Chapter 23

The following Morndas Brie stepped out of her apartment and locked the door with a small sigh. She shivered as the cool air danced across her cheeks and quickly started walking down the street towards the guard tower. She was terribly tired from her very active break spent entirely with Lex holed up inside her home. They had spent both their days off together, with Lex only leaving briefly to return to his room up in the tower and retrieve a couple of items of clothing to keep at her place.

It hadn't just been purely sexual either, but they had coupled plenty of times throughout the day and night. Lex's enthusiasm was terribly endearing as he was eager to learn all about her body. He took his time with Brie, his strong hand hungrily exploring her with the gentlest of touches. Being with Lex was unlike anything she'd experienced before and even thinking about it made her cheeks blush as she realized just how many times they had made love in the short span of two days. She was both happy to have brought him out of his shell and concerned that perhaps it was going too fast.

Lex was receptive to her in every way. They spent a lot of time just laying in bed or lounging by the fire talking with one another and only left the apartment to get a quick meal. He still hadn't told Brie exactly what had happened all those years ago that had traumatized him for so long but she was a patient gal and didn't try to pressure him into sharing. For the most part, they mainly talked about their childhood, or the good parts of their childhood; personal details about themselves like their favorite food or drink, and most of all work. It had pained Lex to leave Brie on Sundas. He had enjoyed her company so much he hadn't wanted it to end. They had stood for several minutes by her front door, arms wrapped around one another as they kissed each other with unbridled passion until he had reluctantly pulled away and stepped outside with the promise to see her the next morning.

Brie hummed softly to herself while she strolled down the street. Her armor was quickly being warmed up by the morning sun but it didn't bother her and within ten minutes she arrived at the South Watch Tower. She strolled inside, oblivious to anyone who noticed her as she plopped down in her usual seat to wait for Lex.

It was a bit more crowded this morning. Brie knew that she had slept in a bit and it surprised her that she didn't see Lex's bright blue eyes anywhere in the room. She slipped her fingers together and rested her hands against the table with a small sigh, feeling quite content.

A few minutes passed and still, Brie waited for him. Her ears perked up at the mention of Lex's name nearby and she turned her head slightly to see who it was.

A small group of younger recruits was sitting around one of the tables enjoying breakfast. One of the men leaned in and Brie had to strain to hear him.

"Did you just say, Lex? As in Hieronymus Lex… as in… the biggest social outcast in the entire Imperial guard?"

Brie frowned at the recruit's words as they struck a nerve and she considered going over and giving him a piece of her mind. But she refrained herself and continued eavesdropping.

"Yes, the Lex. Captain Lex. He's like a new man, I swear," another replied.

"I saw him earlier too," a female guard piped up from across the table. "He was grinning to himself as he walked by me this morning."

"I bet he got laid," the first man whispered, and there was a chorus of surprised responses from the rest of the group.

"That had to be it," the woman laughed as she picked up her cup. "I've seen that stupid grin before. Looks like Lex isn't the total outcast we believe him to be."

"Who in the world would sleep with him?"

"Have you seen Lex?" The woman retorted. "I would in a heartbeat."

Brie quickly spun around in her seat when the woman suddenly glanced across the room at her. She bit her lip to stop herself from laughing out loud but her cheeks felt like they were on fire. It was so much more laughable that a group of guards was talking about Lex like that than it was irritating. She couldn't believe just how noticeable his changes were until they were pointed out by everyone else as well and now she both felt embarrassed and oddly proud that she had been the reason for his sudden personality change.

As if on cue, Lex suddenly appeared from the hall and he strode over to Brie with a bounce in his step. He smiled at her, his expression so bright and cheery that it took her breath away.

Lex felt like a brand new man. He had gotten up early in the morning full of energy and had gone for a morning jog around the city. Then he'd taken care of a bunch of paperwork back in his room before washing up and going downstairs. He'd been intercepted by another officer on his way to breakfast and that was the reason for his tardiness. He plopped down on the chair in front of Brie and opened his mouth to speak when he saw Brie's blushing face and he barely contained a grin.

"Good morning Brie, what's so funny?"

"N-Nothing," Brie replied hastily, and she let out a sharp breath as she almost lost her composure. "Have you eaten?"

"No… not yet. You?"

"Not yet," Brie coughed, and she quickly stood up. "The usual?"

"Please," Lex replied warmly, but he had a slightly confused look on his face as he watched Brie zoom off towards the kitchen.

However, nothing could dampen his mood, and he took a deep drink of water and idly drummed his fingers along the table while he waited for her to return.

He didn't know how to describe how he was feeling. It was just like a big wave of warmth had spread from his chest through the rest of his body. Lex felt happier than he had in years and it both scared and excited him. He'd completely forgotten how good it felt to be intimate with someone; how comforting it was to hold and touch someone, how much he had really missed the act of making love. It really hadn't hit him until he had left Brie's home and gone back to his lonely little room in the watchtower. All he could think about that night was how much he looked forward to seeing her again, and it had taken all of his energy not to reach across the table and kiss her right in the dining hall.

A few minutes later Brie, now fully composed and calm, returned to their table with a tray full of food. She slid his plate of sausage, eggs, and toast towards him with a smile before tucking into her bowl of porridge.

"What are we up to today, Captain?"

Lex shot her a glance but Brie simply grinned at him with a wicked glint in her eyes.

"The usual, today."

"Aww," Brie pouted and her shoulders sagged. "That's no fun."

"I know it's not… but we've hit a dead end."

"Are you sure about that? If you'd let me do some digging, I bet I could come up with something."

"Brie… you know I can't."

Brie was silent for a moment as she chewed her food. Her eyes roamed over Lex's features, studying him as he ate. She had the strongest urge to reach out and smooth back the flyway hair that had fallen across his forehead but she resisted and let out a small sigh.

"I know but honestly speaking sir, you can't really stop me."

Brie's voice was hushed and Lex looked up at her with a surprised expression as he paused with his fork halfway towards his mouth. He placed it back down with a small frown but Brie was all smiles as she batted her lashes at him.

"I'm only teasing."

"It's not really funny," Lex retorted.

"I thought it was," Brie huffed quietly and then she took another bite of her porridge and didn't try to press the subject anymore.

Lex glanced across the room as he suddenly felt eyes on them. A small group of guards sitting nearby quickly looked back down at their plates or somewhere else when he looked over at them. He blinked, feeling confused by the attention and then continued eating his breakfast in silence.

Brie's threat hadn't been a lie. She already had a plan in place to get more information but she knew she couldn't bring it up with Lex and so she kept her plans to herself for the time being. If Lex was aware of her secrets, he didn't betray it as his usual demeanor returned after a few minutes and they chatted lightly about other things while they finished their meal.

When they were ready, Brie followed Lex outside and they took their usual route towards the Arboretum. It was quiet this morning and nobody else walked by as they patrolled the wooded area. Brie glanced up at one of the statues with a bored expression, her thoughts filled with too many things. She was too preoccupied with her own thoughts to notice the way Lex glanced over at her every so often. He studied Brie for a moment, noting the way her soft pink lips puckered slightly as the tiniest of frowns crossed her face before she quickly smoothed it away and let out a small sigh.

The longer they walked, the stronger Lex's urges grew until he could hold back no longer. Before Brie could even process what was going on she found herself being dragged behind one of the statues and in an instant, Lex's lips were upon her.

"Mm," Brie mumbled breathlessly, and she squeezed her eyes shut. "S-Somebody's eager."

"I can't help it," Lex murmured between kisses.

"Fine by me, Captain."

Brie wound her arms around his neck and Lex crushed her against his metal chest plate as he pulled her deeper into the embrace. They kissed quickly, and passionately until they were suddenly interrupted by the sound of footsteps. Lex abruptly pulled back, and Brie let out a small noise of protest as he stepped away from her and jetted back towards the walkway as if nothing had happened. But as Brie waited a moment, her chest heaving as she struggled to regain her breath, a grin spread across her lips. When she joined Lex a moment later she could see the light blush that had crept up his neck and splashed across his pale cheeks and he couldn't contain a smile as he glanced down at her.

The rest of the day passed relatively quickly. While there were no more opportunities for stolen kisses, they still enjoyed their time together. Brie apprehended a young thief by the University and lectured him on the dangers of going down that road. Then he was swiftly hauled away to spend a night in jail to really drive her point home. Lex was impressed with her professionalism and he praised her after he was gone, which made Brie beam with happiness for the rest of the day.

Lunch was a quiet affair and then the couple resumed their patrol around the city. They chatted about the Grey Fox, and once again Brie kept her plans to herself. Lex seemed oblivious to her scheming as he rambled on about nothing in particular while they strolled down towards the Waterfront district. When the sun started to set behind the mountains they wandered up to the Bloated Float and entered the establishment.

It was crowded this evening. Their usual spots at the bar were occupied and so Brie and Lex squeezed into a small two-seater near the back, far away from Ormil's prying eyes. The Altmer was far too busy anyway, and he zoomed by them with a platter full of drinks.

"Be right with you!"

Lex chuckled and leaned back in his chair. He lightly drummed his fingers against the wooden table and glanced over at Brie, who was staring at him.

"What is it?" He asked.

"Hm?" Brie replied softly, and she scooted her chair closer to him. "I can't hear you!"

Lex leaned in, his metal armor chinking quietly as he moved.

"You look like you have something on your mind."

"Me?" Brie laughed, and she shrugged her shoulders. "Not really."

Ormil's wild golden hair suddenly popped into view as he came around to their table. He grinned down at the couple, who returned his smile.

"It's nice to see you guys, as usual."

"It's awfully busy in here, Ormil," Brie replied and she leaned her chin against the palm of her hand.

"Ahh yes, not really sure why. But I'm not complaining!"

"What's the special for tonight?" Lex inquired.

"Roast salmon with all the fixings."

"Sounds delicious."

"Excellent," Ormil beamed, and he shot Brie a small wink before rushing off. "I'll be back with your drinks!"

While Ormil was gone, Brie scooted a little bit closer towards Lex. He shot her a small look but said nothing. It was terribly crowded inside the ship tonight and nobody sent a second glance their way.

"You did good today," Lex complimented Brie once again.

The way he looked at her made Brie blush. She smiled and slid her hand across his armored thigh, reaching for his hand under the table. Lex's eyes widened slightly as he felt her fingers seeking his but he allowed her to wind them together and squeezed her hand tightly with a soft expression.

"I know I'm a hypocrite for lecturing that thief but I had to try and sway him."

"He's barely a man, you did the right thing. A night spent in the imperial jail will most likely curb his habit."

"I hope so, there are enough thieves in the city," Brie lamented quietly, and she winked at Lex when he gave her a half scowl.

Across the Inn, Ormil was standing by the bar with his eyes glued to the couple. He could barely believe his eyes as he stared at their hands wound together beneath the table. The innkeeper had had his suspicions about their relationship before but seeing them holding hands, and Lex instinctively reached up to brush a strand of Brie's hair back, made Ormil's heart swell with pride.

I knew it, he thought smugly to himself as he strode towards their table with two bottles of ale. Lex couldn't resist her charms forever.

"Here ya go, dinner will be up shortly."

Lex and Brie startled and Brie hastily removed her grasp from his hand and slid back further in her seat. She thanked Ormil as he handed her a bottle of ale and avoided looking at his smiling face this time. Ormil simply chuckled internally and disappeared into the crowd again. He did not resurface until a few minutes later when he came by once again with two platefuls of food. They thanked him once more and when he was gone they tucked into their meals with great enthusiasm.

"Mm, Ormil's salmon is always seasoned so perfectly," Brie praised, and she took another bite.

"It really is good."

"I feel like I should take up a hobby," Brie joked, but she was slightly serious. "I mean… another hobby."

"Like what?" Lex asked, and he looked up at her.

"I don't know. I kind of want to try my hand at cooking, although I'll probably be terrible."

"I can show you some pointers," Lex replied with a warm smile. "I'm sure you'll catch on fast."

Brie shot Lex the prettiest smile, and he was once again struck with the biggest urge to lean across the table and kiss him. She seemed to pick up on his energy this time around and she glanced around the room for a moment before eying him with a mischievous little smirk.

"Now, Captain. It's really cruel when you look at me that way," she whispered just loud enough for him to hear.

Lex's cheeks flushed and he stared down at his plate with a small frown as he jabbed at a roasted carrot.

"It's your fault," he argued quietly. "When you're so damn beautiful I can't help but want to kiss you."

Brie's eyes widened, and she felt a warmth flood the pit of her stomach. She liked this new side of Lex. She knew he was unaccustomed to saying such things but he said them with such an ease that she was always left surprised and flattered all at once.

"You shouldn't say such things when we're in public, you might be able to resist but I don't know if I can."

The tension between was almost unbearable and Brie knew she needed to reel it in. She hastily took a big gulp of ale and then shot Lex a warm smile.

"Eat up, your dinner's getting cold."

"You eat up," Lex shot back, and she could see his neck was bright red beneath his armor and it had crept up to his ear. "Captain's orders."

When dinner was consumed and their drinks were polished off, Lex paid Ormil for the meal and then they exited the Inn into the cool evening air. Brie sucked in a deep breath, glancing around the Waterfront for a moment before they continued their patrol until it was time to go home. They walked in comfortable silence. Brie couldn't help but feel incredibly proud of how far Lex had come in the span of a few short months. She never imagined he'd say such things as he did back in the Inn, let alone that they'd be in an intimate relationship together. It seemed like Lex was feeling the same way as he mulled over their dinner at the Bloated Float. It was so easy being with Brie that way; it took nearly no effort at all and knowing that both sent a shiver of excitement up his spine but also gripped him with terror as old memories threatened to bubble up. But he didn't want to ruin the nice evening and so he forced those thoughts back and focused on walking Brie home.

"You don't have to walk me home, Captain," Brie teased lightly, and she glanced up at him.

Usually, they'd separate at the mid-way point between her place and the watchtower. But tonight Lex had continued walking with her.

"I know I don't. I want to."

"Alright, who can say no to you? I certainly can't."

When Brie's apartment came into view Lex continued walking, and he waited patiently for Brie to unlock her door and open it.

"Captain, I couldn't possibly invite you in looking like that."

Lex glanced down at his armor and then pushed his way inside. He snatched Brie's hand and dragged her into the apartment as well before closing the door behind him. Brie once again wrapped her arms around his neck and could barely contain a grin as Lex hungrily devoured her lips. They kissed without interruption this time, and the heat rose between them as he pinned Brie against the door and roamed his hands down her leathered thighs.

"L-Lex," Brie gasped breathlessly. "You mentioned… mentioned earlier you h-have to meet someone…"

Lex had completely forgotten about his meeting with Captain Montrose. He abruptly pulled back and stared down at Brie, who had a disappointed expression on his face.

"Shit," Lex replied quietly, and Brie laughed as she straightened back up.

"Go on then, you don't want to be late."

"Brie…"

"Go on Captain," Brie insisted firmly, and she pulled on the latch to open her door. "I'll see you bright and early tomorrow morning."

Lex was grateful that he was still wearing his armor as he exited Brie's apartment and swiftly made his way to the Imperial prison. His thoughts lingered on Brie and he wanted to feel her lips against his again. He was almost scared by just how much he desired to be with her, and it was hard to shake his wandering mind as he met up with another Officer to discuss some important matters. He tried to tell himself it was because of how long he had gone without intimacy, but even that explanation felt only half-assed. He went to bed later in the evening with the picture of Brie's soft, round breasts vividly in his mind.