"So...will you come with me?"
"Yeah...I promised I'd help out, didn't I?"
"Yes, but..."
"What?"
"It's nothing. You're right..."
---
Every time he showed her one of those smiles, she absolutely melted inside. It wasn't that his smiles were rare in their occurrence; it was just the way he showed them. In her case, it was kind of an appreciative gaze, as if he were grateful she was there to help or to raise his awareness about anything. Or, perhaps, he was grateful that she was just there. Whichever the reason, it provided her with a perpetual sense of warmth. Perhaps it wasn't just duty that brought her there that day. Perhaps...it was that thing called love.
Now, she was walking by his side, up the stone path to the Muse gates. She only intended to stay briefly, as most of the roles had already been assigned. The leaders were to review their plans for the unification of the City-State and the conquered Highland Kingdom.
It was a terribly hot, muggy day, but everyone remained high in spirit. As they convened at Jowston Hill, they energetically proposed and discussed strategies for quelling the anger and confusion among both former nations. These conversations would continue for most of the day.
---
...At least, that had been the plan.
"...Sorry," Shu was saying as Apple accompanied him to the inn. Night had fallen, and the leaders had all gone to their quarters to rest. "I didn't think they would take that long."
"It's all right," she responded.
"But you said you were hoping to stay for only a couple of hours."
The woman shrugged. "Yeah, well...life doesn't always go the way you want it to."
"Yes?" said the innkeeper as the two walked up to the desk.
"I was wondering if you could prepare a room for my friend here," said Shu.
"Oh, I'm sorry...all our rooms are booked, and most of our guests are sleeping by now."
"And Lady Teresa has taken Anabelle's old room..." the man murmured.
"My apologies, sir...but...we can allow your friend to room with you at no extra charge. You'll have to work out the sleeping arrangements yourself, however..."
Shu let out a sigh before turning to the young woman at his side. "Apple..."
"It's...all right," Apple replied. "That meeting left me tired. I'd...rather not walk a couple of miles back to the hall. Especially to bother Teresa."
"Then it's settled..."
---
The two walked into the guest room, which was illuminated softly by a wall lantern. Shu made his way in further, then turned around.
"All right," he started. "I'll just disappear outside for a while as you change, and then, when you're done, you...what?"
Apple looked horrified. "Um..."
"What is it, Apple?"
"You realize...I didn't...bring anything to sleep in."
"Oh."
"I-I just assumed I'd be...sleeping in a chair or something, I mean. That's all."
"Of course not," said Shu. "I won't hear of it. Listen, just borrow one of my shirts. That should suffice."
"Oh...okay."
"Good. Well, I'll return shortly."
"Thank you, Shu..."
"It's no problem," he said, showing her a smirk. He then walked past her and into the hall, closing the door behind him.
---
Apple was staring out the window when he returned. The man took a few steps into the room, catching a glimpse of her. She was sitting on a long bench beside the window, her face turned to the quiet scene below. Illuminated by the lantern, she was dressed in a plain white long-sleeved shirt ending at her thigh.
Finally, Apple noticed his presence; she turned around in surprise, slowly and gracefully lowering both feet to the floor.
"Oh...Shu...I didn't even realize you were back."
"Yes...I knocked on the door a couple of times. When you didn't answer, I thought it was safe to enter. Is something the matter?"
"Oh...n-no," Apple stammered softly as she arose, crossing over to him. "I suppose I was just lost in thought. So...is it my turn to leave?"
"Are you kidding?" Shu asked with a scoff. "I'm not about to let you wander the halls wearing only that."
"Err...I suppose not. Then...?"
"Just stay here for a minute and don't turn around."
"Ah..." Blushing slightly, Apple did as she was told. No conversation was exchanged as the man searched for something new to wear.
When he was done, he announced, "All right. You can turn around."
Apple seemed surprised to find him in a pair of loose black trousers. "Oh...is that all you're...?"
The man nodded. "Well...you're wearing my shirt..."
"S-sorry."
He only smiled back. "Don't apologize. Actually, to be honest, this weather is unbearable. I wouldn't mind a little breeze in the room..." He walked over to the window, unlatching it before pushing open one side. "That's better. Well...shall we?"
"Uh...of course..." Apple stepped up to the large bed and pulled back the sheets as Shu did the same. Avoiding eye contact with him, she quickly hopped in, but just as she was adjusting her legs to the mattress, she received an unexpected pain.
Gasping, it didn't take her very long to realize she had bumped heads with Shu. With her hand on her fresh bruise, she turned a little in his direction, giving him an abashed look.
The man was also cradling his head, and he let out an uneasy chuckle. "Maybe I should've just let you get in first," he said jokingly.
"Sorry..."
"I...accept your apology...this time. Ow."
Apple laughed nervously but felt herself calming down. Lowering her hand, she leaned in toward the man, laying a soft kiss on his forehead, in the spot he had been holding a moment ago. She then turned on her side, clutching her pillow as she felt herself start to breathe easier.
---
A couple of hours later, however, the exceedingly warm weather conditions forced the young woman awake. Realizing her skin was growing damp, she reflexively threw the sheets off of her, causing the man beside her to react.
"Sorry..." Apple whispered, turning around. "I forgot you were there..."
The man uttered a small, uncomfortable laugh. "Don't worry about it. I wasn't asleep anyway."
"Oh...why is that?"
"This damned weather, for one. I know if I fall asleep, I'll wake up even more tired than I was before I went to bed." He paused. "Also...I was thinking."
"About what?"
"The future, I suppose. How long I'll have to...play this role."
"What do you mean? Aren't you happy with all you've done?"
"No, it's not that. I'm proud of what I was able to do, and what I still can do. And I wouldn't dream of abandoning my duty prematurely. I just wonder how much longer it will be until I can retire."
Apple found this amusing. "Retire? Shu, you're still a young man."
"Huh? Oh...that's not what I--er...I just meant I'd like to get back to the trading business when I'm done here."
"Oh. Well, that makes sense. You did kind of take off."
"Yes, but who do we have to blame for that?" the man asked jokingly.
"Um...I don't know," Apple responded with feigned innocence. "I heard someone named Riou was at fault."
"Really? I heard Riou was accompanied by a young woman who dragged him all over Radat until they cornered me."
"I couldn't imagine who that was."
"You couldn't, could you?" Shu continued in mock anger, looming over her. "A certain bespectacled student of Master Mathiu's..."
"Exactly! There were several. Who knows where she could even be?"
"I do. She's lying beside me right now!"
"Aaahh, don't...!" Apple cried out, squealing with laughter as a dangerous set of fingers buried themselves into the tender part of her stomach. "Oh God..." Gasping, she curled up and grabbed the man's wrist, attempting to stop this vicious tickling assault. "Shu...! Stop...it..."
"Not until you tell the truth."
"Agh...! Okay...okay...! It was me! Now stop...!"
Shu complied, laughing victoriously, as Apple breathed a sigh of relief.
"There now, that wasn't so hard, was it?" the man asked.
"Oh, quiet. You ought to be ashamed, picking on a poor, helpless girl."
"...You aren't helpless and you know it."
The sudden shift in his tone caused her to look his way. "Huh?"
"You aren't helpless," Shu repeated with admiration. "I meant what I said in the beginning. You're a strong woman. In fact, I appreciate all that you've done. I really wouldn't be here if it weren't for you."
"Is that...all it is, though?"
"No, but even if it were, it isn't something you should dread. You should feel incredibly proud of yourself."
"Oh, I do," said the young woman with a grin, reaching up to caress his face. "You'd be a hopeless case without me."
"Is that so?"
"Yeah..." The two moved in closer, sharing a sweet kiss.
Apple let out a sigh as she pulled back, but by then, her hand had found Shu's.
"What's wrong?" he asked.
"Shu...do you ever think about...family?"
"Once in a while. Sometimes I get busy, but during times of war, I do wonder if the ones I care about are safe."
"No...I mean...children. A legacy. Something to pass on."
"Oh." The man grew silent for a while. "Now that I think about it...no, I haven't. It's not that I'm avoiding it, though; it's just something that hasn't really crossed my mind. But yes, I suppose one day, I'll need to pass on what I have. I just don't have that desire at the moment."
Apple cracked a smile. "Yeah...I figured you'd say something like that."
"Why is that? Are you thinking of family?"
"No, not right now...but one day. I don't necessarily have to have one traditionally, but I'd like to take someone under my wing, teach them right from wrong, or something like that."
"You mean like Master Mathiu?"
"Well...yes, I suppose so."
"Interesting," Shu said thoughtfully. "Yes. That will do. Just as Master Mathiu passed along his wisdom to you, you, in turn, will pass it on to a newer generation. I couldn't think of anyone better."
"Really?"
"Really."
Apple touched his cheek in appreciation, beaming at him. "Thank you."
Shu smiled back at her. "You're welcome." His fingertips became intertwined with hers, and his expression grew pensive.
"Shu? What is it?"
"I was just thinking...perhaps...it would not be so bad to someday have a family traditionally, either. But no matter how things turn out, any child would be lucky to have you as a mentor and guardian."
"What about you?"
"Er...I would probably need...a good mentor and guardian in my case."
Apple let out a laugh. "Give yourself more credit. One day..."
"One day...?"
"Yes..."
They turned to one another, gazing into each other's eyes a moment before sharing another kiss.
"One day..." Shu repeated. He pressed his mouth to hers, but this time, neither one of them broke away.
Apple leaned back against the bed, pulling Shu closer to her. After a while, two pairs of hands started to wander, subjecting flesh and warmth to their touch. Their bodies began to press together, breathing growing deeper and more rapid. With a gasp, Apple finally broke the kiss, moving back slightly.
"Apple..." Shu whispered. "We should stop..."
The young woman shook her head. "No...let's not..."
"What are you saying?"
"That...this feels so right..."
"Are...are you sure?"
"Make love to me, Shu..."
Shu gazed at her. "Apple..."
Apple smiled timidly, letting out a short, contented sigh as she touched her forehead to his. They shared another kiss, an act restoring all feelings and intentions. As they moved ever closer, they took hold of their mutual desire, parting occasionally as garments were removed and tossed to the floor. Apple began to blush as the two embraced again, but Shu's touch soon put her at ease.
Shu carefully lowered the woman back onto the bed, dropping his head down. He brushed his lips against her neck, laying slow, tender kisses upon her skin. Apple brought a hand to the back of Shu's head, gently taking in a fistful of hair; she briefly tilted her head back before the man returned, and their lips met once more.
Hands continued exploring, sliding and rubbing against flesh, which was becoming hotter and damper with each passing minute. Their embrace grew more fervent as passions further manifested, and the two started to roll across the bed. Shu raked his fingers through Apple's hair, kissing her with abandon, and soon, the lovers returned to their original place. As the two became one, the man's hands sought hers and clasped them, directing them back towards the headboard. They remained this way for a while, and then Shu let go.
"You okay?" he whispered.
"Y-yeah," Apple responded softly, nodding. "Yeah, I'm fine."
Shu lifted a hand to her face and moved in slowly, kissing her mouth. He wrapped her in his arms as she, too, held him close, their two bodies moving to one rhythm.
"I love you, Shu," Apple whispered between kisses.
The words caught Shu off-guard, bringing forth from him one exhalation longer than the rest.
"I love you too...Apple..."