I am a bit nervous with this chapter. It's my first time venturing into creating a love scene. I tried to make it tasteful and not too explicit. (Still feels a little scary to post!) With most of my work I typically stay in the T ratings, but I have been thinking of pushing out of my comfort zone. I started this a few months back, but then let it sit on my laptop. I had a couple days off of work because of the 4th of July holiday so I decided to finish it and test out my love writing ability between a pair of characters I really like and find so tragic. Anyways, thank you for taking the time to read my work and I hope you enjoy!

Fleeting Moment

Part 2

Ban did everything in his power to provoke the Holy Knights. The greater the torture, the more eager he became. The Holy Knights gladly obliged his increased masochistic desires though some considered it downright bizarre. Holy Knight Friesia swore the Greed Sin was muttering some crazy oath under his breath after every punishing session.

Ban tracked the days with increasing furor and trepidation. He had absolutely no clue if this crazy scheme would even work. However, he had nothing to lose thus he poured every bit of his spilled blood into his pleas. Finally, the long awaited night approached. Ban was practically quivering with nervous tension, his muscles coiled tight.

"It's tonight, isn't it?" Alfred queried.

"Yeah, sure is." Ban leaned his head back against the cold stone wall of his prison, trying to have it cool his feverish brain. He started as he felt something wet and frothy touch his cheek. Shock was evident on his face as Alfred applied more shaving cream before pulling out a razor. He carefully shaved the unkempt, full beard Ban was currently sporting.

"Can't having you looking like some vagabond when you see your lady again," Alfred supplied with a soft smile.

"You really are something else," Ban replied, gratitude in his tone. He had completely forgotten about his appearance. Alfred trimmed his unruly hair as well until Ban looked like his former, handsome bandit self.

"I don't know you plan to write the blood phrase while you're still in chains?" Alfred said with a slight frown. Ban chuckled.

"Don't you worry, I've got my ways."

Alfred just shook his head, probably thinking he was delusional if he planned to break free which is exactly what Ban had in mind. Alfred gathered his things, purposely leaving Ban's gag off. He most likely would be punished for his rebellious actions, but for once Alfred didn't care. It felt good to help someone else try to achieve something they longed for.

"Thank you Alfred," Ban said. Alfred gave him a wave and grin and then he was gone. Ban wasted no time. With inhuman strength, he wretched his impaled body from the wall, taking the massive spikes with him. He quickly ripped the spikes from his body and tossed them to the side.

With shaking fingers, he wrote the phrase with his rapidly drying blood. He stepped back, heart hammering in his immortal chest. Suddenly a blinding light exploded in the cell, a great, glowing horn appearing in the center of the room.

"Ban, Fox Sin of Greed, I have heard your pleas and received your offering of blood," the Goddess spoke, her voice deep and ancient. "You will have until daybreak with your beloved. That is all the time your suffering has bought. Use it wisely."

"I shall Goddess. Thank you for accepting my sacrifice," Ban said solemnly. The Goddess disappeared and Ban closed his eyes. He could see her delicate body in his mind's eye, blond hair gently flowing in the morning breeze, golden eyes staring deeply into his…

His crimson eyes flared open and there before him she stood. Gold clashed with red as disbelief reflected on both their faces. Elaine took a timid step forward, her frail hand outstretched.

"Ban, is it really you?" she breathed. Suddenly she was swept off her feet and gathered into Ban's powerful arms. Tears streaming down her face, she buried her head in his muscular chest.

"Elaine, you're back," Ban said shakily, tears threatening to spill from his own eyes. She lifted her head at the sound of his voice, a radiant smile spreading across her angelic face.

Ban sank to the ground, Elaine carefully nestled in his embrace. Her hand shyly reached up to stroke his face, marveling to see once more the bandit and hero she fell in love with.

"I've missed you so much," she murmured.

"As have I," Ban replied, leaning forward to rest his forehead against hers.

"It's a miracle to be in your arms. How am I even here? Where is here anyway?" she asked, confusion flittering across her face as she took in the dismal surroundings of Ban's cell.

"Well it's kinda of long story," Ban said sheepishly, scratching the back of his head, "I was framed for something I didn't do, then captured by Holy Knights, and brought to the stronghold Baste. I discovered something called a pain tithe and used my blood to beseech the Goddess to let me see you again."

"You foolish man, always getting into trouble." Elaine shook her though she couldn't help, but smile. "I guess some things never change."

"No, they don't," Ban smirked. His hand threaded through her silken locks until he grasped the base of her neck. Ever so gently he pulled her closer until his lips met hers in a chaste kiss. He deepened the kiss, greedily absorbing her sighs as his lips devoured hers. He was surprised as Elaine broke the kiss. Her eyes gleamed a brilliant gold in the darkness and Ban felt his desire for her burn even hotter. His surprise continued as Elaine gently pushed him to the ground so she was straddling his taunt midsection.

Elaine leaned down, licking her lips as she gazed at the bandit who had stolen her heart. She did not know how long they had, but she intended on making the most of this fleeting moment. She trailed kisses along the column of his exposed throat, inhaling deeply his masculine scent. She shyly nipped at the junction between Ban's neck and collarbone, eliciting a throaty growl from the man below her. Suddenly Elaine found herself on the ground with Ban on top, pressing his muscular form into her softer one. An unreadable expression flittered across his face as he gazed down on his beautiful woman. He appeared to be deliberating within himself and Elaine felt her curiosity build. He took a deep breath, shoving his nerves aside.

"Elaine, I've never been very good with humans or saying what's on my mind, but I need you to know…I love you," Ban confessed, drawing her small hand to press against his thundering heart. Elaine sucked in a breath, tears once more swimming in her eyes at his admission.

"You stole my heart Ban," Elaine replied softly, "but gave me everything in return. I never thought I would find love, yet here you are. I love you and will always no matter what happens." Ban's face broke into a wide grin.

"You have no idea how incredibly happy that makes me to hear you say that nor how desirable you are to me," he said huskily, his tone sending shivers down her spine.

"Then tonight show me," Elaine said shyly, her face turning a lovely shade of red. Ban swallowed thickly, momentarily stunned by her request.

"You truly want this?" he asked, crimson eyes searching hers. She nodded, though nervous. Ban sat up gathering her in his arms and settling her on his lap once more, his lips tenderly kissing her pale throat.

"Thank you Elaine," he murmured, "and I will make sure you feel nothing, but pleasure." Ever so slowly his fingers came to the back of her white dress, slowly unzipping the garment. Elaine felt the cold night air kiss her back as Ban delicately removed her dress, baring her nude body to his heated gaze. She felt embarrassed being so utterly exposed to him and her arms automatically went to cover her breasts, but Ban stopped her.

"You're perfect," he said tenderly, his right hand coming to cup her breast, thumb gently stroking the little bud until it hardened under his caress. Elaine let out a soft moan as pleasure stabbed deep in her core at Ban's ministrations. His mouth replaced his hand as he suckled on the sensitive nub causing her to moan louder. His hand now trailed down her side, past the flare of her hip, until he reached her most intimate place.

Thumb stroking her hidden pearl, he carefully inserted one, long finger into her entrance, groaning as her heat and wetness enveloped his digit. He moved his face from his breast to stare at her face as her pleasure built.

Elaine trembled, her mind going blank as her whole body wound tight in preparation for something. Ban added another finger, pumping slowly in and out while his strokes increased in speed. Suddenly, she cried out as her entire body seized and released, pure ecstasy overtaking her.

Ban was beyond hard as he felt her inner walls clamp down on his fingers, her cries of satisfaction filling his ears. Pride welled up in his chest, knowing he was the one to bring her to this blissful state. She slumped forward against his body, taking in swallow breaths. Ban extracted his fingers and for the first time she felt strangely empty. Ban kissed the top of her head before gently laying her atop her discarded dress. He stood, quickly shedding his pants and freeing his now painful arousal.

Elaine watched him undress, eyes widening as she took in his male form. Hard, rippling pectorals transitioned to define abs before her eyes settled on his large, jutting member. She felt slight trepidation, but pushed the fear aside. If his fingers could make her feel so good, having him inside her probably would feel incredible.

Ban slowly crawled atop her body, nuzzling the side of neck. Elaine's hips bucked on reflex when she felt his hardened length pressing against her belly.

"Are you ready for me to continue?" Ban asked, kissing her lips.

"Yes," Elaine replied breathlessly. Ban took himself in hand and pressed against her entrance. He groaned as her inviting heat and wetness engulfed him. Elaine felt her body stretching to accommodate him. She was pleasantly surprised she didn't feel pain and surmised her recent orgasm relaxed her enough to accept Ban's intrusion. She felt indescribable joy as they came together in the most intimate of unions between man and woman.

Ban paused a moment, savoring the exquisite sensation of being joined to the woman he loved. Slowly he pulled out before penetrating her once more, setting a comfortable rhythm. In time, Elaine began to match his thrusts, pleasure building as Ban reached a place deep within her. His speed increased as her moans became louder, her inner walls spasming around him. With a loud cry she came a second time, muscles clenching onto Ban's length, causing him to release with mighty groan. They lay still for a moment, basking in the afterglow of their lovemaking.

Ban carefully sat up drawing Elaine with him to lean against his prison wall. She smiled, listening to the gentle thudding of his heart while he caressed her back.

"I never knew it could be so wonderful," she said, eyes wide and radiant.

"I'm glad to hear because it felt amazing for me too," Ban replied.

Elaine wrapped her arms around his waist, squeezing him fiercely and wishing she could hold onto this moment forever. The afterlife cast her adrift in a sea of loneliness; being with him made her desire to stay all the more painful. Why did fate constantly mock and seek to separate them? She noticed her body began to feel strange and fear crawled up her spine as realization set it. She gasped and Ban's eyes widen in horror as Elaine started to fade.

"I don't want to leave you," she whimpered, desperately clutching him.

"Not yet!" he shouted, vainly trying to hold onto her disappearing body. Her golden eyes turned to look at him, trying to memorize his face.

"Thank you Ban. I am glad for the moment we had together," she said, translucent fingers reaching to cup his face. "I love you," she whispered and she was gone.

"No," Ban screamed. He slammed his fists into the stone floor, turning it into pile of rubble. Tears streamed down his face as he relieved the loss of Elaine yet again. Sorrow overwhelmed him until he felt completely hollowed out inside. Out of the corner of his eye, he spied a small lock of blond hair. On trembling limbs, he crawled over and grasped the golden strands in the palm of his hand. Red eyes blazing, he stood and a fierce resolve returned to his battered soul.

"Elaine, no matter what it takes, I vow I will steal you back from death. I will not rest until you are mine."

The End