A/N: Agh! really doesn't like my mac. Reloading this one because the format was messed up on it...
Red Lip, Classic (Part III)
I guiltily slid off North's lap, my gaze dropping to the carpet as an uncomfortable silence settled into the room.
"Um," Kota uncharacteristically mumbled, and I started picking at the carpet to give my nervous fingers something to do. "We weren't...we didn't..."
"Boys, you all get an hour tomorrow. I expect all of you to know better," Mr. Blackbourne spoke calmly, not moving from his position in the entryway.
"Yes, Sir," they all muttered dutifully.
"Be awake and in Mr. Lee's backyard by 0600," Mr. Blackbourne continued somewhat stiffly. "Do not-"
"Who wants some ice, cold-oh fuck! Mr. B?" Gabriel stopped in his tracks in the kitchen doorway, Luke bumping into his back and causing both to stumble a step before righting themselves. Gabriel's features paled as he took a look around the room. "Shit."
Dr. Sean's fading chuckles turned into full blown laughter again as he saw the newcomers' makeup. My eyes were distracted for a moment as I saw something sparkly out of the corner of my eye. When I looked up at Luke's legs, I realized any visible skin from the bottom of his shorts to the tips of his toes was covered in body glitter.
What was I going to do with that boy?
"Mr. Coleman and Mr. Taylor, how nice of you to join us," Mr. Blackbourne continued, his expression blank as he regarded to the boys in front of us. "As I was just telling the others, we will be meeting up tomorrow for an hour at Mr. Lee's residence. Be there at 0600, and-"
"But tonight's a sleepover night!" Gabriel interrupted in disbelief, some of the liquid from his cups sloshing over their edges as he flung his arms out.
"And you acted irresponsibly," Mr. Blackbourne responded with narrowed eyes on Gabriel. That was two interruptions now. "I am attempting to be fair by not lecturing all of you tonight, as to not spoil the fun."
"Little late for the, O-Man," Dr. Sean snorted, sending me a wink
"We will discuss this fully after the hour tomorrow," Mr. Blackbourne continued as if Dr. Sean hadn't spoken. "But for now I will simply say that I expected better from all of you."
Mr. Blackbourne's gaze roamed unflinchingly over each of us until they reached mine. I wasn't sure what to expect, but the empty feeling in my stomach was making it slightly harder to breathe. After torturous seconds of staring into his expressionless face, Mr. Blackbourne finally broke his stare with a sigh.
"We have been over this a hundred times," Mr. Blackbourne turned back to the entire group while walking further into the room, and my eyes trailed to where his black, leather shoes were pacing back and forth in front of our line. "What have I told you boys about vigilance?"
"Owen, give it a rest," Dr. Sean sighed, kicking off his spot leaning against the mantle. "I think being caught in the act is punishment enough, and now is not the time to ruin their fun."
"Sean, this is an important matter that I will not take lightly," Mr. Blackbourne shot back, his voice serious. "They've been trained better than this."
"Mr. Blackbourne, may I have the floor?" Kota spoke up for the second time since the eldest two in our group announced their presence. He was so brave.
"If it's constructive, you may," Mr. Blackbourne said, and I looked up to see him nodding stiffly.
"It was just temporary," Kota tried to reason, not moving from his spot on the floor. "We weren't-"
"Temporary?" Mr. Blackbourne cut him off with a disapproving glare. "You have those phones for a reason, Mr. Lee. They are to be on you at all times. What if Dr. Green or I had red-lined you?"
Kota simply hung his head in lieu of a response, and I felt North shifting uncomfortably next to me.
"Owen, I think that's enough now," Dr. Sean spoke more forcefully. "They're just having a bit of fun, so stop being a wet blanket."
"They can have fun while still being responsible," Mr. Blackbourne responded sharply before turning around and heading into the kitchen. "Dr. Green, a word?"
Dr. Sean gave us all an apologetic smile before they both turned around the corner.
"Shit," Gabriel mumbled with a sigh, his shoulders deflating from his place near the door.
"Are you okay, Sang Baby?" North asked softly, turning towards me. I knew those brown eyes of his would be filled with concern, but I couldn't risk looking at his eye liner in case it made me lightheaded again.
"Yeah, I'm just sorry I got us all in trouble," I apologized, picking at the carpet again with shaky hands and avoiding everyone's eyes.
North snorted before placing his hand around my shoulders and pulling me into a warm embrace against his side.
"Don't you dare try and take all the credit, Sang," North mock-scolded me in his gruff voice. "We all decided to do this, and it was worth it."
"It was worth an hour and Mr. Blackbourne's anger?" I asked back sarcastically. The carpet had stolen my attention, but I didn't miss the air shift or the scent of musk grow stronger as North leaned in close to me.
"It was worth it to see your eyes light up," North whispered against my ear, causing a light blush to stain my cheeks. "The list of things I wouldn't do to see you happy is very short and consists of a handful of things that would land me in jail. A little exercise and Mr. B's lecture are nowhere close."
"Oh, well, ditto," I answered back distantly, warmed by his words. North chuckled lowly in my ear before leaning back, but his arm remained wrapped around me.
"Trouble, you thirsty?" Gabriel asked as he kneeled in front of me and held out a cup of water.
"Yes please," I answered as I accepted the cup, clearing my throat before taking a sip.
"Mr. B. can't be too mad," Luke tried to reason from behind Gabriel. I admired the the light contrast between the blue and pink eyeshadow on his lids. "Otherwise he would've cancelled the sleepover."
"You know he would never do that to Peanut," Nathan shook his head from his spot down the line.
Luke broke into loud laughter, and the rest of us turned to him in alarm.
"Sorry," Luke gasped through his laughter, eyes shining as he grasped his sides with both arms. "But Nate, oh man, your unibrow is just too much right now."
Nathan grumbled as the rest of the boys tried to stifle their laughter, and I did my best not to giggle when his unibrow dipped lower as he glared at Luke.
"Why don't we all get cleaned up?" Victor suggested as he got up from the floor. His red lipstick seemed even more smeared than earlier, and I cringed when I noticed there was more caked on his face than his lips.
"No! Sit your ass back down, Vicky," Gabriel ordered, pointing to the floor.
"Why Vicky?" Luke asked, wrinkling his nose in distaste. "Why not Victoria?"
Victor's blonde wig wiggled back and forth as he fiercely shook his head, but Gabriel's eyes lit up.
"You're right. Victoria is better," he agreed with a nod before turning towards Victor. "We did this for Trouble and we are not washing it off until she's finished!"
"Finished?" Mr. Blackbourne echoed as he silently stepped back into the room. My shoulders automatically stood as tall as possible and North gave my arm a quick squeeze before letting go. "As far as I can see, Miss Sorenson is finished. Or was nail polish next on the list?"
My ears perked up with interest, despite Mr. Blackbourne's sarcastic tone, but Gabriel shook his head.
"She hasn't finished North's makeup yet," he stated firmly, and I was mesmerized as Gabriel held his stare.
There wasn't much this man wouldn't do in the name of fashion, including standing up to Mr. Blackbourne.
"Miss Sorenson, is that correct?" Mr. Blackbourne bit out, turning towards me.
"Um, I don't need to...," I trailed off, looking between North and the lipstick case before turning back to Mr. Blackbourne. "I'm finished."
Mr. Blackbourne pursed his lips while studying me in silence. I wanted to shift uncomfortably under his gaze, but something inside of me stayed strong as I remained still.
"Owen, what did we just discuss?" Dr. Sean spoke quietly, but firmly from beside the expressionless man. I held my breath while waiting to see what happened. "Just because you're too scared to join in doesn't mean you have to stop their fun."
"You think I'm afraid to let Sang apply makeup to my face?" Mr. Blackbourne accused, whirling around to glare at his friend. I let out a breath as I realized where this conversation was going. The gleam in Dr. Sean's eyes showed he did as well as he simply shrugged.
"Miss Sorenson, finish up with Mr. Taylor," Mr. Blackbourne ordered as he walked towards us and elegantly sank down into a sitting position on the floor. "I'm next."
He said it so casually, but I don't think he knew just what he was asking of me.
My fingers shook as I turned back to North, unsteadily unscrewing the top of the lipstick case.
"You're okay, baby," North smiled gently as I moved to kneel in front of him again. I looked at his warm smile, the eyeliner around his eyes still doing something funny to my belly, and the bright pink boa wrapped around his neck.
I never imagined I'd see North like this, but it warmed my heart that I could.
"Sang, red lipstick doesn't really go with the pink," Gabriel observed from behind me as my slightly more steady hand reached the lipstick out to North.
"I know," I whispered, rubbing it gently back and forth against North's naturally pouty lips. Those lips twisted slightly as I started working, and I grinned.
"You'll need to stop scowling long enough for me to finish this lipstick, North!" I laughed, making him grunt.
He remained staring determinately ahead as I swiped a light coat of lipstick on both his lips. Pulling back, I dropped the lipstick into the makeup kit and pulled out a pair of fake eyelashes. They were big, dark, and perfect for North.
"Really, Sang Baby?" North grimaced, seeing what I had in my hand.
"Please, North?" I asked hopefully, knowing he couldn't deny me this. I knew I was taking advantage of him, but I couldn't seem to stop myself.
Something between a growl and a moan left his throat, but North mutely nodded in resignation. I leaned forward, planting a soft kiss on his cheek before leaning back and opening the package.
"How do these work, Gabriel?" I asked curiously, pulling out a little tube from the package.
"That's the glue," Gabriel explained, pointing at the tube. "First, you put that on the very edge of the fake lashes. Then North closes his eyes, and you can attach them to the top of his eyelids. Try not to get too much of the glue on his actual lashes, because it can rip them out sometimes."
"Fuck," North cursed softly, closing his eyes.
I opened the glue case and squirted some carefully on one of the fake eyelashes. Leaning forward, I meticulously lined them up against his eyelid and pushed it down gently. It lined up with his natural eyelashes almost perfectly when I was finished and I beamed proudly.
"Nice one, Trouble," Gabriel praised, patting my thigh. "Now the other one."
I repeated the actions, but this time the fake eyelashes ended up a little off-center. It wasn't too noticeable, but I was too late to adjust them as the glue was already sticking.
"So how'd you get roped into this, North?" Dr. Sean asked gleefully as he plopped down next to Mr. Blackbourne and leaned closer to look at my masterpiece.
"I owed Sang a favor," North grumbled, his hand coming up to rub his lips before I swatted it away.
"And you didn't ask Miss Sorenson what it was before agreeing?" Mr. Blackbourne prompted from where he remained motionless next to us.
"I was hoping she'd ask for a sexual favor," North grumbled as he looked up, unknowingly batting his fake eyelashes at me as he blinked them in annoyance. The way they framed his dark, fierce eyes had me taking a deep breath to stabilize myself. "Are you done, Baby?"
I wanted to say no. Wanted to keep this new North within reaching distance, but I didn't have a good excuse besides saying that he looked pretty.
"Yes, I'm finished," I nodded, then froze when I realized this meant I was doing Mr. Blackbourne's makeup now.
I didn't think it was possible to prepare for something like that.
"Miss Sorenson?" Mr. Blackbourne's voice pulled me out of my daze as North stood up, already wiping the back of his wrist across his lips. I turned hesitantly towards him, feeling my face heat as I found his steel eyes fixed on me.
"Mr. Blackbourne," I whispered in acknowledgement as his lips lifted slightly in a calming smile.
I heard Silas let out a loud snort, causing my head to snap towards him. Him and North were sitting on the couch and talking back and forth in Greek. The rest of the boys were talking amongst themselves or watching the game. I was curious as to what they were speaking about, but Mr. Blackbourne's fingers on my chin pulled my attention back to him.
"If you don't wish to do my makeup, just say the word, Miss Sorenson," he said, his fingers caressing my skin lightly. I noticed Sean get up and sprawl across the last available beanbag, sitting back to enjoy the show.
"I want to," I assured him quietly, trying my best to sound confident.
And I did want to. When would this opportunity ever present itself again?
I muddled around in the makeup kit, looking for something safe to begin with. The mascara wand drew my eye, and I decided it was a good start. I picked it up and turned back to Mr. Blackbourne's expectant face.
My hand started shaking uncontrollably as I leaned forward, holding the mascara wand in front of his face. Mr. Blackbourne's lips spread into an amused smile before his hand gently encircled my wrist.
"Miss Sorenson, I rather like my eye where it is. Maybe it would be more prudent to begin with powder?" He politely suggested, tactful as ever.
"Yes, of course," I agreed, flustered as I turned back to the makeup kit and tossed the traitorous mascara back inside. I grabbed a case of powder before turning back to him.
"Close your eyes," I ordered unsurely, never having given him a command before. "Please."
The millimeter smile remained on his face as Mr. Blackbourne closed both eyes. I took a moment to admire his relaxed face before dipping the brush in some powder and painting it lightly across his cheeks. I brushed it in as much as I could, until he had a light layer across most of his face.
I picked up a tube of light pink lipstick next, figuring this was safer than poking his eye out with the mascara.
Mr. Blackbourne's eyes fluttered open as I leaned closer, his gaze zoning in on the shaking tube of lipstick.
"Miss Sorenson, why don't we swap roles for a moment?" Mr. Blackbourne suggested quietly, causing me to flinch back with the lipstick still in my hand. Swap roles? "I'll apply the lip stain to you first, then you'll apply it to me."
I'm not sure if that was better or worse, but I offered a hesitant nod.
"Perfect," Mr. Blackbourne nodded, smoothly extracting the tube from my grip and grabbing hold of my chin again.
"Miss Sorenson, imagine that you're kissing me," Mr. Blackbourne ordered, and I swear my heart stopped for a full three seconds before kicking into overdrive.
"What?" I squeaked, eyes widening in alarm.
"It's natural to pucker-up when applying lip stains," Mr. Blackbourne pointed out, speaking calmly as I tried to tame my racing heart. When I continued to stare blankly at him, Mr. Blackbourne offered a small, sad smile. "I used to watch my mother apply her cosmetics."
"Oh," I breathed out, my heart breaking the tiniest bit as his gaze focused resolutely on the lipstick case in his hand. Mr. Blackbourne had only willingly shared information or memories about his mother with me once before, and I had absolutely no idea what to say. At a loss for words, I scooted closer until my knees touched the front of his slacks and reached out for his hand with my free one. For once, I was doing something daring without shaking like a leaf. Looking into Mr. Blackbourne's eyes, they were as closed-off as ever but my heart fluttered when his hand turned over and he slipped his fingers through mine.
Licking my lips to gather enough courage, I thought back to the last time Mr. Blackbourne kissed me. It was Wednesday to be precise, and I pushed my lips out slightly as I imagined his fitting snugly against mine.
"Good girl," Mr. Blackbourne cooed quietly, and it took every ounce of willpower in me not to blush and duck my head at the praise.
"Damn, it's a good thing she loves all of us," Gabriel's low voice carried from behind me as I focused on Mr. Blackbourne's lips. He tenderly ran the lipstick across my puckered lips, his own pressed into a flat line of concentration. "With Mr. B's game, none of us would've stood a chance if she had to choose."
There were murmurs of agreement as I dazedly watched Mr. Blackbourne's lips curl into his signature millimeter smile.
"Breathe, Sang," he instructed softly, capping the the lipstick and setting it meticulously back into a side pocket of the case. "Would you like to do mine now?"
I could still feel the light pressure of him sliding the lipstick back and forth over my lips.
"Okay," I answered hesitantly, searching around for a new lipstick color. A deep maroon drew my eye, and I plucked it from the case. Popping off the lid, I turned back to Mr. Blackbourne with a newfound confidence. Licking my lips, I leaned forward and focused on his.
He held his lips firmly in place as I slid the lipstick back and forth. They were puckered slightly, and I felt a thrill at the thought that Mr. Blackbourne might be imagining kissing me right now. The color blossomed against his pale skin, and I was fascinated by the change. It was as if even the lipstick was incapable of defying Mr. Blackbourne, as I noticed that none of it smeared around his lips.
I was breathing deeply now, and belatedly noticed that I'd placed my free hand rather high on Mr. Blackbourne's thigh to keep my balance as I worked. My eyes shot up to his like a magnet, and his molten gaze held me captive.
"Pardon me," Mr. Blackbourne cleared his throat, grasping my hand on his thigh with a gentle touch before placing it in my own lap. He stood up stiffly, avoiding eye contact. "I'll be back in a moment."
He disappeared around the corner to the sound of Dr. Sean's snickering before I turned towards the other boys.
"What now?" I asked, wondering what our next plans for the sleepover were and trying to shake off what Mr. Blackbourne's intense gaze did to me.
"Aladdin!" Gabriel cried immediately, hopping off the floor and running towards the movie cabinet. Everyone else seemed to agree as Dr. Sean placed a plastic tiara on my head and North scooped me into his arms.
Mr. Blackbourne didn't return until halfway through the movie, but by that time I was already dozing in and out of sleep against North's chest.
Sometime later I vaguely heard the boys ribbing him about his makeup prowess and just-showered appearance, then something about getting more Academy training in self-discipline.
One thing I heard loud and clear was Mr. Blackbourne telling the boys that any amount of mockery was worth it.
My pink-stained lips pulled into an involuntary smile that stayed long after I fell asleep.
A/N: Just in case anyone was wondering what North and Silas were muttering about in Greek:
North: Grunt, "You saw that too, right? Please tell me you saw that."
Silas: Chuckle, "How could I miss it?"
North: "Would it be weird if I started wearing eyeliner every day?"
Silas: Snort, "If Aggele mou looked at me like that because of some little black lines on my face, I wouldn't give a fuck if it was weird."