Title: Starlight
Rating: PG-13
Summary: Jackie wishes upon a star.
Notes: Where does the time go? This has been sitting on my computer for well over a year. Valentines Day seems to be the right time to dust it off, finish it off and give it as a present to all the Zenmasters out there.
Star light, star bright, first star I see tonight…
She looks up at the sky from the comfort of the heavy sleeping bag. A brilliant red could still be seen along the horizon, but she was looking the other way, concentrating on the deepening darkness of the fall evening. The first star of the night is elusive to her, and she keeps scanning the sky in an attempt to find it.
It's a game she's played since she was a little girl.
Wish upon a star.
She has wished for a variety of different things over the years; and subtly placed hints to Daddy had always gotten her what she wanted. There was a doll house when she was five, and a pony when she was nine. The princess dress she wanted on a whim, and a variety of baubles and jewels that were guaranteed to make her happy.
But this time is different. Daddy can't give her what she wants and so she's spent countless nights wishing on the stars. Staring out of the bedroom window, watching for the first twinkle of the evening. Waiting for a divine intervention that will make her decision easy. Telling her to run the risk. That he will be the only one to put the sparkle back into her eyes and the fire in her heart.
But she can't help but wonder if she's waited too long. Lost her chance.
…wish I may, wish I might…
In the end it only took a shared look at the right moment.
What should have been a carefully guarded glance of longing was observed at the last second, and their eyes held, unwilling to let go; break the fragile thread that held them together. And in an instant they were caught up in a flurry of hands and mouths, tripping over each other in an attempt to put everything right.
There was a stumble and a giggle, which was quickly covered with a searing kiss that made her toes curl and question her sanity at ever denying herself his touch. They moved locations at least three times during the night. Revisiting old haunts and christening new ones.
She wishes this time it will last forever. She never wants to forget the way he feels next to her. How running his fingers softly over her face makes her nerves tingle, and how his warm, whispered breath gives her goose bumps all over her body. That she should feel so secure in his arms as to make all of the anguish drift away, as if it had all been only a dream, easily erased from memory by the renewed light of day.
She makes up her mind that even if he never gives her the commitment she craves, being together is enough. What she thought she wanted pales in comparison to what she needs.
And she needs him.
…have this wish I wish tonight.
Her eyes close instinctively when she feels his lips on the base of her neck. She tilts her head to the side so he can continue his tender objective. The feeling takes her back to the first night they spent together. Truly spent together.
Valentines Day, after the dance.
He led her into the bedroom and carefully untied the silky straps of her dress. She watched him, unguarded, as the dress slipped to the floor, leaving her clothed in nothing but her lacy black underwear. His eyes roamed her body, and it sent delightful shivers down her spine.
When he finally kissed her she was lost. She never looked back.
And by the end of the night he had forced a vow to leave the empty house and stay with him.
She laughs when she remembers how she thought it would be forever. That nothing would ever come between them, they would be impervious to all the dangers lovers could face. She wonders how she could ever be so naïve.
But that forever would never give her what she has right now.
Curled up under the stars, fears extinguished, their dragon slain.
Together.