How It Could Have Been… by lyradaemon

Chapter 3: Final Step

Daemon kept his promise; his and Jaenelle's relationship continued steadily. He had intended that they wouldn't share a bed until he felt they were ready, but Jaenelle had been oddly persistent. In fact, she had turned up in his room one night, claiming that she couldn't sleep, and so had asked to stay with him. She had looked so beautiful and vulnerable, standing in his doorway in her silky pyjamas that he couldn't resist; so he had pretended to reluctantly make room for her – although only a blind person would have believed him.

They had slept so close, wrapped up in each other's arms, and it had felt so right. Although they had only kissed then briefly, neither of them could deny the desire they felt for the other. It had been a blissfully torturous night for both of them, but one they wouldn't have given up for anything.

Still, there had been plenty of other moments when they had expressed what they felt without being tempted to jump into the nearest bed. Some evenings Jaenelle would sit in Daemon's arms and they would kiss and cuddle for hours, being content with the simple contact. Jaenelle was becoming more open with him now – she would initiate the kisses – and Daemon knew she felt comfortable with what he did. He was also very aware of the intensity of the feelings she aroused in him just by touching him – so much so that it was often painful to be with her. Despite his initial promise to take things slowly, he still wished that they could make that final step into the unknown.

One evening, while Daemon was in his room getting changed for the night, Jaenelle suddenly knocked on the door. Knowing who it was immediately he let her in. He wasn't completely ready for her reaction though.

Jaenelle rushed into the room and threw herself into his arms. She buried her hands in his hair and pulled his head down to kiss him. "I've missed you," she murmured huskily when she let go, gazing into his golden eyes with a passionate intensity.

"I've missed you too sweetheart – but, if you don't mind me asking, what's behind this sudden burst of enthusiasm?"

Jaenelle giggled. "I was thinking about you while I was getting ready for bed, and then I had this urge to come and see you. So here I am."

"Here you are indeed," he said, kissing her hungrily, running his hands down her back. She was dressed in her favourite soft fleece dressing gown.

Pulling his lips away from hers, he gently kissed down her neck – one of her several weak spots, he'd discovered – and pulled aside her robe, intending to kiss her shoulder. However, there was nothing in the way – no pyjamas, no nightie, nothing.

"What are you wearing under that?" He asked casually.

Jaenelle licked the corner of his mouth. "Nothing."

Daemon started at that. "Nothing? I thought we'd agreed that we wouldn't take things further until you were ready," he began.

"We did."

"But-" Daemon protested.

She silenced him with a finger to his lips. "I am ready."

Daemon was silent a moment. "You mean-"

"Yes, Daemon. I'm ready to go further – as long as you want to, of course." The last part sounded slightly unsure.

Mother Night. "Of course I want to, sweetheart," he whispered before giving her a hot, sinking kiss.

"Daemon – I don't know what to do – I've never done this before…" Jaenelle said, sounding worried.

"Shh," Daemon whispered, as he slowly untied the belt holding closed the dressing gown. "I'll show you," he promised as it slid to the floor.

A/N: Aw, how lovely! I thought I'd leave the scene at that and leave the rest to your imagination. After all, I don't want it to become tasteless and turn into a lemon…(not that there's anything wrong with lemons, mind – I just don't think I'd be any good at writing one, and I also don't think it really fits in with Daemon and Jaenelle.) I'm a bit concerned that they both sounded a little out of character…oh well!

Hope you're enjoying this pointless, romantic, hopelessly fluffy tale! Love, lyradaemon x