It was late, and Constantine still couldn't get to sleep. It didn't help that he was sitting uncomfortably in a chair when Mary was in his bed. There she was, sleeping soundly in one of his shirts and in his bed.
Life just wasn't fair.
She looks so peaceful, Constantine thought absently, watching Mary sleep. Her tangled hair seemed to be everywhere; framing her face, lying on her face, spread out against his pillow. She made little noises, too, little sighs as she unknowingly pulled the covers around her tighter or burrowing further against the pillow beneath her. Her breathing was even, shallow, a good sign.
Naturally, Constantine knew that something was wrong as soon as Mary's eyes tightened and she began to kick about underneath the covers. Her breathing changed from slow and calm to harsh, almost panting. He rushed to her side, grabbing her and shaking her.
"Mary," he said, commanding her to wake up. "Mary, wake up. Mary." She woke up with a start, eyes wildly looking around before settling on Constantine's concerned face. She was sweating.
"Are you ok?"
"John," she sobbed, practically collapsing against him, curling her hand around his bicep. "Oh my God, John."
Um, ok…
He put his arms around her awkwardly, feeling her tears against his bare chest. John noticed the heavy covers had slipped down to Mary's thighs, giving him a clear view of her underwear. Hmm, purple, he thought absently as he rubbed her back, trying to give her as much comfort as possible.
"It's ok, Mary," he said aloud. He closed his eyes, allowing himself the pleasure of feeling her body against his own, even with only her, or rather his, shirt between their chests.
After a while, she looked up at him, but didn't release her hold on him. Her eyes were bloodshot. Constantine was amazed that she could still look so pretty. "John," she gasped. "I saw something. I-I don't know what it was, but…but it was horrible, John, just so horrible. I've never seen anything like it in my life."
"What did you see?" he asked calmly. Mary shuddered.
"It was…abstract," she said slowly, staring at his chest. "There was so much darkness and despair, like hell. Everything was torn and twisted." She looked back up at him. "And in the center of it all, there was a man…or, at least, I think it was a man. No, no, wait…he had wings! Oh, John, it must've been the angel!"
Constantine's gut clenched. "Is there anything else you remember?"
Mary bit her lip, a habit that Constantine recognized. "Yes," she said. "His name, he whispered his name to me. Raphael." She looked into his eyes. "His name is Raphael."
Constantine cocked his head. "I thought you said you didn't have any abilities," he pointed out.
"I don't," Mary insisted. "This has never happened to me before."
Constantine exhaled deeply. "You should probably go back to sleep," he concluded. "We'll figure it out in the morning."
"But John―"
"We're not going to get anything accomplished right now, Mary," Constantine interrupted. "Trust me. It's ok, just go back to sleep." His arms dropped from her sides as he moved to take his respectful seat at his chair. Mary's arm stopped him.
"No," she said softly, avoiding his deep gaze. "Please, I'm still…scared. C-can you hold me, even if it's only for a little while?"
Constantine swallowed, but he didn't need to be asked twice. "Sure," he agreed. Mary smiled slightly, still refusing to look at him, and curled to her side. Constantine hesitated, but then settled behind her, her back molded against his chest. His arm draped loosely over her waist and his legs cradled her own. Mary shivered, but not from being cold.
"I'm here," he whispered in her ear, breathing in her sweet scent. She smelled like peaches, a scent that Constantine was slowly beginning to love. "I'll protect you."
Mary's eyes grew heavier and heavier with each breath she took. She lightly touched Constantine's hand, entangling her fingers with his, in a silent thank you, still in the space between sleep and awake, but before she fell asleep, she was sure she felt a warm pair of lips rest against the top of her head.
Mary and Constantine fell asleep quickly, spooned together, warm and happy.
(0)
When Mary awoke, the first thing she noticed was the very masculine body facing her. Her eyes briefly widened in panic before remembering that it was Constantine. Panic was soon replaced by flushed embarrassment.
I must have turned to face him in my sleep.
Feeling that she'd never get this opportunity again, Mary studied Constantine, memorizing every line in his face. The way his arm draped almost possessively around her, the rise and fall of his chest with each breath he took. Mary tentatively touched his cheek with the back of her hand, marveling at how natural it felt it be so close to him, even though he was asleep. Without really knowing what she was doing, Mary's eyes fluttered closed as she pressed her lips against his own.
Constantine responded instantly, pressing his lips against Mary's harder. His hand found the back of her head and pressed her against him urgently as his tongue slipped past her lips. Mary gasped and then moaned, twining her arms around Constantine, carefully rubbed her tongue against his.
When he felt her respond, Constantine moaned, his other hand snaking down to her waist, sliding underneath the material to touch her bare skin. Mary hissed in response, throwing her head back, giving Constantine the perfect opportunity to explore the pale column of her neck.
Mary had never felt so…wanted before. The way Constantine was touching her, kissing her; it was a rush, an adrenaline rush that could compare to nothing she had ever felt before. She felt his hand inch ever so slowly up to her breasts. Please, please, she thought, longing for his touch.
Then something snapped.
"No," Mary gasped, pushing Constantine away. She tried to cover herself up as much as possible.
Constantine just sat there, watching her dejectedly. She looks so upset, he thought, probably changed her mind about getting…involved with me. Hmmm, I seem to have that effect on lots of people.
"Well," he said aloud, "good morning to you, too."
Mary's heart broke for him. He looked so sad. "John…"
He stood up and began looking for his shirt. "Hey don't worry about it," he said absently. "I'm used to it. No big deal."
"John." She was standing next to him now. She held on to his arm so he wouldn't walk away from her. "Please, listen to me."
Constantine looked her in the eye and Mary was shocked to see all the hidden pain there. It made her feel for him even more. Here was a man who didn't know how to love, and Mary was furious at herself for making it seem like she didn't want him.
"Alright," he said dully. He sat on the chair next to the bed. He crossed his arms against his chest, waiting. Mary gulped and sat across from him on the edge of the bed.
"I'm sorry," she said softly. "I didn't mean to…to…" Constantine held up a hand.
"Like I said," he said somewhat harshly. "It's fine."
"No, it's not," Mary said, tucking her disheveled hair behind her ear. "I meant to say that I didn't mean to push you away." His face remained as passive as ever.
Mary continued, "I just…I only just met you, John, and with this whole Raphael thing, I just want to take it slow. It's too soon for something like," she gulped, "sex." His face was still the same. Mary bit her lip, waiting.
Constantine sighed, tension escaping from his shoulders in waves. He leaned his elbows against his knees, burring his face in his hands. "I know," he said, his voice muffled.
Mary's hand pressed against her chest. It physically hurt to see him like this. She silently stood up and padded over to him. She touched the back of his neck, comforting him. Constantine moved to hold her against him, arms wrapped around her waist and his face pressed against her stomach.
They sat there, silently, without moving for a few moments, and then Constantine tugged, pulling Mary into his lap. He stared at her, wondering if he could make this work and desperately wanting to try.
"Do you think it'll work?" he asked softly. Mary caressed the side of his face. She smiled gently.
"I'm willing to try," she answered, "are you?"
Constantine nodded and held her tighter, resting his head against her neck. He breathed in her peachy scent, marveling at how perfect she fit against him. He felt Mary kiss the top of his head and he sighed.
I love you.
