[Aftermath] I Hope You Dance (Shade)

[Shiress]

20th day
Fall 522

"Stop that!" Lexi scolded for what had to be the tenth time, swatting Shiress's hand away, "You're gonna smear it!"

Shiress turned dark coal-lined eyes from the mirror to her apprentice, "Lexi, I look like a brothel worker!"

"You do not," Lexi grinned, "You look sexy."

Shiress grimaced, glancing back at the mirror, "I'm too old to be sexy." she muttered.

"Shade won't think you're too old."

Shiress let out a long sigh, "I've already told you Shade is not in the least interested in me," she shook her head, "he has told me many times that he feels quite the opposite, in fact," Shiress made a face, adding in a whisper, "in no uncertain terms."

Lexy frowned, "Then why go with him at all?" she asked.

"Because," Shiress said, climbing to her feet to look over the outfits the young girl had laid out across her bed for her to choose from, "when he found out that I had gone to Aftermath with Cleon last season, I suffered his wrath for days."

"Right, because those that you ran from know that you used to work in the Outpost," Lexi guessed.

Shiress nodded, plucking a barely-there-corset-looking blouse from the bed, scowling at it before letting it drop. "After a bells long argument, I finally told the insistent monk that he was my protector, not my jailer, and if he didn't want me to go alone, he would just have to accompany me."

Shiress's apprentice snorted her amusement, "I bet that went over well."

Shiress adopted a look of feigned concern and drew in a long breath, "We shall see."

In the end, Lexi insisted that she wear the very blouse that Shiress had turned her nose up at. Lexi paired the thin mint green, yellow, and white floral corset with the shortest skirt the doctor had ever seen and finished the outfit with a pair of sand-colored sandals with straps that wound tightly around Shiress's calves to just below her knees.

Standing in front of the long mirror, Shiress had to admit that the outfit looked good on her. The strapless corset fit tightly around Shiress's middle enough that the tops of her breast spilled out of the blouse's built-in support. Which was worrisome, considering that Lexi insisted that Shiress not wear some type of brassiere. The top ended in a V just below her belly button, with the sides cinched up, exposing the doctor's bare flanks. The green skirt fit low and snug on slender hips and ended several inches below Shiress's backside.

"You better hope I remember not to bend over," Shiress said, turning to study her slightly covered backside in the mirror, shaking her head at the too-short material, "at least you let me wear panties."

"Better to hope that you don't," Lexi quipped, grinning slyly, as she placed one final pin in Shiress's hair to hold the sides up while the rest hung loosely down the length of her back. Shiress turned to face the mirror, giving herself one final once over. Coal-lined emerald eyes, pinked cheeks, and deep red lips were outlined by long, rogue curls that had escaped the pins atop her head. What the outfit lacked in coverage, it gave in showing off Rek'Keli's handiwork of etched roses where scars once were on Shiress's body. Shiress thought she looked like a prostitute, albeit an expensive one. Lexi thought she looked beautiful.

Thank the Gods Shiress had put on some much needed weight and musculature over the last season because this outfit left nothing to the imagination, and she didn't think Shade had much of one to begin with.

After reapplying the lip color that Shiress couldn't help but lick off and batting away insistent hands that continuously tried to shove her breasts further down into the corset, Lexi pushed Shiress out of her bedroom door and straight into Shade. Shiress's face flushed, deepening the color on her cheeks as she stared at the monk.

"Lexi did it!" she exclaimed, pointing an accusing finger at the young girl, who was already halfway out the door and into the evening with Ian in tow. The little boy barely managed a wave before he was pulled away. Shiress turned back to her escort and smiled hesitantly before grabbing the embroidered belt purse the man had bought her and headed for the door.

The entire journey from their house to the Dovecot and then to Aftermath was spent by a quiet Shiress tugging down her skirt, then pulling it back up when it slipped a little too low on her hips, and how was she supposed to keep from spilling out of this blouse!

Flustered, the doctor finally turned to Shade outside Aftermath's entrance and scowled.

"I think I've changed my mind," she tried to smile, but it turned into a grimace when she felt a cool breeze flow up the back of her skirt, "Maybe we should get a nice, quiet dinner instead?"

[Shade]

The monk had been leaning against the hallway wall with a hip, arms crossed, waiting on Shiress. He was trying to make sure she didn’t slip by him and head out into The Outpost without him. It wasn’t that the Outpost was all that unsafe. It was more like the woman in question was a chaos magnet of a monumental proportions. She never seemed to actively look for trouble, but trouble was drawn straight to her like a lightening rod and lit her up repeatedly almost on a daily basis. It was like when she was born, someone close to The Gods had wished her for a long and interesting life. It was, in fact, more of a curse than anything.

Shadekas preferred the quiet. He liked long drawn-out days with the sun slowly arching across the sky. He had grown used to having no need to even remotely know the time of day. He neither liked appointments nor plans. And he lived his life in this new place exactly as he pleased with the sole exception of watching over Shiress. The woman was… complicated and oddly well-put together normally, but the steadfast stoic woman turned oddly awkward around him. Syka was slower than Nyka and that fact made him happy. But Shiress, on the other hand, tended to go a million miles an hour, as if time wasn’t on her side despite assurances otherwise. Nyka was one conflict after another, usually driven by individual greed. Syka was more of a collective consciousness working together to make everyone’s life better.

And here he was, escorting her to some sort of party place and he still wasn’t sure why she wanted to go.

He realized the wait was over, immediately, when her door flung open and she barreled into him. He was half-convinced that corset she had cinched around her waist would launch both breasts out of it momentarily, so of course he stared just so he didn’t miss the event. It wasn’t his lucky day though and she bounced off him, had the decency to look surprised, and then began going on about something to do with Lexi. He missed most of what she said, instead following the direction of her finger pointing at Lexi who was busy towing her son somewhere else. She grabbed her purse and Shade dutifully trotted after her. He wasn’t sure what to expect of a dance place. Were there tiers of diners overseeing a dance floor where graceful couples whirled in stately dances to boring aging bards? Gods… what if they only served wine? Shade stifled a groan and enjoyed the sight of Shiress’ ass trotting down the stairs. He hoped she was wearing underwear because he was certain that skirt was going to give him a show any moment.

He'd dressed for The Outpost specifically. Loose white pants hugged his hips with a wide band that had a belt added to hold up the flowing garments if he did indeed decide to dance. Matching sandals that were strapped on around the ankles and not just slip on made his feet silent. They’d be comfortable to walk or dance in both. He wore no shirt, but instead a light pale vest that flowed down the front to join the flow of the pants. It gave him the semblance of wearing something while the utter comfort of not being overdressed in what he considered the desert heat of The Outpost. Around his neck hung a wide variety of necklaces, and his wrists were cuffed with bracers that gave him support in case he had to throat punch anyone for staring at Shiress’ ass too long. Spiraling down the stairs slightly above and behind her gave him a near-perfect view down her corset which made him grin slightly. She might be shrewish, but she was pretty to look at when she wasn’t talking.

The Monk made sure his charm bracelet was in place over his bracer and wore a golden brown pouch hung off his belt the color of his bronzed skin. It held his coin and some of his worldly possessions leaving his arms free for whatever ‘shopping’ Shiress would need to do… or in case he had to drag her home over his shoulder when she was too drunk to walk. Too drunk to walk? That sounded like an excellent plan to the Monk, as he passed through the Dovecot with Shiress and followed her through the streets of the dry windblown Outpost.

The woman knew exactly where she was going and evidently exactly when she had arrived. Shiress screeched to a halt, then began adjusting all her clothing to less favorable positions. The skirt got tugged down, then up, and she almost reached for her chest before she seemed to realize he was getting a full show. Shade’s lips quirked in amusement before he glanced away when someone called his name.

Three men stood at the entrance, just leaving. They were dressed casually and wore similar strands of necklaces like Shade himself wore. The monk’s face brightened as he started towards the men. There was a moment of handshakes, then hugs with brief pats, and momentary bickering. The trio was beautiful, fit, and Shade fit in with them like he was another finger on the same hand. Turning to Shiress, he gestured at first one, the next, then another. “This is Damion, Clue, and Ripper. Fellow Nykan Monks…” He said, gesturing in turn to the men standing with him. They looked like a military unit together, easy and familiar in each other’s company. “Gentleman, this is Shiress… my charge.” He introduced her with a smile and then didn’t seem to like how each man crowded close to nod, shake her hand, or kiss the back of her knuckles.

“Ah, taking a gorgeous lady to dance?” Ripper asked, then glanced at Shade and grinned. “It’s crowded in there… not something I’d take as your style. But you’ll have fun. Get some drinks before you start dancing.” He advised.

Another of the monks, Clue, was digging into his pocket and pulled something out. It was a small little burlap bag with multiple lumps in it. Shade barked out a laugh when he saw what the other was offering. He palmed the little bag, tucked it into his pocket and gave the guy an appreciative look. “I owe you one.” He said with a lazy grin.

“That will get you through the night with your sanity intact.” Clue said, gesturing over his shoulder.

“You guys going in?” Shade asked.

The trio shook their heads. Damion answered. “Leaving. Headed over to The Zuskois. Lily’s got us inked in as a trio in a half bell. She’s this hot little Inartian redhead. Doesn’t mind all three of us splitting the bell…. and her.” Damion replied causing Shade to bark out a laugh. Shade glanced at Shiress, hoping she’d missed the joke, while he placed his hand on the small of her back possessively.

“We’ll be fine. The lady here wants to do some dancing.” He said, glancing in. “Doesn’t sound at all like the kind of dancing I expected.” He commented, of the pounding beat pouring out of the double entrance doors.

Clue laughed. “No, but you’ll love it. Go order a burning love and take one or two of those…” He said glancing down at Shadekas’ pocket. Then Damion made impatient noises, and all three Monks called their farewells, and set off towards the brothel. Shade turned back to Shiress.

“Well, you heard them… a drink first, then dancing?” He asked, already palming one of the little lumps of drug out of the burlap pouch in his pocket. He covered a ‘cough’ taking the lump from his hand and into his mouth behind the shelter of his palm. He slipped it under his tongue to begin to dissolve, and firmly guided Shiress into the club. He made a direct beeline for the bar where he planned on buying them both whatever drink caught their eye.

Words: 1331


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[Shiress]

Shiress watched as Shade approached the group of men that had just called his name, the momentary feeling of apprehension that had flooded the doctor fading into something closer to curiosity when she realized who they were; fellow Nykan Munks. Both eyebrows lifting, Shiress watched on as a side of Shade she had never seen before emerged, and he embraced the other men as friends.

More surprising still was when Shade turned immediately to introduce Shiress to the men. Her back went straight with interest as the first of the trio, Damion, stepped closer and took her hand to brush soft lips across her knuckles. Shiress had to bite down hard on her bottom lip to keep the girlish giggle threatening to escape with the handsome man's attention. Next to take her hand was Ripper, who was just as handsome, if not more so, than Damion. Once Ripper had introduced himself, the monk turned to speak to Shade as Clue stepped in close for his turn.

By the time Shiress was familiar with the three men, she was flustered and sure her face was beet red. Thankfully, Shade barked out a laugh -had she ever heard the monk laugh before- that startled the woman enough for her to peel her eyes away from the bare skin of perfectly toned chests, Shade's included.

Did all the men from Nyka look like this? Shiress shook her head in silent wonder, deciding she would very much like to visit the city of Nyka one day just to find out.

Had Shiress not been admiring Clue's muscled form, particularly the man's thick shoulders, she may have missed the Monk's surreptitious exchange with Shade. As it was, she didn't miss a thing, and her eyes narrowed at the flash of a rough burlap surface just before it disappeared into one of Shade's pockets. Shiress's eyes darted back up to Shade's for some sign of guilt or...something, but the man didn't even so much as glance her way. What sort of drug would have the Monk so appreciative, Shiress wondered as she continued the subtle scrutiny of the man's features.

A gentle hand on her back probed at her attention. Darting a glance around the men, Shiress realized she had missed most of the conversation between the comrades and nodded a hasty farewell in their direction, again, not missing Cleo's parting gesture and statement to whatever it was he had given Shade. She frowned at the man, then at Shade, but decided not to say anything. Even when Shade very much failed at his attempt to hide the fact that he had slipped something into his mouth, Shiress remained silent, acting as if she hadn't noticed a thing. She did roll her eyes so hard they might fall out the back of her head, though.

Aftermath was much like what Shiress remembered of the night she had visited last season; dark, smokey, loud, and packed with every race imaginable. The bar was somewhat empty, at least at the end that Shade led them to. As they waited for the barmaid, Shiress moved in close to stand behind the Monk, her gaze roaming the area around them. Spotting a very tall, very large Akalak heading their way, she couldn't help but grin as the edges of a plan began to form behind her eyes.

As the Akalak moved closer, the doctor stepped out and very deliberately in the blue mountain of a man's way. The large body bumped into her, and Shiress, in turn, bumped into Shade, letting her arms slide around the Monk's waist. The Akalak's apologies rolled off his tongue in a foreign language as a slender hand dipped into the hip pocket of Shade's trousers. The one she thought the burlap bag had disappeared in, but it was empty.

Or so she thought.

A glance down at Shade's sandaled foot revealed the small burlap bag had fallen out with her attempt. Shiress sighed. A pickpocket she was not.

Straightening, Shiress had to fight off a growl when she bit off, "It's fine! I'm fine!" at the tall blue man at the same she thought Shade had noticed her failed attempt at being a sneak thief, but if he did, the man made no attempt to snatch at the bag lying at his foot. Just as the same redheaded barmaid slid up in front of the Monk, Shiress bent over and snatched the bag from the floor and leaned past Shade as she slipped the bag...oh gods! Shiress had no pockets to slip the bag anywhere!

"He'll..um..have one of those fiery drinks," she said lamely, mind unraveling when she suddenly knew she was about to be caught with nowhere to hide Shade's gods be damned drugs except...glancing down, she remembered her very out there cleavage and nearly groaned, "Make that two, please," she added with a there and gone smile.

Turning her back to her companion, Shiress acted as if she was taking in the crowd, all the while shoving the damned bag down between her breasts, but not before she managed to pluck a soft round mound of...something out and shoved it down in there, too.

Hearing the woosh of fire igniting, Shiress turned back just as the two drinks before Shade blazed with a purplish flame. Grinning, she grabbed one with one hand and Shade's hand with the other. "Come on, let's find a table," she called, pulling the man from the bar and deeper into the mass of bodies, "might wanna blow that out," she advised over a shoulder as she blew at the flame of her own drink.

The table Shiress led Shade to was tall, as were the chairs. She thought, as she had to place her drink on the table to literally climb into a chair, that it may have very well been the same table she had sat at the last time she was at the club. The memory was very fuzzy, though. Once settled, she looked across to Shade and motioned for him to try his drink while lifting her own goblet to her mouth, taking a very long pull of its contents.

While Shade was distracted and admiring his drink, Shiress plunged a hand down her blouse and pulled out the small burlap bag, and dropped it in the center of the table. When the Monk's gaze dropped to the bag, Shiress pulled the lone mound of whatever drug Clue had given his friend out from between its snug hiding place and popped it into her mouth. When Shade's gaze lifted to hers, Shiress smiled, showcasing the stolen substance between her clenched front teeth for the man to see.

With a toss of her head, the fowl-tasting thing fell back into her mouth, then rolled to the back of her throat, obliging Shiress to swallow. Eyes flaring wide, she did her best to look as if she had meant to swallow the thing, all the while about to lose her mind because the doctor in her was screaming that she had no idea what she had just taken. Grabbing her drink, she downed a good bit of the purple liquid attempting to wash the bitter taste from her mouth.

"Might wanna tell me what I just took before we dance," Shiress quipped, trying for smug and hoping she succeeded. If Shade can take it and live, she could too. Right?

Just then, the atmosphere inside Aftermath shifted,and the two companions were surrounded by a night sky, complete with deep, cloudy clusters of stars and streaks of lightning flickering in the dimly lit room.

[Shade]

Things were definitely brightening up. Shade might not have missed Nyka, but he’d sure missed the companionship of his fellow monks. They were brothers in arms. And the ones he called friends he’d lay down his life for… and had multiple times. The same could be said for them too. They’d pulled his ass out of multiple fires time and time again, especially when they’d all been younger or the Aperture had been particularly active. Seeing them outside of Aftermath meant they frequented the place, and that was enough for him to know he was probably going to have a good time.

Then his brothers passed him some Razor. That made his day too. When they’d all had patrol together, the monks used to mix up the drug on a routine basis to keep themselves more alert and to draw out their energy so they could do their twelve bell shifts of walking the streets and fighting the horrors that would often appear unexpectedly. It kept them razor-sharp and alert. It saved their lives more than once. It was thoughtful of his brothers to pass him some, though he understood they meant it more for a joke than naught. He wasn’t the youngest of them by far and they were, by passing him the drug, implying that he was too old to be with the woman he was with and keep up with her all night.

Shade had something of a reputation for cutting short outings in favor of returning to his chambers to read by the fire. He’d never been into some of the monk's more pleasurable pursuits. Still, it was good to see Damion, Clue, and Ripper. Shade hadn’t realized how much he missed being with his own kind in Syka. He hadn’t really made much headway into bonding with the Rangers, lacking the skills to hold his own in the Wilderness.

They were far different than the Monks.

He hadn’t made any male friends really either. He’d tried doing a bit of bonding at the Tendays, but he’d often been busy and distracted, getting life situated and arranged, so he could carry on and carry forward to help complete his promise. Syka was a big change, from learning where he could actually get drinking water to figure out how the barter trade system worked.

For all intent and purpose, Shade’s life had been on hold watching over Shiress and finding his way in a new environment. And truth be told, he was a little resentful of it. He had managed to make it through most of his life unencumbered by women or children and suddenly he felt like he had both without benefits. He didn’t sleep with the woman and the boy wasn’t his blood.

Plus there was a cursed monkey.

But his brothers were here! That meant the idea wasn’t a terrible one. And something had come of the day… even if the rest of it didn’t go well. Shade wasn’t expecting a miracle. He was expecting to tolerate some dancing, maybe some drinking, then perhaps he could retire to the peace and quiet of a new book he might be able to pick up in The Outpost if Shiress let them do some light shopping. This day might be good for them, he decided, something different... a change of scenery and pace. The problem was inherantly that he was a man of work who didn’t know how to play. And this woman… something about her set his teeth on edge.

Just feeling the Razor dissolve under his tongue was soothing. It gave him the extra boost to make the move to enter the building after Shiress. She looked different… not like a mother but like a… she was dressing to impress. The corset accented her waist and confined her breasts, but barely. He liked how it obviously made her feel as she was slightly flushed and looking mischievous without trying to be.

He wished she hadn’t gone to the trouble though.

Shade found Shiress beautiful when she had her hair piled up on her head in a messy bun in loose shorts and a simple top. He liked her distracted look when she was working through a medical problem or fussing over one of the orphans. She was beautiful first thing in the morning before her coffee and equally beautiful in the evening when she came home from her duties drained and just wanted a long bath or to sit quietly for a few moments. He felt underdressed next to her in his simple pants, sandals, and loose vest.

Glancing around at the crowd, the clothing styles ranged far and wide from casual to what could be considered club wear in Nyka. Shiress leaned in that direction while he was on the other end of the spectrum. The place was loud and packed, and Shade could almost feel the energy in the room. Whoever had designed the place and ran it kept the energy high. It was places like Aftermath that helped keep people out of mischief. If they were bumping and grinding, they weren’t picking pockets and fights in the streets. He strode through the club, heading for the bar, and halfway there, Shiress …. caused a minor scene.

So typical. He reached out, steadied her, and tried not to be annoyed. Couldn’t a man get a simple drink? When she growled at him, Shade released her immediately. “Be careful. That Akalak would have flattened you.” He muttered, not sure he would have been heard over the pounding beat. Then he noticed the burlap bag she … didn’t exactly make it unobvious that she picked up and tucked in her corset. Gods. Had she just openly stolen from him?

Then… to make matters worse, she ordered for him. “Shiress… I can order my own damn drink.” He growled, glancing around to find a menu or to see what the bar had to offer. Fruity-flaming cocktails weren’t exactly his first choice. He liked stout beers and ales that had substance to them. And without something like that, water would have been better. He liked sharp shots of whiskey that burned going down. But this… this flaming thing was almost insulting.

A moment later Shiress was tugging him through the crowd like he was her toddler, only oversized. He left the drink on the counter along with a coin to pay for both their libations as he allowed the manhandling. When she gestured for him to try his drink, he only smirked, realizing she was highly distracted, but not sure why. He admired thin air and pretended not to watch Shiress fish around between her boobs, pull out a ball of Razor and swallow it down. He ignored the burlap bag flopped in the middle of the table and instead scanned the room Monk-style looking for potential threats, those that were vulnerable while keeping an eye out for fellow Monks.

He glanced at her, lifted an eyebrow, and let her eat the Razor where it would do no good decomposing in her stomach. It had to be dissolved under the tongue. And in a fit of meanness, he said… “That’s going to make your dick as hard as a rock for bells so you can petch every hussy in this joint if you want to.” Taking a breath, he inhaled deeply, told himself to count to ten, then looked right at her.

“Don’t ever order a drink for me again, Shiress. I’m not your monkey-cursed little spoiled toddler.” And with that, he rose and left her at the table. He did not touch the bag out on it. Then he plastered on one of his best sexy smiles and grabbed the nearest pretty little blond that looked like she wanted to dance the whole night without a care. Then with a flirty invite, and her agreeable nod, dragged her out onto the dancefloor, leaving Shiress alone at her table.

The woman had no manners. She had no idea how to let a man be a man. And if that’s how she wanted to act, someone else could be her plaything for the night.

Words: 1341

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[Shiress]

Shadekus was so very...infuriating was one word to describe the man, Shiress supposed. Although several other words came to mind as she glared across the table at him, trying to discern if his description of the drug's effect was a true one, not that she need worry about such an effect, or if he was trying to insinuate at his own plans for the night. A tick later, a scowl joined Shiress's glare upon hearing Shade's displeasure with her taking it upon herself to order him a drink.

Gods, she hadn't meant anything by the gesture, but apparently, she had greatly overstepped her place with the man. Again. Why she couldn't just act like a normal person around the handsome Monk, Shiress didn't think she'd ever figure out. One thing was for certain, though, Shiress didn't need Shade to have a fun night.

Plucking the small bag from the table, Shiress slid from the chair and hurried around Shade, effectively cutting short his retreat to the dancefloor, and leaned in close to the man's ear to be heard.

"I apologize that I overstepped my place with the drink, that was not my intention, but know this, Shade," Shiress moved in closer, her lips nearly brushing against Shade's ear, "You can berate me, insult me, deprecate me, and hate me all you want to, but you leave my son out of your barbed judgments."

Shiress stepped back and turned an innocent smile to the pretty blonde still clinging to Shade's arm. That smile turned decidedly predatory when she looked back at Shade, "Don't forget your medicine," Shiress said, shoving the small burlap bag into Shade's chest, possibly with a little more force than what was necessary, and made sure to raise her voice enough that the blonde would hear, "looked like those boils down there were spreading to your balls," she grimaced dramatically, "we don't want a repeat of what happened last time."

Shiress shook her head sadly and glanced at the blonde conspiratorially, "Poor girl complained of burning when she peed for a week. But don't you worry! I'm pretty sure I got the treatment just right this time. You should be good all night!" With that, She wiggled her fingers in a wave and sauntered away.

Skirting the edges of the dancefloor, Shiress made a beeline for the back of the club where the privies and washrooms were located. Once in a private stall, she promptly stuck a finger down her throat until she was sure whatever she had inadvertently taken had made a reappearance. She didn't think whatever the drug was would do her harm, and for what she knew of Shade, the man would have told her if it had been dangerous, but still.

Once her hands were washed and her mouth thoroughly rinsed, Shiress made her way back to the table she had vacated and climbed back into the chair. Pulling the still relatively full goblet of Burning Love from the table, she sipped at the fruity liquid as her gaze roved over the dancefloor. Shade was nowhere in sight, and neither was the woman he had been with.

Maybe her little ruse hadn't worked after all, and the pair had gone straight for a private room. At that thought, an uneasy feeling formed in Shiress's chest that may or may not have been a little niggle of jealousy. Scowling at no one in particular, Shiress gulped at her drink a bit more fervently.

Half a bell later, having managed to nearly drain the fruity beverage, and her body pleasantly warm and skin vibrating as the alcohol worked its way through her senses, Shiress finally felt as if she was just intoxicated enough to lower inhibitions to try her feet at dancing. Lowering herself out of the chair carefully, Shiress crossed the floor to the dancing area.

A brief moment of awkwardness stiffened her limbs before the beat of the drums managed to loosen her muscles. Closing her eyes, Shiress let the music seep into her senses, and her hips began to sway, followed by her upper body. Lifting her arms above her head, she let the beat carry her away. There was nothing graceful to Shiress's movements. They weren't fluid or even steady, but she embraced the music, and the music embraced her as she slowly danced her way around the dancefloor.

By the third time the beat of the music changed, Shiress had danced up against every molded shape and form of the bodies surrounding her, dancing away when touches and curious hands got brave. When the music changed again, it was to a slower beat. When the bodies around her stirred, moving to look for a partner to dance to the slower music with, she was jostled slightly and felt her back press into the hard surface of another. When the body behind her didn't move, Shiress began a slow sway to encourage them to join her. Lifting her arms above her head, she wrapped them around the back of their head, locking her fingers behind their neck, rocking slowly from one foot to the other.

When the music ended, in the quiet that fell between one song and the next, Shiress turned her eyes up to finally see with whom she had shared the dance and froze. Jerking her hands back to her side, Shiress surged away from the man looking down at her and spun to face him, a look of utter shock on her flushed, sweat-sickened face.

"Shade, I'm..I'm sorry, I didn't realize it was you." Shiress stammered, looking around as if in search of someone to save her from the ire the Monk was sure to rain down on her. At this point, she'd have settled for the cute little blonde. Shiress wasn't that drunk, but she was just drunk enough to feel catastrophically bad for what she had done to mess up the man's night, "I..uh," she cleared her throat, pulling strands of hair from her sweaty face, "I...sorry, I'm just gonna go get another drink."

Shiress turned to leave but paused as if to add something else, but, instead, gave Shade a smile that said, 'you know what, never mind. I'm just not that brave right now,' and with a loss for words, pivoted back toward the table.

[Shade]

Shade looked at Shiress with distain at her whispered words of apology and the demand to leave her son out of the situation. Of course, she’d wield Ian like a weapon and tell him to leave Ian out of things. Isn’t that what she did? Leave her son… with babysitters, at school, to half grown children to watch, always away to be raised by others. If anything, he sympathized with Ian more than he did with Shiress having grown up without a mother himself. Ian might as well not have a mother either. Shiress wasn’t involved in Ian’s life as Shade saw it. She spoiled him rotten to the point of ruin, then thrust him off on others when he was inconvenient. He was just an accessory she often had to ‘deal’ with. That act was the act of the privileged and not an act of someone who truly lived for the happiness of their child.

If Shade had a son – was lucky enough for someone to bring forth his offspring into the world – he’d take that son everywhere and make his presence a condition of his actions and part of anything he did. He’d protect him, teach him, and make sure he knew how to stand up to people like Shiress.

Shade met the woman’s eyes and couldn’t see anything in this relationship between them that actually benefited him nor brought him pleasure. The woman wasn’t sweet. She didn’t talk to him openly and honestly. She played these little games instead of outright asking him forthright questions like such as what had the other monks given him. Had she asked, he would have openly told her and offered some to her with instructions on the proper way to use it. But instead, she’d five-fingered the bag off him and stuffed unknown drugs into her mouth. The whole thought of it brought a bitter taste to his tongue that no fruity flaming cocktail would chase away.

He took a deep breath, sighed, and counted to ten again. Shade found himself doing that frequently with this woman.

Shiress tried to dictate any and all of her will on him all the time. And honestly? She came across mean, selfish, and self-absorbed. She wasn’t the kind of woman Shade wanted in his life as a partner, not by a long shot. And he’d long fulfilled his obligation to his brother monk.

The pretty blond on his arm looked uncomfortable and decidedly removed her arm from his as Shiress thrust the bag into Shade’s chest, causing him to reach up and grab at it. She glanced at the bulge I the front of Shade’s pants and retreated further at Shiress’ words. Frowning at Shade, the blond tucked tail and ran, vanishing into the crowd leaving Shade standing where he was torn between chasing after the girl and apologizing on Shiress’ behalf or chasing after Shiress to strangle the bitch. But enough was enough… clearly. This whole thing had gone on too long and now Shiress had taken it too far.

It was then that a hand landed on his shoulder and the turned to see Clue watching him, having overheard the whole thing. The man’s eyes flashed in concern and Shadekas shook his head. “Women are bitches.” Clue said, glancing at Shade and down at his crotch. “You okay?”

Shade shrugged. “No, my junk wasn’t infested with whore boils or anything. She was lying because I told her the Razor she lifted from my pocket that you gave me was dick stiffener. That… was the woman Hadrian wanted me to protect. I’ve stood by her since I met her, helped her out in Syka, and now she’s living in my home and making my life miserable. I really like Syka, brother, but its not Nyka and its doesn’t have you guys.” He said, his eyes wide and stormy. Clue nodded.

“Damion and Ripper are at the bar. They serve two types of drinks here. That flaming thing that might as well be cow piss and something else. Let me buy you the other kind and you can tell us about what’s been happening to you. We went to Ripper’s meeting which is why we had to go, but headed right back here afterwards, hoping you’d still be around.” The pair left to join the other two at the bar.

“He needs a Mohorovicic Discontinuity.” Clue said to the bartender, who immediately offered one up to Shade. Shade tentatively took a sip, smiled, and downed the whole entire thing. The trio of monks talked for a bit longer, all of them taking advantage of the strange drinks. Shadekas took advantage of the drink, letting it relax him and give him a pleasant buzz. It did as advertised, removing his troubles and his stresses, until he found himself swept out onto the dance floor by his fellow Monks. They fought together, drank together, and had no qualms dancing together. Ladies came and went, joining them and parting ways, while the Monks took advantage of the atmosphere and let the world vanish around them in a brief respite.

Ripper was the best dancer of the quartet. Clue had the most fun, reeling in women and sending them off with practiced ease. Damion was the dark broody one that drew all the women that liked the bad boys. Shade had the easy smile and pretty face of the guy next door that was as harmless as the day was long. They had fun, relaxed, and blew off all the steam that had been building within them. That was the beautiful thing of Aftermath. That was why it was there. Shade threw his head up and laughed when the ceiling turned to a lightening struck sky with patches of stars and a glorious glowing Leth that played hide-and-seek through the swiftly moving illusional clouds.

Three ladies, four… maybe ten. Shade lost count of how many he danced with, sometimes trading the women for the men and even dancing with his brothers-in-arms. He enjoyed himself, relaxed now, happy. He had his arms around Ripper at one point, grinding pelvis to pelvis and loving the feel of the hard body against his. Clue kissed him once, and he only smiled at the Monk he’d known his whole life. He’d missed this companionship, the men in his life… his brothers. He needed to come see them more often and said so, making plans to meet regularly either here or at other places at The Outpost.

He’d just released a dark-haired beauty when a woman he did not want to dance with decided she was his partner. Gritting his teeth he didn’t want to be rude, but he quietly tried to pass her to Ripper then Clue, but both men blocked his action by grabbing a different woman and spinning away. Shiress finally realized who her partner was and stammered something that he didn’t hear. She said something else the music stole and slipped away.

Petch it all. The music paused as musicians traded places, giving each other a break, and the atmosphere changed. Shade followed Shiress to the table then, the trio of monks at his back, ready to provide backup. He paused at where she was sitting and stood there a moment before he shook his head.

“I don’t think it’s a good idea that you live with me anymore, Shiress. I’ll give you a few days to move into a bungalow or back to The Protea. I’m done being your tool and being treated like shyte by you. Take your son with you, because I'm not a babysitter for either of you. I’ve fulfilled my obligations to Hadrian. My debt is paid.” He said firmly, glancing over at the trio behind him. They all nodded in agreement. In fact, it had been Ripper’s idea. Shade needed his own space. He was done with Shiress bullying him, dictating his actions, and he certainly wanted nothing to do with her version of parenting.

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[Shiress]

Shiress's wide eyes bounced between Shade and the men standing at his back, heart thudding behind her ribs.

Was Shade serious? Was he really kicking her out of their home? His home?

Of all the things Shiress may have thought the Monk would say or do in retaliation, this hadn't even registered as a possibility. Though, when she thought about it, it should have been at the forefront of what would eventually happen to her. Didn't it always? But to do this to her with an audience? That, Shiress thought, was even cruel for Shade.

Shame and embarrassment washed over Shiress as tears sprang unbidden to her eyes. She met Shade's gaze with a shaky nod of her head and whispered, "okay," then slid from the chair, managing to make it to the exit of Aftermath before hot tears of shame and self-reproach fell down her cheeks.

Once back in Syka, Shiress collected Ian from Lexi and made her way back to the house that once felt like home. Now though, as she and Ian passed through the doorway, her place in this house suddenly felt alien, like she didn't belong. She felt like a visitor that had used up all their welcome.

Leaving Ian to play with a pile of toys in front of the couch in the sitting room, Shiress washed up and changed into comfortable clothes; baggy knee-length pants and a soft cotton tunic that she thought was as nearly old as she was. Brushing back her tangle of long, damp hair into a ponytail, Shiress patted barefoot back out into the sitting room.

After a time of looking around the open area as if she didn't know what to do, Shiress drew in a long breath and began collecting what little of her and her son's belongings she would leave with. Clothes mainly and a few trinkets here and there, but in the end, it wasn't much more than what she had arrived in Syka with. Once the handful of bags was piled neatly by the door for an early morning exit, the night had lengthened, and the house around her was quiet and dimly lit by a small candle on a side table. Shiress crossed the floor to the couch and curled up into one corner, watching Ian play as her mind wandered back to where things had gone so very wrong.

A short time later, a sleepy Ian abandoned his animals to climb up on the couch to join his mother. Shiress blew out the candle, dousing the room in darkness. Pulling her little boy close, she closed her eyes for what was supposed to be only a moment and drifted to sleep.

The room had darkened even further, and the early morning air had cooled when soft footsteps awoke Shiress. Thick silvery beams of light cut through the windows, giving a silhouetted shape to the man crossing the floor. Gently extracting herself from the little boy curled around her, Shiress rose from the couch, taking a soft step in the direction Shade was heading before calling out to him.

"Shade, can we talk, please," Shiress asked, voice low. She had no idea if the man was sober or drunk off his arse and wouldn't remember a word that was said come the morning, but he was alone, as far as Shiress could tell, and she wanted needed to at least try to get him to listen.

"I'm not going to ask or beg for you to change your mind," she added quickly, lifting a placating hand before motioning to the bags sitting ready by the door, "Ian and I will be leaving in the morning, I just...I was hoping we could talk. Or if you don't want to talk, if you'll just listen to what I have to say?"

Lighting a candle, Shiress placed it near the center of the kitchen table, then motioned to the empty chair, "Please? Just five chimes are all I need. I'll go to bed and be gone by the time you wake up. You don't even have to say a word, just listen."

Shiress lowered herself into the chair opposite the one she had indicated for Shade, candlelight casting her features into soft shadow, and began speaking in the quiet of Shade's indecision.

"When I first thought about this conversation, I tried to come up with apologies, excuses, and blame, but the more I thought about it, the more I thought of you, the more I realized that I needed your understanding almost as much as your forgiveness. So, I decided to start by trying to explain something that I'm still working out myself."

Pulling loose strands of hair behind an ear, Shiress cleared her throat and met Shade's gaze, "Since I was fourteen, the only people in my lives have been masters, owners, and slavers. Even Ian's father was my master for a time before he freed me. I've never had a protector in my life, not even my parents were the protectors they should have been. I'm not even sure I know what a true protector is, much less being able to appreciate what having a protector means."

"When I left Zeltiva, I didn't ask for a protector, I was told that there would be one here waiting to take on that role, and I was just as blindsided by that as you were." Shiress paused, looking pensive, "The day I walked off the ship and set foot into Syka, I was haunted, confused, and scared. Not the best first impression, and that impression was unrepairable once you lost the ability to speak common. Since that day, I feel as if all you've done is mistrusted me, misjudged me, treated me with suspicion and disdain, offering nothing but insults and hurtful opinions. But, looking back now, I see that I have done absolutely nothing to change your opinion of me or better myself in your eyes. I've only made it worse, treated you worse. For that, Shade, I'm truly sorry."

Shiress's hands moved as if to touch Shade, but stopped short, fingers entwining against the tabletop instead, "Thank you, Shade, for being there the day I arrived. Thank you for watching over Ian and me for the last two seasons. Thank you for giving us the chance to have a home," Shiress's gaze became sincere as she added, "Thank you for trying even when you didn't have to, and when I didn't deserve it," a small, knowing smile hinted at her lips, "Thank you, also, for watching Ian when I left for Sunberth on a journey that, at the time, I thought was gallant, but may have proven foolhardy instead," she shook her head, sitting back against the chair, and let out a breath, looking thoughtful.

"Since the day that Ian was born, it's just been him and me twenty-four bells a day, season after season. What you take as me pawning off my son, I take as a healthy respite. For both of us. Ian needs time away from me just as much as I need time to myself. It's only ever been me as Ian's sole caregiver with no one else to help care for him. I hope you understand one day that the handful of times that you and I have gone out without Ian, or the other times that I've allowed someone to watch Ian, wasn't malicious. It wasn't me trying to get away from my son. It was me taking time away from being a mother to being a woman, even just for a few bells. I love Ian with all my heart, and there is nothing, absolutely nothing, that I wouldn't do for him. I'd lay my life down for my son, and I hope one day you can see that."

Behind them, as if hearing his name, Ian stirred and sat up, fingers rubbing sleepily at his eye. Looking over her shoulder, Shiress smiled before turning her gaze back to Shade, "I need to put him in bed," she said, standing, letting her gaze linger on the man just a tick, before adding, "Thank you for everything you have done, Shade, and I'm sorry that I have mistreated you and failed in showing you the gratitude and appreciation that you deserve. If you need anything or want to talk more, I'll just be in Ian's room." Shiress smiled sadly, turned, then made her way to the couch, pulled Ian into her arms, and disappeared into the darkness of the house.

[Shade]

He wasn’t going to let wide eyes and unshed tears evident in a woman’s eyes sway him. He felt she’d made her bed and overstayed her welcome even though he’d tried to do the right thing over and over. The truth was he didn’t like the way she treated him and everyone around her, especially her son. She was in her thirties, and had no more excuses of age, inexperience, or others controlling her life to fall back on. He meant what he said, even as the men behind him frowned at the harshness of his tone. It wasn’t like him, not at all, but then again, he’d had a big life change and moved to a different part of the world where things were evidently different.

She left, as he hoped she would, walking out stiffly with her head held high. Ripper moved to Shade’s side and frowned. “Did you just toss a woman with a young child out on the streets alone?” He asked, judgement in his tone. Shade sighed, shook his head, and met Ripper’s gaze.

“Syka isn’t Nyka. If it was and I did that, she’d be dead within a few bells or someone’s slave. In Syka, things are different. She can move right in to pre-built housing and there’s food literally everywhere so she won’t starve. That woman, for The God’s sake, is a doctor. I have yet to see her act like one. I don’t go to work with her though, so maybe there she’s a different person. But the person she shows me is a pigheaded entitled bully that takes advantage of everything and honestly treats me like an accessory in her life. I don’t need it.” He said, shaking his head.

“Well, that’s a first.” Clue said, slapping Shade on the back and gesturing at the dancefloor. “Let’s dance. It’s not often we get to see you and there’s no need to let a woman ruin our fun.” He added then gestured at the bar. “Want anything?” He asked, intending to go back for another Mojo.

Shade shook his head. “No… one’s enough. But you are right about the dancing. And the women… Gods they are pretty here.” He said, laughing and letting Damion lead them back out onto the dancefloor and back into the main crowd. Odds are they’d pick up a woman to share or a trio of girlfriends and find a nice room somewhere to wile the evening away when they got tired of dancing. Gods knew they needed it. So, it would be late into the evening before Shade passed back through the Dovecote and returned home.

Shiress was there, of course, having not left yet. That was a disappointment. He half hoped she’d be gone by the time he got home. The bungalows were literally less than a twenty chime walk away and she had very little stuff to carry. She probably expected him to pack it over for her in the morning, he decided, glancing uncharitably at the pile by the door.

Figured.

He’d have to move the stuff himself, but that was fine. Her little boy would probably expect to be carried and Shiress wouldn’t want to make multiple trips. He’d see to it in the morning. But looking on the bright side, it would ensure she’d be planted elsewhere other than in his home. He could even rent out the other rooms if he had a mind too, though the idea of living alone was appealing after being forced to live with someone he didn’t particularly like.

Shiress didn’t give him a chance to say no, petch no, or get the hell out before she was pointing at a chair and expecting him to sit. This was exactly the kind of thing he had issues with. She was bossy without having earned the right to be… and despite the guise of ‘wanting to talk’ she probably just had another soapbox she wanted to drag out and hammer him with how hard her life had been. The woman didn’t know the first thing about hard. Shade thought as he resentfully sat where she pointed, wanting to just get this over with. He remained quiet, brooding over the very fact this was the exact reason why they weren’t getting along. She thought she ASKED but in reality, she ordered and expected compliance like he was no older than Ian. She told her son please too, but then expected him to conform. And despite her claim otherwise, she took more than the promised five chimes to speak her piece.

SHE NEEDED HIS UNDERSTANDING? That was precious. Why in the petch would she need that? He understood perfectly well enough. She was bitchy, self-absorbed and didn’t practice what she preached.

Shade remained politely quiet, listening, though not wanting to really hear what she had to say. He was afraid if he opened his mouth he’d do more damage than was already done.

Then she switched to their very brief history as protector and protected. Oh yea? She didn’t know what a protector meant? Did it have to be spelled out? It wasn’t even as if she’d listen to anything he said anyhow. She’d do her own thing in her own way every time. Okay… well he was probably as bad at being one as she was at having one. She wanted him to shut up and play nice, fall down on his knees for her, and demanded respect when none was earned? This talk was just pissing him off even more than he already was. Shade felt he had actually given her a lot of trust, inviting her into his home, respected her by declining her offer to share a bed at the Inn, and didn’t remember offering insults and hurtful opinions. That was fine though… if she took what he said as hurtful insulting, he’d keep his mouth shut. Hadn’t he all spring?

Then she moved to touch him… his hands at least. If the woman touched him, he’d lose his already frayed temper. That was all there was to it. He was glad she pulled up short, rethought her actions and backed up. He hadn’t given her the freedom of being handsy to his person and he was thankful for that. If she took liberties with him, it would be more than he could take. He’d had enough of that as a child on their own. And for a moment, he was glad they’d been at Aftermath. If he hadn’t blown off serious steam and let his emotions run their course through dancing, he’d probably do something he’d never done in his life.

He refocused on what she was saying… not drunk but wishing suddenly he was. He’d turned down the opportunity to lose himself for a while in a sweet little redheaded Inartian, and now he regretted it. If he had lingered, maybe he would have missed this little “why I’m the way I am” talk with Shiress. What was she saying now? Did it matter? Did her words change anything? Did she think she was the only one with a hard life? He didn’t have parents. The Aperture killed them when he was still young. She had no concept of his life, what he’d been through, and he didn’t want to know about hers. He didn’t like comparing and determining who had was the most underprivileged. He’d crawled out of his hole and made something of himself. She had as well. Good on her. But they didn’t need to share. That time had long come and gone. He’d missed out on the thrill of meeting a new woman who was beautiful and intriguing in exchange for one that had beat the shit out of herself daily, lost weight like idiots in Nyka lost coin, and walked around like a wraith without telling anyone what was really going on.

Some protector he’d turned out to be. Shiress would always be a failed attempt in his mind, but if he had to fail someone, at least it was someone like her.

He narrowed his eyes at her thanks, always suspicious. Life had taught him about women and what they did and the lengths they went to when they needed something or wanted something they actually didn’t need. Women, in his experience, were manipulative and yanked at heart strings in men who were weak. Shade didn’t want a weakness like Shiress… a button anyone could push and one she did routinely with the ‘feel sorry for me’ talk. Sure, it was sugar coated in thank yous but it was a lot too late and far too many monsters had flown from the pit of his heart unguarded while she’d been busy being a full throttle shrew.

And now it was all about Ian. Ian wasn’t safe with the monkey, but it was a talk he’d already had with her and one she’d ignored as far as he knew. If she was the woman she said she was, as protective as she claimed she was… as loving as a mother, that creature wouldn’t have been with Ian five chimes let alone all this time. And anyhow, Ian wasn’t his business. The boy had no ties to Shade and Shade needed to keep it that way with Rhysol’s little monkey following Ian around and kicking anyone’s ass that bothered the child. Shiress was in for a big surprise the first time the boy was displeased with her and let it be known while the monkey was around. Shade had no idea what would happen the first time that boy was in a scuffle like boys got into and that monkey killed another child defending the boy. But she probably thought it was cute, safe, and a wonderful gift from a god everyone knew as chaotic and evil.

She’d only ever been Ian’s sole caregiver? Okay. Fine. She’d left her son with him without asking. She’d just left. And when a woman got pregnant, wasn’t that their responsibility? Shade had never asked about Ian’s father. It wasn’t his business. And he wasn’t sure Shiress would tell him anyhow. And he certainly wasn’t applying for the job.

He didn’t see it… not at all. Her words didn’t match her actions in what he’d seen. Shade would have been perfectly willing to plan outings with the pair of them, include the boy in their doings, but Shiress always had him squirreled away with one of the older children or whomever was watching the kids. He knew what it felt like to be unwanted, placed in the care of people that would rather be doing anything but caring for a child. He’d much rather do fun things that included the boy and kept a smile on the boy’s face rather than have him and the boys mother go off alone. But Shade reminded himself repeatedly it was none of his business and that he needed to think about other things.

What Shiress didn’t understand, though, was that men that were looking to settle down and start a family were always watching women. Pretty meant little to him, even though Shiress was a beauty. He’d rather a soft, gentle ugly woman that would actually do what she was saying… treat their kids like they were the most important things in the world… than women who were beautiful and self-absorbed in their own pain and their own needs. He wanted to be treated like he was the most important thing in the world too, everyone did. Shiress didn’t tick any of those boxes. She often had pleaded, like now, that she was a certain way, but he didn’t see it. And he didn’t take the gratitude as sincere because she’d never actually shown gratitude other than play lip service to it like she was doing now.

So Shade said nothing, only nodded, when Shiress left to put Ian to bed. She wanted him to go up, plead his case, ask her to stay, and tell her she was the best mother in the world. He refused to do it until she was actually being the best mother in the world. There were things she needed to do in his eyes before that happened. But he wasn’t about to tell her what those things were. One didn’t beat a dead horse or point out the obvious.

Instead, he washed up the kitchen, putting things that he’d left out earlier to right. Then after a while, he went up to take his own rest. He figured Shiress would either be here in the morning when he got up or she’d already be gone like she said. He was tired of fighting, of walking around on eggshells, and tired of not being what she seemed to need him to be.

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