Hi There :D
Disclaimer: I do not own Pandora Hearts or it characters.
XXX Tepid XXX
The next morning Oz found himself lying next to a panicked and very confused Gilbert. The blacked haired man had eyes so wide that you'd swear someone had a gun pointed directly at his forehead. Clearly, he didn't remember what happened that previous night.
" O-Oz...how?...When?"
" You don't remember, Gil?" Oz said with an innocence laugh, snuggling into the blankets even more as though it was his bed.
" Remember what?" Gilbert was already backing up cautiously, not ready to hear that he did anything he would regret knowing about.
" You had a bad dream about giant cats and came running into my room crying. So I came in here and laid with you so you wouldn't be scared."
"...I did?" The raven said with quiet shame, looking away as he tried to remember doing that.
Oz worked hard to keep his smile from turning into one of amusement, because his little white lie was making him want to laugh.
The truth was, Oz just didn't want to sleep alone, so he crept into Gilbert's room, and climbed in his bed.
What he discovered was quite shocking. A sleepy Gilbert was almost as disoriented as a drunken one. The man actually woke up and mumbled something to Oz about making sure he was warm enough, while lifting the covers up and pulling Oz into his arms.
Oz was so surprised by the man's actions, that for an hour he couldn't stop smiling, and he actually had to force himself to go to sleep so his mind would stop relishing in Gilbert's strong arms and body heat. Oh, and the feeling of the ravens' chin resting on the top of his hair…WOW!
The way they had been in a locked snuggle was surly an accomplishment, and something that Oz had plans to capitalize on. Because if felt that good just to be held like that, then...what if he took it a step further?
That next step was far overdue. They had been creeping around the tempting quicksand long enough...now it was time to jump in it; merging kisses with snuggling...and getting...hummm?
" Waah!...Gil's not happy to see me!" Oz pulled the covers over his head in mock disappointment, throwing a phony temper tantrum by kicking his legs and twisting about. He could feel Gilbert trying to pull the covers off of him, but Oz held onto them.
" I am happy to see you...it's just-"
"It's just what?" He said, surprising Gilbert when he randomly popped out from under the blankets.
" I..." Gilbert stuttered as he tried to find his explanation.
All the while, Oz slowly got on all fours and crawled closer to the man. He stopped right in front of the handsome man before leaning in close to him.
" Yes...?"
Gilbert didn't know why Oz's was doing that to him, giving him that seductive look. If anyone was watching they would have seen the way Oz's green eyes hazed a bit in the early morning sun light, narrowing at the corners in ways that made him look far less innocent than he actually was.
The boys pale peach colored lips had just a ghost of a smile on it....and all of this caused Gilbert to literally stop breathing, hands getting sweaty as he pulled at the bed sheets with shyness. It was about to happen again, they were going to kiss. But for some reason, if felt different than the other times; for one, Gilbert was expecting it.
But...maybe he could still get out of it…before-
No. It was too late. Oz dove into the kiss like a viscous beast pouncing on it's off guard prey. The sad part was, Gilbert was on guard, and yet, it still came as a surprise.
He closed his eyes after Oz's soft lips fully connecting with his own. A burning shiver ran wild through his body, like jagged lightning bolts wrapping around his bones and squeezing them in excitement.
One half of him wanted to break the kiss just to look back at Oz and make sure he really wasn't still dreaming. But, before he could act on his thought, Oz was beginning to deepen the kiss, not only with force, but also with his tongue, tapping at the crease between Gilbert's lips before sliding his damp tongue across it.
It was too much, and Gilbert was going into sensation overload.
"…Oz" Gilbert whispered breathlessly, breaking the kiss and looking back at the boy with eyes that almost pleaded for mercy.
"..shussh." That's the only "reply" Oz would feed him, before reconnecting their lips and cupping both hands on the sides of Gilbert's jaw so the man couldn't escape.
To make things all the more heated, Oz mounted him roughly, keeping their lips locked while latching his thighs around Gilbert's waist. Oz's was surprised when Gilbert released a deep grunt at the contact. Though, this also gave Oz the perfect opportunity to slip his tongue into the man's mouth.
He felt Gilbert freeze, when he glided passed his teeth. The tip of his tongue curved every which way; caressing the roof of Gilbert's mouth and then venturing to rub against the sides of his smooth cheeks. He could feel the man shaking slightly as he explored the wet cavern.
The inside of his mouth was warm and inviting, and surprisingly, the taste of tobacco didn't over power the alluring essence of Black Tea that lingered in his mouth. It was heavenly, mesmerizing…. and out right pleasing.
Oz hadn't kissed anyone to that extent before, and he could tell by Gilbert's reaction that he hadn't either. That knowledge made him smile internally that he was the first, and also that Gil was his first as well.
Gilbert's tongue remained immobile for the at least two minutes before he began to participate. The raven would merge his tongue with Oz's ever so lightly, and then retreat a little before testing the waters and doing it again.
Naturally, Oz overpowered him through out the first few minutes, and when Oz noticed that Gilbert's hands were still squeezing the life out of the blankets, he stopped for a moment to take Gilbert's hands and placed them on his hips.
Though, he wasn't expecting the action to encourage the man so greatly.
Oz felt Gilbert tightened his hold around his lower back, warming the area with his fingers before going back into the kiss with a lot more eagerness…and confidence. They were evenly matched and peaking at a heightened rhythm. Neither of their tongues tried to overpower the others. That could have also been because they were both trying to figure out the whole kissing thing anyway.
But, after a few minutes of doing what orally felt right. Gilbert did the unbelievable; he began to dominate the kiss....and Oz let him.
Oz moaned deeply when he felt the man's wide tongue begin to slow down their pace, somehow making it more sensual and controlled. Gil tilled his head and Oz felt him circle the tip of his tongue around his own, while sliding his large hands from his back down the sides of his thighs. Oz caught himself whimpering a little as the hot signs of pure arousal began to wake up his groin.
Oz's body felt like heavy liquid, and his nerves felt like they were being pulled and twisted by an erotic gravity. He needed to be closer to his servant, so he moved forward and sat father up Gilbert's waist…but that's when he felt it. And unmistakable lump poked up from Gilbert's pants and into the inside of Oz's thigh.
The kiss stopped.
Before Oz could look down and stare at their harden laps in amazement, Gilbert flipped their positions. He placed Oz onto his back and let him lay there while he hovered above him. He was panting, eyes hammered shut, and nostrils flaring every few seconds as he tried to calm himself. Unfortunately for Gilbert, Oz had already felt the cause of his change in position, and Oz couldn't help but get more excited by it.
He brought his hand up to Gilbert's cheek and watched the man open his eyes, after a moment Oz's eyes lowered with curiosity and his hand trailed down Gil's neck, then his chest, and made his way down his stomach, quickly approaching his target, until…Gilbert grabbed his hand and gently pinned it to the bed.
Oz gave a small laugh and sat up a little to connect their foreheads, he looked into Gilbert's shaky stare while speaking.
"Are you going to continue kissing me?" he said, smiling slyly, and tangling his fingers in Gilbert's silky tresses.
Even though Gilbert's loins were filled with a yearning pressure, he was still craving Oz's closeness, his warmth…everything. He couldn't say no, and he couldn't stop himself.
Gilbert unconsciously licked his lips and nodded his head against Oz's forehead. Then he closed his eyes, connected their bruised lips, and lied the boy back down.
XXX
Mrs. Kate closed Gilbert's bedroom door after she had cracked open only moments before. She placed one hand over her heart and the other over her mouth in shock. She just couldn't believe it. It wasn't possible. Her innocent young master was actually...
No, the whole thing was completely wrong, and as she left the door, she scurried down the hallway to find Oscar. Why? Because someone had to know what she had saw, and put a stop to it. Oz never listened to her, but he would listen to Oscar.
"Oscar Sir!? Oscar?"
"One second, here I come." A jolly voice floated through the cracks in the door before it opened, revealing a blond hair man with a strong build and the distinguished face of a noble, yet, the wide smile on his lips as always made him seem more like a common man than one of noble linage.
"Oscar sir, may I come in? It's very important."
" Of course! How can I help you, Mrs. Kate?"
Mrs. Kate's long white dress swayed swiftly around her legs as she hurried into the room and closed the door. Her movements were so quick it almost appeared like someone had been chasing her.
" Are you alright Mrs. Kate.?"
" I don't know how to tell you this Oscar sir...but...But I just saw Oz-"
" What...smoking? He is old enough you know...probably picked it up from Gilb-?"
"Heavens no...But, it's actually much worst." The woman adjusted her glasses in nervousness, then bowed her head a little as she placed her linen sheets on the arm of the wooden chair, smoothed out her apron and cleared her throat; though, she still didn't get the words out.
" Well then, let's hear it. I'm sure it can't be too bad. You know.....I remember when I was his age, I would always-"
"I caught him kissing Gilbert, on the lips!" She said the last words in hissing whisper of urgency, before placing her palm over her mouth and shaking her head in slow dismay.
"...Oh."
"...."
"..."
" Who kissed the other first?" Oscar asked out of plain curiosity.
" It doesn't matter...but I'm sure it was that unruly servant who...what? What's so funny?"
" I'm sorry Mrs. Kate, but you're worrying for no reason. Lots of people his age explore like that, it's only natural." Oscar sat himself in an arm chair and crossed his legs. Then he lit a cigarette.
" Natural? Excuse me Oscar Sir, but there is nothing natural or normal about a young man kissing another...man. It's completely unacceptable, especially for someone of his social standing."
" Let the boy alone..." Oscar chuckled deeply as he blew out smoke. "If he wants to kiss Gilbert then let him kiss Gilbert. At least he's exploring with someone he trust and not some random stranger...I know when I was growing up I certainly-"
" I..I can't believe I'm hearing you say this. The boy kissed his male servant and you're trying to justify his behavior...what if they, what if things get out of control. What are we to do then?" The woman was beginning to pace, as her worrisome thoughts made her unable to stand still.
Oscar sighed and died out his cigarette, " Let me ask you something. If he were caught kissing Alice, would you have responded any differently?"
The woman stopped pacing and turned to him, " Yes, I would hope if he were going to kiss someone it would be a female. And Alice is a kind girl, rude, but nice."
" Ok then..." Oscar stroked his beard a few times as he thought. " If you caught him kissing a maid, or a chauffeur would you have gotten upset?"
" I...What are you suggesting, Oscar?"
" I'm suggesting that Gilbert being male and a servant might have very little to do with it...You're more upset that it's simply Gilbert. I don't think you ever took a liking to the boy to begin with. Did you?"
" You have no right making venomous accusations that-"
" Just answer the question."
" I will not!" Mrs. Kate said defiantly, body shaking from the intensity of her words, before practically throwing her weight forward and grabbing the linen off the wooden chair. As she struggled to refold some of it, she forced out her next words with rushed anger "I am not going to stand by and watch that man..." Mrs. Kate looked at Oscar briefly before trying to shuffle hastily to the door "-corrupt poor Oz."
"You will do nothing." Oscar said, his stern voice interfering with the elder servants escape.
" Is that understood, Mrs. Kate?"
"...I..."
" You know I'm not one for threats, but I really wouldn't want to dismiss your services here after so many years of you being with this family."
"..."
"Gilbert's a good guy...even if you don't think so." Oscar got up and moved passed her "And at least it's not Gilbert and Ada…then there'd be some problems hah hah...oh, I crack myself up sometimes." The man said as he walked down the hallway whistling a happy tune.
XXX
By the time they stopped kissing, they were both out of breath and red in the face. Gilbert looked down at the boy beneath him once more, eyes absorbing the image of the heavenly face before taking the initiative to peck his lips and get up. Body already missing the closeness of Oz's body.
" Wow…Gil's a good kisser." Oz said as he sat up, stretched his arms, and shook the lust out of his eyes with a smile.
" um…thanks." Gilberts said with a blush that Oz found adorable.
" Wait, Gil, I wanna do one more thing."
Gilbert raised an eye brow when he saw the boy leaned forward and pressed his lips against his neck, kissing the heated flesh softly before nibbling at it with his front teeth. It wasn't the best feeling, and before Gil could get out a protest, Oz was sucking on the spot. Only taking quick breaks to lap his wet tongue over it...Was that supposed to sooth him?
Whatever Oz was trying to do, he seemed determined to get it done. After a few irritating minutes Oz "completed" whatever he was doing.
"There. It's finished." Oz said, as he wiped his mouth with the back of his hand, and sat back.
"What's finished?" Gilbert rubbed the wet spot on his neck, expecting blood or something, but all he got was saliva glazed fingers; not to mention that the spot on his neck felt tender.
Oz looked at the hickey with satisfaction; it was an uneven oval shaped red spot that was getting darker by the minute. The angry and irritated skin messed up the continuity of Gilbert's pale complexion, and was strikingly noticeable; this made Oz give himself a mental pat on the back.
He would have never thought to give the man one until he remembered Ada coming home with the same type of spot on her neck. When he asked her about it, the girl would give a small shriek and blush. Oz remembered that the girl spent the whole weekend trying to hide it from their uncle, using powder and wearing turtle neck sweaters…even though it was summertime.
Luckily, Break had been there to let him know exactly what it was, and how she possibly got it.
" Oz! What did you do to me!?"
Said boy was so caught up in his previous thoughts that he barely realized that Gilbert was looking in the mirror.
" It's a...servant stamp."
" …." Gilbert looked incredulously at the boy. He just wasn't buying it.
"I gave it to you so people know that you're my prized servant." The blond said with a pride and superiority in his voice.
" People already know that." Gilbert said as he looked back in the mirror and further examined the spot.
" Well, now there's more proof. People can say 'Oh, there goes Gilbert, Oz's servant...he even has the stamp'." Oz said the last part in a deep manly voice, mimicking the conversation of common men.
" And if they ask me how I got it?"
" Tell them the truth...that you begged me to give it to you because of how proud you are-"
" I didn't beg you!! And it looks like...like we were…"
Oz crept up behind him and Gilbert caught sight of his sneaky master in the mirror before turning around. Gil took a step back when Oz stood on his tip toes and whisper up to him.
"Like we were kissing?...Weren't we?"
Gilbert swallowed hard and nodded his head quickly, backing up a little more until his back was against the mirror.
Right when Oz placed his hands on the man's chest and it seemed as though they would once again get their tongues tangled in each others mouths, there was a violent knock on the door.
" Master Oz!! Master, it's breakfast time. Are you in there!? Master!!!"
Gilbert and Oz both looked at the door like the woman behind it lost her mind. She sounded frantic and crazed. But Oz still cleared his throat to respond to her.
"...ah, I'll be out there in a minute, Mrs. Kate."
" Please hurry before it gets cold!....Because...Because it's time to eat now, Ok..."
" Alright..."
" You should go before she breaks the door down." Gilbert grabbed Oz's hands and led him to the door.
"Aren't you going to eat too?"
" I'll eat later. I'm going to take a bath first."
" We can take one together if-"
" Good bye, Oz." Gilbert said firmly before the boy's lustful words could ignite his blood and boil him from the inside out.
Oz laughed when Gilbert swung the door open and pushed him out, but Oz stopped it from closing with his foot.
" What?" Gilbert was perplexed when the boy was just standing there smiling at him, then he got the hint, and gladly obliged him. The taller man peered down the hall making sure Mrs. Kate was long gone, then leaned down and gave the blond one last kiss.
The kiss reheated the red in both their cheeks and even though Gilbert would have rather pulled the boy back in the room so they could dive back into their newly found pool of intimacy, he pulled away. Then he looked down at the floor nervously before mumbling something and shutting the door.
Once the door was shut, Gilbert let his back fall against it and closed his eyes. His heart was pounding. Even from a distance Oz caused so many feelings in him, feelings that originated in his soul and travel through his body until it attacked his empty heart... and over stuffed it with passion.
And now, things got a little bit more intense. No, a lot more intense. Because all of his night time fantasy's of holding the boy...and kissing him, were becoming real. Materializing in his daily life and becoming more and more progressive as the hours danced by.
It felt good...too good actually, to the point that his lower regions were still swirling uncomfortably; He definitely needed a cold bath.
XXX
It was mid day when Oz stepped outside for a breath of fresh air; it was hot air, but still fresh.
He had spent the previous two hours bouncing off the walls with rapture, doing cartwheels down the hall and singing loudly in the tub. Wow, that morning was great, he had no idea kissing Gilbert was going to be that wonderful, or that his body would ache for the man when they were separated. Overall, it was like he found the missing piece to his spirit, and he'd be damned if he was going to let it get away.
But as he stood outside in the hot sun, his mind was swirling with other thoughts. He looked over the area and noted that it was a nice change of scenery; familiar but mysterious all in the same.
The old mansion was technologically the second Vessalius residents. After the first year of being back at home, his uncle helped him go through the paper work of purchasing the historical spot; believing that they could spend the summers there instead of the drab confines of his original mansion.
This brought him to the present moment; because even though it was a change of scenery, the place still held memories and secrets that he had yet to uncover. After all, everything pretty much started there; his coming of age ceremony, seeing Alice's memories, the mysterious grave, and all the unexplored territory that was just waiting to be discovered.
But even with that pleasant thought, Oz's mind still drifted back to something that had been bothering him...where was Alice?
That thought seemed to be coming up more and more recently. The girl was just acting so strange, and something in him felt uneasy. Lately, when he though about it, it felt like the seal on his chest was burning deeper into his skin, and like something in stomach was screaming out to him…but whatever it was saying, he couldn't hear it.
Sometimes he didn't even think that the feelings were his own creation…but that they somehow belong to the past…
He did have a pretty good idea of where the girl was, but he was afraid to take the step and check for himself to affirm his suspicion. Although fear had always been one of the driving forces that stopped him from knowing many things, he knew he had to push past it on his own for once...instead of finding out the hard way.
That's why the blond boy walked into the house and lied to his beloved servant, smiling sweetly at him and telling him he wanted to check up on things at the other mansion and travel alone that day.
"...Where are you really going?"
Yes, Oz lied; it was easier that way.
" I already told you." Oz said lightheartedly; swallowing down the guilt in his throat.
" Then why don't you have me go instead? I have no problem going to check on things for you."
He lied to avoid the conflict that would definitely take place if Gilbert came with him… and they found Alice.
"...There's no reason for you to go...I'll only be a few hours."
"..."
Something nagged at Oz's heart about what he was doing, subconsciously aware that he was hiding something even from himself….because if he wasn't, there would be no lies, no guilt, and no sneaking around.
And when the older man looked as though he was on the verge of a heart attack, Oz hopped onto the edge of the dinning room table, parted his legs a little and pulled Gilbert by the front of his shirt, straight into a light kiss that had them both trembling.
The ticking of the grandfather clock in the corner and the sound of the chirping Swallows outside mixed with the sound of their feathery licks and love drenched lips. And though it was a shallow kiss, it still left them satisfied and panting quietly.
When Oz pulled away he couldn't tell what he liked more, kissing Gilbert or the unmistakable look of unrestrained love in the man's yellow eyes when they were finished. And he was also sure that his own eyes matched his servant's….because the feelings in his heart did.
He watched the man look around in a blushing panic; paranoid about being watched while caught in a trance, but then he settle in a dazed silence as Oz left the table top and headed for the door.
Oz knew Gilbert was following behind him like a puppy. And when he got outside Gilbert watched him get into the carriage. Though, when Oz's looked back at him, he didn't miss the sad distrusting look that was froze in those sun kissed eyes; While he waved goodbye to the man and set out on his true mission.
-:::::::-
Gilbert stood alone in the front of the mansion, watching road dust finally clear out as Oz's carriage disappeared. His throat felt like there was a large rock in it, and he was afraid to swallow down.
The fragrant smell of light pink Peony flowers lingered deep in his nose; since he was very gluttonous in the amount of times he took in breaths of Oz's tranquil scent.
Gilbert could see the servant Martha walking across the lawn ahead of Mrs. Kate. And they both carried a basket full of deed weeds in one hand and hedge cutters in another. Martha quickly trotted up to him and let a warm smile precede her words.
"Good day Gilbert. Did Oz let you have the day off?" Martha said as she wiped one soil covered hands on her white apron.
" Well…he-"
" Every day's a day off for him. It's not like he's ever done real servant work." Mrs. Kate interrupted as she walk by, " Come Martha, we have laundry to tend to."
" …Yes Mrs. Kate. umm…bye Gilbert." She mumbled be for hurrying after the woman; never once looking back at him.
Gilbert rolled his eyes and let out a noise of aggravation. Mrs. Kate rarely ever acknowledged him, no good morning, and no friendly banter about the weather. But that particular day… she was just plain rude. But he decided not to let it get to him, because he had bigger and more painful things that he felt instead. And also something he needed to know.
OOO
"You want me to do what!?" Alice practically screamed out the words.
"Dance with Break, it's the only way you'll learn." Sharon said calmly.
"I thought you were just going to show me how...you know, like a demonstration."
" No. I said Break would be here to help, because he's an excellent dancer."
" I refuse to dance with a clown." Alice turned her back to Sharon and crossed her arms.
" What a shame...and you were doing so well, Alice. But if that's how you feel, then I suppose I can excuse myself. " Break said as he headed to the door.
When Alice heard the door open she sighed and turned around, letting her mission override her resistance.
"Fine...I'll dance with you. You just better keep your hands to yourself. Got it?"
" My hands have to be on you in order to teach you properly."
" You know what I meant!"
" This is splendid! I'll leave you two alone so you can start." Sharon squealed happily as she pranced out the door.
" And Alice…You can't come out until you mastered the dance, Bye!"
" What…What do you mean I can't leave!"
After her words hit a closed door, she looked at it hopelessly before turning around to face Break. The mad man just smiled at her, bent down a little, and used his index finger to beckon her; like an adult would do to a child.
Something about the way he did that made her thighs want to quiver, but she still bit the inside of her cheek and walked up to the man anyway; arms crossed and expression guarded.
"Tell me what I have to do." She said impatiently.
Break stayed silent as he took the girl's right hand and intertwined their fingers, using his other hand to lift up Alice's arm and place her hand on his shoulder. She was somewhat expecting all of this, remembering the position that she saw people get in when they danced at the boring parties Oz would drag her to.
Then, he slid his hand onto her upper back. She tried hard to pretend like she didn't care, but she did care. Because the warmth from his hand was spreading down to her lower back and circling around to her stomach, heating her insides just a few degrees above normal temperature.
Was it uncomfortable? Yes…but was it completely unwanted?
"This dance is called the Waltz. We'll always start with our left foot and step straight forward, then step to the side and bring both feet together. Then you'll follow my right foot back, slide it over, and plant both feet together. The whole time we're mirroring each others movements, until we end up back were we started, understand?"
She nodded and looked down at his feet. His white and purple boot took a step back and slid to the side, and her own boot followed, but…she moved both of her feet at the same time, and stepped on his right foot. He tried it again, and the same thing happened. When he stopped moving she looked at him, expecting him to say something smart but he just smirked.
" Maybe this will go a bit smoother if you place your feet on mine."
" You want me to step on your feet?"
" You'll be able to get a better feel for the steps."
" Why do people do this anyway, it's a waste of time?" She said, stalling heavily because she knew stepping on the man's feet meant getting extra close to him.
" Why do you ask so many questions?"
" Because I'm curious."
" No. It's because you're hesitating. I know Miss Sharon explained that most of what she's teaching you is customary."
" So what…"
" So…that means it's the traditional way of doing things."
" I never took you as someone who follows tradition." Alice said smartly.
" Aren't you a good reader of personalities." Break said "…but for your sake, I will follow tradition today."
With that said, Break used the hand on Alice's back to push her closer to him, forcing the girls feet to finally step on his, and her body to press neatly into his own.
" Let's begin." He said, and started the dance.
XXX
Oz walked up to the Rainsworth mansion with hidden worry. He didn't know what he would find in the place, or if Alice would even be in there.
What am I so worried about...this feeling, it's...suffocating.
When he reached the door, he rang the bell and prepared his face to be causal and convincing. A few seconds pass before the door opened. He was expecting it to be Break, but Sharon greeted him instead.
That was a bad sign.
"….Hello Oz."
" Hey Sharon, I just came by to see how everything was going…you know, with Pandora's investigation…"
" Oh…Well, please come in. It's good to see you OZ!"
Oz noticed that the girl was saying his name louder than necessary. It was obvious that she was trying to alert someone of his presents there.
" Let's go onto the balcony for tea, and we can discuss it there."
" Sure. But I need to use the bathroom first."
" Let me show you where it is." Sharon offered.
" Sharon…I know where it is. I did spend a whole summer here before."
" Oh yes, of course, how silly of me."
" I'll be right back." Oz's said, as he gave her a small wave and walked down the hallway.
The boy turned the first corner, looked behind him, and then sprinted down the hall.
I have to be quick if I'm going to search for her…
OOO
Forward, slide, feet together...1, 2, 3, step back, slide over, feet together, part, spin, step together 1, 2…
After 20 minutes, she didn't need to step on his feet anymore; most of all, it didn't even feel as though she were dancing. Her feet were moving on their own, falling in sync with his leading steps. They even added the occasional spin to their dancing.
She was graceful, and careful, but careful without much thought. And her eyes stayed on his. His eye was red, penetrating, and making the walls in the room seem to fall from their positions.
" Am I going too fast?" Break asked kindly.
Feet ...slide; Red eyes burning.
"...."
" Alice?"
The girl came to an abrupt stop when her name was called clearly.
" Huh?"
" Are you alright? You look…lost…"
"I'm fine, keep going." She said trying to move her feet and encourage the man to start up again.
" Maybe we should rest for a bit." Break said.
"Rest?"
The word sounded foreign. In fact, everything seemed foreign at the time. Even her own voice she couldn't seem to recognize. Was it Break's fault? Or was all her "woman training" going to her head? Whatever it was, she just couldn't seem to come back down to earth. It was like she was dreaming…
When she took a step back, she realized that they danced their way near the window. She nearly stumbled backward but Break caught her, using his hand to support her back. When she was stable, she leaned up against the window.
His hand moved from her back and onto her hip, and his other hand came up to the side of her face, brushing her bangs out of the way as he looked her in the eyes.
"What do you think your doing?" Alice said softly.
" Admiring those diamond shaped pupils of yours…I find them intriguing." He smirked.
" Then be intrigued from a distance, there's no reason your hands have to be on my-"
Alice bit her bottom lip when she felt the man caress her upper thigh with his thumb, running it over her hip bone before moving his hand inside of her red jacket and onto her black skirt.
"You're testing my patience…" She managed to get out in a steady voice.
" If it's bothering you…you can always remove my hand."
Alice swallowed deeply before slowly moving her hand and bringing it down on top of Break's. She wanted to twist his hand off, and teach him a valuable lesson about personal space. But she was also extremely curious to see what he would do if she did nothing, and let him continue.
Before she knew it, a straight line of pleasurable fire ran down the middle of her stomach and began to fill her lower body as the man's hand slipped up her skirt. His hand stopped at the very top of her bear thigh before he started exploring the area leisurely… carefully.
A small sigh was released from her when she felt him venturing toward the inner most parts of her leg, simultaneously beginning to run his fingers through her hair.
She tried to open her mouth and say something, but when she looked into his eyes, he wasn't looking back at her…he was looking down. She noticed something. He didn't look sinister, or like he was just trying to spark a humorous reaction, but for the first time, he actually looked kind of sad…
" Break…"
" I suppose my will power isn't as strong as I thought," The man sighed heavily while his roaming hand began to retreat "I apologize." Break took a step away from the girl and began to turn away until Alice caught his hand.
It was Break's turn to have a racing heart as he looked back at her and raised a brow. But all she did in response was bite her bottom lip harder.
XXX
Oz opened all sorts of doors: closets, bathrooms, bedrooms, and day rooms. After he was finished with the first floor he climbed the stairs and entered another hall where he was sure he'd find her, since he heard noises coming from the room at the end far end.
If she's not in there…I'll have to give up for now…
When Oz entered the room, he could tell he just stumbled into something he wasn't supposed to see. Break was standing so close to Alice, his hand being held in one of hers, while Alice's other hand was pressed against his chest; neither of her hands looked as though they were trying to place more space between them. And her eyes were looking up at him with a curious but inviting stare. And if their faces were any closer, they most definitely would have been...
The blond didn't care how rude he sounded when he cleared his throat loudly to break up what ever chemistry was brewing. He didn't like it one bit. And it also was more evidence to prove exactly what he was thinking.
"Oz…what a wonderful surprise." The white haired man said, hand slowly being released from Alice's. But he still stayed close to her. His tone was so sarcastic and over the top that it was apparent that he wasn't trying to convince anyone.
"Oz...." Alice said as she blushed deeply and moved away from Break.
As the girl approached him, Oz had to stop himself from breaking eye contact with her, because what he was really interested in was Break's facial expression, even if it changed in the slightest.
"Hey Alice, what are you doing here?"
" Sharon invited me over for breakfast, then I decided to stick around. What about you? I thought you were going somewhere with that sea product..." The girl said.
" Gil had something to take care of today...so I came here to visit."
"…Oh"
It was just plain awkward, the whole thing. The way everyone was standing in silence and still trying to be natural at the same time. Oz didn't really know why…but he felt mad, and he worked hard to hide.
He snuck a look over toward Break, watching him lean a shoulder against the window and fold his arms, peering out into the garden like he could care less about what they were talking about, but Oz knew he did.
He could see the very faint creases of annoyance in his forehead; though the inexperienced eye would have just though it was the man's usual blank face.
Break must have felt Oz's eyes on him, because when he looked at him it was a borderline glare, almost like he was silently accusing Oz of committing a crime.
Oz looked back at him with the same look, but added a slight raise in his brow, as a mute message of, "You're the guilty party here…not me."
Sharon's voice came from the doorway. " Oh, you found Alice…"
Oz turned around to see the girl closed her eyes and mashed her hands together in exaggerated excitement.
The blond almost rolled his eyes. Sharon was not helping the whole feeling of "secrecy" by acting so overly pleasant. Frankly, if they all were trying to hide something they could have done a hell of a better job.
"Well, I'll go get a basket ready and you two can go sit in the garden to eat some lunch."
"Aren't you coming too?" Oz asked nicely, trying to join in the "act casual" skit that they were all forced to perform in.
" Not today, I have some reading to catch up on, but…umm…Break, would you help me in the kitchen?" Sharon said, already placing a foot out the door to leave.
"I would love to" Break said, watching the lady of the house take her cue and leave the room.
" It is always fun entertaining unexpected visitors." "In this case it's a creepy mood killer" Break chuckled darkly as he moved toward the two "Mind yourself Emily…it's not right to make him feel anymore…out of place then he is."
" Actually, I feel fine." Oz retorted cheerfully just to spite the man "I'm glad I bumped into Alice…now we can spend sometime together, right?" The boy reached his hand out for Alice to take, hoping she wouldn't reject it and make him look foolish in front of Break.
Oz saw his victory when she didn't hesitate to lift her hand, but…her hand stopped right before she touch his, and her body froze up when Break placed his hands on her shoulders and whispered loudly " Remember your posture, Alice."
Oz heard the girl growl lowly at him, saying the words "I know that" somewhere within her animistic noises.
The tall man just gave them both a twisted smirk before dancing out the door.
-:::::::-
Break leaned over the balcony and watched the pair eat lunch in the grass. He rolled his eyes when he heard Alice's sweet laughter swirling upwards toward the spot that he stood, she wasn't laughing at him, but she was having a good time with...Oz.
" Break! Come down and eat with us." Oz called, waving his hand up at the man.
" Yeah clown, come have some of these sandwiches, their delicious." The girl said with a full mouth.
Break almost laughed when he noticed that she caught herself being "unladylike" and talking with a full mouth.
" No thank you, I already ate."
"Well...at least come down here and sit with us" Oz offered.
" Maybe later. You two have fun now!"
Break noted that Oz must have gotten back his confidence, since he was being so generous. But what he also noticed was the look on Alice's face. He surly wasn't expecting the girl to piggy back on Oz's invitation, but he was even more surprised when the girl looked disappointed that he declined.
Interesting.
Before Break turned to leave, he caught sight of something in the bushes near the two teens. What was that?...it looked like a…Gilbert. Of course, the man was guilty of the same crime; spying, while under the influence of intoxicating Jealousy.
If he looked hard enough, he would swear that he could see clouds of angry smoke coming from the man. Was it steam from his ears? Or was he chain smoking to stop himself from snatching Oz away from the girl.
Whatever it was, Break was slightly envious, because at least Gilbert had a way of transferring some of his aggression. All Break could do was watch.
However, Gilbert could help lift his mood, teasing the man always did the trick.
-:::::::-
Gilbert had the urge to gnaw on something, just to stop his teeth from grinding against each other. He barely even noticed splinters of bark sliding underneath his nails, as he clawed at the tree he hid behind.
Right when Oz told him he was leaving that day…he knew he was lying about his destination. That's why he followed him. It made his chest hurt to know that he lied, and most of all...it was confusing.
What did it all mean? Why would Oz sneak off to go see her?
The only thing that made him feel better was that he noticed subtle difference with Oz interaction with Alice.
Oz's eyes would soften kindly, but they lacked the degree of admiration that he noticed when he was looking into Gilbert's eyes. And even though his hand was atop Alice's, it was friendly and innocent, more comforting than in a romantic sense.
But Alice didn't seem to take it that way. He watched how provocative Alice was sitting, one leg stretched out and the other bent up at the knee, revealing her voluptuous thighs, and bring her skirt high past the point of indecency.
Disgusting.
Classless and shameless as usual; actually, she was a little less classless than usual. The rabbit was actually holding her wine glass with elegance, pinky in the air and everything.
Who taught her that trick...
The most disturbing part was that her provocative posture didn't slip passed the blond. He looked at her long legs in a trance like state, but....it was kind of an empty stare all in the same. More curious than lustful, and more acknowledging that her legs were there... than affirming that they were enticing.
Snap!
Gilbert spun around, using one hand to point his gun at the culprit who was trying to sneak up on him.
"Break." The raven whispered his name.
" Hi!"
" Shush..." Gilbert stormed toward the man and grabbed his arm, leading him further away from the spot so they wouldn't be discovered.
" Did I interrupt your spying?" Break asked as the man let him go.
" I'm not spying. I'm making sure Oz is safe." Gilbert sighed and lit a cigarette, leaning his back against a nearby tree.
"...Safe from what exactly? flirtatious chains? Or jealous servants hiding in the bushes?"
" Shut-up, Break."
" Oooh someone's sensitive today..." Break said " He's always sensitive because he's always depressed ha-ha-ha" Emily interjected.
Gilbert ignored them both and turned his eyes back to the bushes. He could still see them, sitting quietly.
"Did Oz do that?"
" Do what?" Gilbert's hand went straight to his neck, covering the so called "servant stamp" with his palm.
" You obviously know what I'm talking about if you're trying to hide it?" "Looks like the kids a creep and he's naughty ha-ha-ha."
" Why are you harassing me?" Gilbert said with a twitching brow and clenched fist.
" I just came to say hello. And now I can congratulate you on your progress with him."
" Progress?"
" Yes. I didn't think you had it in you to get that far with him," Break ceased speaking when he caught sight of Alice and Oz beginning to curl up together on the blanket.
"...What?" Gilbert noted the sudden tense expression that invaded Breaks face.
So Gilbert looked back too, and when he saw them, his instincts took over. He launched from the tree with intentions of putting a stop to whatever was going to happen, but...Break grabbed his wrist and stopped him.
" Gilbert...You mustn't interfere with things of that nature...it isn't fair."
" I don't care...Oz is-"
" Yours? Then let him be the one to tell her that. It's the only way everyone would get a genuine understanding, right?"
"..."
When Break let go of him Gilbert took two more steps toward the bushes, hand wanting to reach out to the boy. But then he changed his mind and adjusted his hat. He turned around and began to walk away; his fleeting steps caused his black coat to flare out widely behind him.
Break would have called out to him and said something, like a snide comment or a joke, but two things kept his mouth shut. One, he knew exactly how the man was feeling…even though he would never admit it. And two, the look on Gilbert's face had so much anguish in it, even Break couldn't find it in himself to upset him anymore than that.
How discouraging…that wasn't fun at all…
XXX
Gilbert sat in the back of the Vessalius mansion and watched the sun go down. A half pack of cigarettes and a bottle of dark red wine lay at his side. His hat shaded his face enough to hide his alcohol redden blush, and a small hiccup escaped from his throat and echoed softly in the garden.
He barely ever drank, especially once he got Oz back from the Abyss. But when Oz was gone for those ten long years, and his "assignments" left him feeling unworthy and tainted, cigarette just seem to come up short for him. Cigarettes only kept his hands busy and his breath steady. But liquor made up for the rest, allowing him to sleep harder and mellow out a bit....not to mention a slight numbing effect that it had on the pain in his heart.
He knew better than to drink heavily in the presents of others, since one to many times he ended up in bar fights, and other compromising situations. But when he was alone, he was safe to mumble incoherently to himself, and fall asleep on the floor, or shed two or three tears without anyone judging him.
He found himself not caring how utterly sloppy he looked at that moment, or how depressed his facial expression might have been. That was until he heard light footsteps inside the house and his name being called by a familiar voice...a beautiful voice.
Oz was home.
He turned his head slightly just to make sure he wasn't hearing things, which was very likely, but he wasn't, and the voice was drawing closer, sounding more desperate. The active part of his mind realized that he really didn't want Oz around him in that state.
So he got up on wobbly legs and braced himself against the railing of the veranda. He slid down the railing and back down to the step he was sitting on. This didn't discourage him, since he wanted to grab his wine and cigarettes anyway. He did, and got back to his feet, stumbling forward with swinging arms and a dizzy head.
He focused his eyes on the patch of trees across the grass, thinking that if he could just make it over there he could hide out until he sobered up a little more. So he took one step forward, then another, until his walking became steady. He was almost there until his foot caught the edge of a cement garden bench, and suddenly he began tumbling until...
Crash!
"Owww..." Gilbert's hands were too slow to break his fall, and as a result, his hand landed in the broken glass and wet wine, alcohol stinging his open cuts, and blood dripping and running so fast that he couldn't tell if it was wine or not...but that didn't matter as the alcohol in his body caught up to him enough to make him lay his head down and close his eyes in frustration. His last thought was that he would simply rest there until he could get up and start the small journey again.
XXX
Oz sat on the edge of Gilbert's bed and finished cleaning and wrapping the man's hand with the fresh white bandages. He was careful when he removed the glass that was lodged deeply between the thin space of his first two fingers. His servant was still asleep, eyes unmoving under their pale lids, and his chest rose to full expansion every few seconds.
When he found Gilbert it was surly a sight to see. The man was lying in a puddle of bloody wine and glass. Oz panicked and called for Oscar, and his uncle came out and lifted Gilbert, and carried him into his bed room. Oscar assured him that Gilbert was fine, just passed out. And when he asked Mrs. Kate to clean the man up, she declined and said she was busy, telling Martha to do it instead…but Oz wouldn't allow it.
He wanted to do it. And he did. It was his fault after all.
After two hours of waiting, Oz finally saw Gilbert's eyes open. The man squinted and groaned, and his good hand went straight to his forehead to rub away the headache he probably had. When he sat up, he looked surprised to see Oz sitting there.
" Hey... how are you feeling?" Oz asked with a weak smile.
Gilbert looked around before speaking, " Thirsty."
Oz reached over and got the cup of water from the bedside table. From the corner of his eye he could see Gilbert frowning as he examined his newly wrapped hand. He passed the man the cup and heard him mumble a quiet thank you before drinking it down in two large gulps.
" Did you do this?" Gilbert asked as he held his wrapped hand.
" Yeah."
"…Thanks." Gilbert said with embarrassment, knowing the whole household must have known what happened.
" You gave me quite a scare earlier...at first I thought...that you…"
" Sorry."
" It's ok...I'm just glad Gil's alright." Oz let his words smile for him, and then he turned his back and looked at the wall.
" Nothing happened today." Oz said quietly.
"...What do you mean?"
" I mean...between me and Alice, we didn't...do anything."
" You don't owe me an explanation, Oz. You're not obligated to tell me where you went today." Gilbert said as he looked down at the cup in his hand.
" I do owe you an explanation, because I know you were there watching us."
"..." Gilbert looked up with wide eyes, he was caught red handed, and all he could think about was that Break probably told on him.
" I could smell your brand of cigarettes on Break when I went into the house, and I know he doesn't smoke."
" I… didn't mean to disobey you...but-"
" That's not important. I shouldn't have lied to you…..Do you forgive me?"
Oz turned to him but didn't look him in the eyes right away. It took a lot of courage to say all of that, and when he finally did look in Gilbert's eyes, the man looked confused.
" I'm the one that should be asking you that."
Oz shrugged a shoulder and smirked. "I told you it wasn't important…I should of guessed you would follow me anyway. You always do."
Gilbert blushed and looked down but Oz tilted the man's chin up and caressed his cheek.
" I missed Gil today…" Oz said in a whisper.
It seemed like that's all it took before they were once again connecting their lips.
-:::::::-
It was like heaven was permitting him to come and visit whenever he wanted. Oz was actually allowing him the privilege of lying there, touching him, exploring his clothed body as though he wasn't merely a servant or a friend...but a lover. The kind you whisper desire wrapped words to in the dark.
So much happened that day, things he wouldn't change for world, and things that he wish never occurred.
But maybe what mattered the most was that it was he who was lying in the bed with Oz, one hand sliding up the boy torso, while his lips concentrated on savoring petal soft skin of Oz's neck. His ears didn't need to strain to hear the deep breaths and low gasp that Oz was releasing. And shivers wouldn't stop crawling up and down his back when he would hear Oz whisper his name.
The way Oz was sailing his hands through Gilbert black hair, made him temporally forget that he was not special, that he was not merely a servant, or one of Pandora's pawns, but maybe he was a little bit more than that.
OOO
Alice couldn't stop her mind from racing, as her thoughts kept floating between her day with Break and her hours with Oz…her head hurt, and she couldn't sleep. So she left the comforts of her bed and decided to break her own rules again. She was going to Oz's room.
She walked down the dim hall and opened his door. But he wasn't in bed. Her first thought was that he was in the bathroom, but, then she heard quiet laughter coming from down the hall.
In Gilbert's room.
Alice walked slowly at first, then quickened her pace to lessen the anticipation. She reached the door and put her ear to it. It was silent at first, and occasionally she could hear the rustling sound of bed sheets. But then she heard voices.
"...You can take it off if you want."
Alice couldn't stand the fact that she couldn't see, because Oz could be referring to anything, like the pillow case, or the blankets on the bed. And Gilbert's voice left no clues either, the man's tone was so deep that the bass in it overpowered his words. Then she remembered the key hole.
She bent down and looked through it, but it only allowed her to see the end of Gilbert's bed, and a small portion of the floor. But none of that mattered when she heard Oz's next words...
" Stop being so shy Gil...I told you it's alright..."
And with that, she could see a white shirt and a hunter green vest being thrown to the floor; tossed there and forgotten, like the following sweet sighs that dissipated in the heavy air.
:) Questions, Comments, Concerns...let me know :)
Thanks for reading
And I'd also like to give a Big Thanks all those who faved, alerted, and reviewed for this story so far! And to the silent readers as well THANKS!!!
-Rage