"BACKYARD QUICKIE"

We heard the rustling in the kitchen as Marius and I descended the stairs, MJ nestled comfortably in my arms. The house was alive with the familiar sounds of morning, the clinking of utensils, and the soft hum of the radio playing a mellow tune. Manang Sela greeted us with a warm smile, her hands busy as she prepared breakfast. The aroma of dried fish and garlic fried rice filled the house, wrapping around us like a warm embrace, promising a hearty start to our day.

"Good morning, Manang Sela," Marius greeted as he approached the table, his voice warm and cheerful, reflecting the sunlight streaming through the windows.

"Good morning to you too, Marius, Sam," the old woman replied, her eyes twinkling with affection. "Eat while the coffee and garlic fried rice is still hot," she said as she placed two mugs of freshly brewed coffee on the table, the steam rising in inviting tendrils.

"Thank you, Manang Sela. I'm already full just by the smell," I joked as I sat down, my heart light with the simple joy of the moment. The comfort of routine, the feeling of family, it all settled in my chest like a pleasant weight.

Manang Sela chuckled softly, her laughter a melody that added to the morning symphony. "Well, I will quickly go to the market to buy ingredients for our lunch and dinner later," she announced, her hands still busy even as she spoke.

"Oh, no need, Manang Sela. Just Sam and I will go to the grocery later. So you won't get tired," Marius insisted gently, his voice carrying the firm kindness that always endeared him to everyone around.

His consideration of the elderly woman touched my heart. Manang Sela was getting on in years, and the thought of her navigating the bustling market was worrisome. So, I didn’t object when Marius volunteered us for the task. His protective nature was one of the many reasons I loved him.

"Is that so? Well then, I'll just bring out MJ to get some sunlight," she said, her voice warm as she approached our son's crib and gently wheeled it out the back door. The sight of her with MJ, and the care she showed, filled me with a deep sense of gratitude.

After a delicious breakfast, Marius and I worked together to clean up the dishes, and our movements synchronized in a comfortable rhythm. The morning sun streamed through the kitchen window, casting a golden glow over everything, and illuminating the space with a soft, ethereal light. Our hands brushed occasionally, sending small sparks of connection between us. We then ventured out to the backyard, where we found Manang Sela and MJ under the shade of a lush mango tree, the leaves rustling gently in the breeze.

"I'll take him to the room now; the handsome boy is sleepy again," Manang Sela said, cradling a drowsy MJ in her arms. Her voice was a soothing balm, lulling MJ into a deeper slumber.

I nodded, a smile playing on my lips. "Alright, Manang Sela," I replied, watching as she carefully maneuvered the trolley, her steps slow and measured.

Marius stood up to help the old woman lift the trolley with MJ onto the terrace of the house. His strong arms easily managed the task, and he then allowed her to push it on her own, his gaze following her with a tender watchfulness.

"Do you want to take a walk around first?" Marius asked me, his eyes locking with mine in a way that made my heart skip a beat. There was an intensity in his gaze, a silent promise of something more.

Our eyes met, and in that unspoken moment, we understood each other perfectly. There was a silent agreement, a shared anticipation that neither of us needed to voice. The world around us seemed to fade, leaving just the two of us in a bubble of intimate connection.

Sitting on the garden set, Marius reached for my hand. "Come on?" he said, his voice a tender invitation as he gently pulled me towards the back of the house. The warmth of his touch sent a pleasant shiver up my spine, and I felt my pulse quicken in response.

Our steps were quiet, the anticipation between us electric. The garden around us was a riot of colors and scents, the flowers in full bloom, the air thick with the fragrance of jasmine and roses. When we reached the backyard, surrounded by plants and trees, Marius pulled me into a secluded corner, a hidden sanctuary away from prying eyes. Our need for each other was undeniable, and our lips met in a kiss that was both passionate and tender. The warmth and longing we felt for each other was palpable, igniting a fire between us.

"Marius..." I whispered, feeling his hands slide down my body. Each touch sent shivers of pleasure through me, intensifying the heat that built between us. His hands were warm and sure, exploring with a confidence that sent my senses reeling.

My breaths came in quick, shallow gasps. I felt like I was burning from the inside out, his hands igniting every nerve ending. But Marius was unyielding, his gaze locked on mine as he kissed me deeply, his lips moving against mine with a fervor that matched my own.

I felt like I was being set on fire at that moment. Marius left me feeling the desire alone. Instead, he held my face tightly as if he was afraid I would suddenly let go of him. That I might stop responding to the kisses that I also noticed were becoming more daring.

It was hard to keep up with Marius in those situations. His charms and relentless passion left me breathless. Falling for him felt like an exhilarating freefall, a plunge into depths of love and desire I never knew existed.

A soft moan escaped my lips as he gently bit my earlobe. I opened my eyes to see his, dark and filled with raw emotion. His breaths were as ragged as mine, and he returned to caressing my thighs with a sensual, deliberate touch. I clung to his neck, pulling him in for an even more intense kiss.

His fingers found their way to my core, and I knew he felt how wet I was. He pulled back slightly, his eyes gleaming with a mix of satisfaction and desire.

"You got wet so quickly, Sam," he whispered, his voice husky.

I took his words as a compliment and responded with another involuntary moan. Our mutual desire was palpable, and I wanted to make him feel the same intense pleasure he was giving me.

"Look at me," I whispered seductively as I met his gaze.

Marius obeyed, his eyes locking onto mine. "I love you, so much," I confessed, my voice trembling with the weight of my emotions.

I could see the sparkle in his eyes before he leaned in to kiss me again. It was a brief kiss, filled with urgency and longing. As he continued to move his fingers in and out of me, he asked again, "S-Sam, did I hear you right?"

I was about to answer, but he silenced me with another kiss, his fingers leaving me momentarily. I moaned as he entered me fully, our connection deepening in an intimate dance of bodies and souls.

As Marius moved within me, I let out another moan, struggling to maintain some semblance of control. "Yes! Mmmnnnn… Ugh—yes, I love you so much!" I cried out between gasps of pleasure.

It was hard to hold back, to be honest. And I knew that Marius felt the same way at that moment. I knew he was holding back from hitting me repeatedly because he was worried that Manang Sela might hear us.

"Oh, Sam," Marius groaned as he lifted me, his movements becoming more urgent. "I love you so much, Sam," he whispered as he undressed me.

He quickly lowered the top part of my dress to my waist, not bothering with my bra. He pulled it down, exposing my breasts, and his mouth eagerly teased my sensitive skin.

I watched as Marius continued to make love to me, his mouth and tongue alternating between my breasts. The heat of our passion filled the small, secluded space, creating a world where only we existed.

In those moments, surrounded by the scent of mango trees and the sounds of nature, it felt like we were far away from the real world. Our love was a private universe, a sanctuary where we could fully express our deepest desires.

And now that I had admitted my true feelings, our connection felt even stronger. Every kiss, every touch, and every intimate moment was a testament to the love we shared.

After what felt like an eternity of shared ecstasy, Marius kissed me deeply once more, tears sparkling in my eyes.

"You don't know how happy you've made me, Sam," he whispered, his eyes filled with love.

"That's the truth, I love you so much, Marius," I confessed. "And there are many more things I want to tell you. I have a lot to admit," I replied, gently wiping the sweat from his face.

Marius hugged me tightly with a smile, and as he released me, he held my hand firmly, afraid to let go.

"Just to make sure, you know, you might run away again and I won't see you anymore, Sam," his words were filled with emotion, and I looked up at him.

I laughed softly. "That won't happen again, because now everything is clear to me. I know the truth. I have learned a lot. Rebuilding trust is difficult, but somehow, because of my love for you, and your love for me, I believe I can give it back to you completely."

Marius just responded with a smile, a simple but meaningful gesture that touched my heart deeply.

Marius and I returned together under the lush mango tree after. Our hearts were full of love. Fiery love because we knew that no matter what happens, our family will remain whole and strong.