Who Are You?
Gunslinger
.:.:.
“Wake up, wake up, waaake up!”
Elise let out a frustrated sigh as Leana knocked away at her door. She knew it was early yet not early enough that she could sleep in any longer. Her tired eyes slowly opened as she let out a giant yawn.
“I’m up!” Elise croaked.
“I’m going to the gym with Lacey. I’ll be back later. Bye and good luck!” The roommate, despite having just woke up herself, sounded beyond energized.
The redhead responded with a barely audible grunt before checking her phone. It was a few minutes past 7 o’clock giving Elise a generous four hours of sleep. She needed to be ready for the day and have breakfast at least started in the next two hours. First, Elise decided to start the day with coffee before heading into the shower.
By the third cup of caffeine, her hair had been dried and brushed back into a sleek ponytail. Today was the day for only mascara and lip balm. Besides, they were only going to the movies.
Matt had sent a “good morning” at 9:00 on the dot just as Elise was gathering all of her ingredients. Not wanting to get behind on time, she sent her greeting back along with telling him to head over any time after 9:30. She’d rather him be here early than arrive later and have the food be cold.
Matt: I’ll leave in 30 then.
Elise smiled at the thought that Matt would be here soon but snapped back to attention. She cracked her eggs into a bowl along with some seasoning and a little milk before setting it off to the side to be cooked last. Next was the bacon and according to Lacey’s advice, should be cooked in the oven to get nice and crispy while being out of the way. That left the pancakes. Elise pulled up her recipe while the oven began preheating and started by measuring out the flour. She grabbed the orange cardboard box and added two teaspoons into the rest of the dry ingredients. Melted shortening was added into the eggs and milk before being combined with the flour mixture.
Everything was coming along great. The oven beeped signaling it was time to put the bacon in. Elise set the timer and was surprised how late it was getting. Matt only needed ten minutes to reach her apartment from his house meaning he could be arriving in the next few minutes. Elise glanced all around the counters, checking to make sure she had everything prepped and ready to be cooked. With a satisfied smile, she decided to tackle the pancakes. As soon as three very misshapen dollops of batter were placed in the pan, Elise watched them like a hawk. They were thrown onto a baking sheet once they were done and put into the oven to stay warm. Batch two was started and finished the same way.
“Please cook right.” Elise mumbled to herself as she poured the beaten eggs into a well buttered pan, another tip from Lacey. Butter could fix anything.
Four knocks sounded throughout the apartment breaking Elise’s concentration. Panic set in as she looked from the bubbling eggs to the front door.
Fuck! She thought before running over to let Matt inside.
“Hey, pretty lady.” Matt grinned as he wrapped Elise in a hug.
For a moment, she forgot about everything else and melted into his arms until the smell of burning eggs had her wriggling from his embrace.
“Damn it!” She exclaimed running back to the stove that had been set too high.
Matt was chuckling behind her as the small kitchen began filling with the horrid smell of burnt eggs. His voice faded as he saw a defeated Elise drop her shoulders and hold her face in her hands. A strong hand reached out to comfort her.
“We can make another one, you’ve still got plenty of eggs.” He smiled.
She reluctantly nodded and grabbed a clean pan. Matt opened the patio door to let out the smell and decided to set the table, even if Elise objected. A few minutes later, everything was done, putting Elise in a better mood. The cheese omelet, bacon, and pancakes were plated and set down on the table.
“This looks amazing, Elle. Thanks.” Matt grinned while cutting into his pancakes. Elise followed suit and stuck a piece of syrup drenched pancake into her mouth. As she began to chew, her face fell.
The piece was spit out into a napkin as she looked at Matt with a horrified expression across her pale face. Bless his heart, Matt was trying so hard to swallow the large piece that was currently rolling around in his mouth.
“Just spit it out.” Elise mumbled as she got up from the table and threw every pancake, including those on Matt’s plate, into the trash. “I don’t get it. I followed the recipe exactly.”
“Well,” Matt began as he also left the table, “Let’s take a look. I’m sure one of the ingredients was just bad.” Elise turned and looked into his sincere hazel eyes as he tried to comfort her.
“What’s the recipe say?”
Elise opened her phone and began to list everything.
“So, flour, baking powder, sugar, salt, shortening, eggs, and milk? That’s it?” Matt asked and was answered with an “mhmm.”
“You sure baking powder?” He asked again.
Elise rolled her eyes, “Yes. It says baking powder right here. See?”
Matt took her phone and couldn’t help but grin like a mad man. “It sure does but you, my dear,” he chuckled as he grabbed the same orange box Elise had used and held it up, “This is baking soda.”
All she could do was blink and try to process what he just said.
“Are you fucking kidding me?!” Elise exclaimed only to hide her face against Matt’s chest as he pulled her body against his.
He squeezed her tighter and began rubbing her back, “It’s ok. Shit happens. We’ll finish everything else then how about a nap before the movies? You look beyond tired.”
Elise wanted to be stubborn and say no, she was fine, but Matt was right in her being tired. Instead of opposing his suggestion, she nodded her head as they broke apart to finish what was left of breakfast.
.:.:.
Elise tossed and turned in her bed. She had decided to take a nap while Matt opted to watch some horrible day time television. It had only been twenty minutes since lying down but sleep wasn’t happening. In her groggy state, she wrapped her comforter around her body and made her way back to the living room, not even caring about him seeing her in shorts and a tank top.
“You should be sleeping.” Matt didn’t even look behind him as spoke from the recliner.
“I can’t sleep.” Elise yawned as she wrapped the blanket around her body and headed for the couch.
“I can help with that. Here,” Matt looked into her restless green eyes, “Come sit with me.”
Elise raised a brow at his suggestion but would be lying if she said she wasn’t eager to be near him. She didn’t even answer as she joined Matt who had just switched seats so he was sitting now on the couch. Elise crawled onto the cushions while Matt lifted his arm, indicating she was to rest her head on his lap. There was no objection as she smiled and did just that. The smile that crept its way onto her face grew when Matt began petting the side of her head. Within a few minutes, she was out cold.
.:.:.
“It’s so adorable I might just throw up.”
"You’re going to wake them, Lee. Shush!”
“Too late.”
“Sorry, Matt. It’s just, you two are. So. Cute!”
“This is getting weird, Lace.”
Elise could faintly hear the chuckle radiating through Matt’s chest as two others joined him. Somehow, her head was now lying on a muscular chest. She came to the conclusion Matt had scooted himself down so he, too, could take a nap.
“Ready for the movies?” Matt asked when he realized Elise was now awake.
“Yeah, what time is it?” She asked while sitting up to stretch, completely forgetting what she was wearing. Sure, she had worn a bathing suit around the group but she felt more exposed by not wearing a bra.
“It’s, uhh…” Matt couldn’t help but take in the redhead’s sleepy appearance. Her exposed curvy leg was hanging off the couch as her other leg was tucked underneath her. She was wearing black boy shorts that were mildly visible from beneath her thin, black tank top. The comforter hung from her shoulders adding a mysterious appeal to what Matt was seeing. He wanted nothing more than to throw the blanket off and see what was hiding beneath her clothes.
“Matthew!” Lacey’s voice brought him from his thoughts.
Leana giggled, “You’re practically drooling, Sanders.”
Matt looked from the two women then back to a blushing Elise before finally answering her that it was a little after 12:30. Elise nodded and wrapped the blanket back around her while she retreated back to her room for a more proper outfit.
.:.:.
The movie credits started to scroll across the screen as the lights inside the theater flicked on. It had been the perfect comedy that kept the two young adults laughing the entire time. Everyone slowly got up from their seats and made their way towards the exit doors.
“I’m gonna use the bathroom really quickly.” Matt said just as the two walked into the lobby.
Elise smiled and took out her phone while she waited. She read through her emails and decided to send her sister a hello and an update of how the movies went. The junk emails were deleted before her phone was clicked off and put back into her purse. When Elise looked up, her stomach dropped a bit. She silently prayed the two men walking towards her were also headed into the restroom but the smirks on their faces told her that may not be the case. Sure enough…
“Hey there. Want some company?” The taller man of the group approached Elise first.
His hair was a dark, wavy blond that barely reached his slender shoulders. His build reminded Elise of a mix between Jimmy and Brian but he was far from her friend’s level of attractiveness. His sly smirk grew across his face making his thin lips practically disappear.
“She does look a bit lonely.” The shorter man spoke. Unlike his friend, this man was bald with tattoos crawling up the side of his neck and onto parts of his head. He wasn’t as muscular as Matt but he looked as if he could hold his own in a fight.
Elise eyed the two, unsure of how to respond. She was never good with unwanted attention but could never bring herself to flat out tell someone what was on her mind. This moment wasn’t any different. Her dry mouth parted slightly in an attempt to say something, anything, but she was interrupted by a strong arm wrapping itself around her shoulders.
“She isn’t lonely. Trust me.” Matt’s eyes were glaring at the guys who had stopped in their tracks.
“Maybe not but she can definitely do better, Sanders.” The blond chuckled as he eyed Elise who was still in Matt’s protective hold.
“Fuck off, Jax.” He practically spat the taller man before looking at the bald one, “You too, Kent.”
Kent smirked, “What? Afraid she’s going to find out about your other friends like Val did?”
Elise flinched as her shoulder was tightly squeezed against Matt’s body. It was almost enough to distract her from the interaction happening before her. It wasn’t a surprise the gang had other friends but these guys didn’t quite seem to fit in with Matt’s circle. They may have looked and dressed like they’d belong, but they resonated something foul.
“Maybe she’s just as down as Matt was.” Jax looked to Kent then back to Matt, “Maybe she’d like to party with us. How about it, Matt? For old times sake.”
“Fuck this. Let’s go, Elise.” Matt seethed, pulling the speechless redhead as they began walking away.
“We’ll catch up later, Elise.” Her named dripped from the sleazy sounding blond’s mouth.
Matt sighed as he picked up his pace. “Please, don’t ask.”
There was a hint of annoyance in his voice which could almost mask the shame. Elise only nodded as they made their way to Matt’s car. As much as Elise wanted to break the silence during their ride home, she couldn’t think of a single proper topic to break the ice. Her mind kept going back to what had just happened but something told her to let it go. Still, Matt’s past was beginning to intrigue Elise more and more.
What could the gunslinger tell her about his past?
“Wake up, wake up, waaake up!”
Elise let out a frustrated sigh as Leana knocked away at her door. She knew it was early yet not early enough that she could sleep in any longer. Her tired eyes slowly opened as she let out a giant yawn.
“I’m up!” Elise croaked.
“I’m going to the gym with Lacey. I’ll be back later. Bye and good luck!” The roommate, despite having just woke up herself, sounded beyond energized.
The redhead responded with a barely audible grunt before checking her phone. It was a few minutes past 7 o’clock giving Elise a generous four hours of sleep. She needed to be ready for the day and have breakfast at least started in the next two hours. First, Elise decided to start the day with coffee before heading into the shower.
By the third cup of caffeine, her hair had been dried and brushed back into a sleek ponytail. Today was the day for only mascara and lip balm. Besides, they were only going to the movies.
Matt had sent a “good morning” at 9:00 on the dot just as Elise was gathering all of her ingredients. Not wanting to get behind on time, she sent her greeting back along with telling him to head over any time after 9:30. She’d rather him be here early than arrive later and have the food be cold.
Matt: I’ll leave in 30 then.
Elise smiled at the thought that Matt would be here soon but snapped back to attention. She cracked her eggs into a bowl along with some seasoning and a little milk before setting it off to the side to be cooked last. Next was the bacon and according to Lacey’s advice, should be cooked in the oven to get nice and crispy while being out of the way. That left the pancakes. Elise pulled up her recipe while the oven began preheating and started by measuring out the flour. She grabbed the orange cardboard box and added two teaspoons into the rest of the dry ingredients. Melted shortening was added into the eggs and milk before being combined with the flour mixture.
Everything was coming along great. The oven beeped signaling it was time to put the bacon in. Elise set the timer and was surprised how late it was getting. Matt only needed ten minutes to reach her apartment from his house meaning he could be arriving in the next few minutes. Elise glanced all around the counters, checking to make sure she had everything prepped and ready to be cooked. With a satisfied smile, she decided to tackle the pancakes. As soon as three very misshapen dollops of batter were placed in the pan, Elise watched them like a hawk. They were thrown onto a baking sheet once they were done and put into the oven to stay warm. Batch two was started and finished the same way.
“Please cook right.” Elise mumbled to herself as she poured the beaten eggs into a well buttered pan, another tip from Lacey. Butter could fix anything.
Four knocks sounded throughout the apartment breaking Elise’s concentration. Panic set in as she looked from the bubbling eggs to the front door.
Fuck! She thought before running over to let Matt inside.
“Hey, pretty lady.” Matt grinned as he wrapped Elise in a hug.
For a moment, she forgot about everything else and melted into his arms until the smell of burning eggs had her wriggling from his embrace.
“Damn it!” She exclaimed running back to the stove that had been set too high.
Matt was chuckling behind her as the small kitchen began filling with the horrid smell of burnt eggs. His voice faded as he saw a defeated Elise drop her shoulders and hold her face in her hands. A strong hand reached out to comfort her.
“We can make another one, you’ve still got plenty of eggs.” He smiled.
She reluctantly nodded and grabbed a clean pan. Matt opened the patio door to let out the smell and decided to set the table, even if Elise objected. A few minutes later, everything was done, putting Elise in a better mood. The cheese omelet, bacon, and pancakes were plated and set down on the table.
“This looks amazing, Elle. Thanks.” Matt grinned while cutting into his pancakes. Elise followed suit and stuck a piece of syrup drenched pancake into her mouth. As she began to chew, her face fell.
The piece was spit out into a napkin as she looked at Matt with a horrified expression across her pale face. Bless his heart, Matt was trying so hard to swallow the large piece that was currently rolling around in his mouth.
“Just spit it out.” Elise mumbled as she got up from the table and threw every pancake, including those on Matt’s plate, into the trash. “I don’t get it. I followed the recipe exactly.”
“Well,” Matt began as he also left the table, “Let’s take a look. I’m sure one of the ingredients was just bad.” Elise turned and looked into his sincere hazel eyes as he tried to comfort her.
“What’s the recipe say?”
Elise opened her phone and began to list everything.
“So, flour, baking powder, sugar, salt, shortening, eggs, and milk? That’s it?” Matt asked and was answered with an “mhmm.”
“You sure baking powder?” He asked again.
Elise rolled her eyes, “Yes. It says baking powder right here. See?”
Matt took her phone and couldn’t help but grin like a mad man. “It sure does but you, my dear,” he chuckled as he grabbed the same orange box Elise had used and held it up, “This is baking soda.”
All she could do was blink and try to process what he just said.
“Are you fucking kidding me?!” Elise exclaimed only to hide her face against Matt’s chest as he pulled her body against his.
He squeezed her tighter and began rubbing her back, “It’s ok. Shit happens. We’ll finish everything else then how about a nap before the movies? You look beyond tired.”
Elise wanted to be stubborn and say no, she was fine, but Matt was right in her being tired. Instead of opposing his suggestion, she nodded her head as they broke apart to finish what was left of breakfast.
.:.:.
Elise tossed and turned in her bed. She had decided to take a nap while Matt opted to watch some horrible day time television. It had only been twenty minutes since lying down but sleep wasn’t happening. In her groggy state, she wrapped her comforter around her body and made her way back to the living room, not even caring about him seeing her in shorts and a tank top.
“You should be sleeping.” Matt didn’t even look behind him as spoke from the recliner.
“I can’t sleep.” Elise yawned as she wrapped the blanket around her body and headed for the couch.
“I can help with that. Here,” Matt looked into her restless green eyes, “Come sit with me.”
Elise raised a brow at his suggestion but would be lying if she said she wasn’t eager to be near him. She didn’t even answer as she joined Matt who had just switched seats so he was sitting now on the couch. Elise crawled onto the cushions while Matt lifted his arm, indicating she was to rest her head on his lap. There was no objection as she smiled and did just that. The smile that crept its way onto her face grew when Matt began petting the side of her head. Within a few minutes, she was out cold.
.:.:.
“It’s so adorable I might just throw up.”
"You’re going to wake them, Lee. Shush!”
“Too late.”
“Sorry, Matt. It’s just, you two are. So. Cute!”
“This is getting weird, Lace.”
Elise could faintly hear the chuckle radiating through Matt’s chest as two others joined him. Somehow, her head was now lying on a muscular chest. She came to the conclusion Matt had scooted himself down so he, too, could take a nap.
“Ready for the movies?” Matt asked when he realized Elise was now awake.
“Yeah, what time is it?” She asked while sitting up to stretch, completely forgetting what she was wearing. Sure, she had worn a bathing suit around the group but she felt more exposed by not wearing a bra.
“It’s, uhh…” Matt couldn’t help but take in the redhead’s sleepy appearance. Her exposed curvy leg was hanging off the couch as her other leg was tucked underneath her. She was wearing black boy shorts that were mildly visible from beneath her thin, black tank top. The comforter hung from her shoulders adding a mysterious appeal to what Matt was seeing. He wanted nothing more than to throw the blanket off and see what was hiding beneath her clothes.
“Matthew!” Lacey’s voice brought him from his thoughts.
Leana giggled, “You’re practically drooling, Sanders.”
Matt looked from the two women then back to a blushing Elise before finally answering her that it was a little after 12:30. Elise nodded and wrapped the blanket back around her while she retreated back to her room for a more proper outfit.
.:.:.
The movie credits started to scroll across the screen as the lights inside the theater flicked on. It had been the perfect comedy that kept the two young adults laughing the entire time. Everyone slowly got up from their seats and made their way towards the exit doors.
“I’m gonna use the bathroom really quickly.” Matt said just as the two walked into the lobby.
Elise smiled and took out her phone while she waited. She read through her emails and decided to send her sister a hello and an update of how the movies went. The junk emails were deleted before her phone was clicked off and put back into her purse. When Elise looked up, her stomach dropped a bit. She silently prayed the two men walking towards her were also headed into the restroom but the smirks on their faces told her that may not be the case. Sure enough…
“Hey there. Want some company?” The taller man of the group approached Elise first.
His hair was a dark, wavy blond that barely reached his slender shoulders. His build reminded Elise of a mix between Jimmy and Brian but he was far from her friend’s level of attractiveness. His sly smirk grew across his face making his thin lips practically disappear.
“She does look a bit lonely.” The shorter man spoke. Unlike his friend, this man was bald with tattoos crawling up the side of his neck and onto parts of his head. He wasn’t as muscular as Matt but he looked as if he could hold his own in a fight.
Elise eyed the two, unsure of how to respond. She was never good with unwanted attention but could never bring herself to flat out tell someone what was on her mind. This moment wasn’t any different. Her dry mouth parted slightly in an attempt to say something, anything, but she was interrupted by a strong arm wrapping itself around her shoulders.
“She isn’t lonely. Trust me.” Matt’s eyes were glaring at the guys who had stopped in their tracks.
“Maybe not but she can definitely do better, Sanders.” The blond chuckled as he eyed Elise who was still in Matt’s protective hold.
“Fuck off, Jax.” He practically spat the taller man before looking at the bald one, “You too, Kent.”
Kent smirked, “What? Afraid she’s going to find out about your other friends like Val did?”
Elise flinched as her shoulder was tightly squeezed against Matt’s body. It was almost enough to distract her from the interaction happening before her. It wasn’t a surprise the gang had other friends but these guys didn’t quite seem to fit in with Matt’s circle. They may have looked and dressed like they’d belong, but they resonated something foul.
“Maybe she’s just as down as Matt was.” Jax looked to Kent then back to Matt, “Maybe she’d like to party with us. How about it, Matt? For old times sake.”
“Fuck this. Let’s go, Elise.” Matt seethed, pulling the speechless redhead as they began walking away.
“We’ll catch up later, Elise.” Her named dripped from the sleazy sounding blond’s mouth.
Matt sighed as he picked up his pace. “Please, don’t ask.”
There was a hint of annoyance in his voice which could almost mask the shame. Elise only nodded as they made their way to Matt’s car. As much as Elise wanted to break the silence during their ride home, she couldn’t think of a single proper topic to break the ice. Her mind kept going back to what had just happened but something told her to let it go. Still, Matt’s past was beginning to intrigue Elise more and more.
What could the gunslinger tell her about his past?
Notes
The next chapters should come along fairly soon. That and they should start heating up. (; Comments and critiques are always appreciated!
Well damn! ;) glad you’re back!
6/2/19