“Fun, aren’t they?” Blake smiled as he watched Rane and Loric shove each other around while walking away.

“I have to admit,” Sasha replied, “that when I said ‘Since we’re leaving, come empty out my reserves,’ I didn’t expect them to actually manage it.”

Blake wrapped an arm around her waist and pulled her closer. “After we settle in the capital, I’ll buy you some fancier drinks, but for now I think you’ve had enough.”

“You think?” Sasha leaned in and giggled in his ear. She closed the door behind him and locked it without looking. “I have a favour to ask…”

Blake’s heart thumped in his chest. “Anything.”

“I want my last memory of this place to be a happy one.” Sasha lowered her voice and brushed a finger against his chin, beckoning him to follow. “Come upstairs.”

“You mean...” Blake took some unsure steps towards her. “Shouldn’t we–”

“No,” Sasha responded. “I can’t wait any longer. I want you. Now.” She bit her lower lip and cast him a pleading stare. “Please. No excuses.”

Blake breathed in deep and reached out for her, hands finding warmth and the lean of her back. “I want you too,” he said, voice shaky. He leaned under her head and kissed her neck, a soft and rosy scent overwhelming his senses.

“Ah,” Sasha stifled a moan and shivered.

Blake had never seen her this flustered before. Sasha’s soft panting, her hair swaying over her face and her fingers digging into his skin... They drove him crazy, made the passion and need inside him flare up. His hands lifted her and carried her up the stairs before nearly dropping her onto the bed.

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Sasha lay there, looking up at him, both of them already breathing heavily. They stared into each other’s eyes for a few moments. “Clothes,” Sasha said, righting herself.

“Right.” Blake nodded and hastily took off his shirt. Sasha inched closer, running a finger down his chest. She tilted her head up and pressed her lips against his. It felt different from all their previous kisses, deep, true and passionate. Blake closed his eyes and focused on her warmth, her breath and her sweet desire. They held the kiss for the longest time, before slowly backing off and staring at each other in silent shock.

“Touch me.” Sasha pulled his hands up to her waist, and Blake felt the soft of her naked skin.

Blake’s heart beat faster still and the heat in his head felt nearly unbearable. “Are you sure?”

“Yes,” Sasha panted.

Blake could hold back no more. In that split second before he touched her, every nerve in his body felt electrified. They’d be together in a way that'd be more than words, in a way so completely tangible. The next few moments felt a haze as he rid himself of clothes and inhibitions. Sasha fell back on the bed and he followed after her, placing a hand on each side to look down at her blushing, flushed face. His flesh touched against hers as hesitation gave way to pain and pain gave way to pleasure. Time felt frozen as they indulged in each other’s joy and all the new and unknown feelings that came with it. They moved like partners in a dance practised yet new, as if their bodies were made to feel one another, to follow this rhythm. The tension rose and their movements got quicker, primal, before coming to an abrupt end. Blake collapsed next to Sasha on the bed, panting heavily. Thoughts were hard to form, and words harder still.

“I love you.” Sasha turned around on the bed to face him, tears in her eyes. “I love you so much, Blake.”

“Me too. More than you can imagine.” Blake wrapped his arms around her and pulled the sheets over them both. They relished the embrace and slowly calmed to each other’s breath and soft heartbeat.

“I should have never left,” Blake said. “I should have stayed with you. I’m sorry.”

“Shh…” Sasha placed a finger on his lips. “It’s in the past. It’s gone. We’re free now.”

Blake leaned his head on hers, breathing in the scent of her hair. He gazed up at the moon and stars outside of Sasha’s window. Tonight, they felt brighter and the sky was without clouds. “Free…” His eyelids felt heavy and the warmth pulled him to slumber. In that small bed, in Sasha’s embrace, and for the first time since he was a child, Blake felt safe. He felt like everything would be alright.