Page 14 of The Last of Love

Lena thrust her fingers inside. While she drove her fingers in and out, she moved her right hand down her own body. She couldn’t help it. She was wet from each sound and movement Fleur made.

“I’m… going to cum,” Fleur uttered breathlessly.

With a final, fervent thrust, Lena felt Fleur’s body tighten around her, the rush of pleasure crashing over them like a powerful, delicious, crisp wave.

They surrendered to the moment, lost in the ecstasy that enveloped them, their bodies trembling in perfect sync. As theyreached ecstasy together, a blissful silence filled the air, the echoes of their shared release lingering like a sweet melody in the stillness.

They both looked up at the tent roof, dripping from condensation. Lena slowly unzipped the tent, shuffling her head out to look up at the sky. “Come join me,” she said, making space for Fleur under her arm.

Each twinkling light felt like a whisper of reassurance, a reminder that beauty still existed, even in this broken world. As the exhaustion settled over them like a heavy blanket, they felt their bodies relax, surrendering to the pull of sleep.

6

FLEUR

Still feeling the thrill from the passionate night they’d just had, Fleur woke up a little early. The sun was just barely starting to rise and she decided to make them some breakfast and do some stretches. The soreness of their hike was worse in the mornings. It took her time to loosen up for the day ahead.

She was used to having to walk or run from community to community, but this was the most walking she had done in quite a while and it was taking a toll on her body. She was hoping that this trip to Ohio wouldn’t be for nothing. She didn’t want to waste Lena’s time or put her needlessly at risk.

While Fleur was lost in thought, Lena quietly snuck up on her and wrapped her arms around Fleur’s waist from behind.

“Don’t scare me like that!” Fleur huffed, though her fake anger was betrayed by the smile tugging at her lips.

Lena smirked, leaning in closer. “Oh? Should I stop wanting to touch you then? You didn’t give me that impression last night,” she teased, loosening her grip as if to let go.

Fleur quickly turned, wrapping her arms around Lena’s neck, pulling her closer. “That depends,” she whispered. “Come on, let’s get going.”

With a shared smile, they set about packing up their gear and breaking down the tent. Lena bent over the map, scanning the terrain ahead. "If we keep up a steady pace, we should reach Ohio by today. Do you have any idea where the lab might be?"

Fleur tucked her hair behind her ear and glanced toward the horizon. “From what I know, it’s near Columbus.”

“Columbus,” Lena repeated thoughtfully, tracing a path with her finger. “Not far now. Maybe a day or two depending on how fast we move.”

“Doesn’t sound too bad.” Fleur shrugged.

“Good, let’s get a move on.”

As they walked, Lena’s curiosity got the better of her. “So, now that we’re getting closer, can you tell me more about this cure information? If you’re okay talking about it.”

Fleur let out a long breath.

“You’ve never really explained what happened,” Lena continued. “Why was it so hard for you to find a proper lab to work in?”

Fleur hesitated. “It’s complicated, really. The research was… sensitive. When the outbreak hit, many labs were more concerned with profits than helping people. I had to make choices I’m not proud of.”

Lena leaned in closer. “What kind of choices?”

“Some of the labs I approached… they were doing unethical things. Testing on unwilling subjects, experimenting without consent. It was like a race for who could get the cure first, no matter the cost.” Fleur's voice trembled slightly.

Lena felt a knot tighten in her stomach. “And you were part of that?”

“I didn’t have a choice. I tried to minimize harm, but—” She shook her head, as if trying to dispel the memories. “I didn’t always succeed. That’s why I was so desperate to get away.”

Lena reached out, brushing her fingers against Fleur’s arm. “You’re not that person anymore. You’re here, trying to make it right.”

Fleur’s gaze met hers. “But what if they find me? What if they want me to continue that work, or force me into it? I can’t go back to that life.”

Lena grabbed her hand. “They won’t find you. We’ll figure this out together.”

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