Fortunately she hadn’t been harassed on the way home. Anyone who came into her path probably saw the stormcloud brewing and thought it best to leave her be. By the time she reached her apartment she realized that her keys were in the bag she’d left behind. Frustrated and disappointed she sat down nearby on the steps trying to gather herself and figure out what she was going to do.
Hearing the knock at the door not too far away Meg lifted her head from her hands and looked over at Ehren. She frowned, watching him. Her purse was on his hand which meant now her predicament was over.
“Over here,” came the soft words.
He followed the sound of her voice over to the stairs and handed her her bags before sitting down on the steps next to her. “For the record, I was ripped out of my home and forced to come live here too. I didn’t ask to be here and I didn’t ask to be someone who had crippling anxiety either.” He wasn’t sure where he’d gone wrong but she needed to know that there was some part of him that understood where she was going.
“Four years ago I was told because I grew up in Washington and I was still alive and well that I would have to move, be quarantined on an island. I’d have to leave my dog, my job, my home and all my friends behind and start a new life. I never asked for any of this, just like you never asked to have your abilities.” He continued and looked over at her, hoping against all hope that she wasn’t as angry as she had been.
“I’m sorry if the fact that I don’t have an ability could be something that comes between us.” With that he stood up and began to head in the direction of his own apartment. She didn’t want to be him any more but at least he said his peace.
Bags accepted, Meg shifted over to give him room to sit down. Her gaze turned to peer at him as they sat together in the shadows of the stairwell. Why anyone would be forced to live on the island without an ability or employed with the government she didn’t know, it didn’t make a lot of sense to her, but she said nothing to dispute his story.
“I’m sorry that happened to you,” came soft words. She offered that phrase for all of it because she truly was sorry for him. It was hard to be ripped away from everybody who meant something to you, everything you once knew and took for granted in your life.
The anger was still there but more at the situation than really at him. “That didn’t come between us,” she began, watching him get up and begin to walk away. “It was the way you said it, like somehow I was beneath you, that got me upset.” But did the reason really matter? She wasn’t going to chase anyone down and make them listen.
Overall she thought he was nice, at least up until that comment had left his mouth, but there was a chance to amend things and move on.
He turned around to look at her when she spoke again and leaned against the wall of the building, arms crossed over his chest. “I don’t think I’m better than anyone. I mean, you’re obviously out of my league and in so many ways you’re better than me.” He sighed and brought a hand up to rub at the back of his neck.
“I’m sorry if what I said came off that way, I think when I’m nervous I don’t really pay attention to how I say things.” He added, looking at the back of her head. He’d screwed things up, he knew it and if she wanted to give him another chance he’d take it, but he realized a long time ago that it wasn’t the kind of luck he’d had.
Moving to stand up, Meg set her things down on a vacant step carefully. Had this conversation taken place outside of the island and years back she would not have been as calm as she was presently. Since living on the island she’d learned the hard way to keep her mouth shut and to let a few things slide.
“I’m sorry for leaving the way that I did,” she began, peering up at him, “I think I overreacted because I really like you, and I like spending time with you. I was worried that you wouldn’t like me. And that comment about the abilities thing hit a soft spot.” She chewed at her bottom lip, trying to think.
Her hands lifted. Megan looked at Ehren confidently. Palms and fingers began to fill with dirt, the small grains orbited the digits slowly, revolving around as of waiting for instructions. “I really did experience this the first time after a gig. We were getting jacked around by this asshole who was trying to stiff us out of our money. I nearly ripped the place apart,” she explained, holding her hands out. “I won’t hurt you. I don’t hurt anyone who doesn’t really deserve it, mostly the guards now and then.”
A sigh. “I got a letter from Gemma, the drummer. They’ve found a new bass player, and they’re doing really well since I’ve been here.” Her dreams had moved on without her. “I didn’t realize that everyone here was as affected by this uprooting as I am. I didn’t mean to take that out on you.”
He watched in wonder as she manipulated the earth, she had a good hold on her abilities. He wished he could have been the same but for him it was all still random chaos. When it was gone he grabbed her hands in his. “You don’t have to apologize, you don’t have to ever apologize.”
He squeezed her hands, intertwining their fingers together. Her ability was remarkable and maybe someday, when he knew her better and could see she wasn’t working for the government, he’d try to introduce her to the faction. It was clear that she needed them.
“That band will never be as good without you.” He concluded, a small smile playing on his lips. “You made that band.” He added for good measure because it was true. She was always the one he watched when he went to go see them because of her electric energy.
“I would be really honored if you gave me another chance to prove to you I’m not just some stuck up asshole.”
The dirt faded as if it had never been. She had been about to drop her hands when he took them. A nod would come and she felt better that they were reconciling. Fingers fell between his and she was grateful for the chance to talk and amend things before they grew too big to handle.
Her smile was genuine at his comment. “Yeah? That’s sweet of you to say.” She and the others had been playing music together for ages, they were like family to her but clearly they had other things in mind. She couldn’t expect them to disband or wait for her. That wasn’t fair to them.
Megan’s fingers squeezed his and she nodded, “I’d be honored to give you another chance.” The toss of her head in the direction of her apartment and she smiled, “You need to get your painting, too. Why don’t we finish our date at my place? I can reheat this Stromboli and share it with you. I’ll never eat all of that.”
A smile grew and his eyes flicked up over to her door. He definitely wasn’t expecting anything from her but one could never truly know. He looked back down at her, hands still intertwined with hers. “I'd like that.” He concluded, eyeing the bags she’d set down on the staircase. “Don’t forget those, you might need them.” He teased though he really didn’t fault her for leaving her things places. There had been times when he’d exuded much more carelessness in his life and he wasn’t one to judge.
A glance over a shoulder was cast, through pink tresses she spied the bags. Her hands pulled from his and Meg twisted, moving to grab her things she’d left to wait. Over a shoulder went the strap of her bag, the food leftovers were held delicately. “Thanks. C’mon,” she said softly.
A few steps and they were at her door. Keys would be fished out of her purse and pushed into the lock. With a pivot of her wrist they were inside and secure.
The lights would come on illuminating the workstation and various stages of projects they’d left behind. Purse would go down by the door, her shoes would come off, and Meg carried the leftovers to the kitchen to heat up.
“Make yourself at home.”
He followed her inside of her apartment and looked around again. Sure, he’d had a quick look before but he hadn’t really given himself a proper chance to see. He followed the path of her artwork, eyeing each one as he went from piece to piece. Some were unfinished while others were beautifully completed. He didn’t see much in terms of imagery but her abstract figures were beautifully emotive.
Ehren didn’t study art but he dated a guy who was an art major in college and he’d learned a lot about artwork through him. Inevitably their relationship didn’t work out but he still got something from it.
He found himself stuck on one piece, a large one in the center of the room. There were long seeping lines of pastels, similar to a Bob Ross painting, but with no clear imagery. A sense of calm washed over him as he stared. He didn’t dare ask her for this one because it must have meant so much to her.
From the other room he heard her shuffling food into plates and tried to pull himself away. He couldn’t, he was enraptured by it.
“Find something you like?” She called, trying to make conversation. Plates would be set out, one for each of them, and the food was portioned appropriately onto a tray. The oven was turned on and she waited for it to warm up so she could heat the Stromboli. Cold food was good but she liked this particular item oozing with cheese and sauce.
When that was ready, with a few moments to spare, Meg walked back into the living area. She beheld Ehren standing before a large easel, unable to help the smile creeping over her face.
“Well, that answered my question,” she teased softly, moving to step up beside him. Eyes would find the painting. She remembered this one vividly, each stroke and color choice. It’d take a while to put it together but she was happy with the result.
He kept his eyes on the painting for a little while longer. “It’s beautiful.” He said softly and realized it was probably pretty rude not to look at her. He looked down at her eyeing the painting. More than it being beautiful, she was. In his mind he imagined brushing her hair away from her eyes, he imagined leaning down to press his lips against hers, to wrap his arms around her slim frame. But that wasn’t Ehren, Ehren didn’t have thick enough skin to go into something like that head first.
Instead he smiled and smelled the food from the other room. “You know, I did finish my meal but I can be sort of a garbage disposal sometimes” it had to do with the fact that he exercised a lot so therefore his metabolism was high. He leaned over a little to playfully knock his shoulder against hers. “Thanks for the suggestion.” He said and tilted his head toward the dining area so that they could eat.
Breathing out a sigh of relief Meg nodded, smiled. She was glad he liked it and already figured that was the one he was going to stake claim to. Paintings, drawings, were meant to be shared and observed. She wouldn’t covet them the way her music was coveted and the opportunity to brighten a day with such a simple, yet complex piece of herself made her happier than she’d been in a long while.
Out of the corner of her eye she noticed him twist. Meg turned to look up at him. “Yeah? I love to eat. It’s one of my favorite hobbies.”
With a pivot on the balls of her feet she was beckoning him to follow to the kitchen. The food was put into the oven long enough to heat it and let the crust get crispy. Carefully she pulled it out, plated some for them both, and then the dishes were carried to the table. A bit of room was made for them to eat because she never used the dining table for its actual purpose. “This is so good. Mm.”
He sat down and took another bite of the Stromboli. In all honesty, this whole nerve wracking evening had worked up an appetite in him. “Definitely, you should tell me what all the good dishes are in town so I can try them all.” He mused, shoveling the food into his mouth for a bite. He felt calmer now, a sense that maybe not all was lost tonight. He free hand reached across the table to hers and lightly touched her fingers.
He was taking chances, and that wasn’t really like him at all. Maybe he was actually ready to start dating again.
“Despite everything, I have been having a really good time with you.” He said, only honesty coming from his words. He was careful now about his tone because she’d brought to light how he tended to ignore it when he was stressed out.
“Oh, yeah of course. The diner has the best meatloaf,” she offered, knowing that not everyone ate meat. “They have good chicken fried steak, too. I mean, as good as you can get here.” The Italian place was good, as they were experiencing. “I’d kill someone for a sushi place, though.”
“Breakfast is probably my most favorite meal. Coffee, waffles with a bit of fruit. You can’t beat it.”
Meg ate slowly, savoring the food. Fingers curled into his as they dined together. “Me too,” she confessed. “I hope we can hang out more.”
Maybe someday he’d be able to cook her some breakfast, wake her up to the smell of coffee and waffles but the future was something he never really wanted to think about, since he actually did have access to it. “I do too.” He admitted, and finished scooping up the rest of his food in his mouth before drinking a glass of water.
“I don’t want to be greedy, but is that painting on the table for taking home? It soothing.” If it was important he wouldn’t press it but it would be nice to come home to something like that after a particularly hard day.
Meg had been taking things a day at a time for so long without offering hope for a future. She didn’t want to let herself believe things would grow or change because if they didn’t her sanity would pay the price. Plus her birthday was soon, something to look forward to though she tried her best to forget about it completely.
A smile and a nod, “Yep. I told you that you could have any one you wanted. I’m glad you like it. Do you need help getting it to your place?”
She finished her dinner moments later, pushing the plate away. Dishes would be done when she felt like getting to them. More pressing things were on the horizon just now.
It was a bit bulky so hanging it was probably going to be something that required two people. He could easily transport it himself, but her help was appreciated. “Sure, that would be great.” He said, and considering his apartment was just right down the hall, it wouldn’t be hard to transport it with two people.
“Thank you, I didn’t really think I deserved it, but you’re so kind and I promise you, I’ll find some way to thank you too.” He wasn’t sure if her plan was to do it now so he just watched her and figure that he’d follow her lead.
Her cheeks flushed with color. “You’re welcome.” She wouldn’t hold her expectations high with all things considered but if he wanted to do something nice she wouldn’t say no. Nobody really did nice things for anyone else anymore.
“Are you ready to go home now?” If he was then they’d call the evening done and get the painting to his place. If not she would permit him to stay and they could hang out a bit longer before the inevitable parting of ways.
“That’s up to you.” He didn’t want to end it, wanted to get up the courage to do something stupid like kiss her but he didn’t have alcohol to help calm his nerves. He didn’t want to drink around her either, Ehren had a real tendency to get drunk very quickly. “I’d like to spend more time with you, if you’ll have me but I don’t want to impose.” Sometimes he had a hard time understanding social cues so he was cautious when it came to assuming things.
He stood from the small table and walked over to her, standing close but not too close to her. “You could tell me about what inspires you.” He suggested, whether it be music or artwork, he knew she had to find inspiration somewhere.
A nod would come. Meg gathered the dishes gently, listening to the clatter of the plates and utensils. Slowly she pulled back, rose and took the things to the sink to sit. No use in cluttering up flat surface with dishes that could be used for artwork instead.
As he approached she turned and smiled, hip pressing against the sink. “Sure! I’d love to keep hanging out. Sometimes it’s hard for me to sleep - when you texted the other night I was awake, actually.” She didn’t want him to think he’d woken her up.
“Why don’t we go sit on the couch. It’s probably the least cluttered place,” she laughed, reaching for his hand instinctively. Guiding him over she sat down and stretched tired muscles before allowing herself to relax. “I don’t really know what inspires me, really. It just kind of comes from inside. Same with my music. I just feel it and write it.”
He followed her to the couch, hand tucked into hers, and sat down next to her. “I feel the same way about writing.” And it really did come to him, in visions. “Sometimes I like to go see other art forms to inspire me, or out into nature. Something about being in a wide open expanse like that really brings me into a sort of..” He tried to think of the phrase that best suited what he meant. “...fantasy world, I guess.”
So many of his favorite books created a wide alternate world with beautiful horizons and rolling hills. He knew places kind of like those existed, but he never saw them and never would. Their hands still together, he squeezed hers, letting his thumb swipe over the back of her hand. “It’s nice to escape sometimes.”
Legs folding beneath herself, Meg twisted where she sat to better see Ehren. A hand would toss pink curls over a shoulder to get them out of her face and then her hand would settle in her lap. “Really? I love being outside. I go crazy cooped up for too long.” That was one of her biggest fears here, being incarcerated for nothing. Being taken away from the sun and the trees.
She left her free hand tucked into his, enjoying the closeness. “Escaping is nice,” she agreed, “but it’s better when you have someone you can escape with.”
Those words hit him, he wanted nothing more than to escape this place, to see the world he never got to see before all of this. His eyes softened as he looked at her, watching the way her hair fell over her shoulder. “Who knows?” He said, making sure to keep his words neutral for the cameras. “Maybe someday we can all go traveling.” He finished. He didn’t want to say escape because that sounded anti-government, so travel seemed like the best word for it.
He was awful at this, really terrible and if he had been the type to take what he wanted, he would of brought his fingers up to play with her hair, or let his fingers brush over her cheek. Instead, he sat thinking about how she might not want those advances, how maybe holding hands was enough for her. “I like to do my morning runs along the beach.” He said. “It’s nice to look out along the ocean and imagine what’s going on out there.”
She longed to disappear from this island too. To go travel the world, or even the United States again. That had been the best part of touring, being free to travel and play music for people when they wanted to. A smile grew at his optimism. “Yeah, who knows. Wanna run away together?” She teased, laughing softly.
The beach was one of her favorite places to go to think of daydream. “I love the beach. It’s a favorite place of mine, especially when I can’t sleep. The sand is kind.” It seemed to energize her.
Leaning close to him she grinned, “You smell good, by the way.” It was always nice when someone smelled nice. Her mind wandered a little, curious if he tasted as good as he smelled. She kept that to herself, not wanting to overwhelm him.
He smirked when she leaned in to smell him, catching her scent as she did so. “You smell good too.” He replied and almost without any conscious effort he found his hand making its way to her neck, his thumb stroking over her cheek. What was he doing? She was going to freak out, move away, ask him to leave.
Realizing his mistake, he withdrew his hand and put it in his lap. “I’m sorry..I’m..I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have done that, that was out of line.” He muttered to her, feeling his cheeks reddened as he felt embarrassment creep in.
His touch was soft as he caught her neck and grazed the swell of her cheek. Meg breathed out softly and leaned into that touch though the connection was over far sooner than she wanted it to be.
Her eyebrows arched. Lips twisted into a smirk as her own hands rose. She caught his face gently, fingers dancing across the sharp, bearded edge of his jaw as she turned his face toward her.
Leaning in, she caught his mouth with hers and closed her eyes.
Surprised, Ehren jumped lightly at the feel her lips on his, but soon felt himself relax into it. Closing his eyes he savored the feel of her lips on his, his hand coming back up to that spot on her neck where he’d grabbed her before. His arm arm came to wrap lightly around her waist as he pulled her closer to him. She was definitely surprising him at every turn and he was beginning to think that’s what he liked about her.
He let himself deepen the kiss a little more, cautiously swiping his tongue along her teeth, the hint of a suggestion to open up. This was always the most nerve wracking part of dating, the first kiss. It wasn’t exactly easy to enter into a relationship with someone who was a bad kisser.
Without hesitation Meg leaned into his touch, letting him guide her. She wasn’t usually a timid person which wasn’t always a good thing - almost always it was her instigating something, taking things a bit too far. She had scared away enough people to know that. But she hadn’t been close to someone in a long time, years, and being held, being allowed to do something so intimate with someone else was a gift she would cherish.
Her head tilted to offer a better angle and more depth to the connection, fingers finding purchase in his hair and on his shirt at the shoulder. Lips would part and her tongue would slip out, coaxing his in a playful way. A soft noise would escape akin to delicate music, but one only elicited for him.
His veins were buzzing and he felt himself grab her tighter by the waist so that he could lift her up onto his lap. Sitting next to each other was an awkward angle and he’d rather be able to access her mouth with her directly in front of him. His fingers stroked the soft skin of her lower back as he invited her tongue into his mouth, enjoying the soft little noises she was making.
It was impossible for him to stop himself from moaning into too, she was so delicate with him and he didn’t realize how much he needed someone to treat him this way.
Shifting into his lap was easy. Lips would part for a tender moment to intake air before her mouth collided once more with his. Now where she could reach him better her fingers would rake though his hair, grasping softly at the short strands. Her heart was hammering in her chest at the way his hands slipped down the curve of her frame. The fabric of her shirt would ride up now and then considering it was a cropped item but nothing would be exposed that might not want to be.
Those little noises echoing hers warmed her core. She could feel heat spreading through her body. They needed to be careful or they would end up tangled up in a nest of sheets.
It was clear that this new found position was catering to a more intimate activity and Ehren could hear his mind telling him to stop, stop before it goes too far. He’d been so scared to be intimate with anyone for a long time that everything in his head was telling him it couldn’t go any farther.
However, it seemed his body disagreed. Her hips in his lap caused some friction and he could feel that he was already half-hard. He didn’t want to pressure her, he didn’t even want to necessarily do it with her but with how hot his skin felt against hers it was difficult to stop it. So he didn’t stop it, and his hand moved blindly up her shirt to the smooth expanse of her back, dealing one exploratory kiss after another.
Momentum was often hard to stop; when two people became wrapped in forward motion as they were most of the time rationale seemed to disappear. She was helpless to it, craving each touch, kiss, feel of his body. That predicament down below had not gone unnoticed. Was that what he wanted? Was that what she wanted? It was. Her hips pushed down against his tauntingly. She loved the way he was responding to her in those subtle ways.
Lungs burning for air Megan severed the kiss. She inhaled, hands pulling back from him only long enough to allow her fingers to find the hem of that little shirt and pull it up, over her head and off. It landed somewhere in her apartment behind her, forgotten easily, and then her mouth found his again.
Only having a moment to see her body before she was kissing him again, Ehren was not disappointed in what he saw. She was beautiful, even more so the more naked she got. His fingers deftly plucked at the clasps of her bra and pulled them by the straps over her delicate shoulders. He could hardly believe that this was happening to him, this beautiful girl in his lap and she wanted him.
The way her hips ground into him caused him to release a groan, his hardness straining against the material of his jeans. As he bra was tossed onto the floor he used one hand to cup her breast, thumb swiping gently over the nipple.
Shimmying out of her bra, she moved out of the burdensome straps and clasps without even breaking the kiss. Hands would slide down his front, fingers touching at the stiffness growing beyond fabric. Delicate, playful she began to push open the button at his jeans, and work the zipper down desperate to free the monster she had awoken.
Electricity flowed through her; each touch brought another shock to her system. How had they missed each other all of these years? Seen each other as strangers in the crowd, transparent shadows. It was almost as if she were making up for lost time.
Freeing the burden, her fingers slid between the flaps of fabric to dance across the organ covered by his underwear. A huff and she worked her way around the fabric with the intent on finding what she wanted.
He moaned as she grasped him, hips pushing into the touch and went to work unbuttoning his shirt to throw it on the ground. He lifted his hips slightly to try and peel off his pants from under her. When he got them down his knees to the floor, only his boxer briefs left on him he went to work on the buttons of her high-waisted jeans, smoothing his skin underneath the fabric in the front, underneath her panties to feel what she felt like down there.
She was very clearly wet and he felt his finger gently slide over the soft nub between her legs. He wanted to make her writhe, fall apart beneath him, his pleasure not nearly as important as hers.
Being apart was inevitable. Her shorts needed to vacate, his pants were in the way. As each of them took turns disrobing to give the other easier access she shivered with delight. This didn’t happen to her. She didn’t literally meet the guy of her dreams in the customer line at the bakery. So many attributes had her attention, he was kind and thoughtful, perhaps a bit socially inept but what he lacked, he made up for in other ways.
Finally she was naked and settling in his lap. Her frame lifted, risen enough to grant easy access to whatever he wanted. Mouths would collide again. “Mm, Ehren,” she groaned, body responding to his touch. There was no doubt she was wet, hot and ready for more.
He pulled away for a moment to get a good look at her, he looked down and up at her through long lashes, his eyes lidded in lust. His hand found his way between her legs again, rubbing circles into clitoris to hear those sweet sounds again. Instinctually his mouth found where her shoulder met her neck and kissed and nipped up the length of it.
When he reached her ear he whispered, low and hungry. “You’re so beautiful.” He was sure there were better words, words that complimented her stellar personality but the thoughts in his head slowly began to go out like broken light bulbs until all he knew was Meg, and her skin, and the way she tasted under his lips.
Pulling back her eyes closed. She let her body speak for her, hips riding into the motion of his fingers as they danced across her most sensitive places like he knew all of her secrets. Had they been chasing stars for ages? Trying to find each other through eras of time? It was as if he knew all of those spots without her having to utter a single word.
“Ooh..” she moaned, breathless. Her heart fluttered. Hands gripped at skin, struggling to find purchase on hard lines and defined muscles.
Those words haunted her core. Lips twisted into a smile and her lashes fluttered as her eyes opened. “Prove it.” The challenge was given immersed in a primal rattle from deep in her throat. She wanted him to claim the rawest parts of her, to take what he wanted.
He didn’t need her to repeat it. He grabbed her by the hips, hands never stopping between her legs and placed her down horizontally on the couch. He let his mouth trail down to her collarbone, peppering kisses along the smooth lines before dipping down to softly swirl his tongue around one of her nipples.
His fingers between her legs never stopped and, in fact, sped up to the rhythm of her hips. This was the headiest feeling, feeling her body succumb to every little touch. He wanted to hear her scream, wanted to feel her come apart, needed to sense that lovely glow of the orgasmic come down.
He was set to prove that every part of her was beautiful, so he moved down to her belly, and pressed little kisses down the length of her body.
A soft laugh of delight was uttered. He had accepted her challenge and it was with a sense of purpose and delight that she felt herself being moved, laid down on her couch. Her frame opened instantly for him, whatever he wanted she would give though it seemed he was giving more to her. No protest would come for any part - his tongue, kiss swollen lips, the way his fingers moved across her skin.
Eyes rolled into the back of her skull, chin tilted upward. Her jaw dropped and a series of moans fell from her lips. “Ehren, mmm..” muscles felt tight. Her back arched, hips bowed and in a few moments more she hit that peak, shuddering at his touch.
A gasp and her muscles seized before she relaxed. Head lifting she looked down at him, watching the descent.
He smirked as he felt her release and made his way back up to her, fingers coming back up cup her other breast as his mouth found hers again. The next move was up to her, he wasn’t really sure what she’d be comfortable with it was apparent that he was achingly hard, having not touched himself once.
When he pulled away from the kiss he leaned his head against hers. “So? Did I prove it?” He asked her between ragged kisses.
Unable to help herself she grinned into that kiss, satisfied. Arms would wind around his neck and keep him close, unwilling to let him get too far away. Legs parted, one would curl over one of his to pin him in place, basking in the negative space between them. And then the kiss parted. Meg inhaled, eyes fixed on his.
A palm would descend to do her due diligence in caring for him, fingers finding what they sought, beginning a gentle, yet firm rhythm. “You’re doing good so far, but we aren’t done yet.” Soft, dangerous words.
He moaned into her mouth as she took him in hand, it had been so long since someone touched him like that and his nerves were lit up like a Christmas tree. He bit down on her lips as he pressed his tongue into her mouth again. His hips moved on his own volition into her touch. When their lips parted briefly he let out a strangled groan, anymore of this and he was going to explode prematurely. He grabbed her hand to stop her and breathed into her mouth. “Do you.. do you want…” he couldn’t even make out the words but he knew the promise was there.
Her body responded to his actions at every moment. All the while her fingers continued to move, coaxing good feelings from the warm organ. Craving more, Meg took a breath and hoped he knew what was on her mind. Groaning, lashes fluttered and her hand ceased motion as his fingers curled around her hand.
Nodding, he mouth found his again. Hand lifted, settling on a hip to give him space. “Yes. Please.”
Ehren hadn’t come prepared because he didn't honestly think anything Iike this would happen. He took a deep breath and looked at her. “Do..do you have any condoms?” He asked breathlessly, because the last thing he needed was a baby out there in this terrible new world. More than anything he wanted to be inside of her, to feel her wet warmth around him because it had been so long but he knew better than to just go into this without thinking about that.
His fingers played with the soft skin at her hips while he waited for a reply. She looked so beautiful blissed out like she was and he took a small bit of smug satisfaction knowing he was responsible for that.
His question brought a bit of that reality back. She blinked, head tipped in consideration as she wracked her brain before deciding that the answer was probably in the negatives. Meg was not someone who, surprisingly, was sexually active. She kept mostly to herself and hadn’t been with anyone in years. Making a face, she shook her head, “I don’t think so. We can wait, if you want, I don’t want you to be uncomfortable or anything.”
The idea of getting pregnant didn’t even permeate her rationale.
She watched him, waiting for a decision either way.
More than anything in the world he wanted to say fuck it, blow caution to the wind and roll the dice. But that wasn’t who he was. Ehren was cautious and while this whole experience had been amazing, he couldn’t put his own pleasure over the idea that someone might be burdened with a child.
He gulped before he spoke again, breath ragged as he pressed another long kiss to her lips. “I think maybe we shouldn’t until we can get some.” Which didn’t mean they had to stop, just that they’d have to wait until another time to do that specific activity. It actually took a lot of pressure off of him if he was totally honest. “But, there are other things we could do.” He added to make sure she knew he was still interested.
The kisses were returned. She was glad he didn’t want to stop, the feeling mimicking her own. It’d be too long before this happened again - she didn’t want to lose the feeling while they shared it together.
“I’ll work on getting us some,” she confirmed, promising to do her best. They had that stuff on the island, right? She had never really looked before, or had a reason.
And then Meg smiled, nodding. “Let’s do those things, then? You want to move to the bedroom?”
He nodded wordlessly, propping himself up on his elbows. He was turning 34 on Friday and he could feel that he definitely wasn’t in his 20’s anymore. “That’s great, my back doesn’t really like the couch.” He chuckled a little bit at himself for being an old man. He figured her bedroom would be in the same place as the one in his apartment so when he stood he grabbed her naked body by the waist and pulled her toward him.
This whole experience was an experience he’d never thought he’d have but it was so wonderful. This beautiful girl he’d been quietly stalking for a while wanted him, almost as much as he clearly wanted her. He walked with her toward her bedroom, opening his eyes only once or twice to look where he was going.
A kiss would be stolen, eyes closed and heart fluttering as arms would wind around strong neck. She basked in his warmth, the feeling of his skin, the beat of his heart. Nearly laughing at the joke amusement wrinkled the end of her nose but she held back her laugh, opting for a smile instead. “Couches weren’t meant for this sort of a good time.” A wink would be offered.
And then they were moving, rising from the couch the pad eagerly in the direction of her bedroom. Meg remained as close as humanly possible, guiding him around projects or over things on the floor.
Not bothering with the lights as enough natural moonlight was flooding in through the partially curtained window she lead him to the bed. Soft, cold blankets and sheets welcomed them.
He broke the kiss only to sit down on the bed and look up at her beautiful figure in the moonlight. It was enchanting, the way the light danced on her skin. His hands kept hold of her hips to bring her closer. Ehren didn’t want to tell her what to do or demand anything from her so he waited until she told him what she wanted. He would go on pleasing her, hearing the sounds of pleasure all night, even if it meant that he remained untouched.
“I must be the luckiest man in the world.” He said, without even realizing that he was speaking. “I’m sorry, that was really corny.” He concurred since those lines didn’t often work on him either.
As he sat down her palms went to his shoulders, fingers dancing lightly across the skin. She stood there in the moonlight drinking in his lines, trying to find that spark again. A wildfire burned in dark eyes. Slowly, easily with his prompting she crawled once more into his lap.
Her mouth caught his nearly muffling the words. “We’re both lucky,” she murmured, hands sliding down his body to seek the more sensitive places.
When he felt her touch him he leaned into it, desperate for a release. He knew he wasn’t going to last much longer and she definitely had another in her so her reached before her legs to where he had before. If it were up to him, he’d use his mouth on her, savoring every part of her until she unspooled like strong.
He hoped they could do this again, but for now he moaned into her mouth as he felt her move along him.
Fingers would grip enough to please, to taunt. She groaned against his mouth and savored the way he tasted. Tangled together like this was nearly enough to drive her over that edge, too, and she leaned accordingly into the actions below that he started. Her hips would rock into his touch, body Electric with nerves and need.
Soft noises would tumble from her lips for him, nearly desperate.
He felt his climax rising in him, her beautiful writhing form in his lap and he forgot how sometimes he got the same symptoms from sex as he did when he was having a vision. Red face, accelerated heartbeat, rapid breathing. He couldn’t remember the last time he had felt so good, aching and trying for the high of sex. He hadn’t had sex unmedicated for a while and it was so much more intense than he remembered.
With every nerve lighting and the warmth building into his belly he grabbed onto her ear with his teeth, hand moving in the rhythm of her hips, and whispered. “Meg…”
Eyes would close as he breathed into her ear, jaw dropping open to groan his name in a heated breath. “Oh yeah,” she gasped, body tightening. Those fingers dancing across her sensitive skin was driving her into a maddened state of pleasure. “Don’t stop.”
Soon, she hoped they could do more but for now her brain couldn’t process anything other than what was taking place presently. “Fuck,” she cried, tensing as her climax overtook her. Her hand paused momentarily in cadence picking up pace again after she caught her breath.
He wasn’t long after her, he knew it but something else was happening. His vision started to go white and his eyes rolled into his head. One moment he was coming and the next he was in a room, watching his coworker, James, get interrogated. Oh no, this couldn’t be happening, it couldn’t be happening right now when he was just about to hit his peak.
He was in distress, you could tell, and if Ehren remembered correctly he was in the faction. Explosive personality, telekinetic abilities and one of the most staunch faction members he knew.
The man interrogating him smirked at James, a line of pictures on the table with some very damning evidence of him tampering with government property.
“Who is in charge of the faction?” Asked the interrogator, slamming his fists down on the table. James spat at him, and the interrogator slapped him across the face so hard blood came from his mouth. This was not good, Ehren had to tell the others, had to stop this from happening. Before he could make it to the pictures the world around him began to fade away.
From an outsiders perspective, Ehren’s “panic attacks” looked like anything but panic. He laid there, eyes rolled into the back of his head and breathing much like someone who was asleep.
As he came to it was like he hadn’t breathed that whole time, which was approximately fifteen minutes. He gasped for air and grasped the sheets on the bed, trying to orient himself back to where he was.
That splash of liquid over her fingers excited her. Heart raced. She licked her lips with satisfaction and worked him until it was done. But afterwards something was amiss. Meg took a moment to pull back as he went limp in frame. Her head tilted, and her hand was wiped across a loose towel nearby. “You okay?”
Meg had moved only a bit before she was back. Her smile faded a bit. Something was happening and she didn’t know what to do. Was he having a seizure? He didn’t seem like it, he wasn’t shaking, just laying there.
Maybe he had fallen asleep? Meg frowned, shaking him gently. “Ehren?” Her hands pressed against his chest, his arm, she patted his face lightly until some life came back into his eyes.
“Hey, hey...shhh, it’s fine...I’m here. You okay?” A breath escaped her of relief when he seemed to move.
He grabbed his head, and sat up, pressing down on where it began behind his right eye. “I’m sorry, I..I’m sorry, um, that was just a panic attack, I didn’t see it coming, im sorry.” It was always awkward to realize he’d been burdening someone when he slipped into a vision. He wondered how long he’d been out, if she’d worried too much about him.
“I’m alright, I’m alright, just..” he took a big breath of air. “...need to breathe. That’s all.” Well there went his cover. She had to be able to tell it wasn’t a panic attack. From what he’d been told he looked like the perfect picture of calmness. He really wished that this hadn’t happened here of all places.
As he sat up she leaned backward a bit, still sort of in his lap. She shook her head, hands coming up to clasp his jaw. Tilting his head up she smiled at him, “I’m just glad you’re okay. You don’t have to apologize. I’ve never seen a panic attack like that, but then again I’ve never been around that really, so I trust you.”
Fingers lifted into his hair, she tried her best to be comforting. Meg actually knew what a panic attack was like, but she also knew how sensitive he could be about certain subjects.
Lips found the corner of his.
He leaned his head back to her kiss, wrapping his arms around her waist. One chaste kiss wasn’t going to cut it and he pressed another, more urgent kiss to her lips. His hair was a mess of curls and more than anything, Ehren looked tired, which he was.
When the kiss broke, he looked at her and bit down on his lip. “I should probably go back to my apartment.” He said, his usual shyness starting to seep through again. He was embarrassed, and more than anything he realized that he was actually lying to her. It didn’t sit well with him. “I’ll call you or you can call me. I’d like to see you again, if you’re at all still even remotely interested in me.” And there was the self-deprecation, right on cue.
Drawing close to him, glad to be in his arms, she settled down. Her mouth met his again and again, as long as he was eager to kiss. She was as tired as he was, exhaustion settling into the corners of her frame.
“You can stay here if you want?” She offered, knowing he probably wanted to be on his own. She could deliver his painting tomorrow when he was free. “I’d like to see you again, too.” That was something she was sure about. Hopefully before his party on Saturday, even if this wasn’t where they ended up. “How could I not be interested in you?”
He chuckled a little at her, still holding onto her naked frame. “Well, you did yell at me about two hours ago.” He teased though he knew that the moment had passed and she was no longer angry. He rubbed his hands along her back he pressed a kiss to her collarbone. “I should really go home, but I’ll come by the bakery and visit you later this week. How does that sound?” He offered.
Internally he was still dealing with the fact that now visions happened when he orgasmed too, which was terrible. He’d never be able to have sex more than twice a week without putting him into a coma.
Nodding, she blushed, “I did. But I didn’t understand what you were saying, and I feel bad about that.” Being angry all the time was not good for her energy or the energy of her place. “Alright, I’ll let you go, but only if you promise to come and see me when you can.” She was sorry to see him go. Maybe she would sleep restful in his arms but she wouldn’t make him stay. Couldn’t.
Slowly she slid out of his arms and off of his lap. None the wiser to his plight she twisted, offering a small flashlight. “I’ll bring your painting over tomorrow. If that’s okay?”
“Definitely.” He replied as he carefully got off the bed. He cautiously made his way back into the living room to grab his clothing. He pulled the boxer briefs and jeans over his hips and zipped up his jeans before looking back at her. “I Uh, obviously had a really good time, I’ll be sure to stock up on some things, I guess and I’ll come see you at the bakery.” He also didn’t know if they had condoms on this island because it had been before then that he’d had sex.
Pulling the button down on he began to button it before walking over to her in a quick stride to seize her by the hips. He pulled her in for one last long kiss. “See you.” He said after it broke.
Gathering something to cover herself in the interim she made her way after him. “I hope so,” she commented happily. Seeing him as much as possible was preferable.
The way he grasped her and pulled her close drove her crazy. It was dominant in such a recessive person. Her arms wound around him. “See you.” The kiss was delightful and she waved as he parted and turned to leave.
He waved as he walked out of the apartment and when the door was closed, his face changed. What was he going to do? Never have sex again? This was absolutely crazy and he didn’t know how he was going to even start seeing Meg if this was going to keep happening.
When he reached his apartment he fell onto his mattress, hoping to sleep away the disappointment.