Warning: This chapter is rather long, so if you have to go to the bathroom go now! Don't say I didn't warn you!
Chapter Six
Will Blakeney was bored out of his mind. Kate's party was well underway and all the guests were milling about the field in groups, eating, talking, drinking, and generally having a good time, but they were all older, no one even close to his age. They were also all very odd people and he felt very lonely and out of place.
He sighed, looking to see if there was anything he could do to amuse himself. Many of the people were playing various games. Games he noted that required two arms. He sighed and quickly shut away all bitterness, no use dwelling on such things. He turned and looked at the drinks and decided to try some of that beer everyone seemed to be enjoying.
However, he had only just picked up the can when one of the women approached, wearing an incredibly skimpy outfit everyone referred to as a bikini, the most revealing one there in fact, something which was not lost on young William Blakeney.
"Hey kid, aren't you a little young for that?" She asked, smiling at him as if she caught him doing something wrong and was slightly amused by it.
Will stared at her blankly, "Pardon?" He asked politely.
"The beer. I know a lot of us are under age drinking, but you're pushing it a bit too far don't you think?" She was still smiling, striking Blakeney as a very kind young woman. "Don't worry. If you put it back now I won't tell."
Blakeney still was not quite sure why he could not drink the beer. It was not as if he had not had alcohol before, but he supposed it must be different here, so he put the can back and got one of those sodas Miss Corin drank constantly, instead.
The young woman was still watching him, as if considering something. "Your name's Will right?" She asked.
"Yes ma'am. I'm afraid I can't recall yours." He said, offering her a shy smile.
"It's Reagan, and you don't have to call me ma'am." She replied, looking over across the field at a group of young men. "Hey, some of us are going to play some hacky-sac in a minute. You want to come?"
Blakeney blinked, "Hacky-sac? I've never played." He said, still feeling rather shy about the whole thing.
Reagan smiled kindly, "Don't worry, you'll catch on fast."
Will hesitated, however, he had nothing else to do and was rather curious about the game. So he nodded, "All right. I'll play."
"Cool." Reagan nodded. "Come on then." She said, walking with him off to join the group.
Will smiled, in spite of himself, listening to her talk. She was rather sisterly if anything, but very kind, and had a way of making him feel welcome. He followed her along, wondering what sort of game hack-sac would be.
Meanwhile, Tom was practically Olivia's shadow. He knew that what Olivia was wearing was hardly the most revealing outfit there, but he was still uneasy at the way many of the other men present were looking at her. A great number of them were a bit too familiar in their behavior towards her for his tastes.
None of her friends seemed to have seen one another in some time, and so everyone was talking all at once, everywhere, and constantly. They all wanted to know to know who the strangers living with Olivia were, and she had made up a story about meeting Tom on a trip and Jack and Stephen were his friends who came along for a long visit, and Will was Jack's nephew. It was a simple story, and they were all instructed to avoid answering questions. For the most part the guests all seemed to be more interested in catching up with one another. He did notice however that Olivia was introducing him as her "boyfriend". As he understood it boyfriend meant suitor, and he wondered why she didn't introduce him as her betrothed.
He was pulled from his reflection by Olivia giving a surprised shout. "DAMN IT CHRIS!" She spun around with a glare at the smirking young man behind her. "How many times do I have to tell you NOT to pull my hair!"
Chris simply smiled innocently, "How else am I supposed to get your attention Livie?" He asked, giving Tom a quick nod.
She rolled her eyes, "Tap my shoulder like a normal person maybe? Someday I may have to shave my head to make a point."
"Liv, no matter what you do, you are still going to be hot." He said, attempting to be serious.
"And no matter what you do, I am never ever going to get with you." She shot back. "Now did you want something? Or did you just feel like pulling my hair for the heck of it?"
"Yeah, are you going to make those southern… sour…. things?"
"Southern Comfort sours?" Olivia asked, tossing her hair. "Yeah I have stuff for it. Think I should mix it now?"
"The natives are getting restless, Livie. Better get them booze." The girl on the other side of the table added, Jenna, Tom believed her name was. There were so many of them it was impossible to keep them all straight, and no one referred to one another as mister or miss, and there were at least three Ashleys and four Beccas.
Olivia laughed. "Okay, okay, booze it is. God forbid I let you guys get sober." She hopped off the table where she had been sitting and went to head back to the apartment. She paused to turn and saw Tom following her, with a knowing grin she took his hand.
"Yeah, because it takes two people to make drinks." Jenna teased.
Olivia laughed, "Yes, yes it does." With that she and Tom went back up to her apartment.
Tom was rather relieved to get inside away from the crowd. They were a rather loud bunch and it was tiring to try to keep up.
"You're doing good." Olivia said to him with a smile as she got the ice out of the freezer and began making whatever drink had been requested barely looking at what she was doing. It seemed instinct to her and she mixed and set up the blender. "That group is a lot to put up with."
"They're…. different." He admitted. He watched her a moment, a question plaguing him until he finally burst out asking, "Olivia, why did you not tell them we are planning to be married?"
Olivia blinked, dumping the ice in the blender. "Should I have?" She asked.
"They're your friends, dear." He said gently.
"Well," She paused a moment, as if contemplating. "I don't think they need to know quite yet. I mean, Kate doesn't even know, I don't think. And once they find out I'll never hear the end of it." She sighed, going over to him and putting her arms around him. "When they find out, Tom, our wedding won't be our wedding anymore. It'll be theirs, with us as the puppets." Her green eyes sparkled. "And I rather like holding onto some control for a little longer, don't you?"
Tom laughed, "Whatever you want, love." He kissed her. "Have you at least told your mother and father?"
Olivia pulled back, her eyes slightly wide. "Tom, I haven't spoken to my father in five years. Why the Hell would I call him now?"
He frowned, he forgot that was a sensitive subject. "I'm sorry, dear, it just seems strange to me. Normally I would never even think of asking you to marry me without asking your father first, you know."
Olivia chuckled, "Oh I can hear that conversation now. I don't even think he knows where I go to school."
He smiled, glad that she was not angry, and decided to push his luck. "And your mother?" He asked.
Olivia sighed, "Do we have to tell her?" She whined.
"I think we do, dear." He said with a smile. "Eventually."
"Right. Eventually. Now you're talking." She sighed. "Put off the unpleasant as long as possible."
"Unpleasant?" He raised an eyebrow.
"Never mind." Olivia tossed her hand. "I'm sure you'll find out eventually."
Tom knew not to press the matter with her, and let it drop. Instead he watched her as she mixed drinks without even watching what she was doing. He smiled, amused at the strange way she flipped the bottles around in an impressive looking manner. "Olivia, how is it you cannot manage to heat up frozen foods in the oven, but you can spin those bottles around a mix a drink in the blender without so much as looking?" He asked.
Olivia shrugged, "I'm a bartender. Where I work if I twirl a bottle around like this I tend to get better tips. Besides, it's not as hard as it looks, watch." She picked up the bottle of rum and tossed it in the air catching it firmly as it flipped in the air, she then spun it around a few times, popped off the cap, and then poured a shot and slid it down the counter for Tom. "Cheers dear." She said simply, moving onto the blender and flipping it on casually.
Tom smiled, drinking the rum, "How long did that take you to perfect?" He asked curiously.
"Perfect? Oh Livia just watched Coyote Ugly one too many times. Just be glad she didn't start dancing on the table." Kate appeared unannounced and hopped up on the counter, followed by Lannie and two other girls Tom could not remember the names of. "And now for the girly gossip time. Out Tom. Now."
Tom blinked and looked at Olivia, who was obviously amused and now pouring the mixture from the blinder into several plastic cups. "The girls apparently have something to talk to me about, Tom." Olivia explained.
"Yes, we're going to talk about you and gossip and have Liv here give us intimate details of your anatomy with particular attention to your… how shall I say…. pulling area?" Lannie said casually, taking the glass Olivia had just finished pouring right out of her hand and hopping up to sit on the kitchen table. "So get."
"Lannie, be nice." Olivia instructed handing Kate and the other two girls drinks and leaving one for herself before handing Tom the pitcher. "Could you take this out while you're at it? I'll be down in a minute." She smiled sweetly, taking his arm and pointedly turning him, escorting him to the door. "Thanks dear. You're good for putting up with my friends." She gave him a quick kiss.
"Of course, love." He said, blushing when the girls in the kitchen all went "awww.." at the same time. "Come out soon." He said, turning and heading outside, allowing Olivia to go back to the kitchen and joining the crowd outside.
The pitcher seemed to disappear faster than it had been made, and it was not even two minutes before a few people were complaining they didn't get any, and so Tom headed back up to the apartment to ask Olivia to make more.
He reached the apartment and paused in the entrance, he could hear the girls talking in the kitchen, and could not help but be curious as to what they were talking about. He wanted to know what Olivia was telling them about him, so he lingered in the hall a moment, making a point to be slow.
"I'm serious you guys, we haven't done any of that sort of thing yet. Not even close." Olivia was saying.
"Holy shit, Livie. The guy is living with you and you haven't screwed him yet?" Another girl said in disbelief. "Spill, what's wrong with him?"
"Nothing." Olivia sighed, "He's just very old fashion about that sort of thing."
The fourth girl laughed, "Don't tell me he wants to wait until you're married."
"Actually he does." Olivia replied defensively.
"And you agreed to wait for what we all know isn't going to happen?" The first girl exploded with a laugh.
Tom could hear Olivia pause and could almost picture the thoughtful look on her face at that moment. "Why isn't it going to happen Trace?" She asked.
"Come on Liv. We know you. And the picture of you settling down with one guy forever and living in a little house with kids and a doggie is ridiculous. You're the girl who's probably been with half the guys in the music and theatre departments for crying out loud. You're not the settle down type." She argued.
Tom frowned, rather disturbed by this information. The girl sounded sincere in this assessment of Olivia and he could not help but wonder what exactly she had not been telling him.
"Yeah, and we all know you did the other half." Olivia shot back coldly. "Anyway, it's different this time."
"How so?" This was from Kate, obviously. "I mean, despite the obvious differences, how do you know this relationship is different from your last real one? Who was it…. Jonathan Riley?"
Olivia paused, "It just…. is." She sighed. "I don't know how to explain it Kate, but it feels different this time. I'm different this time. When I was with Jonathan I could picture myself with other guys very easily, but now that I'm with Tom I really can't see myself with anyone else. I haven't been with anyone else since we met last year and-"
"You haven't been with anyone in a year?" Another girl exclaimed, and obviously got a glare from Olivia for after a moment she replied. "Sorry."
"Anyway girls, I think this relationship will last. I hope it will last." Olivia chuckled. "I'd actually like to marry him. Not right at this moment of course, but it's a possibility I hope."
The girls all "awwwed" again, and a voice that had to be Lannie declared. "Welcome to an adult relationship, Olivia Corin."
Kate snickered, "You must be horny as Hell."
"You have no idea." Olivia replied.
"Mr. Pullings?" Tom jumped and spun around to see the Doctor and Captain standing behind him in the doorway, for some odd reason they were both soaking wet, but neither said a word about it. "Whatever are you doing here?"
"Oh! Sir! I was just…." He held up the pitcher wordlessly, his face turning bright red at being caught eavesdropping.
Jack tried not to chuckle at the man who looked a great deal like a mid caught fighting with his mate rather than the lieutenant he had come to know. "Well, Mr. Pullings, I suggest you fill that pitcher before the lot outside get thirsty." He instructed.
"Aye sir." Tom replied automatically, still blushing furiously, he went on to the kitchen, greeted by a large amount of giggles and teasing from the ladies within.
Stephen shook his head, "That poor man." He said. "That was almost like sending him into the lion's den my dear."
"Indeed." Jack smirked. "But I have every confidence in Mr. Pullings to withstand the lion. And now my dear sir, if you would not mind telling me what possessed you to push me into the swimming pool?" Jack raised an eyebrow at Stephen.
"What? You pushed me!" Stephen exclaimed with an insulted look on his face. "I pulled you! But you started it!"
"I did not! It was an accident I assure you." Jack replied with an equally offended look.
"You accidentally pushed me?" Stephen raised an eyebrow.
"I believe sir, there is only one way to settle this." Jack said calmly.
Stephen stared at his friend for a moment, then slowly a smile spread on his face. "I have been wanting to try those water pistols those young men were using earlier."
"Shall we then Doctor Maturin?" Jack was positively beaming at the chance to attack his friend with a weapon that shot water.
"We shall!" With that the two gentlemen dashed outside to square off for a duel with water pistols.
Meanwhile, Tom was facing a very different situation. Olivia knew very well that Tom had been listening to her conversation, and her friends obviously did not approve. They were all glaring at him with all the malice a female could muster. They were not impressed. Even Kate was glaring.
Lannie hopped off her perch on the counter with a sharp look at Tom. "Well, you two probably have things to discuss." She said coldly. "Ladies?"
Silently, the other girls all got up, each tossing Tom a judgmental look, which made him feel even worse. He was positively burning with embarrassment and looked at Olivia, who was making a point not to return the glance.
Once they were gone and the apartment was empty once more he turned to Olivia, carefully moving closer. "Olivia? Olivia, I'm sorry."
"How much did you hear?" She asked in a low and dangerous tone.
Tom was at a loss for words. He stared at her a moment, knowing that his listening to her conversation was an invasion of privacy. However, he suddenly realized that they had been discussing matters that he considered private between the two of them quite freely with a group of young ladies who he was sure from what Olivia had told him would spread what she had said around, making their private matters far from private. He stared at her, trying to find the words but unable to express them.
"Well?" Olivia demanded, her green eyes flashing in anger.
Her anger however only made Tom angry. He was outraged that she shared private details of their relationship with those other girls. "Well, that part where you told your friends that I hadn't… oh what was the word she used, oh yes, screwed you yet."
"That conversation was none of your business." Olivia said coldly.
"And it is none of your friends business what we have or have not done! My God Olivia is nothing private in this century!" He exclaimed.
"Oh yes Tom, my century is so bad, my century is so corrupt! Well at least in this time we know it's okay to show what we are feeling! At least I'm not repressing my feelings behind a mask propriety until I explode!" She shouted, moving to snatch the pitcher from his hands.
"Oh I'm repressing my feelings am I?" He snarled back. Tom was usually a very good natured man, but Olivia had somehow gotten him riled up like no woman ever had before. She was being ridiculous and acting like a child and he could not take another moment of it. "Olivia, you know damn well how I feel about you! I've told you a hundred times that I love you! What more do you want?"
Olivia slammed the pitcher down on the table and spun back to face him. "I WANT YOU TO SHOW IT GOD DAMN IT!"
"WHAT WOULD YOU HAVE ME DO OLIVIA CORIN?" Tom shouted back, furious with her for her behavior and all thoughts of controlling his anger gone. "RAVAGE YOU SENSELESS LIKE SOME COMMON WHORE? BECAUSE I CAN DO THAT YOU KNOW!" He grabbed her around the waist, pulling her to him forcefully, then kissing her, as he never had before. This kiss was forceful, firm, desperate. He forgot all thoughts of being a gentleman and kissed her like some wild beast. Olivia however made no protest, in fact, she returned his passion quite furiously. He marveled at the way she used her tongue when she deepened his kisses, and wanted her now more than anything in the world.
Tom lifted her off her feet and onto the counter, never once pausing in his shower of kisses, moving to her neck as she tilted her head and groaned slightly, allowing him better access to her wonderfully smooth skin. Tom was in heaven, and felt her wrap her legs around him, pulling him closer. Only then did he pause, realizing where this was going, and he looked up to meet Olivia's eyes, questioning whether they should continue. He was about to speak when she quickly put her finger to his lips, silencing him.
"Don't you even think of stopping now Tom Pullings." She ordered, seductively pulling his shirt up over his head, removing it and dropping it to the floor. "You promised to ravage me senseless and that is precisely what you are going to do."
"Aye ma'am." He replied with a cheeky grin, "Where was I?"
Olivia pointed at her neck. "You were working your way down."
"Ah. Of course." And so he started showering kisses upon her neck, his hands carefully sliding over her warm, soft skin. She felt like silk, like heaven and he wanted nothing more than to lose himself in her entirely.
Olivia returned his kisses furiously while at the same time gently running her hand down his back, finding each mark and scar and wondering about the story behind each. Someday she would have to ask him, but not now. Now she just wanted him to make love to her more than anything else. She carefully traced a scar on his side, her touch light and almost tickling, closing her eyes as she felt Tom's hands move under her bathing suite top and from her side to her back to find the clasp to undo it. He moved closer to unfasten her and she took advantage of this, gently kissing along his jaw to his ear and carefully nibbling at it, blowing slightly in his ear.
Tom held back a groan and felt clumsy as he struggled with the clasp. However, he never did get the chance to finish unfastening it for they were unfortunately suddenly interrupted.
"Mr. Pullings? Miss- oh my!" Young Blakeney had come up with orders from Kate for them to hurry up and get back outside. He was young, but he had a good idea that he should not have interrupted them and burned red at finding his superior in such a compromising position. "Excuse me sir!"
Tom immediately broke away from Olivia, who scooted back on the counter, breaking contact with him. She looked slightly amused and annoyed by the interruption. His face turned a brilliant shade of crimson and he wanted to scream in frustration.
Olivia smiled at Tom sympathetically and turned to Blakeney, who was standing with his mouth open in the doorway. "What is it Will?" She asked kindly.
"Kate asked me to tell you to hurry up and make more Southern Comfort sours, and people are eating desserts, oh, and the Doctor and Captain are dueling." Will said quickly, obviously embarrassed.
Tom blinked, "Dueling?"
"With water pistols sir." He added with a grin despite himself.
Olivia laughed, "All right Will, tell Kate we'll be out in a minute."
Will nodded and scampered away wanting to escape the awkwardness that now hung in the air of the kitchen.
Tom groaned and buried his face in Olivia's shoulder. "Damnation." He swore.
Olivia sighed, "I know, I know, no privacy." She leaned her head against his briefly and kissed his forehead. "Guess we'll have to wait."
"Easier said than done." Tom grumbled, unhappy at being stopped, and now struggling for control over himself once more.
Olivia laughed softly, kissing him then hopping off the counter and readjusting her mussed clothing and hair. "I better make those drinks before Kate comes up here with a whip." She looked over at poor Tom, who was still leaning on the counter. "Why don't you go to the bathroom and think of… I don't know… Mr. Allen belly-dancing or something?"
"Olivia!" Tom laughed, "That's…. that's just wrong, dear."
She grinned, "Yes but it would work. Disturbing thoughts usually do." Olivia walked over to him and wrapped her arms around his waist. "You know, during the fireworks everyone will be distracted."
"And?" Tom raised an eyebrow.
"And… everyone will be outside… distracted…. with loud explosions to cover up any noises from the apartment." She hinted lightly.
A wide grin spread across Tom's face, "Is that so?"
"Might be the only chance for a while." Olivia said calmly, turning back to drink mixing as if they were talking about the weather.
"So…. When they start the fireworks we'll come back here…"
"And pick up right where we left off." Olivia finished for him.
Tom was positively beaming. "As you wish, love." He said, taking her hand and kissing it. "Now, I believe I shall watch the Captain and Doctor duel with water pistols."
Olivia laughed, "Okay, I'll be down in a minute."
Tom kissed her again, wrapping his arms around her as she worked. "I love you." He said kissing her neck.
"So I've heard." Olivia replied.
"Oh really? From who?" He teased.
"A very reliable source." She turned to face him, her eyes shining. "I need ice."
"No you don't."
"Yes I do." She replied. "How else am I going to mix this?"
"You don't need to mix drinks." Tom answered, locking his arms around her. "You should not have to do anything in your life but stay right where you are. With me."
Olivia laughed, "Oh really? Well, tell that to my boss and professors will you? Really Tom, let me go."
He obeyed, still grinning at her, watching as she moved about the kitchen. As soon as she put the ice in the blender and went to put it back in the freezer he caught her arm, pulling her back to him in an embrace once more.
Olivia sighed in overdramatic exasperation. "You're impossible."
"And you're beautiful."
"Punk." She teased. "Weren't you going outside?"
"Wasn't I going to ravage you senseless?" He teased back.
"Tom!" Olivia exclaimed, giggling. "Come on!"
He laughed, "Fine, fine." He let her go, finally turning to leave the kitchen, but pausing in the doorway. "Promise you'll be out soon?"
Olivia rolled her eyes, "I promise."
Tom grinned, chuckling to himself he finally left the apartment to join the others outside. Kate saw him and came over casually, noting his cheesy grin with amusement.
"Liv's on her way?" She asked innocently.
"Yes. She's mixing the drinks now." Tom replied.
"You know you're without a shirt, right?" Kate asked casually.
"Oh!" Tom felt his cheeks grow hot. "Well… it is rather warm out here… and there are other men without shirts… I just thought…"
Kate laughed, "Don't worry about it Tom." She said lightly. "You know, I've never seen Livie as happy as she is with you." Kate commented with a smile.
Tom smiled at Olivia's friend, "Thank you Kate."
Just then, Stephen Maturin ran by and darted behind a large dumpster, hissing Kate and Tom to silence, water pistol at the ready.
Tom raised an eyebrow but did not say anything, but turned to Kate with a shrug. Moments later, Jack Aubrey came by, his own pistol ready, looking around very cautiously. He spotted Tom and Kate and gave a small wave. "Mr. Pullings, Kate, have you seen- AHHH!"
At that instant Stephen jumped out from behind the dumpster, firing streams of water at the naval captain, laughing like a maniac.
"STEPHEN!" Jack shouted, firing back and using Tom as a human shield.
"Sir, I must protest!" Tom exclaimed as Doctor Maturin fired at his opponent, mainly hitting Pullings instead.
"My apologies Mr. Pullings, the tide of battle you see." Jack said, firing back at the Doctor over Tom's shoulder.
"Cease fire! Cease fire! I am out of water!" Stephen shouted, shielding his face.
"Aha! I have you now my good sir!" Jack cried, jumping out from behind his "shield" and firing without mercy on the Doctor.
"JACK!" Stephen shouted, retreating to refill his water pistol with the Captain giving chase, firing as he went.
Tom chuckled, watching them run about like children. "I suppose it is a good thing I have no shirt." He commented to Kate. He then noticed that she was not listening, but staring towards the apartment building, her eyes narrowed and straining to see something. "Kate?"
"Is that?" She asked herself.
Tom followed her gaze to see a young man hurrying down the stairs and towards a car. He did not recognize the man, and he seemed rather in a hurry, but nothing terribly out of the ordinary. People were usually in a hurry in this time it seemed. "What?"
Kate's eyes widened as the young man got in his car, "It is!" She exclaimed, her expression changing from curiosity to a distinct worried look. "Livie…" Without another word she raced towards the building.
Tom was confused, but he got the distinct feeling that something was wrong, and so he raced after her. "Kate, what is it?" He called, following her up the stairs to Olivia's apartment.
Kate burst in, followed closely by Tom. "LIVIE?" Kate called, her tone clearly worried. "LIVIE?"
She was not in the kitchen, or the main room. Tom felt his heart freeze, knowing that something was not right. "Olivia?" He called, following Kate as she ran down the hall to Olivia's room.
Olivia was standing there in the middle of the room quite pale. Relief flooded Tom as she appeared to be unharmed. "Olivia, what is it?" He asked, quickly knowing that something was wrong and putting his arms around her protectively.
Olivia looked at Kate, her eyes wide. "He was here." She said softly, nodding to the wall beside her bed.
Kate and Tom both followed her gaze, to the words painted in bold red the message, "I'M WATCHING YOU" sprawled across the wall.
Kate gasped, covering her mouth with her hand, "Livia…"
Tom held her tighter, obviously whoever left this message meant some sort of harm towards Olivia and he was not going to allow that to happen. "Olivia, what's happening?" He asked softly.
However, her gaze had fallen on something else, and she broke out of his embrace, crossing the room and kneeling at the foot of her bed. Tom watched as she picked up a single rose that had been lying on the floor. "Olivia?"
Kate turned to them, taking everything in then quickly moving to Olivia's side and taking her by the arm. "Olivia, go outside. You shouldn't be in here right now. Tom, take her outside and have Lannie stay with her. Tell her… tell her that Gary's back."
Tom looked over at Kate, still completely confused. "I'd rather stay with-"
"No, it's okay Kate." Olivia said suddenly, looking up at him. The color was coming back into her cheeks and she seemed to have come out of a trance. "I'm fine."
"Livia…"
"Kate, I said I'm fine." Olivia snapped. "Let's just… get out of here." She said, throwing the rose on the floor.
Kate looked unconvinced. "Olivia Corin don't you dare act like nothing is wrong." She said.
"Look, Kate, what am I supposed to do?" Olivia sighed. "I'll call the cops and report it, but there's nothing else I can do at the moment." She then hesitated. "If it's okay with you, I think I'll stay up here and skip the rest of the party."
"You're not staying in here alone." Kate said firmly.
"No, of course not." Tom said, stepping in and taking Olivia's hand in his. "I'm staying with her."
Olivia nodded, "Yes. Tom needs to know what's going on here."
Kate slowly agreed. "All right, fine. I'll just… tell everyone you're not feeling well." She said.
"Don't tell them I'm pregnant." Olivia warned.
"I won't!" Kate threw up her hands. "Geez, Lannie wouldn't know sarcastic if it bit her on the ass."
Olivia chuckled, squeezing Tom's hand. "Come on."
They all went out into the main room and Kate paused a moment. "Liv, are you sure you'll be okay?"
"I'm fine." Olivia said, "Really."
Kate nodded, "All right." She hugged her friend quickly, then turned and went back outside.
Olivia sighed, "I need to make a phone call. Then I promise I'll tell you everything." She said to Tom.
He nodded. "All right." He said, sitting on the sofa as she went into the kitchen to make her call. He heard her speaking to an "Inspector Mallow" about what had happened. She sounded very calm and even, but he could detect a tremor in her tone and he waited patiently for her to finish.
When she came out her expression looked exhausted, worried, and just plain worn out. She handed him his shirt with an apologetic half-smile. "I don't think I'll be in the mood tonight Tom." She said softly.
Tom took his shirt back, watching her with concern. He pulled her onto the sofa to sit with him, holding her close, wanting to chase away the world and protect her from whatever sorrow or troubles she was having. He frowned, feeling her body stiffen in his embrace. This was not Olivia at all. Something was troubling her deeply and he tightened his hold on her, desperate to understand what was happening here. "Love, what's the matter?" He asked.
Olivia shivered slightly, her eyes closed and she leaned against him for support. For a moment she merely sat I n silence, building her courage. Finally, she spoke softly. "I'm afraid." She admitted, to herself more than anything.
"I won't let anything happen to you." Tom swore, his jaw setting in determination. "Olivia, I know that I failed you in the past, and you….. you died." He stumbled a bit over that word. It was a bitter memory, one that flashed through his nightmares. The split second in which Olivia had run between him and harm's way, then collapsing with a bullet in her back, then watching her slowly fade away and being helpless to stop it. He now had a second chance to be with her and he was not going to let her be taken from him so cruelly again. He would die first. "But I swear to you I will not let that happen again. Whoever he is, I will not let him harm you."
Olivia paused, looking up at him a moment. "Oh Tom…" She said softly, leaning against him and feeling safe there beside him. "I know you will. But that's not what I'm afraid of… well… it is… sort of… but anyway…" She trailed off, distracted by her thoughts.
"Then what?" He prompted, confused.
"I'm afraid you won't understand." She admitted. "I've made mistakes. More than I care to count. And I'm afraid that if you know some of them you…" She faded off once more, with a sigh, scooting away from him on the sofa and crossing her arms defensively.
"Olivia," Tom put an arm over her shoulder for a moment then rubbed her back soothingly. She looked as if she was going to cry at any moment and he could not stand to see that. "You know I love you. And you know I will love you no matter what. Your past, dear, it doesn't really matter now does it? You can do nothing to change it, can you? I promise I will not hold it against you. I cannot. I love you too much."
She smiled slightly, "You're too good to be true sometimes." She said, curling up with him again with a sigh. "All right. I'll tell you the story." She paused a minute, thinking of where to begin. "It was my first year in college, living away from home, first time out of the control of my mother and grandmother. Anyway, I went to this frat party and got a little… well… I was completely drunk. And that's where I met Gary. I don't remember all that happened, but I know I ended up in bed with him." She sighed again, casting a sidelong glance at him to see how he was taking all this.
Tom's face was going red with anger at what he perceived to be her telling of a violation that happened years ago. He licked his lips, trying to buy time to think of a reaction, and attempting to control his anger. "He…. Olivia, he raped you?"
"No Tom." Olivia said firmly. "I was willing, well, I was drunk and didn't really know what I was doing. But I went to bed with him of my own drunken free will."
"He still took advantage of you." Tom pointed out, frowning.
Olivia held up a hand, "I know, but I shouldn't have been so drunk. Anyway, it was years ago and that doesn't even matter." She shook her head slightly, pausing to consider what to say next. "Anyway, afterwards I ended up dating him, and Gary turned out to be a bit…. possessive to say the least. Everywhere I went he followed me. If I so much as looked at another guy he went completely insane. He wanted me to drop out of school and marry him, and I certainly didn't want that, so I told him I didn't want to see him again after about a week." Olivia shook her head sadly, "He wouldn't leave me alone. Everywhere I went he was there. He kept leaving me all these messages, scary ones. If I was with another guy he would threaten them, threaten me, try to force himself on me. It wasn't a good situation Tom. Not at all. Anyway, he even went so far as to place a hidden camera in my bedroom and that was when I finally wised up and got the police involved."
"A camera?" Tom raised an eyebrow. "What is that exactly?"
"It's what records what you see on the TV." Olivia replied. "He apparently wanted to watch me all the time." She said bitterly.
Tom blinked slowly, "Oh…"
"Anyway," Olivia sighed, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear again. "I got a restraining order and he had to stay away from me, last thing I knew he moved out of town, but now… apparently… he's back."
"He will not get near you." Tom swore, determinedly. "You have my word."
Olivia bit her lip, frowning. "He's a scary guy, Tom. Not right in the head. Knowing he was here, he was here while we…" She trailed off and sighed again, rubbing her temples in an attempt to fight a headache. "I refuse to live my life in fear." She said determinedly. "I have to go on like I always do."
Tom paused a moment, "Olivia, I don't want you in any danger." He said. "I've lost you once, and I could not stand seeing you hurt again."
"I'll be fine Tom. I can handle Gary." She said quickly. "Let's change the subject shall we?" She asked. "The cops can't come out until tomorrow to check my room for cameras or anything… can I change in yours?"
Tom nodded, "Of course, love."
Olivia stood, "Don't worry about me, Tom. I'm okay now. Just not in much of a party mood." She assured him. "I'll be right back." She disappeared down the hall to change, leaving Tom alone a moment.
He sighed heavily, taking in everything she just told him. He was uncomfortable with a strange man following his Olivia, watching her all the time, and he knew she feared this man, despite her attempt at courage, he knew she was afraid. He also hated it when she talked of her previous relationships. It was quite clear to him that Olivia was no virgin, and it was also obvious she was not ashamed of that fact and was quite honest with him about that sort of thing. However, there were some things he'd rather not know, and her drunken indiscretions were in that category. She was not like the respectable young ladies he knew in his own time, that was becoming increasingly clear every day. Yet, he still loved her more than anything. She was all he seemed to have left now. His career was gone, his home, the ship, his entire life, except for Olivia. As much as he loved her, he couldn't help but miss his life. He missed the sound of the wind in the sails, the salty spray on his lips, the rocking of the waves. He missed a world that made sense to him, instead of being constantly assaulted with new ideas, objects, and strange forward people.
"What are you thinking?"
Tom looked up suddenly, not realizing how much time had passed. Olivia was back and had changed clothes, watching him carefully. "What?"
"Okay, I know that was really stereo-typical of me to say that, but you had that far away look on your face. She said, sitting down beside him again in silence for a moment. Then finally she asked again. "Do you miss it? Your time? Your ship?"
"Well… yes." He admitted. "I miss it terribly. This time does not make any sense and everything is different." He had started, and now he could not stop. His words tumbled over one another. "There's no order here. Everyone is loud and forward, and I have absolutely no purpose to my life anymore. I've never felt so helpless in my life."
Olivia looked away, fighting tears. He was miserable she was sure of it, and she so wanted him to be happy. "Oh." Was all she could manage for a reply, determined not to let him see how his honesty upset her.
Tom sighed, of course he noticed she was on the verge of tears. He had said the wrong thing, that much was obvious. It have been a long day for her and an upsetting discovery and now he had gone and upset her further by telling her he was miserable. He carefully slid an arm around her shoulders, bringing her closer to him and stroking her long hair in attempt to comfort her. "But then I see you." He said softly.
Olivia raised an eyebrow and looked up at him, "And… is this a good thing?"
He laughed slightly, "Then I see you and I forget how everything has changed. I forget that I miss the ship and my life, in fact Olivia, when I see you I forget everything entirely." He kissed her lightly. "I'd rather have you with me than anything."
She smiled a bit, obviously he had said the right thing. "Even a ship of your very own command Mr. Pullings?" She teased.
"Of course, dear. I'd rather have you than my own fleet." He grinned like an excited schoolboy, "There are things I can do with you, dear, that if I did with a ship the splinters would be Hell."
Olivia stared at him for a moment, then burst into laughter. "Tom Pullings, I believe I am a bad influence on you."
"Indeed you are." He teased, kissing her again, this time they lingered, with far more passion and did not stop until a loud bang interrupted.
Olivia smiled, "Fireworks from town." She explained, standing and going over to the window to watch.
Tom joined her, approaching from behind and wrapping his arms around her, watching the spectacular display before them. The fireworks were brilliant and vivid, but all he could think of was the woman in his arms. There was so much more to her than meets the eye. She pretended strength, but he could see the vulnerability as well. He wanted to protect her. He wanted to keep everything from her, yet he knew he couldn't. She would never allow it anyway, he was quite sure. He still had the feeling she was keeping things from him. Her disconnection from her family was certainly a mystery. With a small smile he realized he had never known her to be anything but a mystery. Women. Why must they be so vague? So secretive? That was the real mystery.
"Tom?"
He could immediately tell by her tone that her mood had changed. She was troubled again. Tom regarded her curiously, tightening his hold on her instinctively. "Yes?"
"I…. I don't think I'll be able to sleep in my room tonight." She said slowly. "Could I stay in yours maybe?"
"It's your apartment, dear." He said gently. "We'll trade. I'll stay in your room and you'll stay in mine. We can move Blakeney's cot as well."
Olivia shrugged. "He can stay. It's no big deal." She hesitated. "Honestly, I… I might feel better if someone else is there. And I know you won't stay." She said with a small smile. "Seeing as it's 'inappropriate'."
"It would be." Tom answered. "But… I can stay until you fall asleep. If you'd like." He added.
Olivia nodded, closing her eyes for a moment, as if gaining composure. "I think I would." She answered.
"Good." Tom watched the last batch of fireworks light up the sky, filling it with light. "This is quite lovely, dear." He commented.
"It is." Olivia smiled, leaning against him. "I always loved this holiday. When I was little I used to go up one of the mountains, climb a tree, and watch the fireworks all over the valley. Then my little brother and I would chase lightening bugs until Mama would make us come in. I'd keep them in a jar beside my bed and watch them as I fell asleep. My father once told me they were each a little piece of the fireworks, and I wanted to believe him and hold onto them as long as possible." She smiled indulgently. "Silly, I know."
"Not at all." He smiled, he loved hearing stories from her childhood, though the more he knew her, the more he noticed the hint of sadness when she spoke up home. "I used to climb trees when I was lad as well." He told her. "Not to see fireworks of course, but I'd pretend they were the masts of my ship." He chuckled. "And I damn near drove my poor mother mad with my carelessness."
Olivia laughed, "You? Causing trouble? I can't imagine."
"Oh I had good intentions, I assure you." Tom grinned. "I was fighting for King and country." He said, trying not to laugh.
"Of course." Olivia raised her chin, fighting a smile. "The King's servant first and foremost."
"No… the King's servant of course, but first and foremost, my dear Olivia, I am yours." He said, kissing her hand.
"Thomas Pullings that has got to be one of the cheesiest things you have ever said to me since we met!" She teased with a cheerful laugh.
"I highly doubt that." Tom returned her chuckle. "I seem to make so many highly sentimental, and as you say, cheesy, remarks when I'm with you."
"You do. The sad thing is I fall for them every single time." She kissed him smiling. "Happy 4th of July dear."
Tom laughed, "Am I allowed to return the sentiment?" He asked, teasingly. "Seeing how I am the villain, an Englishman at an American holiday?"
Olivia rolled her eyes, "You're just looking for my sympathy, sir."
"I am. Is it working?" He asked, innocently.
"Maybe." She replied.
He kissed her, "Now?"
"That works well, yes." Olivia smiled happily. "When was the last time I told you how much I loved you?"
Tom laughed, "Now THAT my dear, was cheesy." He kissed her hand and once again wrapped his arms around her, "Happy July, love."
"It's happy 4th of July, and I never said you could say that." She teased.
He smirked, "Fine." He said, attempting to sound hurt and letting go of Olivia, returning to the sofa. "I know when I'm not wanted."
Olivia sighed with mock burden and suddenly raced across the room, pouncing on him like a cat, curling up next to him and forcing him to snuggle. "You know you're wanted." She said, looking up at him, curling up at his side with his arm around her.
He smiled, kissing the top of her head, sitting in silence happy in her presence, perfectly content to remain there with her until the end of time.
A/N: Yep this chapter was long. So no wonder it took so long eh? Anyway, to sum up for those of you like me with no attention span whatsoever:
Blakeney learned to hack. Olivia's horny. Tom wants privacy…. and is trying not to be horny as his horniness was interrupted. Jack and Stephen had a water gun fight. Olivia has a scary stalker. Tom still didn't get any. Olivia has lots of issues. Secret ones. Add sap and mush needed.
Yeah I'd say that sums it up. One more chapter and then I'll FINALLY be done with July. This story is going to be mucho long. But after the next chapter I get to move onto August! Yay! August is going to be fun. Elessar King and vouch for that (evil grin)
TheMusingFit: Haha I'm glad you don't mind I'm dragging things out. This chapter was waaay too long. Lannie's going to be a regular in this story. Just to torture Jack. Hey, I torture everyone in this story. I'm evil. Hope you enjoyed the very long chapter and stuck with me through it! Thanks!
Calliope-Elven-Agent: Haha you want Olivia to cover up more to make Tom feel better? Haha seems at one point in this chapter he wanted her to lose clothes… hehe. Besides, she doesn't really think about that sort of thing. She just puts on clothes… or lack thereof. Hope you enjoyed the long long chapter! Thanks for reviewing!
Sten: Yay! I distracted you from the horrors of school! Yay! As for 4th of July… it really depends on who you're with. Kate happened to throw a party. My parents have a BBQ some years. Just depends. Either way fireworks are fun. Especially surrounded by hicks with explosives. Now THAT is entertaining. Hope you got to avoid the evilness of school to read this. It certainly was a long chapter and I hope it was enjoyable too! Thanks for the review!
Adena27: Haha something needs to happen with them? Well… something almost did…. eventually something might…. You'll just have to read and see!
ArcherofDarkness: I never could get used to the idea of pineapple on pizza. My sister swears by it though. Water is fun. I love swimming. I would have swum laps today but the pool was closed. Gr. I hate wearing bathing suits too and never wear bikinis. Ever. All I wear are swimmer suits (you know the ones I'm talking about?) because I grew up on a swim team and mom works at a store that sells swimmer stuff. Olivia however is obviously not self-conscious, and she'll drive poor Tom crazy because of it. Hehe anyway m'dear hope you enjoyed the long neverending chapter! Thanks for sticking with me!
Anyana: I think this last week just about killed me. But thanks for the wish of luck! Hope you liked my long long chapter and stuck with me! Sorry it was so long! Thanks for reviewing dear!
Serena: Hope this chapter lived up to expectations. And hope I didn't keep you waiting too long… but you can see why it took so long, being as it IS long. Thanks for reviewing!
Wing Pikepaw: Haha Stephen beating Jack up with a sledgehammer? That's just funny. I love minesweeper! I've beaten it too so there! Haha. Okay actually I can only do the intermediate level. And just so you know, Olivia doesn't live in a dorm. She lives in an apartment off campus. Hehe and I passed your message on to Tom.
Tom: No I will NOT get used to it! Olivia should put some clothes on!
Me: Seems like you were trying to take them off earlier.
Tom: That's private!
Me: Haha Tom's horny!
Tom: Shut up!
Me: Make me!
Tom: I will! (pulls hair)
Me: OWWW! Oh that's it! You're not getting any for the rest of the story!
Tom: Damn! I'm sorry!
Me: (grumble) And I may kill one of you off again.
Tom: Let me get you a bacardi….
I like Lannie too. She's going to be in future chapters. Haha maybe she and Jack can play battleship or something. Hope you enjoyed Chapter 6! Thanks for reviewing dear!
Angel of the Night Watchers: I'm glad it amused you. I hope this chapter amused you too! Thanks for reviewing and hope you enjoyed my long chapter!
Elessar King: Haha could you hurry up with that petition for my professors? I swear they're trying to kill me! I updated as soon as I could… do I get galaxy bars from Eldarion now? Hope your shoulder feels better and I'm sorry you were attacked by the stairs. Oh… and we NEED to teach Bors a new sentence. Cheers m'dear!
Okay… I hope I got everyone! Thanks for reviewing guys! Hope you enjoyed my long chapter and stuck with me! Review and maybe I'll be nicer to Tom… maybe.
Tom: (snort) We all know that's not true.
Me: It's called a bribe you idiot.
Tom: But…. I thought you said you were going to be nicer to me?
Me: No one's reviewed yet. (pokes Tom with a stick)
Tom: Grrr…
Happy reading m'dears!