p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"-V...- quiet footsteps through the gallery halls.- I know you hear me you insufferable man.- She walked further to the half opened door of his room. – V, I'm coming in.- she spoke in her normal tone of voice knowing he could hear her from virtually any part of the gallery. It was hard to sneak up on the man no matter how hard Evey tried at times. It was a game they would play, a part of her training, if she could sneak up and surprise him she could surprise virtually anyone, most importantly the Finger. She opened the door fully letting the light through at last. He was siting, reclined under a mountain of pillows. He neither flinched nor acknowledged her presence. Most people would assume he is asleep but Evey knew better, it was in the way he breathed, the way his spine was ram rod straight even in this relaxed position. His hands were flat against the bed, bare and still like the dead. Most of his body was covered by his silk duvet except his molten hands, incredibly red in the harsh light that came from the hall. V's arms were exposed to his elbows which was still an unusual sight for her eyes, even though it was very much welcomed. One of his arms was wrapped in bandages from forearm to elbow, one of the corners of the off white bandage sticking out like he was playing with the fibres. The redness of his skin lessened from wrist upwards and was replaced by pink and yellowish scarring. The bandaged arm in question was precisely the arm that was the same red color as his hands. She speculated it was closer to the impact of the blast that gave him the scars that bothered him so. She didn't know what exactly happened, he didn't tell her. His neck piece was still in place, high up to his chin and the mask still stared at one spot at the wall. An unidentified speck of dust perhaps or a crack in the brick, she did not /- I know you're awake.- she /-Do you know my body language so well?- his voice sounded incredibly tired, /-You sit like someone shoved something up your unmentionable.-br /-Do I?- he sounded slightly horrified under the muffle of the mask even though he spoke very /-Yes…- he still didn't look at her which was strange in itself but the thing that bothered her the most was the unmistakable lack of endearment that crossed his lips anytime he spoke to her./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"-What's the matter dear?- she finally came towards /-I think I've gone off, like a spoiled egg.- she was sure he wasn't blinking under the mask even though she never saw his eyes to begin /-Are you saying your rotting?- she wasn't sure what he meant half the time he was speaking these past few /-I believe…- he breathed, a huge inhale like he was choking on air itself.- You were right, I am mad.-br /Evey cocked her head to the side looking at him, this incredible man, unbroken by everything the world threw at him and now a bit of bed rest has done him /-I'm quite sure they will say so.- she spoke the words back to him as he once did to /-Do you think I'm mad?- his head finally turned to /-Of course I do.- she chuckled and sat next to him. His body stiffened, must be the lack of clothing he was currently wearing, she taught to herself as her hips turned closer to him. – But…- she captured one wayward strand of his wig between her thumb and forefinger. – A bear, however hard he tries, grows tubby without exercise.-br /-Pardon me?- there he was, the V she knew, it seemed to her the light bounced brighter of his mask, the shoulders sagging a bit in /-I said…-br /-I heard. Did you just quote Whinny the Pooh at me?- his voice was lighter, /- You're just restless.- she chuckled again. For all his intellect and prowess it was ridiculously funny to her that he was getting cabin fever of all /- You feel like you're madder than your usual self because you're on bed rest.-br /-You think?- he suddenly sat up higher in his exclamation inducing an uncharacteristically low groan from his /-V, please.- Evey's hand flew to his chest, pressing him down /- Apologise love.- his hand began moving towards hers but stopped midway. He contemplated his hand turning it palm down. – It really doesn't disgust you?- he finally added after his /-How could the hand of the man that loves me disgust me.- she placed her hand on the foreheads mask in mock gesture.- Are you running a fever? I think you've finally lost it old man.- she peered deeply into the masks slits trying desperately to peer beyond the black veil. His hand finally moved, grasping her smaller /-But I, being poor, have only my dreams;br /I have spread my dreams under your feet;br /Tread softly because you tread on my dreams.- he spoke to her open palm bringing it closer to the masks /- I'll tread on your nerves in a minute if you do not stop this line of thinking.- she squeezed affectionately bringing her shoulder in line with /- You must excuse the ramblings of an old man dear.- the masks cheek pressed into her shoulder, drawing the most adoring smile from her /-Only if this old man promises me that he will try.-br /-For you dearest Eve I would promise anything.- he stated seriously, like there was no single doubt in his mind and she believed him./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"-Now then.- she stood abruptly.- You know what time it is.-br /-Do not mention a word of it.- he sounded horrified, dramatically so. She simply rolled her eyes at him extending both arms towards him.- Come now bear, we must take a peek, you and I both.-br /- I beg your pardon I am no four legged furry mammal.- To anyone's ears that would sound harsh but she knew he was playing, finally. His uninjured arm drew the covers away revealing his silk floor length robe, it was black, like most of his clothes. Her gaze crawled over his body slowly, she could not help herself. It had been ten days, ten frightening, stressful days since the fifth, ten days since he crawled back into her arms. She couldn't stop herself from placing a hand over his chest, feeling his heart hammer in his chest, she needed the comfort, the knowledge it still pumped for her, strong and unyielding. His whole body was unyielding in her humble opinion, pig-headed man, those were the words she screamed at him when he came to in the shadow gallery. Her hands were ripping away at his tunic, pushing, pulling, cutting away the blood soaked pieces of fabric. She was crying./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"V's head lowered to look at her hand, it seemed too small, so frightened, as frightened as it was on that day. Never did he thought anyone let alone she would be crying so much, screaming so much as she did for him that day. Most of the whole ordeal was a big blur for him, except the screaming. He willed himself to live in that moment, whatever happened he was going to live./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"-I'm right here love.- he acknowledge the silence, the anxiety that crawled up her spine.- Never again while I draw breath will I do such a thing again.-br /-I know.- came her reply after a deafening silence. – Never again.- she repeated it to herself more than /-I'm ready.- It was an unspoken rule with them. He would announce he was ready for her to touch, to prod, to look, to see the damaged /-And I am always.- she replied in kind as she did for the fiftieth time since she first saw his chest, his arms, his legs. Her eyes saw everything except his face, she felt it, cleaned it as best she could with eyes tightly shut but she did not break his promise. She would wait, forever if need /-Evey…- his voice was /-Yes love?- her hand did not leave his heart, only traced small patterns with her /-That's my line mademoiselle.- his chest /-What is it bear?- Fawkes seamed to quirk his eyebrows at her. –I jest, tell me.-br /- Is it bad, truthfully, tell me.- she could feel his eyes going dead behind the faux /-No love.- she exhaled.- Do you want to know what I really think?- she sat next to his hip. He rose, his false face so close to her own. She could feel his breath on her cheek. He could smell her /-I think they look like dragon skin. Harsh and angry and battle ready. I think they make the man that wears them one of a kind, and best of all they're on my prince who saved me when no one would.-br /He blinked several times under his mask, chewing and digesting her words until one word was /-Prince?- he said /-Yes my prince.- she giggled at him, so strong, so fast yet reduced to a small, shy /-Will the prince get a kiss from his princess?- he asked blushing furiously behind the mask, thanking the heavens she could not see his /-If the prince so wishes it.- her face turned to the mask, her gaze falling to the faux /-Always and forever.- it was spoken in one breath, pleading and small. She leaned in slowly her lips a breath away from Fawkes. – Wait.- he said suddenly. She looked up, she could feel his eyes on her face, she did not know how but she could. – Love, I want… I need.- he stressed the last /-I'm always ready.- she smiled, her eyes floating shut even before he could request. Tears were beginning to rise to her eyelashes, from happiness, from fear, from relief she did not know. No matter what happened next she wanted it, she wanted it like the air she /-Evey…- the purr of her name made her bottom lip quiver.- I'm sorry.- her brow creased, but his hand quickly landed between them stroking the area.- I deeply apologize for not doing this months and months ago.- he stated finally, his hand leaving her face. Tears were now flowing freely from her eyes but they remained shut none the less. She heard the soft sounds of silk moving, leather straps untying. He owned multiple sets of masks, all varying in heaviness and durability. She knew he wore the lightest of them all, after all she was the one who tied it herself after the fifth, after she mended all the /-I'm frightened.- she began to weep openly at his admission, his voice never sounded so weak, so /-Beautiful.- she half sobbed.- You're voice, V, my god, you're voice.- She clutched the silk of his robes tightly, desperately trying not to raise her hands to his face. He hiccupped and chuckled at the same time, throat to tight with sobs of his own to say anything. He gathered her in his arms tightly, his whole body /-You're making me cry.- the end of his sentence was cut off by a shaky /- How can it sound even more beautiful.- she knew she was babbling at that point but hearing it for the first time, without the muffle of her favourite grin took her by such a surprise it rendered her a complete /- I love you Evey.- he finally spoke when he gathered enough air and was sure his voice wouldn't crack. The loudest sob yet shook her entire body and he followed suit pushing her face under his chin while he sobbed into her /Kiss me.- the plea was mumbled into his chest. He stiffened again, drawing a shaky /-As my lady commands.- his hands covered her face stroking lovingly over her tear streaked eyelids. As he placed her in front of his own face he could not stop and stare at her, his beloved Eve, it was as if he saw her for the first time all over again, the dark veil lifted of his eyes for the first time in quiet a literal /-You are even more beautiful then I realized, so soft…- his thumbs continued to stroke from eyelids to /-Please..- she whispered into his palm.- Please…- He sucked in one final breath, parting his eyes unwillingly from his bellowed. His lips lowered, his hair brushed the side of her neck and cheek. She surrender in his arms completely, waiting for what seemed an eternity. His hot breath fanned across her lips as he exhaled shakily. – My love, my breath, my life….- and he moved that last millimetre to her awaiting lips and as they made chaste contact with hers her hands gripped tighter between them, so very tight around his robe, next to his chest. He pressed so tightly against her ignoring every bruise every cut, every wound he had upon his body. She moaned softly and he promptly decided that it was the most beautiful sound in the world. They separated after it seemed a lifetime to /-Never stop.- she was crying /-Never.- he agreed whole heartedly, truly he never wanted to stop kissing her. More kisses were bestowed on his bellowed lips, every single one softer than the previous, they migrated from her top lip to her bottom, moved over the sloped valley to her chin, over to her cheek and upwards to her eyelid, down the slope of her nose and back to her mouth. Somewhere along their journey V's lips curled softly, he began pressing his small kisses more securely, /-You're smiling.- she whispered into the corner of his mouth. Evey felt the burns that day when she cleaned his face, he had some eyebrows as far as she could tell, although she suspected only the beginnings, he had large burns marks on one side of his face running from forehead to nose, there multiple scars that felt like cuts or something similar, she didn't want to feel them, not until he let her. In her panic and hysteria she was surprised she felt any scars at /-So are you.-br /-Are you still frightened?- she raised her hands to his /-To death.- he pressed his forehead to /-Me too. I'm scared you'll stop.- tears filled her eyes /-Evey, I'm scared of what you'll see, of how you'll react.- he kissed her again silencing her incoming protest. She relented but only for a moment until the kiss /-I feel them but they do not frighten me.-br /- I know love, they frighten me.- he knew that the fear was irrational but it dug its long claws straight into his heart and it didn't want to let /-Let me taste the kisses from thy mouth so they replenish my soul for the journey on.- he kissed her one last time and moved away, the anxiety gripping to tightly at his heart. His naked forehead was replaced by Fawke's cold /-Who wrote that?- she opened her eyes slowly upon the feel of the porcelain /- I wrote that, I pressed it into your mouth, I promised it to your lips. Did you believe me love?- He sounded brave again, hopeful /-Yes my prince.- she smiled kissing the faux /-Do not start princess I have just ceased crying. Do you know how uncomfortable it is to cry under this thing.- he knocked on Fawkes lips stifling a /-Insufferable man….- she hugged him tighter. – Now stop stalling and let me check the stiches.-br /-How very dare you, I kiss you and you accuse me of such a thing.- he exclaimed in mock /-Come on you little actor.- she extricated herself from his hold and pulled him up. – Don't forget your slippers old man.- she bent down and placed them in front of his scarred feet. They weren't as bad as his hands, there was even a soft patch of untouched skin from his instep to his shin, the other foot wasn't so /- Little lady!- he groaned in pain through his warning.- I am not even midlife.- he wrapped his good hand around her /-Bathroom?- she asked lovingly, secretly enjoying having him at her /- That would be splendid, thank you.- and so they ventured to the on suite bathroom, slowly, his weight being supported by /-Good lord V, you weight a ton.- she struggled with the light /Nighty seven. – He /-Nighty seven kilos?!- She exclaimed /-Muscles weight quite a lot dearest, that and the obvious height difference. - He began rambling while gripping the sink for leverage. As she separated from him she watched his broad shoulders stretch then stiffen again. – Did you hear that pop, god lord?!- He exclaimed. She didn't, she didn't hear any pop at all, she was more focused on the knowledge and the image of how his body looks without all the layers. She couldn't help herself anymore, she always knew he was strong and well-built but she did not expect the definition of muscles, the lines of abdominal muscles clearly visible through the scarred tissue. His head turned towards her, it rested in an odd angle looking down at her. He was observing her she was sure of /-What is the matter.- he finally stated after she couldn't tear her eyes from his broad /-Nothing.- she was terribly embaresed, this was the first time he caught her staring at his body since she saw it properly. She would always sneak looks but never did she look quite so /V knew his body was strong, well-shaped but he didn't really think she would be interested as much as she was. It was an odd feeling. A mixture of pride and trepidation, it was very exciting to be wanted./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"-Are you lusting dearest?- he finally decided to /-V! Don't make me even more embarrassed!- she whined hiding behind her /-Come here.- he gestured towards himself, on the space between his body and the sink. Bare feet tapped across the tiles and she found herself being pushed flush to his body. She could see their reflection in the bathroom mirror. –There is nothing to be embarrassed about, not in front of me. Besides.- the masks nose nuzzled a path up her neck.- You do not have the advantage of the mask as I do. I can look at you whenever I so wish it.- Heat pulled in her abdomen. He was never this forward with her. She suspected that somewhere in his brain a switch flipped when they kissed, he understood finally that she wants him, scars and /-Somehow I didn't think you would have abs of all things.- Evey finally admitted through a furious /-Well, if I continue living in my bed and doing nothing I'll lose them.- he laughed turning her and pressing her back into the sink. She was caged between his extended hands. Evey subconsciously grabbed one of his biceps. He placed one arm on her hip.- I really should make my body heal faster, quiet immediately in fact.- She produced the most surprised giggle hiding her face beneath his /-Look at me.- he commanded. She did, instinctively in /-My beautiful blushed Eve, this is your best look I must admit.- his fingers tapped her chin.- Will you always blush for me?- she could only nod, no other man ever in her life could make her blush as quickly as he /-Good.- his hand dropped and he pushed himself upwards.- Now then, if you will excuse me, I will leave you for a moment and then you can check my wounds. Is that alright?-br /- I'll go get the ointment and the bandages.- she needed to breath suddenly, his body was too close, he was too hot and her resolve was /-Good girl.- he purred. He wanted to see her reaction, for some time now he suspected she would like such statements but he did not want to push their relationship in more intimate realms. Her breath hitched, her eyes growing wider. Bingo, he taught to himself. He maybe acted innocent at times but not anymore, not when he knew, when he saw how her body reacted to him. Maybe he could drop loaded statements like that more often. Just to see her eyes widen like they did, to see her blush travel down her neck. Evey thought her legs might give out under her. She couldn't react with words, didn't even know what to say. The only thing she was curtain was that he knew and she was in trouble. All of his bravado left him suddenly as a sharp pain tore through his left /-Bloody hell!- he exclaimed gripping the sink /-V?!- her hands flew to his mask. He never cursed, in fact this was the first time she ever heard him utter a single bad /-Wash my mouth with soap.- he laughed.- It's alright darling, I'm /-No you're not, you've been standing for far too long now go before you tear something.-br /-As my lady commands.- his head bowed and he turned and limped to the toilet. She removed herself from the bathroom closing the door behind her. As he relieved himself she gathered the supplies, new bandages, ointments for the wounds and three different creams for his burn scars. He explained to her that he needed them for moisture otherwise something would surely tear. She was horrified. It was a battle of wits when it came to bandaging and medicating his wounds. He wanted to do it himself but she was having none of it. She understood, V didn't want her to see, to feel his burnt flesh but she already did, it wasn't as though she would forget how they felt or how they looked. They made a compromise on day two of his bed rest when he stopped slipping in and out of consciousness. She would help and watch and in return he would show her how his wounds were doing. He understood how worried she was and how she felt. She was terribly angry at him the first five days, barely spoke to him at all. On day six he finally understood what she went through. She dragged him back to the gallery on a carpet, stole blood from the blood bank and robbed a chemist for all he was worth for. He cried that night, he was so angry at himself for making her go through all of that. She heard his sobs, he didn't try to hide them and they embraced each other as best they could, trying not to irritate his injuries even more than they were. After that night she would sit with him, read to him and talk to him. The meals she cooked for him began to be more elaborate, loved. Everything she did she did with great care just for him, she forgave him and he couldn't be /She found him on the bed, ram rod straight. He was staring at a soiled stain in the /-I think its iodine.- she placed a tray with warm water and a towel next to /-Its coffee. You spilled it when you fell /-What do you mean?- she sat next to him staring at the stain as /-The second night, while you sat by my side… I was looking at you while you slept, you looked so helpless and small in my armchair. I couldn't wake you. That's when you tipped over your cup. It rolled all the way to the nigh stand. I washed it in the bathroom when you were up top a couple of days ago. You must have forgot about it. -br /-You watched me sleep, you woke up?! Why didn't you wake me, where you in pain?- she was angry, angry that he washed the damn cup, angry that he laid there in the dim light in the middle of the night while she slept. She was supposed to take care of /-Not to worry love. I wasn't awake long.- he placed a hand on her cheek.- How could I not gaze upon my angel when she is guarding over me, you must forgive me.-br /-Alright, alright. I'll forgive you, but only this time.- she nuzzled his hand. – We must change the bandages V.-br /-I know love, I'm still ready.- he untied the robe but didn't push it apart. – It is a bit silly that I still have my neck piece isn't it?- he turned towards her again catching a glimpse of her smile while she soaked the towel. – Whatever makes you comfortable.-br /-You like it don't you?- he laughed, honest to god giggled in her /-Maybe…- she wrung the rag between her hands.- Maybe I just respect your wishes.-br /-That blush is telling me more then you let on.- he nuzzled her neck again.- Come now darling, tell me.- she shuddered dropping her head /-Is the mask cold?- he knew it wasn't. He also became suspicious she fancied the mask more then she let on, even if she wanted to see his face. – Do you like it love?.- he nuzzled again, pressing the masks nose on her pulse. – I want to hear you say it.- she felt the vibration of his voice, the hot breath that fanned across her /-If you do not stop we'll get nowhere.- she /-Ouh we'll get somewhere alright.- he chuckled.- Come now, indulge me a bit and I'll let you bandage me.-br /-All of it?- she asked cautiously.-br /-Yes.- he purred again next to her hear. How could she say no to that?br /-Fine… I like the neck piece and the mask, you happy now?-br /-Incredibly so my love, thank you.- he nuzzled one more time as a reward and leaned away from her disrobing in the process. V didn't know what came over him but he couldn't help himself, couldn't control himself anymore. He liked playing with her, he wasn't brave enough to touch her yet, not intimately at least but he could play a bit, use his knowledge against her, it was all in good fun of course. Ten days of disrobing in front of her did not make it any easier but the way she looked at him made it bearable. One day he hoped it will come natural to him but it will take work and he knew it. He would have to push himself to be more comfortable, to wear less for her. His head dropped low in shame, why was he so weak, so ashamed of his own body. It wasn't his fault, they made him blow it all up, they made him the way he is, he understood that but the guilt, the shame it just didn't want to stop. She observed his body, he deflated as soon as the robe touched the mattress, he shrank in himself, it looked like he wanted to crawl into a hole and never come /- I don't have to touch you if you can't handle it at the moment.- she offered trying to make it easier for him any way she could. She couldn't dim the lights, she had to see the injuries but at least she didn't have to touch /-I want to. I want you to do it. It's just….- he trailed on looking at his bare /-I know. I'm so very proud of you.- she touched the masks chin as he did it to her moments ago in the /-Thank you.- he spoke quietly through a heavy breath. –You may begin when ready.- he clenched his fists placing them in his lap. He wanted to run away, the need for it was almost overwhelming. This would be the very first time she would touch his body, his skin while he was /-How about we play a game.- she kneeled in front of him gripping his hands, they relaxed instantly not wanting to injure her in any /-I like games.- he said dumbfoundedly like he learned something new about /-I know you do, I like them to.- she laughed stroking his /-What are we playing?- he lowered his mask closer to /-None of that mister even though I very much like your masks attention.- she crawled closer to him, sitting on her hunches. – When I touch you, you touch me.-br /-I am touching you.- he gestured to their /-I'm not finished.
Not like that, when I touch any part of you, you touch the same part of me, and you tell me all the muscles and bones that are in that area. What do you say?-br /- How do you know I possess such knowledge?- he turned her hand over and stroked her /- Why do you know most the things you know?- she cocked an /-Because I'm bored, I see what you mean. I like this game, you can carry on. – He knew she was trying to distract his brain, he tends to babble when he's nervous, she knows that and what better way to distract his anxiety then to give him a task that required him rummaging through his brain for information . It seemed a brilliant idea to him, and he liked the idea of touching her in this controlled and measured way, with clear boundaries and rules, they would keep him in check and he won't get /-Alright prince let us start with the hand shall we.- she gripped the bandage, unrolling it slowly. His other hand touched her forearm stroking it lightly with his /-Flexor carpi radialis, Palmaris longus, Flexor carpi ulnaris, pronator teres.- he stroked the muscles tenderly while she whipped his /-What about the bones?- she asked turning his hand more towards the light. It didn't seem infected, and the scar was already forming. Must be his advanced metabolism and genetics. He said he doesn't know what they did to him, it made her /- Lateral epicondyle, medial epicondyle, radius and ulna…- he watched as she placed the cream on his wound. – You can rub it in a bit it doesn't hurt anymore. And the scars on the other side need moisture as well.- he finally spoke, giving verbal commands to her ministrations. She smiled up at him.- Tube number two if I remember.-br /-Exactly love.- her eyes beamed up at him. He wanted to praise her with kisses but he could only offer words for now.- You're such a quick study.- he smiled behind the mask hoping she would hear it in his /-Thank you.- she rubbed the cream in while she /-I will always praise you do you understand?- she knew what he meant, his little bathroom discovery bringing him new power over /-Yes.- she removed her hands from him looking /-Do you want me to praise?- he needed to be sure she wanted his attention, that she understood what exactly was happening. He was a well-read man and he knew what kind of power dynamic he was initiating but he didn't know her experience or the length it /-Please.- she felt so safe, so loved not unlike the childish fumbling's in the bushes behind the reclamation centre nor the grouping she somehow endured in the /- You will never have to beg for attention ever again.- he stated, rather alarmed that she begged for it. He liked when she begged but not when she didn't know if she would receive the attention she needed, deserved even. -Alright love, you can continue.-br /-How's the clavicle?- at the moment it looked incredibly painful and angry to her /-Its only a bruise, it will be fine.- he pressed on it lightly. Her fingers found it also but they did not press as hard as he did.- Well?- she questioned waiting for him to continue the /-Of course.- he smiled. His hand found her clavicle as well and he traced his finger along /- Sternocleidomastoid, pectoralis major, deltoid and trapezius.- she stroked her hand down his chest to his abdomen where the next wound awaited. Most of the right side of his body was burned, creating long ropey scars, they were red and pink. He was missing a nipple on that side and there was a terrible gash just under his peck approximately 30 centimetres in length. She would speculate that about 70 percent of his body was burned in some fashion. She read all about burn injuries when she saw his hands, they were mostly third and second degree burns. She didn't know if he knew she researched it all. The muscles beneath her hand flexed. She could feel how strong and firm his body was. She more then saw his strength when he saved her from the Finger that night. She was so frightened of him at that moment and now she would give anything to see that strength /-Can I ask you a question?- she finally decided to ask after months of /-Anything.- V knew she was curious and he really wanted to answer anything she /- Can you feel it?- she look up at him while her hand found the next bandage on his left /-Yes. Not as much on the right side but yes.- she nodded in acknowledgment. He forgot about the game, he was more focused on her small finger gliding over his abdomen and how much he didn't mind which surprised him. She moved over to his thigh distinctly remembering how gruesome it was, the bullet passed clean through it. When she grabbed it he touched her thigh as well, his hand flexing over the entirety of it, it reminded him to feed her more, she was to fragile for his liking. He squeezed it lightly none the less, he couldn't help himself which surprised him. She squeezed his other thigh in return which did not help his self-restraint. The pooling of blood between his legs surprised him even /-Evey!- he suddenly /-I'm sorry V, I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable, I'm sorry.-br /-It's alright, I didn't think I would like it. It is a rather odd struggle. – he settled down again trying to make his blood return to its rightful place. She glanced down again at her hand and then at his lap, he was /- There's nothing wrong with me touching you. I want to…- she admitted /-I want to touch you also dearest but we must take it slow. I do not to wish to hurt you.-br /-You would never.- she carefully peeled the bandage /-I do not want to hurt you by running away and I want to. I want to disappear so desperately.- he sighed hunching over himself, his mask touching the top of her /-I'll chase you down eventually.- she petted his /-Please never stop chasing.- his eyes found /-Never.- she granted the mask a /-I felt that.- he chuckled touching the masks /-Good, I want you to feel them.- she instructed him to recline back and he did giving her a hell of a view. V naked apart from his very short silk pyjamas pants, legs parted, his head bowed down. She could feel the tension, she felt his eyes on her everywhere at /-What a sight. What an incredible set of opportunities placed me in your path. Have I thanked you yet fate for placing this angelic creature in front of me? - his hand reached for her cheek.- I want you so.- he was convinced it was the lack of blood in his brain that made him say it, that and the fact she was kneeling between his spread legs but even he was only a man, not an idea anymore. She was more or less speechless, frozen in place, unsure what to /-It's alright love, you're safe with me, anything you want I'll do.- he offered his assurance when he saw her frightened /-I've never, no one spoke to me like that before.- now she was terribly /-Everything is alright, you're safe. Evey…- he stroked her cheek.- Bandage my wounds and we will talk, alright love?-br /-Yes V.- she was transfixed by the masks black pools, she could feel the intensity of his /-Be a good girl and hand me the ointment.-br /-Yes sir.- he almost didn't catch that but his whole body reacted to her statement the moment it registered but she went rigid still holding on to the /-It's alright.- he praised again.- You're safe.- she finally, mercilessly released it into his hand. – You're just being good that's all.- he petted her again. – Finish the bandaging.- she nodded stiffly again and began working at the wound on thigh. /-V?- her voice was /Hmm?- he breathed still petting her /-Are we playing a game?- she /-We are playing, but it isn't a game.- he made a mental note to place some BDSM manuals on her pile of books. – Do you like when we play?- he watched as she bandaged his /She nodded vigorously her nose scrunching up a bit in the /-Good. We can play whenever you want, all the time in fact if so you wish it. – her hand glided back to his /-Do you like it more than the bone naming game?- his hand found hers placing it on the masks /-I like any game you invent love. Do you like it?-br /-Yes…- she spoke slowly. She was so surprised by how her body reacted to his words, never did she think a simple statement as good girl would bring up such a reaction in /-It's called word play love. I taught you would like it.-br /- I like it a lot.- she was redder then V's ornamental carpet she was sure. And while she pondered about this new discovery V contemplated how comfortable he was, how in control he was of his own emotions. He knew if he focused on her needs everything would be alright. He couldn't control the situation but he could be in control of some things, perhaps he could be comfortable if they would play every time she bandaged the /After she was finished he shrugged back into the robe but tied it more loosely then he originally /-Come sit opposite me dear.- he folded his legs underneath him sitting in the middle of his bed. She crawled up the bed mimicking his sitting /-Would you like me to hold your hand?- both his hands turned upwards inviting her /-Yes please.- they extended and met in the /-What did you want to tell me earlier?- he dove straight in, no beating around the bush. She was terribly embarrassed about the whole ordeal but she wanted this man. This wasn't the worst thing they've been though, surely he doesn't care that much? It troubled her still, the realization that she didn't really have that much to offer in terms of pleasure, she didn't know anything /- I'm a virgin.- she pushed the words out though gritted /-I am also a virgin.- he stated simply. She just stared at him, mouth wide open. – I could have been the biggest whore of London at one point, but I do not have any memory of that. For all it's worth I am as untouched as you are, maybe even more so.- She knew he doesn't remember anything before Larkhill, that he told her on night three after she woke him from a nightmare that left him screaming. He didn't say anything more after that, when he spoke the name of the camp they placed him in all the life drained from his eyes. It was like he was there again, she didn't question it again after that, he would tell her when he is ready. She nodded again processing what he /-We will move as slowly as we need to. – he traced a complex patter on her /-How did you know what to say to me?- She was frightened to touch /- I have been thinking about it for some time love. You seem to like when I compliment you, your whole body shines just for me. Don't be shy, I like to praise you.- she tried hiding, bowing her /- No one ever gives me compliments.-br /-I must rectify that at once.- he chuckled gliding his hands up her forearms. – You've been such a good girl all this time.-br /-I like that.- she allowed herself a giggle, it was only V after all, she trusted /-I can tell my love. You're shining again. Is it for me?- his hands continued stroking upwards to her /-Yes sir?- it came out more as a question then a /-Good girls are more sure of their words.- his hands stopped at her shoulders, his palms slowly crawling up her neck, his fingers grazing her /-Yes sir.- she understood /-Excellent my love. Do you have any questions?-br /-Do we play like this all the time?- she certainly liked the /-If you wish. In time we will discover together what we like and how we play.-br /-Can I touch you?- she wanted to feel his /-Slowly darling, you can, but slowly.-br /-I want to hug you.- he wanted to cry from sheer happiness this woman caused in /-You may hug me whenever you want to.- he opened his arms inviting her in. She sat up straighter, leaning over to him. His arms wrapped around her small frame tightly pulling her into his /-Thank you sir.- he squeezed her tighter beginning to sway. She was a fast learner and he was in big trouble but he was in the best possible /-Good little princess.- They held each other for a while both not wanting to let go./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"-What's the matter dear?- she finally came towards /-I think I've gone off, like a spoiled egg.- she was sure he wasn't blinking under the mask even though she never saw his eyes to begin /-Are you saying your rotting?- she wasn't sure what he meant half the time he was speaking these past few /-I believe…- he breathed, a huge inhale like he was choking on air itself.- You were right, I am mad.-br /Evey cocked her head to the side looking at him, this incredible man, unbroken by everything the world threw at him and now a bit of bed rest has done him /-I'm quite sure they will say so.- she spoke the words back to him as he once did to /-Do you think I'm mad?- his head finally turned to /-Of course I do.- she chuckled and sat next to him. His body stiffened, must be the lack of clothing he was currently wearing, she taught to herself as her hips turned closer to him. – But…- she captured one wayward strand of his wig between her thumb and forefinger. – A bear, however hard he tries, grows tubby without exercise.-br /-Pardon me?- there he was, the V she knew, it seemed to her the light bounced brighter of his mask, the shoulders sagging a bit in /-I said…-br /-I heard. Did you just quote Whinny the Pooh at me?- his voice was lighter, /- You're just restless.- she chuckled again. For all his intellect and prowess it was ridiculously funny to her that he was getting cabin fever of all /- You feel like you're madder than your usual self because you're on bed rest.-br /-You think?- he suddenly sat up higher in his exclamation inducing an uncharacteristically low groan from his /-V, please.- Evey's hand flew to his chest, pressing him down /- Apologise love.- his hand began moving towards hers but stopped midway. He contemplated his hand turning it palm down. – It really doesn't disgust you?- he finally added after his /-How could the hand of the man that loves me disgust me.- she placed her hand on the foreheads mask in mock gesture.- Are you running a fever? I think you've finally lost it old man.- she peered deeply into the masks slits trying desperately to peer beyond the black veil. His hand finally moved, grasping her smaller /-But I, being poor, have only my dreams;br /I have spread my dreams under your feet;br /Tread softly because you tread on my dreams.- he spoke to her open palm bringing it closer to the masks /- I'll tread on your nerves in a minute if you do not stop this line of thinking.- she squeezed affectionately bringing her shoulder in line with /- You must excuse the ramblings of an old man dear.- the masks cheek pressed into her shoulder, drawing the most adoring smile from her /-Only if this old man promises me that he will try.-br /-For you dearest Eve I would promise anything.- he stated seriously, like there was no single doubt in his mind and she believed him./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"-Now then.- she stood abruptly.- You know what time it is.-br /-Do not mention a word of it.- he sounded horrified, dramatically so. She simply rolled her eyes at him extending both arms towards him.- Come now bear, we must take a peek, you and I both.-br /- I beg your pardon I am no four legged furry mammal.- To anyone's ears that would sound harsh but she knew he was playing, finally. His uninjured arm drew the covers away revealing his silk floor length robe, it was black, like most of his clothes. Her gaze crawled over his body slowly, she could not help herself. It had been ten days, ten frightening, stressful days since the fifth, ten days since he crawled back into her arms. She couldn't stop herself from placing a hand over his chest, feeling his heart hammer in his chest, she needed the comfort, the knowledge it still pumped for her, strong and unyielding. His whole body was unyielding in her humble opinion, pig-headed man, those were the words she screamed at him when he came to in the shadow gallery. Her hands were ripping away at his tunic, pushing, pulling, cutting away the blood soaked pieces of fabric. She was crying./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"V's head lowered to look at her hand, it seemed too small, so frightened, as frightened as it was on that day. Never did he thought anyone let alone she would be crying so much, screaming so much as she did for him that day. Most of the whole ordeal was a big blur for him, except the screaming. He willed himself to live in that moment, whatever happened he was going to live./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"-I'm right here love.- he acknowledge the silence, the anxiety that crawled up her spine.- Never again while I draw breath will I do such a thing again.-br /-I know.- came her reply after a deafening silence. – Never again.- she repeated it to herself more than /-I'm ready.- It was an unspoken rule with them. He would announce he was ready for her to touch, to prod, to look, to see the damaged /-And I am always.- she replied in kind as she did for the fiftieth time since she first saw his chest, his arms, his legs. Her eyes saw everything except his face, she felt it, cleaned it as best she could with eyes tightly shut but she did not break his promise. She would wait, forever if need /-Evey…- his voice was /-Yes love?- her hand did not leave his heart, only traced small patterns with her /-That's my line mademoiselle.- his chest /-What is it bear?- Fawkes seamed to quirk his eyebrows at her. –I jest, tell me.-br /- Is it bad, truthfully, tell me.- she could feel his eyes going dead behind the faux /-No love.- she exhaled.- Do you want to know what I really think?- she sat next to his hip. He rose, his false face so close to her own. She could feel his breath on her cheek. He could smell her /-I think they look like dragon skin. Harsh and angry and battle ready. I think they make the man that wears them one of a kind, and best of all they're on my prince who saved me when no one would.-br /He blinked several times under his mask, chewing and digesting her words until one word was /-Prince?- he said /-Yes my prince.- she giggled at him, so strong, so fast yet reduced to a small, shy /-Will the prince get a kiss from his princess?- he asked blushing furiously behind the mask, thanking the heavens she could not see his /-If the prince so wishes it.- her face turned to the mask, her gaze falling to the faux /-Always and forever.- it was spoken in one breath, pleading and small. She leaned in slowly her lips a breath away from Fawkes. – Wait.- he said suddenly. She looked up, she could feel his eyes on her face, she did not know how but she could. – Love, I want… I need.- he stressed the last /-I'm always ready.- she smiled, her eyes floating shut even before he could request. Tears were beginning to rise to her eyelashes, from happiness, from fear, from relief she did not know. No matter what happened next she wanted it, she wanted it like the air she /-Evey…- the purr of her name made her bottom lip quiver.- I'm sorry.- her brow creased, but his hand quickly landed between them stroking the area.- I deeply apologize for not doing this months and months ago.- he stated finally, his hand leaving her face. Tears were now flowing freely from her eyes but they remained shut none the less. She heard the soft sounds of silk moving, leather straps untying. He owned multiple sets of masks, all varying in heaviness and durability. She knew he wore the lightest of them all, after all she was the one who tied it herself after the fifth, after she mended all the /-I'm frightened.- she began to weep openly at his admission, his voice never sounded so weak, so /-Beautiful.- she half sobbed.- You're voice, V, my god, you're voice.- She clutched the silk of his robes tightly, desperately trying not to raise her hands to his face. He hiccupped and chuckled at the same time, throat to tight with sobs of his own to say anything. He gathered her in his arms tightly, his whole body /-You're making me cry.- the end of his sentence was cut off by a shaky /- How can it sound even more beautiful.- she knew she was babbling at that point but hearing it for the first time, without the muffle of her favourite grin took her by such a surprise it rendered her a complete /- I love you Evey.- he finally spoke when he gathered enough air and was sure his voice wouldn't crack. The loudest sob yet shook her entire body and he followed suit pushing her face under his chin while he sobbed into her /Kiss me.- the plea was mumbled into his chest. He stiffened again, drawing a shaky /-As my lady commands.- his hands covered her face stroking lovingly over her tear streaked eyelids. As he placed her in front of his own face he could not stop and stare at her, his beloved Eve, it was as if he saw her for the first time all over again, the dark veil lifted of his eyes for the first time in quiet a literal /-You are even more beautiful then I realized, so soft…- his thumbs continued to stroke from eyelids to /-Please..- she whispered into his palm.- Please…- He sucked in one final breath, parting his eyes unwillingly from his bellowed. His lips lowered, his hair brushed the side of her neck and cheek. She surrender in his arms completely, waiting for what seemed an eternity. His hot breath fanned across her lips as he exhaled shakily. – My love, my breath, my life….- and he moved that last millimetre to her awaiting lips and as they made chaste contact with hers her hands gripped tighter between them, so very tight around his robe, next to his chest. He pressed so tightly against her ignoring every bruise every cut, every wound he had upon his body. She moaned softly and he promptly decided that it was the most beautiful sound in the world. They separated after it seemed a lifetime to /-Never stop.- she was crying /-Never.- he agreed whole heartedly, truly he never wanted to stop kissing her. More kisses were bestowed on his bellowed lips, every single one softer than the previous, they migrated from her top lip to her bottom, moved over the sloped valley to her chin, over to her cheek and upwards to her eyelid, down the slope of her nose and back to her mouth. Somewhere along their journey V's lips curled softly, he began pressing his small kisses more securely, /-You're smiling.- she whispered into the corner of his mouth. Evey felt the burns that day when she cleaned his face, he had some eyebrows as far as she could tell, although she suspected only the beginnings, he had large burns marks on one side of his face running from forehead to nose, there multiple scars that felt like cuts or something similar, she didn't want to feel them, not until he let her. In her panic and hysteria she was surprised she felt any scars at /-So are you.-br /-Are you still frightened?- she raised her hands to his /-To death.- he pressed his forehead to /-Me too. I'm scared you'll stop.- tears filled her eyes /-Evey, I'm scared of what you'll see, of how you'll react.- he kissed her again silencing her incoming protest. She relented but only for a moment until the kiss /-I feel them but they do not frighten me.-br /- I know love, they frighten me.- he knew that the fear was irrational but it dug its long claws straight into his heart and it didn't want to let /-Let me taste the kisses from thy mouth so they replenish my soul for the journey on.- he kissed her one last time and moved away, the anxiety gripping to tightly at his heart. His naked forehead was replaced by Fawke's cold /-Who wrote that?- she opened her eyes slowly upon the feel of the porcelain /- I wrote that, I pressed it into your mouth, I promised it to your lips. Did you believe me love?- He sounded brave again, hopeful /-Yes my prince.- she smiled kissing the faux /-Do not start princess I have just ceased crying. Do you know how uncomfortable it is to cry under this thing.- he knocked on Fawkes lips stifling a /-Insufferable man….- she hugged him tighter. – Now stop stalling and let me check the stiches.-br /-How very dare you, I kiss you and you accuse me of such a thing.- he exclaimed in mock /-Come on you little actor.- she extricated herself from his hold and pulled him up. – Don't forget your slippers old man.- she bent down and placed them in front of his scarred feet. They weren't as bad as his hands, there was even a soft patch of untouched skin from his instep to his shin, the other foot wasn't so /- Little lady!- he groaned in pain through his warning.- I am not even midlife.- he wrapped his good hand around her /-Bathroom?- she asked lovingly, secretly enjoying having him at her /- That would be splendid, thank you.- and so they ventured to the on suite bathroom, slowly, his weight being supported by /-Good lord V, you weight a ton.- she struggled with the light /Nighty seven. – He /-Nighty seven kilos?!- She exclaimed /-Muscles weight quite a lot dearest, that and the obvious height difference. - He began rambling while gripping the sink for leverage. As she separated from him she watched his broad shoulders stretch then stiffen again. – Did you hear that pop, god lord?!- He exclaimed. She didn't, she didn't hear any pop at all, she was more focused on the knowledge and the image of how his body looks without all the layers. She couldn't help herself anymore, she always knew he was strong and well-built but she did not expect the definition of muscles, the lines of abdominal muscles clearly visible through the scarred tissue. His head turned towards her, it rested in an odd angle looking down at her. He was observing her she was sure of /-What is the matter.- he finally stated after she couldn't tear her eyes from his broad /-Nothing.- she was terribly embaresed, this was the first time he caught her staring at his body since she saw it properly. She would always sneak looks but never did she look quite so /V knew his body was strong, well-shaped but he didn't really think she would be interested as much as she was. It was an odd feeling. A mixture of pride and trepidation, it was very exciting to be wanted./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"-Are you lusting dearest?- he finally decided to /-V! Don't make me even more embarrassed!- she whined hiding behind her /-Come here.- he gestured towards himself, on the space between his body and the sink. Bare feet tapped across the tiles and she found herself being pushed flush to his body. She could see their reflection in the bathroom mirror. –There is nothing to be embarrassed about, not in front of me. Besides.- the masks nose nuzzled a path up her neck.- You do not have the advantage of the mask as I do. I can look at you whenever I so wish it.- Heat pulled in her abdomen. He was never this forward with her. She suspected that somewhere in his brain a switch flipped when they kissed, he understood finally that she wants him, scars and /-Somehow I didn't think you would have abs of all things.- Evey finally admitted through a furious /-Well, if I continue living in my bed and doing nothing I'll lose them.- he laughed turning her and pressing her back into the sink. She was caged between his extended hands. Evey subconsciously grabbed one of his biceps. He placed one arm on her hip.- I really should make my body heal faster, quiet immediately in fact.- She produced the most surprised giggle hiding her face beneath his /-Look at me.- he commanded. She did, instinctively in /-My beautiful blushed Eve, this is your best look I must admit.- his fingers tapped her chin.- Will you always blush for me?- she could only nod, no other man ever in her life could make her blush as quickly as he /-Good.- his hand dropped and he pushed himself upwards.- Now then, if you will excuse me, I will leave you for a moment and then you can check my wounds. Is that alright?-br /- I'll go get the ointment and the bandages.- she needed to breath suddenly, his body was too close, he was too hot and her resolve was /-Good girl.- he purred. He wanted to see her reaction, for some time now he suspected she would like such statements but he did not want to push their relationship in more intimate realms. Her breath hitched, her eyes growing wider. Bingo, he taught to himself. He maybe acted innocent at times but not anymore, not when he knew, when he saw how her body reacted to him. Maybe he could drop loaded statements like that more often. Just to see her eyes widen like they did, to see her blush travel down her neck. Evey thought her legs might give out under her. She couldn't react with words, didn't even know what to say. The only thing she was curtain was that he knew and she was in trouble. All of his bravado left him suddenly as a sharp pain tore through his left /-Bloody hell!- he exclaimed gripping the sink /-V?!- her hands flew to his mask. He never cursed, in fact this was the first time she ever heard him utter a single bad /-Wash my mouth with soap.- he laughed.- It's alright darling, I'm /-No you're not, you've been standing for far too long now go before you tear something.-br /-As my lady commands.- his head bowed and he turned and limped to the toilet. She removed herself from the bathroom closing the door behind her. As he relieved himself she gathered the supplies, new bandages, ointments for the wounds and three different creams for his burn scars. He explained to her that he needed them for moisture otherwise something would surely tear. She was horrified. It was a battle of wits when it came to bandaging and medicating his wounds. He wanted to do it himself but she was having none of it. She understood, V didn't want her to see, to feel his burnt flesh but she already did, it wasn't as though she would forget how they felt or how they looked. They made a compromise on day two of his bed rest when he stopped slipping in and out of consciousness. She would help and watch and in return he would show her how his wounds were doing. He understood how worried she was and how she felt. She was terribly angry at him the first five days, barely spoke to him at all. On day six he finally understood what she went through. She dragged him back to the gallery on a carpet, stole blood from the blood bank and robbed a chemist for all he was worth for. He cried that night, he was so angry at himself for making her go through all of that. She heard his sobs, he didn't try to hide them and they embraced each other as best they could, trying not to irritate his injuries even more than they were. After that night she would sit with him, read to him and talk to him. The meals she cooked for him began to be more elaborate, loved. Everything she did she did with great care just for him, she forgave him and he couldn't be /She found him on the bed, ram rod straight. He was staring at a soiled stain in the /-I think its iodine.- she placed a tray with warm water and a towel next to /-Its coffee. You spilled it when you fell /-What do you mean?- she sat next to him staring at the stain as /-The second night, while you sat by my side… I was looking at you while you slept, you looked so helpless and small in my armchair. I couldn't wake you. That's when you tipped over your cup. It rolled all the way to the nigh stand. I washed it in the bathroom when you were up top a couple of days ago. You must have forgot about it. -br /-You watched me sleep, you woke up?! Why didn't you wake me, where you in pain?- she was angry, angry that he washed the damn cup, angry that he laid there in the dim light in the middle of the night while she slept. She was supposed to take care of /-Not to worry love. I wasn't awake long.- he placed a hand on her cheek.- How could I not gaze upon my angel when she is guarding over me, you must forgive me.-br /-Alright, alright. I'll forgive you, but only this time.- she nuzzled his hand. – We must change the bandages V.-br /-I know love, I'm still ready.- he untied the robe but didn't push it apart. – It is a bit silly that I still have my neck piece isn't it?- he turned towards her again catching a glimpse of her smile while she soaked the towel. – Whatever makes you comfortable.-br /-You like it don't you?- he laughed, honest to god giggled in her /-Maybe…- she wrung the rag between her hands.- Maybe I just respect your wishes.-br /-That blush is telling me more then you let on.- he nuzzled her neck again.- Come now darling, tell me.- she shuddered dropping her head /-Is the mask cold?- he knew it wasn't. He also became suspicious she fancied the mask more then she let on, even if she wanted to see his face. – Do you like it love?.- he nuzzled again, pressing the masks nose on her pulse. – I want to hear you say it.- she felt the vibration of his voice, the hot breath that fanned across her /-If you do not stop we'll get nowhere.- she /-Ouh we'll get somewhere alright.- he chuckled.- Come now, indulge me a bit and I'll let you bandage me.-br /-All of it?- she asked cautiously.-br /-Yes.- he purred again next to her hear. How could she say no to that?br /-Fine… I like the neck piece and the mask, you happy now?-br /-Incredibly so my love, thank you.- he nuzzled one more time as a reward and leaned away from her disrobing in the process. V didn't know what came over him but he couldn't help himself, couldn't control himself anymore. He liked playing with her, he wasn't brave enough to touch her yet, not intimately at least but he could play a bit, use his knowledge against her, it was all in good fun of course. Ten days of disrobing in front of her did not make it any easier but the way she looked at him made it bearable. One day he hoped it will come natural to him but it will take work and he knew it. He would have to push himself to be more comfortable, to wear less for her. His head dropped low in shame, why was he so weak, so ashamed of his own body. It wasn't his fault, they made him blow it all up, they made him the way he is, he understood that but the guilt, the shame it just didn't want to stop. She observed his body, he deflated as soon as the robe touched the mattress, he shrank in himself, it looked like he wanted to crawl into a hole and never come /- I don't have to touch you if you can't handle it at the moment.- she offered trying to make it easier for him any way she could. She couldn't dim the lights, she had to see the injuries but at least she didn't have to touch /-I want to. I want you to do it. It's just….- he trailed on looking at his bare /-I know. I'm so very proud of you.- she touched the masks chin as he did it to her moments ago in the /-Thank you.- he spoke quietly through a heavy breath. –You may begin when ready.- he clenched his fists placing them in his lap. He wanted to run away, the need for it was almost overwhelming. This would be the very first time she would touch his body, his skin while he was /-How about we play a game.- she kneeled in front of him gripping his hands, they relaxed instantly not wanting to injure her in any /-I like games.- he said dumbfoundedly like he learned something new about /-I know you do, I like them to.- she laughed stroking his /-What are we playing?- he lowered his mask closer to /-None of that mister even though I very much like your masks attention.- she crawled closer to him, sitting on her hunches. – When I touch you, you touch me.-br /-I am touching you.- he gestured to their /-I'm not finished.
Not like that, when I touch any part of you, you touch the same part of me, and you tell me all the muscles and bones that are in that area. What do you say?-br /- How do you know I possess such knowledge?- he turned her hand over and stroked her /- Why do you know most the things you know?- she cocked an /-Because I'm bored, I see what you mean. I like this game, you can carry on. – He knew she was trying to distract his brain, he tends to babble when he's nervous, she knows that and what better way to distract his anxiety then to give him a task that required him rummaging through his brain for information . It seemed a brilliant idea to him, and he liked the idea of touching her in this controlled and measured way, with clear boundaries and rules, they would keep him in check and he won't get /-Alright prince let us start with the hand shall we.- she gripped the bandage, unrolling it slowly. His other hand touched her forearm stroking it lightly with his /-Flexor carpi radialis, Palmaris longus, Flexor carpi ulnaris, pronator teres.- he stroked the muscles tenderly while she whipped his /-What about the bones?- she asked turning his hand more towards the light. It didn't seem infected, and the scar was already forming. Must be his advanced metabolism and genetics. He said he doesn't know what they did to him, it made her /- Lateral epicondyle, medial epicondyle, radius and ulna…- he watched as she placed the cream on his wound. – You can rub it in a bit it doesn't hurt anymore. And the scars on the other side need moisture as well.- he finally spoke, giving verbal commands to her ministrations. She smiled up at him.- Tube number two if I remember.-br /-Exactly love.- her eyes beamed up at him. He wanted to praise her with kisses but he could only offer words for now.- You're such a quick study.- he smiled behind the mask hoping she would hear it in his /-Thank you.- she rubbed the cream in while she /-I will always praise you do you understand?- she knew what he meant, his little bathroom discovery bringing him new power over /-Yes.- she removed her hands from him looking /-Do you want me to praise?- he needed to be sure she wanted his attention, that she understood what exactly was happening. He was a well-read man and he knew what kind of power dynamic he was initiating but he didn't know her experience or the length it /-Please.- she felt so safe, so loved not unlike the childish fumbling's in the bushes behind the reclamation centre nor the grouping she somehow endured in the /- You will never have to beg for attention ever again.- he stated, rather alarmed that she begged for it. He liked when she begged but not when she didn't know if she would receive the attention she needed, deserved even. -Alright love, you can continue.-br /-How's the clavicle?- at the moment it looked incredibly painful and angry to her /-Its only a bruise, it will be fine.- he pressed on it lightly. Her fingers found it also but they did not press as hard as he did.- Well?- she questioned waiting for him to continue the /-Of course.- he smiled. His hand found her clavicle as well and he traced his finger along /- Sternocleidomastoid, pectoralis major, deltoid and trapezius.- she stroked her hand down his chest to his abdomen where the next wound awaited. Most of the right side of his body was burned, creating long ropey scars, they were red and pink. He was missing a nipple on that side and there was a terrible gash just under his peck approximately 30 centimetres in length. She would speculate that about 70 percent of his body was burned in some fashion. She read all about burn injuries when she saw his hands, they were mostly third and second degree burns. She didn't know if he knew she researched it all. The muscles beneath her hand flexed. She could feel how strong and firm his body was. She more then saw his strength when he saved her from the Finger that night. She was so frightened of him at that moment and now she would give anything to see that strength /-Can I ask you a question?- she finally decided to ask after months of /-Anything.- V knew she was curious and he really wanted to answer anything she /- Can you feel it?- she look up at him while her hand found the next bandage on his left /-Yes. Not as much on the right side but yes.- she nodded in acknowledgment. He forgot about the game, he was more focused on her small finger gliding over his abdomen and how much he didn't mind which surprised him. She moved over to his thigh distinctly remembering how gruesome it was, the bullet passed clean through it. When she grabbed it he touched her thigh as well, his hand flexing over the entirety of it, it reminded him to feed her more, she was to fragile for his liking. He squeezed it lightly none the less, he couldn't help himself which surprised him. She squeezed his other thigh in return which did not help his self-restraint. The pooling of blood between his legs surprised him even /-Evey!- he suddenly /-I'm sorry V, I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable, I'm sorry.-br /-It's alright, I didn't think I would like it. It is a rather odd struggle. – he settled down again trying to make his blood return to its rightful place. She glanced down again at her hand and then at his lap, he was /- There's nothing wrong with me touching you. I want to…- she admitted /-I want to touch you also dearest but we must take it slow. I do not to wish to hurt you.-br /-You would never.- she carefully peeled the bandage /-I do not want to hurt you by running away and I want to. I want to disappear so desperately.- he sighed hunching over himself, his mask touching the top of her /-I'll chase you down eventually.- she petted his /-Please never stop chasing.- his eyes found /-Never.- she granted the mask a /-I felt that.- he chuckled touching the masks /-Good, I want you to feel them.- she instructed him to recline back and he did giving her a hell of a view. V naked apart from his very short silk pyjamas pants, legs parted, his head bowed down. She could feel the tension, she felt his eyes on her everywhere at /-What a sight. What an incredible set of opportunities placed me in your path. Have I thanked you yet fate for placing this angelic creature in front of me? - his hand reached for her cheek.- I want you so.- he was convinced it was the lack of blood in his brain that made him say it, that and the fact she was kneeling between his spread legs but even he was only a man, not an idea anymore. She was more or less speechless, frozen in place, unsure what to /-It's alright love, you're safe with me, anything you want I'll do.- he offered his assurance when he saw her frightened /-I've never, no one spoke to me like that before.- now she was terribly /-Everything is alright, you're safe. Evey…- he stroked her cheek.- Bandage my wounds and we will talk, alright love?-br /-Yes V.- she was transfixed by the masks black pools, she could feel the intensity of his /-Be a good girl and hand me the ointment.-br /-Yes sir.- he almost didn't catch that but his whole body reacted to her statement the moment it registered but she went rigid still holding on to the /-It's alright.- he praised again.- You're safe.- she finally, mercilessly released it into his hand. – You're just being good that's all.- he petted her again. – Finish the bandaging.- she nodded stiffly again and began working at the wound on thigh. /-V?- her voice was /Hmm?- he breathed still petting her /-Are we playing a game?- she /-We are playing, but it isn't a game.- he made a mental note to place some BDSM manuals on her pile of books. – Do you like when we play?- he watched as she bandaged his /She nodded vigorously her nose scrunching up a bit in the /-Good. We can play whenever you want, all the time in fact if so you wish it. – her hand glided back to his /-Do you like it more than the bone naming game?- his hand found hers placing it on the masks /-I like any game you invent love. Do you like it?-br /-Yes…- she spoke slowly. She was so surprised by how her body reacted to his words, never did she think a simple statement as good girl would bring up such a reaction in /-It's called word play love. I taught you would like it.-br /- I like it a lot.- she was redder then V's ornamental carpet she was sure. And while she pondered about this new discovery V contemplated how comfortable he was, how in control he was of his own emotions. He knew if he focused on her needs everything would be alright. He couldn't control the situation but he could be in control of some things, perhaps he could be comfortable if they would play every time she bandaged the /After she was finished he shrugged back into the robe but tied it more loosely then he originally /-Come sit opposite me dear.- he folded his legs underneath him sitting in the middle of his bed. She crawled up the bed mimicking his sitting /-Would you like me to hold your hand?- both his hands turned upwards inviting her /-Yes please.- they extended and met in the /-What did you want to tell me earlier?- he dove straight in, no beating around the bush. She was terribly embarrassed about the whole ordeal but she wanted this man. This wasn't the worst thing they've been though, surely he doesn't care that much? It troubled her still, the realization that she didn't really have that much to offer in terms of pleasure, she didn't know anything /- I'm a virgin.- she pushed the words out though gritted /-I am also a virgin.- he stated simply. She just stared at him, mouth wide open. – I could have been the biggest whore of London at one point, but I do not have any memory of that. For all it's worth I am as untouched as you are, maybe even more so.- She knew he doesn't remember anything before Larkhill, that he told her on night three after she woke him from a nightmare that left him screaming. He didn't say anything more after that, when he spoke the name of the camp they placed him in all the life drained from his eyes. It was like he was there again, she didn't question it again after that, he would tell her when he is ready. She nodded again processing what he /-We will move as slowly as we need to. – he traced a complex patter on her /-How did you know what to say to me?- She was frightened to touch /- I have been thinking about it for some time love. You seem to like when I compliment you, your whole body shines just for me. Don't be shy, I like to praise you.- she tried hiding, bowing her /- No one ever gives me compliments.-br /-I must rectify that at once.- he chuckled gliding his hands up her forearms. – You've been such a good girl all this time.-br /-I like that.- she allowed herself a giggle, it was only V after all, she trusted /-I can tell my love. You're shining again. Is it for me?- his hands continued stroking upwards to her /-Yes sir?- it came out more as a question then a /-Good girls are more sure of their words.- his hands stopped at her shoulders, his palms slowly crawling up her neck, his fingers grazing her /-Yes sir.- she understood /-Excellent my love. Do you have any questions?-br /-Do we play like this all the time?- she certainly liked the /-If you wish. In time we will discover together what we like and how we play.-br /-Can I touch you?- she wanted to feel his /-Slowly darling, you can, but slowly.-br /-I want to hug you.- he wanted to cry from sheer happiness this woman caused in /-You may hug me whenever you want to.- he opened his arms inviting her in. She sat up straighter, leaning over to him. His arms wrapped around her small frame tightly pulling her into his /-Thank you sir.- he squeezed her tighter beginning to sway. She was a fast learner and he was in big trouble but he was in the best possible /-Good little princess.- They held each other for a while both not wanting to let go./p