Chapter
Four
Wesker: Certainly
Arnold had expecting a few things to happen. Alfred admitting he was
grumpy about the water; maybe another fumble for the soap; even the other man
insisting that he didn't mind his company at all. But not a kiss.
But
in a way, maybe that single little action secured away all doubts the little
ex-criminal was having.
He
felt the heat from the other's face before he felt his lips. He'd only had time
to drag in a sharp breath before their mouths had connected. Just the briefest,
sweetest press of lips to lips. It was over before Arnie could even wrap his
mouth around what had just taken place.
And
then Alfred had moved, back. As if nothing had ever happened at all. It had
been sweet yes, but it nearly sent Arnold up in a panic! To kiss him so
nonchalantly and then go back to conversation?!
It was like
letting a starving blind animal scarcely lick the gravy from the T-bone you
dangled over their head and then yanking it away before they could really have
a taste. And Arnold was far to beaten of a beast to ever snap at the hand that
feds it. The ex-criminal's eyes opened wide, blind, but very heightened. He let
out a vocal whine. Had it just really happened?
Wet
hands moved up and forward, slowly. Water ran in veins down his thin arms as
damp fingertips found the other man's face. He hopped Alfred wouldn't jerk
away. Shifting forward on his hutches in the tub. "P-please I.. why?..
I... C-Can I.."
Can
you explain to me why you did that? Can we do it again?
Hot
trails of dampness against Alfred's temples as Arnold moved his face against
the butlers. He should have waited for an answer, but he couldn't help himself.
If Alfred could do it once, he could do it once. They were just testing right?
Mouth brushed the Brit's sturdy nose before it found his lips and gently
returned the kiss.
Alfred: He
felt himself warming to the other fellow, arms wrapping tight around those damp
shoulders.. His shirt was getting wet, but that was the least of his concerns.
The right hand was cupping Arnold's left shoulder and the left his right, but
Alfred's mouth was pushing forward gently against the other's, feeling the
warmth and the smoothness and the vague wetness of it. His head was swimming
when the two broke apart, and Alfred felt quite sure that.. Had he not been
clinging to Arnold's shoulders.. He would have slumped to the ground.
"I'm sorry.." He mumbled, breath not much more than a
hoarse wheeze, eyes slipping shut. All that was perhaps a bit too forward of
him, and he was soaked besides.. He felt quite sure that he'd have to take off
the moist clothing but.. Well, Arnold couldn't see him anyway, it wouldn't be
too embarrassing..
Wesker: It was sweeter and more
heart breaking then any kiss he'd ever had. (And he hadn't had too many)
Heartbreaking because he felt like his poor caged muscle busted when the other
pulled away and slumped slightly. Arnie licked at his own lips for a moment,
his own little mismatched hands still clinging very lightly to Alfred's face.
He's chest heaved
lightly with a few labored breaths. The kiss had literally stolen the air from
his body. "It's.. okay... I liked it." Arnie didn't mind the
forwardness; it really wasn't. It was just, a moment and they'd taken it. But
would that be it, or would they have more? He should have gone back to himself
now; find the soap and finish washing. But he didn't want to pull his attention
away from the other man.
He
did slowly let him go, slipping back onto his butt into the tub. The water was
no longer boiling hot, but it was still very warm, and cloudy with soap. One
hand strayed on Alfred's soaked shirt though; cleaver fingers could feel that
the bow tie was undone, and he found that odd.
Maybe
it spurred on his own little bit of forwardness. "Did I get you t-too wet?
Did I ruin the shirt?" Blind eyes tried desperately to focus on Alfred's
face. "Do you wanna join me? I don't mind.. unless you already had a
b-bath.."
He'd
asked, he'd really asked. The tub was plenty big enough. And even if Alfred
didn't kiss him again, the thought of just washing Alfred's back was so very
appealing.
Alfred:
The
old butler felt himself smiling, slowly.. It was a gradual grin, but when it
was fully formed it had a kind of prettiness to it. He was relieved. Yes. Yes,
a bath would be..
"I'd like that," He said, trying not to sound overly
enthused, and already his hands were easing each dark button from its
respective hole, shrugging the shirt off.. And the belt was undone, the shoes
were pushed off. In less than a minute he was down to the maroon silk of his
under shorts, and then that was gone, too.
His clothing lay in a heap behind where he stood.. Not folded or
arranged, and he rubbed a hand over the scratchiness of his moustache before
stepping into the water. When he felt the moisture.. When he sat down and
arranged himself at the edge of the tub, legs drawn up, he seemed to lose all
momentum. He reached out to pick up those spectacles from the floor and then
handed them to the Ventriloquist.. But shrank back just a little, not sure
at all about what he ought to do. Alfred wasn't gaunt, but he was certainly
thin, and though he'd loosed up considerably he was still quite stiff. The hair
on his head had thinned, but patches lingered in other places, dark and soft
and secretive, and he curled up in the water with a slow out breath, almost
ashamed.
Wesker:
It was
almost a little unfair to Arnold in a sense; Alfred having got to watch him
undress; he could not do the same. But the thing was, nothing of this sort even
crossed the ex-criminals mind! He was just overjoyed that the other man was
going to join him. Not even in too remotely a sexual sense; just his presence.
Even if they had shared a couple kisses; Arnie wasn't expected Alfred to
suddenly get utterly lusty and pounce him right in the tub. It was enough for
him to be there, and well...
..they
could see what would happen.
The little guy sat
there and listened to the Butler undress and get into the tub. The water
rippled against Arnold's body and the sides of the tub as the other sat down.
He felt the glasses being slipped into his hand much like last night and he
curled those wet little fingers around the ear piece of one side. It was in
that moment, that Arnold realized he really wanted to see the other man. Not just
because he was naked; but on the same level; just as he was now. In Arnold's
mind, the butler couldn't be ugly; couldn't be unattractive. No matter what age
had done to his body.
But
he paused in placing the glasses on his face when he heard Alfred's outlet of
breath. He knew that sound, he made it so much himself. Glasses were lowered
slightly and the ex-ventriloquist gave the other a light shy smile and turned
his head toward the water.
"I w-won't
look if you don't want me too, I understand..."
Alfred:
Alfred's
eyes flicked to the ceiling and he felt a little pang of guilt at those words.
"You don't need to worry about that..." He was the one who skulked
about, hoping to watch Arnold without being detected.. It'd be hypocritical of
him to deny Arnold the questionable privilege of seeing anything. "Really.
I'm.. I'm fine." But he was still slightly pink around the edges, so to
speak.. Only now fully realizing how uneasy one could be when so exposed. It
had been a long time.
But he tried to get comfortable.. Easing back against the edge of
the tub and easing his legs down slightly, he didn't look so cramped and
curled.. And he managed a smile at the other.
As if to say.. This is okay. We're both reasonable adults, mature
people. This isn't anything to get in a tizzy over. He chuckled slightly,
reaching up and removing the last article of cover.. Placed the monocle on the
edge of the tub. "Are you enjoying your stay thus far?"
Wesker:
Yes,
reasonable adults! Nothing to get giggly or act like kids over! So why did
Arnie feel slightly giddy at getting to put his glasses on? Ah he
couldn't help it, he'd wanted to see Alfred, there was no denying it. He just
would have not looked had it made the other uncomfortable. Simple as that.
The
fuzzy outline of the now nude butler cleared out and he blinked under his
slightly damp glasses. Between the occasional droplet of water; Wesker got his
first full glance at Alfred; and wondered why he'd been so unsure in the first
place. Tall, thin, still in reasonable shape! What did the Brit have to
worry about? God, Arnold would have loved to curl up with him just as he was
now. Though. at that thought, the ex-criminal would return the light flush of
pink as he felt he looked at him for too long and went back to rummaging around
in the tub for the soap.
"Y-yes,
it's been very nice." Only because of Alfred really. Arnie wouldn't have
stayed for any other reason. AHA! Just as stated before; a quick check behind
his butt and pulled up that elusive bar of soap and showed it to Alfred with a
bigger grin on his face. "Heh, I was sitting on it."
He
reached for the washcloth and dipped it into the water. He rather wanted to ask
Alfred if he'd like his back washed; but not really sure of how to go about
doing it. He let out a like "erm." And flushed from that pink to red,
holding up the items.
Alfred:
Alfred
had to look at Arnold, study his timid expression, for a few seconds as the
soap and cloth were held out to him. For a moment he thought that Arnold must
want Alfred to wash him.. But that couldn't be so, the man was too humble and
retiring to even consider asking for that. It must be that he wanted to wash-
Alfred went cold for half a second, shoving away the sudden mental
image of the excriminal wrapped around his skinny frame, going to work at such
an intimate task. He couldn't say that such a thing was unappealing, but it
certainly wasn't proper. He held up his hands.
"Please, I couldn't allow y-" But.. That face, that
innocent rounded face that was so curious and sweet.. At the moment Alfred
declined, the eyebrows raised in anticipation came crashing down, and the poor
thing looked heat broken. Well.
He supposed the disservice would be NOT to let him. So he smiled
slightly and turned in the chest-deep water, scooting backward a little bit to
sit a few inches away from Arnold.
Wesker: Not
proper? Washing another man's back? Then again, Arnie never quite knew what was
proper and what was not. Here was a man that would stand nude in front of just
about anyone and not really be bothered, but at the slightest hint he might be
aroused would hide under the covers.
He
could eat with people watching, but letting someone else touch him? Only
Alfred had been shown the kind of affection he'd starved himself for years from
people. But it boiled down to the simplistical moment. Would Arnie have been
broken hearted if Alfred had not allowed him to wash his back?
Maybe,
but he wouldn't have spoken out about it. He'd even gone to lower the washcloth
when the butler had started to decline. Surprised only when the taller man
suddenly banked on his original opinion and presented the mousy
ex-criminal with his back.
"T-tell
me if I wash too hard, Okay?" Though it honestly wouldn't be a
issue. Arnie, despite the havoc his right could wreak with that malicious
wooden puppet upon it; had very gentle hands. He finished sudsing up the cloth
and then scooted a little closer so that he could begin making small circular
motions with the warm soapy item on the butler's back. Starting up at the neck
and slowly working his way down to the shoulder blades. Wesker was good with
his hands, he had to be, obviously. Years of handling that puppet with one
hand; and everything else with the other. Only on the barest of occasions would
a finger tip or hand bush against the Brit's skin.
All in All, Arnie
enjoyed doing this for the other, and to keep the embarrassment low, he didn't
say anything.
Alfred:
Alfred
had a hard time imagining Wesker doing ANYTHING 'too hard'.. But as he tried to
stay absolutely calm and unaffected, his thoughts returned to the fact that
Arnold had a split personality to deal with. Granted, he was dealing well.. But
Alfred seemed to have forgotten the danger he could have been in, over the past
few hours. Those delicate hands that were being so kind to his rigid spine and
those broad shoulders.. They could at any moment grasp around his neck!
Alfred doubted that this would happen just enough that he stayed
where he was, staring straight ahead. The feeling of the cloth against his back
was so relaxing, but.. The ever present worry about what Wesker might be
capable of was never quite extinguished. He'd said that Wesker was, above all,
human.. and he meant that. That also meant Wesker could err as a human did. It
meant he had worth, but he also had weaknesses.
Still.. Would any really evil person do something so sweet?
"..Arnold.." He started, a long minute after he'd first
turned around, and Alfred peeked over his shoulder. "Thank you.."
Wesker: Could Arnold strangle Alfred? By himself? Not at
all. But if he had that malicious wooden persona of his on that wretched
scarred up hand. Oh yes.
But
by himself, Arnie was virtually harmless. Gentle as a lamb. Never speaking out
of turn; never even lifting a finger to defend himself. So unless Alfred did
something to invoke the dummy's return, he was perfectly safe at the scrubbing
hands of the little mousy man. It was when people started to hurt him, or the
small amount of happiness he had managed to grasp was ripped away from him that
Scarface came back roaring it's ugly head off. Alfred didn't know this;
he had his right to be weary? But even as he looked over his shoulder at Arnie,
could he really see anything dangerous in that cute aging face with it's beetle
like glasses? There was no Scarface here. Just Arnie. Little Arnie, and he was
smiling.
And
maybe, with this man's help, the damnable puppet would not return.
Arnie went all the
way down to where the man's spine disappeared into the water. He did not have
roaming hands. When he finished he pulled the washcloth up to his chest and
wrung it in slightly nervous fingers chuckling at the Butler.
"Y-your
welcome, y-you've got quite a nice tall back, It was fun to wash." He
flushed under wet cheeks. "I mean, I didn't mind washing it."
Alfred: The way those hands moved against him..
Tentative and gentle, with absolutely no ill or improper intent, that consoled
him a great deal. By the time Arnold finished, Alfred was sorry.. Both that
he'd doubted the man and that the washing was over. It felt very, very good..
And he felt very relaxed. Slumping backward a bit as he turned his head to look
over his shoulder, he didn't notice that his posture had lost a lot of its
stiffness.
"Thank you very much.." A bit of a hungry tinge to that
voice; it was looser, and though Alfred never sounded really mechanical or
rehearsed.. Well, whatever coolness which was usually present in his voice was
gone.
He thought for a moment that he'd like to kiss Arnold again, that
he'd like to do quite a number of improper things, but thought better of it..
"Then.. Then you must let me..?"
Wesker: It was really nice when you could almost wash away
tension. Arnold wasn't a man who liked people to be afraid of him; but
often they were. Honestly, he was so unintimidating by looks and stature it was
hard to believe anyone could fear him. No, they didn't fear him;
they feared what was inside him. What he could be capable of.
They
feared Mr. Scarface.
But
the puppet wasn't here. There was just Alfred and Arnie, a wash rag, hot water
and smiled between them.
"You're
welcome." Arnie said again, nodding his head slightly.
But when the
British Butler suddenly conjured a question, the ex-ventriloquist wasn't sure
what he meant at first. May he what? Did he wanted to get out of the tub, or
did he want the wash rag to finished the rest of his body?
He
wants to wash your back, silly.
"Oh!"
Arnold let out a slight gasp, and turned just a little pink again.
"S-sorry, Sorry.. I thought you.. Yes.. please.." He handed the soap
and the wash clothed over and started to turn around. Water slooshed as the
small man got into position, bowing his head slightly as his back was presented
to the other. There were faint scars crisscrossing over his shoulder blades and
another more predominate one against the small of his back where one of
Batman's Batorangs (is that man original naming his equipment or what?) had
pegged him.
But
Arnie wasn't self conscious after all. Not about his body at least. He just
feel silent and waited to feel the Butler washing his back.
Alfred: Should you stare, or
shouldn't you? It was hard not to.. Not when you were wrapping the soap in the
washcloth as you'd done every day since you were a young boy, as your Mother
used to. The soap seeped through the cloth that way, and it was easier to hang
onto the slippery bar. It was hard not to stare as you raised the cloth and
then lowered it again, realizing that the way you washed your back, brisk and
businesslike and bordering on rough.. That wouldn't suit this other one..
So, Alfred unwrapped the soap again and set it on
the rim of the tub as he turned, moving near to Arnold.. Maybe a little too
near, but what was done was done. He sat with his legs crossed, one foot making
subtle contact with Arnold's lower back, and leaned near to examine the scars
with his good eye as he ran the cloth gently over them.
Some might have been caused by that puppet, who
knew.. Directly or indirectly. But he knew that some were caused by his
employer- Well, practically his foster son.. His friend. This fact made him
somewhat ill, and a terrible thought struck him..
For a moment, he was actually disappointed in Bruce
for the scars he'd caused.
Then, he realized that it wasn't ARNOLD Bruce hurt,
and that they were necessary scars.. And that Bruce was trying to help in the
long run, that he cared about Arnold very much. Why he'd had that moment of
doubt.. Alfred didn't quite know..
Wesker: You'd think after years in prison and an Insane
Asylum, Wesker would have been a bit more paranoid offering his unprotected
back to another man. True be told, had it been anyone but Alfred, he might of
been a bit more weary about being touched. Looking was one thing; touching..
touching was a whole different story.
But
he found the Butler's hands to be gentle as they washed over the scars and down
his back. Most of the ones on his upper back were old, more then twenty years.
What was left of Uncle Carmine's rage and a harsh belt strap. Thus they
crisscrossed, but faded to a dull pinkish white as old scars happened to do.
The other's were either a mystery or the folly of being a bad guy. He was
obviously dinged up a bit, but none were horribly disfiguring.
He let out a soft
sigh, almost a light coo as the butler washed his back. It was very nice. He
almost wanted to roll his shoulders a bit. He could feel the top of Alfred's
foot against the spot just above his butt and below where the line of his spine
started. Warm, pressing only meagerly, but he was aware of it even more then
the breath and washcloth on his back.
He
could feel his face getting warmer again; the motions were causing a warm slide
down into his belly. He so rarely got good touches; he almost wished Alfred
wouldn't stop. By the time Alfred made small circles down to where his own foot
was pressed; it was Arnie who wouldn't have minded turning around, wrapping his
wet arms around the taller frame and kissing Alfred again.
Alfred: The
two must have sat like that for nearly a minute, each wanting terribly to kiss
the other, each feeling closer and closer to their bathing companion. Alfred
thought it was all so ridiculous that.. well.. making things a little bit more
ridiculous couldn't at all hurt. He wrung out the cloth and kept it gripped in
one hand as he wrapped his arms around Wesker, bringing the scarred back
to his own flat, soft chest, and holding him there.
His mouth brushed the back of his neck for a moment, as he let out
a sort of uneasy, questioning sound.. Not quite knowing how to voice the fact
that if Wesker were uncomfortable, he'd stop. He'd never been in a situation
quite like this. As if trying to prove his sincerity, he kissed the
Ventriloquist's neck from behind, breathing out sleepily against the moistened skin.
Wesker:
Arnie
couldn't really recalls such strong feelings; almost where it felt like it
might hurt of the other stopped touching him and pulled away. Huh! Imagine
that; he'd been sad when the washing was over and Alfred had pulled away, but
the other man didn't do such a thing. In fact, the naked butler only seemed to
get closer. Arnie's eyes widened under his glasses briefly as he felt Alfred's
arms curl around his bare chest; pressing damp freshly washed skin to the
hallow of the Butler's thin chest.
The ex-criminal
didn't pull away or make any sound of discouragement; only a soft gasp as he
felt the lips on the back of his neck. The sensation made the nearly invisible
hairs on the back of his neck stand up; and gave him a full body shiver. But it
was a good kind of shiver. The kind of shiver that made him want to pull
away, only to turn around and hug even closer. But for now, Arnold would make
his acceptance of the movement know by pressing back into the embrace. Head
would bow forward as if to say he didn't mind the kisses at all and Alfred
could do it all he wanted.
But the best
response the little man could do was that he raised his own hands and clasp
them to the ones hugging his body. Mismatched fingers clutching to Alfred's
long and well worked ones. He stole the washcloth away and let it drop into the
bath water. Face was red, heart was pounding again. Could this really be that
bad of an attraction? Could it be good for then? Was it just an act of
pity? Arnold didn't know.
He just knew that
this man holding him felt good; and letting him do it more; even do more then
that; was something he didn't think he'd object too.
Alfred: Alfred stayed there for
some time, feeling that back on his chest.. Able to detect nearly every ridge and
crisscrossing mark that was raised or depressed.. And he breathed quietly,
slowly. Almost as if he were waiting.
"Maybe-" When he spoke again, his voice was slightly
hoarse. "Maybe we should get out of the water-" The water was getting
cold, and after all.. If you stay in the tub too long, you wrinkle.. Well.
"Today.. Well, it's going to be a big day. We should get ready."
Though he said all this with complete conviction, he was still
wrapped quite snugly around the other and had little intention of moving.
"So.."
Wesker: Heh, If Wesker had been conscious of the whole
'Wrinkled' thought going around, he might of smirked. Not that either of them
were getting into their leather stage yet; Thank goodness. It was still almost
a really silly option to end the snuggling. But it was probably better then
moved on. Another few minutes of this bubbling warm feeling in Arnold's tummy
and it might slip lower and he'd be in that predicament he'd been in earlier
that morning.
Ah
but to the remark from the butler, the ex-ventriloquist actually rolled his
head back so that his balding head rested on the Butler's shoulder and he tried
desperately to look up at him past the tops of his glasses and his own
forehead. Blurry blue unfocused immediately. "...big day?"
Alfred had said We should get ready. Did that mean he wanted to
include Arnold in his day, or that Arnold needed to get his wet fanny
out of the damn tub, go home and get out of the Butler's thinning hair?
Well
he could answer that question anyhow, because Arnie wasn't going to move away
till Alfred let him go, wither he got wrinkly in the tub or not.
Alfred: "Yes, a big
day.." The voice was calm and cool again, though his heart was thudding a
little unevenly. "That is.. I mean, unless you want to go home. But if
you'd like to stay here, there's a lot to do.." He didn't usually have to
be a servant as it were very often.. There was tending to Bruce, which wasn't
exactly a very difficult job these days.. and he'd have to work in the Batcave
facilities for a little while, but.. Alfred wasn't a common butler anymore, and
he could pick and choose his duties in a lot of areas.
"If you stay," he added quickly, not wanting Wesker to
decline.. Though this option was extremely doubtful, "I can show you the
manor and we.." He slowed his pace, checking himself. Pennyworth, you
sound like an overeager kid! Another kiss was given to the back of that
neck before he let go of his companion and scooted back, starting to stand.
Wesker: Oh God! Arnold had to bite his lip to keep from
jumping up in excitement to learning Alfred wanted him to stick around! If he'd
had any worries or doubts before hand of the Butler just placating him till he
got rid of his annoy self, they were gone. "Yes!" And then he gave a
cough to stifle down the building giddiness. But it was the cut off statement
that enthralled him the most. "I mean."
Enthralled
and confused him all the same. Then they what? THEN THEY WHAT?! How
could he just cut off like that? Oh, Arnold could fathom ideas in his head.
Ideas that were making his face red and making a little stir in the water
around his lap. Half flaccid at the incitement he'd been given, and he was too
happy to be embarrassed over it. It was just going to have to be ignored; least
for now.
As
the butler stood up; Wesker scooted forward and then turned around himself to
stand. Water pooled off his hips and legs and he lifted his head so as not to
stare to low on the Brit. After All, Wesker was not a fresh bastard. He was
however, smiling when he looked up at Alfred's face with those water droplet
splattered glasses. "I c-can be a lot of help. I like cleaning, I don't
cook too well, but I'll do whatever you want me too.. T-thank you for letting
me stay." After all, it wasn't like he had anything himself to
do today. He was off, and it would have just been sitting around his apartment
watching TV.
God,
he had to at least hug him again; He didn't care if he was naked, wet and had
half an erection. He meekly stepped forward in the water and wrapped his arms
around the Butler's thin tall frame and nuzzled his face into Alfred's chest
with what almost sounded like a little squee of joy. "Y-you're too nice to
me."
Alfred: Alfred nearly teetered from where he
stood, all wrapped up like that.. And that all that business had affected
Arnold, it didn't shock him in the least. He'd be lying if he said what
happened in the tub didn't excite him.. And even if he were lying about that
kind of thing, his body would betray him in a heartbeat.
Now, he could only chuckle slightly and reach up to hold Wesker's
upper arms, not pushing him away or pulling him closer.. "I.. It's nothing
you don't deserve," he figured this would dismiss further flattery without
being rude, but hearing such nice things out of that mouth.. Well, it did
something for him even the nicest backrub couldn't.
And then it occurred to him.. He'd have to be careful with Wesker
around Wayne Manor. There were things he oughtn't see. Reformed criminal or
not, there were things no one ought to see.. "You won't need to cook or
clean.. You're not a servant in this house, Arnold." His smile wasn't
unkind, but he felt rather sorry about the assumption. "We wouldn't ask
you to do that. You're obligated to do nothing more than make yourself at home.."
Wesker: Alfred
wouldn't really have to worry about Arnold being a snoop around Wayne manor. If
anything at all, The ex-Ventriloquist would be more annoying in the way that he
would probably follow Alfred where ever he went unless he was told he couldn't
followed (Say, wherever Alfred had to run to do some errands for Mr. Wayne, top
secret like; Oh, Ironing his bat undies?) the small man would probably have a
seat in whatever room Alfred left him, and the butler would no doubt find the
man still there when he got back.
No,
it was Scarface who was the cheat, the liar, the opportunist. Arnold Wesker
just went along for the ride, and today; Alfred Pennyworth was to whom he'd
latched those mismatched fingers into coattails for.
The
mousy little man didn't let out of the hug for another minute. He let out a
soft sigh and mumbled something to the likes of "I'd rather not sit
around, I like helping, I really do." Before finally pulling away and
stepping out of the tub. He was very careful not to step on the Butler's
dismissed pile of clothing or get even a drop of water on the fine black
clothing as he reached for a towel. But before he began drying himself off, he
took hold of the other towel on the rack and handed it over to Alfred.
Mmh.
Arnold could have stayed hugging the man all day, but there was stuff to do
apparently, and he wasn't going to stall Alfred any longer. Ah, yes, he'd seen
the state of arousal the other man was in, but he knew it was best for now to
cease the contact,(Later, perhaps, a wishful thought that made him feel just a
tad guilty.) get the clothes back on. Vision wandered over to the clothes
Alfred had brought to him.
He
wondered if they would even fit.
Alfred: "Those might be, er.. a wee bit too
big, but I'm sure they'll look just fine-" Alfred paused so that he could
stoop to retrieve his pants from the floor, shake the imagined dust off of
them. How careless he'd been, to just.. abandon his garments on the tile like
that- What inspired a man to toss aside ingrained habits like a worn pair of
slacks? He folded them over his arm, the belt still stuck in the loops, and
moved nearer to the towel shelf beside the toilet.
It was at this point that the reality seemed to strike him.. That he was all
alone with another man.. At his age..! And they were both as naked as they
possibly could be. This is what inspired him to be so cooly hasty as he dried
himself off and tugged on his underwear, which had found themselves beside the
bathtub and were slightly damp from being splashed. He didn't quite mind it, as
long as he was covered.. It was curious how wildly ones boundaries could shift
in the space of only a few minutes.
He gave a friendly sort of smile to Wesker as he was fastening his belt and
tucking in his shirt, looking about for his left sock. He wasn't sure what
could be said about that.. Or even if anything ought to be said..
The long coattails struck the backs of Alfred's legs gently when he tugged his
coat on and his rough fingers groped along the end of the tub to find the
little pale disc of glass.. He rubbed it off on his coat before placing it over
his eye.
"Are you ready?"
Wesker: What boundaries indeed?
Maybe getting on an age where it's hard to find good company and having someone
vaguely interested in you could do it. Neither Arnie nor Alfred where in the
prime of their life anymore; something had made Wesker invite the butler into
his bath, and that same thing had made Alfred drop his clothes in a hustle to
join the small man. Whatever it was, it was a powerful little thing.
But it had
subsided for now. The mild arousal could be ignored after Arnie toweled himself
off and slipped into his own underwear. Ratty but still vaguely clean. He
turned his attention to the clothing that was on the toilet for him. "I'm
sure they'll be okay." He reassured the butler and then shrugged into
them.
Lucky
for Wesker, he had enough pudge on his hips to keep the pants from going
straight back down to his ankles, but they still hung dangerously low on his
compact frame. If he rose his hands over his head, the trousers would go
to the ground. The ends of the pants bundled and buckled over each other, the
backsides dragging on the ground. The shirt faired a little better, but was
more like a nightgown then an actual shirt. He looked homeless, but clean.
Arnie reached up and wiped at his still damp glasses and then smiled over at
Alfred. "Yes, I'm ready thank you..." Then he blinked a moment under
his glasses.
"I
could use my shoes though, Will my tuxedo be ready before I have to leave
today?" He didn't want to walk around all day barefooted. Alfred and
stolen his socks and what was left of his wet white hair was sticking up this
way and that from the towel, giving him a spazed look as he tilted his head up
at the more prestige man.
Alfred: "Oh, the shoes!" He blinked,
having forgotten about that. "I think we left them in the room..?"
Alfred glanced around the room, not seeing them on the floor.. "That must
be so. Well, let's go back, anyway.. I'll see if I can find a hairbrush.."
He gave Wesker a little restrained grin, not wanting to embarrass him.. But his
hair did look funny.. His appearance was comical, in those loose clothes. He
hadn't given too much thought, when he'd grabbed the clothes, about the size
difference between Bruce and Wesker. "Er, and don't worry. Your
clothes will be ready by noon, I'm sure."
In the meantime, Alfred wasn't sure what do for him.. It wasn't
especially fun to walk around without any shoes in the hallways.. The floors
could be cold.
Alfred had a brief mental image of himself carrying Wesker, but
shook it away. As nice as it might be, his back wasn't exactly up to it.. He
was tough, but..
Hmm, perhaps it wasn't the strain. What would it look like if
someone saw you in the hall, like that? What might they say? What might they
say to Bruce..?
"You'd better wear my shoes.." He kicked them off,
deciding to retain his socks, "And er.. My belt, too, those things look
like they're going to fall off!"
Wesker: Arnie's brows rose and then
squeezed together a moment in utter astonishment. Alfred.. was giving him his
shoes! Oh lord. He finally got over the shock and shook his frizzled head and
declined them. "No no I can make it to the room without my toes
falling off, y-you don't have to do that." He did, however, accept the
belt. It was looped into the big belt hooks and then clicked at the waist. He
relaxed a little without the feeling that the pants were going to get sleepy
and nap right at his ankles if he stepped wrong.
It
would have been funny if Alfred had offered him a piggyback ride, of course
Arnie would have insisted the butler NOT carry him. He wouldn't have been able
to live with himself knowing he'd broken the poor butler's back. He often got
carried around by Rhino, but that was a whole different story. Rhino didn't ask
to carry Wesker. The big guy just hosted him up fireman style half the time and
went grunting up the stairs or across the street. It was more the fact that
Wesker couldn't move fast enough for the big goons liking they any kind of
neutering act on Rhino's part.
Not
that he wouldn't have giving it a thought if he'd been offered. And Arnie
wouldn't have been one to worry about what people thought, had Alfred been spry
enough to carry him, he'd have let him. It was just the whole he'd have liked
him able bodied. Who knew what they.. um.. or he had to do later.
Arnie
nudged the butler's shoes back at him and smiled; reaching out with his
mismatched right hand to gently tug the Butler's cuffling. "I'm fine,
don't w-worry, just lead the way. I'm afraid I'd never find my way back to the
room by myself. Such a big place..."
Alfred:
"It
is.." He smiled as he slipped his shoes back on, rather charmed by the way
his offer was declined. When he felt his cuff being tugged, he took the
Ventriloquist's hand without a second thought, and the two strolled for the
door.
"It is easy to get lost. Mind you, I don't think I ever did
more than but once, though.. You must remember, when I first started here I
never much strayed from the other help." Alfred hadn't really thought
about working for the Wayne’s in his early twenties for some time, but there
wasn't too much to remember from his formative years. Then it was menial work
and none of the 'night duties' he'd grown to be devoted to in these later
years.
He only really noticed when they reached the elevator that they'd
been holding hands the whole time, and he shot a friendly sort of look at
Arnold, wondering if he'd pull away..
Wesker:
"I
would get lost every day, even if I lived here, I'm sure."
Hah,
that was a thought, now wasn't it? Alfred had giving that one a run over
himself earlier hadn't he? Of course it was silly to even think about it. But
Arnie did try for just a moment to wonder how many rooms and hallways were in
Wayne manor and if it, like many other large and older buildings, had secret
rooms and staircases (He'd have been spooked to know how right he really was)
that he was pretty quiet all the way to the elevator after his initial
statement.
The ex-Criminal
showed no signs of letting Alfred's hand go either. He kept the long well
worked fingers loosely grasped in his calloused up little ones. Barely holding
on, but still would require pulling to get that hand away from him. Arnold
stepped into the Elevator, gently giving the butler a light tug and finally
shook himself out of his thoughts with another smile and a light sigh.
"Y-you've
worked at Wayne Manor for a long time, having you? I can remember seeing you in
the backgrounds on the television when they'd do reports about the Wayne family
and their parties. It was before they were ..well you know.." Arnie
frowned a little. Not really sure if he should bring up such a statement...
"..even before I went to ... " Again he cut himself off. God, was he
walking himself into a bad corner again. He could just remember seeing the
other man, but never knowing who he was. Only by reputation. Mr. Wayne's
butler. It was only in his moment of shame did he finally let the butler's
fingers go to worry his own hands together in front of that oversized shirt.
Alfred: "It's okay.." His brows raised
slightly. Being so close to him, feeling his unsure breaths and seeing the
helpless glint of his nearly blind eyes had nearly made Alfred forget that he
was a former Arkham inmate.
"I understand if you don't want to talk about it, but if you
do, I don't mind.." It would be difficult to hold a grudge against this
man now, and hearing any Arkham story wouldn't necessarily make him
uncomfortable or raise any ill will.. In fact, he was curious, now.. But he
doubted Arnold wanted to dwell on such cruel and unpleasant times.
"All that's past, I'm sure, and it won't happen again.."
And the two reached the ground level floor and made their way to the small room
that belonged very much to Arnold now.
Wesker: The
fact that Alfred was willing to let it go and not press on the subject almost
made Arnie want to tell him about it. How horrible Black Gate had been; what..
Donnegon had done. But also made him just want to shut his mouth and lean up
and kiss the wiry butler again. At least for his manners; for now he did
neither.
He
let out a soft sigh and pinched his fingers around Alfred's cuffling again and
smiled at the man. "Maybe... later.. I'll talk about it.. t-thank you
though, it means a lot to know.. y-you even care." Because most people
didn't. They found Arnie to be an amusing story. A movie would have been
justified, and it could have been titled 'To Make a Meek Man Malevolent."
The
ex-ventriloquist was silent all the way to his room. Aha, His room at Wayne
manor. He'd never stake a claim to such a thing. It was wonderful enough that
they had loaned it to him. Once they stepped into the room. Arnold once more
let go of Alfred's hand and went on a hunt to locate his shoes. A brief check
around and he finally located the spats placed nicely right by the night table.
The polished black and white items looked so out of place against those
oversized day-clothes of Bruce's Arnie was wearing. He tapped them into place
and then looked over at the bed. Trying to think of things that would have to
be done.
"Should
I make the bed, or do you want the covers stripped?" He imaged they'd need
to be washed, after all he was a stranger and he'd slept in a guest bed, it
would need to be cleaned before someone else slept in it. Oh, but he couldn't
help a slight flush looking at the muffled up covers and remembered he'd curled
with Alfred most of the night under them. That had been so nice. He'd love to
do that again, but ah, best not to get too wishful.
Alfred: Alfred wouldn't mind spending another
night with Arnold, not at all.. Though the night was a long way off, it wasn't
even noon yet. "We have people to.. Ah.." A little bit of a shrug,
and the thought struck him that if Arnold liked to work so much, it would make
him happier to help than to be excused from helping.
"I suppose if we are going to sleep here tonight we may as well just make the bed." Alfred didn't quite realize what he'd said until after he said it and the two went about to opposite sides of the bed, tugging at the sheets and tucking them into place, Alfred a bit more hasty than usual.
He allowed himself to look up at Wesker after a few moments, and
he couldn't say he wasn't amused if only slightly.. The way he busied himself
with the dark sheets as if it were the most important task in the world. Such
an honest little man.. That he'd landed in Arkham was surprising, that he'd
survived the stay was downright unbelievable..
Wesker: Arnie would make sure to get every wrinkle; pull the
sheets tight and tuck in the pillows. Yes, he was eager to please, always
worried he might make a mistake, so he tried his best. More times the not he
fumbled things. But stuff like ironing, sewing, making a bad, he could do
menial labor quit well. Maybe in another life he himself might of made a rather
good butler. Of course he'd never have been as prestige and proud as Alfred.
But he was a good servant anyway. Even if it was to his own damaged brain.
He
didn't quite catch what Alfred had said till nearly the bed was made. But it
sunk it. If we are to sleep here tonight. The mousy male let out a little
squee and looked up just in time to see Alfred looking at him. "We? OH...
I couldn't stay another night, that's just inconvenient for you." But
KNOWING that Alfred was even giving it a run by in his brain made Arnie all
jittery and anxious inside.
He
wanted to stay. And god knows, if Alfred insisted, Arnie'd submit just like he
had last night. He had such a hard time saying no. Even worse at it when his
insides were screaming 'yes, oh god yes!'
Wrapped
up in those long arms again? Snuggling, touching. Maybe they wouldn't have so
much clothes on this time. It could be like the tub. Ngh! God, Arnie was
getting that, 'I'm gonna come across the bed and kiss you if you keep being so
kind to me." feeling.
He
tucked in a pillow more tighter, And smiled slightly pink-faced up at the
butler.
Alfred: "It's not an inconvenience
really.."
Alfred stopped, but considered for a moment. He felt as
though he really oughtn't say such things to the other man, though he wasn't at
all sure WHY. Don't get his hopes up, Alfred? Well, what's to say this is
getting his hopes up, that this is just an empty promise? When all's said and
done.. You hope he does stay the night, you hope to sleep beside him again. Why
do you feel you need to push that want away?
If he does stay the night, you're rather nervous about someone
finding out, but why? Just to sleep with someone, there's nothing to
that. But it's not sleeping you want to do. Alfred let out
a sigh, sitting on the newly made bed, and wanting terribly to kiss him again.
It wasn't that Arnold was any sort of sexual figure, or that he
was male, or.. Well, it wasn't physical. Alfred wanted to get closer, not
because or of in spite of anything about the man. His sweetness was undeniable,
but the butler might have been more in love with the idea of someone looking up
to him. It certainly felt good..
Wesker: The ex-criminal watched the butler take a seat on
the bed. Though the air was full of hopefulness and a strange affection brewing
between them, Arnold could still feel the butler's worry. See it barely
flickering in those dark cold eyes of his. They were less cold then they were
yesterday, he noticed though.
Arnie
swallowed hard and moved around to sit down next to the Brit. He did it slowly;
almost as if he was testing to see if Alfred would jump up and insist that they
get right to the chores and all the important 'stuff' they had to do today. Arnie
really did want to know though, if it was a game Alfred was playing; or was
something deep happening here?
The smaller man pulled his legs onto the bed and kneeled facing the other. His mismatched hands timidly landed on the Brit's; and he bowed his head into his collar as he always tended to do when he was either going to ask or whatever he had to say worried him that it might be thought stupid or be shot down.
"A-alfred
I..." Small fingers squeezed a bit. "I.. haven't spent this much time
with ... anyone other then Scarface.. B-but I really like " You.. he
wanted to say You. I really like You.. ". your company. B-but you d-don't
have to keep me around... I... "
He
finally lifted his head and looked at the other. Brows lined in determination. "I
s-should go home.. but... maybe.. if you wanted too.. " Voice dropped and
he was almost whispering. ".. maybe come with me.. I could make you dinner
or order something.. my house isn't really nice.. or guest worthy. .or..."
He could feel a whimper bubbling up.
Besides
why would Alfred, so honored and classy, want to go home with Arnie? He had
business to attend too, things to do. And he was far above spending time at
such a dump, right?
Alfred: Alfred looked as though a weight had
been taken off his shoulders, and he smiled quietly at Arnold. "I'd like
that.." And he leaned a bit closer as if to underline his statement.. The
nervous, shuddering way that the poor fellow spoke was touching, and he wanted
to be reassuring. "You don't need to cook for me, please- That is.. You
don't have to."
And he decided it'd be better to shut up again. Alfred had a way
of refusing hospitality because he was so used to giving it, and.. Hmm. Arnold
WOULD make a good butler, wouldn't he? It seemed that denying what Arnold had
to give just made the man flustered. So.. He decided not to talk, just wrapped
an arm around his shoulders once more and tried to look reassuring.
Wesker: He'd already formed the words. "I understand
you don't wan-" But he actually had to cut himself off when he realized
that Alfred had not only accepted his offer, but had done so with a smile. He
wanted to? Oh god, He wanted to!
"I'll-I'll-I'll
Try NOT to burn it!" The smaller man actually chirped. His face lit up,
his heart started to beat harder. Especially when the butler stole an arm
around him to comfort and reassure him. In a panic, Wesker's mind tried to
think of all the stuff he had in his kitchen and what he could whip up for
dinner. He had a little beef, and some vegetables. Tacos? Was Tacos okay?
God, he was actually hyperventilating a bit by the time he came out of his head
in the tissy and turned his attention back on the butler.
Every
muscle in the ex-ventriloquist's body was tense in that moment. Trembling
lightly on the bed. But it was in excitement and not fear. In happiness, he was
so happy he couldn't keep it under control. He'd never been good with
controlling his emotions. And happiness? He felt it so rarely it almost hurt to
feel this good. "We don't h-have to go now, after we do things... no
hurry, I'm just glad.. you're oh god..."
It
wasn't so much as a pounce as Arnie just rather fell against Alfred. His arms
wrapped around the butler's neck and he cooed into his face, it was a ghost of
a kiss, because he was desperately trying to not latch his mouth to the
others. It was close enough to taste the others breath. Close enough that those
thick frames let up on their concealment and watery blues locked square with
the butler's dark eyes. "I'm soo.. happy."
So
happy he thought something was gonna break inside his head.
Alfred: All that joy over going to his house for tacos! Alfred patted him
lightly on the back, ever so slightly intimidated.. But after the initial
surprise, he was really quite pleased. Arnold.. Well, making him happy wasn't
difficult at all.
"Good.." He mumbled, eyes closing slightly, feeling the
breath against him and knowing Wesker could feel his.. And.. Well, why not.
He kissed the Ventriloquist once more, not as briefly or chastely
as the time before, but it still wasn't as heated or salacious a contact as the
ones that might come. His eyes slipped completely shut as he did so and
remained that way even after it ended, and it seemed as though it took many
minutes to end, though the kiss couldn't have lasted more than a few seconds.
And when he'd been breathing for a moment or two and could catch
his wind again, he said, "Me too.."
Wesker: One had to remember; this
was Arnold Wesker after all. He wasn't given too many reasons for utter joy. He
couldn't even remember the last time he'd had someone over that wasn't part of
Scarface's mob gang. Sure, he'd whipped things together for Rhino before, but
that man would eat mud if you put ketchup on it.
The
smaller man did not squeak this time when he was kissed; nor did he bank it
surprise. He just melted right into it. He'd been too ready, trying to keep
from doing it himself. Always worried he might do something wrong. Such a
special little kiss. Longer and just a hint more passionate then the ones in
the bathroom; the barest parting of lips on Arnie's part. But it was by no
means lewd or fire-starting. But the smaller man still treasured it, and it
still stole his breath away so that once it was over he pulled his face away
and panted lightly into Alfred's long neck; chest heaving lightly.
He
wanted to say: I'm glad you're glad. But that was cheesy. Instead
he just hugged a little tighter and signed happily. God, he didn't want
to let this other man go. Was he falling in love? Or was it because Alfred was
so nice? It couldn't -be- love really. Arnie didn't know what love was. He'd
never been in it; not really. Unless he counted his feelings for Scarface. But
how could you love something you hate so much?
The
mousy man hummed relaxed after a moment and nosed the taller man's neck.
"We..we should probably get started with the work... because.. if we
don't.. I dunno if I'm gonna be able to let you go..."
Alfred: "You don't need to
let go.." The warmth was so nice.. And they had all day, after all. Alfred
rested his head on Wesker's shoulder, and though he wasn't quite kissing the
man's neck, his mouth was pressed there. They had.. Well.. As much time as
they needed. Tonight, he supposed that he'd have to be here to see Bruce off, but..
Generally, there wasn't much he HAD to do at the mansion. If he were to cut
away for one day, it wouldn't be the end of the world. And whether they went to
Arnold's or just.. stayed here all day.. Well, it would all be just as good.
Yes, he felt quite confident in the way he held Arnold, the way
his hands rested on the somewhat younger man's back. He was younger, wasn't he-
And yet, he seemed alternately childlike and so very much older than Alfred.
But..
Best to let him go. Best to disentangle yourself from him.. After
all, he wanted to bring you home so bad, and you really would get nothing done
if you just.. sat here, wrapped up in him. Alfred stood, helping Wesker up.
"Well.."
Wesker: That was the thing though,
wasn't it? If they did just sit there wrapped up in each other, would they be
able to just continue to sit and hug? Sure there were men well into middle
aged, almost old by today standards, but they were still both men. Both human.
But
it did feel so nice. So comforting. Arnie wiggled a little in the other man's
arms and mirrored the mouth press to Alfred's neck. He could nearly taste him.
Smell him deeply. Freshly washed with the hint of wet clothes under his tuxedo
coat. It was enthralling and almost intoxicating. He didn't want to let go.
But
he did. He pressed one last kiss to the butler's mouth, not quite on his lips,
actually pressing his own to the fuzzy perfectly groomed mustache the other
sported so fetchingly well. "Okay..we should." And finally
pulled away and took Alfred hand as they stood up.
The
ex-criminal smoothed out the wrinkles they had caused on the bed and then
gently started for the door. "This will be fun... I can't wait.. I
.." Arnie just smiled, beaming and followed along with Alfred.
Ready to get the day over with and get on to dinner. He knew he'd have fun.
He'd enjoy the other's company. He enjoyed it so much already.
He
was happy AND he had made a friend.
So many Bruce hadn't been wrong to invite him after all.