The Path Ahead

TWO

Early the next morning, Aerith opened her eyes, yawned, and took in her surroundings. She was in Edwyn's bed, and under the sheets, she was wearing only her bracelet and string necklace. Next to her, Edwyn still slept, and their clothes were scattered across the floor where they'd left them. Had last night... really happened? It still seemed a little hard for her to believe. But there was no denying it.

As the sun slowly began lightening the sky outside the window, she laid there for a moment and thought about what had happened during and after the party, coming here with Edwyn, getting to know him, and making love to him. Aerith had thought she'd regret it in the morning, but she didn't. Smiling to herself, she rolled onto her side facing Edwyn and watched him sleep for a few minutes. She really did like him, more than she'd expected. If only they had more time...

Pushing that thought aside, Aerith snuggled up to Edwyn, slid her arms around him, and lightly brushed her lips against his cheek. After a moment, he stirred, slowly blinked open his eyes, and looked over to his left to see her gazing warmly at him.

"Morning, sleepyhead," Aerith teased.

"Good morning," Edwyn chuckled, gently stroking her face.

She smiled. "Sleep well?"

"Like a baby," he replied. "You?"

Aerith giggled. "Same. Guess I wore you out, huh?"

Edwyn flashed her a little smirk. "Yeah. Can't argue with you there. That was the best workout I've had in a long time."

"Me too!" she laughed.

"So..." he said, kissing her. "I, uh... I don't usually move this fast... I mean, you know... doing what we did last night..."

Aerith nodded. "Yeah. Same here."

"But I don't regret it," Edwyn went on. "I'm glad it happened."

"So am I..." Aerith murmured.

Then her lips found his again, and for a while, she laid there in bed with him, sharing tender kisses as he held her close. But she knew that they couldn't stay there for very long. They both had things they had to do. Edwyn had a fortress to run, and she had to talk with Cloud, Jessie, and the others to plan the next part of their journey.

"We'd better get going," Aerith said at last. "Lots to do today."

Edwyn sat up with her, one arm around her waist. "Right. Join me for a shower first? It shouldn't take long."

She smiled. "Love to."

After finally getting out of bed and stretching for a minute, Aerith followed Edwyn into the bathroom, where they shared a nice, relaxing hot shower. Amidst the steam and pouring water, she made love to him again, moaning happily as he picked her up off her feet and held her in his arms. Her legs were wrapped firmly around his waist, and soon, she came, gasping in delight as the sweet fire raced through her. This time, Edwyn made sure to get out before he did the same, quickly setting her down before she brought him the rest of the way.

Once it was over, they washed up, Aerith smiling fondly up at him as he gently rubbed shampoo into her long hair for her while she swept soap across his body. Then they got out of the tub after they were done and dried off. Feeling clean and happier than she'd been in a long time, Aerith wrapped a towel around herself as Edwyn started to get dressed, then drew him into another long, lingering kiss.

"Hey, there..." she smirked.

Edwyn slid his fingers tenderly through her damp hair. "Hey. Now I know what it's like to wake up with an angel."

"Oh..." Aerith blushed. "Thank you."

He touched his lips to hers. "No... thank you for being with me."