Rose's face was aching by the time they caught up to Lindsey and Gohan, who happily handed Goten over to his father. She certainly didn't feel like attending a party. She pressed against her eye with the heel of her hand, trying to see where she was going with only one eye.
"You should'a decked that bitch, Rose!" Sabriena said as she skipped alongside the taller woman. "I should'a decked her for you."
Rose shook her head slightly, "No. I think your friend over there put the fear of God into her. That should do it," she said, jerking her thumb over her shoulder at Vegeta.
They entered the living room of Capsule Corp where their friends were waiting with their breaths held. Jenny jumped off the couch at the sight of Goten perched on his father's shoulders. "YOU GOT HIM BACK!"
Goku grinned widely at her and Goten beamed at her as well. Goku reached up and lifted his son off of his shoulders and set him on the ground, kneeling down, "And it's all thanks to Rose. Couldn't have done it without you!"
Jenny was already leaning down and picking up Goten hugging him close, "You are such a brave little warrior. We're throwing this party for you. Come on. We prepared a whole feast for you and your daddy," She smiled over at Rose, "And your guardian. What on earth happened to you?!"
Dende was already walking towards the door before Rose had even walked in. He felt her pain. It had grown the closer she had gotten to Capsule Corp. He had known they had won the case after a flux of emotions; anxiety, horror and finally relief and then into fear and pain. Something had happened. He saw Rose's dark eye fresh red, purple and black. "Chichi," he muttered.
Goku coldly replied, "She's been warned."
Dende met Rose and looked her over, feeling his heart hammering in his chest. He didn't know how to feel. Chichi did this to her? He felt like he should do something, but from the look on Goku's face, on Vegeta's, he could sense what happened and what was said. He had a new respect for both of them. He reached out and gingerly touched the mark, "I can fix that. Follow me. The kitchen is empty. The food has been moved to the backyard. The weather's so nice, they decided to have a picnic." He grasped her hand, entwining her fingers with his. He sighed inwardly at the relief that brought as he led her away.
Jenny stared after them and set Goten back on the floor, giving him a smile before she looked back at Rose's retreating back. "How bad was it? That video? And then Chichi dared attack her after the fact?! Hasn't she done enough?!" She had wanted to attend, but they had figured less was more and sent the bare essentials to the courthouse. She felt better after Vegeta agreed to go. He didn't need as much arm twisting as she thought he would need. He almost jumped at the opportunity. She could feel the anger seething from him. His posture, the look in her father's eyes. He looked murderous. She wasn't sure if she wanted to hear what that video had shown.
Rose felt a pleasant flutter in her stomach as Dende lead her away from the group. She still didn't understand what was happening. And her head was aching far too much for her to put this puzzle together right now, no matter how much it intrigued her. She was trying not to cry from the pain. She'd never been hit before, not like that anyway. She suddenly imagined the true pain inflicted on the children she worked to protect and wondered how ones so little could endure so much. How had little Goten ever survived living with that woman? She hit like a freight train, and that was with her hand alone. She'd hit him repeatedly for years with a stick? The tears started to flow as she thought of it, making her injured eye burn and ache even more. Her head felt like it was splitting. She certainly didn't feel like eating anything at the moment. The kitchen was quiet and the lighting was dimmed; only the late afternoon sun shone through the windows. She was grateful for the quiet. Everything in her life had seemed so loud lately.
Dende helped her sit on the bar counter putting them at an even level. "There." He had to wince being this close when she was in so much pain, the quiet was what she needed. He stepped up to her and reached up carefully to brush her hair aside. He tucked the strands behind her ear, looking carefully at the already swelling black eye. He exhaled, calming himself. He was grateful that Goku and Vegeta had stepped in to protect her. "You did a great thing today," he said softly. He reached up, gently grasping her chin and tilting it towards the light. He heard her soul, the pain there. "It's terrible to think she did this to Gohan and Goten over who knows how many years," he muttered, somewhat bitter, "I cannot believe she hit you." He lifted his hand, reaching up and covering her eye with his warm palm. He concentrated as a warm glow formed around his hand and sent the healing energy deep into her injury, easing away the pain.
Rose leaned into his soft touch, her eyes closing as that comforting glow washed away the pain. She sighed contentedly. There was a relaxing sensation in her chest, her heart, like she could just sit here forever with his hand cradling her face. The pain was gone, and yet his hand still lingered. She didn't want him to pull away. Why? What was happening to her? She turned her face slightly, leaning just a little more into his touch, a pleasant shiver running up her spine as the edge of her full lips brushed his palm. She'd never had feelings like this before, for anyone, and now she was feeling them for two men. One of them married, but seemingly so human. The other leading a life of solitude like her own, but so obviously different from herself. Was it simply the attention of a man, any man, that would make her feel like this? She somehow didn't think so. It was them, both of these men, who had captured her heart and she knew she could never be with either of them. Her mind was racing again. Trying to fit all the pieces together, to sort them out, to figure out where she went from here. Her job with them was done. Was she supposed to just fade into their memories and continue with her work? Move on to the next child who needed her, just as she always did? She didn't want to go.
Goku walked into the kitchen, he wanted to check on Rose. He had managed to calm his temper; Chichi was long gone from his mind. He spotted Dende healing Rose on the bar, "Hey! There you guys are. I was worried about you, Rose. Is she going to be okay Dende?" He watched as the Namek turned to him and smiled, but his face fell a little bit and Goku wondered why. Perhaps he should have left them alone for a bit.
Dende gave a tired sigh, taking his hand from Rose's face, revealing unblemished, healthy skin. Like it never happened. He took pleasure from feeling her without pain. He looked to Goku and smiled, "She is just fine, Goku. Like it never happened." He smiled at Goku and then back at Rose, "I think I'll go see Goten outside." He felt his shoulders slump just a bit as he headed out the glass doors into the yard. Was he ever going to get a moment alone with her? He wanted so badly to tell her how he felt.
Goku smiled as Dende left, then walked over to Rose to inspect her face. "Sorry about your glasses, but it looks like Dende patched you up really good!" His eyes softened, a change from the cold hardness that had sunk in when he dealt with Chichi. "Rose, I can't thank you for what you've done for me and my family. If you ever need anything at all, just ask."
Rose watched Dende leave. She wanted him to stay, to call him back to her, but she just sat quietly and watched him go. "Oh, it was nothing," she muttered. "I'm just glad I was able to help." She looked down at the broken glasses in her hands. "I don't suppose any of your friends has special powers for fixing glasses, huh?" she asked with a slight laugh.
Goku chuckled, "Actually, Bulma might be able to help you out there. I know she would be more than happy to take a look." He smiled at her, "So what will you do now? I hope you don't disappear into your apartment again. I'll keep bugging you. You know I like to scare you by popping in. Not to mention, there are quite a few people here who want to thank you." He reached up and tucked a strand of her hair behind her ear, "You've been nothing short of amazing."
Rose gave him a small smile. "Thanks. I tried," she said. "I imagine everything will go back to the way it was. I have a lot of other cases I'm working on right now. Time to be a hermit again." She sighed. Goku was awfully close to her. "You're pretty amazing yourself," she said softly to him.
Goku laughed, the same warm and mirthful laugh he always had, lightened because his should had a weight lifted from him that day. "thanks! I try." He winked at her before tilting his head at her, "You know, I don't think being a hermit suits you. You're much better off being around people. Good people, like us. You need to surround yourself with happiness and good feelings to keep sane in your line of work." He reached up and cupped her cheek, "I don't want to see you become someone you're not."
Where had that butterfly feeling gone? She'd felt it so many times before. She didn't understand why it wasn't there now. She felt safe with Goku and, oh, he was so handsome. He was the first person to be her friend in a very long time. And, as much as she hated to admit it, Rose was lonely. His hand on her cheek was warm and comforting. "Goku," she whispered, leaning a little closer to him. Did she dare? She had to know. These feelings that were springing up whenever she was around him or Dende, she didn't understand. She had to know. He'd kissed her face before. What would it be like to kiss him? Would that give her the answers she sought? This missing piece of her heart, was he the one who was supposed to fill it? Or was that Dende? Every time she tried to kiss Dende, they were interrupted. She didn't see how else she would be able to figure this out. She leaned a little closer, her lips so close to his...
Goku didn't retract but at the very last instant he gently placed his hands on her shoulders, halting her movement. "I can't, Rose. I'm sorry. I love Sabriena. I love Tien. They're my mates. I could never betray them," he said in a soft but firm tone.
Rose closed her eyes, "I know. I'm sorry. But I can't help the way I feel."
Goku took her face in his hands, seeing the look in her eyes. Poor thing, she was so confused. He didn't blame her. Everything was so new to her and strong feelings, especially love, could confuse even the smartest and most rational of people. "It's not me you're feeling for. You and I, we're kindred spirits. Friends. And we'll always be friends, no matter what happens." He paused and gave her a goofy smile, "I know I have a big personality and that's why you're confused. You're thinking about me when you're feeling for someone else." He poked a finger to her chest, over her heart. "It's not me in there. It's someone else. And I think you know who, if you would just be honest with yourself."
Rose bowed her head, slowly closing her eyes. She knew better. "I shouldn't have done that," she said. Goku was married and it was obvious that he was very much in love with his wife and husband. Oh, that was stupid. "I just, don't understand why sometimes I feel so..." she didn't know how to describe it. She dared to look into his eyes again. "Goku, I'm sorry. Please, forget what I what I tried to do. I don't want to lose your friendship. You're the best friend I've ever had." She looked sad and confused and sorry as she spoke. She had never been so confused in her life. She wasn't hurt at his rejection, which surprised her.
And in that moment, Rose realized his words are true. It was Dende she was in love with. She'd spent so much time working with Goku, trying to get his son back, that she thought these feelings were for him. But they were all for Dende. He was her destiny. He was the reason she'd never been with anyone else before, had never taken an interest in anyone else before. He was her soul mate.
She hugged Goku's neck tightly. "Please promise we'll always be friends. I can't imagine my life without you."
"I'm not going anywhere! You're my friend, Rose! I'm not walking away from you," Goku chuckled, "And there's nothing to forgive. I know I may be a bit oblivious sometimes. Most of the time, actually, but you'll figure this out. You are a smart woman, you know. You will always have my friendship." He grinned and leaned closer, lowering his voice, "That is unless you grope my tail scar again. Sabriena might get jealous." He laughed and reached out and gingerly took her glasses in hand, "I'll go see if Bulma can't fix these up for you. Why don't you go find Goten? I know he wants to thank you. He should be with Dende out in the yard."
Rose blushed furiously. "I still can't believe I did that," she said, covering her eyes with her hands and laughing slightly. "I will never make that mistake again! I thought your wife was going to kill me." She paused and looked at him for a second before she hugged him tightly once more. "Thank you for being my friend."
Rose found her way out to the yard where everyone was eating and visiting happily. Goten was running across the yard with little Trunks and Marron, Paige running behind them, trying to keep up. "GOOO-TEN!" she shouted. "You wait fo' me!" Rose couldn't help but smile at them as they played. She saw Tien talking to Piccolo, his eyes met hers and he gave her a nod as if to say 'thank you' and she waved back at him. Her eyes scanned the party goers, looking for the only other friend she had. She finally saw him sitting on the low garden wall, watching the festivities. She crossed the yard to him, offering a slight smile. "May I sit with you, Dende?"
Dende had visited around for a moment after he had left Rose in the kitchen with Goku. He had felt her emotions. She had been so confused and then she came outside. He couldn't hide his smile as she made his way over to him. She was still dressed in her suit, hair a little messy from the scuffle with Chichi, but he thought she was the most beautiful creature on this earth. He wanted to tell her how he felt, was it time yet? He patted the stone next to him; he felt giddy as she sat down with him, their thighs touching. Pure bliss. He just wanted to lean against her shoulder and lose himself in that comfort she exuded to him. "I thought you would never ask." He smiled at her, "Never was much of a party goer myself, but I figured this called for one. You did very well. I don't know if I said it before. It took a lot of courage for you to do what you did." He looked out in the yard watching Paige dutifully following Goten around, he stopped to pick her up on his back and they ran across the yard, giggling like mad.
Rose shrugged. "I just wanted to help," she said. "I've never been shown this much appreciation before. I don't really know how to handle it." She gave a nervous laugh. There it was again, that jittery, fluttering feeling in her stomach. Yet there was a calmness, sitting next to Dende. She looked at him and leaned just a little closer, her voice a loud whisper, "I don't really go to parties. This is kind'a weird to me. Shhhhh! Don't tell them. I don't want to hurt their feelings."
Dende laughed and leaned closer still, turning his head to her, "I don't care much for them either, but this was important. Look at how happy everyone is. It's because of you, you know." He reached out and hesitantly put a hand on her knee, rubbing it soothingly. You did good work. We love you, Rose. Don't think that you have to disappear into your work again. I want, I mean, if you ever need to talk, maybe I should drop by every so often to see how you're doing."
His hand on her knee was so comforting. "I'd like that, Dende," she said quietly. She'd like for him to come see her every day. There was something deep within her that was burning, a longing that she'd never felt before. Her head was clearer now. Goku was right. She knew who was in her heart now. It was Dende. It had always been Dende.
She swallowed, trying to hide the way her hands were shaking. She didn't regret trying to kiss Goku, because it had finally made her see what she really wanted, what she was unable to see before. She felt foolish, though, thinking they could ever be together like that. He was her friend, nothing more, nothing less. He had overshadowed Dende in a way, even if he hadn't meant to. The affection she felt for the Saiyan was because he was the first person to befriend her in a very long time. And it had been he who introduced her to Dende. And the butterflies she felt were only for him. Dende. Handsome, compassionate, understanding Dende. All the moments they'd shared, the piano, almost kissing that day, swimming together, the mistletoe, slipping on the ice at the park, him comforting her in her moments of need, always at her side when no one else was, dancing at the wedding. Surely he felt it, too. She suddenly needed him, wanted him at her side, to hell with the bridesmaids and wedding guests and ANYONE in society who would give them weird looks. He was what she wanted and she didn't know if she could go another day without him.
Dende smiled up at Rose, nervously, the first time in a long while. He tilted his head at her, "Are you alright?"
"Yeah," she squeaked, stopping to clear her throat. "Yeah, I'm okay." She was thinking about his touch, how he'd healed her earlier after Chichi had punched her. She opened her mouth, then closed it, trying to choose her words carefully. "Dende, I... You... I can't... When I'm around you... My heart... Butterflies..." She was talking with her hands, trying to explain, this wasn't coming out right at all. "I think I love you." Her eyes went wide at the words as they slipped from her mouth. Her cheeks burned as she cast a nervous glance at him.
Dende's eyes went wide a second before he schooled his expression, his heart was pounding. He felt an answering ache in his heart. He wanted to respond in kind, "Rose, I know. I mean, you've been through a lot lately. I think," Gods, it hurt him to say this, "I don't want you to jump into anything and regret it." He had to look away from her. His eyes were starting to tear up and a horrible pain ached deep in his chest. "Gods help me, I'm in love with you, Rose. But I couldn't bear it if you didn't feel the same way."
"Dende," she said, trying to control her voice, her own eyes burning. "Dende, look at me. Please?" She touched his chin, turning him to face her. "I was confused, Dende. I've been confused for a long time. You are the one I want. I thought that, maybe, we were too different. You know? But every time I see you, I'm happy. And every time I get to hold your hand or hug you, it's like my heart stops and I feel whole. I've never felt like that before. And, I thought, maybe what I was feeling for you was from Goku because, well, you know how he is." She pressed her lips together for a second, staring into his beautiful dark eyes. "I'm not confused anymore. I don't know how I couldn't see it earlier. Dende, you're the one I want. I'm in love with you."
Dende took her hand into his, relishing in the connection he felt. He looked at her, searching her eyes, wondering if she was feeling the same thing as well. He cradled her hand in his and looked at her a moment before he reached up with his other hand and cupped her cheek. "Are you sure you can stand the green skin? I always look this good," he chuckled, flashing her his charming smile.
She blinked away the tears in her eyes, nodding as she smiled. "Yeah, I think so," she laughed lightly. She squeezed his hand, her heart fluttering as she leaned into his touch. She wanted to be with him so bad, for him to be the one she came home to every night and woke up to every morning. The realization hit her like a tidal wave. She didn't know what to do or what to say. She couldn't stand the questioning look in his eyes. "I know I asked you to stop," she said quietly, "but read my thoughts. Feel what I feel right now. I mean what I say, Dende. Please. Please don't turn me away. I love you." If he turned her down... After all these years of being alone, saving herself for the one person she hoped she would eventually find, she couldn't face the rejection if he turned away from her.
He closed his eyes, his antenna twitching lightly as he eased into her mind, feeling the warmth of her feelings, the life she was picturing. Gods, she really did want him. Just him. Dende felt a warmth blossoming in his chest. Sheer and utter relief flooded his system and he looked over at her, catching her eyes. Calm, mesmerizing. He felt complete in that moment. He needed more of a connection to her and not breaking eye contact he fumbled around until he had her hands in his, fingers entwined. "Rose," His voice was barely a whisper, "I would never turn away from you." He smiled at her, falling into her eyes, "I love you too, Rose. It's a beautiful life. I would be honored to be that person for you. To be honest, there's no one else I would ever, could ever, picture in my life but you." He leaned in, resting his forehead against hers, his antenna brushing gently against her skin. He sighed happily.
Her heart fluttered, her eyes closing at the feel of his antennae brushing against her cheeks. She bit her lower lip and smiled. This longing she'd felt for so long, he was right here, returning her feelings. Her eyes fluttered shut and she leaned into him, one of his antennae barely brushing against her nose. "I don't understand what's going on," she said, her voice a whisper as well. There was a peace that settled in her, resonating all the way to her core, like her whole life had led up to this moment of finding him. She squeezed his hand. "Help me understand, Dende."
Dende felt his antenna twitch against her nose. He wanted her. His eye went back to the party. He wanted her alone, but he couldn't wait any longer. He pulled back from her, looked into her eyes, and lifted his hands up to cup her face between them. "Remember the story Lindsey's grandmother told us about the original humans and how they used to be one entity? Rose, I know without a doubt in my mind that you are my other half. I feel peace I've never felt before when I am with you. And when we are apart, my every waking and sleeping thought is about you. I don't want you to leave my side. I don't think I could bear it." He passed a green finger over her peach colored skin, marveling at the difference. It was beautiful beyond measure. He leaned in, tilting his head slightly, his lips brushed hers as he spoke, quietly, "Please. Let me." It was something tangible that happened when their lips met for the first time in eons. The very universe seemed to shudder at that simple touch. Dende couldn't suppress the groan as their lips came together like they were made for each other.
Rose knew his words were true. It was the only thing that made sense. She didn't hesitate to let him press his lips to hers. They were soft and warm, yet there was a comforting firmness to them. Rose shuddered and slid her hands up his arms, over his shoulders to the sides of his neck, pressing her lips to his. Oh heavens above, if this is what a kiss was supposed to be like. She could die happy now.
Something happened then. A flood of memories washed over Rose, like little snippets of movies, memories that were not her own, not of her lifetime. Yet they were her and Dende in the lives they'd lived over and over throughout the centuries. They came and went so fast that she couldn't grab on to any of them, but she knew they were real. There was a whisper. It seemed to come from herself, but her lips were still pressed to Dende's, as if her half of the soul was speaking to his. She hadn't spoken the words, but there they were. So simple, yet meaning more than anyone could ever define. "I've found you."
Dende shivered in her arms, wrapping his arms around her and pulling her closer. Memories of a life past, several lifetimes over. She was saying something, not saying something. He heard her words all the same, his soul answered back, "I missed you, my other half."
Dende sighed into her kiss, tilting his head and leaning into her, kissing her like he had wanted to that day at the wedding before they had been interrupted. Oh gods. This… this was what he had been missing. Her lips were warm against his and it felt like he was coming home after a long journey. He leaned against her, barely breaking the kiss, smiling at her.
She blinked at him. Missed her? That was exactly what she had been feeling. But she couldn't explain it. How could she miss him when they'd never been together? There was something, there had to be MORE to them, even if she didn't understand it. She nodded against his forehead, the words seeming to come directly from her soul, "And I you, my love." She kissed him again, slow and passionate, drinking in every sensation around her as her soul screamed in triumph.
Rose wanted nothing but to cling to Dende, to hold him forever. This burning ache inside her to have her soul, her spirit next to his, wasn't going away any time soon. She didn't think she could be away from him now. Even if she hadn't realized it consciously, her half of the soul had been crying out for his her entire life. She suddenly felt very tired, like the feeling you get at the end of a very long, hard day after much work had been completed. That's what she felt. Complete. Like she'd finally found her way home. And still she pressed her lips to his. A crackling of dry lightning flashed in the clear sky overhead, drawing the attention of their friends.
Goku saw them first. The lightning had drawn his attention. There were no clouds in the sky, but something in the air felt right. There was a peace falling around them that he didn't think he'd ever felt before. It was amazing. It was them.
His friends looked exhausted. But more than that, he felt like he was intruding upon something that was supposed to be meant just for them. Goku pressed his lips together and approached them, his normally loud voice was silent. He could almost sense them, what they needed. Even without asking, he knew what they wanted. He reached out and placed a hand on both of their legs. He got the feeling it wouldn't matter even if he wasn't touching both of them and he pressed his fingers to his forehead and the next moment they were standing on the Lookout. They hadn't even seemed to notice him. He smiled and stepped back. He didn't have words for them, nothing they didn't already know, anyway. He vanished back to the party a second later.
Rose smiled against their kiss. Happiness like she'd never known coursed through her veins. She reluctantly broke the kiss, her lips brushing against his as she spoke, "My love..." This was all so new to her, and yet at the same time, it was so familiar. Her soul roared in triumph and joy. She needed to be with him. For them to be reunited as one once again. But her mortal side, the life she was living now, was nervous. Did he feel the same? Was he nervous? Had he ever been with anyone in this life? Her eyes searched his, knowing he could feel her thoughts, her questions.
Dende felt her wants. He wanted to be with her as well. He wanted nothing more than to just lay with her. He smiled at her and reluctantly pulled back, her hand still entwined with his own. He tucked her arm into his own and turned, remembering where he needed to go. His heart was fluttering. Was he anxious? Was she? He looked at her, hearing her question thrilled him. He spoke, his voice lower than he ever remembered it being, but still kind and warm. "I've never been with anyone in this lifetime, but I'm not worried. I feel as though we've done this before. It will come back to us." His mind was swimming, he agreed with her, this was all new, but familiar. He stopped briefly and scooped her up into his arms, kissing her once, twice, three times more before he pushed his legs to start moving. He finally made it to his room and nudged the door closed behind him as they entered. He felt like he was free falling and it was glorious. He moved to the bed and laid her down upon it. Marveling at the way she looked in his space; he had always thought this room was rather bare. But now, it was perfect. He moved his cloak off first before he crawled on the bed next to her, gathering her up in his arms, curling around her body, tucking her head underneath his chin. Heaven.
Rose wrapped her arms around Dende, clutching at his back. Oh, if she could just lie here for eternity with him in her arms. But, even then, she felt she needed more. To feel his skin against hers, the weight of his body, the taste of his mouth. She tilted her face up and pressed her lips to his throat, feeling his pulse beating wildly there, matching the nervous fluttering of her own heart. Trembling as she did so, Rose slightly parted her lips, daring to touch her tongue to his neck. His skin was smooth and warm. His scent was intoxicating. She hugged him tighter, barely moving against him. She was so nervous, but her soul insisted upon it, the words from the story echoing in her head, "they would lay together in unity and know no greater joy than that."
Dende couldn't stop the shiver that ran through his body at the feel of her lips on his throat. At the words that echoed between them. Reluctantly, he sat them both up. He took care to drink in every detail about her. His hands went to the buttons on her suit. This wasn't part of her; he wanted just her, with nothing between them. Not the burden of clothing. He slipped his hands into her jacket, sliding it down and off of her arms, tossing the jacket to the side, not caring where it fell. The buttons on her shirt he opened with care as inch after tantalizing inch of her creamy skin was revealed to his eyes. He acted on impulse, leaning down and pressing soft kisses to her neck down to the swell of her breasts. She was so sweet on his tongue. He tossed the shirt aside as well, reaching around her, holding her close as he unsnapping her bra and leaning back as she was revealed to him. He shuddered and leaned down to kiss each breast lovingly, placing a small kiss on each rosy nipple. An ache coursed through him as he felt her flesh tighten beneath his lips. He had to be joined with her. He had to be. His own body demanded it, his erection straining against the front of his pants. He looked up at Rose, his eyes pleading as he tugged his own shirt off and threw it off the bed. Fumbling with his belt, he unwound it from his waist and finally shifted on the bed, removing his pants. He was bare before her, his length hard and waiting for her warm body. "Rose, please? I will be gentle, my love."
Her breathing was ragged as she looked at her soulmate, his eyes pleading for them to be united. She could not deny him. She leaned over and pressed her lips to his again briefly. "Of course," she whispered as she slid her slacks off, her thumbs hooking in the lace panties, pulling them down as well. She laid next to him, her head on his shoulder, one of her long legs sliding to rest over his. Her bare curves pressed up to his side. She reached across his chest, grabbing his arm and pulling it towards her, trying to pull his body over hers. "I need you," she said softly.
Dende could not deny her. He rolled over her, feeling the butterflies again. He reached down between them, crouching between her legs. A moan wrenched from his throat as he took himself in his hand. He had never done this before. He reached down to her, his thumb feeling at the center of her body, sliding between her nether lips. They were slick and hot for him already. He moved himself closer and looked down, watching himself as he positioned himself at her entrance. He shuddered as he watched her body as she seemed to engulf him as he pressed into her. She was so tight. So hot. He pressed in until he felt resistance. He locked his eyes with her, sorry that to be joined there would have to be a moment of pain. "I will bare this with you, my love." Not giving her time to think, he snapped his hips forward, crying out in pain with her as he tore through her virginity. A gasp choked in his throat and the next moment, they were joined, hip to hip.
Rose whimpered, digging her nails into Dende's shoulders. Oh gods. She drew a deep breath, calming herself, willing the pain away as it was replaced by pleasure. Her eyes locked with Dende's and she knew he had felt her pain, too. But oh, the pure bliss she felt in her soul, their body finally complete once more. Joined together as they had once been so many centuries ago. She pressed her hips up, drawing him deeper inside her, then pressed back against the bed, lifting her hips again. The way he slid in and out of her body was nothing short of amazing. She never knew she could feel such pleasure. Her voice came out in little sharp gasping moans as pressed up against him slowly, as much as she could being pinned beneath him. "Oh, Dende," she breathed, pressing her lips to his collarbone, wrapping her arms around his back, trying to pull him tighter against her.
Oh by the gods. Dende's eyes nearly rolled into the back of his head it felt so good. The pleasure replaced the pain and mixed with this amazing sense that he was supposed to be there with this woman. Her soul and his. One. They were becoming one again. Somewhere in the back of his mind he knew that this was going to be a deliciously slow and beautiful process. He gasped as he wanted to change her position. They were equals. She shouldn't be under him. Still deep inside of her body, Dende managed to sit up. Every movement he made drew out moans from both of their mouths. He hooked an arm around her and held her against him as he scooted back, propping himself back up against the headboard. Looking up at her, his hands came to rest on her waist. He lifted her up as he drew his hips away, only to pull her back down with the force of gravity back upon him. He wanted to stay like this forever.
Rose rocked her hips forward, her mouth hanging slightly open to gasp at their every movement. She looked down at him, smiling softly as he held her waist, their bodies rocking together. She grasped the back of his neck and pulled him to her chest, laying the side of his face in the valley between her breasts. His body was hard and hot inside her, gently pressing into her, filling her. She contracted her muscles, squeezing around him, drawing a gasp from his lips and her own. Oh, such bliss. She pressed down harder on him, still rocking, wanting to give him as much pleasure as possible. Her love, her soulmate, the one she knew she would never be parted from again in this life. She held him tighter, staring at him, wondering. Carefully she pressed her lips to the tip of one of his antenna, letting her tongue brush over it.
Dende gasped out, shuddering as his body went tense as she did that. Ooh... oh gods. It tightened every muscle in his body, it made him ache, growing harder still. He groaned out against her, moving his head and took a nipple into his mouth, working the hardening nub between his teeth. He flicked his tongue against it, tasting her, so deliciously her. He turned his head and went for her other breast, "Please..." He had to know what it was like, if just once, "Take all of it in… please..." He moaned as he closed around her in his mouth. Gods, this woman. This heat. The tightness. The pleasure. He never wanted it to end. He wanted to lock himself away in there for a few days. Something was happening between them at this very moment. He could almost hear the rumble of the dragon not far off. Something was happening between them. The bond between them strengthening and growing stronger, "Rose, I love you. I love you, my dear heart. Never part from me again."
Rose pressed herself down, taking Dende's hard length as deep into her body as it could possibly go, her hips grinding on his, their bodies locked together as tightly as possible. This is what paradise must be like, to be so completely fulfilled, to know such joy, such pleasure. Rose threw her head back and moaned deep in her throat. "Never," she promised. "So long as we live this life, I will never leave your side." She heard it, too; the low, rumbling growl of the eternal dragon as more lightning lit up the sky. The entire world had gone still and silent as their bond grew, reformed itself, building and strengthening as they made love. They, the very last of their kind, making their presence known once again to the world. The universe. To the very Gods themselves.
Dende cried out; the world was in tune with them. It knew the magnitude of what was occurring at the peak of the world and seemed to shudder at the raw, ancient power.
He panted against her skin, her neck, feeling her frantic pulse beneath his lips. How he longed to mark her, the urge welling up within him to taste her, drink her in, welcome all of her inside of his body. Was he in her body or was she in his? He thrust up into her as he parted his lips and sank his sharp teeth in to her shoulder, his eyes rolling in the back of his head as her blood splashed across his tongue. He growled, groaning out as he thrust into her again. His world turned bright white as he felt himself go over that edge, filling her with his hot essence. He'd waited a life time for her. There was so much time to make up for.
Rose screamed as Dende's fangs pierced her skin, the sensation a delicious pain that sent jolts of white-hot pleasure down her spine. Her body seized around his, clenching upon his hard length, milking every bit of his essence from him as he emptied his body into hers, her blood flowing into his. Rose screamed out once again as the last waves of orgasm washed over her. Oh, what sweet bliss this was. They shared everything now. They were one again. Rose was panting as Dende's thrusts slowed, he held her tightly and she clung to him, both of them covered in sweat, the air around them hot and thick. And still, the world was silent as if it were taking a collective breath. "I missed you," Rose whispered to Dende. "My love, how I have missed you all these years."
Dende relaxed his jaw and let his teeth slip from her shoulder. He spoke in Namekian, but she heard and understood him just fine, "And I you, beloved." He felt boneless. He didn't want to move. He didn't want to part from her. He laid back on his back, pulling her down on top of him, and kissed her forehead. "I have all of these memories. Of us. Not us, but us as we once were. The lives we've lived. It's so complicated, but here we are." He kissed her again, long and slow. He wanted to sleep with her. He wanted to SLEEP with her again, too, but maybe after a short recess. It had been a really, really long day. "What shall we do next, Rose?"
"Rest," she whispered, laying her head on his chest, her body draped across him, completely exhausted. "We've been parted for too long. I just want to rest with you. Hold you. My love." She settled herself comfortably over him and let her eyes close. Never had she felt so loved, so cherished, so safe. She gave a contented sigh as she felt sleep overcome her and she slipped into that dark bliss to rest for just a while, her body never parting from his.