Before his date with Alex, Ethan was busy.
First, he stopped for a quick lunch.
Then, he stopped by a lingerie shop, picked a few interesting items for Alex that would enhance her already great assets into a proper fashion show in the privacy of his home.
He even added a dress, though it didn’t look any more wholesome than the lingerie he picked.
It helped that his fashion talent allowed him to pick her size perfectly.
Then, he stopped by home.
While climbing the stairs, he came across Penny, who looked at him guiltily.
“Hi Ethan…” she said, her hesitancy making clear exactly what had happened.
“Let me guess, the break is over,” he said with a gentle smile that hid just a touch of disappointment, as if he was surprised.
His new acting talent was already proving useful.
She gulped.
“Yeah.
I … I promised him that if Sheldon forgives him—”
“Penny.
You’re an amazing woman, but also a determined one.
I can see you’ve already made your decision.
My lips are sealed.
As far as everything else but your computer is concerned, we just practiced acting.”
She gulped, her blush suggesting that she had watched it more than once.
“Right.
I owe you one,” she whispered.
“How about I set you up with someone else?”
He wanted to accept, but he kept his tone just a touch wistful, just to mess with her.
“If you think that’s for the best,” he said.
“Yes,” she said, determined.
He nodded, giving her a combination of wistful and accepting, and kissed her cheek before he continued to climb, curious whether he could break her famous streak of loyalty.
Ordinarily, it shouldn’t be possible …
But Leonard assisting him from the side…
He made sure to adjust his room and make sure there was no other sign of Penny’s adventures.
Then, he piled the gifts on the table, put his cello in a visible spot, and went to meet Alex.
He met her just as she was taking off her apron.
“Hello, beautiful,” he teased her, watching her face shift, carrying a beautiful mix of surprise, hope, and desire.
“E-Ethan,” she stammered.
“You look good … very good.”
“That’s the benefit of proper sleep and getting rid of the exhaustion of moving,” he answered, attributing his change of looks to something simple and reasonable rather than literal magic.
“Good,” she said, but her gaze danced on his body, as if she was having trouble imagining she had actually slept with him.
He watched without saying anything, and she stood there behind the counter, apron in hand, looking at him with a particular expression, three parts desire, two parts fear, and one part the dawning horror that she was happy to see someone and didn’t know what to do with that information.
Then, she shrugged as she covered the distance and kissed him.
It was a brave move for her, making her coworkers gape in shock.
After all, Alex had a reputation for being distant.
Ethan didn’t want to waste time talking with a bunch of unnecessary extras, and led Alex out while they kissed, even grabbing her heavy backpack.
That seemed to be enough for Alex as well.
They didn’t say much while they walked to his home, utilizing the time for kissing.
Luckily, they came across none of the other occupants.
He didn’t want to be seen by Penny and lose his moral high ground, and Alex’s mood wasn’t ruined by meeting her professors.
Then, they were in his apartment.
Alex paused, registering his changes since her departure.
The cello stood in its open case by the window, positioned where the afternoon light hit it, looking less like a pawn shop rescue and more like it belonged there.
His camera bag sat on the desk next to the laptop, and a small photography setup was still in the corner, waiting for his attention.
“What happened to your apartment?” Alex said.
“Well, I’m still removing stuff from the boxes,” he said.
“You didn’t have a cello two days ago.
I didn’t even know you could play the cello.”
“I had, and I do.
You just didn’t notice because … well, you had other things to pay attention to.
As for playing, I don’t think I mentioned it.
Again, I had more important things to pay attention to.”
Her blush confirmed that she had vivid memories of those important things.
“Really?”
“Yes.
And I didn’t think you would be very interested in it.
The cello is not exactly a guitar.
It doesn’t make people swoon.”
“It makes me swoon,” she replied, then paused, blushing.
“I mean, I’m interested in it.
I play as well.”
“Really?” he said, as if he was shocked by it.
“Smart, beautiful, and now artsy.
You’re full of surprises, aren’t you?”
“Well,” she whispered.
She turned her attention to the photo setup.
“And what’s that?” she asked.
“A small home set.
Lighting kit, a backdrop stand, some reflectors.
Unboxed them after you left.”
“You’re …
building a photo studio.
In your living room.”
“Studio is generous.
I’m building the idea of a photo studio.”
“What else?”
“I’ll also try a few auditions, maybe even try my hand at screenwriting.
Full force of desperate artist stuff is in effect,” he explained playfully.
“After all, I will probably have only shot to take several months trying them.
Why not try all and make sure I have no regrets going forward.”
“No regrets…” she whispered, intrigued by the idea, which was no surprise.
She loved her science path, but she also longed to explore other paths.
“What are those bags?” she asked, looking at them on the table, trying to change the topic.
“Well, they are for you, in case we want to go out … or stay in,” he whispered.
She checked one of them, only to blush as she dropped it.
He didn’t say anything, and started playing the cello.
This time, he started with Thunderstruck.
Her eyes widened, though she wasn’t too impressed until he seamlessly switched into a classical piece, which impressed her enough to forget what was in the bags temporarily.
She clapped when he finished.
“That’s surprisingly good for someone who claims to be figuring it out.
You are good.
Hell, better than my teacher, and she plays in an orchestra.”
He nodded.
“Maybe, but I’m still figuring it out.
I like music, but I have no intention of turning it into a job.”
“Why?” she asked.
“Because you need to spend years to get a spot as a third chair, which pays slightly more than a fast-food job,” he said with a shrug.
“Not my idea of a living.
I make more playing pop covers in the streets.”
“That’s only because you look good,” she replied.
He smirked.
“Can you play for me again?” she asked.
“I can, but first.
What did you think of your gift?” With that, her blush was back.
“You know what?
Go to the bedroom, change one of them, and in exchange, I’ll not only play but also teach a few tricks,” he whispered.
“I don’t …” she started, then stopped, no doubt realizing the benefits of learning from him while she was dressed in that particular way.
“Fine,” she whispered, took them, and retreated.
He adjusted things as well.
He pulled the curtains, adjusted the dimmer, and even lit a candle to create some extra ambiance.
He also removed his shirt, curious whether Alex would catch the scratches on his back or just subconsciously write them off, thinking she was responsible.
Either way, fun.
He also set the lights so that his playing spot was illuminated perfectly, which seemed the perfect way to put his new Charisma stat to the test the best way possible, his photography skills benefiting as well.
Alex returned, wearing an item that surprised him.
It was a maroon teddy, made of too much lace, and with an incredible cleavage, and it was just transparent enough to be enticing without revealing.
It wasn’t the sexiest thing he picked for her, but it wasn’t the most modest one either.
As she entered, he played a relatively romantic classic piece, which fit the idea.
She froze, showing that the little setup he had arranged worked perfectly.
Alex’s reaction wasn’t a surprise.
Even discounting his Attractiveness and Charisma, she had always been looking for someone handsome, smart, articulate, and respected her interests, which he filled.
His only flaw was that he wasn’t a scientist, but that was a small issue.
No, he wasn’t surprised when she walked toward him, almost hypnotized.
He played, leaning into the aggressive notes, letting the low notes growl, pushed the tempo in the sections where his fingers could keep up and holding back where they couldn’t.
When he finished, Alex was staring at him with an expression he hadn’t seen before.
Not the suspicious evaluation.
Not the flustered blush.
Something closer to genuine awe, tinged with the specific frustration of a person who kept discovering new things to like about someone she was already struggling to process.
“That was good.
Really good.”
“High praise from someone who considers organic chemistry light reading.”
“Don’t deflect.
Take the compliment.”
“Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.” She paused.
“My family would hate that I’m dating a musician.”
He decided it was the perfect time to tackle that topic.
He left the cello, and sat next to her, his hand on her leg.
She immediately parted them.
But, his voice was serious.
“Are we dating?”
The blush returned with force.
“I — I don’t — we haven’t discussed…”
He leaned over and kissed her, cutting off the spiral before it gained altitude.
She made a soft sound against his mouth, then kissed him back, her arms around his neck, pulling him with a surprising force for someone her size.
When he pulled back, she was breathing harder, glasses slightly fogged.
“Alex, we’re not dating,” he whispered.
“W-what?” she whispered, shocked.
There, he was glad for his Charisma, because she just looked at him dazed rather than slapping him.
Pretty privilege was a real thing.
He squeezed her hand gently.
“Alex.
Tell me.
What will happen when your sabbatical ends?”
“I’ll return to school, but it doesn’t —”
“Alex, you’re an overachiever.
You’ll take extra classes, study all night, and we’ll meet maybe an hour every three days.”
“I can—” she started, but he silenced her with a kiss.
“No.
You have a life ambition, and the most absurd thing I can do is to ask you to sacrifice it just to try making a difficult relationship work.
Especially since there’s not even a guarantee that I can stay in LA for longer than six months.
I hope I can, but…”
She chuckled darkly.
“That’s it?” she whispered.
“I’ve spent my entire life being the responsible one.
The one who makes good choices.
And, now that I have something good, I have to stop it as well —”
He silenced her with another kiss.
“Honey.
Who told you about stopping?” he said after he pulled back.
“What?” she asked, surprised.
“Alex.
I believe that we’re good friends.
And I believe we can be better friends.
There’s no reason to stop what we are doing?” She seemed hesitant.
“There’s nothing magical about exclusivity,” he said.
“Isn’t there?” she said.
“No.
We have our own ambitions, and trying to build a life together by sacrificing only means unhappiness, not some great sacrifice,” he said.
“Also, people cheat, people break up, people change their minds.”
“And, that means…” she whispered, the anger she initially felt quick to be suffocated under his excuses … though it helped that he was caressing her legs, muddying the water even more with the pleasure.
Once again, he wasn’t entirely surprised by it.
Calling Alex incompetent in matters of love and sexuality would be a great understatement.
“Isn’t it better to have a friend you can visit freely without any obligation, having fun outings, going to parties … explore your beautiful body together,” he added, kissing her neck.
He caressed her nipple; she shivered.
“One that can play your body like a cello.”
“You’re a bastard,” she whispered, but that was the extent of her reaction.
Then, she paused.
“W-why me, then?” she whispered.
“You’re a handsome musician.
It shouldn’t be hard to find a few models to spend your time together.”
“Probably, if I wanted to spend all my time trying to ignore which smoothie has the least amount of calories…” he whispered.
“Just because I’m smart, then,” she said, almost scoffing.
“I wish I could say that, but I’m a shallow man,” he admitted.
“It’s because you’re smart and beautiful at the same time,” he added.
“It’s a combination that’s very difficult to find, and I don’t want to let go,” he added.
“B-Beautiful?
I’m not.
I’m the nerdy, ugly younger sister,” she argued.
“Maybe you’re a late bloomer, or maybe your horrible fashion sense kept it hidden,” he whispered.
Her eyes widened.
“My fashion sense is not horrible, just practical,” she argued, but he silenced her by pressing his finger.
“Really, a logical fallacy,” he cut her off.
“It’s a poor showing from a debate champion.”
“How do you know I’m a debate champion?” she asked.
He chuckled.
“Alex.
You’re a high-performing student at Caltech doing a double major who is against traditional feminine pursuits in principle.
Debate, spelling bees, academic decathlons, and science fairs.
You should have bronze medals minimum in every single event.”
“Actually, gold medals, some of them even at state level,” she corrected, then sighed.
“Fair, I see your point.
I’m boring and predictable—”
He silenced her with another kiss.
“Not boring and predictable.
Just predictable,” he teased, even as he pushed her onto the couch, their half-naked bodies rubbing against each other.
“And only because I am a good judge of character.”
“What if I say no?” she whispered.
“As much as I want to chain you to my basement, as a society, historically, we moved past the point that kidnapping princesses is an acceptable flirting technique,” he teased.
“If you say no, it has to be no.
I will let you go,” he whispered, glad that Charisma and Social Management helping him to deliver it with a better cadence.
“Fine,” she whispered, but her tone was suddenly fragile.
“Tell me.
Is it because, just like you said, that I’m beautiful?
Or am I just … easy…” she whispered.
Technically, she was easy, but Ethan wasn’t a moron, so he didn’t say that.
“It’s because you’re beautiful, but you don’t have to take my word for it,” he whispered.
“Since you’re a scientist, I can prove it.”
“How?” she asked.
“Trust me for a minute and give me your makeup bag,” he said.
“You can’t be serious.
A makeover.
That’s like the most absurd cheap b-movie trick,” she said.
“Well, it’s the truth.
Unless you can’t handle it.”
She gave a sudden, savage grin.
“Oh, I can handle the truth,” she said.
She reached into her large bag, and pulled out a tiny purse, which only had foundation, lipstick, eyeshadow, and a pencil eyeliner.
Basic of the basic, while most college girls carried a kit with thirty different tools, creams, powders, and other stuff.
Luckily, his Photography and Fashion combined gave him a basic makeup competence.
He put on new makeup, simple but highlighting her best features, and put her hair into a simple fluffy ponytail.
“Done,” he said.
She stood up, going toward the bedroom mirror.
“Come here,” he then said, taking her hand to bring her to the set.
That made her eyes widen.
“You can’t be serious,” she whispered.
“Oh, I’m serious,” he replied.
“You wanted proof, and you’ll get it.
Just listen to my directions for another minute,” he said, adjusting the lights.
“Now stand straight and raise your shoulders…” he started.
She was hesitant, but the pictures came out amazing, especially since the lights enhanced the transparency of her outfit even more.
He expected another achievement, but he didn’t receive one.
Either her nudity was not enough to register, or it required some kind of thematic relevance.
Modeling had that for both Haley and Penny, but it didn’t carry the same meaning for Alex.
However, he didn’t focus on testing it; he kept his attention on Alex.
Getting another medium challenge was welcome, but he couldn’t risk alienating her.
Once he got a few good pictures, he walked over to her and showed her the camera.
He started with one that only showed her head and shoulders.
She still gulped.
“I-is this really me?
It must be … photoshop.”
“Really?
Do you think I have an assistant hidden behind the walls directly manipulating my pictures,” he teased her.
“I look so … different.”
“You look like yourself, only in better clothing,” he whispered.
“That’s why I’m saying that you’re beautiful.
The girls you think are more beautiful than you often use thirty layers of paint to cover their flaws, and even then, they can’t win.”
That would have made her respond, but then he switched to a full-body photo, which showed her assets rather visibly.
Her eyes widened.
“That’s obscene.”
“No,” he whispered, kissing her.
“That’s how true sexiness looks … though the kind that’s best kept between really good friends.”
That worked.
“You’re insistent, then.
Fine.
My sabbatical would end … soon.
We’ll be friends until then.”
He smiled.
“No, Alex.
We’ll be friends after that as well.
However, we can stop the bedroom part then if you want,” he said.
“I still want to go to a museum with you and listen to you insult pretentious modern art pieces.
Sex or no sex…”
“You don’t want to stop the bed part even then.”
He kissed her again.
“Can you blame me?” he whispered as he reached to her back, unzipped her teddy, and pushed it on the floor, and caressed her body.
“You look even better naked, and we are insanely compatible in bed,” he added.
“F-flatterer,” she stammered, feeling shy at the sudden escalation.
“Not flatterer.
Let me prove you,” he whispered as he took a step back.
“Arms up, arch your back, and eyes on my hand,” he said, giving her the signal.
The suddenness of the shift made her react, and she followed it.
He took another photo, which once again brought no reward, which was a pity, but he ignored that as he gave a few quick commands and snapped several more photos before he went to show them to Alex.
She shivered.
“I look…”
“You look sexy, erotic, magnificent,” he completed, then cupped her jaw and kissed her slowly.
This one was different from the others.
Not the aggressive heat of their first night, not the playful pecks from that morning.
This was deliberate, careful, the kind of kiss that communicated something words would have fumbled.
When he pulled back, her eyes were closed.
“For the record,” she said quietly.
“It’s not you that seduced me.
It’s me, finally taking ownership of my sexuality as a strong, independent, modern woman who’s still determined to get a nobel prize.”
With that, she grabbed his hand, and dragged him to the bedroom with a sudden determination.
He allowed, too amused to stop.
[Achievement complete.
Convince Alex Dunphy into a friends-with-benefits arrangement without making her sad.
Challenge: Daring]
[+25 Intelligence
1 Random Platinum Skill
1 Random Platinum Reward]
He picked Intelligence, finally feeling a significant shift in his thoughts; the sudden addition impactful enough to be noticeable.
Twenty-five points represented an improvement he couldn’t gamble with.
He ignored that, and followed Alex to bed.