Disclaimer: Twilight is the property of Stephenie Meyer
I'd like to dedicate this chapter to Noble, Fadewind, Bibika94, Alphabloodwolf, Lsb123, Alexsandra and BellaNessieCullen
"Oh Mal." I sighed as his lips met my throat once more. "That is…"
"You like that." Mal observed, his lips brushing my skin as he spoke. "I want to know everything you like." He added as his thumb skimmed my naval. "When we get our time together I want to rock your world."
I gasped.
"What about this?" He asked, his hand trailing briefly along that sensitive area that was still clothed for the moment, but it did not stop the reaction of my body.
"Oh my." I murmured as Mal continued to caress that area and I could feel my body sing.
I took hold of his t-shirt and pulled him to me. My arm clamped about his shoulders, holding his lips to mine as his hand continued to caress. I pulled his hand up to my face and before he could think this a rejection I moved bringing him atop me fully so that I could wrap my legs about him. We were both awkward as our lips met now, but his pelvis was aligned with mine, and every movement elicited a thrill deep within me. I could not wait until we did this when we were naked.
"Oh god." Mal murmured as he continued to move with me. "Are sure about this?"
I laughed as I put my lips to his to stop him talking, manoeuvring once more to feel the press of him intimately, even if we were fully clothed.
"You know what this is right?" Mal asked in my ear.
"Yes." I replied as I guided him in closer with my hand and sucked at his earlobe.
"Oh Liza." He gasped, and I was glad to be his chosen deity.
"Oh Mal." I sighed again as I found a way beneath his shirt to caress the moving muscles of his back.
"Oh yeah that's the spot." Mal murmured.
"You find that arousing?" I asked, making my own notes.
"It's nice." He said. "I've had a knot there all day. Probably got something to do with sleeping against a tree." He added almost absentmindedly as he kissed at my neck.
"Why didn't you say so?" I asked and I wriggled from beneath him. "I am an expert at massage."
"What?" Mal asked in incomprehension as he turned to look at me.
"Come on. Sit up." I encouraged him.
Mal sat up on the edge of my bed and discreetly pulled a cushion into his lap. I couldn't help my giggle and I kissed his neck from behind.
"I like your technique." He said, moving his shoulders a little as if I had tickled him. "Where did you learn it?"
"Sorry, I couldn't resist." I replied light heartedly as I slid my arms beneath his. "Now let us remove your shirt." I added as I began to unbutton it, although I was unable to see what I was doing.
"Wow." Mal said in an awed voice. "So far this is the best massage that I've ever had."
"I have not yet begun." I stated, my cheek pressed to his back as my hands continued to work blindly. "When I do I will send you to heaven." I added as I reached the last button and the shirt was undone.
I backed up slightly and moved my hands up to his shoulders, my fingertips brushing against his back. I slid them beneath the collar and pushed it off his shoulders. I enjoyed the feel of the shape of his muscles beneath his warm smooth skin. I pulled the shirt out of the way and looked at the expanse of his back and felt almost hypnotised as I reached out and ran my hand down it and Mal hummed.
"Are you ready my love?" I whispered in his ear as I centred my thumbs at the bottom of his spine. Or at least the bottom of his spine that was above his jeans.
Mal nodded and I kissed his shoulder, unable to resist doing so before I began the massage, following the technique I had learnt as a child.
"Forget enhancing powers, this is your secret talent." Mal murmured relaxing as I continued my massage.
I laughed.
"Where did you learn this?" He asked, his voice sounding a little distant.
"On a team building weekend when I was in work." I stated.
"Work?" He asked, the surprise breaking through his reverie for a moment.
"Yes. I used to work in an office." I stated.
"When?"
"Between when I was eight and nine." I stated.
"You worked then?"
"Why not?" I replied with a shrug as I was working on the top of his shoulders. "I looked like an adult and I had my high school diploma. Mother and I were both employed there, although they thought us friends and knew not that we were related."
"So you went to school, got a job, then went back to school and now you're doing university?" Mal asked.
"Yes." I stated.
"And this job required you to learn massage?" He asked.
"Well it was an exercise in trust and also helping your colleagues to unburden their woes. You have a lot of tension you know." I stated. "I will help you relieve it in all the ways that are possible."
"Yeah bach, it's working. I haven't felt this relaxed since… Well I can't remember the last time I was this relaxed." He said with a laugh.
"I'm glad." I replied. "I want you to forever be relaxed."
"As long as you are." He stated.
"I'm not sure I can ever reach a state of complete relaxation. I am much too highly strung for that." I joked.
"Oh, I think I could make you feel total relaxation." He said.
"Then do it." I said, kissing his shoulder before I pulled away.
He turned to me and I kissed his nose before I turned my back to him. I pulled my hair over one shoulder so that it was out of his way.
"Massage away my magnificent Malachite." I declared, putting my legs out in front of me and waiting for him to begin.
"I've never actually attempted this." He said as he moved to sit behind me, his long legs either side of me. "I'll just…"
He placed his hands to my back and began moving them. He was not very good and I bit my lip, trying not to laugh.
"Have I got it right?" He asked.
"Yes." I replied, but my humour escaped in my voice.
"Well maybe I'm not so good at the massaging, but there's other ways I can make you feel relaxed." He said, pulling me back to him and wrapped his arms around my waist before kissing just below my ear.
"That is very relaxing." I sighed as I melted back against him.
"So I'm not so useless then." He asked in a joking manner, still kissing me as his hands caressed over my stomach and I wished for a moment I were not wearing a top.
"Not at all." I replied as I reached my hand up to curl my fingers in his hair.
"Are you feeling relaxed yet?" He asked sensually as he worked his hand beneath my top and I felt the pull at that bare skin contact.
"I am feeling something, but not relaxation." I murmured before I turned my head to meet his lips.
The kiss was intense and I turned to Mal fully, his hands moving to my waist now, and I could feel the patter of his fingers on my back. We kissed for a very long time, Mal's hands on my waist, my arms wrapped about his neck. I was enjoying it very much and I would have carried on had I suddenly not recognised the sound of the footsteps in the hall.
"Quick put your shirt on." I said, jumping away from Mal and thrusting his shirt to him.
"What?" He asked, disorientated.
"Do it. Vampire quick." I said as the footsteps moved closer and I went to the closet.
I pulled out two books while Mal complied and I gave him the books to hold while I pulled the covers of the bed straight. The handle was rattled, but I had locked the door, but that wouldn't hold her for long. There was muttering and the sound of rummaging in a bag as I made certain Mal's clothing looked straight. I nodded my head and got onto my bed carefully, and motioned for Mal to do this too. He knew as well as I who was entering, and he settled beside me at a safe distance. A friend's distance.
The door unlocked and Mal gasped, suddenly his little suitcase and backpack whisked from under Dove's bed to rest against the telephone table. They settled just as Dove opened the door and Mal and I both looked up from the books we were 'reading'.
"Oh Liza you're here." She said. "When the door was looked I thought maybe you weren't."
"I arrived back this morning." I stated.
"I meant to but I got caught up." She stated as she placed her bags upon her bed. "And hi Mal, what are you two doing in here with the door all locked?"
"Reading." I said, holding up my book. "Mal cannot enter his room until the morning and because you had yet to put in an appearance I assumed you would not be here until tomorrow. Since your bed was empty I offered him use of it with the intention of washing all your bedding tomorrow before you returned."
"Oh. Well I don't mind you loaning out my bed." She said, sitting down and pulling off the beret she was wearing. "Although I don't know why you didn't just have him in your bed."
"Your hair is purple." I said, trying to decide whether I liked it or not, and settling on the thought that I did indeed like it. "It is quite becoming. You have the bone structure and the nerve to pull something so daring off."
"Yeah. I fancied a change." She replied as she tugged it back into shape. "Now stop changing the subject. Why didn't you just share a bed?"
"Because we're only friends." Mal answered when it was clear I was having problems. "It would be wrong to sleep in the same bed."
"Is it a religious thing?" She asked, looking between us.
"It's a 'we're only friends' thing." Mal said firmly. "And since you're back I guess I'll have to stay with Alec now."
"Alec?" Dove asked, her eyebrow raised.
"My cousin. He is transferring to Riverside." I stated.
"So if he got a spare bed why didn't you stay in with him?" Detective Dove asked thoughtfully.
"Because I don't particularly like him." Mal said in a low voice. "But I guess I'll have to now."
"I could always stay with him." Dove said with a grin.
"No!" Mal and I exclaimed as one.
"But then you two could share this room and I'll get to know your cousin." She said with a grin.
"Cousin Alec is rather difficult and is wary of strangers." I stated. "Besides, what of Dermot?"
"Screw him. I haven't heard a thing from him all Christmas. Even you managed to drop me a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, and that was after your ordeal last term." Dove stated. "So as far as I'm concerned, I'm over Dermot, no guy messes me around."
"Perhaps he was away from means to communicate." I suggested. "And some families can be strict about communication during family time."
"Yeah. Well there's always a way to communicate, even if you have to resort to the postal system, and if his family are that strict, and I don't think they are, he should have told me before we headed home and not promised to phone me every day." Dove said angrily, but it was a valid point.
"Did you contact him every day?" I asked, ensuring I had all the facts before I started bad mouthing him.
"Yes. Although I'm embarrassed to admit that now." Dove growled dropping her head and balling her fists. "I wish I could send out something that would erase them all, but then I guess it's evidence that I made the effort." She said, holding out her hands as if she were weighing up her options before she dropped them with a sigh. "Anyway, he's gone and I'm going on the pull. Fancy a night out on Friday? Go see who's available?"
"I will have to decline." I said.
"Why? You're single." She countered.
"I do not wish to go out and hunt boys." I stated.
"It's not gonna be like it was with Malcolm. I'll look after you." Dove said, coming over to me and hugging me.
"I already have plans for Friday." I stated. "It is time for my monthly hike and I could do with the fresh air."
"And the opportunity to be alone with Mal." She whispered as if Mal wasn't sitting right next to me. "Just admit it."
"Would you like to meet Cousin Alec?" I asked getting up off the bed.
"Why not?" Dove said with a shrug.
"We will accompany you Mal." I said.
"Ok." He said, standing up too and I was unsure of what to read in his expression now.
I needed to speak with him urgently, but we would be unable to do that now. I had no idea when we could be alone until his room was available.
"Actually I'll go on my own." Mal said. "You know what Alec is like. He'll be all put out that we're introducing him to someone new this time of the night."
"Yes." I replied and watched as he picked up his bags while I tried not to leave the dismay show on my face.
"I'll see you girls tomorrow." He said with a nod. "Night night."
"Goodnight." I replied and watched him leave.
"Oh girl, you're kidding no one." Dove said once the door had closed.
"Excuse me?" I asked.
"You want him and he wants you. Just admit it." Dove said.
"Does my love life matter that much to you?" I asked.
"Well if I got no guaranteed action for a while I'm gonna have to get my kicks vicariously. It might as well be through my roomy." She said with a smile.
"I am tired and wish to sleep." I stated, picking up my pyjamas and toiletry bag.
I went to the girls' bathroom in order to clean my teeth and wash up for bed. I changed in a shower cubicle for it gave me more opportunity to get straight into bed and ignore Dove. This I successfully managed because I was at a loss of what to say until I spoke to Mal. Why did he say we were just friends? Did he not want people to know we were together?
My mind was too unsettled to sleep, although I turned from Dove and pretended for such a very long time. Finally she got into bed herself. I waited, listening to her breathing until I was sure she was asleep. I then got from the bed and left the room, ensuring I locked it behind me. I made my way to Alec's room, determined to speak to Mal one way or another. I would take him into the boys' bathroom if I had to. He could walk us through the chipboard into his room. It mattered not, we had to talk.
I reached the room and knocked on the door. There was no answer at first so I knocked again, angry now that Alec was not prompt for he would know it was I and he didn't sleep. I knocked again and this time the door was opened. It was Mal, who rubbed his eyes before he focused on me.
"Alec out?" I asked.
"Yeah." Mal replied.
I nodded my head, then pushed my way into the room.
"Well I am glad you can sleep because I can not." I said angrily.
"What?" He said, shutting the door and putting his hand to his head.
"My mind is all a whirl. I cannot quiet it." I raged.
"Why?" He asked, putting a concerned hand to my cheek.
"Why did you tell Dove we are merely friends? Are you ashamed to state that we are a couple?" I demanded.
"What? No! I thought that's what you wanted me to say." Mal said with a frown. "You weren't exactly answering her. I thought it was cause you didn't want to tell her just yet but didn't want to hurt my feelings." Mal sighed and sank down onto a desk chair. "I guess I called that one wrong."
"Why would I not wish to declare us a couple?" I asked.
"I don't know, it's just the way you think sometimes." He said, rubbing at his sinuses as he spoke. "Like you wouldn't want to say it yet because it would seem weird to the people here that we got together so quickly. Which is a load of bull cause they all thought we were together anyway, and our ordeal is the sort of thing that can bring people closer together. But you was so hesitant when Dove was questioning you that I thought I'd take the pressure off."
"Oh." I said, stepping up to him. "I see. I am sorry."
"It would have helped if we'd talked about it before we got here." He said, reaching out for me and stroking my arms up and down gently with the tips of his fingers.
"We should have prepared." I agreed, looking into his eyes that were now level with my own.
"So what do you want to tell people?" He asked. "I'll agree to do whatever you decide."
"I…" I began. "I am confused now. To state to Dove now that we are a couple we would have to find reason as to why we lied to her."
"So to the humans we're just friends?" He asked, his hands pausing for a moment.
"For a week or two perhaps." I considered. "We can 'grow closer' over the next few weeks and finally admit what we have been denying to ourselves."
"I can go with that, but it depends on one thing." He said as his hands continued their caress of my arms.
"What?" I asked in a breath.
"Where do we stand in private?"
"I want no one but you my Malachite and wish to know you as soon as privacy permits us." I said as I sat across his lap and kissed his lips.
"Well, as long as we can be intimate." He said, placing his hand to my cheek and brushed my nose with his. "And sneaking around could be kind of hot."
"Oh yes." I replied, moving my lips to his earlobe. "So very hot indeed."
Mal placed his hand to my waist and caressed there before he pulled back slightly.
"How long do you think it will take Dove to realise you're missing?" He asked.
"We have at least an hour." I decided.
"Good." Mal replied, and he put his one arm beneath my knees and the other around my back before he stood up and transported me to the bed.
I was carried in the rush of lust, but it soon drained away when I realised the bed he placed me on.
"No!" I cried, moving swiftly from beneath him and seeking the safety of the door.
I stood with my back to it, my breathing coming quickly.
"What's wrong?" He asked.
"Not that bed. Not in this room." I said as I watched that video play in my mind once more.
"It was this bed." He said in realisation.
"I'm sorry." I sobbed, and left the room, running back to my own.
"Liza." Mal said, taking my hand and turning me back to him.
"I'm sorry." I repeated.
"I should have thought." He said, placing his hand to my cheek.
"It is probably for the best. I should find my sleep now. We will have time alone tomorrow when your room is returned." I whispered. "I will say goodnight to you my Malachite and will call on you in the morning."
Mal nodded, smiled as he brushed my cheek, then stood away from me. I brushed his fingers with mine, smiled sadly, and then turned and went back to my room. I still could not sleep that night, but I was certain I could endure it. A restive sleep would surely befall me the next night.
I got up early the next day for I was already awake. I went to shower and dress for the day as I realised I had a lot to organise. As I showered I planned my day. First I would go to the mini-mart and buy ingredients for breakfast that I would cook for Mal, Dove and myself. I had to remember to put a plate up for Alec too, although I was uncertain of what he would do with it. It mattered not, we had to keep up appearances.
I took time to blow-dry my hair; I hardly disturbed Dove from her sleep. As I watched my curls develop in the mirror I realised I was trying to gain control over my appearance, to tame my hair once more and present a neat façade to the world. I had to force myself to stop in what I was doing so that I didn't fall back in to my old patterns of insecurity.
When my hair was finished I picked up my purse and ensured all I needed was within.
"Where are you going?" Dove asked as I was reaching for the door handle.
"To buy things for breakfast. I have a lot of organising to do this day and I wish to start early." I explained.
"Right." Dove said with a nod.
"I will make some breakfast for you too. It will be ready in half an hour."
"I'll get dressed then." Dove observed.
"And I will see you upon my return." I said before leaving the room.
As I was passing through the common room Mal met me. I looked up to him with a questioning look.
"I couldn't sleep after our talk last night and I knew you were heading out now. I don't know how, I just did." He stated.
"I see." I replied.
"Yeah. So where are we going?" He asked as we began to descend the stairs.
"To the mini mart to buy things for breakfast. I decided that since it appears to be only the four of us here I would make breakfast for everyone."
"Sounds like a good plan." Mal said.
"Where is Alec?" I asked.
"He's rearranging his room." Mal stated warily, and I wondered what time Alec had started on this task.
"How did you escape him?"
"I said I was going to the toilet. He'll probably realise I haven't gone there in about ten minuets or so, but I'll just say I wanted some fresh air and didn't want him to feel obligated to join me as if he owed me something."
"That is a very good reason." I conceded.
We stopped by the door and I swiped the key card in the reader. My student number flashed up on the screen for a moment and there was the sound of the door unlocking. I pulled the door open and stepped out, there was a bleep that sounded and was repeated when Mal stepped through. I realised that they were counting the number of people going in and out. One of the double doors was locked in place to ensure only one person stepped through at a time.
"This is going to be a nightmare to get past." Mal said as we walked away from the building.
"Says the man who can walk through walls." I teased.
"But it'll count us out when we go hunting and then when we come back." He observed.
"There's no rule that says we are not allowed off campus." I stated. "As long as we turn up for lectures there is nothing the university can insist upon regarding our presence."
"But they'll know that we're going out at four in the morning." He protested.
"Then we will have to drive up straight after your last lecture of a Thursday." I countered.
"Won't that be pretty late?" He asked.
"I'll drive if you feel tired." I stated. "Besides, it may work for the better. We will arrive at the cabin around one in the morning and then we can have a full night's sleep before hiking, as opposed to broken sleep before travelling there."
"Still going with pretending you're not a dhampir?" He asked.
"No. It was force of habit." I replied. "Besides, I was speaking in code." I said happily as I took his hand.
"It's probably a good idea to stick to code." He observed.
"Yes." I agreed.
We were silent for a moment, and then Mal laughed.
"Has something tickled you?" I asked.
"Nah. It's just that we're back to how we were before. All just holding hands platonically, talking about mundane things to avoid revealing our feelings." He mused.
"What would you talk of instead?" I asked.
"If I had my way we wouldn't be talking right now." He growled playfully.
"We would be away to your cabin, locked away from the world while we revelled in the company of each other." I replied wistfully.
"Yeah." He agreed.
"That's what we would do now if I had my way too. However we are tied to the college for the foreseeable future with only the weekends to look forward to." I said sadly.
"Saturday can't come quick enough." Mal observed.
"Saturday? Why wait until Saturday? We will be at your cabin on Friday." I stated.
"Yeah, You're right." He said with laugh. "We will. So it's a day less to wait, but it still seems so far away. Also, I can't wait until we can actually tell everyone we're a couple."
"Yes. On Monday perhaps." I offered.
"Why Monday?" H asked.
"Because I will tell Dove that we found ourselves in a compromising position that led to a great sexual awakening and I cannot believe how blind I have been to my own feelings for you." I stated.
"Oh. Yeah that would work." Mal mused. "And even though it'll take that naughty thrill off sneaking around, it'll be so much better when I can tell everyone how I feel about you."
"And not having to dodge Dove's questions. I had no idea what to say last night that I rudely went to bed and ignored her." I said with dread.
"Oh. Will she be mad this morning?" Mal asked in concern.
"No. Dove understands the need for space. She will wait until I want to talk to her." I stated as we entered the mini mart. "I will merely explain that I was feeling frustrated that you did not appear to like me as anything more than a friend. I was misreading the signals because you thought I wouldn't be interested in you and was keeping a safe distance. Perhaps we were messing about and we fell together and looking into each others eyes in that moment neither of us could hold back and we kissed, and kissed and hesitated to see the reaction of the other, then realising that we both wanted to go further, we did."
"That sounds good, although we'll have to agree on the minor details because I'm sure Dove will question me too." Mal stated as we stopped by the raw meat products.
"Has she asked you much about me?" I asked curiously.
"Yeah." Mal replied. "She tried to get me to reveal our great secret love affair. She even said that she knew we were 'doing it' whenever we went hiking. She knew the hiking was a cover for something because of the way you said it."
"Really?" I asked. "The premium sausages, never the value." I added, as he went to pick up the dollar pack, which were nothing but innards and water.
"Yes. She wanted to warn me not to hurt you or she'd make my life unbearable because you were a lot more innocent than you seemed." Mal explained as he picked up the premium pack.
"I had no idea." I said, feeling somewhat perturbed. "Although now I'm somewhat angry that she decided to stick her nose in my business. How would she feel if I were to go up to Dermot and tear him a new one for neglecting her over the holidays?"
"She was just looking out for you." Mal said with a shrug. "And at the time I didn't think too much about it because I was still under the impression that you didn't like me in that way."
"I see. But I still feel averse to her going behind my back." I said uneasily.
"If she does it again I'll tell you." Mal said, crossing his heart.
"Thank you my love." I replied, leaning my head closer to him for a moment.
"What about if she says anything about me to you?" He asked leaning down so he could whisper in my ear.
"I will let you know." I assured him and kissed his cheek.
"You're risking it ain't you?" He teased.
"Oh let them see!" I declared and kissed his cheek again.
"Well I'm sure we'll weather whatever storm it will bring." He said and kissed my lips.
"I thought you were both resolute in carrying on the charade that you are not a couple." Alec said from behind us.
I turned to him, irritated by his interruption, and then I felt angered as something occurred to me. I thought I should check my facts first before I became truly angry.
"Mal, what did you discuss with Alec since last we met?" I asked carefully as I held Alec in my sights.
"Nothing. I just told him I was going to the toilet." Mal stated.
"Right." I said, and now I was angry. "You were listening in to us last night." I stated.
"I was returning to the room and I heard you talking. It was clear you did not wish to be disturbed so I went to the bathroom to spend some time because I wouldn't be able to sign out again without the college knowing." He replied calmly.
"Why not go to the common room? There is hardly anyone back, and no one would have thought it odd had you watched television." I said, narrowing my eyes at him. "You chose to go to the bathroom knowing that you would still hear us but we were unlikely to detect you."
Alec gave me a defiant look.
I shook my head and let the anger go. It seemed as if Alec wanted me to be angry with him. It was almost as if my anger was some indication that I still cared about him. I could not be angry with him, I would ignore him instead. Or would it be better to act as if he had done nothing wrong last night?
"Alec will you please fetch half a dozen medium free range brown eggs please." I said, pointing to the egg display.
Alec gave me a confused look.
"The eggs. I require six of them. Half a dozen. Six. This many." I said, holding up six fingers. "The eggs are those oval things in the cardboard boxes. They come from chickens."
"I know what eggs are." Alec said in annoyance.
"Then where is there confusion?" I asked. "I wish for a box of six. Mal would you be so kind as to reach a pint of milk? I shall make us some pancakes."
Mal nodded and got a pint of milk from the chiller and placed it in the cart while Alec was still looking on in confusion.
"Alec. Eggs. Please." I said. "We will go for the flour. Feel free to join us once you have collected the eggs."
With that I walked with Mal to where the flour was kept. Alec soon took up a pack of eggs and brought them to me.
"Are they whole?" I asked.
"Excuse me?" Alec asked with a frown.
"Did you check them to see if any are cracked?" I asked.
Alec looked confused.
I sighed, took the pack from him and opened it.
"They are all whole." I stated. "Very good." I added as I placed it into the cart.
"I am going back to my room." Alec said coldly.
"Before you go cousin I have something to ask." I stated.
"What?" Alec snapped irritably.
"I will make up a breakfast for you. Would you like me to bring it to you for I know how much you hate to dine in front of people."
"I would appreciate that." Alec said, with a nod of his head.
"Then that is what I'll do." I replied. "See later cousin."
"Yes cousin." Alec replied, and then walked off.
Mal and I continued shopping. After a minuet or two Mal said, "You were really laying the cousin thing on thick."
"Yes. He'll have to behave himself when we are around other people. Although it is not unheard of, most people have an aversion to cousins being romantically involved. He would not deliberately seek to be so unpopular."
"I hope you're right about that one." Mal observed. "And what was the egg thing all about?"
"Alec was goading me into being angry with him. I believe he thinks that if I am angry then I must harbour feelings for him, as opposed to the fact that he is getting on my nerves. Therefore I have decided that rather than become angry I will act as if he is not bothering me." I explained.
"You were treating him like a kid." Mal stated.
"He was the one acting like a simpleton." I argued.
"Yeah. But it was pretty obvious you were et up about him." Mal stated.
"Then do you have any suggestions how I could have handled it better?" I demanded.
"Well you started off ok, but when he acted all indignant I would have got the eggs myself and said something like 'then I guess you won't be joining us for breakfast' rather than to start belittling him."
"Perhaps, but it is not particularly a hard task to fetch a box of eggs." I remarked.
"Exactly. So you would have been making him out to be lazy rather than stupid. Lazy is easier to brush aside than stupid. Especially when you consider how old he is. Treating him like a child is just gonna annoy him and he'll play up more." Mal stated.
"So in other words, he will behave like a child." I said flatly.
"Yes. Which is why you mustn't treat him like one." Mal replied. "You know how funny the older vamps can be, especially when they look like kids."
I glared at Mal, wondering why he was attacking me so.
"And now I'm doing your head in and I'm sorry." He said solemnly as he placed a pack of tea bags in the cart.
"I am the one who should apologise. You were merely giving me advice. Advice I would be wise to follow." I stated as I realised this to be true.
"I just don't want Alec to have any reason to act out." Mal said softly. "Because any punishment he earns, you earn. I don't want to see you punished because of him. Especially…"
"Yes." I replied, feeling dread roll in my stomach. "I'll have to ensure I treat him in the right way. What a dread tightrope to walk."
"Don't worry, I'll be your safety line." Mal said firmly, placing a comforting hand over mine.
"You will warn me when you think I am in danger of pushing Alec too far?" I asked.
"Yeah." Mal agreed. "But without him noticing. I'll nudge you." He added as he removed his hand from mine and hooked it into the belt loop on his jeans.
"He will notice that." I stated.
"Not if I do it like this." Mal said and I felt a pressure on my left arm.
"Your eyes didn't even flicker." I observed. "How could you do it so readily? Usually there is some indication when you use your power."
"Usually it's because I have to get a feeling for what's around me, but I can sense your every dimension when we're in the same area and it's so simple to just change the air a little near you arm so you can feel it." He said and I felt a brush up my arm. "And even…"
I let out a shocked sound as I felt a flutter.
"Mal!" I chastised, nudging him playfully. "We are in public."
"I'll behave." Mal said with a grin.
"I am sure you will." I said dryly.
"That almost sounds like you want me to misbehave." Mal said with a grin.
"Stop it." I said, unable to hide my smile. "We must be serious now."
"Well I can't wait until we can misbehave." He stated.
"Me either." I said with a smile, I cleared my throat and my face became serious again. "We should go pay now."
"Yeah." Mal agreed.
We went and paid for our groceries and returned to our building, joking all the way. Mal teased me with caressing me here and there with his power as we walked. I was in a good humour and when I felt confident enough I pinched his bottom and he gave me a disapproving look.
"Now Elizabeth you must behave." He said reproachfully, before his face split into a grin and he laughed.
"Words you should heed yourself Malachite." I replied in equally serious tones before I too laughed. I tried to gain some semblance of control before I said, "And now we should sober before we enter the building."
"Yes. Otherwise Dove will know our secret. How shameful." Mal said, and the sarcasm was more than evident.
"Don't Mal. You were the one who told her we were merely friends." I said softly.
"Only because you weren't saying anything." Mal repeated his argument of earlier. "I'd be more than happy to go tell her now. We'll just say that we've been hiding it from your parents and we're not so good at the admitting part yet. It would mean that I could walk in there today holding your hand and we can tell all to Dove."
"I don't want Dove to think that my parents see you as unworthy of me." I stated.
"Yeah, but after what happened last term wouldn't it be believable that your parents are wary of you dating so soon? It's not so much me they disapprove of, but the timing." He suggested.
"It makes our lie needlessly complicated." I stated. "I'm sure we can wait until Friday. It is but four days away."
"Yeah, but think how much more fun it would be right now if we could just carry on with teasing each other as we enter the building. Dove wouldn't mind, she'd think it was cute, but it would be nice to be ourselves in front of her." Mal said sadly.
"And we will be." I stated.
"From Monday right?" He asked.
"From Monday."
Mal sighed, and then tried to brighten up, but it was clear he was still in disagreement with me. However, despite his view he wouldn't say anything in front of Dove. It was my decision, as he had said, and he would follow it, no matter how much he disagreed.
When we reached the common room Dove was sat on the chair nearest the kitchen area. She was sat with her legs up on the chair, her body turned to Alec as she chatted to him. He was nodding, but not particularly participating in the conversation. He was merely listening as Dove chatted.
"So you like the movies?" She asked. "I did a little extra work over the holidays. It wasn't much; they just needed me to act as a barmaid. I didn't get any lines, but I'm not interested in front of camera work anyway. I was just doing a favour cause the girl they had puked her guts up after eating the shrimp at the buffet. But come on, who eats shrimp at a buffet? Everyone knows you don't do that."
"Shrimp. That is shellfish?" Alec asked, suddenly turning to Dove as if this had caught his interest in the conversation.
"Yeah." She replied, clearly surprised that he'd spoken, but glad he was finally responding.
"It makes you ill?" Alec asked doubtfully.
"It does when it's been out at room temperature for eight hours straight." Dove observed with a roll of her eyes, waving briefly to Mal and me as we entered the kitchen.
"So I must never eat the shrimp because it will harm my chances of retaining my role of a non-speaking barmaid, in a film." Alec said in his sarcastic tones.
"You're so funny." Dove said. "So, you dating anyone right now?"
"No. However I recently had a bad break up and am still somewhat in love with my former girl." Alec said solemnly.
"That's sad." Dove said, reaching her hand out to him, and then changing her mind. "Well if you ever need cheering up come find me."
"Do you have a boyfriend?" Alec asked, inspecting her looks a little more carefully now.
"I did. But he didn't contact me over the holidays so I'm gonna dump his ass as soon as I see him." Dove grouched.
"He is a fool to have neglected you, even if you do have purple hair." Alec said in kind tones.
"You don't like purple?" Dove asked with interest.
"It is a colour of oppression to me. Besides, you are naturally a red head. A beautifully strawberry-blonde. Why would you wish to hide that? Do you fear those who would make fun of this? Although I find it hard to believe with the confidence you have displayed this morning." Alec stated.
"No. It's an incognito thing." Dove said with a shrug.
"You are a fugitive?" Alec asked in awe.
Dove laughed and actually slapped his shoulder.
"No." She said. "My mother is well known and I look a lot like her with my natural colourings."
"I see." Alec said thoughtfully.
"Wow. Your muscles are so firm. Do you work out?" She asked, feeling down his bicep.
"It is good for the mind to keep the body fit." Alec observed.
"I bet it is." Dove said, leaning closer to him and looking into his eyes. "Wow, you got hazel eyes like Liza? Right now they look gold. They're beautiful."
"I like your eyes." Alec replied. "They're blue, like the deep sky of summer. They are so much like… You are a very beautiful woman, even with purple hair. That is not a compliment I give lightly."
Dove regarded Alec for a long moment and Alec looked back. I paused in preparing breakfast to watch them with my mouth agape. Was it possible that Alec could be a friend to Dove, or would he want more from her? It would be wrong to throw Dove to the wolf. To the bat, I corrected.
I shared a look with Mal, trying to communicate that he was to jump in if it looked like Alec was contemplating going a step too far with Dove.
"Are you sure you're hung up on your old girlfriend?" Dove asked in a sultry voice, and I could see why many a man would fall for her.
"I am." Alec replied. "But it does not mean I can not appreciate beauty, although I can not act upon it at present."
"I understand." Dove said sitting away from him now there was no hope of anything physical. "It's hard to get over someone, especially if you love them and they don't love you, or are no good for you."
Alec nodded.
"Was she your first girlfriend?"
"Not by a long shot." Alec said with a snort, not realising how close to the edge of truth that he was. "But she was the first one I truly loved. But I drove her away and into the arms of another."
"Did she cheat on you?" Dove asked in sympathy
"No. But it hurt because I still love her." Alec said sadly and I tried not to throw my knife at him for I knew he was referring to me.
"You need to let go hon." Dove advised in a gentle voice. "It's not healthy to keep hold of those emotions. It'll drive you crazy."
"Do you have any tips?"
"Yes. You have to mourn the relationship like you would for a person." Dove replied. "Then you can let it go."
"I will have to think on this." Alec stated.
"Breakfast is ready." I sang as I dished up the four plates.
"Excuse me Miss Dove, but I do not eat in company." Alec said quickly, before he got to his feet, took a plate of breakfast and disappeared in the direction of his room.
"He moves pretty fast for a little guy." Dove observed.
"When he is feeling shy." I replied as I handed her a plate and sat beside her.
"Is that why he split?"
"Yes." I replied. "Although he is adverse to eating in front of anyone including family."
"Wow. How did he get like that?" Dove wondered aloud.
"An overbearing mother who puts great emphasis on appearance and made him paranoid of people seeing him with food about his mouth." I replied.
"Or on his clothes." Mal added.
"Or in his hair." I added further.
"Poor guy." Dove observed.
"Yes." I agreed.
"Is he really your cousin?" Dove asked.
"Yes." I replied.
"I was just wondering cause I can't remember seeing him in any of your family photos." She said with a frown as she ate her breakfast.
"Not all my family are in that album. If they were I would need a much bigger book. Besides, Alec's mother is averse to cameras. She believes in that old superstition that they steal your soul and would not have her son photographed." I stated, making a note to inform Alec of this later.
"She sounds like a right old witch." Dove observed.
"Just hope you never meet her." Mal stated. "It's surprising that Alec turned out so well considering how intense she is."
"Maybe it's better if I don't date him then. Guys with mommy issues are usually too clingy. I just want a little fun now. At least that way I won't have any expectations of a guy to have them crushed." She said, her voice rising in rage toward the end.
"Has Dermot any idea that you plan to finish with him?" I asked.
"My last email weren't so friendly. It was a warning that if he didn't contact me then it was over. He hasn't contacted me so it's over." Dove said with a nod of her head.
"But what if he really couldn't communicate?" Mal asked.
"He'd better have proof." Dove said darkly. "Anyway, I don't owe him anything, it's not like we were together that long. Besides, who wants to be tied down in college? Isn't this the time you're supposed to be young, free and single?"
"Provided you are careful." I stated. "Gobbo was an extreme example, but there are others out there who may not have quite his rap sheet, but they are still a danger."
"I'm not gonna go off the rails." Dove scoffed. "Just, you know, have a little frivolous fun while I can."
"Of course."
"You two could join me means your both single." She prompted. "Mal can look out for us and we'll be his cheerleaders."
"In what way?" I asked as a disturbing image went through my mind.
"We talk him up to girls he likes. Point out all his good characteristics, paper over the bad, although I'd be greatly surprised if there was any bad." She said generously.
"Oh. Yes, that doesn't sound so bad." I conceded.
"What did you have in mind?" Dove asked. "That we stand on the sidelines as he's getting it on and cheer?"
"No." I said firmly.
"Oh my god! You did!" Dove squealed, and Mal laughed too, for which I gave him a disgruntled look. "Now that would be something I'd draw the line at."
"Yes." I said quietly, feeling embarrassed.
"Not that I wouldn't like to see you naked Mal, I'm sure you got a nice body on you, but I've never been much of a voyeur, I like taking part too much." She observed with a grin.
"Ok." Mal said.
"So how ripped are you?" Dove asked, pulling at the front of Mal's t-shirt.
"Yeah. That's kind of uncomfortable and makes me feel objectified." Mal said pushing her hand away.
"Fair enough." Dove said, inspecting him thoughtfully. "But if you ever want to be objectified come give me a call."
I suppose I should have felt jealous, but I didn't. I felt none of the fiery anger I had when Prue had merely smiled at Mal. On reviewing my feelings I realised that it was because Prue had clear designs on Mal for the simple fact that he is a good-looking Man, Dove was not really making a play for him, she was trying to smoke me out. To provoke me into a display of anger and thus revealing my feelings for him. I was becoming proud of my pause for judgement of late. No more would I jump to the wrong conclusion and alienate myself from my loved ones.
"Now to clear up and then I have a day of cleaning ahead of me." I said, getting to my feet.
"I'll wipe." Dove said.
"I'm gonna see if Alec has finished." Mal said, getting up also.
"Tell him to bring his plate out if he has." I said, taking Mal's plate from him.
"Ok." Mal said.
I nodded and carried both plates to the sink where I began to fill it with hot soapy water. Dove brought her plate to me as Mal went into his corridor. I began to wash the plates as Dove wiped them. She said nothing, which worried me somewhat. Dove normally filled the air with chatter, whether it was important or not she was a talkative person. Her silence was evidence that she was thinking of something, and I had a feeling I knew what.
"Did you spend Christmas with your mother?" I asked to derail her train of thought, thinking it a believable subject of conversation that I might choose.
"Well Christmas Day. Then she had to ship out again. I spent most of the holidays dodging Salina the housekeeper while spending as much time as I could down on the lots." She replied.
"That sounds like a terrible Christmas." I observed.
"We've never been big on family." Dove said with a shrug.
"That is such great sadness." I sighed.
"Excuse me!" Dove exclaimed indignantly. "But who was the one who wasn't ever speaking to her family again for some non-specified disagreement?"
"Valid point." I replied grudgingly. "But do you not yearn for family?"
"What, that old hazy Waltons type of thing? Nah. I like the arrangement I have with Mom. We might not get to see each other often, but we talk every day. And I know she'd be here in a snatch if I was ever in serious trouble."
"It sounds wonderful." I observed.
"Yeah." Dove agreed. "Although it's kinda what you have with your family."
"How do you mean?" I asked out of true curiosity.
"You didn't talk to them for months but as soon as they knew you were in trouble they were here launching operation rescue Liza." She replied. "I mean Mal's parents didn't put in an appearance."
"They are in another country." I stated.
"You were missing for almost a week. They could have arranged transport in that time?" Dove asked scathingly.
"It would take a week for news to reach them, never mind actually journeying to an airport and then charting a flight to an international airport where they might fly to America." I stated.
"Wow. I can't imagine being so cut off from my mom. His parents might as well be dead." Dove observed in an off-hand manner that I was sure she didn't realise what she was saying, but still…
"That is a bad thing to say." I chastised, and looked up in horror to find Mal standing frozen with Alec's plate in his hand.
"Sorry Mal." Dove said. "I just can't imagine having such little contact with Mom."
"I don't like it." Mal said, putting the plate down. "But you learn to cope the best you can. Never wish ill of my parents again."
Dove nodded but there was a tense silence. It was broken when Mr Dunbar appeared leading a troop of workmen.
"We've nearly finished here." I said.
"Take all the time you want, these guys are here to refit Mr Rogers' door and the others are working on the elevator. I wish we'd been earlier, that breakfast smells delicious." He said efficiently.
"It was." Dove said happily.
"And you are?" He asked.
"Dove Bradshaw." She replied.
"When did you get back?" He asked with a frown.
"About nine o'clock last night." She answered with a shrug.
"How did you get in?" He demanded.
"Through the door." Dove replied giving him a lock that suggested he was mad.
"I meant how did you get in when I haven't issued you a key card yet?" He clarified.
"I came in behind Jean and Kendra. You know, they share a room on the first floor." Dove stated.
"Oh right. I see. Jean Brown swiped the card and three people entered." Mr Dunbar said as he typed at his tablet again. "Well I'll issue your key card now Miss Bradshaw."
"Ok." Dove said with a shrug.
Mr Dunbar prepared a card for Dove as he had done for Mal and me. In the time he was doing that I had finished all the dishes and wiped down the tops. I decided to go back to my room and begin on my chores. I would launder all the clothes in my closet first, something I would have done had I taken them home with me over the holidays.
While Dove was distracted by Mr Dunbar I caught Mal's eyes and he leant down to me.
"When Dove leaves the common room go wait for me outside. We'll go to the laundrette." I whispered.
"Ok." Mal replied.
I nodded, and then went to my room where I retrieved my laundry basket and began placing my clothes into it. Most of my clothes were still present; the police hadn't felt the need to take them, other than what I'd been wearing the night Malcolm had died.
All the clothes were in my basket and I was ready to leave when Dove entered the room.
"I am going to the laundrette." I stated.
"I'll com with you." She said.
"I will make you help me." I warned.
Dove shrugged.
"To be honest Dove I am going to the laundrette for space to think." I said in apologetic tones. "I have to plan how to tackle this mess the police made and I can only do so if I am completely alone."
"Ok. You wanna be alone. You should have said." She observed.
"I will be more open in future." I promised. "And now I must go."
I left the room with my basket and made my way through the now empty common room. As I was descending the stairs I passed Dermot who was coming the other way carrying a suitcase.
"Hey Liza." He said.
"Hello." I said, unsure of what to say. "I have chores to do." I said quickly and headed on down the stairs before he could truly strike up a conversation.
Mal was waiting for me outside the building and we walked to the laundrette together.
"Did Dove's comment hurt you?" I asked.
"Yeah. It was pretty crummy even if my parents weren't dead. It's a horrible thing to say. I can't believe that she said it." He replied.
"That was a case of speaking before you think." I said.
"Yeah." Mal said. "Thanks for coming to talk to me."
"Mal, you allow me to talk about my problems and what upsets me, I would be a horrible person if I did not return the favour. How could I claim to love you if I neglect your feelings when you are upset?" I asked.
"Thanks." Mal said, hugging me. "Do you want me to carry that?" He offered, pointing to the basket.
"It is not heavy." I observed.
"It is heavy, you just don't feel it." Mal stated.
"Does it look odd my carrying it?" I asked with a frown.
"Well not really. It's believable." Mal conceded.
"So this is more a chivalry thing." I realised.
"Well maybe a little." Mal admitted a little embarrassed.
"You are not my boyfriend remember, and everybody knows how headstrong and fiercely independent I am. It is not a slight on you at all." I said firmly.
"I just think I should carry at least something." He observed.
"You can buy me coffee instead." I suggested.
"Ok." Mal said with a laugh. "We really are going back to how we were before."
"Yes."
"So how come you didn't say anything to Dove when she was coming on to me?" He asked casually.
"Because she was trying to smoke me out. Anger me into revealing my feelings for you, so I did not bite." I said with a shrug.
"How do you know she wasn't coming on to me?" He inquired.
"Because I am her friend and if she thinks I have any feelings for you she would not approach you, at least not without clearing it with me first. It was a blatant attempt by her to rile me, and I did not fall for it." I said proudly.
"You're getting good at spotting it." Mal said.
"I know. Twice in one day, it is definitely a record for me." I mused.
"I'm proud of you." Mal replied.
"That is somewhat patronising." I pointed out.
"Sorry." Mal said, looking chastened.
"That was a joke." I stated with a grin.
Mal snorted and shook his head.
"Guess I'm losing my knack as you're gaining yours." He observed.
"Or perhaps it's simply because I am difficult at times and I could take such an offence." I offered.
"And you like teasing me." He stated.
"If I cannot tease you then who can I tease?" I asked as he held the door for me to enter the laundrette.
"Oh, you can tease me anytime bach." He said as I placed my basket on the worktop near the machines. "As long as you don't mind me teasing you back." He added, as he placed his hands to my waist and lifted me, turning me to sit on the worktop before he kissed me.
I placed my arms about his neck and kissed him back, revelling in the fact that we were of a similar height at present. I pulled my head back and looked at him solemnly.
"However it is wrong to act such ways in public." I said.
"So no big PDA?" He asked.
"No." I replied, shaking my head for emphasis. "I find it unsightly when other people do so. I would be a hypocrite if I did not abstain from it too."
"Then I'll remember that in the future." Mal said, stepping back and taking my hands and kissing them. "Even when we tell everyone about us."
"Yes. For even when we're official I would not like to be a spectacle." I replied, and kissed his cheek. "Now to wash my clothes and then a day of organising my closet." I added as I got down from the worktop.
"I'll go get us those coffees." Mal said.
"See you in a moment." I said lightly as I began sorting my laundry into loads.
"See you in a bit." Mal replied and he left.
The laundrette was empty and I was able to utilise ten machines at once. It meant that my laundry was washed and dried within two hours. Mal went to see the progress on his door when we returned to the building while I took my clean laundry to my room. Dove was lying on her stomach reading a magazine when I entered.
"I saw Dermot on my way to the laundrette." I stated as I set up my ironing board.
"What did he say?" She asked.
"Hi." I replied.
"And what did you say."
"I said hello and that I had chores to do. I was unsure of whether to broach the subject with him, or whether you would prefer to talk to him first." I explained.
"Yeah. I don't want him to have any warning. It'll prove whether he read my e-mails or not. And that was two hours ago. Where is he?" She demanded.
"May I give you advice as one who is prone to losing her temper at impromptu moments?" I prompted.
"Go on."
"Let all your anger go now. It will be more unnerving for him to be met with a cold front." I stated. "Besides, if he has a valid reason for his silence then you will be in a more rational frame of mind to accept it."
"Then what do you suggest?" She asked.
"Everything you have to say to Dermot, say it to me now. Shout and rage at me and let it go. Then when you meet him you will be of a more rational frame of mind." I replied.
"Do you think it'll help?"
"Think of it as an acting exercise." I suggested.
Dove considered for a moment, then closed the magazine and sat up as she said, "Ok."
I nodded and carried on with my ironing.
"So where do I begin?" She asked.
"How about the thing that has angered you most?"
"Ok." Dove said, as she stood up and faced me. "Dermot, you're a jerk…" She began.
Dove ranted for nigh on an hour as I got through my pile of ironing. There was a lot of anger in her and it was clear that there was more to this than Dermot's neglect over the holidays. I was ironing the last of my garments when Dove seemed to be running out of steam.
"The worst thing is that I don't even love you. I was just lying to myself that I did cause it was better to love someone I can actually be with, than love someone who I can't cause they love someone else. My feelings for you are nowhere near strong enough to put up with any crap, and it's over." She said with tones of finality.
Dove fell silent and sat down on her bed. I allowed her time to relax as I placed away the ironing board and put the iron safely on my desk to cool.
"You're right, that did help." She observed.
"Yes."
"I even said things I didn't even realise I was feeling." She said.
"That you are in love with Simon?" I asked.
"Yeah." She said, laughing at herself in a glum fashion.
"Why not use your industry contacts to arrange a meeting with him?" I asked.
"I wouldn't do anything that tacky." Dove said. "If I'm meant to be with him I'll meet up with him again, and maybe he'll be over his Princess by then."
"Perhaps he will." I said.
I decided in that moment that I would make an effort to contact Simon and truly set him free. He deserved to find happiness, and if it was with Dove all the better. Two of my friends would be happy and how could that be bad? And Simon must have some feelings for Dove because of what Shelly had said to Tony. Was Dove the one he finally let go of his insecurities for? Had I got in the way of their happiness by staying in Simon's mind all these years? I should hate to think that was true.
"That would be nice." Dove said, and gave a happy sigh. "And now if I do bump into Dermot I'm gonna be calm and rational in my argument."
"Good." I said.
"So what were you planning for lunch?"
"A ham sandwich." I replied. "Something that will not take long to prepare so that I can continue with organising the closet."
"Why don't I go buy us lunch, you did buy breakfast." She suggested. "That way you can continue with your organising."
"Thank you." I said with a smile.
"So ham salad right?"
"Yes."
"I won't be long." Dove said and left the room.
With lunch on its way I started on with organising my closet. It took four hours, with a half hour pause to eat my sandwiches. By the time I had finished there were clearly more people in the building, I could sense them. However not even half had returned. I was wondering if this was due to differing travel distances or because some had less enthusiasm than others. It would be interesting to investigate.
I was finding my own enthusiasm lacking at present. The police had taken all of my papers. That included all my notes whether they be in my own hand or the printed handouts of the tutors. Half my textbooks were missing too. If they were not returned by next week I had no idea what I would do.
"Did they take all your notes too?" I asked Mal as I sat in his room with its new door securely locked.
"All of my personal papers." He said. "I guess they didn't know what they were looking for so they just grabbed whatever in order to go over it back at the station."
"What do we do to get them back?" I asked.
"Phone them I guess. See if they can release it to us. I mean, it's not exactly evidence now and we need it." He stated.
"It would cause undue stress to restart all my work when I will have but a few weeks at most to complete it." I observed.
"We'll work it out." Mal said, taking me into his arms and hugging me. "Even if the university will have to give us more time. It's hardly our fault."
"No." I said, hugging Mal in return, and guiding him to lie back. "They would have to give us some consideration." I added as I settled against his chest.
"Yes." Mal said, stroking my cheek.
"We will have to ring the police in the morning." I observed.
"Yeah."
"But for now we can have some fun." I said, lifting my chin to kiss his lips.
"I like this plan." Mal said, moving me up closer to him.
I hummed and deepened the kiss, determined to revel in Mal's company for an hour or two before I had to return to my room and sleep.
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