Truth and Consequences (Rp for quitehomoerotic)
The next morning passed pleasantly enough. Jack ordered breakfast just as he promised, and presented himself with a smile. She presented himself with his shirt, neatly folded and soon enough there were returned to her sitting room. Just as he promised, it was as if they never left
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"Good," he said with a nod. "I'm glad I am too."
He let the moment and the air last and fall as it did before he shifted his arms from behind his back and offered one out towards her.
In its way, it was revealing, or baring himself, just slightly.
"So," he asked, his hand there ready for her to take if she would. "Where will you take me?"
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Later? Well that would have to be seen.
In any case, she was not entirely certain how honest his answer would be. Only look at hers.
She did not hesitate, but slipped her hand easily into his own. Awareness followed, though that was to be expected. She had chosen not to wear gloves that day. And it was not common practice in France, to walk so. With Jack gone life had become very polite and correct once more.
Briefly Reinette considered the gazebo. But at second thought, and accounting for the memories it held she decided it was best saved for another time.
"We could visit the labyrinth," she mused. "It is hardly fashionable and it certain to be quiet today. There is a lovely fountain at the center."
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"Oh a labyrinth?" he said, eyes lifting with interest. "All those discreet and secluded little corners for people to explore and hide around while they're looking for that goal? Sounds perfect. Lead the way."
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Her gaze, amused, flickered in Jack's direction as she continued to guide them.
"I would concede your point, Reinette admitted. "But we both know that should we wish it we are neither the sort to require corners or seclusion. We make our moments as we need them."
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"No," he said, looking down with that private little smile. "the labyrinth it is. Hey, maybe we can make some people gossip again!"
He shot her a private little wink and nudged his shoulder against hers, playfully.
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She smiled past her thoughts.
"Only down, Jack? I would not have thought your directions to be so limited."
Her smile grew by degrees.
"And if it is gossip you seek to cause, you might well be out of luck. I do not think anyone will be there."
Jack nudged her then, and she looked at him sternly.
"No pinching."
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He could of course manage quite well without the gossip. It was not his reason for being here, merely an interesting side effect.
"Oh careful now," he said to her in response to his warning, "you tell me not to do something and I might just do it. If I didn't know better I might think you want me to pinch you. But you wouldn't be so devious now, would you?"
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Particularly now, considering the course of the past six months. Though it was known without saying it was, perhaps, not what came naturally.
Reinette hesitated as they reached the start of the labyrinth. The hedgerows were high, but well maintained, and knew from experience the statuary and small flowerbeds that were located within. There were benches as well, and of course the fountain at the center. She had always enjoyed it a great deal.
She took a moment to look fully at Jack.
"I do assure you, Jack. That regarding what I want, or do not want in the course of my days and nights? Pinching is somewhat low on that list." She pressed her free hand, affected, to her breast. "I am afraid I am innocent."
With that she lead him into the labyrinth. It was wide enough, in theory, to support the two of them walking side by side. But it require a heightened closeness so for the moment Reinette walked just before Jack, guiding him along.
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He could allow himself to be bitten or taken off kilter, but he wasn't. It wasn't preparation as such as it was expectancy. He was ready for this.
As they stepped into the labyrinth and between the hedges Jack noted that she stepped ahead. A marked difference. Was she purposefully putting distance between them? It remained to be seen.
"So what on earth could you want to show me in here?"
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"As I have been pinched by you," she reminded him in warm tones. "You might wish to reconsider your words."
Though they had been for several moments now, Reinette was aware once again that she was holding Jack's hand. She lifted in then, between them, and made a great show of examining fingers and knuckles and skin.
"We shall have to be considerate of its weaknesses."
At his question, Reinette looked about them, fully considering the labyrinth.
"Am I meant to show you something particular?"
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He smirked though, just a touch, and it was barely visible on his lips, but it creased the corners of his eyes.
"Oh sure," he said, "I maybe pinched you. But believe me, I haven't pinched you. If I had, you'd know about it."
As she examined his hand, he watched, still with vague amusement and interest. His fingers turned inwards a little, tucking around her fingers, noting how large his was compared to hers.
"Well isn't that the question," he said. "What do you have in mind?"
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"I see," her conclusion came. "I was not initially worth your best effort."
Reinette turned her attention to Jack's hand once more, her own free hand briefly tracing over the tops of his fingers.
"Still," she smiled, addressing the hand and hand alone. "I shall forgive you, I think."
With that she looked up once more and considered Jack's challenge. Of course, he had dressed it quite neatly as a question and she very nearly laughed again.
"Well, there is the fountain. It truly is lovely. Or perhaps a flowerbed?"
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He waggled them slightly, as if to punctuate his point.
"A bed?" he asked, lifting his tone as though he'd misheard her. "Well now you're talking."
He laughed again and glanced down, a slight colour*in his cheeks.
"Show me everything," he smiled.
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"They seem quite energetic today." And as for his other comment? "I am quite certain we have discussed the topic of beds before."
Returning his hand and hers, clasped to their sides Reinette lead them deeper into the maze. It was not lost on her that they now walked side by side, the hedgerows dark and green, framing Jack's profile.
Reinette made a great show of pointing out the sights.
"Tuberose," she observed, as they passed some of the flowers. "In bed, of course." And then sometime later. "Butterfly." And after a few more moments of contented silence, she pointed to a delicate bit of stone that anchored one of the corners of the labyrinth.
"Bench."
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A warning? A promise? Or perhaps simply teasing. That was for her to decide.
He watched the plants as she pointed them out, and it was almost as though he was even interested in them. In a way surprising that he could be. But then he was interested in what Reinette had to show him, whatever that may be.
But still, he had to be himself.
"Ah bench!" he said, piping up with enthusiasm. "See that one I know! The Latin name I believe is Benchius. Very rare, they are."
He shot her another wink and gave her hand a squeeze.
"And to think I might have never seen it."
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