They used to pass through on the regular as young pockets. Colt wasn't sure when, but Nairn had to shake him out of the hyper fixated stare that followed her every movement. His friend had chuckled, knowing the signs all too well from his own difficulties with a girl. It took Colt months to work up the courage to say more than a ‘hello,’ or repeating the line of ‘lads night out,’ when asked what his plans were. And then Ruth entered the picture.
Colt wouldn’t begrudge the elf for enjoying himself, but something about the way he and Mina capered put his back up. More than once Ruth would catch his eye, grin filthy with rubbing it in Colt’s face just how easily he had the lass giggling or causing her to gasp as his hands wandered. Heaven help him if they were at the same table with Nairn attempting to keep the peace. As much as Ruth tried to rile his temper, Colt’s only option was to retreat, leave the table for a quiet walk, or a smoke, unwilling to encroach on Mina’s fun.
It was a habit he had been trying to quit, replacing tobacco and papers for a toothpick rolling between his lips. He walked up to the main door of the Back Water, the crowd inside already audible from the laughter and bouts of revelry. They’d just settled a big job out in the sticks and were heading homeward, but stopped by to enjoy a few drinks and a bite for their efforts. Colt was tired, his new responsibilities as patch boss had him checking and double checking their shit was secure and ready for when they had to leave again. They’d crash at the tavern, some sleeping in the stables while others took the floor or benches inside if the old man didn’t have room.
His hand paused at pushing the door open, briefly wondering if one of the lads had paid for the big room already and was chatting Mina up or not. Colt shook it off, putting his weight behind the hand leaning on the wood to stride on through, eyes searching for his second while covertly he checked on Mina. The scene met, had his gait on hold, stopping him completely in his path. His usual warm smile went cold at seeing the elf nigh on surrounded on all sides, toyed with as if she were some doll to be passed around and broken. The look on her face was enough for him, brow furrowed to the point Colt was sure she was grinding her teeth and biting to stick one of them with something sharp and very pointy.
The door was only a step or two behind him and so far the huddle of bodies hadn’t noticed him to start with. It took him a mere second to turn and slam it shut, the force rattling the hinges on the bounce before it settled. Colt shut it properly, hand curling into a fist to rest against it when he spoke. [color=#c10300]“I see you’re all enjoying yourselves, yeah?”[/color] It took him a mere moment to join the group, those around busied themselves with what they had been doing before, voices hurried and hushed as their boss stepped in. [color=#c10300]“Frank. I said this to you before. You goons don’t crowd the lady.”[/color]
[color=#44b8ff]“What lad-”[/color]
A fist found the idiot's face before he finished, the thief’s quick reflexes making sweet contact with Frank’s nose, smirking at the tell-tale crack of cartilage. Eyes glanced around briefly as he straightened back up to fit his full 6'4'' height, gaze dark and fully ready to plant a bitch.
[color=#c10300]“Go fix that, yeah. That, and what you were about to say, permanently. Use her fucking name, yeah?... Anyone else?” [/color]
Mina hadn't expected to be pinned so easily. Normally though out the night she was able to make sure that the men inside the bar got moved towards more watered down beer, or not put into a position that if things went violent she wouldn't be able to fight back. She had always been aware of who was behind her, who was beside her, and who was in-front of her. Her regulars were good natured, and the few times that someone had gone too far in their teasing, she had settled it with a knife in someone's hand, or taking an eyeball as warning that while she may be "owned" as an elf, and a whore at that, she was more than capable of taking care of herself, and deciding if and when someone was able to purchase her time and body for the night.
So when Cole came through with his team, all high on a successful job, she had been happy to earn a little extra coin by keeping the drinks coming easily, and not watered down. After all, those that had accompanied him before had been well behaved and held their liquor well enough. But it had taken her by surprise, while she let herself be man handled by some -- something that had it's own risks, but this was her domain, the Old Man was there, and Colt was there-- no one would dare try anything.
But they had. A set of hands had pinned her wrists to a table top, while another set had her feet off the floor, far faster than she had seen it coming, far faster than she had been able to pull her needle like stiletto to dole out her own brand of reminder that her job came about with consent on her part. So as she tried to eye her way free of the situation, the situation very rapidly turning to the realm of non-consensual, she was remembering every pint she had brought to the table, knowing they were all more drunk than she should have ever allowed them to become. Mina jumped when the door slammed open and that set of hands on her wrists vanished quick leaving her free enough to plant a foot to Frank's gut to send him back from where she had been bent back over the table.
It was a moment later while she was trying to pull her clothing back into some semblance of order that she heard the crack of cartilage and then Colt's words, having missed that he had found his way into the middle of the little group that had circled her. She'd never heard him so angry before, and he was angry; and suddenly a lot taller than she normally knew him as, all slumped shoulders and all. Mina was reeling still as she looked up to his face, studying the way his jaw set. His eyes burned, and there was something else there in that look of his.
Realization took her suddenly. It didn't matter to him that these were his men, and that she was just a whore. He had called her a lady, and was here about to fight for her should things turn not so great in the next few seconds. Normally this would be the point where she would be cursing up a storm, or stabbing someone to keep the not-as-good-as-a-regular's fear of her fresh on their minds, but she thought better of it at the moment, her throwing a quip in could cause the entire room to suddenly turn on them both, and she wasn't going to have Colt having to fight his entire gang because one of them got a little more than gropey..
"[color=#2ecc40]I don't think anyone else has a death wish tonight, hmm? Not when you look so serious.[/color]" She teased as she slipped under one of his arms, storm grey eyes looking up, trying to catch his attention from starting a fight that she wasn't sure would end well as her self preservation kicked in full gear. She could be dumb sometimes, but she did like staying alive. "[color=#2ecc40]I think you need something more to drink, maybe you'd let me talk you into parting with some of that coin I hear jingling in your pockets..[/color]"
She exaggeratedly took his hand in hers and started to try and pull him along with her, giving the room a glance over. "[color=#2ecc40]What do you all say? Another round of beer, another song, who had the next song, we'll get those tankards, pick the next song for me boys![/color]" If she could get him back into the kitchen for a few minutes, let them get back into their cups and then be back up on her guard for the evening, she'd get things back under control in the room and have everyone back to happy and happy to be parted with some coin. As for now, she'd keep trying to pull Colt along with her, acting the foolish bar maid, a wide smile and laugh about her as if she hadn't realized just what it was he had just saved her from.
She was more than aware of what would have happened had he not come in the door that moment, but her mind kept going back to his face in that moment. He had been ready to fight, and perhaps even kill had they not backed off, not backed down from what had been about to occur. She'd had her fair share of having to stab hands and cut faces before, but this had been different -- he had been different. He'd always been so quiet before, so timid almost, around her. This was a side of him she'd never seen, never would recognize. It scared her as much as it had little butterflies turning flips in her chest, how her heart was racing but not because she had just been held down or that he had done violence in her defense, but because in all the time she had known him, it was the most intense she had seen him, focused, with all his being thrown into it. If she didn't know any better, she might mistake that for some sort of devotion, some sort of love, but she knew better.
She liked to think she could read people pretty well, and that was just who he was. It could have been anyone and he'd have done the same thing, stepped in for any woman who was in the same situation. It wasn't her, it was the principle. And she adored him for that, she realized. A principled man. She liked those.
"[color=#2ecc40]What you say Young, come help me with those drinks?[/color]"
Nostrils flared and Colt’s hard gaze took in the rest of the rabble, eyeing Frank’s two wingmen sharply. The image of Mina being so roughly manhandled was too fresh in his mind and as Frank’s buddies helped the bleeding man back up, Colt’s blood simmered. His tone left no argument to be made, even as Mina folded herself under his wing and tried to cool heads with a gentle tease. No. He wouldn’t have it, nor would these stupid fucks start something. Frank was a dickhead, but he wasn’t man enough to go toe to toe with the towering Colton. [color=#c10300]“Danny!”[/color] He’d snap, calling his second to the forefront.[color=#c10300] “Get the Rookie to run the drinks. Mina’s staying at the bar the rest of the night. Got it?” [/color]
His arm draped over her and Colt gently turned her out of the scene and behind him, gaze remaining on the now retreating fools. [color=#c10300]“I catch you harassing her like that again, a broken nose is going to be the least of your worries.”[/color] It wasn’t a threat, it was a promise and one Colt didn’t make light of. [color=#c10300]“Rest of the boys know fucking manners, now you get your ass cleaned up and in the stables. I don’t want to see your bloody ballsack, mug for a face till we leave tomorrow.”[/color] Two others of his crew had now began urging the lads to go back and slowly the rest began to mind their own fucking business.
Eventually Colt let her take his hand, turning away from the scene towards the back of the bar. His grip over hers was firm, safe though, not restraining her from taking it if she wished. It would take some time for his usual aloof and jesting self to return, instead he tucked a lock of her hair back that had been skewed in the tussle. [color=#c10300]“Sorry Mina, but you should’ve shouted. Anyone fucks with you in a way you don’t like, they fuck with me.”[/color] Shit. [color=#c10300]“Not in that way,”[/color] fuck, him and his mouth, [color=#c10300]“you know what I mean. That weren’t proper.” [/color]
He’d let out an awkward scoff, letting her lead him back towards the bar itself. [color=#c10300]“Besides that shit show, how’s it going?” [/color]
She didn't try and take her hand away from where he held onto her now, she knew, from past experiences, that when blood rose like it had, that it took some time to calm, so for now, she let Danny take care of the drinks that the Old Man got out from behind the worn bar top as she let him over to a small booth that tucked in behind the bar area. It was usually where she took her meals, and where she rested in the evening time when she wasn't needed out on the main floor. Here was her little haven, here was where she'd tuck him in to calm down. It was a good spot. Even though it was a corner, there was a window there, and the door right into the kitchen, so multiple means of exit, and it allowed a full view of the bar's main room, and the staircase. There was a reason it was her little place and no one got to sit there -- well, Ruth got to sit there, but that was Ruth.
"[color=#2ecc40]Oh? I rather think I like the idea of you taking retribution by bending some asshole over and showing them why no means no[/color]." That was perhaps the most violent thing she had ever said, and even her cheek colored a bit after she spouted it off. No one deserved to have that done to them. "[color=#2ecc40]Please though, I would have figured a way out, you know I could have..[/color]"
She backed into one side of the booth, pulling him into that same side with her, so she could sit side ways with him, the way she sat means he could see everything, and so could she, but that she wouldn't have to leave his side yet, nor come out from being tucked under his arm. She was comfortable there, it felt safe.
"[color=#2ecc40]Day's been good. Gonna have some of the food fixed tonight left over for the morning breakfast for your boys, I'm assumin you're gonna want to leave around dawn, so I'll make sure it's warmed over the fire and ready to go in bowls when you all start off.[/color]" She picked up a pitcher off her table, and then turned over the two mugs that sat there, pouring in some of the private reserve that she had been working on, that the old man was teaching her. It was a might bit stronger than should be tasty, but it was something she made with her own hands -- honey and sweet fruits, with a lot of fizz. It didn't taste like anything a strong as it was, but it would pack a punch. "[color=#2ecc40]Sip that, it's stronger than what I should probably be letting ya have tonight[/color]."
She slipped one bare leg over his lap, as she sipped her mug, the other making it's way over his legs a moment after. "[color=#2ecc40]No one's got the big room tonight, at least, not yet, so ya know you're free to sleep up in there if no one takes it for the night.[/color]" Her voice lowered so that only he could hear her. She made sure those regulars, and especially him and some others, were well taken care of. They brought the money in after all. "[color=#2ecc40]I can even bring ya some hot water up too if you want to have a long soak before you have to get back out on the road.[/color]"
While his brows rose to the heaven’s, Colt burst out laughing, quickly reigning in the awkward outburst with a clearing of his throat.[color=#c10300] “Heh, eh. Na, na.”[/color] his head shook, [color=#c10300]“I don’t mix those two, bad for both sides. Different kind of beating for one thing. Not something ladies should have to deal with.” [/color]He couldn’t stand it when a lad, no matter the size, took to laying a hand on a woman. Colt had watched his mother suffer, tried and failed to do anything about it, but he wouldn’t allow it for anyone else. [color=#c10300]“No. We guests in the Old Git’s place, your place. You shouldn’t need to. I know you a wee spitfire, but the odds weren’t in your favour.”[/color]
He followed her lead like a dumb pup, brows lifting, surprised at being offered Ruth’s spot, but didn’t offer any argument. It was nice. This was nice, having his arm draped over and her nestled and tucked away. A small chink in the tension shifted with the fuzzy, giddiness it caused to course through him, but simultaneously made him nervous, unsure of himself. A shy lop-sided grin began creeping along his face and he tried to mask the head rising in the back of his neck by awkwardly rubbing it.
The last girl to hang off his arm had made a chump of him, but he was quick to admit his fault in it too. He’d been distracted, working and thinking too much on the ‘maybe’s,’ his mind elsewhere when she’d followed him out here and even in Colt’s dreams faces switched and the wrong name mumbled between his lips. It wasn’t fair, and he attempted to end things before any further pain was dealt. But not soon enough since he caught her a month back with one of his ex-crew.
He let those dark thoughts drift into the wind, attention fully hers when answering him. Letting his eyes sweep over the bar, just to be sure all was carrying on as he’d ordered. Colt took the mug without much protest, grin flashing, [color=#c10300]“Clever lass, never put these chumps on the good stuff. They’d have eaten you alive...”[/color] his voice trailed off as a bare leg was soon joined by another across his lap.
There was about a three second delay between him realising and necking the mug’s contents in one go. The heat from his neck flared back into life, creeping up towards his ears as his gaze lingered on her legs a moment before snapping back to her face. Colt hadn’t heard a word, all the bells in his mind were sounding off and posing questions as to how smooth her skin felt even through his clothes.[color=#c10300] “Hot water?”[/color] His brow wrinkled then unfurled as he laughed a little, [color=#c10300]“I… I uh. I reckon I’m good here a bit. Unless… Unless you’re fed up dealing with these shits gawking.”[/color]
"[color=#2ecc40]Yeah well, the old Man wouldn't have let it go on too much longer if you hadn't come along either, don't think that he's let anyone do that to me,[/color]" she had to reassure him, because she could see the thought brewing behind his eyes, in his head, and she could see it there, something deeper that had him sinking back into his head, and somewhere she didn't want him to visit while she was plying him with alcohol. After all, she had her favorites, and she did watch out for them. "[color=#2ecc40]But, neither here nor there, you were here, and you put a stop to it. Simple as that and all. Besides, sometimes I like being ate alive, especially if the person doing the eating knows exactly how to use their tongue properly.[/color]"
She said it flippantly, as if it was a normal part of conversation for them, as she took his empty mug and poured him another, her legs shifting slightly as she turned in his lap. Almost like she had forgotten that he normally was shy about talking with her; she hadn't, she enjoyed watching him squirm a little, if she was honest with herself. Mina had caught him looking, and she was pleased with the fact that he had called her clever, so it was nothing out of the ordinary for her to pull one of his hands into her lap, so she could draw along the lines of his palm as they sat there, absently, almost as if she didn't realize she was doing it, but in actuality she was just trying to press him a little. See if he'd be a little less a gentleman. See if tonight would be the night she could tempt him into making a move, partaking in her particular trade. Gods knew she wouldn't charge Colt either, Mina had decided that a long time ago, after all.
"[color=#2ecc40]For a bath. If you like, I can scrub your back for you, send you on the road in the morning clean and well rested.[/color]" Well fucked, she thought, in the back of her head, as she realized that she did owe him, and she didn't have much in the way of money to give him for making sure that she and the Old Man didn't have to explain a missing person. Because it would have devolved that quickly, Mina knew. Had Colt not been there, and the Old Man had seen it first, there would have been a dead man the next morning. And there was the opening. "[color=#2ecc40]Always. If I don't have to, I'd rather spend my time with those who engage me in more meaningful ways, that those who just want beer and to ogle.[/color]"
"[color=#2ecc40]Help you with the bath, and maybe bring up a meal, and some more of my private reserve. The Old Man has it if I'm out of the picture, and it'd serve those shits right, not getting to have any of me around the rest of the evening.[/color]" And, she thought, you could tease Ruth back some. She was dumb sometimes, not completely clueless that Ruth had fun at Colt's expense sometimes, but she truly had no idea the older male had somewhat of a crush on her. Well, maybe an inkling now, but it was still in the early stages of growing in her mind. "[color=#2ecc40]Sit out on the balcony and feel the night breeze up from the coast?[/color]"
It didn’t reassure him any, but he let it go for now. Even if the old coot got involved it was no guarantee that both of the Back Water’s residents would get out fine. Reflexes dulled with age and the man wasn’t going to be around forever, all it took was a clean jab in the right place and no Ruth present and it would be over. Again though, her flippant remark had images rolling their merry way through and within a blink the heat from anger switched to filling into his cheeks, words slowly bumbling out of him. [color=#c10300]“Well... Um. I’m just. I’m just glad you’re eh. You’re ok. It’s not... It’s not. Um.”[/color] Get it together Colt. [color=#c10300]“Polite.” What? “You ask a lady first and if she tells you to fuck off, you go.” [/color]
Colt swallowed as she turned in his lap, hand once again to run through his hair with a shake of his head. She’d refilled his glass and while he happily took it without complaint paused taking this one more slowly to watch his remaining had pulled into her lap. Grinning, he’d switch it up, taking one of hers to engage in a war of thumbs, anything to distract him from the threadbare excuse of a dress and how her ass sat perfectly. Stop it, Colton, just breathe.
Of course he put himself in a catch 22 situation with his own goddamn mouth though. Colt blinked, still befuddled in the moment. [color=#c10300]“Scrub my… Oh. Um. I. HEH. I, eh I…”[/color] Yes was all too easy, but no. The tug of war in his chest wouldn’t allow him, but his mouth couldn’t quite form the words to refuse her. Maybe there was another way… a plot began forming in his mind, clutched from the air hastily. It might work, they’d both get privacy and she, a good rest, if it went favourably.
The bath was a fine idea, it just wouldn’t be for him. [color=#c10300]“I eh. I could always use the food, yeah that’s true. How ‘bout I help you with the buckets though, you’ve chased these shits about enough, I won’t take no for an answer,” [/color]his thumb playfully pinned hers in place, brow quirking at her.
The moment his thumb slid across the delicate skin of her palm, her breath caught in her throat. It wasn't the skilled, patient touch of Ruth, that could take her apart in various different ways -- slender strong fingers of the surgeon typically had her seeing stars within a few minutes, but this? This was an unhurried, almost, casual touch, but with intent. It made her realize that she'd been missing a touch like this, needed -- craved a touch like this.
It wasn't sexual in nature, and wasn't someone pushing her out of the way in a rough way either. She found herself unsure of what to do with it, so she chased his path with her own thumb, until he pinned the digit down, her eyes sweeping back up to his face. Was it a game? And the playful grin there, it was a game, one she hadn't played before and that had her missing the gears turning in his head. "[color=#2ecc40]I cannot say no,[/color]" her voice dropped some, so as only for his ears as she leaned into whisper.
"[color=#2ecc40]So you want me to say "yes, yes, yes" over and over again?[/color]" She grinned, giving him a little wink as she tried very hard not to drag his hands between her legs as she did. It would have been something she had done with Ruth, with some of her other usuals that paid for her. An offer of not taking no for an answer usually meant letting them touch her in a variety of ways that she may or may not enjoy. But Colt was not Ruth. He never would be, and Gods, she was thankful for that.
But the thought of Colt's fingers between her legs had her squeezing her knees together, there on his lap, as she curled her hand into his grasp. She relaxed into him there, in her little corner, tension draining from her shoulders she hadn't known she had been carrying until then. Colt didn't mean to bed her, or maybe he did, she didn't know. "[color=#2ecc40]So a meal, and a bath for Colt, in the big room, and you're going to carry your own buckets, that's a help. Wish others were as good to me as you are.[/color]"
His thumb glided against hers, pushing it back and forth until she caught on to the game. They’d give and take a few rounds, the touch of this little piece of skin against his pulled all his focus awry.[color=#c10300] “You can always say no,”[/color] he mumbled, but understanding it wasn’t always a luxury one could afford.
[color=#c10300]“Heh. Well, it’s uh, it’s uh not quite like that?”[/color] He wasn’t sure, he’d lost sight of the conversation a little, his brain fogged and at war with itself and his body’s reaction, while the plan in his mind began to grow various branches.
Then she was folding herself into him and the tension building in him relaxed, back sinking deeper into the back of the booth as his arm tucked her in more snugly. It felt natural to do it, so Colt followed his instincts, taking every bit of closeness she offered within reason. Maybe the lads were right, maybe he should just go for it, take his time with her for a night and in the morning he’d get it out of his system. Only he didn’t want her out of scratching an itch. She deserved more. More than a fleeting fuck.
[color=#c10300]“Mhm,”[/color] was all he could manage, waiting on her to make the first move and when she did, he’d help fill and carry the buckets. He’d catch the eye of Danny, Colt shooting him a look of ‘[color=#c10300]Don't,’ [/color]but of course the bastard couldn’t keep his mouth shut. [color=#44b8ff]“Oooooh. Is Colty mounting the ship?”[/color] While his face remained set, eyes rolling, Colt could feel his cheeks warmed still and he turned his back on the crew behind him. [color=#c10300]“I know the way, why don’t you grab me some grub and I’ll get this, Mina.” [/color]
He reckoned by the time she had warmed it up, he’d have the bath ready for her with a screen in between it and a table where he’d chow down the plate she brought up. He made two trips with the buckets, long legs making quick work of the stairs and as she came through the door he’d have shed his outer layers for a simple open collared shirt and a pair of comfortable bottoms. His shirt bunched above the elbow testing the water, the heavy ink of his sleeve unmistakable. [color=#c10300]“Just in time.” [/color]
"[color=#2ecc40]Not quite like that huh?[/color]" She teased him with a smile as she leaned up and placed a small kiss along the underside of his jaw, reluctant to leave the warmth of his arms, of his lap. He held her like she was precious, gave her a feeling of being precious, so she didn't want to leave it, not even when she had plans of being on her knees for him in a few minutes. Get him to sit down in a chair and let her mouth show him just how appreciative she was of him stepping in earlier. "[color=#2ecc40]It could be like that you know.[/color]"
And with that, she carefully unfolded herself from his grasp, her behind sliding all the way into his lap as she went to crawl over him to get up. She knew if she didn't move now, she'd be likely to stay right there like that with him until either everyone passed out or went to bed. She could sleep there, curled up with him, and never feel unsafe, she realized as she paused there in his lap. "[color=#2ecc40]Okay okay, you know where things are, I'll get you a good bit of grub.[/color]"
She finally slipped off his lap completely, now on his other side so that she could slide out from the little cubby, straightening her dress as she lifted the curtain of red lace aside, before slipping around the bar to to the kitchen. She couldn't linger, if she lingered.. But while she worked in the kitchen, knife cutting up cubed of cheese, and some melon and adding them to a tray on a plate. Some pickles too, made their way on a small dish. A large bowl of the stew that she took time to fish out extra meat for him, and a load of the round bread she normally would put soup in, they all made their way to the tray before she thought about adding something sweet on there too, a jar of jam added on a whim. She loaded a tea pot and two mismatched mugs, as well as a personal keg of some of the stuff she kept in her cubby hole, before making her way towards the stairs.
When she backed into the room, she was happy he hadn't latched the door, so it was easy for her to let herself in, her foot catching the swinging door with practice, and knocking it closed as she came nearer with the heavy tray. "[color=#2ecc40]Looks like you made short work of it, and I hope you're hungry, I brought you enough to put some meat on that frame of yours. A strong wind would knock you down, I'm sure of it.[/color]"
She pushed the tray over on the table as she slid into one of the table chairs there, trying not to stare at his forearms, the tattoos there, and the sudden thought of having the time to trace all of them with her tongue coming to her like a bolt of lightning. Gods, she wanted to put her mouth on him, and that realization gave her a bit of a fright. She normally didn't like to kiss, nor want to use her mouth on anyone, save her favorite, and the fact that she had the image of Colt, naked, eyes dark and needy, watching her as she made her way along his body and mapped each and every mark on his skin with her tongue had her shifting in her seat. But she quickly pushed that aside, returning to the fact that she was in the big room, with him, and the way his arm flexed under the ink. She wanted those arms back around her, all the more safe she felt in them. All the more cherished she felt in them. She'd never felt cherished in anyone's arms, her entire life, not even the few times the old man had hugged her as a tiny child when she had been crying, never had she felt what she did earlier that evening when he had held her.
"[color=#2ecc40]Come eat, Colt, then we can get you in the tub and you can let me scrub your back for you.[/color]" She really had no idea he intended on getting her in the tub.
While his brow arched with her repeating what he said, the rest of him froze as she moved and kissed his neck. The smallest shiver ran from Colt’s chin all the way down his spine. Teeth pulled at his lips and after a moment he’d mumble something incoherently under his breath, feeling the shade of his face darken some more. She was not making it easy, and it might have been deliberate, which he didn’t mind, but he also didn’t want her getting the wrong idea about him. It wouldn’t be a casual thing like with anyone else, not to Colt.
He was aware of every slight movement her ass made. Taunting him if he just had the balls to say ‘yes,’ it would be so easy to pull her back onto him, kiss her slowly while his hands roamed around her, but no. There’d been enough action between their job and putting his foot down earlier. Stepping out of the booth, he’d nod at her words.[color=#c10300] “No rush. Happy to do the heavy lifting.”[/color] If it gave her a break, he’d oblige her with anything. Well, almost anything.
Buckets, water, tub, repeat. Colt filled the tub in no time and before the final trip, moved the screen into place before fetching the last bucket. He cast her grin as she waltzed through, noting the heavy tray. He made to go and help, but she was already walking through towards the table. Again he bit his lip, thinking he should have offered to just do all the fetching and carrying, but she’d managed. Colt laughed at her words, offering a slight shrug. [color=#c10300]“Eh, Da was a lanky bastard too. No wind knocked him over…”[/color] no, that had been him, after Colt had grown tired of watching his Ma being thrown around.
Picking up a towel and rising to his feet, Colt dried off his hands, a cheshire grin nearly split his face in two. [color=#c10300]“Na. That wasn’t my plan.” [/color]Carefully he began walking over, stepping around the screen to stand just in front of her. [color=#c10300]“The baths for you. Reckon you deserve a night off filling others needs, to look after your own for once. At least when I’m here, anyway.”[/color] Hands slipped into his pockets as the awkward tension crawled back up his spine. [color=#c10300]“I’ll save you some grub too. You just, um, relax?” [/color]
Half turning, he pulled a hand out of his pocket to gesture to the screen. [color=#c10300]“Just for you. I’m good on this side, putting some meat on my frame,”[/color] he’d grin.
Realization started dawning on her as he stood up and appeared back in front of her, breath caught painfully in her chest at how beautiful a man he was, out of dusty travel gear, of leathers and the occasional plate of metal, stripped down to just simple fabric on his frame, rolled up here and there so the flex of muscle could be seen under skin, how veins popped along his forearms, and tapered down into slender fingers that she knew would be as skilled as Ruth's. Oh, Gods help her, she was going to tease this man until he gave in or she ran him off. "[color=#2ecc40]For me? Oh, come now Colt, I don't smell do I?[/color]"
She exaggeratedly lifted an arm and gave it a sniff, and then pushed herself up into standing there infront of him, head tilted back so she could watch his face as she looped a hand up under her hair and pulled it aside, gently turning so that her back was to him, her little feet taking her back a half a step until she could feel the heat of his body on her skin, her cheeks flushing a little at the idea of taking a bath beside him as he ate. She'd fiddle the screen in a way she could see him as he ate, but leave her relatively covered, since he insisted on being a gentleman. "[color=#2ecc40]Help me with the knots then? It's about time I let this stretch of silk soak and lay out to dry. Wear my blue one for the next few nights, hmm?[/color]" She asked him like he would be there to enjoy the robin's egg blue fabric on her skin, the emerald green of the dress she was in now setting off grey eyes. "[color=#2ecc40]The plan was letting you relax, Colton Young. Not putting me in a tub beside you as you eat, though I may have to remember this, I think I have a few regulars that may pay well for this.[/color]"
She had rambled, she never rambled. But there was something about having him help her from the dress, the chance that there would be more skin against skin touches from him. Her lip drawn between her teeth as she tried to shut herself up from saying anything that would stop him from helping her. She had a bad habit of talking dirty, and she knew sometimes it made him go quiet. "[color=#2ecc40]You sure I can't try and tempt you to join me?[/color]"
She wasn't used to being told no like this, and while it smarted a bit, she was also smart enough to realize the way of it. Belatedly, at least. It had taken her a little while to learn, of course. "[color=#2ecc40]After you get a fully belly, that is. Full belly, a soak.. sleep in a big comfortable bed? Hold me the night through so we both sleep?[/color]" She worked on putting her hair into a braid as she waited for him to help her with her dress.
Colt tilted his head as she stared up at him. He hadn’t seen that look before, brows steepled until she started on trying to get out of it. He’d toss the towel back over the screen and lightly fold his arms over his chest, brow raised. [color=#c10300]“Na, na. Nothing like that.” [/color]Stretching a hand over to ruffle her hair a little when she stood up. He didn’t know why, it just felt right to, as did fixing it for her too. [color=#c10300]“Nothin’ a bit of lookin’ after won’t cure.”[/color]
He took it back as she shifted the locks around, backing up a little closer that his hand drifted closer again. Even as her words registered, Colt froze, eyes tracking a journey from her head to toes and back again, settling on the top of the row of knots [color=#c10300]“I, um. Su…. sure,” [/color]nerves causing him to chew down on his lip as he figured out how much pressure these delicate things would need. [color=#c10300]“You’re asking the right lad for tricky knots.”[/color] Before he did anything, Colt licked the back of his thumb, angling it so that he reckoned he’d get them all with one swoop, each knot untangling in order of descent.
Chuckling, a wide grin spread across his face, [color=#c10300]“Easy,”[/color] and leaning down to her ear, [color=#c10300]“in you go.”[/color] Retreating a step, Colt strode around her, trying to shake the tremors running through him with how hard this was and, frankly he was getting, and how he was making it worse on himself by the minute. Breathe Colt. Just breathe. A hand rubbed the back of his neck, letting out a puff of air before another idea had him looking for his pack laid at the base of the bed. [color=#c10300]“I reckon I’ve something comfier for you,”[/color] he’d offer, pulling out a crumpled, but perfectly clean spare shirt.
He’d walk back over, draping it over the screen for when she was ready. [color=#c10300]“If we’re stargazin’ later, I don’t want you catchin’ a chill, even with me and blankets.”[/color] Taking a seat, his grin softening looking over the arranged spread prepared for him. [color=#c10300]“I’m game for cuddles, so long as you sleep. No funny business. Not from me, anyways.” [/color]
The way he stumbled over himself sometimes made Mina's insides flutter a little -- it was like he wanted to be near her, not just for the obvious, and it was starting to become more clear to her, that this might have been something that had been on his mind for quiet a while. Thinking back to the times he had been in the bar before, the single word answers, and how his ears would go red when she'd be lewd. Like now, as he worked the knotted silks loose a hand going to catch the garment before it slipped past her breasts.
She had thought to let it puddle to the floor and let him try not to peek after he said he wouldn't, it's his breath on the lobe of her ear that has her breathless, before she loses the heat of his body along her back. [color=#2ecc40]"In I go,[/color][color=#ff4136]"[/color] she repeats after him, waiting for him to step to the other side of the folding partition, watching him over her shoulder. She can hear him move on the other side of the partition as she finally lets the silk fall to the floor, leaning over some so she could watch him, before hiding back behind the panel as he drew close again. A shirt found it's way to the top of the screen, and she lifted a foot into the water, and then the other, as she sat down in the metal bath.
Higher cost room meant an actual tub, and not just those larger barrels like downstairs, and it had been a while she she let herself have an actual bath. The immediate idea to put her hands between her legs and take care of herself, to see how long it would take him to notice what she was doing had her immediately touching herself, her impulse control non-existent when it came to carnal pleasure. She was just about to work two fingers into herself when she realized that if she pushed him too hard, then she might miss out on something better. It was difficult, because her body was primed, always primed, for sex, but she finally slid her hands out from between her legs with one last circle of her clit, making her question rise some; "[color=#2ecc40]Stargazing?[/color][color=#ff4136]" [/color]She peeked around the partition at his face checking to see if he had realized she had been seconds away from getting off at just having him there beside her, her hands finding the cloth she'd use to scrub herself down, but first, she draped the fabric over her chest, to keep herself covered as she worked on her hair, checking to make sure the bucket was under the edge there. Washing her hair meant her hands were busy and she wouldn't likely fall back into trying to finger herself. "[color=#2ecc40]I like the idea of stargazing. We could pull some of the blankets out on the balcony, after everyone's cut all the lights downstairs..[/color]"
While she talked she had unbraided her hair, and at the pause, she slipped under the water, making sure the grey locks were soaking wet when she surfaced, before rubbing soap along her tresses. It was harsh, but she'd work some oil into them in the morning. For now, she wanted to be.. clean. Clean so that when he cuddled her later, like he said he was game for, that there was no trace of anyone else on her. He deserved that at least. "[color=#2ecc40]No funny business, from you, so that means if I wanted to climb you like a tree and use your face as a throne, there'd be no complaints? You have no idea how many times I've wanted to sit on your face in the past.[/color]" She had been doing so well, but gods it was so easy.
She looked at him innocently as she worked the soap along her scalp, the long edges of her ears red as she worked. "[color=#2ecc40]You know, if it bothers you, you can say so, and I'll try not to tease you quite as much. But I'd like it.. Colt, like you, and cuddles. I think. I'm not sure, I've never had just cuddles before, not without.. you know. Not that I would say no to that either. With you. I mean. I would gladly, I'm gonna shut up now."[/color]
His Ma had always taught him to be upright whereas his Da’ showed him the ways he should avoid. His mother was sweet, not too bright, but she had a way with her hands that made little intricate crochet patterns that they’d sell to earn a few more silvers. Even after shit hit the fan and he landed in the Coterie, he’d always mind his manners. He was a lad, but then no-one had caught his eye, or had caused his heart to thud hard against his ribs before her. He was enthralled by her from that moment.
Their conversations had gotten longer over time. He was able to manage a question or two, before either the lads, or someone else peeled her attention elsewhere, needing something from her. He never really paid attention to the conversations around him, always flickering over to check-in, pass a word or two along, reminding the boys to tip her well. Even from a near silent distance he’d been gently doting on her.
This was a lot further than a conversation though. Alone, in the Big room, with nigh but a thin screen between them. Pausing at the screen, his hand still held on to his side of the overhanging shirt, listening to the laps of water hitting the edges. The tension in his body relaxed as she finally acquiesced to his plan so far. Colt returned to the table, taking in the various treats she’d brought up with her, knowing some of it would be scarce and expensive to replace.
[color=#c10300]“Stargazin’.” [/color]He’d repeat, picking up the bread to slice a few pieces. He’d pause just before cutting, [color=#c10300]“We can sit and have a drink… maybe gibber.. ‘Fraid I don’t know many of their proper names, but I can tell you which ones lead where.” [/color]His hands word with muscle memory, buttering one piece of bread while the other picked through the cheese to add. Bless her, she even had pickles. Fuck. That gave him pause, that small tiny detail being remembered caused his gaze to shift towards the screen. Unaware she could maybe see him, the usual furrow in his brow smoothed out, the smallest laugh escaped and after a moment Colt shook it off. It was just a damn pickle afterall.
Fixing his sandwich, Colt had just taken a bite when she dropped the nugget about his face and her… well her seat. He choked in surprise, a piece of cheese and pickle lodged itself in his throat for a long few seconds before being eventually cleared. [color=#c10300]“Maker, you sure have good fuckin’ timing, Mina,”[/color] he’d cough, spluttering in between. He’d soon laugh, though a tad hoarsely, hand reaching to take a sip of the bottle she’d brought.[color=#c10300] “Near killed me.”[/color]
Listening to her ramble all on though, had him chuckling, realising she was suddenly nervous with the lack of usual activity with being in the ‘big’ room. Turning back to the food, Colt shook his head, his voice returned to its usual honest, low baritone. [color=#c10300]“Don’t. I like hearing you talk just...”[/color] fuck how did he put it. [color=#c10300]“Cuddles is.. All I got. At the minute anyway.”[/color] Maybe forever, but he’d be straight with her.
