Rory said she would be over at noon, and she had meant it. She'd cleared a path for the rest of her day and overnight - if they decided the hours of the day wasn't enough. It wasn't hard to do, Jess had plans to go out late with her girlfriends, and Rory had orchestrated an idea that she was going with a friend to an utterly boring play a few towns over, and might just end up staying there if they had too much to drink getting through it. Jess hated the theater, and while she hated to keep pulling up more and more lies, Rory was selfish. And today she felt allowed to be selfish because she'd been spending the whole of her morning running errands with Jess. She didn't have much opportunity to check her phone, and she was itching to. But every time her hand ducked into her pocket, it seemed Jess was pulling her into another direction. She wanted to talk about linens for the dinner tables for the wedding. Rory knew she was dragging her feet, knew that the longer she played the charade that everything was fine ... the harder it was going to be. She didn't even know how to approach it. She didn't know if she could trust herself, either.

Still, as the morning dragged towards noon, she got anxious, picking things arbitrarily and, in the process, pissing off Jess. She'd apologized, said she was just distracted, but knew patchwork wasn't really going to work here. The worst of it: She didn't know if she really cared. By the time Jess was dropping her off, the two were mildly annoyed with one another, offering a chaste kiss (that even felt like a betrayal) and a promise to call, later.

By the time she'd thrown some things into a small bag and jumped in her car, it was well past one. She sent a quick text: I'm so sorry, I couldn't get away. On my way. and took off towards Maris' home. The route she knew so well by now. The route that made her heart pound and her smile grow the closer she got. The same was true for the stretches of time they were apart - nothing changed. Every time they parted, Maris was on her mind constantly. She didn't think that was going away anytime soon ... nor did she want it to.

Once she arrived, she parked on a side street and walked over, knocking as she checked if the door was unlocked. Pushing her way in, her bag was dropped by the door. No need to bother waiting. "Maris?" She called out, hoping she wouldn't be too mad she was over an hour late.

Rory wasn't the only one running errands that morning. Maris had done a lot in preparation for her visit. She'd picked up a few extra bouquets when she'd gone out to replace the wilted peonies on her writing desk. Now a few more surfaces were sporting fresh flowers. It just seemed right to spruce up the house now that there was more than one person occupying it, however briefly. The house smelled vaguely of a burning lemon and basil candle she'd bought at Target a few days before.

She'd grabbed a few of Rory's favorites while at the grocery store because snacks were essential when you couldn't seem to keep your hands off someone long enough for a proper meal.

But she'd prepared for that too, sticking a pan of lasagna in the oven. It was nothing fancy, but more than she usually bothered to make for herself on a weeknight, a dish chosen because she'd be able to stick it in the oven and focus on getting ready while it cooked.

By the time she'd taken a shower, shaved, dried her hair and applied a little make up (just enough to cover any nagging imperfections, she was never one for anything elaborate, especially when she was almost certain she'd end up sweating it off) the oven was buzzing to remind her dinner was done.

Once she sat it on the counter to cool, she frowned with the realization that Rory should have arrived, but relief that she still had a bit more time to get ready overrode any worry over the other woman's lateness.

She was a bit unsure about what to wear. Clothes seemed superfluous when most of their encounters lately began with a race to take them off. While she was deciding on a short black silk nightgown with a strip of see through lace that started under her breasts and exposed most of her stomach, Byron was batting her phone off the arm of the sofa. It landed underneath it, which resulted in Rory's message being unread.

She eventually ended back downstairs and hastily put the lasagna back in the oven to keep warning, biting her nail a bit with the realization that Rory still wasn't there yet. It was a feeling she thought she'd forgotten but remembered all too well, especially where her ex was concerned. She'd been stood up, forgotten or at the very least pushed aside for something more important.

She plopped herself on the sofa, watching television and petting her cat (fur that was now landing on her nightgown be damned) in an effort to calm down, but after about a half hour rose in frustration heading upstairs to change into real clothes. Well, as real as she could be bothered with these days because even she could see there was no point in getting all dolled up when you weren't actually leaving the house.

She headed downstairs looking uncharacteristically casual in capri length leggings and a baggy Bikini Kill tee shirt, a faded relic from one of the few concerts she'd gone to as a teenager. Her eyes met Rory's as she hit the final stair, her hand automatically clutching her chest.

"You scared me," she breathed, having forgotten she left the door unlocked for her. "I didn't think you were coming," she said after a beat of silence.

"What?" Rory asked with a little bit of an incredulous laugh, shutting the door behind her as she made her way across the space towards the stairs. It hadn't occurred to her that Maris might think she wasn't coming, the text notwithstanding. Perhaps it was naive to think that they could live in the damn good portion of all of this, and not have to face what tore them apart to begin with. "Of course I was coming, I--" She cut herself off, brow furrowed a little as she further closed the space between them, standing at the foot of the stairs.

"I didn't mean to scare you, sorry." Rory leaned in and kissed her cheek, a sudden nervousness coming over her. It felt like ice water in her veins, worried that she'd somehow ruined what they had going, or disappointed her in some way. God, it was bad that her mind was already there, already putting this above whatever obligations she had elsewhere. The balance was getting harder, even while she tried to convince herself it wasn't.

"You look good." She smiled, not the first time she noted how attractive this casual look was. Though Rory would be pressed to admit anything Maris wore (or didn't) was attractive. "I really am sorry I'm late."

"What happened?" she asked, though part of her really didn't want to know the answer because she really didn't want to hear anything about Jess, who was bound to be an aspect of nearly every part of the life Rory had built since they parted.

The kiss and apologies soothed Maris somewhat, but there was no doubt a seed had been planted that wasn't there before. In a way, Rory's job had been an easier pill to swallow, which made the fact that it had lead to their downfall even sillier now, but it was easier to be pushed aside by obligation than a person. Both could leave you feeling second best, but the second hurt so much more.

"Oh. Thanks. I actually-" She trailed off deciding Rory didn't need to know she'd put a little more effort before she got there. She was suddenly worried if it was too much and felt a little pathetic for even bothering. She was the one who had time to worry over outfits and ambiance. Rory had a whole other life to worry about, one that didn't revolve around her.

"Doesn't matter," she said firmly, automatically smoothing down her shirt. "Just get over here and make it up to me."

"It was stupid." She said simply, not offering any other details because really, any other details would put more of a damper on this. She didn't want to talk about linens and silverware. She didn't want to think about how much further down the line she could possibly let this go before she had to make a real decision. Before she had to decide to trust her gut, to know which way she wanted. When she was with Maris, in particular, she knew what she wanted. It was clear as day, no looking back. When they were apart, it was too easy to let insecurities creep back in.

The thing that never waned in the slightest was her desire for Maris. For being close to her, hearing her voice, her laugh, feeling her skin pressed against her own. There were things she felt ... and those things had a label, but she didn't trust herself enough to say them. It was too complicated, too hurtful to others. She'd rather not think about it.

Rory didn't need to be told twice. Her hand slid to the small of Maris' back, hugging herself in close to her as her lips eagerly sought out hers. That dual-pronged feeling of relief and desire mingled together deliciously as she sighed against her lips. "I missed you." She managed to mumble while stealing a breath. Her fingers bunched in the fabric of Maris' shirt as her tongue swept over her lips to gain entry to her mouth. It wasn't lost on her that they were just standing by the base of the stairs, so she took care to spin them towards the wall, pressing Maris' back against it.

Maris' fingers automatically dug into the fabric of Rory's shirt in an effort to bring the other woman as close as possible and keep her there. Her own shirt was thin, soft and slightly threadbare after so many washings, her nipples prominent (because a bra certainly hadn't been a priority when changing clothes after she thought she'd been stood up) as Rory's tongue slipped into her mouth. Their tongues meeting called a full body shudder, a jolt of electricity keenly felt even this early on and she let out a soft sigh as her back hit the wall.

She took Rory's hand and slid it under her shirt, guiding it slowly up her stomach, a movement that caused more of the most pleasant sort of squirms until she brought it up to one of her breasts, her hand closing over Rory's, a silent instruction that she wanted her to squeeze as they locked eyes.

She needed her hands on her, physical proof that she was here and that was exactly where she needed to be.

"I want you," she echoed back between kisses. "Fuck, I want you so bad I can't stand it." Her lips made their way down Rory's neck, tongue darting out to trace the curve.

Rory's response to Maris was, as ever, immediate. She felt like her body was merely waiting - all the hours that they weren't desperately wrapped up in each other - for the moment they would be again. She kissed her deeply, breathlessness coming quickly as she refused the reprieve her lungs sought in favor of just a few seconds longer. She felt that familiar, delicious, primal kind of drive that made her crave all the more every second.

A soft hum of appreciation left her lips as she gladly was guided under her shirt, her hand greedy as she squeezed her breast. She huffed a soft sound as she took a second to breathe, flushed and wanton as she took care to slide Maris' nipple between her fingers, feeling it harden to her touch. Her free hand moved down from her hip, bypassing the fabric of her leggings to squeeze her ass.

It was her turn to give a full shiver at the sound of Maris' words so close to her ear, that tongue making her knees weak. She grinned and kissed her neck, before making quick work of ridding Maris of her shirt. Dark eyes took in her breasts, taking care to give the same attention to the other. "You know," She murmured softly, her lips ghosting over her jawline, voice hoarse with clear desire. "I couldn't stop thinking about how I want to make you come," Her voice may have been teasing, but as she spoke, she raked her fingertips down her body, shoving at the waistline of her leggings. Bowing her head, she pressed hot kisses down her neck, the space between her breasts, pausing in her descent long enough to lash her tongue over one nipple, then the next.

In a matter of moments, Rory was on her knees in front of her, having pushed her leggings down her legs. She was glad for the flowy skirt and tank she wore for many (overheating) reasons, but also for the cushion it provided. Her hands cupped Maris' ass as she pressed a kiss to her stomach, then her hip, eyes cast upward as she let her teeth rake against the skin of her thigh.

She cried out softly as Rory's teeth grazed her skin, feeling flushed, warm even though she was more or less naked. She was aware of just how little she was wearing in comparison to her lover, but in no hurry to remedy the situation while she had Rory on her knees, ready to ease the ache she had created between her legs.

Maris hands slid down to stroke Rory's hair, nails very purposefully grazing the back of her neck in encouragement. "I haven't let myself come since the gala."

Less than a day without an orgasm wasn't very long in the grand scheme of things. She'd gone even longer before she and Rory had wound up in each other's lives again but when you considered just how much she wanted and thought about Rory these days it was kind of a miracle. The last few days had hardly been about self restraint.

"I've been waiting for you," she purred.

Sure, it might have only been hours between them, but those hours apart had a way of stretching into what felt like some kind of eternity. Overly dramatic to be sure, but no less true to feeling. Every sound that came from Maris only encouraged what Rory was doing, a sense of satisfaction fueling her drive.

"Is that right?" Her voice matched Maris' purr, a wide grin spreading across her lips as she lilted her head a bit into the feeling of Maris' nails on her skin. "Uncharacteristically good girl you've been then..." She would have laughed at her own usage of the term, but she was far too deep in her own desire to second guess what she was saying. The scent of Maris had her salivating as much as the sight of her, eager and wanting.

Rory slid her hand up beneath her thigh, gripping her knee and draping it over her shoulder. "How's your balance?" Rory asked mostly rhetorically. but her other hand had already moved to drag her thumb against her folds. She hummed a sound at the contact, and couldn't wait another second before she bowed her head to drag her tongue over her clit.

Maris let out a laugh when Rory lifted her leg. "Probably even better than you remember." She smirked, but as soon as Rory's tongue was on her her breath hitched and her palm automatically felt for the stability of the wall.

So much for smugness.

It was no use to play off just how much she wanted this either, moans started spilling from her lips the moment Rory was between her thighs, the pair building a slow but steady rhythm in no time at all.

Words failed, but there was a string of increasingly loud ahs as Maris rocked her hips in time, grateful she didn't have to deal with any pesky skintight dresses like she had the day before. Her breasts bounced a bit with her movements but one was soon covered by her own hand, sounds she made increasingly breathy as she began to tease herself and add to her own pleasure.

It was Rory's turn to be cocky, her grin disappeared not for lack of joy that bringing Maris pleasure gave her, but for her task at hand. She hummed her own pleasure, the sounds lost in Maris' sex as she lapped her tongue against her clit, finding a rhythm with her. The taste of her was intoxicating, driving her to want more, more.

Adjusting a little to angle her chin, she moved one hand between her thighs, sliding first her middle finger inside of her lover. She moaned as she felt her slick heat around her finger, and soon added a second to build in with the rhythm of Maris' rocking hips. As her mouth closed over her clit, she began to suck softly, moaning and sending the vibration of her sound against her.

If there was a sexier sight than this one, her eyes cast upwards to take in Maris squeezing her own breast, she couldn't think of it. She moved her free hand up her body, stretching her arm up until her palm could squeeze Maris' free breast, as her fingers began to fuck her faster.

Rory's mouth on her clit was the beginning of the end, moans turned into curses, then her hand found her breast while her fingers found just the right spot and the world began to blur.

Her knees buckled with the force of her orgasm, which lead to her hand hitting the wall in an effort to find something to hold onto to stay upright. Her (short) nails accidentally scratched along the wall in her haste, a slightly unpleasant sound that was mostly masked by her cries of pleasure.

"Godammit, Rory," she breathed. She was still a bit dizzy, her lungs aching with exertion, but it didn't stop her from kissing Rory as hard as she could, gripping her hair and the back of her neck as hard as she could in an effort to keep her body pressed against hers.

There, Rory thought to herself, a sense of quite accomplishment flooding her as she watched, felt, experienced bringing Maris to orgasm. She moaned as Maris came, grinning only as she pulled her mouth away, breathless and satisfied. Her hands went to support Maris where she could, collecting her in her arms and holding her through whatever aftershocks she might experience. Rory's grin never abated, not as they kissed, or as she let out a soft 'ah' sound when Maris' hand gripped her hair hard. The sensation of it sent a spike of pleasure straight between her legs.

"Hi you," She greeted her softly as she held her, nudging her nose with her own before pressing another few kisses to her lips - all breathless, but quicker than before. The taste of Maris lingered on her tongue, a heady feeling of desire sticking well to her.

Still holding to Maris, Rory let herself fall back a little and sit on the bottom step, her legs stretched out in front of her so she could pull Maris onto her lap. Though her knees ached a bit, it was well worth it. Her fingers reached up to brush through Maris' hair, her gaze fixed and filled with a whole mess of things she didn't feel the need to articulate. "What do we count this, stairwell for a room christening?" Rory giggled softly and leaned in to press a kiss against Maris' throat.

"Well there are walls," she offered, as she shifted and got more comfortable in Rory's lap, sliding her arms loosely around her neck.

"And plenty more to play with but I did make you something," she said playing with the hem of her shirt. "Lasagna. You know, for when you're hungry. I know you've just eaten."

She snickered at her own bad joke (one she usually would have deemed to uncool to make but she was feeling pretty giddy), the sound muffled she buried her face in Rory's neck.

"Oh we're really going for gold here. I love it." She laughed, her own arms circling around her waist and pulling her in close.

Rory laughed at the joke, shaking her head as she leaned back a little, though her choice of where to sit wasn't the most comfortable. "Y'know I've heard it said that life is short, so better eat dessert first. I was just going by that." She leaned in and kissed her shoulder, then her neck, unhurried.

It struck her again, holding her like this, just how much she'd missed her. Over the course of a night. It made Rory realize all the more that she did need to make decisions, and quickly, but those didn't have to happen right now. "Cooking me lasagna, greeting me like that. So beautifully domestic of you." She teased, grinning as she gently nipped at her ear.

Maris may have wrinkled her nose at the word domestic and the boring, sexist images it brought up, but she would have been lying if she didn't like the implications once she gave them a second thought. Nights spent with Rory making meals and doing little else (except probably each other). Long stretches of uninterrupted or hurried time. Time spent like it had been before Rory's job took her away.

"I mean, I'll wear a poofy dress and pearls to go fetch your slippers if it'll get you hot," she teased.

She pushed the knowledge that Rory's domestic moments were promised to and really spent with someone else to the back of her mind and was surprised by how much she wanted them. Well, them and...

"Come on," she said, giving Rory's ass a playful smack to signal that she was getting up and she should follow. "Lasagna can wait. I know we've broken in the bed plenty but I told you I have plans for you."

It was an idea, wasn't it? Something that struck Rory even though it was her own stupid joke. Her life was so different, shifted into two categories that became shockingly clear over recent weeks: life with and life without Maris. When the latter was infinitely better than the former, how exactly was she supposed to want anything else? Their time spent together was often a breathless blur of pleasure, but more and more, Rory found herself thinking about the rest of it. Silly things, like how they'd sit reading together on the couch, only really stopping to talk when one made an exasperated or surprised noise from what they were reading. Cooking together. Going out with friends. All things she missed. All things she wanted again.

"Ooh baby, throw in some vacuuming and I won't be able to handle it." She chuckled, kissing her cheek again. It was indeed easier to live in the teasing than it was to face their reality.

And well, easier still when Maris fired that off. "Jesus, yep, yes." She sort of stuttered over her words, a flush coloring her cheeks as she stood and practically raced Maris up the stairs to her waiting bedroom.

While she hadn't done anything drastic like light candles or throw rose petals all over the bed, Maris had put a bit more effort into making her room look nice now that it was being seen by more than one person. Her sheets were changed and freshly washed, the windows and curtains left open to let the sunlight stream in. She hadn't forgotten Rory's comment about the balcony either. She'd left the door to it unlocked so they could head out there quickly without having to fumble with it's notoriously sticky latch.

But Maris was more concerned with her own fantasies at the moment. She'd left the silk nightgown she'd worn on earlier in a pile on the floor, too frustrated by the thought Rory had forgotten her to bother picking it up. She kicked it aside with her foot before playfully pushing Rory back on her bed and ridding her of her clothes.

Her kisses were slow and soft, her body very purposefully brushing Rory's below her. The drawer on her nightstand barely made a noise as she opened it to pull out the vibrator she'd been talking about.

"You still wanna play?" she murmured against her lips. She may have been up for adding a toy in the mix, but Maris had no intention of moving, craving skin to skin contact and Rory's kisses while she let something else help please her.

Even since just the last time she'd been here, Rory did notice a difference. Whether she made it up in her head or there was a distinct rejuvenation to the room could be left to figure out later. She had far more pressing matters on her mind. Stepping into the room, she inhaled deeply of the fresh air and scent that was just entirely Maris. She knew memory was oft tied to smells, and this was no different. She missed being in Maris' space, missed the smell of her shampoo or whatever signature scent she went with. It overwhelmed her, in entirely the best kind of way.

There was a silently agreed upon race to get her clothes off, Rory helping where she could and finally being rid of all of it. She laughed as she fell back on the bed with a little bounce, propping herself up on her elbows as she kissed her lover.

She hummed a soft sound as their bodies seemed to meld into each others' warmth, though she felt like her whole body itself was buzzing. She kissed her deeply, unhurried like she had the rest of her life to luxuriate in the distinct pleasure of kissing Maris. Maybe, maybe she still would.

"Oh," She breathed, her eyes half-lidded as she leaned back to gaze up at Maris. Biting her lower lip, she grinned and nodded, kissing her again. "I want to play," She agreed in a voice hoarse with desire, falling back a bit in favor of using her hands. She slid them down Maris' sides, along the dip of her back and eventually to grip her ass to pull her in tight, her thighs parting to bring her in between them.

The toy was small, but powerful. One of the main reasons Maris liked it so much was that it was quiet. Living alone meant not having to worry that someone would hear her having a bit of fun, but there was something about a loud, persistent buzz that was so off putting that it often took her out of the moment.

And most of her moments lately featured Rory in the back of her mind. Once she turned it on, she began to tease Rory, slowly dragging the tip of the vibrator along every inch of her. Her lips never left hers as she did this, the hand not controlling the toy slowly stroking her inner thigh.

As strange as it sounded considering something else was doing a bit more of the work, this moment felt more intimate to Maris than a lot of the others they'd shared lately.

It was the first one that wasn't rushed. She cupped the back of Rory's neck, her tongue prodding the other woman's lower lip for entrance to her mouth just as she slowly slipped the toy inside her, keeping a close watch on her reaction.

True to their relationship, Rory had never felt the need to hold back or be embarrassed by how enthusiastically she fucked her girlfriend. She hated terminology that made it all flowery like "make love", but thought that their intimacy especially when at their peak sort of transcended the need to label it. She trusted Maris, whatever she desired, whatever she wanted to do - they could communicate well and they could make fantasies a reality. It simply sucked that they'd stuttered in the communication part outside of the bedroom.

Rory felt a thrill of anticipation as Maris switched the vibrator on, exhaling a deep breath in some futile attempt to calm herself down. Futile indeed, as her body shuddered at the first touch. "Fuck," She groaned, her mouth parting against Maris' lips. She breathed with her, kissing growing more intense but quicker as her need for breath became more pressing.

It wasn't lost on Rory, how intimate this moment was between them. Her eyes caught Maris' as she gripped at the short hair at the back of her neck, curling her fingers for purchase there, her hips beginning to rock into the way she moved the toy.

The toy inside of her, the vibration of it earned a sharp jolt from her whole body, a sharp gasp that sort of tapered into a breathy laugh. "Fuck me," She demanded, her gaze fixed on the woman above her for those moments before she kissed her again. "Slow." She amended her demand, her word muffled into Maris' lips as she sucked on her lower one, tugging at it with her teeth before finally releasing it.

Maris nodded in agreement, moving the toy in and out of Rory at a slow but steady pace. Her hips moved in time with Rory's, allowing her the electric feeling of their bodies crashing together, an extra little something she knew would add to Rory's pleasure too. If she closed her eyes it was easy to imagine that she really was inside her, but there was plenty of time for that later.

"That's it Ror, work with me," she purred in her ear before starting to suck on the lobe. "Relax. Not stopping until you come." Her lips twitched into a smirk. "And maybe not even then."

Her lips made their way down her throat, soft as they continued their almost agonizing path to the valley between her breasts. They made their way along the curve of one, her tongue darting out to trace her nipple before guiding it into her mouth, but not before she subtly hit the button to increase the vibrator's speed.

For a second, Rory wished that she had asked her to just go for it, the slow, sensuous movement of the toy and Maris' hips with it driving her insane with some heightened mingling of desire and pleasure. She cast her eyes low, watching the way that Maris moved for a few seconds, a breathy moan that was something near awe coming from her.

"Yes," She breathed, a short whine to her voice as she lifted her hips into every slow thrust from Maris. While Rory felt particularly inarticulate, she figured Maris would forgive her that. "You're relentless." She laughed softly, though the sound again felt more like a moan as her hips started to move just a little more intently, undulating in wavelike motions to greet the way she fucked her.

Rory's fingers tangled in Maris' hair, tightening her grip involuntarily from the combination of Maris' tongue and the more intense vibrations that hit somewhere deep inside of her. She yelped a little, the sound louder than any one before it. "There, fuck, right there." She cried out, her hips rocking a little faster now, chasing after the feeling. Rory felt other words on her tongue, ones that meant something, ones that she couldn't take back... not that she thought she'd even want to. So she bit her lower lip harder, barely stifling another moan.

Maris loved seeing Rory like this. It was one of the many reasons she didn't want to stop. She was gorgeous, flushed with pleasure. There was a serenity to it, but also an underlying tension as she kept fighting for the release that eluded her. The sounds that escaped her lips and knowledge that they were entirely her fault were a huge bonus, of course and something that caused an ever increasing ache between Maris legs' but she was focused entirely on her.

Probably more than she probably should have been if she wanted to walk away from this unscathed. She wanted to say something too, three words that had never come easily to her even in less complicated times. But she said them with Rory, never wasting them because she thought telling her every moment of every day would somehow cheapen how keenly they were felt. They were special, sacred a vow that was probably reserved for someone else these days. At least on Rory's end.

But this. Moments like these were meant for someone else too and Maris didn't feel one bit guilty about stealing them. Rory deserved this. Deserved to be pleased, worshiped and adored. She deserved the sort of bliss that left a person melting into their sheets and Maris was determined to give it to her.

She gave her a soft, almost chaste kiss, soothing the lip she'd watched her bite before her lips traveled their way down her body again, lower and more insistent than before. She lifted one of Rory's legs, never stopping her slow but deep thrusts as her mouth found its way between her legs, letting out a purr of her own as the taste of her flooded her mouth and she began to suck on her clit as hard as she could.

No amount of focusing on her breathing or trying to keep herself somewhat calm had any real avail the longer they went on. With every kiss, every movement their bodies made together, Rory found herself tumbling towards her inevitable end she selfishly didn't want to happen just yet. Beyond the considerable pleasure Maris gave her, it felt like something special to be so intimate, to have her attention like this. Rory allowed herself with Maris, more than with anyone else (ever), to completely lose herself to the bliss of their sex. She never cared how ridiculously wanton and wild she might look, hair a mess, body flushed - she knew however she looked was being adored by her lover. That was a rare thing.

Her moans grew louder, her breath shuddering with exertion as she felt her whole body begin to really tremble. She clung to Rory where she could, her constant as she slipped deeper into ecstasy. She knew how she felt before all of this. She knew how she felt the moment she'd seen Maris again in the coffee shop. Under the shock, hurt, anger, longing. It was one word, which seemed so simple in the long run, but encompassed all of it. That thing she'd never been able to stop, no matter the distance.

Rory didn't even try to hold back the sharp cry that melded into a whimper from the contact of Maris' mouth on her clit. Her eyes slammed shut and her body jerked into the sensation, a dizzying feeling beginning to take hold. She rocked her hips, the movements more jerky and haphazard as she grew closer and closer. Half lidded eyes gazed down at Maris, watching her between her legs, fucking her the way only she could. It wasn't long at all before that overwhelmed her, her orgasm crashing through her whole body as Maris' name was all but hoarsely screamed into the room amidst a stream of expletives. Her body shook and hips still bucked into her, riding out the dizzying euphoria it gave her.

Her mouth and hand never stopped, even when all signs pointed to Roy coming down. She eventually turned off the toy, plopping it somewhat precariously back up on the table where it belonged with her head still between Rory's legs, her licks still soft, slow. While gentler and more unhurried than she had been lately, there was still a certain urgency there. She didn't want to stop, she wasn't sure she could. She'd missed this, the taste and feel of Rory on her tongue. She wanted to indulge in it, too indulge her as long as she could.

She let out a soft sigh against her, her heart rate spiking as she realized just how overwhelming stopping to enjoy and really soak in the moment really was. There was something almost scary, pulse pounding vulnerable about stopping to lick, kiss and caress every inch of her, her fingers tracing slow patterns as they gripped her thighs.

Maris wasn't fucking Rory anymore. She was making love to her. She gently pushed on the other woman's stomach, a silent signal for her to relax and lay back because she wasn't really done yet, her wet lips traveling along her inner thighs before eventually going back where they belonged.

Even attempting to catch her breath was futile at this point, her heart was hammering so hard she felt like it might burst right out of her chest. "Oh," Rory shuddered, her back arching as Maris kept going, her body tense for another moment before she exhaled sharply. Sweat trailed across her chest, her head lifting as she watched Rory between her legs as soon as she had enough strength to lift it.

The shift was palpable, a shudder that she wasn't entirely sure had anything to do with Maris' mouth taking hold of her body for a long moment. Her fingers gently dragged through Maris' hair, though she felt her own hands were trembling as pleasure continued to soar through her. Sounds fell effortlessly from her lips, though quieter than before, her body so completely at the mercy of Maris - and altogether glad to be.

Rory wasn't an overly emotional lover; she didn't cry during or after sex or feel the need to wax poetic when simple sounds and touches spoke far more. But watching Maris, feeling her mouth and hands, the way she took such care... it made her chest swell and her eyes burn just a little. She nodded slowly, a soft laugh escaping her lips as she lay back. Her fingers moved to clasp over Maris' hand on her stomach, needing to touch her, anchor herself as her body gave an involuntary jolt in direct response to her mouth returning to her. "Maris," She murmured her name, feeling as though saying anything else, anything but the woman she wanted, the woman she loved (there it was), would take away from how perfect she felt.

Her tongue slowly lapped at her clit, her fingers lazily playing with Rory's once they rested over top of them. Her hair occasionally tickled Rory's thighs but she doubted either party minded, just like neither party seemed to notice the afternoon was at it's hottest point, the air coming in from the open windows now steamy and stifling. The sweat glistening off both of their bodies had very little to do with the summer heat.

She let out a soft sigh as she raised her head for a moment, looking at Rory in almost awe before getting back to work again. Though she obviously wanted to (her ego wasn't about to let her leave someone unsatisfied), the end goal wasn't even to get Rory off. She wanted to touch and taste her. She wanted her to make her feel good, the way Maris felt when she was around her.

Every stroke of her tongue brought Rory a kind of luxurious pleasure, so different than any other of their sex. She hummed and gasped as her body reacted in kind, a gentle rock of her hips was far more instinctive than something she put thought into. Her own fingers danced with Maris', finally lacing them together as her thumb brushed a rhythm against hers. Everything in this room, in this moment felt like theirs, like they were giving themselves something that Rory had been longing for since she'd left her years ago. For the longest time, she never thought she'd forgive herself for thinking they could defy odds like that. Maybe she still wouldn't, but this felt so distinctly like a second chance, she couldn't waste it.

Rory smiled at her when their eyes met, her breath still harsh and her cheeks flushed, but her fingers tightened their grip, squeezing her hand. Pleasure built within her at an unhurried pace, allowing for it to circle back after the intensity of her first orgasm. The muscles in her thighs began to tremble, her breathing shorter though she tried to take deeper ones. It struck her, not for the first time and not for such a simple (current) meaning, how clear it was that nobody loved her like Maris did.

Maris kept her fingers laced with Rory's, but eventually added the fingers on her free hand to help Rory reach the orgasm she felt building. There was still no rush, her thrusts taking cues from her lover's body because she wanted Rory to enjoy every second. When it was finally over she slowly slid upwards, feeling a tiny bit shy. She may have been the one pleasing Rory, but no one really had control in this moment. They'd been in sync, lost in each other and giving into someone meant giving up a tiny bit of your power. It meant giving them a tiny piece of yourself.

Whether Rory knew it or not and the look in her eyes told Maris she probably did, she had all of her. Every bit without even having to ask.

She couldn't think of anything to say after what she'd just done. So she settled for wrapping her arms around Rory, closing her eyes because it was her turn to feel a bit overly emotional.

Rory wasn't even all that religious, but as she reached her peak yet again with Maris, she had to believe in something that had gifted this woman to her. The circumstances didn't matter. What mattered was that they were together, again, finally. It hadn't been easy or even possible to forget how strong her connection with Maris was, but this reminder struck her all over again. She relinquished whatever vanity or control that she had, willing to trust in what they had. Willing to trust her.

Her whole body trembled with her orgasm, uncontrollably in such a way that she had to laugh at how ridiculously unbridled she felt. She exhaled deeply, blowing some of her hair out of her face. Her hands were immediately greedy as soon as Maris was within reach, sliding around her, pulling her in close.

The lack of their usual cocky-kind of teasing that settled in warmly after sex did not go unnoticed. Not just from Maris, but from Rory as well. She held her, her fingers trailing an errant pattern along her spine as her lips pressed against her forehead. She had so much in her heart that she was worried she might burst from it, but nothing felt like the natural way to launch into it. She wanted to tell her all the things she'd missed, she wanted to apologize for giving up, she wanted to plan for what came next, and next after that.

Instead, for the moment anyway, Rory kissed her cheek, then her shoulder, unrushed soft kisses that still came with slightly labored breath while she came fully down into this respite. "Can I stay tonight?"

Maris smiled. "I thought that was a given," she rested their foreheads together playfully before getting comfortable again in Rory's arms.

For a few moments neither spoke because it seemed like they didn't really need to. Maris wanted to soak in the moment, to hold Rory and to be held (no matter how weak she felt for the latter), but now that they were starting to come down, at least physically, she was suddenly very aware of just how hot it was.

"Hey, wanna go get ice cream?" she said, sitting up suddenly. "I'm kind of starved."

The idea of putting on clothes (and Rory doing the same) wasn't a fun one, but it would be nice to go out. She and Rory hadn't really gone somewhere that wasn't her bedroom or her car since starting up again. Socializing would be nice, even if it felt an awful lot like a date and well, maybe Maris wanted it to be.

"Besides, you're staying the night. We'll come right back," she added quickly in an effort to convince Rory.

Rory almost made a comment about staying longer, but pressed her lips against the bridge of Maris' nose instead. Best save ideas that felt like promises for a time they weren't entirely blissed out. The feeling of just holding her was indescribable, but altogether perfect. Rory was in no rush to break the reverie of their moment for several minutes.

"Ice cream?" She questioned with a little incredulous laugh at the swift movement. "You're nuts." Rory laughed as she flopped onto her back, tilting her chin so she could better look at Maris there. As much as she wanted to protest the idea of getting up and wearing a single stitch of clothing, she had to admit that a little adventuring ice cream hunt was appealing. If only because Maris was so excited about it.

"You're right, I am." She leaned over, her lips brushing against the nearest part of her she could from her angle - her side, her teeth then giving a quick nip before she pushed herself up with a flourish. If she didn't force herself up then, she'd inevitably drag Maris right back down ... which wasn't a bad idea. "Where are we going?" It only began to settle in as she found and pulled her skirt up over her hips that they should avoid main street, or many other places in the town she was distinctly supposed to be gone from.

"I...have no idea," Maris admitted. She'd arrived in town during the winter months and hadn't exactly been on the lookout for ice cream. "Wait, yes I do. What about the one by the bookstore?"

They may have only been going on a quick ice cream run, but Maris wasn't about to go out in a tee shirt and leggings so she headed on over to her closet to pull out a pair of linen shorts and a black tank top.

Once she was ready, she grabbed her sunglasses off her dresser and turned to face Rory. "You're the tour guide here. I'm basically a weird shut in writer from a Stephen King novel these days."

"Oh! Yes. That's a good one, too." Artisan somethingrather that always had some deliciously weird flavors as well as the standards. In a matter of minutes, it was silly how giddy she felt just at this idea of running off to get ice cream. Rory felt this kid-like energy, going off to get a treat with a gorgeous girl.

As she put her own bra and tank top back on, her eyes rarely left Maris' direction, finding even the act of her putting on clothes oddly intimate. Well, and her imagination running wild of how quickly she could get those off of her when they returned.

"You totally are. But you're real sexy for a shut in." She smirked, leaning in and pressing a few quick, noisy kisses to her lips. Rory couldn't let herself get too carried away, lest they stray from their mission, so she slid her fingers to lace with Maris' and tugged her off down the stairs. "Who's driving?"

"Me. I'm never gonna learn my way around otherwise. Besides, my car misses you already."

She couldn't help but smirk as she unlocked the doors and hopped in. It was next to impossible to forget what had happened in the backseat the day before. Maris had found her thoughts drifting to Rory on her Target trip a few hours before and she didn't see herself being able to keep a completely clear head in it anytime soon.

It was a short ride into town and when Maris exited the car, she was grateful to see the streets seemed empty. It was a strange hour. Not quite lunch or dinner with most people still at work. She hoped this meant the shop wouldn't be crowded but was in no real hurry to get there. Once Rory had exited the car too, she waited for her to join her on the sidewalk then took her hand, smiling softly as she looked down at it. It had been a long time since they'd held hands.Especially in public and she'd kind of forgotten how much she missed it until it happened again.

"Come on," she said, knocking shoulders with her playfully. "I'm buying."

"Oh good, I like knowing I left such an impression." She laughed, following her out to the car and immediately sliding into the passenger seat. Rory's mind was right there already, thinking about the last time she was in this car, their frantic and primal need for each other that spilled over into acting like some kind of horny teenagers... After a moment, Rory angled one of the car vents to blow a little stronger on her face. Best not get too carried away.

Everything Rory should be cautious of didn't even really register to her. As they got out of the car, Rory simply smiled at how good it felt to feel Maris reaching for her, how their hands just naturally laced together and fit like always. Even before in their relationship, there was an awareness of being careful when they were in their town because of prying eyes from their school. When they were on trips or anywhere out of town, it felt like this. Free.

"I hope you realize now I'm getting like, six scoops and you can't take it back." She grinned, squeezing her hand as she reached to open the door to let both of them in.

There were only a few people in the shop. A mother and her toddler were eating at one of the tables and a man ahead of them in line. Maris let go of Rory's hand to take a step forward and look at the flavors on display, taking care to make sure she didn't miss a single one to make the best choice. Her intense concentration didn't go unnoticed. The man in the counter watched her so intently he missed when his order was up, but Maris was oblivious to his interest. She returned to Rory once she made up her mind, sliding an arm around her to pull her in close.

Though never intentionally cold with Rory and far more open with her than she'd been with anyone else, Maris had never been an overly affectionate person, especially in public. But she couldn't seem to keep her hands off Rory, even on some level she felt silly for it, like a teenager who couldn't control themselves for five minutes because they'd finally gotten themselves a girlfriend.

Rory wasn't hers, but she was finally able to touch and hold her. Maris wasn't about to take the opportunity for granted like she did before.

"One second," a pretty brunette high behind the counter said. "I have a to-go order."

Maris nodded, turning to Rory with a look in her eyes that could only be described as adoring. But there was a hunger there too. As the girl took her time scooping ice cream she was left chastising herself for ever suggesting they leave the house. Especially when Rory smelled like sex and Maris' sandalwood perfume, a reminder of just how close they had been. She leaned in even closer, pressing a soft kiss to the curve of Rory's neck, her hand traveling to the small of her back.

This is what life could look like for them. That's what struck Rory so sharply as they stood waiting for their turn. They could walk into restaurants and store fronts, holding each other because the alternative of not touching wasn't any good. Even standing back and watching Maris go check out the ice cream flavors, it struck her all the more how much she'd missed her. Sure, not all days would be bliss and ice cream, but weathering storms with Maris had always been a bit of a badge of honor with them. It was only when communication broke down between them that they lost sight of that. She'd do better, if they took this second chance. She had to.

Perhaps it was knowing that they had never been overly affectionate in public that made this feel particularly special. Rory grinned as she felt Maris' lips on her neck, her own arm around her waist. Her hand rested on her hip, as her thumb brushed just under the hem of her shirt, against her skin. She had to inhale sharply, just to keep her heart rate normal.

Easier said than done when Maris was looking at her like that. "Stop." She whispered through a grin, her eyes darting to her lips then back, before she kissed her cheek, lowering her voice as she neared her ear. "You're going to make me do something that will get us kicked out for indecency." Perhaps it was a really bad idea to attempt to leave the house at all. One last kiss near her ear, and Rory broke off, her fingers trailing along the small of her back before she moved to look at the flavors herself once the girl behind the counter called them up. "Are we taking ours to-go?"

"I've seen Orange is the New Black. Jail won't stop me from getting laid," Maris whispered back with a cheeky grin.

Her teeth sank into her lower lip as she weighed their options. It was humid outside and Maris knew their ice cream wouldn't hold up very well even if she kept the air going in her car at full blast.

The shop was pleasantly cool, but she knew she'd be a bit antsy if she had to sit down to enjoy it, eager to get back home so she and Rory could be alone. Part of her wanted to take a walk along the street, window shopping on a hot summer day like she and Rory had done a thousand times before.

When everything wasn't such a huge mess. Of course, their ice cream would become a literal one in the afternoon heat, but it was what Maris wanted and she'd been very good (or bad, depending on how you looked at it) about going after what she wanted these days.

"Let's take a walk," she said before whispering in her ear. "I'll let you have me on the balcony the moment we get home, I promise."

"Mm, yeah. That doesn't work for me." She said with an affected scowl on her face. Prison notwithstanding, the idea of anyone else with their eyes (or anything else) on Maris was not one she liked. Hypocritical? Definitely.

After deciding (probably) on what she wanted, she returned to Maris' side, sliding her hand down her arm like that would somehow distract her from the feeling Maris' whisper had given her. "I'm going to hold you to that." She murmured back, grinning wider. "Amongst other things."

Taking her hand again (because why not?), Rory stepped up and asked for what she wanted - double scoop of some pretentious seasonal berries thing and chocolate chip cookie dough because -- basic, in a cone. It probably shouldn't have given her so much delight to just be standing there, holding Maris' hand and ordering ice cream on a hot summer day, but it did. It felt like this normal, every-day thing that she wouldn't take for granted again.

Though it was a risk, being out and about in a relatively small town (thank god there were more than 500 people in the town), Rory loved the idea of the walk. She loved the idea of getting to show more of the town she'd fallen in love with to Maris. She wondered if they were really just waiting for the stars to align somehow, that their whole time apart might make them ready for this, now, together. Of course ... Rory had some things she needed to deal with, and quickly.

After collecting their ice cream, Rory stole a kiss before she'd dive into hers. "Thank you."

Maris settled on chocolate raspberry, which was basically mint chocolate chip ice cream with a fruit rather than mint base, fresh and tart but with the chocolate adding some welcome texture and occasional bitterness.

"You're welcome,' she said softly before taking her second lick. There were only a few stores lining the street, but they offered everything from books to antiques. Maris stopped in front of a boutique to admire a bathing suit. It was a black whole piece but the entire stomach was exposed, a tie resting just under the chest area. It gave off the illusion that a person was wearing a top and bottom rather than one piece and Maris tilted her head as she wondered whether she should go in and see if they had any in her size. She'd bought a new bikini that was still sitting in her drawer with the tags on last year, but it was hard to find one piece bathing suits that weren't boringly plain or worse yet, the frumpy skirted sort reserved for women past a certain age. She ultimately decided she didn't want or need it, but it did make her realize she wanted something else.

"It would be nice to get away," she murmured allowed.

It was wishful thinking, especially since she was talking about a trip with Rory rather than a solo one. Plans had to be made when two lovers were going away, the steps that needed to be taken when your lover was someone else's would be even harder to orchestrate. But it was a nice thought and for the moment at least, Maris let herself have it, holding Rory's hand just a little bit tighter.

The longer they were out, the more Rory felt like this was simply a luxurious afternoon; spent exactly the way she wanted her summer to go. She didn't have a pile of papers to grade or board meetings of what changes needed to be implemented at the school. There was of course, the other way her summer was supposed to be spent, which felt farther and farther away the longer she was with Maris. She had to face it at some point, the hurt that she would cause (and currently, was contributing to), but ultimately she was getting around to the fact that she couldn't have both. Moreover, in her heart she didn't want both. She would feel like a terrible person, and likely carry that with her for a long time.

But that was for later. Now was for window shopping and ice cream - but mostly, holding hands with Maris. It was silly how much that simple act meant to her now. While Maris looked over the bathing suit, she had her eyes on a pair of wedges that skewed very summery, and a cute bag that sort of matched them. When her eyes met the garment Maris looked at, she inhaled deeply, thinking about Maris on a beach and her mind reeling a bit over that image.

Her own hand squeezed Maris' back, a wide grin spread across her face. It would be nice to get away. "Where are we going?" She countered, eying her with a smirk. There were indeed a million reasons why that would be complicated, problematic. Traveling with Maris had always been one of her favorite things. "Somewhere with a beach..."

"Anywhere?" she offered. She may have been the sort of person who hated when others were indecisive, but it really made no difference to Maris. While some were cleaner or more picturesque than others, a beach was a beach and activities rarely changed when you went from one to another.

She just wanted to get away, period and with Rory in tow. It would be so much easier to disappear into their own little world if it really was just the two of them, any complications far, far away in their rear view.

If only temporarily.

"Do you think we could?" It was a bold question, even if she was only speaking hypothetically (though part of her really wasn't). Maris was still afraid of pushing her luck, of asking or showing too much lest Rory decided to call this whole thing off.

But there was no going back now, so she elaborated. "Go away," she said. "Just you and me."

Rory couldn't help it; she snorted a little laugh at her response, shaking her head as she went in for another taste of her ice cream. Anywhere sounded good though. Anywhere that could be just the two of them, more of this, more of what went on behind closed doors. Nights out under the stars with a freedom to do so. Enjoying summer and each other. The whole idea of it made her heart soar and her grin grow wider. That's what she wanted, Maris and Rory, figuring it out again.

If they had the space and freedom to do so, who knew what that would mean for them? Rory knew what she hoped, anyway. Though, she supposed it was herself more than Maris with the current hangups.

"Yes." She answered after a moment, pausing in their stride to stand still and tug her a little closer. Probably dangerous to do out on a street where anyone she knew could, feasibly, see her. But she wasn't that popular anyway. "I would like to." She nodded, making sure to catch Maris' eyes when she said it. Rory may not be entirely available, because of, well, those reasons, but she wanted this. It was selfish and terribly timed but she couldn't help it.

She kissed her, quickly, but no less a kiss that she meant. "Let's go away together."

"Really?" A smile slowly took over her features like a kid who had just opened exactly what they wanted on Christmas morning.

"Do you think you could, you know..." she lowered her voice, though she wasn't entirely sure why. It wasn't like there was anyone listening and even if they were the kiss Rory had just given her was probably a hell of a lot more damning. "Get away? I could do most of it. I have more free time than you these days."

Maris had finished the top of her ice cream by the time she got to her car. Holding onto just the cone was a lot more manageable to drive with but she still had to do a bit of juggling to reach for her keys, laughing as a bit of ice cream seeped a hole in the bottom and dripped onto her fingers. "I look like I'm bleeding!" she said with a laugh, holding up her hand to show Rory the sticky, red mess.

That smile. God, it made Rory feel like her whole body warmed up just seeing her smile at her like that. Not for the first time, she felt like she wanted to keep earning that smile for years and years. "Yes." She laughed at her reaction, shaking her head a bit as she did.

"We'll figure it out ... I want to, I..." She paused, her face skewing into a bit of a grimace as she realized that yeah, she had some things to figure out. Their timing was shit, but she didn't want to stop what this was. She was selfish but couldn't see a world where she could just give up Maris. Not again. Which meant she had to give up Jess. I twas a kind of conflict that she was trying to avoid, but kept coming back to. "We're going. I'll figure it out."

That, was decidedly that as they got to the car, her own cone nibbled at as she looked over to Maris. "Oh lord." She laughed, taking Maris' hand in hers before she really thought about it and sucked some of the red melted ice cream from her finger. "Still delicious." Rory gave her a knowing wink before she dropped her hand and made her way to the other side of the car. Home would be merciful, that taste alone fueling wanting more.

"I..." Maris stammered a bit, watching Rory lick ice cream off her fingers, eyes narrowing at her once she was done. "I'm getting you back for that," she warned before sliding into the driver's seat.

Maris' smile never quite left her face on the way home. Sure, there were logistics to consider, schedules to coordinate and decisions to be made, but that was something she could deal with once Rory was gone.

It would make the wait to see her again go by that much quicker.

With people now coming home from work, there was a bit more traffic on drive home than there had been on the way over, but they still made it to Maris' house pretty quickly.

Though she normally would have opened and held the door for Rory, Maris let out an almost childish giggle before unlocking the car and making a run for her front door. She may have promised Rory that she could have her when they got home, but she was going to make her work for it. Especially after the ice cream stunt she'd just pulled.

"Oh I'll count on it." Rory replied with a cheeky grin, feeling very self-satisfied by the way Maris reacted. Nevermind what it did to her own drive.

Rory managed to finish the last bits of her ice cream on the drive home, using one of the napkins she'd rolled around her cone to brush off any residue on her hands. Her left hand however, had remained somewhere on Maris the whole drive, whether it was stealing her hand for a few moments to hold between stretches of road or when Maris needed both hands, letting her fingers drag through her short hair at the back of her neck. Rory simply couldn't keep her hands to herself -- a feeling she well remembered and missed.

Now this idea of them going off together made her all the more giddy, excited about traveling off somewhere they could just be. Damn the consequences? Yes.

"Where are you --" Rory laughed, cutting herself off as she shook her head once Maris took off for the door. She gave chase, carefully so her sandals didn't trip her up, giggling in turn as she got to the door. "You think you can run from me?" She challenged, grin widening as she deftly reached for her hips and pulled her back against her. "Don't tell me you're not already thinking of where else my tongue will be." She hummed low, grinning all the while.

Maris let out a little squeal before starting to giggle all over again. "Tongues!? Who said anything about tongues?! I thought we were coming home to play checkers."

It felt good to be in her arms, the fact that she couldn't actually see Rory giving her more than a bit of an extra thrill, enough of a thrill for her giggles to subside.

"Why don't you tell me where you're putting your tongue, hmm?" Her lips twitched. "In great detail."

"I mean if you really want to start screaming 'king me', knock yourself out..." Rory laughed, her head bowing against Maris' shoulder as she lost it in a fit of giggles.

Her own giggling subsided as well, her hands sliding over her hips and around her stomach, pressing the flat of her palm against her pelvis as the other snaked up the inside of her shirt. Okay they probably should have made it in the door first, but keys were hard.

"You try and get that door unlocked..." She hummed against her ear, her lips pressing a kiss right near it. "See I need to start at your neck..." She murmured her words, already so deeply laced with desire. "But I think your nipples will need ample attention from my tongue..." She continued, the hand under her shirt snaking upwards, teasing, not touching her yet. "Then your stomach ... and your thighs...But you know me enough to know I won't stop until I taste your pussy with my tongue."

The lock on her door was tricky under the best of circumstances. Probably all of the locks in her house could do with replacing, but Maris didn't see the need to put any more time and effort into the place than she needed to until precisely this moment.

She wanted to soak in Rory's touch and words, but was also a bit too stubborn to let her lover know just how much she was getting to her. After jiggling the key a bit the lock finally gave way and Maris stepped inside, wiggling around in Rory's arms until she could turn to face her.

"Well?" she challenged, eyebrow raised. "Are you gonna put that dirty mouth of yours to use or what?"

The tease was fun, but only really knowing that the both of them had a singular goal in mind. They could tease each other mercilessly all the while knowing the delivery would be worth it. And then some.

Rory didn't stop as Maris worked on the door, her lips having trailed over her neck. She'd only barely let her tongue dart out to taste her skin when the door gave way and Maris was gone from her grip. Huffing a little frustrated sigh, she stepped in after her, an affected glare twisting her features.

"You know I am." She grinned, shutting the door, and for a moment just gazing at the other woman. God, she'd never tire of looking at her. Knowing how it felt to go so long without being able to only heightened that. "I believe you said something about the balcony..."

"You said something about the balcony," Maris shot back playfully. "I'm only giving you what you want."

A plan forming in her mind, once she saw just how intently Rory was looking at her, Maris pulled her shirt over her head in one swift motion.

"What about this?"

She didn't wait for an answer. Soon her shorts hit the floor as well. It had been a long time since she'd undressed for Rory, their recent encounters had been more of a rush to be able and see and touch each other and she wanted to tease her a bit.

Her bra and panties were relatively plain thanks to her shirt and shorts being thin enough to show any decoration, but Maris had always taken care to buy underthings that fit well and emphasized her assets. She looked good and she knew it, a sly smirk on her lips.

"Should I keep going?" she asked, a few feet away from the sofa.

"I sure did." Rory laughed, biting at her lower lip as she watched her. It occurred to her, for about the millionth time, that she would never tire of just looking at this woman.

Particularly, as it seemed, when she liked being watched. Rory's eyes widened slightly as Maris shed her shirt, then her shorts. She made no effort to hide the way her gaze raked over her form, her tongue darting along her own lips.

"That's ... yes. That's good."

Oh she was reaping the consequences of her own teasing now, wasn't she? But Rory considered it a good thing ... at least until she couldn't stand to just watch anymore.

Rory stayed by the door for another moment, having leaned against it for some semblance of stability, but followed Rory towards the couch like a magnetic pull wouldn't allow her to stay far away.

"You should definitely keep going." She said, but moved in closer, reaching out to brush her fingers along her arm before she took a seat on that favorite damn couch. She wouldn't say she didn't trust her knees not to go weak beneath her if she was going to continue watching Maris, but ... yeah, that.

Maris would have been the first person to admit she had a bit of an ego. She liked being respected, admired and above all, wanted. There was no one she wanted more than the woman beside her, especially now that there was someone else in the picture. Someone who, for all intents and purposes had stolen Rory away, even though they'd let each other get away.

Their vacation would be another chance to steal her away, however briefly, a small victory but it wasn't enough to quell Maris' seemingly never ending need for Rory's attention and affections. It would never really be gone, even if her ex somehow became hers again. Needing someone and needing to be wanted was what love was all about.

Maris knew what should come next. There was a natural order to getting undressed, especially to fuel someone else's desire. Top, bottom, bra and panties, but her hands didn't reach for the clasp of her bra or even a strap to slide down.

Once she sat on the couch, her hand slipped inside her underwear. She never broke eye contact with Rory even as she took them off and started to touch herself in earnest wanting her to watch her do something she'd done plenty of over the past few weeks (and once in the very same spot) with her in mind.

When Rory was with Maris, even in the same room filled with a bunch of other people, it was hard for Rory to think of or focus on anything else. Sometimes that was totally uncomplicated and others it was very much so. While they were out getting ice cream, some part of her mind knew that they could be in danger of being seen by someone who would cut their joy short at any moment, but she'd risked it anyway. It was becoming increasingly clear to Rory that the reward greatly outweighed the risk. This was what she wanted.

Had it always been like this? Rory knew that at the height of their relationship, the way she wanted her was unwavering, constant, huge. But as she thought back on it, she couldn't think of a time when it waned. They weren't going at it like animals at all times, but their sex drive and overall affection for each other never fizzled, not even up to the end. Rory's love for her was the same way - and maybe that's why that never went away either. Scary thought, but a true one.

Rory's gaze never faltered, though her eyes continuously darkened with desire as she watched her lover stand across from her. Her lips parted as Maris shed her underwear, a soft huff of sound escaping them as she watched her hand. "Jesus," She sort of breathed to herself, finding it hard to find her voice in that moment.

Watching her, Rory shifted a little in her seat, biting at her lower lip as she leaned back to get the best view of Maris. She watched her hand as it disappeared between her legs, her gaze raking back up her body. "How does it feel?" She hummed her words, her voice already deep with unfiltered desire.

"Better, when it's you," she said frankly, figuring this was hardly the time to be coy but her lips twitched into a knowing smirk as she added. "But don't get any ideas. I wanna give you a show."

She relaxed a bit more, leaning back against the arm of the sofa and shifted the lower half of her body before starting up again. Soon she found herself purring, then gasping for more as she found a rhythm, flushed not only because she knew how to please herself, but because being an exhibitionist was kind of a turn on.

"Good answer." She grinned, though her smile sort of faltered as she continued to watch her. "You know how fucking difficult this is for me and you love it." Rory accused her, good naturedly while she shook her head a little. She tugged her fingers through her own hair, pulling it away from her shoulders. It wasn't particularly hot in the house, but she felt like it was.

Rory audibly exhaled as she watched, shifting again and crossing her legs as though that would somehow stop the heat from raging through her. "Babe," She practically whined at Maris, shifting again but this time just to move closer. She didn't try to touch her, enjoying the show too much even if it was fucking difficult. "Tell me what you're thinking about..." It was something she used to ask when they'd do this over the phone, the vivid details of how they'd think of each other swirling through the phone lines amidst their moaning. Her mouth felt dry, her own skin flushed as she clenched her fists in some futile attempt to stop herself from reaching out to touch her.

"What am I not thinking about?" she joked, the last word coming out as a breathy laugh. She was mostly focused how good it felt to have Rory's eyes on her and the effect she knew she was having on the other woman, but when she touched herself, alone or with an audience, there was always a sort of film roll playing in the back of her mind.

A series of clips of all the best sort of sights, sounds and feelings and lately they all featured Rory.

"The way you fucked me on my bed that first night." She shivered a bit, now starting to rock her hips faster as she slipped two fingers inside her. "The second first night. Not the real first night after we... at the bar."

She smirked. "Course now I'm thinking about that too. How good it'll feel to have you all to myself on some beach. You," she breathed, letting out a moan they both recognized that meant it was the beginning of the end. "Always you... fuck, now kiss me. I want you to kiss me while I come."

Rory let out a soft laugh, her fingers coming up to move along her lips. Their vivid imaginations had had to sustain them in their months apart, which had been helpful but paled in comparison to the real thing. Watching Maris now was no less than erotic, which just fueled how hot she was.

Listening to her speak struck something primal in Rory, a soft sound leaving her lips as she watched how her hips moved, her fingers disappearing inside of her. "The bar. Good... fucking excellent memory." Her voice shook a little as she spoke, distracted as hell and barely able to make coherent sentences for watching.

"I can't wait... I won't be able to keep my hands off of you..." Rory's own voice trailed off as she noticed that telltale sound of Maris' breathing. She didn't need to be told twice. Rory practically launched herself across the couch, her hand gripping the back of Maris' neck as her mouth crashed breathlessly to hers. She kissed her deeply, her tongue immediately sweeping over hers as soon as she was granted access. "Maris," She murmured her name as their lips barely parted, her eyes catching hers in a deep gaze. "I want you to come for me."

"Of course I remember," she said, as if it was the most obvious thing in the world. It was impossible not to forget their relationship because not being able to forget it and her was exactly why this was happening. Maris couldn't and honestly didn't want to let Rory go.

The moment their lips touched, she felt a rush of adrenaline that hadn't quite been there before, an all too familiar pressure building in her stomach and between her legs, Rory's request ultimately being what sent her over the edge.

Her moans of pleasure were slightly muffled by the fact that she couldn't seem to tear her mouth away from Rory's, her kisses becoming languid, but never really stopping as her body relaxed completely.

"Stay," she murmured against her lips, wrapping her arms around the woman above her as she let her eyes flutter shut. "We'll go upstairs in a minute."