Thread: It was just one... (Bevatoria and skittish_butterfly)

He did hear her come in. He looked up, not sure what to say, what he should do. Nearly paralyzed. And that was the easy part. Then, Elizabeth started speaking. Grant. You had better make this good, or so help me I will file a complaint about what you said, so help me. You have to make this right. It's like I can't get the thought of you talking about me... c-c-cumming out of my head and that's your fault. Her fear rattled him. Sure, he disliked Elizabeth, thought of her as arrogant and condescending, but she always had her wits about her. One thing Grant had never accused her of was being out of control, out of sorts, confused, without her wits about her. Right now, she seemed to be scared, which did the same to him. He'd had a taste of what could happen when she was rattled. Hell, he still felt it, if he were being totally honest, his cheek radiating a bit feeling her blow from last night. Look, I'm not going to slap you again. That's a relief. I'm, I'm, I'm sorry. The words seemed to reluctantly come out as Grant shuffled his papers uncertainly, his eyes looking at her, but not focusing. This whole thing was still so surreal, and he took a breath, trying to steady himself. He had to say something, do something, and so he stood up slowly. His hands empty, a gesture of reconciliation. Not one that she missed, at least not clearly, but apparently not what she was looking for either as she moved in closer. Coincidentally, this was about the time that he started to feel his conscience start warring as he breathed in again. The devil on one shoulder, and the angel... Grant! I... You can't ignore me like this! Can't you see what you've done with your... your stupid c-c-cumming business? ...well, the angel was stuck in traffic. I... can't you see I'm shaking, can't even sleep. I've ruined three whole runs in the lab last night and this afternoon! This isn't funny and I'm not kidding Grant, what you did to me wasn't nice and I'm... I really need something from you, you owe me for what you said. I don't even know what you could possibly say to apologize at this point... but I know I need something from you, you owe me! Seemingly done, she stopped, looking uneasy, anxious, unable to focus, and Grant strode past her only to close the door. Not so loud, damnit. I don't want the entire department knowing about...well, I'm sure you have some idea. He shook his head. Back behind his desk, he measured her. She definitely didn't want to sit down, and neither did he, as Grant sighed. For what it's worth, Elizabeth, I didn't want this to happen to you, and I'm sorry that what happened last night has affected you that much. Truth within a lie for all of his anger at her, he didn't want her to not be able to sleep, or to mess up some items in the lab. That'd come back to him too, he knew, as Elizabeth worked under him, if not always directly. Grant knew that the first few days would be rough as he figured out exactly how this all worked. But whatever he did to the cookies did seem to be working. In some form. Which was convenient, since he happened to have a bag of them in his suitcase. He leaned down to pull them out, placing them gently on the side of his wooden desk as he looked at her. I might be able to help you sleep. said Grant evenly, still unsure of what direction to take things in even as the dark part of his mind started to whisper to him, building up to a murmur. But I did bring a peace offering, since I remember how much you liked these. Opening the bag, he grabbed one, offering it to her. You look famished, so if you want to have it, feel free, and then we can discuss how I can 'help' you. He shrugged at her, looking down at the floor slightly. Or I can suggest about what could help you get some sleep. Up to you. The power he now held over her, the allure of getting her to shame herself, degrade herself for him was intoxicating. Like an alluring smell hitting his nostrils, he stood up a bit straighter as she answered him.