A week after she told him she wishes he would come back, they walk hand in hand to her front door. He reluctantly lets go and she starts digging in her purse. He can feel her anxiousness as she fumbles with her keys and he starts tapping the side of his leg. But when the lock clicks and his eyes look up to her face, she's smiling and he smiles back, following her inside.

They had done their best to make up for the last year this evening. Some parts came easy, the laughter and the smiles and the inside jokes. Some parts were new and exciting, him finally daring to do things like hold her hand and tuck a loose honey-colored curl behind her ear. But the hard parts were the parts they were never any good at. They both shifted nervously when the topic veered too close to all the hurt and the longing and the ache, and both were equality guilty of avoiding any uncomfortable conversation.

She switches on a light and sets her things on the kitchen counter while he makes his way to the living room. The apartment is small and warm and a little cluttered, her couch has a bunched up blanket at one end and her coffee table is covered in papers and pencils and paint trays. He feels her side up to him and they both turn to face each other. She smiles a little, tilting her head and stepping closer, and he half-grins back.

He then knits his eyebrows when her smile starts to fade and her green eyes become a little shiny. She stands up on her tip toes, placing her hand on the back of his neck and her lips on his cheek. I hurt you, she says silently. There's a feather light kiss on his jawline and he closes his eyes. I'm sorry. She undoes the first two buttons of his shirt and presses her lips to his collarbone. Please forgive me.

She lifts her eyes to his and he raises both hands and cups her face, putting his lips on her forehead. I hurt you too. His kisses the apple of her cheek, I'm sorry. His lips meet hers and her eyelashes flutter against his skin. I forgive you. Please forgive me.

In her room, clothes fall to the floor quickly and they're on the bed and she continues to speak only in kisses. I want you. She lightly sucks the pulse point on his neck. Let me. She kisses down his chest and his stomach. Please. Her mouth surrounds him as he digs his fingers into her hair.

He does his best to reply, pulling her up until her curls are splayed across his pillow then moving down the bed. I need you. He kisses up the inside of her thigh until she gasps. I want you. His tongue circles her navel and moves up to the swell of her breast. Please. He joins her at the hips and kisses her, swallowing her moans.

His hand finds hers and he pins it up above her head, their fingers interlaced. You're mine. She drags her lips across his cheek, letting out soft little mewls every time he presses into her. I'm yours. He groans into soft skin below her ear when his tips over the edge. I missed you. Her fingers weave into the hair on the back of his head, keeping his face near hers. I love you.

Breath still heavy he lifts his head and looks at her. There's a smile dancing on her lips and a tear on her cheek. You're really back.

He kisses the shiny droplet away and starts to grin slowly. I am. He drops his forehead to hers and they both let out a deep breath. For good this time

calling this one done for now, but don't be surprised if more chapters appear someday ;-)

my latest updates and lots more JAM can be found at mttjustonce dot net