cleptes | Penance Inbox

[ 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. ]

Ready when you are.

[ 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. ]

This needs changed.

[ 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. ]

Thank you, James.

[ 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. ]

I'll sit down.

[ 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. ]

[ Saucy thing, he likes that.

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...

[ Because... ]

[ She is grateful for the way he tends to her, although Bela does look away when the dressing is removed because she still can't look at the word nor the mark, disgusted by it. Over time and when it eventually becomes a scar, she will probably make her peace with, but for now, she has to handle it in the way that's best for her.

Bela's gaze falls on him when he crouches down in front of her, briefly touching his hands with her own before pulling them back to allow James to work. The words aren't unwelcome, maybe he was fine with someone who was messy and complicated, yet always strived to be perfect and untouchable. ]

Disappointed? How so?

[ Thinking she's missed out on a joke somehow. ]

[ With a quiet 'mmhmm' he points at the word she's avoiding before placing the new bandage and finishing up. ]

It doesn't say cat burglar.

[ And yeah, sneaking and thieving are different, but if it even makes Bela's mouth twitch in some positive manner, then James has succeeded. ]

[ To his credit, it does draw a soft smile from Bela. That discussion had been part of a lovely day for the both of them so it was nice to hear it being said again, even with the current circumstances. ]

That's our thing. Demons can't touch it. [ She reaches for his hands. ] I really enjoyed that date.

[ James lowers onto his knees and idly rubs a thumb over her hand, nerves kicking in and visible by way of how heavily he swallows. Though her topless state is more obvious at this level, he does a damn fine job keeping his gaze locked on hers, because it's important Bela realizes the sincerity with which he speaks. That it's not just physical attraction keeping him around, drawing him in. ]

I did too. I enjoy every date, I look forward to every time we're going to hang out. I don't want to get you a Christmas gift as a friend, Bela. But it doesn't have to be from a boyfriend, either, I know we haven't- that we- I mean, I know- fuck. [ he's stammering, his laugh as nervous as the swallow, and now his gaze wanders aimlessly above them because he thinks he's fucking it up already. ]

[ The soft smile widens as she watches him, liking the feel of his thumb brushing along her hand. Bela doesn't quite understand at first why James appears nervous, but there's obviously a reason for it. She keeps her eyes on him, giving his other hand a gentle, reassuring squeeze. ]

Oh. [ Is all Bela can say at first to those words, not expecting them. But she can't just leave it at that, cupping his face gently between her hands to let James know that it was okay and she was here. ]

You should tell me whatever else you need to say and then we'll take it from there. I'm absolutely getting you a Christmas present as well, I just haven't decided what it is.

[ She chuckles, running her thumbs over his cheekbones, her expression open. ]

I'm listening, James. Take your time.

[ When Bela brings him back and acts as an anchor, he's grateful, and it shows in his eyes, the way his smile reaches them. His nod is a result of a few things (agreement, acknowledging his silly self, etc), and James briefly places his hands over hers, gives a slight lean into them, before resting them back on her knee. He wants no semblance of feeling trapped. ]

I friend hard. I know that. And I end up loving fairly easily because of it, but the level of that caring depends on the relationship. I didn't want to hide that I've developed feelings for you, from you.

[ By the time his hands have settled on her knee, Bela has placed her own against the bed, needing to set them somewhere. Her body language and expression are still open, inwardly preparing herself for what he was about to say. When those words are spoken to her, Bela doesn't immediately reply because of the weight they carry. She's already told James about her lack of romantic entanglements - serious ones, that is. ]

I'm glad that you decided not to hide it. Like I said last month, I've enjoyed every second we've spent together, and I - [ Bela pauses then, taking a moment. ] - I feel something for you too, James. Which is completely new for me and honestly, a little scary because I don't want to screw things up.

[ His gaze sharpens as his eyes do this not-quite squint, his cheeks have risen; everything is just smaller and cuter due to the balm of Bela's words and he gives her knees a gentle (and careful, remembering her ticklishness) squeeze. ]

I'm not exactly a poster-child for this kind of thing either.

[ Because before Naomi, James hadn't been in long-term relationships. ]

But I think it's sort of like grieving; everyone does it their own way. So, we can learn how to navigate this together.

[ She takes in his face for a moment, finding it utterly endearing. Bela also feels a giddiness inside and it helps her to temporarily forget about the suffering she endured. There will be a time where she'll need to revisit it later. But not now. She doesn't want anything to spoil this. ]

Together sounds nice. I'd say to take it slow, but we kind of skipped past that part. [ Like leaps and bounds ahead. ] Not that I'm complaining of course.

[ There's a soft laugh, before she places her hands on top of his. ]

We should probably talk about what to call this, and where we go from here.

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