A/N: I DO NOT own Inglourious Basterds. Glad to see you guys are still around!

Matador

I felt my muscles contract as the whip landed on my back, pain exploding from the skin and sending heated waves throughout my body. Clutching the ropes tightly that held up my wrists, I tilted my head back and danced on my toes, pressing my thighs together.

"That's pretty nice." Donny breathed in my ear, his lips brushing the shell of my ear. Putting his hands on my shoulders I pressed myself against him as he tongued my ear suggestively, his breath tickling the back of my neck.

"I love the way your body craves me." He whispered, letting a hand inch between my thighs, rubbing me lightly. With a moan I arched my back and let my head come to rest on his shoulder as his fingers entered me. Rocking my hips with his hand I moaned, turning my head to capture Donny's mouth with mine.

"Yes, she truly is quite lovely is she not? You know Donny, I think she'd like more." A chilling voice spoke softly from the corner, and my eyes snapped open as a beam of light suddenly shown on Walter's face from where he sat in the corner, clad in full uniform.

"Come on over Walter. David and I were just getting her warmed up for you." Donny said, and I suddenly felt another pair of hands on my breasts and attempted to jerk myself around, snapped back in place by the binds. As Walter approached, he smiled, lending a hand to stroke my face before grinning wolfishly.

"You know you want it." He growled in German, then trailed a hand down between my breasts. Behind me, Donny and David continued to caress my body, dozens of hands running over my skin and holding me forcefully.

Shaking my head forcefully I found my mouth sealed shut, unable to speak as I began to throb painfully with desire between my legs.

Prying my legs apart, Walter dove between them, assaulting me with his mouth. I felt my entire frame convulse as Donny grabbed my breasts. Suddenly a sharp pain erupted from my belly and I glanced down to find the hilt of a knife.

"Just like that. Tear her apart." Walter commanded, smiling again to reveal completely sharpened teeth. I gasped in horror as he bit down on my clitoris forcefully, sending pain so vile through my body that I screamed at the top of my lungs, just as Donny and Walter continued to stab me over and over again.

I shot up violently, the remnants of pain evaporating as I awoke to an aggressive pounding at my bedroom door. Running my hands through my hair, I shook my head, inhaling deeply as I tried to shake the nightmare from my mind. I only became aware that the knocking on my door was very real when a sudden bang sent me flying to the door.

"I'm coming!" I exclaimed, wondering if something had opened. Pulling on a robe, I threw open the door just as Donny all but collapsed inside, falling into my arms. One inhale was all it took to catch the heavy stench of booze on his breath and skin.

"Donny!" I exclaimed in surprise, trying not to fall from under his weight as I struggled to gain my balance. Putting his hands on my shoulders he wrapped his arms around me for a moment before pushing me aside, walking to my bed and sitting down sloppily so that he slid onto the floor.

Turning on the light, I closed the door to my bedroom. This was the first time I had talked to anyone in the house since my self-imposed exile following the desecration of the relationship that never was. Aldo was back at the headquarters with the other guys, working another mission that needed all the manpower he could get. That left Donny and I behind, and neither of us made any attempt to speak to one another since our talk.

I wrestled with the guilt. I couldn't stop hating myself, knowing I brought it on. Why couldn't I just control my body? Why couldn't I stop myself from being attracted to such a wretched man and the pain he liked to instill upon me. I didn't know, and though it was clear Donny was upset, he assured me it wasn't my fault. That didn't stop me from feeling—and knowing—that it was.

For the first time in my life since I lost the old Walter, I was finally letting someone in again. I could sleep beside Donny at night without having to get up and leave, unable to make myself vulnerable before another. It felt like I was finally whole, as Plato's Myth of Aristophanes. My drive to search for my other half was finally complete, and I was forgetting the past, embracing the future.

And now? Where was I? What did I have? With all the French women running around, baring their legs for American guys there was no guarantee Donny would be around after this was all over. Who was to say he wouldn't simply move on, having gotten over his momentary desire. After all, I was nothing particularly special. What reason did he really have to wait for me?

Attempting to piece my mind together as I glanced at Donny on the floor, I noticed for the first time that his face was flushed bright red, eyes swollen and cheeks tinted. Walking over to him, I knelt down carefully and he met my eyes for the first time, causing me to freeze in a moment of confusion, sadness, and concern.

His eyes were bright red, puffy, and watery. Instead of the normal glassiness that came with intoxication, it was abundantly clear that Donny had been crying, and pretty hand. Placing a hand on his cheek gently, my concern for him overshined any confused thought.

I knew Donny was an emotional man. Not one to break into tears, but enough that he was in touch with his feelings. Just like Aldo was, as well as my Walter. It only meant that crying signified something serious, and my heart pounded in my chest as I wondered if we had perhaps lost Aldo or one of the other guys.

"Donny? What is it?" I breathed, and he sniffled, then shook his head, face crumpling as he broke into heavy sobs and dropped his head. Getting on my knees I leaned in and put my hands on either side of his face and he pushed them away, then shoved a small crumpled piece of paper into them.

Looking down as he retracted his shaky hands and covered his face with them, I unfolded the paper which had seen better days, immediately catching sight of messy scrawl, dated a month back.

Brother,

I know you told me not to write, but I though you needed to know. I'm not sure when you'll get this, but it's better I try and tell you before you come home and find out. Mom and dad died last night. A car accident, in the Ford. Their brakes failed on that curve and they spun right off into a ditch. Doctor said they died instantly. I'm planning the funeral for next week, you know where they wanted to be buried, and I talked to Martha. She and dad hadn't talked since he left her mom but she's going to help me out. Dad was really proud of you, said it every damn day. Hoping the chief can get this to you, I didn't leave any information that could be traced. I love you, and I'm begging you to come home. Even Martha's praying for you. If anything, mom and dad would want to see you get back after killing all those Nazi bastards. I love you big brother. Please come home soon.

C

I reread the letter two more times before looking up at Donny who continued to cry, shaking his head. Putting the letter on the floor, I did the only thing I could: I lunged forward and wrapped my arms around him, rocking gently as he buried his face in my shoulder, tears streaming across my skin.

I had never been good at offering comfort. I'd never had the chance. Everyone so often if a girl at the brothel got sick I would make her soup, but that was the extent of my dealings in human compassion. Back before the war, any situation my old friends got into could be solved with a pat on the back and a night of chatting with boys from one of the other schools.

I could not help but feel uncomfortable as I wondered if I was doing the right thing. What if I did or said something wrong? What if I made things worse? With Aldo it seemed so simple, I suppose because his opinion wasn't of high importance to me. I cared for him of course, and did not wish him to be upset any longer, but if I spoke wrong and upset him further, it meant a lot less than it did with Donny.

I wasn't sure what to say exactly. Unlike Aldo, we had nothing in common with our situation. I killed my father, and had not talked to my mother in years. How could I share in his grief when I didn't know what he felt?

Besides that, I suddenly felt overwhelmingly irrelevant. The letter had revealed several things I knew nothing about in Donny's life. I thought we had gotten to know one another, but I was not even aware his had a brother or apparent half-sister. Those kinds of things were the basics, and they were things I didn't know. It made me wonder, did he want to let me into his life at all? Sure he had told me stories about friends, and experiences, but nothing major about family. All I knew was that he loved his parents, and it was apparent he had not yet envisioned a life without them.

"I'm so sorry." I finally choked out, rubbing Donny's back as we rocked on the floor awkwardly. After a series of sniffles he sat up, looking at the ceiling as he swayed drunkenly, leading me to wonder exactly how much he'd had to drink. He was a large man, meaning he had to have intentionally consumed a notable amount of liquor to get this drunk.

"It was my fault." He finally hiccupped after several moments and I shook my head in confusion, aware of the wet spots on my shoulder and chest from his mixture of tears, mucus, and saliva.

"Donny, how could it be your fault? You are here." I stated incredulously, and he shook his head again, letting out a soft whimper then bringing his hands to his face.

"That car. The asked me to fix it before I left and I never got around to it. They had another but something must of happened. If I'd just fixed those damn breaks this never would've happened. I killed my parents." He coughed, and my stomach churned coldly as I found myself in awkward silence.

Accidents happened. There was no doubt about that, but it seemed Donny was right. Of course, I did not believe it was as black and white as he made it, but I understood his guilt.

"But…you don't know that's what it was. Perhaps it was something else." I tried but he glanced up at me with a gaze of momentary anger.

"It says it in the goddamn letter! Their brakes failed, and it's all my damned fault! What's my brother gonna do now he's got a kid my parents took care of. I-" he suddenly stopped short, bending over as he heaved violently.

Much to my relief nothing came up as he continued to dry heave, and I stood up quickly, putting my arms around Donny as though I could actually lift him.

"Come on now. Let's go to the toilet." I coaxed him and he stood up, staggering dangerously, tripping over things and running into walls as we walked across the room. The moment I turned on the light to the bathroom, Donny lunged forward and grasped the toilet bowl, retching miserably into the toilet.

I reached down and put my arms on his shoulders, rubbing his back gently as he continued to vomit. In a brothel where every girl had at least three bottles of booze in her room, it was safe to say I had gotten used to it. That didn't make it any less disgusting, however.

Resting his head on the toilet seat, Donny panted with his eyes closed and I rushed to the sink, turning on the faucet to fill a glass with water I kept in case I got thirsty during the night. Getting on the ground beside him I handed the glass, prompting him to drink it.

As Donny tilted the glass back lazily I stood and retreated to my bedroom for just a moment of solace, preparing for what I knew would be a hellish night. Tomorrow I had to see Walter once more, and I was now fearful to leave Donny alone. He still looked as though he might vomit again, meaning he had drank more than I hoped.

Another experience from the brothel. Once or twice, a girl would drink so much she would vomit brown then become unresponsive, only to have to be taken to the hospital. It was not something I wished to happen tonight, particularly when I was unsure of where to go.

Opening one of the linen drawers, I grabbed a set of bedding and walked back into the bathroom where Donny lay on the floor with his eyes closed, more than likely blacked out.

Removing his sweaty and soiled undershirt, I wrapped him in the covering as best I could, knowing his would begin to shiver soon. Standing quickly, I rushed from the bathroom and threw open my bedroom door, rushing to Donny's room.

Opening his door carefully, I turned on the light then looked around, trying to figure out where he might keep his underthings. Selecting a dresser I began to sort through drawers, finally landing on the bottom one where I pulled forth a pair of socks, underwear, and a cotton undershirt. Clutching the items tightly in my hands I ran back to my room where I found him where I had left him.

Going around my room, I began arranging things so I could care for him during the night. As the alcohol moved through his system he would be cold, meaning I would be forced to sleep with more covers than I was used to. He would also undoubtedly awaken to a nightmare or too, and I would have to be there for him.

The sounds of heaving once more drew my attention, and I flew to the bathroom as Donny hunched over the toilet once more, proud to see he had not left a mess anywhere. As he finished getting sick and came back to rest on the floor I grabbed his hand, running a hand through his hair gently as I glanced down at his sad face.

I wanted to do anything and everything for him that I could, but there was only so much to be done. Reaching up weakly, Donny grasped my hand and opened his eyes, looking at me.

"You can't leave me. You're all I have left." He croaked.

"Donny?" I said quietly, shaking him as he twitched fitfully in his sleep. It was around six in the morning, the first rays of light floating through my curtains following a fitful night which promised me no sleep at all.

He jumped at my touch, and I heard his breath catch as he awoke, signifying I had been right. He'd been having a bad dream.

Reaching back, he grabbed my arm and wrapped it around himself and I kissed is shoulder softly, shushing him back to sleep. After about twenty minutes his breathing began to space and I crept out of the bed, going to the bathroom to quickly wash myself.

Scribbling a quick note in the event he awoke, I left it on my pillow then dressed in a simple skirt and blouse. Pinning my hair up, I added a bit of lipstick then grabbed a pair of heels, sneaking out of the room as quietly as I could.

Closing the door behind me, I first went to Aldo's room to find indeed, he wasn't there. Heading the other direction, I descended the staircase then slipped on my shoes, walking into the kitchen to grab the only remaining car keys left from the small table in the corner.

I was not accustomed to driving. In fact, my mother never even learned so the very thought of the journey I was about to take made me uneasy. I was good at remembering landmarks and directions, and prayed nervously I would not get stopped by any soldiers.

I could have called first. Perhaps I should have, but in my hectic moments of acting without thinking, I moved on impulse. The ideas which had popped into my head sent me on a venture that could very well blow up in my face. As I drove tight-knuckled down the country roads of Paris, I tried to think of what to say and where it would take me.

The drive to Walter's home was a long one, notably with the several wrong turns I took, causing me to backtrack as I tried to find my way. But eventually I did, the sun up and shining as I pulled into the long drive of the ominous House of Pain.

Turning off the car, I got out, slamming the door behind me as I straightened my hat with a gloved hand. As I strode to the front door, my stomach fluttered the way it did whenever I was in Walter's presence. Knowing that he was a corrupted and convoluted memory of my former lover. So tender and caring was the old Walter, harsh and masochistic was this one.

Making my way up the front steps carefully, I rang to beautiful pearl doorknob, set in brass. It was around eight in the morning, and all I could hope was that he would be awake and in good tempers.

After several moments, the door swung open and I found myself staring at none other than David himself, clad in a pair of loose pants, slippers, and a robe.

"David…hello, I'm sorry to-"

"You weren't supposed to be here until two." He interrupted me, and I twiddled my thumbs nervously, taking a step forward and straightening my hat.

"Yes well…I was hoping to speak with Walter." I said quietly, and David stared at me for a long moment, preparing to open his mouth before a cold voice called out behind him.

"Let her in David." Walter spoke, and I glanced through the door at Walter who stood in the foyer, completely dressed in uniform. David glanced back at him for a moment then nodded, stepping aside and gesturing for me to enter.

"David and I were just enjoying breakfast. Come, join me. David, why don't you go wake the servants? Something tells me Elise here will not be staying long." Walter demanded, and David hesitated before giving a curt nod and departing, leaving the two of us alone.

"To what do I owe this pleasure? I assume you come with a purpose? Please, sit." Walter spoke as we entered the dining room. Sitting down in a pulled out seat he grabbed a plate, spooning food onto it then placed it across from me, gesturing for me to sit there.

"Oh, I am not very hungry." I said in quick German as he dug into a cheese soufflé.

"Have a bite." He said once more, a command instead of a request. Pausing for a moment, I picked up a fork and knife and cut into my own soufflé apprehensively, taking a small bite to appease my host before setting it down. It was full of savory flavor, cooked by the best and I could taste nothing.

"Walter I…I need a favor." I finally said after several moments of awkward silence and he only stared at me, chewing his food before nodding to go on and returning his eyes to his plate.

"I need to go away. For a few days there's something I have to take care of. And the agreement-"

"-States you will be present for each of our meetings else it is null and void, yes. And what is this situation you must take care of?" he raised his eyebrows casually, taking a sip of his coffee as uneasiness sank within me.

"It's-personal." I breathed, feeling my face heat as he chuckled over his coffee, setting down the small cup delicately then heading for a link of sausage.

"Personal? Let me guess, something to do with your lover? But of course, I can see the way you blush. Now tell me something Elise, why should I oblige your little request? What exactly will you do for me?"

"Anything." I blurted desperately before I could fully think out the statement. The word was dangerous when used around a man like Walter.

"Anything? I thought you might say something like that. Well, I'll tell you what. I can be as kind as I am cruel. I'll give you leave. A week, at most, but you must repay the debt or you can say goodbye to your friends."

"What do you want me to do?" I asked wearily.

"Don't you worry about that now. That's another matter for when you return. For now, simply remember my generosity, and what will happen it is taken for granted."

"Where were you?" Donny asked as I climbed into bed beside him, still clothed from my impromptu trip to Walter's.

"There was something I needed to take care of. How are you feeling?" I asked, kicking off my shoes and tracing his arm gently as he lay on his side, back against me.

"You went to see him didn't you? You always dress up when you do." He spoke bitterly, and I sighed, rolling out of the bed and pulling off my gloves, slightly irritated. I understood that he was emotional, but after what I had just done, I could not help but wish him the slightest bit more appreciative, even without knowing what had happened.

"Oui, I went to visit Walter, but it is no concern to you. We need to get some food into you and you'll need to pack a few things, you and I will be leaving for a few days." I said, tossing my gloves onto the dresser as the dominatrix began to emerge once more, taking charge.

"Go where?"

"Away. You need time to grieve, but you won't be doing it in this bed or this house. Now go bathe yourself. There are a change of underthings on the sink counter for you." I stated, unzipping my skirt and letting it drop around my ankles. Yanking off my stockings, I felt Donny's eyes on me and turned to face him as I searched my drawers for something to wear around the house.

"Don't start with that grieving and feeling shit. I'm fine where I am." Donny growled, rolling over in the bed.

Suddenly, every bit of frustration I felt with Walter, my present situation, and even my life welled up inside of me, and I pulled out the dresser drawer violently, sending it crashing to the ground slammed my hands on the frame angrily. Turning to Donny I threw my hands up angrily.

"What in the hell do you want from me? To just go away? Is that what you want? You blame me for going to see him and for everything I've done. Maybe I should just stop trying!" I exclaimed angrily, storming across the room.

Perhaps it was the overwhelming emotion in the room. Perhaps it was jealousy that Donny had loving parents to lose. I was being selfish, stupid, and a complete horror to be around. I knew it, but it didn't stop the words from spilling out of my mouth, and the moment I said them I froze, unsure what else to say.

We both stared at one another for a long moment, before Donny frowned, sitting up in the bed.

"I-I'm sorry. I…" I trailed off but he shrugged.

"I know you're not good with this whole person-to-person thing. You're just trying to help." He finally said, though his tone was full of angry bitterness. Not wanting him to leave, I quickly made my way to the door, glancing at the overturned drawer on the floor, clothes strewn across the carpet.

"I…I'll be back." I finally said. "There's some clothing in there for you. I'll…make you something to eat." I finally managed awkwardly, then closed the door behind me, wondering if I had just made one of the smallest yet largest mistakes of my life.

"You want to jet off into the sunset for five days with your lover boy because his parents died? That's what I'm hearing right? You want to leave this house unattended, skip out on your duties, and disappear in Nazi-occupied France so that Donowitz can take some time to grieve?"

Aldo's words hit me like shrapnel, each one causing me to wince as he barked at me harshly, making me feel like a grade-school student being reprimanded.

"I know it sounds…well…erm…I will not see Walter again until next week. He will be away and he does not want me around his wife. Listen Aldo…I know-"

"That it's reckless? Stupid? Elise this isn't a job. It's war. We are an undercover rogue operation of the Allied Forces, not some nine-to-fivers at the office. This job doesn't come with vacation time."

"I know that. But what if…what if I can do something? Or both of us. We can scout the beaches. My family had a second house in Normandy. Or-"

"Why are you even asking me this? Donny's a strong guy, he'll get up. If I didn't think so I never would've given him the letter. Look, I know you're worried about him, but we're in war. Time to grieve and heal comes after."

"Like you've healed? Did you forget the other night? And what about me? Have I healed? How good a soldier can he be if he has not gotten over it? Besides, you have no idea what I-I…with Walter…" I trailed off, and Aldo furrowed his brow for a moment, eyes glancing towards the poorly concealed bruises on my exposed skin.

He opened his mouth for a moment, then seemed to decide against what he was going to say, straightening and clearing his throat.

"And what happens when you two run into trouble?" he finally said, crossing his arms behind his back.

"We won't. Just a couple on holiday." I continued, a heavy tension wavering in the air between us. I could hear the unasked questions churning in Aldo's head, his eyes that told me he knew what lay under my clothes was much worse than anything I tried to cover with cosmetics.

"You'll use a different phone each day. Each time I'll give you a different number to call, we're taking this one to the Brits. You'll scout the area, report back, information is crucial. You two can't interact with no one, no one, you understand me? But first, you gotta get him to agree." Aldo finally spoke after a pregnant pause.

Yes, I seemed to have forgotten that challenge.