akela

All is Fair in Love and War [Akela & Nuada]

Hm. Well here's my thing. I want them to find out about one another after they're for sure going to be in love. I feel like Claire's there, but then again HE'S on the good side, so it'll be easier for her. If he found something, do you feel like Nick could forgive her and want to help, or just condemn her at this point? Or does he need more time?

I'm thinking at the party someone will tip her off of who Nick is. The would was a giveaway, and maybe something else I'll think of. What do you think? She'll start to doubt herself even more, want to talk to him about it... this could be RIGHT after she got the information and transferred it or something?

All is Fair in Love and War [Akela & Nuada]

Their night together, Claire’s first intimate night with anyone, left her exhausted with a sense of peace and happiness she hadn’t known in a long, long time. No, it was not between the sheets in a bed at home, or even France. Their relationship was not perfect, and she knew he was not in love with her, but she still could not have asked for anything more perfect than what he gave her.

The first time he laid eyes on her naked form she laid very still, praying she met every one of his expectations. He was, of course, the perfect gentleman. Every whisper was a kind compliment, every touch giving her shivers. Once comfortable in his presence she made a point of finding what gave him chills, made him happy. It actually gave her more pleasure to see his pleased reaction than to receive anything herself. That was the first time Claire Abbot realized she was actually falling in love with her husband.

When Nicholas finally claimed her she noticed how surprised he was, despite dealing with a prick of pain that hadn’t quite been expected. Without a mother to explain before her wedding day, and everyone thinking she’d already experienced this no one had gone out of their way to tell her things were a little unpleasant at first. She didn’t care, though- it gave him the proof needed to trust her at last.

“I’m sorry.”

Claire shook her head with a smile, just happy she felt so close, so connected to him. To her, things could only get better from that moment forward.

*****

Looking back, her favorite moment would be falling asleep against him, fingers tracing invisible lines and circles on his stomach until she fell asleep. No words were spoken, as she had nothing to say that their actions hadn’t already expressed.

Even the next morning worries of her contact, who apparently went by the name Professor White, and the information she was to obtain at the masquerade did not gain her attention for a moment. Claire woke with a small groan, still feeling a hint of pain. “Nick?” she murmured, slowly sitting up and running her fingers through her hair that was by now completely down in frizzy waves. The blanket fell to her hips, and it took her mentally stopping herself to not immediately cover up. “Nicholas, we should be going. Your father will be worried sick, and you need to see the doctor as soon as possible. The ferry will be running this early in the morning, won’t it?” she asked, rubbing the sleep out of her eyes.

Truth was, even as she spoke of going home Claire really wanted to stay. What if things went back to normal as soon as they walked out that door?

No. They couldn't, Claire wouldn't let them. They were married and she wanted to stay at his side. All she had to do was prove things could be this comfortable, this wonderful all the time.

All is Fair in Love and War [Akela & Nuada]

sorry for the delay lately, I'll get a response in tomorrow. slowly able to write a little at a time lately, then mom was sent to the hospital tonight. anyway, again I'll post tomorrow.

All is Fair in Love and War [Akela & Nuada]

“Are you sure about this?”

Claire nodded, her insides trembling with a want she hadn’t felt before. “I’m the one that suggested it, Nick,” she said, forgetting their pretend labels and falling back into their real names. “I’m positive.” Her insecurities made her want to hesitate, to ask again if he really wanted to sleep with her and not just some woman named Elizabeth. But that was the last thing men wanted in bed, someone asking for reassurance every few minutes. No, if they were finally this close and he was taking such a big step forward, then she was doing nothing but stepping right along with him.

“Tell me if I’ve gone too far.”

The blush on her cheeks wouldn’t be going away anytime soon with the way he kept touching at her, looking at her with . Claire was so lost in his touch it took her a moment to move or even breathe. The waist of her dress loosened as he untied the back of her dress, her arms getting goosebumps from the sleeves being pushed down a few inches.

“I don’t think that’s possible tonight,” Claire replied, rising to her toes to kiss him again. Her hands moved down to the buttons of his jacket, slowly unbuttoning them one by one. She then slid them up to the shoulders, slipping his jacket off and letting it fall to the floor. Next came his vest, but not being used to undressing a man Claire had to look down to get him out of the rest of his clothing. The music below them was barely heard as she started to expose his chest one button at a time.

Claire licked her bottom lip and glanced up for his reaction as she brushed her fingers along the few inches she could see, a chill going down her own back. She felt her own dress fall and she couldn’t help but grin in excitement, despite still being so covered up by her chemise.

All is Fair in Love and War [Akela & Nuada]

Claire brightened at his suggestion, quickly getting to her feet. She’d heard the music just as he had during the meal but said nothing. He was in pain, she wasn’t about to ask him to dance to such silly tunes. One could hardly call it music compared to the beautiful instruments that were present at the parties they were used to, which made her wonder if it annoyed him until he asked her to dance.

And there they were, twirling and stepping in perfect time. Nicholas was a wonderful partner, he was probably even better when there was no wound and he’d taken his medication. His humming she loved, it was incredibly relaxing. The entire time Claire couldn’t stop beaming at him, excited to share such an intimate night with her husband, especially since most of their time together had been filled with stress or uncertainty thus far. His story of Samuel was nothing but cute and romantic, even better than her own. It amused her that he would get in on the fun, and she couldn’t help but giggle at his accent. It was absolutely dreadful.

“And you, dear lady, what is your story?”

“Elizabeth Cartwright. I’m a maid at the Duke’s estate. Spoiled they are,” she joked, attempting to stay in step while following along with the story. “I don’t know what anyone would say if they caught me with someone so handsome. I’m sure they would all be jealous,” Claire went on until she felt him attempt at a finishing move. He could not complete it, however, and she couldn’t help but give him a look of pity. It had to be frustrating to be so limited.

“You dance beautifully. I have no doubt I’d be able to find you on the dance floor in no time at all, mask on or not,” Claire whispered, squeezing his hand. Her cheeks were warm, and the moment felt incredible. While she’d been determined to be positive before, Claire had no idea the night could turn into such a success. How long had they been dancing together so flawlessly?

“You know,” she said quietly, her chest tight with apprehension as she met his gaze, “with you going back to the states so soon, who knows how long you’ll be mine.” If only Claire knew how true her words were, in regards to their time together. “Perhaps the only thing left for us to do is take advantage of this night we have alone in one another’s arms. Ah- if you think that battle wound of yours will allow it,” she quickly added, hoping it would make him feel better for saying no. It was bold, but it felt right to her. If he refused then she would accept it and not ask again, no harm done.

But still, in the moment Claire wanted to give it her all. Her hand moved from his shoulder to his chest, a finger running along the edge of his jacket. “I would not label it as taking advantage of me, as you said earlier. More like…living in the moment.” Claire looked up at Nicholas with a racing heart, praying she did not ruin something that was going so well.

All is Fair in Love and War [Akela & Nuada]

I didn’t like the way some of those men were looking at you. Why don’t you try wearing something that covers significantly more of your skin? I will take you shopping for more conservative clothes. I’ll even pay for it.”

Claire stared at him in surprise, being in the middle of taking her hat off hand hanging it on the hook. Her gloves were next, being laid on the bedside table. At least he asked politely. “You’ll pay? My, how generous,” she teased with a smirk, walking to stand right in front of him. It was true she showed a fair amount of cleavage, but that was the fashion nowadays. “Nicholas Rochford, are you wanting my curves to yourself? Surely you don’t intend to keep every bit of me covered up every moment of the day. There were women down there dressed in far less than me down there.” A blush crept to her cheeks as an argument came to her that might shut him up. Or not, but it was worth a try.

“You’re only upset because those men are seeing just about the same amount of skin you have. If you’d seen me in the nude you would realize that those boys downstairs have seen absolutely nothing.” Claire watched him lay down, unsure what to do with herself. She didn’t want him getting up when the food came. He may be acting like he was all right but Claire wanted to do what walking she could for him. “But if you honestly want me to buy a new wardrobe, we can go next week.” Afterall, it wasn’t her place to argue and they were trying to get along. That meant she needed to do her part in being what he wanted. Besides, once they were shopping he would surely see how silly he sounded.

”Come here,” he said, looking like the perfect dream laying on the bed like that. “Sit with me. Don’t worry, I will not take advantage of you.”

“I should think not. The food will be here soon and that would be something I don’t want someone walking in on,” Claire grinned, sitting down before laying back just as he had, her head half on his arm, half on his chest. She’d made sure to be on the side opposite his wound. “You know what would be fun? If we’d brought the appropriate clothes I would have loved to go downstairs and spend a night living a life other than our own. We could make up a story as to why we’re there,” she said, getting excited as ideas came to her. “We could tell them we’re traveling for business. You…you’re a hunter. And you’ve come to track down a wild animal in the area. Oooh, the looks you would get,” she went on, busting into a fit of giggles at her thoughts before she could even get them out. “You wouldn’t dare bring your wife, of course, too dangerous, but after you left I traveled on my own to find you with disheartening news.” Claire’s tone saddened, as if the story were true. “I am with child, and our house burnt down not a day after you left. So now we travel living off the land, taking what jobs you can. Perhaps you are an assassin. Oh, they wouldn’t be looking at your wife any longer after that tale,” she smirked, clearly not caring how absurd she sounded. Somehow she didn’t think Nick would mind her rambling. “Do you think any of them would believe you? We might have to leave, however, in case one calls the police. It would be a good night of fun, though, I think! Pretending for a night. It wouldn't be a bad lie, not since we won't see them again.”

There was a knock at the door and Claire shot up, hoping to beat him to it. “You’re not moving,” she instructed, quickly moving to answer the door. “It smells delicious, thank you.” After placing the steaming plate of food on the tiny table within the room Claire went back to Nick and slipped a hand into the inside pocket of his jacket, pulling out a few coins. A gleam in her eyes told him she was flirting, but whether he appreciated it or was just annoyed she wasn’t sure. Either way Claire gave the small tip to the woman before shutting the door and turning to him, her hands behind her back.

“Are you as hungry as I am?”

All is Fair in Love and War [Akela & Nuada]

Claire waited patiently on a bench that was covered by a long structure in case it rained, plenty of sitting space for crowded days. She didn’t like being left to the side while he had do to all the work of getting them back, but it would have been rude to offer and do it herself. He never would have accepted. Men and their silly pride…

It had been sad enough seeing him wither against her as soon as they were out of the public eye. In the carriage Claire had said nothing, only stroked his hand or hair, his cheek to the side of his neck. That was what she wanted to be for him- a silent aide when it was needed. She was happy to have found how he’d not only listened to her opinion on multiple occasions, however, but asked for it. He valued her mind and thoughts of the world and him, or at least acted like it. That was more she could say for most, even her own father.

Claire looked up as Nick came back looking even more grim than he had before. “Is something wrong?”

"We have a problem. The boats are not sailing tonight. We may have to spend the night here. I know of some places, but... It may not be up to your tastes, so I apologize in advance."
She knew what he expected. An unlady like pout, or perhaps at best a brave smile and a quiet night that left her disappointed in him. As if he hadn’t provided, or wasn’t being the best husband. Instead Claire grinned widely, picking up the skit of her dress as she stood. “You mean we get to have our honeymoon away from home?” she asked quickly, keeping her positive smile as she grabbed his hand. “This will be exciting, won’t it? Kind of secretive…nobody knows where we are. Almost like we ran away for the night to be alone. I do hate that you won’t take your medication, but it’ll be all right. I’ll take care of you.” She sounded confident, not once looking back at the boat. Yes things would be uncomfortable and not exactly what she was used to, but how could it be?

“Now if I were alone that would be a different story. I’d probably sit right there and cry,” she said, pointing back to the bench as they started back for the carriage. “You said you know of somewhere we could stay? Do they serve dinner?”

Thankfully the place under their new budget was close by, but one look in the windows and Claire knew they were out of place. It had clearly been there for a while, the white paint chipping at the doorway and the brick color faded. It wasn’t in a dangerous area or a ‘poor house’, but just as Nicholas had warned, it wasn’t like anywhere she’d ever stayed.

“Well. This is a memory in the making, wouldn’t you say?” she said as they stepped out of the carriage. As Nicholas paid the driver she took a few steps toward the door but waited for him before going in. “I’m going to look like a pampered child in there. Perhaps we could get the food taken up to our room?” she offered, hoping it was possible.

It was surprisingly loud inside, not something Claire was particularly used to. The tables were crowded with friends and family, and since it was past dinner time most were drinking a beer or something a little stronger. The smell of alcohol and the haze of smoke that filled her lungs caused Claire to cough, squeezing the hand of his she still held onto. The noise, and probably the look of their attire, got them a few stares without hesitation. By the looks of the building the inn served food at the entire downstairs area and the rooms were up the stairs on the other side of the large room. There was someone playing a fiddle in the corner by the fireplace and multiple women in plain brown dresses with low cut necklines waiting on the tables. It was a nice enough establishment- the bar, floor, and round tables were clean, well kept. Everything was well lit, which had been her biggest fear.

“Um…do you mind if I come with you to get the key and room from the inn keeper?” she leaned in to say close to his ear, knowing her voice wouldn’t carry with the noise around them.

All is Fair in Love and War [Akela & Nuada]

Of course Claire didn’t mind a rented carriage or doing without servants; she’d done so on a number of occasions when going about her very private business. He wouldn’t know, of course, so she nodded with a few words of reassurance. The fact that he even asked made her wonder what he saw when he looked at her, and brought her back to their argument during lunch.

Claire had done lied and kept her thoughts hidden a lot that day, and frankly it was getting exhausting. But telling Nick she would be honest with him only to turn around and see her contact? The young woman stared at him for much longer than was appropriate, blinking in surprise. “Professor?” she said quietly, more of a question than a greeting as she curtsied. “How did you two meet?” Surely Nicholas didn’t know him in the same way she did.

“Yes, Professor White,” he said, still smiling broadly. “Oh, work of course,” the professor answered simply, keeping his eyes on hers. “I once gave an educational talk on my findings here, and I met your husband at the after event. I have to say, I think he slipped in just for the drinks at the end,” he joked with a hearty laugh, putting a hand on Nicholas’ shoulder. “What can I do for the newlyweds, hm?”

And so the evening went on with a tour. Thankfully Nicholas and the “professor”, if that’s who he really was, found conversation easy enough that Claire could happily stay silent except for minor comments on the building. This must be his real identity, which was why he’d never give his name…he was actually someone, important. It made her wish she could have used a fake identity, but since he had been the one to contact her…that just wasn’t an option.

The couple were left alone eventually to wait for nightfall. Claire was clearly uncomfortable around Professor White, barely making eye contact as he left. She would get in trouble for it later, she was sure, but the girl just couldn’t help it. What Nicholas has said about always having a choice…it had left its mark, and the thought of telling her contact it was over, now with him standing right there, was a daunting one. She would never be able to go through with it.

By the time the stars were out Claire herself was tired, which meant she knew her injured husband had to be exhausted. “Nick, I’ve never seen such a beautiful view,” she whispered, “but I believe we should get home. Your father will be worried and you should have been in bed hours ago. I’m getting anxious just sitting here with you.” The vast sky above them was a sight to behold, something she wished they could see before sleep every night. It would make relaxing in the evening much easier.

“It makes you feel…small, doesn’t it?” Still she spoke quietly, as if regular volume would disturb the stars above or the emptiness around them. “Do you think we could have someone paint our bedroom ceiling just like this?” Claire giggled, putting her head on his shoulder. "It's a shame we don't see so many stars in London. Why do you think that is?"

All is Fair in Love and War [Akela & Nuada]

Oh, that's a great idea! Writing as we speak, I'll have it finished in the next hour or so.

All is Fair in Love and War [Akela & Nuada]

Lol sorry there, my sibling was still logged in on my computer and I started typing to you on it lol anyway no. It bored at all! Its just not coming to me quickly, sorry about that. They also need time to fall in love...I do hope they have a moment where they realize they're good for one another ..