Disclaimer: all the usual apply.
Chapter 3
Clark POV
Standing on the observation deck of the Empire State building, the cool late summer air had turned cold as the wind snaked between them.
With his back against the railing he looked to his right, studying his companions. Alex had his arms around Jessica, using his frame to shield her from the cold wind as they admired the twinkling New York skyline. Her body was slumped into his, her head resting against his chest. She looked relaxed, a rare sight.
John was standing next to them, hands holding onto the railing, and he could see him speaking before Alex replied with a roll of his eyes to whatever had been said.
Jessica caught him staring and shot him a wink before her eyes drifted to the young couple standing between them. He followed her gaze, the inevitable smile crossing his lips when he found Arlene locked in Joe's arms, the couple deep in a whispered conversation, they were blind to the rest of the world.
Since the start of the war, or let's say their involvement in it, he'd only ever seen Arlene entertain a man once. Of course most of their time was spent in some hell hole trying not to get shot, but whenever they had a chance the three men fully embraced the divergence a pleasant conversation could provide.
Jessica was always sociable, and he'd laughed on many an occasion at the broken hearted look on some young trooper's face when the man realised he couldn't keep up with her and she'd already moved on.
Arlene on the other hand didn't even start a friendly conversation if there wasn't a chance of it becoming something more. And there almost never was.
Earlier that evening he'd shared a knowing look with the other two men when he'd recognised the determined set to Jessica's jaw when she'd spotted Joe. He knew well enough that when she had that look it was best not to stand in her way. What had surprised him was how relatively willingly Arlene had gone along with her plan.
She must really have the hots for the guy, he thought.
Movement drew his attention away from the couple. His three friends made their way over to him, dramatically sneaking past Joe and Arlene, earning Alex a playful slap on the arm from the latter.
"They look happy," John remarked, casually jerking his thumb in their direction.
"I think they'd be happy anywhere right around now. Even more so if they were alone," Jessica said, a smirk on the corner of her lips.
"Well, why don't we all head back to the hotel? Have a nightcap at the bar. Those two love birds can come with or do their own thing," he suggested.
Everyone nodded and Jessica said, "I'll let them know."
Joe POV
The wind blew a stray strand of Arlene's chocolate brown hair against his cheek as he stood behind her, her slim frame wrapped securely in his arms.
The view of New York that stretched out all around them was breath-taking, but he closed his eyes and breathed in deeply, doing his utmost to drink her in and commit every feeling, touch and smell to memory.
He felt her take a deep breath a second before a content little sigh escaped her lips. He smiled at the sound, happy to believe he was part of the reason she was happy in that moment.
"Arlene, Joe," Jessica said as she came to stand next to them.
His eyes snapped open and he looked over to her a bit too quickly. He'd been so lost in his own world he hadn't even realised she'd moved from her initial position on their other side.
"M'hm," Arlene replied lazily without moving her head to look at her friend or make a move to extract herself from his arms.
"Joe, would you mind terribly if I stole her away from you for one minute?"
"No, go ahead."
He unfolded his arms from around Arlene and she stepped away from him, squeezing his arm once with her right hand before she followed Jessica a short distance away from him and the other men.
He was suddenly acutely aware of the cold wind, his body longingly noting her absence the moment she'd stepped away from him.
Fuck, what's gonna happen tomorrow when there's an ocean and a war between us?
The thought popped into his head before he could stop it. He'd never been one to think about any relationship in terms of what could happen in the future, let alone one that didn't really exist yet with a woman he'd only met hours earlier.
He frowned and stuffed his hands deep into his pockets, fists clenched.
Pull it together Liebgott, she's just another broad, he told himself, even though he didn't really believe that.
Arlene POV
Jessica stopped and turned to face her a short distance away from the men, just far enough so the wind would blow away their words.
"You look less smug than I thought you would," she said, knowing her friend must be gloating on the inside.
Jessica rolled her eyes, but a pretty little smile played on her lips. "I'm saving my 'I-told-you-so' for the next time you refuse to go along with one of my brilliant plans."
"Oh, I see. Thanks for the warning."
"Pleasure," Jessica said and both friends smiled at the pleasant turn of events.
"Listen, as much as I would love to discuss in more detail how right I was, the boys want to head back to the hotel for a nightcap and the guard needs to lock up here."
"Oh, of course," she tried to sound light but by the way Jessica's one eyebrow shot up she knew her voice had been laced with disappointment.
"Don't be so dramatic," Jessica teased her, "of course Joe's invited along. You two are just far too adorable together to break-up now."
She was glad it was dark because she could feel a blush warm her cheeks.
"But," Jessica added, pausing to make sure she was listening, "I'm going to convince Clark to sleep on the couch in his room so I can steal his bed for the night. So you'll have our room all to yourself."
She opened her mouth to object, equally horrified and thrilled at what her friend was suggesting, when Jessica just continued, "Just listen before you give me an hour long speech on modesty and decorum and whatever other silly excuses you can come up with."
She scowled at her friend, but snapped her mouth shut, knowing a lost cause when she saw one.
Jessica's face turned serious, her eyes suddenly looking larger, almost vulnerable. "You haven't allowed yourself to connect with someone since Michael. And I understand, you know I do, but I haven't seen you this relaxed in years and honey, you deserve to be happy. I'm not saying sleep with the man, if all you do is talk all night so be it, but please just allow yourself one night of living in the moment and not worrying about tomorrow. It may do you some good."
"What about you?"
"I already told you. Clark loves sleeping on a couch," Jessica replied with a naughty little smirk and wink.
Her lips turned up at the corners, her friend knew how to distract you if you weren't careful. "That's not what I meant and you know it. For all your talk, smiles and flirting, I've never seen you allow anyone to get close to you."
"Let's focus on one challenge at a time huh? I feel like one of our love lives is enough work for both of us," Jessica replied, deftly deflecting the question.
She wanted to press the issue, but Jessica cut her off with a simple, "Great! I'll tell the boys you're tired and I'll see you in the morning round ten."
With that she turned, blonde hair and crimson fabric flowing in the wind as she headed back to the group of waiting men.
Taking a deep breath to settle her nerves she followed her friend. Her eyes quickly settled on Joe's and an involuntary smile spread across her face.
As she reached the group he held out an arm and she laced hers through his as if she's done it a thousand times before. He smiled sweetly down at her, his eyes creasing ever so slightly in the corners and she wondered what he was thinking in that moment.
"So, we were just telling Joe we're heading back to the hotel for a nightcap," Alex interrupted their private moment.
She looked away from Joe to her friends, swallowing she said, "Oh, actually I'm rather tired so I'll have to call it a night."
To her credit Jessica managed to looked genuinely disappointed when she said, "Oh no. C'mon, just one drink."
"C'mon Jess, leave her alone. You know how miserable she gets when she's tired," Clark interjected on her behalf.
Jessica huffed dramatically, crossing her arms over her chest she relented. "Fine. But you owe me a drink."
"Deal," she replied.
Jessica turned her attention to Joe when she said, "Well, we're going to take the long way back to the hotel. So Joe would you mind making sure she gets to her room safely?"
Joe looked down at her as he replied, "Anytime."
She couldn't stop the silly smile in time and before she knew it her friends were rolling their eyes and laughing at her schoolgirl antics.
With a forceful slap on Joe's shoulder Clark said, "You take care of her with your life. Anything happens to her and you'll lose it."
"Yes, sir," Joe responded, his jaw set.
Alex and John led the way into the building to the elevator and Jessica linked her arm with Clark's as they followed in their wake.
Just before stepping inside the building Jessica glanced over her shoulder, shooting them a playful wink.
"I assume she wasn't really upset," Joe said as he led them inside.
"No, trust me when she's really upset you'll know. Just pray you're never on the receiving end."
"Is that right?"
"Oh yes. If she's really upset, you'll get the sense of your life flashing before your eyes."
"Damn."
"She's just naughty that one. She has a wild streak in her."
When Joe didn't reply she quickly glanced up. His lips were pursed and he seemed to be nodding to himself.
"Joe?" she asked as they entered the brightly lit interior.
"Remind me that I owe her a drink."
She leaned into his body as they crossed the threshold into the lift and as the doors closed behind them with the chime of a bell she whispered, "You and me both."
Arlene POV
She and Joe had split up from her friends after the first block. As promised they were going to take the scenic route back which meant Jessica had given them the perfect excuse to get some time alone and slip unnoticed into the hotel.
She spent the walk tucked into his side as they shared sweet nothings about home and the people and things they passed. They both avoided the topic of war, his imminent deployment or her future involvement in the cause. She wasn't sure what his reason was for steering clear of those subjects, he didn't seem like the type to flinch away from any obstacle, but she sure knew hers.
She honestly didn't want to think about a near future where he wasn't part of her life. In all honesty she felt like a naïve little girl for the way she'd become attached to him in a matter of hours, but the ship has sailed and there was no going back.
It was during this walk, in one of those perfectly peaceful quiet moments, that she realised the depths of her potential feelings for him and the danger they posed. They were both going back into the war and the last thing either one needed was a distraction. It was all good and well for the boys that had a sweetheart safely tucked away back in the States, their main worry was whether or not she'd find some 4-F she'd rather be with. But with her, the risks were more of the life and death variety.
So we'll just have this one night. And that's it, she decided, her stomach twisting painfully at the thought. She tightened her grip on his arm.
She felt Joe glancing down at her, his dark eyes searching her face for signs of what was on her mind. She looked up and tried to give him a reassuring smile, the way he tilted his head told her he wasn't buying any of it.
"You gonna tell me?" he asked when she quickly broke eye contact.
"I wonder if it's going to be a cold winter."
"No, you're not."
"How do you know?"
"'Cos I may not know much 'bout you, but I know a bull story when I hear one."
She looked away from him, across the street to a large crowd of Marines making their way in the opposite direction.
"Hey?" he implored, gently tugging at her arm interlinked with his.
She looked away from the crowd, turning her face up to look at him, ensuring she had a smile on her lips. "It was nothing. I was just thinking about work, but I'd rather not talk about it tonight."
He studied her for a moment, lips pursed and eyes narrowed. When his features relaxed he bent down, planting a soft kiss on the top of her head that made her heart speed up annoyingly.
When they were at her hotel's entrance she stopped and said, "This is me."
He glanced at the large glass door, soft light spilling out onto the sidewalk where they were standing.
Up to the moment they'd stopped at her door she hadn't sure what her next move would be. Would she invite him up or end the night with a chaste kiss at the door? But in that moment, the thought of watching him walk away from her into the dark streets seemed so senseless.
"Walk me to my door?" she tentatively asked, trying her best not to sound forward.
Joe let out a long exhale, almost as if he'd been holding his breath and replied, "I'd love to."
Still holding onto his arm she led the way across the busy lobby. They'd been put up in one of the nicer hotels in the area, with its marble floors, thick dark blue carpets and large crystal chandeliers. The lobby itself was relatively quiet with only a few hotel guests making their way to and from the bar situated to the right of the entrance, tucked neatly into a corner.
When they reached the lift she let out a sigh when she saw no one else was waiting yet. She hated sharing small spaces with strangers and with Joe's presence unsettling her already she really didn't need the additional distraction.
"Floor, sir?" the pimply faced bellboy asked.
"Ten please," she answered smoothly before Joe had a chance to say anything. The last thing she wanted was everyone listening to know this wasn't their hotel but hers.
The boy smiled politely like he'd been trained and pressed the button. She glanced towards the door to see who was coming and going and then quickly scanned the room to judge if anyone looked out of place.
It was an old habit, one she was certain wasn't needed here, but habits were hard to break and this one had saved her life before.
The lift pinged behind her as the doors opened and she turned her attention back to the handsome man beside her as he led her inside. The boy reached around them and pressed the button for their floor before stepping back so the doors could close without him.
When she smiled to herself Joe asked, "What?"
"This morning the bellboy got into the lift with us."
Joe unlocked their arms and turned so he was facing her, their bodies only a delicate inch apart. His lips curved into a smirk. "That's because I told the kid I could manage it without him."
A thrill shot up her spine, straight into her heart, making it race. Using her years of experience at acting cooler than she felt she curved one corner of her lips up and purred, "Oh, really? And why would you want to do that?"
He curved one finger under her chin as he closed the space between them. She felt his warm breath tickle the sensitive skin of her lips and her eyes fluttered closed, anticipation running hot in her veins.
Ping.
The sound of the elevator doors opening broke the spell and she nearly swore out loud.
"Damnit," Joe cursed under his breath as he dropped his hand from her face.
A giggle bubbled up her chest and spilled from between her lips.
He ran a nervous hand through his hair, his confidence of a second earlier all but gone. She smiled fondly up at him. Seeing this side of him, and knowing it was something about her that brought it out made her feel confident.
Gently taking his one hand she led him out the lift. With a glance over her shoulder she said, "You should walk me to my door."
He allowed her to lead him down the long, carpeted corridor, every step building the anticipation inside of her.
Reaching her door she let go of his hand in search of the room key tucked inside her purse. For one terrible moment she worried what state the room had been left in. She knew Jessica had run out to make her appointment and her friend never was one for keeping things neat and tidy on the best of days.
No, she had a plan to begin with. Wouldn't surprise me if she left candles burning and a bottle of champagne on ice.
As she slid the key into the slot she felt a pair of strong arms wrap around her waist a second before a thrills shot down her back as Joe's lips grazed the back of her neck, making her hairs stand on end.
He trailed soft kisses down from the nape of her neck to the start of her dress and it took all her self-restraint not to drop the key to the floor. With one satisfying click the door opened and in a blur of limbs and fabric he guided them through the door, shutting it firmly behind them.
She'd been half right about the room. There was no champagne on ice, but everything was perfectly placed with one side lamp basking the room in a soft, golden glow.
She turned in Joe's arms and snaked her hands around the back of his neck.
"Now, where were we?" she asked with a coy smile.
"I was about to show you what I've wanted to do since I saw you walking into the club," he replied, his voice deep and filled with gravel.
She kept her eyes locked onto his, silently daring him to make good on his promise.
He left one arm around her waist as he lifted the other to her cheek so he could cup her face in his hand.
He lowered his face to hers and their lips met. The kiss started off soft but with each passing moment the fire coursing between them grew, intensifying the passion of the kiss with it.
She used one hand to remove his military cap, tossing it to the ground so she could run her fingers through his hair. He wound the hand that had been resting against her check behind her neck, pulling their lips even closer together as she pressed her body against his, unable to be close enough to him.
His tongue traced the contours of her lips and she willingly parted them. She took one step back and just like that they were locked in a dance from the door to the bed, their lips and bodies never parting.
Joe POV
They stopped moving suddenly and he realised they'd reached the edge of the bed. Reluctantly he parted their lips, a satisfied smirk on his when the action was met with a moan in protest from Arlene.
He traced a path with his lips on the delicate skin of her neck from behind her ear to her collarbone. Her hands made quick work of his jacket's buttons. He struggled out of the stiff material and as soon as he was free tossed the garment aside, his hands hungrily returning to her body.
She tangled her fingers into his hair, crashing their lips together. His fingers searched for the edge of her dress zip, and finding it he pulled down on the metal head. As the silk fell to the floor to pool at their feet his fingers skimmed up her sides. Goosebumps rose in the wake of his touch and a low moan escaped her chest.
Suddenly her lips were gone from his. His eyes snapped open in panic only to find her stretched out on the crisp white linens of the double bed, her royal blue lace underwear the only thing standing between him and all of her.
He admired her from his vantage point, taking the opportunity to carve the perfect sight into every inch of his brain. The way her dark curls had started to come undone, forming a soft pillow for her sharp face, eyes almost as black as night staring back up at him boldly.
Wordlessly, and without looking away from her, he discarded what remained of his clothes, allowing them to fall where he stood.
He crawled onto the bed, savouring every inch of her skin. He kissed a path from her right knee up her inner thigh, her scent of lavender and roses intoxicating him with every inch gained until his head was spinning.
"Joe," she whispered into the golden light.
"Yes love," he husked against the thin fabric of her underwear.
"I need you," she murmured as she lifted her hips.
He wanted to spend more time exploring every inch of her, but with those words his self-restraint crumbled. He slid the dark lace off her hips and down her legs until they too found a place somewhere on the floor.
Grazing the length of his body against hers it felt like two magnets being pulled together. He hovered over her for a moment, dark eyes meeting dark eyes as he drank her in. He lowered himself on-top of her, their lips the first to meet in a deep kiss that left him breathless.
He waited a moment, needing to be sure she was comfortable before he continued. She started to slowly move under him and he easily met her pace. He'd rested his weight on his one arm and used this free hand to caress her hair, the other grabbed onto the thigh of the leg she'd hooked over his hip.
Her nails dug into his shoulder and bicep as he quickened the pace, driving them both to the edge.
Arlene POV
She threw her head back, eyes closed as she gripped Joe closer to her. She felt a calloused finger tracing her lips and opened her mouth to take it between her teeth.
"Fuck," Joe growled, plunging his face into her neck as their movements became more urgent.
She moaned, tension building deep inside of her to the point where she no longer had control over it.
She gasped loudly and pressed her hips against his to increase the pressure between them for the final push.
On cue the tension building inside of her erupted, sending energy shooting from her deepest core into her furthest extremities. She lost her hold on Joe's finger, throwing her head back and screaming, "Joe!"
"I'm right here," he growled in her ear, his fingers digging into her thigh as if he was holding onto her for dear life.
His movements became more erratic, more desperate.
"Arlene," he moaned as he shuddered, muscles trembling on-top of her.
For a few heartbeats, where all she could hear was her heart pounding furiously in her ears, neither one moved. Then he moved his weight to her left and collapsed onto the bed, half of his body still covering hers.
His breath tickled her cheek and she turned her face to look at him. His eyes were closed, a light sheen of sweat glistening in the light of the bedside lamp as some of his brown hair clung to his forehead. She traced a finger along his cheek, down his sharp nose and across his full lips. He smiled at her touch and she returned the smile even though he couldn't see her.
"You'll stay the night?" she asked softly.
His eyes drifted open and she followed the path of his long lashes.
He stared intently at her, his brow furrowed together as he brushed a stray strand of hair from her cheek. "I'll stay forever if you want me to."
She sighed in relief despite the ache in her chest.
"I'll be right back," she said.
Untangling their bodies she got up from the bed and made her way to the bathroom to freshen up and get ready for bed.
She closed the door behind her and turned on the neon light. After the golden glow of the room the light in the bathroom felt harsh, almost hurting her eyes.
She quickly glanced in the mirror and cringed at the way her hair was standing in all directions, half up and half down. Her cheeks and chest were flushed a deep red and a quick glance at her thigh showed red finger marks which she knew would bruise.
She smirked at the future bruises, their memory still fresh on her skin.
Deciding she'd rather be in bed with Joe than spend time faffing in the bathroom she skipped the shower she'd planned, rather choosing to wash her face and clean herself up a bit before brushing out her hair and brushing her teeth.
Heading back into the bedroom she found Joe laying on his stomach, eyes closed and face relaxed. She smiled and rolled her eyes.
Typical, she thought fondly.
Heading to the nearest closet she found the old, worn in, nightgown she preferred to sleep in. She pulled it out and slipped it over her head as she walked to the bed, stopping at the side to admire the man lying there.
His basic training had exposed him to the sun because his arms and legs were tanned while his chest and torso remained white. He face was peaceful, the few fine lines around his eyes gone and his mouth a fraction open.
For a second she imagined seeing him like this again and again, allowing her heart to savour the dream until her mind brought it to a jarring halt.
She'd made her decision and what they had shared, all they could share, wasn't going to change her mind.
With one last look she turned off the light and climbed onto the bed, the mattress shifting beneath her weight despite her attempt to be as delicate as possible. Joe groaned as he reached one lazy arm out to her while his eyes remained shut. She scooted in close to him, taking the dishevelled blanket with her, and he turned onto his side, wrapping an arm around her waist and pulling her back against his front.
She closed her eyes, feeling his chest rise and fall against her back, his breathing already deep and slow. The press of his lips to the back of her head and a mumbled, "Sweet dreams beautiful," were the last things she knew before slipping into her own dreams.
Arlene POV
Waking up she kept her eyes shut, refusing to acknowledge the world away from the warm embrace she was wrapped up in. She listened intently to Joe's breathing, still deep and low, and her mind flashed back to the night they'd spent together.
She felt her lips curve up into a smile as her skin remembered the touch of his lips, the heat of his body pressed against hers. She was so consumed by the memory, that remembering what she had to do next felt like a punch to the stomach.
Taking a deep breath she steeled herself, taking the time to remind herself that she was doing the right thing for both of them.
Slowly, carefully, she lifted Joe's arm and pulled herself away from his body. She slipped a pillow into the space she'd left and carefully climbed off of the bed. Reaching her cupboard she grabbed a lightweight cream coloured coat that reached below her knees and wrapped herself up, tying it firmly around her waist. She found the shoes she'd been wearing the previous evening strewn close by and slipped them on.
Finally covered up she glanced towards the bed, a pang of guilt and regret raking her body as she stared at Joe.
C'mon, just get it over with.
She turned away from him and walked to the small table set up against one wall of the room. When they'd arrived in the room two days earlier she'd noticed the pen and hotel paper placed neatly in one corner of the small brown table. She tore off one piece of paper and grabbed the pen, not even bothering to sit down, she wrote the letter she'd rehearsed in her mind since she'd made her decision.
My Dearest Joe
I'm sorry to leave you so suddenly and without a real goodbye. I could give you a thousand reasons but they would all be a hollow excuse. The truth is I'm scared that if I say goodbye to your face I'll lose my nerve.
I wish things were simpler. That I could stay at home, waiting impatiently for any word of your wellbeing and counting the days until we could be together again.
But life, as you know, isn't always simple and mine is particularly complicated and you don't need that distraction when all your attention should be on surviving the coming fight.
I understand this may all be grossly arrogant and maybe you were planning on slipping out of my life without a word anyway, but in case it's not, in case you were hoping for more, this is goodbye.
Despite what you believe or others may say, you are a wonderful man and you deserve a long, wonderful life filled with love and laughter. I do hope, even if the thought breaks my heart, that you will find someone to spend it with.
Thank you for bringing colour lost long ago back into my world. I will never forget you and I will always cherish our time together.
Arlene
Rereading the letter she felt she had so much more to say, but deep down she knew whatever she wrote would feel lacking so these words would have to do.
Folding the paper in-half she wrote his name on the front before putting the pen down and walking to her side of the bed.
She gently placed the folded piece of paper on the pillow he was holding where she hoped he'd see it as soon as he awoke. Glancing at the watch on the wall she sighed, it was already 08:00 and he'd need to be up soon in order to return to barracks on time.
She resisted the urge to lean over and kiss him, worried it would either wake him or pull her back into bed. Instead she smoothed away a few wayward stands of hair from his forehead, inhaled deeply and turned to walk to the door.
Closing the door behind her as quietly as possible she leaned back against the hard wood for a moment.
Shit, shit, shit.
Pushing herself away she walked down the hall, past the elevators to the other side of the long corridor.
She knocked on a room's door and before she'd finished the second knock the door swung open and she was greeted by a smiling Clark.
"Morning sunshine. Don't you look surprisingly well rested," he teased as he stood to one side so she could enter.
She pushed past him without a word and went straight for the phone. Calling down to the lobby she asked the gratingly chipper receptionist to call her room in 10 minutes to wake Joe up.
She'd done enough to the man already, she wasn't going to be reason he was late in returning to barracks as well.
Putting down the receiver she turned to find Clark staring at her, arms crossed over his chest, brow furrowed.
"Do I need to go kill someone?" he asked, only half joking.
She shook her head. "No. Nothing like that."
His face and stance softened and he nodded. "Sorry doll. You gotta take the bad with the good."
"I know Clark. I just wish the bad didn't make me feel so damn horrible."
"Jess is in there," he nodded towards the closed bathroom from where she could hear a tap running, "good luck."
She could get away with being a coward and not facing Joe, but she wasn't getting away from facing her friend.
Joe would have been the easier option, she thought regretfully.
XXXXXXX
Hope you all had a good week and a great weekend ahead. Thank you to everyone that added me and the story to their alerts and of course for all the lovely reviews. I always appreciate the support.
Chat soon.