164 Fragile love (2/2)

”But why? How?” She asked in utter confusion and disbelief.

His smile widened, ”Because no one else could even compare to you.” He stroked his and over her hair as he studied her admiringly. ”You're beauty, your bravery and strength, your caring nature...”

She through her arms around his neck. ”I have felt the same for some time as well, but then why wait until now to tell me?” She asked as happy tears streamed down her cheeks. She scattered joyful kisses across his neck.

Peg leaned his head to one side, giving her better access to his throat as he ran one hand over her back and hips and the other through her hair. ”After seeing what Zeus did last night... After seeing how fast happiness and love can be taken away...” He cupped her face, gently moving her away enough to lock gazes with her. ”After the way you were looking at me when you thought I was still sleeping and the way you touched my lips... I couldn't hide my feelings any longer.” He chuckled in ironic amusement. ”I doubt anyone else would be as surprised to hear my admittance as you.”

She laughed as more happy tears streamed down her face. ”I was so convinced you only saw me as a sister or close friend.” She shook her head unable to stop the goofy smile from spreading wider across her face. ”I seriously thought you were only attracted to men, it's been such an ongoing thing for so long.”

He shrugged as he brought his mouth to hers. ”It was easier if people thought I was.” He whispered against her lips. ”It was easier to spend endless days alone with you, to be able to kiss you and hold you whenever I pleased, for us to share beds and baths.” His grin widened devilishly. ”It was better than when you thought me to be only just a horse.” He winked.

She swatted his chest playfully before kissing his closed lips. ”You are horrible.”

His faux wicked smile widened, ”I am a son of Poseidon, you know.” He tightened his grip around her waist and rapidly flipped her onto her back on the mattress as he came over her. ”So what will you do with me now?”

Her smile faded as she bit down on her lower lip and tangled her legs around each of his. ”I can think of one thing.” She whispered as she worked the remaining three buttons of his shirt loose.

He bent and captured her lips in a passionate kiss as he maneuvered enough for her to push his shirt from his shoulders.

She trailed her fingers along the tattooed symbol over his chest as he pulled the shirt free of his arms. Two stallion heads faced each other with a trident between them, coming out from behind each stallion was a full plume of feathered wings. ”Pegasus...” She whispered.

His eyes gleamed in the moonlight as they held hers, ”Yes Andromeda?”

She moved both her hands slowly up to either side of his face and pulled it down to hers. Pressing her lips to his, she whispered. ”I love you.”

He smiled widely down at her. ”I love you, too.” He puffed out a long breath, giving her one of his usual goofy smiles. ”We should probably do this the right way... don't you agree?”

Andromeda nodded. ”Yes... I... I know things between Perseus haven't been great for years now... but I still believe it would be best to give him a heads up before we rush forward with this...” She leaned forward and kissed his lips. ”But in all truth, I don't think it will come as much of a surprise.”

Peg laughed, ”Honestly, I doubt it will anyone. It's why I've put on such a strong act all these years. My brothers have teased me as long as I can remember about you.” He shrugged one shoulder. ”I guess I figured as open as most of the gods and demi-gods has always been and Ry as he is... no one would think otherwise.” He laid down beside her and pulled her against him. A light chuckle rumbled through his chest. ”Besides, I've been a virgin all this time, what will a little while longer hurt?” He pulled her into a tight huge with one arm and tickled her stomach with the other hand.

”Peg stop!!!” She giggled, slapping playfully at his arm. Their laugher broke off as their gazes met. ”Peg...” Her cheeks reddened as she bit her bottom lip, searching his gaze. ”Are you really a virgin?”

Peg nodded. ”Probably the oldest living one... male anyways...” He rubbed his chin thoughtfully. ”Do you think Artemis is still one?”

Andromeda trailed her hand along the opening of Peg's shirt as she pondered the question. ”You know, I've often wondered the same thing... I really don't think Ry would be as tore up as he is if they hadn't... would he?”

Peg shrugged, ”If I lost you right now, I'd still be just as upset. Granted I probably would find something better to do with my grief than drown them in whores and ale.”

Andromeda frowned. ”Do you think it's been long enough for them to be together again?”

Peg shook his head. ”I don't think it will ever be long enough as long as Apollo has anything to say about it. I doubt Artemis would ever risk Apollo finding out Ry's even still alive.”

Andromeda let out a long sigh, ”I hope this thing with us doesn't become some tragic story some day. It seems like everyone we know has had some kind of tragic experience with love.”

Peg rolled onto his side facing her. He stroked his hand over her cheek. ”Let's not go into this with the worst in mind. Let's hope that our love can be one that's written in the stars.”

Andromeda smiled as she cupped her hand over his, holding it against her cheek. ”You and I will always be together, even as stars... it doesn't matter how this goes with everyone else. You are mine and I am yours, always together, never apart.” She wrapped her arms around his neck as he leaned down to kiss her, a deep passionate kiss that carried them both through the night on clouds of hope and desire.