Hey, welcome back to another chapter of this story! I wanted to thank all of you for the reviews, favorites and follows. It means the world to me if you have any idea. Thank you! Oh enjoy and don't forget to R&R!
After had eaten her dinner, Becky spent the majority of her time writing back a letter to Sokolov that she planned on giving to Corvo tomorrow when he came.
It was also the time when she first had heard the news regarding the death of Morgan and Custis Pendleton from the Loudspeakers. And her mind instantly traveled to Corvo when it was mentioned that the two were brutally murdered at the Golden Cat.
One of his handy work, maybe? She asked herself that evening. But maybe the less I know the better.
She had finished writing the letter at ten and decided to sleep an hour later. Thinking that sleep would be a sufficient way for her to rest her exhaustion, especially after all the things she had encountered earlier that day.
And how couldn't she be more mistaken.
When Becky thought the nightmare was only a one-time thing, there was it again, haunting her sleep that night that made her woke up in panic and covered in sweat.
Though it wasn't about her parents this time, no. It was about herself. And though it was comparatively short compared to her previous dream, but still it was a nightmare. Something that terrified every inch of her.
It all started when Becky found herself inside of an abandoned, old house that she couldn't seem to pinpoint the location, when she could see a female figure crying on the floor. Something that raised her utmost curiosity as she quickly made her way slowly to her.
It never occurred to her in her wildest dreams that she would find out that the woman who was crying turned to be herself, and yet, in the dream Becky felt as if was all normal. As if it wasn't something to be bewildered of.
And so, Becky quickly knelt down on the floor beside her as she placed her hand on her shoulder.
"Are you okay?" And the other her merely gave her silence.
Tired of earning nothing from her, Becky decided to grab her shoulders so that they could meet face to face. But upon meeting her face, Becky instantly gasped in horror with a cringe when she found out that the other her's face and hands were covered in thick, red blood; the vestiges of her dried tears could be seen staining her cheeks and eyes swollen as if she had cried for hours.
She scooted over away from her almost instantly, her hands were covered with blood as well while her eyes found another two figures on the far side of the room that were lying perfectly still on the ground with a pool of blood. She couldn't make who were the two people's identities, but yet Becky somehow could feel this abundance of sadness upon seeing the two corpses.
On the other hand, the other her still had her eyes fixated on the ground. Mumbling something that she couldn't hear quite clear until she slowly crawled her way to one of the corpses and collapsed just right next to them.
"Hey, wait!" Becky exclaimed at her, somehow growing more curious about the situation as she too made an attempt to crawl her way to them. But with every move, she could feel her muscles as if wouldn't comply to the pattern of her movements.
Finally, slowly Becky could feel her body as if felt being pulled back by a mystical force as her whole vision had turned white. Gone was the dark, eerie place, as the next thing she knew, there she was with eyes opened in her own bed.
And that was the reason why Becky chose to spend her day on the balcony painting that day. The only way that she'd found as a therapeutic outlet to alleviate the distraught in her head, since her eyes were just too tired to read.
It was already sunset by the time Becky had finished her painting, which she found it surprising at the number of hours that she had passed, she didn't realize that she even missed her lunch.
The passing of time also made her realized that Corvo still hadn't come yet. Maybe he had something he needed to attend elsewhere? Either way, Becky thought maybe it was best if she should wash herself, whilst leaving her balcony door remained open should Corvo arrived anytime soon.
Becky had just finished washing herself when she left the bathroom with her body wrapped in her towel. She was just about to get her clothes from the dresser when suddenly, her eyes went wide and tracks came to a stop when she caught a figure of someone stood just near the balcony door. It took seconds for her to recognized that the figure was none other than Corvo.
With his back facing hers, unfortunately, Corvo took a wrong time to spun his body around just after Becky stepped out of the bathroom.
"No, no, no, Corvo, don't turn!" Becky exclaimed to stop him from turning around, but alas, as her warning was too late.
When his eyes found hers, she could see how Corvo's mouth slightly dropped, his eyes unintentionally leering at her body for a split second, before he quickly closed his eyes with his tattooed hand. Somehow finally realizing his manners.
"I—uh…" Corvo was in lost for words, he could only stammer. "I come at a wrong time, don't I?"
"You think?" Becky scoffed as she pulled her towel tighter around her body. Feeling the situation started to get more uncomfortable than before.
Becky then ordered for him to turn around so she could take her clothes from her dresser. And when he did as she had told, Becky quickly grabbed her clothes and undergarments before dashed herself to the bathroom in a fluid motion.
But just before she disappeared inside, Becky announced to him, "Just wait here while I go change in my bathroom. I won't be long so just wait there, or maybe take a seat of the couch, and have yoursel—"
And Corvo merely chuckled in mirth as he interfered, "Becky, you're talking incessantly again," he pointed out comically, which only made Becky felt like she could borrow every hand in this world for a facepalm.
By the Abbey, could anything get more embarrassing than this?
She didn't bother to reply him as she quickly slipped inside the bathroom in just a swoosh.
Once inside, Becky pressed her back against the wall. She could feel her heart racing, and cheeks the color of reddest red when she gazed at herself in the mirror. And suddenly, she could feel herself somehow felt a little insecure when realizing that she was currently wearing almost nothing while there was a man outside waiting for her.
Why on earth did he have to come at times like these? It was only a good thing Becky didn't come out naked.
Wait, naked? In front of…?
Becky groaned at the thought. "Ugh, will you stop it brain?"
And Becky kept on cursing to herself even as she was in the middle of dressing up.
With then she was fully dressed in her clothes, Becky took a deep breath before she made her way outside of the bathroom with her hands rubbing together anxiously. Though once she reached outside, somehow those feelings disappeared almost instantly, especially when she could see him still had his back turned from her.
And Becky secretly smiled to herself at that. What a gentleman, she thought.
Becky cleared her throat then, announcing her presence, where it causing for Corvo to turned around slowly with eyes squinted. Though as their eyes met, Corvo smiled awkwardly whilst hand rubbing the nape of his neck.
"I think I need to apologize for... um—for what happened earlier," Corvo's tone was equally as awkward. Which something that Becky secretly found it amusing though she didn't display it to him.
Becky replied with hand raised, indicating that she was okay with it. "Let's just pretend that it never happened."
With the tension between them had assuaged, Becky simply paced towards his direction and proceeded to take a sit on the settee near the windows with a sigh.
"So…"
"So..." he mimicked her teasingly, as he leaned himself against the wall beside her window.
Becky pushed her blonde locks behind her ear whilst chuckling. "I think you owe me an explanation for what are you doing here, Corvo Attano."
"I thought you said I didn't owe you anything, Rebecca Atkin?" he countered in his heavy voice whilst smirking.
"No, I mean—you know what—"
Suddenly, Corvo let out a deep chuckle, his eyes flickered in pure amusement. Which was a friendly sight to see. Judging from the first time they had met at the Boyle's party, where his gaze was merely black and grim. "You still won't learn, will you?"
Realizing he was teasing her, Becky tittered. Well, it seemed Corvo would never stop teasing her.
As she was still laughing at his remark, little did she know that he was staring at her the whole time, gaze tender on hers. It was then when her laughter had faltered when she took a notice of his stare. Which Corvo could only drop his gaze awkwardly with a slow exhale.
He cleared his throat then. "I came because there's something I need to retrieve in Campbell's secret chamber," he finally divulged his plan in a serious tone.
Becky raised her brow at that. "Wait, he had a secret chamber?"
Corvo nodded. "Yes, we've deciphered his journal—which that's how I found Emily, and we've also learned that it seems he had one underneath his office."
"What did he use that room for?" she couldn't help but ask, though a part of her wasn't sure if she was going to like what was she going to hear.
"You don't want to know, Becky," he replied whilst turning his head to the window. "You don't want to know."
"That bad, huh?" Becky bit her lower lip.
"Let's just say that he pleasured himself a lot in that room. And by the means of pleasure it wasn't not just sex, he—," Corvo somehow hesitated though he said it anyway. "He killed many poor souls in that place too."
Becky could feel herself feeling sick at the explanation. And her expression clearly showed him that she didn't like what she heard.
What kind of sick person would've done that? Though it was a shame that his blood was on Corvo's, but at least, the world could breathe in relief as there was one less douche that was gone from this world forever.
"I hope he would rot in the Void then," Becky shook her head, trying to clear her mind away from such gore pictures that were popping up in her head. "But how are you going to get there? Holger Square is now like crawling with the City Watch, Corvo."
"That is why I need to come here for. I'm going to wait here until they switch the guards, and then that's where I'm going to get in," Corvo informed her his strategy as his eyes landed on hers. "If you don't mind me staying."
At that, Becky smiled to him in compliance. "Oh… well, in that case, you can stay as long as you like, Corvo."
And it turned out her remark merely causing him to stare at her again. This time with a small smile, before he turned his dark eyes to the windows again to stare at the night skies above. TBecky could perceive how his sculpted profile illuminated by the glowing pale moonlight and how his onyx tinted eyes somehow shone from it as well, as he said,
"I guess the world really does have a sense of humor, doesn't it?"
"How so?" she asked as she leaned towards him and straightened her posture.
"I was at the nadir of my life six months ago: the woman that I loved and swore to protect to dies in the hands of an assassin; then they kidnapped her child, the only heir to the throne, and framed me for what happened. Frankly, I was devastated by that, you know? When I was locked up in Coldridge, I even debated with myself whether I should end my life or not, but then I remembered Jessamine's last words for me and I chose the latter. Though I know I will die from the execution in the end, but I chose not to give up."
Hearing his story, Becky placed her hands on her mouth in shock. She knew he had been through so much, but she didn't expect him to have even considered ending his life back there in Coldridge. And Becky kept on holding the same shocking expression when he had continued,
"But then when I lose hope, miracles happened; the Loyalists managed to free me from the prison and they're also going to help me clear my name. Then I found Emily, though she was kidnapped I found her healthy and taken care of. And then I met you again..." Corvo met the younger woman's eyes with a warm, genuine smile.
And looking at him, it was somehow funny in her opinion how this particular man could do violence and all, but at the same time, he could shoot smiles that completely overshadowing his occupation.
A smile that showed the kind of man he used to be; that kind hearted person that she thought that demeanor was lost forever, though here he was. This was the Corvo that Becky had known for years. And she was nothing but grateful knowing that a part of him was still there after all he'd been through. That that kind hearted man was still there.
Though that smile also made Becky's cheeks flushed for the second time that evening, as she quickly dropped his gaze sheepishly. "Corvo…"
The next thing she knew, she could see Corvo moved towards her and proceeded to take a seat on the settee with her. "Listen, Becky, I know you've told me that I don't owe you a single thing, but with all the things you've done to me I think you deserve somethi—"
"No, Corvo, I told you—"
Corvo cut her words by raising his hand. "Becky, please hear me out," he said—or more like demanded, which Becky only sigh softly and nodded in obey. He continued, "I know you and your sister never find out what really happened to your parents, and I know how their deaths had made a major impact to both of your lives. Especially yours."
At that, Becky frowned almost instantly. Her whole face turned doleful as she turned her gaze out to her window to avoid his stare. She could feel her chest heavy, and somehow controlling her own breaths and tears felt like something that she lacked of effort.
"It tore me apart, Corvo. It tore me apart," Becky said quietly, it almost sounded like a whisper.
"I know, Emily told me that you even locked yourself in your room for days. And that's why when this is all over, I would like to help you to investigate what happened to them, as my offer to pay for what you've done to me. I know it won't bring them back, Becky, but at least it will bring the truth." Corvo scooted over closer to her then, his eyes hopeful. "What do you say?"
The frown that was framing her face disappeared at his offer, as she turned her head back to him with her lips parted in disbelief. "Really?" Becky asked with a hopeful stare. "You would do that?"
Corvo only nodded without leaving her gaze. "You deserve to know what happened—the both of you. And I'll try as hard as I could to bring them justice, I promise you that."
Becky's tears fell at his words. No one in Dunwall ever found out about what happened to her parents; Sokolov had tried once but what he got were loose ends and more questions. And that was why the reason why he stopped looking, and the reason why Becky stopped hoping.
Frankly, she had always wondered what happened to her parents; whether they did die from an accident or murder, she didn't know. So now, hearing his words, especially knowing him with his reputation and skills, somehow she could feel some of the burdens on her shoulders beginning to lift. And Becky would damn say yes to this kind of offer.
She nodded her head vehemently as she replied, "Yes, of course, I will say yes." The blonde woman then shifted towards him while taking his hands into hers. "Thank you, Corvo. Thank you so much. I don't know what else to say…" she trailed off with eyes still wet from tears.
"No need, Becky. You deserve all the help you can get" Was his answer, as he firmly tightened his grip on her hands.
To her surprise, suddenly Corvo raised his hand to cup her cheek, as he gazed at her gray eyes intensely. She didn't know what else to do at his touch, so she chose to close her eyes at his embrace and just like yesterday, she leaned her head toward his hand and sighed happily.
Never in a million years did she thought that she could be this close to Corvo. She never thought that the former Lord Protector whom she had met back at parties at the Dunwall Tower was going to help her to uncover the truth about her parents' death, and how peaceful she felt whenever he was near her.
The Empress was sure one lucky lady, she thought.
Becky then moved her head closer to his since her instincts had been telling her so. When she could feel his warm breath on her cheek, she flinched at the realization of how close he was then to her. And that only made her heart pulsated while her visions somehow became hazy, before eventually she closed her eyes tight shut.
With his hand on her cheek traveled down to her jaw, Corvo gently pulled her closer until their foreheads met; noses brushing against each other where Becky could also hear the rhythm of his breath quickened. It seemed she wasn't the only one who was feeling this way.
The idea of having him this near to her was enough to create spasmodic sensations in her body that felt quaint to her. Especially the idea of having his lips to hers, Becky swore she could feel her stomach making a rather uneasy feeling at that.
Becky was so close to catching his lips to her. So close, she could even hear how his heart throbbing when suddenly, she could the doorbell rang.
The two shot their eyes opened in a fluid motion at the disruption. Becky could see how Corvo was holding the same shocking expression as her, though then he sighed sharply and closed his eyes again while shaking his head.
Oh, what a terrific time to visit.
"I—I have to get that," Becky stuttered, her head was still trying to find itself after what happened while Corvo seemed to have gained his self-control back as he merely rested his back against the window.
"You don't say," he retorted sarcastically.
With a heavy heart, Becky let go of his embrace before rising to her feet and made her way to the balcony. And when she could see the identity of the person who stood down there in front of her door, her eyes bugged out.
"Lewis?" She muttered to herself in disbelief.
What in the name of the Outsider's eyes is he doing here?
Becky quickly made her way back inside and told Corvo to stay in her room, which he only replied with small nods, he still seemed pretty pissed about this.
Next, the Atkin quickly headed downstairs in a hurry, and though she was disappointed at his bad timing, but Becky couldn't help but curious at his visit. For Lewis never came to visit this late.
Opening the door for him, Becky was greeted with a smile from the auburn man. He was looking as if he had just returned from his office thought Becky wasn't sure.
He proceeded to take his hat off before greeting her, "Evening, Becky."
"Lewis? W—what are you doing here? Is Hannah with you?" Becky asked as her eyes finding the coach that was parked in front of her apartment.
"No, she's at home," he answered. The Alcott then somehow licked his lip as if he was in deep-thinking, before he uttered, "Listen, Becky, may I come in? Please, I need to talk to you, it's urgent."
At his request, Becky bit her lip. It wasn't that she didn't trust him, but with there was the most wanted man all over Dunwall currently visiting her house, one only knew it could to a certain disaster if they somehow stumbled to each other.
"Um, Lewis," Becky rubbed her hands together with an awkward, ill-timed smiles. "It's not that I don't want to invite you in, but I was about to head to bed when you got here."
Forgive me for lying to your man, sis, she thought.
He sighed in disappointment at her rejection. "Look, Becky, I promise you I won't be long. I know it might've been strange for me to come alone, but I came because…" Lewis sighed again before taking a deep breath. "Because I would like to ask you for your blessing."
Becky's feature softened at his last words, though her brows furrowed upon hearing his last words.
"What?"
Lewis met her eyes softly then. "Will give me your blessing, Becky? For I would like to propose your sister to marry me."
End of chapter 7