Moved by a sudden impulse

Sohalia

Say my name
And every color illuminates

Soh settled into Zavien’s arms with a happy sigh. Somehow, she’d almost expected the magic to fade, for the afterglow to throw everything into sharp relief. Maybe she’d thought that Zavien would regret whatever temporary madness had taken hold, or that there would be awkwardness in the aftermath. But, much to her delight, there was only happiness. She had to wonder what it said about her past that made this such a novel concept.

The way he praised her, calling their lovemaking extraordinary, brought a pretty pink blush to her cheeks. She tucked her legs around his, effectively tangling them up in each other all over again. ”I know I haven’t,” she admitted, playing it back over in her mind. This was, after all, only her second time having sex; and the first had been a one-night stand. Fun, but nothing like this. In truth, she’d never expected to feel quite so comfortable in her own body. There was no shame in her scars, or fear that she’d been too loud, or wondering about what kind of face she’d made when she came. Maybe that was because they’d been friends first - and, at least on her part, never dreamed of being anything more.

It had snuck up on her, this feeling, but now that she lay here in Zavien’s arms, she couldn’t deny the comfort she felt with him, the companionship she craved from him. She hadn’t given it much thought when she’d been wrapped up in Koa, but now…

Now everything had changed, and she couldn’t bring herself to be afraid.

We are shining
And we will never be afraid again

Courage is not simply one of the virtues,

It would probably surprise Soh to learn that it was also only Zavien's second time having sex. Despite all his time dating Lena, everything had always seemed to get in the way, and while he would always be grateful for their intimate time together, this had felt different. Perhaps tomorrow he'd wonder if it was some other affect at play, but for now, all he knew was the complete abandon he'd experienced with Soh. He didn't feel doubt or pressure or stress. He'd acted on instinct and if he'd fumbled along the way, she certainly hadn't complained. 

The callouses on his hands ran across her shoulder then down to her elbow and up again, an absent-minded movement that he didn't even realize he was doing. His thoughts were elsewhere. Pointedly avoiding anything that could spoil the moment, Zavien smiled instead, humor lacing his words as he said, "Although I didn't plan this when I offered for you to stay the night, I'd like it if you did." His hand continued its lazy path, as easy and comfortable as if he'd done it a thousand times, dreading the idea of a cold, lonely night after barely satiating his touch-starved heart, of breaking the reality that felt like it was just starting to form. 

Tilting his head, he offered, "We could shower, maybe scrounge up some food, then sleep in a bed so you can catch the sunrise in the morning?" And if more happened somewhere in between, Soh wouldn't catch Zavien complaining.

Zavien

but the form of every virtue at the testing point.

Sohalia

Say my name
And every color illuminates

Was this real life? Were they really going to be able to just… exist like this, without it ruining their friendship? With it maybe evolving into something… more?

Zavien’s hand ran down her arm and up again, and Soh might have leaned into the touch were she not already so intricately intertwined with the man. Laughing along with him, she couldn’t help but tease him. ”Are you sure you didn’t plan it? Could’ve fooled me.” But she winked playfully to show she was joking around, and quickly followed it up with, ”But yes - I’d like to stay. Very much, actually.” And whatever happened, she hoped that it was just as wonderful as the rest of the day had been.

A part of her wanted to talk about what had happened, but only a small part. Mostly she just wanted to bask in the afterglow. So with a sly grin, she slipped from Zavien’s arms and stood, tossing her messy blonde waves over her shoulder. ”So about this shower,” she said. ”You did mean shower together, right?” It was something she’d never gotten to share with anyone else, but being parted from Zavien’s arms and right this minute felt unbearable. ”If not, then consider this your invitation.” Her silver gaze with playful as she stood with one hand on her hip, holding the other out to tug him up with her.

We are shining
And we will never be afraid again

Courage is not simply one of the virtues,

The laughter was easy, warm. It flowed as if nothing had changed, as if they weren't naked in each other's arms. He didn't fight or question it, poking her arm gently as he teased back, "Are you sure you didn't plan this?" She'd been the one to draw him in after all. If he didn't know any better, he'd say she orchestrated the whole thing, set on seducing him - not that it proved to be very hard. 

But as she agreed to stay, something loosened further in his chest. She hadn't hesitated or given conditions or even bothered to ask why. She just - agreed. And whatever fear or concerns Zavien might have held in the back of his mind, whatever loneliness or fragile hope, was reassured in a matter of seconds, shifting to something new and full of potential. 

He groaned playfully as she slipped from his grasp, his hand trailing as he watched her stand. His eyes dragged over her nude body in a not-so-subtle manner that would have usually made him blush, but embarrassment was turning out to be the farthest thing from his mind as he grinned up from his dejected position on the couch. "I might have been hoping."

Not needing to wait for the mailman to deliver this invitation, Zavien popped up from the couch and took her hand in his, shaking his head with disbelief as he led her towards his bedroom and the bathroom within. "You're trouble," he lamented playfully, his eyes flitting to her trailing form as he turned on the water in the standing shower. It wasn't exceptionally large, but the logistics of how they'd both fit was the furthest thing from Zavien's mind as he guided her hand forward to step in first, like a gentleman helping a lady into her regal carriage - or perhaps the rain waiting for her outside of it.

Zavien

but the form of every virtue at the testing point.

Sohalia

Say my name
And every color illuminates

Soh grinned. ”I’m as surprised as you are,” she insisted, though, thinking back, she certainly hadn’t been shy in her flirtations. Gods, maybe she did seduce him. ”Not that I’m complaining,” she added, gaze softening as she reached to press a sweet kiss to his lips.

Then she was up, and his eyes were on her in a way that made her blush, roving over her nude form appreciatively. He didn’t balk or flinch at the scars that crossed her abdomen, or the old burn the curled around one shoulder. He simply saw her, all of her, and seemed to like what he saw. She returned the favor, silver gaze skimming across his body brazenly. He was quite the image sprawled out naked on the couch, and she was struck once more by the absurd urge to draw him.

Following to Zavien’s bedroom, she was unsurprised to find it as barren and devoid of anything that made it his as the rest of the little house. But her attention lingered for only a moment before they were in the bathroom. At his playful insistence that she was trouble, Soh merely grinned. ”I most definitely am not,” she said haughtily, turning her nose up at him even as her eyes danced.

Taking his hand, she stepped into the hot water with a quiet, ”Thank you.” Somehow, it felt even more incredible than it might have normally, even if it was a tight fit for the both of them to stand together. Pressing herself against Zavien under the guise of making more room, she fluttered her lashes playfully up at him. ”Oops,” she said innocently.

We are shining
And we will never be afraid again

Courage is not simply one of the virtues,

Grinning at her attempts to deny it, Zavien leaned closer to whisper suggestively, "You most definitely are." But the way his own eyes gleamed gave the impression he liked it. They wouldn't be in this situation if he didn't. 

He helped her into the shower, admiring her curves and exposed figure more than any of the scars on her body. His hands followed her, bracing against her hips so she didn't slip as they shuffled in together. Water immediately fell into his hair, darkening it as he looked down to her and the warm water caressing their skin. Although he didn't hold Soh at a distance, he hadn't quite expected her to press into him so quickly, his grasp on her waist holding as she made contact with his chest. 

Her eyelashes batted up at him, dripping beads of water onto her cheek in the sexiest attempt at innocence. But with their bodies pressed against each other and the recent label of 'trouble,' Zavien wouldn't be fooled. He lifted a hand to her chin and tilted it up, slowly claiming her lips with obvious intent. When he pulled up, there was a wide grin across his mouth, a deep whisper falling between them. "Oops."

Zavien

but the form of every virtue at the testing point.

Sohalia

Say my name
And every color illuminates

Water cascaded down, warm and welcome. Her golden waves darkened to a light brown as they plastered themselves to her head and neck. Tilting her head back under the spray, she sighed with contentment as rivulets of water ran down her shoulders and over her breasts. Droplets glistened on her face as she stepped into Zavien, pressing herself against him in a not-so-subtle invitation for him to touch her again.

To her surprise - though she wasn’t sure why she was so surprised, given the way the day had gone - Zavien lifted a hand to tilt her chin, and then his lips were on hers again. The kiss was full of promise, and when he broke it, Soh was breathless all over again. ”Mmhmm,” she hummed. ”I’m sure that was completely accidental.” But there was a grin on her lips as she reached to run her fingers through his damp hair.

We are shining
And we will never be afraid again

Courage is not simply one of the virtues,

There was a smug satisfaction when he pulled away to see how she reacted to his kiss. There was a new flush across her damp cheeks, a new heat beginning to settle between them that sparked just as fast as before. The humor and grins were easy, the contact following shortly behind as they traded taunts. 

Zavien's smile turned crooked at her accusation. "Here. I'll prove it." Then he claimed her lips again, adding the faintest increase in pressure to bait her, his hands beginning to move along her sides seemingly without purpose beyond rubbing water into her skin. Yet with each pass, his path widened, never getting quite close enough to exactly where she wanted them.

Zavien

but the form of every virtue at the testing point.

Sohalia

Say my name
And every color illuminates

She’d never quite felt like this before, like her desire was a fire bubbling just under the surface, waiting to be stoked. But Zavien’s kiss brought a new flush to her cheeks and a new warmth to her core. The chemistry, she thought, couldn’t be denied. Maybe it had always been there, just hidden beneath layers of propriety. Things had always been easy with Zavien, easy in a way that she rather thought she’d taken for granted.

His next kiss was anticipated, and she met it gladly. This time, though, he began to stroke lightly along her skin. His touch sparked a fire in lines along her sides, and she couldn’t quite stifle the moan that fell against his lips. ”Mm, that feels good,” she murmured, reaching up to wrap her arms around his neck, pushing closer against his naked body. But his touch stopped just shy of the places she really wanted it, and before long, she was panting against him.

”Zav -“ she groaned, stuck somewhere between amusement and madness. ”Please, just touch me.“

We are shining
And we will never be afraid again

Courage is not simply one of the virtues,

The sounds she made were hotter than the steam around them, her voice an incantation to spur him on, but he didn't reach farther than the curve of her hips, the slopes of her thighs, or the raise of her ribs. It was almost as much torture for her as it was for him, although his smile was less strained, his movements less greedy. 

However, when her plea reached him, the impulse surged, all thoughts of teasing wisping away like smoke at the desperation holding tight around every syllable. He dipped his mouth to her ear, pure satisfaction dripping from the single word he whispered, "Gladly."

Getting the sense that he'd have a better angle from the back, his hands expertly twisted her around so she wasn't facing him. Before Soh could protest or slip from his grasp, Zavien's elbows bracketed her into place, his head dropping towards her shoulder as his hands roamed with renewed intent. One traveled up towards her chest, plucking and rolling one of her hardened nipples. The other went farther down, seeking a heat and wetness that had nothing to do with the shower. When his fingers found their target, he sought out her clit, rubbing and applying pressure without teasing or torturing her for a second longer.

Zavien

but the form of every virtue at the testing point.

Sohalia

Say my name
And every color illuminates

The teasing was torture, but of the best kind. Soh’s breathy sighs and soft whimpers filled the shower as she wriggled beneath his hands, trying to encourage him to stroke a little higher or a little lower, but in the end, it was for naught. It wasn’t until she pleaded for relief that he moved.

Suddenly she was turning, facing away from Zavien and into the running water. But before she could protest, his arms were around her again, bracketing her in place. Her head fell back against his shoulder as his hands began to roam. ”Mm, that’s more like -“ But she cut off with a gasp as his fingers reached her peaked nipple, her back arching into the touch. The other hand fell to her hip, and then lower. Soh hummed with pleasure as his fingers met her clit, circling enticingly.

Hot water fell down her front, cascading over her in a delicious juxtaposition. Lifting one hand, she tucked it around the back of Zavien’s neck, tilting her head away to bare her neck for him. With the other, she reached sneakily behind her, running her fingernails lightly up his thigh and towards the erection she could feel from behind.

We are shining
And we will never be afraid again

Courage is not simply one of the virtues,

His face pressed into her exposed neck, nipping and kissing along the sensitive skin there. Having his ear so close to her mouth gave him the opportunity to relish every catch of breath or soundless sigh. Zavien let it guide his movements, pinching harder or circling faster until she was leaning helplessly into him. 

So invested in her pleasure, he didn't anticipate the drag of her hand towards him, highlighting the erection reforming between them. It was an unwelcome distraction, his own breath straining into a low groan that straddled the border between want and disapproval.

Hoping to drag Soh so far into pleasure that she might leave him for a moment, Zavien slipped two fingers into her. Although limited in experience, he curled his fingers along her internal walls as he thrust in and out, slow at first before picking up his pace and placing his thumb confidently onto her clit, all the while running his mouth along the wet skin of her neck.

Zavien

but the form of every virtue at the testing point.

Sohalia

Say my name
And every color illuminates

Everything was more sensitive the second time around, and it didn’t take long for Soh to give up on her fumbling to simply be. Leaning into Zavien’s arms, she relaxed and allowed herself to just feel - and oh, what feelings they were. Her nipple rolled between his fingers and her eyes rolled back; his fingers slipped into her, and she gasped as they curled against her inner walls. He kissed and nipped at her neck, and she moaned when he found a sensitive spot.

Her hips rolled against his hand as he picked up the pace. This was different from their first coupling, when everything had been hurried along by their shared passion. Her desire now built slowly, like embers being gently coaxed back to life. Abandoning all sense of propriety, Soh gave herself over to it all, blissfully ignorant of anything outside the small shower as Zavien slowly enticed her higher and higher.

We are shining
And we will never be afraid again

Courage is not simply one of the virtues,

He didn't stop. He wouldn't stop even if the world around them was crashing down. Nothing else existed beyond the feel of her beneath his fingers, the soft skin meeting his lips, her back arching into him. Zavien was so captivated and attuned to Soh's every need that nothing could have mattered to him more than guiding her towards that release, just to feel her fall apart beautifully in his arms. 

Now that she'd given in, his hands adjusted slightly, quickening his pace and bracing for the inevitable. And when she finally reached the climax, Zavien would be ready, the arm across her chest holding her up when her legs ultimately failed, fingers slowing and kisses deepening along her neck to prolong the pleasure before easing her back into her own skin and the water cascading around their joined bodies.

Zavien

but the form of every virtue at the testing point.