Lupin the Third: The Del Monte Ruby

Chapter 20

As Ruby's mind swirled in a frenzy of aroused excitement and uncertain panic, Lupin continued to imbue her form with his erotic ministrations. He wanted her. And it was clear that Ruby did want him too. And yet... there was something else that he couldn't help but notice.

It was subtle. Nigh undetectable. Something about Ruby's body language sent a red flag up to Lupin. And as much as he wanted to just strip that dress right off of her and take her right then and there on the beach, silent sirens were going off in his head.

She wasn't ready.

Ruby might not have realized it while she was lost in the panic of her own head, but her fear transferred itself through very subtle motions in her body. And Lupin detected them all. As much as it pained him to do it, Lupin knew what needed to be done. Reluctantly, he pressed his lips to Ruby's ear and murmured softly.

"Zero...."

He finished the countdown.

Ruby's eyes fluttered open. "H-Huh?"

Just like that, Lupin adjusted her dress and pulled away from her. He sat on the sand once more, leaning back on his hands with a grin. Though, something about it seemed put-on; forced, in a way.

"Mmm... That was fun while it lasted. But it's a good thing there was that countdown, or who knows what would've happened there, huh?"

Once more, Lupin had protected her from himself.

He wished he could have had her. But there was something about this girl that made him simultaneously want her, and yet want to protect her. And it was a contradiction that simply would not fly. While Lupin liked Ruby, while she impressed him, and while he knew she had endless potential... he also wasn't willing to sabotage this bond they had over sex – even good sex. For now, things would have to stay the same. Though, she'd forever be left with the residual feeling of the newly charted territory that he explored on her body.

The relief which washed over Ruby was a mixed bag, intertwined with a bittersweet longing and disappointment. She must have done something, if not by word, by deed, that showed him just how unprepared she was. She knew that he knew very well that they had far exceeded the countdown. Nevertheless, he had ended it.

In that moment, Ruby was struck by how noble he was. And yet, she could tell he was also a little disappointed. Seeing Lupin so disappointed seemed almost sinful. It made Ruby want to offer herself to him anyway. But much as Lupin had noticed some subtle variations in her behavior, so too did Ruby detect something to suggest that even if she offered herself now, he would not accept. And somehow that pained her. And now that Lupin had come to this moment of clarity, Ruby wondered if he may never...

Slowly, she sat up. "L-Lupin," she said, but swallowed the rest of whatever it was she'd intended to say. It was like a lump in her throat, a rock that just wouldn't go down, which threatened to choke her if she did not proceed with caution.

'Lupin, do you still want me? Will you still want me? Was that my last and only chance?'

Ruby took a breath, and instead gave him a smile. "Maybe next time," she said a little boldly, but no less flush-faced, "... we can count to 20."

Lupin grinned and gave her a thumbs-up. "Sounds good to me, RuRu."

Ruby grinned back at him, but something inside felt a little weak. Was he saying that because he meant it, or was he just placating her? Would this ever happen again? Ruby knew she wanted it to. She may not be ready today, but someday – someday soon, even – she might. And she wanted it to be with Lupin.

Did he know?

Could he tell?

Was the feeling mutual?