Your Salty Wine Aunt

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He chuckled, going back to his own task with a brief yawn himself, "Gettin' awful late..." he lowered his pen, snapping the book shut and shoving a few notes inside for later. Standing he went over to her and gestured for the broom, and as she handed it over said, "Ya really didn't have to stay so long. I know you got your own things to do."

"I know. But Van, you got so much on your shoulders. I like helping y'all out where I can. And besides..." she slipped her arms around his neck with a sly grin, "I get to see this handsome face for a little longer."

He hummed, setting the items aside to pull her closer, "Is that so? You just like me because of my looks?"

"Among other attributes." she countered, before yawning again, "Sorry. I better get moving before I pass out on the way back."

His heart leapt and before he could second-guess himself he asked, "Would you like to stay here tonight? With me?"

Rosemary blinked can you surprise at him for a moment, a flush on her face before saying, "Oh! If you don't mind? But also I didn't exactly bring it anything to wear that ain't covered in sweat or oil."

"You can borrow one of my shirts. It should fit."

She looked him up and down exaggeratedly before giggling and saying, "Well I should hope so. Alright then. I'll stay here tonight."

A little while later Vander was relaxing in his room after getting everything ready and set up for Rosemary. He himself had changed into a worn but comfy tank top and grey loose pants, and was fluffing up his pillows when there was a soft knock at his door, and he turned to see Rosemary in a shirt that almost went to her knees.

She grinned at him and shrugged, "Well it does fit."

He returned her smile and wearily flopped on the bed, sliding over so that she had room to easily join him. She paused for only a moment before stepping over and slipping under the patched up blanket beside him. Reaching over, he flicked off the bedside lamp and turned back over to slip his arms around her as she did the same to him.

They lay there in the dark, silent for a few minutes, enjoying the comfort of each other's presence and noting the quiet but profound intimacy of this. Outside they could still hear the neverending sounds of the city around them, but in here, right now, none of it mattered. This wasn't the first time they'd slept together, but this was the first time they'd literally slept together for an entire night.

Rosemary could feel his warmth and where her head was she could hear the steady, deep drumbeat of his heart. Her hand came up to rest on his chest, and she snuggled against him a little tighter with a contented sigh.

Vander wound his arms fully around her, enveloping her against his torso and sighing into the top of her head. At that moment, he wanted nothing more than to fall asleep like this every night.

"Goodnight..." she whispered, almost afraid to break whatever spell they were under.

Yelling to her father that she had to go check it out, she barreled out and dashed in the direction that others were heading, her heart hammering with every step and a prayer on her lips.

"Please be okay please let them be alright-"

By the time she got to the shaft entrance a small crowd had already gathered, some trying to assist, or at least trying to see if there was anything they could do. Rosemary pushed her way towards the front, helping to guide a few dirt covered, coughing people that had already emerged to others waiting with first aid. She'd tried to ask them about Vander and Silco but no one had seen them.

Trying not to panic she kept offering assistance in any way she could, always asking about them, never getting answers. Suddenly Felicia and Connel showed up, panicked and asking if she'd seen them. Rosemary, despite having a mild disdain for Felicia (she'd seen the looks she gave Vander), pushed that aside for now and shook her head. They said they'd keep asking and vanished into the crowd, also trying to help.

From the pieces of information that had been gleaned from survivors, apparently a piece of the ceiling that they thought was reinforced hadn't been as much as was needed and had collapsed, causing a chain reaction that pulled an entire section of rock down around them.

People were still exiting, much more slowly, and experienced rescue crews had already moved in and had been pulling the injured out. But still there had been no sign of them. Rosemary was beginning to truly and deeply panic when she saw two figures emerge, limping along slowly. Her heart leapt and she ran to them, sobbing "Vander!! Silco!! Oh thank gods-!"

She hugged Silco tightly, less so when he hissed in a pained breath and wearily said he was okay. She then paused, her own breath caught in her throat; Vander had a deep gash on his head, rhe blood dripping down his face to the spreading stain on his shirt. He looked haunted, distracted, and stared through her with hollow eyes for a moment before recognition came back and he murmured, "Rosie....?"

Choking out another sob, she buried her face in his chest, ignoring all the dust and sweat and blood and stench because he was alive. He was okay, he was here, he made it.

Silco rested his shaking hand on her shoulder for a moment, then said he needed water so he'd be back.

Vander wrapped his arms around her shoulders, pressing his face to her hair.

"No more..." he mumbled

"Hmm?'

She caught his eye with a somewhat more subdued smile than usual, and he instantly pulled out a tall glass and a few ingredients as she made her way over and slid onto a stool. There were only a few regular bar flies around tonight, so he could easily take the time needed for, it seemed from her expression, to cheer her up.

Finishing up by placing a delicate slice of lemon peel on the rim, he stepped over to her, heavy boots on the old wood floors audible over the soft jazz drifting from a jukebox. Placing the glass in front of her he asked, "I'm assuming the usual tonight...but I also got a feelin' it may be a two drink night."

She stiffled a laugh, then reached for the drink, her fingers brushing his and they both mumbled quick, awkward apologies before she took an appreciative sip.

"Aaah..." she sighed, "You know how I like 'em."

"Ya been coming in forever, Rosie. A good bartender knows their loyal patrons." He frowned slightly, "I can tell somethin's up. You need a willing ear?"

Rosie sighed again, more weary, running a hand through her dark chocolate hair, the gesture making the streaks of silver grey flash for a moment, "It's...it's nothing, really."

"Don't sound like nothing. But, if you don't wanna discuss it I ain't gonna pry into your business. Enjoy I'll be back 'round."

He picked up a rag and started to move away-but she reached out suddenly, placing her hand over his wrist. He froze in confusion, not sure what was going on yet his pulse could not help but react to the warmth of her skin against his. She stared at him for a moment, before seeming to realize what she had done and quickly withdrew her hand, "Ah fuck. Sorry. I um, yeah. Yeah you know what? You've been a good friend; if you want to hear me out I certainly wouldn't mind someone to talk to."

Vander set his rag down and still slightly startled, yet admittedly enjoyed, her sudden touch he nonetheless leaned on the counter next to her and said "I'm listenin'"

Thus she recounted the story of how her dad had slipped and fell and would be out of work for a couple weeks, and how their orders were already backed up in addition to a missing shipment of break pads they were fighting with the courier service about.

"On top of that, some cranky old bag accused us of letting our dog shit in her car. We don't have a dog! Finally, she remembered her own mutt had taken a dump in there and she forgot."

Rosemary exhaled wearily, downing the last of her drink. She thoughtfully turned the stem in her fingers before catching his eye, "Thanks. I feel better....and..." she slid the glass forward, this time intentionally brushing his fingers, "I'm here for you, ya know, if you ever need someone to talk to. You deserve a kind ear, too. If you ever need a break and wanna hang out, you know where our shop is."

He gaped for a moment, scarcely able to believe this was actually happening. For ages he'd secretly hoped for a chance to hang out with her outside of this hole in the wall, maybe even go on a date, and he had an inkling she might feel the same but had never dared to really let that hope fully take root.

"I...yeah. Yeah, I'd like that sometime."

"Eh? Whazzat?" he mumbled against her skin.

She pulled away enough to point upwards, "Stargazing! We never get to see them down in the Undercity, and it'd be fun and romantic! I can point out the constellations me mum and dad taught us!"

Rubbing his chin and scratching the stubble that had grown in and was starting to itch a little, he mused, "I'd love to...but there's a lotta light here. We'd have to find someplace darker, like the outskirts or out in the harbor, and we don't exactly have a boat-"

"-have a boat..." Rosemary sighed in tandem.

They looked around, vainly hoping someone might be heading out and be willing to take them, but the only nearby vessel they could see was a tiny, single sail boat bobbing by a rickety dock and a snoring man sprawled out in a chair next to it, a nearly empty bottle of whiskey in his lap.

They both caught each other's gaze, the same thought crystallizing with devious grins; this guy was dead drunk. He wouldn't wake up if a gunshot went off by him. Surely he wouldn't notice if they took his boat for a little joyride as long as they brought it back soon enough. Gleefully, looking about to make sure nobody else was paying attention, they darted over and quietly as possible slid into the small craft, Rosemary untying the ropes from the moorings as Vander lifted one of the oars and pushed it away from the dock. Rosemary grabbed the other and they silently rowed her out...

Once they had gotten out far enough, the lights from the city faded so they could clearly see the brilliant blanket of stars shimmering high above them. Rosemary lowered the sail, still insisting she knew exactly what she was doing thankyouverymuch, to let the boat slowly drift to a stop, ever so gently bobbing in the calm waters.

They laid back on the floor together, her curled up against his side as she happily pointed out all the constellations she had been taught and the stories behind them.

"That one there is the Seagull," she traced a group with her index finger, "Legend has it there was once a gull who befriended a group of sailors. He became their companion and dear friend, watching out for dangers and keeping them company. When he finally passed away, his love for them was so strong he was turned into a constellation so he could guide them and others forever."

Vander nodded thoughtfully, rubbing her shoulder, "That's...that's beautiful, actually. What was the gulls name?"

"He doesn't have one I don't think. That's just the story."

"That's stupid. Why make up this whole story then not even name them?"

Rosemary snort-laughed, "Van you're not supposed to think that deeply about it!"

"Well I'm gonna." he huffed mockingly, feigning being annoyed.

Chuckling, she pointed to another and curled up tighter against him, thankful for the man being a living heater. It was colder out on the water then she'd recalled, and she was starting to feel it, but refused to give up this special night. Here they were, alone together for once, enjoying this beautiful, perfect opportunity they might not otherwise get.

Okay fine so they'd technically stolen said opportunity but no harm done, right?

He noticed the slight shake in her voice and tremble of her body and murmured, "Hey..."

As she was replying he very slowly repositioned them so he was now hovering over her, his large body pressed carefully against hers, "I think you're cold, Rosie. Lemme help with that..."

She let out an involuntary moan clutching his shoulders, feeling his warmth and the bulge already against her leg. "Van," she breathed, "Gods ya know I want you. Were it not incredibly precarious and risky I'd beg ya to fuck me senseless right now...but knowing how rough you get we'd definitely capsize."

"Fair, fair, you're probably right," he relented with a groan, then his eyes sparked with mischief, "But there's other things I can do to ya..."

Carefully sliding backwards, he slipped his hands under her dress and pulled it up, settling between her thighs as she shivered not from the cold now, but the realization and anticipation of what he was up to. Giving her another smug lopsided grin, he pulled aside her panties and wasted no time in moving in to lap at her folds, sliding his tongue to flick at her clit, moaning as her fingers tugged his hair and her back arched with a whimper.

She whined and panted his name, desperately attempting not to literally rock the boat too much, a difficult feat with how incredible he felt and how quickly she already felt her climax building. It wasn't too long before he was sucking at that precious pearl, swirling his broad tongue around again that she gasped, stuttering out his name and seeing stars of a different kind...

Silently as they had left, they slipped back to the dock they'd left from...and the man was still fast asleep, snoring away. They thanked their good fortune, retying the boat to the mooring cleats before sneaking away quickly. Once they were a ways off, they burst into snorts of laughter, scarcely believing they'd managed to pull the whole thing off.

"What time is it?" Vander wondered aloud.

Rosemary grabbed his hand, "Who knows and who bloody cares? The night is still young, and we have lots of time! So...now that we're back on solid ground..." her eyebrow quirked, "Ya got any ideas?"

In a blue blur Powder darted away, while the others set to work trying to whip together a cake for Vander's birthday (whether he had expressed his reluctance to celebrate or not) in swift order before the man realized what they were up to.

Despite Rosemary's best efforts there was soon bits of flour, eggshell and other ingredients flung across the counter, old work table and on the floor. She grimaced, realizing the cleanup might take as long as the creation....she glanced towards the doorway, ignoring Vi and Mylo's disagreement over whether to add extra sprinkles, and prayed Powder was having an easier time.

Meanwhile, the youngest member was seated on a barstool, swinging her feet happily as she sipped a juice concoction, thoughtfully tapping her chin.

"Well?" Vander inquired with a grin, leaning on the counter by her.

Dramatically she gave a thumbs up, making a satisfied 'mmm' sound before wiping her mouth with an arm, "Delicious! What's in it?"

"Nope. Secret recipe." He teased before turning around, earning a pout. From the corner of her eye Powder caught movement and glancing saw Claggor waving a hand. He was pointing toward a small pantry door and gesturing their agreed upon code for 'sugar'. Powder's eyes widened but she nodded back, glancing around trying to think of some way to distract Vander long enough to covertly grab the needed ingredient and get it to Claggor undetected.

Her eyes settled on the cup in front of her, and her shoulders sank mournfully realizing what she needed to do. Wincing and whispering an apology, she 'accidentally' bumped the cup just as Vander was about to turn back around.

"Aaah!" she yelped, jumping as it spilled over the countertop and dripped onto the floor on his side of the bar, "I'm sorry I'm sorry I didn't mean to-"

"Hey, hey hey it's alright, Pow!" He reassured her quickly, whipping the towel off his shoulder and bending down to start to wipe off the floor. Silently, and while his back was turned, Powder sprang off her stool and darted to the pantry, reaching in to snatch a canister of sugar and dashed to Claggor handing it off. He grinned and mouthed 'awesome' before vanishing. She was still standing there, feeling a glow of pride when Vander turned and saw her, quirking an eyebrow.

"Ya don't have to run, sweetie. I'm not mad."

"Oh! I uh, I was just seeing if I could find uh, another towel..." she offered awkwardly, wandering back.

Back in the kitchen, things had smoothed out to a more efficient process, as the cake was now done baking and the frosting had been made. They were working on cleaning up when a panicked Powder dashed into the kitchen.

"He's coming I couldn't stop him he said he needed something and would get it himself and I couldn't-" she hissed.

The others groaned but Rosemary held up a hand decisively, "I got this. Powder, you tried. Good job. All of you, stay on task. And no peekin'."

Tossing her apron on a table she stepped out the doorway and down the hall towards the main bar area, quickly running in to Vander.

"Why hello there, handsome." She grinned, leaning on the wall.

He smirked, making note of her almost suggestive pose, "'Ello gorgeous. There a reason you're blocking my path?"

"Hmmm?" She hummed, tilting her head, "Dunno what you mean."

He sidled up to her, and she had to fight the slight wobble in her knees when he leaned in, warm breath near her ear, his tone teasing yet serious, "I know when there's shenanigans afoot in me own domain, love."

Her hand trailed up his side to his arm then his jaw, turning his face back towards her, raising an eyebrow, "And if there were, would there be any possible way to hmm distract you from investigatin'?"

"Depends..." he mused, letting himself lean against her a little more, "Ya got any ideas?"

"Oh I'm a well of ideas.." she let her lips just barely graze his, smugly noting his sharp inhale, "Ya need a drink?"

His fingers dug a little more into her hips, a barely audible growl in her ear, "You know you're in trouble later ya little minx. When I'm done with you, you won't be able to walk normal for a couple days or is that what ya want?"

Rosemary shuddered involuntarily, her mind clouded for just a moment, knowing exactly what she was in for before regaining her composure and clearing her throat, "It's a date."

"Good. Now," he stepped back, his demeanor back almost to normal, "What are you lot up to?"

Before she could think of any replies, Vi poked her head through the kitchen doorway and frantically waved an arm at Rosemary, who stammered that she'd be right back and went to the pink haired teen.

"What?!" The older woman whispered.

Vi grinned, looking off the tiny bit of frosting on the corner of her mouth, "It's done! Get him in here before Mylo eats it!"

Rosemary heard a faint, indignant "Hey!" from the kitchen but turned and smiled at a now confused and slightly disgruntled Vander.

"You want to know what shenanigans are afoot?Well get in here and find out."

Sighing, he strode down the remainder of the hallway and stepped through the doorway saying "I don't know what you guys are up to, but this had-"

He was cut off by a loud, joyful chorus of, "HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!" and the sight of the kids standing by a slightly messy, frosted cake covered in sprinkles with a couple uneven candles and-a sparkler stuck in it. He gaped at them for a moment before chuckling and rubbing his face, "So this is what all of the fuss has been about today eh?"

"We wanted to do something special for you." Vi shrugged, smiling uncertainly.

"It's your birthday! You should have cake!" declared Powder.

"You're...always taking care of us, and...yeah. Happy Birthday." Mylo offered awkwardly, but smiled as well.

Claggor added, "I know you said you didn't want anything but we decided you deserved it anyway."

He crossed his arms with a sigh and a resigned but joyful smile, shaking his head, "You know, if there's one time you guys are not going to listen to a word I say...I suppose this isn't bad. Thank you, really."

Flicking his gaze to Rosemary he added, "And I suppose you're the ringleader of this little circus?"

"Guilty. Sorry boss man." She replied with feined innocence, earning an affectionate eyeroll before he declared they should probably eat the cake before it melted from the candles and-oh dear.

Vander gave her his own cocky, lopsided grin, which did nothing to help her nerves and a look-over with an appreciative whistle at the low-cut, periwinkle and silver trim number, "Can't rightly forget somethin' like this. You look really nice tonight, Rosie."

"Ah, well, thank you, it's eh, one of my favorites." she chastised herself internally for sounding awkward-get it together lass! "You look pretty damn good yourself. Did you-ah, shall we?"

She held out an arm, trying to ignore the slight, confused furrow of his brow as his smile returned and he took it as they set off.

-"And then, and THEN! The prick had the audacity to try and haggle us down! After tryin' to swipe a box of gears!"

Rosemary downed the last of her beer, slamming the tankard on the table for emphasis. Vander did similarly, "Bastard! Did your Pa kick him out?"

"Literally!" she crowed, "He'll have me dad's boot print stamped on his arse for a week!"

They chortled, the earlier bits of awkwardnes all but forgotten with the joyful ruckus of the bar they'd ended up at, a live band playing upbeat tunes and the bright, welcoming atmosphere.

It was quite a different vibe from The Last Drop and other watering holes down in the fissures, one Rosemary had grown accustomed to with her singing career topside. She had suggested this place, feeling a bar would be familiar and therefore comfortable for their date. They were on an official date. She sipped her refilled beer and felt her cheeks flush lightly as the thought struck her once more. For the moment his focus was on the band and she could study him closely; those beautiful slate eyes, his strong jaw rimmed with stubble, that thick, deep brown hair she just wanted to tug while-

Oh no. In an instant looking at his handsome face, it all crystallized perfectly clear in her mind what all of the butterflies and nerves had been about.

"Hello? Rosie?"

She started, snapping back to reality as she realized she'd completely spaced out, and Vander was now staring at her with a bemused smirk, "Ya think you've had enough already?"

"I...I um-yeah! I mean no. I mean yeah I'm good, no I definitely have not had enough." she slung back another mouthful, trying and failing to appear nonchalant. Now his expression soured, "Rosemary. Be straight with me. You been actin' off since we met up earlier. You gonna tell me what's going on?"

Her blush deepened. Dammit. She had vainly hoped he wouldn't notice...but this was Vander, a man who's very livelihood depended on being acutely observant. It was foolish to believe she could hide it from him. "I...I just feel like...I don't want to...oh for fucks sake, can we step outside? I can't focus in here."

-Standing in the alleyway together between the bar and a millinery shop, Vander had lit a cigarette while he waited for her to gather her thoughts, the glow of the tip faintly illuminating his serious expression. He offered it to her in silence at one point, but she shook her head.

At length she sighed, rolled her shoulders, then crossed her arms, "This is supposed to be our first like, official date right? And it's supposed to be casual. It's just a drink. But I wasn't sure why I was so fucking nervous. We've gotten drinks together forever right? So what made this so much different?"

He was silent for a minute, uncertain whether she was expecting an answer or not until he read the silent, unconscious pleading behind her hazel eyes and cleared his throat, "Because...it's never been a date before?"

"Exactly!" She became more animated at this point, using her hands to emphasize points as she paced and continued to speak, "And because of that I wanted things to be perfect, and I think I got myself all worked up because...because I..."

Heart hammering, she stepped up to him and rested her face against his chest, "....I really...really like you, Van. And I don't want to fuck this up."

His arms came up to encircle her and she sighed, melting further into him. After a few beats of silence, save for the muffled music from the bar and the distant sounds of the harbor, she felt more than heard his rumble of laughter. She looked up at him with a slight pout, "You laughin' at me?"

"No! By Janna no," he snorted out another laugh, "I'm just glad you were honest with me. And I thought there was actually something wrong," his face clouded, "Like you didn't actually want to date me or we're just tryin' to use me like other folks have done."

"Vander I-"

"Rosemary I-"

They caught each other's gaze uncertainly for a moment, both realizing the step further their relationship had taken this night. Stretching on her toes as he tilted his head downward their lips met briefly, before Rosemary grinned at him with a much more relaxed expression than he'd seen on her the whole night, the brilliance of it sending a light shudder down his spine. He grinned back and incline his head toward the building, "You want to go back inside and enjoy the rest of this thing?"

"Why thank you. I'd be delighted, good sir." She replied in her best coy, smooth, "upper class" tone she used while working, snorting at his grimace.