Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

When someone tells you you can’t do something is the proper response to run crying to your bedroom? Finding your only suitcase and stuffing it with the necessities? Then walking to the nearest bus station and buying a one way ticket to the place of dreams?

Which in this case was a town called Velaris.

Gwyn was tired and hungry and feeling like maybe she should’ve just asked to stay at her friend Emerie’s house down the road. Her and Mor were always so welcoming whenever she needed to just get away .

But tonight. Tonight she’d lost it.

Gwyn had spent all her extra money at gyms training for almost a year with the intention of climbing Prythian’s largest peak. Ramiel. 

She was muscular in places she didn’t even know had muscles. She could lift ten pounds more than when she started. Had beaten a personal record for the time it took her to climb the Summit, the rock wall course designed to prep you for the difficult ascent.

Gwyn was dutiful in her preparations and her fiance – the guy who was supposed to be supportive and cheering her on – was too busy with his head in his phone, eye on his client’s needs to realize she had needs.

She needed to be seen and heard. Believed in and fucking loved. Was that so hard to ask for?

So when Brad said “Babe – you can’t climb Ramiel. I heard the scenic overview by the lake has an easy trail. Maybe try that first –” She was gone. She packed up all her hiking gear she’d been buying over the past few months in an angry frenzy and left the engagement ring on the dresser with a note that said FUCK YOU – I’m climbing Ramiel. 

He didn’t even look up from his phone as she wordlessly hurried past him and into the late evening sun.

Those first couple of steps were freeing. Her anger and adrenaline pushed her on and on and on until her legs started to burn and she realized she still had two miles to the bus station. 

This was like a test. She could do this. Slowing down her pace, she took a moment to stretch out her legs, then carry on.

She’d made it to the bus station minutes before the last bus of the evening left.

The first thing she did after obtaining her ticket was buy out half the vending machine and chow down on three candy bars and a bag of chips. Just as she was tilting the chip bag into her mouth, getting every last crumb, a large coach bus pulled up to the station.

It was like every other trans-continental bus. Two rows of double seats, all with obnoxiously patterned fabric. A space above the seats for small bags, and a bathroom towards the back. Where it so happened was the last seat available.

Gwyn stored her bag in the carriage above and settled into her seat. She took a quick glance at the male seated to her left. He was wearing a dark blue jacket, white shirt, jeans, and a backwards sunball cap. Wisps of black hair curled around his hat. He was reading, but Gwyn couldn’t tell what. 

She didn’t know why, but she couldn’t stop glancing over at him. Noting that his knee bounced as he read. And that he had a small bundle of trail mix resting in his lap. Gods that looked delicious. All she had left from her vendor raid was pretzels and chocolate coated candies. Guess it could be worse. 

The lights of the bus dimmed, the door shut, and the realization of what she was doing hit her all at once.

She just ran away. Left everything behind. Her fiance… ex, ex-fiance… her job that she was supposed to be in tomorrow at eight in the morning for…

Shit…shit shit shit –

She needed to breathe. She’ll just call out sick, and then…figure it out. It was mid-week, so maybe she caught a terrible stomach bug and that would give her time to at least get away for a little, should Ramiel not happen…She should text her friends too, tell them where she was going and to get her valuables out of Brad’s place and gods she couldn't ask them to do that for her, could she?

She missed the days where she could ask her sister. Catrin would’ve video tapped it for her with commentary and all. 

Gwyn sniffed.

Three deep breaths. In and out.

Collecting herself, Gwyn texted everyone what she was doing and where she was going. She asked Nesta and Emerie if they felt comfortable getting her things from Brad’s. Not only were they down for the task, they’d even roped Cassian in. Turns out nobody liked Brad.

With everything sorted and squared away. Gwyn settled into her seat, her brief panic rolling off of her, her shoulders relaxing. The only thing left to do was enjoy the journey. 

—

The enjoyment of said journey lasted for about fifteen minutes. Then Gwyn tried to open her candy and the bag split in a dazzling array of multi-color candies flying through the air and clattering to the floor. A majority of them landed in the lap of her neighbor who jumped at being pelted with chocolate.

“Oh no,” she whispered. “Sorry! Sorry everyone –” 

Ugh. She was not going to eat the ones on the floor. Peering into her bag she counted her measly five candies and turned back to the male, “Do you want the rest of these? Five is just a tease.”

He lifted his eyes to hers and holy mother above . She was pinned by his deep brown gaze. A sparkle like lightning flashed across his eyes as he gave her a polite smile and said, “No, that’s all you. In fact, you can have my trail mix if you’d like.”

Her mouth fell open, “Oh no, there’s no need –”

“You didn’t see your face just now. I've never seen anyone more disappointed in losing their snack…trust me, you need these more than I do.” He handed the bag to her, letting it plop into her lap. Then he scooped the rest of her candies from his lap and poured those into the bag too before turning back to his book.

Gwyn felt conflicted, but her stomach was growling with ferocity now. She took a tentative bite of one of her candies…then another and another. Then she dove into the nuts and dried fruits and -

“Hmmm gods, this is the best trail mix I've ever had,” she moaned, shoving more into her mouth. She leaned towards the male, “Thank you, you were totally right. I really needed that.” Finally someone else besides herself could ascertain her needs and do something to make sure they were met. 

The man marked his spot on the page with his pointer finger. Gods he was trying to read – had been reading – this entire trip. Why did she think he’d want to talk now… while he was still reading. Though when she met his gaze, she didn’t see annoyance or a can’t-be-bothered attitude. No, instead she saw amusement and curiosity.

Regardless. Apologize and move on Gwyn!

“Sorry – you’re reading and I’m over here babbling –”

The corner of his mouth twitched, “That’s alright. Glad you enjoyed the snack.” 

“What are you reading?” She blurted. 

He brought a hand to his neck, rubbing the hair that curled at the nape. Then he flipped the book closed, showing her the cover of a neon green sci-fi book. “Countdown to Saturn,” he said in a low whisper, quiet so as to not disturb the other passengers. She realized then she’d been talking a little too loudly. 

She couldn’t help it! She was literally on a spur of the moment midnight train on her way to hike a mountain and running on candy and salt. Her nervous energy was skyrocketing and this was when she decided to talk to the beautiful man sitting next to her?

Because gods the moment their eyes met she was done for…The deep browns of them held her gently, like a soft, sweater clad hug. 

“Do you like it?” She whispered back. She had read the book before. Sci-Fi was one of her favorite genres. 

“I love it – have you read it before?” She nodded and explained that if a book didn’t have anything to do with space, she didn’t want it.

Something eased in Gwyn. Like her body reverted to a more calmed setting. Her muscles relaxed, her jaw unclenched and she talked about Sci-Fi novels with a complete stranger for the better half of an hour.

“Okay…so you think we're already in a black hole?”

The stranger, whose name she learned was Hunt, explained with the excitement of a child describing, “Well of course it hasn’t been proven true. It’s just a theory at this point, but the theory is, our observable universe might be the interior of a black hole itself within a larger parent universe.”

“That could explain why the universe is expanding. We were sling-shotted out from a black hole and we're moving until something stops us. What kind of universe do you think we left behind?”

Gwyn was enraptured at this point. Brad never had in-depth discussions with her. About anything. Not even about current affairs or the plot of a movie. But with Hunt? She couldn't get enough.

He was seated with his back to the window now, his book long discarded. His right leg was bent up on the chair with him, his left still on the floor of the bus. She had turned to face him, her elbow resting on the plastic arm that separated their seats.

“Probably something just like we're in now. Just…different.”

“Think we'll ever find more life out there?”

“Definitely. It's just a matter of when. Do you think we will?” 

She nodded, “Absolutely. I plan on opening my door for them and letting them sleep on my couch when they come here.” 

“That's very generous of you,” he watched her with interest as he then asked, “Is that where you're heading? Home?”

Gwyn took a big deep breath in before she answered, “No. I'm heading for Ramiel.”

His brows shot up, “You're going to climb it?”

She narrowed my eyes. Please don't be a dick like Brad was about it…. “Yeah – and before you say I can't or I shouldn't–”

He held up his hands in surrender, “I wouldn't dream of it. I was only asking because that's where I'm going too.”

She stared at him for a heartbeat. “No way,” she breathed. 

“Yes way,” he confirmed with a chuckle. “Maybe we'll pass each other on the trail?” His head tilted, his words laced with possibility. 

Then she did something outrageous.

“Wanna climb it with me?” As soon as the words left her mouth she wanted to reel them back. What was she thinking? She was making this climb to prove she could do it without help. That she was capable. And to just ask a total stranger to tag along with her?! 

“That was a prematurely thought out question. Obviously you don't have to. You probably have a whole route and plan and –” 

“I wouldn't mind. Might be nice to have company,” he blushed as he confessed his interest in the idea. “Or an accountabilibuddy.”

Gwyn snorted at the ridiculous word, but really, she liked the way he said it. His voice was smooth as silk in his low tone. 

“Accountabilibuddy? Really?”

“Seriously.” He smirked then. His eyes lighting with dark delight. “Someone’s gotta make sure you don’t drop all the snacks.” 

Gwyn narrowed her eyes and threw a peanut at him. They settled into their own things then. Hunt went back to his book while Gwyn flipped through a magazine she stuffed into her bag during the frenzy of her packing. She should really take stock of exactly what she had. She may have forgotten a few small things. Nothing to really worry about though. Her stop was in the town of Velaris where they would surely have hiking and climbing stores. 

Maybe it would be a good idea if she went with Hunt. Maybe an accountabilibuddy was what she needed? He seemed to need it, if he was suggesting it. 

Or maybe he’s just trying to get in your pants.

Which, to be fair, was a total possibility. 

So far though, he was relaxed, friendly. Aside from that smirk and one line of teasing, he just appeared to enjoy her company. She surely enjoyed his…It was refreshing, having a man give you his full attention and respect you. 

Gwyn stored her magazine and tried closing her eyes. Finding relaxation in the gentle humming of the bus. The surprisingly comfortable seats –

POP! POP!

Her eyes flew open as two loud bangs echoed around the cabin. Some passengers cried out, grasping onto headrests as the bus swayed gently until it came to a grinding halt.

“Everyone stay seated!” The driver called out. The bus doors opened and we heard his footsteps quickly descending.

She glanced over at Hunt to find he’d covered his ears, his eyes staring straight ahead. Scanning the passengers and seats. “Are you okay?” she asked. 

His gaze snapped to hers and he lowered his hands. He cleared his throat, his ears reddening with embarrassment. “Yes,” he replied curtly. He tried to slouch back in his seat then, but he kept fidgeting around an awful lot. 

“Are you sure you’re okay?” She asked again a couple minutes later when Hunt still hadn't stopped squirming in his seat.

He grunted, not looking at her, “I’m fine, just can’t wait to get off this damned bus.”

The driver came back on the bus, announcing that the bus had two blown out tires. Everyone tittered and whispered amongst themselves. One woman up front asked how long we’d have to wait.

Apparently, the tow truck wouldn’t be able to pick them up until morning – in six hours – but luckily just a stone’s throw down the road, there was a small roadside hotel with enough vacancy for everyone. So packing up, they all took their stuff and traveled together a little up the road to the Sunny Days Motel. Gwyn tried not to think too much about how the two story inn looked more like a creepy hotel from a horror movie than a sunny experience. Or how her whole life had suddenly turned into said thriller.

With a dash of classic one bed trope – being two of the last people on the bus, the only thing left at the hotel was a single queen on the second floor. 

Hunt had been quiet. On edge. He watched everyone around him. Clocked their every move. Until it became aware that they would have to share a room and a bed.

Gwyn didn't think she was that bad to be around, but the way Hunt grumbled his unwilling agreement, made her feel like he couldn’t get far enough away. She thought back to everything she’d said to him, but couldn’t find any reasons for him to be annoyed with her like this. Hells they hadn’t spoken for almost an hour prior to the tire blowing out. And he’d seem perfectly content then. Even his nervous knee bouncing had ceased.

He announced he was going to get fresh air after they dropped their bags, and left without another word. Leaving behind everything. His phone, his book, his hat. 

Gwyn sighed and decided to shower in the meantime and grab the complimentary box of pizza and water the bus company had ordered for each room. Because the hotel didn’t have food besides a sad vending machine. She grabbed their box and water, but strangely she didn’t feel hungry. Even though her last proper meal was her sandwich and chips she had for lunch, she just felt queasy now.

She needed a distraction and the three available news channels were not it. Gwyn slipped out of the room, deciding to take a walk around the property. All the other rooms were quiet. No one was outside. It was oddly, and eerily, peaceful. There was a small man made pond out back with some benches haphazardly placed around it, shrouded in shadows. Obviously they hadn’t put too much effort into the design of the grounds, but it was nice enough, she supposed. 

Closing her eyes, she started her breathing technique. Centering herself and trying to process the events of the day. 

Breathing in one…two…three times…

She ran away.

Breath again.

Broke off her engagement. The realization that she deserved more finally clicking into place.

She acknowledged this discovery and let it go, falling away like a crashing of waves against stone.

The sound of crunching stones and twigs pulled her from her inner mantras and affirmations. She peered through the darkness, finding Hunt breathing heavily like he’d been running. He stood with his face to the night sky and hands on his hips. His gaze swept around him, landing on her a heartbeat later. 

He stiffened, “Gwyn?”

“Hey – did you go for a run?”

He took a couple deep breaths and answered, “Yeah – just clearing my head.”

“Restless?” she asked, tilting her head.

Walking around the pond he came to join her on the bench. His legs stretched out ahead of him. Up close she could see his long, dark hair sticking to his skin, sweat dripping down his neck and temple.

“Sort of.”

“They got us pizza. Our box is waiting for us. Though we might have to reheat it in the ancient microwave in the lobby kitchenette.”

Hunt didn’t answer. Not really. He just gave a grunt and sighed, looking out around him. His eyes flicked back and forth. Monitoring. Assessing. She recognized that look. The anxiety that dimmed the light in his eyes, turning all his thoughts into visions of dread and hopelessness. 

She recognized it in the mirror. After intimate moments between her and Brad. Moments where he got what he wanted. Never leaving her satisfied. Instead making her feel small. Like she was a plaything and not a human being.

“Hunt –” she held a hand out to him. Not touching, but offering. “Are you okay?”

He regarded her hand then took it, looking at their entwined fingers like he’d never held someone’s hand before. He blinked and his throat bobbed. Working the words out. “Yeah, I uh, I’m good now. Thanks for asking.” He gave her hand a squeeze. “Are you okay?”

She nodded and answered, “I am. It was frightening for half a second. I didn’t know if we would tip or if something was going to explode –” 

Hunt flinched. She felt it in his fingers wrapped around hers. 

“But we’re okay now…” She continued, reassuring him. 

He stood, giving her one last squeeze before dropping her hand. “Let’s have some pizza, yeah?” His smile was strained.

“Hunt, I know we don’t know each other, but you seem upset –”

“I’m fine, Gwyn,” he cut her off, his tone harsh. “Really. I just need some food and a shower.”

With that, Hunt walked off, Gwyn begrudgingly following him.

—

The pizza was - meh.

The bed was definitely not a queen. Maybe more like a full. 

Hunt and Gwyn stared at it. Hunt on the side near the window. Gwyn on the other side, hands on her hips and a furrowed brow pinching her expression.

“Well…I mean we'll fit. We'll just be –”

“On top of each other,” he finished.

“Yeah,” Gwyn’s voice wavered. Not that she wouldn't mind being on top of each other…  

She held her pinky out over the bed, extending it to Hunt. “Promise I won't murder you in your sleep.”

Hunt stared at her pinky, then at her. “I didn't have any reservations about you being a serial killer – until you said that,” he said, nodding at her pinky. 

“This is me telling you I'm not. And even if I was, I'm pinky promising to not kill you so…”

He eyed her and her pinky dubiously. “I'm only returning the pinky promise because I literally don't have any other choice,” he replied. Though his smirk of amusement shone through his feigned warmness.

Then he reached out and hooked his pinky with hers. 

With that, they wordlessly laid onto the bed together. Backs to one another. 

Gwyn laid there, wide eyed and awake for what felt like hours. Too hyper aware of the wall of man that laid behind her. 

She could tell he wasn't sleeping either. The bed kept moving as he fidgeted. His breathing never slowed to that gentle in and out of sleep.

She rolled over and froze. She was face to face with Hunt. His eyes trained on her.

“Sorry,” he whispered. “I didn't mean to wake you.”

Gwyn snorted, “Please. I can't even get my eyelids to close.” 

They laid there. Staring at each other for a long moment. 

“This is normal for me though,” Gwyn continued. “I often find falling asleep…difficult. My fiance – I mean ex-fiance would get so annoyed with me he'd take his pillow and sleep in the guest room.” She let out a breathy laugh, only to realize how fucked up that sounded saying it out loud.

Hunt’s brows rose. “Seriously?” He asked. “Good thing he's an ex -fiance.” 

Gwyn grimaced, “I don't blame him. I would toss and turn for hours before falling asleep. And when I finally do, my legs and arms have minds of their own and will end up wherever the hell they pleased - including wrapped all around whoever sleeps next to me.” Come to think of it, even on nights when she did fall asleep at a normal time, she'd wake up to an empty bed and an explanation from Brad that she was practically laying on top of him when he woke.

“That's not a reason to be a dick though. No offense,” he added. His eyes searched her face. His mouth tightened then he said, “I have trouble sleeping too. I, uh, was in the military and my internal clock just doesn't want to reset back to normal.”

She noted the past tense of that statement. How long had he been out? 

“How long were you in the military?”

“Fifteen years. Ten in the marines, five in special ops.”

“Oh so mysterious. What did you do in the special ops?”

“That's classified information,” he said with a smirk. His teasing tone couldn't hide the blank, emotionless gaze he returned.

“Ah, of course…” 

They were silent for a moment, then Gwyn asked, “How long have you been out?”

“I was honorably discharged two years ago.” 

Wow. Gwyn didn’t know at what age personnel in the military retired at, but Hunt was surely no older than thirty five?

He must’ve seen the question on her face as he said, “I carried out a mission that didn't go to plan. Long story short, it was determined that I did my duty beyond what was expected of me and they discharged me.”

She was so curious about the mission, but this wasn't the time to pry. So she pivoted and asked, her voice barely a whisper, “What have you been doing since then?”

“You’re looking at it – hiking. Getting outdoors more. Trying to not let myself hide away in my apartment forever…” He trailed off, making a scrunched face. His brown eyes found hers and in his gaze was embarrassment. Sorrow. “Sorry – I don’t know why I told you that.”

He was being rather open with someone he just met and shared a few stories with. Funnily enough, she too felt some sort of comfort with him too. And before she knew it, Gwyn was talking.

“I broke off my engagement with my ex because he didn’t care about me like I thought he did. He was always dismissing my abilities and interests. As if I couldn’t do anything. Like the things I loved to do were stupid. Before I got on that bus, he told me I shouldn’t climb Ramiel. That I should stick to the easy trails – as if I haven’t been preparing to climb the mountain.”

Oh that felt good. To just spew this to some random person who was currently watching her wide eyed and…awestruck?

“You’ve been training for this?”

Gwyn couldn’t help her small smile, “I have yeah.”

His teeth were dazzling as he smiled. Even in the dim light shining through the curtains, they sparkled as he said, “That’s badass. What kind of training?”

Gwyn told him all about the leg and core strengthening she’d been working on. Taking rock wall climbing lessons. A few survival and first aid courses. How she saved up every penny to pay for them and her new gear.

Hunt listened to it all. Completely engaged and enraptured. 

They talked about all their interests. How Gwyn loved to make braided bracelets. Or how Hunt enjoyed archery. They shared an interest in sports and adventure. They talked until their eyelids drooped and their breathing evened out. Until both of them were fast asleep.

Chapter Text

Hunt

When Hunt woke up, it was to see a freckled face inches from his. They were so close, the whisper of her breath tickled his lips. 

And…he had his hand over hers…

Hunt drew his hand back slowly. His heart pounding in his throat.

Gwyn didn’t stir. She laid perfectly still. The only movement was her shoulder, rising and falling with her sleeping breaths.

He noticed how her lips were slightly parted, emphasizing an adorable pouting face.

Meeting Gwyn was not on his list of things to do on this trip. But it happened and now here he was, laying in bed next to her. Not that they had a choice. Gods they weren't even supposed to be at this motel. She was just another passenger on the bus…until she wasn't. 

And now they were going to hike Ramiel together?!

It was preferable, honestly, being in this situation rather than holed up in his dark, sad apartment. Alone with his thoughts. His anxieties.

The military appointed therapist recommended outdoor activities. Whether alone or with a group. Being surrounded by a bunch of other people, even his friends, didn't seem ideal; everyone talking about how they're killin’ it at work. Climbing the ladder of success. Or getting married at an incredibly expensive destination wedding. And he certainly didn't want to hear about all the children…

He felt inadequate. Despite everything he did during his time in the military. He felt like he had missed an important moment in his life. Skipped it all in the name of – what? Glory? Honor? 

He thought he could be the hero. The one making changes that mattered. Surrounded by a cheering crowd.

He just wanted to be alone. Breathe and attempt to heal apart from everyone else. Avoiding their pitiful gazes and “Thank you for your service” greetings.

Gwyn stirred next to him, stretching before she rolled over closer, her arms curled between them as her forearms pressed up against his chest. 

Then a leg wrapped around his. 

She wasn't kidding when she said she became a barnacle as she slept.

Surely he should wake her but…the warmth of her. The way she nuzzled under his chin. Her copper hair snagging on his stubble. 

It took all of his willpower power not to wrap his arms around her –

Gwyn mumbled something then sighed. Completely unaware that she was draped across him and his cock was involuntarily hardening in his pants.

That was his cue to finally make a move. Not wanting to appear crass to this woman he just met…

Carefully, Hunt wiggled out from under her. Her legs proved to be the hardest thing to extrapolate from. Gods she was strong.

He wrapped his fingers around her ankle, trying not to think about what it would feel like to run his hand all the way up her muscular legs…

Gwyn groaned. Her eyes peeled open revealing a sleepy teal iris ring. 

Hunt paused. Her leg still in his hand held aloft in the air. 

She stared at him. He stared back.

“You – uh,” he was at a loss for words. Unsure how to explain why he had her legs spread. “You barnacled.”  

Gwyn first looked confused, but then she laughed as she realized what he was talking about. The sound was an adorable, tinkling sound that filled the room. “I warned you!” 

He lowered her leg and said, “You also mumble in your sleep.”

She smiled, “Yeah, that sounds like me – what time is it?”

He glanced at the bedside table where an ancient looking digital clock read 6:13 .

“Ugh…well I guess three hours of sleep is better than the norm.”

Hunt chuckled at that, remembering their conversation the night before. How it went from sports teams to their nightly routines. Until both of them fell asleep some time after 3 A.M.

“So…are you just going to hold my leg all morning? I promise I won't barnacle onto you again.”

Hunt started, dropping her leg as if it burned him. He hadn't realized he didn't let go. “Sorry,” he mumbled. He stood from his side of the bed, only to realize he was still hard as fuck and these damn gray pants did nothing to hide it. Fumbling over his backpack, he snatched up his hoodie to hide his morning wood, then decided to head to the bathroom to distract from his utter awkwardness.

Gwyn was dressed and ready to go when he came out with his hair dripping from the cold shower he desperately needed. Her hair was done up in a tight braid that criss crossed from her forehead and down the middle, ending in a neat plait. 

She was in a pair of sage green hiking pants and white long sleeve shirt. Brown boots laced up and her backpack slung on her shoulder.

She looked… good. Sexy…the way her pants sat on her hips just right. The tight shirt hugging her curves –

Fuck he was gunna need another cold shower if he didn’t stop thinking about how beautiful she looked. No makeup. Eyes sparkling with her bright smile.

It hit him all at once. He was going to be hiking with her. Spending hours alone…

“Ready!” She sang, chipper for someone who just woke up with less than the average amount of sleep.

He ran the towel over his hair one last time, pulled on his hoodie over his black shirt. Slid his phone into the pocket of his Grey hiking pants, and grabbed his bag.

“Let's go climb Ramiel,” he said. Gwyn smiled ear to ear as she bounced and skipped to the door. 

They headed out to the fixed up bus together. Comparing hiking notes and trail maps. Butterflies burst in his gut as Gwyn leaned into his space to examine the map in his lap. 

He didn't know what he was getting himself into, but he knew one thing - Climbing Ramiel was something they both needed.

—-

Before they began their trek up Ramiel, they had to stop at the Altitude Climbing Shop so Gwyn could grab a couple extra pairs of socks (which she had forgotten to grab on her hasty departure from her ex-fiances house.)

Once the socks were obtained, they were off. Deciding to take the dirt path trail that led to the ravine, both of them determined to climb at least one wall of jagged rocks.

After all, they had both trained at the rock climbing adventure zone just for this moment. 

The fact that they had both trained there, just at different times, had Gwyn comparing their every day schedules. Which meant she now knew how little he actually did anything outside of going to the gym, therapy, and grocery shopping.

After two miles walking through the sun dappled trails and deep diving their daily activities. They discovered that the gym and grocery store were two places they could have possibly seen each other before.

Then Gwyn spent the next couple of minutes ensuring the one guy with a sunball cap she saw there one time wasn't Hunt and was rather just someone who happened to have the same hairstyle as him.

He would never wear a Lunathion City cap.

Before they knew it. They reached their lunch spot. A beautiful scenic overview where one side was thick, fantasy-like forests, and the other was a thinner, evergreen mountainside, reaching into the sky with a snow covered mountain top. Between the two sides of Ramiel, was the Ravine. A climbing expedition for experienced climbers.

Hunt saw the spark of determination in Gwyn’s eye as they took in the sights. They stood close together, hands just brushing. 

He was surrounded by all this beauty and all he could do was stare at Gwyn. Watch how her teal eyes scanned the horizon. How her hair shone like molten metal in the afternoon sun. Watching her this closely, he also caught the brief moment of uncertainty that crossed her face when her gaze fell over the ravine.

“We should meet a path of less resistance if we cross down the south path and loop in from the east,” she said.

“Less resistance?” Hunt asked. “I thought you wanted a challenge?” He teased, nudging her with his elbow. Then he set to work unpacking his bag to fish out his lunch ration.

“Yes but –”

“But? Buts don’t cut it here.”

He didn’t look up at her, but he could feel her glare boring into the back of his skull. 

He chuckled. The sound barely audible, “You trained for a whole year to do this. Don’t start doubting yourself now.”

She scoffed, “I wasn’t doubting I was just –” She paused and Hunt looked up. Gwyn stood with her arms crossed now, body turned towards him, but her gaze was bouncing all over and she gnawed at her bottom lip.

Hunt stood before her. “I get it. You don't want to let yourself down. But you won't. You know what you're doing and you have a very persistent accountabilibuddy.”

How many times had he let himself worry about a mission? Worry that his choices would be detrimental to everyone? He knew the pressure of proving yourself. Understood what could happen if you fail…

Gwyn’s lips quirked at that and she gave him a nudge on the shoulder.

“Plus,” he added. “I don't intend on completing this alone. So I'll either throw you over my shoulder the rest of the way or I'll come back with you.”

Her mouth popped open in a perfect ‘o’ and she squealed, “Hunt you will do no such thing!”

“Then do not give up now.”

She stared up at him, her gaze piercing. A wildness shining in them he hadn't seen before.

She nodded, determined to see it through and sat back down with him. “Which route through the ravine were you thinking?” She asked. 

Hunt smiled, happy to see her determination at full force. They discussed their route while eating their lunch and set off half an hour later.

—

They had a good route. A great one actually, but then the skies opened while they were halfway up their path and things got dangerous. 

Visibility was down by half. Rocks and terrain were becoming difficult to traverse. They had to stop multiple times for particularly heavy downpours.

The rain had let up just enough that Hunt believed they could make it over the ravine before it rained again…

Hunt had just found a ledge to perch on. Only three meters left to climb. 

Gwyn was below him. Tendrils of hair had fallen from her braid and were now plastered against her face from the rain.

Her hand and foot hold were solid, but the rock face was slippery. 

Hunt knelt, holding his hand out for her to take, “Almost there Gwyn!” 

Gwyn reached and pushed, wedging her foot into the carved out rock wall. With a grunt, she swung her arm up and grabbed his hand, holding it tightly as he pulled her past the smooth rock and onto the ledge with him.

“Good thing…I took that extra rock climbing course.” She was smiling despite her face smeared with a bit of dirt and her hands raw. “How you doin’ soldier?” She asked cheekily.

Hunt chuckled deeply, “Never better. Ready for the last leg?” 

Gwyn glanced up and took a few deep breaths before nodding and carefully turning herself around. She was climbing before Hunt could even ready himself.

The last part of the climb wasn't as bad. There were footholds scattered throughout, making it a lot easier to traverse. The rain had stayed away long enough for them to finish their ascent. Hunt climbed behind Gwyn, his sense of needing to protect flowing through him. He kept a close eye on every step she took until they were both over the upper ledge and –

“Fuck –” Gwyn breathed.

“Fuck indeed,” Hunt answered in return as he stood with her and peered out over the rushing river roared before them. The waves were choppy, smashing against the rocks with white, foamy force. 

Then the rain came again. Pelting down on them. Adding to the rushing waters.

“We can do it,” Gwyn stated boldly.

Hunt's brows shot up his forehead, “You think so?”

Gwyn squinted at the scene before them, assessing. “Yeah – well, we won't know til we try, but I'm confident.”

They had just climbed a cliff face together. Working in tandem to point out footholds, offering helping hands to get over particularly difficult stretches of rock.

“I read somewhere that we could use large walking sticks to steady our balance in the waters. We could do that and link arms or hold onto each other’s belts…” Gwyn glanced over at Hunt and examined him. Her eyes lingered a little longer on his chest and arms, her throat working as she swallowed.

Her teal eyes met mine as she finished her thought “...or wherever.”

Hunt's lips quirked into a grin. “Spoken like a pro.” Hunt gathered long, sturdy sticks and handing one to Gwyn he asked, “So where should we grab onto each other?”

A soft blush warmed her cheeks as she linked an arm into mine. 

“I’m not wearing a belt so arms it is!”

With sticks in hand and their arms tightly wound together, Gwyn and Hunt made their plans for how they would cross. 

Then they took their first steps into the cold, raging river.

Gwyn cursed through gritted teeth as the lower half of their bodies became submerged. The rigid waters went straight through their clothes, piercing to the bone.

When they had gotten about halfway across when the current picked up, swirling and sucking everything up in its path. 

Hunt squeezed Gwyn’s arm and yelled over the raging river, “Are you ready?!”

“Yeah! I got you!” She called back and her words hit him like a ton of bricks. 

I got you.

Hunt pushed forward, “I got you too, Gwyn!”

Gwyn nodded. Her arm wrapped tight around his and she stepped forward with Hunt into the merciless current.

The first few steps were easy. Just stepping through the outer rings of the current. 

But the moment they entered deeper. Wading through the constant force, that’s when Hunt’s heart stopped.

As his foot slipped and he went under.

Gwyn’s cry pierced through the roar of the rushing water as Hunt was yanked to the side, his hand sliding through Gwyn’s grasp. But he held onto her, squeezing her as he was pulled beneath the waves.

“Hunt!”  

Panic surged through him. For that split second his mind brought him back to a dark, dilapidated building. A cold cell. Bodies and blood…

He blinked it all away as he pulled back on the current. Letting go of his walking stick, he grabbed her hand with both of his. Her tight grip reassured him that she had him. 

Hunt held his breath, desperately trying to find purchase for his feet as his head bobbed above and below the water. They were slipping and tumbling. But Gwyn held on. 

The river guided them slightly off course and into an outcropping of boulders. 

Hunt’s body smacked into the stone, his ribs and shoulder aching. But he wasn’t moving anymore. No. Gwyn had them hooked around the boulder. Gripping the side with her foot. Protecting him against the current with her own body.

“I got you, Hunt!” She yelled.

Then a roar rushed behind them as a sudden wave of water crashed around the sharp river bend and hit them full force. 

Gwyn started to slip. She screamed as her leg slipped against the rock, slicing into the jagged edge of a broken tree limb. 

Blood gushed into the water as Hunt held on to the rock and her. Holding steady until the rushing water passed.

When it did, Hunt hauled Gwyn into his arms and pulled both of them on top of the boulder.

Gwyn swore loudly as she pulled her leg behind her. Blood ran in crimson rivulets down the rock.

Hunt reached for her, “Let me see.”

She didn’t argue as she scrunched her face and swung her leg around, angling it for Hunt to get a better look.

It was deep, but not life threatening. No major arteries hit. 

“You’re going to be okay. I’m going to staunch the bleeding now. Then find shelter -- there I’ll determine if I need to stitch you up.”

“Stitch me up?” She screeched. 

“The cut is deep –”

“Have you done sutures before?”

“Many times,” Hunt replied grimly.

Gwyn pressed her lips together then nodded. “Okay…okay let’s do this.”

Hunt patted her shoulder, “That’s my girl.” And set to work.

He had her legs wrapped and protected from the elements in a matter of minutes. His fingers working on field training memory. 

He helped Gwyn to her feet and stayed as her crutch while they found shelter.

—

The overhang of rocks wasn't the best shelter. The wind still whipped around them, chilling them to the bone with their soaked clothes.

Hunt sat Gwyn down gently, wincing with her as her face contorted in pain.

Hunt rolled back the pant leg that covered the wound and Gwyn flinched. “Easy,” he said, his voice soothing. “Good thing is…I won’t need to stitch you up with a needle.” He continued as he examined the damage done by the stick.

“Drats,” Gwyn joked.

“Just some butterfly bandages should do.”

He set to work. Gwyn watched him curiously. No longer wincing from the pain. Taking it all in like it was a show.

“You’re very meticulous,” she pointed out. Watching him lay the bandaids out. Measuring how many he could fit. While it wasn’t a super deep cut, it was long. Spanning from her knee to near her ankle. He wanted to make sure he had the right amount!

“Thank you.”

“Very gentle too.”

His face heated at her words as he said again, “Thank you.”

Hunt placed his forefinger and thumb around the laceration and pinched. Gwyn hissed in a breath.

“Tell me something I don’t know about you. You mentioned a sister last night? Tell me about her.” He knew Gwyn was strong and a little pain wouldn’t bother her, but a distraction was nice sometimes.

But instead of a merry tale of her sister, Hunt got something else.

Gwyn sighed and replied quietly, “My sister died 2 years ago. In a car accident. Hit by a drunk driver.” Her chest rose and fell with her confession. The words spilling from her lips like it was relieving to finally be speaking them. “Brad and I got into a fight while we were out on a date and I told him to leave. He did, and I went to the local bar after calling Catrin. She told me to order her favorite drink. We’d get drunk together and call a ride share home.” Gwyn swallowed hard and whispered, “But she never came.”  

“It’s my fault she’s dead. If I would’ve just left that idiot –” Gwyn ran a hand down her face, “It’s one of the reasons I chose to climb Ramiel. I don’t know why I feel the need to do this, but I do and I have to. If not for me, then for Catrin.”

“I’m sorry about your sister, Gwyn.” Hunt pinched another section of her wound together before carefully applying the bandage. “I – I know how it feels. To lose someone and feel that weight of responsibility that you should’ve been there to stop it. To prevent it…” Hunt placed a hand on her knee after he set the first bandage. His thumb moving in slow circles against her skin. "You saved my life back there and I bet Catrin would've expected nothing less from you."

Gwyn nodded slowly, but remained silent for the remaining duration it took him to patch her up.

“I’ll prepare some food for us,” he said, putting away the first aid kit.

Then Gwyn broke her silence, "Is that why you're climbing Ramiel, Hunt? For the thing you wish you could've prevented?"

His pulse skittered at the way she said her name…at the nerves the question elicited.

Hunt took a deep breath. And then another…and another. Gwyn waited patiently. Scooting in just a fraction closer. 

“Two years ago when I was discharged, it was because of a mission that succeeded in some ways, but failed in others. I lost men…close friends. Was nearly captured by enemy forces myself…”

He’d only ever spoken about the mission to the military appointed therapist and the few officers who needed his testimony for the courts. They all had kept a straight face as Hunt went over and over every detail of the mission. His therapist had listened to him pick it apart, looking for the moment it all went wrong. Spending every minute of their sessions hating himself for not finding the answer.

“I needed to find something to focus on that wasn’t that mission. My therapist recommended a creative outlet as a way to relieve the tension and stress I was feeling. So I went to a museum which happened to be showcasing a series of images taken by a wildlife photographer –”

The corner of Gwyn’s mouth crinkled, “Let me guess… the photography series was about Ramiel?”

Hunt huffed a laugh, “Yup. The little blurb next to one of the images mentioned how healing it was to climb it. To accomplish something bigger than ourselves.”

Hunt started laying out the meal supplies, pulling out the freeze dried beef stroganoff and pickled beets, and handing Gwyn hers. The moment he began putting his energy into packing and preparing for the climb, was the moment everything changed. He could get out of his head. Even if just for this moment.

“So what happens after you climb Ramiel?” Gwyn asked.

He shrugged. He honestly didn’t know at first. What would he do after he climbed Ramiel? Fall back into a spiral of wondering if he’d called in for back up too late? If his decision to take the alleyway was what got half his platoon killed and him shoved into a dark, damp cellar for nearly two weeks…

He found Gwyn’s gaze. Her eyes were full of quiet encouragement.

Don’t isolate yourself. He thought.

Maybe he could keep doing this. Going on adventures and freeing his mind, but something itched under his skin. A feeling like he was leaving something important out of his planning.

Gwyn waited patiently for his answer. Watching him with curiosity as she added water to her packet and shoveled it into her mouth. It sparked something in him. Her soft gaze transporting him to serenity. Her irreverent charm.

He hadn’t expected to find Gwyn on this journey. But from the moment he met her, he felt her light. Her driving force. The spark to the lightning inside him. To this new electricity that had jolted through him whenever he looked at her. 

It was then he knew what he was missing.

“That depends,” he said finally, putting his packet to the side.

“On what?”

“On you.”

Gwyn blinked, “Me?”

His face was hot and suddenly he wasn’t sure if what he was about to say next was exactly appropriate. He came up onto his knees and confessed, “Before you got on the bus I was starting to doubt my choice. Wondering if this was really what I should be doing. If doing this one thing for myself was too selfish. Then you threw chocolate pieces at me.” 

He had noticed the desperation in her face first the moment her candy went flying. Then he noticed her teal jewel eyes and smattering of freckles that were strewn across her face like the stars in the night sky. She was light and laughter and everything he’d been missing.

“I’m not sure if I would’ve gotten off the bus if it wasn’t for you, Gwyn. If it wasn’t for your infectious willpower and your determination to live life to the fullest. I, uh –” He swallowed his nerves and spoke what had been on his mind since their journey began. 

“I want to climb another Ramiel with you. To embark on something new…together.”

Gwyn’s eyes had grown to the size of saucers by the time he’d finished speaking. Her lips slightly parted. 

“If you want,” he added, not sure if her silence was good or bad.

Finally, she blinked. “Sorry – I wasn’t ready for that answer. What if…what if I don’t even know what I’m doing?” Gwyn sat up taller, putting her own food to the side. “Before I ran to catch that bus, I was engaged and starting to plan a wedding to a guy I didn’t even love –”

“Then we help each other figure it out.”

She raised a brow at him, “Like accountabilibuddies ?” Gwyn placed a hand on the ground, the position leaning her closer to him.

He chuckled, “That’s one option, yes.”

“What’s the other option?”

His heart pounded in his chest and ears. Their faces now only inches from one another as he said, “Whatever you want it to be, Gwyn.”

Gwyn pulled in a breath. The hot air tickled his lips as she spoke, “And what if I want that option to be something absolutely crazy.”

“Like what?” he asked, lifting his chin to her, their lips now grazing.

“I don’t know, like…what if I kissed you?” she breathed.

Hunt smiled. The movement caused their noses to brush and bring them that much closer.

“Would you like to kiss me?”

Gwyn’s heavy breaths stuttered as she inched closer. 

“Maybe –”

“Maybe’s not a straight answer.”

“Yes.”

“Yes what?”

Gwyn growled, “Yes I’d like to kiss you – though if you ask me one more questio – oh!”

And then Hunt kissed her.

Their mouths collided. Fitting into one another like a puzzle piece.

At first Gwyn didn’t move. Stunned by the suddenness of his kiss. He worried for a moment if that was way too rash, but then she moved. She fisted her hands in his shirt and kept him in her orbit. 

Her lips were soft and seeking against his. Learning every curve of his mouth with her own. Adding her tongue when she started to feel bold.

His hand came up to cup her face, deepening the kiss until he was swimming with the need to come up for air. Gwyn broke away first, only to take a few panting breaths before wrapping her arms around his neck and pulling him in closer and sealing their lips again. 

She pulled and grabbed his hair. Desperate to be as close to him as she could get. Craving all of him.

And he needed her too. Gods did he need her. Her smooth freckled skin beneath his touch. The way her lips moved against his. Her tongue dragging along the seam of his mouth. Begging for entrance. How she enveloped his mouth, his breath, the very air he needed to survive.

He needed all of her.

Chapter Text

Gwyn

“I need you,” Hunt whispered against Gwyn’s mouth. His fingers carded through her hair, massaging her scalp.

That simple touch. Those three words – sent her over the edge.

The heat in her core ached – needing more.

“I need you too,” she panted, grasping at any fabric of clothing on him that she could. “Now, Hunt…I need you now –” 

Their frantic hands pushed and pulled at each other’s clothes. Tossing item after item to the side until Hunt was in his black boxer briefs and Gwyn in her light blue sports bra and grey cotton underwear.

She’d been fantasizing about this from the moment she woke up this morning and Hunt was holding her leg. His touch had left a mark. An imprint that burned all day.

From that one touch, to all the other touches after – the hand holding as they scaled rock walls, the carefully placed hands on thighs and backs as they guided one another across the ravine, her body pressed to his against the rapid bombarded rocks – all of it a road map to this moment.

Hunt was delicate with her as he laid her back against the mound of clothes they formed into a makeshift bed. His lips placed gentle kisses on her mouth, his hands roamed her body. Learning every curve and freckle, committing to memory the feel of her in his hands as he kneaded and stroked.

His fingertips traced the outline of her bra, drawing goosebumps across her skin. Her hips rose to meet his thigh and his fingertips moved there too, tracing her underwear until she was soaked through.

Gwyn let out a moaning breath as he slid his hand into her underwear and cupped her ass under the fabric. Squeezing her with his strong hands. Her moans turned into giggles as he jiggled her ass in his hands before he yanked her underwear down. 

“I’m going to devour you, Gwyn – staring at your perfect ass all day has had me hard more times than I can count.”

She bit her bottom lip and cooed, “Tell me what you’ve been fantasizing about.” She reached up and stroked the side of his face, her hips rolling and pushing against his hand that trailed up and down her inner thigh. Stroking her closer and closer to where she was throbbing for his touch.

He gave her a lopsided grin, “I thought about what it would be like to touch you –” his hand trailed further down her leg until his index finger brushed against her swollen lips. Her hips stuttered in response. 

“To taste you –” His lips followed the same path, from her knee, down her thighs, until she could feel his breath hot against her cunt. Her hips moved again, seeking his mouth, but he was holding back. Keeping a teasingly small amount of space between his lips and hers, which were dripping wet and he’d barely even touched her yet…

“Hunt,” she breathed, “ Please – I want you to taste me.”

Her ex barely pleasured her in this way, claiming how unsanitary it was. Yet he’d expect her to give him a blow job nearly every night. She had shaved and bathed, douched even though it irritated her – all to have Brad go down on her only a handful of times. 

She was aching, starving for it and here Hunt was. His face between her legs, tickling her unkempt bush with his fingers. Opening her slick covered lips wide, breathing in her aroma. For a moment she was mortified that she was asking him to do this. To eat her out when she hadn’t shaved in weeks and had been sweating since they set out this morning…

But then she felt him press a gentle kiss to the lips between her legs and all previous worries flew out of the cave

Another kiss.

A flick of his tongue.

One long lap, from one end of her opening to the other.

“Oh gods… do that again… ” Gwyn whined.

And Hunt did. Over and over. Kiss. Flick. Lick.

Gwyn was writhing, the pleasure hot and intense inside her. He didn't relent in his task, stroking her to the edge of bliss, then bringing her back down. Over and over.

Her hips swiveled and sought more. Grinding against his face without a care. 

Hunt moaned and growled, relishing in her pussy. Feasting on her like she was his first meal in a millenia. 

His lips closed around her clit and sucked, just as she felt fingers at her opening, spreading the slick and spit all around. Gathering it on his finger tips, he pressed one finger in. Feeding her pulsing cunt. She was so wet, so slick that his second finger went in without resistance. Filling her more.

Gwyn moaned, clutching at the clothing beneath them. Shoving her pussy into his face, taking in as much of his fingers as she could get. 

Hunt glanced up at her, grinning as his fingers worked inside her in a slow methodical rhythm.

In…out….in ….out 

Her face was hot, her body shaking with the need to release her orgasm –

“Gods Gwyn – you're beautiful. Taking my fingers like a good girl.”

Oh gods!

His words settled deep in her core, fueling the intense pleasure that was building inside her. 

She was panting, sweating as Hunt pumped his fingers. As he bent down and sucked her clit. Letting her take as much time as she needed. 

It was ecstasy and perfection. He touched her in all the right places. Made her feel pleasure in a way she never had before. And when she came, it was with a bellowing moan that echoed in the cave.

Gwyn’s hands held Hunt’s face between her legs as she pushed down on his tongue that lapped wildly at her throbbing clit. She clenched against his fingers, her pussy fluttering with each wave of pleasure.

He pulled back. Leaving her empty and throbbing.

Then he was hovering over her. Her blurry post orgasm vision righted itself as she looked up into his face. Which was now glistening with her slick. With a lewd slurp, he licked his lips and smirked down at her.

Gwyn smiled back and wrapped her good leg around his back, pulling her in closer to him. Feeling his bulge against her wet pussy.

His mouth opened as he let out a breath and groaned with a wild gruffness, “You want my cock too, Gwyn?”

She shivered and ground against his bulge. “Yes,” she breathed. Then she dragged his face down to hers and kissed him deeply. She could taste herself as their tongues danced together in a desperate and needy kiss. Her body ached and her pussy throbbed for all of him.

Gwyn reached between their bodies, wiggling her fingers under the band of his briefs and started tugging them off of him. Her hands learned his body after she discarded the garments. Squeezed his ass. Cupped his balls. Scratched at his hips and thighs. 

Hunt whined into the kiss when she dragged a finger along the underside of his cock and she wanted to hear that sound again. A man, rugged and wild like Hunt under the spell of her touch.

She played with his cock. Whispers of touches pulling louder moans and whines from him.

He pulled away from the kiss to lay his forehead to hers. “Fuck Gwyn – your touch is incredible.” Gwyn warmed at his words, listening to him describe her body as something to revere. “I have condoms. I’m also clean. Haven’t been with anyone since I tested when leaving the military.”

Gwyn giggled, “You brought condoms on a hike with you?”

Hunt carded his fingers through her hair, settling more of his weight between her legs. Then replied nonchalantly, “I just happen to carry some in my wallet. For cases like this.”

He kissed her on the lips, the nose, and her forehead. His length dragged against her opening and she mewled, “I’m clean too and if you really want to use the condoms you can, but I’m on birth control.”

Hunt buried his face in her neck, kissing along her skin. Licking her jaw and nuzzling behind her ear. Gwyn grabbed his hips as they rolled against hers. Grinding against her in a maddening rhythm. 

The wetness between her thighs was absurd. Her pussy clenching around nothing. Then Hunt gasped as she grabbed his cock and lined him up to her entrance. 

Hunt sunk into her. The head of his cock alone pushed her wide. An almost painful pressure. But then his thumb found her pounding clit and stroked her.

Gwyn saw stars as he pushed further into her, her head thrown back in ecstasy.

“Fuck!” She panted. Gods he wasn’t even halfway and she already felt so full.

“Such a beautiful goddess coming undone,” Hunt whispered, pressing into her more before backing out and slowly sliding into her. Working her open. “You’re taking my cock so good…so fucking good.”

Gwyn’s eyes rolled and her back arched as he slid in all the way. Filling her to the point of blissful pain. He pulled out and slid in again. Slowly. Her nails dug into his skin, her body shaking with the consuming feeling of him.

He was so big and she felt it in each thrust. Her pussy tightened and clenched around him. The waves of pleasure rolled through her from head to toe as he hit her deeper than she’d ever felt.

It was overwhelming and Gwyn was surprised when a single tear rolled down her cheek. But Hunt was there to catch it with his mouth. Kissing the trail it left behind on her face. “Are you okay?” He asked. His hips started moving slower now, pulling back to relieve the pressure she felt.

Gwyn scrambled, her hands and leg pulling him back to her. His cock sinking into her once again, “Yes – don’t stop. I’ve never – I’ve never felt like this before.”

Hunt swiveled his hips. His cock hard inside her hitting every nerve ending with electricity. “Tell me what you want,” he whispered.

Gwyn whined. “ Everything,” she said. “I want it fast and hard. I want it slow and steady. I want it to ache – to not be able to walk afterwards. I want whatever you’ll give me, Hunt.”

She felt Hunt’s smile against the skin of her cheek and then he obliged her.

His thrusts were slow and steady while he trailed kisses across her shoulders. Sucked her nipples beneath her sports bra before tearing that away and taking them in his mouth.

Then they were fast and hard. Rocking her into the thin pile of clothes beneath them. The rock was biting into her back, but Gwyn relished in it. Lived for this mix of pain and pleasure.

Her orgasm reached its peak as he found a rhythm that hit her deeper, made her feel everything tenfold.

“I’m going to cum –” Hunt said, panting. Sweat dripped down his skin. The sound of his hips snapping against hers. The squelch of her wetness mixed with their moans and mewls.

Gwyn nodded, “Me too – ohhh fuck!”

Hunt thrust deep into her. Sheathing himself to the hilt as his cum coated her insides. His thumb rolled against her swollen clit and she was coming. Clenching around his pulsing cock.

Their cries of ecstasy echoed in the cave, their panting and small moans following after.

Gwyn let out one last shocked cry as Hunt pulled slowly out of her. The sudden emptiness makes her weep with the absence of him. But then he curled around her. Laying next to her and cradling her with an arm and leg draped over her. He wrapped around her as if he was laying his claim.

They breathed heavily together until they fell into a rhythm. Slowing their breaths. Their bodies were sticky with sweat, but Gwyn was content. 

Hunt wrapped a blanket around them and nuzzled into her hair. Spooning her on the floor of the cave.

They fell asleep in each other’s arms, both of them too spent to do anything other than close their eyes and drift off into a deep sleep.

—-

Gwyn and Hunt finished climbing Ramiel by afternoon the next day. Both of them pushed each other harder. Gwyn’s ankle was manageable. Truth be told they probably would’ve reached the summit quicker, but they took their time.

When they both reached the top, they took in the incredible sight around them. Velaris was below, gleaming in the afternoon sun. The rest of the mountain range stretched out around them. The peaks and rolling hills created a beautiful vista for as far as the eye could see.

Gwyn turned to Hunt with her phone raised, “We need a picture of this moment.”

Hunt wrapped his arm around her, tugging her close. His touch had always been filled with electricity, but ever since they’d had sex it was more intense. A weight of rightness in every physical interaction.

Her chest sparked with joy the more and more he did it.

His hand palmed her stomach as he leaned his head to hers. They smiled for the first picture, posed like adventurers in the second, and were kissing in the third one.

They returned to the village by nightfall where they shared a meal then spent the rest of their time off in the village. Getting a hotel room for two more nights. 

They spent those nights up late, learning more about each other, binging movies, having sex all over the hotel room.

The bus ride home was filled with anxious energy. What happened now?

Did they just go their separate ways? Did they make something of this? 

Hunt was the one to break that tension first. When they were an hour out from Gwyn’s stop, he asked, “What do you plan to do now, Gwyn?”

She smirked, “You mean what’s my next Ramiel?”

He chuckled, “Sure. Your next Ramiel…or just what are you doing tonight?”

Gwyn raised a brow at him and opened her mouth to reply then realized…what was she doing tonight?

She certainly wasn’t going to go back to Brad. She could ask her friends if she could crash at their place, but then what? She’d need to find a new place to stay. Buy new furniture. She didn’t want the old stuff. The stuff she bought with Brad. She would need something new…

“I – I didn’t have any plans actually.”

He smiled, his teeth dazzling behind his perfectly pink lips. “I have an extra bed –”

“Oh wow, I get the spare room huh?” she teased.

Hunt laughed, “Well I could also offer you the king size bed in my room?”

Gwyn leaned into him, her chest to his shoulders, staring up into deep, brown eyes. “Does it come with the man in it?”

“It does,” he said.

Gwyn couldn’t hold back her delighted smile, “Well then I guess I’m going home with you tonight.”

Gwyn stayed on the bus until they got off at the end of the line in Lunathian where they became more than just “accountabilibuddies”.