Chapter 40: Not Tonight

"Damn it. I took all my rings off for nothing."

"I think it serves its purpose." Alicia smiled at him.

"If being useless is the purpose, then yeah, it did." Emmanuel jabs with an actual punch on Jovanney's bicep. It was a light one, but it still made the blonde guy flex his arm to absorb the force on reflex.

"Hey! I was backing you up!"

While the others bicker about the incident and actions that they would have taken if the scenario went the other way, Sayaka was alerted by the pressure of Yuu's grip on her waist. The taller girl had had her arms around the redhead during the peak of the affair, ready to protect her girlfriend if things went south. She had since let go of Yuu when the young men ran for their lives. But it seems Yuu is eager to stake her claim on her for the rest of the night. Not letting go of her hand. Always by her side, even when she excused herself to go to the comfort room, Yuu was there guarding the door for her. They have been joined at the hip since they landed in Italy, not needing to hide their relationship from the world. But somehow, at the coast of Côte d'Azur, where the beach party is still in full swing and where her girlfriend witnessed just how a persistent drunk guy can easily approach her without fear or tact, for that matter, Yuu wanted to be impossibly closer. Wanting to show everyone who would have the nerve to hit on Sayaka again that she is taken, however small her stature is.

The near altercation didn't have as much impact on Sayaka as it did on Yuu. She was glad that she was the one who was hit on, because if it was Yuu who was the subject of such unwanted attention, she might not have been able to hold herself back and punch the guy immediately. Even just the thought of it makes her blood burn. Thus, to calm herself and her girlfriend down and help them forget what happened, she accepted the shots Jovanney offered. Giving one to Yuu, she clinked their glasses, downed them together, and dragged Yuu to dance again.

They were dancing their third song after they started drinking without a care in the world when she felt another tap on her shoulder. She was ready to give the coldest death glare she's capable of to whoever it was, but the touch has familiarity to it. Her gaze followed the gigantic hand to its owner.

"Sayaka, that's it for Yuu." Emmanuel shouted near her ear as the music was in full thumping mode.

"What?" She was confused. Preoccupied by the peal of laughter from Yuu, who was happily dancing all over her after downing another glass.

"I don't think she should drink anymore. Look at her."

Adrenaline is high. The chill of the night didn't stop them from heating up and being covered in a thin sheen of sweat, with bodies writhing all around them and, of course, the alcohol content currently swimming in their bloodstream. Emmanuel's words cut through the noise, and she was able to really appraise Yuu's condition. She appears to be more than tipsy, with her half-lidded eyes, varying intonation, and her dancing, though not really provocative, it is very suggestive. Copying some of the party people around. Backing up to Sayaka at certain points while the lanky girl maintains a possessive hold on her hips. She was so determined to help Yuu have a good time again that she forgot to take into account Yuu's tolerance for alcohol. 'Dang! I can't believe I messed this up again!' She was scandalized with herself that the admonishment came from Emmanuel. The self-appointed big brother. She shook her head, disappointed with herself. 'I was supposed to be the responsible one, looking after her.' With that sudden awareness, she nodded at the muscle guy, having enough presence of mind to recognize when she was wrong. "Thanks. I will cut her off."

In the end, no amount of dancing was able to cool off the amount of alcohol coursing through Yuu's body. She was out like a lamp twelve minutes later. And the group decided to call it a night. 'How did I forget that this is what happens when she drinks alcohol? Was the Osaka dinner party that long ago?' Given that she was busy that night hosting the party, she didn't know that Yuu had been drinking. After thanking Pierre and saying goodbye, the limo arrived. She refused Emmanuel's offer to carry Yuu. She just won't have it. No one is touching her girlfriend like that but her. Although Bella's assistance was not declined when she helped steady the drunk girl while she got into position to carry Yuu on her back, she clutched the underside of Yuu's knees as she carried her all the way to where the limo was.

Still agonizing about her misstep during the drive to the hotel, riding the elevator, and threading the hallway till they get to their room. A strong feeling of déjà vu took over with a few minor changes. Now she removed Yuu's shoes and changed her clothes as a girlfriend. Still with care, but without hesitation, and with deeper, unfathomable affection. After tucking Yuu in, she took her time regarding her. Clearing Yuu's fringe from her forehead. Eyes are moving erratically behind closed lids. Mouth slightly parted. Not being able to stop the smile that tugged across her face when she heard the now very familiar little snores. She knows Yuu won't blame her for getting drunk; she might not even remember it. All Yuu will take from the night is that she had a good time with everyone. Grateful to be given that experience. Something that she wouldn't have otherwise if she's not in a relationship with Sayaka. Ever the cheerful, well-rounded, and well-liked person.

She might be the one hit on for her obvious physical attributes, but anyone who spends just enough time, attention, or interest in Yuu will surely fall for her. Or, at the very least, be attracted enough to want to be a part of her world, even in a non-romantic way. She was lucky enough to have captured Yuu's eyes first. If Yuu had been remotely fascinated by past suitors, friends, classmates, acquaintances, or even just people who had the pleasure of briefly interacting with her, Sayaka would have missed her chance. Yuu is a very loving and loyal person; anyone who got to her first before Sayaka would have a hard time letting her go. And may never even dream of letting her go, as Sayaka most likely never will.

Exhaling a deep breath of gratitude, she let Yuu's bangs fall back. She stood up straight and went to the bathroom, took a quick shower, brushed her teeth, and put on matching pajamas. When she returned to the bed, she slid under the blanket and gathered her lover in her arms. Sighing in relief at the evidence and the reminder that Yuu had chosen her. That Yuu is with her at the very moment, choosing to spend her summer vacation in Europe and not in Japan with someone else. And she is sure someone is very eager to be the alternate. 'Fat chance.'

Yuu whined a little in her sleep but shoved her face closer to Sayaka's neck.

Planting a delicate kiss on her forehead. "No more drinking for you."

Sayaka woke up with Yuu completely lying on top of her. Peach paradise hair sprawled on her chest, limbs resting on her sides. The brunette finds the position comfortable, though she was surprised to wake up in it. She kissed the top of her head. Dragging her hands softly on the younger girl's back. Yuu stirred a bit, changing to the other cheek.

"Are you awake, my love?" she whispered.

"Five more minutes."

She hummed her assent. Yuu moved her fingers underneath her waist, seeking warmth, burrowing her face deeper to find a more comfortable position. When she's settled, a contented moan escapes her throat, and Sayaka could not be happier.

With Yuu's hangover pounding in her head, Sayaka volunteered to fix her a plate for breakfast so she could drink some medicine after. After her visit to the bathroom, Yuu affixed herself to Sayaka's back. Snaking her arms around her waist. Rubbing her face on her shirt to wake herself up more. Inhaling the heavenly scent that she loves so much. Even with just moving a few paces on the side of the table, she was there, hugging Sayaka every step of the way.

"What are you doing?"

"Hmmm?"

"You are humping me from the back."

"I am not." Asserting offense.

"You are literally pulling my hips while pushing yours." She chuckled.

"I don't know what you are talking about." Her voice is feigning innocence, but a hand slips under Sayaka's pajama top, stroking her belly. "But if you want me to hump you, you need to be lying on the bed or sitting somewhere."

"What is coming over you?" Sayaka asked, but she's not complaining at all.

"I want to be with you." Yuu said in a serious manner. The playful tones are gone.

"We are together, right now."

"I want more. In a few days, we will sleep in different houses and beds."

Sayaka let out a deep exhale. She was trying to keep it together and push that thought as far away as possible. Laying a hand on top of Yuu's and leaning more into her embrace. "Don't think about that yet."

"I want you."

"I want you too, honey. Just need to be patient until we get to college. You will move in with me as soon as you graduate from high school."

"That is more than two years from now." She grumbled.

"Is that a yes?" She teased. Trying to cheer Yuu up. But internally, she was celebrating. "You will move in with me?"

"Of course I would. That was the plan from the start."

"Really? I was not aware." She smiled.

"Yeah," she said timidly. "I was planning on asking you before I graduate."

Sayaka rolled her eyes, 'Like she needed permission,' then rotated deliberately to face Yuu and return the hug. "You can come over anytime you want, even before you graduate. And if you need help with schoolwork, I will do what I can, as always."

"If we are together, I think schoolwork will be the farthest thing on my mind."

"Well," her smile turns into a big mischievous grin. "after then." She winks.

"Arggh… still have to wait years for that."

"We still have Saturday nights and when you don't have work."

"I will really miss waking up next to you."

"Or on top of me." She giggled when Yuu's blush materialized. "Me too, honey." Cupping Yuu's face with both hands. Caressing her jaw and cheeks, then tucking her hair behind her ears. "More than you know."

"So can we..." Her cheeks are getting warmer.

"What?" Sayaka said, trying to be coy, but she already knows.

"You know." She said shyly, gazing down and pouting.

"I do, but I want you to say it."

Exhaling loudly, "I want to take you to bed."

"And?"

"What do you mean and?"

"What will we do once we are in bed?"

"Things."

"Things?"

"Come on, Sayakaaaa." She whines.

"Go on, I am listening."

Yuu continued to be clingy for the rest of the day. Sayaka loved every second of it.

It took them almost ten hours to arrive in Donostia-San Sebastian, Spain. They ride with Jovanney and Alicia halfway, and the other half with her parents, as her father missed seeing them while he drove. Yuu spent both rides with her hand arched on the underside of Sayaka's lower thigh. Apparently, holding hands is not intimate enough for her anymore. With Sayaka wearing a pair of short jeans, the skin-to-skin contact seems to calm the redhead. She was subtle about it when they were inside the RV, not so much inside the Maserati, and Alicia had a certain glimmer in her eyes that the brunette could not quite place. Even so, Yuu gave her discreet kisses here and there. Enjoying the ride and drawing her attention as she points to things that interest her with the other hand. Occasionally, she will squeeze her leg, and though Sayaka's arm is already draped around her shoulder, it is a signal asking for more affection. Sayaka was happy to provide; she would cup Yuu's cheek, dissolve the space between them, and give her a deeper kiss.

The Calle mansion isn't far from what the Saeki estate looks like. But it is much bigger and has a bit more of a modern twist. It was designed by Esmeralda; it's like an unsolved Square-1 Rubik cube, with its varying sizes of boxes out of order. The walls are painted white, and most of the front side is made of floor-to-ceiling glass. 'Of course,' Yuu was not surprised by that anymore. Rich people and their love for white paint and glass walls. It is a three-storey house with an underground garage, but the bulky RV was parked on the side of the massive driveway, too big to pass the pull-up metal door. The mansion also has a swimming pool, like most houses they have seen along the way, that takes up half of the garden with a jacuzzi on the side.

They arrived just in time for dinner. Most are exhausted; thus, the conversations were lulled. Dr. Calle welcomed them and promised to be a better host, but not before they all had a good night's sleep.

The room given to them has a balcony that overlooks the ocean.

"The view here is amazing." Yuu said while her hands grasped the railings.

Sayaka loops her arms around Yuu's waist and rests her chin on her shoulder. "It is."

"Are you tired?" Pressing her body into the embrace and tilting to graze her lips on Sayaka's cheek.

"A bit, but I am alright."

"Do you think it would be inappropriate to do things?"

"Why are you asking?"

"Well, we are at our friend's house. Could be weird."

"Like that would stop you?" She teased.

Yuu pouted. "If I asked if we could go to a hotel instead, what would you say?"

"Take your luggage and let's go."

"Hmmmn, you are spoiling me."

"I love spoiling you," she said, kissing her neck. What Yuu expected as a quick peck became sensual as the lips didn't leave her skin. Sayaka nips the juncture of her neck and shoulder, sinking her teeth gently, then soothing it with her tongue. When her actions were not denied, a hand slipped under Yuu's blouse. Dragging her palm over the heated skin of Yuu's barely toned abdominal muscles.

She couldn't contain the moan springing from her throat. "You know that we are still outside, right?" A hand reached out to the back of Sayaka's neck; the teeth sank deeper, making the bite more pronounced.

"No one can see us but the ocean." She slips another hand under, drawing circles along Yuu's hipbone.

"Then make love to me till we are both exhausted."

Sayaka gently steps back and scoops her up in her arms. "With pleasure, amore mio."

It is becoming evident to the heiress that they are becoming more desperate for each other as the days pass by. Yuu would look at her with such longing that they had to go another round so they wouldn't explode. Sleep is slowly crawling up to them, leaving them bare and tangled. Yuu had perched her face on her neck, only surrendering to sleep when she's secured in Sayaka's arms.

'What would become of us when we are back in Japan?' She's tracing Yuu's spine with her fingertips. Humming a lullaby to help relax her girlfriend's worn-out body. 'Is there a solution that I am missing?'

The desperation came in another form a couple of hours later. She was awakened by faint whimpers emanating from Yuu. She thought she was having a nightmare and was about to wake her up when a movement distracted her from that. One of her legs was sandwiched between Yuu's, and her lover was grinding on it.

"Yuu?"

No answer.

'She's not awake?' Bewildered as to how the younger girl was doing that while asleep. "Yuu?" She tried again. 'Should I wake her up?' The wet slick that's quickly covering her leg is turning her on.

"Sayaka… please…" Yuu mumbled feebly.

"Yuu, honey, wake up." She nudged her as mildly as she could.

"Huh? What?" voice raspy with sleep.

Sayaka turn on the bedside lamp. "You were dreaming."

"I was?" Eyes are blinking in confusion and sleep.

"Yes. Loudly, and you were moving a bit."

Yuu gazed down and saw herself straddling Sayaka's thigh. "Oh, I am sorry. I didn't…" She tried to untangle their limbs, but Sayaka didn't let her.

"You were dreaming, my love; it's not your fault, but you can't sleep with anyone else if this is what happens." She's trying her best not to laugh. The situation is hilarious for her but also endearing. Her girlfriend had a lucid dream about her. 'If that is not reassuring, I don't know what is.'

"I have my own room and a single bed, you know that." Yuu was quick to retort.

"What were you dreaming about?" She quipped. Holding her tighter when Yuu tried to move away again.

"Eh," she complained.

"Come on, you can tell me." Tilting Yuu's chin with a finger. She pressed her lips on one cheek. "I am very curious to know what you dream about."

"You won't make fun of me?"

"I promise." She pecked her on the lips.

"You were teasing me, and I wanted you to stop but you wouldn't, so I got on your lap and pressed myself on your stomach."

"You greedy, cheeky girl." She smirked, and her hand somehow found Yuu's ass and gave it a squeeze. "Do it."

"Huh?"

"Do it. Get on top of me and make your dream a reality." The gold tint on the lovely brown eyes seems to shine. "But don't blame me when I help."

Yuu scrambled to obey. Sayaka placed her hands on Yuu's hips, helping her lover get into position. Yuu did a tentative roll of her hips. The friction was immediate. Her breath hitched. She is still sensitive from the dream and still very wet. An unrestricted moan spilled into the night.

"That's right. You cheeky girl, I thought I satisfied you earlier." She glided upward.

Yuu whimpered so deliciously. "You did." Then she pouted. "I don't have control over the things I dream about."

Her eyes dilated at that. "Touch your breasts." The green in her eyes was almost swallowed by pupils.

"I… uhm…"

"I will take care of them later. I just want to see you do it first." Before Yuu could move her hands, she sat up and laid hungry kisses on as much skin as she could reach. "I love you." Then she lay down again. Nodding for Yuu to continue.

Yuu gave her the show she was asking for, then proceeded with her dream sequence. Sayaka finds it enjoyable to be used like that. Being used so that Yuu could pleasure herself. It is enchanting. And it intrigues her. Her mind is searching for scenarios where it could happen again. She wants to watch. A desire to take it all in and commit it to memory.

'Yeah, we are doomed when we return to Japan.'

The next day was rather chaotic for Takeshi, Yume, and, by extension, Sayaka. They were awakened at 4:37 a.m. by a call from Watanabe, reporting an emergency. The Tokyo center and Osaka branch were at their wits end about a major slip-up. An engineer discovers that a mistake was made about the specifications of the new feature they developed. And that design was already sent to all their branches across the world. They are on a time crunch to get ahead of those plans being reviewed, or worse, for production to start the manufacturing process.

Dr. Calle lends them the library, as his home office is more like a clinic than anything, and Esmeralda's workshop is full of miniatures and blueprints on every surface. Eduardo help set up everything. They even have a projector hooked up for the Zoom call from Japan, as Watanabe explains the situation. Three laptops display the same. Their respective emails got all the information regarding the issue; every section of the schematics and additional files needed were attached.

By the looks of it, the error is a crucial one, as it will affect the rest of the project. All the great minds are on deck. It is a great opportunity for Sayaka to learn, contribute, and witness first-hand how to handle a major incident. Thus, the Saeki family won't make it to the planned island-hopping, sailing, and another scuba diving trip the Spanish family prepared for them. Dr. Calle proposed to delay the excursion for another day, but Takeshi won't hear any of it. Yuu wanted to stay behind even just to serve tea, anxious to help, but Takashi won't have it either.

"You are here to enjoy my Yuu-chan. Don't worry about us. If you stay behind, I will be very upset." Takeshi said with his hand on her shoulder.

Sayaka, who is standing by Yuu's side and whose arms are encircling the tiny waist, turns a little so that her father's hand will fall to his side. "Dad, can you not add 'my' to that nickname?"

The CEO shook his head at the territorial display, then winked at Yuu. "Have fun, okay? That is an order." He smiled at the irony and went to the library with his wife after saying goodbye to the others.

The outing will start with a little hike on a certain cliff that overlooks most of Donostia-San Sebastian and witness the sunrise over the beautiful city.

The green-eyed girl gazed down at Yuu with a serious face. "Stay safe, okay? Don't do anything dangerous with Emmanuel. If you get home with as little as a scratch, you will be in big trouble."

"Don't be such a buzzkill, Sayaka. If anything, I will be the one to protect her." Emmanuel protested.

Rosalia rolled her eyes but nodded. Signaling that she will get him in line if he tries anything Sayaka doesn't approve of. The blonde gestured for the door to her boyfriend to give them a moment.

Sayaka crushed her mouth on Yuu's as soon as the couple was out of the door. Fingertips were digging into the soft flesh of her back.

Yuu broke the kiss, leaning away a little from the tight embrace. "Geez, we will be back before dinner."

"I don't like not being around you."

"I know, why don't you convince your dad to let me stay?"

"No," Sayaka said, shaking her head. Even if her whole being agrees with what Yuu was suggesting, "Dad is right; you should enjoy this day. This is your first time in Spain. I want you to experience its beauty as I once did."

"It won't be as beautiful without you." Yuu beheld her with heat in her eyes. It is a look that always knocks the air out of Sayaka's lungs.

She blinks a few times to break the spell, then clears her throat. "Smooth talker." She kissed her again. "Go on, before I drag you back to our bedroom and disappoint not only my parents but everyone else."

As if on cue, Emmanuel and Alicia appeared by the doorway. One with some impatience and the other with an expectant look.

"Are you ready to let go of her yet? We will miss the sunrise."

"Calm down, Em. We will be there with time to spare. Ed will carry Bella on his back during the hike."

Yuu was the one to initiate the goodbye kiss this time. It lasted for just a few seconds, what with people present, but it was deep enough. And the longing was clear in Yuu's body language. It calmed Sayaka. Hoping it would be sufficient for the rest of the day.

The redhead took several steps backward and gave her a warm smile before turning to the others. Alicia welcomed her by draping an arm across her shoulder as they descended the steps of the front door. Sayaka's heart almost broke with that, but she knows that she's being irrational. Alicia might be a little weird, outgoing, and as free-spirited as a bird, but she knew her enough to know that the youngest Calle sibling wouldn't try to steal her girlfriend. 'She won't, right?'

The rest of the day seems to fluctuate for Sayaka. Once the problem was laid out for them, the hunt for a resolution was the sole focus of everyone on the call. Her father is already smiling. As if he had already figured it out and was waiting for anyone to stumble upon it. She had observed that dreamy look on his face many times before. Radiating with anticipation, like he is whirling the key to not only a solution but the best solution on his finger. Watanabe relaxed when he caught that expression as well. Takeshi let the execs and heads of several teams speak and offer ideas. He would interject at key moments, like he was steering them away from deviating too far. And just when most of them were about to yield, he would encourage them to think on their feet. Even volunteer a few clues on the way. Sayaka is racking her brains out. Trying to catch up to her father's insights like the rest of his subordinates.

The same engineer who discovered the mistake spoke up: "What if we create a circuit that would bypass and redirect the flow of data to another stream? It won't be elegant, but it could be a quick fix for now. Then we could develop another board as an update."

Takeshi leaned back on his chair. Watanabe took it as a sign to expound on that idea; from there, the idea grew and exploded into a series of mazes until finally they reached the very core of the solution. The heiress was in awe. She would have some enormous shoes to fill once her father retires. When the solution was reached, it propelled them to work out the rest of the steps to execute it.

The sun was laying low on the horizon when the meeting concluded. They are in high spirits for a job well done. Sayaka excused herself to document the things she learned. Making an extensive account of her father's masterful maneuvering of the situation without being cocky about it. He is calm, letting his employees think, learn, and experience the pleasure of cracking the code. Enabling instead of berating. There is nothing in his demeanor that would betray any irritation about his vacation being interrupted. Far from it. Sayaka saw great joy in his features. He loves his job, even though it looks like it was a playground for him. And maybe it is. He is so much more and is capable of handling greater things. But it looked like he was satisfied with what was on his plate. At least for now. Waiting for when his heir is ready to take the reins then he would move on to a higher calling worthy of his gifts.

She was typing away when Yuu returned. Bringing the scent of the ocean with her. The skin exposed was heavily tanned. After giving her a searing kiss, which Sayaka chased after, Yuu didn't allow her more, stating something about salt, sand, dirt, and sweat. None of which matter to the brunette, and she would easily accept a hug, but it's Yuu, and she has a serious attitude about being clean before interacting with her lover. And as suddenly as she arrived, she was gone the next moment, with the sound of the bathroom door closing.

It took her a few minutes more to finish her journal. Being distracted by the sound of water running in the other room. She's debating if she should join her girlfriend inside and maybe lend a hand or two with scrubbing away the day's remnants. But she already took a quick shower during lunch, while she was still navigating the maze her father silently laid out for them. Hoping a fresh perspective will come with the water. She decided to play it cool, taking a book from her luggage and pretending to read on the couch by the balcony while being fully convinced that Yuu was taking her own sweet time and was actually trying to torture her more. The separation anxiety is rattling her nerves. 'I am seriously too far gone.'

When Yuu emerged from the bathroom with just a towel to cover herself, it took all of Sayaka's willpower not to pounce at her. She averted her eyes and could almost burn a hole in the current page of her book with her imaginary concentration. Yuu rummaged her bag for clean clothes. And when all the ceremonies were done, she simply flopped on the couch and rested her head on Sayaka's lap.

Her heart is beating fast, and that simple display of affection is like a balm to her injured ego. Though, of course, Yuu doesn't have an inkling about that. She hopes. Yuu beams at her, and she can't stop the answering smile that flits across her face. Playing it cool again, she scratches Yuu's scalp and behind her ears like she's a dog.

The little girl cooed her appreciation, blinking slowly. "I take it; you guys resolve the problem?"

"Of course, dad was there. It was child's play with him around. Although he made us run around for a bit."

Yuu smirked. "He is cool like that."

"He definitely is."

The book was laid down on the table beside the couch. She has a better target now. Yuu reached out for a lock of sand-colored hair to play with. She grins at her, mostly staring in awe. Again, she is reminded how incredibly lucky she was that the wonderful person she's touching had chosen to love her. In her opinion, she is not easy to like once people get to know her more. One of her classmates from middle school described her as snobbish in their yearbook. That word stuck with her. Growing up hearing that she's pretty, studious, talented, responsible, and even stubborn at times—but snobbish, snobbish is something new. She didn't intend to be snobbish; she's just uncomfortable talking to strangers. It's easy when it's her classmates, people on the student council, or, like, the Calle family, people with whom she doesn't have a choice but to interact and be a little friendly. Her opinion of herself isn't really forgiving. She recognized the change in her attitude towards other people after Chie decided that what they had was just a phase. She had a hard time connecting to people again and desired to be alone all the time. Her books were her companions. Books doesn't ask if she's okay. Books don't demand that she go out more or hang out with her friends. Even her attention can lag, and the books won't be angry. Won't be disappointed or feel sorry for her. Books are her saviors. Her escape. Her paradise.

If it's up to her, she will spend the entire summer reading in her room with her own private library, and she will be happy. But now that Yuu is in her life, her attention doesn't have time to lag. She seeks her out. Her body longs for her. She is still free to do anything she wants, and Yuu won't stop her. She would even be happy to have the opportunity to watch her do it. She really lucks out. Yuu is understanding and chill. So interesting and worthy of her regard.

The one thing she wanted to emulate from books was their ability to not be jealous.

She continued to scratch Yuu's scalp with one hand while the other roamed around to reclaim the parts she missed. Arms, shoulders, collarbone, neck, and jaw, briefly tracing Yuu's lower lip with the pad of her thumb, then continuing her exploration, checking if her girlfriend does have a scratch somewhere. When she was satisfied, she settled her palm over her stomach. Yuu was wearing a cotton white t-shirt with a cartoon panda eating eucalyptus. Yuu was talking about her day when she slipped her hand under the shirt and just rested her hand there as she listened. One word comes to mind. Mine. She is greedy, alright.

Yuu was quick to read into her actions. Over the past few weeks of being with each other 24/7, she had discovered Sayaka's pattern. And this particular scenario had played out several times. A hand in direct contact with her abs can only mean one thing. "You really like my abs, huh?"

"I didn't know I liked abs until I saw that you have them. It was a nice surprise."

"Judging by the way you fixate on them as much as you do with the breasts..." She ends it there. Waiting to see if Sayaka would be flustered. Unfortunately for her, Sayaka just spent the whole day with Takeshi. She didn't fall for it. The taller girl changed the subject instead.

"I have a question. Are you alright with me being the big spoon all the time?"

It worked. Yuu was confused. "Yeah, why?" Her thin eyebrows furrowed. "Who would not want to be hugged by you? I love that position." Then a calm expression was painted on her face. "I feel safe, comfortable, and content."

When Sayaka's hand started to travel up, Yuu halted her advance by gently catching her wrist.

"No," she said seriously, "not tonight."

Sayaka was stunned. "What?" she asks breathlessly, almost choking on the word.

"Can we not have sex tonight?" Yuu's face is calm, but her eyes had a little twinkle to them, but Sayaka missed that. Too frazzled about being denied.

"B-but," she stuttered. "But I missed you. Didn't you miss me?"

"Not really," she mused. "I had a lot of fun today. I get to swim like I wanted." She laughs lightheartedly. "Jovanney is so cool; he joined me and Emmanuel as we did flips from the yacht into the ocean."

"You what?" She said impetuously.

"It's the ocean, Sayaka," Yuu said with impatience. "No tiles to slip on, no pool side or bottom to hit. It was very safe. Though my abs did a lot of work for laughing so hard."

Sayaka's mind is running a mile a minute. 'She had fun without me. She is perfectly happy without me. She's okay without me.'

Yuu carried on to regale her about how much fun she had. "Alicia was so fascinated by our movements that she asked us to teach her. Then Rosalia laughed on Alicia's first try. It was the least graceful I have seen Alicia move, but then Rosalia laughed. Can you believe it?" She waited for a response, but Sayaka's mind was busy having doubts about her worth to Yuu. "I get to hear her laugh. She is so beautiful." Sayaka's brows raised manically at that. "And her laugh is musical. But in the lower register. Super-hot."

At that point, the lanky girl has her mouth parted in shock.

"Then Alicia keeps asking me questions on pointers on how to do it. It is weird. Why won't she just ask her boyfriend? He can communicate better in a language she prefers, but she was asking me." Yuu shrugged. "But I didn't want to be rude, so I taught her as much as I could. Eduardo was translating for us using the app on his phone. Then she made me teach her by touching her in places."

Sayaka's jaw could have dropped to the floor, and Yuu would not have noticed it with how animated she was with her story.

"By the end of it, only Bella is the one who couldn't flip. But she was happy to take pictures and videos of us practicing. We have several videos of us doing syncronized, continuous, and alternate flips. And Rosalia has this two-piece swimsuit, and I could not believe how I missed how ridiculously sexy she was the first time we went to the ocean. And with her hair wet like that, it is criminal, actually. Imagine having showers with her every day. Emmanuel is such a lucky guy."

Sayaka stood up and went to sit down on the bed. Wanting to get away from Yuu's exuberance, but the redhead followed her, sat beside her, and continued with her story, even though her sole audience did not want to listen anymore. Yuu remained oblivious to the rage, which was growing hotter and rising higher with every new detail.

"Oh, wait, I haven't told you about the scuba part yet. After the hike in the morning, we immediately went to a diner for breakfast. The food was incredible. Then Eduardo told me that he would give me a lesson on advanced scuba diving. After the lesson, I became confident enough to go under. He was a fantastic teacher. I was able to see the coral reefs this time. Bella led me by the hand to some rare colonies and schools of fish. Alicia took some pictures of me on her underwater camera. She even took a picture of us with her kissing my cheek."

At that moment, Sayaka exploded. "Enough."

"So," The stormy and shadowy green eyes darted pointedly toward the serene but bright brown ones. "You are cool with that, right?" There is something about her tone that was caught by her sharp ears. It piqued her interest. "Because I am really tired."

It clicked.

The appearance of the emerald eyes shifted to predatory, as if all the insecurities and uncertainties had evaporated into a forgotten mist. "I don't care." Her tone was firm this time. "Lay on the bed."

"Sayaka." She exhaled deeply. "Were you not listening?"

"I said I don't care. You know that I don't like repeating myself." When Yuu didn't move. "I believe I just told you what to do and where to do it." She said with such cold authority that Yuu visibly shivered.

The younger girl stood up slowly and took a step away from Sayaka. "Dinner will be ready in a few minutes, I think."

"So?"

"Can we just rest tonight?" Yuu asks as a last ditch of hope.

The heiress didn't respond and just stared at her, waiting for her to comply. Yuu breathed defeatedly and went to lay at the center of the bed.

Sayaka went to her carry-on luggage and pulled a sleeping mask from the inside pocket. "Put this on."

"Do I have to?" she whines. The dom growled. "Fine, fine." She settles the mask over her eyes. "You know, I don't know why I am being punished for having fun and being tired at the end of it. You were the one who told me to enjoy my day. So I did."

"One more word of your whining, and I will gag you."

Yuu swallowed and didn't retort.

"Much better. Finally, some silence." She also took a scarf from the luggage, bound Yuu's wrists with it, and then tied it into the brass headboard. "Nod if you remember the safe word." Yuu did. "Good. Because you are not allowed to speak." Sayaka approached her slowly and whispered, "You are not allowed to come till I say so." She smirked at the movement of Yuu's throat. Then she went to the other ear. "And you will not complain. The safe word is the only word I will allow from you." She grazes the warm cheek with her lips. "Unless I tell you otherwise, nod if you understand." She did, and Sayaka let her lips drag to the jaw, then to the neck. Inhaling deeply. "Mmmmn, you always smell so good." The tongue dashed out and slid to the side of the pulse point. "And the taste is exquisite." Yuu practically squirmed beneath her. Pressing her thighs together. "Stop that." She taps one thigh. "All the pleasure you will get will come from me."

Her voice has this husky, sultry quality that made Yuu's breath hitch. She bit her lower lip, but a moan still escaped.

"I will take off your clothes now. Last chance to change your mind. You can speak."

But Yuu just shook her head. Sayaka rewards her with a hungry, wet kiss. Yuu responded eagerly, welcoming the tongue with her own, and even sank her teeth on Sayaka's lower lip and pulled when she realized that the kiss was ending. Her deeply disappointed whimper when it did end is the most precious sound in Sayaka's ears. It filled her with pride, reinstated her ego, and cured her troubled mind. That such a sound was produced for her and could only be heard by her. That Yuu is desperate for her. She almost dove in for another kiss just to hear it again, but she reigned herself in. She has a role to play.

When she divested Yuu of her shorts and underwear, she was pleased to see that they were soaked and that her girlfriend would need another pair for dinner. The T-shirt and bra were bunched up with the scarf along the wrists.

"You are so pretty, my love." She positioned herself between Yuu's legs, her eyes devouring the body before her. "You can nod or shake your head when I ask you a question, okay?"

Her lover nodded.

"Good girl" Sayaka had been careful not to touch Yuu as much as possible while she tied her and removed her clothes. And she is itching to smooth her fingers all over her. Aching to drag her palms on that soft and flushed taut skin. "Do you want me to touch you now?"

Yuu nodded enthusiastically. It was almost comical. Sayaka knows that she has this stupid ear-to-ear grin on her face and she's glad that bound girl couldn't see it.

"I wonder if you want me to take my clothes off too."

The answering nod that came was even more amusing.

"And here I thought you didn't even want to have sex tonight."

The dazzling smile made an appearance, and it nearly liquified her knees.

"Naughty girl."

She took off her clothes and ravished her lover until someone knocked on the door. They both forgot that there were other people in the world. Sayaka told the person that they would be down in a minute while she disengaged the knot and removed the mask.

"When I asked you for this fantasy, I didn't know you would be this inclined about it. And would make me so angry that I could not breathe." She said while raining down kisses on Yuu's face, neck, shoulders, and chest.

"Took you long enough." Yuu giggled.

"I know." She admitted. Still planting soft kisses. Rewarding and showing her appreciation. "I forgot the trigger phrase."

Yuu laughs heartily. "You were the one who set it."

They are in the Netherlands, in each other's arms, cooling off after an intense and exhausting lovemaking.

"Hey, before I forgot, what was your fantasy?"

"Oh, uhm… I want you to hesitate."

"Ah, yeah, you told me about that in Italy. You want me to resist you for a bit."

"Yes, but divert me a little so that I wouldn't see it coming, like maybe make me jealous or angry at first. I don't want to know when you will start. You know how, when I am jealous, I cannot think clearly. Then say something when I am getting out of control so I would know that it was just a ruse and was just a part of the fantasy."

"I get it. If the opportunity does present itself, I will run with it."

"Thank you."

"What phrase do you want me to say?"

Sayaka's cheeks flamed red.

"Oh, come on! I just made you come four times. I think we are well past shyness." There was a certain sense of pride in her voice when she said that.

Sayaka would have demonstrated how proud she was of Yuu if she had not been accused of being shy. An eyebrow rises instead.

Yuu backpedal. "Well, y-you know… what I mean."

"Tell that to yourself whenever you stare at the floor."

"But we have established that I am the shy one and you are the domineering one."

"Domineering?" She challenged.

"Yes," Yuu beamed at her. "You are my dom, remember?"

"Shut up."

Yuu bit her lip but was quivering with barely contained laughter.

"I think you can come up with a better word, don't you think?"

"You are the lewd one?"

"Yuu!"

"Come here and kiss me." Yuu curled a hand around Sayaka's neck to pull her closer.

Faces slanted to meet, lips sliding unto each other to share a brain-melting kiss. It was so reverent that when they parted, they were both panting, and Yuu started to trail kisses southward again.

"Enough, you fiend. Do you not feel drained from the thirty-four kilometers we biked earlier?"

"Not really, and I will always have energy for you."

Her cheeks burn even more.

"What?"

"Uhm, the phrase I want you to tell me..."

"Yes?" Yuu prompted.

"Promise me you won't laugh."

"I can't promise that. I am sorry. But I am dying to know."

The brunette stared at her, gauging the expression on Yuu's face. Trying to decide if making her fantasy a reality is worth her dignity.

"Darling, I am very eager to return the favor for the shower yesterday. You have been so good to me. Please let me."

"It's… ah…" She squinted her eyes. "'Not tonight'," Yuu's jaw dropped. "or 'I am really tired.'"

Yuu rolled on her stomach, laughing. And Sayaka had a sudden but powerful urge to kick her off the bed.

"Thank you"

"Anything for you, cara mia."

"Alright. Let's have a quick wash, get dress and eat."

"Yes please! I am starving. Eduardo told me that we would have a movie night after."

"Ah, yeah, they have a home theater."

The home theater consists of rows of oversized armchairs for two. But the chairs have cup holders on the side and a panel to put their snacks on. And of course, the 120" Premier Rollable Screen, where a default landscape of Mt. Everest is currently on display, but what caught Yuu's eyes when they entered the room, before all the light fixtures on the wall or screen were turned on, was the ceiling. She thought that the ceiling was made of transparent glass and that she could see the stars twinkling in the night sky. When her eyes adjusted to the semi-dark room, she realized that the ceiling was painted with nebulas and spinning galaxies in vibrant colors.

"Wow."

Esmeralda grins at her.

"My mom painted that." Alicia whispered to her.

Yuu learned enough English to understand that. "Really? That's amazing." But Sayaka translated what she said to the others.

"Thank you, dear." The architect smiled warmly and boop her nose.

The signature blushed appeared, after a moment, Sayaka steered her to the chair at the very back of the room.

Instead of sitting like a normal person, Sayaka sat sideways and drew both her legs up on the chair. And patted the space between her legs. "What are you waiting for?"

Yuu glance around the room. Most are settled already, and no one was in their row. She shook her head and sat with her back leaning on one folded leg. Sayaka drew her closer to her chest and nuzzled her neck. If a new person walks in with no prior knowledge about their relationship, the way that Sayaka was enclosed around her will clue them in immediately. That is, if they can even see her.

"You know, you might as well pee on me with how much you are marking your territory. Are the visible bite marks on my neck and shoulder not enough? You need to hug me with your whole body while we watch with people who are all in romantic relationships? No one here will take me away from you. Oh, and I am even wearing your ring."

Sayaka just coiled closer. "I just like this position." She said nonchalantly.

"Really? You watch movies like this?"

"Shut up."

Emmanuel appeared out of nowhere to deliver a huge bowl of nachos with melted cheese, tomatoes, yellow onions, jalapenos, and ground beef. He placed it on Yuu's hands, picked one, ate it, and tousled her hair before going away.

Yuu simpered at Sayaka when she caught her shooting daggers at his retreating form. "Fine. I like this position too. But it's a little hard to eat stuff.

Sayaka lowered her leg to Yuu's lap. "Better?"

"Perfect."

Before Yuu could pick up a nacho, Sayaka tilted her chin and gave her a big, heated kiss.

"You are shameless."

"Got a problem with that?"

"No ma'am."

Her second attempt to get a nacho was interrupted again with another kiss. Even her third and fourth ones. Yuu licked her lips with frustration in her eyes, placed the bowl on the side panel, wheeled back to grab Sayaka's face with both hands, and gave her a kiss she won't forget for years to come.

In the back of her mind, Sayaka was thankful that her parents chose the seats at the very front of the theater.