Night Watch I: Eliza, Ward of Andrew

*Andrew's POV*

Far too long later, we were on our way to the final stop. I tried to quiet my fears that Eliza preferred women and that Sandra (or anyone, really) would steal her away from me by looking forward to spoiling Eliza rotten. Eliza was truly in desperate need of new clothes. All she had were my father's old vest and kilt, and the halter-type top the Healers had given her to replace the one I'd accidentally destroyed. And, frankly, I hated doing the wash. I was also thinking of getting myself some pants... We'd see what Eliza thought.

Eliza now had a nice bow, a quiver, and Sandra had even filled it with fletched arrows free of charge. Eliza had not wanted any sort of protective equipment, throwing a small tantrum especially at the suggestion of a plastron. But eventually Sandra and I managed to talk her into one, along with a bracer and finger tab. Sandra had been adamant they were necessary, and I had fed Eliza a line that she should have them, on the off-chance we should need to swap bows, failing to mention that I already had my own. I’d rot in the deepest hell before I’d let Eliza get away with failing to protect that precious chest of hers from harm!

I tried not to think about the fact that Eliza’s bow was considerably longer than mine. My arms would tire after 15 minutes with a beast like that, but I saw it made her eyes twinkle a little. It had skulls carved on it. I was noticing a theme. I bet that bow had sat in Sandra’s inventory for years…

Word must have spread regarding where we were headed, as I had never in my life seen Steven's shop empty before. He sat at the counter, playing with a yo-yo, then perked up when he saw us, bowing with a flourish, scarves all akimbo. "Eliza, my dear, your reputation as a fierce warrior in need of clothes precedes you. Second Officer, how goes your day?"

He was grinning amicably, and I liked Steven. He was the Head of the Merchant's Guild and had a seat on the Council. He made a lot of smartass, funny remarks, but he was sharp as a tack. Easy to underestimate. It was a good thing he was such a nice guy.

"It's been very different from my usual routine." I looked at Eliza, smiling. "But the change has been for the better, definitely. We're here to get Eliza an entire new wardrobe. She won a huge wager last night. Money's not really an object, Steven, I'd like to get her anything she wants."

Eliza hissed, "Andrew!" I glanced at her. Excellent. She was mostly horrified. But I saw a small gleam of pleasure. She was loving it, she just needed a little shove to let go.

"Eliza, you have virtually no clothing, and I hate doing wash. I can't leave you to go do it by yourself, we have to stick together, remember?" Ahhh- she was weakening! "I have enough clothes for at least a week and a half, and I was thinking of getting more. So, from a practical standpoint, we really must buy you two weeks worth of clothes." Eliza’s mouth closed, I was winning!

"That doesn't include one ceremonial outfit- I'm an Officer, I occasionally have to attend full Council Meetings or full War Councils. Since we can't be separated, you'll need something fancier than normal to wear. See, I'm just being practical?" Eliza nodded, reluctantly, apparently thinking it through and agreeing with me. Score one for the Second Officer! Hopefully my luck holds!

Steven's already outrageously enormous smile widened even further. "Well, knock yourself out, you've come to the right place! Ladies bottom floor, with the more girly shit towards the back. Andrew, let me know if you want a hand, but I don't want to crowd you and be gutted, you know, or have m'hands chopped off."

Eliza laughed, I rolled my eyes, following Eliza. I wanted her opinion on pants, but I didn’t want to be obvious. I mulled over possible approaches, following after Eliza, not really paying attention. Should I incorporate her thing about my tight butt in a humorous fashion? Try and kill two birds with one stone? Should I ask it, like, 'no big deal?' Very nonchalant? A small part of me said to pull her into a dressing room, rip my kilt off, ask her if she liked what she saw-

Whoa! I had followed her into the ladies’ undergarments section! Lacey underthings everywhere! No-no-no! "Uh, is it ok if I, um...?"

Eliza held up orange, satin brassiere. She batted her eyelashes at me. "What do you think, handsome?" I made a strangled noise in my throat, when I meant to say, "It sets off your eyes and hair beautifully," then turned and left abruptly to go cool off, before I blew a load right then and there in the store.

I sat on the stairs for a moment, trying to collect my thoughts. I didn't understand why Eliza drove me so completely, mindlessly insane with desire. I hadn't thought I was such a fool, that I was so easily influenced...

That I also apparently loved her, cared for her so deeply, when, in many ways, I hardly knew her, I knew so little of her past... Did that make it better or worse?

I reached into the greatest depths of my mind, of my heart- was I just lonely? Was I in a state to have fallen for any woman? Was it really Eliza I loved?

Notes

What do you think? Is it really Eliza, or is Andrew just lonely and missing Juliet?