"You look really happy this morning." Danny says, talking around a mouth full of pancakes and syrup. He and Charlie are having breakfast at their favorite diner. He can't help but notice the grin that his sister is unable to shake.
"Yeah, I guess I am." Charlie says, laughing as she takes a bite of French toast.
"So what brought on this good mood of yours? You and the old man make up?" He gives her a skeptical look, not quite ready to forgive the guy who almost broke her heart.
"First," Charlie says, "Bass is not old. Secondly, yeah we made up." Charlie feels a blush creeping up her cheeks. She looks up and sees her brother's doubtful expression, "Hey, I know you probably think I'm stupid to go back to him, but really it was all a misunderstanding…" she pauses, "He's a good guy - a great guy."
Danny leans back and appraises his sister. "Well, I do like seeing you happy. I'll give him one more chance. He'd better not make you cry again Charlie."
"I don't think he will." Her voice trails off.
"But? I hear a but?" he asks.
"Well, there is this woman who is trying to cause problems between us…" Charlie bites her lip nervously. "I'm not sure what to do if she comes around again."
Danny laughs. "You're a Matheson, Charlie. Mathesons don't take crap from anybody. Show her you can't be pushed around. Show her he is yours." Danny smacks the table with his palm for effect.
Charlie jumps at the sound, but then slowly nods, "Yeah, I AM a Matheson, damnit. You're right. We don't take crap from anybody." She grins at her brother. "Thanks for the reminder."
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Later that afternoon, Charlie goes to The Clayton to visit Bass. She knows he has been at a meeting today, but he should be back soon. It's her day off, and she wants to surprise him. She has dressed carefully in faded jeans and a tank top, over which she's wearing a little plaid button down with the tails tied at her waist. Her hair is in a low pony tail. She is grinning as she tops the stairs, coming to an abrupt halt when she sees none other than Duncan Page lounging on the model's couch.
"You again? Why are you always here?" Charlie asks, incredulous.
"Sebastian is busy, Ellie Mae. You should come back later." Duncan gives her withering look.
Charlie hesitates. Remembering her brother's advice, she straightens her shoulders and walks closer. "No, I'm not going anywhere. You are the one who needs to leave." Charlie is nervous, but her voice doesn't show it.
Duncan smirks at the younger woman, "That's really cute Kid, but do you even know who I am? Why would anyone pick you over me?" Duncan points to herself, "I'm a fucking rock star." Then she points to Charlie, "You are nobody."
"I know exactly who you are." Charlie takes a step closer, gaining confidence and holding Duncan's gaze. "You are a selfish and manipulative bitch who thinks she can jerk people around. Here's the thing. Your days of jerking us around are over." Charlie smiles without humor.
Duncan stands, her smirk gone. "You don't get to talk to me like that."
"Yeah, I do. Bass is not available to be your pretend boyfriend anymore. He's taken. He is my ACTUAL boyfriend."
"He's helping me out. You don't understand." Duncan is shaking her head, clearly agitated.
"Yeah, I do understand." Charlie says, her voice icy. "You were using Bass' guilt and his grief to make him do whatever you wanted him to do. He's not going to be helping you anymore. He's not your puppet. It's over. This whole plan of yours is stupid anyway."
Duncan grounds her teeth, and takes a step closer to Charlie. The women are now nose to nose. "It's not stupid. You don't know anything about it." She snarls.
"Actually," Charlie replies with a growl, "he told me about your brother and also your boyfriend problems. I know about Darin's death. I'm sorry about that. I really am, but it doesn't give you an excuse to torment Bass. He's suffered enough. You are twisted – using a tragedy like your brother's death to manipulate Bass into doing you favors. It's sick."
Duncan's face loses all color. "I was afraid of this guy I'd been dating. I knew Bass would help."
"Newsflash Duncan: If you are afraid of a guy, call the police. In fact, I'll give you my Uncle's card. He works homicide, but he could hook you up with someone who can help. Someone who isn't Bass."
"Sebastian and I have a history." Duncan says, her body tense with anger.
"Well BASS and I have a present. We have a future. And you are not in it. Now get out of here."
Duncan crosses her arms defensively and sits back down on the couch, "I'm not going anywhere unless Sebastian tells me to."
"Fine. Have it your way." Charlie pulls the hair band from her ponytail, letting the long waves fall loose over her shoulders. She holds Duncan's eyes and starts to untie the tails of the shirt she's wearing over her tank top.
"What are you doing?" Duncan sounds confused and a little worried.
"I came here to surprise my boyfriend. I'm still going to do that. You can stay. You can go. It's all the same to me." Charlie shrugs off the shirt. She's still wearing the tank top and jeans. She starts unsnapping her jeans and slides them over her slim hips, kicking off her flip flops and stepping out of the pants.
Duncan is clearly uncomfortable but tilts her chin stubbornly. She is staying.
Charlie shrugs and then pulls the tank top off. Duncan sees the black lace lingerie that hugs Charlie's youthful curves. And she also sees the yellow paint spelling out Bass' name across her tight belly. Duncan looks away, feeling suddenly uncertain. Her gaze returns in time to take in Charlie removing her bra. A large yellow handprint perfectly decorates one of Charlie's breasts.
Duncan suddenly feels every one of her thirty-six years, and for the first time she sees that maybe she won't win this one. She is no match for this girl who is so confident and young and beautiful and who is so obviously the one Bass wants. She feels what little control she once had over Bass is slipping away. If she's honest with herself, she knows it's already over.
Charlie shimmers out of her black lace panties and stands proudly before Duncan, holding her gaze. "Do you really want to be here when he gets back? Do you really want to make him choose? I think you know who he'll pick. He loves me Duncan, and I love him. You don't have a place here. You don't belong here. You need to go."
Duncan stands. She starts to say something but thinks better of it. Walking past Charlie, she gets to the top of the stairs just as Bass is coming home. He looks surprised to see Duncan but she brushes past him on her way down without saying a word or meeting his eyes.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Bass doesn't see Charlie when he first walks into the studio. When he does glance up and he sees her, she takes his breath away. It's not just because she's naked – though dear God she is beautiful naked. Obviously he's seen her that way plenty of times. The thing that makes his heart beat faster is the fact that she didn't bother washing off the paint from last night. Bass is grinning when her eyes meet his. He walks to her, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear.
"Not that I'm complaining…because believe me I'm not, but why are you naked?" he chuckles. Before she even has a chance to answer, he places his hand over the print he'd left the night before. He gently massages the mound of flesh, tweaking at the yellow nipple. Watching his own hand work, he licks his lips as the tiny bud tightens under his touch.
"I thought I'd surprise you." She sighs as his fingers begin to work their magic. "and that maybe you could paint me if you wanted to…" she runs a finger along his jawline, "Or not…"
"Hmmm," he kisses the corner of Charlie's mouth softly, "I am thinking about something else I'd like to do." Slowly Bass presses his lips against hers fully in a searching kiss. He tastes and explores as her lips part for him. His hands run smoothly up and down her sides. He cups her ass, pulling her closer. Charlie's arms wrap around his neck.
"No matter what you have in mind…" she whispers against his mouth, "You are wearing too much clothing."
He laughs and pulls back enough to yank the tee shirt he's wearing over his head. "Better?" he asks, teasing her.
"So much better." She says with a grin before snuggling close. "I see you didn't bother washing the paint off either?" Charlie runs her hands along the taut muscles of his chest still streaked with yellow, pinching lightly at a nipple before moving to ghost her hands down his arms. She leans in and kisses Bass again as her fingers find his waistband. She unsnaps and unzips with nimble, urgent movements.
Bass groans into the kiss as she frees him from his jeans, gently moving the denim over his hips and past his already throbbing erection. Tongues are tangling as he toes off his shoes and steps out of his jeans. Without taking his mouth from hers, Bass walks Charlie back and against the wall. She can feel the heat of the sunlight streaming through the window next to them. It matches the heat swirling within her core.
Bass takes her bottom lip between his teeth and then sucks on it gently, moving his hand down and between her legs; he slides his fingers between her folds. He groans when he finds how wet she is, how hot and thoroughly ready she is for him. Bass uses two fingers to gently stroke in and out of Charlie's velvety heat. She arches against his touch, moaning impatiently.
"Please Bass." She begs him, her mouth next to his ear. He ignores her, continuing to stroke her at his own pace. "Damnit Bass," she says a little louder, "Please." Then she bites down on the flesh where his neck and shoulder meet. He growls under his breath, rubbing his thumb in circles over her clit.
"Didn't anyone ever teach you good things come to those who wait?" he asks as he trails small kisses up her throat, his hand still working below.
"Shut up and get inside me." She grins, her eyes hooded, pupils blown. "I don't want to wait for my good thing today. I want it right now."
Bass moves his hands to the firm globes of her ass, and hoists her up against the wall. He watches her for a moment. She is bathed in sunlight, her skin almost translucent, and her eyes blue like the summer sky. "Well, who am I to deny my lady whatever she wants?" he asks, his voice low and hot. She reaches down and guides him to her opening and he slides in with a groan. God she is so tight and so wet. He rolls his hips and Charlie wraps her long legs around him, digging her heels into his ass. He rocks into her over and over, going hard and fast. Charlie's hands are roaming up and down his back. Their lips are locked in an intense kiss. The studio echoes with their sounds.
After a while, Bass slows and says, "Hang on." And, still buried in her depths, he carries her to the couch. Lowering her carefully, he follows and immediately takes up where he left off, concentrating on his thrusts. He loves the way they fit together. She is so hot and tight and he loves the way her tender tissues stretch to allow him deeper access. Bass supports himself above her with one hand while slowly, carefully stroking up her side, across her ribs, to grasp her breast. He twists her nipple until Charlie moans. Charlie's hands reach for him, grasping his face, pulling him close for a kiss as he begins to pump faster, harder until he stops, buried balls deep. Bass' free hand now spreads low, moving into her curls and farther down to where they are joined. He rubs her clit slowly loving the way she arches into his body, wanting more. He holds still in spite of her urging.
"Please." Charlie begs, "I need you to move."
He still holds off, watching her until she arches hard against him. Then he can't hold back anymore and he begins to give her what they both want…what they both need. He plunges into her with deep, hard strokes. Charlie's hips are jerking in time with his thrusts and she comes around him, her whole body vibrating with her orgasm. Bass comes then too, the pleasure of this moment is so intense he can't focus and then he's pulsing into her, his mouth smashing against hers in a heated kiss. Bass collapses on top of Charlie, his face buried in her neck, his dick still nestled in her folds.
"Charlie." Bass' voice is hoarse.
"Mmmm?" she purrs.
"Anytime you want to surprise me like this, please don't hesitate." He chuckles into her neck before pulling from her heat.
Slowly they untangle, breathless and exhausted. Bass rolls to his side against the back of the couch and Charlie snuggles into his warmth. "You are amazing." She sighs into him.
"You are pretty amazing yourself." He replies, kissing her temple. Lazily he traces his name painted across her belly.
They lie in silence for a long time. Bass is stroking her cheek, looking into her eyes when he remembers something. "Why was Duncan here?"
"Well, I'm not sure…" Charlie pauses, "I came up and she was sitting there and we talked, and she left." Charlie tries not to smile, but she can't help it. She's proud of herself.
Bass grins down at her, "Well, look at you. You told her off didn't you?"
"Maybe a little." She chuckles.
"Damn that is so hot." Bass growls into her hair. "You ready to go again?"
"Oh God yes."
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
September dawns and Bass and Charlie are finding time to be together every day. She still helps him around the studio, though she now also helps Nora downstairs. They go to the movies or to the museum. Sometimes they paint together in her little studio. Many evenings they just curl up on the couch with books or the remote. They spend some nights in his apartment at The Clayton, but lately they are staying at Charlie's little place more and more.
They are very happy.
"Can you believe it's been two months?" she asks him. They are standing in her tiny galley kitchen preparing a meal together. They've invited Miles and Nora over and are excited to host their first little dinner party as a couple.
"Two months since what?" He asks, feigning ignorance, his blue eyes twinkling.
"Oh you know." She leans up to place a soft kiss on his lips. "Two months since we met in the gallery and you asked me what I thought about your work without telling me it was yours…"
"Oh THAT." He grins down at Charlie, "You mean two months since you first ogled my ass." He moves quickly out of the way as she tries to hit him with an oven mitt.
Miles pokes his head around the corner. "So are you going to feed us, or what? I'm starving."
"Go sit down!" Charlie laughs. "It will be out in a minute."
She then pulls the chicken from the oven. Bass finishes the final touches on the salads and baked potatoes. After carrying those things out, he brings a bottle of wine to the table and they all dig in. The food is declared delicious by Miles, who eats two platefuls with gusto. The four friends talk about art, music, Chicago politics and the upcoming wedding.
"Just two weeks." Nora reminds Charlie. "Are you ready to see your Dad tie the knot?"
Charlie shrugs, "Yeah, I think so. It's a little weird still, but I adore Maggie, and I don't remember ever seeing Dad so happy." Her expression is thoughtful as she takes a sip of wine.
"So," Nora asks with a sly grin, "You taking a date to your Dad's wedding?"
Charlie frowns, "Hadn't thought about it I guess. Maybe I'll ask this guy Jason from my design class. He's always checking me out."
"Excuse me?" Bass asks, a grouchy expression on his face.
She punches him playfully, "You. Obviously I'm taking you."
"That's more like it." He smiles smugly, "You won't be sorry. I look damn good all dressed up."
"I've noticed." Charlie says, her eyes heated.
"You better tell that classmate of yours to keep his eyes off my woman." Bass says sternly. "Or I will hurt him… a lot." Charlie thinks he's kidding, but isn't entirely sure.
"I already told him I wasn't available. I told him that I'm dating this old guy from work." She chuckles and he throws back his head laughing. He picks up his wine glass, taking a small drink as he wraps an arm around the back of Charlie's chair. She leans into him with a smile. Their lips are almost touching when they are rudely interrupted.
"Stop." Miles moans theatrically. "No making out at the dinner table."
Bass ignores his oldest friend and gives Charlie a kiss that promises there's more where that came from later. "You don't like it… you can leave, Brother." He says without turning away from Charlie.
"Ah, you know I'm kidding. I'm glad to see you two getting along so well." He flashes his famous snarky grin, "Whose idea was this again?" he points back and forth between the two.
"Thank you Miles." Charlie says. "We owe you a lot." She's staring into Bass' eyes, and suddenly they are both wishing their guests would just leave.
"A lot." Bass echoes, picking up Charlie's hand and pressing her fingers to his lips.
"Oh hell, I'm gonna be sick." Miles says with a chuckle, as he stands. "Time to go Nora. I'm not sure they can hold back much longer, even if they have an audience."
"Good point." Bass agrees with a wicked grin.
After their guests have left, Charlie starts to clean up but Bass stops her. "We can do that later. I want to do unspeakable things to you right now… things that cannot wait." His eyes crinkle as he grins, and Charlie's heart melts a little as she follows him to her room.
Much later, they fall into a sweaty heap of satiation, and soon are fast asleep.
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
The next day is Saturday and Charlie wakes alone.
Bass has left a cryptic note on his pillow: "Meet me at The Clayton 1pm. Don't be late."
Charlie stares at the paper for a long time, curious. What is he doing at the gallery today? She knows he's been busy lately with a special project. He's been very secretive about it, but the kind of secretive that tells Charlie she's going to be pleasantly surprised.
Stretching, she gets out of bed and heads for the shower. She only has an hour or so to get ready. When she comes out, feeling refreshed and alert she wanders to her closet only to find another note from Bass taped to an empty hanger: "Remember 1pm. Anything you wear will be lovely, but if you want to dress up a little…that's okay."
Charlie is now truly curious. What does he have planned? She dresses in a simple green dress and black flats. She piles her hair up in a loose chignon letting a few wavy tendrils hang loose around her ears. She puts on just a touch of make-up before heading into the kitchen. As soon as she walks into the space, she can't help but grin. All evidence of last night's party is gone. Bass has cleaned everything up in both the kitchen and dining area.
She finds another note on the kitchen counter: "You are beautiful when you sleep. You are so beautiful that I almost couldn't make myself leave."
On her way out, she sees one more note on the inside of her front door. This one is hanging over the peep hole. It is simple, but it is her favorite by far: "Charlie, I love you. See you soon. -Bass"
Charlie can't stop grinning as she gets on the bus.
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
When Charlie approaches The Clayton, she is surprised to say the least. The gallery is usually not very busy on a Saturday afternoon, but today there is a crowd. People are milling around outside. A bus pulls up and a group of elderly men disembark slowly. She looks around the crowd for Bass, but doesn't see him. He must be inside. She's heading toward the door when she hears someone call out her name. It's Joe. She stills sees him almost every day at the Art Institute, but has never run into him here before.
"Joe! How are you and what is going on?"
The sweet old man grins down at Charlie. She notes that he's wearing a full military dress uniform. "I'm here for Bass' show." He says. "He asked me to meet you out here and escort you to him. He's talking to a reporter right now."
"A reporter?" Charlie is confused. "Wait. What show?"
"This one." Joe says, pointing to a large sign positioned on an easel near the entrance.
Bass Monroe's
Memories
A collection of the artist's work inspired by the Men and Women who have served and sacrificed.
"He's showing his military pieces?" She is shocked, but also very excited. "Why didn't he tell me?"
Joe pats her on the back as they enter the crowded gallery. "He wanted it to be a surprise. He didn't tell anyone till yesterday. Well, except for me. This is a pop-up show. He asked for my help in getting some involvement from the local VA and other veterans' groups, and we called all the newspapers last night to tell them it was coming. We didn't even know if anyone would show up, but look." Joe waves his arm at the crowd.
Many of the people walking around are in uniform like Joe. She sees two men in wheel chairs. Two more with prosthetic limbs. Everywhere she looks there are smiles and hugs and also tears. The crowd is clearly moved by what they are seeing. She notes that in addition to the paintings she'd seen before, Bass has added many more. The walls are covered with Bass' salute to the armed services.
As if reading her mind, Joe explains. "He's been painting these for years. A lot were hidden away in storage."
She nods, this makes sense. Charlie scans the crowd and sees Bass. He is animated, talking with his hands as he explains something to a man with a small recorder. A photographer stands near him as well, snapping photos of Bass while he talks. Charlie walks toward him, noting how incredibly handsome he is in a simple black suit and white dress shirt.
Joe can tell she's lost interest in his chatter. He chuckles and pats her on the back. "See ya later Charlie."
"Bye Joe." She says, distracted.
She knows the exact moment Bass spots her because his whole face lights up. He asks the reporter to excuse him for a moment and meets her halfway across the crowded gallery floor. Charlie doesn't hesitate. She wraps her arms around his shoulders, looking at him carefully. "You all right?"
He nods. His eyes are damp, but he's holding up pretty well. "It's overwhelming Charlie. I never expected even a fraction of this response. I've talked to so many people already who seem to really be moved by these pieces." He pauses, brushing her cheek with a fingertip. "I owe this to you. You gave me the courage to share them with the world."
"You don't owe me anything Bass. All I did was give you a nudge." She smiles proudly at him, before leaning up for a kiss.
"You are beautiful." He whispers softly. "So beautiful."
Charlie feels a blush crawl up her cheeks. "You're pretty handsome yourself." She squeezes his hands and feels tension leaving his body.
"I have to go back over there and finish this interview. Come with me?" When she nods, he takes her hand and leads her over where the reporter and photographer stand.
"Jack and Kyle, I'd like you to meet my girlfriend Charlie Matheson." He beams at her and she grins back as he pulls her close. She stays there, nestled against his side as he finishes the interview. Kyle takes a few pictures of the two of them together and then the men leave. Bass and Charlie are only alone for a moment before a young man with a USMC tee shirt walks up. He wants to thank Bass for the work he's done. The two men are sharing a moment, and Charlie tries to sneak away but Bass holds her tight. Clearly he wants her with him. She is happy to comply. After the Marine, they are approached by two Korean veterans. Next it's a WWII vet, pushed in a wheelchair by his son who fought in Vietnam and accompanied by a granddaughter who served in Iraq. The soldiers keep coming. They all want Bass to know the same thing. They feel he has honored the memory of so many fallen, and every one of these men and women are thankful to have experienced his work.
Miles and Nora walk up. Miles tries to act tough, but ends up grabbing Bass and pulling him into a tight hug. When they separate, the two old friends share a look that speaks of shared loss and grief and maybe even healing.
"This is good. What you're doing here… all this morbid shit." Miles says, wiping at the tears he would rather nobody see. "It's really good."
"Thanks Miles. It means a lot to me to hear you say that. Did you see our guys?"
Miles nods. "I liked how the men from our unit are all displayed together. Ripped my heart out a bit, but you know… in a good way." Tears spring up again for both men. Bass nods, momentarily unable to speak.
Nora steps in and says, "We've received offers on over half of the pieces. I know you said you weren't sure about selling them, but keep it in mind."
Bass nods again, stunned at the level of interest these paintings are receiving. Miles and Nora wander off and are quickly replaced by a retired army nurse and her children. Then another Vietnam vet approaches, followed by four guys who have just returned from a tour in Afghanistan.
No end is in sight.
Throughout the onslaught of fans and well-wishers, Bass keeps Charlie at his side. He repeatedly introduces her as his girlfriend. Charlie has never been a big fan of labels, but she loves the way it sounds when Bass says it.
"Do you need a drink or anything? I could get you a bottle of water?" she asks. The crowd is starting to die down but the line of people wanting to talk to Bass never seems to shorten.
He nods. "I do want to take a break. Let's go up to the studio for a few minutes. I have bottled water up there."
She agrees, and Bass promises the people still hanging around to talk to him that he'll be right back. They walk up the familiar staircase and he grabs bottles of water for both of them before leading her to the model's couch. "Let's sit for a minute." He says, sounding very tired.
"You're exhausted Bass. Maybe you should wrap things up downstairs?" Charlie is concerned. Bass has been through so much today, both physically and emotionally – he looks ready to drop.
Bass ignores her question, "Come here Charlie." He opens his arm in invitation for her to snuggle close. She does so, needing no further invitation. "Thank you." He breathes in the scent of her hair, soaking in the comfort of her nearness. Having her near calms him.
"For what?" she asks him with a frown. "I haven't really done anything."
"You were here for me today. I couldn't have made it through without having you by my side. I need you Charlie. Not just today. I need you every day." He kisses the top of her head and then speaks softly. "I love you."
She smiles up at him, reaching up to stroke his beard. "I love you too Bass, and I need you just as much as you need me."
"This is good. This thing we have together…it's better than good. It's…" he breaks off, trying to think of just the right word.
"Perfect?" she asks.
He laughs. "Yeah, it's perfect."
They sit in silence for a minute before Bass speaks again, "I have something I need to tell you and I want you to promise you won't get mad?"
She scowls a little, "I can't promise I won't get mad. I promise I'll try."
Bass lets out a deep breath, "Okay, that's a start."
"What is it?" Charlie sees the nervous expression on Bass' face and frowns.
"It's Duncan." He sighs heavily.
Charlie's heart drops. "What about her Bass?"
"Well, she's probably going to be here later."
Charlie moves away from him just slightly, looking at him with surprise. "Why?"
"I have something I want to give her. That's all. I emailed her and asked if she'd come by. I promise it's not a big deal. You'll be with me the whole time, I hope?" his eyes are pleading.
After a moment Charlie nods. "Yeah, of course I'll stay with you."
"Thank you Charlie. I need to do this, but I don't want any more misunderstandings or surprises because of her. I don't want Duncan to come between us again." He pulls her close once more, resting his forehead against her temple. "I never want anything to come between us again."
Charlie kisses him tenderly. "Me either."
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
After the last of the guests have left, Miles, Bass and Charlie are sitting in Nora's office. The guys are drinking whiskey. Charlie sits back and listens to the banter between two friends who have known each other forty years.
They share stories from their youth. They seem to have agreed unofficially not to talk about their time in the service. Emotions are too raw after the show to bring that up. Instead they talk about childhood pranks and high school adventures. Charlie asks the occasional probing question but mostly listens quietly from where she is snuggled in the crook of Bass' arm.
They are all laughing when Nora enters. Her expression is serious. "Hey Bass. She's here."
He nods, stands and holds out his hand for Charlie. "Come on Charlie." He says with a tired smile. "Let's go do this."
Miles stands too. "You want me to come along too?"
"Up to you." Bass says as he heads out the door with Charlie. Miles hesitates, before deciding to follow. His brother needs all the moral support he can get today.
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Nora had led Duncan to the wall where the nine paintings depicting the men from Bass' unit are hung. She looks small as she stares at the image of her brother's face, tears streaming down her cheeks.
Miles, Bass and Charlie stand at a distance, none willing to interrupt this moment she's having. They watch as Duncan reaches out a shaky finger and strokes the painted cheek of her dead brother.
"When we were little, I called him 'Chuckles' because he was always laughing." Duncan's voice is low and sad. They can hear the tears in it. "He loved knock knock jokes and riddles and doing magic tricks. He was silly and funny and everyone loved him." Her voice trails off slowly and then she turns to face them. "I loved him."
Duncan looks different tonight. Gone is the leather and the make-up that have become her trademark. This isn't Duncan Page the rock star. This is Duncan La Paglia, Darin's big sister.
Bass takes a few steps toward her. "I'm sorry Duncan. I'm sorry for all of it."
Duncan wipes tears away with one hand, smiling sardonically, "Oh Sebastian, we both know you don't have anything to apologize for. I'm sorry that I ever tried to make you think otherwise." Without warning, she crumples to the floor. "I just miss him so much." She rocks back and forth, holding herself and crying.
Miles and Bass stare at the crying woman, unsure what to do. It is Charlie who moves forward, dropping to her knees and rubbing a reassuring hand up and down Duncan's back. "Of course you miss him Duncan. You always will."
Duncan turns to Charlie and allows the younger woman to embrace her. "Why are you being nice to me?" she asks, choking back a sob. "I was so mean to you."
Charlie tightens her hold on Duncan and speaks softly, "Because I have a little brother too and he also loves stupid jokes and laughs all the time, and if I lost him," Charlie pauses, as emotion almost overtakes her, "I don't know how I would survive. I can't imagine what you are going through Duncan, but from what you've said about Darin and from what Bass said about him, I think he'd want us all to cut you some slack." Charlie feels hot tears falling down her cheeks. Duncan cries into her shoulder and Charlie just holds her, stroking her hair as Duncan slowly begins to calm down.
Charlie gets up first. She reaches out for Duncan's hand and pulls her to her feet. They share a gaze that speaks of an understanding neither of them put to words. Duncan wipes her cheeks and squares her shoulders. She flashes a smile that shows some of the personality they are all more used to. "You're good for him Kid. I'm glad he found you."
She walks over to the guys. "I'm sorry. I'm sorry for everything." She turns to face Bass directly. "Thanks for painting Darin and thanks for letting me see your work. Nothing will bring him back, but seeing his smiling face like that… it helps."
She turns to go. Bass puts out a hand to stop her. "Duncan, the reason I asked you here tonight wasn't just to show you the painting. I want you to have it." He walks to the wall and takes down the canvas, handing it to her.
Duncan almost loses it again, but composes herself as she grips the painting securely in shaky fingers. "Thanks Sebastian. I'm going now. I won't bother you again."
"Bye Duncan." Bass' voice is low but sincere. "You don't have to be a stranger."
"Yeah Bass." She smiles sadly, "Yeah, I do. And it's okay. It's time I moved on. Time I grew up and dealt with the crazy shit in my head." She laughs without humor, "Time I finally put some of that rock and roll money to good use. Need to find a good therapist."
Bass nods.
Duncan turns to Charlie. "Take good care of him Kid."
"I will." Charlie says, wrapping her arm around Bass. "Bye Duncan."
And then she's gone.
Miles shakes his head. "I need to drink more – a lot more. This day has been too full of emotional bullshit. I need to get wasted."
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Nora and Miles leave, locking up the gallery on their way out. Charlie leads Bass up the stairs to his apartment. She watches him carefully. He looks exhausted.
"Are you okay?" she tenderly strokes his cheek, her face creases with worry.
He puts an arm around her shoulder. "I'm okay. It's been a long day and I'm tired… but thanks to you, I'm okay." He smiles down at her lovingly. "I'm better than okay. You make everything better."
Charlie leads him into his bedroom. "There's something I'd like to do for you."
"Oh, what's that?" he asks, curious.
She bites her lip nervously, "Well, there's this thing I've been wanting to do."
He cocks an eyebrow and grins, "Oh yeah? What do you have in mind?"
"Well," she runs her hands from his shoulders down his arms, "I want to help you relax after the long day you've had."
"Oh yeah?"
"Yeah," Charlie works her fingers inside his suit jacket, and works it down over his shoulders. She starts to unbutton his shirt slowly. He reaches out for the straps on her dress. She stops him. "No Bass. Just relax. This is all about you."
His hands drop to his sides and he watches as she opens his shirt, gently stroking his chest with the lightest of touches. It takes all the self-control he possesses not to pick her up and carry her to his bed. She leans in, pressing her lips to his chest, kissing and licking along the defined muscles as she slides the shirt from his shoulders. Bass sighs as her fingers dip to his belt. She frees him carefully; her lips now back on his. Charlie is kissing him as she begins to stroke his erection in the way he'd shown her back in Millennium Park. Bass moans softly, closing his eyes as the sensation pulses through his body. Charlie takes her free hand and pulls at his dress pants. He sees what she wants, and kicks off his shoes before taking off his pants and socks.
She grins at him, taking in every inch of his naked form. "Damn." She utters softly.
Bass chuckles a little self-consciously. "What now?" he asks her, making it clear she's in charge.
Charlie points to the bed, "Sit down." He does as she asks, leaning back on his palms, watching as she moves in closer. His cock twitches as she licks her lips. "I'm new to this, so tell me if I do something wrong." She says softly.
"Oh Charlie," he moans as she licks tentatively at the silky head of his cock, flicking her tongue lightly at the tiny slit, before wrapping her mouth around him, careful to tuck her lips over her teeth. She begins to move up and down his length, sucking and swirling her tongue as she goes. "That's amazing," he growls, "Use your hand too."
She smiles at his instruction and wraps her hand around his base. She's unsure for a moment, but he reaches down and shows her just what he wants. She catches on quickly, taking as much of him into her mouth as she can manage and taking care of the rest with a firm grip. When she gets the rhythm just right, her mouth and hand working together, Bass can hardly handle how perfect this feels.
"Charlie, please come up here." He strokes his fingers along her temple and into her hair. He watches as she works his cock and the feeling and the view… he's not going to last much longer. "Please Charlie, I want to be inside you."
She releases him slowly and then stands. Deftly, she unzips her dress and lets it fall. She's wearing a sheer black bra, and tiny matching panties.
"Oh hell." He groans.
She grins, "Scoot back."
He does as she asks; scooting till his back is up against the headboard, his legs stretched out before him. She takes off her panties before crawling up his body, swiping one last lick along his length before moving up to kiss him. Charlie straddles Bass then, while leaning in close to suck at his lips. Bass reaches for her hips, urging her downward. She laughs quietly. "Patience Bass." Hovering, she settles her wet heat above him, while also pressing her chest against his. The fabric of her bra does little to hide the taut nipples underneath. Bass sucks in a breath as they slide down his chest at the same time Charlie begins to slowly impale herself on him. Their mouths meet in a slow sweet dance. Bass wraps his arms around her and she puts her hands on his shoulders and then loops them around his neck as she rides him. The pace she sets is steady but unhurried.
The tension builds and burns and they come together, wrapped in each other's arms.
Later Charlie and Bass are lying in his bed. They are both too exhausted to do anything other than hold each other. "You were amazing tonight, with Duncan. You knew just what to do…"
"I guess I saw a different side of her than I had before. I still don't want her around, but I don't hate her. I hope she gets the help she needs."
"I don't deserve you Charlie." Bass leans up on one elbow, looking down at her tenderly, "But I am so glad you are mine."
"Yours, huh?" she snuggles close, her eyes heavy with sleep. "Yeah, I'm yours all right. Love you Bass."
"Love you more."
Author's Note: This is now officially the longest fic I've written and we still have another full chapter and an epilogue coming up! I owe an enormous thank you to Priya who has been an awesome partner since the beginning and continues to have the best feedback and suggestions and etc. Also, thanks to all who have commented/favorited/followed. It means a lot…hint hint. So leave a comment. We love hearing from you.