Arson

Chapter Twenty-One

(Credits to Bon Iver & St. Vincent for this amazing song!)

Alexandria's P.O.V

The snow was always so beautiful in the evening. The colors of fire adorned the setting sun's sky...the flurries, once a part of that tapestry, found their way inside the building.

I ventured along the top level, the snow seeping in from the cracks. It danced and twirled around me, the cold crystals resting on my body once they tired.

Alone, I was marred in thoughts. Thoughts about him - the way he made me feel...what he said. It all resonates deeply within.

I've never experienced anything like this before. A small part of me wanted to run, to escape before I was hurt again...but the rest of me drowned out that voice.

It was getting late out, but I didn't mind. I knew he was coming back...but maybe I should go back down to the lower level. He probably wanted to easily know where I was.

You know, just to avoid him hunting me down and tearing up the entire New York Underbelly.

The factory was quiet...dark, apart from the gentle and dim light from my room. Otherwise, I was completely covered I shadows.

The perfect ambush.

Venturing into my room, everything seemed to be in the right place. However, that feeling creeped along my spine.

I wasn't alone in here.

A darker tint of shadow creeped over my being...he was close. Real, close. Any normal person would've freaked out at this point, probably high tailed it much earlier than I. But this wasn't a stranger.

The same rough and calloused hands rubbed down my arms, landing around the hip. However, today...they were softer, a more cautious touch.

Is he being careful with me...? I don't want him to.

"...Hi..." I whispered.

"Hey there, pretty girl." He held me, and held me close. His breathing was slow, strong...when he moved, I moved.

Frank's voice was barely audible, a low and quiet growl - but to me, it was all I needed to hear.

His lips gently pressed into the groove where the shoulder muscle and neck connected. A softer, and less outspoken I missed you...

"I missed you, too." A smile contorted my lips, cheeky, and wide. It was fleeting, but there.

"You should smile more. I like seein' you happy."

"What if I'm never happy...?" I break out of his hold, now free to move about and venture wherever I pleased.

"You are right now, I can tell from your tone." He chuckled, and began to follow me across the room. My own personal shadow.

"Well...what you said...it might've changed my mood. Just a little bit..."

"I knew you were watchin'. Am I in the doghouse, or do I have to beg for forgiveness...?"

The bed creaked, sinking down as I sat in the middle of it.

"I haven't decided yet. Half of me wants to slap the everliving crap of you, and the other half wants to kiss you. You pick."

The bed let out another quick screech, sinking as the Punisher crawled onto it.

I raised my hands up to his face. The scars around his hairline and lower face were a different texture - color even. As I traced them, he lolled his head into my left hand...

"You already know what I want, Darlin'."

Pulling him forward, I grazed my lips over his. The hesitation was on purpose - to give him a chance to leave and not look back.

But he was tired of waiting for me.

Frank took a breath, before cealing in the anticipated touch. He presses one hand into my back...I couldn't help but tense and arch as a result from the burn it left on my skin.

We shared the same air, the same space, maybe even the same throb in the heart.

However, I had to breathe eventually. Well, unfortunately was a better word.

Castle smirked, floating around my lips as he patiently waited for me.

My eyes opened, the violet burning passionately in the dimly lit room.

"...What color are your eyes...?" He purred curiously.

"Hmm?"

"Your eyes. One day, they're grey, the next...blue. But every now and again, when the light hits 'em just right...they're purple."

"They're violet."

"Violet," Frank echoed in awe. "Beautiful."

Beautiful.

That simple but amazing word resurfaced everything he said through that monitor.

"Y-You really did mean all of it..." I said without air fueling those words. It came out, but just barely.

"Every word," The Punisher growled. "And I'll say it again, and again, until you believe me. You're drop dead gorgeous, determined, and-"

I grabbed the collar of his hoodie, pulling him back to me. There was no waiting, no pause or reluctance...it was just me and him.

Our lips smashed together, more fiery and intense then ever. He kissed me so deeply...it's what I wanted all along.

Well, what I really wanted was to cry out my feelings, make him mine...but this would do for now. Frank was all I needed, and him choosing to stay here with me spoke volumes.

Don't ruin it just yet, Alexandria. You've got a good thing running here, it would be a shame if you scared him off.

The kiss weakened to just us anticipating each other's next actions. My hands caressed down his muscular center, finding their place at the base of The Punisher.

"I'll take that as a thank you." Castle smirked.

"You better, because that's all your getting until you play me that song."

"Yes, ma'am."

Our heads leaned against one another.

Well...I guess today wasn't so bad...