He always loved seeing her smile. Maybe that's why today hurt so much. Watching her, looking at her, he could see the sadness deep in her eyes. As she turned towards him, a meek smile forced its way through, before she turned again, not wanting him to see the sorrow that was in her eyes. Even knowing weeks before that today would come, that this day would come, neither of them were truly ready to cope. He felt in his pocket, the stiff paper of his return ticket a sickly reminder of what must be done tomorrow.
They had been together for just over three weeks, not counting the time they spent as "just friends". Initially they had met by chance, both in line for a hot drink at a local cafe. He had approached her spur of the moment, simply introducing himself, and then sputtering apologizes thinking he had offended her, when she was simply shy and flattered. Finally her natural timidness was overcome by an urge to laugh, and he found that he quite enjoyed hearing her laugh. They conversed over the course of an hour, and found that they shared similar interests, enough that they agreed to meet again later. One meeting became two, and soon enough they were spending significant time together, despite the fact that his visit was to be so short.
One night after having dinner together, he had asked her back to his room. They talked all through the night, and found themselves asleep in the room as the sun rose. He had woken up before her, and simply sat on the edge of the bed, glad he had gotten a room with two. Watching her, several questions came into his mind. They had barely known each other for days at that point, and yet it felt as though they knew each other for years. He had found out several things about her that she said she never told anyone else, and it made him feel good that she was so secure around him. Even more, her presence made him happy, and he wished that his stay wasn't so short, so that he could pursue whatever relationship they might have. She woke up with him still sitting there, staring out of the window, en lost in thought. His presence was calming, a quiet reassurance. Looking back, he noticed her awake and started off the bed, only for her to grab his arm, smiling as she pulled him closer.
As he got closer and closer, he could remember protesting, reminding her that they had agreed to stay friends. Most of all, he could remember how hollow his own voice sounded, how his words carried absolutely no conviction. She had only laughed, pulling him down closer and closer, her eyes happy and reassuring. He continued leaning down, finally tasting her lips on his, his arms sliding out from under him as he laid on his side next to her. What followed was a blur, as two people consumed one another in lust. That first morning would be one of many in which they would end up in each other's arms, oblivious to the world or to the tension they were creating.
That memory had turned bittersweet tonight, because tonight would be their very last. He had considered staying longer, even staying forever, but knew that was unrealistic. In turn, he couldn't ask her to come with. She had been building her career for years, and it was just starting to pay off. He pulled her in closer, kissing her forehead, trying to distract himself from his own tears. He could feel her shake against him, both hoping somehow that tomorrow would never come.
He thought of all they each had in store for their individual futures. He knew his vacation ended in a week, but he wanted time to adjust after his flight home. Spending a day flying was bad enough, and he didn't look forward to his return trip. Turning to her, well, she would be teaching a class part time at the University in a couple weeks. She had already admitted to not being ready, usually with a sly grin and a smack to the arm, telling him it was his fault. In a way it was, her time outside of work being spent with him instead of preparing a course. Of course, he couldn't help but play Van Halen when he found out, which she had greeted with her eyes rolling.
"I want you." she said suddenly, pulling her head back to look up at him as he emerged from his daze. He looked back quizzically, not sure what she meant. She sighed, biting her lip, rummaging in her mind for the words she wanted. "I want you to take me. I want you to use me and-and make me yours. I...I want to be yours..." She looked off in the distance, not really sure of what she had just said. He opened his mouth to speak, and then closed it, feeling his response should be less verbal.
Grabbing her hand, he pulled her along, walking pointedly along. He turned back and smiled at her, as they continued down the sidewalk towards the hotel. The sound of the waves from the beach faded as they walked inside, moving towards the elevator. Dragging her inside, he punched his floor number, knowing they'd have about half a minute before it reached their destination. As soon as the doors closed, he let go of her hands, grabbing her by the shirt and shoving her up against the back wall. She gasped at the sudden change in demeanor, reflexively tilting her head forward to cover her neck. She was immediately greeted by his hands in her hair, snapping her head back to expose it, before digging his teeth in. Almost as suddenly as it all started, he pulled away, stopping mere moments before the door opened.
