Train Ride: The Storm
Wasn't originally planning on doing a sequel, but I just couldn't help myself! This is a sequel to Train Ride, so if you haven't, read that first! Some lore is being dropped in the story, and I can't wait for you all to experience Sezra's world further. Credit of course does go to @boe-someone for her character of Brassberry. TW: There is descriptions of violent physical altercation so if that will be too much for you, please do not continue any further. Without any further ado, all aboard!
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Kra-Boom
Brass jolted awake, the thunder shocking him from the Land of Sleep as the rain thrashed against the window, the gentle patter now long gone.
“The hell?” He grumbled drowsily, frustrated that his dream was interrupted as it was getting good and steamy. Yawning loudly, he realized he could hardly move. Looking down groggily, he saw a shape, or was it a lump, covered by a blanket? When did that get there? Lightning flashed outside, lighting up the room as if it were day, and he was able to get a good look at what kept him contained.
Sezra.
The realization slowly pushed aside his drowsiness as he remembered bit by bit what led to this moment. She was tired, he wanted to make her more comfortable, and before he knew it, he must have fallen asleep with her. The warmth of her body lulled him peacefully to rest.
“Damn, she’s still totally out.” He murmured, moving one hand to stroke her hair. She stirred slightly at the sudden touch, only to curl deeper in his embrace.
“Mmm… Brass…” She mumbled quietly.
The skeleton couldn’t help but blush, feeling the heat rise on his skull. How could she be this cute even while asleep? At the same time, he became very aware of how the grey beauty was lying in his arms. Her arms at some point slid from his chest down to his hips, her tender hands only inches away from what was in between. Her breasts pressed against his stomach, hovering just above, teasing him at how close they were, and yet not close enough. He held in a frustrated moan. How he wished he could grab and play with them, to hear her make all kinds of noises for him before he-
“Fuck!” He cursed, using a free hand to cover his mouth as he tried to control his urges.
Kra-Boom
The thunder seemed even louder now; the lightning just as bright as before. He sighed, trying to think of anything else to quell the heat that had begun to build. Breathe he thought. Just breathe. She had an extremely long shift, so just because you’re fucking horny doesn’t give you the right to force her awake now. Just breathe slow and deep, match her peaceful breaths that should help.
Kra-Boom
The crashing thunder scared him out of his meditation as he felt the train lurch a little like it picked up speed roughly. Odd he thought, but shrugging his shoulders, he tried to get back into rhythm and follow her slow breathing.
“Wait a minute.” He whispered, looking back down at his lover. Something felt off. He moved his hand that was stroking her hair underneath it and gently pressed down. He could feel her breathing picking up speed as he focused, and her ears were pinned tight against her head. She whimpered softly, her mind still in Dreamland.
Kra-Boom
He felt her body cringe a little at the thunderous roar, the train seeming to lurch again in tune with her.
“Shit, that ain’t good. Hey Sez, come on ya need to wake up now. Sez?” He tried to shake her shoulders, his voice loud enough to be heard yet not scare her awake, but his only response was whimpers and her hand tightening into a fist.
“St…op…. please…. n…no…” She cried, her body beginning to tremble despite the warm blanket, her breathing turning into haggard panting.
“Sez, come on ya need to wake up now, you’re startin’ to scare me.” Brass cried out louder, his voice slightly cracking in worried concern. Her body curled into a ball to protect herself from something, his words falling on deaf ears.
Kra-Boom
Her body jerked again as she gritted her teeth in pain, the train lurching more violently. He gripped her body tight against the rough movement, unsure if his hands were trembling because of his fear, or from her body. She cried out in pain, still trapped in a twisted dream as her claws tore through her gloves and dug into her arms, her once pristine shirt now slowly being stained with blood.
“Fuck, Sezra! You need to wake up!” He squirmed his body away from hers, careful not to let her head drop too hard. Kneeling in front of the trembling mess, he threw off the blanket and tried to pull her hands free, but they wouldn’t budge, the claws seeming to dig deeper with a sickening squelch. Was she always this strong?
Kra-BOOM
Shaking the entire room, Brass covered where his ears would be from the deafening sound. Sezra’s body shook violently, as did the train. Brass braced himself against the couch, his head spinning from the roar of thunder and sudden motion.
“The fuck is going on?!” He shouted. His question was answered by her now crying whimpers, her gloves and sleeves caked in her blood. He tried to pry her hands away again, but the blood made it too slick to get a proper hold.
“Come on, you gotta wake up now, Sez! You need to wake up!” He pleaded, desperately shaking her shivering body.
“Brass, Sezra, I’m coming in!” Screamed a voice from the other side of the door. He turned his head in time to see a small door within their door appear from the swirling golden magic as Dolores ran in, panting frantically.
“Dolores? How did- What are you-?” Brass started, but the little mouse cut him off, using all her strength to pull on his leather coat away from Sezra.
“You need to back up now!” She squeaked; the slightest hint of fear edged in her voice. Before Brass could question it, the thunder returned louder than he thought possible.
KRA-BOOM
Her hands gripped tighter as turquoise magic seemed to spill out of her, filling the room like a slow, bleeding river, the train violently shaking and trembling. He turned to look at Dolores, fear and anguish filling her eyes.
“Dolores, you better tell me what the fuck is going on!”
Dolores looked back at the large skeleton; pity etched on her face.
“She never told you, did she?” She asked him, the pained screams of her friend and the storm outside the only break in the silence. Brass just stared back confused.
“Tell me what Dolores?” Dolores shook her head, her usually tamed curls tangled as the magic filled the room, soaking into their clothes with a palpable loneliness.
“I’ll explain but we don’t have time right now. All you need to know is that Sezra and this train are far more connected than you realize.” She began, her voice, though quivering, took on an authoritative tone as her hands reached into her pocket and pulled out a pearl.
“Wha- “Brass began before he was interrupted again, Dolores glaring at him as she pushed a small button on the jewel.
“Brass, listen to me. This is her worst attack yet and if we don’t do something quick, it won’t just be her life that’s in danger you understand?”
The jewel transformed into a glittering machine, hovering beside Dolores, and staring at Brass with lifeless glowing eyes. He glanced back over at Sezra, her body writhing in pain as her hands now clawed at the couch instead, the sea of magic seeming to envelop her body slowly. He slammed a fist on the carpet beneath him, magic swirling away from the impact. Like hell, he was just going to sit there like a dumb ass. With a newfound determination, he looked back at Dolores, her tail flicking in fear and impatience.
“Tell me what to do.”
Her gaze softened for a moment before turning her attention to the machine beside her.
“Ima, commence protocol S-14 now!” She commanded.
With a trill of chirps, Ima hovered in the air between the two monsters, mechanical fingers creating a glowing orb, rapidly growing until it encompassed the whole interior of the cabin, the waves of turquoise seeming to have calmed to a stop for the time being. Dolores lifted her collar revealing a small microphone and speaker.
“Status report.” Her eyes darted between the three inhabitants. Voices crackled through the tiny speaker as Brass was able to make out a common saying amongst them.
“Protocol S-14 operational, standby.”
KRA-BOOM
Brass braced for the train to lurch again, but no motion came. Sezra continued to cry in anguish, body twisting and writhing like a feral animal. He looked back at Dolores, a grim expression still on her face as she watched her friend lose her sanity more.
“Copy, you all know what to do. Let’s pray the storm will pass soon as well. Good luck to you all. I’ll report soon.” She closed her eyes, her large ears drooping slightly as she sighed heavily.
“Brass,” She began, amethyst eyes staring deep into his soul. He nodded, waiting for her to continue.
“With how bad this is, you might not like this next part, but I need you to trust me. She’s never had it this bad before, and the storm isn’t helping matters either.”
Brass stood firm and resolute as he stole another glance at his lover. Her tail thrashed wildly like an animal in a cage, teeth bared and snarling. Blood and magic swirled angrily around her, her eyes though open, glowed a pale blue. He looked back and gave Dolores a little wink.
“I said tell me what to do, so tell me. I ain’t leavin’ ya to deal with this alone, and I ain’t leavin’ Sezra either.”
Dolores squeaked in relief.
“Good, because this won’t be easy. I need you to restrain her completely. Do whatever it takes to get the job done. Got it big boy?”
His resolve diminished; the serious expression remained firm on her face.
“Are ya fuckin’ nuts!” He screamed at the mouse. “Look at me! I’m twice her size, ya know that right? ‘Do whatever it takes,’ my ass! How is this supposed to help her huh? If I hurt her- “
“Don’t you think I already know that?!” The mouse screamed back. Brass stared back wide-eyed, surprised at how loud this small creature could be. Her ears twitched in frustrated annoyance, the sudden silence broken by the low growls behind them and the soft hum of Ima.
“She’s not just my boss, but my friend as well. If I thought there was another way, don’t you think I would have done it?” She glared back at Brass, eyes burning as tears threatened to overflow.
“This is the only way and if I can’t trust you to help her, then maybe she was wrong about you, and you need to get out of my way.”
Brass scowled, her accusation cutting through his bones, piercing his soul. Before he could make a rebuttal, Ima chirped rapidly, increasing the intensity of the glow that encompassed them. Dolores looked around Brass’s leg, eyes widening in fear.
“Shit!” She gritted through her teeth. Brass looked behind him at where Sezra was. Her body seemed to glow and pulsate with her untamed magic, growling and snarling as something slowly emerged from her body, pushing its way until it hovered in front of her chest.
Her soul.
Like all monsters, souls could materialize in the shape of a heart, often the same colour as their magic should they have any. Hers though was flipped upside down, covered in cracks and chips. How it stayed together at all was simply a miracle. However, it appeared by force, that her body was under extreme stress making the situation more precarious than before.
Ima chirped frantically again as the mechanical arms shivered under the strain of increasing the power, never having to maintain it this long before.
“Fuck, Dolores, whatever your plan is, it better work.”
With that, Brass took a few tentative steps closer to what was once his love, keeping an eye out for her soul. One wrong move and she would-
No head in the game. He thought to himself, arms cautiously stretching outward.
“Sezra, can ya hear me? It’s your Goofball. It’s me.” He tried his best to keep his voice calm, but she continued to stare with empty, glowing eyes, a low growl rumbling deep within her. Carefully, he reached his hand out for her arm, slow and calculated. The wolf flinched back, ears flat and teeth snarling.
“Shh, hey, hey, it’s just me, OK? It’s only me. I’ve got ya alright? I just want ya to come back to me is all.” Just a little further, he could almost touch her, the heat emanating from her magic ironically soothing. He thought he caught a glimpse of recognition in her eyes as she cautiously moved toward his hand, sniffing the fingers until she allowed him to touch her arm ever so softly, warm and sticky with blood. Her growl sounded content as he felt it ripple through his bones.
“Heh,” He gasped in relief.
“Ya see? It’s just me, I ain’t gonna hurt ya Sez. Ya know that. I lo- “
KRAAA-BOOOM
The thunder crashed through, the noise violently disrupting the tense peace. Ima trilled frantically, the wolf’s ears flicking towards the robot.
“Oh shit!”
He barely had time to react as she attempted to lunge towards Ima, mouth agape. He blocked her path as he raised his arm in front, teeth snapping shut through the leather and piercing the bones.
“Fuck!” He grunted through clenched teeth as they fell to the floor, her claws trying to swipe at his face. Acting on instinct, his free hand, balled in a tight fist, made sharp contact on her cheek to force her off. Yelping in pain, her jaw opened just enough for Brass to pull his arm away, shoving her to the side.
“Just hold on Brass!” Shouted Dolores, her hands rummaging through the pockets of Sezra’s coat that she managed to pull down from the hanger.
“The fuck you think I’m doing?!” Snapped Brass as he quickly pulled the squirming wolf into a tight bear hug. Her arms were pinned to her sides, but her claws continued to swipe at whatever they could reach. He winced in pain as they contacted his thighs, lines of green and crimson peeking through his clothes.
“Anytime Dolores!” He shouted, trying his best to readjust his grip, but her consistent thrashing made it impossible.
“Yes, got it!” She panted, holding an ornately designed train whistle in her pink paws, delicate leaves protruding from its metal surface.
“Ima, her soul! Try to hold her still Brass!”
“Right 'cause I definitely wasn’t trying earlier!” He yelled back sarcastically, his arm screaming in pain as he struggled to hold her there on the floor with him, his legs trying to clamp hers down. He noticed that one of the mechanical arms separated from the main body, swiftly gliding towards Sezra’s soul, digits gingerly pulling the soul towards Dolores. The further away it was though, the more she thrashed in his arms, desperate to be free, magic welling up once again.
KRA-BOOM
The entwined monsters fell on their side from their seated position, Brass crying out in pain as his bad arm was slammed to the ground at an odd angle. She wiggled herself free for a moment before he grabbed her tail, yanking her back as he slammed his body on top of hers and forced her into a choke-hold, incoherent snarls ringing in his skull.
“Dolores!” Brass growled, noticing the orb that Ima held in the remaining arm slowly dimming and growing smaller. The magic surrounding Sezra’s body seemed to grow hotter as the orb's power diminished. He willed his body to hold her tighter, to keep her still, even if his soul screamed in agony as he felt her ribs crack under his weight, her snarls gurgling against the pressure of her throat squeezing.
Dolores plucked two golden leaves that decorated the whistle, holding onto one as she carefully wrapped the other around the soul. It shivered as the leaf pulsed gently, golden tendrils seeping into the cracks. Placing the whistle in her mouth, Dolores breathed life into it as she moved towards the thrashing couple, the soul safely out of reach. Brass was surprised that instead of the typical sound of a train whistle, a comforting melody rang out, its sound akin to that of tinkling bells. Dolores kneeled in front of her friend who snarled at the mouse and the melody that followed her. Her eyes locked with Brass as she motioned with her free hand one last thing she needed him to do, aware of the orb losing its power and thus, their main form of protection. With her fingers opening and closing around the whistle, Brass nodded gravely.
He needed to grab her muzzle and keep it shut.
“Please forgive me.” He choked out, unsure if she could understand his words. With a swift motion, he released his choke-hold on her, sliding his hand along the bottom before curling his fingers around the muzzle, pressing his body more on her chest to force her down. His large hand easily contained the snout as the wolf glared with hatred at the spotted mouse in her way. Maintaining the soothing melody, Dolores placed the remaining leaf right above the glowing eyes of Sezra, shining in time with the melody.
Kra-Boom
Brass felt her body stiffen as the leaf connected with her forehead, her feral thrashing immediately ceased. Looking at Dolores who nodded her approval, the melody still trickling out of the whistle, he cautiously removed his hand from her muzzle, his imprint left on the shortened fur. When she didn’t move, he lifted his body away from hers and flopped beside Dolores, cradling his arm as the orb dissipated, gold and turquoise lighting the room. Dolores snapped her fingers, gaze fixed on the mesmerized wolf before her, her thin tail thumping the floor between her and Brass.
“What?” He whispered unconsciously, hypnotized at the sight before him. Dolores thumped her tail again, forcing Brass to look down at her just as Ima’s arm appeared, the soul still cradled within its grasp. She signed as best she could to Brass what his last task would be, taking a quick breath to slow the melody, each note playing out their voice. Pointing at the soul, Brass, and finally Sezra, she patted her chest gently as the turquoise magic slowly receded into its host.
“Wha-Me? But I don’t- “
The angry twitch of her ear cut off his words. Swallowing the lump in his throat, he tenderly took the soul from Ima, cradling it close to his chest, afraid to add any new damage to it. It felt so warm and gentle, just like her. As Dolores stood up, she held the note, the golden magic dancing around Sezra’s body lifting her as if she were nothing but a marionette doll. With the help of a small, but surprisingly strong robot, Brass groaned as he stood up and faced her, feeling her soul shiver as he closed the distance between them. The thunder had finally finished its concert, rumbling away to someplace new and replaced by the gentle rain once again. With one last note, Dolores removed the whistle from between her lips, chest heaving as she caught her breath. The last of the Conductor’s magic returned home, her body shimmering wistfully from the leaf that remained. Ignoring the pain in his arm, Brass placed a hand against her cheek, resting his skull on top of her now wild hair.
“Please,” He begged her soul, knowing it couldn’t answer.
“Come back to me.”
He carefully moved his hand that held the delicate soul and pressed it into her chest, praying for a miracle using his magic. The pale blue eyes fluttered close as her body slumped forward, absorbing what was rightfully hers. Brass held onto her tightly, gently squeezing as he painfully waited for the air to fill her lungs. If he did it wrong, forced the soul too soon or too quickly, then she would be forever lost.
“Don’t ya fuckin’ do this to me Sez, come one. Just one breath.”
With a sudden inhale, Sezra gasped to life again, coughing against the skeleton as her lungs greedily gulped oxygen. Dolores and Ima helped support the two monsters to sit on the floor, Brass rubbing her back as she attempted to get her bearings.
“Brass?” She questioned in between her coughs.
“What happened? Weren’t we asleep just now?”
The speaker in Dolores’s collar crackled to life as a relieved voice came through.
“Protocol S-14 has been completed and shut down Ma’am and the issue has been rectified. We are back on schedule.”
Still dazed, Sezra looked around her, wincing in pain as she tried to make sense of what happened.
“Protocol?” She asked groggily. “What do you mean proto- “
The pieces started to click in place. Mind still fuzzy, she looked at her companions that were in her room, noting that it should have been just the large skeleton who sat beside her on the ground, his arm lying limp in his lap. Her eyes shot wide open, her world becoming clearer. Limp? It wasn’t supposed to be limp. Unfiltered dread filled her body as she saw her love, though smiling, covered in scratches and ripped clothes, and a severely wounded arm, the sleeve showing bite marks and cracked bone.
“No…. Brass what happened? Did I?” She panted, her eyes flicking toward Dolores, Ima hovering at her side.
“Dear calm down you’re OK.” Dolores consoled, but her eyes caught the glint of the object that her friend still held. The train whistle.
“Protocol S-14.” Was her almost breathless declaration as the picture of what happened became all too painfully clear.
“Sez?” Brass reached out a hand, but the wolf flinched away, a ripple of pain causing her breath to catch in her throat. She finally looked down at her battered body, the bruises and blood mocking her as her sides burned and tingled. She didn’t want this to happen. She didn’t mean for this to happen. Not again. She couldn’t help but cover her ears, her arms stinging as the wounds reopened, feeling her tears overflow and unable to stop them.
“I…I’m sorry…. I’m so sorry…. sorry, sorry, sorry.” She rambled between her hiccuping sobs, shutting her eyes in failed attempts to make her reality seem like a horrible nightmare that she could wake up from.
“Sez look at me!”
She felt his hand firmly yet lovingly force her to look up into his face. She couldn’t bear to look him in the eye. Not after what she did to him.
“I’m so sorry Brass,” she whimpered pitifully, averting her eyes from his. She didn’t deserve to look at him.
“Sezra I’m fuckin’ serious ya need to look at me.” Shocked at his commanding tone she looked at him, his expression serious.
“But- “
“But fuckin’ nothin’ Sez. Ya need to look at me and listen to me alright?” It wasn’t a question. With her gaze fixed on him, he took a deep breath, calming his stress as best he could under the circumstances.
“I don’t know what happened exactly but what I do know is that this ain’t your fault, so don’t ya dare apologize for something ya didn’t have control over but please in the future, just talk to me ok? I don’t care what the hell it's about but…” his words trailed off as he pleaded into those big brown eyes that he missed, his thumb caressing her cheek.
“I thought I lost ya Sez. And I don’t think I could bear it if I did so I’m beggin’ ya. Don’t scare me like that again, ok?” He confessed, embarrassed at how vulnerable he felt. Unable to stop, she flung herself into his arms, ignoring the pain of her body as she wept openly into his chest for the first time.
“Dork.” He sighed as he squeezed her tight against him, vowing a silent oath to be there for her no matter what.
~~~~~~~~
“Oy, careful with those things Dolores!”
Brass squirmed in his seat as the mouse grabbed the medical scissors, snipping the bandage that she had wrapped his thigh in, the cool metal sending shivers down his spine.
“Oh, hush Dear I know what I’m doing. I’m almost done anyway.” She tutted the skeleton, disregarding his shyness at his compromised state in the baggy shorts and plain white shirt he now wore. Besides his arm needing to be in a sling for a few weeks and a few deep scratches marking his body, he came out relatively unscathed. For a first time, that was a miracle.
“And done! You’re good to go. We’ll keep an eye on that arm of yours. Make sure it heals properly.”
Hopping down from the bed, she scurried to clean up the medical supplies, keeping her hands busy like she always did when something stressful happened.
“Hey Dolo- “
“Don’t you worry Dear.” Interjected the bustling mouse, wanting to avoid what she knew he was going to ask.
“Ima should be finishing up with Sezra soon and the two of you can get some much-needed rest. I’ll bring a hearty soup for you both and- “
Her eyes were caught in the skeleton’s steel gaze, cutting her rambling dead in its tracks. He raised a brow bone at her, his impatience clear as day. Closing the bag with a click, she sighed, wringing her hands nervously.
“I know I said that I would tell you everything Brass.” Her voice was cautious as her hands now fiddled with her tail; his stare unmoving.
“But I think you would agree that it should come from Sezra herself. Especially after today, it would feel…. disloyal to talk about her situation.” His eyes narrowed but he remained deathly silent, noting her glance towards the closed bathroom door.
“However,” She continued, wanting to keep her word as best she could.
“From what she has told me, and what I’ve been able to see, she’s been through a lot. You saw her soul. You know it takes something major to cause a crack, so the fact that she has so many….” Her words trailed off, his gaze softening as he recalled, the vision burned in his skull. He sighed heavily, watching Dolores twist and turn her tail anxiously.
“I understand.” He grunted as he stood up from the bed, stretching his bones carefully.
“So, stop torturing your tail alright? I trust Sez and when she’s ready I’ll be here, so ya don’t need to worry about her. Just…” He looked away from Dolores, an embarrassed blush rising as he grumbled under his breath.
“Thanks…. for everything.”
Dolores, while shocked at first, couldn’t help but giggle in relief, causing the skeleton to whip around, skull shining a bright red.
“What’chu laughing for?” He yelled, more flustered than angry.
“Nothing Dear,” replied Dolores, patting her apron down as she grabbed the medical bag.
“I can see why she fell for you. Promise that you’ll treat her right?” She smiled, stifling another giggle as Brass tried to maintain some form of composure, scratching his skull in embarrassment. As he nodded silently, the bathroom door opened, Ima chirping as she guided the wolf’s steps encouragingly.
“Oh, my Dear, how are you feeling?” Dolores rushed to her side, gingerly placing her hand on her furred leg, watching out for the bandages and bruises. Gripping the doorway, she took small shaky steps, every muscle stinging in pain. She gave a small, embarrassed chuckle as she tried to focus on her feet.
“I’m alright Dolores, Ima did an excellent job. You didn’t get hurt though did you?”
“I’m not the one who is a few bandages short of a mummy Dear.” She tutted as Ima trilled at the praise.
“Heh, I guess that’s true. Sorry to have troubled you like- “
“Ah ah ah, no such talk Dear,” Dolores scolded gently as she peeked towards the silent skeleton.
Brass could hardly believe his eyes. She wore a matching pair of black shorts and a sports bra, her body covered in patches, bandages, and bruises. He winced as he noticed the black bruises that marked her delicate neck and cheek. All marks that he left on her, and yet she was worried about her friend as if what she went through was nothing at all. He felt confused as half felt the guilt and pain of seeing her in such a weak state, and yet the other half couldn’t help but find the pleasure. The way the little pieces of clothing clung to her body, showing off her delicious curves. He couldn’t be getting off to this, could he?
“Brass? You ok?” Snapping back to reality, realizing that all three were staring at him, he quickly cleared his throat, trying his best to hide his mixed guilt.
“Yeah, I’m good Sez. Despite being a small fry, Dolores got me fixed up in a jiff!” The bandaged beauty gave him an uncertain look, head cocking to the side.
“All right,” she stated slowly, taking another tentative step forward. She didn’t realize how much her body had gone through, each step shooting agonizing pain from the tips of her feet to her pointed ears. Seeing Brass wearing shorts and a plain t-shirt, his other clothes needing to be cleaned and fixed, his thighs bandaged and his arm in a sling, she felt grief at the pain that she caused him. Even if she couldn’t remember what happened. Lost in thought, she misplaced her footing, teetering forward as she closed her eyes to brace for the impact as best she could.
“Whoa, I got ya!” She sucked in through gritted teeth as her ribs protested the rough movement, Brass stopping her fall short with his body as he wrapped his good arm around her, wincing as his other arm was jostled roughly.
“S-sorry!” She gasped, hugging her sides as she tried to catch her breath.
“A-all good, ya alright Babe?”
“Yeah I’m-Wait what did you just call me?” She raised her gaze, cheeks flushing as she relished inside at her new nickname. Confused at first, he returned the look, only to blush himself once he realized what he called her. He had never called her that before, but he would be lying to himself by saying he didn’t like the way it rolled off his tongue.
“OK you two lovebirds, that’s my cue to leave.” Piped up the cheerful voice behind them. Dolores giggled as the two tried to hide their respective nerves. She had already shut down Ima and headed towards the door waving over her shoulder.
“Just remember you both need rest, so if you can manage it, try to keep it in your pants.” She chuckled.
“Dolores!” They shouted in unison, her giggles fading down the hallway.
Finally sitting on the bed, the awkward silence palpable as the other tried to think of what to say. Brass grunted slightly as he readjusted himself, trying to get closer to Sezra. Her eyes darted over faster than her body could move. She had to make it up to him.
“You OK?” She asked quietly, slowly shifting her body sideways to face him properly, muscles pleading for her to be still.
“Yeah, this ain’t nothin’ for me so don’t worry about it Sez.” He winked back a wide grin hoping for that beautiful smile to return.
“I’m truly sorry Brass. This is all my fault. You’re only wounded because of me.” She stated sadly as she tenderly placed her hands on his sling, ears drooping when he flinched at her feather touch. She inhaled carefully, her ribs warning her with searing pain, and closed her eyes. Soft turquoise magic glowed from her paws and curled around the sling, the warmth seeping deep into his bones.
“Sez what- “
“Just…. please.” She cut off. Her eyes filled with tears.
“Just let me do this at least.”
Brass looked down at his arm, marvelling at the way her magic flowed around it, the glow making her seem even more radiant despite her bandages. As the glow faded, she removed her hands tenderly, looking up at him.
“How does that feel?”
Brass flexed his fingers cautiously, surprised at how well his arm felt from mere moments ago.
“That feels pretty good. It doesn’t hurt as bad.” He gave her another large smile, amazed by her abilities yet again.
“Good, I’m glad.” She sighed, the fatigue catching up yet again. Even performing simple healing magic in her state was far more strenuous and exhausting than she realized.
“It’s the least I could, especially since I’m the one who hurt you.” Her heart ached at the words, guilt washing over again. He never deserved any of this.
“Hey, come ’ere.” Surprised at his gentle tone, she slowly, painfully shifted back at his side, his hand guiding her along the way patiently. Once she was comfortable again, he wrapped his good arm around her, careful not to jostle her.
“It’s fine. Remember what I said? Ya don’t need to apologize.” His skeletal lips placed tender kisses along her hair, grazing the tips of her ears teasingly. Her heart pounded in confused excitement, relishing every kiss, and yet seeming to beg for more.
“I ain’t gonna pry when you’re clearly not ready, so just come to me when ya are. I’ll be there. Despite everything I saw, everything that happened, you’re still the most beautiful, kind soul I’ve ever met, and I promise that this,” he declared as he moved his hand to rest on her chest where moments ago he had returned her soul, her body tingling at his touch.
“Your soul will never have to go through so much if I have anythin’ to say.”
Her heart swelled with his oath filled with love, affirming her feelings ever more for the skeleton at her side. Ignoring the pain, she moved from his embrace and swung her leg over his before he could protest, straddling him as he blushed deeply. He meant the world to her, and while they couldn’t do much in their current states, nothing said she couldn’t give him a teaser for when their bodies were healed. She inched herself closer, feeling the heat rise on her cheeks as her fingers playfully crawled down the skeleton’s shirt, stopping shy of where she knew he wanted her to go.
“I know,” her voice as smooth as silk replied, a coy smile on her lips as he grew more flustered at her change in attitude.
“I am truly sorry for what happened today, and I promise that I’ll come to you when the time is right. Once we’ve healed though, I have a better way to make it up to you~” She whispered teasingly as she leaned forward carefully, kissing Brass deeply, and passionately, conveying both her apology, gratitude, and love. The pain in her body pushed away and dulled under the stronger physical needs.
“Mmm…. holy shit Babe…” He moaned breathlessly as he returned her kiss, his hips bucking ever so slightly as he pulled her body gently closer.
“Keep this up, and I might not want to wait till then~”
