"Kitty" Year-Round
Part III: No Ordinary Love
By Mia LeighArc
The next four months, they had spent a lot of time together; reading together by the fire, talking for hours over tea, enjoying home cooked meals, in restaurants by candlelight and especially stargazing together. They had grown rather used to each other's company. One particular day they were walking through the garden on his property when he spotted a favorite plant of Delbert's had begun blooming, he tenderly clipped a blossom and placed it behind Amelia's ear before they resumed their walk. She purred at plethora of the attention he constantly showered her with. She blushed when he smiled warmly at her, softly running his fingers against her cheek to wrap around her ear. These were the little moments that were beginning to shape their growing relationship. Delbert and Amelia both knew they wouldn't have it any other way.
Amelia was finally well enough to continue to work and the Legacy fully repaired, she was sitting in her stateroom when a kind knock sounded from the thick mahogany door that isolated her from the world. She called to the entrance, waiting to greet her visitor, but found herself short of breath when none other than the bashful Doctor Doppler stuck his head into the room. She smiled slightly, remembering the real reason she was still in one piece and was able to greet the good doctor.
"I protect the Legacy with my life if I must, for its purpose is far greater than my own." Thus, was the oath she took when accepting captaincy of the ship, and it was the militaristic way to look at it, but she knew for a good reason why she was still alive was because the doctor had helped her so much on the voyage: through Arrow's death, her injuries, but most importantly her loneliness. She wouldn't be alone again, she knew, simply because Delbert had promised her as such. She had seen a lot more of him these past few months with him taking care of her even though she was well again. Between the late-night conversations, preparing meals together, the occasional moments of breakfast in bed. He even brought her the newspaper every day. Rather surprisingly, she was growing used to him taking care of her. It seemed to Amelia that Delbert was making and finding the simplest of excuses to spend time with her. She mentally fought her thoughts but could not seem to fight down the hopeful and seemingly wonderful idea "When did thoughts of the Doctor become wonderful for me?" she mused to herself.
"Please, come in," Amelia said warmly. He seemed to have a smile that could always brighten her day, no matter how dismal it had been thus far. She watched as he strode into her stateroom, hoping that he wouldn't look up and notice her staring. He did, but only slightly seeing as he found himself staring at her attire. She was wearing an olive-green gown with small straps around her shoulders and a crisscrossed design along the back, the gown came to her knees, showing off her long legs. She wore black laced up heels to top off the ensemble. He was wearing a deep blue suit today, with a white shirt and red cravat. He held out Lilies for her this time, the most beautiful shade of pink, white and yellow. Amelia put them in a vase in her stateroom, breaking eye contact to distract her nerves and her thoughts.
"Oh, bloody hell, he must've noticed something," she scolded herself, quickly darting her eyes away as he glanced up at her and smiled. "I'm acting bloody ridiculous." She scolded to herself as she crossed the room and waved her arm toward two chairs by the window of her stateroom, sitting herself in the one next to Delbert's. She wondered for a moment why she felt so nervous around him, as she realized that she was sitting tensely on the edge of her seat. But the next second, although she'd never admitted it aloud, she knew the reason. She could remember that magical first date, as it hadn't been just 4 months ago in the heat of the summer.
On a summer night such as this, one could easily find many a being on Montressor who wasn't suffering through the stiflingly heavy, muggy heat. Many, yes, even her precious Dr Doppler. He was now pacing back and forth, muttering to himself softly. Although still at his home with only Sarah Hawkins and her son Jim for company he and Jim had grown much closer in the past few months, he still wished to be alone in the mansion this particular night. However, because this was not entirely possible at that point in time, he settled for merely attempting to hire himself as little attention as possible. unfortunately for him, he seemed to attract it without trying.
Seeing a grown man with a nervous look in his eye was one thing, but Delbert's current facial expression read, "I'll be attending my own funeral in about ten minutes"
She watched him from her chair by the fire, after she had sent Jim out of the room five minutes ago because he would not stop firing questions at Delbert, such as, "You did remember to tell her what was going on, didn't you?" and "Brushed your teeth tonight, Doc?" Each question would throw Delbert into a highly panicked state. He had been ready to leave for a half an hour now and had both informed Amelia of his dinner plans (Sarah, on several occasions, had put her foot down and wouldn't let him forget so he had to be sure he had remembered the correct date) and brushed his teeth (thrice), Jim was merely adding insult to injury. He left the room with a laugh and well wishes to assure both parties left in the room that he had never meant harm.
Miraculously, not putting up a fight with his mother for probably the first time in his life, he headed out the door, mentioning something about an Academy book he needed to be reading anyway. The clock sounded seven o'clock and Sarah stood as Delbert jumped, wishing him luck, and straightening his cravat, just to be safe. Which a reassuring hug she out the front door, and he was off.
Delbert was listing in his head a "Top Ten Reasons to See This Night Through" list as he approached the Legacy's door embezzled with a golden plate reading 'Captain' He was on reason number three ("How many other opportunities will you be able to use Gregor's offer? Delbert had tutored the owner's son through school and had earned a large favor in return—for a top-notch table reservation on a Friday night. Could he do so without looking like a complete idiot?") when he reached the doorway and knocked without thinking.
"Oh no," he thought, panicked, as he heard shuffling on the other side.
"What if she never planned to actually go out with me tonight? Is today really Friday? What if she thought it was all a big joke and doesn't answer the door? Or worse, she laughs at me? And what if she doesn't like flowers? Or is allergic? Or hates red?" But all other panicked thought patterns were thoroughly interrupted when, a misplaced Felinid angel appeared at the door. She was dressed in a sleeveless, shimmering white evening dress that ended just below her knees and was the perfect blend of hip hugging and loosely-fitting. She smiled at him, spinning slowly, and inquiring as to whether her dress for the evening was acceptable, but he barely heard her speak, as all he do was stare. He didn't realize he was nodding in affirmation to her question and offering her his arm until her smile became more confident, and her hand rested on the crook of his elbow. Just as they were leaving, he remembered the flowers in his hand, and stopped suddenly.
"These are for you," he said quickly, offering up the roses and looking anywhere but her face, as if he were offering a sacrifice for a goddess. If he had glanced at her, he would have seen her eyes light up with gratitude as she took them from his hands.
"Thank you, Delbert, they're lovely. You know if you keep treating me like this, I may never want you to stop. Let me find something to put these in and we can be off."
"Yes…alright, take your time," he replied in a shaky voice as she led him from the room and closed the door behind them. 'So far, so good,' he thought to himself with an anxious laugh.
As they left the ship and he helped her into his carriage, Delilah was moving excitedly back and forth, ready to leave. He wondered to himself how exactly in God's name he was lucky enough to be allowed time with this breathtaking woman. He could hardly help but stare at her, and there were a few close calls in the drive to the restaurant hoped she hadn't noticed. If she had, of course, she hadn't mentioned them. Instead, Delbert took the opportunity to engage in light, easy conversation about the different sights in the neighborhood. Both were a bit surprised and relieved to find that conversation came easily. They soon drifted from professional opinions and experiences to about each other's lives to date.
Both were also a bit saddened to find that they had arrived at the restaurant and had to cut their discussion short. The current topic being favorite professors they had had in their respective courses. They would have to remember where they left off as they walked into the restaurant.
Smiling and laughing all the way in, Delbert entertained Amelia with tales of his somewhat senile old professor from his course 'the History of the Star', Dr. Prestal, and how he used to tell them through half the class with tales of his travels with his wife, and the brutes and ruffians they encountered on the way. He stopped just long enough to inform the hostess. "Doppler, table for two, reserved for eight thirty," before revealing to her the climax of his story, which found the good Dr. Prestal and his wife being detained in a moon of the planet Raitunda, for unknowingly causing trouble and insulting the chief of police in a small town they had stopped in for lunch. This received a renewed laughter from Amelia, much to Delbert's surprise and delight. When he again looked up, the hostess smiled and introduced them to the waiter that presented two menus in front of their seats.
"Delbert, everything here looks delicious, but if I may say so, you don't need to spend so much money on me tonight. I can pick up my half of the check if you'd like me to" she said as she glanced over the menu and saw exactly the type of place they had entered; she hadn't exactly drunk in her surroundings upon entering the building. She as not used to people doing this for her and was a bit breathless at the whole idea.
"Nonsense, I'll hear nothing of it," he replied forcefully, staring into her eyes the same way he did when he wasn't giving her a choice in the matter. "Besides, the owner owes me a favor. Please, order whatever you'd like." And so, she did with a grin and a soft blush, in defeat.
Their dinners came quickly, linguine and veal for Delbert and smoked salmon in a wine sauce for Amelia, and meanwhile they continued their casual conversations of stories of the past. This did nothing but cause a chuckle when they were thought of again now. Amelia was just finishing telling Delbert of how, when she was about 8, she hid from their mother after her and her cousin ended up smashing her mother's favorite perfume bottle on the floor (and promptly blaming the wind). "My mother never got the truth from us. It was suspected, and I believe she actually knew what happened. My father, on the other hand, couldn't understand why on earth I got her the same thing for her birthday afterwards," she finished, a bit breathless from laughing so much, and for such a long period of time. She hadn't thought about that for years, not since her mother passed away about 5 years before she had graduated the Academy.
"Doctor, I haven't thought about that incident for I don't know how long, and I most definitely never told anyone about it."
"Yes, well, no matter how many times you tell it to me, I can't ever see you doing something like it, but maybe that's because this is only the first date," Delbert said, chuckling softly.
"Yes, perhaps," she whispered. The air around the table had changed; it had gotten heavier, as if a silent stress had settled over them in a matter of seconds Delbert and Amelia averted their eyes suddenly.
Finally, Amelia spoke up. "I wonder if the two of us can do more of this, it's really quite enjoyable, and I haven't had this lovely of a time in, well, years." Amelia realized it felt good to admit this finding to him. Delbert glanced at her, blushing under her soft gaze, then quickly looked again in the other direction.
"Of course," he finally muttered, stuttering a bit. "If—if you'd like to, then, yes, so would I. I've had a great time tonight, too. Would you like some more bed—BREAD!" He stammered out as she smiled at him. He looked away for the dozenth time that night, completely mortified, and thought for a moment about his most recent slip-up. She realized that he is quite a charming man, even when he was somewhat inept.
'What is with you,' Delbert thought to himself furiously. 'The night was going so well, and then you have to ruin it with something completely stupid and pig-headed wouldn't be surprised if the up and left, right now. She'll surely think you're some idiotic sex crazed mongrel'
"I believe we'll have to work on that, Doctor," Amelia replied with a smirk, but otherwise ignoring the tongue-tied Doctor's remark. Delbert could only blush and look back at her shyly. He silently sat counting his blessings that she was still there and hadn't reached over and slapped him.
Luckily for Delbert, dinner continued without another slip from him, to which he was quite pleased. After telling her so much about his observatory, Amelia found herself intrigued, and when she said as much Delbert happily invited her over to see it. "Not necessarily tonight, of course, if you would like to just head back to the Legacy, I quite understand if you're tired or—" but Amelia interrupted, whispering softly, "I'd love to come tonight. After all, I can't very well see the stars very well during the day." Delbert was about to reply when he realized she was looking at him with an obvious smile in her eyes, and it dawned on him that she was jesting. With a nod he paid the bill and led her out of the restaurant. They began approaching Delilah again and took the carriage toward his home.
They rode in comfortable silence for a while until she, with a shiver, inched over to him and rested her head on his shoulder. A slightly shocked Doctor had to stop the carriage when she proceeded to move his arm around her shoulder, reigns still in hand, so that she was in the middle of them and at the same time leaning against his jacket
"Are you cold," he asked softly.
"Well maybe just a bit, but don't ever try to get me to admit it again," she added with a grin,
"Because as you know, I'll deny it to the grave." She continued. Delbert was coming to enjoy Amelia's company more and more. Even though she clearly possessed an independent spirit, it was put more toward joking quips than anything. Always one to oblige a lady, he slipped his jacket off and offered it to her, which, after a moment's apprehension graciously accepted. Pulling out from the confines of the reigns she slipped it over her shoulders and then laid her head down again on his shoulder. He urged the carriage onwards after what seemed like hours of tension between them.
They rode like that the rest of the way, both so comfortable with the company and the surroundings that conversation wasn't needed any longer. When they arrived in Delbert's driveway, he excused himself to put Delilah away, quickly showing Amelia in and, he'd only be a moment. He returned minutes later to find she hadn't even removed his coat yet, let alone made it past the foyer, as she was busy looking at the artwork on the walls of the room. When she first came to live there, she hadn't truly taken the time to drink in her surroundings and admire the beautiful artwork he owned.
Grinning, he slipped behind her and eased the jacket off her shoulders, hanging it in the front closet and leading her down a brightly lit hallway and to a flight of stairs up and out of sight.
"Delbert, this artwork is amazing; I've never seen such beautiful photography. Is this the scenery around here?" she asked, referring to the photos on the walls, in both black and white, of various nature scenes.
"Yes, my mother took them, she is quite interested in photography," he replied. "Sorry about the long stair-hike up, but I haven't had the time yet to install an elevator. I was planning on it but instead ended up traversing the galaxy with a rather interesting feline Naval captain; I think you'd rather like her." He said with a suave smile.
She opened her mouth to reply upon hearing his comments on the elevator but looked up at him with quite the different train of thought as he finished the statement. He was grinning at her cheekily, and so she settled for swatting his arm.
"Very good doctor, you're learning fast I'd say." He smiled back and motioned with his arm for her to precede with him up the stairs. They were silent as they reached the top. Amelia gasped truly able to appreciate for the first time the incredible view from the wall-length windows of the observatory. The glass opened in the middle balcony, and a light breeze blew through the opened doors and into the large room. He smiled at her reaction and ushered her over to the eyepiece of the enormous telescope which was both the attention getter and the centerpiece of the room.
They spent the remainder of the evening watching the stars as they covered the little town of Benbow like a sparkling velvet blanket.
"Is something wrong, Captain?" Delbert asked, pulling her thoughts back to the present. She shook her head, feeling so happy to see him.
"No, Doctor, I'm just so happy to see you, truly." This she admitted out loud and to her surprise he blushed and stood, waking towards her.
"You look beautiful tonight—err well every night…" he blurted as he admired her outfit for what seemed like the hundredth time. Amelia couldn't help but smile as she drank in his attire again without hesitation.
"Thank you, you look quite handsome in blue if I may say so." She admitted admiring the way the deep colors looked against his dark fur. They had been on countless outings together, but it always felt exciting to see him dressed up and bringing her flowers (always different every time too, much to her surprise) She would deny it in front of anyone else, but she had come to realize that she loved the attention he gave her, not just the respect of being a captain and all it entails, but especially as a woman as well. He made her feel like she was something worth cherishing, someone to protect, regardless of her need for him to do so. He made her feel safe and secure.
"Shall we?" She said as she stood up took his arm. They walked out of the room arm in arm down to his carriage for another wonderful evening together. Upon arriving at the restaurant, they walked up to the reception desk.
"Reservation for Doppler, 7:30" he said as the hostess walked up. She directed the pair to a booth in the back. Delbert let her in first, taking a spot next to her. They looked over the menu and ordered their meals. They talked for hours it seemed over dinner, laughing and exchanging glances at one another.
"You should really try to Tres Leche cake for dessert, it's better than-um, well... almost better than s- "Delbert blurted out, realizing what he was about to say. He slapped a hand over his mouth to stifle the comment before she could figure out what he meant.
"Doctor, did you mean to say better than intercourse?" Amelia said with a sly smile. Delbert paled and cleared his throat.
"too late." Delbert thought as she raised her eyebrow at him.
"W-well, yes. That is what I meant, but I didn't intend to say that during our date." He said, cheeks flushed. She giggled at him and reached her hand over his, linking their fingers together. He swallowed hard as she leaned into his shoulder looking pleased.
"Well, Delbert, while I would say that such a notion would be lovely too, this dessert does sound rather intriguing. I suppose we could share a piece if you're up for it." She suggested, trying to prevent him further embarrassment. He looked at her shocked at first then shook his head. He ordered them a piece and the waitress brought it out for them to share. On the plate was a large piece of yellow sponge cake with white frosting sitting in a custard-colored milk sauce. All together it was the perfect blend of moist cake and creamy milk flavor. The instant Amelia tried a bite, she loved it. Delbert waited for her to try it first before taking a few bites. He had known it would be perfect for her.
"mm, Delbert this is absolutely divine. You spoil me too much." She said huskily licking the spoon after taking another bite. Delbert smiled widely, waiting all evening for this moment.
"Nonsense! I could never spoil you too much. You deserve it to be treated like a lady should. I'm so glad you like it, I ordered it special just for you." He said sweetly, finding his smile returned.
"And you're right about one thing, it indeed is better than sex—at least if my last experience is to be compared." She whispered as he nearly choked on his bite.
"What? Umm—well…" He coughed, she just nuzzled up to him in response.
"Although I hope my next experience is far better. I'm sure you've been thinking about it recently as well." She stated bluntly with a wink lightly touching his thigh for a brief moment. He went to reply but his mouth fell open, no sound coming out. He couldn't look at her for several minutes after that, hoping he had heard her wrong.
"I-I-um…" Was all he could say as she just sat there laughing as she continued to take bites off the cake. He had looked down to see she had pretty much devoured their entire dessert. Only one bite was left, and they went to grab for it at the same time, their spoons clanking together noisily.
"You take it, Delbert. Thank you for another wonderful evening." She said, eying him kindly as he enjoyed the last bite.
"You're very welcome, Amelia. Shall we head back?" He asked her as he stood and reached out his hand to help her out of the booth. She took his hand and stood, gazing into his eyes. He took the back of her hand and kissed it sweetly before they left the restaurant. He led her out to the carriage. They rode back to the Legacy in near silence as he put an arm around her. When they arrived, he walked up the gangplank with her, sad to see the night end, but also glad to show her a good time.
"Well, goodnight, Amelia" He said brushing a stray hair from her face to place it behind her ear. Amelia wanted to invite him in, but hesitated, feeling herself lose her nerve.
"Goodnight, Delbert." She said, running a soft hand along the side of his face. The anxiety was thick in the air between them, they knew they would see each other again soon, but with the Legacy being in port only another couple of days before her next voyage that time was indeed running low. She went to turn to her stateroom when he stopped her. Pulling her towards him, he pulled her into a kiss, softly touching his lips to hers. She reciprocated by kissing him back with a bit of passion behind it. When they broke apart, they stared at one another, unable to formulate words at that moment.
Feeling a mutual wave of tension, Amelia felt the urge to invite him in rising again. She felt her body start to heat up at his soft touch and she found herself not able to help her lusty thoughts as they came into her mind anymore. She wanted him and with her leaving for 3 months very soon, she knew had precious little time to spend in his company. She cleared her throat as she spoke.
"Delbert, would you like to come inside?" She said softly, a devilish gleam finding its way to her eyes. Delbert's eyes went wide, and his eyebrows launched precariously higher than she had seen in some time. She smirked at the obvious double meaning of her question while enjoying the sweat beads forming on her lover's forehead. He was so slow on the uptake sometimes, a quirk of his she found sometimes frustrating and also endearing. She chuckled to herself at his nervousness. He was so adorable sometimes; she almost couldn't stand it!
"I-ah-I-um, pardon?" He finally spat out between heavy breaths as Amelia pulled him to her, raising an eyebrow as she guided his hands ever so slowly to her hips. She made sure to brush up against the front of his breeches as her hands traveled their way to the back of his neck. He swallowed hard and suddenly his cravat seemed much too tight. He adjusted it nervously trying to hide the bright blush taking up residence on his cheeks. Amelia edged closer to him, lips just millimeters from his and whispered
"Do you want to come inside, Delbert. I know you want to based on those slip ups at dinner." She said in a low husky voice with a nail running precariously up the back of his neck. A sudden flash of confidence flashed in his eyes for a moment before she realized he had drifted his hands from her hips to her rear end and had lifted her up. He held her close to him and marched forward to the door to her stateroom, Amelia letting out a gasp at the hard contact her back made with the wooden surface. Amelia panted hard before trying to speak.
"do...do I take that as a yes?" Amelia asked in a low sultry voice. Delbert merely growled in response while leaning in to kiss her neck. When he heard her let out a moan and grab him by the lapels in ecstasy, he bestowed her with a rather hard love bite. She let out a cry of suppressed desire as he finally took her lips with his. He allowed one of his hands to slip from her rear end and opened the door. He held her close enough to fuse their bodies as he closed the door behind him. Now the tables had turned, and his back was forcefully thrown towards the door. Amelia broke away from his eager lips to try to force air into her lungs, eying her good doctor seductively.
"mmm, you should lock that door behind you, doctor." Amelia mused in a low husky voice between heavy breaths.
The next day after they returned to the legacy, they shared a special moment at the end of the gangplank.
"I'm going to miss you so much." He whispered touching his forehead to hers. Her smile dropped realizing how soon her next voyage was departing.
"I'm going to miss you too, Delbert, truly." She whispered in return starting into his eyes. She brought her nose to his and nuzzled him sweetly.
"But I'll return to you before you know it, you'll see, love." She said with a warm smile. Delbert pulled her into a hug and kissed the top of her head.
"And I'll be waiting for you, with bated breath." He said running his fingers through her hair, savoring her scent and the feel of her in his arms while they had the chance.