"This grilled fish is amazing," Tifa said with admiration. "Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and the sauce really brings it together. Honestly, it's the best I've ever had."
"She's only good at making grilled fish," Ethan Chen chimed in, undercutting the compliment. "Well, that and vegetable salad."
He knew this culinary talent was born of necessity Mona had once been too broke to afford proper meals. Back in Mondstadt, she'd survive by fishing at Lake Dawn and foraging mushrooms and wild greens to make her own meals.
"Well, that's still better than you," Mona retorted with a playful glare. "You can't even name a signature dish!"
"Can't name one?" Ethan protested. "Back on the island, you devoured my food every single day! Steamed grouper, seafood congee, fried prawns, stir-fried pork... Did you miss even a single meal?"
"Devoured?" Mona countered, pouting. "You forced it on me like I was a pig you had to fatten up!"
"You really can cook?" Tifa looked to Ethan, surprised. "How come I've never seen you in the kitchen?"
"That's because all he knows are the ingredients, the general taste, and how it's supposed to be done," Mona explained before Ethan could answer. "The result is edible at best certainly nothing special. I'd rather eat at a random tavern."
Ethan raised his hand and gestured as if to swat her. "Are you itching for a spanking?"
Mona shrank back instinctively and shut her mouth, choosing instead to quietly finish her food. She knew better than to escalate when words lost their power.
"If there's anything you'd like to eat, just tell me," Tifa offered sweetly. "I can follow a recipe and learn."
"No need. Just make what you're good at," Ethan replied. He wasn't a picky eater. As long as it tasted better than his own cooking, he'd be satisfied.
"Having someone prepare fresh meals every day is already more than enough. I've got nothing to complain about."
"Alright," Tifa said, her smile warm and full of promise. "I'll keep doing my best."
After dinner, everyone bathed and got ready to turn in for the night. They had an early start the next day for a new mission.
Ethan noticed Mona slipping off to her tent alone, distant from the others as usual. After some thought, he followed her in.
Earlier, he'd gotten carried away playing with 2B and Tifa, leaving Mona out entirely. That didn't sit right with him. He couldn't play favorites she deserved her share of attention too.
But clearly, Mona wasn't exactly pleased with the gesture.
Just like the first time, as soon as Ethan entered, she lifted her soft, shapely foot and aimed it squarely at his face.
"Out! I'm reading tonight. I don't have time for your nonsense!"
"Nonsense?" Ethan caught her ankle mid-air, then kissed the arch of her foot. "This is bonding. I'm deepening our connection."
"Are you sick in the head?" Mona recoiled as if shocked, scowling. "If you're so desperate, go find 2B or Tifa. They'd be thrilled to entertain you."
She was convinced those two were already addicted to intimacy, glued to Ethan like magnets 24/7.
"Tonight I'm in the mood for something different," Ethan grinned. "A slender upper body paired with full, luscious curves now that's a delicious change of pace."
Without waiting for permission, he wrapped his arms around her.
"You read your book, and I'll do my thing. We won't bother each other."
"What kind of logic is that?" Mona grumbled, turning in his arms. "How am I supposed to concentrate on star charts with you pressed against me like this?"
"You know, where I come from, this is called 'Red Sleeves Adding Fragrance.' It's a poetic pastime reading while a beautiful woman sits beside you. Though traditionally it's the man reading... but I think the spirit of it still counts."
"Well, I don't need your sleeves or your fragrance. Just don't distract me."
"No distractions, I promise," Ethan said, flipping Mona onto her stomach and pulling the star chart book from beside her pillow.
"Go on, I'll behave."
Mona eyed him suspiciously but opened the book anyway.
Then she felt her shorts being tugged down, exposing her tender curves to the night air. A warm hand slid over her firm, round hips.
"You read your book," Ethan whispered, ignoring the deadly glare she shot him. "I just want to try this... you reading while I... contribute from behind. Even if you can't focus, at least pretend you're trying."
Mona clenched her jaw like an angry kitten, powerless to stop him.
Ethan kissed the smooth, pearl-like curve of her ear and embraced her tightly. Then, with practiced patience, he guided himself home, slowly and deeply.
"Focus on your book," he murmured, teasing her. "Don't mind me. If you get distracted, I'll stop."
"You're such a bastard," Mona muttered, burying her face in the pillow.
"Then stop acting like I'm not tempting you," Ethan said with a chuckle, pressing deeper until she gasped.
"Fine," she hissed, legs lifting instinctively, toes curling. "I'll do it! I'll read!"
"See? That wasn't so hard," Ethan's pace softened. "It's easier when you cooperate."
"You're just a bully with a captain's title!" she snapped, still sulking but no longer resisting. She rested her chin on the pillow and turned back to the pages.
Whether she was truly absorbing the complex text or simply putting on a show while enjoying the exquisite pressure was anyone's guess.
Ethan moved in rhythm, using Mona's favorite pace like a mortar slowly grinding away, coaxing sweet, crystalline nectar from her delicate core.
Her breathing grew heavier. She arched her back, then turned to seek his lips.
"Smack," came the sound of Ethan landing a playful slap on her pert, round cheek.
"Focus. Read," he warned, smirking.
The sharp sting brought Mona back to her senses. She pouted and pressed her face deeper into the pillow.
"You mean old captain..."
Ethan ignored the mumbled protest, tightening his hold around her, nuzzling close to her ear.
"Getting distracted again?" he whispered. "If so, maybe you should take over. That little waist of yours moves like magic when you're on top."
"I'm not doing that..." came Mona's muffled reply.
"No?" Ethan grabbed a handful of her long hair, pulling it like reins. "If not, then I'll take the lead."
"You're threatening me!"
"Not at all," he replied, driving into her with new force. "Just picking up the pace."
That strike sent shudders through her body, her fists clenching, toes curling.
Like the ocean at night, responding to the pull of the moon tides rising, again and again.
After a long silence, Mona finally gathered her breath and punched Ethan's shoulder in protest. He took the hint and eased up, rolling over to lie on his back.
Now it was her turn.
Sliding on top, Mona positioned herself precisely, her slender back arched, her curvaceous hips poised above him.
And with a sultry grin, she began her own rhythm.
Helping herself to a feast just as he had done before.
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