Special [Dorian Gray]

[Ruby Gray]

Today was special.

Not because she had her emotions back, nor because she was alive and well, not even because against all odds they had somehow made it home all in one piece. As of late it seemed that nothing but darkness could plague her and her lover...fiancé. She had spoken once that they were a match made in hell and it seemed that premonition came closer to realization as the days ticked by, but such dark thoughts were not for today. Victor, she had sent home the moment he arrived, paid him of her own coin for the days service and dismissed him. No... today she would have Dorian all to herself because today was special. He just didn't know that she knew, and even if he did, he probably didn't think her one to care. How utterly wrong he would be.

She dressed and readied herself for the day before the sun arose, vanished to the kitchen to prepare breakfast, a feast of all of his favorites, including his special blend of tea and just a spot of brandy. His favorite delicacies, fruits, decadents... they lined the platter and when she had finished the sun had just crept above the horizon and she was gliding up the stairs with ease, the weight, near nothing to her. She nudged open the door to his bedroom, she supposed it was as much hers as his, she rarely spent a night not curled around his body, but alas, society demanded she have her own living space.

She set the tray as gently as she was able upon the night stand and crawled across the bed towards him. He was so beautiful when he slept, her Dori. he wasn't that wicked man in his dreams, he was just Dorian. She ran her fingers along the one arm outside of the blankets and the other dusted his cheek, softly brushing the stray locks of his hair from his face. She kissed him gently, softly. "Dorian..." She cooed to him, purring to his dreams. "Dori..." A gentle kiss upon his nose, his cheek. "My beautiful Adonis..." Her lips pressed to his forehead, back down his nose, and emerald green met onyx as he finally opened his eyes to look at her. She smiled for him, her fingers still trailing through his hair. "Happy birthday love." She kissed him fondly, she really did love him.

[Dorian Gray]

Dorian last night had fallen asleep with a comely woman at his side, someone so beautiful that she captured not only his heart but his mind. It, was, indeed, his fiancée. His love. His Ruby. In his days without her being her true self, he had finally understood that he would never be able to go about without her. He loved her, something he never imagined he would be able to say, with all his heart, and all of who he was.

And indeed he had slept well last night. With her at his side, rarely did Dorian have nightmares, and he often dreamed of her, whether in pure or naughty ways. She was his hope and stay, his marvelous masterpiece that he swore he was going to marry soon. He needed to, for his own sanity and likely hers. Make her official. Make this bed and this house hers as much as his in name and title. Make himself hers to have and to hold, and he would try his damnedest to be faithful to her if he could help it, because his love for her was profound.

He fluttered his eyes open as he felt the gentlest of touches to his face, arm, skin... He'd thought at first it to be all a dream, but then saw that to his delight, there was a lovely set of emerald eyes poised just above his. It had been her kisses on his brow, so tender and loving, and he felt a pang of something he could not name in his chest as he woke to see only her. He smiled, and woke still. He stretched just a bit before realizing what she'd brought to him this day and what sweet words had left her lips. She had remembered? So sweet was she, to remember! He did not even know that she had recalled his birthday, and though he would never look a year older, he was now around... sixty-four? Ah well.

"My love!" he murmured, reaching for her face to bring it down to his and kissing her in contentedness. "I love you so. How so ever did you recall?" He smiled again. "You are much too kind to me. You shall be substantially rewarded, my duchess... And also shall we be married tomorrow!" He grinned, happy with himself already. This was a lovely day. Any day with her at his side was so.

[Ruby Gray]

She kissed him gently, reverently, silently reminding him with only a touch that she loved him. That she would always be here, always love him, always care for him and that she would always be his. She showered his face in gentle touches and soft caresses. Again and again and again, as he roused himself from sleep. She smothered him in her love, her affection, and as much as she wished to continue to rouse him in other ways, today was his birthday. This was for him, not for her, and she wanted him to be able to think clearly, to do anything he might wish to do. Today was all about her beloved. She moved to pull away from him, but of course he had not had his fill. When he was awake enough to speak, he called to her, an endearment she had only ever heard fall from his lips in the throes of passion but then he was pulling her down, kissing her just as well.

She could not help but to smile into his mouth and return his affections. He seemed so eager, she wondered if the curse was not holding him so strongly this morning. He pulled away and again he told her he loved her. She was beginning to wonder if she was the one still dreaming. It was rare Dorian told her such things and this morning he was so exuberant! So excited, and she found it contagious, smiling right along with him, laughter gentle and sweet falling from her mouth.

"I love you too, did you think I would not know the date of your birth? You underestimate me, Dori." She laughed against his mouth when finally he released her. She had never seen him so happy, so excited, so...carefree. The light in his eyes was blindingly beautiful, what had changed within him so rapidly? What had she missed in a scarce two days?

She drew the tray close and nearly dropped it when he spoke of them being married on the morrow, she could not help the shock that flickered through her eyes, and it took her a moment to gather her thoughts, a smile far larger than her last spreading across her face. "Tomorrow? Are you sure so close to your birthday? Why the rush my beloved, I'm not going anywhere!" She laughed against him, still caught in his embrace and kissed him again, simply because she could. This Dorian was winning her heart all over again.

[Dorian Gray]

Och, but today he wanted to do something different. He wanted to find something that the two of them could share, that they could do together, that was utterly unique. He needed to think of something, but oh was his lover so close to him! His brain was muddled when she was this near, and in an effort to find his true train of thought, he needed to somehow pull from her. But no, he loved her so very much. He wanted her here with him, always, because he needed her with him. That was why he told her that he loved her. That was why he was going to marry her tomorrow.

He took her lips easily in his and kissed her because he wanted to. There was no other that could ever take her place in his life now, and even if he did take other lovers, they would be away from her and they would pale in comparison. Ruby was the one for him. She laughed-such a good sound-and he released her from his hold so that he might use his brain.

He rolled onto his side so that she could lay beside him. Dorian shook his head gently, his soft black hair falling gently before his eyes. Shaking it out of his face, he answered, "I never know what exactly you're up to, my lady. You are quite the mischievous woman..." The smile he gave to her after that was something darkly wicked, so enticing and suggestive that he could not hide the thoughts behind his dark eyes. He knew she loved it, too, and even if she wanted him to have his way this day, his life always consisted of making her happy. She was such an important part of his life, and he would do anything to make her happy.

He took the tea carefully from her tray and made sure she did not spill it. Her words brought a grin to his face as he sat up and sipped, and he answered slowly and carefully, "Or today, love. Soon, my love. Soon." His words were slow and careful, drawn out like he had all of the time in the world. And he did, with her. Because he was immortal, and so was she, to a point. And they would be married, soon. He knew that was certain. "Join me," he cooed, and set down his tea, motioning for her to join him. He grinned. "I love you, Ruby, and yes. Soon. Today or tomorrow, and you may choose."

[Ruby Gray]

His laughter, his easy smile, his lovely countenance this morning, it was deathly contagious! Even without her heart, she knew it to be beating erradically, enraptured and taken by this seemingly carefree spirit that had taken over the body of her lover. He was never in such a mood. How delightful it was to see him freed of bonds and chains... if only for a moment. She giggled incessantly, as his arms wound around her waist, tugging her impossibly closer as he returned her soft kisses. He captured her and she bowed to his whims, forever his slave, whether he knew as such or not. She smiled into his mouth, unable to stop the sudden euphoria that flooded through her. He only had to look at her to make her feel giddy, but his kisses... she wouldn't be complaining anytime soon. She could kiss him forever if he wished her too.

Finally he released her, and the movement almost seemed to pain her. She shook her ridiculous thoughts from her head, setting the tray between them, a smile that she didn't try to hide, blossoming across her face. Instinctively she reached out to brush his hair from his eyes. Her own emeralds darting back and forth between his own pools of onyx. She caught her lip between her bottom lip and kissed him quickly. Chaste and barely there. "I love you." She pressed the word to his cheek. "I love you and all your devious ways." She murmured against his skin, laughter and utter happiness twining with her words. She couldn't remember ever feeling quite so happy. She laughed at his taunting, teasing tone. Her eyes reflecting the desire and lust his own shimmered. "It just means I fit you all the better. You love my mischievous... surprises." Leaning over his tray of delights she dragged him to her by his hair, claiming his mouth for her own, she pulled away after a moment, licking her lips absently. "Your taste is divine Dori, I don't believe I will ever tire of sampling it."

She lifted a ripe red strawberry to his mouth, offering to feed him the luscious fruit, hand picked by Victor this tray was jammed with just about everything Dorian loved.... besides, perhaps, her. But alas she could not fit upon the tray.

Her excitement only heightened when he mentioned them getting married today. She had to bite back a bit of the smile that showed even the white of her teeth, to hide such excitement, she shyly dipped her head. What was wrong with her? The man had seen her in about every way that was physically possible and she got embarrassed now? She lifted her head, contemplating her response, offering him a piece of mango. He cooed, beckoning for her to join him and who was she to disobey? She curled beside him, her free hand finding his own and twining their fingers together, she brought his knuckles to her mouth, languidly kissing each of his digits. "I will marry you anytime and any place you so desire. You need only tell me where to show..." Here, her grin turned mischievous. "Although I don't think white is a very fitting color. Perhaps that black corset with the feathers..." She teased him gently, laughter falling from her lips.

[Dorian Gray]

Dorian was feeling a bit more like himself today than usually he did, and it was a nice change; it was what he really needed because for fifty or so years this stupid curse had caused him to live pleasure-stricken and heartless--no more. He had Ruby to help him control who he was now, and it was a miracle and no less. There was simply something special about the bond they shared, and this was the reason he'd finally decided to bring them together in union and make their love official. Was it love? He thought that was what he'd felt, and that was why he'd said it. But he still questioned it, even now--then again, this whole marriage and proposal had been with Ruby's interests in mind, not his own. Rarely did that happen.

He smiled at her, glad she was near him. The kiss that they shared was full of promise, wicked promise, but something deeper than that as well. There was something there, in the depths of their contact, that made his world light up, that reminded Dorian that he had changed and he was no more the exact same man he'd been when he'd come to this place. He pulled from her and whispered gently, "You know my love for you, I trust?" His hand rested gently on her cheek, his eyes soft.

But within moments she had pulled him back to herself, that face ever gorgeous, and when she'd finished her kissing him, he answered casually, "That's what I was crafted for, love." It was true, though. Unfortunately, at most times, but he had been cursed with an ethereal beauty and a timeless sensuality. Victorians and Romantics alike could admire the way he looked, sounded, tasted... His painting took up for all the wrong he'd ever done and there had even been a point in his life where Dorian's view of morals was nothing more than salt or pepper. Was it all a ruse, he'd thought, to get people to fear death? He did not know. It did not matter any longer.

She gave to him luscious fruits and he willingly ate. He was, after all, hungry. He smiled to her licentiously as he ate, and then found her curled up at his side.

"That's good to hear," he said, "because it will be certainly soon." He planned on giving her a wedding today. And she would be Ruby Gray, Duchess and Consort of Duke Dorian Gray... what an exceptional title. He chuckled. "No, no, not that... Red, perhaps, as is your namesake?" He smiled and pulled her close, giving her one more kiss as he did so.

[Ruby Gray]

Her laughter would pour, genuine and sweet, a wondrous, whimsical sound that mimicked the soft babbling of a brook. She laughed for no other reason than how content she was, locked in his embrace, swooning under his attentions. He captivated her with little more than a glance, but this playful, loving, carefree side of her beloved Dori... she cherished him with all of her heart. She loved him without condition. There was nothing she would not do for him. Nothing. He need only ask her. She wondered often if he knew everything she would forfeit to linger at his side, everything she would throw away if only for his smile. Her devotion to her lover was absolute and she had proved that time and time again.

She would settle back beside him, doing her best to contain herself against his charms, but it was so difficult... she wanted to lose herself forever in his embrace, burrow herself so deeply beneath his flesh that he could never tell where she ended and he began. She wanted his body, his heart, his soul, and even if she had to share a piece of him, she wanted him always to remember her. She wanted him always to think of her love in his loneliest of moments, she wanted him always to think of her smile, when he was encased in darkness. She wanted to help him, be that one lingering beacon that not even the devil himself could extinguish. "Perhaps I adore hearing you speak it, just as oft as you adore hearing it from my own lips. It tis a rare day that you admit your feelings to me, my Dori and I cherish each and every moment when you do."

He respond to her kiss with gentle enthusiasm, she had not meant to push him, but she could not help herself, so lighthearted and carefree... she could not ever remember feeling so grand, at least, not in a very long time. His words, however would make her frown, but all too quickly the brief moment of negativity vanished from her and a smile lit her face, she shook her head denying his statement. "No... no my Dorian, you were crafted for me. We fit like lock and key, a missing piece, two pieces from the same mold coming together. Eris and Adonis, Duchess and Duke, Demons and Wolves. Had I been born in your era, you never would have escaped my clutches. The devil would have never had a chance to so much as breath your name." Green flickered to gold for only a brief moment, a protective passion alighting her gaze. She loved him, he knew that, had worshipped his body with tongue, teeth, fingers, and her very soul. She would be his assassin, his protector, his guardian, for as long as he wished her to be.

She would feed him, exotic bite after exotic bite, fingers moving with dexterity and grace, giving him a gentle kiss every so often, sometimes upon his brow, his eyelids, his nose, his cheek, and every so often she would kiss that luscious mouth and would taste the fruit mingling with the taste of Dorian. "Mrs. Dorian Gray... I care not what I wear, anything you wish of me, so long as it is you that brands me." Her smile was soft, cheeks tinting a soft pink. The idea of marrying him seemed like an impossible dream and she grew slightly light headed, heart hammering away like a hummingbird in her chest.

[Dorian Gray]

Dorian didn't want to get hopeful. Hopeful that he was going to stay in the bliss of normality for a day, for this day. Hopeful that Ruby wouldn't accost him and thereby break him from his spell of normalcy. Hopeful, though, that he could have her and be spared the soul's consequences. But that never happened to one like him. He was cursed and cursed always would he be. It was who he was, like a brand upon his heart and his being. And, thank the gods, Ruby loved him for it. He did not know what he might be doing right now without having her in his life. Drinking? Gambling? Other, more... provocative things? Surely he'd be not the man he was in these few heavenly moments. But he knew that all too soon it was to come to an end, because he could never deny his lovely companion anything she desired, which often seemed to be him. And him would she have, if she chose it.

He wished he could genuinely promise she'd be his only from this time forward, but such vows were not those that he could take. Vows of marriage, of all the devotion he could offer, were just about his limit. And those he would give her, those he wanted her to take and keep and cherish. The title of wife. The name. Right now, it was just good to have her at his side. He ran fingers along her arm, smiling. "I'm afraid I cannot help that, but I will try to see if I may better express myself in the future." He offered her a smile and sighed.

Her kiss awakened that deeper desire in his core, for the more base pleasures and less of their mental escapades. He knew this moment was coming, and now he could not help it. He returned it more and more and knew that now she'd want him and now his mind was leaving and other parts of him were beginning to think instead. He managed, barely, "We are two parts of one demon, my love, and have thus been united. Soon to be legalized, I daresay." And then his lips dove back upon hers and he could not help what was overtaking him. Damn this vixen. She was going to cause him to start his day sweating and impassioned. But he would not complain, because this was his Ruby. His to love and hold and cherish and do as he pleased with, who had devoted her whole self to him.

"Nothing," he said as his mind went astray, not thinking now about the wedding. He just wanted her.

[Ruby Gray]

Ruby had not intended to claim him... or was it him claiming her? Regardless... she had intended to fill the afternoon with treasured delights, anything and everything he wanted to do and of course she had intended to end the day with wicked mischief, in fact she had everything set and ready, much to his oblivious nature. He had no idea what her wicked mind had drummed up, but oh... she had gotten creative and her lover was in for a treat. It was his birthday, was she not supposed to make him feel undeniable ecstasy? That was her job, and knowing she could bring, this wicked sinful man to his knees, begging, aching for her... was a power rush like no other... but she hadn't meant for her play to begin until later, much later. But alas... they were not knowing for keeping their hands to one another. Scarcely a day went by when she didn't claim him or he didn't claim her. The banister, the balcony, the wall, the bathroom mirror, the bath tub, the kitchen... no place in his manor was safe. Whenever the fancy struck him, she was his... and that was often, not that she was complaining.

He touched her and she melted, eyes fluttering shut as his fingers ghosted across her flesh, the skin of her arm , her shoulder, she was tame, serene, if only for him. His words would surprise her, sounding almost like an apology. She shook her head, thick curls falling to frame her face as she reached for him, pressing a finger to his lips. "Some things don't need your words, I know. In the way you look at me, in the way you touch me, in the way your body fills mine." She growled that last part, just a breath away from lust, and watched as his gaze melted to desire, to burning passion, and then she paused, her body stilling completely... she supposed there was no postponing her surprise now. Managing to mask her emotions behind a wall of feigned indifference, she would return his kisses, gently, easily, before she pulled away completely and lifted herself straight off the bed, frowning down at him.

"Now love..." She folded her arms across her chest, glaring down at him with bemusement and humor dancing in the lines of her face. "Its your birthday, did you not think I would have something deliciously sinful planned? It's like you don't know me at all..." She trailed off and nothing but utter wickedness gleamed in the depths of the emeralds she deemed her eyes. "Stay beneath that blanket Sweetheart..." She would throw his own nickname back at him with a smile, she crawled to him kissing him chastely, once, twice, thrice, just to taunt him before she twirled and trotted to the door, pausing to glance back at him and to throw him a wicked grin. "It will be so much more rewarding, when I undress you with my teeth." And then she was gone.

[Dorian Gray]

OOC: pardon the shortness. Dorian's not coming to me lately.

Dorian needed his time with himself and the things he'd recently uncovered, but he also wanted and probably needed time with Ruby, time that his curse often chose to devour. He knew her intentions weren't awful, that perhaps they were admirable, but he was quickly coming out of his trance and growing back into the Dorian Gray that was legendary back in Victorian England. The one with the devonaire smile and the irresistible charm. He was to them what a chocolate muffin might be to a starving child. And he knew this, and he knew that sometimes he was pure evil. But Ruby? She changed that.

He looked at her, so softly wrapped in his embrace, and laughed gently at her words. She was... something. He touched her so carefully, and then he answered with a shiver and a glow of desire, "You naughty thing, you..." Her kisses graced his face with all the want of a deprived woman, and he knew that he was done, knew that desire was overcoming him and he could not get out easily.

But she got up... why was she leaving? He moaned for her to stay but then was silenced by her words, her terrible, wonderful words. Oh... How could he stay put here, being left with those words? But he had to, and if he did not obey her he did not want to see the consequences... or did he? Weakly, he nodded and said, "My love.... Sweetheart..." That nickname, so terribly familiar because he used it so much. And then, she'd left him and he had to stay in agony right where he was. What a thing to do to a man.

[Ruby Gray]

-continued elsewhere-