Author note:

I meant to get this finished before vacation...but I didn't make it. I hope a few of you will enjoy this bit of pre-Christmas fluff.

CH 120-I've Got My Love to Keep Me Warm

Clay and Emma mostly stayed at home the next couple of weeks. Emma wasn't clingy, but Bravo's last mission gave her a real scare. Clay knew she was shaken up and didn't mind sticking close. He suggested dinners out or a trip to a new Art exhibit. But she declined, preferring instead quiet dinners at home, and taking Koda on long walks together. The evenings were starting to hold a little chill, so she would wrap up in the fluffy blanket on their couch and snuggle close to him as they watched TV. She was still licking her wounds and so Clay didn't push, letting her heal at her own pace.

That Wednesday Emma drove home from class, eyeing the sky. It was heavy with gray clouds that rolled toward them. Once she parked, she hurried inside and got Koda's leash. Shivering as they walked along the familiar path, she hoped Koda wouldn't be in the mood to explore. Thankfully, he too seemed to sense the weather, lifting his nose to the sky, and giving long sniffs. He stopped at a nearby bush and did his business. The two hurried back toward home, making it under the overhang just as the first rain drops started. The wind had picked up driving the tiny drops of precipitation against her like projectiles. She unlocked their door and they burst through, each thankful for the warmth within. Koda started to shake out his fur before a firm word from Emma stopped him. She ran for a towel and bent to dry off his coat. He stood still, letting her get rid of the droplets that peppered his fur. Once she was satisfied, she went to throw the towel into the hamper and change her own damp clothes.

She pulled on some lined leggings and one of Clay's Navy sweatshirts and put on her slippers. After fixing herself some hot chocolate, she settled onto the sofa with her bag and Christmas project. She and Clay, well, mostly she, decided to make their gifts for each other this year. Emma knitted a bit when we was younger. Her grandmother showed her how. She never really made much, just one sad looking scarf that Jason likely still had packed away somewhere. But she made up her mind to dust off her skills and knit Clay a sweater. She found a simple pattern and began. It was harder than she thought to pick it back up. She started over a few times and had to unravel countless stitches. She started to feel like she'd been too ambitious. Still, she worked on, undaunted. She got the front and back finished and was now working on the first sleeve. Finding she needed some guidance she Face Timed her grandmother and Linda was able to keep her on track. She just finished a row and stopped to admire the navy and grey flecked wool that was taking shape. Hearing the jingling of keys, she just had time to stuff the tote, yarn, needles, and all, behind a sofa cushion before Clay opened the door. Fighting a gust of wind, he shut the door with a bang.

Emma could see he was soaked through. He stood next to the door, goosebumps dotting his skin. She hurried for a towel so he could dry off while he called after her.

"Whew! It's getting really cold out there!"

"Yea, it feels like the temperature has dropped even more since I took Koda on his walk earlier."

Clay scrubbed at his face, drying off his beard, and then hung his hat on a hook and worked at the ends of his curls. His Henley still stuck to his skin, completely sopping. He reach down and drug it over his head so he could try and rub some warmth back into his skin. Emma took the sodden garment and went to lay it on top of the washer. By the time she was back, he'd taken off his boots and stripped off his jeans and socks.

"I think I'm going to jump in the shower to warm up."

He dropped a kiss on her cheek as he passed, arms full of his wet clothing.

"I'll have some hot chocolate ready for you when you're done."

"Sounds great, Em."

When she heard the shower turn on, she grabbed the canvas bag containing his still-in-progress Christmas present and stowed it back in the closet behind some shoe boxes. Then she went to get him his hot beverage.

Soon he joined her in the kitchen, and she handed him a heavy mug of steamy, thick, chocolate. He accepted gratefully, inhaling the scent before lifting the cup to his lips.

"Mmmm. This is exactly what I needed. Thanks, Babe."

"You warming up now?"

He nodded as he drained the last of the sweet brew.

"Is there any more left?"

"There might be, if you ask nicely."

She stood with her hand on her hip, head cocked to the side, sporting a teasing smirk. Setting the cup on the counter he pulled her into his arms and captured her lips. Her arms snaked around his neck as their kiss continued. He tasted of chocolate and cream, she noted as she slipped her tongue across his. His request momentarily forgotten; they were lost in each other until a particularly violent burst of wind drove against the sliding door. What sounded like thousands of tiny pellets hitting the glass startled them. Clay released her and walked over to the door, pulling back the blinds.

"Whoa. It looks like the rain is turning into sleet or ice. It's gonna get dicey out there."

Emma stepped behind him and wrapped her arms around him, leaning against his back. He laid his large hand over her two smaller ones that were clasped at his front.

"I'm happy that you're home then. Do you think you'll have to go back out?"

"Not unless we get spun up. The roads are going to get slick so we shouldn't need to report to base for anything."

"Good."

She punctuated the statement with a firm kiss between his shoulder blades. He turned and held her again.

"Yea. It's a good night to stay in. That's for sure."

They shared the rest of the hot chocolate while Emma found a Christmas movie for them to watch. By the end of the show, cups long drained, Clay laid with his head in Emma's lap. Koda was curled at her feet while Clay reached down to rub his belly. They truly felt wrapped in a cocoon of warmth and contentment while the icy squall continued outside.

Finally, Clay roused himself to think about dinner. While Emma mulled over their options, he peered out the window again. The freezing rain was glazing every surface. The bushes, grass and trees were covered in a crystal coating. Icicles formed along the rooflines like rows of jagged teeth growing longer and longer each minute. It was beautiful as the lights glinted off every surface. But the ice could be deadly dangerous too.

Emma found some homemade chicken noodle soup in the freezer. They both agreed it was the perfect choice to ward off the chill. She got the container in the microwave to thaw it as he started to set the table. He reached into the pantry to grab some crackers as they both heard a loud buzz and then everything went dark.

"Wha…"

"I'm guessing a tree limb snapped under the weight of all the ice and downed a power line."

"Ugh. What will we do now?"

Clay dug under the sink and pulled out a flashlight.

"Luckily, the stove is gas so I can light a burner and we can still heat up the soup."

He proceeded to transfer the half-frozen soup to a pot and set it on the stove, lighting the burner beneath. Emma lit some candles and sat them on the table next to the couch. Once the food was hot, Clay filled two bowls, grabbed spoons, and the box of crackers. They snuggled under the blanket on the sofa, letting the bites of chicken, soft noodles, and savory broth warm them from the inside out.

The apartment was holding heat fairly well, but they could tell that the air was cooling. When they were finished Clay got up and rinsed out the bowls and put on a kettle to heat some water. He fixed them both mugs of tea and joined Emma back under the blanket. He no sooner sat down than his phone rang. Emma held her breath, sure it had to be command calling him in for a mission. When he saw it was Jason, he put it on speaker.

"Hey Jace, what's up?"

"You guys lose power over there?"

"Yea, you?"

"Yep. This ice is wreaking havoc with the power lines. But I have the generator hooked up if you want to try and make it over."

The couple looked at each other and reached a silent agreement.

"Thanks for the offer, Jace. But I think we're just going to hunker down here. Don't want to chance the roads if we don't have to."

"Makes sense. The offer stands if you change your minds."

"Thanks, Dad. If this lasts too long, we might take you up on it."

"No problem. You two stay safe, okay."

"We will, Daddy. You too."

"Call me later."

"Will do, Jace. Bye."

Clay ended the call and put his phone back in his pocket.

"You sure you wanna stay here, Em?"

"We can go over to your dad's. I can drive. I'm sure we could make it if we're careful."

Shaking her head and then cuddling into him she answered.

"I know. I'd rather not risk the roads if we don't have to. After the accident last year…"

Clay smoothed a hand over her hair and kissed the crown of her head and then tucked it under his chin.

"It's okay. We don't have to go anywhere right now. I'm sure they're already working on getting the power back on."

She nodded soundlessly against him.

"Come on." He placed a finger under her chin and lifted her lips for a quick kiss. "Let's put a few more blankets on the bed and tuck ourselves in."

"What about Koda?"

"I have that survival blanket in my kit. I'll put it in his kennel and drape a blanket over the outside. That should be able to keep him nice and warm."

Then got up and Emma went to go put some more blankets on their bed and light a few candles so they could see, and Clay took care of Koda. When he was done, he slipped under the covers and reached for her. They laid together listening to the quiet. No TV, no electronics buzzing, no cars outside. It was as if the world was wrapped in a protective layer, freezing them in this time and place.

"So, you think you'll need to teach tomorrow?"

"No. I'm pretty sure schools will be closed."

"It will be good for you to get a day off. I know that your classes and student teaching keep you busy."

"They do. But I'm really enjoying it. And I think I'm doing pretty well too. My supervising teacher seems nice, and I think we're going to make a good team."

"Having a good partner is important. You can learn from each other."

She laid her hand over his heart as she spoke.

"I've been lucky that way. I have a great partner."

"We do make a great team, don't we?"

"Yea, we do."

"You know, Em. I've learned so much from you."

"From me?"

"Yea, you."

"Like what?"

"You've taught me what it's like to have someone that supports me no matter the cost. That I don't have to just rely on myself all the time. You've taught me how to trust again."

Tears gathered in her eyes and spilled down her cheeks. Clay cradled her face with his hands and swept the tears away with a calloused thumb. Feeling her chilled skin in his hands he voiced his concern.

"Babe, you're cold."

He pulled her closer, rubbing up and down her back, trying to transfer some of his body heat. She really was fine. But she knew he felt he needed to care for and protect her. So, she let him fuss.

"You know…I've learned a lot from you too."

"Yea?"

"Uh huh. I've always been a little scared to take risks. Sometimes my fears still get the best of me. But you've taught me that some things are worth the risk."

She felt his hand slide down from her shoulder and then slip up under the sweatshirt she was wearing. As he splayed his hand across the skin of her back, she arched into him and clasped her hands around his biceps. He looked into her eyes before slanting his lips across hers. After kissing her thoroughly, he nibbled his way across her jaw to the sensitive spot behind her ear. Emma tilted her head, allowing him more access. Kissing and licking, he tasted her skin, down the curve of her neck to her shoulder.

Her grip on his arms tightened as she closed her eyes and focused on the feel of his mouth on her. When he sought her lips again, she trailed the fingertips of her left hand down his chest and stomach to the waistband of his sweats. Her fingers passed over the ticklish spot beneath his ribs. She smiled into his kiss as she felt his side twitch at her touch. Then, tracing along to his back, she slipped her hand under the elastic of his pants and his underwear, grasping his muscular cheek with her delicate hand.

"Em, Baby."

He flicked the clasp on her bra, loosening it from her form. His free hand fondled and teased her. It wasn't enough for Emma. Sitting up she crossed her arms and grabbed the hem of her sweatshirt and pulled it over her head. When she was free of the garment, Clay helped to slide her bra down her arms and off. Her breasts swayed with her movement, nipples puckered from the cold and her arousal. Clay's hands smoothed up her body to her ribcage. Then he maneuvered her until she was lying on her back next to him. She pushed her leggings and panties down, wiggling out of them and tossing them aside.

With no ambient light in the room, the flickering flames painted the canvas of her body with light and shade. He chased the lines and shapes over her silky skin, tracing with his fingertips. In that moment, Clay was irrationally jealous of the shadows that enveloped her, able to caress all of her curves at once while he had to be content with just his two hands. He ghosted his fingers over her skin. First down the generous swell of her breast to her puckered tip. He teased around her erect nipple in circles, never actually touching her where she needed him. She trembled next to him, and he chided himself for getting so wrapped up in worshipping her exquisite body, that he forgot the cold. He was about to pull the covers up over her when he looked in her eyes. Her expression told him that she was anything but chilled. Her even, white teeth bit into her lip and her eyes flashed fire. He continued his explorations to her other breast, tweaking her between his thumb and finger, drawing a moan from her.

"Mmmm."

Leaving her breast, his touch travelled down her flat stomach to circle her navel and then across to the curve of her hip. He cradled her ass in his wide palm, flexing his fingers into her supple flesh.

Emma's hands weren't still either. She slid them under the front of his shirt and up over his abs. Clay paused for a moment and pulled off the shirt, throwing it to the ground. The pads of her fingers lightly brushed over a nipple as she mapped the definition of each muscle. He sucked in a breath at the contact. Her fine fingers traveled over his torso, around to his back and up his neck to weave into his hair. Emma arched toward him even as she pulled his mouth to hers. She licked along the seam of his lips before plunging inside.

When they needed breath, Clay pulled away, and his lips followed the path his hands had taken across her body. First, between her breasts and up to her nipple. He encircled it with the tip of his tongue before pursing his lips around her. As he sucked at her, she dug her fingers into his scalp. He moved over her to sample her other breast. Using the tip of his tongue he dipped into her navel and then down to trace wide, arcing, arabesques across her skin. Nuzzling into the downy curls at the apex of her thighs, he gently spread her legs. The amber glow of the flames danced over her plump folds, revealing how wet and wanting she was for him.

With one long lick, he made contact. Her hips popped and she clutched at the sheets to either side of her.

"God! Ahh, Clay!"

He lapped at her clit and brought his hand up her leg to press two thick digits into her core. Now he had the advantage. He could touch her here, where the shadows couldn't reach. He expertly found her sensitive spot and stroked it with his trigger finger while she writhed in ecstasy. Her body tensed as he sucked on her bundle of nerves and then she broke with a high-pitched cry. Clay watched her ride out her climax, eyes wide and body twitching with the aftershocks, skin a deep pink with the flush of her arousal.

He placed soft kisses to the skin inside each velvety thigh before moving himself back up beside her. He pulled the sheet and blankets up over them as he laid next to her. Although he pressed for nothing, Emma felt the steel length of him against her side. Even in her euphoric haze, she couldn't suppress the burning need to join with him, to show him her love in return.

She pushed down on his sweats, urging him to lift up so she could remove them. He rose up and helped shimmy them down his legs until he could kick them off. Pulling back the sheet, her eyes swept over his form, appreciating each sculpted muscle and the suede of his bare skin. Clay laid still, letting her take her time. Soon Emma reached out and trailed her hand down his abs, following the dusting of hair that stretched from his navel to the wiry curls that surrounded the base of his erection. His member stood proud, seeming to strain toward her. She caressed him, massaging from base to tip.

"Unh, Babe."

She could feel the strength of him as she held him in her dainty hand. As much as she enjoyed looking at him and touching him, she didn't want to wait any longer. Gazing into his eyes she made her request.

"I need you, Clay. I want you inside me."

He wasted no time in rolling her beneath him and guiding himself into her yearning body. Unnoticed by either of them, the candlelight cast their shared silhouette along the adjacent wall. Two figures moving together, merging until it was impossible to tell where one started and the other began.

He thrust into her with long, slow strokes, filling her up. Clay dipped his head and their mouths met, trying desperately to devour each other. Emma rolled her hips as he pressed into her again and again. Pulling her leg up around his waist, he was seated completely inside of her, grinding against her. He grew a fraction harder inside her and her walls quivered around him.

"Oh-oh, God...Emmie!"

He called out her name as the warmth of his release filled her. She could feel him pulsing into her and it pushed her over the edge just after. He held still until he could feel her body quiet, then he withdrew and laid beside her, cradling her in his arms.

Clay pulled the blankets over them, and their eyes drifted shut. Soon they both settled comfortably into slumber. There they were in the middle of a frozen world, skin to skin, heart to heart, one flesh, generating their own heat.