Finding Home

8. The Calm and the Storm

Hellboy watched Bethany falling deeper into sleep. As soon as they lay down he knew she was right about this feeling different. In the field she was always fully clothed, hell half the time she was so drained she didn't even take off the standard-issue Kevlar vest and her boots. Bethany might not get as physical as he did, but he knew using a psychic ability could be just as draining. There was the thing about being surrounded by other people too.

Now she was in his room. In his bed. Wearing one of his shirts and making it look damn good, even if she didn't realize it. The tension left her body slow degrees. It had taken every ounce of his self-control not to just pull her close and let his hands wander. That would have probably been too much too fast. Still, she was in his bed.

She sighed and settled closer to him. A little groan rumbled through his chest. He shifted and felt his raging hard-on brush against her. If she had been awake, he knew she would have felt it too. It's not as if he could have hidden it, anyway.

She drew her knees up tightly and then relaxed completely, her back against his chest. It was a gesture he had become familiar with, but it had never resulted in such full-on contact. She murmured something that he couldn't make out, and then was silent except for her deep breathing. He wrapped his left arm around her waist. She sighed contentedly, her fingers lacing with his. His lips found the top of her shoulder, then the side of her neck. His arm tightened, and in spite of his arousal, he found himself nodding off.

Her closeness was what he had been missing.

*~*~*~*~*~*

Bethany came half-awake at a little before seven in the morning. The room was pitch dark, but she knew instinctively it wasn't hers. The bed under her felt different. The sheets smelled different. Her heart started to race, and she moved to get up, but found herself held in place. She whimpered and started to struggle. Her head hit something hard. She groaned and a light came on.

“Wha's wrong?” She turned a little and saw Red. She turned fully and wrapped her arms around him. He held her tightly. “Bad dream?” He murmured close to her ear. Bethany molded her body to his. In that moment of contact, all was right with the world again.

“No.” There was a little tremor in her voice. Bethany cursed herself for sounding so scared. “Be back.” Bethany slipped out of his arms reluctantly and made her way to the bathroom, stepping carefully over cats and clothing. On the way back, her heart had settled back into it's normal rhythm. She snuggled against his right side. His arm a pleasant weight on her back, her head resting on her chest.

“Sorry.” She murmured.

“You were scared.” He kissed the top of her head. Bethany shrugged a little.

“Silly.” She mumbled.

“Not silly.” He found her hand and tugged her arm so it rested around his waist. She arched into him. The warmth of his body sending deep waves of relaxation through her. “'Cause everybody has bad dreams sometimes. Doesn't mean there's somethin' wrong with you.”

“You're not going back to sleep until I tell you, are you?” She said.

“Nope.” He said. She sighed and thought for a minute about how to phrase it.

“Lots of times Daddy and I would move at night. When I was little he would just kind of decide to go and we would leave. Most of the time he wouldn't wake me up, he'd just put me in the car and I would wake up someplace other than where I had fallen asleep. I don't think he realized how scary it was for me.” His stone hand rested half on her hip and half on her bottom. She tensed for a minute, and then relaxed again. “I wasn't really awake and I didn't remember where I was for a minute.”

“Kid, nobody's takin' you outta here - day or night - 'less it's over my dead body.” He kissed her firmly. Bethany shifted, her mouth yielding to his. In the beginning his intensity made her nervous, now she enjoyed the feeling of being taken over by him. She sighed and caressed his invading tongue with hers. Her hand started to wander over the firm planes of his chest and stomach. “Ain't entirely sure that 'dead body' thing would work either.” He murmured against her mouth. Bethany blushed and rested her head against his chin. He kissed her forehead. Bethany snuggled against his chest again.

“Do you-” She paused and turned her face away a little. “If you want me to go, that's okay. So you can sleep, I mean.” She couldn't make herself move away from him. He didn't seem to want to let her go either.

“Uh-uh, slept better than I have since we got back.” To emphasize the point, his arm tightened. Bethany sighed. She had no desire to argue or move away from him. She was drifting again, from the sound of his breathing he was too.

“'Kay.” She murmured.

Bethany knew she had fallen asleep again, and she knew he got up at some point. She woke long enough to smell food. She smiled and went back to comfortable drifting. Even in that in-between state she felt him come back to bed. The part of her mind that was awake figured she should probably get up. She opened her eyes to see his golden ones.

“Hungry?” He held up a heaping plate in front of her.

“Not quite that hungry. Did you save me some of yours?” She sat up and took the plate from him. Bethany guessed there were at least four scrambled eggs, six strips of bacon and as many sausages and four slices of toast.

“Nah, I had pancakes. I told Myers to get you a plate of something.” He sat next to her. Bethany rested against his side. She hadn't really expected him to share, at least not on this scale. The fact that he thought of her was enough.

“Have you ever actually seen me eat?” She picked at the eggs, taking a slightly larger bite when she determined they weren't half bad.

“Yeah, but only in the field. I figure you're nervous and not eating as much as usual when you're out there.”

“You might be right about that, but I think this would feed me for the rest of the day.” Bethany laughed. “Thank you though.” She shifted and kissed him softly. She finished a quarter of the eggs, a slice of bacon and half a slice of toast.

“Want the rest?” She held the plate out to him.

“You sure you had enough?” He took the plate from her, a look of concern around his eyes.

“Yeah.” He started to eat. Bethany yawned and looked over at the clock. It was a little before ten. She sighed and started to get out of bed, his tail snaked around her waist. “Where ya goin'?” He let the now-empty plate clatter to the floor somewhere beside the bed.

“Thought you might want your shirt back.” She moved back to him.

“I'm here.” He kissed her lightly. “You're here.” At his urging, Bethany lay back against the pillows. His mouth became more insistent. “The shirt's here.” The fingers of his left hand drifted over her stomach. She blushed deep crimson when one finger traced her navel. She moaned against his mouth.

“My clothes aren't here.” She arched under him and decided that no protest would have sounded convincing when her tongue was twined with his only seconds before.

“So?” She felt him smile against her mouth. His exploring hand moved up over her breast, cupping it gently. Bethany gasped, her nipples hardening instantly. “Too much?” His lips were just below her ear, but she recognized the tone and the new tension in his body.

“N-no.” The quiver in her voice wasn't uncertainty, just the passion of the moment. A low moan rumbled through his chest. He squeezed her breast a little more firmly, then let his fingers trace down the side of her body to her thigh. His mouth found hers again as his fingers started to move back up her body again, this time under the shirt. Bethany trembled. He looked down at her.

“If you don't-” The alarm cut off whatever reassurance he was about to give. He put his head down on her shoulder and growled. Bethany held him tightly and resisted the urge to laugh. “I ain't goin'.” He grumbled. “Neither are you.” This time Bethany had to laugh.

“You know as well as I do that if you don't show up someone will be in here looking for you.” He sat up. Bethany followed suit and snuggled against his side.

“Davis'd look for you too.” He glanced down at her.

“Yeah, but they'll look for you first.” She poked his side. His arm tightened and he kissed her. Bethany knew it would be so easy to get lost in his kiss, so she moved away, slipping out of his arms.

*~*~*~*~*~*

Bethany and Hellboy arrived in the conference room a few minutes later. He sprawled out in a chair. She got a bottle of water for herself and a couple of cans of Red Bull for him. On the way back, the Professor approached with Christine.

“Morning Christine. I didn't know you were on the field team.” Bethany smiled.

“I didn't know until after I left you yesterday.” She looked past Bethany's shoulder to the lounging red demon. Bethany followed the direction of the new agent's gaze, and she could see the agent's nervousness.

“You've met then?” The Professor asked.

“Yesterday.” Bethany said.

“Bethany helped me get oriented.” Christine added.

“Ah, well then it appears there's only one other member of our little group left.” He looked pointedly at Bethany.

“To his friends, he's not as intimidating as he looks. You might want to try not to stare.” Bethany smiled and excused herself to deliver the energy drinks.

“Bethany.” Abe said. “Do you have a moment?”

“Sure.” Bethany followed as he swam to the end of his tank that was furthest away from the group. She wondered what was going on.

“I'm sure you've heard that Agent Kelleher has requested to be assigned to the field team.” He said.

“Yeah. Davis told me. Why?” Bethany's stomach dropped.

“His request was approved.” Abe's tone was matter of fact as always. Bethany tried to keep her response neutral.

“I told Davis that it probably has nothing to do with me.” Her eyes darted around the room.

“You don't believe that.” He said.

“If I say it often enough I can convince myself.” Bethany answered quickly. “Besides, I'm probably just overly-sensitive and not thinking about the whole thing clearly. I told you normal gets me all messed up.” She watched Christine trying not to stare at Red, and Red doing his best not to notice her lack of success.

“That's not what Agent Davis thinks, is it?” Abe asked.

“No, but-” Glen walked in with another one of the tactical agents. Bethany took a long drink of her water and wished it was something stronger. Either Davis was right and this was going to turn out monumentally bad on a number of fronts, or she was wrong and it was going to be slightly less bad, but still unpleasant. Glen looked over at her and then took a seat. That simple act set Hellboy and the professor in motion. Hellboy came toward her, the professor went toward Manning.

“What the hell is he doing here?” Red asked Bethany and Abe. Bethany noticed that had inserted himself between her and Glen.

“His request was approved.” Bethany said. It sounded like a silly answer, but it was true.

“What request?” Red was getting louder.

“To be on the field team. Davis told me, I assumed Myers or someone told you.” She said.

“Nobody told me a damn thing!” He was shouting now. The gathered agents were staring and the room had gone eerily silent. The professor and Manning were hurrying toward them. Bethany could see the tension in the professor's gait, and the annoyance in Manning's.

“Maybe we should just-” Bethany started.

“Do you think you could have your little jealous fit AFTER we get back?” Manning asked.

“Jealousy isn't the half of it.” The professor said. Bethany didn't think she'd ever seen him so angry.

“I assign the duties of my agents.” Manning shot back. “Not you.”

“I've always been consulted-” The professor's face was red.

“The FBI agents are MY team. I'll handle them and you handle your-” He glanced from Red to Abe. “People.” The word sounded like it left a bad taste in his mouth. He walked away before anyone could answer. Red was the first to speak.

“You ain't goin'.” He said to Bethany.

“What!?” She was teetering on the border between shock and anger.

“You heard me.” If she hadn't known him so well, she would have trembled at his intensity.

“You can't just decide-” Bethany's emotion was taking over now.

“Yes I can!” He shouted.

“Red-” Abe started.

“This is my job.” Bethany's voice was raised now. “I might not be as good at it as you are, but it's still my job.”

“I know that, but-”

“But what?” She said, her eyes locked on his. “I'm not completely helpless, and I'm not going to just stay here indefinitely.” She turned to the professor. “Is this an actual emergency, or is it a meet and greet for the new people?”

“It's actually an emergency.” He said.

“Fine, let's get to it then.” She moved past Red and found a seat next to Christine. The young agent didn't know what to say, so she turned away. A hum of conversation started up in the room again. Bethany didn't like to think about what the topic was.

She barely heard the briefing, but she knew it was something about goblins inhabiting a cemetery. She could feel Red's eyes on her and she had to fight to keep still in her chair.

“He doesn't actually mean goblins, does he?” Christine asked as they were getting up to leave.

“Yeah, he does.” Bethany forced a little smile. “You'll get used to it.”

“Trouble in paradise, Bethany?” Glen had managed to get next to her as they were walking out. She put space between them and shielded herself. She turned away from his smirking face. “You know, until the yelling started I thought you might have moved on to the fishman. Then I thought -”

“Is there a point to this?” Bethany asked, her voice icily cold.

“I never see you anymore.” That same maddening smirk. “Just trying to get caught up.”

“Consider us caught up.” She walked faster, her arms crossed over her chest.

The ride to the site was tense at best. She shared the back of the truck with Red, Abe, Myers and Davis as usual, but the only ones trying to start a conversation were Myers and Davis. Fifteen minutes in, they gave up. The silence that followed was oppressive. Every few minutes Bethany would glance over at Red, he looked away from her as soon as their eyes met. The tension in his body was evident to anyone with eyes.

All she wanted was to get through this and get back. There had to be a way to work this out.

*~*~*~*~*~*

Bethany decided that goblins weren't so bad. They were ugly and they smelled like week-old road-kill, but they were fairly easy to kill. There seemed to be a limitless supply of them though. It took nearly six hours, but they got all of them. Bethany's shoulder and hip throbbed as she walked back to the truck. An aftereffect of allowing herself to be cornered when her shielding was weakened. Glen kept his distance. Red stayed close, but he didn't speak to her except in the way that he spoke to anyone else around him on these things. The only bit of contact between them that wasn't strictly necessary was when he helped her up into the truck.

They were both splashed with goblin gore, both more than ready to go home. For a few seconds he'd held her close, his eyes on hers. Bethany opened her mouth to say something, but he'd retreated again. The ride back to the bureau was just as tense, though this time no one attempted to start a conversation.

*~*~*~*~*~*

BANG! His stone hand made solid contact with a specially built heavy bag. It was followed quickly by his left. Sweat gave his red skin a slick sheen. The cats had long since gone into hiding.

“Dinner's on.” Myers said. Red ignored him.

His stone fist made resounding contact again. He didn't know what time it was. Left. He didn't care. Right. He knew that he hadn't seen Bethany since they got back. Left.

“Hey, Red.” Myers spoke louder.

She hadn't come looking for him. Right. So, he hadn't gone looking for her. Left. She probably didn't want to see him anyway. Right.

“HEY!” Myers yelled.

“WHAT?” He bellowed back.

“Eat it, or don't eat it but it's here.” The agent answered.

“Leave it.” Hellboy growled. The agent turned to walk again then changed his mind.

“What did you expect her to say?” The agent asked. The sweaty demon snarled, but the agent went on. “She a grown woman, you can't just tell her to stay home because you don't like the situation.”

“That your business?” Red growled.

“Nope. Frankly, I don't care if you're with her or not, but figure it out because the both of you have been unbearable for the last two days.” Myers turned and walked toward the door. “And you might want to take a bath before you go looking for her in the gym.” Myers walked out before Red could answer him.

Hellboy hit the bag again, determined to ignore the agent's words. Course now that he knew where she was that was harder to do. He gave the bag one more hard punch and sat down to eat. Maybe he'd go, maybe he wouldn't. Maybe a shower wasn't a bad idea though. Then if he decided to go he'd be ready. Not that he knew what he was going to say if he did. A particularly bold orange tomcat sat down next to him. He scratched the animal's head until it stretched out and purred.

*~*~*~*~*~*

It was a little after eleven when Red peeked into the gym. Half of him didn't think she'd be there. The other half was kind of hoping she wasn't because then he wouldn't have to decide what to say. She was alone on the balance beam, walking back and forth in her bare feet. He entered quietly and just watched. The only time he had ever seen her do anything like this was in France, then there were other factors for her to contend with. Here, there were no gusting winds, no sheer drop, no ropes tied on to her, she simply walked. The lights were down in most of the large room, and he retreated to the shadows to watch her. He could see the movement of the muscles in her legs under the close-fitting black leggings. The scars she was still so self-conscious about were covered by a long-sleeved top.

There was no uncertainty in her step. She covered the ten-foot long beam in four measured strides, pivoted on her toes and then went back the other way. The only betrayal of concentration were her knitted brows and the tension at the corners of her mouth. Still, watching her move Red wasn't sure that the tension in her face had anything to do with the beam or the movement of her body.

On her fourth trip, Bethany didn't turn. Red was about to say something when she bent backwards, grabbed the beam and brought her legs over in one smooth motion. Her knees trembled as she stood, and she paused to regain the solid balance she'd had only seconds before. He took a a few silent steps forward, but if she noticed, she gave no indication. She was reaching back again. This time her arms trembled a little and her motion wasn't nearly as smooth as it was the first time. He moved forward more quickly. She managed to get her feet under her but it was clear that her balance was gone. When he could tell she was going to go over the other side of the beam, Red grabbed her wrist, steadying her. Even after the tremor had left her legs though, she gripped his hand.

“Thanks.” She smiled and squeezed his hand.

“You want help down?” He asked. “I mean-”

“Yes.” She turned carefully and put her hands on his shoulders, he put his hands on her waist and without hesitation she jumped.

*~*~*~*~*~*

Once her feet was on the ground, Bethany looked up at him. She took a hesitant step forward, afraid to touch him if he didn't want her to. He solved her dilemma by pulling her close. Bethany felt a little tremor go through her body as she relaxed against him. His left hand cradled the back of her head, his head bent down, resting against the top of hers.

“My hair's all sweaty.” She murmured.

“Don't care.” His arms tightened. Bethany sighed. “Where'd you learn how to do that?”

“Don't know really.” She said. “The walking and turning a friend taught me. The rest, I just tried stuff. Weird to think of someone watching me though.”

“Why?” He was avoiding it. So was she.

“I guess because it's something I've always done alone. Why would anyone want to watch me do it all wrong?”

“Looked pretty damn good to me.” She felt him smile. Bethany smiled too.

“Thanks.” She felt some of the tension leaving her body.

“You want a beer or somethin'?” He stroked her back lightly.

“I don't know about a beer, but I'd love to go and curl up for a bit.” She lifted her head and smiled up at him. He smiled a little.

Bethany stepped away long enough to slip her shoes on and get some water. She walked with him back to the living unit. She could tell that he wanted to talk about what had happened, but he wasn't sure where to start. She didn't know how to start either, but letting it sit wasn't going to do either of them any good. She stopped in front of her door.

“Thought you were comin' over.” Hurt flashed over his heavy features.

“I will, but I'd like a shower first.” She squeezed his hand. “Give me half an hour or so?”

He kissed her forehead and watched as she went inside.

Bethany showered quickly, ridding herself of the sweat and residual anger at the same time. Red was possessive. She knew that long before this. According to Abe, part of that was the influence of his demon half. Bethany knew the other part had to do with Liz Sherman. Bethany doubted that he still had romantic feelings for Liz, but she knew the feeling of abandonment and loss was still there.

When she emerged from the bathroom, her hair was damp and she was wrapped in a towel. She thought about getting dressed, but rejected the idea. It was late and all she wanted was to be comfortable. Laundry day was fast approaching though, and all that was left in was a light blue silky nightgown with spaghetti straps. She had bought it soon after her arrival that the BPRD and B.S. - Before Scars. Since, she hadn't even thought of wearing it. She rejected it tonight too, and took out a nightshirt that was styled like a man's button-down dress shirt. It was light pink and exposed more leg than Red's shirt had, but it certainly wasn't indecent or anything. She pulled on a matching pair of cotton panties and started out the door. On her way, she took a quilt from the back of her sofa, wrapped herself in it, and headed out the door.

As soon as she approached his door, she could see their sign was posted. The words “KNOCK & WAIT” was written in Red's bold strokes, underneath was written “please” in her flowing script. Bethany couldn't help but smile. She knocked an waited for him to acknowledge her. Bethany walked in and closed the door behind herself. Even when her back was to him, she could feel his eyes on her. When she turned she knew for certain that he was staring at her legs, Bethany blushed deeply.

She pulled the threadbare quilt a little closer around her shoulders and made her way through Red's swirling, mewling welcoming party.

“Beer?” He asked.

“No thanks.” She settled on her end of the sofa. “You have any juice?” She tilted her head back and looked at him.

“Nah. Got water though.” His back was to her, he was peering into the fridge.

“Sounds good.” Bethany said. She accepted the bottle and moved over next to him. He wrapped his arm stone arm around her and she settled against him and arranged the quilt so that she could snuggle with him and remain hidden. For a few minutes he just held her.

“Myers says I've been a pain in the ass.” He murmured against her head. Bethany smiled a little.

“In those words?” She asked.

“Nah. That's what he meant though.” Bethany felt all the tension melting away.

“Davis said the same thing to me.” She laughed softly. “In those words.” A little silence grew between them, but it wasn't the tense silence that had been present in the truck.

“This is my fault.” Bethany murmured.

“Lil Bit-”

“It is.” She lifted her head but couldn't meet his eyes. “If I had seen that he was a weirdo was from the beginning I could have avoided the whole thing. And if I had told you-”

“How would you know something like that?” He asked.

“I don't know. I do know it doesn't look like it's going to change anytime soon,” She looked up at him. “And I can't just stay here indefinitely, no matter how loud you yell.”

“That a nice way to tell me I made a scene?” He was smiling a little.

“No.” She smiled back. “I was yelling too, so I guess we both made a scene.” She put her head down again.

“I don't like it.” He said.

“I don't like it either, but I don't know that either one of us is going to have any say in it.” Bethany's fingers stroked over his chest. She could feel him getting angry all over again, that was the last thing she wanted. Her arm moved around his waist.

“Why is being there so important to you?” He stroked her arm from the wrist and up to the shoulder.

“I've always done something.” Bethany said. “It's never been much, but it was a something to get up for. Now,” She sighed and looked up at him. “I'm never going to be as good at this as you are. I'm never going to know as much as Abe. If I didn't do anything though, I don't know how I would get out of bed every day.”

“I dunno, if you're in my bed I might not want ya to.” Bethany looked up at him, a deep blush rising to her cheeks. She hid her face, but she had to smile.

“Not what I meant.” She snuggled against him.

“Couldn't help myself.” He chuckled. “I didn't mean you shouldn't go because you couldn't do it.” His stone hand wandered lightly over her back and hip.

“I know. As soon as those words were out of my mouth I felt bad.” Bethany realized she had been hungry for his touch. “Seems like we gave Glen exactly what he wanted though. He caused turmoil.”

“Yeah.” He kissed the top of her head. “I wanna talk to Father.”

“Right now?” Bethany looked up at him, a little surprised.

“Nah, tomorrow.” He lifted her chin. “Missed you.”

“Missed you too.” Bethany reached up and kissed him softly, sucking on his lower lip softly. He groaned and pulled her closer, taking over the kiss. Bethany was more than happy to let him. She'd missed his companionship, but as he pulled her closer she realized she'd also missed his passion. His tongue twined with hers and Bethany could taste the traces of beer mixed with the unique flavor of Red himself. Her heart began to beat faster.

She shifted so that she was kneeling next to him, her hands wandered over his bare chest. He moaned when she brushed against one of his nipples. His left arm wrapped around her waist. Her head was spinning, her nipples pressed against him, only the thin cotton of the shirt between her skin and his, the quilt was all but forgotten. She wasn't sure how she ended up straddling his lap, she didn't really remember moving.

His mouth grew hungrier, and she returned his passion, her tongue twining with his, her soft moans almost getting lost in his low growls. Her hands slid over his shoulders and down the front of his chest. His right arm wrapped around her waist. She slid forward at his urging, stopping when she was pressed against his chest. His hips pressed up against her, his obvious need startling Bethany with its insistence. Her back tensed. The soft whimper was out before she could control it. His mouth softened, but he held her where she was. His mouth traveled over her jaw and down the side of her neck. Bethany lay her head against his shoulder.

“Stop?” He murmured. It took longer than usual for the question to register, Bethany was too lost in the pleasant, needy sensations radiating from between her legs.

“No.” She nipped the side of his neck. He groaned next to her ear, the fingers of his left hand squeezing the flesh of her thigh gently. She thought he had missed the nervous quiver in her voice.

“Scared?” His hand moved up over her hip. His mouth was so soft against the side of her neck. Her hips moved forward tentatively. Her pleasure moan mingled with his.

“Nervous.” Bethany teased her tongue over the side of his neck. His back arched and his tail wrapped around her waist. “Trust you.” She murmured close to his ear, letting her mouth move back to his. Her lips teased his, her tongue reaching out and twining with his. His left hand moved between them and started fumbling with the buttons of her shirt. He managed the first one, but the next one proved too elusive for his one-handed technique.

“Damn!” She felt the anger tension bunching in his shoulders.

“Let me.” She smiled against his mouth, then moved back a little. She was able to keep her eyes on his while she opened the next button. A hot blush colored her cheeks and she looked away, but her fingers moved on to the next button. He unwrapped his tail, allowing her to open the last of them. By the time all the buttons were open Bethany was trembling softly, she sucked on her lower lip and held the edges of the shirt together. He stroked her cheek with his stone hand. Bethany curled up against his chest, cursing her shyness. The feeling of his arms around her was more reassuring than anything he could have said. She sighed and slid her arms around him.

Bethany's mouth found her way back to his, and his left hand moved up under her shirt. His fingers stroked up over her spine. Goosebumps trailed after his fingers. She shivered and felt him smile against her mouth. Bethany felt him shift and she moved off of his lap. He wasn't willing to let her go far though. He got to his feet and picked her up. Even though her heart was pounding, Bethany snuggled against his chest.

He set her down on the bed and Bethany moved back, giving him room to get in. He followed her, his body moving over hers. The shirt parted a little, and he ran one finger down between the parted halves, between her breasts and then down further to tease her navel. Bethany giggled softly. He chuckled and lay down next to her. Bethany snuggled close, enjoying the feeling of her newly exposed skin against his warm body. His hand moved the hem of the shirt higher, then he stopped. Bethany noticed the change and looked up at him.

“What?” She followed the direction of his gaze down to her bruised hip.

“You fall off the beam?” He touched the large dark mark softly, sticking to the edges, following them even when they disappeared under her panties.

“No, it happened when I got cornered last time. There's one on my shoulder too.” She worked her arm out of her sleeve, making sure that her breast was covered before shrugging out of the garment. Bethany couldn't look at him, but could feel him staring at her newly revealed skin. The longer he was still and silent, the more nervous she got. “I shouldn't have-”

“Yeah, you should.” He lifted her chin and kissed her firmly. When he broke the kiss he was grinning. “You just surprised me.” Bethany laughed.

“Given the situation I didn't think it would be quite that shocking.” She feathered light kisses over his lower lip.

“I ain't complainin'.” He held her close, and she enjoyed the way he felt against her. Eventually, she felt his fingers moving around the edges of the mark on her shoulder. “I thought you were shielded.”

“I was, but it was toward the end and I was tired. Abe says that anything constantly maintained takes a lot of energy, so it's the first thing to go.” He kissed the point of her shoulder lightly.

“You're lucky it wasn't worse.” His paternalistic side was coming out again. Bethany just smiled. She moved her arm away from her bare breast and simply rested against him. He groaned softly when her hard nipple rubbed against his skin.

“I know, I know. Cornering yourself on purpose is never a good idea.” Her lips brushed his collarbone. A little moan rumbled through his chest. “Gonna lecture me?” She nipped lightly.

“Later.” His tail curled around her leg, holding Bethany close to him. His left hand wandered over her back. She followed his lead, letting her fingers wander over his chest and then down lower over his stomach. The muscles tensed as her fingertips followed the waistband of his sweats. Bethany pulled her hand away. “It's okay.” He murmured close to her ear.

A little tremor went through her body. Her hand hesitantly stroked over his hip and then back up his thigh. He groaned sharply when her fingers brushed against his firm erection. Bethany's intense curiosity fought with her shy nervousness. Eventually, her curiosity won and she let her fingers begin to lightly explore the length and breadth of his thick shaft through the fabric. He was making little pleasure sounds next to her ear, his hips moving against the bed. With each passing moment, each grazing touch, she felt his muscles tense further. His hand moved inside the back of her panties, his fingers gripping her bottom firmly. Bethany blushed deeply and groaned against his shoulder.

His mouth started to move down over the side of her neck, slowly moving her onto her back. Bethany found herself completely lost in a warm, hazy state of pleasure. At his urging, she pulled her other arm out of the shirt. His left hand cupped her breast, toying with the firm bud of her nipple. Before Bethany could react, his mouth found her other breast. Bethany cried out, her eyes squeezed shut, her back arching. Every movement of his tongue and fingers registered almost as strongly between her legs. Her panties became wetter with each passing moment, her hands found their way to the back of his head and his shoulders. Holding his head where it was. His lips trailed hungry kisses to the other breast, attacking the nipple with the same passion, allowing his teeth to pull at the tender flesh. His hands went down to her panties and began to tug them down over her hips. Bethany was immediately snapped back to reality.

“Wait.” The word came out in a little whimper. Her fingers gripped the cotton fabric tightly. Frustration and concern fought for control of his heavy brows. He moved back up her body and Bethany snuggled against his chest again. He stroked her back, his lips finding her shoulder.

“What's wrong?” His hand stroked down her arm, and gripped her hand gently.

“Can't we-” Bethany's voice caught in her throat. “It's so bright in here.” She could feel the heat of a furious blush coloring her cheeks. Bethany had kept her most intimate places smoothly shaved since she was about sixteen. There was no erotic intent behind it, she simply didn't like the feeling of having hair there. She had never considered what someone else might think about it. The thought of having to explain was more than she could bear.

“Only the TV's are on.” His fingers gently worked at hers until Bethany loosened her grip. She moved her arm around his waist. His fingertips slipped just under the waistband of her panties and stopped there. Bethany felt herself relaxing into him. “Tell me.” He murmured. His tongue teased the shell of her ear.

“I'm just-” Bethany moaned softly when he sucked at the spot just under her ear. His hand slipped further into her panties. “Embarrassed.”

“Why?” His tongue trailed lightly down her neck, her back arched. “Natural for me to see you. 'Sides, you're gorgeous, even if you are half purple at the moment.” Bethany laughed a little.

“Still-” His hand shifted, one finger caressed the front of her smooth mound. His groan was covered by Bethany's surprised gasp. The gentle, stroking touch brought a rush of new wetness, further wetting the cotton. His finger stroked the very beginning of her slit. Bethany moved her hips forward toward his hand. She moved onto her back at his gentle urging. This time, she didn't resist as he took away her last garment.

One fingertip started to tease her gently, and Bethany found herself wanting more. She parted her thighs and his finger tickled the edges of her lower lips. His mouth began an unhurried journey down her body once again, tasting her skin, inhaling deeply as if familiarizing himself with all of her scents. He nibbled the skin around her navel, Bethany arched and squirmed, her little whimpering moans filling the large room. As she moved, she could feel the cool air teasing her wet, delicate folds. He held her legs open, Bethany tensed and resisted. Her embarrassment momentarily banishing the fog of pleasure she'd been surrounded by. He kept up the gentle pressure, murmuring a reassurance against the lower part of her stomach. She didn't hear him, but the feeling of his lips moving and his voice helped her relax again.

She felt him shift and settle between her spread legs. Bethany's head was spinning, her heart pounding. He opened her wider, Bethany could feel her lips pouting open, and she could feel his warm breath on her wet, quivering flesh. The longer he stayed so still, the more nervous Bethany became. She squirmed a little, she caught her lower lip between her teeth. His tongue gently licked first one of her lips, then the other. Bethany moaned, and opened herself wider. He began to taste her more fully, his tongue exploring more fully, more hungrily with each soft lick. Bethany's eyes were closed tightly. The pleasure that had been building slowly threatened to overwhelm her.

The tip of his tongue found the small nub hidden in her folds and he paid it hungry, teasing attention. Bethany was certain she would crawl out of her skin. As the dam was about to burst, she felt one long thick finger pushing inside her. Her body resisted, her muscles tense around that single digit. Bethany whimpered sharply. His tongue continued to gently worry that small nub, and the discomfort of having her body invaded began to recede until the sensation of his finger moving inside her added to the pleasure. Bethany didn't know how long it took before her final release hit her, but it seemed like seconds and eternity at the same time. She threw her head back and screamed, her hips pressing against his hand and mouth.

Bethany didn't know how long she lay there trembling, but she felt him moving. He pulled her close and she realized that he was naked now as well. Her hand moved down over his stomach. When his mouth found hers, Bethany's fingertips grazed the underside of his long shaft. He took her hand and wrapped it around the thick length, or tried to. Bethany's hands were much smaller than his, and her fingers didn't even come close to meeting. She stroked him tentatively at first, but his deep, growling groan and the flavor of her own juices on his lips emboldened her. She tightened her grip and stroked more quickly. His hips pressed into her hand. Bethany felt his hot seed splash against her stomach and coat her hand moments later.

Bethany waited until the tension left his body, then she started to get up carefully. He kissed her softly, pressing her back against the bed.

“Stay.” He murmured against her mouth.

“But-” She held her hand away from her body.

“I know. Just stay.” He kissed her lightly again and got up. Bethany couldn't imagine that he wanted her to sleep like that. She heard water running in the bathroom and she carefully pulled the sheet up to a little below her waist with her other hand, feeling the sudden need to maintain some sort of modesty. He returned a minute later with a clean, wet washcloth. Bethany reached for it, but he kept it and started to clean her skin. Bethany curled close to him, her eyes closed, enjoying his tender ministrations. She heard him toss the cloth aside and she snuggled against his chest.

“Shouldn't you put that in a hamper or something?” Bethany murmured. She arched against him.

“Nah. Scout comes through every few days and picks up the clothes and stuff. He'll get it.” She looked up at him curiously. “What?”

“Nothing.” Bethany really didn't want to spell it all out. She started searching for her nightshirt. He waited until she found it and, then took it away from her. A protest formed on her lips, but as soon as it did, she wasn't sure what she was protesting. She snuggled against him again. “Leave it where I can reach it.”