my stomach will accept anything else right now..."

He turned and leaned a knee up on the bed, a different expression meeting her than she'd ever seen from him. "Dev... you gotta tell me... nothing's changed... if they think.. if they have any idea that...."

"That what? You finally got me to behave a little better? Well you know.. you don't have to tell them you were nice to me last night... feel free to say you beat the crap out of me... just didn't hit me in the face is all." She looked down to the floor. "You didn't say anything cause you'd be in deep shit if you did, so you wouldn't... hence there is nothing for them to know... and nothing has changed. You'll most likely act like a dick around them... so I won't be pretending when I'm acting like a b*tch around them... ok?"

He nodded, "Fair." He looked at her a moment, waiting for her eyes to raise up to meet his gaze. He stared piercingly, but the gaze was warm, drawn, not the cold iron she normally faced. "Love you baby," he whispered.

Her eyes warmed as he looked into them, a bit of sparkle returning. She graced him with a sweet soft smile as she leaned to his lips with a tender kiss.

He took the kiss gently and brushed her hair back from her face. "You might want to get changed too.. after you take care of that cat. Mind if... I... can I wait here for you?"

"I'll be right back." She smiled and kissed his cheek as she stood and went to use the washroom. A few minutes later she came back in, her hair brushed and falling in long soft layers, breath minty fresh and mouth feeling so much better.

She thought about and made a few decisions about how she had been and would be acting around him and treating him. She'd hated him, somewhat unfairly and was usually a royal b*tch to him. Where he had told her he loved her... she couldn't say the same... she'd hated him the day before, it wouldn't be right to say she loved him today. But she could be nicer, and give him a chance.... She walked over to him and leaned down to kiss him. "Better?" She asked softly as she moved her lips off his.

[Lovely]

He moved nervously back on the bed and watched her. "Yeah.. think so," he smiled softly. "Um... Dev, look... this is... I don't know if I c...," he paused looking for words. "If I'm a shit to you and it's just us.. you'll tell me, right? I mean, not in front of them... but to me... right?"

She took a deep breath and let it out loudly, watching his expression for a moment. She turned and walked to her dresser and closet, taking out a change of clothes. "Yes... if it's just you and me... I'll tell you.... if they are around... I'll just act how I normally would."

He watched her turn her back and felt the flare, the heat raise up his neck. He slid off the bed slowly and stepped behind her, raising his hand quickly as if to spin her around, but stopped himself just short, letting his fingers drop slowly and gently, pushing her hair off her neck. "I want to try... okay? It's .... it's just going to take me some time."

"Me too.." She whispered softly, looking at the floor first, then slowly lifting her gaze and turning part way to meet his eyes. "On the trying and the time... up until a few hours ago...we were like oil and water... I don't expect to snap fingers and everything to be sunshine and roses."

"Okay... how about candlelight and roses... dinner.. tonight?" He swept her hair back over her shoulder and rubbed her back lightly. "You have all day to think about it.. and to say 'no'. Don't tell me now, though. Please... come sit over here. No hurry to change yet, okay?"

She nodded and then changed it to a shaking of her head 'no'. "I slept in my dress... it's getting..." She frowned. "Let me just throw on something more comfy real quick?" She held up the t-shirt in her hands and turned her back to him. "Would you get the zipper for me?"

He hesitated a moment before the smile curled and he nodded, "You'd think I was in high school at the prom or something... look at this... shaking Dev." He held his hand out flat a moment and shook his head. "Of course," he whispered gently, undoing the zip and allowing her to proceed as she wanted. His eyes flicked back to her face as she turned. "May I?" He looked her over and back to her eyes.

"May.. you...? What?" She asked softly, not used to him asking anything, he took or demanded, but rarely asked. Her hands were sliding the dress from her as she glanced up at him, then leaned down to free her ankles from it and tossed it to her laundry basket.

"Mind if... I watch... you're so beautiful, Devin... I can't help it."

She smiled and paused, her hands on her hips. "What did I tell you last night? Do you remember?"

His eyes met hers and he turned away, shaking his head, "Only bits and pieces... I'm sorry," he said, moving back to the bed to let her finish changing.

She caught his hand before he could get far. "Wait... I didn't mean it to come out like that..."

He paused and looked down at her hand on his, his palm turning up to clasp her fingers tenderly. "S'ok... I shouldn't expect..."

"No you shouldn't.... but it's ok to want... and to ask." She bit her lip and sighed softly. "I just don't like it when you demand, or make me do things... and.." Gosh this was hard. She leaned to his ear and whispered the jist of their conversation about watching her dress and undress.

Her breath on his ear and neck sent chills through him and his eyes closed, almost fighting the urges but not enough. Opening them again narrowly, he looked to her over his shoulder, turning enough to let his arm slide to her waist around the silk slip that flowed over her still and pulled her closer, slowly. His hoarse whisper didn't threaten, but gently inquired. "Come back to bed with me?"

"I..." She swallowed and nodded. "Alright." She whispered.

He turned, still watching her and backed to the bed slowly, leading her with him like she would evaporate if he blinked. Sitting slowly, he offered her the seat beside him.

She kept her eyes on his face as he back to the bed, she held a small shy smile on her lips and sat down beside him. One of her hands remained holding his and she curled her legs up onto the bed.

[Lovely]

July 1, 2008
6:30 pm
Larson's house


Not knowing if she'd come out or not, Larson had the car pull up and wait a moment as he got out. He told her not to tell him, for fear she'd say 'no' right then. He went to her room and knocked lightly.

A chuckle was heard behind the door after a light thump as she tripped and regained her balance. "Just a second... I'll be right there." She called to the door, standing in front of the mirror and putting the finishing touches on her hair.

Taking a deep breath she smoothed the front of the pretty red dress she'd not worn before. It had been bought on one of the shopping trips she'd been sent on to get a dress for whatever function.... but this one she'd picked up just because she thought it was nice, she liked it. Taking the few steps to the door she pulled it open and smiled a little nervously at him. "Hi.."

He opened his mouth to ask her something, promptly forgetting as he looked her over. His stare was the usual, though it held a warmth she might begin to see behind it. He stammered a moment before smiling and pointing downstairs. "Hey... so... not a 'no'? Are you ready?" He had a gentle smile when he used it, teasing, curious and playful.

She moved in and brushed a quick kiss to his cheek and stepped back. "Not a no.." She smiled shyly, playing with a lock of loose hair from around her face. "I think I'm ready... is it ok?" She gestured to her attire and looked to his face, deciding she liked his smile.

He nodded, giving her another once-over. "Very ok. Not sure I want to share you with the restaurant now."

She felt herself blush and laughed softly as she turned to walk beside him. "Thank you." She slipped her hand around his arm and let him escort her down, instead of yanking away and stubbornly walking on her own, unless he 'forced' her to be at his side... it was a bit strange, to just be walking next to him. She was nervous, but more relaxed than she'd ever been when going out with him.

"You're welcome. Now I hate to do this to you, but, since it is the boys' driver, we may have to put on a little song and dance until we get there."

"Why? I mean... all we're doing is going to the car..." She sighed and looked to the floor, her jaw working itself a little. "Ok... I'll follow your lead."

[Lovely]

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

July 2, 2008
6:30 a.m.

He'd only slept a little while, waking up disoriented again, but less than before, happier than before, but still feeling like the other shoe needed to drop, that this was too good and too scary to be real. Maybe all the rest had been another part of his dream. Maybe not - Devin was stretched beside him, the sheet hugging every curve he wasn't already. He was afraid to move and too awed to move, watching her rest next to him without fear, without fighting with him, like she wanted..no, like she really did belong there. He wasn't aware he was smiling at the thought until he let out a tiny, giddy laugh, just enough to disturb the hair on her cheek.

The tickle of his tiny laugh and the small sound close to her ear was enough to make her stir and stretch lazily against... her eyes fluttered, she wasn't used to being so comfortable or waking up next to Chris. She realized where she was and chuckled softly herself, rolling to face him with a soft smile. In all the time she'd been with him she'd never felt so good or safe or.. right. Seeing his smile and the light in his eyes, she couldn't help leaning in to give him a good morning kiss. "How are you feeling this morning?" She asked as she pulled back, smiling again as she looked at his expressions.

He hummed and tried to hold onto her until she spoke and he found himself chasing after her a little. "Not sure. Do that again," he grinned.

"mmmm.." She pretended to have to think about it, but she was smiling playfully as she did, a moment later she leaned back to kiss him again. Her hand lifted to hold his cheek as she let the kiss linger for longer and her tongue teased lightly at his lips.

"Better," he muttered, holding onto her this time, licking back playfully. "Morning."

Devin let her tongue play lightly with his for a moment and then whispered a quiet.. "Morning.." before nipping at his lips gently with hers.

"Okay, deep breath," he said as he took a breath and adjusted his arm a little for more comfortable closeness. "Sooo. You're here... I'm here..." He wasn't sure how she really felt about that, but he was forming an opinion based on what little fight she was putting up right now.

She nodded, looking over at him with a warmth in her bright blue eyes as her fingers lightly traced over his face. "We're both here... a little strange, but I like it, what about you?" Her voice was soft as she replied and posed her question to him.

"Strange?" Okay, strange wasn't the answer he was looking for. He tilted a little, probably looking at her funny, but he wanted to be sure 'strange' didn't mean 'bad.' "How so?"

He was looking at her funny but he seemed unsure and not angry. "That we're both here, and smiling... and it feels good... I enjoyed waking up next to you, this morning." She told him honestly, hopeful of what the past day and this morning could be the start of for them both.

"So you really don't hate me?" Chris held his breath, hoping she wouldn't throw him another unexpected answer - yes or no, simple, small words. His eyes searched for more than that while the smile shone brighter.

"No... I don't hate you... I'm actually thinking about liking you." She smiled and winked, there was a playful sparkle to her eyes.

"Think harder," he grinned, kissing her again. "Um... if you want to."

She laughed softly. "I want to... I want to more..." She cleared her throat lightly. "All good things in time, right?"

"Mmmmhmm... and maybe a few good things... right now?" He rolled gently to hover and tease.

She seemed slightly nervous and hesitant, but not scared of him or indifferent and cold. She bit her lower lip, a smile peeking at the corners of her lips. Her eyes holding his gaze as she nodded and spoke softly. "Sounds like a nice wake up.." Her hands slid up his arms, over well defined muscles.

"Again with the word 'nice'... you're gonna give me a complex here," he smiled, chuckling faintly as he met her lips and stretched out to place a knee between hers.

Her legs shifted and slid apart as if he were slicing warm butter. She melted under his tender kisses, one hand sliding up to curl gently in his hair, clinging to his lips. She sighed sweetly and whispered. "If this is how you are with a complex... I'll be happy to give you one anytime.."

"Long as I get to give in return, hm?" He hummed, sliding gently as she curled around him.

"Mmmm... deal." She murmured, sighing gently and curling to him perfectly.

[Lovely]

[[edited for content - unedited version posted on our sister site]]

As one hand slipped behind her head holding her to a passion-filled kiss, he kept his promises of being gentle and kind.

She gasped softly, her lips parting and the kiss deepening. For the first time she was really there with him, instead of being drunk and numb or mentally blocking it and laying there limply. Her arms tightened and curled around his back, hands resting over his shoulders.

A quiet moan escaped as she responded to him unlike any time before, feeling her move with him. The smile melted the coldness in his eyes as he looked over her face.

His quiet moan filled her ears softly and her body responded further by reaching for him more, her arms pulling his chest and body closer. Her eyes fluttered closed, her expression filled with rapture. She licked her lips, biting her lower lip to hold back an unexpected cry of pleasure.

She pulled him down to her, reaching for him.. wanting him? His heart leapt silently as he moved softly over her lips with his, watching her eyes as she fluttered. As his heart beat faster with joy and quiet thrill, he rolled beside her and pulled her above him.

"Chris..?" She called him by his first name, something she never did, trembling a little. Her lips found his in a tender passionate kiss. her hands resting lightly on his jaw as she kissed him, her eyes searched his as she leaned up a little.

"Whatever you want, Dev... all yours," he whispered, running his hands over her knees.

She shivered under his touch, but not with fear or trying to deny him... it was pleasure and it showed upon her face. Her hands came down over his lightly, as he moved over her legs. She sat up, above him, the bed covers falling down her back and draping over his legs. She'd slept bare, beside him the night before as he'd asked her to stay with him, that way. Her long dark hair cascaded over her shoulders, back and chest. "I want.. but.. I can't... mmm please..."

"You can have anything you want Dev.... anything."

She leaned down to his lips for a moment, a desire and longing filled kiss. "Anything?" She whispered.

"Too late to qualify that?" He chuckled, "No, it's okay, go ahead... what in all the world would you like most to have or do?"

Leaning back down after a moment, she kissed him softly, letting her eyes open and gaze into his. "The dream... I want to go for the dream, Chris." She whispered sincerely. Her eyes speaking volumes beyond her words.

"The dream?" He seemed confused, not knowing what she meant. "Which dream, Dev?" He licked his lip gently and brought her closer, watching the look in her eyes until his own eyes shuttered softly with the sensations of her. His voice trembled slightly against her lips. "Lots of dreams for you... of you, Devin."

"The one.." She laughed softly, almost disappointed. "we talked about... when you were too drunk to remember, I guess." She kissed him gently. "It's alright.. tell me about your dreams... for me and of me.."

[Lovely]

"When I couldn't remember.. oh of course, that one," he chuckled, the laugh pulling him back from the edge a moment. His breath caught a moment as he tipped her back, letting her sit upright, his hands trailing down her front from the ends of her hair. "My dream? Starts like this...," he smiled, his fingers dancing over her.

"Mmm nic... good start.." She sighed, gazing softly down at him.

"Then it goes on...," he paused, his eyes watching her adoringly as they fluttered closed again. His hands slid to the small of her back, holding her gently.

The enjoyment of her was more than the dream itself could have fortold. Whatever he'd been saying was forgotten in that moment. His eyes slowly opened, sparkling and piercingly intense as always, but adoring and lovingly warm as he pulled her down to his lips.

She was happier and he'd made her feel wonderful, more than she imagined she could. His eyes nearly 'killed' her as she looked into them, her heart skipping a beat.

"All part of the same dream Devin... loving you.. being in love with you... is that the one you mean?"

"thats part of it... " She murmured, her lips grazing over his shoulder in soft kisses.

"Tell me the rest of it... please? I ... damn I wish I could remember it, but I don't.. I mean I know my dream, but I don't know what I told you it was... please?"

She took a breath and snuggled down to him, shifting to the side to lay next to him. She blushed, feeling put on the spot now that she'd said something and he didn't remmber. Her hand rested on his chest, fingers playing lightly, her lips still kissing at his shoulder now and then. "Well... before we got around to the part about who the woman was, that you were in love with... we talked about being happy and things being possible... with you and her... like being married and in a few years having a couple little Chris jr's running around... and you being happy, with her and a family.." Her voice was a soft whisper and she felt as though her entire body was caught in the blush.

He chuckled, "Shit," he muttered under his breath. "Don't let me drink again, okay?" His voice was teasing as he pulled her closer. "Don't know who's more embarrassed here... but I guess the liquor made the truth tumble out of me... that's the dream. Something I didn't think possible running in this kinda life."

"If it was possible... would you?" She asked softly, feeling a new sense of... safety in his arms.

"Nothing's impossible, Devin.... just incredibly difficult where the Reshers are concerned. It's no joke.. you know what they do if they think something's a problem.. or a hinderance to what they need to get done."

"I know... That's why I think it's possible." She leaned up on her arm and looked at him, seriously. "I know not to ask questions of them, or pry into anything they say. I know to keep my mouth shut about everything and if I behave... which... despite my previous actions, I can do... if I behave and play nice they won't see me as a problem. Plus, they already gave me to you.. so it's not an issue of bringing someone new into their company..."

His gaze darkened a little before he closed his eyes, laying back. "Don't put it like that... makes me feel like you're a slave to me or something. I never thought of you like that."

"Chris.." She said his name softly, hoping he would look at her. "I didn't mean it like that either... just as how they would see it... not you.."

He turned his head on the pillow to look at her, "You mean you'd willingly play into it... all of it like before... to stay?"

She nodded. "If you'd have me?"

"God.. Devin are you serious?" he half smiled in amazement, leaning up on his elbow. "You're really saying this... totally sober.. we're both awake, right?"

"I'm serious... we're awake... and we're sober... both of us barely had anything to drink last night. I mean it.... I want to go for it, if you do too."

"You mean it," he repeated softly, looking in her eyes. She did. He whispered, "Love you, baby."

She leaned over and kissed him. Pulling back she looked into his eyes, getting lost for a moment. Very softly she whispered. "Love you.." A smile spreading over her lips as the words came out for the first time and it felt incredible to say them.

"Dreams do come true, Dev," he smiled, kissing her deeply.

"Do they? You think yours... ours will?"

"So far so good."

She kissed his shoulder, slowly making her way to his lips. "How do you feel, right now?"

"Mmmmm... happy, I think... if this is what it is... haven't been like this before, Dev.. I think it is.. happy."

[Lovely]

July 11, 2008
5:30 p.m. - Larson's condo

*Larson returns home from a too-long day in Resher-land*
hey baby..you got some time for me?

hmm I do
what would you like?

just followin' a dream... that's all

Oh a dream... hmmm and what one was that?

oh, so now your memory is on the fritz?

well I'm a little fuzzy... care to refresh my memory?

*kisses her lightly*.. anything?

"hmmm something familiar... Oh... wait... hmmm I think I need more." She pulls him closer.

He chuckled, "Try this then." He pulled her up, wrapping around her waist, lifting her from the floor as he planted a deep and playful kiss on her.

She laughed, wrapping her arms around his shoulders, hugging him tightly."Hi baby..." She murmured as she kissed him happily welcoming him home.

He smiled widely, his head tilting at the curious feeling that gave him to hear from her. "Hi yourself. You been a good girl?"

"Mmm define good.." She teased nipping lightly on his neck. "I did the shopping... we have food in the house... I cleaned out my closet and spoke politely to Mr. Resher when he called." She leaned back to look at him. "Is that good enough?"

"He called?" Larson asked with a little concern. "Did he say anything?"

"Yes... he said hello.. asked how I was... and left a message for you."

Messages... beautiful. His demeanor chilled and darkened a little, expecting to have to go back out on some errand. He pulled away from her and slipped off his jacket to put away. "Yeah? Message about....?"

"Dinner on Saturday.... again... He hopes I'll be feeling better since I was a bit under the weather the other night... but said it explains why I seemed so moody." She gave a small smile and shrugged, coughing lightly for effect. "Thank goodness the fever has come down." She placed her hand to her forehead.

"The fever's just a put on, right? You really feeling okay?"

"I'm fine... feeling better than fine.." She smiled and walked over to him and slipped her arms around his waist. "Just easing the waters a bit... he thinks I was sick, and was very nice in wishing me better and forgiving me for being less than friendly the other night." She rested her chin on his shoulder. "Ok?"

"Okay.. just don't want you to really be sick. Not tonight anyway. Was hoping to kidnap you for another night out if you're up to it. We're his Saturday, but tonight is ours."

"Not sick... What did you want to do tonight?" Her arms tightened a little and her hands slid to rest on his abs, she leaned her head against the back of his shoulder.

"Dinner out, was thinking... there's an off-broadway in town... if you're interested, I mean. May be some folks there to connect with.. the boys and all, you know, but otherwise, new faces and getting lost in the crowd?"

"Dinner and a show... mmm sounds like a date."

He laughed, "Well, it is, but unlike the others, I'm asking you rather than telling you, if that's alright. "

"Yes... it's alright.. I like that you're asking... and I'd like to go." She lifted her head and stood on tip toe to nibble his ear and kiss his neck. "What time does the show start?" She asked quietly.

"Eight... plenty of time to enjoy fine dining." He craned down and kissed her in return. "Would you be so kind to dress to the nines for me? For you? It's a nice dinner... nice place."

She slipped around in front of him. "Dress to the nines?" She grinned. "You want me to make jaws drop and heads spin?" She kissed his lips softly.

"You already do," he grinned. "But this is something special, okay?"

"Baby... you've never seen me go all out... unless you saw before I came here... Sure I've looked good when we went out... but that was half-assed effort." She smiled, her eyes bright and playful. "Well I put effort into our dinner out, but something special... calls for special effort." She chuckled and kissed him again. "And thank you... " She nibbled his lips softly.

"Thank me? What for?" He watched the look on her face, truly excited to be going out.

She bounced a little where she stood. "Because!" She laughed gently and her hands slid down to take his. She leaned away and then darted in to kiss him tenderly. "Mmm I need to shower..." She paused and turned his wrist so she could look at his watch. "Hmm you too, you just got home from work... come on.." She tugged his hand and headed them towards the bathroom.

He followed along, loosening his tie with his free hand, the smile permanently seeming to bond to his face. "Devin... what are you... you mean.. together? Right now?"

"Yes... thats what I mean... unless you'd rather not?" She turned to him, her back against the doorframe, to the bathroom.

"I didn't say 'no'.. I'd like to... to watch and all that .. can I wash your back?"

She smiled and nodded. "Yes... can I wash your front?" She chuckled and tugged him closer, stepping back into the bathroom. She turned and moved to the tub, starting the water and switching the shower head on.

He unbuttoned his shirt and hung it on the hook, looking in the mirror a moment. "Time for a shave I think. You think I can still be that tough guy with this baby face?"

Devin quickly slipped out of her clothes and turned as he spoke, meeting his gaze in the mirror. She ran her hand along the side of his face. "Hmmm, I don't know... But you'd still be handsome... and it will grow back if you don't like it."

He watched her in the reflection, seeing them together as others would. He thought of the plans for the evening and smiled gently. "Love ya baby. After you," he said, motioning to the steamy water.

She slid away from him and stepped into the tub, letting the water run over her skin and slick her hair back. She smiled softly as she waited for him to join her.

Careful that his pockets weren't tipped out, he folded his pants on the counter to the side and kicked his shoes aside before sliding into the water with her. It was a different, almost giddy sensation to be in here with her without being drunken and staggering.

"Fancy meeting you here." She grinned and offered him the bottle of shampoo as she took some for herself and began to lather up her hair.

Before the lather rolled to her shoulders, he leaned to kiss her neck gently and help her lather. "God I love watching you, Dev... sorry, but I do."

She blushed and smiled a bit shyly. "Why?" She asked softly, facing him as the water ran over her shoulders and down over her.

His gaze flowed over her like the water and his eyes pierced and shone, bright blue and sparkling. "Because," he teased like she had. "And because of what it does to me... knowing you're here."

"What does knowing I am here do to you." She let him look over her, without flinching or turning away. She smiled soflty, her eyes gently taking in his expressions.

His eyes moved down, watching how the water flowed over her chest and curled gently around her legs as it cascaded over. Moving back up to her face, his eyes nearly glowed. "I'm guessing it's that happy thing, Dev," he said, his head tilting a little in amazement. "Just feels... I dunno," he smiled.

"Happy... so this is what it's like... feels really good... what do you think? Can you handle this and more of this?"

He nodded and reached over her shoulder for her puff, taking the gel she used and foaming it to start on her shoulders and move down slowly. "I'm thinking there's nothing I can't handle about now, Dev. Feels really good."

"Goood." She smiled and leaned to his lips tenderly. "Nothing you can't handle? Good... cause I used to be a man." She teased.

"See... anything," he smiled, glopping a puff of bubbles on her nose. "Surgery was a damned fine success," he winked.

"Thanks... " She blew at the puff of bubbles and took some from her arm, plopping them on his chin.

He laughed and smoothed over her with the puff, gently swirling circles over her before pulling her closer, overly tempted by her her pouty grin.

Her skin was wet and slick from the lather, she slid along him, her arms wrapping around him. Her blue eyes searched his before she lightly took his lips.

"More of this too," he whispered, turning with her under the water, letting it flow over them as he kissed her deeply, running his hands through the lather that spilled down her back and thighs.

"Mmmm I like this.." She pressed against him and shifted gently under his hands, seeking more of his touch. Her mouth took to his hungrily.