This is going to be fun. That was his immediate slightly sarcastic thought as Hellboy stood in the medical bay door. He had some to check on Cameron, He planned to apologize to her. It would easier to do so when she is on a gurney in a relaxed medicated state. There was just one problem. Cameron wasn't relaxing like she should have been. He was certain that he was not medicated either. Damn. She was standing up, stretching her arms over her head in an attempt to pull her shirt on. Her stomach still showed, long with the bandages that helped hold her ribs steady. That made his heart ache remembering that he was the cause of that injury. Hellboy grinned a little as she cursed beneath the thick fabric of her fleece shirt. 'Don't just stand there you ass. Help me out here." She directed that particular curse at him. How he loved her voice; especially when she cursed. Even with that sharp tone, she managed to send a familiar frostbite tingle down his spine.
"How did you know it was me?' he asked. She paused her light struggling and laughed. God that laugh was spine tingling.
"When you walk, the ground shifts with how heavy you come down on your heel." She explained. Hellboy chuckle a deep rumbling sound as he came over and gripped the edge of her shirt.
"So what you are saying is that your world shakes when you hear me coming?" he batted back. With the shirt completely over her head, Cameron looked up at him. He watched those delicious lips pull together in an attempt not to laugh. It wasn't working. Her lips curled upwards and her eyes glittered with laughter.
"Did you just come up with that?" she questioned.
"Off of the top of my head."
She laughed, shook her head and moved to the counter on the other side of the room. She snatched up her shawl and eased on the black flats that sat on the floor. 'I'm impressed." She said. Hellboy watched her with a soft smile. She was very pretty when not yelling at him. The way her body moved, even when injured, was graceful. Hellboy felt a little more confident after her compliment. He would easily admit that he watched to impress her.
"As you should be I am rather impressive." He said back. Cameron looked over her head and raised an eyebrow at him.
"Don't let it get to your head. It is already big enough." She grinned back. Hellboy scowled at her. And there went his ego boost. He almost didn't notice the movement of her hand. She was pulling a cloth sweat band over her wrist, hiding the cream covered bandage wrapped around her. His heart constricted again. That white hooded bastard had branded his Cameron. Yes, he was claiming her now. No matter how much they argued, she was his woman. The mark on her skin was only a reminder to him that he couldn't protect her. How could she possibly want a weak man? His brow furrowed and lines of discontent etched over his features. His stone hand curling into a tight fist. Cameron must have noticed because she quickly pulled her sleeve down to hide it.
"Red." She started. 'I am so sorry." Her apology shocked him. She was always so strong and proud. He figured too proud to admit a untrue fault. He stood there in wide eyes surprise. "I should have been more careful." She exhaled. "And I shouldn't have yelled at you. It was childish."
HB shook his head, coming over and taking her hands in his own. Her palms were so small, nestling in his touch. "No Cameron." Don't." he started. "I should have been able to protect you. And I shouldn't have gotten angry with you. You are a grown woman and can more than handle yourself." He paused and said, "What happened was a trap to get a hold of you. We just happened to fall into it." He sighed. "I just get worried. So many people I love get hurt. I don't want that to happen to you." He said to her. Hellboy never even thought about word choice until that playful smile spread over her face. Her eyes were that gorgeous shade of blue. Damn. It was absolutely beautiful. And her smile sent little shivers over his skin. There was half a moment that he seriously contemplated kissing her. He wanted to taste the softness of her plump lips. HB started to lean in when she cut him off by speaking.
"Did you just say you love me?" she teased.
His smile fell a little bit. Shit, did he really use the 'L' word? Shit. He didn't think he said that out loud. His stomach twisted a little. Crap. How was he going to get out of his word vomit? "Did I say that? Hmmm…no. I don't think so." He said. Hellboy released his hold of her cheek and backed a step away.
"Yes you did!" she laughed. 'You said the people you love and that included me."
He just shook his head. "No I did not! I never said specifically you." He was so desperate to try and get her away from the subject. He didn't love her, did he? He didn't know. It was to early to tell what his feeling were growing to be. He did know for sure that he was very fond of her.
"It was insinuated." She responded back with a grin.
"It isn't just to you. I love everyone." He said. He wasn't serious of course. The only person he loved was his children and Abe, in a brotherly kind of way. After all, all the freaks had were each other. Then there was Liz and his father, but they were both deceased. After Liz passed, he promised himself never to love another woman again. And then Cameron walked into his life with her big ice blue eyes and saucy attitude. How could he stop himself from falling for his perfect opposite? There was no way he could. He would just have to hold on for the ride. Something told him it was going to be one hell of a ride. However, saying that he loved everyone wasn't helping his case with her.
"Everyone? You are such a man whore." She teased him. Thank god she got the joke. Cameron grabbed the edges of her shawl and wrapped it around her. How humorous, the ice princess could get a bit chilly. "How are Elaina and Trevor?" she asked.
Hellboy reached out of her. Cameron did not hesitate. Her footsteps were quick as she moved into arms reach. She was such a perfect fit against him. The top of her head reached his chin. "They are a bit worried about you." He admitted. Cammi chuckled and shook her head. The tousling of her hair caused a scent of cool vanilla to drift into his face. She smelt so good. With an easy touch, he wrapped his arm around her waist and settled her against his left side. He made sure not to hold to tight because of her ribs even though he wanted nothing more than to cling to her with all his strength and never let go. "They both want to check on you."
That caused a delighted laugh to escape her lips. "Is that so?" she asked him. He nodded. "Where are you?" Hellboy just smiled. He could sense the excitement in her tone. She missed them as much as they did her.
"Calm down squirmy." He laughed, receiving a playful glare on her end. "They are both in the library. I had to explain that they can't play like they normally do with you because of your boo boo." That comment made her laugh a little as they moved down the hallway. His strides were long and slow, giving her enough time to match his with however many of her own she would need to take. She was keeping up rather well.
"Mu boo boo huh?" she laughed. Hellboy just offered her a restricted smile. There was no need to tell her that Elaina already knew everything. With a bit of luck, it wouldn't come up in conversation. He didn't want to attempt to explain it even when he didn't know. "I have missed them to." She chuckled. Hellboy's brow furrowed together tightly.
"It has only been a night." He said. Cameron bit her lower lip. There was a silence as the rounded the last corner before the library. She paused at the large double doors. He lips pressed together that accompanied a thoughtful look in her eyes. 'Cameron?" he questioned. He wanted her to share those thoughts. He wanted her to share everything with him.
"Hellboy, you were right last night." She mumbled. He blinked a couple times. Did she just admit he was right? Point goes to Hellboy. Although he was pretty sure he shouldn't be keeping score. He focused back to Cameron. What was he exactly right about? It could have been something completely insignificant to be overly happy about.
"I am?"
She laughed that beautiful melodic laughter of her. 'Yes." She reached over and placed a hand on the door handle. "I care for those kids a lot in the short amount of time I have been here." She said. "Maybe," there was a pause, "It isn't a bad thing to be that womanly influence in their life." Hellboy held back a grin. Turns out his twins would have the mother they needed. At least he hoped. She could change her mind and run for the hills at any time. He did have an insane family. And he prayed she wouldn't run. He actually liked this woman and her feisty attitude. "Not to mention that they are some cute kids."
He chuckled. "Just like their daddy." Shooting her a grin, Red watched as she slowly arched her eyebrow at him. She just shook her head and gave a slight sigh of exacerbation.
"Don't push it baby." She said. Hellboy laughed and patted her bottom as she opened the door. She barely had time to shoot him a glare over her shoulder before her name was sun loudly.
"CAMMI!"
The twins jumped up from where they were sitting. Both were ecstatic to see the young woman. Hellboy scowled slightly as they were simultaneously bolting over towards her. "Walk!" he barked. It seemed they didn't remember what their father had told them about taking it easy with Cameron. They were excited to see her. Although, it seemed Cammi had braced herself for what was to come. The elegant Italian woman smiled as the toddlers came over to her.
"Daddy said you gots a boo boo saving the world." Trevor said in his usual sweet and timid tone. Cameron reached down and ruffled his hair. He, in return, smiled up at her. HB loved seeing his usual shy boy opening up. Hellboy wrapped his arm protective arm around his slightly official girlfriend. Again, there was some confusion on the point of what the hell they were. He still cared for her, no matter what. As long as she was his to cherish, he didn't care what he is called.
"Yea buddy. But I will be alright." She said. The boy nodded and then reached out to take her hand. Elaina grasped the other. He watched his children lead her towards a big arm chair.
"We made a seat cwomfy for you." Elaina chirped. They had placed a pillow and blanket in the chair to help Cameron's comfort. It was needless to say that he was proud of his children. She smiled brightly at them both.
"Thank you." She chimed. The twins led her over to the chair with Hellboy close behind them. He was prepared to intervene if it looked like she was pushing herself to hard. She just kept smiling and eased herself down in the seat. He body was tense for a moment. Out of pain or preparation, he didn't know. But it wasn't long before she leaned back and relaxed.
"How are you feeling Cameron?" Mother fucker! Hellboy jumped at the sudden appearance of Abe's voice. He turned, seeing his old friend just floating back and forth in his giant swim tank. He frowned He never startled easily. When he did, it was normally because Cameron was using her documented 'ninja skills'. Trevor had been learning from her, but Hellboy could always tell when his son was coming along. He laughed every time he came close to his target.
"Damn Abe! Could have said you were here man?!" He said. There was amusement in Abe's large anime like eyes.
"I have always been ehre." He replied with his everly calm down. "You just were not observant enough to notice." Cameron actually laughed at that. Hellboy frowned. He chose to ignore that particular comment. His attention was needed elsewhere. HB turned to see Cameron scratching through her shirt and bandage at the mare on her flesh.
"Stop that." Hellboy said, walking over closer to her. The ice beauty frowned and looked up at him. Her lips once more pressed into a little line.
"It itches." She stated with a matter-of-fact tone. "When it itches, I scratch. Just like when you get hungry you go eat, along with other bodily functions." She offered him a smile as her fingers continued to dig into her arm.
Of course, her concerned boyfriend scowled lightly. He just wanted her to be healthy. And with any hope that mark would face away in time so he wouldn't have that constant reminder of what happened. But it wouldn't start healing if she kept messing with it. 'It is not going to get better if you keep scratching." He lectured.
Cammi rolled her eyes and gave it one last scratch. "Yes dad." She shot back. He was confused. HB couldn't tell if she was amused or legitimately not happy with him. Women were so damn confusing. The slight twitch in the corner of her mouth gave away her teasing intent. Good. He wasn't actually in trouble.
"That is Big Daddy to you." He shot back. Abe gave a groan while Cameron laughed. Once again, he absolutely adored her laughter. Thank god the kids did not understand the reference what so ever. That was not something he was ready to explain.
"Yes Big Daddy." She purred playfully. HB felt a slip down his spine and straight into his groin. That voice! Dear god! Hellboy shot her a smile. Yep, he could tell that she was going to be a lot of fun to hang around in private.
"Don't worry." Elaina said, touching that spot on the older woman's arm. "Daddy will get the ghosty man who did this." Fun Time was over. Cameron's eyes widened a bit as they looked at the little red head. Her ice gray eyes then flickered towards Red. The fun was most certainly over. Damn. The look she reflected at him was one of disbelief and anger. HB knew that look. She wasn't playing around this time. He was in so much trouble and it wasn't the fun kind he wouldn't mind being in with her.
"You told them?" She questioned. Her voice was a few octaves higher and still held the dangerous tone. He could understand why she was pissed. The world they worked in was a very dangerous and ugly. It would have many nightmares; especially children. He understood that he had far from normal kids. However, he agreed with Cameron on the topic of not overexposing the children to the hell that they went through. That is not a world that they needed to know.
"Don't be mad at daddy!" Elaina exclaimed. Her eyes large nad pleading to the woman she so admired. "I saw it in my sleep. I dreamed it." She explained. Cameron looked down at the child. Her face was reflective of the shock she must have felt. Hellboy somehow managed to stay calm. He already listened to his daughter's story and discussed it with abe early in the morning. All before going to check on Cameron. So he was prepared to answer any questions she might have. As prepared as he could have been.
"You saw it in your dreams?" she asked. Elaina nodded. Cameron bit her lower lip and nodded. "Okay the. Um, Hellboy…" there was a pause as the two adults looked at each other. He chuckled once and offered her an apologetic smile. 'We are going to talk about it later, right?" she asked instead of told him. Her voice seemed to squeak a tad. She must have been in shock. There was no denying that he didn't mind the idea of them in private later too much.
"Promise we will." He said. She gave a slight nod and then opened the children's book in her lap. With Elaina and Trevor kneeling in front of her, Cameron started to read Dr. Seuss' fabled tale of the Lorax. Hellboy plopped down in his usual seat and watched. She read to them with the funny voices that captivated his children's attention. What captivated him were the movement of her lips and the sound of her voice. It made his nerve endings spark with electric shivers. She had to be one of the most beautiful women he had ever seen. That guilt he held originally about her was gone. Why should he not be allowed to love again? It wasn't like he was getting rid of Liz. There was always a place in his heart that belonged solely to her. Hell, she was the mother to two of the most pure and wonderful things in his life. He will always love her. But that didn't mean that after years of mourning he shouldn't give the light of romance another chance. Cameron had brought a light into his darkened life. They have already established feelings for one another. Now it was just taking those feelings a day at a time. She was worth a shot.
This particular day went well in HB's opinion. Occasionally he had to remind his head strong girl to take it easy. She could scowl playfully at him and heed his advice. She knew there was no sense in arguing. Hellboy put the twins to bed later with Cameron vigilantly standing in the doorway. The ice woman smiled as each child wished her good night. "Good night you two." She said in the doorway. Hellboy twisted to glance at her. She shawl wrapped around her as well as her arms. She was leaning against the doorframe and her face had a slight red flush to it. She was in pain. Hellboy knew it. There was no way to hide the grimace behind her smile. 'Sweet dreams." She said.
Red was quick to kiss his daughter on the forehead and move to Cameron's side. The door closed behind him and then children's room left in the green glow of Trevor's night light. 'Are you alright?" he asked. Concern etched on his features. She coughed once and attempted to reassure him with a smile. He could see right through it. 'Why don't you take the medicine Cammi?" he asked her. Abe had given her pain medication to ease the pain so she could move around better. She let out a laugh.
"A, It doesn't hurt that bad. B, they make me loopier than a pot head on cloud nine." She frowned. Hellboy couldn't help it. He laughed. That was an entertaining mental picture. Cameron high as a kite sprawled across her bed with a grin. Then again, it could be his bed. She could be lounged on his bed with barely any clothing, calling him to her. That was an idea he quickly silence. It was so wrong to think of those activities while she was injured. It would be something he would deal with once she was better. It didn't help that his pants had become rather uncomfortable.
'That sounds entertaining." He laughed. She scowled at him. He playfully patted the pckets on his pants. "Damn, where are they?" he teased. She smacked his arm before whimpering and clutching her side. She much has over stretched herself. Hellboy stepped closer and wrapped a protective arm around her. 'Sorry." He didn't want to hurt her.
Cameron offered him a smile. "It's alright. That was self-inflicted. Come on," she took his hand. "I'm exhausted." Hellboy followed helpless like a lost puppy. At least that is what he thought it looked like. She was striding towards her room and he was right there railing on her heels. Then a thought occurred to him. Why was she bringing him to her room? Was she expecting something? Not that he would reject. Her sweet bare form was something he gave an occasional. It was a thought he entertained often. While she was still injured, there was nothing he would do in that department.
"Um Cameron," he started when they reached the bedroom door. "I hope you sleep well." She paused and turned to look up at him. Her cheeks flourished a rather pretty shade of pink. She looked embarrassed. Was that even right? Cameron wasn't the person to get embarrassed. But, there was no denying the blush on her cheeks. Question was about what? She was a strong willed, determined and stubborn woman. Since he had known her, she has fought a hydra bare handed, whipped all the men back in shape, survived many an argument with him that even resulted in a few victories on her part. She even put Manning in his place, multiple times. What the hell did she have to be shy over?
Can you," she paused and gulped. Her cheeks burning even more. He thought it was cute. "Can you please come help me change my clothes? It hurts to do big movements at the moment." That is what she was embarrassed about? Okay. He could work with that. The idea of seeing her bare, or at least almost bare, made his entire body shudder with anticipation. Thank god his pants were loose enough to hide his immediate reaction. That would be so awkward for her to catch.
"Of course." He said with warmth in his tone. She nodded and opened the door. Her room was simple and homey. He liked it. She crossed the room and went to her chest of drawers. She pulled out a plain black tank and gym shorts before turning back to him. He was to busy looking around the room to notice her watching him.
"You gonna help?" she questioned. He twisted his head and looked at her. She had one eyebrow raised and the clothes tight in her grip. Her thick hair framed her face and her succulent lips in a part. Dear god. She was ravishing and he hadn't even started to undress her yet.
"You going to let me cop a feel?" he jested. Cameron glared at him. Her lips pursed together to keep herself from laughing.
"Only if you don't value the use of your cock." She started Damn! She had such a dirty mouth.
"Somehow, that seems like a decent trade." He retorted back. However, Red was very fond of his male appendage. He didn't want to lose it any time soon, even with the promise of feeling his chosen woman's breast under his hands. He did crave for the feeling. That was something he was not going to deny.
"Wow." She laughed. "That is funny. Now over here and help me undress." Hellboy smirked. Those words certainly sounded good to his ears. 'Undress me' That was a phrase he now wanted to hear every day. She caught the grin on his face and scowled at him. "Don't even think about it." She shot back at him. He laughed and crossed the room to her. His hand reached out and took her spare clothes from her grip.
"Then you can think about it for me." He muttered. Hellboy watched with delight as she turned a pretty shade of pink again from embarrassment. How her lips pursed together and her eyes closed, he figured she just pictured what he inferred. Cameron turned around with her back facing him.
"No peeky." She grumbled at him. As serious as she attempted to sound, he could still hear the laughter. He chuckled and reached for the hem of her shirt.
"Can't promise." He whispered in her ear. He watched the shiver visible travel down her spine. That helped his sense of pride. He did that to her. He pulled her shirt up, sipping it over her head and down her arms. Her skin was soft, feeling almost like satin under his fingertips. He loved the feeling. He wanted to pull her up against him and feel every inch of her luscious body against him. His fingertips danced down her waist to settle on her hips. She was cool to the touch. It felt so good against his heated flesh. The ice woman against him just brought a relaxing feel seeping into his heated body.
"Hellboy, fo…focus." She stammered.
"I could say the same to you." He mused. He could hear her sigh of exacerbation, or was it a gasp as he pulled his tough up her slender waist to the back of her bra. She seemed to relax against him.
"I am focused." She mumbled. Hellboy's fingers unsnapped her bra clasp in one swift movement. She gasped loudly and quickly grasped the front cups of her bra to keep it from falling off. In consequence, a groan rumbled through her chest. She had moved her arms faster than her ribs allowed her to do in comfort. He felt a little guilty. He didn't mean to hurt her. That feeling was gone when his eyes traveled down his unobstructed view of her back. Damn. His pants started to tighten with it getting a bit uncomfortable. Fuck! This was not the time to be getting turned on, especially since she was banged up and bruised to hell. He could see the bruises in question along her rib cage from his position. They were like deep purple blossoms against her porcelain skin.
"No you aren't." he teased. Hellboy saw jut how much boarder he was than her when he stepped up. His hands trailed up to her shoulders. After feeling her skin, he was almost certain that he didn't ever want to let her go. "You are very beautiful." He whispered. He leaned down and kissed her shoulder. Another visible shiver swept through her as she sighed. Another point for the pride column.
"Am I now?" she teased.
He nodded and laid another kiss closer to the back of her neck. "Of course." He mumbld.
"Does that have anything to do with me being topless?" she questioned. Hellboy chuckled and slid his hands back down to their place on her waist. His stone hand easily rested on her hip bone and his left made a small pacing pattern up and down.
"Nu-h." he muttered. He was intoxicated by her. She laughed and tossed her bra to the corner where her laundry hamper was. Her hands cupped her breast and hid them from his view. Damn. That was disappointing.
"Good." She laughed. "Now put my shirt on so I can be even more beautiful." Hellboy paused as he was going down for another kiss. His fun was cut rather shirt. His eyebrows furrowed together. Maybe it was a good thing she stopped him. His pants were considerable constricted and his mind wondering to less than clean places. An example of one of those places would be his ice queen on the bed, bare and subjected to his sweet touch and kiss. He could almost hear her moaning his name.
"You are no fun." He said. She laughed again. Hellboy snatched the shirt of the bed. He twisted it around and tucked her head in the top hole. One arm was next, then another followed. He never saw a clear view of her chest. However, when she turned around he could see his touch and little kisses gave some affect from the slight perking at the tip of her breast. God, how he wished the fucking shirt was gone.
"I take offence to that!" she exclaimed. He laughed and looked down into her eyes. She had such a stubborn fire that flinted in her eyes. "I am oodles of fun!" He snorted once and smirked at her.
"You are as fun as a wet sock." She raised her hand, as if to playfully hit him. Then she paused. A smirk spread over her features as she shrugged.
"When I don't hurt every time I move, you are so on." She grinned.
Hellboy watched as she caught her singers in the lip of her pants. It took everything he had not to let his mind wander as she shimmied out the stretchy material. He knelt down to help her out of the material as it reached her feet. God. He had to think of something else besides the gorgeous pair of long legs jutting out from her underwear. Wait! Were those made of silk? He quickly had to aver his eyes and think of everything from trolls to dead baby animals. It barely helped the comfortable stiffening between his legs.
"I could give you pain medication." He suggested. She shot him a glare as she stepped into her shorts and pulled them up. They were still short, but it was a damn shame to put another layer of clothing between them.
"Do that and I will personally make your life hell." She threatened half-heartedly. "And don't think I won't." He held up both hands in mock defeat.
"I wouldn't dare risk your wrath snowflake." He teased.
She shot a satisfied smirk at him. 'And don't ever forget it."
Their laughter came to a clam silence a few minutes later. He looked down at her. His smile was soft and affectionate. She was such a beautiful woman, with a surprising ability to make him feel as if his whole life was a simple calming joy. He hadn't felt like that in a while. "Good night Cameron." He whispered. She blushed and smiled up at him. He leaned toward her and kissed her forehead. He didn't want to push their relationship to quickly, even though they basically undressed her.
"Good night." She whispered. Hellboy turned and headed to the door. His thoughts were twisting towards a very cold shower and beer before getting some shut eye. The odds of if he was going to have dirty dreams about her or not were rattling through his brain when she spoke again, "Hey Red."
Hellboy turned again and looked at her. The bed covers were peeled back and she was perched against her pillows. Her long legs folded beneath her and her hair shaken out from her braid to fail in thick waves around her head. "Yes?" he asked.
Cameron offered him a smile. "Would you," there was a pause as she twisted her hands in her lap. Her potential question dissipated. "Stay." She said. It wasn't a command. It was more of a suggestion that rolled off her lips with a warmth. A suggestion he would happily take.
"As you wish." He said. Hellboy reached over and flicked the light switch with a single stone hand. The room was washed in the evening shadows. She sat there and watched him as he moved. He couldn't look away from her as he slowly strode across the room. One shoe was pulled off and then the other. He then reached behind him and pulled his shirt over his head. HB laid it over her chair and then came over to the other side of the bed. Cameron pushed the covers back so he could come right in. It took a moment for him to situate his tail to the side, but he soon leaned back against the two pillows. Cameron instantly curled into his arms; her arm wrapped over his waist and her head against his shoulder. His left arm wrapped around her. His hand settled against the delicate curvature of her waist. He body flushed against his side.
"Hey Red?" she muttered. He let out a little grunt in acknowledgement of her addressing him. "We never did discuss Elaina."
He tilted his head to kiss her temple. "We will tomorrow. Tonight, let's just sleep." She muttered something of an agreement back before nuzzling against him. HB smiled and closed his eyes to let himself be pulled from the conscious world.
Sleep that night for them had never been more peaceful.