Chapter 21
Morning couldn't have come soon enough. Brie thought that the day would never end, as they continued conducting investigations, this time in the Elven Gardens District of the city regarding the break-ins. It was far more interesting than patrolling. But even then, Brie was starting to get bored with the repetitive questions she had to ask and dealing with citizens from the wealthy class was headache inducing.
Brie was also worried that Lex might not be able to follow through on his promise to take her out for dinner. As the day dragged on, she kept checking over her shoulder as she expected a guard to pop up at any moment and whisk Lex away. However, as their shift drew to a close earlier than normal since they were running out of people to interrogate, not a single man or woman appeared to deliver him any news.
So, Brie returned to her apartment in high spirits. She was beyond excited to have dinner with Lex. Although they ate their meals together almost every single day, it was different now that they were in an official relationship. There was a different connotation to it, one that made Brie shiver with excitement at the thought. She hoped he wouldn't reject her attempts to get closer to him since she had chosen a place to eat that was on the exact opposite end of the city.
It's dimly lit, comfy, and hopefully nobody will recognize us there, Brie mused to herself as she quickly scrubbed her body from the grime and sweat of the day. I just wanna hold his hand... and smooch...
Back in the Watch Tower, Lex was a bundle of nerves as he also took a bath to rid himself of the daily grime. He knew that Brie would be patient with him, but he didn't know how much longer he could go on resisting his bodily urges. It was beginning to bring him discomfort that he couldn't resist thinking about Brie in a way that lit his loins on fire no matter how hard he tried not to. He was doing a poor job, and finding release was nowhere near as satisfactory as he wanted when he had to do the job himself.
Curse Brie and her pretty hide, Lex sighed as he slipped his boots on and inspected himself in the mirror for a moment. She knows exactly what she's doing when she sends me those little glances... her gaze alone almost brings me to my knees.
So, Lex had resided himself to the fact that if he wanted to stop feeling so frustrated, he needed to grow a pair and stop being so afraid to be intimate with Brie. It was a hard truth to swallow, and no matter how hard he tried to be confident in his resolve, his stomach twisted painfully into knots the more he thought about it.
With a small growl, Lex forced himself to turn away from the mirror and he snatched up his long black coat; slipping it on as he made his way towards his door. He walked quickly, making sure to avoid running into any people as much as possible. The last thing he wanted was to be dragged off to another meeting, but he escaped the Watch Tower unnoticed.
Within ten minutes he arrived outside Brie's door and he lightly knocked. A moment later the door opened and Brie beamed up at him as she stepped back and invited Lex inside.
"Is this a new tunic?" Brie greeted, and she reached up to rub her hands along his chest.
"No, I just don't wear it very often."
"Oh, I see," Brie chuckled.
Lex placed his hands on her waist and Brie reached up to wrap her arms around his neck, pulling him into a deep embrace. For a few moments they simply made out, and the heat between them rose as Brie rubbed the back of his neck as she planted kiss after kiss on his lips.
Eventually, they broke apart. Lex stared down at Brie with flushed cheeks as his breath came out in short little puffs.
"Sorry," Brie whispered, and she laughed. "I couldn't help myself."
"It's okay," Lex mumbled, and he dipped his head towards her.
"Mmm, sir..."
Brie laughed in between kisses feeling like a giddy teenager.
"We should get going, I did reserve a table..."
"Right," Lex replied, and he stepped back. "Dinner."
Brie could have sworn Lex looked a little dazed. She smiled at him, which he returned, and then she grabbed her coat and put it on. They both pulled their hoods up so their faces were concealed and exited her apartment. It was raining lightly, but not enough to deter the couple from going outside. When Brie had finished locking up her home, she turned towards Lex and slipped her hand into his. They began walking, taking their time. There was no need to rush tonight, and Brie knew that regardless of how the night went, she would not pressure Lex to do anything he wasn't ready for.
"I quite liked interviewing those people with you," Lex commented while they strolled.
Brie smiled up at him, and he squeezed her hand affectionately.
"It was a nice break from the usual routine."
"You're very persuasive with your words, but I should have known that," Lex joked.
Brie laughed, and she elbowed his side.
"What are you saying, I got a slippery tongue?"
"Not at all," Lex replied, and he stared down at the ground for a moment. "I just mean... people listen to you. I feel like you got more truthful responses than I could have."
"That's cause you're intimidating," Brie teased, and she rubbed his arm. "You've got an air of authority that makes it hard for people to open up to you. They don't want to go to jail."
"I see... interesting."
"Like right now," Brie continued softly, and their eyes met. "You're tense."
"Am I?"
"I bet if I felt your shoulders right now, I'd be right."
"Okay fine, you are right," Lex replied, and he sucked in a deep breath. "I don't think I really know how to relax when I'm in public."
"Tonight will be good practice then."
"Will it?"
"I think so," Brie replied, and her expression was soft. "I think we can get away with a little hand-holding, like now."
Right, Lex's thoughts whirled, and he stared down at their hands in the dark. We've been holding hands the entire time and it's fine.
"Don't overthink it," Brie encouraged, and she smiled when he squeezed her hand and a small smile graced his lips from beneath his hood.
"I'll try."
Eventually, they reached a building and Brie whisked him up a set of small stone steps. She tugged the door open and they wandered inside. They shook the rain from their hoods as they waited for someone to come greet them. A young Altmer server came over and she greeted them warmly.
"I reserved a table the other day," Brie practically had to shout over the noise. "Brie, for two."
The Altmer consulted a small list and then she nodded.
"Right this way."
Brie shot Lex a small grin before she followed the server to their designated table. It was crowded this Fredas night, and they were both grateful for it as they squeezed into their tiny wooden chairs. It was an intimate setup. A small candle burning in a glass sphere was the only main source of light. The table was very small and so they ended up sitting very close together, which pleased Brie as she scooted in her chair so that their knees were touching.
"It's quaint," Brie commented, watching as Lex gazed around the crowded room.
"I agree," Lex replied, and he smiled when he felt Brie rubbing his thigh.
"What can I get you to drink?"
"Oh," Brie replied, and she thoughtfully bit her lip for a moment. "Maybe some wine? Red?"
"Coming up."
When the server was gone, Lex leaned in closer to Brie, and his lips almost grazed her pointed ear.
"Are you sure about that wine," he whispered.
Brie shivered and then stuck her tongue out at him, which only made Lex laugh.
"I can control myself, Captain. Can't say the same about you."
Lex leaned back in his chair with one leg stretched out and he slung his arm across the back of Brie's chair with a small chuckle. She could feel his fingers lightly combing her hair and she smiled softly to herself, enjoying the gentle touch.
"I guarantee I have more control than you when it comes to drinking," Lex argued.
"Perhaps... I've never seen you drunk before."
"I don't like to drink that much."
"Have you ever actually been drunk before?" Brie inquired, and she peered at him with a curious expression.
"Once... and it was awful."
"I don't think you were doing it properly," Brie joked, and she squeezed his thigh beneath the table. "One day I'll get you drunk and we'll have a blast."
Lex's laugh was like music to her ears. She was spurred by his positive response and so she quickly leaned in and kissed him on the lips. When she pulled away, Lex's expression was of mild shock, but when he looked around the room, he found that nobody was even slightly interested in them.
"Nobody is watching," Brie murmured. "We're fine."
"I know," Lex replied, and he thanked the server when she brought over two glasses of red wine.
"Tonight's special is a shepherd's pie."
"Do you have anything lighter?" Brie asked. "Something with chicken?"
"Yes, there is roasted chicken if you'd like."
"Please," Brie nodded, and she glanced over at Lex.
"Shepherd's pie sounds good to me."
"Excellent, I'll be back in a few minutes."
Brie took a sip of her wine and then she turned her attention back to Lex. She was only interested in him tonight, and she soaked in the sight of his long form as he also took a deep sip from his glass.
If he was nervous, Brie couldn't tell. He looked comfortable sitting next to her and had even left his hair down, which she felt completely transformed his appearance. She loved it, and Brie couldn't resist the urge to reach up and run her fingers through his silky brown locks. The moment she did, Lex turned his head towards her, and his bright blue eyes practically pierced into hers. He leaned into her touch and Brie rubbed the palm of her hand along his firm jaw with a soft smile on her lips.
"Lex?"
"Yes, Brie?"
"Have you... ever thought about what you'll do if you catch the Grey Fox?"
Lex shifted so he was sitting up a little and his brows furrowed together as he considered her question.
"What do you mean?"
"I mean... once it's all over, what are you going to do?"
Lex was quiet for a moment, and Brie thought that maybe she had struck a nerve but then he sighed and looked down at her with a small shrug.
"I'm not sure, Brie. I uh... I think there's a part of me that isn't so sure I'll ever catch him."
"And if you don't," Brie persisted, and she laced her fingers through his, squeezing gently. "Can you live with that?"
"You're asking all the hard questions tonight," Lex joked, and he stared down at their hands.
"I know. I just... I worry about you a bit."
"Because I have an unhealthy obsession with someone people consider mythical and my entire life revolves around catching this man?"
"Well, when you put it that way..."
Lex leaned in and pressed his lips against her cheek. Brie blushed and grinned at him. The look in her eyes sent butterflies in Lex's stomach and he had to take a sip of his wine to try and distract himself.
"Here you go, enjoy."
The Altmer placed two steaming plates of food before them. Their eyes lit up as they both took a deep sniff. It smelled delicious, and they eagerly tucked into their meals with enthusiasm.
The rest of their time at the Inn passed by in great comfort. They chatted about random things, and lightly touched on each other's past but avoided any topic that might be too dark. It was a lovely affair, and Brie restrained herself when it came to the wine. She only had one glass and had complete control over her wits by the time they finished eating.
Lex had also only consumed one glass of wine and despite the little bit of alcohol coursing through his veins, he was feeling terribly nervous as Brie sent him several silent glances throughout the night that made him ache. He was reluctant to leave, not just because he was enjoying his time out with her, but because it would mean walking her home.
She'll probably invite me inside, and I want to but...
"Shall we get going?"
Brie could see that Lex was having a silent battle and so she tried to distract him from overthinking himself into an early grave.
"Sure."
Brie retrieved their coats while Lex paid the server. When they were ready with their hoods pulled up, Lex opened the door for Brie and they stepped outside.
It was raining a little harder now so they walked quickly. Lex firmly clenched Brie's hand so she wouldn't slip as they made a dash back to her apartment. By the time they reached the front door, it was starting to come down in buckets and so Brie hastily unlocked her door and they both stumbled inside.
"Yuck," Brie shivered as she shrugged out of her wet coat. "Oh no. I didn't keep the fire going."
"I'll get it started again," Lex offered.
"Thanks."
Brie watched as he also removed his coat and wandered over to her now cold fireplace. She couldn't help but feel a bit nervous as she watched him kneel down and start the fire again. She glanced towards the stairs leading up to her bedroom and contemplated if she would be pushing her luck by asking him to spend the night.
Nothing has to happen, she mused quietly as she chewed on her bottom lip. We're capable of just sleeping... I think.
The fire burning inside of Brie was almost too much but she kept it to herself and smiled when Lex straightened up from the hearth and came back over to her. He reached out and pulled Brie closer to him by her waist and she reached up to brush away a damp strand of hair from his face.
"It's raining pretty bad," Lex commented quietly, and there was a slight tightness in his voice.
"It is," Brie replied, and she rubbed his shoulders. "Do you want to sleep here tonight?"
"Mmm, that sounds dangerous..."
Brie laughed as Lex lowered his head and he brushed his lips along the curve of her jaw.
"I can behave myself, Captain."
"I know you can..."
Lex pulled away, and for a moment Brie thought he was going to leave. However, she let out an internal sigh of relief when he bent down to take his boots off and then she hastily followed suit. Then she patiently waited by the foot of the stairs while Lex double checked that the fire would be good for a few hours and then he walked over to her and she took his hand.
As she guided Lex up the stairs, he could practically hear his heart almost pounding out of his chest. The higher they climbed, the more he struggled to breathe, but he tried to focus on putting one foot in front of the other until they reached the top landing and went inside Brie's room.
Brie let go of his hand and quickly ran over to her wardrobe, which she slammed shut. Her room wasn't nearly as untidy as he had seen it before but there was still a large number of clothes flung haphazardly across the chairs and ottoman.
"I'm working on it," Brie joked as she wandered back over to him. "I swear I just washed the bedding last night-"
"Brie..."
Before Brie could even speak Lex closed the gap between them and swept Brie into a passionate embrace. Her legs nearly gave out as he crushed her against his chest and kissed her so deeply it took her breath away. Brie squeezed her eyes shut and wrapped her arms around his neck, her heart nearly leaping out of her chest as she felt the familiar feeling of desire stir deep inside.
Lex's hands shook ever so slightly as they clung to her back, drawing her in, but he knew there was no going back. He was tired of living in fear.
"Lex," Brie huffed breathlessly against his lips. "W-We don't... don't have to..."
"I want you," Lex murmured, and he ran his hand down her thigh, drawing Brie closer. "I'm... tired of being afraid to get too close to you."
"Are you sure?" Brie replied, and she repeated it again more firmly. "Lex, look at me. Are you absolutely sure?"
Their eyes met, and Brie had never seen such an emotional expression on his face before. It took her by surprise but she couldn't help but smile when he nodded.
"Yes, I'm sure."
"Then make love to me," Brie whispered, and she pulled him into a heated kiss. "I'm yours."
Lex shivered at her words and kissed her deeply, his thoughts whirling. Part of him wanted to pull away, the part that was terrified to be intimate with her. But the feeling of her lips on his and the way their bodies pressed together as she rubbed her hands along his neck and through his hair left his skin burning and Lex's desire was obvious.
He felt like he was in a daze as he lifted Brie's tunic up and off, revealing her slim figure in all its glory. He barely comprehended what he was doing as Brie also lifted his tunic off and began tugging on the strings to his breeches with the cutest little smirk on her face.
"You're so tense," she teased, and Lex let out the breath he had been holding in.
"I know."
Brie ran her hands along his bare chest, reveling in the sight of his athletic body and leaned in to kiss him. The feeling of her perky round breasts pressing against his bare skin sent Lex's mind spinning.
Before he knew it, both of their pants were off and Brie was leading him to the bed. He stared at her backside with a dumbfound expression, feeling almost entirely overwhelmed. Brie knelt down on the bed and then she rolled around so she was laying on her back and she reached out for Lex with a soft expression.
"You're so beautiful," Lex whispered, and he slowly knelt down on the bed.
"I'm all skinny," Brie replied with a little chuckle. "But look at you, Lex. You're built like a God."
"Don't say that," Lex chastised.
Before Brie could respond Lex shut her up with a kiss. She laughed against his lips and ran her hands along his arms, rubbing his tense shoulders. Then they trailed downwards, lightly grazing his waist, squeezing his hips. Everywhere she touched Lex felt like he was on fire. He tried to focus on touching her as well but he was starting to feel dizzy. There was a tightness in his chest as his heart pounded and dark thoughts started to rise up just beneath the surface.
Lex bowed his head and pressed his lips into the crook of her neck, his breath coming out in short puffs as he felt Brie's hands moving lower. He squeezed his eyes shut and planted soft kissing lower, across her neck and collarbone, but the moment her fingertips brushed along his manhood something inside of him screamed out in alarm.
Brie's eyes widened in surprise as Lex suddenly wrenched back and he lurched to the edge of the bed. He sat with his back turned to her and it was then that she noticed the scars.
"Lex..." Brie started, and then she quickly shook her head and sat up.
Now is not the time to be asking stupid questions, she silently chastised.
"I'm... I'm sorry, Brie."
"You don't have to be sorry," Brie replied softly, and she slid forward so she was sitting behind him.
Lex's head was bowed, and he let out a shaky breath.
"What is wrong with me?"
"Nothing is wrong," Brie replied firmly.
Lex jumped when he felt Brie shuffle closer and she wrapped her arms around his waist. He could feel her lips against his skin as she lightly kissed along his shoulder blade and he let out a sigh.
"You've been hurt," Brie continued. "These things take time to heal."
"Ten years?" Lex blurted out, and he let out a small noise of frustration. "It's nonsense."
"Not if you haven't been dealing with it for all this time."
Lex was silent as he sat there on the edge of the bed with Brie hugging him. His body trembled with both adrenaline and nerves as he struggled to fight to gain control over one of his two sides. He was split down the middle. His body had reacted positively to Brie, and even now his erection was still raging hard. It made him feel terribly confused.
Brie squeezed him gently, and she rubbed her palms along the firm plains of his abs, wishing there was something more she could do to make him feel comfortable.
"Do you want to just lay down?"
Brie shifted her legs so she was more comfortable and she rested her chin against the curve of his shoulder.
"I don't know," Lex whispered, and he closed his eyes. "I like you touching me."
"Mm, okay," Brie smiled.
It was a different way to do things, but Brie was always open to new experiences. She lightly rubbed along his pectoral muscles, massaging gently, and then she slowly traveled lower and lower but avoided touching his manhood outright unless he gave her permission. She could hear Lex's soft breathing as she turned her attention to his deliciously thick thighs but she couldn't see his face from the way she was sitting.
"Is this alright?" She murmured.
"Y-Yes."
Spurred on by his positive response, Brie ran her hands along the inside of his thighs, still being mindful of a certain area. She gently trailed her fingers along his lower belly and she smiled when she felt Lex shiver.
"How are you feeling?"
"Good..."
"May I... touch your cock?"
Lex nearly choked at her use of words but it only made the fire burn hotter.
"Yes," he gasped quietly.
Brie's slow, thoughtful touches had done the trick. Now Lex was overcome with desire and he ached for her. Brie gave a small triumphant grin and rubbed her palms downwards across his thighs until she was gently cradling his manhood between both hands.
Never done it like this before, Brie mused quietly, and she was thrilled by Lex's reaction as he moaned ever so softly. But holy Deadra... this is hot.
Brie also ached as she was overcome with desire, but she only cared about bringing Lex relief. She gently stroked his cock for several minutes, enjoying the way she had to feel her way around it since she couldn't really see what she was doing. As she had predicted, he was generously endowed, and she happily explored him with her hands. She thoroughly enjoyed listening to the sound of Lex's breathing as it grew heavier and heavier. His chest heaved and his breath came out in short, quiet moans as he squirmed under her touch.
It didn't take very long before Lex's body stiffened and he came. A stream of his hot seed dripped down her hands and Brie continued to stroke him a little bit afterword. She planted light kisses along his shoulder.
"Oh Gods," Lex mumbled with a shaking voice.
"I'm so proud," Brie murmured in his ear and she kissed the side of his neck. "Thank you for letting me pleasure you."
"N-No," Lex replied, and he finally shifted his body so he could look at her. "Thank... thank you, Brie."
He stared at Brie with a stormy expression. Brie smiled up at him and they kissed for a long moment. Then Brie retracted her arms from around her waist and slid off the bed. Ignoring the fact that she was dripping wet with desire, Brie washed her hands off in a ceramic wash basin nearby and then brought a small cloth for Lex to clean himself up with. His face was bright red as he took the cloth from her hand.
"Thanks."
Brie simply smiled and reached up to pinch his cheek.
"No need to thank me," she replied softly.
While Lex cleaned himself off, Brie pulled the covers back and laid down. She wanted Lex to make love to her but knew that it was asking too much for one night, and so she was content to wait. When Lex was finished, he turned to look at Brie as she lay on her back, staring up at the ceiling. She didn't look upset but a feeling of guilt still washed over him.
"Brie..."
"Hurry up and lay down," Brie whispered, and when their eyes met Lex knew that it was alright.
Lex slid his legs under the covers and shuffled closer. His eyelids felt like stone and he struggled to keep them open. Brie reached her arms out and Lex shifted so he was laying with his face pressed against her chest, and he let out a small sigh. Brie wrapped her arms around Lex and affectionately rubbed his shoulder.
"You're incredible," Lex whispered, his voice low and sleepy.
"I know," Brie joked, and then she let out a small sigh. "Do you feel better now?"
"Yes," Lex replied firmly, and he wrapped his arm around her waist, drawing her closer.
He pressed his face against her chest and Brie felt his body start to relax as he began to drift to sleep. She gently stroked his hair for a little while, content to listen to Lex's soft snores. She was too worked up to fall asleep right away but eventually, it took her too and they slept soundly until later the next morning.