Would You Like To Go Back? Your Dream Or Mine Pt 2

Dear Huxian,

I happened to see you in your adorable form - you look so cute! - and couldn’t help but think you looked a little cold. Perhaps it was from using so much energy. Or perhaps it was related to your sleep? Either way, I thought that you might need something warm and comforting. A blanket wasn’t quite up to task. It certainly doesn’t answer to the name you would howl so mournful for. I thought this might do instead.

You’re weeeeeeeeeeeelcome!

V

*Eyebrow twitching slightly, Huxian dropped a paw over his face. If it weren’t for the fur, he was certain he’d be blushing*

Huxian: Damn her...Rozyus wasn’t kidding when they said she was troublesome...

Monk: Pft! Hence why I said talking in your sleep brings trouble hahahah!

Huxian: Oh shut up.

Monk: *Dark aura and smile* What was that, stupid son?

Huxian: Nothing, father…

Monk: *Sweet* Thought so.

Huxian: But either way, whatever you’re thinking, it’s not that.

*Dropping his paw from his face, he sat up onto his hunches, giving the ghostly monk a look*

Huxian: I know you. You’ve often been….invested in things you believe should be there, but I’m quite sure you underestimate the Karma stacked against me. I...I’m not sure what it was, to be honest. Things that once were that can never be, maybe.

*Motioning to coat with a paw*

Huxian: All this is, is someone wanting to play a trick. That is what some beings are want to do, I guess...

Monk: *Grin*Umm humm~ Then I guess I’ll have to ignore the….monologue you were spouting for the last few hours.

Huxian: *Slight Twitch* ...What monologue?

Monk: *Singsone Tone* Oh nothing, nothing you need to worry about… YET...though. Then again it might be good blackmail material later down the line. *Grin*

Huxian: You’re a monk. I’m pretty sure that kind of behaviour is against your vows. No wonder you hung on as a ghost instead of reaching enlightenment.

Monk: *Gentle eyes* Hm~ last time I checked, it was my job to raise you correctly. It’s a parent's job to push for their children happiness, no? And if that means one has to be a little underhanded to do so, then so be it. It wouldn't be the first time I've had to grab you by the tail to do something, now would it? Especially when-

Huxian: Enough.

Monk: *Raised Brow* Humf.

*Face flattening slightly, Huxian jumped off the bed, transforming into his mid-way form - before he had hit the ground, his face set into a tired frown of one who has had the same argument for a long time. Snatching up the coat, he sighed*

Huxian: It’s not what you think, alright? Just...you’re always misreading things like this, Father. Please, let it go.

*Not about to let the spirit monk say more on the subject, he dragged himself to the bathroom to clean himself up before he would need to retake his natural form once more. Even as he dropped his clothes to the side, however, he couldn’t quite forget what the dream had made him feel. He could still feel the ghost of Rodessa’s touch, the hint of her scent in the air, the taste of her skin dancing on the tip on his tongue….it was so clear...too clear. It was as if he could still feel the pressure of her lips against his, setting his heart racing as he unconsciously touched them*

Huxian [Inner Thoughts]: It’s….so strange. I was a dream...A good dream, like the ones before. Then again, before I was dreaming of the past. This one was….she….her scent was so...I want- No! Don’t even finish that thought!!!

*Swallowing, he glanced down at his body, before screwing up his eyes and taking a few deep breaths*

Huxian: Not the time! You know that you need to conserve your strength. Getting excited like this over a dream? Idiot. How weak are you that just thinking of that woman makes you react like this...Just calm down, ok? Ok.

Still...I should...I promised to keep her up to date. I don’t have to tell her about a dream, but...calling her should be fine. She’s my partner after all. I’ll just...check up on her. She’ll be happy with that and I...maybe it’ll put these lingering...thoughts aside.

*That in mind and a few more deep breaths in order to stop his mind from lingering on the remnants of the dream, he switched on the shower, flinching a little at the icy cold water as it bore down on him, shocking away the last of the longing in his body. Biting back a curse, he quickly set about washing, both to get out of the cold and to go through with his promise to call. The sooner he heard her voice the sooner he could put the dream behind him. Finally, wrapping a towel around himself, he slipped back into the bedroom.

Thankfully, it seemed the Monk had retreated for the moment. A blessing, considering how the Monk interpreted every interaction he had with the girl. Still, not about to look a gift horse in the mouth, Huxian swiped the communicator from the bed and sat down as he called her. It rang once, then ended. A moment later, there was a pinging sound - a message popped up on screen:

Rodessa: Video call. ‘Bout to jump in the bath.

*His eye twitched slightly.*

Huxian: Does she even…

*Words trailing into nothingness, he sighed. It’d take a bit more energy, but it wouldn’t be for long, so...Nodding, he transformed once more so he looked fully human before typing into a video call, using his free hand to use another towel to dry his long hair.

A few rings later and Rodessa picked up, a video screen of the girl lounging in a tub appeared.

*Letting his words trail into nothingness he dialed again with one hand and the other reaching for a towel to dry his hair.

Within a few rings the image of the girl in the tub appeared.*

Huxinan: …

Rodessa: Morning handsome! Just letting you know, the longer you stare, the more I’m chargin’.

Huxian: *Raised Brow* You… do remember that I’m a man, right?

Rodessa: You know I’ll kick that ass right, and wait, you’re a man? News to me. *Snicker*

Huxian: *Dryly* Hilarious. *Sigh* So, how did you sleep?

Rodessa: Good…. Really good…

Huxinan: *Teasingly* What, dreaming of me?

*The girl’s eyes widened...wait, so he was right? His own eyes widened a little as well. She only ever wore such a look when he hit the nail on the head. Quickly, he coughed, hoping to brighten the mood a little as he shot her a grin.*

Huxian: *Teasing tone* You… you know I wa-

Rodessa: *Deep blush* AS if I was dreaming about y-you! Even though it was none of your business, I was dreaming about the man of my dreams and we were frotting! And what-!!!!

*Obviously mortified at saying such a thing to his face, Rodessa sank a little into the water, drawing up her knees. Unable to help himself, Huxian’s eyes trailed over the soft, water slick skin before he caught himself, tearing his eyes away as he cursed his weakness yet again. He was better than this, but that...if it wasn’t for that…

Before he could finish his self reprimand, however, Rodessa spoke once more, her voice quiet, almost shy, as if she was about to reveal a big secret to him, even as a hand rose to rub at the side of her neck*

Rodessa: *Shyly, Pouting* But, the strange thing is… when I woke up, it was still there… the hicky, I mean… I was going to call and ask what you think it might be later when I calmed down, but then you called me and….  

*An odd shiver ran up Huxian’s spine as she dropped her hand to the water again and he could see it, the mark there - right in the place he recalled dream him had marked her in the last part of the dream. Even now, like an echo, the feelings from before came back, a ghostly caress, a subtle scent - They were both things from the dream too. They had been hers! But it couldn’t actually be her no matter what was he thought about it, because she was in an entirely different country, so how could he possibly-

The thought cut off as he felt something, as if someone had sat into his lap. Sharply, he looked down, only for it to feel as if he has suddenly inhaled too much air. In his lap was someone he hadn’t seen in a long time, as if a spirit, one that made all the remorse he had been carrying for so long close in on him like giant fingers squeezing his body*

Huxian: *Quietly* You… what-?

*The one in his lap was what looked like Rodessa as a child….if Rodessa had been male. Though he had never seen the boy seperate from Rodessa before, he knew exactly who this was - Rozyus. He was dressed up as one of the temple acolytes that would attend the sacred baths. Silently, Rozyus raised a finger to his lips in the universal sight for silence before motioning to the communicator once again.

Though the odd glint in the spectre's eye was certainly distracting, Huxian forced himself to ignore the boy entirely and instead continue his conversation with Rodessa, mind racing*

Huxian: I….I imagine it was nothing. It’s pretty common to get bruises and not know where they come from while asleep and it was just a dream. But hey, if you’re lucky, you might find someone over there to have a bit of fun with.

Rodessa: AS IF! I… I already have someone I want…. Dumbass… anyway, it’s getting late. I’ll call you later.

Huxian: Hey, you never know...but I’ll behave. I’ll leave you to your bathing. Have a nice night and I’ll see you lat- nnn.

Rodessa: *Shock* Are, Are you ok? What happened?

Huxian: Ah, no, it was nothing. Static electricity.

Rodessa: Oh… ok then. Be careful. Later….

SFX: Dial tone.

*Dropping the communicator on the bed, Huxian turned his attention to the interrupting raskel in his lap, licking away. With a sigh, Huxian pushed the other back*

Huxian: Can I help you?

Rozyus: Hmph! And here I was thinking I could ‘help ease your stress’

Huxian: How-?

Rozyus: How am I here? How am I so beautiful? How is it that you were able to mark me and be in another county? Or how can my technique be so damn good?

Well, I tell you a the last part for free.

*The boy’s smile was just that side of mischievous as he straightened without Huxian pushing him back, licking his lip even as he trailed a hand over where he had been so thoroughly attentive*

Rozyus: *Flippantly* Your sensitive spots haven't changed. Funny that. New body, new mind. The more things change, the more they stay the same, no? Oh, and no, this doesn't count as cheating - it’s still technically with me after all. *Innocent Smile*

*Rubbing his temples, he sighed*

Huxian: Look, never mind that. That dream...there’s definitely something more to that dream. Not only did both Ro and I have the same one...how was it that I could mark ‘you’? We’re nowhere near each other.

Rozyus: *Chuckle* Well, you can blame it on a few factors: We’re both longing for each other, our strings are echoing, we should have mated a LOOOONG time ago, we both should have awoken a long time ago, that girls power is awakening and our threads are calling out to each other.

(But that’s gonna go over your head for now.) Moving on -

the gods up there seem to want to interfere now and then. When they do, you get a ripple into another plain. ‘Nari and I used to do it when the war was going on. But ours was strong enough to actually let us travel to the realms between realms.

*The boy sighed softly, arms resting on his knees as he looked up at Huxian*

Rozyus: Most likely, this won't be the first or last time this is going to happen. But, regarding this… both of you should just think of it as pleasant, if dirty, dreams. It means nothing unless you're both doing it on purpose. And, if and when the time comes... well, you’ll find it's a really useful technique to master. Oh, not just in the freaky department - we managed to plan a whole mission this way when there was a mole in our ranks.  

Huxian: I see… No, I don’t see... What?

Rozyus: *Chuckle* Well, I have to get back. Break time is almost over, I should get going. Goodbye my love.

*The boy kissed Huxian’s lips before disappearing in a wave of flower petals.*

Huxian: *Scratching head* That….well, that at least confirmed what I thought - that dream had just seemed too real. Coupled with the coat and the message from V - that obviously had to be Venus. Though….why now? It’s been so long since that happened...Not to mention I didn’t even know Rozyus could part from her the way Puppy and Thorn used to...Considering that...I didn’t know any of them could any more...Even so...the Gods are interfering...and with us two specifically. But why? Why now? Is it something to do with what Parame said, way back then? ‘She doesn’t have time’...was she...not referring to the that day at all?

[END]

Would You Like To Go Back? Your Dream Or Mine?

Still, wake he did, annoyingly early, the sun not particularly inclined to change its routine for his desire, though, annoying as it was, Huxian could think of worse places to wake - Rodessa snuggled close to him under the blankets, burying her face into his neck to avoid the sunlight.

Not wanting for Rodessa to have as rude awakening as he, he shifted his body slightly, pulling the blanket up a little higher to shield her from the sun a little longer, fighting back a slight shiver as she sighed, pleased, into his neck and settled once again. She was almost on his lap at this point, but she seemed so utterly content that he didn’t mind. With a smile, he rested his head against hers once again.

It was a shame that he couldn’t take a picture of them right now without disturbing her. While the dream might have just been their collective fantasy, this here was real. He wouldn’t mind being able to capture it forever. Oh well...even if he couldn’t photograph it, he could at least store it in the deepest parts of his memory to immortalise it for as long as he lived.*

Huxian: Even so… Whether it’s a premonition or just subconscious hopes...if the dream were to become a reality...Well...maybe one day. Right, Ro?

*Huxian wasn’t entirely certain wen he had fallen asleep. However, he knew where it was he had been prior to the moment - in the Hotel gardens, with Rodessa curled into his side as they lounged on the cushioned garden furniture. He hadn’t been curled up in a bed. Nor had he been lying beside a fully grown Rodessa.

Now he thought about it, was this a dream within a dream, since even the fact he had been with Rodessa at the hotel had been a memory he had been reliving. Or was it simply that the dream had shifted to something else, as dreams were want to do. Was it something natural, or influenced by a god or spirit? Whatever it was, Huxian couldn’t find himself angry by it.

As the room seemed to settle, the dream becoming more solid, if one could describe a dream in such a way, Huxian realised that his side of the bed resembled the one he had fallen asleep on at the temporary headquarters after he had set up the protections, though his body was in the form he favoured as a human. On the other side of the bed, where adult Rodessa was curled up facing him, the room seemed as if it was from a completely different building - likely one of the places owned by Pandora that Rodessa was staying at for her first mission with the organisation. Even the bed sheets made it seem as though they were from a different decor, yet both rooms fused seamlessly between them.

As he watched, the young woman’s eyes fluttered open, her face a mix of emotions as she seemed to register something strange about their positions. Since there was no real need for worry, no matter how strange the dream seemed to be, Huxian made gentle comforting sounds as he gently brushed his hand over her cheek, coaxing her to relax and couldn’t help the smile that came to his face as she weakly covered her limp hand over his caressing one, nuzzling into his palm*

Rodessa: *Sleepy* Hue?

Huxian: *Hum* It’s me.

Rodessa: I guess I’m still dreaming, huh?

Huxian: ...It seems so.

*Though she still seemed bleary with sleep as she blinked up at him, Rodessa shuffled a little closer and pressed her lips against his, light, caste at first, before becoming just that bit deeper as Huxian found himself responding in kind. Finally, she pulled back a little, gazing into his eyes*

Rodessa: Your lips are soft… It’s nice…. This dream…. It's the only time I can kiss you…. Maybe one day…

Huxian: ...One day?

Rodessa: Never mind. Hey… You know when we meet again? I’m going to shop till I drop, so you better be prepared to pamper the princess.

Huxian: *Soft chuckle* As you wish, Your Highness. Your will be done.

*Seeing the look on her face that seemed to be an endearing mix of flattered and flustered, Huxian laughed, pulling her a little closer, kissing her once more, even though his heart ached. If this was just a dream...he allowed himself an indulgence and nuzzled against her as he pulled her close, cradling her in his arms as he coaxed her into closeness, gently biting her neck, the place where he had once marked her, a reaffirmation of the many things he had once converted, of the many promises he had once gave to the young woman who had helped shape the man he had become.

She squirmed, though certainly not out of discomfort, her eyes near adoring as she opened her mouth to speak. However, Huxian merely covered her lips with his own to still her words to silence. Eventually, he pulled back as she panted for breath, brushing her hair from her face and running fingers through the soft curls as he gazed back at her affectionately.*

Huxian: I know that you’re strong. You’re the strongest woman….no, strongest person I know. Even so, I want you to know that, no matter what the future holds for either of us, I will always protect you.

Rodesa: *Sleepy Chuckle and Grin* I know, because Blanc is my partner after all. I won't forgive you if you let me down, ok fluff?

*Innocent smile* Hey… since this is a dream and all… um… well only if you want to… can we… you know… one more ki-

*Huxian’s lips quirked up almost unconsciously as he gave her one last chaste kiss before pulling back again, his fingers trailing from her face to brush over where he had marked her earlier*

Huxian: Then as your dear partner, I’ll let you in on a secret. I trust that my partner Noir will keep it safe?

Rodessa: Naturally.

Huxian: Then here it is: this mark that I gave you serves two purposes. The first is that it will show that, even when we are miles apart, I am still there with you, no matter what. The second...you could think of it as sort of like...a spell, perhaps, or a charm. It will help to protect you whenever you need it most.

Rodessa: *Chuckle, Grin* how superstitious, but I appreciate the sentiment. I wonder should i do the same give you a hik- I mean charm in return?

Huxian: *Innocent blinking, slightly teasing* But if you think I’m just being superstitious, would that even work? I thought you didn’t believe in that kind of stuff?

Rodessa: *Chuckle* Fair enough. Then I’ll give your superstitious tendencies a try.

*The girl climbed atop Huxian, moving the her hips slightly as she began undoing his shirt. Once the buttons were unfastened, she slid it open, slowly allowing her eyes to drift over each muscle and contour of his now bear chest. A smirk graced said object of attention’s lips*

Huxian: Enjoying the view, are we?

Rodessa: Indeed. I’m your my partner, I’ll do as I wish with you.

Huxian: Oooo, so forceful.

Rodessa: *Blush* O-oh hush and let me concentrate. You’re just as annoying in my dreams as in real life!!!

Huxian: As you command, my lady.

*Despite his response, Huxian, it seemed, was very bad at following orders. Or rather, he was inerrantly good at being distracting. Despite his agreement, his hands trailed over the body that was looming over him, coming to rest on the curves of her rear, even as he gazed up at her with gentle yet assertive eyes that made her shiver a little. However, not about to let him derail what she wanted to do, she closed in, capturing is mouth with her own for a moment before mirroring his earlier action. She was rewarded by his own shiver as she marked him before running her tongue over it soothingly.*

Rodessa: *Slight shiver and pout* Humph...Acting like a bully and then all charming…. I don't know how to handle you sometimes. Just when I think I have you pegged, you go and  flip the switch. How am I meant to keep up, Hue?

*There was a slight rumble in his throat as he chuckled, almost breathlessly? His lips were curled into a mischievous, but hopelessly fond smile*

Huxian: If I remained one way, not only would you be bored, but I simply wouldn’t be me. But no matter how you look at it, it’s always affection. You just need to know where to look.

*He reached a hand up to her hair once again, twirling it around his fingers*

Huxian: Perhaps I am a puzzle, but I’m your puzzle, wouldn’t you say?

Rodessa: *Flat Expression* Cheesy, Corny, you should be ashamed fluff. Tut, tut, tut, and you were doing so well.

Huxian: *Sly grin* Well, at least that’s another sign that I’m me and not some imposer who is attempting to measure up to even an eighth of the awesome that is me.

Rodessa: Pft! You know, humility is a good quality you might want to - EEK! Dumbass, who said you could-!!!

*Mischievousness lighting his face, he squeezed her rear once more, if only to derail her complaints*

Huxian: *’Innocently* Said I could what, dear?

Rodessa: Dumbass... jeez!!!

*She huffed a little, but despite everything she didn’t seem overly angry with his actions, instead nuzzling into him as he slid his hands away in order to hold her better as she settled into his arms. Though neither was really fully dressed - Huxian’s shirt open and fanning on the bed, while Rodessa herself rather scantily dressed, their bodies pressed together kept them comfortably warm. For Huxian, that warmth, the weight of her body draped over his, the way she fit snugly against his form, the soft scent that could only be described as purely her...it was all very nostalgic, his heart both contented, yet ached in a way he couldn’t truly describe as he closed his eyes, savouring the sensations of his dear partner so close by*

Rodessa: *Cute yawn* What am I going to do with you, Hue? Hurry back to me soon….ok..

Huxian: *bitter sweet smile* Silly Ro...I told you, I’m always at your side. But, if it means so much to you, I’ll be with you soon to fill your life with all my frustrating ways. Just make sure to take care until then. I’ll be rather upset if you don’t.

Rodessa: Same to you… and no flirting around while I’m gone… or you’ll be….Zzzzzz.

Huxian: No need to worry about that. I have enough trouble as it is…Heh…

*With a chuckle, he knew that Rodessa probably couldn’t hear him, fast asleep as she was from the soft breathing brushing his skin. Finally, he allowed himself to drift off as well-

His eyes blinked open blearily. For a moment he could only blink at the ceiling in confusion. While he was still laying on the bed from before, the room no longer seemed to be merged with another. Similarly, Rodessa was gone and he was alone on the soft mattress. It took a moment for his exhausted brain to catch up with him before it clicked in his mind. He was awake. Not in dream awake, but actually awake. He was laying on the bed in the temporary headquarters in Beijing, where he had gone to sleep after he had used up nearly all his energy to maintain the barrier of the peach wood sword.

How long had he been asleep? So deep had been the memories of the past, it felt like far longer than it probably had been, especially since he still felt so tired. Then again, the sword was still sapping his energy somewhat, so who knew.

Weakly, Huxian rolled back onto his belly. After being human in his dream, it felt a little disorientating to be back in the form of a fox, the way he had been when he fell asleep, but it was, in its own way, comforting as he curled himself up under the blanket into a tight ball, head tucked under his fluffy tail as he tried to ignore the bittersweet feeling that rose in his heart, feelings that had occasionally poked him in the last part of the dream. Because it was a dream and fragments of a past he couldn’t get back, but he wanted it...That last part had just seemed so real…*

Monk: *Chuckle* You know, sleep talking is a dangerous thing. ‘I have enough trouble as it is’ - even more so when you summon the girl’s coat to your side.

*Fur bristling a little in surprise, Huxian yelped, scrambling to his paws as he tried to whip around in the direction of the voice, only to find himself tangled in material. It took a good minute of wriggling to poke his head back out of the cloth...only to realise it wasn’t a blanket, as he assumed when he curled up. Instead it was indeed a coat. A rather familiar coat.

Monk: *Shaking Head* PFT! Stupid son.

*Rather than responding to the monk, Huxian just...stared at the coat for a long moment, before finally, almost bemusedly, pawing it closer to him as he sat on his hunches, trying to make sense of it.

Huxian: I...summoned it…?

*...No, he didn’t think that was the case at all. He couldn’t have done such a thing. Not in his sleep-

Something caught his eye - sticking out of the pocket was what looked like an envelope, his name signed in an almost familiar font. Tugging it out with his teeth, he looked down at the letter before him, which read:

Dear Huxian,

I happened to see you in your adorable form - you look so cute! - and couldn’t help but think you looked a little cold. Perhaps it was from using so much energy. Or perhaps it was related to your sleep? Either way, I thought that you might need something warm and comforting. A blanket wasn’t quite up to task. It certainly doesn’t answer to the name you would howl so mournful for. I thought this might do instead.

You’re weeeeeeeeeeeelcome!

V

[END]

A New Day Brings The Sun Pt 9

Huxian: Pray, my dear, is a fleeting thing, only giving enjoyment for a brief time while it is played with, only contenting until it is digested and one becomes hungry once more. Whether lamb, a wolf in sheep’s clothing or a goddess in disguise, what I want with the Lady of the tower isn’t something so fleeting. After all, I don’t wish for a toy, but he one who will stand beside me for all time. If that means that the ‘casanova’ is tamed, then I believe that is a fate I will never regret accepting, because even a thousand conquests would never make a single perfect rose.

*The girl blushed a little, burying her face in his chest, but even then, he could feel her smile. Changing their positions, he lay her on the sofa before resting his head in her chest. For a little while that's where they lay peacefully. Eventually, a few servants were called to bring snacks and a change of clothes for the two, but they left shortly after they had carried out their orders.*

Rodessa: Hue?

Huxian: Mm?

Rodessa: When I’m done with the clan…. Can we get married after? I don't want to waste time with it any more than we have to.

Huxian: Even if we weren’t done with them, the vow will soon be fulfilled. Believe me, the moment it is, an apocalypse would need to happen to stop us.

Rodessa: *Flirty Eyes* Hue…that's not what I - Mn!!

*Huxian’s lips curled up slightly from where he nibbled on her ear, the sharp pain making her shiver slightly, though Huxian had a distinct feeling that it wasn’t out of agony. It was so easy to tease her by derailing her thoughts. Holding back a snicker, he nuzzled her cheek, his voice breathy, making her shiver more*

Huxian: Oh? Then what did you mean, love?

Rodessa: H-Hue!!!

Huxian: *Devilish Grin* What? Spit it out, Roza. As powerful as I am, I’m not telepathic. How could I possibly know if you don’t tell me?

Rodessa: *Gasp* Y-you’re being mean again…

*Forcing the grin threatening to stretch over his face into something a little more neutral, he pulled away from her cheek and neck to tare into her eyes for a long moment. However, before she could try to speak once more, his tongue flicked out over her lips, causing her to bodilly jerk, a flush rushing over her cheeks. Unable to stop himself, the laugh broke from his lips and he buried his head into her shoulder, nestling closer, a helpless smile cracking his expression. He just couldn’t not smile at such cute reactions.*

Rodessa: *Labored Breath* H-Hue...You jerk!!!

Huxian: *Devilish Grin, Sing Songy Voice* Blame it on the rut, my love~.

Rodessa: Boy, that had nothing to do with the rut! You’re just being mean! Don't lie to me! I swear to the GODS I’ll-!!!

*As she ranted, he moved from her neck again, interrupting her with a gentle brush of lips against hers, cutting off the tirade before it could truly begin. That was enough teasing for now. As such, he pulled back a little, brushing her locks from her face so he could fully see her expression, tucking the strands behind her ear.

Huxian: I’m sorry. I’ll behave. Please, go on.

Rodessa: *Pout*.....

*He almost shook his head, but force of will kept him in place as he trailed his had from her ear, to her shoulder and gently down her arm so he could cover her hand with his. It was kind of funny to him that she hadn’t quite equated his actions to the fact that she had regained her true age’s form once again. Still, he wasn’t going to mention it to her just yet. The look on her face when she found out would be hilarious.

Still, just because he wasn’t about to say anything didn’t mean that he would act like she still had a pre-teen body. As such, one hand staying over hers, his other one reached up to her face, running fingers over her jaw, thumb brushing against her soft pouting lips. His eyes, half lidded, ran over her form appreciatively, but he made no move to push her down or to blatantly distract her any longer. Instead he just quirked his lips before moving to pour out more wine from the bottle and offering the class to her. He would be willing to tilt the glass for her to drink from, but he had a feeling she might be too flustered for that.*

Huxian: Beloved...I’d like to hear your thoughts. I never wish to misunderstand you. Please, tell me?

*Rodessa looked as though she might just combust from the gentle purr to his voice, or the touch, or the offered glass. Instead, she hurriedly took the glass from him, swigging the ‘liquid courage’, pushing him back with her free hand, nervous. He made it so hard to think sometimes! With the extra room, however, she could get her brain back into working order. And faced with those attentive eyes, she couldn’t find it in her to deny his request once more. Finally, she nodded and set the glass down, leaning forwards*

Rodessa: *Earnestly* Hue...There are many reasons as to why I would like to be married as soon as possible. Appart from never wishing to be forced away from you like before, I’ve realised in my interactions with them that the Elders of the Ashu-Wahari become less argumentative, far more willing to acquiesce to their leader when a new heir is born. As such, not only would it be a symbol of our love, but it would also be a hope for a new generation. Of course, I have no intention of following through with the types of plans that my father made for me. I would always wish for my children to choose their own fates in regards to those they wish to spend their lives with, that they will decide with love, not for political reasons that would doom them to unhappiness. Regardless, the fact that said child would exist…

*Rodessa trailed off. It was easy to understand what she meant without her needing to finish the sentence*

Huxian [Inner Thoughts]: This girl...she never ceases to amaze me. There are times that she’s faced with such difficulty, then seemingly out of the blue she comes up with strategies that could fix the mistakes left by her father while still holding onto the beliefs she had to begin with. Is it any wonder that I found myself falling for you, even when I thought my heart shattered beyond repair?

Rodessa: But… You know, above all that...being bound to you... Above all, I… just want to make a family with you, be with you, Huxian Yin.

*The warmest look in her eyes, the determination on her face, even as her free hand nervously toyed with the hem of her robe, it felt as if he was staring into something so precious, so pure that he could feel the heat raise in his own cheeks. The ball of feelings, so many feelings that rose in his chest, near choking him…if he held her gaze longer, he felt like his heart might just stop from feeling so many wondrous things at once, or he might suddenly embarrassed himself by bursting into joyous tears. Swallowing dryly, he ducked his head, hair shielding his eyes from such a fate*

Huxian [Inner Thoughts]: Such sincerity….how….can she say that so easily when normally she ends up in a stuttering, blushing mess if I brush against her skin? Does she even know what she does to me?

*The fact he couldn’t force words past the ball of emotion in his throat seemed to catch Rodessa off guard, however, the earnest look on her face falling slightly*

Rodessa: *Worried* ...No?

*Squeezing her hand - he certainly didn’t want her to get the wrong idea! - Huxian pulled her forwards a little before resting his forehead gently against hers, finally meeting her eyes through a curtain of silver gold, a small smile, but one of true feeling bloomed on his lips*

Huxian: My answer hasn’t changed, Roza, love. Even if we have yet to fully convince the elders by the time the vow is complete, I would still marry you then and there.

*His fingers ran over her hand, tracing over the engagement ring on her finger, before threading his fingers through hers*

Huxian: If I was unhappy with the idea, I would never have given you that ring. As it is, I would see that ring on no other finger than yours. I want to stay at your side forever, Rodessa Kariudo, if you will have me.

Rodessa: *Faint pink* H-Hue! I… I’m sorry, I don't know what to say! I’m so happy, I-

*Laughing softly, he raised his free hand to cup her cheek*

Huxian: *Low Voice* Then don’t say a thing.

*With that, he tilted her head, capturing her lips with his.

There was no rush, especially after their declarations. Their kisses were slow, lingering, filled with warm hopes and gentle promises of the future. Eventually, even that wasn’t needed as they sat together, leaning against each other in companionable silence filled with stolen glances and unconscious smiles, neither seeing reason to hide their happiness as they clinked their glasses together and sipped from the wine, sampling the snacks that had appeared on the table at some point. Neither had any idea when they had got there, but considering how focused they had been on each other, especially after their confessions, the snacks were an assortment of things, some Rodessa recognised, some she didn’t and Huxian would softly tell her about them, encouraging her to try a few of his favourites, which sometimes resulted in quiet laughter if she happened to react too enthusiastically or the accompanying story Huxian told about some mischief he had gotten up to to get the snack in the past tickled her humour.

They weren’t certain how much time passed, but eventually, their quiet companionship was broken by a loud yawn and a breath of a laugh*

Huxian: Hm...I think we should probably head to bed now. I hadn’t even realised how much time we spent here.

Rodessa: *Sleepy sigh* Yea… but I don’t wanna get up. It’s comfortable like this.

Huxian: Is that so? I’m sure I can arrange something then.

*Gently wrapping an arm around her to let her snuggle a little closer, he snapped his fingers, summoning a blanket above them, which gently fluttered into place around them to ward of any cold that might somehow linger in the garden at night. Carefully, he tucked it around them and nuzzled his cheek against her hair.

Huxian: Is it even more comfortable now?

Rodessa: *Eyes Growing Heavy* Perfect.

*Smiling, he leaned his head against hers, listening as her breathing began to slow, becoming deeper as she drifted into sleep. She seemed so content, so peaceful….he was glad he didn’t disturb her. Besides, he doubted the Head Desk Man would mind if they slept there for the night. After all, they had been inconvenienced so much on this tip that the hotel would probably be falling over themselves to make up for it. And if there was anyone foolish enough to try anything like that woman had before...well, Huxian knew what to look for now. He would never allow such a thing to happen again.

That in mind, he kissed the top of her head before he, too, closed his eyes, lulled to sleep by the sound of her even breath and the familiar scent filling his nose.

Perhaps it was because of those things that his dreams took the form they did - Rodessa dressed in a white dress, though not one of mourning, but an elegant dress that shimmered in the ethereal light of the dream like a thousand diamonds. Her expression was one of great joy, as if she was the happiest she had been as she pressed herself close, moving as if the two of them were in dance as faceless others watched, extratic at the couple’s shared bliss, even as he himself kissed her tears of joy.

Another scene, beaming up at him as she cradled a small child with her hair and his eyes contently cuddled against her body. He could hear the pitter patter of feat and the gleeful giggling of a child - his child - no, their child, happy and safe, living a life of warmth, where they would never question their love for them.

He had no idea if the dream was a premonition of the future or just all his hopes coming together in a single, blissful dream. All he knew was that this was what he knew both he and Rodessa wanted. It was a future that he prayed would one day be a reality. And if it could never be, he wasn’t entirely sure he would mind if he never woke from the dream at all

Still, wake he did, annoyingly early, the sun not particularly inclined to change its routine for his desire, though, annoying as it was, Huxian could think of worse places to wake - Rodessa snuggled close to him under the blankets, burying her face into his neck to avoid the sunlight.

Not wanting for Rodessa to have as rude awakening as he, he shifted his body slightly, pulling the blanket up a little higher to shield her from the sun a little longer, fighting back a smight shifter as she sighed, pleased, into his neck and settled once again. She was almost on his lap at this point, but she seemed so utterly content that he didn’t mind. With a smile, he rested his head against hers once again.

It was a shame that he couldn’t take a picture of them right now without disturbing her. While the dream might have just been their collective fantasy, this here was real. He wouldn’t mind being able to capture it forever. Oh well...even if he couldn’t photograph it, he could at least store it in the deepest parts of his memory to immortalise it for as long as he lived.*

Huxian: Even so… Whether it’s a premonition or just subconscious hopes...if the dream were to become a reality...Well...maybe one day. Right, Ro?

[END]