Honour, Duty, or Love?

Title: Honour, Duty or Love?
Author: JadeHeart
Located/Archived: If anyone would like it, please ask me first
Fandom: Saiyuki
Warnings: M/F sexual situations

Author’s Note: This is the first of eight alternate endings for this story, each featuring a different pairing.

Disclaimer: I do not own the characters in this, they belong to the creators of ‘Saiyuki’, nor am I making any profits

Alternate Ending 1 – Kougaiji & Yaone


Kougaiji’s eyes opened with a snap, instantly alert. He was immediately aware that he wasn’t in his own bed or room for that matter, as his mind quickly sifted through his recent memories. Ah, Yaone; that’s right, she had drugged him so he would sleep.

He closed his eyes briefly as he frowned at her forwardness even as a small part of him took pride in her initiative and assertiveness. She truly had blossomed from when he had first met her. She was no longer that shy, trembling girl. Now she was not only far more accomplished in her apothecary skills but also a talented and capable fighter.

Yet still she had retained a sense of innocence. Somehow, in this seething madness that the world had plunged into, she still held true to herself. Perhaps that was the reason she had not succumbed to the minus wave; that strong sense of knowing who she was and her purpose in life. Perhaps that is what kept her grounded and free from its influence.

A slight sound made his eyes open again and he could see Yaone standing by one of her many benches. The sound that he had heard was the soft clink of glass as she carefully lifted and replaced bottles on the shelves before her. This entire room reflected her personality; neat, precise, no unnecessary clutter, professional in all ways.

Yet there were still the tiny touches of a more personal nature. Bunches of flowers drying hung elegantly from the beams above, a ribbon from Dokugakuji hung carefully over one edge of the mirror, a small toy that he recalled Lirin giving to her as a gift resting on the dresser, all lovingly kept and cherished. That was so like Yaone as well. Things that were truly important to her she would always retain.

His eye fell on a strip of cloth hanging from the other corner of the mirror and he frowned. It was the piece of Hakkai’s sash which had been wrapped around Yaone’s wounds from that night so long ago.

He felt his jaw begin to ache and realized he was clenching his teeth together hard. He could recall the spurt of feeling that had hit him when he had seen the two of them together. He had been worried about her absence, which had only increased as the evening had drawn on. He had desperately hoped that she had not done anything foolish, hoped her own good sense would override her wish to please him. When she had stepped forward to meet him the next morning, he’d been almost overwhelmed by the sense of relief at seeing her well. He had also felt anger in seeing the injuries she sported, rage against anything or anyone that would dare harm her, and greatly relieved she had come to no greater hurt.

Then he had seen Hakkai behind her and the emotions he had felt then were far more difficult for him to analyse. All he knew was that he didn’t want her to be near that man any longer than was necessary. She had come to him swiftly enough, leaving Hakkai with a word of thanks and that was all.

Yet here was an obvious reminder of that man, placed amongst Yaone’s most cherished items and that knowledge rankled him deeply.

He sat up, raking fingers through his long hair before standing, the rug over his legs sliding to the floor. He stepped towards Yaone and was almost upon her when he heard her gasp. She spun around, falling into a defensive fighting stance, arm automatically rising to fend off any blow. Yes, she really was a magnificent woman.

“My Lord!” she uttered, eyes wide in shock.

“’Why the surprise?” he said, watching as she dropped the stance.

“You should be sleeping still!” she exclaimed. “I was sure I had made it sufficiently potent!”

Kougaiji shrugged. “I’ve rested enough,” he said.

She frowned at him and reached out a hand to rest it on his forehead. Her hand felt cool against what he was sure was a fevered brow. As she gazed intently into his eyes, he tried to ignore why his heartbeat seemed to increase.

“You do appear more alert,” she admitted. “Your chi level appears to have replenished itself adequately. However,” and she frowned a warning. “you must be sure not to over exert yourself too soon.”

“You know I heal quickly,” he stated.

“True,” she agreed. “But even you need time to be at full strength.”

“So how quickly does Cho Hakkai recover?” The question slipped out before he knew it.

“Hakkai?” Yaone frowned, obviously puzzled by the change of direction in the conversation. “He appears to recover quickly also.”

Kougaiji tried to quell the flash of irritation at the thought that she might be comparing the two of them. He had seen Hakkai’s strength himself and could admit he found it admirable, but to hear Yaone praise the man irked him.

He could no longer bear not knowing. He leant forward suddenly, hands coming up to rest on the edge of the bench on either side of Yaone’s waist, effectively caging her in.

“So what is Hakkai to you?” he asked in a low voice.

“My lord?” Yaone looked at him in confusion.

Kougaiji kept a tight rein on himself. He didn’t want to rail at her over such an issue. He didn’t want to tell her she deserved so much more in this life, deserved far better than Hakkai. Surely she could see that? She deserved the very best there could be, someone who would cherish her, who truly appreciated her worth, who understood her value. He couldn’t tell her that he believed that she deserved…him?

His eyes widened as his feelings finally became clear. All this time he had thought he had cherished her only as a valued vassal and friend. When had it changed to something more? When had those feelings grown in his heart to something far greater?

He gazed into Yaone’s deep amethyst eyes, his thoughts racing. Was it all too late for him to finally realize this? What would he do if she said right this moment that Hakkai was the one for her? Could he let her go? Yet could he hold her against her will?

Oh, he knew full well that if he forbade her to go she would obey him. The one thing he would never doubt was Yaone’s loyalty. But did he want her by his side only because he forced her to stand by that loyalty? A dirty little voice inside him said yes, do anything he must to keep her, bind her so tightly to him that she could never break free from the tangled web he wove.

However another part of him knew that he would never be happy knowing she was only staying because he had coerced her into doing so. For her to remain when he knew her heart lay elsewhere, to see the light in her eyes slowly fade to despair and then to blank nothingness. No, that would break him more surely than anything else. He would come to despise himself as thoroughly as he despised his stepmother and he hated the very thought that he could contemplate being as manipulative as that. But not knowing would eat at him just as destructively.

“Hakkai,” he repeated a little roughly. “What are your thoughts of him?” He couldn’t bring himself to ask her outright if she loved him.

She dropped her eyes and he saw the rosy flush spread across her cheeks and a cold feeling began to grow deep in his gut.

“He is,” she said very quietly. “A sincere and considerate man.”

Kougaiji tried not to hate each word more than the last, hands clenching into fists where they rested, long nails biting into the wood as she continued.

“He fights for what he believes in, and he protects those he cares for. He has great trust and faith in his friends,” Yaone continued. A small smile touched her lips making Kougaiji tense up as she carried on. “I think….he has a great capacity to love also. Although there is a deep sadness and sense of loss within him.”

Kougaiji closed his eyes briefly, an ache beginning to form in his chest.

“So,” he said, stepping back, dropping his arms away and thus releasing her. “He is special to you.”

She nodded a little hesitatingly. “Yes,” she admitted. One hand rose to clench the front of her tunic, bunching the material a little. “I find it...difficult to think of him as the enemy.”

Her head turned and Kougaiji knew that she was looking at that scrap of material. “I know he is our foe but it hurts that we must fight them. I would wish that there was another way.”

“I see,” Kougaiji turned his back, hiding his face from her. She could be too adept at reading his expressions and this was one time he had no wish for her to exert her skill. “So if I released you from my service, would you go to him?”

“Release me?” Yaone’s voice sounded startled. “Are you displeased with my services, my lord?! If so, please tell me so I may rectify my mistakes! I promise I will do better to please you!”

Kougaiji spun around then, reaching out to grip her upper arms tightly yet still careful to ensure his talons did not mar her skin. She looked up at him, eyes wide with fright and uncertainty.

“This isn’t about services or duties!” he growled, green eyes boring into her. “I do not want you by my side if it is only for duty’s sake!”

They stood frozen like that for a heartbeat when Kougaij could bear it no longer and suddenly pulled her to him, holding her tight against his chest. He could smell the fragrance of her hair, so like Yaone; subtle, yet unmistakable. His grip tightened further.

“If I said I needed you more, would you choose me over Hakkai?” he whispered into her hair. “Could you love me as you do him?”

There was a long silence as he waited for her answer. He could feel her heartbeat, rapid in her chest where it pressed against him.

“My lord,” she finally whispered in response.

This is it, he thought. Now I must let her go, drive her out if need be. Anything to be sure she goes to the one she loves. He felt his chest constrict at the thought.

“My... Kougaiji,”

He started a little. He couldn’t recall when she had ever only used his name without any honorific. Was this the final severing? Even as far as to the breaking of the liege lord bond?

“Kougaiji,” she repeated. “I would always choose you. I could only choose the one I love most.”

He froze, trying to interpret her words. Pulling her away so she was once more at arms length he scrutinised her face closely.

“Because of a sense of duty?” he accused.

She shook her head, keeping her eyes fixed on his face. “No, not just that,” she said in a firm voice. “For love.”

“Of a liege lord?” he probed, trying to be certain of the truth and yet fearful of exactly that.

“No,” she repeated. “For the man.”

He released his grip and stepped back. “How can I believe that when you keep that token of your affections for another?” he said, keeping his eyes locked on her as he pointed to the remnant of Hakkai’s sash.

She didn’t break her gaze with him. “I do feel affection for Hakkai, just as I have for Dokugakuji and Lirin from which you know the other items come from.”

“You are trying to tell me that he means nothing more to you than your ‘affection’?”

“My lord,” She fell back into her normal pattern of speech. “All the items there are from people who mean very much to me. They are the most important people in my life, for many different reasons. But there is one thing that is not resting there.”

He watched as she unbuttoned the top buttons of her tunic, reaching inside and drawing out a pendent. Hanging from the chain was a ring.

“You may not remember this, my lord,” she said. “But when you first took me into your service you gave this to me.” She gazed down at the item in her hands, her expression softening. “You said that it reminded you of the color of my hair.”

She looked up and gave a shy smile. “It pleased me so to hear you say that, even though I knew you were just being kind to a frightened and lonely girl. Still it made me happy.”

She took a deep breath. “I have never placed this anywhere else,” she said, lifting her chin. “Because it was from a person much dearer to me than even all the others and I could only keep him close to my heart in this way.”

Kougaiji gazed at the ring she held. He remembered now the time she mentioned. She was right; he had given it to her to try and make her feel more comfortable in his service and to bring a smile to her face. It had been nothing more than a whim at that time, and truth be told, it had actually been Dokugakuji that had said it shone like Yaone’s hair although he agreed with that assessment. That had been so long ago and yet she had kept this with her all this time, clasped around her neck, warmed by her skin.

He looked deeply into her eyes and saw no lie, then swiftly closed the distance between, one arm reaching out to pull her close, the other hand coming up to grip the back of her head as he crushed his lips to hers in a passionate kiss.

At the touch of her lips he felt his body enflamed with desire. It was as though that contact released all the pent up want and need he’d been burying and had never realised till now.

He heard her soft moan as he deepened the kiss, holding her tightly against his body. He didn’t want to frighten her yet he could not stop the intensity of emotion he was feeling.

He finally lifted his head, breaking the kiss, to gaze down at her upturned face. Her cheeks were flushed and her eyes shone brightly. Her full lips glistened with moisture from his kiss, parted slightly as though begging for more.

Slowly she lifted one hand to touch his cheek, one long finger lightly tracing the birthmark there. He felt himself tremble at that soft touch and his hands tightened their hold.

“My lord,” she whispered, a smile slowly curving her lips as she met his gaze. “You will always be my only lord.”

Her words were like a promise and he took them as such, dropping his head again to capture those lush lips in a deep kiss. His tongue traced over her lips and teeth, asking for permission to enter. He didn’t want to force her to do anything even if every fibre of his being wanted nothing more than to claim her quickly so no-one would ever dare think of taking her from him.

He felt her lips part, allowing him entrance, and he dove forward, plundering her mouth thoroughly, seeking her tongue out and coaxing it towards him. He could sense her hesitation and then she seemed to grow bold and mirrored his gesture. He savoured the sense as her tongue chased after his and flicked hungrily against the roof of his mouth, sliding over his teeth, before tracing the contour of his lips.

He drew his mouth away to drop light kisses over her face; on her nose, her closed eyelids, her raised cheekbones. His lips trailed over her skin, drawing out to one delicate out-swept ear, allowing his tongue to follow the elegant curve, feeling her shudder at that touch to this sensitive area and a soft sigh fall from her lips. He then continued to draw his tongue downwards, following her jaw line, nuzzling into the soft underside of her throat, feeling her pulse point beat against its tip.

He tilted her backwards, strong arms holding her firmly around the waist so she would not fall and she trustingly allowed him to do so. He bent over her body, head lowering, moving his lips down her long neck, nipping lightly at the flesh of that white column.

He breathed deeply, inhaling her scent as he reached the hollow at the base of her throat, pausing for a moment to savour the moment, almost rubbing into her hands that now rested on his head, fingers curled in his hair.

His entire body felt like it was on fire as though burning from within with the same fierceness of flame that the fiends that he summoned from the underworld burnt with. Although he was only dressed in his customary loose jacket and trousers, even that meager apparel seemed too much. Even as he thought about it he could feel a trickle of sweat slide down his curved spine making him shudder.

He bent Yaone back further, feeling her long hair brush against his hands as they supported her, even as he moved lower still. He felt the fullness of Yaone’s cleavage pressed against his cheeks and slowly drew his tongue in a line between her breasts, halting only when he reached the material stretched taut across her chest. He heard her small sharp cry and felt her body shake, her hands clenching suddenly in his hair.

That was too much for him. He pulled her upright quickly, obviously disorienting her for a moment as she staggered a little which made her fall against him. The touch of her hands on his bare chest, small cool hands against his burning flesh, and feel of her upright nipples pressing against his skin, sent fires shooting directly to his groin.

He could feel his own pulse racing, his breathing rapid and sounding harsh in the silent room. The erection in his pants was aching, straining against the material that confined it. His hands pulled Yaone in tighter against him, knowing that she would be able to feel his stiffness hard against her hip.

“Do you understand what I want?” he said hoarsely, his throat dry, as he looked down at her. He needed her to fully understand what he was feeling at this time. If it wasn’t what she wanted also then now was her last chance to escape him. “Can you truly do this?”

He saw her face flush lightly, saw her eyes flicker shyly to one side and was certain that she would seek to flee his demands, when instead she slid both hands up his chest, lightly caressing the heated skin, making him quiver.

She grasped the front of his jacket and then slowly drew it outwards, tugging it from his shoulders. He dropped his arms so she could slide it off completely, letting it fall to the ground. He remained standing rigidly before her, arms hanging at his sides, hands clenched tightly in fists as she returned her hands to his bare shoulders, now sliding them up to his neck, bumping over his neck rings, before moving back down, lower still to glide over his pectorals.

Everywhere her hands touched him seemed to leave a blazing path of fire on his skin that was making him ache. He forced himself to remain still, holding himself tightly under control to prevent doing anything to harm her in his desire. Her hands ghosted over his nipples, bumping against the nubs of flesh and he couldn’t stop the low moan that issued from him at that contact. He knew his nipples were hard, and that light contact only made his flesh crave even more.

However Yaone didn’t remain there, her hands moving onwards which disappointed him. When her light touch ran down his ribs and across his stomach, his abdomen muscles rippled in response, tightening as he sucked his breath in. Now her hands paused, resting half against his flesh and half against the top of his high-waisted trousers, before he felt them begin to move towards the front. Soon he knew she would touch his throbbing shaft and he would be lost in that instance. Then it would be over all too soon.

He broke free from the trance she had spun around him and reached down swiftly, grasping her thin wrists and halting their progression. She looked up at him, startled, and a little fearfully as though concerned she had done something wrong.

He took a deep breath, trying to calm himself, then carefully loosened his grip on her.

“My turn,” he whispered hoarsely.

Slowly he slid his hands up her arms, reaching the top of her long gloves where he hooked his fingers into them and just as slowly drew them down, feeling them slide smoothly over her flawless skin. He tugged them away from her hands and dropped them to the floor, all the time never breaking his gaze with her. He repeated the motion, hands moving up the now bared skin, curling over the taut muscles in her arms and up to her shoulders.

He trailed his fingers up her neck, lightly touching her cheek and watching as she tilted her head to one side to brush a soft kiss across his palm, eyes closed. He caught his breath at that act, feeling a shiver run down his spine. How he wanted this woman!

He reached up and behind Yaone’s head, fingers finding the ties that bound her hair. He tugged them loose, watching as the mass cascaded down to fall around her shoulders, now brushing the floor at her feet. He lifted a handful, watching as the silky strands slithered through his fingers.

He reached forward and slid one hand behind her neck, feeling for the clasp of her top and dexterously undid it, drawing the strings of her halter top apart. He saw the flush on her face deepen as she dropped her eyes shyly. He didn’t try to strip her top away from her immediately, as much as he desired to do so. Instead he used his other hand to slide around her waist to pull at the tail of the bow that clasped her tunic together, letting the sash fall free to pool around her feet.

Free from the additional binding, the loosened material around her hips fell to the floor, leaving her clad in only her undertunic, stretched across her breasts and cut high on the leg.

He leant forward and kissed her deeply, pulling her closer to him, one hand slowly drawing the silky fabric down fully, revealing the creamy smoothness of her full breasts, feeling them pressed against his chest as he did so.

He maintained the kiss as he pushed her clothing lower, sliding it over her hips, releasing it only so it could slither to the floor, baring her naked body apart from her stocking boots.

He lifted his head and kept his eyes locked on hers as he dropped to his knees before her, never breaking their gaze as he ran his hands up one long slender leg, grasping the top of the stocking and slowly drawing it down. Yaone raised her hands to cover her mouth, her cheeks flaming above them as she stared down at him, though she didn’t resist as he lifted her foot to remove her boot completely. He mirrored the same action on her other leg, pushing the discarded clothing to one side so it wouldn’t be in the way.

As he slowly rose to his feet he dropped light kisses up her legs, across her stomach, even as his hands lightly caressed her skin as he drew them upwards over her body. She moaned softly as his lips reached her breasts, tongue flicking out to circle a nipple before he drew it into his mouth fully.

She cried out at that, hands leaving her face to grasp his head, pushing his lips closer to her flesh. His arms circled her waist, fingers pressing firmly into her yielding flesh. He released that nipple and moved to the other, lavishing the same tender care upon it, feeling it harden and swell beneath his touch.

Listening to Yaone’s soft cries, feeling the way her chest rose and fell rapidly beneath his cheek, the way her hands tangled in his hair as she shuddered under his touch was more than Kougaiji could bear.

He lifted his head and swept her into his arms, surprising her with this sudden move. Turning he walked the few steps to the couch he had been sleeping on such a short time ago to gently lay her down, eyes hungrily roaming over her slender body now bared fully to his gaze. He admired the soft paleness of her skin, her lean muscular form, her full, firm breasts with upright nipples red and still glistening from his ministrations.

He reached out and touched her sharp chin, sliding one long nailed finger down her throat, down the middle of her chest and between her breasts, down her stomach, pausing there. He kept his gaze locked with hers then felt her hand slide over the top of his where it rested on her stomach and slowly push it lower.

He felt his fingers slide through moist curls, the heat pulsing against his palm as he cupped her mound. He saw her lips part as he placed a little pressure on that spot, her eyes widening for a moment as her back arched slightly. Her other hand rose to grip his upper arm, holding him tightly as he applied pressure again, feeling her buck against him.

Kougaiji leant down and pressed his lips against hers, feeling her immediately kiss him back passionately, swallowing his breath as he slid his fingers along the ridges, seeking by touch the places to draw her out.

He finally found that small nub and softly began to caress it. Yaone moaned into his mouth at this touch and he felt her twist beneath him. He applied further pressure, increasing the speed of his action and she responded immediately, rubbing against his body, legs parting further to allow him greater access and freedom of movement.

He broke the kiss and buried his face in her neck, his own harsh breathing loud to his ears as he continued to pleasure her. He could feel the sweat on his skin as he tried to control his own desires but it was getting harder and harder. His hand continued to move faster and now Yaone was clinging to him tightly, both arms circled around his back, nails digging into his flesh as she pressed her body upwards against his, one long leg tangling with his as he now lay half across her on the couch. Her hot breath brushed past his ear, lifting his hair as her soft moans and cries filled his senses.

His free hand slid into her long hair, gripping her tightly but not hurting as his other hand continued its action. She was writhing beneath him now, almost enough to throw him off at times but he pressed his weight down firmer to keep her in place. Her head tossed back and forth, sweat making her skin gleam, eyes squeezed shut as her voice rose higher.

He felt the shudder begin in her body, the tensing of her muscles as she strained against his touch, even as she arched up and her head tilted back. He lifted his head to watch and saw her eyes open wide with a look of stunned amazement, as a high pitched cry tore from her, whilst her body spasmed and shook from the throes of pleasure coursing through it. He felt the wash of moisture against his hand, fingers catching it and smoothing it across the entire area. Then Yaone collapsed with a shudder, breathing heavily, eyes now closed.

Kougaiji thought she looked beautiful just at that moment, long hair tangled around her head, face flushed, her whole body tinged pink from her exertions. He dropped a light kiss to her forehead, tasting the slight saltiness of her sweat. As he lifted his head he felt a slender hand slide around his neck and allowed himself to be drawn down to meet her lips. The kiss was slow and senuous and he was happy to let himself revel in it.

Then he felt a touch against his groin, a hand cupping his erection and he jerked at the contact, breaking the kiss. He lifted his head, drawing back but instead of releasing him, Yaone kept her arm firmly wound around his neck and so was drawn up into a sitting position also.

“What….” Kougaiji began, intending to disengage her but his words were halted as Yaone dove forward and captured his lips again in a firm kiss.

He reached up to grip her shoulders to push her away when he felt that touch at his groin again and all thoughts of breaking free fled as she stroked him through the material. He had been at a heightened sense of passion for this entire time and this small touch was enough to make all sensible thoughts flee.

Her nimble fingers deftly undid the buttons, sliding down the zip and slipping between the parted material. A long drawn out shudder shook his entire body as that warm touch encircled his hardened shaft. He no longer tried to push her away, now his hands drew her closer to him.

She continued to stroke him, long fingers sliding over his flesh, circling the head and gathering the drops of precum from the slit before running back to the base. He shuddered again, knowing he was close. The pent up desires that he had been unconsciously ignoring for all this time were now bursting to break free and as embarrassingly as it might be he knew he couldn’t hold back for long.

Yaone drew her lips away from his so she could press a kiss to the side of his throat, then trailed her lips down his chest. He moaned as her tongue lapped at his nipple, hard teeth giving a soft nip against his stomach, all the while her hand continued to stroke him, sending him to greater heights.

When her warm lips kissed the tip of his erection, his head fell back with a deep groan as he held as tightly as he could to the last vestiges of self-control although he couldn’t prevent his hips jerking forward. He bit back on another cry as she parted her lips and slowly swallowed the head, tongue sliding over the slit. That was all he could take, as much as he wanted her to continue as well. That would have to be for another time when they could enjoy it to its fullest extent.

He reached down and cupped her chin, tugging her head up so she had to release him.

“My lord?” she queried.

He could see the worry in her eyes that she may have offended him in some way. He had to dispel that.

“Come here,” he said, reaching out and grasping her waist to lift and draw her closer to him. He positioned her so she was straddling him, gazing down into his eyes as he looked up.

“I can’t wait any longer,” he said, grasping his aching erection and sliding it into place. “I have waited far too longer for you already.”

He slowly pulled Yaone downwards, seeing her eyes widen as she felt his erection press against her opening, then she moaned as he slowly slid within.

Kougaiji gritted his teeth. She was so tight, gripping his cock with the walls of her channel as he slid further within her warmth. He didn’t rush it, as much as he wanted to, allowing her body to become accustomed to this intrusion. He wrapped his hands around her waist firmly and lifted her, sliding her upwards until only the head of his cock was still within her body, then slowly lowered her again. Each time he did this he pushed in a little deeper. Yaone’s head had fallen into the crook of his neck, her hot breath seeming to scald his skin, her soft moans only exciting him further.

When he was fully embedded within her he kept them in place for a moment, breathing deeply also as he tried to control the feelings raging through him. Then with a deep groan he gave in to his need.

He leant back, stretching out on the couch so Yaone was seated above him. Her gaze that met his was no longer shy or embarrassed; now it was filled with desire and passion which only excited him further. He thrust up with his hips, holding her in place and watched as her eyes closed briefly and a low moan fell from her lips.

He now threw all caution to the wind and gripping Yaone’s hips firmly he began to move her, sliding her up along his cock, then back down, thrusting up with his hips at her downward motion to push in as deeply as he could each time. Picking up the rhythm Yaone reached out and rested her hands on his taut abdomen, using this support to lift herself as well. They quickly fell into a steady motion, the room filled with soft cries and moans of pleasure and the sound of rapid panting.

Kougaiji felt himself reaching climax as he let his body’s needs just take over. His motions increased, becoming more erratic as he thrust harder into Yaone, pushing deeper still. His breathing was ragged as he felt the familiar tensing of muscles, the tightness building in his testicles and then with a harsh cry, he gave one final forceful thrust upwards, forcing Yaone down hard against his groin as his release spurted from his pulsing cock. At the same time Yaone flung back her head, long hair flinging out and falling across his legs behind her, breasts thrust out as her hand touched the place they were joined and he felt her walls spasm around his cock as she also climaxed for the second time.

Yaone then fell forward, head coming to rest upon his chest, rising and falling in time with his rapid breathing. He slid one arm around her bent back, cradling her against him. He would never let this woman go. Not now, not ever. He reached down to the floor with his other hand, fingers touching the rug that had covered him earlier and drew it upwards, pulling it over them both. Yaone snuggled closer against his body and he tightened his hold.

He closed his eyes briefly, happy to just remain where he was for the moment and savour this feeling of fulfillment. Soon enough he would have to face the world beyond this door, returning to the endless battles and manipulations. The difference now was that he had something very precious to protect. It was just one more thing that was worth fighting for and he could live with that.

“My lord?” Yaone’s quiet voice interrupted his thoughts.

“Yes,” he answered, tightening his grip around her.

“What will you do now?”

He thought about the talisman that even now was lying hidden in the pocket of his trousers. Such a small thing, yet it could be the salvation he was seeking. It was too soon to tell at this time but he could be patient a little longer.

He stroked Yaone’s hair lightly. “I need you to do some research for me,” he said. “It could prove dangerous if Gyokumen Koushu or Ni Jianyi finds out so you must be very careful.”

“I understand,” she agreed without any further questions.

“Good.” He let his eyes drift shut, still stroking her head. “If all goes well we may soon be able to break free of this mess and do what we want.”

Yaone snuggled closer to him. “Then I will wish that that day comes soon,” she said. “And I will do everything in my power to make it happen for us all.”

He slipped a finger under her chin and lifted it so he could see her face. “As will we all,” he pledged, eyes flashing with determination. “I will give you your freedom again.”

Yaone smiled at him warmly. “I am free if I am with you. No matter where we are.” She leant forward and brushed her lips against his. “For you are, and always will be, my lord.”

~End~