I4.6
Chapter 49: Gifting
Disclaimer: I own nothing. Adult themes. DO NOT read if you are underage or dislike controversial things.
Author's Note: Thank you for sticking it out with this story. I know the updates at real irregular, but I appreciate you for reading and those who leave comments. They really do help motivate me when morale is lower than my credit score.
The smell of fresh, wet soil is the first thing to register in Richard's nose as he climbs out of the vehicle. A cool breeze ruffles his, already, artfully tousled raven hair. Keen blue-gray eyes scan his surroundings as he straightens out his navy blue hoodie and dark jeans. The crisp air of fall brings a smile to his face. The weather is perfect. Not too hot, not too cold. Just right for today's mission.
Once he ascertains that all is right, he strides with purpose to the other side of the Titan's civilian car. With the flourish of an excited child, he pulls the passenger side door open to reveal a very cautious baby bird. Raven is peering up at him with a question in her eyes as her violet orbs take in their environment. Richard graciously extends a hand to help her out of the car. He brushes off the slight sting to his pride when she doesn't readily place her hand in his. Instead, she eyes it with concern, as though it will attack her at any moment. He quietly reminds himself that she is still learning to be okay with physical touch and that she won't become comfortable with it unless someone shows her that there's nothing wrong with it. Therefore, he doesn't retract his offer and patiently waits her out as she makes a choice. If she truly doesn't want to touch him, then she'll just ignore him.
The dimples in his cheeks deepen when she politely places her hand in his. Skin barely grazing skin. He feels her stiffen when his long fingers fold over to completely encase her offering. He pauses to see if she will pull away and is ecstatic when she doesn't. Touch is a relatively new development in the friendship between the young birds. While Richard wouldn't consider himself a touchy-feely kind of guy, he does recognize that his emotionally stunted friend yearns for it. He was fortunate enough to grow up around people who would love on him constantly. Random kisses that seem to heal any and all boo boos. Bear hugs that warmed the soul. Nightly tuck ins that kept the big, bad monsters away. Too bad all of that couldn't keep death away.
The young man shakes the stray dark thought away as he helps Raven climb out of the car. This is supposed to be a happy surprise for her. He shouldn't darken both of their moods with memories of a time long gone. A time he cannot erase or fix.
Stay in the present.
Shapely legs that are clad in opaque stocking tights recapture his attention as Raven swings them out of the car. He smiles endearingly at her attempt at being "elegant" while maneuvering in a skirt. There is a slight grunt as she balances on the balls of her feet as the hand she placed in his clutches on to him for dear life. Richard has to stifle a laugh at the awkwardness of it all. He is used to women gliding around like graceful figure skaters on 4 inch heels with nary a stumble or fumble. Women who can run marathons in the most expensive, uncomfortable and impractical shoes you can think of. The exact opposite of the sight before him. Raven glares daggers at him before pulling her hand away and begins to levitate, so as to not be thrown off balance.
"Well, that's cheating," he playfully says as he puts a hand on his chin. "You said you wanted to try something new."
"I said new," she snaps back, "not torturous."
"The trick is to shift your weight to the back of your foot...so that all that pressure isn't on the balls of your feet," he sagely advises as his eyes quickly dart around the area. It wouldn't do for a random stranger to see a young girl just randomly floating out of no where.
"How…?"she questions in disbelief. "Do I even want to know how you know that, Robin?"
"It's a long story," he replies. "Just know that I lost a bet."
He wasn't about to divulge the time he lost to Jason Todd of all people. He had high hopes that Bruce Wayne would have been smart enough to not get himself involved with Catwoman. He had thought that his mentor had enough backbone to resist Selina's seductive charm. For as long as he's known him, Bruce has always been a man with ambition and strict principles, so to see him crumble over a woman of questionable character really dulled some of the shine in Richard's eyes. Not that he completely blames him. Richard isn't a stranger to the embrace of beautiful women with nefarious motives, but he definitely wouldn't start a relationship with them. At best, they're good for a night or two.
"I can't imagine you're very good at losing," Rachel's deep, gravel like voice brings the smile back to his face.
"I'm not…" is his cryptic reply. After losing the bet, Jason made Richard strut around in the Catwoman outfit. Complete with heels. The initial shame and embarrassment had his face tomato red, but it quickly wore off when both boys attempted to figure out how Selina is able to fight in that get up. It's not a secret that the superhero uniforms for women are hyper-sexualized, but at least Catwoman is completely covered, even if it is skin tight. It didn't take long for Richard to realize that the body suit isn't all that different from the leotard that he used to wear when he traveled with his parents and the circus. The shoes were trickier, though. He was able to do a couple of back flips before his ankle started to buckle. Jason, however, broke both the shoe and his ankle. Even Alfred couldn't keep a straight face when the boys had to explain what happened and why there were injuries and broken furniture.
"How did you even find high heels in your size?" she inquires as she continues to levitate.
"You can find anything on the internet…"
Both birds share a moment of silence before Rachel shakes her head. Sometimes, it is difficult for her to process the fact that her, normally, strict and very well disciplined leader can be so childish and jovial. It's a sweet thought, but somehow seems out of place with what she knows of her leader. Or did he stow that part of himself away when he steps into the Titan's Tower? Into his role?
"I think," she begins but doesn't finish the sentence. How does she express that she would like to see him enjoying himself in teenage foolishness? To see him with his guard down?
"Hmm?" he hums at her as he walks toward the locked gate before them. "Finish what you're going to say."
"It's not important," she counters a bit bashfully. A slight tinge of pink on her cheeks. The sound of a heavy lock turning draws Rachel's attention to the ordinate metal work. Violet eyes trace over what looks like vines and carvings of leaves. The craftsmanship is clearly top notch, even if the paint has seen better days.
Rachel begins to hover towards where Richard is standing but is stopped in her tracks with his playful, "Nah-ah. Walk Rachel."
The sound of her name falling so casually from Richard's lips is always jarring to her. So intimate. Another complex layer to a relationship that once used to be so straightforward. It causes her light blush to intensify which just increases her feelings of annoyance. Annoyance that is further compounded by the depth of this devil's dimples as his smile widens. Rachel reaches deep within herself and with the sigh of a resigned martyr, she slowly lowers herself to the ground. Cursing her desire to update her wardrobe so that she can reflect how "mature" she thinks she feels. How grown up she thinks she looks. Even with the outward changes, she still feels like a kid playing pretend on the inside. Everything from the tights to the shoes to the blouse feels so foreign on her body. The only thing that felt remotely safe is the cape styled coat that Starfire insisted she purchase last fall.
With the tiny, unsure steps of a new born fawn, Rachel slowly makes her way to where her fearless leader stands with his hands tucked in his pockets. His eyes are trained on her feet as the soggy, fallen autumn leaves muffle the sound of her click clacking heels. As she approaches him, Richard holds out his arm for her to take, which she doesn't hesitate to do. Slender fingers cling to the strong proffered forearm. Subconsciously noting that it's thicker than she remembers. Stronger than she realized.
"Good girl," Richard praises which causes Rachel's heart to skip a beat. "You did so well on such uneven ground."
She turns her head away from him in irritation. Her brow twitching as she feels heat crawling up her neck. "I'm not a dog, Dick."
"Do my praises make you feel awkward?" he asks with genuine curiosity. "It shouldn't, because you are doing well. You're all the way out of your comfort zone."
"Still," Rachel counters without looking at him. "Why did you insist on bringing me here?"
"I told you," he chides like a long suffering older sibling, "I want to show you something important."
He gently guides her through the gates and further down the gravely driveway that leads to a small, but well kept ranch style house. The porch is decently sized and can comfortably fit two rocking chairs and a small table. It looks like the perfect place to enjoy the changing of the seasons with a strong cup of tea. The stairs groan under the shared weight of the birds as they make their way to the front door that Richard doesn't reach for. Instead he turns around so that he can take in the scenery. Rachel follows his lead and also gazes out at the nature presented before them. The scene is enchanting with all the warm shades of browns and bright hues of orange and red. The chilly breeze gently shakes more leaves off of the trees. The overwhelming feeling of change in the air has Rachel clinging to Richard's arm in an effort to ground herself in something stable. Someone familiar. Trust worthy. Dependable.
"What do you think?" he quietly asks. Was Dick's voice always this deep?
Rachel swallows before answering. "It's beautiful here. The sky is clear and the trees are...stunning."
Richard seems pleased with her answer. "I'm glad you like it, but I have more to show you."
The young man produces a key from his pocket and inserts it into the lock. There is a low groan as the old mechanics shift into gear. The door swings open with an eerie squeak. Violet peers inside with intense curiosity. Rachel has no idea what she's supposed to be looking for, much less find, but she humors her leader because he hasn't led her wrong before. Richard allows her to step into the dusty foyer first while his hand fiddles with a light switch on the wall. The blinding light from a naked bulb causes Rachel wince but she ignores it in favor of exploring her new setting.
She walks further inside and is greeted with what looks like a parlor to her left and a small office space to her right. The parlor is large with bay windows that face the direction of the setting sun. With a little bit of cleaning and the right kind of furniture, it could be a very cozy sitting area. Speaking of furniture, Rachel's eyes fall on the old and dusty blankets covering what appears to be chairs and...was that a love seat couch? Slender fingers gently lift one side of an off colored cloth to peer underneath. Beneath is an old and rickety table with what looks like glass at the center. She drops it and turns around to face Richard with a question on her lips, but his expression causes her words to falter. She tries to swallow, but realizes that her throat is dry and quickly turns back to the window with a blush crawling up her ears.
Richard's blue-gray eyes are warm as they track the curious young woman. Feelings he hasn't quite felt before swelling in his chest as he watches her explore the area. Her gaze continually finding its way to the bay window. Mesmerized by the view. He memorizes everything that she touches, from the dusty cloth, to the table top to the fire place. Her eyes always finding their way back to the window. Gaze on the sky. Watching her explore this place like a confused pet in their new home pulls an intense feeling of affection from within him that makes him feel uncomfortable. Richard can feel the heat spreading up from his neck and across his face to ignite in his ears. He can't recall the last time he's felt like this. Maybe with the stray dog that kept following the camp when he was a boy? No. He liked that dog and found it entertaining, but it didn't evoke a feeling like this. Maybe on a date with Starfire? No. Not that either. Even though he likes the alien princess and finds her attractive, her childish antics aren't nearly as endearing to him as Rachel's slow caution. She's like an injured bird that is just learning how to trust.
Yes. That must be it. This feeling must be like the satisfaction that one feels when an abused animal comes to trust another. Feelings of endearment mix with pride collide with the ego that comes from being the chosen one. Rachel is his broken young woman. Clutching the fragmented pieces of her sense of self that has been bestowed upon her by others. How easy would it be for someone with nefarious motives and the know how of manipulation to reshape her in the image that they want? It's a good thing he's here to make sure that never happens. She's the one who reaches for him in her moments of need, even if she does so begrudgingly because she knows that he's dependable and willing to do dangerous things for her. He can convince her to do dangerous things for him...but can he convince her to fall into his arms?
Richard shakes his head at that dangerous thought. There's someone else in his life right now and he knows that she would be disappointed with the thoughts flowing through his mind. Rachel is his friend. Nothing more and definitely nothing less. He cares about her and will take care of her in the capacity of a concerned friend. What he needs to do is figure out how he and Starfire can make their dwindling relationship work. The heat of the moment is quickly fading. Their honeymoon phase has been hit with a few rough patches. If Richard is being honest, most of their arguments were started by him. The alien princess wants to be around him 24/7. Where he is, she is. Whatever he's doing, she mimics it. In the beginning it was sweet that she wanted to share so much with him, but after a while it became suffocating. It was almost like she didn't have any hobbies outside of what she picked up from him. He's been trying really hard to remind himself to be gentle with her since she is unaccustomed to Earth and doesn't know very much, but her constant need for conversation and interaction is wearing and tearing on his nerves. It's almost as though she's afraid of silence. As if, not having his attention on her means that she's not important to him, even though he's tried to reassure her that he cares. Maybe he could be more amicable about the constant conversation if Star would be willing to speak on more complex and profound topics. The deepest thing they've ever talked about was Rachel's breakdown after her sixteenth birthday. For the life of him, he could not engage her in topics that were not superficial. She's afraid of voicing an opinion that does not align with his. As though having a different perspective will somehow diminish how highly he thinks of her, not realizing that just blindly agreeing with him is having the effect that she's dreading.
"What are you thinking about so intently?" Rachel inquires as the sound of her heels hit the hardwood floor. She takes a tentative step closer to him. "There's a range of emotions…"
"I'd rather not share," is his clipped response. The seemingly irreconcilable differences between him and Star has no place in this moment. This is supposed to be a happy moment for Rachel...and himself. Even if he is probably overstepping boundaries.
Richard holds out his hand to her, "Come. I want to show you the rest of the house."
There are questions glittering in her eyes but he shakes his head at her. "I'll answer you questions after the tour."
Rachel bites her tongue and allows the Boy Wonder to lead her through the rest of the house. There is a regular bedroom and a master bedroom with its own private bathroom. The kitchen is cozy and functional with an antique fireplace tucked into the corner. It's quaint and cute. The walls are drab and covered in dust. Wall paper peeling off in large patches with cobwebs decorating the corner of each room. Eventually, Richard leads the bewildered young woman out of the back door. He watches as Rachel takes a deep breath of fresh autumn air after being dragged through a musty old house. Her violet eyes taking in the backyard space and the run down tool shed.
"Well," he inquires with excitement in his voice. "What do you think?"
"Hmm," she says with a backward glance. "It's nice. I didn't know you were in the market for a house."
"You like it?" he asks. "Do you think it'll be a good place to live?"
A stray thought crosses Rachel's mind that makes her blush before looking away. A pang of jealousy erupts in her heart as she thinks about the reason why he would be asking her opinion.
"Ummm...I like it," she slowly drawls. Richard lets out a sigh of relief. Her silence throughout the tour had been concerning to him. She's usually not every expressive, but he had been expecting more enthusiasm. However, his excitement soon dissolved into confusion when she says, "I don't know if Starfire would like to live here for a long time, though. I always thought of her as a city girl…"
Richard interrupts her before she can continue her thought. "What are you talking about? If I wanted Starfire's opinion I would have brought her here. You're thoughts are more important here."
"Why would you want my opinion over hers about a house that's not even mine?" she counters. "If you like it, then you should get it."
"This property isn't for Star, Rachel," Richard says earnestly, "It's for you."
The confused expression on the young woman's face can only be described as "cute." He can see her thoughts firing at a million miles an hour. Why on earth would her leader want to buy her a house? Her brows are raised high as she asks, "Why would you buy me a house?"
Richard smiles at her sweetly before pointing back into the house. "It's easier to show you and explain inside."
The dazed young empath wordlessly follows him back into the dust and darkness. Richard's back filling her vision as she matches his footsteps towards the study. Was his back always so broad? So dependable looking?
Richard pushes open the home office's door with an ear piercing screech. He mumbles to himself "I'll have to grease that later."
Violet eyes watch Richard as he makes his way towards the antiquated desk. He pushes a hidden button and the back portrait of fruit jumps a little as a lock was released to reveal a safe. Without a word, Richard quickly punches in Raven's birthday and another click was hear. He pulls out very official looking documents and places them on the desk before coming to stand beside his subordinate.
"What is this?" she inquires. Confusion still marring her lovely features.
"This is the deed to this house," Richard starts. "Hear me out before you turn me down."
He waits for her response and smiles when she nods her head once at him. "Rachel. I purchased this house to gift to you as a safe house. I'm sure you've heard of those before."
The surprised empath nods her head again in stunned silence. "Safe houses are used by heroes when they need to get away…"
"Correct," Richard responds with a smile, "or when their home base has been compromised. I know that the Titan Tower seems impenetrable and our presence there is enough to keep it safe, but that's far from the truth. In our line of work...who knows what the future holds. If something were to happen, then you'll need a safe space far enough away from the city, but close enough to not be a complete inconvenience. Even if you can teleport."
Richard had chosen this location for a variety of reasons, but the most important one is that it'll be easy for him to get to if there ever was an issue. House hunting has shown him how uncomfortable he is with the thought of her being out of his reach. It was a feeling that he didn't want to sit with because then he would need to ask himself why he feels this way and he, honestly, wasn't ready to provide an answer to that.
"Close your eyes, Rachel," Richard quietly commands. "Tell me what you feel?"
He watches intently as long violet lashes flutter close and Rachel begins to really concentrate. The red gem slightly glowing at the center of her head. There's a sharp in take of breath when she finally feels why he picked this place for her. There is an undercurrent of natural energies coursing through this place because of it's closeness to a meridian line. Most people thought these lines were created for spacial awareness and the mapping of earth, but the truth is that these lines have elemental significance and for an empah such as Rachel, being close to one can help with grounding and healing should she need it.
"You feel it, don't you," he proudly asks.
Rachel's eyes slowly open to reveal vibrant violet that is tinged with crimson red around the irises. Her expression is borderline erotic with her lips parted in a slight O. As though something is caressing her in a place he can't see. Before Richard can stop himself, his callous hands are reaching for her soft face. He cups her cheeks and lifts her head so that he can peer more closely into her eyes. He's never seen them like this before. So...wild. Full of something he doesn't have words to describe. His face is dangerously close to hers. Warm breath mingle. A slight tilt of the head would have them locking lips. She hisses a "yes" with a slightly pained expression that makes Richard stifle a groan. Before he can close the space between them, she rips herself out of his hands.
The sound of her heels colliding with the floor as she storms towards the window is enough to bring Richard back into the present. His hand comes up to cover his mouth as his mind replays what just transpired. He's never felt a pull quite like that before...and he wants to feel it again. He wants to see her like that again, even though he knows that he shouldn't. Richard wonders what it would be like to be inside her while in a heightened state like that. As the thought crosses his mind, his eyes make their way back over to the window to see Rachel bracing herself against it to catch her breath.
"I'm sorry," Richard begins, but is cut off by her raised hand.
"It's not your fault," she quietly says. "The energy here...it's untamed. I wasn't expecting it."
"Is that a bad thing?" he inquires while taking a half a step in her direction. He had really wanted her to like this place.
"It's not…" she slowly replies. "I...I just wasn't ready to channel it properly."
There is a long pause between the two of them before Richard asks. "What does it feel like? This energy?"
Rachel takes a deep breath before straightening up. She squares her shoulders and turns around to face him. "It feels like warmth...in the pit of my stomach. And then it spreads out to the rest of me...my limbs...my eyes...my brain...everywhere. Sometimes, the energy is comforting…"
"And other times?" he questions.
"...other times, it's demanding…" she says to him before mumbling to herself. "I'm probably….ovul…"
"What was that?" Richard asks as the heat begins fading from his face. "I didn't catch that."
"It's nothing important," she replies. Rachel finally works up enough courage to look Richard in the face. "Thank you for the thoughtful gesture. I really appreciate it...Dick."
"If this place isn't to your liking, I can always find somewhere else," he anxiously responds. He had thought that this would be the perfect place for her to come and recharge, but if she's having these kinds of reactions then maybe it's not a great idea. It's a good thing that he was the one here with her and not someone else who would have taken advantage of her.
"No, no," she shakes her head. "This place is perfect. The energy is strong, but that's a good thing. Now that I've felt it, I can channel it much better."
Richard looks at her with worried eyes, but nods his head in understanding. "Don't feel obligated to keep it. It's yours to do what you want. Even if it's not this place, you need a safe house. I actually recommend getting another one."
"It's alright," Rachel says again. "I'll keep this one. The team can help me…"
"No," is Richard's firm response. "The team cannot know about your safe house. It's suppose to be a place where only you know. I've already instructed the other Titans not to reveal their locations to anyone else either."
Rachel cocks her head to the side and asks in surprise. "You've bought houses for the others?"
Richard nods his head once in the affirmative. "They aren't all 'houses' per se. It's important in this line of work for each of us to have some place to go in case anything happens. It was pretty simple finding spaces for them and their particular needs. It took me a while to find a suitable place for you, though."
Richard had found a cabin with a lake that led into deeper waters for Beastboy, so that he can have access to earth, water, and sky. Cyborg has an underground bunker that Richard had outfitted with the latest tech and connects to the power grid. He had gifted Starfire a small two room shack at the top of a mountain so that she can have direct access to the ultraviolet radiation from the sun to recharge. He had also retrofitted a tanning bed to be able to emit the kind of radiation that she would need in order to heal and replenish herself. These safe spaces were his thank you to the team that has done so much for him over the years. Their friendship throughout the life altering trials and tribulations that come with fighting crime means more to him than he can put into words, so Richard opted to support them in other ways.
He watches as the expression on Rachel's face falls a little before she shakes it off and a rueful smile pulls at her lips. "Doesn't it defeat the purpose if you know about it? You're the only one who knows where everyone else's is located."
The Boy Wonder nods his head again. "This is true. That's why I told them the same thing I'm telling you. Use this place as a starter safe house. My advice is to have at least two others that no one but you knows about. It's the best way to keep yourself safe in times of danger..or if you just need to get away."
"How many safe houses do you have?" Rachel halfheartedly inquires because she's not expecting him to actually give her an answer, so she is surprised when he does respond.
"I have 3 apartments in the city and several places scattered throughout the country," Richard says as he thinks a bit. "I also have a couple international places, but I've just been using those as bed and breakfasts so they can turn a profit while I'm not using them."
"Oh!" is the only response that the empath can think of.
Richard picks up the deed that has laid forgotten on the table and walks closer to Rachel by the window. "I'm serious, Rachel. I cannot express the importance of safe houses. Even if you decide not to keep this one, I would like to give it to you anyway. Do you accept my gift?"
He takes her hand and places the deed in the center of it. Rachel wraps her fingers around the cold piece of paper, with a genuine smile of affection that he rarely sees from the stoic young woman. "I do."
With his eyes trained on her mesmerizing orbs, he whispers, "Thank you."
"Thank you," is the gruff voice that cuts through the tension in the air as Richard prepares to enjoy his second breakfast.
The birds have been stationed at Rachel's safe house for over a week now. Richard can clearly remember the chaos that ensued after she willingly injected I4.6. The feel of her unconscious body as he placed her in the Titan's civilian car before picking up their bug out bags from the closet. Speeding away from the Tower without telling a soul about their plan felt so surreal to Richard that it was almost a dream. He purposefully left both their communicators behind with a note telling the team that both birds have agreed to relocate themselves until they can work out a plan to deal with Rachel's brothers. That is would be safer to keep Rachel secluded until they could figure something out.
Is he being a coward? Yes, but more than that, he's being practical. He knew that the team would lose their minds and fight him tooth and nail if he told them face to face. They would have never let him anywhere near his love if they knew that he had convinced her to inject the drug herself. Both Cyborg and Starfire looked at him with distrust and clear accusations in their eyes when he and Rachel finally settled into the safe house and reached out to the rest of the team on a video call. It didn't help that Rachel was still functioning in a daze while trying to explain the situation. She had been heavily leaning on him and her speech was slurred as she tried to impress upon them that this was her choice and that Richard didn't force her.
That was days ago. Now, he's glad to see his girl is mobile. Her speech is no longer slurred. She's back to analyzing her myriad of texts to find something that could be useful. Even now, the floor of the parlor is littered with tomes, texts and textiles. The morning sun is shining through the trees and large windows that cast playful shadows across her contorted face. Her heavy breathing is music to his ears as he squeezes the warm buns in his hands.
"Delicious," he croons against her heated flesh before licking his wet lips.
"Pervert," she counters as a shudder travels through her body when Richard's warm tongue glides against her sensitive core. He's been teasing her for what feels like eternity. Edging her so close to completion just to abruptly stop right before she can find her release. Even now, he continues to tease her as she uses both of her hands to push his head closer to her aching need. Richard smiles to himself as he lays feather light butterfly kisses against her folds instead of licking it how she likes it. The more she pushes, the less he complies, the wider his smile becomes.
"Let me enjoy my treat in peace," is his muffled reply. A groan of frustration leaves Rachel's kiss swollen lips. Richard is surprised when she places her foot on his shoulder and shoves him away from her. Before he can say anything, she drops her weight off the edge of the couch she was perched on and lands in his lap.
"What's good for the goose is good for the gander, no?" she breathlessly asks as her hand lands on the bulge beneath the soft fabric of his briefs. Her hands are shaking as she massages as much of his erection as she can reach. Richard had to unzip his jeans to make room for his growing dick while enjoying his second breakfast.
Richard huffs a breathless laugh through clenched teeth. "I haven't heard that saying since...Alfred?"
He leans back on his elbows a bit and shifts his legs so that they're not curled underneath him anymore. Rachel is effectively straddling him. Her wetness soaking into the fabric of his jeans. He is pleased to see how quickly she's becoming comfortable at doing these things with him. The first time he had reached for her in this house, she had jumped and skittered away from him like he was made of fire, so he told himself to bide his time. There's a lot going on and she's under stress. However, he realized she wasn't unaffected by him when he caught her touching herself in the shower one night. He had perched himself on the edge of her bed that night and waited for her to finish. When she had walked out of the master bathroom, her flushed face redden even more when she realized he had been listening. She didn't fight him when he pulled her into his lap and kissed her breathless for the first time since leaving the Tower. She had let his questing hands explore her body while tentatively touching his. It had been a sweet night of heavy petting and comfort for the two of them, but Richard wanted more.
Richard balances himself on one elbow so that he can use his other hand to affectionately cup her face. Rachel allows herself to melt into his touch. His thumb strokes the corner of her lips as he says, "Take it out yourself."
He can see something spark in her eyes as Rachel nibbles on her lower lip as she contemplates his command. Soft hands run down the expanse of his shirtless torso. Her fingers ghosting over old battle wounds and hard muscles before running along the elastic of his briefs. Inexperienced fingers slip into the waistband of his clothing and Richard lifts his hips so that she can pull it down. He stifles a groan when his erection springs free from its suffocating confinement while slipping a hand up Rachel's large sleep shirt to play with a sensitive nipple.
Rachel glances at his face before looking back down. He can see the indecision and...was that wonderment on her face? The first time she had touched this part of him had been under a blanket in a dark room. She had felt him more than seen him, so witnessing the evidence of Richard's arousal in broad daylight is something new to her. She seems mystified by the veins running the length of his cock. Intrigued by the pre-cum leaking out of his thick tip. Fascinated by the way it sways in between them. Had Richard been a lesser man, he would be feeling much more self conscious by her investigation, but he knows that he's well above average.
They both jump when the soft pad of her finger grazes against his sensitive tip, causing it to twitch. Richard doesn't stop her when she slowly drags her finger down his length, but he is surprised when she doesn't stop at the base of his dick. Curious fingers slip lower until they are cupping his balls. He lets out a light groan when she gently tests the weight of them before mumbling a quiet "heavy" to no one in particular.
"Keep teasing and they'll turn blue," he says through gritted teeth. She looks startled at that idea of his healthy flesh turning blue.
"That can't feel good," she says in a worried tone and Richard smiles ruefully at her.
"It doesn't," he says. "If you're going to touch me, then you need to stroke me properly."
Richard uses one of his hands to guide both of hers into a proper grip at the base of his cock. "Keep a firm grip. Run your thumb over the tip at the top."
He keeps his hand on hers for a few strokes and when he's confident that she found a pace that's pleasing to him, he leans back and enjoys the sensation and view. His intense gaze capturing everything about his woman's determination to bring his release. The way she's biting her lips as she works. Violet hair cascading over her shoulders as she leans forward a bit more. Curious eyes taking note of where to apply pressure and when to flick her wrists. Richard lets out a low hum as he allows his head to fall back and his eyes to flutter close at the sensations. He can feel himself tensing as the heavy pressure in his lower abdomen begins to build and more cum spills from his tip. He knows he shouldn't be surprised since Rachel has always been a quick study. Learning ways to make him unravel at her touch is no different.
Richard's moan causes his Adam's apple to bob in his throat. He's about to cum in her hand…
And then he isn't. The feel of Rachel's soft hands are gone and replaced by cool air. His eyes snap back open to make contact with mischievous violet looking at him in triumph. Richard's annoyance dissipates at her playful expression. He's glad to see her feeling safe enough to be a brat with him, but that doesn't mean that he's going to let her get away with it.
Without a word, Richard grabs the collar of her sleep shirt and hauls her compliant body closer to him so that he can lock lips with her in a bruising kiss. She groans against him and attempts to pull away, but a large hand weaves its way into her violet hair and holds her in place as his tongue glides against hers. Allowing her to savor the taste of her own essence. She begins to pant against his mouth when her core slips along the length of cock and begins rocking against him with jerky inexperienced movements born of primal instincts. Her heat so inviting that its difficult for him to shake the temptation to just slip himself in. How easy would it be to claim her in this moment? Everything that he has done to get them to this point could be fulfilled and justified in this one act if he just lets himself have her. He would be her first, last and only. He could so easily mold her to be his perfect partner in bed since she would only know him. No one else. Those dangerous thoughts flow through his head so easily that it's dangerous to dwell on them too long, so he opts to buck his hips against her. Rachel's gasp provides him the opportunity to use his tongue to fuck her mouth in the way that he so badly wants to do her pussy.
Richard finally breaks their heated kiss but doesn't pull away from her. Instead he growls against her lips "We should finish what we started."
Without waiting for a response from his dazed partner, Richard slips both of his hands beneath her large sleep shirt and pulls it off over her head and tosses it to the side. Rachel shivers as goosebumps develops across her exposed skin. It's one thing to be naked in front of a man under the cover of darkness and blankets, but it's something completely different to be exposed like this with the morning sun warming her, already, heated skin. Richard's gaze is intense as he takes in all of her dips and curves. The small details that make Rachel uniquely her. He lays a heavy hand against her chest and feels her heart beating rapidly. He smiles reassuringly at her as he takes one of her hands and places it on his own chest so that she can feel his own hammering pulse.
As experienced as Richard is, he's never done this with someone who actually means something to him. Flings and false pretenses have always overshadowed his other encounters with women. The understanding that this is just a mutual exchange. Gratification for access to power, money, connections. To claim the adopted son of Bruce Wayne as a notch on their bedpost. This is the first time that he feels nervous because there is none of that here. Rachel wants good things for him instead of from him and Richard isn't sure how to process that. He knows he wants it, but is he really ready to receive it?
"Do you trust me?" he asks her, breathlessly. A concerned look crosses her face and he shakes his head at her. "Not yet. There are other ways."
He watches as the tension in violet eyes ease as she nods yes while nervously nibbling at her lips. Richard doesn't break eye contact with her has he kicks his jeans and briefs off. Both lovers are naked on the floor of their own private parlor. The world can't touch them here. This room. This moment. It's their own little oasis.
Richard gently, but firmly lifts a curious raven's leg up and over him before turning her around so that her back is facing him. Rachel turns her head around to look back at him with a question in her eyes as he lifts her other leg to pull back over his torso so that she's straddling him again, but facing the window this time. Violet eyes can clearly see the bright blue sky above through the glass. Small birds flitting to and fro. He lays ticklish kisses against her shoulders and along her neck as his hands find their way around her body. Encasing her in an affectionate bear hug from behind before his hands move to massage her sensitive breasts. Rachel reaches an arm behind her to lace her hand in his dark hair and soft moans fall from her parted lips.
Richard releases a raspy chuckle when he feels Rachel's other hand gently grasp his throbbing cock. His shaft filling up her soft hand as she slowly strokes him from base to tip. A large hand roughly takes hold of her chin and forces it to the side so that Richard can lay a heated kiss on her swollen lips before giving her directions.
"Do not stop until I cum," is his soft, but stern command before releasing her and laying back down on the floor. He places one hand squarely on Rachel's back while the other grips her hip. Pushing and pulling her into his desired position. Her shapely thighs are on either side of his head with her dripping core hovering just above his face. Rachel's upper body is laying against his own naked body. He can feel her soft breasts pressed against his navel and it excites him in a way that he can't explain. Her soft breath is puffing against the painfully aching cock that is straining to reach her warmth.
"Remember Rachel," he coos at her as he blows warm air against her sensitive folds. Reveling in her whimper. "If you stop, so do I."
With that reminder, Richard places his eager lips against her dripping core. He can feel a shudder shake Rachel's body as a low moan escapes her parted lips and she pushes herself more firmly against his face. He feels her two hands grip his dick and begin stroking him. Desperately trying to mimic the pace that he had set early. A questing tongue searches her folds until it finds what it's looking for. Richard carefully, swirls his tongue around the swollen bud and smiles when he hears her moaning in response to his touch. With each pass, he applies a little more pressure until he's directly licking it. His arms hold her steady when she jumps at the contact and her strokes become more frantic. Richard coats the middle finger of his right hand in her juices and firmly presses it against her puckered asshole without entering. The pressure adds a new sensation that excites Rachel even more. Her arousal is coating his nose and dripping down the sides of his cheek but he refuses to break contact.
However, the feeling of a wet tongue on the tip of his cock is enough to make him momentarily falter. He smiles against her as he feels the thick head of his dick being engulfed by a warm mouth and he groans in appreciation. Rachel's teeth graze his sensitive flesh and Richard winces. He'll have to teach her how to suck his cock properly another time. Right now, he's content to let her enjoy herself as she struggles to take in as much of him as she can. He takes some pity on his inexperienced virgin as he reaches down between them with one hand and wraps it around her frantically moving ones.
He breaks contact from her heated flesh long enough to say, "Wrap your lips around the head and swirl your tongue around the tip. Suck."
Without waiting for a response, he turns his attention back to his original goal. Latching on to her clit and swirling around it with the same kind of firm pressure he wants her to use on him. His middle finger still pressed to her asshole as he continues to eat her in the way he knows she likes. She's close as she struggles to concentrate on sucking while his hand guides her strokes. Richard can feel the pressure building as the realization of what he is doing and with whom begins to dawn on him. The thought alone is enough to make him cum, but he forces himself to hold out until she climaxes on his face. A few licks later, he feels her whole body shudder against him as his name spills from her swollen lips.
"Dick!," is the plea that undoes him. He can feel pleasure course through his body as his toes curl and he drives his heels into the ground. His cum coats Rachel's waiting mouth as his hand shows her to how to milk him properly.
Both birds collapse against each other as they attempt to catch their breath. Basking in the afterglow of their mutual pleasure. Richard regains his senses first and gently pulls Rachel's spent body closer to him so that her head is resting against his chest. He gentle moves some of her hair out of the way and smiles as he realizes some of his cum has dried in between the strands. She's not going to be happy about that.
"Rachel," he gently calls her.
"Hmm?" she hums. I4.6 has sapped a lot of her energy. She needs a nap after anything remotely strenuous which wasn't the case before.
"We need to clean up before you doze off," he coos at her as he untangles their limbs. He makes his way to his discarded hoodie and reaches into the pocket and pulls out a box. "But...more importantly, I need to give this to you. We are walking a dangerous line after all."
Richard shakes his head a little as he recalls how close he was to just slipping himself into her tight wetness. Let the world be damn. Even though he is very aware of how selfish he is, he also realizes that there are consequences for every action and he rather not take unnecessary risks. Especially since neither he nor Rachel are interested in being parents right now.
He hands the dazed young woman on the floor the box. Her eyes read the words, but it takes a moment for her brain to comprehend what he's given to her. She whispers to herself, "Birth control?"
"Yes," he says as he gently grasps her chin and angles her head to face him so that she can see how serious he is being. "We are going to fuck each other. That much is inevitable, so it's better to be safe than sorry."
She looks at him as she tries to read his emotions. It's been difficult for her to function without her powers of empathy and not being able to peek into his emotions is bothering her. They both know how much she really wants her powers back. For her world to be "normal." To not feel so vulnerable all the time. To not have to depend on him like this. But, that's not the reality that they're living. She breaks out of his grasp and looks at the box of birth control patches.
"We could just use condoms," she counters.
"No," is his simple reply. He leans down and rests his head against hers. "We are not strangers. This is not a fling between fuck buddies. There is no parting ways for us. I will feel all of you clenching around me when I am thrusting in you. You will feel my heat throbbing inside you. Filling you up...every time."
He feels a shiver run through her at the possessiveness in his tone and places a kiss on her forehead before saying, "Until then, I will behave myself...until I can't."
Rachel looks at him with a curious expression he can't quite read as he stands to his full height. She whispers to the space between them. "You scare me when you're like this."
Violet orbs watch the man she loves pull a blanket off the couch. Violent scars cover his body. Some new. Most older than their friendship. All of them speak of a past full of pain.
"I know," Richard says as he drapes the blanket over Rachel's chilled body.
Why is writing smut more work than actually working on the plot? *wipes sweat off brow*
I hope you enjoyed! I see you in chapter 50.