"I don't want to let go."
Eli's breath tickled her neck. Her hair stood on end. She felt her weight sink against her bare back, her arms hugged her waist. Without a thought she closed her eyes and let the shower wash over her. A smile crept on her face when Eli rested her head against her shoulder. The tips of her ears blushed and tingled at the feeling of a small kiss on her skin. She placed her hands atop Eli's, smoothing them with her thumbs. Her eyes opened and she turned to find her.
"You don't have to."
Eli blushed and buried her nose between Nozomi's shoulder blades. She kissed again along her spine, coyly grinning when it made Nozomi shiver. With one hand she traced circles. The soft spray of the water hit her ankles. It's sound soothed something she couldn't explain. She took a deep breath. Her mind wandered down, down to the depths and she frowned. Her fingers stopped.
"Are you thinking of anything?"
"I…I don't want to think about you getting hurt."
"Hmm?"
"You know how it is sometimes when people see me. All these years its been mostly words, but what if one day it's a real fight?"
Silence bound Nozomi, her eyes widened. She crossed her arms, then tapped her chin. Eli let go and tentatively pulled back. A hum left her and Nozomi turned around; the water made her hair look like a soaked mop. Eli stifled an urge to giggle. A minute slipped by, until finally Nozomi put her hands on her hips and said bluntly,
"It's fine! I'd take more than a few hits for you. As long as you aren't hurt, it shouldn't matter much."
"But what if you could be kill-"
Nozomi placed her finger on Eli's lips without hesitation. Her eyes were clear of doubt, fear, and all else. She removed her hold and cupped her face with both hands. They said nothing for a moment while Eli searched for the slightest twinge. She found none. It gave her chills to wait.
"You've spent enough time taking things on your own, just like me. We're one and the same that way. So please, let me help with some of the burden."
"Nozomi…"
"I insist Elicchi."
Eli looked down and leaned into Nozomi's chest. She curled a fist and lightly beat against it.
"Idiot, getting hurt because of me."
She yelped when Nozomi squeezed her butt. Her cheeks dyed with a blush that went to the tips of her ears.
"What was that fo-"
A kiss squashed her words. As she pushed closer she wrapped her arms around Nozomi and thought, Maybe it'll be alright.