|
Post by Rochester on Sept 5, 2007 17:24:45 GMT -5
*It took Rochester a moment to right his eyes to meet hers. His breath was faster than normal, but he tried to calm himself and caressed her cheek tenderly.*
“My sweet Shadi…please don’t ask me that. You know that I gave him my word. I may be many less than savory things, but a bond-breaker is not one of them. We will find away around the promise to your father. It will just take a while longer. And you…”
*Her smiled and lifted her chin to kiss her softly.*
“…are worth the wait.”
|
|
|
Post by Shadi on Sept 5, 2007 17:46:49 GMT -5
*At that, Shadi burst into tears and buried her face in Rochester's shirt. She hated herself for the reaction--for the whole bloody mess, really--but the sobs kept coming. She clung to him as if he held the power of life or death over her.*
|
|
|
Post by Rochester on Sept 5, 2007 17:49:53 GMT -5
*Rochester’s eyes widened in panic as he tried to assess the situation silently cursing his sueauthor and her overwhelming drive to make him say such things. He held her tightly, wanting to protect her from whatever was upsetting her. He spoke soothingly.*
“Don’t fret, my darling. It’ll be all right. Tell me…what’s wrong? It breaks my heart to see you so.”
|
|
|
Post by Shadi on Sept 5, 2007 18:20:42 GMT -5
"Don't say that," *she said, sniffling into his cravat.* "Don't say it if you don't mean it. I won't break your heart. You mustn't let me. I'm not worth it, Rochester; and you've got so many others. Don't waste it on me anymore."
|
|
|
Post by Rochester on Sept 5, 2007 19:42:23 GMT -5
*Rochester’s brow furrowed in concern. He pushed her back that he might look her in the eye. His voice was tender.*
“My dearest Shadi…how can you say such a thing? You of all people should know that my heart is my own to give. Why do you feel so unworthy?”
*He lifted her chin to bring her lips back to his. Then he whispered softly.*
“Do you see portraits of any of my other companions? Shadi…surely you know that…you are dear to me.”
The dearest.
|
|
|
Post by Shadi on Sept 6, 2007 13:56:42 GMT -5
*She tried to quell her tears, for she knew she couldn't tell him what she'd done and that he'd pry until she had to if she didn't buck up. But the realization that he did not, in fact, have portraits of anyone else in the house chilled her. She couldn't be that to him. Not her. He was... he was everything she thought wonderful about her new life. But she was just pretending, wasn't she?*
"I'm nothing, Rochester. Or rather, I shouldn't be. I'm just a stupid, silly little girl who got lucky by mistake. And all I ever seem to do is try to make you break your promise, or get your clothes all damp with crying. I'm no better now than when I was on the street... Which is good enough for me, Rochester, but shouldn't be for you."
|
|
|
Post by Rochester on Sept 6, 2007 14:19:35 GMT -5
*Rochester pulled her tightly, pressing her head against his chest as the stroked her hair. What had brought all this on? What had changed? She'd never had a problem with their relationship before. Well, other that that one.*
"Darling...of course you're good enough for me."
*He looked down at her, kissing her forehead as he lifted he chin.*
"I'm afforded the privilege of keeping only the company I want to, and yet I seem to be unable to get enough of you. Are you calling me daft for it?"
*His dimple began to show as he offered a small smile.*
"Please. Shadi...don't push me away."
*His smile widened.*
"And you are always welcome to dampen my clothing in any way you'd like."
|
|
|
Post by Shadi on Sept 6, 2007 15:11:50 GMT -5
*She tried to quell her tears, and succeeded, able to meet his gaze with a watery version of her own. She couldn't argue with him, and she knew it. Not about this. Rochester made his own rules, and her being a savage from darkest Africa wouldn't sway him if he wanted her. And his smile was contagious. Telling him the truth was out of the question, because her Suethor wanted Rochester tortured by the painting a little more.*
"I don't... I don't want to push you away. I'm sorry. I'll be fine. I guess I'm just really worried about River."
|
|
|
Post by Rochester on Sept 6, 2007 15:34:09 GMT -5
*Rochester wasn't sure that she was telling him everything, but he knew enough not to push too hard. He kissed her tenderly and tried to look hopeful.*
"Everything will work out. Would you like to rest? I could have a room prepared for you and something warm to drink. Might calm you a bit and get you feeling better."
|
|
|
Post by Shadi on Sept 6, 2007 22:57:18 GMT -5
*Shadi looked up at him with red-rimmed eyes.*
"Oh, would you? That would be nice."
*In the end, it mattered that he cared. She couldn't think of anyone else who would offer as much.*
|
|
|
Post by Rochester on Sept 6, 2007 23:06:38 GMT -5
*Rochester clucked his tongue in mock disapproval.*
"But of course, darling. It's the least I can do."
*And so it was that he had a guest room fixed up for her and led her upstairs to it. He opened a heavy chest and drew out a nightshift.*
"Here we are, darling, get changed and I'll bring you up something to help you sleep."
|
|
|
Post by Shadi on Sept 6, 2007 23:09:19 GMT -5
((Seriously... where are this girl's parents?))
*Shadi smiled despite herself at the lady's nightshift.*
"You have a... Never mind. Of course you do."
*She leaned forward and kissed him on the cheek, like a good girl.*
"Thank you, Rochester. I don't know what I'd do without you."
|
|
|
Post by Rochester on Sept 6, 2007 23:17:36 GMT -5
((Like srsly, yo.))
*Rochester tried to dismiss the strange warmth in his cheeks as she kissed him. It was such a small thing, so chaste, and yet... He grinned and flicked his wrist.*
"Oh you'd be terribly bored and have no fun at all. No one to drive you quite mad with wantonness only to leave you wanting? Tsk tsk, how you would hate that."
*He started to the door to fetch her some chamomile tea.*
|
|
|
Post by Shadi on Sept 6, 2007 23:43:44 GMT -5
*She caught his sleeve as he moved to go.*
"I would," *she said with unaccustomed sobriety.* "Hate that, I mean."
*Then she smiled suddenly.*
"Now go get me that drink."
|
|
|
Post by Rochester on Sept 7, 2007 3:54:48 GMT -5
*Rochester's brow hinted at confusion as she caught his sleeve, but it melted into his signature smile, a silent promise that everything would be all right.*
"Of course, darling."
*He headed downstairs and waited patiently for the water to boil. He steeped the tea and trayed it, carrying it carefully up to the guest room. He nudged the door open with his foot, precariously balancing the tray. He looked up to the bed, to see if she was already asleep. It would serve him right if she was. He smiled privately.*
|
|