Before Life Goes On
Warning: Love Scene
The familiar symphony of zippers and rustling fabric filled Jason's room as Kelsi methodically packed her suitcases. It was a bittersweet melody; each item she stowed away brought her closer to Juilliard and further from him.
Jason watched, a playful glint in his eyes, as she folded sweaters, tucked away toiletries, and carefully arranged her notebooks full of her music. Two weeks of shared laughter, stolen kisses, and cozy mornings had filled the space with a warmth that now felt threatened by the looming departure.
Unable to fully accept the encroaching silence, he resorted to playful sabotage. He'd snatch a shirt from Kelsi's hands, tossing it back onto the bed with a mischievous grin. He 'accidentally' knocked over a stack of neatly folded jeans, chuckling as she rolled her eyes and patiently rearranged them.
"Jason!" Kelsi laughed, swatting his hand away from her neatly folded bras.
He feigned innocence, a twinkle in his eyes. "Just trying to help, Kels."
She gave him a knowing look. "Oh, I know exactly what you're doing. If you keep this up, I'll never finish packing!"
He grinned, flinging a pair of her lacy underwear back into her suitcase with a dramatic flourish. "But then you'd stay longer," he teased, poking her playfully in the ribs.
"Tempting," she admitted, "But Juilliard calls, and unfortunately, they don't accept 'screwing around with my boyfriend' as a valid excuse for missing classes."
Jason sighed dramatically, flopping onto the bed. "Fine, fine. Pack away."
Kelsi chuckled, shaking her head. "Just be warned, as soon as this last bag is zipped, you're all mine."
The playful banter ceased, replaced by a focused quiet as Kelsi filled her suitcases. With each item packed, Jason felt a pang of loss. Her vibrant energy had filled his room for weeks, and soon it would be just him again, surrounded by the quiet echoes of their time together.
Finally, Kelsi zipped the last suitcase closed. She turned to Jason, a triumphant smile on her face. "Done!"
Jason sat straight up and pulled her into his lap. "Good, now you're all mine," he said with a trailing kiss from her neck to her cleavage, making her breaths turn shallow.
Kelsi ran her hands over Jason's shoulders pulling him closer, unable to form any words as the misery of leaving washed over her.
"I'm gonna miss you, baby," he said, his voice thick with emotion. "I'll miss your laugh, the way your eyes light up when you talk about your songs, and how you always hum to the music in your head while you're brushing your teeth..."
Kelsi giggled and sighed heavily, "and I'm going to miss singing in the shower with you."
He smiled at the thought, his voice dropping to a whisper as he leaned closer, his lips brushing against her ear. "It's going to be hard to go without the taste of your kisses, the feel of your skin against mine, the sound of your breath in my ear..."
"Jason…" Kelsi groaned, her fingers quickly finding their way into his hair, "don't break my heart too much before I go. Will you just make some love with me?"
"Let's do it, Kels," he said and let her pull his shirt over his head.
"Mmm," Kelsi groaned as she ran her fingers over his broad shoulders and firm chest, "you're too hot, babe."
Jason grinned as he pulled her shirt off and flipped her over to go for her jeans. "And you're hotter when you're naked in our bed, Kels," he said, not noticing what he had let slip out.
Kelsi did though, and she froze. "Jason, did you just say 'our' bed?" she asked, staring back into his eyes, her own as wide as saucers.
He paused to take a heavy breath in and leaned in close to her. "I did. To me, this is our bed now, Kelsi. We've made so much love in these sheets, even though you don't live here, I'll still call it ours," he said as he gazed deep into her eyes. A soft gasp escaped Kelsi's lips, but she quickly masked her surprise with a playful tone.
"Well, well... sounds like someone's getting attached," she teased, her heart pounding in her chest.
Jason grinned. "Definitely," he admitted as he sat up to strip off his jeans and suit up. "Very attached." He took in her body one last time before he pulled her silky scrap of underwear down over her thighs, tossing it aside to go back for her bra. It came loose to let her perfect breasts fall into his waiting hands. She moaned and wrapped her legs around him, pulling him close to help him slide into her as his gentle massage took her to heaven and back. He gave her one long stroke, pressing deep until she groaned from what sounded like the depths of her soul.
Kelsi felt her head spinning, the pleasure he supplied was so intense she felt as though she might pass out.
Jason's lips grazed her ear as he grabbed the headboard and thrust slowly.
"Kels," he whispered, feeling her quiver at the soft rumble of his voice, "I know I shouldn't ask you this right now, but I have to. What if you lived with me when you get home?"
"Jason," she whispered back, her voice catching as she felt the emotion of the moment flooding her body. "I don't know..." she trailed off as he drew back and surged hard into her again, eliciting the same deep and guttural groan from her depths, "this really isn't a good time to ask me that."
Jason sighed and dropped his head to her shoulder, taking a pause from his thrusts. "Kelsi, we've been so busy while you've been home, I haven't gotten the chance," he said, fighting for words as he brought up his pace to press firmly into her over and over. "But don't you want that too? To be together every night, every morning?"
Kelsi ran her hands through his hair, pulling him closer to her heaving chest. She thrust her hips to meet his, accentuating every move he made with more pleasure than either of them could handle. Letting her head fall back deeper into the pillow, she felt the pressure of her orgasm reaching a peak despite the heavy weight of his offer crushing her chest.
Before she could answer, Jason erupted without warning, grunting loudly with his own climax, and Kelsi followed him in rapid succession.
He hadn't been able to focus either, the idea of cohabitating was on the table now, and it made him shake with nerves and excitement at the possibility.
They collapsed in a heap, gasping as they crashed from the physical and emotional highs. When Jason returned from the bathroom and crawled back under the sheets, he pulled Kelsi close to his chest.
"Kels, this bed feels so empty without you. Your warmth, your love, I miss you when you're gone. To fall asleep with you in my arms every night would be amazing, baby," he said in a quiet voice as he felt her breath slowing down.
The words of love pouring off his lips made Kelsi turn into a puddle beside him. "I miss being here too, J. Long distance does suck. And my dorm room bed is nowhere near this comfy," she replied with a soft laugh.
"Please promise me you'll think about it," he said. "Moving in with me would be a big step, but if you want to, I'd love it if you did."
Kelsi sighed, "I promise. I'll think about it, J."
The sun broke through the curtains and warmed Kelsi's face despite the bitter knowledge that her flight would be leaving today. She stirred and snuggled closer to Jason's warm chest, wanting only to enjoy just a little more time to themselves.
"Morning, handsome," she whispered softly near his ear. Jason stirred with her and ran his hands down her body as he slowly came to consciousness.
"Morning, gorgeous," he murmured with a kiss on her head. He breathed in long and deep, her scent delivering a rush of arousal that was hard to deny, despite it being first thing in the morning. "Damn…you smell so good, babe," he murmured in her ear, his voice husky and thick with desire. "How would you feel about a little fun to start the day?"
Kelsi moaned softly as he massaged her thigh, raising goosebumps of anticipation. She was about to give in whole heartedly when a sharp stabbing cramp low in her pelvis hit her out of nowhere. That could only mean one thing. "Ugh, not now," she muttered and flew out of bed for the bathroom, grabbing her overnight bag off the floor as she went. Jason sat up with a start, barely catching a glimpse of her before she disappeared around the corner. He jumped out of bed too, pulling his boxers on as he went after her. He was greeted by the bathroom door slamming in his face and Kelsi's voice on the other side. He knocked softly, unable to hold back a chuckle at the vicious profanities she muttered.
"Babe… are you okay?" he asked through the door. No answer. The silence that hung in the air made him tap rapidly on the door again. "Come on, Kels, you've got me a little freaked out here, what's going on?" Another beat of silence answered, making him reach for the handle, but it turned before he could touch it. Kelsi slid the door open, a frustrated look on her face that was laced with pain and discomfort. Even if she did look good in the morning, he couldn't help but worry at her expression.
"Hey, you alright?" he asked, his voice heavy with concern. Kelsi debated how honest to be.
"Yeah, just girl stuff," she replied.
Jason's eyebrows shot up and his face flushed slightly as he clued in. "Oh," he said, his uncertainty with the subject showing in his uncomfortable smile. "Right. Yeah, no worries."
"Sorry, baby," she continued, "I would have loved to, but this is the unfortunate trouble of having a woman in your house," she said with a nudge at his arm. Her eyes held a playful glint, challenging him to consider the realities of their potential cohabitation. As a newfound understanding dawned on him, Jason's smile faltered slightly. He hadn't quite considered the realities of everyday life, period cramps and mood swings included. He met Kelsi's gaze, a silent question hanging in the air. Was he truly ready for everything, big or small, that came with sharing a life together?
"It's not a big deal, Kels," he said, a soft smile spreading across his face, "I'm here for everything about you. All of it."
Kelsi bit her lip. "Guess you didn't notice some days I was little bitchier than usual, huh?" she replied, a shy smile playing on her lips.
He couldn't help but chuckle. "No, I guess I didn't, you're not that bad I suppose," he said, running an awkward hand through his hair. "Look, however I can help, just let me know. I can make you a tea, or perhaps just stay very far away?"
Kelsi couldn't help but chuckle at his attempt. "A tea would be great, and peace and quiet is top of my list now, but you don't have to stay far away," she said as she rubbed her head, a headache making its way forward. "I have to get on a plane like this... what a morning."
"Well the tea is on the way, and the peace and quiet – consider that done," he replied, giving her a gentle kiss.
Kelsi squeezed his hand. "You're the best, even if you still have a little to learn about womanhood."
"Well, when it comes to my woman, I'm a fast learner," he said with a grin. Kelsi's heart fluttered. His woman. While some would balk at the idea, like it made them owned or controlled, the way he said it made her feel desired and valued, as though she was a treasure in his eyes. With the care that came with the statement, she felt only pure love in belonging to him.
The whole situation was equal parts awkward and heartwarming. Bless that guy's sweet, clueless heart. Seeing him so eager to help filled her with warmth. Sure, living together could be a messy, unpredictable adventure, but suddenly it seemed a little less daunting. Maybe she would think a little harder about his offer. A smile bloomed on her face as she dug out pain reliever. He was a work in progress, for sure, but he was hers.
The drive to the airport was a poignant symphony of shared memories and quiet anticipation. As Jason navigated the familiar roads, Kelsi's hand rested lightly on his thigh, a comforting anchor amidst the bittersweet farewell.
"Remember that whipped cream fight we had on Christmas morning?" Kelsi chuckled, her eyes sparkling with the memory.
Jason grinned, shaking his head. "How could I forget? Your parent's kitchen looked like a disaster!"
"But that kiss was delicious," Kelsi added, "Even if it was interrupted." They shared a laugh, the sound echoing through the Jeep, a testament to the easy intimacy they had built upon over the past few weeks.
"I'm really going to miss stuff like that," Jason admitted, his voice tinged with sadness. "Just being with you, doing everyday things."
Kelsi squeezed his thigh. "Me too. And this is going to be a long haul, all the way to graduation."
"Graduation," Jason repeated, a smile returning to his lips. "I can't wait for you to come home, babe."
They lapsed into a comfortable silence, the hum of the engine and the soft music from the radio filling the space between them. Jason stole glances at Kelsi, etching the details of her face into his memory – the curve of her lips, her glasses resting on her nose, the way her eyes sparkled in the sunlight.
"You know," Jason said finally, breaking the silence, "I'm really proud of you, Kels. You're going to do amazing things at Juilliard, and when you come home."
Kelsi's cheeks flushed with warmth. "Thanks, Jason. That means a lot."
"Seriously, Kels," he insisted. "You're so talented, so driven. I can't wait to see what you accomplish."
Kelsi smiled, her heart overflowing with love. "I hope I can share it all with you," she said softly.
As they neared the airport, a knot of sadness tightened in Jason's chest. He wished he could turn the Jeep around, drive back home, and pretend this goodbye wasn't happening. But he knew that Kelsi's dreams were waiting for her in New York, and he wouldn't stand in her way.
As he pulled up to the terminal and unloaded Kelsi's bags, she quickly threw them onto a trolley and gave him a quick hug.
"I think it's best if I go in by myself," she whispered, sniffing back a tear and taking a deep breath to ground herself.
"Why? I'm here to see you off," Jason said quizzically, "and there's always time for one more kiss."
"That's just it, Jason," Kelsi said, her eyes downcast, "after how special this holiday was, and that you can't make it up until graduation, the good bye is really hard this time. I don't want to draw it out any longer…" She couldn't hide the tears that started to run down her cheeks when Jason lifted her chin to look in his eyes.
"Oh, Kels, come here," Jason breathed as he pulled her into his arms, embracing her with a strong hug that made her lose her composure.
"My heart's breaking, J. I can't keep saying goodbye to you."
"Last time, baby," he whispered as he stroked her hair, "last time."