Il Canto Amour

[PVodogaz]

Max Killeen

Max watched as Swan made her way to the bed and sat down on it. She explained to him that she could not get to sleep and wanted to check on him. He smiled at Swan again and said softly, "I am glad your here and with you being here this bed is not strange but welcoming."

They smiled at each other as she asked him to turn off the lamp. Wordlessly he did, allowing the room to fall into darkness but not complete darkness as silvery moonlight shon through the window. What was left of the night was clear and the moon caste in its luminous light. Max watched Swan's silhouetted frame and admired her. She touched Max's face with a palm and he reached with his own hand and held her there, touch upon touch.

They spoke of their lives, their pasts and their growing up years, they shared alot and grew more closer. They shared each other's soul and mind and heart and lives. Max saw Swan's and she saw his life. He admired her more and in doing so his feelings for Swan's deepened and lengthened.

She was growing tired and lay on her side. Max listened to her talk and then she fell silent, soft yet deep breaths replaced her soft voice. He looked at her sleeping form a while longer before he took some of the blanket covering and covered her. Max stroked Swan's hair and then softly without waking her brought his arm around her to share his body warmth with her before closing his eyes and falling into a deep sleep he had not had since coming to this country. It was a fitful sleep without any nightmares for once.

They slept to the late morning, almost noontime.

 

[Lay Z Butterfly]

Sunlight was pressing against her closed eyelids. Swan squinted and woke fully with a start. Her whole body jittered before her brain understood its surroundings. Max, brother’s bed, late night talk- got it. She had never realized that the sun was this strong in her brother’s room and made a mental note to close the shades for Max before he turned in for the night. The light felt like it could pierce through anything. How wonderful yet annoying at the same time she thought. She lifted and tilted her head slightly only to see Max arched up against the curve of her body and had only come to realize that his arm was curled protectively around her night-gowned waist.

She settled back against him and tried to go back to sleep, but that wasn’t to happen for her body felt rested and didn’t need anymore. In addition, Max had stirred against her and his arm had tightened around her further causing her to press lightly back into his front. Wondering how she didn’t make it back to her own bed, it all came back to her- all the wonderful sharing of words they had. For the first time, Swan had nothing to worry about. In the ashes of defeat, the Phoenix rose and Swan felt as if she were that Phoenix. No longer would she be afraid with Max here to share in her life.

Halting that thought, Swan realized that she already came to feel as if Max would not leave her side. Had she taken for granted what rightfully she had no claim to? Max was a gentleman and strong in his convictions- a fact made certain by their late night chats. Did he feel obligated to stay with her? Or was something more there, binding them, only hidden from her view. So much to think about and yet she didn’t want to think anymore. She wanted to feel. What luck she had, she thought wryly, that she was feeling the front of a man and he her backside. This only happens in my books and in the naughty parts of those books. Always she would blush like mad as her reading took her to the parts where the scene unfolded of the man and damsel in distress joined together in a passionate embrace.

“Max, you awake?” pausing before continuing, “I think it’s later than I’m used to waking up.” In fact, she knew it was just by how bright and warm the sun was already.

Elbowing him in a good-natured way, she was loathe to wake him, but they had much to do. He needed to settle the hotel bill; she had hopes of him taking her with him so she could do some grocery shopping, and quite possibly enjoy an outdoors walk that did not include any warfare.

But…. Lying against him like this was the best she had felt since everything happened. She more than half hoped that he would continue sleeping so she could stay within the circle of his arm. It just went to prove even further how her tragedy filled life had changed and only for the better.

A soft male voice whispered against the lobe of her ear, “Swan?” “Are you trying to wake me?”

She smiled wide and whispered back, “Why would I do something like that? I don’t wake sleeping bears like you!”

Turning within the protective circle of his arm, Swan said, “Good Morning…or is it Afternoon?”

In a moment of pure innocence, she brought her face close and kissed his lips….

 

[PVodogaz]

Max Killeen

Max felt the soft nudging of an elbow as he awoke. For a brief moment he groggy from the blanket of sleep that was slowly receeding from his head. “Max, you awake? I think it’s later than I’m used to waking up.”

Max opened his eyes, peering at Swan, smiling softly at her. Now he remembered Swan coming into the room, their long talk and finally holding a sleeping Swan next to him as Max fell asleep with her. "Swan? Are you trying to wake me?”

He saw her turn and smile that lovely warm smile at him. Max looked up at her admiring Swan. When the time was right he would tell Swan how much he felt for her. Swan wished him a Good Morning and did something that Max did not expect - Swan leaned down bringing her face close and kissed him on the lips. Gently and tenderly Max kissed her softly lingering for a brief second before his free hand cupped her face and he broke the kiss.

"Well whatever it is, Morning or Afternoon, that kiss was sure welcome and made my day, my Swan." Max smiled at her, still hugging her to him with his arm holding her waist. "Lets stay like this a moment longer."

His eyes never leaving Swan's his hand left her face and moved into her hair and carressing it.

This is perfect, so perfect

 

[Lay Z Butterfly]

Swan could not believe it. She had kissed his lips as if it was just the most natural thing to do when waking in your lover’s arms. Only this was unusual. No man had ever slept in her bed nor had she ever slept in another man’s bed, yet it felt right, wholesome even. His arm was warm against the thinness of her nightgown and she felt cradled within his muscular embrace. The fingers that caressed and played with the loose curls of her hair were gentle, almost like a soft breeze that sometimes lifted the tendrils that always somehow escaped her ever present ponytail.

The kiss she received back astounded her. She could admit that without even a hint of a blush because it took her breath away. Thank goodness, they hadn’t been standing because she surely knew that her legs would have given out on her. What even possessed her to be so forward? Whatever it was, Swan did not regret it for one second.

Feeling shy in the gaze his eyes held her in, Swan tried not to fidget. She did not know how to handle situations like this, but what she did know was that waking up in Max’s arms was better then anything she’d experienced thus far.

Breaking the silence first, she cleared her throat quietly. “We have much to do today.” She smiled at the word ‘we’. Using it again, she continued on, “We could start our day with a miniature feast before shopping and settling the hotel bill?” His fingers brushed away some strands of hair that lay across her cheek.

“Or we could always stay like this today?” She laughed a bit nervously. Of course, they wouldn’t, but throwing in that quip alleviated the awkwardness with which she felt being in bed with Max. She half lowered her eyelids and watched his reaction. She had learned this ‘trick’ while reading one of the numerous romance novels in the late of night.
He really was so handsome. Swan wondered if they would have ever met if it weren’t for these horrendous circumstances. Perhaps, this was God’s plan for her. That all this tragedy had to happen for a specific reason and he sent Max to her for all that she had lost.

Biting her lower lip, she gingerly aimed her gaze at his eyes. His hand still caressed her hair; his arm still protected and held her close. She could get so used to this, she thought, as her mouth broke into a crooked smile. Her toes wiggled against the ankles of his legs as the playful side of who Swan was, peeking at the surface of the unknown. A soft shiver caused goose bumps to rise on the skin of her arms as she thought of the possibility of she and him being more than ‘thrown together by circumstances’ friends. Quite possibly, this could be the love of a lifetime for her and Swan fully intended to embrace all that Max had to offer.

 

[PVodogaz]

Max Killeen

After Max had kissed Swan with that soft brief kiss, he looked at her, for some minutes they did not need to share any words for what they felt and were feeling was mirrored in each other's eyes. Max felt happy and felt at ease when he was with Swan, that he could not and would not forget. His fingers carressed Swan's curls and at that moment he felt fully at peace.

The silence was broken by the soft seductive words of Swan inquiring of what they would go today, or what was left of the day. He heard Swan say 'we' in her speech and he smiled at her, liking how she was including him in her life and speech. “Or we could always stay like this today?” Max watched Swan look at him cutely.

"Sweetie, we should go get some groceries, settle my hotel bill and we will also just go to the local hardware store and get some material for our house. I want to fix up some of the damage cause by the...fighting. And hopefully there will be some good news instead of gloom."

He sat up pulling Swan into a sitting position and hugged her. "I will meet you downstairs soon, my Swan. I will dress." Max kissed Swan on the lips and carressed her cheeks with his warm fingers.

 

[Lay Z Butterfly]

This second soft kiss was almost too much for Swan. Her heart fluttered crazily within her chest and her lips responded tentatively to his. This type of kissing was unknown to her. Swan was used to quick kisses to and from her family when she left to go somewhere or wishes for sweet dreams at bedtime. His whole demeanor was the feeling of softness, like a blanket when he was near. One thing that caught in her mind was the word ‘our’. Max and she were going to spend the rest of the afternoon going places together and then come home to their place as well.

What a gentleman he was to choose his words carefully. Swan’s heart dived when he briefly alluded to the damage to her home caused by….. She didn’t think any words would ever be appropriate to what she saw and experienced, but somehow Max was the beacon of light within her dismal world.

As their kiss ended, Swan nodded her head yes and stood. She also needed to quickly bathe, dress and start breakfast. Their first breakfast together. How wonderful could life get in the oddest of moments? Silently, she left Max to his own devices, leaving the room by closing the door quietly. Her bare feet made not a sound as they padded their way down the hall on wooden planks. Once inside the sanctity of her own room, Swan touched her cheek where Max’s fingers had caressed. She swore to herself that she could still feel the heat from his touch.

Using the clean water in the washbasin, Swan quickly slipped out of her nightgown and sponged her body until she felt clean. One of the pieces of furniture the soldiers, for some reason, didn’t obliterate was the full length mirror her father had handcrafted for her when she was born. It stood proudly in her room and was Swan’s only claim to something that was exclusively hers. She shyly looked at her nude body, blushing at the boldness with which her mind urged her to do. There was so many things wrong with her and sadly, she knew this for a fact. In the romance novels she had read, time and time again the heroine was this buxom blonde that had a flawless figure. Swan was neither buxom nor flawless. She had several childhood scars from battles with her brother and sister. Her breasts were smallish and her feet were huge! Her brother had always teased that she had clown feet and even though she had a sneaking suspicion that he only said it because it tormented her, Swan had come to believe it as truth.

Silly girl, she thought to herself. Wasting time when there was work to be done. Quickly, she dressed and using a plain coloured ribbon, Swan tied her hair back and left the room. She practically skipped down the hall and briefly stopped by his door, touching the old wood before bounding down the steps to prepare breakfast.

In the kitchen, Swan took out the last of the eggs from the icebox and set them aside. She estimated that she had enough milk left to make scrambled eggs, but not enough for them to drink. Maybe she could brew some coffee or tea. Swan didn’t know what Max liked in the morning. She smiled a brilliant smile liking that she would be finding out so much about him as they were going to be sharing so much together. After scrambling the eggs in a chipped bowl, Swan poured the mixture into the heated pan and scrambled them as the heat caused bubbles to form underneath the egg mix. She didn’t hear Max enter the kitchen and perhaps that was a good thing for she would have stopped the silly humming and swaying of her hips if she knew he stood watching her from behind.

 

[PVodogaz]

Max Killeen

Max smiled as he watched Swan leave the room after the kiss they shared. He bit his lower lips gently, knowing that in this time of tribulation, he had found his light, his beautiful Swan. He liked that analogy of Swan and made sure to file what those words in his brain for some future time when he could say it again appropriately. Even in War, Max learned that life pressed on. It became harder, yes, but it definitely did not stop.

Max came out of his own deep throughts when he realised his Swan had left and closed the door behind her. With a sigh he stood up and walked over to the basin with the filled cool water. Splashing his face several times he felt and liked the splattering coolness that carressed his face as well as his mouth. He then took the towel and wiped his face, turning around and eying his shirt. He would get the rest of his stuff from the hopefully still locked hotel room and he would have decent change of clothes then. Max made do with what he had. War made people make do with less. That was the way it had been and would still stay.

He placed the moist towel on the rack and walked over taking his shirt and pulling it on, making himself presentable for Swan and the breakfast table. This would be their first breakfast together. The first of many things....that they would share..TOGETHER. He liked the use of we or our, or us. That's what he felt with Swan, he was committed to her. Looking in the mirror, Max smiled and made sure his clothing was just right and then opened the door and quietly walked down the stairs.

He could tell Swan was in the kitchen, for the delightful smell of breakfast came waffing up assailing his taste-buds quite pleasantly. This was accompanied by the dinh of cluttering of plates and pans.

Max heard her humming as he entered the kitchen. Swan was swaying whilst cooking to the humming tune she was playing. He stopped and watched her, hoping she would not turn around too quick. Max's heart churned as he watched her hips and her body move. To him, Swan was perfect, she was his Queen.

He moved closer and walked in behind her and held her moving hips gently smiling as he leaned in and whispered into Swan's left ear,

"You have a nice dance there, my Swan."

 

[Lay Z Butterfly]

Stiffening slightly, Swan froze. Within one heartbeat, she thought that some how the soldiers had come back for her, but her brain took over as she quickly surmised that soldiers would not sneak into this home, but barge in. She relaxed against Max’s frame feeling the warmth of his hands through her simple dress. It had only registered now that after the hands had taken a gentle hold of her hips that soft words followed.

Hoping to cover her moment of confusion, Swan forced a laugh. “Umm,” she said shrugging in embarrassment, “I have always had a fascination with music. Poppa used to twirl me in his arms whenever he put the radio on.” She dared not move too much as she continued to stir the almost stiff eggs. Something within her body tingled and unknowingly thought that was not a good sign even though it didn’t feel bad. Sometimes her skin prickled when she felt scared and sometimes her body felt funny when it was becoming ill, however this tingling sensation was all together different.

Max stepped back and proclaimed that the kitchen smelled like a chef’s kitchen. She blushed at his words, unused to such lavish compliments. It was her job on Sunday mornings to make breakfast and although it was her first time making breakfast for Max, it wasn’t as if she’d never done it before. “Oh, Max, your words flatter me too much.” She said in reply.

Beckoning him to sit down at the table, Swan busied herself with making two plates of the scrambled eggs and slices of toast. Turning with a flourish, she presented breakfast to him with her crooked smile. “Breakfast is served,” she said in a mock butler voice. She sat down after placing the plates on the table and watched as he lifted the fork to his mouth….the first breakfast together, she thought happily.

They ate in an easy manner continuing what they did each night- easy banter and comfortable silence.

There was only one thing Swan forgot. What did Max like to drink in the morning? His plate was almost empty and the poor man hadn’t anything yet to wash the food down! Swan’s expression caused Max to look at her with concern.

“What’s wrong?” he asked touching the hand that sat on the table balled into a fist.

“Max, I’m sorry. Where are my manners? I didn’t know what you drank in the morning and I hadn’t enough milk and was going to ask you what you would like, but became….”. She thought quickly before adding, “flustered from your hands <stammering now> on my hips.” The words came out in a rushed jumble and she took a deep breath before continuing on, “What would you like in the morning? Please don’t think I am scatterbrained, I’m embarrassed enough.”

She swallowed hard and wished she hadn’t spoken so much. What a fool she must look, she thought feeling her hands become clammy, as they stayed clenched together. Her eyes pleaded that he take pity on her stupidity as she awaited his answer.

 

[PVodogaz]

Max Killeen

Max had meant for his hug to be a friendlt carress but immediately realised the mistake he made when he felt Swan's body stiffen slightly under his touch. How can I be that stupid, sneaking up like that behind her, she's been through hell and back and doesn't need any of those evil memories resurfacing from my mistake, he scolded himself. He reluctantly let go, sighing inwardly regarding his thoughtlessness.

Max listened to Swan's explanation about her dancing as he moved to her side looking at her smiling softly at her. "Well my Swan, our kitchen smells like a world class Chef's kitchen would. Simply mmmarvelous," he exclaimed. He grinned very briefly at her blush. How Max loved when Swan would blush. It brought out her innocent beauty. Swan beckoned Max to sit down and he sat down as she had asked.

They ate in light banter and the comfortable silences that followed, he complimented Swan on the lovely breakfast.

It was midway through Breakfast that Swan's expression became somewhat clouded and embarrassed. He put his fork down and looked at Swam with concern highlighted on his face. "What's wrong," asked Max, touching her balled up hand, soothing her.

“Max, I’m sorry. Where are my manners? I didn’t know what you drank in the morning and I hadn’t enough milk and was going to ask you what you would like, but became…. flustered from your hands on my hips.” Swan said anxiously.

So I am having quite an effect on Swan, he thought to himself. Max smiled at Swan and stroked her hand, unfurling her balled up fist. "Swan, sweetie, I usually have coffee or orange juice in the mornings. Now honey, I want you not to worry too much. I will learn where the drinks are and I will not be a bother for you."

Max smiled at her, holding her gaze in his before starting again. "You are my Swan, I am happy with you, I love who and how you are. I am not here to judge you but I am here to share my life with you, only if you want me in yours." He sat silent after those words and looked at Swan with a soft smile.

 

[Lay Z Butterfly]

Breathing a sigh of relief, Swan nodded. She was far too nervous and that was not good at all. Max had been nothing but kind to her; patient, gentle, and caring too. She wanted him in her life, but for the right reasons; not because war forced them together. It was easy for a foolish girl like herself to believe in fairytale stories, but this was the real world. All of Max’s actions led her to believe she was special, but would he have liked her under different circumstances? Swan’s crooked smile faltered for a moment as she wondered why bother her brain with more unnecessary thoughts. Shouldn’t she be content with what he was offering? Swan knew in her heart that she needed to make sure Max was not just with her because there was no one else.

She stood up, not answering Max’s unstated question and simply said, “Let me do the dishes this morning, okay?” Bending from the waist, she placed a warm kiss on his cheek and whispered, “You make me very happy Max.” Straightening her frame, she gathered some of the plates and went to the sink. There was no need to put her asinine thoughts into his mind. Better to work them out her self, then to burden him further. Max had enough on his plate, having to take care of so much and in a foreign land to boot.

After straightening and cleaning the kitchen, Swan found Max out on the front porch. The sun was already hot and Swan hoped it would get no hotter. She became known as a ‘crank pot’ in the heat, lovingly nicknamed by her Father. “Max, if the heat worsens…I am afraid I may become some mean crazy person. Would you mind if we went for a swim in between our errands?” Swan knew exactly where she would take him. A quiet, secluded brook, which emptied into a large lake, was not so far from them. Swan had frequented it ever since she was a little girl and had even spoke of the place as being magical.

“I could rummage through some of my brother’s clothes and see if he has a pair of swim trunks for you or I could cut a pair of old pants. Either would suit its purpose.” The more she thought on the idea the more excited she grew. “What if I packed a lunch as well? Something light like cheese and crackers. I promise you won’t starve because I’ll make a hearty dinner after we’ve gone to the market.”

Her eyes had lost the sadness in them as her animated inner self-shone through. “What do you say?” she asked smiling.

 

[PVodogaz]

Max Killeen

Max was slightly saddened by her responce to his words, but they were not totally not understandable. He would not push Swan, nor would he hurt her. He smiled at her as she asked him not to do the dishes this morning. As soon as she said that comment, she bent and kissed him on his cheek warmly, saying he made her happy.

Smiling broadly at Swan with her comment he watched her take the plates away, he rose from the table and he was ready to go. He walked silently to the front door and opened it walking out onto the front porch. He looked at the sky, a brilliant blue, with the sun already warming up. Summer was just coming to this land and he knew the summers go warm in this part of the world. He was to make a new life here, and he would be damned if he wasn't going to get used to the new climate, which was a far cry from the snow of his town back in the now destroyed New Toronto.

Max turned as he heard the quiet footsteps of Swan approach and smiled at her. “Max, if the heat worsens…I am afraid I may become some mean crazy person. Would you mind if we went for a swim in between our errands?” Max smiled again at her comment.

"Sure Swan, sounds good, good day for a swim." And it was, in the distance, there was no noises of artillery, howitzers or missile hits or planes. Just the noise of nature and people talking. God, he missed that.

Max listened to Swan ask her questions in a more cheerfully animated manner. He liked seeing her like this, Swan deserved to be happy.

"How about this my Swan, lets go to the market get the food, we will go to the hotel and settle my bill and I will get my gear and say bye to my camera crew. Then we can come back here, make the picnic food and go to this place of yours. I'm looking forward to it. Oh yes, and also before I forget I will get things from the hardware store so I can start working on the place from tomorrow."

Max smiled happily at Swan.

 

[Lay Z Butterfly]

Finishing the dishes as fast as she could, Swan found Max out in the front of their home. He had a thoughtful look upon his face, at least, which was what she saw from the side. “I’m all ready!” she said brightly. He smiled down at her and held out his hand with which Swan happily took. She felt giddy by the attention given to her. Walking hand in hand down the worn torn road, Swan felt as if what was happening was around them, and would stay that way. How could their peaceful existence be tampered with now? She prayed silently that her village would recover and be able to go on, never forgetting, but getting past all the hurt and savagery they had endured within a short time.

Their first stop was the marketplace. It not only included food items, but also was more like a bazaar in happier, peaceful times and it seemed that magic was in the air for there were more peddlers with their wares selling to the village people. In her native tongue, Swan pointed and measured several baking items, fruit, and vegetables. Turning to Max she asked, “Would you like to add anything?” What a sight to see! With a flourish, Max arched his eyebrows and went about looking at items, picking them up, smelling, and even thumping a knuckle to the rind of a melon. He handed some fruit to the old woman, that he obviously liked, and simply said, “Done.”

Swan was beginning to learn that Max not only had a kind side, but a silly side like she. It was hard not to let out the childish giggles that begged to be let free and it was good to laugh once again.

Once they finished purchasing a week’s worth of groceries, they made their way to the hotel. The proprietor was an old family friend and he had made sure that Max’s belongings were not touched or stolen. She chatted with the man and even inquired about his wife and children. Swan knew that he was curious about the reason why she and Max were together as did she know by the way the old woman looked at her with curiosity. Being from a small village as this was, Swan had seen more women and men flap their gums than needed. Her parents had taught her to not involve herself in that unneeded gossip because most of the time it was hearsay. In addition, this was knowledge she would not impart to any nosey bodies. Let their tongues wag, she thought. How could they harm her?

Max carried his baggage with ease. Finding his camera crew was just as easy. He introduced her to the men and she shyly smiled standing slightly behind him. Swan would have waited outside so they could talk in private, but Max wanted her to stay close. He shook hands with his crew, even hugged these men for they had forged a bond through this ongoing ordeal. Swan was tempted to ask Max if they should stay with them if they had no place to go, but fortunately, she didn’t need to say a thing because they were all eager to go home to their families.

Swan noticed a change in Max. She understood that Max was now losing all ties to anything he had known. If she could, she would have gripped his hand tightly, but with his gear and baggage, and the groceries in her arms, their walk back home was silent and un-touching.

Thank goodness, their walk home was a short one. As soon as his arms were free, Max helped Swan settle the groceries on the table. She shook her arms to relax them and hugged him tight to her. “Max, do you want to leave with them?” She had gone on her tippy toes so she could whisper the words close to his ear. “They aren’t leaving till later in the week and ….” Her voice betrayed her. She didn’t want Max to leave and her tiny voice squeaked out the last words before her throat closed in distress.

Backing away from him, afraid to hear different words from him, Swan braced herself. She could forgive Max his soft, gentle words of wanting her in his life, but with his crew leaving, she could understand that he may want to go. Swan would not cause a scene nor would she beg him to stay for she did not own or have any claim to him at all.

 

[PVodogaz]

Max Killeen

Max and Swan started their day as they walked hand in hand doing what they had discussed understandingly. The first stop was the marketplace that for a war torn town, that shown resiliance, or what that part of human nature to survive and even live the same life seemingly unchanged. He walked around with Swan watching as she brought foodstuffs, fruit and vegetables. Max also looked around and found several things he was interested in. He only knew a few words of the villiage dialect and when Swan asked him if he needed things, Max jumped at the chance. As Swan watched, she saw Max with a flourish move along the stalls and get what he needed ending with a nice ripe water-melon.

“Done,” smiled Max at Swan with a armful of items he needed. They paid for their purchasers and carried the produce and items together, with Max carrying the more heavier stuff. The next stop was settling the bill with the hotel manager. Max watched Swan and the hotel manager talk and realised that the manager was a family friend. Paying the bill, he took his two small bags with him underneath his arms. With a extra tip to the manager they went off to find his ex camera crew who were waiting for a later in the week transport plane back to their and Max's home country....to try to help and see if loved one's escaped and survived.

Initially Swan wanted to let Max and him alone talk to the camera crew and say his goodbye's to them, but he would not have her standing outside waiting.

"No my Swan, you come with me," smiled Max.

Max introduced her to his ex crew and then he shook each of their hands and even hugged them. He had grown a bond with these four men, but now with a war happening....he knew their paths had to separate. Max wished them all luck and wellwishes. Max also realised with his camera crew departing, his last linkage with his past also departed. Whilst it pained Max to know that his family was now dead, he didn't feel the same pain Max had felt that day war broke out in the middle of the town square. Looking at Swan for a moment, he realised that his life from then on was with this woman he was starting to fall in love with. But Max would not say that to her yet....only when the time was right. But Max knew surely than anything else that he was falling for Swan in a big way.

After a lengthy goodbye talk to each of his ex crew, he and Swan walked home almost silent, as if they were both brooding the changes in each of their lives and their own feelings for another. The walk home.......yes.....home....that was the right word. Max was home, his home was with Swan. He inwardly smiled softly at that thought.

They entered the kitchen and he placed his gear and bags down next to the stairs, and turned just in time for a big hug from Swan, as she pressed her sweet body to his. Max wrapped his arms around her waist and held her to him firmly.

Max, do you want to leave with them? They aren’t leaving till later in the week and ….”

Max smiled at her and took his finger to her lips and he took her backing away body back into his warm embrace.

His responce to her question was answered without words, but he leaned down and gently tenderly brushed his lips against Swan's and his answer was in that kiss. It lingered and the kiss was a message that she was his, and he was hers. His fingers traced her cheeks and cupped them as he broke the kiss finally and whispered to Swan; "I don't want to leave you Swan. I am....I care for you so much.....so much."

Max waited for Swan's responce as he bit his lip softly, anxiously.

 

[Lay Z Butterfly]

Max’s words spoke volumes to her simple self. His statement of not intending to go back to his homeland either was also music to her ears. She was a girl with no pretenses, yet Max helped her to see that he wanted her. As his message sunk into her worried thoughts, she pressed tightly against him once more and kissed his lips back. If she had been the swooning type, Swan would have most assuredly swooned from his kiss.

She broke the kiss and leaned her head back to look into his eyes. He was greeted with a soft smile and a twinkle in her eyes. “Max, I care for you too…. More than I have for anyone outside my family.” Swan dare not speak of love, especially because her innocent heart had no concept of the type of love a man and women shared; other than the love of her relatives.

Disengaging herself from within the circle of his arms, she went about putting away all the groceries they were able to purchase at the market. Swan did not want to press any unspoken words between them because she was nervous as it was thinking that this was a dream. In fact, her hands slightly shook as the fruits and vegetables were put away.

“Max, what would you like me to pack for lunch?” she asked. There was more than enough to choose from- a first since war had broken out. Swan was trying to keep her mind off the fact that Max had opened himself, letting her know what he was feeling in words. Something made Swan hesitate in baring her soul to him. Perhaps, it was because she was afraid that he would be taken away from her via soldiers, or maybe their home would be raided again only this time she would witness his murder and then her own, or …..She really had no concrete reason why she kept her inner thoughts to herself.
Soon, she told herself, soon she would share more of her thoughts with him, but now it was time to try to live as normal a life as they could; which included going to her secret hiding spot to spend some time living without fear.

 

[PVodogaz]

Max Killeen

When Max was greeted with Swan's responce to his words and kiss, with a smile and twinkling eyes, Max was satisfied beyond words and feeling. His growing feelings were starting to appear but in no way would they get in the way of this special friendship he and Swan had formed out of constant companionship and a mutual understanding of each other's life history.

Max hugged Swan to his body briefly, loving the feel of her soft body against his warm flesh. Max knew that these feelings for Swan were getting stronger day by day and he knew this one fact, that his knew home was with Swan, he knew that most assuredly.

He almost sighed aloud when Swan left his arms to pack away the shopping. He watched her momentarily, enjoying the site of her for long moment. He took his bags in his hands again and walked slowly up the stairs to the room he was staying in, lost in the pleasant thoughts he was having. For just a moment, Max could swear that he had forgotten that this was all happening during a monumental war, so happy he was feeling, content as well.

Max's thoughts were broken by Swan calling out, asking what he wanted to be packed for the picnic lunch. Letting go of the two bags on the bed, he went to the door and called out enough so that Swan heard him; "My Swan, just pack a little of all the fruit. I'll be down in a few minutes."

He leaned on the door frame and listened to Swan as she made herself busy in the kitchen. A single moist tear ran down his right cheek, as he remembered his family, who were now dead...remembering the childhood picnic's held once a month. They were all gone. But Max had been granted a second chance at love, at a relationship, and by God, he would not allow anything or anybody to get between him and Swan.

Max turned and looked back at his his smallest of the two suitcases. Inside the bag was his and now their protection against the awful face of human nature. With a soft sigh he closed the door and stepped down deftly on the stairwell and waited near the door with his towel and bathing gear. He smiled at Swan as she appeared.....

 

[Lay Z Butterfly]

As she thought it would, the day had become very warm. The air in the kitchen as she worked to wash and then slice the fruit into bite-sized pieces was thick with heat. Swan packed their lunch in insulated containers- her mother’s prized possessions from the outside world. She had been about to call Max to come down because she was finished, but upon turning, he was standing in the mouth of the doorway.

Smiling at him, she turned back and placed the picnic basket on her arm. “I see you’re ready and so am I!” Heading out the door, Swan stopped. “I’ve forgotten to change, Max!” How foolish she seemed to herself. Placing the basket down on the floor, she bounded up the stairs calling back, “I’ll be ready in a moment.”

In her room, she rifled through her bottom drawer looking for a suitable bathing suit to go swimming in. Not that she had much choice because most of them were hand me downs from other girls in the village, and because she had grown over the winter and Swan worried that none of them would fit her. She tried three of them on and none fit. At the last second, before she was going to have to tell Max that she’d changed her mind and wanted to stay home out of shame, her hand grabbed something in the way back of the drawer. Pulling it out, her eyes widened as what she was looking at was a small piece of cloth…. A bottom to an obvious two-piece swimsuit. Swan had never worn one of them and in fact, when she had gotten it from her girlfriend her mother wasn’t going to let her wear it because in her eyes it was too racy. Gulping fast, she dug deep once again and found the matching top. Afraid of wasting too much time, Swan stuffed the bathing suit into a straw bag, crammed a towel in as well, and bounded back down the stairs once again.

She was out of breath by all of this, but at least she wasn’t going to have to tell Max a lie. It would have embarrassed her beyond belief that she couldn’t go swimming because she had no swimsuit.

“Now, the place that I am taking you to is a secret. Therefore, you must promise never to divulge its whereabouts. Do you promise, Max?” Her eyes were smiling before her lips curled into one as well as she looked up at him.

 

[PVodogaz]

Max Killeen

Max leaned against the secure door frame as Swan approached carrying the picnic basket on her arm. They smiled at each other and Max had a small chuckle as he saw that Swan had forgotten to change. He was about to point that little fact out to her when Swan stopped just outside the door remembering that same fact herself.

“I’ve forgotten to change, Max! I’ll be ready in a moment.” Max simply grinned at her as he bundled up the stairs to her room. He said nothing and picked up the picnic basket in one hand and walked out onto the porch standing in the warm sunlight.

Max could for that very second forget all that had passed recently as his body soaked in the rays of sun. He breathed in and then exhaled smelling clean air for once, not the air filled with the winds of rotting body, artillery clogged dust and caustic explosive smells.

“Now, the place that I am taking you to is a secret. Therefore, you must promise never to divulge its whereabouts. Do you promise, Max?” He turned and looked at Swan smiling and looked into her smiling eyes.

"I promise sweetie, just lead the way my Swan," he chuckled playfully swatting her ass as she nudged infront of him. "I will follow you."

 

[Lay Z Butterfly]

“Ooh,” she squealed. She turned around with widened eyes from being smacked on the rump. “Is that how you boys say hello to girls in your land?” With mock indignation, she rubbed her bottom. “I don’t believe, Max, that I have ever been greeted that way before.” She giggled like a schoolgirl as she said this and picked up the pace, walking faster from him.

She was careful trying not to draw attention to them because she knew that eyes watched behind closed doors. This was a small village after all and mistrust and closed mindedness ran rampant, but once they entered the forest, she broke out into a run with Max hurrying to keep up. Her laughter found him as she nimbly ran like a deer further and deeper into the woods until they came to a small clearing, Max catching up close behind her. It truly was a secret place to Swan. Yes, plenty of children used the stream on extremely hot days, but it was Swan who came faithfully every chance she was given when there were breaks in her chores.

“Well, what do you think?” She asked, hoping he would love the place like she did. She turned and looked at him taking in the sights around the quiet haven. He had placed the picnic basket down and walked over to bank of the river, surveying it. “It’s quite deep in the middle.” She said coming to stand next to him at the river’s edge. Her hand brushed against his and by reflex, he took hers into his own. The stood quietly for a moment or two and Swan new that he indeed liked the tiny piece of uncorrupted land as much as she did. Maybe, if only for a little while, they could forget that war raged around them even though it seemed it had left their tiny village, she knew that things changed quickly; without warning.

Lazy flying bugs buzzed around their heads with one coming close to her ear. It snapped her out of her thoughts and she announced, “I don’t know about you, but a swim sure sounds great about now.” Taking her hand back from his, she went back to retrieve her bag.

“Max, I am going to change. I didn’t when we were back at our home because I didn’t want to waste even more time.” She was about to add that he had better not peek, but refrained. He wouldn’t do such a thing or at least she didn’t think he would.

He nodded and spoke a few words before she moved off behind some thick bushes. Swan looked all around making sure no one was about. She was not only a shy girl, but the thought of soldiers lurking about caused her heart to beat faster and not in a good way. She was about to call out to Max, but she forced herself to remain calm. Taking several deep breaths, Swan steadied her nerves. Don’t be silly, she told herself sternly. To prove it, her hands went to the collar of her dress. Slowly, she unbuttoned them one by one. Soon, there were no more buttons to undo. Taking a deep breath she pulled her dress off her shoulders and eased it down her arms to her waist. Quickly, she reached into her bag and grabbed for the top to her two-piece bathing suit. She put it on as fast as she could and try as she might it didn’t quite cover what she thought it would. The sides of her breasts, pale moon in colour, were clearly visible. Forgetting about any lurkers, now Swan’s concern was how the bottom was going to fit. But she need not worry because after slipping the rest of her dress off of her and taking her panties off, the bottom to the swim suit covered her like her panties did. Thank goodness, she thought with a sigh of relief.

Coming out from behind the bushes, she clutched the bag in front of her. Max’s back was to her, but he turned when one of her steps snapped a twig that lay on the ground.

“Ready, for that swim?” she stammered.

 

[PVodogaz]

Max Killeen

Max contently followed Swan as she led the way down to her special childhood spot by the waterway. His eyes traversed up and down her back, with Max wondering what she had for bathing apparel. He also kept his senses keen on the environment always remembering that even though it was peaceful at present, this country was still in a warzone. Thankfully battle had moved away and left this area untouched yet.

When Swan began to playfully run, he followed in a half jog to keep up. They ran through the forrest and Max enjoyed hearing her let go and laugh almost recapturing a part of her lost childhood. He smiled slowly and softly her laughter contagious. Finally the forrest broke into a clearing that a stream cut halfway through, its soothing sounds pleasantly sounding in his ears.

He placed the picnic basket down and walked to the stream bank looking at it, lost in its movements. Max heard Swan ask him his thoughts of her special place that he knew would become their special place. He knew he loved his place, he had fallen for its timeless beauty unfettered by war and death. And hopefully it would never be touched. "It's beautiful Swan," he said softly.

Swan came and stood by Max and her hand brushed his and Max took her hand in his. Silently they fell into each of their own thoughts, almost timelessly they held each other and thought about the beauty in the midst of war.

“I don’t know about you, but a swim sure sounds great about now.” Swan removed her hand from his and retrieved her bag. He turned and watched her with a smile. “Max, I am going to change. I didn’t when we were back at our home because I didn’t want to waste even more time.”

He nodded. "Okay Swan, I will wait," Max said as he turned and looked back to the stream but aware of the area and his awareness high in case anyone was closeby. Max heard the rustling of clothes as Swan changed and Max hoped she wouldn't be too much longer. He pulled off his shirt and felt the slight wind carress his flesh.

Max heard a twig snap behind him and he whirled around and his mouth gaped open as he saw the embarrassed Swan stand with her bag covering her stomach and chest. A wave of heat started from his head and slowly moved down his body to his feet. My God, you are beautiful, he said to himself. She wore a two-piece bathing suit. He bit his lower lip as she asked him stammering if he was ready for a swim.

"Ye..s Yes....ss my Swan I am ready, you are...gorgeous," he stammered back, the temperature in his body rising.

 

[Lay Z Butterfly]

Her cheeks coloured a bright hue as she stood there wondering how she was going to get into the water without having to put her straw bag down. Max’s words didn’t immediately register in her brain until she noticed that he seemed to be changing colours too. If Swan’s feet could have moved on their own, she would have gone back behind the bushes and stayed there forever. Why she was so obviously and painfully embarrassed with herself remained outside her reach. Part of her wished he wasn’t looking at her like that and the other part wondered what he exactly saw. She decided to pretend that she hadn’t heard the last part of his comment and took a step forward.

“Well, Max… have you ever heard this: Last one in is a rotten egg!” she shouted as she broke out into a run. As she moved past him she tossed the bag to him and he caught it, momentarily taking his eyes off of her and giving her just enough time to splash into the water.

Taking a deep breath she dove underneath, letting the very cool water envelope her in its watery embrace. She felt at home in the water and always had. When she resurfaced, she only exposed her head keeping her chin under the water to smile at Max. Only Max wasn’t there! In fact, as her eyes scanned the water’s edge, it had seemed as if he’d vanished.

“Max” she called out. Her arms and legs treaded the water and she moved cautiously toward the shallower part of the river. “Max?” she repeated again.

Her eyes scanned as far left and right as they could. She spotted their picnic basket, her thrown straw bag, and a small heap that had to be his shirt because she recalled as she ran past him he was shirtless. A slight shiver ran up her spine. What was going on? She was about to pull herself out of the water when something grabbed at and took hold of her ankle. Swan’s heart stopped. She jerked her foot forward, but it tightened its grip. Just about to ready to kick at the thing with her other foot, Swan felt something tickle along the bottom of her captured foot and bursting from under the water was MAX!

The relief she felt almost matched the laughter that erupted from her at his ticklish touch. “Max! How could you!” she tried to act like a mad person, but she just couldn’t muster that feeling because it just wasn’t in her to be that way. “You scared me half to death!” she half laughed out as Max pretended that he had done nothing wrong.

“What’s wrong Swan?” he asked playing dumb. He continued to hold her ankle and brush his fingers along the sensitive sole of her foot.

Squinting her eyes, giving it her best angry look, she said, “Didn’t your mother ever teach you not to sneak up on a person?!?” And before he could reply, Swan lunged forward and fell down hard on him, dunking him under the water. The action caused Max to let go of her foot and give her time to swim under the water.

Two can play that game she thought with a grin!

 

[PVodogaz]

Max Killeen

Max stood looking at Swan with an almost stunned look, he was feeling the most strangest but enjoyable sensations. But what Max didnt count on was how Swan affected him in such good ways mentally and now physically.

“Well, Max… have you ever heard this: Last one in is a rotten egg!” He watched her run past him and let go of the bag as she dived into the cool depths of the stream. He caught the bag placing it next to his discarded shirt. He left his longpants on and as she dived away under the water he ran up the bank and splashed into the water diving in.

The stream was not polluted and Max could see 10 spaces ahead of him. He was carried by the swift current towards her. He opened his eyes and saw her legs treading water and Max knew she was wondering where he was.

Max gripped her foot and she struggled. He wanted to shake her up alittle playfully. He felt his chest start to contract and he burst through the water letting go of Swan's foot and taking her sole tickling it, breathing in deeply.

Max! How could you!” Swan said putting on her angry tone But Max played dumb and gave her a look of surprise. But he was grinning deep inside of himself.

“What’s wrong Swan?” He put up his hands wide wide eyes denoting his innocence.

Swan said another comment to Max and then lunged at him playfully they fell into the water which was pretty deep at this end. He felt Swan swim away and he followed swimming swiftly behind her trying to swat her feet.

They played together in wild abandonment. There could be happiness in wartime - even a meagre pint of it.

 

[Lay Z Butterfly]

Their time in the water was well spent. The more they played, the more Swan forgot about the world around them. It was all about their time now. It would be much later in the night that Swan would think of this and she felt grateful to the Lord above for giving her someone so she could survive for she knew in her heart that she would have perished if left all alone. She was fragile, even though she had a quiet strength about her. Her parents, her brother, and sister never teased her to the point of becoming upset because she was sensitive to that type of manner and on the other hand, she loved practical jokes and normal silliness she encountered everyday with her family. Although, they were a hard-working family, Swan’s family had always taken the time to pause in life, share wonderful moments and laugh.

Wasting the afternoon away like this felt like old times. It brought the past back, times where her family had picnics and games in the water; just what Swan needed. Max and she played endlessly in the cool water, tickles, and touches present in their relaxing games. A few times, they even tread the water in the deeper parts with his arms around her. They spoke in hushed tones, not because they were afraid they’d be discovered, but because their little slice of heaven warranted quietness.

Soon though, Swan had to get out of the water. Her fingers were beginning to turn into prunes and she showed Max as proof. “Max, let’s get out for awhile. We can have some fruit and lay out in the sun for a bit. Soak up some of the rays before it leaves us on this special day of ours.” Swan paused after saying the words, wondering why she said special day. Perhaps, she thought, it was because she felt even without words, that things had changed between them- deepened.

Once out of the water, Max and Swan spread the blanket out and she smoothed the wrinkles out on her hands and knees. She had lost her self-conscious appearance. At that moment, Swan was comfortable with how she looked. She sat on her behind and used a hand to block out the glaring sun when she looked up at him. “Hungry?”

Max nodded and said, “Yes.”

She took the fruit out of the cooler packs and was pleased to see they still were chilled. Swan was glad that she had cut the fruit up beforehand. Max had ‘set’ their informal table laying out the plates and napkins, plus two glasses for the fresh water she had gotten from the well earlier that morning. They sat basking in the sun, eating the morsels of fruit, sharing more of themselves with each other. She shared her fear of spiders and he in turn, told her what bugs he didn’t care much for.

As her belly became full and she told him so, Max exclaimed, “Swan you eat like a bird! You must have a little more.”

She patted her belly saying she was not lacking in the weight department, but Max wouldn’t hear of it.

“If you won’t eat the fruit on your own… I’ll just have to feed you.” He had a mock serious look on his face and Swan grinned a wide smile.


“Oh? You’ll feed me?” she looked at him skeptically.

He didn’t give her a chance to refute his statement and quickly took a piece of fruit and brought it to her lips. He teasingly nudged her lips apart that prompted her to open up and receive his sweet offering.

She thought it not odd at all. Swan accepted what he was doing without even a hint of doubt. It felt natural to accept. With the last piece of fruit he brought to her lips, Swan placed her hand loosely on his wrist. She took the fruit between her teeth and did something that didn’t shock Max, but perhaps surprised him a bit. After she had chewed and swallowed the bit of melon, Swan brought his fingers to her lips and kissed each fingertip, all the while, watching his eyes. She let his hand go after the last kiss and innocently smiled.

“That was the best fruit I’ve ever had.” She said quietly to him.

 

[PVodogaz]

Max Killeen

Max enjoyed spending time with Swan playing with her, seeing her smiles and laughs and he enjoyed seeing her forget for just a moment her pain. In this time of war, they had both forgot that a war was raging around them and most possibly worldwide. They succumbed to simple pleasures that brought them closer together even if they both didn't realise that fact at that time. Their friendly games brought them into physical contact and a few times Max held her in his arms treading water. These moments were and would forever be precious to Max. For Swan was his slice of heaven, she was his angel. And Max constantly thanked the higher powers up their for allowing both he and Swan to come together.

After a length of time, Swan showed him her prune-like fingers and they decided to get out. This was indeed their special day, for it brought back a piece of lost innocence, and it was also special for Max could tell that swim, this day had deepened Swan's and his bonds for each other, he was sure about that on his part.

He watched her lay a blanket both of them wet from the swim and still in their bathing attire but Max didnt care, he was glad he was here with Swan, his precious Swan.

“Hungry?”

Max nodded and said, “Yes.”

He slid on his knee and took from the picnic basket the plates and cups placing them between he and Swan. This was done in near silence except for the chirpping of insects in the nearby bushes. Both he and Swan where lost in their own deep thoughts. The bond was ever strengthening as each moment passed.

They ate and spoke of the little things, of more of their likes and dislikes. Max was aware of how little that Swan had eaten and was a little concerned. In a break of their conversation, Max spoke up softly;

“If you won’t eat the fruit on your own… I’ll just have to feed you.” He said mocking seriousness. He enjoyed her grin in responce. Taking a piece of fruit in his fingers he brought it to her lips. He teasingly nudged her lips apart that prompted her to open up and receive his sweet offering.

As he fed Swan the fruit his eyes met hers and they did not break the deep sensual looks they both gave each other. Her hand rested on the wrist of the hand that was feeding her. What she did next surprised Max but in no way shocked her. Once she had taken the last piece of fruit from his fingers Swan brought his fingers to her lips and kissed each fingertip.

“That was the best fruit I’ve ever had.” Swan said.

The next thing Max did happened on impulse but also he willed it. His fingers that fed her traced her lips as they continued to gaze unto each other wordlessly. Finally Max leaned down and replaced his wandering fingers with his lips and kissed Swan softly and tenderly yet firmly. A kiss of passion, a kiss that he wanted to give her from his heart.

 

[Lay Z Butterfly]

The kiss breathed new life into Swan. Her hand trailed upwards and around his neck bringing him closer to her. Their lips touched repeatedly with Max’s tongue gently invading; exploring her mouth and coaxing her tongue to touch his back.

She had never been kissed like that before and although it didn’t frighten her, it did cause her heart to race within her chest. The tingles she felt started within her toes and moved up her legs and flashed into a shower of sparkles in her belly. It was thrilling to feel this way, to feel such sparks. Swan inhaled and exhaled through her nose, moved closer; not wanting to lose contact.

Max’s hands glided over her warm, sun kissed shoulders and pushed her gently from him. She opened her eyes and looked questioningly up at him, but made no other attempt to ask him why he stopped such engaging kisses.
Her cheeks blushed slightly and she tilted her head downward to hide this fact and pretended to find the floral pattern of the blanket to be quite interesting. Clearing her throat to break the silence she finally spoke, “Well, <pausing> Max, how about another swim before we head back?” She didn’t wait for an answer. Standing up, she brushed imaginary ‘crumbs’ off of her legs and headed back toward the water’s edge. Wading in, she felt the water cool her heated body down.

While swimming a lazy breaststroke, Swan couldn’t help, but think she had done something wrong. Why else would Max have stopped their kisses?

It wouldn’t have dawned on her at all that Max just didn’t want to rush anything. In her innocence of everything adult in matter, all she thought was that she didn’t know how to kiss correctly.

 

[PVodogaz]

Max Killeen

For Max, the kiss with Swan was momentous as it was a wish come true. The kiss brought to bear for Max his wholesome feelings for this precious woman in his arms. The kiss also heralded a ending and a beginning - an end to his old life, a life that was on another continent ravaged by death and misery and a beginning with a beautiful woman in a whole new country, a woman who had witnessed something so horrendous that warfare brought out of people.

Their lips touched repeatedly and his tongue tenderly explored Swan's mouth, willing their tongue's to meet and touch. It was a kiss of wild abandonement, where they both allowed themselves to finally give themselves to each other. Like a river blocked by a weir both sides slowly reaching out to meet each other in embraces wracked by wanting.

Sparks rose and moved like a tidal wave from his head down his body, heating him up, tingles of pleasure filling every part of his body as the wave moved all over. This was from the kiss, from the touches, from the embraces he and Swan shared as one.

But Max knew he had to stop this kiss and embrace, he didn't want Swan to think wrongly of him and he knew it was not the right time yet, soon but not yet. He gently broke the kiss and tenderly his hands took her shoulders pushing her back but still holding her. For a few moments following the break of the kiss they stared into each other's eyes until Swan spoke and asked if they wanted another swim before starting back.

Max nodded and watched as Swan rose up and walked the short way to the water's edge. Max raised his hand to his lips feeling where Swan's lips kissed him treasuring it. As she entered the water he smiled standing and following her hoping for the cool water to cool off his heated body.