SUCKERS!
Those of you who came here in search of masturbatory aid (I know who you are!) are sure to be disappointed! If you came here in search of a 'good time', I suggest that you either... A) get a life: there's more to living than reading lemons on ! Or, B) get a BRAIN: I'm sure there's plenty of other corners of the internet that have what you're looking for, and they won't keep bumping up my hit counters for this fic!
That little in-bold-font notification aside, I'd like to say a thing or two of actual significance. After running over it in my head a few times, I found the original version of this chapter was... well... not very well put-together. It was O.K. I guess... but I kept thinking that it was in major need of fine-tuning.
For those of you who are reading this for the first time, I'd just like to say, I know there's a lot of you out there who try to avoid smutty stuff, but I'll have you know, I can't imagine this chapter being any more toned down than it already is... and besides, there's an important plot point or two here, so YOU'RE GOING TO WANT TO READ THIS! (please note, I put those words in caps. only for the sake of catching your eye.)
That being said...
ONWARD!
Kent was staring furiously at the ground, intent on every shadow, every shade of color, and every blade of grass that he could barely see. None of that just happened... none of that just happened... this is a bad dream... none of that just happened... No matter how hard the words beat against the massive drum in his mind, there was in the darkest corner a soft whisper cooing, it's real... you can't wake up when you're already conscious...
The woman in front of him, on the other hand, just stared at him with a blank expression of mild surprise. Fiora's heart was still descending from it's unbelievable leap up her throat that had almost killed her from shock, but she was still somehow not exactly baffled by the words he spoke. The words had not fully soaked in and run their course through her head as of yet, but more than anything else, she was very curious right now. She opened her mouth, as if to say something, but no words came out, and she quickly shut it. She repeated this action a few times before she silently exhaled and smiled. Fiora placed her fingers on his hand on the table and finally said, "Kent..."
His initial reaction to the touch was complete withdrawal, and his eyes focused on her as though he had never seen her before. "I..." He started, unable to go anywhere with it, "I'm sorry Fiora..." He stood up as though parting himself from a bad meal, "I... I should be going." He turned, neither his body nor his soul able to cope with the situation. His mind made up, he headed for the flaps of the tent without a moment's hesitation. What have you done? What have you done! This is terrible... how am I going to be able to talk to her after this? You fool... she'll be thinking about you and hating you all night long while you hate yourself. You even leave her still sitting back there... He felt a hand on his shoulder, Alright... I was wrong about that.
"Kent..." Fiora whispered, a strong grip on his shoulder. Kent knew she wasn't willing to let him go, so he turned to face her, but his eyes still avoided hers, opting instead for a view of her toes. "Kent." Her voice was uttered in the same, steady tone, but this time he knew she was demanding his attention. Against his better judgement, he made eye-contact with her. "Kent..." She whispered in a softer voice, with a neutral face, "Is this true?"
I'm caught! Do something! Do something! What can I do...? He closed his eyes and swallowed deeply, preparing himself for the horrible confession he had to make. Atone for your damned sins. "Fiora... Yes... it is true. I... am... in love with you. And I am... sorry... for this. I will... leave... immediately." He turned again, but her hand remained on his shoulder. He couldn't resist her hold on him. Hesitantly, he turned himself back towards her, sweat building up on his forehead. He couldn't bring himself to look at her. Run away! Run away! You don't want to be here and you know it! This is sailing uncharted waters, without so much a candle to light the way! Turn back, you damned fool! Turn back, now!
It's too late...
"Kent," she said in a voice he had never heard her use before, "that would not do. Please, do not leave. I do not wish for you to be gone but to stay where you are. I wish for you to stay here... with me." Her words felt eerily soothing, almost comforting, but the prolonged presence of her hand made the hairs on the back of his neck stand on end, and negated any comfort he could have possibly felt. Still, even with his eyes still locked on the ground, he couldn't help but almost take a deep interest in the way she spoke. She sounded different. Not just cool and collected, which was extraordinary considering the circumstances, but more than that. It was as thought she wasn't just trying to remove the awkwardness of the situation, but trying to comfort him, and him alone. The very notion of it ceased all thought in his mind.
"Fiora?" Kent said as his eyes turned up to met hers. He noticed how Fiora's face was considerably closer to his own and a long silence passed between them as they simply soaked in the slightly guilty pleasure of being so close together. In reality, it was only a few seconds, but the moment seemed to last forever in every sense. This was so strange to him, and though he was a bit baffled as to why he should keep this process going, he felt the need to resist slowly dwindle away. As Kent continued to maintain eye-contact, his body felt so relaxed and yet so tense; like the tiniest movement of any muscle would cause her to move away; a thing realized he did not want to happen.
His eyelids felt heavy and they were soon gently closed as he felt her hot breath on his face. While Kent may have been able to feel her breath, he could not hear her breathing at all, for his heartbeat had tripled its pace, and nothing but its insistent pounding could be heard. His right hand involuntarily moved to where she touched him on his shoulder, and he felt her hand drift up along his neck to the side of his cheek. Amazingly, he did not hinder her movements at all.
Fiora had her eyes closed as well, and she felt like the very aurora of his presence was encircling her. She was the one who had started this closeness thing, and she was now altogether completely absorbed into the process. Her blood boiled, her mind dreamt, and her body moved of it's own accord. Her fingers slowly and almost affectionately ran through his hair only once before returning to their resting place on his shoulder. She was standing right on the line that separated whatever pure self she had known, and an unknown pathway to immorality... and yet she felt almost taken over by a fiery desire to keep things the way they were. He doesn't appear to be resisting... she thought. I must make a decision. There is no turning back now.
Both their eyes peeled open and they looked right at one another as they awoke from their moment of bliss. Kent took in the infinite depths of Fiora's eyes, and he braced himself for whatever she might say.
"Kent," Fiora eventually explained in little more than a whisper, a soft expression of resolve in her eyes, "I love you too."
Had Kent not been held in place at that very moment, he would have fallen over. This was the very last thing he had expected her to say, and as a result, he barely acknowledged it as a positive response. But he had no time to ponder this, for there was now some unseen force possessing him that was ever so slowly pulling their faces closer together. Wait a minute, what am I doing!? This is wrong! He thought as he continued to move towards her of what he alarmingly realized was his own free will. We're supposed to be discussing a policy on how to prevent things like this, not encourage them! This is immoral! This is crazy! What beautiful eyes she has... Stop thinking like that! Stop moving towards her Kent; control yourself! OK, that's it. I'm drawing the line right here, right now! When I count to three, I'll have pulled back from this situation... one... two... Three! But he kept moving closer to her. He knew he was cornered. He closed his eyes out of fear.
Don't be afraid. A voice whispered in his mind, but he didn't open his eyes. An image of Fiora flashed through his memory. She was just there, neither standing, nor sitting, nor laying down. She was just there. And there was one other thing next to her. It was himself. He tried to figure out where or when the image had come from, but then he realized this was how things had been for the past eight months. After debating the issue in an instant, a single thought went through his mind: let it be.
Without warning, without upset, and even without pain, their lips met. The contact ended quicker than it began, and they pulled away. Fiora's eyes almost opened, but before that could happen, they came together again, and the contact was almost as short-lived as the first. Almost. They came back for another. And another. It became instinctive, although it was barely going anywhere. Both of them were willing to test the waters, but neither was willing to take the plunge. They were getting nowhere. It stopped, and eyes opened.
What Kent saw, didn't surprise him. She was close to him, and she had the same expression on her face as he did. The perfect blend of oblivion and embarrassment. There was something else too. She looked sad... almost as though she felt sorry she couldn't do any better than that. He knew how she felt. The same look was on his own face, and the feeling was inside of him. He stroked her shoulder, as if trying to convey his shame, and his understanding of her feelings. He felt the same sensation on his back. It wasn't until this moment that they both realized the tight embrace they were in. It wasn't painful, and it even seemed peaceful. He felt sparks flying inside him. She looked into his eyes and drew closer without a word, as if for the last time. The sparks flew faster and harder. He closed his eyes again, wondering if either of them understood one another. The sparks were splashing through his body, flying and dancing within him like butterflies gone mad. He met her. But this time, he refused to withdraw. It took only a second for one of the sparks to find it's mark and catch. He felt the sudden force of seventy trillion fires burning through every vein of his body, exploding in a cascade of starlight that coursed under his skin, set his soul aflame, and squeezed a tear from his eye. She screamed forever and died in a sea of her own bliss, melding with the waters, becoming one with the earth, with the heavens, and with herself. She could feel the euphoria blast its constant, sheer intensity into her. The heat of the sun on her skin, the wind in her hair, and the kiss of the man she wanted to be with more than anything else in her truly meaningful existence, was all breathed in and kept forever safe in her arms, never to leave.
Kent couldn't believe this was happening to him. He had never bothered with anything like this. Seeing the way Sain was rejected over and over again was enough to make Kent never want to be affiliated with this suffering thing known as 'love'. But there was something about the way Fiora treated him, the way she looked at him, the way she respected him, the way she spoke, the way she was kissing him, the way she just... was; that moved something inside of him that felt so right. It was something he couldn't even describe. There were so many things going on that he couldn't describe but he was sure of one thing: he wanted this to continue. Whatever 'this' was.
Fiora was a woman with a tall, lithe figure. If she were a commoner, she would rarely have received so much a second glance, but beneath her skin was an arsenal of hard-packed muscle that had snapped arms in half, and ended more lives than most mercenaries. But now, their purpose was directed towards Kent, or rather, keeping him near. She was containing him. A part of her did not want this to end, and would do anything to keep him from leaving. That part of her, also ended up having direct control over her adrenal glands, and her embrace tightened even more.
What will become of this? The question was in both of their minds, but an answer was elusive. This wasn't exactly expected, even a bit out of place, but it felt absolutely wonderful, no matter how personal it was. They couldn't believe it was real. It was too unbelievable to be true.
Uncounted time passed, and eventually, they broke away, almost for the desire to rest a moment. It became quiet. So very quiet. Fiora didn't know what to say. She wanted to say something, anything, but nothing came to mind. It felt like even opening her eyes would disturb the moment. She wouldn't have opened them anyway, she didn't know how to face him, let alone know if she could at all. She heard the rustle of some wind outside, and her eyes snapped open. She saw his eyes and she averted her gaze downward, but then she froze. They were squeezed together. There wasn't a single space of air between the two of them, and their arms were binding each other in place. Her leg was even wrapped around him a bit. How this happened, neither of them knew, but they didn't care. She looked deeper into his eyes than she ever had in her whole life, and she saw only a sincere, soft soul. He silently mouthed her name, and she stroked his cheek in response. Fiora had a serious glint in her eyes as they shared a gaze that 'spoke' more words than hours of conversing ever could.
Complying with both of their wishes; they engaged in another kiss, this one much slower and deeper. Kent moved them back over to the table, and blindly groped around for the lantern. His initial reasoning for this action could have been to prevent the casting of any shadows on the tent walls, or that it could become a potential fire hazard, but he felt he had other motives for this, though what they were, he couldn't tell. Finally, he found it, and turned the flame all the way down to nothing, somewhat amazed at how hard multitasking had suddenly become. They were still wrapped in each other's arms, neither one of them showing any signs of fatigue. It was so peaceful. It felt like they were melting into one another, mixing and swirling about with all lack of speed. Never before in Fiora's life had she felt something like this, and she would never forgive herself if she messed it up. So she took it in stride. They both did. Neither one of them felt affected by the constant whittling away of time, and as far as they were concerned, they had a good week to burn as slowly as they desired.
It seemed like hours had passed when they felt settled enough. They had finally found the position their hands were most comfortable in, the best time to break a kiss for some air, and the best way to reunite. Kent's every movement was geared towards keeping things as peaceful as possible, and yet, he quickly found him thinking less and less about his actions. He just let it all flow. In spite of all of the bloodshed in his life, this was not something he wished to spoil. This was something special, and he knew he wanted to savor it.
Suddenly, he felt a hand trace back and forth across his cheek, and he prematurely pulled away from their latest kiss, his eyes opening. All he saw was her eyes; unashamed, unwavering, and unbelievably beautiful. He whispered her name, but she only giggled softly and shushed into his ear. With a smile, he pulled her into a warm hug as she planted small kisses along his cheek and neck. She reached up under his shirt and placed a pair of hand on his warm back. He turned to face her and immediately locked both of them in a deep kiss. For a moment, he heard her let out a small laugh before she melted into the kiss. The sound of it thrilled him beyond comprehension. It was a feeling of real happiness that was coursing through his veins right now, something he'd had so little of in his life. Suddenly, it no longer mattered how out of place any of this was; he was glad it was happening, and wished only for it to continue. He cradled her body in a different position, and his fingertips brushed against the bare skin of the back of her neck, slowly trailing a bit lower as time passed.
I know where this is heading... Fiora thought, It doesn't matter if I'm a stranger to this, I'd be a fool if I couldn't see what this is leading too. Stop. I need to stop this. Now.
Why?
It's immoral. It's... unprofessional, it's wrong, it's going to distract me and waste my time. It might be hard to face him in the future, and that's not even including the next morning! I'll probably loose some sleep... I didn't exactly have an easy day, so I need some rest.
Shut up. What horrible thing caused you to think like this?
My life did.
Well, your life has been nothing but hell, so why are you so intent on keeping it like that?
I'm afraid dammit! I'm afraid of this! I don't know what's going to happen! I don't know if this will be gentle or painful... I don't know what to do... I don't know if he'll understand me... I'm afraid of the whole thing... Don't I have a right to be?
Yes... of course you do. But think about it...
No! This is... this was something that I never wanted to happen! This was something that was never supposed to happen! And even if it ever did... then it... it was supposed to be... special...
It is.
I know...
Think to yourself... who has ever looked out for you? You always had to do that yourself, and you grew into a strong, independent, confident woman who gave up so much for those around you. You may have never expected anything in return, but no one offered, either. But then... he stepped into your life. He, who, when you were injured, had carried you to safety so that you wouldn't have to crawl... and he didn't do it because you had done the same for him, but because he cared for you. He was always there... to talk to... to help... he was the wall you were finally able to lean against after standing upright your whole life. And now you yearn for him... you want to hold him... kiss him... maybe even love him. What is wrong with that?
I know... I know...
There was no turning back now, she knew this, and even if there was, she wouldn't embark on such a course. This was where she planned to stay. This was where she planned to go. This was a decision she made of her own will.
Like a boulder on the edge of a cliff that had newly broken loose from it's earthen encasing, their kiss began to pick up momentum with each passing moment. And with each passing moment, they dove further and further into a sea of bliss, until all sense of consciousness was lost, and every caress and every embrace was more natural than breathing. It felt good to be held. It felt good to be kissed. Especially because it was him. She felt herself freeze over. Letting herself loose from the few restraints that still held her back, she felt herself fly. Her hands moved up between his shoulder-blades and pulled him in as close to her as was possible. She cut herself loose from her consciousness and let her instincts take over, as if in a final defiance of everything that had ever restricted and constricted her until this moment. It was the most free she had felt in her whole life, and she wished only to prolong this sensation for however short of a time it might last.
Rational thought left him, and every minute was a full day of relaxation. The voice that had been telling him to hold back was gone, and all he paid attention to was the slow beat of her heart, the exhilarating sensation of her fingers tracing his back, and every movement of her body. He had a vague memory of a kiss being interrupted, and off and on he had been pondering what the cause of it had been. Then he realized his chest was bare. Her shirt was on the grass too. The feeling of her skin against his was like a dream and he felt her squeeze him harder. He did the same, and never stopped kissing her.
Fiora didn't want to rush through this, and she took this time to simply hold Kent and kiss him as much as she could. His embrace felt warm and strong, and she took notice of how his incredible physique was so much like hers: lean. Strong enough to wield a spear or sword effortlessly with one hand, yet nimble enough to swing it with precision and dodge almost anything in the blink of an eye. His skin was decorated with dozens of scars, big and small, thin and broad, and she was not so different. Neither one said a thing about it, but for a while they went about checking each other for scars, as though it would tell them more about one another.
Years ago, in the pathetic excuse of a childhood she'd had, Fiora had speculated that there were only so many personalities that could be spread across the people of the continent, and that some people had almost the exact same thought patterns, ideas, characteristics, and feelings. She had for a long time wanted to meet the person who was a mirror image of herself and it was only now that she came to think that Kent must be that individual.
These thoughts were interrupted as Kent suddenly withdrew one of his arms from around Fiora's shoulder, and circled it around her waist to hold her more fully against him. She squeezed against his back in response, and was suddenly overtaken by some indescribable desire for him; a longing for the next step to be taken.
In time, they did advance, though by taking small steps the whole time. Almost walking on air, they moved to Kent's bedside. It was a bit awkward for both of them, and they weren't always able to keep the kiss alive, but they did their best, and finally they arrived at their destination and order was restored between them. The tightness of their embrace had lessened now that they were more anchored in place, as did the intensity of their kiss, but the level of passion remained high. Kent may have been sitting down, but his mind was floating just beyond the hole in the clouds above them. He still couldn't believe this was happening to him. Never in his life or his dreams had he ever expected something like this would come to pass. But it was. Just the mere thought of it actually happening soothed him into a state of nirvana. As a result, when Fiora let go of him to reach around behind her, he fell back and let out a sigh. When he landed with a small thump, he quickly shook his head and opened his eyes. Wake up... What he saw left him almost motionless. There was Fiora. It seemed like it had been so long since he had seen her with his eyes, he'd almost forgotten what she looked like. But there she was, currently wearing no more than he was from the waist up, and staring right at him. The sight of her was both simple and completely magnificent at the same time, and for a moment he felt almost unworthy to be in her presence. This is Fiora... He could only think, Fiora... it's not just a sensation... it's not just a good feeling... it's Fiora.
Fiora gazed down at him with the same look in her eyes. Goosebumps covered her as the cool air, and perhaps a dash of embarrassment, wrapped itself around her, but still, she kept eye-contact with him. There he is... she gently stroked his face, That man. That handsome, wonderful man I've just... Her eyelids lowered a bit. With a small jolt of will-power, she kept her eyes open and focused on him. Oh... I'm so tired! I know you're tired too, Kent... but please... don't fall asleep... not just yet... They both just stared at each other for the longest time, soaking in the moment and the look of one another. She touched a hand to his cheek and whispered, "Kent..." Believing that this all wasn't a dream suddenly became so much easier for both of them.
"Fiora..." He reached up and curled his fingers behind her neck, and pulled her to him. No regrets. She thought, No turning back. He was surprised by the kiss she met him with. It was one of those 'Etrurian' kisses he and many others had seen Pent and Louise preform on a regular basis. Pent and Louise were an affectionate, and very out-going couple, but Kent was still quite shocked at first when Fiora met him like this. He was quick to get over it though, and returned the gesture as best as he could. He even found he enjoyed it a bit.
He traced his fingertips across her back, amazed by how much more incredible everything felt with this simple change. The new feeling of her bare skin in warm contact with his, the sensation of her soft, freed breasts pressed against his body, and the feel of her heart, beating almost in tune against his own. This isn't so bad... He thought. They spent a good deal of time laying there just like that. Kissing each other. Holding each other. Just making things last.
Gravity did a good job of helping Fiora, as every kiss she gave him seemed to have a tiny bit more force to it. Fiora felt her hair drape down around the face of the man that she knew she wanted to be with, and she cursed at not leaving the string in her hair to keep it bound and out of the way. He didn't mind; he was far too busy kissing her and inspecting every curve of her shoulders and lower back.
Not once in my life have I stared at this woman... not once have I thought of her as though she were something to be craved... not once have I ever viewed her to be desired in this way...
She's my friend... my comrade... even my companion... but nothing more.
No... she's also a woman... A beautiful, kind, wonderful woman.
And by the stars, what a body she has!
Control yourself, Kent! Don't let this get out of hand!
And it hasn't already? I love this woman... and I plan on taking every opportunity I get to enjoy this. Besides... she really is a lovely woman... I want her to know that... I want her to know how beautiful she is... I want her to know that I admire her... I want her to know that I love her. If that is being out of control, then may the sky and the earth have mercy on my soul.
They were happily locked in this position for a good ten minutes; more than content with holding one another and 'learning' how to kiss in a way that suited them. They both knew where this was heading, and they wanted it to be dragged out as long as they could possibly manage. However, it wasn't too long before a thought crossed Fiora's mind, What now? It took her a while, but she quickly realized she was in a bit of a dilemma. Where does it go from here...? Wait... There... there has to be more than this... there has to be... there is. As they remade another kiss, she moved her hands down his body. Suddenly, he gave a bit of a jolt, almost a spasm, and he broke the kiss for a moment as he let out an very quiet laugh. He touched her hand, and ran his fingers up her arm, over her shoulders, and through her hair. She could barely see the smile on his face just moments before she plunged herself into another kiss with him. Kent... I had no idea you were ticklish. Being a bit more careful this time, she let her hand travel down his body, this time, with a bit more caution, and a more distinct smile tugging at the corners of her lips.
Days seemed to pass. Each one experienced with closed eyes and the same warm embrace. Slowly, one garment was removed, then another, and another. At long last Fiora was down to little more than her skin. The night air was cold, but she had endured far worse, and besides, she had someone right there with her to keep warm with, and he was more than happy to comply.
She didn't know exactly when, but after some time, she found herself on her back, her arms still wrapped around him, and a new sensation taking root within her. I know there's more to this. I'm ready. No regrets...
Fiora... Think about this.
I have been.
Yes, you have. You've been thinking about this ever since your third kiss with him, and you've made your decision... but are you sure?
I know... I know this isn't something I should take lightly. I know I'm taking a risk, but... there never was much time for anything like this in my life, was there? No. Not just a lack of time. A lack of anything. I never felt this way about anyone before. Never.
You trust him then?
With my life. With my soul.
It's going to be wonderful... It's going to be amazing... It's not going to be even close to what you expect it to be...
But it will be with him...
Yes, it will, won't it?
Go for it.
In her relaxed state, Fiora could barely hold on to her consciousness, but she forced herself to slowly bring their heated kiss to a halt. It took some doing, but eventually she slowed it down to the point that their lips could part without it feeling abrupt or awkward. Her eyes opened, and she looked up at him. She couldn't see his face, it was too dark. But she could still see him. She could see those kind eyes gazing at her, that soft face, and the smile she knew was spread across his lips. "Kent..." That's his name... that's the name of the man who's changed me... who I wholeheartedly give myself to of my own free will. I, Fiora, of Illia. She slowly planted a gentle kiss on each of his cheeks.
"Fiora..." She was acting so strangely all of the sudden. He did not find her behavior to be absurd, but interesting more than anything else. It almost seemed like she were performing some sort of ceremony, though whether it was for herself, for him, or for both of them, he did not know. Then she met him in a kiss. It felt perfect. It was gentle and calm, and for a moment he could have sworn his very soul brushed against hers. She sighed ever so graciously, and he brought up a hand to stroke her face as affectionately as he could. She nuzzled into his palm while she stroked it with her own hand, all the while never ceasing their kiss, so soft and affectionate. A tear fell from her eye. She didn't know why. She didn't feel like crying, nor did she feel saddened or hurt, but nonetheless, at that very moment, a tear fell from they eye of Fiora, for the first time in her life.
Her fingers curled around his hand, and she pulled it from the side of her face. Then, she lead it down both of their bodies. At one point, he took the lead himself, and so she returned her hand to between his shoulders, and pulled him against her once more. This is it... She thought. Her lazy kiss with him continued for a while, but she was hugging him more than anything else at the moment. She lay there, barely awake, completely unashamed, and just waiting. Waiting for him to take the next step. But that step was already being taken... though not exactly the way she expected it.
It took a while, but Fiora could eventually detect a faint, warm energy flowing through her body. Rolling through her as slow and warm as magma. It didn't take long for her to enjoy it, but it did take some time for her to find it's source. She could feel the warmth slowly intensify, and soon it was added to with little electric jolts every now and then. The kiss eventually broke, and the only form of communication she attempted was to breath into his ear, and kiss his cheek.
She approves...
No she doesn't! This is thin ice you're walking on... Very thin ice! And it's not water that awaits you below, but an endless plunge into fury and pain!
Well... what can I do? Stop? No. I need this... I want this! And I'm sure she does too. We both do. This is our decision. And I love her.
Do you?
Yes.
Do you really?
Yes!
Kent... do you really, truly love her?
I...
He pressed his lips against hers heatedly, to prove to himself how he felt about her. He could feel himself overwhelmed with so much desire for this woman, he thought he would die. And the way that she was kissing him, the way she tightly clutched him, the way she was arching her back ever so slightly did nothing but further fuel his want for her. He trailed his hand up her body, tracing his fingers almost enviously over her stomach and feeling the groves of her muscles just beneath her skin. They were muscles she had trained herself to harden at the slightest hint of danger. It was just another one of the things about her that he admired so much.
When his touch reached higher, she let out a low moan of pleasure through closed lips as he began to caress and lightly squeeze the soft skin he found there. For Fiora, it was a truly sensual feeling, and surprisingly relaxing at that. The sensations coursing through her felt different than the warmth from before. Now she felt more like her body were made of the finest ocean waters of her homeland, and every once in a while she felt like a raindrop of ice had fallen into her, sending ripples of pleasure through her whole body. She loved it. She felt his kiss linger away from her lips, and plant itself down her cheek and around her neck. She whispered his name in a silent voice. She waited for him to whisper her name in reply. He didn't.
"Kent...?" She moved her hand to his cheek and drew his chin up to look at her. He gave her a quick little smile, then almost immediately met her in another kiss. Her body complied, but her mind was elsewhere. Wait... how did this happen...?
It was... Wasn't it all just in the spur of the moment...?
Yes... yes, it was...
So... why? How did we get this far...?
Does it matter...?
Yes! Of course it matters! What am I doing with this man...? She continued to kiss him.
I'm... we're making love... aren't we...?
Love...? This... is supposed to be love...? This is just something that got out of control! It was just a kiss! I never meant for it to go this far!
Well it did... deal with it...
No! This is wrong. And not because it's immoral or impractical, but because it's just not right. I don't want this. I don't want things to be like this between him and I! I... if ever this were to happen between us... I wouldn't want it to be like this! She kept kissing him, but now, for some reason that she just couldn't explain, tears were beginning to build up in her eyes. But these tears were different from the one from earlier.
I would want this to be special... I wanted us to be happy, not stupid! There's no thought to this. It's empty, it's pointless, I'll regret this for the rest of my life.
It's not my fault... It never was! I never meant for it to happen like this...
I... I never wanted for any of this to happen. I was just following along... following... him!
Kent... No! No... No... He wouldn't! He wouldn't do this to me! He would never take advantage of me!
Wouldn't he? How long have you know him, Fiora? Oh, he's saved your skin plenty of times, and you've saved his, but how long have you know this man Fiora?
No!
How long has he know you? Long enough to tell you he loves you? No... not nearly long enough... He's been lying this whole time!
No! He wouldn't! Not Kent! No!
He has! He is! He's probably been planning this night in advance for weeks; waiting for the perfect opportunity to pick you when you were at your ripest. Think of the way he confessed to you! He could have easily gotten out of that had you declined... but you fell for him like the fool you are!
He was almost weeping... his eyes were filled with so much regret... and I was only just learning how much I yearned for him... How could I have said no...?
It was an act! Everything that's ever happened between us has been a act! When you first met him, he immediately tried showing off for you! He found that didn't work, so he changed his plan. He wanted you... he landed a lucky spot when he was designated to share a tent with you. How long...? How long has he watched you...? How many nights has he watched you in your sleep... took note of every aspect of your personality, and your lifestyle?
How long has he looked at me with lust in his eyes that I foolishly mistook for friendship...?
But I fell for him... All the same, I fell for him. I wanted him... wanted to be beside him... be with him. I even wanted to share this with him... and maybe one day... we would love each other. And neither of us would ever have to be alone. But it wasn't enough for you, Kent... was it?
He shifted his body around a bit, and with some personal relief, he discarded the last article of clothing between them. He didn't even think about it. His mind was made up. He embraced her tightly as he kept his lips locked with hers. Then, with a bit of courage, he slowly drew closer.
Kent. How could you do this? She could feel him driving into her. Violating her. Her tears finally streamed out of the corners of her eyes, and rolled down the sides of her cheeks in long, cold streaks. How could you betray me so? I thought you were my best friend. I thought I could trust you with my very life. You treated me with such kindness, such respect... such love. You were the greatest thing that came into my life, and I wanted us to be together forever. But you faked it all along. Kent... I loved you! Tears were now pouring from her eyes, You were the first and only man I had ever loved! Did that mean nothing to you!? How could you hurt me so? How could you lie to me by telling me that you loved me! How could you manipulate and exploit someone who had become your best friend and fallen for you?! Was it all just for my body? Was it all just so you could rape me!? Kent, why, why, why!
She felt something rip apart inside of her body, and she let out a cry of pain; breaking off the kiss in the process. "Fiora!" Kent burst out urgently as he quickly retracted himself, "Are you all right?" he asked as he looked upon her with eyes of concern.
"Oh, I'm fine Kent." Fiora said with the tiniest hint of sarcasm.
You're only raping me, you bastard!
Hit him! Strike him! You're not the helpless woman he makes you out to be! You can overcome him! Defend yourself!
He's already taken me... he's already made his damage permanent...
Well I never really was much of a maiden anyway. Besides... he's pinning me down... one drop of resistance and he'd probably tie me up and gag me! And I'm exhausted... I'm too tired to fight him... Fine! Let him have his fun! I swear Kent... I swear by the blood in my veins that thinking I played right into your hands was the biggest mistake you ever made! I'll kill you for what you've done to me! I'll take your life for destroying my own! For the time being, she just said with a touch more sarcasm, "Why don't you continue?"
"Fiora," he said in a soft yet serious voice, "I... dammit, what am I doing...? What was I thinking! I'm so sorry... I... I don't know how this got so far out of hand... we should just stop right now."
"What?" she asked in surprise.
"Fiora," he explained in a regretful tone, "I should have talked this over with you before we started... but it all happened so fast that I just wanted to keep going...! I wanted to keep the mood of... this. I can't believe I let it go this far. I'm so selfish. I didn't think about anything. Fiora... this is... I'll never forgive myself if I force myself upon you in any way. Fiora... I want you to know that the moment you kissed me, I knew I wanted to be with you... and I want us to share this, I really do! But not like this. I don't want it to be like this between us." He gulped, partially to take in some air, partially in surprise of the way he was talking, "Fiora... if this is too much, or too soon, or if you think that I am being too hasty; then let me know now... please. I want to be with you Fiora... but not without your consent. So... please tell me, Fiora... is this what you want? If it's not, then just tell me, and I will wait until you are ready. I promise."
Fiora slowly smiled at the man who had accidentally saved his own life. "Kent..." She sighed almost dreamily as he wiped the tears from her face with the gentle touch of his fingers.
He means it. I can tell.
Don't trust him! It's another lie! It's treachery!
Am I truly so cold that I would push this man away...? What was I thinking...? Sure... this isn't expected, nor did this go according to plan, let alone have a plan to begin with, but has any part of my life ever been like that? I want this... I can't imagine myself holding another man... and I can't imagine not holding you Kent... I can't imagine being without you this night... I want you Kent. I want to be with you.
You're a fool...
Then I'm a fool.
It was incredibly relieving to feel all of her worries washing away as she gently kissed his cheek. "Kent... you don't know how much that means to me."
"Then... you think we should stop?"
She almost laughed, but suppressed her giggles, "No... let's... let's keep going..." She kissed him far back on his cheek, and whispered right into his ear, "Kent... make love to me..."
He pulled back his head, and faced her, "Are you sure...?" There was sincerity in his voice. She appreciated it, but felt like a change was in order.
She suddenly pulled him into a kiss, completely without warning. She lingered on it for a moment, but then she broke off and they were eye-to-eye, their foreheads touching. "Kent..." She whispered with almost a smile playing across her lips, "don't make me force you..." Again, because of the darkness, she couldn't exactly see his face, but she could practically feel the smile he was displaying. Fiora's face came forward and their lips met as they were locked in another powerful kiss. It no longer seemed to be about sheer desire for one another... there was something more important at play here. They held each other. For an eternity it seemed, they held each other, almost as if they were kissing away the interruption from earlier. It was almost as exhilarating as the first time they kissed. With the slow passage of time, they eventually got back into their own personal tempo. A caress here, an Etrurian kiss there; it was all so natural to them now. Even though they were trying to recreate their special moment from before so they could continue, that didn't mean they couldn't take the long road.
Eventually, when that moment arrived, Kent slowly, carefully picked up where they had left off from before. Fiora could feel the pain from earlier return, but only in negligible amounts, and soon it ceased altogether. In its place, however, was a sensation that left all the others she'd had that night miles behind her, and she moaned into his mouth out of pure pleasure. Kent was almost overtaken by the sensations that poured over him as well, and he couldn't help but break off the kiss for a brief, much needed breath of fresh air. But with a tug on the back of his neck, he remade his kiss with her, and continued with even more vigor. She was taken over by the feelings that rippled through her body like waves crashing against the frozen shores of her homeland. Fiora had never been a dancer in any way, but there was a definite rhythm here that she fell right in with, getting the feeling that both of them were leading. She felt so whole, so complete, like an empty void in her life that she never knew was there had suddenly been filled up.
Kent picked up the pace ever so slightly, and Fiora quickly responded and kept up with it. Their speed increased at a consistent rate, as did the build-up of sweat on their bodies and the escalating demand for air. It wasn't long before Fiora broke off their kiss in favor of the air that she suddenly needed so badly, and she bit down on her lip to keep herself from going crazy. Their heavy breathing matched the beat of the movements of where they were connected. Kent was almost sent into shock at how truly amazing everything felt. The touch of her skin, the sound of her gentle panting and moaning, the feeling of her fingernails almost digging into his back... it all fueled him even further, and he continued with unrestrained enthusiasm. Fiora could feel the warm energy build up inside her again; this time more powerful than ever, and with each movement, it became more intense, and more exhilarating still. Her back seemed to arch even further with every breath she took, realizing that the energy was not just in her body, it was between the two of them; they were sharing this feeling.
With a last effort, their dance came to a crescendo, and she almost screamed in joy but he cut her off in a strong kiss as they were both sent spiraling into a synchronized climax. Every last muscle in their bodies became hard as rock, as though they were fused into one solid piece. They felt the warm energy they had created suddenly burst and wrap every crevice of their bodies in a soothing, relaxing, sensual flood of pleasure, and it felt as though every drop of energy they had was drained from them. They relaxed, weak in each other's arms, breathing heavily, their bodies covered in a thin film of sweat. Neither one of them moved. Fiora tilted her head back to get a bit more air, and negated all control over her body, going completely limp, and slowly let her toes uncurl. More than anything else, she knew she had to catch her breath. Kent was in very much the same situation, but he propped himself a bit up on his elbows, giving them both as much space as possible to breath, and allowing some room for ventilation over their bodies as well. I can't believe it... was all she could think, I can't... I can't believe it... Kent... Kent... After some time, she felt his cheek nudge her own, and her eyes opened to meet his. The both gave a modest smile, which was complimented in no small part by a blush from each of them. "I love you..." She managed to whisper just before he met her in a brief kiss. Her fingers traced his back with a delicate touch she never realized she had, and she could feel his body reacting to it appropriately. Without warning, another tear rushed down the corner of her eye as her lips lazily danced with his for a moment or two. She knew why she was comfortable now. She knew why she was happy now.
He wished this moment would never end. He wished to just kiss her forever, and keep holding her like this until the sun finally rose on both of them. For a while, his wishes were granted, and he indulged himself in the taste of her lips, the scent of her body, and every movement she made. But the late hours of this night would not grant him as much time as he wished for, and the bodily desire for sleep and rest soon overcame the emotional desire for the woman in his arms. And so, with some reluctance, he eventually broke the kiss, and rolled over to his side, unsure of what to say. This woman had touched him deep inside, in a way no one else ever had, and he felt almost in debt to her for that. Then he felt her fingers lace in with his, even as he watched her eyes close ever so gently, still smiling at him. "I love you, Fiora." He whispered as he leaned in and kissed her forehead. He no longer cared whether he knew the meaning of the words he spoke or not, because at that moment, none of that really mattered. There was just something about her that made him feel alive, and filled him with a sense of devotion to her, and that was all that was important to him. The smile on her face faded, and he felt the gentle grasp on his hand lessen as she sank into slumber.
It was only now that he felt drowsiness take ahold of him, and with what little energy he had left, he shifted about and pulled the only blanket he had over both of them. Kent usually used it only during cold conditions, but when he thought of the work involved in putting something on, not to mention dressing Fiora, he found the blanket to be a fine alternative. Once they were both adequately covered, he lay on his back, and let out a deep breath. His head was filled with thoughts of all that had just happened. Their first kiss. Their first real kiss. The thought of it still blew his mind away! The feel of her hair between his fingers. The way it felt to have her hands on his back, pulling him to her. And the dreamy touch of her skin. He had no idea whether they had done it 'right', but he did know it was an experience he would never forget. He felt her snuggle up against him in her sleep, and he closed his eyes. He saw every smile she had ever made. Every time she had saved his life. And every special moment he had spent with her from the moment he first met her, to the time she became his friend, to this very moment when she lay sleeping against him... and it was like a lullaby for him. Before too long, they were both asleep, and finally at peace. It had been a long day for both of them.
FIN!
Those of you who noticed the differences... congrats! Those of you who didn't, ignorance is bliss!
Hell, I rewrote this chapter because it was important to me more than anything else, and if any of you came back to read this new version, then that's just a bonus for me.
If you disapproved of this chapter in any way at all, then do not hesitate to flame me like you would anyone who would dare insult the greatest couple (in my opinion) in one of the greatest games of all time. (It's number one on my list!) After all, if I write for any reason other than for my own enjoyment, it's so that I can read what others thought of my work... how much they enjoyed it... how much they despised it... it doesn't matter to me. I always want to hear from you, no matter the content of your review. Thank you.
R&R, or give me a flame,
For I shall read them all the same.