Crumbling Worlds (A Charlotte Cracker x OC story)

Chapter 10: And that makes us...? Part 2

It wasn't until the two left the restaurant and entered the cold night that the after-effect of the alcohol fully hit Michelle. The sudden temperature shift instantly made her feel sick, and although she didn't feel nauseous during the entire evening, she was now at the verge of throwing up. To make matters worse her head also started to spin as she followed Cracker outside, and when he stopped to let her catch up she almost tumbled into the tall man.

Michelle managed to step back at the very last second, almost stumbling over her own two feet while a slightly overwhelmed and scared look further emphasized her young features. "Sorry sorry... gotta get used to the fresh air first..." she said in a flustered tone, her body swaying back and forth as she was still trying to regain her balance.

Cracker eyed her with mild alert and offered his hand again, which Michelle eagerly took advantage of. But instead of gently grasping it like she did earlier, she choose to tightly cling onto his whole lower arm this time. By now everything around her was spinning and she could barely stand on her feet, let alone walk by herself. That much was obvious, even to Cracker, but the Minister still tried to take a few steps forward in hopes that letting her hold onto his arm might offer some stability and help her- but alas, it was to no avail. Michelle was basically dangling on his arm like a lump of dead meat, and he quickly came to the conclusion that this wasn't going to work. With a slightly annoyed sigh, Cracker bent down to pick her up and kept her body pressed close to his chest so she wouldn't accidentally slip, and his hand grasped her behind to keep her in place. It sorta looked like how a parent would carry a small child. As he lifted her body he noticed how limp she felt, just like that day when she got attacked, and he mentally cursed himself for not stopping her after her third glass of wine. He had no idea that the alcohol would have such a bad after-effect on her. Back at the restaurant she was so giggly and happy and they had a great time together, but now it looked as if a gust of wind was enough to sweep the young woman off her feet. 

The only good thing was that the streets were completely empty now, so he at least didn't need to worry about someone seeing them. 

They reached her house a lot quicker than when they head out to the restaurant, mostly due to the fact that Michelle's bad hip didn't slow them down this time. Although Cracker had initially planned to ask her if she'd like to spend the rest of the night with him, a look at her more than tired face was enough to tell him that it probably wouldn't be such a smart idea. 

Luckily the young woman was finally starting to feel a bit better again, and even though the fresh air really took a toll on her at first, it now looked as if she had gotten used to it. Still, Cracker made sure to be careful when he put her back down and kept holding onto her until her feet fully touched the ground and she was standing safely. Her body was still swaying back and forth a little, but she already looked far less sickly than when they first left the restaurant. Good.

As if she just woke up from a long nap, Michelle blinked a few times and looked around their surroundings with confusion until she realized that they were standing infront of her house. To her it felt as if they just left the restaurant a second ago, and now she was already back home. It was a surprise, but considering her current state, also sort of a relief. Never before did she feel so happy to see the familiar aquamarine blue roof and candy-stained windows. Thoughts of her warm bed waiting for her flooded her mind and with what sounded like a grateful squeal she turned around to look up at the Minister. "Thank you for- uh- bringing me back, Cracker! Tonight was.... well... special!" a tired yet goofy smile appeared on Michelle's lips and she reached out to shake his hand, but when she wanted to let go and turn around, he gently held onto her wrist and pulled her closer again.

"What, I'm not getting a reward for carrying you all this way? Not even a goodbye kiss?" Cracker asked mockingly hurt, "I'll be leaving for a long and dangerous mission tomorrow, my dear- don't you think you could at least provide me with some... motivation?"