OOM: Storm Prep

[latino_menace]

Fiona's been outside all morning. She'd said something about the impending hurricane but he was still in bed at the time and half-asleep and it hadn't really registered. Now it's a few hours later and there have been various bumping and banging noises from the back of the house which he's been trying to ignore. It's starting to get on his nerves though, especially as something in his mind keeps telling him that she'll probably be pissed if he doesn't at least take an interest in what's going on, seeing as it's his house and everything.

Besides, it's hot out there and she could probably use a drink. So he wanders out eventually, carrying two long, cool glasses, wearing, as usual, just shorts and shades.

'What're you doing?'

Comments

[justcallmefee]

Even with the heavy cloud cover from the impending storm, it's blistering hot outside. She's wearing a wife beater and cutoffs, a leather tool belt with her drill hanging off one hip and her hands encased in worn leather work gloves. There's a streak of dirt across her cheek and even with a bandana to keep her hair out of her eyes, she still has to reach up and wipe the sweat away from her brow.

Most of the storm shutters have come down with no trouble at all. All the deck furniture has been secured and she's boarded up the glass partition around the pool and jacuzzi so a stray branch doesn't take one of them out. He may have noticed the house getting darker as she drops the shutters and screws them into place.

"Almost done," she sighs, turning to face him. The cold drink gets a very grateful look, and she leans in to brush a kiss against his cheek before she takes hers and drinks it half way down in one go.

She sighs and leans against the deck rail, pointing to the dark wall of clouds to the north. "That is not going to wait around until we're ready for it."

[latino_menace]

He looks up at them, completely relaxed about it.

'Are we going to have to sit in the dark until it's gone?'

Boring! He'd suggest going back to the bar but that's stupid, because it'll just be waiting for him when he comes back.

[justcallmefee]

She looks across at him, leaning one hip against the rail, sipping her drink.

"There's always lanterns. Candles, even. Could be -- romantic."

Sitting around in the dark doesn't sound so bad to her, not with the storm raging outside.

[latino_menace]

'Yes, well, I am known for my romantic side.'

He doesn't roll his eyes but the action is implicit in the amused tone to his voice and the way he's looking at her. And then he looks around.

'Are there any chairs left to sit on?'

[justcallmefee]

She has the notion that he can be romantic when he wants to be. When it suits his mood, surely.

"Sorry, no. It's all secured so the wind doesn't pick it up and slam it into the side of the house. Have you seen to the boat yet?"

[latino_menace]

'No.'

Again, unconcerned. Those clouds look a long way away and he feels lazy at the moment. Besides, she'll no doubt do it for him if he doesn't get around to it.

'How long until it hits?'

[justcallmefee]

"First big winds are supposed to start around sunset, so you've got some time. I don't do boats, so you're on your own for that. And if it gets smashed up, and the dock too, I will pout." She holds up a finger and pokes him in the chest, the gesture purely playful.

"What have you been up to, hmm?"

[latino_menace]

'Oh no. Pouting,' he deadpans back, before flashing her a grin and taking a drink. Then he wanders over to the steps and sits down, enjoying the heat.

'Nothing. Read the paper. Jerked off. Had a shower. Listening to you work tired me out.'

[justcallmefee]

She joins him, tugging off her gloves and laying back until she's sprawled on the warm boards, hands over her head. She's been up since dawn and she's knackered.

"I'd apologise but I'm not sorry. I rather like this little place and would like to see it survive a direct hit."

Her thigh comes to rest against his, and she lets out a deep sigh.

[latino_menace]

'It's a house. I'm pretty sure it can survive some weather.'

They must be all built to withstand this sort of thing, he's sure. Not the poor people's shacks, obviously, but places like this, yeah.

[justcallmefee]

"Well, yes. If you put the storm shutters down. At least we're not humping plywood in here like the rest of the main land."

A question occurs to her and she rolls her head to look at him.

"Have you ever been in a hurricane before?"

[latino_menace]

'Not outright exposed, like here. I've been in a hotel in Miami when there was one, and another in Mexico.'

He shrugs, indicating that they were no great shakes. Of course he's seen how bad damage can be on the television but somehow can't envision himself getting caught up in one that big. Or having anything damaged from it.

[justcallmefee]

She hums a little, watching the dark clouds scud over head. "I hope this one isn't as bad as they say it'll be. I mean, we're elevated, so we don't have to worry about flooding at least."

"I'm sure we'll be fine."

Her voice says she's not entirely sure about that.

[latino_menace]

'Why not? I thought you liked storms.'

She'd certainly seemed like she was looking forward to this the other day.

[justcallmefee]

"I do like storms. I like the idea of having mad, passionate sex with you during a storm. The idea of dodging flying debris while doing so is less of a turn on. So as long as the roof stays on, we're good."

[latino_menace]

He chuckles and leans back on his elbows, looking up towards the sun.

'I told you, I jerked off. I might not be in the mood, tonight.'

What are the odds?

'Don't worry about the roof, it'll be fine. Just relax.'

[justcallmefee]

She glances over at him, shaking her head as she smiles.

One hand reaches out and plucks at the hem of his shorts.

"Caro."

[latino_menace]

He looks over at her, his head rolling on his neck so that no other part of him has to move.

'Yeah?'

[justcallmefee]

She wants to tell him what Guppy told her, but he looks so relaxed here. She's sweaty, and dirty, and tired, and she really doesn't want to fight about this again.

"We should get a picnic basket from the bar, for dinner by candlelight."

Maybe she'll work up the nerve to tell him later. Right now she just wants it to go back to being simple between them. (If it ever was.)

[latino_menace]

He shrugs, as unconcerned about food as ever.

'If you like. The power might not go out at all, you know.'

He thinks he has more faith in this house than she does.

'Can't hurt to be prepared, I suppose.'

[justcallmefee]

"No. No it can't."

She sighs and stares up the sky again. She's trying really hard to feel some connection between them. Any connection, really. But since the argument about her having his child, things have been really strange and awkward between them. And that's not what she wants at all.

"I have another eight panels to go before I'm done, and then I want a shower and a nap, I think."

[latino_menace]

'Alright.'

It feels strange to him too but he knows why. He knows it comes from him and he can't, or won't, change it.

She knows what he wants, the ball's in her court.

'I'll tie the boat up while you sleep.'

[justcallmefee]

She pushes up to her feet and slips her gloves on again, kneeling briefly between his knees. One gloved hand skims down his chest and she can't help but lean in to steal a kiss.

"Then come find me, hmm?"

She wants it too. She just wants him more.

[latino_menace]

He lets her kiss him, reciprocates easily, as always.

'I'll wake you up when it's time for dinner.'

He'll even go get stuff from Bar.

[justcallmefee]

She brushes her nose along his cheek, nodding gently.

"See you then."

And then she's off again, determined to get done before the storm hits. It's already making her skin itch, and her jaw ache. She wants the work behind her so the real fun can start.

~~~

Later finds her standing under the hot water, washing away all the grime and muck from her skin. The house is secured, as best she can. The wind is already starting to pick up. She can hear the first rain drops starting to fall on the skylights over head. The interior of the house is dimmed, just a few lights on here and there.

She dries off and lays down on the bed, wondering if he's back yet.

[latino_menace]

He gets back eventually, soaked through and a bit grimy from ropes and tarpaulin. There's a red patch on one side of his stomach from where a rope pulled across him as the wind shifted the boat unexpectedly but he pays it no mind. He'd been planning on going to the bar for dinner first but he doesn't want to go in like this, so he wanders through their room to get to the shower.

'Go back to sleep, I'm just having a shower.'

[justcallmefee]

She murmurs and nods, not at all sleepy now. Ideas are forming in her head. While he's in the shower, she fumbles in the nightstand drawer for a pair of handcuffs and a few scarves.

When he emerges from the shower, she's resting in the middle of the bed, hands over her head, sheet up around her chin. Closer examination reveals that she's wearing a blindfold and her wrists are held by the padded handcuffs she brought back a few weeks ago.

She can't help but chew on her lower lip as she waits for him to take notice.

[latino_menace]

He stands over her, wearing just a pair of unbuttoned jeans, towelling his hair. Part of him wants to just go for it, the rest of him just feels...detached.

So he sighs and sits down next to her, reaches up and unfastens the handcuffs, then pulls the blindfold up.

'Not tonight, Fi. Not like this.'

[justcallmefee]

Her eyes open wide and she just looks into his face. The world has just shifted beneath her feet.

A million questions, a million fears dance up in the back of her mind. She feels more naked now that she did just a moment before.

"What's wrong?"

[latino_menace]

'Nothing.'

He leans down and plants a small kiss on her cheek, then stands up.

'I told you, I jerked off. I'm not in the mood yet. And I still have to get dinner from the bar in case the lights go out.'

[justcallmefee]

She touches his arm before he gets too far.

"Ramon. Please." She has to wriggle a bit because she'd tied her ankles as well, and that takes some work to get free.

"Hold on. Let me get my clothes on and I'll go with you. Please."

[latino_menace]

'Alright.'

He's wondering why he doesn't have his mouth on her tits right now and can't come up with any good answer. The truth is...he's just not in the mood. So he finds a shirt instead and buttons himself into it, followed by shoes and socks while he waits for her to get dressed.

[justcallmefee]

There's a wash of relief when he doesn't try to dissuade her from joining him. At least he doesn't have a rendezvous planned with someone at the bar.

She can work with that.

She slips into a long white sun dress that flows down to her ankles, and pulls her hair back into a knot at the base of her skull. She doesn't even bother with shoes.

She's done almost at the same time he is and she holds out a hand to him.

[latino_menace]

Which he takes, and leads her towards the door to the bar without comment.

He knows she's going to get pissed if he stays distant but he can't seem to help it and anyway, if she pushes him then maybe she'll be able to break through the wall he can't help building. He knows he can't or, maybe, it's just that he's not inclined to try right now.