Chapter 8 ~ Kiss
Shan Yu and Su Lin quickly tacked up the two horses. They had light conversation, just getting to know each other. Su Lin's horse, Jade, was taller than Cheng yet Shan Yu towered over Su Lin. On horseback, they were practically eye to eye. They kept their horses to a slow walk, the silence of nature filling the lack of conversation. Su Lin glanced down at Jade. The Mare winked, making Su Lin smile. Quicker than an arrow, the pair was off, galloping away from Shan Yu. He blinked before his horse took the bit and chased after the females. Su Lin laughed as Jade raced along. Shan Yu and Cheng quickly caught up to the females and Shan Yu couldn't help himself. He laughed as well. That made Su Lin look over at him. They locked eyes, not in an awkward way.
They slowed their horses as they crested a far hill. Su Lin turned Jade and looked over the valley, she slipped off the mare and walked a few paces away. Shan Yu swung off as well, coming up behind her. They gazed at the horizon, watching the white clouds float across the sky. Hesitantly, Su Lin slid her hand into Shan Yu's. The roughness of his hand when compared to the softness of hers sent shivers through both of their spines. Shan Yu held her hand a bit tighter, making her look at him. He brought her knuckles to his lips, never wavering his gaze. Su Lin blushed furiously, smiling and looking away. "You are beautiful." He whispered.
Her smile lessened as he brought her closer to him. He practically had to kneel down to lean in towards her lips, giving her plenty of time to pull away. She didn't. He gently pressed his lips against hers. He brought his other hand up to cup her face. Her other hand came up and ran her fingers through his hair. The position he was in was killing his back. Quickly, he released her hand and face to wrap one arm around her waist and another under her rear, bringing her off the ground. Her arms flew around his neck in her surprise.
She pulled back first, resting her forehead against his. "Why are you so tall?" she asked, breathing her words.
"The better to hold you." He breathed back, making her giggle.
Shan Yu lowered her back to the ground. There was a pause and Shan Yu took hold of Su Lin's braid, quickly undoing the hair, before running his hand through it. "We should return." She said, looking up at him.
"There are many things we should do." He whispered into her ear.
He pulled away to see Su Lin's eyes were huge and the look on her face made him screw his face in silent laughter. Her pale face flushed a bright red as Shan Yu kissed her cheek and remounted Cheng. Jade came up behind Su Lin and bumped her shoulder, tapping the woman out of her shock. She quickly remounted the mare and followed after Shan Yu. They rode back to the city where Su Lin left Jade in Shan Yu's care as she went to their home to prepare dinner. Shan Yu watched her walk away, a smirk on his face. Somehow, some way, that little lady could make his heart beat faster.
Su Lin quickly entered the house, slumping against the door. Yan appeared and hopped over to her. "Oh Yan… What's happening to me?" she asked, stroking the little bird's head.
Yan chirped excitedly making Su Lin furrow her eyebrows. "You and Hayabusa? No!" she said, faking shock.
Yan nodded her head in affirmation. "Well, I certainly hope you two are being safe." Su Lin said, getting up off the floor.
Yan rolled her eyes and followed her mistress. She wasn't the only one in love.