GiulianAndElissaAfterTheLibraryIt took a few more hours, but Elissa helped Giulian go through the rest of the volumes he selected and mark down various articles that needed further reading. She enjoyed the comforting silence between them with only the soft whispering of the pages between them. As they left the library, she stopped and looked around. She turned and looked at Giulian with a smile. "I hope I helped you..." she said and pressed a hand to her belly, feeling the soft grumble. "A lot," Giulian affirmed. "Thank you. Can I drop you somewhere or..." The unconscious gesture registered. "...no, I have a better idea. How about dinner?" She smiled and nodded. "Dinner sounds wonderful. Wherever you would like. You know your way around here and where it will...be...proper." "There are several places in the district that are always full of Uni students," Giulian assured her. "How hungry are you?" "Hungry. Missed my noonday meal." Giulian cocked his head thoughtfully. "Ragueneau's might be good. They specialize in pastries, and I've heard people say they could live for a week on one of Ragueneau's meat pies. They do good soups, too." "Sounds perfect." "This way, then." Ragueneau's proved to be a hole-in-the-wall establishment down a side street, about half a block away from campus. As Giulian had implied, it was crowded with students, the atmosphere replete with companionable chatter, the warmth of the big ovens, the smell of baking pies and simmering pots. "We place our order at the counter in the back," Giulian explained, "then find a seat and they'll bring it to us when it's ready. They're usually pretty fast." Nodding, staying close to Giulian, but out of the range of his crutches, she followed him to the counter. There were no printed menus. Instead, the day's selection of pies, soups, beverages and desserts were listed on a slate mounted on the wall above the counter, artistically rendered in colored chalk. "Hmm... It looks wonderful. I'll take their beef and vegetable pie," she requested close to him. "What size?" he asked as they edged their way between the close-packed tables to the counter. There were four sizes listed, Hand, Single, Double, and Family. The counter displays identified these respectively as a hand-sized pasty, and round pies of six, nine, or twelve inches in diameter. Studying the sizes, Elissa glanced around. "I'll take the Single. If that is okay with you. Or we can split one." Giulian shook his head, smiling. "I can never get through anything bigger than a hand-pie," he explained, and went on to order a spinach and cheese pasty and a bowl of potato soup. With their orders placed and paid for, he led the way to a small table set against the wall, where he could conveniently lean his crutches out of the way of passers-by. With a smile, Elissa took his bag without saying a word and set both their bags on a chair. She settled across from him at the table. She glanced around, switching the chair slightly so her back wasn't completely to the crowd. Giulian noted the action even as he smiled his thanks to Elissa. Some habits might be good to hang onto, he decided. With all the noise in the restaurant, he had to lean over the table and pitch his voice to carry in order to converse. "I think we made a good start today," he said, "even though, at this point, I'm still not sure what I'm looking for." "I think we made a good start as well," she said, matching the level and pitch of her voice to his, leaning towards him with a smile. "Perhaps we can figure out a mystery that has been around since your father first became Regent, maybe even beyond that time." She drew her finger around in a concentric circle on the wooden table. "It feels...nice to be doing something good. Even after hearing how Jo left all of you. I was glad I was nearby to help." "So am I," said Giulian, "for all the times. And it's not just solving the mystery," he went on, his voice taking on a hard edge of determination. "If it's started up again, I want to help stop it, here and now. Not have any more families go through what ours did." "I'll be right next to you, helping you to stop it. You are right. No one should have to go there. If and when you need me, I'll be right next to you," she said, reaching out a hand and touching his. His hand turned under hers and clasped it briefly, expressing his gratitude without need of words. "Of course," he went on, "it won't be done only by digging through old newspaper articles or even diaries. We'll want information from all the sources we can get." She moved her fingers to tighten their grip, feeling the strength in his hands. "Of course. There are always sources about, it is just the matter of getting them to talk. Both in the lower and upper city. Citizens and nobles. Is there anything going on in your society that we can take...advantage of somehow?" "That's one of the things I want to find out," said Giulian. "I don't even know if--" An eyebrow flickered as he glanced around. "--'You-Know-Who's' title is in any way legitimate, if he's a noble or a cit himself." "Then we best figure it out before things get worse. Perhaps, one citizen and one noble can work together to figure things out. Change things. That is what Jo wanted, correct?" His eyes lowered briefly. "I've already had to face the fact that I didn't know Jo as well as I thought I did," he said. "I'd better not try to guess what she wanted or didn't want." His gaze came up again to meet Elissa's. "That doesn't mean we shouldn't go ahead with this. And it won't be just the two of us, either. Talaren Bahlmis has already offered his help, and come up with a plan to gain us a listening post -- right in our adversary's old territory." She smiled. "You know more about me than any other, Giulian." She met his gaze with her own. "Really? He is an interesting one to get on your side." "Talaren has reason. He was one of the hunters last time, twenty-five years ago," said Giulian. "That's how he knew where the place had been. It's all been renovated now, but he thinks we can still make contact with the people who lived there then." "What exactly is this listening post?" He glanced around them again, with a certain amusement. "It's going to be a restaurant. Not even as elaborate as this, probably, just a cafe and sandwich shop. But Talaren said customers would get a vicarious thrill out of lunching in a make-believe 'thieves den.'" The look he gave Elissa then was faintly apologetic. Elissa smiled and laughed softly, shaking her head at him. She squeezed his hand, her thumb running over his knuckles in a gentle, hidden caress as she laughed. "It sounds perfect, Jules. It'll fit right in and I think that would be the perfect name for it as well." Giulian grinned, relieved that he hadn't offended her. "That gives us an excuse, you see, to ask questions about what things were like in the 'old days.' And of course we'll employ local people as laborers, builders, that kind of thing." She nodded. "True, true. With a bit of liquid courage, some tongues may fall loose and spill something. If you wish, I'm sure I can find a way to help out somewhat. Maybe even a part-time job." "If you don't think it would be dangerous for you," said Giulian, "I'd be glad for your help." She glanced at their hands and slowly stopped her thumb after realizing what she was doing. "I'm ahh... apolog..." She began to slowly pull her fingers away from his. "No, that's all right, I--" Just then a waitress arrived with their meals, and gave them a knowing look that made Giulian flush slightly as she set down the plates. Elissa flushed as well and pulled her hand back to her side of the table. She stared down at the large pie that smelled delicious and covered her lap with an extra handkerchief she picked out from her bag. Smelling the pie, she picked up the utensils, hiding her flush until the waitress left. Giulian covered his embarrassment by busying himself with his coffee, adding sugar and cream and stirring the cup more vigorously than it really required. But after a moment he looked up. "It really is all right," he said quietly. She finished setting up her cup of tea with just a little sugar. She looked up at him, meeting his gaze once more. "Are you sure?" "Yes. After what we've been through already, why should we be shy about it?" She leaned her head against a hand and looked at him. Her eyes did not turn away, but stayed direct on his. "What exactly have we been through, Jules? I'm never shy. Cautious, yes, never shy. I do know of the...vast difference between our roles here on Aquila. You the heir of the Regent and me... The child of..." she shrugged and dropped her eyes back to her dinner. "If nothing else, we've been through two street fights together," Giulian reminded her. "Not to mention our search for Jo. I've at least stepped into your world, and you into mine. Haven't we proved that there isn't so much of a gap between us that we can't reach across it?" Nodding, Elissa smiled and reached her hand out once more to close the gap. Giulian took her hand in his and clasped it, in affirmation, before releasing it and picking up his coffee cup. "Yes, we have proven that. To ourselves. To others..." she shrugged. "I may start to be accepted amongst your friends... but others..." "It will take time, no question," he acknowledged. "It won't happen all at once." She nodded as she picked up her teacup for a sip. She then went back to eating the meat pie for a few moments longer. She looked up at him as she slipped another piece of pie in her mouth and chewed. Giulian had applied himself to his soup first, habits inculcated from early childhood causing him even now to dip the spoon away from himself before raising it to his mouth. "Yes, it will take time," she said when she finished. "Time I will...always wish to spend with you. If you wish that as well." He looked up and smiled. "I enjoy being with you, Elissa." She smiled back. "Same here, Jules. I enjoyed our day together. It was one...of the better ones in my life." His eyes twinkled. "Really? We'll have to work on that," he commented. "Oh... I'm sure I'll look forward to it." Her own eyes twinkled and sparkled as a bit of laughter came back to her face as she watched him. "Other than the Uni, what else is coming up for you and your family?" "You know, I've hardly thought about that lately," Giulian admitted. "The social season will be in full swing pretty soon. I know there's at least one large wedding in the offing. Lord Talaren Bahlmis and Lady Ofelia Acciaio are getting married. I suppose that means Lady Bahlmis won't be holding any salons for a while," he added a trifle wistfully. "Perhaps she could if you ask her to set things up," Elissa said. "In the middle of wedding preparations? No, I wouldn't want to ask her to do that," said Giulian. "Apart from that... I'll be following the Star Chamber hearings," he continued more soberly. "The ducal succession has yet to be decided." "I was there for the first one. I saw a young lady sitting next to you. She is very pretty." "You were there? Obviously I wasn't paying much attention to the audience," said Giulian. "You didn't know to look for me. I blended in just fine. I was a few rows back and dressed to match everyone else." "Yes, that was Lady Treasa Bahlmis. She arrived from offworld -- well, actually the same night that Jo proposed the Experiment. Later, though, after most of the guests had gone home. Jack and I stayed late because Rosalor had some books to send with us for Mother," he remembered. "She's very lovely," Elissa said. "Jack? Oh... Your brother. How is your mother? I heard through the...gossip that she had a bad bout of the flu." "She did," said Giulian, his brow creasing slightly with worry. "She's not quite up to par even now -- enough so that she's been keeping quiet at home, anyway. And thinking of going into the country for a while, now that the weather's getting warmer." "I hope she will get even better. It's probably better than staying here in the city." She reached out and squeezed his hand once more. She soon finished the pie, more famished than she let on, and slowly sipped at her teacup. Giulian, in contrast, finished most of his soup but then sat nibbling at his pasty in a desultory way in between sips of coffee. "Have you heard about the fashion show?" he asked Elissa, reminded of it by her mention of Treasa. "I saw a mention of it in the newspaper." "Would you like to go?" Giulian offered. "I'm pretty much obliged to, since my sister Renalda is going to be in it ... and besides, it's in support of the hospital. It would be nice to have someone to exchange commentary with." She looked up at him and nodded. "I would enjoy going with you. Will it raise a few eyebrows?" He shrugged. "It might ... but not as many as some other things. I know they're hoping for a large audience, not just nobles. Would it bother you if it did?" She shook her head. "No, I would just enjoy being with you. When is the show? I'm sure I have something appropriate to wear," she said, reaching out and holding his hand once more, before retreating. Giulian named the date. "Goodness... I'm full. That was wonderful," she added, staring at her empty plate. "Dessert?" Giulian suggested, with a smile. "Oh, I shouldn't after eating all that," she said with a smile. "I could share something if you have a sweet tooth." "I'm fond of their honey-nut pastry," Giulian confessed, "but I can never finish it. I'd be happy to split one with you." "That sounds wonderful. Let's split it then." A quick negotiation with the waitress provided them with refills on coffee and tea, clean plates, and a chunk of flaky pastry studded with nuts and saturated with honey. Giulian used the edge of his fork to slice off perhaps a third of it. "That's usually about all I can eat," he said. "Is it that rich?" she asked, reaching over with her fork and sliced off a sliver of it. Cupping her hand under the fork, she brought it to her mouth. Slipping the pastry in her mouth, her eyes closed as the delicious flavor filled her mouth. "Oh my. That is decadent." She opened her eyes and looked at him with a smile. "Rich as Croesus," he agreed, grinning back. Watching her reaction was as enjoyable as the dessert, and he didn't think he'd get his fill of it nearly so quickly. Chuckling, she closed her eyes as she placed another decadent bite in her mouth and chewed. Opening her eyes slowly, she let her delight sparkle in her eyes, darkening the color, when she realized he was watching her. Glancing around, she snitched his fork, scooped up another bite, leaned forward, offering him the morsel. She grinned mischievously as she wiggled the fork back and forth with the morsel. "Come on, Jules, be daring and decadent with me," she whispered. He laughed, his eyes sparkling back at hers as he captured the bite of pastry with a quick dart of his head. His enjoyment was palpable, but whether it was of the dessert or the byplay would be difficult to say. She chuckled softly, warmly as she watched him enjoy the pastry. "Mmm... Yummy... Want another bite?" she asked, waving his fork over their joint dessert again. She slipped another piece into her mouth, using her fork this time. Full lips slowly closing and pulling off the morsel and into her mouth. She smiled as she held another bite towards him. "Gotta take it slower this time. Too fast ruins the delight." This time, after closing his lips on the bit of sticky, sweet pastry, Giulian took his time pulling it off the fork, and she could feel the action of teeth and tongue through the metal. "My turn," he proclaimed after he finished chewing, and this time snatched up her fork to spear a bite for her, holding it in front of her lips. Leaning closer to him, placing her fingers lightly on his forearm, she slowly moved her lips over the fork, her eyes meeting his. Curling her tongue around the pastry, catching the falling honey, she slowly pulled back. Her teeth caught the pastry and he felt the same action through his hand. Pulling her head away from the fork even more, but not moving her hand from his forearm, she chewed the pastry. She moved up her other hand to catch a drip of honey from the corner of her lips. Giulian found himself focusing on that golden drop of honey. All at once he knew a crazy urge to lean forward and capture it with his own mouth, to taste its sweetness and those lips at the same time. Some vestigial awareness of their surroundings kept him from doing it, but the image might almost have been reflected in his dark eyes. Catching the drop of honey on her fingertip, Elissa saw the image and urge in his dark eyes. She reached out her hand, extending the finger covered by golden honey. "Want to try?" she whispered. "Or should we get going?" Giulian drew a deep breath. "I think ... we'd better finish up and go," he said, though he made no move to pull away from her touch on his arm. Elissa nodded and brought her honey-covered fingertip closer to his mouth. She leaned closer, hiding what they were doing from most of the restaurant. "Want the last bit to finish up?" she asked, noticing they finished the pastry. She left her other hand on his arm. Giulian knew he wasn't going to be able to take it without wanting more, but he found he couldn't refuse the offer. If only to show her that he knew it, he reached up with his other hand and caught Elissa's wrist in a light grip, bringing her finger the rest of the way to his mouth and holding her eyes with his as he kissed away the drop of honey. His thumb caressed the pulse point of her wrist. Tilting her head to watch him, smiling as he kissed the honey from her finger, Elissa's eyes darkened slightly at the pleasure and feeling. She rarely did something so sensual with a male before. Something drew her to Giulian, letting her behave sensual, decadent. She shivered slightly under his caress on her wrist. He could feel her pulse quicken at his touch. "Perhaps it is time for us to get going," she whispered, still shivering at the feel of him and memory of his kiss on her finger. "Yes, I ... I think we should." Giulian wasn't used to these sensations, these impulses either. What was it about Elissa that made him want -- well, things he had no business wanting, not from her. He released her gaze, and his hold on her wrist, a light flush dusting his cheekbones. "I didn't mean for you to stop touching me as well, Jules. I don't mind your touch," she whispered as she slowly stood up when he released his hold. "Oh dear, I need to get back to this townhome that I saw for sale. I mentioned to the other owner I was interested in purchasing it. It was a few blocks away from Sasha's home off campus." "I can drive you there," Giulian offered at once. "I have my rig at the Uni stables." She moved around the table to pick up their bags from the bench. She gave Jules enough room to stand and reach for his crutches. Walking back around, without making it obvious about what she was doing, she waited for him to swing out on his crutches. Though she was just close enough for them to brush against each other, prolonging the tingling sensations in her body at the faintest brush against him. Giulian took his satchel from her and slung it crosswise over his shoulder before taking up his crutches and heading out of the restaurant. After the warm, crowded interior of Ragueneau's, the street outside seemed cool and quiet. The sky was almost dark, and the street lamps had been lit. "That would save me some time," she said as she glanced up at the sky and street lights. "You don't mind taking me? It is not far, just a few blocks from campus. You remember where Sasha dropped me off that first night, correct? It's only a few blocks east of there, towards campus." "I can find it," Giulian assured her. "It'll be faster than a hack, and I'll feel better about it, taking you there myself, with things the way they are." And it would allow him more time in her company, a little voice in his head insinuated slyly. She smiled and nodded. "True. It would be better and faster. Thank you for the offer." She slid around to his other side, away from where he slung his satchel, to walk near him, keeping enough distance for his crutches between them. It didn't take them long, once they had walked the half block or so back to the campus, to cover the additional distance to the stables. Danton, Giulian's personal groom, was already waiting there, and with the help of the University grooms soon had the pair harnessed to Giulian's custom-built curricle. The chestnuts were restive after a day spent idling in the stables, but this didn't seem to worry Giulian as he tossed satchel and crutches into the back of the vehicle, then climbed into the driver's seat, using the special handgrips. Once seated, and in possession of the reins, he held out a hand for Elissa to climb aboard. "Hmm... Such beauties they are," Elissa said as she held out a hand towards the noses of the chestnuts, letting them catch her scent. She smiled and chuckled after giving each of them a scratch just above the soft noses. Walking towards the curricle, Elissa swung her own bag up into the back of the vehicle after watching Giulian. Using his hand for leverage, she climbed up into the seat next to him with ease. She tugged her skirt back in place around her legs and seated against him. Once Elissa was seated, Giulian took the reins in both hands and then told Danton, "Let 'em go!" He held the horses in check for the few moments it took the groom to swing up onto the rear of the curricle, then swept out of the stableyard at a spanking pace. With a grip on the handle by her side, Elissa leaned back against the seat and enjoyed the ride. "They're beautifully matched. Are they from a personal Anderon line?" Giulian flashed a grin at her praise of his beloved horses. "Rostay, actually. They cost about half a year's allowance, but they're worth every stanner." "Goodness, that's a lot of money. They look like they are worth it. What are their names?" "I call them Castor and Pollux. That's Castor on the right and Pollux on the left ... unless it's the other way round. As you say, they're well matched." Elissa laughed and shook her head at him. "Oh, I'm sure you know exactly who they are. More Greek mythology names?" She lifted her head up a little and let the wind wash over her face and into her hair. "It is such a beautiful night." "A fine team makes any night a little brighter," said Giulian, maneuvering his pair through the University gates with consummate skill, then slowing for the turn onto the street outside. "I just hope the place isn't shut up for the night by the time we get there. I mean, I'm sure they're still letting tenants in, but..." "May not let me in to look at the place. I mentioned to the owner that I could be running a little late and he mentioned it would be all right. Actually, the one I'm looking at is one full floor for me. I have to figure out what to do with the townhouse I own in the lower city. If this all works, I'll need to figure out a way to move all my belongings." "Sounds like you may have to hire a carter or three," said Giulian. "How much stuff would you need to move? A whole houseful?" "A townhome of stuff, yes. It's two stories. I'm sure I can get rid of some items, I just haven't had a chance to look through things." "Family things?" Giulian queried in a lower voice. Elissa looked at him and nodded. "Some, yes. Other things that I have accumulated over time. Most of it is mine." Giulian maneuvered around a heavily loaded delivery wagon, then said, "I was lucky. When I moved into my current location, I only had a roomful or two of stuff, and it only had to be carried over to the other end of the house. You might say I have the opposite problem -- finding furniture and carpets and things that I like." He gave her a sidelong grin. "I've been combing the secondhand shops for the past few months." Elissa grinned back. "I don't have that problem. I have enough furniture, left over from my family." "And now you have to decide whether you really want it all," guessed Giulian. Elissa nodded. "That is correct. Do I want to bring the past with me to the future?" She shrugged. "I do not know the answer. If I haven't used it in a year than I will not bring it." "That seems sensible," said Giulian, then went on to say, "We're coming up on that street. What's the house number?" "It is number 1127. The flat is on the first floor," Elissa said, looking around the street. "This looks very promising." "It is a pleasant street," agreed Giulian, slowing the horses so that he could read the house numbers in the light of the street lamps. "I don't often come this way. But I can see why Miss Matisse chose this neighborhood." Number 1127 was just a few houses down from the corner. Giulian drew up in front of the building and asked, "Do you want me to wait, or come in? You're not sleeping here tonight, I take it." "Could you come in with me? I don't want...to go in alone, just yet. It's the first floor, no stairs. Ahh, no, I was still staying with Sasha until I found a place of my own." "That's what I thought. Danton, can you take the horses?" The groom jumped down and went to the chestnuts' heads. Giulian let Elissa climb down, then passed her his crutches before getting down himself. Reaching up, she took hold of his crutches and swung her bag from the back in case she needed it. She handed his crutches back to him when he was on the ground. "Thank you, Giulian. I appreciate your help with this." She brushed her fingers down his cheek in thanks before turning to look up at the new building. He smiled. "It's no trouble." He also looked up at the building's facade, curious to see whether it sported a House badge the way Sasha's building did, before heading for the door. There was no badge -- just a very faded mark by the door in the gold and blue colours of the Tortoise. Rostay -- and probably sold long ago to pay debts. As they approached the door, it opened, and a sour-faced woman stood there, sullenly watching their approach. "Good evening. I'm Elissa Chatham. I mentioned I was interested in buying or renting the first floor flat that you listed available," Elissa said, stepping closer to the door. For the moment, the woman said nothing -- she simply stood silent and stared at them. Then she gave an abrupt nod and stepped back, allowing them to enter. Giulian let Elissa go first, but followed close behind her. Elissa glanced back at Giulian and then entered the building. She looked around again and then back at the lady. Entering through the door to the flat in question, Elissa looked around once more. The living room was comfortable and fairly decent in size with a beautifully curved window and seat in the front. She smiled at that little nook. Turning, she wandered towards a smaller nook area that was perfect for an office and study area. The kitchen was just the right size with a dining area. There was plenty of storage. Wandering further back in the full floor flat, she saw the large bedroom and bathroom and another smaller bedroom set off to the side. She stepped into the large bedroom and bathroom to study it more. Giulian had also been inspecting the flat with approval. Peering into the smaller bedroom, he commented, "That would be for a maid or valet, I expect." She glanced back at the bedroom and then at him. "Perhaps. I am not used to having someone around though." "You wouldn't have to use it for that," said Giulian. "It's probably what the builders had in mind, though." "That's right," asserted the sour-faced woman. "Most of the ladies who take these rooms like to keep a maid about the place. For respectability." A note in her voice suggested that she didn't, herself, much believe in this assumption of respectability. Giulian gave the woman a quizzical look, one eyebrow flicking upward. Stopping short, Elissa stopped and looked at the woman. "Pardon?" "Well," said the woman shortly, "they find it useful to have a maid when the gentlemen come to call. Makes it all the more genteel, it does." Elissa stood still as she stared at the woman when the words registered in her mind. She glanced up at Giulian and back at the woman, blushing dark. "I have never... Perhaps this is not the best place. I would rather just purchase a small townhouse instead of renting one." Giulian flushed also as the woman's words combined with Elissa's reaction made him realize just what the woman must be thinking. His mouth tightened as he bit back a sharp retort. Almost anything he said would only make the situation worse, especially anything that would imply that he had any say at all in Elissa's choice of a dwelling. But his eyes were sparkling with anger. How dare this woman suspect...? Elissa was her own woman taking charge of her own life, and the suggestion that he would compromise that in any way -- would try to own her -- made his blood boil. Elissa moved closer to Giulian, looking up at him with storm gray eyes that darkened to a rich, full thundercloud with her anger. "I think we should go. This is not a place I would consider living in, not if my every move is closely watched." She pushed a hand through the rich chocolate curls that cascaded down her back. "Very well, Ma'am," said the woman. "But you'll not find a better set of rooms hereabouts -- nor..." and she smiled frostily "...a more accommodating landlady." "Why would I think of moving from a home that I own myself with privacy to a plain set of rooms with a nosy landlady watching over me?" Elissa said in a cold voice, giving her own frost-tipped smile as her gray eyes lightened to a matching color. "I'm sure I couldn't say, Ma'am," returned the woman with a spiteful look that suggested she could think of plenty of other reasons if she wanted. "So If you won't be taking the rooms, I shall bid you good day. There's plenty others that will take them -- with their maids." Shifting closer to Giulian, she looked at him. "It looks like that I need to find somewhere better to stay where a landlady will not disturb my business," she said in a low tone, turning towards the door. "Or make unwarranted and insulting assumptions about what your business is," said Giulian, glaring at the woman before turning his back on her. "I agree. Let's go." Pulling in her anger, Elissa walked towards the door with Giulian. She reached out and opened it for him. She would find a better place, a building she could call her home. "I need to find a building of my own, Jules. I'll have to keep looking, though I don't want to disturb Miss Matisse any longer. I may have stayed too long as it is." "Now that you're enrolled at Uni, the Housing Office may be able to help you find something, at least temporarily," Giulian suggested as they exited the building. "I'm sorry about that," he said in a lower voice. "I should have thought..." "Why do people just automatically assume the worst of a young couple?" She looked at him, her gray eyes dark once more. Though, she was thinking of having him over for long nights, but that was their business and no one else's. "I wouldn't have minded so much," Giulian said with an edge of bitterness, "if she'd just thought of us as a 'young couple.' It's that seeing me there, she automatically assumed I'd be," he took a sharp, angry breath and let it out before finishing, "paying the rent." Walking a little ways from him, letting anger-filled breaths rush in and out of her, calming her body down, she looked up and down the street. She saw another building down the street, completely empty, boards on the lower window. She glanced up and down the street, and then moved across, heading directly towards the building. Giulian followed her, wondering what had attracted her notice. She stepped up to the building, noticing the faded mark of the Tortoise. It was another Rostay building, but long given up. She looked around and managed to look through the boards into the dark building. "Jules," she said, turning with a smile on her face, "I think I found the perfect place. Why didn't I see this before?" Giulian scanned the closed-up building and ventured, "I believe this is what they call a 'fixer-upper'." Laughing, her mercurial mood changing at the sight of the building, she popped up on her toes and planted a fast kiss on his cheek. "Such a quiet sense of humor in you," she teased as she stared back at the building, trying to stop the tingling in her lips. She looked around and nodded. "Just what I need. A fixer-upper to make all my own and more." She glanced back at him. "Where anyone will be welcomed." "All your own," Giulian echoed, with satisfaction. The light kiss left him tingling as well, and not only where her lips had touched. The sour landlady's insinuations had angered him, but at the same time brought certain thoughts closer to the surface. He didn't wish to own Elissa, or restrict her freedom to become the person she wanted to be. But if what she wanted were to include him... She turned to look at him and walked back towards him. She raised her fingers to the same cheek she kissed as she looked at him. "What are you thinking so detailed about? Was it wrong for me to...kiss you like that? I..." She dropped her eyes down, ready to step away from him, and glanced back at the building. "No," he answered readily. "Not wrong at all." She looked back to him. "Will the house be all right for you? You can move around it, correct? I would... enjoy it if you shared this with me. When you can. I know we will have to be careful." Giulian's heart seemed to give an odd little kick, like a spirited horse, and speeded up. "I shouldn't have any particular ... trouble with it," he said, speaking of the house, but looking at Elissa. "And I think ... I would enjoy that too." She grinned like a mischievous sprite, her gray eyes lightening suddenly. "There is a good thing about being with a...former thief. I can get us in. If you think that would be a good idea." She looked past him. "Though, that lady may still be watching, ready to report to someone." "I wouldn't put it past her," Giulian agreed ruefully. "And I'm afraid I'm not very good at sneaking." She glanced back at the other house with a little frown on her face and looked back at him. She chuckled again, her fingers brushing his cheek once more. "That is something I can teach you," she said, lightly tapping his nose with a fingertip. "Truly? You would wish to share this with me? I hope we can make it work." She stepped back, rocked to her toes and heels, and back to the house that was waiting for a new family, a new life. Just like she was. A life with Giulian? Would that be in her future? In his future? Would they be accepted? "If we both want it enough, we'll make it work," said Giulian with quiet determination. Walking back over to him, moving closer than before, but ever so careful to not knock him off balance, she smiled at him. She raised her hand and pressed her fingers against his cheek. Her thumb caressed his cheekbone as she stared in his eyes. "Oh, yes, we will make this work," she agreed in the same quiet tone. His hand came up to cup her cheek in turn, to stroke the fine line of her jaw and slip into her hair, before he bent forward and let his lips seek hers. "Jules," she whispered and lifted up on her toes to press closer, letting their lips meet fully. A soft moan left her as their lips met. Elissa. He let her name drift through his mind rather than speaking it aloud, since his mouth was fully occupied in caressing and savoring hers. There seemed to be an entire world of sensation and feeling opening out from that point of contact, and it required his whole attention. Her warmth pressed against him, the softness of her cheek against his palm, the silk of her hair entangled in his fingers, the taste and scent of... "Elissa." He pulled back just long enough to whisper her name before seeking her lips again. Another moan left her as he kissed her again. She opened her lips up a little more to taste him. She reached up her other hand to slide it into his hair, tangling in the dark strands as she moved closer to him. Giulian... Oh, Giulian... ran through her mind as she memorized the taste of him. The taste and feel of her first real, true kiss. Nothing ever thrilled her like this kiss, in the arms of Giulian. He hadn't realized how intoxicating a woman's kiss, a woman's embrace could be, he'd been absorbed in the life of the mind for so long. But this wasn't just any woman, this was Elissa, who had already shared so much of what she was with him. He felt her lips part under his, and his opened too, accepting, inviting. His hand slid further into her hair, cradling the back of her head. Her hands slowly slid around his body, holding onto strong shoulders as she leaned closer to him. She was lost in the taste of him, not caring where they were, who was watching. The only thing on her mind was Giulian, the taste and feel of Giulian. She moaned softly against his lips as the kiss deepened. Those little moans seemed to tell him so much, as much as her arms around him, her lithe body pressed to his, her warm, seeking lips. She wanted what he wanted, what he wanted to give her but couldn't, fully, yet. He wanted to take her into his arms, except that might overbalance both of them. Not here, not now, but sometime, soon... "Soon," he murmured, raising his head just enough to take a breath. "Soon, my love..." Pulling in a deep breath and releasing it slowly, she dragged open heavy eyelids and looked up at him, hearing the promise, softly spoken in the night. A promise for them. And then the sweet endearment. Leaning closer, she pressed a soft kiss to his chin and nuzzled against his neck and shoulder for a long second. "Part of me wishes this home was all ready to welcome us in," she murmured. She looked at him again and smiled, warm and promising. "Me too," he admitted, his dark eyes gazing into hers as he stroked her cheek tenderly. "But right now..." He dragged in a breath, released it. "...I'd better get you back to Sasha's place." Elissa nodded and glanced back at the house. "I will have to find out where the deed is and purchase it through the bank, yours actually," she said with a teasing smile. "Sooner I can buy and move in, the sooner it will be ready for us." She let out a long breath, not wanting to leave his arms. He didn't want to let her go either, but he did, reluctantly. "Let me know if I can be of any help."
A horse drawn cab slowly approached Sasha's flat. Inside were two individuals, who had recently finished dinner. The flush on the man's cheeks was perhaps due to the proximity of the young woman with him, as much as anything else. "Nearly at your home, and a promise to be kept," Harry said softly, looking at Sasha with bright, hungry eyes. Sasha bit her underlip, and then nodded. She reached out towards him, her hands trembling a little. "Harry," she began -- and then she smiled. "Harry ... I want you so much..." "Soon," Harry promised, taking her trembling hands into his own, holding them against her thighs. "And then like the slow burning of a candle that will burn down to its base." His voice was low and seductive. Her eyes half closed and her lips parted. "Yes," she breathed. There was a familiar-looking curricle drawn up to the curb in front of Sasha's building, tended by a groom but otherwise empty. Sasha waited while Harry got out and then handed her down to the street, then frowned slightly. "Harry -- that curricle ... is it Lord Giulian's?" Harry turned after ensuring that Sasha was set on the ground firmly before turning to look at the vehicle. He squinted as if in disbelief at what his eyes saw, and then he nodded slowly. "Yes," Harry said, with a trace of reluctance in his voice. He turned back to Sasha and his eyes opened slightly. "I wonder if he knows of our...relationship." His hand reached for Sasha's again, and held it tightly as his stance suggested that he wanted to head to her flat, regardless. Sasha swallowed. "Well," she said. "There's only one way to find out. Elissa must have let him in..." She walked up to the front door, fishing in her small bag for the key. She withdrew it and resolutely opened the door. "Right," Harry said, walking beside her, his forearm brushing hers as they walked together and stood at the entrance. He entered immediately behind her. The couple in the front hall were evidently bidding each other a lingering goodnight in the classic fashion of couples who would much rather not be parted at all. The man had his back to them, but even without the crutches, Giulian Anderon would have been fairly recognizable. At the sound of the door opening, he raised his head and looked around, but made no move to disengage himself from his companion's embrace. "Jules?" Harry asked quietly, when seeing his back to the still unidentified woman. Of its own accord, his hand was already slipped into Sasha's. The fact that his own throat showed clear evidence of his own recent amorous pursuits with the young woman beside him did not occur to Harry. "Harry." Giulian met his friend's eyes knowingly, complicitly. "You are ... seeing Miss Matisse home, I take it?" Sasha drew a deep breath, her hands clenching at her sides, and her chin lifting slightly. This was the moment of decision, she sensed. Harry tensed slightly, his hand tightly in hers. "No," she said. "Harry is staying here tonight." Harry exhaled, and nodded at Sasha's words. "Yes," he added his voice to Sasha's, clear and firm. "Then, perhaps, I should not stay tonight," Elissa said as she stepped away from Giulian, her hands resting on his over the crutches. "I would not wish to intrude on your time together." Elissa glanced up at Giulian as her insides still throbbed from his kiss. "Where will you go, then?" Giulian asked her, his eyes dark with concern and possibly something else. Harry turned his gaze to Elissa. Elissa's gray eyes answered the silent question and concern in Giulian's as she looked up at him. She reached up her hand and caressed his jawline. "May I?" she whispered. His breath hitched. Then he responded softly, "Come home with me? Yes." He glanced up at Sasha, though still speaking to Elissa. "Do you need to get anything from the flat? For the night?" Elissa smiled softly and kissed his cheek at his answer. "Thank you," she whispered to Jules. "Yes, I need to gather a few things. I'll be right back," she said and slipped inside the flat before anyone could say a thing, to gather up some belongings. "Your discretion is as safe as mine, I trust?" Harry asked Jules, but he was smiling. The hand that was not holding Sasha's own had now curled about her waist like a serpent, holding her close to him. "Oh, at least," said Giulian, a hint of dryness in his tone. Are we all of us, at the end of the day, he thought, as he waited for Elissa to re-emerge, our fathers' sons? "As I long thought," Harold said with a smile. It took a few minutes for Elissa to stand in the bedroom given to her by Sasha and just catch her breath and remind herself what she was doing. She pressed a hand to her belly as she thought about this day. This wonderful day with Giulian. A smile curled her lips as she thought about their day together. One single day between them. Part of her didn't want it to end with them making love though. She wanted to just curl up against him, feel his arms around her, as hers wrapped around him. She wanted to fall asleep in his arms, knowing she was safe, cared for; perhaps slowly, she would feel loved. Smiling, her eyes shining with hope, she moved through the bedroom and picked up a slightly larger shoulder bag. She found a couple of day dresses and placed them inside, added a couple of nicer dresses and underthings in case he wished to go out. She also added a few clothes to do some work in if she did get the townhouse. Adding the right accessories and other things, she closed the flap of the bag and secured the latch. Lifting up both bags, she walked back towards the door and placed her hand on the handle. She opened it slowly, her eyes immediately looking for and finding Giulian. Giulian's dark eyes warmed as they met hers, and he smiled. "Ready to go?" Elissa nodded as she walked over to him, smiling back. "Yes, I am." He turned to the others. "Good night, then, Harry, Miss Matisse." "Good night," Elissa added with a smile. A sudden thought struck Harry and he nodded to Jules and Elissa. "Be safe" he said, with a smile. Giulian was tempted to reply Have fun, but out of consideration for Sasha's feelings, restrained himself. He swung around to go back out the door with Elissa. Sasha stood still in the hall for a moment, in the silence that followed their departure. She was alone with Harry ... as she had wanted to be. And Harry... She hadn't known how she would really feel at this moment. She thought she might be shy .... that the galactic might be overshadowed by the Aquilan. But then she shot a glance at Harry, and felt as though she was melting with longing for him. She gave a little moan as she turned towards him, and her hands reached up ... to loosen his cravat. |
