Edited and updated: 8/9/2018

Another chapter was edited! Only a few minor changes were applied, including the time between the latest events and the current happenings.

Love you all!

Arts Topic: Nudity

Chapter XIV

December came with snow and coldness. Also, with a rapidly approaching deadline for the project, although Lucy and Sting had yet to realize that. For then, they had other things on their minds. It had been week already since she had first visited Sting during his sickness. They had been meeting every day, developing their relationship and, when he was well enough, working on the project. The only day they had not seen each other was the current one. Maybe that was why Lucy was laying in her bed, absolutely not eager to fall asleep. She had been tossing on the sheets, trying to find the right place and position to find some rest. Obviously, with no success. All due to emotions raging within her.

It was ridiculous, if you thought about it. She was not a high school girl in love with a senior, for God's sake. And yet, her head was spinning and her insides were twisting whenever she thought about Sting. Every time she was closing her eyes, she was seeing his face. Her mind was full of his words, of his smiles and most pleasant memories. There was much more than simple attraction and simple affection. Obviously. Did she really pass through falling in love so quickly, did she already love the man?

Apprehension filled her. If yes, how would he react? She had been acting like a total jackass for a long time, and suddenly that. What if he lost interest? What if she was just a little too late?

Under an abrupt urge to talk to Sting, she grabbed her cell phone and unlocked it. She found his number almost subconsciously and opened the texts… But wait. It was not wise to write to him, was it? They did not exactly keep in touch all day and night, longing for each other's constant company. Lucy locked her phone and grimaced. It was after midnight... But they did not see each other that day. Okay, what was the worst that could happen? He would not reply. He might be sleeping. But! Maybe he was not asleep yet. And if so, maybe he would be up for a little escapade over to hers.

"Ugh, pathetic!" Lucy scolded herself. "Just text him and be done with it."

Thus, she typed before she could change her mind:

Are you asleep?

The text was send and the woman almost stopped breathing from anxiety. He really could be sleeping already, after all, the next day they had classes in the morning. Still, maybe she should wait—

As she was living through her inner turmoil, her cell vibrated and she quickly opened the message.

No, not yet. Is everything fine?

"Yes!" Lucy squealed, excited.

I guess... Can't sleep.

And this is why you're writing me? Well, that's nice.

Lucy smiled. And whom would I write?

Fair point. Why can't you sleep, anyway? You sure everything's okay?

If I told you why, you wouldn't believe me.

And she knew she was right. How was she supposed to tell him she loved him, though? Well, it was not a thing to casually say through a phone call anyway… Lucy bit her lip. Her answer surely had provoked him to consider the situation, and he would probably ask more about it. And, truthfully, she really did not want to make up any lie. He had had enough of it in the past. Not to mention, he deserved the truth.

Oh? Try me.

"Oh, you're on." She shook her head before typing.

It's because of you.

That time, Sting took a while longer to reply; she thought he was either writing an essay or stalling so that she could add anything; however, when it came, his response consisted of just one word.

Me?

She rolled her eyes. Of course he was just prompting her to elaborate. Lucy smirked. And elaborate she would.

All of the sudden, I can't stop thinking about you.

She wished she could see his face. His expression had to be priceless! The woman did not have time to muse over the matter, for she blinked only once before his answer was there.

Lucy... What do you mean?

Heartfilia blushed. She could almost see him, his eyes widened and his expression hopeful, his hands reaching for her, to hold her close or, better, to hold her chin, preventing her from turning away from his burning sight. Lucy sighed. Confession was on the way, although she was not sure what he would do about it at that hour.

I close my eyes and I see your face. You're more than tactile right now inside of my mind. I can't help but get excited. I am a bundle of nerves when I'm writing with you now, because I care too much not to give a damn about what you think of me. I want you to touch me, to kiss me, to feel me… For the last three hours I was trying to fall asleep, but the falling went the other way…

That's it. I'm calling.

Lucy gasped and tried to type a reply with a request that he would not do that, but he was already calling. Her insides twisted and, with a tight throat, she accepted the call.

"Sting." She answered softly, biting on her finger.

"Lucy…" Sting's voice was hoarse. "Falling went the other way… Have I caught it right?"

"I-I think so. Yes."

"So, it's not only me anymore?"

"Visibly." She whispered, sighing again. "How could I not fall for you? You're such a great guy."

"You think? Well then. Look at that, I've been a goner for a loooong time already. You're better at this game, apparently." Sting chuckled, making her giggle, too. Then, he added seriously. "But listen, if you're feeling strange with all those emotions, just know that I'm ten times worse. I already have feelings for you, and after your text… I'm giddy from excitement. Especially that you've just told me that you're also… Um… Also…"

Lucy giggled and shifted, changing the topic a little. "Sting… I'm glad to hear you."

"I'm happy to hear your voice, too." Eucliffe said tenderly after a moment. "I've actually missed you today."

"I have, too. You, I mean."

"I know." He chuckled. "But since we're already on the phone, tell me more, if you don't mind. What are you feeling now?"

"I, I'm, like, ecstatic and I feel like flying, but at the same time have a lump in my throat and butterflies in my belly, and... Um, never mind." Lucy confessed sincerely.

Sting seemed to be taken aback by the honesty, but quickly collected himself. "A-and?"

"Nothing."

"What, are you getting wet?" The man joked. Lucy blushed and fell silent; upon not hearing her answer, he swore. "Damn, sorry. But… Oh God. Really?"

"Sting… I think we both know that I've wanted you, too, for a while… So is that really so surprising?" Then, she groaned and admitted: "I can't believe I just said it. I'm mortified. Shit."

He sucked the air sharply in and cleared his throat. "You want me to come over? Not for sex, just to talk about it all, spend time together."

"You know what? You could. But isn't it too late? Would that be a problem?" Lucy bit her lip and glanced at the hour.

"I don't care. I'll be there in fifteen minutes."

"Okay. And Sting?"

"Yes?"

"Be safe on your way."

"Always am." Eucliffe chuckled and hung up.

Lucy put her phone down, turned on her belly, and squealed into her pillow. "He's coming!"

Indeed, fifteen minutes later, Sting knocked on her door. Immediately, Lucy went to open up, smiling. She did not even care that she was in her pajamas, which consisted of panties and a crop top.

"Hey." She said softly right when she saw him. Her reason flew out of the window when he smiled charmingly at her.

"Hi." Sting stepped in and stopped in front of her to brush her hair behind her ear. His sight was full of tenderness. "Do you mind if I kiss you?"

Lucy shook her head with disbelief and slowly embraced his waist. Sting's breath hitched when he hugged her back and then lifted her chin to share a kiss. She felt her heart jump and gasped when they joined their lips, moving in synch. Sting purred and licked her, asking for permission to go for a French kiss. Lucy unhurriedly gave him access, which he quickly used and slid his tongue along hers. She hummed shortly and tried to mimic his moves. She was not sure how it all escalated that quickly, but she did not mind.

"Sting." She panted out loud when they were changing the angle. He stopped and looked at her, his eyes hazy. Lucy smiled and caressed his face. "Let's move from the hall, shall we?"

"Sure."

The man took her hand and led her to the living room, sitting down on the sofa and bringing her down with himself. Lucy giggled, holding his hand. She stared at him and, enchanted, began to slide her fingertips along his fingers and knuckles. She blinked and realized he was staring at her hungrily. Blush colored her face, but she did not turn her head away.

"Thank you for coming." Lucy said softly, delicately scratching his wrist.

"Thanks for inviting me over." Sting grinned. "Actually, I love the fact you allowed me to come."

"Why wouldn't I?"

"I don't know, maybe because I'll be spending the night?"

"Well… I trust you, so there's no harm." She blushed and looked down, suddenly shy. "Besides, I really wanted to see you."

Sting did not answer; instead, he raised their joined hands and gave the back of her hand a kiss. Then, he led them to his chest. Lucy watched as he let go, turned her palm, and laid it over his heart. She felt it beating fast and hard. She flushed and gazed back at him, melting under his sight.

"It's beating like this for you. Only you, Lucy."

"Sting…" She shivered and, if she could, she would turn into a puddle at the very moment. Her heart was hammering in her chest, but she kept quiet. She could not bring herself to offer him to feel her heart for himself, even though she wanted to. So maybe she should…? But, before she decided, he beat her to it.

"Can I check yours?"

"B-but I'm not wearing any bra…" Lucy whispered.

Sting closed his eyes for a moment, budging. Then, he said hoarsely: "I already know you."

"R-right… Fine…"

He reached out to her and, before he went for her chest, his fingers brushed her left cheek and lips. Lucy shivered and emitted a long breath. Sting smiled and reached lower; he lifted her breast, then placed his palm right under it, more or less where her heart was. Lucy felt her face boil and her heart raced even more. Sting chuckled and scooted closer.

"Now I know everything, Lu."

"S-shut up!"

"Anyway, tell me… Why only now?"

"How would I know? I, I guess I could not deny it any longer."

"At last you realized." He snorted.

"Hmpf. It's not that easy for me, Sting." She frowned. "I really believed I would never fall in love with anyone. Hell, I was fighting not to."

"I wish you told me why. Maybe I'd be able to help you." Sting sighed, caressing her leg.

"One day, I promise." Lucy breathed and came closer, hugging him. "I'm glad you're so patient. Thank you."

"Yeah, imagine I'm just as surprised." Eucliffe chuckled, earning a hit on the side. "Ouch! Don't go punching me, woman. It's a good thing!"

"Oh yeah?"

"Yeah. It means I must really care for you."

The blondes were talking till morning, completely not eager to go to sleep; Lucy was more than delighted to have him beside. Also, after their conversation turned more emotional, they spent much time exploring each other, teaching the other what they liked best. Which, as Sting commented when they both were trying to catch their breaths, delighted him to no end, that she had no more problems with making out with him.

At last, when the yawning became unbearable, she prepared sheets for him. He insisted he would sleep on the sofa. Having told him goodnight, she passed to her bedroom, where she fell on the bed and quickly fell asleep.

Still, after a while, she woke up to hear the door open and Sting sneak in. She smiled when he laid down next to her and gently embraced her waist, hugging her. Lucy knew very well that he would not hurt her. He would never do anything against her will. Thus, she turned to him and threw a part of the sheet over his body. Satisfied, she snuggled closer to him and he secured his arm around her again. And that was all she had ever dreamed of.

A few days later

On their posing day, Sting arrived extremely cold and wet. Lucy, who was worried he would be sick again, set water for tea and gave him a blanket. They were talking on her couch, waiting for the water to boil. She listened as Sting was telling her how he ended up completely soaked.

"Yeah, so I started winning the snowball fight, and suddenly: BAM! I landed in the melting snow, you know. Those kids simply pushed me off their way!" The man exclaimed, shivering slightly.

"Gosh, that's terrible." Lucy grimaced.

"I know, right? But hey, I think that I got one of them later on."

The couple laughed and Lucy came closer to the man. She felt so good with him on her side, so free to be reckless, happy, attractive. He made her open up, not only to himself, but also to the world again. And she was extremely grateful for that.

"Lucy…" Suddenly, Sting cleared his throat.

"Mhm?"

"I know what can get me warm again." He said slowly.

"What is it? I'll help!"

"Well, it won't work without you. In fact, it's all about you." Sting smirked and clicked his tongue. "Get under the blanket with me. Please."

"Sure, make room for me."

But when she started to crawl under the blanket next to him, he tutted. "No. I mean… Sit on my lap. You'll keep me warm."

The woman froze, stunned. Was he for real? "B-but…"

"Come on, we're both clothed. I just want to get warm."

"Do you really?" Heartfilia eyed him suspiciously.

"Whatever it takes." He grinned and reminded her gently: "You volunteered."

Lucy bit her lip, but sighed and nodded. The man's smile widened and he opened the blanket pupa, letting her slide under it. She sat on his lap, her legs turned to one side. When she was close enough for his liking, his arms closed around her, along with the fabric. She was looking so fragile, so unsure of herself… Nonetheless, she came willingly. Sting sighed and hugged her figure, enjoying her warmth.

"Better. So much better."

The woman said nothing, only hid her face in the crook of his neck. Finally, she parted her lips a little and sighed quietly, half-lidding her eyes. She felt comfortable and safe now. Sting's scent and closeness had that effect on her, she noticed. So, in gratitude, she kissed his neck gently. He did not expect such a bold move, so he jerked a little before asking:

"Hey, baby girl… What's on your mind?"

"You." She confessed sincerely, flushing. "I can't keep away from you. Frankly, I don't want to try anymore."

"So don't. I don't want you to keep your distance from me, of all people."

"I won't. I—"

But before she could finish, the man planted his hands on her shoulders and shifted her so that he could stare at her. A moment of silence embraced them, neither was willing to break it. At last, he closed the distance and kissed her lips tenderly. Passion and want were obvious in his caress, petting her both mentally and physically. Lucy hummed and retuned the kiss almost immediately, loving his taste and eager mouth. Before she knew it, she was sitting even closer to him, hugging his neck and pressing herself to his front. Maybe it was out of character for her, but she could not stop, euphoria overwhelming her. She had to be closer. She had to touch him. She had to grasp as much of him as humanly possible. The feeling was consuming…

Until the kettle started to whistle and they broke away, gazing at each other with toe-curling intensity.

"Don't go." Sting whispered and pecked her lips.

"But your tea?"

"I have something better now."

Lucy grinned and kissed him again, that that time taking the lead. Brushing his hair with her nails, scratching his scalp made him hum in approval, and he automatically moved against her. Lucy moaned, and it made Sting all the more brave. His hands began making wide circles around her back and sides, learning her curves with precision. Having realized he would not be punished, Sting grunted and passed to her front gently. His palm first embraced, then squeezed her right breast. Lucy wiggled on him, encouraging his caresses. It felt right with him; yet, the position she had taken was beginning to be uncomfortable. Oh, how she wished she had straddled the man right away! But it still felt magical, being like that with him, special. When he broke away to allow them a breath, she quickly dived under his chin; her mouth devoured his skin, teasing his Adam's apple and leaving a few hickeys along the column. Eucliffe was gobsmacked, breathing heavily. Almost unconsciously, Lucy transferred up to his mouth again and kissed him avidly.

"Sting…" The woman sighed, not entirely breaking the smooch, but keeping her lips against his. She had her eyes closed, so she could not know he had opened his and was staring at her from the short distance with tenderness and lust. Before she spoke her mind, though, she kissed him again, smiling. "Mm… I love your taste."

Suddenly, Lucy snapped her eyes open and blushed scarlet. Oh God. Had she really told him that?! What an embarrassment, it was supposed to stay in her thoughts! What would he think about her?

Nevertheless, Sting smirked and pecked her lips before he answered. "That was one of the hottest things I've ever heard."

"What?" She blinked, stopping her internal fuss.

"Honest. Lucy, I'm absolutely delighted." He laughed. "You, my little lady, told me how you feel and what you think. You opened up. And you're pushing your own limits. I love it." There, he made a pause. "God, this sure is strange, to be talking to you like this. I've already learned that I shouldn't do that… Yet, you keep provoking me, making me question everything I believed to be right around you. Ever since the club encounter. Have you noticed?"

"But before it wasn't deliberate…" She started slowly.

"And now?"

Lucy stared into his eyes, then shifted. She was straddling him now, then boldly sat down on his groin, still gazing at him provocatively. "Now, I do it all on purpose."

"Little devil girl." Sting spat, feeling her weight on his hard on. "You know exactly what you're doing."

Heartfilia shrugged innocently and winked. That was enough for him to capture her lips again. She moaned and shifted on him suggestively. Oh, she knew it would excite him more—after all, she could already feel him. In response, Sting nipped on her lower lip, seeking entrance. He had to distract himself from her fortunate, but so unfortunate position. She teased him a little, not relenting right away; at last, Lucy opened her mouth. His tongue crept between her lips, exploring, and then slowly slid along hers. She moaned and dug her nails into his arms. Sting shivered and adjusted the woman on himself, and the couple continued French-kissing.

When they became short of breath, Lucy pulled away with a dreamy smile. She sighed, to which Sting cocked a brow at her. But she only shook her head and began to untangle herself from the blanket and from his arms. He grunted and tried to catch her. Yet, she frowned and escaped easily.

"I must turn off the kettle. It's still whistling."

The man rolled his eyes, but nodded and brushed his hair with one hand. Lucy smiled and walked away to the kitchen. There was much steam there, thus she quickly turned off the cooker and waved her hand around, intending to make the thick air dissolve faster. Seeing that it was pointless, she took two cups and made some tea. Then she returned to the room where her friend, her boyfriend, her savior, and her love was.

"Here you are."

"I still preferred you on me." Sting grinned and licked his lips.

"Well... Can't say I minded. Anyway, when I entered the kitchen, it was so hot and steamy there... Sting, I really wanna do a sauna meeting."

The man laughed at her expression and motioned her to come closer. She did and he threw one arm around her. "Of course, baby. I really want to see you naked, all sweaty and flushed."

"Is this the only thing you can think of when I'm around?" Lucy puffed her cheeks. She knew he was only kidding, still, did he really have to make all those jokes?

"Nope. I have some other ideas." Sting pecked her forehead and breathed her in.

"Somehow I don't doubt it." She muttered. "Fine, then, can I leave you here and prepare the sauna?"

"No. I want you with me. When I drink the tea, we'll do it together." He offered, earning a nod and a blush. He swallowed another salve of laughter and sat Lucy down on his lap again, then put his hands right above her buttocks. "We can also continue with our little make out session."

Lucy smiled widely and they went on with the caresses and kisses.

When the man dealt with his hot drink, they stood up and moved to prepare everything. She instructed him to bring some water and turn on the heater. Then, she went to grab the towels. Now, she deliberately chose the tightest and the most fluffy ones. After all, they would be of great use later on... She smirked. If everything went according to plan.

"Baby, can you tell me how to turn on the whole machinery?"

"Yeah, just wait a sec." Lucy answered before hurrying to Sting. She swiftly went around him and pushed the right buttons. "See, it's not that complicated."

"Are you offending me?" He grinned.

"Not at all." She caresses his cheek and entered the sauna, then put down the towels on the two benches. She regretted that it was such a small place—she had no possibility of laying down with Sting. Well, but sitting was another option, and she would definitely use it up.

The blonde went out. She smiled innocently at the man before she strolled to a drawer with medicine; there, she encountered a small square packet. Hesitantly, she took it out an did in her hand. If she did not chicken out, and the mood would go the right way… it would be much needed.

Finally, Lucy took a deep breath to calm herself. She was nervous—it had been a long while, but her heart was telling her to trust Sting Eucliffe and take a risk.