Sharpen the Blade, Share the Bed(R18)

Jason woke early, his stomach grumbling in anticipation of what the day would bring. He found Richard in the laboratory, adjusting equipment on a counter that would soon determine his fate.

"Hungry?" Richard asked, seeming to read his mind.

"Starving," Jason admitted. "But this is more important."

Jason sat on the examination table in Richard's lab, his stomach rumbling audibly in the sterile room.He'd followed instructions and hadn't even drunk water since last night, but his body protested the decision with embarrassing volume.

Richard glanced up from his tablet. "Sorry about the fasting requirement. We need accurate baseline readings."

"It's fine," Jason replied, though his stomach disagreed with another growl.

Richard moved methodically around him, checking vital signs with practiced efficiency. The blood pressure cuff tightened around Jason's arm while Richard noted the readings with clinical detachment.

"Your resting heart rate is excellent. Blood pressure optimal." Richard attached electrodes to Jason's chest. "The nanovirus will initially accelerate your metabolism. You'll experience elevated temperature, increased heart rate, possibly nausea."

"How long will that last?" Jason asked, watching Richard draw blood from his arm.

"Six to eight hours for the acute phase. The integration period will continue for approximately seventy-two hours." Richard's voice remained steady, but Jason caught the slight hesitation. "There may be... discomfort."

"You mean pain."

Richard met his eyes. "Yes. But manageable."

"And the risk of rejection?"

"Minimal with your genetic profile." Richard's hand briefly rested on Jason's shoulder. "I've taken every precaution."

Jason nodded, his empty stomach clenching again—from hunger or anxiety, he couldn't tell.

———————❖———————

Jason entered the dining area thirty minutes later, ravenous after his examination. The family had gathered around the table, a scene of practiced normalcy that couldn't quite mask the underlying tension.

"There he is," Elaine said, sliding a plate of eggs and toast toward him. "Everything check out?"

"All systems go," Jason replied, trying to keep his tone light.

Marissa passed him the orange juice. "You're with me first, right? For the physical training?"

"Yeah, nine o'clock in the gym." Jason took a large bite of toast, suddenly aware of how ordinary this meal might be—how precious.

Richard studied his tablet, as usual, but occasionally glanced up at Jason with analytical eyes. Lily arranged her food in perfect sections, a habit she'd had since childhood that intensified when she was anxious.

"I've prepared some navigation scenarios for our afternoon session," Lily said, not looking up from her plate. "Basic and advanced."

Elaine touched Jason's wrist. "We'll work on stress management techniques after lunch. I've been researching effective methods."

The conversation continued, mundane words carrying extraordinary weight. They discussed the day's schedule as if planning an ordinary Tuesday, not the preparation for a mission that might determine their family's future.

———————❖———————

"Keep your pace steady," Marissa called from beside him on the treadmill. "You need endurance more than speed out there."

Jason adjusted his stride, focusing on his breathing as sweat dripped down his temples. They'd been at it for forty minutes already—running, circuit training, and now back to cardio.

"Richard says the nanovirus will enhance my physical capabilities," Jason panted. "Maybe I should just wait for that."

Marissa rolled her eyes. "And maybe you should be prepared regardless. Bump it up to level eight."

Jason groaned but complied, increasing his speed. Marissa matched him effortlessly, her ponytail swinging with each stride.

"You know," she said, barely winded, "this isn't even the real cardio workout we had planned for today."

Jason nearly stumbled. "What?"

A mischievous smile played across her lips. "You know we agreed on about tonight yesterday. My room. That's the advanced course."

Heat that had nothing to do with exercise rushed through him. "I'm a quick study. Might even excel at that particular training."

Her laugh echoed in the gym, bright and uninhibited. She reached over and increased his treadmill speed again. "We'll see about that. For now, keep up."

As they ran side by side, Jason caught glimpses of the woman she was becoming—more confident, playful, unafraid. The woman who'd trusted him enough to overcome her past.

———————❖———————

"Visualize the hallway," Elaine instructed, her voice low and soothing. "See yourself moving through it calmly, confidently."

Jason sat cross-legged on the floor of Elaine's room, eyes closed, following her guidance. She circled him slowly, her fingers occasionally brushing his shoulders or adjusting his posture.

"When panic starts, remember the breathing pattern. Four counts in, hold for seven, eight counts out." Her hand rested on his back, monitoring his breath. "Again."

Jason inhaled deeply, holding the air in his lungs before releasing it slowly. The technique centered him, clearing his thoughts.

"If you encounter hostility," she continued, her voice taking on a practical tone, "assess before engaging. Look for alternatives. The objective is uploading the AI, not confrontation."

"I know, Mom," he said, opening his eyes to find her kneeling before him, worry etched across her face.

"I know you know," she replied, tucking a strand of hair behind his ear with maternal tenderness. "I just need to make sure you remember when it matters."

Her composure slipped momentarily, her hand trembling against his cheek. "You have to come back to us."

Jason covered her hand with his own. "I will. I promise."

She nodded, blinking rapidly, then straightened her shoulders. "Again. Four counts in..."

———————❖———————

"Pressure points," Lily demonstrated, pressing her fingers against Jason's wrist. "If you're bleeding, apply pressure here for the arm, here for the leg." Her touch was precise, professional.

They sat on the floor of the common area, surrounded by maps, first aid supplies, and improvised tools. For two hours, Lily had methodically covered everything from wound treatment to navigation without technology.

"Always maintain awareness of your surroundings," she continued, sounding like a wilderness guide twice her age. "Note landmarks, listen for unusual sounds, trust your instincts."

"Yes, Grandma," Jason teased, trying to lighten her serious demeanor.

Instead of smiling, Lily's eyes filled with unexpected tears. "I can be a grandmother or a child if I want, as long as you come back to me... to us safe and sound."

The playfulness vanished from Jason's expression. He pulled her into his arms, feeling her small frame against his chest.

"I will," he whispered into her hair. "I promise I'm coming back."

She nodded against him, then tilted her face up for a kiss. Her lips were soft, trembling slightly before she regained her composure.

"You better," she said, wiping her eyes. "Because I have about twenty more survival skills to teach you tomorrow."

———————❖———————

"Are you sure about the candles?" Marissa asked, fidgeting with the strap of her nightgown as Elaine lit another one.

"Trust me," Elaine replied, "ambiance matters."

Lily arranged fresh towels on the nightstand. "It's not just about sex, it's about creating a space where you feel safe."

Marissa nodded, taking a deep breath. The silk nightgown felt foreign against her skin—borrowed from Elaine, who insisted it would boost her confidence.

"What if I freeze up?" she whispered.

Elaine squeezed her hand. "Then you stop and try again another time. But you won't."

"Jason knows what he's doing," Lily added with a small smile. "Just trust him. And yourself."

After they left, Marissa stood alone in the softly lit room, her heart racing. The knock, when it came, sent a jolt through her entire body.

Jason entered, his eyes widening as he took in the transformed room and Marissa standing in the center, illuminated by candlelight. The silk nightgown clung to her curves, ending mid-thigh.

"You look beautiful," he said, closing the distance between them.

Their lips met in a tentative kiss that quickly deepened. Jason's hands found her waist, pulling her against him as she wound her arms around his neck.

"I'm nervous," she admitted between kisses.

"We can go as slow as you need," he murmured against her neck.

His fingers traced the thin straps of her nightgown, sliding them down her shoulders. The silk whispered as it fell to the floor, leaving Marissa naked and vulnerable before him.

"You're perfect," he breathed, his gaze reverent.

He undressed quickly, then led her to the bed. Instead of laying her down, he stretched out on his back.

"Come here," he said softly, guiding her to straddle his face. "Let me help you relax first."

Marissa hesitated, then nodded, her cheeks flushed with equal parts embarrassment and anticipation as she positioned herself above him.

Jason's tongue found her most sensitive spot with gentle precision, and Marissa gasped, her hands tightening on the headboard as pleasure washed over her.

"Oh, yes," she breathed, her hips instinctively rocking to meet his mouth. "Jason..."

He steadied her with his hands on her thighs, his fingers digging gently into her skin as he guided her movements. "Let me hear you," he murmured, his breath hot against her core.

Marissa moaned, her cheeks flaming with embarrassment at the sound of her own voice. "Feels so good," she whispered.

Jason chuckled softly, the vibration sending a thrill through her. "I want to hear you, Marissa," he insisted, his tone low and commanding. "Don't hold back."

She bit her lip, her hips moving in urgent little circles as he continued his expert attention. "Oh... oh god," she whimpered, her hands gripping the sheets. "Don't stop, please."

"Not planning on it," he replied, his voice strained with his own building desire. He redoubled his efforts, licking and sucking at the bundle of nerves that was making her tremble with need.

Marissa's breath quickened, her body tensing as she approached the precipice. "Oh, Jason, I—" she started, but broke off with a cry as the pleasure crested and swept through her. Her back arched, her hands tightening on the headboard as she rode out the waves of her release.

Jason held her hips steady, his hands firm but gentle, as he continued to pleasure her through the storm of sensation. Marissa cried out his name, her body shaking as she surrendered completely to the overwhelming pleasure.

After a few moments, Marissa found her breath and moved down Jason's body with a newfound eagerness. She took him into her mouth, curious and eager to explore this new intimacy. His fingers tangled in her hair as he groaned softly, his hips instinctively bucking at the sensation.

"Like this?" she asked, her eyes sparkling with a mix of innocence and desire as she looked up at him.

"Yeah, perfect," he breathed, his voice hoarse with arousal. "Feels so good, Marissa."

She hummed in response, taking his praise as encouragement to continue her exploration. Her hands roamed over his thighs, her lips and tongue working in a steady rhythm that had him trembling with pleasure.

"You have no idea how long I've wanted to do this with someone I love" she murmured, her breath warm against his skin. "To touch him, taste him... it's even better than I imagined."

"It's—it's more than I could have ever imagined, too," he managed, his eyes fluttering closed as he surrendered to the pleasure she was giving him. "You—you have no idea what you do to me."

"Let me," Marissa said, taking the condom from Jason's hands. Following his instructions, she rolled it on with careful movements.

Jason lay back, guiding her to straddle him. "You control the pace," he told her. "Take your time."

Their eyes locked as she positioned herself above him. Slowly, she lowered herself, wincing slightly at the initial discomfort.

"Breathe," Jason whispered, his hands steady on Marissa's hips as if to anchor them both in this moment. She paused, her eyes fluttering open to meet his intense gaze, and she drew in a sharp breath, adjusting to the sensation of him filling her. "I've got you," he assured, his thumbs gently stroking her skin.

Marissa nodded, relaxing into the feeling of their bodies joined. A soft smile played on her lips as she continued her descent, any lingering discomfort now replaced by a warmth that quickly escalated. "You feel so good," she murmured.

"You—you have no idea," he managed, his voice strained with the effort of holding back. "It's—I don't want to rush this."

"I know," she whispered, understanding his unspoken words. She began to move with slow, experimental motions, her confidence building as she took control of the pace. Her eyes closed again as she surrendered to the sensations coursing through her.

Jason's hands roamed her body, his touch both possessive and adoring. He found the spots that made her gasp and moan, his name falling from her lips like a prayer. "You're so beautiful," he breathed, his eyes never leaving hers as their rhythm intensified.

"Jason," she gasped, her breath catching as the tension coiled tightly within her once more. "It's—oh, it's too much." Her words were a plea and a promise as she teetered on the edge.

"Let go," he urged, his voice thick with his own building need. "Come for me again, Marissa."

Her second climax took her by surprise, crashing over her in waves of pleasure. Her body clenched around him, milking his own release. Jason groaned, his hands gripping her hips possessively as he thrust up into her, his eyes squeezing shut as he surrendered to the overwhelming sensation.

For a moment, they were lost in the aftermath, their breathing ragged and their hearts pounding in unison. Marissa collapsed gently against Jason's chest, their sweaty bodies still joined, their hearts slowly calming.

"Wow," she whispered, a soft laugh escaping her. "That was—I mean, I didn't expect..."

Jason smiled, his hands gently stroking her back. "Me neither," he admitted, his voice husky and relaxed. "But it was perfect."

"Thank you," Marissa whispered as they lay entwined, her head on his chest.

Jason looked down at her. "For what?"

"For making this beautiful." Her fingers traced patterns on his skin. "I was so afraid for so long. After what happened in the past... I never thought I'd feel safe with anyone."

"You deserve to feel safe," he said, kissing her forehead. "You deserve everything good."

Tears welled in her eyes. "I was so broken before. But with you, with all of us together... I'm finding pieces of myself I thought were gone forever."

"You were never broken," Jason said firmly. "Just wounded. And wounds heal."

She raised herself on one elbow to look at him properly. "Whatever happens out there, know that you've already saved me."

The weight of her words settled between them, more intimate than their physical connection had been. In the candlelight, they saw each other clearly—not just as lovers, but as two people who had found sanctuary in each other.

"Again," Marissa demanded, her voice laced with a new, surprising confidence as she pushed Jason onto his back. There was a playful dominance in her eyes, a spark that ignited a fire in him.

Without hesitation, she straddled him, her movements confident and purposeful. Her body seemed to instinctively know what it craved, and she claimed Jason with a boldness that made his breath catch. Their eyes locked, and he saw a mixture of desire and determination in her gaze. It was as if she had discovered a hidden power within herself and was ready to explore it fully.

"Like this?" she asked, her hips moving in slow, sensual circles. The question was rhetorical, but it invited him to guide her, to be part of her exploration.

"Yeah..." Jason's voice was hoarse, filled with raw need. His hands roamed her body, a silent encouragement for her to take what she wanted from him. "Just like that. But faster."

Marissa's smile was wicked, and she obliged, setting a relentless pace that made his head spin. The sound of their bodies moving together filled the dim room, a rhythmic melody that quickened with each passing moment. They shifted positions eagerly, seeking new sensations—Marissa on her back, her legs wrapped around Jason's waist; then facing away, her body pressed against his; finally, standing, their bodies pressed together against the cool wall. Each new configuration brought a rush of pleasure, a discovery of erogenous zones, and unspoken temptations.

Their breathless voices created an intimate symphony, a language of encouragement and pleasure. "Harder," she urged, her nails digging into his shoulders, marking him with her passion. "Right there, Jason. Don't hold back."

They pushed each other to the brink again and again, their bodies moving in perfect harmony, guided by instinct and a growing knowledge of each other's desires. With each thrust, they claimed a piece of one another, marking their skin with the memory of the other's touch. The world beyond the bunker, with all its dangers and uncertainties, faded away. There was only this moment, this joining of two bodies and souls seeking solace and escape.

When they finally collapsed, spent and slick with sweat, Marissa's laughter filled the room. It was a sound of pure, unadulterated joy—the laughter of a woman who had discovered a newfound freedom and a pleasure she never knew existed. Jason held her close, his heart pounding, knowing that in this moment, they had both found a respite from the weight of their world. Their lovemaking had become a sanctuary, a place where their true selves could be revealed and celebrated.

"We have a lot of time to make up for," she said, nestling against him.

"All the time in the world," Jason agreed, his arms encircling her.

They drifted toward sleep still intertwined, their breathing synchronizing in the quiet aftermath. In that moment, suspended between consciousness and dreams, they found perfect peace—their bodies satisfied, their hearts full, and tomorrow's challenges temporarily forgotten.