Sarah's eyes fluttered open to the slowly rising sun that peaked over her windowsill. In the daze of wakefulness, she shifted her in bed, cheek resting on the crown of Kaim's head. He had arrived at her home the night before and it felt nice to share the bed with him even after only a short visit away.

With eyelids drooping again, one thought came to her mind. I'm not wearing my night shift.

She almost jerked away from the still sleeping form of her boyfriend in horror. As the sharp realization that she was currently indecent prickled gooseflesh on her skin, the memories of the whole night before flooded her mind. A warm flush washed over her as she remembered the reasons why she was currently in this situation. Every muscle in her froze, as her heart beat wildly beneath her ribs. She had done it. They had done it, and she must have fallen asleep before she could pull her clothes back on.

Sarah, get ahold of yourself, she chided. It's been done and there's no need to be embarrassed! By gods you weren't last night. The wrong thought. The soft, heated, gratifying events of the evening before returned to her mind, hitting her full force this time. The movement, the limbs, and murmured voices, stirred something in her she wasn't quite sure what to with. Her throat suddenly dried, a desert overcome her whole self and left her feeling lost and suddenly very hot. She took in a large breath and that was strike number two. Her movement caused Kaim to wrap and arm around her, pulling her in uncomfortably close. So close that his head nestled into her chest, causing her to squeak.

He still did not stir. Sarah didn't dare to breathe but shallow breaths.

The closeness was not helping her mind which reeled and buzzed back around to Kaim, and the way he had wrapped his arm around her brought her back to his touch. Last night, he was so gentle yet firm. Kaim was so very considerate of every move, yet the whole ordeal felt wild and left her mind skipping from one move to another. She glanced down, eyes traveling back to the ceiling a second later. He lay next to her also bare, though thankfully for her, his legs and hips were covered. Sarah's face burned from the unwarranted scandal her brain was making up. It's just Kaim! she thought, forcing her head to tilt down to look at him again.

Between herself she could see his peaceful face. He looked even younger, sleeping with no cares. A soft smile stretched to her lips, relaxing her body just a twinge. Kaim was always on alert, thinking two steps ahead, and it made wonders seeing him so vulnerable. With what happened between them, he looked even more tranquil than he usually did when they shared a bed in his visits. If she could she would kiss the corner of his lips just to feel how relaxed his mouth seemed in this moment. Not that he never relaxed when she was dotting affection on him, but she always had to ease him down from his dark thoughts first. It seemed that here, as he rest on her chest, he might be having good dreams.

She dared to drift her fingers through his hair and was rewarded by his small but sharp intake of breath. Sarah knew he simply adored the feeling of hands in his hair and smiled when his own hand twitched in response. Moving down, fingers brushed the strong muscle of his neck and shoulder blade. There was a moment in her wandering where she found a section of crisscrossed grooves and raised, healed, skin.

Last night, I kissed this scar, she thought; or maybe its neighbor. It was how the night began, innocently enough. Kaim returned from a short visit to the newly widowed, former Queen of Gohtza and he was having trouble unwinding. Eventually, Sarah offered a massage and instructed him to remove his shirt. Everything was normal. This was a normal routine when he found himself at her home for the half decade they've been dating. He sat on her bed and she worked her fingers into his stiff neck. She poured a little magic into her touch, hopeful it would help calm him down. The warm tingle of zephyr wasn't having the effect that she wanted, as Kaim just couldn't seem to rest. With quick thinking, she found one gruesome scar, an old slowly fading one, and laid soft lips on it.

He stilled and so the did the air too. He slowly turned towards her and there was such a sadness in his eyes that she felt compelled to draw him closer. She loved her Kaim with all her soul. There wasn't need for any sorrow here.

When their lips met, Sarah could tell there was something Kaim was holding back, so she pushed into him harder and harder. All of the sudden this felt different; these kisses felt desperate. This man could be away for weeks or a month and Sarah had never felt like she couldn't get him any nearer to herself before. No matter how close she got she felt this distance. This separation was as far as the ocean and she was ready to swim if need be. Their kissing clashed and nipped until there was a sharp pain, and Sarah suddenly needed more. She fought with her tongue and teeth, and Kaim gave the same effort in this battle to get closer, until she was so close to him that he felt fully inside her—

Sarah paused and pulled away. She closed her eyes, lungs heaving from their effort to keep her going and living in-between the heated war. What was she doing? She never felt this way before, like she needed to take this leap, this next step. Her body vibrated, too much pent-up energy just waiting to be released; but how exactly? What was the goal here? Where were they going?

She felt him move to her again, and her eyes opened when she felt his thumb brush against her lips. Sorry, he had said.

She tilted her head and he looked down. Was it shame in his eyes? I think I hurt you.

Sarah brought her hand up to her lip and didn't even flinch when her finger brushed over the small bump. She clicked her tongue and Kaim looked back up. This time she all but leaped into his lap. They fell over and Sarah was kissing his neck and Kaim was gasping into the light, and time was forgotten.

Sarah blinked back away from the night before and lifted her hand from his shoulders. I'm an animal! The thought made her recoil. The sudden movement stopped the snores from below and Sarah stared straight into Kaim's cool blue eyes.

. . .

Waking up next to the love of his life was usually Kaim's favorite way to bring in the new day. When he felt Sarah move beside him, his eyes opened languidly, enjoying this particular view, until he saw her stricken face. He could see the distress and embarrassment in her eyes and knew something wrong must have happened.

Immediately he let her go and tried to create some distance between them. Unfortunately, he fell asleep closer to the edge of the bed than he thought and over it did he go. There was a sharp pain in his right elbow and back of his head and it was a wonder he didn't knock over Sarah's pile of books on her nightstand. He didn't know what to hold first, but he didn't have long to grieve as Sarah's head poked out from the side of the bed and she shrieked. He was there uncovered, laid bare for her to see.

"G-g-get me my gown, please!" she cried, then rolled her reddened face into the pillow.

Kaim held his elbow as he looked around the room at their discarded clothing. Seeing her nightgown across the room by the door, and almost laughing gruesomely at how everything was playing out this morning, he picked it up and found his own clothing along the way back. With a little groan of pain he managed to pull on his own trousers, and outstretched his good arm with her sleeping clothes. "Here," he said softly, gaze averted.

There was a tug and he let it go. He was on his way to the door, elbow cradled in his hand, when he heard, "wait!"

He stopped and listened. He almost jumped when he felt her gentle hand on his back. Her cold fingers sending a shiver down his spine. The warm pulse of zephyr could almost have put him back to sleep. When she lifted her hand, and gave her a quiet word of thanks, and let himself out of her room.

. . .

At first, she thought he left town. He was no where to be found in her small, cluttered home, and she couldn't find him in the immediate vicinity of Tosca, but eventually found him talking to the mayor in the middle of town.

Sarah stood back and watched for a moment as they carried on what seemed to be a pleasant conversation. He seemed at ease, though there was a strain in his smile that only she could tell was there. Knowing a person for three hundred and five years allowed Sarah to almost memorize the smallest details, and with these last few years getting even closer than she could ever dream, she knew Kaim too well. When he caught her stare, he broke the conversation off and made his way to her.

He held out his hand. "Are you hungry?"

Sarah's stomach chose this moment to growl and she laughed a little lamely. He gave her a small smile and she took his hand in hers. The tavern usually had a very good breakfast spread, and the early morning workers would be filing in for their first break, so the food ought to be fresh and hot.

She was right. Everything smelled amazing. Kaim paid the man for their meal, and Sarah lifted her fork. Soon she was shoveling eggs and bread into her mouth, feeling almost embarrassed at how her hunger was showing. Kaim was smiling, but she noticed he was only picking at what he had in front of him. There must have been something on his mind and she was ready to get it out of him.

Wiping her mouth with her napkin, she said over the din of workers eating their own breakfast meal, "What's wrong?" When he couldn't greet her eyes with his own, she remembered that morning. How could she forget? She groaned and tucked her hands under her glasses to cover her eyes. "It was this morning, right? My goodness, I'm sorry! I didn't mean to see that!"

Sarah felt his hand on her arm, thumb brushing slowly across it. She lifted her head, and Kaim looked so serious. Her heart drummed in her chest and she could feel tears prick the edges of her eyes. She really must have embarrassed him with that face he was making. That thought formed an icy pit in her belly, opposite of the warm heat she felt in the early morning hours.

When one tear escaped and rolled down her cheek, Kaim blurted out without thinking about her question, "I did something last night, didn't I? Sarah, I should be the one apologizing. I should have asked what you wanted to do instead of just assuming last night—I won't do that again, I promise."

The way his eyes misted over shocked her. She ran through the events of last night again and couldn't recall anything that would permit Kaim panicking. That she knew of everything was consensual on her part, but before she could voice her confusion he was standing up. "I need some air." And he was gone.

. . .

Kaim managed to avoid Sarah for the day, finding odd jobs around town and even going into the Black Cave to take care of a monster that was making a ruckus. At the edges of twilight, he took a cool dip in the pool by the waterfall, and slowly made his way back to Sarah's home.

He paused outside of her front door. Did Sarah want him even coming in? He looked behind him towards the Inn. It would be very suspicious if he stayed the night there, and rumors grew and traveled fast in the small mountain community. He didn't want Sarah to go through all of that, so he found his key and let himself in.

All the lights were off, and the home was still. Sarah's bedroom door was closed tight. The guilt that ate up inside him eased a little. At least he knew he wasn't welcome to the bed, and he was okay with that. He locked the door and stretched out on her couch.

Kaim's mind would not let him quit.

The night before started off normally enough. Any time he came home from a trip, Sarah would massage his back to help him relax. The visit with the grieving Queen of Gohtza was bringing back unwanted memories of his own anguished past. Specifically, the wife and daughter he had lost in that terrible earthquake. The Queen lost her King to a hunting incident in Khent, and it was enough for her to lose her husband, but then to also be dethroned and thrown off her schedule she's known for the past three decades took a toll on the older woman. Kaim stayed to make sure her son had everything he needed in control, and that she had someone who would care enough to grieve with her, before making his own way home.

Kaim had felt the sadness in his bones and carried the long-ago memories in his muscle. Sarah's sudden and gentle kiss lifted him and stunned him at the same time. The scar she chose just happened to be one of a few he had received in that earthquake past. It was lifetimes ago that the scar was given to him, but the little gesture she left him opened a floodgate of love and admiration for the woman beside him. The feelings were overpowering and yet he was afraid to move. How could he show Sarah what she meant to him? There were many things they hadn't done yet, and he never felt rushed to start because they had eternity to try, but right now he could think of nothing else to show her the way his soul was crying out. How could he know she was ready for all of that? Or even wanted it?

He had turned to her, and she drew him into her embrace. Each kiss crashing against him heavier and heavier. Every moved she made he matched, his hesitation dissolving, and was she biting him? Things were starting to get muddled but she was moving closer and closer. So close, that their bodies were practically becoming one. His hands were on her hips pulling her tighter and she was shoving her chest into his with every desperate intake of air—

—and was this meeting his doing, or hers? Kaim couldn't get it straight. He couldn't think straight. All he knew was that if he let her go he would feel lost at sea. Her nose bumped into his and he accidently took her lip between his teeth, and she pulled away a few kisses after.

All the former hesitation came bubbling up when she moved away. What was he thinking? Sarah couldn't be ready for this next step into their relationship. You need to ask her, Argonar. It's the only way you'll know. No more waiting. He opened his eyes and saw the mark he made and his resolved dried up. He brushed a careful thumb across her lower lip. He didn't realize he bit her that hard, and all he could blurt out was, sorry.

She looked up at him, and he cast his eyes down. I think I hurt you, he voiced quietly.

Sarah was full of surprises as she jumped at him and they tumbled backwards into her sheets. Kaim gasped when he felt her suck on his neck and felt his limbs melt into the mattress. Was this really happening?

Kaim must have fallen asleep sometime after his thoughts ended as the next time he opened his eyes it was morning. He rubbed his face and lifted his legs over the couch cushions and let himself wake up.

When he finally yawned and could stand to look around, he saw that Sarah's bedroom door was no longer shut and he could hear her moving. Feeling the guilt of yesterday still lingering and wanting to apologize for coming in late, he made his way over to the door.

Sarah lifted her head when he poked himself inside. Before he could open his mouth, she was reaching out for him. She wrapped her arms around his waist and buried her face into his chest. He found himself resting his cheek in her hair and there they stood for what seemed like minutes.

Wordlessly, she unwrapped herself from him and brought him to her bed. "You didn't come back."

"I'm sorry."

Sarah sighed. "I understand. The talk we had over breakfast yesterday, I think I need to apologize."

Kaim furrowed his brow. "You? Apologize?"

She nodded and pulled her hair behind her ear. She looked up, then looked down at her hands that were twisting in her dress. "I'm sorry for making you fall yesterday. I promise I didn't stare…for too long."

Kaim watched as her face flushed, but he was confused. "I fell?"

"Out of the bed yesterday morning."

"Oh. That's not a problem." Sarah looked up. He smiled. "I'm not shy, and it's not like you haven't seen me like that before."

"Kaim!" Sarah groaned into her hands. He chuckled and watched as her lips lifted a little at the sound of his voice. There was no lying, and he honestly didn't mind the attention at the time; despite his sore elbow and head. "I've only just seen you like that, all out and-and everything, just the night before!" Kaim laughed earnestly this time, and he was rewarded with a light shove.

"I should be the one apologizing to you."

"For what?" Sarah lifted her head and he tucked a curl of hair behind her ear. She looked confused and Kaim could feel the edges of remorse creep back up his back.

"I-I think I must have done something wrong. That night." Sarah tilted her head. She waited for him to continue. "When we woke up yesterday you looked…scared."

"Scared?"

"What did I do? Did I hurt you?" Kaim looked down, his own hands mirroring hers just a moment ago. He didn't stop wringing them until she placed her hand on his. He held onto it but didn't dare to look up. "I'm sorry, I should have paid more attention to what I was doing. I knew you were…you had never…done that before. Did I move to fast? Was I too rough?"

Sarah wiped away a tear and he laughed and stood up, sniffling and moving away. "I don't deserve that."

"Kaim, you did not hurt me." He didn't look her way. "I promise." He still couldn't move towards her. "Look at me."

Kaim felt her tug him closer and he sat down again. He looked up and was surprised to see her burning cheeks even redder, though her expression was determined. "I wasn't scared. I was embarrassed because I didn't have any clothes on and you were face first in my breasts."

There was a second and then a snicker. Kaim clapped a hand to his mouth but that didn't stop the bubble of mirth that had been popped. After a pout, Sarah cracked a smile and together they laughed until their lips hurt from the force of it all.

Sarah was the first to compose herself. She rained kisses on his smiling face and leaned her forehead onto his. "You are the best and kindest man, and I trust you with everything. That evening was perfect and so were you."

Kaim kissed her. "Sometimes I think I overthink things and block out details."

"Do you need reminded about what really happened?" Sarah bit the corner of her lip and Kaim felt himself stir.

"I could use a refresher," he said, voice growing deep. She squirmed, and he knew what effect his voice had on her. He laughed and pulled her into another kiss, reminiscing and cherishing that night they shared.

. . .

"There's no need to be sorry," she whispered, looking up. She had just finished kissing that spot on his neck again, and the way Kaim's body responded left him wondering if this night was moving too quickly.

When he looked down at Sarah, her cheeks were rosy and Kaim took this moment to hold her head in his hands. She was beautiful and so very thoughtful and kind, and if only he could find the words to say to prove she was perfect in every way.

She rolled her head so that her lips pressed into his palm, and he had to look away to keep from his own tears rolling out of his eyes. Kaim looked up again when she shifted, and he watched as she leaned over him, straddling his hips with her legs. She sat down on his lap, and he breathed in deep as his lower body twitched in reply to her. This angle was new, and it had his undivided attention.

"I know my massage didn't help much," she said next. He watched with wide eyes as she began to unbutton her gown. His mind went haywire, his heart hammered out a frantic rhythm, and he watched as she unbuttoned down further and further. An involuntary swallow attacked his throat, as he thought could just reach up and push a hand inside to feel her soft skin—

—but instead, Kaim took her hand into his own. "You don't have to." It was a good time as any to be sure she really wanted to go through with this.

"I want to."

"Sarah, I'm serious. There's no need to rush."

"We're not. Gods above we've waited long enough."

"Sarah—"

"I just want you to be happy!"

Kaim sat up at that. A mixture of displeasure and relief in her answer washed over him from head to toe. It was not what he wanted to hear, meaning that was not a sound agreement to go any farther tonight; but he was glad to know he wasn't going to step over any boundaries. He rebuttoned three buttons and rested his hands on her arms. "I am happy."

"You don't look like it." He tried to argue but she rested a finger on his lips. "Kaim, I've never been so sure of myself in this moment. I want this, and I know you want this."

"I don't want you to feel like this will make me happy." Kaim didn't move his hands. He was almost scared to with the way this was turning out. No false hope, he needed a clear answer. "I don't want you to do something you would regret later for me. I don't want to force you."

"You're not, and there are no regrets!" Sarah lifted her hands so that they cold hold onto his hips. "Kaim, I know you want to share yourself with me. Your…whole self. And I want to, too."

"You're sure?" Kaim slowly let his hands fall.

Sarah cupped his cheek, nodded resolutely. "You just need to show me what to do."

He kissed her then, soft and light. He couldn't believe this was happening and that Sarah was going to be all his and he was to be hers. He broke the kiss, but then went back in for two pecks more. She giggled, and he smiled. Hands lifted, and Kaim began to unbutton her gown once again. "Well, first you should probably take this off."

Her fingers were at his trousers, and she was flushed but responded, "yours, too."

"See? Learning already."

Sarah's laugh sang true, and soon their lips were together once more.