After The Magic Has Faded

Things progressed at such a rate that he couldn't remember what order everything happened in. He was wrapped in her smooth, warm skin. He gazed down at her before pressing into her, taking a deep breath.

Astoria closed her eyes and shuddered, her fingers curling in his hair. She kissed his neck, gently sucking on one particular spot.

It didn't last long, being their first time and all, but it was perfect. Passionate and loving.

It hurt at first, but felt really good once she got used to it. When it was all over, Astoria laid back and closed her eyes, trying to catch her breath.

Joey laid down beside her, his eyes closed and breathing heavy. Beads of sweat layered his sling and he licked his chapped lips,"Wow..."

Astoria turned on her side and snuggled up to him, kissing his chest. She wasn't sure what to say. She was still blushing furiously.

Joey embraced her whole heartedly, kissing her head and rubbing her back. He pulled the blankets around them and watched as the sun set outside. V

Astoria gently stroked his chest, sighing softly before looking up at him. "I hope that you won't come to regret this." She whispered.

"Why would I ever regret this?" Joey asked, concerned. Why would he ever regret something so beautiful?

Astoria looked down and watched the rise and fall of his chest. "I'm just scared of hurting you." She whispered.

"Well... Don't,"Joey said softly,"And I won't hurt you.."

Astoria sat up slightly and propped herself on her elbow, looking down at him. "Whenever I get angry, just don't come near me. Okay?"

"Astoria,"Joey said, shaking his head and sighing,"If I can help you, why wouldn't I?"

Astoria smiled. "You don't understand." She whispered. "I can seriously hurt you without meaning to. I blew up a building just by screaming in my own grief and anger."

Joey sighed and laid back, not knowing what to say. What do you say to that? Nothing. He rolled his lips together and watched her, nodding,"Okay."

Astoria sighed and touched his cheek. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to ruin the mood. I just wanted to warn you before this gets too.. Advanced."

"Between us? How much more advanced can we get?"Joey asked softly, sitting up on his elbow.

Astoria bit her bottom lip and looked down. "Nothing." She whispered. She kissed his cheek before laying back.

Joey wrapped his arms around her and held her close,"I will be here through whatever you are willing to let me be."

Astoria rested her face in the crook of his neck and closed her eyes. "Thank you." She whispered, kissing his shoulder. "So, did you get warm enough?" She asked.

Joey chuckled and nodded, giving her a playful squeeze,"Yes, Yes I did."

Astoria smiled and sighed contently. "Are you hungry?" She asked, running her hand over his side and chest.

"Actually, very,"he said with a chuckle, nodding. He sat up, looking around for their clothes, which were scattered around the tent.

(Gotta go for dinner, I'll be back later!)

Astoria sat up and found the sheet, wrapping it around her body. She got up, shivering all of a sudden as she found bits and pieces of her clothes.

"So, what do we do next? Stay? Travel?" Joey wasn't quite sure when it would be safe to go out. What if the war wasn't over? Or, what if someone caught him? He was scared and worried.

Astoria took the blanket off of her and slipped her clothes on. "I don't know yet." She said softly. "Do you have any idea where that family could be?"

"They could still be home, wizard homes were virtually untouched because of, well, magic," Joey said with a shrug,"Unless there is a safe haven for wizards somewhere I have no idea."

Astoria shook her head. "Not that I know of. We use protective enchantments. We can go tomorrow if you'd like."

He nodded slowly, pulling the blanket over his waist and sitting up,"We need to be careful..."

Astoria nodded. "We will be." She smiled over her shoulder at him before going outside to start a fire and cook some beans.