Beauty and the Beasts

[AUGUST WITT]

He could see how upset she was, but allow her to throw her miniature hissy fit, taking a step back and pouting angrily at him and acting more like a child than the adult woman she was. “It doesn’t matter to me whether a person is a Gargoyle or not, they’ll get my reverence when it’s earned, August. I understand we’re taboo to Gargoyles; you don’t know how many times Gertie and Drew and all of the other Blurrs I know have warned me this is dangerous. You know what I say? ‘Thanks for your concern.’ I blow it off because I know we both understand the world is changing now that Peter Holloway is in power and we’ll be fine." Did she honestly and truly think it was so simple? The leader said it was okay and all would hop on board? He had to fight the urge not to roll his eyes. "I’m starting to wonder if I was wrong. I was ecstatic in there when you told Snow we’re an item. Finally you admitted we were together despite those stupid traditional views on interspecies relationships. But now I have to show my reverence to Gargoyles? Sorry I made you look bad because I felt the need to stand up for myself, but even I have my limits for the amount of disrespect I can take.” A tear trickled down her cheek, but August showed no sign of remorse. If anything he was more annoyed with her reaction. Naturally she had taken everything in the worst possible way, taking offense to simple truths. Couldn't she see his words as simple truths? Rules that needed to be followed?

“Maybe you should take me home. You can sleep in your own bed tonight.” She was refusing to look at him and this time he actually did roll his eyes at her foolishness. "Can you stop for one moment and try to understand that I'm not attacking you?" He growled at her, reaching his hand up to snatch her chin and force her to look back at him, his fingers dropping once he had her gaze. "I have worked my entire life to be what I am now. I'm very, very slowly climbing the ladder, and that's a ladder I'd like very much to stay on. Do you think because Snow's not in power anymore that he has any less authority? I went out on a limb by introducing us as a couple tonight, especially to Snow. For months I've refused titles, and there's a reason. One, I find them foolish, and two, being attached romantically to a Blurr looks bad for me. But things have changed. You need that confirmation that I have no intentions of leaving you. That I value your company and don't consider you simply an accessory. Then there's the case of Peter. He has more respect for the other species, but there are many, many more who still do not. My family for starters. And then there's Snow and several other council members. When you talk back to them you make your own kind look bad, and you hurt my reputation. I didn't scold you because I felt you had no reason to say anything. Of course you wanted to defend yourself, but there are times in life when you need to be the bigger person and let an arrogant man be arrogant." August sighed and ran a hand through his hair, mussing it slightly.

"Listen to me." His voice was softer, and he took a step closer. "I care for you. Deeply. More so than I have any other woman, and I'm proud to show you off. You're beautiful, sexy, clearly intelligent and generally fun to be around. There's rarely a dull moment with you on my arm. No one, except maybe Snow, can possibly question your value as an impeccable being, but if I can't trust you to show discipline, then I can't risk going to functions with you. That's not a threat, Maxine. It would punish me as much as it would you, but my career is important to me, and you need to respect that there are certain rules that need to be followed, petty or not." His eyes searched hers, waiting for her to storm off, or perhaps she would surprise him and simply agree. It was hard to tell with Maxine.

[MAXINE MCMANUS]

“Can you stop for one moment and try to understand that I’m not attacking you?” August’s hand grabbed Maxi’s chin and forced her to look at him, which she did so reluctantly. He wasn’t attacking her but he’d just told her a couple minutes ago to shut her mouth? She wasn’t buying it. “I have worked my entire life to be what I am now. I’m very, very slowly climbing the ladder, and that’s a ladder I’d very much like to stay on. Do you think because Snow’s not in power anymore that he has any less authority?” Maxi had to admit he had a point—of course Snow was still powerful. He’d been a leader after all and was still the head of the Council. She bit the inside of her lip bitterly. “I went out on a limb by introducing us as a couple tonight, especially to Snow. For months I’ve refused titles and there’s a reason. One, I find them foolish, and two, being attached romantically to a Blurr looks bad for me.” More tears welled in her eyes as her anger rose again. How could he not know how much those words stung? “But things have changed. You need that confirmation that I have no intentions of leaving you. That I value your company and don’t consider you simply an accessory. Then there’s the case of Peter. He had more respect for the other species, but there are many, many more who still do not. My family for starters. And then there’s Snow and several other council members. When you talk back to them you make your own kind look bad, and you hurt my reputation. I didn’t scold you because I felt you had no reason to say anything. Of course you wanted to defend yourself, but there are times in life when you need to be the bigger person and let an arrogant man be arrogant.” No matter what she did, she couldn’t win. There was nothing she could do to ever convince August that they would be okay as a couple and they would be accepted. Why did she even bother? “Trust me, I am the bigger person almost every day of my life,” she muttered. She let August be his arrogant self on a daily basis. Maxi rarely put up a fight and yet August was lecturing her as if she did it all the time.

“Listen to me.” Another tear slid down her cheek as she looked up at him, defeat in her big blue eyes. “I care for you. Deeply. More so than I have any other woman, and I’m proud to show you off. You’re beautiful, sexy, clearly intelligent and generally fun to be around. There’s rarely a dull moment with you on my arm. No one, except maybe Snow, can possibly question your value as an impeccable being, but if I can’t trust you to show discipline , then I can’t risk going to functions with you. That’s not a threat, Maxine. It would punish me as much as it would you, but my career is important to me, and you need to respect that there are certain rules that need to be followed, petty or not.” His eyes stared down into hers as if waiting for her to simply give in. She let out a bitter laugh, another tear sliding onto her cheek as she looked out at the bay. “You care for me, but I make you look bad because I’m a Blurr. Nobody could deny that I’m a great partner, except for the many, many Gargoyles who haven’t accepted that Blurrs aren’t inferior. You can’t even accept that I’m not inferior because of how I was born—and don’t you dare argue with that.” Her eyes burned even as they glittered, letting him know to shut his mouth until she was done. It was hard to get the little woman angry, but when she was, it was best to let her be so. “You said just sticking up for myself makes me and my kind look bad, but why is that, August? Because there’s actually a Blurr that will stand up to a Gargoyle? I’m so sick and tired of being looked at as exceptional for ‘my kind.’ We’re just people August, as are Gargoyles. Our personalities and abilities might be different, but it doesn’t make us less or more as people. It’s our personalities that define our status as people. Do you know how much it hurts me that you’ve been reluctant to admit we’re devoted to each other simply because of what I am and how that makes you look? I don’t begrudge you your job and your desire to climb the company ladder, but to know that you would attribute any part of your failing in that to me just because I am what I am and you care about me…that fucking hurts.” She sobbed gently and pressed the back of her hand to her lips to try and swallow her tears, refusing to look at him again. There was a silence where she gathered herself again and took a breath to stop her crying. She wiped her cheeks and sniffled, rubbing the tears into her hands and watching her palms run against each other. “So this is politics. Well then, I promise I won’t embarrass you or myself anymore. I’ll hold my tongue and let you take the lead when we’re around your people. Then you can still be proud to show off your pretty little girlfriend.” Her heart felt heavy and there was a lump in her throat that she couldn’t seem to swallow. She was too angry and hurt at the moment to try.

With a sigh, she turned her back to him, knowing she needed to cool off before she could stand to be around him again. “I’m going to the restroom to freshen up.” She shrugged his coat off and handed it back to him before setting off down the balcony. The cool air felt good on her skin, as did the drizzle that was starting up again, and she tried to let it calm her. There were times when she felt August could be such a child, and this was one of them. If he would just accept what they were, that he loved her, then they could make it work. Who gave a fuck what other people thought? As long as they were discreet and didn’t announce their relationship to a lot of Gargoyles, then there was no need for a problem. Yes, Robert Snow knew, but who was he going to tell? Something else would annoy the former leader soon enough and he would forget all about his irritation with August and herself. She walked to the end of the balcony before she actually stepped inside again and found her way to the bathroom. Thank goodness there was no one in there to hear her sniffling again and catch her wiping more tears off her cheeks. Why did it always have to end up like this?

[AUGUST WITT]

August was annoyed that she was crying, wishing for a moment she could see what he was saying and not take it so personal. A bitter sounding laugh escaped her lips and he scowled gently. “You care for me, but I make you look bad because I’m a Blurr. Nobody could deny that I’m a great partner, except for the many, many Gargoyles who haven’t accepted that Blurrs aren’t inferior. You can’t even accept that I’m not inferior because of how I was born—and don’t you dare argue with that.” His mouth set in a stern line, wanting very much to argue her ridiculous point, but he kept his mouth shut, going rigid as he watched her. “You said just sticking up for myself makes me and my kind look bad, but why is that, August? Because there’s actually a Blurr that will stand up to a Gargoyle?" He was growing more annoyed with every word she spoke and he wanted nothing more than to tell her off, but she was going on still. "I’m so sick and tired of being looked at as exceptional for ‘my kind.’ We’re just people August, as are Gargoyles. Our personalities and abilities might be different, but it doesn’t make us less or more as people. It’s our personalities that define our status as people. Do you know how much it hurts me that you’ve been reluctant to admit we’re devoted to each other simply because of what I am and how that makes you look? I don’t begrudge you your job and your desire to climb the company ladder, but to know that you would attribute any part of your failing in that to me just because I am what I am and you care about me…that fucking hurts.” She sobbed and for a moment he softened. August understood why she was upset now, but it didn't change the way things were. If anything, he realized how very wrong for him she was, but he was too selfish to let her go. He cared for Maxine. He lusted for her and devoted himself to her. After knowing her nearly a year she still dominated his thoughts and when he wasn't with her he still thought about when he would get his next fix. She was a drug, and he needed her, which meant he would need to somehow break her down.

“So this is politics. Well then, I promise I won’t embarrass you or myself anymore. I’ll hold my tongue and let you take the lead when we’re around your people. Then you can still be proud to show off your pretty little girlfriend.” The way she said it made him frown. That's essentially what he'd asked; her to just be the pretty little thing on his arm. It's not as though he wanted it that way, and it wasn't like she needed to be like that around all of his kind, but when it came to Snow and other council members she would need to show restraint. Maxine turned away from him and August had no idea what to say or do to remedy the situation. What he asked was unfair, but they weren't his rules. She wanted to be with him, and she wasn't his kind, which meant there were certain things she would need to do that neither of them would like. “I’m going to the restroom to freshen up.” She shrugged his coat off and gave it to him before making her way inside. He didn't follow knowing she needed a moment to compose herself, and perhaps when she came back she would be in a better mindset to talk with him. Either way he was certain it was time to leave.

August stayed outside for a few minutes, collecting his thoughts and checking the messages on his phone before going back into the party. He slid his jacket back on once inside, though it was much warmer in the Remington, and made his way to the bar. He got a stiff drink and drank it quickly before ordering another and moving to one of the small tables set up for people to sit and dine. He slowly slipped his drink, checking his watch after a few minutes. Would she have gotten her things and left him there? She would be in a world of trouble if she had, and August was sure Maxine wouldn't simply up and go like that without telling him. Halfway through his drink he noticed the small redhead making her way back into the party, still close to the bathroom. August drained his glass and stood, making his way towards Maxine. As he walked he tried to think of what he might say to her, not wanting things to blow up there at the benefit.

Maxine's eyes landed on him and he offered a stoic look in return. She seemed as though she had calmed down some, but was clearly unhappy still. At least her eyes were dry now. Despite the things she said, all he could think about was how beautiful she was and how much he wanted to kiss her. So when he reached her that's what he did. Despite the crowd around them he wrapped an arm around Maxine and cradled her head with the other, bringing her into him for a kiss. He could tell she was startled by it, and he knew she probably didn't want his adoration at the moment, so he kept his kiss brief. "I do not look down on you or your kind. Not anymore." He assured her in a soft but stern voice, his face still close to hers, their bodies pressed together, and he genuinely did not car who saw; even Snow. "I'm proud to show you off even when your tongue is sharp and gets me in trouble and embarrasses me." His fingers slid through her hair as his eyes focused only on her. "And if I fail, I won't blame you. I need you. You're stubborn and sassy and frustrating, but it doesn't make me care any less." He loosened his grip and stood her a little straighter. "We'll work the details out. Later. When we both have level heads." He looked into her eyes hoping for her to genuinely calm down. "Until then I'd like very much to either have another drink or leave. Have you finished attending to your business here?"

[MAXINE MCMANUS]

It took Maxi several minutes to calm down and finally be able to wash the tears off her face and fix her make-up as best she could. She wasn’t ashamed of what she was, never had been and never would be, but for the first time in her life she did regret it. If she had been born a Gargoyle, August would have been willing to announce their relationship a long time ago. They could be together freely. Hell, maybe she would have met his father by now and his mother would insist on going to lunch with her every now and then. It was hard to admit that was a life she would never live. Things would never be that easy for them; would that be their undoing? She sincerely hoped not. Now that August had been in her life for almost a year, she couldn’t imagine a life without him in it. Perhaps it was a short amount of time for some people, but it was more than enough time for her to become attached. And they were happy when they weren’t around Gargoyles…It was that thought that calmed her down. She couldn’t wish for more than what they had because it was an impossible dream. If she had been born a Gargoyle, she certainly wouldn’t be the sweet, warm, loving Maxine Erin McManus that she was today. She wouldn’t be the woman August cared for, maybe even loved, and it was possible they wouldn’t even like each other. Hopefully August would be more sensitive to her feelings after this, though, if only a little.

When she emerged from the bathroom, her face fixed and her eyes no longer pink, she looked around for her boyfriend in the crowd. She didn’t know where he’d gone to, but she knew she was still a little bitter about the whole interaction between them. Why did he have to insist she be little more than an accessory when they were out together? Finally their eyes met, August working his way to her through the crowd. Even though her heart jumped a little at seeing him, glad he hadn’t abandoned her there, she didn’t smile like she normally would. Their eyes stayed locked, Maxi moving slowly towards him in return. She expected him to ask her to leave or to refute what she’d said, but his reaction took her completely by surprise. His arm wrapped around her waist, his other hand burying in her hair as he pulled her into him, and her hands came to his chest in surprise, grabbing his lapel with both hands. Her eyes slipped closed beneath her furrowed brow. She loved that he was kissing her in this huge crowd of people, letting anyone around them know that he was with her, but she couldn’t help still feeling mad at him. Thankfully he kept his kiss brief, but he stayed close and kept her close, making her flush as she stared in his eyes.

“I do not look down on you or your kind. Not anymore. I’m proud to show you off even when your tongue is sharp and gets me in trouble and embarrasses me.” She could feel tears glittering in her eyes again as she looked up at him, his words making her heart throb in her chest. As his fingers combed through her hair, she wondered how she could stay mad at him. “And if I fail, I won’t blame you. I need you. You’re stubborn and sassy and frustrating, but it doesn’t make me care any less.” Now a small smile came to her lips, sniffling and nodding, blinking back her fresh tears. She didn’t want to cry again, even if they were happy tears. It was a relief to know she was free from his blame and that he needed her—she needed him too. He loosened his grip, but she stayed close, her hands still holding on to his lapel. “We’ll work the details out. Later. When we both have level heads. Until then I’d like very much to either have another drink or leave. Have you finished attending to your business here?” Leaving sounded okay, but she wanted to leave on a better note. “Can we have just one more dance? Someone ruined the last one.” She smiled a little more and stood on tiptoe to plant another soft, brief kiss on his lips, hoping it would soften him to the idea. “Please?” she asked, giving a bigger, sweeter smile. The band began playing an old favorite[/u] and she was sure he couldn’t say no.

[AUGUST WITT]

August could see his words had moved her by the way her eyes glittered with fresh tears, but he was glad she didn't cry. He didn't like tears, even happy ones. "Can we have just one more dance? Someone ruined the last one." She smiled and pressed her lips briefly to his and he frowned slightly in return. He didn't care to dance there. They'd spectacles of themselves enough already without going onto the dance floor once more and risking another incident. "Please?" her smile was large and sweet, pleading with him to give in as a familiar song began to play. "One dance." He grumbled, giving into the request and escorting the beautiful Maxine to the dance floor.

Their bodies pressed together tight, as only a couples would while on a dance floor, and August swayed the small girl in his arms to the tune of the Frank Sinatra classic. August wasn't one to serinade anyone, but he hummed the tune softly into her ear as they moved, their feet in step with the others. August slid his fingers lovingly through Maxines hair. Looking down into her eyes as her gaze came up to him, still humming softly along.

"You're the only person who gives me strength and also makes me feel incredibly weak." He admitted, gazing into her eyes. "You push me to the edge constantly, and yet I can't stay angry at you for long. You make me break all my own rules.." August shook his head, "..and yet I'm still captivated by you." The man sighed, tugging her hair gently. "I both love ad hate the way you make me feel. Surely you'll be the death of me." A smile tugged at his lips as his eyes bored down into hers.

[MAXINE MCMANUS]

“One dance.” Maxi grinned and grabbed August’s hand as he led them to the dance floor. She’d always loved how rough his hands were and how very soft hers felt in return. Just their skin told so much about them. When they were on the dance floor, he pulled her tightly to him, making her smile gently. His cheek hovered close as he hummed the tune in her ear and she blushed gently, her smile soft as she closed her eyes and simply let him guide her around the dance floor. It was like their fight never happened and he was sweeping her off her feet again. She loved and hated how easy it was to forgive him. His fingers slid through her hair, drawing her eyes up to his again, smiling a little wider at the way he hummed along. It was very rare for him to serenade her, but it was a quirk she liked to see in him. His eyes fixed on hers and she let herself get lost in his stormy gaze. She’d never felt so clichéd until she met August.

“You’re the only person who gives me strength and also makes me feel incredibly weak. You push me to the edge constantly, and yet I can’t stay angry at you for long. You make me break all my own rules…and yet I’m still captivated by you.” Maxi blushed at his confession, but smiled wider at it. She hoped he would be captivated by her for a very long time to come. He tugged her hair gently, biting on her lip in response. “I both love and hate the way you make me feel. Surely you’ll be the death of me.” She smiled brightly, letting out a soft laugh. “Well I’ll try not to kill you any time soon. I’m not done with you, Mr. Witt, not by a long shot.” A playful grin graced her lips, her hand resting against the side of his neck, just affectionate enough without calling too much attention to them. “So I guess that means you can sleep over tonight.” Of course August made it clear he had no intention of it being otherwise, making her giggle.

With a soft sigh, she leaned in and pressed her temple to his jaw gently, the smell of his cologne making her feel safe. He continued to sway them and she moved with him smoothly. “Even though you drive me nuts sometimes, you make me really happy, August.” Her voice was soft, just loud enough for him to hear. When she pulled back and looked up at him it was with a gentle smile. She was happy; happier than she had been in a very, very long time. “Especially when you let me drag you out as my date.” She giggled, teasing him for his earlier reluctance and hopefully softening him to future forced outings, if only just a little.

[AUGUST WITT]

Her laugh made him relax as he swept her around the floor. "Well I'll try not to kill you any time soon. I'm not done with you, Mr. Witt, not by a long shot." his smile was small but affectionate. "Nor I you." He replied softly. "So I guess that means you can sleep over tonight." August cocked a brow at the statement. "Oh, I don't think that was ever really in question." His tone was pompous but his smile gave way that he wasn't really being so arrogant. She giggled in reply and he pulled her a little closer.

Maxine rested her head to his jaw and August pressed his head gently to hers, resting some of his weght there. "Even though you drive me nuts sometimes, you make me really happy, August." it was nothin he didn't already know. When she puled back he looked down into her deep, sapphire eyes. She truly was striking. "Especially when you let me drag you out as my date." again she was giggling and he pursed his lips slightly. "You would do well to check the guest list before dragging me anywhere, my dear Miss McManus." He reminded smoothly. "I'd rather not come to any more functons where Snow can come between us. He's two for two." Granted this time Snow hadn't won, but it was still infuriatin that their night had to be spoiledat all. It also reminded him of the discussion he would need to have with her at a later time concerning their relationship and how he expected her to act in certain situations, like it or not.

The song ended and August tilted his head slightly to the side. "If you want another it will be in the privacy of your home." His voice was kind but firm, making it clear he wanted to leave still. "I have other business to attend to." His fingers trailed to her back, tugging playfully at the zipper keeping her dress wrapped around her. "Lik this pesky zipper for instance." The look he offered was devilish, and he wanted her to leave as much as he did. They'd had their fun and it was officially time to move on.

[MAXINE MCMANUS]

“You would do well to check the guest list before dragging me anywhere, my dear Miss McManus.” It was a fair point but Maxi was never sure where to check those things. “I’d rather not come to anymore functions where Snow can come between us. He’s two for two.” She nodded, frowning a little. It wasn’t a competition, but she had to agree with August—they couldn’t keep letting Snow come between them. That was twice now and she didn’t intend for it to happen again. Robert Snow had no part in their relationship and she wouldn’t let him continue to butt in. The end of the song came sooner than she wanted, but she smiled up at August at the way he tilted his head to the side. “If you want another it will be in the privacy of your home. I have other business to attend to.” She grinned and blushed at the feel of his fingers trailing up her back, biting her lip when he tugged playfully at her zipper. “Like this pesky zipper for instance.” He was grinning wickedly and she giggled, pushing light on his chest. “Well don’t take care of it here on the dance floor. At least wait until we’re in the car.” She offered him a coy smile before looping her arm in his and letting him lead them off the dance floor.

They stopped at the coat check for her coat and purse and he helped her slide it onto her shoulders before she slid her arm in his again and walked out into the cold, damp night. It had started drizzling again, but since they were on their way home, she didn’t mind her hair getting wet or the slight train of her dress. She hugged close to him, the chill giving her a good excuse to do so, and he even went so far as to wrap the arm she was hugging around her shoulders as they walked to the car. Her arm slid around his waist beneath his coat and she felt safe. There was no one around that she could see and it was quiet enough that she felt like they were completely alone. It was a nice change from the crowded party.

When they reached the car, its lights flashing as August unlocked it, Maxi stopped him for a second by stepping in front of him and wrapping both arms around his neck. She got up on tiptoe and pulled him down gently so their lips could meet, a gentle smile on hers as she did so. The kiss was longer and more passionate than the ones they’d shared inside and her cheeks flushed light pink with the slow heat of it. When she pulled away, she didn’t go far, her nose nuzzling his gently beneath the light drizzle. “Thank you for telling Snow we’re together. It was very brave of you and it really did mean so much to me.” Her eyes stared into his, warm and genuine, thanking him like she couldn’t inside.

[AUGUST WITT]

The color on her cheeks and the way she giggled again delighted him. Well don't take care of it here on the dance floor. At least wait until we're in the car.". She insisted as she pushed lightly on his chest, and he grinned menacingly at the thought of only waiting to get to the car. Of course he would wait to get home, but the idea of it was a nice one. "Always full of surprises." He teased as he lead her away. August got their coats from the coat check and helped Maxine into hers before sliding his own in place. Then he escorted her outside, keeping an arm around hers to keep her close.

The sky had opened up once more and a light drizzle rained down upon them. Maxine pushed herself closer, all but hugging August and he slid his arm up over her shoulder to keep her a little dryer and warmer. He would have scolded her or such bevhavior not two months ago, but August was slowly coming to terms with what he and Maxine were. As they got to the car, Maxine pulled away, stepping in front of him. August offered an inquisitive look, but Maxine was quick to get to the point. Her arms slid up around his neck, her face pushing close to his. He accepted her kiss, his hands sliding inside her coat and finding her hips. Slowly he closed the gap, their bodies pressing as he kissed her deeply there outside the car in the light rain. Auguse sighed when she pulled away, their noses still touching as she looked up at him. "Thank you for telling Snow we're together. It was very brave of you and it really did mean so much to me." August didn't smile, but his lips came back to hers, only briefly. "It's time I stop lying to myself about what you mean to me." He offered softly. "And to everyone else. I'm pleased you're pleased." He reached around her and pulled the door open. "Now get out of this rain before you catch your death." His eyes were almost playful as Maxine giggled once more and slid inside the vehicle. He shut her door and went around to the drivers side.

August drove as quickly home as he possibly could considering the weather and traffic. Music crooned though the cars speakers and his fingers intertwined with hers, wishing he could touch her more but her dress was long and complicated. "What shall we do with the emainder of our evening?" He asked, looking over at the beautiful girl beside him. "Besides the obvious, of course. Or.. will that take up the remainder of our evening?" Now it was his turn to throw the coy smile at her, their destination getting closer by the second.

[MAXINE MCMANUS]

Maxi smiled against August’s lips as they came back to hers briefly, opening her eyes again when he pulled away. “It’s time to stop lying to myself about what you mean to me. And to everyone else. I’m pleased you’re pleased.” She grinned from ear to ear, feeling so relieved that she could have cried at his willingness to admit their relationship. Of course she didn’t though, sliding her arms from his shoulders as he opened her car door behind her. “Now get out of this rain before you catch your death.” She giggled and did as she was told, sliding into the car seat and pulling her skirts with her. He moved around the car and she was left to sigh contentedly at his admission. Every day he was getting closer to telling her those three little words that she wanted so desperately to hear. Tonight only confirmed that for her. She desperately wanted to call her sister to gush, knowing at least she would appreciate how excited she was, but Maureen was probably in bed and August wouldn’t appreciate being left alone even for a few minutes tonight.

August was in a hurry to get home, but he wasn’t unsafe with his driving to do so. Maxi found it amusing and her fingers twined with his on her lap, her other hand cradling the two of theirs. “What shall we do with the remainder of our evening?” She gave him a curious smile, wondering why he was asking. Wasn’t it obvious? “Besides the obvious, of course. Or…will that take up the remainder of our evening?” His smile was coy and she laughed before she nodded her head as if she was considering. “I could definitely see it taking up the rest of the evening. I mean, we did fight, so now it’s make up sex, and that takes time.” Her voice was playfully matter-of-fact, but when she looked at him again, her smile was full of amusement. “And then there’s the fact that you’ve been teasing me about getting me in bed pretty much all evening. I figure you’ll want to keep me there for a while. I certainly wouldn’t object.” His hand slipped out of hers and squeezed her thigh, making her blush slightly and giggle, turned on that she was turning him on.

Finally they pulled up in her driveway and August was quick to throw the car in park and get out. He came around and opened her door and her grin was both coy and excited as she watched him. They made their way to the door, his hand at the small of her back, and soon the porch was shielding them from the rain that had gotten heavier since they’d left the hotel. She unlocked the door but she didn’t open it yet, instead turning around and wrapping her arms around his shoulders, pulling him into a sweet, passionate kiss. Her back ended up against the front door, making her giggle softly into August’s lips. It was easy to lose herself in his mouth when they were so close to simply being alone.

[AUGUST WITT]

“I could definitely see it taking up the rest of the evening." She said nodding slowly and his smirk came up as he peered over at her once more. "I mean, we did fight, so now it’s make up sex, and that takes time. And then there’s the fact that you’ve been teasing me about getting me in bed pretty much all evening. I figure you’ll want to keep me there for a while. I certainly wouldn’t object.” She was slowly getting him riled up with her words. His hand slid from hers and moved to her thigh, hid fingers creeping in a little as he gave her a little squeeze, silently promising to take his time and make sure she was satisfied. He knew she would be. They both would be. "I have every intention of keeping you there for a while." He agreed softly.

They arrived at Maxine's home, the pair silently preparing themselves for what was about to happen. August's hand slid up and down her thigh as he drove, slowly teasing her, and himself. When the car slid into its spot, he was quick to throw it in park and get out, making his way to the passenger side to escort his date to her door. They quickly got out of the rain and August was set to go in, but Maxine stopped once she'd unlocked the door, turning to face him instead. Her arms wrapped around his shoulders and pulled him in towards her, her lips finding his and he met them with silent passion. August wrapped his arms around the petite woman, pushing her against the door and pinning her there as he hungrily slid his tongue around hers. She was doing a fine job of riling him up again and his right hand moved from her back to find the door handle. He turned it, keeping her body tight to his as he stepped her inside, their mouths never breaking contact. Once inside he slammed the door shut behind them and leaned down a little, sliding his one arm behind her knees, scooping her up easily into his arms. Her reaction made him smile against her lips, blindly moving to the stairs. He'd been there enough times over the last year to be able to navigate the home with his eyes shut, which was precisely what he was doing at the moment.

Once in Maxine's room he set her on her feet, finding her balance before pulling away from her mouth. His eyes wandered over her briefly, his head tilted to the side a little, before gazing back into her eyes with his storming gray ones. "It's a shame we made up. Punishing you for your mouth sounded like fun." He teased with a gentle smirk. "Now about this zipper.." His voice was soft in the quiet room, but he knew there would be plenty of noise reverberating off the walls soon enough. He came around the back of her and found the zipper holding her dress up. "Move your hair." He instructed softly. When she did as he asked, his fingers moved to tug at the small zipper, his lips finding her shoulder. August delivered soft nipping kisses over the pale flesh as he slowly undressed his girlfriend. As he finished unzipping her, he moved both hands to her shoulders to push the dress off, his lips finding their way into her neck as he gently pushed the dress off. He continued to plant soft kisses over her neck as the material slipped to the ground, his hands wrapping around her body to caress the soft flesh over her stomach, pulling her close into him as his hand slid down her body. He let his palm travel over her covered sex, putting light pressure on her mound before sliding his hand back up, exerting the same pressure as his palm pressed into her flat belly. "Do you have any idea what you do to me?" He whispered in her ear before nipping at the lobe. He pulled his hand up to her jaw, awkwardly turning her chin so he could kiss her, slowly turning her towards him so he could reach her mouth better. Her hands moved to his coat, helping him strip from his confines and he helped her by moving his body so the articles could come off easily as she pushed them off his body. Soon he was kicking his shoes and pants off, leaving him in his boxer briefs. Down to nothing but their underwear, August pushed her back towards the bed. "Keep your heels on." He instructed against her mouth. "I want to fuck you with them on."

---

[MAXINE MCMANUS]

For a long moment, August simply gazed into Maxi’s eyes and she stared right back, not backing down from her request. She wanted to hear those sweet words she’d waited so long to hear. He rolled them onto their sides, making her smile a little wider, gripping around his neck as he did so. Their legs twined together and it left Maxi wondering where he ended and she began. A sigh left his lips, his fingers combing through her now damp hair and her own hand slipped to his cheek, passing over the light stubble with gentle fingers. “I love you.” Her smile split across her face, her stomach clenching and her heart jumping into her throat to hear him say it with his eyes on hers. She had been right all along—he felt as strongly as she did. If he didn’t, he wouldn’t have gone to such lengths to get her back from Sebastian Davenport, he wouldn’t have apologized and begged for her to take him back when they fought at the masquerade, he wouldn’t have stood by her bed at the hospital while she recovered from her gunshot wound…he wouldn’t be here after nearly a year together. For a moment she wondered if he’d ever said those words to any other woman besides his mother, but immediately doubted that considering how long it took for him to say them back.

“It pleases you to hear.” She giggled and nodded as he leaned in and brushed his lips against hers. “And I often aim to please. But don’t expect it constantly. You know that’s not me.” Yes, she knew that. That was why she’d asked to hear it again before they slipped out of their conjugal bliss. He kissed her with a smile and she returned it with her own. “But rest assured I do, my dear Maxine.” She smiled wide before kissing him again, her big eyes opening to his once more when she pulled away, but still staying close. “I know. I think I’ve known it longer than you have.” Her smile grew, feeling a little smug about that now. “But forgive me if I say it maybe a little more than you do. And don’t give me that look.” A look of uncertainty had slipped over his face, but she didn’t want him to get the wrong idea. “I’m not saying I’ll say it constantly, but I will say it when I feel like I just can’t help myself. Like right now.” Her eyes were as bright as her smile when she buried her fingers in his hair and looked in his stormy eyes. “I love you.” She kissed him again, deeper this time and she pressed against him so he would roll onto his back. They rolled together and she was practically laying on him as she kissed him with sweet passion. In that moment she wondered how she could ever love him more than she did now, knowing full well that she fell more and more in love with him every passing day.

When she pulled her plump lips away from his, she looked down at him with an adoring smile, her hand pushing the strands of hair away from his forehead. “Let’s go get cleaned up,” she suggested softly. She leaned down and pecked his lips one more time before she pushed herself up and climbed off him. As she swung her legs over the side of the bed, pulling the tangled sheets along with her, a thud made her eyes look to the floor curiously. One creamy white shoe lay on the floor and she looked over to the end of the bed. The matching one was rested there just by August’s leg. She grinned and looked at August. “How do I never notice when my shoes fall off while we’re making love?”

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