Addie then turned her attention to Leon and that first seed was planted in her mind, “They would make such a cute couple.” She said to herself.
They were watching them both, more so Dane, “You're crazy.” He muttered under his breath.
Squatting low, Dane turned his back to Addie, “All aboard.” He said.
Addie managed to hook her knees over his shoulders and wobbled before he took her hands to help her balance. Dane stood in the water and carried her towards the others and the shore.
Addie then called out to Leon and Quinta, “Hey! How about something to eat! Eggs only go so far you know!”
Quinta's attention was taken over Leon's shoulder and she nodded her head, “Me can eat. Get out of da sun.” She responded.
Turning her back to them, she proceeded to make her way towards the shore. Her eyes kept a keen look on the beaches line. Even though they had armed protection on their side, Quinta still made sure for her own measurement that they were truly alone.
Once they all waded back to the sand and agreed it was time to eat lunch. They made spots on the beach to sit but it was near impossible to keep the sand from their underwear. Leon, at least, was smart enough to bring a towel to put the food on. Then he went and poured half of the canteen of water he brought into a steel cup and handed it to Dane and Quinta. The rest was for he and Addie. They dined on fruit, veggies, and sector bread. Simple and light among the breathtaking views.
They sucked every second they could on that beach. The inviting water, the warm breeze, and the sun was far too relaxing to give up. Even if then they all felt the sting of heat on their shoulders and faces. Addie had gotten herself an all-around tan, a first in ages, and Quinta gained a shade darker. They built a sand castle, Leon's design that looked more along the lines of a mountain. Dane took a nap. Addie waded in the water, and Quinta combed for shells.
Soon enough though the sky had begun to dye a rich pinkish red color and it was time to say goodbye. Addie was in the middle of helping Leon pack everything up. Quinta, on the other hand, stood knee deep in the water and watched. The calm lapping against her knees was the opposite of what she remembered a year and a half ago. She had lost and gained so much. Though she still mourned the light she felt in her core changed. There was a newfound hope of possibly making this life...good. Though the surroundings were always changing it was the people she held close. She loved Addie like a sister and Dane... Dane. That was a foreign sensation that she couldn't exactly shake nor did she really want to let go.
Addie lifted her bag over her shoulders along with Quinta's all while she stared outwards towards the same sunset, “It's pretty, huh?” She questioned to the boys.
Dane's gaze was fixated on the sunset, “Yeah...” He muttered quietly.
It was unspeakably peaceful and beautiful on that beach in those moments. Today went against everything he had learned in the past while. Sunset was normally a symbol of dread, fear, and death but here one could appreciate all its glory and beauty.
Leon, kept the dark in mind, urged them towards the gate. Mainly because this was one of many sunsets he'd seen before in the comfort of his own home.
Quinta crouched down and ran the water along her arms and thighs without looking away. Slowly, she kissed each one of her knuckles and silently said goodbye. She knew once they left that beach it would all be over. The dream would end and reality would set in.
She turned back to the others and approached them with a peaceful smile, “Time for dinner or are we done for da day?” She asked.
They were all sun beat, pleasantly exhausted, and completely relaxed. Home seemed all too far to walk now plus, realistically, now was far too late for Dane and Addie to get home before curfew.
Leon perked up while an idea piqued his interests, “You guys can come in for dinner and stay over. I have the room.” He started to say. Snapping, he began to trek back through the veranda, “I still have chicken from rations this week!” He added on.
“Did you just say chicken?! What are we waiting for?” Addie exclaimed.
Nothing more needed to be said.
Meat.
Usually the only “meat” Addie had was either jerky or canned though she'd only had vegetables and fruit since they moved in. Fresh chicken? She nor Dane had been blessed with that in ages.
Quinta started to ascend the shore towards the gate, “Dis me got to see.” She answered.
They were all eager to have it, all expect for Dane. The conversation from the morning lingered in his head. A kiss. He honed on the view of Leon who tried to lead Quinta up the beach. His hand was riding a little too low on her back but Quinta had the remedy for that by picking up her pace.
Back within the fancy lobby, up to the second to last floor, they entered Leon's apartment and the first thing Quinta noticed was the cleanliness and décor. Apparently working for the government had its perks.
The floor to ceiling windows allowed in maximum sunlight and wide views of the waters they’d just played in. The carpet was gaudy but minimally stained. The kitchen was added in much later one could tell but the fact that it featured black appliances and marble counters was something that the other three never had the privilege to touch nor own. He had two smooth couches, a dining room set with a table and four chairs, wall paper, two bedrooms, two bathrooms. All of this boasted the life of a highly regarded official. Of course, that was just his room. Quinta could only imagine what General Decker and all the other brown noses lived in.
Sitting the bag on the inside of the door, Leon pulled the chicken from the fridge and set it on the counter.
He went and laced an apron over his topless figure and tied it behind him, “Are you all ready to meet my inner chef? You know, I love the sound of that. Chef Delacroix, oh yeah that sounds good.” He stated with a laugh.
While Leon busied himself in the kitchen, Addie hooked an arm around Quinta's shoulders, “We're going to go and take a shower in the big bathroom!” Addie said.
Quinta arched an eyebrow, “Da big bathroom?” She questioned curiously.
Addie's eyes then gleamed while she pulled Quinta along and whispered in hopes to coax her to follow and see, “The big bathroom. One with a shower AND a bathtub.” She repeated.
A bathtub. That was enough to bring Quinta along with Addie all while they rounded the dining room table and entered the master bedroom on the left-hand side.
Addie then pointed to the smaller bedroom across the other side of the living room, “Dane there's a shower in there too! Leon has spent so much time bragging to me about all his amenities, it's going to be great to see this in person! Be back boys!” She said.
Closing the door to Leon's mess of a bedroom, it wasn't long before Addie's muffled squeals erupted through the walls.
While the girls went off to bathe, Dane took a quick shower and changed back into his original clothes. He hung his wet underwear over the towel rack before he returned to the kitchen and found Leon in full swing. With a stifled yawn in his shoulder, Dane gathered the bowls and messy utensils and began to wash those items.
Leon already seasoned the chicken and started it in the oven. He was frying up a few vegetables and started what he felt was a home comfort food. Pea soup. He got a hold of cheap bits of ham in order to create an authentic taste. He added in all the herbs and spices he needed which was only another luxury that Dane and the others were deprived of.
After rinsing off in the shower and sharing a hot, relaxing soak in the tub, both girls emerged about an hour later calm and refreshed; sans underwear and bras beneath their clothes. Addie yawned wide and settled down on one of the sofas lazily and Quinta followed suit right behind her. The sun mixed with a hot bath had left them absolutely sapped of energy.
The smell that came from the kitchen caught Addie's senses and she called over to Leon with her eyes shut, “How's dinner coming along, Chef Leon? Do you need help?” She asked.
There wasn't really anything he needed help with except, “Di
shes! Please put the plates and glasses out, s'il vous plait, mon Cheri.” He spoke in fluent French.
Dane glanced over his shoulder and looked Leon up and down while he dried his hands. Well that was new, though he truly couldn't be surprised when one considered Leon's last name. Within the next fifteen minutes the table was set, the mismatched glasses were filled with ice water, and decent cutlery was laid out on the table. Addie brought over each bowl filled to the brim with soup and Leon carried the bird over before he set it in the middle of the table.
Leon gestured to the food, “Eat up then.” He said.
Unfortunately, Quinta had already drifted off into a light sleep. And she had missed all the excitement until Addie went over and lightly shook her shoulder. Stirring from her sleep, Quinta pushed herself groggily to sit up and glanced over her shoulder to see Dane and Leon at the table like...a family. The food looked delicious, smelled delicious as well and very different than what she was used to. Making her way to the table with Addie, the younger woman sat down happily and rubbed her palms together. The last line of sunlight had disappeared beyond the horizon and they were locked in tight for the night.
Looking over each one of their faces in silence it wasn’t until Addie broke her attention. “Come on and sit with us Quinta.” She expressed.
Wetting her lips and in a moment of overwhelming feelings, Quinta went behind Leon and wrapped her arms around his shoulders. She pressed a kiss to his cheek before she pulled away, “Tank yuh for da meal.” She whispered as she rounded to Addie. Bringing her into an embrace, Quinta kissed Addie's cheek and hugged her tighter, “Tank yuh for da idea and yuh sweetness.” She said.
A blush crept along Addie's face to which she chuckled under her breath. Lastly Quinta approached Dane and in an instant, she was met with a nervous sensation that wriggled in her gut.
Going to him, she wrapped her arms around his neck and pushed her face into his shoulder, “Yuh did great today. But tank yuh for da good time.” She pecked Dane's cheek before she looked to Addie and Leon again, “Tank all of yuh. Me appreciate it and me love yuh all.” She stated.
Pulling away from Dane with a pat along his shoulder, and went to sit at the table, “Oh Quinta, we love you too!” Addie responded as she reached over and gripped her hand.
Quinta smiled for a moment and nodded her head, “Now let's eat.”
Dane blew out to himself while he stared down at his bowl. A hint of a smirk was drawn across his features all the while Leon had already began to dig into his meal.
Soon everything was eaten, cleaned, and Dane had taken his medication. The group of them lounged around Leon's living room. Addie tried to figure out if Quinta had ever worn makeup while Dane asked Leon about Canada when hometowns were mentioned.
Feeling as though it was quite late, Leon let out a long and obvious yawn while he stretched his arms over his head, “It's time to sleep I believe. So, it is better to keep the siblings together. Quinta and I can share my bed.” He said easily.
As soon as Leon spoke about sleeping in the same bed, Quinta was halfway to push herself to her feet. She was far too tired and honestly, she did not know the unsavory nature in which he wanted her in his bed to begin with. Not like he truly had a chance to begin with.
Leon was trying to pass his plan past their eyes as he didn't forget the feeling of Quinta's lips on his cheek at dinner nor the shape of her curves on the beach. Dane, however, caught on and stood up defensively, though he knew he had to play off as the voice of reason.
“I think splitting into girls and guys makes more sense, don't you?”
When Dane expressed that the girls sleep together, it made sense, “Yuh, me nah care.” Quinta agreed.
Addie, finally exhausted of energy, simply laid there and grumbled in her silence to tell them that she too was ready to sleep.
Looking right into Leon's soul, Dane reached over and patted his shoulder with a grip and a smirk, “You're going to be sharing your bed with me, Leon.” He toyed.
Quinta then grabbed Addie's arm and gently pulled against her while she chuckled, “Oh my. What ah treat to see Dane naked. Enjoy it Leon.” Quinta bantered.
She and Quinta shuffled away towards the second bedroom, “Oh gross.” Addie muttered.
Leon did not like the sound of that at all. Really, he wished he could fall asleep pressed against soft, luscious curves. Not a rock-solid back and ass of a man bigger than him.
Quinta glanced over her shoulder with a smile, “Goodnight to da bot' of yuh. Sweet dreamin'”
With a silent click of the door, Quinta and Addie were gone for the night. Dane stared at Leon in a battle of wills. With the silence that rolled between them, Dane waited for him show signs of weakness which came sooner than he expected. A long, tired yawn left Leon's mouth while he slid his eyes to side to see that Dane had yet to move. Damn.
Swearing under his breath, Leon gave in to sharing a bed with Dane, “Clothes on.” He ordered while he pressed a finger against Dane's chest.
Dane couldn't resist while he rubbed where he had been jabbed, “But I always sleep naked, Leon.” He retorted.
Leon pointed back at Dane in the doorway of his bedroom before he disappeared in the room, “DON'T even think about it.” He yelled.
After getting comfortable in bed, Quinta had already snuggled under the blanket for the end of her night. Or so she thought. No more than fifteen minutes later, Addie had asked for a glass of water to which Quinta obliged. Silently she returned to the kitchen and proceeded to open one cabinet after the other until she found the glasses. Turning on the tap, she was quickly trying to get in and get out since she never truly felt comfortable digging around another person's home.
After bantering with Leon and he made it clear which side of the bed was his, Dane and he were all ready for bed. Leon laid on his side and turned away from the middle of the bed. Dane sat on the edge and took his socks off followed by his shirt. Hearing someone poking around in the kitchen, Dane grew curious and peered out of the door. The first thing he was greeted with was Quinta's back. Quinta leaned from one foot to the other while she finished filling the glasses and shut the tap off.
Slipping out before Leon noticed, Dane kept his voice down all while he asked her that rhetorical cliché question to get her attention, “Looking for something?”
With a glass in each hand, she was on the verge of turning around when Dane's voice startled her, “A-Ah!”
Quinta's backside hit against the counter of the sink and the adrenaline that started to pump through her came to a peak. Dane didn't expect such a priceless reaction which in turn caused him to stifle a laugh.
Quinta leaned her head back with a relieved groan before she looked to him again, “Yuh almost made me jump out me skin!” She said. Relaxing a little, Quinta wet her lips and held up both glasses, “No, me good. Addie wanted some water. What are yuh doin' out 'ere?” She asked.
Rolling his lips in, he rubbed the back of his head and his long strands of hair caught between his fingers, “I had a stupid thought that my sister was trying to sneak out but I caught you instead.” He admitted.
Quinta chuckled under her breath all while nudged her head back towards their bedroom, “Yuh don't 'ave to worry about 'er goin' anywhere. Me tink she was asleep when she asked for dis water.” She replied with a smirk. She looked back up at Dane and blew out a soft sigh, “Oh uh...me 'onestly dun know when. Mmmm...” Pausing, Quinta cleared her throat and pushed her butterflies aside, “Is dere sometin yuh need me for?” She questioned.
His reasoning as to why he wanted her attention. Should he be honest or should he try and cover it with ulterior motives?
Dane took a step closer while he settled into conversation, “I just want to see you. Before yesterday it had been awhile since I had seen you. I was worried about you actually.” He answered as he set his hand on the counter.
He purposefully used “I” instead of “We”. This was new because usually he would include Addie but n
ot this time. No, he meant himself. Quinta set a glass on the counter and proceeded to scratch along her opposite arm. He said that HE wanted to see her which caused that tense sensation in her stomach to flourish.
Nodding her head, Quinta parted her lips to speak, “Oh...” She whispered.
Should she probe further and see just where he was going with this conversation? Did she truly want to know if he simply meant that he wished to see her in a casual and friendly manner? Wait, when the hell did she start to care when a man wanted her attention in the first place?
“Yuh right. It was quite some time before me saw yuh again. Me missed yuh.” Quinta then quickly corrected herself, “Both of yuh.”
“Both of us?” Dane asked her again.
He was quite suspicious about the last part because he heard exactly what she said. A hint of seduction, one he couldn't control, was apparent in his deep tone. His hands closed in around the glass in her hand and loosened it from her fingers. Setting the glass on the surface beside them, he moved a step closer and hovered over her.
“Y-yuh...” She whispered only for her breath to still.
In an instant, the mood between them morphed into one that constantly festered under the surface. Now that they were finally alone they could give into what had been constantly pushed at bay. Even before they noticed it themselves. Quinta's chest constricted while her gaze stared at where their fingers touched. Silently, she leaned her head up with wide eyes and her full lips parted in a pout.
After a long moment in silence, Quinta licked at the corner of her lip, and swallowed before she spoke, “Why do yuh want to see me, Dane?” She murmured to him.
Her question was stagnant in the air as he took in her features. He didn't dare to move and simply admired how her expressions changed. Both were nervous and unsure but the fact that she did not move away from him spoke volumes. Quinta's teeth latched softly onto her bottom lip while she simply stared back at Dane in a silence that suffocated them. Dane's hand touched against her jaw to keep her faced to him. She inhaled a deep breath and clenched her jaw at the touch of his fingers across her flesh.
The World We Once Knew Page 20