It was almost morning, when they arrived back at their house. Abe had been lost in thought the whole way back and had not spoken to anyone. It felt as if Darren's words and that demon had poisoned his love for Louise... or rather his certainty of her affection for him. What Darren had said was not a lie. Her kindness and her self-deprecating personality meant that she tended to end up befriending, or in relationships, with people she felt needed her. At the same time she shielded her heart, by not getting to emotionally attached to friends or lovers. It was almost as she expected them to leave. She was letting herself being used as a stepping stone for people with low self-esteem. Was that how she looked at him? A sad creature, the world had turned its back on? A man with a broken heart that needed reassurance? A pathetic life form that had pledge his entire existence to follow other peoples lead? And then there was that kiss. He could still feel the searing kiss burning on his lips and the adrenalin from it flowing through his veins, corrupting him. He had not realised until that moment how badly he wanted... needed Louise to want him in that way. He damned Darren and his psychotic mind game. Abe had been happy when he awoke yesterday morning and now he had been poisoned by doubt and fear. Maybe Louise had been perfectly justified in fearing, what he would find if he read her thoughts.
When they arrived at their home, Abe went through the living room and straight into the library. Once in there, he walked to his tank and rested his head against the glass. He heard the door open and in the reflection he could see Louise coming towards him. Even after all that had happened she looked almost as beautiful, as when they left the night before. Her makeup was a little smeared, her hair tousled and her dress a little dirty from landing on the ground.
"Abraham." She whispered softly, while placing a hand on his shoulder. He couldn't turn to face her. He felt disgusted with himself and unworthy of her. He feared her affections were based on pity and that led to even more anger. Darren planned this. He wanted this and it was working.
"Talk to me." She said gently.
"I'm fine. I just need time to think." Abe stated without looking at her. What happened next he hadn't expected.
"Damn it, Abe! Are you really listening to what that insane idiot said? You know me, he doesn't!" She stated angrily and he turned with a surprised expression. She grabbed him by the collar of his shirt and pulled him down for a bruising kiss, fuelled with all her anger, hurt and frustration. She was determined to show him that she cared and took complete control of the situation, by forcing him to kiss her. Abe sighed with relief as he kissed her back. This was real, this was her. She pulled away slightly and said in a low voice.
"You are the only one I cannot... don't want to hide my feelings from. It is not an option for me not to care. And I do... so much." She breathed.
It all came crashing down on Abe. All the feelings of remorse, fear and anguish was replaced by a guilt for doubting her. He placed his gloved hands behind her head and neck and pulled her close. He kissed her with all the passion and love that he felt, not holding back on any of it. He didn't consider he could overwhelm her or scare her away. He needed to be as close to her as possible. She grabbed onto his shirt with both hands to prevent herself from falling. He had completely turned the tables on her and she wasn't sure how to handle it. He deepened the kiss even more and as his tongue gained entry into her mouth, she moaned. A surge of electricity went through her and she was definitely not in control anymore. She never was with him. For all his kindness and hesitation, there was a man who she could not hide from. He had the upper hand, when it came to her, if he decided to take advantage of that fact or not. Not only did he make her feel vulnerable, but when with him she wanted to be just that. She trusted him completely. She whimpered with disapproval, when he removed his mouth from hers, but gasped as he started kissing her neck.
"I need to touch you." He desperately pleaded between kisses. His shyness was completely gone and it was replaced with an intense need for her.
"O-okay..." Was all she managed to whisper in her surprised state of mind. She had never thought he could be this way, but she loved every moment of it. He let go of her, dragged of his gloves before pulling her close again and continued to kiss her as passionately as before. Her kisses were like a drug to him and each one removed a little more of the poison, that Darren and the Pishacha had administered into his heart. He needed his hands to tell him that this really was her. He wanted there to be no doubt left in his mind, that this was real and that the affection she returned was not just pity. His hands roamed freely over her body, every one of her nerves telling him where and how to touch. His own emotions mixed with hers, cascaded inside of him. There was no coherent thought or doubt. Just her. She wrapped her hands around his neck and guided him towards the couch, her lips never leaving his. She had never felt anything this strongly, he consumed her and she could swear that his touch, was transferring some of his emotions to her. He gently lowered her on the couch and as soon as she lay down, he was above her, his lips assaulting her neck. Her hands were roaming freely over his chest and back, as she silently damned the shirt he was wearing. She gasped, whimpered and moaned as his hands and lips continued to answer her unspoken prayers. She arched her back as she felt his hand sliding up at the outside of her thigh, appreciating her as if she was a goddess.
"Breakfast is ready!" Red roared from the kitchen and to Louise's regret Abe lifted slightly off her and looked down into her eyes. His heart pounded even harder as he looked at her flushed cheeks, her lips swollen and red, while her eyes were sparkling with desire.
"If I kill him, will you visit me in prison?" She grumbled half-heartedly, as she was still breathing heavily.
"It could be worse. He could have waltzed in here." Abe chuckled, while trying to catch his breath.
"Hmmm... I think I'm going to make a lock for that door, that's voice activated." She mused with a giggle.
"Good idea. We better get going, dear, or we will have a small army of red monkeys charging down the door." He chuckled before stroking her cheek and lifting himself of her. She smile sheepishly at the endearment and took his hand as he offered it to help her up. It was reassuring to know that not all of Darren's plans seemed to be working.
- OOO -
Louise was frustrated. Because of all that had been happening she was behind on her work and was increasingly concerned about her midterm paper. Because of this she had spent the last five days glued to her computer and her electronic equipment. Abe had been sweet to clear a part of the basement for her and provide her with a table for her electronic equipment. This gave her a nice private place to work, but at the same time it was irritating. She had hardly spent any time with Abe, since the morning he had kissed her absolutely senseless. The very thought of it made her knees go weak and her face blush. And when she had done, what she had decided to do for the day, she was often so tired that she went straight to bed. Still her thesis was important. She was grateful that Abe not only understood, but knew that she had to do this though her heart desired something else entirely.
- OOO -
The kids were exited beyond belief and had talked about nothing for days. Damn it all, he was as excited as they were. Halloween was the one time of the year, where he could take his family out just like any other father. Some people would recognize him, sure, but most just complimented him on his costume. He was not so sure about what Liz thought about it, but she always went with them and did seem to have a good time. Every year it got more fun as the children got older. These moments were too few and far in between, but he had somehow learned to appreciate what he had. Red had Liz, Sarah and Trevor and in the end that was all that truly mattered. He had big plans for tonight. First they would go trick or treating with the children and after they would go have a meal somewhere. Not order take out, but rejoice that they could sit in a place and eat without people starring at them. And preferably somewhere that had and "all you can eat" buffet. Red had wanted to take the children to the trollmarket to experience that, but Liz said that they were far too young and she was right. He walked up behind Liz who was changing in front of the mirror. He placed his hands on her waist and kissed her cheek.
"Are you ready, Liz?" He smiled.
"Yeah, I just need my hat." She replied and put on a pointy witch hat. Other than that she wore her regular clothes.
"A witch?" Red raised an eyebrow.
"Sarah thought we would make a good pair." She smiled lightly.
Red chuckled and they went down stairs where the children were waiting in excitement. Red looked around and couldn't see Abe or Louise. He knew Abe was in the library and Louise was probably working on something in the cellar. Those two really needed to learn that life was too short for them to waste it like this. In Red's mind her studying could wait. He had been happy, when he found out that Abe... well whatever he had with Louise. He wouldn't say anything and neither would she. In truth Red didn't care as long as they were happy and Abe deserved happiness after, what he had been through. However this was a night for celebration in Red's mind and those two should join. They needed to get out. He had already convinced Abe, with the help of his kids, to come. The tricky one would be Louise, since she was so buried in her work.
"Liz, could you see if you can get Louise out of the basement? Then I'll get the kids ready."
"She is busy with work, Red." Liz explained.
"Yeah, I know, but she needs a night out."
"Alright, but no promises." Liz smiled.
Red stuck his head in the door of the library, telling Abe they were leaving shortly, before helping the children with the coats and boots. Liz called for Louise down in the basement and a few minutes later she came up.
"Are you leaving now?" Louise smiled kindly.
"Yeah, and you are coming as well squirt." Red stated in a tone that said; No arguments allowed.
"But I have work to finish." She tried to explain as she gestured towards the basement.
"It might do you some good with a break. Abe is coming as well." Liz tried and Abe had just entered the room long enough for him to hear it. Louise smiled shyly and he shifted a little uncomfortably.
"Even so... I really need to get this done." She smiled, trying not to giggle like a nervous little girl.
"Please, please, please." The children begged in unison.
"But I don't have a costume." Louise tried in a friendly voice, as if it was a good reason not to go.
"I do!" Sarah said excitedly and went to the corner, where she had put some of her toys. She came back with a plastic tiara and Louise declared defeat by bowing her head and let the little girl place it on her head.
"Great, let's go." Red said exited and went out the door, his children right on his tail.
- OOO -
Walking through the streets with Liz on his arm and the kids running in front eager to get to the next house, he never felt more content. Still in some ways it was bittersweet. They should be able to do this every day. Liz nudged him gently in the side and tore him from his thoughts. She gestured him to look behind them with her head. Red chuckled as he saw Louise and Abe falling further and further behind as they talked.
"I told you it would work itself out." Red stated clearly proud of himself.
"You did. I hope it will last, Abe deserves it. I wonder how long it has been going on." Liz mused.
"A little over a week? Who knows?" Red shrugged and saw his children eagerly standing at the next house waiting for him to join them.
Walking side by side with Louise he felt a little uneasy. He was afraid someone would recognise him and put Louise in an uncomfortable situation. He shouldn't really, since she had stood up for him on several occasions. He reached for her hand and sighed with relief when she took it. It still warmed his heart that she had overcome her fear and touched his hand without hesitation, even if they were both wearing glows at the moment. If only he could overcome his own fear of rejection. He looked at her and discovered her eyes were closed and turned towards the sky. It was a very cold night and her breathing was clearly seen in the air. He chuckled as he looked at her.
"What?" She said opening her eyes.
"Nothing." He smiled.
"Liar... this is nice though. I'm glad I came along." She smiled squeezing his hand.
"As am I." He smiled, but his expression then turned serious as he looked away.
"You know, it's unfair that if you want to know what's bothering me, you can just touch my hand. But when something is troubling you I have to play this guessing game, because you won't tell me." She raised an eyebrow being serious, but not correcting or scolding him.
"I just didn't want to spoil the moment." He explained.
"That's sweet, but now I would like to have my curiosity satisfied." She smiled kindley.
"I just regret that, when you are with me things like this will be rare. Any other day, just walking down the street like this, people will stare at me. I know you prefer to be unnoticed." He sighed. She stopped him and put her glowed hand on his cheek.
"It doesn't bother me. I wish it could be different and perhaps one day it will be. I'm not offended by you or people starring. Besides if I walk like this with you more often, perhaps others will be encouraged to become more tolerant." She smiled caressing his cheek.
"I don't want you to be uncomfortable." He explained.
Her responds was to put her hand behind his neck and pull him down for a long, passionate and lingering kiss. His eyes widened momentarily, but he eventually surrendered to the kiss and placed his hands on her waist. Some people on the street were whistling, a car that drove by honked and somewhere someone shouted "Get a room!".
"Way to go man!" Another guy shouted from across the street and Louise had to pull back as she all but roared with laughter. Abe was feeling incredibly shy, but kept his hands on Louise's waist.
"See I don't mind." She chuckled.
"You are incorrigible." He breathed against her temple before kissing it.
"Aaaawww, did I make you feel embarrassed?" She teased and kissed him lightly. She then continued.
"I was serious though. Perhaps part of the problem is that you are hiding. Not that I blame you or anyone else for that matter. Just a thought."
"I know. If only everyone were like you." He breathed as they continued to walk.
"Hell no! For one, I have heard that the people we dislike the most, are those who remind us of our own shortcomings. Imagine all the grief I would have on a daily basis? Secondly, I like having you to myself, thank you very much." She smiled brightly up at him and he had to chuckle.
Walking up to rejoin Red, Liz and the children, Abe started wondering. Perhaps Louise was right. It would take willingness from both sides to create a world, where creatures like him could live side by side with humans. It just seemed like an impossible task. Yet she had started to try and make some awareness about the problem. She had decided to hope rather than give up and even as she was feeling afraid about so many other things in her life. Despite Darren, she still managed to smile, joke and make sarcastic remarks. God, how he loved her and he dearly hoped that one day her affection would grow into love as well.