Breaking Dawn (Maxi)

[AUGUST WITT]

The night August woke from his gargoyle form had been an eye opening one. He hadn't expect to lose an entire day since he had already been sleeping for several hours when the shift took place. He awoke in his bed confused and more than a little upset. Maxi had been there to console him but it hadn't mattered. He didn't want her babying, he wanted the damn darkness to return. He felt more energized that night than he had in months though, and he was torn on the matter. This was normal. He was a creature of the night, but how he suddenly missed the ability to be awake all day. There was so much time that he was stone that could be spent doing other things! The night was so short and the day was terribly, beautifully long! It put him in a strange sort of funk, one that Maxi tried desperately to pull him from but had failed miserably. It wasn't her fault, he was just sulking and August was used to sulking on his own.

He spent another day in rock form before he'd done some research and caught wind of two little witches who were selling rings that would keep gargoyles from changing. He wasn't sure if it was true or not, but hadn't Sebastian accused him of having a ring like this in his possession once? He'd even taken Maxine for collateral. All of it ended badly for him though and August decided he would try and seek these girl out. After talking with some folks at work he found the girls exact location and gave them a call. A nervous witch had taken his call and had set up a time to meet later the following night after he'd switched back to his human self once more.

August weighed the pros and cons of the ring heavily before telling Maxine about it. The perks were of course being able to spend all day with her once more, and also being able to experience sunlight for the first time in his long life. The cons were he would lose his strength once more and constantly feel poorly rested as he had over the last few months, and a new con added to the list; sunlight. After speaking to a gentleman who had one of these rings, he learned the sunlight would effect him dearly. He might not be able to sit in it for long and it would hurt his eyes. It was like no other light he'd ever experienced before and it wasn't exactly pleasant. Not until his body grew accustomed to it, but all were under the suspicion that gargoyles might not ever grow accustomed to it. They would likely always have a sensitivity to the suns scorching rays and he would be likely to burn. Of course he could buy the ring, use it once and never again if he so desired. It wasn't like it was a permanent fix. But what if the ring were to fall off during the day? He would promptly turn to stone which could be very ugly given the circumstance. In the end he decided he would get the ring and sat Maxine down to let her in on the purchase he was going to make.

Naturally the redhead was delighted at the news. She had made it more than clear that she missed him during the day, having grown accustomed to seeing him, and he was anxious once more of who she was keeping in her company. He couldn't watch over her as he had been for the last few months which meant she could get into a spot of trouble if not under his constant possessive gaze. Of course he wouldn't tell Maxine he didn't trust the company she kept, that was knowledge for him to keep to himself.

When August woke on the eve he was to get his ring, he ate and dressed quickly, anxious to get this done and over with. He went to the address provided to him and was met by two young girls, the more attractive of the two being far more confident than the bumbling one who he had called the other night. The exchange was quick and August took his new possession and left as quickly as he'd come, not interested to hang around any longer than necessary. Once out of their dormitory he slid the ring on and waited to feel something, but he did not. He supposed when it grew closer to dawn he might feel something.

August held Maxine's company as long as he could, but finally she fell asleep and he encouraged her to do so. He would have her up early to bring to the isle's and he didn't want her more tired than necessary. When the clock struck four he went to the kitchen and brewed a fresh pot of coffee. He filled a thermos with the dark liquid, fixing it the way he knew his companion liked, and packed a container with strawberries and croissants he'd picked up the night before. With their breakfast packed he moved to his room, admiring the sleeping frame of the woman he'd grown to care so deeply for. Her hair was tousled and the blankets lay haphazardly across her body, limbs peaking out slightly here and there. He moved to the closet and pulled out a blanket and an extra sweatshirt for her, something he rarely wore himself. Once the clothes were set he crawled into bed, the excitement of the morning putting him in a fine mood.

"Wake up." He cooed softly to his sleeping gazelle, his face coming close and kissing the soft spot beneath her ear. She stirred slightly which made him smile, his hand sliding to cup her cheek as his trail of kisses slid down her jaw until his nose was buried deep into her neck. "The things I'd like to do to you right now.." He purred, his hand sliding down the length of her body, unsure of what parts he was touching with the bunched up blankets scattered over her. "But it will have to wait. The sun will be up soon.. Get up, Maxine." The command was both firm and gentle, non threatening as he nipped her neck, finally getting a true reaction from her.

[MAXINE MCMANUS]

Waking up next to stone had been frightening and confusing. Maxi hadn’t expected it, not even noticing that the darkness was dissipating. Her arms were wrapped around a statue when she woke and for a long time she just stared at the stone beside her. She’d never been permitted to see August in his stone form before and she simply took in the warped face. Her hands explored him and she panicked a little to know how he would react. She made sure to be home that evening when he finally woke and he was upset as she expected him to be. Consoling him was impossible and she reluctantly let him stew in his frustration, doing whatever he asked her to in order to cheer him some. What cheered her was the fact that she could once again become invisible and it sent a wave of relief through her. Life was going back to normal, but she was conflicted between her happiness and August’s unhappiness. He remained distant and brooding for a couple days, though it got a little better, until he finally told her about something he’d found out. Apparently the ring she had been kidnapped for really did exist. Two witches were making them and August was resolved to buy it. She’d never been so excited about a ring before! Her face lit up when he told her the news and she immediately began to imagine walking in the sunlight with him. Sunlight! They could go on vacations together! They could travel together! He’d always wanted to travel and now they could actually do it! She wanted to see the world with August, but it had always been impossible…until now. She encouraged him to buy the ring and grew more excited with every passing minute about what this could mean to them.

The night before they were supposed to go to Megsy and watch the sunrise, Maxi tried to stay up with August. It would be a Saturday morning when August saw the sun for the first time, so she didn’t mind staying up into the wee hours of the morning. Of course, with her demanding job, it was too much for her and she eventually passed out with August’s encouragement. She insisted on having him beside her when she did fall asleep and knew he would be the one to wake her again. Her sleep was peaceful, a memory of playing on the beach as a girl. The sun was hot and it felt good on her pale skin, but the sea felt even better as it cooled what the sun had warmed. It was a beautiful dream and she was smiling when a familiar voice sounded in her ear.

“Wake up.” Her eyes fluttered a little and her smile grew when she felt her lover’s lips at her neck just beneath her ear. His hand slid up to her cheek and she moved her own hand up to touch his face in the dark as his lips trailed along her jaw and into her neck. He always knew how to make her want him right as she was waking up. “The things I’d like to do to you right now…” The tease made her whimper and grin more, turning her face toward his as his hand slid over her. Of course he would do them, he always did… “But it will have to wait. The sun will be up soon…Get up, Maxine.” The sun…he would turn to stone and she would be left…no wait. His teeth nipped her skin and she gasped, remembering their plan for the morning. Her eyes grew wide along with her smile and she guided his face back with her hands so she could smile excitedly at him. “Sunrise! Your first one!” her soft, ecstatic voice rang through the darkness of the early morning. As giddy as a little girl on Christmas morning she pulled August in for a passionate kiss, expressing how happy she was for him. His hands found her hips beneath the tangle of blankets she was buried under and she squealed a little as he pulled her to the edge of the bed. Yes, she needed to hop to it so they could get a move on! Her feet found the floor and she reluctantly moved away from August’s mouth so she could get ready to go. She’d had a shower the night before so she didn’t need to worry about that, just getting her clothes on and such. With a playful swat to her butt, August set her scurrying and laughing to the bathroom so she could get ready.

It didn’t take her long to get dressed and brushed, pulling on the oversized sweatshirt he let her borrow so she wouldn’t freeze in the chilly winter morning air. She practically bounced out to the kitchen to find he’d made her coffee and packed their breakfast. A big smile crossed her face, appreciating the gesture and she kissed him again briefly before she grabbed her thermos. “You ready?” she asked cheerfully, her big eyes bright with excitement. This was the biggest day of August’s life so far and he was letting her experience it with him. It was the best feeling in the world.

[AUGUST WITT]

Maxine was beginning to wake and as she turned and smiled up at him, he couldn't help the nervous excitement run through him as well. Her hands were on his face and he gazed down into her beaming, sapphire eyes. “Sunrise! Your first one!” For a moment he wondered if she was more excited about this than he was! Maxine was the one to pull him in for a kiss and he grinned against her lips, kissing her hard and deep, an air of playfulness wavering between them. He couldn't be in a bad mood, unless of course he turned to rock in Maxine's car and woke sometime later that evening. That was the only thing that could truly spoil this impossible day.

As much as he would have liked to keep her there in bed, they had a schedule to keep and it was already nearing 4:30. He found her hips and tugged her free of the blankets, signalling to her to get her ass in gear or they would miss their deadline. She pulled away from his lips and he offered a gentle smack to her rear as she hustled to go get ready.

August made his way back to the kitchen, double checking everything and pouring himself a glass of orange juice. He sipped at it for a moment and then went to go put on his shoes. Finally Maxine came out, coming into the kitchen just as he was. Even dressed down she had a certain, cute elegance about her that he found irresistible. She came to him and he actually offered a gentle smile as she reached up and planted a sweet kiss on his lips. “You ready?” she asked cheerfully, and he gave a slight nod. He grabbed the bag with their food as she took the thermos and the pair made their way to the door, but before they could leave August stopped Maxine and pulled her in for another kiss, lingering at her lips as his lips told her what his voice could not; that he cared for her deeply, and that he was glad she was there. That there was no one else he wanted there beside him. Finally he pulled away, planting two delicate kisses on her face as he went; one at the corner of her mouth, the other at her cheek. "Let's go." He offered softly, and they did.

August's stomach was filled with butterflies as they made their way down to the lobby and then out towards the cars. "We'll take your car." He told her, bossy as usual as they headed in its direction. "I'll drive us there, and then we'll switch seats." Naturally he had a set of her keys and he unlocked the car, opening the passenger side for her to get in. To August it made sense. He was a creature of the night and he was used to driving late, especially now. Maxine had just woken, and though she was excited he trusted himself to get them there quickly and safely. Not that she would likely crash, but August needed to constantly be in control. Especially when he felt as unsure about what was happening as he did right now.

He pulled out of the parking lot and looked briefly at the woman beside him. "If this works, what shall we do today?" He asked, having no idea what one did in the sun. He reached for her hand, his stomach tense with nerves making feel almost nauseous. He would be exhausted all day from lack of rest, but he had a feeling that the excitement would keep him going. "We'll do anything you like." He promised softly bringing her hand to his lips and pecking the knuckles softly before bringing her hand back down, this time into his own lap. There was no one he could ever imagine doing this with..

[MAXINE MCMANUS]

August nodded and grabbed their food, so Maxi grabbed the thermos and held it warm in her hands. They made their way to the door but as Maxi was reaching for the door handle, August pulled her in for yet another lingering kiss. It made her heart flutter and her cheeks flush but she smiled softly into his lips. There was a hidden meaning in that kiss and she was pretty sure it had something to do with being happy she was there with him. Maxi couldn’t think of anything she would rather be doing with August today than watching the sunrise with him for the first time. It was a sweet kiss, one she hadn’t quite experienced before—it was so loving and adoring that it left a warm feeling in her stomach and flush in her cheeks. Even when he pulled his lips away from hers, they continued to plant two small but loving kisses at the corner of her mouth and another on her cheek. She smiled wide with those kisses, swept away by them. He didn’t have to say, “I love you,” for her to know it was true in that moment. “Let’s go.” Her eyes opened again and she gave a small nod of agreement, smiling warmly before he turned away and she followed him from the apartment.

They made their way through the empty hallways and lobby of the building, hurrying out into the cold so they could make it to Megsy in time for the sunrise. She could tell August was nervous, more nervous than she’d seen him before, but it was understandable—this was a big moment! “We’ll take your car. I’ll drive us there and then we’ll switch seats.” Again she nodded in agreement, used to his bossiness by now. He unlocked her car with his own copy of the keys and naturally opened her door for her. If she ever dated another man, which was unfathomable to her, she would always expect him to open her door for her as August always did. Once in the car she buckled up and took a deep breath to calm her squirming stomach. She was a little nervous about this experiment, but mostly she was excited. “If this works, what shall we do today?” Maxi looked over at him and considered his question for a moment, skewing her mouth a little to the side as she did so. His hand slipped into hers and she looked down at it before grinning wide at him. “We’ll do anything you like.” He kissed her hand before he brought her hand down to his lap and she let her fingers lace with his affectionately. Shouldn’t they be doing anything he liked? She wondered what they could do in the sunlight, what the best experiences were in the sunlight. Her first thought was of the beach. Normally she wasn’t a fan of the bay or the ocean for obvious reasons, but since meeting Maureen again on the pier she’d lost some of her aversion. Considering her family’s one-time love of sailing, she knew some of the happiest times could happen on the ocean when the sun was in the sky. It had been so long since she’d just been in the sun… She talked about the things they could do, walk on the pier or the beach and then maybe in the park or down Peanut Street. Maybe in the next few weeks they could go explore Portland, possibly go to the festival they had for the Chinese New Year. “But we’ll have to be careful because you’ll probably burn more easily than I do and your eyes will need to get used to the sunlight. We’ll take it a step at a time.” Her smile was sweet and when she looked forward again she realized it wouldn’t be long until they reached Megsy.

The sky was beginning to lighten a little when they came to a stop on the isle. They were facing a vast vista of ocean and cliffs, the dawn apparently playing just below the skyline. August looked as close to terrified as she’d ever seen him. She undid her seat belt and leaned over in her seat so she could press her lips against his cheek, her hand squeezing his lightly. “It’ll work, I’m sure of it.” Her voice was very soft, just above a whisper and comforting without sounding condescending. When he turned to look at her she smiled warmly before kissing him gently to try and ease him. Her hand came to his face and her delicate fingers rested against his cheek. She was silently nervous that it might not work, but there had been others he’d talked to about the ring, so it had to work right? When she pulled away her eyes looked into his, staying close. “And if it’s too much we’ll go home.” Her voice was even softer than before, not wanting to upset him by suggesting he couldn’t handle sunlight but knowing they had to be realistic about this. She hoped he would be okay, though. Dawn was still thirty minutes away or so and the wait would be a long one.

[AUGUST WITT]

She seemed to be considering it for a moment, and while she thought, August drove silently with her hand tucked gently into his. When she opened her mouth she suggested several options, all doing simple tasks in familiar places, only the difference today was he'd see it in the sun. He didn't want to do too much considering he was unsure how the ring would make him feel. For all he knew it would be too much for him and he would end up sliding his ring off to escape the hellish day, though he suspected he wouldn't do that. “But we’ll have to be careful because you’ll probably burn more easily than I do and your eyes will need to get used to the sunlight. We’ll take it a step at a time." As always her smile was dipped in honey and August, being in the good mood he was, smiled back instead of wearing the passive look he normally did. He knew he would probably find discomfort in the suns brightness, and would likely need to invest in some sunglasses. Why hadn't they thought of that sooner?

The man had little to say, still unsure about what to expect from their morning together in the sunlight. He could already see the sky beginning to lighten some, but that was nothing new. He'd seen this part of the day nearly every day since he was born. It was when the sun truly began to rise that he was changed into something dark, hard and grotesque. They made it to their destination with enough time to spare, and August pulled the car to a stop, overlooking the ocean and the cliffs that made the isle what it was. He didn't know how to feel now. His mood had been a good one, but the anxiety was settling in. What if he had a faulty ring? How would Maxine explain that to anyone? Would she know to keep her car hidden when darkness fell? He'd be so vulnerable..

August had been too lost i thought to hear Maxine unfasten her seat belt. He startled slightly when he felt her warm lips press to his cheek, making him settle a little. “It’ll work, I’m sure of it.” His head turned at the gentle caress of her voice, and his eyes locked with her, giving away at his fear. Her lips melded to his quickly, allowing him to save face and hide behind her adoration. He turned more towards her, loving the way her hand felt on his cheek. His tongue rolled gently against hers, silently telling her how deeply he cared. The man let out soft breath when she pulled away, his gray, storming eyes opening to meet her sapphire ones once more. “And if it’s too much we’ll go home.” She was cautious in her wording, having learned how easily he could get worked up. August reached a hand up, cupping her cheek lightly, his thumb coming to her bottom lip as it often did, tugging it down gently as his eyes roamed over her face. He gave her a soft nod, his eyes lingering at her puffy, pouty lips. "Let us eat." He said softly, giving her one last peck before pulling away. "But first I'd like us to switch spots."

August got out of the car and made his way around to the passenger side while Maxine moved within the car, keeping warm as she slid to the drivers seat. August slid in beside her once more, and then reached for the thermos of coffee, opening it and pouring some of the hot liquid into the lid which doubled as a cup. "I can feel the sun starting to rise." He told her softly, bringing the cup to his lips and taking a sip. "We feel it in our bones, like a warning bell to get to higher, safer grounds." He explained, never having really talked to Maxine much about what being a Gargoyle was like. "The feeling vanished when the darkness came, and when I felt it the other night I thought surely it was a mistake. And then I changed." He looked at her briefly, reaching for the berries in the bag. He pulled one out and looked at it, blinking thoughtfully as his mind wandered. "I feel it now, only it's different somehow." He looked at the ring and then sighed, leaning back into the seat more and bringing the red strawberry to his lips and sinking his teeth into it. He chewed and then turned his devilish gaze back at her. "What will all your male friends do now that I'm capable of whisking you away for lunch?" He teased. "Should I expect an angry visit from Brett? Or Drew perhaps? James?" He was instigating, but enjoying every second of it, trying to distract himself from the unsettling excitement bubbling in his gut. "Men really are drawn to you, aren't they Maxine." He commented, looking ahead of them and enjoying his berry and trying not to think of the other men in her life who would be continuing to sorely miss her over the next few months now that the sun was back.

[MAXINE MCMANUS]

Maxi smiled warmly when August’s hand came up to her cheek and his thumb brushed along her bottom lip, tugging it down gently as he so often did. She was certain she would never get tired of him doing that. When he nodded she smiled a little more and combed her fingers gently through his hair. “Let us eat.” He leaned in and kissed her briefly, making her feel much better about his fear. “But first I’d like us to switch spots.” She nodded this time and when he climbed out of the car, she scooted over the center console and tucked her legs into the driver’s side. When August got back in the car he reached for the thermos and the smell of coffee was lovely. She could tell he’d made it just the way she liked it and it made her smile to know he took that into consideration. It was a far cry from the selfish and harsh man she’d met eight months before. She took the time to open the bag with the actual food in it. “I can feel the sun starting to rise.” Her eyes came to his face curiously, wondering what he meant. “We feel it in our bones, like a warning bell to get to higher, safer grounds.” Maxi forgot about the food and the coffee as she watched August, intrigued by him opening up to her like this. He’d never really talked about what it felt like to be a Gargoyle. “The feeling vanished when the darkness came, and when I felt it the other night I thought surely it was a mistake. And then I changed.” Maxi had rarely seen him as upset as he’d been when he woke up from his change. It frightened her a little, but she could understand why he’d reacted that way. Now she knew he had seen it coming in a way. “I feel it now, only it’s different somehow.” That must have been an indication the ring would work! She was so excited! He bit into his strawberry and she reached for her own, staying quiet in case it would encourage him to open up to her more. She liked it when he told her personal things.

His head turned and she looked over at him, her brow lowering and a smile coming to her lips to see his devilish grin. “What will all your male friends do now that I’m capable of whisking you away for lunch? Should I expect an angry visit from Brett? Or Drew perhaps? James?” Maxi rolled her eyes with a big grin at his instigating, laughing lightly as she looked away. It wasn’t often that he actually joked with her about her male friends, but it was amusing when he did. “Men really are drawn to you, aren’t they Maxine?” Her eyes came back to him even though he was looking forward once more. Normally she didn’t talk to August about her male friends because it always led to an argument or just him needing to assert his dominance over his territory. Sometimes it was fun to provoke him into fucking her brains out, but she didn’t like to upset him. He seemed calm now, though, and she thought it was probably okay to talk about it. With a soft smile, she shook her head gently. “It’s not just men, August, that’s just who you notice.” She gave him a big grin, teasing him about his possessive nature even though they both knew the statement was true. Her head faced forward again as she looked at the slowly lightening horizon. “A lot of people are drawn to me. I don’t really know why…maybe because I’m drawn to them. I like getting to know people and making friends, I like helping where I can and making people smile…I think that encourages others to trust me. It’s just coincidence that most of my closest friends are guys. I mean, I grew up with Drew and Jamie—they’re more like brothers than friends. Brett and I are close because he can talk to me and I’m immune to his charms.” She gave him a cute smile before she leaned her head back against the headrest and watched him for a moment. “There’s only one man I want to be drawn to me, though.” Her smile grew again and she leaned in to plant a soft kiss on August’s lips. When their tongues met it tasted like strawberries…it was intoxicating. She could kiss him until the sun came up…

Suddenly she pulled away with a soft, “Oh!” Her hands reached for the glove compartment and she popped open the upper compartment to reveal a small black box with a red ribbon wrapped around it. She grinned as she took it out and handed it to August. “I got you a present!” she announced delightedly. She finished her strawberry and placed the stem into a napkin, watching him eagerly. He looked hesitant but he finally opened it and revealed a pair of designer sunglasses. “I figured you might need a pair today and thought these would look really good on you.” She’d had to dip a little into her savings to afford them, but she was more than okay with that, happy to get him a gift she was certain he’d like. Her eyes studied his face for his reaction, though, anxious to see if he really did like them. She bit her lip gently as she watched him.

[AUGUST WITT]

“It’s not just men, August, that’s just who you notice.” He cocked a brow, but he supposed it was true. She had female friends as well, but the men had always stood out to him more. They had been threats while her girlfriends had not. "A lot of people are drawn to me. I don’t really know why…maybe because I’m drawn to them. I like getting to know people and making friends, I like helping where I can and making people smile…I think that encourages others to trust me." It was all true and he listened silently as she spoke on. "It’s just coincidence that most of my closest friends are guys. I mean, I grew up with Drew and Jamie—they’re more like brothers than friends. Brett and I are close because he can talk to me and I’m immune to his charms.” He had charms? August surely didn't think so. He was cocky and arrogant, but had no room to be.

“There’s only one man I want to be drawn to me, though.” He looked over at her and felt a rush of possessiveness surge forward. He loved that she wanted to please only him, and she did a fine job of doing just that; pleasing him. She moved in and he welcomed her kiss greedily, reaching up and cupping his hand around to the nape of her neck, holding her there as he licked into her mouth tasting the sweet berry she'd just eaten. August was just starting to get into it when she pulled away suddenly, forcing a frown to form on his lips. “Oh!” August watched as she leaned over, opening the glove compartment and pulling out a small parcel. “I got you a present!” she announced delightedly, handing him the package. August wasn't expecting a gift and looked at the box for a long moment, feeling the excitement radiating off the gorgeous woman at his side. Finally he tugged at the satin ribbon and watched as it fell away from the box. He pulled the lid open and a pair of designer sunglasses were revealed to him. “I figured you might need a pair today and thought these would look really good on you.” His stomach squirmed as realization hit again that he would really be seeing the sun. For the first time he would need sunglasses for their actual purpose; to shield his eyes from the sun.

August pulled them out and admired them for a moment. "Thank you." He said softly, flipping the glasses over in his hand before sliding them onto his face and looking over at the redhead at his side, modeling his gift. He gave her a small smile and then took the glasses off, placing them on the dashboard. He wanted to watch the sun rise with his own eyes, but would surely need them later in the day. "Now.. how should I repay such a kind gesture?" He asked, pulling another berry from the bag and pushing it towards Maxine's lips to take a bite. Once she did he pulled the fruit away, leaning closer to press his lips to hers. "Mmm.." He hummed against her mouth, tasting the cool sweetness once more, but his lips didn't linger long, moving his kisses down over her jaw and towards her neck. "What would you like, Maxine?" He teased, nipping at the sweet, sensitive flesh, a smile playing at his lips as excitement coursed through him.

[MAXINE MCMANUS]

Maxi watched with a big smile as August pulled the sunglasses out of the box and admired them, turning them over in his hand. “Thank you.” She only smiled wider, glad he seemed to like them. When he slid them onto his face and looked at her with a small smile she giggled. “I was right!” she announced finding him to be quite handsome with those shades on. They were a good fit for him. Of course he pulled them off again, but he would have made it clear if he didn’t like them. In this case, he appeared to like them and Maxi felt very proud of herself. With the glasses resting on the dashboard, August reached for the bag of food again. “Now…how should I repay such a kind gesture?” He pulled out a strawberry and she gave a kittenish smile as he pressed it to her lips. She took a bite, chewing it slowly before his mouth covered hers again. The berry slipped between her cheek and teeth while she kissed him, just in case that sneaky tongue of his decided to creep between her lips. Juice sweet, tart and crisp burst in her mouth as she leaned more into his lips, smiling a little when he hummed satisfaction against her mouth. That soft sound made her stomach squirm with desire. Even better was the way his lips trailed down her jaw to her neck and she giggled lightly as she finished the bit of berry in her mouth. “What would you like, Maxine?” He nipped her neck and she bit her lip as the smile on her mouth only grew. Would there ever be a time when he wouldn’t make her heart skip or her face flush pink? Her hands came up to his hair and his shoulder, just wanting to touch him as he made her blood pump faster.

“There’s a great many things I want, Mr. Witt.” Her flippant reply matched the smile on her face as she nudged him back so she could look at him again. She moved forward as if she was going to kiss him but instead nipped gently and playfully at his bottom lip. Deep blue eyes opened to stormy ones as she remained close and impish. “Most of them can wait until after sunrise.” But even though her words suggested she wouldn’t have sex with him just yet, her mouth moved to his again. Their kisses were long, deep and breathtaking, Maxi’s hands finding their way into his hair as they always did. Soft whimpers and moans hummed from her throat as his tongue rolled over hers and she wondered how long it would take before he pulled her into his lap and forgot about the sun. She wanted to crawl over the center console just to kiss him better, but she knew it would only tempt him further. The longer they kissed, though, the harder it was to deny herself. His hands started encouraging her closer and soon she did find herself straddling him in the passenger’s seat, kissing him deeply with her fingers massaging his scalp. The world often slipped away when they were kissing. It wasn’t until he began kissing down her neck again that she opened her eyes and saw how light the sky was. Right! The sunrise! With a smile and a soft giggle, she lightly tugged his hair to make him look at her again. Their eyes met and she was practically glowing with her smile. “It’s almost time…” she said just above a whisper. She kissed him again sweetly before she released his hair and slid off his lap and back into the driver’s seat. August was quite reluctant to let her go but eventually he relented. Obviously he wouldn’t want to miss his first sunrise!

When Maxi was settled in her seat again the sky was a brilliant mix of pinks, purples and blues. The morning star was glittering above the horizon, the last bits of night still clinging to the sky. Maxi munched on strawberries quietly as the horizon continued to lighten, the clouds turning a brilliant gold just above the sunrise. It was so close…Her hand silently slid into his, reassuring him that it would be okay. They’d come so far, August would surely see the sun. There was a breeze and the first ray of sunshine shot from the ocean waves. Maxi had never seen that first ray of sunshine appear over the horizon before…it was beautiful. She looked to August to see his reaction and realized for the first time she would get to see him in the morning light. Even now with that one brilliant stroke of light he looked somehow different—there was a golden cast she’d never seen on him before. It was strange and different…but beautiful. How had she ever gotten so lucky to find someone so utterly handsome? How she loved him…Her fingers laced in his, not sure what to expect from him but hoping to ease some of the fear she knew he felt. When their eyes met she smiled warmly, the morning light glittering in her eyes. “Should we go outside and enjoy it?” she asked softly.

[AUGUST WITT]

"There’s a great many things I want, Mr. Witt.” Her hands had slid to his shoulder and now swan through his copper hair which was starting to get too long. The corner of his mouth quirked up wickedly as she nudged his face back and moved to kiss him, grasping his bottom lip between her teeth instead. His eyes darkened immediately, storming as she looked up into his eyes, the appendage in his pants swelling slightly. “Most of them can wait until after sunrise.” She gave him no time to come back with a reply as her lips pressed hard against his, and he wanted it no other way.

August Witt had never grown tired of his lovers mouth. Maxine had soft, lush lips that begged to be kissed, her tongue was soft and needy and she knew how to work it expertly. She kissed him with the perfect amount of desire and vigor without coming off too strong or demanding. It was as though they were made for each other and August wasted little time pulling the tiny redhead over the console and into his lap where she could feel the damage she was causing between his legs. It was easy to get carried away with her, which was the case now as her fingers combed through his hair, his own hands moving from her hips to her thighs and back around to her ass over and over again as his tongue lapped at hers.

With a giggle Maxine pulled away suddenly, leaving August a little surprised and annoyed. He didn't like being denied her, but when his eyes opened he saw why. He'd been ignoring that warning feeling in his bones since it started, but now that he saw the blossoming sky he knew he needed to focus on something other than the kittenish woman in his lap. “It’s almost time…” she said just above a whisper, kissing him one last time before she squirmed to get off his lap. He held tight for a moment, but in the end he let go, brows furrowed, clearly not ready to give her up. He thought for a moment it might be nice to have her curled up on him, but on the off chance of him turning stone it would be safer if she was not. Silently August reached for the coffee taking a sip and looking out the windshield. "Don't think I'm finished with you yet, Miss McManus." He offered, placing the cup down and relaxing into the seat, to anxious to eat now that the time was growing nearer.

The warning in his body was strong, seeming to vibrate through him and making him feel more anxious, but already the sky was lighter than it had ever been for him. He knew it was working before the first ray of sun appeared on the horizon. He swallowed hard as he leaned forward, watching with deep interest at the way it reflected and danced off the water. It was like nothing he'd ever seen before. He felt Maxine's fingers lace with his and he was suddenly aware of her presence once more, his face turning to look at hers. She smiled but nothing came from him, and his mouth suddenly felt very dry. “Should we go outside and enjoy it?” Her voice was gentle and soft, like fresh linen and all he could do was give a grave nod. When he looked forward once more there seemed to be more light dancing on the ocean below. August reached for the door handle and his glasses simultaneously, exiting the car to witness the simple miracle that had been denied him his entire life. He moved to the hood of the car, the cold air not bothering him so much. He moved to the edge and felt Maxine's presence with him. His gray eyes focused on the view and he could actually see the sun beginning to rise.

Finally the sun crowned the horizon and he had to squint to watch it more clearly. It hurt his eyes and after a few moments he had no choice but to slide the sunglasses on his face, suddenly more grateful for the woman at his side. His arm reached out and slid over her shoulder, pulling her into him until her body was close enough for him to wrap both arms lovingly around her small frame. Though his eyes never left the sun rising, his face dipped to nuzzle into the soft, downy red hair of the girl he was holding. "It's warm." He said softly, as if this surprised him somehow, and it did. He could feel the heat radiating from the rays as the sun shown more and more with each passing minute. He was suddenly aware of his surroundings more. Everything looked so different with the light reflecting on it, as though someone flipped a light switch on outside. It was an odd, overwhelming feeling leaving him uncomfortably in awe. "It's so beautiful and unsettling." He offered quietly, licking his lips. It was nothing like on television.

[MAXINE MCMANUS]

August nodded and Maxi immediately reached for her door handle. He was obviously mesmerized by the spectacle before them. Maxi tucked her arms tight around her to keep warm until she could get used to the cold. She walked to the hood of the car and took her place beside him. The longer they watched, the clearer the sunrise became. At last the sun crowned on the horizon and Maxi squinted her eyes as she continued to watch it. She was more watching the water than anything else. It undulated and glimmered in the bright gold of the sunlight and she wondered when the last time she’d watched the sun rise had been. She used to do it with her parents and her sister when they were out on the boat. Of course she’d been out at sunrise plenty of times since then for her morning walks, enjoying how the morning mist helped her to hide from prying eyes, but she hadn’t actually sat and watched the sun wake up the morning. It didn’t take too long for August to pull out his new sunglasses and slide them onto his face. They really did look good on him. She smiled as his arm reached out and made its way across her shoulder, pulling her into him and she gratefully followed his arm’s instruction. His other arm came around her too and she held tight about his waist, snuggling into him. Suddenly it wasn’t so cold anymore.

As she continued to watch the sunrise against his chest she could feel his face nuzzling the top of her head. It felt so good to be held by him like this in the bright light of day. Anything was possible now that August could walk in the sunlight. There were so many doors that just suddenly flew open for them. She was absolutely elated. “It’s warm.” His words caught her attention and she smiled more, nodding as she continued to look at the sunrise. That was one thing you could never gather unless you were standing in the sunlight. All these years she’d taken this for granted…She felt his head perk up again and she looked up at him as he looked around. What was he looking at? She glanced around too, but she didn’t notice anything out of the ordinary. Of course, this wasn’t the ordinary for him. He didn’t know what the world looked like all lit up. While he took in their surroundings, she watched him with a warm and patient smile. “It’s so beautiful and unsettling.” She could only imagine. Her arms hugged tighter around him and her cheek pressed more into his chest. “I guess it would be. That’s how most Blurrs feel about the night. The stars and the moon are beautiful, but we can’t see all that well in the dark. It makes most of us nervous about what could pop out.” A big smile crossed her face as she looked up at August’s face again. “I’ve pretty much gotten over that with you.”

She moved in front of him, his arms still coiled around her but loosening to let her do so. Her smile was broad and sweet as her arms moved up around his shoulders gently. “Welcome to the day, baby.” The way she said it was almost teasing but it was also verging on celebratory. She was so excited at everything they could do now that he wouldn’t turn to stone. They could travel! Standing on her tiptoes, she pulled him into a kiss that quickly turned passionate and deep. Her fingers curled into his hair and she couldn’t get close enough to him. “We could see the world, now…” she whispered against his lips, her eyes opening to his shaded ones as she grinned. She knew he’d always wanted to travel and now he could…they could do it together. Again she kissed him, bright energy vibrating around her and making her feel light as a cloud. Nothing was going to get her down today.

[AUGUST WITT]

“I guess it would be. That’s how most Blurrs feel about the night. The stars and the moon are beautiful, but we can’t see all that well in the dark. It makes most of us nervous about what could pop out.” He understood what she meant, but she couldn't fully understand how he felt. He liked that she tried to relate, though. It was a feeling he couldn't describe, even if he tried to. “I’ve pretty much gotten over that with you.” He looked down at her and the hair of a smile made his lips rise at the sides. He did tend to keep her up all night..

August watched Maxine move around in front of him, a strange sort of glow about her. She looked different in this lighting, even with the sunglasses on. The light bounced off her hair and seemed to almost radiate off her in a way it didn't do with artificial light. “Welcome to the day, baby.” She cooed playfully, her arms wrapped around his neck. August slid his hands low over her hips, smiling a little as she moved to kiss him. He suddenly felt warm, the sun getting higher over the horizon and heating the world around them. His tongue lapped at hers, kissing her hard as he pulled her hips into his, allowing her to feel his excitement growing. “We could see the world, now…” she whispered against his lips and August opened his eyes, the world getting brighter by the second. He gulped looking down into her deep, blue eyes realizing how right she was. All the things he dreamed of doing were now well within his realm of reality.

August felt dazed and excited as she kissed him again. They could travel.. He could take her anywhere! And he would.. would he ever! One he got used to the day they would plan a trip, see the world, anything they wanted. His hands reached low under her ass, hoisting her up onto his hips. He grinned against her mouth as her legs wrapped around his waist, his hands cupping her globes. "I'm going to fuck you in every country." He teased with a growling chuckle against her lips, turning around and leaning down over the hood of her car, planting her on the cool metal and moving to hover over her. His kisses were deep as he pulled her arms away from his locks and pressed them over her head, pinning her down to the car. August could feel the sun at his back now, warming him in a way he wasn't used to, like standing in front of a heater but different somehow. His neck especially felt strange, never having been exposed to anything like that. His lips moved down her jaw hungrily and into her neck, kissing the flesh and nipping at it. He pulled the sunglasses off and laid them on the car hood, not used to wearing them and finding they were getting in the way, but when he pulled them off he noticed how incredibly bright everything had become around them. He stopped what he was doing, his grip on her wrists loosening as he moved up to look around once more. Despite the heat a chill ran down his back seeing the familiar place bathed in light, and it wasn't even completely light out yet. All he could do was stare in awe at it all, his eyes finally finding Maxine below him once more. There was a light glare coming off the hood of her car and it made him squint a little, but it was hard not to look at the woman sprawled below him. Her hair seemed lighter and redder than usual, her skin maybe a little darker, her eyes bluer. Everything was more brilliant and it was strange. That warning feeling was still tingling in him and he swallowed hard.

"I think I'd like to go soon." He told her softly, feeling uneasy though he genuinely loved what was happening around him. It was a lot to take in, though. August wasn't used to being so overwhelmed, and it left him feeling vulnerable.

[MAXINE MCMANUS]

Maxi squealed and giggled against August’s lips as he picked her up onto his hips. Her legs instinctively wrapped around his waist and she smiled wide to feel his grin against her mouth. She felt light as a feather. “I’m going to fuck you in every country.” Her stomach clenched at his growling chuckle but she laughed at his words, opening her eyes for a moment to look into his. “That’s a mighty ambitious project.” Their lips latched onto each other again even through their smiles and she let out a soft squeal as he leaned her down onto the car hood. She kept her legs wrapped around him but a little looser her fingers playing in his hair as he kissed her hard and deep. It gave her such a rush to know she could excite him so much and without fail. His hands came to her wrists and forced her fingers out of his hair, instead pinning her to the car. She whimpered into his mouth, the early morning sun warming her legs twining with his as she enjoyed him taking every advantage of her. His mouth moved to her jaw and her neck leaving her breathless and panting softly, leaning her head to the side to give him more room. Her face was flushed and her body getting warmer, but she knew it had very little to do with the sun. It was the first time she experienced the cool sensation of glasses rims with August, but he pulled back and snatched them off soon enough. Her eyes were closed but she expected to feel him back at any moment…but instead he left her hanging. She finally opened her eyes and looked up at him to see if there was something wrong.

When she looked up at August, he was simply looking around with a boyish, wide-eyed sort of look. His hands loosened on her wrists and she smiled softly to see him so enchanted by the sunlight all around them. When his eyes came back to her the awe didn’t leave them and she had to smile a little wider. It was like he was seeing her in a whole new light…which he was, but she found she liked the way he looked at her. She liked studying him too in the sunlight—his skin and eyes were paler and his hair full of gold and copper highlights that she hadn’t really noticed before. Her fingers itched to just comb through the strands and adore him. “I think I’d like to go soon.” The statement surprised her but she knew it shouldn’t. This was all so new to him and she was certain it frightened him to some degree, and he wouldn’t want to show her his fear. Then again, if he couldn’t show her how anxious he was, then who could he show? She nodded gently before she lifted her mouth to his once more. It was a gentle, calming kiss and when she pulled away, it wasn’t far. Their lips still brushed as she pleaded softly, “Just a couple more minutes?” She kissed him again and was glad when he followed as she lowered her head back down to the hood of the car. Their tongues twined and she was slowly slipping back into her world where only the two of them existed. She was amazed they never got caught with how often they got intimate in public. To think it had once scared her…Now it was a norm and she felt complacent in her continued lack of a police record.

It was warm in the sunlight, but pleasantly so, her whole body heating with the sun and August’s body on top of hers. She didn’t fail to notice his hard member between them, but she didn’t know if he would reward her with it now or later. Her hands slipped free of his grasp and her fingers found their way into his hair once again with a soft whimper. Even though she’d just said a couple minutes, she was getting lost in kissing her lover. Her lips pulled back from his a little, a smile curving them gently as her nose brushed against his lovingly. “Where would you like to go, August?” she asked in a breathy voice, her eyes opening to his once more. She would gladly do whatever he asked of her.

[AUGUST WITT]

Maxine agreed and sealed the statement with a kiss. "Just a couple more minutes?” She pleaded, her lips never really leaving his. He gave her a gentle head nod, his mouth pressing hard into hers once more, not sure he would ever get enough of her. It had been nearly a year since he'd met her and he could still kiss her for hours. He still got excited by her touch, her scent, her voice.. His first reaction was still to smile when he saw her, his eyes always hungry and blazing for her. His tongue dipped into her mouth, one hand sliding from her wrists to her hair, combing through it and against her scalp. When she tugged her hands free of his hold he didn't try and keep them there, only having a light grip on them anyway. He welcomed her fingers in his hair, having come to crave that feeling. There was nothing else like it.

Maxine pulled away from his mouth and he licked his lips, pulling back himself and looking down into her face, noting how much brighter the world around them was now making him feel unsettled once more despite her gentle smile. “Where would you like to go, August?” The way she asked got him feeling hot and needy all over again and part of him wanted to spurt out "home" but after being in the dark so long, being home might be odd. Then again he'd never seen his home decorated in sunlight. Still, it was his first day and he wanted to do something he'd never done before, even if it made him feel strange and uncomfortable.

"Some place where I can fuck you senseless." He told her with a dark look in his eyes, "So as to remind you that you're truly mine full time now." His smirk bordered on dangerous, the hand that had been holding her wrists gliding down the side of her body over her ribs. "But when I do that I'd like to be thorough, and I'm afraid this whole sunshine things still a bit too new for me to pay complete attention to you, so that will have to wait." He smirked again and leaned down, kissing her firmly but chastely. He pulled away again and looked down into her eyes, one hand resting at her hip, the other lovingly combing through her hair. "I'd settle for taking you out for a real breakfast someplace with a lot of windows." His smile was kinder now as he gazed down at her. "Where would that be my darling gazelle?" He asked, his thumb moving from her hair to her lip, pulling the bottom one down gently.

[MAXINE MCMANUS]

“Some place where I can fuck you senseless.” Maxi’s stomach jumped into her throat at August’s answer, a big, breathless smile coming to her lips. That sounded fantastic. “So as to remind you that you’re truly mine full time now.” His hand crept down her body and she bit her lip as she giggled. She wanted nothing more than to see his incredible body moving over hers, damp with sweat as he tore into her. Would he be bold enough to do that in the sunshine, though? “But when I do that I’d like to be thorough, and I’m afraid this whole sunshine thing’s still a bit too new for me to pay complete attention to you, so that will have to wait.” A little pout formed on her lips before he leaned down and kissed her hard, making her eyes close as she simply enjoyed the way his mouth felt against hers. At least there was a promise of hot sex later—not that they had anything but hot sex. When he pulled away she combed her fingers lovingly through his hair and he returned the gesture, a warm smile on her face as he did so. As always, she knew from his actions how much he loved her even if he couldn’t express it with words. Her fingers traced the line of his jaw gently. “I’d settle for taking you out for a real breakfast someplace with a lot of windows. Where would that be my darling gazelle?” Maxi grinned at his nickname for her before his thumb found her lips once more, gently tugging at her bottom one. She loved when he touched her so gently.

As she considered, her teeth nipped gently at pad of his thumb, grinning as she did so. The look on his face when she did so made her giggle and earned her another deep kiss, one that made her whimper softly into his mouth. When she separated their lips, her nose nuzzled against his before she smiled wide and opened her big eyes to his. “That sounds like the Remington. The breakfast there is really good and not one of those breakfast buffets like at other hotels. We could even request a table by the window.” Her smile got a little bigger, loving the thought of having breakfast with August in a restaurant, the whole place filled with sunshine. A thought like that would have been an impossible dream before this ring. If she ever ran into the witches who created it she would hug them and thank them a million times. So much was finally possible now. “I’ll drive.” His eyes needed time to adjust whereas she was perfectly fine driving in the sunshine. Her lips pressed against his again gently, both hands cupping his cheeks as she did so, the smile still on her mouth. When she pulled away, her hands found his sunglasses on the hood of her car and she slid them easily onto his face with a big grin. He would need them after all.

Finally she forced herself to squirm away and slide off the hood, as much as she wanted to stay pinned by him forever. There would be time enough for that later when they were naked in bed. Before she got into the car, though, she moved away a little bit and faced the sunlight. It had been so long since she’d felt the morning light on her skin and even longer since she’d felt it move through her. She stretched with her arms up above her head, pulling them up and letting her torso fall slightly to stretch out her stomach. As she did so, she let herself blur and it felt like just for a moment all of the cells that made up her being stretched apart, leaving trillions of tiny holes in her. She was invisible to everything now, feeling very much like a mist evaporating and she felt like herself for the first time in months. Nothing felt better than letting her solid self fall apart for a little while. When she blurred back into herself, her arms fell back down at her sides and she let out a long, refreshed breath. It felt good to have her powers back. She turned back to August and smiled wide, noting that he hadn’t actually seen her disappear before. “Sorry, I just had to do that.” There was a spring in her step as she practically bounced to him. She stood on tiptoe and planted a brief and sweet kiss on his lips before she moved to the driver’s side. “Let’s go!” she piped, excited for the whole day ahead of them and something more than strawberries and coffee to fill her stomach.

[AUGUST WITT]

Maxi nipped his thumb and he gave her a wicked look in return as she giggled. His thumb slid away and he replaced it with his lips, kissing her hard and deep wanting her more than before suddenly. She pulled away a little and he nuzzled her face gently before looking back down at her. “That sounds like the Remington. The breakfast there is really good and not one of those breakfast buffets like at other hotels. We could even request a table by the window.” He gave a nod, licking his lips. "The Remington it is then." He said softly. “I’ll drive.” He didn't fight it. He wasn't used to driving in the day and his eyes were more equipped for the night. It would take some time for him to grow accustomed to the differences between night and day.

August got off the beautiful woman splayed on the car hood and started making his way towards the passengers side door. He watched her as she moved, noticing her slipping out of view for a moment. He froze, having seen Blurrs doing it in the past, but it was a strange sight then. She came back and he simply watched her, not liking her ability. He didn't like the thought of her being able to hide from him. She smiled though and he knew he couldn't be mad. It was natural to her, like him turning to stone. He couldn't fault her for who or what she was. “Sorry, I just had to do that.” She moved back to him and planted a sweet but chaste kiss on his lips. “Let’s go!” she piped excitedly all but skipping to the drivers seat. August climbed into his side, excited for his adventure to begin.

---------------------------END---------------------------