Me Tarzan, You Jahne (BWWM)

XIII

Jahne and Tarzan found a secluded nook near the river that had become their haven within the lush expanse of the jungle. As they settled beside the shimmering water, the tranquility of their surroundings seemed to weave around them, drawing them closer in a shared solitude.

Perched on a smoothed rock, Jahne observed Tarzan, standing a few steps away at the river's edge. His reflection danced gently across the water's surface. She recognized the weight on his mind—today's harsh events, the agony of witnessing loved ones taken away without the means to intervene, a burden that could render even the strongest man powerless.

She longed to offer some solace but wasn't sure how just yet. At this moment, she sensed that he didn't need suggestions or solutions. What he needed was comfort, something evident in the set of his shoulders and the distant look in his eyes. His presence, so strong yet gentle, had become her anchor in the tumult of the jungle. She had come to rely on his silent strength, and more so, she realized she had started to care for him in ways she hadn't anticipated.

"Tarzan," she called softly, her voice mingling with the rustling leaves. He turned, his gaze locking with hers, always so intense and filled with an unspoken questioning. "Can you come sit with me" she asked, searching for the right words in the peaceful silence between them.

He approached her, his movement graceful and unhurried, and sat beside her on the rock. Their shoulders brushed, a simple touch that sent a familiar warmth through her.

"In my world," Jahne continued, her voice softening, "when people you care about are hurting...they comfort each other." Her cheeks flushed with warmth as she spoke, her gaze briefly lingering on his lips before locking with his eyes again. She struggled to find the right words, her desire for the wild man so intense that she felt compelled to experience closeness with him in some tangible way.

Understanding flickered in Tarzan's eyes. With deliberate slowness, he mimicked an accidental gesture she'd done when she'd gotten overly excited while teaching Tarzan words. He'd said a full sentence for the first time perfectly and she'd kissed him on his cheek, shocking the man.

Tarzan brushed his lips against her cheek softly. It was an innocent kiss, yet it sparked a flutter within her that felt anything but innocent. She hadn't meant that the comfort needed to be a kiss, maybe only a hug or holding hands...juvenile but she didn't want to cross any lines.

Encouraged by his response, Jahne turned slightly, guiding him with a gentle hand at his cheek. Their lips met, a cautious yet curious exploration that deepened as they both responded to the burgeoning need to be closer, to feel more. The kiss, tender and questioning at first, grew with an intensity that neither had expected, grounding them in the present moment.

As they parted, breathless and eyes bright with a new understanding, Jahne knew what needed to be said. "We need to protect this place, your home. Not just from those who would harm it, but by understanding each other, by being here for each other," she whispered, her hand finding his.

"Yes, protect," Tarzan agreed, his voice rough with emotion. His agreement was more than just a promise to guard the jungle; it was a vow to stand by her side.

Motivated by their newfound connection, they spent the day exploring the deeper parts of the jungle, sharing and learning from each other. Jahne taught Tarzan words for the flora and fauna they encountered, delighting in his quick grasp and the way his face lit up with each new discovery.

As the sun began to dip below the canopy, casting long shadows and golden light around them, they found themselves back at the river. The water looked inviting, a cool respite from the day's heat, and without a word, they both entered.

The river around them was a private world, a gentle cocoon that seemed to exist out of time. Tarzan showed Jahne how to tread water, his hands supportive at her back, his touch sending ripples across the surface that mirrored the ones fluttering through her heart.

When Jahne laughed, the sound was clear and joyful, and Tarzan watched her with a look of deep affection. Her laughter seemed to echo around the jungle, a sound so pure and free that it felt like a declaration of their burgeoning feelings.

As dusk settled, painting the sky in strokes of pink and purple, they sat side by side on the riverbank, their fingers intertwined. The jungle around them buzzed with life, the sounds of nocturnal creatures beginning their symphony, but on the bank, there was a peaceful silence.

Jahne leaned her head on Tarzan's shoulder, her voice soft as she spoke of her hopes, her fears, and her dreams. Tarzan listened, his thumb stroking her hand gently, his presence a solid, comforting weight beside her.

"Thank you for today," Jahne murmured as they watched the stars begin to prick the velvet sky. "For showing me that amidst all the chaos, there can be moments like this... moments of peace."

Tarzan turned to her, his eyes reflecting the starlight. "With Jahne, Tarzan is happy," he said, the words clumsy but heartfelt.

And in that simple declaration, Jahne felt a surge of happiness, a profound connection to this man who was no longer just a part of the jungle but a part of her world. Together, they looked up at the canopy above, the stars peeking through, both feeling, perhaps for the first time, a true sense of belonging with each other.

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This chapter may not be as long as my usual work but I'm trying to get back in the swing of things. Hope you all enjoyed me going a little deeper in the intimate side of their relationship.