8 comments/ 42693 views/ 2 favorites Meteor Shower By: Cordelia Miranda gave a small sigh of resignation and slumped forward against the steering wheel. She had been staring at the taillights of the Chevy pickup for the last twenty minutes. And it didn't look as though the scenery was going to change any time soon. She reached into the CD carrier attached to her sun visor and chose some music. "Hmmm, Ella, perhaps..." she thought. Something she could sing along to. Miranda smiled slightly as Nelson Riddle's orchestra broke the silence in the car. She needed something -- anything -- to take her mind off of the day's events. This stop-and-go traffic was doing nothing to stop her remembering the conference she'd been attending all day. And Robert. She just couldn't stop thinking about Robert. Miranda had arrived at the Saturday conference an hour late, having spent a good portion of the morning lost in unfamiliar traffic and streets. When she'd finally found the hotel, the morning's workshops had already begun, so she slipped into the classroom and had to stand at the back. Though it felt good to be standing after her three-hour drive had stretched into a five-hour ordeal, Miranda hoped a seat would become available. She leaned back, propped her foot against the wall, and rested her notebook on her knee and began to take notes. Just as her hand began to cramp from the effort of taking notes, Miranda looked up and saw a familiar smile. Robert entered, carrying a chair under each arm. He pulled them against the wall and motioned for Miranda to sit. She smiled gratefully, and sat down next to him, smoothing the skirt of her gray business suit over her thighs. "I am surprised to see you here, Miranda," Robert whispered to her. Miranda smiled warmly, "It was a last minute decision. And besides, this time the company is picking up the tab." Miranda remembered Robert from previous functions, as they were in a similar profession, and lived in a relatively small town. "How're the kids?" Robert asked softly. "Home with Dave," Miranda said, "he is much better at keeping them entertained than I." Robert smiled again, making Miranda catch her breath. His leg brushed against hers. "I find you highly entertaining, " he said, his blue eyes sparkling, "you look delicious today." Robert's eyes dropped to Miranda's crossed legs. She laughed softly, delighting in the warmth spreading over her face. She spent the rest of the workshop taking notes and casting sidelong glances at Robert. She sighed softly at the way he stretched his legs. She inhaled the smell of his cologne letting the scent of it seep down her spine straight to that spot deep in her stomach that made her shiver with pleasure. When the presentation ended and Robert went to speak to the instructor, Miranda stayed in her seat to watch Robert make his way across the room -- his khaki-clad legs so long and muscular. She trembled slightly at the way he smiled at her on his way back. The rest of the afternoon was a blur for Miranda. It was an endless droning of speakers, punctuated only with dry banquet fare, handshakes and brochures. The evening proved better, however, when Miranda made her way to her car to get her dinner clothes. She had planned on changing in the ladies' room and sitting in the coffee shop until dinnertime, but in the parking lot she heard her name being called in a hearty voice, "Miranda! Honeycakes!" She turned to see Lewis, her friend and mentor, gliding towards her to sweep her up in a great bear hug. Lewis was a retired engineer who had helped her get started in her business, and her joy at seeing him spilled out of her in girlish giggles. Lewis offered to let her use his hotel suite to change her clothes and to sip tea with him to pass the time before the banquet. She hugged him gratefully and followed him into the elevator. They arrived at Lewis' room, and he motioned her towards the bathroom. Miranda shrugged out of her suit and stood in her black satin panties and bra, admiring her figure in the mirror. She took some stockings out of her bag and slipped them on over her legs. They were black with a touch of lace at the top where the elastic hugged her thigh. Her hands brushed the smooth skin of her leg above the stocking top. Her eyes closed slightly at this feeling, and her hand moved on its own to slip inside the edge of her panties. Just as she felt the moist edge of her sex, her eyes flew open. "What am I doing?" she muttered to herself, remembering where she was. Miranda took a deep sighing breath and dressed in the red gown she brought and slipped into her high heels. She brushed her hair, put on a touch of lipstick and stood back to look at herself in the mirror. She knew her black hair looked particularly good against the deep red velvet, and she smiled. The dress was clingy, mid-calf length, and had wide straps that Miranda slid over her shoulders. She put the matching jacket on and decided she was ready. She emerged from the bathroom and turned the corner, startled to find Robert with Lewis busily making tea in the kitchenette. Lewis stopped and gazed at Miranda and gave a low whistle. "Hello there," Robert smiled at her, not bothering to disguise the admiration in his eyes, "You look fantastic." Miranda smiled and blushed slightly, "You look pretty good yourself," she said, noticing the tailored suit and how well it fit Robert's shoulders. Their eyes locked for what seemed like an eternity. Lewis broke the silence. "Well, well, well! I had no idea you two knew each other," Lewis beamed at them, chuckling heartily. The three of them sat and sipped tea and conversed until dinnertime. The space between Miranda and Robert was filled with electricity. Robert gazed solely at Miranda, never letting her forget he was there. Miranda spent much of the time reminiscing and laughing with Lewis. She tried hard not to let her eyes lock onto Robert's for too long. She felt her skin tingle and her nipples harden each time he smiled his disarming smile. She hoped Lewis hadn't noticed how many times she'd blushed. Much too soon, Lewis announced that it was time to go downstairs for the festivities. The speeches were long and the food was overcooked, but Miranda hardly noticed. All she was aware of was Robert's nearness, his cologne, and his smile. He placed his hand on her arm, and she smiled at him with a touch of invitation. She let the warmth of his lingering hand seep over her body, wondering how his hands would feel on her breasts or her belly. Her mind began to plot ways to stay when the dinner was over. Robert leaned over during dessert and whispered, "So, do you have a room for the night?" Miranda trembled at the feel of his breath on her neck, "No, Dave is expecting me back tonight." Robert looked away. Her husband's name hung like a cloud between them. Did she see Robert's smile fade just a little bit? Lewis turned to them, "Wasn't Lisa supposed to come with you this time, Rob?" "Yeah, but she couldn't get the time off of work," Robert finally stated, bringing the cloud a bit lower. Dinner ended and Lewis handed Miranda his key so she could get her things from his room for the long drive home. She gathered her clothes and notes and piled them into her car, then returned to give Lewis his key. She found him in the bar and she sat to have a cup of coffee. She knew the drive was going to be a long one, and it was already 10:30. A few minutes later, Robert entered the bar. Miranda smiled and her heart began to pound. He sat next to her, letting his leg rest against hers. He ordered a glass of wine, and then looked at Miranda. The pressure of his knee against her thigh had her blood turning to molten desire. "Are you sure you should be driving all that way home tonight, honeycakes?" Lewis sounded concerned. "Yes, it is rather late to be going all that way," Robert smiled, his clear blue eyes holding Miranda's again. She felt his hand under the table. It tentatively touched her knee, and then slid seductively to her thigh. His fingers began to toy with the top of her stocking through the material of her dress. He looked up at her. She saw the invitation in Robert's eyes and she trembled and shook her head, "No, I need to drive home tonight." "You really aren't staying?" Robert said, a touch of disappointment in his voice. He set his room key on the table and gave Miranda a significant look. Miranda trembled again. She knew an invitation when she saw it. Her brain reeled. Common sense was telling her about the drive home and her husband waiting for her. Every other part of her body yearned to touch Robert. She could feel the moist touch of lust between her legs. Her heart pounded in her ears. Miranda took a deep breath and let it sigh softly out as common sense prevailed and she rose and picked up her purse. She hugged Lewis tightly, and stuttered a quick goodbye towards Robert, and left the bar, hurrying before she changed her mind. Her thoughts sent tingles straight to her spine, and she paused in the lobby to tell herself to breathe. She heard footsteps hurrying to catch her, and she took another deep breath before turning slowly. Robert stopped just in front of her. "Why not stay and have a few drinks with us," he smiled that winning smile that lasered straight through her resolve. He stepped towards her, his face inches from hers. "Did anyone ever tell you that you are hard to resist, Robert?" Miranda whispered. He smiled again, "It's your eyes, Miranda. They are lovely." She was speechless. He cupped her chin in his hand and looked into her eyes. Tears sprung to them before she could look away. Her breath caught in her throat and she let out a small choking sigh. "I can't...." Miranda remembered to breathe just before she turned and walked towards her car. She knew if she looked back, she wouldn't leave. "Just keep walking," she told herself all across the parking lot. She sat in her car and rested her forehead against the freezing steering wheel until the trembling stopped. So here she was, sitting in bumper-to-bumper traffic, having used up every ounce of her self-control, wondering why she was in her car. Miranda let her mind drift again to the steamy embrace she could be in right now. She pulled her dress up, and her hand slipped between her thighs. She felt the lace edge of her panties. "No, no.....not now," she told herself. And she pulled her hand back to the steering wheel. But her mind went back to Robert. She turned the music up and began to belt out, "The Man I Love" along with Ella Fitzgerald. She had to keep her mind on something besides her raging thoughts of lust. By the time she made it out of the city limits, it looked as though her three-hour drive would stretch into a five-hour one. And it was already one o'clock. She turned up the heat a bit as the surrounding strip malls gave way to pine trees and week-old snowdrifts. Miranda yawned. She was going to need some help staying awake for the rest of this drive. She took the next freeway exit and drove up the mountain road to a tiny gas station. She pulled over and got out of the car. The brisk mountain air hit her bare shoulders, and she slipped on her coat. She inhaled deeply and watched her breath come out in a light mist. The cold air woke her up a little and she closed her eyes and let the pine-scented cold seep over her fevered body. She picked her way across the parking lot, careful to avoid the snow patches that remained from the last storm. The convenience store was warm and music played softly as she poured herself a large cup of coffee. She put in a bit of cream and stirred, watching the colors swirl. She put a plastic lid on the cup and wandered to the front of the store, stopping to pick up a bag of jellybeans. There were few people in here at this time of night, and the man behind the counter stared as Miranda walked towards him. "Going to a party?" he asked, letting his eyes travel over Miranda's gown and heels before stopping to gaze at the low-cut neckline. Miranda smiled, "Just leaving one." The man in front of her turned from his purchases and gazed with the same appreciation at this petite brunette in red velvet. He whistled softly. "And you are going home alone?" He shook his head in mock disbelief. Miranda smiled. She knew she was still flushed from her troubled thoughts, and she chuckled softly at the thought of wandering into a backroads mountain store at nearly 2 am dressed in evening clothes. She set her coffee down and paid the clerk. Miranda got back into her car, her nerves still a-buzz from the caffeine and the desire running through her body. She sped back onto the freeway and turned on the radio. A man's voice came over the speakers, "Be sure to find a dark, clear spot and check out tonight's meteor shower," he announced, "it's supposed to be spectacular!" Miranda considered the possibility. She could use a bit of nature's show to keep her from her thoughts of lust. And the thought of cooling her body in the chill mountain air made her heart jump. She drove along, hoping the other side of the pass would bring a break in the cloud cover. Every few miles she looked up and saw fewer clouds. By the time she reached the other side of the pass, the clouds were sporadic, and Miranda could see the stars. She took the next exit and found a logging road that headed away from the lights and the freeway. She drove until she could see no evidence of civilization except the tire tracks in front of her. Miranda pulled her coat back on and got out of the car. She went to the trunk and got out a couple of old blankets she kept in there, and spread them across the hood of the car. She climbed onto them and sighed to the sky. Her breath floated out in front of her in a warm mist. The sky was a riot of stars. In between them, pinpoints of light shot by... one... two... three... four… with each breath Miranda took. She exhaled a small sound of wonder as the heavens rained down upon her warm body. She shivered in delight at her private show. Her shiver brought her mind back to her body, which was still aching with desire. She slipped her cool hand into the plunging neckline of her gown, and rested her fingers on her nipple, which was already hard. Her body responded instantly. Miranda groaned slowly and rubbed her hand softly over her nipple. The effect on her body mirrored the sky as tingles rippled across her skin. She smiled and looked up as she pinched her nipple between her fingers, rolling it slightly and letting the pleasure wash over her. She felt all the desire that had built up during the day begin to slide down her spine. Her right hand, being otherwise unoccupied, slipped beneath her skirt and traced a line up the inside of her thigh. She felt the binding at the top of her stocking and traced her cool fingers along the skin at the edge of the lace. The memory of Robert's voice thrummed through her nerves, sending waves of pleasure down her spine and through her skin to where her fingers brushed. She sighed and relaxed into the feeling. She needed the release. Miranda's hand moved of its own accord. It slipped under the waistband of her black satin panties and over the soft black hair between her legs. Her skirt was pulled up to her waist, displaying her legs to the night sky. She slipped her panties off and tossed them aside. Miranda closed her eyes and Robert's smile appeared before her. The sound of his whisper reverberated in her ears and touched a spot deep in her stomach – that same spot that tightens when one is looking over a precipice. She felt her sex moisten in response. Her fingers plunged between her labia with a sort of delicate urgency. She softly rubbed the moist flesh just above her wet entrance, and just below her clit, a small moan escaping her lips. Her hips rocked gently against her hand, pushing her fingers first towards her clit, then slightly deeper into her pussy. Each time her hips rolled, her fingers plunged deeper, and with each settling back, her fingers brushed her clit. She opened her eyes and took her cue from the heavens. Her rhythm played a counterpoint to the dropping stars. Soon Miranda's hips were bucking. Her fingers slid deep into her, and her thumb took up the place at her clit. She arched her back and let the universe attend to itself. All she needed was this pleasure. Her lips parted, whispering Robert's name in desire's own voice. As wave after wave of shuddering overcame Miranda's body, her fingers slowly clutched and found the places within her that made her skin sing. The vibrations stopped her breath briefly until she gasped. All Miranda's thoughts disintegrated in the barrage of pleasure-waves on all her senses. Her head fell back and a pure sound escaped from her throat, almost animal in its lust-filled agony. The sky showered Miranda with light, and she smiled up at it in understanding. A coyote howled in response to the cries of Miranda's release. The sound shook her, and her fingers responded by plunging deep into her pussy, which was already soaked with her juices. She howled back to the coyote. Her body, hot with pleasure, writhed on the hood of the car. Her left hand pulled the straps of her dress and her bra down off of her shoulders, baring her nipples to the sagebrush and the pines. She sat up and pushed her hips desperately into her hand. Her knees were up and her legs spread, her skirt bunched at her waist. Her breasts were pushed forward and her head tossed back, dark hair brushing her bare back. She cried out again and again and her back arched as she brought herself to climax after climax. The pent-up lust finally subsided, and Miranda sat back, feeling the chill air drying the sweat trickling between her breasts. She smiled once again at the sky and the sky responded with another flash of falling stars. The breeze brought the smell of wet sagebrush to Miranda's heightened senses. The smell was one of her favorite scents. If the earth and sky made love, the sheets they soaked would smell like sage after a rain. Miranda climbed off of the hood of the car and let her skirt fall over her wet, bare buttocks. She lifted her straps back over her shoulders and breathed the scent of the air. "Robert..." she whispered to the still-showering stars. Meteor Shower All characters are 18 or above at the time of the story. "Is this seat taken?" The girl's back was turned, her long black hair cascading down her back tied with a low ponytail. She was wearing a light gray baby doll shirt paired with cut offs and very worn sneakers. She turned around in the swivel chair they used in Chem lab and shrugged, the hint of a smile lighting up her face. Jamie decided she was absolutely adorable. "James F. Matthews," he said. "F short for Faraday," he added, extending his hand. She smiled, almond shaped eyes twinkling. Of course she knew who he was. Now that he was up close she could see he was kind of cute. The warmth of his hand matched his beaming smile. She squared her shoulders. "Ashley Copernicus Yoon Kim-Pryor. But please, call me Ashley". Jamie couldn't help but laugh. "I don't think I could have said that all in one breath!" "Astronomer father, artist mother," she explained, "Decided to hyphenate their last names for good measure. And Faraday?" "Parents studying physics at time of conception," he said smugly, pleased to see her mock admiration. "I'm Jamie most days. James if I am in trouble." "Well, Jamie, are you any good at Chemistry? I've got an A average to keep," said Ashley, hoping she wouldn't scare him away. "Challenge accepted. Aiming for MIT, here." Ashley patted the swivel stool next to her. "We'd better make it an A+ then." It was the start of, as they say in the restaurant business, a lovely pairing. In many ways they were alike: driven, responsible and a touch geeky. Other than that, they went together like coffee and cream or peanut butter and jelly. She was impatient and prone to anxious fits while he was laid back and took his time. She was the soft spoken but talkative princess to his brooding steel knight. Somehow, Jamie knew just what to say to calm Ashley down just as she knew how to ride out his grumpy mood swings. They found they worked well together and from then on chose each other for group projects and lab classes. Teachers attributed their success to an invisible "electromagnetic orbit" in the corny way adults tended to view these things. Their friends teased but they shrugged it off, preferring to be friends. Really good friends. ~~Orionids (late October)~~ "FWB? Boom-chicka-boom-boom?" Dave joked, mocking Jamie. "No, man. Nothing like that. We're just friends." "Then you don't mind if I ask her out?" He shrugged. He felt a pang of jealousy, but then again it wasn't as if they were going out... Dave smiled a knowing smile. "Just a matter of time, bro, just a matter of time. And not to worry, she isn't really my type." He winked as Ashley came to join Jamie for lunch, giving her a friendly wave. How could Ashley not be anyone's "type"? She was utterly gorgeous without knowing it. She was half Korean, a quarter Irish, and a quarter Scottish-Welsh-German. "Classic American mongrel" was how she liked to explain it. What made her even more gorgeous was that she hardly cared about the way she looked or dressed. Her usual attire was ratty sneakers and loose tees, clean and comfy, the way he felt when he was with her. "You coming over tonight? We've got a math exam to study for." "Sure," he replied, grateful that she kept track of these things. She attacked her lunch of mac and cheese and chicken nuggets with a side salad, raising a spoon to invite him to eat with her. "I'm done. Ate with Dave." Jamie thought about what Dave had said. Ashley was definitely his type. But, and here he felt a pang of pain, Ashley only wanted to be friends, right? Jamie smiled as he watched her attack her food with the grace of a 2 year old and the recklessness of a teenager. "Ashley Copernicus Yoon Kim-Pryor," he said softly, gesturing to her face, "You missed a spot." "Oh, thanks!" she replied brightly, dabbing at her face with a napkin but still managing to leave a yellow spot on her chin. Jamie reached across the table to her, rubbing it away. He felt strange, like his clothes were too tight for him. He shook it off. They were friends and just that. And right now just being friends was perfect. ~~Leonids (mid-November)~~ When they finished studying that night. Ashley said they needed a treat. He wished it was ice cream. They had developed a habit of going over to her house to study. It was closer to school and if they ran late then he didn't have to bring her home. "This is better than ice cream, Jamie," she declared grabbing his hand. "Follow me!" She dashed down the hall, up the stairs and up another flight of stairs to the attic. However, Kim-Pryorses attic was decked out like a mini observatory. Two imposing telescopes were set up in the room. Large skylights opened up the sky and a balcony with glass doors let the cool night air in. In the small room, the windows almost reached from ceiling to floor, adding to the impression that you were suspended in the sky. "I can't believe I haven't brought you here before! And it's a perfect night for it too." Ashley led him out to the balcony, where plastic adirondack style chairs were arranged in a row along with a wicker couch with cushions. Ashley chose the couch and patted the space next to her so he could sit. "So what exactly am I supposed to see here?" "Shhh. Sit back and let your eyes get used to the dark," Ashley instructed. She drew her legs up and tucked her feet under herself, leaning against Jamie. Jamie couldn't care less about the whatever he was supposed to be looking for. His senses were filled with Ashley. The scent of pink grapefruit on her hair. Her clear skin glowing in the moonlight. The small patch of freckles dusting her nose, her bright eyes and pink lips. He felt intoxicated, heady. He wondered if she could hear his heart beating, booming, and the blood rushing to his ears. "I love it up here. It used to be Dad's place but he couldn't keep us kids out so he just made it a family affair to watch the heavens. Pretty impressive, huh? There!" She pointed to a long streak in the sky, turning excitedly to Jamie. "Did you see that?" She snuggled closer, shivering a little. Jamie didn't see, but he automatically drew his arm around her, collecting her into his warmth. He stroked her arm, feeling the goosebumps on her skin. The pink grapefruit smell was stronger now that her head rested on his neck. He could feel his mouth go dry as she made little contented noises at his touch. He stared at her earlobe, dying for a taste. "Jamie? You okay? You're kinda quiet, and you're missing them, the meteors". She looked up, her almond shaped eyes inquiring, lips lush and full. "See? There's another one and anoth-" her voice trailed. Jamie decided he could no longer deny his need to kiss her. He turned her chin to his and gently brushed her mouth with his lips. When she didn't resist, he started to nibble and suck on her lower lip. Ashley Copernicus Yoon Kim-Pryor had never been kissed liked this. How can a touch of lips radiate through one's entire body or be felt to the tips of her fingers? She moaned softly as she wrapped her arms around Jamie's neck. She could feel something stirring in her, but she couldn't tell where it was coming from. Jamie pulled away gently. Her eyes were still closed. He felt ashamed that he let his feelings take over him. He looked up, wishing he could see a falling star so he could wish that he didn't cross a line where there was no turning back. Finally, he dared to look back at Ashley. Her eyes fluttered softly and and her mouth was still half open. "I'm sorry", he said quietly. He was afraid she would slap him, but instead was pulled back into her arms. They kissed again and again as the stars fell. ~~Geminids (mid December)~~ "Great, you're here. I need you to come to dinner on December 15th." "Um, okay, I guess." "I have to warn you, the Kim-Pryors will be in full attendance." Ashley had 2 older siblings: Angel (Angela Polaris Haena) was a sophomore at Stanford. "She isn't anything like me," Ashley had told him once. "Her friends call her the Dark Angel," she said as she wrinkled her nose, "She gets into all sorts of trouble but still gets good grades. I don't understand it!" Georgie (George Hayden Lee) was finishing his last year of engineering also at Stanford. "You'll like him. But you have to call him George instead of Georgie." "There must be something special going on if the whole family is going to be there," he queried. "Let me guess, supermoon?" Ashley giggled. "No, silly! Supermoon is over. At least for now. Geminids! The college kids usually take an early extended break for those. They stay until New Years. It drives my mom nuts but my dad won't have it any other way. I hope you like Korean," she continued. "My dad is cooking." "I don't know... I guess I like half-Korean..." Ashley gave him a playful swat, blushing furiously. "They can't know, Jamie. I'm going to get teased so so much." "Know about what?" he asked, teasing as he brushed her cheek, kissing his way to her lips. "Know about what happens in the observatory when you come up there with your boyfriend?" It seemed like a natural progression that they would be a couple. They were spending a lot of time together and the past month both Ashley and Jamie had been walking on clouds. They had gone back up to the attic more often than not, after studying or just when they needed a break. There was mutual pleasure in their experimentation and exploration but they never went too far. At least never as far as Jamie hoped. "Are you kidding me? Dad's going to have a fit!" Jamie laughed. A hearty laugh that showed his nice even white teeth. He was stocky, a full head and shoulders taller than Ashley and his skin had just the hint of an olive tone. He had brown, wavy hair that tended to stand up messy when he got excited. "What am I supposed to be then?" "My study partner. I told them I had to tutor you in math." "What? I don't want them to think I'm stupid!" "Just go along with it, please? We do study together a lot!" she pleaded, "Please, J?" "Ok but you're tutoring me in AP calculus, ok, not regular math," he grinned. "And you owe me," he whispered, cupping her face in his hands and kissing her, "At least 10 of these." *** "The meteors won't be out yet," said Ashley helpfully as they reached the attic observatory. "Too early. We'll catch maybe 1 or 2 an hour then-" Ashley gasped as James trapped her between the balcony and his large warm body. He stood slightly to her right, his left knee between her legs. His hands zeroed in on her waist, under her loose t-shirt so she could feel the heat from his skin. She sucked in her breath, trying to diminish contact between her belly and his traveling fingers. They were both lightly caressing and softly kneading her skin. She felt him growl, his breath growing ragged as he slowly moved his hands up to cup her bra clad breasts. He murmured into her hair, "You're beautiful, so beautiful. See what you do to me, my Ashley?" 'Do what?' she thought as she leaned back into his warm body meeting his lips in a hungry kiss. Ashley sighed, waves of pleasure washing over her body while their tongues danced. She felt both an aching need and an anxious panic about Jamie's touch. She moaned into his mouth, fervently hoping he could take her out of her misery. He brushed the tips of her puckered nipples through her bra, and she steadied herself, clutching the rail of the balcony and grinding herself on him. As she did, she noticed the bulge poking her right hip. Curious, she reached out a tentative hand to feel him but he grabbed her wrist. "Don't-" he said voice hoarse with desire. "Not if we can't..We- we should stop". He pulled away abruptly, breathing heavily. "I'm sorry, Ash. I couldn't help it but I don't know if I would be able to stop myself if we went on." "Okay," she said shakily, relieved they hadn't let their emotions get the better of themselves. They staggered to the couch to catch their breaths. "J?" "Mm-hm?" "Did you really mean it? What you said? About me being, uh, about me being beautiful?" "Of course," he said, admiring her flushed face, her just kissed mouth the color of ripe strawberries. He was about to kiss her again when they heard a car pull up on the driveway. "That's them. We should probably go downstairs," she said smoothing down her hair and shirt. "How do I look?" "Still beautiful," he replied, giving her a quick smack on the cheek. *** James stood by the stairs, admiring the warm dynamic of the Kim-Pryors. He saw George swoop up his baby sister, lifting her effortlessly off the ground and swinging her in a circle. He was tall, with light brown hair and gray eyes, clearly taking after their mother. Angel looked quite the dark angel today, with streaks of purple in her hair and heavy black eyeshadow. Without the makeup he could tell she looked a lot like Ashley, only a little bit taller and curvier. Her dark eyes bore into him and he felt suddenly shy. He was relieved when Ashley's mom shooed them into the dining room full of savory smells. "So Ashley tells me you've never eaten Korean before?" asked Mr. Kim. "Um, yes, Sir, I mean, I would very much like to-" stammered Jamie. Ashley's siblings exchanged knowing looks while she blushed furiously. "What I mean is, I like what I've tried so far," continued Jamie, unaware of the unintentional double entendre of his words. "Hmm," said Mr. Kim thoughtfully, "You should know, I make my bibimbap extra spicy." "Yes, sir. I'll keep that in mind." "Pass the seaweed, please Georgie dear," a low melodic voice crooned. Jamie was glad for the opportunity to talk to someone other than Ashley's dad. "You have a lovely home Mrs-" "Oh please, call me Maxine. Thank you, dear. Has our Ashley shown you the whole house? Mr. Kim and I planned it ourselves. It's still a bit of a work in progress." "Constantly changing even after 15 years," added Angel saucily. "Of course dear, ever evolving," was Maxine Pryor's smooth answer. Her voice like the softest ripples on a still lake. She was willowy and had the same clear luminous skin as her children. "Have you been to the attic? It gives a wonderful view-" "I think they were in Opa's observatory earlier Mama," Angel butted in. "Did you see any shooting stars yet?" "Quite a few," came Ashley's soft reply. "Ah. They must be early this year." proffered Mr. Kim. James smiled then, looking at his best friend. Her eyes were still on the floor and her cheeks bright red but she was smiling as laughter exploded around them. *** "So what's the deal between you and lover boy?" Angel teased when they were alone in their room. "Nothing. Yet," Ashley replied guardedly. "I think he's really into you." Ashley blushed, "I think I like him, too." "Oh my goodness!" Angel mocked, her voice high pitched and sing songy. "Could it be? That my little sister is in luuuuuuuv?"' "Mean Sissy!" retorted Ashley, tossing a stuffed animal at her sister. Angel deftly caught the ratty old bunny rabbit and started making smacking noises at it. "Stop it!" she said, blushing furiously. "So how far... You know.." Angel teased. "None of your business," Ashley answered shyly, then more quietly, "Second base." "You mean you two haven't had sex yet?! Sometimes I wonder if we are really related. Seriously, Ash, you're 18-" "I'll be 19 on Tuesday." "And he's-" "18. His parents held him back a year." "Anyway my point is: life is short!" "I know." "I mean he seems decent. Even if you're tutoring him in math." "I'm not actually tutoring him in math." "Oh my goodness, we are more related than I thought," Angel said with a sly smirk. "He seems like a decent guy, Ash. Good work!" "Yeah, he's more than decent," Ashley said quietly thinking of next year when they wouldn't be in the same school or maybe even the same state. She sighed. "Oh well, I guess my Christmas-slash-birthday present is going to come in handy with all the time you are spending in the observatory. Don't look so surprised, I've had study sessions up there too." Angel winked as she tossed a thin box towards her sister. "And you don't have to thank me, I know I'm the greatest big sister ever!" "What? I'm only getting one?!" protested Ashley as she promptly tore off the wrapper. "Sorry kiddo. Sissy is a poor college student now. Don't worry, I'm sure he's going to love it!" Ashley blushed even harder as she held the light pink camisole against her chest. "What can I say," continued Angel, "Perfect fit!" She giggled, seeing that her sister's face had gone almost as red as the lacy silk panties under the camisole set. "Let Sissy know if you need any tips, okay?" ~~Aquarids (early May)~~ James turned 19 exactly 127 days after Ashley but rather than a celebration, both were cramming for finals. There was no time for distraction and the air was tense. Ashley stood up, stretching. "Jamie, I'm going to go get some air. I am so beat." "Mmm-kay. Come back soon though. You do want to end senior year with a bang, right?" Ashley chuckled, 'What a dork!' she thought. She watched him, pencil chewed to almost half, brow sweating and softly swearing under his breath. It was time for her birthday surprise. At 8:45, Jamie's alarm rang from his phone. As he shut it off, he noticed a text message: "Meet u upstairs xo" James dashed to the attic observatory. Shadows from the bars of the skylight played on the floor. A half moon shone through as did a small flickering candle on top of a cupcake. "Happy birthday to you.." a quavering melodic voice began, " Happy birthday, dear Jamie! Happy birthday to-" It took some time but Jamie's eyes finally adjusted to the dark. First he saw her legs, white and shapely, looking longer because of the mid-thigh length blush colored camisole she wore. His mouth watered. Ashley had her hair down and the soft wind blew it in wisps around her face. She held out a hand and he dumbly followed out to the couch on the balcony. Still dazed, he sat on the couch admiring the vision in silky lace in front of him. She positioned herself between his legs. He was briefly treated to a view of the swell of her breasts as she worked her way down to kneel before him, on the way giving him a swift kiss. Jamie caressed her arms as she moved down his body. Goosebumps grew where he touched her, but Ashley knew it wasn't from the cool, almost frigid, night air. She slithered down his body, her silks making her bold as she undid his jeans and freed his cock. She kept her eyes on him as he melted into her, bucking into her mouth. She kissed and licked and sucked and tried to engulf him with her mouth and when she could not, she made up for it by rhythmically stroking the base of his cock with her hand. Veins sprouted along his straining length and she chased them with her tongue, eliciting moans and unintelligible pleas from Jamie. He pushed her gently away as he came on her silky nightclothes, spraying her chest with cum. Jamie had a hard time breathing and his cock still jerked involuntarily in Ashley's hand. "Happy birthday James F. Matthews," she whispered softly. ~~Perseids (mid-August)~~ The lay under the blankets on the thin mattress that used to be on the couch outside, huddling for warmth on that cool summer night as they watched meteors fall through the attic skylights. They were alone in the house and Ashley's parents wouldn't be back til late. The air was heavy but cool, and crickets chirped in the garden below. "The Perseids are the best, and we're so lucky it's a clear night!" said Ashley. Jamie kissed the forehead that laid on his chest, breathing pink grapefruit on her hair and skin. He slowed his breathing and quelled his excitement. He wanted to enjoy this- the feeling of holding a beautiful creature in his arms. It had been a wonderful summer and soon they would need to go to their respective universities. Neither tried to think about that too much. Meteor Shower "Jamie I need to ask you a favor." "Mm-hmm?" Ashley sat up then, kneeling on both knees so she was facing him. "I want you to- if you can please," she said softly, then murmured something so low that Jamie almost didn't catch it. "What?!" Jamie sat up too, not believing he had heard her right. His ears pounded and his heart started thumping. "Sissy says I should, before, you know," she said, "before Stanford. You've been such a good friend to me and I- I want you to be my first," she said haltingly but firmly. "But I understand if you don't want to-" "Of course I want to!" interrupted Jamie. She was blushing again, adorably triumphant in the starlight. "So, I don't really know much aside from reading and what Sissy told me and," she was talking very fast now, the way she did when she was nervous. "And I know you might not be ready but I think we should at least try and-" "Ashley, Ashley-shhh," he said, holding her by both shoulders and tilting her face up to his, "I'm not a virgin. Last summer before I met you I- I turned 18 and Dave, you know, God, it's so lame but I swear there hasn't been anyone else. I mean I don't even want to be with anyone else-" "Oh!" she interrupted, relief palpable in her voice. "Then it's so much better. At least one of us knows what to do, right?" He swept her up to a kiss, finding her awkwardness irresistible. He nibbled at her lower lip as she closed her eyes and opened her mouth to him. He could taste her excitement and fear. His voice was low when he spoke. "Look, I don't know very much either but I want to know that you're sure," he was so close that their breaths mingled. "You can't undo this, Ashley." Ashley nodded and rummaged in her pockets, coming up with a string of condoms, a travel pack of Tylenol, a package of baby wipes and a small bottle of lube. She smiled shyly, "A care package from the Angel of Darkness." A nervous giggle escaped her, "A-and I already know it's going to hurt so I want you- us- to get it over with quickly-" she stammered hands fumbling to take her top. "Hey, hey slow down there," said Jamie, holding onto her fluttering hands. "Are you saying you want to uh, right here?" She nodded again. "I trust you James Faraday Matthews. And I know I'm ready." She reached for him, her small palm reaching for his right cheek, thumb tracing his lips before she moved in to kiss him. "I am honored, my love." "Go easy on me, ok?" He let her take the lead, controlling his breathing so he could restrain his arousal. Her kisses were tentative at first, just dabs of coolness on his hot skin. He let his hands trace lightly on her temples, her cheeks and her neck, down her arms and up again, pleased to see her shiver in delight. Her hands balled up into little fists, trapping his head and adjusting the angle of their kiss as she liked. She leaned in, her tongue flicking over his lips when he grabbed her by the nape and deepened the kiss, exploring her mouth with his tongue. She tasted sweet, so very sweet. He lifted Ashley slightly so her bent knees straddled him and she wrapped her arms around his neck. His kiss wandered to her tiny earlobes and her smooth neck eliciting hums of pleasure. "Jamie-" "Mm-hm?" he murmured, pulling her tank top up and over her head and tossing it on the floor. It was soon followed by her bra. "Am I really- oh!" she gasped as cool air hit her chest, "supposed to- f-feel this funny?" It was hard to speak and she was tingling all over. "Funny good or funny bad?" he asked flicking his tongue on first one dusky pink nipple, then the other. "Funny-- OH! Jamie, oh! Oh! So good, Jamie, so AH! So good!" "Good," he whispered heatedly, watching goosebumps form on her chest. He supported her arching back with one hand while the other caressed her naked back and tummy. Her eyes were closed and her head was thrown back, and at the sight, blood rushed to his groin, making him hard as he had ever known. He took a breast in his mouth and sucked around her hardened nipples before taking them in his mouth as she screamed his name and ground her chest against him. "Too much too much, oh Jamie! I can't- oh!" Ashley clawed frantically at Jamie's head pulling it up to a level with hers. She attacked his mouth with a newfound ferocity, lashing her tongue with his and pushing him down on the floor. Her hungry little mouth smacked its way down his heated skin. She slipped her hands under his shirt, easing it off so she could lay a cool cheek on his broad warmth. Her puckered nipples and soft tongue made highways of cold relief on his body. James cradled his head in his hands, the better to see her energized descent. She looked at him, eyes shining, as she reached the bulge in his pants. He lifted his hips and helped her shimmy down his pants and boxers. His dick sprung up, almost hitting her face. She licked his steel, from balls to tip, the mushroom head leaking precum. He thought he would die- cum right there and then when she popped the tip of his dick in her mouth, tongue rapidly flicking the slit. He groaned. It was taking all his restraint not to buck in her face. He knew what she was capable of but tonight he wanted to pleasure her, love her, make her first time as special as she deserved. With a growl, Jamie lifted her so she was straddling him once more. As he did he pushed down her pants, letting it dangle off of one leg. Ashley's eyes widened as she felt his hardness through her red silk panties. She put a hand on either side of Jamie's neck supporting her upper body while grinding herself on his dick, sliding herself up and down his length. She felt her panties getting damp and sticky and she knew the wetness wasn't just from Jamie. Jamie's blood pounded in his ears. It was too much. His hot little girlfriend, the red underwear, the silk rubbing on his skin sent his senses into overdrive. The friction made his dick leak, relieving him a little. He hooked her thumbs on the sides of Ashley's panties, peeling them from her body and exposing her rosy glistening pussy. "Ash- now's the time for-," he stammered, pointing at the now scattered condoms on the floor. "No, need," she whispered back still moving on top of him, words broken and labored, "Sissy, she helped, helped me get, on the pill. I'm on the pill- and- "I want to feel it- feel you, please Jamie, oh, put it in now, please put, put it inside me." "Are you sure?" "Yes yes yes", she whispered, each word more desperate than the last. "And I want you to cum while you're in me ok? Now please, J, now." "Okay." James put his hands on her hips to steady her and position her above him. He held his penis in his hand and rubbed the dickhead into her moist pussy, drawing circles around her button and poking her slit. She gasped. It was never going to fit. No matter what the anatomy book she said read. Or that Jamie assured her he wasn't bigger than average. Ashley involuntarily clenched every time she felt him try to poke into her. She searched for courage. Didn't she want this? Didn't it feel good? Jamie could tell something was wrong. Color drained from Ashley's face. He took her hand. It was cold. "We could stop, Ash, we can always stop." Her eyes were closed and brow furrowed but she shook her head. Jamie led her hand under her body so she could reach his cock. She wrapped her hand around it, feeling its girth and steeling her resolve. "Go on, Ash. Just, just kinda fall on it. It's not going to break." Ashley tried to push his meat into her but felt like she was bouncing off Jamie. Only the tip of his cock would enter her. She looked at him in frustration and despair. "Help. Please, help!" "Ok Ash. Just relax," he said, afraid he would hurt her. "I'm only going to ask once more. Do you really want this?" Ashley bit her lip. More than the fear of pain she felt a yearning deep in her tummy. She looked at Jamie, at his kind eyes and knew that this was what she wanted. She nodded. "Ok, then we'll do this together. You bear down and I'll push up. Do you understand?" She nodded again. Jamie hoped she was ok. He sat up and gave her another kiss savoring her sweet trembling lips before lying himself down under her again. "On the count of three...1..." The agony of anticipation was excruciating. She steeled herself willing her courage from within. "Only the beginning was hard," Sissy had said. After that... "..2..." Ashley's breath was fast and shallow, like she was hyperventilating. She wanted a paper bag. No, she wanted him in her. She wanted this. She wanted it to be over. She wanted him. She looked in his eyes again. Her eyes widened as he slipped his dickhead into her opening. "..3!" Then she saw his eyes on her, the same calculating intensity she observed when they did their math homework together. Suddenly, she realized that she wanted him more than anything. Ashley slammed herself on James' hard cock as he bucked his hips to meet her. "Ow! SONOFABITCH!" She wailed as his dickhead tore through the fabric of her virginity. James was sure her scream could be heard from at least 2 houses away, a far cry from his soft spoken Ashley. Ashley glanced below her, eyes widening in wonder. It felt like she was split in two and there was a sharp pain where their bodies met. But they were together, fused into one. She could feel him filling her and poking her lower belly from inside. Meanwhile, James was getting squeezed down below. Her pussy walls clenched at his meat. He could cum just from the pressure, he thought. He raised his head to see how their bodies were joined when he felt cold drops on his stomach. His heart sank. She was crying. "Ashley, are you all right?" She replied sniffling, "I-I- I feel impaled. Like, like a marshmallow," she managed a weak giggle, thin streams still falling from her eyes. The sharp initial pain was a slowly dulling ache now. James shifted a little, trying to both relieve the pressure and get her into a more comfortable position and she felt arrows of pain shoot up her body. "Oh, Ash. I'm sorry! I- I can move so-" He felt helpless trapped under her. "Please don't move, Jamie. Please, please," she pleaded, tears streaming down her cheeks. "I'm sorry! This must be the stupidest..." "Shh.. shhh. I won't have you saying that! This is not stupid. It-it's beautiful! You're beautiful, Ashley!" James caressed her luminous skin. He let his hands travel lightly up from her buttocks to her lower back. Her face brightened and mercifully he felt her pussy walls slowly relax. He made his fingers trail up and down the side of her breasts and body. She was still sniffling, but less now, her body opening, softening with his touch. He could feel her pussy humming and filling with fluid. Ever so slowly, he raised his upper body up so they were face to face. She wrapped her arms around him, fingers splayed on his back. He used the heel of his hand to rub the tension from her lower back. "Mmmm.. Feels nice," she said, finally managing a small smile. "Still hurt?" he asked while kissing the tears from her cheeks until she murmured mingled sighs of relief and pleasure. "Not a lot.. at least not anymore," she whispered, taking his lips in hers. "Thank you, J. Thank you." "I'm the one who's thankful, Ash," he said deepening the kiss. "And I don't think you should be thanking me yet," he added, his voice suddenly low. James pushed his tongue roughly in her mouth while his thumbs wiped the last tears from her eyes. She was mewling little moans and getting slicker below. Her nipples began to harden as they brushed his chest. Slowly, he laid her down on the thin mattress and put her arms over her head. He was still inside her. She lay prone, knees bent and thighs spread. He needed to move, needed to cum, and now he felt she was ready for him. They kissed hungrily and he felt her wiggle under him. "What now?" she asked, breathless. She was tingling all over, pain all but forgotten, the need for release greater than the need to soothe and rest. "Now," he said, his voice hoarse and heavy. "Now, the marshmallow gets roasted". He started to pull out of her, slowing down when he saw her wince. He made progress a half an inch at a time, sawing in and out of her, her pussy lips tugging at his engorged cock. He persisted until he was able to pull out almost his entire length and push in again. Ashley lay on the thin mattress, watching beads of sweat form on Jamie's forehead. Each stroke added intensity to her already heightened senses. She felt herself stretch to accommodate him, felt full and whole when he was fully inside her then empty and vacant as he pulled away. Soon she needed to move, needed to meet his stroke, needed to slam her weeping pussy to his steel. Her hands clawed the the top of the cushion she lay on, allowing her to raise her hips to meet his. "Ashley, honey, yes!" Tight. So tight. Fluid began to slicken Jamie's cock as he dipped into her sweet center. Ashley's moans filled the room. They moved a little faster and Jamie dropped to his elbows. "Jamie- I--I think I need to pee-" "No honey, not pee. You need to cum," he said gently, slipping his arms so he could cradle her head and pepper her with soft kisses. "It's ok. Just let go. I love you so much Ashley. I love you." As they kissed Jamie mimicked their rhythm with his tongue. Her legs wrapped around him, pushing him even deeper with each stroke. Her arms wound around his neck, holding him close. He slid easily in and out of her now, her pussy slick with juices. He could tell she was close. Jamie leaned into Ashley's ear, gently rolling her right nipple. He felt her stiffen. "Please can you hold me, J?" she murmured between moans. He nodded, "Cum for me, love." Shudders overtook the moaning girl and Jamie fought to keep her in place. He pistoned in and out of her, feeling his own release exploding into her womb as her pussy pulsed and squeezed. They drowned their screams in kisses, muffling their cries in each other's mouths. It seemed that time stopped during their endless climax. He collapsed beside her, covered in sweat. Ashley lay with her eyes closed, a hint of a rosy glow still on her cheeks. She curled into herself, shielding her sex. "Ash? Ashley?" James ran his fingers up and down her arms, planting a gentle kisses from her neck up to just behind her earlobe. She gave a soft sigh and finally opened her eyes. They were bright and sparkled like the evening sky full of stars. "Are you okay?" She nodded slightly, "Uh-huh." "How are you feeling?" How WAS she feeling? She didn't know. She felt like she just rode a horse while using an ill fitting saddle. She felt bruised and raw. She felt satisfied, undone, relaxed. She felt powerfully triumphant, tired and spent. She felt- "Hungry," Ashley finally declared, shifting her position so she was facing him, arms crossed to cover her breasts and pussy. "Actually, more like starving!" James laughed and kissed her again. Her soft lips yielded and he found himself filling with joy and need. "I'll order us a pizza." She stroked his thigh as he climbed out of bed. "I know just the thing we can do while waiting for delivery," she said with a sly smile. "Are we finally going to watch meteors?" "Maybe. Or we can toast more marshmallows."