Thank you for your support !

Gwen almost gasped at the intrusion, but it was a moan that left her mouth when Tōga's sinful lips proceeded to devour her. Arms of steel snaked around her waist, one warm hand crawling up her spine to settle between her shoulder blades as he hunched forward. His tall frame engulfed her lithe one, surrounding her, crushing her against him. His scent filled her nose, his taste her mouth, his breathing echoed in her ears; there was nothing else than him.

He was so intense; there was nothing shy in this kiss. The Inu no Taishō was staking his claim, taking what he desired most without mercy. That she would be the incarnation of such desire baffled her muddled brain, but her body knew best. Every single cell yearned for his presence. So intense that it burnt her defences.

Moulding in his embrace, Gwen's arms sought purchase around strong shoulders to wrap herself around his delicious body. A deep vibration answered her actions; his chest was rumbling, almost purring in delight that she would willingly surrender.

They separated for a breath and the light she caught in his eyes was filled with such want that her cheeks were set ablaze. Suddenly, the need to stake her own claim coiled in her belly, and Gwen reached up on tip toes – cursing his impossible height. Gwen framed his tanned cheeks with wonder, marvelling that he would allow her such familiarity.

If this was a dream, she'd rather die than awake.

Tōga's breath was hot on her lips, calling to her, irresistible and she smiled, the curve of her mouth moulding around his. Her whole body hummed, drinking his warmth, his incredible vitality. Then his tongue took a swipe at her lips and she responded in kind, tangling the intimate appendage with his in a sensual dance.

How much time passed ? Gwen lost count, for heaven had decided to open its gates, and she couldn't have enough of him. His hands, his chest, his lips, everything about him overwhelmed her senses. For once, the ever-rolling circle of consistent thoughts disappeared. He tasted like paradise under her tongue, and she idly wondered if he would allow her lips to trace the curve of his chiselled jaw.

One of Tōga's hands drifted to her lower back, brushing the curve of her hips. The caress sent a shiver up her spine, anticipation pooling inside her belly. His hands grabbed her with renewed vigour, securing her nape in a vice grip. Gwen squeaked, her little nose crushed against his skin, flooded by his masculine scent. Every place he touched caught fire, and she knew her skin would scream its loneliness as soon as he walked away from her.

Would he… walk away ?

Eventually, Tōga released her mouth and gathered her against him in a mighty hug. The heavy rise and fall of his chest matched hers, and she set her ear upon it; the staccato of his heart was so wild ! Then he kissed her brow, and pulled her chin up to gaze down upon her. The whole world lit up, colours brightening at the joy contained in his simple, yet amazing expression. Gwen tightened her hold upon his waist, marvelling at the muscles that danced under her fingertips; promises of more warmth.

"What now ?", she asked.

The incredulous smile turned smug.

"Now I'm taking you home", he whispered against her lips. "… and never letting you go."

Gwen's cheeks blazed at the implication. Home… ? Flustered, she bit her lips.

He wants me. Like, really wants ME ? The revelation caused her heart to burst with happiness.

"Well, I knew you were pretty intense after all."

His brow furrowed a little, wariness infusing his elated expression.

"Too fast ?"

Gwen shook her head, the dizziness from their kiss causing the room to spin a little.

"Nah, I get we've been a little slow. We have to make up for it, right ?"

She could blame the lack of oxygen for their heavy make out session, but he was so damn intoxicating that she wouldn't mind die kissing him. It still felt like a dream; if she let go, would he disappear forever ?

He regarded her patiently, his gaze trapping her in a little world created for them both. Searching, assessing if she was really ready to give in. Eventually, he sighed; the sound didn't sit right by her.

"I don't want to pressure you. I know my position…"

Wondering where the hesitation came from, Gwen grabbed his right hand and laced their fingers together.

"I've been wondering what your quarters look like for a while, now", she retorted, her smile turning cheeky.

Fire sparked in his eyes, a deep, overwhelming hunger that seemed to cause him pain. His arms shook a moment, and that line between his eyes furrowed as he seemed to struggle. She only squeezed his hand; that hand she'd observed so much, watching the veins and tendons that played below tanned skin, wondering what his touch would feel like. And coming so short… her imagination couldn't possibly encompass the bliss he created when his hands trailed over her form.

"Then come…"

They left the office with an innocent air of detachment. Gwen didn't meet anyone's eyes; she couldn't lie to save her life, and didn't want any rumours running on the Captain. But then… would the rumours be so far from the truth ? As the commander, Tōga lived in the upper level of the station; any emergency would call him back in the blink of an eye.

As requested by contract, Gwen's apartment was less than five minutes away; restrictive, but efficient. She followed her Captain up the wide metal stairs, feeling self-conscious when she passed the threshold of the last level; no one crossed that limit. Up there were Taishō's private quarters, and nothing else. The fact that he didn't even unlock the door caused her to pause. Did he trust his men that much ?

Apparently, yes. With a deep breath, Gwen passed the fated threshold of his den. The door clanged behind her and she jumped, squeaking nervously. Tōga's hand gently landed at the small of her back as he pushed her into his flat.

Furniture was sparse and sober, dark wood over brighter floors. A low table seemed to be used as dining place as well as coffee table beside the large sofa. The Japanese atmosphere permeated the place, zen principles applied in their blatant simplicity. Gwen stiffened; she felt like an intruder, but the smell that lingered in the place was pleasant enough. This place smelt like him…

"I'm going to feed you. Then we'll talk."

Gwen almost started; food was so far from her mind at the moment, but her stomach reminded her that breakfast was hours away. Divesting herself from the safety boots, the young woman secured her bag next to the door. As Tōga set his own pair next to hers, she stared at the image of domesticity it created. Then, the Captain left in a swish of uniform pants, and she chased after him.

"Can I help ?", she asked.

Tōga cocked his head aside in such a canine move that her lips pulled up. His eyes flashed golden, then he grinned back.

"Sure."

Helping him fixing dinner was surprisingly easy. Whether because he was used to issuing orders, or she was used to follow them, Gwen found herself relaxing as she chopped vegetables for a stir fry. The rice cooker behind Tōga gently steamed while he juggled between the miso soup and his wok. The Captain had rolled his dark red t-shirt at the sleeves, exposing toned forearms that flexed as he worked. Conversation was scarce, but friendly. Eventually, Tōga extracted a set of plates and bowls and set them down upon the coffee table.

"I hope you don't mind dining down there."

"Will it require sitting in seiza ?", she asked, slightly worried about spending too much time in the unfamiliar pause.

"Nah", Tōga retorted as he set the dishes on the table. "The sofa is good."

The Captain seemed to pause when he retrieved two pairs of chopsticks in the top drawer. Feeling bold, Gwen stole them from his hands with a smile.

"It will be fine, Taishō", she called over her shoulder as she made her way to the living room. The sight of those steaming dishes, settled next to the sofa brought a smile to her lips. Sure, she had dined in the common room by his side more than once, but this looked awfully cozy… Albeit not a noise transpired, she suddenly felt his presence at her back, so close that her skin hummed.

"Tōga", he slid in her ear, his voice low. There was a slight pressure of his lips upon her cheek before he bypassed her and settled in the sofa, cross legged. "Here, I am not your Captain."

"Well then", she smiled, taking place beside him as if the sofa had always been waiting for her, "Itadakimasu."

Dinner was a delight. Gwen adored the home-made miso soup, a dish she never partook in except in Japanese restaurants. Relaxing cross legged, the former Inu no Taishō offered such a sight. His long hair trailed over his shoulder, a stark contrast with the dark red t-shirt that complimented his skin tone. He caught her staring and she blushed, grabbing the bowl of fried vegetable to cover her flustered state.

Tōga smirked and reached out, uncoiling his long limbs to correct the position of her hands on the chopsticks. His fingers lingered in a caress; a call she couldn't help but respond to. Gwen lifted her head, the bowl forgotten as his molten gaze caught hers. Breath catching in her throat, the young woman felt her soul trying to reach for his, gravitating around his intensity. Whomever he had been still lived within the confines of his human body, a domineering aura that danced around him like the swirls of a veil.

Something flickered in his eyes, the mask of caution taking hold of those gorgeous irises. Disturbed by the ease with which doubt seeped in, Gwen decided she had had enough. Whatever possessed him to trace that line in the sand again would be addressed at once before the damn wall was rebuilt and became unbreakable.

"You wanted to talk", she prompted.

The abruptness of her question caused his body to tense. His back straightened, hands settling upon his knees in a posture he might have used a thousand times in his past life. A warrior, preparing for battle.

"Gwen", he started, his voice rumbling. "I don't want to take advantage of you."

Take advantage of me ? What the hell was he rambling about ?

"Because you're my Captain ?"

"Hai", he breathed, regret settling over his features. But the fact that he expressed his assent in Japanese was a testimony of their closeness – he stuck to english in the station. "But not only…"

Gwen's heart skipped a beat; a taste of him wasn't enough to go on with her life. She couldn't lose him, now that she knew how ground shaking his embrace was, how the feel of his lips dancing with her caused her soul to sing.

"Then what ?"

"I'm … old. Especially compared to you."

The young woman blinked, taking in the unmarked features except for that discreet laugh line that only showed when his eyes crinkled in mirth. He looked to be in his thirties, but she knew the man was different, somehow. Past life notwhistanding, Tōga possessed inhuman abilities that led to endless speculations. And despite every secret he'd disclosed to her, the subject of his age remained taboo.

"How old ?"

A discreet smile lifted the corner of his lips.

"Is that for the pool bet ?"

"No."

But if you tell me, we can probably fund a weekend at the beach.

The silence became oppressive and Gwen laid her bowl of miso soup upon the table, watching that invisible line reform again without an inkling on how to banish it. Resolve settled in her belly; she would tear it apart, grain by grain if need be.

"How old are you?"

A great sigh shook his frame.

"I was born in sixty-six."

Holy mother of…