CI8: Revelations

Anders had managed to disentangle himself from Den and left her again, this time to change AND make sure she had time to compose and dress.

He'd left her one of his old baggy 'working out' shirts and shorts and found his own shirt and jeans, hoping he wouldn't get those ones wet also.

He waited for her, making her and himself a hot cup of coffee and placing them on the table by his sofa.

He didn't have to wait long for her to come out but was a little surprised when she came back in the shirt and just her knickers.

"Your shorts are uh...well, the elastic is gone," she shyly tugged at the hem of his shirt, which just about covered her, "thanks for the shirt though. It fits...just."

Anders was trying not to stare too much, but that last comment did make his eyes wander down. His shirt was a little tight around her chest and there were patches of skin that hadn't been completely dried after the shower and he could clearly see where it clung and-

'Concentrate man!' He heard Fili's voice resonate inside of him, scolding him for such thoughts.

"I made you a coffee," he pointed to the table and began to pour, distracting himself.

"Thanks. I gave Jane a quick call...I was supposed to come in later and help prepare the place for a private booking tomorrow, but she says she's got it," Den nervously fiddled with his shirt again as she slowly sat down, "I know I shouldn't let it affect me but...I don't really feel like forcing a smile for people right now."

"It's understandable," he leant back and looked at her properly for the first time since the shower.

The desire that had been in her eyes was gone and there was only a slight bit of fear and...something else. Some curious, jittery nervousness.

"What's up?" His hand came out and covered the back of hers.

She looked at it and worried her bottom lip between her teeth.

"I know it sounds silly and...a little romantic, but," she gave him a small, shy smile and asked, "Anders...can we just-just sit here and hold one another?"

To him, it wasn't silly at all.

"Come here," he moved his arm around her and gently pulled her close. They shifted about until they were comfortable, Anders with his arms wrapped her and Den with her legs tucked underneath.

Yet it wasn't a completely comfortable experience for them. Anders had questions and Den knew it. That was how Manny worked. He'd plant the seed of doubt inside people and let it grow and fester on its own.

"I know you want to ask. I won't be mad," she held the front of his shirt and waited as he took deep breaths.

"I don't want you to feel like you have to tell me. But...what did he mean by he wanted to show me how you were riled up?"

He felt her shudder and pulled her closer to him.

"Whenever he...made me have sex with him, he'd video it. Sometimes, he'd shove the camera right in my face and other times...he filmed what he was doing to me," she felt her tears begin again and rubbed her face against his chest, "he'd always try to make me enjoy it and sometimes...he gave me something. Like...drugs or whatever it was and I wouldn't be able to control myself. No matter how angry I was, I would still- I would-"

"I'm sorry," Anders pressed quick kisses to the top of her head, cutting her off when she began to sob again, "I'm so sorry you went through that. If I had known, I wouldn't have let him talk to you."

"I didn't think he kept the videos or photos, but apparently he did. I'm going to kill him," she growled in anger, "I can't do this anymore, I can't-I can't believe he did that to you! He fucking beat the shit out of you because of me!"

Anders shifted slightly and made her look up at him.

"Don't try to say it's not my fault-"

"It's not," he shook his head and put his hand under her chin, his fingers skimming her jawline, "you didn't ask for any of this and you certainly can't control what that fucker does."

"Jesus," she groaned and shut her eyes tight, squeezing more tears out, "he could have-I-I should have known-"

Anders began to pepper kisses along her face, quietening her tears. Silencing her fears.

"I'm not leaving you. Not now. You didn't do anything and he's the one who is going to get fucked."

Despite her tears, she had to let out a humourless snort of laughter at that.

"How are you going to do that? You saw what he did earlier...Jesus, he probably fucking has people working all over the place, the fucker."

When she looked back into his eyes, she saw the little twinkle of amusement. Something that reminded Dru deep inside of her of Fili.

"You're forgetting...we were Gods."

Den could only blink at him, a little confused AND concerned by what he had in mind. At least it made her stop crying.

"I don't want to sound mean, but I don't think making him get you a free cup of tea is going to stop him."

Anders DID concede her a point there.

"No...but a group of Gods can come up with some plan. Especially those that can see the future. Forget me and a couple of others, but Ingrid and Olaf can see a lot more. Perhaps...they might even be able to spy for us."

Den thought about it for a bit, but something didn't sit right with her.

"If Manny were to find out, it could put them in harm's way. It will be too dangerous, I don't want anyone to get hurt."

"I know you don't want anyone to get hurt," Anders pressed a teasing kiss against the corner of her mouth before promising, "but you're not facing this monster alone. Not now. Not ever."

Den felt a little surge of desire when his hand drifted over her neck and gently stroked her throat.

She pushed forward and kissed him firmly on the lips, her hands holding onto the front of the shirt so he couldn't pull away.

Not that he wanted to. Once he felt her eagerness, he kissed her back with the same amount of vigour as she was.

But rather than a quick burn that would ultimately lead to more moments like the shower, it was a slow simmer. They didn't pull away until Anders had a question for her. A very important one.

"Did you want to spend the night?" He asked a little huskily and whilst he wanted to wait for her, he also just wanted to be near her.

"I can't...I've got bloody work early and I should get back to Jane to help out with the party, at least make sure she's locked up properly," she groaned as she leaned into him, "but I'm very reluctant to leave you right now...especially since you helped me get clean in the shower."

Anders smirked, even if she couldn't properly see it with her head now buried against his neck.

"Do you want to come over?" Her hot breath landed against his throat before her lips pressed against his pulse point, full of promise.

"Gladly," he chuckled and rubbed his hand over her back, "I'll pack a bag and give Dawn a call, let her know I'll be late."

"Don't you ever go to work?!" Den giggled when his hands lowered and brushed against the bare skin of her thigh.

"Dawn and the secretary got the company," he replied lazily and moaned when she suddenly bit his lower lobe gently, but still managed to send a little thrill through him.

Though he still heard her little insult.

"Slacker."

An hour later...

They had managed to disentangle themselves from the other again AND get Den's clothes dried so she could walk out of his apartment without having to wear his clothes (though Anders insisted she take his shirt 'Just encase').

The car ride over was quiet and comfortable and as they pulled up to the pub, Den frowned as she looked out of the window.

"Strange. Jane's left the lights on downstairs instead of up," she pouted as she got out of the car and shrugged, "she must still be here. A bit late though."

"Maybe she's waiting up for you," Anders took her hand as turned the alarm for his car on and walked with her around the building to the side entrance, "my brother used to do that when I snuck home after hours."

Den couldn't help but chuckle at the thought.

"You know, I wouldn't put it past her," as she opened the back door she looked around the kitchen or signs of life, "she's probably waiting in the main room at a table with a cup of coffee, like an old mother."

Anders walked through first as Den quickly shut up the back again and as he came to the main room, he heard...strange noises.

Familiar, breathy noises.

And as he caught sight of WHO was making those noises, he froze.

"Oh."

"What are you doing?" Den came up behind him and looked around, "You can go straight-JESUS FUCKING CHRIST!"

The two occupants of the room had not heard them enter. Nor had they heard Ander's soft exclamation of surprise. But they had heard Den.

Sean, who was on top of Jane as she laid out on the table, pushed himself up and off, quickly readjusting his shirt and unbuckled belt.

"Den, oh God!" Jane quickly turned herself about and buttoned up her shirt where her bra was exposed, "I didn't think you were coming back tonight!"

Den, who had turned herself around and was positively crimson with embarrassment, threw her hands in the air and said, "well, I bloody did because I thought YOU needed a hand!"

"Looks like she was already getting one-ah!" Anders laugh turned into a gasp of pain as Den swiftly smacked his arm.

"Shut it, it's not funny," she hissed and quickly flicked her gaze to the two of them, "are you two insane?! Anyone could have walked in and caught you!"

"I shut the main door and side entrance," Jane reasoned with her friend and as she hopped off of the table, tugged at her skirt, putting it back into place, "no one was supposed to see...we just-well, we got a little caught up!"

"I can see that," Den then looked over to her bar and sighed, "I can also see you've opened the Glenmorangie."

"That was me," Sean suddenly called out, "I opened it and poured us two glasses before Jane came over and told me that was the expensive stuff. You can take it straight out of my paycheck. Sorry."

Anders could hear the worry in Sean's voice and he knew, in circumstances like this, this would be the moment that the boss would suddenly say, 'you're fired!'

But then, Sean HAD caught Den and Anders going at it in the kitchen.

"Just...have you both got your clothes on yet?!" She said, agitated that she was still not looking at them and that Anders was actually looking on as though it weren't a big deal.

"Yes," Jane strode towards her friend and made her turn around, "and I want to apologise. I really didn't know you were coming back tonight. Everything was sorted for tomorrow and I and Sean were celebrating and we just...well, you know."

Den REALLY wanted to act professional and pull Jane away for a private word about 'sleeping with the staff' but...it had been a really long fucking day for her.

"I'm going to pretend that I walked in here just now and whatever I saw...I didn't see," she pointed her finger at her friend and told her sternly, "as long as you PROMISE not to try it again in here. Regardless of whether or not the doors are locked. Alright?"

Jane nodded hurriedly, knowing that she was getting off lucky.

"Yes. And...sorry, again," she leant closed and whispered so only Den could hear, "it's never happened to me like that before. One minute we were talking about football and then next, I threw myself at him. I don't know what came over me. I was all warm and ready to go-"

"That's the Glenmorangie," Den shrugged her shoulders and felt the rest of her anger leave her, "made me throw up in someone's handbag at a party. And I think I stole a garden gnome that night as well."

As they spoke, Sean walked over and nodded in greeting at Anders.

"I best slip away," he said and reached out to pat Anders on the shoulder, "make my escape whilst I still have a job."

"Good idea," when Sean's hand met his shoulder, he reached up and went to place a comforting pat on the wrist, "I think you've still got the job, you just-"

Both men froze and looked into the eyes of the other as the familiar wave suddenly washed over them both.

They were pulled under and held down by the strong memories that washed over them.

"Come on, Kili!" Fili called out to his bother, goading him as he swung his wooden sword about, "You'll never fight trolls if you can't get your balance right!"

"Just you watch, fathead!" Kili laughed as he playfully swung out his own sword, showing off to not only his brother but the small crowd that had come to watch the brothers train, "I'm going to wipe the floor with you!"

"Try it!" Fili dropped into a defensive stance and smirked as his little brother charged forward, his sword held high.

"Anders? Sean?"

Both men suddenly jolted out of their shared memory and looked at one another. All doubt and worry had left Anders mind. He had to know...

"Kili?" He said and he knew he'd hit the nail on the head when Sean's eyes suddenly widened.

"How do you know that name?!"

Den suddenly gasped and they both turned to look at her. Her fingers lingered over her lips as she gazed in shock at Sean.

"What?" He asked, his mind whirling with confusion.

"I-I know that name. I never said how but," she looked between him and Anders, tears filling her eyes, "I think you were my friend or-or even my brother."

Anders shook his head at the revelation.

"No, that's...that's not possible...I don't think so because," he licked his lips nervously and his hand tightened around Sean's wrist, "I think you were my brother."