0 comments/ 254418 views/ 20 favorites Home Ch. 01 By: BlackSnake Jeff walked into the kitchen of his parent's home and froze when he saw his mother standing in front of the counter with a coffee cup up to her lips. Her nightgown was open and her big boobs that hung about her stomach were fully exposed. A big grin crossed his lips. "I should come over more often," he said continuing towards her. "I guess I should be flattered," Glenda replied glancing down at her hard-on smiling as she lowered the cup from her lips. "I should be the one flattered," he said kissing her cheek and raising his hand to squeeze one of her erect nipples and laughing. "Boy, you better stop that," she laughed and playfully popped his hand. "I'm still your mother, you know." "That makes me the happiest guy alive," he said wrapping his arms around her from behind and taking both of her boobs in his hands to squeeze them laughing. "Jeff, you're going to make me spill my coffee," she said laughing and pushing her ass back to him to push him off her. Jeff laughed and took hold of her hips and grinded his hard-on against her butt-cheeks. Glenda reached back and popped his hand with more authority, but without the intension to hurt him. "I swear you have the sex drive of a goat," she laughed putting down her coffee and closed her nightgown. "With a sexy mom like you, who wouldn't," Jeff laughed getting a cup for coffee. "Hey, don't try to pin that on me. That was your father's doing," she replied. "Great dad," Jeff laughed. Glenda rolled her eyes. "Ya, turned my children into sex addicts," she said. "Hey, you played your part too," Jeff said sitting at the table. "There were plenty of times you could have put a stop to it." "Ha!" she exclaimed as she joined him at the table. "I remember perfectly, that every time your father wasn't around it was you chasing me around the house." Jeff laughed. "My guad, how could I ever set a good example for you and your sister when I was constantly trying to keep my clothes from being ripped off," Glenda laughed. "Remember that time you thought I was dad?" Jeff laughed. She reached over the table and popped his arm. "I should be furious with you," she said unable to keep herself from blushing. "Groping is one thing, but you went way too far that time." "Com'on, admit it mom. I was better than dad, wasn't I?" Jeff laughed. Glenda turned bright pink and couldn't hide her smile. "I'm not going to admit that," Glenda said trying to sound convincing. "I remember," Jeff laughed. "O' John! Fuck me baby! Fuck me good like that!" he mocked her. Glenda got up and hit his shoulder repeatedly with her open plum until he stopped. "Gaud, between you and your father, I lost every shred of dignity," she laughed. "You know, your father doesn't know about that, and you had better not breathe a word about it." She knew that he would say anything to his father, but she thought it best that she made it clear that she didn't want her husband to know about Jeff fucking her in their bed. "He doesn't know you and your sister either," she added. "What does dad know?" Jeff chuckled. "Absolutely nothing," She said getting up to make another cup of coffee. "Jeff, I wasn't just letting you do stuff. I was trying not to draw your father's attention to what was going on. It didn't help at all that he would do the same thing right in front of you." "I think it was dad's way of teaching me about sex," Jeff laughed. Glenda rolled her eyes sitting back down. "Now Linda walks around here naked," Glenda chuckled. "How can I say anything to her when your father is constantly pulling my clothes off?" "Linda is pretty hot, what does day say about that?" Jeff chuckled figuring that his father wouldn't say very much. "O' that's a whole other thing," Glenda kept up her sense of humor. "He pats her ass and tells her how sexy he thinks her body look. I told him that he was only encouraging her, but he only laughs." "Well, she's on virgin," Jeff joked. Glenda laughed. "Your father has no concept as to what we've done to the both of you," she said. "What do you mean?" he asked. "You felt me up like I was your girlfriend or something, and had sex with your sister like the two of you were married," she said shaking her head. "Well, at least it wasn't boring," Jeff laughed. "Wasn't? Ha!" Glenda laughed. "Last night you sister sat her naked ass in your father's lap." "I bet dad loved that," Jeff laughed. "I know he did," Glenda chuckled. "They called themselves playing, but I saw her put his hand between her legs and he didn't try to stop her either." "He's probably screwing her," Jeff laughed. "I'm almost sure of it," Glenda laughed. "I wanted to screw you again since that one time," Jeff laughed as he got up to freshen his coffee. "Not like you haven't been trying," Glenda laughed going to put her cup in the sink. "You would have to if I hadn't been able to figure out what you were up to." "We ought to do it," Jeff said. "Do what?" Glenda said turning around and seeing her son thrusting his pelvis at her. "Don't be silly," she laughed and turned back around to do the dishes. Jeff stepped behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist. "Why not?" he asked grinding his hard-on against her butt-cheeks. "Because I'm your mother, that's why," she chuckled continuing with the dishes. "...besides, you don't want an old woman like me when you have a younger one at home." "She's not you mom, and you're still a hot babe," Jeff chuckled moving his hand down to the crotch of her panties. "Stop that," she laughed. "I feel something hot and wet," he laughed slipping his fingers under the crotch of her panties to his mother's moist pussy. "Jeff, stop that now. You know we shouldn't do this," Glenda chuckled. "You said that you believe that dad is screwing Linda, why can't we?" he said slipping a finger into her cunt. "Jeff?" Glenda said and then moaned. "See, you want to," Jeff said laughing as he released her. "You're just not going to stop, are you?" Glenda said turning around to face her son. "Nope," he chuckled. "I can't believe that I'm doing this," Glenda said. Jeff grabbed his mother and pulled her to him, pushing his tongue into her mouth. Glenda raised her arms around his neck exploring his mouth with her own tongue. Jeff spun her around as he opened her nightgown. He lifted her onto the table and dropped his mouth to her large tits. Glenda held his head to her breast as she moaned and lay back on the table. Jeff pulled off her panties holding her legs up, and then licked his way down to her hairy pussy. Glenda laid her legs wide open and held his head to her aching cunt. "Mmmm," she moaned humping her pussy up to her son's greedy mouth as she felt her orgasm building deep inside of her. Jeff guessed by the way that she was moving that she was about to cum, and it encouraged him to continue licking and sucking on her cunt and pussy lips. Glenda's body trembled as her orgasm exploded deep inside of her. Jeff dropped his pants and shorts down to his ankles and guided his cock into his mother's wet cunt. He made a few long slowly strokes and then began driving his cock into her with authority. "O'baby! Mmmm! Yes!" she cried out. Jeff wanted back into his mother's pussy for years, and now that he was there, he was determined to enjoy every second of it. He had pretended he had been fucking his mother plenty of times while fucking his wife, but now that he was inside of her, it was so much better. "Fuck me baby! Fuck me good!" Glenda cried out as she felt another orgasm on the rise. Jeff grunted with each stroke feeling the stirring in his loins. He knew that he wouldn't be able to hold back very much longer. "Oooo! Baby...I'm cuming again...cum with me. Come inside me," Glenda cried out. Jeff jammed his cock as far as he could inside of his mother as his cock jerked and spit cum into her. "Ahhhhh!" Glenda cried out as the rush of her son's cum triggered her orgasm. Jeff leaned over his mother sucking on her nipples as she stroked her fingers through his hair. He looked up at her and they both burst out into laughter. "Damn! That was great mom," Jeff said rising and looking at his cock that was still half way inside of her. Glenda sat up on the table looking at her son's cock in her pussy. "It certainly felt great," she chuckled. "Seriously mom, we should do this more often," Jeff said moving his half hard cock in and out of her again. "Let's not get too carried away here, but I'm guessing that you're not going to give me very much choice," Glenda chuckled. Jeff looked up and laughed as his cock started to harden again as he thought of being able to screw his mother on a regular basis. Home Ch. 02 "Linda, do you have any clothes?" Glenda asked her completely naked daughter who entered the kitchen on her toes. "Dad likes it," Linda giggled jiggling her tits. "I know he does," Glenda chuckled giving her a playful slap on the butt. "Ya know mom, you should go nude...that way dad wouldn't have to go through all the trouble of taking stuff off," Linda said getting juice. "Honey, I don't have a body like that," Glenda chuckled. "Jeff seems to like it," Linda giggled. "Jeff?" "O' come off it mom," Linda said leaning against the counter. "I know you and Jeff have been doing it." "How? Did Jeff tell you that?" Glenda wondered. "Jeff didn't have to tell me anything," Linda said. "He's been coming over more than he use to and he's not coming to see me. Besides, you're a real screamer....O'Jeff! O'Jeff! Fuck me baby! Fuck me!" Linda laughed. Glenda blushed. "Jeff is good...better than dad, isn't he?" Linda giggled. Glenda was speechless. "See, if he wouldn't have married that little bitch, you could have him everyday," Linda said. "Don't start Linda. It was his decision and we need to respect that," Glenda said. "You don't know, do you?" "Know what?" "The real reason Jeff married Sarah," Linda said making breakfast from the food her mother had prepared. "What do you mean, real reason? He married her because he loves her," Glenda said defending her son. Linda laughed sarcastically. "Buy a clue mom? He only started dating her so that nobody would figure out how hung up he is over you...and he only married her and moved out to make you jealous," Linda said laying a hand towel in the seat of a chair at the table to sit on. "That's not true," Glenda said totally unsure. "Ok, if you want to live on de-Nile," Linda said as she began to eat. "That's crazy," Glenda said sitting down with a cup of coffee. "Think about how much Jeff use to hang all over you, and I remember the night he crawled in the bed with you. The boy is crazy about you...and look. Every since you decided to finally giving him some, he's been over here more than he's at home with his wife," Linda giggled. "He loves you more than as his mother." "This can't be true," Glenda said feeling the realization wash over you. "Mom, I love dad and all, but I only started screwing him because Jeff asked me to. He figured that if dad is screwing me then he would have a better chance with you," Linda said. "My poor baby, what have I done?" Glenda asked herself. "I wouldn't worry to much about it mom," Linda said refilling her plate. "She's been getting pissed that he's spending so much time over here, and he told her that he would divorce her if she tried to come between him and his family. Mom, he doesn't love anyone else but you." "What am I suppose to do?" Glenda asked. "Just ask yourself this. Do you want your son married to someone he doesn't care about? What if she gets pregnant?" Linda said. "That would be horrible." "Exactly." "But, your father." Linda laughed. "Dad doesn't know a thing. He doesn't even know that you and Jeff are screwing. He thinks that me and him are sneaking around behind your back." "What am I suppose to say to him?" "Just tell Jeff that you want him to come home, and I bet you that he will divorce her in a heartbeat," Linda said. "How could I have missed that?" Glenda said. "I thought he just wanted to have sex with me." "I can't believe how slow you are. He asked me to show him how to do nails, so he could paint your toes. Dad never remembers your birthday, its Jeff that always reminds him and picks out your presents. Mom, we use to screw so that he could pretend that he's making love to you," Linda said. Glenda was totally dumfounded. "I told him that hooking up with Sarah was a bad idea," Linda said. "I want my brother back home where he belongs. Mom, I can take care of dad." "I don't doubt that for a second," Glenda said holding her head higher. "This is all so crazy. I mean, it's bad enough for me to be having sex with my own son, but to have him in love with me?" "He's always been in love with you mom," Linda said. "Look, here's what we can do. I'll take care of dad, and you tell Jeff that you want him to move back home." "Just that simple, huh?" "Just that simple," Linda said. "I've already been screwing dad. The only thing left for me to do is to move into your bedroom." "You mean, for him to move into your bedroom," Glenda said. Linda giggled. "Ok, for dad to move into my bedroom." "When did I cause all of this?" Glenda asked. "I'll tell you when," Linda said getting another piece of bacon. "How can you eat like that and not gain a pound?" Glenda smirked. Linda giggled getting a few more pieces of bacon. "Jeff walked into your bedroom and saw you naked. He started saying that he was in love with you then, and you haven't done anything to change that." Linda laughed. "That night he snuck in your bed, I never heard you scream out so much." "I thought he was your father," Glenda protested. "Mom, remember...I've screwed him too. I know how good it feels," Linda laughed seeing her mother blush. "Don't worry. It'll all workout. Just call Jeff and tell him. He's at work now. Call him." She got up and got the phone and handed it to her mother. Glenda was nervous when she dialed the number to her son's job. She almost forgot to say hello when her son answered the phone. "Hey sweetie...I've been thinking, and I want you to move back home...alone," she said biting her bottom lip like a school girl. On the other end of the phone, Jeff told his mother that he had been thinking about that too and that he and Sarah had not been working out. He added that there way no reason he should drag it out any further. He would call her and tell her that he wanted a divorce and he would go by and pick up his things after work. Glenda's eyes widened as she listened to her son. "I think you're right by not dragging things out. I'll see you when you get here," she said. Jeff told her that he could hardly wait before hanging up the phone. "Well?" Linda asked impatiently. "He said he's coming home tonight!" Glenda said jumping up and down with joy and laughter holding on the Linda. "I told you didn't I," Linda said. "O'my guad, what is John going to say?" Glenda said. "Chill out, mom," Linda said. "Dad told him not to marry that bitch in the first place." "He did?" Glenda looked surprised. "Dad knew that Jeff was rushing into it," Linda said. "Dad told him to make his own decision, but he was clear that he didn't want Jeff to marry that girl." Glenda started blushing thinking about having her son, her lover home again. "Mom," Linda laughed. "You're getting horny." "I am not," Glenda chuckled. "Liar," Linda laughed and pinched her mother's hard nipples. "You are getting horny." "So what if I am," Glenda laughed. "I can tell that it's going to be a whole lot of fucking going on," Linda giggled wiggling her hips. Glenda laughed shaking her tits. Home Ch. 02 I reach to you and pull you on to my lap. I begin to kiss and nuzzle your neck as my fingers trace little designs on your back. You wrap your arms around my head and stroke my neck gently. You pull my chin up and we kiss deeply while our tongues dance and swirl together. I suck your bottom lip into my mouth and hold it between my teeth. Not in a hard way but not gently either. You pull away and I use the moment to slide my hand up your legs and cup your sex. You push yourself into my hand. I slide my finger down the length of your delicate lips. I trace it in circles slowly. You begin to whimper and rock forward trying to get my finger to pierce into your velvety layer. I spin you on my lap so that we are almost spooning while sitting together on the floor. I begin to bite your neck harder and harder while I drag my finger tips in tight circles over your clit. You start to gasp in pleasure and I reach my other hand around your body and pull you close. With you pressed tightly against me I begin to pinch and rub your nipples, squeezing them hardest only when I accidentally rub against your clit. Finally I lay my whole hand down along your opening. I can feel the moisture slowly dripping into my hand and filling it with your juices. I drag my middle finger up along the opening just barely inside of you. Your whole body shakes in my arms. Then when I think you can't take it any more I press it all the way in while I simultaneously bite hard on your neck and pinch your nipples very hard. Once your minigasm is over I pull you up and tell you to suck me hard again. In a matter of moments you have me rock hard again. I stand up and look you in the eyes. Your beauty stuns me into silence for a moment and we stand there while you rub my cock. The feeling of your cool soft hands sliding up and down my length begins to bring out of my state of awe. Pure uncontrolled lust takes over and I spin you on the spot and bend you over the counter. You resist at first but I am insistent. I enter you from behind and you moan the word Fuck. I start to pump in and out of you quickly. While I am doing that I reach down and rub your clit from above with my hand. I get lost in the moment and you start to slide on the counter. Soon you are just leaning on it too tired to hold yourself up anymore as I start to increase my speed. My breath is hot, so hot on your back. It's coming in and out in such a quick and ragged rhythm that it worries you. All you can think about however is how good it feels to have me plunging in and out of you. I start to play with your ass as I take you from behind. I am alternating between spanking you and gently massaging your cheeks. I reach forward with one hand and hold your hands behind your back so that you can hold yourself up or push me away. You start to cum and I push it in harder and harder. You finally return to sanity minutes later but I haven't stopped. I keep going and its beginning to show. Little drips of sweat fall off my body on to yours and you can feel my pace speeding up and slowing down. Soon you think to yourself. Suddenly I pull out of you and grab your hand. I pull you into your bedroom and throw you down onto the bed. I lay you down on your back and straddle your waist. I begin to jerk off while looking at you in the eyes. I pull your head forward and make you lick my cock witch is a dark purple color. You wrap your lips around it and suck and lick as much as you can with such little space to work with. Its affecting me and you can tell. Suddenly I buck on top of you and spray you with my seed. It splashes on your checks on your lips the hollow of your throat and all of your sexy tits. You look at me with a smile and say "Enjoy that did you?" I let out a guttural "Yes." You start to sit up and I tell you "No." You ask "Why not?" I tell you because you haven't cleaned yourself up yet. As you start to reach for a towel I say. "Ah Ah Ahh..." and shake my finger in a disapproving way. You have to taste it to clean it. I watch and grow harder and harder again as you slowly use your fingers to eat all of my spunk. I lie down and spoon you and fall asleep. You snuggle into me and I can feel your sexy ass press against me as I drift away, giving me several naughty ideas for morning. I woke up disorientated. I looked around the room and found the same surrounds I would see any day of the week. I blinked and squeezed my eyes tightly closed, willing the view to change when I open them. I winced as light fought its way past my eyelashes. It was the same scene I had already witnessed once that morning. I sighed and pulled my pillow up around my head. I should have known it was all a dream but I couldn't help it. Time and time again you had left me hanging. While it wasn't malicious it was a fact. Why should the dream version of you be any different? I sat up with my head pounding. Great, I thought to myself. What a wonderful way to start the day. I stumbled into the living room and pulled some clean clothes off the mountain of laundry I had yet to fold. Laughing quietly to myself at the size of it I walked my way towards the bathroom. Once in there I regretted the choice of getting up immediately. My reflection was not flattering in the least. My skin looked puffy and my eyes were bloodshot as if I hadn't slept in a week. I did my daily routines and got into a hot shower. Once the hot water had started to work the soreness out of my muscles my view of the day started to improve. I began to hum King of Wishful Thinking as I washed my hair. I stopped just long enough to make a shampoo Mohawk and said, "I pity the fool." I got out of the shower and thought to myself, "all in all not a bad way to start the day." I shaved and dried myself off, mostly. Then I went to stand in front of the fan while the little droplets of water fell off me. Once my goose bumps faded to memories I got dressed and set about making breakfast. I made a simple fare of an English muffin and some cheese and fresh tomato on it. It was delicious but it didn't wash the disappointment out of my mouth. To Be Continued.... Home Ch. 02 Thank You for the feedback. I'm sorry if I'm a bit slow between chapters. I'm still getting a hang of this. To my kind editor, Thank you for helping me. "We turned feces to fertilizer. So when you diss it's just food for the flowers to grow." ************************************************** Nate found it hard to focus on the road as he drove home. He was still reeling from being with Peyton and he'd only just met her. He traced his tongue over his lips, refreshing the memory of her warm skin. He mentally made a plan to revisit the church the next day. His good mood quickly dispersed once he spotted the red MINI Cooper parked outside his two-story villa. He immediately knew who it was and felt a headache coming on just thinking about her. Addison Broughton. He opened his garage and parked inside. He closed the garage door and shut off his car. Then he sat for a moment, considering his options: A. Turn the car back on, sit there, and die from carbon monoxide poisoning. B. Open his garage door and drive off into the sunset, never to return. C. Go inside and face the effeminate equivalent of the Devil. Though the last option was the least favorable to him, he went with it. Nate walked into his kitchen and placed his keys on the granite island countertop. He scanned the room. All clear. He walked into his spacious living room covered with blue-grey Saxony carpet and still got nothing. Bedroom, he thought, of course she'd be in the bedroom. He went up the stairs and opened his door to find the buxom, fiery redhead splayed out seductively on his king-sized bed, playing with her cell phone. She was dressed in a tight, red halter dress that ended mid-thigh and pressed her D-cup breasts up beneath her chin. Nate barely even noticed. "Why are you here, Addison?" he spoke coldly. "Well, 'Hello' to you too, darling," Addison purred. She sat up and crossed her long smooth legs, hoping that Nate would look up the skirt of her dress. "I just came by to see how you're doing, baby." "How did you get in?" he asked. Addison leaned forward and pulled a bronze key from between her breasts. "Damn, forgot to change the lock." Nate muttered to himself. He held out his hand to her. "Give me the key." Addison smiled and stuck it back into her top. "Come and get it." Nate rolled his eyes. He was getting sick of her wannabe Jessica Rabbit act. "Addison, I'm not in the mood for your games. Please, get out of my house." "Don't you mean our house?" She retorted. "No, My house." Nate walked over to the bed, grabbed her arm and forcibly made Addison stand. He started dragging her towards the bedroom door then she yanked her arm free. "Oh, Nate," she moaned. "You know I like it rough, but I would like to talk to you first." "What, Addison? What could you possibly have to say to me now?" Nate said, losing his patience. "Nate, please be reasonable. I had to do what I did to save our relationship." Nate arched his brow. "How could having an abortion, without telling me, possibly save our relationship?" "That baby would have ruined the way things were going for us!" she objected. "You would have loved that kid more than you loved me, and things would have gone downhill from there." Nate stared at her in disbelief. "You were jealous of my son, so you killed him? You're more whacked out than I thought you were!" "Don't you think it hurt me to do it, Nate? He was my son too!" "Then why did you do it?" Nate yelled. "Because, back then, I had no other way out!" Addison's voice cracked and, for a second, she actually sounded remorseful. However, Nate wasn't so easily fooled by her; at least, not anymore. "Out of what, huh? Being a mother? Being with me?" "No, Nate! I loved you! I ha-" Nate held up his hand to cut her off. "I'm tired of your excuses. Get out." "Nate, please!" Addison begged. "You loved me once, I know you did. You have to understand how trapped I felt." "And fucking the doctor beforehand helped you feel freer, right? Or trying to access my bank account and clean me out? That must have been liberating. Until I got my money back, of course." Nate's tone dripped with sarcasm. Addison stood, stunned. "How did you know?" "It doesn't matter now," he sighed. "I won't let you manipulate me anymore, Addison. Now, I won't say it again. Get the fuck out of my house." She saw the dark fury in Nate's eyes and decided it was time to go. He followed her downstairs through the living room to the front door. "Addison, wait," Nate said suddenly. Addison turned to him, hopeful. He stepped close to her and she closed her eyes, waiting for him to kiss or hug her. Instead she felt him roughly pull down the front of her dress, yank out the key from her bra, and push her outside. He slammed the door in her face without another word. "This isn't over Nate! Not by a fucking long shot!" she yelled. Nate waited in his living room until he saw Addison's car pull away. Just one encounter with her left him emotionally drained. He made another mental note to get his locks changed the next day. He slowly made his way back upstairs to his bedroom. Without bothering to do anything else, Nate stripped down into his boxers and crawled into bed. The thick warm comforter felt good after the rainy night. Nate laid in the dark for a bit, mulling over the day. After a while, he sat up and turned on the lamp on the night stand. He reached over and opened the drawer and pulled out a picture: it was the twelve-week ultrasound photo Addison had gotten before the abortion. Nate traced his finger over the shape of the child's head. He felt as if his throat was closing and his heart would crumble in his chest. The sting of incoming tears made him close his eyes tight. He wished that he could open them and have the painful ache in his chest disappear, but, unfortunately, it was never that simple. Nate placed the picture beneath his pillow and laid his head down, sadly drifting to sleep. ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• Peyton stared at herself in the bathroom mirror. Her short fuzzy black afro stuck out around her head, uneven and slightly wet from her shower. She always wanted to keep her hair short, so she got used to cutting it herself, but she had no idea what to do with it now. She heard a knock outside her door. "Peyton, honey? It's me, Jane. Are you alright, sweetie?" Jane was one of the volunteers at St. Michael's and one of the nicest people Peyton had ever met. She was a portly Caucasian woman of 50 who seemed to take to Peyton like a mother to a child. Peyton loved being around Jane; with her bright red cheeks, loud laugh, caring touch and exemplary baking skills. Jane let out an aura of happiness that seemed contagious. When she wasn't at home or at the church, Jane worked at a hair salon by the laundry mat. Peyton remembered this fact about Jane and decided to ask her a favor. She opened the bathroom door greeted the kindly woman. "Jane, may I ask you for a favor?" "Why, yes, dear. Are you alright?" Jane asked, sounding genuinely concerned. "Yes. I'm fine. It's just that my hair has puffed out again and I'm not sure what to do with it." Jane smiled wide. "Well, you've come to the right woman! Go wait in your room. I'll be there in just a moment." Peyton was relieved that her request hadn't inconvenienced Jane. Quite the opposite, actually. It seemed to thrill her. Peyton sat on her bed and waited. Jane returned 5 minutes later with a leather bag. "My hair-care kit," Jane explained. "Is there any particular style you would like honey?" Peyton thought for a moment. "Jane, have you seen the movie Sucker Punch?" "Ah, yes!" Jane chuckled. "My daughter took me to see it. It wasn't to my liking, but then again, I'm more into chick flicks." "Do you remember the girl with the short hair? Rocket?" Jane nodded. "Well, I'd like my hair to look like hers." Jane thought for a minute and, when she got the image in her head, set about her work. She snipped, spritzed, combed and flicked for what seemed like forever. Jane chatted with Peyton about her life as a single mother with her now twenty-five year old daughter, Patricia. She talked about working in a hair salon and meeting different kinds of people in different walks of life. Peyton found that Jane's goosey ramblings made the time go by pleasantly. "All done!" Jane chirped finally. Peyton rose and went into the bathroom to look at herself. Her new haircut brought out her full cheeks and made her eyes look darker, more mysterious. She turned back and wrapped her arms around Jane. "Oh, thank you, Jane! It's perfect!" Jane giggled and hugged Peyton back. Peyton pulled back suddenly and gave Jane a sad look. "I'm sorry. I don't have any money. But I'd be willing to-" "It's no problem at all!" Jane said happily. Peyton hugged her again. Peyton and Jane walked together arm in arm into the kitchen, both smiling. Pastor Donavon walked in after them. "Why, Peyton, you look lovely," said the pastor. "Thank you," Peyton said shyly.She was happy her deep complexion hindered him from seeing her blush. She hadn't felt pretty in a long while, with the exception of her encounter with Nate the night before. It was a nice feeling. It felt even better being surrounded by such kind hearted and gentle people. Peyton knew the world to be cruel and merciless, but these people; Jane, Pastor Donavon, and all the other volunteers at the church made her have hope in humanity. Jane and Peyton spent the morning baking treats for a bake sale at the local elementary school. They finished around one in the afternoon. Jane took a moment to sit and rest while Peyton packed up the various cookies and cupcakes in boxes. Jane noticed that Peyton kept hiking up her loose jeans and re-adjusting the extra larger t-shirt she was wearing and she frowned. "Peyton, why don't any of your clothes fit? They all seem to be too big," Jane inquired. Peyton was surprised by the sudden question. "Well... honestly, it's because they aren't really my clothes. When I left home these were all the clothes I could get. Most of them belong to my father. He was a big fella'." "Where is your father now?" Jane asked. "Dead." Jane felt a rush of guilt wash over her. "I'm so sorry, Peyton," she said earnestly. Peyton just gave her a sad smile and finished boxing the last set of treats. "Peyton, I think I know a way for you to pay me back for the hair cut," Jane said once they were all done. Peyton was eager to help. "Sure thing! Name it." "I'm a bit of a pack rat and I need help getting rid of some old stuff in my basement. Do mind walking with me to my home and helping me clean house for a while? Just until the bake sale starts after school lets out." "Walking to your house?" "Yes. My home is only a couple blocks from here. That's why I love the city; you can walk everywhere!" Peyton laughed and agreed. They set off, and in almost no time were at Jane's brownstone duplex. Jane's home was small and cozy. All the furniture was plush with doilies on the couches and little flower pots everywhere. The house smelled quite floral. "Where's your daughter?" "It's almost two, so she's still at school. She works at the university. This way, sweetie." Jane led her downstairs and turned on the light. The basement wasn't as crowded as Peyton excepted. It had a few old boxes and trunks, Christmas decorations, and an old mattress. Peyton got suspicious. "Jane, everything down here looks pretty neat." Jane shifted from one foot to the other nervously. She went to one of the trunks and opened it. Peyton peeked over her shoulder and saw the trunk was filled with clothes. She knew where this was going. "No, Jane. I will not take those from you," she said sternly. "Oh, come on, Peyton! You're such a pretty young thing! You should be able to show it off." Peyton felt a pang of annoyance. "Jane, I can't be your charity case. Ok?" "It's not even like that, honey. I really do need to get rid of this stuff. I'd be able to sleep well knowing it went to someone I'm so very fond of." Peyton wanted to argue, but decided against it. Her father had told her to never look a gift horse in the mouth, so she accepted Jane's generosity. "Jane, I can't keep all this in my cot." "Then take a few things today and leave the rest here. You can come by anytime you need something." Peyton knelt down next to Jane and sifted through the clothes. They weren't really that old. "Are these yours or-" "No. They're my daughter's. She's a bit bigger than you but I figured most of these would fit." Peyton looked through and pulled out a peach summer dress. It had a thin tan belt around the waist and a flowing skirt. She looked deeper and saw a pair of white flats with little bows on them. She smiled. "I guess I'll take this for today." Jane went upstairs and let Peyton change. Peyton joined her soon after. Jane gasped when she saw her. Peyton looked like a different person. Her body wasn't hidden in layers of baggy clothing, but instead her curves were shown off by the body hugging dress. Her long legs were finally on display and Jane hadn't even noticed that Peyton had breasts until just that moment. Yet, Peyton still kept her head down. "Let's go back to the church," Jane sighed. ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• Peyton fiddled with the pen in her hand, resisting the urge to chew on the end of it. Pastor Donavon and Jane had headed off to the elementary school at three o'clock to set up the sale. Peyton decided to stay behind. She sat on the church steps, looking through the Want Ads and enjoying the sun. She took a second to close her eyes and inhale the scent of wet pavement. She sighed deeply. God, I love the rain. She was so entrapped in the moment that she didn't hear Nate park his car and walk up. He stood and watched her. For a second, he hadn't recognized Peyton. She looked completely at peace and absolutely beautiful. Her brown skin seemed to glow in the soft sunlight. Her hour glass body fit well in the new dress she wore. "Hey, Peyton," he said, breaking her from her trance. Peyton opened her eyes and smiled softly. "Hello, Nate." The way she said his name made his heart quicken. She noticed he was dressed more casually: a button-down, jeans and sneakers. She thought he looked cute. Nate took a seat next to her. "So, what brings you by?" she asked. "Honestly?" he asked. She nodded. "I came by to see you." Peyton raised her eyebrows at his confession. "Why?" "More honestly?" She chuckled and nodded again. "I don't know. I tried thinking of a good reason on the way over here; something hopelessly romantic and awesome. But now, all I know is that I wanted to see your face." "That's romantic enough for me." Nate looked down into Peyton's eyes and for a moment, he actually stopped thinking about the painful crap in his life. He hadn't had a moment like that in months. But somehow, he did with Peyton. What is this girl doing to me? Peyton broke the gaze and looked down at the paper. Nate's eyes followed hers. "Want Ads?" He gave her a quizzical look. "Yes, sir. Can't live in the church forever." The crease in Nate's brow deepened. "You live here?" Peyton suddenly felt self-conscious. "Um...yeah. It's a long story." Nate saw the nervous look on her face and decided not to press the subject. "Well, I know the church food is good, but I know a great diner that can beat them out. Would you like to join me for lunch?" Peyton cheerfully accepted. Lunch turned into dinner, and dinner turned into late night ice cream at nine o'clock. Nate spent the whole day showing Peyton the city. They started at the diner then explored the park, the theater, and a high class restaurant. Later on in the day, they returned to the park for a music show by the orchestra from the local university. Peyton hadn't had so much fun since her father was alive. Nate found Peyton refreshing. She was sweet and simply lovely. But he could tell she was holding back. Peyton loved Nate's humor and vigor about life. She loved learning about him. She learned that he ran his own construction company, which was previously owned by his father. She also learned that he helped renovate St. Michael's, which was why it had the shelter, a great kitchen, the showers, the rooms for Sunday school, and the daycare. She admired how he took "life by the balls", as he like to put it, and still maintained an air of goodness. She wished she had his confidence. As the pair walked up to the church, Nate quietly contemplated his last move. "I want to say thank you for the amazing day, Nate." Peyton looked so sweet-tempered and innocent; Nate stopped thinking, lowered his head and closed in on her. Peyton gasped as she felt his lips capture hers. Caught off guard, she just stood as Nate's warm lips pressed against hers. She sighed as she felt his tongue flick against her lips. Nate tried to coax her lips open with his tongue and Peyton succumbed, allowing his tongue to explore her mouth. Her head was swimming and she let herself give into her feelings. She lightly flicked her tongue against his. Nate moaned and pulled her closer, running his hands through her short hair. He continued kissing her deeply as he ran his hand down curve of her back, pressing against her. He felt her excited nipples poke through the thin fabric of the dress. Growing bolder, Peyton nipped at his bottom lip and pushed her tongue into his mouth. Nate felt like he could stand there kissing her forever. Feeling light headed, Peyton finally pulled away. She looked up into Nate's hooded eyes and smiled slightly. "Goodnight, Nate," she said quietly. She quickly pulled away and ran up the church steps. Nate stood watched her enter the church. Unable to control his happiness, he jumped up in the air. "Yesssss!" ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• Peyton all but skipped to Jane's house the next morning. She rang the doorbell and whistled while she waited. When Jane answered the door, Peyton practically attacked her with a hug. "Good morning, my friend!" Peyton said very, very happily. "Good morning, Peyton. What brings you by?" Jane asked, eyeing her. Jane moved aside and allowed Peyton to enter. "Well, I've been thinking and I really feel like a brat for not being more appreciative of the clothes you gave me yesterday." "Oh, that's alright, sweetie. I understand." "Thank you, Jane. But it is a new day and I'm going to take you up on all the clothes. I've packed away all my father's old clothes and I'm here now to collect that trunk!" Jane watched as Peyton marched through the house, down stairs to the basement, grabbed the trunk and began lugging it back up again. "Why the sudden change of heart?" Jane wondered aloud. "I don't know. I guess I feel more alive than I did yesterday; more like a woman than I've felt in the longest time." Peyton answered cheerfully. Jane helped Peyton carry the trunk out to her front steps. "Jane, is there a suit or two in here?" Jane took a second to think about it. "I believe so. Why?" "I have a job interview today and I would like to look nice." "Ok. Well, good luck, my dear." Peyton huffed delightedly as she picked up the heavy trunk. "Thank you." She let out a sigh and set off for St. Michael's. Once she got back to the church, Peyton got one of the volunteers to help her get her trunk into her room. Once they left, she took her time looking at the different articles of clothing. Damn, she thought, Jane's daughter has style. While looking through, Peyton found a dark grey pinstripe pantsuit and a pair of black Mary Jane pumps. Perfect! Peyton took a quick shower and headed off to the local internet café and printed off her resume. She walked about another mile to a big building across from the park Nate had showed her. Peyton entered and went straight for the receptionist. Home Ch. 02 "Excuse me," Peyton said timidly. "I have a meeting with the head of marketing." The receptionist picked up the phone and dialed a number. Once she confirmed the meeting, she told Peyton to take the elevator to the third floor, and walk to the third office in. While going up, Peyton felt her heart rate increase as she got became more and more nervous. "Think of Nate," she said to herself repeatedly. She pictured him smiling down at her and she felt herself calming. She thought about how he walked and talked with confidence and decided to mimic that behavior. Instead of walking with her head down like she often did, she tilted her chin up and walked fluidly. She got a few looks from some people in their cubicles, but she didn't see them. She only saw Nate. Once she reached the door, she knocked. "Come in." she heard a feminine voice chime. Peyton walked in and stood. She couldn't see who the voice came from, for the big chair had its back to her. "Sit," said the voice. Peyton took the seat in front of the desk. "Hello. My name is Peyton Cavanaugh. I'm here to apply for the position as your new secretary." The chair finally turned and Peyton was faced with a beautiful woman. Her skin was pale and flawless. She had a petite upturned nose and a strong cheek bones. Her figure was smaller than Peyton's, except in the chest, where the woman was full D-cup to Peyton's C-cup. What Peyton noticed most was the woman's hair. It was a fiery shade of red. "Hello," The woman answered sternly. "My name is Addison Broughton." ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• Peyton held her heels in her hands as she entered the church after the interview. Pastor Donavon, who was practicing and editing his sermon at the podium, called to her. "How was the interview?" he asked. Peyton smiled wide. "She said she was impressed with me. She was a little cold, but she seemed very smart. I do hope I get the job. It would bring in enough money for my own small apartment." "Well, no one else deserves it more," Pastor Donavon said encouragingly. "But Peyton, don't you need a degree of sorts to work for any company?" "Yeah, Pastor Donavon, but I do have a degree; in business and financing." Pastor Donavon looked perplexed. "You do?" Peyton understood his confusion. "Pastor, I'm not a high school drop-out. I went to college for 4 years." "Then why are you-" "Homeless?" Peyton stated clearly. Pastor Donavon looked uneasy. She patted his shoulder. "It's alright to ask Pastor. When I attended college back in my home town, I stayed with my father and step-sister. After he died she put me out and cut me off from all his money. I was lucky to graduate before she took everything." "Well, why didn't you get a job there?" "It gets more complicated there," Peyton sighed. "Let's just say my step sister had a lot of influence and didn't want to see me around." Pastor Donavon gave her an empathetic look. Peyton just smiled. "Don't worry!" she said. "I survived just fine on my own. And now, hopefully, things will be looking up." Pastor Donavon suddenly started digging around in his pocket. He pulled out a small slip of paper. "Before I forget," he said, "Nate stopped by." Peyton instantly got excited. "He left this note for you." Peyton took the note and practically flew to her room, but not before quickly thanking the pastor. He just laughed and went back to writing his sermon. Peyton closed her room door and opened the note, which read: Peyton, In an effort to be more hopelessly romantic, I would like to pick you up tonight and bring you to my place for dinner. I'm going to try and dazzle you with my culinary skills, so please, excuse me if I act nervous. You seem to have that effect on me. I'll come by the church at 7. I can't wait to see you. - Nate Peyton re-read the note three more times. She kept getting stuck on You seem to have that effect on me.She was surprised that she affected him at all. I have a date with Nate! ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• Six-thirty came quickly and Peyton felt like she had a swarm of moths trying to escape her stomach. She went to the bathroom and did a once over. She wore a snug V-neck silk dark blue blouse, a black pencil skirt, and the pumps she'd worn to the interview. She ran her fingers through her dark hair and wished she could afford make up. I bet Jane has some! Jane did in fact have make up and helped Peyton put it on. She refused to add too much, as not to spoil Peyton's natural beauty, but added enough to make her eyes pop and her lips shine. When Nate's car arrived, the moths in her stomach had settled and Peyton focused on enjoying herself. When he came up to the steps meet her, Peyton bit her lip to hold back a sigh. Damn, this man is too fine. "Hey, Peyton," Nate said as he leaned down and placed a kiss on her cheek. "You look gorgeous." Peyton felt her whole face get warm. "Hello, Nate. Thank you," she squeaked. In the car, Peyton twiddled her fingers, trying to think of something to say. Nate noticed how quiet she was. "Penny for your thoughts?" Nate asked. Peyton laughed. "My father used to say that. I'm looking forward to getting a sample of your cooking." Nate smiled. "Tell me about your dad." Peyton took a moment to think. "Not a lot to tell. He took care of me after my mom left when I was eight. He was five tons of fun, and very protective of me. He always had little quirky sayings like "Don't cash a check with your mouth that you can't pay off with your ass" and "Why did the chicken cross the road?" "Why?" "Who the hell let the chicken out?!" Nate laughed and noticed how animated Peyton got when she talked about her father. "Where is he now?" He asked. "He died. A heart attack. About six months ago." "I'm sorry," Nate placed his hand on her thigh in a more reassuring than sexual gesture. "It's ok," she sighed. "He used to say that a sudden death is like being pushed into a pool; there are a couple seconds where you're disoriented and everything's rushing over you, but when those seconds are over, you'll feel the cool water drift you off peacefully." Nate squeezed her thigh; he liked that phrase. He wondered if his son had felt that, or anything at all for that matter. Nate was anxious as they arrived at his home. When they entered the house, he heard Peyton whistle. "Wow! Swanky." "Thank you," Nate laughed. "I do well off." Peyton liked the fancy feel of the matching appliances and well-designed layout. The mouthwatering smell of the chicken pulled at her senses. "What are we having?" She tried to peek into a pot, but Nate stopped her. "It's almost ready. You'll see." Nate gave her a mischievous smile as Peyton eyed him suspiciously. She took a seat at the dining table and waited. He returned with two plates of chicken parmesan, with wild rice, green beans and sweet rolls. "Damn!" Peyton exclaimed. "This ain't no joke." Nate laughed. "I try." She noticed he had three big chicken breasts on his plate. She chuckled. "What?" he asked, curiously. "It's nothing. Just that you pile your plate like my dad used to. 'Big fella's gotta eat!' he used to say." Nate laughed some more. "I think your dad and I would have gotten along great." "Yeah, you would have. He had a thing for tall guys." Nate busted out laughing some more. The two spent the time talking and laughing between bites. Whatever nervousness they'd felt before melted away. Once they were done, Peyton and Nate cleared off the table together. "So, how did your job hunting go?" Nate asked. "Fairly well. I had a job interview today. I think the woman liked me." "What was her name?" "Addison Broughton." Nate stopped and stared and Peyton. "Are you sure that was her name?" He asked. When Peyton nodded, he asked "What did she look like?" Peyton described her in detail, which was easy because she admired the woman's looks. Nate felt a stab in his chest. "Do you know her?" Peyton asked. Nate mulled over his options: A. Tell Peyton how she could potentially work for his bitchy ex B. Blow it off like nothing and hope for the best. Nate chose the latter. "Never heard of her. Just wondering." Peyton nodded and put the dishes in the dish washer. Nate knew this would come back to bite him in the ass, but at the moment, he was just afraid of ruining their date. He put it out of his mind and guided her to the living room. Peyton expressed how much she loved how big everything was: the black leather sectional couch, the fifty-inch plasma TV, the high ceiling, the entire house. "Big fella's gotta have room." Nate said. Peyton giggled. They sat on the couch and Nate turned to face her. "Peyton, we have a problem." "What would that be?" Peyton asked, her anxiety returning. "I barely know anything about you. I don't even know your last name." Peyton let out a sigh of relief. "Well, my name is Peyton Cavanaugh. I'm twenty-two years old. I like sunsets, long walks on the beach, and getting caught in the rain. Is that good?" Nate shook his head. "What brought you to the city?" "I had no home in the country." Peyton stopped talking and started messing with her fingers again. Nate slid closer to her and put his big hand over hers. "Peyton, I want you to know you can tell me anything. I don't judge and I have to say, you fascinate me." "Why?" "Why not? Your one of the kindest people I've ever met and you don't even know it. It seems like you have no idea how amazing you are." Peyton gave him a sad smile. "I guess I could use a reminder now and again." She laced her fingers with his. "Well, after I turned fifteen, my father re-married. My step -mother had a daughter of her own, Vicky. I don't really know why but Victoria never much took to me. When her mother died in a car accident, she started hating me. She was very manipulative. She always used her mother's death as a sympathy card." Nate smirked. "I've dealt with a woman like that before. They're never any fun." "You got that right," Peyton continued. "My dad died without leaving a will, so Vicky went to court and won most of the cash. I didn't care about the money, but she still thought I'd one day try to get it back from her. So when I graduated from college, she cut me off from the entire family fund. I tried to get a job, but she would go to each employer and somehow convince them that hiring me wouldn't be in their best interest. Time went by and I found myself evicted from my small apartment. I sold what I could, took the money and I've been running ever since." Peyton's head was down and her voice was quiet. Nate's heart went out to her. He placed his hand on the side of her face and Peyton leaned into his warm palm. She saw his sad expression and smiled. "Don't feel too bad for me. I've met some pretty cool people, and seen some pretty cool sites. A home can be anywhere you make it. I might not have always had shelter, but I could always find a home." Nate instantly envied her. He lived in a fabulous house but it hadn't felt like home in the longest time. He could hardly remember what having a home felt like. Maybe she could remind me. Nate leaned forward slowly and kissed her lightly. Peyton didn't hesitate to kiss him back. She allowed his tongue access to her warm mouth and felt the walls around her heart melt away. Nate's kiss became more feverish as he drew her closer to him. He felt Peyton's hands push against his chest, pushing him away. He looked down at her and felt like his heart had broken over a kiss. Peyton kept pushing though, until he was lying back on the couch and she was lying on top of him. She kissed him this time and he wrapped his arms around her waist, happier than ever. Peyton kissed him urgently, surging forward with her tongue and grazing it over his lips. Nate tightened his grasp and ran his tongue over her soft lips. He let his hands slide down to cup her generous ass. He heard her moan as he gave it a good squeeze. Peyton felt the bulge in his pants harden and she pressed herself against it. He caressed her body with his hand and she loved every second of it. "Peyton." He moaned against her lips and she felt as if her heart would burst out of her chest. He somehow balanced being gentle and assertive with his mouth and hands. She never wanted it to end. That was, until she felt his hand go up her shirt. Peyton froze and her whole body stiffened. She sat up half way and looked down at him. "What's wrong?" he whispered. Peyton suddenly sat up completely and untangled herself from him. "I need to go," she said, without looking at him. "Can you please take me back to the church?" "Yeah, sure," Nate sat up, dumbfounded. "I'll take you back, but are you ok? Was I moving too fast or-" "No, no, it's not you, Nate. I just want to go now." Nate wanted to question her, but he saw that she looked scared. "Ok, I'll take you back." They drove all the way back to St. Michael's in silence. Nate couldn't think of anything to say besides "I'm sorry." Once there, Peyton practically shot out of the car. "Thank you for a lovely evening!" She yelled back at him before entering the church. Nate drove home completely confused, but happy. Home Ch. 02 2 Ravi loped along, humming a happy little tune and smiled to himself, still buzzing with feel-good hormones from Sani's little treat this morning. Each long, bounding stride carried him almost five meters before the weak gravity of the asteroid pulled him back to the crumbling surface. This part of the asteroid was a mix of dusty regolith with a leavening of rocky chunks scattered through it, bound together by small amounts of water ice. So at each step the surface gave way under Ravi's boots, absorbing much of the force he was exerting. It was almost like running through dunes at the beach, only the gravity was one fiftieth that of Duniya. The inside of Ravi's helmet was crowded with holodisplays; there was no room for things as mundane as air supply and suit temperature - the VI on Tarak station was monitoring those things anyway - instead the displays crawled with feeds from several of the drone teams. Sani must have made some adjustments to the work plans for some teams, because Ravi saw that units from K and I were re-deploying to new ground a little bit to polar north of their previous sites. A couple of the I team units had fallen behind the rest of the group and as Ravi watched, their symbols both switched to hash marks, indicating that they were stopped and that the automated routines to free themselves had failed. Still humming happily, Ravi took the data in, glancing over at his current priority list. The list was topped by checking on a stopped rare earth harvester that was sifting through piles of regolith left by the I and K drones in their previous work sector. The rare earth harvesters were always a high priority because the materials that they gathered were extremely valuable for the electronics industry back home; factories operated by the Aishywiar caste in particular required large quantities of the materials to produce the advanced processors that controlled and integrated the Elephant Battalions - regiments of the massive armored machines were vital tools in the increasingly-frequent confrontations with the Lesser States. In this case, Ravi would pass almost right by the drones on his way to the harvester. Without hesitation, he added the two I team drones to the top of the priority list; he would check on them on his way to the harvester. Sani would probably have passed by the two stuck drones and gotten back to them later, that was the way she generally worked. But Ravi was always a little quicker to readjust his priorities; as long as he was fast with getting the drones freed, he would still have the rare earth harvester back online faster than Sani anyway. Shifting his loping strides slightly away from his previous course, Ravi almost covered the distance to the stuck drones in just a few dozen hops. As he topped a small rise, the dusty red and yellow heat shields of the two drones hove into view; four long strides later, Ravi was within a few meters of the nearer of the pair. Ravi dug his heels into the regolith, braking himself almost to a stop, then hopped over to the drone. Most of the displays on his helmet automatically cleared as he reached the machine and a narrow stip of data began to stream near the top of his field of vision, relaying the current status of the machine. The I team drones scraped up regolith as they moved about the surface of the asteroid, quickly separating water ice and frozen gases into a pair of fiber hoppers that trailed along behind the unit as it moved about and dropping small piles of other solids in a trail for other units to prospect. Periodically a floating depot drone would pass nearby, connecting a flex tube receiver to the hopper and vacuuming the contents out to to be sorted and processed into usable gases and liquids. By default, the drones always continued scooping and processing material, even when they were issued instructions to move to a new work sector. Somehow these two machines had become stuck and unable to free themselves. A cursory glance at the drone's data feed showed Ravi that the the unit's fuel cells were in good shape and the electric drive motor was fine. He ran his hands over the brightly-colored heat shield, walking around the drone and visually inspecting it's crawler treads; there was no sign of any problem with them. Finally, Ravi got on his hands and knees and peered under the front of the drone to inspect the scoop and scrapers that broke up the regolith and pushed it into the drone for processing, immediately spotting the problem. Like the majority of the drones on Chilae the I team units were built mostly of hardened fiber components on a light aluminum frame. The scoop had a narrow lip of metal lining to add a little hardness to its leading edge; anything that couldn't be broken or fractured so that it would smoothly flow into the flexible scoop would push the it up and then let it back down after the obstruction was past. But in this case, the scoop had run into something that sliced straight through it's metal edge and continued into the hardened fiber body, until the increasing resistance of the flexible scoop against the offending material finally brought the drone to a halt. Automatic attempts to back off the obstruction had failed because the object was stuck fast in the body of the scoop; finally the drone had gone into standby and called for help. Ravi's happy humming turned into muttered curses as he shined his helmet light underneath the drone, try to get a better look at whatever it was that had cut into the scoop. The poor angle and swirling dust made it hard to see, but the obstruction appeared to be dull and non-reflective but still vaguely metallic. From his knowledge of Chilae's formation, composition and history, Ravi knew that sharp edges were an extreme rarity on the asteroid. On Likal, the other asteroid being mined above Manigal, the rockier, more metallic composition made sharp points and edges much more common; but Likal had formed in an entirely different era and much deeper in the system, where the heavier materials aggregated. But "rare" didn't mean "none", as the stuck drone proved, so Ravi quickly shifted to thinking about how to free the machine. Within a few moments he devised a plan to detach and drag away the mostly-empty fiber hopper that was attached to the drone, slightly reducing resistance that the unit's crawler drive would have to overcome to back off of the obstruction. Once the hopper was disconnected and dragged a few meters away, Ravi took position at the front of the drone and issued a verbal command; "Unit I147 engage drive, maximum reverse, ten seconds". The drones' crawler tread immediately engaged in reverse, kicking up dust and debris and creating a heavy vibration that Ravi felt through his gloves as he reached under the heat shield and took a firm grip on an the aluminum frame. Ravi pushed hard, his booted feet chopping at the ground to gain purchase, trying to generate leverage to get the drone moving. He breathed deeply, grunting and straining with every muscle and kept pushing and churning. When the drones' drive shut off after the prescribed ten seconds, Ravi rested briefly, breath puffing inside his helmet, then commanded the drone to reverse for twenty seconds more. This time he felt the drone slide back off the obstruction a little bit; after a brief rest and another twenty-second push the unit burst free and Ravi lifted his feet to keep from hitting the object as the drone rapidly rolled backwards until the drive shut down. Chest heaving, Ravi shuffled back and bent to look at what the drone had gotten hung on. It was a dull black triangular protrusion, smooth on both sides and rising to a point. The point was what had sliced into the drones' feed scoop and brought it to a halt. Ravi cautiously ran a gloved finger along one edge of the triangle; it looked pretty sharp. After a moment, he began sweeping regolith away from the object, digging a small bowl out of the asteroid material around it. This exposed more of the object, but it was just the same dull black triangle, widening at what looked like a perfect sixty degrees and disappearing down into the surface of Chilae. Determined to see more, Ravi kept digging around the object, finally coming to a halt after about ten minutes of steady scraping and pushing away regolith. He had exposed probably half a meter of the black triangle and there was no sign of it stopping or changing in any way. He paused for a moment, debating whether to call Sanira back at the 'hab module, then decided against it. If he knew Sani, she was probably almost done with her workout and headed for her sleep bag. Instead, he queued one of the survey drones to come and take a closer look at the site with low-frequency radar and a seismic sensor. He had seen some really strange things on the asteroid before that turned out to be nothing that unusual once more data was gathered; and he had that second drone to free and a long list of other tasks to complete. On Tarak Station Kava Shakuntala leaned back in his chair, watching intently as the latest reports scrolled quickly across the holographic screen floating above the broad expanse of his desk. Much of the information was relatively mundane, including tallies of the resources sent by the projects' mass impellers down-system to orbits close to that of Duniya, the home world, then collected and routed to feed the needs of the Sahakari Collective. A couple personal messages were also in the stream, including friendly notes from a couple colleagues and a brief video message from his wife. Kava smiled briefly at the familiar face of his spouse, Vaasavadatta. She was ten years his junior and at age seventy still a very handsome woman. Vaasa chattered on about affairs in their household back home, filling him in on minor details of it's running and reminding him that his current absence from home was now over two years. Vaasa closed the brief message by letting him know that she had hired a new groundskeeper, younger brother to one of their daughter Sanira's university friends. From the tone of the message, and knowing his wife, Kava assumed that the young groundskeeper was tending to more than just the shrubs. Chuckling a little to himself, Kava stopped the data stream and recorded a short reply message to his wife. Live communication back and forth from Tarak Station to Duniya was possible, but the delay of over twenty minutes between saying something and hearing a reply to it made it extremely awkward. It was a measure of her practicality that Vaasa limited herself to sending the recorded messages; she really was a very good wife. Recalling his final week on Duniya before departing to take up the administration of the project, Kava concluded his message with "I miss you dearly my love, and look forward to returning to you and our home. Until then, please be certain to have your new groundskeeper re-plow the rear grounds behind the house, I worry that it has been untended since my departure. Goodbye." He closed and transmitted the message, grinning wickedly to himself as he took a moment to recall a pleasant memory. After the huge party celebrating his impending departure for Tarak Station, Kava and and Vaasa had passed out in the pavilion erected for the party, along with over half the invited guests. In the pre-dawn stillness of the pavilion, Kava woke from his drunken slumber to find himself curled up behind Vaasa, with an inexplicably hard and painful morning erection pressing through his pants against the softness of his wife's ass. There were twenty or thirty people strewn about the pavilion nearby, sleeping off the raging party from the night before. Kava moved his arm from where it lay around his wife, slowly letting his hand drift down her thigh, carefully gathering the silken cloth of her dress upwards with his fingers until the hem was in his grip. The he gently eased it up until the cloth was bunched at Vaasas' waist, exposing one long, smooth olive-skinned leg, a rounded hip and her bare ass pressed against the straining erection inside his trousers. Next Kava slipped his hand around to gently press against Vaasas' pussy, his fingers easily slipping through the well-trimmed thatch of silky hair that adorned it. Vaasa began to wake as his fingers gently stroked back and forth across her snatch, one finger dipping between her pussy lips and emerging to moisten and tease her clitoris. She started to speak but Kava pressed his lips close to her ear and whispered "Shhhhhhhh.... take my cock out." A low moan was her only reply at first, but then Kava slipped two fingers into her dripping pussy and firmly dragged them back out and over her clit, his other fingers tugging her labia wide so that he could press firmly down on the sensitive nub. Vaasa gasped, then reached back between them and fumbled with the sealstrip closure of his pants, finally opening them up and freeing his penis. It pressed hard against Vaasas' ass, hotter and harder than she had felt it in years. Kava's next whisper was so low and hoarse that it was barely audible, even with his lips pressed close to her ear. "Spit on your fingers and rub your saliva all over my hard tool while I play with your pussy". Trembling and flushed all over, Vaasa obeyed, squeezing her eyes tightly shut and hoping that none of the sleeping guests around them woke. Vaasa placed three fingers into her mouth, soaking them with nervous saliva that suddenly seemed to gush, just like the juices dripping from her pussy. While Kava stroked two fingers in and out of her pussy, she reached back between them and gently gripped the hard, veiny solidity of his tool, stroking up and down around the flushed head and smearing her spit all over it. "That's right" he crooned in her ear "get it wet and slick". With that he sped up the movements of his hand, making her give out a barely-stifled gasp as a small orgasmic tremble teased through her body. "Put the head of my cock against your asshole, I am going to fuck you in your tight little shitter" Kava hissed. Mixed feelings of anticipation, fear and naughtiness flooded her as Vaasa obediently gripped her husbands' hard member in her hand and pushed the swollen head down along the crack of her ass until the slick tip came to rest against the wrinkled star of her anus. She moaned very softly as Kava breathed in her ear "Push your asshole onto my cock", then added a third plunging finger to the pair stroking in and out of her tingling pussy. Vaasa pressed backwards against the hot, hard spear positioned at her asshole, feeling the slick tip crowned by the slowly spreading ridges of her anus. Pleasure mixed with pain as Kava's stroking fingers plunged in and out of her sopping pussy, curling up to press against her clit, while the trembling head of his cock inched into her extremely tight asshole. When the stretched "O" of her anus had worked almost halfway down the shaft of Kavas' throbbing cock, Vaasa stopped pushing, paralyzed by the painful stretching of her ass and the tingling of an oncoming orgasm brought on by her husband's fingers. Suddenly, Kava grunted deeply and drove his full length into the clenching tightness of her ass. Her face froze in a rictus of mingled pleasure and agony as a shattering orgasm broke from her hyper-sensitive clit up through the rest of her body. Somehow Vassa kept from crying out as Kava plunged his cock in and out of her ass in short, savage strokes while pressing slick fingers hard against the inflamed pink bud that was sending orgasm shockwaves up and down her spine. Almost immediately, Kava began dumping spurt after heavy spurt of hot, thick semen into Vaasas' tender ass. He quickly filled every crevice of her tight hole with with slickness that began to ooze out around the root of his pistoning member. Sticky cum dripped out, forming a trail from the crack of her ass down a cheek and onto the carpeted floor of the pavilion. Kava made a last few desperate strokes through her slick anus, feeling one or two final weak jets of come well up through his cock and splash into the hot, damp interior of his wife's ass. Finally his orgasm ended and Kava was still, his breath panting raggedly in her ear. The next day he began the journey to Tarak Station. To be continued... Home Ch. 03 "Daddy! You're home!" Linda said shuffling towards her father in her high-heel slippers as he came in the door. John's eyes bulged as his naked daughter bounced towards him. He caught her as she through her arms around his neck and kissed him. "Where's your mother," he whispered. "O' don't mind her, she's in the kitchen making dinner," Linda said before kissing him again and pushing her tongue into his mouth. She lowered his hands to her bare bottom and held them there aiding them into squeezing her buns. "Hi dear," Glenda said coming up to them unnoticed and giving her husband a kiss on the cheek as he broke the kiss with their daughter. "We're having a home coming dinner tonight." She turned and went quickly back into the kitchen. John was stunned by the sudden appearance of his wife and by the sudden exit as he still held his daughter's naked ass in his hands. He looked to Linda for answers. "Jeff is finally getting the rocks out of his head, and is leaving Sarah," she said loosening his tie and removing his jacket. It was something that her mother normally did, but she intended to take over such minor details. "Is he ok?" John asked. "O'yeah. Jeff's find. He said that it wasn't working out anyway," Linda said leading him into the living room and sitting him down in his favorite chair. "How was your day?" She gave him a quick kiss on the lips and then knelt to remove his shoes. John figured that his wife must be to pre-occupied with Jeff coming home to notice that he was making out with their daughter. "O' work was fine," he said. "I'll get you a beer," Linda said moving her hips as she walked with the intent of getting her father's attention. She looked back over her shoulder to make sure that he was watching her ass, and he was. Glenda winked her eye at her daughter as she came in to get John a beer. Glenda make sure that her daughter knew of all the little things her father wanted when he would come home from work that she might not have been aware of. Glenda also knew with Linda being naked that he would want to get his hands on her, so she intended to stay in the kitchen to give them privacy. Linda returned to the living room with a beer for her father and turned on the news as she sat in his lap. "Mom is really busy in there," Linda said putting his hand on her thigh and kissing him again. She could feel his hard-on rise in his pants under her. "Don't you want to at least do this in your bedroom?" John asked his daughter as he slid his fingers to her crotch. "Only if you want to," she replied getting off his lap and taking his hand. John glanced into the kitchen and his daughter led him down the hall to her bedroom. Glenda looked up and smiled when she saw them pass to go down the hall. She felt that she had never been so excited about anything in her life. She knew that Linda would soon be having sex with John and the only thing she could do was to wait for her son to arrive. **** "Daddy, I've been thinking about you all day," Linda said unbuttoning her father's shirt as he closed the door to her bedroom. "You have?" John said looking down at his daughter's ripe up turned tits. "I love you," she said kissing him as she unzipped his pants letting them fall to the floor. "I love you too," he said taking her ample tits in her hand. Linda stroked her father's hard cock as she knelt in front of him. She licked the pre-cum from the head of his prick as she looked up into his eyes. "I want this everyday," she said and took the cock into her mouth. Linda sucked on the head of her father's dick as she stroked its shaft. "O'baby, humm," John grunted as he thrust his cock into his daughter's mouth. He hated admitting it to himself, but he knew he wanted his daughter more than his wife. The possibility of being with his daughter more with his son coming back home to keep his wife busy excited him more. He pulled his daughter up from his cock. "I don't want to cum like this, I want to cum inside you before dinner is ready," he said. Linda backed onto her bed and spread her legs wide for her father. **** Glenda waited impatiently for Jeff to arrive. She really hoped that nothing happened with Sarah that would prevent him from coming. She changed clothes about four times trying to find the prefect outfit to greet him in. Linda had suggested earlier that she just wear a ribbon around her naked body, but Glenda wasn't about to do that although the thought was appealing. She did feel daring enough not to wear anything under dress that crossed her boobs keeping them from sagging. Her heart skipped a beat when she heard a car pull up in the driveway. She ran to the front window. To her surprise Sarah pulled in behind him in her car. She looked back over her shoulder hearing Linda's loud moans. She rushed out the door to catch Jeff and Sarah before they could reach the house. "Hi Ms Scott," Sarah said with a cheerful smile giving her soon to be ex-mother a hug. "How are you, dear?" Glenda said trying to gage the young woman's feelings. "O' I'm fine," Sarah said as Jeff came and stood beside her. "Jeff and I talked it out and realized that this was the best for both of us." She looked at Jeff and smiled. Glenda looked at her smiling son. "We're fine mom," Jeff confirmed. "I have some of Jeff's things in my car," Sarah said. "Let me give you a hand with those," Glenda said following the girl to her car. Glenda took the boxes from Sarah and sat them next to Jeff's car as Jeff began taking his things into the garage. "I could help you take them inside," Sarah said as Glenda took the last box from her arms. Glenda sat the box down and gave the young woman another hug. "That's ok, sweetheart. Jeff and I can handle it from here. I'm so sorry that things didn't work out between you to," Glenda said. "But, I'm sure its for the best if the both of you think so." "O' yes mam," Sarah said. "We both agreed that this was for the best." Glenda put her arm around Sarah's shoulder and guided the young woman back to her car. "If you need anything or just want to talk, you just give me a call, ok sweetheart?" Glenda said hugging Sarah and then opened the car door for her. "I will Ms. Scott," Sarah said as she got into her car. Glenda stood in the driveway wave until Sarah was out of the driveway and heading up the street. "Boy, you sure got her out of here in a hurry," Jeff chuckled picking up one of the last two boxes. Glenda picked up the other relieved that she was able to prevent Sarah from entering the house. "I'm making dinner for the four of us and I didn't want to be rude, because there's not enough room at the table," Glenda said sitting the last box down in the garage. "It's great to have you home, sweetheart." Glenda turned and kissed Jeff on the lips. Jeff pulled her tight against him parting her lips with his tongue. He could hear the sounds his sister was making and knew what had to be going on, and figured out why his mother didn't want Sarah to come in the house. Jeff had been in contact with his sister and she told him that their mother knew that she and their father were having sex, but their father was still unaware about him and their mother. Jeff lowered his hands to his mother's butt-cheeks and squeezed them as his excitement built. **** "Yes daddy! Yes!" Linda cried rocking back and forth on her hands and knees on the bed as her John pounded her cunt from behind. John was approaching his climax as he thrust his cock harder and faster into his daughter's hot pussy. John grunted loudly as he flooded Linda's cunt with his thick cream. He strained to hold his dick all the way inside of her as the last streams of his cum shot into her. "Hmmm, daddy. We have to do this again after dinner," Linda said turning as her father leaned over her to kiss her lips. "What about your mother?" John asked. "O' don't worry about her," Linda said. "She'd be so happy that Jeff is coming home that I doubt if she'd notice if we were screwing on the dinner table." She laughed. "You're probably right," John said rising off the bed. "Dinner is ready," Glenda call through Linda's bedroom door as she knocked. John quickly slipped into his pants while Linda took her time getting a t-shirt from her dresser and walking seductively to the bathroom. John quickly rushed to his bedroom to clean up for dinner. "Hey, sis," Jeff said joyfully as Linda came around the table to give her brother a hug. He patted her naked buns under the t-shirt before releasing her. "Aren't you glad to be home?" Linda said sitting on the other side of the table. "I sure am," Jeff said reaching over and taking his mother's hand. "Well, I see you finally came to your senses," John said coming to the table and reaching to shake his son's hand. "Glenda, this smells delicious." "Ya, I'm starved," Linda said. Everyone laughed knowing how much food the sexy girl could put away. Linda lift her leg under the table finding John's crotch while her mother and brother talked in almost a whisper never taking their eyes off each other. John's eyes were rolling back in his head as Linda teased his growing hard-on with her foot. After dinner, Jeff helped his mother with the dishes while John and Linda went into the living room. Jeff knelt in front of his mother as she turned around at the sink, lifting her dress and capturing her wet cunt with his mouth. "O' baby," Glenda moaned lifting one of her legs to give him better access to her aching pussy while raking her fingers through his hair. Linda wasted no time getting her father's cock out and in her mouth as they sat of the couch. John pumped his fingers in and out of her hot box as his toes curled from the pleasure she was giving him. Linda pulled down John's pants, straddled his lap taking him all the way inside of her as she feed him her tits. John sucked on one nipple and then the other while massaging her butt-cheeks and thrusting his hard cock into her. Glenda bit down on her lips to keep from screaming as her son's expert tongue made her cum. "Let's not rush," Glenda said pulling her son up to his feet. "We have plenty of time. Grab a couple of beers and follow me." Glenda led her son in the living room where her husband was fully engulfed in driving his cock into their daughter. Glenda opened the bottle of beer getting his attention while Linda continued bouncing up and down on his cock. "Here you go dear," Glenda said handing her husband the beer and opened another one for Linda. "We're going to take Jeff's stuff to his bedroom." Glenda saw the shocked expression on her husband's face, but showed no reaction to it as she turned away. Jeff smiled, winked his eye, and nodded at his father and turned to follow his mother. Home Ch. 03 Thanks again for feedback! and Double thanks to my kind editor MoaningLover. ******************* Peyton stared at the ceiling, dazed. Ms. Broughton had called earlier that Saturday morning to tell her that she gotten the secretary job and would be starting on Monday. The theme song from The Jefferson's popped into her head. Well, we're movin' on up. To the east side. To a deluxe apartment in the sky. Movin' on up. To the east side. We finally got a piece of the pie. She knew she wouldn't be getting a deluxe apartment in the sky, but not living in a church shelter was close enough. Peyton closed her eyes and thought of Nate. Just his name made her face feel hot. Remembering the feel of his lips and the strength of his hands made her body quiver. A storm cloud of emotions swarmed in her head when she thought of Nate; she was happy they kissed, confused about why she felt so strongly about him though they only just met, horny, guilty for getting horny in church, and angry at herself for running away from him. She sat up and traced her fingers over her lower back. I can't let him see. Peyton then decided to avoid Nate. He must be angry at me for giving him blue balls, she thought. He probably thinks I'm a coward. Then again, he probably doesn't even care; he could get any woman he wanted. Most likely one without an ugly body. She lay back down and rubbed her eyes at the feeling of hot tears about to run. She heard a soft knock at the door and banished the thoughts away. When she opened the door, she was greeted by Jane's grinning face. "That handsome Nate fellow is here to see you!" she said giddily. "Tell him I'm sick and won't be seeing anyone for a while," Peyton sighed. Jane gave her a worried look, but Peyton didn't feel like explaining. She closed the door and crawled back into bed. ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• Nate stared down the clock in his office. 4:30. Maybe I'll just leave early, he thought. I am the boss after all. It had been two days since he'd last seen Peyton and he already missed her terribly. He'd gone to visit her on Saturday, but - by the look on the woman's face who'd greeted him - Peyton had blown him off. He went again on Sunday and got the same treatment. It was now Monday, and Nate wouldn't stand for this. He planned on revisiting the church right after work, walking in, and not taking 'No' for an answer this time. He usually got off at five, but he couldn't take it anymore. He grabbed his coat, bid fair well to the employees he saw, and took off to the elevator. During the drive to St. Michael's, Nate tried to think of what to say, but fell short. All I need right now is for her to know how much I care about her. Once at the church, he was greeted by the same older woman he met last time. "Where is she?" he asked simply. "She's not here, Mister... um-" "Nate. Nate Tennison. She's not here? Where could she be?" "At work, Mr. Tennison. She started her new job today." Nate smacked his palm onto his forehead; he'd forgotten that Peyton had interviewed with his ex-girlfriend. He'd actually been hoping that she wouldn't get the job, but that hope was in vain. He ran his fingers through his ash brown hair and closed his eyes to think for a moment. The woman just stood there, watching him nervously. "What's your name?" he finally asked. "Jane Brooks. Peyton is a friend of mine." "Then can you please tell her I stopped by?" "Yes, I can!" She answered pleasantly. Nate thanked her and left quickly. His felt a headache coming on as he drove home. He missed Peyton. He kept gripping his smooth, yet manly hands on the steering wheel tighter and tighter, thinking about her. He wanted, so desperately, to tell her how he felt; to tell her that in the short course of time that they'd known one another she'd brought undiluted happiness back into his sad little world. He felt so much for her, but at the moment, over everything, he felt fear. He was scared of losing her; that his brief ray of sunshine would be blocked away once more by pain and he'd be all alone. He was afraid of returning to the solidity of his house, hoping that one day it would be more than just plaster and furniture, but a safe haven of love and comfort. In the years he'd known Addison, she'd never made him feel that way. In the days that he'd known Peyton, he'd felt it every single moment. Now, he could lose her, and he had no one to blame but himself. As he pulled into his home, he noticed a figure on his doorstep. "Dammit, Addison," he cursed aloud. He stepped out of his car and walked over to the covered front porch he'd designed himself. To his surprise, it was Peyton at his doorstep. "Hello, Nate," she said shyly. She was wear a suit, so he guessed that she'd come here straight after work. She looked like she was freezing. Nate pulled off his coat and wrapped it around her. "Hi, Peyton," Nate opened the door and led her inside. "What were you doing out there? You're going to catch your death!" "I wanted to see you, but I didn't know what time you got off work. So, I came straight here and waited." She shivered, making Nate's heart pang with worry. He shuffled her over to the couch and covered her with a nearby blanket. "I'll make some hot chocolate." Nate went into and set about making the drink for Peyton. Though he was upset that she'd sat out in the cold waiting for him, he was happy she was there. Guess she's not angry with me. He glanced over at her and smiled. She looked so cute to him, all curled up on his couch like a kitten in a blanket. He quickly finished in the kitchen and returned to Peyton, drink in hand. Peyton thanked him quickly and downed the cup, relishing in the heat it spread within her. "Ah, that hit the spot," she licked her lips slowly. Nate was mesmerized by the movement. He willed himself not to stare at her lips. He moved closer to her and rubbed her back. "Feeling better?" he asked sincerely. "Yes," she said quietly, putting down the empty cup. Peyton started playing with her fingers again; he picked up on her nervousness. "Nate, I'm sorry." "For what?" "For running from you on Friday and avoiding you all weekend. I'm usually not so cowardly." "You don't have to apologize. I figured I'd probably pushed you-" "No!" Peyton said urgently. "I wasn't running from you. I was just afraid for you to see." "See what?" Nate asked, lost. Peyton removed the blanket from her shoulders and began unbuttoning her blouse. Stunned, Nate sat and watched her. Once it was open and she sat in her bra, she reached behind herself and unzipped her skirt. "Peyton, what are you-" "Hush," she interrupted. "I need to do this." She pushed down her skirt. "When I was growing up, before my mother left, she used to pin point all the parts on my body that were imperfect. I was a kid, so all of her pointers sank in. The one thing she hated was my baby fat. It kind of stuck around my mid-section and she detested buying me anything that showed it off. 'There are two kinds of stomachs: the washboard and the curdled cheese,' she used to say. 'Guess which one you have.'" Nate winced. "Nice Mom." "Tell me about it," Peyton turned her back to him. "When she left, I thought it was because of me, and I didn't handle it well. I ate my father out of house and home. He pretended not to notice because he loved me, but I still noticed. Then about two years ago, he told me that she'd died. A car accident in some nameless part of the world. Before my father's death, I'd never cried so hard in my entire life. I stopped eating after that. I almost couldn't stand food. But my father wouldn't allow me to waste away. So I got smaller. I thought it was a good thing until... these started showing up." She bridged her back and lifted her shirt. Nate looked down her back. Her smooth brown skin was corrupted at her lower back with an array of stretch marks. He looked closer, and saw scars. "Peyton, not all of these are-" "I cut myself." She blurted out. "I was so close to being perfect when the marks came. I couldn't stand my body and, I guess in a fit, I took a box cutter and-" Peyton's voice cracked. Nate could see the tears run down the side of her face. "I-I ran from you because I couldn't bear the thought of you seeing this broken part of me." She pulled down her shirt and turned back to Nate. He gentle put his hand on her cheek and wiped away her tear with his thumb. "I'm honored," he said faintly. Peyton looked up at him. "What?" "I am honored that you decided to show this part of yourself to me. I know how vulnerable you must be feeling right now. To think that such an extraordinary woman, like yourself, has enough trust in me to reveal your pain is humbling." Peyton was taken aback by his response. She looked into his inky dark blue eyes and saw something that made her heart skip. Love, maybe? Nate reached around her waist and turned her away from him again. "Nate, what are you-" "Quiet. I want to do this." He hushed her and pushed up her blouse. He placed his lips against Peyton's spine and heard her gasp. She tensed up and gripped the couch for dear life. Nate's lips lingered before tenderly kissing a trail down her back. Peyton closed her eyes tight. She felt more tears spill from her eyes. She tried to breathe evenly, but Nate's kisses melted her resolve. When he reached the tip of one of her scars, Nate slid his tongue out and ran it down the scar. "Nate," Peyton let out in a rush of breath. Nate didn't stop. He outlined each scar he saw with the tip of his tongue. He placed light kisses along the marks and held her all the while. "You are absolutely beautiful," Nate murmured against her fevered skin. Peyton squeezed the couch harder. Her heart anguished over Nate's ministrations; no one had ever been so gentle with her. She finally felt Nate's mouth pull away. She then realized that she was trembling. Nate placed his hands over hers, which were still balled into fists. He leaned down to her ear. "Peyton," he whispered. "You can let go Peyton. I'm right here. You can let it all go." He squeezed her hands tepidly. Peyton relaxed her hands and fell back into his embrace. "I want you" She whispered softly. Nate's heart thundered in his chest. She wants me, and I lied to her. Peyton turned to face him, but found her face against his hard chest. Unable to control herself, she wept. She couldn't remember the last time she cried, let alone sobbed this hard. Nate held her close. Instead of spoiling the moment with words, he gripped her against his body and stroked her cheek. They lost time in their embrace. Peyton couldn't how long they'd lain like that when she finally sat up. "Thank you," she said in a hushed tone. "You're welcome." Peyton only then realized that her bra clad breasts were exposed. This fact would normally have embarrassed her, but at the moment, it excited her. She wanted Nate to see her. She shrugged the blouse off her shoulders. Nate's eyes travelled from her face down to the pair of chocolate orbs that threatened to free themselves from their confines. Peyton reached behind herself again then, this time not taking her eyes off Nate's. His eyes were lustful and made her moist just being under their gaze. She unclasped her bra and got rid of it quickly. Nate swallowed hard and was suddenly overwhelmed with the urge to go slow. Wouldn't want to scare her away again. However, in the contrary to his urges, Peyton didn't want to slow down. She wanted him, every bit. She surged forward and kissed him fiercely. Nate was very pleasantly surprised. Peyton adored how succulent, soft, and thick his lips were. Instead of nipping at them, she gently bit his bottom lips. A moan rumbled through Nate's throat as he pulled her closer - as if it were possible to be any closer at that point. He lay back on the couch completely and pulled Peyton onto his lap. She wasted no time pulling her skirt up around her waist and straddling him. Nate cupped her face and turned his head away. Peyton looked down at him with worried eyes. He gave her a devilish smile. He had no intention of letting her take full control. He ran his left hand through her hair, and then suddenly gripped it tight. Peyton felt her heart leap and her - already damp - pussy leak more. Nate brought her head down to meet his and kissed her slowly, more sensually. He teased her lips with his tongue but held her by the hair in a stern grip. Peyton whimpered at the sudden slowness, not sure whether it turned her on even more or just frustrated her. With his stronger right hand, Nate cupped her generous ass and gave it a good squeeze. Peyton arched her back and pushed against his hand. Nate removed it and just before Peyton knew what happened, brought it back down with a merciless swat! Peyton jumped at the unexpected pain. She was more surprised by how much she liked it. She looked Nate dead in the eyes as he delivered a second, albeit softer, blow to her ass. She threw her head back and gave a happy moaning outcry. "You liked that, baby?" Nate asked sincerely. He had spanked her on impulse and worried now if he'd hurt her. The pleasured look on Peyton's face dismissed his worries. He gazed at the delectable pair of bare breasts and couldn't resist pulling Peyton up against his tall lean body and taking one of the chocolate kiss, nipples between his lips. It fit perfectly in his mouth and he suckled hard. Nate breathed in deep, the scent of her skin. What usually reminded him of comfort now sent wanton cravings through his mind. Peyton murmured incomprehensible sounds of longing and ran her fingers through his hair. Nate caught her nipple between her teeth and gingerly bit her. Peyton gasped, gripping and digging her nails through his work shirt into his shoulders. Nate brought up his left hand and held the other breasts with care. He held the other nipple between his index finger and thumb and mimicked his biting motion by pinching it. Peyton's grip on his shoulders tensed. "Ah, Nate. Harder," she moaned with free avidity. Nate obliged, switching back and forth between nipples. Peyton never thought of her nipples as sensitive until now. She cooed Nate's name, loving the sucking wet heat of his mouth. Just then, something important popped into her head. She sat up, reluctantly pulling her tit away from Nate's hungry mouth and looked down into his hazel eyes. "Are you ok?" he gasped, hoping with all his might that she didn't want to leave. "Yes, I'm fantastic. But I feel I should tell you something before we go any further." "What is it?" he asked, slightly fretful. "You know you can tell me anything." "Well, I w-" "NATE!" The sound of a high pitch, shrill voice and honking stopped them both. Nate instantly knew that it was Addison. He had never felt more infuriated in his life. "Nate, who's that?" Peyton asked apprehensively. She slid off his lap and sat, staring at him with trusting eyes. It made his throat tight. "Crazy ex-girlfriend. Wait right here while I get rid of her." Peyton nodded and crossed her arms over her naked chest. Nate got up, adjusted his raging hard on, and went to the door. He opened it and closed it behind him, as to not let Peyton hear him. "Addison, what in the fuck are you doing here!" Nate said, trying not to yell. "I'm here to visit my favorite person!" She ran up to kiss him, but he grabbed her shoulders to stop her. "Addison, you are becoming a real nuisance in my life. If you don't stop this stalker-like behavior, I'm going to have to take drastic measures." His threat didn't even seem to faze her. "Like what?" she asked coyly. "Spank me? You were always into that." She winked and gyrated in his grasp. Nate rolled his eyes. Addison let out a cackle before something caught her eye: the drape in his window had moved. "Nate, are you shacking up with some other bitch in my fucking house?!" "First off," Nate said, letting her go. "This is NOT your house. Second off, that's none of your fucking business." Before he knew what was happening, Addison had shot off towards the door, clinkering quickly in her expensive heels. Unfortunately for her, Nate was faster than she was, with or without the heels; he grabbed her by her waist before she could reach the door. He was surprised by how close she'd gotten. "I know you're in there, you fucking bitch!" she screamed as Nate dragged her away. "You better hope I never find out who you are! Or you're ruined, you hear me? Fucking ruined!" Nate harshly pushed Addison towards her car. "Leave. Now." He growled menacingly. Addison glared at him, but got in her car and sped off. Nate took a deep breath and prayed that Peyton hadn't heard. When he reentered his house, he knew his prayers were in vain. Peyton was standing by the door, completely clothed and seething. "Peyton, I am so, so sor-" Peyton held up her hand to stop him. "I'm going to ask you two yes-or-no questions. Just answer them for me." Nate stood awe struck by the ice in her voice. Her eyes were blank. No anger, no sadness, just blank. "That was Addison Broughton, my new boss, correct?" Nate nodded slowly. He couldn't stand this sudden change in Peyton. Where'd my sweet girl go? "And when I asked you if you knew her, you lied to my face, also correct?" "Wait, now. Peyton, it's more complicated than you think." Peyton waved him off. "Yes or no?" "Yes," Nate answered shamefully. "That's all I needed to know," Peyton started walking straight for the door. "No, no. Peyton, please wait." Nate begged and grabbed her arm. Peyton violently yanked it free and pushed Nate's chest with more force than he knew she had. Taken off, he fell back on his ass. He watched as Peyton opened the door. "Goodbye, Nate." She slammed it behind her. Nate stood up, completely astonished. He couldn't piece together how he'd gone from deliriously happy to plunging back into his painful world so quickly. All he really knew was at that point was that he'd had it at all so fast, and lost it even faster. And it's all my fault. •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• The next two weeks of Nate's life had been put on auto-pilot. Without the hope of seeing Peyton to lift his spirits, Nate ate, slept, worked, and lived day by day in a bleak state of consciousness. His co-workers noticed his change, but didn't know how to help. Nate didn't want their help. He wanted Peyton back. He'd never wanted anything else so badly in the entirety of his life. During the night he'd lay awake in bed craving her presence. He felt as if the air from that night was stuck in his lungs and his throat was closed shut; he couldn't breathe, no matter how hard he tried. Sleeping was the hardest for him. Peyton constantly invaded his dreams. They were no more than memories of their short time together, but they far surpassed his reality without her. Addison had dropped by twice since that night. Each time Nate refused to face her, but cowered out in his bed, ignoring her knocks, honks and screams. He'd gone by St. Michael's almost every day during the first week, but Peyton refused to see him. She didn't return his notes and he even saw one in the trash once. But he knew he couldn't give up. He denied returning to the dreary world he once resided in. Peyton was his ray of hope and he wasn't going to give up her so easily. He just prayed that she hadn't given up on him. It was Friday and Nate decided to get off work an hour early. He guessed it was about this time that Peyton had gotten off of work and visited him last and decided to leave as well. He headed straight for the church. Instead of going inside, he sat on the steps, right by the door, and waited. He closed his eyes and envisioned Peyton's warm smile and caring touch. He ached for them. About 15 min later, he heard footsteps and looked up to see Peyton. His heart instantly picked up, but went down again when she glared at him. Home Ch. 03 "Go away," she said curtly. "No. Peyton we need to talk." "I have nothing to say to you." she said coldly. She tried to walk past him, but Nate blocked her path. "Well, I have something to say to you. Please, Peyton." She looked up into his distraught eyes and couldn't help but feel him tug on her heart strings. "I want the truth this time." Nate put his right hand on over his heart and lifted three fingers with his left. "Scout's honor." Peyton didn't show amusement, though deep down she thought it was cute. "I guess I should start from the very beginning," Nate took a deep breath. "I met Addison two years ago. It wasn't love at first site. More like... lust at first site. I intended to have her as a one night stand, but she had me. I used to find her so engrossing that I committed to being with her blindly." Peyton's frown deepened. "She had a way with words," he continued to defend himself. "She was able to twist things to make them go her way, which I then thought was cool, but I now see was manipulator. She played me like a pro and I fell for it hook, line, and sinker. So, a little over a year later, she told me she was pregnant. It was one the happiest moments of my life." Peyton noticed Nate's demeanor get darker as he spoke. "I'd always wanted kids. I was an only child growing up so I wanted a big family to fill the void. And I thought Addison was going to give me that. I was ready to start my life with her; with my son." Nate reached into his pocket, pulled out a slip of paper and handed it to Peyton. She took suspiciously, but gasped when she looked inside: it was an ultra sound. "Twelve weeks," Nate continued with dismay. "I was going to name him James, after my father. I never loved anything in my life like I loved that kid. I was scared to death of being a bad father, but I wanted to be a father all the same. But Addison took that opportunity away from me. She aborted my son without even a word to me." Nate's voice was constrained. He stared down at the ground, trying to dull the pain reawaken in his chest. Peyton stared at him grievously. She wanted to hold him so badly, but refrained. "And you know what the fucked up part of it all was?" Peyton shook her head. "She convinced me to forgive her. I can't even remember how but she convinced me that it was for the best. I knew better but I was so distressed then I couldn't stand being alone. Weeks later I 'lost' my credit cards. I called the bank and they froze them for me. They told me someone had it taken it and was living it up at some Plaza hotel. I went there to confront thieves, but I found Addison and her OBGYN instead. I broke up with her without telling her what I had found out because I knew she'd twist it somehow." Nate finally looked back up at Peyton. Her eyes had softened totally and he thought that she was about to cry. He stepped closer to her. "Peyton, I didn't tell you about knowing Addison because I was ashamed. I was ashamed about my weakness and the mistakes that I'd made. You thought so highly of me and I didn't want you to see the real sucker that I am. It's not an excuse though. It's just how it was." Peyton took a moment to mull over all that she'd heard. She sat down on the steps, and Nate sat next to her. "Nate, we are more alike than I thought we were." Nate was completely taken back by her response. "How so?" "Because we both have experience the worst in people; any kindness we showed was taken advantage of, yours by Addison and mine by my step-sister. That doesn't make you weak at all. You got away from Addison before she ruined your entire life. I didn't. I sat blindly while Vicky took my whole life away from me. If anything, you're much stronger than you think." "Peyton, that wasn't your fault." "And your son's death wasn't yours." "I'm going to try and trust you on that." "Ditto." Peyton grabbed his hand and entwined her fingers with his. Nate smiled down at her. She returned it. "Nate," Peyton said seriously, "If I'm going to forgive you, you're going to have to promise never to lie to me. Even the worst of all truths outweighs the sweetest of lies. " Nate arched his brow at her. "Something your dad said?" Peyton giggled. "You know it." "I promise you Peyton, No more lies." He squeezed her hand. Peyton smiled bright at him. Nate felt overwhelmed with happiness. He leaned down and pressed his forehead against hers. "I missed you," he whispered. She clutched his hand tighter. "I missed you, too." Home Ch. 03 Kava sat for a moment, savoring the memory. As Administrator of the project and one of the leading members of a powerful Sahakaran family, he didn't lack opportunities for sexual release. But he missed Vaasa, and right now his manhood was painfully erect inside his trousers. Suddenly, outside the open door of his office, the strident voice of his personal secretary, Ms. Kunti rose. She was a sharp-tongued woman who took great pleasure in the importance of her position; she was one of the most feared women on Tarak station because Kava Shakuntala trusted her to arrange his schedule. As such, it fell to her to weed out the many Project staff who sought the Administrators' attention for their pet projects and requests. Fortunately, she was very good at it and took tremendous pleasure in wielding the authority of her position to deter those whom she deemed unworthy of an appointment. "I have told you now three times that your request for an appointment to see the Administrator is denied sir, and if you do not leave now I will have station security remove you!" Ms. Kunti's voice, already harsh, took on an almost vicious tone. "After that, I will speak to the Science Director, who you seem to have forgotten supervises your department, and ask him why a member of his staff is seeking to bother the Administrator with useless prattle!" Kava half-heard the stammered reply of whoever it was in the outer office as he (the voice sounded masculine, if scared) apologized and made a hasty retreat. The outer office door whooshed open then shut behind the fleeing scientist. Kava wouldn't put it past Ms. Kunti to send an extremely nasty note to the Science Director anyway, despite that fact that the poor fellow had given up on trying to see him. With a slight movement of one finger Kava locked the outer office door and activated the blue light outside, indicating that the Administrators' Office was closed. Then he turned off the audio cancelling field around his desk that kept sounds at the desk from being heard outside of it. He cleared his throat and spoke aloud; "Ms. Kunti, would you please come and speak to me in my office? Thank you." Ms. Kunti was a moderately-tall, severe-looking woman of fifty-two; her family had been in service to Shakuntala for nearly a thousand years and the importance of her job earned her the same anti-aging treatments each year that kept Kava himself looking like a man of thirty, rather than his actual eighty-one. She wore a tight-fitting knee-length black skirt banded in Shakuntala colors at the waist and hem, with a brilliant white form-fitting blouse that stood out against her dark olive skin and accentuated her narrow waist and generous breasts. As usual, Ms. Kunti had her long black hair bound in a tight bun atop her head, with one long strand falling almost to the black-rimmed glasses that perched atop her long, slender nose. She walked with short, confident strides to the front of Kavas' desk, arms at her sides, with a small data slate in one hand. Through the slate she could access the simple VI program that helped administer Kavas' schedule and personal affairs on the station. "Yes sir?" "I have closed this office so that we can have a discussion about how you comport yourself Ms. Kunti" said Kava, steepling his fingers and leaning back as he looked into her face. He thought he saw just a hint of a smile play across her lips and her chest heaved just slightly as she took in a deep breath. Ms. Kunti had been his personal secretary for thirty years; she knew and enjoyed the game. Putting a little bit of sternness in his voice, Kava continued. "You must understand that at times I am deeply disappointed by the way you speak to the scientists and crew of this Project. Your harsh and cruel tone casts the Office of the Administrator in a negative light and creates hurt feelings among the very staff I am responsible to administer. To lead is to serve Ms. Kunti, and through you, I have given poor service to those in my charge!" "Sir, please accept my apologies" breathed Ms. Kunti. Her normally-harsh voice melted into a breathy, pleading tone. "You know that I only wish to serve you and the project well - please, I know how to serve!" With that, she set the data slate on his desk, then hurried around to the side of his chair, kneeling and reaching for one of his hands with a pleading look. "Please sir, let me serve, I will not disappoint you again!" Kava kept his face stern, looking down at her eyes and inhaling the faint spicy scent of her perfume, then pulled his hand free from hers. "Very well then, show me your service so that I can decide whether you deserve another chance." Ms. Kuntis' face fairly glowed as she eagerly turned his chair to face where she knelt, then she crawled forward between his knees, gently bumping them farther apart. "Thank you sir, thank you" she breathed, as her fingers moved to the sealstrip of his trousers, quickly opening them from his waist all the way down. Her thin lips smiled wide as Kavas' fully-erect penis sprang free of the restraining trousers, the flushed head pointing almost straight to the ceiling as he scooted his hips forward slightly in the chair. Without hesitation, Ms. Kunti leaned in close, turning her head to the side and bringing her mouth to his balls, gently laving them with her tongue. She licked and kissed and slurped wetly at the soft, hairless skin of his heavy ballsack, with the rigid shaft of his cock slapping gently at the side of her face as she worked. Kava groaned and tipped his head back to look up at the ceiling at first, then turned his gaze back down to watch Ms. Kunti, as her tongue slithered underneath his balls, delicately licking and fluttering at the sensitive flesh below. She reached up with her right hand, taking his equipment in a delicate grip and tugging it up and out of the way as she craned her neck to press her face deeper between his thighs. His swollen cock and balls came to rest almost on Ms. Kuntis' ear as her questing lips and tongue strained farther down... then his groan turned into a hiss of pleasure as the tip of Mr. Kunti's wet tongue slid back and forth around the tight ring of his anus, pushing, prodding, finally working the wet tip inside. The slurping, lapping work of her tongue and mouth then slowly progressed from his shiny asshole back up to the silken skin of his nuts; Ms. Kunti carefully took each of them in her mouth in turn, sucking, licking and humming, teasing them until he gasped. Then she licked the six inches of his erection from the base all the way up to the purple head, tongue flicking and lapping for the small drop of precum that had bubbled up, then back down again, scraping her wet lips along each side as she went up and down his shaft. Kava hoarsely whispered "Yes Ms. Kunti, you are showing that you believe in service. Now take me in your mouth, fuck my hard cock with your throat!" Her response was to briefly take him in her hand, pointing his engorged member slightly forward so that she could slowly bring her wet lips down around the tip, gently sucking at it and running her tongue back and forth against the dimpled ridge under his glans. She took her hand away, then strained to look up at him as she began very gently bobbing up and down, taking the head and an inch or two of his rock-hard shaft into her hot, wet mouth with each stroke. Kava smiled with pleasure, locking his gaze with hers. Hazel eyes peered up at him above the top of the black-rimmed glasses, reminding him of the very stern, but very sexy teacher that had tormented him when he was thirteen. "Oh yes, I am beginning to believe you Ms. Kunti. Show me that you want to please me, to serve me. Take me into your throat and give me the release I need so badly." Spurred on by his words, Ms. Kunti pushed the tight wet ring of her lips farther down with each stroke, still straining to keep her eyes locked with his as she bobbed, sucked, slurped. Soon the tip of Kavas' thick erection was lightly bumping the back of her throat at the bottom of each stroke, making her eyes water and the faint tremble of her gag reflex to rise. But she kept at it, forcing him a little deeper into her mouth each time she bobbed downward. The saliva already gushing in her mouth was joined by even more from somewhere deeper, slick strings of it drenched the tip of his cock and at the bottom of the next stroke the sensitive head slipped past the back of her tongue and into her throat. Ms. Kunti stopped with the end of Kavas' thick member poking into her throat, fighting the tickle of her gag reflex and the tired ache of her jaws. His hands gripped the arms of his chair tightly, but Ms. Kunti imagined them clenched in her hair, holding her down on the trembling spear of his cock. Finally, she pulled back, letting his slick member slip out of her mouth and gulping two deep, gasping breaths, all the while keeping her eyes locked on his face. Kava gave her a small, approving nod and Ms. Kunti leaned forward to spit two long strings of slick spit from her mouth onto his rock-hard penis and took the tip in her mouth again. Then she settled back onto her haunches and resumed bobbing up and down on his dick, taking him almost all the way to the root within just one or two strokes. Once again the swollen head pressed against the back of her mouth and this time she tipped her chin up and took the thick member deep into the constricting ridges of her throat, pushing until her nose pressed hard against the soft patch of hair at his groin. With a full two or three inches of his erect tool buried all the way into Ms. Kuntis' throat, Kava looked down and lock eyes with her again, then took the heavy bun of her silky black hair in a two-handed grip. Using his grip in her hair and his elbows on the armrests of his chair for leverage, Kava lifted his hips and began thrusting back and forth, keeping just the tip of his cock in her mouth at the top of each stroke. Then he would push forward, feeling the ribs of her throat squeezing tightly around the end of his cock as it forced its way in. Ms. Kunti fought to still her gag reflex as Kava took control and began truly fucking her abused throat. Each time the thick head was almost withdrawn, her gag reflex spasmed a little, anticipating the obstruction being gone. But then it was pushed right back in, and she would try to gasp in one or two quick breaths before her nose was pressed tight into his pubic hair again. She hung at the edge of panic, barely getting enough air as he pistoned in and out, picking up speed. After a few strokes, she began to count them, struggling to keep looking into his eyes and just trust him, to accept the hard, thick invader in her throat . One, two... she felt wetness dripping between her thighs, soaking the expensive fabric of her dress... three, four, five.. she managed to draw in a deep breath as he paused between strokes for a moment, groaning... six, seven... and suddenly the slick, choking shaft of his manhood pulled free from her tortured throat and the tight wet ring of her lips. His painful grip in her hair tightened even more as Kavas' wet cock flopped free and slapped down against her nose and glasses. His eyes stayed locked on hers until they suddenly closed and he tilted his head back, giving off an animal growl "Unnnghhhh!' With that, his trembling cock pulsed, firing a long thick string of hot semen across her forehead and into her hair. "Ungggghhhhh!" Another spurt splashed from the tip of his straining member onto the right lens of her glasses and then a third spurted weakly along the side of her nose and onto her cheek. Gasping with relief and desperately wishing that she dared to pull her skirt up and play with her inflamed pussy, Ms. Kunti rose to capture the head of his cock again, sucking gently and bobbing just enough to run the ring of her lips down the shaft a little, then tightening them as she pulled back, milking a long dribble of salty cum into her mouth. She looked up to capture his eyes again, then gulped greedily with his cock still in her mouth, wanting him to see her swallowing his seed. Kava collapsed back into his plush chair, his hands releasing their tight grip and instead gently gripping her silken hair as she slowly bobbed up and down on his softening penis, slurping and laving his sated member with her saliva. She let his cock slip softy free from her mouth, then taking it in a delicate grip carefully licked it up and down, leaving it glistening with spit but otherwise clean. He sat up and shifted his hips back as Ms. Kunti carefully tucked his now-soft penis back into the front of his trousers, slowly running her finger up the sealstrip to safely close them. He reached down and lifted her chin with gentle fingers. "Well done Ms. Kunti, I cannot doubt your passion for service any more. You may return to your desk; I will open the office again in a half hour." She primly nodded and managed to look graceful as she rose, despite the long strings of semen trailing from her hair, down her nose and cheek and on one side of her glasses. "Thank you so much Administrator, I will take care of one or two personal matters and be ready to resume my duties in a half hour." With that, she turned and walked out, a little wobbly, but hips rolling in a very womanly way as she left. Ms. Kunti dropped into her chair, quickly tugging her skirt up into her lap as she sat. One hand darted into a drawer of her desk, pulling out a small cylindrical vibrator, as she finished squirming down in her chair enough to for her other hand to pull her skirt up out of the way, allowing her legs to slightly spread. Her pussy was completely clean of hair and immaculately maintained, prepared for the possibility that one day Kava would decide to push the boundaries of their little game and fuck her. She activated the vibrator and moaned softly as she pressed it down to the slick outer folds of her pussy, sliding it up and down from her clitoris to her dripping entrance and back. With one hand busy using the vibrator to lavish sensations on her aching snatch, Ms. Kunti used the fingers of the other hand to gather the sticky semen on her face and scoop it into her mouth. The salty, slightly sweet seed slid easily down her throat as the sensations buzzing against her clitoris began to push her towards climax. She knew that Kava, sitting at his desk mere feet away, could hear exactly what she was doing. He knew what she did every time they had one of their little "talks" but he had never once spoken of it. Something about that thought pushed her over the edge, and before she knew it, Ms. Kunti felt a powerful orgasm tremble through her body, forcing her thighs to clench tight around her hand and the buzzing vibrator. She ruthlessly stifled a moan, arching her back and feeling moisture dripping into her seat as her climax peaked and finally began to fade. In the other room, Kava smiled to himself as he heard the buzzing of the vibrator smothered and Ms. Kuntis' chair creaking as she achieved her release. She had really been the perfect personal secretary for all these years; she was deeply loyal to the family, intelligent, extremely attractive and most important, perceptive. It had taken only very subtle cues to get her to dress the way he found most appealing, to wear the decorative glasses that he liked and to get her to adopt the necessary persona to keep the leeches out of his daily schedule. Her ability to perceive what he intended and determine how to deliver it was the most important, because it preserved the mystery and boundaries of the relationship. Their little game had begun just two years after she joined his service and it ultimately had taken only an arched eyebrow and a subtle turn of his chair to end with her kneeling between his knees, mouth bobbing artfully up and down on his cock. They played the game very seldom and he had never taken it farther - but he never implied that they would not, leaving the possibility open and charging things with a little extra electricity. Kava happily returned to his work, keeping an eye on the thirty minute timer he had set and resolving to ask Ms. Kunti who the persistent scientist was after it expired. To be continued. Home Ch. 04 "Linda still sleep?" Glenda asked John as he came into the kitchen ready for work. John stared at his wife as she sat his breakfast on the table. He knew she was aware that he'd spent the night having sex with their daughter, and was puzzled by her reaction. He sat down at the table as she set his coffee next to the plate of food with the same smile she greeted him everyday. "Jeff left for work already. I'm so glad he's home. I knew it was a mistake, him marrying that girl," Glenda said as she sat down at the table. John couldn't take it anymore. "Glenda?" he said putting his hand on hers. "Yes dear?" Glenda looked into his eyes smiling. John paused. "I know. Linda told me that you told Jeff not to marry Sarah," she said. "No, it's not that," he said shaking his head. "About last night?" Glenda looked at him fully prepared to pretend like nothing out of the ordinary was going on. "Did you have a good time with Linda?" she asked smiling. "You don't care that I slept with our daughter?" he asked. "Of course, I care silly," she said. "Why wouldn't I care. She certainly looked like she was enjoying herself." Glenda chuckled. "I mean, you don't have a problem with it?" he asked. "Honey, you and Linda have been sleeping together for a while now," Glenda said cheerfully. "Linda is sexy. As much as she loves sex, and I know how much you love having sex. The two of you are a perfect match. How many men your age have a very attractive young woman like Linda?" "But, she our daughter?" John said. "I hope you didn't just figure that out," Glenda laughed. "John, I figured that it would come to this eventually, the way you'd strip me naked in front of them. Especially, Jeff. He imitated everything that you did. Do you have any idea how difficult it was for me to constantly fight off a teenager with raging hormones?" She laughed. "I knew you wouldn't stand a chance against Linda, but I figured it served you right since I had to deal with your son." John sat back in the chair in deep thought. "John, I tried holding on to some form of morality, but after cutting on the light one night and finding that the person I'd been having sex with wasn't you...I gave up," Glenda said. John couldn't hold back his laughter. "O' its funny now, but it wasn't funny at all then," Glenda said. "You couldn't tell the difference?" John laughed. "How about this...no," Glenda said wide-eyed. "He is just like you...in more ways than one." John pulled back his chin and stuck out his chest. Glenda rolled her eyes at the smirk on her husband's face. "I was so afraid that he would do something like pulled my pants down in front of somebody," Glenda said. "The thing I don't understand was how you could have been so oblivious." John shrugged his shoulders. "John, the boy pulled my bottoms off several times right out there in that pool while you sat out there drinking beer," Glenda chuckled. "I thought you'll were just playing," John chuckled. "He was playing, I was trying his fingers from going inside of me," Glenda laughed. "...and I wasn't always able too." John laughed. "Linda wasn't that much better," Glenda said. "I had to physically pull her off of Jeff. She just looked at me and said that I do it. John, what was I going to say to her when you were screwing me in front of them. Finally, I just left them along. That's why I had her put on birth control." "I guess I fucked them up good, huh?" John said with a chuckle. "I didn't exactly fight you off," Glenda chuckled. "I can't believe that had sex with you, pretending that he was me," John laughed. "He must have been good for you not to notice." John saw that Glenda was blushing and burst out laughing again. "He's your son," Glenda chuckled. John grabbed his crotch. "I would loved to have seen that," he said. "Well, stick around here and you just might get your wish," Glenda chuckled. "You and him..." John said. Glenda nodded her head. "See what we've done," she said. John laughed. "What did you'll do?" Linda said coming into the kitchen in only a t-shirt and her high-heeled slippers she kissed her mother on the cheek and John on the lips. "See, that's what I'm talking about," Glenda laughed. "What?" Linda asked taking a sausage of her father's plate. "We have raised you and your brother to be sex pots," Glenda laughed. "Sure did," Linda said lifting up her t-shirt to show them her pussy before leaving the kitchen. "So now that we are sleeping with our kids, what are we going to do about sleeping with each other?" Glenda chuckled. "I don't know. What do you suggest?" John asked not wanting to be the one making any decisions about any of this. "How about you moving into Linda's room for a while and then we could change up, and keep things fresh," Glenda said getting the feeling that Linda had a good idea. "That sounds good to me. That way I can get a chance to sleep with my wife," John laughed. "You mean, I get a chance to sleep with you," Glenda chuckled nodding her head in the direction Linda had left. "Very good, then," John said getting up and giving Glenda a kiss before leaving for work. Glenda laughed to herself as she thought about what they had been doing and what they were planning to do. She knew that her son, daughter, and husband would only have sex on their minds. She thought about what Linda had said about Jeff being in love with her, and she thought that maybe it could cause problems sooner or later. "Linda!" she called for her daughter. Linda came into the kitchen where a towel around her normally naked body, and another one around her head having just gotten out of the shower. "Ya mom, what's up?" she asked. "Well, it's happening just like you say," Glenda said. "Your father is going to move into your room for a while and Jeff is going to be in my room. Your father is very happy about that arrangement, but we also want to switch up every now and then." Linda laughed. "Good, me and Jeff haven't slept together in a while now," she said. "and you can take off some of those clothes." "I'm not walking around here naked," Glenda said. "Why not? Who are you hiding from?" Linda giggled pulling at the string on her mother's nightgown. "Nobody, I just wouldn't feel comfortable," Glenda said. "Mom, you have an awesome body...you should show it," Linda said opening her mother's gown and exposing her tits. "My body is nowhere close to yours," Glenda protested. "What are you talking about?" Linda said. "Your tits are bigger, your nipples are definitely bigger, and you have a much nicer butt than mine." Linda removed her towel and turned to compare her tight round butt to her mother's much fuller and softer ass. "I don't know," Glenda said. "Com'on just give it a try," Linda said taking her mother's gown off her shoulders and waiting for her mother to remove her panties. "O'all right," Glenda said pushing her panties down and stepping out of them. "There." "That's want I'm talking about," Linda said as her mother spun around. "One thing though." Glenda stopped and looked at her daughter. Linda stepped out of her high-heel slippers and pushed them to her mother. Glenda stepped in the shoes and felt like both her tits and her ass were lifted. Linda laughed and tossed her mother the apron from the counter. Glenda saw the humor in what her daughter was referring to and put it on. "This is too great," Linda said getting another apron from the counter and putting it on. "French maid and French cook," Glenda laughed as they played around in the kitchen. Glenda patted her daughter's butt when she bent over to pick up the towel that had fallen to the floor. Linda stood right up and squeezed Glenda's bottom and then squeezed her tits. Glenda reached up and squeezed Linda's tits back. Linda took off the apron and tossed it on the counter. Glenda did the same as if they were in a stand off. Linda grabbed her tits and pointed her nipples towards her mother's. Glenda did the same and pushed her nipples against Linda's in a tit fight. Home Ch. 04 To my kind editor, MoaningLover. Thank you all for the feedback. Keep em' coming =) * Peyton tapped her foot impatiently. She looked at the time on her computer screen. Twenty more minutes until the end of her day; then she could see Nate. She closed her eyes and thought about the last three weeks of her life. After Nate had apologized, the two of them were inseparable. They'd always find something to do together. Whether Nate was taking her out somewhere upscale, cuddling up with her, or watching movies and listening to music with her; just being with him made her happy as can be. Yet, Peyton wanted more. She'd spent hours in his warm embrace, kissing, touching, and grinding, but nothing to write home about. It was her idea to go slow and Nate had complied without argue. However, now she was rethinking it. There were times when Nate's soft, delicate touch, stern, hard body, and wet, luring kisses would tempt her. And, damn, that man can wear a pair of jeans, she thought. "Peyton!" Addison's high pitched voice cut Peyton off from her thoughts. "Yes, ma'am?" "What the hell do I pay you for? To sit around and daydream?" Addison glared at her, but Peyton sat, unfazed. "No, ma'am. But I did all that you assigned me already, and I'm off soon anyway." Addison's scowl deepened. She slammed a small stack of paper on the desk. "Fill these out and have them on my desk before you go." She flipped her luscious red hair and stomped off in her expensive Pierre Hardy wedge heels. Peyton smirked. That attitude is why I'm about to fuck the hell out of your former man. Peyton giggled to herself and set about her work. By the time she was done, her hours were up. She grabbed the stack, quickly slipped into Addison's office, and placed it on her desk. Addison said nothing, just waved her off. Peyton grabbed her coat and shot off to the elevator. She did a little dance as it descended. I'll be with you soon, Nate. She took off from the building just in time to catch the city bus. She anxiously rode it to St. Michael's, where she was greeted by Jane's cheerful face. Peyton ran up to her and gave her a tight hug. "Goodness!" Jane squealed. "You seem happy. What's the occasion?" Peyton was happy that Jane couldn't see her blush furiously beneath her deep brown complexion. "Well, I'm spending the week... with Nate." "Ah," Jane eyed her knowingly. "I understand." "It will be the longest I've slept over. I feel so comfortable there. Nate calls it my home away from home. It's really starting to feel that way." "Oh, honey. I'm so happy for you." Jane and Peyton headed into the church and went to Peyton's room. Peyton got her old duffle bag and filled it with the nicest clothes Jane had provided for her. Jane cleared her throat nervously. "Um, Peyton? May I make a suggestion?" Peyton nodded. "If you're going to be spending so many nights with such an alluring man," Jane said. "You may want to pack nightwear that is equally as... alluring." Peyton cocked her eyebrow in confusion. Seeing her reaction, Jane went to the trunk and dug around the bottom. She pulled out a dark violet pinstripe baby doll nightie. "Oh, Jane," Peyton gasped. "It's so lovely!" Peyton traced her fingertips over the black mesh-ruffled halter neck and the satin bow that met at the center. "Think nothing of it. Lord knows I can't wear it." Jane chuckled. Peyton hugged her again. "I hope Nate will like me in it," Peyton pondered. "Oh, dear, he will probably like you better out of it." Peyton buried her face in her hands at Jane's teasing. "Jane, may I use your cellphone? I would like to call Nate." Jane handed over her phone and went about picking out clothes that she thought would look good on Peyton. Peyton stepped out and dialed Nate's number. After two rings, he answered. "Hello?" "Hey, Nate. It's Peyton." "Well, hello, gorgeous. How are you?" "I'm fine. I'm excited to see you tonight." There was a pause. "Baby, I'll be home a little later tonight. I have to stay late." "Should I wait up?" Peyton sighed. "Yes. I want to see you. I left a spare key under the mat. Make yourself at home." "I can't wait to see you." "I can't wait to see you either," Nate's voice gradually got deeper. "And touch you..." Peyton felt her face flush yet again. "Nate! You're at work. Someone will hear you. " "I'm alone in my office. I can't help what I'm feeling Peyton. I've been thinking about you all day. Your scent, your skin, your sweet lips... your full breasts." Peyton sighed and pressed the phone closer to her ear. "Nate." "Mmm. Yes, Peyton. I want to make you moan my name. I want to feel you. Your warm breath on my skin and your body trembling beneath mine. Oh, your sweet nectar on my tongue." Peyton moaned out softly. His words seemed to float from her ear directly to her cunt. She felt herself becoming moist. For God's sake, I'm in a church! "N-nate," she stuttered. "Y-you should go back to work." She could somehow tell Nate was smiling at the other end of the line. "See you tonight, Peyton." Peyton said goodbye and quickly hung up the phone. Her heart hammered in her chest. What is this man doing to me? She quickly pushed aside any wanton thoughts threatening to creep up and rejoined Jane, who had stuffed her bag completely. "Wow, Jane! I'll be gone for a week, not a year." "You never know, dear. By the look on your face, you may not want to come back." Peyton buried her face in her hands again, while Jane just laughed. The two chatted for a while before Peyton bid her goodbye. She grabbed her bag and took another bus all the way to the richer side of town where Nate lived. The whole way Peyton couldn't concentrate on any one thing. Her mind constantly wondered back to her phone conversation with Nate. He likes toying with me, huh? Well, two can play that game. •••••••••• When Nate arrived home and saw the light in the window of his living room, he nearly broke the door down trying to get in. Finally, he thought. He removed his suit blazer and tie. "Hey, Peyton?" he called. "Are you in here?" "Be down in a second!" He heard her shout from up the stairs. "Did you eat?" "Yeah," he answered while quickly tossing off his shoes. "I had dinner at the office." He heard footsteps descending on the stairs and he turned around to see Peyton in her nightie. His jaw hit the floor, hard. His eyes scanned over the skimpy baby doll she had on; the way it held her plump breasts caused Nate to salivate. The ability to talk seemed to have left him and, after a moment of shameless lusting, he finally spoke. "Damn," he managed to breathe out. Peyton smiled seductively as she walked up to him. "Why, thank you," she purred. Peyton stood in front of Nate and began unbuttoning his dress shirt. She saw the lecherous look in his eyes and felt a familiar awakening between her legs. "Nate, why are you looking at me like that?" she asked coyly. Nate's demeanor became noticeably darker. "You know why." Peyton twirled around, giving Nate a glimpse of her thong clad ass. His cock jumped immediately. "Peyton," Nate growled. "Don't tease. Th-There will be consequences." "Now, Nate. I really don't know what you're talking about." Peyton said, feigning innocence. Nate stepped towards her and Peyton stepped back. She kept stepping and Nate kept following, until she felt her back against the wall. Nate towered over her. He leaned down and without another thought, captured her lips with his. Peyton's heart threatened to burst through her rib cage. It was the most delectable kiss she'd ever experienced. Nate parted his lips and explored her mouth. Peyton sighed, feeling the warm tingle building between her legs. Her body was sensitive to his every movement, from his tongue gliding in and out of her mouth, to his large muscled arms wrapping themselves around her waist. Nate's mind went foggy and he was aware of nothing else then than Peyton's juicy lips. He pressed forward, causing Peyton to feel his thick bulge against her belly. Growing bolder, she stood on her tiptoes and surged her tongue against his. It was Nate's turn to sigh in pleasure. His hand travelled south to her ass, gripping generous handfuls. His hot palms seem to burn through the fabric of the nightie and scorch Peyton's skin. She wanted to melt against him. His luxuriating tongue made her whole body warm and the crotch of her thong dampen with arousal. Her scent piqued Nate's nostrils, making him lose control. He picked Peyton up and she instinctively wrapped her legs around him. He carried her up the stairs, into his bedroom. He finally pulled his lips away from her and laid her back on the bed. She looked at him lazily. Nate took a moment to admire her curvy body. He removed his shirt and went back to dim the lights. Peyton, too, admired Nate's hard cut body. She gazed at the contours of his abs, wanting desperately to taste him. He approached her slowly, menacing. Peyton felt small beneath his gaze. "Lay back," he commanded. "Spread your legs." Peyton obeyed submissively. Her need for Nate was overwhelming. Her hands ran down her body, stopping between her legs. Nate kneeled between her legs and pushed her fingers away. He stared hard into her eyes while his hands caressed her inner thighs. He snuck one hand up beneath her nightie and pulled down her thong. His hand immediately returned between her thighs, cupping her mound. He felt around her soft, shaved pussy and slipped his finger between the dewy folds. Peyton sucked in her breath when she felt his finger graze her sensitive nub. "Ah, Nate," she moaned out, her voice wavering. "Peyton, baby," Nate sighed. "You're so wet for me." Nate pushed his middle finger into her steamy core while rubbing her clit with his thumb. Peyton arched her back, unknowingly presenting her breasts to Nate. He leaned forward and caught one tightened nipple between his teeth, licking it through the shear fabric of her clothes. Peyton, feeling unstable, pushed her fingers into Nate's hair. Her body felt on fire. She whimpered, his magical fingers stroking in and out of her. Her breasts heaved and her heart pounded in her chest. Peyton removed her hands from his hair and slid off her silk straps, revealing her bare chest to Nate. He wasted no time clamping his lips around one of her chocolate-kiss nipples. He sucked on it hard, nipping at it now and again with his teeth. He repeated his ministrations with the other nipple, all while guiding a second finger into Peyton's soaked core. "Oh, good God," Peyton moaned out, pushing her pussy down against his fingers. "Nate, yes!" Hearing her approval, Nate slammed his fingers in and out of her faster. He took all of her nipple into his mouth, savoring the taste of her skin. Suddenly, he sat back and dislodged his fingers from within her. Peyton pouted. Nate grabbed the hem of her nightie and pulled it up over her head, leaving Peyton naked and aching before him. He got off the bed and knelt down on the floor. He brought her legs to the edge of the bed and placed either one over his shoulders. His began biting and licking her inner thigh, purposely avoiding the junction between her legs. He held her hips tight when she began to squirm. "Mmm. Nate, please." Peyton pleaded. Nate raised his head and caught her eyes. "Tell me what you want," he demanded. "I want to hear you say it." Peyton hesitated. Noticing this, Nate bent his head and swiped his tongue over her clit quickly. Peyton gasped and grabbed his hair. "Nate, please!" "I want to hear you say it, Peyton. Say it," Nate commanded a bit louder than before. "Now." When he was left with silence, Nate flicked his tongue over her clit and then gently blew on it. His breath was electric to her sensitive button, and Peyton almost cried out at his torturous teasing. Her pussy felt soaked and swollen, and she knew what she had to do to relieve her ache. "Oh, God," she finally broke down. "Nate, please lick my pussy! Please!" Nate didn't disappoint. Peyton cried out at the feeling of his tongue probing her hole, flicking away at her slick folds. He lapped up her juices with deep, quick strokes. She felt his tongue jab into her like a mini-cock, causing her to tremble. "Fuck yeah, Nate. Eat me!" Peyton screamed, shaking and sweating against the bed. Nate loved hearing her talk this way. Her vulgar language coaxed him on. Determined to make her cum, Nate drove into her faster. He flattened his tongue against her clit and ground onto it. "Oh, God. Don't stop, Nate!" she urged him on. "Yes, baby. Just like that! Fuck me. Fuck me with your mouth! Fuck yes, Nate. Eat me." Like a burst of electricity through her nerves, Peyton felt the orgasm rip through her body, tearing through her with such power that she thought she'd faint. "Oh, fuck!" she screamed out, digging her nails into the sheets. Nate didn't let up. He held her legs apart and continued to savagely devour her honey, never letting a drop of it escape him. Peyton trembled violently and gasped for air. She was panting, her sweaty body sagging on the bed as the orgasm finally started to subside. Nate removed his mouth from her quivering pussy and smiled at her. His teeth still dazzlingly white. Peyton blushed, seeing her cum on his grinning face. He wiped his face on his hand and crawled up to kiss her. Peyton got an intoxicating taste of her own juices, which only made her kiss him deeper. Without breaking the kiss, Nate leaned over her and pushed down his pants and boxers. He reached over to his drawer and pulled out a condom; he slipped it on quickly and quietly. Peyton gasped against his lips when she felt the head of his cock nudge against her thigh. She broke the kiss and looked down to see his long, thick tool. She spread her legs wider and Nate positioned his shaft against her slick slit. Instead of entering her, Nate held his cock and rubbed the head against her clit. Peyton cried out. "Nate, please don't tease me." "Tell me what you want, Peyton. Say it." Peyton remained silent. Suddenly, Nate held her legs apart wide and buried his hard cock in her mercilessly. Peyton screamed, having never before felt so completely filled. Nate stayed in this position, allowing Peyton to adjust, before sliding out altogether. Peyton immediately want his dick to return. She whimpered and bucked against him. "Fuck me, Nate!" she moaned, her body craving him. Nate slammed in all the way and began thrusting in and out of her with determined force. "Yes, Nate. YES!" Nate had no intention of stopping. He hammered into her with a steady rhythm. He panted, their bodies moving together as one. "Your pussy is so damn tight, Peyton." He groaned. He plowed deep into her silky, wet walls. "Oh, yes!" Peyton cried. "Oh, fuck. I'm gonna come again. Oh, fuck, Nate!" She bucked her hips, crying out in need. She was so close to the edge, utterly ready to plummet into the hardest orgasm of her life. Her pussy clutched Nate's cock harder, milking it for all it's worth. He too felt the rumblings of an incoming orgasm. He pushed a hand between their sweaty bodies and rubbed her clit, trying to relieve her stress. "Ahhhhhhhhhhhhh! Yes, fuck me! Fuck me deep. Harder! Harder!" Peyton threw her head back and screamed. Her orgasm tore through her entire body. The force was so powerful that she felt she'd pass out. Nate relentlessly rammed into her. He felt the tightness in his balls and, after a moment, Nate let out a long, loud moan and allowed his hot, sticky cum to fill the condom. "Fuck, Peyton," he gasped, panting heavily. Her body quivered beneath him. He looked down and smiled at the disheveled bliss written across her face. He kissed her softly and, reluctantly, he dislodged his cock from her swollen pussy. Peyton sagged on the bed, still recovering. Nate got off the bed and walked to the bathroom to dispose of the used rubber. Peyton glanced over at his perky ass and giggled. Her pussy still felt too raw to close her legs, so she kept them spread and stared up at the ceiling. She couldn't compose really her thoughts and emotions at that particular moment. Just enjoy the moment. She closed her eyes and calmed her cloudy mind. She felt Nate's soft lips on her neck and smiled. Her heart swelled. She hadn't felt this kind of comfort in... ever. His arm went around her, turning her towards him. She kissed him tenderly, letting his tongue tease her. She sighed against his lips. "Nate, I should tell you something." Nate closed his eyes and nodded; seeming to only half hear her. "I've only had sex once before." Nate's eyes shot open. "Really?" "Yeah." "Oh, God, baby. I didn't hurt you, did I?" Peyton grinned. "Far from it." Nate let out an exaggerated sigh. "Damn, you're gonna want to fuck all the time now, huh?" He shook his head, feigning exhaustion. "Hell, yeah!" Peyton snickered. "Peyton! How crude!" Nate gasped, playfully swatting Peyton on the ass. She giggled and snuggled up against his chest. "You didn't say that before." "I was quite distracted before, thank you." Nate and Peyton spent the night making love until they were too numb to move. Nate moved slower, really appreciating every part of her body. Peyton explored his as well, making mental notes of any sweets spots she found. Finally exhausted, the two held each other tight and drifted blissfully to sleep. •••••••••• Rays of sunlight woke Peyton up the next morning. She cracked her eyelids and squinted at the unwelcome brightness. She sat up on her elbows and looked around the room. She noticed that her head as well as Nate's were at the foot of the bed. "How the hell did we end up upside down?" she mumbled. Nate's soft snore caught her attention. She looked down at his arm draped across her torso. Her eyes travelled up to his sleeping face. He looked absolutely at peace. She desperately wanted to kiss his pink lips, but decided against it. Instead, she stealthily slipped from his grasp and out of bed. She grabbed her panties off the floor and tiptoed naked into the bathroom. She looked at herself in the mirror and smiled. I guess this is what they mean when they say 'after-sex glow'. She put her panties back on and searched around the bathroom cabinets until she found the unopened toothbrush pack Nate mentioned before passing out in exhaustion. Yes! She opened it, brushed her teeth, and washed up. She combed her fingers through her short, fuzzy locks. Once she felt decent, she turned to creep out of the bathroom and back into the bedroom. She was met with an empty bed. "What the fuck?" she said aloud. Her question was answered by the sound of steps roaming around downstairs. She grabbed Nate's shirt and pulled it around her body. She went downstairs and saw Nate talking on the phone. He had plaid pajama bottoms on that hung loosely off his hips. Peyton revered the V-shape that lead into his pants. Nate had a towel over his shoulders and his face was dripping with water. Guess he had the same idea. Nate looked up and winked at her. Peyton felt her stomach flutter. "Yeah, I know. But now's not the best of times." Peyton sat on the black, leather loveseat in the living room and watched Nate pace as he talked on the phone. She was very curious as to whom Nate was talking to. "Alright, alright," he said urgently. "I'll see you in an hour." Peyton pouted. Oh, no. He has to leave. "Good morning, gorgeous." Nate hung up the phone, walked over, and kissed Peyton lightly. "Good morning. Are you leaving?" "Kind of. It was my mom on the phone. She wants me to meet up with her for breakfast." "Oh..." Peyton responded quietly. Nate noticed. "I was wondering if you would come with me." Home Ch. 04 Peyton's face lit up. "You want me to meet your mother, already?" "Yeah. You're important to me. She's important to me. Might as well." "Oh, Nate, you make it sound so special." Nate chuckled and kissed her again. "Wait, I have nothing to wear." Nate gave her a quick once over. "Wear what you have on now." "I'm serious!" Peyton said, rolling her eyes. "I don't want to meet your mom in my 'Walk of Shame' attire." "Well, you packed a bag, didn't you? Wear something you packed." Peyton thought for a second about all the clothes she and Jane had picked out. Once she got an idea of what to wear, she perked up. "We should get going!" she said happily. Peyton hopped up and practically skipped up the stairs. Nate joined her in a shower, both almost unwilling to leave. It was Peyton who disengaged from him. Nate dressed in a casual suit; one which Peyton particularly liked. Peyton wore a warm peach summer dress and gold sandals. Nate admired how Peyton could look classy and sexy at the same time. When they got to the restaurant, Nate noticed how fidgety Peyton had gotten. He held her hand in his and leaned down close. "Don't worry, baby," he whispered. "She'll love you as much as I do." Did he just say he loved me? Peyton didn't have time to dwell on this thought, for they were met by a woman waving and calling out Nate's name. Peyton looked at her and automatically thought of Sookie from Gilmore Girls, except a bit older. She'd first seen the woman, weeks ago when she came to St. Michael's. 'Boston Cream Pie' Lady. Peyton had often seen her at church on Sundays or with Jane. The woman eyed her suspiciously before capturing Nate in her embrace. "Oh, there's my boy!" she squealed as she hugged him. "Hey, Ma. How are you?" "Well, you would know if you called more often." Nate blushed; it was something Peyton found endearing. "I'm sorry, Ma." Peyton shifted her feet awkwardly. Nate placed his hand on her back and slightly pushed her forward. "Ma, this is Peyton; my girlfriend. Peyton, this is Adele Tennison." Peyton's heart leapt when he called her his girlfriend. She gave a sincere smile and stuck out her hand. "A pleasure to meet you, ma'am." "Likewise." Adele said curtly. It wasn't lost on Nate. He gave her a look before the trio took their seats. Adele's coldness towards Peyton died away quickly. As they ate and talked, Peyton understood why Adele and Jane were friends; they were so much alike. Adele was as giddy and kind as Jane. She enjoyed making jokes at Nate's expense. Peyton learned more about what a wild child Nate was and what kind of man his father was. She could tell his death rocked them both. After about an hour of breakfast and good conversation, Adele and Peyton noticed Nate trying not to squirm in his seat. "Nate, for Pete's sake, go piss. You look like you're being bit on the ass." Adele finally suggested. Peyton laughed and Nate glared. Without argument, he stood up. He kissed Peyton on the cheek and gave her shoulders a gently squeeze. Adele watched her son give Peyton a longing look before he left. It made her heart swell with pride. "Don't hurt him," she said suddenly. Peyton stared at her. "Excuse me?" "He's in love with you. I can see it. So, please don't hurt him. That Addison girl broke his heart in half. Please don't do the same." Peyton resisted the urge to bury her face in her hands. "Well I don't know about that. We are still pretty new at this. But I would never do anything to purposely hurt him." "It's not about time, honey. His father looked at me the same way Nate looks at you." Peyton looked down at her fingers, entwined in her lap. "God, I hope so, Mrs. Tennison. Because, honestly, I-I think I'm falling f-." "I hope you're not scaring her off, Ma." Nate's voice cut off Peyton's. "What are you talking about? She's fine, aren't you dear?" Peyton just nodded. After slowly finishing the rest of their breakfast and chatting, it was time to go. Adele hugged Peyton first, holding her for a long minute. She pulled away with a bright smile. "You two don't be strangers, you hear?" "Yes, ma'am," Peyton and Nate said in unison. Adele hugged Nate, and then slapped him on the side of the head. "And, you! Come to church! I've seen her around, but not you." "Ok, Ma! Jeez." Nate grumbled. "You've seen me?" Peyton asked. "Yes, I have. Jane told me about your... situation." Peyton tried to hide the embarrassment she felt. But Nate saw it. They bid their final farewell before getting into his car. Nate glanced over at Peyton, who'd said nothing since they left. He decided to break the silence. "She didn't mean it like that, Peyton." Peyton just stared at the window. "She was trying to be understanding," he urged. "She thinks I'm a charity case." "No, Peyton. Now, it's not li-" "Don't worry about it." she said, subsequently ending the conversation. Nate sighed and they both sat in silence the entire drive back to Nate's house. Once inside, Nate wrapped his arms around Peyton. She kept her back to him. He leaned down and placed a kiss on her neck. "Thank you," he whispered. "For what?" "For coming with me today. Ever since things went down with Addison, my mom and I haven't really seen a lot of each other." "Why?" "Well, she too was excited about having a grandchild. When Addison had the abortion, she not only broke my heart but my mom's as well. I couldn't deal with the sadness so I stayed away from anything that reminded me of it. Except the ultrasound photo." "No problem, baby." Peyton turned around and kissed him. What started off as a comforting exchange rapidly turned sensual. Peyton's knees suddenly lost their strength as Nate cupped her face and coaxed her lips apart with his tongue. He brushed it against the roof of her mouth, causing her to moan. His hand travelled down to cup one of her breasts. Peyton leaned forward into his grasp. Nate needed her breast like dough, tweaking her nipple between his fingers. Peyton moaned, her pussy beginning to get damp. Then, to both of their dismay, the doorbell rang. They both cursed. Nate growled. "I swear to God, if it's Addison, I-" "I doubt it. We would have heard her shrieking like a banshee by now." Nate laughed and willed himself away from her. He walked to the door and peered through the peephole to find a black woman in an expensive suit. Curious, he opened the door. The woman was about 5'8 in stilettos. Her sunglasses covered most of her face and her blouse looked like it was at risk of ripping open. "Um, Hello?" he answered. Her hand shot out quickly. "Hello," she said in a stern voice. "My name is Victoria Cavanaugh, and I believe you are fucking my sister." Home Ch. 05 Jeff left Glenda in her bed asleep and went into the kitchen. Linda looked over the bottle of beer at her naked brother and spit suds cross the room when she saw his big hard cock hanging out in front of him. Jeff had to jump back to avoid getting dosed with beer. "Gaud Jeff! When did your dick get so big?" Linda said in a loud whisper. "And mom didn't say a word about it. No wonder she was doing all that screaming. It's huge." Linda stared. Jeff laughed going to the fig for a beer. "It has been a while since you sent it, huh?" he said. "Don't get too close, you might break something," Linda laughed. "Hey, I was going the go out for a swim, want to join me?" Jeff said. "Lead the way," Linda said wiping her mouth and getting up from the table. Jeff stepped onto the deck and then ran driving into the pool. Linda walked to the side of the pool, removed her t-shirt and drove in the water. She swam on to the other side of the pool where Jeff rested on the side. "I'm so glad you're home," Linda said wrapping her arms around his chest and laid her head on his shoulder. "Me too," Jeff said rubbing his sister's head. "Mmmm," she squeezed him. "What?" "I was thinking when you bust my cherry?" she said. "When aren't you thinking about sex?" he chuckled. "When are you?" "Never," they laughed. "It has been a long time since we done it, has it?" he said stroking her wet hair. "Yeah, and you've gotten hug since then," Linda chucked grabbing hold of her brother's cock under the water. "You've gotten pretty healthy yourself," Jeff replied lifting one of her float tits. "This is really great, ya know," Linda said. "Yeah, I've wanted mom, like forever and now I can't get enough of her," Jeff said and the thought of their mother made his cock jerk in his sister's hand. "Are you going to be ok sleeping with me for a while," she asked looking up at him. "Are you kidding," Jeff said. "Remember, you were my first too." He dropped his other hand and lifted her other tit moving her in front of him. "How is it with dad?" Linda laughed. "He's hanging in there," she said squeezing Jeff's thick cock. "He doesn't have something like this, but he gives it to me good." Jeff laughed. "I bet he does. You said that you were going to get him. I didn't know if you really were going to do it for me," he said. Linda pulled away from Jeff turning around and then wrapped her legs around his waist with her arms on his shoulders. "I didn't your plan was going to work, but I wanted to screw him anyway, especially seeing him screwing mom," she said. "It was a stupid plan," Jeff said. "I told you," Linda said bouncing up and down with the movement of the water. "How did you get dad to screw you?" Jeff asked. Linda laughed. "I sat in his lap and his thing jumped out of his boxers," she giggled. "Of course, I only had on a t-shirt. He knew I didn't have on anything under it. I'd been walking around like that for about a week flashing him. Mom was already in bed, so he didn't even hesitate once I put his thing in my whole. Mom knew the whole time, but didn't say anything. He didn't even know that mom knew until this morning." "Remember when mom caught us doing it in your room," Jeff laughed. "Yeah, and she was trying to pull me off and I wouldn't let go of you," Linda laughed. "That was so funny," he laughed. "She kept pulling on you and you kept screaming that you hadn't cum yet." "It was funny how she kept running around trying to catch me and you kept pulling her pants down," Linda giggled. "...and when she caught me you pulled down her pants and humped her butt." "Yeah, we really gave mom hard time, didn't we?" Jeff laughed. "And through all of that, she never told dad," Linda said. "Yeah, mom is great," Jeff said. "I love her." "She knows," Linda said. "How are you going to feel when dad goes back to sleep with her? You're not going to get all jealous, are you?" "Heck no! Why would I be jealous of dad?" Jeff said. "Because you're in love with mom, that's why," Linda said. "That doesn't mean that I would be jealous," Jeff said defensively. "I never was jealous of dad. She is his wife." "She is your mother too," Linda said pointedly. "I know that. Look, I'm jealous of mom and dad being together. I wasn't even jealous of Richard being with Sarah," Jeff said. "What? Sarah was having an affair with Richard?" Linda asked. "Yeah, practically the entire time we were together," Jeff said. "That's why she wasn't upset about you'll breaking up," Linda said. "Why didn't you tell me?" She splash water in his face. "I just found out a few weeks ago," Jeff said. "How did you find out? Did you catch them?" she asked. "Yeah, I walked in on them," he answered. "What did she say? What did they do?" she asked impatiently. "They freaked out. I left and came here and that's when mom finally gave in," Jeff chuckled. "Gaud, I didn't think the little bitch had it in her," Linda laughed. "Worked out great for you, huh?" Linda released him and leaned back in the water to wet her long hair. "Would you have told mom, if she wouldn't have given in?" "That might have worked, play the sympathy angle...naw, mom still wouldn't have been so willing like she is now," Jeff said. "You're probably right," Linda said. "I'll get us a couple more beers." She swam back to the other side of the pool and looked like a mermaid as she walked up the steps with water pouring down her body. Jeff got a few of the cushions from the lounge chairs and laid on them next to the pool. A couple of minutes later Linda joined him with the beers. "You are so sexy," Jeff said as she lay on the cushions next to him. "Thank you," Linda giggled. "We use to have sex all the time, didn't we," Jeff said. "Yeah, mom finally got tired and gave up, especially since she ended up with her panties around her ankles trying to get you off of her," Linda chuckled. "You know, she never got angry at us," Jeff said thinking. "She sure didn't. I can imagine most parents would have had us committed," Linda laughed. "She has such a great sense of humor," he added. "A few times I almost had her and she would just laugh and push me away." "Yeah, she didn't even get mad when you tore her that red dress dad had bought her," Linda added. "I remember her telling dad that she ripped it on the door knob," Jeff said. "Hey, why don't we take her out tomorrow? Dad will be working late, right?" "Yeah, Thursdays." "I'll buy her a new red dress and we'll take her to Vinnie's for dinner," Jeff said. "Yeah, she has really let us get away with...everything," Linda said. "It would be a nice surprise, but you'll have to get home before she starts cooking. You know how she is about preparing food." "Yeah," Jeff started laughing. "I got her good one time while she was cooking. She was cooking something on the stove and didn't want to burn it. I got her panties off and fingered and humped her while she wiggled around trying to get me off her without burning the food. She was laughing then too. I remember her shooing me away when I licked my fingers afterwards. You were fantastic too, ya know." Linda giggled. "I know that nobody I knew got as much sex as I did," Jeff said. "I remember guy bragging about how much action they were getting, and probably weren't getting any. You were giving me some, what two and three times a day. I didn't even care that I couldn't brag about it, but I remember guys wanting to get with you." "Fat chance," Linda laughed. "I was satisfied with you. Girls brag to ya, know. I told them that I was a virgin and wasn't going to have sex until I got married and only then if we planned on having kids." Linda laughed again. "I wanted you just as much." "I never thought about it like that," Jeff said. "I thought you were doing it to pretend that you were mom." "No way," Linda said. "I liked screwing you, and after I'm done drinking this beer I plan on screwing that big dick." Linda laughed. "Big it on then," Jeff joked laying back and stroking his cock. Linda put down the beer bottle and straddled him. Her pussy loosened quickly allowing her to spread for her brother's big cock. She rocked back and forth as Jeff thrust his hefty meat into her through body quivering orgasms until neither of them could continue. Home Ch. 05 To my kind editor MoaningLover. In many of the comments and feedback, I got suggestions about what you readers think should happen next. This chapter is for those of you who are invested in this story as I am. Thank You. Peyton never really understood what it meant to have an 'out-of-body experience'. She figured it was the same as astral projection; when your soul leaves your body and you can look down on yourself. However, the moment she saw Victoria Cavanaugh standing at Nate's doorway, she finally understood. It was like time had slowed and she'd lost all connection with her body. Her conscious mind was telling her to deck Victoria with her best right hook and slam the door in her face, but her body wouldn't respond. Instead Peyton stood there, mute, slack jawed and stunned; she was no longer part of the show, just watching from the audience. Victoria pushed her sunglasses to the top of her head and her gaze fell on her sister. Peyton felt like her blood was running cold and threatened to stop flowing completely. "Tonny!" Victoria yipped. She strolled past a confused Nate, arms held out, and gave Peyton an uncomfortable squeeze. Her double-D breasts squished against Peyton, who felt like the air was being compressed out of her lungs. She just stood while her step sister squeezed the life out of her, still too shocked to move. Victoria pulled back but kept her perfectly manicure fingernails hooked into Peyton's shoulders. "OMFG, Tonny!" Victoria beamed. "It's been forever!" It took a couple seconds for Peyton to register that someone was talking to her. She finally willed her mouth to speak. "Vicky. What are you doing here?" "Is that any way to greet your sister?" Victoria kept the toothy smile on her face as dug her nails into Peyton shoulders. Peyton winced and tried to shrug her off. "Since it's you, yes." Victoria let out a frightful cackle that caused both Peyton and Nate to wince. "Oh, sis, you were always so funny." "Sis?" Peyton cocked her eyebrow. "That's new." Victoria seemed to have lost interest in talking with Peyton. She turned around suddenly, whipping her step sister in the face with her thick, curly, mane-like weave. While Peyton recovered from the hair slap, Victoria gave her best model walk and approached Nate. "And you, handsome fella, must be-" "Nate Tennison." "Mmm. Nate Tennison. I've heard of your company." "Have you now?" Victoria took a step closer to him. "I do my homework." Peyton never pegged herself as the jealous type, especially with Nate, being that she trusted him fully. Yet, seeing Victoria coo at him made her blood boil. She walked over and stood between them, facing Victoria. "I know you're here for me, Vicky. If you want to talk, let's go talk." Victoria noticed the wrathful glint in Peyton's eyes and sneered at her. "If it has to be all business with you, then fine. Let's talk." Peyton turned to Nate. "I won't be long." Nate looked at Victoria, then back at Peyton. He wanted to be worried right then; he wanted to come to Peyton's rescue and kick Victoria out of his house, but the look on Peyton's face told him to step back. He didn't see the timid girl messing with her fingers; he saw the woman that he loved. "Ok. I'll be upstairs if you need anything," he said. He gave Victoria a brief nod before leaving the two women alone. "Damn, Tonny. IDK how you scored that fine piece of Caucasian ass, but I tip my hat to you." Victoria said, checking out Nate's ass as he left. Peyton made a mental note to laugh later at Victoria's childish way of talking like she was texting. And she's the clever one? "Victoria Cavanaugh? Since when did you start using my father's last name? Whatever happened to Victoria Reese?" "Victoria Cavanaugh just sounds so good to me now. Way better than Peyton Cavanaugh." Peyton ignored her last comment. "Vicky, you haven't answered my question. What, the fuck, are you doing here?" "Why, I'm here to visit my baby sister, of course!" Peyton was losing her patience. "Stop fucking around, Vicky." "Tsk tsk! Quite a potty mouth you've acquired, baby sister! Did your new man candy teach you to talk dirty?" Peyton rolled her eyes. "I'm not asking you again. Tell me why you're here, or get out." Victoria seemed to not even hear Peyton at all. She sauntered around with ease, observing Nate's home. Finally she said, "I need you to sign something, Tonny." "Sign what?" "It's just a little document. "What document, Vicky?" Victoria opened her bottomless Prada bag a pulled out a big manila envelope. From there she withdrew a small packet. "Just sign on the dotted line on the last page and I'm so outtie." Peyton took the packet and began reading it over. "Uh, you don't need to read it. It won't change anything." "C'mon, Victoria," Peyton smirked. I'm not your fool anymore." Victoria rolled her eyes dramatically, while Peyton scanned through the document. Her eyes zoned in on the words 'RELINQUISH' and 'ESTATE'. "Estate?" she looked up at Victoria. "What estate?" "Just sign! Don't worry about it." Victoria huffed. "No. Victoria, tell me what is going on right now or you're not getting shit from me." "Ugh!" Victoria whined. "When I was in the process of selling your dad's dirty old house, I found-" "Wait, what!?" Peyton cut her off. "You're selling my dad's house?! I grew up in that house!" "And?" Peyton just stared at her, wondering how she got so heartless. "Anyway, while the movers and I were getting all his crap out of there, they found a safe in his room." Peyton listened intently. "When we got it open, we found his will." Peyton was taken back. "So, he did have a will!" "Yep. I would have just burned the thing, but other people were around and would have snitched." Peyton wasn't very surprised by this statement. "So, the estate-?" "It says that he left his shitty old house to you." Peyton had a feeling that wasn't all. "And what else?" "Nothing," Victoria said quickly. "Vicky, you know I have a legal right to know. What else did my father leave me?" Victoria mumbled something under her breath. "Victoria!" "Ten-thousand dollars, alright?!" "Ten-thousand?" Peyton gasped and spoke to herself. "Where did my dad get that kind of money?" "IDK and IDC. You shouldn't care either. It's not like you're going to see a cent of it." Peyton's brow furrowed. "And why the hell not? "Because you're going to sign that little paper that says you relinquish all of your father's assets." Victoria gave her a wicked smile. "And why would I do that?" Victoria stepped close to Peyton, looking down at her. "Because if you don't, I'm going to ruin your entire life...again," she said threateningly. Peyton's mind flashed back to her old life; homeless, hungry and scared. Anxiety began to creep up in her heart and she began messing with her fingers again over the paper. She looked away from Victoria's menacing gaze and down at her hands. I can't go back to that. I just can't. Victoria watched her sister shift her feet nervously and she smiled in triumph. "Don't worry Tonny, just sign that paper and you can return to your little life here as if I never existed." Peyton looked up at her and thought about it. She saw something shift behind Victoria and glanced up to see Nate, peeking at the top of the stairs. He caught her eyes and quickly scrambled away. Seeing Nate, Peyton felt a surge of rage awaken in her chest. Nate would tell me to never let anyone walk all over me like this. I can't be this weak. Not anymore. Peyton held the packet up in front of Victoria's face and with both hands, tore it in half. Victoria cringed at the sound. "WTF!" she shrieked. "Vicky, you listen to me, and you listen to me good," Peyton said quietly, surprised at her own calmness. "If you think I'm going to hand over anything to you, you are sadly mistaken. You may have destroyed me before without a fight, but you will not do it now." Because now, I have something worth fighting for. "Look, bitch, if you think this is an empty threat, you-" "No, you look!" Peyton yelled. "I will never let you hurt me again. I will collect what I'm due, and then you're out of my life for good. Now, get the fuck out!" It was Victoria's turn to stand, shock stricken. Peyton held her ground fiercely and with her blazing eyes, dared Victoria to make a move. Sensing this, she backed away. She began stomping to the door when she turned around and said, "Well, it's a good thing that your jolly-fuck father is dead. That way he won't have to see me run you into the ground again. I bet he's turning in his grave, seeing how weak and pathetic is precious little girl has become." Before Victoria said another word, Peyton saw red and lost it. Nate heard screaming from downstairs and could no longer pace in his room with worry. He ran downstairs and was met with the sight of Victoria, bloody nosed in a fetal position on the ground while Peyton was stomping on her and yelling. "You stupid bitch! Say something else about my father! SAY SOMETHING ELSE!" Peyton screamed while slamming the heel of her foot into Victoria's ribcage with every word. Nate ran to her and wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her away. "Let me go, Nate!" Peyton yelled and punched his arms. Nate held his grip around her tight. "No, Peyton! That's enough! You got her!" They both looked at a now standing Victoria, holding her bloody nose and bruised ribs. "This isn't the last you've seen of me, Tonny! I'll be back, you dirty bitch!" she screeched. "Good!" Peyton yelled back. "That way I can whoop your ass again you no-count worthless slut!" Once Victoria was out the door, Nate released Peyton, who ran over and slammed it shut. She stood there for a while, gripping the door knob tight with her fist and breathing hard. "Know why she calls me Tonny?" Peyton said quietly. "No. Why?" "She used to call me Ten-Ton-Peyton. She later decided to shorten it to just Tonny. Not very creative if you ask me." Nate watched her with silent concern. He walked over and placed his hand gently on her shoulder. Feeling his touch, Peyton turned suddenly and threw herself into his embrace. Nate wrapped his arms around the woman he cared so much for and held her tight. He just held her. Neither one of them spoke for what seemed like hours. The intimate embrace had no need for words; both felt the heartbeat of the other and that was enough. Finally, Nate felt Peyton shift in his arms and pulled back a little to look down at her beautiful face. He was surprised to find no tears; she wasn't crying like he thought. "Are you alright, baby?" Peyton smiled up at him; a smile that made Nate's heart swell. "I'm just fine. Thanks to you, I'm perfectly ok." Nate cocked his head in confusion. "How did I help? I just pulled you off before you popped one of her implants with your foot." Peyton giggled. "No, Nate. You've done so much more than that for me." Peyton looked Nate square in his blue eyes and spoke seriously. "You've taken away my fear Nate. I saw you on the stairs and it felt like the fog was cleared from my mind. I stood up for myself because I believed it when you said I was strong." Peyton pulled back and laced her fingers with his. Nate looked at her intensely; feeling like his heart would burst from his chest. She spoke and he listened. "It wasn't only just now, Nate. Every time I get nervous or fretful, I see you in my mind, clear as day, like I'm looking at you now. I hear your words in my ears. I feel you flowing in me. You just - you give the strength to me." Suddenly, Peyton began to sing. You give the strength to me A strength I never had I was a mess, you see I'd lost the plot so bad You drag me up and out Of the darkest place There's not a single doubt When I can see your faces. Her softly melodic voice wafted through the air like a sweet breeze. There were tears in her eyes, but Peyton gleamed at Nate bright. She quickly wiped her eyes and chuckled nervously. "Snow Patrol. Sorry, about the faces part. I think the song was meant for a group of friends, but it fit right now so well, you know?" When Nate didn't answer, lost in thought, Peyton looked down and kept talking into his chest. "I usually don't sing, but I believe there's a song for everything and right now that was mine for you. I know it may seem silly but-" "No." Nate said suddenly. "No, what?" Peyton looked up. "No, it wasn't silly Peyton. No one has ever expressed that kind of love for me. I honestly didn't think anyone could love me after everything. After I'd become this angry, broken thing. I felt so swallowed in darkness. I doubted anyone would ever break through it to find anything to love about me." Peyton held his hands again. "Well I did, Nate. I love you." Nate didn't hesitate to respond. He didn't even have to think about it. "I love you, too, Peyton. More than anything in the world, I love you." Tears fell from her eyes. Nate hugged her close to him, swearing right then to never, ever let go. ••••••••••• Victoria paced around her hotel room. She huffed as her pumps dug into the soft carpet. "He's late," she grumbled to herself. Today really wasn't going her way; finding out that her estranged sister was shacking up with some wealthy, hot stud and had the audacity to rip the release papers; and then she hit her! That little rat had the nerve to lay a finger on me! Victoria examined her face in the nearest mirror. Her nose had stopped bleeding, but it was terribly discolored and swollen. She groaned at her refection, silently swearing revenge. Her inspection was interrupted by a knock on the door. "What!?" she snarled. "It's Stiles," a male voice retorted. "Finally," Victoria hissed as she crossed the lavish room to open the door. She was greeted by a pair of surprised brown eyes. "Whoa. What the hell happened to you?" "I fell," Victoria said sharply. "Into what? A fist?" Eric Stiles tried to stifle his laughter as Victoria glared at him. "Don't worry, honey. You're still... bang-able." Victoria rolled her eyes. "Thank you for those words of comfort," she said sarcastically. She gracefully strolled to the white couch, Eric following behind with his eyes pasted to her luscious ass. Once seated, Victoria stretched out her hand to him. "Give it to me," she ordered. "Oh, I'll give it to ya alright-" Victoria punched his knee, causing Eric to sit down across from her. "Give me what else you collected on my sister!" Eric glared at her, and then removed a folder from his laptop bag. "There's nothing new in there. I trailed her just like you asked and, I gotta say, the girl is into clean living." "Is that the final ruling from a competent private investigator?" Victoria mocked. Eric glowered at her. "Look, I did what you paid me to do. I gave you all the information about where she's living, working, and who she visits. It's not my fault that she's a saint." "A saint? Look what she did to me!" Victoria shrilled, pointing at her face. "I thought you fell," Eric smirked. "What about Nate?" Victoria ignored him. "What did you learn about him?" Eric sighed and brought out another file. "See your sister has good taste. Born and bred here in the city. His construction tycoon father built up quite an empire for him before kicking the bucket. No siblings. Only family he's got is his mother, and the good folks at St. Michael's." Eric could see Victoria losing interest. "His last girlfriend, one night stands not included, was an Ad Exec named Addison Broughton." "How'd you find that out?" "His co-workers were very, very helpful." Victoria smiled. "This is why I hired you." "Anyway," Eric went on. "From the office chatter, I found out that their break up wasn't the friendliest. Seems like Addison wouldn't take 'no' for an answer." Victoria sat back and stared hard at the olive colored brute. He was just about her height (in heels of course) and had a barrel shaped body. His salt and pepper hair was always messy and he often smelled of tobacco and scotch. Cheap scotch. Physical appearance aside, Eric did good snooping and for a reasonable price. She formulated a plan in her head. "I have a new job for you, Stiles." Eric sat forward, interested. Victoria explained her plan to him and what she'd have him do. "That's illegal, Victoria," Eric thought for a moment. "It's going to cost you." Victoria quickly reached for her purse, but Eric stopped her. "Oh, no, honey. I want something else from you now." Victoria saw the glint in his eyes and felt his meaty digits creep up her exposed arms. She quickly yanked her arm away. "Oh, fuck, no! That ain't on the menu, pal." Eric relaxed and leered at her. "Then no dice. I'm a very simple man, Victoria. You scratch my back," he leaned forward, eyes locked on hers. "And I scratch yours." Victoria cringed away from him. Insulted, Eric stood up. "Fine, have it your way, princess." he turned and headed for the door. "I bet that pretty little sister of yours is gonna look real good after she gets her hands on that ten grand." As much as the thought of having sex with Stiles made her nauseous, the thought of Peyton getting that money made her sick to her stomach. "Fine!" she said loudly. Eric stopped in his tracks and turned towards her, a sly smile crept on his face. He crooked his finger, beckoning her. Victoria practically sneered at him, but her feet started moving. Once close enough, Eric touched her soft cheek with his thick fingers. He leaned forward and inhaled deep. "Mmm," he sighed. Victoria felt her skin crawl. Think of the money; it's all for the money. Eric's hand left her face and began fingering the buttons of her silk blouse. He slipped it off and eyed her plump fake double-D's lustfully. "I must say, Dr. Andrews did a good job." Victoria reached her hand back, preparing to slap, but at the last second Eric caught her wrist and held it tight. "Ow! Let go, you fucking gorilla!" Eric didn't hear her. He held her wrist and harshly bent it back. Victoria opened her mouth to cry out, but the sound was muffled by Eric's tongue being jammed into her throat. He kissed with abandon, not once loosening his grip on her or minding her sore nose. With his free hand, he palmed her ass, squeezing it firmly. Victoria squirmed in his grasp, almost suffocated by his rough kiss. She was becoming wet and it disgusted her. I cannot be enjoying this! But she was. She felt her moisture building with every squeeze and flicker of his tongue. She tried hard to stifle a moan. He pulled away and stared hard into her eyes as he bent at his knees, grabbed the bottom hem of her short skirt and bunched it around her waist. Victoria just stood submissively. The scent of her immense arousal piqued his nostrils, bringing a smile to his face. Victoria turned her face away from his gaze. Suddenly, she felt her feet off the ground and she was in the air. Eric had thrown her over his shoulder. She went limp and decided to let him have his way. He carried her into the bedroom and flopped her down on the bed. Victoria stared at the ceiling, hearing Eric unzip his dingy jeans. She let her mind go blank as he crawled onto the bed. Her last thought made her shudder, almost bringing a tear to her eye as Eric's hot breath seamed into her skin. Maybe there is a price too high. ••••••••••• Surprise your man. Peyton mumbled the quote she read in Cosmopolitan Magazine as she looked at Nate. It had been few days since their encounter with Victoria and Peyton was determined not to let it affect her relationship with Nate, especially now that they'd dropped the L-word. Home Ch. 05 Nate was leisurely watching TV; his mind seemed to be far away. It made Peyton nervous when he was this quiet. However, she couldn't but enjoy how sexy he looked when he was brooding. His eyes were darker, his jaw set. His whole body seemed hard, except for the one part she really wanted hard. She fiddled with her fingers and gnawed at her bottom lip, thinking of how to go about surprising Nate. She wanted very much to strip down and ride him on the couch, but she couldn't make her feet move. Don't be a coward, Peyton. Just do it. She checked her reflection in the decorative mirror on the wall. Short-shorts and a tank top didn't seem sexy to her, but the way they were hugging her body did. With one last deep breath, she was off. She walked over to Nate and sat next to him on the couch. He looked over at her and smiled slightly before returning his eyes to the TV. Peyton thought for a moment, then laid her head on his lap. Nate shifted so she'd be comfortable and rested his hand on her hip. His heated palm touched her skin and Peyton suppressed the urge to shudder. The simple contact sent bolts up her spine and she had to close her eyes. As comfortable and safe as she felt in Nate's lap, she knew she had to do something, so she started shifting. She squirmed around until she felt his manhood against her cheek. "You ok?" she heard him voice. "Mhm. I'm just feeling a bit restless, is all." Nate looked down at her with concern. "Anything I can do to help?" Fuck me senseless. "No." Nate let his eyes linger on Peyton. Her chocolate skin looked warm from the sunlight shining in through the windows. He licked his lips as his eyes trailed down her exposed legs. Her head kept moving in his lap and he'd become semi-hard just from knowing that her plump, juicy lips were so close to his hardening member. She suddenly turned her head up and smiled at him, a friendly smile that put his heart at ease but did nothing to dismiss his awakening erection. He smiled back, hoping she wouldn't notice. He then felt her shift again and her hands started undoing his belt. His smile fell quickly. He felt every muscle in his body tense up. "Peyton, w-what are you-" "Shh. What does it look like I'm doing?" Peyton said without looking at him. She pushed his jeans down lower on his hips and lifted his shirt up. She couldn't help but love how well defined his abs were. She slide her fingertips over his taunt abs. Nate felt like she was scorching a trail down his body. He held his breath, just watching as she explored him. He gasped when he felt her on him, softly kissing his happy trail. He cock was swelling and she'd barely even touched him. "Take off your shirt, honey." Nate obeyed, curiously watching his girlfriend. Once his pants were unzipped, Peyton pushed her hand inside and smiled up him. His breath caught and the threat of cumming in his pants seemed eminent. "Mmm. What have we here?" Nate swallowed hard, his eyes almost completely glazed over with lust. She gripped his cock through his boxers and gave it a good squeeze. Nate felt like every drop of blood in his upper body had raced south and accumulated in one spot. Peyton tugged at his pants and he lifted his hips to help slide them off, along with his boxers. He was completely hard now, his turgid cock standing hard and angry. Peyton licked her lips and swiped her tongue over the head, causing Nate to hiss above her. She sheepishly watched as the dark purple head leaked, did it again, and again, and again. Nate was writhing under her touch, trying impossibly hard to contain himself. "O-Oh, fuck. Yes, baby." He almost lost it when he felt her lips wrap around the tip of his dick. He immensely enjoyed watching her ebony mouth engulf more and more of his thick ivory cock. His short shallow breaths quickened. Peyton pulled her mouth off and flattened her tongue against the side of his cock. She slowly, excruciating slowly, glided it down to the base, crinkling her nose as she felt his coarse pubic hair. Nate was lightheaded, he felt so good. He looked down at her arched back, seeing her buxom bottom sticking up in the air. He could see her bra strap through the thin shirt and went about unhooking her bra through it. He felt Peyton stop for a moment and look up at him, his large cock still impaling her mouth. The wanton position clashed with the innocence in her wide eyes, which made him harder, if that was even possible at the moment. Nate leaned over slightly, happy that he had such long arms, and gave her ample behind a good swat, causing Peyton to jump a bit. She wrapped her hand around the base of his cock and gave it a good squeeze in response. He smacked her ass again, and she started stroking him up and down while sucking on the head harder. She bobbed her head up and down, stroking him along with her mouth. Nate kept his hips still, resisting the urge to grab her head and viscously slam his cock into her throat. His pulsating dick throbbed more and he felt a familiar tightening in his groin. "Mmm, baby," Nate groaned through clenched teeth. "I'm gonna cum." He felt Peyton's mouth come off his dick, but her small hand keep stroking it. "That's the point, silly," she said, sounding too cute for the situation. Nate bit his bottom lip hard and pushed her hand away him. Peyton pouted dramatically. "Clothes. Off. Now." Nate growled. Peyton quickly stripped, revealing her curvaceous body to him. The scent of her arousal was intoxicating. But instead of waiting for his next order, Peyton bent down to his discarded jeans (giving Nate a perfect view of her swollen, dripping cunt), fumbled with his pocket, and pulled out a condom. "Now, how did I know that would be in there?" she asked, eyeing him. Nate shrugged and smiled guiltlessly. Peyton got on her knees between his legs. She opened the condom packet and put the latex covering into her mouth, it resting on her lips in an O shape. She pressed her mouth on the tip of his cock and, using her tongue, rolled the condom onto his stiff shaft. Nate groaned loudly, hot and very impressed. "Where'd you learn that?" he breathed out after she was done. "A lot of reading." Nate suppressed a chuckle. It came as no surprise that his shy girlfriend learned her sexual technique from text. "And what book have you been reading that teaches you such lewd behavior?" Peyton shook her head. "Not a book. A website. I'll show you it later." Peyton climbed onto his lap and silenced him with a forceful kiss. She surged her tongue into his mouth, symbolically claiming him as her own. Nate gripped her hips tight and lifted her, aiming his cock to her soaking core. Slowly, Peyton slid herself down, still impressed by how he stretched her tight pussy. Nate groaned as her hot, soaking snatch held his thick, dick like an ill-fitting glove. They stayed still, holding one another for a second. Peyton pushed her knees against the side of the couch and started moving her body up and down. Nate buried his face in the crook of her neck, inhaling her sweet scent and enjoying the feel of her luscious breasts pressed against him. He lifted his hips up to meet her movements, thrusting his cock in and out of her faster. Soon, the two lovers were humping with wild abandon. Peyton bounced her body faster, and Nate slammed into her with increasing intensity. Nate grabbed her hips and held her at his base. Peyton ground her pussy onto him, her clit pressing hard into his pelvis. She rode him hard and fast, throwing her head back and crying out in pure pleasure. Nate kept his eyes hooded, watching her tits bounce along with her body. Her mocha skin glistened with sweat. Nate felt his orgasm building up, but he wanted her to cum first, so he pushed his hand between them and rubbed her clit. "Oh my fucking God, Nate," Peyton was practically screaming. "Yes!" Nate rubbed faster. He felt her tight pussy get even tighter, milking his cock. "That's it, beautiful. Cum for me. Give me that sweet honey." Peyton needed no more coaxing. Before she knew it, her orgasm rocked through her body, setting it aflame. She screamed and gripped Nate's shoulders for support. Nate pounded into her without regard. His own release came just as hard, making him roar her name in ecstasy. He shot his thick seed into the condom, holding Peyton close. She slumped against his hot body, still trembling. "Goddamn," he breathed out. "Agreed," she sighed with a smile. Nate kept his arms around her as he stood up. Peyton instinctively wrapped her legs around her waist as he carried her up the stairs to make love to her for the rest of the afternoon. ••••••••••• Nate avoided the morning sun as he sat at the edge of the bed, lost in thought. He glanced back at a sleeping Peyton, breathing softly. Even after everything with Victoria, Peyton seemed fine. But Nate wasn't. A storm brewed in his mind and he couldn't focus on any one thing; except Peyton. But he hadn't told her about it. If she sensed his distance, she didn't show it. And he didn't want to ruin her good mood with his foul one. He moved over to her and gazed at her peaceful, sleeping face. He lightly moved her bangs and gently pressed his lips on her forehead. He crept out of bed and into the shower as quietly as he could. The hot stream and searing water calmed him, but not completely. When he returned to his room, Peyton was sitting up in bed, wearing a smile and his t-shirt. "Hey," she said softly. Nate nodded at her dismissively and went to his closet. Peyton frowned. "You ok?" Nate grunted, still searching for clothes. Peyton got out bed walked over to him. She admired the taunt muscles of his back and the soft sun-kissed color of his skin. He looked delicious. She wrapped her arms around his waist and kissed his back. Nate closed his eyes and sighed. Guilt stung his heart. He placed his hand on Peyton's, savoring her comfort. "Penny for your thoughts," she whispered against his warm skin. "Today's the anniversary of my dad's death." Peyton gasped. That explains the behavior. "Oh, Nate." "I thought I could handle it alone. I didn't want to bother you with this, I just-" "Stop." Peyton interrupted and turned him around. Looking into his eyes, she said, "Nate, you never have to deal with anything alone, because you're not alone. You've got to remember that. I love you and I'm here for you." Nate leaned down and kissed the top of her head. He wrapped his arms around her shoulders and held her tight. "And so is your mom." Nate's eyebrows furrowed and he tried to pull away, but Peyton kept her grip around him. "Nate, she loves you. She's your family. It's just the two of you left. You shouldn't push her away like you have." Nate was quiet, so Peyton kept talking. "When I met her, she asked me not to hurt you. She cares about you. And I think she's still hurting from the loss of your father. She mentioned him when we talked. She loved him and she loves you. So does Pastor Donavan. You have people who care about you, Nate. You don't have to carry this sadness with you." She felt him squeeze her tight. His body felt tense and hard, and she could hear his heart thumping in his chest. "I'm going to the cemetery at St. Michael's. I'm going to call my mom to join me." Peyton smiled. "I know she will like that." "Will you come too?" "Of course." ••••••••••• Peyton fiddled with her fingers nervously in her seat. Nate was driving them to St. Michael's, where they were to meet Adele Tennison to pay their respects. Nate was uncommonly quiet, and Peyton decided to let him stay that way. By the tight look on his face, he didn't feel like talking. It hurt her heart seeing him this way, lacking the warmth she'd come to know and love. As they pulled up to the church, they spotted Adele, hands full of bright yellow daisies that completely clashed with her all-back attire. Standing next to her was Pastor Donavan, bible in hand, looking solemn. Nate gave the pastor a firm handshake before turning to his mother. Peyton greeted them both warmly. "You're glowing, my dear," Pastor Donavan beamed. Peyton hugged him tight. "I can't thank you enough for everything you've done for me." She felt the pastor smile next to her cheek. She looked over and saw Nate and his mother in a close embrace. Peyton smiled at how small Adele looked compared to her son's impressive height. The older woman had tears in her eyes already. The four walked past the church to the graveyard. Adele led the way to where her husband was buried. Peyton saw Nate stop. His hands were shaking and his eyes gleamed with the threat of tears. "Peyton," he choked out. Peyton quickly grabbed his hand and squeezed it. "I'm right here, Nate. You can do this." He looked at her and nodded before taking short steps forward. They caught up with Adele, who had stopped at a well carved gravestone. It read "Here Lies James Philip Tennison; Beloved Husband, Father, and Friend". Adele quietly sobbed as she laid the flowers on the grave. "His favorite," she whispered. Pastor Donavan held her hand. After a moment, Nate stepped forward and knelt down. "Hey, Pop. Been a while. I'd like to introduce someone." Nate motioned for Peyton to kneel as well and when she did, he smiled sadly and said, "This is Peyton. I think you'd have liked her. I sure do." "Nice to meet you, sir." Nate and Peyton both placed their hands on the cold stone. Peyton's eyes began to sting and soon tears were flowing down her cheeks. They both stood up and all four mourners held hands, all crying. Nate broke the sad silence. "Peyton." "Yes?" "You say there's a song for every moment. What's a song for this one?" "I know one." Adele chimed in. Peyton, Nate, and Pastor Donovan looked at her as she began to sing. "Hush now don't you cry Wipe away the teardrop from your eye You're lying safe in bed It was all a bad dream Spinning in your head Your mind tricked you to feel the pain Of someone close to you leaving the game Of life So here it is, another chance Wide awake, you face the day Your dream is over... Or has it just begun? There's a place I like to hide A doorway that I run through in the night." Adele squeezed Nate's hand as she continued, looking at him then. "Relax child, you were there But only didn't realize And you were scared It's a place where you will learn To face your fears, retrace the years And ride the whims of your mind Commanding in another world Suddenly, you'll hear and see This magic new dimension." Adele fell apart into weeping, not able to finish the rest of the song. Nate pulled her to him and she cried deeply. "I know that song," Peyton said quietly. "Queensryche's 'Silent Lucidity'. Wanna know my favorite part?" It was Peyton's turn to have all eyes on her. She sang: "I Will be watching over you I am gonna help you see it through I Will protect you in the night I am smiling next to you. In silent lucidity." She smiled up as a tear slid down her cheek. Adele reached out her hand and pulled her into a group hug. Peyton pulled in Pastor Donovan and they all held each other for what seemed like hours. The pastor was the first to pull away, and he said a quiet prayer. They prayed with him. Adele kissed her fingertips and pressed them against the gravestone. "I miss you," she whispered. Nate held his mother's and Peyton's hands and they finally headed back to the church. Once inside, Peyton spotted Jane. "I'm going to go say 'hi' to my friend. You think you'll be ok?" Peyton asked. "Yeah," Nate nodded. "I need to talk to my mom anyway." Peyton gave his hand a reassuring squeeze before going over to Jane. Nate hugged Pastor Donovan. "Thank you, Padré Don," he said quietly. The elder Pastor just smiled sweetly. Nate led his mother to the pews and sat with her. "Ma," he began, looking down at her hand in his. "I would like to apologize." "For what, son?" "For not considering how you took dad's death," he sighed. "I knew you were hurting but I was so focused on my own pain that I didn't think about you. I pushed you away and let myself be swallowed up with sadness. When Addison-" Nate stopped and swallowed. "When she took away my son, I just stopped trying." "Oh, baby. I understand why. I'm not mad." "But I am. You're my mother, my family. And I don't want to appreciate you when you're gone." Adele's eyes released fresh tears. "Well, I'm here now, baby. And I love you." Nate hugged her for what felt like the one-hundredth time that day, but it never got old. "I love you too, Ma." Mother and son embraced for a bit before pulling away and wiping their eyes. "Son, if you don't mind me asking, what brought this on?" Nate smiled softly and looked at Peyton. She was being smothered by Jane, but caught his eyes and smiled back at him. Adele followed his gaze and nodded, understanding. She pulled off a ring from her left hand. "Well, then," she held open Nate's hand, and placed her engagement ring into his palm. "You must give her this." Nate sat up, surprised. "No, Ma. Dad gave that to you-" "And your grandmother gave it to him. He would want you give it to the woman you loved. Besides, I've still got my wedding band. This, this is yours now." Nate closed his hand over it. "Thank you." He pushed his hand into his pocket and the pair walked back over to where Peyton, Jane, and Pastor Donavan were standing. Nate kept one hand in his pocket, still fingering the ring, and held Peyton's hand with the other. "You guys ok?" she whispered to him. She was almost taken aback by the loving way he was looking at her. "Yes. I think everything will be alright now." he said, still gazing at her. "So!" Jane piped up, "Who wants lunch?" ••••••••••• Nate couldn't help but slide his fingertips along the sides of the ring. He felt as if it burned a hole in his jean pocket. He could hear Peyton humming inside the house. Should I ask today? Is it too soon? Will she say no? Will she say yes!? His mind was racing and his heart had somehow migrated into his throat. His palms felt clammy and he could feel the beads of sweat forming on his brow. Calm, man. Calm! He sat down on his porch lounge chair and tried to focus. His leg bounced rapidly and it was getting hard to breathe. "Nate?" Nate turned around to see Peyton in the doorway, looking at him with worry. "Are you alright?" "Yeah. I-I'm great." Nate stuttered nervously. He could tell Peyton wasn't buying it. She walked over, her impressive hips swishing in her long skirt, and planted herself in his lap. "Nate," she said seriously. "I thought we talked about this. The other day, before we went to pay respects with your mom." Nate laughed nervously. "I remember Peyton. I was there." "And do you remember me telling you that you can tell me anything?" Nate nodded. "Then tell me what's bothering you now." Nate shifted his gaze. Peyton frowned. "Nate. Come on, man." Nate swallowed hard and reached into his pocket. Now or never. "Peyton, do you love me?" "More than anything else in the world," she admitted. Nate bit his lip. "And you know I love you, right?" Peyton smiled and nodded. Before he could say anything else, Peyton kissed him, a soft luxuriating kiss. Nate felt his rapid heartbeat slow. He fell dizzily into the kisses, nibbling and licking sensually. The two, so lost in their embrace, didn't hear the red mini cooper pull up. They did hear the door slam and when they parted lips; both almost fell from the seat. Peyton felt all the color drain from her face, again. "Well, ain't this a surprise," Addison said as she stomped towards the pair. She strode like an aimed bullet; her bull's eye set on Peyton. Home Ch. 06 Guess who's back! Many apologies for the wait. But lets get back into the swing of things. Many thanks to my editor, Moaninglover. Forever in your debt, hun. -Kat Nate slid Peyton off his lap and stood up quickly. He positioned himself between Peyton and a rapidly approaching Addison. "What are you doing here?" He said sternly. "I just had to see it for myself," Addison said as she approached. She stood in front of Nate but glared at Peyton, who stood her ground. "I can't believe this is who you've been cheating on me with." "Ms. Broughton, I don't know how you found out but Nate and I-" "Shut up, you no-good slut!" Addison screamed. She stretched out her claw-like finger towards Peyton, but Nate held her back. "Addison, stop!" Nate said while trying to avoid her thrashing fingernails. "NO!!" Addison screeched. "I will not stop! How dare you try and defend her Nathaniel! This- this dirty, black whore!" Nate got a grip on Addison's shoulders and gave her a ruthless shake. "You will NOT come to my home and insult my woman. I will no longer tolerate this craziness from you anymore Addison! Read my goddamn lips: WE ARE OVER! I DON'T LOVE YOU ANYMORE!" Addison stared at him incredulously. Mascara-filled tears began running down her porcelain-like cheeks. She shifted her gaze back at Peyton. "You will regret this," she growled. She turned swiftly and started marching back to her car. "Wait!" Peyton called out to her. "Ms. Broughton, wait!" "What are you doing?" Nate asked. Peyton didn't answer him, but ran after Addison. "What the fuck do you want?" The blazing red-head spat out. "And keep in mind that it's only Nate's presence behind your ass that I'm not ripping you limb from limb right now." "I understand." "What?" "I understand you now." "Bitch, you don't know anything about me!" "I know that you loved Nate. I can see it in your eyes. You truly loved him." Addison was silent. She turned her head away from Peyton, but kept listening. "I love him, Ms. Broughton. In that prospect, we are similar. And because I love him, I want him to be happy. Don't you want the same thing?" "I want him happy with me." "And that's where we differ. You need to stop thinking about yourself for once. You did that before with the baby and look how it ended." Addison flashed an antagonizing look. "You know what? You're right. I did that for me. Fuck Nate. I wasn't going to lose everything I'd worked for over some kid I didn't want in the first place! No amount of him crying then or pleading from you now will ever stop me from doing what I want. I will never change!" "Then you don't deserve him." Addison snapped. In a flash, her ringed fingers formed a fist and connected with Peyton's jaw; Peyton tasted blood. Nate saw and was coming down that next moment. He didn't reach in time to stop Peyton from slamming her fist into Addison's nose. Addison's hand shot up to her face. "Damn, baby," he said, generally impressed. "You've got some boxer skills." Addison screamed when she looked into her palms and saw crimson blood. She turned to retaliate but Nate was now between them again. Addison gave Peyton the evil eye one more time before getting into her car and speeding off. Peyton turned quickly and marched back into the house with Nate in tow. "Are you ok?" he asked. Peyton didn't turn around. "I'm fine." "She hit you pretty hard," Nate reached for her shoulder. "Here, let me see-" "I said I'm fine!" Peyton snapped. She stormed off into the kitchen, still without looking at Nate. He followed her again. "Peyton, talk to me." Instead, Peyton ran cold water over a dish rag and placed it on the left side of her jaw. "I knew this would happen," she mumbled. "Well Addison would have to find out eventually but-" "No!" Peyton said, turning around to Nate. "I knew everything would fall apart. I was too happy. Everything was too great. The rain had to finally fall, pouring my suck-fest life back down on me. I can never hold on to anything this good without-" Nate held up a hand. "Ok, now it's my turn to interrupt you." Peyton stared up at him, on the verge of tears. "Peyton, baby, nothing has fallen apart. There's no rain falling. I love you now just as much as I loved you five minutes ago. Maybe even more so. Addison knowing about us doesn't matter to me and I honestly don't think it should matter to you." "But my job-" "Fuck that job. You have some more experience so you can get another one. This is the city. There are lots of jobs out here. Hell, I'll even put in a good word for you if you need one." Peyton was quiet. Nate could tell she had calmed. He grabbed a mini towel from over the sink and went to the freezer and got ice. After putting the makeshift ice pack together, he returned to Peyton and gently placed it against her jaw. She winced then smiled. "It doesn't really hurt," she said. "But those rings. Ugh." She winced again and took the pack from Nate. She placed it on the counter and wrapped her arms around his waist. She felt his strong arms enclosed over her shoulders. "I'm sorry for overreacting," she whispered into his chest. "I was just scared." "It's ok, baby. I get scared too sometimes. Like I'm going to say or do something to lose you. But we can both overcome our fears together. I promise." "Ok, Hallmarks," Peyton quipped. Nate slid his hand down and pinched her ass. She giggled and winced again. "I love you, Nate." "I love you, too, smart ass." -------------------------------------------------- Peyton tried not to chew her nails. Everyone was staring at her when she went into work that morning. It was like walking the green mile to her desk. She tried to stay as quiet as possible as she packed up the few belongings she had left on her desk. "Peyton! Get in here NOW!" came the sound of Addison's voice through her office door for all to hear. A flutter of murmurs and whispers swept through the aisles. Peyton sucked in her gut, ignoring the wave of embarrassment that crept up on her. Nate had suggested she not even coming in today, but she wanted to grab the framed picture of her and her parents that she kept on the desk. And now she was going to pay for it. She strutted with her chin held high, seemingly ready for whatever Addison had to dish. The boss herself was sitting on her desk, legs crossed dramatically. She was already glaring at Peyton. If looks could kill, she thought. "Come in Miss Cavanaugh." Peyton entered but stood by the door. Ready for a quick getaway. "I think it is obvious that your services will no longer be needed here." "Yup!" Peyton responded quickly. "So I'm just going to get my stuff and-" "Not so fast, slut." Addison stopped her. "I'm not through with you just yet. Did you believe I'd let you off so easy? After what you've done?" Peyton cocked her head to the side. "Let me off so easy? You punched me in the face and I'm out of a job. I mean, granted, I hit you back and I'm with Nate but-" "Don't you say his name, you whore!" Addison squealed. Peyton cringed at the sound. "Stop seeing him," Addison growled. Peyton just looked at her. "No," she said simply. "Peyton Cavanaugh, I am warning you to stop fucking my boyfriend or I'll-" "Or you'll what?" It was Peyton's turn to cut her off. "Have me tarred and feathered in the street? And for the last time, he is NOT your boyfriend. He's mine now, Addison. And there's not a damn thing you can do about it." Peyton turned on her heel to leave. "You stop right there, Peyton!" Addison squealed again. But Peyton waved her off and kept walking. When she got outside Addison's office door, she saw eight of her coworkers attempting to disperse, acting like they hadn't just been caught eavesdropping. But Peyton couldn't care less. She was done with this job for good. And she was done with Addison Broughton. Or so she thought. -------------------------------------------------- In the weeks following her departure, Peyton had found that Addison's perfectly manicured nails reached to high places. Every time she tried to apply for a job, she'd get turned down for one reason or the other; the primary being a scathing report from her former employer, Ms. Broughton. Lies involving drugs, alcohol and mental instability floated through to every possibly job to the point where even a low level mailroom job escaped her. Nate noticed Peyton's frustrations and even tried to make some calls for her but Addison was quick to snuff the prospects out. For all Addison's faults, she had a way with words that Peyton never knew could be so lethal. A few nights later, Peyton laid with her face in a pillow on Nate's couch, groaning in anger. "It's like with my sister all over again." "No, it's not, honey." Nate ran a hand up and down her back. First off, I'm 100% sure that Addison has made some enemies, or at least people who can see through all her bullshit. One of them will hire you. And second: I'm here to support you 'til then." "But you can't support me forever, " she grumbled. "Yes, I can." Nate said back. Peyton thought for a moment. "Ok, yes, you can. But I don't want you to. I don't want you to have to pay for everything in my life. I mean it's no offense to you. But I have to work. I HAVE to be doing something or else I'll go crazy!" "But what about your father's money? Can't that help? Peyton's head shot up. "Oh, holy shit! How did I completely forget about that!" Peyton hopped up and placed a quick kiss on Nate's lips. "Thank you, baby," she said sincerely, looking into his eyes for a moment before grabbing his phone and racing to his room. Nate smiled and her watched sprint away. He waited a few minutes to follow her and when he came up to the bedroom door, he heard her on the phone. "Yes! Ok, how about next weekend? We can meet and discuss it further? Really? Oh, yes, thank you!" Peyton hung up the phone and beamed up and Nate. "I'm going home, Nate!" Nate's smile faltered slightly. "Isn't this your home?" "No, baby, my REAL home. The place where I grew up! I'm going to meet with my dad's lawyer: Malcolm Phillips. I'm going to dot the 'i's' and cross the 't's' and then I'll have part of my father back to me!" She closed her eyes and lay back on the bed, grinning widely. Nate was feeling a frown coming on. "So what's going to happen now? Are you going to move there? Since that's your real home and all." Peyton heard the apprehension in his voice and opened her eyes. She sat up and looked at him. "I'm not sure actually. I know I don't want to sell it, but at the same time I love my life here with you." Nate sat down next to her, frowning. Peyton crawled onto his lap. "Nate, I'm not leaving you. I'll talk to Malcolm about what to do about the house. But, hon, please understand. I mean we've only been together six months or so. Not even a year. That house, the countryside, was my home for my entire childhood. I still consider it my true home." Nate stopped his frown from deepening. He thought about the ring he'd yet to present to her. Well, I can't do it now if she doesn't feel like she belongs here. Nate wasn't saying anything, but Peyton could tell he was still upset. He laid down on the bed and pulled Peyton down with him. He silently brooded for a moment with her soft body in his arms. "Naaattteeee," she cooed and kissed his neck softly. He welcomed the distraction, eager to get out of his own head. He bent his head and gathered her into his arms tightly. They shared a sweet soft kiss, tender and sensual. Nate relaxed and let the warmth of his woman soak into him. He pushed his hands into her short hair and gripped it tight. She squirmed and smiled against his lips. She pulled back, sat up and started to remove her shirt when his hands stopped her. "No. Let me." Nate looked deep into her eyes as he spoke. He was uncharacteristically serious. Peyton caught on and removed her hands. Nate joined her in a sitting position, lifted her up and placed her on her feet before him. He slowly slid off her shirt, and did away with her pants in the same fashion. Peyton felt her skin flush under his gaze. His nimble fingers did away with her bra and panties until Peyton stood stark naked before him. Then Nate just sat, looking her up and down. His eyes drank in her curves, almost as if he'd never seen them before. The seriousness of the moment made Peyton feel awkward. But she didn't cover up or shy away. She didn't have to. "I don't think I tell you how beautiful your body is as often as I should. You're gorgeous." Peyton blushed. She ran her fingers through his hair and stepped closer to him. "Thank you," she said and smiled. Nate smiled back. He removed his shirt and shorts and sat back down, pulling Peyton between his legs. He latched his hungry mouth to her nipple and began to suck softly. Peyton bit her lip and gave the slightest of moans. Nate was being so unusually soft with her, but she liked it. She liked when he was gentle. Nate gave his attention to her other nipple while his hands went from her waist to her ass, which he cupped and massaged. Peyton's soft coos became louder moans. She felt her entire body heat up. And just like that, she was on her back. Nate had lifted her up and laid her back on the bed. He quickly removed the remainder of his clothes and climbed on top of her. Peyton instinctively spread her legs and welcomed his weight upon her. Skin contacted skin and the two lovers felt a rush. Nate's kisses along her neck and breasts became more fevered. The moisture and heat in Peyton's core collected. She needed him. To be touched and fucked by him. "Nate," she whispered. Nate heard the soft pleading in her voice. "I know, baby," Nate slid his body down between her legs and looked up at her, grinning wickedly. "I'll take care of you." He gave her one quick swipe with his tongue. Peyton shuddered. She could feel the swelling of her clit. He gave her another swift lick. And then another. And then another. He stopped in between licks to just look up at Peyton, who was writhing with need. "For god's sake, Nate," she frowned. He smiled and decided not to prolong her suffering. He dove in, mouth open and tongue extended, ready to devour her sweet, soaked cunt. He latched himself to her engorged clit and sucked. Peyton cried out instantly, grabbing the sheets around her for dear life. Nate suckled and looked up at her, loving her reaction. He moved down further to her dripping wet opening. He held his mouth there this time, his tongue exploring her sweet cove. Peyton grabbed his hair and began to grind her pussy on his wriggling tongue. She fucked his face with abandon, Nate loving and savoring every bit of it. "Oh, fuck. Oh, fuck. Oh, sweet fuck, Nate!" Peyton chanted in pleasure. But as sure as his mouth had been slopping up her juices before, it was gone. Peyton groaned in frustration. But then she felt Nate's hands beneath her, tilting her waist up. "What are you-" Nate "shh'd" her. She relaxed and closed her eyes, feeling the pins of anticipation all over her hot body. Then she felt it. The slight flick of his tongue against her rosebud. Nate's hands were holding her legs wide and his tongue was now furiously lapping between her cheeks. Peyton let out a startled moan, then cried out. "Nate. I-I've never- oh, God!" Her words were lost in ecstasy. It was new and different and deviant and intense, all at the same time. Nate didn't even seem to hear her. He sucked and licked and fucked her with his tongue. He would occasionally slide back up to her pussy, giving it a good, long tongue fuck before returning to lather her other hole. Peyton could take it no longer and her orgasm was so sudden she thought she'd fall off the bed. "F-fuc-FUCK! NATE! Yes! Oh, god, yes!" She felt high in the air as she came and the only thing keeping her down were Nate's arms. He was relentless, only stopping for a moment to witness her moment of ecstasy. Peyton yanked hard on his hair and pushed his head away, panting hard. Nate smiled and kissed her inner thigh. She was trembling. "D-damn," she finally managed to stutter. "Yeah." Nate offered in return. Peyton grabbed him and pulled him on top of her, kissing him almost savagely. She could taste her dew on his tongue and wanted more. She bit his lip and raked her nails along his back. Nate growled in response. He quickly grabbed her legs and held them up the air, positioning himself. He reached over into his night stand and made quick work of putting on a condom. He grabbed her hips and smiled, looking into her eye as he slammed his thick rod deep into her drooling pussy. Peyton let out a yelp and was back to gripping the sheets. Nate pumped in and out of her hot snatch, losing himself in her enveloping warmth. His thrusts were almost animalistic and Peyton loved it. With every thrust, she let out a whimpering cry. "Goddamn, baby," Nate groaned. "Still so fucking tight." All Peyton could do was moan in response. Nate slowed and leaned down to kiss her roughly. Peyton pulled his hair and returned his kiss with equal roughness, her tongue in equal combat with his. He could sense how close she was and felt his own climax building. "Come on baby. I want that pretty pussy to cum for me." Peyton was almost delirious. Nate's words seemed to be magic as they pushed over the edge of the peak. She gripped him as tight as she could as she skyrocketed. He came with her, filling the condom with his cream. Their moans and cries echoed through the room and they both clung to each other's sweat-shined bodies as the orgasms ebbed. Nate collapsed on top of Peyton, sweaty and panting and sated. Peyton squirmed beneath his weight. Nate chuckled and rolled off her. She quickly took her place on top of him. Once they came back down to earth, their previous conversation hung above Peyton's head. "Nate, you know I love you, right?" Before Nate could answer, his phone buzzed on the nightstand by the bed. He got up and checked it. It was his mom. "I'll call her tomorrow." He grunted and put the phone down. He looked at Peyton, who had turned away from him. He positioned his body behind hers and wrapped his arms around her. "Yes. I love you. I just want you to feel at home here with me." Peyton wanted to respond, but decided against it, not wanting to ruin their post sex glow. So instead, she nestled her bottom against Nate and laced her fingers in his, letting her worries drift away as she did into sleep. -------------------------------------------------- Nate bolted through the hospital emergency room. He ran up to the nurses' station, speaking quickly. "Adele Tennison," he panted at a small, young nurse. "I got a call that she was admitted here this morning? Where is she?" "Um, yes," she answered timidly. "She's in room 4208 but you should wait for the doctor." "What's wrong with her?" "Sir, you should probably wait for the doc-" "What's wrong with her!" Nate bellowed. As if on cue, a man with the name tag "Dr. Michael Shepard" approached the counter. "Nathaniel Tennison?" "Yes?" "My name is Dr. Shepard. I am the one who admitted your mother. Walk with me." The two men walked through the hospital hallway down to a room. They entered and Nate immediately felt sick to his stomach. There lay his dear mother, with machines surrounding her, tubes protruding from her arms. She was smaller, much smaller. Her skin was pale and pasty and her hair was thin. Nate could hardly believe this was the same bright woman he'd seen only two weeks ago. But there was no beeping. The monitors were off. "What's wrong with her?!" He panicked. "Mr. Tennison, please, calm down. We-" "No, why isn't she moving?!" Nate ran to his mother and grabbed her hand. It was cold. Very cold. Home Ch. 06 "Nate, your mother died about thirty minutes before you arrived," Dr. Shepard said softly. Nate just stared at her, tears welling up in his eyes. "No," he whispered to himself. "No. She just called me. Last night she was calling me." "This would normally be a bout of ammonia with anyone else, but with her condition and the deteriorated state of her immune system-" "Wait, what? What condition?" Nate asked, still gripping his mother's hand. Dr. Shepard frowned. "Mr. Tennison, your mother had stage four lung cancer." Nate stared at him dumbly. "C-cancer? No, there must be some mistake. My mother didn't have cancer. She would have told me." "Mr. Tennison, I'm sorry to say that she did. I'd been treating her going on a year now. But about six months ago, your mother refused chemotherapy. I didn't recommend it but she said she had gotten all she wanted in this life and now left it up to God." Dr. Shepard looked over to Nate, who was staring at his mother, with quiet sobs. He pressed on. "Unfortunately, your mother couldn't fight this battle any longer. I'm sorry. I thought your wife would have told you soo-" "My wife?" Nate looked back up to him. "Yes. Mrs. Addison Tennison? We called her after we couldn't reach you. She's here now. Or, she was a few minutes ago." Nate was quiet again. All his color was drained from his face as he stared at his mother, unmoving. "I'll give you a moment. I am very sorry for your loss Mr. Tennison. Adele was one hellova fighter." Dr. Shepard said before leaving. Hot tears ran down Nate's face. "I'm sorry. I'm so sorry." He bent his head and rested his forehead against her hand, which he had yet to let go. He heard footsteps and looked up to see Addison, looking down at him mournfully. He knew he should have gotten up, should have throttled her. But he didn't. He just looked back at his mother. "Why are you here?" he asked softly. Addison smirked. "Because even though I never liked the old bat, she didn't deserve to die alone. You weren't here. You were too busy with what's-her-face." "Shut up," Nate whispered. "No," Addison sneered. "You were too busy. This time, you have no one to blame but yourself. She called you Nate. She needed you. And why is it that I knew about her cancer and you, her son - her prized baby boy - didn't?" Nate stayed quiet. She got closer, making sure every word stuck. "You were focused on you. Your pain. Your love. Everything has always been about you. And now look." Nate didn't argue. She's right. I left you all alone and now you're gone. "Whenever you're ready to really care about someone else for a change, call me." And with that, Addison was gone. She was careful not to show her creeping smile. -------------------------------------------------- Peyton almost jumped out of her skin when Nate came bounding in. She looked at him, startled. "Nate?" she called out but he just stomped past her, up the stairs. Peyton frowned and got up to follow him. Nate was in his closet, rummaging through some old looking boxes. "Nate," Peyton tried again. "What are you doing, baby?" He ignored her. "Nate-" "I'm looking for any of my mom's stuff!" He yelled. Peyton was taken aback. "What's wrong? Why are you yelling?" She was met with more silence. She was starting to get angry. "Nate, c'mon. Talk to me." Nate sat up and looked at her ruefully. "My mom's dead." Peyton's hands covered her mouth. "Oh, God. Oh, dear God. I'm so-" "But you know what's killing me right now?" Nate said, cutting her off. "The fact that one of the last people she saw was Addison. Not me, her son, but Addison. Can you believe that shit?" "What?" Peyton was confused. "Why was Addison with her?" "And you wanna know why I wasn't there with her?" Nate continued, ignoring Peyton's question. "Why I blew off the woman that raised me? Because I was here. Trying to console you." Peyton frowned. She walked over to Nate and tried to touch him, but he snatched her wrist and pushed her away. "Don't touch me," Nate growled and turned away. Peyton looked up at him, shocked. "Nate? He turned away from her. "You should go." Peyton felt her heart sink. "Wait, I know you're upset right now. I understand." "You know what the kicker is though?" Nate said fiercely. "You don't even want to be here. I let my mom die alone for some girl who's doesn't even consider this to be her home! Ain't that some shit." Peyton swallowed. He's upset. He doesn't mean it. She tried to touch his shoulder. "Nate, please. I-" Nate yanked his shoulder away. "Peyton, I want you to get your things and leave my house. Now. I'm not going to say it again." "Nate, stop this-" "I SAID GET OUT!" he yelled. Peyton stepped back. She felt like he'd struck her. She turned and started gathering her things and quickly stuffed them into her old duffle bags. She could feel tears threatening to spill. Once she'd gotten everything, she turned and gave him one last look. "I'm sorry Nate," she said quietly. "I love you." She got only silence in response. It was a piercing silence, one that stabbed into her. She turned and left without another word. -------------------------------------------------- The clouds looked different to Peyton as she sat on the bus. They looked darker. Eerie in a way. She hugged her duffle bag against her chest and stared up at the dark clouds as she rode the bus back to St. Michael's. It had been a while, and even though she was still reeling from her encounter with Nate, she was happy to be seeing her first family. She was happy, that was, until the bus stopped. She peered out the window and saw what was causing such dark clouds. Fire. A large building was burning, the flames dancing along its walls, growing and stretching to the heavens. Peyton saw that it was her beloved St. Michael's going up in smoke. She hopped out of her seat and ran to the front of the bus. "Let me out!" she screamed. The bus driver quickly opened the door and Peyton bolted through, running a few blocks 'til she stood before the burning church. She could hear sirens in the distance. The air was thick with smoke and ash. The closer she got, the harder it was to breathe. She saw other people scrambling around her but it was like they weren't even there. It was like she was all alone, watching the orange and crimson flames slowly crawl along the windows and doors. Her eyes were watering but she didn't know if she was crying or it was because of the smoke. It didn't matter either way. She was mesmerized and terrified. She almost felt an urge to walk towards the fire, when she felt hands on her shoulder. She turned to see Pastor Donovan. His eyes were bloodshot and he was in a robe. "Peyton, my dear, we need to move back," he said frantically. "This smoke isn't good for us and the firefighters will be here any moment." "It's burning, Pastor," Peyton said weakly. "What happened?" "We don't know yet, child," Pastor Donovan was leading Peyton away as he spoke. "I just got here and saw this. God, help us all. But Jane-" "What about Jane?" Peyton said quickly. "We can't seem to find her," Pastor Donovan's face was grave. "She was staying late and we don't know where she is." Before Pastor Donovan could say another word, Peyton threw off her duffle bag and ran towards the fire. "Peyton!" The pastor cried out. "No!" But it was too late. -------------------------------------------------- Peyton stopped for a split second and thought. She'd be in the kitchen! Or the in the back! She ran towards the back of the church. The fire hadn't consumed this side yet, but it was quickly making its way though. The air was so thick now that it was hard for her too see. She began to cough. She saw the back door and kicked it over and over until it broke open. "Jane!" she screamed and immediately coughed again. She strained to see around but the smoke was too thick to view. She could hear sirens from outside. She felt around the walls and navigated to her old room. She kicked down the door and saw no one was inside. She let out an exasperated sigh. Suddenly, Peyton heard a loud crash from behind and turned to see a dark figure dash by. Peyton didn't think, but took off after them. She almost lost the figure, but saw them run through the door she had broken down earlier. The smoke was making her dizzy and she knew she had to get out. Now. She ran after the figure and into the open air. She saw the dark figure hunched over, hacking and cracking out a lung. Peyton coughed heavily, as well, yet she slowly stepped towards the figure. She could see that it wasn't Jane. The figure turned out to be a man. He was a big guy, with a barrel shaped body and what looked to be salt and pepper hair. The closer Peyton got, the more she could see. His olive-colored skin was covered in soot and his grey eyes watered. "Are you ok?" She rasped out to him. The man looked over at her and grimaced. "What are you doing here? You're not supposed to be here. Ugh-" the man went into another coughing fit. Now that she was so close, Peyton could smell him. He smelled of scotch. Cheap scotch. And something else, strong and familiar. Is that... gasoline? Peyton back up sharply and eyed the man. She was sure about the smell. The man looked up at her and glared. "You weren't supposed to be here." he growled low and menacingly. He was quick. The man grabbed Peyton's arm and tugged her towards him hard. Peyton drew her head back and slammed her forehead into the man's face before he could do anything else. She was briefly disoriented, but was able to push back from the man. He let go of her and gripped his nose and mouth. "You bitch!" he spat out. "You stupid, fuckin' cunt!" Peyton didn't wait to hear anymore. She turned and dashed through the smoke. She could hear some of the man's footsteps behind her. She was almost in the clear when she saw firefighters and policemen surrounding the burning church. She held in another cough and tried to look around. She spotted Pastor Donovan holding her duffle bag, looking around frantically. She crept low and quickly scurried towards him so no one would see. When she was close enough, she stood straight and ran to hug him. "I couldn't find her!" she cried out. "And there's some-" "She's alive, Peyton!" The Pastor said, smiling weakly. "Jane! She'd gone home early." Peyton was about to speak when she looked and saw the olive man emerge from the smoke. She looked at Pastor Donovan one more time. She grabbed her bag from him and hugged him tightly. "Thank you," she whispered. She slipped away from him before he could say another word. She heard the pastor calling out to her and she pushed her way through the crowd. She didn't stop till she was back by the bus stop. She turned around and watched St. Michael's, the firefighters doing their best to extinguish the flames. The dark cloud had gathered and rain was beginning to fall. It was cold and icy on Peyton's heated skin. She had just enough time to catch her breath when the bus rolled up next to her and the door opened. "You getting on, ma'am?" the bus driver called out. Peyton nodded and got onto the bus. She paid her fare and looked at the driver. "How far is the nearest Greyhound?" she asked sadly. "Not too far," she answered. "We have stop by it. I'll let you know when we get close." "Thank you." "You taking a trip?" The driver asked pleasantly. "Going home perhaps?" "No," Peyton said. "I'm not sure I have a home anymore." Home Ch. 07 Nate cursed savagely under his breath. His bleeding finger was covered in filth and it stung. He sat back and examined his work. The bright yellow daisies framed Adele Tennison's gravestone beautifully. Nate gave the dirt around the roots a few more good pats before standing up. He stared down at his mother's grave, and then looked to his left, to his fathers'. Being able to bury his parents next to one another was one of the only minuscule consolations Nate had. Six months had only slightly dulled the ache he had in his chest. But he didn't want the ache to go. It was a deep reminder of the ones he loved and lost. He didn't want to forget them. He bent down and gathered the gardening tools into a bag. He stared down at his bleeding finger as he walked towards his car. He opened it and chucked the bag into the passenger seat before closing the door. He then turned and walked back to St. Michael's. It had taken months to rebuild after the fire. The police confirmed it was arson, but the investigation had no leads or witnesses. Nate knew they'd set it on the back burner. With no other positive outlet for his grief, Nate had thrown himself into work and rebuilding the church. He'd covered most of the costs and had personally taken charge in overseeing its reconstruction. Right after work he would head straight for St. Michael's and monitor the progress. His days off from his company were spent at St. Michael's, alongside Pastor Donovan, who suggested improvements that were to be made. Nate spent all his money on the project, gladly. He'd grown even closer with Pastor Donovan and Jane, who just loved having all the big strong men around. She'd blush haughtily at Nate's open flirtations and always rewarded the worker with homemade treats. Nate was glad to see her like this. The first couple of months had been particularly hard for Jane, with Peyton being gone. Peyton. Nate hadn't seen her since the night his mother had died. He hadn't gotten a single word from her. Pastor Donovan had related the events of that night at the church to him and had insisted that Nate go find her. "No." Nate had said. "I was awful to her. She needs her space. She'll come back soon and we'll all talk this out." But she didn't come back. Month after month had gone by and no one, not Nate, not Pastor Donovan, not even Jane had gotten any word from Peyton. And because of this, Nate had grieved virtually alone. Addison did make feeble attempts to contact him, but Nate was adamant about shutting her out; about shutting everyone out. His nights were spent alone and in the dark. It was a routine for him now and he accepted it. He accepted the nightmares about his mother and father. He accepted the loneliness that crept up on him and stayed for long periods of time. He accepted his own unhappiness and resided in the fact that he may never be happy again. Everything was cold. It was a constant chill in his body, in his mind, in his heart. It started deep in his gut about three months after his mother died and he'd decided that Peyton wasn't coming back. It filled his core and was apparent in his eyes and voice. A strong frost had settled around Nate's heart, and there it remained, numbing him. Even the sting Nate felt in his finger now as he entered St. Michael's seemed to be coming from far away. He entered through the back door and into the kitchen. Jane was in there, as usual, and smiled at him. Her smiled faulted as she looked at him. Nate was a very attractive man, but his hollow face was unsettling. He'd grown a beard in the last few weeks and a thick scruff that would have normally made him more dashing just added to his shambled, uncaring appearance. He was constantly pale now. Nate had retained a glowing tan during the summer through St. Michael's rebuilding that didn't fit his cold eyes. But now, as the fall started to roll in, Nate avoided the sun and it showed. His hair was still relatively short, but very thick and very dark. But there was dullness to it now. However, Nate had been able to keep his body in shape with the hard labor of putting the church back together. Jane's eyes scanned him and she noticed how his muscles were defined beneath his dark plaid shirt. Yes, Nate was an attractive man; but his eyes, those unsettling eyes. And the constant frown he kept on his face made him hard to even try and connect to; but she tried anyway. "Hello, sweetheart!" Jane perked up in forced enthusiasm. "Done already?" "Yeah," Nate grunted. He walked over to the sink without really looking at Jane. He turned on the tap and began washing the soil from his hand. Jane saw crimson droplets mixed in with the dirt. "Oh, honey, you're hurt!" Jane observed. "Just a cut," Nate said without lifting his head. "Don't worry about it." His hands were almost clean. "Well, you should let me clean it up anyway," Jane shut off the water and ushered Nate into a stool. "You never know. C'mon, hun." He followed, none too complacently. He sat on a stool by the kitchen island while Jane got the first aid kit. She came and sat in front of him and grabbed his hand. Nate stared off into space like she wasn't even there. "The daisies still fairing ok?" she asked as she cleaned the cut. Nate just nodded. "Good. I'm glad." An awkward silence fell upon the two, so Jane kept talking. "The shelter is sure to be busy soon. With the cold settling in, we'll probably have a lot of runaways to deal with. But I'm excited. I can't thank you enough for helping us build it. It's such a contribution to the community." "It was your idea Jane. And you're the one running the place. I just throw cash at you when you need it." Jane shook her head. "No, Nate, you've done so much more. Building a runaway shelter in extension to the church was your doing. Though, I must say, I loved that you named it 'Jane's Place'." "I'm not entirely sure what came over me," Nate just sighed. "I guess after everything with..." Nate trailed off. "Peyton," Jane added softly. "Yeah. Her. After everything with her, it kind of fit, ya know? And the people in this neighborhood liked the idea, so why not right? You're doing a great job as head honcho. You work well with the runaways and you're always good about finding them new homes." Jane blushed. "Aw thank you honey. I love the job. It's giving me a new lease on life. I'm always busy now, between coming here and to Jane's Place. And Matt is always around to help too." Jane had met Matthew Warden a few weeks into the building of Jane's Place and the two had hit it off right away. He was the supervisor during the construction and had worked closely with Jane. He was older and kind of a burly fellow, but he seemed to be perfect for Jane. He was tall and husky and smiled just as often as Jane did. Nate may not show it outwardly, but he liked that Jane had a man with her, to remind her how wonderful she was. It was then that he looked at her and felt a tinge of guilt at the icy wall he had built between them. Jane had acted as surrogate mother to Nate, as she did with everyone, and he didn't even remember saying thank you. He placed his hand over hers and looked into her eyes. Jane was almost startled by the flicker of warmth she saw behind them. "I mean it, Jane. Thank you. For everything." She smiled wide and leaned over to hug Nate. He hugged her back, kind of awkwardly, but genuine. She sat back and looked down. Nate noticed and prepared himself for what was coming. "Have you heard from Peyton yet?" Jane asked quietly. She looked up and saw the chilly look was back in his eyes. "Nope," Nate said curtly. He fiddled with the new band aid on his finger. "Maybe... maybe you should cal-" "Please don't start, Jane," Nate cut her off and got up. Jane grabbed his elbow before he could turn away. He stopped but still wouldn't look at her. "Nate, honey, you need her. You're miserable without her." Nate resisted the urge to yank his arm free. He hated talking about Peyton. "I'm fine." "The hell you are," Jane scoffed. "You're a walking shell of a man. It's been months Nate." "It's been over six months since I last spoke to her. If she wanted to talk to me, she would have. I don't blame her for not doing so." "She probably thinks you hate her after the fight you two had." "Yeah, she probably does. I made the woman I love feel like I hate her. I hurt her and blamed her for things out of our control. I chased her away and she took the hint. She's gone Jane. She's not coming back. For all we know she's probably living happily with... another man." The last two words of his sentence stuck in Nate's throat. Peyton, his Peyton, with another man. The thought sickened him. Her lips on another man, her eyes staring adoringly into another man's eyes. Another man's hands holding her and squeezing her and comforting her. Another man wiping her tears and loving her the way Nate had always wanted to, but failed to. It was enough to make Nate want to burrow away in his dark iceland and never return. He gently removed Jane's hand. "Thanks for the first aid Jane. I'll be back tomorrow to-" "No, you won't," Jane protested. "You're either here or at the shelter every day. Tomorrow is your day off and you're going to take it." "But-" Jane held up her hand. "No buts. Go out tomorrow, Nate. Hang out with friends. Get a beer. Get some sleep. But no work. You can't let all this consume you. It won't change anything if you keel over from exhaustion." Nate considered this for a moment. It had been a damn long time since he spent a full day at home. He knew it was cause his place reminded him too much of Peyton, and couldn't stand being reminded of his failure with her. Even still, he was tired. Very tired. "Ok," he said quietly. He gave Jane one more hug and made her promise to greet Pastor Donovan for him before he left. Nate spent the rest of his evening on autopilot, a way he spent most of his time. He coasted through dinner and the last of his paperwork for the day. He showered and slowly got into bed. This was the worst part of any day. In the dark of his room, he had nothing but his thoughts to occupy him. They were filled with guilt and regrets and memories. He hated it. Tonight was no different, except that Peyton invaded his thoughts, instead of his dead parents. It happened sometimes. She would slip into his mind and replay the last awful conversation they had together. Nate found himself mumbling her name sometimes. On especially bad nights, Nate would whip out the Shirt. It was a pale orange blouse that Peyton had left at Nate's apartment the last time she was there. Nate had found it beneath his bed a month after she'd left. He'd held it up and could immediately detect the smell of Peyton's perfume and body lotion on it. Without thinking, Nate had held it to his face and breathed in sharply through his nose. The scent overwhelmed him with memories so intense that he flung the shirt across the room and spent that night trying to forget it with the added assistance of Jack Daniels. Now he had it hidden it beneath his pillow, a secret he kept to himself. It was the only connection he had to Peyton, all he had of her to hold on to, besides the ring hidden in the back of his closet. He took off his shirt and crawled into bed in only his boxers. He removed the blouse from its' secret spot beneath his pillow and placed over his face. Her scent was starting to fade, a thought that saddened Nate deeply. He took a deep breath and sighed sadly. It was a connection but not enough. It wasn't enough to bring her back. The sweet vanilla scent flooded Nate's mind with images of Peyton: her brown skin, her soft hair, her hips, her breasts and her soft moans. It was almost too much for Nate. His cock stirred in his shorts. He breathed in again and envisioned her pink tongue peeking out from between her full lips. He saw it slide up and down his cock. He saw her smile up at him as her hand stroked his thick member. Nate slid his hand downward and pushed down his shorts. He began stroking himself in time with the imaginary Peyton. She was giving him a wicked grin before descending her mouth onto his cock. She sucked his cock noisily. Nate groaned aloud and stroked a little faster. He took another deep breath and the imaginary Peyton was above him now, sliding her breasts against his chest and grinding her sweet cunt against his cock. She was giggling at his frustration. Nate's fist pumped faster. She slid down onto his dick. Nate could practically hear her moans. Nate brought his hand to his mouth spit into his palm before returning it to his cock. He squeezed and stroked and thought of Peyton the whole time. He thought of her swaying breasts and her bouncing hips. The seconds ticked by and the pleasure and agony mounted. Nate felt himself getting closer and closer to climax. Then, imaginary Peyton leaned down and whispered into his ear. "I love you." Nate groaned loudly as he shot his thick cum onto his stomach. It was intense, more intense than when he usually touched himself while thinking of Peyton (which was an often occurrence as of late). He took a few minutes to relax and calm his twitching cock before going to the bathroom and cleaning off his spilled seed. He returned into his bed and held Peyton's blouse in his fist. Reality settled back into place. There was no imaginary Peyton. There was no real Peyton. He was alone. And with that, he bitterly fell asleep. ---- Miles and miles away, Peyton was taping up the last of her moving boxes. She looked at her small and apartment and smiled sadly. She'd only been living there some six odd months but it was this place that kept her from going crazy. She had taken a Greyhound back to her hometown and wasted no time settling in. She'd gotten an apartment close to her dad's place with the money she'd had saved up during her time with Nate. She called Malcolm Phillips and was met with unhappy news. Apparently, Victoria had been trying to claim that Peyton's father wasn't in sound mind when he wrote his will. "What the hell is she talking about?" Peyton had protested. "My dad was fine mentally. He had a heart attack for God's sake." "Don't worry, kiddo," Malcolm had said reassuringly. "It's a very weak claim. She's grabbing for straws so she can get your money but we won't let her." Malcolm had been right. Peyton easily swept away Victoria after a month and got her inheritance without any more delay. For a small time, she was kind of happy. She had her father's house, a great chunk of money in the bank, and she was home. But these small moments of happiness were always overshadowed with what she'd lost: no more Jane, no more Pastor Donovan, no more Adele and no more Nate. Peyton cried hard and cried often. What good was a home when she had no one to share it with? She'd been too afraid to try and contact Nate. Every time she had her phone in her hands, ready to call, the image of him yelling for her to get out flashed before her and killed her nerve. But, oh, she missed him terribly. Nate had made her feel brave and strong, and now, miles away from her friends, she never felt more cowardice. It would take one call to Jane or Pastor Donovan and she wouldn't be so isolated. But she had left them. In a moment of crisis, she'd had hopped the Greyhound and turned her back on the ones she claimed to care for. The guilt was hard to swallow and it haunted her. Too preoccupy herself, Peyton decided to fix up her father's house. Peyton tried to tackle the task alone, but found out how inept she was when her leg fell through the rotted floorboards. She'd realized then that she needed help. That's when she met Duncan Macmillan. Peyton had gone to Lowe's to get supplies and hopefully find someone who could give her advice about home repairs. Duncan had been sorting the floor samples when Peyton came up to him. In almost one breath, she released all her frustrations about her dad's home. "The floorboards in my place are way more dangerous than I had thought," Peyton had said wearily and pointed to a bandage around her leg. Duncan had smiled sympathetically. Peyton was struck first by Duncan's kindness. He helped her get a few reliable guys to help with the repairs, himself included. Day after day, Peyton and Duncan became fast friends. "Careful on the floors, boys. Pey here almost lost a leg." Duncan had joked on the first day of repairs. Peyton had noted the nick name. Duncan would often stay long after his friends would leave, insisting on doing one last job every night. At first, Peyton was apprehensive about it. He was 6'2 and not as widely built as Nate, but he had a strong presence. He would joke with Peyton openly and she would sometimes catch him looking at her. Duncan had caramel skin, smooth and taut. His eyes were a deep dark brown with light brown flecks. He had full lips and dimples. Peyton would blush hotly under his gaze and hated herself for it. One night, about four and a half months after meeting him, Duncan had stayed late after finishing up with the piping. He was sprawled out on the kitchen floor. Peyton came in and laughed at him. "Don't laugh," Duncan groaned. "I'm tired." "Then go home, silly," Peyton smiled. "I will. In a sec. For now, leave me here to die." He said dramatically. Peyton kneeled next to him. Duncan had his eyes closed but he could sense her closeness. He opened his eyes and stared into Peyton's intensely. Peyton stared back, still as a statue. Duncan sat up, bringing himself closer to Peyton in the process. She held her breath and closed her eyes. Duncan placed a soft hand on her neck. She could feel his breath on her cheek. "Peyton," He breathed softly. "Open your eyes." Peyton did and saw all the caring this man had to offer. It made her ache. But not for him. But for Nate. She closed her eyes again and before she could do anything else, Duncan kissed her. It was tender and soft and deliriously sweet. She sighed and for a moment, a slight moment, let herself be embraced by this new man. Then, she pushed away. "I can't, Duncan," she whispered softly. She looked up and saw Duncan's sadness. "I figured. You always seem so distant." Duncan pulled away and stood. Peyton stayed on the floor and looked up at him. "Is it another guy?" he asked down to her. "Do you really want to know? It won't change anything and I don't want to hurt you any more than I have." Duncan nodded. "Yes," Peyton said gently. "It's a another man." "Lucky bastard," Duncan muttered before saying goodnight to her and leaving the house. Peyton now sat, reflecting on this moment and smiling to herself. Duncan had been hurt but he had remained her friend, a great friend. And she was going to miss him terribly. The house was perfect but Peyton had made the hard decision to move on. Her father's love and memory would be in her always but she knew now that she needed to let go. She'd been picky about whom to sell it to and had settled on a man and woman expecting their first child. This comforted her; new memories and new love would be forged in this house. It's what her father would have wanted. Peyton removed a framed picture that she'd found in her father's bedroom. It was a picture of them together when Peyton was six. She was a laughing child on top her father's shoulders. He was looking up at her with such love that it brought a tear to Peyton's eye just looking at it. She placed it into her suitcase before zipping it closed. She walked over to the window and took one more long look out at the place she once called home. Her time here was over. She was ready to go back to where she left her heart. ---- Victoria felt like a vampire, sizzling in the sun. Her body was damp with sweat and her thick weave blocked her vision. This hangover was probably one of the worse she'd ever had. Her head felt like a million roided hummingbirds had taken up in there and decided to play bowling ball badminton. Everything felt blurry and unseasonably hot. She heard the door open and close. She remained sitting on her couch and glanced up to see the ever useless Eric Stiles looking down at her with a big disgusting grin on his face. Home Ch. 07 "Well, good morning, princess," he mocked. "Someone have a bit too much to drink last night?" Victoria just turned away from him. "What the fuck are you doing here, Stiles?" she groaned testily. She could feel his eyes on her body, but ignored it. "Just checkin' on ya, sweetheart. You've been actin' real shitty since you lost to your sis and-" "I didn't lose!" she snapped, then regretted it instantly. The throbbing in her head intensified. "It was a temporary setback." "Listen sugar tits, you lost here," Stiles smirked down at her. "She got the money, the house and the church is rebuilt. Ain't nothin' you can do now. Besides, she's not with the dude no more. That's somethin' you can take some pride in." An idea popped into Victoria's head just then. A sly smile crept upon her lips. "Eric," she started. "Where is my sister now?" "Back home. But she just got an apartment here in the city. She's on her way back. Why?" She waved his question away. "I'm going to need a few things from you Eric. I've got one hell of a homecoming in mind." ----- Nate had just gotten out of the shower when he saw the green light flashing on top of his cell phone. He grabbed it and saw that he had two new voicemails. The first one was from Addison. He promptly deleted it without a second thought. The second was from Jane, reminding him of the fundraising party being held for Jane's Place and St. Michael's. "Shit," he hissed. He'd forgotten all about it. He went back to the bathroom and debated on whether or not to shave, and decided against it. He wouldn't be trying to impress anyone. He was just to make a contribution and support Jane. He grabbed a well-tailored suit from the back of his closet and got ready in a hurry. He drove to the party and sauntered in, not really feeling the "hello's" and "how-ya-doings" he was dishing out. A few women tried to get Nate's attention, but he made his disinterest clear. He was here for Jane. That's all. He found her near the bar, giggling over a drink with Matt. She looked beautiful in a purple flowing gown, her hair pinned up with a violet. Matt had an arm around her waist. "Can you two get a room?" Nate joked when he walked up to them. Matt smirked and shook Nate's hand while Jane blushed and playfully slapped his chest. "What a turn out, huh!" Jane chirped. They were glad to have been able to rent out such a nice dance hall. Nate had put out the word and the formal affair was filled with many potential donors. "I'm glad," he said. Jane watched Nate's disinterested eyes as he scanned the crowd. She was too ready for that look to disappear forever. Nate turned his back and ordered a Jack and coke from the bartender. Jane had noticed his rapidly increasing intake of alcohol too, but never commented on it. It did, however, worry her. The thought flitted away whenever she glanced across the room. A grin burst onto her face but she quickly removed it. Matt cast her a curious look. She just winked and turned back to Nate. "You must really miss her," Jane said slyly. Nate raised an eyebrow at her. "Are we starting this again Jane? She's gone. I'm not even thinking about her." "Then how do you know who I'm even talking about?" Nate took a long sip. "Because she's the only one you ever talk about." "And if she was here right now? What would you say to her?" It was Jane's turn to arch a brow. "She not here." "But if she was?" "She's not." "If she was, Nathaniel?" Jane pressed. Nate was losing his temper again. He turned to her. "I would tell her pretty ass to bend the fuck over," he growled. He knew he'd later have to apologize for being so vulgar with Jane, but right then, it felt good to get it out. "Well, that's colorful." The voice behind Nate struck him like a bolt from the blue. It couldn't be. He turned around and there stood Peyton Cavanaugh. Nate's breath literally caught in his throat. She looked...exquisite. She had on a strapless navy blue silk gown that fell in soft layers to the ground. It was curve fitting and expanded at her knees. Her hair had grown and was now pinned up elegantly. Her bangs were longer and framing her face. She had silver drop earrings and a matching necklace. Her skin looked flawless. And she was standing just close enough for him to get a whiff of her vanilla body lotion. He didn't realize how awestruck he was until she spoke again. "Hello, Nate." Nate forced himself to compose. "Hello, P-Peyton," he straightened his back and cleared his throat. "I didn't know you were back in town." Peyton smiled. "Just got in a few days ago." Nate finally broke eye contact then. "You didn't call." "No," Peyton was still looking up at him, seemingly impassive. "I didn't call." This annoyed Nate. She was too relaxed, too sure of herself. Too sure of him. For the first time since she left, he felt anger towards her. "Welcome back," he said coldly. Peyton resisted the urge to flinch. She felt like a bottle rocket was going off inside her gut. She tried her hardest to keep her face uncaring, but her resolve was slipping. Nate had changed considerably in half a year. He seemed almost... frightening. His beard, slight scowl and dark eyes are what did it. He even seemed taller somehow. But damn if he didn't look dashing in his suit. His eyes bore into her, making her quiver inside. She didn't know whether with fear or pleasure. She swallowed, wanting him to see that she was nervous. Wanting him to see that he was indeed affecting her. And it worked. He softened immediately. Jane was looking between them, almost brimming with glee. "Nate! Where are your manners? Offer the lady a drink!" Peyton looked at her and smiled. "And we'll leave you two to talk." Jane grabbed Matt's arm and shimmied away with him. "Vodka-cranberry." Peyton said to Nate. He ordered her the drink and refreshed his own. Peyton was about to take a seat when Nate shook his head at her. He grabbed their drinks and started walking. Peyton trailed behind him, curiously. He lead her through the crowd and up a grand staircase. He turned left down a dark corridor and into a low lighted room. It looked to be an office of some kind. It was decorated richly with lush red hues coloring the furniture and carpet. There were books along the wall and a large wooden desk. "Where? What? How?" Was all Peyton could manage as she entered. "Um, well, my company built this building years ago. We hold events here sometimes. I brought you here so we could talk in private. 'That cover it?" Peyton took her drink from him and sipped. "I guess so," she said slyly. Nate smiled. He was starting to like this new Peyton. He sat at the edge of the desk, sipping his drink and watching her as she pretended to explore the room. Her nervousness made him smile inside. "So," he said finally, "What have you been up to Peyton?" And so it begins. Peyton thought. She downed her drink and turned to him. She'd been waiting to explain to him, to tell him everything, about running, about being afraid, about her lonely life the last six months. But the words fell dead on her lips when her eyes met his. There was desire in his eyes. Lust so strong, it felt like a physical force, beckoning to her. And she complied. She took one step after another until she was only about two inches away from him. She put down her empty glass. Nate did the same and the two just stared, drinking each other in. "I missed you," Nate breathed, only slightly above a whispered. Peyton felt her throat tighten. She felt his fingertips caress the side of her arm. It was barely even a touch, but it caused goose flesh to emerge all over her skin. "I missed you, too," she said, just as quietly. Nate sighed and placed his hands on either side of her neck. Her attention was fully his now. "Peyton, what I said that night - what I did - was all under stress. My mother had just died and the guilt was crushing me. But you must know, Peyton, you MUST know I didn't mean it." His intense gave was burrowing into her. "Nate, I-" Peyton started. "Wait," he interrupted. "I want to get all this out now before the booze runs out and I lose my nerve. I know I can't expect anything from you. I chased you away so that's understandable. But I won't be able to go on unless you know that the last couple months of my life without you have been unbearable. I lost you and the world was lost to me. I hurt you. I promised I never would and I did. And that has plagued me every day since. So please hear me when I say, Peyton Cavanaugh, I am sorry. I am so sorry for ever having done anything to hurt you." Peyton could see how true these words were. His eyes were blazing and his soft grip on her held firm. She almost felt like crying right then. She placed her hands on his and closed her eyes. "I'm sorry, too, Nate," she said sheepishly. "I ran away like a coward and left you here to grieve alone. I never even said 'I'm sorry' about Adele. Which, by the way, I am. I am so sorry about your mother Nate." Nate took a deep breath. "Thank you. Peyton, do you think we could maybe... start over? I know it may be a lot to ask but-" "Yes!" Peyton said quickly. "A million times yes!" She smiled at him and he felt the ice melting within. "But on one condition," she added. Nate's smile faltered a little. "Nate, I have an apartment nearby. And I'm looking for a job here in the city. I want to stay there. Not with you, like before. At least not yet." Nate's face became firm and his grip on Peyton's neck slacked. Peyton grabbed his hands and kept them there. "Nate don't take this the wrong way. I want you, I do. But I'm finally enjoying making a home for myself. I want to try and build one on my own. All my life I've been either depending on someone or on the streets. I want to make something for myself, Nate. How can I make a life with you when I've only had a life of my own for six months?" Nate swallowed. He knew that she may not want him back, but hearing it was like a bullet to his heart. "Ok, Peyton," he said finally. "I'll leave to build your own life." Peyton smiled. She ran a hand through his facial hair. "Nate, I want to be with you more than anything else in the world. I'm just asking that we go slowly. Date a little while longer before I'm shacking up with you." "Slow?" Nate pondered the idea aloud. "I can do slow." Peyton's smile widened and she threw herself into his arms. She wrapped her hands around his neck and felt relief and love consume her. Nate wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her tighter against his body. Holding her again was a weight off of Nate's chest. After six months of drowning, Peyton and Nate felt like they could finally breathe again. "Peyton?" Nate said into her hair. "Yes, Nate?" she said without letting him go. "Will you go on a date with this Friday?" Peyton's tears did spill then. "Of course." ---- Victoria took multiple deep breaths, but they did nothing for her. She was incredibly on edge and rightly so. Too many things could ruin this plan and ruin any last ditch effort she had to destroy Peyton. This had to work. After all the sleazy things she had to do to Stiles to get this to work, she wasn't about to let this go empty handed. She lifted her hand and rapped a soft knock on Nate's door. She looked down and painted on the most humble face she could muster. It was Thursday and a hot Thursday at that. But it was perfect temperature for what Victoria had planned. She tried knocking but nothing came. She gave it another go, a little louder this time, and after a few seconds, she heard very faint steps. Then nothing. What if he doesn't open the door? But Nate did and was greeted by the sight of a disheveled looking Victoria. Her long dark mane was tied up behind her. She wore an ill fitted modest sweater and faded jeans. Her appearance was a drastic change from when he last saw her. No more overdone face, nails and obnoxious make up. High heels were replaced with cheap Skechers. Nevertheless, Nate stayed frowning at her. "What do you want?" he gruffed. "Um, well, I was hoping, uhm, maybe," Victoria stuttered shyly. "If maybe we could-?" "I have nothing to say to you." "It's about Peyton," she said quickly. "Since when did you care about her?" Nate retorted. "Since she left. I was wicked to her, I know. And because of that I lost a sister. I come to you now because I thought maybe you of all people would understand what it's like to lose her." Nate thought about the month's he'd spent in cold loneliness and relented. But his guard was still up. Without another word he shifted to the side and allowed Victoria access. Victoria slipped in, suppressing the creeping smile on her face. She turned and saw that Nate was eyeing her suspiciously. "Hot day, isn't it?" she asked conversationally. "Yup," Nate gave a curt reply. "Can I maybe-sorta trouble you for a glass of water before I explain? I'm burning up." "Then why are you wearing a sweater?" Nate asked as he headed to the kitchen. Victoria didn't answer, but watched him closely, pleading in her head. Please please please please please! Her inner pleads paid off. Nate had gotten a glass for himself as well. Victoria realized then that she hadn't answered Nate's question. "Oh, because I don't really have too much else to wear anymore. I had to sell most of clothes and this was one of my only clean tops." Nate handed her a glass before draining half of his. "Hmph. Bad luck. What brings you here?" "Well, it's just that, I- um, I think Peyton might have changed. For the worse, I mean." "And how the hell would you know that?" "I tried to get in contact with her via email but she was too busy and unwilling to talk to me." "Can you blame her? You're not exactly her most supportive ally." Victoria nodded. "I know that. But I've changed. And all I want is for her to see that." She looked up at him with big, tear-brimmed puppy dog eyes. "I fear I've fucked up too bad for her to believe me." "Uh, I can't exactly help you with that Victoria. It's really up to Peyton. I've only seen her once - on Sunday. I mean I'll be seeing her tomorrow and I can mention you stopped by but not much else." Victoria sighed sadly. She drained the rest of her water. "I understand. But may I ask for more water before I leave. I'm sorry to bother you like this." "No problem," Nate said. While at his sink refilling her glass, Nate didn't see Victoria digging into her pocket and pulling something out. He returned and handed the full glass to her. "A toast?" She purposed. "To Peyton. May we rebuild burned bridges." "Amen to that," Nate agreed and downed the rest of his water. Victoria stared and smiled as a glaze formed in his eyes. It was that smile Nate saw last before a dark fog overtook him and blackness consumed his world. --- Peyton was first suspicious when she turned the knob and found Nate's front door open. She'd gotten a text from him twenty minutes ago, asking if she'd come over. "why?" she'd replied. "it's a surprise," he'd texted back. Peyton had been so excited that she'd squealed and fallen over in her bed. She did have a mind to take things slower with Nate but the thought of a possible mid-day booty call with him quickly silenced her inhibitions. She'd closed her eyes and imagined his tongue first. Nate's talented tongue that sought her out in secret places. Nate's indecent tongue that pulled her to dark, pleasurable places. Places that she'd never dreamed of going before. Yes, she'd take it nice and slow with him. But not today. Peyton had gotten ready quickly, decided on a very thin sundress and sandals. She'd didn't want to be wear much once she got there. But now, alarms were ringing in her head. "Maybe he left the door open for me," she thought, trying to stay calm. "Nate?" she called out, but there was no answer. She quietly crept, looking around his living room and into the kitchen to look for any signs of a disturbance. But as she saw how clean his home was, everything in place, her guard began to go down. But Nate was still nowhere in sight and there was nothing to indicate where he had gone. "Nate??" she called out again, but still nothing. She chewed on her bottom lip as she debated whether or not to check upstairs for him. The thought of being intrusive seemed ridiculous since she'd lived her for months but it still seemed like a violation of some kind. Peyton grit her teeth and ascended Nate's staircase. She called his name out once she reached the top but again heard nothing. His bedroom door was slightly ajar. Warning bells rang in Peyton's head but she trudged forward. The moment she entered the room, however, she wished she had listened to them. For there lied Victoria and Nate, naked as the day they were born, in an intimate embrace. Nate's eyes were closed and he had one hand around a very naked Victoria and one splayed across his abdomen. Victoria's leg was draped across Nate's sleeping form. Her heavy breasts were pressed against his ribs. Not even a sheet to indicate some modesty, Nate and Victoria were holding one and another and the room had a smell. An aroma of sex about it that hit Peyton like a ton of bricks. She stood there for what seemed like an eternity, taking it all in. Instead of looking away, she couldn't help but stare horrified, her mind etching in every last detail, from Victoria's disheveled hair, to Nate's cock peeking out from underneath her thigh. Nate's soft snores and Victoria's breathing were the only sounds in the room. Peyton had stopped breathing. She only stood. She waited for it to disappear, for this horrifying mirage to fade and show Nate in that bed alone, waiting for her. But it didn't. The whole thing was all too real and was made even more real by a stirring Victoria. Her long fake eyelashes began to flutter. She groaned and moved to nuzzle her face into Nate's neck. He let out a faint murmur. Peyton felt the wetness begin to build in the lower rim of her eyes. "Nate?" she whispered faintly. It was a quiet sound but it was just loud enough to rouse Victoria, who opened her eyes and feigned astonishment. "Peyton!" she gasped in an exaggerated tone. "Oh, Peyton, honey. No! We didn't want you to find out like this!" Victoria was making a show of gathering the sheet to hide her stark nakedness. Nate began to stir at the mention of Peyton's name. "Peyton?" he groaned foggily. He tried to sit up but the haze in his head was still thick and it was hard to comprehend anything around him. Nate dug the heel of his palm into his eyes and shook his head, trying to clear away the confusion. "Peyton's here?" he asked, more to himself. His vision began to clear. He looked across from himself at the door and saw the silhouette of Peyton turning to leave. He looked to his left to see where the voice he'd heard was coming from and saw Victoria shoving on a thong. "What the fuck?" he muttered. She looked at him frantically. "Nathaniel, get up!" she said urgently. "Peyton just caught us. We have to explain to her now. Tell her everything about us." "What the hell are you talking about? What's going on? Where's Peyton going?" The foggy confusion was overcoming Nate again and his head was throbbing badly. He tried to sit up and realized then that he was naked. The realization of what Peyton had just walked in on dawned on him then. A wave of nausea hit him. His dizziness was stifling and only got worse when he tried to stand. His knees buckled immediately and Nate fell back on the bed. "Victoria, what is going on?" But Victoria was too busy to answer. She was at the stairs, listening as Peyton's car drove off. She let out an ear splitting cackle that caused Nate to wince. He wanted to yell at her but the nausea and dizziness were stifling. Home Ch. 07 "Victoria," he called to her again. She reentered the room and smirked at him. "Well, it's been a hoot and a half, Nathaniel but I'm afraid I must leave you now." she spoke fluidly as she continued to dress herself. "What did you do, you bitch?" Nate spat out weakly. But Victoria only ignored him. When she was all dressed, she turned to Nate and blew him a kiss. "Thanks for everything, hun!" she squeaked and turned to leave before Nate could utter another word. His head was killing him and it was hard to think. It was even harder to see and the thought of trying to get up again made his stomach lurch in his already nauseated state. But Peyton had been there, this he was sure of, and he had to find her. He braced himself on the side of the bed and pushed down, lifting his body up slowly. His bones felt like they were made of lead and propping himself up took extreme effort. He took two hard steps before almost collapsing again. He hit the wall and used it to keep himself propped up. He braced himself against it and slid his feet across the floor until he reached the bathroom doorway. He opened the door and took two more steps in. The effort to keep moving was getting harder and harder to muster up. He glanced at the mirror but the world was still blurry and it was dark in the bathroom. Then, the real darkness, the deep fog began to bloom again behind his eyes again. The world slipped away from Nate suddenly this time. He fell straight down and connected his forehead with the rim of the toilet bowl. It made a wet cracking sound when it hit the porcelain. His head smacked the seat and snapped backwards violently. It came forward again when he hit the floor and smack down onto the tiles with a squishy thud. A crimson pool began to seep from the gash in his head, which had widen considerably when he'd hit the floor. The blood flooded effortlessly around Nate's face and grew as the seconds ticked by. Nate's breaths began to slow steadily as he bled out on his bathroom floor, alone and in the dark. ---- Victoria had heard the booming crash Nate's body had made when he passed out but she was downstairs and didn't particularly care about what happened to him now. Her plan had succeeded with flying colors. She didn't need him anymore. She sashayed down the 3 blocks from Nate's house where she'd purposely parked to keep Peyton from catching on too quick. Victoria chuckled as she recalled Peyton's horrified face. The tears that brimmed her big ol' doe eyes were the icing on the cake. She got into her car and let out a forceful triumphant howl. She'd destroyed Peyton's love. It may not have been everything she wanted, but it was as sweet a victory as she would accept for the time being. She grabbed her phone and called Stiles. He answered after the first ring. "'Da fuck do you want?" he gruffed as an answer. "To see you, Eric, honey!" She chirped. "Get your best bottle of whiskey and come to my place. We need to celebrate!" "So I take it your plan went well?" he mused. "Yes! That shit knocked him out cold. He's a big guy so I had to use a lot in his drink, but it worked so well! It was a bitch getting him up the stairs and undressed, but man was it worth it once Peyton came over. She took my text bait like the dumb bitch she is. You should have seen her face!" Victoria released another howl of laughter. "It will be forever etched into my memory." "Well, congrats to you. I'll be over soon. We'll drink on it." "Yay! Ok!" Victoria sang before hanging up. Stiles pressed the STOP button his phone before hanging it up. He went to voice records and made sure the clip from their phone call had recorded. It had. He listened to it again, double checking that there was nothing that involved him in the scheme except her invitation for a drink. "A little insurance," he muttered as he set his phone down. He figured that if Victoria could do what she'd done to her own sister, she wouldn't give half a thought to betraying him. "Yeah," he thought, "a little insurance wouldn't hurt." Home Ch. 08 Hello All! I'd like to thank you readers who comment constructively on my submissions. Your comments and encouragement kept me going. And a special thanks to my editor Nehkara, coolest editor ever! And by the way, this is not the last chapter. It just feels that way. As always, feedback is welcome. -Kat The fog was clearing. Slowly but surely, Nate could maneuver his way through the haze inside his head. But with clarity, came pain. It was a rooted pain, a circulated pain that seemed to stem from the side of his skull. Nate almost wanted to retreat back into the dark dream world, if only to escape the hot throb that quaked in his cranium. His mouth felt like it'd been recently filled with cotton balls and vomit. The groggy feeling seemed embedded into his body. Literally everything ached. His face ached, his neck ached, his chest ached, his feet ached, his legs ached, his balls ached, his eyes ached. Everything fucking ached. To him, moving then was equivalent to trying to fly. His eyelids took the lead, fluttering slowly. His fingers followed next, trying to grip everything at the same time. With more effort than he thought he had, Nate lifted his hand and touched the source of the pain in his head. His fingers felt around his forehead, and instead of meeting skin, the met gauze, thick and cottony. With more effort, Nate forced himself to open his eyes. He felt along his face to the nasal tube in his nose and stinging cut on his bottom lip. The room was bright, far brighter than Nate had thought he could handle. His eyes slowly registered his surroundings and sent the message to his brain. Fluorescent lights above. A TV hanging on the wall in the top right corner. His legs under thick blankets. White walls. Waiting chairs. Nate took a second to listen as his mind pieced it together. He heard what he expected. Beeping. Monitors were nearby, and they were beeping. "I'm in a hospital room," he thought finally. But why? What the hell happened? Before he could begin that puzzle, Nate heard a soft female voice cooing from his left side. He grunted as he strained to turn his face. He hoped it was Peyton. He hoped she could tell him what had happened. He hoped she would be there to take the pain he felt away. Instead, he was met with Addison's too-perfect gleaming teeth. "Oh baby! You're awake! You had me so scared!" she squealed. The sound had always made Nate wince, but now it was maddening. "What. The. Fuck?" was all Nate could return. "Well, I came by just to check on you again, since you still haven't been returning my phone calls-" "You mean you came to stalk me some more? Did you do this to me Addison?!" he asked her, more awake now. "Heaven's no baby! I just came to see you. Anyway, I came up to the door, about to try my new key-" "The fuck? Addison, you had a new key made for my place?" Nate asked, disbelieving. "Will you please stop interrupting me?" Addison complained, ignoring his accusation. "Anyway, when I got to the door it was already unlocked, which is totally not like you. I let myself in and looked around for you. When I checked in your room I saw your feet sticking out of the bathroom and there you were, sprawled out and almost dead! I called 9-1-1 and basically saved your life honey bunches!" Addison beamed and leaned over to kiss Nate on the cheek, an action Nate would have recoiled from if he could. "You don't have to thank me." "Addison, can you go get the doctor please?" She seemed annoyed that he hadn't acknowledged her heroic rescue, but did as she was asked. When Addison was out of the room, Nate stared at the white wall in front of him. He then closed his eyes and tried to remember what had happened. Victoria had been at his home. She'd come to talk about Peyton. He couldn't remember what they had ended up saying. Water. Something about water. Had he drank some? The gap in his memory was wide. Peyton was there though. She was faint and seemed incredibly far away, but she was there. But where was there? His living room? His bedroom? Victoria was there too but she was moving around, saying something, doing something. The haze around Peyton was thick, like looking into his memories through a film of smoke. "One thing stood out clearly though, she'd been crying.". The throbbing in his forehead intensified. He pressed the ball of his palms into his temples and tried to ignore the pain. He needed to remember what happened, but the pain demanded his attentions now. Nate grit his teeth and felt the corner of his eyes become wet. Addison shuffled in then, the doctor at her heels. "Oh Nate baby! Don't push yourself!" she cried and flew to his side, rubbing his arm and lightly touching the bandage. Nate almost swatted her hand away. He looked up and saw Dr. Shepard, his mother's physician, standing next to him. "Hey doc," Nate said through his grimace, "care to shed some light for me please?" "Nathaniel, you were admitted 6 hours ago after an ambulance responded to your wife's 9-1-1 call. The EMTs found you unconscious on your bathroom floor. They say the scene looked as though you had fallen and cracked your skull on the side of the toilet bowl," Dr. Shepard reported with a deep frown. "They were pretty much right about that. You suffered a concussion and a fractured skull Nathaniel. It's very lucky that you're awake so soon." Nate was silent. "There's something else. Nate, the police are going to want to talk to you once you're rested." "For a fall?" Addison asked. "No," said Dr. Shepard, his face more grave now, "for what caused him to fall. Nate, you had traces of Rohypnol in your system." Addison gasped. Nate stared at the doctor now, shock etched into his face. "Roofies? You're talking about roofies right now?!" "Yes," the doctor confirmed, "I ran a blood test routinely and there were traces of the drug in your system. Quite a lot of it in fact. The drug had time to pass through your body so we suspect the dose you were given was quite high. It is remarkable that you are awake and having this conversation with me, frankly." Nate's eyes suddenly became sharp as the news sunk in. They flew directly to Addison. She saw the rising fury behind them and spoke before he could. "It wasn't me Nate! I swear. I'm the one who found you, remember?" she said frantically. "No," he heaved, "I can barely remember anything." Nate's rage made the throbbing in his head more apparent. He closed his eyes again, trying to block it out, and recalled the last fragmented memory he had. Addison wasn't in it. But Victoria was. His eyes shot open and he looked to Dr. Shepard. "Tell the cops to give me a sec, but I know who did this. I'll talk to them." Dr. Shepard nodded, "Alright Nate, but you need to take it easy. A skull fracture is no joke. You're going to be here for a while and it's not going to be easy." Nate nodded and Dr. Shepard left the room. "Oh my poor sweetheart! Who would do such a thing to you!?" Addison exclaimed. The outrage she felt was genuine, despite the dramatics. She would find out who had messed with her man and they'd feel her wrath. Nate ignored her and started to slowly get up. "What the hell are you doing? You heard the doctor. You need to take it easy." Addison tried to grab his arm but he shifted away from her. "I need to pee," he grunted and moved his legs to the side of the bed. "I can help with that!" Addison chirped. Nate looked back at her incredulously and decided not to respond. He grabbed the IV pole and moved it along with him to the bathroom in the room. He entered, flipped the switch, and closed the door behind him. He looked at his reflection and frowned again. He looked like a completely different man. His skin had a sickly yellow tint to it. His eyes hand rings of bruises around them like he'd been clocked twice. His hair was sticking out in places that weren't matted down with dry blood. There was a dark maroon crust encircling the edges of the stained bandage wrapped around his head. An apparent bruise on the left side of his temple caught his eye, stretching to cover half his cheek. It wasn't exactly swollen, but it was high and had a yellowish-pinkish-purple coloring that made Nate's glower deepen. His bottom lip was also busted on the left side with not exactly a cut, but not exactly a gash. It was an odd mix of both. Nate lifted his hand and gingerly touched the bandage. A skull fracture. That bitch had almost killed me. And Peyton! What in God's name had happened to Peyton? Nate tried to search his memory again, but drew blank. It frustrated him. He made a note to call Peyton after he peed and find out if she was ok. Once Nate had relieved himself and washed his hands, he took a second to rinse his mouth out with water. He figured that he'd probably thrown up at some point, but he'd be damned if he could remember when. He slowly strolled out of the bathroom with his IV pole in hand and crawled pathetically back into the bed. He noticed then that Addison was no longer in the room and it relieved him. He did feel bad about not thanking her for helping him. The irony that her stark crazy ways had saved him from bleeding to death didn't escape him and he knew he'd have to pay for it later. But for now, he was just glad to be rid of her. He pressed the button that summoned a nurse and asked that she bring a phone for him to use. She brought over the landline in the room and instructed Nate on how to make outside calls. Before she left, Nate asked her if there had been any patients by the name Peyton Cavanaugh admitted into the hospital recently. "Not that I know of," responded the nurse, "but I can't say for sure. I don't know every patient who is admitted in sir." Nate thanked her and sighed a little. He dialed Peyton's number and with every ring, he said a silent prayer for her safety. Pick up, Pick up, Pick up. "Hello?" came Peyton's voice, like an angel's song in Nate's ears. "Oh thank God. Peyton, are you alright?" Nate breathed happily. "Nate?" "Yeah baby. It's me. Are you ok? Where are you?" There was a long pause from the other end and Nate felt a twinge of panic start to arise in his chest. "Peyton? Honey are you ok?!" he sounded more desperate now. "Nate, why the fuck are you calling me?" Nate was taken aback by her sudden rueful tone. "To see if you're okay. Peyton what-" "To see if I'm ok?" she almost screamed, "are you fucking kidding me?!" "Peyton I-" "No! Shut up! Shut up you son of a bitch. How dare you even pretend like you give a shit about me after yesterday!?" "Peyton what the hell are you talking about? Why are you screaming at me? I don't understand." "Oh yeah! You were asleep when I walked in. Well here's a play by play for ya: I know about you and Victoria, okay? I caught you two in bed together you bastard." "Peyton, I swear to God I don't-" But she cut him off again, "don't. Don't swear to anything. I don't know what kind of game you and my step sister are playing, but I'm done. With all of this." Her voice cracked then, a sound that broke Nate in half. "You said you wanted us to work Nate. Why did you say all those things to me? To hurt me? Were you pissed that I left so you decided to lead me on and fuck Victoria to spite me? No don't answer. I don't want to know. I just want to forget I ever met you. Goodbye Nate." There was only the dial tone after that. Nate stared down the phone in his lap. Everything Peyton had said only muddled his mind more. He wanted to call back and try again, but decided against it. She either wouldn't answer or wouldn't hear him out. She thinks I fucked Victoria? Nate couldn't remember what had happened but he could piece together a good guess. Victoria had drugged him and set him up so that Peyton would think they had slept together. He was shocked that anyone could sink so low, but was not entirely surprised. His face set into a hard, determined look. He was going to fix this. No matter what, he wasn't going to lose Peyton again. Not when he'd just gotten her back. Addison walked in then, sipping a soda. She smiled at him sympathetically. "You feeling ok baby?" she asked. Nate nodded, but didn't look at her. "Can you tell Dr. Shepard that I'm ready to talk to the cops?" "Already?" she asked. "Yes," he said sternly, "the sooner the better." Addison again did as she was asked and was rewarded with being able to stay in the room while Nate retold what he could remember to the 2 police officers. She was disgusted at what she heard. Peyton's sister had drugged her man! "They're probably working together!" Addison surmised silently. It enraged her. She stomped out of the room while Nate kept talking. No one really paid her any mind, and that was fine. It was time for her to stop playing nice with Peyton. "It's time to get rid of that bitch, once and for all." She huffed through the door and ran face first into a barrel-shaped body. The smell hit her as hard as his chest did. It was strong and pungent. Scotch. Cheap scotch. "Sorry ma'am," the man gruffed. He turned quickly and left Addison standing there, confused. She brushed it aside. She had bigger fish to fry. _________________________________________________ Stiles stomped around his living room, fuming from the nostrils. He cursed and kicked the air, none of which helped him calm down. "Why, Why, Why!?" he screamed in his head. The blood vessel in his sweaty forehead throbbed in agitation. The pacing wasn't really helping him calm down. Stiles saw the future, it seemed. He saw how this series of events would end, and he didn't like the outcome one bit. He heard knocking come from his front door and rushed to it. He yanked it open and saw Victoria standing there, as he'd expected. "Get in here!" he growled and grabbed her upper arm. She protested weakly as he dragged her into his home and flung her down onto the couch. "What the-" "Shut up!" Stiles yelled before Victoria could finish, "you've fucked us, ya know that? You've seriously fucked us here!" "Calm down!" Victoria huffed indignantly, "jesus man. What the hell are you going on about?" "You're going to get us sent to jail you dumb bitch! Nate is in the hospital!" Victoria gave him a bored look. "So?" Stiles sighed in frustration, "they're probably checking his blood right now. They'll find the drugs!" When Victoria still didn't look interested, Stiles continued, "who do you think he's going to finger as the person that drugged him and put him in the hospital?" "Oh he won't remember." She waved him off and looked away. "He could, you fucking idiot! He could remember!" "I don't appreciate these insults Eric. Now you need to calm down. I heard him fall in his room. He's lucky to be alive. He won't remember shit." "Victoria, there were cops at the hospital." This part caught Victoria's attention. Her eyes shot up to his, sharp and serious. "Were they in his room?" "Yes, but I couldn't stay long. They would have noticed me lurking. But they went to his room. So he must remember enough to need to talk to them." Victoria looked away from him and began nibbling on her fake manicured nails. Stiles narrowed his eyes on her. He could sense that she was contemplating a way out of this, but not for both of them. Their arrangement would need dissolving, and soon. "Wait! Peyton was there! Maybe we could pin it on her!" she exclaimed. "No. If those drugs get back to me, I may end up face to face with Peyton and she could still finger me for the church burning." "Oh yeah. That. Well, if someone wasn't so stupid as to get himself seen-" "Fuck you. Why don't you try burning some shit down and see where it gets you? That shit ain't as easy as it looks on TV." Victoria snorted at him, "oh please. I would have done that shit in no time." "Yeah like you did with the roofies?" Stiles retorted sharply. "A temporary setback. We just need to find out what Nate knows." Victoria relaxed back into the couch and Stiles felt the urge to strike her. She didn't seem to comprehend how easily this could all go wrong and he refused to go down on this ship with her. "I have to take care of Peyton," he said quietly. Victoria's eyes shot back up to him. "What the hell do you mean by that Eric? Don't get ahead of yourself here. Peyton's no threat." "To you!" Stiles roared in anger, "she's no threat to you. But her fucking mouth means a jail sentence for me." Victoria stood up, hands raised, and shoved Stiles back with all her might. This took Eric off guard and sent him back a few steps.This only enraged him further. He reared back his powerful hand and sent the back of it flying across Victoria's face. She yelped and collapsed back onto his couch, her hand on her once again busted lip. "You son of a bitch," Victoria growled into her hand. She turned back and looked at him defiantly. And then she began scream. Victoria opened her mouth and started wailing at the top of her lungs. She thrashed her arms and legs, pounding into the couch and floor. She screamed and hollered and punched the air around her, the whole while never letting her eyes leave Stiles. Her mouth screamed, but her eyes mocked him, dared him. Stiles pounced on her, clamping his hand over her mouth. Victoria wasted no time in sinking her teeth into his palm the best she could. This earned her another smack across the face. Blood smeared across Stiles' hand. He frowned down at it. He sat on her and pressed his weight down on her body. "What the fuck are you doing bitch? Trying to get the cops called?" he snarled down at her. "Yes!" She snapped, "I want them to see how you roughed me up and forced me to do all those awful things to Nate. I had no choice!" "You lying fucking cunt." Stiles smirked. "I knew you'd try some ruthless shit like this. But if you think you can sell me out, you've got another thing coming. I've got a little something on you sweetheart." Victoria's face fell. "You're bluffing. You ain't got shit on me. I'm clean." "Oh no honey, I've got just enough dirt on you to keep that cock-sucking mouth of yours shut tight. You think I'm bluffing? Try me. I go down, you go down." Stiles ran his hands into Victoria's hair and gripped it tight, driving his point home. She jutted her chin out at him, but her insecurity was written across her face. He liked this. He'd bend to her will no longer. He wanted her to bend for him. Stiles sat up atop Victoria and straddled her body. He gripped her waist and flipped her over with little effort. Victoria realized what was coming and didn't even struggle when he shoved his hand beneath her skirt. She felt his fingers part her lower lips and strum her clit. The wetness came soon after. Victoria moaned and cooed on queue for him, not wanting to incur more of his wrath with her silence. She knew how this game would be played. Even while the sound of his lowering zipper sang in her ears, she stayed in place. This was the price she'd pay, and she knew it. She felt his girth push inside her and what once tempted her, now made her feel weak beneath him. He owned her now. He pounded into her like she was his property. She's couldn't keep up the pretenses and her fake moans turned into real cries of anguish. They fell on deaf ears. With every thrust of his demanding cock, Victoria felt her resolve slowly begin to slip away. Her wants and desires to destroy Peyton were melting away. It was too much. Victoria had sacrificed her freedom in pursuit of hateful triumph. She closed her eyes and took the thrusts without protest. It was finally her time to reap. _________________________________________________ Peyton's red-rimmed eyes ached and her mouth was cottony. She rolled over in her bed onto her back and stared up at the ceiling. She ran her fingers through her hair and sighed heavily. She turned her head towards the window and saw rain beating at her window. It was appropriate for her mood. Her mind was clearing and reawakening her to her new reality: Nate had fucked Victoria. Nate had betrayed her, broken her. She shut her eyes again, trying to push away the image of them in bed together. Nate looked so, so peaceful. It was a blow to her heart. Home Ch. 08 But what kept gnawing at her was her need for him. Hearing his voice that morning had blossomed a need for Nate. A bitter, distasteful need. She wanted him with her. She wanted him near. She wanted him begging for her, pining for her, needing her as much as she needed him. Comforting her, keeping all the pain at bay. Peyton refused to give in to this feeling, knowing full well that she'd succumb to Nate if she did. She wanted so bad to call him back, but she'd deleted the number that he'd dialed from in her anger. None of it made any real sense to her. He knew about her messed up relationship with Victoria and still he chose her to sleep with? He hadn't seemed angry or vengeful at Jane's fundraiser. He seemed to want her back, to want to make things work, to put it all back together again. Was it all a lie? Peyton didn't think so. In fact, now that she'd rested, things were beginning to look more and more out of whack. Why had Nate barely moved when she got there, even when Victoria had been crying out his name? Nate was always such a light sleeper. Always. Peyton just couldn't believe the man that had looked at her with such love and longing that night at the fundraiser was the same man who'd go and fuck her sister in the same week. Before she could think it through any more, a persistent knocking ushered her out of bed and to her front door. She looked through the peephole and saw the last person on earth (other than Victoria) that she needed to see right then: Addison. She had her dainty fist balled, banging away at Peyton's door. "Open up bitch! I know what you did to Nate!" Peyton frowned. What I did to Nate? She's got this fucked up. Peyton sucked in her breath and opened the door. Addison came bounding in, stomping her expensive-looking heels on the floor as she did. "Addison, what a lovely surprise. Want to explain to me why you know where I live?" Peyton asked drolly. "Fuck all that," Addison snarled as she turned to face Peyton, "you're going to go the police right now and tell them what you did to Nate." Peyton's frown deepened. "What the hell are you talking about? What happened to Nate?" "Oh don't play dumb with me you conniving black bitch. I knew right from the start that you'd be nothing but trouble for Nate and now he's in the hospital. What'd you do huh? Get your sister to drug him because he didn't want your crazy ass back?" "What?" It took a moment before it all sunk in for Peyton. Nate had been drugged and was in the hospital. That was the number he had called from! "Oh God," Peyton mumbled to herself, "I've made such a mistake!" "I knew it!" Addison screeched, "a confession!" Addison started rummaging around her purse frantically. Peyton figured she'd brought a tape recorder or some other device to record a supposed confession of guilt. She rolled her eyes and walked towards her room. "Addison, you need to leave. I'll go check on Nate now." "No you won't. You'll never go near him again." Addison whipped out a taser and shot the vicious barbed probed into Peyton's back. Peyton's entire body froze. A hot current of pain began in her back and shot through her nerves and into her head. She wanted to scream, but she couldn't move. Addison let off the trigger and Peyton fell face first onto the floor. Her body twitched erratically. Addison walked over to her and lifted her leg. She pressed the flat of her heel on Peyton's trembling cheek. She glowered down at her, twisted her foot on her Peyton's face. "I've waited too long to get rid of you," Addison growled. Before she could proceed, a thick meaty armed wrapped itself around her waist and sent her flying backwards. Addison skidded across the floor and hit Peyton's wall with a thud. She cried out and looked at her assailant. A barrel-shaped olive skinned man stood over her, his face amused. He had salt and pepper hair and smelled like cheap scotch. Addison recoiled from him and pressed herself into the wall. "Who the fuck are you!?" she cried towards him. "I should be asking you the same thing. Seems you've done me a favor." The man turned back to Peyton, who was shivering and now drooling on the floor. The man smirked down at her. "It would have been a bitch trying to wrestle her down. You tase her?" the man asked. He reached out a hand to Addison. She eyed it suspiciously, then reached for it. He helped her up and smiled at her. "Yeah," she responded curtly. She ran her eyes up and down his frame, keeping her guard up the whole time. The man chuckled at her. "Good thinking!" He strolled back over to Peyton and picked her up. He hauled her over his shoulder and carried her towards her bedroom. Addison scurried behind him. "What do you want with her? She fuck with someone you love too?" "Naw," the man gruffed, "I just gotta see how much she knows about a certain situation I'm in with her sister." "Her sister! Victoria? She's the cunt that drugged my fiancé!" The man chucked Peyton onto the bed and raised an eyebrow at Addison. "You're with that Nate fella? I thought this girl on the bed was with him." Addison frowned. "What do you know about it? Who the fuck are you anyway?" "Well, ya seen my face so I might as well. I'm Stiles. And I just got mixed up in Victoria's shit. Sorry about your hubby." "I'm Addison, and its okay. It's actually pretty good. It has brought me and Nate closer together, but I need this bitch on the bed to admit what she's done so she can go to jail and Nate and I will be free to live our lives in love." Stiles smothered a laugh. "Yeah good luck with all of that. I'll let you have a crack at her when I'm done." He looked down at Peyton's still body and frowned. Her trembling had stopped and she was still breathing, but her eyes were closed. "Damn girl, how much did you zap her? I think she passed out." Addison came to stand next to him. She reached down to Peyton and smacked her square across the face. Peyton's head shot to the left and stayed there. "Eh. Maybe I went a little overboard. Shit happens." Stiles laughed again. He thought that this would be the start of a very interesting friendship. __________________________________________________ Nate sat at the end of his hospital bed, his steady eyes not leaving Victoria's. She was staring back at him, as best she could with one eye half swollen shut. Nate had fallen asleep after the cops had left, not waking again until the next day. Addison wasn't there to greet him, to Nate's relief, but one devil was traded for another, because when he did wake, Victoria was sitting across from him. Nate had sat up slowly, eyeing her wearily, ready to strike if she tried anything. "Good. You're awake," she'd said quietly, "we have to go." "I ought to kill you Victoria. How did you get in here?" Nate growled. "Doesn't matter now. We have to go. Peyton's in trouble." "What the fuck are you talking about?" Victoria sighed. "We don't have time with for this. Peyton's in trouble." "Why the fuck should I believe you? You almost killed me you psycho bitch!" Nate spat out. His energy had returned and he was up and stalking towards her. Victoria made no effort to move. Nate had gripped her shoulder and slammed her back against the nearby wall. Victoria's breath had left her body in a loud puff sound. Nate held her on the wall with his forearm pressed against her throat. Victoria clawed at his arm, but Nate didn't budge. "I almost died because of you bitch. I'll have the cops in here in a second." Victoria gasped and struggled against him. She sucked in air harshly and choked on her words. "Go ahead. Call the cops. I don't care anymore. But if you really do love my sister, you'll hear me out." Nate narrowed his eyes down at her before releasing her from his grasp. She coughed roughly, then collapsed onto the chair across from Nate's bed. "Talk. Now. And if I even suspect that you're lying, I'll break your arm before calling the nurses and cops in here." Victoria nodded her head and rubbed her throat. "Okay. But get dressed first. We need to be out of here as soon as possible." "No. Now." "No. If you want to know anything, you put yourself together first. I'm not wasting any more time with you. You can choke me all you want, but in the end, Peyton dies. Do you want that? I brought you some clothes. They're in the bathroom. Go." Now Nate sat, staring at her, his fists balled and his eyes focused. "Talk." Victoria sighed again. "So I'm guessing by your greeting when you woke, you've figured out what I did." "Yeah. Drugged me and set me up for Peyton to catch us. You know that no matter what you're going to jail right?" "I figured as much." "Then why are you here?" Nate questioned, "if Peyton is really in danger, wouldn't you want her to stay that way?" Victoria looked away from Nate then. "Everyone has their limits Nate. Even me. The guy I got the roofies from is not a nice man. I've done things, awful things, just to get at Peyton. And where has it gotten me? Broke, beaten, and fucked. I can't do this anymore. It's enough." "I don't believe you," Nate said quickly. "And I don't care if you believe me or not. This isn't about you. It isn't really about me either. It's about Peyton. I just want..." Victoria hesitated, "I want to talk to her one more time. I've paid the price for my choices. And she's taken all my shit. She shouldn't have to take any from him." "What do you think this guy will do to her?" "I don't know. I do know he wanted to confront her though." "Why?" Nate raised a brow. "Because he burned down the St. Michael's 6 months ago." Nate was taken aback by this. "What? How do you know that?" "Because I told him to," She said casually. Nate's hands balled into fists, his steely gaze becoming even more intense. Victoria just waved his look away. "Yeah, yeah, yeah. I've got a one way ticket to hell. Instead of fuming at me, we should go get the arsonist before he gets to Peyton." She got up and headed towards the door. Nate got up to follow her. Before Victoria could reach the knob, Nate grabbed her bicep and turned her around to face him. He towered over her and gripped her close enough to hear him whisper. "If anything happens to Peyton, I'll kill you both." Victoria believed him, but it didn't scare her. Not anymore. It'd be the ultimate price for her actions. She was ready for whatever happened next. _________________________________________________ Peyton's stiff muscles could barely creak back to life. She felt parched and there was a dull throbbing in her head. Her eyes slowly fluttered opened and she immediately grimaced. Addison was sitting across from her on Peyton's bed, filing her nails. Peyton tried to move, but felt pressure keeping her trapped in her chair. She'd been duck taped in. She sighed heavily and dropped her head. "Addison, don't you think this is extreme and incredible cliché?" she said finally. Addison's head perked up and she smiled. "Welcome back sweetie. And yes, you're right about that. But it wasn't my idea. It was his." Addison gestured towards Peyton's bedroom door. As if summoned, the man who she'd heard speaking to strolling in, like he hadn't a care in the world. Peyton's eyebrows furrowed and her head tilted. His face, his skin, his hair, all tickled at her memory but she couldn't really place him. The man smiled down at her and walked over to where Peyton was tied down. He crouched down to one knee, his smile just mere inches away from her now. Peyton's nostrils were filled then with a sudden thick smell of sweat, musk, and scotch. Cheap scotch. It all hit her then, like a ton of bricks. "You were at St. Michael's that night. You burned it down," Peyton said breathlessly. Addison didn't hear her, but the man did. His smiled disappeared and was replaced with a scowl. "Got a good memory there I see," He said quietly, just above a whisper, "that's rather unfortunate. And here I wanted to let your pretty ass go, but you are just too big of a loose end." Panic painted Peyton's face. Addison noticed it and frowned. "What are you two whispering about over there?" she asked, but Stiles just dismissed her. "Get your Taser. We need her knocked out again so we can transport her." Addison became alarmed. "What the fuck? No! I don't want to do all that. I just want her to confess to what she did to Nate!" Stiles whirled around to her. "It's too late for all that now. We have to get rid of her fast before anyone becomes the wiser." "No Addison! Don't do this! You're not a murderer!" Peyton cried out. Addison's alarm was now replaced with panic. "No Stiles. You're taking this too fucking far. We aren't killing her. I won't let you." Stiles bellowed a rueful laugh and stood up. He started stomping over to Addison, who was quickly backing away from him. "Don't get any closer! Or I'll tase your ass too!" she squealed. But when she turned to look for her purse with the taser in it, she saw that it was all the way across the room. Without another second to spare, Addison turned to run from Peyton's room. She didn't get far before stiles reached out a fat hand and caught Addison by her long red hair. She screamed in terror as he twisted his fist and yanked her backwards. Peyton then too began screaming. "Somebody help! Help Us! Call the police!!" Peyton shrieked. Addison echoed her in screams while thrashing in Stiles' grip. His rage was only increased by their howls. "Shut the fuck up you bitch!" he yelled, but Addison wouldn't stop fighting. Peyton kept screaming, but took this opportunity to shift around in her chair. It was a lightweight chair from her dining room and she easily lifted it and stood up, awkwardly bent from the seat. She lifted her head and saw Stiles with one arm around Addison's waist, lifting her from the floor and the other around her neck. His face was beet red and sweaty and, despite his size, Addison's struggles seemed to be wearing on him. Peyton was afraid he'd snap her neck at any second. Without thinking, she turned and awkwardly ran backwards towards them, hoping the chair legs would meet with Stiles' legs. Two of them missed but another two stabbed into the back of Stiles' knee and at his ankle. Stiles let out a pained cry and released Addison instantly, who went sprawling forward onto the floor. Peyton shifted to the left hard, connecting the side of the chair legs into Stiles' other leg. He howled again and fell back, knocking his head on Peyton's night stand in the fall. Addison was to her feet and turned to see Peyton face down in a turtle position, the chair as her shell, and Stiles disoriented and groaning to the right of her. "Addison help me!" Peyton screamed. Addison turned instead, running out of Peyton's room. "ADDISON!!" Peyton screamed again, crying this time. Addison didn't slow. She ran through the apartment. "Sorry honey!" she yelled back, "but he wants you, not me!" She was at the front door. She yanked it open and let out another high-pitched shout. Nate was standing at the door, his fist raised for a knock. Victoria was standing behind him, and they both looked equally surprised. "Addison, what are you doing here?" he asked, taking in her disheveled, panting form. Addison launched herself into Nate's arms. "Oh Nate baby! You're here to save me!" she cried happily. "What? No! What's happening Addison?!" Victoria strolled passed them, ignoring Addison. "Peyton! Are you in here?" she called out. "I'm HERE!" Peyton's voice came from the back, "help me please! He's awake!" Victoria shot through the apartment in an instant. Nate shoved Addison aside and was at Victoria's heels that same second. When they burst into Peyton's room, Stiles was on top of her, straddling her waist, his hand around her throat. "You stupid bitch! You ruined EVERYTHING!" he snarled. Nate was on him the next moment, his arms around Stiles' head in a choke hold, pulling him off Peyton. Victoria looked around frantically. She ran to bathroom and came back with a pair of scissors. Stiles pushed Nate back, causing him to trip and for them both to go flying back onto the floor. Nate wrestled to keep his hold around Stiles' thick neck. Victoria was on her knees, cutting away at the tape holding Peyton. Peyton was gasping for air, her eyes bloodshot, her face flushed. The tape finally gave way and Victoria was ripping it off Peyton in no time. The sisters both looked to see Stiles on top of Nate, dealing out mighty punches to his face. Peyton struggled to get up for a moment, but got to her feet and jumped onto Stiles' back. She tried putting him into a headlock as well, but Stiles made a quick effort of flinging her off of him and towards the wall. Peyton skidded and hit the wall, crying out in pain. This delay gave Nate a chance to deliver and swift blow to Stiles' jaw. They both cried out in anguish, but Nate then bucked wildly, pushing Stiles off of him and onto the floor. Nate got on his knees and crawled quickly to where Peyton lay. "You Fucker!" Stiles roared as he tried to make his way back up on his feet, "I'll kill you for that!" Stiles was up, ready to charge at Nate. Nate lifted himself too, preparing to defend Peyton. Victoria ran over to Peyton and kneeled by her, whispering worries and checking if she was okay. Stiles huffed like a bull. Right when he took his first step though, 2 probes shot into his chest. His body contorted, then stiffened mercilessly. His eyes rolled up into the back of his head and an electric buzz filled the air. Then it stopped and Stiles fell face first onto the floor. His large body jerked and trembled, his broken jaw shivering. Nate turned his head and saw Addison smiling at him, Taser in hand. "You're welcome!" she quipped. __________________________________________________ Peyton fiddled with her fingers anxiously. The police would be leaving soon and then she'd be alone with Nate. There was so much to say, but she didn't know how she'd go about saying any of it. She looked over at him and couldn't help but smile. He was holding an ice pack over his swelling right eye while he talked to the officers. Stiles had been arrested, struggling the entire time, screaming about this recording he had on Victoria and how none of it was really his fault. Victoria had gone along willingly, only asking to say a few parting words to Peyton before she was taken away. Peyton's half-sister's words were still ringing in her head. "Hate is an ugly thing Tonny... I mean Peyton," Victoria had said as the police officers cuffed her, "it roots itself deep in your belly and makes you do things and feel things that make you crazy. What it doesn't do is tell you the cost of those crazy things. There is always a price to hate. In my case, it's a steep one. I'm sorry that you had to suffer for it. Please, if this is the last time we are ever speaking, I want you to know how truly sorry I am." Tears ran down Victoria's face as she'd really looked Peyton in the eyes for the first time in their lives together. Peyton had fought back her own tears and had placed a hand on Victoria's shoulder. "I forgive you," she'd said quietly. Victoria smiled softly then, and turned to police. "When we get to the station, I have a lot I want to confess." She walked with them compliantly without looking back. Peyton sat now with her face in her hands, tears overwhelming her. Sobbing quietly, glad that she'd already given her statement so the officers wouldn't have had to talk to her like this. She heard Addison whining from outside. "But I'm the hero!" she wailed, "I shouldn't be getting arrested. I saved the day!" "You participated in holding Ms. Cavanaugh prisoner and from what we've heard, you started it by tasing her in the first place," responded another cop. Home Ch. 08 Peyton felt a tinge of guilt, considering that Addison had sort of tried to help, but she was glad to be rid of her. She sniffled and wiped the tears from her eyes. She sat farther back into her couch and brought her legs up, resting her head on her knees. Exhaustion was threatening to overwhelm her. She closed her eyes and tried to will it away. She felt the cushion to her right dip and looked to see Nate sitting next to her. She could see all the tired in his face too. There was something else though, something beaming from his eyes. Love. It was enough to make Peyton want to cry again. "Nate," she said softly. He closed his eyes and seemed to be drinking in the sound of her voice saying his name. "There's so much... I mean I can't apologize enough... or thank enough... or-" Nate kissed her. Without any warning, he leaned in and pressed his warm soft lips on hers. Peyton melted immediately and relaxed into the kiss. It was a way to sum it all up in one single act. He pulled away just a little and smiled down at her. She smiled back up at him, her heart full to bursting. "I knew I would find my way back here, to you," she whispered softly. "Oh yeah? How'd you know that?" Nate asked, then began placing feather soft kisses around her face, on her cheeks and forehead. "Because the song said so," she said, her smile widening. "You've got a song for this moment too? A 'I just got saved from my crazy sister and her crazy boyfriend' song?" Peyton laughed lightly and shook her head. "No. A song for us being together again. I know I would have found my way back to you again Nate. I can't help it. " "Would you like to sing the song for me?" Nate asked sheepishly. Peyton was happy to oblige. "Wise men say, Only fools rush in. But I can't help falling in love with you." Nate grinned. "Elvis?" "And Ingrid Michaelson," Peyton said before continuing. "Like a river flows so surely to the sea Oh my darling so it goes Some things are meant to be." Peyton laced her fingers with Nate's and gazed at him adoringly. Nate felt his breathing stop. "So won't you please just Take My hand, and take my whole life too Cause I can't help falling in love, in love with you Cause I can't Help... falling in love, falling in love, I keep falling in love with you." They were silent then, the world and chaos around them far away. Their eyes were locked, speaking volumes in their silence. Tears were sliding down Peyton's face, but her smile was bright. Nate matched it, his own eyes were getting dewy. He finally allowed himself to breathe. "I love you," he said simply, but with all the meaning and truth in the world. Peyton felt like she was floating on those words, soaring from them. "I love you too." "Peyton?" "Yes Nate?" "Let's go home." And with that, the couple held hands, and walked out the door. Home Ch. 09 Dear Readers, Thank you all so much for your comments and feedback. I eat 'em up like candy on Halloween. You've all inspired me to keep writing. I hope you've enjoyed Nate and Peyton's story as much as I have enjoyed writing it. And to my kind editor, Nehkara. I am FOREVER grateful. With Love, -Kat * "Honey, I'm home!" Peyton chimed as she entered the door. "I'm in the kitchen babydoll!" Nate rang back happily. Peyton smiled and dropped her briefcase on the sofa. She kicked off her heels, shed her coat and skipped to the kitchen. She burst into laughter the moment she walked in and saw Nate, naked as the day he was born save for a neon pink apron and an exaggerated cliché chef's hat. She was greeted by his firm cheeks and confident smile. "Well hello there." He smiled and walked over to her. She was still chuckling as he wrapped his arms around her waist and leaned in for a soft kiss. "Mmmmm... what's all this?" Peyton pursed when he pulled away. "I'm cooking for you of course!" He said excitedly. "Naked? Baby that sounds kind of impractical. You might burn yourself." She smiled as he turned from her and returned to the stove. "What are you making anyway?" "Chicken stir-fry and cake!" He was bouncing about like a child. It was endearing to Peyton. He'd been in a perpetual state of excitement since she'd accepted his marriage proposal 8 months ago. It had been a blissful, albeit stressful 8 months. Peyton thought about it fondly. "I'm fine cooking for my baby naked. Besides, you need it." Peyton's smile faltered. She bent her head down. "Nate..." She started apprehensively, but Nate stopped. "No arguments. You're going to eat every bit of this. And I'm going to eat every bit of you." He turned his head and winked at her. She smiled, trying not to make an issue of it. "I'm going take a quick shower babe." "Good. Your naked gourmet meal will be done when you're out." Peyton walked into to the bathroom and began to undress. She slipped from her pantsuit and stood naked in front of the mirror she and Nate now shared. She'd been stubborn about finally moving in with Nate. It was hard to be 100% comfortable with him when she wasn't 100% comfortable with herself. Her eyes fell to her curvy frame. She pinched her sides, grimacing at the flesh the clung to it. She frowned at her few stretch marks, annoyed at the imperfection. She picked out every flaw, every scar, every inch of fat, every blemish. Tears brimmed her eyes, but she swiped them away. A knock came at the door then. "You ok babe?" Nate asked from the door side. "Fine!" Peyton squeaked. Her voice cracked. She bit her bottom lip and shut her eyes tight. "Ok." Nate said back warily. Peyton heard the apprehension in his response. She knew she'd have to hear about it after dinner. She sighed and showered slowly. Reluctant, she got out and dressed in a baggy shirt twice her size and sweats. She made her way back downstairs to Nate, pausing to shake away her sad thoughts and focus on being happy with her fiancé. Nate had thrown on some shorts and was setting the table. He'd dished her food and she saw that both plates were piled high. Next to her entrée was a big slice of chocolate cake. She instantly set another frown. "Nate, honey, I'm not that hungry." He raised an eyebrow at her. "Oh yeah? What did you eat today?" "Um some fruit I guess." "Peyton..." "I wasn't hungry!" She said defensively. "You're never hungry." "I guess I'm not." She sat down in front of her plate. Her mouth watered at the smell. Her stomach growled and Peyton resisted the urge to wrap her arms around herself. Nate sat next to her and wasted no time shoveling in food. Peyton took a few bites and smiled. It was rather delicious and she wanted to scarf it down along with Nate, but she restrained herself. She ate around the chicken, pushing it around instead. Nate dropped his fork suddenly. "Peyton. Fucking eat, for God's sake." "Nate please please don't. I'm really not super hungry. What don't you get about that?" "I don't get how I can tell you every moment of every day how beautiful you are, but you still decide to starve yourself." "I'm no-" "Don't." Nate held up a hand. His eyes burrowed into hers. "I live with you Peyton. I wake up with you and sleep with you every night. I know you. You're everything to me. You think I wouldn't notice that you've been eating like a bird, if at all? I don't understand. Is it all the wedding planning stuff?" "No. I love planning all of this with you." Nate grabbed her hand and held it tenderly. "Then what baby?" "I just... I imagine us, standing at the altar. You in your suit, all trim and handsome and me-" "Just as beautiful as ever." Nate finished. "Just as plump as ever. Nate I want to be at my best at our wedding. It's only a week away and I still look like," Peyton gestured her hands to her torso, "this." Nate sighed. He pushed his chair out and pulled Peyton out of her chair. He pulled her onto his lap and wrapped an arm around her waist. He stroked her cheek softly and held her chin, keeping her gaze on him. "Peyton, where is this coming from? I thought we already established how damn gorgeous you are?" Peyton felt the tears threatening to make a comeback. "I'm afraid Nate." "Of what?" "Of the possibility that one day you'll wake up and realized that I'm not half as perfect as you think I am. People fall out of love all the time." "I could express the same sentiments Peyton. God forbid, you decided that it's not worth it and leave." Peyton rolled her eyes. "C'mon Nate. Be realistic. You're way more likely to leave." Nate shifted back suddenly, as if he'd been struck. "And why the fuck is that Peyton?" "Because you could have anyone!" Peyton cried out. She shoved out of his embrace and stood over Nate. "Anyone Nate! You're not confined to a certain type. You're perfect, so the world, and all the women in it, is at your feet. I mean really, we both know I'm lucky to have you. Some weird twist of fate brought us together. In the real world, a guy like you wouldn't look twice at a girl like me." Nate stood then too, fuming. "Peyton, I love you. I'm in love with you. What else do I have to do to prove that to you? I've done, and I'm doing everything I can to convince you of that. And by the way, this 'you're too good for me' shit is getting really fucking old. It's all in your head." "All in my head?" Peyton said, taken aback. "All in my head Nate? Do you see how some people look at us sometimes? Jesus! Ignorance really is bliss. If only we were all so lucky to have had charmed lives like yours, so the bad shit around us would always seem so far away." "Charmed life? What the hell are you talking about?" Peyton fought the urge to roll her eyes again. "Yes Nate, a charmed life. With your charming rich parents in a charming big house in a charming wealthy neighborhood where the only problems any of you faced was whether or not your Porsches would be as clean as the next guy's. In that little charmed world of yours, everything's perfect and easy to handle. But out here, in the real world, in MY world, people sneer at us and make comments about why on earth you were dressing up your maid in fancy clothes and calling her your fiancé." "What people Peyton?" Nate ground out through clenched teeth. "People in the street? The neighbors? The garbage man? Who the hell are you talking about?" "Your friends Nate! Malory and all of them!" Peyton heard her voice squeak and hated herself for it. She felt childish and pathetic. Fury tears filled her eyes and she turned away from Nate. She heard him sit down. She quickly wiped away her tears. 'God, I'm such a baby. No wonder he's mad.' She thought to herself. But then she heard the sound of laughter. A little chuckle from behind her. She whirled around quickly, her anger back in an instant. "I'm glad you find this so funny asshole." Nate looked up at her and smiled. "Come here baby." When she glared at him stubbornly, he grabbed her arm and yanked her hard, pulling her into his lap. "Baby, I'm just gunna say this: you really need to prioritize the people whose opinion you should care about. And Malory, should be low, and I mean LOW on that list." Peyton didn't budge. Nate stuck his bottom lip out in a pout. "Ppppeeeyyyttoonnnn." He whined. "Is this why you haven't been eating? Cause of some shit my friend's girlfriend said?" Peyton buried her face in the crook of his neck shamefully. She nodded and whimpered. Nate rubbed his hand along her back. "Aw baby why didn't you tell me? I could have told you long before now what stupid bitches Malory Reed and her friends are. Why do you even care what they think?" Peyton just shrugged. "Well don't. She's doesn't know what shes talking about." "But don't you ever think that we don't fit? I mean good-looking successful guys like you usually end up with-" Nate shushed her. "Fuck all that. I'm not just some run of the mill dick. I'm just a guy who's in love with you. I'm not overcomplicating it. And I couldn't give half a fuck about what anyone else's says. I love you. Can't you just love and let yourself be loved in return?" "I do love you Nate." "Ok then." Nate held her chin and looked into her wet eyes. His eyes were intense and focused, burrowing into hers with force. His blue eyes were hypnotic, keeping Peyton in a trance. "Peyton, in two weeks, we are going to be husband and wife. I need to know that you're certain about this. Because I am. I have no doubts. I know you're scared. So am I. But I'm not scared to marry you. I afraid that I'll fail as your husband. But I want to spend every day of the rest of my life trying." Peyton smiled softly. "I'm sorry about all that crap I said earlier." Nate put his hand over his heart and feigned injury. Peyton giggled. "We're going to be married in two weeks." She whispered. She kissed his neck airily. "I'm going to be your wife." She feathered her lips along his jaw. "You're going to be my sweet"—kiss—"sexy"—kiss—"husband." With the last word, Peyton flicked her tongue against the edge of Nate's chin and up to his lips. She hovered her mouth over his while slipping a hand down between his legs. Nate was trying to keep his eyes trained on hers, but the sweet heat of her palm penetrated his shorts and he felt the warmth against his awakening cock. He leaned forward, his lips seeking hers, but she tilted her head back. A sly smile crept on her face. Nate tightened his arms around her and growled her name. "Forgive me?" she asked in a hushed voice. "For what? Being a little tease? No." He palmed her ass and squeezed it. Peyton closed her eyes and bent her head back. "Mmmm... no baby. For acting like a worrisome child." Nate took advantage of her exposed neck. He kissed along her throat, grazing his tongue along her pulse. "Of course baby. But if you keep teasing me, I won't be so forgiving." In defiance, Peyton gave his cock another soft squeeze. Nate groaned and squeezed her ass again, releasing it and massaging both cheeks. Peyton moaned, her breathing becoming ragged. Her pussy was damp and yearning. She pulled away and stood in front of Nate. A hungry energy pulsed between them. Their eyes, glazed but intent, stayed connected. "Peyton..." Nate's husky deep voice dripped her name like honey. The low strum between her thighs increased. She suddenly wanted him to see her, to expose herself to him fully. She pulled off her clothes swiftly. Nate's eyes travelled along her curves. His mouth watered with anticipation. Peyton stood between his legs. She skimmed her fingertips up his bare thighs. Her slight touch was electric on Nate's hot skin. She gripped his thighs and got down to her knees. He pushed his hand through her hair, her soft springy curls enveloping his fingers. Her brown eyes were lusty, but innocent. The wanton look awakened something within Nate. Something primal and greedy. His grip in her hair grew tight and hard. He yanked her forward suddenly. Peyton saw the change in his eyes, the blue in his eyes were inky. Her mind registered pain from his grip while her pussy clenched at it. "Take off my shorts." He growled. Peyton obeyed, sliding her hands to the sides of his boxers. Nate lifted his hips and she pulled them down. His steel cock sprang out, thick, the tip gleaming with pre-cum. "Suck it." The command was low, but sharp and deep. Nate's hand was still in her hair, his grip still firm. She didn't dare look away from him. She leaned forward and pressed her tongue to the base of his throbbing cock. A violet vein acted as a guide for her tongue. She inched her warm wet appendage up along the side of his member, until she reached the wet tip. Nate was panting, his carnal gaze never leaving Peyton's. She wrapped her lips around the head, tasting the pre-cum, sucking for more. She opened her mouth wider, inching more and more of his cock into her wanting mouth. "Good girl. Keep sucking baby." His words came out between ragged breaths. His response spurred her on. She parted her thighs and slipped her hand between them. Her right hand stroked him up and down, her mouth following. Her left hand strummed against her aching clit. Her delicate fingers shot bolts of pleasure through her body, making her release soft mews around his swollen member. She felt his long strong fingers explore her soft locks, gripping her hair, tugging when she hit a particular sweet spot. The low base of his murmurs was like music to her ears, spurring her on. He finally gripped her head with both hands and tugged her away from him. His cock plopped from her lips wetly. "God damn baby. Tryin' to make me cum already?" He tossed his head back and smiled. Peyton giggled and climbed onto his lap. The lazy look on his face was sexy. His hair was tousled and there was a fine bead of sweat blooming on his brow. She grinned and kissed his Adam's apple. She pressed her bare breasts against his chest, the peaks tightening. Nate's hand crept to her plump ass and kneaded the cheeks like dough. Peyton grazed her hands down his toned torso. She marveled at his formed abs and smooth skin, her tongue tasting every sweet inch. Nate grunted suddenly and shifted beneath Peyton. His hands shot to her waist and lifted her up. She let out a yelp as her slammed her down onto his cock. She gripped his bicep and bit her bottom lip. "Ah Fuck Nate!" She cried out. Nate's hands held firm and he pumped his tumescent rod deeper and deeper into Peyton's pussy. "Put your arms around my neck." He said in a gruff voice. Peyton didn't hear him, consumed in the rhythmic pounding down below. Nate looked at her, head tossed back, mouth open as she gasped over and over, and saw the oblivious bliss she was taken by. He held her in place, not moving. She looked at him and frowned. "Hands. Around my neck. Now." She quickly complied. Nate's right hand slid from her waist to her right thigh and lifted it from around him. He spread her legs, placing one onto the table. Peyton smiled wickedly, keeping her hold around his neck for balance. Nate kept his eyes trained on hers. The piercing blues made Peyton shudder. Without warning, Nate resumed his hammer, thrusting his hips upward. Peyton felt his cock reach deep unknown regions inside. It was intense and caused her to lose control. She pulled herself closer to Nate, wrapping her arms around his neck. Her chin caught on his shoulder, spreading herself wider in the process. Nate was unrelenting, grunting furiously. He sweated and squeezed and shoved his dick up into her with abandon. Her wails echoed in his ears, "Oh God Nate, I'm going to cum. Holy shit yes!" Nate felt the familiar tightening in his sac. Peyton's cunt pulsed and clasped around him tightly. Peyton body quaked then, a full body shattering. Almost involuntarily, she opened her mouth and sank her teeth into Nate's meaty shoulder. Her scream was muffled by his flesh. Nate felt the sting, the pain of her bite ignited Nate's own surrender. He held her tight as his hot cum shot into her warmth. They were both still, panting and gripping one another like they'd disappear otherwise. Peyton felt a hot pulse still alive inside of her. She lifted her head and examined the teeth marks she'd left in his shoulder. She placed a tempered kiss on it. "Fucking vamp." Nate sighed. Peyton blushed. "Sorry. I kind of got caught up." Nate relaxed back and looked at her. He arched an eyebrow and smiled. "So you bit me?" "Oh don't act like you didn't like it." She kissed the spot again before resting her head onto his chest. The small scattering of hair was soft against her cheek. She thought about his kind words earlier and smiled. "I love you Nate." She whispered. "I love you too Peyton. So much." And for a while, the two of them stayed this way, soaking in the glow. They basked in the breath, the warmth, the tug and pull and beats of their hearts. Nate finally regained strength in his limbs and used them to carry Peyton into the bedroom. They crawled between the sheets and resumed cuddling. Peyton made a point to rest her head on the left side of Nate's chest. She pressed her ear to him and listened. She smiled at the beats. She kissed his chest and made a whispered promise to eat with him later. He kissed the top of her head and squeezed her in appreciation. "I'm going to visit Victoria." Peyton blurted out suddenly. She felt Nate's big arm wrap itself over her shoulder. "You sure?" He asked with concern. "Yeah. She's been writing letters and trying to call since she got put away. I want to at least talk to her once before the wedding. Maybe get some closure with her. I feel kind of shitty for blowing her off." "Well baby, you did for a good reason. It's not like she's innocent in all of this. The courts didn't think she was." "Still. At the end she did try and fix it." "Want me to come with you?" "No thank you baby. I want to do this on my own. I'll call you after." "Are you sure?" "Yeah. I'm sure" "Ok. I know she may seem repentant, but still try to be careful babe. Don't let her in your head." Peyton nodded and closed her eyes. Nate's warning wasn't necessary. She'd never let Victoria Cavanaugh in her head again. __________________________________________________ Peyton stared at the state penitentiary, a grimace etched on her face. The Saturday sun was heating her car and the air felt thick. She looked down at her baby blue sundress and her frown deepened. She'd thought the bright happy color would make the meeting less awkward, put Victoria in a good mood with positive evanescence, but now she hated it. It was a cheery A-Line cotton strapless number. Peyton felt cute in a not-so-cute place. "I look like a bad joke." She took a deep breath and grabbed her purse. Now or never. She went through the screening with a numb distraction. It wasn't until she was sitting in the booth, staring in through the shatter-proof glass that she shook off the weariness. Peyton picked up the phone, then set it down again. Her skin felt clammy and she was having a hard time swallowing. She looked up was hit by the sight of her step-sister being escorted in by a guard. Her face was thin and make-up free. Her entire frame had shrunken considerably. Her long hair was replaced by cornrows. Dark circles rimmed her brown eyes. She sat down on her side and smiled a sad smiled. Peyton gave a timid and apprehensive smile back. She picked the phone and waited for Victoria to do the same. "Hey Peyton! Oh gosh it's been so long! You've lost weight. You look great!" Victoria said excitedly. "Hello Victoria. Um, how are you?" It was an awkward question. Peyton winced inwardly. "I've been better." Victoria looked down. The space of the booths seemed excruciatingly small. "I'm surprised you came. It's been a while." Home Ch. 09 "Yeah. Uh sorry about that. I just...couldn't." "Oh no sweetie!" Victoria said quickly. "It's fine. I completely understand. I drugged your boyfriend and he almost died. Plus the whole Stiles situation. I didn't really expect you anytime soon. Did you get my letters?" Peyton didn't like the hopeful way she asked. It ate at her guilt. "Yeah, I got 'em. But to be honest, I didn't read any of them. Except the first one." A wave of shame wafted over Victoria's face. "I'm very sorry about that one Peyton. It was when I was first locked away and I was angry. God, I was always so angry. But that's what I wanted to talk to you about honey." She bent her head, staying quiet for a moment. Peyton waited patiently. "I was such an angry woman back then Peyton. I mean, I carried rage with me wherever I went, never really knowing why. I honestly think I was meant to be locked up in here. I did things, disgusting things, just to spite the world. Now I can't do any of that. I mean, it's prison, and I hate it. But I feel like a different woman now. I feel peaceful. I spend a lot of time trying to keep my head down, so I've had a lot of time to think." Victoria got quiet again. Peyton saw Victoria's eyes brim with tears. It stunned her. Victoria placed her palm against the glass, letting the tears spill freely. "Anger is a living thing Peyton. A creature that burrows itself inside you, born from something, anything, and it feeds and festers and consumes you. I refused to let any of my past aggression go and I became this ugly version of myself. And you got the full wrath of it. You're my sister. And I'm sorry. For every wrong I've ever done. I'm so fucking sorry Peyton." Victoria was crying and Peyton was stunned silent. She swallowed and tried to absorb everything Victoria had said at once. Victoria sniffled and removed her hand from the glass, dejected. "You don't have to say anything. I just wanted you to know that I'm changing. I'm becoming better. I will be better." "Victoria, I can't just forgive you." Peyton said honestly. "I know, I know. You don't have to. I just... I don't know." Victoria looked down, obviously trying to find something to do with her hands. Peyton frowned at the sympathetic tug in her chest. She had had no intention to feel anything but contempt for her sister. But the tears, the speech, the stutter were as genuine as Peyton had ever seen. It almost pissed her off. She decided to keep her response short and sweet. "One day at a time. Ok?" Victoria grasped for it. "Does that mean maybe one day, you could forgive me my sins?" Peyton wanted to say no. She wanted to scream no. "Yeah," she said curtly. It was enough for Victoria. She wiped her tears, sniffled and smiled. Peyton couldn't help but smile back. The awkwardness was about to set in. "Nate and I are getting married next week." Victoria squealed loud enough to make Peyton wince and pull the receiver away. "Oh yay. I'm so happy for you! I wish I could come." Peyton noted that Victoria probably wouldn't have been invited, even if she wasn't incarcerated. But she refrained from saying it. "You got a dress yet?" Victoria's eyes looked hungry for information, so Peyton gave it. She described the all-white all lace gown. She gave Victoria a look at the big diamond shining bright on her left ring finger. She described the soft coral bridesmaid's dresses and the lilies she'd ordered. She described the décor for St. Michael's, where she'd say 'I Do' and the effort she was making to lose weight before the big day. "Why?" Victoria asked, tilting her head. Peyton looked away. "C'mon Vic. Ten Ton Peyton, remember?" Victoria looked like she'd burst into tears again. "Fuck. Peyton look at me." Peyton took a second, but shifted her eyes back to her sister. "Did you know I never really knew my daddy?" Peyton frowned and shook her head. "Well I didn't. I only ever knew your dad. He was... nice. I wasn't used to his kind of niceness. I liked it. But he loved you. You were the apple of his eye. I got his niceness. You got his love. And I hated it. I hated you for getting the better deal. So I found something you were insecure about and latched onto it like a leech." "Vic, it doesn't matter. I'm not exactly a size 4." "Well neither am I!" Victoria laughed and jiggled hefty her breasts. Peyton smiled. "It's strange. The things that stick with you for years. It's in my head now Victoria. I can't not see myself as Tonny." "Does Nate see you as Tonny?" Peyton shook her head again. "For that matter, does anyone else?" Again, a head shake. "Then! You're beautiful, so be beautiful. Simple as that." Peyton thought about it for a second. You're beautiful, so be beautiful. She smiled. "Thanks Vic." Victoria brightened even more at the nickname. The sisters talked some more, the awkwardness lifted, the subtle comfort settling in. Peyton tried her damnedest to not think of the reasons why they had to talk under these circumstances. "Our time is almost up hun." Peyton said gingerly. "Yeah it is." Victoria swallowed and looked down. "Thank you for coming. You have no idea what you've done for me." More tears travelled down Victoria's brown face. "I can come back sometime. Maybe bring some pictures from the wedding if you'd like." Victoria smiled. "I'd love that. Thank you." Peyton smiled back before bidding her goodbyes. As she got up to leave, she turned back to Victoria and saw that her hand was pressed against the glass. Peyton could only wave timidly before walking away. She broke into a sprint to her car and quickly got in. She sat for a while, staring at her steering wheel again. She slid her hand against her tummy. She caressed her curves and explored her own hills and peaks. And then she smiled. __________________________________________________ "The wedding is off!" Peyton cried miserably. "It's ruined I tell you. I'm calling it off!" Jane sighed and plopped down next to her. "Oh honey, stop being such a drama queen! Nate is out there waiting for you. What's the problem now?" Peyton buried her face in her hands. She wasn't crying, refusing to ruin her make-up or get mascara on her gown. She felt Jane's delicate hand on her bare back. The strapless wedding dress plunged in the back to the middle of her spine. Jane's touch was reassuring. "As your maid of honor, I demand you to tell me what's making you freak out like this! You're going to be a married woman in half an hour. You've got people out there waiting for you. You've got Nate out there waiting for you." Peyton mumbled in her hands, shaking her head. "What?" Jane asked, leaning closer to Peyton, giving over her ear. But Peyton just mumbled again. In a fit of frustration, Jane gave Peyton a tough pinch on the shoulder. "Ouch!" She squeaked. "Talk now girly. We don't have time for this!" "I'm pregnant!" Peyton cried out. Jane's jaw went slack. Peyton got up and started fanning her face, pacing back and forth. "I'm pregnant Jane. I took 6 tests this morning. All different brands. All positive. I'm knocked up!" She placed her hands over her belly and stared down at a shell-shocked Jane. Jane shook her head a few times, then smiled up at Peyton. "That's amazing baby girl! Why are you freaking out? This is amazing news!" "But Nate-" "No Peyton. Listen to me." Jane stood and gripped Peyton's shoulders hard. Her eyes claimed Peyton's, refusing to let go. "Do you want to marry that man out there or don't you?" "Of course I do. I just-" "Hush. No more excuses. You've been making up reasons to deter this wedding for weeks now. Do you want to marry Nate. Yes or no." "Yes." Peyton said, completely confident in her answer. "Then marry him silly goose. Just marry. Let the rest of the pieces fall where they may. Don't over complicate it. Marry the man." Peyton beamed. "Keep it simple." "That a girl!" Jane slapped both of Peyton's shoulders and gave a quick laugh. "Now hurry up and fix your face. Pastor Donovan is will be waiting to walk you down the aisle." She kissed Peyton cheek sloppily, making a wet smacking sound. Peyton did as she was told, wiping her brow and touching up her make up. She sat down on the couch, but stood again, agitated. Her head rang with words. Jane's words. Victoria's words. Nates words. She stood in front the vanity mirror, staring at her reflection. Her skin was warm in the sunlight. Her wedding dress cupped her breasts and molded to her body like a glove. Her curls were pinned in the back of her hair with a sapphire rose hair clip given to her by Jane. "It's something old and something blue!" She'd chirped. "And the dress is new. And as for something borrowed..." Jane had given Peyton her sapphire pendant necklace. Peyton had gasped and almost denied it. "Don't worry honey. It's something borrowed. I expect it back." Peyton touched the necklace now, laughing fondly. Her reflection smiled back at her. It was a new smile. Something Peyton had begun seeing more and more since she'd met Nate. It showed all her white teeth, transformed her face, brightened her eyes, accentuated her hidden dimple. Happy. This, was a happy smile. A rare and beautiful thing. Peyton turned and marched right to the door. She opened it and saw Pastor Donovan, a fist raised, ready to knock. "Are you ready dear?" He asked. Peyton walked to him and wrapped her hands around his neck. "Thank you. For everything. Thank you." She whispered. She pulled back and adjusted his bow tie. "I'm ready now." Pastor Donovan stood straighter, his head held high. He jutted out his elbow and Peyton placed her arm in the crook of it. They walked through the hallway slowly. Her breath caught with every step. Her nerves were shot and she had to physically will herself not to tremble. "This is happening. This is happening. This is happening. This is happening. This is happening. This is happening. " The chant was ritual in her head. She heard the band begin to play. Instead of playing "Here Comes the Bride", Peyton had begged Nate to hire a classical band, with violinists and cellists to play a particular version of "Halo" by Beyoncé on strings. Nate had been skeptical at first until she played the YouTube video for him. "See! The band Aston does it beautifully! I want to walk down the aisle to this!" She'd pleaded. Nate put up no objection. With every movement she made, she was glad she chose it. Now, as the doors opened and revealed to her the people, the flowers, the smiles... all she saw was Nate. He stood, so close but so far, beaming at her with enough love and devotion to almost halt Peyton in her tracks. The golden sunlight swam through the room, framing Nate with brilliant luminescence. Peyton wanted to run to him, fling herself in his arms, and be his. But she walked on unsteady feet. No words had been spoken yet. But his eyes... those glorious blue eyes. They were enough to quell any and all fears. She reached the altar and kissed Pastor Donovan on the cheek. He walked to Nate, gave him a firm handshake, and took his place as the best man. Peyton handed her bouquet of soft peach flowers over to Jane, who squeezed her hand lovingly. The reverend beckoned the guests to be seated. Before he could begin, Peyton held up her hand. "One second," She whispered. Nate frowned instantly. She crooked her finger and he bent down towards her. "You ok baby?" He whispered worriedly. "Yeah. I'm just pregnant." Nate stood straight, his mouth open. Peyton grabbed his hand and placed it on her lower abdomen. He stared down at her, his face blank. "Um... everything ok?" The reverend asked nervously. Nate reacted suddenly, wrapping his arms around Peyton and hoisting her into the air. He spun her around, ignoring Peyton's cries for release. "My wife is pregnant!" He exclaimed. The guests clapped and laughed and sighed in relief. Nate put Peyton down and kissed her fiercely. It was hot and demanding and left Peyton delirious. "Hey, hey, hey not yet!" The reverend chastised. Peyton and Nate blatantly ignored him. "We're having a baby?" He said, bursting with joy. "Yes. We're having a baby." She said, emanating the same enthusiasm. "I love you. I love you Peyton. I fucking love you. I'm in love with you." He said rapidly. He hugged her to him again, squeezing her body tight. "I love you too. So much Nate." Peyton didn't question or overthink. She had Nate and love and a family and a home. And it was beautiful. THE END.