The Shower-room

Eureka's head was spinning. Riku's advice, the events of that morning, and a thousand other questions and answers were rushing through her mind as she watched the number of filthy dishes lessen, shortening the window of opportunity she had to take the initiative in the relationship.

'You'll regret it!' A loud voice in Eureka's head– the same voice that told her to pull away from Renton's lips that morning– raged against even the thought of taking Riku's advice. 'You're not like that– that's not the 'you' Renton knows. He loves you now, exactly how you are. If you do this, he'll hate you.'

'He won't,' spoke up a smaller voice. 'He would never hate you.'

'He will!' persisted the louder. 'Things we'll change. It is good now, why change?'

'I change. . .I've been changing all the time.'

'Renton doesn't want you to change! Renton loves you now.'

'Renton makes me change.' The large voice was silent, but now something new was creeping upon Eureka's consciousness. It was overtaking all her other thoughts, and soon it would paralyze her.

But now that all the thoughts were eaten up. The largeness of this new feeling brought a momentary clarity to Eureka's mind, and seizing that opportunity–

"Umm. . .Renton," before she had spoken, Eureka thought she might shout the words, but they came out quiet and gentle.

"Yes?" Renton had not only heard the words, but seem to notice the peculiarity in Eureka's voice.

"I'm glad we'll be together tonight," Eureka had moved a step closer so that, as the two lovers washed the last of the dishes, their shoulders touched.

It was the simplest of connections, but Renton felt through that touch all the emotions Eureka was trying to convey. Renton nudged Eureka back with the utmost gentleness, deciding that his words were worthless at this point.

Met with a comfortable silence, Eureka put her lips to Renton's ear and whispered, "We should be together tonight."

Renton turned away from the sink, toward Eureka, and kissed her neck. As he moved his lips over her pearl skin, he was kept from her lips, and her chest, by slight bites to his ear.

Eureka was enjoying the malleability of Renton's ear in her mouth. She moved the outside of her lips over different parts of hiss ear, till Renton's kisses gave her the courage to taste him. Her tongue only took slight licks, tentatively exploring the texture and shape.

As Renton moved closer to her mouth, Eureka quickly bit down on his earlobe, hoping to communicate her desire for Renton to continue kissing her neck. Again, Renton began moving down to her chest, but Eureka bit again, this time with a stifled laugh.

At her laugh, Eureka felt Renton's smile on her neck. Their playful passion continued for a while longer, Eureka directing Renton with bites and giggles all the while. Eureka had allowed her hands to wrap around Renton's body, while Renton's finger moved through her hair.

As payback– remembering how startled Eureka had been that morning– Renton pressed his tongue with each kiss upon Eureka's neck. The wet kiss produced exactly the reaction Renton had hoped for: Eureka shuddered with delight and finally allowed Renton to steel her lips.

Renton didn't allow himself a chance to breathe. Eureka immediately felt his tongue forcing itself against her lips. She gave way, and tried to mimic her lover's movements. Renton, who hardly knew what he was doing, noticed this. Their passionate embrace was sloppy and not altogether pleasant; but the experience was so new to them that neither Eureka nor Renton could bring themselves to stop.

Finally, Eureka, who was now pushed against the sink counter, lost her footing, and the two were forced to break apart.

"Ow!" Renton lip had been cut by Eureka's tooth when she slipped away from him.

Panting for breath, Eureka realized what she had done and rushed to inspect the wound. "I'm sorry, Renton." Eureka was truly distraught, but couldn't help but laugh at the clumsiness of their embrace.

Renton looked his love in the eyes and said with a smile, "We'll get better, promise." Eureka smiled back, and returned to finish the dishes.

Before no time, the dishes were done, and the kids were calling for Eureka to help them with their homework– something she did every night, staying with the kids till they were all tucked in bed.

Before going upstairs, Eureka noticed Renton walking off to work in his office. She decided now that if Renton was still working after the kids were put to bed, she would do it. "Renton, do you want me to come get you after I get the kids in bed?"

"Definitely," replied Renton.

'This way,' Renton was thinking, 'I won't lose track of time– and Eureka won't fall asleep.'

The hours past, and both Eureka and Renton were counting the minutes. Of course, the kids went to bed at the same time everyday; but for some reason, tonight, it seemed like time was dragging on.

Finally, the kids were in bed, Axel had long fallen asleep while listening to the radio, and Eureka climbed down the stairs to fetch Renton.

Eureka decided not to knock, slowly tip-toeing her way towards Renton. Of course, Renton hadn't really been doing work for 15 minutes. He kept waiting for Eureka to come and bring him to bed; and so he felt her as soon as she passed the door's threshold, and smelled her scent as she drew closer.

Pretending to be absorbed in work, he let Eureka surprise him, as she slipped her arms passed his neck and kissed, once again, his ear. The courtship didn't last long. Before Renton had a chance to return her affection, Eureka had seized his hands and pulled him out of his chair and towards the door.

"Eureka, what is it?" Renton didn't really care for the answer. He enjoyed this intimacy and trust he was sharing with Eureka.

"It's a surprise." Eureka wouldn't look him in the eyes, continuing her game as they walked up the stairs to their bedroom. As she led him passed the threshold, Eureka finally turned to face Renton.

They both stood there for a while, Eureka refusing to take the first word. She stood in front of Renton in her sailor-skirt and dress shirt, and Renton thought again that no make-up, jewelry or dress could make her more stunning or radiant.

"Eureka, you're so beautiful."

Those were the words she had waited to hear. For even now, that largest voice, or feeling, had begun eating up her thoughts once again. It said to Eureka's biggest insecurities: 'You're not pretty. You can't show yourself to Renton.'

Renton's words were too perfect. Confidently, Eureka stepped toward Renton, grabbed his hand, and placed it on her cheek. "Renton, do you want to take a shower?"

"Uh, should I go–" Renton cut his words short, seeing Eureka's hurt expression. Without another word, she led him to the master bedroom's shower room.