Author's Note: Here's the climax…and after much thought it became strong citrus, the most explicit scene I've written yet (the muse just went that way). However, it's tasteful and romantic since Sousuke is not a hound…his reaction to Kurz telling him about his encounter with Mao in Approaching Nick of Time is to ask when the wedding is so I see him as a man of honor. Thanks to all the readers and Ryan and jerkette for reviewing. Enjoy.
Part 3-It All Comes Down
After he spoke Sousuke strode away to the veranda door lambasting himself Idiot! Why'd you say those things to her? Why can't you just speak the words buried in your heart for over a year that you have just for her, the words you wanted to say the night the whole mess started? Why'd you let out that lingering bitterness of her assumed rejection of you and your own weakness…huh?
Gentle, slender arms encircled him from behind. He then felt the unmistakable and exquisite warmth of Kaname's body pressed against him; the feel of her full and firm bosom like a heated cushion, creating a combination of comfort and kindling desire. Until he felt a slight shudder that indicated the one thing that made his heart drop…
She was crying…
"I love you so much…and for everything I've put you through… I'm so, so sorry, Sousuke."
At her words Sousuke felt an ache shoot through him she's apologizing…to me…when I was the one who failed her. I couldn't protect her and she had to go through everything she did…having her hands stained with blood and having nearly had her very being taken from her…if I had done my duty she never would have been ripped from her peaceful world…the world she loves…the world I love…the world I want to share with her, always by my side…
Kaname…
Slowly he turned around cupped her cheeks in his hands and tenderly wiped away the rivulets with his thumbs as she gazed up at him with glistening eyes. "Listen to me, Kaname…I'm the one who's sorry…for failing to keep you safe, for disrupting your peaceful life and for saying hurtful, selfish words that were thoughtless…so many things. Those words I spoke were the only weapons I could use against the last one who was trying to keep you from me. As I said before, I used them to draw you from her…Sofia, who was trying to steal your being from you. I used words like that because you aren't like other teenaged girls…silly, simpering princesses. You're different…strong, resilient, bold-," his voice became softer "and so beautiful you take my breath away."
Struck silent Kaname just stood before him as he went on…
"To me you are priceless…a treasure worth walking through hell countless times over to call mine. As I once said, I can accomplish anything as long as you're with me." Sousuke nodded and added, "This past year was hell but I was determined to survive so that I would take you back to the life and people you loved…and I held hope that I could be part of that." He leaned in so that his face was centimeters from hers. "Before I met you I never thought of having a future but now that's all I can think about…building a future as an ordinary man, not a soldier or assassin…with you always by my side. I love you."
Sousuke then captured her lips with his own…deliberate and languid, savoring her fragrance, her taste…every aspect of the woman he adored. He rejoiced as Kaname responded, kissing him back, her tongue dancing with his; driving him to the point of insanity as his hands began to explore the curves of her body and the firm fullness of her breasts. Without separating he scooped her up into his arms…and carried her into the bedroom…
Once inside Sousuke carried Kaname to her bed and lightly set her down, still locked in a deep kiss. He then pulled from her mouth and began planting tiny, nibbling kisses along her throat, neck, earlobe while she breathlessly murmured to him…
"S-Sousuke…S-Sousuke…we c-can't…uhh…"
"Yes we can," he growled, as he continued his assault.
"B-but wait…I-I've never d-done this," Kaname protested weakly.
Sousuke pushed back and said, "Neither have I…but if we just let our hearts lead us nature will take its course."
"You think?"
"Affirmative."
Kaname asked, "Do you know what to do?"
"I have an idea." He got up and taking her with him he stated, "Kurz and the other guys would talk and I listened."
"UH-huh." Kaname gave a knowing look and remarked dryly, "Yeah, I bet."
Sousuke raised a dubious brow and inquired, "Girls don't talk about that?"
Kaname looked sheepish. "Well, uh the only one of us that had…experience was Shiori. She's been on birth control for a year now so she's told us some, uh, things. Like how it hurts the first time." She looked a bit apprehensive and Sousuke brought his hand to lie on her cheek…
"Don't worry…we'll take things slow and help each other…just like we always do," he assured her. "I won't be pushy or rough with you…so trust me."
Sousuke reached his other hand to untie her red uniform bow, his warm pewter eyes focused and ardent and to counter him Kaname timidly reached to unbutton his shirt. Their eyes then met and they leaned in for another kiss as once awkward fingers warmed up to their respective tasks, gradually divesting each other's clothes. Clad now in only their undergarments, hand in hand the young lovers headed back to the bed…
Wearing only her camisole and panties Kaname lay down as Sousuke joined her, in just his briefs, the telltale bulge displaying his advanced state of arousal. But he stood by his promise and moved unhurriedly as he stretched out beside her, his hand resting casually on her belly. Noticing her expression of reserve he was concerned…
"Are you okay, Kaname? You're kind of quiet."
Gazing into her eyes Sousuke waited for her answer. She looked back at him then sighed and turned away from his scrutiny but he would not be denied and took hold of her chin, turning her back toward him.
"Please tell me what's wrong."
Unable to avoid him Kaname replied hesitantly, "I-I'm just not sure about this."
Dismayed he asked, "Not sure about what? About us?"
"Of course not," she denied vehemently. "After a year apart to realize how much I love you, never…it's just…this." She gestured at the two of them in their undergarments sprawled out on her bed. "I'm just not so sure we're ready for this even though by today's standards at 18 we're a little late to the party."
"Hmmm."
Sousuke scowled as he pondered over what Kaname said she does have a point…but I was planning to offer marriage to her after making love…it is the proper thing to do and there's nobody else I want to spend my life with…but…
I want to be with her…to be inside her, loving her until the sun rises. If Merida hadn't been reduced to a mountain of radioactive ash I would take her back to my secret fishing spot propose and make love to her there. However, if she's not ready…I love her too much to pressure her…
"Sousuke?" Kaname's voice was tentative as she cut into his musings. "What do you think?"
He looked at her upturned face and saw the expression…rife with uncertainty and trepidation which caused his heart to constrict. Reaching over to caress her cheek he hastened to reassure her…
"If you're not ready…then we'll wait. I just want to stay here and be with you…I don't care what we do."
"Really? We can wait…'til we're ready?" Kaname was hesitant as if she were not sure if he was sincere.
Sousuke sighed, "I promise."
"Then you're not mad at me?" Her chocolate eyes were wide and appealing as she ran a finger in circles around his breast, her touch igniting a spark inside.
"O-of course not…but maybe we should just get dressed go out and watch a movie instead of staying here," he said as the heat in his loins having had subsided, was beginning to rise again.
"It's really okay?"
"Yeah."
Finally convinced she relaxed and said, "I don't feel like watching a movie." Then she suggested, "We can cuddle here." Snuggling against Sousuke and laying her head on his shoulder she asked, "Isn't this nice?"
"Uh-huh." The warmth from Kaname's body pressed flush with his was a slow, succulent torture tempting him once again to the forbidden tree…but a promise was a promise…
It was hard, though…and getting harder to resist. With her butterfly touch she was now tracing the jagged scar on his chest, the one that reminded Sousuke of the last time he cheated the Grim Reaper and postponed his ride on the river Styx. In addition, Kaname was still laying on him, her raven hair tickling as her coltish limbs were entwined around him. Combined with that her velvety ministrations were sending him to a point of rapture that nearly sent him over the edge…
I don't know how much more I can endure…I know what I promised her but when a man has the woman he loves more than life itself caressing him with her flesh pressed against him…well, I'd rather face a fleet of AS's with Lambda Drivers then this torment …huh?
His eyes widened as he saw…and felt what Kaname did next. She bent down and very sweetly but sensuously began kissing the scar Kurama left him…moving very leisurely up the length of the scar. Her lips left a fiery trail that turned his blood to lava that raced through him at breakneck speed and made his state of arousal reach thermonuclear proportions. When she reached the end and gazed up with smoky, loving eyes he could stand no more…
With a semi-feral sound that was a cross between a growl and a groan Sousuke moved like a panther, swiftly taking her shoulders and pulling Kaname up then maneuvering so that she was beneath him to capture her mouth with his. Unlike the previous kisses this kiss was savage…filled with pent up hunger and overpowering desire that now unleashed was like a torrent…surging forward and leaving nothing in its wake. And his hands followed the call; slipping under her camisole and taking hold of her breasts, reverently as if they were cradling a rare and precious jewel. His mouth continued to plunder hers as he deftly slipped off the filmy garment and freed the bounty of her bosom…then he buried his face in the soft globules…
He heard her response to him…quiet breathy gasps and moans as her own hands were entangled in his hair and then ran down to his shoulders. He slowly raised his head and they were face to face…
"I-I'm sorry, Kaname. It appears I couldn't keep my promise," Sousuke apologized, feeling a mixture of remorse and yearning; his desire for her overriding his honor.
But instead of admonition she lowered her head as she whispered, "It's my fault, Sousuke…when I saw the scar of the wound that nearly took your life as you tried to bring me back to mine all I wanted to do was to try in some way to make it up to you. I'm sorry."
The sweetness of Kaname's words and gesture made his heart swell to bursting with love. Taking hold of her face in his hands he murmured, "Please…it was never a problem…as long as my mission to get you back was successful it was a small price to pay. To have you back and in my arms…I'd walk through Ground Zero…and did."
Her eyes glowed as she then leaned in to place her lips on another of his scars…the cross-shaped one on his jaw as her hands reached around to his back and explored, finding other souvenirs of a life of battles. A knife wound here…a nick from a piece of a splatter bullet…various reminders of his life as a soldier which now seemed to be another lifetime. Her touch was like a balm; cool and comforting but causing havoc as his swollen member throbbed…a spearhead impatient to meet its mark. Sousuke closed his eyes and turned in to seize her lips again for yet another kiss…
I can't stop…she's so soft and sweet and her kisses are like candy. I never wanted anything in my life more than I do right now…to bury myself in her and love her until the morning light…but I made a promise…
His thought was halted as Kaname gently pulled back and spoke his name. "Sousuke…"
"What?" he croaked, ardor making his voice hoarse.
Her eyes gazed into his, misty from the fires of passion burning between them. "I'm ready."
He did a double take. "Huh?"
"I said I'm ready." Kaname looked up at him with engaging resolution and Sousuke's heart leapt. But still he wanted affirmation…
"Are you sure?"
She nodded. "Uh-huh…are you?"
He nodded as well. "What changed your mind?"
Kaname smiled…one of the most adorable smiles Sousuke had ever seen. "With everything that's happened to us…we still made our way back to each other. It's destined for us to be together and-," she moved until she was just over his mouth. "I want you…to be the one…my first."
So she wants me to be the one, huh? Well, Testarossa took her first kiss but this is MINE Sousuke's eyes darkened as he whispered, "As you wish…my lady."
His mouth then descended to partake of the nectar of her lips, drinking deeply as she met him confidently…without hesitation as their inexperience was overcome by their hearts, beating in sync. The kiss became the portal from which they began the journey into adulthood; as all journeys begin, with a single step as they explored the mysteries of their bodies. They were tentative at first, with hands slowly reaching, stroking then becoming bolder as mutual acceptance and trust strengthened. Sousuke, encouraged by Kaname's enthusiastic and pliant manner moved decisively, as he did when carrying out a mission. This was what he wanted, had dreamed about having since first realizing he had fallen in love and began fantasizing about her…his ultimate dream come true…
His body, following his intent began to take control. He stretched himself on top of her, his mouth still over hers as her own hands, wrapped around his torso slid down to his hips and buttocks as he slipped one hand beneath her. He then sought his target and advanced cautiously, as she, feeling the beginning of his entry stiffened. Moving with great care, he gradually made his way, until she gasped in pain as he penetrated…
Pulling his mouth away and breathing heavily Sousuke murmured, "Forgive me…for hurting you."
But Kaname…her eyes glistening with unshed tears shook her head. "It's okay…I knew what was coming…I love you."
He recaptured her lips in another sweeping kiss as now merged their bodies acted in primal instinct…the ancient mating dance of man and woman; done since the dawn of creation. The initial uncertainty of their first time passed, Sousuke and Kaname now experienced the scintillating pleasure of coupling…becoming one as their hearts now took command and their senses joined in as both rose into the stratosphere and to the zenith of climax. Both moaned softly and their breathing slowed as they began the descent to the aftermath and he gently pulled out from her. Moving to the side he pulled her into his arms and as she laid her head on his shoulder he cradled her tenderly, holding her close to his heart.
After a few moments to catch their breaths Kaname broke the silence with one word. "Wow."
Sousuke took a deep breath and nodded. "Yeah…incredible."
She turned her head to face him. "Did you think it would be like this?"
He shook his head and replied, "I'd heard the other men in my units talk and always felt they embellished. When I realized I loved you I dreamed how it could be with you…but this…was amazing…you're amazing."
Kaname blushed and said shyly, "That's because of you. You were gentle and helped me…you're so kind like always."
"You're always helping me."
She gazed at him and stated, "We're a team…right?"
Nodding Sousuke grinned and said, "Just like always with us…we work perfectly together."
She giggled and lacing her fingers through his unruly hair remarked coyly, "Looks like you need another haircut, sergeant."
He asked, "Is that an offer?"
"Not really…but this is…" She leaned in closer…
Their lips met again…softly, a sweet declaration of their love as exhausted, sleep claimed them…
Several hours later it was dawn…and Sousuke woke as his inner clock used to waking him at daybreak caused him to open his eyes. Coming to full awareness he gazed about at the vanity, the James Brown poster hanging on the wall, and on a dresser a framed photograph of a beautiful woman and a lovely little girl with blue-black hair and button brown eyes. With a soft smile he then gazed down at the young woman nestled in his arms, her black hair shining with blue highlights as a ray of new sunlight played on her head…
He mused it's just as I thought back in Khanka…Kaname looks so nice in the morning light…here in my arms. I dreamed of this so many times…what it would be like to be with her…kissing her, holding her, loving her…and it was more wonderful than I ever imagined. And finally they came…the soft and gentle words buried deep inside me…so what's next? We'll finish school…we lost a year and must make it up to graduate. Then Kaname can take the exams to get into a university while I'll find a job in a security firm…and we'll get married. I still have some money from my salary with Mithril so I'll buy her a ring and propose…
A soldier to the core Sousuke then began to strategize…for the future. A future that began last night and that he could finally claim with Kaname as he promised her when they kissed at school…always by his side.
END