Vanille's PoV:

I pushed her stomach hard against the corridor wall. The loud thud of her back, followed by a muffled grunt, echoed lowly over the cold fire-lit hall. I was tempted to pull away from her lips and apologize for being so rough. It seemed like the right thing to do until I felt the sensation of her hands grabbing my ass. I moaned softly against her mouth and curled my hands back up in the soft fabric of her dress shirt.

I was exciting her, and I wanted to. I wanted her. I have always wanted her. From the moment she came back into my life, I wanted her exactly as I had her now. After all the time, after all the self-denial, I'd never been more sure of this, and she deserved to know.

I slid one arm around her neck, while the other arm tried gently pushing her back. She seemed a little discouraged by my actions, but my smile reassured her that everything was okay. She repositioned her hands firmly around my waist. She pulled me in again, and I wasn't quick enough to push her back.

I quietly gasped against her lips. "Light—"

She kissed me again. "Mmm?"

I smiled into the kiss. I had so much to say, but my sentences were repeatedly cut off by her lips. I was a little frustrated, but at the same time, I couldn't help but adore her affection. It took a great deal of emotional and physical strength, but I managed to push her chest against the wall and create a big enough gap for our eyes to meet.

"Lightning, I just have a few things I need to say, and if you keep kissing me, that's never going to happen!"

We laughed, and she gently cupped my face in her hands. Butterflies erupted in my stomach as she planted a tender kiss against my forehead.

"Can you blame me?" She grinned.

I sighed contentedly against her warm skin. I placed my left hand over hers and coiled my right hand in her shirt collar. The closeness of our bodies, and the intoxicating scent of her cologne was no longer a want but an inexcusable need. I looked at her with imploring eyes as I flattened my hands against her stomach. Lightning embraced me.

I closed my eyes. I wanted to say something, but what I wanted to say was completely mad, meaning undeniably crazy . . . but it couldn't have been more fitting for the situation, because the way I felt for her was nothing short of crazy.

Lightning's PoV:

"You're trembling—" I noticed.

"Come away with me," Vanille blurted out. My mouth went dry. Did I hear that right?

"What—?" I uttered.

She lifted her head from my shoulder. "Let's run away, Lightning. Leave the politics, the policies, the terrorists—everything. Let's just leave it all behind!"

My lips parted. I'm not sure what she wanted me to say. I tried to find the words, but they weren't to be found. A small smile spread on her lips as she pulled me down for a short kiss.

"I'm confused," I admitted.

"I expected as much" she replied articulately.

I chuckled. "Running away won't solve anything." I cupped Vanille's cheek. "Be brave. This isn't something you can hide from." I gave her neck a gentle squeeze. "You can fix this, and I'm prepared to help you in anyway that I can."

I could see it in Vanille's eyes. She was processing my words carefully. Deep down, she must've known that I was right. "I'm calling off the ceremony," she said.

My eyebrows furrowed. I gripped her waist tighter, "Are you sure this is what you want?" I asked.

I could see her cheerfulness leaving. I had no intentions of burdening her, but I needed to know what she wanted. At this moment, I couldn't relate to Vanille. It was as if doing what was right for herself was the very thing she feared the most. I didn't care what the prophecy expected of her. This was her life, and I, of all people, knew what it meant to fight your own destiny.

"I wish I could be brave like you," she sniffed.

I sighed. "You misunderstand, Milady."

"But you're not afraid of anything!" Vanille insisted.

I took both of her hands in mine. "Bravery is resistance to fear, mastery of fear," I shook my head, "not absence of fear."

There was a pause. Vanille looked at me, and I think she understood what I meant. She nodded, another pause, and then, a kiss. She wrapped her hands around my tie and pulled me down hard. She kissed me as if she would never see me again, and I debated whether that was concerning or not.

My only regret was that I couldn't do more. She was clearly struggling with something. I really wanted to do more, but I wouldn't pry for answers.

"We should go back soon" she whispered. "I need to speak with the council, and tell them that I'm going to renounce my induction formally to the public, at the capitol, tomorrow. We can end tonight's event with a staged evacuation on account of terrorist threat."

I nodded my approval.

"While they arrange that," Vanille continued, "I'm going to end my engagement to Fang."

I rubbed her shoulders, trying my best to express my support.

"What are you going to do?" she asked.

The thought occurred to me. "I need to speak to General Blanche."

Vanille cocked her head a little but nodded. "I'll find you after and take us back to the Villa," I said. I was about to let Vanille go, but there was one last thing I needed to know. "You're going to end it with Fang . . . just like that?"

"People marry for many reasons, reasons not including love, but I will not let that be the case," she responded calmly. "I loved her, but I don't even know who she is anymore. I cannot carry on forcing myself into feeling what has already been lost."

Vanille pecked my lips and turned to leave. I wasn't quite done with her though. I grabbed her hips and pulled her back to me. She pretended to struggle, and eventually giggled as I refused to let go. She leaned back in my arms, placing her right hand behind my neck as she kissed me on the cheek. I blushed.

Get a grip, Farron.

Vanille's PoV:

"I have to go," I whispered playfully. "Please."

Lightning kissed the back of my head and loosened her grip. I pulled myself from the warmth of her strong embrace, taking a few steps toward the staircase before swiveling around to reacquaint myself with those intense blue eyes.

Lightning's back remained flat against the wall. The fire light has yet to abandon its reflection in her eyes. Honestly though, I started to wonder if I'd simply been blind to its presence all along. My heart insisted that her name suited her movements—agile, tactful, nimble and swift—but the name Lightning didn't represent the beauty of her mind. Fire is a more accurate description of that.

Fire is passion, fire is red, and fire is not fleeting like a lightning-strike. When fire erupts, flames lack energy when compared to its embers—these smoking remnants emit the main source of heat. Though not as flashy and intimidating as flames, the embers, given time, are the ultimate collection of power.

That, to me, is Lightning, and while she stands there, stoically against the wall, pervading through my every thought, I can't help but embrace it. I love her, and tonight, I have every intention of proving it.

"You look so nice dressed up," I admitted softly.

She responded with a half smirk, eyes upon the floor. With that, I refocused on the tasks ahead—reluctantly going toward the staircase. "See you soon, tiger," I called over my shoulder.

"Milady—"she called back. I craned my neck to capture the rest of her sentence.

"Don't forget your mask."

Lightning's PoV:

Shortly after returning to the party, I was summoned to the table of General Blanche. I scarcely imagined the meaning of this.

"General Blanche, allow me to introduce you to Captain Lightning Farron."

Salutes, handshakes, and brief small talk were so routine in military lifestyle. General Blanche was the commander-in-chief of the Academy's new army. He was a stalky, tan-skinned, thick-jawed individual within his early 50s. He possessed streaks of gray in his sleek, dominantly black hair.

"I know you have your hands full, Captain, so I'll be direct. I've been hearing an abundance of praise regarding Lady Vanille's guardian. I'm told that you are exceptionally trained with a sword and unparalleled in your tact. You're a natural leader. I've been searching for the quality officers—"

General Blanche was cut off by his assistant, who was crouching over his shoulder, muttering in hushed tones. Blanche was slightly displeased with whatever the assistant had told him. He turned back to me.

"It seems like we have a mild security breach on our hands." The General took the napkin off his lap, dabbed the corner of his lips, and tossed it on his unfinished plate. "Unfortunately, we won't be able to talk about both of the two topics I was hoping to discuss. One topic is lighter than the other, so I should like to at least table that before we go our separate ways—well, until we meet again at tomorrow's make-up ceremony."

I felt uneasy, but I nodded for him to continue.

"As luck would have it, I've become quite familiar to the presence of your sister, Serah, in my home. She and my daughter Emma are of the same age, and both conduct research at the Academy. It is my understanding that you are familiar with Emma Blanche, but you are likely unaware that she is my daughter."

Shit . . .

"No worries, Captain," Blanche assured. "Serah talks about you all the time. I must admit, I'm impressed by the way you've handled your life with the cards you've been dealt. I'm impressed by your intellect and your respectfulness. My Emma, well, you've intrigued her . . . and this is a tad unorthodox, but you should consider arranging a marriage . . . with my daughter. I know arranged marriages are an ancient practice, Captain, but I cannot allow my daughter to marry a fool, especially because then that fool would be commanding our troops when I am no longer able to."

What the actual fuck is happening? And this is considered the lighter of the two topics?

"How would your daughter's suitor inherit the title of General? Isn't that an elected position, sir?" I completely evaded commenting on his other points.

Blanche folded his hands in front of the dinner table. Crowds of people were slowly exiting the Gallery around us. I briefly scanned area to see if I could catch a glimpse of Vanille's dress. I didn't want to be here anymore.

"As you no doubt have noticed, your distinguished subject, Lady Vanille, has inherited a senate seat on account of birth right. There are certain circumstances that yield our elected democracy. If you marry my daughter, the security of your future will have no traces of uncertainty. I don't expect an answer now, in fact, I don't want an answer now. Think it over. Tomorrow, at the make-up ceremony, we'll finish this discussion. Thank you for your time, Captain. Dismissed."

He saluted me while standing to leave with his party. They made a hasty exit. Meanwhile, I tried convincing myself that I didn't just hallucinate. I slowly stood up from my chair and pushed it in.

Wasn't expecting that, but fortunately I won't lose any sleep over it. My heart belongs to–

A familiar hand pressed against my back, accompanied by a gentle voice "Take me home, Captain."

Vanille.

Vanille's PoV:

She offered me her jacket before ascending into the darkness, but it was unnecessary due to the warmth radiating from her chest. I sat across her lap. She seemed quiet and tense.

She's probably just tired . . . No, she's never tired.

"You're really not going to tell me what happened with General Blanche?" I mumbled into her collar bone.

Something's bothering her.

"Not until you tell me what happened with Fang."

Knew that was coming.

"That's a little unfair, don't ya think?" I protested.

Lightning switched to auto-pilot before folding her arms around me, "What aren't you telling me, Milday," she said dishearteningly.

"It's not like that," I assured, bringing my left hand up to caress her cheek. I carefully traced the outline of her strong facial features.

Is she smiling?

"Are you smiling because you believe me?" I asked confused.

"No, I'm smiling because I can no longer feel the metal band around your ring finger when you touch my face."

I drew my hand back.

"Are you having any regrets? You seem like you still care about her." She asked me quietly.

I sighed deeply before replying, "Lightning, of course I still care about her. I've known her for hundreds of years . . . if not for Fang, I would have perished with the rest of my village. I told you that I'm not in love with her anymore. I know I seem distant right now, so please, forgive me. When I'm stronger, perhaps then I'll tell you but –"

She kissed me.

"I'm sorry, Milady," she whispered on my lips.

I kissed her again, "I'm fine. I'm with my guardian," I whispered back.

Lightning's PoV:

Walking back to the Estate hand-in-hand with Vanille felt too good to be true. I took small strides for the sake of her walking in heels. When we reached the outdoor balcony, I led her to the area where we shared our first kiss. The moonlight was casting a dim silhouette across the sea. The waves were more violent than usual – typical before a storm.

Vanille cuddled closer to me. I took her in my arms. I felt her plant a delicate kiss on my neck. My breath hitched in my throat.

"Lightning," she whispered.

I peered down at her mesmerizing emerald eyes. "Yes?"

Vanille's PoV:

"I—lo—" I was cut off by the powerful crack of thunder that echoed over the New Sunleth landscape. Startled, I instinctively latched onto Lightning.

She laughed at my uneasiness. "Do I amuse you?" I sarcastically asked.

Her hold on me tightened as she replied, "No, Milady, I –" but she was interrupted by the splashing of a enormous raindrop on her cheek.

We faced skyward to witness the coming volley of rain water. She stiffened up, as if the rain were like bullets to her. On the contrary, I melted from the contact of the warm droplets.

"Come on. Let's get you inside."

The storm began to pick up in intensity, but I didn't want to move. The crashing of waves into the shore echoed even louder now. "It's only water!" I replied.

"You'll get cold," she insisted.

I put my hand against her chest and started unbuttoning her blazer. She shot me a quizzical look as I continued to work down, then I wrapped my arms around her torso, shielding my arms from the rain with the folds of her unbuttoned jacket. She embraced me around the shoulders.

"Now, I'm fine," I whispered into her ear.

I withdrew my head to her collarbone. I heard her stifle a small laugh. The warmth of her embrace was something I could never willfully abandon. Her breathing was long and deep. The rhythm of her chest expanding up and down soothed me. Her dress shirt clung to the fading aroma of her cologne. I inhaled sharply, closing my eyes, taking her in with every sense.

I need to tell her.

Lightning's PoV:

When I lacked the right words, I usually didn't speak. I wanted to take her inside, but how could I protest having her like this? I shuddered when her lips pressed to my ear.

"Lightning . . ."

"Hmm?" I hummed.

"I'm in love with you," She whispered softly as she exhaled into my ear.

I closed my eyes.

Vanille's PoV:

I waited for her reply. Perhaps a second of time elapsed, yet the anxiety of waiting for her to quit shielding her eyelids from those beautiful aqua irises only worsened my angst.

When she opened them, I witnessed the same fire – the same passion I observed in the Forum. She had yet to lose it. I felt safe again. I felt relieved. Her hair was sopping wet from the heavy rain. Beads of water were racing from her forehead down to her shapely jaw. I urged her, with pleading eyes, to say something – anything.

"I know," was her return.

I know? I put my heart out there and your response is, 'I know'. Does this mean you don't feel the same for me after all? Have I made a mistake?

Different scenarios swirled in my head as the silence between us ensued. She tucked a lock of my dripping wet hair behind my ear, but I couldn't face her anymore. In a futile attempt to escape her grasp, I pushed her stomach, trying to step out of her hold. I felt the frustration well up inside of me as she effortlessly secured me back in her arms.

"Let me go," I demanded, "I've made a fool of myself, so please don't make this any harder on me." The stinging of tears threatened to fall, but I refused to cry. My limbs were trapped against her chest. Her powerful arms were unyielding to my petitions.

"Lightning, stop."

I noticed the confusion in her demeanor as she asked, "How've you made a fool of yourself?"

I desperately struggled to get away, but it was useless, "I'm in love with you –"

"—So why are walking away from someone who's in love with you?"

"I . . . you – what?"

Rain drops spewed from the clouds above. I was irritated from Lightning's delayed response but relieved to find that I made no fault in telling her.

"I said, I'm in love with you," she repeated plainly. "Sorry, I just thought it was cliché to say 'I love you too.'"

My cheeks flushed from embarrassment. I almost completely overreacted before Lightning even had a chance to explain. There was a long pause. My hands were gliding over her back. I could feel something burning inside of me. I couldn't ignore it.

"Lightning . . ."

"Yes, my love?"

"Would you do something for me?"

"Anything."

I leaned up to her ear one more time. I pressed my lips against it, and then I whispered, "Come to bed with me tonight. I've kept you waiting for too long."

Lightning's PoV:

I nervously awaited midnight in my sleeping quarters. Vanille suggested I linger around the estate before edging my way into her bedroom. I agreed with her. It's best we kept our affair as hushed as possible for the time being, especially since she only just cancelled her engagement. I could feel my impatience rising as the shuffling of the maidens' feet grew softer and softer.

They're almost all turned in for sleep . . .

In the meantime, I processed the day's events. Vanille ended things with Fang and the Senate. General Blanche suggested an arranged marriage with his daughter, but all this will conclude with me and Vanille spending the night together . . . I never once expected getting the opportunity. I sat on the edge of my bed, supporting my weight by leaning back on my hands.

I still have five minutes . . . Fuck.

My eyes were darting all over the room. My brain was racing and trying to figure out how I'd initiate everything once she let me in.

Maybe I'm over-thinking this? What if she initiates it and not me, but what if she expects me to initiate it? Shit, I need to calm down.

When Vanille tormentingly brushed against me at the Forum, I knew she felt what I'd been hiding down there. At first, I was mortified that she might react, but she didn't?

She must be cool with it then . . .

Prior to my guardianship over her, I'd expected Vanille to be shy and passive, but her forwardness tonight led me to believe I've been mistaken. Before taking shelter from the storm, she asked me to stay in my formal clothes. It seemed like a lustful demand, but I was perfectly okay with it.

Thank fuck. Finally midnight.

I stood up and walked over to the full-length mirror to make sure I still looked presentable. My hair was dried. My black dress pants were sleek and held in place by my white belt. My white dress shirt fit me perfectly. I readjusted the aqua colored tie around my neck and smoothed it out.

I cautiously opened the door and glanced both ways before stepping out into the hallway. I noiselessly crept over the floorboards, further and further into the darkness.

Almost there.

I reached my destination at the end of the extensive hallway. I took a deep breath and softly rapped on the door. Moments later, the door handle shifted gradually, and sure enough, my goddess stood before me.

"What took you so long?" she joked.

Dear, sweet Etro.

I stood under the doorway, frozen and still, gazing upon Vanille's body as I'd never seen it before. Her red locks, perfectly curled, cascaded down her back. The dim lighting in her bedroom accentuated her porcelain skin, making the glow rival that of even her shinning emerald eyes. She was wearing a sheer green, lace panties with a matching bra.

I needed to cross the threshold. I needed to touch her. Closing the door behind me, I inched closer; she incrementally backed away from my grasp – smirking, no less. The click of her heels against the floor enticed me even more. I began taking more deliberate steps to her.

"Come here," I demanded.

She giggled at my request. We were almost to the bed. She was almost at arm's length, but I decided to wait for her to come to me. I opened my arms, beckoning her to my embrace.

Before I had time to react, she took a bold step forward – her hand extending to grab my tie, eliminating the gap between us. She brutally pulled me down, down to her intoxicating vanilla scent and inviting lips. I seized her hips fully in my hands, while she feverishly ran her fingers through my hair.

Vanille's PoV:

As much as I loved her in button-down shirts, she needed to keep up with me. She was fully-clothed, and I was practically naked. While I had her pulled down by the tie, I hastily undid the knot and threw it aside. My stomach did an aerial when Lightning grabbed the back of my neck and guided me into a passionate kiss.

Her lips were dangerous. With every tongue graze and every moan, my body was thrown into a heated pool of lust. I needed to feel her skin, her soft skin—except her hands—hands that were currently gliding over the swell of my hips and squeezing my bottom. Etro—those hands, those rough, wonderful, calloused hands! Wherever she would touch, fire soon followed.

I wanted to enjoy every moment of this, so I took my time undoing her buttons. All this sexual tension, all this frustration, the fighting, the tears, none of it mattered, all that mattered was that I was sliding Lightning's sleeves over her shoulders and licking her bottom lip.

We stopped kissing, so I could admire her body. Her shoulders—god, so perfectly defined. I traced my finger along her collarbone until I found the center of her torso, then I trailed down. Her breasts had very subtle curves, and they blended with the tight tendons of her chest.

Lightning shuddered as my finger traced lower. I wanted to double my effect on her, so I lightly scratched my nails down her diaphragm to the hem of her pants. She inhaled sharply, and my eyes met hers—eyes so gentle and so powerful, all at once. I bit my lip and flattened my palm against her abs—rock hard, distinct, yet covered with feather, soft skin and battle scars.

I had a weakness for her marks. They suited her so well. The largest one caught my eye. It extended from the top of her diaphragm until it curved diagonally downwards, barely skimming the outline of her firm oblique muscles. I marveled at her features. She turned her head away. Does she think I find her scars repulsive? Nothing could've been further from the truth.

I quickly brought my hand up to her jaw and turned those azure irises back to me. Staring straight into her eyes, I whispered, "You're beautiful."

Something about my delivery got to her, because purposeful lips found their way to my own. I cupped her face and pulled her down to me. Her natural scent, her cologne, her shampoo, they all clashed together and made a most enticing aroma. I wanted to drown in it, if I could.

She intensified the kiss by invading my mouth with her tongue. Ever so sensually, she touched the top of my palate, licked slowly down over my teeth, and pecked my top lip ever so affectionately. If she'd thought I was going to let her go that easily, she was horribly mistaken, because I trapped her bottom lip between my teeth and sunk down until I tasted metal.

She groaned a little bit, but I didn't let her pull back until I lapped the crimson plasma off the edge of her lower lip. She smirked at me—mother Etro—I loved when she smirked at me. Something about it made special regions of my body puddle.

I wasn't the only one excited, because as Lightning pressed my hips closer to her, I felt a hard poke against my lower stomach. The sensation made my eyes widen, and my lips hastily found their way back to my soldier's. I pushed against her abdomen to create a little distance between us, and then I started undoing her belt buckle. She groaned against my mouth when my fingers found her zipper. I drew her slacks down and paused.

"I hope this isn't a problem," she said while stepping out of them.

The only remnants of Lightning's attire were boxer briefs, but there was one more thing—one big thing. The front of her briefs was struggling to conceal something. The sight caused immediate wetness between my legs. I bit my lip again.

"So I wasn't mistaken when I felt something earlier," I grinned.

Lightning boldly claimed my hand, guiding it to the front of her boxers. On contact, I felt my insides flip upside down.. I squeezed gently. My eyes widened. Was there a penis or an anaconda behind the garment? Christ, she feels huge.

"Show it to me," I purred.

Lightning pulled it out. I felt multiple emotions wash over me: arousal and intimidation all at once.

I'm not sure it'll fit . . . She's even bigger than Fang.

"Lightning, it's—it's a lot bigger than I thought," I whispered.

Lightning put it back in her briefs, "It's okay. We don't have–"

I grabbed the back of her neck and forced her lips to mine. I didn't want her to finish that sentence. I could never regret giving myself to her. On cue, I slowly unhooked my bra in the front.

Lightning's PoV:

I'm barely containing myself.

I took Vanille in my arms as I gazed upon her perfect breasts—full mounds with pink nipples . . . an erotic color for such sensitive looking buds. I could just tell by the way they hardened in the night air that they were longing for my touch.

"Can I?" I asked sheepishly.

The beautiful red-head looked up at me with disbelieving, emerald eyes. "Sergeant Stubbornhead is asking my permission to touch?" Vanille giggled.

"It's Captain," I playfully corrected.

"If you want me to call you the Captain," I felt lithe fingers wrapping around my palms, "maybe you should start acting like the Captain." She placed my hands on her supple, fleshy mounds.

The deliberateness and the provocativeness of her teasing made my cock twitch. I stifled a grunt as my hands squeezed, almost mechanically. I acted like I've never touched a boob before—god, could she really be this perfect? She felt just as good as she looked.

She stared down at my hands as I fondled her ample swells of tissue. A part of me was afraid she didn't like it—my palms weren't exactly the softest, but when she covered over my hands and made me knead harder, I felt relieved.

I uncovered one, so I could lunge down and flick the nub with my tongue. Vanille moaned and tugged at my hair. With this encouragement, I slowly tongued her nipple again, then capturing it with my lips. I sucked it, tongued it, and bit it softly, making sure to give equal treatment to the other one.

I started walking her backwards to the bed. Her legs hit the frame, and we fell, but mid-way through, Vanille used my momentum against me and latched onto my shoulders to flip our positions. I exhaled sharply as her pixie-like body ungracefully thumped on me.

"I'm sooooo sorry," Vanille insisted, but she wasn't actually sorry. "I didn't mean to land that hard," she teased as she sat up on her knees to straddle me.

I stopped grimacing and replied, "Christ, it's a good thing you weigh .2 pounds."

Thereafter, she assumed her rightful position, placing her hand against my stomach for balance as she lowered herself down, but once settled, she gave a quick jolt back up.

"You're poking me," she bit her lip hard in an attempt to stifle her moan. She leaned forward, propping her arms beside my head.

"Is that . . . a problem?" I asked coyingly as I relished in the vision of her breasts suspended above me.

In lieu of her reply, Vanille slowly rolled her hips into mine. Her first time coming up made us both gasp at the friction. She rolled again, but this time, I was the only one who made a sound. This was torturous, and she didn't care, she did it again until I made another sound. We hadn't touched each other intimately, and already, her wetness was soaking through. Though I couldn't see it, I knew her essence was lying pretty thick on the front cover of my bulge. She continued grinding against me.

"Van—" I gasped.

"Hmm?" She hummed as she arched back up from a particularly generous movement.

"Take them off," I grunted.

"Yes, Captain," she bit her lip.

She dismounted, permitting me a break as she stood up and pulled down her lace panties. My legs dangled over the edge of the bed as I watch her remove the article. She was stark naked in the moonlight. She was perfection—Vanille is perfection. She blushed at my thorough examination of her. She even tried to cover herself a little bit. I sat up and smiled. I beckoned her to me, and she came between my legs.

I brought one of her hands to my lips and tenderly kissed it. I looked back up to her and said, "You are a goddess. My goddess."

She quietly giggled at my comparison of her to Etro. I'd only told her the truth, and I meant what I said. I loved her. I loved her so much. I had little to offer, but whatever I had to give, she need only ask, and it was hers.

Vanille advanced on me. All I could think about was the conflict in my briefs. Vanille didn't know about my 'dual nature' yet, and quite honestly, I didn't know how she'd react. It pained me to think of her calling the whole thing off, but there was no going back now.

She reached for the snag of my garment and slid down on her knees. With a swift tug, she freed my throbbing pride from its confinement. Vanille fell forward on her hands, and she crawled seductively like a lioness on the prowl.

Just the sight of the Pulsian's wavy red locks and lusting eyes made me so wet—in both places. I observed until she reached out with her greedy fingers and squeezed my shaft. My head lolled back in mind-blowing pleasure.

I've wanted her to touch me like this for so long.

She giggled at my reaction and fisted me, slowly, with one hand.

"Fuck, Van!" I grunted as I reached out to gather her luscious red hair.

She giggled, making eye contact with me as she stroked ever so cruelly. Up and down. Up and Down. "You're sooo fucking hard," Vanille purred as she added a cranking motion to the strokes.

She was extremely pleased with herself. I could see it in her emerald eyes, but here was the moment of truth. Would she be okay with me?

As expected, Vanille pulled my cock up and licked all the way down the underside—lower and lower until her wet muscle swirled around one of my sensitive balls. One time around was all it took for her to know something else was going on down there.

With her free hand, she cupped the fleshy orbs and moved them over. It was all over now. She'd finally realized that I had the slick lips of a female entrance as well as a cock. I should've told her before putting her through thi—ahhhh, FUCK!

The next thing I knew, Vanille was fisting my shaft, in addition to licking my core. Both her hand and her tongue were equal in skill. It made me wonder if she'd done this before . . . with someone else like me.

"Van," I gasped. "V-Van, you've done this before?"

Vanille licked fully up my slit, over my balls, up the base of my shaft and to the tip before she stopped and answered with a blushing, "Yes."

That face—that innocent little face she gives me. Fuck. Fuck. Fuck. She jerked me while waiting for a reaction besides my 'mind-blown' facial expressions. Then, a realization hit me—Fang. Probably Fang.

"She's the only person I've been with." Vanille stroked a little harder, making me groan. "—I don't want to talk about it, Light." She enveloped my head with her lips and suckled. "Focus on me," she instructed.

If you insist, Van.

My eyes were forced shut as Vanille grabbed my shaft and pulled it up again. Meanwhile, she lowered her head down and proceeded to please me orally. I ran my fingers through her red locks while she fisted my cock and licked my female entrance diligently. Can you imagine the satisfaction I felt?Probably not.

"Vanille!" I gripped onto the bed sheets. "FUCK!" I panted.

She continued licking in rhythmic circles until I couldn't contain my female core any longer. A split second of time, and I was thrown over the edge. I came hard into Vanille's mouth, and she willingly lapped it down, careful not to miss a drop.

But this wasn't over. The other part of me stood erect and ready to please the goddess before me.

Vanille's PoV:

Finding Lightning's 'dual nature' was more than acceptable. And tonight . . . Tonight, my thoughts, my energy, my love—my everything . . . belonged to Lightning.

Before I could act, Lightning basically man-handled me down on my back. It all happened so quickly—and suddenly I was the one with her legs dangling over the bed. I propped up on my elbows and met her intense stare. It was . . . really sexy. She had this wild look in her eyes, like she couldn't wait another moment—like she needed me—she needed us.

I spread my legs for her, showing her the impressive pool of self-lubricant I'd worked up. Her eyes were on the prize, and likewise, I marveled at her throbbing member. I started to get impatient. I didn't want to wait anymore. I needed her inside of me. I needed to feel every agonizing inch claiming me—I wanted to be Lightning's, only Lightning's.

I braced myself as Lightning went down. I was already so wet, but my soldier wouldn't take a chance. She dragged her tongue for a long lick up my slit, stopping on my clit where she gave a soft suckle.

"Ohhhh, Captain," I moaned, as my hands gripped the satin bed sheets. Lightning gave a smug look to my referral of her rank.

She did a double lick before sucking a little harder on my prize. Her tongue darted slowly around the perimeter of my clit—divine mother Etro—have mercy on my soul, because the way she was pleasing me should've been a sin for feeling so good.

"Light . . . nnnnngg," I moaned. "Don't make me wait."

Lightning looked up from between my legs. Responding, "What is it that you want?"

"Please," I gasped.

"Say it, Vanille," Lightning commanded.

My eyes squeezed shut. I had to give in. "Lightning," I gasped. "Take me."

I sounded so desperate, but I didn't care. She stood up, taking one of my legs over her shoulder. God, she was throbbing so hard—Lightning nudged forward, prodding my clit with her pulsing tip. She gave it a few quick smacks, to which I cried out in ecstasy.

"Van," she whispered my name.

Before I knew it, Lightning was leaning over me, my leg coming with her. She supported herself with her hands as she pressed her lips to mine. It was as tender as our first kiss—I remembered. I remembered how I didn't want to stop, but I had to. Those days were behind us. Now, nothing else mattered as she gazed into my eyes with such sincerity and care.

I must've looked nervous. As I thought about it, I knew I did. She kissed my quivering lips once more. "I love you," she whispered.

Tears could've fallen—I was that moved by the gentleness of her voice. I had no regrets. I belonged to her. "Show me," I snaked my arms around her neck, "how much you love me." I shot her an intense look. There she was, just seconds from penetrating me. I wiped her choppy, pink bangs from her face.

Lightning softly kissed the palm of my hand which rested on her cheek. "Ready?" she asked.

I managed to smile and gave a small nod. The muscles in her shoulders coiled as she hovered above me and maneuvered herself to my entrance. I was leaking over her tip. Do I have to beg? I whimpered a little bit when I felt her cock nuzzling between my folds. My eyes sealed tightly in frustration.

"Look at me, Van," she whispered firmly.

I did as instructed. I looked at her. Distress was apparent in my face. God—how is she fitting?! It's . . . too . . . big.

She gave a gentle push, stretching me, filling me, claiming me slowly. Bit by bit, inch by inch. I couldn't imagine what it was like to be her—going slow, denying her own pleasure for my sake. She could've been rough with me. She could've held me down and easily had her way with me, but she chose to be gentle—gentle—Lightning was always gentle with me.

My inner walls struggled to fit her girth. She wasn't even half way in when I realized I was too small for her—no doubt in my mind, but I didn't care. She gave a tiny push, and my spine rolled in ecstasy. Christ, this hurt so bad . . . It hurt so fucking bad that it actually started feeling good. I bucked my hips, attempting to aid her.

She grunted like a primal wolf—it was so unbelievably sexy. "You're so . . . fucking tight . . . Van," she panted.

My nails raked across her shoulder blades when she gave another small push. I was soaking the floor and the foot of the bed that's how wet I was, but every agonizing inch made it seem like my wetness barely made a difference. Lightning continued the slow process until her tip poked my core, then she was very still.

She let out a sharp breath of air. She needed movement, but she was kind enough to wait for my walls to stop clenching so tight. I was paralyzed below her. I couldn't utter a word. Part of me wanted to scream in agony. Another part of me wanted to wrap my arms around her middle and demand her to fuck me senseless.

Lightning hooked under my legs and spread them wider. "A-Am I hurting you?" She asked gruffly as she continued to just sit there inside me.

"A little," my nails dug into the middle of her back and forced her down on top of me. "But, please . . . don't stop," I desperately panted into her ear.

Lightning grunted from my admittance and honored the request. Slowly, she pulled her member from my tight craven. The trauma of being stretched so far caused my new dimensions to linger. Just as my walls started to relax, Lightning unexpectedly pumped back into me, forcing me to stretch for her once again. I scratched vertically down her back as I cried out in pleasure and in pain.

The brutality of my nails caused her to roll her body and pump into me a second time. Good god—she still had 4 inches unable to fit inside me, but she pumped with what she could. I moaned. I screamed. I panted. I bucked my hips. She was so good at this. It was like she knew my body perfectly. My craven accepted her with clenches and contractions of unbelievable strength. My inner dwelling was afraid to lose her—it refused to lose her—when I was so close to cumming.

"Lightning!" I whined and bit onto her shoulder to stifle my obnoxious moans.

She pumped a little harder. God, I love the weight of her body on top of me. She felt so solid and sculpted but still so feather soft to the touch. Unconsciously, my legs slithered around her trim waist. This seemed to excite her, because she thrusted even harder now. I wrapped my arms tight around her neck, and she leaned back, taking me with her.

She gripped my hips firmly, stroking into me as I bucked to meet her. I forced her to kiss me. I needed her to kiss me. God, she felt good. She felt so fucking good, forcing me to glide over her impressive length. I was latched around her neck and waist, moaning loudly against her mouth.

We were hot, sweat slathered bodies both on the verge of climaxing. So close. So very close. My stomach was knotting. Here it was—

"I-I'm . . . going to—" I gasped, gazing into her intense azure eyes.

I pushed my lips against hers, and then she hit the spot. My vision was a white blur. I writhed and let out an intense, resonant moan against her mouth. My entire body trembled violently as neurons spewed random electrical signals through every axon and every terminal. My walls contracted selfishly around Lightning's cock, coating it generously with aromatic secretions.

The frequency of Lightning's groans spiked, and I knew the pressure wouldn't hold.

"—Van," she gasped. "W-Where do you want it?" I felt her hard body tensing, indicating that she'd found her peak.

I only had a moment to decide, but whether I had one minute or one hour made no difference. I latched onto her strong back—my designated scratching board. I was unwilling to let her pull out. I trusted Lightning more than anyone, and here was my proof.

My face twisted in concentration as I screamed, "In—OH, GOD! Please—inside . . . me—LLIIIIIGHTTTNNNIIIINNGG!"

I came on her stiff length for the second time. Relapsing like that was mind-blowing. She let out a feral grunt, and with a final thrust, I felt spurts of her hot seed releasing deep inside of me. I trembled at the sensation of one streaming jet after another filling me in excess. The heavy mix of fluids created a wet, smacking sound between our euphoric bodies.

I purred softly into her ear as she stroked out the synchronized orgasm. We lasted a few moments before collapsing to the bed, both panting uncontrollably. I rubbed her slippery back as her face planted into the crook of my neck. I felt limp and exhausted, but with what little strength I had, I kept my ankles weakly crossed to make sure we stayed connected.

I kissed Lightning's ear. "I love you," I whispered.

She pulled back and looked at me, managing a small smile. She brushed my cheek with her thumb and kissed my lips. After I stopped clenching her, she slowly pulled out. I moaned from the loss as my walls tightened back up.

Lightning breathlessly rolled to the side. I unsnapped my heels and tossed them to the floor. I felt her encircling my waist and pulling me back with her. I cuddled her body, straddling her leg as I laid my head contentedly against her shoulder.

I had a desperate grasp around her torso. She wasn't allowed to leave—not after making love to me. She pulled the covers over us, and in Lightning's arms, I drifted into a tranquil slumber.