Well, here is chapter two, I'm so sorry it took so long. Just like the first chapter, this one can be read alone or as part of the series. This whole thing is just going to be a bunch of one shots. I mostly used this chapter as a set up for a future chapter, and so that Genny could meet Sledge. Anyways, I hope that you like it. As always, please read and review. Thanks : )
Genevieve smoothed out the imagined wrinkles on her navy blue dress, pushing her hands down over the tightly fitted material. She fidgeted, shifting her weight between her feet and brushing her hair behind one shoulder. Deciding against it, she pulled her auburn tresses over her shoulders once more.
Merriel gave her arm a light tap with his fingers.
"Hey, whatcha fussin' fo'? You look fine."
She rolled her eyes. "You have to say that."
Merriel chuckled. "Says who?"
Genevieve looked at him out of the corner of her eye, lips pursed slightly.
He withdrew a hand from his pocket and wrapped his arm around her waist, pulling her a little closer to his side. He leaned down to offer her a light kiss on the cheek.
"C'mon, you look damn beautiful, same as always. Whatcha' so worried 'bout?"
She twisted her hands together nervously.
"I don't know. I just, I don't wanna say somethin' wrong in front of your friend. And I want him to like me and feel comfortable around me and-."
Merriel reached up, holding a finger to her lips.
"Shh."
"But-," she started to protest.
"Shh."
"Mere, I-."
He turned his hand, covering her mouth completely. "Shhhh." He shook his head, a small smirk playing over his features. "You eva' listened to anythin' anyone eva' told ya to do? Eva'?"
She pulled back from his hand. "Yes, I just don't like to."
"Well I'm tellin' ya now, jus' relax. Eugene's gonna like ya just fine."
All the same, Genny resumed the anxious wringing of her hands.
It was early in the month of May 1946. Genevieve Rose Le Roux Du Champ had seen the homecoming of several soldiers in her life, namely one Merriel Shelton. They weren't married. They weren't engaged. She wouldn't even call what they were doing dating. She didn't really know what they were. All she did know was that she was thankful he was back.
In the beginning of March of that same year, when he had barely been home a week, Merriel had moved back into his childhood home, which had been left empty upon his mother's death. His moving back had involved Gen coming over and helping him clean things up, organizing belongings, and getting the place functional again.
It hadn't taken too long. Before going overseas, he had given her a spare key, and had gone in periodically to keep the place from becoming run down.
Oddly enough, after his return, she still didn't see much of her Marine. Her father seemed a bit suspicious and watched her mannerisms more closely when she said she was going to see her friends: how did she dress? What did her hair look like? What kind of perfume was she wearing? Who all was she going with? How late was she out? David Howard Leroux Du Champ was not an idiot. He could sense something was going on, even if he couldn't prove it.
It all led to her not frequenting Merriel's house as much as she would have liked, keeping her father placated. She felt guilty leaving him all alone though, especially at night. His first night back had been a terrifying experience.
Merriel had been twitching in his sleep, and then began muttering. The mutterings grew louder until finally he was yelling out in his sleep, scaring Genny awake. She didn't know what to do, so she had woken him in turn, causing him to jump out of the bed like a wounded animal, throwing his back to the wall and surveying the room.
The horror that she had seen in his eyes caused her heart to break all over again every time she thought about him being alone at night.
And then one of his friends had come to town. Writing that he couldn't breathe in his own home anymore, he had asked if he could come and visit Merriel. Shelton had agreed, and this friend had been staying with him since the middle of April.
This was Genevieve's first time meeting him. Merriel had walked over to her home early, picking her up for dinner in his dress greens and telling her that his friend Eugene Sledge would meet them at the restaurant.
He had looked over her in a way that made her blush as her father shuffled down the hall to greet, and, briefly interrogate him.
His eyes had swept her neckline, which gave just a glimpse into what lay beneath. They had then moved over the dark material that hugged her body, until it reached her knees, where it fluttered as she moved.
They finally continued down her legs, right to her white satin shoes, with little matching bows.
He had given her a low whistle, setting her cheeks alight as she fidgeted. After speaking to her father, a nervous edge just barely audible in his voice, assuring him that after dinner, he would walk Genny straight to Stella's home, Merriel ushered her out the door.
As usual, he had poked and prodded and teased her the entire length of their journey, cycling her face through stony, tight lips, and smiles as they walked.
And now here they were, waiting on the sidewalk for one Eugene Sledge, Merriel quite at ease and Gen anxiously wringing her hands.
Finally, Merriel's face broke into a smirk as he looked ahead of them. "Look who finally decided ta show up."
He spoke to a man around their age, tall, pale, gangly, and with a thick head of auburn hair, more brown than red when compared to her own.
"Oh, gimme a break. This ain't exactly Mobile. Takes a little longer ta get where I'm goin'." He had pleasant voice, one that was colored by an accent similar to her own.
"Got an excuse for ev'rythin' don'cha?"
Eugene just rolled his eyes. "I learned from the best."
"I ain't got no idea whatcha talkin' about," Merriel replied smoothly, as the arm around Genevieve's waist pulled her forward a half step.
Eugene smiled at her. "Hi. Eugene Sledge. Nice to meet ya' ma'am."
He offered her a hand to shake, which she did in her own light grasp.
"Hello. Genevieve Rose LeRoux Du Champ."
"Wow, quite a name you got there," he joked.
"It's a family name. You can call me Genny or Gen though, or just Genevieve too if you want."
"She also goes by LeRosio," Shelton supplied.
"I do not," she said, glowering at up Merriel.
"Well, you can call me Eugene. Or Sledge. Don't make no never mind to me. And it's really nice ta finally meet you. Shelton here won't shut up about you. I mean, I've seen your picture but now I can really see what all the fuss is about."
Merriel's demeanor changed quickly. "Ok, how 'bout we go on in now," he hastily suggested, opening the door.
"Really? That's very interesting," Genny said with a wide smile to Eugene who ushered her in the door. "What has he been sayin'?"
"Nothin', nothin', ain't been sayin' nothin' 'bout ya," Merriel spoke. "Now how about we get seated? Ma'am," he said, flagging the hostess.
"Oh, he's defensive. That means he's either been sayin' somethin' really bad, or really good."
Merriel clenched his hands in frustration.
"I told ya," he replied, turning to face them, a nervous smile in place. "I ain't been sayin' nothin' 'bout ya, so why don't we jus' go sit down 'nd eat?"
Genevieve looked down, hiding her smile. "Alright."
They all followed the hostess past tables of other patrons to a round table beside the far wall. She set three menus down and then smiled, telling them their waitress would be right out.
Eugene pulled Genevieve's chair out for her, and both men waited for her to sit before taking their own seats.
"Thank you, Sledge. It's so nice to have a gentleman around," she beamed.
Merriel sat glaring to her left.
"Well, that's just how I was raised Miss. Wouldn't see it done any other way," Eugene answered. His eyes twinkled as he grinned.
Gen was sure she heard a growl from beside her. She reached over, placing a delicate hand on his shoulder.
"Come on Mere, you know we're just messing around a little. I have to. I never get a chance to," she explained with a tiny hint of amusement as she skimmed her menu. Her mind was made up, but she always liked to check the other options, just to be sure.
"Mmhmm, keep it up. Don't botha' me none," Merriel told them, slipping back into his lazy, care free manner.
"Hey," Genevieve said, reaching up to pull his face down to hers. "I'm sorry. Now don't be such a sour puss." She released his face with a smile as their waitress arrived.
"Good evening, folks, what can I get y'all tonight?"
Genny spoke up. "I'll have the ravioli, with a salad, the soup, and a Coke please."
She wrote it down and then looked expectantly at Merriel.
"Steak, New York Style, medium, side 'a potatoes, with a Coke 'nd two Johnnie Walker Reds."
She gave him a brief look before turning to Eugene. "And for you sugar?"
"I think I'll have the same." He gave her a grin before they all handed their menus back.
"I'll be right out with that," she said with a small look of disapproval.
"Well, she didn't seem too pleased with that order," Gen commented once she was out of earshot.
"Prob'ly thinks we gonna drink too much, go home, and do all kinds of horrible things ta the little doll we got with us," he said suggestively.
Genevieve blushed. She noticed that Eugene did as well.
"You are so rude. Why would you say a thing like that," she asked him, giving him a light shove on his shoulder.
"'Cause, I don't know 'bout Sledgehamma' ova' there, but that's what I'm plannin' on doin'."
"Merriel," Genny hissed. She turned to face Eugene. "I am so sorry. He's normally more polite than this."
"No, he's not," Eugene disagreed, face colored, but a smirk still pulling his features.
"No, he's not," she agreed with a laugh. She brushed her hair back behind her shoulder. "So, who's Sledgehammer?"
Eugene and Merriel both laughed. Genevieve looked between them. "What, I don't get it. Is it a nickname or somethin'?"
"I suppose so. Not by choice though. Just sorta fell into that one," Eugene answered.
"How do you mean," she asked him curiously.
"Means someone gave it to him, even though he neva' asked fo' one," Merriel answered. "But it don't count as a nickname if ya give it to ya'self."
"Still, it's better than Snafu I suppose," Sledge countered.
"Snafu? What does that mean? How's that a nickname for Merriel or Shelton?"
"Don't mean nothin'," Merriel told Genny. "Just a nickname." He eyed Sledge strangely.
"But what's it mean? Where'd it come from?"
"Yeah Snaf, what's it mean?"
Merriel just glared. "Drop it Sledgehamma." He looked over at Genevieve. "It don't mean nothin' important. Just somethin' they called me."
She took in the innocent smile on his face. "I'm sure," she said sarcastically. His smile fell, revealing a peeved look.
"Just once, couldn't ya take my word for somethin'," he asked her, causing her to laugh.
"No, I know ya too well," she told him as their waitress returned, passing out their plates and drinks.
She set Sledge and Merriel's glasses down with a slightly distasteful look their way, and then told them to 'let her know if they needed anything else.'
Both men waited while Genevieve quickly said a quiet prayer. After she was finished, they began talking once more as they ate. Merriel quickly drained his first glass of scotch.
"So Sledge, where are you from?"
"Mobile, Alabama. Born and raised."
"Well that explains the accent then," she replied.
"I noticed that you don't talk like Snaf here. You're not from Louisiana?"
She scoffed. "No, thank goodness. I'm from up in Troy."
"Troy," he inquired. "What are you doin' out here?"
"My mama was from New Orleans," Genevieve explained. "Daddy was from Alabama, never left the state before. But when his uncle died, he came out here for the funeral and met my mama. They got married, moved back to Alabama and had me. Mama missed Louisiana though, so when I was about ten, we moved back out here. When I was around thirteen she died, and Daddy just didn't have it in him to move again, so we stayed."
"I'm sorry about your mother," Sledge said, a tinge of sadness touching his eyes.
"It happened a while ago, but thank you," she accepted with a light nod.
"So, you ever make it anywhere but Troy and New Orleans," Sledge asked her, changing the subject.
Gen blushed at her limited experiences. "Only down to Andalusia. Nowhere near as excitin' as Japan or Australia."
"Andalusia. I've been there a few times myself. What took you out there?" Sledge seemed genuinely interested, and Genevieve smiled warmly before continuing.
"I have an Aunt that lives out there. Has a farm I used to go and spend the summers," she explained.
"Really?"
"Yes, her husband died a few years after her second son was born and she never got married again. She had the two boys of her own, but one died when he was a baby and the other was in a hunting accident when he was about eight. My cousins and I would go out and visit to keep her company in the summer time. That was always fun."
Sledge looked thoughtful. "Who're your cousins?"
"Um, my Uncle Sid's children. Kate, little Sid, and Johnny. They'd all go, and then I don't have any brothers or sisters so it was just me.
Eugene tilted his head. "Little Sid? You're not any kin to Sidney Phillips are you?"
Gen's face adopted a curious expression. "Yes, that's Sid… Why?"
He laughed, shaking his head.
"What's so funny," Merriel asked, just as confused as Genevieve.
Eugene grinned. "Your Aunt Ruth, she have a big brick house with black shutters? Porch that went all the way around the house?"
"How do you know that," Gen asked with a laugh.
"Do you remember a kid comin' out there with your cousins?"
Genevieve bit her lip as she thought. A memory was resurfacing. "I think I do actually. A tall, skinny kid. Freckly all over… red hair," she said slowly. She looked at Sledge.
The memory clicked and she clapped her hands to her mouth, and a muffled chuckle came out. "No. Eugene? That was you," she asked him with a sense of delighted wonder.
"Afraid it was."
"So, y'all met before," Merriel asked, still not quite caught up.
"Yeah," Gen answered, turning excitedly to him. "My cousin used to bring his friend out to my Aunt's farm with him when he was little. You should've seen this guy. He was just the cutest, lankiest thing ever."
Merriel laughed. "Ain't too hard ta believe."
Gen turned back to Eugene. "The last time I saw you, you were half drowned in that duck pond out back," she shared with a laugh.
"I wasn't the best swimmer," he defended, blushing crimson.
"It wasn't even deep. And you were tall." Gen laughed, clearly amused. "I remember your daddy callin' and tellin' Aunt Ruth that you had a delicate condition and needed to come home."
"But she talked him into lettin' me stay. I remember that."
Genevieve sat back in her chair, grinning like she was eight years old again. "What a small world." She took a sip of her Cola. "How is Sidney doin'? I haven't heard much from him since he got back, just that he made it home in one piece."
"He's doin' real good." Sledge leaned in. "He's gettin' married."
Genevieve was delighted. "Oh, good for him. I'm glad. He was always a sweet kid. Least he was to me. Might've been 'cause I didn't have any siblings though." She grinned again. "Sidney getting married."
"Oh Lord, don't say that word," Merriel supplied, sipping from his glass.
"Oh hush," Gen said to him, playfully pushing his arm. "Just because he wants to get married don't mean you have to. And besides, some men are excited to."
Merriel shook his head. "No they ain't." He grabbed the arm of her chair, pulling it closer to his own, so her lap was shielded from prying eyes. His fingers moved to her leg, ghosting up the material hugging her thigh. "They excited fo' this," he told her, eyes gleaming wickedly as his hand made progress.
"Merriel Shelton, you are such a dog." She pushed his hand away, face flushed, feeling just a little hotter than before he had touched her.
He laughed, giving his impish smile. "But you ain't hit me for it yet, have ya?"
"Maybe it's 'cause she was taught not to hit ladies," Sledge suggested, resulting in a muffled laugh from Gen, which quickly pushed past her hand.
As she was overtaken by full-blown laughter, she looked over at Merriel. "I really like havin' him here."
Merriel glared in Sledge's direction. "Mmhmm, I jus' betcha do."
Genevieve laughed, reaching over and taking his hand. "I'm sorry Mere, I won't make fun of ya no more."
He looked grumpy, but still held onto her hand. A smile on her face, she turned back to face Sledge, only to falter.
"Oh no," she said, looking past him.
"What'sa matta'," Merriel asked her, trying to spot what she was seeing. Sledge started to turn around in his seat.
"No no no! Don't do that. She's gonna see me," Genevieve said, clapping a hand on his arm and ducking her head slightly.
"Who," he whispered, confusion clear on his face.
"My friend Barb. She's over there, and Lord above knows I love her to death, but I swear she could talk as this whole place came down around her and wouldn't even notice it. And she's gonna wanna talk about you," she explained.
"Me? Why would she wanna talk about me," he asked.
"Because, you're new, and you're here, and I'm with you and she's a big gossip and if we just ignore her, maybe she won't-."
"Genny? Is that you?"
Genny sighed. "Oh great." She forced a smile on her face, standing up as Barb, having caught sight of the trio, made her way over.
"Hi," she said, faking excitement.
Barb embraced her. Pulling back, she had a smile on her face that showed off all of her shining white teeth.
"How have you been? What have you been up to? How's your daddy? I heard he wasn't doin' so well. Is this a new dress? You look really nice. Have you seen Joseph since he got back? Have you heard what Stella has been doin' with that new house her and her mama bought? I ain't seen you in forever. What are you doin' out tonight?"
"Wow, you know I can only answer one question at a time, right," Genevieve asked with a small laugh.
"Oh, well, you know me, I'm just so excited to see you. It's been a while." She looked over to Gen's table. "Hi, Merriel. Good to see you."
"Hey Barb," he replied, a cheesy grin on his face. He knew that Gen didn't really want to be stuck talking to her, but he also knew that she was too nice to say anything. So he sat back, smiling at her discomfort.
"My, my, you look downright unrecognizable in that uniform. Someone might even mistake you for a respectable gentleman," Barb told him, fingers toying with the lace neckline of her dress.
Merriel's grin widened. "Why thank you, Barb. You lookin' real pretty tonight ya 'self."
Gen gave him an indignant look behind Barb's back. She cleared her throat subtly.
"Anyways, Barb, this is Merriel's friend Eugene Sledge," Genevieve said, placing a light hand on his shoulder. "They were in the Marines together and he's just up visiting from Mobile."
Sledge stood up, extending a hand to Barb. "Eugene Sledge, ma'am. Nice to meet ya."
Barb's attention shifted immediately. "Well, hello Soldier," she said pertly, fingers lingering on his a little longer than necessary as they shook hands.
He cleared his throat. "H-Hi."
She reached up playing with a strand of long blonde hair as it lay on her collarbone. She cocked her head to the left, smiling at him, crossed her legs, and rested a hand on her hip.
Genny very clearly recognized the stance that Barb, and she (and most women she knew when she thought about it) took when flirting with someone. It drew attention to her friend's curves as well as the top of her breasts.
Eugene kept polite eye contact with Barb as she spoke.
"Mobile, huh? Genny here's from up around there. What brought you out this way?"
"Uh, just comin' down to see a buddy," he answered, nodding at Merriel.
"How long ya down for," she asked, rolling her shoulders, and settling with her chest out just a little farther.
"Um, not, not sure. Just as long as he'll let me stay for now I guess."
Merriel was still sitting there, superior look on his face. He was clearly enjoying the payback both Sledge and Genny were receiving for their earlier ribbing.
"Oh, that's very interesting," Barb said. She smiled brightly at them. "What are y'all doing tonight? I mean aside from eatin' out of course. Some of mine and Genny's friends were gonna go out dancin'. We're all in a group, but a couple of us don't have partners and it'd be a really good time. We're goin' in about an hour. But if you have other plans it's no problem. I just thought I'd ask, just to make sure that Shelton here is takin' you out and lettin' you see all the fun that New Orleans has got to offer. Plus we haven't all gone out together in a while. Whadda ya say?"
"Dancin'? Well, that does actually sound like a good time," Genny said. She looked at Merriel and Sledge. "Wanna go?"
"I don't know. I'm a terrible dancer," Sledge admitted with a sheepish smile.
"Oh that's alright hon, someone can show ya how. You look pretty light on ya feet," Barb said, shifting once more, throwing her body into sharp focus. Genevieve eyed her figure, face falling slightly.
Barb was beautiful, all perfect blonde curls, a tiny waist, long legs, and voluptuous curves. Her eyes were a sparkling cornflower blue, framed by long, dark eyelashes.
Genny knew that it wasn't Barb's fault, but she always felt self conscious around her. She became more aware of the uncommon red shade of her hair and the way it stood out, her less than full pouty lips, and the thickness around her hips and backside that Barb did not have. Add that to the few inches difference between their waists' and Genny always wound up feeling inferior.
Still, dancing was something that would be entertaining for the evening. "That sounds like fun. If you boys wanted to," she said, looking between the two at her table.
"I ain't dancin'," Merriel said flatly, looking up at Barb.
"Aw, come on," Genny said, smiling playfully at him.
"Nuh-uh. Ain't doin' it, sorry," he said, not looking sorry in the least.
Genevieve's shoulders drooped. "Why not? It'll be fun," she insisted.
"Yeah, Snaf. Let's take the girl dancin'. What's the matter? Afraid we'll all see your two left feet," Sledge teased with a smug look.
"I said 'no'," Merriel said sharply, tone clearly annoyed.
Barb looked between Merriel, looking a bit angry, and Genny, looking crestfallen. The latter turned to face Barb, forcing a smile on her face.
"Maybe another night, sweetie. Sorry," she said, cheeks a little red from embarrassment at Merriel's behavior.
"Yeah," Barb answered, nodding. "Maybe next weekend, we'll see you there." She embraced Genny. "And maybe you'll still be here, Eugene," she said giving him a big wink. With that, she quickly departed.
Genevieve sat down and Sledge pushed her chair back in to the table before doing the same. She picked up her fork, glaring at Merriel.
"What," he asked innocently.
"That was incredibly rude."
"Well I didn't wanna go dancin'. Sorry."
"Well I did," she told him crossly. She angrily stabbed at a ravioli.
"What'd ya ask fo' if you didn't want me ta answer."
"I assumed that you wouldn't mind goin' and doin' somethin' I wanted ta do for once," she hissed at him.
"What's wrong with what we usually do," he asked her.
"That's just it. We never do anything. We always just stay at your place," she replied.
"I don't see why it's a problem. I'm pretty happy with it," he told her, grinning, trying to ease her anger.
"Well I'd like to be happy with it once in a while, too. We ain't married an' you don't get to say what we do an' don't do." She stared angrily at Merriel. "I have half a mind ta go with them."
"Go ahead," he answered antagonistically, waving towards Barb's table.
Genevieve looked hurt for a moment, but then her face became a mask, hiding any emotion besides nonchalance.
She laid her fork down on her plate and then pushed back from the table. She leaned down close to Merriel's face. "You are an asshole, Merriel Shelton."
Saying no more than that, she spun on her heel and headed through the restaurant. Instead of stopping at Barb's table though, she continued out into the darkening evening, fighting back tears until she was beyond the view of the big glass windows, lit from within by glittering lights.
She leaned against the side of the building, covering her face in her hands and forcing herself to breathe deeply. She didn't want to be seen crying.
So he didn't want to go dancing. Was it really that big of a deal? Not really. If she was being truthful, she just wanted him to do something romantic, out in the public eye.
However, she had known Merriel since she was ten, known him for half of her life. Never once had he come across as the 'grand romantic gesture' type. She knew better than to expect differently now that they were, well, whatever they were.
She didn't know if they were going steady, or if she was just keeping his bed warm. Both made her eyes water even more. If they were together, she wasn't sure that he was the type of boyfriend that she wanted. If she was the latter, she really didn't want to think about it.
She heard the tinkling of the bell over the door and the scrub of shoes on the pavement and looked up.
"Ugh, leave me alone Mere," she said, wiping her eyes and starting down the sidewalk. She heard him run to catch her, taking her arm.
"C'mon Gen. Just look at me."
"I said leave me alone," she told him, pulling her arm out of his grasp and wiping her eyes once more. She looked at her hand, seeing the black on it.
'Magnificent,' she thought as she realized her makeup would be running.
He ran ahead and stopped in front of her, putting his hands on her shoulders. "Gen, please, would ya jus' wait a minute?"
She refused to look up at him, but stopped trying to pull away from him.
"C'mon Gen. I'm sorry. I didn't mean it. I'm sorry." She shook her head.
"No you're not Mere, because you don't even know whatcha did wrong, do you?"
He sighed heavily. "I'm sorry I wouldn't go dancin' with you 'nd ya friends."
"Ugh," she answered, shaking her head again. She finally looked up at him. "You are so stupid Mere. You really think it's just that you didn't wanna go dancin'? I'm not five. I'm not mad 'cause I didn't get my way."
"Well then why the hell are you so mad," he asked her, exasperated.
"Because-." She stopped, hearing her voice quaver. She took a deep breath. "Because you didn't even care that I was gonna go after you said you weren't. You didn't care that I really wanted to do somethin' and you were just blowin' it off. Do you even want me around anymore," she asked him, tears slipping down her cheeks.
He looked bewildered. "What? What kinda question is that? Course I want ya 'round."
"I mean as more than just the girl you get your kicks with," she told him angrily, earning a look from a man strolling down the sidewalk, who was shocked enough to stop.
"What the hell are you lookin' at," Merriel asked, raising his hands in a challenging motion.
"Why don't you and that harlot take your personal business somewhere private?"
Genny's jaw dropped, but Merriel spoke first.
"Why don't you take that stupid ass hat 'nd go straight ta Hell? Yeah, keep on walkin'."
The man looked incredulous but nonetheless continued angrily down the sidewalk. Merriel glared after him until he turned the corner and then took Genevieve's hand.
"Gen, why would ya think I only want ya 'round fo' sex," he asked her.
"Because, that's all we ever do. Whenever I come over, we stay in your house, and we get together and then I go home. That's not a relationship Mere."
He looked confused. "Whadda ya mean? You think I'm only gettin' sex outta this?"
"Well, yeah," she answered, suddenly unsure of herself.
He shook his head. "It ain't like that, not fo' me anyways. You keep me from bein' alone all the time, and ya make me laugh. You constantly lookin' in afta' me, makin' sure I been eatin' and sleepin'. Ya make sure I'm all right. Hell, ya easily the smartest person I know. You always smilin', and it's nice. You take care a' me, 'nd I try ta take care a' you, the best I know how. But you still livin' at home with ya daddy and I don't wanna get ya in no trouble." He looked at her, a little lost. "I thought that's how a relationship was 'sposed to be."
Genny was stunned. That was not what she had expected. "Oh. I didn't… I…"
"Is sex all that you get outta bein' with me," he asked her.
She shook her head. "No. It's not. That's not it. I just, I never knew ya felt like that. We never go out, and ya never acted like we're together."
He cocked his head. "Jeez, Gen. I'm introducin' ya ta my friends. Ain't never done that before. I gotta go all public for us ta be a thing? Is that all ya want? I just thought we were, 'nd it didn't matta' if people knew or not."
Tears were leaking out of Genny's eyes once more.
"Shit, now what did I say," he asked her, sounding fearful of her crying.
She shook her head, covering her face with her hands. "Nothin'. I just, I didn't know how ya felt and now I feel like such an ass and I'm sorry-."
She stopped as Merriel pulled her hands down and took her face in his own. He leaned in and kissed her forehead, wiping her tears with his thumbs.
"I told ya before Genny Rose, I love ya." He grinned his impish grin. "Sex is just a bonus."
She blushed, but smiled. "I love you too, Mere." She looked up then. "But how come we couldn't go dancin'? It ain't that bad."
Merriel was suddenly blushing as well. He mumbled something inaudible.
"What?"
He sighed heavily. "I said, 'I can't dance'." He looked at her, daring her to say anything.
She had a happily surprised look. "That's it? That's why ya won't go out?" She giggled, and then laughed with more gusto. "That's ridiculous."
He glared, but she knew he wasn't serious. She placed a hand on his arm. "Mere, it don't matter if ya can't dance. Half of my friends can't. You know most'a my friends. The guys are just like you. They just go as an excuse to get close to the girls."
"I don't think ya understand. I really can't dance." She smiled at his answer.
"Well then we won't go. We can find somethin' else to do, but I'm serious. We gotta start doin' more stuff I wanna do."
"I guess that'll be ok," he told her, giving a mockingly heavy sigh. He looked back at the restaurant and then back to her. "I'm gonna go grab Sledgehamma' 'nd then we can go on back to my place. Maybe talk about some a' those things you wanna do," he told her with a suggestive look.
She shoved his arm. "You're a dog, Merriel."
"So throw me a bone here," he told her, walking backwards to the door.
She let a smile occupy her lips as he walked back into the restaurant. Merriel Shelton loved her. He really loved her. Her heart felt light and she wanted to dance right there in the street, but settled for a delighted squeal instead.
THE PACIFIC THE PACIFIC THE PACIFIC THE PACIFIC THE PACIFIC THE PACIFIC THE PACIFIC THE PACIFIC THE PACIFIC
The walk back to Merriel's place was a joyful one. Merriel was making fun of Genevieve, while she and Sledge joked along the way. The entire time they were headed to his home, he would reach over, poking her on the neck, on the back, flicking her ears, all little things to drive her crazy.
Genny was in too good of a mood to be much bothered by it though. She would smack his hand away and then go back to whatever she and Sledge were talking about, which was, for the most part, their lives back in Alabama.
She noticed that Sledge was a quiet man, shy, but he was sweet. He was easy to talk to and their conversation moved smoothly, occasionally spurred on by a sarcastic remark from Merriel. They were at Merriel's home quite quickly, and she was invited in.
They stepped into the small living rom, with its beige carpet and stuffed armchairs. There was a large fireplace on one wall with a mantle above it. The mantle held a radio, several small candles, and, picture frames. To her embarrassment, some of them contained Merriel and herself as children, along with some of the other kids from their neighborhood, but the rest of them held his parents, and a previous dog of his that she had never met.
The furniture had a bright floral pattern, a large dark stained coffee table in the center of the room. Across from the armchairs, was a matching couch. There was a hallway on the wall across from the fireplace, which Genevieve knew held the doors to the kitchen, a bathroom, and a study. She knew the upper level of the house contained several large bedrooms.
"Y'all want a drink," Merriel asked them while moving toward the kitchen.
"Sure, I'll have one," Sledge answered.
"Me too," Genny answered as she pulled her shoes off.
He nodded and continued on while Sledge looked over at her. "Really," he asked her.
She laughed. "Yes. Really. It's not a crime."
"No, no, not a crime, just surprisin' is all. Don't seem like a drinker."
She shrugged while moving to the couch and sitting down, tucking her feet under her. "I'm not usually. But I do have one occasionally. Mostly when I'm over here."
They heard him clinking around in the kitchen. "He just doesn't like drinkin' alone. And it takes me so long ta finish one that he can drink what he wants while I sit here."
Sledge nodded. "So a social drinker?"
She gave a small smile. "I suppose I am."
Merriel reentered the living room, balancing three short glasses in his hand, all filled with amber liquid and poured over ice.
Sledge took one from him and sat in the armchair closest to the fireplace. Merriel handed Genny hers and then moved to sit in the seat next to Sledge.
"So, Sledge. I know it's hard to be as fond of any state as Alabama, but how are you liking Louisiana?"
He smiled his shy smile. "It's nice here. Everyone seems real friendly. Got lots of stuff to do."
"It's a shame you weren't here a little sooner. You missed Mardi Gras. That woulda been a good time. Everyone was really celebratin' this year, what with all you boys comin' home," Genny told him.
"I imagine so." Sledge took a long drink from his glass. "That pal of yours seemed pretty friendly too," he said with a knowing smile.
Genny laughed. "She did, didn't she? I don't think she can help it. She's a natural flirt. And who could blame her. You've got the cutest, sweetest face I've ever seen."
"Thanks fo' that," Merriel told her with a sour look.
"Hey, it don't matter how you look. You're taken. I was just tellin' Sledge why Barb's chest inflated at the very sight of him. Besides, you have a good lookin' face, not a sweet one," she teased.
"So I'm the one that ain't good lookin," Sledge asked.
Genevieve gave him an innocent look. "I never said that. I just said that your face is sweet. It's sweet and handsome and innocent."
He blushed. She took a drink from the bitter, burning liquid in her glass, keeping her face straight as she swallowed. It would have been believable if she hadn't coughed upon her next breath.
Both men laughed. "Don't know why ya always try that. Ya nev'a like it," Merriel informed her.
"It just takes a minute," Genevieve said, sounding a little raspy.
"Small sips. Least 'til you're used to it," Sledge told her.
"Small sips. Got it." All the same, she took just two more sips before leaning forward and setting her glass on the coffee table. She reclined against the arm of the couch while stretching out. "So. Do you have any idea of how long you might be here?"
"Not really sure. Guess I'll have to go back soon."
"Any particular reason," she asked Sledge curiously.
He took another long drought of his whiskey. "I just had to get out of Mobile for a while. I'm still at home with my folks, and Mother just doesn't understand. Needed a break. She wanted me ta go out and get a job right away and I just needed some time."
Genevieve nodded sadly. "I'm sorry. I hope that it's better when you get home."
"You know ya ain't gotta go 'til ya ready. Ain't botherin' me none havin' ya here," Merriel added in his slow drawl, whiskey glass half empty.
Sledge swirled the contents of his glass. "'Preciate it Snaf. But I gotta go back sometime." He drained his glass, setting it down on the coffee table. "For right now though, I'll settle for bed."
He stood up, stretching before turning to Genevieve. "It was nice ta meet ya Genny."
"You too," she told him, suddenly feeling like she would never understand what Merriel needed from her, not the way someone who was overseas would know. "Good night."
"Night, Snaf," he said, turning to the stairs. Merriel nodded and they both watched as Sledge retreated up the stairs. After hearing a door click shut, Merriel stood up as well, hands in his pockets.
"You stayin' the night, or ya want me ta walk ya to Stella's."
Genny propped up on her hand, resting on the armrest. "I guess I could stay the night." She gave him her, sweet smile. "If ya want me to."
He moved over to the mantle, twisting on the radio, turning dials until the sounds of horns quietly filled the living room. Next, he moved the coffee table down the room, creating a large box shaped space with the furniture. He finally came to stand in front of her, offering his hand.
Confused, she took it, standing up. He pulled her to him, sliding a hand down her back to rest on her waist. "Course I want ya ta stay."
"What're you doin'," she asked him, face genuinely curious as he pulled her hand up to his shoulder.
"You said ya wanted to go dancin'. Felt bad fo' keepin' ya from goin'." He then began moving, a gently swaying step.
She smiled, noticing the height difference. Without her heels on, she was just at 5'3". Mere was easily six foot, with or without shoes. He moved them back and forth quietly for a long time, listening to the songs change. She rested her head against his chest, listening to the beating that came from within.
Genny finally broke their silence. "Well, I don't see why you wouldn't wanna go. You're doin' real good." Merriel pulled her closer, holding her body next to his in a rare display of tenderness.
"Maybe I jus' didn't wanna share the greatest view in all 'a Louisiana," he suggested.
"Oh, I'm sure that's it," she mocked sweetly, shaking her head.
He looked at her, seriousness coloring his face. "Hey, don't say that. You're the prettiest thing I eva' seen."
"Have you seen Barb," Genny asked him. "She's gorgeous. I wish I looked more like her."
"Yeah, I've seen Barb. That's why I can say you the prettiest thing I eva' seen. I know what ya comparin' ya'self to. And Barb ain't got nothin' on you."
A female voice came through the radio then, singing slowly to the music, which had decreased in volume.
"All our friends keep knocking at the door
They've asked me out a hundred times or more
But all I say, is 'Leave me in the gloom'
And here I stay within my lonely room
'Cause
I don't want to walk without you, baby."
Sliding his hands to her hips, he smirked down at her. "You'd make a damn priest break his vows."
"Merriel, that's just, I… oh goodness," she said, floundering at his statement. "First of all, that's terrible. Second, I know what I look like. Barb just happens to be prettier than me."
He was shaking his head before Genevieve had even finished her sentence. "I don't think so." He bent down, kissing along her neck. "Where ta start?"
"Well this shouldn't take long," she joked.
His hand moved up, fingers twisting her locks. "Ain't eva' seen red hair this pretty before." The fingertip moved lower, slipping down to the corner of her eye. "Barb's eyes are all wrong. Yours got storms and the sky in 'em."
Both of his thumbs were now stroking the corners of her mouth. "Barb's lips, too big. Yours are perfect. Talented," he informed her, making her blush.
She suppressed a shiver as his hands moved down to her sides, fingers sliding to her waist. She became distinctly aware of how close they were. Helen Forrest's voice still serenaded them quietly.
"Oh, Baby, please come back or you'll break my heart for me."
"Ain't neva' seen curves like you got on ya before. Got this pretty little waist." His hands slid down to her backside. "And then a little extra ta hold on to. Ain't no way Barb'd fill out a dress like you."
Genevieve's next breath was not very filling. She didn't know what to say. And then he was kissing her. His hands were tangled in her hair and he was holding her face to his, stooped to reach her mouth.
She moaned. Merriel's tongue was skimming along her lip. He was backing them up.
Suddenly, she was sinking into a sitting position on the couch, but Merriel stayed plastered to her, lips continuing to move. He reclined them and rolled, partially covering her body which was tucked up against the back of the couch, stretched out and not quite reaching the length he did.
His hand moved, pulling her dress up just enough to run his hand up the back of her thigh, holding her to him.
Meanwhile, Genny's hands were twisting into Merriel's collar, keeping him just as secure. Her heart was pounding, aching. She couldn't open her eyes, only acknowledging the man above her with eager lips and desperate hands. Finally though, she broke the kiss, pulling her head to the side with a heavy gasp.
This was what she needed from him. She needed to feel loved by him. She needed him to show her affection, even if it wasn't him telling her that she was beautiful, although that was a very satisfying bonus. She just needed him to show her that he really cared, even if it was just slow dancing in his living room.
Merriel slid his lips down to her neck then. Her skin muffled his words as he spoke.
"I'll do this ev'ry day if I have ta. Just so you know how damn perfect ya are. Ain't nothin' gonna change that. Barb ain't got shit on ya." He started moving his head down, aiming for her breasts.
She caught him, stubble scrubbing against her fingers as she turned his head to face her. "Not here."
He looked confused.
"Whadda ya mean," he questioned.
"Take me upstairs. I don't want Sledge comin' down an' seein'," she clarified for him.
"What, kissin'? He seen it before. Not with us, but I guarantee he has."
Genevieve shook her head. "No." She moved so that her lips were right beside his ear. "You're gonna fuck me. "
Genny heard Merriel breathe out a soft, "Aw, Jesus Christ."
He rolled off of the couch, moving quickly to turn off the radio. Genny sat up as he did, and when he turned back, he looked like he could have taken her right there on the couch, Sledge be damned.
Her chest was heaving, the neckline of her dress lower than it should have been, breasts moving heavily up and down. Her hair was mussed about, showing the signs of his hands having been there. But it was her eyes that had Merriel aching. They were full of lust, eyeing him the way he normally would her. They were hungry. The role reversal was exciting for him.
He grabbed her hand, pulling her hastily up from the couch. He reached behind her, tugging her zipper down before roughly snatching the garment from her, dropping it on the coffee table.
Legs now unrestrained, he picked her up, wrapping her thighs around his waist. He moved to the wall next to the staircase, roughly shoving her against it, grinding against her.
Her eyes closed at the force, and she groaned as she made contact with the cool surface, but she could feel her stomach twisting with need.
She began kissing along his collarbone. "Oh God, Mere. Don't make me beg."
He pushed himself against her again. "Oh don't worry, you gonna get it," he told her, and moved to the stairs, fully intending to sate her appetite.
He moved, holding her to him, and started up the stairs. Genny was moving her lips along his flesh, harshly bruising him, marking him as hers.
"God damn, Gen," he moaned, making it to the top landing. He once more pinned her to the wall, crushing her to him while she pulled at him for more.
"Mere," she breathed out. "Sledge is right down the hall. If he walks out-."
"Then he's gonna get quite the eyeful," Merriel interrupted, moving down to her collarbone with his lips.
She tangled her fingers into his curls, and pulled, directing his face to hers. "Bed. Now."
Rolling his eyes, he hoisted her once more and made his way to the second door on the left side of the hallway.
Maneuvering the doorknob while still holding her up, Merriel quickly moved them into the room, kicking the door behind him.
"Shh, he's trying to sleep," Genevieve scolded, sounding breathless.
"He'll be ok," she was assured as he set her on the bed. Arms emptied, he stood up and began removing his uniform. His fingers moved deftly down his the buttons of his jacket, ridding himself of the garment faster than she ever had.
She lay down across the bed, flat on her stomach, head turned to watch him, propped on one hand as he undressed before her. Where Genevieve was shy, and took her time, Merriel moved quickly, nudity his main goal. "You sure it shut? It catches sometimes."
"Yeah, it's fine," he told her with a nod. He moved to the bed when he was left in his white boxers, crawling over the foot of the mattress and the blue throw blanket Genny insisted he keep there, claiming it made the room look nicer, one of several marks she had left there (including a new dresser, curtains that weren't ten year's old and moth eaten, and an old armchair that she said 'had character').
He continued on all fours until he reached her. She rolled onto her back, looking up at him, still breathing heavily. Her cheeks were flushed from arousal and she was feeling light headed from the alcohol.
"God damn, you fuckin' beautiful." He leaned down, kissing just above her navel. "Fuckin' beautiful," he whispered into her flesh as his lips moved over her body.
Her fingers moved, stroking his hair softly as he kissed down to her thighs. He moved his head to her apex, and began kissing her over the material that still covered her.
"Oh God, Mere," she quietly moaned.
He caressed her, fingers also working above her silk garment, moving in time with his lips.
Genevieve's thighs squeezed, pulling him closer. "Merriel, please," she moaned, eyes closed in bliss.
He sat up, smirking at her. "Yes ma'am." He grabbed her legs, pulling and turning her, adjusting her body so he was fitted between them.
He did not move slowly, as he had the first time they were together after he returned home. He snatched her stockings off, and quickly removed her garter belt and underwear.
She lifted herself, allowing him to unclasp her bra and pull it from her body, throwing it across the room before he bent down over her. His hands moved along her sides, rough fingers running over smooth skin, to rest on her hips.
His lips moved across her breasts, quickly taking first one and then the other of her stiff peaks into his mouth. He moved his tongue over them, teeth nipping at her.
She gasped in pained pleasure. "Mere, now," she commanded him breathlessly.
"Damn, you in a hurry tonight, ain't cha," he teased as he sat back up and started sliding his boxers down.
"Yes, I am," Genny told him, lustily watching as Merriel was exposed to her. He dropped the final article of clothing off the side of the bed, and then lined himself up with her entrance, leaning over her body.
He grinned. "Ya really want it," he asked her teasingly.
She reached up, hands clasping together behind his neck, and he moved closer at her insisting.
"Mere. Just fuck me," she told him quietly before moving her lips to his neck, kissing him in the way that made him moan.
"Jesus fuckin' Christ, Gen, I fuckin' love you," he breathed out, not caring about the profanity tumbling from his lips as he pushed into her.
Genny gasped, thighs clenching at Merriel as he moved within her. She felt filled, not having been completely ready for him, but the pain was good. Arms still wrapped around his neck, she pulled him closer.
Merriel turned his head, capturing her lips in a brief kiss as he moved. "Damn, Genny Rose, you amazin', ya know that?" He spoke into the corner of her mouth before he kissed from there, across her cheek, down along the line of her jaw, and back to her lips.
Genevieve was panting beneath him as he pulled out only to plunge back into her, pushing as though he were trying to break her. "You're pretty damn special ya'self," she complimented. She allowed her nails to run down his back, scraping at the man above her.
Merriel groaned at the pain, hanging his head, continuing to thrust.
"God, Mere, harder," Gen begged, knees squeezing at the tanned body that was all that existed in that moment.
He gave a particularly rough movement. "Like that," he inquired in gasping breaths.
She moaned, wordlessly voicing her approval as her eyes closed in delight. Above her, his lips moved to her sweat dampened skin, kissing along the base of her neck teasingly while he drove into her forcefully.
Beneath the sounds of their heavy breathing, the occasional squeaking of the mattress, and the curses that slipped from between Merriel's lips, Genevieve thought she heard a shuffling scrape from the hallway.
She twisted, writhing beneath him, head turning to her right. Her eyes drifted open and caught movement. Looking to the door, she stared for a moment, squinting for confirmation. She quickly grabbed Merriel on the shoulder.
"Mere, stop," she said, face reddening in embarrassment as she pulled him down, using his body to hide her own.
"What," he asked her, raising an eyebrow in confusion. "'S the matta?"
"The door's open," she whispered. She peaked over Merriel's broad shoulder. "I think we just got busted."
Merriel looked over to the door, taking in the small crack. He pulled out of her, leaving a hollow feeling in his wake, and stood, walking towards the door completely naked, the appendage between his legs fully erect.
"What the hell are you doin'," Genny hissed at him. She snatched the throw blanket from the foot of the bed up into her arms, using it to cover herself.
She watched as Merriel pulled the door open and there stood Sledge in a pair of grey boxers and a white t-shirt, looking shocked, embarrassed, and a little bit terrified. He appeared petrified, stuck where he was and unable to change it.
"Hey Sledgehamma'," Merriel said, voice back to his normal easy going tone, if a little breathless.
"S-sn-snaf. I-I… I don't…" He was flustered, searching for words. She saw his eyes flash down Merriel's body and back, trying to avoid staring at the nakedness before him.
Merriel's left hand still rested on the door, while his right scratched nonchalantly at his chest.
"You enjoyin' the show, Sledge," he asked him, tilting his head. Sledge's face could have been on fire and it still would not have been as red as it was now, looking at Merriel.
Genevieve wasn't sure if it was the alcohol, embarrassment or pity, or maybe something else entirely, but she spoke up.
"Come on, Mere." Both men turned to face her. "Leave Baby Face alone. Maybe he just wanted to play," she said, giving a shy smile. "He watn't hurting nobody, an' we were bein' a little loud I imagine. Just let it go. It watn't his fault. Sorry we woke you up, Sledge."
Mere turned back to face Sledge. "Guess ya prob'ly goin' back ta sleep now?"
Sledge nodded quickly. "Sorry," he mumbled, sharply spinning on his heel and hurrying out of her line of sight.
Genevieve listened to his footsteps as they shuffled down the hall, heard a door shut with a smart slam, and then she turned to Merriel, rising up on her knees, throw blanket tucked around her.
"Why you gotta be so mean, Mere? It was kinda our fault after all. I told ya to check the door. I didn't tell you he was there so you would embarrass him, just so maybe you could go shut the door or somethin'."
He crossed the hardwood floor back to her. "You want him watchin'?"
"No," she replied. She bit her lip, pausing. "But maybe it wouldn't be so bad if little Baby Face came and played, too," she suggested innocently.
Merriel stood directly in front of her, reaching out and tugging the blanket from her hands. Exposing her to him, he reached up, hands moving from her waist to the small of her back as he leaned in, kissing her. Her arms wound around his neck.
"I don't share my toys," he told her before leaning into her body.
She kept her arms around him as she lay down. He moved onto the bed, following her as closely as he could. Genny was impressed. She had seen him consume a lot of alcohol that night, but he was still steady as he hovered over her. It was with sure movements that he reached down between them, fingers moving to her opening once more.
She moaned, clenching and closing her eyes in pleasure. "I wasn't finished yet," she told him, letting him know that his hand was not what she wanted at the moment, as nice as it felt.
He gave a small laugh, eyeing her before he sat up. Grabbing her on her hip, he gave a push, indicating that he wanted her to roll over. She complied, stretching lazily, hands balling into fists out in front of her as she let her face rest on the soft comforter.
Merriel's hands moved to her hips again and he lifted them before his erect member. Aligning himself with her opening again, he pushed into her.
Genevieve moaned, feeling him pushing at a different angle as he moved with their new position. "Oh, God, Mere."
He started working back up to a pace that she liked, measured and unremitting. He slid his hands along the length of her back, down her arms, and grasped her hands, still balled into fists so much smaller than his own.
She shivered at the feeling of being held down by the man above her, all lean muscle and power. She loved the way it felt, relinquishing control to him, knowing that he was only wanting to please her.
He was soon right back to where she so desperately wanted him. "Jesus, oh, oh God, don't stop Mere, keep going," she gushed, feeling her toes curl.
He gave an exceptionally sharp thrust and she gasped in pain, but it just added to the pleasure racking through her body.
Genevieve felt a slowing in Merriel's pace and felt it as he pressed his lips into her shoulder, moving them to the side of her neck. "You ok," he asked, still moving, albeit much more gently. She turned her head to the side, smile on her face, eyes heavily lidded.
"Yeah, 'm fine," she breathed out before moving to capture his lips in a kiss.
"'K." He nodded as their lips were connected and began pumping into her more vigorously.
Mere let go of her left arm and moved his middle finger to her lips, breaking the kiss. Knowing what he wanted, she sucked the digit into her mouth, swirling her tongue around it. His eyes were half lidded as his mouth slipped into a loose 'o' shape, desire clear in his features.
When he slid his finger from her mouth, he reached under her body, finding her bundle of nerves and pressing down on it. Genny panted at the added sensation. He began twirling and moving against her and she started rocking her hips in time with him, pushing them further up, forcing her shoulders further down.
"Oh God, yes, Mere, just like that." He continued punishing her with his rhythm while pleasuring her with his hand. She could feel the sweat that had formed between their two bodies, as well as a tight coiling deep inside her.
"Mere, I'm, ahhh, I'm about to, Christ that feels so," she spoke, just trying to finish her sentence.
He pressed down harshly, moving his finger more quickly, while thrusting a little faster. "Come on, little Genny Rose, come fo' me, come on," he spoke.
Genevieve finally turned her head, biting down into the pillows beneath her face and releasing the sounds of her orgasm. Her nails were digging into her palms and she felt her legs tensing up. They were shaking as Merriel held her hips, continuing to crash into her from behind while muttering out curses under his breath, mostly about how great she felt around him.
Releasing the pillow, and relaxing her locked muscles, she turned her head, looking over her shoulder through nearly closed eyes. "Jesus, Mere. That was amazing," she moaned out breathlessly.
"Glad you enjoyed it," he panted with a smirk on his face. He let his head drop back, hands both resting on her hips now. Gen bit her lip, looking up at him working toward his release, lithe body covered in sweat, his hips pushing in roughly before pulling back, moving at the faster pace he preferred.
She watched the subtle flexes of his abs as he moved, the strength in his arms as he held her up, and the gentle motion of his fingers as he stroked over her smooth skin. She moaned, arching her back and clenched the walls that enclosed Merriel within her.
Suddenly his grip tightened, squeezing her as his movements slowed and he released inside of her. He filled her with a broken "Ahhh, fuck, fuckin' Christ." His head dropped forward once more and he groaned.
He pulled out of her and allowed his hands to slide up over her back, around to the front of her body, just under her breasts. He collapsed to the side, turning her body to fit against his.
Both were still catching their breath when he chuckled. "Po' ole Sledge. Havin' to listen to all 'a that and can't have none for himself."
Genevieve rolled her eyes. "Well maybe if you had gone a little easier he wouldn't have heard anything at all," she said innocently.
"You're kiddin' me right," he asked, leaning in to look over her shoulder. "You the one that said you wanted me to fuck ya, kept tellin' me harder, wantin' me to keep goin'."
She chuckled. "Yes, I'm kiddin'. I know." She nestled herself more closely to him, taking his hand in both of hers and pulling it up to rest on her chest. "And you certainly delivered."
He dropped his lips to her shoulder, speaking into her between his kisses. "Jus' aimin' ta please."
"Believe me. You did." Her breathing was slowly returning to normal.
"I thought I hurt ya," he told her quietly. She rolled with a groan so that she was facing him.
She looked into his eyes, nothing but peaceful bliss in her own, and saw that he was trying to hide the worry in his.
"Hey, I'm fine. And even if I hadn't been, you stopped and checked. That's what matters."
He didn't look soothed. "It's jus', sometimes I get carried away, and I don't, I couldn't." He took a deep breath. "I wouldn't be able ta handle it if I hurt ya."
She reached out to him, wrapping her arms around him so that one hand rested between his shoulders and the other could just brush the curls that were starting to grow out to the nape of his neck.
"Look, I know my limits. And we both know that I'll knock ya for a loop if I have to. You weren't doing nothin' but giving me exactly what I was askin' for." She pulled him in, kissing him deeply before breaking away to say, "It was pretty damn perfect too."
He gave a small smile and a quick cock of his head. "Well, ain't done that since b'fore Sledgehamma got out here, so maybe it was just all that anticipation buildin' up," he suggested.
"That might have had somethin' ta do with it." She paused then, not sure if she should even mention it, and sat up, to give herself some distance from his eyes. "Ya know, I was thinkin'."
"God, seems like you always doin' that."
"I'm serious. I don't know how to say it, an' I don't want ya gettin' upset, ok?"
Merriel eyed her suspiciously. "What is it?"
"Well, what I said earlier, about Sledge… ya know, maybe bein' here too…"
He gave her an incredulous look. "You were serious about that?"
"Yeah, a little. I mean, I don't know, we could try it."
Merriel closed his eyes, shaking his head in confusion. "And you don't see why that might be upsetting?"
"Well, no, not really. You were with that girl from Australia."
"But that was different," he insisted.
"How so," she asked him, indignant.
Merriel shrugged. "I'm a man, I have needs."
Genevieve cocked an eyebrow. "Oh really," she asked, tone clear that he was in dangerous territory. "And you're saying that as a woman I don't have needs? Because I'm pretty sure I was the instigator of this fun little romp we just had. But please, do go on."
"Well you weren't there when I was with her either. You askin' to let him join with us."
"Yeah, so you know about it and I'm not off hooking up with some other guy behind your back."
"We weren't even together when I was over there."
"Oh please, it's not about whether we were together or not. And even before that, I know that you used to get with Stella's friend Cheryl McDonnell. What's your excuse for that? You were here and I was right up the street."
"Yeah but-"
"And I also know that Cheryl wasn't the only one. I know of three other girls that you've been with."
"Only once or twice," he defended. "I'm not gettin' with anybody but you now though."
"So you get to come into this relationship with other experiences and I don't? How is that fair at all?" She took a breath. "Look at it this way, if all you ever eat is chocolate ice cream, then you never get to know if strawberry's any good."
"That's a terrible example. Chocolate is way better than strawberry." She huffed, throwing her hands up and flouncing down amongst the pillows again.
He rolled over so that he was looking down onto her. "Where is this comin' from," he asked her.
"I don't know. It's just something that I wanted to try. But I wouldn't want to do it without you there. It seemed like it'd be… interesting."
He sighed, shaking his head and leaning down to kiss across her chest, his right hand lying over her waist and teasing her skin.
"Would I be participatin' or jus' watchin' from the sidelines," he asked her after a minute, muffled by her flesh.
Her eyes widened. "Either. Whichever. Whatever you two were more comfortable with," she said quickly.
He settled, laying his head down on her stomach and looking up at her. "Is this really somethin' you wanna try?"
She bit her lip, and then nodded. "Yeah." She then added, "But don't think it's because you're doin' anything wrong. You're not. I'm just a little… curious."
He was quiet for a moment but then said, "Ok. If ya really wanna." He ran his hand up her thigh. "But first, I think I could go another round."
She smiled shyly at him. "Whenever you're ready." He chuckled.
"Girl as pretty as you, I'm ready all the time," and he moved over between her thighs, prepped to go again.
Ok, so I didn't really know how to end this chapter, but I swear the next one I write with these two will be better. I hope that you liked it. The next chapter will look at their relationship before there was a relationship. It will be more of what she brings besides the physical stuff. Anyways, I'll try to update again soon. Please review.