Disclaimers: BeastMaster characters and concept are property of their creators. No copyright infringement intended. Original characters and story are property of the author.
Spoilers: "Amazons"; Companion piece to "Swear Not By the Moon"
Rating: NC-17.
Equal Time
© 2001, Anandam
Tao stood outside the tent, watching the evening take over the sky. He always liked this part of the day, and this had turned out to be a good one. He listened carefully for a moment. Melina's breathing remained easy and even -- Good, he thought. The fire-lily had done it's work and she seemed almost completely recovered. The Amazons had agreed to accept her as part of their tribe, and he and Dar would leave in the morning. Tao brushed away the small longings that tugged at his mind, and his heart. She needed me, that's all, he told himself firmly. If it seemed like more, it's because she thought I was someone else. We leave tomorrow and that's it.
He looked again at the summer sky as the first stars began to appear. "Time to get some rest," he thought as he turned to check on Melina inside the tent. He couldn't keep from one more glance toward Hippolyta's tent, though. The faint glow of a torch could be seen and Tao knew that torch would burn late into the night. "Well, at least I'll be rested," Tao chuckled to himself. He didn't begrudge Dar this chance to be with the beautiful warrior -- She's not really my type, anyway, he thought wryly. Not that he had a "type," but Tao knew that his preference would definitely run toward fragile, pale beauties like Melina, at least for awhile. Shaking his head at his own foolishness, he turned to go inside.
When he entered the tent, Tao was surprised to find Melina awake, and sitting up. She smiled at him, and patted the narrow bed beside her. Tao sat down carefully, taking her hands. "You look much better," he said smiling, trying not to notice how warm her hands were, or how tightly they grasped his own. "How are you feeling?"
"Much better, thanks to you," Melina replied, smiling warmly into his eyes.
"Thanks to Dar, you mean," Tao corrected gently. "He found the fire-lily. Without it, we would have lost you," he continued, slightly panic-stricken at the thought that he almost said "I" instead of "we." He wanted to stand up, to put a safe distance between them, but Melina still held his hands, and he didn't want to hurt her feelings. Just one more night, Tao thought, almost grimly. Just be good to her tonight, and you can start getting over her tomorrow.
"It wasn't just the fire lily, you know," Melina insisted quietly. "You stayed with me, you comforted me, you helped me hang on to this world." She looked down at their hands for a moment, and then firmly pressed his hands to her lips. "I would have let go long before the lily arrived, if not for you," Melina whispered.
"No, you wouldn't have let go," Tao said as he reclaimed one of his hands, and used it to brush her hair back from her face. "You're very strong," he continued, trying not to feel how soft her skin was, "and you will have a long, full life." Tao smiled, and forced himself on with a cheerfulness he didn't feel, "And this has been a long, full day. You need to get your rest. You start a whole new life tomorrow." He eased himself off the bed and started to rearrange the pillows.
"I wish you were staying with me, at least for a little while," Melina said softly.
Tao looked at her, unsure of himself. Tell her you wish that, too, he thought fiercely. Say something nice that she'll remember!" But all he could do was stare at her and try not to do something stupid. He felt like he was falling into her eyes, and part of him wanted very much just to let go, even if he drowned in them. Without knowing how, he found himself sitting beside her again, the pillow forgotten on the floor.
Melina reached a hand to Tao's cheek. She stroked her fingers gently along his temple, into his hair. "Stay with me, " she murmured.
Tao tried not to notice how his face tingled where she touched it. He tried not to notice how that tingle was wreaking havoc elsewhere. "I can't stay," he managed. "I'd like to, I would, but Dar needs me. . ." Tao's voice trailed off. I sound like an idiot! he thought, annoyed with himself and his lack of control.
"I know," Melina answered. "I know you can't stay." She was quiet for a moment, looking away, and Tao thought she would lay down, and finally sleep. "But stay with me tonight," she said lifting her eyes to his. After a moment, she wrapped both of her arms tightly around him and nestled her face into the side of his neck.
Tao was stunned. For a moment, he was at a loss, but then he wrapped his arms around her and returned the hug gently. "Of course I'll stay with you," he said a little huskily. Steady, he reminded himself. She's been through a lot. She just wants to be held, that's all. That's all. He carefully lowered Melina to the bed, and retrieved the other pillow from the floor. He tucked the pillow behind her head, and drew the light bedcovering over her. He sat on the very edge of the bed to pull his boots off, and then slowly lay down on his side facing her. Tao kept his eyes firmly closed as he tucked one arm beneath his head. I guess I won't be getting any rest tonight, he thought, none of the humor of his situation escaping him. I'll never be able to sleep, this close to her, he chuckled to himself. Oh well. Dar isn't going to want to travel that far tomorrow, either. He caught himself feeling a moment of envy at the different reasons for their lack of sleep, but he put it firmly out of his mind. He decided to risk a look, and opened his eyes for a moment.
To find a beautiful pair of brown eyes staring back at him. And sparkling, too -- She's laughing at me! Tao realized, his mind reeling to find the cause. "Oh," he apologized aloud, "I forgot the torch!" He started to get up to extinguish it.
"Tao." Melina stopped him with a hand on his shoulder. "Leave the torch" she said, the laughter still coloring her voice.
Tao was confused. "Leave the torch?" he repeated. "Oh, would you like to talk a little while?" he asked, feeling the blush creeping up his face. Gods, I am so stupid! he thought. He leaned on his elbow, looking down at her. "What would you like to talk about?" he asked, trying to sound casual.
"I would love to talk to you, Tao," Melina answered softly, "but maybe. . .later." She met his eyes steadily and again Tao was lost in their depths. His mind reeled around, charging back and forth between hope and confusion, and a stern conscience which reminded him that Melina had been very ill, had suffered great loss.
Melina waited for a moment, but seeing that Tao still did not understand, she rolled to him and gently pressed her lips to his. She tried very hard not to laugh as his eyes flew open and he almost fell off the bed. She steadied him with a firm hand on his shoulder and kissed him again.
"Ohh," Tao breathed against her lips, as his arms wrapped around her and the kiss deepened. "No!" he gasped in the next second, pushing back from her and falling off the bed. "Ow!" he yelled as his head hit the hard dirt floor. He rolled quickly up and sat on the floor next to the bed, staring at Melina and breathing hard. I may be an idiot, and a clumsy idiot, but I'm not a jerk who takes advantage of a vulnerable woman! he thought to himself hotly. His face burned as he clung to the shreds of his self-control. "We shouldn't," he said aloud.
"Why?" She waited, but Tao just shook his head, unable to answer. "Tao," Melina said gently, "I know. I know you think I'm still sick, or I'm just grateful, and maybe I am those things, but that's not why. . ." She broke off, as the tears began to sting her eyes and she found herself fighting them back.
Seeing the tears, Tao was instantly beside her. "Don't," he begged, throwing his arms around her. "Aww, don't" he whispered, stroking her hair and turning her face up to his.
"Don't you want me?" Melina asked, managing a shaky smile.
"Gods, yes!" Tao exploded. "Yes, yes I want you," he continued softly. "I just don't want to hurt you, " he explained. "I don't want to -- take advantage -- I don't want to take anything from you." Tao was at a loss now. "I. . .care about you, Melina," he finished lamely, trying to choose his words well.
Melina smiled in earnest now. "I know you do," she said as she laid her hand against his cheek. "I know you do, and who knows if anyone ever will again?" Tao looked at her closely, but he saw no new tears, no self-pity in her eyes. "I know I will probably never see you again," Melina continued, "I know you can't stay. But we have tonight. I want tonight," she said. "I want you." Her fingers twined in his hair as she pulled his mouth down to hers.
Tao hesitated for a long moment, and then he let go. He returned Melina's kiss with all he had, drinking her in. He wrapped both of his arms around her and pulled her onto his lap. His mouth left hers and he pressed his lips against her neck, fervently kissing his way up to her ear. "I want you, too, " he whispered, "so much." He gently drew the lobe into his mouth, nibbling a little. Tao felt her shiver, and he smiled to himself. He kissed his way down her neck again, turning her head to reach her other ear. He placed soft kisses on her forehead and her eyes before returning to her mouth. He kissed her slowly, trying to hold back, but her response was sending fire all through him. Take it slow, the rational part of his mind cautioned. Make her feel, his heart argued back, she's lost so much. Give her everything you can. For once, Tao firmly ignored his mind, and listened to his heart.
As he felt Melina's breath quicken, Tao dragged himself away from her mouth, kissing her throat. His hands slid to her shoulders, pushing her new vest off and loosening the tie that held her dress closed at the neck. He wrapped one arm firmly around her back as his other hand drew the soft fabric down one of her shoulders. He kissed the swelling mound of her breast as his hand slid lower, down her arm and over one rounded hip. Tao reached for the hem of her dress, and as he began to slide it slowly up, his tongue stroked gently across the top of her breast. He felt Melina's back arch, and looked to see the neckline of the dress catch on the hardening nub of her breast. Abandoning the hem of her skirt, Tao's fingers closed over the edge of the fabric and dragged it very gently down over the erect nipple. Hearing her gasp, he drew it very slowly up again, teasing the sensitive tip, and then began a slow rhythm, working the edge of the soft fabric back and forth across her breast. Melina began to moan softly, from somewhere deep in her belly, making Tao fight for control. He was painfully hard now, already desperate to be inside her, but he held back. "Make her feel," he remembered, grateful for any thought which would help him find restraint.
He lowered his head to her breast, licking around the hard nipple and then drawing it deeply into his mouth. As he suckled, he slid Melina back onto the pillows. His mouth traveled slowly toward her other breast, kissing and nibbling his way to the waiting nipple. As he lapped at the pebbled tip, Tao gently parted Melina's thighs and knelt between them. He lifted her narrow hips with one hand as he slid the dress up to her waist with the other. He forced his gaze away from her pale skin and the small patch of gold curling at the apex of her thighs. He straightened, and pulled Melina up with him, bringing her to sit on his lap facing him. He kissed her deeply, losing himself in the taste of her. Then he drew the dress over her head and leaned back, reveling in the beauty of her skin and the roundness of her small breasts.
"Not fair," Melina laughed softly. "You have me at a disadvantage here," she complained as her hands wrapped around his waist, fumbling with his belt.
"I see your point," Tao chuckled as he helped her with the belt and pulled his tunic over his head. "Is that better?" he asked, smiling as he lowered his head to nuzzle the side of her neck. He pulled her to him tightly, marveling at the feel of her soft skin against his chest.
"Only somewhat," Melina protested, sliding her hands beneath the waist of his pants. Tao caught her hands in his and pulled them up to his lips, pressing soft kisses on her fingers and her palms. "Leave the pants," he instructed, as he leaned her back onto the bed. "But I want to feel you," Melina began, before his mouth closed on hers, ending the debate. Tao felt her hands trailing down his back again, and he chuckled inwardly at her persistence. He sat back on his heels, catching her hands and pressing them firmly into the bed. "Soon," he promised, lowering his head to kiss her navel. He flicked his tongue lightly across it, grinning as Melina began to squirm and giggle. His tongue traced a path lower, until he came to the soft nest of curls. He pressed his lips to the silky mound as his hands gently spread her thighs further.
"Tao?" Melina's question arrested his attention and he looked up to find her leaning on her elbows, staring down at him, confused.
"Oh," Tao thought, as the reason for her concern leapt into his mind. "She did live among cretins!" he reminded himself. "Shhh," he said aloud, as his hands lightly stroked the soft skin of her thighs. "You will like this, trust me." He smiled to himself as he brushed his lips against her skin and felt her lay back on the bed. He drew his hands up along her ribs, brushing the sensitive sides of each breast. His fingers stroked feather-light paths toward each nipple as his mouth returned to the nest of golden curls. He traced gentle circles around the pebbled tips of her breasts as his tongue slid lower, tasting her wet folds. Melina groaned as he found the small nub hidden there and licked gently across it. The rhythm of his mouth matched his fingers as he rolled each erect nipple slowly back and forth. Tao fought for control as he felt Melina's hips writhe, matching the movement of his tongue. He pleasured her for a long time, leading her slowly up to the peak of desire and then easing her back from the edge a little. When he couldn't stand it any longer, Tao's hands left her breasts and rid him of his pants in record time. He knelt between Melina's legs and pulled her again to his lap. His cock strained against the wet juncture of her thighs as Tao looked into her eyes, seeking permission. Melina smiled at him, her eyes glazed with desire.
Her smile reached a spot deep in his chest as Tao slowly entered her. "Gods," he moaned, "you are so sweet." He was overwhelmed at the heat and tightness gripping him, and he struggled not to drive himself mindlessly into her. "So sweet," he breathed again, as he buried his face in her neck, clasping her to his chest. He lifted her slowly and lowered her, as she groaned and dug her nails into his shoulders. He lifted her again, as slowly as he could, shaking with the effort to hold himself back. As he lowered her onto his throbbing cock, he felt her legs wrap around his waist, felt her press herself more deeply onto him. He began to thrust steadily into her, as gently as he could, every inch of him reeling with the feel and taste and sight and sound of her.
Melina's moans were making him crazy -- he knew he couldn't stand it much longer. When she began to tremble, Tao groaned with relief. He lifted her hips, holding her above him, delaying her release for one more moment. But when she groaned "Tao, please. . ." he lost all control. He buried himself deeply inside her, beyond all thought as he felt her muscles tighten and heard her cries of pleasure. His world shattered as he poured himself into her, stifling her cries with his mouth. She squeezed him tightly with her thighs, gladly taking all he had to give.
When their climax ended, Tao cradled Melina gently, turning to lay down on the bed with Melina on top of him. She remained so still that for a moment, Tao's misgivings returned. As though she sensed his thoughts, Melina raised her head and smiled, brushing his damp hair back from his forehead. She kissed him deeply, testing the taste of her on his mouth.
"Before?" she asked, unable to find the words.
Tao grinned at her, and nodded, "Yes?"
"Was that the wisdom of the Eirons you're supposed to be taking to other villages?"
Tao laughed for a long time. "No," he finally managed, still delighted with her question.
"That's a pity," Melina answered, her voice light with teasing.
"Why?" Tao asked, his curiosity piqued.
"Well, if you just let the word get around," she continued, her eyes sparkling, "you'd be so welcome, in so many places." She giggled, and kissed him again.
"Oh?" Tao was pleased. "Do you really think so?" He rolled her onto her back and kissed her lightly.
"Oh, I think so, definitely," Melina laughed softly.
Tao stroked his knuckles gently across her cheek. "Thank you," he said softly.
"Thank you," Melina insisted, as she reached for the bedcovering. Tao started to get up to extinguish the torch.
"Leave it."
"Why?"
"If I wake in the night, I want to see you," Melina explained.
"If you do, wake me," Tao instructed, once again the healer. "I want to make sure you're comfortable."
"Oh, I'll wake you, don't worry," Melina teased, "if I can, that is. If you're not too tired. . ."
Tao laughed and wrapped his arms around her bringing her head to his shoulder. "Sleep first, sweet one. We both need our rest."
Melina snuggled into his shoulder. "All right," she agreed, "we'll sleep first."
Finis
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