In Our Own Skins: Elaine
Title: In Our Own Skins (5/8)
Author: ceecee_05
Rating: T (this chapter contains some swearing)
Characters/Pairings (In this chapter): Elaine, Lance, Arthur, Gwen, Gwaine (Arthur/Gwen, Gwen/Lance, Elaine/Arthur, Gwaine/Gwen, and Lance/Elaine)
Spoilers: NONE
Disclaimer: MERLIN's not mine, just the grammatical errors.
Summary: Elaine's past becomes a little clearer, and just when she's given up on love it finds her.
Part 2:
True to his word Lance came and picked me up at one. Then the next day he showed up again, and we talked for a bit. He didn't ask for a drink, and I didn't offer. He asked me what time I would be finished,- and just showed up later that night to pick me up. Sunday I only worked the afternoon so I didn't get to see him.
Throughout the next week of school Lance and I rarely spoke, and Arthur continued to give me rides to Shingles. Although after Arthur dropped me off Lance would show up and talk to me for a bit, then by the time I got off he'd be there to pick me up. I knew it should have felt odd to be spending so much time with Lance, but everything just felt so natural with him. He was kind and funny, and humourous really wasn't something that most people would think of when they thought of Lance DuLac. I learned that he spoke English, French, and Spanish fluently, and he continuously tried and failed to teach me French and Spanish. I told him about my love for animals and that I wanted to go to school to become a veterinarian, and he offered to take me to his uncle's stable when I had some free time.
I'd never had a friend like Lance, and couldn't deny that I enjoyed spending time with him. We never talked about Gwen and Arthur unless he really needed to get something off his chest. I told him I used to have a crush on Arthur, and he laughed as he said I know. I no longer found myself fantasizing about Arthur Pendragon. The blond hair and blue eyes in my dreams had become dark brown and chocolate. In only a week with Lance I could feel myself falling, and it terrified me. The possibility of my new found feelings pushing Lance away wasn't an option, so I knew I had to keep them to myself.
By the second week Lance started picking me up in the mornings before College, and I did my best to pretend like it didn't matter. He was just being a good mate. Arthur started to notice that Lance and I were becoming friendlier with each other, but he didn't say anything about it, and I was thankful for that. If he asked what was going on between us, I wouldn't have had a response.
The Valentine's Day dance was in a few days and I'd agreed to go with Arthur as mates - Lance said he didn't want to go. I knew Arthur had only asked me because Gwen was going with Gwaine, but I didn't mind; neither of us were attending alongside the people we really wanted to go with. When I'd told Lance I was going with Arthur he didn't really seem to care. He was probably just happy that he wasn't going with Gwen.
Two days before the dance Lance had offered to drive me home. I didn't have to work and Arthur had to go shadow his father at the Mayor's office. When he'd asked me what I was going to wear, I'd simply shrugged and said whatever I found at the shelter. A few minutes later he turned into a fancy boutique and stopped the engine. When he got out I followed him in confusion. We walked around the store aimlessly for a while refusing the saleswoman when they asked if we needed help. He asked me if I liked anything, and I'd told him it was all too expensive. Then he said if I could get one thing in the store what would it be? I told him I liked the knee length yellow strapless dress at the front, and he told me to try it on for shits and giggles. When I came out he smiled, and I blushed. The next day when he picked me up from work the dress was in the back seat. When we reached my house he put it in my hands kissed me on my cheek, and just said Happy Valentine's Day Elaine. I'll never tell him that when I reached my tiny room I cried myself to sleep because I was so happy.
Now Arthur and I are sitting quietly at a table while I sip my punch, and he watches Gwen and Gwaine laughing and dancing a short distance away. She looks absolutely beautiful in a long formfitting dark purple dress. Gwaine looks good too, but he usually does.
I know he's miserable, but Arthur Pendragon has proven himself to be one of the most stubborn people I have ever met. Gwen's been staring at him all night, and I already know she's found it in her heart to forgive him - who wouldn't with him in that white shirt. Even if I can't find happiness today with the one I care about, at least I can help out a mate.
"Arthur just go and talk to her."
"I can't"
I roll my eyes at him, but he's not looking at me. He's being an idiot, and it's starting to make me angry.
"Do you love her Arthur?"
"What?"
"Do you love Gwen?"
The song finishes and Gwen looks over and catches Arthur's eye. Neither one of them looks away until Gwaine pulls her, and she's forced to break eye contact with him.
"With all my heart."
My eyes soften at the look of longing that passes across his features. I may not fancy him anymore, but Arthur Pendragon is a good bloke, and there aren't that many left in the world. Gwen's a lucky girl to have earned his love.
"Then go to her because she loves you too."
I smile when he looks at me with uncertainty. I know he's scared she'll reject him again, but I know she won't. That day in the corridors she wanted to make amends. She wanted him back.
"She's with Gwaine, and she's already told me that she can't be with me."
I scowl at him when his jaw hardens, and he turns away from me. Bloody hell do I really have to drag him over there kicking and screaming?
"Look Arthur Gwen made a mistake. I know it hurt you, but are you really prepared to spend the rest of your life without her because she made a stupid mistake?"
I can tell he's listening to me. His legs shaking anxiously, and he looks more worried than he did a moment ago.
"People make mistakes Arthur. Don't deny your heart the one thing it wants because of fear or anger. If you do you'll let yourself miss out on something amazing. Besides, it's Valentine's Day, the day for lovers. So either go to her of your own freewill, or I'll drag you over there like the spoilt prince you're behaving like."
He laughs, and I laugh with him. He gives me a long look, and I don't find myself feeling at all embarrassed. Arthur's my mate, and sometimes they need to hear the hard truth so they can stop being stupid.
"When did you get so aggressive Ms. Channing?"
I ignore his raised eyebrow, and lightly hit him on the arm.
"What can I say, I'm growing Mr. Pendragon, and I've probably been spending too much time with you."
We share a small smile before his face turns serious. God what now?
"So you and Lance…"
"Don't even start, we're just mates."
And that's all we'll ever be.
"Alright fine, I was just asking; someone needs to look out for you."
"And is that person supposed to be you?"
"Ugh, I don't have a bloody choice."
I punch him in the arm a little harder than before with a large smile on my face. So this is what it feels like to have real mates? I guess I could get used to it.
"Twat"
"Oie, you've definitely been spending too much time with me."
"Yeah I know, so get. Gwen's waiting Prince Charming."
She and Gwaine are standing by the punch table, and if I didn't know any better I'd say Gwaine's pouring something into the bowl. I certainly won't be going for another cup.
"Are you sure you're going to be alright on your own Elaine?"
"You worry too much Arthur, it's a party I'll be fine without you. I'll just find some poor unsuspecting bloke to dance with me."
"Please be gentle with him. My dad's the mayor, but even I can't get you immunity if his severed feet wash up somewhere."
"Oh shut up!"
"Really, thank you Elaine, and I know I haven't said it yet, but you do look beautiful tonight."
The dress does look beautiful, and it is now the most exquisite piece of clothing I own. Along with the dress Lance threw in some expensive looking diamond earrings, a simple necklace, and silver bracelet. As if all that wasn't already enough, there was also a pair of black suede heels that I knew where much too high for someone as clumsy as myself, but of course I wore them anyways.
"Thank you Arthur, you don't look half bad yourself."
He gives a cocky smirk in reply, and I can't help but roll my eyes in amusement. It's good to see him happy again.
"Wish me luck."
He grins before he starts to walk away, and I quickly shout you won't need it at his retreating back.
He looks like he's walking on eggshells as he slowly makes his way towards Gwen and Gwaine, who are now seated at a table a few tables over. I know Arthur and Gwaine aren't on the best of terms at the moment, but Gwaine doesn't give him any problems when he finally reaches them. Surprisingly enough, Gwaine gets up and leaves to give them some privacy. I can see a few other people watching Arthur and Gwen talk, their very public confrontation in the corridors a few weeks ago still very juicy gossip. These people seriously need to get a hobby. I mean I have an excuse because Arthur's my mate, and I practically forced him to go over there, they don't.
When I finally see them hug and make their way to the dance floor, I can't help but smile. There's always that couple from College that go on to get married, have lots of babies, and spend the rest of their lives together. While I watch Arthur and Gwen dance slowly to a rather fast paced song, there's no doubt in my mind that they are that couple. One day, I want to have what they do.
I sit and just listen to the music for a while. A few blokes came up to me and asked me to dance, but I turned them all down - I'm too scared to dance with anyone wearing these heels. I start to ponder whether or not I should take a cab or the bus home. The bus is cheaper, but I know if I try to walk home in these shoes I'll probably break my neck. So really in the long run a few extra quid to avoid being on bed rest and losing my job doesn't seem like a bad idea.
Just as I'm trying to stand without falling and making a fool of myself, I feel a warm hand on my shoulder and it sends tingles all over my skin.
"Hey"
At the sound of Lance's voice I actually trip over my feet, and am only saved the embarrassment of falling because his strong arms are holding me upright. I blush when I realize he's embracing me tenderly in his arms. Get a hold of yourself Elaine. He's just trying to make sure you don't fall. Lance helps me steady myself, and I ignore the slight chill I feel when his arms leave my skin.
"Still forever the clumsiest girl in the room, eh Elaine?"
My hands fall to my hips, and I do my best to stare him down.
"I'm only being clumsy because you got me four inch heels, and I've only ever worn two."
"Oh"
"Yeah"
I can't stop the smile that forms on my lips when his hand slowly runs through his short dark locks, and his face displays the cutest sheepish expression I've ever seen on anyone before. He's dressed in black trousers and a red shirt, and he looks so very fit.
"Sorry about that. The woman in the shop said that all the girls wear them."
"Well, obviously not this girl."
"Yeah, cause your different."
He smiles at me, and all my anger instantly melts away. It isn't fair that he has this power over me because I know he's only being polite. I'm different because I work as a bartender, live in a small house with two bedrooms, one loo, and a kitchen, and wear clothes from a shelter.
"I thought you weren't coming Lance? If I remember correctly your exact words were school dances are for little kids."
He rolls his eyes, and I stick my tongue out at him. Honestly I'm just happy he's here. Like really jump up and down happy. Even though I saw him earlier today, for some reason I missed him.
"Well I thought, this is my last Valentine's Day dance might as well take advantage of it."
My smirk falls at the reminder that he won't be here next year. If I missed him after a few hours, how was I going to handle months away from him?
"Plus, I wanted to see how you'd look all dolled up in that dress, and you don't disappoint. You look absolutely beautiful Ms. Elaine Channing."
My legs almost give out when he says that to me. Arthur had basically said the same thing earlier, but when Lance said it I felt butterflies. I've never felt butterflies before.
"Oh no, tell me you aren't going to recite a poem for me."
The sound of his laugh makes the fluttering in my stomach grow stronger, and I can't help but subconsciously glance at his lips.
"You look rather dashing Mr. DuLac. I've already dubbed Arthur Prince Charming, but perhaps you can be a knight? What do you say to that?"
His eyes are piercing into me now, and I can't look away. I may have been falling before, but I know that now I've already reached the ground. It hasn't even been a month. No one falls in love that quickly, do they?
He's whispering in my ear, and I know in these few seconds my breathing has sky rocketed, and my heart is racing. He smells so good.
"Well seeing as neither one of us has a Valentine on so joyous a holiday, how about I be your knight in shining armor? Hm…"
I merely shake my head in shock, and he wraps his arms around my waist.
"So how about a dance, it's a slow one."
"I don't know, I've been trying to avoid dancing with these shoes on all night. I'd either fall on my arse, or impale your toes."
I giggle because I feel like I'm floating. Whatever cologne Lance's wearing I'm drowning in it, and enjoying every minute of it.
"Just take them off and hold them. Then you can even step on my shoes if you want, don't worry I'll hold you close so you won't fall."
"You won't let me fall?"
"Never"
I believe him, so I take the heels off and hold them in my hands. As soon as my shoes are off Lance grabs me, and pulls me back into his arms. He feels like home, and I never want to leave.
Lance practically carries me to the dance floor, and I can't help but notice how strong he is. My arms quickly wrap around his neck, and my heads falls to his shoulder as we move softly to the music. I can see Arthur and Gwen swaying to the music in the distance, and wonder if maybe Lance and I can have what they do.
"Happy Valentine's Day Elaine"
Maybe, just maybe…
"Happy Valentine's Day Lance"
We move a little more to the music, until I'm barely paying attention to anything besides the soft beating of Lance's heart.
"She looks beautiful doesn't she? She's actually genuinely happy with him."
And just like that, I know we'll never have what they do.
Thank you for reading!:)
Next is chapter 6a: Arthur