ELIJAH

Maya turned around in her sleep and snuggled back into my chest. She was naked as was I and all her turning was making me excited. I didn't want to wake her because she was sleeping so peacefully but we needed to leave the tent. It was already three in the morning and I'd already let her sleep for a couple of hours but we had to move to my room. I didn't want dawn to find us still outside or worse any of my family members. It's already bad enough they all knew what we had been up to for the night because of my mom. She just couldn't keep it to herself. I even got the sex talk again for the second time in my life. I didn't blame her though, I knew she only wanted Maya and I to be safe and I had made sure that we were.

Maya rubbed her nose against my chest once more and I knew that meant that it was itchy probably due to the cold. I needed to get her out of the tent and fast before we both fell sick.

"Bug."I whispered softly.

I gently shook her awake and her eyes fluttered open. She smiled when she saw me and blushed after realizing we were both naked under the thin blanket.

"We need to get up."I informed her.

"No."She grumbled burying her face back into my chest.

"Yes, it's getting colder."I argued but she completely ignored me.

I wasn't enjoying interrupting her sleep in the first place so I decided to take matters into my own hands. I carefully pried her off me and set her down on the pillows. I put on my boxers and a pair of socks before leaning over and picking Maya up into my arms bridal style.

"What are you doing?"Maya mumbled sleepily tightening her hold on my shoulders.

"Taking you inside."I replied.

"Okay."She said snuggling into my neck.

I got up with her in my arms and left the tent. She was fully covered by the blanket so I didn't have to worry about her being exposed and besides there as no one home. It was a hustle unlocking all the doors with her in my arms but I managed.

When I got into my room I set her down on the bed and left her for a few seconds to grab her something to wear from my closet. Most of my clothes were too big for her so I just dressed her in a simple tshirt then got into bed with her. Maya was drifting in and out of sleep the whole time but it felt good being able to take care of her.

"Goodnight bug. I love you."I confessed as I kissed her hair and held her closer to me.

"I love you more."She answered her voice muffled.

It didn't take long for me to fall asleep too since I was exhausted from the activities of earlier that evening.

I woke up a few hours later with Maya lying next to me on her stomach, one of her hands on my chest. I'd realized that even if we weren't glued to each other cuddling, Maya always made sure there was some physical contact between us.

It was already light out so I realized that we had been sleeping for a couple of hours. I was feeling hungry and needed to pee so I slowly pulled Maya's hand from my chest so I could get up. I put my pillow under her hand and she snuggled into it pulling it closer to her. I kissed her forehead and got out of bed. After relieving myself, washing my face end brushing my teeth, I pulled on a pair of pants and left my room.

My mom was in the kitchen having breakfast still in her scrubs so I assumed she had just gotten in.

"Good morning mom."I greeted cheerfully kissing her cheek.

"Morning hun."She replied giving me a knowing look.

"What?"I asked getting some milk from the fridge to make Maya some tea.

"Nothing you just look different."She answered smiling at me.

"No I don't, still the same."I argued.

"Just with your cherry popped."She laughed sipping her coffee.

"Mooom."I groaned feeling embarrassed.

"Sorry, I'll leave you alone. Where is Maya?"She inquired.

"Still sleeping. I'm making her breakfast in bed."I answered.

"Being a gentleman I see. Seems like I did raise you right. Well I'll leave you to it, I'm sleepy."She said getting up with her coffee in hand.

She gave me one last longing look before she walked away chuckling to herself.

Growing up with nine constant women in my life had not been easy but I'd managed. It's a good thing my dad was around to keep me grounded. I knew they all cared about me but my mother and sisters sometimes didn't understand the meaning of boundaries.

Left alone, I decided to hurry on with breakfast since without me in bed Maya wouldn't keep sleeping for very long. I managed to get breakfast done in half an hour. I made some pancakes, scrambled eggs, fruit bowls, chai tea for Maya and coffee for me. I put it all in a tray and carried it up to my bedroom. When I entered Maya was exiting the bathroom looking very adorable in my t-shirt. She smiled when she saw me and gave me one of her shy waves.

"Good morning bug."I greeted passing by her to set breakfast down on the table.

"Morning."She replied eyeing the food.

"Hungry?"I asked pulling her into my arms.

"Very."She whispered placing her hands on my chest and looking up at me.

I leaned in and kissed the corner of her lips. I smelled the toothpaste in her breath when she exhaled so I deemed it safe to kiss her fully. Maya didn't like kissing if our teeth weren't brushed.

"How are you feeling?"I asked pulling away to look into her eyes.

"I'm okay, a little sore but I'm okay."She replied smiling at me.

I was happy to hear that because even if our night had been amazing, the beginning hadn't been so great. Due to our obvious height and size difference it had been painful and uncomfortable for Maya at first. My mom had already anticipated that and given me tips and they had worked amazingly for us. I bad to remember to thank her later, or not depending on my mood and how much she teased me about it.

"Good, now let's get something in you."I declared pulling her to the sofa.

I sat down and tugged Maya's hand so she could sit on my lap. She grinned at me and lay back on my chest hugging my hand to her.

"You have no idea how much I love you. Thank you for last night and for trusting me to be your first."I confessed kissing her neck.

"I've always been yours and it was only a matter of time. We're now linked in every way possible and I couldn't be happier. I love you so much."Maya replied turning her neck slightly so she could kiss me on the lips.

It was a short sweet kiss that left me feeling truly loved. When Maya's stomach rumbled in hunger we both laughed and let go of each other.

"Enough smooching, eat."I demanded softly handing Maya her cup of tea.

"I love how you always remember how I take my tea."She grinned taking a sip and moaning appreciatively.

"I remember everything there is to know about you."I said feeling very proud of myself.

I loved Maya with all my heart so I had to make sure that she was always happy and that meant remembering the small details about her that didn't seem important but they were.

Maya and I chatted as we ate breakfast, never having a dull moment between us. It seemed like nothing had changed since we'd had sex but in reality so much had changed. I had taken my time to worship Maya and show her just how precious she was to me and that reflected in the glow she had on. Just like she had said, we were now connected emotionally, spiritually, mentally and as of last night physically.

I was glad we had healed our relationship and I was working really hard to deal with my issues and be the best boyfriend for Maya. I had my weekly sessions with Dr Ava who was helping me learn how to communicate better. I never wanted to be apart from Maya or hurt her again and if that meant therapy then so be it. Maya deserved the best and I had to make sure I gave it to her.

"Thank you for breakfast."Maya grinned pecking my lips.

"You're welcome, I'll just clear this while you call your aunt and cousins to let them know you're okay."I instructed getting up with the dirty dishes in hand.

"Good idea."Maya said grabbing her phone.

I didn't want to deal with an angry Violet or even worse her aunt. It had taken a while for Violet to forgive me after Maya and I got back together and I didn't want to give her a reason to be mad at me again.

I stacked the dirty dishes in the dishwasher before going back to my room. Maya was on the phone with her aunt when I walked in so I gave her some privacy while I found a shirt to wear and grab Maya's gift.

"I'm done, you can come out now."Maya yelled from the bedroom a few minutes later.

She was seated cross legged on my bed her shoulder exposed because the tshirt she was wearing was too big, her hair tied up in one of my scarves to keep it out of her face. She had no make up on, just a big smile for me.

"Why are you looking at me like that?"Maya asked chucking a pillow at me.

"Just admiring the most beautiful girl on earth who just happens to be my girlfriend."I replied walking towards the bed.

"You aren't so bad yourself mister. Now show me what you're holding behind your back."She demanded holding her hands out.

I laughed and gave her the messily wrapped gift. She tore through it quickly to reveal two navy blue hoodies for the university of Michigan.

"You got us hoodies."Maya cried happily as she admired them.

"I ordered them the day I received my letter."I replied taking a seat next to her on the bed.

"But I hadn't received my letter yet?"Maya asked.

"I know but I knew you would get in. Your grades are better than mine, the entrance essay you wrote was perfect and you are the best athlete in the state. They would have been stupid to say no."I explained.

Maya looked at me with a pout before she launched herself at me making me laugh. I was extremely happy that Maya and I were going to the same university. Even though I was disappointed she had rejected my idea to live together, I completely understood why. She was right, we had to learn to walk before we signed up for a marathon. I knew Maya was the girl for me so there was no hurry as long as we stuck by each others side.

"You are the best boyfriend ever. I love you."Maya declared pulling back to kiss me.

I kissed her back loving the fact that I'd been able to make her happy.

"Want to take a bath with me?"I asked Maya when I realized we hadn't taken a shower since our previous nights activities.

I expected her to say no but was surprised when she nodded and pecked my lips. I grinned and picked her up bridal style carrying her to the bathroom.

Five minutes later, Maya and I were soaking in the tub, her between my legs her back to my chest covered in bubble and a minty scent all around us calming us.

"This is perfect, you're perfect."Maya sighed running her fingers over my tattoo.

"No I'm not but I'm happy you see me that way. You're my everything bug and I know sometimes I don't always deserve you but I'll do my best to make sure I'm worthy of being by your side."I replied kissing my temple.

"I'm just happy and I never want this to end."Maya whispered.

"We'll have to get out of the bath eventually."I chided making her laugh and hit my hand slightly.

"I didn't mean that you big oaf, I meant us."Maya explained.

"I know I was just teasing. You have me forever in this life and all the ones to come. We are soulmates after all."I replied.

Maya turned around in my arms and kissed me hard. She wrapped her hands around my neck and sat astride me in the huge tub. I had already been excited before but with Maya kissing me so passionately I was fully alert. Maya started moving her hips to rub herself against me making me extremely hard.

"Bug stop, I don't want to hurt you."I demanded stopping her movement.

"But I want to."She moaned tugging at my hair to pull by head back so she could kiss my neck.

"Are you sure?"I groaned feeling restraint slide through my fingers.

"Absolutely."She replied sucking on my ear lobe.

"Okay."I moaned lifting her up slightly.

One of her hands slid in between our bodies and took me into her hands. She rubbed me against her for a few seconds driving us both wild before lining me up with her entrance. Slowly she sunk into me making us both groan in pleasure.

"Fuck."I cussed holding back from slamming into her so I didn't hurt her.

Maya's eyes were closed as she leaned her head back in ecstacy. It took a minute for me to be completely inside her and when I was I pulled her face to mine and kissed her. I gave her a moment to adjust before we started moving. It was little tricky because of the soapy water but we found our rhythm. We alternated between kissing, petting each other and simply driving each other would with our movements.

"I love you."I cried into Maya's ear when I felt her walls clamp around me meaning she was close.

"I love you more."She replied pulling back to look at me.

I could see all the love she felt for me in her brown orbs and I hoped she could see my love for her reflected back to her in my eyes.

Maya came around me in a scream and I came a few seconds after her biting her neck to muffle my groans. Maya lay on my chest for a few minutes before she sat up so I could pull out. No words were needed as we enjoyed the rest of our bath and got out twenty minutes later when the water started getting cold.

Maya and I changed into some dry clothes and passed out on my bed in our Michigan hoodies.

We were woken up some time later by a couple of whispering voices.

"Awe, they look so cute together. Let's take pictures."Violet's unmistakable voice commented and immediately started taking pictures of us.

"This feels like a violation of privacy."Wade replied trying to be the voice of reason.

"Do you think they actually did it?"Finn asked.

"Of course they did."Violet asked.

"But she's so small and he's so big, how did that happen?"Finn asked and I realized that it was time to let them know we were awake before the conversation took another turn.

I had no idea how they had gotten into my room since the door was locked.

Maya spoke up before I did letting me know she was awake.

"We need new friends."Maya groaned burying herself further into my chest.

"Indeed we do bug."I agreed with her opening my eyes to see all our friends in my room surrounding us.

"Unfortunately for you, we're all you've got."Violet declared.

"You're being so creepy right now."Maya said scolding them as she got up to glare at them.

They didn't even seem fazed which didn't surprise me, Maya's mean face didn't have much of an effect but mine did.

"Guys what are you doing here?"I asked scowling at then making them cower away.

"Making memories before we part."Violet squeaked.

"That's what Norway is for."Maya groaned reminding me of that specific detail.

Maya had invited our friends to tag along with us for our vacation. We had planned to go together after graduation but she just had to include them. Yes they were our friends but I just wanted a vacation with my girl. It was all done now and there was no need crying over spilt milk. But the more annoying they got, the more I regretted agreeing.

"In my defense, they made me."Wendy defended herself.

"We brought cake."Violet declared taking it from Wades hand.

She opened the box and held it out for Maya and I to see. Maya and I looked at the cake in shock, then at Violet, back to the cake then at each other.

"Vee."Maya groaned.

"It's to celebrate that you two popped each other's cherries."She declared looking very proud of herself.

The cake was a purple and heart shaped but had the word virgin on it in white and striked out in pink.

"Okay all of you out, we'll see you downstairs in a few."I declared getting out of bed to chase them away.

"Having sex didn't make you less grumpy. Are you sure it was good sex?"Finn asked.

"Out."I boomed and they all filled out of the room.

I slammed the door closed behind them and turned to look at Maya. We both looked at each other with surprised faces before we simultaneously burst out laughing.

"How much do you think we'd get if we sold them in the black market?"Maya asked once we had controlled ourselves.

"Enough to set us up for life but we keep them around because life would be boring without them."I replied.

"You're right. We better get to them before they come back though."Maya said getting out of bed.

She was in the Michigan hoodie and a pair of shorts looking very adorable. I pulled her into my arms and kissed her hard.

"To answer Finn's question because I know you'll be wondering. Sex with you was perfect because I had it with my special girl."I said when we pulled away.

"It was perfect for me too."Maya grinned happily.

I kissed her forehead before picking her up and tossing her over my shoulder making her laugh and slap my back.

"Eli put me down."She demanded but I ignored her and laughed with her.

I carried her to the kitchen where everyone was snacking on our food and set her down on the counter. Her eyes were unfocused for a few seconds as blood resumed flowing normally.

"I hate it when you carry me like that."She scolded.

"Sorry."I said kissing her cheek even if we both knew it wouldn't be the last time I picked her up like that.

"You two are definitely glowing. How was the sex?"Wendy asked.

"None of your business."Maya retorted.

"Okay fine but we're happy for both of you."Wendy replied with a pout.

"Now aren't you glad I made you go on birth control."Violet declared.

"Sure Vee, this is all on you."Maya agreed with a laugh.

It was a little awkward eating the cake but it was delicious and well meant so we forgave Violet for her absurd idea.

Since they had interrupted our lazy day we forced all of them into watching our favorite movies with us. We had fun together as always and I decided to treasure the moments we were having because soon enough we would all he going to different universities around the country and who knew when we would be together as a group again.

At least my girl would be with me in Michigan, that idea comforted me. As Maya and I snuggled onto the sofa watching The Croods I couldn't help but count my blessings. Maya and I were finally in a happy place and I looked forward to our future together. A future where we were done with school, both with successful careers, already married and with a couple of