Tlstiffl

Men vs. Women Race to 1000

-34

Men vs. Women Race to 1000

-30

Men vs. Women Race to 1000

-14

Why Can't This Be? [arockysmith + tlstiffl]

Marta felt torn as she sat at the small table in her and Ezra's room. Both people she cared about sat in silence in the room. Atalia was on the chair next to her, twiddling with her necklace between her fingers. While Ezra was pacing around, constantly looking at his watch. She knew that they were both worried about one person: Isiah. And Marta was extremely worried too, Isiah has become like a brother to her. But her relationship could not even come close to the one held between the three of them. They grew up together, they laughed together, they suffered together, they loved together. Marta was so grateful that they let her into their circle, but there was no denying the envy as she watched the way they all interacted together.

Marta reached over and patted Atalia's arm, "Don't worry. I am sure everything is fine."

But obviously she couldn't know that for sure. They were completely in the blind. Marta knew how much the men planned for this mission. They had every detail and scenario they could imagine planned out. It was one of the more risky plans they have come up with, but the result would prove so beneficial. Aside from getting Ezra's father back, which Marta was most excited for, they would be gaining strong men and women into their community. These men would only fortify their numbers, and allow for the fight to go on. Marta knew how much Ezra put into this.

Looking up at her husband to be, a small smile graced her lips. She looked down at the ring on her left hand again, still feeling a bit of shock. She couldn't believe everything she dreamed for was finally coming true. She was officially a Jewish woman, and she would be rightfully married to the love of her life. After the ceremony of her conversion, Atalia and Marta spoke with the rabbi. He agreed to marry them together, two days after the mission was complete. So if all went according to plan, that would be in approximately three and half days. There was so much to do, but Marta didn't even consider trying to arrange anything, not until the mission was complete.

Standing up, Marta walked over to Ezra, who finally stopped pacing for a moment. She stood next to him, reaching over and taking his hand in her own. "Would you like to read us some Shakespeare?" she asked with hopeful eyes. Maybe even the smallest distraction would help the two of them. They were going to drive themselves mad with worry at this rate.

Why Can't This Be? [arockysmith + tlstiffl]

Now that Marta knew she would be converting, her nerves heightened. She knew this is what she wanted, but the process is intense. She had to memorize a passage from the Torah in Hebrew, and she would be reciting it in front of everyone. She practiced every day, every chance she got, with Atalia to perfect her Hebrew. They studied in private, Marta wanted to impress everyone with her knowledge, especially Ezra. She knew he had to use a lot of his power to make this happen. And if he was just some random guy it wouldn't have happened, but being the leader of the Resistance, he had to leverage.

In the morning of her conversion, Marta woke before the sun even rose. She was just anxious and excited. She glanced over at Ezra, smiling at his sleeping form. She placed a butterfly kiss on his lips, before rolling out of bed. She left a note saying she would be in Atalia's room all day and would see him at the synagogue later. She felt like it was her wedding day, she didn't want Ezra to see her until she was officially a Jewish woman. She snuck into Atalia's room, her friend still sound asleep. Marta just sat in her chair going out her notes for the ceremony.

Finally once Atalia was up, she helped Marta get ready. She did her hair, pulling it back into a loose bun, tendrils falling loosely, framing her face. She put on her nicest, but still conversation, dress, allowing her necklace of the Star of David to sit atop of the fabric. When she felt ready, her and Atalia made their way down to the compound's make-shift synagogue. They walked through the back door, staying in the back behind the curtain that hung as part of the decor to make the place look more presentable. She peeked through the curtain and saw almost all the men gathering, taking their seats. Ezra and Isiah sat in the front row, talking casually to each other. Marta felt the butterflies in her stomach go crazy, and she had to take a few calming breaths.

"You will be wonderful" Atalia said, reaching over and kissing Marta on both cheeks before going out and taking her seat next to Isiah.

The rabbi had spoken with her yesterday, explaining the process. He would start the ceremony off with a prayer then ask Marta to come onto the stage. So Marta waited patiently as the rabbi began, and when it was her time, she came out from behind the curtain and stepped up onto the platform that the men built for this occasion. She walked up to the table, where the Torah was laying out ready for her. She glanced up at Ezra before beginning to recite her passage in perfect Hebrew. She got through it without a glitch, and her smile was huge as she finished. Afterwards, the rabbi brought her over to a smaller table and had her light her first Shabbat candle and break the challah bread. Once finished, the rabbi welcomed her to the faith and everyone began clapping. Marta was finally Jewish.

After the ceremony, Marta had to go speak with the rabbit, before she was finally free. She walked into the mass of people, many congratulating her, shaking her hand, even a few men hugging her. Marta was thrilled to see the few men who had been skeptical of her, were finally acknowledging her presence. She finally weaved through the crowd until she spotted Ezra. She ran up and into his arms, kissing him deeply.

"Thank you" she whispered softly as she pulled back. That thank you had so many meanings. She was thanking him for finding a rabbi, for accepting that she wanted to do this, for supporting and loving. For everything.

Why Can't This Be? [arockysmith + tlstiffl]

Marta followed Ezra down to the floor with ease. They have learned the movements of their bodies together so easily, it just felt natural. Amelia straddled his hips, her knees tucked up at his sides. Feeling him hike her skirt, she felt goosebumps form on her legs and wetness forming between them. It still amazed her how his touch made her weak and left her wanting so much more. She ran her hands along his chest, returning the kiss and taking a few playful nips at his neck as well.

When she heard those words, she looked deeply into his, "Don't ever doubt me wanting to be with you. I would have said yes the first day we met, had you asked me. And I would have said yes if you waited another ten years to ask."

It was true. She wanted to spend the rest of her life with Ezra, and if that meant waiting for marriage, then so be it. If they were 50 years old and Ezra finally decided to propose, she would have said yes. Her love was eternal for him and nothing would ever stop it. Yes she was beyond thrilled to be marrying him, but she would have stayed by his side regardless.

She felt her anticipation rising, ready to be close to Ezra, not caring they were in a more open, public area. They did their best to hide their sexual rendezvous, always waiting until they were alone in their bedroom, but at this moment, Marta didn't care. She ached with desire and could feel his desire pushing against her thigh. She reached up to start unbuttoning his shirt, when pulled back from her neck, where he had been leaving her love bites, ones that Atalia loved teasing her about.

Hearing his words, Marta's eyes widened and she let out another gasp. This man was full of surprises. She sat up more, bringing Ezra with her. She remained on his lap, her legs wrapping around his back, Indian style, and she pulled him into another passionate kiss. Pulling back, she had tooth-baring grin spread across her face. "You are simply wonderful. I am ready. I want to become part of your people. I want to become Jewish." And she meant it with all her heart. She couldn't believe everything was falling into place. She placed another kiss on his lips.

When he spoke of his father, Amelia ran her hand along his cheek, "I would be honored if he walked me down the aisle. You will find him Ezra, and you will bring him here and he will be safe. I know it."

She gave him another kiss, before she reached up and untied the front of her dress, letting the fabric pool around her waist. She pulled Ezra close, pushing against him, letting him feel how much she wanted him. She couldn't believe how amazing the man in her arm's was. She couldn't wait to marry him, properly as a Jewish woman, and spend the rest of her life with him.

Why Can't This Be? [arockysmith + tlstiffl]

Marta let out a laugh as Ezra spun her around, her dress twirling with her. When Ezra pulled her into his arms, her back to his front, she tiled her head to the side so she could glance back at him and allow him better access to her neck. Feeling his hands against her eyes, she reached up and held onto his arms, not to pull them down, but to keep herself steady as they walked through the doors. She knew they were walking into the meeting hall, but she couldn't understand what for. Her birthday had passed, so it couldn't be that, so what other reason could he be surprising her with?

When his hands fell, she gasped slightly. The room looked truly breath-taking. The way the lights twinkled along the ceiling, and the smell of a candle reminding her fondly of the bakery. Marta felt chills run down her body. She had still not managed to connect the dots, and figure out why Ezra was doing this. Maybe he was feeling bad for having to constantly ditch her for training, but Marta constantly assured him that she didn't mind. She smiled gently at him as he took both her hands, kissing each. She held onto his tightly, rubbing her thumbs along his skin. She listened as he spoke, her heart swelling with his words. It amazed her how much she loved the man standing before her. And his words confirmed he felt the same. They have been through so much, so many tears, so many wounds, but they have come out of it stronger than ever.

When she saw Ezra kneel down, Marta let out another gasp, her hand going to cover her mouth which was gaping open. She felt happy tears fall from her eyes as he asked the question she has been waiting to hear since the first moment they kissed. Marta knew from very early on she wanted Ezra by her side forever, that everything would turn out fine as long as they had each other. Realizing she was just standing there in shock, Marta quickly snapped back into focus.

"Yes!" she said, laughing gleefully as she dropped to her knees and wrapped her arms around his neck pulling him in for a passionate kiss. Outside in the hall, she could hear people cheering and clapping and it just made Marta smile bigger against Ezra's lips. She pulled back slightly, staying close to Ezra, wiping at her tears. "I love you so much." Leaning back in for another kiss.

Marta didn't want to think about it, but she knew she would eventually have to bring up the fact that she still wasn't converted. But if Ezra is able to overlook it, then she would too. All that mattered was they were together.

Why Can't This Be? [arockysmith + tlstiffl]

Marta smiled and returned the kiss. "Don't worry, I will be fine."

Marta really didn't mind all the time Ezra had to take to be leader. At the end of the day, she got to sleep in the same bed as him, and that was all that mattered. After everything they have been through, Marta didn't want to take anything for granted anymore. She knew how important Ezra was to these men, so she had to learn to share, or else she'd go mad. Plus being accepting has helped with her rapport with the men, they saw that she was there as a support system for Ezra.

Once Ezra left, Marta took her time to finish up the last bits of her lunch. As she walked out of the mess hall, the sunshine beating down on her, Marta thought maybe her and Atalia could just lay out in the sun together and be girls. There was too much testosterone around here. And as if on cue, Atalia walked up and Marta smiled at her friend. They hooked arms and began walking around.

"I did it again" Atalia said, blushing slightly. "I snuck into his bed."

"Isiah loves you deeply, but you know how he feels" Marta said, looking at her friend.

"I know," Atalia moaned like a child, "I just...times are different, you know? I want the closeness you and Ezra have."

It was Marta's turn to blush. It was becoming clear that what Ezra and Marta did behind closed doors was no longer a secret. And they knew it was not the moral thing, but they couldn't resist. The closeness and bond they felt while making love was a pillar of strength for their relationship.

"Come on, I have a surprise for you" Atalia said suddenly, tugging at her arm.

Marta quirked her eyebrow in curiosity as she followed her friend, who led her back to her bedroom. Once inside, she made Marta sit down in a chair. Atalia was in on the plan, her best friend came to her, showing her the ring. Atalia was delighted to hear that Ezra would finally be proposing, and it would be legitimate because there was a rabbi who was will to convert Marta. Atalia and Marta had continued with lessons on the Jewish faith and history. Marta was almost also completely fluent in Hebrew. Her memory was astonishing. So Atalia agreed to get her friend ready for the big surprise.

"You have such beautiful hair Marta, why must you always keep it up in a bun" she said teasingly as she removed the pin in her friend's hair, causing the blonde locks to fall down her back. Marta has not cut her hair in ages, so it was half way down her back, almost touched the top of the seat as she sat there.

"It is just such a hassle" Marta said, running her friends through her hair, catching on multiple tangles and knots.

"Well let me see what I can do" Atalia said, as she carefully brushed her friend's hair out. Once it was tangle free, Atalia began to twirl the hair up and create loose pin curls around the face, framing her face beautiful. She took the excess and carefully twisted into into a french twist, resting gently on her friend's neck. She was stunning.

She let Marta look at her reflection in the mirror, and Marta gasped, "How did you do that? Atalia this is amazing." She turned her head from side to side. As she continued to be in awe of her hair, Atalia went over to her closet and pulled something out. Marta turned and her eyes widened. In Atalia's hands was the red and white polka dot dress she wore the first day she met Ezra.

"Where did you get that?" she asked, walking over, running her fingers over the silk. Marta had completely become acclimated to a much more simple lifestyle. She got rid of a lot of the dresses her parents left her, replacing them with more modest, simple frock. She no longer wore any jewelry except the necklace Ezra gave her. So to feel such rich fabric again was bittersweet.

"Isiah found it when they went to the Baer's house. I guess his mother had kept it wrapped in tissue paper, since you forgot to bring it home after that first day, and you must have forgotten to ask about it" explained Atalia, "Why don't you put it on?"

"No, I couldn't! It isn't proper." Marta said, "Besides there'd be no reason."

"Oh what is wrong with wanting to look pretty and dress-up on occasion?"

Contemplating for a moment, Marta finally gave in and took her dress off she was wearing, and slipped into the polka dot dress. It felt strange but also familiar wearing it again. She smiled as she thought of the memories she had in this dress. She knew her first day meeting Ezra didn't exactly go smoothly, but it was still the day that brought him to her, and she wouldn't have it any other way. Marta was about to take the dress off, when Atalia grabbed her hand.

"We are going to be late for dinner!" she said as she pulled Marta out of the room.

"Atalia, I shouldn't wear this out there!" But her friend ignored her, and just kept leading her back outside. Marta noticed the looks she got from the men right away, and she flushed in embarrassment. She was sticking out like a sore thumb. Atalia led them towards the mess hall, but made a pit stop outside the meeting hall that was rarely used.

"I forgot something in my room, just wait here" she said, turning to leave without Marta having time to say anything. Marta felt a bit flustered. Atalia was acting a bit strange, but she shrugged it off. She looked up into the sky, the sun was beginning to set and the sky was turning beautiful colors. She heard the door open behind her, and saw Ezra walked out, she smiled brightly at him.

Why Can't This Be? [arockysmith + tlstiffl]

Marta stood by Ezra's side, doing her best to appear strong and able. This was her place. She was meant to be by Ezra's side as he lead all of these men back on the right path. She watched in admiration as all the men stood and declared their loyalty to Ezra. He was a true leader, which in turn, made Marta a leader in a sense. She knew she would never make any crazy big decisions, but she was prepared to be there for Ezra in anyway possible. She would listen to him if he needed to rant, she would hold him if the stress became too much, she would give him her body to help forget for a brief moment, to share that time with just one another. She was his support system, and she would never stop.

It took a few weeks, but Ezra and herself gained back their physical strength. Marta was grateful when they medic team finally put a real cast on her, it hid the image that was burned onto her skin temporarily, but eventually it came off and she would feel nauseous every time she looked at it. She went into town one day and was able to buy a few dresses with long sleeves to cover it, and if she ever work anything that didn't, she bought a large cuff bracelet to hide it. She hated it, but she couldn't deny, both their scars bonded Marta and Ezra together more. They would see them on one each other as they lay together naked in bed after making love. They were reminders to stay on the right path.

Atalia had been brought to the compound, Marta glad to have her friend back, and another female around. Being in a predominantly male population was a big intimidating... and smelly. While Ezra and Isiah were off training and having meetings about strategy, Marta and Atalia would busy themselves. They were discretely training themselves, both agreeing they needed to build up their strength. Nothing near as intense as the man, but they took to jogging together around the perimeter of the fence. And Ezra had brought a few weights back into their room so they could build muscle. Becoming the new leader did have a few perks, Ezra and Isiah were given the large rooms within the fortress. Atalia continued to stay in her own bedroom, right across from Isiah's, but still separate. Marta and Ezra contemplated being proper and sleeping in other beds, but they couldn't even make it the first night. Marta ended up in Ezra's bed barely an hour after going to bed. She couldn't sleep without being in his arms.

It had been a few months and progress was slow, but the Resistance was doing their best. They recruiting new men every day, some coming to the compound, others acting as scouts spread throughout the country. All of them, old and new, respected Ezra. No one cared his age, and most have come to accept Marta. Some, especially the older men, would still give her strange looks. Marta still had every intention of converting, but it seemed to be put on the back burner while Ezra was busy being leader.

Summer had come, the heat making it hard for Marta to continue to wear long sleeves, but she didn't mind the cuff as much. Atalia even purchased one herself and they wore them as a sign of their bond and friendship. Marta loved Atalia like the sister she never had. It was mid-afternoon, lunch had just ended in the mess hall. Usually after lunch, Ezra would being in strategy meetings and her and Atalia would find a way to occupy themselves. She turned to Ezra, who was sitting next to her at the lunch table. "See you at dinner?" she asked smiling gently. She assumed he would be leaving for the meetings like always, but today would be different. Ezra had a surprise.

Why Can't This Be? [arockysmith + tlstiffl]

Marta was doing her best to forget for a moment. To forget what just happened, to forget the pain in her arm, to forget the two dead bodies lying in the other building, to forget everything except the feeling of being near Ezra once more. She smiled sadly as he cuddled closer to her, Marta continued to stroke his hair. There was a mere second of bliss, a fleeting moment of sanity, a chance to just love the man lying on her. And then the second ended and reality shattered around them.

She watched with sad eyes as Ezra sat up, the look in his eyes told her everything. He was processing everything he had done, he was starting to understand he killed two people. When he crawled off the bed and vomited, what little there was in his stomach, Marta simply followed him. She crawled onto the floor, kneeling beside him and rubbing his back with her good arm, keeping her injured arm tucked into her chest to try and keep it stable. She needed to get him food and soon, but the priority was making sure not to lose Ezra. Not physically lose, but let his mind get lost to the point of no return. When he finally finished heaving and sat up, she saw him look at her arm and began to blame himself for it, that he didn't get to her fast enough. But she shook her head, wanting to reach for him, but stopped herself. She needed Ezra to want her touch, because if she forced it, it would only make him push her away.

When he crawled away from her, she let him go. She watched him with sad eyes as he quoted Shakespeare. He was searching for validation, something that made what he did justified. Ultimately, it was a question of whether Marta had been worth it or not. In her eyes, she didn't believe so. Is she grateful to live another day with Ezra by her side? Of course. Will the knowledge that Ezra will now always have this darkness within him, even if he learns to accept it, haunt her everyday? Without a doubt. Marta and Ezra could run from these demons the rest of their lives, but Marta knew they needed to face them head on, or they would never be able to live in peace together.

Hearing him ask her to come to him, Marta felt a wave of relief. She carefully crawled over to him, kneeling in front of him and reached up with her good hand and held onto his shirt and pulled him towards her, resting their foreheads together. She didn't speak for a moment, making sure she had her words prepared. One wrong statement and it could push Ezra over the edge. "I am alive Ezra. I will survive these wounds, just like you will survive yours. We will survive together. And everyday you will find a new reason why you had to do this. You had to do this for me. I need and want you by my side until I am old and wrinkly. You did this for me so I can wake up another day in your arms, feel your touch, to bring me life. You did this for our future children, who will have a loving father and mother as they grow up. You did this for Isiah and Atalia, they will be able to be together and get married. You did this in memory of your mother. You did this for your father, who is trapped in a world that has gone dark. You did this for your people. But most importantly Ezra, you did this for yourself."

She sat up, looking into his eyes. She held onto his hand tightly. "Jeremiah and that man were not your people anymore. You may have shared a religion and a history with them, but they aren't your people. Isiah and Atalia are your people. All your neighbors in Frankfurt are your people. You father and all the men here are your people. Jeremiah had lost his way, he had become the opposite of what your morals have always stood for Ezra. You are the kindest, most compassionate, loving man I have ever known. Jeremiah was pulling you into his darkness, he was no better than Hitler. There is a reason people say don't stoop to their level, rise above. Because at the end of the day, being the better person is what is important. If you didn't do what you did, Jeremiah would have killed the man I love. Maybe not physically, but I would have lost you forever. Ezra, Daniel's right, you need to lead these men, but not in the way Jeremiah wanted. You need to show them that this war is not going to be won by blood being drawn, but rather love. You will never survive if you keep fighting one another."

She felt dizzy after speaking, the words flowed from her mouth, the thoughts she has been having ever since her birthday. She waited to see how Ezra would react.