When Brie woke up the next morning she was surprised to find Lex awake. He smiled at her and the warmth of it filled Brie's chest with so much love so almost confessed her lie right then and there. But something stopped her and peered up at Lex for a moment while rubbing the sleep from her eye.

"How long have you been awake?"

"Not long," Lex murmured, and he leaned in to plant a kiss on her lips. "Did you know sometimes you talk in your sleep?"

"Yes," Brie groaned, and she grimaced. "Did I say anything embarrassing?"

"No, nothing embarrassing. Mostly nonsense actually."

Brie laughed, and then she wrapped her arms around Lex's neck and pulled him down so she could kiss him again. Lex was happy to oblige her and within minutes they were eagerly coupling. Brie managed to wrestle Lex onto his back and she roamed her hands across his chest as she grinned down at him. The way he looked at her made Brie's body flush with heat.

"Brie," Lex gasped as Brie lightly raked her nails against his sensitive skin. "Gods you're so… s-so…"

Brie leaned down before Lex could finish his sentence and kissed him deeply. She lightly prodded his mouth open with her tongue and Lex instinctively grabbed Brie by the back of the head as their embrace became even more favored and he moaned as he felt Brie roll her hips ever so slightly. She could feel him throbbing hard inside of her.

"Do you like this position?" Brie teased as she sat back, and she gazed down at Lex with a look on her face that made him ache.

"Of course," Lex growled, and he reached up to cup her small, soft breasts. "I like… everything we do."

Brie grinned as she started to thrust; thoroughly enjoying the sweet little moans that slipped from Lex's lips as he watched her move. A wave of pleasure coursed through his entire body as he reveled in Brie being on top.

Suddenly there was a loud knock at the door. Brie froze in her tracks and they stared at one another with widened eyes.

"Was that-"

"I-I think-"

Brie jumped as the knocking persisted and she hastily threw herself off of Lex with a small noise of frustration. Lex slid to the edge of the bed and reached down for his trousers but he remained seated while Brie angrily tossed her clothes on and stomped downstairs to see who was disturbing them so early in the morning.

"Can I help you?" Brie blurted out as she wrenched the door open, and then she gasped and clamped her hand over her mouth.

"Hello Brie," Servatius Quintilius greeted warmly, and his brows shot up in surprise at the brash greeting.

"C-Captain," Brie replied quietly, feeling her cheeks burning. "What uh… what brings you here?"

"I figured it was a long shot, but I just wanted to ask if you've seen Captain Lex this morning? I know you two work together."

Brie's groaned internally as she realized that Lex had spent the night at her home during the work week. Up until this point he had always made it a habit to return to his sleeping quarters at the watchtower despite the fact Brie had welcomed him into her home with open arms.

"Oh…" Brie said quietly as she nervously played with the hem of her tunic. "No, I'm sorry Captain. I haven't seen him since last night."

"Right," Quintilius replied smartly, and he smiled at her. He saw a glint of silver metal resting on the table behind Brie but his face betrayed nothing.

"Well, if you run into him before work will you pass along the message that I'm looking to speak with him?"

"Yes of course."

"Thank you, dear, sorry to disturb you."

"It's not a problem," Brie stammered, and she let out a huge sigh of relief when Servatius finally took his leave and started making his way back down the street.

Brie quietly shut the door and then raced back upstairs to tell Lex.

"Who was it?" Lex asked, his brows furrowing together as he watched Brie hurry into the room.

He had gotten dressed while she was downstairs and was anxiously standing near the now empty bookshelf. Brie wandered up to him and slipped her arms around his thick waist. He couldn't help but smile as she rested her chin against his chest with a tiny sigh.

"You got dressed," she whined softly.

"I know," Lex replied as he ran his wrapped his arms around her. "I'm sorry but I should get back."

"I know you should. That was Captain Quintilius…"

"What?"

Panic coursed through Lex as he stared down at Brie in alarm.

"Yeah, I guess he needs to speak with you about something important. He found it necessary to come all the way to my apartment and ask if you were here."

Lex swore quietly under his breath. Brie sighed as he extracted himself from her embrace and started making his way to the door. She didn't blame him for being so concerned but Brie didn't feel like it was a big deal. They had been very cautious about keeping their relationship quiet, or so she thought.

"You're leaving now?" Brie asked as she followed Lex down the stairs.

"Yes," Lex replied briskly as he reached the table and picked up a piece of his armor. "I...I shouldn't have spent the night."

"I'm sorry," Brie replied glumly.

Lex paused and turned back towards her. He frowned as looked at Brie, whose shoulders were sagged and she peered up at him with a sad expression.

"Brie, why would you be sorry?"

"I know you're uncomfortable with people finding out about us. I should have made you go home."

"Brie…"

Lex took a step towards Brie; closing the gap between them as he pulled her into a tight hug. He had to admit he was terribly disappointed that their lovemaking had been interrupted, and a part of him wanted to take her right there on the table. But he knew he needed to get back and find out why Quintilius was looking for him. It could be terribly important. The devoted Watch Captain struggled with his two sides as he held Brie in his arms for one long moment.

"Don't feel sorry about this," Lex said quietly as he rubbed her back in small circular motions. "I'm a grown man. It's not your job to make sure I get back home."

"This could be your home too," Brie mumbled against his chest. "You could move in with me."

Brie regretted her words the moment she said it as she felt Lex's body stiffen. She sighed and pulled back to gaze up at him; watching as a flurry of emotions crossed his handsome face.

"Forget I said that," Brie continued hastily, and she lightly patted his chest. "That's a uh, a later topic…"

"Brie-"

"You gotta get going," Brie cut in, her voice a small squeak as she steered Lex back towards the table. "Quintilius is probably still searching for you."

Lex had been utterly taken aback by Brie's comment, although a part of him didn't understand why. It was a natural part of being in a relationship with someone and he knew he spent more time at Brie's apartment than he was willing to admit. He knew it was pointless to try and keep talking to her about it; he really couldn't process anything at that moment as he numbly reached for his armor. Too many emotions stirred inside of him and it was too overwhelming.

"Lex," Brie said softly, and she could feel his confusion radiating off of him in waves. "Let me help you."

Brie gently took the piece of armor from Lex's hand and started strapping it to his body. She worked as quickly as possible as guilt washed over her.

You're such an idiot for saying that , she silently chastised herself as she knelt down. You've hardly been in an official relationship with this man for more than a handful of weeks and you're already asking him to move in with you. Get a grip…

Lex was silent as Brie helped him put his armor back on. He was frightened by just how much a huge part of him wanted to move in with her. It made his heart race just thinking about it and so he tried to focus on his breathing as he felt Brie's slender fingers tugging on the straps of his chest piece.

"There," Brie said, and she took a step back with a tiny smile. "All ready, Captain."

Lex lurched forward and kissed Brie for one long moment.

"I'm sorry for rushing off, I'll see you in a while," Lex replied quickly, and before Brie could say anything else he rushed towards the door and left her apartment in a hurry.

"Fuck," she groaned as she sank down onto the chair. "Way to go, Brie."

When Brie showed up at the South watchtower a while later she still felt guilty about what had happened with Lex. She couldn't look at him for very long as she spotted him sitting at their usual spot, waiting for her. He smiled but she could tell it was a bit strained and it was easy to see something troubled him. Brie knew it was because of what she had said earlier, but perhaps it had also been whatever Quintilius had wanted to speak with him about so urgently and she was dying to know what as she plopped down in the chair across from her superior.

"Good morning," Lex greeted.

"Good morning Captain," Brie replied.

"Are you eating?"

"Why, did you eat already?"

"Yes, I had breakfast with Captain Quintilius," Lex replied, and his expression was apologetic.

"Oh. I'm okay then, let's go."

"Are you sure?" Lex asked as Brie stood up and he rose from his chair as well.

"I'm sure."

Brie was honestly feeling too many things and so she had very little appetite. Besides her slip up earlier in the morning she was still worried about the break-in at her house and the fact she had lied to Lex yet again. She didn't know what to do about any of it and so she tried to focus on their patrol as the couple started making their way to their usual starting point. Today, there were no stolen kisses behind statues or brushing of hands when no one was around. Lex seemed to be too lost in his own thoughts and Brie was silently worrying as well. It was hard not to stew when their day was exceptionally boring. Not a single exciting thing happened all morning and Brie was practically groaning as they made their way back to the watchtower at noon for lunch. She squinted her eyes as Lex's shiny armor almost blinded her when he opened the door and ushered her inside.

It didn't surprise Brie that Lex's name was called almost the moment they stepped inside. She resisted the urge to let out a huge sigh and simply shrugged when Lex shot her a small glance.

"I'll see you later," Brie said quietly.

"Okay, I'm sorry…"

Brie wrinkled her nose and then gave Lex another shrug. She didn't know what more she could say so that he knew it was truly alright they didn't eat lunch together every day. He was a Captain after all and had certain responsibilities. So, she shot Lex a small smile and wandered off to the kitchen to get herself something to eat. She was terribly hungry now and within a few minutes, she walked back out with a tray containing a bowl of stew and two fresh butter rolls.

It was slightly crowded in the Watchtower today and Brie was forced to ask if she could join someone else's table. The young guard startled and peered up at her with an exhausted expression before silently nodding at her.

"Rough day?" Brie asked as she plopped down in the chair across from him.

"I guess you could say that," the man replied glumly.

"Sorry to hear. Maybe your day will pick up."

"I doubt it," he sighed, and Brie could feel his eyes on her as she started tucking into her meal. "What's your name?"

"Brie."

"I've never seen an Elvish guard."

"Yeah well, here I am," Brie replied lightly, and she glanced up for a brief second. "What's your name?"

"Adrian. You're the one who patrols with Lex, right?"

Brie was a tad annoyed that Adrian was asking her so many questions. She finished chewing her mouthful of food and took a big sip of water before answering.

"Yep, that's me."

"He's quite the strange guy," Adrian commented as he rubbed his cheek. "I've heard he's creepily obsessed with the Grey Fox."

"It's not creepy to fight crime," Brie replied in an icy tone of voice as she regarded Adrian with a slight frown. "He's passionate about what he believes in. Shouldn't you be able to say the same?"

"But no one has ever seen the guy, how does he know the Grey Fox even exists?"

"There's plenty of evidence if you know where to look."

"Where? I haven't seen it," Adrian shot back, and he jumped when Brie suddenly slammed her spoon down on the table and stood up.

The sound of her chair abruptly being pushed back attracted some attention as several guards shot her a curious glance. But Brie wasn't paying attention as she stared down at the young Imperial with barely masked contempt.

"Why are you so rude?" She hissed angrily, not caring that people stared. "It doesn't affect you so keep your mouth shut."

"I was just curious," Adrian replied quietly, and he shrugged his shoulders. "No need to get so upset."

Brie ignored the rude recruit and abandoned her lunch. She fled from the watchtower in a hurry and ran all the way down to the Waterfront district. Her hands shook slightly as she raced across the wooden bridge to the Bloated Float and wrenched the door open before stepping inside. It was much quieter than the watchtower and she couldn't help but return Ormil's smile as she strode up to the front counter.

"Well hello Brie, I'm surprised to see you here so soon," Ormil greeted warmly.

"I know," Brie replied as she climbed onto one of the stools and sat down. "I didn't feel like staying in the watchtower for lunch."

"Lex being kept busy these days?"

"Yeah, too busy," Brie replied glumly, and then she blushed as she realized what she had said might be taken the wrong way.

"I see," Ormil replied, and he looked at her with a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Can I get you something to eat?"

"No thanks, but I could really use a drink."

"Tea?"

"Please."

"Coming right up," Ormil sang, and he gave Brie a small wink before disappearing to the back room for a few minutes.

When he returned Ormil placed a pot and two mugs down on the counter before Brie. He poured tea into both cups and pushed one of them towards her with another warm smile. As always his hair was fantastically wild and Brie had grown to enjoy seeing the eccentric Altmer whenever she came by for dinner.

"So, what's been going on with you lately?"

"Oh, not much," Brie lied, and she looked up from her cup with a cheeky grin.

"You're a terrible liar."

"I know I am," Brie sighed, and she nervously chewed on her bottom lip for a moment. "Ormil, I feel like I could… confide in you."

Ormil leaned down, and he rested his elbows on the counter as he smiled softly at her. They were almost completely alone in the Inn besides a couple of Elvish patrons that were seated on the other side of the room well out of earshot.

"I am terribly fond of you, Brie. Something tells me you don't have very many friends…"

"You're right, I've been here for a few months now and I've failed to make very many acquaintances."

"Well I consider us friends," Ormil chuckled. "If something is bothering you I'm always willing to lend an ear."

Brie wanted to tell Ormil everything. But even as the confession burned on the tip of her tongue she couldn't help but hesitate. She had agreed to keep her relationship with Lex private and she'd already betrayed his trust by going behind his back when he had asked her not to keep snooping around. She didn't want to further complicate things by blabbing about their relationship but was also desperate to talk to someone and just vent a little bit.

"Well," Brie finally said, and she idly ran her finger along the side of her cup of tea. "I… I can't really tell you some of the specifics."

"That's alright. Although I will say I think I know more than you realize…"

Brie looked up at Ormil with a mild look of surprise. Ormil stared back with the same warm smile, and it was then that she realized Ormil knew exactly what was going on.

"When did you… how…"

"You two are very good at hiding it," Ormil replied smartly, "but I'm terribly observant."

Brie let out a small groan, but a part of her felt relieved. She hadn't technically told Ormil that she and Lex were involved. The sharp-eyed Altmer had clearly figured it out for himself and she chalked it up to the fact that they weren't that great at being subtle whenever they came to the Bloated Float for dinner. It was usually crowded and they often got closer than they probably should have allowed.

"Ormil, you're a smart man," Brie complimented.

"Why thank you, Brie. So, what is it that has you troubled?"

"I wouldn't say troubled exactly," Brie sighed, and she paused to take a small sip of her drink. "I'm just… I might have said something that spooked him this morning."

"What was it?"

"I um, I said he could move in with me…"

"Oh wow, that serious huh?" Ormil replied, and his brows shot up in surprise. "I'm pleased to hear that. I had been growing increasingly worried over the years."

"Yeah well it's been quite the journey," Brie replied with a small shrug. "It hasn't been easy, not that I'm not complaining in the slightest."

"It's obvious to me that you care for one another… I've sensed it for a long time now."

Brie blushed, and she couldn't help but smile at Ormil's comment. Once again she was gripped with the urge to shout from the mountaintops that she and Lex were together, but she was glad that she could at the very least confide with Ormil. They didn't need to say his name and Brie was grateful for the confidentiality.

"I care about him a great deal, more than he probably even knows."

Ormil smiled fondly, and he let out a dreamy sigh.

"Oh, to be in love… I'm so envious."

Brie's heart lurched at the word love. She blinked, her pulse racing as she looked up at Ormil, but then a sudden calmness washed over her as the realization set in.

"I… I do love that silly man," Brie whispered as she stared down at the counter. "I'm just afraid of moving too fast. I know he's been through something terrible in the past and the last thing I want to do is push his boundaries."

"I think he'll be alright," Ormil replied, his expression thoughtful. "It took an awfully special girl to bring him out of his seclusion. Try to have a little more confidence in yourself Brie, and if you're still really worried I bet he'd appreciate it if you were open with your feelings."

Everything Ormil said made sense. The more Brie thought about it, the more she knew he was right. She was silent for a few minutes as they both sipped on their tea and then Ormil was called away for something. When he returned, Brie had finished her tea and was pulling out her coin purse.

"Hey," Ormil said with a shake of his head. "Don't even think about it."

"Ormil…"

"I'd never charge a friend to have tea with me."

Brie beamed at Ormil and then she stuffed her coin purse back into the small leather satchel strapped around her waist. She slid down from the stool and adjusted one of the straps of her armor before turning back to the innkeeper.

"Thank you Ormil, I really appreciate our friendship."

"Anytime Brie, honest. Come by more often!"

"I will," Brie smiled, and then she took her leave. "See you later!"

"Bye!" Ormil called out, and he watched Brie leave with a small sigh.

Brie resumed her normal route alone, still unsurprised that Lex was nowhere to be found. It didn't bother her one bit and she was actually grateful for a little more time to think over things as she strolled down the city street with her thoughts far away. She looked forward to seeing Lex, whenever that may be, and hoped that they could have a talk.

I just have to have confidence in myself, Brie repeated to herself while she walked. Lex spent over ten years isolated from everyone and now he's my partner… have a little faith…