Imagine Coldplay: The sad part was, I wasn't sure if you were talking about me or Dewey and Webby.
Ninjatana Warrior: They sure have :)
The Not-So-Ultimate Writer: You know, I'm not much of a Marvel guy, I usually prefer DC. You'll just have to wait and see what I have in store for dear old Dewford. Nope, the guy won't lose his job, because of reasons you'll see in this chapter. And nope, Webby did not call anyone. You know what? I totally agree with you on the lack of comedic relief in this story, but don't worry, this chapter is more lighthearted compared to the past 10 chapters, and I did add in a bit with Louie and Boyd, so hopefully that lightens things up.
rosiesj: Thank you, Rosie :)
Thenotso Ultwri: Exactly, everyone has their own writing style. And I love this review, because I think it's the closest to 'criticism' I've gotten. Don't be afraid to give me any criticism or feedback. The only thing I do have a problem with is with rude reviews, from Guest users, or very very new/small authors—everyone is entitled to their own opinion, but when it crosses 'insulting', that's where I put my foot down, and say, "Okay, well don't be fucking rude about it, or else I'll be rude right fucking back."
Boss Teal: Nerp, we're not close to the end! But this story won't be a long ass story like OTLTA. Yeah, I can see that. And I'm eagerly expecting updates from Insurance.
Alright folks, chapter 11 :)
ooo
The Next Day: 6:30AM
Dewey opened his eyes in the darkness, frowning as his hazy brain tried to work out what had awoken him. It was still very early, the morning sun barely glimpsing through the hotel's familiar red curtains. Then he felt it. Lips on his. It took only a second for the memories of last night to come crashing back to him.
Webby.
The lips tugged at his again, more insistent, and without thought, he gave her what she wanted, opening his mouth and kissing her back slowly. His senses were filled with her, her taste, her smell. He felt her hands running up his toned back, causing delightful sensations to stir within him. Instinctively, Dewey's arms tightened around her waist, pulling her petite body closer to his as he softly groaned into her mouth.
He didn't know what was happening, couldn't be sure he wasn't still dreaming. All Dewey's tired mind knew was he didn't want to question it. He deepened the kiss and let himself become overwhelmed with her. He felt so alive, losing himself in the moment as his fingers delicately traced a path up her spine, feeling her body shiver against him.
Then, she suddenly rolled them over so that she was on top of him, straddling his hips as they continued their passionate kiss. She wore his T-shirt from last night, and panting, they broke the kiss as he hurriedly ripped his T-shirt over her head, throwing it on the floor behind them. He swallowed hard, taking a moment to drink in her silhouette as his brain desperately tried to understand if what was happening between them was real, or still a wonderful dream evoked by the fact she was sharing his bed.
Her hands came to his bare chest, exploring the skin there and creating paths of fire that burned him. He brought his hands up to cup her face, his thumbs caressing her cheeks.
"Webbs," he breathed, enjoying her name on his lips.
In response, she looked him directly in the eyes, hers dark and intense before she leaned back slightly and pulled off her own bra. He swallowed hard, letting his eyes roam her perfect chest. Then he watched in a daze as she leaned forwards, crashing her lips back to his. His eyes fluttered closed, as her chest pressed into his. He could feel her hands on his body and he did the same, feeling her soft skin with his fingers. She made a sound, triggering something in him and he responded, flipping them over as he sunk into the kiss.
With every nerve ending on fire, he surrendered to her.
ooo
8:30AM
Webby woke up first, feeling completely sated, content and at peace. She didn't need to open her eyes to know whose arms she was wrapped in, whose scent and warmth surrounded her. She snuggled closer, smiling and almost letting out a purr as she felt him wake up, his hand lightly stroking her hair. She took a moment to reflect, to understand the gravity of the situation.
She'd actually found him.
Dewey.
They were reunited.
"Hey," he greeted softly, and with an effort, she stretched her body along his before tilting her head up to look at him. She savored the view of a morning Dewey, taking in his ruffled hair, bare chest and bleary eyes. It was possibly her new favorite sight.
"Hey," she whispered, snuggling closer, closing her eyes again, content to stay like this forever.
"About, um…"
She opened her eyes, taking in the worry in his voice as he coughed a little, apprehension appearing on his face.
"I mean…" he sighed frustrated at himself, and Webby couldn't help but smirk
The previous night had been incredible, beyond incredible. They'd made love throughout the early hours, learning and discovering one another again and again as they re-established their connection, taking it to a whole new level. They had barely spoken a word, hadn't discussed what it all meant, and now in the light of day she could understand his fear and was ready to reassure him.
She reached her arms to loop around his neck, smiling at him, hoping to ease his doubts as well as the butterflies in her own stomach.
"You okay?" she asked softly, her fingers scratching lightly his hair.
"I'm still trying to take it all in," he admitted quietly, studying her face intently. "I thought I'd wake up, and this would all be a dream: it's one I've dreamed of so many times, but every time I'd wake up alone, with you still hating me somewhere far away."
"I never hated you," she whispered, swallowing hard, "but I understand what you mean. I've had the same dreams, Dewey, I'd go to sleep dreaming you hadn't left, that you were still in my life, and then in the morning, it would hit me all over again that you were gone."
"I'm sorry," he swallowed, knowing she didn't want his apologies, but he just couldn't not say it.
He needed her to know how regretful he was.
"I know," she smiled softly, "I know."
He nodded, looking away as a silence slowly settled over them. She watched him, watched the conflicting emotions crossing his face, as he had some sort of internal battle with himself. She gave him a few moments, before she moved a hand, her fingers reaching to gently stroke his slightly stubbled cheek and jaw, letting it tickle her skin.
"What are you thinking?" she encouraged gently, waiting for him to meet her eyes.
"I don't have any words for what happened last night, Webbs," he said quietly, honestly, "I've never experienced anything like that with anyone… ever."
"Me neither," she promised, unable to stop the smile creeping back onto her face. It really had been incredible, beyond words. "I never knew we'd have that kind of… connection between us."
He nodded in agreement, his hand coming to capture hers, his thumb brushing her skin.
"I'd hoped but…" he swallowed again, staring into her eyes, baring his soul to her. "You know I left because I had feelings for you, strong feelings. And well… I mean last night was, well it was beyond words, it really was, but I guess I... what I'm asking is… last night was crazy emotional. A lot was going on, so I'd understand if it was the 'heat of the moment' kinda thing for you, and I wouldn't blame you if…" he trailed off when he saw that she was trying not to laugh. "Webbs!" he snapped, shooting her a playful glare.
"I'm sorry, I can't help it!" she laughed. "You're so cute."
He scowled playfully, and pounced on her, quickly capturing her lips in a searing kiss. Before it got heated, she gently placed two hands on his firm chest, looking him in the eye.
"I want to be with you, Dewey," she interrupted quietly, but with a firm edge to her voice, leaving him no room to doubt her words. "I know we didn't talk about it yesterday, and last night just… happened, but it felt so right, like it was the next natural step for us. I know there's still lots of stuff to work through, but I don't want you back in my life as just a friend."
"Webbs…" he murmured, completely captivated by her words.
She continued. "It might have taken a while, but after you left, it finally all just clicked into place. My heart told me that I needed you, that I was in love with my best friend, that I'd fallen in love with you without even knowing it… but by the time I had figured this all out, it was too late and you were gone…" she choked, her memories coming back to haunt her. "So, I know it's going to take some time, I know that but I want us to try; I want you as more, so much more."
He squeezed his eyes closed, as so many emotions crashed down on him. "I-I can't believe you… that… I had no idea you felt that way."
"I didn't either, not at the time," she confessed, caressing his face.
"I'm so sorry I put you through that, hurt you so much. I swear I'll spend the rest of my life trying to make it up to you, Webbs."
She shook her head fiercely, her hands on his chest, "No."
"No?" he frowned, confused, cold doubt starting to crept through. Had he misunderstood…?
"I don't want a relationship based on past mistakes and guilt, that wouldn't be right. You've already apologized Dewey, and I've already forgiven you, so there's no need to make anything up to me. You've got to forgive yourself for a mistake you made 3 years ago, a mistake where you were hurting so badly, you thought you had no other options."
A slow smile eventually spread across his face, as he shook his head in awe. "I can't believe this is happening," he swallowed. "That you're here, that you forgive me, that you want to be with me. It's just beyond everything you know? I just…"
"For me too," she reassured him, placing a firm kiss to his lips.
He accepted it for a moment before reluctantly pulling back. "It may be a little late for this. but we probably shouldn't rush into this."
"Yeah, too late," she grinned, kissing him again.
He smirked, and responded to her lips to hers in a slow manner, his arms wrapping around her waist, pulling her closer to him. Dewey would take this at whatever pace she wanted. Let her take the lead. She was placing a lot of trust in him and he needed to return that.
As the kiss grew heated, a sudden ringing filled the hotel room, startling them both.
"Alarm," he mumbled, his lips reattaching to hers.
Rolling them both over, his arm stretched out, flailing around in the vague direction of his cellphone. He only succeeded in knocking it from the bedside table and onto the floor; the alarm still blaring, only now it had progressed to a high pitched shrill.
He groaned, wishing he could ignore the noise, but eventually it was too much and with a lot of effort he lifted off her, climbed off the bed and shut the damn thing off.
When he turned back, he caught Webby looking at his bare body, a deep blush spread across her face. He was so… hot. Webby assumed with an office job, Dewey had lost some of his muscle mass, but if anything, he looked stronger than ever. It was almost as if he had never stopped adventuring in the first place. Dewey blushed when her eyes traveled downwards, her gaze lingering on his waist for a moment too long.
"I don't think it's quite fair you get to see me this way." he grinned, pouncing on her.
Webby let out a happy squeal as he began wrestling her for the blanket, his main goal to see the treasure that lied underneath the damn sheet—he managed to subdue her, and whipped the blanket off, pleased when he saw her body. Sure, he had felt her, and made love to her the night prior, but he had never gotten a good sight of her body, and he was not disappointed. The morning sunlight hit it just right, her goddess-like features further accented by the golden light that streamed through the window. Dewey stared at her, completely captivated by everything.
"D-Dewey," she halfheartedly complained, her face as red as ever. "T-this is embarrassing!" she whined.
"You were staring at me!" he defended, keeping his eyes on her breasts.
Her blush worsened. "For twenty seconds! This is far longer than that!"
The way Dewey's eyes fanned over her aroused her to no end—it made her feel sexy, and wanted. When it seemed like he was distracted, Webby used it as an opportunity to hook her leg around his torso, flipping them over. He happily obliged, gently setting his hands on her waist, and sitting up to meet her lips—they got lost in another makeout session, and Webby let out a frustrated groan against his lips.
"What is it?" he murmured into her neck.
Her breath hitched, and she tried her best to form words. "I-I guess you need to get ready for work?" she managed, disappointed and unsure of how she'd be able to let him go as old fears started to churn within her.
What if he left and didn't return…?
He stopped kissing her neck, and looked her in the eye. "No," he shook his head, tracing his finger along her soft thigh. His soft touch helped to reassure and ground the both of them.
"No?"
"I don't wanna leave you, Webbs, not already," he grinned a little sheepishly at her, slightly embarrassed, but needing to be honest. "I can play hooky at work today, you're so much more important to me… is that okay?"
A touch of red stained her cheeks. "That's ok," she agreed softly. "I've legitimately got the day off, so we could spend it together?" she murmured.
He swallowed, trying to keep the smile from his face as he squeezed her hand, "I'd like that very very much, but we can't just spend the day in here. I think I need to recharge."
She giggled, the blush deepening, "That's okay, too. I probably need to check in with the others before we start our day together anyway. I've been gone since last night and they're probably worried."
"Right," he nodded, looking down as his guilt reawakened. "T-the others."
"You need to see them, Dewey," she told him softly.
"I know," he winced. "I can't avoid them forever but…"
"Then come with me, see them and—" she tried.
He shook his head fiercely, "I can't just walk in there now and be like 'hey remember me? The guy that abandoned you all, well I'm back!' No way. I want to see them again, but not like that. They deserve so much better."
She studied him a moment, chewing her lip before an idea came to her.
"Dinner."
"Huh?"
"Come for dinner! I'll go see them, and tell them that you're coming over tonight, just so that they'll have some time to come to terms with it."
He sighed, looking down—it was a good idea, but he wasn't looking forward to it.
"Do they even want to see me?" he asked softly. "I wouldn't blame them if they never want to see me again."
"They want to see you," she promised, taking his hand. "They want to get over this and move on—we all do."
He met her honest eyes, eyes that he didn't think he'd ever get to stare into again. He'd already promised himself that he'd do anything to make her happy, to never hurt her again.
"Okay," he said softly, "sure."
The pure joy on her face was reward enough.
"Thank you, Dewey!" she pulled him into a tight hug, one he returned and cherished.
"It's you I should be thanking," he sighed into her hair, keeping their embrace for a moment longer.
It took both adults to realize that they were fully nude, and in a very intimate position. Dewey smirked, and proceeded to gently roll them over. Webby wordlessly grabbed a condom from the nightstand, and the room was filled with laughter.
ooo
As Webby floated out of the hotel, she couldn't help but throw a smug look over to the reception desk; even though it was different staff, it still felt good. As she walked home, she didn't try to hide the large smile that crept over her face as she thought back to last night, thought back to this morning. She still couldn't quite believe she had found him, and that he was coming home.
She soon made it to her apartment building, pausing at the top of the stairs, trying to compose herself. She knew they'd have questions, lots of questions no doubt that she'd have to try and answer. They had all been supportive of her finding him, but they hadn't talked much about what they'd do when they actually found him. She'd been too focussed on the hunt, too obsessed with the mission of tracking him down, that she just prayed they'd continue to support her… to support him.
Dewey.
The smile came back instantly, remembering just how earnest those eyes were, and how that boyish grin made him look so cute. God, how she'd missed him. Bringing herself back to the present, she squared her shoulders and pushed open the door. Within seconds she was surrounded by everyone—including Boyd, who had the day off from work.
"Did Gosalyn know where he was?"
"Did you find him?"
"Did you talk?"
"Is he here?"
"Is he—"
"Guys!" Webby interrupted, pushing her way past to hang her jacket up, disturbed when she turned back around and they were right there. Staring. Waiting. "I found him," she announced, knowing she was beaming with happiness as they congratulated her.
"I'm so happy for you, Webbs," Louie hugged her. "Did you manage to talk to him?"
"Yeah, we talked for hours," she couldn't help but smile at the memory. "It was so wonderful, like we'd never been apart."
"But you have been," Lena pointed out quietly. "For 3 years."
She studied her best friend, seeing the apprehension in her eyes.
"I know," she said softly coming to stand in front of her. "And I haven't forgotten that, and neither has he. He feels horrible for what he did, but I want us to be able to move on from it. All of us… so," she took a deep breath. "So, I've invited him here tonight, for dinner."
"What?!" Lena snapped.
"I think that's a good idea," Violet supported her, shooting a stern look at her sister. "We can all meet him."
"I'm with Lena on this one—it's just so sudden," Huey explained, frowning. "After all this time he's suddenly going to be in this apartment tonight, sharing dinner like nothing's happened?"
"It's not like that, and you've had a month to prepare," Webby pointed out. Her eyes pleaded with Huey and Lena not to ruin this for her. "Please, I know it's gonna be hard but we have to push through it. He wants to come back into the group, and I want him to be accepted. You know how I feel about him, you know how desperately I've been searching for him. Please don't make this difficult, or ask me to choose, guys."
"I won't," Huey swallowed guiltily. "It's just… I don't know!"
"Just give him a chance, that's all I ask." Webby said pointedly.
Huey studied her a moment before reluctantly agreeing. "Fine."
"Thank you," she offered him a hint of a grin, before turning to the next person most likely to protest. "Lena?"
"I'll want to talk to him, get my own answers but I'm okay with it. I know you're crazy about him, and I'm not going to cause any problems," she pulled Webby in for a hug. "I can't believe we're going to see Dewey Duck again."
"He seems like a nice guy," Boyd shrugged.
"He is," Webby spoke softly. "He really is."
A silence settled over the group before people started moving, realizing they were late for work. Huey was first to shoot out of the door, soon followed by Violet, leaving the girls, Louie, and Boyd alone.
"So…" Boyd asked with a little knowing smirk, "You were gone the whole night."
"Boyd Drake-Gearloose, I thought you were the innocent one!" Louie cried dramatically, but Webby placed a hand on his shoulder.
"Was I?" Webby smirked innocently.
"Did you sleep with him?" Lena asked directly.
"Shouldn't you guys be at work?" Webby tried to dismiss them, avoiding the question.
"You did sleep with him! Oh my god!" Louie exclaimed.
"Okay!" Webby admitted, unable to stop the stupid grin spreading across her face, and knowing she was beaming with happiness. "Look it wasn't planned or anything, it just happened but I… it was so…"
"It was so good it left you speechless?" Boyd teased.
"Dude, you're talking about my brother!" Louie groaned, shoving Boyd.
Webby grinned at Louie. "Oh yeah!"
"I'm going to be sick." Louie groaned, heading out the door.
"Wow," Lena murmured.
"I know," Webby nodded, glad she always had the girls and Boyd to chat to, and share this stuff with. "I'm not sure if it was just the built up emotions, or just our desperate need to be near one another, but it was incredible. We kept doing it throughout the night, and it was breathtaking, I've never experienced anything like it before…"
"Damn, Webbs," Boyd pulled her in for a hug, not surprised when Lena joined in.
The three of them stayed in their embrace for a few moments, soaking up the support and love.
"I'm happy you finally got what you've wanted for so long," Lena told her sincerely. "You deserve it."
"Thanks, guys," Webby smiled, still unable to believe this was actually happening.
ooo
Dewey stood at the entrance to the park, his hands in his pants' pockets as he rocked on his feet, waiting anxiously. He'd deliberately turned up early, not wanting her for one second to fear that he'd changed his mind and ran. He didn't want her to doubt anything from last night, or this morning, so he felt it important to not be late. However, as he waited for her a little doubt crept in for himself. What if her initial excitement had worn off? What if in seeing her friends and getting back to her apartment, reality had hit and she remembered what he'd put her through?
He looked around, his eyes scanning the hundreds of people that passed him going about their day. Would she come alone? What if the others insisted on coming too, not willing to wait until dinner to skin him alive, and to make him pay for his past sins?
"Dewey!"
Instantly, he turned in the direction of her voice, seeing her practically running towards him, a huge smile gracing her features. Relief swept through him, and he smiled broadly as he caught her, hugging her tightly. Her grip was just as strong as she clung to him, and he knew that he'd made the right decision to get here early.
"Hi," he kissed her softly.
"Hey," she replied, relief evident in her voice. "I'm so glad you're here," she admitted before hurrying, "I mean, I knew you'd be here, but part of me, was nervous in case I'd dreamt it all, or you'd changed your mind or—"
"No 'or'," he promised, his hand forming a loose fist, the back of his knuckles caressing her cheek. "I promise you Webbs, I meant every word I said this morning—I'm back for good. I'm never gonna be so stupid to leave you again."
He saw unshed tears in her eyes, before she looked down. He tilted her face up, meeting her dark eyes for a long moment, before pressing his lips softly to hers to seal his promise.
"Thank you," she smiled softly.
"No need, I understand, it's going to take time but we'll get there."
Her smile widened as she nodded, appreciating that he understood her fears. Unable to resist she pressed forward and they shared another sweet kiss, enjoying the new found sensations, loving the chemistry they shared.
"Come on," he smiled at her when the kiss ended, grabbing her hand with his.
"Where did you want to go?" she asked as he slowly led her into the park, their pace unhurried.
"I don't mind," he shrugged easily as they dodged a wobbly kid on a bike. "I was kinda thinking maybe a bit of a walk then we can grab a bite to eat somewhere, but it's up to you, I'm just here for the company."
She chuckled, loving how playful he was, loving how his eyes were dancing—they were so different to how they'd been in those final months 3 years ago, when they'd been so guarded and hurt. Now they were carefree, and full of life.
"A walk together sounds lovely," she agreed as they continued along the path, letting others hurry pass them as they strolled together, fingers still entwined.
"So," he eventually braved. "How did the others take it?"
"Okay actually, a little shell-shocked maybe but mainly happy. Huey, I don't know, I think he's just hurt but once you speak to him, explain your reasons, I think he'll come around. Lena understands how much this search has meant to me and I'm pretty sure she'll reconcile with you just to see me happy."
"She cares about you," he observed gently.
"Yeah she does, she's a good friend," Webby grinned. "And Louie and Violet are excited. Louie's excited to see his big brother again."
Dewey felt his face warm at that. He had missed his brothers like crazy—most nights, he would lie awake in Cape Suzette, missing his brothers and family so much, it would ache.
"And as for Boyd," she continued. "He's happy because I think he blamed himself for bumping into you, and starting this all off again. He remembers the mess I was before, and since he saw you, I've been a little bit obsessed in trying to find you. I think he was getting worried in case I didn't…"
"But you did," he pointed out before her mind could go back there. "You found me and we're together."
She paused, turning to face him, her arms looping around his neck as she stared into his gorgeous onyx eyes.
"Only because you were brave enough to write that letter."
"I shouldn't have been cowardly enough to run away in the first place," he corrected but she shook her head, understanding the pressures he was under before.
She stood on her tiptoes, and their lips met, caressing and reassuring each other. It became passionate quickly, her fingers stroked his hair as he came to tangle in her soft strands. It took a roller skater losing balance and bashing into his back to remind him that they were in public. They broke apart, chuckling ruefully, both slightly embarrassed, and she resisted the temptation to suggest they cut short the walk, scrap lunch and just headed back to his hotel room to continue this—they were taking this slow.
Glancing around to get his bearings, that's when Dewey realized where they were, the fountain clearly in his line of vision.
"Did you wait for long?" Webby asked, her eyes following his to the spot where they were meant to have met and reconciled. "The other night?"
"Uh yeah, fairly long," he swallowed, still eyeing the fountain.
"How long is fairly long?" she questioned, her hands stroking his chest in comfort.
"I don't want to say," he admitted, "it will make me look more than a little desperate."
"Dewford," she smiled, her fingers playing with his shirt button as her voice turned teasing, "Remember, I'm the crazy lady that woke up Gosalyn late at night, and had to get past the hotel security to come see you."
"So we're both a little desperate?" he grinned meeting her shining eyes.
"It was worth it," she grinned back, her lips pecking his. "Now, how long?"
"Close to 3 hours," he blushed a little as he awaited her verdict.
Her face went from teasing to regretful as she studied him, "I'm sorry," she eventually whispered. "You must have thought I wanted nothing to do with you."
"It's not your fault," he reassured her. "And even if you had, you would have been perfectly in your rights. But it's in the past, Webbs, you got the letter and you're here with me now, we're together now." His eyes stared at hers, his voice full of sincerity. "That's what matters, we're together now and for as long as you want me in the future. We're together again and all that's behind us."
She smiled, nodding in wonder, before pulling him in for another kiss, followed by another as she tried to convey the intensity of her feelings—he was right, the fact that they were together was the important thing. It was going to be hard work, but they could face it together and start focussing on the future…
First, they just had to get through the meal with the others.
ooo
Ah, the honeymoon phase, it's my favourite to write. I think this carefree, happy, buttery, blissful chapter was needed after weeks of angsty chapters.
Until next time,
—Jordan :)
