Christmas morning Sara was delighted to find Michael still in bed beside her when she woke. In fact, he was still asleep which was rare. So many times over the last few months, she'd wake up to find him watching her. When he'd see her eyes open, he'd reach out and pull her to him for a good morning kiss that would knock the breath right out of her.
This morning it was her turn. She lay on her side for several minutes and just took in the beauty that was Michael. He'd let his hair grow out a little for the winter. It was as long as she'd ever seen it, although it was still short. His face was fully relaxed as he slept, another aspect of Michael which was rare to see. His mind was constantly working on something it seemed.
As her eyes moved down his body, she saw where his skin disappeared behind his ink. Muscles she'd felt under her fingers many times weren't easily seen behind the camouflage. She itched to feel those muscles, but held back. It wasn't often she got this unshielded view of him. Moving her eyes lower still, she saw where the blanket fell around his hips and tangled with his legs.
Finally unable to resist, she moved so that her body was only inches from his. She could feel his breath on her face. Reaching out, Sara used the tips of her fingers to delicately begin tracing the lines that covered his heart. It'd been a while since she'd taken the time to do this. The drawings on his chest were so detailed, so complicated; so beautiful, just like the man himself.
Smiling, she remembered yesterday. It'd been a wonderful day, ending with Harry bringing them back to their apartment where Michael had yet another surprise for her. He'd led her directly into the bathroom where he began running a bath. Slowly he'd undressed her and then himself.
Michael had spent the rest of the night pampering her, washing and then massaging every inch of her. Whenever she'd tried to reach out and reciprocate, he'd pull back looking at her with that sly grin of his and tell her she was spoiling his present. Finally she'd given in and let him have his way. The night ended in him making love to her and them falling asleep in each other's arms. A slight movement brought her out of her reverie.
Michael had been awake the moment she'd touched him. Living in a prison for over eighteen months taught you to sleep light if you wanted to survive. He'd been trying to keep still, however, and he'd been doing pretty good until her hand began to stray a little lower and then a little lower. She was still quite a ways away from what he hoped was her ultimate destination but the thought of her holding him, caressing him had been his undoing.
He saw her raise veiled eyes up to met his. The shy smile she gave at seeing him awake made him swallow hard. They'd been together long enough now to know what they could do to each other.
When Sara looked up at him, she saw the heat in his eyes and felt a slight shudder vibrate through him when she'd gave him a small smile. She realized once he'd moved where her hand was trailing. It hadn't been her intent. Well maybe it had, smiling again to herself.
Taking advantage of his already aroused state, she looked back up at him and held his eyes as her hand slowly continued lower. When it met the sheet, she flattened her hand and slipped first her fingers and then her hand under the thin barrier. She felt Michael turn slightly to give her better access. Her hand found its mark as she wrapped her fingers around him and squeezed slightly.
Michael's eyes closed momentarily as he sucked in a deep breath to steady himself. Both of them were still naked from their lovemaking the night before and he was trying not to just flip her onto her back and take over. She'd positioned herself so she could still firmly hold on to him but was also able to reach the line where his inked skin met the skin that was still bare with her mouth. He felt her lips on his chest and then her tongue. Looking down to meet her eyes again, he found she was now tracing the lines of his tattoo with her lips. After a few delicious minutes, he knew what she was doing. She was slowly making her way down his chest, tracing each picture as she went.
She felt him bring his hands up to surround her face. His breathing was getting heavier the lower she went. It'd taken her a month or so to realize just what a gift Michael was giving her by letting her do this to him. He was always in control but at times like this, times when he would let her make love to his body, he gave up control to her. He let his guard down. And although she hadn't thought it was possible, it had made her love him even more.
Michael knew what was coming before it happened. He closed his eyes tight and took in a deep breath to prepare himself. It didn't help, it never did. His hands tightened on her scalp both trying to hold her in place and pull her away at the same time. Feeling her mouth close around him, she French kissed him and his hips rose to get closer to her tongue.
Suddenly the heat disappeared. Michael's eyes flew open. Looking down he saw Sara staring back at him with mischief in her eyes. Once she knew she had his attention, she hand walked her way up his body and raised herself to straddle him.
With her legs bracketing his hips, she slowly sat down. Closing her eyes, a low moan escaped her lips as she slid down onto him. Gripping her hips, he crunched his stomach muscled to pulled himself into a sitting position.
When Sara opened her eyes again, the mischief had been replaced by pure heat. Closing the few inched separating them, Michael's pulled her to him. Naked chest to naked chest, his lips found hers.
Despite the heat she'd seen reflected in his eyes, his kiss was firm but not aggressive. His tongue was licking and exploring, not demanding. He was holding her to him but not letting her move like she so desperately wanted to.
Finally a soft moan came from her throat and she heard a low growl in response. Seconds later, he ended the kiss and she found him looking at her with more love and desire than she'd ever thought possible. Ever thought she deserved. He shifted his hands slightly and began to move them both slowly, deliberately.
Her breathing was coming harder and so was his but still he kept the same pace, not allowing her to increase it. He shifted slightly; bringing is knees off the bed and leaned her back. With one hand still on her hip he continued his movement, pulling her down onto him. With the other he reached between them and began to stroke her.
Sara's eyes grew wide as his hand moved over her sensitive flesh. Her lungs felt like they couldn't get enough air. When she found his eyes again, he didn't look like he was doing any better. His mouth was slightly open and his eyes were studying her but they were glazed with heat. With one final thrust and a flick of his finger, her head fell back and her inner muscles clung to him as she found her release. Michael rode her climax and continued to move but it wasn't long until he was tumbling after her.
As she began to catch her breath again, Sara sat back up and circled her arms around Michael bringing her mouth to his ear. "Merry Christmas." She whispered.
A low chuckle was his response. Bringing her face back level with his she met his eyes and gave him a soft kiss.
Bringing his hands up to surround her face, he pushed her long tresses behind her ears so he could see her face clearly. "Is that my Christmas present?" he asked with amusement.
Taking his hands in her own, she gave him one last quick peck on the lips before lifting herself off him. She sashayed toward the bathroom and said, "Nope. Just a little preview."
Michael laid his head back against the headboard and closed his eyes for a minute to take everything in. This was their first Christmas together and already it was more than he could have ever hoped for. He was happier than he could remember and it was because of her. Sitting back up, he swung his feet to the floor and followed her into the bathroom.
~
Their shower together had been fun, playful. Michael was in a very good mood and so was Sara. They'd spent a wonderful day together yesterday and today they were headed over to have Christmas dinner with Lincoln and LJ.
After eating a late breakfast, Sara realized they'd never discussed when they were going to open their presents to each other. She wanted to give him his before they left so after finishing their food she grabbed his hand, pulled him into the living room and onto the couch.
"What's going on?" he asked with a small smile.
Sara walked over to the closet and pulled out a square looking package. "I want you to open your gift before we leave," she said as she came over to sit beside him.
"Just a minute," Michael said as he disappeared into the bedroom. Two minutes later he was back with a small box in his hand.
Sara was curious now seeing the little box. The last time Michael had produced a small box for her it had contained the engagement ring she now wore and she wonder what on earth he'd gotten her this time. They both sat in silence for a few moments until finally Michael stretched out his hand and gave her the box. "You first."
Sara handed Michael's gift to him, he set it beside him and waited for her to begin. She held the small box in her hands almost afraid to open it. Looking up at him, he smiled and she smiled back. Turning her attention back to the box, she removed the wrapping paper and opened what was obviously a box from a jewelry store. Lifting the lid, she saw inside was a gold necklace. At the end of the chain were three flowers; a red rose, a white lily, and a red and white rose. She heard him say, "I know you've kept the flower I gave you but it's getting ragged and you can't really carry it with you, so I wanted to give you something you could have close to you at all times. Something that would last." And then almost on a whisper he added, "The red rose represents courage, respect and love. The lily represents purity, and the red and white rose represents unity and togetherness."
Running her hand along the delicate piece, she remained silent. He was right. She'd kept the flower with her the entire time they'd been apart and even with him by her side now, she couldn't bring herself to get rid of it. I was a part of her, just like he was.
Michael was beginning to get nervous. What if she didn't like it? He really hadn't known what to get her. The women he'd dated in the past had always liked jewelry, but Sara was different. Maybe she didn't like it. "Sara…" Her head came up at hearing her name and when he saw her eyes were glazed over with unshed tears he wasn't sure what to make of it. "I'm sorry. I just…"
Sara brought two fingers up to rested on his lips to quite him. "I love it Michael. Thank you." Bringing her attention back down to the box, she reached in and removed the necklace. Turning it over in her hands, she noticed the small engraving on the back, Love Michael. She'd been holding back the tears but this time a single one fell. Lifting the necklace she turned to him, "Will you help me?"
Taking the necklace from her, he helped her put it on. Once the clasp was closed, Michael's hands lay on her shoulders and instinctively she leaned back into him. "Thank you." Before she could get lost in him she made herself move. Turning back around to face him, she pointed to the package she'd handed him earlier. "Your turn," she smiled.
Michael picked up the package and his mind took in its dimensions. As he removed the first section of wrapping paper his eyes fell on the crane. Making quick work of the rest of the paper, he realized it was a photo album with an origami crane embossed on the front cover.
Looking up with questions in his eyes, "Open it." She said. Turning back to the gift he now held, he opened the first page and for a moment he forgot to breath. It was a picture of him and Linc and his mom. Running his fingers over the picture he asked in a choked voice, "How did you…?"
"Lincoln." She said simply. "I told him what I wanted to do and he helped me gather up as many family pictures as we could get our hands on."
He continued to flip through the pages and found an old wedding photo of his mom and dad, along with several other pictures of him and Linc. There were also pictures of his graduation from college and of LJ as a baby. When he got to the end of the pictures, he noticed there were blank pages. Figuring there'd just been more pages in the album than pictures he closed the book. "Thank you Sara."
"There's one more thing Michael." He gave her a confused look. "There's a picture missing." When he still gave no sign of recognition she added, "Us. There needs to be a picture of us."
Sara went on to explain that she'd arranged for the four of them to go to a portrait studio tomorrow and have their pictures taken. All the photos in the album were at least ten years old and very firmly she told him she thought it was time to have some new ones. When she'd finished, Michael didn't know what to say so he didn't say anything. Instead he reached out and pulled her into his arms, burring his face in her hair.
Sara just held on tight.