Fate - 4
He's barely conscious when Ray finally carries him out of the cellar late the second day. Florian is grateful when Ray places him gently in the narrow bed in Florian's room, knowing he's too weak to serve as Ray's companion for at least another day.
"Rest," Ray soothes him, leaning down to press a kiss against his forehead before drawing the blankets up over Florian's wounded, barely clothed body. "I'll send Laila up with her ointments and some broth."
Florian reaches up to his master, not wanting him to leave, although he knows it's better if he does. He feels Ray's warmth against his hand and closes his eyes, trying to hold onto the sensation.
"Sleep," Ray whispers, patting Florian's hand before putting it back on the bed and walking away without looking back.
Florian shifts onto his side and fights back the tears that have less to do with physical pain and more to do with the pain of being left alone. He knows he's pathetic, but he can't stop himself, not even when Laila walks in without knocking and thumps her tray down onto his nightstand.
She pulls the remnants of his tattered shirt roughly away from his blood encrusted wounds and he bites back a scream, welcoming the darkness that pulls him down.
XXXXX
When Florian regains consciousness he has a moment of panic, fearing that Ray has sent him away. He's in this room so seldom that he doesn't recognize it at first. It takes him less time to remember where he's been. If the pain didn't remind him, the strong smell of Laila's healing ointments would.
He's shirtless and his chest and shoulders are wrapped in bandages, some of them already soaked through with now-dried blood. Memory floods him and Florian hopes that whatever deal Ray made with Solomon will wait until he's healed.
As much as he hates the idea of being with anyone but Ray, Florian won't regret whatever he has to do. It will be worth it to have saved Noel. The poor child was terrified and he trusted Florian to help him. Florian won't let him down.
With great effort he gets out of bed and dresses himself in old, loose clothing. He doesn't want to stain any of the expensive shirts Ray bought him. Moving carefully, he manages the stairs, although he's breathing hard and the edges of his vision are dimming. He rests against the wall a long moment to recover his strength before straightening and moving to Ray's study. He knocks quietly and waits for permission to enter.
"What are you doing up?" Ray demands, leaving his desk and hurrying to help Florian into a seat. Once the blond is settled Ray turns his head and bellows for Laila.
"Please, don't bother anyone," Florian pleads. He hates having Laila see him like this, and he doesn't want to see her ill-concealed contempt.
"Water and pain killer now, then soup in the dining room," Ray barks over Florian's shoulder, and the person hurries away.
"You shouldn't provoke me so," Ray tells Florian as he gently smoothes his hair into place, then caresses his face. "I don't like to see you like this."
"I'm sorry." Florian lowers his eyes and tears glitter on his eyelashes. "I couldn't let the child be hurt."
"He wasn't - nothing more than a few scrapes, anyway. He's back home with his father and his stepmother is in jail."
"Oh!" Relief floods through Florian and he wavers. Ray catches him with strong hands and lifts him so Florian is cradled against Ray's warm chest. It feels like heaven and for a moment, Florian lets himself think only of the safety of those arms.
"Take this," Ray insists, breaking through Florian's haze. He lowers the wounded man onto the fainting couch in the drawing room and accepts the small glass of doctored liqueur he uses for pain relief. He holds Florian up and presses the glass against his chapped lips, tipping it slowly until Florian swallows the contents. He hands the empty glass back to Laila and accepts the glass of cool water in its place. He gives Florian half, then eases him down onto the silk pillow.
"Stay here and let the medicine do its job. You'll feel better soon. He presses a kiss against the warm lips and pulls away, watching as Florian's eyes flutter, then close. He accepts the silk throw from Laila and covers the resting man, watching for another minute until he's sure that Florian won't follow.
"Come with me," Ray orders quietly and Laila follows without comment, a small shard of worry in her chest.
"Florian is part of this household. He will be treated with the same respect as everyone else who lives here. I trust you to understand that and make it clear to the others." Ray's gaze is even but there is a stiffness to his posture that tells Laila how upset he is. She pushes back the many things she'd like to say and settles for a simple nod. She'll make an effort to tolerate the pampered little pet, but only for Ray's sake.
"Please tell the cook that Florian will need soup and soft bread for his meals today, and bland foods for at least another day."
She nods again, trying not to think about the regret and other unfamiliar things she sees in Ray's eyes. She doesn't like this - any of it - but for now she'll do as he asks… and keep watching.
XXXXXX
The smell wakes him, his stomach reminding him that it's been too long since he last ate.
"Slow down," Ray laughs, placing a restraining hand lightly on Florian's shoulder. "No one's going to take your food away; wake up before you try to get up."
Florian relaxes back against the soft cushions and smiles up at Ray. He's stiff but in less pain than the last time he was awake. He allows himself a moment's indulgence, reaching out to Ray and drawing him down for a kiss.
"Don't start something you can't finish," Ray teases, sliding his fingers through Florian's fine hair. It's a bit tangled and he tries to finger comb it smooth. "Why don't you freshen up a little? You can use the guest bathroom and join me in the dining room. Cook made chicken soup for you."
Florian presses himself up against Ray for a moment in gratitude, then lets him pull away. He accepts the hand that Ray offers and rises slowly, still shaking off the effects of the medicine.
The guest bathroom is small but lavish and well-stocked. Florian takes extra time to make himself presentable and feels much better when he finally joins Ray in the dining room.
He's starving, but he forces himself to eat slowly, both for appearance and for the sake of his weakened system. Previous trips to the cellar have taught him how important it is not to overstress his system with too much food, too quickly.
He still working on his bowl of soup when Ray lays his silverware across his plate and signals for Luc to take it away. Immediately Florian sets his spoon down and removes the napkin from his lap.
"Finish your meal," Ray chides. "I'll have coffee."
Luc hurries off to bring the hot beverage and Florian smiles his thanks as he replaces the napkin and continues eating. He is feeling much better now that his stomach isn't protesting.
When the coffee is served, Ray dismisses Luc and the two men are alone. Ray takes a letter from the inside pocket of his jacket and unfolds it, skimming the contents before clearing his throat.
"Solomon Sugar sent this today. He says that Noel's father has been cleared of criminal charges and will be able to stay with Noel. He and the boy are going to take an extended holiday in England to get away from all the publicity surrounding his wife's crimes. Apparently she threatened to kill Noel unless M. Tassel stole the bank's money and used it to buy jewels. She was intending to kill them both once she got the jewels. If Solomon hadn't rescued them, they'd both be dead."
Florian sets his spoon down and closes his eyes. A tear slips out and slides down his cheek, trailing slowly until Ray reaches over and brushes it away.
"He's safe," Ray reminds Florian gently.
"I know," Florian opens his eyes and looks directly at Ray. "Whatever price you ask of me - it's worth it to know that Noel is safe."
"I'm glad you know that. The price will be high."
Florian nods, looking down. Ray's laughter makes him look up again, confused. Ray just shakes his head and points to the remnants of Florian's meal. "Finish that and you can take a long soak in the tub. You'll be in no shape to see Sugar for a few more days and I've got work to do. I'll expect you to join me for supper at seven."
Florian nods and hurries to finish his lukewarm meal. When he is done, he looks to Ray for permission to leave. The younger man nods, catching Florian's hand as he rises. Ray pulls on the hand gently, drawing Florian close and tilts his head up for a kiss. Florian happily complies until Ray finally releases him and sends him off for a bath.
XXXXX
"Use this one," Ray insists, tapping a bolt of filmy cream-colored fabric. This is the first underlayer." He taps a second bolt, whiter and slightly less translucent. "This is the second, and then this for the outer robe." He lifts the corner of a pale lavender silk.
"It will be quite expensive, sir," the tailor protests. He eyes the dark man in his exotic robes and then the quiet, pale man clad only in undergarments waiting patiently to be measured. The fading injuries covering the blond's arms and legs make the craftsman nervous and he fumbles with his measuring tape several times before bowing his head and turning his full attention to the task.
"I'll want this done by Friday morning," Ray says calmly.
"Friday!" the tailor wails. "But that's in two days."
"Plenty of time," Ray insists, waving for him to get back to work. He doesn't like having Florian so exposed in front of a stranger but it can't be helped. He wants the fit of the robes to be exact, and clothing would only get in the way of true measurements.
The tailor scribbles the last of the measurements in his notebook and stands. He gathers the three chosen bolts and notes them in the notebook before closing it and turning to gather his materials. He'll have to hurry back to the shop and get started immediately if he is to have this order done for Friday.
He bows distractedly to his model and watches the Count dismiss him. The tailor has heard the rumors, of course, but he dares not think about them now, not with such a demanding customer and the chance to earn such a handsome sum.
"My secretary will handle the rest," Ray says, opening a door for the tailor. "I'll have my assistant help you take your materials back to your carriage and then you can speak to Eduard. I look forward to seeing you Friday for the fitting." Ray gives the man a small bow and waves him off towards Jameson. Then he goes to his study and composes a letter to Solomon Sugar.
XXXXX
"It will do," Ray decides, studying Florian's clothing critically. He leans closer and loosens the outer robe, draping it lower on Florian's shoulder. "Now lean back.
Florian shifts several small silk pillows and leans back against them, stretching out on the fainting couch. His feet are bare, but almost lost under the layers of robes. Ray moves in and adjusts the robes again, then steps back, considering. He is finally satisfied.
"Show me," he commands, watching as Florian shifts languidly, the robes slipping down off his one shoulder.
"Nice," Ray nods. "But save it. Don't reveal too much too soon." He waits for Florian to agree before taking the case from the side table and opening it.
He lifts the heavy latticework of gold and amethysts and undoes the clasp, settling the elaborate necklace around Florian's neck and fastening it. It shimmers against his pale skin and makes his violet eyes glow.
"Beautiful," Ray breathes, his hand tracing the edge of the piece where it angles down Florian's bare chest. He smiles when Florian shivers. "It's a shame Sugar will see you like this."
"I could change," Florian offers.
"No, it's part of the plan, remember." Florian nods. "You can do this, right?" Florian nods again; he can do this.
"You won't be angry?" Florian asks, his voice catching in this throat. "I mean, if he chooses me?"
"It is my own fault," Ray counters, caressing Florian's face tenderly. "He brings out the worst in me. But a promise must be kept."
Florian nods bravely. "Yes, it must."
Ray kisses him sweetly, then lingers close, inhaling the fragrance he insisted Florian use. It is spicy and exotic, but not too heavy, just enough to add enticement.
They're still close when Luc knocks at the door of the drawing room, announcing Solomon's arrival.
Ray walks over and opens the door himself, sending Luc away and letting Solomon in before locking the door. The drapes are already closed and the room is lit only by candles.
Solomon sees Florian and smiles widely before looking back at Ray. "I half-expected you to lock your pretty toy away. I know you don't like to let people play with your belongings."
"I made a promise," Ray retorts, sounding offended. He motions to the cart with tea service and canapés. "Refreshment?" he asks with only a slight edge in his voice.
"I don't like to snack when the main course is waiting," Solomon slips off his suit jacket and tosses it towards Ray. He doesn't look to see where it lands before closing in on his prize. He's been waiting over a week for this night.
Florian is attractive enough, if a bit unskilled, but he's Ray's favorite toy and that makes him irresistible to Solomon. If this is as close as he gets to having his dear black cat, he'll accept it.
His attention is fully on that slender body draped in silks, clothing so like Ray's preferred attire. The glitter of gold and jewels doesn't even register at first. His hand is inches away, his mind racing ahead. It's only when Florian shifts and that fine fabric slides down silken skin that Solomon realizes what he's seeing.
His fingers clasp metal instead of flesh. "Is this?" He pulls back and turns to Ray, demanding. "Where did you get this necklace?"
"Why do you ask?" Ray counters casually, fixing himself a cup of coffee.
"Because it's proof that you're Noir, my dear black cat. And you wouldn't be displaying it so casually unless you were trying to get out of our deal."
"I have no idea what you're going on about, Sugar. You kept your part of the bargain, I'm keeping mine. I even had Florian's robes specially made to go with that necklace, just for tonight."
"This is the necklace you stole from the Duchess Montmorency eight months ago." Solomon presses a finger into Ray's chest.
"You mean the necklace I purchased at great personal risk a week ago, just for you." Ray pushes Solomon's finger away and takes a sip of coffee to hide his smirk.
"What do you mean you bought it for me? Why would you buy me stolen jewelry?"
"Because the person who had it didn't know it was stolen and needed to get rid of it quickly. I could have told him about the very large finder's fee, but I decided to make it a gift to you instead."
Solomon drops into a chair, staring at the necklace, then Ray, then back at the necklace again. He has a sinking feeling that he won't be playing with Ray's favorite toy after all. Damnit!
"Let me guess," he says at last, taking the glass of brandy that Ray offers and swallowing it in one go. "You're giving me a choice - a night with your pretty toy or the necklace."
"You are a detective," Ray comments mildly, taking a drink of coffee to hide his smirk.
"You're willing to give up both the necklace - which you stole - and the finder's fee - which is more than I make in two years, by the way, all for the sake of keeping your toy all to yourself."
"I never did play well with others," Ray agrees, refilling Solomon's glass. "And I did not steal the necklace and neither did Noir. That robbery had all the elegance of a train wreck."
"Snob," Solomon says affectionately, reaching up to touch Ray's face. "I should choose your toy just to see the look on your face."
"And never see that necklace again."
"My beloved black cat is so cruel," Solomon laments, staggering to his feet. Ray doesn't believe for a moment that he is actually drunk, but he watches carefully anyway.
I suppose it can't be helped," Solomon finally admits. He sets his empty glass down deliberately and walks over to Florian who has remained still throughout the entire exchange.
"A pity," he tells the blond, leaning down and gripping his hair as he gives him a passionate kiss. His other hand roams freely under the silk robes before sliding behind Florian's neck and unfastening the necklace. He pulls away reluctantly, jewelry in hand.
"Next time," he promises. "You won't get away so easily." He places the necklace in the case that Ray holds open for him and snaps it closed decisively. "Nor will you," he promises, managing to place a quick kiss on Ray's lips before the younger man pulls away.
"Good evening gentlemen, I'll show myself out." He reclaims his jacket and strides out of the room as if he owns the place.
Ray wipes his mouth and looked disgusted. He pours some of that brandy into his cup and downs it before refilling and giving it to Florian. Florian drinks like he is desperate then gives the empty cup back to Ray with a sheepish smile. Ray takes it and sets it on the side table.
"You know," Ray says suddenly, using his hip to push Florian over, and taking a seat. "I'm going to have to add the cost of that necklace to your account. What with the amount I gave your mother, your expenses, those robes, and now the necklace, you'll never be free of me."
He presses Florian back onto the pillows and lets his hands undo the robes. "You owe me so much I couldn't get rid of you even if I wanted to." He looks directly into Florian's hopeful eyes and adds, "I suppose I'll have to give you a job - so you can start paying off that debt."
Florian nods eagerly.
"Good. You're my new secretary. The current one can't write to save his life." He catches the unease in Florian's gaze and adds, "Come up to bed and I'll tell you all about your duties."
Florian releases his hold and lets Ray up before accepting the hand he offers. He presses himself eagerly against Ray. "Yes, master."
"No," Ray stops him and Florian flinches. Ray soothes him by stroking his face. "Can't have my secretary calling me master. Ray will do, or boss if you must."
Florian nods, smiling so widely he thinks his face might break. "Yes, boss."