Chapter 18

Two horses galloped down the bridge towards the Imperial city. A slender Elf sat atop one of them and she wore an expression of unhindered glee as she glanced back at the rider struggling to keep up with her. Brie snapped the reigns harder and softly urged Nala to run quicker and they nearly left Lex in the dust as his larger steed grew too tired of running for so long. By the time they reached the front gates leading into the Imperial City Brie was standing next to her sweaty horse with a triumphant grin plastered to her face and she fondly rubbed Nala's neck.

"That wasn't a fair match," Lex called out as he slowly swung down from the saddle.

"How so?"

"My horse was not built for speed, but rather long distances over a slower amount of time-"

"Sounds like you can't admit you lost to me," Brie cut in with a smug little smirk.

The pair fell into stride beside one another as the horses clopping obediently beside them.

"I can admit that... you did beat me."

"I did," Brie laughed and she reached up to pat Lex's back. "Sorry, Captain."

Lex laughed and lightly shoved her. It was a sound Brie was incredibly fond of. She knocked back into him with her shoulder and then they continued walking in comfortable silence until they reached the massive iron gates and were greeted by two Imperial guards.

"Captain Lex," one of the men called out warmly. "Welcome back sir."

"Thank you," Lex replied stiffly as he realized they looked at Brie with curious expressions.

"You're back as well, Brie."

"Uh yeah," Brie replied quietly, and she shrugged. "We ran into each other about a mile back."

"Welcome back."

"Thanks."

The pair quickly rushed through the gates before anything more could be said about their being together. As soon as they were inside the Talos Plaza District Brie waited expectantly for Lex to talk first as she lightly twirled Nala's reigns. Dusk was just beginning to settle in but it was still light out and she peered up at the Imperial with a soft expression as he sucked in a deep breath and glanced down at her.

"I'll take the horses back."

"I can come," Brie replied. "If you want..."

There was a slightly sad tension between them that neither one was willing to acknowledge. The trip had finally come to an end and they'd return to work the next morning as usual. Brie knew she had enjoyed every minute of her time spent with Lex away from the city and she hoped, even if it was deep down inside, that he felt the same way.

"Sure," Lex finally replied after a long moment. "It won't take very long."

Brie was content to follow Lex towards an area of the city she never really frequented. The Imperial stables were located right next to the training pits where she had spent two weeks of her life training. When they arrived, Lex was greeted by the stablemaster with a warm smile and firm slap to the back.

"Did you run into any trouble?"

"Just once," Lex replied with a small glance at Brie. "There was an Oblivion gate dangerously close to the road but I didn't stick around."

"It's a damn shame, wonder what it means."

After a few more moments spent making small talk Lex guided his horse towards a stall and began unbuckling the strap of his saddle. Brie followed suit and within fifteen minutes the horses had been relieved of their riding gear and were happily munching away on a bucket of oats while they brushed the tired beasts down.

When they were finished Brie trailed close behind Lex as they left the stables and once again returned to the main street of Talos Plaza District. They stood awkwardly for a moment as they both struggled with what to say. Brie nervously played with her hair for a moment before an idea popped into her head.

"I'm uh... not very tired, we could get dinner?"

"Okay," Lex replied immediately, and they both smiled. "Where?"

"Well... I'm sure Ormil has missed us terribly..."

"You're probably right."

"Bloated Float then?" Brie grinned.

"Sure, let's go."

Brie couldn't contain her smiles as they started to make their way to the waterfront district with their packs slung over their shoulders. They walked closer than usual and on more than one occasion their arms brushed against each other. Lex tried not to get flustered but it was hard when he was reminded of everything that had happened between them before they left for Skingrad and everything that had transpired along the way.

I went with Brie to support her and we're closer than ever, Lex mused quietly to himself as they exited through a gate into the Waterfront District and began walking down towards the Bloated Float Inn.

But we're back home now and I don't really know where we go from there...

If Brie was feeling the same way she didn't seem to show it as Lex opened the door for her and she shot him a cheeky grin before heading inside. For a Sundas evening it quite busy within the Inn and they spotted Ormil's crazy hair among the crowd as he rushed past tables with stacks of plates and bowls in his hands. He disappeared to the back kitchen while Lex and Brie took a seat at the bar with amused smiles, waiting for the Elf to notice them.

When the Elf re-appeared, they watched as Ormil glanced in their general direction and he had to do a double take.

"By Azura!" He called out, and a grin spread across his golden face. "I thought you two had run away!"

"Must you be so loud, Ormil?" Brie replied, and she rubbed her ear while barely containing a grin.

Within seconds Ormil was back behind the counter. He leaned in close towards Brie with a grave expression that, combined with the wildness of his golden hair, made him look a bit crazed.

"How are you doing?" He asked earnestly.

"Oh, um, I'm fine," Brie replied, and she nervously rubbed her neck with a small chuckled. "Honest."

"We're starving," Lex chimed in, hoping to change the subject. "What's your special tonight, Ormil?"

"Well, Captain... It just so happens to be your favorite. I'll be right back!"

When Ormil had disappeared again, Brie turned to Lex with a small sigh. She smiled at him when he reached up to rub her shoulder.

"Thanks. I know he cares but I'd rather not talk about it."

"You don't have to tell him anything," Lex replied softly.

After a moment of comfortable silence, Brie turned her head back towards Lex with a raised eyebrow.

"What is your favorite special?"

"Roast beef with all the trimmings," Ormil sang as he waltzed out from the back room.

The Innkeeper grinned as he placed two steaming plates of dinner before the pair, feeling pleased with himself as both of their faces lit up. He disappeared again to grab them drinks and when he returned, he had two chilled bottles of ale in his hands.

"Eat up, I'm sure the food you ate on the road wasn't nearly as good as mine," Ormil gloated as he placed the drinks down.

"You're righf," Brie mumbled passionately with a mouthful of food. "Thith Ith tho good."

Lex chuckled, and he sent a long glance in Brie's direction before also tucking into his meal with great enthusiasm. Ormil ran a cloth along the counter, watching them eat with a fond expression. He had missed the couple dearly and he could tell that there was something different between them. Despite the nature of her trip, Brie was practically glowing, and Lex looked more relaxed than he'd ever seen him before.

Very curious, Ormil thought with a wry smile. I wonder what happened on their trip...

The conversation was light, which Brie appreciated. Lex kept Ormil entertained by telling him all about the Oblivion gate they had briefly encountered. While they talked, Brie was more content to sip on her ale while watching Lex, and she studied him in the soft light of the Inn with a soft expression. More than once, he would glance her way, and his blue eyes would search hers for a second, and he seemed to silently make sure she was alright before he'd return his attention to the innkeeper. The trip had changed them both. There was a bond there, whether Lex wanted it or not.

As the evening dragged on into night, it became more apparent to Ormil that they were stalling. Brie idly stared down at the counter with a faraway look, he slender legs swinging softly back and forth from the tall stool she was perched on. They had lapsed into a comfortable silence since Ormil had to leave and help other patrons, and they both looked mighty tired but neither one was willing to call it quits first.

After much contemplation, Brie came to a silent conclusion and knocked back the rest of her second ale. Then she firmly placed the bottle back on the counter. Her movement caused Lex to look up and she smiled at him as she started to stand up.

"I'm dead tired."

"Okay," Lex replied, and he quickly finished the last of his drink before standing up as well. "I'll walk you home."

"Goodnight Ormil," Brie called out.

The Elf shot them a cheeky grin as he strolled towards the kitchen.

"Goodnight! Good to have you two back!"

Brie gave him a little wave before hastily covering her mouth as she yawned. Ormil watched the two guards leave with a smile on his lips, and when they exited his inn, he let out a dreamy sigh before returning to his duties.

Oh, to be in love. I'm envious.

On this particular night, the sky was free of clouds. A full moon shone brightly in the sky, surrounded by a plethora of swirling, dreamy stars. Brie stared up at the sky for a moment, sucking in a deep, crisp breath of fresh air. Then she glanced up at Lex, who had also been looking up at the sky, and their eyes met. His smile was returned, and then they lapsed into a slow walk towards the city gates.

It was a quiet night. Besides the sound of small waves lapping against the shore, it was almost entirely silent. A rare peaceful moment on the Waterfront. It was a moment that Brie wished would never end as she reluctantly put one foot in front of the other until they arrived at the door to her apartment. The lantern was not lit, but in a second Brie had it crackling away, and after a small sigh, she turned towards Lex with as pretty of a smile as she could muster.

"Will you come inside for a moment?"

Lex nodded, and Brie could see the tiredness etched into his handsome face but he smiled at her.

"Yes, of course."

Brie flashed him a small grin before unlocking her door. Inside, the main room was void of any light and it was slightly chilly. Other than a couple of wilted apples sitting in a bowl on her table, the apartment appeared to be unscathed. She quickly hurried around the room for a moment, lighting various candles so they could see better, and then returned to where Lex was standing near the door.

Trying to ignore her racing heart, Brie slowly shuffled forward, closing the gap between herself and the Captain. His eyes widened slightly as she slipped her hand into his, enjoying the warmth that radiated through the leather of his glove. She stared down at their hands for a long moment, watching as Lex softly squeezed hers back.

"I um," Brie started, and her throat constricted for a moment before she continued quietly. "I don't think I uh, need to tell you what it meant to have you with me back home."

Lex's brows furrowed together for a moment before he nodded.

"No, you don't. I'm more than glad that I went along."

"It feels weird, ending that chapter of my life. I thought I'd be bitter about it forever..."

A small smile graced Brie's lips as she lifted her head to look up at Lex and she gave a small chuckle.

"... I guess people can change."

The air between them was like lightning. Brie's heart fluttered so wildly in her chest she thought she might pass out, but there was no going back. Her eyes gazed down ever so briefly at Lex's lips before returning to his bright blue eyes, and she could see he was struggling with his emotions as well. His breath hitched in his throat as Brie suddenly lurched forward, and before he could say anything her other hand quickly grasped the back of his neck, pulling him close. Whatever thought he had died instantly the moment their lips met. Brie could feel Lex's hands were shaking ever so slightly as he grasped her waist and dipped his head lower, deepening the embrace.

For a moment there was nothing but the sounds of their kissing. Brie felt like she was floating on clouds as she wound her fingers through Lex's hair and kissed him with renewed energy.

"Brie," Lex mumbled against her lips, and he let out a small gasp. "B-Brie..."

"Lex please don't," Brie replied breathlessly, and when she finally pulled back she could see the pain written across his face.

"Please," Brie begged. "Please hear me out."

Lex's chest heaved as he tried to catch his breath but he allowed Brie to guide him towards the nearby table. Not once did she let go of his hand. Lex leaned against the back of one chair as he stared down at the floor with furrowed brows for a long moment, and he silently cursed himself for feeling so vulnerable.

"I'm undeniably attracted to you," Brie started, and she squeezed his hand. "But it's more than that. In the short amount of time we've known each other I've never trusted anyone as much as I trust you."

"Brie..."

"Lex, look at me."

Lex sighed, and then he forced himself to look up. Brie's face could be considered averagely pretty to most people. But to him, she was the most beautiful woman in the world. One cheeky grin from her almost made him confess his feelings to her right on the spot on more than one occasion.

She's captivating... and caring... so why can't I shake my past?

"I know you struggle with things I do not know of, but you know you can trust me, right?"

"Brie, I... of course, I trust you."

"I want to be with you," Brie confessed, and her voice was full of passion. "I live for your smiles, Lex. I've grown used to falling asleep in your arms every single night."

"Brie..." Lex replied, and he pursed his lips together for a moment, his thoughts whirling. "I want... I want to be with you too."

Brie's eyes widened in surprise at his response, but she quickly kept her excitement contained and focused on comforting the distraught Imperial.

"For reasons you... don't know," Lex continued quietly, and he stared down at their hands. "I struggle to... to open up. I desire a relationship with you but I don't know how to do that without falling apart..."

Brie was silent for a moment as she let his words sink in. It sounded like Lex was going to reject her again, and for a moment Brie's momentum faltered as she started to release his hand.

"I understand-"

"Can you have patience with me?" Lex cut in, and he firmly clenched her hand as he stared into her eyes.

"Patience?" Brie echoed, and then she nodded. "Of course! Lex..."

Brie reached up and cupped Lex's face with both hands. His skin was cool to the touch but his cheeks quickly warmed under her palms. A wave of affection washed over Lex as he peered up at her with a soft expression.

Her touch could melt even the coldest heart...

"Lex," Brie murmured, and she trailed her fingers along the curve of his jaw, stroking him with a gentleness that took his breath away. "I have all the patience in the world for you."

Lex wrapped his arms around Brie's waist, pulling her into a tight hug. They stood like that for a long time, and Brie cradled him in his arms while stroking his back in small circular motions. She listened as he sighed into the curve of her neck. His warm breath tickled her skin and when Lex drew back, he closed his eyes when Brie dipped her head. Her lips felt like velvet against his, and for a moment he lost himself in her deliberate, gentle kisses.

"Stay the night," Brie whispered in between each kiss. "It's late."

Lex smiled, and when he opened his eyes, he found Brie staring at him with a pleading expression. He reached up and tucked a stray strand of her hair behind one pointed ear, which caused her to shiver.

"We have work tomorrow."

"So? Just stay, sleep..."

Lex chuckled, and Brie shot him a cheeky grin as he straightened back up. When he leaned down to kiss her cheek Brie made a small noise in protest, but she was also smiling.

"Goodnight Brie."

Brie pouted her bottom lip with a small huff, and she shooed him towards the door.

"Hurry and leave before I make you change your mind."

"Goodnight," Lex called out again, and he glanced back inside as he started to close the door.

"Goodnight... see you tomorrow."