The African trinkets

(Continuation of) Runaway

Nolia felt like she was being scrutinized by Lance's stare, "I'm sorry that you had to see me in such a compromising position." She crossed her arms and nod her head in the direction of the unconscious guard but Lance's gaze did not waver.




Nolia resorted to rambling to break his eye contact, "I'm sorry that you have to see me full stop." She smiled and Lance's eye twitched but he continued to stare at her, "Quite pathetic actually, I'm all grimy and scratched up and scrawny looking."




She paused and waited for Lance to interject but he remained quiet, "Is that why you refuse to speak to me? Because I'm not the beautiful Nolia that they stole from you a month ago?" Nolia's insecurity rushed up from within her and possessed her vocal chords before she could stop herself.




Lance opened his mouth and then closed it, words seemed to escape him. His silence was answer enough for Nolia and she crossed her arms against her chest even tighter out of rejection, "Well if I am so repulsive to you then why bother yourself by coming? Hmm? Do you wish to laugh at me? To taunt me with the idea of marriage?"




Lance finally broke eye contact with her and stared at his shoes, "I haven't seen you for thirty days and twenty hours. I have not heard your voice in the space of that time. The last time I heard you speak was when you were crying out for help as they arrested you. Now the first utterance I hear from you, the first words you present me with are full if accusation and hostility." Lance spoke mechanically and Nolia felt suspense clench her stomach.




"What do you want me to say?" Nolia uncrossed her arms as she realized that she was being unnecessarily awful to Lance.




"Victoria is dead. My last remaining relative died but I don't want your condolences." Lance looked up and at a spot that was just above Nolia's head. From Nolia's view point she could see no glimmer in his eyes, no tear formation and no emotion at all.




"Then what do you want from me?" Nolia was confused and felt useless. She wanted so badly to help him, comfort him but Lance had placed her at an arms length away from him, "Just tell me what you need from me and I'll try to-"




"I need you to stop talking." Lance says sharply and Nolia's words died on her tongue, "I need you to just stay where you stand." Lance approached her and stood, pressed up against Nolia, "Don't move." Lance breathed the command against her forehead before he kissed her. For the first time in their intimacy Nolia felt totally unaffected by Lance. Her heart did not race nor did her blood boil.




Nolia opened her eyes and watched as Lance labored to achieve a passionate embrace. She could feel his frustration on his lips as he pressed down harder. Lance rammed Nolia back against a wall and continued to awkwardly move his lips over hers. A part of her wanted to cry and the other laugh in disbelief at the absence of sexual inspiration in her body despite having her 'knight in shining armor' pressed against her.




Lance eventually stopped and opened his eyes to look at her. He still gripped her arms and he pulled her closer, and lowered his forehead to fall on top of hers. Lance's pale, grey eyes desperately gazed into Nolia's void, brown eyes as if he searched for something that he had lost. Lance closed his eyes in defeat and Nolia held his face in her hands.




She pecked him lightly and hugged Lance. Nolia held him and felt Lance crumble in her arms. She felt his back shiver and he buried his face in the nook of her neck in shame.