It was morning. The soft rays of the sun streaming through the tall floor to ceiling windows. In the midst of the yesterday's evening festivities, the flat's only two remaining occupants had failed to pull closed the heavier outer curtains on the windows. The outer curtains not only staved off all the sun, but also the night's chilly temperatures. Funny, Valentine thought as she lay quietly in bed, I don't feel a bit cold. A small smile crept across her face, as she opened her eyes to the first day of her new life.
She could feel him next to her. That is why she did not feel the cold. His long, strong body draped carelessly, and possessively, around her own soft, petite one. The bed they shared was narrow, some would say too narrow, for even one grown man Christopher's size. He even had lamented yesterday, late into the evening. Valentine's mind drifted to that moment, her eyes drifting shut as she remembered…
The last bottle of hooch had been drunk, and the ladies seemed anxious to have their long-awaited reunions with their men. The men themselves were getting looser with their comments around the ladies. Christopher tried to calm them with solid, banal talk of life after the Army. Somehow, one of them always brought it back to something most inappropriate. Valentine giggled a bit a Christopher's reactions to his men's comments, trying not being too shocked. However, one pair at a time, each of them left. Happy as gay birds, Christopher thought, as Captain Bill finally was escorted out, a lovely woman under each arm.
"Evening Tietjens! Take care of that one," Captain Bill unsteadily pointed in Valentine's direction. Valentine was poised behind the door, her small blond head peering sweetly from behind, laughing at Captain Bill's attempts at gallantry. Christopher was not amused at his former CO's antics towards Miss Wannop as he stood in the doorway next to Valentine. "Or else, I may have to…"
"Evening Captain Williams!" Christopher shouted to his old friend and promptly shut the door. Christopher stood facing Valentine, who had put both hands over her mouth to keep from either laughing or being shocked by the good Captain. They both could still her Captain Bill's jovial laughter through door. A smile crept across Christopher's face, his hand still gripping the doorknob.
"Well, that, will be quite enough of that." Christopher let go of the doorknob. They were alone. In an empty flat, no on one around to….to…to what? Stop them? Valentine's soft face gazed up at him with such love and caring, it was almost too much. Christopher tucked his chin down to his chest, scratching the back of his head. It was a nervous gesture, Valentine knew. She had seen him do it a few times in her presence. He was deciding what to do next. Valentine decided for him, she turn as strode towards the formal living area, where the party had just ended. Valentine moved quickly to pick up the drinking glasses and plates. Christopher taking her lead did the same.
"They were wonderful, Christopher." Valentine stated softly as busily moved about. "You are so lucky to have had them with you, through all that you have endured."
"Am I? If I was luckier, perhaps a better officer, I would have kept more of them alive." Christopher commented sourly, taking a sip from the scotch glass in his hand. Realizing the callousness of his response, his eyes softened as he turned to Valentine, "But you are right. I am lucky to have them, ol' bastards." Christopher chuckled. Valentine moved forward to Christopher by the fireplace, her shoes crunching on the shards of glass on the floor. Hearing the sound, Christopher looked down.
"We must clear this mess up before…." He glanced up at Valentine who stood before him. How many times had he dreamt of taking her in his arms, loving her, showing her the ways of love, making love to her body, her soul? Valentine paused before him, breathless, a pleasant blush upon her soft face.
"Let me…um..get a…um a…something to clean up….the glass." Christopher stumbled through his arousal to Valentine blatant show of encouragement to him. He excited the room, leaving Valentine alone.
How I want him to take me in his arms and kiss me, Valentine thought as she gazed upon the man who she thought would never be hers, ever. An unrequited love. How she longed for him to fill her body with joy, to give herself to Christopher. Yet he had left her standing there, by the fire. She had read the book Married Love by Dr. Mary Stopes. Dr. Stopes had commented on some men's inability to initiate sex, especially in times of stress. However, once begun, the release men achieve afterward is very helpful in reducing stress, Valentine thought, remembering passages in the book. Was Christopher stressed about something? Valentine thought to herself. Well of course he is you twit. He's only just left his entire life, including his son, to be with you, and oh, by the by, he's just come back from a WAR! A ghastly war! Valentine slapped the palm of her hand to her forehead in frustration, not realizing that Christopher had returned from the back room with a broom and dustpan.
"Are you alright?" Christopher asked in the most deadpan voice she had ever heard. He truly must think I am crazy, Valentine thought. Valentine nodded eagerly, "Yes! I'm fine, I just thought I saw…felt a bug."
"A bug, you say? Huh." Christopher bent down and swiftly swept up the shards and chucks of glass and crystal on the floor.
He returned from the back room, noticing Valentine sitting on the horrifying campstool. His gaze was drawn to the camp bed he had brought out to sleep in, nervously scratching the back of his head, considering it. No place to take an angel's virtue, Christopher thought. Perhaps the floor? No, no, no. Not like some common…..the word whore rose and fell in his mind. No, never Miss Wannop. How he wished…she must have read his thoughts, for Valentine beckoned me to her.
"Come. Sit next to me so can talk." Valentine spoke in measured tones. Perhaps tonight was not going to be the night we finally declare our love. She had waited so long, she could wait some more. When Christopher was ready….
"I will have to purchase more glasses after tonight." Christopher stated blandly.
"Yes, they were quite a rowdy bunch. Although I did love our walk in Hyde Park. Was it not fun?" Valentine answered peering around Christopher's face to bring her into his line of sight. Christopher reached across and stroked her cheek softly, nodding his agreement that it was fun. Valentine reached up and gently stroked the wrist still perched on her soft cheek. "What is it, my dear?" Valentine's soft eyes pleading with Christopher. Tears filled Christopher's eyes, pooling, then one by one drifted down his face as he sobbed. Valentine in concern, and love, and joy, walked to Christopher and wrapped her arms around his head and shoulders, pulling to her bosom, stroking his head and back as he sobbed softly.
"My dear. My sweet Christopher. What…what is it? You are alive. It's all right. It's over. We are here. Together." Valentine whispered to him as she slowly lowered herself to her knees. She lifted Christopher's head slightly so she could see his eyes. "What is it? Tell me, please."
Christopher swallowed, gathering himself, seeing the strength in his Valentine's eyes. "Such strength in your eyes. A man could never lose his faith looking into those eyes." Christopher whispered as his fingers slowly traced the contours of Valentine's face as he spoke. "I do not deserved you. I am not worthy of you." Christopher spoke with passion; however, his thumb paused at her lower lip.
"But you.." Valentine started to say, but Christopher's finger and soft voice shushed her rebuttal. "I do not even have proper bed to take that which is most precious, most beautiful a woman can give any man, which I know you long to give me this night." There he said it, Christopher thought. She should kept her virginity for someone who can give her more. Valentine still knelt like a beautiful angel between Christopher's knees. Her eyes welling with watery tears as she glazed upon the man she loved above all else, her very life if need be. Christopher leaned back, unbuttoning his uniform coat absently. Valentine decided to ask the one question Dr. Stopes stated was a direct and uncomplicated question for men to answer. Valentine rose upon her full height while on her knees, her tears threatening to breach, but she controlled them. Her hands rested lightly on each of Christopher's knees. Christopher watched her slowly move, he thought he had succeeded, she would leave and he would be in anguish.
"Do you not want me? Do you not find me…..pleasing?" Valentine innocently asked as she reached up and unpinned her hair, letting the waves of blonde fall around her face and shoulders. Christopher realize he had lost. He sat up slowly facing Valentine; he noticed her lower lip trembled. Was it in fear or anticipation, Christopher thought as he leaned closer? He took her face into his hands, irreverently gazing at the face of his future. Valentine's eyes drifted shut the tears within unhinged from their moorings and drifting down her face. Christopher caught each of tear with small kiss and pulled back. Valentine opened her eyes to watch Christopher speak.
"I will gladly catch your tears for eternity, if only to prevent them from falling in the future." Christopher smiled a genuine, happy smile toward Valentine. Valentine smiled widely back at him, wrapping her hands around his wrists as he continued to frame her face with his hands.
"Kiss me, Christopher." And he did kiss her. At first a light feathering of lips against lips, then a sweet press, then more pressure, and then they could longer stand on pretense. Christopher wrapped his arms around her back, bringing close against hi, pressing his body to hers. The strength and depth of emotion radiating from her soul was almost too much. Finally, Christopher broke the kiss, his hands shaking against Valentine's back. Valentine's arms where pressed flat against Christopher's uniform shirt, her breath coming in little pants.
"Kiss me again." Valentine asked again.
"No. I fear I would take right here on the floor." Christopher chuckled softly, panting as well, toying with her hair a bit. "We shall do this the right and proper way." Christopher spoke softly, pressing light kisses on her face, neck, and wrists. "You are an innocent, my love. I shall not introduce you to the ways of lovemaking by a rough tumble." Christopher remarked, continuing his sensory assault on Valentine.
"I'm not that innocent." Valentine whispered to Christopher, reaching up to stroke her fingers through his hair. Christopher smiled against Valentine's neck at his lovely, sweet Valentine, "My dear, no amount of reading or books can prepare anyone, man or woman, for their first time making love." Christopher knew Valentine was a progressive woman, so he was sure she had read a few things, heard a few things, knew a few things. Nevertheless, he wanted this to perfect for her.
He paused in his kissing, and looked directly into Valentine's eyes. "Are you sure about this? About tonight? We can wait if you want to…." Christopher scanned to the infernal camp bed. "I want this to be as….as beautiful as it is in your mind, waiting all these years." Christopher spoke earnestly, a lump forming in his throat. Valentine smiled and leaned forward, kissing him this time so sweetly, a soft moan escaped Christopher in response.
Valentine stood gracefully, gently pulling Christopher to stand up as well. He was such a tall, big man. Valentine backed up a few steps, and paused, still holding Christopher's hand. "What do we do now?" She asked shyly, but her eyes never left Christopher.
"Ahh…I should…take off this damn uniform. I know how it upsets you. Beside it's a pain to get on and off frankly." Christopher announced, chuckling softly. "It does upset me. But you always looked rather dashing in it." Valentine commented as she stroked the wool sleeve of his officer's coat.
"What should I do?" Valentine queried. Christopher realized he was not sure; he stood there a loss of words, a rare feat. Valentine smiled at his indecision. "I have something. Would you like to see it?"
"YYyes. Yes." Christopher spoke breathlessly, blinking rabidly in surprise. Valentine had returned home for a bit prior to the party and packed a few things. One of those things was a lovely sleeveless nightgown she had found a few years ago. It had beautiful lace and silk pointes on it, and it was wondrous shade of cream. Valentine turned around, Christopher's hands behind his back. She held the item to her chest. "Close your eyes." She whispered. Christopher cocked a half smile and obliged her. "No peeking." She warned Christopher. Valentine unfurled the nightgown, holding it out in front of her at the shoulders at arm's length. "Alright. You can open your eyes now." Christopher's breath caught at the most beautiful thing he had seen in so many years. It was so powerful; Christopher placed a hand over his mouth as he gazed at his Valentine and her virginal innocence. "Do you like it?" Valentine asked expectantly. Christopher gathered himself, and strode softly towards Valentine. He licked his dry lips as he lower the nightgown to hold it closer to Valentine's soft body. He lightly touched the waist of the fabric gathering Valentine's waist at the same time. He watched as the light fabric stretched across her waist. It was almost too much for him. Christopher let go of her waist and took her by the shoulders, kissing her passionately. After a few moments, Christopher let go. "So you like it." Valentine smiled brightly.
"I shall like it more as remove it from your body." Christopher whispered, his eyebrow arching rakishly. A bright flush rose to Valentine's face, she had never heard such talk. Perhaps this what Dr. Stopes called "pillow talk?" Christopher started exit the room; presumably, to remove this "infernal uniform" Valentine thought she heard him say as he walked up the stairs.
A half an hour later, Valentine had brushed her hair and put on a bit of lip stain, nothing heavy. She decided they would make the best of the camp bed. She saw some linens in the down stairs closet for the non-existent bed in the house. A cruel joke played on Christopher by his wretched wife, no doubt. No, she was not going to think about her. This was their night. She spread out several soft sheets and blankets on the bed; a couple of pillows. Valentine smiled at her handy work. Then she waited. Valentine heard Christopher's steps ascend down the stairs. Her breath caught in her throat as she waited to see him. She had no idea what to expect. She stood slowly walking toward the stairs and her beloved. His breath caught in a second time, her hand coming to her throat as Christopher entered. He had a dark green silk dressing gown on, and it appeared nothing else. The dressing gown was wrapped tightly around his lean, tall body, but Valentine could see the chest and his bare legs. Perhaps he still had his knickers on, perhaps not. Valentine's imagination went wild.
Christopher was ready less than ten minutes to return to his Valentine. Nevertheless, he knew ladies typically took longer to prepare themselves for bed. He had watch Sylvia 100 of times take over an hour to come to bed. No, No, Christopher admonished himself I will not think about her. This was their night, his and Valentine's. It had been a half hour, enough time for most women. He walked a little more heavily as a way warning her. He paused at the third step, not hearing anything. He started again, paused. Then decided to move forward. This was it.
The moment he entered the room and saw this vision of loveliness, he almost fell to his knees. He watch her reaction to him, she watched his reaction to her. The silence crackled with electricity. Valentine moved closer first, but Christopher moved as well. The reached each other not far from the once modest camp bed, now looking like a sultan's lounge. Christopher noticed what she had done, and smiled brightly at Valentine.
"Miss Wannop, on this night and every night after, I would have you know I forsake all others expect for you. With these words, I pledge this for eternity. With my body, on this night, I will give you my soul for you to hold for as long as the Almighty allows. With all my love, on this night, I will give you my heart for you to make whole once again." Christopher spoke softly and earnestly. Kissing me deeply at the end. Valentine threw her arms around Christopher, holding him close as she cried with joy.
"Thank you, my sweet Christopher. But I have only these few words I have longed to say to you. You are my heart, my Chevalier. I have loved you from the moment we sat in the field, after our ride in the midst. And I will always love you, Christopher Tietjens." Christopher smiled at her simple words. "And I love you, Valentine Wannop."
Time seemed to blur. Christopher brought Valentine to the heights of pleasure. He was not wearing his knickers under his dressing gown, Valentine soon discovered. But it was meant to reassure her not to be frightened. In the soft glow of the fireplace, Valentine and Christopher explored each other's bodies. Valentine was a bold virgin, unafraid. Perhaps women having more equality is not such a bad thing, he thought as Valentine explored his wounded and damaged body. Her small hands making him feel like a whole man again.
Christopher was gentle and moved slowly with Valentine. He felt her climax twice as he had explored her body with gentle kisses, licks and nips. Valentine was passionate and loving. It made Christopher exultant to know no man had been with Valentine. As strange sense of possession came over him as he stroked her lovely, taut thigh. Christopher longed claimed her. He waited for the right moment to position himself. She could feel her tense for a moment, but soothed her tension away with soft caresses and sweet words.
"Shhh, my dove." Christopher cooed softly into Valentine's ear. Christopher moved slowly forward, Valentine felt a new pleasurable, satisfying sensation start, when suddenly Christopher moved himself out of her again, causing and even more pleasurable feeling to radiate through her body.
"Oh, oh, my….my Christopher." Valentine moaned softly as he re-entered her more deeply, then back out again. The delightful sensations were torture to Christopher, all he wanted to do was drive as deep as he could into Valentine, purging himself deep inside the angel now lying in his arms. Sweated beaded on his body in attempt to control himself. He was almost there; it was almost time to claim his Valentine.
Valentine could see the strain, however pleasurable, on Christopher's face. She it was time to allow him to claim her, and for her to claim him. She knew what was coming, some pain and blood, but Christopher had been write when he state no amount of reading about this experience would prepare anyone. Valentine stoked Christopher's face, his manhood pulsing with desire inside her; she knew he could wait no longer. She seem to communicate her readiness in her eyes to Christopher, who intertwined each of their hands, one above Valentine's head, one next to it. They kissed for few moments, Christopher's manhood moving slowly back and forth. The feeling was intense, but not as intense as when Christopher breached Valentine's maidenhead. A small gasp was all Valentine could must, so many emotions were swirling around. Christopher paused for a moment, waiting. He felt Valentine's lips sensually stroke his jaw. Christopher knew she was okay. He moved slowly back and forth, the pressure, the pleasure building in a semi-silence, their combined gasps of pleasure, the creaking of the camp bed, Christopher's foot hitting the floor trying gain purchase as he thrust. He tried to tell himself to be gentle, but he felt like he was killing her. But heard no screams of pain, just soft moans and pants, he looked at Valentine, her eyes closed, moving rhythmically with his thrusting, her mouth silently begging him with the word, "more, more." Then he felt it. The rush of sensation, the flow of pressure, the release of his love.
There were no words needing to be said. Just contentment, just hope, just love.