The cold night air of the North is as brisk and as cutting as ever tonight. The wind seems to whistle through every crack in the wooden walls of the cabin, before it engulfs the occupants into its cold body.

However, no one in the cabin seems to mind the cold tonight, especially not Yoki.

He's had his ear pressed against one of the cabin's walls for a good twenty minutes now, desperate to hear the two people in the room next to his. The walls are a little thicker than he's used to eavesdropping through (no doubt the thickness is owing to their location this far north), but that doesn't stop him trying.

He's rewarded for his efforts with a seemingly never ending chorus of feminine moans, occasionally cut off with masculine groaning. Honestly, he's quite a bit surprised, as he never thought Scar had it in him to do something so… carnal.

Yoki ends up snickering to himself when he realises Scar's not the only one with something unexpected in them tonight.

Oh, how he regrets not trying harder to woo their original female companion. If he had only been more serious in his flirtations, it could be him in that room now, merging the two nations of Amestris and Ishval in a rather… unconventional way. Not that Yoki isn't certain that many of his fellow soldiers during the war already employed such a method, but with Yoki's technique, he's have the woman screaming from pleasure, not distress. It's so much more fun when they're willing, after all…

A bit like those women in Youswell. The lengths a woman will go to in order to save her family from starvation and homelessness is amazing.

Yoki begins to wonder if that's what's happening in the next room. After all, Scar has been casting a rather protective barrier over his female companion since day one. Yoki also doesn't know the details of the conversation that took place between them in the mining tunnels. For all he knows, Scar could have been telling her that if she wants his continued protection, she'll have to spread her legs for him. It could also explain why Scar was so keen to carry her here; he wanted her to save her energy, so that he could pound her into the nearest flat surface as soon as he got her alone again. If that's the case, Yoki can't help but admire Scar's strategy; get close, then take what you want. It's a clever tactic, if you have the patience for it.

Personally, Yoki is one for a quick fix.

Speaking of which, there's nothing he'd like more right now then to stick his hand down his trousers and take full advantage of the free audio pornography that he's currently enjoying.

If only he'd been able to convince the others to give HIM his own room!

Alas, he's stuck sharing with Marcoh and the Chimeras, who are planning to catch some shut eye before it's their turn to be on lookout duty.

All three of Yoki's roommates are giving him judgemental looks, clearly disgusted with his actions. Yoki thinks they're all fools; how often does an opportunity like this come along?

Only when a particularly loud scream fills the cabin does Marcoh decide to forcefully drag Yoki away from the wall, making his face fall in disappointment.

Marcoh gives him a thorough scolding. 'That's quite enough, Yoki. Give Scar and his wife some privacy! Unless you want me to tell Scar exactly what you've been doing since we got in here…'

Yoki visibly shudders. 'You make a fair point. Still, it seems a shame to waste such an opportunity. If you could only here the noises she's making…' like a chorus of angels in the midst of an orgy…

Jerso the chimera frowns. 'Cut that shit out, Yoki. You can't just creep on another man's wife! Just let them enjoy themselves in peace. They're gonna need it, the way this war's going. Give them the chance to make their own happiness for a while, before fate takes it from them.' Yoki's about to complain, but something in Jerso's eyes stops the words before they leave his mouth.

Robbed of his amusement, Yoki curls up on one of the beds in the room and sulks himself to sleep, willing his imagination to fill in the details that his ears are missing right now.

With Yoki now elsewhere, Zampano the chimera adds his two cents to the conversation. 'I've gotta say it, I do envy the guy. Having a wife that's willing to lay everything on the line just to be with you? Scar's a lucky son of a bitch.'

Marcoh and Jerso nod in agreement.

-POV-Switch-

Scar seems determined to ruin your neck, as he's been attached to it for what feels like forever. You're not going to complain about it, though; not when the mere feeling of his lips on your skin is enough to make your head spin.

With each passing moment, you desire only one thing; to get closer to Scar. Sure, he may be pressing his body into yours, but that isn't enough. You need to feel his skin on yours, to intertwine your bodies so completely that neither of you knows where one of you begins and the other ends. You need to feel the heat that his body is pouring out into the room against your own rapidly heating flesh.

You need more than just a few kisses.

Scar seems to have the same idea, as he begins to tug at your clothing, almost as if he's debating taking it off. You raise your arms to try and encourage him, and he takes your hint, unlatching himself from your neck so he can pull off the top half of your clothing.

The chill of the room is suddenly very noticeable, but you can't bring yourself to care; not with the way that Scar is looking at you.

His attention at the moment is focused solely on your breasts, despite the fact that they are still hidden behind a simple bra. He practically growls as you reach your hands behind your back, planning to undo your bra. To your surprise, he stops you in your tracks, grabbing your wrists and pinning to the bed either side of your head.

Scar leans in close, his voice huskier than ever before. 'Undressing you is my job.' With that, he releases your wrists and sticks his hands behind your back, looking for the small clasp that is hiding your breasts from him.

At that moment, you hear something from the next room that sounds suspiciously like a snicker, but it's so muffled that you can't be certain.

Scar sighs into your neck, hands still working on undressing you. 'I plan to murder Yoki tomorrow. Are you in?' Ah, so you weren't imagining it. Yoki is listening in, and let out a snicker. You have to admit, the idea of murdering Yoki isn't a bad one…

You tilt your head, so that you can whisper to Scar. 'You hold him down, I'll deal the final blow.' Scar muffles a chuckle into your neck, and the sound melts your heart; his laughter is such a rare thing.

When he pulls his head up again, he's smirking. 'I think I have a better idea.' With that, you feel your bra being unhooked, before Scar shoves it up slightly, partially freeing your breasts. He takes a nipple straight into his mouth and begins suckling, the sensation causing you to cry out in ecstasy. His assault on your nipple is as enthusiastic as his kisses everywhere else in your body, although this kissing is occasionally broken up by his teeth gently tugging on the sensitive flesh.

Scar's ministrations have you writhing beneath him, as you desperately try to create friction between your legs. How you'd love something harder that the thin fabric of your underwear to be rubbing against your rapidly dampening opening…

As if he can read minds, Scar shoves a hand between your legs as his mouth swaps nipples, and begins slowing rubbing you up and down.

Even through your trousers, Scar's touch is incredible. You practically hump his hand as he continues to fondle you, any worries about your inexperience in such matters lost to the hormones flooding your bloodstream. You even begin to spread your legs, willing Scar to take his exploration further.

Then, out of nowhere, he stops.

He removes his hand and his mouth from your body, and peers down at you, before reaching a hand out to stroke your face again.

His voice is a lot softer now. 'Are you still comfortable with this? We don't have to go any further if you don't want to.' Have you done something to make him think that you don't? You're pretty sure you haven't, but if he really wants you to be explicit…

You tilt your head up, brushing your lips against his. 'What I want is for you to continue what you were doing, although I'd like us both to be topless now. Oh, and unless I tell you to stop, it's best that you assume I'm comfortable, because now I'm very uncomfortable; I have an ache between my legs that needs to be soothed.' You internally cringe at your words; you sound like a bad romantic novel protagonist.

Scar whips your bra from your body so fast you barely register it, before removing his own top just as swiftly. He pins you to the bed with a kiss once again, only this time his hands do not idle. One hand grabs hold of a breast, while the other makes its way to your hip, before sliding into your trousers and squeezing your ass.

You moan into the kiss, and Scar takes advantage, shoving his tongue into your mouth as his hands continue to grope two of your most sensitive areas.

After a while, he removes the hand on your ass, causing you to whimper in disappointment, before the hand grabs at your free breast. You sigh into the kiss once more, and become so utterly enraptured that you don't notice Scar's other hand leave your breast.

The first you know of its movement is when he sticks it inside your underwear, and begins rubbing it against the bare flesh of your sex.

You both break the kiss, crying out in unison. You've never… you'd never have suspected that a mere touch could feel so extraordinary. You practically melt under Scar's firm strokes, your legs widening as much as possible to give him more room to explore you. He takes you up on the offer instantly, and begins touching every inch of the damp flesh open to him.

Scar looks straight into your eyes, and you gasp out in shock; the intensity in them is so raw and exposed that it burns into you, engulfing you in the flames of raw passion. In this moment, it all becomes clear; this moment was meant by design, and you won't see it wasted.

Leaning up once again, you chew on Scar's bottom lip, whispering your revelation into his mouth. 'I think there's a reason I'm here with you tonight.

'The war has already started, Scar. It started long ago, before either of us was even born. We can't change that. The only thing we can change is how it ends. The lives of every man, woman, and child in this country is at stake, and I'm not naïve enough to think that saving them won't require sacrifices.

'I know that we have only just become romantically involved; we've only just kissed, for goodness sake. But I feel like this will be the last peaceful moment we have, like the final calm before the storm. I don't want to walk into that storm without having something to remind me of better times, and I'm sure that you don't either.

'I think that's why we're here, why Miles' plan failed. It happened so we could have one moment together, a way to remember each other, should the storm consume us.

'I know you still feel resentment towards alchemists, but I think they may have the right of it when it comes to one thing; equivalent exchange. My virginity in exchange for yours. Two gifts that can never be taken away, and that will be remembered for a lifetime.' Your voice hitches at the last word, as you think that in your cases, a lifetime could only be a few more days…

Scar continues to gaze into your eyes, stopping all other movements that may cause him to lose focus. You've no doubt he's thinking over your words, and deciding if he wants the same thing you do. Part of you is certain he'll reject your suggestion, telling you it's too soon for him to do such a thing with you. After all, despite what the rest of your group (minus Yoki) think, you're not actually his wife. Scar is a very religious person. Is sleeping with someone that he's not married to against his moral code? If that's so, why did he want to share a bed with you in the first place? You're so confused right now, maybe you should apologise, or take it ba-

Your thoughts are cut off when Scar slides a finger inside you.

The moan that escapes your lips is muffled by Scar, who seems unable to refrain from kissing you for too long.

The kiss is only quick though, as he decides that he has something he needs to say. 'You have already given me so much. When I was badly injured, you helped tend to my wounds. When I set off by myself, you insisted on standing by my side. When I was full of nothing but doubt, you gave me love. You were even willing to trade your life for mine. Now you're here, telling me that I can be the first one to make love to you… it does not seem like a fair exchange.

'So, I'd like to give you something. A promise. If we managed to weather the storm, and if I am spared from execution, I intend to make you my wife for real. If you want to be, that is…' Scar begins to blush again, but you barely notice; your eyes are welling up with tears.

When he registers you crying, Scar removes himself from you completely, and begins staring at you sheepishly. 'I… I should not have asked you that. I cannot expect you to promise yourself to a doomed man. I shall sleep on the floor tonight. I'm sorry.' He begins to back away, but doesn't get very far; you lunge at him, knocking him flat on his back. You attack his face and body with an entire tirade of kisses, trying to make it implicitly clear that you don't want him to sleep on the floor.

When he still tries to wriggle away, you lean in close so you can whisper to him. 'I'd marry you tomorrow if I could. I love you.' You're about to lean in for a kiss, when Scar suddenly sits up, forcing you to straddle his lap.

His hands begin to work on undoing your trousers as you finally get the chance to kiss him as intended, although now you have a new plan. Your hands head for Scar's trousers, and you try to get them undone and down his legs before he can undress you.

Unfortunately for your plan, Scar is a lot swifter that he looks. He has your trousers and underwear half way down your legs in seconds, before shoving you onto the bed and finishing the job. You fight the urge to cover up as Scar stares at you and licks his lips, the passion in his eyes replaced by pure hunger. It's almost too much for you, and you find yourself fighting the urge to look away as well.

That urge becomes easier to fight, as Scar finishes what you started, ridding himself of the last of his clothing before clambering on top of you one last time, the lack of clothing making you feel more like a single being than one.

Placing one hand on your rear and entwining his other with one of yours, Scar's teeth tease your ear. 'I'll hold you to that.

'So, I believe you were interested in making an exchange? I… can't promise I'll be gentle, but I'll do my best not to hurt you. If it's too painful, just say the word and we'll stop. I refuse to believe that this will be the only chance we'll have.' You wish you could share in his certainty, but there's no way of knowing exactly what tomorrow holds.

You wrap your legs around Scar's waist. 'We should assume that it is. We should assume that every moment is our last. That way, if we live to see morning, we'll see it as a gift, not an inevitability.'

Scar grins at you. 'I promise that we'll live to see the morning, although I can't promise that you'll be able to walk properly tomorrow.' You shudder, half with arousal and half with shock. Playful bragging is the last thing you ever expected to hear from Scar!

Well, you know what they say about turnabout. 'I hope your warrior training helped improve your stamina; you're going to need it if you want me walking funny tomorrow.'

Scar seems just as shocked and aroused as you were. 'That sounds like a challenge to me. Good thing I'm strong enough to carry you; I will have you unable to walk properly in the morning.' He grabs your knees and pushes them away from his hips, before pinning them to the bed.

With your opening now on display, Scar takes a hand from your leg and shoves two fingers inside of you, the stretch feeling more pleasant than you'd ever imagined it being. Then again, this is only two fingers; you don't know what it'll feel like when the main event finally takes place.

Speaking of which, Scar takes his other hand away from your leg as well, before wrapping it around his erection, giving it a few firm tugs. You're completely transfixed by the sight, to the point where you feel your body providing him with more natural lubrication. He's so… well, you're not sure how to describe it. Thick perhaps? That seems about right. Then again, you've nothing to compare it to, so you can't be certain if it's supposed to look like that…

You're waffling. You can't help it. Your head is firmly in the clouds. How long have you wanted this, wanted Scar to return your love? And now, here you are, about to make love for the first time ever. Will it hurt? You've heard that it does. You've heard that some people even bleed. Will you bleed? Would Scar stop if you did? Will Scar really stop if it's too much?

Well, you'll soon find out; Scar removes his fingers from you, and lines himself up with your opening.

Instead of just forcing himself inside, he gives you a final kiss, and intwines one of his hands with yours once again.

He whispers to you once again. 'I promised you that I'd stop if it gets too painful, and I stand by that. This is your last chance to stop me trying though. If you don't want this, I'll understand. I'd be content just to hold you a while.' The ridged flesh currently rubbing against your opening seems to suggest that merely holding you won't be enough, but it's sweet that he isn't trying to pressure you.

It's sweet enough in fact that it helps ease your doubts enough to let him try.

You give Scar's hand a firm squeeze. 'I want this. I'm scared that it'll hurt, but what's a little pain between lovers?'

Scar looks concerned. ''A little pain' is more than I ever wanted you to feel. But on this occasion, I promise you, I will make it worth the pain. Are you ready?' You take a deep breath and close your eyes, before giving Scar a firm nod.

He takes his queue, and begins to work his way inside of you slowly.

It stings. You're hardly surprised, given the circumstances. But it's not the terrible pain you've heard so many talk about. It's uncomfortable, but bearable.

You open your eyes again when Scar stops moving, his erection completely encased by your walls. Your eyes lock, and there is neither passion nor hunger in his eyes; there is only love.

Scar still seems concerned though. 'Are you in pain?'

You give him a soft smile. 'A little, but it's nothing I can't handle. Could you stay still for a moment though? My body needs time to adjust I think.' To be honest, you feel fairly adjusted already, but you want to savour this moment for as long as you can.

Scar's free hand grabs one-off your legs, wrapping it back around his waist. He gives you another soft kiss. 'I'll stay still for as long as I can. You feel… I can't describe how wonderful you feel. All I want now is to pour all of my being into loving you, and to prove to myself that there is something in me worthy of being yours.'

It's you who makes a move this time, placing your free hand over Scar's chest. 'Your heart. Your heart has always been worthy of me. It's always been worthy of so much more than me. It's the same heart that has driven your rage, certainly. But it's also the heart that is going to save our world, and I think that's the most worthy thing one can do.

'Oh, and you can move now. In fact, I insist that you make love to me this instant.' Scar doesn't need to be told twice; he begins slipping out of you the moment the words leave your mouth, before he thrusts back in with enough force to make the bed creak in protest.

Your words are the last ones that either of you speak for a while, as the only sounds either of you can manage are either grunts, groans, or sighs, followed by an occasional moan or scream. You can feel yourself getting louder and louder as Scar's movement speed increases, and you try to silence yourself by burying your face in Scar's neck.

Your lover is having none of it though, as he takes his hand from your hip, grabs a handful of your hair and pulls, forcing you to cry out into the night. They seem to spur him on, so you don't complain about your forced immodesty; though you're certain you'll hear all about it tomorrow.

There's no time to think about that now though, as Scar changes your positions, sitting you up and pushing you against the head of the bed, before manipulating gravity to make his thrusts harder and deeper.

You feel a sensation forming between your legs, one that seems wonderful yet unfamiliar. You're not sure exactly what it is, but you're sure it's building up to something unbelievably powerful.

Finally finding his voice, Scar begins chanting something into your flesh. You can't be certain, but you think he's praying. You close your eyes, and decide to silently pray yourself. You pray that this isn't the only night you get to have with Scar. You pray that somehow, you win this war, and Scar is allowed to live. And, should all those prayers fall on deaf ears, you pray that you'll at least remember this night.

You never want to forget this night.

One of Scar's hands moves, and begins to stroke the apex of your opening. Whatever he touches down there send your pleasure into overdrive, and you feel the world around you shatter, as you're overcome with pleasure.

All of your muscles seem to tense up around Scar, to the point you're worried that you'll hurt him. If you do, he doesn't let on; he just keeps thrusting as if his life depends on it.

-POV-Switch-

Scar's earlier assessment was right; this is the best night of his life.

He can't believe that this is happening. He never thought in a million years that he would get this far. He himself had decided that he wouldn't take things past a few kisses and a peak at the soft skin of her flesh.

Then she'd offered herself to him on a silver platter, and that was it. Any plans he may of had melted the moment she gave him permission to take her.

How many nights has he dreamt of this moment? How many times has he fantasised about doing this with her? The Amestrian military could storm in her tomorrow and he'd still die a happy man, knowing that he finally had the one thing he wanted more than anything; the unconditional love of another.

Her walls tighten around him, and he's certain that soon her pleasure will peak. While he's never seen a woman orgasm before, he knows that it's supposed to be an experience of sexual pleasure far more intense than his own. He wants that for her, more than he wants his own end. That way, if he does die tomorrow, at least she'll remember him for something far better than murder and hatred.

Mustering every once of his energy, Scar begins to thrust even harder, and nuzzles into his lover's neck.

He starts praying into her skin, hoping that God can still hear him. He prays for her safety, as he does every other day. He prays for her happiness, which is something else he prays for often. Tonight though, he prays for two things that he does not pray for often. He prays that, when he's gone, she'll find someone else worth living for, someone who she can love as wholly as she him. He also prays that she'll find herself a new protector after he's gone, because the thought of her being alone and vulnerable kills him. All he truly wants is for her to have the life she deserves, as a woman like her deserves a beautiful life.

Scar begins to tease the sensitive flesh between her legs, and it isn't long before her cries echo into the night, her muscles tightening around him. He finds his thrusts becoming desperate, as he struggles to hold out long enough for her to finish her orgasm.

When his lover finally seems to finish, Scar finds himself unable to hold back any longer. He releases himself inside his lover, losing himself in her as he loses his grip on reality.

When he's finally through, he reluctantly withdraws himself from her, the evidence of their lovemaking trickling out of her as he does. He can't help the surge of possessive pride that washes over him, as he realises that he is the only man ever to see such a thing from her, and that, while he still breathes, no one else will get the privilege.

His lover begins to shiver, her body rapidly cooling now that it is no longer active. Scar brings her in close before grabbing the quilt that this lodge's previous owner was kind enough to leave behind. Either that, or the owner was in a rush to leave…

The two lovers entwine themselves as closely as possible, before succumbing to sleep, neither of them able to find any words that can make the situation better.

The only words they have are their prayers, and they have already been heard.