I silently tip toe through the halls with a thick slick of carrot cake in my hand, determined to sneak up on him and at least get his breakfast on the nightstand. I know his hearing is really good so maybe if I'm quiet enough he won't hear me. Or at least pay attention to me. I silently suck in a breath, sliding through the already cracked door. I made sure to open it enough for myself to slip through last night so the creaking wouldn't wake him. I poke my head into the room spying his ears directed towards me. I stiffen, looking to his eyes which remain firmly shut. I've never really seen his ears do that before.
I deftly walk across the boards watching as his ears twitch every time I make a step. He knows I'm here, definitely. But is he awake or not? I slowly exhale and set the cake slice on the nightstand, cringing as it makes the faintest thump. That woke him up I just know it. I glance over Elliot's face spying it slightly stiffer than before. Oh that's cute! This dork is pretending to be asleep. My cheek twitches into a smile before I lean over the bed, kissing him on the nose.
"Good morning, cutie." I tease, watching his face flicker to life. He slightly grunts as his ear twitches, cracking his eyes open as he wakes up.
"How are you feeling?" I ask, sliding a hand over his cheek and down his neck. His lips slowly form a smile as he leans his head back, humming I lightly rub my thumb in circles.
"Better." He reluctantly smiles as he runs a hand through his hair, slightly cringing as he stretches back.
"That's good. I've brought you breakfast." I say, gesturing over the tray. He smiles and leans forward, wrapping an arm around my shoulders.
"I'm in the mood for something sweeter." He hums, kissing my forehead. He slightly grunts as he recedes back, laying his back against the board.
"You need real food too." I breathe out a smile as I get the cake, setting it on his lap. His ears twitch, clearly dissatisfied.
"I've got a better idea. Come here." He smiles, placing the plate aside and pats his lap. I hold back a laugh before climbing up and sitting on his lap, leaning back far enough so he can't use me as a distraction.
"Eat, Elliot," I warn, "if you don't eat you're not going to get anything sweeter."
"Boo~," he huffs with a smile, taking the cake and eagerly digs into it. I laugh as he wolfs it down. He's just too cute! It makes me want to tease him. As he eats I mindlessly doodle random designs on his upper thigh, watching him stiffen and eat even faster without even savoring it. Oh this is too cute! Elliot lets out a hurried sigh as he quickly sets the plate aside and opened his arms up.
"I want something sweeter now." He playfully huffs, eager to give me affection. I nearly laugh at his face, smirking as an evil idea comes to mind.
"Nah, I'm good. You need rest, Elliot." I smile, putting my arms up so I'm ready to push him back if needed.
"But my girlfriend needs attention more than I need rest." He argues, pressing his ears against his head as he realizes what I'm doing.
"You need to tend to yourself before others."
"That's not fair." He pouts, clearly unsatisfied.
"Life's not fair." I smile back before trying to slide off. I let out a sharp laugh as Elliot's arm shoots around my waist and yanks me back in a playful manner. Elliot twists around and sets me on the bed, laying halfway over me as his arm remains firm. His cheeks slightly flush from the exertion as his ears press against his head. He's in pain, definitely.
"Let me show you how unfair life is." Elliot cheekily continues, groaning as he lowers himself. I smile and wrap my arms around his shoulders, pulling him towards me. He stiffens as I press his flushing head against my collarbone and make sure he can't move away.
"Go ahead and lay down for a bit. I'm happy with this." I smile, lightly combing my fingers through his orange locks. His body remains stiff, thinking about what to do before finally relaxing. He lets out a long sigh before laying more of his weight on me, softly thrumming in his chest as his eyelids grow heavy. I laugh under my breath and gently pet his head, listening to his breathing grow a little more relaxed.
"Don't push yourself, Elliot. I'm right here with you so there's nothing to worry about." I reassure as I gently knead my knuckles into his shoulder blades. His chest vibrates with grunting hums before abruptly stopping, his ears lifting up and facing the door. I study his twitching ears recognizing the intent on his face and the movement.
"Blood?" I ask aloud, recognizing the way his ears are twitching. Only when blood is coming are his ears so stiff and move in an almost robotic way.
"Yeah. How did you know?"
"It's the way your ears move." I point out, rubbing the base of his right ear. His thrumming groans grow louder as his ears swivel from me to the door, obviously torn. So cute~ We both look to the door as a light rapping sounds.
"Master March, please get ready. The meeting will start soon." A maid calls out. Elliot immediately tenses, obviously unhappy with the news. My fingers lightly trace the outline of his ear, making him look at me.
"Relax, Elliot. I'm not going to leave your side during the meeting." I reassure. If I do no doubt Gray will be there waiting. Elliot's grip tightens around my waist as he rubs his forehead into my neck.
"I won't let you," he growls under his breath, "I'm not going to lose out to that incubus's aid."
"And you won't because you are Elliot March." I hum, kissing his forehead.
‡
My eyes glue to all the bright lights around us as the Afternoon shudders to Dusk, mesmerized by all the stands filled to the brim with sweets and even a few baby rides. Dozens of events and other awesome looking activities line the streets closer to Clover Tower, signaling that we are approaching the main meeting house. So cool! I've never seen so many lights before. Or even a celebration like this. I never got the chance to when I was younger. Elliot's grip tightens around my waist as I start to head towards a stand with fish bowls in it.
"Have you never been to something like this?" He asks, starting to catch on to why I'm so excited.
"No, I haven't. It's really cool." I say, eyeing up some cotton candy a little faceless boy has. So cute~
"What? Big sister hasn't been to one of these before?"
"Hey, hey let's ditch the meeting and show big sister around!" Dum purrs with an uncharacteristically deeper voice. I jump as long arms engulf me on either side spying the twins in their older looking forms. Jeez ... I don't think I'm ever going to get used to that. Imagine my shock and horror when they burst into their adult forms on the way here. Blood couldn't stop laughing after that ...
"Hey! Hands off my woman!" Elliot growls, yanking the both of them back.
"No fair you stinky rabbit!"
"Yeah! You've been having her all to yourself lately!"
"The meeting will begin soon." The moment the words leave Blood's mouth Elliot becomes eerily silent. The twins catch on to his suddenly serious mood, deciding to leave him be for once in their life. Wow ... not even the twins want to mess with him right now. Scary ...
"Relax, Elliot." I mutter, gently squeezing his hand. His tight eyes soften as they glance in my direction, very lightly squeezing me closer.
"I can't." He admits, holding me tighter.
"Calm yourself, Elliot." Blood intervenes.
"Of course, Blood." Elliot cheerfully replied with his ears straight and taunt. Poor Elliot, he's so stressed out right now. I smile at his obvious jealousy and give him a quick hug as we trailed behind Blood and the twins.
The monstrously large gates are highly decorated with dimmed lights as we enter the Clover Tower. My eyes wander around the estate freely, nearly overwhelmed by all the lights and people. I wonder who are the faceless that need to come and who aren't? I know Role Holders have to go but do the faceless have to go too? That's an interesting thought. I flinch back as Elliot's arm slides before my eyes, pulling out a chair in front of a long thin table near the back of the room. I glance around the wide room spying different sections filling up with the other territories and Role Holders. I wonder if they separate us all by territory? I bet they do this so they don't start fighting in the middle of it.
"Sit, Jackie." Elliot stiffly smiles, refusing to meet my gaze. I follow his line of sight spying Gray speaking to a very stiff Nightmare, placing paperwork down in front of him. My eyes narrow. Seriously Elliot? How much freaking reassurance do you need? My fingers slide through his hair as I shove my mouth against his.
"Whoa!"
"Hey, hey chicken rabbit no fair!" Dee and Dum openly complain. Our lips make a slight pop as I pull back, spying the shock and awe covering his face. I smile and cup his cheeks, lightly squeezing.
"Relax, Elliot." I sweetly breathe, coiling my arms around his shoulders and give him a tight squeeze. My eyes turn to slits as I not so subtly glance at Gray, spying his hard eyes before I flip him the birdie behind Elliot's back. Since being passive isn't getting my message across I might as well kick him where it hurts to show him that I am Elliot's and Elliot's alone. Gray's topaz eyes visibly tighten as Nightmare ducks beneath the desk, heaving out his insides before I pull back from a puzzled but smiling Elliot.
"I-I know." He sheepishly says as his cheeks touch with pink. I grin at my success and take my seat, letting Elliot push my chair in for me. I'm sorry, Gray. I know this hurts but there's no way in hell am I letting you get away with trying to hook up with me behind or even in front of Elliot. Elliot eagerly took his seat beside me with a large smile plastered on his face. Well if I knew a kiss would calm him down this easily then I would have done it earlier. Unfortunately - I glance over the Gray from the corner of my eye, spying him stiffly attending to his work - this little lesson isn't even close to being over for Gray.
"Welcome, fellow territories, to today's Assembly," Nightmare shakily begins with a pale face, darting his eyes to me every now and then. Everyone in the room visibly relaxes as the meeting begins, their faces already falling to a bored and sluggish expression. Elliot, being no exception, leaned forward with his chin resting on his hand as he stares into the air, obviously zoning out. Gray's eyes touch mine for a moment before he tears his gaze away, trying to distract himself. I hesitate before leaning towards Elliot, touching my shoulder to his arm. Gray's finger twitches as he stares murderously at Pierce - obviously noticing my advances and my meanings behind it - making poor Pierce tremble with fear.
My eyes narrow before I lean my head on Elliot's shoulder, never leaving my eyes from Gray's stiff jaw. He's getting pretty worked up from just this little bit. My head twitches in Blood's direction, spying a sly smirk light up his face. Ugh ... now I feel like Blood, instigating things that should probably be left alone. His green eyes catch sight of mine as he draws his hand beneath the table. I curiously watch from the corner of my eye watching as he sweeps his finger back and forth in a slow, ready motion. What is he - ohhhh. That's a good one. I smile at Blood's subtle help and slyly slip my hand off the table top. From the positions of the table and the varying heights Gray would see this from the angle he's at.
Please, Jackie. I'm begging you not to push Gray much further. Nightmare's voice speaks up in the back of my thoughts. My hand freezes as I contemplate his words. Push him further huh? Well he's the jerk that started this. I'm only retaliating the only way I know how.
I won't stop until he knows that he has no chance. I sternly respond, slyly slipping my hand beneath the table. Elliot visibly jolts as my fingers delicately touch his thigh, clearly startled. My eyes glance in his direction as I keep a bored expression on my face, lightly rubbing my hand up the length of his leg, or at least to where I can reach, before sliding it back to his hip and repeat the motion. His ears drop down as a faint touch of pink crowds his cheeks. His bright violet eyes glance at me with a questioning intent. I turn and stare at him before quickly darting my eyes to Gray, watching as understanding touches the back of his orbs. Well at least now Elliot's on board.
I shudder slightly as he stiffly wraps his arm around my back and grasps my hip, making me lean on his shoulder for support as he hugs me with his one arm.
"My my, Jackie. I didn't know you could be so cynical." Blood mutters under his breath, tapping my arm with his finger.
"Hm." I hum, sliding my hand to Elliot's inner thigh as his fingers lightly thrum against my hip. After a few moments Elliot pulls me close, grazing his teeth across my ear.
"Why didn't you tell me earlier?" Elliot whispers, gently pressing his lips to my ear. My face darkens a tad with embarrassment as I remain firm. No. I must be strong and go through with this public affection. Gray needs to know that Elliot is my boyfriend. Not him.
"I thought of it now." I murmur back. Well, I've been planning this but not for too long now. The paper's in Gray's hands start to get wrinkles as his fists clench, standing dutifully beside Nightmare.
"Hm ... ," he deeply hums as a slight grunting purr vibrates his chest. Well, Elliot likes this plan that's for sure.
Please, Jackie I'm begging you! Gray is going to break! Nightmare's voice nearly shrieks in the back of my head as his voice to the congregation starts to tremble. I turn my head from him and press my lips to Elliot's neck before pulling back, taking a quick peek around the room. Boris and Gowland hardly pay attention to this direction but a faint flush on their cheeks make me think they see my affections. Ace's goofy smile is on his face as he watches, clearly catching on to Gray's stiff posture. Everyone else mindlessly watches Nightmare, waiting for him to further conduct the meeting through his shaky voice. I self consciously glance off to the side as Elliot kisses my head.
"I love you, Jackie." He seductively mutters in a deep voice, kissing my temple. A light shiver crawls down my spine as I try to hide my face in his shoulder. My gosh why does he have to be so freaking smexy?! I bulk as his hand tightly squeezes my hip, crushing me against his solid form. My face blows up to a bright red as I bury it into his shoulder, too embarrassed to look at anyone right now. Ugh ... I'm so weak. I'll just let him take over from here and do what he wants to prove to Gray that I'm Elliot's boyfriend. An embarrassing hum gently rocks the back of my throat as his other hand slides over my shirt, lightly tugging on my blouse before slipping his fingers between the buttons and rub my bare skin beneath. I brave a small peek out from the safety of his covering shoulder, spying him lock eyes with Gray.
J-Jackie, you need to stop! Nightmare's voice cries within my head before he suddenly stands up. All eyes turn to him as his face turns a bright red, unable to rip his sights from me and Elliot. Uh oh ... was it too much for Nightmare?
"M-Meeting is adjourned until the next Afternoon time change!" He shouted before quickly gathering his stuff, booking it out of the room with Gray stiffly following from behind. Just before passing through the door he glances over his shoulder with a sad yet annoyed spark lighting up the rage in his topaz eyes. My own fury flares. He doesn't think he still has a chance does he? My fingers tightly grip Elliot's tie before crashing my lips to his for a fast, deep kiss before pulling back and giving Gray the middle finger and a surprisingly good poker face.
Screw off Gray. Elliot is mine and I'm not taking anyone else. Gray's eyes soften before he shuts the door, following Nightmare to who knows where.
"I've decided, Jackie. You will be attending the next few meetings alongside with us, the Hatters. You make it entertaining." Blood confirms before standing. My face lights up to a deep red as I glance off to the side, suddenly very embarrassed. I ... basically just made out with Elliot in front of Gray. Ouch. Ugh, and Ace caught onto it. Ew ... he saw me ... so gross.
"You're so cute, Jackie!" Elliot suddenly cries, pulling me into a massive bear hug.
"Gah!" I shout, startled as I try to get a bearing of his arms squeezing the life out of me. Without warning his arms loosen. I look up, spying the pain cross his face before he quickly covers it with an excited smile.
"I don't think he will be bothering you again." He painfully breathes out. His teeth clench as he jumps. I jerk back spying Blood pulling back his cane after a gentle tap against Elliot's side.
"Elliot. Why don't you take Jackie back to your room and continue?" He smiles before leaving with the twins close behind. They cast wary glances back and follow their boss. I worriedly stare at Elliot's stomach, gently squeezing his arm.
I really hope what I did doesn't come back to bite me in the butt someday.
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10 REVIEWS~ How is Gray going to react to their sudden display of public affection?