Chapter 11
It was late the next morning and a certain bright-eyed Elf eagerly exited her apartment and began strolling towards the stores in the Market District. She had given herself some much needed rest but eventually her excitement won over and so she quickly washed up and threw on some clothes before leaving in a hurry.
The store was open when Brie arrived and she was glad to see it was void of any other customers as she stepped into the main room of Divine Elegance. A moment later a tall female Altmer wearing a beautiful red velvet dress appeared from the back and greeted Brie.
"Good morning," Brie responded quietly, her eyes glued on a nearby dress.
"What can I help you with today?"
"I'm attending a banquet tonight and I need a dress for the occasion."
"Oh, I know which one you're talking about," Palonirya responded enthusiastically. "Please, come this way."
Brie grinned as she was swept away into a private room in the back. An array of various fancy dresses and footwear decorated the tables and she was stunned into silence as Palonirya gestured around the room with wide arms.
"Please, take a look around. Is there anything in particular you're looking for?"
"Um, no," Brie mumbled as she ran her fingers along a dark green dress. "Nothing in particular."
"Let me know if you want to try something on and I'll be more than happy to help you into it."
"Thank you."
Brie knew that Palonirya was a talented clothing designer. As a young girl Brie had grown up knowing her name as her mother spoke of her often. She'd worn the Altmer's dresses up until she was around fifteen years old when she started to rebel and wear clothing her mother greatly disapproved of. It was almost strange to Brie, as she stood in the back room of Divine Elegance in the Imperial City, admiring the dresses Palonirya had to offer.
If my mother knew I was buying one of her dresses today she'd be overjoyed.
The more Brie thought about the upcoming party the more thrilled Brie was that Lex had invited her. She couldn't help but think about the Captain as she inspected a burgundy colored dress, wondering quietly to herself what his favorite color was. Eventually she picked out a few that caught her eye and Palonirya helped her try them on. Out of the group, Brie only liked one of them and she wasn't completely satisfied.
"No worries Dearie, there's plenty more to choose from."
"I just want it to be perfect," Brie responded as she stared at herself in the massive silver mirror. "It's my first time going."
Two more Altmer women stood in the back and they chatted lightly amongst themselves. Palonirya had introduced them to Brie as her close friends and if anybody could give her accurate feedback on what dress to choose it would be them.
"Oh dear, not that one," Alanwe purred. "It washes you out."
"It really does," Eldwen chimed in.
"Alright," Brie sighed, and let out a small sigh. "What else could I try on?"
"You know what, I think I have one that'll suit you perfectly."
"Do you? I'll try anything at this point."
"Let me go get it," Palonirya replied, and she disappeared from the room for a few minutes.
While she was gone Brie listened to the female Altmers as they shared stories of noble family parties that they frequently attended. She was slightly uncomfortable by the interaction but she pushed through. She was eager to see what dress Palonirya had in store for her, and the moment she returned to the change room with the dress in her hands Brie's eyes widened in surprise.
It was a simple dress, far less complicated in design than all the others, but it took Brie's breath away. The midnight black fabric nearly shimmered in the candlelight as Palonirya strode towards her and her friends made small noises of approval as their gaze swept over the simple gown.
"Your eyes lit up when you saw it," Palonirya commented. "I think this will be to your liking."
Brie nodded enthusiastically with a small grin and she was thrilled when the dress was finally on and she once again gazed at herself in the mirror. It flowed beautifully down to her feet in soft waves of fabric. The dress was completely black with small silver details in the stitching along the arms and neck, which was a wide scoop cut that complimented her breasts without revealing too much. The arms were long with a flowing cut and the waist of the dress was fitted with stunningly beautiful flower embroidery along the ribcage and corset. Palonirya's friends were stunned and a flurry of compliments flew from their lips as Brie ran her hands along the smooth material and struck a small pose. Her grin widened the more she stared at herself and she was completely delighted.
"It's absolutely the one, dear."
"Truly stunning, like it was made for you."
"I love it," Brie replied. "It's perfect."
"I can see you already, a wine glass in your hands as you're surrounded by young eligible noblemen."
"She's not going to one of our parties, Alanwe," Palonirya laughed. "She's going to the Imperial banquet."
"Oh, yes. You're right."
"Who are you going with, Brie? We're dying to know."
Brie smiled at herself as she continued to stare at herself in the mirror, her thoughts far away. Lex's image popped into her head and the women exchanged silent glances with each other as her expression softened.
"I'm going with Hieronymus Lex."
Brie glanced back at the Altmer's reflections as she noticed their silent shock. She slowly spun around, her brows furrowed together in confusion.
"You're going with Lex?" Alanwe finally responded.
"Well... yeah. Why is that so surprising?"
"Oh my dear girl, how can it not be surprising? The most handsome Captain in the Imperial Guard and the biggest loner around is suddenly taking a date to the banquet?"
"I can't believe your luck," Eldwen lamented with a dramatic sigh. "He's so delicious, that Lex. Many women have tried to snag him but he's turned down every single one of us."
"I didn't know that..."
"He's always the topic of gossip," Alanwe replied, her expression sad. "Nobody really understands how a man that good looking with such a stable career can be without a wife."
"I know that seems weird to some people," Brie argued softly, trying not to let herself grow angry among the noblewomen. "But I'm sure he has his reasons."
"Well you probably know better than anyone," Alanwe teased. "For the first time ever, Lex is bringing a date. Everyone will be shocked!"
"W-Well we work together," Brie replied hastily, feeling her cheeks grow warm. "That's probably why he invited me in the first place."
"If you say so, dear."
"Come now, enough with your gossip," Palonirya cut in with a small wave of her hand.
The clothier turned to Brie with a smile and she gazed down at the dress she was wearing.
"Is this it then? This is the one?"
"U-Um most likely," Brie responded with a small shrug. "I'll change back into my clothes now and then I'd like to discuss the price."
A tremor of nervousness ran through Brie as she glanced at herself one more time in the mirror. It looked like an expensive garment and she nervously chewed her bottom lip as Palonirya began undoing the ties to her corset. When she was finished getting dressed into her normal clothes the Elf brought over the dress she wanted to the counter but also two others just in case she couldn't afford her first choice.
Palonirya walked behind the counter and retrieved a small notebook. She smiled as she calculated the price of the dress and a matching pair of shoes. When she reached a total, she peered down at Brie, who stared at her with a nervous expression.
"So?" Brie squeaked. "What's the price?"
"For you?" Palonirya replied warmly, and her smile widened. "It's free."
"What?" Brie blurted back, and he heart skipped a beat.
"I know that you're going with Captain Lex," Palonirya explained with a small chuckle. "He came by this morning right when I opened to speak with me."
"H-How...what...I don't understand..."
"He explained that he'd invited you last minute and he felt terrible that you'd have to buy a dress for the banquet on such short notice. He gave me the gold to purchase whichever dress you wanted and a pair of shoes if there was enough left over."
"You're kidding," Brie finally responded, and she let out a deep breath. "You can't be serious."
"I am serious," Palonirya responded smoothly. "The midnight dress if yours, and these soft velvet boots to match."
"I... I can't believe this."
Brie ran her hand along the smooth black material, feeling utterly shocked and confused by Lex's grand gesture. A part of her thought it was too much but at the same time she couldn't help but wonder what it really meant.
This is more than just a friendly gesture between two work partners. This is... terribly special.
"You'll take it, yes? I won't have it any other way, you deserve to wear it."
"Thank you," Brie whispered quietly. "I will wear it proudly."
"I don't doubt you will be admired at the banquet. Make sure you tell people it was made by me."
"I will," Brie nodded firmly. "I most definitely will. Thank you so much, Palonirya."
"Of course, my dear. It has been my lifelong passion to clothe the people of Cyrodiil in beautiful garments."
The women exchanged a few more pleasant words with each other. Since Brie had nobody to tie the laces up on her dress later on Palonirya invited her to come back in the evening and she would help Brie get ready. The Elf left Divine Elegance feeling even more excited than she had earlier as she practically skipped all the way back to her apartment.
Evening time couldn't come fast enough. Brie spent the rest of the afternoon lounging around the house. She took a long bath, making sure her hair was scrubbed squeaky clean, and she stared at herself in the small hand mirror for quite a while, trying to decide if she wanted to wear her hair up or down. The closer the time grew close to when Lex would come get her the more anxious Brie became until it was almost unbearable.
Eventually the sun began to dip behind the mountains and so Brie once again left her apartment and went back to Divine Elegance. The shop was closed now but Palonirya invited her in with a warm smile and they went to the back room again to get ready.
Hieronymus Lex stood in front of his mirror dressed in a fitted black tunic with matching breeches and his good boots. He had picked out the tunic several months before in anticipation of the upcoming banquet and had thought nothing of it at the time. Now, as he stood in front of his mirror, nervously running his hands down the smooth material, he wondered what Brie would be wearing and if their outfits would match. Eventually he shook his head and turned away, unsure of why he cared if they matched or not.
It's not like we're going to this party as a couple, Lex thought quietly as he shrugged into his coat.
He froze as it dawned on him that other people might not see it as that way but he quickly pushed those thoughts down.
So what if they do? It doesn't matter as long as they leave me alone.
He couldn't help but feel jittery as he exited his room. Lex paused to ensure that his door was locked before he ascended the staircase and exited the South Watch Tower. The sun was almost completely set and it looked like it might rain but the ground was dry as Lex began strolling towards Brie's apartment, feeling a mixture of nervousness and excitement. He hoped that everything had gone well with Palonirya at Divine Elegance and even more so he hoped that Brie didn't give him too much hassle for going behind her back. The idea had popped into his head as he walked home the night before after the comment Brie made about the store and he knew that the Altmer's clothes were expensive. Brie was making good money now but she had still only started working for the guards close to a month ago and until she received some raises the pay was a bit meager for a new recruit. Dresses were a luxury and not everyone could afford a piece from Divine Elegance.
The closer Lex got to Brie's door the more loudly his heart hammered in his chest. When he reached her apartment, he sucked in a deep breath and lightly knocked on the door. He suddenly felt very hot in his formal clothes and so he nervously tugged on the collar of his tunic as he waited for Brie to open the door.
After a long moment passed Lex could hear movement from inside. There was a small shout as Brie stubbed her toe on the corner of her dining table and then she quickly unlocked the door and flung it open.
"Sorry-"
Brie's words died on her lips as her gaze landed on Lex all dressed up. He too stared back with wide blue eyes, completely blown away by Brie in the sleek black dress. Her hair hung down in soft brown waves and she peered up at him with her mesmerizing green orbs. They were both stunned into silence for a few seconds and then Lex hastily shook his head, a deep blush rising up his neck as he struggled to say something.
"H-Hello Brie, wow. You... you look amazing."
Brie grinned and she stepped outside, her dress rustling gracefully as she moved. Lex took two steps back and waited patiently as she shut the door behind her.
"Thank you," Brie responded softly, and she paused to lock the door. "You look great, too. I wish you hadn't paid for this dress, though."
"I hope you're not mad. I felt bad since I was the one who had invited you in the first place."
"I'm not mad," Brie replied. "I'm just not used to someone as chivalrous as you. I was touched."
"Well I'm glad," Lex smiled. "It's a beautiful dress."
"It is, isn't it? And we match, too."
Brie slipped her arm though Lex's and they began making their way towards the banquet hall. It was a large and lavishly decorated building located in the wealthiest district of the Imperial city; Talos Plaza. As they drew closer to the hall they spotted other guests as they too were beginning to arrive. Light spilled out from large, stained glass windows and a full orchestra played a light number as the guests entered into the hall. Brie stared out at the scene with wide eyes, completely blown away by everything. Mer and humans dressed from head to toe in lavishly elegant clothing mingled about, chatting amongst themselves with drinks clasped in their hands. The decorations, the people, and vastness of the room with its high arched ceilings and marble columns was almost too much for her to handle.
"It's much more crowded than usual," Lex murmured in her ear and his eyes roamed around the room, searching for someplace less busy. "Do you want something to drink?"
"Um, please," Brie nodded. "Something light, if possible."
"Coming right up. Try not to get trampled."
Brie felt a twinge of sadness as Lex left her side. She enjoyed holding onto his firm arm and she could feel even through the fabric that he was as muscular as she imagined. While he was gone Brie mostly kept to herself near one of the windows. She smiled politely at anybody who glanced her way and she noticed on more than one occasion when someone's gaze lingered. She felt both flattered and uncomfortable by the attention and she let out a small sigh of relief when Lex's face suddenly appeared through the small crowd and he slowly made his way back to her.
"Is wine okay?" He asked loudly as he handed her delicate glass.
"Absolutely, thank you."
They smiled at one another and then Lex moved towards her right side. He leaned with his butt against the stone window frame so that he was closer to Brie and they could hear each other over the loud music and voices.
"I'm not sure why it's so crowded but I'm sure Captains will seek me out throughout the night."
"I wasn't expecting it to be so busy," Brie replied and she peered up at him with a small smile. "I think I prefer it though. We're mostly going unnoticed."
"Me too," Lex replied softly, and they both paused to take a sip of their wine.
Eventually it grew too hot for the pair to continue wearing their coats. Lex shrugged out of his and he took Brie's as well when she slipped it off her shoulders.
"There's a food table near the far wall," Lex explained, his lips nearly touching her pointed ear. "I'm going to find someone who will take our coats. Should I meet you there afterwards?"
"Sure, sounds good."
Lex smiled and squeezed Brie's shoulder before once again fighting his way through the throng of guests. Once he was out of sight Brie knocked back the rest of her wine and handed it off to a servant that breezed by. Then she slowly made her way towards the direction of the food tables, eager to taste some expensive food. When she reached the it, she broke into a smile as she eyed the delicious looking spread. Her mouth began to water and so she snatched up a tiny, delicate looking plate and began plucking various food items off their trays.
Her back was turned towards a small group of women who were chatting amongst themselves. Brie couldn't help but overhear since she was so close to them and their voices carried. The moment she heard Lex's name Brie slipped around the side of a potted plant so she was hidden from sight and she slowly munched on some soft cheese as she strained to listen to their conversation.
"I saw Hieronymus earlier," one of the voices spoke in a sultry tone. "Looking handsome, as always."
"It's a shame he's always alone. I'd love to be hang off his arm, even for just a night."
"There must be something wrong that man," another voice cut in, and the tone was stern. "No sane man stays single for that long without having serious issues."
"Maybe somebody broke his heart," another replied, her voice soft and dreamy. "I bet that's it."
"I thought I saw him with somebody tonight. An Elf."
There was a small chorus of murmurs as the surrounding women verbally harassed their friend into giving them details.
"You saw and you didn't tell us until now?"
"What did she look like?"
"What was she wearing?"
"I think it was a black dress," the woman hastily replied. "I didn't get a good look at her since she was so short."
Brie wrinkled her nose and then rolled her eyes, resisting the urge to laugh. She popped a grape into her mouth and quietly chewed as she continued to eavesdrop on the gossip with burning ears.
"What could this mean? Is he no longer a bachelor?"
"Maybe it's that Elf I see patrolling with him every day."
"That has to be it!"
"Then they're just... work partners? Are they not?"
"I don't know how she could work with a man like that. I'd get lost in his dazingly blue eyes every time he looked at me."
"Oh Elenwen! You've fancied him for so long, you poor thing."
"There's no way the perpetual bachelor Hieronymus Lex is seeing someone...I refuse to believe it."
There was a small gaggle of laughter and eventually Brie grew tired of listening to their petty chatter and so she slipped around to the other side of the dinner table to wait for Lex. She kept her chin held high as she gazed around the room, looking for any sign of him.
Tonight is not a night to be shy, she told herself firmly.
One of the women from the group Brie had been eavesdropping on spotted her across the way. She could see their pointing and stares as they murmured amongst each other out of the corner of her eye. It didn't bother her one bit and in fact Brie was proud to be the topic of some gossip for once. A part of her was almost pleased that they debated whether or not her and Lex were an item.
Let them guess, Brie mused quietly as she dabbed at her face with a small cloth napkin. Doesn't make a difference to me.
Finally, Lex re-appeared. His cheeks were flushed pink from the warmth of the room and he smiled at Brie when he spotted her.
"Enjoying the food?"
"Very much."
"Sorry it took me so long," Lex responded as he picked up a plate and glanced around at the food. "One of the Captains found me and wouldn't stop trying to talk my ear off."
"It's no problem, really. I've been enjoying myself."
"You have? I'm glad."
Lex was silent for a moment as he gathered up a few pieces of food and then he drew Brie off to the side so they could chat.
"Have you talked to anyone yet? I know you're not familiar with all these people."
"No, I haven't. I'm not really interested in anybody but my date."
Brie grinned up at the Captain and she secretly enjoyed his surprised expression as he realized who she was talking about. He gave a nervous cough and then smiled back, feeling flustered.
"I-I'll try not to go off anymore. I'd prefer it if we were left alone, actually.
"But Lex," Brie responded softly, and she laughed. "It's a party. You're supposed to mingle."
"I know, but I'm not a party person."
"I like parties, to an extent. This one is a bit drab for me but it's alright."
Brie's wink sent Lex's pulse racing but he quickly calmed himself down by focusing on eating the food on his little plate. He couldn't resist looking at Brie every so often as she leaned against one of the stone pillars with a glass of wine in one hand. Her dress was perfectly fitted to her body. He realized for the first time just how nice her figure was as his eyes glanced downwards, admiring her slender frame and curvy waist in the fitted bodice of her dress. Her breasts were pushed up just enough to really accentuate them while maintaining their demure and more than once Lex found himself having to force himself to look away. A part of him felt guilty for even thinking such thoughts about his partner, but he couldn't help it. The way she looked at him every so often, and the expression on her face as she also admired Lex in his fancy clothes was enough to electrically charge the atmosphere between the pair more than ever before.
At some point during the night the music died down and somebody who Brie presumed was an important member of the Imperial Guard spoke to everyone from a stage at the back of the hall. They could barely understand what the man was saying and Lex didn't appear particularly interested so Brie followed suit and didn't bother trying to listen. Soon the volume increased once again as everyone clapped politely and then the orchestra struck up a faster tune and some people took to the dance floor located in the middle of the hall.
Two Captains with their wives approached the pair sometime later. Brie and Lex stood near one of the open windows, both of them feeling too warm in the stuffy hall. Lex made a silly comment and Brie laughed as the group approached and so she quickly clamped her mouth shut and waited politely for somebody else to speak first.
"Hieronymus," the older gentleman greeted Lex. "Good to see you tonight."
"Good to see you sir, and you as well sir," Lex responded and they all shook hands.
"You remember my wife, Arelia?"
"Of course," Lex replied and he hastily kissed the back of Arelia's offered hand. "Nice to see you again."
"You've caused quite a stir tonight," Arelia cooed as she eyed Brie with a curious expression. "You brought a date for once."
"O-Oh yes," Lex stammered and he quickly cleared his throat. "This is my work partner, Brie."
A few moments were spent shaking hands and everyone introducing themselves. Brie politely shook the Captain's hands and smiled warmly at their wives.
"How are you liking the work, Brie? Is Lex strict?"
"I wouldn't say he's terribly strict, no," Brie laughed and she glanced up at Lex with an amused expression. "He's fair, which is good. I've enjoyed working with him so far."
"Excellent, I'm glad to hear it. He's one of our best Captains."
"That doesn't surprise me," Brie responded warmly.
Brie could tell that Lex was tense as the Captains chatted with them and so at some point she slipped her arm through his, feeling his tense muscles jump from the touch. Lex glanced down at her for half a moment and then he let out the breath he had been holding in and Brie felt him relax a little. She smiled as she answered one of the wives' questions, feeling pleased with herself that she could comfort him.
Luckily, the topic never reached to any uncomfortable or personal lengths. Lex was incredibly grateful to have Brie by his side as throughout the night a few more prominent people approached them to say hello and discuss small business matters. Brie remained by his side, her hand lightly squeezing his arm every so often. Her touch was incredibly soothing and he was impressed by her manners and grace when interacting with the guests. Lex knew that despite her tendency to be silly, Brie was capable of acting appropriately in the right setting and he was glad he had invited her.
Lex also knew that many people were speculating about the nature of their relationship. He had seen the stares and whispers behind hands coming from many of the women who had tried to court him over the years. He had rejected everyone who ever showed interest in him and Lex couldn't help but feel a little smug knowing that they were probably jealous of Brie. Not only was she the most stunning woman in the room in Lex's eyes, she was also the only woman he was genuinely interested in being around.
As the night wore on Brie and Lex continued to chat with each other as they drank probably a little too much alcohol and ate a ton of the delicious food. Their conversations began to take on a more flirting nature that neither one really noticed fully as the night wore on. More than once Lex would reach up and brush her hair away from her face so he could see her better and each time it sent a shiver through Brie's body. Several stolen glances made their heart races and as it grew later and later Brie found herself wishing far too much that she could just grab him by the collar and kiss him right there in front of everybody.
Somehow the pair migrated near the dance floor towards the end of the night. Quite a few guests remained but it was a little emptier since the older members had retired for the night. Brie watched some couples dancing as she clenched an empty wine glass in her hands and there was a slightly wistful expression on her face as she gazed out at the hall. Lex watched Brie, completely uninterested in anything else, and he couldn't help but notice that it looked like she wanted to dance. Eventually Brie tore her gaze away from the dancers and she glanced up at Lex with a small smile.
"Do you dance?" She asked lightly.
"Truthfully, no."
"That's too bad."
"You like to dance?" Lex asked, and he pursed his lips for a moment as he thought things over. "Do you want to dance, Brie?"
Brie blinked up at him, surprised by his response, and then she quickly shook her head.
"It's alright, you don't like it. I'm fine either way."
"Brie... I can't promise I'm any good but if you want..."
Lex moved so he was standing in front of Brie and he held out his hand. Perhaps it was the alcohol. He really didn't know. All Lex knew was that at that exact moment, there in the hall, he wanted nothing more than to make Brie happy.
If that means I have to dance in front of all these people, so be it.
Brie grinned and she quickly placed her glass down and slipped her hand in his. Her heart nearly burst from her chest as another song began and Lex swept her out onto the dance floor. He had been taught how to dance as a young man. His mother had made sure that he was capable of handling himself gracefully in a party setting but even being equipped with all the right tools, Lex was nervous as he placed his hand on Brie's waist and the Elf gently rested her arm along his shoulder.
Dancing with Lex was an experience Brie knew she wouldn't forget. Not only had she enjoyed a formal party for the first time in her entire life, but, she was there with Lex; a man that, over the course of just a few weeks she had grown to like and respect more than anyone else. And as it turned out he was fairly decent at dancing too. Not once did they step on each other's toes and they were too absorbed with each other to notice that several people watched them with great interest.
It felt like all too soon the song was over and the pair returned to their pillar with flushed cheeks and grins plastered on their faces.
"Thank you, Lex," Brie gushed as she struggled to catch her breath. "That was wonderful."
"I should be thanking you," Lex responded with a small laugh. "I haven't danced in over a decade but that was nice."
"Would you do it again?"
Lex was silent for a moment as they both stared at one another and then he nodded.
"I would."
It was nearing midnight by the time Brie admitted defeat. She didn't want the night to end but she was incredibly exhausted and desperate to feel the cool outside air. Lex noticed her tiredness and so he disappeared once more to get their coats so they could leave. While he was gone one of the Altmer women from Palonirya's shop wandered up to Brie.
"I knew I spotted that dress," Alanwe greeted warmly. "You and Lex looked mighty cute dancing."
"I didn't know you were here too," Brie smiled and then she laughed. "Oh, you saw?"
"Oh I saw, and other people did as well. I've never seen him dance before, that was a real treat."
"It was more to indulge me than anything else."
"That's even better," Alanwe teased. "He wouldn't just dance with anybody, only with you."
"Alright," Brie laughed and she waved her hand. "Enough of that."
"You know I'm right!"
Alanwe winked at Brie before she wandered off, her blue velvet dress trailing behind her. Brie recognized it as one of the dresses she had tried on earlier and thought it suited the Altmer better.
A few minutes later Lex re-appeared with their coats but neither put theirs on as departed the hall. Brie sighed in relief as the cool air washed over her flushed skin.
"It was stiflingly hot in that hall," Lex admitted as he too sighed.
"It was," Brie replied and she glanced up at him. "Luckily I was distracted enough to not notice very much."
"Oh, I did alright then?"
"More than alright."
Brie slung her coat over one arm and then linked her free arm through Lex's. He gave her a small smile and then they began slowly walking back towards the Market District in comfortable silence. They were both eager to sleep but at the same time neither Brie nor Lex really wanted the night to end.
Brie's apartment came into view as they rounded a corner. When they reached the front door, Brie busied herself with unlocking it. Then she swung the door open and stepped inside, leaving it open for Lex. He followed her inside and shut the door. He watched as Brie tossed her coat down on nearest chair and then she spun back around so she was facing Lex.
"Can I ask you for a favor?"
"Of course, anything," Lex replied.
"Do you mind loosening the bodice of my dress? I won't be able to get it off otherwise."
"Oh."
Lex paused, and then he hastily nodded.
"Yes of course."
Brie shot him a smile and then turned back around. She gathered her hair with one hand and pulled it forward so the corset of her dress was free. Lex stepped forward and began tugging lightly at the tie. His fingers felt numb and he swallowed hard, trying not to let his nerves overpower him as he began loosening the strings. Part of Brie's pale skin began to peak through the bodice as it became looser and Lex quickly stopped before it completely came undone.
"Is th-that okay?"
"Uh yes," Brie replied as she moved her arms a bit. "It should be fine, thank you."
Lex nodded and rubbed his sweaty palms against his thighs, feeling too many things all at once. Brie turned back around so she was facing him and she peered up at the Captain with a soft expression.
"Thank you for inviting me."
"No, thank you for coming," Lex replied. "I... I had a good time."
"I did too. Honestly, I had a better time than I was expecting."
"Honestly, I did too. I never stay that late."
"We make a fun pair," Brie joked.
She reached up and brushed her fingers along the front of his embroidered tunic.
"I wouldn't mind going again, if you want."
"I... I'd like that," Lex responded, his voice low.
Somehow, they had drifted closer, although neither one was sure who moved. Brie peered up at him, her gaze nearly burning into his and Lex found himself glancing down at her pink lips, wondering what they would feel like pressed against his. Perhaps it was the liquid courage they had both drank throughout the night that lessened his inhibitions. Perhaps a tiny part of him was able to admit he was attracted to Brie, even if he didn't fully realize it yet, or refused to. The air between them was like lightning and the longer the silence dragged on, and Brie's hand hovered softly on his chest the more Lex's willpower dissolved.
Brie glanced down at Lex's lips and then back up to his eyes. She could see him struggling with his emotions and so she didn't try to kiss him first in case she was rejected. The longer time dragged on the more she was beginning to second-guess herself and Brie just about to move her hand away when suddenly Lex lurched forward.
His head dipped towards her. Brie leaned in as well and their lips crashed together in a heated kiss. Lex's hands clenched firmly around her waist, pulling the Elf into his chest as they embraced. Brie squeezed her eyes shut and her hands traveled up around his neck. She could feel his body trembling as he kissed her with both a hesitance and an eagerness that took her breath away. She softly rubbed her palms along his neck, deepening their kisses.
What felt like an eternity was really only a few seconds before the little voice in the back of Lex's head screamed at him in alarm. Brie felt him freeze and as suddenly as he kissed her he pulled away.
"Lex-"
"I-I'm sorry," Lex gasped, and he bowed his head.
Brie knew even before he apologized that Lex had had gone somewhere dark. She tried to remain calm as he stepped away, her hands pressed against her chest to help keep her dress from slipping down. He was unable to look her in the eyes as he swiftly threw the wall back up that Brie had been meticulously chipping through.
"Lex," Brie pleaded softly. "You don't have to go."
She reached out to grasp his hand but Lex wrenched his arm back and turned away from her.
"I-I'm so sorry Brie," he mumbled thickly. "I'm sorry."
"Lex..."
Brie watched as Lex hurried out from her apartment like it was on fire. When the door shut behind him Brie let out a deep breath and leaned against the back of a chair for a moment, staring at the door with a mixture of sadness.
She couldn't help but be disappointed that Lex had ultimately rejected her, but she wasn't exactly sad. Brie had a feeling that behind the gossip of the women from the party earlier that there was some truth to their words. Someone had hurt him and they had hurt Lex so badly he couldn't bring himself to feel happiness for longer than a few hours at a time. Her heart ached as Brie slowly made her way up to her bedroom to retire for the night. It ached not for herself but because she wanted nothing more than to break down his wall completely and show Lex that he could love again. But she didn't know if she could. It left her feeling terribly hopeless as she wandered into her room and started to undress.
After struggling to get her garment off, which was a little tighter than she would have wanted, Brie crawled under the covers and laid in bed for a long time, her thoughts consumed with everything that happened. Despite feeling exhausted, it took a long time for her to fall asleep.