Maiden Voyage
Jan. 29th, 2011 09:54 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
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marysuevirusTitle: Maiden Voyage
Chapter Six: How Far Away the Stars Seem
Fandom: the Marvel Universe, specifically an AU version featuring the Mutant Sues
Rating: mature.
Warnings: there will be mild violence and sex. maybe some language. blatant abuse of history
Disclaimer: the Marvel men do not belong to me. they belong to Marvel and whoever the hell else owns them. i'm simply borrowing them for the fun of it. i like putting them through hell, don't you know? i'm not making money from this, either. so don't even consider what you can score off me. i'm broke. not a penny to my name. the Sues belong to the women who thought them up, namely Dazzledfirestar, Nan, SFC, Gin and myself. don't steal them. they'll kick your ass. the name and concept of the Mary Sue Virus belong to Daz, who graciously allowed me to use it for my own personal pleasure.
A/Ns: this is an idea that's been rattling around in my head for some time. and it all started when i happened to be watching a movie. yeah, you know the one. the thought came to me... "What would Dare look like in Edwardian clothes?" and it just kind of took off after that. while i don't claim to be an expert on history by any stretch of the imagination, i used a couple of reference sites for the factual information. not that i've given much of it because to do so would suggest that i know what the fuck i'm going on about. so take it all with a grain of salt. here's hoping that this won't be a hideous mess. and that it won't be an epic of goat fuck proportions.
Maiden Voyage - the Index
Haley woke to the warmth of a body pressed up against her back. The faint hint of cologne that tickled her nose told her that it was Warren. One of his arms was wrapped around her possessively, his hand curled over her breast. She noted absently that the two body parts seemed to have been made for one another. The feel of that part of him prodding her brought memories of the night before back to her. The things they had done... She blushed to think of it.
Not that she was a prude. Not really. Her mother had seen to it that her only daughter had understood the aspects of sex and how it was a weapon that a woman could wield if the need arose. Haley understood how it was done. But she'd never done anything like what she'd done last night. And her body had told her rather loudly that it liked the things Warren had done to it. It had wanted more. And she had no doubt he would have continued on if she hadn't pulled away from him.
She felt bad about that. And, to make things worse, her dreams had been plagued with images of both men, naked and beautiful and willing to please her. She'd been so confused, hadn't known which one she was supposed to pick. And she felt guilt over that, too. The whole thing was utterly confusing to her. To top it all off, her body wanted what Warren's was offering. The same heat she'd felt last night was filling her again, pooling low in her abdomen. She had to get away from him, lest she do something stupid.
Haley carefully slid from under his arm, leaving him sprawled across the bed with his face half buried in the pillow. She reached for her dressing gown as she stared at him. He really was handsome. Why couldn't it have been simple? Why couldn't she have been in love with Warren?
Turning away from the angelic picture he presented, Haley fled into the other room.
~*~
Breakfast had arrived by the time Warren joined her in their small saloon. Haley was nibbling at some nicely toasted bread while idly glancing at a book she'd brought with her. Warren stopped behind her to press a kiss to the top of her head. "You look lovely with your hair tousled like that." He moved to take a seat opposite her and began picking food from the various plates on the table. She didn't dare look at him, suddenly shy in the light of day. Warren's chuckle was soft and filled with understanding. "There's no shame in what we did last night, Haley. Had you not proclaimed your exhaustion, I might have taken it further. You have a lovely body and I enjoyed giving you pleasure."
She cocked a single brow at him. "I don't think this conversation belongs in the light of day. Such things are best left for the shadows of nighttime."
"On the contrary, my dear. There's no better time to explore your lover's body than in the light of day. That way, you can see every last inch of them and commit it to memory. I look forward to doing that with you, my dear."
She was sure her cheeks were as red as her hair, she was blushing so hard. Better that she turn the topic of discussion to something safer. But what? What would be a safe topic to discuss? She searched her brain, looking for anything that would end their current conversation. For an instant, the image of the stranger rose to her mind. She hurried to push him aside. She wasn't about to bring him up to her fiance. Following him was Victor Creed's face from last night. No. That wasn't it, either. Warren would go off in search of the man if he knew that Alasdare's husband had threatened her.
That was it! Alasdare was a safe topic. She turned a sweet smile on Warren. "You missed the most amazing thing last night."
"Oh?" He looked up at her, curiosity in his eyes. "Do tell. What did I miss?"
"Our sweet, proper little Alasdare was making eyes at a complete stranger after dinner."
Warren blinked at that. She could see the surprise in his eyes. Alasdare had done her share of wild things, but marriage to Victor Creed had given her no option but to be prim and proper. Something that the woman likely hated. "Really? A complete stranger? Had she been drinking?"
"Of course not! He came in with Anthony Stark. I guess the man is accompanying Stark on this trip. I've never seen him before." Haley's voice was soft as she pondered what she'd seen her friend do. She'd never seen Alasdare show any interest in anyone before. Well, there had been a crush once, long ago. A man from Louisiana who'd turned out to be little more than a thief. He'd stolen her heart for a time. But it had been a passing fancy. This, though... This could be something more substantial. If only Haley could find a way to get the two of them together.
"Ah. His name is Steven Rogers. He works at one of Stark's businesses. New money and all. He was born dirt poor. Stark gave him an opportunity with... Hell, I don't know. The man has his fingers in so many different pies. Anyway, the point is... Rogers is pretty damned rich, new money or not. I've heard a few of the others talking of him. John Astor says the man is brilliant. And he's a true gentleman." Warren stopped speaking when he caught sight of the look on Haley's face. "I know that look, darling. You are not thinking what I think you're thinking. Are you?"
"She deserves better than that boorish brute Victor Creed. He treats her like his personal slave." Haley had seen easily last night, when the man had come to fetch her, that Alasdare was afraid of him. "If Rogers is the man you say he is, then he's perfect for Alasdare. I want to see her happy, Warren. I don't want to worry about receiving word from her mother that he's killed her."
She paused to sip at her juice. And to let her words sink in to the other man's head. Moments ticked by in silence, Finally, Warren opened his mouth to protest. She could see his intent in his eyes. Haley pinned him with a glare and halted his words. "You know he will. He has no class at all. We have to help her. We can't leave her to that man."
"You could get her killed if you attempt this set up, Haley. If her husband was to find out..." Warren began, only to stop and sigh. "You won't let go of this, will you? Very well, then. I heard he and Stark are having breakfast at the Parisien this morning. If you hurry, you can just make it before they leave." The last was said as Warren stared at the clock on the wall.
"You're an angel, Warren." Haley rose from her seat and hurried over to plant a kiss on his cheek. Before he could grab hold of her, she was gone to get herself dressed.
~*~
The Parisien Cafe was an informal dining area that lacked the glory and beauty of the Al A Carte Restaurant. Haley liked it much better than the other place and resolved to have at least one meal here. Ignoring the anxious steward who was trying to seat her, she stared around the informal cafe in the hopes of catching sight of her intended target. Ah. There, in the corner. Anthony Stark and his friend sat chatting, their meal all but finished. She flashed a smile at the steward, then stared toward their table.
Anthony spied her before she got close enough to call his name. He smiled and rose from his seat, his hands reaching out to take hold of one of hers. She smiled when he lifted that hand to his mouth and dropped a kiss to the back of it. Then he returned it and motioned to a chair. She shook her head. "No, thank you. I've only come to ask after your friend, Mr. Stark. That is, if you're finished with him."
She watched as the two men shared a look. Stark gave a knowing smile and then nodded. "I'm done with him." He turned his attention to the blonde. "Steven, I suggest you be careful round this one. Haley Stone is as forward thinking and liberal minded as her mother."
"I'll be sure to let Mother know you said such nice things about her, Mr. Stark." Haley flashed a grin at the man. He shot one more look at his friend, then turned and sauntered from the room without another word. Haley returned her attention to the man still seated at the table. "Forgive me for being so forward, Mr. Rogers, but I had to speak with you."
"Please. Call me Steven," he invited. "And what did you wish to speak to me about?"
"Not what. Whom." She said nothing more, only smiled at him. He stared at her for a few seconds before relaxing back into his seat.
"Would this have to do with last night?" He picked up a tea cup and sipped. Haley could smell the almost bitter aroma of coffee. "And the young woman you were sitting with?"
"Yes."
"She happens to be married," he remarked quietly.
"She does. To a right bastard that doesn't deserve her. She's terribly unhappy with him. I..." She paused and wondered just how much she should say. "May I be frank, Steven?"
"Please. I have to wonder why you've come to me with this. Perhaps telling me the whole story will be of some use to both of us."
"Alasdare has been my friend for a very long time. We grew up together. When she was younger, I swear she was fearless. She did things that even our friend Warren wouldn't do. I never thought she'd end up married to someone like Victor Creed." The mention of the name saw Steven's lips thinning. Apparently, he'd had the displeasure. "He's killed every last ounce of who she is. I don't know the creature he's turned her into. To be honest, I fear for her safety."
He frowned at the implications behind her words. "Are you saying that he hits her?"
Haley nodded. "I'm afraid he does. She won't say a word against him, of course, and her parents likely wouldn't believe her if she did. They made the match because he works for her father. But he has no class and he has no soul. He's little more than a monster. If I could throw him overboard and get away with it, I'd gladly do it. But he's much too big for me to do something like that. So I have to find some other way to help her."
"And this is where I come in. What do you want me to do? Rush in and rescue her?"
"You would, wouldn't you? If you really believed in something strongly enough, you'd play the hero." She stopped and thought about it. Perhaps that was exactly what Alasdare needed. Someone to play the hero for her. "I believe in this strongly enough, Steven. Alasdare is my friend. One of my best friends. We're so close, we may as well be sisters. But I'm merely a woman. I can do nothing for her."
"But I can." He didn't sound as if he was put off by her suggestion. But he didn't sound eager to comply with her unspoken request. Not just yet. "Why would I want to get involved?"
"Besides the fact that her husband is morally bankrupt and deserves to be fed to the lions for the pain he's inflicted upon her?"
He smiled. "Yes. Besides that."
"I believe she likes you." His look suggested that it was an odd thing to say. She pressed on, trying to explain to him just why it was important. "Alasdare doesn't let many people in. Warren and I are, as far as I know, her only friends. And I don't think she's ever been in love. She certainly doesn't love Victor. She didn't want to marry him but she had no choice. And she won't do anything to save herself from such a dangerous situation. Unless I can show her that there's good reason to save herself. I wouldn't have thought that I could do that before last night. She'll never admit it, but she believes in love at first sight. She's a bit of a romantic at heart. Give her a reason to fight for her life. I'm not asking you to run away with her or anything like that. Just... show her that there's something more in the world for her than growing old while providing that man with a family."
He was silent for a long, long time. Haley was afraid that she'd said the wrong thing. Or that she'd said too much. She was afraid that he'd get up and leave and Alasdare would be stuck. He finally leaned forward and rested his forearms against the edge of the table, hands steepled together before him. "I never do anything halfway, Miss Stone. I just want you to know that."
She nodded, thinking it an odd way to answer her. But she took it as an affirmative anyway. "There's a lovely little spot up on deck near the prow where there are tables and chairs. I believe I will invite Alasdare to meet me there later this afternoon. Say around two o'clock?"
"I do believe I'm free at two. A leisurely walk above decks sounds like a good way to pass the time." Haley stood and offered him a broad smile. He stood with her.
"Good day, Steven."
"Good day, Miss Stone."
~*~
"He didn't come back and hurt you, did he?" The question startled Haley out of her thoughts and she turned to find that her rescuer from the night before was standing just behind her. His blue eyes watched her intently while the slight breeze played in his hair. When she only stared at him for a few moments, he added more to his sentence. "Creed. The man from last night. I heard some talk. He was playing a game of poker with some of the Third Class passengers and mentioned that he had a debt to repay to an uppity, redheaded bitch. I wanted to be sure he hadn't made good on the threat. He didn't come back and hurt you, did he?'
"Oh. No. He didn't come back." Haley shook her head and willed her heart to stop pounding so hard in her chest. "No doubt he took his ire out on my friend." The last was muttered to herself but he heard her anyway.
"You think he took his anger with you out on his wife last night?"
"Yes." Her answer was much more curt than she'd meant it to be. The question was a valid one, after all. But she was having a hard time ignoring the lingering wisps of her dream. It had been bad enough that she'd been such a wanton with Warren. It was worse that she'd love to do the same, and more, with the man currently looking at her. She turned away from him. "You needn't have hunted me down to find out if I was unharmed. I'm quite certain that Victor Creed is too enamored of his drinking and gambling to worry about me."
He moved up to lean against the rail so that he could look at her. His gaze was sharp and assessing as he studied her face. "You're upset. Is it me?"
Yes. It is you. You make me want to do things I should only want to do with Warren and don't. You make me feel things you shouldn't. You leave me flustered and confused and... I think I might like you far more than I should. Haley ignored him and continued to stare out over the darkened surface of the water.
"If this is about last night, I'm sorry about the things I said. I can sometimes be arrogant and stubborn and opinionated."
"Only sometimes?" She arched a brow at him. She meant her words to be an insult but he only smiled at her and ducked his head in acknowledgement.
"I've been told its one of my most endearing qualities." He managed to look sheepish, which pulled a reluctant smile from her. "I think maybe we got off to a bad start last night. I apologize for taking my political views out on you. It isn't your fault that things are the way they are."
The apology surprised her. She hadn't expected it. Certainly not from him. "Accepted."
"You're really fine? He didn't come after you?" There was genuine concern in his voice that made her feel quite warm all over.
"No. He did not come after me. Nor do I think it likely he will." She paused a moment, trying to quell the strange feelings running through her veins. "I must thank you again for all of your help last night, sir. I really didn't know how I would get away from the man."
"Sir? Much too formal for the likes of me. You can call me Clint."
"Haley." She couldn't stop herself from smiling. "Haley Stone. Pleased to make your acquaintance, Clint."
"The feeling is mutual, I assure you." He offered her an arm. "May I escort you, Haley?"
She thought it over for only a second. "Yes, Clint. You may."
~*~
The whole night had been amazing. Clint had escorted her around the deck a time or two, then convinced her to visit the lower decks. She'd found herself at a party held in the Third Class the likes of which she'd never seen before. It had been very late when she'd finally slipped into her cabin. She'd stayed away in hopes that Warren would be sleeping. She needn't have worried. He hadn't been there when she'd returned. She'd climbed into bed exhausted and happy.
The next few days were a whirl of activities. What time Haley didn't spend with her mother and father, Warren and Alasdare was spent with Clint. Together, the two of them explored every part of the ship though they were careful to stay away from areas where she might be recognized. Neither of them were foolish enough to think that there wouldn't be problems if they were seen together. It was the most amazing time of her life.
Three nights after they met, he kissed her. It wasn't as impassioned as the ones Warren had given her the first night on the ship, wasn't at all graceful or amazing. It was almost clumsy and eager. Simple. But it left her stunned all the same. And the look on his face when he pulled back left her speechless. He was actually blushing, his cheeks so red that she thought they must match her hair. "I'm sorry. He muttered the words under his breath. And he left her with the promise that they'd meet again the next night.
She barely slept that night, absently registering that Warren wasn't there by the lack of his body heat pressed up against her back while she silently turned things over in head. That kiss had her captivated. There had been nothing of passion and desire in it, not like there'd been in the kisses Warren had given her. It had been a fumbling, first time kiss. And yet, it held her attention more than anything. Because the promise that had been in that kiss was more enticing than anything she'd ever encountered in her life.
She hated that he'd pulled away and said he was sorry. She'd wanted him to kiss her again. Deeper. Harder. Longer. She'd wanted that and more. She'd wanted him. She wanted him. Spending time with him, seeing the distinct differences between the upper class and the lower class had showed her that things were different for them. Easier. Yet they weren't. But the strict constraints she'd grown up with seemed to be missing and she liked the idea that there was more freedom to be had away from her family and society. Away from their demands.
She wanted to be with him. She wanted to spend the rest of her life with him. Surely Warren would understand. He might be hurt, but he'd understand. He knew that their match wasn't one made from love but necessity. There'd be someone else for him. Of that, she was sure. She would survive without the money and the leisurely life. She'd do what she needed to. She just wanted to be with Clint.
The next day saw her mentioning, in passing, the idea of a romance between someone from the upper crust and someone from the lower class. Her mother replied with a comment about men like Victor Creed and how they were really nothing more than animals and they never would be. Haley realized that her mother, despite all of her progressive thinking, would never accept her daughter being in love with a man like Clint. Which meant she was going to have to run away with him. She'd have to give everything up. Her family and friends, the money, her social standing. But it was worth it. He was worth it.
She told no one about Clint save Alasdare, who obviously understood what Haley was going through. She hadn't planned to actually tell her friend, but Alasdare admitted to loving Steven enough that she was really going to leave Victor. Oh, the woman said she thought she loved him, but Haley knew Alasdare well enough to know that it really was love. And her friend's courage gave her her own. Not surprisingly, Alasdare was happy for her. Warren, however, was not.
He caught her trying to sneak out of their cabin that night. And he knew that she was meeting someone who wouldn't live up to the standards set by the upper class. He tried convincing her to give up her dream, but she'd hear none of it. Wasn't he sneaking off to meet up with a girl he'd met? A girl who was no higher on the social ladder than Clint? He was surprised she knew, but he needn't have been. She had her own sources. She might have explained it to him, but she knew he wouldn't really understand.
It hurt to make him see that this was what she wanted, though she suspected that he thought she was only involved in a ship board romance. When she tried to give him back the ring he'd given her, he told her to keep it. And then he left her there in the hallway. She felt horrible and wished for nothing more than to be someone else. The stewardess, the one who'd showed them to their cabin what seemed an age ago, had the solution. A switch of coats. Haley gladly gave up her expensive coat. It meant she got to be with him.
She was in disguise when he found her. He stared at the coat and the scarf but said nothing. When he took her hands in his, his fingers found that the ring was no longer resting there. He gave her a quizzical look. "Haley?"
She pulled him into her, uncaring if anyone spied them, and wrapped her arms around him. He didn't fight when she rose up on tip toes so that she could take his mouth with her own. She kissed him. And in that kiss was all the passions she felt. It held every promise she wanted to make to him. It was all fire and heat and desire interwoven with hunger and longing and need. Those emotions twined around them, bound them together until they were breathless. He drew back to gasp air into his lungs, to look at her with wonder and shock in his eyes. "I'm not sorry, Clint. I'm not sorry and I want to show you just how much I'm not sorry."
Her words caught him by surprise. "Haley. Are you sure? You don't know what you're doing. You don't understand..."
"I know I'll have to give up everything I've ever known. And I don't care. None of that matters. Not if I have you in my life. You've showed me how to really live. I can't let that go. I don't want to." He was skeptical. She could see it. Glancing around, she spied a deck chair and motioned to it with one hand while the other started to work the buttons on her coat. "If you don't believe me, I'll strip naked and we can do it right here. Where the whole world can watch if it so chooses."
He laughed at that, his hand reaching up to stop hers from undoing the coat. "Perhaps they want to watch, but I'm not willing to share. I'm not in a very charitable mood. And it is a touch too cold to bare those beautiful breasts to the night air. If we're going to do this, we'll go someplace private."
"Where? We can't go back to my cabin. That could be dangerous for us both."
He was silent for a time, his face suggesting that he was thinking about the matter deeply. Finally, the look cleared and a smile spread his lips wide. "I know the perfect place."
They ended up in the laundry, sprawled on a pile of linens that he'd spread across the floor, hidden behind folding tables and other equipment. He put quite a few down so it was thick and comfortable. As he made their bed, Haley busied herself with stripping off her borrowed coat and scarf. She set them aside, then turned to her shoes. She was down to her hose and gown when he finally turned to her. He said nothing, but she went into his arms all the same. And he carefully undid the row of buttons down her back. The dress dropped to the floor without care, his hands already on her corset. Deft fingers made quick work of the lacing, then cast it aside. His motions were slow and deliberate as he pulled the brassiere over her head, tugged her tap pants down to her ankles.
Clint stared at her naked frame for just a long minute, letting his gaze rake over her entire body. "My God, Haley. You're beautiful."
She stepped into him, dragged his head down so that she could press her lips to his. His hands roamed everywhere, across her back, over her buttocks, along her thighs. He pulled his body from hers far enough that he could bring them up her stomach while still kissing her. When he at last cupped her breasts, she moaned loudly with the rush of sensation it brought.
He rid himself of his clothing so quickly that she was left speechless. His body drove hers down to their love nest, settling over her even while his mouth and hands explored shamelessly. It felt so strange and yet so right to have his naked flesh covering her own. Bravery stole over her, saw her hands exploring the expanse of his back, the length of his spine, the curve of his arse.
She was on fire again, body consumed with her need for him. She hadn't felt it so intensely before. Her hands and mouth urged him on, begged him to take her and make her his. She could feel the length of him, hot and hard and thick against her. Her hands found their way between the two of them, brushed at him until he shuddered and moaned into her mouth. When he pulled back, there was tension in his face. "Haley, darling. You don't know what you're doing."
"I do, Clint. I want you. I want you to put this," she stopped and squeezed him, earning a second groan. She was also rewarded by his hips snapping forward with her action. The feel of him in her hand, of his body against hers, reminded her that this wasn't something she normally did. And she'd never been so forward with anyone in all her life. When his eyes found hers, when she saw the heat that simmered in his gaze, realization rushed over her. It was followed by embarrassment that no doubt made her cheeks burn with color. Had she really just said that to him? Done that to him?
"What do you want, Haley?" His voice made her shiver. It drove the embarrassment away.
"I want this inside of me."
"You need time, Haley. You've never done this and I don't want to hurt you."
"Clint, please. I've never been more ready for anything in my life."
He tried one more time to convince her to wait, that he needed time to make sure that she was properly prepared. She only squeezed him again, harder this time. She knew before he said anything that he was lost. He warned her, between fervent kisses, that it would hurt at first. He assured her, as his hands teased the flesh between her thighs and his mouth tasted her breasts, that it wouldn't last long. He promised, as his fingers brought to her the lightning bolts that left her limp and pleased and hungry for more, that she'd enjoy herself. And then he was pressing into her.
His mouth swallowed down her cries of pain, kissed away the tears that had come out of nowhere to bead up on her cheeks. But just as he'd told her, the pain was fleeting and soon slid away into such an intense sensation of golden pleasure that she thought she'd died and gone to Heaven.
Their bodies moved together, his driving in and out while hers rose up to meet his thrusts. Their hands touched bared skin and their mouths meshed in heated kisses that were more impassioned and hungrier than the ones that had come before. The whole time, she panted in his ear and begged him to give her something. Something for which she had no name. He gave it to her anyway, the constant churning of his hips driving her higher and higher toward some great thing that would be breath taking and monumental.
That thing came with panting breaths and slapping bodies and bright, brilliant golden light that washed over her like water. It pulled her under and stole reason until she could no longer tell what was up and what was down. She felt him drive into her faster and harder, felt him shove himself deep and stop. And she knew, knew somehow without being told, that he was falling with her.
They landed in a tangle of limbs on the soft pallet he'd made for them, their bodies sweaty and chilled. Clint reached out and dragged a wayward sheet over them, then he cuddled Haley close to him. She was tired and yet not, sore and yet not. She wanted to do it again. And again. And again. "That was wonderful," she told him, her lips pressing against his chest. It was salty with sweat and she dragged her tongue across it.
"It was a little too quick to be wonderful, Haley," he replied, his hands stroking her back. She looked up at him, eyes wide with shock. "Oh, yes. It can be slower and last longer. It just depends on the situation. Tonight, I was too eager to taste you. The next time, I won't be so desperate for release."
The next time? He wanted a next time? Sighing, she snuggled closer. It was time to tell him the decision she'd made. "I'm coming with you when we dock in New York, Clint. I'm going to leave my family behind. All of the money and the position. All of it. I don't want any of it. Not if it means I can't have you."
He frowned at her. It wasn't the look she expected. "I don't think you understand what you're saying, Haley."
"But I do, Clint. It means living without maids and cooks. It means a one room home and working to make ends meet. It means things that will be fine as long as you're by my side. It means we can do this whenever we want." She offered him a smile. He stared at her a moment or two, then leaned forward to kiss her.
"Whenever will have to wait until I've had time to rest. Unlike you, I can't simply engage in the acts of pleasure without some time to get my vigor back." He stared at her a moment, then gave her a wicked smile. "But I can engage in some acts of pleasure that will keep you content until I am once more able for whenever."
He showed her just what he meant with his mouth. He kissed and sucked everywhere, leaving behind little pools of need that rippled and grew and expanded until they formed one giant pool that covered all of her body. When she writhed beneath him, when she begged and pleaded hoarsely for that nameless thing again, his head moved and he settled his mouth between her thighs.
She'd never known that a man could have such a limber, agile tongue.
After what seemed ages in which he lavished her body with his tongue and lips, in which he brought her to the very edge of madness time and again, he was ready to engage in whenever again. He climbed up over her, molded his body to hers while his mouth kissed a trail from her nether bits to her mouth. When he kissed her mouth, she could taste herself on his tongue and lips. It wasn't an unpleasant experience and left her wanting him all the more.
She begged him with softly whispered pleas, with her hands and her body. He obliged by sliding himself into her once again. He filled her completely before reaching for her legs. Those, he wrapped around his waist before he dared move again. She clung to him tightly, her legs locked behind his back while her hands roamed his chest. Dirty things she'd never thought to hear herself say fell from her lips as he moved against her with slow, sure strokes.
Sensation built slowly, with each languid motion he made. Leaning down, he caught her mouth again, kissed her deeply while he thrust into her. Haley held him close, timed her body's own motions to match his. Tension was building deep inside of her where they were joined. It coiled tight in her belly, then branched out and spread to her arms and legs. Need climbed through her like an ivy climbing a trellis, branching out until every last part of her was filled with it. With her want of him. With her want of what his body promised hers.
He took hold of her, keeping her body pressed to his as he rolled them. Haley found herself sitting on top of him, his hands curled around her waist. He was smiling at her, the look on his face promising her that he was there for her. Encouraging her. She settled her hands in the center of his chest, her fingers enjoying the hard muscle playing beneath soft flesh. She lifted her hips, shifting him inside of her. His hands helped, coached and followed her every movement.
Slowly, gradually, Haley found her rhythm. She shifted almost absently, enjoying the feel of him inside of her. Enjoying the sweet friction that shot sparks of need deep into her belly. His hips rose up to meet her downward stroke, ensuring that he filled her completely. The feeling was so exquisite.
Time held and grew as they moved with one another. And so did the tension inside of her. She understood what it meant, that she was edging closer and closer to the brink. She tried fighting it, not willing to give up yet, but her body was having none of it. The tension swelled, grew tighter, then broke. She cried out, her body rigid over his. Clint held her in place until the waves of golden light receded and left her almost limp on top of him. He rolled them again, settled her beneath him. Made sure she was looking into his eyes as he started thrusting once more.
Haley held on to him, felt the tension begin building once more. Felt the same tension in him. Knew it was only a matter of time before the world split into two and left them panting and gasping for breath. Before they were limp as wet noodles. She whispered words of encouragement, told him that what he was doing felt good. She told him things that she knew she'd never remember while her hands stroked his flesh and her body moved in time with his. She kept it up until his spine bowed and stiffened and he barked out a hoarse, harsh sound of pleasure.
He collapsed on top of her, his body a dead, heavy weight against her own. Still she whispered to him, told him that he was amazing and that she'd never felt anything like that before in her life. When he finally had the strength to roll off of her, he kept her held tightly in his arms, her head resting on his chest. She was fading fast, sleep stealing over her. There was one last thing to say to him. Something he had to know before anything else happened between them.
Even though the decision was made, her voice was still slurred with slumber when she spoke. Her hand found the spot where his heart beat in his chest and pressed it gently. Her lips kissed his skin, tasting the salt on it. Her body lazed beside his, basking in the heat burning under his flesh. "I love you, Clint. I know its so soon. But I love you."
She thought she heard him reply in kind as she was drifting off.
~*~
Something cold touched her skin, jerking her from a sound sleep. Haley sat up to find that large piles of linens were on the floor and water was slowly creeping across the floor toward the far wall. Had one of the washing units sprung a leak? Or had one of the baths on this deck overflowed? She rose and nudged Clint with a foot even as she sought out her clothing. He muttered something about five more minutes, then rolled over. Right into the water. "What the hell?"
"I don't know. But it feels as if the ship is listing." Haley already had her tap pants and brassiere on. She wasn't going to bother with the corset. Something told her that she didn't have time. She watched as Clint climbed to his feet and began searching for his clothes. "There's something wrong. We're far enough down, we should hear the engines. I don't hear the engines."
Clint shrugged into his clothing quickly, his gaze taking in the spreading pool of water. She followed his eyes as they traced it backward to its roots. The water was pouring in under the laundry rooms door. And it was pouring in fast. Once he had his boots on, he slogged toward the door and put his ear to it. "We need to get out of here and get topside immediately."
"Why? What is it?" She hurried into her shoes, then tugged her borrowed coat on
"I can hear water rushing on the other side of the door. A lot of water." Haley made her way to the door and put her ear against it. As he'd said, there was the sound of rushing water on the other side. To her, it sounded as if it was gallons and gallons of water. The metal groaned and the ship listed just a bit more.
"Oh my God. We have to get out of here!" She needn't have said it. Clint's hands were already on the handle. He obviously knew what was going on. She said the rest anyway. "The ship is sinking."
"Its worse than that, Haley. The water's rising quickly and the door is locked."
Chapter Six: How Far Away the Stars Seem
Fandom: the Marvel Universe, specifically an AU version featuring the Mutant Sues
Rating: mature.
Warnings: there will be mild violence and sex. maybe some language. blatant abuse of history
Disclaimer: the Marvel men do not belong to me. they belong to Marvel and whoever the hell else owns them. i'm simply borrowing them for the fun of it. i like putting them through hell, don't you know? i'm not making money from this, either. so don't even consider what you can score off me. i'm broke. not a penny to my name. the Sues belong to the women who thought them up, namely Dazzledfirestar, Nan, SFC, Gin and myself. don't steal them. they'll kick your ass. the name and concept of the Mary Sue Virus belong to Daz, who graciously allowed me to use it for my own personal pleasure.
A/Ns: this is an idea that's been rattling around in my head for some time. and it all started when i happened to be watching a movie. yeah, you know the one. the thought came to me... "What would Dare look like in Edwardian clothes?" and it just kind of took off after that. while i don't claim to be an expert on history by any stretch of the imagination, i used a couple of reference sites for the factual information. not that i've given much of it because to do so would suggest that i know what the fuck i'm going on about. so take it all with a grain of salt. here's hoping that this won't be a hideous mess. and that it won't be an epic of goat fuck proportions.
Maiden Voyage - the Index
Haley woke to the warmth of a body pressed up against her back. The faint hint of cologne that tickled her nose told her that it was Warren. One of his arms was wrapped around her possessively, his hand curled over her breast. She noted absently that the two body parts seemed to have been made for one another. The feel of that part of him prodding her brought memories of the night before back to her. The things they had done... She blushed to think of it.
Not that she was a prude. Not really. Her mother had seen to it that her only daughter had understood the aspects of sex and how it was a weapon that a woman could wield if the need arose. Haley understood how it was done. But she'd never done anything like what she'd done last night. And her body had told her rather loudly that it liked the things Warren had done to it. It had wanted more. And she had no doubt he would have continued on if she hadn't pulled away from him.
She felt bad about that. And, to make things worse, her dreams had been plagued with images of both men, naked and beautiful and willing to please her. She'd been so confused, hadn't known which one she was supposed to pick. And she felt guilt over that, too. The whole thing was utterly confusing to her. To top it all off, her body wanted what Warren's was offering. The same heat she'd felt last night was filling her again, pooling low in her abdomen. She had to get away from him, lest she do something stupid.
Haley carefully slid from under his arm, leaving him sprawled across the bed with his face half buried in the pillow. She reached for her dressing gown as she stared at him. He really was handsome. Why couldn't it have been simple? Why couldn't she have been in love with Warren?
Turning away from the angelic picture he presented, Haley fled into the other room.
~*~
Breakfast had arrived by the time Warren joined her in their small saloon. Haley was nibbling at some nicely toasted bread while idly glancing at a book she'd brought with her. Warren stopped behind her to press a kiss to the top of her head. "You look lovely with your hair tousled like that." He moved to take a seat opposite her and began picking food from the various plates on the table. She didn't dare look at him, suddenly shy in the light of day. Warren's chuckle was soft and filled with understanding. "There's no shame in what we did last night, Haley. Had you not proclaimed your exhaustion, I might have taken it further. You have a lovely body and I enjoyed giving you pleasure."
She cocked a single brow at him. "I don't think this conversation belongs in the light of day. Such things are best left for the shadows of nighttime."
"On the contrary, my dear. There's no better time to explore your lover's body than in the light of day. That way, you can see every last inch of them and commit it to memory. I look forward to doing that with you, my dear."
She was sure her cheeks were as red as her hair, she was blushing so hard. Better that she turn the topic of discussion to something safer. But what? What would be a safe topic to discuss? She searched her brain, looking for anything that would end their current conversation. For an instant, the image of the stranger rose to her mind. She hurried to push him aside. She wasn't about to bring him up to her fiance. Following him was Victor Creed's face from last night. No. That wasn't it, either. Warren would go off in search of the man if he knew that Alasdare's husband had threatened her.
That was it! Alasdare was a safe topic. She turned a sweet smile on Warren. "You missed the most amazing thing last night."
"Oh?" He looked up at her, curiosity in his eyes. "Do tell. What did I miss?"
"Our sweet, proper little Alasdare was making eyes at a complete stranger after dinner."
Warren blinked at that. She could see the surprise in his eyes. Alasdare had done her share of wild things, but marriage to Victor Creed had given her no option but to be prim and proper. Something that the woman likely hated. "Really? A complete stranger? Had she been drinking?"
"Of course not! He came in with Anthony Stark. I guess the man is accompanying Stark on this trip. I've never seen him before." Haley's voice was soft as she pondered what she'd seen her friend do. She'd never seen Alasdare show any interest in anyone before. Well, there had been a crush once, long ago. A man from Louisiana who'd turned out to be little more than a thief. He'd stolen her heart for a time. But it had been a passing fancy. This, though... This could be something more substantial. If only Haley could find a way to get the two of them together.
"Ah. His name is Steven Rogers. He works at one of Stark's businesses. New money and all. He was born dirt poor. Stark gave him an opportunity with... Hell, I don't know. The man has his fingers in so many different pies. Anyway, the point is... Rogers is pretty damned rich, new money or not. I've heard a few of the others talking of him. John Astor says the man is brilliant. And he's a true gentleman." Warren stopped speaking when he caught sight of the look on Haley's face. "I know that look, darling. You are not thinking what I think you're thinking. Are you?"
"She deserves better than that boorish brute Victor Creed. He treats her like his personal slave." Haley had seen easily last night, when the man had come to fetch her, that Alasdare was afraid of him. "If Rogers is the man you say he is, then he's perfect for Alasdare. I want to see her happy, Warren. I don't want to worry about receiving word from her mother that he's killed her."
She paused to sip at her juice. And to let her words sink in to the other man's head. Moments ticked by in silence, Finally, Warren opened his mouth to protest. She could see his intent in his eyes. Haley pinned him with a glare and halted his words. "You know he will. He has no class at all. We have to help her. We can't leave her to that man."
"You could get her killed if you attempt this set up, Haley. If her husband was to find out..." Warren began, only to stop and sigh. "You won't let go of this, will you? Very well, then. I heard he and Stark are having breakfast at the Parisien this morning. If you hurry, you can just make it before they leave." The last was said as Warren stared at the clock on the wall.
"You're an angel, Warren." Haley rose from her seat and hurried over to plant a kiss on his cheek. Before he could grab hold of her, she was gone to get herself dressed.
~*~
The Parisien Cafe was an informal dining area that lacked the glory and beauty of the Al A Carte Restaurant. Haley liked it much better than the other place and resolved to have at least one meal here. Ignoring the anxious steward who was trying to seat her, she stared around the informal cafe in the hopes of catching sight of her intended target. Ah. There, in the corner. Anthony Stark and his friend sat chatting, their meal all but finished. She flashed a smile at the steward, then stared toward their table.
Anthony spied her before she got close enough to call his name. He smiled and rose from his seat, his hands reaching out to take hold of one of hers. She smiled when he lifted that hand to his mouth and dropped a kiss to the back of it. Then he returned it and motioned to a chair. She shook her head. "No, thank you. I've only come to ask after your friend, Mr. Stark. That is, if you're finished with him."
She watched as the two men shared a look. Stark gave a knowing smile and then nodded. "I'm done with him." He turned his attention to the blonde. "Steven, I suggest you be careful round this one. Haley Stone is as forward thinking and liberal minded as her mother."
"I'll be sure to let Mother know you said such nice things about her, Mr. Stark." Haley flashed a grin at the man. He shot one more look at his friend, then turned and sauntered from the room without another word. Haley returned her attention to the man still seated at the table. "Forgive me for being so forward, Mr. Rogers, but I had to speak with you."
"Please. Call me Steven," he invited. "And what did you wish to speak to me about?"
"Not what. Whom." She said nothing more, only smiled at him. He stared at her for a few seconds before relaxing back into his seat.
"Would this have to do with last night?" He picked up a tea cup and sipped. Haley could smell the almost bitter aroma of coffee. "And the young woman you were sitting with?"
"Yes."
"She happens to be married," he remarked quietly.
"She does. To a right bastard that doesn't deserve her. She's terribly unhappy with him. I..." She paused and wondered just how much she should say. "May I be frank, Steven?"
"Please. I have to wonder why you've come to me with this. Perhaps telling me the whole story will be of some use to both of us."
"Alasdare has been my friend for a very long time. We grew up together. When she was younger, I swear she was fearless. She did things that even our friend Warren wouldn't do. I never thought she'd end up married to someone like Victor Creed." The mention of the name saw Steven's lips thinning. Apparently, he'd had the displeasure. "He's killed every last ounce of who she is. I don't know the creature he's turned her into. To be honest, I fear for her safety."
He frowned at the implications behind her words. "Are you saying that he hits her?"
Haley nodded. "I'm afraid he does. She won't say a word against him, of course, and her parents likely wouldn't believe her if she did. They made the match because he works for her father. But he has no class and he has no soul. He's little more than a monster. If I could throw him overboard and get away with it, I'd gladly do it. But he's much too big for me to do something like that. So I have to find some other way to help her."
"And this is where I come in. What do you want me to do? Rush in and rescue her?"
"You would, wouldn't you? If you really believed in something strongly enough, you'd play the hero." She stopped and thought about it. Perhaps that was exactly what Alasdare needed. Someone to play the hero for her. "I believe in this strongly enough, Steven. Alasdare is my friend. One of my best friends. We're so close, we may as well be sisters. But I'm merely a woman. I can do nothing for her."
"But I can." He didn't sound as if he was put off by her suggestion. But he didn't sound eager to comply with her unspoken request. Not just yet. "Why would I want to get involved?"
"Besides the fact that her husband is morally bankrupt and deserves to be fed to the lions for the pain he's inflicted upon her?"
He smiled. "Yes. Besides that."
"I believe she likes you." His look suggested that it was an odd thing to say. She pressed on, trying to explain to him just why it was important. "Alasdare doesn't let many people in. Warren and I are, as far as I know, her only friends. And I don't think she's ever been in love. She certainly doesn't love Victor. She didn't want to marry him but she had no choice. And she won't do anything to save herself from such a dangerous situation. Unless I can show her that there's good reason to save herself. I wouldn't have thought that I could do that before last night. She'll never admit it, but she believes in love at first sight. She's a bit of a romantic at heart. Give her a reason to fight for her life. I'm not asking you to run away with her or anything like that. Just... show her that there's something more in the world for her than growing old while providing that man with a family."
He was silent for a long, long time. Haley was afraid that she'd said the wrong thing. Or that she'd said too much. She was afraid that he'd get up and leave and Alasdare would be stuck. He finally leaned forward and rested his forearms against the edge of the table, hands steepled together before him. "I never do anything halfway, Miss Stone. I just want you to know that."
She nodded, thinking it an odd way to answer her. But she took it as an affirmative anyway. "There's a lovely little spot up on deck near the prow where there are tables and chairs. I believe I will invite Alasdare to meet me there later this afternoon. Say around two o'clock?"
"I do believe I'm free at two. A leisurely walk above decks sounds like a good way to pass the time." Haley stood and offered him a broad smile. He stood with her.
"Good day, Steven."
"Good day, Miss Stone."
~*~
"He didn't come back and hurt you, did he?" The question startled Haley out of her thoughts and she turned to find that her rescuer from the night before was standing just behind her. His blue eyes watched her intently while the slight breeze played in his hair. When she only stared at him for a few moments, he added more to his sentence. "Creed. The man from last night. I heard some talk. He was playing a game of poker with some of the Third Class passengers and mentioned that he had a debt to repay to an uppity, redheaded bitch. I wanted to be sure he hadn't made good on the threat. He didn't come back and hurt you, did he?'
"Oh. No. He didn't come back." Haley shook her head and willed her heart to stop pounding so hard in her chest. "No doubt he took his ire out on my friend." The last was muttered to herself but he heard her anyway.
"You think he took his anger with you out on his wife last night?"
"Yes." Her answer was much more curt than she'd meant it to be. The question was a valid one, after all. But she was having a hard time ignoring the lingering wisps of her dream. It had been bad enough that she'd been such a wanton with Warren. It was worse that she'd love to do the same, and more, with the man currently looking at her. She turned away from him. "You needn't have hunted me down to find out if I was unharmed. I'm quite certain that Victor Creed is too enamored of his drinking and gambling to worry about me."
He moved up to lean against the rail so that he could look at her. His gaze was sharp and assessing as he studied her face. "You're upset. Is it me?"
Yes. It is you. You make me want to do things I should only want to do with Warren and don't. You make me feel things you shouldn't. You leave me flustered and confused and... I think I might like you far more than I should. Haley ignored him and continued to stare out over the darkened surface of the water.
"If this is about last night, I'm sorry about the things I said. I can sometimes be arrogant and stubborn and opinionated."
"Only sometimes?" She arched a brow at him. She meant her words to be an insult but he only smiled at her and ducked his head in acknowledgement.
"I've been told its one of my most endearing qualities." He managed to look sheepish, which pulled a reluctant smile from her. "I think maybe we got off to a bad start last night. I apologize for taking my political views out on you. It isn't your fault that things are the way they are."
The apology surprised her. She hadn't expected it. Certainly not from him. "Accepted."
"You're really fine? He didn't come after you?" There was genuine concern in his voice that made her feel quite warm all over.
"No. He did not come after me. Nor do I think it likely he will." She paused a moment, trying to quell the strange feelings running through her veins. "I must thank you again for all of your help last night, sir. I really didn't know how I would get away from the man."
"Sir? Much too formal for the likes of me. You can call me Clint."
"Haley." She couldn't stop herself from smiling. "Haley Stone. Pleased to make your acquaintance, Clint."
"The feeling is mutual, I assure you." He offered her an arm. "May I escort you, Haley?"
She thought it over for only a second. "Yes, Clint. You may."
~*~
The whole night had been amazing. Clint had escorted her around the deck a time or two, then convinced her to visit the lower decks. She'd found herself at a party held in the Third Class the likes of which she'd never seen before. It had been very late when she'd finally slipped into her cabin. She'd stayed away in hopes that Warren would be sleeping. She needn't have worried. He hadn't been there when she'd returned. She'd climbed into bed exhausted and happy.
The next few days were a whirl of activities. What time Haley didn't spend with her mother and father, Warren and Alasdare was spent with Clint. Together, the two of them explored every part of the ship though they were careful to stay away from areas where she might be recognized. Neither of them were foolish enough to think that there wouldn't be problems if they were seen together. It was the most amazing time of her life.
Three nights after they met, he kissed her. It wasn't as impassioned as the ones Warren had given her the first night on the ship, wasn't at all graceful or amazing. It was almost clumsy and eager. Simple. But it left her stunned all the same. And the look on his face when he pulled back left her speechless. He was actually blushing, his cheeks so red that she thought they must match her hair. "I'm sorry. He muttered the words under his breath. And he left her with the promise that they'd meet again the next night.
She barely slept that night, absently registering that Warren wasn't there by the lack of his body heat pressed up against her back while she silently turned things over in head. That kiss had her captivated. There had been nothing of passion and desire in it, not like there'd been in the kisses Warren had given her. It had been a fumbling, first time kiss. And yet, it held her attention more than anything. Because the promise that had been in that kiss was more enticing than anything she'd ever encountered in her life.
She hated that he'd pulled away and said he was sorry. She'd wanted him to kiss her again. Deeper. Harder. Longer. She'd wanted that and more. She'd wanted him. She wanted him. Spending time with him, seeing the distinct differences between the upper class and the lower class had showed her that things were different for them. Easier. Yet they weren't. But the strict constraints she'd grown up with seemed to be missing and she liked the idea that there was more freedom to be had away from her family and society. Away from their demands.
She wanted to be with him. She wanted to spend the rest of her life with him. Surely Warren would understand. He might be hurt, but he'd understand. He knew that their match wasn't one made from love but necessity. There'd be someone else for him. Of that, she was sure. She would survive without the money and the leisurely life. She'd do what she needed to. She just wanted to be with Clint.
The next day saw her mentioning, in passing, the idea of a romance between someone from the upper crust and someone from the lower class. Her mother replied with a comment about men like Victor Creed and how they were really nothing more than animals and they never would be. Haley realized that her mother, despite all of her progressive thinking, would never accept her daughter being in love with a man like Clint. Which meant she was going to have to run away with him. She'd have to give everything up. Her family and friends, the money, her social standing. But it was worth it. He was worth it.
She told no one about Clint save Alasdare, who obviously understood what Haley was going through. She hadn't planned to actually tell her friend, but Alasdare admitted to loving Steven enough that she was really going to leave Victor. Oh, the woman said she thought she loved him, but Haley knew Alasdare well enough to know that it really was love. And her friend's courage gave her her own. Not surprisingly, Alasdare was happy for her. Warren, however, was not.
He caught her trying to sneak out of their cabin that night. And he knew that she was meeting someone who wouldn't live up to the standards set by the upper class. He tried convincing her to give up her dream, but she'd hear none of it. Wasn't he sneaking off to meet up with a girl he'd met? A girl who was no higher on the social ladder than Clint? He was surprised she knew, but he needn't have been. She had her own sources. She might have explained it to him, but she knew he wouldn't really understand.
It hurt to make him see that this was what she wanted, though she suspected that he thought she was only involved in a ship board romance. When she tried to give him back the ring he'd given her, he told her to keep it. And then he left her there in the hallway. She felt horrible and wished for nothing more than to be someone else. The stewardess, the one who'd showed them to their cabin what seemed an age ago, had the solution. A switch of coats. Haley gladly gave up her expensive coat. It meant she got to be with him.
She was in disguise when he found her. He stared at the coat and the scarf but said nothing. When he took her hands in his, his fingers found that the ring was no longer resting there. He gave her a quizzical look. "Haley?"
She pulled him into her, uncaring if anyone spied them, and wrapped her arms around him. He didn't fight when she rose up on tip toes so that she could take his mouth with her own. She kissed him. And in that kiss was all the passions she felt. It held every promise she wanted to make to him. It was all fire and heat and desire interwoven with hunger and longing and need. Those emotions twined around them, bound them together until they were breathless. He drew back to gasp air into his lungs, to look at her with wonder and shock in his eyes. "I'm not sorry, Clint. I'm not sorry and I want to show you just how much I'm not sorry."
Her words caught him by surprise. "Haley. Are you sure? You don't know what you're doing. You don't understand..."
"I know I'll have to give up everything I've ever known. And I don't care. None of that matters. Not if I have you in my life. You've showed me how to really live. I can't let that go. I don't want to." He was skeptical. She could see it. Glancing around, she spied a deck chair and motioned to it with one hand while the other started to work the buttons on her coat. "If you don't believe me, I'll strip naked and we can do it right here. Where the whole world can watch if it so chooses."
He laughed at that, his hand reaching up to stop hers from undoing the coat. "Perhaps they want to watch, but I'm not willing to share. I'm not in a very charitable mood. And it is a touch too cold to bare those beautiful breasts to the night air. If we're going to do this, we'll go someplace private."
"Where? We can't go back to my cabin. That could be dangerous for us both."
He was silent for a time, his face suggesting that he was thinking about the matter deeply. Finally, the look cleared and a smile spread his lips wide. "I know the perfect place."
They ended up in the laundry, sprawled on a pile of linens that he'd spread across the floor, hidden behind folding tables and other equipment. He put quite a few down so it was thick and comfortable. As he made their bed, Haley busied herself with stripping off her borrowed coat and scarf. She set them aside, then turned to her shoes. She was down to her hose and gown when he finally turned to her. He said nothing, but she went into his arms all the same. And he carefully undid the row of buttons down her back. The dress dropped to the floor without care, his hands already on her corset. Deft fingers made quick work of the lacing, then cast it aside. His motions were slow and deliberate as he pulled the brassiere over her head, tugged her tap pants down to her ankles.
Clint stared at her naked frame for just a long minute, letting his gaze rake over her entire body. "My God, Haley. You're beautiful."
She stepped into him, dragged his head down so that she could press her lips to his. His hands roamed everywhere, across her back, over her buttocks, along her thighs. He pulled his body from hers far enough that he could bring them up her stomach while still kissing her. When he at last cupped her breasts, she moaned loudly with the rush of sensation it brought.
He rid himself of his clothing so quickly that she was left speechless. His body drove hers down to their love nest, settling over her even while his mouth and hands explored shamelessly. It felt so strange and yet so right to have his naked flesh covering her own. Bravery stole over her, saw her hands exploring the expanse of his back, the length of his spine, the curve of his arse.
She was on fire again, body consumed with her need for him. She hadn't felt it so intensely before. Her hands and mouth urged him on, begged him to take her and make her his. She could feel the length of him, hot and hard and thick against her. Her hands found their way between the two of them, brushed at him until he shuddered and moaned into her mouth. When he pulled back, there was tension in his face. "Haley, darling. You don't know what you're doing."
"I do, Clint. I want you. I want you to put this," she stopped and squeezed him, earning a second groan. She was also rewarded by his hips snapping forward with her action. The feel of him in her hand, of his body against hers, reminded her that this wasn't something she normally did. And she'd never been so forward with anyone in all her life. When his eyes found hers, when she saw the heat that simmered in his gaze, realization rushed over her. It was followed by embarrassment that no doubt made her cheeks burn with color. Had she really just said that to him? Done that to him?
"What do you want, Haley?" His voice made her shiver. It drove the embarrassment away.
"I want this inside of me."
"You need time, Haley. You've never done this and I don't want to hurt you."
"Clint, please. I've never been more ready for anything in my life."
He tried one more time to convince her to wait, that he needed time to make sure that she was properly prepared. She only squeezed him again, harder this time. She knew before he said anything that he was lost. He warned her, between fervent kisses, that it would hurt at first. He assured her, as his hands teased the flesh between her thighs and his mouth tasted her breasts, that it wouldn't last long. He promised, as his fingers brought to her the lightning bolts that left her limp and pleased and hungry for more, that she'd enjoy herself. And then he was pressing into her.
His mouth swallowed down her cries of pain, kissed away the tears that had come out of nowhere to bead up on her cheeks. But just as he'd told her, the pain was fleeting and soon slid away into such an intense sensation of golden pleasure that she thought she'd died and gone to Heaven.
Their bodies moved together, his driving in and out while hers rose up to meet his thrusts. Their hands touched bared skin and their mouths meshed in heated kisses that were more impassioned and hungrier than the ones that had come before. The whole time, she panted in his ear and begged him to give her something. Something for which she had no name. He gave it to her anyway, the constant churning of his hips driving her higher and higher toward some great thing that would be breath taking and monumental.
That thing came with panting breaths and slapping bodies and bright, brilliant golden light that washed over her like water. It pulled her under and stole reason until she could no longer tell what was up and what was down. She felt him drive into her faster and harder, felt him shove himself deep and stop. And she knew, knew somehow without being told, that he was falling with her.
They landed in a tangle of limbs on the soft pallet he'd made for them, their bodies sweaty and chilled. Clint reached out and dragged a wayward sheet over them, then he cuddled Haley close to him. She was tired and yet not, sore and yet not. She wanted to do it again. And again. And again. "That was wonderful," she told him, her lips pressing against his chest. It was salty with sweat and she dragged her tongue across it.
"It was a little too quick to be wonderful, Haley," he replied, his hands stroking her back. She looked up at him, eyes wide with shock. "Oh, yes. It can be slower and last longer. It just depends on the situation. Tonight, I was too eager to taste you. The next time, I won't be so desperate for release."
The next time? He wanted a next time? Sighing, she snuggled closer. It was time to tell him the decision she'd made. "I'm coming with you when we dock in New York, Clint. I'm going to leave my family behind. All of the money and the position. All of it. I don't want any of it. Not if it means I can't have you."
He frowned at her. It wasn't the look she expected. "I don't think you understand what you're saying, Haley."
"But I do, Clint. It means living without maids and cooks. It means a one room home and working to make ends meet. It means things that will be fine as long as you're by my side. It means we can do this whenever we want." She offered him a smile. He stared at her a moment or two, then leaned forward to kiss her.
"Whenever will have to wait until I've had time to rest. Unlike you, I can't simply engage in the acts of pleasure without some time to get my vigor back." He stared at her a moment, then gave her a wicked smile. "But I can engage in some acts of pleasure that will keep you content until I am once more able for whenever."
He showed her just what he meant with his mouth. He kissed and sucked everywhere, leaving behind little pools of need that rippled and grew and expanded until they formed one giant pool that covered all of her body. When she writhed beneath him, when she begged and pleaded hoarsely for that nameless thing again, his head moved and he settled his mouth between her thighs.
She'd never known that a man could have such a limber, agile tongue.
After what seemed ages in which he lavished her body with his tongue and lips, in which he brought her to the very edge of madness time and again, he was ready to engage in whenever again. He climbed up over her, molded his body to hers while his mouth kissed a trail from her nether bits to her mouth. When he kissed her mouth, she could taste herself on his tongue and lips. It wasn't an unpleasant experience and left her wanting him all the more.
She begged him with softly whispered pleas, with her hands and her body. He obliged by sliding himself into her once again. He filled her completely before reaching for her legs. Those, he wrapped around his waist before he dared move again. She clung to him tightly, her legs locked behind his back while her hands roamed his chest. Dirty things she'd never thought to hear herself say fell from her lips as he moved against her with slow, sure strokes.
Sensation built slowly, with each languid motion he made. Leaning down, he caught her mouth again, kissed her deeply while he thrust into her. Haley held him close, timed her body's own motions to match his. Tension was building deep inside of her where they were joined. It coiled tight in her belly, then branched out and spread to her arms and legs. Need climbed through her like an ivy climbing a trellis, branching out until every last part of her was filled with it. With her want of him. With her want of what his body promised hers.
He took hold of her, keeping her body pressed to his as he rolled them. Haley found herself sitting on top of him, his hands curled around her waist. He was smiling at her, the look on his face promising her that he was there for her. Encouraging her. She settled her hands in the center of his chest, her fingers enjoying the hard muscle playing beneath soft flesh. She lifted her hips, shifting him inside of her. His hands helped, coached and followed her every movement.
Slowly, gradually, Haley found her rhythm. She shifted almost absently, enjoying the feel of him inside of her. Enjoying the sweet friction that shot sparks of need deep into her belly. His hips rose up to meet her downward stroke, ensuring that he filled her completely. The feeling was so exquisite.
Time held and grew as they moved with one another. And so did the tension inside of her. She understood what it meant, that she was edging closer and closer to the brink. She tried fighting it, not willing to give up yet, but her body was having none of it. The tension swelled, grew tighter, then broke. She cried out, her body rigid over his. Clint held her in place until the waves of golden light receded and left her almost limp on top of him. He rolled them again, settled her beneath him. Made sure she was looking into his eyes as he started thrusting once more.
Haley held on to him, felt the tension begin building once more. Felt the same tension in him. Knew it was only a matter of time before the world split into two and left them panting and gasping for breath. Before they were limp as wet noodles. She whispered words of encouragement, told him that what he was doing felt good. She told him things that she knew she'd never remember while her hands stroked his flesh and her body moved in time with his. She kept it up until his spine bowed and stiffened and he barked out a hoarse, harsh sound of pleasure.
He collapsed on top of her, his body a dead, heavy weight against her own. Still she whispered to him, told him that he was amazing and that she'd never felt anything like that before in her life. When he finally had the strength to roll off of her, he kept her held tightly in his arms, her head resting on his chest. She was fading fast, sleep stealing over her. There was one last thing to say to him. Something he had to know before anything else happened between them.
Even though the decision was made, her voice was still slurred with slumber when she spoke. Her hand found the spot where his heart beat in his chest and pressed it gently. Her lips kissed his skin, tasting the salt on it. Her body lazed beside his, basking in the heat burning under his flesh. "I love you, Clint. I know its so soon. But I love you."
She thought she heard him reply in kind as she was drifting off.
~*~
Something cold touched her skin, jerking her from a sound sleep. Haley sat up to find that large piles of linens were on the floor and water was slowly creeping across the floor toward the far wall. Had one of the washing units sprung a leak? Or had one of the baths on this deck overflowed? She rose and nudged Clint with a foot even as she sought out her clothing. He muttered something about five more minutes, then rolled over. Right into the water. "What the hell?"
"I don't know. But it feels as if the ship is listing." Haley already had her tap pants and brassiere on. She wasn't going to bother with the corset. Something told her that she didn't have time. She watched as Clint climbed to his feet and began searching for his clothes. "There's something wrong. We're far enough down, we should hear the engines. I don't hear the engines."
Clint shrugged into his clothing quickly, his gaze taking in the spreading pool of water. She followed his eyes as they traced it backward to its roots. The water was pouring in under the laundry rooms door. And it was pouring in fast. Once he had his boots on, he slogged toward the door and put his ear to it. "We need to get out of here and get topside immediately."
"Why? What is it?" She hurried into her shoes, then tugged her borrowed coat on
"I can hear water rushing on the other side of the door. A lot of water." Haley made her way to the door and put her ear against it. As he'd said, there was the sound of rushing water on the other side. To her, it sounded as if it was gallons and gallons of water. The metal groaned and the ship listed just a bit more.
"Oh my God. We have to get out of here!" She needn't have said it. Clint's hands were already on the handle. He obviously knew what was going on. She said the rest anyway. "The ship is sinking."
"Its worse than that, Haley. The water's rising quickly and the door is locked."
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(no subject)
Date: 2011-01-30 04:52 am (UTC)Hun, you rocked this! I love it! I love that Haley's just bold as brass going to Steve, I love that she does care enough that hurting Warren hurts her too. I LOVE LOVE LOVE everything in the laundry room.
Baby, I couldn't ask for more. Excellent work!
(no subject)
Date: 2011-01-30 05:07 am (UTC)i'm so pleased that you loved this, sweetie. really.
(no subject)
Date: 2011-01-30 05:42 am (UTC)More please? Soon?
(no subject)
Date: 2011-01-30 05:58 am (UTC)glad you enjoyed. hopefully more soon. gotta get my brain back in gear after this.
(no subject)
Date: 2011-02-06 06:47 pm (UTC)I'm quite enjoying seeing things from all the various angles. And, oh, what a way to end it! I hope they make it out.
(no subject)
Date: 2011-02-06 09:53 pm (UTC)yeah. that bit was kind of nummy.
i'm really enjoying going from one POV to the next, just to see how things work with them all. though the chapters are (for me) relatively short and cover a lot of time through a few really major events, its really interesting to see how each of them faces their daily lives because they're all different.
i'm kind of taking a break here, trying to get some other stuff down. but there are still six chapters left and then it'll be done. so stay tuned for the next installment.
as for the ending... you'll just have to wait and see.