Chapter 22

"What is on your mind?" Jane whispered quietly, lifting her head off of Bo's chest to look up at the silent Orc.

"I'm…confused."

"About what?" Jane shifted her body so she could look at Bo properly, her hand grazing over Bo's damaged hip. The Orsimer shuddered, where she had touched him laid a dull yet painful ache, and Jane rushed to apologize.

"No apologizing," Bo said sternly, stroking Jane's cheek fondly. She murmured something about being able to say sorry if she wanted to, but leaned into his touch, closing her eyes.

"I do not understand all these…thoughts, and feelings."

"What about them do you not understand?"

"Why I feel so…emotional. All the time it seems, my thoughts are running around in my head all day and I feel like… like…"

"Normal?"

Bo chuckled, gazing down at his Jane, running a hand through her hair.

"I guess so," he replied after a moment. "I guess I'm just, not used to voicing my emotions."

"You leave them bottled up inside. You have not had someone to share your thoughts and feelings with; at least I assume you traveled alone."

"I did. It was always just myself."

"It's me, making you feel so different. It's my fault." Jane looked away, feeling guilty for changing the Orc so drastically he had noticed it.

"No, no Jane." Bo firmly grasped her chin and forced her to look at him, staring into her guilt-ridden eyes.

"If it is you who has done this to me, then I welcome it with open arms. I am a better man because of you."

Jane bit her lip, willing herself not to cry, because she felt such strong emotions towards Bo she felt she might say something much too soon; and scare him away.

"I am glad," she replied shakily, letting out a deep breath, "that you feel that way. However I think you have always been a wonderful man."

Bo wrapped his arms around Jane and squeezed her tight, resisting the urge to kiss her forehead. He still felt self-conscious about his tusks, and was dreading the day they kissed; yet at the same time wishing it could happen with each passing day. He was far too conflicted with many things, and instead tried not to think about the upcoming trip; and paid attention to Jane.

"I'm looking forward to leaving. I love Whiterun, but I love traveling with you more." Jane murmured; her head nestled in the crook of his neck. Her warm breath tickled Bo's skin, and he shivered, gripping the girl tightly. He could feel her breasts pressed against his arms through her tunic, and tried to push away the images that came to mind, blushing with embarrassment.

"I look forward to traveling again as well," He replied, hoping Jane had not noticed the color that had risen to his cheeks. "A part of me is anxious to hear what the Greybeards have to say."

"I will be with you every step of the way," Jane replied sweetly, turning her head to kiss his bare chest; earning her self another tight squeeze.

"You mean everything to me," he whispered hoarsely, feeling tears prick the corners of his eyes. "With you by my side no foe stands a chance."

"Did you get all your supplies?" Nazgurat inquired, pulling Lynne down beside him and wrapping his thick arms around her. Lynne chuckled, settling into a comfortable position, and idly stroked his chest while her head lay on the pillow close to him.

"Mhmm," she replied, staring into his deep red eyes. "Everything I needed, and then some."

"Good," he growled, leaning forward. Their lips met, and Lynne kissed him back enthusiastically, reaching up to run a hand through his hair.

"Your skin is so soft," Nazgurat murmured, stroking her cheek with his thumb, "So pale."

"I am a Nord," Lynne joked, and they both chuckled.

Lynne leaned forward and claimed his lips, a jolt of pleasure running through her body as the feeling of his tusks on the side of her mouth and his hardened body pressed against hers greatly aroused her. She couldn't resist slipping one hand under his shirt and letting it wander across the plains of his stomach, earning a soft moan from the Orsimer. She felt his smooth chest, gently caressing one of his nipples, and it sent a shiver through Nazgurat.

Suddenly he pulled back and away from her, his chest heaving while he struggled to breathe.

"I'm sorry…"

"No," he gasped, and closed his eyes. His heartbeat started to slow to a normal pace, and he let out a deep breath. "No it's all me, you know that." Nazgurat looked away, ashamed that he could not muster the courage to please Lynne. He wanted to…Gods he wanted to so bad, but he was scared; scared that if they had sex she would stop liking him like she did now.

"I know, but I'm not making it any better. Please come here, I'll be good I promise."

Lynne lifted one arm, allowing Nazgurat to shift closer, wrapping his arm around her waist and nestling his head under her chin. Lynne smoothed his hair back, and kissed the top of his head.

"I'm just…"

"Nazgurat," Lynne whispered, holding the Orsimer tightly in her arms. "I know what fears you, do not speak of it anymore tonight. We have a long day tomorrow, I want your sleep to be filled with sweet dreams, not of worries."

"You're amazing," Nazgurat mumbled, sighing contentedly. They fell asleep some time after, and did not wake until dawn.