Winter Wonderland

Bliss

Naiche

Hazy afternoon light filtered through the drapes of Citali's bedroom windows, giving a soft and golden glow to the woman, who was stretched out on her stomach beside Naiche, who was lying on his side, watching her slumber. Despite the level of satiation and contentment he felt at that moment, the soft grumbling on her stomach told him that he should feel guilty for distracting her through most of the day.

Then she turned to face him, running a hand through her dark hair to pull it out of her face, sending it spilling down her back and shoulder. Citali's dark eyes focused on him as she smiled lazily. "I'm sorry, this must be rather boring, watching someone else sleep."

"On the contrary, it's a nice meditative moment." Naiche chuckled, reaching out to run his fingers through her hair, even as she reached up to tug on his braid.

Citali smiled. "You even had time to rebraid this. I know I undid it on you."

Naiche grinned to her, ducking his head down and brushing his lips across her forehead."I did."

"Is this weird... or awkward? This didn't... ruin..." A cloud of doubt floated into Citali's features, that smile turning into a small frown.

Naiche watched her for a long moment, then understanding dawned on him and he shook his head. "You're asking me if this was merely for sexual gratification, and if my lack of wanting an emotional connection will constrain me, and will find conversing with you now, difficult."

Citali fixed a level look in his direction, scowling. "Yeah."

The vulnerability of her expression was rare, and though it made his heart ache, part of him was grateful for seeing what he assumed was a rare side of her. Naiche finally ducked his head and kissed her forehead. "This was not mere sexual gratification... though I would respect your desires if that was all you wanted. I do hope it ruined nothing, but in fact enhanced our relationship."

"Good. Because I enjoy spending time with you... and I feel like..." Citali trailed off and blushed, turning her head away. "Though you were pretty gratifying."

Naiche laughed out loud then, shaking his head and shifting to kiss down her back slowly. "Considering I have not had the desire to spend any time with anyone in a very long time...."

"You were desperate?" Citali groaned, though she was teasing, laughing as she rolled over and played at pushing him away.

"No." Naiche grinned, though he would not let even a joke like that remain, kissing her firmly before meeting her gaze. "Meaning that your presence, and the company we keep together, is extremely special, and I would be at a loathe to lose it, though if you wanted..."

"I don't want." Citali leaned forward and kissed him quickly. "But I'm going to have a shower and then make some food. Would you like to eat with me?"

"I have been reading your cook books. I could make you food while you shower." Naiche nodded, though he remained stretched out in bed as she stood up out of it, allowing him to watch her stretch, then walk across the room, naked.

He watched her gather clothing, the rifle through her drawers, finally producing a pair of light pink pants that she tossed toward him. Naiche barked a laugh as he caught them, though he stood and pulled them on dutifully. "And speaking of eating... I will need to inquire as to your.."

"I'll order in some more blood." She paused in the door of her room, giving him a gentle smile. " I have a friend, Liza, she'll do it on the down low for me, she won't ask questions if I don't want her to."