Hello and welcome back! Hope you guys enjoy! Still a slow beginning, but...Well, take a look!
Chapter 4: Help Wanted
I don't remember when I fell asleep last night being that after I got home I went straight to working on Lily's painting until eventually I had to take a sleeping aid to go to bed. It was rough not being able to just shut off my thoughts at night, especially with how was feeling about Henry. When he left that abrupt phone call it didn't sit well with me, and my thoughts kept bouncing around until I found myself in a cloud of sleep. That is, until I felt a hand sliding softly down my back, pulling me back out of that slumber I so desperately needed. And yet, I needed this too, the extremely warm hands caressed at my waist and before I knew it I felt their front press against me in an intimate embrace.
He must've come home I thought, so I eased into the touches that I hadn't felt in months. They were nearly foreign to me. I wanted to turn to look at him, he hadn't been like this for so long all I wanted to do was kiss him, but before I could he smothered the crook of my neck with his mouth and began to leave love bites up and down my neck and shoulder causing me to gasp and press my backside against him. He gave a gravelly groan, a sound I had never heard from him and yet it felt as though his sounds resonated within me, shooting through me like a jolt of electricity. One of my hands gripped his hair as his hands traveled up and down my sides until they ran up my torso and stopped at both of my breast, cupping them, caressing and teasing my nipples until I could no longer hold back a shaky sigh. I turned my head the best I could whispering something incoherent to myself before he cupped the side of my face and pulled me into a heated kiss. I whimpered, feeling one of his hands stop its teasing and slid down to my hip to pull me back against something hard and warm. My moans were muffled by his mouth over mine as his hand then slipped in between my legs to press his fingers against my dampened panties. The instant jolts of pleasure I felt were too much, with each precise stroke against my clit I became wetter and a little louder. He ceased for just a moment only to pull my underwear pass my ankles and spread my legs. I felt his fingers brush against my folds and rub at my clit again, doing it over and over until I was a trembling mess, "Please...No more teasing...No more..." Was the first thing I begged when we parted from the kiss, still in a state that I could barely staying conscious, and yet my body was throbbing and aching to be filled. He must've heard my plead because the next thing I knew I felt him position behind me with his tip ready at my entrance and with a breath he slid inside with almost little resistance, filling me more and more until I had to bite my lip hard to keep the scream at bay.
Once he was all the way inside he stilled without moving, keeping his lips hovering over mine, and it was then I felt like a starved woman, I thought I would see stars with the way he was pushing deeper inside me, but once I felt his body against my back come completely flush he immediately began to thrust effortlessly into me. But something was wrong, I don't know why, but as I gazed into the silhouette of the man taking me, I was starting to believe that Henry wasn't really Henry. Although Henry was strong for his size he was tall and burly, there was always more of him to love, but this...It was different. His entire being felt not like himself, it was hot like dragon's breath, and felt twice the size... And yet...I didn't move away, I didn't reject him, instead I brought him in tighter letting him take me as he wanted.
His eyes were boring into me, I could feel it as I reached back to cup his cheek feeling him rub me faster, thrusting harder to bring me already so close to the edge. He said something in a growl, his hands now talons taking every part of my small body and fucking me in the bed as I was about to reach my crescendo. It was enough to make me cry out before I felt the darkness swallow me whole.
Then, I woke up, my mind a blank slate as I heard the sound of the heavy rain pouring from outside reach my ears. My eyes slowly fluttered open to my surroundings, scanning the bed and the room to find that I was alone. I rubbed my face yawning and stretching my limbs to stare up at the ceiling, still trying to register where I was and how I got here.
I decided to sit up instead, calling out to Henry in the hopes that he would answer, but all I heard was the sound of rain. I felt a sudden chill strike in my heart, and knew it wasn't from the air, none the less it didn't stop me from grabbing a smaller blanket and throwing it over my shoulders as I walked to the living room to take a look around.
Maybe he had fallen asleep on the couch?
I looked in to find no sign of him, it really was just me here. I shook my head in disbelief, hanging my head in my hands until I combed my hair back in a ruffled mess and made my way back towards the bathroom to start my day. When I showered I took my time enjoying what I could of it and then once I was finished I treated myself to some peach and apricot tea. I made a piece of toast with jam and called it breakfast, knowing since I had woken up a little later than I had anticipated I wouldn't have as much time to lay around. Although, I was able to ease some of this persistent heartache with the help of me signing off on Lily's painting and double checking the protective layer I had provided for it. I was really excited about this, I couldn't wait for her to see it, and after I had set it to the side for her to look over, I went to look over the last page of my portfolio. I still hadn't figured anything out, and I was starting to believe I never would, but there was a few days left, anything was possible.
Like before I had set up an alarm, and it rang when it hit eleven. I had already readied a bag for the trip to the school putting on my boots and jacket before I headed out the door with my keys in hand.
The whole ride there all I could do was listen to the radio, whether it was broadcasting talk or music it kept my mind sane and out of my own head. At one point The Glory of Love by Peter Cetera started to play and I immediately changed it just as it was about to start the chorus. I guess I couldn't listen to songs like that, it only reminded me that the only hero I had was myself. I couldn't bare thinking about that certain someone I was worried to death about and cared for. He was pushing me away and at this time I believed I had was having to make a choice. Henry or my life. I had spent years in his shoes, being miserable and in such a state that I turned to drugs as a crutch. Not just weed either, the uppers were where it was at, and it nearly killed me. I had to go to rehab to get help and it did, immensely, the support system I had got me out of a dark place and somewhere where I could find the meaning of life again. Henry on the other hand...Well, he didn't want the same for me, I think. Now he looks at me differently, I know it. I don't think it was from rehab, he always had this unsettling air about him, like he had been hiding something and now that I was sober (for the most part), I could see that part of Henry that was not the oh so persistent, light hearted, story telling man I had met those couple of years ago. Yes, story telling, he'd always tell me these silly, god awful, bizarre stories about himself, ones that left me either cocking a brow at him or giggling. One time he told me about when he was a boy and how he use to lie constantly, he would lie to his mother, his father, aunts and uncles, and cousins, but one day he thought he could get away with lying to the whole town attempting to trick them into thinking the end was coming. That was back then, when we had that connection and bond that I naively thought would last, but obviously I still had some growing to do.
This wasn't helping my mood at all, I took a better approach deciding to take my bottled pain and put it into a new piece later, maybe something Lily and I could work on together after the gameplay. That made me smile, and with a new upbeat song playing on the radio I turned it up and began to sing along with the lyrics. I had arrived at the campus not too long afterwards and took my time feeling out the halls, classrooms and studios before heading to the office to drop off the paperwork and finishing some documents. An hour later I was out the doors and back into my car to head home for the day and on the way I knew I only had a few hours left before the girls were to come by.
I was thinking of working on my hand strokes for painting or my blending, but before I had a chance to contemplate it, I unfortunately ran into traffic. I sighed deeply and blew a strand of hair that had fallen in my face and ran my fingers through my hair at the inconvenience, "Just great." Luckily though, as we were at a stand still I scanned the area to see a street leading down to the industrial part of town. I hummed curiously and decided to take the detour with caution. I was near the freeway so if I took a wrong turn I knew I could always backtrack, but so far, so good. It was definitely industrial filled with metal buildings that had dirt piles, glasses, cars, big dump trucks and sheet metals placed in and out of their warehouses. Even so, as I passed by each and every one, my eyes shifted on a place where a bunch of workers were gathered outside. I assumed they were on break, but then I noticed two men rolling on the ground, one on top of the other scuffling and one of them was getting a face full of fist. That fist belonged to, "Gren?!" I was shocked to see him even over here, and I nearly passed by him with my mouth agape before I instinctively pulled the car over, "What in the hell...?" I jumped out of the driver seat hearing the commotion of yelling and swearing continuously getting louder as I ran over to them. Gren had the guy under him and seemed to have no reason to stop bashing in his face, "Hey hey hey, break it up, both of you!" I felt stupid, I tried to pull Gren away from the guy he was pummeling but I must've been weak in the arms because he never budged, the only reason he even stopped was due to me, assuming I was one of the co-workers. For a second I saw a flash of rage run across his face nearly making me jump back when I saw a curled fist aimed in my direction, but he immediately froze and his features turned to surprise and confusion as soon as he recognized me, "What? The fuck are you doing here?!"
"Get- off me!" The guy he was straddling pushed him back causing Grendel to fall back into the muddy pavement.
"Paul you better pray to your maker that I don't turn you into mince meat!" His clothes were now covered in soot, dirt and mud, his face cut and scraped from before I got there, none the less I helped Gren up by his arm with both of mine and began to pull him with me to the car, trying to ignore the fact that he was trying to go towards his co-workers, "You think you know everything, but you don't know your head from your own ass!" He continued angrily.
"And you're still fired!" His boss exclaimed back pointing a finger at him and then away from the building, "Get off the lot before I call the cops you piece of shit!"
"I'm the piece of shit?! You're playing with fire Paul! You and your little posse watching the goddamn show! You're attitude isn't worth the money you shit out to us! I quit!"
"You can't quit because I fired you! Hey, you his girlfriend?" I froze when he spoke to me but I never got a chance to answer, "I don't know how you deal with him, but good luck to you lady! He is something else!"
"Don't you fuckin' talk to her!" He nearly ripped himself out of my grasp but with all my might I was finally able to get him to the passenger side door, "Gren, please, get in!" With a few more unpleasant exchange of words I was finally able to get him to to see reason and into the passenger seat before I drove off, Grendel now cursing under his breath when it was just us.
"Mother fucker..." He wiped his eyebrow wincing when he felt a scrap and from what I could see it was bleeding bad.
"Are you okay?" It was the only thing I could think to say, my heart was racing and I was trying hard to keep a steady hand on the wheel.
"Do I look okay?!" He yelled only to suck on his bottom lip and curse again rubbing at a few sore spots and cracking his neck.
"What the hell was that?! What happened?" I asked.
"The fuck you think happened? Son of a bitch thought he could get away with putting his nasty fuckin' finger on me, but he picked the wrong one. He's had it coming for a minute now, just lucky I was the one to give it to him."
"Wait-, so he put his hands on you?" I asked confused.
"Finger," He corrected, "But it's more than that. We've been at each other's throats since I started. I fuckin' hate working out here." He muttered the last part to himself, but none the less I heard it.
"I'm sorry Gren. I'm sorry it didn't work out. I can drop you off at home to get some fresh clothes, if you like. You look a mess." I gave a lighthearted laugh but he didn't smile. Instead he looked away from me and looked out at the road, "I don't have a place like you do, angel. I drift." He said it so simply that I had to do a double take in order to register what he said.
"As in you're homeless?"
"I said drift. I roam where I want to roam." He said raising his voice a bit.
"Sure. But that still means you're homeless." I replied the last part above a whisper never losing my stare before I broke away to grab a clean discarded towel from my back seat and placed it in his lap, "You're more than welcome to clean up at my place." He looked at the towel and then to me, but by then I was already concentrating on the road again, "I'll even help you with your clothes." I offered. He made a chortled noise as he wiped the blood, mud and sweat off his face, "Nah it's cool. I can just use Holly's sink...The laundry mat across the street is open twenty-four seven too, so..."
"Save your money. I don't mind, really." I insisted knowing that even if he was supposedly fine on his own, I felt sad seeing him like this, and I didn't want him going to Holly's in a state. So, I lended a hand, hoping he'd take it, "You can even take a shower if you'd like." He cocked a brow at me widening his eyes a bit before I laughed and shook my head, "Don't get any ideas now, I'm trying to help."
"Oh yeah? And your boyfriend's gonna be okay with that?" I felt like I had been struck with a bolt of silence as I opened my mouth to retort but instead I couldn't find my voice to speak. I must've looked like a gasping fish to him because he started to chuckle at me, "What, cat caught your tongue?" A scoff was my only reply before I shook my head and gave an empty laugh, "He's working."
"Still?" I nodded to his question staring at the road so he couldn't see the frown that was etching into my face. I didn't want him to see how badly it was hurting me, so I cleared my throat and adjusted in my seat. It may have been noticeable though, considering the silence that came after, but then he shrugged his shoulders and sighed, "Alright fine. But if you're man shows up and starts somethin' I ain't going to be able to control what happens."
"He won't." I said looking at him, "It won't come to that." I've had men over at my home for musing once or twice before. Women too of course, and I always welcomed him to watch me if it ever bothered him but so far it never seemed to, "And don't even joke like that. I have enough problems with him as it is." I muttered turning down Anderson, a street I recognized the moment I passed the diner.
"What do you mean?"
"Do you really want to know?" I asked eyeing him with a slanted smile before he chuckled and shook his head, "No."
"I didn't think so." I gave a dry laugh and then continued concentrating on the road, not even bothering to turn on the radio. Only the sound of the rain kept us tranquil while the windshield wipers became a beat we came to enjoy. When we arrived at the apartments I drove up to the entrance and rushed to the passenger side, just in case he needed help, but Gren waved me off with a grunt and walked with a visible ache in his face. He was in pain whether he wanted to admit it or not, but I let him do as he wished following close behind him. I used my code to get in the door and offered him in first, again following him towards the elevator.
When we got to my number I opened the door with a turn of a key and turned on the kitchen light to illuminate the entire space. I placed my bag on the island then looked to Grendel to see him glancing around the place. He had a blank look, almost uninterested at anything, which I didn't mind. It was just something I noticed, "The bathroom is right there." I gestured to it and then handed him my basket I used for dirty laundry, "Go ahead and stick your clothes in here and leave them outside the door."
"You know ya ain't gotta do all this." He muttered, both of us holding both ends of the laundry basket. He was hesitant to take it, but I pushed it further into his grip and smiled staring him straight in the eyes. He really did have nice eyes. Hazel green with a hint of yellow protruding out of the color and around his pupils, "You're right, but I'm going to anyways." His eyes were locked on my own almost as if he was suspicious, but I hardly let that stop me from fully handing him the basket and walking over to the kitchen to grab the first aid kit, "You can use the black robe behind the door when you're finished. Don't worry, it's clean." I didn't hear him after that, and as I turned away from the drawer with the kit in hand I saw the door close to the restroom. I released a sigh and shook my head placing the kit near the couch for when he came out. This wasn't my first Rodeo with having to fix injuries like this and considering it was just cuts and scraps I was relieved they were worse. Grendel looked like a man that could handle his own though, a guy who'd seen his share of nightmares. I started to think of the scar on his left cheek and frowned at the thought of what might've caused it, but I pushed it to the back of mind after I was done setting up the kit. I then went to the fridge to think of something of lunch, and since I had a guest, I felt kind of bad knowing I only had boxed, bagged, canned and preserved food. I was lucky enough to have bread and milk even some left over beer from the first night we arrived here. We had bought it ahead of time to celebrate the new place, but...Oh well.
"Hey Gren, are you hungry?" I called out to him from the fridge scanning at the very few ingredients I had.
"Sure?" Why did he make it sound like a question? I tittered quietly to myself looking over at the bathroom door with a funny feature taking my face, "Is that a yes?"
"Yeah...Why?" He sounded so unsure, but I assumed his reasoning for being hesitant was because wasn't use to this.
"I'm going to make some lunch, do you want some?"
"What're you making?" I looked through my cabinets and the fridge at least twice before answering with, "I'm not sure."
"Heh heh, ya got any beer?" He asked laughing at me through the door. I rolled my eyes trying not to smile and nodded even though he couldn't see me, "You're in luck. That I do."
"I'll start with that then." I heard his reply come from the doorway this time, seeing him slide the basket on the floor before closing it again. I took it, making sure that hopefully by the time he came out the washer would be half way done. I handled his attire with care, especially the jacket that looked as if he had been taking good care of it for a long time now. I used gentle soaps and light cycles to avoid any damage or shrinkage and then made my way back to the apartment to start the meal. I wanted something other than a boxed meal so I made a few sandwiches with the little meat I had and put some boiled eggs on the side lightly seasoned with salt and pepper. It wasn't much but it was something. By the time I was done with the food Grendel was already done with his shower tying off the black robe around him as he stepped out with his hair damp and lightly disheveled. He ran a towel over his head and then ran his fingers through his hair, all while I had been apparently watching him before he noticed, "Hey."
"Hi." He said flatly coming around to the couch to take a seat. I followed with the food and beer in hand and sat it on the coffee table next to the first aid kit. He grunted, but said nothing else as he took the beer in hand, a stain of misery painted on his face, more than likely from earlier and now that everything had calmed down, I think he was letting it all set in, "What a fuckin' day." I nodded not knowing what to say at first, but then he seemed more irritated by the first aid kit, "What the fuck is that for? And don't say it's for me." My head leaned back a bit at the bitter bite he gave to his tone, but I picked up a cotton swab and the ointment, hoping I could show him otherwise that it was no big deal, "Well yeah, you should always treat your cuts, they'll get infected if you don't."
"What're you my fuckin' mother? I'm a big boy angel, I can handle myself fine." He retorted with a huff.
"You should still treat them regardless." I said softly, but that just made him more angry, and I realized then that when Gren said no, it meant no, "I said I'm fine!" I was startled by his outburst, the sharp features running across his face as he hunched forward aggravated. Shit, I didn't mean to step on his toes, and that's exactly what I did. I felt as though I may have pushed my worries for Henry onto Gren and that's why I was so persistent. Was I? I started thinking back to when he told me about him being a drifter, and I assumed maybe I had begun to pity him, having no where really to go besides Holly's. He had no where to sleep, no where he could call home. Maybe Holly's was home. It wasn't my intention to be overbearing, and when I came to the conclusion that I might've been, I made sure to right it showing my embarrassment through a smile I was trying hard to wear and shook of my head with a soft breathless laugh at myself, "I'm sorry. You're right, I'm was overthinking it." I began to put the band aids and cotton swab away taking one more look at Gren to see him staring at me with an unreadable expression, "You should at least eat. I mean-, if you can-, you don't have to." I stumbled over my own words smacking my forehead softly. As I was about to put the ointment away he suddenly grabbed my wrist, his eyes looking away from me as he barred his teeth. I felt him tighten his grip for a second before finally releasing me, sighing in almost defeat as he slouched back against the couch, "Just get it over with." He muttered.
I didn't know what to think, it was like stepping on eggs shells at this point and I froze looking at him dumbfounded before he noticed and frowned sourly, "What did I stutter?"
"I'm not trying to pressure you into anything." I said meekly shrugging my shoulders.
"You ain't pressuring nothing. So are you going to do it or not?" Again I was stuck like a deer i headlights, but then with a small breath through my nose I grabbed the swab and ointment again and scooted closer to him until our knees were touching, "Look at me, please." He did as I asked with a reluctant grunt, but did nothing else. I gave a gentle smile none the less shaking my head at him. I did my best to have a gentle steady hand around every mark, but when I got to a small gash on his bottom lip he gave a look of discomfort and almost looked as if he was about to glare at me, "Sorry." It didn't take long, but as I began to aid his brow his eyes were on mine causing my cheeks to glow in response. At first I assumed it was because he was still annoyed by me, but when he smirked down at me I felt myself falter my steadiness, "You look as though you want to ask me a question." I tried to say it with a playful tone ignoring the fact that he was loving the shit out of my reaction, but I tried hard to keep to the task at hand, "A million of them." He said bluntly, "For starters, how did ya know where I worked?"
"I didn't, it was by chance to be honest. I was driving back from school and...Well, here we are." I then smiled at him again and proceeded to close up the kit, letting him take a second to soak everything in now that it wasn't so hectic. I waited for his next question, in the mean time grabbing some of the food I had made. I had my back to him while I did, and with my ears alone I heard him turn around in his seat, "Okay...Well, thanks for uh-, back there..." His thumb pointed to the door as he fumbled with his words, making me smile even more as I turned around to him with a plate of simple food, "Any time." Handing it off when I reached him. As he slowly took it from my hand, our eyes met, something that seemed to be reoccurring more and more often now that I thought about it. Obviously there was a certain tension between us, something I wasn't quite sure yet, but it left my heart thumping tempestuously in my chest to the point I felt my cheeks start to tingle. At that moment I knew my face was starting to flush and with a mind racing to find a topic I cleared my throat and attempted to sit down normally but instead I nearly slipped off the cushion. God I hoped he hadn't noticed that, but from the look of his amusement...Of course he did. He chuckled to himself and sighed as he began to dig into the egg I had just made for him, and ate the thing in two bites, "How about some tunes while we eat? I doubt there's anything good on, but...Hey, its good background noise."
"If you say so." As we watched the day time show the silence between us was endearing. Most people would've found it uncomfortable or awkward I guess, but then again I was a little awkward myself, so being quiet was definitely something I was use to. For me though, I was just happy to have someone here. It felt nice for once, and Gren was good company regardless of the situation, "So, you were a bit of a drifter yourself, eh?" The question was so sudden I almost didn't catch what he asked of me until he nudged his head towards the photos I had framed and placed on my wide book shelf.
"For a while, yes. We took odd jobs from state to state before we could finally afford to come up here. I tried to look at it as a long road trip, but I guess after a while I wanted something a little more stable." They were of different friends and families, places and events that I had attended for various reasons, out of all of them there was two of me and Henry, one one the entertainment certain and even one on the stand that was right beside Grendel next to the lamp. It was turned over but when he had noticed its state he turned it upright, but not before holding it in his hands to study it. I couldn't read his expression but either way he placed it back taking one last look at our faces as the wheels in his head started to turn, "You two been together long?" He asked.
"Long enough. The roads been a bumpy one, but, we've managed." That earned me a chuckle loud enough to be consider a laugh, "Seems to me the only one managing anything is you. Matter of fact the guy couldn't even bother to say goodbye to ya." I started to fiddle with the edge of my plate so I sat it down on the coffee table in front of me, and before I could respond, "I'm a little curious is he always like that?" I didn't want to say yes, but as I recollecting the few times that he had pulled something close to this, I could only slowly nod my head as I stared up at the television to distract my unsettling thoughts.
The longer he reframed from calling, the longer I waited, the longer the heartache stayed the more I felt the dread set in. I hadn't even realized I was shaking my head, but when I had I leaned back against the couch and gave a deep exasperated sigh, "Can I vent a second? I won't chew your ear off I swear, I just...I need some advice." He made no response which made me gulp and laugh nervously trying to clear my throat before I decided to continue trying to keep my voice steady while fiddling with my hands now, "When I met Henry we were in a bad place..." I looked away ashamed biting my lip but made myself look back up at him, "Let's just say it involved a lot of ice and snow." I admitted. It seemed to surprise him if his expression was anything to go by, but I smirked and light laugh behind my lips, "What, you didn't expect a nice girl like me to do those sort of things?" I joked trying to lighten the situation, in return Gren just softly laughed placing an elbow on the arm of the couch, "A little. Ya just don't look the type to be into that sort of thing, if ya know what I mean."
"Like I said, I was in a bad place." I repeated taking our plates to the kitchen as I continued, "My sister and parents all kicked the bucket and it left me feeling...Alone I guess." After I had come back to sit I leaned on the side of my hip turning towards him with my legs crossed and a hand holding up my head as I told my sad pathetic little story, "I was lost without them." I trailed off for a second, looking down at nothing before looking back at him with a question I dearly wanted to ask, but I was afraid it was too personal. And yet... "Have...You ever lost someone before?" He glared at me for a split second, almost on the verge of snapping, I could tell, but instead he huffed and sighed looking away from me, "I don't want to go there angel."
"I'm sorry. I'm not-, trying to make you relive anything. I just...You know not many people know how to cope with loss. I was kind of one of those people."
"What changed?" To his question I smiled almost as if in a dream remember what it was that made me turn over a leaf, "I overdosed." I said. I watched his reaction change from subtle to shock. He hadn't expect that I guess, but I nodded at him, "Yep, I sprawled out on my bed ready to end it because I just didn't...Give a fuck." I felt an old sense of emptiness, my old friend grief knocking at my chamber door, "Wow. Didn't expect that plot twist." His dry humor made me give a just as much of a dry chuckle only to lift my arms proudly and grin at him, "Well I'm obviously still here, right?" I then clapped my hands together and turned myself towards the television again to give my eyes something to do while I finished up to stop my ramblings to him, "Anyways, thanks to a family friend I was able to get a little better, and now I use most of my time to, you know." I pointed towards my little painting area hearing him grunt before I decided to tell him a little about Henry and I, "Henry...I don't think he liked the fact that I went to get help. When we met he was constantly getting high with me, we enable each other, and for awhile he use to think that it was always going to be like that, and when I stopped I guess we both just stopped seeing eye to eye." I then shrugged my shoulders lifted my brows and sighed as I clapped my hands against my knees, "And that's the premise of my horrible sit-com, a girl trying desperately to find her place in the world while also holding onto a guy who isn't even around half the time. I'm starting to believe the only reason we were together was for the drugs and sex." I muttered the last part just as I laid back against the big throw pillow behind me to release a huff, but then I looked back over to Grendel to see his face full of intrigue and shock, "What?"
"Drugs and sex, huh?" He had this cheeky little grin on his face, one of impish thoughts that made my whole face feel as if it was going to burst into flames, but I attempted to hold his gaze in order to keep my poker face, "Yep."
"So in other words he had it good then?" He cocked a brow at me causing me to gasp and bite my lip before Iightly throwing the throw pillow in his direction, "Where are your manners?!"
"That's the fun part of me angel, I ain't got none." He cackled before throwing it back in my face causing me to muffle a yelp into the cushion as I caught it. As I pulled it away from my face with a slanted frown, I glared at him and to that caused him to laugh twice as hard, even when I attempted to move his arm that attempted to block my blow from his head. He was only slightly successful considering I was able to mess up his hair a bit to which he grunted and said, "Hey." Strong arming me he put me into a hold that had my arms at my side, and him holding me extremely tight to his chest, "You little brat." I turned to face him, seeing that he was more amused than upset.
"What, you didn't think I was going to fight back?" I retorted smirking.
"Heh, if this is what you call 'fighting back' then I worry for you." He held me in place no matter how much I struggled, even when I tired to turn myself in his grasp I ended up only making it worse. I thought I could've wrestled myself out of his grasp, wriggling and stretching my muscles to different distortions, but it only made him chuckle and watch me with entertainment, "What're tryin' to do?" I felt his chest jump against my back with each laugh before I answered laughing back, "What's it look like?"
"Like a fish tryin' to escape out my hands." I probably did actually, but I only giggled then and continued to try and wrestle him until I had found myself turned around in his lap and him pulling me down onto the couch. I made contact with an 'oof' still giggling and attempting to pull myself up from under neath him but it was too late, once I was under him the match was over, and I found myself looking up at a very prideful Grendel grinning down at me, "Looks like I win angel." I was already out of breath surprised that this guy hadn't lost any kind of stamina wrestling me docile, "This time." I teased smirking, trying to hold back a few unstoppable giggles that came bubbling to the surface. "Heh heh, you've got a lot of balls, I'll give ya that. But you forget I'm still taking ya down in just a robe." For a split second I saw his eyes flick down from my own to my lips. What started off as a playful banter ended up getting us in a very comprising position then I had ever meant to. And this time, I wasn't just imagining things when I saw him look conflicted between doing something irreversible. Yet, as my smile faded and the laughter had been replaced with heavy breaths from the both of us, it was then he gave a growl deep within his chest and reel himself off of me as he sat back in his spot, "You should probably go check on the clothes." He said suddenly rubbing he side of his temple before looking over at me, waiting for me to respond. It took me a moment, still frozen in my spot before I cleared my throat and nodded with a smile as I sat up, "Right, I nearly forgot." I jumped up at the chance, and made my way to the door before turning back to him, "I'll be back." I tried not to notice the expression he wore. I was hoping I hadn't hurt his feelings somehow. I thought we were just fooling around, but unfortunately I may have made Gren feel as if I'd-, no, I was overthinking it again. Was I?
Gren was good looking in my opinion, and definitely fun to be around, but I didn't want him feeling as though that's all I wanted him here for. That wasn't the case at all. I know in wasn't in much of a relationship when it came to Henry either, considering how everything was playing out, but I would never want to do something like that to someone, never, no matter how bad it was. It could only end in disaster for all of us. Although, my I couldn't deny my body, it was shaking when I'd begun to put the clothes into the dryer. My blood was running hot, pumping through me like I was about to have withdrawal, and I...I think it's definitely been awhile. I smacked my hand over my face muttering to myself, "Okay, get it together..." and took a few moments to relax myself before I headed back to the apartment. When I had returned Gren looked back from the television and eyed me until I was complied to say something, "They're almost done, another thirty should do it."
"Good. Hey, um, thanks again for, you know, everything? I don't get this kind of...treatment often."
"I don't mind it at all Gren. If you ever need a place to crash or wash up, or...I don't know, just want to get away, my door is always open." A frown etched into his face as he looked at me. I almost thought I had upset him with it, and started to stutter before he gave a breathless laugh, and shook his head look away, "Why?"
"Pardon?"
"Why are you so...Nice? What if I decided to steal from ya, and take everything ya had? Ya barely fucking know me." Is he...Actually upset by this? I couldn't imagine why this made him it would, but then I started to realize he had been on his own for who knows how long, and I guess other than Holly and a few others, a random girl showing an act of kindness left him at odds. I smiled even more at him, and scooted closer to him until I was leaning in his view of sight so he had to look at me, "Because I care about people I'm becoming friends with." He tried to laugh it off and shake his head as if refusing to take my answer, but I shrugged so he could marinate on it. After all, the offer was only there if he wanted it, "Which reminds me, Lily and Faith are suppose to stop by today after work, you think you'll be sticking around long enough to play a little round?" He cocked a brow at me confused, to which I explained pointing to the entertainment center, "Video games."
"Oh. eh, I don't think so. Nothing against you, but if I don't get down to the Woodlands today, I'll be there all morning tomorrow. Fuck that shit."
"I understand, responsibilities and priorities."
"No, I just don't want to be there tomorrow." He said it so brusquely I couldn't help but giggle at his response, "Don't worry though," He said smirking at me, "I'll be over at Holly's later on tonight if you're that worried about me." That last part he was teasing me, and for that I rolled my eyes with a playful scoff as I turned from him.
"Well, at least I can rest easy now." I don't know why, but that made me happy to hear, almost giddy, but I reframed from showing it by walking over to my easel to grab a cup of paint brushes I wanted to wash for a piece I thought of starting while we waited, "How about another beer in the mean time?" His eyes slowly turned to me and a big grin took his face, "Fuck yeah." I could get use to this kind of company, even after handing him off the beer we both were able to sit in the quiet without feeling tense or awkward. To honest I found myself surprised to find Gren watching me intently out of the corner of my eye as I sketched out my simple outlines. After I was done I prepared the paints on my palette, mixing and toning the colors to my specifications until I was pleased with the results, "You don't mind if I paint do you?" I should've asked before I started but apart of me was just pulled to my little piece of heaven, but Gren shrugged his shoulders and shook his head saying nothing else, "Good. Let me know if you need anything, more food, another beer..." I named the simplest things off the top of my head just to specify.
"My clothes." His tone was flat but I sensed a lightheartedness behind it letting a giggle slip as I nodded in agreement, "Yes, those too! Don't worry, I got it covered." I showed him my beeper and set the timer to 25 minutes. I waved it at him with a smirk and set it down to continue my work. I grabbed my CD player and placed it even closer to me, and placed one of the buds in my ear, leaving the other open so I could still hear and talk to Gren. In the mean time he seemed content with just absentmindedly surfing the channels as I proceeded with my little side project. Little by little the colors on my palette were transferred to the canvas, and with every light dab, stroke, and wave, I found myself falling into another world I had created. I'd decided to make a treehouse, simple I know, but with the right colors and a little bit of imagination, the sky was the limit. With minute after I minute I was turning my outline of this mini treehouse, into breathtaking place of wonder. I wanted to know what was in that treehouse, in a forest so grand, so bright and fresh. I wanted to climb the trees born made steps to see what kind of spectaculars were awaiting behind that little blue door in a place built so high up in forest never seen no one even knew it existed...Except me.
Suddenly, being taken out of thoughts I heard a deep hum from behind me and turned to find Grendel staring at me and what I was doing. I thought at first he was looking disapprovingly, but his brow arched as if he was drawn to it, "What're you drawin' this time?" He asked.
"A place from my childhood, but, with my own little twist to it."
"And this for the-, uh, portfolio?"
"No, more than likely to sell. I have a feeling rent's going to be tight this month."
He chuckled at that, shaking his head as he began to flip through the channels again, "Already planning ahead, eh?" His eyes then looked back at me, regardless of what was on, and I him as I lowered my arms with a sigh, "Yep." With that, I looked over my progress so far, only to have the alarm go off reminding of his clothes, "You're clothes are done!" I said cheerfully. I put everything down and removed the apron from around my waist, "I'll be back." I then headed to the door only to hear Gren reply with, "I'll still be here." It didn't take long for me to grab his things, and when I'd returned he had been waiting by the island near the door leaning against it until I came into view with his clothes. That's when he stood up, and I gave him his clothes with smiling at him, although as he gazed at me I felt my face redden when there was small silence between us, "I tried to make sure they were on light soap and all. I, uh, didn't want to ruin the jacket so I hope everything's where it needs to be." I tried to lightly joke in the second, but even though he chuckled he still had that frown from earlier as he looked down at his clothes, "Ya know, I didn't expect ya to be an actual angel about this. Not many fables deal with me, I mean, ya know who I am, and, what I-, um..." He was nervous, and coughed into his balled hand as he cleared his throat, and looked down at me, "I'm just surprised is all. Mother fuckers out here always think they're better than us...We ain't at the top, so we got to take care of ourselves...Our own."
"Of course. I told you before, I don't mind helping you out here and there. That's what friends are for right?"
"Heh heh, we're friends now are we?" I wasn't sure if he was joking or not when he said that, but then again it had only been a couple of days, not even that since we've met, and I guess I was jumping the gun, "I guess we'll see."
"Right." His eyes lingered on me for a bit longer, before I leaned in just a bit, to which he did the same.
"Is that a bad thing for you? Becoming friends?" I asked out of curiosity but I asked in the most gentlest way I could, because I wanted his honest answer. And I got it, "It will be for you, if you fuck me over that is." He warned. His reply surprised me a bit causing me to widen my eyes before I nodded slowly, "Fair enough." Just then I perked up my head to him and straightened up, " The same goes for you by the way."
"Sure, but you'll have a harder time tryin' to take me down." He said grinning.
"I'll sure try my damnest." I retorted.
"Whatever ya say Little Fish." I tried so hard not to laugh, but it came out in a burst of bubbly giggles before I attempted to compose myself when he reference to the earlier when I tried to wrestle him. Grendel was chuckling to himself as well until...I didn't know what it was with our dynamic but I was really beginning to like it. Maybe, a little too much, and it was beginning to show when I noticed that small little spark in his eyes. A fire burning that I've seen many times before in the heat of the moment, and to that I pulled my eyes away from his and patted his clothes to remind us of the task at hand, "You're still naked. You should get dress."
"Unless you like me this way." He quipped gesturing at himself, but I could only smile more, and press the basket towards him more, "You are incorrigible. You must be a hit with ladies." He laughed under his breath making his way to the bathroom, "So far with you, yeah." He closed the door giving a small glimpse back at me before he was gone from sight, leaving me to my thoughts. I sighed deeply but quietly. As much as I liked the bite that Gren had to his persona, I was starting to believe I may make a mistake if I'm not careful. I needed to get it together. I was suppose to be doing something nice for him and instead we were both flirting. I smacked my face and leaned forward only to lean back to flip my hair out of my face, deciding to clean dishes and rack them while I waited. It was long though, minutes later he came out looking sharp as ever, and even looked somewhat pleased with himself before he came to sit down at the island in one of the stools on the other side. He didn't say anything at first, but I told him to give me a minute anyway, and after I dried my hands I turned to find Grendel almost glaring at me. Was he glaring at me? No, he had been studying me as if I was a foreign object. How did I know? Well, sometimes the expression of someone's face, their eyes and features can tell you everything and he was speaking loud and clear as I stood there frozen in place, "Are you okay?" Was the only thing I could think to say, and he would've responded if the phone hadn't taken us by surprise. "Sorry." I don't know why I apologized to him, but I guess it was the face he made, cringing to the sound of the high pitch ringing. I took to step towards it, and quickly picked it up to ease his poor ears, hoping deep inside it may have been another certain person I'd been wanting to see, but instead, I got something better, "Hello?"
"Hey it's Lily! We're here!"
"Great! I'll buzz you in!" I was ecstatic by this point, and pressed the door code into the phone so the entrance would open. Hopefully it worked, it was my first time using this thing, "Who was that?" Gren had a uncomfortable and irritated feature, until I told him it was Lily. That seemed to settle him, "You two are getting along?"
"Yeah, why do you ask?"
"Because you've seen Holly right, Lily is almost the same if not worse when it comes to people. But for some reason she likes you."
"I guess...I haven't noticed. The first time we met I nearly pissed my pants." He laughed loudly craning his head back to the thought I assume, "Not because of her." I corrected, "She was walking by, and we just-, started talking."
"Huh." He made a noise of understanding rolling his tongue against his cheek before shrugging his shoulders, "Well who says you don't meet people in the strangest places?"
"Yeah, tell me about it." I took that time to slide the door open for the girls for when she came up, but turned back to Grendel, lacing my fingers together and putting them in front of me as I pivoted my body a bit, "So, you still heading to the Woodlands?" I didn't expect myself to sound so disappointed, but I did my best to mask it, "I mean- I'm not inclining you to stay, just...you know, the more the merrier and all." There was a small glimmer in his eyes, something getting him to contemplate it, and honestly, yes, I was hoping he would. Not just for my own reasons, but because I liked his company. What can I say, I was a sucker for sarcastic assholes.
He looked to the door, "Ahh, nah. I really got to go. But-, I'll be back at Holly's once I'm finished the fucks there." But there was a glint of hope that I saw when he gazed back at me, resisting a smile, "You're still working' tonight, right?"
"Yeah." I chirped happily shrinking my head back when I thought I may have went up an octiv without meaning to,, "Sorry. S-so, I'll see you later tonight." I had a feeling I had made an ass out of myself because he chuckled at me, and grinned, "Definitely." He said, and pulled up the collar of his jacket, "Thanks again by the way."
"You're welcome." I was going to let him walk out until I realized it was still raining, "Oh, before you go." I shuffled over to my umbrella holder by the door, and grabbed on of my large umbrellas and handed it to him, "It would be a little redundant to have you take to showers today." As I held it out to him, he looked to me holding out his hand," You've done enough. Plus, at this rate I having a feeling I'm going to have to start owning you."
"You don't owe me anything." I pressed it into his chest, and with a deep gaze he grabbed it out of my hands brushing our palms by accident. I had to admit, he was rather warm. Hot blooded, but I discarded the thought, "Just stay safe."
"Ha ha, safe? That's not a problem, angel, I'll definitely be that." He laughed. I was glad he was so confidence in himself, but it worried me a little of how confidence he sounded. I mean, we were in the Bronx. He must've lived here for so long he was second nature to him. That makes sense.
None the less I couldn't help but eye him, "No more fights either." I said looking back at him with a wide smile and crossed my arms as I walked over to the doorway and leaned against it, "I make no promises." Was his reply leaving me to shake my head once again, "It was nice getting acquainted, Gren. I hope we can do this again real soon." He smiled back winking, heading out the door with the umbrella tapping against his leg lazily, "Me too." His eyes followed mine until he was out the door. He walked down the hallway reaching the elevator, and pressed for the first floor, before the doors had reached him, he took that moment to look up at the glowing numbers above him tapping his foot as he waited until he shifted his eyes to me, seeing me glancing back at him from the door way. I beamed him a smile, and waved happily. I don't know why but I was starting to pick up on the fact that Grendel wasn't use to kindness, even though he had already told me so. Whether it was his reaction of surprise or a frown, or the uncomfortable looks he'd give, this one definitely made it clear that he didn't know what to do when I waved back at him. He looked behind him and around him, before he cocked a brow at me and waved slowly when suddenly the elevator dinged and opened its doors to him, revealing to other people inside, staring back at him, "Well, surprise, surprise, what're you doing here?" I could hear Faith's voice before I saw them exit the elevator and Gren enter it, but just as he turned around to them I saw his head poke out and point in my direction, "Ask her." With a last ding the elevator doors closed with him inside, leaving me now to two girls staring at me confused...And assuming, "So, you and Gren, huh?" Faith teased causing me to widen my eyes at her as if she had shit on her face. Her lips curled into the biggest grin before she couldn't hold back her laughter and continued to giggle.
"I never would've guessed." Lily joked laughing soon after when my face turned dead pan, "You two are going to get me in trouble." I said with a chuckle, "He was in a scuffle with his boss, and I was helping him out."
"I'm sure you were." Lily laughed getting me to glare at her, "Lily..."
"Alright alright I'll stop. Well, that was very nice of you. I'm sure he appreciated it."
"Even if he didn't, I'm just glad I could help. So, are we here to stand around or are we doing this thing? Are you guys still up for playing?" The two stared at one another unsure, but came inside my home none the less, sitting on the couch as they looked around. Lily gasped when she noticed something and walked up to it with her mouth agape, "Is this..." She trailed off both Faith and I frozen in place as we watched her look it over. She was quiet, gazing over the finished work I had done for her, sitting off to the side where I thought it would be out of the way. Apparently I picked the right place, just in view where she could finally see her new piece, "It's yours."
"I...it really does look like home..." I didn't said anything, but when she said that I could only imagine where she had originally come from that could've have a bridge like the one I painted. I'm sure there were plenty of places like this in the world, but by the way Lily had her fingers tracing the bridge and the stream flowing underneath it, it was as though she was homesick, "I-I can't afford..." She stopped herself in mid-sentence, and right away I could tell she sounded as if she was about to cry, "Since when did we talk about pay? If I recall I was suppose to pay you for the idea, right?" I smiled at her and patted her shoulder to get her to look at me, "Hey, don't worry about it. Think of it as a gift. Plus once I make it through next Wednesday I'll be able to give you that money."
"I don't have anywhere to put it." She said trying to laugh off the fact that she sounded worried before she looked away, closing her eyes, in what I assumed was an attempt to compose herself.
"Then let Holly hold it until you get one." I suggested.
"Yeah, okay. You make i t sound as though it's that easy." Her voice was slowly becoming hard and bitter, which took me by surprise considering I'd never seen this side of her before, but it was one I was about to get acquainted with really fast. She looked as though she was about to break then but looked to Faith and Faith back at her, "I don't think that's ever going to be the case."
"Why?" I asked being the only one oblivious to what was going on. I had no idea, but Faith and Lily did. There was a stilled silence between the three of us, one that left feeling tense and almost holding my breath as Lily turned her eyes to me, "Georgie." Was all she said before sitting herself on the floor with her knees to her chest, "You heard about how most of the Fable's are in trouble right? Well, because ever since we came to this dung heep of a town things have been spiraling for the rest of us folk who ain't got a lot of friends in high places...But the Woodlands, they got those kind of friends, which means the rest of us can go fuck ourselves." She said it with a sarcastic smile, looking over at me before it disappeared and she turned back to the picture frowning sadly, "This just reminds me that I'm never going to be home, ever again."
"Don't say that." I told her in a harsh whisper, "Just because you're working at the Pudding and Pie or because you're living in the Bronx doesn't mean that life is hopeless."
"You don't get it do you? I don't have that option like you do, you don't have a long sustaining debt due to expensive glamour. You don't have to be force to work all damn day to pay off sleeves balls that you'd rather not have to deal with and you don't have a -," She stopped holding her neck in a defensive manner, leaving me baffled as I looked between her and the bow tied around her neck.
I couldn't imagine what she was going through to have had an outburst like this, but I could see a frightened look behind her eyes before she turned away and took a deep breath closing her lids, "It's just so hard...Having to do this every day. No breaks, no changes, no life, no nothing. Just- work."
"Lily..." Faith's voice was full of sadness, looking at her friend with eyes just as exhausted. I knew they were strippers, but I wasn't entirely sure on the hours they worked. It seemed as though they were there all hours of the day and night, whenever it suited them...Or...Maybe the person they were working for? I never heard a strip club forcing their strippers to work like that. Or did they? I wasn't sure, I've only known friends and colleagues who had worked these kinds of jobs so I knew I was ignorant to the fact of what their day to day was. But, with that in mind, I sat next to Lily crossing my legs as I stared at the painting with her. It was as though we were there, just watching the beauty to let it take us away, "If home was like this, these cities are a great shame." I said. She looked at me taking in what I said before she smiled and nodded, "Yeah. Compare to this, I'd pick home every time. I remember back ages ago, when my sister and I would just wait for the poor saps of travelers to stroll on by with their caravans and we'd take the halls to our little cave just below a bring like this, and eat and drink to our hearts content. Ah, those we're the good ole days. Those days I miss." I was nodding along with what she said until I heard the word caravan and travelers. I assumed she was from over seas maybe, or part of the country where there weren't a lot of cars, but the fact the fact that she was openly admitting to stealing caravans had me popping an eye brow, "Uh, yeah...Wait you stole caravans?" I was laughing unable to fathom Holly and Lily on a stealing binge, but she laughed back nodded proudly, "We sure did. Took their meads, meats, barrels of fish or pickles... Even took their bodies to feast."
"Okay, now you're just being silly." I rolled my eyes laughing as I got up from the floor and began to wrap up the painting in a plastic bag, so that when I brought it to work it could be kept safe. After I finished I helped Lily off the floor, who seemed almost reluctant to do so before I put more strength into my torso to pull her up to me, until we were face to face, and I smiled at her, "If you miss home, go home." I told her simply, but as I did her eyes looked between mine. I almost wondered if I had said something wrong but she frowned at me and looked back at the painting, "Or at least somewhere like it." I corrected just in case. I didn't know the state of home, so I hoped something I said was sticking. As she stared at me she suddenly smiled softly, and took my hand with a tight squeeze, "If only it were that easy sweetie." With that she looked to Faith whose eyes were extremely wide and pale, "Well, don't tell me you're sad too."
"Don't get me wrong," Faith was hesitant to speak on the matter, but I was in no attempt to rush her as she crossed her legs and leaned herself over her knees, "I miss home... To a degree, but other than that, I just want out." It was then I had noticed the ribbons around their necks. This, of course, wasn't the first time, nor the third, it had been nagging at me since I first met Faith. So we sat there in a overwhelming silence, I gazed back between the two of them as the vibrant colored sashes peaked my interest, "So does everyone at the Pudding and Pie wear those?" The girls looked at one another and then their ribbons nodding slowly, almost cautiously, which was odd to me, but all the same I continued, "Can you take them off?" Lily shrugged, Faith almost doing the same looked away out at the window staring at the pouring rain outside, which inclined me to ask the next question, "Why not?" In unison the girls spoke four words that left a chill running down my spine, "My lips are sealed." I was left stunned but nodded my head to the side as I walked over to the game system, "Alright, I get it, don't ask. Well, in that case, I feel like we should all be taking out some frustration from today's mishaps, yeah? I don't know about you, but I like to do this just to so I can kick peoples asses without having to go to jail." They both looked at one another for a second before looking back at me in silence, "Oh come on you guys! Look, I know it's probably been a long day, right? Well, tell you what, try playing ten minutes with me, if you don't like it we can always do something else, it doesn't matter. But if you ask me," I crossed my arms at them with a shoulders broadening, "You two need a break from work, life, people, all of that shit." I heard Faith laugh softly as I pulled out two remotes from their tangled mess and held them out in front of them once I had finished making myself look silly trying to untie them, "What do you say? Let's forget about the world, if not for a little while." Faith was already with the controller in hand and waited for Lilly to do the same. Lily looked between my hand and the device, trying to debate if she really wanted to do this. She then looked at me with a hard gaze, but then softened it as she took the controller from me, "Fine. But just for a little while." She said finally, showing but a faint smile. All in all, that's all I could've hoped for. Even my intuition was going haywire, something shifting in the air between all three of us. I wanted to ask, I wanted to know what was happening at work to help them get through it, but first, I needed them to open up the door to me, and through video games, I knew I could get them to crack.
After all, how were we suppose to become friends when we were keeping secrets?
Next- Chapter 5: Facade
More suspense in the next one. FP starts to pick up on more of the fact that she's no longer in Kansas anymore!