Amy struggles to regain her breath. Her thighs are still twitching as she recuperates from her climax. Ella leaves her post between her partner's legs. She slides up next to her lover's body to give her a quick kiss. Amy can taste herself on Ella's lips.
"Shit... I need some air..." Amy says between heavy breathes.
The two women are still inside their blanket fortress. Amy pushes a corner of the blanket pile up, letting cold, fresh air pour into their shelter.
"Alright. That's better... Can you finish your story? You had just failed a proposal for the second time."
"Yes, that's right... we finished the movie and--"
You threw me onto the bed and pulled a quilt over my body. The warm blankets were amazing, a shield against the cold night. As my hands were uncuffed and my gag unbuckled, I tried to crawl out of bed to go and grab the engagement ring.
However, when you laid down and wrapped me up in a big hug, I was instantly stuck. Not physically trapped, I could have squirmed free from your loose grip-- mentally trapped. Your tranquil breathing and warm skin on mine was a natural sedative. My tired mind relaxed, and I fell asleep in your arms.
It was still dark when I woke up, but you were already out of bed. I sat up and looked out the window of our bedroom. The forest was blanketed in fog. I could barely see the first hues of dawn across the sky. The serene view made me quite excited for today's main activity-- our hike.
I was quite groggy that morning. You occupied my dreams-- memories of the past day intertwined with fantasies about our future. It was a struggle to get out of bed.
You made a quick breakfast while I showered. The hot water did little to wake me up, but it was relaxing. I changed into outdoor gear: yoga pants and a snug thermal top. You wore jeans and a vest. I made myself a cup of coffee to try and kickstart my morning.
I rummaged through the couch while you changed in the bedroom. I had left our engagement ring in between two of the cushions last night. A remnant of my failed plan. I fished it out and slipped it into the front pocket of my jacket.
I crawled back into bed while I waited for you. The warm blankets must have cast a spell on me-- I fell back asleep.
I jolted back awake as you jumped on top of me. I heard a familiar clicking of cuffs as I regained my senses. You picked up my handcuffs sitting on the end table next to my unfinished cup of coffee, and placed them around my wrists.
"Falling back asleep? Right before our hike? I can't believe it!" you said with mock anger.
It seemed hypocritical to me that you were mad about me delaying our hike-- when this was sure to be a bigger distraction. I tried to voice my criticisms, but you were one step ahead. As soon as I opened my mouth, you slipped a ballgag back into my mouth.
Normally, I loved being gagged. In fact, I usually insist on it. Having my plans derailed by this impedance again was exasperating. Everything hinged on me being able to properly ask you the 'big question'. I would have to improvise, once again, because that gag was not coming out anytime soon. I imagined myself kneeling in front of you, trying to mumble 'will you marry me?' while drooling.
"All right, Ella. Up and at 'em! Let's get your shoes on."
I watched you kneel on the floor as you slipped my boots onto my feet. You smiled up at me as you tightened them. I tried not to show my reaction as you yanked each lace tight, finishing each boot with a secure knot. It was an oddly familiar sensation.
I could feel the subtle weight of the ring box in my jacket. Luckily it was not left behind, as you led me out the front door. My plan to propose was not yet in complete tatters.
You took my hiking pack alongside yours, throwing each of them over a different shoulder. I was glad to be relieved of the heavy burden, but embarrassed that I couldn't carry it myself. Even when my hands aren't cuffed behind my back, you always offer to carry it for me.
The cool morning air was refreshing. Our hike led us up a wooded hill. The winding path was poorly maintained-- plantlife infringed on the borders of the path.
Both deep grooves carved by rain and fallen logs impeded our progress as we trekked onwards. You helped me navigate the obstacles, lending a hand or a shoulder whenever necessary. It would have been easier to just uncuff me, but I suppose you were enjoying my helplessness.
Unseen birds chirped loudly in the tall trees. We stopped to listen to them, while standing quietly side by side. You put an arm around my shoulder and pulled me close to you.
"Get to the good part," Amy whined.
"I'm setting the scene. The details are important..." Ella replied. "You're the one who always tries to teach me patience."
"All right. Sorry. Keep going."
After about an hour of hiking, we could hear the rumble of rushing water. Another minute, and the waterfall came into view. The stream poured down over the rocky cliff, spraying mist everywhere. It wasn't the biggest waterfall, or the tallest, but it was ours.
We settled into a nearby clearing. You threw down a blanket for us to lay on. I raised my cuffed hands up to you, asking to be let out. I wouldn't be able to reach the front pocket of my jacket until you released me.
