To all my viewers, readers, reviewers, & followers: This is the payoff chapter I think everyone's been waiting for while reading my story. I thank you for sticking with it and enjoying what I've written. I've enjoyed creating this story. I got a little carried away with detail so I hope you like it. Also, due to included passages, the rating has been raised to M.
A/N: It's a long road to this point for Jeremy and Stefan. The journey went from recognizing the love to confirming it, testing it, approving it, and now consummating it. It's a step towards deepening and embracing their bond.
Chapter 7 - "Safe in the Arms of Love"
"So, how did she take it?" Stefan asked. He was seated at Jeremy's desk with a book opened. It was a copy of Pride and Prejudice. "I've read this book a thousand times. It doesn't age." Stefan dropped the book back on the desk and stood up. He shoved his hands into his pockets. "So, what's the verdict?"
"Surprisingly, she's OK," Jeremy said stepping forward. "She took it better than I expected. Or, maybe my brain just overanalyzed it all."
Stefan reached out for Jeremy's hands and pulled him closer. They came face to face, body to body. Stefan wrapped his arms around Jeremy's waist. They breathed in each other's scents. Jeremy closed his eyes as Stefan kissed his lips. A jolt of electricity ran from point of contact down through his body. Jeremy moved his hands around Stefan's back to close the circle. Now in a complete embrace, they became inseparable.
Stefan and Jeremy's tongues danced, exploring the other's taste, testing the other's limit. Weakness came over Jeremy's legs and he began to lose his balance. Blood was rushing into every available area of his body. Parts of him were waking up, becoming aware; becoming of the moment. He couldn't remember ever feeling like this with Bonnie, Vicki, or Anna. Did Stefan bring out something different in him? Was Stefan the very body his own flesh had been waiting for all this time?
Jeremy's mind wandered during the onslaught of endless, passionate kisses and tongue wars. He felt Stefan's hands exploring his upper back and reach down to his lower back stopping just at the top of his jeans. One hand slipped around and held his waist, while the other hand played with the belt and the belt loop. Jeremy's heart beat wildly out of anticipation of Stefan's next move. Stefan's hand slid between Jeremy's smooth back and the belt. It moved down behind Jeremy's jeans and rested for a moment as Jeremy slightly gasped. Stefan's hand continued and he began to slide his middle finger in Jeremy's crack.
A soft moan emitted from Jeremy and he momentarily broke contact from Stefan's lips. His eyes still shut, he felt Stefan kiss the lids, sweetly and softly. Jeremy's lids raised and a sort of haze crossed before him. It was like a strange halo of light surrounding Stefan. He was angelic, majestic; a blonde god with dark eyes. Jeremy's lips parted, but only breath escaped. No words could describe what he felt and his brain helped him out by not letting any sounds escape. Jeremy was in rapture.
Stefan inhaled Jeremy's scent. A mixture of human smells filled his nostrils. Even after 165 years, Stefan found it amazing that he could still "breathe." As long as blood flowed in his veins, his body behaved like a living human. His lungs could still fill with air, but only when he chose to inhale. He breathed in Jeremy, unwilling to let the taste of him escape. Stefan tasted Jeremy's natural scent - or perfume, as Stefan liked to name it. It was on his lips, his throat, his lungs, and seeped into his veins. He felt the odor rush to his brain, clouding his thoughts, or rather narrowing his thoughts. One thing was now on Stefan's mind: Jeremy.
Since Stefan didn't need to breathe, he often forgot to let his counterpart do so. With his left hand on Jeremy's hips and the right exploring Jeremy's ass, he was a bit surprised then concerned when Jeremy broke away. He realized that Jeremy simply needed to catch his breath. Stefan didn't want that to happen. He knew that if Jeremy disengaged the night might be over. Stefan didn't want to push Jeremy beyond his comfort zone, but it was all Stefan could do to keep his lustful desire in check.
"Stefan-" Jeremy started half gasping and half moaning. "I- I need a breath." Jeremy placed one hand over Stefan's heart and pressed. It was a motion to pause the romantic entanglement. Stefan reluctantly removed his right hand from Jeremy and rested it on Jeremy's hip. Stefan didn't want to let him go. He wanted him to stay; to stay in this moment.
"OK," Stefan murmured, still attempting to kiss Jeremy's mouth. Jeremy moaned again, but pulled back and collapsed upright on the edge of the bed. Stefan sat down next to him and stroked his hair. He pushed strays away from Jeremy's eyes. He traced a delicate line across Jeremy's bottom lip.
"How far do you want to go tonight, Jer?" Stefan asked. He paused touching Jeremy and instead rested his hand on Jeremy's thigh, then his knee.
Jeremy's breath slowed as did his heart. Stefan heard the pulsating muscle relocate a slower, natural rhythm. It was like coming down from a high, or at least recovering from riding a rollercoaster or running a mile. Jeremy's emotions were haphazard. He was feeling so much at the same time: his intense love for Stefan, his inexperience with another man, and his biological reactions to Stefan and to this moment. His thoughts swirled around as if being stirred by an invisible entity. One thought emerged from the rest. One image wrestled to the surface. One intention presented a clear picture for the night. He wanted Stefan. He wanted him. Jeremy was unafraid of the physical complications that were sure to arise. He didn't care.
Jeremy looked into Stefan's eyes. They were eyes of understanding, of passion, and of wisdom. Stefan was an honest, compassionate creature. Jeremy felt safe and loved.
"I'll let you know," Jeremy said finally. He leaned over and kissed Stefan, harder and fuller this time. His courage strengthened, Jeremy reached out and held Stefan's cheek, sliding to the jaw. Looking at the pair, you might think it strange that such a strong, young man would be as hesitant as he. The same could be said about the statuesque, resolute figure the young man was kissing. He, too, was hesitant, but it seemed to be out of caution. The young man's hesitance was out of ignorance, or timidity. It was undeniable that love was transpiring. It was obvious that passion and desire was flowing freely. The next step depended on each man's confidence in himself and the other.
After a few moments of passionate kisses, Jeremy opened his eyes and peered into Stefan's own. What they were searching for was unknown, possibly even to the young man. Was he looking for assurance? Was he looking for a semblance of the vampire's former self? Was he looking for a soul? One will never know. All that is known is Jeremy was ready. He was ready for love.
Jeremy kissed Stefan once again. A fire begun at the start of the night was now growing; it was burning inside out. It prickled in his abdomen. It smoked out the butterflies, the uneasiness. For the first time that night Jeremy's body was awake.
Jeremy leaned back on his elbows momentarily leaving Stefan seated at the edge of the bed. Stefan turned and watched him. His eyes, at first curious, became deeper brown, as if a fire was rekindled. Jeremy then laid flat, his head rested against the bed's comforter. He breathed in and then out. He felt Stefan move from the bed. Strangely, it became quiet. Jeremy's eyes cast forward down from the ceiling to see Stefan standing before him. Stefan then moved forward and one arm at a time, then one knee after the other, he hovered over Jeremy.
They were two bodies disconnected by space, which was heating up with each second slipping passed. Stefan lingered over Jeremy, gazing down into his eyes. His breath was hot and smooth. Stefan then carefully and purposefully descended until the two bodies were connected. The heat closed together, the air between them breathed out. Their lips pushed together. Stefan placed one hand over Jeremy's head, caressing the messy hair, while the other hand touched Jeremy's shoulder. The tongues remained in a heated dance. Jeremy's hands alternated between rubbing Stefan's back to sliding down to his ass. Mostly, Jeremy simply held onto Stefan as if he was afraid if he let go Stefan would disappear.
A breath escaped between the two men. They opened their eyes to view one another. Jeremy's heart was beating steadily, but strongly and without hesitation he touched Stefan's face. He drew him closer and down to his lips. Stefan kissed him once again. Jeremy was wrapped in rapturous emotion. He was sweating and realized his clothing was tightening.
As if in agreement, Stefan sat up and rested on his haunches. He slipped his fingers at the lowest edges of the thin shirt that encased his heated body. He slowly, but surely slipped it off and freed his body of this restraint. Stefan looked down at Jeremy, whose eyes were taking it all in. He had seen Stefan shirtless before, but not in a situation like this. The body was glistening in the glow of the soft white ceiling light.
Jeremy was in awe of this perfect specimen of preserved masculinity. Stefan's neck was soft but chiseled. His chest was smooth but hard. His abdomen was flat but supple. Stefan waited, watching Jeremy observe his naked torso. Jeremy leaned up on his left elbow. With his right hand, he touched Stefan's naked belly. He caressed the bumps of the abdomen, the hardened nipples, the smooth skin, and the exposed part of Stefan's collarbone. His hand slipped down and rested on Stefan's belt buckle. Jeremy licked his lips, his mouth watered slightly. Was this the next move to make?
Anticipating Jeremy's uncertainty, Stefan wrapped his hand around Jeremy's wrist and leaned over him. He kissed the fingertips, one at a time, and then he inserted one or two fingers into his mouth. He leaned down further and reconnected his mouth with Jeremy's.
No words to this point had passed between the two men. No words were necessary. Two minds think simultaneously in times of lust, desire, and love. Even with Jeremy's virginal experience with men, his love overcame the fear and the uncertainty. Jeremy met Stefan beat for beat and breath for breath. Two hearts pulsated in tandem. To break the moment would be sinful.
Stefan again shifted backward onto his haunches. Jeremy leaned up and felt Stefan's hands on his belt. His heart leaped with sudden panic, but he realized what Stefan was doing. Jeremy lifted his back slightly so that Stefan could remove Jeremy's shirt. Once removed, Stefan leaned down, pushing Jeremy down as well, and dropped the sweaty shirt to the floor with his own.
Shirtless, naked torsos touched for the first time. Quiet electricity passed between them like a computer just turned on. A hum was starting; some things were coming to life. Stefan kissed Jeremy's neck with fervor before passing down to his chest. Stefan remained kissing, licking and sucking on Jeremy's nipples. He swirled his tongue around one then the other. It drove Jeremy into a fright of passion and he arched his shoulders and his mouth dropped open. But it was nothing compared to where Stefan was heading.
Stefan slipped backward. His tongue slid down Jeremy's chest cavity and with his nose he softly touched the ribs, which were protruding now that Jeremy was arching his back to meet Stefan's lips. Stefan slid his tongue into Jeremy's navel causing Jeremy to giggle. Stefan smiled realizing he found a soft spot on Jeremy's body. His hot breath all over Jeremy's abdomen, Stefan knew the next phase, so he proceeded with caution and with ease.
Stefan touched Jeremy's belt buckle and gently tugged. Once free, he playfully, slowly, teasingly slid the belt from the jeans forcing Jeremy to raise his hips. Jeremy felt strange raising his hips towards Stefan, as if he were raising them to heaven. He had described Stefan as an angel; an almost luminous glow surrounded him. Jeremy was struck by the beauty Stefan's face, frame, and smile combined. In the moment, Jeremy was blind to the vampire and focused on the man.
Jeremy felt Stefan's fingers unfasten the top button of his jeans. Stefan's eyes rarely left Jeremy's face as if at any moment Jeremy might pull back. Jeremy felt nothing but desire for Stefan and he was now passed the point of return. Jeremy succumbed to the heady moment. He felt Stefan's fingers grip the zipper and drag down. Jeremy gasped as Stefan's knuckles contacted his hardened penis. A heated blush surfaced on Jeremy's face. He felt Stefan's fingers trace the shaft through the jeans. Jeremy's mouth fell open again, he bit his lip tenderly. Stefan reached up and affixed his hands to either side of the jeans at Jeremy's hips. He tucked his fingers under and gradually pulled them down. In unison, Jeremy arched his pelvis and felt the jeans disappear and with them his boxers soon followed. Stefan eliminated the suspense and took both clothing pieces together.
Once exposed, Jeremy's hardness flopped onto his flat abdomen. His scrotum rested between his thighs. Fully naked Jeremy thought he would feel afraid, ashamed, or uncertain, but all he felt was hot, lusty, and intoxicated. Stefan pulled the clothing off and dropped them onto the floor. He pulled Jeremy's legs, gently, to the edge of the bed until Jeremy's knees easily bended over the side. Stefan knelt before him and Jeremy closed his eyes.
Stefan touched the base of Jeremy's penis. With his left hand, Stefan gently held and then squeezed Jeremy's scrotum. His fingers ran over each while the other hand slid from Jeremy's knee up to his shaft. Stefan wrapped his palm around the base and slid his hand up to the tip. He then bent forward and sweetly kissed the base and delivered several kisses until he reached the head. His tongue reached out and encircled the head, leaving it wet and glistening in the bedroom light. The shaft pulsated beneath Stefan's palm and the scrotum heated within his grasp.
Stefan gazed upward and caught Jeremy looking down at him. His eyes were slits and he was poised on his elbows. No words escaped, but a look passed between the two men. It was a look of trust, of love, and of lust. Stefan paused for a second soaking in Jeremy's gorgeous eyes, his scent, and his manhood. Stefan refocused his eyes on Jeremy's penis and plunged down on the shaft. It filled his entire mouth and Stefan could not quite insert the entire hardness inside. He did his best, and it was apparently enough since Jeremy was pumping his hips with Stefan's sucking. Low, but deep moans surfaced from Jeremy and it only made Stefan dive deeper. He swirled his tongue around every inch of Jeremy. He played with Jeremy's scrotum and occasionally alternated between sucking on the shaft and the scrotum. Jeremy's heartbeat increased and his breathing became heavier.
Stefan brought Jeremy close to the edge several times before finally allowing a release. Jeremy grunted and filled Stefan with his ejaculation. Stefan swallowed every last ounce of Jeremy's emission. It tasted sweet and Stefan eagerly swirled his tongue around the head and the shaft while the last seconds of spasms played out. Jeremy flopped backwards on the bed and emitted many ragged breaths and finally a reply.
"Wow," Jeremy said. "I've never been, well, sucked like that before." Stefan stood, wiped his lips and chin, and laid himself down next to Jeremy. He touched Jeremy's hair and massaged his arm. Stefan then slid his finger along Jeremy's chin and eyed his face.
"You're not my first, Jer," Stefan said smiling and then he gently kissed Jeremy's cheek, ear, and neck. Jeremy turned his face to gaze at Stefan. They exchanged a short, sweet kiss that almost seemed like payment for services rendered. However, it went beyond that. A door had opened between them tonight and it was not to be shut.
"Can we just lay like this for awhile, Stefan?" Jeremy asked watching Stefan's face as he caressed Jeremy's bare shoulder.
"Sure," Stefan replied, "Whatever you want. I've all the time in the world. I'll wait for you."
They kissed again before Stefan rose to turn out the ceiling light. He quickly lay back down close to Jeremy. Stefan wrapped his arm around Jeremy as the youth lay his head against his bare chest. They remained in this warm embrace until Jeremy closed his eyes and drifted in sleep. Stefan lay awake for some time thinking about what had transpired. He was so full of love and passion for Jeremy that he was sure he would burst with anticipation for their next tryst. He, too, soon drifted, but it was not before he watched Jeremy's breath become steady with sleep.
With the moonlight cascading through the white curtains, a scene was created that resembled knight and prince, man and lover. The first man, body and head slightly raised against a pillow, seemed the guardian and the caregiver. The second man, body half turned and head against the first man's chest, seemed the protected and the innocent. It was a sight of unity. It was a sight of pure love.
A/N: This is not where the story ends. Please be patient. To be continued...