I know this chapter is hella late and I'm sorry. Just a lot going on right now. Anyway, please enjoy!
OoOoOo
Sophia was less than excited about turning twenty-four.
For one, she felt old. It was, after all, ten whole years ago that she and Danica had begun their relationship. Now, everything was different. Now, she was in a relationship with Rex Stewart of all people. It was ironic to think about at times. She didn't regret being with him, of course, but she was sure that Teen Sophia would be disgusted.
Sophia snorted, standing on the deck and looking out into the night. She had to admit, it was nice to be back in her apartment. Her father had only let her go after running a series of extensive tests, much to her frustration. Though, she knew how boggled he was that she had made a quick and miraculous recovery.
She had Rex to think for that, of course, not that her parents knew. She had edited the security feed in the cave to make it look as though he had only visited with her. The syringe was completely edited out, as was their dialogue.
Sophia rubbed her bare arm against the cold. She probably wouldn't have been cold if she had bothered to wear something a little warmer, but she wasn't about to give up Rex's T-shirt. Not only was it super comfortable, but it smelled like him and that soothed her. Though, she probably should have put on something other than her undergarments. Oh well.
The corners of her mouth twitched as two strong arms wrapped around her waist from behind. "You're up early," commented Rex, burying his face in the crook of her neck. His muscular, bare chest pressed against her back. "Or maybe late. However you want to look at it."
She leaned into the embrace. "Couldn't sleep," she admitted. It was nearly midnight and yet she wasn't even a little tired. Which was odd, since Rex was the insomniac between the two. Though, he had been sleeping a lot better as of late.
Sophia wondered if it had to do with the bond. She rubbed her arm again, this time out of anxiety. Sometimes, the bond was a good and bad thing. The hopeless romantic in her reveled at the idea of having someone she was completely compatible with. She loved Rex with her whole heart and the fact that his instincts had deemed her worthy meant a lot, more than she would care to admit.
The rational side, however, was wary. What if they were being forced together, as Rex feared? She felt as though her feelings were real, but were they? What if it was the bond making her think that?
Rex frowned into her skin. "What's wrong, baby?" he asked in concern.
Instantly, she felt guilty. She didn't want to worry him. Though, she knew that if she didn't tell him, it would just keep bothering him. "I'm just processing, I guess," she told him. "My life wasn't like this a year ago. When I turned twenty-three, I was almost done with law school. I never would have thought that I'd be in so much danger..."
Sophia had never told him, but her temporary illness had rattled her. She had never been sick before and to come down with something so serious... She had been scared. She didn't know if he could feel it through their bond, but her stalker was getting more dangerous, bolder. They wanted her and they wouldn't stop until they had her.
She gripped the railing. She would be happy when they took the bitch down once and for all. She wouldn't live in fear for the rest of her life.
Rex laid a gentle hand on hers, gently taking her face. She was suddenly looking into his gorgeous green eyes and found she couldn't tear her own away. "I know you're going through a lot," he said lowly and she shivered at his tone. "But it's your day. you should try to enjoy yourself tomorrow." He kissed her nose. "I have a lot planned."
Sophia grinned. "Care to let me in on these plans?" she asked. He had announced yesterday that he would be taking her out for her birthday. He wouldn't tell her what he was doing and she was dying to know.
He smirked. "Nope," he replied, popping the 'p.' His hands slipped under her shirt and up and down her stomach before he suddenly paused. "Hey, is this my shirt?"
She giggled, leaning back onto his shoulder. "Maybe," she admitted. "I was too lazy to look for mine and..." She bit her lip, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment.
Rex nuzzled her cheek with his nose. "And what?" he teased, one hand settling on her breast.
Sophia moaned. "It smells like you," she confessed. Her chest arched towards his hands as he massaged her chest. "It makes me feel better."
He chuckled lowly, moving his hands down to her hips. "I love you," he told her. And Hera, she would never get tired of hearing those words. Especially when he'd been so reluctant to say them before.
She had to smile. "Love you too." The alarm on her phone finally beeped, indicating that it was now midnight.
Rex smiled into her hair. "Happy birthday, Princess."
Sophia leaned into him. "Thank you."
OoOoOo
Sophia absolutely detested it when Rex pulled out of her.
He was warm. His seed was warm. She liked being warm. When he removed himself from inside her, she felt as though a piece of that warmth was being ripped away. It left her feeling colder and colder every time, especially when her body cooled from the intensity. She moaned as he finally pulled himself out of her protesting folds. She always had him in a vice grip.
Sophia closed her eyes, allowing the aftermath to wash over her. Her clit throbbed and her nipples were erect and Hera, nothing could compare to this feeling. "Fuck," she breathed.
Rex gave her a silly, boyish grin. "Like that?" he asked, brushing his lips against her forehead.
Lazily, she nodded. "Mm-hmm." She leaned up to press her mouth to his. "What a way to wake up." If that was her only present, she would be completely happy. She plopped back onto the bed, tired. "Can we just lay here for the rest of the day?"
He laughed, enveloping her in his arms. "As tempting as that sounds, we have more on the schedule today," he reminded her.
Sophia propped herself up on her elbows. "You still haven't told me where we're going," she pointed out. She bit her lip, peering up at him through half-lidded eyes as she let the blanket fall from her body. "How am I supposed to know what to wear?"
Rex's green eyes went wide as he averted them from her gaze. "Whatever you feel like wearing is fine," he told her. Quickly, he untangled himself from her arms. "I'll, uh, let you change." He swiftly retreated from her room.
She rolled her eyes with an endearing smile. She pulled her aching body up from the bed and began to pick out an outfit. She decided to go with casually fashionable wearing a skirt, a pair of brown boots, and a loose, button-up blouse. She topped it off with a light pink headband before finally deeming her outfit acceptable.
She couldn't wait to see what he planned.
OoOoOo
Their first stop was a roller skating rink.
Sophia tilted her head. "Rex, I don't know how to skate," she confessed, biting her lip. She watched as he strapped the skates to her feet, tying them with precision. She could have done it herself, but he had deemed her tying skills appalling and didn't want her to trip over the laces. He was worrying over her more than usual, but she didn't say anything. She supposed it was his way of coping.
Rex grinned up at her. "Princess, do you think I would let you fall?" he teased, looping the final knot. "Just hold on to me."
A smile tugged at her lips. "Okay," she agreed hesitantly, standing to her feet. She wobbled, nearly falling before Rex caught her by the waist. "I think you're getting some sort of sick satisfaction from this."
He chuckled lowly. "Maybe," he admitted. He gently took her hands, leading her to the rink. The music played softly in the background.
Sophia struggled to keep balance, trying to keep her feet from straying apart. "Rex, I'm gonna fall," she told him bluntly. She could already see it, the proud Amazon Princess overcome by skating of all things. Her brothers would have a field day. "And I'm gonna bring you down with me."
Rex shook his head, his smile amused. "Babe, you're not gonna fall," he promised. "Just relax. You'll get the hang of it."
She held his hands tightly as they made it to the rink. She was embarrassed to see people old and young whiz by them, the shame rushing to her cheeks. "How are you so good at this?" she mumbled, slightly envious. She was good at a lot of things- combat, research, manipulation (she was a lawyer)- so she was surprised that Rex was better than her at this. How did he do it?
He laughed, spinning her lightly. "You're overthinking it, baby," he informed her. She stumbled, holding onto him for dear life. "Just skate, you don't have to think about it."
Sophia sighed, letting him dip her. "I don't know how to do that," she reminded him. Though, she did appreciate their close proximity. If it wasn't for the constant fear of falling, she would be having a lot of fun.
Rex turned her so that his chest was pressed against her back. "Then think about it logically," he rasped in her ear and suddenly she wasn't thinking about the skates on her feet. "What makes you move from left to right?"
She swallowed thickly, taking a few moments to even process what he was saying. "Whichever foot you put more weight on," she answered. Hesitantly, she released one of his hands to face the same direction as him.
He smiled. "Good," he praised. "Now, how do you achieve the transition?"
Hera, he was a nerd. But Sophia answered, "By shifting." She did just that, shifting her weight from one foot to the other. Suddenly, she was actually doing it. She slowly let go of his hand, gliding from one side to the other. "H-Holy shit." She laughed; she was roller skating. "I'm doing it!"
Rex grinned. "Told you," he called. She was a few feet ahead of him now. "You're doing great, babe. Just be-"
Sophia let out a startled yelp as she lost her footing, tumbling to the ground. "Aw, fuck!" she hissed, though it didn't really hurt. She was more embarrassed than anything. Still, she kept laughing at the sheer joy of it all. Who knew that Rex knew how to have fun?
He winced. "-careful," he finished, rolling up to her. He held out a hand. "You okay?"
She took it but grinned wickedly as she tugged on his arm. He slipped, landing on top of her and his arms on either side of her. Sophia slyly bit her lip, wrapping her arms around his neck. "Better than okay," she answered coyly. She leaned forward, pressing a chaste kiss to his lips.
Rex rolled his eyes at her as he stood up but still helped her to her feet. "It's time for us to go," he announced, leading her out of the rink. "Did you have fun?"
Sophia nodded, a wide smile on her face. "Yup!" she exclaimed jovially. "What's next, oh bed buddy of mine?"
He raised an eyebrow at her. "Really?"
She stood on her toes, blowing a raspberry on his cheek. "Yup!" she repeated. Before he could complain, she laced their fingers together and began to walk. "Where to next?"
OoOoOo
Rex took her to a fancy cafe just a few blocks from the roller rink. He had never taken her there before and she was curious to see why he had chosen this place of all places. He looped an arm around her waist as he lead her into the cafe. Instantly, she was hit with the smell of coffee beans and chocolate. She inhaled it slowly, reveling in the scent.
"How'd you find this place?" questioned Sophia as they sat near the windows. He liked to sit near the windows.
Rex smirked at her. "I have my ways," he answered cryptically.
They opened their menus and Sophia looked over the options. Everything looked so enriched. "Rex, are you trying to get me fat?" she teased but eyed the selection of crepes.
He rolled his eyes. "There are only two places where you have even a little fat," he retorted, a ghost of a grin on his face.
She tilted her head. "What are you-?" She flushed, suddenly understanding what he meant. "Asshole." She laughed, crumpling up her napkin and throwing it at him. She adjusted her shirt, covering what little cleavage she was showing.
Rex pouted. "Dammit, I shouldn't have said anything," he mumbled.
This time, Sophia rolled her eyes. "You see it enough," she reminded him. "I think I want a Nutella and strawberry crepe. You?"
He shrugged. "Maybe an egg and ham crepe?" he mused.
She shook her head. They really were opposites. She had an (admittedly bad) sweet tooth and he chose savory over sweet any day. "Why am I not surprised?" Their waiter approached and they ordered their food. Sophia requested her Nutella and strawberry crepe with hot chocolate and Rex got his egg and ham crepe with orange juice.
"Rex?"
"Yes?"
Sophia smirked, cocking her head to the side. "What time does my surprise party start?"
Rex nearly choked on his orange juice. "W-What?" he sputtered, his green eyes wide.
She snorted, nearly choking on her own hot chocolate. "Hera, Rex, who raised me?" she reminded him. "I'm not an idiot. I know that you've been distracting me." She took out her phone, waving it around. "Not hearing from my dad on my birthday is normal, but my mother? My brothers? Hell no."
His right eye twitched. "How long have you known?"
Sophia laughed. "Since this morning," she revealed. She blushed, recalling her very pleasant wake-up call. "That was clever, by the way, distracting me before I could call them." Because Hera knew her mother wouldn't have been able to keep the secret.
Rex sighed. "Can you at least act surprised?" he pleaded.
She blew him a kiss. "Of course, my love." He shoved a piece of her crepe in her mouth.
OoOoOo
The two of them arrived at Wayne Manor later that evening. Sophia linked her arm with Rex's as they walked toward the large oak doors. "Thank you for today," she whispered for no apparent reason, leaning her head on his shoulder. "I had fun." She hadn't done anything like that for her birthday in seven years. Maybe she had made a mistake, running off to France by herself.
Rex kissed the top of her head. "I'm glad you liked it." His voice held a solemn tone to it that caught her off guard.
She stopped walking, turning to face him. "Is something wrong?" she asked. He had been fine earlier, joyful even.
He sighed, raking his hands through his hair. "I just haven't seen you that happy in a while is all," he admitted, a faraway look in his eyes. "It was nice to see you smile."
Sophia hummed, cupping his face. "I know everything's been... stressful lately," she replied gently. Between her stalker and their bond, they had a lot going on. "But I'm always happy with you, okay? We're gonna get through it, just like you said."
Rex's lips curved into a smile as he turned his head, kissing her palm. "I love you," he told her.
She grinned. "Love you too, buddy."
His expression turned incredulous. "Did you just friend zone me?"
Sophia raised an amused eyebrow. "How can I friend zone my boyfriend?" she questioned. She shook her head, leading him to the door. She knocked three times before stepping back.
Alfred, of course, answered the door. "Miss Sophia and Mister Reginald," he greeted regally. "I must say this is a surprise."
She crossed her arms. "Really, Al?" She rolled her eyes, going in for a hug. "Is that any way to treat your surrogate granddaughter on her birthday? At her own surprise party?"
Rex sighed behind her. "Soph."
There was a twinkle in Alfred's eyes. "They are waiting for you in the foyer," he informed them. "Happy birthday, my dear."
Sophia gave him a kiss on the cheek. "Thanks, Alfred." She laced her fingers with Rex's and lead him to the foyer. As expected all the lights were turned off. "Wow, it's dark in here."
There was a swift pinch to her side.
The lights flicked on. "SURPRISED!" chorused everyone as they jumped out of hiding and Hera, there were a lot of them. Her parents were there, obviously, as were her brothers. To her surprise, Danica, Jon, and Mareena were also there, as well as the Founders. Sophia raised an eyebrow, wondering why Mareena was there if her father wasn't.
She held Rex's hand a little tighter, suddenly feeling a bit possessive. She knew he loved her, of course, but damn it Mareena was pretty. And sweet. And smart. And probably didn't have a stalker.
And Hera, that ass.
A part of her couldn't help but think that Rex would be better off with Mareena. They'd obviously had something special before she had been forced upon him. She was, after all, indirectly the reason for the break-up.
Sophia shook these thoughts away and plastered a smile on her face. "Oh my god!" she cooed, admiring the simply decorated room. "Is this all for me? You all shouldn't have!"
Her father gave her a blank look. "You knew the whole time, didn't you?"
"I will neither confirm nor deny that."
OoOoOo
The party had actually been fun. She'd gotten a lot of gifts, including her own star from Uncle Clark, Aunt Lois, and Jon. Her mother and Aunt Shayera had engaged in a drinking contest, much to her and Rex's embarrassment (it had ended up in a tie). She and Rex ate, drank, danced (the man had moves), and made out in an empty corridor (best part of the party).
Much to her surprise, and relief, they had caught Danica and Mareena of all people engaged in their own lip-locking. She had nearly squealed before Rex had covered her mouth, practically dragging her out of the hallway.
"Today was a good day," sighed Sophia when they returned to her apartment.
Rex gave her a lazy smile. "Glad you had fun," he responded, his speech only slightly slurred. They were nowhere near drunk, just a bit tipsy. Either way, their parents had forced them to take the Zeta Beams back.
She replied with her own goofy grin. "I told you, I always have fun with you..." She leaned in to give him a kiss, but missed and landed on the corner of his mouth. "But you know what would be funner?"
He smirked. "Other than funner not being a word, I can think of a few." He sat down on the couch, pulling her onto his lap. Their lips met in a sloppy kiss, both of them giggling too much for it to be serious. He pulled away, his eyes alight with adoration. "You're so cute."
Sophia giggled, lightly punching his shoulder. "No, you're so cute," she insisted. She settled into the crook of his neck and closed her eyes. She had never felt so safe with another person in her life. But Rex always made her feel secure and loved and oh-so warm. He was always warm.
Her phone vibrated and she frowned at the interruption. "Oh, damn it all..." She unlocked it, checking the messages. Instantly, her blood ran cold as she stood up, scanning the message from an anonymous number. 'Happy birthday, Kitten! You looked cute in that short skirt of yours... Left you a birthday surprise at your door! But don't tell the Hawk, okay? It's our secret! Xoxo'
Rex seemed to sober as she stared at her phone for too long. "Hey, are you okay?" he questioned. His green eyes were instantly alert. "Is it Chase?"
Sophia tensed, shoving her phone back into her pocket. "No," she answered a little took quickly. "No, it was, uh, a birthday text from Bethany. I, um, also just remembered I haven't checked my mail. I'll be right back!"
She ran out of the apartment before he could protest. Carefully closing the door behind her, Sophia's eyes narrowed at the plain, brown box in front of her. It looked innocent enough, but looks could be deceiving. She bent down, opening it slowly.
Inside were various pictures of her. Some of them were from her time in France, others were when she had returned. Some of them she had clothes on in, others she didn't. But at the bottom was what scared her the most.
It was a simple letter. But the contents of the letter made her sick to her stomach. It described, in great detail, what they planned to do with her. How they planned to... fuck her.
Sophia shook as she read the letter, the idea of this person actually getting their hands on her... Her bottom lip trembled as she thought of actually enduring some of these things. "Hera, no," she whispered. "Please, no." Tears welled in her eyes as she buried her face in her hands.
Suddenly, there was a hand on her shoulder. Sophia raised her head to look up into Rex's warm green eyes. Without saying a word, he kissed her forehead and gathered all the items she'd received.
Confusion broke through all the anguish. "What... what are you doing?" Sophia asked through her tears.
Rex gave her a weak smile. "Burning this shit, of course."
Sophia laughed, startled. How did he always know the right thing to do? Overwhelming affection for him swelled in her heart. "Rex?"
"Yeah?"
She sniffed but managed to smile. "I love you."
He blew her a kiss. "I love you too."
OoOoOo
So, this is the 24th chapter and Sophia turned 24. Hmm... I swear that wasn't intentional, lol. Anyway, I hope you liked it and please review!
