Thank you all for your reviews and suggestions ^^
A FEW WEEKS LATER-
In a classroom of students chatting amongst themselves and sneaking phones out to text, Salem was quietly drawing in her notepad. Even though a few boys had leaned over to talk to her she'd made it simple conversation so they would leave her alone to finish her art. The teacher sat up front typing away on his laptop with a rather glum expression. She was sure he was putting in the test grades from today. A test that she quite literally bombed. She didn't mean to. She tried so hard to pay attention in class but of course her thoughts were always occupied. And she couldn't study at home either, not when she was around the person that occupied her thoughts. She would just have to start doing her work at home or else be in serious trouble. Her parents would probably ground her if she failed this class, or any class for that matter, and that would make a big problem for the Horseman or, more or less, her.
"Strife? Why are you drawing that?" Chris asked, tearing Salem from her thoughts as he stared over at her paper. On it in large letters, similar to calligraphy, 'Strife' was what she had drawn across the paper.
She slowly craned her neck around to see him sitting in his desk, leaned over far enough to fall out of it. "Because...It's an interesting word?" she replied, dumbfounded on how to answer.
"How?"
"You don't have to ask so many questions. Some things are better left unsaid." Her voice was flat but otherwise revealed no tension.
"But that's an odd thing to be drawing," he said raising one eyebrow. "Why not your name?"
She looked down at her paper. That was the perfect thing to draw, she thought. Salem & Strife. Salem 'heart's' Strife. Strife 'heart's' Salem. She rolled her eyes at her childish idea but smiled. "You're right," she told the boy in defeat. "But nah." She went back to scribbling in the tiny details on the paper uninterrupted until the bell rang for seventh period. Luckily even that class didn't last too long and the teacher had given them free time which she used to finish her drawing.
When school finally released she shoved the paper in her notepad along with the homework she was determined to do that night and rushed to get out of the building as usual where Strife was waiting on her with a little grin on his face. She rushed down the pathway and up to him, tossing her book bag up impatiently as soon as she was in reach, ready to get away from this place. "You're in quite a rush," he said pulling her up in front of him in the saddle. "Running from your lover boy?"
She rolled her eyes. "No. He actually hasn't bothered me that much today," she lied. "I was really just ready to get back to you." She let out a short huff of a laugh as she admitted it.
His smile disappeared for a second and then reappeared even bigger than before. "Really? Now why would you be so impatient to get back to me?" he asked quietly with a grin, though it seemed he was speaking more to himself than her.
"There's never a dull moment with you," she answered sheepishly.
"Hmm..." He leaned back in the saddle and thought of that for a moment, then, before he could announce a single jeer, Salem turned to look at him.
"My mom asked me to get a few things from the store. Think you can go in without acting like a fool?" She was smiling as she asked this but truthfully she was nervous to take him inside. He never acted well when it came to being in public.
"I'll be on my best behavior," he said putting a hand on his chest. She frowned with doubt considering he had a devious look on his face, but showed him where to go anyways.
When they arrived he yanked Conquest into the alley beside the store so he was out of the way of traffic. This area was farther into the small town and the cars and people seemed to be a bit more pushy here, likely to run the mount over and never blink twice about it.
They dismounted and Salem gave Strife one last warning look before heading inside. He let out a laugh that she could only describe as young and boyish and it made her doubt that this little trip wouldn't happen without some sort of embarrassment.
Once inside, she watched the look on his face turn from unconcerned to curious. She expected she would look the same if she entered some foreign market. She was certain wherever he came from the stores and buildings were much different from earth's. She would have to ask about that later as long as he didn't get pissy about it as usual when she questioned him.
She checked the amount of money she had with her and then led him to the back of the store for the necessary items. If her mother had asked her to get these things it must mean her parents would be in late and be unable to buy it themselves. She kept that in mind for later. She wouldn't have to be so nervous about her parents walking in early on Strife doing something awkward to her like several incidents before. He'd started to make her a paranoid person most of the time because of it. She'd even started locking her bedroom door when Strife and her went back there, even though her parents had never checked on them before. Sometimes she wondered if they were too trusting. And did they really not notice that he never left at night?
As Salem started rummaging through the shelves, Strife curiously looked around at the cans and jars. "You people will eat anything, won't you?"
"No," she said defensively. "I'll have you know my main diet is Ramen Noodles and Chef Boyardee. Not..." she waved at all the junk food, "All that."
He eyed her and smiled. "Is that why you're so in shape?"
She looked down at her self and then her rear end. "Yep," she smirked. He laughed and she rolled her eyes and grabbed what she needed before leading him to another shelf in the store.
She leaned down to grab a box from the bottom and when she looked back to him he was looking at something on one of the racks. She stood up and looked over at him curiously. Of course he would pick the manliest thing he could find with a gun and anarchy symbol on it. It was a large necklace, like the kind a gang might wear with their emblem on it. The chain was thick and when she picked one up for herself it was rather heavy. "It's suits you. You'd look good in it," she smiled before turning back to the shelf to make sure she'd gotten everything on the list.
This time when she turned back around Strife was standing quietly, looking around with shifty eyes and a guilty face. She stared at him for a moment with a smug look. "Strife," she said. "What did you do?"
He shrugged and looked away from her, refusing to make eye contact.
"Put it back," she said. He didn't answer her and seemed to be fighting a smile so she sighed and shifted her weight onto one leg. "Am I going to have to do a pat down?" she asked, crossing her arms. He cocked his head and then raised his arms submissively with a grin. She shook her head but set her stuff on the floor and leaned down to start patting his pants. Every single pocket seemed to jingle with something but when she opened them she found only bullets. He watched her feeble efforts for a moment as she looked into every pocket. "This is going to take forever," she growled to herself.
"There's no way it could be in the top front pockets," he hinted.
She stood up and looked at him seriously as he grinned at her and then glanced at the pockets he was referring to and pressed her lips into a hard line. "Strife," she growled, "If I do this and you're hot dogging your dick, I swear."
"No promises," he smirked. With a heavy blush forming on her cheeks, she shoved her fingers into his front pockets and pulled him to her roughly. He lowered his arms from where he'd been holding them up and rested them on her back with an intentional, guttural purr. "Find anything yet?" he asked as she dug around.
In reply she pulled a chain from his pocket, followed by the attached pendant and price tag. She looked up to him with a playful scowl and held it up to him. "You don't have to steal, you heathen. I'll buy it for you." She looked at the tag and her face dropped until she looked back up to him. "But I don't think you're worth the thirty eight dollars."
"You wouldn't have to pay if you'd have it my way." He locked his hands behind her and pulled her even closer.
"For someone dressed up as a local policeman you sure do know how to break the obvious laws," she said quietly as she started to become nervous from him holding her so closely.
"For a common citizen you sure know how to give a good pat down," he replied.
"Ah," she nodded. "And I wonder how good you'd be." Though she wanted to smirk she could only manage a shy smile.
He raised his brows and gave her an impressed look. "We can find out if I get to play near your pockets too."
Her cheeks turned red and lips quivered as she fought back several expressions. "We'll see," she said and tried pulling away from him but he kept his hands locked behind her. She looked up to him and then around to see if anyone was watching. "What are you doing?" she asked.
"You're little boyfriend is coming inside," he whispered. "I'm going to make him jealous."
She gasped and squirmed out of his hold. "Don't do that! I already feel bad enough denying every offer he gives me."
"Hey, hey," he scolded and leaned down to her, holding up his finger. "I make you offers. Not him. Or any other boy."
"And since when did this rule come about?" she said raising an eyebrow and looking him up and down. "I can't control what they ask me anyways." She picked up her stuff and looked across the open store where she saw Chris with a girl. "Well I'll be damned. He has a girlfriend now," she smiled hopefully.
"Don't worry Salem, she's just a substitute. You're still his number one."
She eyed him again and then walked nonchalantly to the register, trying to avoid Chris seeing her. As the cashier rang the items up and stuffed them in the bag, Salem nervously looked back and forth in the hopes that they could make it out without being noticed. She just knew if Chris saw her he would want to make conversation and there was no telling what embarrassing thing Strife may utter to him.
Finally, after the longest moment of her life, Salem paid and snatched up the bags as quickly as she could before rushing out of the store with Strife. He followed behind with an amused grin.
"Aren't you forgetting something?" he asked. She turned back to him with a questioning look when she made it to Conquest, wondering if she'd left a bag behind. "To give him a good bye kiss," Strife finished.
She snorted and turned away angrily and he erupted into his boyish laugh again.
"Strife if you don't shut up I'm going to take your horse and leave you here to walk," she grumbled as she stuffed the bags into the saddle bag.
"Oh, I'd like to see you try, Darlin'," he challenged.
She took a moment to relax herself and slapped the bag closed before calmly mounting and pulling the reins into her own hands. He watched her with a daring look and even stepped back, hoping it would give her more confidence to try it. He tried to remain serious looking as well, even though he wanted to burst into laughter because she couldn't even reach the stirrups with her short self. She waited there for a moment, trying to bundle up the energy, and even Conquest was ready to help dear Salem to make a fool of his master for fun. Before she could even manage to kick or urge the horse foreword in the slightest way though, Strife snatched her from the horse and threw her over his shoulder. As he mounted she pounded at his back with both laughs and excited squeals. "Stop! Stop!" she begged with a burst of laughter. "Put me down!"
He calmly rode foreword and out into the busy street. "Don't mind me people. Just taking this thief to justice," he told the glaring people as he rode by. They went to minding their own business since he was dressed as the local mounted police, though they were still a bit suspicious.
Salem let out a sigh and went limp after about three blocks later, ending the beating on his back. "This is your best behavior?" she asked in defeat.
"We're out of the store now. I don't have to be on good behavior anymore."
"Well you're still getting a time out when we get home," she sassed.
"Ah. Does this consist of bondage?"
"No, Strife," she said defeated. "It does not involve anything kinky."
"Can't it though?"
She sighed again and remained silent for the rest of the trip home, except for when she told him to lower his hand when it came to her rear end. He didn't of course. But once there, he carefully lowered her down to her feet and jumped down beside her. "That was interesting," he sighed cheerfully. "We should do that more often."
"I don't plan on taking you in there again," she huffed, still angry for the awkward and uncomfortable ride home. She snatched her stuff out of the saddle bag and took them inside to the kitchen.
"You know you liked it, girl," he started when it became too quiet for him.
She blushed and fought back her smile while pulling the stuff out of the bags. "Maybe a little," she admitted.
He leaned over on the bar and watched her with a proud grin. "You like being man handled?"
"Define 'man handled'." She turned to him and crossed her arms, actually ready to answer this question.
"Getting tossed around a bit. Being overpowered," he replied as he looked her form over, brooding on how he would 'man handle' her next.
She chewed at her lip and swayed slightly in her spot for a moment in thought. Then after a minute she opened her mouth to say something but only a short laugh came out and she shrugged and returned to the bags. Of course, he didn't need her to answer to know the truth behind those big green eyes of hers.
The next and last thing she pulled from the bag was the anarchy pendant. She ripped the tag off and put it on herself, inspecting it's look as it dangled between her breasts. With an intrigued purr he walked around the bar and up to her for a much closer look himself. "It really doesn't look worthy enough for you," he admitted. She looked at him with a confused look but he ignored it and took the pendant in his hand. Gently but tightly he pulled her to him by the chain, making her stand on her toes for him. Her eyes grew wide but what she hoped for never came. He simply brought her to his face and slid it over her head to replace it around his neck.
Don't I get something for the gift? she thought, but was too afraid too ask. Instead, she watched him study it on himself with a smile. It made her feel good about buying it. It was something she wanted to see him wear every day. Something that made her feel he was a little more hers.
When she was done looking over him she picked up her bookbag and went to sit on the couch. No matter how distracting he was, she was going to do this homework whether she had to force herself to do it or not. With a bored sigh she pulled her notebook out and set it aside while she dug around for her book and pen. Strife sat down beside her and curiously pulled out a loose white paper from her notebook that she had carelessly shoved in earlier. With sudden realization, Salem gasped and surged foreword to stop him but he was much quicker than her. He snatched it out of her distance and looked at it curiously, wondering what had her freaking out. A smile grew on his lips as he read his own name in beautiful print on the paper. He looked back to her for explanation but she had her face in her hands with an embarrassed pout. Carefully he pulled them away from her face and made her look at him. "You drew this?"
She bit her lips hard enough to draw blood and nodded solemnly.
"Hm." His brief mutter and glance over the paper made her anxious. "It's very beautiful," he said clearing his throat as if he didn't want to admit it, but he smiled as he studied it and neatly folded it before putting it in one of his lower pockets carefully. "I'll keep that."
She stared at him with her mouth open and he just looked at her calmly and collectively. "I thought-" she stared but shook her head.
"You thought what?"
"That you would think it was...weird."
His eyes shifted over her face as he thought of a decent reply. "Well...It's not often you find typical little girls doodling a Horseman's name in her notepad, but it is..." he paused for a word and she watched him with anticipation. He simply smiled and leaned back when he couldn't think of an answer.
She looked at him, desperately wanting a reply, but when it never came she only smiled. "Guess I'm not a typical little girl."
He only shook his head as he looked over her face.
When her blush had disappeared she quietly started her work, though not without difficulty. Every now and again she would catch herself looking at him instead of the paper, and he never seemed to take his eyes off of her either. He was just so damn beautiful she couldn't easily take her eyes off of him once she looked at him. But when she became tired of her own ignorance she sighed and layed back on the arm of the couch so she could put her book up to block out his image. It didn't help much but she at least got a little more progress done that way.
Strife directed his view away from her after she blocked his face out with the book. Clearly he was a distraction for her, but he didn't get why she had to learn that stupid impractical knowledge anyways. He would much rather have her head on his lap than in that book. And it didn't have to be in a dirty way either. But instead of bothering her he played with the chain around his neck and tried to occupy his mind with something interesting. And truthfully at the moment, the only thing he could think of was Salem.
XX
A sweet feeling came over her when she could finally lay her book down. It actually made her want to go to school and show she'd done her work after disappointing the teacher for so long. She let out a satisfied breath and Strife leaned up almost excitedly from where he'd been laying down. "Done?" he asked eagerly.
She nodded proudly and layed her head back on the couch. "Done with minimum head ace and confusion."
"And what shall we do now?"
"Ugh." She didn't feel like doing anything but she also didn't want to disappoint or bore him. "We could uh...watch TV..." She picked up the remote and turned on the large flat screen, though she was doubtful he would find this interesting. In this month or so she'd been with him, not once had she made him endure the idiocy of television. Well today would just have to be his lucky day. "You seem like a drama kind of guy. Hardcore Pawn will do," she told him. Curiously he raised an eyebrow but watched what it had to offer. Since she didn't care for it though, except for the drama parts, she pulled out her phone that she hadn't actually used in weeks. "I should take a selfie with you and put it on Instagram," she laughed, but he was already too interested in the deranged woman hitting a bouncer with her purse to notice her comment. She smiled, happy that he was at least taking an interest in it, and curled up to relax. As much as she liked being around him she had forgotten how nice it was not having him bother her for at least a few minutes. Of course, as soon as she got comfortable and opened one of her apps she felt hands come to her knees and her legs spread.
"What are you doing?" he asked.
She lowered her phone to see his piercing eyes staring over her and a smirk on his face as he held her legs open. "Browsing the internet..." she shakily muttered.
"Hm..." He paused a minute and cocked his head. "Know what I'd like to be browsing?"
"I'm sure I could guess," she said quietly, spinning her phone in her hand nervously. Before he could try anything more she sat up and he released his grip on her knees. For a moment she sat there and crossed her legs as he looked over her, then trying to break the awkwardness she was feeling she got up and backed to the kitchen. "I'm going to get something to eat."
He simply shrugged and fell back on the couch, crossing his dirty boots on the seat and putting his hands behind his head as he usually did.
Quietly she made herself something to eat, trying not to awkwardly smile to herself about something she thought about. Like what else would happen tonight that might make herself shiver or blush, even though she was starting to get tired of blushing. She wondered if she would ever be able to make him blush. If only she could gain the courage to actually try it. In class, and even right now, she could imagine herself touching him without first being asked or made to do so and being so calm about it, but, when it came down to her being close to him she would always feel tense and anxious and reserved. Maybe if she could just swallow her fear down once she might be able to achieve it more often.
She thought of that as she ate and when she finally threw her bowl in the sink she wandered out of the kitchen and back to the couch where he still layed out. She slapped his filthy feet and so graciously he slid them off of the couch and sat up. Cautiously she sat down beside him as close as she could without being considered in his lap. She hoped he didn't notice it, but it wouldn't matter for what she was about to attempt anyways.
"You know I don't think I have the capacity for this TV of yours," he said looking at the screen. "It doesn't draw me in."
She agreed since she was also unable to look at it with him being there.
When he looked back to the TV she turned inward to him and stiffly raised her hand to his neck to draw her fingers through his hair. A short audible breath escaped his lips and he slowly turned to her. Her lips parted as she realized she'd felt his back tense with a shiver but she continued to thread her fingers through his hair and he closed his eyes and lowered his head like an animal might do if it enjoys your petting. "Your hair is really soft," she said, her breath shaky.
For once he wasn't smiling or grinning. His lips were just parted in a relaxed way as he drew in slow breaths. Well, at least for a moment. Then he looked at her with a small smile and a short shaky laugh. "I figured that little determined look of yours meant something was going to happen."
She laughed and started to drop her hand but he grabbed her arm and held it to his shoulder. "Don't stop." He lowered her down to the couch so he was hovering over her, his new pendant dangling near her face. Though there was a light blush forming on her cheeks she wasn't as shy as usual. She just continued to lace her fingers with his hair and rub his scalp. He buried his face in the arm of the couch beside her head and made a little pleasured noise that Salem would have killed to hear again. "Are you hinting for something else or should I just let you cuddle me for a while?" he snickered against her.
"Shut up, Strife," she whispered back.
He laughed and lowered himself down on her even further, supporting himself on his elbows. Now this, he thought, was much better than watching that TV. Even if it wouldn't lead to something more tonight, which he doubted she was ready for. But he wasn't one to rush a work in progress...sometimes.
She gently pressed him back up and then took his hand in hers which he gladly gave to her to do with what she wished, perhaps in the hopes she would show him where she might want it on her body. She simply locked her fingers with his, pulled it to her face, and closed her eyes. Her skin was soft under the touch and it gave him the enticing thought of having all of her skin against his. He pushed the thought away quickly though. No need in getting himself aroused while he was atop her, knowing nothing was going to happen. Unless of course he started something.
Just before he was about to say something, despite that she'd told him to shut up, there was a shrill ring across the room. He sat up and her eyes snapped open to look across the room where the house phone rang multiple times. Irritated by the thing for ruining a good moment, Strife pulled out his gun and aimed it for the device.
"Strife, no!" she growled and slapped his arm down. Reluctantly she slid herself out from under him and sluggishly stepped across the room to pick it up. "Hello?" she answered, sounding irritated herself. Strife heard her mothers familiar voice on the other line as he pried in and he grinned at the news. They would be out really late tonight. Good. Maybe he and Salem wouldn't be interrupted like they had been a few times before. And just now.
"Tell her not to call back," he growled. Salem waved her hand at him angrily to hush up and finished up her conversation with her parent.
When she put the phone down she turned to Strife and smiled. "She said they would be-"
"Got it," he cut in.
"And they don't know you're here so..."
"So get back over here," he waved her foreword.
She smiled shyly and awkwardly walked back to the couch where he yanked her down with him on his side. Already knowing what he wanted, she brought her hand to the back of his neck and started combing her fingers through his hair. She felt him tense, but it was in a playful ticklish way that made him grin. So finally she found a decent way to tease him. She might just have to use this as often as she could.
He wrapped his arm around her and pulled her closer to him before returning the action she was giving him. She pulled her shoulders up ticklishly and giggled at first but when she focused on him she was able to relax and get a more soothing feel from it. Her hand slipped from his neck slowly and after giving him a small shy smile she closed her eyes and curled up close to him.
He continued to stroke her hair and waist even long after she'd fallen asleep. Not only was it soothing for her, but him as well. So soothing that he had to be careful not to fall asleep here with her. He was sure them curled together would not be a sight her parents would enjoy if they were to walk in. Then again...he really didn't care. But, for her sake, he sat up and carried her to the bedroom gently, trying not to wake her. He certainly didn't tuck her in, but he did take care in laying her head on the pillow and removing her shoes. Neither did he lay down with her. He had teased himself enough tonight. He simply sat on the opposite side of the bed to watch her carefully, hoping she would make her usual sleeping stirs where she talked and tossed around. He found those to be unusual but interesting.
LATER THE NEXT DAY-
Strife was leaning himself against the wall of an older building with Conquest loyally by his side. He'd been riding in the woods a good bit of the day but since it was close to time for picking Salem up from school he'd decided to take it easy in town for a while. Bad choice of course, because he found the sound of the cars to be as irritating as a fly in his ear canal. And for those drivers that honked their horns...he had a special bullet for them in his pocket.
He had no watch, but he was an expert in telling the time by the position of the sun according to the season. When he knew it was around three he checked the tack on Conquest and mounted. As the horse walked foreword, needing no assistance from his rider to know where to go, Strife carefully looked down at the new shiny pendant dangling about his chest. He was quite fond of it and found himself staring at it often. But he wasn't sure if it was the look of it, or the person who'd bought it for him that interested him the most about it.
After the soothing clop of hooves for a few blocks, Conquest stopped in the usual spot with a low snort. The Rider, having nothing else to do besides sit there, pulled out a folded sheet of paper from the pocket on his thigh. Carefully he unfolded it and a smile pulled at his lips. So she thought about him enough at school to draw his name? It was a sweet and proud thought, as well as relieving. So he wasn't the only one constantly thinking of the other. Absentmindedly he reached up to rub the back of his neck and hair, wishing it were Salem doing it.
After a minute of looking at it he dismounted and held the picture up to his mount. "Look what she drew," he smirked. With a quiet, unsure nicker the horse lifted his ears and looked up at the paper. Then with a snort he shook his head and lowered it. "What!?" Strife barked defensively. "I think it's interesting!"
If the horse could speak he would have certainly quoted on his master's use of words. Interesting just didn't quite fit what he knew his rider thought and felt about it.
Before being able to bicker any more about his mounts dislike for the picture, he felt a familiar presence coming up behind him so he folded the paper quickly and put it back in his pocket. With a warning glance to his mount he turned to see Salem being followed by a few others. She looked tense and her speed didn't exactly say she was taking a relaxing stroll through the park. When she made it to him he realized her cheeks were inflamed and the few people cutting up behind her backed off at the sight of the "police", which they thought him to be now that he was wearing his stolen vest again. Salem quickly mounted without a word and Strife's eyes shifted between her and the retreating group. "Do I need to beat some asses for you, Salem?" he sniggered. In response she simply crossed her arms and looked away from him, out towards the street. He frowned and mounted up behind her. "Where's your bookbag?" he asked. She shrugged and shook her head and he found himself a little irritated. She could at least answer him verbally. "What happened?" he tried again, and again, she shrugged.
He sighed with anger and nudged Conquest foreword with his heels, slapping the reins over his neck to turn him. The ride home was much quicker this time with Strife's urging calves and heels. It seemed to be the only way he could relieve some of this tension he was suddenly feeling.
Salem was quiet, but the ride did relax her a bit from her little pent up state. By the time they reached her road her mind had returned to its normal state of being self conscious of Strife against her, yet she wasn't quite as nervous about it like usual. Perhaps last night really did fix that.
She leaned back and let her head rest against his vest and finally, as if he'd been punishing her for not talking to him by not holding her, he let his hand come to her hip. She shivered a bit from the touch but this time Strife wasn't sure if that was the good kind or the bad kind, considering the mood she seemed to be in. Salem knew all too well of course that it was the good kind.
When they came to a stop, Salem intended to sit on the horse for a few more minutes, but impatiently Strife dismounted. "Are you going to tell me what happened?" he started again.
She only looked at him and then dismounted quietly.
"If it has something to do with those kids," he said following her to the front porch, "I will certainly..." his words drifted off when he felt something warm pull at his hand. He immediately couldn't help but smile when he looked down to see Salem taking his hand in hers.
"It wasn't those kids," she said quietly. "They were trying to help me. They weren't doing a good job..."
Somehow he didn't believe it but she seemed sincere, though was obviously still upset over whatever had happened. He was curious, but he figured he should wait until it wasn't so fresh on her mind before asking what had really happened again.
He nodded to her and couldn't help but try something to make her smile. He didn't like seeing her this way. "Think I'll be able to help you?" He lifted her hand to his lips, just barely caressing the skin. "In any way," he whispered, his breath hot on her hand. Though it was supposed to be a tease, he found himself unable to resist the soft skin brushing beneath his lips. He kissed her hand, holding himself there for a moment and closing his eyes. To his own surprise his neck and back tingled and he got the urge to start grazing her skin with his canines, making a trail from her hand to her neck and see where his mouth led him next. He got the urge, but as much as his body burned for it, he did not act on it. When he opened his eyes and pulled back she was staring at him and her lips quivered to fight back a smile. His plan worked, but somehow it seemed to backfire on himself.
He let her hand down and she walked up the rest of the steps carefully, trying not to trip over her feet as she recovered from his small kiss. When they got inside she went to the back and changed her clothes, motioning for him to stay in the living room. Being as tempted as he always was when she showered or changed, he didn't stay in the front. He sat in the chair beside her bed and removed his own vest and even his boots. He already knew they wouldn't be going anywhere for today so they weren't necessary.
It took her much longer than usual to change and when she came out she was dressed in something simple and lazy. With a shy and saddened look to him she went back to the living room to sit idly on the couch, curling herself into the fetal position. He didn't sit down beside her, instead he stood near the kitchen, leaned up against the bar where he tried to think of a new way to cheer her up. He really didn't know why he wanted to do so, he often cared less how others feel, but there was just a sad wave around him that he just couldn't leave hanging there. He tried to blame it on the fact that her silence bored him, but truthfully it was because he didn't like seeing her in such a depressed mood.
"Aren't you going to eat?" he asked after his patience had worn off.
She wasn't hungry but she got up anyways at his suggestion and walked into the kitchen to search through the cabinets. After opening each once at least two times each she sighed and turned to Strife. There was plenty to eat but she just didn't have the appetite for anything. She would just have to stick with something to drink. She pulled out a glass and poured some water from the fridge in. "I didn't say you had to eat," Strife said coming up behind her. She turned around too quickly , bumping the glass into him and spilling the water over his shirt. He raised his hand and looked at her, trying to hold back his grin. She smiled as well and he found it a good opportunity. "I'm supposed to make you wet, Darlin', not the other way around."
She laughed quietly and put the cup aside. "I uh...guess you'll have to take that off." She gave a coy smile and he cocked his head and smirked. Without the slightest hint of hesitation, eager to impress her, he pulled the shirt over his head and tossed it on the counter. Her face slowly changed from a shy smile to utter shock. He was much, much better than she had imagined. The groping she had once done over his shirt did not nearly paint a picture of what he truly looked like beneath.
Strife couldn't help but stare back at her with a gleam. He'd never seen any one so deprived of a fit male image before them. And he was glad he could be the one to indulge her. "You can touch if you want," he purred, knowing she was just standing there yearning for it. "I can't promise it won't lead me to touch your chest, however," he added. He could hear her breath coming out in shaky exhales as she stepped foreword, and with impatience he grabbed her waist and pulled her the rest of the distance. Her tentative fingers brushed the lowest of his abs and her ticklish touch radiated through the rest of his body. She noticed this for the first time and finally realized he wasn't the only one who had an affect on people. With more confidence she grazed both of her hands up his abdomen until she reached his shoulders. From there she took hold of him as he started to lift up her own shirt. With some respect, he rolled her shirt over her breasts so they weren't exposed and began his exploration of her stomach. Even the skin there, like her hands, was soft and smooth and he found it hard not to check if all of her was this soft. "You're so...squishy," he laughed, squeezing the sides of her stomach. "I like it."
"I hope you aren't calling me fat," she laughed shyly, never taking her eyes off of his exposed form.
"Far from it."
Though his own hands were calloused, she still found them to be comforting as he slid them over her stomach and around to her back to pull her closer. When their exposed skin touched, they both seemed to earn that very irritating burn that yearned to be satiated. But unlike her, he was good with controlling himself.
She jumped to her toes and pulled him into a hug that he found himself wanted to return with love bites to her neck. It was so urging, but he just didn't do it. There was something about his urge that wasn't just lust, and it confused him. Simply, he returned her hug and even lifted her off her feet for a second. Even that simple slide of skin against skin was challenging, but after pulling away from her he recovered quickly. She wanted to pull herself back to him but instead she ran her hand over the pendant before stepping back. "I think we should just go to the bedroom," she said with a tremulous voice, almost feeling upset for what she'd just done. "I don't feel like doing much else..."
He could have sighed then. Even after that warming hug she still went back to being upset and reserved. He only nodded and decided it would be a good chance to try some other things to make her smile again.
When they both sat down on her bed, Salem sat very close to him cautiously. Her hands practically itched to be back on him but she simply bit her lip and locked her hands together in her lap.
"Did you draw me anything else today?" Strife asked when he began thinking of the picture.
"No," she replied quietly and smiled. "Did you want me to?"
He shrugged. "Hm. Might be nice."
She wished she could draw him something now but all of her paper was in her bookbag which was unfortunately left at school. She was sure there was some laying around the house but she wasn't about to go hunting for it. She wasn't in a drawing mood anyways so it would probably turn out ugly.
"So...what happened?" he asked, breaking the smile on her face again. She just shook her head, refusing to talk about it, and started to play with her hair. Leave it to him to bring that up again. Just the though of what happened made her want to cry. "You know you can tell me anything," he said bumping her elbow with his.
"Actually I didn't know that," she admitted, attempting a smile. "But I'm still not going to tell you."
He growled to himself and crossed his arms. "Can I at least guess?"
She nodded.
"You're jealous of that boys new girlfriend?" She eyed him and he moved along. "Some girl tried to bully you? You embarrassed yourself? Some idiot made you mad?" To all these she shook her head and he came up with a million more possibilities, all of which were wrong. Eventually he had to give up and was even more irritated than before. "I'm going to ask again tomorrow," he warned her. She nodded but already knew she wasn't going to tell him. He realized this and decided to leave her alone. She was obviously not going to tell him or cheer up completely today.
XX
When it started getting late her parents called again, giving the same news they had given yesterday that they would be in late. She simply told them she didn't feel good and that she was going to bed early so they wouldn't bother her when they got home. It was a half truth, since she did intend on going to bed very soon even though she did feel well, at least physically.
After she put the phone up she went back to her bedroom where Strife was pacing around in her room. She cut the lights off and climbed into bed, pulling the covers over her. "You're going to sleep already?" he asked in disbelief. She nodded, taking another glance over his chest since he still hadn't put his shirt back on even though she was sure it was dry by now. He sighed and nodded back before climbing up to the opposite side of the bed to lean against the wall.
For a long time she layed there, recalling the events of the day with shame and looking around the room. Then, with some consideration, she slowly sat up and looked at the rider across from her. "Strife..." she called to him, even though he was already looking at her. "Will you...will you lay down with me?"
Instantly a smile pulled at his lips and he leaned up with anticipation. But, he couldn't help himself. With a chuckle he asked, "What do I get in return?"
She rolled her eyes, not taking his teasing so lightly this time since she was trying to be sincere, and layed back down with a disappointed sigh. She heard the removal of a belt -his guns- and then felt him crawling to her. The covers were lifted up and an arm came around her almost greedily as he brought it under her shirt to grope her stomach again. "I was only teasing," he whispered into her ear. She felt herself tense at his hot breath and her skin tingled. Slowly she turned to look at him and all his glory right beside her. So close she could feel the heat coming off of his bare skin. She slowly grabbed his neck and laced her fingers into his hair like yesterday and he smiled as those fleeting shivers ran down his neck and back.
"I guess..." she started, pausing a minute before continuing. "I could tell you what happened today." She knew she'd told him she wouldn't, but she just couldn't go to bed without it being said.
He nodded hopefully. "I promise to be a good listener."
She looked over him one more time, grazing her fingers over his hardened muscle and felt she was in the perfect pair of arms to tell the story without fear or shame. "These boys," she started quietly, " tried to make a sport of me and when I refused them they called me a snob, like I just refused them because I was too good for them. Just because some of the other girls give up everything just to fit in doesn't mean I'm a snob for not doing it..." she said trying to convince herself of that. She looked down, trying to concentrate on the soft feel of his hair as she stroked through it instead of the embarrassment of the day.
"You are too good for them," Strife retorted with a snicker. It surprised her.
"No I'm not."
"I say you are. And I'm a Horseman so my opinion matters most."
"Oh does it?" she raised an eyebrow.
"Yes."
She rolled her eyes and snickered. "Okay...I might be able to agree with that somewhat. But just for the sake of your pride." She tucked her head into his neck with a smile, feeling better now that she'd gotten it off of her chest...and was now against another warm chest.
Ticklishly his fingers began trailing up her back as he lifted her shirt and she couldn't help but shiver. When she did the same ghostly motion over his chest she swore he was tensing and shivering as well. Either that or flexing but, with a body like his, there was no need to even try that. She continued by tracing the curves of each muscle and, cautiously, the small hard nipple at his chest. He did much more than tense then. With a quick tight squeeze on her back he chuckled lightly and said, "You're just trying what little patience I have, Salem."
"Sorry," she whispered and tucked her hand between them so she wouldn't be tempted to continue.
"Well..." he paused, "I didn't say you had to stop..."
She looked up at him and he took her hand and placed it back on his chest. She could feel his heart pumping underneath. With a shy grin she rubbed him until her hands grew tired and her eyes started to get heavy. As much as he wanted her to stay up, he didn't complain when her hand slipped from him and she fell into sleep.
XXXX
When the dim morning sun hit the window and Salem sorely opened her eyes, she felt a strange touch on her body. It took her a moment to remember how she'd fallen asleep that night and she almost jumped out of an embracing arm. She started to turn over when she realized she was also squeezing a hand very tightly. "Strife," she sighed in relief and rolled over to face him.
"Mornin'," he purred smoothly.
"I was sleeping so hard I almost forgot I fell asleep with you," she admitted sheepishly.
"Oh, now we don't want that to happen. Maybe a little pinch in the mornings could solve that problem." She jerked when he pinched her butt and with a gasp of disbelief she leaned up, trying to hide her smile as he kept his hand on her rear end. "Nice pillow, Dear. May I lay my head on it one day?" he grinned.
She bit her lip to keep herself from laughing. "I've been up for only a few minutes and you're..." She sighed and didn't finish her sentence. There was no point in complaining if she enjoyed it. She sat up and looked down at him with a coy smile. With his shirt off and the covers at his waistline it looked as if he were naked, besides the silver pendant loosely around his neck. She'd like to imagine him with the covers removed but he snickered and she got worried he knew what she was thinking about. She turned away from him and started to get out of bed but he grabbed her hand. "Where are you going?" he asked with that same handsome purr to his voice. She wondered if he sounded like that because of sleep, but she wasn't sure if he had or not. Either way, she thought it was more sexy than usual.
"I've got to get ready for school," she told him.
He slightly smirked but fought it back. "Just lay back down with me."
"I can't," she said shaking her head. "I'm already going to be late."
She tried to get out of bed again but he yanked her up and pulled her back down on top of him. "Lay down with me," he growled in a deep imitated voice. She wanted to yell out and laugh but she was afraid her parents might still be here. Still, she couldn't help but squirm with his fingers tickling her stomach.
"Strife," she laughed breathily. "Stop!"
With a deep sigh he let her go and crossed his arms as if he were pouting. "Fine," he barked.
She hopped out of bed and tried to compose herself by pulling her clothes back in place. Then after gathering some clothes she went into the bathroom and he asked, "Can I at least join you in your shower? I'll wash you good."
"That's...very...inticing..." she smirked back at him. "But not today."
"Tomorrow?" he grinned.
She shut the door slowly. "I'll think about it."
He listened for the click of the lock but it never came and he wanted to take it as a hint for him to go in there but he decided he may be over thinking it.
He got out of bed and slipped his shirt back on and found his guns at the end of the bed. A little impatiently he waited for her to come out and then eyed her outfit, or more or less what was under the outfit. He walked around and up behind her to pull her to his chest. "You always smell so good when you come out of there," he grinned beside her ear. He felt her shake beneath his arms and for a second he thought her buckling knees would give out. They held, and after a second she calmed herself and looked back at him.
"Well you always smell like gunpowder and metal, but, I like it."
"Gunpowder and metal," he chuckled. "I find that better than flowers and strawberries. At least on me."
She smiled and reluctantly pulled away from him to tug on her shoes and a light jacket. When she went with him into the hall she halted in her tracks, hearing her parents talking in the living room. With a gasp she turned to Strife. "My parents are still here," she whispered. "They're normally gone by now...How are you going to get out?"
"Walk right past, tell them good morning and that I slept with their daughter last night. If I act casual I'm sure they won't mind."
She stared at him and fought back a smile.
"I'll wait until you're gone and slip out," he said seriously then. "And don't you go anywhere," he said pointing a finger at her. "I won't have you walking."
She rolled her eyes and wanted to make a comment about why he even cared but he turned her around and pushed her towards the end of the hall. She took another look back and tried to step quietly to the door but they were already turned towards her. "Salem," her father called to her. "We're going to be off the rest of this week so we'll be here this afternoon. I want you to come straight home after school, understand?"
Salem nodded and smiled but inside she wanted to die. The rest of the week with them home? Where would that leave her and Strife? She knew her parents would want her to stick around for "family time" but she wanted "Strife time". She felt bad after thinking it though. She rarely got to see them now and she was sure they were worried now with this "boy" always around. But ever since she'd met him, he was all she thought about.
"Do you need a ride to school?" her mom asked her.
"No ma'am...I want to walk."
"Are you sure? It's supposed to rain some time today. We could pick you up?"
"No ma'am," she repeated. "Besides, I like the rain," she lied.
"Okay...Well just call if you change your mind."
Salem nodded again. "I love you," she said quietly before going to the door with another peek towards the hall again. She didn't see Strife but it was dark in the hall so he was probably hidden. Both of her parents replied their "Love yous" and Salem went out into the chilly air that smelled of coming rain.
She thought of waiting just past the house for Strife but now that she knew her parents would be home all day she didn't think he would get out any time soon. She prayed he was stealthy enough to make it out without being seen but, then again, he was a Horseman. Why did she even need to pray? Of course he was going to make it out. But even with that hope in mind she still decided to go ahead and walk to town. It wasn't like she didn't used to do this every day. It seemed riding on that horse had made her lazy and she really did need the exercise.
When she made it into town she kept looking behind her in the hopes she would at least get to say good bye to him but he never came. At least...not from the back way. He took the short cut through one of the alleys and skid right in behind her where he snatched her up by the waist and flung her in front of him. She screamed and clutched to his neck desperately as her feet hung off one side. Luckily there was no one out in this part of the town so early in the morning to see.
"Damnit, girl," the Rider said. "I thought I told you to wait on me."
"I didn't know how long you were going to be," she said sheepishly biting her lip.
"Yeah..." He started chuckled. "I have to admit your parents have keen hearing. I thought I was never going to get out of there."
"Well at least you didn't get caught. I don't even want to imagine what would happen then..." She looked down though and did try to imagine it. It was not pretty.
After kicking Conquest into a trot, Strife cleared his throat. "So, don't you want to skip school today?"
"I wish," she snickered. "But if I miss a day the school calls my parents to inform them of it. I know they'll question me about it."
Strife scowled and then sighed at the boring day ahead without her around. "What about...getting out early?"
She eyed him and the grip around his neck grew tighter. "Don't even think about it. They'll try to put you in jail for kidnapping if you attempt to pick me up since they don't know you. Guised as a policeman or not."
"Serious school," he remarked.
She nodded and they fell silent until Conquest came to the normal drop off point on the school campus. Awkwardly she pulled her hands from his neck with a small blush and hesitated to jump down. "See you later," she said quietly.
He looked at her and smirked before lifting her up himself and setting her down gently. He slid his hand up her arm until reaching her palm, then he leaned down and kissed the back of her hand. She blushed even redder and pulled her hand back to herself slowly. "I believe there will be plenty more where those came from, from now on," he winked at her.
Subconsciously she bit her lip and backed away awkwardly before turning and swallowing down her squeal. He watched her until she made it inside and impatiently tugged at his pendant. Today, he knew, would probably be one of the longest for him.