AN: This is my first fanfic. I wrote this in free time and if you have any suggestions for the plot or comments, feel free to review. Rated T because I'm paranoid. I don't own The Host.

I woke to the gleaming fragments of daylight; the coarse stone wall yielding only to the smallest slivers of illumination, a direct tie to the outside world. From here, it was impossible to think that we would ever be discovered, everyone was safe in Jeb's natural fortress, carved out only by time itself. Every sound reverberated off of the stone walls, it was in that moment that I realized my ever-growing need for human contact, Ian's presence.

He was there, sound asleep beside me, his chest rising and falling in steady rhythm. I turned to watch the muscles in his back contract and the shifting of his shoulder blades. I brought up a finger and traced down his spine, feeling hints of the vertebrae beneath. Ian grew still under my touch, rolled onto his back, and smiled up at me groggily before slipping under again.

For the past couple of weeks, since the rains subsided, mornings had this intimacy for us. I knew breakfast was ready and that if Ian didn't get up soon, he would be hungry for most of the day. I rose from the mattress, stretched, and knelt down to playfully pound at Ian's chest. "Get up," I cried with fake exasperation, creeping closer to him. I leaned down and gave him a peck on the cheek, only to be pulled down by his strong arms and brought in for a real kiss.

Since coming into my new body, the caves thrived. We weren't helpless anymore and the dire need that plagued us before was gone. Once everyone understood that the end was far, far away, they could relax and let more of their personalities shine through. Even Kyle had become tamer, although that was mostly Sunny's doing. With a resident soul raider, life seeped back into the caves.

Although there was always plenty of work to be done within the caverns, the new raids greatly reduced the workload. Some tasks became obsolete, like making the stinging cactus soap (of which I was certain no one missed). The newfangled free time was definitely a cause for celebration, especially for the couples.

Ian and I were still relatively reserved in public, unlike Melanie and Jared. They popped up in random spots around the caves, pressed up against the porous walls in the dark. It was understandable, given the restraint before, but I wanted Ian to let go, too. He should've had enough time to work out his feelings. I wanted him to push me against the wall, to reach out and feel the taut muscles in his chest and shoulders; I wanted to be overwhelmed.

Sure, we kissed, and that was great, but I wanted all of him. I needed him.

When Ian finally got up, we went to go get breakfast. As we entered the kitchen, Trudy was fixing the last of the eggs from the recent raid. Once we filled our plates, I looked around the deserted sitting area; we'd missed the morning rush thanks to Ian's sleep. I slid onto the bench next to Ian and Trudy soon left.

Alone in the kitchen, electricity soon filled the room as I scooted closer. Our thighs touched and I leaned into Ian's firm side. We finished the eggs quickly and we just sat there, feeling the other's proximity. I didn't want to push myself on him, I wanted him to decide and show that he was ready. I felt his warm fingers at the back of my neck and turned my head to give him the go ahead. My head fell on his shoulder as his arm worked its way down to pull me closer. I could feel Ian's heartbeat. He was so warm and eventually we began breathing together. I could stay here forever.