It's only Make Believe

[averythorn]

Avery:The sun peeked into the window as dawn rose over the island, sliding across the floor to the woman who tossed and turned in a fit of confusing dreams. As the sun warmed an all ready sweat slick brow, she shot upward with a gasp, having fallen asleep above the covers, she had none to clutch, instead a hand rose to pass through tangled curls upon her head. She inhaled and let out a softer breath as she wiggled to the edge of the bed, taking a moment to look around curiously before the memory of the night before flooded her mind. Sliding onto the floor, she padded softly to the door and peeked out, holding her breath to hear any signs of life. When none came, she quickly removed herself from the room, the thought that she was a lover fleeing before the other woke up all most had her laughing out loud but a hand clasped over her mouth to stop herself before she was padding down the stairs. She felt bad when she saw the kitchen perfectly clean. She had left August to do it all. Well that could quickly be fixed and she set to work making breakfast. Thinking well the man was still upstairs sleeping.

Pembroke:The kitchen door opened abruptly the wind catching it and banging it against the inside wall as he carried an armful of wood inside.. thinking to warm the house with a fire before she woke.. when he saw her in the kitchen he chuckled... " Ahhhhhh so she does come out of her room ?" he moved to settle the wood in the hearth and start a fire.. soon enought having it blazing " I thought perhaps you would sleep all morning " he teased coming up behind her.. to peer over her shoulder... " And she cooks. as well I have hit the jackpot it seems.. beautiful, talented and cooks.. but I shall reserve judement until I eat your cooking " his hands settled on her waist a moment.. and squeezed before he moved off the grab a bucket... " I'll go to the spring for water.. be back shortly "

Avery:"Actually I slept longer then I usually do..I'm usually up before dawn. But the sun and dreams woke me up. When did you get up? I never even heard you.." She flipped a hot cake on the flatiron skillet and lifted the spatula to whack him in the head, lightly, before letting out a laugh. For a moment, she leaned back against him as he squeezed her hip till she realized what she was doing and leaned back up with a flush in her cheeks. "My mother taught me to cook quite well thank you very much.."The two colored eyes moved back to the stove to roll the sausage links over to the other side before moving to turn the eggs over as well. The smell of breakfast began to float upon the wind and soon Breakfast was ready and waiting on the table, hot cakes, syrup, eggs over easy, sausage links, biscuits, strawberry and grape jam, coffee and orange juice were placed on the table before she was moving to collect the plates and silverware needed.

Pembroke:Soon enough he returned and settled the bucket of water near the sink... " Smells wonderful... seems your mother did you a good turrn teaching you to cook " seablue eyes lingered on her for a moment.. that rougeish smile teasing her beyond measure.. one had to wonder what he was thinking behind it... and yes he noticed her little lean.. he noticed everything about her.. it was hard not to toss her onto the table and ravish her for breakfast.. but.. he instead opted to sit down and eat his breakfast... "so do you have to work today.. ?"

Avery:"My mother taught me a number of good things. Its from her I learned to heal.." She set a clean plate in front of him and then at her place though she paused at the look he was giving her, a delicate brow inched upward before she slid into the seat. "I didn't know what you liked for breakfast or what you liked to drink...Hope you like it all. and No, I'm actually off today but I'll be going to the infirmary later to gather my things, my clothing and books to move here. Your up awfully early, I was going to bring you breakfast in bed as sort of an apology for falling asleep and making you do the dishes after you cooked. I'll clean up this morning of course but how about after this we make a pact, who-ever cooks, the other does the dishes?"

Pembroke: He took the plate watching her.. as she moved.. and smiled " You looked exhausted last night.. I think you needed the sleep... I didn't mind " he forked on some food to his plate.. " It all looks good... I'm not a picky eater.. you learn that on a ship " he winked at her pouring some coffee... and taking a long sip.. the look on his face said it all.. it was good coffee and he much needed it ... " I'll help you move your things if you wish.. " a forkfull of pancake and sausage... as he slathered a biscuit with butter and jam... " Deal... but what if we both cook ?"

Avery: "There isn't really a lot to move, a few dresses, I have a bag for my books. Didn't come here with much, then again I never had much throughout my life. My family was...poor. We made do though, do not get me wrong." She poured herself a cup of coffee before slathering a pancake with strawberry jam. Yes, she was a weird eater. "I never needed much sleep but with...the war coming, sleep is going to be hard to obtain, I am going to have to get used to it." she cut into her pancake and pushed a bite into her mouth. A brow rose at his question but she shrugged, waited till she had swallowed then let out a laugh. "We can do them together then.. You still haven't answered me, what are you doing up so early?"

Pembroke: "making sure the castle was warm for the Princess " he chuckled... and continued eating " You really did well.. with this " he mumbled as he ate.. eating probably more than his share.. but who cared... finally settling back in his chair with a rub of his belly " I"m kicking you out... you are going to make me fat " he saluted her with his coffee cup... " I take it then you do not wish my help in moving ?" he eyed her oddly then nodded " I understand.. might not look proper an all... " a thoughtful look crossed his face for a moment.. " Should I buy you a ring so people don't talk?"

Avery:"Princess, Ha...your funny.."She quiped as she took another bite of strawberry jam slathered pancake and in between sips of coffee. A soft hum of a laugh left her lips at his tease of kicking her out because she was going to make him fat. "Your to skinny as it is."She teased in return till she had finished off two strawberry slathered pancakes and finished her cup of coffee before pouring another and leaning back within her chair. "No I didn't say that, you can help me.."She took a sip of coffee and choked. A hand lifted to her mouth as she coughed the liquid up the wrong pipe and swallowed so it would go down the right one and not all over the table. That would not be a pretty sight. "Lord Above!"She croaked. "Why on earth would you buy me a ring?"

Pembroke:"So people don't talk about you in an unkind manner thinking you loose or whatever for moving in with me" he stood moving behind her pattin her back.. "bones in the coffee huh?" he teased rubbing her back lightly... " People here in Skye seem to not have a wedding ceremony per say and a ring and some words it all it takes.. we could pretend.. for the sake of your honor.. if need be " he chuckled and stretched behind her... moving to the fire to poke it up a bit..

Avery: "Oh bloody hell, they all ready think ill of me because I'm English." Her napkin lifted to press against her lips as she nodded her head in response. "Yes bones in the coffee.."Strange wording but she seemed to get the point. Though she fell silent, considering what he said, considering the position she was in. Who wanted a doctor who was a whore? "Actually, it does not seem to bad of an idea, That is to say, we wouldn't...be lying, just saving face I guess and it would save us from explaining why we're living together. All in all, its not a bad idea at all." Lord above her mother was probably rolling around in her grave right about now. She rose from the table, watching him poking the fire. They hadn't gotten off on the right foot when they first met, but no one had really known about that. All people saw were the flowers he had given her every day for a week. It would work. Not to mention he was handsome, and they were friends. It wasn't like a forced marriage, it would be...pretend for them. "All right, I'm game.."She spoke as she picked up the plates to carry them into the kitchen.

Pembroke:He turned looking at her oddly " Seriously?" he was stunned.. honestly... the poker clanked to the ground with an odd thud... " Are you sure.. I mean... I didn't mean to make you think that was a condition of living here.. " was he back peddling.. or something of the like.. gods he had almost gone pale.. she was actually considering his jest.. but if he back peddled to much she might be offended oh good gods in heaven what had he done with his smartass mouth.. he stooped to pick up the poker.. " Very well then.. while you go.. collect your things.. I shall go.. buy you a ring.. " he nodded.. looking somewhat... dazed.

Avery: She stopped and turned, plates in hand as the poker clattered to the floor. Good God he had been joking! She was mortified. "oh no no..I..I..I.I..I"She stuttered as she shifted awkwardly from foot to foot. His face paled and she moved to set the plates down, dipping the rag into a pitcher of water and move as she folded the rag to place it against the back of his neck. "Here...Here...sit down before you..pass out.."She gripped his arm and directed him to a chair. Her cheeks flaming scarlet red. She was close to tears, what a stupid idiot, she took to much seriously. Lord how mortified she was. "You...don't...I mean..I thought..that is.."She sucked in a breath and let it out. "I thought you were serious, I forget sometimes people aren't as...serious as I am. August, you don't have to buy me a ring. Just, oh forget it please.."She lifted his hand to press against the rag at the back of his neck before she was sweeping from the room, stopping only to pick up the plates again and carry them this time all the way into the kitchen. You dolt! She was scolding herself mentally.

Pembroke:Before she could sweep from the room his hands snaked out grasping her by the waist and pulling her into his lap.. there wasn't even a moment for her to protest... before his lips claimed hers.. kissing her soundly..... one hand trapping her small waist.. the other twining in that dark mane of hers ... she was captured true and still... " You talk to much " he murmured against her lips... as his tongue teased past them.... cajoling her into opening to him... the fingers at her waist.. relaxed and moved tenderly against her back... " You will have a ring... on your finger by nightfall..." he withdrew from the kiss and nuzzled her nose " If you wish it.... all you have to do is say yes "

Avery: She hummed into his mouth, continuing the protest for only a moment more before she sank against him, her arms instinctively wove around his neck as her body pressed in against his. Was he saying she talked to much? ok...Lips opened to the tease of his tongue and this time it was not a hum but a moan that left her lips as tongues danced together till he pulled away once more. It took a good two to three minutes for his words to sink in and register on her face. "August.."She began to protest. "I saw your face, you looked ready to pass out..I take things too seriously, you were joking, I see that now. You don't have to do this, don't worry about my virtue or honor. Being English all ready taints me it seems with these people. It doesn't matter.."

Pembroke:"your talking again " he murmured his fingers releasing their hold on the back of her neck.... to slide down her arm.. to her left hand lifting it to his lips... " There are people who marry for far less reasons than that kiss... I told you once Avery.. no harm shall come to you.. while I am breathing.. if I could stop it... not even your reputation... I was joking at the time.. but I'm quiet serious now... " he kissed the finger that would hold a ring ... " yes or no ?"

Avery: She couldn't help but let out a laugh as he called her out on talking again. The two different colored eyes watching her hand being lifted to his lips. Honestly she could not see how anyone would dislike him. He had ever been a good friend to her, despite how they had started out. "All right, we'll make it look real for the rest of the island, but we'll know its pretend..so yes.." Why was her heart thundering in her chest? She felt weak in the knees, thank God she was sitting on his lap but before..it had been a rational decision, so why was her heart now pounding within her chest? She just, didn't get it.

Pembroke:"All right then Mrs Pembroke " he chuckled and winked.. " You should kiss your soon to be husband to seal the deal " he challenged her... wondering if she would remind him it was all pretend... or kiss him once more.. he had to say that she didn't seem to mind his kisses.. but it was quite another thing for her to give willingly " Avery Pembroke.. has a certain ring to it doesn't it?"

Avery: Cheeks flamed a new red as he called her Mrs. Pembroke and again, her heart seemed to thunder harder in her chest. Her hands would shift, to clasp his shoulders as she wiggled within his lap placing her legs on either side of his, straddling his lap before her hands would move up to clasp his face between her hands. Her fingers moved, spreading wide against his cheeks as her thumbs caressed at his lower lip, coaxing his mouth to open as her lips descended to his. In a sense sealing the deal as it were as her tongue moved in a dance with his own. "It does, have a ring to it...." she spoke when finally her lips left his.

Pembroke:He was dazed again by her.. left shocked and speechless... her kiss silencing him... but a goofy smile played over his lips.. as she agreed with him that it had a ring to it... his hands settled on her waist.. thumbs caressing her middle soflty " Avery... you kiss me like that again it won't be pretend... " without warning he rose from his seat taking her with him and then set her on her feet.. easily... " You make a man want.. Mrs Pembroke.. I spent last night in the snow .. trying to cool myself off.. now I will go for a walk... look for a ring... and hopefully... still remain a gentleman... " he moved to the door... and stopped.. with a grin " I'll do the dishes when I get back.. dont' worry.. I don't break deals "

Avery: A laugh left her lips, feathery soft at his confession. Though honestly, she didn't think him the marrying sort past their plan of this pretending. The look on his face before had said it all, marriage seemed to scare the hell out of him. Her hands tightened on his shoulders as he lifted them both off the seat before setting her down on her feet and her hands relaxed. "More snow? I might start calling you that, Mr. Snow. For how much you seem to have snow put on you...one way or another." She turned to watch him more to the door, her hand straying to her lips as a grin spread across them. "Go for your walk, I'll do the dishes, I am not worried, though now I will have to figure out a way to pay you back again, this is something else your doing for me, and I've yet to do something for you in return..oh, though I should probably go shopping later...for a ring for you..if we're going to fool people, a wife can't be the only one wearing a ring.." Her hand dropped from her lips and she moved to clasp her hands behind her back. "Go now husband, I'll be here when you get back.." Unshed laughter shined within one gray and one blue eye as she watched him.

Pembroke:He smiled at her.. and for a moment it was really as if... a husband left for his day and the wife sent him off... there was something in his eyes that spoke of memories... happier times... and then it was gone.. his voice deepened as he looked down.. a sadness creeping into his voice " You owe me no more than you company.. it is worth everything to me " slowly the door closed... behind him....

Avery: She chewed the inside of her cheek, unsure of what to say when that look crossed his face. Yet how could she argue with that? Most people would jump at the chance to owe someone nothing but company but she vowed to herself, she would find some way to pay him back. As the door closed behind him, she turned and moved to clean up the dishes, taking each into the kitchen. The left overs put away and the dishes put in the sink with soap and water. Her head lifted to stare at the wall, lord even pretend she had never been married...what would come now?

[averythorn]

Pembroke:When he left the cottage after breakfast it was with mixed feelings.. half lighthearted and happy and half worried.. he wondered what she though of him.. if she were only agreeing becuase she though he would toss her out.. on a whim at the first sight of desention.. Grinning he made up his mind tha before any rings or anymore kissing went on that she would sign those papers giving her legal half ownership in the cottage.. and providing her full ownership should anything happen to him.. that off his mind he was now free to think about the turn of events that led him to the market place in search of rings.. for them both.. He had to admit.. it was a most.. it was a most pleasing arrangment after all they were alike in many respects, and seemed to get along well.. both fullfilling a need for companionship in the other.. it was a perfect set up really... unless you count those kisses... god she was some kind sadist he was sure.. did she not know.. how she bedeviled him... how it took every bit of strength he had not to leave his room last night and go to her... this was going to be hard... what was he thinking!!!!?

Avery: The door shut and for a long time, she stood in the kitchen with both plates in her hand. Did she truly know what she was getting into? She'd heard rumors of an English Sailor, a rake. It was hard not to listen to gossip and wonder but he had been nothing but kind to her, except that first night and she was thoroughly convinced it was all drink and all because he was in pain. A bullet in the shoulder would do that to someone. Laying the plates into the sink, she shook herself out of her thoughts, of his face..his lips on hers..the way it heated the blood beneath her skin and reached for the bucket of water and soap heating on the stove and poured it into the deep stand that served as a sink. Each action was a decisive movement, a precisioned dance to clear the table, put the left overs away in the ice box and wash the dishes. Well no clothes to change into? She decided to go down to the infirmary to get her things. Besides, it was the first chance she got to use her key as she locked the door of the cottage behind her and strolled lazily out the gate and onto the street.

Pembroke: Who knew how many jewelers there were in the Turas Lan Markets.. he certainly didn't.. and was overwhelmed by the selection to be had.. what if she didn't like what he picked out.. one side of his brain warred with the other.. what did it really matter it was all pretend wasn't it.? She was just pretending out of convince.. yes.. that was what he would continue to tell himself.. until finally he bought a set of matching bands, plain hammered gold one for each of them.. after his purchase he sat in the market place eating a piece of skewered roasted chicken.. and drinking and ale.. looking at the pair of rings in the small box for some time..

Avery:"Oy, Lady Thorn, yer day off and still yer comin in ta te infirmary..Sure though ya been out all night tho'." The woman from behind the main desh chirped in her direction. It was the same on August had sweet talked not so long ago into letting him up into the offices. Avery just grinned as she shrugged her shoulders. "Been ou' with tha' handsome devil have ye?" The woman cackled and Avery's cheeks flushed "You know better then to think I'd ever tell anyone my business." As feet swiveled past the desk and lightly tapped the stairs as she headed upward. Bison, her own person assistant was moving down the stairs while she came up and stopped surprised. Avery laughed. "Your day off to and you're here.."Though the smile against her lips quickly fell"Trouble?" The voiceless man shook his head and pointed outward. With a singular nod, a hand lifted, she gave a pat against his shoulder and continued upward.

Pembroke:The box was closed and placed back in his jacket pocket.. and yet he went back to one of the jewelers stalls.. perusing thru every treasure there was until he found it.. with a smile he purchased it and tucked the new little box inside his coat pocket..feeling much more appeased now.. a smile lit his face as he continued about the Market making some very suspect purchases... then headed off home .. laden down with packages.. whistling a jaunty tune..

Avery: She whistled as she moved down the hall though her head nodded to the other healers as she passed, heading for her office, she left the door open as she moved into the space though she did pause to sweep the two different colored eyes around the room. True she wasn't leaving the infirmary behind yet, not till after the war ended but she was leaving the tiny space. How tiny it seemed, how...cold...compared to the Cottage. A smile broke over her lips as she moved to the cot to pull the bag from beneath it. The same one she had come to Skye with, with the few possessions which still dotted the room. Her whistling moved to a gentle humming as she set the bag open upon the bed and moved to the desk to thumb through the medical books to find her own. Shuffling three books from the massive pile, she moved towards the bed to shove the books inside the bag. It was one of her worst faults, she couldn't pack worth a damn. With books out of the way, she moved to the dresser to throw the doors open and remove the three dresses within the inside. Her apron she could leave, work purposes right? The dresses were tossed carelessly on the bed as the doors were closed before moving to the bed to fold each and shove them into the bag as well.

Pembroke:Once home he checked the kitchen and finding it clean, made a mental note he owed her one.. his own bags settled in the kitchen for a later dinner.. he took out a vase and filled it with water.. and placed the pink roses he had bough within it .. then headed upstairs.. to her room.. placing them on the vanity.. not daisy's tonight.. it was special wasn't it.. he was giving her a ring after all... back down the stairs he went disappearing into the room she had said she wanted as her own small infirmary.. and there he would stay the rest of the day.. while men came and went delivering things.. until way past dark..

Avery:It didn't take her long to pack her things but well, when asked for her medical advice? She could not refuse. Not with people in need of course. She was a healer, a day off wasn't exactly always the case. If emergencies happened, she heeded the call. Perhaps one of her worst vaults, and perhaps why to the day she had remained single. Perhaps.."Really.. Michael, I have to go home.." She spoke to the other healer as she handed the chart back. The ajoining man gave her a quizzical look and she just grinned as she handed the chart back and marched back to her office to collect her back and go home. The evening was progressing over day, chilling the air and darkening the streets as she headed into the gate of the cottage. "August?" She called up to the house. Lord she hadn't meant to spend a whole day gone. Worrying her lip between her teeth, she bounced up the front steps and threw the door open.

Pembroke:He met her coming in as he came down the stairs.. dark head freshly washed.. and still damp with a smile he teased her " Yes Dear... I'm home " the towell rubbing at his head the smell of dinner in the air..roast and vegetables that had been simmering since he came home from the markets... he moved to her and leaned in pressing a soft kiss to her cheek " How was your day ?"

Avery:A questioning brow rose in his direction as she shut the door behind herself. "Did you just get home a while ago?" She turned to find his lips against her cheek and froze. Lids slid closed as her arms pulled him into an embrace, all of course without her realizing what she was doing. "Uneventful, clean up here, clean out there." She hummed in a laugh at her less then humorous quote of her day. "Mmm, dinner smells divine..."

Pembroke: " no.. i've been home since lunch" he murmered into her hair as she embraced him.. good lord she was going to kill him.. how sweet she fit against his chest.. he couldn't help it.. his hands roamed the length of her back settling in the small of it right above her hip... " Just a little something I whipped up for the wife " he teased her .. almost forcing himself to step back... " Here.. let me take that bag " he moved to grab the bag she had brought in.. settling it near the couch, and then moved behind her to take her cloak.. " Getting cold outside.. " weather.. yes that was a ...neutral topic.

Avery:"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to stay out all day, they just needed my opinion on some patients and..."She hummed as her words died off as his arms settled against the small of her back. A grin pressed to her lips as he said wife. It was endearing, cute. It was...to easy to get used to! She let out a breath of a sigh as he moved back. "Your spoiling me to much, and you talk about me making you fat..You're going to make me lazy." She let out a laugh as he put the bag down then slid behind her to remove her cloak. "Yes but the weather in England isn't much different, so thankfully, used to it right? Still..I don't think anyone ever gets used to being cold.." Twin eyes followed his movement as her shoulders shrugged the cloak from her shoulders and she turned to face him. "Good time in the market?" See she could keep it neutral.

Pembroke:"Yes.. bought a few things that were needed.. " his head jerked to the side with a smile.. " Theres a hot tub upstairs for you.. I put fresh water in after I bathed.. I'll finish dinner..wouldn't want it to get cold now.. " he sidestepped her as if she were on fire... and grumbled to himself in his head.. oh dammit boy why did you have to think about her all wet slick and naked in a hot tub... was there still snow outside... god knows he needed it already and the night wasn't even started.

Avery: Unlucky for him, the snow had melted that morning and though the weather was getting cold, there didn't seem to be a chance of snow..but still, he could hope right? If only she read minds, she would be blushing up a storm. "Oh Thank God.."She breathed in relief of mention of a hot bath. "I'll be quick I promise.." She moved towards the stairs, pausing to place a pecking kiss of thanks against his lips before she bounced up the stairs. It was not until she was on the landing did she realize what she had. A hand rose to pass through golden and ember colored hair as she moved towards the bathroom and quietly shut the door behind herself. True enough, ten minutes later the door opened. "August!" She called down the stairs, a towel wrapped around her body still slick with water. When no reply came, she tiptoed down the hall and moved a few feet down the stairs. "August..Where did you put my bag again?" Damn it, should of remembered that when she went UP stairs.

Pembroke:"It's down here " he yelled up to her.. as he moved to get her bag.. then turned about to go up the stairs when he caught sight of her in the towel.. he swallowed harshly... visibly controlling himself.. to walk up the few stairs to her... " Here" the bag was held out at arms length to her.. " Better get dressed you'll catch your death.. " and kill me if you don't... he thought.. turning abruptly thoughts of taking her on the stairs tossing off that silly towel and making love to her all wet and pink from her bath .. oh good gods in heaven.. " I have to go get some firewood be right back.. " out the door he went onto the porch... cold cold.. cold cold.. !

Avery:Shifting her hands around, she held the towel closed with one hand while reaching for the bag with the other. "Thanks, forgot..."Mouth parted again to ask of dinner when he was dashing down the stairs. Blinking in confusion, she watched him rush to the porch. For a moment she contemplated following him to see what was wrong but then, oh yes she was just in a towel. A flush ran against her cheeks as she hurried back up the steps and her door closed only a few seconds later. The door opened once more a few minutes later and she padded down the stairs clothed in a cotton woven hunter green dress. "August are you all right?" She called, not sure if he had come back in or not yet. A brow rose again as she worried her bottom lip between her lips again.

Pembroke: "o I'm fine.. just getting some wood in " he answered her still outside on the porch.. she was going to be the death of him.. he was going to catch pneumonia from repeated nights in thd cold.. he was sure of it.. good thing she was a healer.. he groaned lightly.. and then moved to gather up some wood that had been chopped the days before and stacked for easy reach.. and went back in " Dinners done.. help yourself while I .. tend the fire.. "

Avery:Bare feet moved against the wood floor of the cottage as she moved to the dining room table and slid into her seat though she choose to wait, leaning her elbows against the table as she watched him come back in. "Are you sure? Your...face, it changes moods often. Sometimes I don't know what to make of it. Sometimes, you even seem, sad.."

Pembroke: He dropped the wood and stacked it neatly laying an extra log on the fire so she wouldn't' be chilled after her bath.. " I'm sure.. Avery... I'm fine.. you.. just.. make it hard on a man to behave... " he winked at her playfully.. not wanting to sound threatening.. brushing off the talk of his sadnesss... " So come on.. lets get you some dinner.. I bet you skipped lunch working am I right?"

Avery:Her head bobbed in a nod as she listened though she was no fool. She recognized the skipping of his sadness and shifted attention back to her but she would comment first on him. "You know, there is gossip about you. Not that I trust it, but there are people who would call you a rake. However, you've never shown interest in bedding me, so of course I have to assume such gossip is untrue.." A smile curled her lips as she let out a hum of a laugh. "You are beginning to know me to well..." Though she lifted from her seat to wave him into his own as she began to load both of their plates with food before retaking her own. Her mother had taught her a woman's place was to serve man, of course within reason. She called it manners. Called it ladylike behavior. "Thank you..for the roses in my room..they are beautiful.."One gray eye, one blue found his as her lips curled into a wider grin. "You spoil me..to much.."Another laugh as she settled back into her chair. "Oh! I all most forgot.."She rose from her chair again, disappearing upstairs before turning downstairs with a bottle in hand which she wiggled in his direction. "My uncle gave this to me when I left England, said to save it for a special occasion. I think tonight is as good a night as any." True her uncle had given it to her but it was a fine aged Brandy. Very good with roast no?

Pembroke: His hand stilled over the knife that he was carving the roast with.. as she talked of gossip.. of him being a rake.. and not wanting to bed her.. good god she was daft.. he wanted her.. god above knew he wanted her.. in the worse way.. and a few months ago he would have bedded her and not thought anything about it.. but the fact was facing death.. watching someone face death for someone they loved... had made him acutely aware of how alone in the world he was... no woman he lay with one night, would ease that loneliness from him.. and somewhere in all that he had come to respect and care for Avery.. " Brandy goes well with roast.. " he agreed as he placed a few pieces on her plate... and looked at his plate.. intently cutting up his meat and vegetables, dinner was important right.

Avery:"You said that you wouldn't return to England, even if you could. That the King would not have you..Why is that?" A reasonable question and yes perhaps she was a bit, daft. He always stopped himself somewhere with her. Put up a barrier, of course she had never tried to push through it but why should she believe he wanted her that way? Or any other. The truth was, that barrier was also hers. What he evoked in her, was very new, exciting but scary and there was always this, invisible shadow that held her back. A cry within her mind that love...was not a factor, had no importance in ones life though she couldn't remember nor understand why such a thing would echo within her mind. She uncorked the bottle and poured a good amount in a wine glass for him, and then another for herself before retaking her seat, her napkin placed over her lap before she was focus on cutting up her meat, all the while shifting her attention from the food to him.

Pembroke: "Lets just say I refused some orders and went against Maubury and his .. men.. on more than one occasion to Aid... The Lord General of Skye and his wife... and England has nothing left for me anymore.. " there it was that sadness.. sea blue eyes lifted to meet hers as he weighed the truth in his mind.. " My wife and daughters passed... Anna was a healer.. she caught measles.. then the girls... " his voice cracked a moment.. and he swilled the whole glass of brandy... " That is why I no longer want to return to England... nothing there ".

Avery:"That does not surprise me. You have a good heart August, which would never allow you to do the wrong thing." She offered as she stabbed at a piece of roast and a vegetable though she paused from bringing it to her mouth as he spoke again. Her lips pulled into a tight frown as she set her fork down and reached across the table to take his hand and squeeze. "I'm so sorry, August." It wasn't brash undeserving sympathy, it was honest and true sympathy. She didn't know what it was like to loose someone you loved other then family but loosing family itself was hard enough, painful just the same. She knew that pain.

Pembroke:"It was 7 years ago... long time past.. still... sometimes.. I wonder why I was spared.. " that wall he built was there even as he talked of them.. as if he let it down, he would fall apart.. like before... when he had come home to three graves after a tour with the Navy.. he hadn't' known.. until he found his home boarded up.. a red flag on the door... a sign of the epidemic... his neighbors had buried them.. three graves... though by rights it should have been four for the babe within Anna when she died " There is nothing for living in the past.. this is a new start new life.. I was spared and so my god demands I go on.. if nothing more.. than for punishment.. I suppose.. for the things I have done in name of Country and King.. " suddenly his plate was lifted.. as he stood... " I'll do the dishes.. since you did this morning... bring your plate when your done. "

Avery:Her chair scrapped as she scooted around the table to his side, her fingers intertwining with his own as he spoke, her head tilted just so to the right as she listened to each every word. When he pressed back from the table and lifted his plate she released her fingers from his but reached up to grasp him by the wrist. Lifting from her chair, she took the plate from him and set it down on the table before turning back to him. All the while, she did not speak but simply drew him in, wrapped him within her arms as she pressed her cheek against his own."August..your life was spared, because God has intent for you..never does he reveal what he has planned. I was taught he never gives us more pain then we can bear and you have bared yours for a long time.."She breathed in a whisper against his ear. "If I could take that pain from you, I would..with all my heart. You are a good man August. I..."She stilled, what more could she say? I wish you would let me in...She wanted to say that but couldn't, not when it was so hard to let him in as well.

Pembroke:He stiffened as she enfolded him.. then as she spoke against his ear.. he melted... what was it about her.. "Avery " his lips whispered against her hair... his hands moving to encircle her small frame gently... " You are a healer of bodies not of hearts... and mine is busted wide open... do not take this on as well.. it's mine to bare.. " a soft kiss was pressed to her forehead.. as she was settled apart from him.. " Believe me.. when I say... there is nothing more I would like to do... than have you make me forget.. for an hour.. a day.. a week.. but that wouldn't be fair to you... " he reached into his pocket.. and handed her a small box... inside were the matching rings he had purchased... " Your .. reputation will be intact.. Mrs Pembroke.. " worst proposal ever right... he scooped up his plate and moved into the kitchen.. the door closing behind him the sound of him doing the dishes filtering out to her.

Avery:She felt him melt against her, her cheek nuzzled against his own as lids slid closed and she inhaled a deep breath. How she wanted to cure this pain him. It was partly the healer in her, part the woman in her. Lids slid open at his words and she let him push her back a step or two before the box was settled into her hand. One gray, one blue eye dipped to take in the box before turning up to his face. Lips pressed tightly together as she removed the rings, her own settling tightly against the tip of her thumb while the other was pressed into his hand. This was going to be after all pretend, no need to put the rings on each others fingers. Worst Proposal ever yes, worst action ever, check. But this was all pretend right? "Like I said, your a good man August. I would never, betray your trust, nor cause your heart more harm.." She let him go, let the door close behind him as she slid the ring onto her finger. It was hardly weighted but felt so, felt odd on her finger. Felt not wrong, just off.. Slowly her fingers brushed against each other, seeming to caress the ring as she sank back into her seat. With a frown, she pushed her half eaten food away and reached for her glass to take a large gulp of Brandy before a fit of coughing followed as the liquid burned its way down her throat. Honestly, the woman had never had liquor before! Great now she was going to choke to death, some wedding night.

Pembroke:The ring was laid on the table in the kitchen.. accusatory in it's coldness as he cleaned up the kitchen.. done he turned looking at it as if it were alive.. a growl left his lips.. as he swiped it up.. jamming it on his finger.. then striding into the dinning room once again.. " Take it off... " he commanded her.. almost harshly... " Take it off and give it to me.. " he held out his hand.. palm up for the ring.. his sea blue eyes blazing.. with emotion.

Avery:Ka-blink! She stared at him in stark confusion and yes perhaps a bit of fear as she wiped the tears from the harsh drink from her cheeks. She pressed back against the chair as he held his hand out to her but she wasn't going to protest, slowly she slid the ring off and lay it into his palm. What the hell had gotten into him? "August.."she spoke softly all most in question.

Pembroke:He took the ring fingers curling over it.. for a moment.. " I'm sorry.. No wife of mine pretend or not.. will go with such a chytty proposal.. I'm an ass.. forgive me.. you deserve much better.. after all your hitching yourself to me.. for god knows how long.. and it's not likely you will get a real one.. pretending to be married.. I know how important things like this are... " the more he spoke the softer and calmer his tone became.. his head bowed in shame as he spoke.. " To a woman.." it was then he would take a knee.. before her... reaching in.. his pocket.. and withdrawing another box.. he opened it.. slowly... a small gold ring set with a cobalt colored sapphire.. that flickered with rainbow colors in the firelight.. this was pressed onto her finger.. then the golden ban sealed behind it.., her fingers lifted to his lips and a kiss pressed to each fingertip in succession.. " Marry me ? Spend your life with me... and only me ?" at this point who knew where the line of pretend had been drawn.

Avery:Fingers curled around the edge of the chair. Did she expect him to hurt her? No of course not. She just didn't know what had gotten into him. When he said he was sorry, she visibly relaxed as she watched him still, seeming more defeated, shamed with each breath, with each word. "August...its ok.."She breathed softly. Not worried about angering him again. She just didn't want him to feel guilty. Her mouth opened then closed as he lowered to a knee. Her mouth opened to a small o as he pulled out another box, with the cobalt colored sapphire. It was beautiful. Her heart began to hammer within her chest as her hand was lifted and he pressed the ring on then sealed it with the gold band. Wow, this seemed so beyond pretend and she was sure her heart was hammering loud enough for him to hear. Her mouth opened then closed, she seemed dumbfounded by it all. Leaning forward within the chair, she took his hand into hers, slide the ring from his finger as she gave a lick to her dry lips before bringing his hand up to place a gentle kiss against his finger before sliding the ring back onto his finger as her eyes rose to meet his. "Yes..I will marry you, have only you, spend my life with you. Yes."

Pembroke:He watched her with a look in his eyes that was adoring.. not hungry.. or lustful.. and nodded softly " You will be cherished and safe always " he stood.. pulling her up with him... his arms sliding down her back.. to rest his hands in the sweet dip of the small of her back... " Now... I will kiss my wife goodnight.. and send her off to bed... " his dark head bent to swoop down and capture her lips softly.. tenderly lovingly... there was nothing harsh or pushy , just sweet gentle assurance... before he released her .. the back of his knuckles brushing her cheeks softly.. " Take yourself to bed.. before I truly make you my wife... "

Avery:"I trust you.."She whispered softly as he pulled her up with him, from the floor and chair, her arms wrapped about his neck as her cheeks flushed a Scarlett color at his words. As his head bent, her arms loosened and she captured his face between her hands. The kiss was tender, sweet and she held onto it for as long as he gave it, for she returned it in kind. A smile curled her lips as his knuckled brushed her cheek. "I've a better idea.."Slowly she released his face and took his hand into her own and lead him up the stairs to her bedroom. "No, I'm not going to make you break any promises.."she commented as she moved to one side of the bed and slowly slid on it before patting it and waited till he joined her on the other side. "Just..lay with me tonight hmm? Sleep here next to me.." Her head shifted on her own pillow as she watched him drift off and her own eyes began to get heavy. "Your heart is safe with me...August.."She whispered as her hand curled into his own and she lost the battle into sleep.

[averythorn]

[glow=red,2,300]Slightly Explicit. If easily offended or do not like slightly sexual play, DO NOT READ!!!! You have been Warned. Edited it as much as possible without the underline point being completely cut out. If offended...oh well, you were warned not to read![/glow]

Avery:For most of the night, she slept peacefully, turning, her back pressed into his front. At one point she even felt his arm slide around her middle and she grinned in her sleep though unaware she was even doing so. Yet in the end, in arms of comfort, nightmares seemed to drift in. A corridor, dark and looming. Voices booming out from the darkness. Harsh and unforgiving. A man without a face, at least not one she could distingish. Rough and forceful, in the end, cut off her long beautiful hair and when that happened. She jerked upward with a gasp, cold beads of sweat bathed across her forehead. A hand pressed against her head, as she panted against the nightmare that had assaulted her. In the haze of sleep and waking, she hardly knew where she was until she turned and saw August still sleeping peacefully beside her. She hadn't woken him. Sighing softly she edged to the end of the bed and slowly pushed off. Dawn was just rising, bathing the ground in a soft orange glow. Humming, she ran a hand through her hair, as if making sure it was still there as she padded from the room and downstairs to make some coffee and figure out what to do for breakfast.

Pembroke: "Avery ?" he rolled over hand reaching for her..finding nothing but a cold sheet instead and her pillow... lifting it he inhaled her scent before .. standing.. mirroring her actions almost.. his hands ran thru dark curls.. and then down over his chest doing the man scratch... " mmm Coffee" he followed his nose down the stairs.. and peeked in the kitchen a rouges grin on his lip.. " Already my wife sneaks out of bed.." he chuckled and moved to lounge against the small table there.. " Did I snore?".

Avery: Her mouth opened wide in a yawn as she pulled ebony and sun kissed tresses away from her face. She really needed to find a way to sleep in. She always rose early and always it didn't agree with her. Turning her head, a grin pulled at her lips as she saw him. "My mother was the same way, always first to rise..No, you didn't snore. I just..woke up. You should go back to bed...it's still early..."While the coffee was brewing, she turned and leaned against the counter. "I'll make some breakfast and keep it for you when you get back up. So you don't have to worry about cooking again."

Pembroke:He pushed off the table and moved to her.. taking the coffee from her hand " First off you still look like you need sleep.. " the cup was put down... " your yawning like a little child " he reached past her and pulled the kettle from the fire setting it aside... " I will go back to bed only if you come with... you tossed and turned all night... was it really that uncomfortable with me in your bed?"

Avery: She let out a sighing laugh as he pulled the cup from her hands and set it down, commenting she was yawning like a child. She couldn't really argue. "All right, agreed..but no, it wasn't you, although it was different. I just had a nightmare. It happens every once in a while. It's really not a...big.."Her mouth opened again as a bigger yawn left her lips and her hand moved to cover her mouth as she yawned before falling away. "Yeowwwdeal. Excuse me.."

Pembroke: He laughed and grinned at her... as she yawned.. taking her hand and pulling her back up the stairs with a chuckle.. "Lets try my bed.. it's bigger and it's windows face west.. away from the sun.." he opened the door and pushed it open for her... " Mrs. Pembroke.. " he chuckled offering her inside.. the manly and still darkened room.. as she moved about he closed the door and then hung a blanket over the window.. " It's Sunday.. no work for you.. we can sleep all day if we want.. after all " he wiggled his brows playfully... " We are newlyweds"

Avery: "Your bed...suddenly this reminds me of that story of the little girl and the three bears.."She let out a laugh but followed without complaint. Hands folded behind her back, curling into the ends of her hair, wrapping it around her finger as she moved about the darkened room. She hadn't gone in since seeing it the first time and oddly, it still felt like an intrusion though she did turn as he hung a blanket on the soul window of the room, darkening it even more then before. "oh." She let out a laugh in the pitch blackness and held up her hands. "Where did you go? and newlyweds do more then sleep, So I hear.." She took a step and then another, hands outstretched to aid her in bumping into anything but also to aid her in finding something in the room to distinguish where she was and where he was.

Pembroke:He caught her from behind.. his arms going about her waist softly.. lips pressing to her ear " And what do you hear Avery.. ?" he purred.. as he nuzzled her ear. easing her slowly toward the bed... " Keep that up and I will make you my wife for true " he laughed .. releasing her then.. with his tease.. as her hands found the bed.. she could hear him moving behind her.. the sound of clothes being removed.. a belt clinking on the floor...

Avery:She let out a squeal as his arms came around her, her hands found his around her waist and she neatly melt back against him as he purred in her ear. Keep that up mister and I'll let you! She thought as he released her a full blush took her cheeks. Thank God it was pitch black in the room. "I hear they...spend all day in bed...not sleeping..come on don't make me say it." she spoke to the darkness as her hands settled on the bed. Her head turned as she heard clothing hitting the floor. Did he sleep...naked? Both brows shot up in the darkness as her cheeks continued to flame. Her hand moved to press against her stomach as the burning sensation seemed to creep between her legs, making her bite her lower lip till she willed the thought away. "You know...you keep saying that.."She finally teased into the darkness as she moved to unlace and unbutton her dress and slide it from her shoulders to the floor. Left in the small white shift beneath as she crawled onto the bed and sat down, her feet curled behind her bottom.

Pembroke: "because I'm weighing the option.. pretend or real " he chuckled in teasing her back.. or was he.. ? His weight sunk the bed in as he climbed in.. pulling the covers up over his chest.. he wore sleeping drawer.. and nothing more.. his chest and legs bare.. as he moved around like a bear getting comfortable.. little sounds of grunting and pleasure as he finally found.. the spot.. and stilled... " And is what they do.. not sleeping.. what you think we should?" he teased her.. one hand behind his head beneath his pillow leaving his chest open.. to her.. his foot sliding beneath the covers to tease her leg.

Avery:The shift she wore, barely covered rounded hips as she settled onto the bed, leaving legs as bare as arms. Thank God again it was pitch black or she would look like a beet at both her appearance and his. Settling back against the pillows, she jerked the covers to her chest as his weight found the bed and she actually began laughing as he moved around grunting and groaning. Slowly she rocked back against the pillows, trying to find her own comfortable spot until she stilled as he teased her with both words and his foot. No doubt he felt the bed more and then WHAM, a pillow socked him right in the chest. "Oh you'd like that wouldn't you!" She spoke with a laugh in the darkness as the pillow rose and she socked him again with it.

Pembroke: "I admit.. you are quite .... " ommmpphhh socked with a pillow.. and again.. before he though about it he lifted grasping her wrist and pinning her.. to the mattress on her back.. his body half atop hers... for a moment he just held her there pinned.. it seemed the air grew electric between them.. " Never without you wanting it to " he released her.. then.. and rolled back on his side of the bed.. retaking his position.. and trying to breath..

Avery:A wild laugh followed as he grunted as the pillow hit him, only for another to follow as he grasped her wrist and rolled her back to the bed, pinning her down. He couldn't see it, but there was a wide grin pressed upon her lips, teeth flashed in the bare grin but slowly faded as he just...held her there. Her heart again started to drum in her chest, her breath quickened to a pant as her tongue rolled over her lips. Willing the wish that he would kiss her from her mind, honestly, she was terrified of what she felt for him, terrified of how he set her body afire, like a blush to the cheeks, it seemed to creep through her entire body. Her breath caught as he his breath, hot and throaty whispered down at her and then he was releasing her and rolling to his side of the bed and she stayed, as if frozen in time in the position he had her in. The room still seemed electrified but the silence rolled on till finally she spoke, breaking the stillness in the room. "I'm quite...what? and what if I...wanted to?"

Pembroke: His heart slammed against his chest.. was she trying to kill him... with her questions " What if you wanted to?" he asked incredulously... " What if you wanted me to make love to you ?" he rolled to his side.. and looked toward her even though he couldn't see her in the darkness.. his hand reached out to touch her shoulder running downward to her hand.. lifting it.. and pressing it to his chest... beneath her palm his heart beat like a thunderous drum fast and hard... " Avery... you do not have to... the house.. is yours... the life is yours.. no one will.. know any different from my lips... I did not do these things because I needed a bed mate... I truly... wished you to have your home you wished for... I wanted to repay you for your kindness to me twice when you healed me... and in my selfishness and loneness I have.. bastardized that into you playing house with me... Forgive me... it was only because I wanted to be near you ".. her fingers were lifted and kissed softly.. and he was gone.. his weight lifted from the bed.. and the sound of him redressing.. could be heard.

Avery:Her breath caught in her throat again as he rolled to his side. Her skin trembling beneath his touch as it ran from shoulder to hand. At his urge her hand pressed against his chest. Felt the drum as wild as her own. Eyes lifted though she couldn't seem him, following the sound of his voice to his face. A few times her mouth opened and closed as he spoke. Wanting to speak out that it wasn't him. It was her, he didn't make her want this. Well yes, he had but SHE...SHE had wanted this too. She wanted him near, as he kissed her hand and left the bed, she shot up, crawling to the edge of the bed. "August wait..no.." She reached into the darkness, found his arm and pulled him back towards the bed as she lifted up onto her knees. "You didn't bully me into anything. Honestly, I don't think you could ever bully me into anything. I'm quite stubborn headed sometimes. I...bullied you into this. You were joking, had I not...taken you seriously..but I just, I enjoy your company. I would never..."she paused, not knowing really how to say it. "I want...you. I never...felt...this..before. You never had to repay me for any kindness I showed you. I...damn it, I actually wished for you to be hurt so I could see you again. I love that you bought the cottage and asked me to share it with you. I love that you had papers drawn up so if anything happens, I'll own it fully, or if something happens to me, you'll own it. Because then at least its loved..its wanted."There she went again, bumbling and mumbling so she wouldn't embarrass herself more then she all ready had. If she kept talking, forever, then there was no need for him to reply, no need to call her an idiot. "I'm sorry..I..made you feel guilty and that wasn't my intention, I made you feel like this was all your fault, and its not..."

Pembroke: Her hands on his stilling him... pulling him back toward the bed.. had she seen his face she would have known the torment he was going thru.. guilt racked him.. he was falling in love with her... how could that be... not after Anna. his girls.. he was never suppose to love again.. and yet... here she was... and here he was " God Avery... " he mumbled as she spoke... without hesitation he reached out and captured her.. lifting her from the bed.. against him his hand curling beneath her bottom, willing her legs about his waist.. , as his lips found hers.. silencing her prattle... in a long sweet kiss that was anything but roommate like... he devoured her.. taking everything she gave. like a man starved... he turned setting on the bed, her in his lap astride him.. his hands roaming her back.. and the curve of her behind.. " Tell me stop... and I will.. Avery ... "

Avery:Her hand found his chest as she spoke, nails lightly brushing over the surface. Feeling his heart still drumming underneath the pad of her fingers. Her bumbling stopped as he mumbled her name and suddenly he was lifting her. Legs wrapped around his waist as he held her bottom as her arms circled around his neck as his lips found hers. Silencing anything else she was going to say. A sweet kiss that turned to devouring was met with her own, a strangled moan left her lips as he settled on the bed, pulling her astride his lap. Was he begging her to tell him to stop? She couldn't do that, he had built the fire in her veins once more, her flesh itself felt like it was on fire. Thumbs pressed against his chin, willing his mouth open before she leaned in to devour his mouth with her own once more. She didn't want it to stop, she wasn't going to stop him.

Pembroke: His lips left hers , skimming down her jawline.. his hands working upward... over her waist.. the shift rising with it... there was no need for light... he would learn her by touch.. by taste... the shift fell on the floor... his lips scalded her shoulder.. across the sweet divit of her collarbone... to the other side.. "Avery... " her name was whispered against her throat.. as he pulled her closer... " I've wanted you so long.. " he mummered.. before his lips moved further down ...

Avery: As his lips left hers, she let out a breath of a sigh, allowing her head to lull back as she bit against her lower lips with soft lips skinning heated flesh. Her arms rose as he pulled the shift up. It was forgotten as soon as it touched the floor as her arms came down again, her hands cradling his head in his hands as he murmured her name against her own throat. "August! "Please.." She didn't know what to do but what he was doing, was driving her inside. She wanted him in the worst way.

Pembroke: He needed no more invitation suddenly she was on her back beneath him... he stood abruptly and once again shed his clothes... the brief cooling of air washing over her body.. before she was covered by his heat... completely.. his lips finding hers.. once again... " Avery..." he moaned..

Avery: She clutched to him as he suddenly up heaved them both from the bed, swinging around to lay her upon the covers was the only time she released him till she pulled him back into her arms as his lips met hers in a moan. "August.."She moaned back against them, inviting. Wanting. In his kiss, she lost sense of what was going on. "August.."She groaned in the darkness.

Pembroke: He was a man of infinate patience.. , his mouth claiming and reclaiming every inch of flesh that was available to him.. lips, ears, neck breast.. all lathed with passionate tenderness... his knee pressed her legs apart slighty.. as she begged for more... and stopped shuddering... willing himself to stop.. he pulled back... " Avery.... your an innocent ?"(d)

Avery: He was a man of patience but it was driving her insane. A gasp left her lips as he stopped, shudder and pull back. She seemed to whine in protest before his question was offered down to her. Licking at her lips, she bit down on her lower one, letting the silence ring for a few seconds before offering up to him. "Yes..but I want this...August, I want you.."

Pembroke: He sighed.. and rolled off her...lighlty... pulling her into his arms.. for a moment and holding her tighttly.... before pushing her back.. " It's a gift.. you should keep for your real husband.. love " he kissed her soflty... then moving his lips down...he had no intention of taking her virginity but.. he would not leave her wanting either...

Avery: A heavy sigh pulled from her lips as he rolled away from her. No! She wanted this, didn't he see that? If she had wanted to stop, she would of stopped him. Didn't he see she was falling in love with him? That she wanted this to be more then a game, more then pretend. Her arms encircled him as he held her tightly before laying her back once more upon the bed. Her breath caught in her throat, the protest dying on her lips as he assaulted her body.........Her back arching as she screamed. "I love you!"

Pembroke: He waited until she stilled... pressing a kiss to the inside of her thigh then moved upward over her to capture her lips once again... if she could have seen the expression on his face she might have laughed outright.. he looked like he had just heard god speak... found the holy grail... seen a miracle.... his hand slipped beneath her head cradling her tenderly... as he pressed kisses against her temple.. "I love you Avery... but we will take this slow.... I have known love before.... had a marriage... I do not wish to take you... for granted for a moment..." he rolled onto his back pulling her against him... his heart thudding so hard he felt it burst from his chest... what was happening here... it was unbelievable...

Avery: Her body shuddered and shivered as it slowly receeded from an unimaginable high. Her breathing came in heavy panting waves. Even her arms did not seem to want to work as they wove around him as he slid up her body. A smile pulled at her lips as her fingers traced circles over his back. He loved her? She was on a new high, could not stop grinning. "all right.."She agreed with a nod of her head. "Nothing for granted.."As he rolled, pulling her with him, she lay her head against his chest, hearing, feeling, the drum of his chest, the thunder of his heart.

Pembroke: his hands stoked her back lazily.. as his own breathing slowed.. " Sleep now... Avery... my love " he smiled in the darkness his other hand capturing the one that playe over his chest... holding it lighlty... as she curled up against him... he lay there for a long time while she fell asleep... wondering if theere was fresh snow outside or not... could a man die of frustration.. he was begining to seriously think it was possible.

[averythorn]

[glow=red,2,300]Again, SOME (not all) sexual inuendo. If easily offended or do not like such things, DO NOT READ!![/glow]

Avery: If there were any doubts that war was upon Skye, then now those doubts will be quilled, first with the battle upon the hills and then the attack on the artisan hall, life had turned into a whirlwind of a dance and since Avery never truly knew how to dance, it had set her upon a spin that even with days of preparation could not stop her from loosing track of time. She had held her own within the infirmary, a hand was offered to those sick and in need of comfort and she had held her own at the artisan hall against attack, proving she was a woman not easily held down. Yet even such days could take their toll, she had not seen home nor August in days and when finally the roar of the halls had quieted, she had announced she was going home and take a day or even two for her own pleasure. She needed a break. She needed time to breath without the stink of death or the cries of those for mercy from pain. She could not in all honesty tell the time but darkness had crept over the land as the door to the cottage clicked closed behind her and she leaned wearily against it for a moment, to catch her breath, to bask in the glow of being home and be at peace before she was shaking a rain clutched cloak from her shoulders and hanging it upon the wall by the door. The rain fell steadily today, washing away the coldness of winter, promising a new slate for spring and she hummed at the sound of it against the roof of the cottage.

Pembroke: August had not been a distraction in these days that she worked tirelessly at her craft of healing, instead he came each day, checked on her, left something to eat and clean clothes in her room at the infirmary, encouraging notes, and when needed a shoulder and a loving hand to sooth her, calm her let her know he was there for her, but not crowding her. It had been oddly platonic with them from the night she had offered her innocence to him and he had refused her offer.. oh he had his reasons and none of them were that he was gay or immune to her charms, in fact he cursed the warmer weather as of late, as well as the lack of snow on the ground to chill flesh fevered with need of her... she was.... like an addiction... a need that supeceeded all things that would tell him he was taking advantage, unjustly using her innocence against her.. to make her... love him.. fall in love with a traitor to his own country, a deserter... he had nothing to give her anymore, no vast estates, no wealth or title... he was as he was.. August Pembroke.. no longer and Earl of Warwick.. but a deserter.. of the Crown of England.. When she would arrive home to the cottage the two shared. He would not be there having spent the afternoon down at the Docks, with Captain Flynn, whom after a wild fight that began as fisticuffs between them.. ending in a good old walloping of half the drunkards in the tavern, and with Flynn and Pembroke realizing that while perhaps Enemies on the Map, they were somewhat brothers in arms. Now the Sea Wolf Captain and the Admiral were negotiating Pembroke's new assignment as one of Skye's Royal Fleet Captains... One had to wonder how Avery would feel about this.? And if she would... Marry him for real... before he left for War?

Avery:His encouragement had been sorely needed, a liferaft when she felt she was sinking. Never would she forget what he had done for her while her duties had kept her from him. She had never meant to neglect him and it had run through her mind that perhaps it had seemed she was pulling away from him after she had offered herself to him and he had refused. True enough though it was not far from her mind, a constant nagging. What was wrong with her that he did not want what she freely was giving him? At least it meant they did not need to talk about what had happened? By rights she was giving him a free out, that if he did not mean what he said or wished to pretend it did not happen, then she would abide it. She had nothing to give him, no dowry even if he wanted to marry her truly. She was well paid by the infirmary and yet poor for she could not help but buy things for the infirmary itself, or the children she carried for, even spending the money to send last gifts to sweethearts who would never see their soldiers again. Her fingers worked over her stomach as she pushed away from the door, all ready she could tell he was not home. A fire was banked within the small sitting room hearth before she went to work in making dinner. Whether he had dinner or not, some would be ready for him when he got home. The hen and root vegetables were covered upon the table with place settings still in place, she really wanted a bath before eating and headed upstairs to do so.

Pembroke: He had dreaded going home, thinking it would be another night without her... and had delayed as long as he could... until finally the day grew dim, and while he though about having a pint at the pub, he found no ease in it.. instead heading home... it was when his booted feet landed upon the porch that he smelled the scent of dinner cooking, and his step lightened and quickened.. easing inside, he spied the hen and vegatables covered on the table and grinned, carfully treading the steps as to miss the ones that creaked he found her door, and stood.. listening to the sounds of water splashing, her soft humming... and the crackeling of a fire.. slowly the door opened as he took a lounge against its frame and stood basking in the beauty that was His Avery... content just to watch her... from afar.

Avery:The water felt wonderful, it was truly a god send and for a while she just basked in the warmth as it soaked into aching muscles before she was ducking under to wet her hair and the soap it up. With eyes squeezed tightly shut to ward the soap in her hair from getting into her eyes, she shifted to her knees within the tub and felt around for the wash cloth. "Oh bloody hell!" She cursed as she sloshed around in the water to the other side to try and find the damn soap and wash rag.

Pembroke: He watched with silent mirt as she leaned over feeling about for the washcloth, and picked it up along with the soap as he came to rest beside the tub on his knees... " Perhaps you need help... " his voice rumbled low and with a decidedly heated nature... " with your bath Lady Pembroke " he teased her with the pretend married name... as his hands settled on her shoulders drawing her back against the tub in a recline... " you really should rinse your hair before you burn your eyes outta the socket " he chuckled picking up a ewer and gently dousing her hair ridding it of the soapy lather in a few rinses.

Avery:She let out a shriek as she fell back against the tubs edge as his voice rumbled low against her ear. "August!" She finally huffed as her chest rose and fell with deep breaths as the fear subsided though her heart still thundered within her chest. "How long were you standing there?" How odd she looked trying to talk to him with eyes closed and soap running down her face. With a sigh she settled back with his hand at her shoulder, her head leaned back as he rinsed it out. "Where have..."She stopped as water was poured over her hair but cascaded down her face. A hand lifted to brush her face off before she continued "you been?" Her hands lifted again as one more rinse and her hair was clean, hands wiped the excess water from her face and then hair as lids opened and she turned her gaze upon him. "Dinner is downstairs, did you eat?"

Pembroke: He laughed as he finished rinsing her hair " Yes it's just me, and I've been at the docks, been standing watching your beautiful self bath for a while, I didn't want to disturb until you needed my help and no I didn't eat I will wait for you... lean up.. I'll scrub your back " every point in the conversation duly noted and answered before he pushed her back gently foreward to take the rag and soap to it... caressing tendely over her back, as he leaned forward to nuzzle the exposed skin of her shoulder "I'm glad you came home tonight I've missed you ".

Avery:She inhaled a deep breath and held it, gods above but did he know exactly what he did to her. She was truly embarrassed when he did not accept her the first time but it was easily overshadowed now as he kissed at her shoulder while soaping at her back. Arms folded over her chest, modestly as she turned her head to watch him. "Your going to join the battle aren't you?"She asked at his admition to being at the docks though her lips twitched as he said he had missed her. "I'm happy to be home, every day at the infirmary reminds me of why I hate it, why I like tending pregnancies and children more...your notes and the clothing, they were very much appreciated. I shall never forget it, thank you...I've missed you too."

Pembroke: He forgot about washing her back as he moved his lips from one shoulder to the other.. slowly and adoringly... lips and tongue tasting her sweet flesh... as she spoke... " Yes.... I'm going to join Skye's Navy, and hopefully help bring about an end to this war... one way or another. so you can set up your practice and tend babies and pregnant women... " his voice was warm and slow, like deep dark velvet caressing against her neck... " I didn't want to distract you, but I wanted you to know... you were missed, and cared for... to see that you were eating and cleanly clothed and comfortable even if you weren't sleeping most nights..." yes he had checked up on her... more than once.. and watched from afar as she set up with the dying and wounded... from the sidelines he watched over her... never all that far...

Avery:A soft sighing moan left her lips as her head lulled to the side while he lavished her flesh with kisses and caresses of the tongue. Lord above he was going to be the death of her! What was he saying? She was faintly aware he was talking but she could not concentrate while he was teasing her flesh. End the war, that sank through and finally the rest seemed to slowly sink into place as well. He was going to fight against England, their very homeland, but they had both turned their back upon home in leaving it, in swearing loyalty to Skye. Suddenly, she jerked away from him only to turn about in the tub, her arms lacing about his neck as she dragged him to her, so she was getting him wet, she did not care. Her lips devoured his own, perhaps the most forceful she had ever been in her life. Thumbs pressed against his chin as she captured his face between her hands, urging his mouth open as she devoured his lips with her own, holding him in a passionate embrace, she was much to serious most of the time, hardly ever able to say the right thing. This was her way of saying...of showing she had missed him, that she loved him and what he had done for her.

Pembroke:Caught offgaurd and almost pulled in, the edge of the tub caught him in the groin, a groin that had been up until that moment, intent of finding the pleasures that she so offered him willingly before.. how he had missed the sweet feel, taste, touch even the scent of her, the sound of her moving about the house.. even when she clanged the pots and pans together when she was doing dishes, " ommpphhhh " he groaned as the center of his arousal was mashed uncermoniously against the rim of the copper tub.. "Avery" he groaned as her lips captured and devoured his.. he could not help but fall to the side breathing harshly " Are you trying to kill me girl ?".

Avery:She couldn't help but let out a laugh against his lips, the autible omphh, she could be stupid sometimes but she realized now that she was crushing him and his desire against the tub, how the man drove her insane and her he accused her of trying to kill him? "no not kill you.." she purred as she climbed from the tub, dripping water across the floor, she was not going to let him get away that easily. What had come over her? lust or love? Perhaps it was seeing men dying with their sweethearts names upon their lips, something that she never wished upon any soul least of all herself or him. Settling her hands upon her shoulders, she sank dripping wet and naked upon his lap as she pulled his lips in with her own again. "Promise me you'll come home to me.." She breathed against his lips as she captured his face between her hands again. "I love you August...please, promise me.."

Pembroke: He laughed as she landed in his lap, naked wet and still steaming from her bath " You make it hard to go away , to promise to come back to you " he laughed pulling her tightly into his embrace... " Only one way I can promise though.. if you marry me for true... I can't pretend any longer Avery... I love you... and I want you as my wife.. legal and for everyone to know... I want you the right way... every way a husband should want a wife and for all the reasons to build a life with, to share everything with.. not just pretend... but... I'm not a man of wealth any longer... I've no title or lands to give to you... just me... and some savings... but I swear.. no one.. would ever love you more... cherish you as much as I do... forever... "

Avery:Her arms slide about his neck as he pulled her close a grin sliding across her lips with his jest but it would be his words about true marriage that had her grinning but also searching his face for any mistruths..not that she expected him to lie but she had not expected this. He had said he wanted to take things slow and she had agreed and well, was she forcing him into this? Had it been long enough for him to get over his wife? Yes she worried she would be compared to a ghost, it was not easy, no it was impossible to fight a ghost in affection. "If I wanted wealth...August..I would of begged mothers family for acceptance..My mother left nobility, to live as a poor healer in a small village for love, to marry the man she loved...I have no dowry to bring you, but if you love me as you say you do, as I love you and you would have me without a dowry to bring..I will marry you and your love would be payment enough for me..."

Pembroke: "what are you looking for ?" he questioned as she peered into his eyes deeply, the one grey and one blue one seeming to find a window into his soul would see nothing, but the truth he loved her.. deeply.. there were no ghost... nothing there that hinged his love... for her.. to another memory... When she accepted, he leaned down and kissed her... a slow... kiss that was both passionate and memorizing... " I love you Avery... I love you..."

Avery:She would only smile at his question. While she believed in always telling the truth, there were some things that need not be spoken. She saw no ghosts of the past hidden within him, she just saw him. Her chin tilted upward, accepting of his kiss as her hands broke from around his neck to cup his face once more, returning the passion filled and memorizing kiss. "Mmm, I love you August..I do..I love you.." She whispered against his lips before moving, chasing a line of kisses down his throat as she released his face to run her hands along his chest.

[averythorn]

Pembroke:The days after the Battle of the Blockade had been long, Avery tending to those as the healing wards, as was almost every avaiable hand that could stictch half straight, or dump a bed pan, no helping hand was turned away.. and many a laymen put to use, as orderlies, even nuns from the priories sat and held hands, bathed fevered brows and prayed the rosary over the injured and dieing.. August had spent those days seeing to the repairs on his ship , the welfar of not only his men but those injured in Skye's cause... including several trips to the infirmary to check on the Admiral.. who was now becomeing his friend and mentor in the Fleet of Skye.. With the Admirals injury keeping him abed.. August had stepped in as most great leaders do to fill the void... now some two weeks after the battle.. and now with the uprising at MacRauri Keep over... a lull settle in.. Finding August at the docks and quays... seeing to the repairs on the SeaWolf... shirtless in the spring sun, his torso gleeming bronzed , and sweat slickened he worked along side his men, on the quay side scaffold that allowed them to heft the huge broad beams into place.. where the Sea Wolf had taken a cannon shot... to patch the scar and return the Wolf to battle ready status.

Avery: In the days of the battle to of land to sea and back again to land, the injuried poured in like rain, the same rain that lashed at the land of days in between until finally the clouds cleared to bright and sunny days. Did she see any of it? Of course not, there was just those of wounds, calling for some relief. Days and nights of it, tending to the sick...and she grew weary of it. Was there any wonder that she wanted to tend only to children and expecting mothers. More then enough hands poured in to help bath fevered heads, help hand tools over to the healers until nothing was left to do but tend to the stitches and loss of limb. There was only so much she could take when the moans and the groans of men were left ringing in her ears far worse even when she was away from them until she could take it no more and pulled off her workers apron and left the infirmary despite calls asking where she was going. The cool spring air was more then heaven and it was not till she got to the docks did she realize where she had been walking to. Leaning against a crate of supplies, her hands raked through the disheveled mess of Golden hair.

Pembroke: At first he didn't see her.. then she caught his eye.. " Men.. that's it for the day.. go home and rest.. tomorrow we begin again at dawn " he chuckled good heartedly as he climbed the net rope on the side of the wolf to the deck motioning her to meet him at the gangplank, he grabbed his shirt and wiped off best he could so as not to smell exceedingly rank.. when he reached her.. his brow furrowed in concern as he met her.. " Avery.. is something wrong " the look on her face while exhausted and harried.. stilled his heart... as his hands reached for her waist to pull her near.. in a comforting and protective manner... " One of your patients?" he questioned soflty, she had the most tender heart.. and in his opinion was sorely taxed by all the war and death... and needed to be on her own , as a midwife and child healer... away from such suffering and pain.

Avery:Her head lifted from its lean as she pulled in a strong deep breath of the saltry air, lids slid closed to take in the freshness of the air before she let it out in a rush. As her eyes found the view before her again, she caught sight of him on the nets, motioning to her. A shy smile was offered to his men as she passed them on their way in from their hard days work. A sad, tired smile pulled her lips as he pulled her to him, her hands clasping at his arms as she let out a sigh and shook her head. "Nothing..well..not just one, I am sick of battles...sick of seeing men with severed limbs and gashes from one side of their stomach to the other...I don't think I can take it any more August. They moans, their groans, pleas for help, last wishes, are still ringing in my head." Her head bowed to his shoulder, she didn't mind the smell, was better then the infirmary. "I'm being selfish though..."Her head lifted to look him in the face. "How was your day?"

Pembroke: "Noooo not selfish my angel... a selfish woman would not have even been there to begin with.. come... lets forget that for a while... hmmmmm?" he pushed back the hair from her cheeks lifting her face to dust a kiss across her lips " You've never been on the Wolf before... come.. let me show you my girl.. " he was beaming with pride over the warship.. as he led her aboard, still holding her hand.. tenderly he gve her the tour of the deck, not really going into boring detail.. just.. speaking to take her mind off things... as they wandered about, his hand sliding down her back to settle in the sweet curve of it.. a thumb lazily stroking.. as they talked and walked... " Would you like to see my quarters, where I sleep and dream of you when I'm away ?"

Avery:"I meant I was being selfish talking only about me." Though a grin did slid across her lips as her head tilted back with the gesture of his hand moving her hair out of her face. She hummed a soft note of contentment as his lips brushed against her own before he was talking her hand and leading her aboard the ship. She couldn't protest to that, it would take her mind off of the infirmary but not it went to her stomach which had begun to roll even stepping on deck and they weren't even going anywhere! The sound of his voice, rolling and moving in pride of his ship made a smile slide over her lips. Her hand lazily stroked at his arm as his did on her backside as they moved. "Its beautiful...err..umm"Her face twisted in a mix of confusion. "If a ship..can be called beautiful, um, not like its a normal person.."Her lips pressed closed after a laugh and she pointed nonsensical, where-ever his quarters were. "Yes, lead on...and now your being a romantic sod, its adorable."

Pembroke: "Yes well one does try.. I hear women like such.. I've been taking notes... " he winked... and lead her up the small stairway toward the back of the ship, explaining how the back was called aft.. blah blah.. and to the captains quarters.. opening the door with a flourish... " Milady...." he offered her entrance into his personal space.. it was decidedly a manly room, all leather and wood, and smelled of the sea, and sandlewood as well.. a bank of windows looked out into the open harbor.. past the other anchored ships and toward the sea... neat and sparse.. a bed of king sized proportions was built into one wall.. a chart table.. and chair.. and a footlocker.. not much.. but then again he had never needed much... " Well.. what do you think... think you could be comfortable in here... for a voyage?"

Avery: "Oh yes, some women do..."She grinned in his direction, curling her arm with his as he lead her towards the back of the ship, explaining as he went along the sailors way of saying the back of the ship. A singsong laugh left her lips as he swept the door open in a master show of gentlemanly behavior. "Why thank you Milord.."She bobbed a curtsy before sweeping into the room. Slowly she moved about the sparse room, stopping to look out the window before moving to the chart table, the footlocker and finally over to the bed. Her stomach was continueing to roll but she was holding it in well. Sliding to sit upon the edge of the bed, her face turned to him. Voyage? "A voyage? I...uh...um...see...my stomach is...not well on ships..Where was it you wanted to go?"

Pembroke: He chuckled.. " just my luck.. I plan to take to wife.. a woman who is chained to the land by a fractious tummy " he moved toward her and settled at her side... a wide hand taking hers in his own.. and then pressing hard almost pinching at the web between her thumb and forefinger... for a long moment " There.. any better?" he question as he kissed the same place before releasing her hand... " To England.. to settle my affiars there... and to officially Marry you.. well and truly " he grinned. leaning back on the bed.. propping his head upon crossed arms as he watched her with a self satisfied smile upon his place.. " but then again.. if you don't want to go... " now he was teasing.

Avery:"It would be just your luck wouldn't it, much as mine is that I'm marrying a man of the sea." She quipped in return as her head followed him till he took a seat beside her. Her face twisted in confusion then surprise as the pinch relieved the roll of her stomach in one swift instance. Eyes softened as he kissed the area he pinched as her hand lifted to caress at his cheek before she was shifting to lean on beside him, propping herself up upon one elbow as golden hair fell to one side just as her head cokeed to the side to watch him. "Married in England? I never thought I would be married..it does sound kind of proper though, seeing as we're both from England, and I could see my Uncle Archer again..When did you want to go?" She let her elbow relax and rolled to her back to stare at the ceiling. "Really think you could control yourself? Small spaces for a few weeks, sleeping in the same room with me? Since we haven't...you know...think you could handle that, the small space, nowhere to hide, nowhere to go?" Her head rolled to look at him as she grinned.

Pembroke: As soon as I know this blockade is really over.. this war is over... when the Admiral is back on his feet... and our little new home does not need me and the wolf to defend it.. " he answered on the when... and then chuckled... " I believe there is enough cold water in the sea to put out the fire in me.. although I know.. it will be hardest on you... " he grinned.. and wiggled his brows teasingly... " After all your the wanton that tries to lure me to your bed.. and looses control " ohhh the smug teasing smirk and playfulness that twinkled in those sea blues.

Avery:Her arms curled about her stomach as she hummed in a small laugh at his tease. Well at least the when was answered. "Oh ho, me the little wanton tease...its not my fault you needed cold snow to put out your...fires...and when no more snow was available...."Her head rolled upward to stare at the ceiling again as she spoke before again turning in his direction, petite brows wiggled in a tease before she let out a laugh again. "I think I can control myself far better then you my dear. An as far as beds go, I do believe we slept soundly in mind and...not so soundly in yours, since you brought up beds." Her hand rose from her stomach to push against his face and that smug look as she laughed again.

Pembroke: "It was most certainly your fault.. you have weapons that I cannot defend.. " he leaned down hauling her upward over to him.. his lips teasing hers.. " Like these... " he kissed her lips softly.... " and these " both eyelids were dusted with a soft kiss... " and mostly this... " He let his hand slide down her shoulders to the place right over her heart... " That is the thing most I cannot defend against.. cause you have surely captured mine "... now his hands swept down her back... and pulled her tighter too him... " Thank god I'm impotent huh?" yes he was teasing.. gods above knew.. how many times he had wanted to take her... over and over.. but his love from her would not see her honor blemished, befor she was his bride.. for true.. but gods above it was hard... and harder by the day.

Avery:"Oh well when you put it like that, I most certainly am at fault...and no one bit sorry." Hands pressed against his shoulders as he pulled her to him. "oh ho, I hardly think you are impotent mister, if you were...you wouldn't worry about my honor." The english tint of her voice rolled so easily and sweetly when she teased him in return. Her head leaned down to him, her nose brushing against his own "I hated you so much when we first met, thinking I was a courtesan...now..though...even that feeling is hard to feel anymore, only the memory of it remains, now I can't fathom a time, without loving you.." Her fingers curled about his shoulders. "Promise me, we'll...leave as soon as this war is over? I don't want to wait any longer...to be your wife, to spend..the rest of my life with you."

Pembroke: His arms wrapped about her tightly " I promise my love... and if I could marry you right and proper here I would.. but it wouldn't be legal until a few papers are signed back in England..." his hands soothed her back softly... " The night I wed Sara.. we conceived Amee... I would not be bragging to say I'm more than potent.. and I want my children with you born right and proper.. and never labled bastard.. nor you labeled anything but my wife... can you understand.. my reasoning?" he was old school.. plain and simple.. even when she did.. drive him to distraction.. " However.. there are ways... of finding your pleasure.. as you well know... without taking your maiden head.. " he grinned down at her as his fingers pulled thru her hair lightly.

Avery: "What papers in England? You widowed, so your not still married...or are you? Some drunken escapade I don't know about?" She teased as his arms curled tightly about her waist, she wiggled a little for effect. Hell, she couldn't help it, she found it quite enjoyable to tease the hell out of him. "You conceived on your wedding night...now that is what I call potent." Slowly she crossed her arms over his chest and leaned her down upon her wrist. "Of course I understand, you are...old fashioned...if not just old."A tongue snaked out to tease him before a bubble of chuckles left her throat. "Oh yes, I do know...though there are ways I gather that you can gain pleasure without...you know.."Lords her cheeks flushed even going towards that conversation.

Pembroke:" I have some titles.. and as my wife you will also receive them.. as well as land grants that are bequeathed to me.. it's all.. just paperwork really " he chuckled, unwilling to let her know just .. how many titles and land were involved just yet... "Old am I?" he chuckled.. and stretched his neck to each side then regarded her teasing him... " Yes old and in need of a bath... and dinner and perhaps afterward I will show you... how We.. can gain some pleasure.. unless you continue to tease me now.. and I christen this room... with your moans " he let his hands ease from the small of her back to her hips , pulling up her skirts so that the warm flat planes of his hand lay over her hips... fingers teasing beneath the lacy drawers..

Avery:"August...titles and land grants...I'm just some poor healer girl from Kent, I don't have the...the.."She couldn't find the word she needed to use to describe how unfit she was for titles. Eyes rolled as his fingers found a place against her flesh, a groan left her lips. Lord above but the man drove her insane! Legs shifted to straddle his waist as her lips moved to capture his own. Lord how funny this seemed, where once she was afraid to be the one to kiss any other human being, her lips seared not to be touching his. Her hands moved to capture his face between them, thumbs begging his lips to open as she claimed them as her own. Forcing her lips to break from his, she let out a sigh as well as a laugh. "go bath...I will go to the market and pick up some dinner and bring it back here...now release me before we do indeed christen this room."

Pembroke:OK ok ok " he laughed.. as he released her " but I though from your reaction.. that dinner was optional ?" he swatted her behind then smoothed her skirts... as she rolled off him he rose.. to point to the copper tub... " Room enough for two my wife to be " he chuckled.. as he lit a brazier.. then moved to pick up a bucket filled with water to put in the cauldron that swung over the brazier.. " Life's little luxuries".

Avery: "If you had teased me any more, dinner would of been obliterated." She shout back with a grin as she moved a few feet from him to keep herself from completely bouncing upon him. Hands smoothed down the folds of her dress before running through the dishevelment of her hair. Those two different colors eyes followed his point to the tub with a grin and a laugh. "Oh ho, you really think you can control yourself with my naked body next to yours in there? All hot...wet and...naked.." She teased as she moved towards the door. "We shall see hmm? You get that ready, I will be back by the time its ready with dinner.." and out she went, no kiss goodbye? Of course not, she would give him one hell of a kiss hello when she got back!

Pembroke: He laughed.. and begin the task of warming and dumping the water until the tub was full.. then stripped down and slid into it lathering and bathing away... in a very good mood, and why shouldn't he be.. the woman he loved.. the ship he loved and a promise to return to England to marry her.. life was good.. with Avery in it.

Avery: By the time she returned, he was thoroughly washed and she carried a basket of food. Fire grilled swordfish and roast potatoes and a strawberry and rhubarb pie with a side container of thick cream, a bottle of merlot and two glasses that were set aside for later. "Oh all squeaky clean without me, do you not want me to join you then?" The ties of her dress were loosened, pushed down to expose milky shoulder and stopped with her tease before she slide it all the way off, bloomers kicked aside before she was joining him in the tub, stepping in lightly and shifting around till she slid down and leaned back against him with her head upon his shoulder. "Will you still love me when my hair is gray and I have more wrinkles then those that catch at my mouth when I smile?" She teased as she cupped water and let it dribble between the cracks of her fingers.

Pembroke: "mmmhhmmm I will.. because those wrinkles will be put there by me, each time I make you laugh, and smile.. and by our children.. but will you love me when I'm toothless and bald?" he chuckled... pulling his lips over his teeth and mockingly impersonating and old man with a shaky voice " kiss me lovely.. " he teased as she settled into his lap, laying back on him... his hands laying over the flat of her belly.. thumbs idly soothing over her skin...

Avery:A grin slid over her lips then as her head turned to watch his face as he spoke. Oh this was just to good to be true right? Where was the other shoe that normally dropped..She let out a laugh as he mocked an old man, cupping water, she threw it into his face. "Bald maybe...toothless...no"She teased. Her arms moved, fingers twining behind his neck as she lounged back against him. "Children...hmmm, I never thought I would be married, now to be talking of it sounds so absurd, like..a dream..I keep expecting to wake up in the infirmary, or at least for the other shoe to fall..Like I keep expecting you to fall out of love with me, or stop loving me..for whatever reason, I keep thinking it will happen. "

Pembroke: He sputtered when she tossed the water in his face and frowned at her as she continued to speak.. " Avery... I could never.. not love you... no matter what... I always will.. can't help it.. you've enchanted me ... don't look for the bad.. love... " he leaned down and kissed her ear.. then her neck softly... nuzzling.... " I would break my vow, of making love to you if I knew it would stop these silly fears... but I fear it would only add to them... I love You Avery.. with all my heart and soul... forever... nothing will ever change that... " he murmured against her ear.. " Ever"

Avery:"I can't help it August, its in my nature to look for all logical outcomes, however absurd in your view, however unlikely." She reached down to grab a towel and wipe it against his face of the water she threw it at him before tossing the towel to the floor again. She hummed in a gentle moan as he kissed her ear and then her neck. Her fingers curled up into his hair, pulling him down into the embrace he offered. Gods but he knew how to tease her to, but she didn't want him to break his vow, she found it quite charming. "I don't want you to break your vow August, I trust you...I do. I just have this, feeling..in my gut, I can't describe it, like the shadows are just waiting to come and grab me and take me to some dark place. " Her hand lowered from his head to find the sponge by the tub. Dipping it into the water to collect it before she was leaning back against him again and squeezing to let out the rush of collected warm water against his shoulders and neck. "I love you August, I do...with all my heart and soul."