Before we get to the chapter, I'd like to say something -- to everyone who has emailed me or responded to this story, I have been so touched by your words. You guys are amazingly encouraging. I've already thanked the email people, now I'd like to thank those that have reviewed:

lysser8312 -- Thank you so much for your consistent positive response. I always get a smile to my face when I see you reviewed my story :)

lovenathan24 -- I hope you're still enjoying it! Thank you for reviewing.

barbra -- I'm thrilled to see your comments. :)

Kenora Hazel Saul -- I hope as the story unfolds, you still want to know more :)

OTHlover 04 -- Thank you for your consistently motivating remarks!

MizzLafferty135 -- Wow! I tend to be very lazy reviewing as well, so I understand your "terribly lazy" comment ;) Although, that really does make it big honor that you responded...especially given what you said. I don't know if I agree -- but I was touched by your words nonetheless. You rock :)

ILoveNathan1090 -- I love Nathan too :) Not only do I love you name, I always love that you reviewed. Thanks :)

Apolla-J -- You said, "This story should have SO many more reviews, because it's awesome!" :sniff,sniff, tears of joy: That is such an amazing compliment!

canadian-chick879 -- Hopefully, this update will satiate some of that need. Thanks for the enthusiasm directed towards my story :)

Hmm...now let the games begin. This was a fun part to write. After you finish, if you have a chance, respond. I always love to see the reactions to this part.

Chapter 10

Nathan was floored. They had made-out before. But groping in the dark, kissing fiercely between study sessions, and participating in much over-the-clothes fun in between periods at school had not prepared him for the Haley on top of him. Clothing had been lost to the floor before. Parts had been touched, kissed even, but it was only a hint of what was going on now. She had stripped her shirt off right before, moving quickly between his legs to his capture his mouth. He groaned at her unexpected tongue as it laced over his lips and into his mouth. She was determined, that was for sure, but for what?

At the moment, he didn't much care. He couldn't care as his hands took over, grazing down her back seductively. He couldn't think of anything but her small, warm body grinding against him. Lacking any inhibition, he tugged her towards him, selfish for the feel of her skin entirely flush against him. A striking sound escaped her lips as she lost her balance, her hair, still wet, cascading around his face as they continued at their hurried pace. He was faintly aware of the bed beneath him and the candles surrounding them. If he had time to think between the fervent kissing and exploring, he would have commented on how perfect the scenario really was. But, he reflected, anywhere with her would have been perfect. She was perfect.

His body ached for hers, as it always did. He held back, trying to restrain himself. He tried sticking to just her mouth, her lips, her skin, her neck, he thought as he nibbled at her ear. However, he began to question that choice as he felt her hands rip furiously at his belt.

Wait, what was she doing? He awoke from his drunken daze, pulling away from her with every ounce of strength in his 16-year old male body. "Haley?" he asked, searching her eyes for an explanation.

And she answered him. Wordlessly. Her eyes never left his, desire and wanting evident in her resolute face. He could feel her fingers trace the outline of his belt buckle as she calmly worked at unhooking it. He couldn't tear his eyes away from her. She was doing this. She wanted to do this.

The excitement in his body spiked further to attention. She wanted him just as much as he wanted her. He never thought that would be possible. She moved towards him slowly, closing the space between them. Her inexperience at unhooking another person's belt was clear seeing as she was still fidgeting with it. She quietly kissed him, smiling into his lips when she finally yanked the leather out of the jean loops.

He smiled too. She was so amazing. So incredible. And for some reason, she liked him. She cared for him enough to give of herself in so many ways – reasonably, emotionally, and now physically. His arms twisted around her, protecting her. He would never let anything happen to her. He would never hurt her. He would never let his blemished life taint her. With each kiss they shared, with each new touch, with each new sensation, he promised her something new.

*****************
when you cried I'd wipe away all of your tears
when you'd scream I'd fight away all of fears
*****************


Taking his time, he flipped her over, gently moving up to the top of the bed. Their pants lost somewhere in between the process. His hand dropped below her waist, making savory noises fly from her lips as her hips bucked upward in pleasure. He was going to do this right, he told himself. He would take his time. He wouldn't rush to the good part, because with her, it was all good.

She reached for his hips, dragging them down over her own. Oh god, he thought, trying desperately to suppress the urge to take her right there. This had to slow down. She had to slow down. In an effort to distract her frenzied drive, he dipped his head to her neck. His lips blazing a trail down her skin, settling at the crook of her neck. He lightly tugged at her shoulder with his teeth as his mouth continued to explore downward. As he traveled towards her breast, he felt her body stiffen.

"Nathan," she exhaled, her voice husky and drained, "I'm scared."

Her words were simple. They were barely a whisper, but they sent jolts through him. Big warning signs that said "STOP!"

"It's ok," he snapped, yanking his hand away from her lower half, pulling his mouth off of her warm, flawless chest. "We'll stop." He was panicked now, afraid he had pushed her too far. Afraid he had hurt her unknowingly. He could do that. That's what he did. He hurt everything in his path.

"No," the word exploded from her lips. She beamed up at him, forgiving him of his misunderstanding. "That's not what I meant." One finger traced his confused brow, softening the line as it drew down towards his chin. "I just…" She lured him back down to her as she sought out the words. "This is right," she said leaning her forehead on his. Then why had she stopped, he wondered. "It's just that this is my first time."

He knew that. "I know," he spoke lightly, soothingly. He didn't want to push. He would only take what she would willingly give.

"I want you know everything. I want you know how I'm feeling," she said, her eyes sparkling in the dim of candlelight. "I'm scared and I'm excited. And," she continued blushing insanely, "whatever you were just doing with your hand was amazing." She laughed reassuringly.

He kissed her then, not because he wanted to, but because he needed to. She moaned under him. "I feel the same way." His words came in heavy pieces, broken by necessity and craving – he couldn't articulate the whole sentence without feeling her writhe beneath him, without taking short vacations on her body.

"I want this," she declared purely, basically, and he complied. He removed the rest of her clothes at a delayed pace, drinking in her form, stopping here and there to taste and listen to her staggered breath. She moved slightly towards her nightstand, almost knocking down a candle as she reached for something. And when he saw what it was, he was pleasantly surprised. She was prepared. A part of her must have already planned this to be with him. He was proud that he was good enough; good enough to be with her.

The thought lingered for a moment until he felt her tongue begin to explore his mouth again. He reached for the contents of her hand, the air between them alive with anticipation. And when they were finally ready, both of them, their bodies warmed up, their hearts primed for an explosion, he grabbed her hand, intertwining their fingers slowly and sensitively. Meaningfully.

*****************
and I held your hand through all of these years
*****************


The winds outside crashed against the window, signifying destruction and disarray. But he didn't even notice. After all, his mind couldn't linger on things being ripped apart when his whole world was coming together inside.

*****************

you still have
all of me
*****************

P.S. Lyrics are, of course, still from My Immortal by Evanescence.

P.P.S. This fic is up for the Reader's Choice award for the Tangled Web Awards. Here's the link . Go and check it out if you get a chance. (Personally, I voted for Mara's When Two Worlds Collide, because it's utterly fantastic.) Just thought I would spread the word.