Chapter 5

Brie was awake before the crack of dawn but she laid in bed for a long time, staring up at nothing. She wasn't mad anymore. Lex's accusations had deeply hurt her at first, but the longer Brie thought about it the more she realized he had every right to accuse his newly appointed partner with sticky fingers.

He didn't have to get so angry, she thought glumly, remembering how furious he had been.

We could have talked about it like two mature adults.

Eventually Brie forced herself to get up. She slowly got ready, taking her time. First, she washed her face and ran a comb through her air. When she was dressed, Brie began slowly putting on the leather armour, her thoughts far away.

I don't know how we're going to continue working together with the hostility between us now.

That thought made her sad, although Brie wasn't sure why. It had been less than a week since she started working with Lex. It's not like they were friends or anything.

Brie almost didn't hear the light knock at the door. It was quieter than the day before and the person only knocked once. Brie frowned, and slowly shuffled over to the door. She cracked it open ever so slightly and was met by Lex's bright blue eyes.

"B-Brie," Lex stammered softly.

"Can I help you?" Brie responded briskly, glancing around. There was nobody else in sight.

"You know I can just meet you at the watch tower, right?"

"I know," Lex sighed. "I wanted to talk in private."

Brie's gaze landed on something in Lex's hand, and she realized it was an apple. She cocked one brow up at the Captain, feeling confused, and opened the door all the way, watching Lex as he shuffled inside.

"I'm not really interested in a repeat of yesterday..."

"I'm not here to yell at you," Lex responded hastily. "I want to apologize."

"Apologize?"

Brie leaned against her butt against the back of a wooden chair and crossed her arms, patiently waiting for Lex to finish speaking.

"I... I crossed a line yesterday. I shouldn't have spoken to you the way I did, and I'm sorry."

"I'm sorry too," Brie responded, her brows furrowed together as peered up at Lex. "I wish I knew who had done it, but I swear it wasn't me."

"I know it wasn't you," Lex insisted. "I don't know what I was thinking. I let my anger get the best of me."

Brie could see the remorse written all over his face. Whatever shred of bitterness she felt towards Lex instantly disappeared and her face softened.

He's a good man.

"It's fine, Captain. Water under the bridge."

Brie smiled up at Lex and they stared at one another for a long moment. There was a surge energy between them, much like the other day, and neither one knew how to handle it. Brie nervously played with a strand of her hair and nervously chewed on the inside of her cheek. Lex gave a small cough and he looked away. The apple was still clenched in his hand as Brie locked up the apartment and they began walking down the street.

"What's the apple for?" Brie inquired, curious.

"Oh," Lex laughed, and he offered it to her. "I brought it for you."

"Hey, thanks Captain."

Brie grinned and took a big bite out of the sweet red fruit. It was delicious, and she eagerly consumed the apple while they walked. Lex had eaten breakfast before coming to her apartment and so they quickly made their way towards the Green Emperor Way to begin their shift.

It was a quiet morning. Sometime during the night, it had rained so a light layer of water covered the ground and gardens as Brie walked around. The air was nice and cool but not too cold and the atmosphere between the two guards was soft.

"Do you have any idea who did it?" Brie asked quietly, and she peered up at Lex.

"No."

"I'll uh... try to do some digging around. See if I can't place a face."

"Alright, just be careful."

"I will," Brie grinned. "Don't worry."

The rest of the day passed by smoothly. Lex was forced to break up a scrap that occurred near the Waterfront between two beggars but otherwise their shift was uneventful. Brie didn't mind. For the first time since she had started working with Lex he was open to conversation. They mostly talked lightly about random topics. Lex wasn't too willing to share much about himself, having spent the last eight years working in complete solitude. He really didn't have any friends and so he was unaccustomed to someone asking personal questions. Brie was curious to know more about her Captain's past but she didn't pressure him. She also had a past that she wasn't exactly fond of sharing.

It was nearing seven o'clock when Lex dismissed Brie for the rest of the night.

"We're done?"

"Yeah," Lex responded, and he quietly yawned. "I usually finish a little early on Fredas."

"So you can... what? Get hammered?"

"No," Lex laughed. "I usually have a lot of paperwork to deal with-"

"Wow, calm down," Brie teased. "That sounds too wild for me."

"I suppose it is dull."

"Okay, so you're going back? I'll walk with you."

"You don't have to do that," Lex responded, but he was glad for the company.

"I want to."

Brie strolled beside the Imperial, matching his pace. The sun was almost completely set behind the mountaintop and it cast the city in a glorious orange glow. Brie gazed up at the stark white buildings, realizing for the first time just how much she enjoyed being in the city. It suited her energy and lifestyle.

Within ten minutes they reached the South Watch Tower. Brie hovered near the door, rocking back and forth on the heels of her boots. Lex eyed her suspiciously, unsure of what to say now that they were back. It looked like the Elf wanted to say something so he raised one thick brown brow at her with a small smile.

"Well..."

Brie pursed her lips and glanced down at the ground. She couldn't help but smile.

"Would my Captain have time to join me for dinner? Or does that not fit your terribly busy schedule?"

Lex blinked, and a look of surprise crossed his handsome face. His cheeks turned a little pink and he coughed lightly, thinking.

"Uh, s-sure, I can."

"Excellent," Brie responded, and she clapped her hands together. "Go on and get changed. I'm tired of you blinding me with that armour."

Lex laughed as Brie shooed him away.

"Come to my place when you're ready!"

"Alright."

Lex watched Brie as she took off at a quick jog back down the road towards her home. He chuckled quietly and then headed into the watch tower. Within minutes he entered his sleeping quarters and hastily ditched his bulky armour. Then he whipped his tunic off and turned towards his dresser before he paused. He took a quick sniff of his armpits and grimaced.

Yikes. You can tell I've been sweating in my hot armour all day.

He grabbed a wash cloth and quickly gave himself a quick wash. When he was satisfied he thought about what to wear. His stomach nervously twisted into knots as he rifled through the tall wooden dresser but he didn't know why he felt that way.

It's just dinner... with Brie. We have dinner every night.

Something was different. They weren't taking a break from work to grab a bite to eat at the Bloated Float Inn. Lex wondered curiously where Brie was going to take him, since he didn't really venture out too often to eat. He had no recommendations to make and so he hoped the Elf already had one up her sleeve.

Lex picked up a navy-blue tunic and inspected it for a moment for any stains or tears. Then he tossed it over his head and shoved on a pair of light brown breeches. Lastly, he ran a brush through his hair and retied the string that securely held his thick locks back from his face. In all his eight years of working as a guard he'd never let his hair down unless he was in the privacy of his own room and getting ready for bed.

Once a pair of dress boots had been tugged on Lex glanced at himself in the mirror for a moment, unsure of what stared back at him. He didn't have a social life and it was embarrassing to admit when he actually thought about it. His pulse raced ever so slightly and he felt even more nervous. He quickly shook his head and turned away. Before he left, the Captain grabbed a coat from a nearby rack and then exited his room and departed the watch tower.

Within a few minutes Lex arrived outside the door to Brie's house. He had found out where the Elf lived by taking a peek at her official papers when he had been infuriated about the break in. He still wasn't sure if he could trust Brie completely, but those thoughts escaped him as he knocked on the door. A moment later it opened and a freshly dressed Brie stepped out. She wore a soft cream coloured tunic and black fitted pants that hugged her small form. She gazed up at Lex with a warm smile and he found himself returning it. What he didn't know is that the moment Brie had seen Lex in clothing other than a gaudy set of armour it had made her heart skip a beat.

"Ready?" She asked.

"Yep."

"Alright, this way."

Brie tugged on his sleeve and they began strolling down the street away from the Temple District where she lived. They walked for quite some time, mostly in comfortable silence. The longer they walked, however, the more Lex grew curious as where they were going.

"I bet you're wondering where I'm taking you," Brie said eventually, and she shot him a cheeky grin.

"A bit. I don't venture out to eat very often."

"I know you're fond of that Inn at the Waterfront but I'm taking you to the Elven Gardens for once."

"Oh?"

"Yeah," Brie shrugged, and she kicked at a little pebble as she walked. "I wanted to move there when I first arrived to the city but the houses were a bit out of my price range. There's a Tavern I frequent. It's not too pricey and the food is good."

"Fine by me," Lex replied nonchalantly.

Brie glanced over at Lex from time to time. He walked with his head held up and he mostly looked straight ahead. She liked the strong curve of his jaw and round soft ear lobe. She resisted the urge to run her fingers along his cheek and so she hastily averted her eyes and stared down at the ground.

He looks good in casual clothes. Cleans up nicely... I wonder what he looks like with his hair down.

A shiver ran up her spine and Lex glanced down at the Elf with a flicker of concern.

"Are you cold?" He asked. "Do you want my coat?"

"O-Oh, no," Brie replied hastily, and she shook her head. "I'm just fine."

The King and Queen Tavern was a decently sized middle-class establishment located in a corner building in the Imperial Elven Gardens District. It was a quaint little place with a cozy, intimate atmosphere. The tavern was quite busy this night. Lex opened the door for Brie and the pair stepped inside. Loud chatter and laughter drifted to their ears as they quickly took a seat at one of the unoccupied tables. A few minutes later an Elf servant waltzed over. She eyed Lex with a curious expression and then glanced over at Brie.

"Good evening. Do you want to know tonight's specials?"

"Please."

The pair listened intently and both decided on the roasted salmon dinner with a bottle of ale and fresh bread to start. When their drinks and bread had been served Brie took a small swig of her drink and sighed, smiling in content.

"How are you liking the work so far?"

Lex watched as Brie pinched her lips together for a moment, but eventually her silly smile broke through.

"I like it more than I was expecting, actually."

"I'm glad to hear that."

"What about you?"

"Me?"

"Well," Brie shrugged. "All I ever hear is how surprised everyone is that I'm working with you. How are you liking it?"

"Oh."

Lex took a drink of his ale and he twirled the thin piece of bread between his fingers for a moment as he stared down at the table. When he looked back up, Brie was taken aback by how soft his expression was as he peered at her with his bright blue eyes.

"I'll admit I was extremely hesitant at first, but I think that was because of... other things. But I must confess your presence is quite refreshing."

"Refreshing," Brie echoed, and she grinned. "I'm glad."

The pair chatted lightly for a few minutes and nibbled on the bread. After some time, another servant came around and plopped two steaming plates of food on the table. They thanked the woman and began tucking into their meals.

"Wow... it's delicious."

"You sound so surprised," Brie teased.

"It's not because I doubted your taste in Taverns, I just don't eat at very many places."

"You're missing out, Captain."

"Brie," Lex sighed, feeling his cheeks grow warm. "You don't have to call me Captain when we're not working."

Luckily the lighting was too dim for Brie to notice that he was blushing.

"I know," Brie responded lightly, but the way she was looking at Lex made his heart race. "I just like to."

Lex opened his mouth to say something but his thoughts were a mess. Brie couldn't help but enjoy the effect she had on him, but after a long moment of silence she felt bad.

"I'm only teasing. You're a fascinating creature, Lex."

"Fascinating?"

"Yes, absolutely."

"What could possibly be fascinating about me?"

"Well..."

Brie finished her mouthful of food and took deep drink.

"Where do I start? How does a man like you work tirelessly for over eight years without any shred of a social life?"

Brie almost thought she hit a sore spot. Lex brushed his thumb against the condensation on the bottle of his ale and he frowned. Brie nervously chewed her lip, anxiously waiting for him to respond.

"I uh... I'm not sure. Honestly Brie... I never even thought about it much until I met you."

"You didn't?"

"Maybe for a brief second, once in a while. But really, I didn't think I was quite so dull until you pointed it out."

"I'm sorry," Brie replied hastily, and he brows furrowed together. "I didn't mean to make you feel bad."

"No, no," Lex chuckled, and he looked up at the Elf. "It's alright. You don't have to be sorry."

"I just... well..."

It was Brie's turn to blush, and she gave Lex a small smile.

"I know we've known each other for less than a week but I think you're a great guy. You're probably the best Captain a girl like me could ask for."

Brie sighed, realizing fully for the first time just how good she had it.

"You could have been stricter. You could have put me through a lot. Not even that... you could have arrested me the moment you saw me that morning, but you didn't."

Lex was silent as he listened to Brie ramble. His eyes glanced back between her hands, which she rang together nervously as she spoke, and her eyes, which were mostly glued to the table.

"I always wondered why you didn't arrest me," Brie whispered quietly, and she peered across the table at Hieronymus Lex.

Her heart pounded against her chest as she stared at him. Lex stared back with an intensity that made her uncomfortable, but his body language was relaxed. They had both finished their meals and Lex now leaned back in his chair with one of his long legs stretched out before him. Their limbs almost touched underneath the table and Brie felt a lump rise in her throat when he smiled at her.

"I'm not sure why either," Lex confessed. "But I'm glad I didn't. I want us to work together and be successful. Having you on my side could prove to be valuable to my work."

"Even though I'm a law breaker?" Brie implored quietly.

"Even so."

Lex's response surprised even himself. The pair lapsed into a comfortable silence as they quietly sipped their ales for a little while, content to just listen to the chatter and laughter that surrounded them.

Eventually Brie couldn't hide her tiredness. Lex straightened up in his chair and his eyes roamed around the room, searching for a servant. When he spotted the Elf, he stood up with a small sigh. His back ached slightly but he ignored it and strode over to the servant, ignoring Brie's protests.

"Lex!" Brie hissed angrily as she raced after him. "Don't you dare!"

She tugged on his arm as he began counting out gold from a small leather pouch.

"I asked you here," she whined, completely oblivious to the servant who eyed the pair with silent shock.

"It was my treat."

"I could never let you pay," Lex argued firmly, but there was a smile on his lips. "It would hurt my pride."

"Curse your pride," Brie huffed, but Lex finished counting the coin and handed it to the servant.

"Do come again," she smiled, her voice sultry.

"Thanks," Brie replied briskly.

She gave the woman a small glare and then quickly linked her arm through Lex's and steered him towards the door.

"Let's go Captain, I gotta get you back before curfew."

"I don't have a curfew," Lex laughed as they stepped out from the Tavern into the cool evening air.

"You're kidding," Brie responded with an overly dramatic gasp.

"I'm not."

Brie continued to hold onto Lex's arm while they made their way back to the Temple District. His coat was slung over his other arm and he made no movement to put it on. The air was chill but not cold and it was a rainless night. Eventually Brie's nerves got the best of her and she slowly detached her arm, suddenly feeling shy. They continued to walk in comfortable silence and Lex smiled every so often, feeling happier than he had in a long time. The moons were massive at this time of the night and they cast the entire city in a pretty white glow. Brie gazed up for a while, her eyes glued on the masses of twinkling stars and swirling nebulas, completely fascinated.

She wasn't paying attention to where she was going and at some point, she looked up for a second too long. But Lex was watching her. He quickly snatched Brie's hand and tugged her towards him before she could walk into a low stone wall.

"Whoops," Brie laughed. "That would have been embarrassing."

Lex's breath hitched in his throat and he hastily dropped her hand. Her skin was silky smooth but felt cold to the touch and he frowned.

"Are you cold?" He asked, watching as Brie looked up at him. "Your skin is like ice."

"I'm a little chilly," Brie admitted shyly.

Lex took a double step so he was standing in front of Brie and they both stopped moving. She peered up at him with her soft green orbs and her heart fluttered as Lex placed his coat around her shoulders. She was swimming in the long black material but it was warm and she was touched by the gesture.

"Thank you."

They continued walking, but more slowly than usual. A part of Brie didn't want the night to end, and she was surprised Lex couldn't hear her heartbeat pounding in her chest.

This is weird, Brie's mind whirled as her shoulders tingled where Lex had touched them briefly. Why do I feel like a teenage girl with a crush?

Beside her, Lex was feeling an equal amount of emotions though he tried not to think about it too hard. He couldn't help but think about Brie's soft pink lips when she had peered up at him, and it left the Imperial feeling like a hurricane inside.

Regrettably their walk finally ended at Brie's front door. She slipped her key into the lock and then turned around so she was facing Lex. After Brie handed him his coat back Lex stood awkwardly a few steps away and he nervously shuffled his feet. He looked tired but was still smiling.

"Thank you for asking me to dinner. You were right, the food was great."

"I told you so," Brie grinned. "You should really get out more."

"I know... I feel like I don't even know how to act or what to do outside of my work."

Brie was grateful that Lex was opening up to her. She wanted him to enjoy more things that weren't related to patrolling or the Gray Fox. It was a damn shame that he was wasting away year after year doing the same thing day in and day out.

"Well, if you stick around me long enough you'll probably learn."

Before Lex could say anything, Brie reached forward and grabbed his hand. She had to crane her neck to look up at the towering Imperial, but she didn't mind. Lex's eyes widened slightly and Brie felt his hand jolt when she touched him. She gave him a warm smile and lightly squeezed his hand for a brief moment.

"You deserve to have fun too," she told him softly. "There's a life outside of the Gray Fox."

It was too much. Lex shook himself from his stupor and frowned slightly. Brie sensed his confusion and she let go of his hand and stepped back.

I hope I didn't cross the line, she thought glumly.

"W-Well I should get back," Lex stammered finally, and he coughed. "It's late."

"Okay," Brie replied, and she beamed up at him. "Goodnight Lex."

"Goodnight Brie. I'll see you on Morndas."

"Right, Morndas. I'll try to snoop around and I'll report back to you."

"Sounds good."

On the outside, it looked like he was distancing himself, and it was true. But as Lex walked away from Brie's apartment after she went inside and began walking back to the South Watch Tower he could barely comprehend his emotions. Past memories began to bubble up inside of him and it left him feeling dazed and confused. Too many things plagued his mind as he practically ran up the tower to his sleeping quarters. He threw himself inside and closed the door with a firm click, his chest heaving from the trek up the stairs.

He quickly kicked his boots off and without bothering to put them away properly he threw himself into the chair seated in front of a large oak desk. There was a generous stack of papers waiting for him and so Lex stayed up for the next several hours, pushing himself past exhaustion as he focused on his paperwork. He couldn't bring himself to stop until he was too tired to keep his eyes open. Only then did he collapse onto his bed and he was asleep the moment his head hit the pillow.