Haunted Past

Ok, here's the third chapter... i hope you guys enjoy this and thanks for the reviews i've gotten so far! Anyway read and enjoy!

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Slowly she began to come back to consciousness, not completely sure of where she was. Last thing she could remember was Hugue and… their activities. That and of being outside. It was hot outside, she wasn’t hot anymore. Why?

Opening her eyes she took in her surroundings. She was in her room, and water was running. She sat up quickly to look around and try to locate her lover which wasn’t a good idea. The room began to spin and as she attempted to get off of the bed the floor came up to meet her as she fell.

Hugue heard a muffled curse from the bathroom and quickly shut off the running water and rung out the wash cloth he had gone to retrieve. Exiting out of the bathroom he stopped and saw Nora face down on the floor. Her blonde head slowly looked up and as she caught sight of him she merely smiled up at him from her position and began to laugh. Evidently she had given up on getting off of the floor.

Silently he walked to her and helped her up so she could sit on the edge of the bed. Without a word he began to unbutton her dress so he could get her cooled off. Obviously she had been out in the heat far too long and it had taken its toll. Not only that but what he had done hadn’t helped her. His irritation was evident as he began wiping her down. He couldn’t believe he had been so careless, and why in the hell hadn’t Leon been outside? Dandelion was going to be hearing about this, and when he was through his old partner would not be in a good mood.

The feel of the cool air hitting her skin was wonderful and slowly she leaned her head forward to rest on Hugue’s shoulder. The room was still moving just a little and she needed a bit of stability. The afterglow was severely ruined however when she noticed his demeanor had changed completely. He was frowning, but it wasn’t his usual frown, he was disappointed. Most people could never tell the difference, but she could. This one was deeper than usual.

Without thinking she pulled back from him, tottering a bit and he had to steady her once more. He always did this. She should’ve given up long ago, but she just couldn’t. She didn’t want him to feel guilty. Before he could stop her she leaned forward and pressed a kiss to his mouth.

“Stop it.” She murmured against his lips, opening her eyes to gaze deeply into his. He was challenging her but she would have none of it. “Hugue, please. I’ve been outside all day, it was bound to happen. Besides, I needed a bit of a nap.”

That got a smile out of him and he kissed her in return. She was always trying to soothe him when he became irritated. He knew he shouldn’t get so upset anymore, but it was hard to break old habits. He wasn’t capable of everything, and she had proved that. She wasn’t controllable, and while he loved that quality, it was still something to get used to. She wasn’t an object though, and slowly he was becoming accustomed to her ways.

“You’re sure you’re ok?” He asked, running the cool cloth over her exposed chest and neck. She merely nodded, enjoying his attentions. He always did take such good care of her.

“Why do you take such good care of me?”
“Someone has to.” He whispered, laying tender kisses against the skin he had uncovered. He let his head rest against her chest, listening to her heart beat. Lovingly she pressed her cheek to the top of his head and slowly she ran her fingers through his long golden hair, holding him to her body. Sometimes this was all the closeness he ever longed for. Yes, he enjoyed their physical moments, but he almost preferred this more. He could feel all tension leave his body. The feel of her surrounding him, just holding him or him holding her was wonderful. They didn’t even need to speak; just the other person’s presence was enough. Sometimes it scared him to think that he was so, what was the word that Abel had used… mushy. But that was ok, it’s not like he ever had to tell anyone he thought, smiling to himself. And if Nightroad ever went spreading it around he’d silence him. His grin only widened at the thought of the bumbling priest running from him.

“How was the mission?”

“Successful.”

“You know why she asked for you specifically.”

“No.”

Without a word he disengaged himself from her body and stood. He held his hands out to her and she took them willingly. Pulling her to his body he felt her mold against him, wrapping her arms around his waist. He didn’t want to discuss his thoughts on the Duchess right now, for now his only desire was to hold his lover.

“How about a nap?” He murmured against her hair. A nod was her only reply.

Neither of them spoke as he guided her to the bed and together they climbed upon it. Wrapping his arms around her waist the held her against his strong frame and together they fell asleep. Both of them needed the rest.

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She simply couldn’t contain the smile that came upon her face. There were quite a few trees outside of her window and the tint was a wonderful touch. However, she still saw Nora pulled into the bushes and she watched as Hugue had left them carrying the exhausted woman in his arms.

The sun had gotten to her. Not surprising. Most likely a certain activity had taken quite its toll as well. So it was true, the famed swordsman called Sword Dancer had fallen in love. This could put a damper on things, but she could make it work for her advantage. The Cardinal would most likely be unpleased with her proposal, but she could offer complete allegiance to the Vatican if she complied with her wishes.

Tonight wasn’t the night though. In a few days she would talk with the Cardinal, but for today and tomorrow she wished to get to know the members of the famed AX who had taken such wonderful care of her closest friends. Thanks to the Vatican several important members of the court had been saved from annihilation. She wanted to show her gratitude for their excellent work.

But again, tonight wasn’t the night. Father Havel had informed her that there would be a dinner and official meeting of the rest of the team this evening. She was looking forward to it.

Turning from the window she walked back towards the bathroom for her girls to prepare her for the evening. She was dressed in her finest. It was her white silk dress with a rounded collar and long sleeves that slit to her elbows. Her hair was pulled back into a loose elegant bun, her face was left unshielded. As soon as she was ready she informed one of the girls to address the guards to inform the Cardinal she was rested and ready.

In no time Father Havel was at her door and she was escorted to the gathering hall to dine with the AX team.

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The sun had gone down a while after Hugue woke up. He wasn’t sure if anything was happening this evening or not with the Duchess, but most likely there was. He didn’t have the heart though to wake the woman slumbering against his chest.

Her soft hands were clutching his shirt as she slept, making sure he couldn’t move away from her. Smiling down at the beauty he currently watched he let his hand stroke her hair off of her face. How anyone could be this innocent when they were sleeping was beyond him, but she managed it. Yes, it was true, he really was turning soft. The thought would’ve sickened him months ago, but after the six months he and Nora had spent together, it really didn’t bother him anymore.

A soft knock came at her door suddenly, startling the swordsman and quickly he looked to see if Nora had been disturbed. She still clutched at him in her sleep; the disturbance only seemed to make her burrow in closer to him. Reluctantly he pulled her hands from his shirt gently and got off the bed to regard whoever was outside.

Silently he moved to the door and opened it only far enough to gaze out. It was Abel. A goofy grin came over his face as Hugue’s gaze finally fell into his own. A frown was his only reply.

“Oh Father Hugue, I didn’t realize that you would be in there. Is Sister Nora feeling well. Leon had said that she seemed a bit disoriented today.”

“No, I have been keeping an eye on her.” Sometimes he made it too easy. A perfect out, he almost rolled his eyes at the stupidity of the man in front of the door. For god’s sake he had almost caught them numerous times. Come to think of it… how did he not know? Or maybe he was just ignoring it, which was just fine. Oh well, no since in pondering on it too much. Why worry about something that didn’t seem to be a big priority to anyone else.

“Oh good. Well, the Duchess has left her chambers and we’re all required for dinner with her. Will Nora be good enough to accompany us all?” He asked, leaning forward attempting to gaze in Nora’s room. Hugue didn’t really appreciate that.

“Yes, I’ll wake her. We’ll meet you there Father Nightroad.” And with that the door shut promptly in Abel’s face, knocking him onto the ground. Hugue heard a muffled scream and he couldn’t help but let out a little chuckle at the thought of the clumsy priest falling down. It was one thing to ignore what was happening, but being nosey was another. Don’t pretend nothing’s happening and then try to get a look at it.

Sighing he stopped at the foot of the bed glancing down at Nora’s sleeping body. She really had worn herself out these past few weeks. She usually never napped and when she did it was never this sound. Crawling up the bed he rested over her, laying down slowly atop her body.

Waking her up this way always produced pleasant results. She didn’t stir as he settled fully upon her, and worry began to creep over him. The body beneath him was motionless, she felt like ice.
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She could feel him settling over her, but somehow she couldn’t wake up to him. Her body was cold and the scenes flashing before her eyes continued to haunt her. This time they were more vivid, but still she couldn’t see faces. It had started after Hugue had left, but now it was stronger and harder to wake up.

He began to nuzzle at her and distantly his voice called to her, trying to prompt her from her slumber. Desperately she tried to heed him, but she couldn’t wake up. He seemed so far away, and even though his body was warm on hers it felt like there was so much between them.

“Hugue… help” she screamed, though all he heard was a whisper and suddenly she felt his hands on her face. Instantly everything stopped and her eyes shot open to stare up at him the warmth in his touch immediately pulling the cold from her stiff body.

Worry was etched all over his face, his normal frown deeper than usual. She wasn’t focused yet and unsteadily she leaned toward him, the need to be near him overwhelming to her as she placed a kiss partly on his lips. In that instant her head began to throb and all the sudden the room began to spin around her. A groan left her as she laid back down closing her eyes to him in an attempt to stop the motions her body felt burdened with.

“What happened?” He murmured, placing gentle kisses against her face, stroking her arms attempting to warm her cold flesh. “You’re freezing, what happened Nora?”

“I don’t know. Bad dream.” She murmured, feeling the tears let loose as she turned her face from him, desperate to hide. She had had these dreams long ago and now they were coming back. Why? Only when she was happy did her nightmares seem to haunt her. Then tragedy always accompanied them. What if…

“Nora. Nora look at me.” He whispered to her, pushing her face to look at him with his fingertips. “How long.”

“Since you left.” Her crying intensified at the look that crossed his face. He always felt so guilty when he left her and something happened. She was always causing him so much stress… why… why did he stay?

“Stop that.”

His words were harsh, but loving, and immediately she stopped sobbing and looked up into his warm gaze, her tears continuing to trail down her face. Her lover knew her well, he knew exactly what she was thinking and he would have none of it tonight. Her eyes were wide with unshed tears as she regarded him and slowly a smile curved his soft lips. What a perfect pair, feeling guilty together.

A smile came to her as his lips connected with hers. The tension eased from her body as he kissed her tears away, continuing to stroke her arms to warm them.

“That’s better.” A nod was his only response.

“Do you want to talk about it?”
“No. Not right now.”

“Ok.” He murmured, rolling off of her and pulling her flush against his chest. They laid that way for a few moments, Hugue allowing her to regain her strength. The comfort of his arms was all she seemed to need though. She felt better already. Tonight was another story however. He was on duty and wouldn’t be able to come to her until well after midnight. Oh well, perhaps she could wait up for him. Exhaustion had settled in, but the desire to sleep was long gone. Staying awake for him wouldn’t be that big of a task.

“Will you come here when you’re done with duty?”

Smiling gently at her he nodded his reply, kissing the top of her head lovingly before climbing off the bed to get ready. Offering her his hand she took it and allowed herself to be pulled from her bed to get ready herself.

The dinner with the Duchess was this evening and every AX member was required to attend it. Caterina wouldn’t settle for a slight bought of heat stroke or bad dreams as an excuse.

Silently they readied themselves then left quickly for the great hall. Everyone was already there and without hesitation they entered together. Caterina was sitting straight ahead and motioned for them to take their places.

Quickly Nora headed to the head of the table and sat at Caterina’s right, directly across from the Duchess. Looking up she became directly entranced by her gaze. A smile was all she received as Caterina took up speaking once more. Everything her sister said was forgotten by Nora as she sat transfixed by the Duchess’s presence. She didn’t seem to notice though.

The evening passed well, but Nora couldn’t shake the unsettling feeling that came over her. The Duchess looked kind, but there was something there. Something she couldn’t put her finger on. Again she felt her stomach cramp in pain and a feeling of nausea washed over her. Everyone there didn’t seem to notice anything out of the ordinary, but she could tell Hugue was perceptive to what she was thinking. She felt his hand close over her knee, squeezing it gently in a comforting gesture.

A little tension left her, but not much. There was just something about this woman. And the way she kept smiling at her whenever someone would say something amusing, was unnerving to say the least. She didn’t like it one bit. The cramping in her stomach began to ache more intensely and a soft groan left her, though it was drowned in the conversation at the table. Hugue heard it however and immediately turned to regard her.

Slowly she felt the cold creep over her again and the room seemed to get smaller like it was closing in on her. She could hear everyone talking but it felt like there was cotton stuffed in her ears. Her head was heavy, almost too heavy for her to hold up and it started to pound. She thought she heard her name but wasn’t sure. Desperately she tried to look toward Hugue, feeling his hand on her knee again, but it was a faint feeling this time. Then the warmth of his palm closed over her cheek pulling her to face him, though his touch felt so foreign.

She couldn’t make out his face, it was a blur and all she could see was his golden hair. She felt Caterina move behind her and then everyone was on their feet. The noise from everything closed in on her and suddenly Hugue’s face was dimming. She couldn’t see.

All she heard before she passed out was the sound of the Duchess calling her name.

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So.... what'd you think? Think Nora's ok... I hope so! You'll find out sooner if you review... big stuff up ahead... let me know what you thought! Thanks guys!