Chapter 23: At Bloody Last
Driving back from a busy day at the office, Anders took his leisurely time as he thought about just how good life was for him.
And Den.
After the ceremony, they'd managed to convince Sean, Jane and even Richard to go through with their own.
They were there for each of them, helping out and just letting them know they were there when they needed them.
Sean and Jane came out easily and Den was surprised by Jane's VERY different story. Apparently, she'd been some sort of 'warrior elf' who'd fallen in love with Kili on his journey to reclaim his families kingdom.
She'd apparently lived a much longer but lonelier life, perishing during a battle against Orcs.
And the moment she'd seen Sean and awakened as 'Tauriel', she'd practically lunged at him and kissed him to within an inch of his life.
Den had to then remind her that she had four other people in the room and she was only in her underwear.
At least Den had had a blanket ready for Richard.
He'd stood up on shaky legs, turned to her and literally picked her up in his arms and wept.
She'd wrapped the blanket awkwardly around him as she held him back and then when he saw Anders, tugged 'his lad' until Anders fell into him and cried with all of them.
It had been an emotional evening.
Richard had disappeared for two days after that, only answering calls with short little messages such as, 'can't talk, will let you know when it's over'.
And when he showed up with news for all of them, they were desperate to why he seemed so excited.
It turns out, being Chief Inspector made it much easier to pull records and hide evidence. The images on Manny's phone had been deleted, along with the messages from Den.
And then, for safe measure, he'd 'misplaced it' in the junkyard scraping box.
Of course, he took full responsibility for the loss of such valuable evidence and was suspended for two weeks, but he stated it was worth it.
To keep his family safe.
Which is also what Den had been doing. She'd explained to all of them what she had been thinking when she went to see Manny and whilst Anders had been understandably a little upset, he also saw that she just been trying to protect him and his family.
Once her bruises and cuts had healed and she actually seemed to recover her wits, she quickly took charge of herself and her life again.
She went straight back into the pub, organising events, cleaning everything to within an inch of its life and even working most of the shifts to give Jane and Sean a break.
She didn't mind it though.
Especially the one morning she prepared breakfast for an unusually large group of people and came out to personally greet them...only to discover it was the entire Johnson brood and friends.
Apparently, Anders had been boasting about her breakfast skills and made it nigh impossible for everyone to resist at least trying it.
She worked endlessly, joined by Sean, Jane AND Anders, though he was more of a hindrance, occasionally leaning over to nip and suck on her naked neck.
But still, it had gone well. She got to meet Mike's wife AND the newborn baby that Ty and Dawn had chosen to name Markus.
And whilst she couldn't cook for all of them and make it free, she did at least throw in a dessert for free (of course, she made Anders prepare the fruit bowl.)
That hadn't stopped Anders paying the full bill AND giving her an overly generous tip.
"I'll see you later at my place, you know the code," he'd pressed a kiss on her cheek and hastily made his retreat as she finally counted his notes and took note of the number of zeroes he'd actually given her.
He'd pretended he didn't hear her as she shouted his name.
Still, he'd enjoy the verbal sparing he expected when he saw her again.
And as he pulled up outside his apartment, he picked up the small bouquet of daisies from his passenger seat.
They were her favourite flower and tonight, he was going to go all out and had planned the perfect evening for both of them.
A romantic dinner (that he'd ordered out for). A good movie (one of her favourites). And he'd even planned to sprinkle rose petals on his bed.
He'd been thinking about their predicament and since Fili's memories had opened up, Anders remembered EVERY moment he and Dru had been together.
He'd seen her breathy moans and gasps, had felt the way her hands and nails had dug into his skin. He even remembered the feeling of being inside of her.
"Steady boy," Anders muttered to himself when he felt himself grow hot under the collar, "plenty of time for that later."
He made his way in and up to his apartment, trying to keep himself in check. He wondered if she'd be waiting for him...maybe even in his bedroom, taking a nap? Watching TV?
He opened the door to his place, still lost in his thoughts.
He'd fantasized about her greeting him at the door, wearing only one of his button-up shirts. She'd walk over to him, take his hands and slip it inside of-
"ANDERS?! IS THAT YOU?!"
Anders startled from his daydream at her scream and quickly shut the door behind him.
"Den? Where are you?" He dumped the bouquet on his kitchen table and moved about, following the sound of...something loud.
"BATHROOM, QUICKLY!"
He hurried towards her panicked tones, hoping that she hadn't fallen and hurt herself.
But as he reached his bathroom, he noticed just how squishy his carpet out the door was.
In fact...it was slightly flooded.
"Anders!"
He looked up into the doorway and found her in the bathroom...completely soaked.
In fact, everything was wet.
The floor and the walls and his usually neatly folded towels were strewn about the place.
Den was standing under the shower, one towel tightly pressed to where the shower head was.
But it obviously had not saved her from the water that was leaking out around the edges.
"What-"
"You remember the shower head you couldn't attach and you said you'd get that prat from downstairs to put on for you? Well-" she shifted about, trying to turn and look at him, but a sudden spurt of water escaped from the towel and hit her right in the eye, "I was having a shower and suddenly, the bloody thing flew off! Little help?! This towel is getting pretty redundant."
Anders quickly removed his jacket (and his shoes) tossing them aside on the dry patch of carpet and ventured into his new water room.
He hastily took over gripping the towel with Den, pressing himself into the cubicle with her.
"Now what?!" He looked down at her, trying to ignore how the drips of water were trailing down his sleeves and arm and into his shirt.
"NOW, we put the showerhead back on! Whoever invented a shower you had to turn on by pushing the buttons on the head should be strung up, HONESTLY!" She slipped, growling in frustration at their predicament.
"Right, where are your tools?" Den wiggled beneath him, her arms getting tired from being in one position so long.
"What tools?"
"The tools you use-...oh never mind," she realised how futile it was to ask him for his 'personal set of tools' and switched tactics, "you stay here and hold the towel. I'm going to run down to Maintenance and see if he can lend me a wrench. I need to tighten the showerhead on myself JUST to stop this!"
Anders did as she told him and since he WAS just slightly taller than her, it was easier for him to grip the towel around the head.
She ran out as fast as she could, Anders not focusing on her attire (or state of it) as he was too focused on trying not to get too wet.
She was back in five minutes, waving the wrench in the air like it was a sword.
"Bastard wasn't going to give it to me until I pulled the magazine out of his hand and he finally took in the sight of me," she came back in next to him and took a few deep breaths, "right...you might get a bit wet. I just need enough space to tighten this fucker."
He shifted aside and moved the towel as far as he could. He managed to keep himself dry and Den worked quickly. He felt her push and tighten the band around the head and he couldn't help but admire her strength and persistence.
And then...as she pulled away with a huff and a smile, he finally took in her outfit.
Obviously, she'd grabbed what clothes she deemed as 'lazy clothes' and her shorts and small vest she usually wore to bed were DEFINITELY inappropriate for everyday wear right now.
Her shirt was a little see-through but he could clearly see how hard her nipples were. Her shorts were now sticking to her thighs and hips perfectly and her feet were bare.
"Honestly, did you really have to let him do it for free?! He's not ACTUALLY a plumber, he's more electronics," she put the wrench down on the side shelf and looked around her, "it's a safety hazard AND now there's all this to clean up."
Anders was trying to listen to her rant at him and scold him but honestly...he was a little lost in just watching her.
She was happy. Carefree. Argumentative. And he loved her.
Breaking the distance between them and cutting her off mid-rant, he grabbed her face and kissed her.
She stiffened in surprise for a few seconds, but once he gently slipped his tongue against her lips, she happily reciprocated.
And as they kissed, the heat grew between them.
Not only did he love her but...he wanted her. And from the way she was grabbing at him, he could tell she wanted him as well.
Between heated kisses, Den managed to protest at their situation.
"I'm getting you all wet," she gasped for breath as his lips passed over her jaw and towards her ear.
"That's fine. Give us a hand getting out of these wet clothes," he nipped at her lobe and she shuddered.
"What about your floor?"
"I'll sort it out later," he gasped when her fingers grabbed the collar of her shirt and he felt her cold fingers, "the carpet will dry. Let's get you warmed up."
With entangled limbs and careful steps, they made their way out of the bathroom, hurriedly pulling and unbuttoning each other's clothes.
When Den's hand pulled off his belt and unzipped his trousers, he hissed as her cold, wet fingers closed around his erection.
"Sorry," she bit her lip and smirked and he couldn't help but laugh as he pressed his forehead against hers.
"No, you're not," he kissed her again and slipped his hands under her top.
He continued to walk her back towards his bed, even when she raised her arms and he pulled the wet fabric off (with a bit of difficulty.)
Once her breasts were free, he couldn't help himself.
He trailed hot, wet kisses down her chest and as she took it upon herself to pull down her shorts, he took her nipple into his mouth and sucked hungrily.
She stumbled slightly and had to grab onto his shoulders to hold him in place. He lavished attention onto both of her breasts as he shoved down his trousers, kicking them off awkwardly.
Whilst she didn't want him to stop the wonderful thing he was doing with his mouth, she did want more. More of everything.
She managed to pull him far enough away and reached out to tug at the waistband of his boxers.
"Off. Now."
He couldn't help but growl at her demand and pulled down his boxers as she pushed off his open shirt.
He grabbed her hips and pulled her flush against him and they both moaned when their bare skin touched the other.
"Oh God," she whimpered as her hands roamed over his back, "you feel amazing."
"You too," his lips closed over the skin of her shoulder and he groaned, "oh God, wait, wait!"
He pulled back and looked at her confused, heated expression.
"Sorry, it's just...are you sure you're ready?"
Her eyes widened a little bit and she made a scoffing sound at him.
"Oh, you...bloody pillock," she laughed and turned him around so his back was facing the bed, "sit down."
As Anders sat down on the edge of the bed, his fingers grabbed her knickers and since he didn't need to ask again, pulled them down and over her hips.
As soon as her feet kicked them free, she clambered onto his lap and sat herself down on his thighs.
But...for a moment, they didn't do anything. They didn't kiss or reach to grab one another.
A strong emotion washed over Anders as he looked up at her and she smiled that beautiful, cheeky smile.
"Hi," she said excitedly and her hands cupped his cheeks.
"Hi," he tilted his head and she slowly moved her head down to bring her lips against his.
The passion was there, but it was slow. Building again.
"I love you," Den whispered and shut her eyes as she rolled her hips down against his.
"Gods, I love you," he gasped when she did it again and this time, he reached between them to grab his cock, "come here."
She lifted up off of him just enough so he could align himself and press his head against her entrance.
She took a deep breath and as she slowly sank down on him, her eyes fluttered open and she watched the spark of pleasure spread over his face.
"Anders."
As they looked into one another's eyes and her gaze settled on his, they saw the momentary shift. Just for a few seconds, they both knew who they were looking at. Not just Den and Anders.
"Fi'," she rocked her hips down against his and moaned at how he slid inside her.
"Dru," his forehead pressed against hers and he grabbed her hips in his hands, "my Dru."
As he began to move with her, the overwhelming spark of pleasure ignited. He hadn't had sex in a while, but he hadn't had sex with someone he loved in...well, ever.
And unlike all the other times he had fucked a girl, this was different. He wanted to reach his own end, but he wanted to see her come apart in his arms. He wanted to give her all of himself.
Bracing himself with one hand behind him on the bed, he wrapped his other arm around her and held her close.
Den cried out as he used the bounce of the mattress to bounce them up and down.
He did it again and again and set up a fast, hard rhythm.
Den was eagerly pushing herself up and down as he slipped in and out of her, gasping for breath as each stroke urged her on.
Pushed her closer to breaking.
"Oh my god!" She cried out and pushed herself closer to him, clinging on when she knew she was going to lose it.
Anders just held onto her, hungrily watching her reactions.
The way her head fell back.
The way her eyes fluttered open.
The sounds she made.
The way her breasts bounced in front of her.
The way her hips rocked against his.
She was so close and Anders's hand left the bed to gently grab the back of her neck.
"I love you," he managed to huff out as he pulled her closer, "I love you, so much."
"I love you," she whimpered and pressed her mouth to his, her lips quivering as she lost control.
Anders felt her break beneath him and captured her cry as he continuously thrust steadily into her.
Her grip tightened around him and she shut her eyes as her orgasm washed over her.
Anders forced himself to watch and he'd never seen anything more beautiful in his life.
But just as she was coming down, it became too much for him.
His broken moan was her only warning before his grip around her back changed and his hips stuttered against hers, rolling into her as came.
Exhausted and satiated, she slumped against him, her head pressed against his shoulder as he held onto her.
His hands slowly moved over her sweaty back as she took deep breaths to calm herself.
"Don't let me go. Not yet," she shuddered against him, half tempted to fall asleep.
Anders just shifted her closer, his lips pressing gently kisses against her shoulder.
"Never. Never ever."
A few hours later...
"Oh, ow," Den groaned as she laid on her side and despite his concern, Anders did smile a little bit.
"Are you alright?"
She batted his hand away and glared.
"Yes and don't look so smug. I just...I pulled something in my hip," she shuffled around, trying to stretch herself out.
"Does that mean I can't interest you in round five?" He laughed as she groaned and buried her face into the pillow.
"Christ, give me a break please, I think my legs will fall off."
Anders waited for her to show her face again and cocked his head at her saucy smile.
"What?"
"It's a shame we didn't wait until tonight," she moved closer and pressed herself against him, her fingers drawing lazy circles over his chest.
"Oh?" His own hands trailed over her sides, feeling how warm she had become since the shower incident.
She gave a 'sad smile', though he could see the playfulness in her eyes.
"I went shopping. Bought the new collection from Ann Summers."
Christ, he loved her.
"Oh," he said with growing interest as he leant closer, "you can still show me. We've got time."
His eyes closed when his lips drew closer to hers and for a moment, her feather-soft touch moved over his chest, his-
"Ah!" He cried in pain as her finger and thumb pinched his nipple hard and he pushed her hand away.
He looked at her like she'd gone mad, but she just glared at him.
"Did you really think I'd forget about the tip?! You git, that was too much!" She smacked his shoulder lightly, "I should-WAH!"
Anders took the opportunity to grab her and roll her over so she was pinned beneath him.
"Do you remember when we rolled in the field by our house?" He asked, a little huskily as he pressed his naked body against hers.
"Yes, I-...Don't you dare!" She realised too late what he intended to do and could only squirm and giggle beneath him as his fingers moved quickly over her sides and stomach.
Den and Dru, unfortunately, shared one common trait: they were both HORRIBLY ticklish.
Fili and Anders shared one as well: they were horrible cheats and expert ticklers.
"STOP-AHAHAHA- I CAN'T BREATHE-AHAHAAHA!" Tears began to stream down her face and her face was getting a little red.
Taking pity on her, his fingers stilled and he allowed her a chance to get her breath back.
She shut her eyes and gulped a couple of breaths before she regulated herself, but she still had a wide smile on her face.
And it was then that Anders knew...he couldn't be apart from her again.
"Hey," he said softly as one hand came up to move the hair from out of her face.
"Mmm?"
"Wanna' get married?"
Her eyes opened and she smirked up at him.
"Are you saying that just because you want to get back inside of me?" She wiggled her hips into his growing erection, but he shook his head.
"No," he cupped her cheek and stroked his thumb over her cheekbone, "I'm saying it because I want to. I want to marry you."
Den could only grab him and kiss him silly.
And when they both came up for air, he shared her happy laughter at the only reply she could give him.
"At Bloody last!"
