Warning!
Some things have change, particularly how the characters' thoughts are presented. They're not '...' anymore. The way I wrote it, it should be clear when they are thinking. Mostly, they are unspoken words or thoughts when the first person in present mode is used.
Uh... there are no explicitly sexual scenes. I haven't written a lemon yet, and barely bordered on lime. ^^;; Still, compared to the previous parts, this is a bit more graphic. Just a bit, mind you.
REBUILDING
Part Two of Aveh-Nisan Chapter
An understanding...
Written by Yen
Version (9/21/99)
Margie watched as the bubble floated serenely in front of her. Rainbow colors danced in her vision as she contemplated her situation.
What to do now? She moved a hand and watched as the bubble floated away from her. She had been sitting in her bath for the past hour, and the water had grown chilly.
I really should get out, she thought, popping the erthswhile bubble. Sitting in the bathtub won't do me any good... besides, my skin's getting more wrinkly.
She sighed and stood up, grabbing a towel to dry herself. She preferred to soak up the excess water before using the dryer. It was faster that way, and she wasn't that confident with Solarian technology, even in the bath room.
Deciding that she was sufficiently dry, she stepped into the wide tube. Elly had shown her how to use it. It was both a shower and a dryer, but Margie was more impressed with the drying component.
As the dryer started, she leaned her forehead against the glass. Hot rushing air engulfed her entire form. She shifted her head slightly, tossing her hair to let it get caught in the warm drafts.
Despite her wariness with anything Solarian, she had to admit this was convenient and very relaxing.
Long after she was dry, she still stood in the tube. The air had since become slightly cooler, though still nicely warm. It was, by far, her favorite place to think, and she had a lot to think about.
"Bart..." She whispered his name, feeling helpless against the rush of emotions that came with just the thought of him.
You jerk! She thudded her forehead softly against the glass. Why now?! Why now, Bart?
She recalled what had happened last night. Bart had refused to let her down. He really did mean it when he said he was going to carry her all night long.
Even now, it was disconcerting to remember the intensity in his expression as he lowered his head to kiss her. That kiss was all his. Her earlier confidence had abandoned her.
Margie blushed red, remembering. No one had ever kissed her like that. She never had someone kiss her remotely like that.
Her first kisses with him were playful, and she was the one in control and only slightly affected. There was nothing playful when he kissed her, and in no way was she only slightly affected.
~~~
"Bart!" She managed to gasp out as she wrenched her mouth from his. She pushed against his chest hard and shifted her body to get herself down. No good. Bart pulled her closer, arresting the motion. He would have fallen had he not lean against the column to regain his balance.
Margie glared at him. "Let me down now!" She was angry, embarrassed, uncomfortable and... sweating.
Bart grinned at her, totally unconcerned. "What?! You can kiss me all you want, and I can't kiss you?"
Margie's mouth dropped, and he took that opportunity.
His mouth was hard yet gentle against hers. Even teeth took tiny firm bites on her lower lip; his tongue was demanding, moving roughly in her mouth.
She moaned softly, lost in a delirium of sensations. His mouth... his hand caressing her breast. Light touches, a gentle rub then a firm massage as he cupped it in his palm.
She felt a yearning wetness between her thighs and rubbed them restlessly.
***
He felt the movement and lifted his head. Margie murmured, protesting. Her hands went to the back of his head, urging him to kiss her again.
He smiled softly as he straightened, letting Margie's feet touch the ground. She leaned against him unsteadily, eyes half-closed with desire. His hands framed her face, and he kissed her again, running his lips from her mouth to plant soft kisses across her face. Margie sighed and returned the kisses, starting with one at the hollow of his throat, up his neck and chin to his mouth...
~~~
"Arrgh...! Margie banged her head once more to clear the image before getting out of the tube. She automatically grabbed her robe and put it on.
I don't want to think about it. "Don't think about it. Don't think about it. Don't think about it. Don't think..." She chanted as she went to her bureau and sat down. She stared at her reflection in the mirror. She looked... pinker than usual.
"Ugh..." She dropped her head to the table. I'm so embarrassed! Why did I...? How did that happened?! She finally lifted her head and glared at herself. "You should be glad someone came along when they did before something really happened! ... Oh, why am I talking to myself?!"
***
She was mad. Bart knew she was mad. At breakfast and throughout the morning, she refused to talk or even to look at him, even when he tried to strike a conversation with her. People, especially Elly and Sr. Agnes, were looking at the two of them with puzzled expressions though Bart could swear there was speculation in their eyes. He didn't mind. Now, if he could only get Margie to lighten up. Maybe, he'll have better luck at lunchtime.
***
"I don't want to talk to you," Margie stated, refusing to look at him in the eye. Instead, she focused her eyes at a point over his shoulder.
"Why? Did I do something wrong?" He said innocently, blue eye scanning her face intently.
Margie finally glared at him before walking away. She ignored the stares from other people as Bart tagged along.
"You're not acting maturely about this, Margie."
"Don't you think you're acting a bit too unfairly?"
"Margie? Are you listening to me?"
"Hey brat! You forgot to comb your hair this morning!"
"..."
"You liked it, didn't you?"
At that point, she grabbed Bart's arm and dragged him to the nearest room, which just happened to be empty.
After locking the door, she turned to him with a solemn expression. "Bart, I rather you don't say anything about that in public."
Bart sighed and leaned against the only table in the small study. Finally, she's talking to me! He had absolutely no luck yesterday and was getting desperate. He had to return to Bledavik tomorrow and didn't want things between them to remain as they were. He knew that she didn't want that either.
He smiled hopefully at her, trying to ignore her stony expression. "But we can discuss in private?"
Margie stared at him for a few moments before sighing. "You just never give up, don't you?"
Bart shook his head, the now wry smile on his face. He watched as Margie sank down slowly in the chair in front of him. Margie...
***
Margie leaned against the backrest, trying to get as comfortable as possible. It wasn't working. She sighed again and looked down to her hands pressed nervously on her lap. I have to end this... "Bart, if you're worried about what happened, don't. As far as I'm concerned, nothing happened."
...
"Just like that, huh?"
She started, jerking her head up to stare dumbfounded at Bart. He stared back at her, a thoughtful gleam in his eye.
"Just forget the whole thing as if it never happened?"
He straightened and walked towards her. His stance reminding Margie of a predator in hunt, and like the targeted prey, she instinctively shrank away from him. Suddenly feeling defensive, she stood up or tried to anyway.
Bart's arms moved fast, hands grabbing her chair's armrests. She was trapped effectively.
"Bart..." Her protest died abruptly as Bart kissed her, pressing his mouth firmly on her partly opened lips. She tensed and heard him murmur reassuringly as he kneeled before her, his hips nudging her knees apart to rest his body between her legs.
Heat spread throughout her own body as her heart beat faster, harder. Margie felt light-headed as strong hands encircled her neck, thumbs tracing her jaw line with feathery strokes. Obeying an impulse, she tilted her head upward, and sighed as Bart nuzzled her neck. Her breath quickened when he began biting sensuously on the sensitive flesh.
***
This... wasn't easy. The thought ran sluggishly through his mind as he fought to maintain control over his body. I... never had this problem before...
He felt her shiver as he blew teasingly in her ear, and he quickly lowered his lips to hers. Her hands moved to touch his face, caressing tentatively then more confidently as she returned his kiss.
I want her. Bart moved his hands downward to her shoulders, holding her tightly against him. He heard her sigh as he removed his mouth from lips to brush gently across her face before resting his chin on top of her head.
Bart closed his eye tightly even as Margie began tormenting him with kisses and soft touches. Margie... I want you... He desperately ignored his body's arousal as he fought to think clearly.
It was no fluke. What happened two nights ago was no accident. He shuddered as Margie traced a delicious line up his throat with the tip of her tongue. I knew I was not that drunk. What happened between us was not because of alcohol! A groan escaped from him when her hands slipped under his shirt. She never makes things easy for me!
With a reluctant moan, he released her and pushed himself away. He managed to move a few steps backwards without stumbling, his body protesting with every action.
***
Margie stared blankly at her hands. What happened? Her palms still tingled with heat and so was the rest of her body. Oh no...
"Not again..." She managed to say weakly as her face reddened with embarrassment. She looked up, half-expecting to see Bart grinning at her with a Cheshire Cat smile.
Her cousin was leaning against the table, arms crossed and head down. His eye was closed and he was breathing in deeply.
Satisfaction ran through Margie, and a smile lightened her face, chasing the blush away. At least, I wasn't the only one affected, she thought quite happily. That will show you, Bart.
She stood up carefully and walked towards him. Bart lifted his head as she came closer. Before she could say anything, Bart straightened and smiled cheekily. "Nothing happened, huh?"
Margie's mouth dropped, and his smile widened as his hand cupped her chin, his eye glittered sensuously as his thumb caressed her lips. "..."
"How could you say that?" He said slowly, emphasizing each word with a gentle stroke.
Margie glared at him. She felt far too embarrassed to be affected by his flirting, and resisted the urge to bite the irritating appendage. Bart seemed to understand that and quickly removed his hand.
She swallowed hard and tried to keep up her anger. So far, that was her only defense against him in matters such as this. Well, I could always bring up embarrassing childhood stories. That seems to turn him off, for a while. ... Though, I can't think up of one right now...
***
Bart just kept quiet as Margie continued her silent treatment of him. He watched as she paced slowly from chair to bookcase than back again. She's thinking hard for an excuse. Whether she likes it or not, his cousin wore her thoughts and her heart on her sleeve. One of the reasons why I care for you so much, Margie.
Care... or is it something more? I want to... know everything about you, Margie. Bart found himself saying to her silently. All these years... yet I... never seriously considered you as more than friend and family. Haven't we been always told that we are destined for each other...? Then, why only now...?
~~~
"Bart, will you promise me something?" Margie was looking at him seriously, the expression so unlike her.
"Um... it depends on what the promise is." Bart hedged, wondering what was bothering her. They were on the roof area of Bledavik castle, in Bart's secret hiding place.
It was an old guard tower, one of the oldest places in the fortress. It was badly in need of repairs and access to it had been boarded up. No one was allowed in it, and the two youngsters would be severely punished if they were ever found out, even if they were royalty.
His younger cousin didn't answer him right away. Instead, she climb up on the balustrade and sat beside him. Bart panicked and shouted at her. "Idiot! Get down! It's too dangerous for you!"
The tower was by far the tallest structure in Bledavik, and it was a long drop to the ground.
Margie ignored him and closed her eyes, clearly enjoying the desert wind as it blew against her face. Bart grumbled and pulled his legs in to get off the chest-high stone wall.
"Don't go, Bart." He paused as she turned to him with a soft smile. "I'm safe as long as you're here." He frowned at her statement, and she giggled. "Don't look so serious, Bart."
She begin swinging her legs, and Bart lost his temper. "Stop that!" He jumped down from his perch and grabbed her, pulling her back into the tower.
"Ouch! Let go!"
"Not until you listen to me!"
They fought as they usually did with Bart winning the argument, as usual. He smirked victoriously at Margie, who glared at him from her position underneath him.
"You're definitely not a gentleman, Bart! Get off me!"
"I'll act like one when you start acting like a lady!"
"Why you...!" She hit him hard, and Bart grimaced, doubling over in pain when she connected with his stomach. Margie shoved him off her and rolled over, automatically standing up and assuming a fighting pose. Bart remained prone on the tower floor.
"Bart, get up! I didn't punch you that hard." No answer.
...
"Bart..." Concerned, she moved closer and kneeled beside him. Bart was trembling, still clutching at his midriff, his long blond hair hiding his face. She reached out to touch his shoulder...
A surprised yelp and short scuffle soon followed.
***
He heard his cousin sigh contentedly as he wrapped an arm around her shoulders. She leaned closer against him, and he buried his face in her hair, inhaling the delicate fragrance. Margie always smelled like flowers to him, even in the desert.
"Look, Bart. A shooting star!" He followed her pointing finger and spotted the telltale trail of a falling meteorite. He just recently endured a lecture in astronomy.
They were stargazing as was their usual habit when the night was clear and when they managed to escape their keepers' supervision. Luckily, Margie had brought snacks along with her so they didn't have to go down for dinner. No doubt Maison was pulling his hair by now, Sr. Agnes, praying, and Sigurd, calling out the Royal Guard.
Here, in the tower, the two young heirs to the Fatima dynasty could forget their lineage, their responsibilities, and pre-determined destinies, even for such a short time.
Bart hugged her closer, glad that Margie was there. The desert night was chilly and somehow, stargazing just wasn't as fun without his younger cousin to share the stars with.
It was funny really that he spent most of his time with Margie, instead of with other boys his age. He like to hang out with his father's personal attendant, Sigurd; however, the latter had little free time with his duties to attend too. Maison wasn't too bad if he only stop his lecturing once in awhile, which rarely happened.
Margie, on the other hand, was always there for him. That is, when she and her family came to visit or vice versa. He found that he missed her terribly when they were separated too long. Fortunately, their families agreed to let them grow up together. Actually, when Bart thought about it now, they seemed more than happy to accommodate their children's request. Almost eager, really.
"Bart?"
"Hmmm...?" Bart replied absentmindedly, still musing.
"... When I grow up, are you going to be my husband?"
"... What?!"
Margie moved away from him, turned and faced him seriously. "Are we going to get married when we grow up?" She stated carefully, her blue eyes meeting his own eyes frankly.
He stared back at her, surprised beyond belief. "Who gave you that idea?!" He managed to squeak out. Thoughts about marriage and such adult things had yet to be impressed on him or hold much interest for him.
Margie drew her knees up against her chest and leaned against the wall opposite him. She stared thoughtfully at a point on the floor halfway between them. "I heard Sr. Agnes and Maison talking about it this afternoon." Bart remained silent and she continued.
"Sr. Agnes said something that it being wonderful that the Fatima Tradition was going to be fulfilled again. Then, Maison said it was a good omen that the children, us, have such a close relationship. Sr. Agnes then said that she was worried that we may be too close, growing up like brother and sister. Maison laughed and said that there was nothing to worry about since the best form of friendship is marriage. Then, Sr. Agnes also laughed, saying that he was right..." Margie paused in her monologue, then added in a small voice, "Bart, what's the Fatima Tradition?"
"... I don't know either, Margie." He slumped weakly against the wall, trying to deal with this revelation. Margie and me, married? He couldn't picture it. The very thought of it made him feel slightly ill. She's like a sister to me! I can't marry her! It would just feel too weird!
"Made you feel sick, huh?" Bart looked up to see his her smile weakly at him. "I feel the same way too. I just can't imagine you being my husband." Margie considered him carefully, and declared, "You're my best friend, Bart. I can't marry you!"
With that, both of them started giving reasons why they couldn't, shouldn't be married to each other. It was a long list, but did little to aid their defense when they confronted their families with it. It was already planned and events set into motion. The Fatima Tradition was to be upheld and Bartholomew Fatima, crown prince to the Fatima throne of Aveh, was to be engaged to Marguerite Fatima, the next-in-line Great Mother of Nisan.
~~~
He remembered now. They had made an agreement to prevent the engagement and marriage from happening. All their arguments and protests had made little difference to their families. They were destined to each other, they said.
However, when Shakhan assassinated his father, things took on a much grimmer pattern. Their childhood problems were nothing compared to the anguish that followed.
Bart's hands clenched as he recalled. So... many things left unsaid... His father, he never had the chance to tell his father... And what of my aunt and grandaunt, Margie's mother and grandmother, Margie must have gone through hell! No wonder she risked her life when she heard rumors that they might still be alive... Damn that Shakhan! I could have lost her! I could have lost Margie... That thought pained him more then he thought possible.
***
Margie finally faced him, lifting her hands slightly to emphasize her point and opened her mouth to say...
"Nothing happened, right?" Bart finished for her, his hand rubbing his chin thoughtfully while he watched her carefully. His expression was unreadable except for the tiny glint of amusement in his eye.
Margie's hands dropped just as her mouth snapped close. She sighed, exasperated with this situation, and turned away from him.
"Bart, why do you have to make things so difficult?!" She complained as she walked away from him.
"... Because..."
She paused. "Because what?" She asked softly, curious, turning back to face him. Her eyes serious just as it was years ago when she made him promise her something.
Bart straightened from his leaning position against the table and walked towards her with Margie following his every action. He stopped within touching distance, and reach out to caress her face. He could feel her tense then relax when she realized that was all he wanted to do for now, to touch her.
"Because... something did happen, Margie." She winced, but he tightened his fingers, forcing her to look at him. Her eyes were undecided and wary of him. I don't want that between us, Margie, but you have to accept the truth.
"Can you honestly say that nothing happened?" He whispered. He lowered his hand and could feel the rapid hammer of her pulse underneath the satin skin. It echoed his own heartbeat. Margie...
"No..." It was the softest of whispers, but he heard it clearly. Her hands reach out to cover his own. Holding his hand in hers, she kissed it and rubbed the side of her face against it. They stood that way for awhile before Margie sighed regretfully and released his hand. "Something did happened, Bart, but nothing will come out of it."
***
"Why not?" He asked, and she answered, "Because I won't allow our friendship destroyed by something as fleeting as lust, Bart."
"... Do you really think that desire has such a short life?"
"Bart, how many affairs have you gone through?"
"..."
"I rest my case."
"Wait a minute! There weren't that many!"
"How many of your former mistresses are you still on speaking terms with?"
"..."
"I don't think I have to prove my point any further."
"... Do you really think I would hurt you, Margie?"
"... No, Bart, not intentionally. Never that, but you can be quite callous sometimes, unintentionally of course."
"... Am I really like that?"
"It's the way you are, Bart. I've always known that. It's part of your nature and your charm."
"I see..."
"... I really have to go now. I have a lot of things to attend..."
"You are not going anywhere until we have settled this."
"There is nothing more to be said!"
"I want you, Margie."
"... Oh no, didn't we just go through that?! I don't want an affair with you! ... Let me go!"
A short scuffle afterward...
"You are definitely not a gentleman. Get off me!"
"Haven't you forgotten I've always wanted to be a pirate?"
"Well, you are certainly acting like one! ... Bart, stop that!"
"Not until you promise me something."
"... Promise... you... what?"
He smiled. "Years ago, you made me promise to you that I should be happy in life, Margie."
? "..."
"Don't you remember?"
"No, not really."
"Let me refresh your memory. You made me promise that if you don't make me happy as my wife, I was to go against the Fatima Tradition and our parents' wishes to find someone who would."
"... I made you promise that?"
"Yes, you even told me that I have to follow my dreams even if I hurt others... even you, Margie.
"..." I must have been a numbskull.
"Of course, things got side-tracked and we were never engaged to be married." Damn that Shakhan! "So, I never got to fulfill my promise to you."
"What are you talking about?! You've certainly have looked!"
"Margie, I never had the chance to know if you could make me happy."
? "You've got to be kidding..."
Dead serious. "I am not. Now, I want you to make me a promise."
"..."
"Promise me that you will give me a chance to be happy. Forget that I'm your cousin, that I am a king, that we were once supposed to be engaged to be married. Forget all of that. Think of me only as a suitor."
Near faint here. "..."
"Let me court you, Margie."
"... Bart, please let me up."
***
Unknown to them, others were listening in on their conversation.
Sr. Agnes uttered a victorious sound, and Elly shushed her, her ear pressed hard against the door. She wasn't the only one. Sr. Agnes was in a similar position opposite her, with other sisters crowding around them, asking what was going on.
Sr. Mary shushed them, and Elly glanced at her thankfully. It wouldn't do to have Bart and Margie find out they were spying on them. Fei and the others would be so happy to find out about this recent development in their friends' relationship. It was about time too.
"What's going on?" One of the younger sisters said plaintively. Her face brightened when one of her friends informed her.
"Truly? Marguerite and Bartholomew?!"
"Shh!" The others silenced her.
Elly fought a sigh. If they weren't careful...
***
Margie looked at Bart, started to say something, paused, looked away, then turned to him again.
"I don't know what to say."
"Say you agree," he said simply.
"Bart, it's not that easy." How can I make you understand? You can't just turn back the clock to the way things were.
"I know it isn't, but give it a chance, Margie." She looked at him dubiously. "Please."
A chance, a chance for a dream to come true, but if it doesn't work out...? Margie wrapped her arms across her chest and rubbed her shoulders. Suddenly, she felt cold and frightened, fearful of what the future held for them.
But I want this chance... despite the potential hurt it bears with it, and even if it scares me. She bowed her head, her hair falling and covering her face. I am scared...
She felt strong arms surround her, knew and recognized the warmth and care always present in them. With a sigh, she moved closer into his embrace and rested her head on his chest. So strong... I feel safest when you're here, Bart. Then, why... do I fear loving you so much?
***
"I care about you, Bart." He heard her whisper. Instinctively, he tightened his embrace, and pressed a kiss to her forehead. "Margie..."
A finger across his mouth prevented him from speaking further. She raised her head to look at him, her eyes were liquid soft and he felt as if he was drowning in them.
"... And I know you care for me also, Bart." Her hands move to touch his face. "We grew up together, as brother and sister. We were best friends."
He couldn't stand the look in those eyes anymore, and closed his own. Her fingers explored the contours of his face, tracing his jaw and cheekbones, delicate touches on the taut skin. He kissed the finger that barred his lips, and felt her delight.
"Sr. Agnes often told me that the best form of friendship is marriage." Her hands fell away, and Bart opened his eye to look at her. She was still looking at him, but this time sadness tinged her expression.
"For a time, I took that belief to heart." She moved away from him, and Bart reluctantly released her.
"During that time, I imagined that you were my prince." There was a reminiscent look in her eyes. "And like in a fairy tale, you would declare your love for me and we would live happily ever after."
"Margie..." Frowning at the tremulous quality in her voice, he moved towards her, but she shook her head and backed away from him. "Please, Bart, let me finish." His heart contracted in pain when he saw tears in her eyes. Margie, forgive me. I never wanted you to cry... especially when it's because of me...
"This is... not easy for me, but I have to tell you..." He watched as she blinked the tears back, at the same time, forcing himself not to go to her. Margie...
She closed her eyes and refused to face him. He could see her throat tightened, her small frame trembling as she forced back a sob. Finally, she continued.
"I fell in love with you, Bart." He closed his own eye when he heard those words. "You became more than a brother and a friend to me. You were, are my hero."
"I wanted what had been meant for us in the first place. The Fatima Tradition fulfilled, but it never came to that... There was no reason for it to be so..."
He felt like the biggest jerk ever.
***
When he finally was able to look back at her, she was smiling at him fondly, her azure eyes bright and warm as she looked back at him. How could I been so blind?! His jaw clenched with regret. I never had the faintest clue. "I'm sorry, Margie..."
She laughed, and his eye widened in startlement. "Oh, Bart. Please don't say that. It was all my fault anyway." Margie giggled when he continued to stare at her blankly.
"I got over you, so you have nothing to be guilty about." She smiled teasingly at him, then her eyes softened. "You're so sweet. You're the sweetest man I know..."
"Wait a minute!" He interrupted her. "Could you kindly repeat what you just said?"
"... You're so sweet?"
"No, before that."
"... I got over you, so..."
"That's the one."
***
Margie could only stare at him when he suddenly demanded, "What did you mean when you said that you got over me?
? He wants me to rephrase it? "I mean that I am no longer in love with you."
Bart snapped his fingers. "You no longer love me, but you want me?"
"... Bart, there is a big difference between love and sex." When he looked at her dubiously, she emphasized with her hands. "Big difference, okay?!"
He shrugged, and looked at her with a crafty gleam in his eye. "Well, I not claiming to be an expert." He smiled. "But don't the two go well together?"
Margie gritted her teeth in frustration. He is so stubborn! "Bart..."
His mouth was suddenly on hers, and Margie pushed him away. "Don't do that!"
His body was warm and hard against hers, his arms holding her close, far too close Suddenly, she felt breathless. "Bart! No, please don't..."
He feels too good..., Margie found herself thinking as Bart ravished her mouth. She shuddered as his hands explored her body possessively, fitting her neatly against him. She could feel his hard length pulsing between her legs. Oh God, I want him...
Before she could respond, he pulled away from her.
She moaned softly. I hate it when he does that! "Damn it, Bart!" It was the first time she ever cursed out loud, and she did have a good reason for it. "Why do you tease me like that?!"
"Does that mean you didn't want me to stop?"
...
***
Outside, Elly placed her face in her hand, shaking her head in defeat, while Sr. Agnes looked up heavenward.
***
"Ouch."
Bart sat up carefully, one hand rubbing his jaw, which was turning a nice black and blue. He winced, feeling the tender flesh and tasted blood from a split lower lip. "You have a mean right hook there, Margie."
No answer. He look up to see her glaring daggers at him. Boy, is she mad. Watching her carefully, he slowly stood up. Well, at least she didn't punch me in the eye. Now, with a black eye, he would really feel and look stupid.
"Next time, I'll hit you in the eye." O-kay...
Lifting both hands, he waved them peacefully. Margie wasn't relaxing. Feeling sheepish, he scratched the back of his neck. "I take it I was acting callous...?"
A short affirmative nod. He was in trouble. Margie was giving him the silent treatment again.
...
"I'm sorry, Margie. Please forgive me."
"..."
"I just wanted to show you that this isn't something both of us can just simply ignore." He looked at her seriously. "You know I'm right. If we leave things just as they are now, both of us will regret doing nothing. ... I don't want that, Margie. I have too many regrets already." You... are far too important. I do not want to lose you.
"... What if we end up regretting afterwards, Bart?" Margie lowered her eyes, turning away from him slightly. Her eyes closed. "If we go ahead with this, and... it doesn't work out between us... I don't want to lose your friendship," she declared, then whispered, "It's all I have left of you."
He embraced her then, Margie moving automatically to lean against him. Her arms wrapping around his waist just he placed his hands behind her back, holding her close to him.
Bart buried his face in her hair, relishing the feel of the silky strands against his skin. It has been too long since he had taken in that fragrance that was hers alone. It reminded him of times long ago when both of them were young, and the problems of the world at large having little to do with their lives.
Too long... "I promise," he murmured against her hair, "you'll never lose me."
He moved back a little to look at her face. Her eyes were wide, still confused and undecided, but he saw in them her trust of him. I won't betray that trust, he promised silently. "You mean a lot to me, Margie." He moved a hand to touch her face, marveling as he always did at the softness of her skin. "I've always felt that I couldn't live without you," he continued honestly.
She blushed at his words and shifted her eyes elsewhere, but he forced her to look at him.
"There has to be a reason why I feel that strongly for you." He kissed her. "And it could very well be love."
***
He is good.
***
Margie sighed against his lips, "You never give up, do you?" She could feel him smile. "Nope."
Another sigh and she pulled away from him just enough to separate their lips. She couldn't go any farther. "Bart, let me go." A simple request.
A simple answer. "No." His eye gleamed playfully. He has the upper hand, and he knows it too.
A change of tactic. "Let me think about it."
"Okay, think." That didn't work.
...
Finally, she accepted defeat, but there were always negotiations.
***
"... You asked me to make a promise, Bart. I give you that promise, but you have to keep your promise too."
"I..."
"Honor the promise you made when we were young, even if you have to break your other promise."
"..."
"I wanted you to be happy then, and I still want that. ... Even if you do hurt me. Promise me that, Bart."
"... I promise... But you have to do the same, Margie. I want you to be happy too.
"... All right. We have an understanding then."
"Yes."
To be continued...
Author's note:
You want to know the main reason why this part took so long to finish?
I am not good with love scenes! It takes me a very long time to get through those parts, and Rebuilding has a lot of romance in it. groan ^^;;
Anyway, what do you think of the story so far? To be truthful, I really wouldn't mind if you complain that I am dawdling on Bart and Margie's relationship. That way, I would have incentive to finish their love story part of the fanfic. Please don't take it the wrong way. I am very fond of these two characters, but I get stuck a lot of times on those love scenes. Why did I have to make things so complicated?!
Forgive my babbling, ^^;; I just want to get to the main plot of the story. It's been in my head a long time, and I just want to get it out!
And of course and obviously so, I would really appreciate inputs on Rebuilding as it is now. Remember, positive is okay and so are negatives, just as long as they are honest opinions. I would really like to hear from you. ^^
Yen