A/N: Insert the standard "I don't claim the rights to these characters" spiel here. Beware, this story contains adult themes (i.e., big chunks o' lemon) and gets VERY explicit at times. Read at your own risk. Also, this story only covers the exploits of Lina and Xellos. Gourry, Amelia, and Zelgadis' adventures during the time frame that "Penance" takes place are detailed in a fic called "Pursuit of Merit", which is about halfway written but probably won't be done until '05. "Penance" is followed up by "Reckoning" and then "Absolution" series, all of which are available here on fanfiction.net.
You can view this story in its un-chaptered form at my website, also. I went back and broke it up into chapters because I was getting complaints that it was too long. Sorry if the chapter divisions seem awkward in places, or if some chapters seem too short or too long. That's what happens when you write a story without chapter divisions, and then later chop it up.
Reviews are welcome!!
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Oh noooo! she wailed the next morning, kneeling on the bed and looking out a window.
Xellos opened his eyes, squinting, and propped himself up on an elbow. Eh? What? he mumbled, trying to wake up.
It's a blizzard! Lina moaned, flopping back down on the bed.
Xellos blinked and looked out the window, unable to see anything but a blinding white. Oh, my, he whispered. That will put a kink in your schedule.
Kink? I can't go out in this at all! It doesn't just put a kink in my plans, it ruins them, dammit!
He sighed, bringing his knees up to his chest and wrapping his arms around their blanketed mass. The cot shifted beneath him, swaying as he moved. That's too bad.
It's worse than too bad, it's awful!
Well, you brought back some books, didn't you?
Then let's take a look at them together, shall we? You said that you'd appreciate my assistance with some translations, anyway.
She sat cross-legged on the bed and studied him carefully. He looked at her askance and rubbed the back of his neck, unsure what she was thinking of. All right, she said finally. But make breakfast first.
He threw off the blankets and swung his feet over the edge, pushing them into his slippers. Standing, he stretched and scratched his head. As you wish, he mumbled, and shuffled off to the kitchen.
Hours and hours later, Lina was standing by another window, staring out at the snow falling in the darkness outside. This just doesn't make sense, Xellos growled. What are they talking about? After a while he noticed what Lina was doing and looked up at her. Her features were relaxed as she looked outside, and her gaze was far away. He wondered what she was thinking about, and also was aware of thinking how beautiful she was. For a moment he entertained the idea of going up to her and holding her, but he still had no idea where she was coming from. She had made love with him three times in as many days, but sometimes she seemed more distant than ever. He itched with desire for her, but he wasn't about to give into it unless she gave him a signal. The last thing he wanted was to be stuck with a homicidal Lina in a shack during a snowstorm.
He glanced around the room, noting that the hour was late and she would most likely not want anything else that evening. Sighing, he stood and walked over to his cot, removing his shirt to change into his sleeping clothes. As he reached down for his nightshirt he felt a cool palm against the muscles of his back and he froze in mid motion. I'm not tired, she said, and he turned around slowly, his shirt falling back onto the cot from his numb fingers.
I'm sorry, he said softly, looking down at her. Is there anything I can do?
She shot him a half-smile and ran her index finger down the cleft between his pectoral muscles, her smile turning into a sly grin as he shivered under her touch. I was thinking we could play a game.
He cocked his head to the side, fiercely battling the urge to scoop her up and kiss her. Ah, raging hormones were definitely a toss up between good and bad aspects of being a human. What sort of game? he asked with a raised eyebrow.
It's pretty easy for you. Here, sit down in this chair.
He let her lead him over to a chair by the hearth, sitting down when she pushed on his chest. he said uneasily, looking around. What sort of game was this? The twinkle in her eye was making him a little nervous.
Are you sure you want to play? If you want to stop at any time, just let me know and we can do something else.
No, I suppose I'll play, he said slowly. What do I do next?
Lina leaned down close to him, smiling. She reached up and touched him on the forehead with her finger. she said, and he was swallowed up in the drowsy darkness of her spell.
He came to slowly, feeling very disoriented and stiff. He belatedly realized that she had cast a sleeping spell on him, and when he moved to rise from the chair, he found that he couldn't move. Looking down, he saw that she had tied him, wrist and ankles, to the chair. He also wasn't wearing any clothing. What's going on? he asked sharply, very confused. There was really no telling what was going through Lina's head, and the idea worried him.
Lina stepped out of the shadows and smiled, her eyes licking over his body. Do you still want to play? she replied softly, her fingers going up to the collar of her shirt and undoing the first several fasteners.
Xellos swallowed hard and blinked rapidly. He would have no problems breaking free of the ropes if he used his magic, and he knew that Lina was aware of the fact. No, she had something else in mind, and the fact that she had gone through all the trouble of taking his clothes off and tying so many knots indicated that she had a definite plan. I'm not sure. Will it be fun?
I think so, she murmured, walking over to him.
His heartbeat thundered away in his ears as she raised a leg and put a foot on his knee, smiling wickedly at him the entire time. He took deep, deliberate breaths, determined to keep control of his body. She slowly undid a few more closures of her shirt until the barest hint of the swell of her breasts was revealed, then she sat in his lap with one smooth motion, running her hands through his hair. Do you want to quit? she whispered.
he said with conviction. It seemed to be plenty of fun so far.
She answered with a smile and put her hands gently on either side of his head, pulling his head to hers. She flicked the corners of his mouth with her tongue, gradually working her tongue inside his mouth. He closed his eyes and leaned into her kiss, wondering somewhere in the back of his mind what it all meant. She certainly was being forward with him.
Still sitting in his lap, she undid more of her shirt until he could very clearly see the cleft between her breasts, her soft skin the texture of silk in the firelight. She pulled the hem of her shirt free from her belt and let it hang open far enough that her nipples were just barely covered. He wanted very much to reach forward and run his fingertips over that silky skin, or feel her taut nipples against his palms, but the ropes held him tight. Lina, dear, he began, twisting slightly where the ropes bound him.
Ah, ah, she said, shaking her head. Not so soon. The fun hasn't even started.
His brow creased as she stood, deftly removing her leggings until all she stood in were her shirt, which hung open, and her panties. The long, smooth planes of her legs were bared in the firelight, her fingertips running over where her underwear passed over her slim hips. Don't you think this is fun? she asked as he squirmed.
You know I could break free of this easily, he said roughly, pulling against his bonds.
Oh, I'm aware of that, she replied nonchalantly, reaching up and tossing her thick mane of fiery hair over her shoulder, the fabric pulling to the side with the motion and momentarily baring her breast. That's why your cooperation is necessary.
Why should I play?
A slow, devilish smile crossed her lips and she wagged her finger at him. Don't you want to see how it all turns out? she asked in return, putting her hands on her hips. I've never known you not to be curious.
He scowled slightly, relaxing against his bonds. Damn her, she was right. The sight of her was nearly maddening, seeing written on her face her desire for him and yet toying with both of them. He really did want to see how this game was played, and so far it hadn't been painful. Perhaps it would be fun. He liked to have fun, after all. Why play this sort of game? he murmured, closing his eyes and trying to control himself.
She smiled again, leaning forward and tracing his jaw with a finger. I guess it's a sort of revenge, she said softly, her breath against his cheek. For all the times you toyed with me, now I will toy with you.
I suppose that's fair, he said breathlessly, turning his head and trying to catch her finger in his mouth.
Glee lit up her eyes and she grinned, quickly pulling away from him. I think you'll play this game well, she murmured.
I do everything well, he replied with a smile. You're lucky I'm not still a Monster.
She raised an eyebrow, crossing her arms over his chest and presented her back to him, her high, firm rear moderately covered by her undergarments. Oh? And why is that?
Because then ropes wouldn't even slow me down, he said, holding back the things he wanted to say. She was driving him crazy, standing just out of reach. He would have to break the ropes if he wanted to touch her, and that would be in violation of the game. It was her excuse to do whatever she wanted to him, and for him to let her. Still, on this particular snow-filled evening, just the sight of her was enough to make him want to bear down upon her and take her in every way imaginable. he said, his tone almost a snarl.
She laughed, looking at him over her shoulder, and let the collar of her shirt slide down a bit, exposing the skin of the top of her shoulder blade. Pulling her hair off of her neck and holding it atop her head, she turned to him, her shirt hanging open to one side, exposing half of her. Isn't this fun? she murmured as he strained against his bonds once again. I can blow your mind and you can't do anything about it unless you break the rules.
We'll see, Xellos growled, eyes fixed upon her.
She giggled again and moved behind him, her light touch spreading across his straining shoulders. She picked up the weighty, silken mass of his hair and cleared it away, uncovering his neck. Slowly she began to kiss from the base of his skull to the knobby vertebrae at the end of his neck. He sighed deeply, closing his eyes as her warm lips and tongue moved over his skin and set off his nerves like fireworks. Her hands moved around to his chest and gently traced the grooves of his muscles, toying with his taut nipples as she continued her ministrations. His whole body felt aflame and she suddenly took his ear into her mouth, nipping the lobe ever so slightly. He gasped and lurched against the ropes, dimly aware of her satisfied chuckle. Still chortling, she abruptly released him and moved around to his front side again, always keeping her fingers barely trailing on the surface of his skin, as if to keep him aware of her presence through means other than simply sight, as if he needed any other clue than the enormous heat her body was putting off to guide him to her.
A gasp escaped him as she knelt between his legs, slowly drawing her hands up the insides of his firm thighs, letting her fingertips rest in the notches created by where the tendons of his legs met his pelvis. You have wonderful skin for a man, she murmured, leaning down and kissing the inside of his leg gently.
He drew a ragged breath in reply and moaned softly, tilting his head back. It was driving him insane to have her so near, and not have the freedom to hold her, to touch her. he groaned, squeezing his eyes shut.
Say my name again, she murmured, and wrapped her hand around him. He gasped as she took him into her mouth, his head spinning with the sensation, and he wasn't sure if he was actually moving or not. Everything seemed to melt together, the feeling of her lips upon him the only truth in the new universe she was showing him. He groaned aloud and thrust his hips forward, and just when he thought he would break into a million pieces, she drew her head away and stood, laughing softly.
He opened his eyes and stared at her flatly, his gaze practically glowing with desire. You're right, this is a fun game, he panted, his eyes eating every ounce of her uncovered flesh. However, I think I know one even more entertaining.
She cocked her head to the side and raised an eyebrow, putting her hands on her hips. Oh, really? she snorted. And what might that be?
A slow, evil smile wound across his face, his eyes two amethyst embers beneath the shadows of his heavy bangs. he said quietly, and with a glance the spell was cast.
Lina's body stiffened and her eyes opened wide. What the? she gasped, struggling against his spell.
Xellos' throaty laugh resounded throughout the cabin. It's just the beginning of my game, he said, quietly disintegrating the ropes that held him. He stood, stretching out the kinks in his muscles. Yes, her game had been fun, but he knew he was going to like his better.
With a small gesture of his hand he raised her to his eye level, smiling slightly as their gazes locked. How can you be this strong? she whispered, eyes still the size of saucers. You're only a human now!
You have always underestimated me, Lina Inverse, he murmured in return, tracing her jawline with a finger. He watched her face intently as he raised a hand and moved the fabric of her shirt aside. She clenched her jaw and stared him down, as if daring him to do anything. He slowly touched the skin of her breast, not wanting to rush things and spoil it. Besides, she had so much wonderful, flawless skin, it would be a shame not to cherish every single square inch of it. He tenderly thumbed the skin around her taut nipple, a sly smile crossing his face as her body spasmed slightly and a frown appeared upon her face.
Suddenly he paused, his brow creasing, and he put his knuckles to his chin. Oh, dear, he said, closing his eyes and tilting his head towards the floor. I forgot to ask you if you wanted to play my game. You did ask me, after all, and I would hate to deny you the same courtesy.
He raised his eyes to her face, watching the pride and desire war in her eyes. Her mouth twisted with indecision, and finally her lips parted in a smile. It's only fair, I suppose. I had my fun with you.
He lowered his eyelids a bit and placed both his hands on her hips, slowly bringing her through the air towards him. It was tempting to just take her then, he could tell she was ready, but he forced himself to wait. Prolonging pleasure was never a bad thing. I'm glad you see it that way, he murmured, lifting a lock of her shiny hair and raising it to his nostrils. He inhaled deeply, closing his eyes, and rubbed the hair against his cheek. Absolutely phenomenal, he whispered, then moved her hair to the side, exposing her neck. Leaning forward, he gently placed his lips on the side of her throat, nibbling gently with his teeth and tongue until he reached the nerve bundle behind her ear. He took her earlobe between his incisors and pulled slightly, feeling her shudder the length of him.
Suddenly he put his hands on her shoulders, shaking his head and making a clicking noise with his tongue. It's hardly fair that you're wearing so much more than I am, he said, and raised a finger in front of her face. Her eyes locked onto it with curiosity, following its motion as he waved it in the air. With a snap of his fingers her clothes disappeared entirely and she cried aloud with surprise. Reaching out, he lightly traced the curve of her back with his slightly calloused palms and sighed with delight. Much better, he murmured.
This isn't fair, Lina blurted suddenly, face stained with a deep blush of desire. I only tied you up. You could have escaped at any time, but I can't get free of your spell!
He laughed again, pulling her to him tightly. Life isn't fair, he growled passionately. That's one thing I've learned so far.
he continued, interrupting her. Do you really want to escape?
The flush on her cheeks deepened further and she looked away, biting her lip slightly.
I thought not, he chuckled, drawing the tip of his tongue over her collarbone. With a movement of his arm he spun her around, drawing patterns on the slender plane of her back with kisses, cupping her breasts in his hands and pushing himself against the soft cleft of her buttocks. he whispered into her hair, closing his eyes and once again smelling her. She sighed and relaxed against him as much as she was able, and he began to nuzzle her neck, spreading a hand over the flat surface of her belly. He drew a little circle around her navel before traveling downward, feeling mild surprise when he encountered moisture on the insides of her thighs. Gently he parted her legs and slid his fingers inside, her groan sending electric threads of desire through his entire body. He moved his hand, smiling against her neck as she trembled from his tender ministrations. He decided he wanted more of her, and so knelt, gently setting her shoulders on the ground while keeping her hips on a level with his head. What goes around, comes around, he whispered, enjoying the half-drunk expression on her face.
With that he set to work upon her with his mouth, closing his eyes and tasting her, little thrills running up and down his spine every time she strained against his spell, which was getting harder and harder to maintain as his discipline deteriorated. she cried, and he lost all reason.
No matter the game, you are always the prize, he said firmly, raising her into the air above his head and immediately releasing the spell. She yelped as she fell downward and into his waiting arms, her smooth, silky body pressed against his sculpted chest. He walked smoothly to the bed and laid her down on it, closing his eyes in bliss as she curled her arms about his shoulders. She spread her legs and he completely abandoned his control, their cries simultaneous as he rammed into her. She groaned and clutched at his back furiously, the short gasps of her breathing seeming like thunder in his ear. He moved against her as quickly as he could manage, reveling in the soft collisions of their bodies. Reaching down, she clasped his rear and pulled him farther into her and cried out, her body arching as she disintegrated into spasms. He let loose a long sigh and followed suit a few minutes later, collapsing on top of her, utterly exhausted. He panted into the pillow beside her head, feeling his hair and hers sticking to his skin. Her fingers lazily traced the lines of his back and he remained inside her for quite some time, feeling as if even their pulses were evenly matched. For a moment he couldn't tell where he ended and she began, so close were they. Would he ever have other means than physical love to show her what she meant to him?
You were right, he said, the pillow muffling his voice. That was a lot of fun.
I agree, she replied, still holding him tight. My genius surprises even me sometimes.
He propped himself up on his elbows, looking down at her with a gaze full of tenderness. I'm afraid I won't have the energy to play like that for a while, he murmured.
I'm surprised you managed to hold those spells as long as you did. Levitation is very draining, especially when cast on someone else, and I have no idea what you were using to keep me from moving.
That, my dearest Lina, is-
A secret, she finished for him.
He laughed and rolled to the side, still clutching her to him. She spread a hand out on his chest and nestled into the curve of his shoulder. He put his finger beneath her chin and tilted her face upward, kissing her with everything he was, pouring all the feeling he could muster into his kiss. She responded and opened her mouth to him, and they lay locked like that for several profound moments. Finally he released her and she quickly kissed him on the chin. You always have to have the last say, he whispered, but she had already settled her head on his chest and was beginning to snore, fast asleep.
