Pressing her lips together to muffle the following moan, Eva tipped her head back against the mattress, nails digging into his shoulders unintentionally after landing there by chance. Though she'd never really put much thought into it before, her figure was athletic, all lean muscle and few curves, perfect for her work. However she hadn't ever wondered if it was the attractive sort. Now was not the time to think on it either, too busy reveling in the moment and the attention, each new sensation keeping her on the edge, even when she thought she knew what to expect.

Her focus seemed to switch gears, feeling his hands sliding dangerously close to the scar just above her hip. It was still uncomfortably tender to the touch and in her panic she grabbed his wrist, hissing out a wince, despite the delicacy in which he was moving. The discomfort ebbed almost immediately, but Eva realized her reaction was unnecessarily quick. It hadn't hurt, but she wasn't used to having another set of hands on her body, unaware of how much it still bothered her. It wasn't exactly something she liked to admit aloud.

"I'm sorry," She breathed out, worried she'd ruined the moment. With furrowed brows she stumbled on how to explain herself. "It still aches sometimes." She added as she pulled up the hem of her chemise to reveal the mangled scar that was once the problematic puncture wound, the remnants of the crocodile battle and reminder that she would likely never bear children. Now she had to wonder if it would be a problem tonight...

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Fletcher hadn't really been thinking, not in regards to the scars she had at least. He'd simply been moving on instinct and doing what he thought to be best for her. He'd gone slowly and tenderly, savoring every bit of her he could manage. But when her hand struck out and grabbed his wrist so quickly, he was caught off guard and surprised. The look he had on his face when he looked up to her, ministrations to her breast quickly forgotten.

He winced visibly at her words and as she lifted the hem of her chemise to reveal the scar. Internally, he berated himself for not remembering and for not paying more attention. He turned his wrist over to bring her fingers to his lips where he placed a gentle kiss before nodding in response. "I'll be careful," he said softly and sincerely as he met her gaze once more, "I promise." And he meant that. He knew there would be some discomfort no matter what he did in regards to their coupling. He knew it wasn't always the best for virgins but he'd do his damnedest to do what he could for her.

He carefully leaned back then, placing a soft and tender kiss to the offending scar before moving to pull her chemise further up. "But if it gets to be too much or too painful," he started, watching her closely as he moved to remove her chemise fully, "I want you to tell me." He'd stop then and there, whether he'd be left aching or not, without any questions asked.

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BEE-utiful Set!

Now she felt guilty; Eva hadn't meant to make him worry or feel like he'd done something wrong. In truth, she'd overreacted, but in her surprise had just reacted without stopping to think or to see if it would actually bother her. She didn't know if it would be a problem or not and had she been thinking she would have censored her reaction. However, she supposed it was good for him to know and for the both of them to keep in the back of their minds as the night progressed.

Smiling softly at both his following words and actions, she hadn't been aware he could make her feel so irrevocably loved that she was almost left speechless. She had to say something though and after a deep breath, she reached out again to brush her thumb along his cheek. "I know, I trust you." And she did, it was impossible not to. Just thinking about it had her heartbeat quickening in a completely different way than it had been just moments ago.

To assure him that she really did mean it, Eva then leaned up enough to make it easier to get the chemise all of the way off, noting a mild twinge in her side but nothing else. Though she was still self conscious about losing all of her clothes as it revealed a host of new scars, she knew it didn't matter to him, so it shouldn't matter to her. She had a wide mark on the opposite side from the croc scar; the second worst to befall her, though her own fault for startling a baby griffin, but that was the only other major one.

Once the fabric slipped off over her head, she eased back on the pillows, trying to resist the urge to cover up by brushing her hair from her face and biting her lip again. Blue eyes watched him carefully for any new hesitation, aware she he had to keep a better handle on her reactions now, but it hadn't made her any less willing to continue.

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Fletcher knew he shouldn't but he couldn't quite stop himself from giving her a rather appreciative once over after the chemise had been lifted over her head. He was utterly fascinated by the woman before him, so contradictory from what society deemed perfect. She had scars and freckles, very few curves as opposed to what the more voluptuous ladies had. Her hair was red and she had freckles on her face as well. She wasn't the typical beauty standard, the type that would turn heads the minute she walked into any function. At least, no one else would be turning their heads. His head would turn. It had, on multiple occasions. And now, well, she was his and he was quite pleased with what he saw before him.

He knew looking for too long would only embarrass her, though so he slowly pulled away and slipped his own trousers off. He didn't bother with trying to maintain too much modesty. There was little point in doing so, she was already bared all to him. With his own state of undress, he moved back onto the bed and laid down next to her, carefully turning her toward him and being cautious not to pull too much on the scar of her abdomen.

"I love you," he whispered softly to her as his hand slid up along her side and to cup her cheek so that he could kiss her once again. He moved closer to her all the while kissing her with an undeniable passion. Bare skin met bare skin, sending an exhilarating rush through his entire body as a result that only deepened the kiss further. The hand that had been on her cheeks slid down her body again, gently gliding across all of her bared skin with a slight pause at her breast to feel it all over again before traveling further south to her hips.

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BEE-utiful Set!

Feeling a little self-conscious as Fletch looked at her, she could tell it wasn't meant to make her feel uncomfortable, but rather it looked like he was drinking in the sight of her and that had her breath catching in her throat. Keeping her eyes on him as he moved away Eva almost looked away when she realized what he was doing, but ironically, it was not the first time she'd seen a (nearly) naked man. She had spent quite a bit of her childhood in Australia, where the aboriginals did not wear much in the way of clothing. This was entirely different though, and since he'd clearly gotten a good look at her, she couldn't help but to return the favor, though her cheeks blushed at the thoughts running through her own head.

As he settled in next to her on the bed, Eva rolled toward him without thinking about it. Her eyes were on his, a soft smile on her lips as she mirrored his movements, both hands starting on his cheek and sliding back into his hair. She managed a quiet, quick, "I love you, too," Before he leaned in.

Eva gave her all into the kiss, fingers tightening in his hair as her body arched toward his, craving both the feeling and the warmth. There was something both truly comforting and inexplicably arousing in feeling skin on skin, bodies brushing against one another, and hands wandering wherever they could reach. Breathless, she had to come up for air, but Eva felt like she should at least try to reciprocate, so moved a little, leaning up to brush her lips tentatively along his cheek, following the line of his jaw as far as she could before pulling herself back toward his lips.

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There was no denying that her reciprocation of love and affection was adding to Fletcher's own desire and arousal. He'd been aroused from the start but hearing such things from her and feeling her press into him only added to that. At the rate they were going, the coupling wouldn't last the longest but that might not have been the worst of things. Especially considering her innocence. It could also mean a second but he wasn't going to suggest such a thing already.

He hummed with pleasure as she kissed along his jaw briefly before moving back to his lips once again. He met her kiss hungrily as his hand slid even further sound, coming between her thighs to gently test the waters of her own arousal. He wasn't disappointed to say the least but he still moved softly and gently, not wanting to startle her or cause any pain. There was an obvious finesse to the movements to his hands and fingers though as he continued to kiss her.

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BEE-utiful Set!

In having been to busy trying to give Fletcher a little attention, Eva hadn't noticed where his hand had wandered until it was too late. Not that she minded, but it certainly was not something she would have expected. She gasped sharply against his lips, body reacting for her to the new sensation.

Eva had to break the kiss, each breath coming in a ragged gasp or quiet sigh that she couldn't control. One hand slid to his shoulder, fingertips pressing roughly into his skin as she rested her forehead against his. The other arm was trapped beneath her, but she curled her fingers into the pillowcase, simply trying to find something to hold onto. Biting her lip, her lashes fluttered closed for a moment as she tried to comprehend the escalating arousal across her entire body; skin flushed and warm, chest heaving, her hips pressed toward him, searching for something more.

"Fletch," She whimpered a moment later, almost impatiently, unsure as to why she'd even said anything. She managed to open her eyes, searching for his in the dim light of the bedroom as if he would just know what she meant, anyway.

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There was really no way of stopping the smile that spread over the healer's features at her gasp. Fletcher liked to think he knew what he was doing but hearing such affirmation made it all the better. He continued with what he was doing, even as her breath grew more ragged and she rested her forehead against his own.

He didn't stay that way for too long though, his lips moving to her neck and up to her ear lobe once more. He was determined to show her the varieties of pleasure that were available to her. Seeing to her needs and desires were his prime goal. At least, until she all but whimpered his name. He looked up to her then, a determined but pleased expression on his face as her eyes met his own as her hips pressed further against him and against his hand.

Carefully, he rolled her to her back and followed the movement himself. With his knees between her legs, he carefully spread her legs apart but made a point to keep his hand where it was. He glanced down at her, eyes searching her face again before he removed his hand and positioned himself right at her entrance. He hadn't planned to hesitate again but they were to that point of no return and he couldn't proceed without knowing for sure.

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BEE-utiful Set!

If she didn't know any better, she could have sworn she would soon be completely overwhelmed by him. Eva had clearly underestimated just how exhilarating this could be and how good it would actually feel. Not to mention just how obvious it was that Fletcher was taking great care with her.

Rolling with him, Eva kept her eyes on his, knowing now where this was going and what her little whine had prompted. Her whole body felt ready, wound up tight in anticipation, but bless him, he paused again. Another surge of affection settled over her as she took a deep breath and found the willpower to get herself in check for a moment. There was no going back after this and she understood just what that meant, but she wasn't so sure she'd ever been so ready to take such a giant leap in her entire life. He'd been so patient with her, so understanding, Eva would never begin to tell him how much that meant to her and it also left her completely open in ways she'd never felt before.

Gently she brushed his hair back with one hand, eyes concentrated on his as she smiled at up him. Slowly she nodded, unable to quite articulate what she was feeling in this very moment and followed it up quickly with a tender kiss to save herself from having to think too much about- also as a bit of a distraction for both of them.

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The smile on Fletcher's face was a serene and genuine one. He could hardly believe how far they'd come or that they'd even progressed to this point. He was grateful for it and beyond happy. He didn't want to ruin it either but was glad when she didn't grow exasperated by his frequent hesitations. As much as he wanted her, all of her, he wouldn't push her to something she might not want. But that small smile and that little nod, it all made his heart beat faster.

Kissing her gently in return, he slowly moved above and into her. The distraction was something he needed himself, knowing if he saw any fear or pain on her face as he took her innocence for him he'd likely hesitate again. He might even stop entirely despite knowing that there was likely to be some pain no matter what he did. It caused a bit of pain himself, emotionally at least, as well as a twinge of guilt. He didn't want to hurt her in any way even if it was inevitable to an extent.

He tried to focus on that kiss as he slowly continued to push through the tightness and beyond that barrier marking her as a virgin. Focusing on the love and affection in such a simple gesture, he still continued to make sure he moved slowly so that he could pick up on any cues she might offer by way of discomfort or pain. There was no longer any going back but that didn't mean he had to rush through it, wanting her body to adjust to him so that hopefully she might get some amount of pleasure from her first time.

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BEE-utiful Set!

Despite trying to remain completely focused on the kiss, there was no missing what happened next. Eva managed not to break away this time, the only indication of pain was a sudden, sharp inhale, but honestly it wasn't that bad. Maybe she had a skewed idea of what actually hurt thanks to her slew of previous injuries, but it certainly wasn't enough to need to stop. Not even close. Thankfully there was no aggravation to her scar either. Or rather she purposefully ignored the little annoyance as it was clearly not the dominant sensation at the moment.

Eva knew that the tenderness in which he moved said a lot about his willpower and love for her and for that, she was entirely grateful. It couldn't have been easy for him to go slowly like this. Fortunately, though it still held a small level of discomfort, Eva did have to admit it felt good, and it didn't take long to reach a point where there was no edge to it at all. At that point, she had to lean back, desperately needing to breathe, each inhale a little more ragged than the last.

Her hands had drifted from his hair, down over his shoulders, nails digging slightly into his back as she felt herself climb higher and higher. Body arching toward his intuitively, it was easy to just let the sensations take over and the reactions come naturally. Biting her lip, she unsuccessfully suppressed a little whimper, head back against the pillows, clearly enjoying herself now. Finding a moment of clarity, Eva looped her arms around his neck again, eyes meeting his for the first time in a few minutes. He'd been so good about checking in with her that she should return the favor. The words on the tip of her tongue were lost altogether however, a quiet gasp taking their place instead, so all she could do was lean up to kiss him a little more desperately this time.

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Her leaning back changed the position enough to make the sensations Fletcher was feeling that much different. He felt his own control slipping as his lips moved along her jaw as she breathed in her ragged breaths. A soft moan of his own, the first he'd let slip, left him as he felt her arch into him and her nails dig into him. His pace had gradually quickened by when, no longer able to proven the natural course of things as she clearly adjusted to him.

Her whimper bright his attention from the kisses and bites he'd littered down her throat and along the slight upper swell of her breasts. The sight he was met with when their eyes locked was one that would forever be seared into his memory. Swollen lips, flushed cheeks, bright eyes. He didn't think he'd ever seen a sight so beautiful and glorious in his entire life.

The desperate kiss and wrapping around his neck was the final push for him. He fed into that kiss all the passion and desire he felt for her in that moment. With the quickened pace, his stamina gave out and his own climax overtime him. He just hoped he'd been able to bring her along to the height with him because what was more discussion than sharing that moment together at the same time?

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BEE-utiful Set!

In her own flurry of arousal, Eva, admittedly belatedly and arguably selfishly, hadn't stopped to wonder if this had been as enjoyable for Fletcher as it was for her. It wasn't until she felt the muffled moan against her skin, she realized, or hoped anyway, that it had been. That brought a slow, satisfied smile to her features, even though she's really had nothing to do with it. She was a quick learner though, she'd get him back sooner rather than later.

The pace naturally quickened and Eva felt herself almost unable to keep up. That last kiss had a tone to it she had yet to experience tonight, but it was the perfect punctuation to this chapter of their story. It served as the end to such a high, that she hadn't even realized she'd reached, though clearly Fletch had. Clinging to him, she let out a long slow sigh, though it was uneven and labored. Her body, spent and pliant, was a little sore, but that was to be expected.

As the physical sensations slowly ebbed, what wasn't expected was the emotional follow up. Eva was the kind of person who prided herself on being able to simply say what was on her mind, but here she was at a complete loss for words. The unintelligible emotions wreaked havoc on her, overwhelming her and though she was decidedly not one to cry, she felt a shimmer of tears anyway. Blinking them back, thankful for the darkness in the room, she closed her eyes and took another deep, shuddering breath to give herself a moment.

Finally she focused on how undeniably loved she felt in that very moment and it brought a steady smile to her lips, easing the onslaught of emotions running through her mind. She'd only taken her eyes off of him briefly and turned back to his now, searching for something, anything to say. Gently she ran her fingers through his hair, looking up at him, studying that handsome face, committing this moment to her memory forever. "I love you," She managed finally, though it barely scratched the surface of just how much.

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To say Fletcher was spent was perhaps the understatement of the century. His focus of going slow and gentle had exhausted him more than he thought possible. But it was worth it. Merlin was it worth it.

As she took her own steadying breaths, he shifted to the side of her so as to not crush her under his weight as he worked to steady his own heavy breathing. The feel of her fingers in his hair helped to calm him almost instantly, perhaps too much so. His eyelids felt heavy but he forced himself to meet her gaze all over again and just in time. His lips curled into a smile at her words and he pushed himself up to kiss her gently and tenderly before settled his head against her shoulder and wrapping his arms gently around her and pulled her into a cuddling position.

"I love you, too," he murmured against her temple. With a small sigh, he moved away just enough to pull a blanket over their naked bodies and then curled up against her once more. "You should stay through the night," he said softly despite knowing the likelihood of such was unlikely.

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BEE-utiful Set!

Chuckling quietly at just how much she'd apparently worn him out, Eva let him get all situated, settling in next to him. She kissed him gently and rolled toward him, curling into him easily, still craving that physical connection. She wasn't sure she'd ever get enough. Tangling her legs with his, she continued to run her fingers through his hair. Unlike Fletcher, she was all kinds of jazzed up, but she certainly didn't blame him for being tired.

Finally feeling a little more herself, Eva smiled slowly at him, "I think that could be arranged." Leaving now, or even in a little while would just feel wrong after all of that. There was no way she could even think about it. She owed him that much after the incredible attention and care he'd just given her.

Pressing her lips to his cheek, she eased all of the way back against the pillows, completely content. It would be a while before she'd be able to fall asleep (she might even sneak out for a snack from the living room)  but she had every intention of staying. It was easy to envision going to bed and waking up next to him. She really needed to get on talking to her dad. "I could get used to this." She mused aloud, in a hoarse whisper, thinking she could use a sip of the champagne too.

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Fletcher found himself almost dozing all over again. The warmth of her body curled into his with their legs tangled and her fingers running through his hair had a very calming and soothing affect on him. Chances are, he would have fallen asleep soon enough had she not spoken. But her words had his eyes opening wide and focusing on her as he pushed himself up on an elbow to look down at her.

"Seriously?" the question and shock evident in his tone but there was no denying the happy smile or glint in his eyes. It was safe to say he hadn't expected her to say she'd stay no matter how much he may have wanted her to.

Her following remark was met with a nod as well as he settled back next to her on the pillow. He even pulled her a little closer as a result before nuzzling against her neck, beyond content with the turn of events of the night. "I'd happily arrange such a thing," he said softly before adding, "I may have anyway started looking into different country cottages." He had yet to find the one but now that their relationship had progressed to such a point, his efforts would bed to be doubled and maybe she'd even like to accompany him.

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BEE-utiful Set!