Chapter Twenty-Four: Translation

Alex

Monday night I walk through the house, weaving my way through stacks of boxes and shifted furniture. Almost everything that I won't need as soon as I get back is packed up, and on the fifth of January Goodwill is coming to pick up the furniture that I don't want to take with me. Turns out that's most of it, even the bed I can live without. I worked so hard decorating your apartment, picking out a new big bed to replace your tiny twin, and coordinating all the delicious bedding- if we only get one bed, I'd rather we keep yours. I shove aside a few of the boxes in the living room and start a fire in the fireplace. For a minute I sit on the stone hearth, watching the fire catch and grow. I'm excited about my trip, excited about being back in New York for Christmas for the first time in what is it, three years now?

Hopefully you'll let me out of the apartment long enough to finish the Christmas shopping I can only do in the city, and I can only hope that you won't be too resistant when I drag you out of bed on Wednesday to go apartment hunting.

I haven't talked to you much since last Wednesday for some reason. You've sounded so busy when I call, and three of the last four days I've had to find you on your cell phone. You tell me you're Christmas shopping, but I can't remember anyplace you'd shop that's open after eleven on a weeknight. I gave up trying to get details; every question is countered with "It's a surprise."

I move from the hearth and settle into my sofa, probably for the last time. Maybe not, that does sound a bit melodramatic. Still, I can't help but think I will miss this place a bit. It's so beautiful, not that New York isn't beautiful but there's just something about this place, about the peace of being so close to the woods. I almost wish I could live both places, have you here and there. I get up and let the fire die out as I re-check my bags, making sure I haven't missed any of the gifts I've already bought. I've stuffed in some extra clothes to leave at your place so I don't have to box them up later, and everything is packed up nice and tightly. I make sure to set the alarm early, knowing I'll want a shower before I travel. As I fall asleep I clutch your pillow, excited that tomorrow night, I'll actually be clutching you.

Olivia

I had to do some fancy talking to convince the complex owner to sign the papers in twenty-four hours, but I was determined to get started on the apartment while I still had a day off. I needed a solid day to do some shopping and get stuff stashed in the penthouse so I could get right to work after my shift on Saturday. Munch was more than happy to give up mornings for the last few days so that I could get out by five pm and over to the apartment to work on the mess. It's in worse shape than I originally thought, and I'm glad I talked the price down as much as I did. After buying the rings, and putting out for the supplies I've bought, my savings are bordering on non-existent and I almost wish I'd waited until you were here to do this. But then I think about the look on your face when you see this place, when you see what I'm doing to it… for us, and I realize the money isn't the issue.

It's almost one am on Monday night before I call it a day. I have to be at work by 8am and I'm exhausted, my arms are heavy from my labors and my knees are aching. But in three days I've managed to almost finish retouching the floor. It still needs a good staining and sealing, but the hardwood already looks better than it did on Friday, and at least in the living room you should be able to see how much potential this space has. I've bought a few supplies to make a half wall between the kitchen and living room. Elliot has agreed to help me next weekend, and I hope I can get away from you long enough to at least the get wall done, and maybe do a little Christmas decorating. If I get all of my work done in time I can give the apartment to you for Christmas.

I stop my sanding and lay flat on my back on the floor, turning my head to look at the lights of the city through the large window to my left. I can't wait for you to see this place, can't wait to watch you decorate it, can't wait see you living here, can't wait to make love to you on this floor, in these rooms. I catch myself falling asleep and force my way up, out the door and back to my apartment, collapsing into bed completely worn out. When my alarm goes off too quickly after I fall asleep I groan, then jump into the shower to wash away the dust and grime and paint that I didn't bother to eradicate before passing out the night before. I really hope you like this place, because otherwise I'm wearing myself to the bone for nothing.

Alex

For this trip I booked first class all the way, and fortunately it was a fairly smooth ride. I know you're working so I catch a cab to the apartment, wanting to drop off my overstuffed suitcases and catch a shower before I head over to the station to say hello.

Two hours later I'm unpacked, showered and dressed in a pair of jeans and one of your tees topped off by my own leather jacket. I add on the glasses of justice, not really wanting to deal with my contacts, and knowing the way you react to the sight of those glasses. I decide against a cab, choosing instead to make use of your extra sneakers and enjoy the walk to your work, soaking in my first sights of the city since I was here in February. This time I get to actually be outside, free and unaccompanied. By the time I get to the station it's almost time for you to be off for the day, and I bless New York for being exactly the right distance across. If I'd taken a cab I'd be sitting around waiting for you to be done for another hour. This way I'm just in time to see you gathering your coat from the chair and your keys from your locker.

I see you see me and I swear I fall in love with you every time you get that goofy look on your face. You look tired, and can see bags under your eyes but your face is quickly transformed by an enormous grin, a spark flashing through your eyes as they take on a new light. I can't help the way my heart goes all jumpy at the sight of you. You drop your coat and keys on the desk and rush to my side, wrapping your arms tightly around me as you plant an exuberant kiss on my lips.

As you pull away I look around to meet the amused faces of Elliot, Fin and Munch. Glad to see you're over your issues with public displays of affection.

"Um. Hi guys."

"Alex, nice to uh… see you. You... 'out' for the day Liv?"

"Funny Munch. But yes, I am gone. See you guys tomorrow.'

We leave to a chorus of goodbyes, and you blush as you hear the guys chuckling while we walk out of the bullpen together.

"How was your trip?"

"Not as bad as the last one, but I still don't want to make flight my preferred method of travel. I stopped at the apartment to change and shower and got most of my stuff unpacked. Hey-- where's the rug from the living room? Did you get tired of it or something?"

You look nervous and I wonder what you've been up to. You've been very mysterious the last few days and I can't help but wonder how your missing rug could be tied up in whatever surprise you've been working on.

"No, I just… loaned it to Elliot. Kathy came by the house to get some things and took the living room rug with her. He asked if he could borrow mine until he has a chance to go shopping."

"Riight." It's clearly a lie, but such a cute one I decide to let it go. "So, where are we headed? How about dinner out, my treat?"

"Cho's?"

"Mmmm, no I'm feeling more like... Italian."

You smile, and we catch a cab to Moretti's. It's the first time we've been able to eat at our restaurant since before I left all those years ago. You insist you haven't been back without me, but Tonio still remembers us, and clears out a table in the back room so we can have some privacy.

"My two favorite ladies. You are back from the dead no?"

"Hi Tonio," I lean to kiss his cheek as he points to a newspaper article on the wall. I recognize my photograph from the Times article in February. I laugh and nod and he slaps you on the shoulder,

"Is good to have back your favorite lawyer yes?"

"It's wonderful Tonio. You still remember the order?"

"Of course! Tonio never forgets! I'll bring the wine out myself."

"Ah. Tonio-- no wine. Not anymore."

Tonio smiles, winks and walks towards the kitchen. The food may not be the best, but we always came here for the atmosphere. Something in Tonio's nature makes us feel welcome and at ease in a way we can't be in a lot of places. He has never looked strangely at us for loving each other, and it's nice to find a small quiet place in the city where we can have a romantic evening without getting stared at.

I turn to see you watching me over the candlelit table.

"Hey you."

Olivia

Your voice is silky, soft. I've been looking forward to this for weeks-- no months. Let's face it, I love that we can finally be here together without a guard. Sure Agent Hammond turned out to be a decent guy, but I've missed having you to myself in all of our favorite places. I watch you in the flickering candle's reflection. I love the way your face pulls the shadows and light, the way your glasses reflect my own face, your eyes pools of clear blue watching me. How do I always forget just how beautiful you are?

Tonio brings out a hot plate of handmade lasagna, half veggie, and half homemade Italian sausage. One thing's for sure- Tonio never forgets. You reach across the table to snag a bite of my veggie lasagna, and as usual you scrunch up your nose at the taste of spinach and broccoli and I can't help but laugh. You always try it, and you always hate it. I forgot about that. I've forgotten a lot of the little things you do that I love so much. I clear my plate quickly, then watch as you take a piece of bread in your long fingers, sopping up sauce from your plate. You bring the red-tinged roll to your lips and I watch you close your mouth around the bite, savoring the scent and taste of Italian spices, watching your nostrils flare at the scent of oregano, thyme and basil. I watch longingly as you lick the slightest trace of sauce from your fingers, then throw money on the table, pulling you from your seat and outside to a waiting cab. I want you home. Now.

Alex

I feel more than I see you watching me. It's for your benefit that I take my time soaking a roll in sauce and then close my lips around the last bite, feeling the warmth of the bread and sauce and spice fill my mouth, my nose. When I open my eyes you've thrown money on the table and you reach for my hand, pulling me urgently into a cab outside. I can see by the look in your eyes that my little tactic worked, and as you pull me into a kiss I ignore the cabby's stare in the mirror and enjoy the feeling of your tongue claiming my lips, my mouth.

I barely notice when the cab stops in front of your apartment, and you lead me from the car and into the apartment, pushing me up against the door, pulling at my clothes, plunging one hand down the undone zipper of my jeans, smiling around my mouth as you discover I'm not wearing any underwear. You pull away from my and raise your eyes to mine. You tease me with one finger, playing along my opening, and I feel my body react, heat rising from the bottom up. I take your wrist and pull your hand away, then pull away from your kiss. You look disappointed, and I wag my finger at you.

I start to walk away from you, grabbing your hand and pulling you behind me as I walk into the bedroom. I sit you on the bed and step away, teasing you with a slow and only slightly awkward shedding of my clothes. I see you start to laugh, and I stop your teasing giggles with my mouth. I pull off your clothes between kisses, my hands electrified as I touch your bare skin. When you're finally freed from your clothes I kneel over your lap, feeling your legs between mine, pulling your body to me. I bury my head in your shoulder, wrapping my arms around you and resting with you there before I raise my head and get lost in your eyes, a place I know so well that even when I'm lost I feel like I've been found. You reach to pull my left hand from behind you and lace our fingers together, our silver rings lying side by side.

Olivia

Your eyes drop, staring at our rings, side by side on interwoven fingers. I've been quiet, enjoying the feel of you next to me, on top of me. Enjoying the way your skin feels on mine. It's been less than a month but it feels like forever. When you lift your eyes back to mine I reach out with my right hand to stroke the hair back from your face, leaving my palm resting on your cheek.

"God I love you. Have I told you that lately?"

You grin and I melt as the corners of your mouth turn into those elusive dimples. "Not in the last hour or so. But right now, I'd really rather you showed me."

"mmm I'd be happy to." I shift your body off of mine, laying you gently on the bed below me. I kiss you again, less urgently this time. I lay my hand at your breast, gently stroking this softest skin. I feel your nipple harden at my touch, and I crook my finger, tracing your roundness with the back of my knuckle. I move my hand so that I'm cupping you, my thumb playing with your nipple, feeling gooseflesh rise on your skin. I guide your left hand with mine, still wrapped together, down between us. Your fingers untangle from mine and play lazily between my legs, before I feel you move gently beyond these other lips, even as your tongue finds my mouth above us. I mimic your motions, gently parting you with my fingers, remembering the way inside you, moaning into your mouth as your fingers slip into my wetness, my arousal leaving you no resistance as you begin a slow and delicious rhythm that I match with my own hand, my own fingers.

Together we move towards the edge, then back… wanting to make this last, wanting to prolong the moment. As my mouth leaves yours and I trail soft kisses down the delicate line of your jaw and into the hollow of your neck you moan, increasing the speed of your hand below me. I nip at your skin, leaving the barest trace of a mark at the nape of your neck. You moan again, and I hear you whisper my name as I bring my face level with yours, playing with my fingers inside of you, crooking my knuckles just so-- finding that fleshy spot inside, even as my thumb seeks your swollen clit. I feel you mirroring me, and I whisper against you,

"God Alex… I need… I need…" I don't have to finish the thought, you pull me to you, meshing our bodies together as closely as we can be as you turn your fingers inside me the way only you know how, and I feel myself contract around you, feel a rush of warmth and liquid spreading over your fingers, now still inside me. I try not to get carried away, wanting to return the favor before I collapse completely in your embrace. I quicken my rhythm, my thumb brushing purposefully against your clit and I feel you shift, closing around my fingers, sense the same wetness from you coating my own hand as I move, rolling onto the bed next to you, my hand still dangling softly between the v of your legs, stroking idly against your thighs as you sigh contentedly.

You turn your head to look at me, and I smile at the satisfied glaze in your eyes. I decide I'd like a little something more and I place a chaste kiss on your lips before moving my tired body down in the bed, leading the way with kisses against your soft white skin until I'm looking up at you from the place where my hands have only just finished playing. You're tired, worn, but still your body bucks as I place my tongue on the inside of your thigh, tracing the line of your juices back up, cleaning the mess my fingers left behind. You reach your ringed hand back down, caressing the top of my head, tangling in my hair as I gather your wetness on my tongue.

I can feel your arousal building anew, and I love that I have this power over you. I look up to see you watching me and I pause, waiting for direction. You nod and I dip my head back to you, gently parting your lips with my fingers, plunging my tongue inside you as you squirm, drawing me deeper. When you come for the second time your body settles heavily in the bed, and even as tempted as I am to try for a third I shift back, lying next to you and wrapping my arm across your body, pulling your almost limp form to me kissing your now lazy lips as you try to smile.

I move my body, turning and digging into the bed until I'm tucked against you, my head resting on your shoulder, your chin a comforting weight against my hair.

"In case you didn't quite catch the translation counselor, I love you."