Flame and Leah

Leah had fallen asleep in the cab, and Flame helped her to the futon that Boo and Lisa kept in their small extra room. Then he wandered outside and pulled out a cigarette, looking around him. Boo and Lisa didn’t live in the best neighborhood, and he could hear sirens in the distance. He lit his cigarette as Lisa came out, closing the door behind her.

“So,” Lisa said, shivering in the cool night air and hugging her sweater tightly around herself.

Not looking at her, Flame took a drag of his cigarette and exhaled. “So,” he finally repeated.

Studying Flame for a moment first, Lisa continued. “So are you going to tell her?”

“Are you?” Flame replied, looking at Lisa with a blank expression.

“Don’t try that bullshit with me,” Lisa warned him. “Are you?”

Putting one hand into his jeans’ pocket, Flame rocked back and forth on the balls of his feet, staring out into the black night. “I don’t want to,” he finally admitted, still not looking at Lisa.

Closing here eyes, Lisa took a deep breath. Opening them again, she looked at her friend. “What happened, Flame?” she asked him, her voice pleading. “You seemed so happy all night. I thought you were in love with Leah-”

“I am,” Flame cut her off rather gruffly, turning his eyes on Lisa. “I made a mistake. It doesn’t mean I don’t love her.” He shook his head. “It was a mistake. It’s not that big a deal.”

Raising her eyebrows, Lisa let out a short sarcastic laugh. “You know, back when Jodi was cheating on you, you seemed to think it was a very big deal.” Her voice was hard.

“Jodi was fucking other guys left and right,” Flame told her angrily. “I don’t think that compares with one drunken kiss.”

“I can’t believe this is you saying this,” Lisa told him sadly. “Flame, you betrayed Leah. Don’t you have any regret for that?”

Looking chided, Flame bit at his thumb-nail while he stared off in the distance. Turning his gaze on Lisa, he gave her a sad look. “I do,” he told her. “I feel awful. I just… I don’t know why I did it. And I will NEVER do anything like that again. I just don’t want to lose Leah over this. Can you understand that?”

Searching Flame’s face, Lisa finally shrugged. “I can understand not wanting to lose Leah. She’s awesome. But I can’t understand you kissing Jodi.” She blinked a few times. “I can’t understand doing something that could emotionally destroy someone you love, and particularly with someone who’s treated you so horribly in the past.”

Flame threw his cigarette onto the sidewalk. “I can’t explain it. And I can’t change it – I wish I could. I just need to know if you’re going to tell Leah.”

Looking down at her feet, Lisa stood silently for a moment. “No, I won’t,” she told him, hearing him sigh with relief. “But, for what it’s worth, I think you should tell her. Relationships don’t work when couples have secrets from each other.”

“I know, I know,” Flame answered. “I just think it would hurt her too badly. Leah’s really sensitive. And it’s not going to happen again – you have my word. Not with Jodi or anyone else.”

Lisa and Flame had turned towards each other, and she was looking him in the eyes now. “I hope not,” she said resignedly. “Because I feel like dirt not telling Leah.” She paused before adding, “I hope you mean what you said, because Leah is special – and she’s obviously completely in love with you.”

Turning to head into the house, Lisa walked inside and closed the door. Flame stayed outside for a moment, staring at the cement under his feet. He felt like a weight had been lifted. He’d made a mistake, and he’d make it up to Leah. He was just glad he didn’t have to worry about losing her over it.

-----

“Hey baby,” Flame’s voice came over the phone on Monday night. “How are you?”

Leah smiled as she crossed the room from her desk to her bed, lying down with a pillow under her head. “Better now,” she told him. “You sound tired. Are you guys still in the studio?”

“Yeah,” Flame told her. “It looks like it’s going to be a long night. We’re taking a little break right now, and I just wanted to hear your voice.”

Sighing contentedly, Leah cuddled a little deeper into her comforter. “You can be very sweet, did you know that?” She told him.

“People may have accused me of that once or twice,” he laughed warmly. “Anyway, I was hoping you’d come to the studio one night this week. I want you to see what I’m doing when I’m away from you.”

“The band won’t mind?” Leah asked. “I don’t want to be that annoying girlfriend who’s always around.”

“Never,” Flame told her. “Nah, the guys love you. In fact, you could bring Callie. It’d be fine.”

Thinking it over to herself, Leah agreed. “That sounds great. When?”

“How about tomorrow?” Flame suggested. “The sooner I get to see you, the better.”

Giggling, Leah bit her lip. “Sounds great,” she said to him. “We could come around six tomorrow and bring you guys some dinner. Does that sound okay?”

“You’re too good for me,” Flame told her. “Six sounds perfect. And Leah?”

“Yeah?”

“I love you.”

“I love you, too. Goodnight.”

-----

Leah felt wonderful for the following week. Flame had been so sweet to her since they had gotten back from visiting his mom. She felt that it must have been a successful visit, since he was now always in such a good mood when he spoke to her or saw her.

The following Friday, when she arrived at the band’s place, Flame opened the door as she reached for the handle. She jumped, surprised, and started laughing at his big grin. “Hey beautiful,” he greeted her, pulling a bouquet of sunflowers he pulled out from behind his back.

“Flame,” Leah said softly, taking the beautiful gift from him. “Thank you so much, but why did you do this?”

“Because I love you,” he said simply, leaning forward to kiss her. “Come on. I have our whole night planned. We’ve got the place to ourselves at least for a few hours.”

Leah walked into the kitchen and gasped. Usually overrun with dishes in the sink and beer bottles scattered everywhere, instead it was clean this night. A small table with two chairs sat in the middle of the room, covered with a tablecloth. Two candles were lit and two plates were waiting for them, ready with food.

“Thai,” Leah said quietly, a smile across her face. “My favorite.”

“I know,” Flame grinned, walking over to the CD player on the counter and pressing a button, causing music begin playing, although the volume was low. “Now don’t think I did too much. The delivery guy was here ten minutes before you arrived.” He laughed.

Biting her lip, Leah walked over to Flame and wrapped her arms around his neck. “You did do too much,” she insisted, her eyes glassy. “What’s all this for?”

Looking into her eyes and smiling, Flame rested his forehead against Leah’s and rubbed her arms. “Well, for two things. First, just because I love you. And second, since the band is going out of town in a few weeks, I just want to make the most of the time I have with you right now. You deserve to be treated special, because you are special.” The band had been given an offer to open up for a pretty popular punk group on the East Coast leg of their tour. It had been a sudden but exciting opportunity.

Leaning up to kiss him, Leah closed her eyes and felt her stomach flip. Flame drew her to him as the kiss intensified, finally pulling away with a laugh. “We should stop,” he told her. “The food will get cold, and we’ll have plenty of time for this later.”

“Sounds good,” she said, walking over towards the table. Flame grabbed two wine glasses from the cupboard and a bottle of wine he’d opened a little earlier, joining Leah.

After dinner, Flame and Leah went to Flame’s room, which was also tidied up. “I rented ‘The History of the World: Part I’ since you said you’ve never seen it.”

“Very romantic,” Leah giggled, and Flame smiled back at her.

“Just sit back and enjoy,” Flame said knowingly.

Laughing throughout the film, Leah and Flame just snuggled on the bed. “That was really great,” she told Flame after the film ended. “And you’re really great, too. Tonight’s been… you’re just too much.” She reached over to touch his face and then leaned in to kiss him.

“I’m going to miss you so much,” Flame whispered in her ear as their bodies started to intertwine. “We’re going to be gone for a whole month.”

Running her nails softly across Flame’s back, beneath his shirt, Leah sighed. “I’m going to miss you, too. But I guess we’re going to have to get used to this.” Leah sounded sad.

“I guess so,” Flame answered, softly kissing her neck. “I just wish I didn’t have to be away from you.”

Smiling a little, Leah began to climb on top of Flame, ending up straddling his hips. “Let’s not think about that right now,” she told him, pulling her top over her head. “We have three weeks until you have to go away. Let’s enjoy this time.” She leaned down to kiss Flame, and he wrapped his arms around her.

“I love you so much,” Flame whispered, his voice straining with desire. Leah was pulling on his shirt by now, and he leaned up so she could remove it. Leah was leaning up, looking down at Flame as she gently ran her hands over his chest. He reached up with one hand and cupped her breast, running his thumb over her nipple until it became hard. He watched her close her eyes and tremble under his touch.

“We are wearing far too much clothing,” Leah said, opening her eyes. Flame laughed as she hopped up and slipped off her pants, leaving her in just a pair of red panties. He watched as she reached down to undo his jeans, sliding them over his hips along with his boxers. She pulled the jeans off, dropping them in a pile in the middle of the floor and knelt between his legs. Flame leaned up as she kissed him, running his hands over her bare back. He sighed in contentment as she began kissing down his neck and chest, over his stomach and along his thighs. He let out a low moan and flinched as he felt her hair graze over his length.

Leah ran her tongue gently up Flame’s hardness, unsure exactly how to do this. She looked up at him momentarily, and he was giving her with a pleading look. She let the tip of her tongue taste the pre-cum that had formed on top before slowly sliding it into her mouth. Leah wrapped her hand around him to steady herself and began an up-and-down movement, taking his length into her mouth, swirling her tongue and pulling up. Glancing up at Flame, she could see that his eyes were closed and he was biting his lip, obviously enjoying the feeling. Leah continued this, and then started sucking gently on the head of his cock, running her tongue in circles.

“God, Leah,” Flame called to her. She looked up. “I want to be inside you.”

Leah stood up and removed her underwear, looking at Flame lying in her bed. She reached into the drawer where she now knew Flame kept the condoms and took one out. Sliding it on him, she smiled. “All ready,” she said teasingly.

Flame silently encouraged Leah to lie down on the bed. She was surprised to feel him shift her onto her side, facing away from him. “Is this okay?” he whispered, running a hand over her hip.

“Yeah,” Leah answered nervously. She felt him reach around her and massage her gently, sending warm waves through her body. Slowly, Flame reached for her knee, bending her leg to show her how to hold it. Leah then felt him reach between them and lead himself to her. As he pressed into her, Leah let out a little groan. From this angle, Flame was stretching her and filling her in a way that felt completely different.

“Is this okay, baby?” Flame whispered in her ear, moaning a little between words. Leah nodded, not trusting any words that might come out of her mouth. Flame began massaging her again as he moved behind her. Leah could feel him inside her, and she arched her back slightly. Flame was kissing her neck and shoulders as he slid in and out of her. His chest was pressed against her back, and Leah closed her eyes.

It felt tighter from this position, Leah thought. But that wasn’t a bad thing. Each time Flame pressed his cock into her, he would press down in front as well, causing Leah waves of heat through her body. She nervously slid her hand down under his, curious about the sensation. Flame’s breath was hot on her neck as he silently took her hand and began pressing it against her. Finally, he pulled his hand away to let Leah take over. Leah’s fingers were smaller than Flame’s, and caused a different sensation, although equally pleasurable. She could feel Flame pressing into her behind her fingers. Flame put his now-free hand on her hip, gently rocking Leah to meet his thrusts. As Leah’s shoulders tensed, he began pushing into her, harder and deeper. Leah was letting out muffled whimpers, increasing the speed of her own hand. “I’m about to cum,” she told him.

Turned on by the admission, Flame held onto Leah’s hip tighter, pressing into her in firm, fast strokes. He bit her shoulder lightly as he felt her start to tighten around him. She moaned his name, and her body trembled with pleasure.

Flame slowed down his movements, not wanting to make the sensation be too much for Leah, but she quickly recovered and began pressing back against him. Her breathing was shallow and fast as she placed her hand on his, resting on her hip. She pressed down a little, wordlessly giving him permission to continue as he had been doing. Flame once again gripped her hip and began pressing his cock deeply into her. Her muscles were still tight, and the feeling of pressure around him was amazing. He only needed to thrust into her a few times before he began groaning into her ear, ending with one deep push inside her as he came. Leah could feel his hardness throbbing inside her like a heartbeat.

Quickly wrapping his arm around her, Flame kissed Leah’s cheek and let out a contented sigh. “That was awesome,” he told Leah, cuddling her.

“Mm hm,” Leah agreed, pressing back into him. She felt Flame make a quick movement to pull out of her, and she turned around to face him, kissing him lightly on the lips and then resting her head on his chest after he removed the condom and tossed it away in the garbage.

“You know I love you, right?” Flame said after a moment.

Looking up at his concerned face, Leah smiled. “Of course I do, silly.”

Nodding, Flame returned her smile. “Good. I just want to make sure. Because, you know, with us going on tour and all, I just don’t want you to question that…”

“I love you,” Leah told him. “And I trust you. Of course I’ll miss you, but we’ll be okay.”

Flame was getting another wash of guilt over him, but bit his lip. He’d been feeling guilty since they’d returned to North Carolina, although it had been lessening daily. Leah saying she trusted him, though, caused a knot to form in his stomach. “Ok,” he finally conceded. “Just as long as you know that.”

-----
It was hard, knowing Flame was going to be gone for a whole month, but Leah was just glad that he was making the most of their time together now. While Flame had always been attentive, these last few weeks had been unbelievable. He showed up at her school some days just after the last bell to spend a few minutes with her. He brought her gifts – CDs he had made, her favorite cookies, a framed picture of the two of them that someone had taken at Leah’s birthday party.

The band was leaving for a tour on a Saturday, and Leah had spent the evening before with Flame, although they hadn’t slept most of the night. Flame had been awake, talking about his fears and hopes for the band. He’d also woken her several times, telling her that he wanted to be inside her and close to her as much as he could before he left. As the sun poured through the window, Leah blinked, feeling tired. She glanced at the clock, which read 9:51, and realized the alarm was going to go off in less than ten minutes.

Rolling over and looking at Flame, Leah smiled. She moved closer to him, kissing his neck gently. “It’s morning, baby,” she told him as his eyes began to flutter open.

“Already?” Flame complained. He looked over at Leah and smiled sadly. “I don’t want it to be morning, because that means I have to leave you.” He rolled onto his side, putting his arm around Leah and pulling her close, resting his chin on top of her head.

There were tears in Leah’s eyes, but she had promised Flame the night before that she wouldn’t cry today, so she willed them back. “Don’t think like that,” she scolded him. “This is such an incredible opportunity for you guys. Think about the exposure you’re going to get.”

“I know,” Flame said, kissing her hair. “I just wish you could be there with me.”

“Well, unfortunately, I don’t think my parents, my school or the other members of the band all cramped into that tiny van would agree.” She giggled a little into his chest.

“Yeah, I guess not,” Flame sighed.

They laid there silently for a minute before Leah regretfully pulled back. “The alarm’s about to go off,” she told him. “We should get up.”

“Yeah,” Flame agreed begrudgingly.

The rose and dressed, and then headed downstairs, where the rest of the band was starting to congregate. Chuck and Callie were sitting on the couch, with Chuck massaging her shoulders. She looked like she’d been crying. On the other side of the room, a pretty blond girl in a t-shirt that barely reached her thigh was making out with Anthony against the wall. Leah had to giggle. Anthony was definitely going to like the opportunity for more groupies.

Turning to Flame, Leah put her arms around his waist. “I should go now, or I won’t be able to keep that promise about not crying,” she told him, looking up into his eyes,

“I’m going to miss you,” Flame told her, his voice rich with emotion. “But you have my cell number. Call me anytime, okay?”

“Okay,” Leah said, her throat tightening. She leaned up to kiss him softly and rested her head on his shoulder. After a moment, she pulled back.

“Hey, Cal, I’m going to go now. Did you want to come with me?” Leah looked at Callie and Chuck on the couch. Callie looked questioningly at Chuck over her shoulder, and he nodded encouragingly.

“Yeah, I think so,” Callie said rising. Chuck stood up behind her, and she turned to him. “I’m going to miss you,” she said in a small voice.

”I’m going to miss you, too,” Chuck replied, the sincerity apparent in his voice. He kissed her lips lightly and hugged her, not looking like he ever wanted to let go.

Callie finally pulled away gently from Chuck’s embrace. “I love you,” she said with a small smile.

A grin spread across Chuck’s face. “Aw, you’re just saying that because we had sex last night.” Callie slapped his arm lightly, and he laughed. “No, you know I love you.”

“I know,” Callie responded sadly. She turned towards Flame and gave him a hug as Leah did the same to Chuck.

“Bye, guys,” Leah waved as the exited through the front door.

Once outside, Callie looked at Leah with big red-rimmed eyes. “This sucks.”

Putting her arm around Callie, Leah nodded. “I know it does.”

-----

It had been a long week when Leah finally arrived home after school the following Friday. Even though she usually didn’t seem Flame much during the week, inside she knew this was different. She knew she didn’t have the option to be with him, and it was a painful realization.

“Hi Mom,” she greeted her mother in the kitchen. Leah’s mother often got home a little early on Fridays. Today, she was standing at the breakfast bar, a smile on her face and a large envelope in her hands.

“Hey sweety,” she replied enthusiastically.

“Remember what I told you about drinking before dinnertime?” Leah joked.

“This smile is not alcohol related,” her mother laughed. “Here, you got this in the mail today.”

Leah took the large envelope, and her eyes got wide. The return address said “University of Maryland, College Park.” Leah excitedly ripped at the packaging, pulling out a letter that was on top of several booklets of information. She scanned it quickly. “’Congratulations!’” she read. “’We are happy to let you know that you have been accepted for the Fall semester...’ I got in!” Leah was jumping up and down, and her mother smiled happily at her jubilation.

“Your first choice,” her mom smiled. “Congratulations, Leah. You deserve it.” Leah kept scanning the document in front of her, looking to make sure she wasn’t reading it wrong. “So can your Dad and I take you to dinner to celebrate?”

Smiling widely, Leah nodded appreciatively. “That sounds great. Just let me go upstairs and call Flame first.”

-----

“I’m so proud of you,” Flame told Leah, one finger in his ear to block out the noisiness around him. The band had been warming up when Leah called. “We’ll celebrate when I get back in town.”

“Thanks, baby,” Leah grinned into the phone. “I wish you were here to celebrate now.” Her voice sounded a little sad.

“Well, I have to go, but I’ll call you tomorrow from the road, okay?” Flame told Leah with regret in his voice.

“Yeah, that’s fine. So how’s it going so far?” Leah asked.

“Great, really fucking awesome,” Flame replied. “The crowds are really responding, and we’ve been getting good write ups.”

“Good,” Leah replied. “You’ll have to tell me all about it tomorrow. I miss you.”

“I miss you too, Leah. And I love you.”

“I love you, too, Flame,” Leah responded. “Bye.”

“Girlfriend?” the girl standing next to Flame asked. She was an attractive redhead in leather pants who had been making out with Anthony the night before.

“Yep,” Flame replied.

“Too bad,” the girl told him, dropping the cigarette she had in her hand onto the floor and stepping on it. “You’re too hot for just one girl, in my opinion,” she added, touching his shoulder and walking away. Flame smirked, shook his head at her, and headed back to warm up with the band.