Bound To You

Chapter 4

The air was thick, heavy with the threat of rain. Out in the woods just outside the Fire Kingdom sat Finn and Flame Princess. The sat next to each other, their back to a large fallen tree. The two looked onward at a small lake in front of them. The dim glow from the princess's hair was just enough light for the two to see. The moon glowed brightly, as well.

The couple had been talking for what seemed like only minutes. For the first time in years, they were laughing, having fun. Their stale, awkward relationship had vanished and in its place was a calm, familiar closeness.

"Do you ever think back to those times between us?" Flame Princess hugged her knees, sheepishly looking over her shoulder at Finn. They had just been reminiscing about the time FP almost burned Finn alive while inside a dungeon.

"All the time," Finn spoke without thinking. "I mean, not ALL the time. But it comes to mind. We had a lot of fun back then. Do you still get to have fun?" Finn flipped a rock across the lake.

"Well, being queen has it's high points. It's fun to help people. And I always enjoy meetings between other royals. I just feel like I'm one of those people who needs more than just a job. That's where this whole ball thing came in. I was feeling lonely, to be honest. I'm not sure if dating is the answer, but it doesn't hurt to try."

The princess looked down at Finn's hand. She wanted desperately to touch it, to feel his skin on her skin. But she was still unsure of her feelings for him. And she was even more self conscious of his feelings for her. He could have any girl he wanted. Why would he want to go back to her?

Finn also longed to touch Flame Princess. He wanted to hold her close for the first time without foil between them. He was sensing that she was comfortable with him, that maybe their feelings were in-sync.

"Can I be blunt, FP?" Finn got on his hands and knees and crawled in front of Flame Princess. He sat directly face-to-face with her.

She nodded her head hesitantly.

"I want to touch you. The new you. I'm curious as to how you feel. If that makes you uncomfortable it's ok I just thought I'd ask.." Finn held out a hand.

Flame Princess felt her face get hot. "S-sure..." She placed her hand in his.

She was still hot, there was no doubt about it. But it felt like sunburned skin, or like the warmth you feel when you put your hands over a fire. It didn't burn, and it didn't hurt. She was soft, delicate.

The princess put her legs down from her chest, and took Finn's other hand. They stared at each other for a moment, reveling in the ability to touch one another for the first time. The gesture was innocent, but intimate.

"Should we go back to the party, princess?" Finn felt confident. He knew she was feeling the way he was. He was comfortable sending her off to dance with others. He felt he had won her back over.

Flame Princess wasn't so sure. She knew there was one way to solidify her feelings, to know whether or not her feelings were real. She didn't want to lead Finn on, but...

She removed her hand from his and put it on his cheek, slowly moving it towards the nape of his neck until her fingers were intertwined with his hair. She gently pulled his face in closer.

Finn wasn't so gentle. As soon as he felt her coming in, he wrapped his arms around her waist and pressed his lips onto hers.

There were no explosions, no fires. Just a slight tingle from the burn of her lips. Finn pushed his body onto hers until they were lying on the grass. Their kissed deepened until Finn found his way inside of her mouth. She was surprisingly cool inside, her tongue dialing down the slight burn from her lips.

The kiss became voracious, the two tangled in each other's bodies. Suddenly, Flame Princess's hair hit the grass starting a small fire. Finn's eyes flung open as his hand put out the flame. Feeling her tremble beneath him, he jumped off of her.

"Oh no, I'm sorry!" Finn gasped, catching his breath and realizing what he did.

"No it's ok, it doesn't hurt that badly. It's fine." She said in between gulps of air.

They both stopped to take in what just happened. Flame Princess felt it finally: her loneliness was dissipating. But could this happen with anyone, or were her feelings for Finn true?

"We should go back in. I-I have to return to my people." She played with her skirt, fixing her twisted top. She watched as Finn's face fell.

"But we can meet up again soon? We can..go on a date?" Finn helped the princess come to her feet.

She was so unsure, but she couldn't resist him. That kiss-her first real kiss-was magical.

"Ok. We'll go on a date. But I can't promise I won't be dating around, too. That is the whole point right now." She brushed herself off.

Finn grinned confidentially. "Of course. It's only just a date. Now let's get you back to your suitors!"

She cast flame shield and Finn escorted her back to the ball.

Back to the ball, where a very irritated Cinnamon Bun awaited their return.