Mr. Nobody Special Collection | Carve the pumpkin – Part 2

Carve the pumpkin – Part 2

Back to the present – Later that day

She let him work on his pumpkin for a little while. After all, she could wait a bit. They still had the whole night ahead of them, and if he really thought he would be busy carving until dawn, he was sorely mistaken. Some parties were for the kids, others for the grow-ups of the house.

She was not about to tell him anything about that, though. Michael was not a big fan of surprises, but he sure loved games. And play they would – as soon as he was done. He was so cute, trying to make the twins happy. He had been working so hard, it was endearing. But still… Michael was a lovable man. He was gentle. He reveled in fulfilling other people’s dreams.

Quietly, Lisa poured herself a glass of white wine and walked over to the huge French doors facing the garden. It was all so beautiful. Such a quiet night. After such an exhausting day, she was glad to be able to finally spend some time just chilling out with the man she loved, although he looked very much committed in his task. At least for now.

Michael had always dreamed of having a huge family. Lisa still remembered his words, at the very beginning of their marriage. They had been lying in bed, after making love for hours, and they had been talking about a lot of trivial and not so trivial stuff. They used to do that all the time, back then. Then, when things had started to go downhill and they had found their relationship populated by much more than two people, communication had become tricky. Especially since it never seemed to be a direct, straightforward one. Someone was always in the middle. Changing things, making up statements, manipulating intentions, poisoning the solid roots of their love.

But back then, when they were still so naive to think they would simply be allowed to do their thing, their own way – just like any other couple, nobody else involved – they would talk for hours. Talk and make love. And laugh. Or just revel in the comfortable silence that was so typical of two individuals in love, and serene in their relationship.

“So…” Lisa traced Michael’s sweaty chest with her fingertip. “How many?”

He looked up at her. Damp curls still clinging to his forehead, face flushed, uneven breathing, he was gorgeous.

“How many, what?”

“How many babies do you want…” She leaned over, kissing his chest. Her lips trailing down, to his stomach. Lower, still…

He squirmed.

“Honey, you keep that up and I’m gon’ show you right now…”

Lisa giggled, but didn’t grant him any reprieve. Her hand found his strong shoulder, kneaded his solid muscles.

“Well, you can show me, babe. But since you seem so invested in this baby-making business, I just thought I’d better know what I’m putting myself into…”

Before she could know what was what, he had already flipped her over and was on top of her. He kissed her, deeply, thoroughly.

“Princess… That’s not entirely correct. I’m the one who’s putting something into you…”

She laughed, kissing him again, as he hooked her leg under his arm, entering her slowly. Again. Her laugh died on her lips, her arms found their place around his neck, and a handful of seconds later she was panting, her hips pushing up, meeting him. It never failed. That first contact. The feeling of him inside. It was both physical and emotional. And it never, ever failed.

As they started to move together, he kept his torso slightly lifted from her body so that he could stare down at her, his dark gaze plunging right into her eyes. It felt like jumping into the ocean. His motions were still slow, languid, but deep and driven. Lisa moaned, struggling to focus, her nails digging into his back.

“Twelve…” His voice sounded low, unnaturally raspy.

Her rationale tried to break through the haze.

“What?”

He blinked, then bit his lip, backing off slightly and then surging forward again. Hitting end. Her head fell back, her neck exposed to his kisses.

“I was thinking… twelve. Twelve kids.”

“You’re crazy…” Lisa smiled and her other leg came up and around his waist, her heel pushing into him. Pulling him closer. “You know I don’t lay eggs, right Michael?”

He giggled, but kept moving.

“I know that… Even though I think I’d love you anyway… even if you did…”

“Then what the hell are you talking about… You’re out of your mind…”

Another soul-stealing kiss.

“For you, yes. So, what about twelve?”

“Two…”

“What? Get out of here… Six?”

“Three…” Her hands in his hair, pulling his head down, kissing him again. The passion taking all the space.

“We can start with three. At the very least…”

“We’ll see…”

And then they had sunk together in the great unknown. Nothing else existed at that very moment.

The memory made her smile. Then it made her melancholic. So much wasted time. So many lost opportunities. So many stolen moments that at one point had been replaced by an intolerable void, an unbearable silence, and the startling realization of so many mistakes made along the way. Too many.

Michael had come back to her the moment he had realized that she had been divorcing that poor excuse of a man she had so foolishly married to get over him. Fat chance. It had only given her leverage to lie to herself – and Michael – about how she felt. She had married that man thinking it was the best thing to do, when in fact it had been the worst choice she could ever make. The only positive outcome had been the twins. And now Lisa wondered… Michael had been in hiding for seven years, watching her from afar, never intruding, letting her believe that he was gone forever. Out of respect. Thinking that she was happy in the life she had chosen for herself. When in fact she was not. Her concept of happiness had changed at its roots since she had believed him to be dead. Its flavor, colors, texture had changed for good.

What if she had never divorced the guy? What if she had never realized the scope of the downward spiral she had plunged into, headfirst, and had not hauled ass before it was too late? What if she had stayed with that man, unhappy and all? Because that was why she had not left him until she had discovered what a backstabbing parasite he was. It no longer mattered who she was with. The man she had always loved, the man she still loved, was gone. How much difference could it make, for her, to stay or go? And where was she supposed to go, anyway? Not back to him. To Michael. He was gone.

Only, he was not. And yet he would have left her alone, had he kept thinking she was happy and fulfilled where she was. With that other man. How could he know? She had always paid attention to project such a flawless image outside.

The mere realization sent shivers down her spine and Lisa looked up, staring at her own reflection in the window. Nothing but an outline over the darkness of the night. They had made it, yes, but barely. Only by a hair’s breadth. What if they hadn’t?

“Ouch! Shit!”

She jumped, then spun around, almost dropping her glass.

“What did you do? What happened?”

Her heart in her throat, she almost ran over to him. Michael winced, holding his hand. He was bleeding. His blue shirt was stained. Blood dripped on the table.

“Oh my God… what have you done?” Lisa grabbed him by the wrist, inspecting his hand. Her heartbeat echoed in her ears, drumming like mad.

He looked up at her in confusion.

“Lise… It’s just a cut. It’s nothing. Why are you flipping out like that?” He tried to withdraw his hand but her grip on his wrist only became stronger.

He blinked, studying her face. She was panicking. And for no reason, really.

“It’s not nothing! Look at that… Look how much you’re bleeding. Michael… Your hand… We need to… We gotta stop this…” He pulled him by the arm until he rose from the stool and quietly followed her to the sink. For being such a petite lady, she sure was strong when she wanted to be.

Lisa opened the faucet and put Michael’s hand under the water jet. Her eyes stayed fixed on the wound.

“We gotta stop the bleeding… Shit, Michael… Let me take the first aid kit…”

“Lise, I’m just gonna wrap some paper towel around it, don’t worry…”

“No!” Her assertive tone almost caused him to take a step back. “You need antibiotic ointment and a sterile bandage… and maybe some ice… Wait here, don’t move… I’ll be right back.”

He just stood there, frozen in place. His hand still under the water jet as he watched her hurry to the bathroom, where the first aid kit was. What the hell was going on?!

Before he could really think about how to handle her sour mood, Lisa came back, eyes downcast, bandage and ointment in her hands.

“Sit down, Michael…”

He just complied, without a word. OK…

Through the years, he had learned that when she acted a bit out of line, the best thing he could do was to allow her to blow off some steam. Plus, judging by her shimmering eyes, he was starting to understand why she was behaving like this. His baby girl. So scarred. Just like he was. They were good at pretending they weren’t, but sometimes the mask dropped.

He winced again, but this time it had nothing to do with the pulsing pain in the palm of his hand.

“Give me that hand… Let me see…”

Once again, he obliged and she looked up at him for a moment. Yep. Shimmering eyes. Not a good sign.

“Can I have a kiss, first?” He tried to lighten up her mood, but she just shook her head.

“Not before I’m done fixing you…”

Fixing him…

Michael’s eyes lowered, and he just let her do her thing. A couple of minutes went by just like that.

“Does it hurt?” Her voice had now become very soft.

“Not much… Lise, for real. It’s not that bad…” It was a lie. It hurt like a motherfucker! But honestly, he was not going to worry her any more than she already was.

“Lift your arm above your heart…”

Oh, for God’s sake… Unseen, Michael rolled his eyes and complied. So overly-dramatic! But anyway… He let her apply pressure on his palm using a wadded sterile compress, until the bleeding finally stopped. Then she bandaged the wound after applying some antiseptic ointment.

“OK… Looks good to me. Can you move it?”

He smiled, very gently, and flexed his fingers.

“Yes. I’m good, baby. See?… I think I’ll live…” Using that same hand, he tipped her chin up until she finally met his eyes. “What’s going on?”

“Nothing.”

“Bullshit.”

“Nothing. But you’re not that good at carving, Michael.”

He tilted his head and smiled. “You might have a point there.”

His hand moved from her chin to the back of her neck and he pulled her close, seeking her lips, kissing her repeatedly, very softly.

“Thank you. You fixed me so well.”

She sniffled and smiled, her eyes welling up. Then she shook her head, gesturing for him not to say anything. Michael sighed, then closed his mouth. Fine…

“So, anyway… since I’m not going to be carving any more pumpkins for tonight… and we’re still up and about… What could we do?” He got up, framing her face with both hands, smiling down at her. She looked so tiny, so fragile. Despite being such a strong woman, she would break so easily. “What to do, what to do with all this time…”

“Well… I had come down to ask you if you wanted to stay at the greenhouse with me for a little while…”

“Really?”

Still staring into her eyes, he took her arms and placed them around his neck. Lisa smiled again, a little hesitantly, but still… Instantaneous relief.

“Yeah. Really.”

“Why? That’s your place, baby girl. Do you need me to help you with those new songs of yours?”

“Nope. But maybe you can help me with something else…” She backed off, taking his hand – the sane one – and gently dragging him toward the French doors. “And yes, you’re right. That’s my place. The witch’s cave…”

He just followed her. She seemed better now, although her distressed state had not entirely vanished yet. Anyway, he liked the turn things were taking. And he was always in for some magic tricks.

“What witch? You’re such a little fairy, baby girl…”

She chuckled. “That smooth talking won’t grant you any reprieve.”

“If you say so…”

Was that a challenge?

All of a sudden, the pain in his hand was completely forgotten. He let Lisa guide him across the garden, following the dimly lit pathway to the amazing greenhouse, built to be such a special place for her. And it had become just that. Her very private quarters, made of plants, flowers and magic.

The beautiful decorations led the way with their orangeish light. And the greenhouse, too, did not look dark at all. It looked like someone had been busy setting it up just fine for the night.

They walked into the ample space and Michael looked around, honestly surprised. It was enchanting. Small lanterns had been lit in several corners. Scented candles trembled in the night. The temperature was just perfect, warm enough for them to feel just comfortable… even without any clothes on. And in the secluded area where Lisa usually sat, writing or reading, the elegant wooden table had been temporarily removed and replaced by several plush blankets and pillows covering the floor.

“So? Do you like it?”

Lisa felt Michael’s arms around her waist and his chest pressing against her back. Then his lips on her neck.

“Like it? I love it! When did you have time to set it up?”

She just shrugged her shoulders, not giving him any answer. But then she turned her head, kissing him again.

“So… I know your hand hurts, but maybe I can find a way to distract you… at least a little bit…”

The hand was forgotten. However, Michael winced.

“You’re right. It hurts a lot, babe. You really have to help me focus on something else…”

“Really? Well, then…” She pulled him over to the blankets. “Let me see what I can do for you…”

Once again, he let her guide him, curious to find out what she had in mind. Lisa had many, many assets, physical and otherwise, and one of them was the uncanny ability to amaze him. She had never been a boring woman.

Gently letting go of his hand, Lisa moved a step back and started unzipping her dress. If there was any remembrance of the little accident in the kitchen, it now completely disappeared from Michael’s mind. He just stared at her, his eyes serious and calm, as she slowly slid out of her dress, just standing there, a few feet away from him, nothing but her underwear on. It was burgundy, and it looked magical in the reddish light of the greenhouse. Biting her lip, Lisa unclasped her bra and held the cups in place for a moment, her hands covering her breasts. She still looked so gorgeous. Otherworldly beautiful. Her long, auburn hair, her smooth skin, her stunning eyes… and that mouth. Created to pronounce the worst curses on Earth but also the sweetest words a man could ever imagine.

“Let me see, baby girl…” His arms hanging to his sides, Michael felt his fingertips itch. He needed to see her. Touch her.

Lisa let the bra fall at her feet and he swallowed.

“Go on…”

Bending slightly, Lisa started to unroll her black thigh-highs.

“No… leave those on…”

She looked up at him again, a little smirk playing on those seductive lips. She knew him so well…

“Lie down on them blankets, baby girl…”

She chuckled, shaking her head.

“So much for letting me take the lead…”

“Lie down…”

He watched her as she complied. Her movements slow and purposeful, she lay down on her back, her long hair fanning over the red blankets. The reflection of the flames danced on her naked skin, on her flat abdomen, her breasts. It created amazing patterns on her very sexy, absolutely perfect legs.

Still staring down at her, Michael finished undoing his already half-unbuttoned shirt. He unclasped his suspenders, got rid of his t-shirt. Once he was naked from his waist up, his hands stopped at his belt.

Lisa smiled, her half-closed eyelids allowing the water-blue color of her eyes to look even brighter.

“Why are you stopping? Want me to take care of those pants?”

“Are you in a hurry?”

“Something like that.”

“Well, too bad, then, ‘cause I’m doing this my own way… And you know how that is…”

“Do I, now?”

Their games had never really changed. Even in the past, when they had spent months, sometimes even years apart, their rules had always stayed the same. Through the decades their habits had evolved in a way, just like Michael and Lisa had, but the guidelines of their playful attitude in the sexual department were still there. And they had never stopped being entertaining. Or arousing. Or stupefying.

“Come on, Mike… Let me see…”

“You already know what’s in there. Just hold still. Be patient…”

She never had been. She was not born patient. But through the years she had learned to soften that side of her personality. Therefore, she just stopped talking and bit her lips instead, her gaze pulling him in. Closer, closer.

Slowly, Michael sank to his knees in between her legs. Immediately, her nylon-clad leg came up, brushing his side. Lisa was delighted to see goosebumps appear wherever she touched him. She had never taken for granted the effect she had on this man she loved and desired so much. In a way, she had always feared him, even. Too unpredictable, even for those who knew him so well – just like she did.

Her leg moved again, her foot gently caressing his lower abdomen, then moving slightly lower. Michael inhaled a deep breath and she noticed his abdominal muscles contract under her touch. Something inside of her started to combust. Once again, the sensation was so new and so ancient at the same time. Although their role-playing was a staple in their relationship, the way they made love had changed since his return. Not in quantity, not even in quality, but in intention. She and Michael had always had great chemistry in bed – that had never been a newsflash. But when they were younger, sex was an adventure. They would have sex because they craved each other. For fun, to alleviate sadness, to banish the fear of losing one another and themselves in the process, in the hope of keeping the other close, or just because they could not avoid falling into that abyss whenever they were in the same room together for more than an hour.

Now, it was never just sex. The demands of their still insatiable libido were no longer driven by young age, all-consuming passion, devastating fears or irrational emotional urges. Although crazy lust was still very much part of their regular menu, Michael and Lisa would now always make love as if it could potentially be the last time. And yet, it was painless. The intensity of their lovemaking was shattering, but it no longer hurt. Maintaining intimacy had become more important than animal instinct. Their chemistry had turned into a memory, a dream for so many years, and now that they were back together, they simply refused to allow it to become just that once again. That was how they had married to maturity and, all the while, they managed to keep the spark undying.

Michael’s strong hands rested on her knees, then ran down her thighs.

“I love these… They look so sexy on you…” His voice was deep, very low. And there it was again. The alarm clock inside of her rang. His mere presence had the power to awaken all her senses, including the sixth. And she knew what he was going to say next.

“Lisa… You are so beautiful. I want you so much. You drive me nuts…”

“Then why don’t you take off those pants, daddy…”

His eyes narrowed and he grinned.

“That’s what I’m gonna do. Take off my pants and bury myself inside of you. But before that…” His hands once again ran up and down her legs, stroking, kneading. “Before I do that… I wanna know what was wrong with you, earlier…”

Yeah. She knew he did. Her face stayed calm, the smile still on her lips. Trying so hard to dismiss the subject.

“Are you here to fuck or talk?”

“Both.”

“Well… I ain’t got nothing to say. I just got scared.”

“Why? It was nothing. I’m perfectly fine.”

“Michael…” Her tone sounded now vaguely admonishing.

He gave her a lopsided smirk, then he unbuckled his belt. But he didn’t touch the button or the fly of his pants, although his rebellious penis was signaling him that he needed to let it free.

“What scared you?”

“I don’t know. I just don’t like it when you get hurt…”

He leaned forward, framing her face, kissing her slowly, savoring the moment. Without any hurry. He backed off slightly, kissing her forehead, staring down at her. Then he rose on his knees again, standing in between her open legs.

“Lisa…”

Her eyes stayed fixed on his bandaged hand.

“Lisa… Look at me.”

He let a few seconds pass, then complied, trying to keep her expression light. He had to make sure that she was right there with him, in the moment.

“I am not going to leave you. Ever again. I promise.”

This time her grin faltered, then disappeared. Lisa blinked.

“Don’t do that, Mike. Don’t promise. I beg you. I don’t wanna hear any of this.”

“Why? You know it’s true.”

“No. No, I don’t. I know that you mean it, but I don’t know if it’s true.”

Michael sighed.

“Yes, you do. Please, do not confuse your own fears with my intentions. I know that in the past… I was not around you as much as you would have wanted me to be. And probably as much as even I wanted to be. I can see that now… and I am sorry I couldn’t, before. But…” He blinked, trying to find the right way to express what he felt so clearly in his heart. “It’s different now. I am.”

“So am I.”

“I know. What I mean is that being without you for so long… Lise, I don’t think you got any idea what it did to me.”

Or maybe she did…

“You mean after 2009?”

“…And before then.”

Lisa averted her gaze once again. And he allowed her to just hide behind her curtain of silence for a minute, giving her some slack from the barrage of emotions he knew were churning and turning into her. Understanding where she came from. He too, had those feelings at times. Fear of losing her. Fear of waking up alone again. Fear of being too late for so many things. But he had also realized that he would never allow himself to live in fear – ever again. That time was long gone. He had shed that skin. He was there. With her. Now. Nothing else mattered.

“I love you.” He waited until her eyes finally found him once more. “I am in love with you. Right here. Right now. I’m not leaving you. Whatever happens… I am yours. And that much, you must know.”

He saw the tears. They were there, and she was struggling so hard to keep them at bay.

“Please… Come here. Michael… Just kiss me. Please.”

There was nothing else he could tell her. He just leaned over once again, and this time she wrapped her arms around him, capturing him, shackling him to her body and soul, refusing to let him pull back again. The truth was, he would never be able to fully realize the scope of her pain as she thought that he was dead and gone. He had been sure he was never going to see her again, but at least he knew she was alive. Out there, somewhere, somehow. It had been different for Lisa. She had stood before his coffin, refusing to leave him, destroyed inside, and the pain she had felt was painted on her beautiful, tortured face. In that grainy photograph that even he had seen. His heart had sunk, back then, but in no way he would ever be able to experience what she had felt. When she had been put into a coma, after her accident, he had been crushed, desperate – although he knew that she was not going to die. He could barely imagine her perspective, and yet it was enough for his lungs to constrict, threatening to collapse.

Her hands in his hair felt like heaven. When her caress slid down, touching his chest reverently, finding his pants, undoing the button, he let her. She pulled down his fly and reached into the soft fabric, finding him warm and ready for her. Some things never changed. She exhaled, her mouth moving down to his neck, her tongue leaving a trail of fire on his skin. He heard the almost inaudible raspy sound of her lips on his beard line and about lost it.

She pulled his manhood free with one hand, the other one still on his chest, pushing him back until he sat back on his calves. Still holding him in her small hand, barely able to reach around his size and yet granting him the best touch he could imagine, Lisa wrapped her other arm around his torso and kissed his stomach with hot, open-mouthed kisses. Shivering, Michael ran his hand through her long hair, down her back, enjoying the silky texture of her skin. Then he reached down, covering her hand with his own, guiding her strokes. She tilted her head up and their eyes met. It was now his turn to struggle to keep his breathing slow and regular. If only she wanted, she would make him come immediately. But this was not going to be a quick thing. This was going to last.

The adoration in her kisses almost stunned him. Her lips were accompanied by the most feathery touches of her fingertips as she explored his body all over, pushing his pants down and around his hips. Her warm mouth on his lower abdomen and sides, on his pelvis, finally his penis… nothing but gentle kisses, and yet he had to close his eyes as the greenhouse started to spin. The world suddenly felt as if it had been turned upside down. The sky below, the ground above his head. That was her power. That was her magic.

Swallowing hard, he opened his eyes again and looked down. He could not wait any longer.

“Lie back… Lise… I gotta have you…”

She let go of him slowly, complying without a word. Her pull too strong, he took off her panties, his palms running down her legs, from her thighs to her calves, then back up again, to her torso, her chest. He leaned over, kissing and sucking her beautiful breasts, loving the way she arched into him. Then, sitting back on his heels again, he held her by the hips and pulled her closer, until the perfect ass was resting on his thighs. She reached down and in between her legs, finding him achingly hard. And guiding him where he belonged.

“Right here… I need you right here…” In a whisper. “Take me…”

Closing his eyes, he surged forward slowly.

Lisa watched him as he entered her. And just like every time, it felt like the very first time. Her breath caught in her throat as she just stared at him through hooded eyes. The lights flickering on his porcelain skin. The well-defined muscles of his torso. Those broad shoulders. Michael swallowed, his head falling back slightly in rapture, and she saw everything. In a handful of seconds, their entire history scrolled before her eyes. The first time she had seen him again at that friggin’ wedding, so many years earlier. His smile as he asked her if she wanted some company. The first time their hands had touched and the first time she had felt his lips. That kiss had been her damnation, her salvation, her everything. The first time they had made love and the first time he had made her cry. The first time she had made him cry. The first time she had thought she would never see him again, that he was out of her life forever… and that last time. That painful, agonizing, excruciating last time… when she had been sure he would never be back. Until the next lifetime. Until their next chance. But not now. Not here. Not anymore.

Her legs closed around his waist, holding him captive, as he started to move inside of her. His thrusts slow and strong, purposeful. He opened his eyes again and found her tears. He didn’t look surprised.

Swallowing again, Michael rested his hands on her thighs as he kept moving. His motions tantalizing, seducing and unleashing the vortex of physical pleasure, yes, but also soothing and comforting for her soul. He had told her with his words that he was there. And now he was saying it again, with his body.

Soon enough, his skin was covered by a thin veil of sweat that made him look even more otherworldly than he usually was. A creature halfway between Earth and Heaven. At one point, he withdrew from her body and his head disappeared between her legs. Lisa cried out, one hand immediately in his hair, the other torturing her own breast. The passion he exuded wrapped itself around her like a vice, and she felt the wave approaching. She knew she would drown. The feeling of his lips, his tongue, his beard on her sensitive flesh forced her to close her eyes and she was nothing but a writhing bundle of nerves when he backed off and entered her again.

“Oh, fuck..!”

Lisa stretched her arms above her head, clasping the pillows as her body responded to his chant. Her pelvis found his rhythm, and their movements increased in speed and force. His hands grabbed her harder and she reached down, gripping his forearms, holding onto him for dear life.

He spoke through clenched teeth, his voice husky.

“Did I chase the ghosts away yet?”

Taken entirely by surprise, Lisa let out a breathless chuckle.

“Oh yeah… Baby. Please… Keep going. I’m…”

She didn’t have the time to say anything else. She came so hard it was almost physically painful, and all the while she managed to keep her eyes focused on him, as she told him how much she loved him.

“I love you… I love you… I love you…”

He looked flustered, high on her pleasure, and he allowed her to take everything he had to give. When finally his movements slowed down, she pulled back from his body and sat up. He was magnificent. So fucking stunning, sweaty and panting and all.

She made him lie back and pulled off his pants, underwear, socks and shoes. Finally. She wanted all of him. She kissed his lips, trailed down his neck and stomach, then her mouth descended on him.

Michael yelped, his hips pushed up in some sort of conditioned response as his fist closed into her long hair. He held her, but did not guide her, trusting her completely. She knew how to love him. She replicated on him what he had done to her only minutes earlier, and she let up only when she was sure that he was on the brink of insanity, pulsing almost painfully. Then she sat astride him and took him into her heat again. Resting her hands on his solid chest, she found the right leverage and the rhythm of their love built up again. Biting his lip in concentration, Michael held her by the hips, accompanying her movements, pushing up and into her. Soon enough, the silence of the greenhouse was broken by their sighs and moans. And by words that were blistering hot and sweet at the same time.

When he finally allowed himself to let go, when his body could no longer be controlled and he erupted, coming inside of her, with her, his eyes squeezed shut, he felt Lisa’s lips on his own and they kissed. She greedily swallowed his moans and he was whole again. And all the while, she too was healed. His arms closed around her so tightly that, for a moment, he worried he might crush her. But then she smiled against his mouth, kissing him again.

“Don’t let me go. Don’t ever let me go again.”

Michael opened his eyes and stared at the starry sky, visible through the glass roof. His body was bathed in the warm feeling of Lisa’s skin against his own. This was the moment. Right there. Right then. Anything else did not matter.

The end.

Soundtrack