I didn't get a lot of feedback, but hopefully, you are enjoying it so far :) It will have 2 or 3 more chapters. This one is a bit longer.
I do not own One Piece.
Part four: What's important
x
x
Her scream dispelled the edge of sleep he was struggling against.
"Shhh. I'm here, it's all right." He held her.
Breathing heavily with wide eyes, Tashigi stiffened, tears running down her cheeks.
"I'm sorry." She croaked.
He said nothing, tightening his hold around her.
The fifth night was gradually fading with the first rays of the sun, marking his duty of a guardian over.
He understood her nightmares better than anyone could. To this day, he had nightmares related to Kuina's death.
Believing that they made progress in their "unique" relationship kept him going. She was relaxed around him enough to sleep in his arms and not cover herself when he was changing her dressings. His award was several hugs and occasional caresses.
Patience was never his thing, and yet another night he was reminded why. Her closeness made him painfully aware of her; every time she rubbed her cheek against his chest like a sleepy cat or when her unbound hair tickled his chin.
He grunted when her breast flattened slightly against his chest, his left arm sliding to her lower back. His heart thudded as he waited for her response.
Tashigi burrowed her face where his neck curved into his shoulder, and he sucked in a breath, almost springing up.
What the hell are you doing to me, woman?
He forced his mind to drift somewhere else. His eyes paused on Ko's katana that lay on the table with his three swords.
No, not Ko's katana, Rasetsu. He corrected himself. It told him its name when he trained yesterday, in the forest.
I never encountered a talking sword before. Ha! To think I was worried about it.
The blade made him feel invincible. He had a feeling if he was to fight Mihawk right now, he would win.
I'm getting excited... When I master it, I'm going to challenge him again.
And I'll become the world's greatest swordsman, Kuina! Luffy will become the Pirate King... I will clear the path.
It was weird that Tashigi didn't want to take a closer look. He kinda hoped she would tell him more about it as she did before.
When he asked her if he could keep it, she became pale and nodded apprehensively.
"It's yours... I don't want... I can't."
Her book didn't have anything about Rasetsu. He found some useful info about Wado, Shusui, and Sandai.
Tashigi giggled at the scene of him reading a book. She dared to tease him about it.
The woman was as stubborn as an ox.
The day before yesterday, she wanted to train with him. According to the doctor, her wound required at least two weeks to heal properly, but Tashigi did not want to hear about it. Not that he could blame her. He also had trouble staying still.
That's when he got a stupid idea: to hide Shigure.
"How dare you, Roronoa!?" She shouted.
Back to Roronoa, huh?
"If you think that's going to stop me from training, you're wrong!"
"Glasses, calm down!" He wrapped his arms around her, preventing her from getting out of the cottage.
"I'll return your sword as soon as you- Aghhh!"
Her elbow connected with his ribs. He swore and released her.
She whirled on him. "How arrogant can you be? You think I'm a child that you can punish?!"
"Listen here, you little!" He advanced on her. "I had to!"
She took one step back, then turned to sprint outside, but slipped on literally nothing.
His hands caught her just in time.
"Let me go! What would you do if I did the same to you?! Where do you get ideas from!? You stupid pirate!"
"Ungrateful woman!" He lifted her and slung her over his shoulder.
He snorted at the deja vu.
"Put me down right now!" She yelled as she hit his back. "You are the most annoying, selfish, and barbaric man I've ever met, Roronoa Zoro!"
Once he made enough distance from the door, he set her back on her feet, grabbing her by the shoulders.
"I did it because of you! You're in no condition to swing your sword! You stubborn, marine woman!"
Tashigi's mouth slacked open, her cheeks crimson.
"However... It was wrong of me to take it. I had my sword stolen from me and I went insane. Just... Desperate times, desperate measures."
"Don't do it again." Her voice was nearly inaudible as his apology began to override her anger.
"I know it's hard to stay put but think like this: the faster you heal the quicker we'll get out of this shithole."
"Okay."
Feeling the need to kiss her, he sought relief in his alcohol stash. Izumo was good for something, after all.
The rhythmic sound of her sleepy breathing brought him solace and restlessness.
Because she was so close, yet so far.
He was rotting on the inside, unable to make the first move, to cut the nibbling pain of being...
Fuck! No way.
Each breath she took heightened the intensity of his desire. Her touch, her smile, and even her tears caused a powerful sensation that feverishly shook him.
I have to pull myself together, get away from here and reunite with my crew.
As he carefully drew away from her, he wished she could see herself through his eyes.
"What a pitiful man."
Shut up.
Freeing himself from Tashigi, he strode towards Rasetsu. He held it across the palms of both hands.
How is it possible that we can talk?
"You're finally interested in me? You sure you don't wanna mope around?"
Ignoring the mocking, he had to admit that it was beautifully made; the blade shimmered and the fire-breathing dragon that curled around the hilt was delicately carved.
"It's magic."
I don't believe in magic.
"Yet, here we are, talking."
Nevertheless, he felt disappointed. If it was a magical sword, should he be using it? He felt like he was taking a shortcut.
"It was not by chance that we met. I told you. You were destined to wield my power."
I don't take shortcuts.
"If you don't believe me, why don't you ask her?"
Who-
There was a subtle shift in the air. Not exactly hostile, but definitely out of this world. His heart leaped up as he glanced at the transparent form of a girl.
Kuina!
Goosebumps crept up the back of his neck.
"Your face is hilarious." The eleven-year-old girl snickered.
He couldn't move.
What? How? Why? He shook his head, walking backwards.
I'm dreaming. That's the only logical-
"I don't have much time. Don't you want to fulfil my dream? Our dream? You promised."
"I did... But... But... you can't be here. You died." Cold sweat skidded down his back.
"Yes, I did. But you promised that you'll become the greatest. For my sake." She hovered at the entrance, passing through the tree stump desk.
"I will, Kuina... I-I w-will."
"Then, why don't you accept Rasetsu?"
"You know about it?"
"Of course. I sent it to you. I thought you would be more grateful."
"I already have your sword with me-"
"I knew you were weak. I knew you lied."
"What? I'm not-"
"I wish I was alive. Then I could achieve greatness by myself instead of waiting for you to make up your mind about the clear choice!"
"Kuina..." He dropped to his knees.
"You don't deserve my dream or my sword. Cause you're weak!" She radiated with a blue glimmer.
"No, I'm not! I'll prove it to you! I'll prove it-"
"Zoro? What's going on?"
"She's gone...she's gone... she left..." His stomach dropped. The strength left his body as if his spirit was beaten with iron rods, nausea erupting within.
No, I would never betray you! I'll do it! I'll master it and you'll be proud of me-
"Are you all right?" A warm hand touched his shoulder.
Tashigi.
He reached for her hand, feeling her fingers brushing the sweaty hair from his forehead.
"Are you sure you want to take her hand? She made Kuina disappear."
"Don't touch me!" He said suddenly, drawing his hand from hers.
"It's because of you! Because of you, I lost sight of what's important!"
Tashigi put her hand to her chest as though someone was strangling her.
Not being able to bear the disappointment in her eyes, he walked away clutching Rasetsu.
"Good job. She was a distraction."
It was the third morning of Roronoa's absence. Since that night when he stormed out, she tried to muster what happened.
The shout woke her up revealing that he wasn't beside her, but on his knees, talking to himself.
As she neared, his breathing was short and oppressed; a hard, dry cough threw him on all fours.
His skin was hot when she touched him.
Is he sick?
When she tried to examine him, he unexpectedly jerked his hand out of hers.
His glare was darker than the deepest caves, sparking the fear within.
No sooner than she felt fear, his tongue spewed damaging words, twisting the sharp pain inside her chest.
What's wrong with him?
It was more than strange.
He even left his swords behind. As if something possessed him.
It's the island's fault. The isolation and having to stay by my side instead of reuniting with his crew got to him. And... he's fed up with babysitting me... Hearing my screams, shouts and watching me cry... I can't condemn him.
Her problem was that she couldn't interpret her feelings for him.
Not since Punk Hazard when she lowered her guard. He could penetrate her defences and get her to talk about personal things.
Even though she was conscious of the nature of their relationship, she willingly spoke to the enemy, spilling the things she would never say, even under the death threat.
And now, he saved her life once more. She was naked and vulnerable to his will.
The irony of the situation was that she wanted his company. Not because she was indebted to him.
She desired him to look at her like he did when he consoled her after nightmares; to say that he liked her even though she was a marine woman.
That she was someone special in his life.
Special... What am I thinking? She wrung her hands.
The alliance is over.
She took out her diary from beneath the big stone near the fireplace.
Checking her notes from yesterday's investigation, she finally remembered why Ko's mask was so familiar.
It was remarkably similar to the deity's sculpture from the temple. The only person who was known for wearing the mask was Izumo, during his weekly rituals.
I need to get more information somehow. But where? Izumo is still here as Roronoa mentioned, and I can't imagine Ronan leaving without him. Temple and quarry hold the answers I seek. I couldn't inspect the temple properly since Izumo's followers kicked me out. I should attempt it at night. Then I can-
The door opened slowly.
She hastily shoved the diary to its place, holding back a shriek when the stone pinched her forefinger. Springing to her feet, she saw green peeking through the door.
They both froze when their eyes met.
His sweaty, dirty shirt was torn at the neck, his arms were bare and he looked like he got into a fight with the entire forest. In his right hand, he held Rasetsu.
She made a step back, letting her gaze fall.
I should leave. But first... I should put my pants on.
Tashigi resisted the urge to facepalm.
Her wound stung a little when she buttoned the pants.
By the time she turned around to take her boots, he was inside, standing near the door.
It was the end of their peculiar relationship. She should say something. After all, he saved her life.
"Don't touch me! It's because of you! Because of you, I lost sight of what's important!"
Her lips tightened, as she slipped into her boots, taking Shigure.
He observed her but did not move.
Opening the door, she made a painful decision; she walked away.
x
x
Panting, she closed her eyes, not bothering with the loose hair around her face. Sweat clung a few strands to her forehead and cheeks, as she filled her lungs with dry air.
Muscles tensed as she swung Shigure at the scarred wood. Yet again, it transformed into Ko, his eyes blackening as her sword struck and sunk deeply into the wood.
She could hear his silent cry, bringing unstoppable tears to her eyes. As she blinked them away, chills ran over her when she attempted to free her blade.
Tashigi could feel his blood trickling down her arm, drenching her clothes. Her will to end his suffering lost against his last gasp. The pressure, his weight upon her, faded.
She felt the coldness of the snow from her dream, finally pulling her blade free.
What if I see Ko's dying face every time I use my sword? What if I won't be able to wield it for the sake of justice?
The dreadful thought paused Shigure in the air.
She had a profound intolerance for injustice. That part of her could never change. Looking back at the thrilling life she led with Smoker and G-5, down to the heartbreaking moments, and discovery of the people's capacity for horrendous destruction, made her wonder if she'll ever find the piece of her that pushed on despite despair.
If she returned to Smoker and G-5, could she be the Captain they deserved? The woman who was determined to fight for the weak?
She wasn't sure.
Some facts couldn't be forgotten.
"Killing is killing, no matter the circumstances."
True.
She cut the air with Shigure in one sharp, vicious motion. It whistled, her wound stinging as she sheathed it. The pain was intense, but she refused to give it control over her.
"You'll break stitches and it's going to hurt like hell. Trust me, I've been there."
Forget about him, Tashigi. You're over.
Rolling one shoulder that felt a bit sore, she decided to call it quits for today. The last thing she wanted was to tear her stitches and get an infection. Not because he said so.
Ridden with more questions than answers, she dragged herself to the village.
"Ah, Ginchiyo. I'm so glad you're feeling better."
On her way to the women's baths, Izumo caught up to her, matching her pace.
"Thank you for your concern, sir. I'm surprised to see that you're still here."
"This is my home. I grew attached to it."
Tashigi halted, studying the older man.
Had he gone mad calling this place home? This island where innocent people died?
She shut her eyes, sighing wearily. For a moment, her limbs trembled.
She changed the subject, swallowing her disapproval.
"Were there any attacks since that night?"
"Not at all. Even the weather is in our favour. Many left. I'm sure they are safe and sound and I'll pray for them."
"I see. That's good to hear." She willed herself to smile.
"Will you leave with your husband after you recover?"
"Yes."
"Shame. I kinda hoped you would settle down here. It's quite beautiful when there are no threats." He chuckled.
There it was again. The fear unlike any she felt before. Though he smiled he filled her with unease.
"Well..." She trailed off.
"I know, I know. Young people want to see the world. It's all right. I'll pray for both of you."
"Thank you..."
"And... slow down, Ginchiyo. Don't train too hard. Your husband is an interesting fellow. You should have seen him a few nights ago when we had drinks..."
Tashigi petrified at the information.
Did he spill the beans? No... No...
"He was worried about you. Such a caring husband."
Caring, huh?
"On that dreadful night, he brought you to Dr. Mashita's place. He frightened the poor man, promising to end him if he failed to save you."
"Ah... haha..."
Tashigi's heart flittered.
"I expect the two of you to appear tonight."
"Pardon?"
"Zero didn't tell you? We're throwing a goodbye party to the rest of the people who want to leave. I think we should send them off with a smile... I'm gonna miss them."
That's my chance.
"Yes... We will be there."
"Excellent. If you'll excuse me, I have to finish the preparations."
"Of course." She bowed, relieved that he left.
The men's bath area was similar to the onsen. Not as glamorous as the one he visited with his crew, but he didn't care.
If it was any other day, he would be astounded by the history and the fact it was still functioning in this forsaken hellhole.
It was a huge room, engulfed by a massive steaming pool, ringed by a row of small stools imitating the bathing stations. With the lack of population, it was empty, which suited his mood.
He picked a place to sit, not bothering to cover his body. It took forever to wash the dust and the dirt off.
What the fuck happened to me?
"I must have dozed off. It was not real," he whispered. "This place's weirdness is rubbing off on me."
"You are the stubbornest man I've encountered."
He plunged into the water, submerging himself to his neck. The water was scalding, searing his skin and small cuts, burning his soul.
The sword can't speak. I did not see Kuina.
"We were making big progress. Didn't you feel great when we trained together?"
The mural on the wall was grand and ancient by the looks of it. It depicted a few rituals typical for the bathhouse.
One of the scenes represented the custom after a battle; warriors took off their armours, sinking into the healing waters.
The bizarre thing was the dragon's head spewing fire to heat it.
This is just a creepy place. It cannot harm you. It has no power over you.
"I can ask the girl to come again if you want to."
I have my swords, I do not need this one.
He nodded, listening only to his words and not to the wail of the inanimate object.
"Why are you blaming me? You went mad because you couldn't hold the marine woman."
GET OUT OF MY HEAD.
"You can't get rid of me that easily!"
Slapping the water, he felt utterly weak, for allowing himself to be controlled by alien emotions.
When he woke up in the forest and not next to her, he realized the gravity of his actions.
Feeling dizzy, he slithered out of the dragon fire pool as he named it in his mind, collapsing on the side.
Every progress he made with her was now lying in the ditch.
"DAMN IT."
The flames of the bonfire burned brightly, casting a glow on the people that sat around it. Sparks flew like fireflies, vanishing into the night sky. Shutting his eye, he listened to the crackling howl of joy and rage, feeling the sand between his toes.
The swishing of the waves mingled with chattering, urging him to concentrate on the party.
A memory emerged in his mind.
The sea was calm that night too.
He enjoyed one of Brook's songs, ignoring his gut feeling.
"The storm is approaching!" Nami warned them. Her experienced eye noticed a thick, dark veil of clouds.
When Sunny sailed into the storm, he could hear its song.
Wind and shrieks of his crew blended into an ominous tune, mast, and sails quivering, giving off their notes.
He could feel Sunny's movement, forward, up and down, the chord rising and building until it reached an eerie climax of fierce wrath.
His heart raced to the melody of his struggling comrade, as the growing terror of his crew coursed through him.
How could the sea change its temperament so abruptly?
He had faith in Sunny, everyone did. Their comrade would not fail them. He knew that he would feel the sunlight on his face and the wind in his hair in the morning.
Since that time, he learned the dread of the smiling sky and tranquil sea.
So-called the calm before the storm.
Though the stars shone on the blue-black sky, he knew something was coming.
The calm before the storm.
He touched the hilts of his swords, the scar on his chest tingling. He missed them.
On alert, he tasted the liquor made by the islanders. Nothing could measure up to Izumo's sake. Even the Gorilla guy shared his booze with him.
He already ate cooked clams, with some wild onions and sea asparagus, and a bowl of soup made out of mussel shells.
Though he tried not to sound like his Captain, the feast was incomplete without a juicy piece of meat. Like the one the Stupid Cook prepared.
Halfway through the party, some of the women danced around the fire, to the sounds of man-made instruments.
He continued drinking his lamenting away.
If Atsushi was alive, he would spill some bullshit about how life was short and how I should make the first move. If he was alive he would go with his wife and live a peaceful life with a few kids... Fuck.
He took a generous gulp of his drink.
"Where is your wife, Zero-san?" One of the women asked as she poured him more alcohol.
"She's... she's..."
"Here."
He turned around rapidly, nearly toppling from the log he's been sitting on.
"Tash-"
She seized his shoulders, smiling at the woman who inquired about her.
"You look a lot better, Ginchiyo-san!" The woman with copper curls smiled. "Thank you for everything. Without you, I wouldn't be able to leave... I'm so grateful that you saved me."
"It's all right. I'm happy to see you in good health. You'll finally be able to find your sister. And thank you for the gift."
"That's the least I could do, Ginchiyo-san! I hope you like the colour... Here, have tea from the moonflower. To help you heal quickly!"
"Thank you." She accepted the cup.
"Enjoy the party, Ginchiyo-san!"
As soon as the woman left to serve others, Tashigi sat by his side.
He did a double-take.
She wore a soft pink dress, with short sleeves and a flower print. It rose above her knees when she took a seat. His gaze followed the line of her sun-kissed, shapely legs, up to where the fabric covered her thighs.
"Roronoa." She hissed. "Leave tomorrow with them."
"What?"
"You heard me." She sipped her tea.
"What about you?"
"Don't worry about me."
"Don't tell me you plan on-"
"Staying, yes. This is not over and I don't want you to blow my cover with your drunken babbling."
I was right. We're back to square one.
"Drunken babbling? As if. I could drink this island dry, and still, I wouldn't say a thing."
"As impressive as that sounds," he recognized the sarcasm, "I'd rather you leave."
"What makes you think I will listen to you? Besides... Your life is mine, did you forget?"
Her fingers tightened around the cup.
"What do you want from me? I thought you lost sight of what's important because of me."
He balled his fist.
"If you want the treasure for your Captain, the temple is the right choice. I suggest you wait until everyone falls asleep."
"What about you?"
"I'm going to the quarry first."
"Why?"
"Cause there is something... It doesn't matter. Our temporary alliance is over."
He wanted to push her buttons like he always did. To say that nothing prevents him from blowing her cover now and ruining her plans so she'll reconsider. But he didn't.
"I don't need the treasure."
"You don't?" She frowned. "But wasn't that the reason you came?"
"People gave me gold while you were recovering. And... don't play dumb. You know that I came for you."
I made the first move, Atsushi.
The cup fell out of her hands, the remains of the tea quickly swallowed by the sand.
"I'm sorry about that night. The truth is I saw my friend and it was so real that I... I shouldn't have yelled. I shouldn't have said that to you."
"You saw her? Like a dream?"
"I'm not sure what's going on with me..."
"I understand." She covered his hand with hers. "This place has the same effect on me because of Ko."
"I have to show you something later."
"Okay."
Silence settled between them. He thought about what he could say, but it was futile. He already apologized and admitted that he cared about her. The rest was in her hands.
"You say you came for me. Why?"
This woman…
"I think you know." He glanced at her hand over his.
"Ah, sorry-"
"No, don't move it away." He clutched her hand.
"You know our positions-"
"I want you to stop thinking about that and have a drink with your husband." He grinned.
"I suppose... I can." The deepest blush spread over her cheeks.
He offered his cup to her.
"Only a sip or two. I can't hold my liquor." She replied.
"Can't hold your liquor, huh? Interesting. How do you know?"
"Hina-san told me. Thankfully, only marine women gathered... I tend to get a bit too happy." She scowled when she drank the liquor.
"Happy? Why is that a bad thing?"
Tashigi exhaled.
"It's a long story."
"We have time."
"I'm not comfortable because... Because... All my restraints disappear. It's awful."
She was killing him. An immediate picture of a less patronizing Tashigi sprang to mind. He liked it.
"Why? You should let it go once in a while. Taking life too seriously is a pain in the ass and it can kill you." He took his cup back.
"I can relax with a good book and coffee but I don't want this kind of looseness. I miss coffee so much."
"You don't like to give up control," he surmised.
She cocked her head to the side.
"I don't like to give up my... clothes."
He choked with his drink. "Wh-What!?"
"Shhhh! Apparently, I took my clothes off and tried to jump into the sea." Her ears were red.
"It's so shameful and I wouldn't do it even in my wildest dreams... So no. Drinking is off-limits."
A low chortle escaped him. "You'd be fun to hang around."
"I knew you would tease me." She smiled too.
"Zero! Ginchiyo! You don't plan on sitting the whole night, do you?"
Someone from the crowd shouted at them.
"Ah, no... I'm a bad dancer..." Tashigi tried to decline politely.
He smirked, standing up. "Let's dance, Ginchiyo."
"You can't be serious."
"Come on. You can do it. It's a lot like navigating through the storm."
He yanked her to him.
"Hey!" She crashed into him with an adorable squeak.
"Already tipsy?" He squeezed her tighter.
"What are y-you d-doing?"
"Trust me."
"Fine. But I'll step on your toes. It will be more painful because you're barefoot."
"How's that different from what you usually do to me?"
A wrinkle formed on the bridge of her nose, but she placed her hands on his chest.
He decided not to think about the dance. Rather, he focused on her.
On the comforting warmth of her body, a sigh from her parted lips, the way the light of flames danced on their bodies, bright at first then pale as they distanced from the crowd.
She laid her head on his chest and he set his chin on top of her head.
He thought about the lives they have to lead when they part, and how strong his love- their love needed to be, to pave the rough paths they had yet to thread on.
"I was wondering..." She looked up at him. "What did you want to show me?"
"Oh, yeah." Grudgingly, he let her go. "We have to go to the cemetery."
"Alright."
She remained at the same spot when he moved.
"What?"
"Let me lead the way..." She sighed, taking his hand.
.
.
"This is Atsushi's grave... The guy I told you about."
"We exchanged a few words. I know his wife... Such a tragedy." Tashigi hung her head.
"He was a good guy. A little weird, but good."
She silently paid her respects. He tried to mimic what she was doing but did not close his eye, watching her.
"Is this what you wanted to show me?"
"Yes, but also..." He pointed at the grave beside Atsushi's. Earlier, he stacked a few stones, varying in size, shape, and colour. When he was younger, he read in some book that rock cairns were used as burial monuments.
"Don't tell me...That's for..." She choked with emotions.
He stepped closer, resting his hand on her shoulder.
"I'm sorry about your friend. I know the pain. So I figured you should pay your last respects, even if his body-"
She threw her hands around him, pulling him into a hug. She was crying loudly, gripping him tighter, and when he recovered from the shock, he put his hands around her.
"Thank you... Thank you so much..."
She sniffed while paying respects to Ko.
"I have nothing to put on his grave... No memento. I lost the picture when we joined the Navy on my way to this island..." She clamped her mouth shut, battling the tears.
He drew Rasetsu out of his haramaki, laying it on Ko's grave.
"Are you sure...?"
"Yeah. I have my swords. And since you don't want it..."
"Thank you." She kissed his cheek.
"Tashigi... I..."
"Yes?"
"Nothing. Let's go home."
"Home, huh?"
"I meant-"
"Let's." She took his hand, lacing her fingers with his, leading the way.
His gaze locked at the exposed part of her back. Again, he was breathless, consumed by the insufferable yearning.
Calm down.
"What is it?" She questioned him when he stayed at the entrance of the cottage.
"I... I need to..."
I need to take a walk. Say it.
She climbed on her tiptoes, pecking him on the lips.
"Y-You kissed me..." He muttered. "You must be drunk."
Shaking her head, her fingers trailed down his arm, pulling him inside.
"Hardly. I had one sip."
He never met a woman who blushed as much as she did. The thought that it was because of him made it more charming.
"So... You want-"
The second touch of her lips stunned him for a second. But he had no intention to let it be quick and chaste. Responding, his thoughts sank like pebbles in the water.
He yanked her close, arm securing around her waist, his other arm pressing the back of her head.
If she abandoned the rules, her pride, willing to forget they were adversaries, the least he could do was to prove his feelings.
She knotted her fingers in his hair, her tongue swirling against his. It wasn't sweet or gentle.
The knowledge that they will soon go their separate ways, filled them with pain and anguish.
Their lips disconnected, and as they struggled for air, he felt like he was in one of his dreams.
Without words, they began undressing each other.
His hands made quick work of undoing her dress. It fell to the floor, revealing her body.
Her hand trembled when she seized the edge of his shirt, and he took it, kissing her wrist for reassurance.
Once he was shirtless, she leaned against him, resting her head on his shoulder.
Holding her in his arms, he waited for her to call everything off.
His back tingled as her hands traced every bump of his spine, nestling at the small of his back. She slowly slid her fingers beneath the rim of his pants, as her lips brushed against the sensitive base of his throat.
He held his breath, his restraints fading.
Moving her hair to one side, he kissed her neck, running the tip of his tongue along her skin. She shivered, her hands yanking his pants.
"Ngh..." he groaned, his lips lingering on the spot behind her ear.
They kissed, twisting against each other until they got rid of their clothes.
A surprising yelp left her lips as he picked her up, carrying her to the place where they slept together for many nights.
"Your wound..." It dawned on him. "We shouldn't do this."
"I... I-I w-won't change my mind..." She wrapped her legs around him, drawing him closer to her.
"If you're sure, then I won't argue."
"W-We finally... agree on something."
He snickered, kissing her again.
I have to say, I enjoyed writing the tender moments between them. Thanks for reading it!