The healing has to start somewhere

Chapter 2

Claudia/Artie

NC-17 Major NC-17!

Again I own nothing about W-13 only playing, and again if you don't like Claudia/Artie ship DON'T READ IT!

The early morning sun shining through the window at the B&B brought Artie from his restful sleep. Refusing to open his eyes even though he mind was telling him to wake up, the warm sensation of a body laying snuggled up next to his and his arms wrapped around the small frame of someone lying with him brought back the events from earlier that night. Forcing himself to open his eyes, he blinked a few times focusing on Claudia lying next to him, with both of them laying on their sides Artie tightened his grip around Claudia for a moment and snuggled his face down in the side of her neck. He felt rested for the first time in weeks, and lying there with Claudia tangled up with him for a brief few minutes he had forgotten everything else going on. The still sleeping Claudia turned and rolled over facing Artie once again and snuggling into his chest, Artie stayed still making sure not to wake her. Artie lied there looking at this wonderful sleeping woman in front of him, trying to figure it out, When had she broke through his walls and found his heart, all this time he was unhappy and sad, hurting and lonely it was looking him right in the face every day and he was too blind to see it. All the time he's missed out on moments just like this, all the love and care that she had wanted to give him and he just turned his back on it. And now, the onetime Artie felt like he didn't deserve any love or forgiveness, she was here with him comfort and showing him it would be ok, that she was here for him. Scolding himself for how stupid he had been for the past year, he told himself right then and there that he was going to start over with things, forgive himself and return the love to Claudia that she was so willing to give to him.

"Claudia" Artie ran his hand up and down her arm, gently trying to wake her. It took him a few tries but Claudia finally starts to wake up, she started to stretch and speak before she managed to get her eyes open. Stretching her arms over her head and bringing them back down around Artie's neck.

"Good morning." She managed to mutter out in between the groans from stretching her muscles out. Artie smiled and snickered a little. Claudia realized the change in him and looked at him cocking her eyebrow at him.

"What are you snickering at?" Claudia asked playfully poking Artie on the nose.

"Not a thing my dear." Arties sudden use of a pet name caught Claudia off guard for a moment; Artie rolled over on to his back and stretched out his own tired old muscles. Claudia thought it was best to not say anything about it, worried that at any moment Artie was going to come to his senses about what had happened between them and freak out.

But when Artie was done stretching he reached over and pulled Claudia over on top of him, wrapping his arms fully around her and kissing her again she was pleasantly surprised. Pulling back Claudia rested her forehead against Artie's.

"Careful I could get use to that." She said, playing off more as a joke but meaning it. Artie held the sides of Claudia face in his hands, tucking a strand of loose hair behind her ear.

"I think I could too." Artie spoke as he pulled her down for another deep kiss.

Claudia's brain was going in two different directions, one half was soaking up the kissing that was going on and the other half was trying to figure out what the hell was going on. She had never once dared to try and cross this line with Artie before, sure that he would have had no part of it, or that her feelings would not be returned but there they were, wrapped up with each other in a lip lock of passion and love. Claudia figured that last night's kissing had been in a moment of weakness and comfort, but here she was and it was happening all over again. Before her brain could figure anything out, Artie pulled his lips away from hers and Claudia found herself missing them already and wanting them back.

Artie could tell Claudia was confused and trying to figure things out, smiling at her and patting her on the butt.

"I need a shower then we'll talk."

Claudia was still slightly dumbfounded but nodded and rolled off Artie to the other side of the bed. Artie got up and grabbed some cloths from the closet and headed to the bathroom. With the door open half way still Claudia could hear the water turn on, the shower curtain sliding open and closed. Claudia figured it would take Artie a bit so she slipped out of his room and ran down to her room, Cleaning up and getting dressed.

Artie stood in the hot water washing over his body, he was feeling better the heavy guilt on his shoulders and in his heart was lightened some and he felt himself smiled again at the thoughts of having Claudia in his arms when he woke up. When Claudia returned to Artie's room the water was off, peaking through the crack on the open door she could see Artie standing in front of the mirror. Claudia let her eyes fall down the half-naked man standing there, she had never seen Artie in this state, he's shoulders and arms looked more toned and muscular then she had ever noticed, of course Artie always wore his earth toned baggy clothes. She continued to watch as Artie wiped the steam off the mirror and then smeared some saving cream around his face. Artie was aware that Claudia was standing there looking at him, and as he picked up his razor he grinned.

"You going to stand there looking at me or come in here?" Claudia jumped a bit and felt herself turn red, she had been caught spying. Taking a couple deep breaths she moved around the door and leaned on the edge of the door frame and watched Artie skillfully clean his face of the unwanted hair, trimming out his goatee perfectly. Claudia watched him until he was done saving and then walked over and sat down on the edge of the bed, waiting for Artie to get dressed.

Claudia had to remind herself not to stare when Artie came out wearing a pair of nice fitting jeans and a black v-cut t-shirt. Checking himself in the mirror and fixing his wild hair he turned and stuck his hand out for Claudia.

"Come on." Claudia didn't hesitate she grabbed Artie's hand and let him lead her out of the B&B to the car.

"Where are we going?" Claudia asked as Artie opened the door for her and ushered her in.

"You'll see when we get there." Artie winked at her and shut the door. They didn't talk much on their drive; it was about 30 minutes outside of town when Artie turned off on a dirt road in the middle of a huge patch of woods. When they came to a small parking area, Claudia could see three or four trails leading away from the parking spots. She sat there and watched as Artie got out and came around opening the door for her, offering her his hand again she gladly took it and climbed out of the car and followed Artie once more.

Artie continued to hold Claudia's hand as they walked down the tiny winding path, looking at her and smiling every so often, Claudia felt like she was back in high school for a few moments. The trail came to a wide opening on the side of a quite flowing river, a rock bluff sticking out over the water for a place to sit. Artie looked around for a few moments before leading them over to the rock bluff to sit down.

Artie sat down on a rock and then motioned for Claudia to sit down in front of him so that she was seated between his legs. He wrapped he's arms around Claudia from behind and then scooted himself a little further up on the rock so that there was no space between them. Claudia covered his hands with her resting on her chest she could feel Artie's hot breath flowing across her ear and neck, Artie resting his chin on Claudia's shoulder. Claudia kind of tilted her head and leaned into Artie.

"Artie…" Claudia began to speak but Artie cut her off placing his finger over her lips, then taking one of her hands in his and bringing it up to his mouth and kissing it softly.

"You want to know what's going on." Artie said, Claudia turned slightly and looked up at him shaking her head yes.

"When uh I uh…" Artie was stuttering and Claudia could tell he was nerves; she squeezed his hand tightly reassuring him to continue. Artie took a deep breath and tried again.

"The last thirty years of my life I have devoted to the warehouse, and I've missed out on so many things and regret not changing things sooner. The warehouse has taught me many things, but the one thing it has not taught me is love." Artie cupped the side of Claudia's face in his hand as he spoke.

"All this time, it was right in front of me and I was too blind to see it Claudia, until last night and this morning, It finally hit me that all this time you have been teaching me what love is, I was just too stupid to see it. You could have easy done what I asked and left me alone, or turned your back on me. But you were there for me, there for me when I needed you the most."

Claudia was up resting on her knees looking at Artie by this point, listening intently to what he was telling her. He held both her hands in his hands, looking at them intently at how her hands seemed to fit perfectly in his.

Artie felt the pressure building behind his eyes as a few tears slipped past his eye and rolled down his cheek. When Claudia noticed the wet trail working its way down Artie's cheek, she quickly laid her hand on the side of his face and used her thumb to wipe it away.

"Artie…"

"Claudia I'm scared…Scared that you're going to come to your senses and not want this, scared that I can't be enough for you, scared that I can't protect you." Artie covered Claudia's hand with his, looking at her and locking eye contact with her.

"Claudia I can't make it without you, I don't know what I would do if I ever lost you, or hurt you."

Claudia was trying hard to fight back her own tears; her emotions were over flowing all she wanted to do was just hug Artie and kiss away his pain. Claudia knew she needed to say something to ease the hurting man in front of her.

"Artie, I want you to close your eyes and take a deep breath…" Claudia gave him a reassuring nod to urge him to; Artie did as Claudia asked taking a deep breath and closing his eyes.

"Now I want you to forget everything else but you and me for a minute, and listen to your heart Artie…tell me what you want." Claudia watched Artie carefully, she could see his eye moving behind his closed lids, she hoped that was a sign he was actually thinking and not just humoring her. Gently pulling her hands free she leaned up and closer to Artie, letting bother her hands enclose around the sides of his neck her thumbs resting at his jaw line. Claudia whispered in his ear this time.

"What does your heart say Artie?" Artie could feel how close Claudia was to him, her warm breath bouncing off his cheek and then his lips.

Claudia's lips were only inches away from his he could almost feel them touching his, Claudia's left hand slid up gently to the side of Artie's face, she could feel his lips almost moving against hers as Artie tried to talk.

"Artie open your eyes" it took him a moment to get the courage up to open his eyes, but when he did he was met with the most loving and understanding look he had ever seen in his life. Claudia locked eyes with him almost as if she was trying to read his soul.

"Tell me what you want." Claudia asked him one more time. That was all Artie needed, that little bit of resistance he was holding on to was crushed with the look she was giving him.

"I want you Claudia; I want to be happy with you." That's what Claudia had been hoping for, a big smile came over her face and she quickly closed what little space there was between their lips. After some much needed physical contact, Claudia sat next to Artie on the rocks and just let him compose himself and get it together, they both knew they had a lot to talk about still, but for now enough had been said, so silence was good enough for both of them. They sat there all day until the sun started to go down then quietly walked back to the car hand in hand.

With each night that passed Artie was able to sleep longer and longer into the night with the help of Claudia by his side. Each night was the same for them, they would lay there and kissing and snuggling and just finally talking. Aside that Claudia was finally lying in Artie's arms, which she had been dreaming bout for months, she liked that they could just finally talk. Artie seemed to be doing a lot better, his nightmares had stopped and his break downs during the day were becoming few and far between, and to Claudia's likening her relationship with Artie was blossoming and growing to, well all but one area and Claudia was chomping at the bit for the more physical portion of their relationship to blossom as well. But not wanting to rush Artie she would always take a deep breath and force down the growing fire she felt inside her.

Another week pasted and another week unit finally the summer had turned into the cold North Dakota winters that Claudia loved so much, months had pasted since that fateful day, and it was nothing but a distant memory for the warehouse crew. Artie was busy typing away at his computer while Claudia sat on her side of the office watching him intently, she had one thing on her mind and she was determined to make it happen. She casually walked up behind Artie and wrapped her arms around his shoulders and let her hand fall to his chest. Artie was quick to fall into her embrace and rest his head on her chest. Placing a soft kiss on Artie's forehead and then on his lips, Claudia set her plan into play.

"Are you almost done?" Claudia asked as she released Artie from her hold and turn to lean on his desk, Artie got the feel that she was up to something and cocked an eyebrow at her.

"Soon…why?" Crossing his arms in front of him and leaning back in his chair.

"No reason, I'm done and was just going to head back to the B&B, I figured with Pete and Myka gone I could actually get some reading done without hearing Pete yell at the T.V" She was quick to give Artie a heart melting smile.

"Yeah…sure that sounds fine. I'll be there when I can." Artie sat back up in his chair and ran his hand up the outside of Claudia's leg and rested it on her hip for a second. Claudia smiled at him and leaned in resting her hands on both sides of the chair her lips hovered over Arties for a moment.

"I'll see you then." Claudia closed the space between their lips and nibbled on Artie's bottom lip before pulling back. Artie has to force his eyes open he was momentarily lost in Claudia's touch. Walking to the door, Claudia gives Artie a wink over her shoulder. Artie can't take his eyes off the sight before him, finally when the door closes with a thud; he gave a heavy sigh and returned back to the paperwork.

Claudia quickly rushed back to the B&B, wanting to give herself enough time to get things ready for when Artie came back. Pete and Myka were out on an assignment, so Claudia knew the B&B was empty and she could freely do what she needed to do without being caught. Artie and Claudia felt it was best for their newly formed relationship to not be made public yet.

Skipping every other step, Claudia quickly darted up the stairs. She B-lined it to her room to grab the items she needed and then headed for Artie's room, Making quick work of her tasks at hand her last step was a shower and change.

An hour later Claudia was laying in Arties bed reading a book when she heard the front door open and close and the familiar sound of Artie climbing the stairs. Claudia jumped up, throwing her book down and running to switch of the lights, the glow of a few candles lite around the room was the only light. When Artie got to his bedroom door and saw the light was off, he let a heavy breath out. Knowing that Claudia was probably already asleep he kicked his shoes off before opening the door so he could walk quietly across the room, When Artie opened the door a smile took over his face when he saw the candles that were lighting the room and a very much awake Claudia waiting for him on the bed. Artie's mouth about hit the floor when he saw the half dressed woman lying on his bed, Claudia was dressed in a red see through nighty, it stopped short of knees showing the girdle that was holding up the matching red pantie hose that ran up the length of her long legs.

Artie blindly pushed the door closed and smiled at Claudia.

"Why you little sneak." Artie scolded her as he threw his shoes down and slid his coat off. Claudia gave him a seductive grin, moving her finger motioning to come to the bed. Artie did as he was asked and made his way to the bed. Sitting down he started to take off his socks but when he went to take off the earth toned sweater vest that Claudia wished she could burn, she quickly wrapped her arms around Artie from behind, nibbling his ear as she whispered.

"Let me do that." Artie's hands fell to his side as his breath caught in his chest from Claudia's touch. She slid her hands down his chest and back up, slowly undoing each of the buttons. Her hands moved up to his shoulders, rubbing the tension out of them for a moment before she grabbed the clothing and pulled it down, Claudia took extra care to make sure to touch every part of Artie that was newly exposed. Her hands ran down his back and across his sides to his belly and down to this waist, she grabbed the hem of his shirt and slowly pulled it up, placing soft kisses on his back whilst she pulled the shirt up. Once it was clear of his head, her lips found his neck and her hands threaded through the small patch of salt and pepper chest hair. Artie let out a few moans of pleasure as Claudia explored his body with her hands.

Artie was relaxing quickly into Claudia's touch but when her hands left him he suddenly felt empty and wanting her touch again.

"Lay back now…" Artie turned and looked a Claudia cocking his eyebrow at her, he knew where this was heading and he quickly started a small argument in his head if he was ready for the relationship to move to this level. Claudia could see in Artie's eyes that he was debating with himself, she knew he was going to need some more coxing and reassurance.

Claudia climbed out of bed and walked over so she was standing in front of Artie, placing her legs on both sides of Arties she straddled his lap and ran her hands over his bare chest and shoulders again. Artie kept his eyes down almost scared to look at Claudia, so Claudia place her hand under Artie's chin and pushed up, asking him to look at her.

When Claudia got Artie's head to the right angle she placed her lips on his and ran her tongue over his bottom lip, wanting to taste his tongue on hers. Artie quickly complied with the request and parted his lips enough for Claudia's tongue to slid in and meet his, He hands came to rest on her hips and as their kissing deepened one of Artie's hands slid up the silk material covering Claudia's body and come to rest on her neck. Claudia could feel her efforts were paying off because she could feel the bulge under her getting larger.

Artie broke the kiss to take a breath, resting his forehead against Claudia's, he hand tangled in her hair. Claudia mimicked Artie and spun one of his curls on the back of his head onto her finger, her other hand resting on his chest.

Artie looked at Claudia, "Are you sure you want this?" Artie asked.

Claudia kissed him again before pushing Artie back so that he was laying on his back her hands resting on the bed on both sides of Artie's head; she leaned down and trailed her tongue across his lips.

"More than anything babe." Claudia crushed her lips into Artie's with more hunger and need then she had ever kissed him before. That was all it took for Artie to hear the lust and love in Claudia's voice and the look in her eyes right before she kissed him, his need to touch Claudia and have her fully took over him as he wrapped his arms around Claudia holding her close to his body, his hands getting tangled in her hair as he pulled his lips from hers and kissed the nap of her neck and across her chest.

Claudia giggle as the feel of Artie's goatee rubbing across her skin for the first time was a feeling she had never quite felt before. Artie's hands slid down her back and across her firm ass, but as Artie moved one of his hands around to be able to touch the grand price of what he had waited so long for Claudia quickly grabbed his hand and pinned in above his head.

"Hold on cowboy, there is something that I want to do first." Artie again cocked an eyebrow at her as Claudia gave him one of her smiled. Claudia slid her body down his, kissing her way down until she was at his jeans, unclasping the belt and button and making quick work of the zipper. Artie was already shaking at the thought of him in Claudia's mouth. In one swift move Claudia had removed the jeans and boxer standing in the way of her and her grand prize, She ran her hands up the insides of Artie's legs and over his thighs, taking his harden shaft into her hand and hovering her mouth just over the head of his cock. Artie hadn't realized he had been holding his breath waiting for Claudia to touch him, but when her mouth closed around the head of his cock, the feel of himself sliding into her mouth and hitting the back of her throat. Artie very quickly reminded himself to breath as his head fell back into the pillow, Claudia let him slid in and out of her mouth a few times before she started to mover her hand with her mouth, sucking and stroking the throbbing cock. The grunts and moans coming from Artie told Claudia she was going a good job.

Artie gripped a handful of Claudia's hair in his hand and tugged and pushed gently on Claudia' head, setting the pace for Claudia as he bucked his hips up every time Claudia went down on him. Artie was surprised he had lasted this long, it had been so long since he hand been with a woman he was going to make dame sure that he lasted for Claudia, so when he felt the tingle in his toes start he quickly pulled Claudia up to him.

"Hey what give?" Claudia asked teasingly, she knew why Artie had pulled her up, she could feel his cock swelling in her mouth and his breathing had become short and quick. Artie chuckled as he rolled over and climbed on top of Claudia.

"Oh, you know exactly what gives." Artie grabbed both of Claudia's hands in his and pinned them above her head.

"I really don't know what you're talking about." Claudia pushed her wet sexy up to meet Artie's cock; Artie gave a moan of pleasure when he felt the heat from Claudia's pussy on his cock. With her hands still pinned over her head Artie started is attack. Kissing her neck and down her chest, palming her tits and tweaking her nibble with one hand, the other nibble quickly taken in to his mouth. A hard suck and a gently bit on her hard nibble erect's a moan of pleasure from Claudia. Artie let's go of Claudia's hands.

"Keep them above your head." Artie commands as he positions himself between Claudia's legs, his hands slid up her legs and atop her sex, Artie's thumb slides in between her lips and touches her clit for the first time. Claudia' shutters at Artie's touch, and with only a few quick circles with his thumb on her clit Claudia's wanting to cum already. Artie can feel his cock twitching at the thought of him inside her hot wet pussy; Claudia moves her hips in rhythm with Artie's thumb.

"Mmmm…yeah right there Artie." Claudia's head is thrashing back and forth on the pillow; she squeezes her own nibbles between her fingers. Artie can't wait any longer, placing his cock at her hot entrance he pushes himself just barley inside her, and leans down over her.

"You want this?" he asks Claudia, nudging his cock and teasing her entrance. Claudia wraps her legs around Arties waist and thrusts her hips up, quickly taking him all the way inside of her. Artie moans loud as her hot wetness takes him fully.

"Yes" Claudia hisses as Artie's cock is buried deep in her. Artie quickly takes up thrusting in and out slow deep thrusts, both of them soaking up the feel of being so connected. Claudia's finger nails dig into Artie's back as she pulls him down close to her.

"Harder Artie…" Claudia begs. Arties thrust are still slow but he gives Claudia want she wants and makes sure to thrust as hard as he can. Their grunts and moans start to echo through the room, each thrust bringing them closer that endless bliss that they were wanting. Claudia removes her legs from Artie's waist and opens up to him as much as she can.

"God Claud…I…mmm…I don't think….dame it's been so long, and you feel so good." Artie starts to speed up, wanting Claudia to have her release before him.

He reaches down to where they are connected and rubs his fingers over her swollen clit, which was all Claudia needed a few moments later Artie can feel her pussy start to tighten around his cock.

"Artie…Artie…I'm going to …" Feeling Claudia start to shutter under him and her pussy as tight as it can be around his cock, again Artie feels that tingle in his toes start. Artie stops rubbing her clit, he stops and keeps his movements to very little, keeping them both teetering on the edge of orgasm. Artie places a hand on the side of Claudia's face and holding her tenderly.

"Hold on baby…do you want to cum with you?" Artie asks, slowly and very carefully thrusting himself out and back in.

"Yes….please yes…" Artie crushes his lips against Claudia's as he starts to fuck her hard and fast, a few thrusts is all it takes for Claudia as she pulls from Artie's lips and cries her release out into the room, the feeling of Claudia's hot juices coating his cock and the pressure of her pussy clamping down on him again sends Artie over the edge his seed filling Claudia up and his moans thundering throughout the room. Artie can feel himself finally emptying out, a couple more weaker last thrust to make sure and he collapses onto the bed, mindful not to squish Claudia under his weight.

Both of them covered is sweat the cool air in the room brings a chill to them both, Claudia pulls the blanket up over them and finds her snuggle spot in his arms. Artie wraps her up tighter than he ever has before and presses a kiss into her hair, stoking the side of her face and tucking back the wet hair behind her ear.

Claudia places her hand over Artie's and looks up at him, hoping she can convey everything she's feeling right now to him with her look, with the most serious tone Artie has ever heard come from Claudia the words he has been waiting years to hear were said.

"I love you Artie." Artie was sure he heart was going to explode, finally after all the wanting and all the hurt he had what he wanted and what would make him happy.

"I love you Claud." Another gentle kiss and some coursing before sleep intruder's on the perfect night, taking Claudia and Artie with it.

Please review and let me know…I'm thinking I can keep this going for a few more chapters but what to know if you guys are thinking.