[ James is in joggers and the jacket, a grey long sleeve beneath, and without knowing her condition, he's stuffed his hands into the pockets of his sweats to keep himself from practically tackling her. His gaze sweeps the length of Bela, looking for anything out of place, bruises or cuts or worse, and his voice is as tight at his body. ]
Me too, just... [ stiffly enters the suite ] What happened?
[ Before telling him anything she closes the door behind them, hoping that they wouldn't be disturbed. She turns around to look at James, preparing to tell the whole story for the second time. ]
One morning, some demons came for me in my suite and brought me to a torture room, telling me I needed to be punished. Someone must have told them to get me because I'm not entirely sure what I was being punished for. [ Inhaling slowly, Bela continues. ] I was tied down and couldn't move - they burned me. With hot pokers, I think. All day, over and over until I was thrown in a cell at night with barely any water and moldy bread. Somehow, the marks they inflicted vanished overnight just so they could do it again the next day. For a week.
[ Her arms wrap around herself as she leans against a wall. ]
They left me with a permanent mark that's still healing. I can show you.
[ There's a point where James tightly crosses his arms, prepared to hear something horrible. The more Bela reveals, the tighter his grip, until he's shaking with a rage that leaves him wanting to find one of those pokers and jamming it down the throats of every demon that touched her.
He needs a minute to process, to breathe deeply, before he's stepping closer to Bela and unwinding his arms to then hold them out for her, should she want to be touched. Just because all but one physical reminder has magically evaporated doesn't mean the psychological trauma has dissipated enough to welcome such things. ]
And there's nothing you could come up with? For why the fuck they did this to you?
[ It's the first time she has ever seen James like this, but Bela isn't going to hide the truth from him. Or with anyone she's gotten close to over the past few months. Had anyone else been tortured like she was? She heard whispers of people having to carve their sins into their skin in order to leave a torture room.
She watches him extend his arms out to her, stepping in to close the gap between them without hesitation. Bela slips her arms around his waist, resting her head against his chest and breathes out slowly to keep her emotions in check while she thinks. ]
I don't know - maybe...oh. [ Fuck. ] Last month at Lucifer's mansion I had a small snoop around, but I didn't take anything. I just looked.
[ It comes out more as an incredulous statement, because how the fuck is that at all justified? A punishment of that level seems to come after a crime worthy of it (subjectively), unless it was meant to send a message or Bela managed to see something not meant to have been? Nothing registers as punishment worthy of such maliciousness in his eyes, though, and James lets off a sentience she won't understand the words of but will definitely catch the meaning, it being in Belter creole and Mandarin, a blend of how others speak back home.
Afterward, the Earther kisses Bela's hair and buries his face there to breathe her in. ]
[ There was nothing she could do about the punishment now. Apart from making sure to tread very carefully in the future so she doesn't risk being punished again. Bela absolutely believes she didn't deserve something so harsh (nor did anyone really) but Lucifer is a bastard and liked to play by his own rules. She does hear those words and while they don't make sense to her, Bela gets the impression it's some kind of swear or at least an expression of anger.
She can feel herself relaxing in his arms and lets out a soft sigh, holding onto him just a little tighter for a few moments. ]
All I need is for you to stay for a while. I don't want to be alone.
[ As James returns the pressure and begins to gently pet her hair, he puts as much conviction into his tone as possible. ] You never have to do this part alone, alright? Even if...even if it isn't me you call first, don't try doing the After alone, Bela.
[ Even if their relationship didn't evolve any further romantically, he'd still be there for Bela.
In turn, the hug has a calming effect on him as well, that volcanic eruption of rage burning down some. ]
I meant to reach out to people, but after I got cleaned up and changed clothes, I was exhausted. Just passed out until the next morning.
[ They're having a nice moment so she doesn't want to bring up the full details of who had found her and took care of her. ]
Never meant to worry you, but I'm just glad to have you here. [ Eventually (and reluctantly) Bela pulls back to look up at James, gratitude in her expression. ] We can go to my room for a while, if you like. Or just sit on the couch.
[ There's still the matter of the mark they left on her, but Bela also doesn't want to ruin their moment. ]
[ He assures Bela that it's fine, there's no judgment being placed, only emotional, knee-jerk reactions. The point is she's not alone now, that she's home.
James smooths her hair with both hands one last time, ending the motion by cradling her beautiful, haunted face. ] We can go to our room, sure. I can draw you bath, I can try to rub some muscles. Make you soup? Or tea?
[ After a few moments she tilts her head slightly to press a kiss to one of his palms, then looks at him again. ]
I like the idea of tea and a massage. [ Bela smiles. ] Already showered when I woke up and I'm not too hungry at the moment. But having the options is lovely so thank you for that.
[ The smile grows warmer as she reaches for the hand she kissed. ]
[ Though still holding onto some of his tension, James manages a poor excuse for a giggle-like laugh, Bela's kiss being softly ticklish. He scrunches his nose at her and the sound, linking their fingers while accepting her hand and moving into her room. ]
Things still working out here, then?
[ James would feel better knowing she had supportive suitemates, the kind that could help her out if anything arose with regards to herself post torture. He's of course either willfully ignorant or otherwise that Peter is one such suitemate. ]
[ Once they're inside her room, Bela closes the door behind him. She's probably spent more time in his room than her own, and it's probably because he had less suitemates than Bela did. ]
I think so. My suitemates include a teenage boy and a giant, talking cat creature but it could be worse I suppose.
[ In one corner of the room there is an area set up for making tea (or coffee) since Bela didn't always want to go to the shared kitchen. She takes off the sweatshirt she was wearing, dropping it on a chair. Underneath, she's wearing a tank top. ]
They have their own routines so I don't always see them.
[ He takes the same step to remove his jacket and set it aside, leaving him in the long sleeves and joggers. His body won't shake the negative feelings entirely, and so, James crosses his arms with a slight pinch between brown eyes. ]
They'd help you, though? If you needed it?
[ James has seen Ferroc, but as for the teenager, it could be one of a few. Suddenly, in light of the situation, he wants to meet them and assess them. ]
[ Bela watches him as he folds his arms, noticing the look on his face. Could she say anything to alleviate his feelings? Perhaps not. All she can do is tell James what happened and be straight with him. ]
I believe they would, yes. Ferroc - the cat - I helped him once before. They're good people.
[ She busies herself for a moment with getting two cups, placing them down so she can look at him again. ]
They just weren't there when I was taken. It was sometime in the morning.
I doubt they'd have been able to do anything but land themselves in a cell next to yours, anyway, I just needed to know you had help if the pain got too bad or if something like this happens in the future. I'll sleep better knowing you're okay...we have the space in our suite. If you ever wanted to.
[ James gives a small, well-meant shrug. Bela seems set here, thankfully, and that's fine, but he still wants to extend the offer. Them spending the night with each other after a date, that's different. James is offering sanctuary or hospital-like care. ]
I did have help and thankfully, painkillers. [ Bela says, getting a tea bag from the small container and places it in one of the cups. ]
That's an incredible offer, James. Xian wouldn't mind if I was more around than usual? I wouldn't want to intrude on your space since I know you both have been suitemates for a while.
[ She keeps a jar of instant coffee as well, opening it to spoon some into the other cup. Bela holds off from switching the kettle on, not wanting the noise to disturb their conversation. ]
[ Belatedly James notices what Bela's doing and his arms drop, instantly moving to her side to offer taking over or assistance, concerned and not patronizing. ] You need help with anything? [ And he sees she's giving him coffee and it touches him, that Bela knows him that way by now. Despite the seething anger, it makes him smile, a smile he presses into her hair by way of a kiss. ]
You're sweet. [ She leans back against him slightly, taking a hold of his hand for a moment. The kiss draws a smile from Bela in return and she breathes out slowly. ]
There's something you can help me with before we settle. [ Turning around, she takes a step back and lifts up her shirt to expose her stomach, displaying a mediume-sized dressing below her chest but above her belly button. ]
[ There's a flicker of anxiety, of hurt on her behalf, but then James is drawing up a tiny smile and scrutinizing the dressing. ] I can manage that. We usually have machines to take care of most things medical, but I still have practice. Where are you keeping everything?
[ The Earther glances about while waiting for Bela's guidance. ]
In the top drawer of my bedside table. Should be some antiseptic wipes in there too, but I don't think the wound is infected.
[ The look she gives him is one of gratitude, as well as relief. Bela could manage changing the dressing herself, but it's been hard for her, seeing what the demons left her with. She only hopes it doesn't take too long to heal. ]
[ There's another brief kiss, albeit via lips this time, before James sets about gathering what all is needed, mindful of the weapon nestled amongst the supplies. With fondness and amusement (because it's one of those 'you don't have to thank me, but I appreciate it anyway' situations), he answers -- ] You're welcome, Bela.
[ With bandages and wipes in hand - because why not? - he points at the bed in a silent question of 'sitting or standing?'. ] Now, it's not a requirement that you lose your tank top entirely, but it may make things easier.
[ He flashes her a flirty grin at the blatant lie. ]
[ Which Bela does, perching herself on the side of the bed in the centre and gets comfortable. The lie and the accompanying grin does make Bela feel better so if he didn't want to accomplish anything else today, at least he's accomplished that. There's a short laugh from her as she shakes her head at him. ]
James Holden, you saucy thing. [ But they're alone and she's not exactly opposed. ] Why don't you lose it for me?
[ The look she gives him is playful, quirking a brow at the same time. ]
James just quirks a brow back while moving into her space and planting his legs on either side of hers. He guides his hands (after checking they weren't cold) beneath the fabric to gently lift it up and over, maintaining eye contact when able after having spread his legs slightly so that he's not towering over Bela. ]
[ Bela is still and quiet as he removes her top, but the playful look remains because she simply can't resist. She's also got nothing on beneath the top because like the clothing Bela did have on, it was more comfortable for her.]
What's underneath the dressing isn't so pretty.
[ She says, the look switching to something more serious. When he does remove the dressing, James will be able to see the word 'SNEAK' branded onto her skin. Healing, but not infectious, and still a little painful. ]
[ He doesn't have much time to ogle and appreciate her nakedness as his gaze is torn from one interesting thing to the next. James is devoutly tender and slow with his motions, mindful of her reactions lest he need to go about removal another way. Hw doesn't realizes he's been holding his breath until it's being released with some strain, and James shifts into a crouch, placing hands on Bela's knees. ]
I don't always want you pretty, anyway.
[ The word is offensive in how utterly ri-fucking-diculous it all is. He doesn't bother with a countdown, just dives right in to cleaning the marking so that it'll be over sooner than later. He goes for a poor attempt at humor with -- ] I'm disappointed...
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Me too, just... [ stiffly enters the suite ] What happened?
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One morning, some demons came for me in my suite and brought me to a torture room, telling me I needed to be punished. Someone must have told them to get me because I'm not entirely sure what I was being punished for. [ Inhaling slowly, Bela continues. ] I was tied down and couldn't move - they burned me. With hot pokers, I think. All day, over and over until I was thrown in a cell at night with barely any water and moldy bread. Somehow, the marks they inflicted vanished overnight just so they could do it again the next day. For a week.
[ Her arms wrap around herself as she leans against a wall. ]
They left me with a permanent mark that's still healing. I can show you.
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He needs a minute to process, to breathe deeply, before he's stepping closer to Bela and unwinding his arms to then hold them out for her, should she want to be touched. Just because all but one physical reminder has magically evaporated doesn't mean the psychological trauma has dissipated enough to welcome such things. ]
And there's nothing you could come up with? For why the fuck they did this to you?
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She watches him extend his arms out to her, stepping in to close the gap between them without hesitation. Bela slips her arms around his waist, resting her head against his chest and breathes out slowly to keep her emotions in check while she thinks. ]
I don't know - maybe...oh. [ Fuck. ] Last month at Lucifer's mansion I had a small snoop around, but I didn't take anything. I just looked.
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[ It comes out more as an incredulous statement, because how the fuck is that at all justified? A punishment of that level seems to come after a crime worthy of it (subjectively), unless it was meant to send a message or Bela managed to see something not meant to have been? Nothing registers as punishment worthy of such maliciousness in his eyes, though, and James lets off a sentience she won't understand the words of but will definitely catch the meaning, it being in Belter creole and Mandarin, a blend of how others speak back home.
Afterward, the Earther kisses Bela's hair and buries his face there to breathe her in. ]
What do you need? What can I do?
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She can feel herself relaxing in his arms and lets out a soft sigh, holding onto him just a little tighter for a few moments. ]
All I need is for you to stay for a while. I don't want to be alone.
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[ Even if their relationship didn't evolve any further romantically, he'd still be there for Bela.
In turn, the hug has a calming effect on him as well, that volcanic eruption of rage burning down some. ]
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[ They're having a nice moment so she doesn't want to bring up the full details of who had found her and took care of her. ]
Never meant to worry you, but I'm just glad to have you here. [ Eventually (and reluctantly) Bela pulls back to look up at James, gratitude in her expression. ] We can go to my room for a while, if you like. Or just sit on the couch.
[ There's still the matter of the mark they left on her, but Bela also doesn't want to ruin their moment. ]
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James smooths her hair with both hands one last time, ending the motion by cradling her beautiful, haunted face. ] We can go to our room, sure. I can draw you bath, I can try to rub some muscles. Make you soup? Or tea?
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I like the idea of tea and a massage. [ Bela smiles. ] Already showered when I woke up and I'm not too hungry at the moment. But having the options is lovely so thank you for that.
[ The smile grows warmer as she reaches for the hand she kissed. ]
Ready when you are.
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Things still working out here, then?
[ James would feel better knowing she had supportive suitemates, the kind that could help her out if anything arose with regards to herself post torture. He's of course either willfully ignorant or otherwise that Peter is one such suitemate. ]
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I think so. My suitemates include a teenage boy and a giant, talking cat creature but it could be worse I suppose.
[ In one corner of the room there is an area set up for making tea (or coffee) since Bela didn't always want to go to the shared kitchen. She takes off the sweatshirt she was wearing, dropping it on a chair. Underneath, she's wearing a tank top. ]
They have their own routines so I don't always see them.
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They'd help you, though? If you needed it?
[ James has seen Ferroc, but as for the teenager, it could be one of a few. Suddenly, in light of the situation, he wants to meet them and assess them. ]
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I believe they would, yes. Ferroc - the cat - I helped him once before. They're good people.
[ She busies herself for a moment with getting two cups, placing them down so she can look at him again. ]
They just weren't there when I was taken. It was sometime in the morning.
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[ James gives a small, well-meant shrug. Bela seems set here, thankfully, and that's fine, but he still wants to extend the offer. Them spending the night with each other after a date, that's different. James is offering sanctuary or hospital-like care. ]
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That's an incredible offer, James. Xian wouldn't mind if I was more around than usual? I wouldn't want to intrude on your space since I know you both have been suitemates for a while.
[ She keeps a jar of instant coffee as well, opening it to spoon some into the other cup. Bela holds off from switching the kettle on, not wanting the noise to disturb their conversation. ]
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There's something you can help me with before we settle. [ Turning around, she takes a step back and lifts up her shirt to expose her stomach, displaying a mediume-sized dressing below her chest but above her belly button. ]
This needs changed.
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[ The Earther glances about while waiting for Bela's guidance. ]
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[ The look she gives him is one of gratitude, as well as relief. Bela could manage changing the dressing herself, but it's been hard for her, seeing what the demons left her with. She only hopes it doesn't take too long to heal. ]
Thank you, James.
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[ With bandages and wipes in hand - because why not? - he points at the bed in a silent question of 'sitting or standing?'. ] Now, it's not a requirement that you lose your tank top entirely, but it may make things easier.
[ He flashes her a flirty grin at the blatant lie. ]
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[ Which Bela does, perching herself on the side of the bed in the centre and gets comfortable. The lie and the accompanying grin does make Bela feel better so if he didn't want to accomplish anything else today, at least he's accomplished that. There's a short laugh from her as she shakes her head at him. ]
James Holden, you saucy thing. [ But they're alone and she's not exactly opposed. ] Why don't you lose it for me?
[ The look she gives him is playful, quirking a brow at the same time. ]
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James just quirks a brow back while moving into her space and planting his legs on either side of hers. He guides his hands (after checking they weren't cold) beneath the fabric to gently lift it up and over, maintaining eye contact when able after having spread his legs slightly so that he's not towering over Bela. ]
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What's underneath the dressing isn't so pretty.
[ She says, the look switching to something more serious. When he does remove the dressing, James will be able to see the word 'SNEAK' branded onto her skin. Healing, but not infectious, and still a little painful. ]
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I don't always want you pretty, anyway.
[ The word is offensive in how utterly ri-fucking-diculous it all is. He doesn't bother with a countdown, just dives right in to cleaning the marking so that it'll be over sooner than later. He goes for a poor attempt at humor with -- ] I'm disappointed...
[ Because... ]
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Headcanon
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thanks for letting me bring a dorky side to her out :3
& thank YOU. I love this about them.
you're welcome! i think it's delightful
<3 Fade out?
Fade out is perfect <3