In The Between

✧･Chapter 31 Wow

I should have known we weren't making it to the car. I barely get a step past the diner door before she grips my wrist and I'm being pulled back.

"Mae-"

I don't even finish her name. Because she's right there, and then she's kissing me. Not hesitant, or soft. But claiming.

It knocks the air out of me for half a second before instinct kicks in and I'm kissing her back just as hard, my free hand coming up to her waist like it belongs there.

Like it's always belonged there.

The night air is warm, the faint noise of the diner still behind us, cars passing somewhere in the distance, but it all fades out fast and is drowned out by the way she grips me like she's afraid I might disappear if she doesn't.

My back hits the side of the car before I even realize we've moved, the impact soft but grounding in a way nothing else is. Her hand slides up from my wrist to my arm, then higher, fingers curling into the fabric of my shirt like she needs something to hold onto.

Like she needs me.

My head tilts back just enough when she deepens the kiss, and I let out a quiet breath against her mouth, my grip tightening at her waist in response.

"We said slow," I manage, the words barely there, more breath than sound, slipping out somewhere between one kiss and the next.

It's weak, and we both know it.

She pulls back just enough for me to feel the loss of it, her forehead almost brushing mine, her breath uneven.

"I know," she says, and her voice, god - it's not unsure.

"But I don't want to stop."

That's it. That's all it takes. Something in my chest tightens and then gives all at once, like whatever restraint I had left just breaks. Because she's choosing this.

She's choosing me, again.

My hand comes up to her face, fingers brushing along her jaw before settling at the back of her neck, pulling her back in without another word.

"Then don't," I murmur against her lips.

And she doesn't.

This time the kiss is different, though still intense and all consuming, but there's something else threaded through it now. Something deeper and warmer. Like all the things we've been holding back are finally spilling over at once.

Her hands move again, more sure now, sliding from my shirt to my waist, and I feel it. Every small shift, every inch closer, setting a path of fire in her wake.

Somewhere in the back of my mind, I know we're still outside. That anyone could walk past, that we're definitely crossing into territory that isn't exactly public-friendly.

But I can't bring myself to care. Not when she's like this, not when she's finally letting herself have me.

I break the kiss just long enough to catch my breath, my forehead resting against hers, both of us a little unsteady in the aftermath of it.

"We're still in the parking lot," I say, but there's no real warning in it. Just a breath of a laugh, a quiet kind of disbelief.

Her lips brush mine again - once, quick, like she can't help it.

"I know," she whispers, a pause.

"Drive."

That almost makes me laugh.

Instead, I steal one more kiss before forcing myself to pull back, my hand slipping reluctantly from her neck.

"Get in the car," I murmur, my voice lower than usual, a little rough around the edges.

She listens this time, barely.

Mae pulls away like it physically costs her something, her fingers lingering at my shirt for a second longer before she finally lets go. There's a look on her face I don't think I've ever seen this clearly before. Flushed, a little breathless, but more than anything, certain.

That's what stays with me as we move, that certainty.

We circle around the car almost in sync, neither of us saying anything, but it's not quiet in any normal way. By the time I slide into the driver's seat, my hands don't immediately go to the wheel.

They sit there for a second instead, gripping nothing, like I'm trying to collect myself and failing at it and Mae shuts the passenger door, and the sound feels louder than it should. Final somehow.

I glance over, and she's already looking at me. There's a second of where neither of us moves. Where the air between us feels like it might snap all over again if one of us even breathes wrong.

"Seatbelt," I say, because it's the only thing I can think of that even slightly resembles self-control.

Her lips twitch, like she knows exactly what I'm doing. "Right," she murmurs, but it comes out softer than usual, still a little unsteady.

She clicks it into place, and I force myself to do the same, dragging my attention forward long enough to start the car.

The drive is quiet, but not empty. It's filled with everything we're not saying.

Every red light feels too long. Every turn too slow. My fingers tap once against the steering wheel before I stop myself, exhaling under my breath. I can feel her beside me without even looking - aware of every small shift she makes, every breath.

At one point, her hand moves. It's subtle, careful even. It settles against the center console between us, not quite touching me.

But close, close enough that I feel it anyway. I glance over for half a second, catching the way she's looking out the window, like she's trying to give me space.

Like she's trying to be good.

That almost makes me laugh. Instead, I move my hand off the wheel just long enough to cover hers, and she goes still immediately.

Then her fingers shift under mine, turning slightly so she can hold on. We don't say anything about it, because we don't have to.

By the time I pull into my driveway, my heart is already beating a little too fast again, anticipation creeping back in before the engine even cuts off.

The car goes quiet around us, the soft tick of the engine fading into the background.

I look over at her and she's already looking at me again, and there's that same look. That same certainty.

It hits me all over again, just as hard as it did outside the diner.

"You sure?" I ask, quieter this time, not teasing or pushing, because this matters. Because she matters.

Mae doesn't hesitate. "Yeah," she says softly, her eyes not leaving mine. "I'm sure."

I nod once, like I'm anchoring myself to it, then reach for the door handle. "Okay," I murmur.

We step out into the quiet of the night, the air cooler now than it was earlier, but it doesn't do much to settle anything between us.

I lock the car, and we fall into step toward the front door, close enough that our arms brush onc and neither of us pulls away. By the time I unlock it, my fingers are a little less steady than usual.

The door swings open, and I step inside first, flipping the light on out of habit. Warm light fills the space, and it should feel grounding.

It doesn't.

Because the second Mae steps in behind me and the door closes, the outside world disappears completely.

I close my eyes for a moment, taking in a deep to what? Compose myself? Control myself? But that doesn't last long because the moment I open my eyes and throw my keys into a small bowl near the front door, I feel it.

I feel her.

Her hands move to rest on my hips from behind, then I feel her leaning her chin against my shoulder, her lips brushing my ear before planting a small kiss there, causing me to close my eyes and bite down on my bottom lip.

But before anything can happen, I quickly reach for her hand and start to walk with her, towards my bedroom through the kitchen and down the hall.

By the time we make it there, Mae is behind me once again but this time, she makes me turn around to face her, her eyes locked on mine.

But she stands there, watching me, then she moves to reach for the hem of her shirt to pull it off of her, then sliding her shoes off.

"You always do that." I mutter softly and she laughs, tilting her head.

"Do what?"

"You know what. You always start undressing in front of me because you know I can't resist touching you."

She then grins, like this was the plan all along. Two can play that game.

I chuckle softly, mainly from nerves as I watch her shimmying out of her shorts, leaving her in just her underwear. I move towards her slowly, placing my hand on her waist before walking her backwards and pushing her onto my bed, causing her plop down.

Then I start to undress, and I see it. The composure and confident she has when she's - well - seducing me, disappearing.

I kick my shoes off, then I reach for the hem of my own shirt, tugging it off of me in one go before throwing it somewhere in the room. I didn't waste any time before reaching behind me to unclip my bra, letting it fall from my shoulders, tossing it aside.

And she watches, god, she watches me like I'm the best thing she's ever seen in her life. I can see the eye her eyes darken, her bottom lip tucked between her teeth, how her chest is now rising up and down at a quick speed.

But I don't stop there. I unclip the button to my shorts, sliding them down and kicking them somewhere, leaving me completely naked now in front of her, for the first time.

"Fuck." She rasps out in a low voice, her eyes darting across my body like she doesn't know how to take this all in at once.

I just grin, keeping my eyes on her as I walk towards her. "Am I what you've pictured?"

She then laughs breathlessly, shaking her head as I reach her, raising a hand to push her back onto the bed, making her lay down flat on her back.

"This is 100 times better than what I could have ever pictured." She says, her voice wrecked.

I don't answer back, instead I climb onto the bed, then moving to throw a leg over her as I start to saddle her. I let a hand fall to the middle of her chest, pressing in slightly and I can hear a soft gasp from her.

I lock eyes with her as I slowly press myself further down onto her, knowing that now she can feel against her skin. Feel how wet I am.

"Mae," I start, my voice low as I watch her closely, studying every micro-expression that crosses her face.

She doesn't answer, but she looks up at me, her face flushed deep pink, spreading down her neck, her eyes heavy-lidded and dark with desire.

I smile - a slow, predatory curve of my lips. "You like this, don't you?" I whisper, my voice low and raspy even to my own ears.

Mae nods, her breath hitching audibly as her eyes widen slightly, and I can feel her heart pounding even harder beneath my palm. I can see the desire burning in her gaze, the want, but also the fear and the uncertainty flickering there.

I slowly roll my hips forward, her hipbone sliding against my clit, and a soft moan leaves my lips before I can stop it. The friction sends sparks of pleasure through me, and I have to bite down on my bottom lip to keep from making more noise.

Mae's hands are gripping the sheets beside her, knuckles white, like she doesn't know what to do with them. Like she's afraid to touch me without permission.

I reach down, my fingers wrapping gently around her wrist. Her skin is warm, slightly damp with nervous sweat. "Mae," I say softly, waiting until her eyes meet mine again. "Touch me."

Her breath catches, eyes going wide. "I... I don't know-"

"I'll show you," I interrupt gently, guiding her hand up from the mattress. I can feel her trembling slightly, whether from nerves or desire or both, I'm not sure. "It's okay, I want you to."

I bring her hand to my thigh first, letting her feel the muscle there, the softness of my skin.

Her palm is hot against me, fingers tentative.

Then I guide her hand higher, slowly, giving her time to pull away if she wants to.

But she doesn't. Her eyes are locked on mine, pupils blown so wide there's barely any color left, her lips parted as she breathes heavily.

I move her hand between my thighs, pressing her fingers against me, and the contact makes us both gasp. Her eyes flutter closed for a moment before snapping back open, like she doesn't want to miss a single second of this.

"Feel that?" I whisper, my voice shaking slightly now, my own composure starting to crack.

"Claire," she breathes out, my name sounding like a prayer on her lips and her fingers twitch against me, uncertain but curious.

"Move," I encourage softly, rolling my hips slightly to guide her. "Just explore, there's no wrong way to do this."

Her fingers slide tentatively through my wetness, and I can't stop the moan that escapes me this time. My head tips back slightly, eyes closing as sensation floods through me.

"Like this?" Mae asks, her voice barely above a whisper, and when I look back down at her, I see wonder written across her face.

"Yes," I manage, my voice breathy. "Just like that. You can-" I gasp as her fingers brush over my clit, whether intentional or accidental I don't know. "Fuck."

I can see the moment something shifts in her. The nervousness doesn't disappear entirely, but it's joined by something else now - confidence, maybe, or at least the beginning of it. Her fingers move with slightly more purpose, circling, exploring, learning what makes me gasp and what makes me moan.

"You're so wet," she murmurs, almost to herself, her eyes fixed on where her hand disappears between my thighs.

Her free hand comes up to my hip, gripping there like she needs something to anchor herself. Her fingers between my legs grow bolder, one sliding lower, teasing at my entrance.

"Can I?" she asks, her eyes flicking up to mine, asking permission.

I nod, not trusting my voice, and then I feel her finger slowly pushing inside me and we both moan at the same time.

"Oh my god," Mae breathes, her finger stilling inside me as she adjusts to the sensation.

I rock my hips, encouraging her to move, and after a moment she does. Slowly at first, pulling out and pushing back in, her movements unpracticed but earnest. Her thumb finds my clit, pressing against it in a way that makes my thighs tremble.

"That's it," I encourage, my voice breaking on the words. "You're doing so good, baby."

The praise seems to spur her on. She adds a second finger, stretching me further, and I moan out at the sensation. My hands find her shoulders, nails digging slightly into her as I steady myself.

"Is this okay?" she asks, concern flickering across her face even as her fingers continue their rhythm. "Am I hurting you?"

"No," I gasp out, my voice already shakier than I want it to be. "No, it's... fuck - it's perfect. Just," I try to gather my thoughts, try to be the one in control here, the one guiding her. "Just keep... keep doing that."

And she does. Her fingers move inside me with careful strokes, and I can feel her watching me intently, studying every reaction. Her thumb brushes over my clit again, and my hips jerk involuntarily.

"Try-" I start, then have to pause as she curls her fingers slightly, sending a jolt of pleasure through me. "Try circling. With your thumb. Not just - god - not just pressing."

Mae adjusts immediately, her thumb moving in slow circles around my clit, and the change in sensation makes my breath catch. "Like this?"

"Yes," I manage, my fingers digging harder into her shoulders.

She's learning fast. Too fast. Her fingers inside me start to move with more purpose, pulling out and pushing back in at a slightly faster pace.

I try to maintain some semblance of control; try to guide her like I had planned. "You can go deeper," I tell her, my voice breathy. "Don't be afraid to-"

But she's already doing it, pushing her fingers deeper inside me, and the words die in my throat. My head falls back, eyes closing as I feel her filling me more completely.

"Is that good?" Mae asks, and there's something different in her voice now. Still uncertain, but with an edge of confidence creeping in. "You're so wet, Claire."

I try to respond, try to tell her what to do next, but she's already experimenting. Her fingers pull out almost completely before sliding back in, faster this time, and I can't stop the moan that escapes me.

"That's-" I gasp, trying to form coherent thoughts. "That's good, but try angling-"

She shifts the angle of her hand, her fingers curving upward inside me, and suddenly she's hitting that spot that makes my thighs shake and my words dissolve into a broken cry.

"There?" Mae asks, and I can hear the wonder in her voice, the realization that she's found something. "Right there?"

I can only nod, my ability to speak completely gone as she does it again. And again. Her fingers moving faster now, more confident, finding a rhythm that has me grinding down against her hand without conscious thought.

"Tell me what you need," she says, and her voice is steadier now, more sure.

"I can't..." I gasp out, my hands sliding from her shoulders to grip the sheets beside her head. "I can't think when you... fuck, Mae-"

She's not waiting for instructions anymore. Her thumb presses harder against my clit, circling faster, while her fingers pump into me with increasing speed. I can hear the wet sounds of her hand moving, can feel myself getting wetter around her fingers.

"Slower," I try to say, trying to regain some control, trying to make this last.

But she doesn't slow down. If anything, she speeds up, her fingers driving deeper, harder, and I realize with a shock that she's taking over. That she's reading my body better than I can read myself right now.

"You're shaking," Mae observes, her free hand sliding from my hip to my lower back, holding me steady as I rock against her. "Your whole body is shaking."

"That's because you're-" I try to explain, try to tell her to ease up, but she curls her fingers again and I lose my train of thought completely. "Fuck, don't stop."

"I won't," she promises, and there's something almost possessive in her tone now.

Her fingers are relentless now, pumping into me at a pace that has me gasping for air. She tries different angles, different depths, and I can feel her learning what makes me cry out and what makes my walls clench around her fingers.

"Mae, I need," I start, but I don't even know what I need anymore. My hips are moving on their own, grinding down to meet each thrust of her fingers. "I need you to-"

"What?" She asks, her thumb pressing hard against my clit. "What do you need, Claire?"

I can't answer, I can't even form words. My head is spinning, my body is on fire, and I'm completely at her mercy. This wasn't how this was supposed to go. I was supposed to be in control, supposed to be guiding her, teaching her.

But she's the one in control now.

Her fingers slow down suddenly, pulling almost all the way out, and I whimper at the loss. "Mae, please-"

"Please what?" She asks, and I can hear the smile in her voice. She's teasing me. This woman who was nervous and uncertain minutes ago is teasing me.

"Please don't stop," I beg, all pretense of control abandoned.

She drives her fingers back in hard, deeper than before, and I cry out. "Like this?"

"Fuck!" I gasp, my nails digging into the sheets.

She sets a new rhythm, faster and harder than before, her fingers pumping into me relentlessly. Her thumb works my clit in tight circles, and I can feel the pressure building in my core, coiling tighter and tighter.

"You're close," Mae says, and it's not a question. She can feel it, can feel the way my body is tensing, the way I'm clenching around her fingers.

"Mae," I moan, her name the only word I can manage.

"What do you need?" She asks again, her fingers never slowing.

I can't think, can't speak, can't do anything but feel. Feel her fingers inside me, feel her thumb on my clit, feel the pleasure building to an almost unbearable intensity.

She shifts slightly beneath me, changing the angle again, and suddenly her fingers are hitting that perfect spot with every thrust. My vision goes white at the edges as my whole body trembles.

"That's it," Mae encourages, her voice low and rough.

"I can't-" I gasp, even as my body betrays me, climbing higher and higher. "It's too much-"

"Yes, you can," she says firmly, her fingers driving deeper, faster.

I'm right on the edge, teetering there, my entire body wound so tight I think I might shatter. Her fingers are relentless, her thumb circling my clit with perfect pressure, and I can feel myself starting to lose control completely.

"Mae," I whimper, my voice breaking.

"I know," she says, and there's something almost reverent in her voice now. "I can feel it. You're right there, aren't you?"

I nod frantically, unable to form words anymore. My thighs are shaking, my whole body trembling as I hover on the edge. But then she slows down, her fingers easing their pace, and I nearly sob with frustration.

"Not yet," Mae whispers, and I can hear the smile in her voice.

She's torturing me. This woman who was nervous and uncertain is now deliberately holding me on the edge, keeping me right there but not letting me fall over.

"Please," I beg, all pride abandoned.

"I know what you need," she says, her fingers curling inside me, hitting that spot that makes me see stars. "But I want to feel you like this a little longer."

And I am desperate. Completely, utterly desperate. My hips are moving frantically against her hand, chasing the release she's denying me, but she controls the pace now. She's learned too well, learned exactly how to keep me right on the edge without pushing me over.

"You're so beautiful like this," Mae murmurs, her free hand sliding up my side, over my ribs.

"Mae," I gasp, her name a plea. "Mae, please, I can't- I need-"

"I need to come," I finally manage, the words torn from my throat.

Her thumb presses hard against my clit, circling fast, and her fingers drive into me relentlessly. "Then come," she says, her voice firm. "Let me feel you."

And then she does something - curls her fingers inside me while pressing her thumb down hard on my clit, and suddenly I'm not on the edge anymore.

I'm falling.

The orgasm slams into me like a tidal wave, ripping through my body with an intensity that steals the breath from my lungs.

I cry out with this loud and broken voice, Mae's name tearing from my throat as my entire body convulses.

My inner walls clench violently around her fingers, pulsing and gripping them so hard I hear Mae gasp beneath me.

"Oh fuck," Mae breathes, her voice filled with awe as she feels me coming apart around her hand.

But I can't respond, I can't do anything but shake and tremble as wave after wave of pleasure crashes through me. My thighs are trembling uncontrollably, my whole body seized up and shaking as the orgasm tears through every nerve ending.

I'm vaguely aware that I'm making sounds. Gasping, moaning, crying out - but I can't control it. My hips are still moving, grinding down against her hand as my body chases every last spark of sensation.

Mae keeps her fingers inside me, feeling every pulse, every clench, and I can hear her breathing hard beneath me, can feel her free hand gripping my hip to steady me as I shake apart above her.

The pleasure peaks again, a second wave hitting before the first has even fully subsided, and I nearly sob with the intensity of it. My nails dig into the sheets beside her head, my back arching as my body trembles violently.

"I've got you," Mae whispers, her voice rough and reverent.

And then, finally, slowly, the waves start to subside. My body goes limp, still trembling with aftershocks, still clenching weakly around her fingers. I'm gasping for air, my heart pounding so hard I can hear it in my ears.

Mae carefully, gently withdraws her fingers, and we both watch as she brings her hand up between us, her fingers glistening and wet.

"Wow," she whispers, staring at her hand like it holds the secrets of the universe.

I laugh breathlessly, collapsing forward onto her chest, my face buried in her neck. I can feel her heart still racing, matching my own. "Yeah," I agree. "Wow."

Her arms come around me, holding me close, and for a long moment we just lie there, breathing together, letting the intensity of what just happened settle over us.

"Was that..." Mae starts, then pauses. "Was I okay?"

I lift my head to look at her, seeing the vulnerability there, the need for reassurance. I lean down and kiss her softly, tasting the question on her lips.

"You were more than okay," I tell her honestly. "You were amazing."