Author's Note: So you thought this was becoming another Dhaagey, huh? [*pointed look at some people*] But ALF MeeraSim finally move on to the moment in a super-duper long chapter. I hope y'all enjoy it, see you on the other side!

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The November chill swept through Columbia's campus, the biting wind sneaking under Meerab's coat and making her shiver slightly as she adjusted the strap of her bag over her shoulder. She exhaled, watching her breath puff into the air like tiny clouds before disappearing into the briskness. For a moment, she paused, taking in the sight of the campus around her.

The Gothic architecture of the buildings loomed majestically in every direction, their stone facades both intimidating and inviting. Ivy clung to the walls like a beautiful secret, climbing and winding its way up toward the spires and turrets, giving the place an old-world feel that felt alive with history. The towering columns of Butler Library and the grand steps leading up to Low Library made her heart flutter. It was a far cry from the busier, more modern NYU they'd toured the day before. No, Columbia had character, gravitas, and standing here, she felt like she could see herself walking these paths, lost in thought on her way to class.

Every corner of the campus seemed to pulse with possibility. It made her heart race with excitement, like she was standing on the cusp of something life-changing. I could be here. We could be here, she thought, her eyes drifting over to Murtasim.

His hand was wrapped warmly around hers, his thumb lazily brushing the back of her hand as they strolled across the campus grounds. She smiled softly, looking at him—his dark hair ruffled slightly by the wind, his face relaxed yet focused as he took everything in. He was a vision of calm, but she knew him well enough by now to see that spark of curiosity dancing in his eyes.

"You keep shivering," Murtasim murmured, his deep voice pulling her from her thoughts. He looked down at her, his dark brows furrowing with concern as another breeze made her involuntarily shudder.

"I'm okay," she replied with a smile, even though her teeth almost chattered mid-sentence. Her body betrayed her again, and another small shiver coursed through her, and she knew Murtasim had caught it.

He gave her that knowing look—the one that said, I'm on to you—and without missing a beat, he slid his arm from her hand to wrap around her shoulders, pulling her closer into his warmth. His large frame immediately acted as a shield from the wind, and Meerab felt herself melt a little, her cold nose brushing against the fabric of his coat.

"Are you taking advantage of the weather, Mr. Khan?" Meerab asked, her voice playful as she glanced up at him.

"Why, shouldn't I?" Murtasim grinned, the teasing glint in his eyes unmistakable. His arm tightened around her just a bit, pulling her even closer against his side.

She rolled her eyes but couldn't help the smile that stretched across her face. "I knew it. This is all part of your master plan." She teased.

He raised an eyebrow. "Oh yeah, I've been scheming for weeks. Watching the weather forecast like a hawk, praying for for a cold front so I could do this."

Meerab laughed, nudging him playfully with her elbow. "You're ridiculous."

"You love it," he shot back, his grin widening. She did.

"Do I?" she teased, looking up at him through her lashes.

"You do," he said confidently. "I mean, I am ridiculously good-looking, charming, and I keep you warm—what more could you want?"

"Hmm," Meerab hummed thoughtfully, her lips twitching, holding back a laugh. "You are good-looking, I'll give you that. And charming? Debatable. But warm?" She raised an eyebrow and mock-shivered. "I don't know... you might need to step up your game in the warmth department."

Murtasim's eyes widened in mock offense, and before she knew it, he was pulling her even closer, wrapping both arms around her tightly, like a human heater. "Is that better, baby? Warm enough for you now? Or we could - "

"Shut up!" Meerab burst out laughing, knowing where he was going with it.

She peeked up at him, her cheeks pink from both the cold and the laughter. "You know, you could have just given me your jacket like a proper gentleman," she teased.

He smirked. "Nah, I'd rather keep you close like this. I can't flirt with you properly if I am cold."

"So smart," she rolled her eyes.

"Obviously," he replied smoothly, tapping his temple. "Brains, brawn, and warmth—all in one package."

She snorted, rolling her eyes again. "You're really full of yourself today, huh?"

Murtasim grinned, leaning down to whisper in her ear, his breath warm against her skin. "You can be full of me too if – "

"Shut up!" She whacked his arm multiple times, her heart however did little flips in her pericardial cavity, and she couldn't help but laugh again, trying to cover up the butterflies dancing in her stomach.

"You're adorable when you try to pretend that you're not smitten with me," he shot back, his grin so wide it was practically blinding.

Meerab pretended to huff, her smile betraying her as she playfully swatted his chest. "Says the guy who's been trying to impress me since the ninth grade."

Murtasim chuckled, his thumb tracing slow circles on her shoulder as they continued walking. "I am still trying, are you impressed?"

"Maybe," Meerab felt a blush creep up her cheeks.

She rested her head against his arm as they continued walking, the sound of their shoes crunching lightly on the stone paths.

They passed a group of students spilling out of an economics building, chattering animatedly about some project. She glanced up at Murtasim's profile. "So... do you regret it?" she asked suddenly.

Murtasim's brow quirked as he looked down at her, clearly amused. "Not getting that hot chocolate?" he teased, his lips twitching into a smirk.

She rolled her eyes and gave his arm a playful swat. Trust him to deflect with humor. "I mean, do you regret applying to Columbia early decision?"

Their applications had been submitted at the start of the month, locking them into Columbia if accepted. It was a big risk, but with their stats, they had decided to go for it. Columbia's early decision acceptance rate was higher than the regular cycle admissions, after all. Still, the nerves were there.

"No," Murtasim said, his smile softening. "I really like it here."

"Good." Meerab nodded, the nervous energy that had bubbled up in her chest beginning to settle.

"I'd like it more if I got a kiss," he added, that teasing edge back in his voice.

She rolled her eyes again, this time with a laugh. "If you find us a good hiding spot, then..." she teased back.

"We don't need to hide," he said with a mischievous grin, glancing around. "No one knows us here."

Her eyes narrowed playfully. "What if a future professor catches us making out?"

"Stupid professors," he muttered under his breath, making her giggle as they reached the grand steps of Low Library for their next information session.

This one was for Architecture—Murtasim's minor of choice. His parents had relented and let him pursue civil engineering instead of business, but architecture? No, they wouldn't budge on that one. However, Murtasim wasn't too bummed, he said it was better in the long run. Yet, Meerab knew this session meant a lot to him. She could sense his nervous energy, so she gave his hand a gentle squeeze, hoping to calm him.

"Excited?" she asked softly.

He glanced down at her, a flicker of uncertainty in his eyes. "Nervous, more like."

She smiled up at him, her voice filled with quiet reassurance. "It'll be amazing, baby. I know it."

The way he looked at her in that moment—those dark, intense eyes full of something she couldn't quite name—made her heart skip a beat.

During the session, she sat beside him, watching as he scribbled notes with renewed excitement. Whenever the presenters spoke about the minor or the overlap with engineering, she saw that familiar spark of passion light up in his eyes. It made her smile.

When they finally stepped back out into the cold air about an hour later, Murtasim's arm immediately found its place around her waist again, pulling her closer as they wandered across campus.

Ajiya and Arsal were waiting for them outside another building, giggling about something only they seemed to understand. Meerab giggled as she saw Ajiya mock-punch Arsal's arm, their easy banter making her smile.

"Where to next?" Murtasim asked, his voice warm as he gave her a little squeeze.

"I am hungry," Meerab whined, her stomach growling in agreement.

Murtasim chuckled, shaking his head. "Where to next on your food list, then?"

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The lights of New York City twinkled like scattered diamonds far below them, casting a glow that made the chilly November night feel almost magical. Murtasim stood beside Meerab on the observation deck of the Empire State Building, his arm wrapped securely around her waist. The black coat she wore hugged her frame, and her hair, slightly tousled from the wind, fluttered around her face. His eyes kept drifting to her lips—painted in a soft, kissable shade of red that made his heart race a little faster every time she smiled.

They'd been sightseeing all day, exploring the best of what the city had to offer, but nothing could compare to this moment. The vast expanse of the New York skyline lay before them, and yet all he could focus on was the way Meerab leaned back into him, her warmth melting into his.

Her hair smelled like lavender, and the soft scent mixed with the cool night air made him feel a little dizzy, like the city was spinning beneath them. God, she's beautiful, he thought, watching as her lips curved into a small, content smile. The lipstick only made them more tempting, and before he could stop himself, Murtasim leaned down and pressed a kiss to her cheek, his lips lingering for just a moment.

Meerab turned slightly, looking up at him with that shy smile of hers, the one that made his heart do a little flip in his chest. "What was that for?" she asked, her voice playful and soft, almost lost in the wind.

He shrugged, a smirk pulling at his lips. "Couldn't help myself," he said, as if kissing her was as natural as breathing.

She giggled, her eyes lighting up with that familiar warmth that always made him feel like he'd just won the lottery. "I can't believe we're actually here," she murmured, her gaze drifting back to the skyline, her fingers tightening around his where they rested on her waist. "Standing on top of the world."

Murtasim chuckled softly as he pulled her closer, his chin brushing the top of her head as he stood behind her, wrapping his arms around her completely. Top of the world. Yeah, that's exactly what it felt like. Standing there, with the woman he had dreamed about for years in his arms, nothing else in the world mattered. He could stay like this forever, with her warmth against him, her smile lighting up his night.

He looked down at her again, taking in the way the wind played with the loose strands of her hair, the way her lips curled into a soft smile, and he felt his heart swell with emotions he wasn't quite ready to say out loud. He wanted to tell her right then and there that she had somehow become his world, that nothing below them mattered as much as the fact that she was here, in his arms.

But instead, he just pulled her a little closer, resting his chin lightly on top of her head as they both stared out into the skyline. He wasn't great with words, but he hoped his actions said everything he couldn't quite put into sentences yet.

"Alright, lovebirds, stop being disgusting," Ajiya's voice rang out from behind them, breaking the moment. Murtasim turned to look, and of course, there she was, phone raised and snapping a picture like the paparazzi. Ajiya had that trademark smirk on her face, half mocking, half affectionate.

Meerab laughed, twisting around in his arms to face her best friend. "We are not," she teased, sticking out her tongue.

"You are," Ajiya shot back, though there was no venom behind it.

Arsal, standing beside Ajiya and looking slightly bored but amused, snickered. "They're giving everyone here a sugar overload."

Murtasim rolled his eyes but couldn't help the grin tugging at his lips as he looked down at Meerab. "Hey, we're just appreciating the view. Right, Meerab?"

"Right," she agreed, beaming up at him, her head resting against his chest as if that were her favorite spot in the whole world. Her hands came up to rest on his arms, her fingers lacing through his, and in that moment, Murtasim couldn't imagine ever wanting to be anywhere else.

Ajiya, ever the perfectionist when it came to documenting their lives, walked over to them, phone still in hand. "Okay, now smile for real. I'm taking one for you guys, and you better look at the camera and not at each other."

Murtasim couldn't help but laugh as Ajiya made a dramatic show of getting the perfect angle. "Bossy, aren't you?" he teased, glancing at Meerab, who was trying her best not to crack up.

"I'm just making sure you two don't ruin your own photo...you're ugly as it is," Ajiya said, narrowing her eyes in mock-seriousness. "Now smile and make it look natural."

Murtasim straightened up a little, but when he glanced down at Meerab, he saw the way her cheeks were flushed with happiness, the soft light from the city below catching in her eyes, making them sparkle. His heart swelled with so much affection that before he could stop himself, he leaned down and kissed her cheek again, right as Ajiya snapped the picture.

"Ugh, disgusting," Ajiya groaned, but Murtasim could hear the smile in her voice. "Now you're just torturing me."

"God has tortured you enough with that height," Murtasim teased, squeezing Meerab a little tighter. "We could never."

Meerab giggled and whacked him lightly on the arm. "Stop annoying her," she murmured, though her voice was laced with amusement. There was no real protest in her tone.

Ajiya, never one to let anything slide, shot back with a grin, "Annoy me? I'm the one suffering, having to watch this romance novel play out in front of me. The only good thing about you, Murtasim, is your girlfriend."

Murtasim laughed, a deep, genuine laugh that rumbled in his chest. He looked down at Meerab, who was grinning back up at him, and he couldn't help but press a kiss to her forehead.

"Save it for later, please," Ajiya whined.

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Murtasim tugged his scarf higher, practically covering half of his face, his eyes darting around the pharmacy aisle like he was committing a felony. "Stop talking so loudly!" he hissed, glancing nervously toward the one other shopper in the aisle—an elderly woman carefully inspecting a box of tampons like it held the secrets of the universe.

Meerab, meanwhile, was holding back a giggle that was threatening to burst out of her like a shaken soda can. "What?" she said, putting down the box of flavored condoms she'd been waving around earlier. "I was just wondering what you wanted," she teased, her tone as innocent as could be.

Murtasim let out a long-suffering sigh, his eyes narrowing at her. "Why would I want those?" he muttered, glaring at the neon packaging that advertised "Strawberry Surprise!" or something equally ridiculous. "It works out for me better without them anyway... unless..." his eyes flicked to hers, "you... want them?"

Meerab made a face, crinkling her nose in mock disgust. "Nah, I don't understand why anyone would want to put their mouth around latex condoms," she said, eyeing the packaging like it had personally offended her. "I mean, what is this, dessert-flavored balloons?"

Murtasim groaned, his eyes shutting for a moment, clearly questioning all of his life choices that had led him to this point. But before he could respond, she beamed up at him, the look on her face so pure, so full of amusement, that he almost forgot how embarrassed he was. Almost.

"You're so cute," Meerab gushed, her voice a little too loud as she reached up to squeeze his cheeks, squishing them the way he always did to her when he wanted to annoy her. "Isn't it annoying?" she added, mimicking the high-pitched sing-song voice he used to tease her with.

He rolled his eyes, but the faint smile tugging at his lips betrayed him. He was too smitten to even pretend to be irritated.

Taking advantage of his momentary silence, she quickly got on her tiptoes and pecked his lips, grinning as she pulled away. But before she could get far, Murtasim wrapped himself around her from behind, his chin resting on her shoulder, arms snug around her waist.

She loved how he was always like this—touching her, holding her, just needing to be close. It made her feel cherished.

"I don't know why you want me to pick," Meerab said, turning her head slightly to meet his eyes. "I've never bought condoms before."

"Neither have I," he murmured back, his lips brushing the shell of her ear. "But you're the one who came up with a plan," he added, clearly amused.

She sighed dramatically. "I forgot to Google what kind of condoms... I didn't realize there would be so many," she muttered, eyeing the endless rows of boxes. "Why do they have so many different kinds?"

Murtasim shrugged, his eyes scanning the options just as cluelessly as hers. "To each his own?"

Meerab groaned, throwing her head back. "Just pick one," she demanded, already feeling overwhelmed by the sheer number of choices. Why couldn't there just be one type, like, 'Condom: For General Use'?

He glanced at the shelves and pointed at a yellow box on the top shelf. "That one?" he suggested, squinting to read the tiny font. "Oh wait, they have the same one in 'extremely thin'."

"Thin?" she hummed, her interest piqued.

"I guess you can feel more if it's thinner," Murtasim said, clearly just reading directly off the box.

She nodded approvingly. "That one then." She figured the more she could feel, the better. Though, a small part of her brain was already mulling over the idea of a different birth control method, just to see what it would be like without condoms at all. But no way was she having that conversation with her mother any time soon.

He unwrapped himself from around her and reached up to grab the box, pulling it off the shelf with the same level of concentration one might use when disarming a bomb. As he turned back around, he caught her staring at the box, particularly the part that advertised the size and length the condom would accommodate.

Murtasim arched his eyebrow at her, giving her a pointed look, and Meerab, refusing to back down, just arched her eyebrow right back at him.

"I didn't say it didn't make sense," she muttered under her breath, her cheeks warming slightly. I just don't have a good frame of reference, she thought. After all, his was the only real penis she'd ever seen. She'd come across some in her research, sure, but how was she to know she had only been seeing large penises.

"Apparently," she added with a smirk, "I wasn't completely out of line to worry about you not fitting inside—"

Murtasim let out another groan, running a hand down his face as Meerab stood there, the picture of mischief, grinning from ear to ear. "You're having way too much fun with this," he whined, his voice muffled slightly by the scarf he'd practically wrapped around his entire face like he was about to rob the place.

"Condoooooommmm," Meerab sang under her breath, dragging out the word just to watch him squirm. It was too easy.

His eyebrows shot up so fast she thought they might launch off his face. His eyes darted around the aisle, scanning for witnesses like they were fugitives on the run. Then, he gave her the pointiest look before he frantically looked around, checking if anyone heard. "Would you stop?!" he hissed.

"No one cares," she said with a dismissive wave of her hand, shrugging like this was the most normal thing in the world.

"That old lady gave me a look earlier!" he countered, clearly still haunted by the woman from the tampon aisle who had now apparently taken permanent residence in his head.

Meerab chuckled, shaking her head. "She was desi aunty, Murtasim. It's in her DNA to judge everything another desi person does. Her entire genetic makeup is built on giving disapproving looks at anything remotely scandalous," she teased, looping her arm through his. "Let's go buy lube!" she sang, her voice full of exaggerated enthusiasm as she practically skipped toward the next aisle.

Murtasim groaned again, dragging his feet behind her like a man being led to his doom. "Meerab, I swear..."

She could barely contain her laughter, biting her lip to keep from bursting out in the middle of the aisle. "Why are you so shy here?" she teased, cocking her head at him. "You say the most unhinged things when we're alone. Like, remember that time you said—"

"That's different!" he interrupted, his face heating up again. "There are other people here, and you're yelling!" He looked around, his eyes darting between the shelves like a secret camera crew was about to jump out and start filming their condom-and-lube shopping experience for the whole world to see.

"I am not yelling," she said pointedly, although she knew she might've been pushing the limits of a normal volume. "This is a regular loudness," she added, her voice dipping just a little lower to tease him.

Murtasim sighed, long and suffering, pulling his scarf up even higher, like it could protect him from the sheer embarrassment she was causing. He looked like a turtle trying to retreat into its shell, and she had to stifle another laugh. She had never seen him so flustered. It was... adorable.

"Yeah, because everyone in this entire city is super concerned that sweet, virginal Murtasim Khan is buying condoms, hundreds of miles away from home, in the most densely populated city in the USA," she teased, grabbing his arm and dragging him towards the aisle labeled "personal lubricants."

The minute they stepped into the lube aisle, Meerab was faced with another overwhelming selection. Not quite as overwhelming as the condoms, but still—why were there so many?

"Pick one," she said, staring at the shelves. "All I know is that it should be water-based or silicone-based with latex condoms." She frowned a little, squinting at the rows of bottles in front of them.

"I've never bought lube before either," he admitted, his eyes scanning the selection just as cluelessly as hers. "Why don't you pick?" he added, shifting awkwardly on his feet.

She gave him a look, then turned back to the wall of options, feeling slightly baffled herself. She wasn't an expert either, but after a moment of indecision, Murtasim grabbed a mint-green bottle from the shelf, holding it up like it was a prized artifact.

Meerab squinted, reading the label. Her eyes widened, and then she couldn't stop the giggle that bubbled up from her throat. "Mint-chocolate chip flavored lube?" she asked, incredulous.

Murtasim shrugged, a grin tugging at the corners of his mouth. "I guess it doesn't taste bad if you... switch it up in the middle," he said with a teasing smirk, although she could tell he was trying not to laugh, too.

She snorted, snatching the bottle from him to read the back. She needed to make sure it was safe for more than just oral sex, because there was no way she was about to buy a bottle of lube that was just for taste-testing. "Stop holding it up like that," he muttered, glancing over his shoulder like the middle-aged woman two aisles over could see exactly what they were doing.

"You're so cute right now," she cooed, her voice dripping with affection as she smiled up at him. She couldn't help herself—when he was flustered like this, it was like watching a puppy try to figure out stairs for the first time.

"Let's just find the ice cream and leave," he muttered, motioning toward the freezers like he was trying to get away from the aisle as quickly as possible.

As they made their way to the frozen aisle, Meerab couldn't help but notice the same desi woman still lingering by the tampons. She's definitely eavesdropping, Meerab thought. She was a middle-aged desi auntie—there was no way she was having trouble deciding on her brand of tampons. She'd probably been using the same ones for the last thirty years.

"Wow, she must be really invested in those tampons," Meerab muttered under her breath, nudging Murtasim's side.

He groaned, not looking back. "Of course, she's still here," he mumbled.

Meerab smirked. "She's definitely eavesdropping, you know."

"Obviously," he sighed, glancing at the woman out of the corner of his eye. "Let's just... buy the ice cream and get out of here."

Murtasim pulled open the freezer door with a quiet sigh, reaching in to grab the mint chocolate ice cream from her favorite brand. He always paid attention to the smallest things—like the fact that she'd once mentioned, in passing, that this was the ice cream she loved most.

"Get two," she instructed, her eyes gleaming mischievously.

Without protest, he grabbed another tub—cookie dough, his favorite.

As they continued to browse, a thought popped into her head, and she couldn't help herself.

"I have a question," she said, watching the way his brow furrowed. That look was a mix of 'do I want to know' and 'here we go again'.

His eyebrow arched, and he shot her an inquisitive glance, his lips already twitching into a reluctant smile. "Am I going to regret asking you to ask it?"

"Probably," she replied with a wicked grin.

He sighed, the kind of long-suffering sigh that only made him look even cuter. "Ask, quietly."

"What if they had cookie-dough-flavored lube?" she whispered, just loud enough for him to hear but soft enough that it was almost conspiratorial.

Murtasim hummed, his eyes lighting up with amusement. "Maybe they do, somewhere."

She giggled, nudging his arm with her shoulder. "Once we move out, we can go on a quest for it. You know, for... research purposes." She added a wink for effect, loving how his smile grew broader despite the fact that he was acting the way he was right then.

He just shook his head, clearly charmed by her antics, and grabbed her hand, leading her towards the checkout. The closer they got, the more obvious it became that their escape wouldn't be smooth.

No self-checkout.

Murtasim groaned audibly, his broad shoulders slumping like a man resigned to his fate as they approached a cashier who looked... their age. Of course.

The girl at the register glanced from Meerab to the ice cream, then down to the condoms and lube nestled in their basket, and finally—her eyes landed on Murtasim. Her eyes widened. They might as well have walked in carrying a neon sign flashing WE'RE HAVING SEX TONIGHT.

She scanned their items like it was a race, bagging them at lightning speed, her face redder than a traffic stoplight. Meerab barely managed to hold back her laughter as Murtasim leaned in, his voice a low, desperate mutter.

"I think I kind of understand why accidental pregnancies are so common. That was mortifying."

She bit her lip, trying to keep a straight face as they walked out of the store. "It's all about perception. It really shouldn't be mortifying."

He gave her a sidelong glance, half-annoyed, half-amused. "It's like you're telling the whole world you're having sex."

Meerab almost lost it at that, biting down on her lip to stop herself from howling with laughter. Well, duh. But instead of saying that, she gave him a pout, her eyes wide and innocent.

"So, you don't want to have sex with me?" she asked, tilting her head and pulling her lips into the softest, most exaggerated pout she could muster.

His eyes widened in panic, realizing too late that he'd just walked straight into a trap. "That's not what I—"

"It's okay," she interrupted, biting back a grin. "We can just watch Netflix... eat ice cream... I wouldn't want to force you into anything." She let her voice drop into a soft, teasing whisper.

He stopped in his tracks, pulling her close to him so suddenly that her heart skipped a beat. His lips brushed her ear as he whispered, "There's nothing—nothing—I want more than to have sex with you"

Her breath hitched as he pulled back with a devilish smirk.

The ice cream was rapidly melting in the bag, but who cared about ice cream right now?

They power-walked the rest of the way back to the hotel, his hand wrapped firmly around hers, their steps quick and purposeful.

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The hotel room felt like a cocoon, suspended high above the pulse of New York. The muffled hum of the city was distant, barely a whisper behind thick glass windows. Inside, the air was still, warm—charged with an energy that seemed to come alive the moment they stepped in. Meerab stood by the bed, her fingers curling at her sides as she watched Murtasim approach. His eyes were a storm, dark and unreadable, but there was softness beneath the intensity. Nervousness lingered in the lines of his mouth, and she felt it too—a shared fragility hanging between them.

She had planned for this, researched it with the kind of diligence she brought to everything in life. She wasn't the type to leave things to chance, not even something as uncertain and unpredictable as this. Meerab had read about what it would feel like, what to expect, how to make it enjoyable, and even how to manage the physical side of things—condoms, lube, all of it. They were ready. Everything was in place: the condoms and lube on the nightstand, the extra blanket draped over the bed, just in case they made a mess.

But now, standing here, the weight of reality hit her harder than any research or preparation could have accounted for. This was uncharted territory for both of them. Her heart raced, her body tingled, anticipation curling in her stomach like a tightly wound spring. It wasn't that she didn't want him—she did, desperately. But the magnitude of the moment, the sheer magnitude of what they were about to do, made her breath catch in her throat.

The nagging thought surfaced in the back of Meerab's mind—maybe she shouldn't have planned it. Maybe it would've been better if it had just... happened. One of those nights when they had been tangled up on the couch, lost in each other, kissing until their breaths came in ragged gasps and neither of them could think straight. If they'd stumbled into this moment organically, without all the preparation, maybe her stomach wouldn't feel like it was teeming with a thousand fluttering wings, maybe her chest wouldn't be tight with the weight of expectation. Then, maybe, she would have felt free instead of bracing herself for what came next.

Murtasim sat on the edge of the bed, looking up at her with those deep, soulful eyes that seemed to pull her in, making her feel exposed in the most beautiful way. He broke the silence with a question, his voice a little rough around the edges but still so gentle. "Are you nervous?"

Meerab's lips curved into a small, nervous smile. "A little," she admitted, stepping closer, her legs carrying her to the space between his knees. She could feel his warmth now, her hands instinctively finding their way to his shoulders, resting there as if trying to ground herself.

Murtasim's hands moved to her waist, his thumbs tracing slow, soothing circles as he looked up at her, his dark eyes softening with a tenderness that took her breath away.

"We don't have to do anything, you know," he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper, as if sharing a secret only meant for her ears. "We can just put on Netflix and cuddle. I'd be more than happy with that."

The words settled around her like a balm, calming the storm of nerves that had been building inside her. He wasn't pushing, wasn't rushing; he was there, steady and solid, waiting for her to meet him at her own pace. It warmed something deep in her chest, made her feel safe, cherished. There was something so achingly gentle in the way he held her, a care she felt down to her bones.

But the ache she felt was also undeniable, the way her body hummed with anticipation as her heart thundered in her chest.

She met his gaze, her voice soft but certain. "I want to. I want this... with you."

He let out a small, breathless laugh, his fingers curling around her waist a little tighter as he nodded.

Her voice dropped, and she heard the words she had read so many times, slipping from her lips like a quiet confession. "But... well, it only hurts if you're not wet enough and ready, and if you don't go slow." Her cheeks warmed as the words hung between them, so clinical yet laced with vulnerability.

Murtasim's fingers traced along the curve of her hips, the touch light and reverent, making her shiver. "I'll go slow," he promised, his voice barely above a whisper but filled with such sincerity it made her chest tighten with emotion. He looked at her like she was precious, like he would never do anything to hurt her.

"I know," she murmured, her thumb brushing his collarbone gently as she leaned down, her lips finding his in a kiss that tasted like relief, like trust, like the answer to every unsaid question between them. The tension that had gripped her body began to melt, dissolving in the warmth of his kiss.

It started slow, tentative, their lips moving together with a softness that belied the fire smoldering just beneath the surface. She was still standing, leaning down over him, their kiss deepening gradually. Her hands slid from his shoulders to his neck, fingers threading into his hair as she felt herself relax into the moment, into him.

The kiss deepened, their mouths growing hungrier, more insistent, as the space between them disappeared. Meerab shifted, and before she realized it, she was straddling him, her knees pressed into the mattress on either side of his hips. His hands slipped under her shirt, finding the skin at her waist, the heat of his touch searing through her.

The shift in their bodies was fluid, effortless, as if they had done this a hundred times before. But every touch, every brush of skin against skin, was electric, new. She felt his heart beating through his chest, the steady thrum matching the quickening pace of her own. His hands slid under her shirt, fingers brushing along the curve of her spine, and her skin burned under his touch.

Meerab's lips parted, a soft gasp escaping as Murtasim pulled her tighter against him, their kiss deepening into something more urgent, more hungry. His hands gripped her hips, pulling her down against him, and she felt the hard press of him through his jeans. Her breath hitched, and for a moment, she pulled back, just enough to look into his eyes. They were dark with desire, and for a split second, her own nerves flared up again.

She leaned in again, her mouth finding his, her hands sliding into his hair, tugging gently as their kiss turned more desperate. She could feel his body trembling under hers, could feel the need in him mirroring her own.

Somehow, in the tangled heat of their kisses, they shifted again, and now she was lying beneath him, the soft weight of his body pressing her into the bed. The scent of him—familiar, comforting—wrapped around her, anchoring her to the moment. His mouth was on hers, insistent, their kisses shifting from slow and languid to fiery, consuming. Time slipped away entirely, and it felt like hours passed, just the two of them, lost in each other, their bodies entwined.

Each kiss was different—some soft and lingering, others hard and urgent—but all of them spoke the same language of need, of desire. They moved together, seamlessly, as if they had always been meant to find each other like this, in this room, in this moment, with no one but each other.

Meerab pulled back, breaking away from the kiss as if surfacing from deep water. Her breathing came fast, each inhale quick and uneven, her heart pounding like it might leap right out of her pericardial cavity. She felt as if she'd just woken up from a fevered dream, every inch of her skin alive with sensation, hyper-aware of him, the weight of his hands still lingering on her waist, his thumb stroking slow circles as they caught their breath together. She looked up at him, taking in the sight before her—the way his dark eyes seemed even darker now, pupils blown wide, the messy fall of his hair, his lips full and red, slightly parted as he caught his own breath. A hint of a smile played on his face, lazy, softened by affection, but there was hunger there too.

Without fully thinking, her fingers slipped under the hem of his shirt, lifting it slowly, watching as the fabric revealed inch by inch of his warm skin, the contours of his abdomen and chest. Murtasim lifted his arms to help her, and as the shirt slipped over his head, she let it fall to the floor, her gaze taking him in, lingering on every line, every shadow. His skin was smooth, the warmth of it radiating into her palms, his muscles taut, defined under her touch, like a sculpture brought to life.

A nervous but playful smile danced on her lips as her fingers traced over his chest, her gaze flicking up to meet his. "You know... you need to get off first," she said, her cheeks heating as she said it although she had written into the plan herself, "that way you can last longer."

He laughed, a low, rich sound, and he leaned closer, his breath brushing her lips. "Yes, I read that in your plan," he murmured, his smirk deepening as he teased, then leaned in to kiss her again. His mouth was warm, firm, moving over hers with a confidence that made her feel both eager and shy.

The softness of his mouth, the steadiness of his arms around her, gave her courage. She let her lips stray from his, moving to the line of his jaw and then lower, pressing kisses along his neck, his pulse beating strong under her lips. Her mouth found the warmth of his collarbone, then ventured downward, tasting the faint salt of his skin. She'd kissed him before—of course she had. But this was new, this unhurried trail across his body, a kind of exploration that felt both familiar and thrillingly uncertain.

As she reached his chest, her kisses faltered slightly, her movements a little hesitant, and he seemed to sense it. His hand gently brushed over her hair, his voice a low murmur, "Name the muscles," he said, half-command, half-reassurance, the words grounding her.

She felt a small rush of relief and laughed softly, letting herself relax a bit more.

"Sternocleidomastoid," she murmured, kissing the column of his neck slowly, letting her mouth glide down the length of it until she reached his collarbone. He let out a soft hum, a wordless approval that made her pulse quicken. Her mouth found the dip at the center of his collarbone, and she pressed her lips there, feeling his chest rise and fall beneath her, his breathing shallowing as she moved lower.

"Clavicle..." she whispered, her voice barely audible against his skin as her lips traced the bone, gentle and warm. She kissed along its edge, then bit down softly, her teeth grazing him just enough to make him breathe out harder, his fingers flexing in her hair, encouraging her without words. Her tongue slipped over the spot she had bitten, soothing it, her breath feathering over his skin, drawing a subtle shiver from him that made her smile.

Moving lower, she let her lips explore his chest, trailing slow, warm kisses over each dip and curve, her fingers following her mouth. Her hands glided over his chest, fingers splaying out, feeling every shift of muscle beneath them. She heard him let out a quiet sigh, his hand slipping into her hair to stroke her gently, his thumb tracing a line along her scalp.

"Good job," he murmured, his voice low, barely above a whisper, and it sent a thrill through her. She kissed a line down the center of his chest, her lips lingering just above his sternum.

"Pectoralis major," she murmured, her mouth pressing a firmer kiss there, her lips curving in a small, playful smile against his skin as she heard him chuckle, his hand brushing over her shoulder, his fingers firm and warm.

"Hmm, how about... this one?" he asked, tilting his head down to look at her. He gestured to the side of his chest, and she moved her mouth there, pressing her lips to the edge of his pectoral muscle, close to his shoulder.

"Pectoralis minor," she whispered, her voice barely audible as she traced her lips along the muscle. She grazed her teeth over it lightly, earning a soft intake of breath from him, a reaction that sent a wave of warmth through her. She let her tongue flick over the spot where she'd nipped him, soothing it, her mouth following the line of his chest as she moved lower.

Her fingers drifted down, tracing over the hard lines of his abdomen, feeling the way each muscle tightened under her touch. She let her hand rest over his stomach, feeling the subtle shift of his muscles as he breathed, the warmth of his skin sinking into her palm. Her mouth followed, her lips pressing gently over the planes of his stomach, trailing lower, her fingers sliding down to his hips as she lowered herself further.

"Rectus abdominis," she whispered, brushing her lips over the hard ridge of his abdomen. Her mouth followed each line, kissing down the length of it slowly, reverently, feeling the tautness of his muscles beneath her mouth. She felt his hand tighten in her hair, his fingers slipping through the strands, urging her on gently as she moved lower.

"Good girl," he murmured, his voice a soft rumble, warm and encouraging. The praise made her cheeks flush, her pulse quickening as she continued, her mouth tracing every line, every dip and curve of his body. Her lips pressed over his stomach, tracing the subtle V that angled down toward his hips, her tongue flicking out to taste his skin, loving the little groan he let out.

"Obliques," she murmured, her voice a hushed whisper as she pressed her lips to the hard line of muscle just above his hip. She kissed him there, her mouth soft but lingering, her fingers brushing over his sides, feeling the muscles ripple beneath her touch. He let out a quiet groan, his hand slipping from her hair to rest on her shoulder, his thumb stroking her skin softly, grounding her in the warmth of his touch.

As she continued, he occasionally asked questions, his voice gentle, curious, drawing her back when she hesitated, helping her relax as she murmured her answers, her mouth exploring him.

"You're doing perfect," he whispered, his voice roughened but soft, his fingers grazing her cheek in a gentle sweep. She felt the warmth of his touch, the way it seemed to calm and encourage her all at once. She looked up at him, catching the subtle flush coloring his cheeks as she pressed a kiss to his navel. The movement made his breath hitch, a soft, barely there sound, but enough to send a thrill of satisfaction through her.

"I have a confession to make," he muttered, his voice tight but laced with that familiar hint of humor.

She raised an eyebrow, humming curiously, though a smile already tugged at her lips.

"I don't know half the names you just said," he admitted, grinning down at her with that same boyish smirk that made her heart twist. It was so familiar, so him, that it eased her nerves, and in a moment of reflex, she playfully whacked his chest.

He laughed, the sound soft and warm, breaking the air between them and making her feel more at ease. She felt herself smile wider, her confidence bolstered as her hands moved lower, fingers tracing the waistband of his pants. This was familiar ground; she knew the rhythm of it, knew how to tease and how to draw out the sounds she wanted to hear from him.

"You should say thank you for the lesson then," she teased, her fingers already working the button free, slipping his zipper down slowly, her nails grazing his skin just enough to make him shiver. She slid his pants down his hips, tugging them low enough to free him, her eyes widening at the sight of him hard, heavy, resting against his stomach.

His groan was low, rough with need. "I am very thankful," he managed, his voice strained, and it thrilled her, seeing him like this—waiting, wanting, at her mercy.

Her hand wrapped around him. His reaction was immediate—a soft hiss escaping as she wrapped her fingers around him, her grip firm but gentle, stroking him with a slow, deliberate rhythm. She watched his face, her gaze fixed on the subtle changes—the way his eyes fluttered shut, the tension in his jaw as he fought to keep his breathing steady.

She leaned forward, brushing her lips against the tip, tasting the salt of his skin, the slick heat of him as her tongue darted out to gather the bead of pre-cum that had formed there. He groaned, his hand tangling in her hair, fingers curling as his hips shifted toward her, his body taut with anticipation. She couldn't help but admire him, her gaze tracing the way his muscles tightened, his stomach clenching with every touch.

And she loved him like this. She'd always loved the sight of him like this, bare and exposed, his cock thick and hard under her touch, each detail carved into her memory from those stolen moments, each time she had teased him or seen him, every detail clear and vivid. But a small shiver of doubt ran through her. She took in his size again, suddenly hyper-aware of how hard he was, how wide, and a flicker of worry sparked—how would he fit without hurting her?

She took him into her mouth, inch by slow inch, her tongue swirling along his length as her hand continued where her lips couldn't reach. He groaned, his hand finding its way into her hair, his fingers tangling in the strands as she began to bob her head, each movement slow and careful. His reactions fueled her confidence—the low, rough sounds he made, the way his fingers tightened in her hair, each gasp and groan fanning the heat that pooled low in her belly, urging her on.

It didn't take long; she hadn't expected it to. She'd been teasing him all day, sitting in his lap, shifting and squirming just to hear that little intake of breath, that low, frustrated chuckle. She felt his muscles tense, his hips shifting forward, his breath catching as his body jerked, his groan deep and ragged as he came, hot and thick, her name on his lips as his hand tightened in her hair. She swallowed him down, feeling the warmth spread over her tongue, savoring the taste of him, licking her lips as she pulled away, her heart racing with the thrill of it.

He collapsed back on the bed, his chest rising and falling as he caught his breath, a soft, breathless laugh slipping from his lips. "Fuck, Meerab," he muttered, his voice rough with exhaustion and satisfaction. He reached down, pulling her up against him, pressing his lips to hers in a kiss that was slow, lingering, tasting himself on her, and that alone made her pulse race all over again. It was hot in a way that felt almost unreal, leaving her breathless and aching for him all over again.

Murtasim pulled Meerab close into his arms, his lips finding hers in a slow, tender kiss. The embrace was grounding, like he was trying to anchor her in the moment, to remind her that it was just them—no rush, no expectations. As his lips trailed down to her neck, then to her shoulder, she felt the warmth of his breath against her skin, soft and patient, each kiss unhurried, as if he was memorizing her with his mouth.

His hands slipped under her shirt, palms pressing warmly against her sides, and she shivered under his touch. Her heart raced as he pushed the fabric up, her arms lifting instinctively to help him slide it off. The cool air kissed her bare skin, but the heat in his gaze made her feel anything but cold. His eyes roamed over her exposed body, drinking her in, and she felt herself blush under his attention although he had seen it all before.

Without a word, he turned them, gently laying her down on the soft bed, positioning himself above her. He hovered for a moment, just watching her, a smile tugging at the corners of his lips, and her heart thumped loudly in her chest. There was something so intimate about the way he looked at her—like she was the only person in the world.

His fingers traced the strap of her bra, and with a flick, it was off, tossed across the room with a playful flourish that made her giggle. He grinned, clearly pleased with himself, before letting his hands wander over her now bare skin. He moved slowly, his touch careful, reverent, as his palms glided over her shoulders, down her arms, and across her chest. His hands were warm, firm, as they trailed across her skin, massaging her in slow, rhythmic circles.

His hands moved over her body, not rushing but exploring, fingers tracing her collarbones, her sides, massaging her as if she were made of something fragile. He touched her everywhere, his palms running over the curve of her stomach, sliding along her sides, then up to cup her breasts. His thumbs grazed her nipples, drawing a shiver from her, her breath catching as he played with her, teasing her with a light touch that made her skin tingle.

And then, his lips were on her again, a slow, heated kiss that had her toes curling in the sheets. His beard brushed her neck, tickling and teasing as he nuzzled her there, making her laugh as she squirmed beneath him.

She cupped his face, fingers scratching lightly through his beard, feeling its roughness under her touch. "I like it like this," she murmured, her voice soft but certain.

He chuckled, pressing a kiss to her temple. "I'll never trim it shorter than this again," he promised, his voice warm with amusement, his eyes bright as he looked down at her. His sincerity made her laugh, the sound soft and breathless.

He leaned in, pressing a quick peck to her lips before his mouth returned to her neck and shoulders, kissing her skin with a deliberate slowness. But despite the warmth of his touch, she still felt that flicker of nervousness underneath it all, a tightness in her chest that wouldn't quite go away.

Sensing it, he paused, his lips brushing her ear. "Tell me about all the erogenous zones," he said, his voice low, teasing, but gentle. He was distracting her, she knew it, trying to coax her out of her own head, but she appreciated it.

"The neck..." she began, her breath hitching as his lips returned to the soft skin just below her jaw. He kissed her there, slow and deliberate, and she had to close her eyes to concentrate. "It's—sensitive because the skin is...thin," she said, her voice faltering as he licked the spot lightly, then sucked, sending a shock of pleasure straight through her. "There are...nerve endings," she continued, though her words came out in broken gasps as he kissed and sucked her skin, his beard a rough contrast against her softness.

He hummed in response, his lips sucking gently at the side of her neck, and she let out a soft gasp, her fingers curling in the sheets beneath her. His mouth was warm, his tongue flicking over her skin in teasing strokes before he trailed his kisses lower. He made his way down to her chest, his hands cupping her breasts again as his mouth hovered just above them.

"And the breasts?" he asked, his voice low and teasing as his lips ghosted over her nipple, sending a rush of heat through her.

Meerab's heart pounded as his lips closed around one of her nipples, his tongue flicking over it before sucking gently. "Oh," she gasped, her hand flying to his hair, fingers threading through the strands. It took her a moment to gather her thoughts, the sensation overwhelming. "There are more...nerve endings," she managed to say, her voice trembling. "When you—ah—lick, flick, or bite, it—" She couldn't finish the sentence as he sucked harder, his teeth grazing her lightly, sending a wave of pleasure through her that made her arch into him. "It...stimulates...," she gasped, her words barely above a whisper, lost in the haze of sensation.

His mouth closed around her nipple, sucking gently, the warmth of his tongue swirling around the hardened peak. Her back arched off the bed as she moaned, her fingers pulling on his hair. He sucked and flicked his tongue with agonizing precision, his teeth grazing her lightly before he moved to her other breast. "It... heightens arousal," she tried to explain, her voice shaky and breathless, but he was relentless, his mouth working her over with slow, deliberate motions.

He hummed in approval, kissing his way down her body, his lips soft against her skin. When he reached her stomach, he nuzzled the soft curve, pressing a kiss just above her navel. "Even here?" he asked, his voice low and teasing.

Meerab squirmed slightly under his touch, the warmth of his mouth sending a different kind of shiver through her. "The stomach... it's sensitive," she said, her breath shaky. "For some people, it's... the skin is thinner, it can be an erogenous zone, too," she whispered as he hummed, pressing a kiss against her stomach before moving back, her fingers sliding out of his hair.

Murtasim's fingers were slow, deliberate as they hooked into the waistband of her pants, gently tugging them down. Meerab lifted her hips, letting him pull them and her panties away, the cool air rushing over her newly exposed skin. For a moment, she tensed, feeling vulnerable under his gaze, completely bare now, even though he had seen it all before – more times than she could count now. But his eyes remained soft, filled with something deeper than just lust—a kind of reverence that melted the edges of her anxiety.

He noticed the shift in her body, her slight hesitation, and leaned closer, his lips quirking into that teasing, familiar smirk. "So... the vagina," he started, his tone light, clearly trying to ease her nerves.

Meerab felt a small smile tug at her lips despite herself. "Well," she corrected, her voice a little shaky but amused, "you can't see the vagina. That's the vulva."

Murtasim's lips quirked into that familiar grin, the one that always made her heart race. "Tell me more," he murmured, his voice dipping lower, thick with desire as his fingers began to trail down her thighs, grazing the sensitive skin just between her legs. "Teach me."

Her breath hitched, the words she had planned to say scattering like leaves in the wind as his fingers lightly teased along her folds. The warmth of his touch sent a wave of heat rushing through her, making it harder to focus. "The... um, the vulva is... what's on the outside," she managed, her breath shaky as his fingers brushed over her slickness, teasing but never quite giving her what she needed. "The vagina... that's... inside."

"Mm-hmm," Murtasim hummed, clearly enjoying the way her words faltered, his fingers now gliding lower, slipping between her folds and finding her wetness. He pressed gently, and she gasped, her hips instinctively lifting into his touch.

"Tell me about the clit," he murmured, his voice dark and smooth, circling the sensitive bud with slow, intentional strokes.

A moan slipped past her lips before she could stop it, her hips rocking gently against his hand, her body responding to him even as she tried to gather her thoughts. "It... it has... over eight thousand nerve endings," she gasped, her voice trembling as the pressure of his touch built in perfect, rhythmic strokes. "That's why... it feels... so—oh, God—good."

Murtasim's thumb moved in slow circles, watching her with rapt attention as he worked her clit with expert precision. She could feel the tension coiling inside her, tightening with every pass of his fingers, every gentle flick. The pleasure radiated through her, sending shivers down her spine, her thighs trembling as her breath came in ragged bursts.

He hummed, a deep, satisfied sound, as if he were savoring every moment of her unraveling beneath him. "And this?" he asked, his voice rough with desire as his fingers slid lower, grazing her entrance.

Without waiting for a response, he gently pressed two fingers inside her, moving slowly, giving her time to adjust to the sensation. She gasped, her body tightening around him, her head falling back against the pillow as his fingers stretched her, working her open with slow, scissoring movements. The feeling was overwhelming, a delicious pressure building deep inside her, pulling her further into the heat of the moment.

"Yes," she whispered, her voice breathless, trembling. His fingers curled inside her, brushing against something deep within that made her gasp again, her body shuddering at the sensation. She tried to find her voice, to explain, but all that came out was his name, a soft moan of "Murtasim..." that seemed to hang in the air between them.

His fingers moved in and out, curling and pressing against her inner walls with maddening precision. "What am I touching?" he asked, his voice low and intimate, but she could barely focus. Her body was trembling under his touch, every stroke of his fingers sending sparks of pleasure through her.

"Y-you're... touching the..." she tried, but her words trailed off into a moan as he pressed deeper, his fingers curling just right. "Oh, fuck, Mu-Mur-Murtasim," she whimpered, her body arching into him, her mind dissolving into the sensation, unable to form a coherent explanation as her hips rocked against his hand.

Murtasim leaned down, his lips pressing soft, lingering kisses to the inside of Meerab's thighs. The contrast of his warmth against her cool, exposed skin sent a shiver racing through her, her body alive with anticipation. He took his time, his touch patient, careful. Each kiss was unhurried, as though he wanted to savor every inch of her, and in turn, it made her feel worshipped, desired in a way that sent heat pooling low in her belly.

His breath was hot against her skin, and she let out a soft, shaky exhale, her heart racing in time with his slow exploration. She felt the warmth of his mouth come closer, teasing the edges of her folds, his tongue flicking out in the briefest of touches, tasting her as his long, thick fingers continued to work inside her, stretching her, preparing her – three of them inside her now.

She gasped as his mouth finally reached her clit, the first touch of his tongue there sending a jolt of pleasure racing through her. His mouth was warm, soft, as he circled her slowly, teasingly, every movement deliberate. His fingers plunged deeper, scissoring gently inside her, opening her up with tender precision. She moaned louder, her hips lifting instinctively toward him, wanting more, needing more.

The pressure inside her was building, a slow, insistent heat that seemed to grow with every stroke of his tongue, every gentle thrust of his fingers. His touch was careful, methodical, but she could feel the pleasure mounting, growing stronger with each pass of his mouth over her sensitive skin. Her body reacted on its own, her back arching off the bed, her fingers tangling in the sheets, gripping them tightly as she panted, each breath coming harder and faster as she edged closer to that precipice.

"Murtasim..." she moaned, his name falling from her lips like a plea, her head tossing back against the pillow. She was so close, her body trembling under his expert touch, teetering right on the edge of release.

But just as the pleasure crested, Meerab's mind cleared enough to remember—this would feel even better, more intense, if she waited, if she let the sensation build through the next step. It would be easier to reach the peak during penetration if she held off now. "Stop," she managed to gasp, her voice shaky but insistent, her heart racing as she fought back the urge to let go completely.

Murtasim slowed, his tongue stilling on her clit, his fingers freezing inside her as he pulled back, just enough to meet her eyes. "You sure?" he asked, his voice rough with desire, but there was a softness in it too, an understanding. He was giving her control, letting her decide how this would go.

She nodded, her breath catching in her throat as he sat on his knees again. She glanced down at him, her body trembling from how close she'd been. Her eyes dropped lower, tracing the lines of his chest, the flex of his muscles, down to his cock, which stood hard and heavy between his legs again. The sight made her heart race all over again—he was so big.

The thought sent another wave of arousal rushing through her, pooling between her legs as she bit her lip, her pulse thudding in her ears. She was ready, her body slick with arousal, trembling with need. Even though a small part of her still felt nervous, that ache for him, for what came next, overwhelmed everything else.

Her voice was soft but clear as she looked back into his eyes. "I'm sure."

Murtasim reached for the lube and a condom from the bedside table, his movements unhurried but deliberate. Meerab watched him, her body tense with anticipation as he squeezed some of the cool gel onto his fingers. He looked at her, his expression soft, and then lowered his hand, spreading the lube over her, his fingers gliding between her thighs, slicking her folds with a careful tenderness that sent a shiver up her spine. The sensation made her mewl softly, her hips instinctively shifting, her breath catching as he coated her with slow, deliberate strokes.

Her body trembled, the coolness of the gel a stark contrast to the heat between them, and when she looked up, she saw him ripping open the condom packet. His brow furrowed in concentration as he tried to roll the condom onto himself, but it slipped, not cooperating with his attempts. He let out a frustrated huff, and Meerab couldn't help the soft laugh that escaped her.

"Maybe the other way," she murmured, her hand moving to help him. He paused, watching her intently as she took over, her fingers steady but gentle, guiding the condom over his length, rolling it down his hard cock with a firm stroke.

He smiled at her, a quiet thanks in his eyes, before reaching for the lube again, spreading more of it over the condom now in place, making sure he was ready.

Meerab lay back, her heart racing, watching as he knelt between her legs, positioning himself at her entrance. Her breath hitched as his cock pressed teasingly against her slick folds, and then his eyes found hers, searching, needing to know she was truly ready.

His eyes locked onto hers, searching, always making sure. "Ready?" he asked, his voice gentle, the tip of his cock brushing teasingly against her slick folds. The pressure of him there, just at the edge, made her gasp softly, her fingers flexing against the sheets.

Meerab's breath was shaky, but she nodded, her heart thundering in her chest. "I am," she whispered, her voice barely a breath, her body trembling with anticipation as she tried to steady herself for what came next.

He pushed forward slowly, the head of his cock slipping inside her, and she gasped, her body tightening around him. Her hands instinctively flew to his shoulders, gripping him tightly as she felt him stretch her inch by inch.

He paused, pulling back just slightly before pushing forward again, little by little, his movements measured, as if testing her limits. Meerab's breath came in quick, shallow gasps as she felt him stretching her further with each slow thrust. There was a burning sensation, the tightness of her body resisting, but at the same time, something electric in the way he filled her.

It wasn't painful, but it was intense—her body adjusting to the unfamiliar sensation of being filled like this for the first time. He kept pulling back slightly, then pushing in a little further, working her open gently.

It was overwhelming, the fullness of him pressing deeper each time. She was trying to focus on her breathing, to relax, but every movement sent another wave of sensation through her, tightening her grip on him. He was patient, deliberate, his touch always careful, but she couldn't help the words that slipped out, breathless and urgent. "Just do it," she whispered, her voice cracking slightly with need.

Murtasim's gaze flickered with something intense, and he nodded, his body shaking slightly with restraint as he thrust in, deeper this time, his cock sinking further inside her. The stretch was sharper now, the pressure immense. She let out a soft whimper at the sharp pain, the sensation overwhelming as her body adjusted to the intrusion.

It felt odd at first, the stretch intense, her body unfamiliar with the sensation, but as he sank deeper, the discomfort began to melt away, replaced by a fullness that left her breathless, completely consumed by the feeling of him inside her.

He was shaking too, a low groan escaping his lips as he stilled, fully inside her. "Tell me if I need to stop," he whispered, his voice tight with restraint, his lips brushing tenderly against her forehead. His body hovered above hers, trembling with the effort to hold back, to give her time to adjust.

Meerab hissed softly, her fingers clutching his arms as her body stretched around him, her thighs trembling beneath him. It was strange—he was so big inside her, and she knew all of him wasn't even inside her yet, but he filled her completely in a way she'd never imagined. The sensation was overwhelming, the pressure intense, but not painful anymore. Just... full. Full in a way that made her feel like every part of her was connected to him.

Murtasim kissed her nose, then her lips, a soft smile playing on his flushed face. He was completely still, his body trembling slightly, and she could see the effort it took for him to hold back, to wait for her, even though he was clearly struggling. It made her chest swell with affection.

She nodded, her hands slipping down his back, her fingers trailing over his warm skin as the last bits of discomfort began to fade. "Okay... keep going," she whispered, her voice steady now, her body relaxing more under him.

Murtasim began to move, slow and careful at first, his hips rolling gently as he pulled out just a little, then pushed back in with a slick, steady rhythm. Every movement was deliberate, each thrust measured, and with every slide of his cock inside her, she felt her body responding more, adjusting to the sensation. The pressure gave way to something deeper, something that made her moan softly into his ear, her hips instinctively rocking up to meet his as their bodies moved together for the first time.

Meerab felt the deep stretch as Murtasim filled her, the intense fullness unlike anything she'd ever known. It felt almost too much—like her body wasn't sure whether to push him out or to pull him deeper. Yet, somehow, it felt so, so good, and she found herself wanting him closer, needing every inch of him. She wrapped her legs around his waist, her feet locking behind his hips, urging him in further.

She shivered as the new angle sent sparks of pleasure racing through her, her hips lifting to meet him.

Murtasim kissed her softly, his lips brushing over hers as his thrusts grew deeper, a steady rhythm that made her body sing with sensation. Each push reached further inside, pressing her limits, his cock brushing places that sent a delicious ache through her core. Her body tightened around him, as though to hold him in forever. The fullness, the way he seemed to stretch every inch of her, made her toes curl with need, each thrust pressing her closer to something deep and unknown.

"How does it feel for you?" she whispered breathlessly, her eyes seeking his, needing to know he was feeling it too, this closeness, this overwhelming pleasure.

Murtasim groaned, his forehead resting gently against hers as he sank even deeper. "It feels... incredible," he muttered, his voice rough with desire. His hands splayed across her hips, his body pressing firmly into hers with every thrust. "You're so tight... so wet."

A flush bloomed across her cheeks at his words, sending a thrill of heat racing through her. She let out a soft moan, her hips rising to meet his, matching his rhythm. The pleasure between them was building, each stroke fanning the fire that burned in her belly, her body clenching around him as his thrusts grew harder, more insistent, filling her with every movement.

Her voice came out in gasps, curiosity slipping through her pleasure. "What's the texture like?" she managed to ask, her words tumbling out between breaths.

He hummed softly, but the sound came out uneven, his breath hitching as their foreheads pressed together. His hips moved in a slow, deliberate rhythm, and each thrust seemed to take the words from him. "H-hot," he stammered, voice breaking with restrained need. "Soft... and so warm..." He swallowed, his gaze intense, almost awestruck, as he took her in. "P-perfect... like you're pulling me in," he whispered, his words coming in rough breaths, "squeezing me s-so tight I can barely... breathe." His eyes softened, darkened, and he murmured, almost like he was confessing something to himself, "Like I'm exactly where I belong."

She swore it had never felt like this—so perfectly right, so intense. This was everything she'd ever imagined, and so much more. "It feels so good," she gasped, clinging to him as he continued rocking into her, his pace driving her higher, closer to the edge. The closeness, the pressure, the way his body moved with hers, like they were made to fit just like this.

"M-Murtasim," she gasped, her voice catching as he continued to rock inside her, his steady rhythm sending ripples of pleasure through her.

Murtasim smiled, his lips catching hers in a sweet, almost tender kiss. "Good," he whispered against her lips, his voice filled with warmth, his breath hot against her skin.

And then his hand slipped between them, his fingers finding her clit, stroking in firm, practiced circles that made her arch into him, her body crying out for release. The dual sensation of his cock deep inside her and his fingers working her sensitive bud made her moan, her hips rolling in time with his thrusts, each movement a plea for more.

He looked down at her, his eyes bright, hungry. "Good enough to come for me?" he murmured, his voice a low, warm murmur that sent shivers down her spine.

She nodded, unable to form words as his touch drove her higher. "Faster," she whispered, her voice trembling with need.

His mouth brushed against her ear, "Fingers or cock?"

Her answer was immediate, her voice breathless and urgent. "Both," she gasped, her body shuddering beneath him.

With a groan, he thrust into her harder, faster, his fingers working her clit in perfect rhythm with his hips. Each thrust was deeper, each stroke of his fingers more insistent, and she could feel the pressure building, the tight coil in her belly winding tighter and tighter until it was ready to snap. Her moans grew louder, spilling into cries as she was driven closer to the edge, her nails digging into his back as her body tensed.

It didn't take long—she'd been so close before, her body trembling with need, and now his touch, his movements, were pushing her right to the brink. With a shuddering gasp, she fell over the edge, her body clenching around him as waves of pleasure pulsed through her, each one stronger than the last, leaving her breathless and shaking.

He wasn't far behind, his rhythm faltering as he thrust deeper one last time, groaning her name so prettily as he came, his body shuddering against hers. She felt him twitch inside her, his release filling the condom as he held her close, his breath warm against her neck.

He held her close, his lips pressing gently against her temple as they both caught their breath, lost in the warmth of each other.

As soon as Murtasim pulled out, Meerab whimpered softly, the loss of him leaving her feeling suddenly empty, her body tingling in the afterglow. She felt the bed dip as he collapsed beside her, both of them breathing hard, their chests rising and falling in sync as they lay there, a little dazed, as if the world had narrowed down to this moment, to this quiet space filled with warmth and intimacy.

The thought hit her suddenly, leaving her a bit breathless—she was no longer a virgin. She waited for that feeling of disappointment and regret that some of the articles had all talked about, but it didn't come. The realization settled in like a warm glow, a small smile spreading on her face as she turned her head to look at him, just as he turned his toward her. As their eyes met, something bubbled up inside her, and before she knew it, they both burst into giggles—soft, unrestrained laughter that filled the room, echoing between them. She didn't know why, exactly, but it felt good, freeing.

Murtasim leaned in, his laughter fading as he captured her lips in a soft kiss, their smiles pressing together. Against his mouth, she murmured, "We should do that again... you know, a couple more times, just to make sure we've got it."

He groaned softly at her words, his hand trailing up her side as he pressed his forehead to hers. "You're really trying to kill me, aren't you?" he muttered, his voice thick with both exhaustion and amusement.

A grin tugged at her lips as she continued, feigning innocence. "Actually, I found this article... it has a whole bunch of positions we should try out. For... educational purposes."

He let out a low, dramatic groan, rolling over to pin her beneath him, and kissed her so deeply that she swore she could see stars. His hands found her sides, pulling her closer, his laughter warm against her mouth as he pulled back just a bit. "You're killing me," he laughed, his eyes bright with affection.

"Technically," she whispered, biting back her own laughter, "you're the one impaling me."

A full laugh burst out of him, his head tilting back as he let out a rich, infectious laugh that made her chest swell with warmth. The laughter was contagious, and before she knew it, she was laughing too, the sound filling the room, mingling with his in a perfect harmony.

Their laughter slowly faded into smiles, but as the giggles subsided, his hands drifted to her sides again, fingers dancing along her ribs. Her breath hitched, her body twitching under his touch, and suddenly his hands began to tickle her, his fingers pressing into her sides. She shrieked, trying to wriggle away, her laughter dissolving into helpless giggles as she squirmed beneath him.

"Stop!" she gasped, though her own hands found his sides, poking back with a playful vengeance. "That's not fair!"

Their laughter melted into another kiss, slow and lingering, a tender exploration that felt like it could stretch on forever. His lips moved against hers softly at first, then deepened, the warmth between them reigniting. She felt the pulse of his desire in the way his hands held her, and the press of his body close to hers. Her fingers traced over his back, drawing him closer still, neither of them in a hurry to break the spell.

When they finally pulled back, both of them breathless, she noticed the glint of mischief in his eyes as rolled off the condom, and threw it in the trash, and reached over to grab a new condom. She smirked, amused at how ready he seemed, marveling to herself how what she had read about teenage boys wasn't far off—he was just as rock-hard and eager as she had read. His face flushed, watching her with barely-contained anticipation as he prepared.

But she had already made up her mind. This time, she wanted to take the lead. She moved to straddle him, her knees resting on either side of his hips, her fingers steady as they pressed into his chest, holding him down. Her confidence faltered just a little when she saw the intense look in his eyes, but his hands settled warmly on her thighs, grounding her, giving her the reassurance she needed.

Their eyes met, a silent understanding passing between them. She guided him into her, both of them gasping as she sank down slowly, adjusting to the sensation, feeling him fill her in a way that made her shiver with pleasure. She took a steadying breath, loving how he felt inside her.

Murtasim's face contorted slightly, his hands gripping her hips with a desperate hold. "Meerab... I am going to explode if you don't move soon," he muttered, his voice thick with strained amusement and barely-concealed desire.

She laughed softly, adjusting herself again. "Like this?" she asked, rolling her hips experimentally, the movement drawing a groan from him as his grip on her tightened.

"Yes... and... more, just like that," he gasped, his eyes fluttering shut as he gave himself over to her rhythm. She moved a little faster, her own pleasure building with each movement, the tension between them tightening as she found her stride.

"Am I doing it right?" she asked, catching his expression as he struggled to respond.

"Perfect," he managed, his eyes meeting hers, a smirk tugging at his lips despite the urgency in his gaze. "But if you keep asking, I might actually—" His words broke off as she adjusted again, the new angle making him gasp. They both groaned, her hands resting on his chest as she leaned forward, picking up the pace.

His hands guided her as they fell into a steady rhythm, his hips rising to meet hers in perfect time, each thrust sending a rush of pleasure through her that made her moan softly.

He watched her with something close to awe, his hands moving to cup her face as she leaned down, her forehead resting against his. Their breath mingled, her heart racing, her body humming with the pleasure building between them.

Finally, she found her rhythm, each movement of her hips sending a new wave of pleasure through them both. Her head tilted back, a gasp escaping her as she moved faster, his hands pressing her down harder, guiding her.

Meerab rode him with a steady rhythm, her body moving above his in a slow, almost hypnotic motion. His hands gripped her hips, fingers digging into her soft skin as she rocked against him, taking him deep with each roll of her hips. Murtasim's gaze stayed locked on her, his eyes dark, his lips parted in a mix of awe and pleasure. He looked up at her as though she was the only thing that existed, his breath coming in shallow gasps as he watched her move.

His hands slid from her waist to her breasts, cupping them, his thumbs brushing over her sensitive nipples before his mouth followed. The warmth of his lips as he sucked gently on her skin sent shivers down her spine, making her arch her back and press herself harder against him. The sensation was intoxicating, each suck and kiss heightening the pleasure already coursing through her body.

She tried to keep the pace steady, her thighs trembling as she worked him deeper with each roll of her hips, but after a few minutes, she felt herself slowing, the effort starting to wear her down. She let out a breathless laugh, her hands pressing into his chest for balance as she looked down at him. "I'm tired," she admitted, her voice soft with a hint of frustration.

Murtasim smiled at her, his eyes dark with affection and amusement. Without a word, he shifted beneath her, his hands tightening around her hips as he thrust up into her, his cock driving deeper than before. The sudden force made her scream, the sound tearing from her throat as her head fell back, overwhelmed by the sensation.

His body stilled instantly, his grip loosening as his eyes searched hers with concern. "Shit, did I hurt you?" he asked, his voice strained, panic flickering in his gaze.

Meerab shook her head quickly, still gasping, the pleasure from his thrust lingering in her body like fire. She leaned down, her lips close to his ear as she whispered, "Shut up and keep doing that, Murtasim." Her voice was breathy, demanding, and full of need.

He let out a low, rough chuckle and didn't hesitate. His hands guided her hips as he thrust up into her again, hard and deep, just like before. She cried out, her body trembling as the force of it ripped through her. Each time he drove into her, she felt herself unraveling more and more, her body giving in completely to the rhythm they created together.

Her fingers found their way between her legs, touching herself in sync with his movements, her fingers circling her clit as his cock filled her, each thrust sending her closer to the edge. He watched her, his breathing ragged as he took in the sight of her—her body moving on top of his, her fingers working herself as she came undone above him.

Her hips bucked against him, her moans filling the room as she rode the waves of sensation, the sound of their bodies moving together echoing in the quiet space. She didn't know who came first, him or her, but suddenly they were both moaning and groaning, their bodies tightening as the orgasm hit them both. Her body clenched around him as she threw her head back, gasping for breath, while he groaned her name, twitching inside her again as he buried himself deep inside her one final time.

The world seemed to blur for a moment, the pleasure so intense that it left them both shaking, gasping, clinging to each other as the aftershocks pulsed through their bodies.

Meerab collapsed onto him, her chest pressed against his, both of them panting, their bodies still trembling with the remnants of their shared release. For a long moment, neither of them spoke, too lost in the aftermath of the pleasure that had swept them away.

Meerab's head rested on his chest, her fingers lightly tracing circles on his skin. Finally, she let out a breathless laugh, her head resting against his shoulder as she whispered, "I like this sex stuff."

Murtasim let out a soft snicker, his hand stroking her hair. "Me too," he whispered, his smile evident in his voice as they lay there, wrapped in the afterglow of everything they'd just experienced.

Meerab lay on top of Murtasim, her body pressed against his as she kissed his chest softly, her lips grazing his warm skin. Their breathing had slowed, the wild rush of their first time giving way to a peaceful calm. She could hear the steady thrum of his heartbeat beneath her ear, and she loved it.

Her fingers traced lazy patterns along his chest, and she smiled, feeling the contentment settle into her bones. After a long moment of just lying there, her body utterly relaxed against his, she sighed softly. "I should go pee, so I don't get a UTI," she muttered, remembering her research. "And then I should take a warm bath so I'm not sore later."

Murtasim chuckled, the sound rumbling under her as his fingers continued to trail lightly over her back. "We can take a bath together," he murmured, his voice low and sleepy, but still playful.

Meerab hummed at the idea, the thought of it warm and sweet, though her mind wandered to what came next. She frowned slightly, her fingers pausing in their gentle patterns. "I don't think I want to go back home," she whined softly, her voice carrying a trace of frustration. "How do we... do this there?"

He snickered softly, his hand stroking her hair. "We'll find a way," he whispered, his voice filled with reassurance. His tone made her smile, the worry fading just a little as she felt his warmth surrounding her.

Slowly, he shifted beneath her, his hands gently helping her up as she sat back on her knees. The moment she moved, though, her legs protested. A dull ache settled in her thighs, her muscles sore from the unfamiliar motions of sex. She winced a little, reaching out to steady herself with a hand on his chest. "Oof," she muttered, a small smile playing on her lips despite the discomfort. "Definitely not used to that."

Murtasim grinned, sitting up and sliding his hands down to her hips to help steady her. "You'll get used to it," he teased, his eyes twinkling with that familiar playful glint. He kissed her shoulder, then slowly guided her to her feet.

She stretched, her legs feeling shaky and a bit sore as she padded towards the bathroom. Murtasim stayed behind, watching her with a tender smile. She could feel his eyes on her, protective but relaxed, as she disappeared into the bathroom. As soon as she was out of sight, she could hear him shuffle to the door, waiting just outside.

Once she had taken care of business and felt a little more comfortable, she called out, "You can come in now."

He opened the door and stepped in with a smile, glancing at her with a soft, affectionate look before moving to the tub. Together, they began to draw a bath, the sound of the water filling the quiet space between them. The scent of warm, clean steam rose around them as the tub filled, and Meerab couldn't help but feel a sense of warmth settling over her.

They stepped into the bath together, the water embracing them like a soothing balm. She leaned back against him, her body sinking into the warmth, and for a while, everything was calm, quiet. His arms wrapped around her, pulling her closer as they both soaked in the moment. The soreness in her thighs melted away in the heat, leaving only a feeling of peace.

But, of course, it didn't stay quiet for long.

Meerab splashed a little water at him, just a teasing flick of her fingers, and his eyes narrowed playfully. "Oh, is that how it is?" he grinned, splashing her back with a little more force, the water rippling around them.

She giggled, splashing him again, a little harder this time, her laughter bubbling up as he retaliated with an even bigger splash. Soon, the quiet bath turned into a full-blown water fight, the two of them laughing and splashing like children, water spilling over the sides of the tub as they chased each other's splashes.

Murtasim reached for her, pulling her close and kissing her through their laughter, the water sloshing around them as their playful battle turned into something softer. She smiled into the kiss, her fingers threading through his wet hair as they rested in the warm water together.

It was perfect, really.

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Author's Note: Tadaaaaaaa! So - what do you think? What was your favourite part? Did we like their first time? Hehe. ALF was not supposed to be this long, this is Chapter 11 already, so at this point, it really could have been its own story. Anyways - I am hoping to wrap it up soon!