JUSTIN: * Shane hops into his saddle, steering his peco around after her and leading off at a slow trot toward the city's more affordable inn. "If we're lucky, gossip hasn't reached their ears." He smiles, turning her a look over his shoulder. "We're getting ourselves a lovely reputation in this city. Won't be long before people slam their shutters as we walk down the street."

JENNA: "I'm sure it's entirely my bad influence," Jo replies contentedly. "We'll be fine as long as they don't have any legal grounds for messing with us." She catches up to him, almost sighing at this last, but she cheers, as he seems to have forgotten the incident in the wake of their good fortune.

JUSTIN: * Shane follows along the familiar streets, toward an inn back near the main city gate, and his old house. Coincidentally, Jordan is fresh off his shift and headed in the same direction from a side street, his aim being the small bar that shares the corner with the inn. Neither party seems aware of each other until they begin to close on their destination, and it's Jordan who notices them first -- and startles to a sudden halt.

JENNA: * Jo notices next, almost swearing out loud at her -- or possibly his -- incredibly ill fortune. She promptly attempts to shift in between Shane and the guard, blocking his view. She attempts to think of something to say -- or something to direct his gaze in the other direction, but she comes up short and heaves an irritable sigh, scratching her head. Her peco, annoyed with the abrupt change in position, ruffles its feathers and squawks an objection.

JUSTIN: "Hey, Jo, where'd you learn to ride?" Shane jests, smirking as he readjusts his direction to go avoid her and a feathery accident. "I could have knocked you right... over." His eyes fall on the stunned young man, who, like Jo, can't seem to think of anything quick enough to save himself. Shane looks around quickly, and the street is deserted. No townsfolk, no guards. Just him, Jo, and Jordan. He's out of his saddle in a flash, just leaving his bird where it is as he stomps across the street. "Hey, you! Yeah, that's right. I've got some unfinished business with you."

JENNA: * This time, Jo does swear, wheeling her peco to get between Shane and his intended target. "Stop it, Shane -- model citizens, remember?!" She doubts any of this will get through, mostly attempting to shove him back with her peco. "Will you just get the hell out of here?" she snarls at Jordan before returning her attention to Shane.

JUSTIN: * Jordan, apparently completely forgetting he's a guard at all, turns and makes a run for it -- apparently also forgetting about a night at the pub. "Get back here!" Shane yells after him, only noticing Jo's presence between him and his target when he tries to sprint after it. "Jo, what are you doing?! He's getting away!"

JENNA: "Yes, exactly," Jo growls, reaching down to catch hold of Shane's collar. "You just get ahold of yourself. Don't forget he's a damn member of the guard -- we don't /want/ trouble, right?!" Still keeping a grip on him, she steers him back toward his peco, which is in the process of wandering off. "We're going to the inn, we're going to /sleep/ and we're going to get rich tomorrow."

JUSTIN: * Shane squawks indignantly at the treatment, but struggling against the direction of Jo's movement only causes him to choke on the collar she's gripping. "But... he..." He stops his squirming, Jordan finally disappearing from sight around a bend. "Ahh... ha... Jo, let me go!" He reaches back to paw at her hand. "That was my chance to defend your honor, and you went and ruined it!"

JENNA: "I think he gets the idea, Shane," she growls, releasing him with a slight shove. Then she shakes her head, expression softening slightly. "I've had a lot worse marks against my so-called honor than someone staring at me. He doesn't matter, all right?" She pauses, looking at him warily and ready to jump between him and his target again if need be.

JUSTIN: * Shane takes a step to gain his balance, and rubs at his neck where the collar was digging into his throat. He doesn't answer her, glaring at the flagstone while he fixes his shirt and coat. He stalks around to his peco and snags the reigns, turning toward the inn and trudging across the road. "Well it matters to me." He finally mutters, not expecting her to understand.

JENNA: * Jo slides down from her bird as well, largely to avoid feeling like she's escorting a prisoner. "I don't want you to get in trouble," she says, sounding very tired. She doesn't say anything more as they turn their pecos in to the grooms and waits to see if he takes the lead when they go to get a room, hoping that -- even if it doesn't cheer him up -- it at least won't give him one more reason to be angry at her.

JUSTIN: * Shane can't think of anything worthwhile to say in response to her comment, and he doesn't bother thinking about it as he enters the inn. It's quiet, only a small handful of people present in the dining area. He makes his way to the front desk immediately, getting straight to business. His pouch is already open and he plucks free a few coins and bills, assuming prices are the same as he remembers them being. "Single room, single bed..."

JENNA: * The receptionist nods briefly, taking the bills and turning away to retrieve a key. "Up the hall and to your left," she says, apparently deciding it isn't worth it to try striking up a conversation. Jo turns to make her way up the hall as directed, shifting her pack wearily. She wants a bath fairly badly, but she isn't sure she should let Shane out of her sight that long.

JUSTIN: * Shane retrieves the key with a mumbled thanks, turning to trudge down the hallway in the direction of their room. He almost doesn't realize Jo's already ahead of him, looking over his shoulder first before he even thinks to look forward. Upon reaching the door, he quickly inserts the key and gives it a turn, pushing the door open and waving Jo in first. "After you..."

JENNA: * Jo hesitates, then ambles in, dropping her pack on the floor and kicking her boots off with a tired stretch. "We should probably get some sleep .. may not be a long ride out there, but we're still not sure what we're looking for." She glances at him questioningly.

JUSTIN: * Shane shuts the door slowly, locking it afterwards. He looks suddenly rather languid instead of angry, and he walks over to the bed while sliding his pack and coat off. "Yeah... Yeah, I guess." He isn't the least bit tired, physically, but there isn't anything else he could do.

JENNA: * For a moment, she looks even wearier, but she straightens almost at once, walking around behind him and putting her arms around his waist. "A bath might help you feel better ... I can give you a backrub if you like." She says this last with a faint smile, hoping to at least provoke a reaction.

JUSTIN: * Shane looks down at where her arms encircle him, almost forgetting to listen when she starts talking. His head tilts up however, and he turns her a wary look over his shoulder. "You don't... mean /while/ I'm bathing, right?" He turns around, setting his hands lightly on her hips and staring at her eyes.

JENNA: * Jo grins at him impishly, giving him a squeeze before pulling back and arching an eyebrow. "Only if you want me to," she says, walking her fingers lazily up his chest. She doubts this is the case, intriguing as the possibility is. "However," she says, "there's a condition this time around."

JUSTIN: * Shane turns his head slightly, giving her a suspicious look from the corner of his eyes, staring down at her fingers for a moment. "...condition?" He doesn't bother to give a proper answer to her first question, hoping she's nice enough to take the hint without making him feel like a jerk. "What condition is that?"

JENNA: * Jo pauses for a moment, wondering if there's a way she can phrase this to make him more likely to accept. She doubts it. "I want one, too," she says finally, mouth curving in a teasing smile. "And don't try to snake out of it by saying you don't want one after all -- I want one either way." She wrinkles her nose at him and braces for his response.

JUSTIN: * Shane stares at her for a moment in silence, just watching her eyes. He remains still, as if this new variable is something monumental for him to think over. After a moment, he finally shifts his weight, pulling away to sit down on the edge of the bed and look up at her. "Jo, I..." He looks down, at her belly, then off to the side. "I don't know, I mean... You know it won't be any good. It wouldn't be fair, right?" At least he hopes there's some logic in there somewhere, because it's all he's got short of whining like a baby.

JENNA: * She shifts closer to him, hands on hips. "That's not the point, is it?" She reaches out to catch his face, turning him back toward her. "I want you to, all right?" She has no particular argument to add, as part of her aim is to take his mind off the boy and part of her aim is just to get him to touch her. "Please?"

JUSTIN: * Shane tilts his head, cheek scrunching against her hand, and he reaches up to pull his hat off, hair a mess underneath. He looks up at her face, and though he feels a wave of jitters at the mere thought of it, he gives a weak nod. "All right... I'll do it..."

JENNA: * This cheers her immensely, and she bends to kiss his forehead lightly before taking a step back. "Do you want a bath first?" She scratches her cheek, almost certain that she does. "I'd kind of like one. I don't mind waiting if you don't." She grins at him, wondering if he'll take the choice to delay the inevitable.

JUSTIN: "Um... s-sure. Right, uh... you can go first, if you like." Shane holds his cap in his lap, wringing it in his hands. "I'll... uh..." As they're in an inn bedroom, there really isn't anything he /can/ do to keep himself busy. "Well, I'll be right here, in any case." He clears his throat, getting to his feet and stepping over to set his hat on the small table.

JENNA: * Jo smiles briefly. "Don't go anywhere. I'll be quick." She turns to trot toward the bathroom, then pauses, glancing over her shoulder. "For me, anyway." With that, she trots inside and shuts the door, humming contentedly as she strips and runs the water. With that done, she slips under the water, forcing herself to soak only a little while before she gets to the actual bathing.

JUSTIN: * Shane rubs at his face, sighing quietly as he walks about the room for a few minutes. At the least, Jo's plan to distract his attention away from the previous event is working, as he's now worried about how in the world he'll manage to survive this next encounter. He eventually settles onto the bed, kicking his boots off and flopping onto his back to stare at the ceiling. He listens to the sound of running water and very briefly consider's Jo's insinuation of bathing and backrubbing at the same time -- then just as soon forces it out of his mind with a shudder.

JENNA: * Jo's washing takes enough time she's a little concerned he ran off, and she towels off quickly, pulling clothes over still-damp skin and tossing the towel on the floor. She pokes her head out into the room and is relieved to see her companion still present. "I'm done -- your turn," she says cheerfully, trotting over and seating herself on the bed.

JUSTIN: * Shane lifts his head warily at her approach, spying her with skin still glistening wet in the light, and shirt clinging. "You didn't need to rush on my account..." He says, instead of outright asking why she didn't completely dry before dressing. He almost wonders if she did it on purpose, just to taunt him. Rolling over, he gets up from the bed with a stretch and gives her another sideways glance as he edges toward the bathroom. "No funny business while I'm gone, okay?"

JENNA: * She wrinkles her nose at him, grinning. "Wouldn't dream of it. Don't you hurry on my account, either." Her smile is a little ironic as she says this, however, since it seems he's more likely to delay things as long as possible. Instead of considering that possibility, however, she flops back on the bed, sitting up again almost immediately when she remembers her hair is still uncomfortably wet.

JUSTIN: * Shane disappears into the bathroom, shutting the door behind himself and heaving yet another sigh. Now that he's in here, a bath really sounds like a very good idea. He quickly strips down, running the bath deep and hot and plunging right in. He sinks in, soaking and using the exact opposite approach that Jo did -- trying to make it last longer than he usually does. Somehow he gets the feeling he's going to need the extra relaxation before things get... interesting.

JENNA: * Jo, in the meantime, dries her hair with another of her tunics, tossing it on top of the pack and wandering over to open the window and let in a little cool air. She leans there for a while, finding the breeze pleasant and refreshing -- and hoping her insistence won't break her companion. She's torn between amusement and irritation at his repeated hesitation, eventually deciding the best route is not to think about it at all.

JUSTIN: * Shane begins to lose track of the time, and it's with a start that he sits up in the water, afraid he may have fallen asleep -- he can't remember if he nodded off at all, either. The water is still warm, at least, so he decides to use it while the using's good and finish up the cleaning process. Drying off is a slow process, as well, though not dragged on in the way the bath was. He simply doesn't want to march back into the room still wet like Jo did. In the end, it doesn't much matter, as the towels are all fairly damp in their own right from soaking up the steam of two hot baths. He does the best he can, though, but when he makes his way back into the room, he appears much the same way she did -- clothing clinging, hair still dripping. "Still awake, Jo?"

JENNA: * Still at the window, amusing herself by watching people come and go, Jo starts at his voice and turns around. "Not near tired," she replies. "Nice bath? You took longer than I usually do." She grins mockingly, giving a long stretch as she notes his damp state. She considers offering him a tunic or another towel for his hair at least, then shrugs the thought away, as it doesn't matter much.

JUSTIN: * Shane looks mildly embarrassed, and his cheeks redden a bit, though it's hard to tell. "Thought I'd best get all the relaxation I could." He doesn't lie about that much, though he doesn't elaborate, either. He crosses the room with a slow shuffle, picking at his shirt irritably as it seems intent on sticking to him. "I suppose I don't need to ask if you're ready to get started."

JENNA: * She gives him a slightly cross look, folding her arms. "That's right," she says with a touch of irritation and injury in her voice. "Get your shirt off and lie down -- you'll enjoy it, remember?" Her expression eases, and she holds back a faint sigh at the prospect of having to bully him every time she wants some intimacy.

JUSTIN: * Shane does as he's told, lest he start an unwanted argument with his usual apprehension. Getting out of the shirt, at least, is actually a welcome thing, as it is quite uncomfortable in his current state. He strips it quickly, not giving himself a chance to think about it, and crawls onto the bed to flop down -- first on his back, not wanting to take his eyes from Jo just yet. "In all fairness, it's not my enjoyment I'm worried about..."

JENNA: * Jo sniffs, ambling over to the bed and getting a knee up on it. "Well, I'm not going to hate you if you don't do a perfect job on your first try." She sets her hands on her hips and shrugs. "So just relax, all right?" Though aware it isn't that simple, she hopes her words will take away some of his apprehension. On the other hand, she's almost resigned to the fact that nothing will make him feel better -- at least until he's halfway through the process.

JUSTIN: "I'm relaxing just fine." Shane smiles, and surprisingly enough, it's mostly true -- for now. But the night is young, and the most difficult trial has yet to begin. He tries to get into the idea, hoping it'll help to ease his anxiety. "Well, what are you waiting for now?" He reaches to tug at her pantleg, stretching in the process. "Better hurry before I change my mind."

JENNA: * Jo sniffs again, pulling herself onto the bed and walking over on her knees to take her position. "Like you'd change your mind. We have a deal." She leans back, making as if to roll up her sleeves, but they're short anyway, so the effect is largely lost. "If you're ready, then roll over, unless you want me to start on your front."

JUSTIN: * Shane snorts, grinning up at her. "My front, indeed... I think you'd enjoy that far too much." He edges up onto his elbows and flips non-chalantly, settling down on his stomach and folding his arms under his head for support. "Now you just watch where your hands go, I don't want any undue surprises." He turns his head, arching an eyebrow at her in mock suspicion.

JENNA: "Hmph. Wouldn't want you fainting before I got my turn." She sets to work immediately in her usual fashion, humming contentedly as she goes along. She takes extra care this time around, wanting him as comfortable as possible before she plunges him into complete discomfort. She also realizes that, in spite of her ulterior motives, she really could use a good backrub after so long on the road.

JUSTIN: * Shane grunts and sighs where appropriate, initially feeling the usual jitters, but they pass quickly as he's gotten mostly used to the process by now. He closes his eyes and tries to actually do some of that relaxing he insisted he was capable of, and pretty soon he finds himself in a most comfortable state. "I think... this is the best... backrub you've given me..."

JENNA: * She smiles briefly, reddening in surprise at the compliment, though her hands don't even falter. "I do my best," she murmurs, pausing to reach up and give his shoulders a squeeze before returning to her work. "Let me know if there's anywhere in particular you want worked," she remarks, grinning.

JUSTIN: * Shane arches an eyebrow, attempting to turn her a look over his shoulder. "Is that a subtle insinuation, or am I just being paranoid?" He grins a little, knowing full well that isn't what she was implying -- though he isn't so sure he'd put it past her. "But anyway, you're the expert... I trust your judgement."

JENNA: * Jo snorts faintly. "I wouldn't bother insinuating," she replies agreeably, working at his lower back now. "But I'll be good." She's almost disappointed at being close to done, in spite of anticipating her own turn. "Just wondered if I missed anything," she says innocently.

JUSTIN: "My foot..." Shane wiggles his toes, bending his knee to bump Jo in the back with it. "Various other areas that I'll leave up to your imagination..." He stretches his arms, giving a pleased-sounding murr. "But if we went after every little spot, we'd never get to your turn." For a very brief moment, that's actually a tempting route to take.

JENNA: "Hah," she says. "Maybe someday." She grins at the thought, stopping briefly when she reaches as far south as she feels safe going, then starts to work her way back up, double-checking what she's done so far. "Feeling all right?" she asks mildly. "Did I get everything? .. Within reason."

JUSTIN: * Shane chuckles a little into the bed, flexing his shoulders and back some. "It all feels fine to me." He rolls over, reaching up to tweak her nose. "Better than fine. You're a master at your craft. I'm afraid I've been one-upped before I even begin." He smiles slimly, eyes trailing down her side. The jitters are starting again already.

JENNA: * She sniffs, bending to brush his hair back. "I told you not to worry about it." She pauses, then closes the distance to kiss him gently before swinging her leg over to kneel next to him instead of over him. "Scoot," she says, smiling faintly. "My turn. The muscles are in generally the same places on me," she says cheerfully, prodding him lightly in the ribs.

JUSTIN: * Shane rolls over, coming up on his knees, and steadies himself before patting the bed where he was just laying. "I'll try to keep that in mind." He smiles faintly, the faintness due to battling the butterflies in his stomach. "I bet you must be one eager customer. How long have you gone without a proper backrub?"

JENNA: "Several years -- at least as long as I've been working alone," she says drily, moving around him to take his place and pausing, looking doubtful for a moment. "You don't mind if I ..." She trails off, tugging at the collar of her tunic. "It's easier without," she says by way of explanation, hoping it doesn't completely scare him off the idea.

JUSTIN: * Shane places a fist to his lips, clearing his throat quietly. "Well, if it's easier..." He smiles, face red. "I mean, if it's been so long, we'll want to do it proper, right?" He reaches over to give the tunic a light tug, then brushes his fingers along her jawline for reassurance -- reassurance for both of them, really. "Just be careful where you point those, and we should be all right." A small grin teases his lips, and he sits back to wait.

JENNA: "Nothing you haven't seen before, as I recall," Jo retorts mildly, but she does turn away from him politely as she pulls her tunic off and lies down, stuffing it between her head and hands and using it for a pillow. "Any time you're ready," she says comfortably, attempting to do her part to relax -- as if it will somehow help him along.

JUSTIN: * Even with her back to him, Shane shifts his eyes away from the sight until he's sure she's safely nestled down against the bed, at which point her turns back to her warily. "If you only knew..." He says in response to her first comment, eyes slowly tracing the curve of her back and sides. "But it's a whole new game, now." With undue caution, he inches closer, kneeling beside her and reluctant to straddle her like she does him. "Any... particular area I should start with?"

JENNA: "Mm.. wherever you want." She closes her eyes, kicking her feet slightly as she waits for him to start. She feels almost guilty for making the demand, but she consoles herself with the thought that he'll probably take to this as well -- since he seems to have taken to everything else, with a little prompting. "If you're not sure, just do it like I do," she suggests.

JUSTIN: * Shane cocks his head a bit, staring down at her shoulders and debating. They seem to be the least intimidating place to start, so he leans over, bringing his hands up to do the task. He holds them out, hovering over her, and he begins to feel a very intense sensation of nervousness. His insides are all a flutter, and his limbs begin to shake the slightest bit. "H-how... how about your shoulders, that's..." He swallows, squeezing his eyes shut in an effort to calm himself. He clears his throat, lowering his hands until his fingertips just barely touch her skin. Soft, warm, smooth. He shudders unexpectedly, hands twitching, and the hairs on the back of his neck stand on end.

JENNA: "That's fine," Jo says, keeping that same comfortable, drowsy tone. She forces herself to keep mostly quiet, giving him a chance to get used to the situation -- which will take a while, she guesses. At least she's comfortable. "Any way you want," she repeats, opening her eyes to gaze at the far wall.

JUSTIN: "Any way I want..." Shane takes a deep breath, within it telling himself how foolish and ridiculous he's being, and reminding himself that the woman beneath his hands is someone he shares mutual affection with. She wants it, he wants it -- he knows this, on some level. It's just time-hardened old fears, none of which should even be an issue, still bothering him. He blinks hard, and draws his fingers slowly down her back and sides, attempting to get used to the sensation of her bare skin before he starts. In the process, he also tries to feel the condition of her muscles, helping himself to remember that this entire process is serving a purpose, and it isn't just a gropefest.

JENNA: * Jo makes a faint, pleased sound, muffled when she buries her face in her arms, unsure whether this will encourage him or scare the living daylights out of him. She's unable stop an an involuntary shiver at the pressure and movement of his hands, hoping first that he won't misinterpret it and second that he'll keep it up.

JUSTIN: * Concentrating as much as he is on trying to control himself in response to the feel of her body, he can barely react to the sound or the shiver. There is a brief worry that he did something wrong, but if he had, she likely would have said so. Maybe he did something right? Or maybe she's just getting impatient waiting for him to start. He bites at his lip, staring into the small of her back, fingers making small indentations in her skin where they're pressed. He lets out a breath and takes the plunge, sliding his hands back up to her shoulders while simultaneously flattening his palms against her. The tactile sensations are infinitely more intense to than when it was just his fingers, and his lips twitch back and forth between a grin and a look of shock. He wonders if it's normal that he's having a bigger reaction to this experience than her.

JENNA: * Jo's lips twitch into a smile, congratulating herself for her patience, and she lets out a soft breath, closing her eyes. It has, admittedly, been several years since she's gotten any pampering -- it will be nice while it lasts. If it lasts. She opens her eyes again, turning her face to the wall once more.

JUSTIN: * Shane's eyes remain glued to the bare skin beneath his hands, barely registering any movement or sound she makes. His concentration is completely devoted, almost worried that if he gives himself time to think about anything else, he won't be able to get himself started again. Even though he's only received a handful of backrubs from Jo, and his knowledge of human anatomy is only passable at best, he somehow manages to improvise. It's not exactly professional quality, but he can tell he's getting somewhere, as the muscles in her shoulders, neck, and upper back begin to loosen. It isn't until he sees the result that he's aware of just how badly she needs the treatment. Better he give it than someone else, he thinks with a smug smile.

JENNA: * Jo relaxes internally as he finally begins to work, relieved that he hasn't frozen up or run away. Her eyes drift closed again, and she smiles, murmuring something drowsy and encouraging as she feels her muscles loosen under his ministrations. After a few moments more, she begins to hum quietly, the sound soothing in another way.

JUSTIN: * Shane slows almost to a stop at the sound of the humming, the familiar, comforting music dragging him a little closer to reality again. He moves his eyes to side of her face he can see over her shoulder, and after a second... he smiles, blushing. "This isn't so bad." He says quietly, not really wanting to interrupt her humming, but feeling the need to let her know. Sure, he still feels a little overwhelmed by the sensations, both external and internal, but he knows better. Or at least he's learning to know better. Leaning over, he places a light kiss on her cheek, then goes back to his work, hands moving down once more to massage the next area of her back.

JENNA: * She opens her eyes at the sound of his voice, smile widening slightly. "Good," she says, interrupting her song briefly and glancing at him sideways -- though her view is admittedly limited. "I didn't think it would be." She turns her head slightly, nestling in her arms again, and murmurs, "You're doing a very nice job, you know," before returning to her muted humming.

JUSTIN: * There's a swelling of pride at her compliment, and Shane blushes even deeper. "Thanks..." He mumbles, feeling equally embarrassed and wondering if she's only just saying it to make him feel better. Either way, he sees to his job with even more enthusiasm, intending to see to it that her compliment becomes fact, whether she meant it or not. Before too long, he's finishing up at her lower back, and it is only then that he feels any nervousess like he did at the beginning, being so close to her personal regions. He sits back to take a breath, swiping at his forehead and calming. Once settled again, he places his hand at her neck, and draws it down along her spine with a satisfied smile. "Did I miss anything?"

JENNA: "Hmm.." Jo lifts herself up slightly, shifting her shoulders and back. "Don't think so ... I feel much better." She turns her head to grin at him. "Thank you. Haven't had a backrub in a long time." She pauses, leaving unspoken the question as to whether he enjoyed it as well -- it would probably only irritate him. "Guess it's probably bedtime, right?"

JUSTIN: "Um..." Shane sits back on his legs, moving a hand to rub the back of his neck. "Yeah... right, I suppose so..." He's not positive he wants to sleep at this point, though he isn't sure why he's not tired anymore. "And you're welcome." He slides his eyes up along her side to her face, smiling shyly and blushing profusely. After a moment he clears his throat again, shuffling back until he's sitting on his butt. "I suppose you'll be wanting to put your shirt back on, now."

JENNA: "Probably a good idea." Jo sits up slowly, keeping her back carefully to him until she has her shirt on again. Then she rolls over, leaning back on her elbows with a faint smile. Tempted though she is to tease him with a couple of suggestions, she simply shrugs. "We don't have to sleep.. but we have got a way to go in the morning."

JUSTIN: * Shane doesn't bother putting his shirt back on -- after all, there isn't much to hide by comparison to her, from his point of view. He crawls over her on hands and knees, bumping noses and grinning boyishly. "After surviving that, I'm not sure there's anything I couldn't handle." He tilts his head, eyes rolling about in thought. "Well, maybe there are /some/ things." He knows that's incredibly teasing of him, but after doing her such a favor, he feels sufficiently justified. "I think sleep is probably the wisest option."

JENNA: * She glares at him, only half mocking, then reaches out to catch him around the neck and shoulders, once again preventing an untimely escape. "You aren't going to get away from it forever, you know," she growls, though the sound is so low in her throat it almost comes out a purr. "And you know it won't be nearly as bad as you expect it to be." Quite deliberately before he can respond to her threats -- warnings? -- she presses her mouth to his in a long kiss.

JUSTIN: * Shane is in the process of formulating a proper retort, in fact, when he finds himself suddenly assaulted by her lips. As if being trapped wasn't enough for him to realize his mistake, he's now getting his due punishment -- if punishment it can be called. At first he struggles, if only as part of the game, but he quickly forgets all about it. His eyes slip shut, and he settles himself gently against her as he returns the kiss, stomach all flutters.

JENNA: * Jo draws said "punishment" out as long as she can, arms tightening -- then loosening almost immediately when he settles against her. When she finally releases his lips, at least, she leans back against her pillow (not that this puts more than an inch or two between them) and frowns, an almost pouty look on her face. "It's not nice to tease," she says, possibly by way of explanation though it was doubtless already abundantly clear, and kisses him again.

JUSTIN: * Shane only manages a breath and the beginnings of a mumble, perhaps a desperate defense, before her lips once again close the window of opportunity. He continues to murmer into the kiss for a moment before giving up, sliding his arms down beneath and around her instead. Apparently the night isn't quite over yet, and he still has some pampering to attend to -- not that he's precisely complaining.

JENNA: * Jo finds this change in attitude totally agreeable, almost smiling before she remembers her lips have better things to do. Her hand drifts to trace the back of his neck, then strokes her fingers briefly through his hair, satisfied that he isn't going anywhere. It's some time before she sees fit to release him, leaning gently back with a soft sigh, and looking up at him with a sort of drowsy contentment.

JUSTIN: * Shane collapses dramatically when she finally eases up, dropping his face to hide against her neck with an audible gasp and sigh. He's quiet for several long seconds, resting against her with eyes open, and the only sound from him is the quiet kiss of his lips against her skin. He finally raises a hand, making a show of grasping the bed and raising himself up onto his elbow to see her. "I think I'm going to need bigger lungs, if we're to make a habit of this."

JENNA: "You'll get used to it," she says with a grin, reaching up to pat his cheek mockingly. There's a moment when she distinctly considers pulling him down again, but she sighs instead, glancing sideways at the lamp. "We'd better actually get some of that sleep," she murmurs wistfully, turning her gaze back to him.

JUSTIN: * Shane smiles, the slightest blush on his face as he momentarily considers starting up again as well. He nods his agreement, however, rolling his weight off of her to rest on the bed beside. "We've been up well past our bedtime already. And we'll want to be on our best form tomorrow." He brushes her hair for a second, then leans over to the nightstand and turns off the lamp, casting the room into darkness. "Over or under the blankets tonight, hm?"

JENNA: "Your choice," she answers comfortably, rolling to face him. "Though under would mean we'd have to move, you know." She squirms closer, nestling against him as if to make her point. "I'm pretty comfortable." She grins impishly into the dark, not really caring one way or the other -- either will have her pretty much where she wants to be.

JUSTIN: * Shane slips his arm under her, cosying up with a content sigh. "Can't argue that point." He gives her a light squeeze and closes his eyes, the dark getting just a little bit darker. "And I promise no flinching when I wake up..." He tilts his head to rest against hers, and yawns softly.

JENNA: "Good," she says, voice muffling slightly as she nuzzles him. "There'll be a pop quiz in the morning," she says before yawning as well and letting her eyes drift shut, her weariness (having come and gone like a pendulum through the evening) finally returning full force.

JUSTIN: * The night's excitment has finally taken its toll on Shane, as well, and though he could probably continue the antics if he wished, his better (or at least wiser) judgement tells him to let it go. They have plenty of opportunities ahead of them, and besides, he wouldn't want to get himself in deeper than he's ready to go. Sleep comes neither slow, nor fast, but he's comfortable enough just lying there with Jo that it hardly matters.

JENNA: * For Jo's part, sleep comes quickly enough, feeling content and safe next to Shane. "Safe" is a relatively new sensation, but she hasn't long to contemplate its meaning before sleep takes her completely. If she dreams, her dreams aren't enough to disturb her, and she's comfortably unconscious through the entire night.