Twilight belongs to Stephenie Meyer

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Where the Lines Overlap

All We Know

~~ Edward ~~

The good (perfect) lovin'

Have you ever felt like your feet were not touching the ground?

Have you ever felt your heart trying to escape your chest, racing wildly yet caught in a whirlwind of joy?

Have you ever looked into someone's eyes and seen a light so bright, it nearly blinded you—drawing you in, making resistance impossible?

Have you ever found yourself gravitating toward someone without even realizing it?

Has someone's smile ever made your knees weak, your whole body trembling?

Has someone's voice, their words, their gestures ever ignited the most intense happiness you've ever known?

Have you ever loved someone to the point where you felt you no longer belonged to yourself?

I have.

Jasper… He's my soul.

For nearly two years, I thought he was simply the boy I loved. But then I realized the depth of what I felt—stronger, deeper—and I began to believe he was my twin soul. When we finally came together, and I discovered he reciprocated my feelings, it became clear: we were soulmates.

Those thoughts seem simple, yet they carry so much weight.

When he told me I was all he could wish for, I understood what he meant—we are two parts of a whole. Seeing him put in the effort to confront his fears, his reservations, to fully embrace our love, opened my eyes to the truth: what we share is so much bigger than we initially assumed.

Jasper has always been complicated when it comes to feelings. He struggles to express and navigate his emotions, a consequence of his harsh upbringing. But he's a kind soul, always had a good heart. When he gives himself a chance, he discerns things well. I knew he was capable of growth; eventually, he would find the path he wanted to take and recognize the efforts needed to achieve it. Most importantly, I knew that once he understood what he had to do, he would do it—no matter the cost. That's who he is. He's determined, and he doesn't bend easily unless absolutely necessary.

Watching him tonight, once again overcoming his pride and asking for help, putting himself out there and exposing his truth—that was the most undeniable proof of his love, his character, and his commitment.

Not that I ever doubted those before. I could never question his loyalty or fidelity, much less his love. Jasper is the most loyal person I know; he always has been. This is just another testament to the purity of his heart and soul.

When I told him I fell in love with him all over again today, I meant it with every fiber of my being. I fell hard. I know now, better than ever, that he is the one. He's my reason for living, my heart and soul. I need him with me more than I need air, and I want to spend my life with him.

I hope our wish comes true.

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I set the basket down on the floor, gently placing the star on the side table as Jasper locks the door behind us.

It's way past midnight, and though the day's been long, I'm far from tired. If anything, I'm buzzing—alive with the emotions still pulsing through me.

I'm starving. But not for food.

"Are you hungry, babe?" Jasper's voice cuts through the air, ironic timing.

He turns toward me, his eyes widening as he realizes just how close I've gotten.

I plant my hands on the doorframe, one on each side of his head. He exhales sharply, a soft tremble on his lips as he leans back against the door, gaze flicking from my eyes to my mouth, then back again.

He knows that look. He understands exactly what I want.

"I'm starving," I murmur, my voice thick with hunger—not the kind a meal can fix.

His pupils darken, dilating as the heat between us intensifies.

I gaze down at him, letting my desire seep into the space between us. He stares up from below, his expression a mixture of willingness and vulnerability.

I love confident, bossy Jasper—but there's something about the boy beneath it all, the slightly shy, innocent Jay, the one who gets weak in the knees when I loom over him like this, pinning him with an unwavering stare.

"I can heat up the leftovers from lunch…" His voice quivers, just slightly.

I chuckle low in my throat.

"No need to heat up anything, love," I lean in closer, watching his breath hitch as I close the distance. "What I want is already hot—I just need to unwrap it."

"I can do that for you..." he whispers as my lips brush his neck. His head tilts, offering more access.

"Nah..." I murmur, licking from the base of his neck to his ear. Jasper shivers. "I want to do it myself, if you don't mind." I nibble on his earlobe.

"I-I don't... mind..." he stutters.

My hands leave the door, and I yank his button-down shirt open in one swift motion. The buttons scatter across the floor as I push the fabric off his shoulders.

"Sorry about your shirt..." I whisper, running my tongue along the shell of his ear. Another shiver runs through him, and a small whimper escapes his lips. "I'll replace it."

"Fuck the shirt," he sighs, breath heavy, as I grab his wrists and pin them above his head. "Just don't stop."

"I won't, honey. Not until you're begging me to let you cum."

"Ooh..." he moans, eyes fluttering shut.

I lick my way to his shoulder, feeling the goosebumps rising on his skin, then gently bite down just above his collarbone.

"You marked me this morning..." My voice drops to a purr. "Was that deliberate, love?"

"Yes..." he breathes. "You're mine..."

"And you're mine." I whisper back. "So it's only fair I mark you too, don't you think?"

"You can mark me all you want, angel..." His voice trembles, and I can feel his erection pressing into my thigh. He's already so aroused. "Just keep your mouth on me, please..."

"I love when you plead..." I murmur, releasing his left arm and attaching my lips to the skin of his shoulder.

Jasper lets out a loud moan when I bite down, but it's clear he's not in pain—he grinds his hard-on against my leg, chasing friction. I move my thigh deliberately, rubbing up and down to give him what he needs, and he groans in response. Sucking hard on his skin, my hands fumble to open his fly. His now-free right hand grips my neck, holding me in place, wordlessly begging me to keep marking him. At the same time, I free his thick, hard cock, wrapping my hand around it. My other palm flattens against the door for balance.

"Fuck, E!" he grunts as I give a firm squeeze to the head.

"I fucking love your cock, Jazz..." The words tumble out, muffled against his skin. "It fits so perfectly in my hand..."

I feel him about to speak, but whatever he is going to say is swallowed by a deep, drawn-out groan as I smear his precum with my thumb, spreading it around the head of his dick. I keep sucking at his shoulder, hard, as I start to stroke him in earnest.

"Ooh! Too hard, babe... too good..." His words come in a rush. "You're gonna make me cum too fast..."

"You're not allowed to cum." My voice sharpens with command as I pull back from his shoulder just enough to look at him. I release his cock, and he whimpers at the loss, but I grab his chin, forcing his eyes on me. "You don't cum until I say so." My tone is firm, and his response is immediate—a moan, deep and desperate. "Tell me you understand."

"I do..." He pants, breathless.

I grab his cock again, a little hastily, and Jasper shuts his eyes tight, biting down on his lower lip. The sight alone sends a powerful thrill through me, making my whole body tremble. My own cock strains hard against my jeans, desperate for friction, for some kind of release.

But this isn't about me. This is about him. I want to take him to the highest point of bliss because he deserves it—deserves to feel the same intense elation I did today. For everything he's done for me, for us, for the way he made me feel loved, cherished, and valued every single second of our date… I want to give him the same pleasure he gives me every day. I want him to feel how pleasuring him satisfies me. I want to make him beg—then moan my name when he cums.

Oh, fuck… Just thinking about all of this has my cock oozing precum, pulsing hot and hard inside my pants…

I bite down harder on his shoulder this time, reveling in his long, loud moan. My mouth sucks at the skin with urgency while my hand, almost moving on its own, tightens its grip on Jay's cock, pumping faster, harder.

"Holy shit, Edward..." Jasper gasps, his blunt fingernails digging into the back of my neck. "Oh, fucking God… I can't hold it, babe, not with you jerking me off like this…"

I bring my mouth to his ear.

"Do you want to cum now, love?" My voice drops low, teasing as I feel his dick twitch in my hand.

"Yes..." he pants, his breath shaky.

"You can't..." I slow my hand, letting my tongue trace the shell of his ear. "Not yet... I need you higher."

"I'm so, so high right now, angel… Please, babe… Please..." His voice is a desperate whine now.

"So you're begging." I murmur, nibbling at his earlobe.

"I am..." he gasps. I speed up just a little. "Mmm... Ooh... Please, babe..." His voice falters, breathless and pleading. "Please, please, please... Let me cum..."

"You're not high enough, love. Just trust me... I want to take you higher."

He groans, his hips twitching as I change the pace of my hand, teasing him right to the edge. The way he grips my neck like he's hanging on for dear life tells me he's close—his body trembling, muscles tensing as he fights to keep control. His cock is leaking, pulsing hard in my palm, and I can see how much he's struggling to hold back.

I move my right hand to his chest, pinching his nipple, as my mouth finds its way back to his shoulder.

"Mmm... Fuck..." His moans grow louder, more frantic. "Edward..." he pants, barely getting the words out. "Angel... I-I... I can't... P-please..."

I bite down harder on his shoulder, feeling him buck his hips into my hand. His cock twitches, and he gasps, pushing his body into mine.

"Baby, please..." His voice cracks, full of desperation. "Please, please... I can't hold off any longer..."

I yank his head back by the hair, making him meet my eyes.

"Look at me." My voice is sharp, commanding. His eyelids flick open, irises wide and dark. "Don't close your eyes. Look at me."

I pause, then let the words drop in a low growl: "Cum now."

Jasper's lips part, his mouth forming a perfect "O" as his cock pulses in my hand.

"Aaah, Edward..." he groans, struggling to keep his eyes open, pupils blown wide. His body trembles as his cock spurts thick ropes of cum, hot and sticky on my hand. His entire body shakes as I milk his release, every shuddering breath making him weaker in my arms.

I loosen my grip on his hair, cup his face, and press a soft kiss to his lips, grounding him after the intensity.

As soon as I release his softening cock, his knees buckle, and I pull him close, holding him steady.

"Whoa, love, don't fall," I tease lightly, quickly wrapping my arms around his waist to keep him steady.

"I can't feel my legs, babe…" He's breathless, taking in a sharp inhale. "That was…" Another deep breath. "I need to sit down."

I chuckle, sinking to the floor and pulling him down with me. His head rests back against the door, his chest rising and falling as he catches his breath.

"The things you do to me…" he whispers between soft gasps.

I smile softly, watching him, waiting for his eyes to open again. When they do, they're glinting, and that lazy, satisfied smile spreads across his lush lips.

"I love you," he murmurs.

"I love you more…" I vow, my voice barely above a whisper.

"What was that for?"

I give him a half-smile, my eyes tracing the lines of his flushed face.

"To ease a little bit of all that tension we built up today."

He chuckles, nodding.

"That stolen kiss…" He trails off.

"Yeah, that stolen kiss." I echo, grinning. "And your endless teasing."

His mock frown makes me laugh softly.

"I didn't tease you, you teased me. All day long."

He lets out a deep, contented sigh, then leans into me, his hand sneaking over my groin as his face inches closer to mine.

"But you only took care of my tension…" His half-smile, combined with that mischievous glint in his eyes, is enough to spark heat all over again. "I think it's payback time…"

I push my hardened cock against his hand as I nip his bottom lip. Jasper swipes his tongue between my lips, searching for mine, and I grant him a brief swirl.

"We could go to your room…" I know it's too late for that since he's already pulling my shirt off, backing away slightly.

"You attacked me at the door. You barely gave me time to get in the apartment," he murmurs against my lips, his hands deftly opening my fly. "I'll make you cum right here on the living room floor…"

With that, he grabs my cock in his skillful hand and swallows my whimper with a smoldering kiss.

For the next ten or fifteen minutes—I really have no idea how much time passes—he teases me until I'm pleading for release.

He complies, of course, pulling out all the stops to make me cum as hard as only he knows how.

Then we're both sprawled on the living room floor, shirtless, pants down to our knees, softened, heavy, sated cocks nestled between our legs, our stomachs and hands slick with cum. The only sound filling the room is our still ragged breaths.

I keep my eyes closed, riding the last waves of the bliss Jasper has elicited in me, so I'm not sure how he looks or what he's doing.

Suddenly, I feel his hand gently grabbing mine, interlocking our fingers. I sigh and open my eyes, turning my head to the side.

He's looking at me, his face relaxed, placid. We gaze at each other in silence, like we usually do during these charged moments where words seem useless.

I love you. I tell him in my head, not wanting to break the spell.

Jasper sighs softly, a faint smile playing at the corners of his lips. Then he silently mouths "me too," proving that even without words, we communicate.

That's how deep and true our connection is.

We are two parts of the same soul.

.

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"I'm happy for both of you, son." My father's strong voice can't disguise the joy I know he's feeling. I can almost picture the smile he's sporting, even through the phone. "Where's he now?"

"Sleeping. We went to bed pretty late last night," I explain naturally.

"So, how are things in that area?" His voice shifts to a more serious tone, and I know he's not being nosy—he just worries and wants to be aware. "Still on second base?"

"A baseball metaphor, Dad? Really?" I chuckle.

"I just wanted to be subtle, but if you're okay with it… Have you two gone any further than handjobs?"

"Dad!" I kind of whine, but I'm not really embarrassed.

He is my confidant. I tell him everything. It's just kind of weird hearing him ask this stuff sometimes. Usually, I just share what's happened, and he listens and advises me, but he doesn't ask much.

"What? I'm just worried. You two are inexperienced in homosexual sex, so you need guidance. Would you rather talk about this stuff with your mom?"

"Fuck, no." I hurry to answer.

"Language, young man." He reprimands me.

"Sorry." I mumble. "We've kind of… progressed a little from that, but…"

"Oral?"

I close my eyes, heat flooding my cheeks.

"Dad, don't ask questions, okay? Just let me tell you. It feels strange to hear you asking me about this stuff."

"Okay, so tell me. I'm listening."

I take a deep breath and exhale slowly.

"We've been exploring some things, you know…" I pause to gather my thoughts. "But nothing too invasive yet. And we haven't had… oral." I heave a sigh. "Maybe on Thursday we can talk more openly about this? I actually have some questions, but it's almost eight, and I want to make some breakfast for him before he wakes up…"

"Okay, son. We'll talk more on Thursday, then." He speaks with his inherent compassionate fatherly tone, the one that always makes me feel safe and at ease. "I'm glad you called to break the news. Just don't get too ahead of yourself. The fact that Jay was able to act relatively normal during the date doesn't mean he's fully out."

"I know… It was his first step, and I'm aware of the effort he made…"

"Yes. Let him get comfortable with the situation. Just follow his lead; don't pressure him."

"That's what I'm doing," I assure him. "Thanks, Dad."

"Don't mention it. That's what I'm here for. Tell Jay I'm proud of him." I can hear the sincerity in his voice, and it fills me with warmth. He really loves Jasper as if he's his other son.

"I will. Love you."

"Love you too, Tonton." As always, he uses my family nickname, and a smile spreads across my face. "And don't forget to call your mom."

"Kay. Bye."

"Bye."

I hang up and sigh, mulling over what my father said. I know yesterday was atypical, that Jasper was driven by the romantic mood of our moment, and that his apparent ease with our public exposure was influenced by the special day we were living. I realize that our everyday life won't simply become a walk in the park, and it won't be easy for him to come out to his family. But I'm okay with all that because he showed me he's trying—really trying—and that's enough for now.

I'm not going to pressure him, nor am I going to assume we'll stroll onto campus hand in hand like a picture-perfect gay couple tomorrow. I'll just go with the flow and see what happens.

After another sigh, I stand up from the chair and start preparing his breakfast. I want to surprise him a bit. I know I can't match what he did for me yesterday, but I'm sure he'll appreciate the intention behind my gesture.

When everything is ready, I put his bowl of cereal, our glasses of orange juice, and both peanut butter sandwiches on the tray. Then I head back to my room, where we spent the night. Once inside, I tiptoe to my side of the bed and place the tray on the nightstand.

I look at him, lying on his stomach with his head on my pillow, his hair spread across the pillowcase. My gaze glides along his defined back until it reaches the curve of his butt, where my white sheet covers him…

He's such a sight. Not only is he beautiful, but he's also sexy and incredibly attractive. I could stay here, admiring him for eternity, and I'd be happy…

But of course, since I can do more than simply look, I take advantage of my perks.

First, I thread my fingers through his smooth hair, gently pushing it away from his face. Jazz sighs softly but doesn't seem ready to wake up. I glide my fingertips along his skin, mesmerized by the trail of goosebumps left in the wake of my touch, until I reach the edge of the sheet.

Slowly, I pull it away, revealing his nakedness unhurriedly…

Oh, damn, Jay…" I murmur to myself. "You're so perfect…"

My gaze drifts back to his shoulder, where the hickey I left last night stands out, purplish against his ivory skin.

I can't resist; I lean in and kiss the spot softly, trying to soothe the mark I inflicted.

It starts with soft, lingering pecks, but damn… Jasper's scent is intoxicating. It invades my nostrils and spreads through me like a potent drug. I can't fight it, and the effects happen fast…

Soon, I'm parting my lips, leaving open-mouthed kisses on the area.

Jasper stirs, letting out soft humming sounds. I can sense he's about to wake up now, but I'm kind of in a trance…

My hand rests on the small of his back, fingers tracing idle circles as I slide my tongue over the mark again and again.

"Mmmmmm… Don't stop…" I hear his low mumble.

I couldn't if I wanted to…

My other hand, which had been flat on the mattress, runs from his nape to the top of his head, tugging gently on his hair. I can feel his breath becoming labored as his back begins to rise and fall deeper. I rearrange my body, lying on my side beside him. I softly rub my erection against the side of his thigh, and he moves, sneaking his leg under mine.

A low moan escapes my lips… The sensation of his toned thigh pressing against me feels too good…

"Take these PJs off, angel…" His firmer voice confirms he's completely awake now.

I raise my head from his shoulder to find his stunning eyes a bit sleepy, yet focused intently on me.

"Good morning, love." I greet him as my right hand slides further along his butt, kneading the flesh, the tip of my middle finger almost reaching the crack.

Jasper flexes his thigh, providing me with more friction. I stifle a whimper.

"Good morning, babe," he whispers, slightly bucking his ass against my hand, as if inviting me to explore him further.

I nip at his shoulder while my fingertips dig into the skin of his left butt cheek.

"Ooh…" he moans softly, writhing slightly under my touch.

I can't help but smile against his skin.

"This okay?" I ask in a soft tone, splaying my hand over the round flesh and squeezing gently.

"Uh-huh," he mutters, nodding.

"You're comfortable?" I move my hand to rest over both his cheeks, my middle finger grazing his crack subtly as I rub myself against his leg with a little more force.

"Yeah…"

"I made you breakfast…" I say just before my tongue swipes over the hickey once more.

"I don't want food." He groans in response to the teasing of my finger.

It rests right between his ass cheeks now, and the heat beckons me, but I hesitate. I'm unsure how he'll react if I give in to the urge building within me…

I take a moment to catch my breath, my heart racing as the tension hangs in the air.

"What do you want, love?" My question purrs as I grind against his thigh, biting down on his shoulder a bit more intensely.

Jasper bucks his hips, pushing his leg against my groin, and my middle finger slips to the hot spot I've been yearning to touch.

"Mmmmmmm…" We both hum as the contact is made.

I freeze, staying perfectly still. I'm afraid of making a wrong move now, waiting to see his next reaction.

Suddenly, I feel his hot mouth on my upper arm. He begins to suck the skin over my biceps, his warm breath teasingly sending shivers down my spine. Slowly, he bucks up again, urging my hand and finger to glide along him. A muffled moan escapes his lips, vibrating against my skin.

He likes it…

And I love that he does…

Kinda hesitantly, I move the tip of my finger in a circle, trembling at the thrill that the texture provokes in me.

Fuck, is this supposed to be so erotic?

A flame ignites inside me… I'm panting, my heart racing, my cock throbbing…

"I want you…" Jay's voice pulls me back from my momentary lapse. I realize he's pushing his ass against my hand, and I'm rubbing my finger over his hole without even thinking.

I pull away from his shoulder, and he raises his eyes to me, dark with need.

"How do you want me?" My voice comes out deep and thick with desire.

"Naked. On top of me. Now."

In a hurry, I jump out of bed, quickly shedding my PJ bottoms as he rolls onto his back. Jasper props himself on his elbows, pushing back until he leans against the headboard. I return to him, straddling his thighs without hesitation.

He grabs my cock as soon as it's in front of him, and I can't help but moan loudly.

"You're so fucking hot," he blurts out, his gaze locked on me as he strokes my cock with a fierce intensity. "I wanna do so many things to you…"

"I'm all yours… You can do whatever you want to me," I assure him, my voice a sensual whisper as I eagerly thrust into his hand.

We're getting pretty good and unabashed at this…

As Jay grabs my right ass cheek for leverage, I grip his waist for support, slowly licking my left palm, teasingly.

"Oh fuck, E…" he groans. "Do you have any idea how sexy you look right now?"

His fingers dig into my flesh as I wrap my hand around his cock, sliding my wet palm up and down his shaft with deliberate slowness, savoring every moment.

"Aah… Mmmmm…" he vocalizes, thrusting into my fist.

His eyes are fixed on mine, attentive, while I'm captivated by the emerald depths of his gaze. We're jerking each other off in a primal dance, the sounds we make echoing the raw energy between us. Yet amid the urgency of our movements, our gazes are locked, exchanging a powerful emotion—a silent pact of promises we can't articulate with words.

We're connecting… forging another link in our bond. Every intimate encounter seems to tighten and strengthen our connection, digging deeper into our souls.

We've never been particularly soft or romantic during these moments. Our encounters are always charged with eagerness and almost impatient desire. Sometimes they're rougher; other times, less so, but they're always fueled by longing.

Still, no matter how carnal we get, our eyes ground us, merging our souls in a silent understanding. We can be demanding and urgent, yet our hearts pound in sync, our stares a constant flow of unspoken words and unnamable emotions shared with each touch.

"C'mere…" he urges, raising his arm and beckoning me closer.

I lean in until he can wrap his hand around my neck, pulling me toward him until our lips meet in a soft kiss.

"I love you, angel," he murmurs against my lips.

I smile, once again reassured.

"I love you too, honey," I whisper back.

"Can I touch you?" His voice is hesitant, and I'm puzzled by his uncertainty—he's still gripping my cock. "I want to touch you, babe…" It sounds almost like a confession, and the blush creeping up his neck only deepens my confusion.

"You are touching me," I say, confusion lacing my tone.

His hand falters slightly over my cock, and he lets his eyes drop before meeting my gaze again.

"Do I have free access?" His voice is so apprehensive that I slow down a little.

"You know you have," I reply, my tone serious. "My body is yours. Completely."

We don't stop stroking each other, but now it's at a deliberate pace.

"What is it, hon? What do you want to do? Just tell me."

"Do you trust me?" He sounds so vulnerable, as if he's afraid of something…

"Of course I do," I assure him, my heart racing at the weight of his question.

"Okay," he sighs, a flicker of relief washing over his face.

Without another word, he pulls me close and kisses me deeply. Soon, our hands are moving fervently over our cocks, and we're whimpering into each other's mouths.

We pull apart to catch our breath, and I straighten up to find better positioning.

My cock is rock hard and leaking, just like his, and I can feel the heat rising from my core, spreading mercilessly throughout my body. Jasper isn't much different; his cheeks are flushed, and his neck and chest glisten with sweat.

We're panting and moaning, and I know he's as close as I am…

Out of the blue, Jay looks intently into my eyes and brings his middle finger to his mouth. He plays with it, teasing me, sliding it along his bottom lip and licking the tip slowly.

I feel my teeth dig into my lower lip, realizing I'm entranced, following his every move. My cock twitches in his hand when he finally sucks the finger into his mouth.

"Oh…" I breathe, lost in the sight before me. "So sexy…"

He sucks his finger slowly, in and out, in and out… His gaze locked on me, suggestive and hungry. I can't help but picture him doing that to my cock instead, and the fire within me coils so tightly that I fear I'm gonna cum. I swallow hard as he releases his finger with a soft popping sound, a devilish smile spreading across his lips, his eyes glinting with mischief.

It takes me a couple of heartbeats to realize why he asked if he could touch me, if he had free access, if I trusted him…

As he tightens his grip on my cock, stroking it with a delicious blend of firmness and slowness, I feel his wet fingertip sliding along the crack of my ass until it finds my hole.

The sensation sends an almost animalistic groan escaping my lips, a low roar that seems to resonate from deep within. My hand instinctively squeezes the head of Jay's dick, and he shuts his eyes tight as a whimper slips out. Yet, he doesn't pull back. He presses the tip of his finger against my entrance, and despite the slight resistance from my body, another thrill surges through me, sending goosebumps racing across my skin.

Both of our hands stroke each other's cocks earnestly, the intensity building between us.

"I'm so fucking close…" he pants, his eyes still tightly shut.

I can't find my voice; I'm teetering on the edge, afraid to even speak. I'm holding back my orgasm, my teeth clenched as I start to push against Jay's finger.

He bites his lower lip, then presses in more intensely. As the tip of his finger slips inside me, three simultaneous things happen: Jay breathes out, "So warm," just as I feel the first spasm of his dick, signaling that he's starting to climax. In that moment, my own orgasm rips through me violently, like lava coursing through my body and erupting from within.

My back arches, and my whole body shakes as a loud moan escapes me. I focus intensely on Jay's cock, pumping it as hard as I can, mirroring his rhythm with my own.

But suddenly, my vision blurs, transforming into a constellation of bright spots spinning around me, scratching at the space in front of me—blinking, sparkling, dazzling me, making me dizzy. I can feel Jay's hand on me, and I feel him in my grasp, but it's as if I've escaped my body. There's so much energy swirling around and within me; I don't quite know where I really am. I feel like I'm floating, soaring... elated.

"Come back to me, angel." His soothing voice reaches through the haze, and I can tell he's smiling by the lightness in his tone.

It's only when his soft hand touches my face, his thumb caressing my cheek, that my eyes regain focus. I see him—gloriously smiling, as if he's just won the lottery. His eyes gleam so intensely it leaves me momentarily puzzled.

"Why are you so jolly, love?" The question slips out, my frown revealing my confusion, mingled with embarrassment over my silliness.

"I just saw you hitting nirvana or something close to it," he replies, a soft chuckle escaping him. "I lost you for a minute or two there… You were shaking so hard, your eyes completely unfocused…"

"I'm sorry if I scared you, honey…"

He quickly takes my face in his hands and pulls me close.

"No, you didn't scare me; it was… fascinating to watch you react like that…" His dazed smile carries a hint of awe. "And… to know that… it was me? It's kinda great knowing I took you there, babe… I never thought I could elevate you so high."

"Oh, you can…" I assure him, nodding vigorously, my brows arching high. "You can do it pretty fucking well. You manipulate my body masterfully, love."

"I do?" His sweet expression makes me want to squeeze him.

"You know you do." I grin, deciding to tease him a bit. "Why do you think I'm with you?"

He grows abruptly serious, surprise flashing in his eyes, a hint of outrage creeping in. But it only takes a second for him to catch the mischievous spark in my gaze and my mocking smile. A defiant grin spreads across his lips as he squints at me.

"Are you trying to give me a heart attack, Mr. Cullen?" I see the effort he's putting in to hold back laughter, and I'm stifling a giggle myself. "You can't just play with people's feelings…"

Immediately, I recognize he's quoting one of our favorite songs, so I dive in.

"Tell them you love them and don't mean it?" I complete the lyrics, grinning as I join in the fun.

He chuckles, the understanding passing between us.

"Yeah, you'll probably say that was juvenile…" He attempts to keep a straight face as he cites another line from the song, winking at me.

"But I think that I deserve to smile."

We launch into the chorus together, voices rising in harmony.

"I bust the windows out ya car, you know I did it cause I left my mark, wrote my initials with the crowbar, and then I drove off into the daaaaark…"

Laughter erupts between us, and we hug tightly, clinging to each other, swept up in the immeasurable happiness that has surrounded us since yesterday.

This is the best part—when we're just us. A blend of all our personas: the childhood friends doing simple things, the carefree boys acting silly just because, the best friends who catch each other's subtle cues, and the boyfriends savoring the connection in the smallest moments. This is our essence, what keeps us grounded, what binds us together. This is the core of our love, the part we need to protect.

Minutes later, we look at each other, still giggling, sharing a knowing glance. Then we head to the shower, washing each other tenderly. After drying off, we retreat to the room for breakfast, exchanging soft touches, subtle smiles, whispered words, and longing glances.

We take a nap together, waking up filled with a needy hunger for each other once again. The rest of the day is spent loving, connecting, and simply being together.

And everything feels perfect. Or as perfect as it can be. I'm okay with that because I'm happy, and I know my prince is too. And that's enough.