Spun in Gold

By SMYGO4EVA

The fireplace crackled, the warmth sifting in the air of the cottage. Anne couldn't sleep, and neither could Shall, as the next day was unknown to them. She envied how Mythril could fall fast asleep so easily.

Then again, they accomplished a lot today, and the Holy Beginnings Festival was a rousing success. The battle was won, and yet there was much they didn't know.

There was so much they did not know, uncertainty hanging in the air like a thick fog.

Anne sat close to Shall, as they huddled by the fire. The night was cold, she felt it in her bones, the fire helping little by little. She looked up to Shall, his eyes regarding her, his expression softening.

"Anne?"

"Oh, is this alright, is it okay if I touch you?" Anne asked, glancing aside and Shall didn't move an inch. She remembered that Shall had been averse to such closeness, even someone getting close to him.

Time and time again, his strength and trust was taken advantage of. Shall was almost shy when it came to anything physical, but not with her, not with Anne.

"Is it alright if I place my hand on you?" Anne asked, her hands clasped together, lifting her head to look him right in the eyes.

There was a softness in Shall's eyes, almost shimmering. He wasn't used to anyone asking his permission. Usually, any human would lay their hands on him, no matter if he protested.

Shall blinked, and he nodded. "Yes, Anne, you can rest your hands on me."

Anne smiled, and she nodded back. "Oh, alright, thank you, Shall." Without further ado, she rested her hands on his arm, resting her head on his shoulder. His body felt warm to her touch, and she felt her face grow hot. He didn't flinch at her touch.

She swallowed, and she looked up to Shall again.

"Shall?"

Shall slowly turned to her. "Yes?

Anne couldn't believe what she was going to say, what she wanted to say, but her heartbeat quickened in her chest, urging her to go on.

To ask, to spit it out.

"Is it okay if I kiss you?"

Shall looked at Anne, shock and confusion on his features. "What?"

Anne shook her head, and shut her eyes, a growing pit in her stomach. "Sorry, what I meant to say was-only if you wanted to, we don't have to."

"Anne…" Shall began, and Anne opened her eyes, looking up to him tentatively, expecting a reprimand.

"Only if you wish to do so, Anne." He murmured, the earlier shock gone from his voice, and replaced with something softer.

Anne swallowed, and she nodded. "Yes, yes I do, and you want to as well?"

"Yes."

Anne took a breath, and she moved herself upward, her heartbeat thundering in her chest. Her hands placed themselves on his shoulder, shifting herself so she would face him. She closed her eyes, and leaned forward, feeling him move closer to her. She pressed her lips to his, tenderly, softly, but assuredly.

Shall closed his eyes, his arms gently wrapping around Anne, her lithe form shaking under his touch. One of his hands trailed down her back, moving up and down, soothing her in his embrace.

Anne pulled away, slowly and gently, her face bright red, and she smiled at him. Shall smiled back, and then he leaned forward, catching her lips with his own. She squeaked in surprise, but she eagerly accepted his bold gesture. On sheer impulse, she shifted herself closer, sitting in his lap, and wrapped her arms around his back. Their kiss deepened, gentle touches melting into passion, as they needed this, as words couldn't say exactly what their hearts harbored for each other.

Anne kissed Shall fervently, with him giving her such passion with equal strength. They broke away for a moment, catching much-needed air in their lungs, but Shall pulled Anne her close, a surprised gasp escaping her lips. His mouth trailed across her neck, her breath hitching, her hands on his arms. His mouth was hot, and she felt warm all over. He was worshipping every inch of flesh, pausing at the slightest hint of hesitation, watching and waiting as Anne relaxed beneath his touch, wanting and yearning in her eyes.

As soon as they were at eye level, Anne kissed Shall once again, any qualms she had earlier gone. Anne moved herself on top of him, with Shall returning her fervor in great abundance, no longer shivering.


(A/N: This was my first time writing for Sugar Apple Fairy Tale, so forgive me if there are some character inconsistencies.)