Chapter 8
Brie was glad for the day off. She spent most of the night tossing and turning, unable to stay still for very long. It led to her eventually getting up at the same time as if she was going to work, and it left Brie feeling a little lost as she aimlessly wandered around her apartment.
Her mind was preoccupied with too many thoughts, most of them related to Lex. She knew she was starting to have feelings for the Captain and although she was nervous to even venture into that territory it also kind of excited her.
It's been... a long time since I've felt this way, Brie thought with a small sigh as she ate some of the leftover stew from the night before.
But I don't like feeling this vulnerable.
She couldn't shake the feelings from her mind and so after finishing her meal Brie started cleaning her apartment, desperate for a distraction from thinking about a certain Imperial. Her skull was still tender from the incident but she felt much better than the day before and she was able to concentrate on tidying up with little trouble.
It was around mid-day when Brie took a small break. She leaned against the broom in her hands and let out a small sigh as she wiped at her sweaty brow, pausing to admire her handiwork. Almost the entire room downstairs had been cleaned properly for the first time since she had moved in nearly two months ago.
There was a small knock at the door and Brie turned around to see Lex as he opened the door and slipped inside. He spotted Brie as she stood near the table with a broom in her hands and his eyes widened in surprise as he glanced around.
"I thought you'd be in bed..."
"I couldn't sleep. I wanted to be productive."
"You're supposed to be taking it easy," Lex chastised as he took the broom from her hands, but he was smiling.
"You're only allowed to tell me what to do when we're not working," Brie teased, and she light knocked on his metal chest piece. "Captain."
"Go sit down. Let me guess, you haven't eaten anything?"
"I actually did, since there was so much yummy stew leftover."
Brie took a seat at the dining table and watched as Lex bustled around her little apartment. He brought over the silver water pitcher and two cups which he placed down on the table in front of Brie. Then he walked over to the cupboard and opened it.
"You don't have very much food."
"I know," Brie responded as she poured water into the cups. "I suck at cooking so I eat out a lot."
"Well," Lex chuckled. "I would take you out for lunch but you're supposed to be on bedrest."
"No fair."
"I stick out too much with my armour, so cold preserves will have to do."
"Fine by me," Brie grinned as Lex came over with a platter of various cheeses and the rest of the bread from last night.
"How's work?" Brie inquired while they ate. "I bet it's lonely without me..."
Lex choked on the piece of bread he had been chewing on and for a long moment he coughed and spluttered until his face turned bright red. Across from him, Brie was grinning with barely contained glee at having gotten such a strong reaction from him. She slyly pushed his cup of water towards him and laughed when he gratefully picked it up and took a deep drink before he was finally able to calm down.
"Sheesh, Lex. Do I need to get a healer?"
"N-No," Lex stammered breathlessly. "I'm fine."
"I was only joking, I didn't mean to make you have a coughing fit."
"I know, Brie. You just surprised me, is all."
"Why?" Brie inquired lightly, and her brows furrowed together. "You think I don't enjoy your company?"
"No..."
"I've been up since dawn," Brie continued, smiling. "It felt weird not to be going to work with you. That's why I've been cleaning so much, to keep myself occupied."
"I... enjoy your company too."
"Well I should hope so," Brie joked, and she popped a grape into her mouth. "You keep coming by here so much people are going to start thinking things."
Brie watched as Lex's expression changed to mild panic as he realized what she was saying.
"I'm only kidding," she continued hastily. "Don't freak out."
"I'm not freaking out. But you're right."
"Right about what?"
"I come by here too much."
"Is there a problem with that?" Brie asked, and the expression in her eyes made Lex swallow hard.
"I... suppose not. I don't know."
"I'm really kidding, honest. I have no idea what people talk about."
"You're funny," Lex smiled, and he was quiet as he finished his food.
"I should head back now."
"Okay," Brie responded and she stood up when he did. "I'm going to tackle my bedroom next."
"You have a lot of trinkets."
"I suppose I do," Brie laughed, and she rubbed her neck. "I'm embarrassed you've seen how messy I am."
"It's okay, I've seen worse."
"Oh really?"
"Yeah, it's a funny story. I'll tell you about it next time."
Lex now stood near the door and he smiled down at Brie, who enthusiastically nodded.
"Sounds good, will I be seeing you later?"
"I have a meeting tonight, so probably not. But if you're feeling better tomorrow morning you know where I'll be."
"Of course," Brie grinned. "I'll see you tomorrow."
"Don't force yourself okay? If you need the extra-"
"Captain! I will see you tomorrow!"
Before he could say anything else Brie quickly shooed Lex out the door and shut it with a chuckle. Lex laughed as well, and he shook his head as he began to walk back towards his post. He couldn't stop thinking about Brie despite the fact he was working and occupied with meetings. Every time he thought he was fine the image of her pretty face would creep into his mind and he'd find himself smiling at nothing. More than once a fellow guard had caught him and the ensuing teases had been embarrassing for the Captain. Part of him was glad that he had a meeting with Captain Avidius, as he welcomed the distraction. However, even as he made his way back towards the Watch Tower later that night he couldn't help but wonder what Brie was up to, and he looked forward to seeing her the next day.
By the end of the day Brie had completely exhausted herself by cleaning her bedroom from head to toe. It was late in the evening when she finally stopped to eat and Brie finally felt tired enough to sleep. Her head ached a little bit so she took another healing potion and washed up before heading to bed. She lay in the dark for a while, staring up at nothing. She wondered how Lex's meeting had went and what had been the reason for it. Eventually she drifted to sleep and did not stir until early the next morning.
When Lex walked into the dining hall the next morning he was greeted by a familiar face. Brie stood by the front doors looking refreshed and ready to work in her soft leather armour. Another guard, one he only knew by first name basis, stood beside her and he watched as the pair chatted.
He couldn't help but notice the way Brie smiled at the young man as she peered up at him and then laughed at something he said. Lex stiffened and a slight frown crossed his features as he realized they were flirting. A ripple of anger washed over him but he quickly pushed it down and turned away.
Brie spotted Lex and she quickly wandered over to him as he took a seat.
"Captain," Brie greeted Lex with a broad smile. "Good morning."
"Good morning Brie," Lex replied briskly.
"What do you want to eat? Porridge?"
Lex couldn't bring himself to look at the Elf for very long. He didn't understand why he had felt jealousy when watching Brie be friendly with another guard. He knew he was being ridiculous but he didn't care. It left him feeling bitter and in a sour mood.
"My usual, please."
"Oh," Brie laughed and she nodded. "Alright then. Coming right up."
Brie sauntered off to the kitchens and when she was gone Lex let out a small sigh and grabbed the water pitcher resting nearby. He poured himself a cool glass of water, partially wishing he could have a shot of something strong instead but he took a big sip and tried to get over the feelings of anger that had bloomed in his chest.
When Brie returned she held a steaming plate of Lex's usual grub in one hand and a bowl of porridge in the other. She slid the plate towards her Captain with a small smile and she was relieved when he smiled back.
I wonder what that was all about, she thought to herself as she watched Lex tuck into his meal with a calmer expression. I hope it had nothing to do with me.
A few minutes passed in comfortable silence. Brie finished her meal first and was content to lounge back in her chair and wait.
"You're feeling better today?" Lex asked, and he glanced up at Brie.
"Yep. I feel fine."
"Good. Tomorrow you'll start training in the afternoon."
"I'll start... oh," Brie sighed, and she pouted her bottom lip. "I was hoping you'd forgotten about that..."
"I didn't," Lex responded firmly as he avoided looking at her lips. "Especially after what happened... You need to be able to protect yourself even more."
"Fine, fine," Brie sighed. "I won't argue."
"Excellent. For the next two weeks you'll patrol with me in the morning. We'll break for lunch as usual at noon and then at two you will spar with Master Valas."
"Yes sir."
"Don't sound so enthusiastic," Lex teased as he snatched Brie's empty bowl and began to stand up.
"Yes sir!"
Lex rolled his eyes and wandered back to the kitchen to drop off their tray. When he returned Brie was waiting for him by the door. Her hair had been brushed and fell in soft waves down to her shoulders and she beamed up at Lex when he approached.
"Ready?"
"Yep."
The pair exited the Watch Tower and began making their way to the Green Emperor Way. It was a bright, clear day free of rain and the wind was soft on their faces as they silently patrolled the Imperial City gardens. Oftentimes Lex found himself watching Brie more than anything else but he'd quickly catch himself and focus back on his duties. He couldn't help but feel that they were growing closer despite the walls he had built up around himself for the last eight years and Lex didn't know what to think about it. He decided to handle things by doing absolutely nothing, but he wasn't sure how long that was going to last.
She's getting too close.
The day was uneventful, which both Brie and Lex were glad for. More than once Lex caught Brie squinting as the brightness of the sun made her head throb a little bit. He wanted to make sure he was alright but he refrained from asking and instead pursed his lips together and looked the other way.
You're starting to care too much.
Evening came around the they ditched their post to eat dinner at the Bloated Float Inn. Lex ignored Ormil's stares and quickly chose a table far away from the bar. They both settled on the night's special and a single bottle of ale each. There were still a couple hours left before their watch was over but Lex couldn't handle the crazy haired Elf without some degree of alcohol.
"Eat up," Ormil sang as he placed their dinner down on the table.
"Thanks."
Ormil winked at Brie, who gave him a small glare in return. Lex noticed them but he said nothing and began tucking into his meal.
"I meant to ask earlier," Brie piped up. "What was the meeting about last night?"
"Oh. It was nothing interesting, the usual monthly reports."
"I see."
"What?" Lex looked at Brie with an amused expression. "Were you hoping for something a little juicier?"
Brie blushed at Lex's use of words but she quickly laughed it off.
"Perhaps... But I should have known better. Not much goes on around-"
There was a loud shout and then a fight began to break out near the bar. A male Dunmer and a short little wood elf were locked in a heated scrap, having started arguing over something petty. They were both intoxicated and were causing more of a scene because of their shouting than anything else.
"Hey!" Ormil shouted as a glass was knocked off the counter and shattered on the floor.
Graman Gro-Mara, the Inn's bouncer, began to make his way towards the scene but Lex was closer. He quickly stood up from his chair and immediately threw himself between the two men with a small shout.
"Enough!"
Brie watched Lex work, impressed with his speed. He managed to get a hold of the small wood Elf who was wildly swinging his arms and snarling obscenities at the Dunmer. It was quite a comical to watch but Brie's eyes widened as the Elf flung his arm back and knocked his bony elbow directly into Lex's nose. The moment she saw blood Brie knew it was time to intervene.
"Hey!"
Brie elbowed her way through the small crowd and tugged on Lex's arm, drawing him back. When he was out of her way she reached up and snatched the wood Elf by his pointed ear, pinching hard.
"Ouch!" The Elf cried, but he immediately stopped flailing around. "Let go of me!"
The Dunmer had already slipped away, having seen his opportunity to skip out on a lecture from the guards and a potential night in jail. The Wood Elf wasn't so lucky as Brie began to march towards the doors of the Inn with Lex trailing close behind. Blood freely poured down from his nose and it throbbed angrily though he ignored it.
Brie refused to let go of the Wood Elf's ear until they had walked across the small drawbridge and were in a quieter area of the Waterfront. Only then did she release her painful grasp on his sensitive ear. The Elf gasped and stumbled backwards, slumping back against a low stone wall as he nursed his ear. He glared at Brie with bloodshot eyes. Brie crossed her arms and glared down at the Elf with a stern expression.
"You will apologize to my Captain for punching him in the nose."
"I did not-"
"Do you want me to pinch your other ear?" Brie cut in, and she reached towards the Elf's face.
"No!" The Elf shouted, and then he let out a deep sigh. "What kind of guard are you?"
"The kind that will put your ass in jail if you don't apologize," Brie replied briskly, and she gestured towards Lex. "Do you want me to deal with you, or Lex?"
Lex watched Brie with a confused but also amused expression. He was too curious to see what the drunken Elf would do and so he didn't try to interfere.
"I'm n-not a child-"
"Then why do you act like one? You're around the same height-"
"Fine! I... I'm sorry."
"What was that?" Brie replied loudly, and she held her hand up to her ear. "I don't think he heard you."
"I said I'm sorry!"
"If you make a drunken scene again you're going to do more than just apologize. Do I make myself clear?"
"Y-yes," the Elf stammered, and he nervously wrung his hands together as he glanced between the two guards.
"Yes what?"
"Yes ma'am."
"Now go before I change my mind."
He didn't need to be told twice. Lex almost laughed as he watched the poor Elf nearly trip over his own feet trying to get away from them. When he was gone, Brie turned to Lex with an exasperated sigh and snatched his hand. She forced him to sit down on the stone wall and told him to wait until she was back.
"Okay..."
Brie disappeared back into the Inn for a few minutes and when she returned she held a damp cloth in her hands and a healing potion in the other. She uncorked the bottle and handed it to Lex, who drank it in one gulp.
"Ahh," Lex sighed as the throbbing quickly ceased. "Thanks."
"I don't think it's broken," Brie mumbled as she stepped forward and tipped his chin up. "I'm sorry if I hurt you."
"I-It's okay," Lex replied gruffly, and he swallowed hard.
He didn't know what to make of Brie's gentle administrations as she began to dab lightly at his face, making sure to wipe all of the blood away. The softness of her gloves on his skin and the concerned look on her face was almost too much for him but he forced himself to take deep breaths and try not to let his nerves show.
From one of the windows in the Inn Ormil peered out at the pair with widened eyes. He had been beyond curious when Brie returned to the bar and had asked for a cloth and healing potion. It was a terribly tender moment between the two and he felt blessed to have witnessed it.
"He got you pretty good."
"Yeah," Lex laughed, and his breath hitched in his throat as Brie trailed her fingers along his cheek. "I-I think it's fine."
"It's probably going to bruise."
"I'll survive."
"Okay, I think I cleaned it all up."
Lex nodded and hastily stood up, his armour rattling noisily as he moved. Brie stepped away from him and the pair returned to the Inn to finish their dinner. Ormil brought by dessert when they were done and refused to let Lex pay as thanks for dealing with the fight.
The rest of the night passed by quickly and without any more problems. When their shift was over Lex quickly dismissed Brie, eager to put some distance between them and hastily returned to the Watch Tower. Brie watched him leave, a smile on her lips, and then she slowly strolled back to her apartment feeling happier than she had in weeks.