Darkness in the Twilight
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By Psycho Ferret and LunarCrystal
In The Night
It was after the requisite 8 hours of work that Celena was finally able to drag or feet through the door of their studio apartment. She needed a shower, though the smell of coffee emanating from her didn't exactly smell bad. She was just sick of it. She ran a hand through her short curls, having kept it short with a pair of scissors every time she noticed it getting longer than she would have liked.
Letting out a sigh, she came through the tiny kitchen and into the main room/bedroom/living room area. "I'm home." she said, falling on the bed.
Allen glanced sightlessly over from his perch on the windowsill, near the window he couldn't see out of. It was still comfortable. A small book was in hand, his fingers trailing over the slight bumps. A small smile lingered on his lips as she entered and he inclined his head a bit, recalling the earlier conversation with Chris. "It seems like so long that you're gone, you know..."
"Yeah," came her muffled reply from her face buried into the bedcovers. She turned over so that she was on her back, letting out a heavy sigh, "I'm really tired. What are you reading now?" she asked.
Allen smiled sheepishly. "I'm struggling my way through the Celestine Prophecy. Sarah suggested it back when we first started."
"Ah," she looked over to him, "Can you even understand it yet?"
"Mm? Bits of it. I'm forcing myself through it. What bits of it I can get are rather interesting."
Celena let out a huff, "Well, I'm glad one of us is having fun."
"Is it really that bad? The tournament is in about five months and I'm going to practice with Chris for a bit before I apply within the city."
Celena sat up, her eyes gazing hungrily over her brother - though she didn't let it show in her voice, "That's fantastic. I know you'll do well."
Allen smiled softly. "I certainly hope so. I have misgivings, but both you and Chris seem to think I'll do fine."
Standing slowly, she went over to him by the windowsill, the dimming light of the sunset framing her brother in a fiery glow, making his golden hair look almost red. He was really beautiful, she thought. "Well, why would I think less of not only my brother, but the greatest swordsman in all of Gaea?"
Allen laughed softly, shaking his head. "There are those within the knighthood who could surely defeat me." He set the book aside, putting his arms about her waist and pulling her close.
There was enough room on the sill for both she and her brother, and she was glad for it when he embraced her. Sitting by him, she snuggled fondly, letting her hand trail along his abdomen. Despite all of their fights, all of their sorrows and hardships - even his depression and blindness . . . by the gods, she was in love with him. She truly could not care for a man any more than she did for Allen, her brother. "Have I ever told you - how I'm so very proud of you?" she whispered.
Allen smiled softly, resting his head on her shoulder gently. "No. Tell me..." He held her close despite the argument that morning, his eyes closed
The hand that had been stroking his middle lifted to his face, the side that faced the window, his ear touched by the light and now by the gentle fingers of her hand. She pushing his hair behind that ear, letting her hand trail down his neck so that she could stroke him there too. It was very intimate, and very loving.
"You have mastered so many things, Allen," she began fondly. "You did not let anything get in your way. You have become a swordsman. You are still a knight. You have learned how to read again, how live again. Allen, how could I love you any less? Your eyes might not work, but you see things with your heart and mind. That's what matters."
Allen smiled softly at the words as he listened, head tipped slightly to the side, into her touch. His eyes were still closed, though it wasn't necessary. Has he really accomplished so much? He had to wonder, then, just why he was so hard on himself... A soft sigh slipped from his lips, that smile still lingering. She was proud of him. That was what mattered.
"Have you been depressed lately?" Her voice came softly, wary of his comfort and closeness. She wanted to do so much more with him that simple touches and kisses. "Or have you found something difficult. You've been distracted lately."
"Mm... I'm not sure what it's been, though I do mourn it. After all, it's created a rift between us... I can only hope that's been resolved." He brushed his lips against her forehead, a faint smile lingering.
"As do I." she whispered honestly, closing her eyes to the touch of his lips. "I have missed the pleasant company of my . . . husband."
Allen just smiled a little, tugging her close. His voice was a soft whisper as he spoke to her, his arms around her. "Tonight."
Her heart sang! The tug and zing she felt constrict it made her whimper, happy and alive. Tonight, he had said. The delight and glee she felt wave through her like the sea. Celena squeezed him, tight and excited. She could hardly even find a voice to express what she felt, knowing that it would be choked and forced if she tried. She remained quiet, nothing but soft whimpers of happiness to console her.
Allen stroked her hair softly, just smiling. "You'll be my wife. Mine." He pressed a kiss to her cheek softly, his own heart fluttering with anticipation.
She nodded slightly, loving the feel of his hands through her curls and his warmth. She was loathe to pull away from it, reluctant to let his hands drop from hers. But she did, mentioning that she would take a shower, to which she quickly hurried to do. The anticipation was terrible, but not completely unenjoyable - as she was thinking and looking forward to her night. Steam filled the little bathroom, which was quickly released as Celena stepped out, wearing nothing but a towel.
Allen stretched a bit, still by the window. He was hungry, he realized. He hadn't eaten anything all day, so engrossed in his reading he'd become. The blonde sighed softly, running a hand through his hair. Two things made him anxious... this night, as well as the promises of swordplay the next day.
"Allen?" she said expectantly, her voice soft and timid.
"Hm?" Allen turned his head towards her, cocking his head to the side a little.
Celena smiled pleasantly, also letting her head dip to the side. "Are you hungry too?"
"Ah... actually, yes. Now that I think of it, I don't think I've eaten a single thing today."
She smirked, taking the towel off and letting it drop to the floor. Of course, she didn't need to be modest. She was intimate with Allen enough already, and he was blind. She took out a skirt, long and black, bringing out a plain black t-shirt that fit tight around her bosom, and quickly dressed. She finally tugged on some boots - not the ridiculous platform kind that Nikki wore.
"Well, I suggest we get something to eat. How about that pizza place with the dancing?" she said, just happy to be with her brother again.
"Allen smiled softly, nodding to his sister. "That sounds good enough for me. " The blonde smiled softly, nodding to his sister.
Celena returned the smile, taking his hand and putting it to her face so that he could see it. "Will you be dancing with me tonight?" She asked.
"Ah?" Allen arched a brow slightly. "I.... suppose." Allen shook his head slightly, curling his fingers slightly to fit her cheek.
Happily, she leaned forward and kissed him, tugging him gently behind her so that they could be on their way. The walk wasn't very long, as everything in this city was relatively near by and within walking distance. She led Allen to a booth in the corner after ordering a medium pizza for them to share, grabbing cups for beverages.
"Did you want iced tea or that soda pop stuff?" she asked as he sat down.
"Ah, tea works fine enough." Allen smiled a little, nodding slightly to her. He tucked his hair behind an ear idly, waiting.
She came back, setting the tea in front of him and keeping the soda to herself. She really liked it, how it tickled her nose whenever she took sips from her glass. She sat down and grinned at him. "I see you're in pretty high spirits. It can't just be the reading and swordplay, can it?"
Allen shook his head a little, sighing. "I don't know what it is, really."
"Well, as long as your happy. In the meantime, let me tell you about my day." She grinned, taking a sip of her soda, "The work they have me doing at the coffee place - ugh, it's so tiring. I don't know how many times that damnable stuff spills on me, I've stopped counting. The only thing that makes it tolerable is that it smells good."
Allen laughed a little. "It does smell rather good, really, you're right. And another good point--you get paid for doing it." The blonde smiled softly, sipping at the tea quietly.
"Right, yes. Money seems awfully important to have here in this world, doesn't it?" she asked.
"It most certainly does. Of course, money was important back home, but we never had to work for it." Allen smiled a bit, inclining his head to her.
"Oh, right - nobility and all that." She waved it off in the air, "I keep forgetting . . . " she grew solemn for a moment, a demure frown fading into her lips as she thought of something. "Allen?" she began quietly, "Are you forgetting what home was like too?"
Allen cocked his head to the side a little at her question, a small smile on his lips. "Not at all, no... but I suppose it might be because I had more of it to actually remember than you did."
"I can hardly remember the manor now," she said, choking a bit as her throat tightened, "Where we used to play as children. The fields, and the beach. The ocean by our home was the deepest, purest blue and the brightest greens. I can hardly remember it now . . ."
"Don't fret over it, Celena," he murmured softly, shaking his head a bit. "It happens with memories. They fade as time passes.
She couldn't recall ever feeling so homesick before, her heart gripped with emotion in it. She'd had her own garden there at the manor, her mother had died there, they grew up there. So many memories and she would never see that place again, with its lush meadows full of flowers and sweet grasses, the forests, or the white sandy inlet. She sniffed quietly, wiping her nose with a napkin.
The pizza came just in time, a server placing the large flatbread morsel in the middle of the table and setting down two plates. She blew her nose in the napkin, thankful they had them in abundance and that they were disposable. It might have been uncouth for her to do so, but she didn't care.
"Pizza's here." she smiled weakly.
Allen smiled softly. "As I said... don't fret over it." He missed his home, of course--not the manor so much, no... not as much as the fort and those within it. He had no idea what had become of Gaddes and Riden or any of the others. It hurt to think of their possible defeat.
The blonde nodded slightly, giving a little smile. "Yes..." He picked up a slice as his sister set it on his plate, munching it idly.
If there was one thing that could take her mind off of troubles, it was pizza. Celena delighted in pizza, and loved to eat it, always begging to have it. It just wasn't often that they came to that particular restaurant since the point would be moot. Allen hated dancing most of the time, and she knew it. Besides, most pizza was good at just about any place they went to.
Already finishing up her second slice, she chewed and bit off the last piece of crust before sitting back in the booth contently. The look on her face was priceless, her head tilted back on the curve of the seat, eyes closed, her mouth chewing that last delicious bit of cheesy sausage and mushroom flat bread. Finally, she swallowed.
"I love pizza." She sighed.
Allen chuckled softly, shaking his head a little. Pizza was tasty, but he wouldn't go so far as to say he loved it. He was used to finer, more exotic foods, really. It was good, but compared to those... well, he couldn't see any comparison. The blonde ran a hand through his hair with a soft sigh, nudging the plate aside, finishing off his tea. It was nice to be able to go out to a restaurant like this sometimes.
With one last sip of her soda, she leaned forward, her eyes glittering, "So, will you dance with me now?"
"Ah, I suppose. Just whenever you're ready." Allen nodded slightly to her, a faint smile on his lips.
"Let me set a song . . ." She ran over to the jukebox, fumbling in her pocket for a few coins to put in it as she looked over the list of songs. Finally, she selected one and came back, tugging Allen out of his seat. "Come on, you promised."
Allen went with her quietly, letting himself be tugged along. He bit back a sigh. It was what she wanted, after all.
She was smiling widely as she led him to the floor, coming to a stop in the middle and pulling herself close to him. One hand on his shoulder, the other in his hand. The music came up slowly - a slow dance. But the lyrics are why she chose this song, because they seemed to mean something to her, and wanted to silently tell Allen that he was special to her.
"Look at the sky, tell me, what do you see? Just close your eyes and describe it to me . . ." Celena looked up at Allen as they moved slowly, watching his sightless gaze and asking him in her mind, Do you know what I see, Allen? I see you, just you, and that's enough for me.
Allen sighed a little, draping an arm about her waist. At least she'd chosen something slow, that much he could do. He'd had enough practice with that, after all. The blonde knight, moved gently to the music, easily leading her, though letting her tell him if they were going to bump into anything, to let her steer them away from it. A small smile lingered on his lips... not because he was dancing, but because he was with her.
They spoke little during their dance, and even less during their journey home. It wasn't until the walked through the door of their apartment did Celena finally say something. "I - I should brush my teeth." she said sheepishly, running to the bathroom.
Allen blinked slightly, turning his head towards her. He smiled softly, shaking his head, shuffling over to the bed with a faint sigh.
Celena came out, having hastily finished freshening her breath with mint flavor. She saw Allen on the bed, still dressed, and smiled. This was supposed to be special, and it will be, she reassured herself. No games, no silliness, no dramatics. She gently lay upon the mattress, her black skirt pooling around her. She didn't want to say anything, if she did, she might ruin it. The silence between them was comfortable this time, too, she noticed.
Gently, slowly, she touched his cheek lightly, awaiting what he might do next.
Allen sighed softly, tracing his fingers over her face, the bridge of her nose, over her lips and cheeks. That soft smile still lingered on his full lips as he bent down, brushing his lips against hers.
When he kissed her, something deep inside her throbbed with desire. It was an odd feeling, yet it was so nice to feel. It ran down through her, into places she'd only dreamed of being touched, and between her legs - that's where the throb felt the most real. It was there that made her realize how much she wanted him, now more than ever. The blood pulsed madly within her, and she was already reaching - behind his neck to pull his kiss closer, to deepen it. The other worked on pulling his shirt from the waist of his pants.
Allen pulled back slightly, a faint smile on his lips. "Be patient, Celena," he murmured, kissing along her neck softly, gently sliding his hands over her sides and under her shirt. Easily, he lifted it, pushing it up under her arms and bent down to brush kisses against her abdomen. His eyes were closed... these motions were familiar to him, but he felt them that much more keenly, now, with her.
He tugged the shirt up and off of her, pushing it aside and out of the way and promptly set about tracing his fingers and lips over the newly revealed flesh, the cleft of her neck and shoulder, the smooth curves of her sides.
His hands, his touch - nothing could describe it to give it justice. Celena's head filled with pressure, her blood pumping through her as her heart raced madly. She lifted her head as he kissed her clavicle, her hands moving behind him to hold him loosely and she stroked his back. He was so warm, and he always felt so good. His body was lean, thin, and she traced her fingers along his spine.
Oh, how she wanted this, her body moved in perfect rhythm, as if she knew how to move with Allen as her guide. She wanted to yell out, to scream, but the throb, continuous and seducing, made her hold back.
He moved gently, carefully, loving a bit of foreplay. It made things so much better, really... and he was showing her that he wasn't doing it just because she wanted to. Soon enough, he'd rid her of her clothes, tracing over her perfection gracefully. He didn't need his eyes for this, not at all.
When he'd moved out of the reach of her hands, she had to find something for them to do. Her teeth bit into the thumb of one hand, while the other stroked her own flesh, teasing herself around her ribcage. She took a deep breath, closing her eyes, feeling his hands upon her. Automatically, her legs bent at knee, pulling up, and spreading open on either side of Allen's lithe body.
"You're teasing me," she accused softly, her voice holding nothing but the thought of pleasure.
"Foreplay, Celena... I always indulge in it. And plus, this way... this way I can memorize your body." Allen nuzzled her neck softly, a light sigh on his lips.
Fingers tracing along his sides as he held himself on top of her, her legs bend and spread wide with Allen in between them. His pants were still on, but the flesh of his upper body was fully exposed in the moonlight. He didn't have muscles that rippled, but they were lean and oh so smooth with her touch. One hand felt adventurous, and she had begun to feel down this abdomen to the lower, more intimate parts of his flesh.
Allen purred softly against her neck at her wandering fingers, sliding his own over her hips and waist his breath soft against her skin. Her touch was invigorating, thrilling and he had realized that he had wanted this, especially with her. That night, he made her his; his wife, his lover... his. And he knew that if Chris asked her, she would refuse because it was Allen that she loved, not anyone else. No matter how much they fought and bickered at one another, they were still closer than anyone else could get, they understood each other perfectly. All lovers had their fights, after all. It was only natural to have some of their own.
By the time they had finished, he'd memorized the contours of her willowy, curving frame, recognized the shudders that slipped forth from her body at her release. He indulged in it, locking it away in his mind, seeing her with his fingertips as she did so.
He lay lightly on his side, holding her close, his heart slowly calming, flesh beginning to cool from that fire-hot burning.
"I love you," he'd murmured a thousand times during their love making, always holding her to him.
With his seed inside her, she felt more alive than she had ever known herself to be. With his release came her own, and she could never have imagined such an electrifying experience, where everything around her just disappeared, and nothing mattered - only the sensations, the shuddering of her body as lightening ran thought it to tickle her spine.
Now in his embrace, she was awake, hardly able to fall asleep so soon after so much exertion. The quietness, his peaceful breathing, left her to muse in her own thoughts. "If love were a grain of sand," she whispered to him, turning in his hold and touching his face tenderly, "then my love for you would be a universe of beaches."
Allen let a smile linger on his lips as he listened to her speak those words. "You say such kind things to me," he murmured, though not at all put off by what had been said. He enjoyed hearing such things from her, enjoyed knowing how much she loved him, that she did care. The blonde tugged her closer, resting his forehead against her own. "I could never compare anything enough to how much I care for you, Celena.."
She smiled tiredly, rubbing his nose with her own, snoodling him. "And if a child was produced from this?" she asked fondly, musing still and not really worried. It was a dream of hers, after all, to have children. It excited her to be able to have them with her true love.
Allen pursed his lips slightly, shaking his head. Children he wasn't sure about. After all, there were so few to be produced... normally by such circumstances. But he smiled anyway, pushing his worry away. "We wouldn't have a choice but take care of it, of course," he murmured, his eyes still softly closed.
Resting her head on the pillow his arm produced for her, she settled down, satisfied with the answer. A sigh fell from her lips, still swollen from the ravenous kisses he'd placed upon them during their play. "If we ever do have children, I would hope for him to have your eyes. You still have such beautiful eyes, Allen. And I can still see them sparkle at times."
Allen just smiled, stroking her cheek gently with a thumb, almost thoughtfully. If he would see this child, it would be even better. But nae... he did not think he'd ever be able to again. The blonde sighed softly... to have children, it would be interesting. And what would they tell Chris and the others? Surely the idea of incest was looked down upon here.
'I wish I could see your own again,' he would have said, but he did not. Now was not the time for morose musings, after all. And instead, he said nothing. But the smile lingered on his lips, nonetheless.
It was not lost on Celena that her ramblings have put a slight twinge in his heart. "Forgive me," she said immediately, "I have made you think of sad things. My love, I never meant to sadden you."
"No, it's alright, Celena," he murmured softly, a reassuring smile remaining. "do not worry over it. It was my own musings that brought me to that..."
"Then, pray let me mend your broken heart with tenderness," she said, smiling and moving her head so that she could kiss his neck, tracing her lips across his lean chest. Her lips found his erect nipple, and she suckled it, her tongue teasing it.
Allen tensed slightly, breathing a soft sigh and letting his fingers grace through her hair. A small smirk tugged gently at his lips, his eyes closed. ",... I've gotten you worse about it, I see," he teased softly.
"Oh, is that a complaint then?" she asked, grinning as she brought her face up to look at him, "Then perhaps I should torture you . . ." And as she spoke, she was already reaching down below his abdomen, to the pulsing softness of his manhood.
Allen purred softly, gliding her hand away, nuzzling her neck softly. "Sleep, Celena," he murmured, putting his arms around her again, tugging her close to him. Idly, he stroked his fingers through her hair, the movements lazy.
With small laugh against his skin, scarred from battles yet still so smooth, she settled against him again. She was always fascinated by his scars, how the milky white veins stood out so vividly upon his flesh. She traced her fingers along the scar at his shoulder, having healed a while ago now. How much pain he went through to protect the people he loved. How much more would he go through to protect her now.
But the thoughts of battle and warfare were far behind her soon enough, and sleep overwhelmed her.
His sleep was easy that night, with worries eased away and her warm flesh pulled so close. Comfortable, right. He dreamt pleasant things he wouldn't remember in the morning and didn't care to because he would still have her there in his arms.
When the sunlight flickered through the window, he did not stir. The sunlight never woke him, for he couldn't see it. He rested on his side, Celena drawn to him with an arm about her. Protecting, like always.