Disclaimer : All characters and places belong to their respective owners.

WARNING:
May contain Barry White.

The Lines Beneath the Palms of Your Hands

The first thought that comes to mind when you cover my eyes is 'What happened to the sun?' Yes, I know, it's very silly to think that, considering the position I'm in. As a mage I should be asking myself who's behind me and anticipate what lies in wait for me.

. . . But that's the least of my concerns. The answer, you see, is very quite obvious.

When you're around, I find myself to be at ease. In your arms, all that I touch and feel and smell and taste and hear is you, the very epitome of this earth.

With you, I have nothing to fear.

. . . Heh. Listen to me ramble. I bet you feel the same way about me, don't you?

. . . Don't you?

I hear you step closer, feel your bosom press against my back. Your breath tickles the hairs on my neck, caresses the outer rim of my ear. Your hands wander, slowly, down the round curves of my cheeks, the drop of my neck, the slope of my chest.

I close my eyes; listen to you breathe, listen to my palpitating heart.

You stop, gently pushing your palms into my breasts. Squeeze, and let go. Travel south, fingertips feather-light and soft along my midriff. They meet, paths crossed and gathered about me. Loose, tender, and protective.

"Hey."

Hey.

"Did I make you wait too long?"

No, not at all.

"Ah. That's good. I was afraid you'd be worried about me. Maybe be upset at me."

You kidding? I couldn't stay mad at you. I'd worry, but I wouldn't be mad. Not at you.

You hum, a lulling susurrus vibrating in your throat. You draw me in, tighten your hold. You nuzzle my neck, sigh as skin brushes skin. Lay your head on my shoulder and exhale again, a portrait of contentment.

"You're too kind, Subaru. Sometimes . . . I wonder if I deserve this. Your warmth. Your attention. Your touch. Your gaze."

You deserve every bit of me, baby.

"Am I worth it?"

More than any material possession in the world. I wouldn't let you go for anything.

"You mean it?"

Every sense of the word.

"I see." Move your head and plant a chaste kiss below the ear. Settle into the crook of my nape. Feel your smile stretch like a soothing whisper. "I think I understand now."

About what?

I raise an arm and cup your cheek as you look at me. You reach up, clasp a hand over my own, wrap your other round my waist, and say, "How much I love you." Then you lean in and capture me full on the lips, engaging in a firm, languorous massage. I tilt my chin back and open my mouth to deepen the embrace, which you enter quite obligedly.

We stay like this for a while, drinking in our distinctive tastes, conforming to the way our bodies flush against one another. You rub against me, a quick, rough jerk of the hips, and sweet fire ignites in me like a struck match to gasoline.

I break away and turn around. Touch my forehead to yours, where twin cerulean pools glimmer lustfully, amusingly.

Hey, Tea, why don't you show this side more often? Give the people somethin' to talk about? We can give Nanoha and Fate a run for their money.

You laugh. "Now why would I do a thing like that? When I have you, and only you, to entertain?" A grin slowly captivates your previous smile, and your hands begin to wander; over my shoulders, my back, my hips . . . .

Tonight's going to be one of those nights.