Yenay slept so soundly that morning that Qinyang barely breathed, as she lay in the dark before dawn. Her wife had fallen asleep, her head nestled on Qin's, stomach, her hand still cupping the side of Qin's perfect breast.

Qin's hand was the only thing that moved. The stunned and disbelieving woman could not resist winding those soft, dark curls around her fingers. They snaked through her fingertips, silky to the touch; entwining as if they were alive and seeking the warmth of the sun on a chilly day. She smiled. It was dreamlike, fuzzy, and safe, like this. She knew the work still involved in helping Yenay to a faster recovery, but to her surprise, her mate had leaped into it with both feet yesterday morning. Her inner General had taken hold, as if she had been lying in wait to ambush them both and take control. It was amazing to watch, feel, and rediscover.

She hated to admit it, but Lan Zhan had opened the door against her exact wishes, and she owed his instincts a huge debt. If he had refused to answer Yenay's questions, she would never have taken this step at this time. And Qinyang had been powerless to resist her. Could her weakness have done more damage than good?

How would Yenay react this morning? Would she remain receptive, or would she withdraw again? If she drew back, how on earth would Qinyang ever bear that isolation of enduring the agony of an enforced, unrequited love again? As far back as she could remember, she had always received that love from her Soldier, warming herself and never questioning its being there for her? Would she, could she, retreat and go back to smothering her feelings?

She sighed sharply.

"You worry too much." A soft murmur as Yenay awoke immediately. She rose and sat, looking down at her mate. She brushed a strand of golden hair back off the concerned face, and her amazing eyes bore down into the dazed and apprehensive face of her Soldier's Woman.

"I can read you so well, suddenly... I have not changed my mind or my focus. I love you and want to work towards normal. I also want to regain my talents and be ready to kill Xue Yang." 

The copper-eyed beauty tightened her grip and moved upward to capture Qinyang's mouth. The kiss was long, sure, and deep. Qin sank into it, her head spinning. When it ended, Yenay was watching, eyes open and waiting for Qin's lids to lift. Qin's breathing stopped in shock. Seeing them only an inch away, molten once more, was intoxicating. She caught her breath and dug deep.

"I don't...I can't...Impulsive be...behavior like this could set you backward. I am ashamed of my lack of control around you at this moment. We must not rush this. "

"I rush into nothing. You know that about me. I will protect Halo, too. She is me and she is precious to me. I will learn how to help that part of me as well. Time to share the burden, my Soldier's Wife."

"You may not be ready."

" I will never know until I start. I am ready to begin this at your side as a woman and a soldier, not a broken recluse with no reserves to defend herself or those she loves. It is time."

By this time, Qinyang was sitting up as well. She searched her wife's face and saw only the stubborn resolve of her Yenay. She suddenly felt the air in her lungs expel as she began to release her fears. Not only that, but she laid her forehead on Yenay's chest and tears of happiness and joy burst through at that moment. She could feel the familiar strokes of Yenay's hands on her hair, and she wrapped her arms possessively around her waist and hung on as if she were a buoy in a dark and endless sea. She felt safe, at home. again.

A butterfly landed and they heard the patient voice of Lan XiChen.

"Are you two going to join us for breakfast?"

"Stop being a nag. We will surface when we choose. Make reservations for dinner. We will come out when we damned well want to."

"Yes, Madam Librarian."

The double soaking tub was a high, marble affair and as they waited for it to fill, they stood, naked, exploring each other's new bodies, happy with all they found. Their contrasting tones were startling, exquisite, and dramatic; Yin and Yang in every way, but the eyes were everlastingly the same. They laughed at how close they were in height and build. Deceptive delicacy hid strong bodies, developed as they had sparred and trained together, lithe and athletic. They were as perfect now as they had been when they first met, yet now they were edgy, modern women.

By the time the tub filled, and they sank into the hot, scented water, they were ready. Slow, steady; familiar yet new. Ravenous yet reticent.

They had reserved last night for the gentle touch of light and seeking fingers, persuasive stroking, and reading one another's silent, shy signals. Today was a time of sensual indulgence. Once her fire had sparked, Yenay became daring and creative, and she took over completely, tasting, exploring, and bringing Qinyang to screams of ecstasy. She seemed to love finally being able to make the normally strong and protective woman lose complete control, begging for release and then prolonging it to a crescendo. They dried off and returned to the bedroom where Qinyang laid Yenay gently across the silk quilts.

"May I?' Qinyang questioned softly, then waited for a wordless nod. She felt Yenay tense up for a brief second, then relax into her hands as she stroked the soft skin of the slightly spread thighs. She gentled her and then kissed below the navel, working patiently until she reached her goal, lower and lower. She caressed her secret spot reverently apart and dropped a light kiss on the small, hard bud she was seeking. Yenay emitted a strangled cry and Qinyang pulled slightly away, wary, ready to stop if told. But the woman below gripped her long, golden hair and held tightly for a moment.

Yenay spoke, tremulous, but not frightened. If anything, the emotion washing over her was the most elemental and overwhelming desire she had ever felt, and it made her voice shake at that moment.

"Please. Do not stop. I want...I need...to feel what love is like in this...way. I want to be loved and only by you. Take the hate away from it for me. Love me as only you can."

She moved Qinyang's head closer and Qinyang granted her wish.