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Geraldus paced around his modest, two-room flat. She’d be here soon, and his hammering heart couldn’t take much more anticipation.
Brenna, the Hero of Baldur’s Gate. A human fighter, with soft, short brown hair, a crooked smile and a lithe, muscular physique. Tough as steel, but surprisingly gentle, too. After the terrifying ordeal with the doppelgängers, when Geraldus had to be saved from their clutches by Brenna, her companions, and, more embarrassingly, High Harper Jaheira, only Brenna had checked up on him afterwards. He sat, shaken, once the shape changers had finally been defeated. He was astonished to have gotten out alive, having been held captive by them and used as bait to draw Jaheira and everyone else into a deadly trap, and he hadn’t been able to stop trembling.
Brenna had sat at his side and put a comforting hand on his arm, telling him he did the best he could, and giving her condolences about his dead comrades. She had just defended Geraldus to Jaheira moments ago, when the High Harper told him he should quit and go back home to his mother. Brenna’s fervent defense of him, the warmth of her hand on his arm, and her shining black eyes brimming with compassion – it was an immediate battering ram to his heart. But just as quickly as they had met and connected, she’d been off again, defending the city from an even bigger threat.
A crush should have been the last thing on his mind, after being held captive and watching those evil creatures murder his friends. Especially poor Chelvin, the nice older Harper woman. He hadn’t known her long, but she’d taken a shine to him, like a kindly aunt figure, showing him the ropes. She was one of the few people he’d met in this city that was nice to him right away. He mourned her death most of all.
Despite all the horror going on around him, or maybe because of it, Brenna had nestled herself into his being, like a beacon of comfort, her smile branded into his memory and her reassuring voice haunting his dreams in the months to come.
He knew his infatuation was silly, and pointless. His mother always did say he had no sense of restraint. Once a feeling took hold of him, he could scarce quiet its roar. This was true of his eagerness to join the Harpers, which had almost made his mother faint at the time, and his determination to remain a Harper, no matter how ill-suited he felt toward the job. It was this way whenever fancies would strike him, whether for new hobbies or new people. So often as a boy, he’d yearn for someone or something, lost in his infatuation, until it eventually subsided, and another fascination took its place.
But Brenna was different. His fascination with her wasn’t going away this time. He’d caught a glimpse of her as she’d reluctantly walked in an improvised parade right after the fall of the Absolute. She’d tiredly waved and smiled as the people cheered, flanked by her remaining companions. The blood flecked across her face and the scorch marks on her armor had not diminished her beauty. He’d spotted her joining the cleanup and rebuilding crews, good-naturedly yelling at them to put their backs into it as they all hauled broken stones out of the streets. He’d catch her at the Elfsong after long days, tipping back pints and sharing laughs with friends.
He made sure she never saw him, and he felt like a creep in doing so, but he told himself she wasn’t likely to remember who he was anyhow.
One thing he did always notice, and that kept the flame of longing alive within him, was that even though she was often surrounded by friends and colleagues, there never seemed to be anyone accompanying her as a lover. Not that he could tell, anyway, unless she was remarkably private about it.
Being an only half elf child raised by an elven mother, he had a hard time placing human ages, but he knew Brenna was older than his tender twenty-two summers. He’d put her somewhere in her thirties, if he had to guess. He’d always had a weakness for older women. Perhaps she’d see him as nothing more than some young whelp. Thoughts like these had always held him back from approaching her when he’d seen her out and about.
Until one night. He’d finally been recommended for promotion to Watcher, after being a recruit for ages, and there would be a ceremony, where he was allowed to bring a guest that would speak on his behalf. He’d gotten a little drunk that evening, and penned a letter to Brenna first thing, inviting her to go with him to the event as this special guest. His date, really, he’d secretly hoped. She was the only one he’d thought to invite.
He dropped his letter into the mailbox, still drunk, and regretted it immediately. He frantically tried to fish the letter out, but the mailbox was designed to prevent people from tampering with it, and so, he resolved to simply die of humiliation instead.
What would she think of him, sending such a presumptuous thing? Would she even know who he was? Gods, he had addressed her as “my friend”. She’d never consider him a friend, surely. The entirety of their interactions consisted of her saving him from doppelgängers and giving him a comforting pep talk. He expected no answer from Brenna at all, although he supposed it would be better to get nothing rather than a scathing rejection.
But to his complete shock, a letter from Brenna had arrived, much quicker than he’d ever expected.
Dear Geraldus,
I was so pleasantly surprised to get a letter from you! I would be honored to speak for you. I’m not sure what that entails, but I’m sure I can think of something. Hopefully they do the speeches before we have too much drink. (She drew a laughing smiley face here.) You’re a brave and worthy Harper, and I’m flattered you considered me for this. I’ve thought of you often since we met and wondered how things were going for you. Please let me know ASAP when it is and all the details and I will make time for it.
I look forward to seeing you.
Your friend,
Bren
He’d held her letter, laughing in disbelief. Such a generous response, and she had agreed to come with him. The laughter twisted into panic. Brenna was coming with him. A whole night, at a gala. Just the two of them. He cursed his lack of confidence, and he forever fought to improve it, but faced with an entire night in the company of the woman of his dreams, he suspected he’d need some liquid courage at the least.
Would there be dancing? Oh gods, he was a hopeless dancer. A hopeless conversationalist as well. He got nervous easily, tripping over his words, and thoughts vacated his mind as though beset by a Banish spell.
He’d been told by his mother and many other people that he was a handsome man, and it seemed to be true. Sometimes he’d be approached by those interested in his surface appearance. But once they got to talking with him, their interest waned into nothing. That’s how it always went.
He didn’t know what to do with a woman, let alone a woman as luminous as Brenna. He’d barely so much as sniffed the perfume of a passing lady, much less touched one. He had never even been kissed.
Some of the Harpers had jested about taking him to Sharess’ Caress on his recent birthday, but he’d refused. Now, he thought maybe he should have agreed to it. His limited knowledge of sex had come from sneaking into a closet with his mother’s racy romance novels, but these weren’t much help for instructions. Her delicate flower quivered in anticipation of his throbbing manhood, the two lovers becoming one amid the celestial song of true love. What did this even mean? He’d heard that sex was putting his cock inside a woman somehow, but he wasn’t sure how that happened, exactly. He needed more details.
He’d also once come across a drunken couple rutting in an alleyway one night, but that hadn’t looked enjoyable at all, and offered no further insight into what sex was. All he’d seen was an arse moving up and down and all he’d heard was loud, bestial pants and groans. He’d bolted before they saw him.
He balked at the audaciousness of his thoughts. How could he even think about things like that? As if Brenna would ever let him touch her. Geraldus was getting way ahead of himself here.
The time was nearly upon him now. Tonight was the night, and he couldn’t sit still. He glanced at the clock, a horrible thought flitting into his mind that she might stand him up. She wouldn’t, he insisted to himself. Never someone as righteous and kind as Brenna.
He became aware of the spartan state of his flat. When he’d written to his mother that he’d finally earned enough of a wage to buy his own flat, he’d felt very proud, but now, the modest trappings seemed inadequate when imagining them through Brenna’s eyes. He should have spent more time on decorating it to be inviting for guests.
He checked himself in front of his mirror for the hundredth time, smoothing back his black hair, and checking his formal armor for any errant smudge or dirt. He practiced smiling and making sure he didn’t look too timid. Brenna was a confident woman, strutting through life and taking what she wanted. Would she think he was pathetic?
A sharp knock sounded at his front door, and his heart skipped a beat. It must be her. He wondered what she’d be wearing to this event. A fancy suit of armor, no doubt, befitting the status of the Hero of Baldur’s Gate.
Nearly hyperventilating, he opened the door, and there she stood. She wasn’t wearing armor at all, but a lovely dress. It was a light, shimmering pale pink, with a scooped neck, and it draped flatteringly over her fit body. She’d put a tiara on her head, and tucked her short, brown hair behind her ears. When she saw him, she beamed at him with that adorable, gap-toothed smile.
“Geraldus. It’s so wonderful to see you again.”
He exhaled, not realizing he’d been holding his breath so she couldn’t hear his nervous wheezing. “Brenna. Thank you for agreeing to come,” he said. He could feel his cheeks flushing. His pale skin always blushed easily and there was no hiding it. She looked stunning. He had never seen her wearing anything like this before.
She gazed at him. “You look very dashing.”
“You’re beautiful!” he blurted, and then added, “Th-the dress, it’s very nice.”
“Thank you.” She peered past him into his flat. “Is this your place? It looks cozy.”
“Uh, yes, it is, but, uh…” He blocked her from seeing his flat with his body, and then remembered a perfect distraction. “Oh! I have something for you.”
He reached to a small table beside his front door, picking up a jeweled Harper pin in a plush box.
Her mouth dropped open. “You got this for me? It’s bloody gorgeous.”
His heart sank. “W-well, not exactly. I received one too. It’s from the Harpers. For each of us, uh, for me and my honored guest.” It would have been the perfect romantic gift, and he should have taken credit for it. Damn his honest mouth. Regardless, he held the box out to her. “Here.”
“Why don’t you pin it to my dress?” She lifted the fabric over her right breast, inviting him.
With shaking fingers, he tried to pin the brooch, his eyes lingering on her beautiful decolletage.
She placed a hand over his gently. “You’re nervous, but it’s okay. I’m sure the ceremony will go off without a hitch.”
He sucked in a breath. “Th-the ceremony, right.” Her hand was so warm and soft.
She smiled. “These things are often just a formality, you know. The promotion is all but secured. And I promise to say nice things about you, so don’t worry.”
He exhaled, finally getting the needle of the pin through the fabric of her dress. “You’re too kind, Brenna.”
“Please, my friends call me Bren,” she said. “I’d like to think we’re friends.”
“Bren,” he echoed, his eyes fixed on hers. “Of course we are.”
Her grin widened and she looked down, as though bashful to meet his eye. He was sure he saw color seep into her cheeks.
Once the pin was secure, she held out her hands as though indicating to him that she’d take his arm. “Shall we, then? Lead the way.”
Stiffly, he offered her his arm. “O-Of course, let us depart.”
They walked through the Lower City to the venue. Geraldus’s head swam from feeling her hands on his arm. He glanced over at her pretty, serene profile, compelled to indulge in small talk. “S-so, uh, Bren? How have things been for you these days?” He mentally kicked himself at his lack of grace. He’d sooner be putting her to sleep at this rate. What next, was he to ask her about the weather?
“Good! I just bought a row house.”
“Y-you did? That’s wonderful, congratulations.”
“It needs a bit of work, but luckily I’m pretty good with a hammer.” She smiled at him. “And you have your own place, too. I’d say we’re finally moving up in the world, eh?”
He laughed weakly, that she would compare herself to a man as lowly as him. “It’s not much, on a junior Harper’s salary, but it is mine.”
“Exactly! I spent ages living at the Elfsong during the war and reconstruction. There’s nothing like having your own space without having to share with noisy roommates, right?”
He smiled to himself. He didn’t miss living and sleeping with a bunch of other Harpers. More Harpers snored than the general public might think.
Then, she asked, “How’s your mum?”
He blinked. She remembered his mother? “O-oh, she’s very well, thank you. She couldn’t be here tonight but she’s quite happy for me, I think.”
His overprotective mother hated that he was a Harper, but Brenna didn’t need to know that.
The ceremony was held in an underground enclave in Baldur’s Gate, accessed through an unassuming stone staircase in an old building. It was unexpectedly posh. Ivy grew up the walls, the floors were made of marble and a sumptuous buffet was laid out. The soft glow of lantern lights illuminated the venue. An orchestra played in a small shell, providing music for a dance floor, where a few couples waltzed. A crowd formed around a small bar serving wines and ales.
Geraldus marveled at the ease with which Brenna worked the other Harpers, effortlessly charming them during discussions. They recognized her as the Hero, swarming upon her with plenty of questions, and no doubt wondering why a man like Geraldus had someone like Brenna as his guest. He occupied himself with the hors d'oeuvres, admiring her from a distance. It was a comfortable place to be, even though no one spoke to him.
Eventually, she came up to him, grabbing his arm. “Let’s dance! Come on.”
He put down his napkin with a piece of pastry on it. “Y-yes, of course.” He prayed he wouldn’t stomp on her foot.
She put one hand on his shoulder and clasped his hand with the other. He moved rigidly, only barely hovering his hand over her back, his other hand limp in hers. She was so close to him that the heat off her body drove him mad, and he felt his underwear get tighter, to his dismay.
She leaned into his ear, she whispered, “Thank the gods, I needed a rescue. I’d rather spend time with you than schmooze with a bunch of Harpers I don’t know.”
His breath hitched in his throat. “M-me?” Her heat on the side of his face did nothing to calm his cock.
“Oh, definitely. I came here to be with you. Surely, you know that?”
He did not know that, but his heart soared nonetheless. He dared not say anything in response. He could feel wetness in his trousers. He tended to leak when he was excited, which mortified him. He thanked the gods that the trousers of his formal armor were a sturdy leather and unlikely to show anything.
“Geraldus,” she said into his ear again. “You hold me like a piece of porcelain. Put your hands on me.”
“Wh-what?”
She grabbed his hand and pressed it on the small of her back, and clasped his other hand firmly. “You don’t need to be so delicate. There’s nothing to be concerned about.”
His heart dropped. What did she mean? Was there nothing to be concerned about, because she couldn’t possibly see him in a romantic light? And yet, her hips glided over his as they danced, and her hand resting on his shoulder caressed him affectionately. She had to feel his growing hardness at certain points, but if she did, she didn’t let on.
“What’s the matter?” she asked, with a cheeky smile. “Don’t like dancing with me?”
“N-no! No, I do, I really…it’s just that I’m, uh, not a good dancer. At all. If I step on you, I apologize in advance.”
She laughed. “I think I can handle a trodden shoe. Besides, you don’t get better at something if you never practice.”
“I, uh, I suppose that’s true.” How did he get so lucky? Brenna was easy to talk with, easy to laugh with. He’d known she was a great person through her deeds, but he never expected to feel so comfortable around her too.
When the music stopped, she winked up at him. “I love a good dance. You’re not a bad student, you know, you just need to loosen up a bit. We should get you a drink.”
He silently thanked the gods the dance ended so he could calm himself down, and they headed over to the bar to grab some wine. He ended up drinking one glass quickly, and grabbing another.
Dinner hour started shortly after, where everyone could tackle the buffet, and then, once everyone had eaten, the ceremony began. Geraldus approached a small stage, joined by several other Harpers. He wasn’t the only one being celebrated tonight – there were two other Watchers and a few higher ranks as well. After the announcer made a short speech, honored guests of the celebrated Harpers stood to make their speeches to endorse the promoted.
It was Brenna’s turn, and she stood to some applause for her around the room.
“Please,” she said. “If you applaud anyone, applaud my good friend, Geraldus. He showed remarkable courage in a dire situation where his comrades lost their lives, the gods rest their souls. Thanks to his quick thinking and calmness under pressure, we were able to put down a threat to this very city, and save the High Harper, Jaheira. I fully endorse Geraldus to be named Watcher. In fact, there’s no better man deserving of such an honor.”
The applause erupted into a roar, and Geraldus’s face burned. He hadn’t been sure of what she’d say during her speech, but it was more glowing than he could have ever imagined. She went and stood at his side with a grin, reaching out to touch his forearm. In a burst of courage, he put his hand over hers, mouthing “thank you” to her over the din of cheers.
The tender smile she gave him made his heart skip a beat. She inched closer to him, their arms touching, her hand still on his arm and clasped by his.
After the ceremony, the crowds dispersed to chat and drink. Geraldus needed to use the loo, and when he was walking back from it, he happened upon two senior Harpers that he didn’t know talking between themselves. He lingered out of their sight.
“Still don’t know what she’s doing here with him,” the man said to his companion. “Why would the famous city hero come here with some nobody kid? It doesn’t make sense.”
His companion, a woman, snorted. “Owes him a favor? Lost a bet?” She cackled. “Maybe he’s a family friend?”
“Not bloody likely, she was hanging all over him. Ain’t no family friend.” He took a swig of his drink. “She must be jerking him around, teasing the young idiot. Or maybe he paid her, though I’d hope the Hero isn’t that hard up for cash.”
“Please, she’s not jerking him around, she’s desperate. I know she saved the city, but she’s no looker. All she can get is some kid who probably just wants the notoriety she’d bring him. They look awful together.”
Maybe it was the glasses of wine he’d already had, but Geraldus couldn’t stop the swell of humiliation and sadness rising in his breast. He knew he wasn’t very well-respected among the more senior Harpers yet, but he never suspected that it was this bad. And what they’d said about Brenna, how she was only teasing him. That they dared to impugn her character made him angry. She wasn’t a looker? Insanity. To Geraldus, Brenna was the loveliest woman he’d ever seen. Fury mixed with the misery inside him and he had to get away.
He found a quiet balcony off the underground venue. It overlooked a subterranean lake and what looked like the ruins of some ancient temple. He knew he shouldn’t hide away here and ignore Brenna, but he couldn’t trust himself right now not to have an outburst. He didn’t want her to see that.
If he was hoping to avoid her, it wasn’t going to work, because she found him on the balcony shortly after he’d arrived.
“Geraldus? You disappeared on me.” She sounded sad.
“Sorry,” he mumbled, over the side of the railing. Then, he turned to face her. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have left you there. I haven’t been very attentive tonight.”
Concern flitted over her face. “What’s wrong? Did something happen?” She walked over to him, putting a palm on his shoulder.
What could he say in this moment? He wasn’t about to repeat those vile insults about her, and he was too ashamed to share what he’d heard about himself. “N-no, it’s fine. We should go back.”
“Tell me, what troubles you?”
She put her other hand on his shoulder and sidled in closer to him, her expression the picture of compassion. He rested his hands gently on her elbows. Dare he get this close to Brenna? He couldn’t seem to stop himself, especially when she was so near to him.
“I want to thank you,” he said, “for coming with me tonight. Truly. I’m certain you had better things to do than come to some ceremony for a nobody like me.”
“A nobody? Did someone tell you that?” She brushed a strand of hair behind his ear, which made him gasp. She said, “You are not nobody. I wanted to come and I was so happy to get your letter asking me. I thought you had forgotten all about me.”
“Forget you? Impossible,” he breathed. “As soon as I knew of tonight, you were the first person I thought about asking. Only you.”
She brushed her fingers over his cheek. “Geraldus, do you have feelings for me?”
Terror curdled in his gut. “I-I don’t expect you to – damn, I mean, d-don’t concern yourself with…”
“Is that a yes or a no?” she asked softly.
He swallowed hard. “Yes. How could I not? But please, you don’t need to return them. It’s…it’s enough that you came with me.” The last thing he wanted was for her to feel like he had some ulterior motive tonight, trying to corner her into something she didn’t want.
“I see I’ve been a bit too subtle.” She pulled him into an embrace, pressing her cheek to his ear.
He exhaled sharply, standing like a ramrod in her arms. “I…I don’t understand. Why? Y-you could have anyone, why me?”
“Because I like you. Won’t you hold me back?”
He could do nothing but whatever she wished. He wrapped his arms around her tightly and sighed into her hair. Every nerve in his body was on fire but he savored the warmth of her. Even if she weren’t serious about him, even if she only pitied him, he would enjoy this moment when he got to hold her. For all he knew, the dream would end soon enough.
She drew back to look at him, the gentle glow of the underground light playing on her features. Her eyes traveled his face and her hand caressed his cheek. “I don’t want to make you uncomfortable. Say the word, and I’ll stop touching you.”
He realized just how much he’d been quivering. “N-no! Please, you don’t make me uncomfortable. You could never. I’ve just never done anything like this before. But I want you to touch me – oh gods, that came out wrong.” He took a deep breath, putting his hand over hers on his cheek and leaning into her. “Can I perhaps…give you a kiss?”
She hummed agreement, rocking on her feet toward him, her eyelids fluttering closed.
He pressed a delicate, chaste kiss on her perfect, red lips. She did not let him retreat too far, sliding her hand around the back of his neck, and rubbing her nose against his, her eyes still closed.
Emboldened, he kissed her again, this time not so briefly. The tip of her tongue licked his bottom lip and he gasped. She invited him in by opening her mouth, and he licked his tongue against hers, muffled moans issuing from him. Her mouth was so soft and wet, he thought he might go mad. He never imagined kissing could feel so blissful.
He grew a bit overeager, passionately thrusting his tongue in her mouth and groaning against her, his hands gripping her back. She softly guided him, encouraging him to touch her less harshly and allow her to give him attention too. She nibbled on his lip, running her fingers through his hair.
They broke off and she said breathlessly, “We should leave.”
His jaw hung open. “W-we can’t just leave something like this. Can we?”
“Why not? I don’t think either of us is having much fun here. I’d much rather spend the rest of the night together, just the two of us.”
Brenna made a lot of sense, but he was still anxious. “I-I…yes. But, should we sneak away, or…?”
“No. Let them see us leave!” she boldly exclaimed. “In fact, I want them to see it.”
She took his hand and walked them both out of the venue. She held her head high as Harpers noticed them leaving, and although he started out sheepishly, he took her lead, squaring his shoulders by the time they reached the exit.
“That was great!” She laughed as they emerged on the Lower City street. She gave the top of his hand a kiss. “Did you see their stupid faces?”
He felt a little guilty once the high from their defiance had worn off. “Maybe we shouldn’t have. They did honor me tonight, after all.”
She scoffed. “Then they shouldn’t have been so rude to you. I don’t know what they said, but by the look on your face, they must have said something awful.”
He sighed. “I overheard a couple of them making fun of me. But, it’s fine. Honestly, it’s nothing new. I feel a lot better now, with you. Thank you.” He couldn’t be upset anymore. He had just kissed Brenna, and now, they were alone together. He could barely feel his feet touching the ground.
“They’re just arseholes. You’re wonderful. Anyone would be lucky to know you and whoever thinks otherwise can go to hell.” She gave him a bold smile.
“No, you are wonderful. And very beautiful.”
She shrugged. “Come now, no need for flattery. I know I’m not the comeliest girl in the world. I like to let my muscles do the talking, usually.” She flexed her arm, chuckling. “I never suspected you liked me this way before tonight. Not because of anything you did, but more because most people don’t see me like that.”
He dropped his voice low, saying, “You’re the most beautiful woman I’ve ever met, Bren. On the inside and the outside.”
“Thanks,” she said, barely above a whisper. She faced him, sliding her arms around his neck.
He went to kiss her again, but hesitated. “I-is this all right? Can I…?”
“You can kiss me anytime you want,” she said.
He dove in, finding it difficult to rein in his passion. Her lips were pure happiness.
She broke off after a moment. “Let’s go somewhere a bit more private, though.”
She led them through the streets, and he didn’t ask the destination. He felt drunk even though he hadn’t had that much wine. Was this really happening? He had kissed Brenna, and now she said he could kiss her when he wanted. Was he her boyfriend now? Was that how these things worked? He dared not speak on it.
On the way, she chatted to him about some recent freelance gigs she’d taken around the city as a hired sword, in an effort to keep busy. Her exploits during the Absolute Crisis ensured that she’d probably never need a steady job again, but she despised boredom. She asked him questions about the Dalelands, where he grew up. He answered her questions and listened, but remained focused on the feel of her hand holding his.
They eventually arrived at a row house.
“This is my house,” Brenna admitted. “You can come in if you want to.” When his eyes widened in surprise, she hastened to add, “Not that way! I mean, not that I wouldn’t like that, I would, but if you’re not ready, that’s fine. We can just spend time together, talking.”
She had invited him into her house. His heartbeat pounded in his skull. He’d grown less nervous around Brenna as the night wore on, but this was a big step she had implied. He needed to be brave. Brenna had shown him so much tenderness. “I want to, but…I might disappoint you. I haven’t a clue what I’m doing.” He looked down. “I couldn’t handle disappointing you.”
“You won’t,” she said. “You could never. But if you change your mind, let me know. I won’t do anything you don’t want to do.”
Her house was cozy and narrow, with multiple floors. Geraldus took in the ambiance of the sitting room, with a small woodstove and a couch covered with blankets. The kitchen could only be described as cramped, and a staircase led to the upstairs sleeping quarters, most likely. It wasn’t very roomy, but it was much nicer than his place. She had candles and knickknacks lying around, perhaps souvenirs from her adventuring, lending a homey air to the place.
“Do you want a drink?” she asked him softly. She hadn’t taken her eyes off him since they entered.
“I think I’ve had enough to drink tonight,” he said, inching closer to her.
They kissed, now more intimately in the privacy of her home. He felt more confident, running his fingers through her silky hair as he licked against her tongue. She pulled him up the stairs, leading him to her bedroom, and he followed suit.
His first kiss, and his first time, all in one night. He only prayed he wouldn’t mess it up, and that he could make her happy tonight.
She threw off her tiara, and began to undo the buttons on her dress, in between kisses. She tugged at his armor, whining at him against his mouth, and he got the hint. He began to undo the fasteners on it, and loosen his boots.
Soon they were both down to their linen small clothes. His straining cock against the fabric and the large wet spot on it would be obvious to her now, and embarrassment crept up his spine. He’d always felt self-conscious about his cock. It wasn’t a very impressive size in his opinion, and it wept and blushed the color of rose petals when he was aroused. But she kissed his neck, breathing hot into his ear.
“Can I touch you?” she asked him.
He nodded, his eyes closed, and she slid her hand into his bottoms to feel his slick hardness. He made a small cry at the sensation of her hand on his cock. It felt very different than his own hand. Pleasure vibrated over his nerve endings as she gently stroked him.
She took his hands, guiding him to explore under her shirt. He whimpered against her mouth as he tentatively reached up to feel her breasts. His fingers brushed up against something hard on her nipples. She lifted her top over her head and he was shocked to discover that both of her nipples were pierced.
She smiled sheepishly. “I got that done years ago.”
He played with the piercings, fascinated. They were small, silver studs. “Did it hurt?”
“Like a bastard! It doesn’t hurt now. Touch them, it’s okay. I like it.”
He ducked down. Her breasts were so perfect and begging to be licked. He teased the piercings between his lips, savoring the way her nipples hardened under his attentions. She had a sprawling floral tattoo on the side of her ribs. He ghosted his fingers over the design lovingly.
She pulled him away from her chest for more kisses. She tugged at his waistband, and he suddenly felt shy about her seeing his cock completely naked. As if sensing his apprehension, she hesitated.
“If you want to stop, let me know,” she said gently.
“I don’t,” he breathed. “It’s just…I leak a lot and…I don’t know if it’s…nice. I don’t know.”
“It’s very nice. It means you like what I’m doing.”
“I-I do. A lot.”
She eased his bottoms off and also undressed, herself. They finally stood, naked, seeing each other fully.
She ran her hands down his chest and massaged his cock. “Gods, you are so beautiful.”
He moaned, bucking into her hands, cupping her cheeks. He was very close to coming, and had to avert his eyes from her gorgeous body lest he lose control.
She took his hand and guided it toward her soaking core. Gingerly, he teased her slick folds, exploring them. He sucked in a breath.
“You get wet too,” he said, a bit dumbly.
“Yes,” she said. “It’s just like you, it means I like what you’re doing.”
She showed him her clit, and how to rub and circle it the way she liked. She had to restrain his unskilled fingers from being too rough at first, but he was a keen student, taking her instruction to the letter, and carefully watching her reactions.
She tilted her head back with her eyes closed, her breath stuttering. Geraldus could scarcely believe the response he drew out of her. His cock twitched in her hand. He kissed her deeply so he could feel her moan and shake around his tongue.
She stopped him after a while and led him to the bed and he followed, getting on top of her like she wanted.
Their naked bodies moved together under her warm blankets as they kissed, and he knew this must be what heaven felt like. His insistent erection pressed between them, and he gasped every time she rocked against him. Her hands roamed over him, all over his back, down to his rear, and through his hair.
She sat up, pushing him down onto her mattress. She began to trail kisses down his body, saying, “If you want me to stop, say the word.”
There was no way he was stopping her from doing anything. This all felt so good that she could do whatever she wished. The ecstasy was nearly too much for him to bear. So warm, so soft and wet. How would he fare, being inside her? How would that happen, exactly? Would he know when to do that? Was she going to do that now? He was woefully unprepared for this and prayed that she would continue leading him.
She went lower and lower, until she hovered over his cock. With no hesitation, she slid her lips over the head, eagerly licking the wetness seeping from his tip with a soft moan.
He clutched the blankets, involuntarily bucking his hips toward her hot mouth. She pumped his shaft with her strong hands, making him wail and tilt his head back, thrashing. He’d been too close all night, and feared he’d burst.
“So good,” she panted, running her tongue up the underside of his cock.
Pleasure overloaded his senses and he could only moan loudly. He tried to warn her that he was about to come in her mouth, but the words died in his throat. She grasped him tighter, taking him in even deeper and more eagerly.
His legs trembled as he released. With every pulse of his orgasm, she hummed and swallowed him more and more, her loving hands caressing his balls and thighs.
He marveled at what had just happened. Brenna had made him come, and she’d swallowed every last drop of him. She scooted up to face him, straddling his body, and he brought her in for a kiss. She whimpered against his lips, stroking his chest gently. He needed to worship her. She’d shown him so much love and he wanted her to feel like he did right now.
“I want to please you,” he breathed. “Can I kiss you? Down there? Show me what to do, I’ll do anything.”
“Oh,” she breathed, running her fingers over his lips. “Yes, please. Please,” she begged, lying down on her back.
He wavered when faced with her beautiful, wet cunt. Her lovely, dusky lips were swollen and her clit beckoned him to lick it. Pushing through his intimidation, he ventured a lap up her slit, feeling her squirm beneath him. Her delicious scent and taste intoxicated him. He tried to remember how she liked to be touched with his fingers, and imitate those motions. He circled his tongue around her clit.
She threaded her fingers through his long, dark hair, gently pressing him into her. “Just like that. Yes, gods, please, don’t stop.”
Her hips bucked to rub herself against his mouth. He started to get excited again, engulfed by the feel of her soft, pulsing cunt all around him and her legs gently squeezing his head.
She reached down, saying, “Put one of your fingers inside me.”
“Inside?”
Confused, he let her take one of his hands. She slipped his index finger inside herself, showing him how to hook it in order to stroke the sensitive spot just inside her entrance. He was still uncertain, but trusted that she knew what she wanted.
He was immediately rewarded with her writhing under him and crying out in pleasure when he started licking her clit while tickling her with his finger. He felt her walls clench and wetness seep out of her entrance. Electrified, he persisted until…well, he wasn’t sure what would happen, but he wasn’t about to falter.
“Oh, please,” she groaned, “don’t stop. Please, yes, yes, don’t stop!”
She shouted the last words and Geraldus felt the steady, strong pulses deep inside her. He shuddered and gasped a laugh, realizing he had just made a woman come. And Brenna, of all women. He had no idea how gorgeous it would be. The scent of her arousal filled his nose and as the pulses died down, he nestled his face between her slick folds, kissing them adoringly.
He settled his body between her legs, face to face with her, caging her with his forearms. “Did I do it right?”
“Yeah, you did,” she said, kissing him.
He’d gotten hard again, and by instinct, rubbed his cock against her wet heat as they kissed. She shifted herself, reaching down with a hand to position him at her entrance.
“I won’t hurt you?” he asked.
She only smiled, cupping one of his ass cheeks and pushing him into her. He slid in easily, as she was very wet.
“Oh, gods,” he said shakily.
Just like that, he was inside Brenna. Her wet heat surrounded him, and her cunt caressed him as she slowly moved her hips. He was astonished that it had been that easy, having built up the act of sex as almost mythical, nigh unknowable, in his mind. But this was as natural as breathing, born of the intimacy between them. He untethered any fantasy expectations and fears from his mind and let them drift away, only seeing the two of them, here and now – this precious, personal experience with Brenna, someone he loved and trusted more than anyone.
He followed her lead once more, moving his hips to slowly thrust into her. He overshot a thrust and slipped out of her once, and she giggled, putting him back inside without missing a beat. He was careful not to pull out too far again.
“Harder,” she whined after a short time of gentle fucking.
He gulped. “But won’t that hurt?”
“No.” She clasped his buttocks, jamming him firmly into her, grunting when he went in to the hilt. “I like it.”
He adjusted his weight on his knees and forearms to better fuck her, increasing his pace dutifully. Every push into her sent waves of orgasmic pleasure through his body, and even though he’d come a while ago, he feared it wouldn’t be difficult to do so again, and quickly. He didn’t want to come too soon. He used every bit of his concentration to keep control for her.
She arched her back, her hands still gripping his ass cheeks, directing his movements and urging him deeper and faster. Her moans became cries, reaching a delightful crescendo.
“Fuck,” she groaned. “I’m going to come.”
Sweat dripped from his brow onto her face, but neither of them cared, lost in pleasure.
When she came around his cock, it was the most amazing feeling he could have imagined. He wasn’t far behind her. His balls tightened and the building tingle spread out from his groin, goose bumps sprouting all over his pale skin. Stinging tears squeezed out of the corners of his eyes.
“Ah!” He gritted his teeth as he released deep inside her. “Oh, Brenna. Gods, I love you! I love you so much!” A shuddering sob ripped from him, his arms shaking.
She yanked him down to kiss him passionately as their breathing steadied together. He stayed inside her as his cock softened, enjoying the closeness with her, and she wrapped her legs around him. She brushed the tears off his face with a soothing thumb.
Regret and hot embarrassment pooled in his stomach. He shouldn’t have proclaimed his love for her in such a heightened moment. It was a foolish thing to say, and though it was honest, maybe it was too much. They hadn’t even talked about what kind of relationship they’d have going forward. And why had he shed tears? He hadn’t been able to stop them.
“I’m sorry,” he said, sighing and resting his forehead on hers. “I shouldn’t have said that. I do love you, but I don’t expect you to say it back. I think I’ve loved you from afar for so long that I couldn’t help but say it.”
“Geraldus.” She brushed some loose hair behind his pointed ear. “I could easily fall in love with you. But let’s keep seeing each other.”
“You want to keep seeing me?”
She gave him a sweet kiss. “Of course I do! Will you be my man?”
“Y-your…man?”
She laughed. “My sweetheart. My lover. My boyfriend.”
“Yes!” It came out almost too enthusiastically, more a yell than a spoken word.
She laughed even harder. “You’re so godsdamned cute. Yeah, I think I’ll be falling in love with you soon.”
He shut his eyes. “If that happened…gods, I would be so happy. I’m already happy being yours now, in this moment.”
He got off her to lay at her side, spooning her against his body. He nuzzled her hair and smoothed some strands back with his hand.
Brenna nestled into him. “Going to stay with me tonight?”
“I will. Unless you want me to go home.”
“I don’t. We should have breakfast tomorrow too. I make a really mean omelette. Do you like mushrooms?”
He hesitated to answer. He desperately wanted her to love him. But he fought the urge to be agreeable, because he also wanted what he developed with Brenna to be real. He’d never been good about being honest with what he liked and what he didn’t, but she deserved honesty. A small matter like food tastes was a good place to start being assertive. “I don’t, no. Sorry.”
“Hm, how about onions? Peppers?”
“Those are all right. But plain with only cheese is better.”
She chuckled. “Plain with only cheese for my Geraldus, it is.” She squeezed his arms tightly. “Thanks for inviting me tonight.”
He lightly laughed into her ear. “I’ll bring you to everything I do from now on, if you want.” He kissed her neck. “Can we do this again sometime?”
“We can do it as often as you like. The more the better, I say.”
He lounged with Brenna in her arms, the two quietly chatting into the night until sleep claimed them. He wasn’t sure what the future would bring for them, but he couldn’t wait to see where it led.