CEM: The Moments In Between

Alone

He found he just couldn't bring himself to leave her alone. He didn't know if that was because he thought she needed him or he needed her. They were done at the hospital, had stopped at an all-night drug store to get the supplies they needed for her wounds and were finally alone in the bathroom of the hotel room they would share with Kevin, getting ready to go to bed. She wanted to take a shower and part of him knew she needed to do that alone, but the part of him that had latched onto her didn't really care. He fully expected her to reject the idea out of hand and he wasn't supposed to be talking at all anyway, but he had to share his thoughts with her and felt that asking instead of taking was the right course of action. So, he tried to ask her.

"I don't want to leave you alone. I know you are safe. And I know you can take care of yourself. But..." He croaked at her. It was all the further he got. She stepped to him as her eyes met his in warm challenge and gently pressed her body to his. She placed her trembling hands on either side of his face and softly shook her head.

"Don't speak," she whispered before kissing his lips so utterly tenderly that he nearly cried, then continued, "can you stay with me? Would that be alright?" He found himself swimming in a set of deep green eyes, questioning what his next set of actions should be. They would be completely naked, he would not be able to hide his physiological response to her. If he was dressed he could at least somewhat hide it. Without his jeans on he couldn't hope to hide an erection, it would be impossible. He was hopeless in that regard, even the simplest of her touches garnered some kind of response from his body. Just that simple, sweet, little kiss she gave him moments before turned him on. His body betrayed him, but his heart stayed his hands and calmed his mind. He did nothing more than gently return her kiss and rest his hand on the small of her back. It would never do for him to act like an animal when she needed his tenderness, love, and patience.

***

She pulled her face far enough away from his to see the expression on his sweet face. His eyes were closed and his face just on the other side of relaxed but he was relaxed. She kissed him again letting all her fear and trepidation go. She needed him, just him and there was no getting around those feelings. Of all the things, she was feeling in those moments, her love for him and the bond they already shared dominated her heart and mind. She was frightened, very. She felt a touch of shame, and guilt and a whole lot of hurt, but she felt whole knowing that she was still loved and could cause the responses in him that she should.

There was a power in human touch. It had a way of healing wounds and moving one to a better state of being. She felt strong and powerful, beautiful standing in front of him with her body pressed to his, his hands firm yet gentle upon her back and his desire for her evident in his jeans. It felt good, empowering and very right. It was exactly what she needed, to know that he still wanted her even though someone violently tried to take her from him. She needed his approval, validation, and desire just as much as she needed his patience, love, and understanding. He gave her everything and so much more.

He pressed his forehead to hers and held onto her lightly and then nodded.

***

He really didn't know if he would be able to control himself once their clothes were off. He was scared beyond measure. Frightened that he would forget himself and just take what he wanted from her without regard for her wishes and just hurt her more. He'd never showered with anyone else ever, let alone someone he knew he loved with his entire being. She kissed him again, tenderly letting her lips graze his and smiled against his lips.

"It's alright. You won't hurt me. I need you." She kissed him again. Slowly parting his lips with hers and breathing into him. He fought like hell to stem his bodies response and of course failed. It was exactly what she needed from him. She slid her hands carefully around to his back and pulled him closer to her.