L'aire slipped her hand over John's on her stomach, there were two pictures floating in her mind for a split second. The Fairest thought about what he'd said, so perfect and honest and she let her first thought slip through her mouth. “And I’m afraid that I’ll be the novelty that wears out.” Gasping for a minute and biting her lip she shook her head. In a soft whisper she muttered. "I wish I could speak as perfect as you."
The Dancer's dexterous fingers knitted into the gentle man's on her stomach. "John, I'm afraid of messing things up too." Trying to assure him that he wasn't alone in his reasoning. "But...if we don't stumble, how will we ever know the other will be understanding or pick us up when we fall?" L'aire breathed in and sighed shaking her head slightly again. "This isn't coming out right." Her heart raced as the Winter was speaking of the future or something. About that screwing up part...
Standing behind Sasha, John frowned slightly. "You're not a novelty, Sasha, far from it. Do you really think I would be wishing to share a bed or even a shower with someone whom I considered to be a 'novelty'?" he shook his head, water falling from his hair. "Trust me, I would not," he said honestly.
"Its coming out perfectly," he said with a smile as he slowly turned her around so they were face to face, trying to block the water from splashing her wonderful eyes, just so he could fall into them himself. He leant closer to whisper into her ear. "Maybe we should...stumble," John grinned.
"Ask me again sometime." L'aire whispered but her tone suggested she didn't want to dwell on it at the moment. "It's happened before." The Winter Dancer breathed in while listening to the water and John's words echoing like a beautiful song in her head. "But I do...trust you." The Fairest spoke affectionately, like it meant something more. He truly let her forget the world.
When John turned her to face him, she looked up with a soft smile. His blue eyes so serene as they met hers. The water may have been flowing into her eyes, but they were open, she didn't care. As he whispered in her ear, L'aire blurted out. "John, I'm already falling all over myself for you." She gasped softly, letting her heart speak before filtering...again. Never physically showing she was nervous before, she trembled with worry over what she said as her hand reached up to John's chest and softly caressed him. Turning her head slightly, she kissed his neck as it was so close to her lips. "So yes....stumble." L'aire's chest pressed into his while the water flowed over them.
Those words, spoken with a gasp, made the last of John's defences fall away. As they pressed together, chest to chest, John could feel his own heartbeat going faster than ever and wondered about the oath he had made to God, an oath that seemed nothing compared to the oath that he had memorised by rote to Mother Luna. He had presided over oaths being taken by people committing themselves to each other, and John had never once considered doing the same. He had been focused on his role more than his own emotions.
All that had changed with one bike ride.
His arms slipped fully around Sasha as he found her lips with his own, and pulled her in close. As his heart raced, blood pumping around his body, he finally realised he wanted to stumble.
Yes, L'aire had day dreamed of John and how things could go. The shower was not the place she thought it would first happen. Considering the Dancer was a perfectionist sometimes, all of it threw her for a loop. John's lips met hers and suddenly all of her cares on precision of things went away. What was important was the one whose arms were surrounding her. Even more, John made her feel like she mattered. And all restraint she'd ever had before was lost to the emotions that poured into the returned kiss.
Instinctively, L'aire put her arms around his neck and pulled tight to John. The water falling over her arms and spilling off the sides of the two of them. Everything was different, each touch from him, each embrace felt real. Her fingers slowly trickled like the water along his neck unto John's spine. The Fairest only paused kissing for a moment nearly speaking, but instead she went back to kissing him with a fervor she'd never felt before. L'aire felt the surge of so many things coursing through her veins. The language of her body's eagerness encouraging John not to stop.
John didn't need much encouraging and found his lips kissing Sasha's skin as he explored her body, the water adding a baptism feeling as he did so, each kiss cathartic for his soul and mind. Time seemed to slow, or actually quicken, the longer he spent with each kiss. It was a very strange feeling, either way. When John finally looked back into Sasha's violet eyes, there was a new desire that had been awakened. He was also smiling as his cheeks reddened slightly. "I hope this is okay, Sasha?"
Smiling as if she were caught in a beautiful dream, though it was reality. She met his serene blue eyes. If it was possible to convey she was overjoyed and contented by her expression, her eyes and face held true to both. The Winter could hardly find the words and she was fighting back the urge to say something more, until John was ready.
“John, I ….yes, this is more than okay.” L’aire tried so hard to keep her emotions in check. “I just ah…is this too cumbersome?” Her eyes rolling around indicating the shower, her tone suggesting she wasn’t worried about herself. Leaning in, the Fairest let her lips move across John’s cheek down the left side to his neck. Pausing her lips to feel the rhythmic pulse flow through her. It made L’aire want to dance with joy.
John looked around at the shower and chuckled. "Well, I am concerned for your water bill," he joked, smiling softly before closing his eyes as Sasha kissed his neck once again and releasing a gentle sigh.
“Not worried about that.” She said softly as the water splashed her face. Letting her lips move further down toward his chest she whispered. “Just slipping.” L’aire giggled as her hand caressed John’s opposite shoulder. As much as she felt the urge to lead this dance, the Fairest was patient with him. After all, she was in no hurry and each moment felt divine and amazing. L’aire felt a kind of electricity she’d never felt go so deep and what she was feeling, wasn’t the heat of the moment. Still, her subconscious held tight to caution.
The moment she giggled and touched his shoulder, John wanted to dance more and couldn't help himself anymore. Lowering his hands to around Sasha's legs, bending his knees, the Ithaeur lifted the dancer off her feet and hugged her close to his body, his grip quite firm but not crushing, and he continued to kiss Sasha more deeply and passionately than he had ever known.
L'aire's eyes widened and her mouth let out a surprised gasp. Her expression was thrilled, among other things. Easily wrapping her legs around him in such a way that was still freeing. Sometimes her contortionist skills came in handy. Her worries quickly dissipating while feeling John's strength surround her. A chaplain swept her off her feet, again and again; his words, his actions and everything in between. L'aire's arms wrapped around John, still managing to move over the skin of his upper body while the water gently fell over them. The Winter noticed the way he kissed her this time, the way it felt while their lips and tongues moved together. Her lips parted from his a moment, but never stopped touching his as she whispered. "You're amazing." L'aire's finger tips moved up to one of his ears and slowly caressed it.
Briefly, John recalled something Sasha had mentioned at the Halloween party, about being a contortionist, and the way her legs moved around him, he could really understand what she meant. His heart raced as the water pounded against his back and they kissed more intensely. As her legs were entwined around his body with such perfection, John ran one of his hands up Sasha's back until he placed it on the back of her head, his fingers massaging her golden locks.
As she spoke, John grinned, eyes opening to look into Sasha's. "No, its all you," he whispered before once again locking his lips with hers.
L'aire only shook her head as they began kissing again and only a small noise of playful disagreement came from her throat. She didn't know why he'd think that. Every time she opened her mouth it felt like a train wreck. The Dancer was poised as her legs remained around him. Letting her lips cross over his cheek, she slowly and delicately kissed to the nape of his neck. With one hand, she moved it to trace along his pectorals. Softly sighing while John's body and arms held her, bringing her closer to him. But the closeness felt more than physical, which she felt silly about. Stop thinking L'aire. Her arm around his shoulder braced herself enough to slip her hands into his hair. L'aire felt her intensity increase while she kissed his shoulder feverishly and playfully let her teeth touch his skin...
If the god didn't smite her for taking his chaplain, the Winter hoped... and prayed that John was the man who would change her life more than she had ever known. Because he had so far already...
It was the teeth biting his shoulder that caused John to growl, a low sound that was a mixture of pleasure and pain. It was a sign that he strangely liked it, to release himself to the animal inside. He wanted this and so much more. He locked eyes with Sasha, his words gentle, soft, but full of the passion he was exhibiting. "I want you more than anything in this world, Sasha."
"Oh!" L'aire gasped, then softly laughed as John growled. She felt it resonate through her body as well as hearing it. "Then be free with me." L'aire felt her response come out wrong and she pressed her fingers into him slightly. Words were not as important right now as the exchange of their eyes. John's normally soft and serene eyes were full of exuberant emotions. "Take me." Thankfully those words meant something entirely more than something else. "John, I ..." No, L'aire. Her subconscious holding her back. "I hope I'm not to heavy." She whispered while she wrapped both arms around John's neck, readying herself and leaning in for another profoundly beautiful kiss.
John smiled, nervously, gently pressing Sasha against the wall as the water cascaded over them both, warming them both, and for the moment, in John's mind, everything was right in the world...
Fade to black....And sometime later that day....
John couldn't stop smiling as they rode on the trike towards Sutter's Fort later that morning. All the emotions and the butterflies were still with him, and over twenty years of fears and doubts seemed to have been washed away, quite literally. With Sasha's arms around his waist, all he could smell was the coconut shampoo but it didn't matter. Glancing over his shoulder, he looked at Sasha, wondering if she was okay.
L’aire replayed in her head; the interlocking of their lips and hands while the water ran, among other things. Some of what happened between them was spontaneous and the other gentle and warm, taken slowly. It seemed whichever happened, the Winter truly enjoyed because of John. It wasn’t the act in the show that made her completely topple, it was how he was with her. The Dancer’s thoughts were rambling, and she was thankful they weren’t coming out of her mouth.
The Fairest was just as concerned about him. She really hoped she didn’t coax him into doing something he didn’t want to do. Her arms were tight around John, and perhaps felt different than the last however many times she’d done the same motion. She felt closer to him. But L’aire’s mind couldn’t fully let go. What if he got what he wanted and I’ll never see him after today But then her heart spoke. Just believe him L’aire. You know he’s different. You know it’s deeper than that. Her violet eyes were closed when John looked back to her at first, then opening, matched with a smile. There was still a look of passion and something deeper dancing in her violet eyes.
Returning his gaze to the road, John continued grinning as he made the trike twist and turn through Sacramento, heading for the historic park. His mind was clear of troubles as the wind rushed past and he knew that Luna would be proud. "Ah! Here we are!" John said, quite excited as he pulled the trike into the park and looked upon the place where he and Sasha had their first dance. Finding a suitable parking place, John switched off the engine, the sound of it still ringing in his ears. "Is it just me or does it look different in the daylight?" John asked as he stepped off the trike and, even though he knew her balance and grace was undeniable, still offered Sasha a helping hand.
As they pulled up, L'aire had followed John's head turn and saw the place they danced. The conversation she barely got through that changed everything. Despite the Fairest's natural glow of her mein, L'aire had a different kind of glow. "Yeah, it really does look different." Chuckling gently as John moved away from her and off the trike. She took his hand and squeezed it a little before easily removing herself from the seat. The Dancer's smile was almost glowing as she looked to John. Something occurred to her as they began walking to the front doors. L'aire wondered if John was the type of person who always finished what he started. If that was true, it was just another thing she'd look forward to. "So do they have tour guides, or are you my personal guide today?" Grinning to his serene eyes playfully.
Walking with an obvious bounce in every step, John walked with Sasha, still holding her hand and enjoying the feel of her smooth skin. There was something still exciting about the simple pleasure of holding hands that John could appreciate, one that he'd never want to forget. "I'm not entirely sure," John replied as they entered the park, John placing some money in the donation box near the entrance. "Although, I'm sure we can get by without one. Spending time talking to you seems like a great idea to me," he said with a natural and honest smile.
L'aire glanced around, always mindful of where she was and who was around. But she did so in a way that John wouldn't notice. Gently squeezing his hand as they made it inside, she peered around and watched as the chaplain put a donation in the box. The Fairest realized more and more what a good man he was. It made him more handsome, at least to her. As much as she did like being fawned over, when it came down to the wire it wasn't what she really wanted. The way John looked at her and treated the Dancer was simply exquisite. "Talking is good." Looking up to him with a delighted grin. "There's always so much. I never know where to begin." And I'll probably say something stupid. Slowly spoken while she tried to think of what was first. A part of her wanted to ask about his family, but in the same token, her own secrets would come out.
Walking slowly around the fort, taking in the heritage of the place, the foundation of the city itself, John could feel a certain sense of pride in knowing that the path he and his pack had taken was a good one. The right one. Smiling at Sasha, he quickly adjusted the reason why he fought. At her question, his smile spread wider. "Well, ask away. I'll answer anything you want." Heading inside the main building, John looked at some of the old photographs on display, early pieces from when the fort was occupied.
L'aire too joined John's gaze to the displayed photos. History wasn't her forte, but seeing where things originated was still interesting. There was so much she wanted to know because L'aire cared for him. "Okay." She answered with a soft grin. Still, she debated on what to ask him. "Do you have any siblings?" Knowing her own answer would be easy enough. "Oh, and you can ask me anything too, of course." And then another passing question floated through her head. "And while I'm thinking of it, what made you decide to get a trike versus a bike?" Wondering if she may have asked that question before.
While her hand was still in John's, she fleetingly thought of something. This is how it should be. All of these things are how a man should be with a woman. The Fairest looked to the kind man next to her. Wondering something else that was probably clear in her eyes, but now was not the time.
John looked back into the soft grin of Sasha, which caused one to spread on his own face. "No, no siblings. An only child, which was quite nice, really. I also don't think my parents planned on having any children, you could say I was an unexpected accident," he chuckled, still linking his fingers with Sasha's, running his thumb over the back of her hand. "They weren't exactly older but just...not as prepared as they'd have liked. Both really career minded." It was strange, ever since his First Change, John hadn't thought of his folks at all, perhaps out of a strange belief to protect them. "They're both happily retired now but I haven't seen them in about 18 months. Moving and work has been....well, it hasn't really helped our relationship."
At Sasha's question about his trike, he laughed as if it was one big joke, showing plenty of teeth. "Well, I wasn't too sure how well I'd handle a two-wheeler, to be honest. Digger took me to a dealer he knew and showed me around. I saw the trike and, well, fell for it completely," he said, gazing into Sasha's violet eyes, still smiling. "Twice in one year, that's occurred."
As John spoke, she really hoped his parents didn't treat him as unwanted. But they mustn't have since he's so gentle and sweet. L'aire's thoughts of that quickly brushed away. She noticed his hand didn't shift either, other than to stroke her hand which solidified her theory in her head. Smiling sweetly as he spoke of them she nodded. "Yes, moving and work certainly does have its downfall." Softly squeezing his hand she grinned. "But I'm glad I stayed here." It wasn't solely John for her reason to stay, but a huge component of it.
L'aire loved John's laugh, it was music to her ears. While he mentioned the bike/trike situation it was probably a good thing. She may not have gotten on, but that night was mixed as she recalled, at first she didn't care if she fell off. Now, she couldn't imagine putting him through that. "I'm in agreement about the two-wheel thing. It doesn't seem as easy as people make it look." Returning John's laugh and trailed off before stopping in her steps. "Twice what has occurred in a year?" Her head titled slightly looking into John's eyes. "You have another trike?"
John kept the smile on his face and pulled Sasha closer to him, his arm slipping around her waist. "No, falling for you, silly," he said, wondering where the 'silly' bit came from. He placed a kiss on her lips before something else slipped into his mind. "Sounds like you were considering leaving?" John asked.
How did you miss that L'aire?! The Fairest's eyes got brighter, she wasn't sure if that was the first time John said it or just that it was random. She was lost in his kiss for a moment before he spoke again. "Oh, sorry, I should have pieced that together." Her cheeks flushed with blushing. "I don't think I've heard you say it." She whispered with an uncertain giggle.
Realizing he asked another question, her brows rose and she answered. "Leaving, yeah. That was before we met." L'aire didn't know how else to explain but that was truly what had happened.
With another kiss, this time on Sasha's forehead, John smiled. "I'm glad you stayed, really glad, actually. Happy and ecstatic to be honest." And it was true. No matter what happened in the future, whatever struggles came their way, the fact they had been given a chance to be together meant so much to the chaplain.
It felt like the world around the two of them was melting away...again. L'aire knew they were in the museum, but it had been quiet for the most part anyway. John seemed to be gushing, and it wasn't just from the feeling of his lips on her head. "Glad... happy... ecstatic." Her head softly tilting from one side to the other as she listed the words. She felt as if she was searching. "So many words to describe my staying." L'aire grinned almost glowing as her laced fingertips in John's hand gently moved over his knuckles. "I like when you're honest..."
John smiled, gazing into Sasha's eyes. "I am nothing but honest, Sasha," he replied, feeling that he had said enough. He meant every word he said, especially to her. Although, there was a flicker of doubt, and his mind wandered briefly back to his pack and the mission they had set.
All that really panged the Winter Fairest was that she knew her own honesty would have to stop somewhere. But there’d be a time to deal with it; not now. Even though there was something else nagging at her, nearly bursting from with in the time was not right. “John, if I’m allowed to ask you anything.” L’aire paused and pursed her lips with a breathy laugh beneath. “This is going to sound strange or silly or something. But uh.” Gawd L’aire just spit it out. Rolling her eyes at herself she shook her head. “Is there a reason we never stay at your place?” As soon as the words left her lips, the Dancer grimaced on the delivery. That didn't come out right... Nearly speaking under her breath.
John paused, actually stuck for an answer. It hadn't been a question he'd thought of. "I must confess, Sasha, I haven't actually considered it. I suppose I didn't want to make you feel uncomfortable outside of your own place, if that makes sense," John said, showing just how little he knew about relationships like theirs before smiling. "I'd be more than happy to show you my place if that's what you really want?"
L'aire held her breath for a moment while John confessed. She wasn't sure why she did at all, and the Dancer didn't realize her hand and arm may have stiffened in the process. "Please?" Not realizing the guarded part of her may have surfaced in her eyes, not knowing they were pleading in the process. "I mean, I would like that, if you please." Her violet eyes looked away from the chaplain and seeing there wasn't anyone in the vicinity. "I don't think you need to worry about comfort outside of my place, John." Laughing slightly, almost nervously. "I did spend several years in hotels."
If John was nervous, he didn't show it. In truth, he wasn't. It seemed like a natural step and if anything, the Ithaeur was excited about showing Sasha his place. Still holding onto her hand, he gave a little squeeze. "Well, how about tonight? We can have dinner and I can show you around," he offered before quickly adding, "Unless that's too soon?"
L'aire's eyes lit up not expecting him to say tonight. "No, oh yes. Tonight, would be wonderful." Shaking her head quickly and squeezing his hand. "Not to soon at all." Looking back into John's eyes almost losing herself in them upon their return. "As long as it's not inconvenient for you, John." Letting her voice linger on his name. "It means a lot to me." The Fairest said sweetly. Maybe it was time to tell him a little about that...
John chuckled, shaking his head. "No, of course not. It will be great. I, uh, I haven't got much food in so we may need to stop on the way back over, if that's okay?" Hearing Sasha's voice, so sweet, it made him smile wide. "You're welcome. Did you want to stop off at your's to get a bag?"
The man interlocked in her hand was beginning to shift her fears about relationships. "That's perfect John. Groceries, dinner or whatever you'd like." Nodding with a glowing grin. "Yeah, I should grab a bag. Won't take me long though." Years of travel made her a quick packer at least. "But, I'm in no hurry. We have the whole day. And we should check out the rest of the inside of the fort." Pursing her lips and a sparkle seeped in her eyes. "We already know the outside." Biting her lip smiling prevalent through her teeth with a gentle shrug.
Chuckling, John placed a kiss on Sasha's lips, holding it just long enough before breaking. "Of course, I mean there's so much to see." Still holding Sasha's hand, he slowly walked through the fort, looking at the old pieces on display, along with some clothing from the era but in truth, his mind was elsewhere and as his heart began to beat faster at the prospect of Sasha staying over, John was getting a little nervous.
As much as L'aire wanted to tell him to not kiss her here, she also wanted to lose herself for longer. The Fairest Dancer was relishing in this. Holding hands and not some weird proper arm thing. The Winter could feel something. Not just think it was so or that it looked okay. "I like how the employees and such are all dressed in clothes from the era of the Fort. It feels like we're walking through live history." Softly she laughed with an exuberant tone. Re-knitting her fingers every so often into John's, letting him guide them.
"I wonder why so many people in pictures and paintings from history aren't smiling. They all have no expression or a focused serious face or something." L'aire couldn't help voice her observation as they walked around, nearing the end of the exhibits and the fort. This question came up many times while attending strange functions in Europe with that one, but the one time L'aire asked she was ignored.
John's attention snapped back to the present and he smiled as they moved through the fort. At Sasha's comment, he chuckled, looking her way. "Well, I'm not sure about the pictures, but for paintings, it must be quite painful sitting with a forced smile for so long. To be honest, I'm not the greatest fan of forced photographs. I much prefer candid ones when the subject is more...natural." He continued to look at Sasha, into her violet eyes, forgetting briefly about his worries and thoughts. "Although, that does sound extremely stalker-esque," John replied with another light hearted chuckle, walking once more through the fort towards the exit.
L'aire looked back into John's serene blue eyes. A thoughtful expression passed over her face. "Oh, yes that's right. That would be difficult I'd imagine." Something the Dancer would have never thought of. "Hmm, natural. Do you take pictures, John?" Fascinated with his knowledge on photography as it was.
"And only if you're following someone around and taking random photos in dark allies." Pausing for a moment and with a pretend whisper she asked. "Why do you plan on following someone and doing such a thing?" Her shoulders squinched up playfully with a smile to match. "Do you have a secret stalker side." That much she truly whispered as not to alarm anyone passing by the exit.
"Oh, no, but I just prefer seeing photographs of people more naturally than when they are forcing a pose."
As Sasha whispered, John couldn't help but laugh out loud, shaking his head. "No, not a stalker in any way. I'm not really the secret squirrel type. Why? Do you have a stalker side, Sasha?" he whispered back, eyes twinkling.
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