"Can I ask you something, Stanley?" Boone asked Stanley, the two of them making a light conversation as Stanley fueled up his van.

"Sure, Boone. Ask away."

"Did something happen to you recently?"

Stanley frowned at this. "What do you mean?"

Boone gave a slight shrug. "Well, you're a hell of a lot more cheerful. You never seem to be without a smile, and…I don't know, you just seem so different. In a good way, of course. What's gotten into you lately? You holding back on some good news or something, buddy?"

"I think you mean who has gotten to me lately," Stanley thought coyly to himself. For two months now, Sunny had willingly stayed there with him as she said she would, and being around her had turned him into a completely different person. He was no longer consumed by the comments other said when it came to his work. All that mattered to him was the praise Sunny gave him anytime he let her read a snippet of his project, and it actually enhanced the quality of his writing. He was for once genuinely happy, and had her to thank. "Nothing, really. Things just seem to be looking up for once. I couldn't ask for life to go any better."

Boone smiled at this. "I'm glad to hear it, Stan," he replied, and patted Stanley on the shoulder before giving his leave.

Once Stanley had paid for his gas, he drove back home and quickly headed inside. "Sunny?" he called out as he removed the light jacket he had been wearing and hung it up.

A few seconds later Sunny walked out from the other room, and smiled brightly at him as she walked over to him. He never grew tired of having that beautiful smile aimed at him. "I thought I heard you pull up," she commented as she stood on her tiptoes to kiss his cheek and warmly hug him.

"Yep, it was me," he replied as returned the hug tightly, and noticed once he pulled away she had paint smudges on her face, arms and shirt. "I assume you've been working on your painting?" he asked, giving a slight tug on her shirtsleeve.

"Yeah, I am so close to having it finished but I am getting stuck on how I want to complete it."

"May I see it?"

She raised an eyebrow at him. "You don't like me reading your writing before you have it completed, yet you can see my work before it's done? That seems rather hypocritical."

Stanley couldn't help but to grin at this. "Fair enough. I'll just wait like I always do, then," he replied simply.

Sunny rolled her eyes. "Oh, come on, you. You can see it, I don't mind," she said, and took his hand in hers as she led him into the room where she had her canvas set up.

Like always, Stanley was brought back by the beauty of her work. "Sunny, this is incredible," he commented as he took in the image she had created.

"You think so?"

"Of course! You should know I would never say it if I didn't mean it," he reassured her, and smiled down at her.

She smiled back, and asked, "Are you hungry?"

His stomach suddenly growled loudly, and they both laughed. "Maybe a little," he chuckled.

"Why don't you go sit down and relax for a little bit while I make us something to eat? I'm sure you are probably worn out from all that running around town you had to do," she suggested.

"I can help you-"

"No, no, I insist. Now go," she replied, and gave him a gentle push toward the living room. Stanley obliged, and headed into the other room to watch a little bit of television.

Once Sunny had finished making a meal for them, she headed into the living room to call Stanley to dinner, and smirked when she saw he was settled down into the couch, sound asleep. Walking over to him, she sat down next to him, and simply watched him for a moment as he slept. It amazed her at how one moment he could look so precious and innocent, and the next have a dangerous sexiness about him. She hesitated for a moment, before reaching up to run her fingers through his thick locks, his hair soft like satin. She could sit there and play with his hair all night if he let her.

Suddenly, in the blink of an eye she found herself flung down onto the couch, and Stanley's hand wrapped tightly around her neck as he glared at her. "Stanley...please..." she gasped, weakly hitting at his arms.

Finally, realization hit him, and completely mortified by his actions he quickly pulled back, releasing her from his grip. "Sunny, oh god, I'm so sorry," he apologized, pulling her up into a sitting position as she coughed and struggled to catch her breath. She immediately scrambled back away from him, a mixture of emotions crossing her face. When he reached for her, she shrank back, the fear she was showing killing him inside. "Sunny, I'm sorry, I must have been having a bad dream. I'd never intentionally hurt you," he added, once more reaching for her, and when she did not flinch he softly stroked her cheek. TIlting her chin up slightly, he examined her neck. "Are you okay?"

"Yeah, I'm fine," she replied quietly, tucking her hair behind her ear. "I was just trying to let you know dinner is ready."

"Thank you," he replied, and pressed a kiss to her forehead before standing up and helping her up as well. "Let's eat, I am famished."

Just then, her stomach growled loudly, and unable to help herself she burst into a fit of giggles. "I guess I am too," she admitted, and made her way with him into the kitchen. Once they had finished eating and cleaned everything up, the two of them headed down to the dock to watch the sun set. For a long moment they just stood there, taking in the beautiful scenery, and enjoying each other's presence, when Sunny broke the silence by saying, "Stanley…I don't mean to be a buzz kill, but can I ask you something?"

"Of course, Sunny, you can ask me anything."

"Are you sure you won't be upset?"

Stanley looked down at her. "I don't think it's possible for me to ever be upset at someone as kind as you," he commented, running a hand through her hair.

She gave a slight blush at this. "Well…I was just wondering what made you do what you did."

He turned slightly to better face her. "You mean with you and the other girls?"

She nodded. "The reason I ask is... I don't know... I still find it odd how well you took care of me when you clearly had plans to drown me."

"I told you before my intentions were not to torture you. I was mainly focused on getting you out in the waters. My research and writing was about that moment, not the time you spent in that backroom. The same can be said about the other girls. Everything I did was strictly research related."

She hesitated for a moment, before asking in a quiet voice, "Do you still have the urge to…you know…'continue your research'?"

Stanley fully faced her. "Is that something you worry about?" he asked. She didn't say anything, but the blush that came to her face said enough. He suddenly grabbed her by the arms and pushed her back to where she was bent backwards and hovering over the water. He had meant for it to be a playful action, but from the look of terror that filled her eyes, he could see to her it was far from a joke. "Sunny, you can trust me," he said as he pulled her back up to a standing position. Still, there was a look of doubt in her eyes, which broke his heart. The last thing he wanted was for her to fear him. "I would never do anything to hurt you. Please believe me when I tell you that," he added soothingly as he ran a hand through her hair.

As Sunny looked up into his brown eyes, she suddenly saw something within them that until now she had never before noticed. There was no denying that, at that moment, his eyes shone with love. Knowing the feeling in her heart mirrored his, she stepped closer. "Kiss me, Stanley," she whispered without thinking, her hands going to his waist and grasping his shirt. She couldn't deny any longer the attraction she felt toward him. She was completely smitten by him, and knew he could easily make her turn to putty in his hands.

His gaze went down to her parted lips, his heart thudding heavily as he did so. He just could not hold back anymore, and taking her face in his hands he softly pressed his lips to hers. She immediately melted into him, and tightened her hold on his waist as the kiss quickly grew heated. As soon as she parted her lips, he immediately darted his tongue into her mouth, and gave a quiet moan at the sweet taste of her. Once they finally pulled away breathlessly, he went back in for one more heated kiss before lifting her up into his arms and carrying her back inside to his bedroom. Gently lying her down upon the soft comforter, he quickly joined her on the bed as they shared an intimate kiss. Sunny wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him down over her, the feel of his weight pressing into her making the desire she felt for him burn stronger. Goosebumps formed all over her body when he leaned down and began to kiss her neck, a loud gasp escaping her mouth when he reached that soft spot behind her ear. Feeding off of her reactions, he continued to suck and nip her neck as his hands lightly skimmed over her body. Normally when he experienced intercourse, he got right to the point and used his partner's body for his own gratification, not worrying about their needs. With Sunny, though, that was the last thing he wanted to do. With her, he wanted to take his time, fully enjoy her and make the feelings of pleasure mutual. He had every intention of loving her thoroughly.

Running her hands up his broad shoulders, Sunny's entire body quivered with anticipation and nervousness. She watched him as he sat up on his knees, and slowly unbuttoned the plaid shirt she was wearing. Once it was fully undone, she saw the look of lust that came to his face as his eyes hungrily took her in. "Stanley?" she said hesitantly, and he looked up at her. "Before we go on, there's something I think you need to know."

His face dropped. "You're having second thoughts aren't you?"

"No! Not at all – I do want this. I just wanted to tell you that I…this... this is going to be my first time."

Stanley's eyes went wide. "You're a virgin?" he asked, and she nodded. She was more innocent than he had thought.

"Do you still want me?" she whispered, worry in her voice and on her face.

Stanley gave a small smile and leaned forward to kiss her reassuringly. "I do still want you," he whispered back. "Are you sure this is what you want, though?"

Once again, she nodded. "I'm more than sure," she replied, and leaned up to kiss him. As they shared another passionate kiss, he wrapped his arms tightly around her waist and sat back up, pulling her onto his lap. He then pushed her shirt down and off her, and she immediately wrapped her arms around his neck. He softly groaned when she moved against him, and slid his hands up her bare back, until he reached the clasp of her bra. With a skillful flick of his wrist, he managed to unhook it and tossed it to the floor before cupping her breasts in his hands.

Sunny gave a quiet gasp when he did this, the pulsing between her legs picking up at the feel of his strong hands directly on her. Sighing his name, she ran her hands through his thick hair, and let out a small squeak of surprise when he suddenly laid her back on the bed and covered her body with his once more. She leaned up to kiss him, and he hungrily returned it, kissing her deeply before finally pulling away. When he did, Sunny started tugging at his shirt, trying to pull it off over his head. Stanley laughed at this and helped her out, tossing it to the floor once it was finally off. Sitting back up, he undid her jeans and slowly pulled them down her legs, leaving her in nothing more than the simple white panties she had on. For a moment, he simply ran his hands all over her, exploring her with both his eyes and hands. "So beautiful," he whispered, and leaned down to take her rosy nipple in his mouth. She gasped loudly at this and arched her back, which made him draw her deeper into his mouth as his hand massaged her other breast. Once he had given both peaks equal treatment, he then slowly kissed his way down her form, until he reached the waistband of her panties. Slowly, he pulled them down and off of her, which left her fully exposed to his viewing pleasure. He ran his hands along her thick thighs, gently prying them apart so he could see that peach he so desperately wanted to taste. He kissed his way up her inner thighs, giving a playful bite every now and then, and as his gaze locked with hers he pressed a kiss to her clit, his eyes drifting shut as he made love to her with his tongue.

"Stanley," she whimpered, biting her lip hard as she watched him. When he sucked lightly on her clit, she moaned softly, her hands grasping at his hair to pull him closer.

Stanley groaned as he thoroughly explored her, unable to get enough of her sweet taste. He slid his hands up her soft stomach, gently caressing her, and then moved higher up to cup her breasts. She gave another moan when he began to tease her pert nipples, and suddenly began to feel a tingling pressure forming deep within her. Her breathing turned to pants, and she cried out loudly when an incredible pleasure eashed over her. He continued to tease her clit until he felt her grow limp, and finally pulled back. Looking down at him with heavy eyes, she pleaded, "Stanley…I can't wait any longer. Please…please…"

"Tell me, Sunny. Tell me what you want," he murmured as he crawled back up her.

She watched him intently as he moved over her, until they were at eye level with each other. "Make me yours," she whispered, and reached between them to undo his pants.

Needing no further instruction, he stood up to quickly remove the remainder of his clothes and rejoined her there on the bed, deeply kissing her as they got beneath the covers. He could feel her beginning to tremble, and pulled away. "Are you positive that this is what you want? I don't want to force you into anything you don't want to do," he asked, softly brushing her hair out of her face.

She nodded. "Just…promise me one thing?"

"Anything."

She hesitated, before whispering, "Be gentle."

He softly kissed her forehead. "I promise," he whispered back, and she gave him a small smile. "Are you ready?" he asked. She drew in a shaky breath, and nodded. Reaching down, he softly stroked her clit, and claiming her lips with his he slowly eased into her tight warmth. Sunny tensed at the odd sensation of him entering her, and gave a small sound of dicomfort in the back of her throat when he was fully inside her. "I'm sorry if I hurt you," he commented quietly, and peppered kisses over her face.

"It's okay, just give me a second," she replied as she looked back up at him, and he nodded.

As he gave her time to adjust to him, he pressed kisses to her neck and continued to rub her clit in small circles with the pads of his fingertips. He could hear her breathing grow heavy, and felt her nails lightly scratching at his shoulders. When he noticed she was beginning to move against him, he asked, "Are you okay?"

She quickly nodded, and he once more kissed her neck as he began to move his hips. Sunny bit her lip and dug her nails into his bulging arms when he did so. "Jesus, Stanley, you're huge!" she gasped.

"Do you need me to stop again?" he asked in a concerned voice.

Quickly, she shook her head. "No…keep going," she said as her hands laced together behind his neck, and leaned up to kiss him.

Stanley returned the kiss willingly, unable to get enough of the taste of her. "Fuck, you're so tight," he whispered, his thrusts slow and deep.

"Faster," she breathed in his ear, her legs winding tightly around his waist.

"Sunny, I don't want to hurt you-"

"You won't, you won't. Stanley, please…" she begged.

"Let me know if it gets to be too much, okay?" he murmured. She nodded, and he slowly sped up his pace. His mind was screaming to quit worrying about her, and to reach that release he desperately needed, but he just could not do that. He wanted – no NEEDED her to come with him. Feeding off of her reactions, he continued to increase his tempo. When he tilted up, to where he was directly stimulating her clit, she sharply arched her back and dug her nails into his back, the look on her face telling him she was in ecstasy. He closed his eyes when he felt her inner muscles squeeze him, trying his best to hold off. With how tight she was, though, it was practically impossible.

"Don't stop…oh god, don't stop, Stanley, you're amazing," she gasped, her eyes drifting shut.

"Come for me, Sunny," he panted in her ear, and sucked on her earlobe.

She moaned at this, and felt a tingling beginning to run through her once more. Higher and higher it spiraled, until everything exploded, the intensity of it making her shake beneath him as she cried out for him.

Feeling her squeeze him is what finally brought Stanley over the edge, and he tightly clutched the sheets as he rode her hard, trying to draw the pleasure out as long as possible. For a long moment, they stayed there in that position, taking in every last rippling aftershock that ran through them. Finally, once it had fully passed Stanley collapsed onto her, both of them sweaty and struggling to catch their breath. He closed his eyes when she started idly stroking his hair. This was a part of sex he had never engaged in before. Normally, he would finish, roll over to where his back was facing his partner, and either force them to leave or promptly fall asleep. This change was one he liked, though, and he softly kissed her jaw line before nuzzling his face in the crook of her neck.

Sunny simply laid there in a daze. Did that really just happen? It seemed too incredible…too PERFECT to have happened to her, but the feel of his weight pressing her into the mattress, his hair tickling her cheek and his hot breath puffing out onto her neck told her it was far from fantasy and very much a reality. Stanley then rolled over onto his back and held his arm out to her. She immediately scooted over to him and curled up into his side. "You're an amazing lover," she sighed.

Stanley smirked at this. "You were pretty amazing yourself," he murmured, and kissed the top of her head. He then glanced over at his alarm clock, and saw it was only eight. "Since it is still early, I think I am going to take a bath. Care to join me?"

"You mean…take a bath with you?"

He smirked at this. "That was kind of the idea, yes."

The idea of it made her feel very vulnerable, but before she could think any further about it she heard herself reply, "Okay." He slid out from beneath her and helped her out of bed as well. She went to walk into the bathroom, when he stopped her. "What?" she inquired.

"Just let me look at you," he said, gently grasping her shoulders as his eyes roamed over her. She discreetly looked him over as well, and noticed he had a very strong build, which more than likely went completely unnoticed by others. "You're perfect," he murmured, his hands stroking her arms.

"So are you," she whispered, her own hands sliding up his chest as she looked back up at him. He simply looked at her for a moment, his eyes still dark with desire, and took her face in his hands as he kissed her. Once they pulled away, he led her into the bathroom, and drew a bubble bath for them. As she stood there, she unconsciously tried to cover herself, feeling vulnerable and uncomfortable with her nudity.

Stanley noticed this and asked, "Are you alright?"

She nodded, and commented, "I'm just a little self conscious, that's all."

He brushed back her hair. "You have nothing to be ashamed of," he reassured her, and with a smirk added, "Besides – it's nothing I haven't already seen."

She simply gave a sheepish grin at this, and he helped her into the bathtub. Once he was in as well, he had her sit to where her back was to him. She automatically settled back against him, and he closed his eyes as her head fell back against his shoulder and her small hands softly rubbed his thighs. Propping his arms up on the edge of the bathtub, he gazed down at her, and it started to dawn on him how deep and intense his feelings for her went. He did not just feel lust for her, he was head-over-heels, madly in love with her. She was his everything. Leaning over, he lovingly kissed her temple, and saw the light smile that played on her lips. She then let out a soft sigh and said quietly, "Stanley?"

"Hmm?"

She hesitated, before asking, "Why me?"

He glanced down at her. "What do you mean?"

"Why...of all the people out there, did you choose me?"

"Are...do you regret this?"

"No, no, not at all. I just...I'm just me. I'm nothing special."

Gently, he pushed her hair off to the side. "It blows my mind how little you view yourself. I chose you because you were the sweetest, most beautiful thing I had seen in a long time. To be honest, I think I was smitten from the moment I saw you."

She grinned at this, flushing at his words. "You're too sweet to me," she replied simply. Grabbing his arms, she wrapped them tightly around her torso, and settled back against him. This small gesture warmed him to the core, and he tightened his arms around her as he pressed his cheek to her hair. Keeping one arm around her, he let his free hand slide down to massage her inner thigh. He could hear her breath quicken as his hand grew dangerously close to the juncture of her thighs. As he deeply breathed in the scent of her hair, he simultaneously cupped one of her breasts and pressed his fingertips into her clit, his actions making her buck against him and give a small cry. As he pleasured her with his strong hands, he could feel his own body reacting in response to her. She was just so intoxicating. He felt like he could never get enough of her. "Stanley," she whimpered, her entire body on fire from his touch.

"Turn around," he whispered in her ear, and helped her turn to where she was straddling his lap. Once she was finally facing him, she could see the lust burning strong in his darkened eyes, and leaned forward to kiss him. As he returned the kiss, she felt his hands running up her back and then down her to firmly grasp her hips. He then suddenly lifted her up and lowered her onto his straining shaft. She cried out in both pain and pleasure and touched her forehead to his as she squeezed her eyes shut. She still was not used to the size of him, and moved around to get better situated. He let out a muffled groan when she did this, his hold on her tightening. Going with her natural instincts, she wrapped her arms around his neck as she started moving her hips. She could feel his nails digging into her as he forced her to move faster. Small whimpers escaped her mouth as her hands slid up to cup his face. The entire time, their eyes stayed locked on one another, having his gaze on her making it that much more intense for Sunny.

"Stanley…I don't think I can hold off much longer," she whispered, her breathing growing ragged. She was still sensitive from their previous lovemaking session, so it did not take long for her orgasm to begin to approach.

"I don't want you to. I want you to let go," he panted, his labored breathing letting her know he was getting close as well.

She pressed closer to him, to where her clit was grinding into him, and by doing so her climax quickly hit her full blast. As it overtook her, she clung tightly to his neck and crushed her lips against his. A split second later she could feel him pulsing within her, and could hear his muffled moans as he reached his own release. Once it passed she collapsed onto his chest, and buried her face in his neck. Pressing his cheek to her hair, he wrapped his arms around her tightly as they basked in the afterglow of their lovemaking. Finally, once she managed to catch her breath, Sunny commented, "I don't think I could handle a third time. Please…no more."

He grinned smugly. It may have been a while since he last was with a woman, but by god he still had the magic touch. "No more, I promise," he reassured her, and softly kissed her forehead before the two of them finished their bath and then retired to his bedroom, where they fell asleep in each other's arms.