Man On The Moon

Chapter 22: A New Day

The next morning, Jingliu awoke with a soft groan, her body aching in places she hadn't realized could ache. The memories of the night before were still vivid, and she found herself smiling softly as she remembered the way Vettel had made her feel. She stretched, feeling the pull of muscles used in new ways, and let herself drift lazily for a few moments before opening her eyes. The first thing she saw was Vettel, still sound asleep beside her, his face softer in slumber than it ever was when awake. She watched him for a moment, taking in the strong line of his jaw, the firm set of his shoulders, and the steady rise and fall of his chest. She'd always known he was attractive, but now, in this moment, he seemed almost beautiful in a raw, masculine sort of way. Her hand itched to reach out and touch him, to trace the lines of his face, his body, but she held back. He was sleeping, his body relaxed, and she didn't want to wake him yet. But the memory of his hands, his lips on her skin, was still fresh in her mind, and she felt a flutter of desire low in her belly at the thought. She sat up slowly, wincing slightly at the twinge in her thighs, and looked around the room. The evidence of their "activities" was everywhere. The rumpled cot, the scattered articles of clothing, the faint scent of their combined sweat lingering in the air. Vettel stirred gradually, his eyelids fluttering open as the soft morning light filtered through the room. He took a moment to orient himself, his sleepy brain taking a beat to remember the night before. When he did, his eyes landed on Jingliu, her hair mused, her body bare, sitting next to him on the cot. He blinked, his lips curving into a slow, languid smile. He reached out, his hand finding her hip, and pulled her closer. His voice was rough with sleep and desire as he spoke.

Vettel: "Morning."

Jingliu let herself be pulled towards him, her body fitting against his automatically. His touch sent a now-familiar shiver down her spine, awakening nerve endings that were still recovering from the night before. She smiled, her eyes roaming over his face, taking in the rumpled hair, and the sleepy, satisfied eyes.

Jingliu: "Morning, yourself."

He wrapped his arm around her, holding her close, his hand tracing lazy circles on her back. He was warm and solid, and the feeling of her body against his was more than just pleasant, it was addicting.

Vettel: "You look... Well rested."

Jingliu chuckled, the sound soft and intimate in the small room. She'd never seen him like this, so relaxed, so unguarded, and she liked it.

Jingliu: "Is that your way of telling me I look like a mess?"

Vettel chuckled, his arm around her pulling her closer, his hands moving over her bare skin as if mapping her out. Her skin was soft and smooth, and he marvelled at the warmth that emanated from her.

Vettel: "You look beautiful. Just... a bit well-used."

She pretended to gasp, her eyes widening as her mouth pursed into a faux frown.

Jingliu: "Are you calling me 'well-used'?"

She couldn't keep a straight face, however, and the corners of her mouth twitched, betraying her amusement.

Vettel laughed, his fingers finding a particularly sensitive spot on her hip, and he tickled her lightly.

Vettel: "I think you know what I mean."

He pulled her even closer, his body pressing against hers, the bed creaking slightly under their combined weight. He nuzzled the curve of her neck, his lips tracing the line of her pulse. Jingliu squirmed, half from tickling, half from the sensation of his lips on her skin. His body was warm against hers, and the scent of his skin, so close, was more than a little distracting. She pushed at his chest, feigning resistance, but it was a playful push, without any real force behind it.

Jingliu: "You're smug this morning."

They leaned in at the same time, their lips meeting in a kiss that was meant to be a simple greeting, but quickly turned heated. The contact, soft and light at first, quickly deepened as the night before came rushing back, the memories igniting the fire between them anew. Their mouths moved against each other, their bodies pressing closer, the taste and feel of each other like a drug, addicting and necessary. The kiss was not frantic, not wild, but slow, deep, and filled with a yearning that had no end. They finally pulled apart, panting slightly, their faces flushed, their eyes darkened with desire. With a herculean effort, they managed to tear themselves away from each other, don their uniforms, and make themselves semi-presentable. They then headed out, making their way back to the communal area where the rest of their friends were likely gathered. The journey gave them time to collect themselves, to straighten their uniforms, and to smooth the grins on their faces. As Vettel and Jingliu walked into the dining room, they found the rest of their friends already there. March 7th was, as usual, chatting away while Dan Heng listened, a mild look of interest on his face. Luocha was quietly sipping a cup of tea, his eyes observant as always, and Sushang was chatting with Grandma Cai Yan and Garen, her face animated.