The Lamb and the False Shepard
'Love can only be found through the act of loving.'- Paulo Coelho
Back in Columbia, Elizabeth had been my driving force. She was the reason I made it to the end of my adventure, she saved my life almost as much as I saved hers. But she wasn't just a medic, or a scavenger, she's the closest person in my life.
Just don't tell my mother I said that.
She took care of me when I was hurt, she made sure I always had a bullet in my gun, she made sure I had Vigors to help in combat. She's my...everything. Or at least she's that big in my life. And that makes me one of the luckiest people in the multiverse to even know her.
When I woke up I chose not to open my eyes, I just wanted to stay like I was, comfortable on a soft floor. I felt something brush over my forehead, I cracked open my eyes and found a familiar face over mine. "Hey there." Elizabeth said with a small smile.
I wasn't used to seeing her with makeup of all things on, let alone seeing her trying to make herself look beautiful. She never had to before, way I saw it, why change that? But that's not saying that I didn't like her with makeup, just that she was beautiful enough that she didn't need it.
I clasped my hand on hers that was on my forehead, "You never did tell me what you hit me with." I joked, she let out a small chuckle, "It was a wrench. Not that it makes any difference." I smiled, it was so good just to talk to her again, not to mention see her.
"Jacob...where have you been?" She asked softly. I guess the twins never did get around to telling her what happened to me. I'll take care of that later, "After I...took care of Comstock, I woke up in my bed of all places. The Luteces said it was because of me and all my interactions with tears. Or at least that's what I think they said."
Elizabeth's face grew stern, "Of course! Those two...I swear I'm going to kill them." she said with anger in her voice. I don't think she was serious but Elizabeth is like them in terms of trans-dimensional beings so she actually may be able to. "Hey, if anyone's laying a hand on those two it's me." I said as I recalled all the times they frustrated and mislead me.
Elizabeth smirked, "You can take care of one, I'll take care of the other." I laughed at that. As we stayed in our position in silence I began to truly notice the surroundings . The bed I was in was plush, and it would take someone with a lot of will power to get themselves out of this bed.
The room itself was well decorated, it almost looked like a private room at a fancy hotel. Elizabeth must have caught me looking around, "I took you here when you fell, next time maybe you should warn me before taking a nosedive." I smirked at the jab, "I'm just surprised you where able to haul me into your room ."
And then I realized I was in a hotel room. With Elizabeth. Alone.
My mom would kill me.
I tried to sit up but my head started to spin, "Whoa there, take it easy. You may have a concussion. So...take it easy...alright?" she asked in a pleading voice. I couldn't say no to her, not after seeing her for the first time in a year, "Sure Elizabeth." I was hopeless, wasn't I?
She smiled and began to comb her hand through my hair...it felt nice...not just her fingers gently going over my head but this whole situation. Us enjoying each other's company, no Vox Populi or Founders or Comstock to-COMSTOCK!
"Elizabeth, you can't go after him!" I said, trying to spring up but failing. "Jacob wha- what do you mean?" She asked, confused by my rumblings. I calmed myself down for a moment, "Comstock! I know what your doing here, that's why the twins sent me here!" Elizabeth's eyes widened.
"H-how did you-" I grasped the sides of her arms, "Elizabeth. They told me you die. If you try and kill him, you will die!" There, it was out there in the air. I wanted him dead, but if that meant that she'd die as well then I'd leave him alone for the rest of my natural life. Elizabeth's eyes showed she was definitely surprised by the knee information. "Jacob...how..."
I took a breath, thinking of how I'd say this, "The twins, they came to my apartment and told me. I...I couldn't believe it, I thought they where lying to me, but...Elizabeth, we need to let this go." I said desperately.
Her face softened, "Jacob, are you sure about this? I mean..." I slid my hands up to her face, "Elizabeth I swear to you, that is all I know. I would never lie to you about this." I said looking into her eyes. She looked at me sadly, "Jacob...he needs to pay." she said coldly.
"Elizabeth! No, alright no! I'm-" she put a hand on my chest gently, easing me back onto the bed, "Jacob...do you trust me?" she asked, what kind of question is that? "More than you could imagine." I stated firmly, I caught sight of a small blush on her cheeks, "Then you need to trust me...please. I'll tell you why when your better...and if you still think that, I'll go with you back to your home...deal?"
Truth wasn't my best strong suit, ever since I learned about who Comstock really was I had a hesitance to find out things the whole way. Like if I chose not to look for the truth with Elizabeth we wouldn't even be here. We'd be at my home on the couch watching a movie or something. But the tone in her voice said that that was her only offer, and I didn't want to lose her again.
"Fine...but I don't like it." I agreed. Elizabeth let out a breath of relief, "Thank you...now you should rest." she said as she began to sit up. I grasped her arm, "Hey I just found you today, your not getting away from me that easy." I said as I pulled her back down playfully.
She let out laugh, "Jacob!" she called out as she fell right next to me with a large smile on her face. We faced each other on the bed, smiles in both our faces, "Well it's not a good idea to let someone with a concussion fall asleep." her face got red.
"Oh shit! Sorry I-I-I didn't mean...that...I mean like talk. Not...that." I said trying not to sound like a big pervert. I mean yea Elizabeth looks beautiful, but...we're not exactly at that stage yet. "Oh...yes...I could do that." she said. God I can make a situation awkward quick. Might as we'll be the one to fix it right? "Sooooooo, how ya been?"
She let out a small chuckle, "You haven't seen me for a year and that's your first question?" she asked amusingly. "Ok then princess, what's your question?" I asked accusingly. She smirked as she thought for a moment, "How's your head?" We both out rightly laughed. Elizabeth told a joke, that's new.
"Ok I got a better one...did you find your family?" I asked. It was something I really was curious about. She softly smiled, "After you...disappeared...I didn't really know what to do with myself. I thought of going to Paris but...it wouldn't be the same without someone to share it with." she explained as she looked up towards the ceiling. I was genuinely touched by that, Paris was her dream, she had it longer than I'd known her...and she gave it up because I wasn't there to enjoy it with her.
"So I retraced our steps and found where I live. You would not believe how nervous I was." she said chuckling at the memory. I can understand, family reunions can be very awkward, look at how mine was with my dad. "And? How'd it go?" I asked carefully, she took a small breath, "At first he didn't believe I was his daughter. When I showed him my pinky, he broke down. He kept saying he was sorry, over and over again."
I clasped her hand, "You know he was trying to help you right? He was in debt and if he couldn't get them cleared, he was giving you a better life...or he tried to at least." Elizabeth smiled, "Yeah I know. He welcomed me back with open arms, and he tried his best to be a good father. And even though he was over his head sometimes; he'd try his best. And that made it all the more special." She said as she reminisced.
"Ok, next question: what's with the new look?" I asked, addressing the elephant in the room. Elizabeth blushed at my bold question, "Well...when I came here I only had Lady Comstock's dress, so I needed something more... Rapture appropriate. Do you like it?" she asked a little shyly. Did I like her dress? "Yes! I-I-I mean yes. It really...really fits you." Smooth Harper, real smooth. Jackass.
Elizabeth's lips made a playful smile, "Really? Because if you want I could just slip out of this."
And that's when my brain shut off.
I must have looked pretty funny 'cause Elizabeth had a hard time trying not to laugh at my face. "T- t-that's not funny!" I stuttered. My face was red as the damn sun right now and just as hot, "Oh please, I wouldn't do that to you! And besides, you still have a concussion." she said, wiping a tear out of her eye. I smirked, "Elizabeth, your going to be the death of me. You know that?"
...
I woke up later with Elizabeth nowhere to me found. I started to grow uneasy, clearly Elizabeth was able to take care of herself now, but that didn't mean I wasn't still protective of her. Getting up out of the bed, I felt that my headache was practically gone thankfully. The room was pretty elegant, it was the standard 1950's set up really. And it was bigger than Comstock's. Heading to the door in the corner of the room, I opened it up to the main living area.
The entire wall that the couch faced was a window to the ocean. I was a little wary of it obviously, so I decided not to go anywhere near that side of the room for the time being. There was a small television set in front of said wall that looked ancient compared to my time's standards, and a small kitchen in the corner. It actually looked a bit like my apartment but on a larger scale.
"Oh good, your up." I jumped as Elizabeth surprised me from the door to the home, "Jesus! I need to tie a bell around your-" I stopped when I saw what she already had on her neck. When we last saw each other, I gave her a cloth she used to patch up one of my wounds, it was our 'red string of fate'. Except it was blue with a bit of dried blood on it.
Elizabeth followed my gaze and touched her hand to the cloth, "You kept it?" I asked, surprised that she'd keep a blood covered cloth to remember me by. She smiled, "I made sure I had it every day." she said smiling fondly. Her face hardened, "Now...I guess I should explain myself." she said solemnly.
I let out a sigh, "Yea...I think it's best we get this out of the way with." Elizabeth let out a small huff, clasping her arms in front of her, she pulled them apart, creating a tear. I was a little surprised, "Ok that's new." I said as I moved beside Elizabeth. The tear showed me something I wished I could forget.
Comstock with Anna in his arms.
Elizabeth's father and him where trying to pull her through to their respective side of the tear. "She isn't yours!" Wait, that's Elizabeth! And she was there, beside Comstock, trying to make him give Anna back to her dad. "With all the infinite amount of universes, I wasn't surprised to find one Comstock that still existed." Elizabeth said from beside me.
"But this time you tried to stop him?" I asked, she nodded as she watched events unfold through the tear. Looking in I saw what changed. Elizabeth seemed to get to Comstock, and at the last moment, I...or the me of that tear got Anna out of his hands. We'll what's so bad? I gave Anna back to her father. But I was completely unprepared for what happened.
I stepped through the tear, with baby Anna in my arms...and...the tear closed ask passed through then the tear shut. I looked at Elizabeth who had a sickened look on her face, "If I can lose something as small as a pinky, what's to say it can't cut through a whole body?" she said, trying to keep the contents of her stomach where they where.
Oh...my god..."What...what happened to you? That you, I mean." I said sarge image of a tear closing around my body can to mind. It was a pretty sickening thought. "Anna...was still in your arms." she said painfully. She didn't let the tears show in her eyes, she was probably forcing them not to form. My god...so...she did come here for...revenge.
"Wait, then what's he doing in this place, not New York? Or Columbia for that matter?" I asked, Elizabeth's face hardened again, "He thought that he could just...run away from his mistake. He thought he could just forget about everything. That's why he asked the Luteces of his world to send him here."
I could feel my blood boiling, I wanted him dead! But...Elizabeth's death was still on my mind. Am I willing to let her do this if it means she may die? Of course not! But... "So. Do you still want me to just leave? To just, forget this happened?" she asked me.
"I want you to be safe Elizabeth...and this puts you in nothing but danger if I let you do this." I said making her frown. "Which is why I'm going to help you kill that son of a bitch." I said firmly, causing her to look at me with shock. The only way that the whole nightmare of Columbia is over is if Comstock is dead, every Comstock, doesn't matter what name he uses, where he's at, or what it takes, he must die. End of story.
"Jacob...you've done enough. You died to make sure that Comstock never makes Columbia." she said, trying to talk me out of it. "Either I help you. Or I bring you back to my time kicking and screaming if that's what it takes." I stated, and I was willing to do it too. Elizabeth was silent, I could see the gears in her head go over my ultimatum, trying to find away to convince me not to do it. But I knew that she knows that I'm not going to take no for a answer.
"Fine. We started this together. And we finish this together." she said in agreement. Thank god, I didn't want her to hate me for this , before I could speak she closed the distance between our bodies and hugged me. "Partners, right?" she whispered. I smiled as I returned the hug, "Until the end." I replied. "I was planning to... Confront him today, but it can wait." she explained as she leaned onto me more.
We held each other like that for the longest time, like of either of us where to let go then this dream that we where having right now would end. When she pulled back enough for me to look at her face I saw that amazing smile that melted my heart. I leaned in and captured her lips fora brief moment. When I pulled away she noticed something, "Your taller, aren't you?" she said in a little surprise.
It was true I had grown. About a week after Columbia I had this urge to prepare myself, I don't know what for, just that I should expect the worst, so I just made sure to keep myself in shape. "Yeah, but not that much." I said, noting how her nose was about where my mouth was. "I almost need to stand up on my toes to kiss you." she said quite boldly. I cracked a smile, "Whatever happened to that sweet girl I used to know?" I asked mockingly, Elizabeth pulled away but held onto my hand.
"She met this man, he was nice, kind, but kind of a roguish type. He...he made her who she is now." se said softly as she lead NMR towards the door she came from. "Well...I hope she know that I love her. No matter how she is." I said squeezing her hand. "Don't worry. She does." she said as she gently kissed my chin, "Come on. Let me show you around." she said as she reached for the door handle.
...
"Holy shit." I muttered.
Elizabeth said that she wanted to take me to one of her favorite places I honestly expected a library. But I didn't expect Arcadia to be a park! "That was actually my first reaction, I can't believe they let people come here, especially since it provides all the oxygen for Rapture." she said as she looped her arm around mine. "I was referring to the fact they have a whole forest at the bottom of the sea!" I said, gesturing to the trees.
"Well how else do you think we're breathing?" she questioned jokingly, "Ummmm. Big tubes that what went up to the surface and brought air down?" I guessed. She laughed, "No offense sweetheart, but I don't think you'd be the best architect." I smirked, "I don't blame you."
This place was truly beautiful, but what made it all the more special was that Elizabeth was by my side. "So this is as close as they get to sunshine down here?" I asked, Elizabeth shrugged, "Pretty much, though after our little clash in the clouds, I'd think this place is much better suited than a walk in the park where Vox could ambush us." she said as we walked along the worn path. I smirked, "So is this the first date we're making up for?"
Elizabeth broke out a smile, "You know, I almost thought you where too shy to ask me out on a date. When I first...fell for you I mean." She said shyly, I raised a eye, "When was that...if I may ask?" Elizabeth blushed a little, "Mr. Harper, a gentleman such as yourself should know not to ask those questions." I chuckled, "Well Mis. Elizabeth, I believe that I myself am entitled to know that kind of information. If I may be so bold to say." she rolled her eyes at my foolishness.
"Well if you must know, it was after you defeated the handyman for the first time." she said in a low voice do others in the park wouldn't hear. "Really?" I asked surprised. She nodded, "You where in bad shape, much worse than the Patriot, and I thought...I thought for a moment that I'd lose you . My first real friend...and I couldn't bare the thought of that. " She said as she tightened her grip on my arm.
I felt a small tinge of warmth on my face, "Elizabeth..." she looked at me with confidence, "Well, when was it for you? When did you...you know." she asked, a little afraid of the answer. That was hard to answer, when I first saw heron the tower I felt sorry for her, she didn't get to have a normal life, or anything close to it before. But think I fell in love with her-, "I think when you comforted me in the Hall of Heroes."
Elizabeth smiled at the memory. "We went through so much. God it seems so long ago...doesn't it?" she asked. We turned down a path that was devoid of people. "Yeah. And I remember it everyday." I said, I really did remember it everyday, those days where a part of me, who I am now is because of my experiences, and I'll never forget it.
"Like you told. me, one day we'll move past it ourselves." Elizabeth said hopefully. I let out a s sigh, "That's what I hope at least." Elizabeth gave me a look, "Jacob?" she asked, "I...I have nightmares sometimes." I admitted. She looked at me with concern and slowed to a halt, "What kind of nightmares?"
I didn't want to worry her, but I know she would keep asking me about if I didn't tell her now. "Usually they include you in danger, but I can't save you, or...or..." Elizabeth looked at me with worry. "Us...in Paris together...then you shatter into pieces when we're on the Eiffel Tower. About to kiss..." I said woefully. Elizabeth looked at me with wide eyes, "Jacob..."
I can see it now, all this just shattering to glass, along with the rest of my psyche, "This is to show you this isn't a dream."
Elizabeth's hands wrapped around my neck and pulled our lips together. I felt the soft luscious lips cover mine and I felt my pulse quicken. I took the top lip in my mouth as I wrapped my arms around the angel, she was that to me, someone to make sure I don't falter, someone to help me up when I fall down, someone to love, to cherish, and to share those feelings with.i felt her moan against my mouth as I ran my tongue along her upper lip, this was real, not a dream.
From then on, Arcadia was my favorite place in Rapture as well.
...
We decided to go after Comstock tomorrow, New Year's Eve. Kinda morbid that we're planning on killing someone then but it's better than waiting out the inevitable. I slept on the couch in the main room even though Elizabeth offered the bed, and I'll admit, as scary as I thought the ocean was, it was beautiful to fall asleep to. Even if I was terrified of the idea of the glass cracking but Elizabeth reassured me that the glass could stop a Patriot's Gatling gun. So that helped me sleep.
I didn't say I slept soundly though.
Same nightmare as last night, but the waking up was worse since I wasn't in my own bed. I was sweating like a pig, why am I underwater? Where's my home!? WHY THE FUCK AM I UNDERWATER!
"Jacob?" My head snapped to the doorway, Elizabeth was looking at me with worry on her face, "I-I-I-I-I..." I couldn't speak, where am I! she quickly came around to my side of the couch, I tried to move away but I had nowhere to go, what if the floor broke when I touched it!
"Jacob listen. Listen!" I looked at Elizabeth, "Your alright. Ok? Your fine." she said trying to soothe me. Fine?! I was...I was in Rapture...and we're going after Comstock. When I calmed down enough to speak all I could say was I'm sorry. I was sorry for bringing her into this whole mess four years ago, I was sorry for Comstock still being alive. I was sorry that I was there just to make her life worse.
She held me alas I said all this, she said it wasn't my fault. She told me it would all be ok. When my little panic attack was over I noticed that all Elizabeth was wearing was a light blue robe. NOOOO! NOOOPE STOP IT! STOP IT, STOP THINKING DIRTY THOUGHTS RIGHT NOW!
Elizabeth helped me off the couch, "Come on." she said, "What ?" I was confused now, though that's not a big surprise really. "Your sleeping with me tonight." NONONONONO! DIRTY MIND DIRTY DIRTY MIND! Goddamn hormones!
Elizabeth eased me into the bed, "W-w-we.." I was blushing like a complete idiot. Elizabeth must have guessed what I was thinking and blushed more red than I've ever seen. I almost laughed, almost. "Just sleeping. I should have started with that shouldn't I?" she asked, realizing her error.
Both our faces where losing their red tint thank god. As she climbed into the bed next to me I felt the awkwardness right away. Here I was in my under armor and jeans and all she had on for I know is a robe! A thin...light blue...sexy-GODDAMNIT WHY CANT I STOP!?
And the bed wasn't that big either , she was actually in arms reach. Self control Harper, self control. Just like in Pulp Fiction, channel the John Travolta. Elizabeth turned to face me, "Are you okay?" I nodded.
"This is...new." she said awkwardly. I actually chuckled, "Well we certainly haven't had normal lives. So all things considered, this isn't that weird." I said positively. Elizabeth let out a little snort, "Well when you say it like that."
The strafe feeling in my gut was almost gone, this isn't so bad, we're not doing...that, and I feel a lot better than I did five minutes ago. "I didn't tell you about mine. Did I?" she asked softly. I shook my head, "No...you didn't. And you don't need to if you don't want to." I said. With al the things Elizabeth is able to witness I'm not sure I want to even begin to know what her nightmares are.
"But if you think it'll help. I'm all ears." I said putting my hand on her shoulder. That cloth was so soft it was like a second skin-OH FOR FUCKS SAKE STOP HARPER, JESUS. "Well...they're...mostly about you. Not in a bad way! But...like how yours are." she said sadly.
"The worst is...when I had to kill Daisy...I stab her in the back with those scissors...and when the lights turn on. It's you...your...your crawling at me." Elizabeth...
"And you ask me why...why I stabbed you in the back. And you call me a...a monster." she had tears brining in her eyes. I sat up in the bed and moved over to her, I tilted her head to face mine, "Elizabeth I love you...you are not a monster. Your not a cold blooded killer, your a kind, beautiful woman. And that will never change." I said with sincerity.
She looked up at me a moment before she locked our lips.
This was dangerous territory. Two young adults alone, in bed, in love. So yeah I was a bit hesitant to kiss back. But god when she tugged on my lower lip with her teeth I threw most of my caution to the wind. I put my one hand on the side of her face, brushing her hair back, eliciting a moan from her, and also giving me the chance to slide my tongue into her mouth. Her hand brushed against the side of my face and into my hair.
I broke the kiss and started planting little ones down her jaw and neckline, "Jaaaacccooobbb." She moaned my name. And I wanted to do it again, her hands gripped the back of my head as she let our small gasps when I laid my lips on her neck. When I neared the hem of her robe I stopped myself, WHAT THE FUCK AM I DOING! I mean yes this feels so amazing right now, but...but this seriously isn't the time for this. But god damn I hate myself beyond words right now.
"Wh-why'd you stop?" Elizabeth panted. Ohhhhh I hate myself, I hate myself, I hate myself! "We shouldn't be doing this here. I mean look what we're doing tomorrow." I explained as I untangled myself from her. She took a few breaths as she calmed herself down, "Your...Your right. Dammit your right." she said as she laid back down onto the bed. It was seriously too cute when she swore. I laid back down, my nightmare forgotten and pleased with myself really.
Elizabeth crawled over to me and laid her head on my chest, "I must say Jacob, I'm quite impressed with your self control." she said with a hint of awe in her voice. She says impressed, my mind and body say it's a bitch. "Elizabeth, when this is all said and done, I am going to finish what I started. That's a promise." I stated boldly.
Thank you hormones!
Even though it was dark in the room I could make out Elizabeth's blush, "Jacob, I look forward to that." And yep, I think I'm dreaming again.
I might as well enjoy it, because tomorrow I go back into the Columbia nightmare, only this time at the bottom of the sea, and not in the sky.
AN: And I tallied up the reviews: and the people say...drumroll please.
Aaaaaaaaaannnnnnnnnnddddddd! There shalt be lemons! Just not today. There will be though, just not soon. And to be honest I think it's reasonable that in Jacob's shoes, I think anyone would be all over their significant other.
So there's the ruling, and I hope you all enjoyed this chapter. Next time we get into the actual story of BaS. Until then ladies and gentleman,
See ya!
And if you'd be so kind to leave a review I'd deeply appreciate it.
