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uncannyannie23 · 1 year

Text

A Series of Firsts PT 1

Rating: M

Status: Incomplete - Part 2 to come

Word Count: 5k+

Tropes: height difference/kink, fluffy smut, first time together, body worship

Warnings: Adult themes = sexiness. Proof reading not happened yet.

Alternative reading spot: Defending Eden One-Shots - Chapter 1 - Uncannyannie23 - Original Work [Archive of Our Own]

Defending Eden

A Series of Firsts Part 1

The sun had started to set over London and her skyline, creating a stunning mosaic of oranges, pinks and blues – stubbornly holding on to the ebbing sky. The setting sun seemed to stand still, hesitant to retire and darkness take over. Beams of sheer light bursts across the city, breaking through gaps in architecture to flood the park in a beautiful, soft haze.

The park is where they ended up, taking a leisurely stroll following a day of activities in the city. Taking in the fragrant scent of the lush grass and trees, John and Everly took their time, neither one of them wanting the day to end. Gently strolling along the winding path, their arms were intertwined, careful to not to disturb the protected flowerbeds that were meticulously curated and cared for daily as they joked. The park was a peaceful, tranquil place, it was one of the few remaining places in London untouched by the turmoil of the outside world, so it was a welcome respite to the heinous truth. The only people besides themselves were a few joggers and dogwalkers, along with other couples like them and small groups of friends taking a break from the harsh realities they faced every day. This place had an atmosphere of serenity, as if a kind of spell had been cast over the area to protect it and put any occupants at ease.

John and Everly perched together on a bench nearby, resting their tired feet after a day of sightseeing. John gazed at the sky in awe, as if mesmerized by the streaking colours that painted the horizon. He could hear the hum of city coming alive with the bustling nightlife, replacing the sounds of birdsong and the indecipherable chatter of passers-by. The hustle and bustle of the city was a far cry from the peaceful stillness he felt now. He knew which made him feel more at peace.

Everly, sensing the awe in John's gaze, began to tell him stories of the wonders up in the heavens. Of the galaxies and stars beyond the reach of any human eye. Of the possibility of other lifeforms living in the vastness of space that waited for them, and of the secrets they might know and share with us.

She illustrated these possibilities into a spellbinding tale, like a true storyteller, with heart and soul. John was entranced, listening to Everly's stories with a childlike wonder. Her words captivated his imagination. He dreamt of exploring the depths of the unknown, his life a winding road of adventure and love. With her by his side, John felt like he could take any voyage. No matter how dangerous. To traverse the void in search of adventure, tackling any trials and taming any perils. And he would. He would do it all just to see her smile.

The charged static air and heavy scent of impending rain that rolled over him was unmistakable. Forcing John out of his trance. Though his heart resisted, his eyes were pulled to rolling thunderclouds that raced across the skyline. He heard a distant grumble that signalled an imminent downpour, and quickly reached for Everly's hand. She stopped her tale mid-sentence as he pulled them both to their feet, "we should get going," he looked around again, seemingly accessing the sky above as if to try and predict when the storm will hit them. Others too have noticed the shift in weather, and prepared themselves. Everly though, was still completely oblivious to the why everyone else seemed to suddenly be in such a hurry to leave. John found it hilarious, how someone so smart, who could regale the schematics of a passenger starship in great detail, or science behind why the terraforming of Marx failed some forty years ago, could not work out why others behaved the way that they do. As they continued on their path, John urged her to continue her sable, "please tell me more," he smiled down at her.

She grinned in response, seemingly developing a slight skip in her step. He found himself in awe of Everly, unable to comprehend where this endless vitality came from. He was sure that her stamina could outlast half the trained mercenaries under him at Legion HQ. He found himself imagining traversing an unknown world with her, in search for something they were not yet sure of when she suddenly gasped excitedly - bringing him back to the real world.

She rushed toward an eager alsation, only several months old with his owner to polite to pull away. Everly greeted both, having apparently met the pair before, Everly shameless got on her knees and fussed the excitable canine that returned her affections in earnest. John gave an amused sound, Everly stopped at just about every canine, or animal they came across. Her fascination with all life was envigorating.

In the meantime, John accessed the sky again and pulled a face. They did not have long before the heavens opened up. He scoured park, putting together the best course of action. He cursed the weather, and the passage of time for putting a deadline on their day. He knew that she was not ready to go, and frankly neither was he. For he knew, that when he returned to base, that he may not get the chance to see her again for a few weeks. Not yet. Just a bit more time. Please.

John turned his attention back to her and the puppy. He watched Everly with a smile on his face, marveling at the enthusiasm and energy she had for life - something he hadn't seen in years. He couldn't help but be inspired by her, and the way she was able to find joy in the smallest of things. He hadn't realized how much he had missed the simple beauty of life until now. She had led a very sheltered life, not knowing much beyond the UN facilities where she was raised alongside other children children whose parents worked there. There was much she had only read about, and not truly experienced for herself. After much convincing from her dads and colleagues, she finally decided to let herself explore the outside world. Despite the horrors of the slow climate apocalypse, she found wonder.

The owner of the puppy politely excused himself, in a hurry to get home in hopes to escape the impending onslaught of rain that was to come. Everly waved goodbye to the puppy who did not want to leave her. She stood then, doubling over to brush the dirt off her knees. Her floral skirt flapping as she did so. John internally smirked, giving a chuckle as he waited for her. He could not admit to her to crude thoughts that invaded the darker crevices of his mind - the notion angered him, how dare he make something so sweet and innocent into something so impure. This was not the first time, he had thought of her often, when he was alone in the dead of night awaiting sleep in his bunk.

A wide grin spread across her face as she tucked loose strands of fiery red hair behind a speckled ear. Outstretching her hand and wiggling her fingers, she motioned for him to join her. “He was the last one I swear!”

“Now, now! Don’t make promises you can’t keep,” he laughed as he allowed her to pull him in. Animals and people were just drawn to her; she had a magnetic power about her. He was no different, for he too succumbed to her enchantment, willingly. He desperately wanted to give her the world, and shield her from anything that could do her harm. For she was beacon of light in this dying world that needed to be protected at all costs. "We should go, it's going to chuck it down and you'll get all soaked." She wasn't exactly dressed for what was to come, she wore a floral dress with tights and a cardigan - her signature look.

The deafening sound of the downpour announced itself before he felt it's chill. He had no time to prepare before they were completely drenched. The rain came down like bullets, Everly raised her hands in shock at the onslaught. John threw off his leather jacket and draped it protectively over her. The heavy apparel threatened to swallow her whole, but it was far more welcoming than what it shielded her from. She clung to the garment with a mixture of gratitude and confusion, unsure why John would allow himself to stand exposed to the elements in his simple, dark grey tee. His face twisted as he strained to see through the downpour, desperately in search of something that could shelter them both, or at least her.

He could just make out the blur of colour, greens, yellows, reds and blues of playground equipment that acted as a guide through the blurred grey. The childrens play area was at the edge of the park roughly four hundred yards when where they stood, that he was sure. Fantastic, it would get them closer to the road. And just to the right of the park, was their saving grace. An old, traditional bandstand.

John guided Everly through the rain with a strong hand on her back as they raced towards the bandstand. The thunderous rain pounding his skin threatening to bruise. The pavement quickly turned to a shallow river as the excess water could not be soaked up by sodden dirt fast enough. The water hurtled down against them matching the slight decline of the park. Their shoes slapped against the racing water, splashing muddy water up their legs.

It did not take them long to reach the shelter. He steered her towards it, thankful that she was not at the full mercy of the pelts that hammered his muscled back. He took her hand and guided her up the six concrete stairs that had grown slippery from the rain - careful to ensure she did not slip.

The bandstand had a large bell like leaky roof with an incomplete canopy of ancient slate tile. The roof was supported by an array of interwoven struts that criss-crossed in abstract webs and appeared to have been cared for some time. The white paint was peeling, revealing dark, almost rotten wood beneath. In need of repair as it was, for now it provided ample shelter for them both.

John ran a strong hand down his left arm, ringing the water off that clung to him. He immediately tapped the iconic black square on his wrist. This triggered a blue hologram to appear above the mark, one that only he could see - the irises of his eyes glowed with the fluorescent blue of the hologram. A sign that someone was using this technology. Everly watched as she lowered the jacket to her shoulders, freeing her head from its shadow. The water from the jacket dripped with a small ping, creating tiny puddles around her. Now free from the rain, his scent from the jacket flooded her senses, a mix of leather, a rich spicy vanilla and his natural musk. She leaned back against one of the many struts as she waited for John to finish his task.

It didn't take him long before he blinked, returning his eyes to their regular steel grey. He smiled at her, "I've ordered a pod to pick us up. I know you don't leave far, but I can't have you walking in this. It won't be long"

"Me? What about you? You are exposed, I would hate it if you were to catch a cold because you gave me your jacket." She took him in properly then. He was a work of art. The soft cotton of his shirt was saturated from the rain, clinging to him like a second skin, revealing the hard ridges of his chest and hips. He was a statue of power and perfection. His biceps flexed and pushed against the hem of the short sleeves, straining to break free. She could see every little crevice and rise of the sculpted muscle. He was an embodiment of strength. He looked like a demigod.

"I don't matter-"

She scoffed, "don't be silly!"

He gave her a one-sided smile and chuckled, taking a step closer to her. His gaze never leaving hers, a million thoughts rushing through his mind as his eyes flickered over her petite form drowning his dark jacket. The sight of it hanging on her like this, her hair damp and her lips pursed; made him take steps towards her, until he was leaning over her, mere inches apart. Her body felt like it was on fire. She had never experienced this before, was it because of the heat that radiated off of him? Or was it simply because she was out of the rain? His eyes were like a lightening strike in a storm, mesmerising, yet dangerous. She was aching for something. But what? It did not take her long to realise that she ached for this man that loomed in front of her.

His arm went up to rest against the beam above her head, so he could lean in further, she craned her neck up to match. They could feel each others breath.

John bites his lip, his gaze flickering between her bright green orbs and her lips. Those luscious lips of hers had tempted him since the first time they met in the dreaded Red Zone. After months of dating - mostly virtually- he had yet to sample them. Could he…now? Is this the right time? Her grin had dropped, leaving her mouth slightly open as she found herself entrapped in his steelly gaze. Her heart raced as she dared peek to his lips, then back up. She could feel the electric charge between them as they both knew what was going to happen next. She may not have much experience with this kind of thing herself, but she had been made to consume romance/rom-com media by her more friendly colleagues.

He took this as a subtle sign that she wanted what he did. He raised a large, calloused hand to her smooth face. His thumb gently caressed her cheek, while his palm rested on her neck and his fingered got entangled in her damp hair. John leaned in, his lips only a breath away from hers. Her heart was pounding and her knees were trembling but she forced herself to keep still. She did not realise how much she wanted this.

John had to do this, no matter how worried he was to scare her off. He had to make the first move.

He brushed her lips lightly with his, exploring the contours of her mouth as if he was afraid of breaking it. His touch was gentle and caring, yet passionate and burning with desire. She melted in his arms as he deepened the kiss, his tongue exploring her mouth hungrily.

Time held still and they were transported in a world of their own. His hands were running through her hair and down her neck, tracing the curves of her body as if to commit them to memory. She felt a shudder run through her body as if electricity had surged through her veins. It was like nothing she had ever felt before. Her lips moved in sync with his, tasting and exploring every inch of his mouth.

It felt like a dream as John's lips moved against hers and how he held on to her as if he was scared to lose her. She allowed herself to melt in his arms and she wanted to stay there forever, their kiss and this moment never ending.

A loud bleep notification from John's Square, and the sounds of a whizzing pod coming to a halt snapped them out of their trance. He slowly and begrudgingly pulled away from her, his lips still lingering on hers, "looks like our ride is here."

Her eyes fluttered open and she smiled up at him, marveling at the power of the connection they had just shared. She felt the strength of their bond, like an invisible thread holding them together, and knew in that moment that no matter what happened, she would always feel this connection with him.

She blushed and felt a little silly for getting so carried away. She was a world reknowned astro-scientist with multiple areas of expertise, and here she was getting swept off her feet by a private soldier.

John seemed to understand her feelings and he smiled softly, holding her hand and giving it a gentle squeeze."Shall we go?" He asked and then quickly added with a cheeky raised brow and smirk, "Unless you'd like to stay here a longer..."

She shook her head and laughed at his goofiness. She knew that they had to verify with the pod quickly, otherwise it may get called off for someone else. Everly allowed John to lead her to the awaiting pod, using the same method of hiding under his jacket in a sad attempt to protect herself from getting any more wet.

The pod was a driverless vehicle that was used as a modern replacement for taxis. It was a cheap and private alternative. The glistening white sphere whose hovering shell illuminated beneath the dreary rain. Even in the gloom and darkness of the city night, it was easy to pick out among the surrounding concrete and steel – a glimmering beacon of modernity.The pod door slide open as John and Everly approuched. It was big enough that the average human could stand in it, however John had to hunch over so as not to bang his head.

They sat on the white bench inside, a holographic screen popped up that showed the news but John promptly waved it off. Not wanting to dampen their cheery vibes with bleek world news. John made the notion for the pod door to slide shut, and it has commanded. The only thing inside the pod was the bench they sat on, and the walls were made of a one-way, translucent material that enabled them to see the outside world without being seen themselves.

Inside the pod, they sat quietly, their hands entwined and enjoying the silence between them. The lights from the holograms outside gave her the excuse she needed to hide her flushed cheeks. She swore, that is he saw her blush this much than her cheeks would burn even hotter! She found herself unable to stop smiling. The moment was perfect and she turned to look at John, only to find him already staring at her. He smiled and said, "I could get used to this."

Everly nodded, "me too." Their eyes locked once again and they both felt the tension build between them. But before anything could happen, the pod came to a halt, announced their arrival to their chosen destination and the door slid open. They laughed at the comedic value of having another moment ruined by the same vehicle. With hands still interlocked, and they stepped out into the busy street.

The rain had finally stopped, leaving the city slick with water and reflecting the bright lights of the surrounding buildings. They walked together, their feet splashing in the puddles as they made their way towards the entrance of the Everly's apartment building. Everly looked up at John, a smile on her face, "Thank you for today. It was...amazing."

John's heart swelled with pride at her words. He had planned this whole day meticulously, hoping that it would be just perfect for her, "I'm glad you enjoyed it." As they approuched the building, the automated doors swooshed open, John gave a deep gesture for her to enter first, putting on a silly voice as if he was a medieval knight, "after thee, ladies go first..."

She played along - putting an exaggarated hand on her chest and fluttered her eyelashes, "why thank you kind sir! Such a gentleman!" She giggled as he came in after her, tickling and prodding playfully as they headed towards the elevator. Her apartment was several floors up, and had previously scoffed at the notion of taking the stairs when he had suggested it. The elevator opened up to tiny hallway with two doors, one of which belonged to her.

She backed out of the elevator, an unmistakable smirk on her face as she looked at John with a devilish gaze. He couldn't help but find it amusing, but also magmatisied. This was usually the point at which they said their goodbyes, but today was different. Their kiss was passionate and intense. They had stoked an already burning flame.

His body seemed to pulse with a new kind of energy, a forbidden and irresistible desire that had never been ignited before. He wanted nothing more than to break their carefully erected boundaries and surrender to the burning passion that seemed to course through him. The mere thought of her sweet lips sent a wave of heat coursing through his veins. His restraint was weakening, and he ached to feel her against him, to experience the ultimate transcendence.

She grabbed his hand and pulled him to her door, his heart racing in anticipation. He suddenly felt overwhelmed with the smell of her perfume and the softness of her skin as her fingers curled around his damp collar. His lips instantly ached for hers, but it was Everly that made the first move this time. She overstretched herself up and pulled him down to reach his lips halfway. He drew her closer, his hands moved to her waist, steadying them both. John's forehead bumped with the door as they feverishly kissed. She fumbled for the fingerprint panel on the wall, her attention more fixated on this godlike man. With a soft bleep, the door clicked open and she swrung it open with the heel of her boot.

Forcing a break in the kiss, she took a step back into her apartment. Gazing up at him with pleading eyes that seemed to say "please don't leave", and he could hardly bring himself to take one step away from her. He could almost predict what was going to happen and the dilemma tore him apart. "Do...do you want to come in?" his heart pounded yes, over and over against his ribcage - but his better judgement held him back. He was terrified of going too far, too quickly, and he treasured her too much to just give in to the impulse. Noticing his hesitance, she tried to tempt him further, she bit her lower lip, swaying slightly and taking another step back - as if to lure him in, "we can kiss some more," she cooed.

Fuck. What was she doing to him? "Ahhh!" His voice trembled, as he tried to keep his composure. "If I come in...it'll start with just kisses, then full on making out...and then it'll get late, and I'll end up staying. Which will then turn into making out in the bedroom and...ugh..." His heart raced and his mind filled with thoughts of them tangled in sheets, locked in embrace. His cheeks heated as he looked away from her, his throat dry. He ran his hand over the back of his neck, uncomfortable with how his body was reacting to her. He rambled, his words desperate and full of fear of getting hurt, or worse, hurting her. He was honest, his gaze steady and deep into hers as he spoke, "I've rushed into things before and they...well they don't end well." He sighed, wondering how he ended up in this position. "I don't want to mess this up. I do want this, I really, really do. I just - I want to make sure you know what you want...I want to do things properly this time I guess."

She finished his sentence with a sad smile, "you want to make sure we don't rush into this too quickly." His words felt like a bucket of cold water, was this what rejection felt like? She was taken aback by his thoughtful worries, they were strange to her and not at all like what she was told to expect - John was seldom like what her colleagues told her to expect about men. "Do I get a say in this?" she tilted her head, her brows furrowing in worry.

He looked into her eyes, feeling a stab of guilt for the hesitation in his own. "Of course. You tell me to go, I'll go. You tell me to stay, I'll stay."

"Then stay..."

The breath he didn't even know he was holding escaped his throat. A weight lifted from his shoulders and he took small steps towards her. Placing a hand on her hip, he reached back with the other to absentmindly swing the door closed - but not fully satisifed until he heard the familiar click of the lock engaging. She gasped as he leaned in and their lips met. His tongue slipped into her mouth and their tongues swirled together in a tantalizing dance. As she wrapped her arms around his neck, almost hoisting herself up to kiss him properly. His large arms wrapped around her waist, lifting her. Taking all of the effort off of her.

Their kisses were hot and feverish. It was like they had been starved for weeks, and were finally given a feast. It was assault on their senses. The lust they have for each other made the hairs on Everly's arms stand on end - or was that just from the cold damp cardigan?

A small whimper escaping her mouth as she was pressed against the wall. He broke the kiss, but he didn't pull away, he rested his forehead against hers and his half-lidded eyes were staring at her swollen lips. His breathing was heavy and ragged, "what are you doing to me?"

He pressed into her, her body melted against him. Her skin was covered by goose bumps, chilled from where the night air had crept into the corners of the room. She took a deep breath and smiled, "I could ask the same..." John chortled.

He had a light smile of contentment, but his brows furrowed - what inner battle was he currently facing? John's large hand came up to her neck, his thick fingertips tickled her jaw, his thumb carressing her bottom lip. He took in a sharp breath and inched closer as Everly's fingers buried themselves in short, inky black hair. "You are so beautiful," he murmured, his voice was quiet and dense that Everly wasn't sure if she had heard him correctly. But it still made the air hitch in her throat. His mouth crashed on to hers with a sudden urgency, and pulled her closer. She did not how it was possible. He let out a feral groan as her nails dug into his scalp, igniting a fire within him. His hands moved over her body, eliciting moans of pleasure from her as his mouth devoured hers.

John’s mouth veered off and trailed her jaw, devouring her neck as he let himself be swept away by the fervor of passion. His judgement clouded by the moans and caresses she awarded. He felt wild; ravenous. He was losing any part of himself that made him honourable. He used a knee between her legs to prop her up higher against the wall, and guided her legs that instinctively wrapped themselves around his hips. His hands were now free to roam her body - taking in her plush curves with wild abandon. She was a petite, pear shaped woman with a small bosom but voluptuous hips and butt for him to cling to. Her generous thighs promised hot nights to come; he could envision those milky, freckled thigh wrapped around his head.

His lips were like a wildfire, burning a trail from her earlobe down her neck and over her exposed shoulder. His lips left a scorching path of wet, fiery kisses, nipping and sucked at her sensitive skin, causing bursts of sparks to ripple through her body.

“John…” she muttered, her voice barely audible. He was so engrossed in his own actions that it took two attempts to get his attention. On the second try, she patted his back, forcing him out of this trance, he looked up in dismay. He took her in, carefully examining her to make sure she was all right.Shit. Did I go too far?

Still flush against the wall, she looked disheveled and trembling, her cardigan and the straps of her floral dress had slipped off, leaving freckled shoulders bare. Her deep crimson hair hung in wild tendrils around her flushed cheeks -delightful-, her swollen lips parting tentatively as she struggled to form a coherent sentence. "I-I don't really know what to do," she stuttered, her eyes wide and searching for an answer that she couldn't quite find.“Well, I kinda…erm…it’s…ahh.”

Fuck. Had he gone too far? He had never stopped to think that perhaps...perhaps she had never done it before. Stupid! Fucking idiot! She wasn’t experienced in most things, or well, anything that didn’t involve the UN facility and her work. Her experience with the real world and people were virtually non-existent. It was no mystery that teenagers, and young adults that grew up in places like that did things to experiment, or even just pass the time or rebel. Not her though it seems, she was different.

He wanted to reassure her, to put away all her fears and doubts, that they will do only what she wanted, when she wanted it – but right this instance, he needed to put distance between them and let her use her voice. John moved his leg, easing her to the ground and giving her some space to collect her thoughts. The cold air rushed over her small frame, causing a shiver that shook her, as she felt the absence of his embrace. John pulled up her dress straps, and covered her shoulders with the damp wool before taking her chin in his hands and kissed her forehead tenderly. “I’m sorry…I got carried away,” he whispered, his brows furrowed deep with regret and remorse at the concept of hurting her. “Was it too much? I was too much. I did something you didn’t like, what –“

“Oh God,” she pushed a hand to her face, her cheeks were burning and her head spinning from the riveting kiss that they’ve shared, “no! You didn’t do anything wrong! It was just…I don’t know….” she groaned. She took a deep breathe and forced out her admissions of naivety “I have done it before…a couple of times. It wasn’t exactly good. But I was young and dumb. I just, don’t really know, it was a long time ago. it’s just that I’m not sure what I’m supposed to do now,” She seemed to hide within herself, fidgeting with the long sleeves of her pale cardigan but her eyes pleaded with him.

She was so cute, that John couldn’t help but smile a little. Her words were sweet and innocent. He held her chin in his hands and kissed her forehead tenderly. “It’s all right, Freckles. We can take it slow if you want.” He softly ran his thumb over her bottom lip to soothes them.

Embarrassed by her confession, Everly shrunk into the oversized wool. It had been over ten years since Everly indulged herself in the affairs of arsousal that ordinary people delved into what she always thought of a waste of time. When she had tried it initially, with a boy her age at eighteen, it had not been a good experience for her. But she could not deny the raw, natural feeling that John made her feel. She was aware enough to realise that John was not the same man, someone who was older and wiser. She also understood that she and John had much deeper connection with than the fleeting partner of her youth.

She scoffed and grasped at his wrist, "I still want this..." her other hand tightened on his wet tee, water seeping out between her fingers. "I know I'm inexperienced, but...ugh!" she dropped her hands in defeat, frightened at the prospect of being rejected by him. Her coworkers had insinuated that it would be a dealbreaker for a lot of potential partners, but before now, the worry had never crossed her mind. Her next words almost send him into a thirst-fuelled coma, "what I do know-I know I want you. Like, right now. I just need a lead."

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