Title: Revised: Blessed Night (1 of 2) NC-17 Author: Tess E-mail: tnv099@aol.com Distribution: Okay, but I'd like to know where Spoilers: FTF (teeny-weeny bit); TGTSC Rating: NC-17 If you aren't of legal age in your country of domicile...you need to leave now! Category: S MSR Summary: I said it was NC-17 didn't I? Do I really need to say more? Disclaimer: They are not mine and I'm glad. These two are high Maintenance. CC, Fox and 1013 can keep them, I just wanted to play for a little while. Author's Notes: This is a story I posted last year. But since they just showed TGTSC again, I revised it a bit and like it better now. Just some minor clean up in grammar and I took out some parts that were just too schmoopy for words. It's holiday themed and I'm posting to lists this year that I didn't post to last year so I decided to send it again. I hope you enjoy it. Blessed Night (1/2) By: Tess "I should probably get going," Scully sighed as she looked at the bits of wrapping paper strewn about her feet and then at her watch. "Mmm hmm," was Mulder's soft reply. Neither of them made any attempt to move from the sofa. "Maybe in just another minute," she ventured and settled more comfortably into the soft leather. "Mmm hmm," he said again and reached for the remote control. Flicking it on he surfed until finally settling on a channel that was playing Dickens "A Christmas Carol". They sat there, comfortably close, eyelids flickering shut sleepily, content to simply be with one another. She shifted and let her head rest on the sofa back as close to his shoulder as she could get without actually touching him. After a couple of minutes he felt her head slip down until it was resting against his chest and he heard the soft cadence of her breathing change as she drifted off to sleep. Although he was also exhausted, he fought sleep so that he could enjoy the sight of her slumbering form against him, her coppery hair tumbling across her face and drifting over his chest. With two fingers he brushed her hair away from her face so that he could see her. A tiny smile played about her lips. At last succumbing to his exhaustion, he carefully eased them both back so that they were lying together on the sofa. She frowned in her sleep and murmured his name as she shifted to find a more comfortable position. Finally she settled down, her head resting on his chest, her hand drifting down to lay quietly against his stomach. Mulder forced his eyes open one last time to find the remote and turn off the television and together they slept. ************************************ Mulder was torn from sleep as Scully lurched up with a cry. She was sitting up, pushing her hair out of her face, a wild look in her eyes. Breathing heavily she stared at him, tears pooling in her blue eyes. "Nightmare?" he asked. "You--you were covered in blood..." she started to say before frantically tugging his T-shirt from his jeans. Still caught in the aftermath of her nightmare, her fingers were clumsy, but at last she had wrestled his shirt free and was pushing it up to his chest. Delicate, trembling fingers drifted across his torso as she searched for injuries. Finding none she let out a shaking breath. "Thank God!" she whispered and bending her head she pressed her lips to his belly in a healing kiss. He felt her tears trickle free to bathe his skin in their salty warmth and then he felt her kiss his stomach again. Scooting herself up a bit she pressed her ear to his chest and her fingers to his throat, searching for proof of his beating heart by both sound and touch. She lay there quietly for a moment before lifting her head to look at him. Her eyes were still swimming with tears and using the back of one hand she tried to brush them away. Mulder reached out and swiped his thumb across the tears streaking her cheek. Bringing his hand back to his face, he licked his thumb, tasting the saltiness of her tears. Scully's eyes widened and her breath caught at his gesture. Stretching up, she arranged her body atop his. They stared at each other, both of them remembering another time in his hallway, gazing at one another, tears streaking her face, mouths inching closer and closer. This time she pressed her lips to his so softly that it if were not for the jolt of awareness that coursed through him, he might not have been sure that they had touched. Her tongue came out to moisten her lower lip and then she lowered her head again. Her hair swung forward forming a curtain of dark shimmering red around them. Her tiny hands came up to cup his jaw as she slanted her mouth across his again. For a moment he let her control the kiss, soft presses of her lips to the corners of his mouth and then to the bow of his upper lip. But when she began to nibble on his full lower lip, his hands lifted to tangle in her hair and he began to kiss her back. They spent long moments exploring each other's mouths, discovering what each liked, tongues darting into each other's mouths, dueling for control. They broke off the kiss, chests heaving to fill their starved lungs with air. Suddenly Scully felt the room spin and the next thing she knew she was lying on her back, Mulder's strong body pressing hers into the soft leather of the sofa. He gazed at her for a long moment before lowering his lips to hers again. Trailing hot kisses across her cheek and down, he began to nuzzle the underside of her jaw, his tongue sneaking out to press against the pulse point there. Lowering her hands she tugged at his T-shirt, demanding without words that he lift his arms over his head. Satisfied for a moment, now that she had stripped him of his shirt, she began to run her hands across his shoulders, down his arms, stopping to press and test the strength of his biceps and then down further, tracing the backs of his hands. Twining her fingers with his, she lifted her lips to his for another long, wet kiss. Untangling their fingers, she lifted her hands again to his chest and began to explore, feeling the flex of his muscles under her fingertips, grazing her nails against the tiny nipples hidden in his chest hair and finally tangling her fingers into that hair. Mulder was desperate now to touch her the way she was touching him and he began to fumble with the shirt she was wearing. Tugging her shirt from her pants, he pulled it over her head. His heart stopped beating for a moment as he got his first good look at her. She was wearing a simple white lace bra. He traced his fingers reverently over the soft material, brushing his knuckles across the tops of her breast where they swelled above the bra line and then down to where her nipples pushed against the fabric. She reached up and unhooked the front clasp of her bra with a twist of her fingers and then lay there looking at him nervously. His eyes flicked up to hers for a moment and she was lost in the adoration of his gaze. His hands were hovering over her now, afraid to touch. Grasping his hands in hers, she lifted one hand to her mouth and pressed her lips to the pads of his fingers. "Touch me," she implored and brought his other hand down to rest on her breast. He lowered his gaze back to her breasts and brushed the cups away. Tugging his hands free of hers, he cupped both of her breasts in his palms. He traced the faint blue veins that ran through the milky whiteness of her breasts and then brushed his thumbs across the straining nipples. She groaned and arched her back, offering herself to him. Mulder lowered his head to her breast, swiping his tongue across one peak before drawing it into his mouth. He began to suckle her breast, drawing it deep into his mouth and she tangled her fingers into his hair and wrapped her legs around his hips, straining to get closer to him. Mulder released her breast with a sigh and she moaned in protest. Switching to her other breast, he took it into his mouth, lavishing it with the same attention, while his palm rubbed across the wet peak of the first. Scully's hips were arching against his rhythmically now and her hands were fumbling with the clasp of his jeans. He was so lost in his exploration of her that he didn't even realize that she had opened the fastening of his pants until he felt her tiny hand slip inside and close around him. His head snapped up and he groaned. Then he let his head fall forward again, eyes closing as he began thrusting into her hand. "Stop!" he cried out hoarsely, after a few minutes and pulled her clinging fingers away from him. She whimpered and reached for him again, but his fingers crushed her hand. He shook his head no. Her pupils were dilated and she looked up at him panting. "Please!" she cried and arching her hips she ground herself against him. Then she tugged her hands free and pushed his jeans and boxers down his legs. She wrestled one boot off her foot and then the other and hooking her toes into his garments where they had tangled around his knees, she stripped them from him. He was lying above her now, naked and she could feel his erection through the thin wool of her pants. Reaching between them she began to tug at the button that fastened her slacks as he hurriedly lowered the zipper. She lifted her hips from the sofa to assist him in freeing her of her pants. His mouth went dry as he saw the matching white lace panties she wore before her impatient hands began to tug them off. Finally they were together with nothing between them. He was frantic now to be inside of her and was pushing against her. His eyes locked with hers looking for permission. She shifted on the sofa, sliding her head off of the armrest so that she was lying flat on her back. Lifting her hips to his, she again wrapped her legs around his waist, opening herself to him. "I don't want to wait anymore, Mulder," she panted. Needing no further encouragement he pressed himself against her, pushing himself inside of her. It had been a long time for Scully and although she was wildly aroused, she gasped in pain, holding her breath as she willed her body to relax. He stopped moving now, about halfway into her, suddenly reminded of how petite she was. He rested his weight on his forearms and brushed the hair from her dampened brow. "Okay?" he asked. She took a deep breath, nodded and forced herself to relax and open to him. He withdrew a little bit and then carefully pushed forward. Finally he was buried all the way inside of her and they both gasped at the sensations swamping them. He lifted his head from its resting place on her shoulder and captured her lips in another kiss as their bodies began to move together. She was groaning now with each thrust of his body into hers and he could feel himself getting closer and closer to the edge. Her eyes were closed in concentration as she arched against him more and more urgently. He could see that she was becoming frustrated as she hung on the edge, unable to throw herself free into release. Her head thrashed against the sofa cushions in agitation. Wrapping one arm around her hips to keep them joined, he pulled them both off the sofa. Shoving the Christmas gifts and the bits and pieces of the wrapping paper off of the coffee table, he set her down there. She lay back across the low table and he knelt in front of her. He pushed himself deep inside of her again and then levered himself up so that the only places they touched was where their bodies were joined and where his hands were grasping her hips and her hands were clutching at his arms. They pushed and pulled together and finally he heard her breathing change to a hitching gasp. He lifted his hands to her breasts, holding her there for leverage. Bowing his body over hers, he began to thrust more forcefully into her. Her sweat-covered back skidded against the tabletop before he pulled her back against him, over and over. He was fighting a now losing battle for control, grunting with each thrust, his breathing becoming more and more labored. She arched her back, sitting up, her heels hooked on the table edge, her arms wrapped tightly around his neck. Turning her head she pressed her lips to his ear. "Don't wait," she said. "I'm almost there. Just let go and I'll be right behind you." With a cry, he pulled her off of the table and down onto his lap, his hands crushing her hips as he let himself go and emptied himself into her clinging warmth. She felt his heat pour into her and seconds later she was flying, following him into release. He fell backwards, taking her with him and she nestled against his chest, her face buried in his neck, each fighting to control their breathing. At last they calmed, and Scully was aware of the cool air against the drying sweat on her body. She shivered and he wrapped his arms more tightly around her. "Cold?" he asked. "A little," she replied. He groaned as he shifted her off of his body. Kneeling next to her, he lifted her in his arms. Lying back down on the sofa he settled her on top of him again and tugged the blanket thrown across the back of the sofa over both of them. Tunneling his hand through the mass of red curls tumbling around her face, he tangled his fingers into her hair, anchoring her to him. "I love you," she sighed sleepily. His heart stopped beating for a moment as he absorbed her declaration. "I love you too," he vowed. She shifted around, trying to get more comfortable and finally scooted down so that her head was resting against his belly, her fingers brushing lazily against the soft skin there. He could feel her moist, warm, rhythmic breathing against the sensitive skin of his stomach and knew she had fallen asleep. Pressing one leg between hers, he wrapped his arms protectively around her and soon followed her into oblivion. *********** He awoke with a start, alone on his sofa, afraid that it had all been another one of his dreams. Then he heard movement coming from the bathroom and relaxed, knowing that she was still there. He lay there for a moment, realizing that it was still dark out and listening to the shower door open and close. Then came the sound of the shower being turned on. He stood up, stretched and staggered off in the direction of the bathroom. He opened the door and saw that she had retrieved the overnight bag that she kept in his apartment and had brought her small toiletry bag into the bathroom. Her toothbrush lay on the sink and a small array of bottles of lotions and makeup were scattered about. Snatching his toothbrush out of the holder, he scrubbed his teeth and splashed water on his face. He turned to the shower door, hesitating, unsure of what kind of reception he might receive were he to simply open the door and join her. Not wanting to take a chance and upset her, he rapped his knuckles against the frosted glass. "I'm naked in here, Mulder," she called out playfully. "Thank God," he replied as he yanked open the door, stepped inside and closed it behind him. He was surrounded by fragrant steam and looking down saw that Scully held a travel size bottle of bath gel in one hand and a washcloth in the other. Taking both items from her hand, he turned the bottle of gel so that he could read the label. "Plumeria," he noted and took a curious sniff. "It's my favorite," she told him. "Mine too," he grinned. Squeezing a generous amount of gel into the washcloth he held it under the showerhead to build up a rich lather. Reaching out with one hand he spun her so that her back was to him. He began to run the cloth in long strokes down her back, over the curve of her buttocks and hips and back up again. He swept her wet hair to one side and massaged the lather into her neck and shoulders and then down first one arm and then the other. He turned her again and re-lathered the washcloth, sweeping it down her thighs and calves, around her ankles, back up behind her knees. He rinsed out the washcloth and stuffed it into the soap dish. He turned her one more time so that her back was to him again. Picking up the gel again, he squeezed a dollop into the palm of his hand. Rubbing his hands together, he slicked them down her chest to her stomach. He slid his hands across the soft, tiny mound of her belly and then back up to cup her breasts. His soap slicked fingers slid and danced across her skin and she shivered, covered in goosebumps even as the hot water cascaded over her. He continued to tease her like this, his mouth buried in the curve of her shoulder and then finally he touched her where she most craved it. He slid slippery fingers between her legs, flicking his thumb against the tiny knot of nerves hidden there and she gasped. Reaching behind her, she hooked one arm around his neck, clutching him for support. She turned her head toward him and their lips met in a long, slow kiss. Her arousal was building slowly and quietly this time and finally he slid two fingers inside of her at the same time that he pressed his thumb hard against her and she gasped, panting into his mouth and sagging as her legs went weak and rubbery. He banded one arm around her middle to hold her up and stroked her soothingly until her shudders and the contractions had stopped. Sighing she turned and lay her head against his chest letting the hot water pour over her head and back. After a few minutes she reached out for another washcloth and picked up his soap from the soap dish. She lathered up the washcloth and began to wash his back. She quickly abandoned the washcloth and it fell with a splat to the shower floor. She rolled the soap around in her hands for a few moments and began to slick her hands all over his body, his chest, arms, buttocks, and legs. She knelt down to massage her fingers around his calves and ankles and looked up to find him staring at her intently. She rinsed the soap from her fingers and took him in her hands. He moaned and pushed forward, closing his eyes and leaning back against the shower wall. He began to thrust into her hands until suddenly her hands were gone, replaced by the warm wetness of her mouth. His eyes snapped open and he pulled her away. "You don't have to..." he began. "Shhh," she murmured. "I want to." And with that she lowered her head and took him inside her mouth again. Her hands inched up to cup his buttocks and she pulled him deep. He kept his eyes open, watching himself slide in and out of her mouth. He tangled his fingers in her hair, loosely guiding her. As he felt himself begin to lose control he yanked her away and up to her feet. She stared at him and licked her lips. "Why did you stop me?" she asked. "Not like that," he whispered feverishly. "Like this." With that he lifted one of her legs around his waist and thrust himself into her. "Oh," she cried out and strained up on the toes of her other foot, trying desperately to get closer and take more of him. He realized she was struggling and helped her hook both legs around his waist. He pressed her up against the shower wall and she settled around him. He was so deep inside of her. Then they began to move and after long moments of leisurely strokes, kisses and caresses they came together. ***************** The water was beginning to cool so he shut it off and opened the shower door. He grabbed a couple of towels, wrapping her up in one and himself in the other. They left the bathroom and he steered her toward the bedroom. They settled on the bed and lay there drifting quietly for long moments. Sighing she looked at her watch. "It's late," she informed him. "I've got to get going if I'm ever going to get to Mom's". "Yeah," he agreed. "Are you staying there tonight?" "Well, I was hoping to come back here after dinner," she looked at him shyly. A huge grin split his face and he nodded enthusiastically. "I was hoping you were going to say that." "Why don't you come with me?" she asked. A stubborn look came over his face. "I already explained this, when you invited me last week," he began. "I know," she crawled out of bed and began to dress. "I was just hoping you would change your mind. I hate the idea of leaving you here all alone on Christmas Day." "Scully," he said indulgently as he too began to get dressed. "It's not a big deal. It's not my holiday, remember?" "Yeah, yeah," she muttered. "All right. Walk me out?" "Sure, let me grab my coat". They walked outside into the cold morning air and were greeted by at least six inches of snow. The streets were not plowed yet and Scully's car was pretty much snowed in. Scully pulled her cell phone from her pocket and quickly dialed her mother's house. Margaret Scully answered on the third ring. "Hi Mom," Scully greeted. "Dana, you aren't going to try to drive over in this mess are you?" "No Mom, I was working with Mulder last night and stayed at his place when the snow started," she glanced at her partner and rolled her eyes. "I just came out and found my car snowed in." "Well the snow has stopped and they are expecting the temperature to rise later on. That should help melt the snow. The snow crews should be by to start plowing but I don't see how you can get over here this morning," her mother informed her. Scully agreed. "Yeah, but I figure I should have no problem getting there in time for dinner. I still have to go back to my place and pick up all the gifts though so as soon as things start to clear up I'll head over." By this point Mulder had wandered over to her car and had popped open the trunk taking out her snow scraper and had busied himself cleaning off the surface snow. "Bring Fox with you to dinner," her mother told her. "I've already asked him," her daughter sighed. "Maybe you can call later and talk him into it. Lay some of that Catholic guilt on him," she laughed. "He responds very well to guilt." "All right I will," her mother laughed with her. "I'd better get going. The kids are going nuts in there waiting to open gifts." "O.K. Mom. I'll see you tonight" and with that she shut off the cell phone and stuffed it back into her pocket. Mulder walked around the car and met her on the sidewalk. "My mom said it's okay for me to stay for a little while, if it's okay with your mom," she told him impishly. He tugged on the scarf she had wound around her neck and then pushed her back against the side of her car and kissed her hard. Coming up for air he told her "I don't gotta ask my mom. She lets me do whatever I want. What do you say we go to the convenience store a couple of blocks over and get some things to make breakfast with?" he asked. "Sounds good," she answered and still holding hands they trudged down the street. Two blocks from his house they came to the local Catholic parish. People were filtering in for the early morning Christmas service. Scully stopped and bit her lip looking from the church to Mulder. "Why don't you go on ahead and get the stuff for breakfast," she started. "I'd like to go to Mass and I'll meet you back at your place in an hour." "Or, I could go with you and we could get the stuff for breakfast after Mass," he countered. "You want to go to Mass with me?" she asked incredulously. "Not really, but I want to be with you, so..." She smiled at him and led him into the church. They found seats near the middle of the church and settled into the pew. Scully bent down to lower the kneeler and getting on her knees she pressed her forehead to her clasped hands and said a prayer. After Mass was over, Scully walked up to the front of the church. Digging some loose bills out of her pocket, she stuffed them into the collection box in front of the rack of votive candles. She knelt down and reached out to light two candles, whispering to herself so quietly that he almost didn't hear her. "Missy," she said as she lit the first candle and then "Sam," as she lit the second. He stood there watching as the candlelight flickered over her face, highlighting the freckles and the beauty mark that she usually kept covered. He felt his heart clench with a fierce love for this woman as he heard her whisper the names of his sister and hers in a prayer. Lifting his head he looked at the Nativity scene on display on the altar behind the rack of votive candles. He gazed intently at the look of peace and love depicted on the Madonna's face and realized that for once, he could see the same expression on Scully's face. Reaching out with one hand he stroked it over the shining hair on Scully's head and she turned to him. He helped her to her feet and together they left the church. ************** Fortified after breakfast, they bundled back up and trudged out armed with shovels and snow scrapers to dig Scully's car out of the snow. The snowplows had been through and after an hour or so of hard work, they had the car clear of snow. They went back into his apartment to warm up with some more coffee when the phone rang. "Mulder," he said snatching the receiver out of the cradle. "Fox," came the sound of Margaret Scully's voice. "I was hoping to catch you at home. Is Dana still there?" "Yes she is, let me get her for you," he began. "No, no" she cut him off. "I called to speak with you," and her voice took on a stern quality. he thought. . He cringed and looked up at Scully. "I am not accustomed to having my children's friends turn down invitations to dinner at my house," she continued. "I expect you to accompany Dana and be here on time for Christmas dinner." "B..But" he stammered. "But what?" she demanded. "I don't think it would be very fair to Bill for me to show up at a family dinner, especially Christmas dinner!" "Do you expect to be able to avoid family gatherings for the rest of your lives?" Mrs. Scully countered. he thought. he smiled inwardly. "No ma'am" he mumbled. "Fox I'll expect both of you by 6:00 P.M.!" "Yes ma'am." "And Fox?" "Hmm?" "Dana sounds very happy and I suspect I have you to thank for that. I could not ask for a better Christmas present. Thank you". "You are very welcome Mrs. Scully. We'll see you later." He hung up the phone and looked over at Scully where she lounged on the sofa, a smug smile on her face. "You set me up," he accused. "Yep," she replied sunnily. Standing before her, he reached out his hand for hers and tugged her off the sofa. "We'd better get a move on if we are going to get the presents from your place and out to your mom's in time for dinner," he muttered into her hair. "Let me get changed and then we'll take off". "Okay," she replied and freeing herself from his embrace gave him a little push toward his bedroom. A few minutes later he emerged from his room dressed in a pair of gray pants, a black shirt, open at the collar and a sports coat slung over his arm. She sighed and stepped over to him, pressing a kiss to the skin exposed at the open collar of his shirt, wrapping her arms around him and hugging him close for a long, quiet moment. Finally she stepped back and they grabbed their coats and went to her place. He busied himself gathering the various shopping bags of festively wrapped gifts and setting them by the front door as Scully hurried into her bedroom to change. He glanced up to see her step out of her room. She was dressed in a dark brown dress with a high waist and a hemline that stopped about an inch above her knees. The dress had a low square neckline above which the slightest hint of cleavage peeped. Her only adornment was a tiny pair of gold hoop earrings and her glimmering cross. She walked to the full- length mirror by the coat closet and adjusted the skirt of her dress, smoothing it over the brown tights that covered her legs. Opening the closet door, she reached in and grabbed her wool coat. Mulder took it from her and helped her into the coat, lifting her hair from the collar. She smiled at him in the mirror and turned to press a kiss to his cheek. "Let's go," she said. ********* Dinner with Scully's family had gone better than he had expected. Bill, while not necessarily friendly, had exercised great restraint and was at the very least polite. The rest of the family was very happy to see both Scully and Mulder. He watched Scully, sitting on the floor, her head resting against his legs as she opened presents and played with her nieces and nephews. Finally, they said their goodnights and left. "Mmm, home at last," she sighed as they stepped into her warm apartment. Groaning she leaned down and took off her 3 and 1/2 inch shoes, wiggling her tights-clad toes in the carpeting. Stepping across the room she started a fire in the fireplace and turned on the tree lights. Then she wandered off toward her bedroom. "Scully?" he called to her retreating form. "I'll be right back," she replied. "I just want to get out of this dress". "Need any help?" he offered playfully. "No, just stay where you are, I'll be there in a minute". Actually it was closer to 10 minutes and when she emerged from her room she was wearing an ice blue satin robe and was carrying pillows and a couple of blankets from her bed. Dropping the bundle of bedclothes on the floor she explained. "I've always wanted to fall asleep under the Christmas tree." He smiled and helped her spread out the blankets. They settled on top of one, the other blanket piled up on the floor nearby. They spent long moments just holding each other, gazing at the lights on the tree and the crackling fire, listening to the soft music coming from the stereo. Finally Scully reached up and drew Mulder's face down to hers to brush her lips across his. They kissed for long minutes and then Mulder's hands left her face and began to work at the knot of her robe sash. Tugging it free, he drew the robe off of her. She wore nothing beneath it. Suddenly inexplicably self-conscious, Scully blushed as Mulder's eyes swept her from head to foot. She tried to roll up against him in an effort to conceal herself from his gaze. Stroking his hand against her hair he murmured. "I can't believe you are going to get shy on me now. Scully, I've seen you without clothes a couple of times since last night. What's this all about?" he asked as she continued to hide herself from him. He pushed her onto her back and leaning up on one elbow, he asked again. "Scully?" "It's just...well I know I'm not very..." Scully refused to meet his gaze. "You're not very what?" he asked. "I don't...it, well...I know I'm not your type" she finished quickly. "I have a type?" he queried. "Tall, thin, brilliant, busty, beautiful brunettes" she whispered. "Oh, I see you've given this some thought." Reaching out with one hand he turned her head toward him, capturing her eyes with his for a moment before gazing at her stretched out on the blanket next to him. "Well, let's see," he said and stretching out next to her, he looked down the length of their bodies to see that her feet stopped somewhere along his calves. "You are definitely not tall," he noted. "Brilliant?" he asked. "You seem pretty smart to me Dr. Scully." "No," she refuted. "You are brilliant. Your mind makes these incredible leaps of logic. It all seems so easy and natural for you. I worked very hard in school to become a doctor and I work very hard trying to keep up with you." He gave her a hard look and she rolled her eyes conceding his point. "Okay, I'm extremely intelligent." He continued to study her. "Definitely not busty," he noted. "And most definitely not a brunette" he observed as his hand drifted over her stomach and below to tangle his fingers in the coppery curls he found there. She swallowed hard, finding it difficult to face this analysis of herself--afraid he would find her lacking. "You are right," he said finally. "If that's the criteria, seems you are definitely not my type. However, you are exactly who I want." "I love the fact that you are so tiny. It makes me feel like I can just absorb you, envelop you with my body when I'm holding you. Makes me feel very strong. Very manly," he grinned. "And since we've established that you are a petite woman, well then, it goes without saying that large breasts would look ridiculous on someone with your frame." He lifted his hand to her breast and cupped it gently. He glanced down musingly and continued. "But they are a perfect fit for my hands". "I seem to have developed a thing for redheads" he went on. "I love that I can find you in a crowded room, simply by catching a glimpse of your shining hair." "Beautiful?" he questioned. "I don't know. You have the most amazing clear blue eyes, white skin with this faint dusting of freckles on your face that you usually hide with makeup, as well as this little mark right here." He leaned down to press a tiny kiss to her upper lip. "Tiny dimples here," he paused and pressed his mouth to one of her cheeks "and here," and he kissed her other cheek. "You have this very wholesome girl-next-door quality that should not be taken lightly," he told her. "All in all, I'd say definitely beautiful." "You have strong, toned arms and legs and your body is very fit without being muscular." He traced his fingers over the soft swell of her belly and lowered his head to rest there. He sighed and nestled closer. "I don't know why women are always trying to lose weight, develop muscles, be so thin that you can count every bone in their body." He propped his head on her stomach and looked up at her. "You have a very feminine body, strong and soft and curvy in all the right places." She smiled softly as he raised himself back up to look in her eyes. "I love you," he told her softly. "You are everything I've ever wanted, everything I ever have or ever will need. And you are mine." She took a deep breath and released it along with all of her insecurities. She smiled again and drew him down to her for a kiss. They kissed for long moments and then tugged his clothes from his long frame. He rolled over to cover her with his warm body. They swept their hands over each other exploring, remembering, learning new ways to touch and know each other. Finally, he slipped inside of her. "Mine," he breathed against her mouth. They paused for a moment, holding each other, absorbing the feeling of being joined and then slowly they began to move, rocking and thrusting against each other. She gave a small cry as she arched against him, her body clenching spasmodically against him as she found her release and then he groaned, emptying himself inside of her. They held each other, wrapped tightly together, caressing with soothing hands as the last tremors and shudders rocked their bodies. Sighing he buried his face in her throat and tried to roll off of her. "No," she protested sleepily and clutched him tighter against him. "I'm too heavy," he told her. "I can't stay on top of you like this, I'll crush you." "Stay," she demanded petulantly and tightened her arms and legs around him, holding him captive against and inside of her. He allowed his body to relax against hers, pressing her deep into the blanket and carpeting. After a few minutes, he shifted slightly, pulling free of her body. She moaned as she felt him slip away. He moved off of her just the tiniest bit, allowing some of his weight to rest on his hip and side, while still covering her with the bulk of his body and weight. She murmured his name contentedly and buried her face in his throat. Tomorrow they would have to go back to work and the real world but tonight was theirs. End I'd appreciate hearing what you think. Tnv099@aol.com (Have any of you noticed how much I like to write about the two of them just sleeping together, whether sex is involved or not??? Seems to be a recurring theme for me. Oh well, time to go on to the next part.)