Stories.
[A happy little ficlet, of a happily married Jean, for her birthday.]
He didn't want to wake her so early, especially on their honeymoon, but he had to. She just looked too beautiful. She stirred as he whispered in her ear, then turned to fold herself into his warmth. Her loose curls falling softly around her face, and he wondered how it was possible for anything to be so perfect.
Dark lashes resting against her pale cheeks, that angular face, her naturally fit form, the perfect dusting of freckles, those full lips… and she was his, til death do they part. But more than her physical beauty, there was just something so beautiful about who she was. The way she spoke, the sureness of her movements, the sway of her gait, her confidence and intelligence, her thoughtfulness and kindness. The way she could sass anyone to keep them in line, and they loved it, he really loved it. And he was hers, til death do they part. His Jean.
"What time is it?" She finally mumbled.
"Early. Don't be mad." He smiled kissing her cheek.
"I'm only mad if you don't wake me properly." Her hand slid from his chest, to his stomach, and below.
He moved over her, hovering, as he covered her mouth ever so softly with his own. Lips barely touching to begin, sleepy movements, lazy but with purpose. Then gently teasing and nibbling, breathing into her, anxious but allowing her to wake slowly. She could feel his breath on her neck and shoulders as he untied her gown. Sweeping his tongue lightly against her breasts, slick strokes, inviting the cold air in the room to demand their attention. Feather light touches of his hands and mouth, until she could no longer stand it.
She reached down and pulled him up, crushing his mouth as she turned them over. He laughed against her lips, knowing she could only take so much before cracking. Her hooded eyes focused on her prize, and all at once they were a pile of friction, soaring from cloud to cloud, a series of delicious almosts, until they were both too hungry to stand it any longer. Release.
"Jean Blake, you are a marvel." He breathed heavily into her.
And she smiled the smile he had waited so long to witness. Uninhibited, satisfied and happy. Truly happy. Finally.
"Is there a purpose to this ungodly hour?" She was lazily running her fingers through his hair as they laid on their sides, heartbeats slowing.
"No." He smiled "And yes."
She smiled back, knowing exactly what he meant. Both had confessed that their new reality was better than any dream they'd ever had. They couldn't wait to wake each day. 'If I didn't have to sleep, I wouldn't.' She had confessed early on.
"I just needed to see you." His eyes sparkled, wet with happy tears.
"I know." She kissed him, then turned and backed into him.
He pulled her in close, his hand lightly brushing her thigh, "I love you."
"Tell me." Her eyes closed, waiting for his voice.
"I tried to let you go once, you know? Spent every waking moment thinking about your interview at The Royal Cross Hotel. Fearing it. Even with that awful case going on, Derek reminding me of my old life, trying to get me back in the fold. That poor woman trying to save her poisoned husband, all on her own. But you, you were always on my mind. And every glimpse I got of you over those days only made it harder. I was trying to convince myself it would be for the best, for you, if you left. I was such a mess, I wanted to save you from me. Didn't know what was happening between us, but I knew it was something. I knew I loved you, even then. But then you know that, now. True to form, I got in my own way though and stuffed it up. Going to you, begging you to stay, when I knew I should let you go."
"I don't recall any begging." She interrupted, sleepily brushing his arm, and he could hear her smile.
"Excuse me, this is my story." He kissed the top of her head and inhaled before continuing.
They had been swapping stories, filling in the blanks so to speak, over the lazy days and nights of their honeymoon. The back story of their love. Scenes unseen by one another as they had lived their life of propriety. The feelings, thoughts, and desires they had been hiding for so long, finally set free. Validation.
Discovering they had not fallen in love over time, it was instant for them both. It was the unveiling of that love that took time, and the acceptance of it, wondering if it would be returned. Both of them prepared to live a life of friendship and duty side by side, rather than risk their special connection for romantic feelings that may not be shared. The risk of getting it wrong, and losing everything, too great. A fear that cost them years, yet brought them to this perfect place now.
It was interesting, seeing into their past through the eyes of one another. And ultimately the stories somehow felt as intimate as the sharing of their bodies. The combination was a beautiful prize. Leading them to explore each other physically, touching those moments of shared sadness, happiness and all the misunderstandings. Literally kissing the memories. There were tears, apologies and even laughs as they got through them all. Their love rooting itself deep down, laying a solid foundation for them to build their lives on as husband and wife. They had always felt stronger together, but these stories brought them closer than ever.
And so, the trip intended to show Jean more of the world, most importantly, showed them so much more of each other. They knew it would be a life changing trip, after the long anticipated wedding, then so much time alone, away from the distractions of their everyday life. Discovering new world's together. But more exciting than any new place they explored, the unlocked treasures in the stories they shared and their deepening connection, were the journeys true gifts.
