Finding Home

9. More Than Words

Hellboy sat on the sofa. He was naked except for the discarded shirt over his lap to protect his more vulnerable places from feline claws. The end of his cigar glowed in the darkness. The TVs were off, and the little sounds Bethany made in her sleep filtered over to him from time to time. It made him want to go back and stay away at the same time.

When he went to the gym, he hadn't really expected that she would forgive him so easily, and he sure as hell didn't expect that she would end up in his bed again. Not that he was complaining about that part, it was just a surprise. Liz could hold a grudge for weeks, and they weren't even a couple. The time he had tried to have more than a one-time thing with one of the FBI women she'd been disgusted by the whole idea and that was the end of that. Maybe Bethany could forgive him for making her angry, but she wouldn't be able to forgive him if he hurt her. If they kept going the same way, there didn't seem to be a way around that.

*~*~*~*~*~*

Bethany wasn't sure what woke her, but when she found herself alone in the large bed her first instinct was to search for Red. It took her a minute to realize he was sitting on the sofa. She put her shirt on like a robe and walked over to him.

“Something wrong?” She asked quietly.

“Myers has a fit if I smoke in bed.” He reached out to her. Bethany snuggled against him, she tried to hide her surprise when she realized he was still naked. “Course then he tells Father and I get another lecture. Easier to just get up. Did I wake you?”

“No.” Bethany relaxed, her eyes closed. “That bed is so big, it kind of makes me feel like I'm alone in the world when you aren't in it too.” He kissed the top of her head. “What's wrong?” She murmured. When he was silent, she looked up at him. His eyes were on hers.

“I think you are that kind of psychic.” He inhaled deeply from the cigar, Bethany looked away again. She had noticed that sometimes he spoke more freely when she wasn't looking at him. His stone hand moved down her back to rest against her bottom. Bethany smiled and arched against him.

“Maybe only in the middle of the night.” She slid her arm around his waist. Her body relaxed into his.

“You sorry? I'm not but, I mean-”

“Not even a little bit. I admit, I do feel a little more-” She paused, looking for the right word. “Intimidated in some ways than I did before. Doesn't make me regret a thing, except maybe making you worry about it.” She got up on her knees and kissed him softly. “I'm getting cold. Coming back to bed?” He stood up and let the shirt fall where it would. In spite of the darkness and the fact that her back was to him, she still blushed. Before she got in bed he grasped the collar of the shirt she was wearing.

“You ain't gonna get cold.” Bethany glanced over her shoulder at him. There was a little smile on his lips. Bethany's heart started to pound. That didn't exactly make sense, considering where his tongue had been only a few hours ago. Blushing wasn't controlled by logical thought, though.

“Let me just get in-” She moved, but he didn't release the fabric. She hated it when he got all dominant, it made her get all submissive and that was a new feeling for her. “Red-” He kissed the top of her head. Bethany knew it wasn't an argument she was going to win. She sighed, pulled her arms out of the sleeves, crossed them over her breasts and got into bed quickly. True to his word from before he left the shirt where she could reach it. Bethany waited until he was settled behind her before moving back against him. His left hand rested flat against her stomach, she drew her knees up and moaned softly when the utter safety and relaxation hit her.

*~*~*~*~*~*

“Break - GEEZ, you ever hear of pants?” Myers' voice cut into her pleasant dream. Thankfully, she could feel the covers tucked safely around her, including most of her head.

“Yeah. You ever hear of reading the sign?” Red said. She could hear his food cart, but not the sounds of fumbling for clothing.

“I did knock.” Dishes clattered. “You're just going to stand there like that?” Bethany immediately had the image of Red standing there casually naked. It sent an unexpected rush of warmth to her lower regions. She pressed her legs together and bit her lip to hold back the little sigh that formed there.

“Jealous or somethin'?” His mouth was full. “You didn't wait.”

“How was I supposed to know-”

“You guys wanna finish this in the hall? I'm trying to sleep over here.” Bethany said. She couldn't suppress a little smirk when the room went silent.

“I'll be back later.” Myers said finally. She could hear his shoes as he walked out quickly, she could only imagine how red the agent's face was. Hers was too, but only because she wasn't used to being in this position yet. “And I'll leave it outside.” He said over his shoulder.

“Didn't mean to wake you.” Red sat down on the bed.

“It's okay.” She moved carefully to turn over, holding the sheet over her breasts. He met her with a soft kiss and a plate of food. Bethany carefully kept her eyes on the plate. Once again, it was far too much, and she wondered where it came from. In the end it didn't matter. She was generally a much earlier riser than he was, Davis probably stopped by and noticed her bed hadn't been slept in, then put two and two together. Whatever the mechanism that got it there, she got to eat.

“They're gonna talk, you know.” He pulled the cart over to within reach of the bed and sat down with her. He started with a handful of bacon.

“They've been talking all along. Ever since that night after the werewolves when I fell asleep in here.” She ate some of the eggs. “At least now when they say we're -” She paused. “You know, we really are. Sort of.” Bethany took a bite of the sausage to avoid saying anything else that sounded stupid. She finished what she could and handed him the plate. He barely seemed to notice, he just finished what was left and pulled on a pair of shorts to roll the empty cart out into the hall. She yawned and stretched, luxuriating in the feeling of being well-fed and well rested before facing any more of the day. She reached for her shirt, but he was back across the room before she could even touch the fabric.

“Where ya goin'?” His kiss was firm and passionate. He crawled over her slowly, pushing her back into the bed.

“The bathroom.” She took the shirt from him and managed to get it wrapped around herself without exposing anything. She kissed him lightly and trotted away before he could hold her back.

When she had finished, Bethany stood at the steel countertop and found a clean washcloth. She slipped the shirt off, found some soap and started to wash up. She knew she was probably going to go back to her own room and her own shower in a few minutes, but he had a way of sidetracking her best plans. She wrapped the shirt around her damp skin again and held it with an arm over her tummy. She was only mildly surprised to see him still stretched out in bed, the lights were dim again.

“Gonna sleep all day?” She went over and kissed him lightly. He grasped the front of Bethany's shirt and tugged lightly. She smiled against his mouth and crawled back into bed.

“Who says I gotta be asleep to stay in bed?” He grinned and pulled her closer. Bethany's heart beat faster, her lips parted easily for his insistent tongue. When she was snuggled against his chest, his lips moved along her jawline and down her neck. Bethany sighed softly, arching against him. He wrapped the blanket around her.

“Good point.” She kissed the hollow of his throat. The little moan started deep in his chest and came out more like a growl. His little pleasure sounds still surprised Bethany sometimes. She blushed deeply, his left hand tangled in her hair and held her close. She closed her eyes, and sighed.

“You could've used the shower, if you wanted.” He murmured close to her ear, his mouth brushed over her earlobe.

“I know. I thought I was going back to my room though.” Her tone was equally subdued.

“Oh.” He held her a little tighter. “Want me to let you up?”

“No. Not unless you want to.” Her eyes were closed.

“If you're gonna wait for me to WANT to let you go, you're gonna have to wait a long time.” He chuckled softly.

“I missed you these last few days. I was mad at you part of that time, but I missed you too.” Bethany admitted.

“I thought you were just mad.” He moved several strands of hair out of her face.

“No. I didn't know what to say though. I was sure I was going to say the wrong thing and then you wouldn't ever want to talk to me again.” She looked away, unable to make the admission while looking in his eyes. He kissed the top of her head.

“Do you know how many people never looked at me like I was a monster?” His voice was quiet. His tail snaked around her waist.

“But you're not-” She looked up at him.

“Three.” He continued. “Father, Abe and you. Myers and the other agents get used to me. Liz-” He paused a moment, as if the words were physically painful for him. “Liz accepted me, but she could never really look past it. Unless you're tellin' me not to talk to you again, that ain't gonna happen.”

Bethany had no idea how to respond to that, but the sadness of it left a painful lump in her chest. She arched closer to him.

“You sleep much the last couple nights?” She didn't miss the significance of the change in subject. She went with it.

“No, not really. What about you?” Her fingers stroked his back lightly.

“Nah.” He was quiet for a minute. “Stay and nap with me?”

“I'd love to.” She kissed him lightly and turned to rest her back against his chest. His hand moved inside the shirt, stroking her stomach softly. A little tremor of pleasure went down her spine.

*~*~*~*~*~*

Bethany slept until his next meal arrived, then she wrapped herself in the quilt and trotted quickly back to her own room. She didn't encounter anyone, but she was sure that she was seen on some monitor somewhere. She had to figure out how to keep some things in Red's room without looking like she was trying to invade his space. At least a change of clothes and a toothbrush to make mornings like this go a little more smoothly. Running around the public hallways in the middle of the day wearing nothing but a nightshirt, a quilt and a smile was not something she was particularly comfortable with. There was something almost indecent about it.

She ate lunch and then took a long, hot shower. She had agreed to meet Red in the professor's library at three to try and figure out what she had started thinking of as “The Kelleher Chaos”, but that still left time for her to relax for awhile. Bethany picked up A Tale of Two Cities and started to read. It was one of the few books her father had managed to hold onto throughout those years on the run. Reading it always made her feel close to him. Right now her heart ached to tell him about Red. Even more than that she wanted to be able to talk to her mother.

She knew where things were heading with Red, and a part of her was anxious for them to get there. It was time, she had no more reservations about her feelings, or his. Just thinking about him made her heart race. The other side of that was that she had no idea what she was doing or how to please him. Last night seemed to go alright, but he hadn't done anything that hurt either. She knew that going further would hurt, and Bethany had never been very good with pain. She worried that he would read rejection into her reaction. She just didn't know how talk to him about any of this. She didn't even know if she should. It wasn't like he had ever experienced it and could reassure her that everything would be alright.

The fact that her closest confidants were men didn't help, either. She loved the professor and Abe like the extended family she never had, but the “HB and I are about to go to the next level and I'm nervous about it” conversation was not one she wanted to have with either one of them. She didn't know Christine well enough. She had no real idea how Davis might react, but even though she had buried the hatchet with her liaison this was not a subject Bethany wanted to broach with her. Bethany closed the book and just held it against her stomach.

Bethany wasn't sure how long she sat there, turning things over in her mind but a sharp knock at the door brought her out of her reverie.

“Bethany? Are you in there?” She recognized Davis' voice.

“Come in.” Bethany put the book aside and sat up.

“You okay? I've been knocking for ten minutes.” Her liaison came in with a cardboard tray from Starbucks. She handed Bethany a Vanilla Bean Frappuccino, and kept a plain coffee for herself.

“Sorry, I was reading.” She sipped the rich drink, and, for a moment, her eyes closed in pleasure. When she opened them again, Davis wore a little smirk. “What?”

“Nothing.” Davis took a spoonful of sugar from the bowl on the table. “I just thought you might be recovering.” She was still smiling a little.

“Myers told you, didn't he.” Bethany blushed deeply. Her heart started to beat faster.

“Myers told everybody.” Davis laughed and sat down. “Frankly, I think HB kinda shocked him.”

“I can understand that.” Bethany smiled and sat across from the agent. “But there isn't anything for me to recover from.”

“Oh come ON-” The look on Bethany's face stopped the agent. She sat back. “Wait a minute, HB was naked.”

“Yes.” Bethany agreed.

“And you were in his bed.” Davis's tone was almost demanding.

“Yes.” Bethany nodded.

“So he was naked, you were in his bed, and you're trying to tell me that NOTHING happened?” Davis seemed almost frustrated by the idea.

“I never said nothing happened, I said nothing happened that I need to recover from.” Bethany sipped the drink and wondered if there was some kind of betting pool going. Before the perplexed-looking Davis could ask anymore, the alarm on Bethany's watch sounded. “Sorry, have an appointment. Thanks for the drink.” She couldn't help but smile as she walked away from the agent. It gave her time to figure out how to deflect any more questions, if her liaison decided to ask any.

*~*~*~*~*~*

Bethany walked into the library expecting to find either the professor or Abe, but instead she found only Red stretched out in a wide chair. He looked up as soon as she entered.

“What's that?” He asked curiously.

“A bribe.” Bethany took a sip. “A yummy one though.”

He pulled her closer and kissed her firmly, his tongue explored her mouth for a lingering moment. Bethany could feel her knees going weak by the time he let her go.

“That is good.” He took the cup from her hand and drained half of it.

“Hey!” She took it back from him. “That's my bribe.” She giggled when he pulled her into his lap.

“Everybody always tells me to share.” He reached for the cup again.

“You already drank half of it.” Bethany laughed. “I think I was plenty generous. Have Myers get one for you.”

“What's it called?” He pulled her close.

“A Vanilla Bean Frappuccino.” She snuggled against him for a minute.

“Sounds girly.” He said. “How'm I gonna ask Myers to get me something that sounds like that?”

“Guess you don't want any more then.” Bethany grinned and got up. His tail wrapped around her waist, pulling her back.

“I didn't say that.” He grinned while she squirmed.

“Well I certainly wouldn't want to subject you to anything GIRLY.” She took another long sip, just to emphasize her point. “Since I'm a girl, I guess that means me too. Better let me up before you get cooties or something.” She smirked a little.

“That's it.” He wrapped his right arm around her waist to hold her still, then simply plucked the drink out of her hand with the other. He held it out of her reach, and kissed her again when she reached for it. Bethany moaned softly against his mouth. He loosened his grip enough so that she could turn to face him more fully.

“Not fair.” She murmured against his mouth.

“Want it back?” He caught her lower lip lightly, his teeth just grazing the soft flesh. Bethany gasped softly, arching into him.

“One last sip, then you can have the rest.” He held it for her, then finished it off.

“What was the bribe for?” He slurped the last bit loudly through the straw. Bethany couldn't help but smile a little. She took the empty cup and threw it away. She decided a long time ago that in his room he could do what he wanted, but in here it was different.

“What most bribes are for, information.” She sat down next to him and draped her legs over his. He stroked her thigh softly. “Myers-.” She blushed as she said it.

“He shoulda waited.” He said firmly. “If it'd been you-”

“It wasn't.” She said quickly, putting her hand over his, interrupting the possessive anger that was starting to gather. “I'm too shy to walk around like that anyway. Besides, he just made a mistake.”

“Yeah, but if we're-” He paused. “I don't want somebody just walking in.” Bethany caught the meaning immediately, and it brought a deep blush to her cheeks.

“I don't either.” She answered. “I guess Davis was just asking if I was okay, in her own way.”

“Are you?” He squeezed her leg, his eyes were full of concern. She sat up straighter and kissed him softly.

“I've never been better.” A little smile tugged at her lips.

*~*~*~*~*~*

Hellboy lay on his side, and inhaled deeply from the cigar. It was a Cuban and a damn good one too. She'd gone out to dinner with the new one, Al-something, and had managed to smuggle a whole box of them past Father on her way back in. Bethany whimpered softly in her sleep. He put the cigar in the ashtray and massaged her waist until she relaxed again. He wasn't sure how she managed to get comfortable enough to sleep in such a small space, but she seemed perfectly content between his chest and the edge of the sofa.

She'd come in still dressed from dinner, but she'd changed into one of his shirts when she started nodding off. He wasn't sure how he liked her best. He almost never got to see her dressed in anything but jeans or sweats, and sometimes whatever she slept in. She looked damn good in the longish curve-hugging dress she was wearing, course he liked how she looked in his shirt too, so maybe he wasn't the most impartial judge. He picked up the cigar again.

Father hadn't been a whole lot of help, though to be fair he had done all he could. Abe agreed with Davis that timing of this whole thing , but they were stuck with Kelleher unless he did something that would show he was unfit or dangerous. Apparently, being a slimeball wasn't enough, you had to have an official record of being a slimeball in order for the agreements Father had with the government about protection of BPRD agents to kick in. Until then, the best they could do was set conditions for Kelleher's interaction with Bethany. His vote was for none at all, but he knew that wasn't completely practical. Keeping her completely away from Kelleher meant that she was the one who was restricted. She wasn't going to stand for that. He didn't really blame her, but that didn't mean he had to like it.

He finished the cigar and looked down at her, just watching her breathe. She moaned softly, moving her legs a little until the hem of the shirt lifted, revealing a little more thigh. He looked at her face for a minute, then nudged the shirt higher. His fingertips lingered against her skin. Stroking softly, pushing the shirt up a little higher every time his hand moved. He sighed. She didn't even have to be awake to him all hot and bothered.

*~*~*~*~*~*

Bethany wasn't sure what woke her up, but the first thing she noticed was something hard pressing against her lower back. Her sleepy mind was trying to work it out when she felt his hand on her thigh. When the shirt slid a little higher she didn't have to guess anymore. She felt a deep blush color her cheeks, but she didn't move. His light touch was sending tingling warmth up her thighs to the place between them. His hips were moving against her back, the side of her hi-cut panties was barely covered. She couldn't stay silent any longer. She let out a soft moan, pressing back against him.

“Finding everything alight?” She looked over her shoulder again, a little smile on her lips.

“Just checkin' on your bruises.” He smiled and pushed the shirt up over her waist.

“They're on the other side.” She rubbed against him softly.

“You sure?” He tugged the side of her panties down over her hip. “Oh, yeah. I guess you're right.” He kissed her softly, his fingers traced lightly around the new, lower line of the waistband. Bethany trembled, her body responding without reservation.

“I'd turn over, but I think I would end up on the floor.” She opened her mouth to his probing tongue. Her soft gasp mixing with his groan when his fingertips brushed over the front of her mound.

“You sayin' we need more room?” He teased that tender skin. Bethany started to shiver.

“I-” Bethany found that anything else she might have said evaporated somewhere between the feeling of his fingers teasing the very top of her slit and his breath on her shoulder. She moaned softly. For a moment she was lost to the sensation. Finally she put her hand over his. “Should move.” She managed. He moved his hand back to her waist to let her stand.

Bethany's mind was too clouded with arousal to notice the finger hooked in the waistband of her panties. When she stood, they ended up around her knees.

“Hey!” She blushed deeply and took a few short steps away from him, her gait restricted by the misplaced garment.

“Oops.” He grinned. “Not like you're gonna be needin' 'em for awhile.” Bethany tried for another step, but the cotton fell down to her ankles.

“You sound awfully sure of yourself.” She crossed her arms, and looked at him a little smile on her lips.

“'Cause I am.” He got up and started to advance toward her, still grinning. Bethany stepped out of the panties and started to move back. She gave a deliberate stretching yawn.

“Gee, look at the time. I had to wash my hair or something tonight.” She smirked and started toward the door. She made it three steps before his left arm slipped around her waist, her feet moved in mid-air when he lifted her. She giggled and squirmed against him.

“You're going to throw you're back out one of these days.” She laughed.

“How? You don't weight anything.” He set her on her feet next to the bed. Bethany turned to answer, but she didn't have a chance. His mouth was on hers, his body urging her back. She complied easily, sitting and sliding backward across the messy bed while he crawled over her, eventually settling next to her. One hand slid over his chest, fingertips teasing one nipple just enough to make him moan against her mouth.

“That ain't fair, I can't get to yours.” He tugged lightly at the neckline of the shirt. Bethany took her arms out of the sleeves, but she couldn't quite bring herself to take it off. His lips captured hers with a stunning gentleness that sent shivers chasing each other down her spine. “Be back.” He smiled a little and got up. While he turned the lights off, Bethany got under the blankets and pulled the shirt off. Her heart was pounding, her hands shook, and she prayed the alarm stayed silent. She heard him undress before getting into bed again.

She moved closer to him, her hands exploring the planes of his body in the dark, moving down over his stomach to his hip and then back up again. His left hand pulled her closer, his mouth warm and insistent on hers. Bethany arched against him, almost aching for contact in a way that was new and a little frightening in its intensity. When he grasped her bottom firmly, Bethany whimpered. His mouth moved over her jawline, his teeth nipping at the side of her neck. Her mouth found his earlobe, her teeth grazing the soft flesh. He growled and bit her shoulder hard enough to bring tears to Bethany's eyes. She cried out and pushed against his shoulder, but he held on, his weight pushing her over onto her back.

“Red, stop!” Her voice was pained. He tensed and let go of her shoulder. Bethany held onto him, taking comfort from his body.

“Lil Bit-”

“It's alright.” Her shoulder throbbed dully, but Bethany ignored it. She kissed the side of his neck.

“Didn't wanna hurt you.” His lips moved gently over the sore point.

“You didn't, you just kinda surprised me.” She kissed him softly, and was surprised at the metallic flavor of blood that bloomed on her tongue along with all the other flavors she had become so familiar with. It was gone so quickly though, she decided that she had imagined it.

His left hand began to explore her body again. When his fingers pinched and teased her nipple, anything beyond her physical reaction melted away. By the time his mouth started to move down her neck, she pressed against him, her hands sliding over his shoulders and the back of his head. Bethany had no idea how long it took for his mouth to reach her nipple, but when it did the sensation of his warm, wet tongue on that firm peak made her head spin. Her back arched, she caught her lower lip between her teeth, her fingers digging into his shoulders.

Slowly his hand started to move down over her stomach. Bethany was sure that the light touch was leaving a trail of fire over her skin. His mouth trailed across her sternum to her other breast. He nibbled softly around her areola. Bethany whimpered with need. She pressed her legs together when he tickled the front of her mound, then opened them as his fingers descended. His mouth closed firmly over her nipple at the same moment that one finger found its way inside her. She clenched around it but there was no discomfort like there had been the first time. She moaned deeply and pressed her hips against his hand.

His mouth found his way back to hers, she could feel his hard length pressing against her hip, moving in the same rhythm as his hand. Each movement brought her achingly close, but it wasn't quite enough. Her tongue battled with his, her soft pleasure moans finding their way into his mouth, feeling his low growls as much as she heard them. Slowly, he pressed a second finger inside her. Bethany whimpered sharply.

“Relax.” He murmured, pushing insistently, opening her. Bethany closed her eyes, her whole body trembling, her fingernails digging into his back. It took longer to adjust, but the pleasure began building again. She moaned softly, her hips beginning to rock again. This time, it was more than enough the relieve the tense pressure he had so carefully built in her lower tummy. She cried out, her back arching, fingernails biting into his shoulders.

Bethany didn't know how long she lay there with his mouth drinking kisses and moans from hers, with his fingers teasing her most intimate places, opening her carefully, drawing little whimpering moans from her. She reached down to stroke him, but he moved away from her hand.

“Red-” She breathed, not even sure what she was going to say.

He didn't give her the chance to think of anything. His mouth was over hers, his hand moved away and settled between her legs. She felt the weight and thickness of his member against her tummy. Bethany didn't know if she wanted to protest or urge him on. He body made the decision for her. She opened her legs wider, then pressed up against him. He moved back, drawing the underside of his shaft over her wet lips. The tip pushed lightly against her entrance. Bethany whimpered softly, her eyes wide.

“Trust me.” His voice was thick with passion, but it was enough.

“Always have, always will.” Bethany moaned softly, trying to control the tension in those newly stretched muscles. When she lifted her hips, he groaned and pushed forward.

At first, Bethany thought her body simply couldn't accept his. The pressure against her entrance grew and then became painful. She whimpered, then cried out as the broad head entered. He groaned deeply, the pleasure obvious in the low sound. He stayed there, his body trembling, supported by his right arm. The initial shock subsided and Bethany slowly wrapped her legs around his sweaty waist. He moved forward slowly, inexorably filling her. Bethany cried out with every advance, feeling as though she was being torn with every inch. Finally, he was fully sheathed in her tight passage, and Bethany was crying softly. Her face was hidden against his shoulder.

At first, nothing reached through the haze of intimate pain that consumed her senses. Slowly, his voice began to break through.

“Look at me, Lil Bit.” She could hear worry in his voice, even though she could feel his body trembling with tension. Bethany forced herself to open her eyes. The pain was subsiding, but she was beginning to notice the strangeness and wonder of the new connection. Her emotions were adjusting more quickly than her body though.

“Don't stop.” She nipped his lower lip softly.

He growled and started to move, his lips possessing hers with a fiery passion that was a little frightening. At first, the pain was all she felt. When the pleasure began to eclipse it, she started to move hesitantly under him. He groaned and moved inside her faster. Bethany began to lose herself in the sensation of being completely filled by him. Her body met his. Her cries mixed with his groans and growls. She was overwhelmed by it all. Her release came in a scream. His followed with a roar and a rush of hot fluid that stung her sore walls. Bethany let herself get lost in all of it.

*~*~*~*~*~*

For awhile - Bethany didn't know how long - her mind was floating in a pleasure-bubble. The first sensation she was consciously aware of was the warmth of Red's body next to hers. Her leg was draped over his, his arm holding her securely against his side. Her head was under his chin. She pressed closer to him, and another realization hit her; everything hurt. Her little groan would not be bitten back.

His arm tightened around her waist, she recognized the gesture as worry. Bethany shifted so that she could look up at him. She kissed him, her tongue stroking his lips lightly. He sighed and relaxed against her.

“Does that offer of your shower still stand?” She murmured. His tongue slipped past her lips, drawing a little sigh from her. Her body was beyond responding, but her heart wasn't.

“Nope.” He smiled a little. Bethany moved back a little, at a loss for what to say. “But I have a great bathtub.” He smiled wider.

“Am I going to need a life raft? A ladder to get in maybe?” She smirked a little.

“Don't think so, I'll be with you.” He kissed her lightly, then moved away from her. “Takes awhile to fill though. Back in a minute.” Bethany stayed where she was. She was becoming more connected with her body with each passing moment, and the more she felt, the more staying still sounded like the best idea. The few minutes he was gone was long enough for her to miss him.