The night air was still and cool, carrying the faint scent of pine from the forest beyond the shrine. Theo sat just outside his room, his back against the wooden frame, eyes lifted to the pale moon overhead. Its silver light seemed softer tonight, bathing the courtyard in a quiet, dreamlike glow.
A soft rustle came from behind.
"What are you doing?"
Seraphine's voice was light but curious as she stepped into the moonlight. She sat down beside him, the faint creak of the floor marking her weight. Her silver hair was damp, a few strands clinging to her cheeks and neck, shimmering faintly in the cool glow. The loose fold of her robe revealed smooth skin still dewy from the bath, each droplet tracing a slow path down her collarbone toward the inviting curve of her cleavage.
"Just thinking," Theo replied, a gentle smile tugging at his lips. His teeth caught the light as he glanced her way.
"Since I met you, I've experienced so many new things. Thank you, Sera."
Something caught in her chest. A quick, unexpected hitch of breath. She masked it with a scoff, punching his arm lightly.
"Don't say something like that out of nowhere, idiot." Her voice softened. "Also… you're welcome."
"I was thinking," Theo went on, "there are probably a lot of wonderful people like you in the world. But I was lucky to meet you. Say, why are you so kind to me?"
She looked away for a moment, her fingers curling in her lap. "…Hold me." Then, after a pause, she gave a faint, almost self-conscious smile.
"I was probably just drawn in by your appearance and demeanor. Sometimes, things are just that simple. Then I thought… it's a shame."
"A shame?"
"That someone like you hasn't experienced the things I've experienced."
Theo tilted his head, curiosity plain in his expression. "Then tell me about yourself. I realized I don't really know you all that well. I want to."
Her blush deepened. "Give me a warning before you say something like that, idiot." She punched his arm again, though the touch lingered a second longer this time.
"If you look like that, you can't just say that to a girl."
"Someone who looks like me?"
Seraphine gave a frustrated groan. "I forget you're completely oblivious. Don't you know how… h-handsome you are? What the hell are you making me say?"
"Really? But I think you're really beautiful too."
That broke something in her composure. Without hesitation, she swung a leg over his lap, her robe shifting to bare more of her thigh as she straddled him. Her arms slid around his neck, and before he could say another word, her lips pressed to his. Warm, urgent, tasting faintly of the sweet tea from earlier. Her eyes were half-lidded, darkened with heat.
"Touch me." Her breath brushed against his cheek as she took his hand, guiding it to her chest. His palm met the soft, heavy curve beneath her robe, the heat of her skin seeping into his fingers. "Like this. It feels good."
"Okay." His hands moved slowly, squeezing, molding to her shape.
"Let's see… what do I like?" she murmured between kisses. "I like beautiful things. Anything beautiful, I want for myself. I love sweets. I like being taken care of… I'm high maintenance, I guess."
Their lips met again, slow but deep, his hands never leaving her curves.
"And?" he whispered.
"I like taking care of people too," she said softly, "but I'm willful. I end up imposing what I want on others… and I hurt them."
"I can't imagine you hurting anyone."
"That's because you're oblivious, and your brain's rotted from shrine life."
He laughed, the sound low and warm against her ear. "I guess that's the case."
"Here," she whispered, her voice dipping into something lower, hungrier. "Suck on them."
Her robe slipped down her shoulders, pooling at her elbows and baring her upper body completely. The pale peaks of her breasts stood proud in the moonlight, the skin smooth and warm under his touch. Theo leaned forward, closing his lips around one, his tongue flicking over the hardened tip.
"You're like a baby," she murmured, a shiver in her voice. "It's so cute… use your tongue more… yes, like that."
Her soft moans carried into the night as her hips began to roll against him, feeling the growing heat between his legs. He switched to her other breast, drawing a sharper moan from her throat. Her body tensed, her breathing unsteady, each movement against him more urgent. When the wave finally crashed, she bit his earlobe, her back arching as her release spilled warmth between her thighs. Sweat beaded along her neck, her face glowing in the moonlight. She pulled him into another desperate kiss, tongues tangling without restraint.
"That was good. Really good."
"What else can I do to make you feel good?"
Her smile was slow, almost teasing. "You're already too good at making my heart skip."
Sliding off his lap, she settled beside him again, but this time, her robe fell open completely, revealing she wore nothing beneath it. The moonlight caressed the smooth plane of her lower belly before reaching the delicate, glistening bloom between her thighs.
"Touch it."
Theo's hand moved without hesitation, fingertips tracing the warm, slick folds. She trembled instantly.
"Hnng…" A breathy sound slipped out. "More… more."
She took his wrist, guiding his fingers inside her. The heat closed around him, wet and yielding. "That's it…"
Her lips brushed his ear, a teasing bite following. Her other hand found his lap, freeing him from his pants and stroking him with slow, deliberate movements.
"Does it feel good?" she asked softly.
"Do you feel good?" he asked back.
Neither answered. Their mouths met again instead, the kiss deep, almost dizzying. Their hands moved in sync, each touch pulling more sound from the other.
"Are you about to come?" she whispered, her lips brushing his.
He nodded, and she captured his mouth in another kiss as he spilled into her hand.
"Your hands are dirty."
"It's fine." She brought her hand to her lips, licking them slowly, her eyes holding his. "It tastes good."