Stay

Writers: Eimi, Dana
Date Posted: 25th November 2005

Characters: Ar'lis, Gaiya
Description: Gaiya and Ar'lis share a tender moment
Location: River Bluff Weyr
Date: month 9, day 8 of Turn 3
Notes: Follows "It Wasn't You"

The floor wasn't the most comfortable place, but Gaiya didn't care. She leaned her head back into the cold stone and concentrated on catching her breath, despite the weight on her body. Her fingers continued to trace along the bronzerider's back, into his hair, pulling him even closer to her breast.

He was very quiet as he lay there, trying to regain his breath. Shifting, he brushed his cheek against her soft flesh, kissing her there as he tried to gather his thoughts.

Ar'lis hadn't been completely certain if he should've done what he did with Gaiya. He hadn't been sure if he could trust himself enough not to hurt in in some way...and as he curled his arms around her now, he still wasn't sure.

Murmuring her name gently, he raised his head to look down in her eyes.

She returned his gaze with tender eyes, satisfied and gentle. Tracing her fingers along his cheek, she knew the question in his eyes. "I'm fine."

Bending his head, he pressed his brow to hers, his eyes closing. Something in him relaxed a little at her gentle admission.

They lay still a moment until Gaiya quietly suggested, "Why don't we move to the sleeping room, love? I think we'd _both_ feel a bit more comfortable."

"Yeah..." He lightly kissed her brow before gently moving off her. Taking her hands in his, he helped her up and one arm stayed around her waist as they slowly made their way to his bed. He knelt, taking her into his lap. He was silent for a long moment, his lips pressed against her hair, his thoughts finally beginning to settle.

Ar'lis was far from accepting what had happened, and in the back of his mind, he knew it. But Gaiya... Talking to _her_, and her listening to him - just listening, without analyzing him or passing judgement - had helped.

It had.

He wanted to say something to her. Anything. But words were failing him.
Instead, his mouth trailed down her neck to her shoulder, bringing her closer against him.

She whispered his name and ran her hands over his arms and shoulders. Gaiya was not a mind healer. As much as she wanted to help Ar'lis she didn't know what more she could do. Should she encourage him to talk? Should she encourage him to work it out physically? She was willing to give him what he needed. Shards, the way he said her name... He was so lost. It pained her to hear it. If it was an ear, or a shoulder, or her whole body, she would give it to him. For that moment, she was his.

"I'm...glad you're here, Gaiya," he finally murmured, tilting her chin so he could see her eyes. And he gave her a small smile, trailing his fingers through her hair.

"Me too," she whispered, softly kissing his forehead and temples. "I will stay with you if you like."

He hugged her to him, his hand cradling the back of her head. "Yes, love... Stay."

"Do you want to talk to me?" she asked quietly.

He leaned back into the pillows, bringing her with him. Cradling her against his chest he gently kissed her cheek before bringing his lips to linger against hers. "I think... Gaiya, can I...just hold you, sweetheart?" His voice was very soft.

She nodded and kissed him gently. Her arms wrapped around him as her head sank down to his chest, listening to his breathing and heart beat.

Last updated on the November 26th 2005

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