(Author notes)
Fluff and lime in this chapter
More notes at the end
(End of notes)
The group arrived at the abandoned church, its weathered exterior standing stark against the encroaching twilight. Vines crept along the faded stone walls, and the cracked stained-glass windows caught the glimmers of sunlight, casting fractured colors onto the ground. Alicia stood at the threshold, her gaze scanning the building with unease. She clutched her bag a little tighter, unsure of what to make of her new home.
Her expression didn't escape Hestia, who smiled faintly, though a hint of defensiveness touched her tone. "I know it's not as luxurious as Loki's manor," she admitted, hands on her hips, "but it's home for now. My Familia's still small—well, nonexistent, aside from Asriel—and he only joined Artemis' Familia recently."
Alicia blinked, realizing she'd been caught staring. "Oh, no, it's not that," she said quickly. "I just didn't expect two goddesses to live somewhere so… humble."
Hestia laughed, the sound light and genuine. "Yeah, it surprises people. But hey, we make it work."
"Let's head inside," Artemis said, gesturing toward the entrance. "It's not much, but it's better than standing out here."
The four of them descended into the church's basement, the air growing cooler as they stepped down the narrow staircase. The interior was cozy but modest. Alicia scanned the room, seeing a few mismatched pieces of furniture filled the room—a worn couch, a small dining table, and a scattering of shelves holding various trinkets and essentials. It was clear this was a place born out of necessity, not luxury, but there was a certain charm in its simplicity.
After setting down Alicia's belongings, Asriel brushed his silver-blue hair back, his sensitive ears twitching slightly as he took in the familiar hum of the place. Alicia took a slow look around. "It's… not bad," she said finally, her tone careful but not unkind.
Hestia crossed her arms and grinned. "See? I told you it's not ideal, but it's comfortable."
Alicia sat down on the couch, testing its springs with a slight bounce. "It's not bad at all," she reassured. "But if you'd like, I could help look for a better place. Something with more space—or fewer cracks," she added, her eyes darting to a hairline fracture running along the wall.
Hestia waved a hand dismissively. "That's sweet of you to offer, but you just joined Artemis' Familia. I can't ask you to take on something like that so soon."
Alicia shook her head. "It's no trouble. I have more than enough funds to help out, so it wouldn't affect me financially."
Artemis, who had been quietly observing, finally spoke. "We appreciate the offer, Alicia," she said gently. "But I'd rather you settle in first. You've already done so much by joining us."
"If you're sure," Alicia said, leaning back slightly. Her expression was thoughtful, but she didn't press further.
Artemis straightened, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. "For now, Hestia and I should prepare for work," she said, her tone shifting into something more purposeful.
"Right!" Hestia chimed in, already moving toward her small wardrobe. But she stopped abruptly, spinning on her heel to face Alicia and Asriel with a pointed look.
"Just one thing," Hestia said, her eyes narrowing. She crossed her arms and jabbed a finger in their direction. "No funny business, you hear me?"
Artemis gave a firm nod of agreement, her expression more serene but no less resolute.
The sudden assumption caught both Asriel and Alicia completely off guard. Alicia's cheeks turned a soft red as she straightened on the couch, her hands waving in a flustered gesture. "W-what? I wouldn't—!"
Asriel, equally taken aback, averted his mismatched gaze, his milky blue and vivid blue eyes darting away as a faint heat rose to his face. "That's… not even on my mind," he muttered, his usual calm demeanor slipping ever so slightly under the weight of the moment.
"Good," Hestia said, clearly satisfied with their flustered reactions. She turned back to the wardrobe, retrieving both her and Artemis's work uniforms with a triumphant grin. "We're trusting you!"
"R-right," Alicia stammered, her blush deepening as she cast a fleeting glance toward Asriel, whose composure had visibly faltered.
Artemis took her uniform from Hestia with a subtle, amused smile and placed a steadying hand on her fellow goddess's shoulder. "Come on," she said, her voice calm yet laced with quiet humor. "Let's not keep Hephaestus waiting."
Hestia adjusted her grip on her uniform and turned toward the staircase, her usual bounce in her step. "Right! We're off! Don't burn the place down while we're gone!" she added, waving over her shoulder.
"Bye," Alicia and Asriel replied in unison, their voices overlapping awkwardly, though neither dared to meet the other's eyes.
The sound of footsteps gradually faded as the two goddesses ascended the staircase, leaving the basement in a hushed stillness. Alicia let out a breath she hadn't realized she'd been holding, her shoulders sagging slightly in relief. She glanced sideways at Asriel, noting the way his silver-blue hair fell over his face, the faint flick of his sensitive ears betraying his lingering unease. A sheepish smile tugged at her lips as she broke the silence.
"Well… that wasn't embarrassing at all," she quipped, her voice light yet tinged with residual awkwardness.
Asriel flicked one of his ears, a faint smirk creeping onto his face despite himself. "Could've been worse," he replied, his tone steady but quieter than usual. He shifted his weight against the wall, his tail swaying lazily behind him, though the nervous flick at its tip betrayed the unease he hadn't quite managed to shake.
The quiet that followed wasn't uncomfortable, but it carried a weight that neither seemed eager to address. Asriel's mismatched eyes wandered to the floor, his tail stilling as he hesitated, wrestling with something unsaid. After a moment, he drew in a breath and glanced up at Alicia, his voice soft but resolute.
"Were you sure you wanted to join Artemis' Familia?" he asked, the guilt in his tone unmistakable.
Alicia, who had been settling into the couch, froze. Her brow furrowed slightly as she looked at him, her lips parting in surprise. Slowly, her expression shifted, and she stood, her movements deliberate as she crossed the room toward him. Her eyes held a quiet determination, though her smile trembled at the edges with something softer, something vulnerable.
"It wasn't an easy choice," she admitted her voice steady yet carrying an undercurrent of emotion. "Leaving the Loki Familia…" She trailed off, her eyes flickering with memories she didn't voice. "It was… difficult."
Asriel's lion ears drooped low, his tail falling limp as her words weighed on him. Guilt coiled tighter in his chest, the thought that her choice had cost her so much pressing heavily on his mind.
"But," Alicia continued, her steps drawing her closer to him, her voice softening, "as I told you before…" She hesitated, her hands trembling slightly before she lifted them, sliding them gently around his neck.
The unexpected gesture made Asriel freeze, his eyes widening as his face flushed a deeper red. Alicia's cheeks, too, held a faint pink hue, though her gaze never wavered.
"I've chosen to stay with you," she said, her voice quieter now, almost a whisper. Her fingers brushed lightly against the edges of his silver-blue hair, and her eyes searched him for a moment, as though she needed him to believe her. "I don't regret that choice, Asriel."
His throat bobbed as he swallowed, unable to look away from her. Her words eased the knot of guilt inside him, though the sudden closeness left him flustered and unsure. "A-Alicia…" he began, his voice barely audible, but she silenced him with a small, nervous laugh.
"How else can I show you?" she murmured, her tone carrying an almost playful lilt. Her hands slid from his shoulders to lightly loop around his neck. Her breath was steady despite her obvious nervousness. The subtle pull of her hands brought him closer, and Asriel felt his usual calmness crumble under the weight of the moment.
Alicia's hazel eyes searched his, and for a second, everything else in the room seemed to blur into insignificance. Then, with a tentative boldness, she leaned in further, closing the gap between them. Her lips brushed his in a soft, fleeting kiss, a moment so delicate it seemed to hang suspended in time.
Asriel's tail twitched sharply, and his ears flicked back in surprise, but he didn't pull away. His instincts were overwhelmed as an onslaught of sensations flooded him—her lips' softness, the faint warmth radiating from her body, even the sound of her steady breathing. It was dizzying and exhilarating all at once, leaving him momentarily frozen.
When Alicia finally pulled back, her face flushed, Asriel blinked several times, the rush of sensory input finally receding. The absence of her warmth left an almost tangible ache, but the lingering feeling was something he couldn't quite put into words.
For a moment, neither of them spoke, the silence filled only by the faint creak of the old building settling around them. Finally, Alicia let her hands slip from his neck, her gaze shy as she stepped back, though the faintest hint of a smile tugged at her lips.
"I hope that answers your question," she said, her tone light yet carrying a sincerity that left Asriel momentarily speechless.
He stared at her for a moment longer before finally finding his voice. His lips curved into the faintest of smiles, still tinged with a mix of shyness and disbelief. "Yes… crystal clear," he murmured, his tone quiet but sincere.
"Well, um, I'm going to go take a bath," Asriel said shyly, his tail flicking nervously as he stepped back toward the supplies they kept for bathing.
Alicia tilted her head, her smile softening as she saw Asriel shy side. "Alright, Asriel."
"I'll be back soon," he added, grabbing what he needed. But as he turned to head toward the staircase, a familiar voice chimed in from the back of his mind.
"Ask her to join you in the bath," the voice said, carrying a tone of mischievous wisdom.
Asriel froze mid-step, his mismatched eyes widening in shock. Huh? he thought, his breath hitching. G-Grandpa?!
"Yes, my boy," the imaginary voice of his grandfather continued his tone as teasing as it was sagely. "Ask her to join you! Nothing bonds young love like sharing a bath."
W-what?! No! I can't do that! Asriel mentally shot back, his face turning a deeper shade of red. His tail lashed behind him, his embarrassment unmistakable.
"Of course, you can!" his grandfather's voice replied, undeterred. "Seize the moment! A little intimacy builds trust. Besides, you're a gentleman—you'll make sure everything stays proper… mostly."
That's not the point! Asriel thought, now visibly flustered. He clenched the towel in his hand, shaking his head in disbelief.
"Are you alright, Asriel?" Alicia asked, her brow furrowing slightly as she noticed his unusual behavior.
Asriel flinched, his ears flattening as he tried to compose himself. "Y-yes! I'm fine! Really!" he stammered, the lie painfully obvious. Without giving Alicia a chance to respond, he quickly turned and ascended the stairs, desperate to escape both the room and the mischievous voice in his head.
"If you're sure…" Alicia said softly, watching him leave with a raised brow and a lingering sense of confusion.
The room fell into an uneasy quiet as Alicia sat alone, trying to process the strange tension left in the air. She leaned back against the couch, her hands absentmindedly twisting in her lap when suddenly, a voice broke through her thoughts.
"Ask him if you can join," a familiar, teasing voice echoed in her mind, casual yet maddeningly smug.
Alicia froze, her hazel eyes widening in alarm as heat flooded her cheeks. L-Loki?!
"Yeah, it's me," Loki's imaginary voice replied breezily. "What's the matter? You were all brave a second ago, kissing the boy like that. Now you're scared of a little bath?"
Alicia's face turned scarlet as her mind raced. I-I can't do that! Are you insane?!
"Oh, I'm insane all right," Loki said with a playful laugh. "Insane with brilliant ideas! And this is one of my best, trust me."
No way! It's—it's completely inappropriate! What would he think? Alicia retorted, her thoughts stumbling over themselves.
"What would he think? Probably something along the lines of 'Wow, Alicia's amazing,' or 'Best day of my life,'" Loki quipped. "Boys love this kind of stuff!"
Alicia buried her face in her hands, trying to will away the ridiculous conversation she was having with her former goddess. It's not about that! It's—this is different! It's not like the kiss. This is… way more personal!
"Pfft, says who?" Loki countered, her tone laced with mockery. "You're acting like the kid's gonna faint. Although come to think of it, that might be funny to watch."
Alicia groaned audibly, her embarrassment reaching new heights. I can't believe we're even having this conversation!
"You're welcome," Loki said smugly. "Look, Alicia, you've already got him flustered. You're halfway there. Why not go all in and see where this takes you?"
Because it's crazy! Alicia thought, her heart pounding in her chest. And besides, he might think I'm… I don't know… too forward!
Alicia pressed her hands against her flushed cheeks, shaking her head. I can't… I just can't…
"Alright, fine," Loki said, her voice dripping with false resignation. "Don't ask. Just go and surprise him. Walk in there like you own the place. Trust me, the kid won't know what hit him."
What?! Are you crazy?!
"Crazy brilliant," Loki corrected. "C'mon, Alicia. You like him, he likes you. Stop overthinking it and just go. A bath is the perfect chance to, you know, connect."
I'm not doing this, Alicia thought, though her conviction was starting to waver.
"Oh, you're doing this," Loki said confidently. "Because deep down, you want to. Admit it."
Alicia hesitated, her thoughts swirling in chaotic circles. Her heart raced, and the tension in her chest felt unbearable. Finally, she let out a sharp breath, shaking her head in frustration. This is insane, she thought. Absolutely insane.
But even as she argued with herself, she found her feet moving. She grabbed a towel with trembling hands, hesitating for a moment longer before finally taking a step toward the stairs.
"You're welcome," Loki's voice chimed smugly in her head, and Alicia could practically feel her former goddess grinning.
I'm blaming you if this backfires, Alicia thought, though her determination had already solidified.
"Blame me all you want, Alicia," Loki replied with a chuckle. "Now go knock his socks off—figuratively, of course. The rest, well… let's leave that to your imagination."
Alicia's face burned brighter as she made her way, her heart hammering with both nerves and anticipation. I can't believe I'm doing this…
.
.
.
Asriel sat in the clear water of the small pond, the sunlight filtering through the canopy of trees above, casting dancing patterns on the surface. The day was warm, and the cool water offered a refreshing contrast to the heat. He leaned back slightly, letting his silver-blue hair brush against his shoulders as he sighed, his mismatched eyes staring at the rippling water.
His grandpa's imaginary voice still lingered in his thoughts. "Ask her to join you, my boy! A bath together would be the perfect chance to bond."
Asriel's tail flicked irritably in the water behind him, his ears twitching as he tried to shake off the memory. "Ridiculous," he muttered, his voice barely audible over the gentle sounds of the forest. "She'd think I've lost my mind if I even brought it up."
Yet, as much as he wanted to dismiss the idea, his thoughts betrayed him. The image of Alicia sitting beside him, her presence comforting in the calm of the day, crept unbidden into his mind. His ears flattened as his face heated. Stop it, stop it, stop it!
Lost in his spiraling thoughts, Asriel didn't notice the faint sound of footsteps approaching through the grass.
What would she even think if she knew I was imagining something like this? he thought, shaking his head. His fingers ran through his silver hair as he tried to focus on the water. He was so absorbed in his embarrassment that he missed the faint sound of fabric slipping to the ground nearby.
Then—
"A-Asriel…"
The timid voice startled him, snapping him out of his thoughts. His ears perked up as he turned his head, his mismatched eyes widening at the sight before him.
Standing just a few steps away was Alicia, her hazel eyes hesitant yet filled with determination. She clutched a towel against her chest, the fabric draped carefully over her front, leaving her shoulders and collarbones exposed to the warm daylight. The edges of the towel brushed against her thighs, her legs bare and catching the dappled sunlight filtering through the trees.
"May I… join you?" Alicia asked, her voice carrying shyness.
Asriel froze, his breath catching in his throat. He couldn't speak—could barely think—as the sight of Alicia left him completely stunned. His mismatched eyes widened, and the faint ripple of water around him seemed to be still. His tail, which had been flicking restlessly moments ago, fell utterly still.
"I—I…" he stammered, his voice barely audible. The heat that had already been rising in his cheeks spread to the tips of his ears, his face now a deep, flustered red. Quickly, he tore his gaze away, his hands gripping his knees beneath the water. "I mean… y-you can if you want to…"
Alicia's blush deepened at his response, her chest rising and falling with shallow, nervous breaths. Her hands tightened their grip on the towel she was clutching, her hesitance clear in her eyes. But with a small nod, she stepped closer to the edge of the pond.
The soft rustle of grass under her feet made Asriel's ears twitch toward her, even though he kept his gaze firmly fixed on the surface of the water. His heart pounded like a drum in his chest, each step she took amplifying his nervous anticipation.
At the water's edge, Alicia hesitated again. Her hazel eyes flicked to Asriel, who remained turned away, his face a mixture of tension and embarrassment. After a moment, she carefully placed her towel on a nearby rock, folding it neatly. Without its cover, her bare figure was bathed in the warm light of the sun, her fair skin catching the golden rays.
Alicia stepped into the pond, her breath catching briefly as the cool water met her skin. The soft splash finally drew Asriel's attention, his ears perking up involuntarily. He glanced back over his shoulder, only to immediately snap his gaze forward again when he caught a fleeting glimpse of her bare shoulders and the delicate curve of her collarbone.
She let out a quiet, contented sigh as she submerged herself further, the water rising to her shoulders as she sat across from him. Her damp hair clung lightly to her neck, framing her slightly flushed face.
The two of them sat in silence for a long moment, the quiet broken only by the gentle sounds of the pond and the rustling of leaves in the breeze. Neither seemed to know what to say, the weight of the moment leaving them both flustered and unsure.
Asriel fidgeted, his hands gripping his knees tightly under the water. His mismatched eyes darted to the rippling pond surface as if it held all the answers, but his heightened senses couldn't ignore Alicia's presence. He was acutely aware of her every movement—the faint splash of water as she washed her hair, the gentle hum of her breathing, and the occasional flick of her damp hair as it brushed her shoulders.
Meanwhile, Alicia focused on washing her hair, but she couldn't help sneaking glances at him. His rigid posture, the restless flick of his tail beneath the water, and his flushed expression softened her gaze. Despite his composed demeanor in battle, he was almost adorably clueless in moments like this.
Finally, after rinsing the last of the soap from her hair, Alicia decided to break the silence. She leaned closer and lightly poked Asriel's arm with her finger.
Asriel jolted as if he'd been struck by lightning, his tail flicking sharply behind him, sending small ripples across the water. His mismatched eyes widened as he turned to her, his voice cracking slightly. "W-what?"
Alicia giggled at his response. It seemed rare to see him so flustered, and she found it oddly endearing. She tilted her head, letting her damp hair fall to one side as she shifted in the water. Slowly, she gathered her hair over one shoulder, revealing the smooth curve of her back. Droplets of water traced shimmering paths along her skin, catching the sunlight filtering through the trees above them.
She hesitated, her hands fidgeting briefly in the water before pointing timidly to her back. "Could you… scrub my back?" she asked her voice barely above a whisper, a nervous yet hopeful lilt in her tone.
Asriel froze, his breath hitching at her request. His throat bobbed as he swallowed hard, his gaze fixed firmly on her back to avoid looking anywhere else. The golden light of day seemed to frame her figure, highlighting every detail of her delicate frame. He clenched his fists under the water, willing himself to stay composed.
"S-sure," he stammered finally, his voice strained but sincere.
Alicia smiled softly, her shoulders relaxing as she turned slightly to give him better access. Asriel reached for a nearby washcloth, his fingers trembling slightly as he dipped it into the water. Slowly, he brought the cloth to her back, hesitating for a heartbeat before pressing it gently to her skin.
Her skin was warm and impossibly soft beneath the damp cloth, and Asriel focused all his effort on keeping his movements steady and respectful. He began at the center of her back, running the cloth in careful, deliberate circles.
After a moment, Asriel glanced at a nearby bottle of soap and hesitated. "…Should I use this?" he asked awkwardly, holding it up for her to see.
Alicia blinked before nodding. "Yes, please."
He poured a small amount of soap onto the washcloth, rubbing it in to work up a lather. With renewed focus, he brought the soapy cloth back to her skin, pressing it lightly against her back. He started again at the center, his movements slow and deliberate, the scent of the soap—a light, floral fragrance—filling the air around them.
Alicia let out a quiet, contented sigh as she felt the cloth glide over her shoulders. "That feels nice," she murmured, her voice soft and relaxed.
Asriel's ears twitched at her words, but he didn't respond, too focused on his task. As the minutes passed, Alicia began to notice that his scrubbing stayed firmly in the center of her back, his cautiousness almost amusing.
"You can go further if you want," she said, her tone gentle, her body shifting slightly to give him more access.
Asriel froze for a second, the tip of his tail twitching nervously beneath the water. "…Okay," he managed to say.
He tentatively moved the soapy cloth outward, brushing along the curve of her shoulders. Alicia shivered slightly at the sensation, her blush deepening as she realized how sensitive the area was. Encouraged by her lack of protest, Asriel continued, his movements growing more confident as he worked his way to the small of her back.
When the cloth dipped near her waist, Alicia felt a faint, pleasant shiver run through her. She bit her lip, surprised by how sensitive the area was, but didn't say anything, enjoying the gentle, almost therapeutic motion of his scrubbing.
After a few more moments, Asriel cleared his throat awkwardly, drawing back. "I… I think I'm done," he said, rinsing the cloth and setting it aside.
Alicia turned slightly, catching his gaze as he fidgeted nervously. Her hazel eyes held a mix of gratitude and amusement. "Thank you, Asriel," she said softly, her tone warm.
He nodded stiffly, his ears flicking as he struggled to calm his racing heart. The tension in his shoulders remained, but her gentle smile eased some of his nerves.
Alicia's gaze lingered on him for a moment before she tilted her head curiously. "It seems like you haven't started washing yourself yet," she remarked, her voice light but inquisitive.
Asriel hesitated, his hand drifting up to rub the back of his neck. His mismatched eyes darted to the water. "I… like to soak for a while first," he admitted quietly. "It helps me relax."
Alicia smiled faintly at his shy response, the corners of her lips tugging upward. She hesitated briefly before speaking again, her voice turning softer, almost tentative. "May I… help you wash your hair and back?"
The question caught him entirely off guard. Asriel stiffened, his breath hitching as her words echoed in his mind. He opened his mouth to respond but found himself at a loss. After a moment of silent panic, he managed to give a small nod, his voice barely audible. "Uh… sure, if you want to."
Alicia's smile widened at his response, her cheeks tinged with a faint blush. She moved closer, shifting in the water. Without thinking, she rose slightly to reach for a bottle of soap resting on the edge of the pond. As she stretched, the movement gave Asriel an unintentional but generous view of her chest.
His eyes widened as his face turned a deep crimson, and he whipped his head away so quickly that it sent droplets of water flying. "I-I'll just… look the other way" he stammered, his voice cracking slightly.
Alicia blinked in confusion at his sudden reaction before realization dawned on her. Her own cheeks flushed as she submerged herself back into the water. However, she couldn't help but stifle a soft laugh at his flustered demeanor.
"You know," she began, pouring water over his hair, "I don't mind if you look at me."
Asriel froze, his body tensing as her words sank in. "W-what?"
Alicia smiled gently, her voice calm as she continued. "We're bathing together, so it's fine. You don't have to be so nervous."
"That… makes sense," Asriel muttered, his tone laced with awkwardness. Still, he remained steadfastly turned away, resisting the urge to glance back.
Alicia sighed, shaking her head slightly but smiling nonetheless. "Such a gentleman," she teased, pouring some soap into her hands. She began lathering it into his hair, her touch firm but careful.
As her fingers worked through his hair, Asriel stirred slightly, a shiver running down his spine. The warmth of her hands combined with the gentle pressure was surprisingly pleasant. He relaxed under her touch, his tense posture gradually softening.
"Um… Alicia," he murmured, his voice quieter than usual. "When you're washing my hair… could you be gentle? My ears are, uh… really sensitive."
Alicia paused, her hands hovering just above his head. A soft smile graced her lips as she nodded. "Of course. I'll be careful."
With renewed focus, Alicia resumed scrubbing, her fingers moving with deliberate care. She started at the edges of Asriel's hair, her touch light and precise, gradually working her way toward the top. For now, she avoided his ears, mindful of his earlier warning.
"You have really soft hair, Asriel," she murmured, almost to herself, as her fingers worked through a particularly thick section.
"Thanks," he muttered, his voice distant, almost dreamy. The soothing rhythm of her hands seemed to draw him into a peaceful daze, his mismatched eyes half-lidded as he relaxed under her touch. Unconsciously, his tail began to sway lazily beneath the water, the motion so natural that he didn't even notice when it lightly brushed against Alicia's belly.
The unexpected sensation made Alicia giggle softly, the sound light and melodic. "Your tail is tickling me," she said with a small laugh.
Asriel blinked, snapping out of his haze as his ears flicked back in surprise. "Oh, uh, sorry about that," he said, glancing over his shoulder.
"It's fine," she reassured him, her smile soft and amused.
Alicia's confidence grew as she continued washing his hair, her movements becoming more fluid and deliberate. She noticed how his ears twitched with every subtle brush of her fingers near their base, and a mischievous glint sparked in her hazel eyes. His reactions were subtle but endearing, and she couldn't resist the growing urge to tease him—just a little.
Her hands slowed as she leaned closer, her breath warm against his damp hair. She paused deliberately, then gently blew a soft puff of air against one of his sensitive ears.
Asriel's entire body jolted at the sensation, his tail stiffening under the water before it flicked sharply to one side. A startled yelp escaped his lips, and his ears flattened instinctively against his head. He whipped his head around, his mismatched eyes wide with a mix of confusion and flustered indignation.
"Alicia!" he exclaimed, his voice higher-pitched than usual.
She couldn't help but laugh, covering her mouth with one hand to stifle the sound. "I couldn't resist," she admitted, her tone teasing but lighthearted. "Your ears are just so reactive."
Asriel groaned, his face burning bright red as he tried to compose himself. "You really don't fight fair," he muttered, turning his head forward again and sinking slightly into the water as if to hide.
Alicia grinned, leaning back to give him some space, though her smile never faltered. "Sorry, I'll behave. For now," she teased, her voice carrying a playful lilt.
"I'll get you back for that," Asriel muttered under his breath, his tone tinged with mock defiance.
Alicia chuckled, her smile softening. "I look forward to it," she said lightly, returning her attention to his hair. Without further teasing, she resumed her work, her fingers moving through his thick strands with practiced ease.
Asriel huffed but let her continue, the soothing rhythm of her hands once again lulling him into a tranquil daze. The tension in his shoulders eased as he sank into the pleasant sensation, his tail occasionally swishing lazily beneath the water.
As Alicia worked, she approached the base of his ears but found it difficult to scrub them properly from her current angle. She paused, considering her options, then spoke. "I need to get a better angle," she explained gently. "I'm coming around to the front, alright?"
Asriel, still lost in his peaceful haze, muttered an absentminded "Okay," not fully processing her words.
Alicia stood slowly, the water rippling gently around her as she moved. The disturbance stirred Asriel from his tranquil daze, and he instinctively turned toward the source. His eyes widened as he took in an unobstructed view of Alicia's figure before quickly whipping his head to the side, his face flushing a deep crimson.
Alicia eased herself back into the water, her eyes catching his reaction. A soft, amused smile curved her lips, though a faint blush painted her cheeks as well. "Asriel," she said, her tone steady yet teasing, "I already told you—I don't mind if you look."
He nodded stiffly, his gaze stubbornly fixed on the treetops beyond them. "Right," he managed, his voice almost a whisper, though he made no effort to turn back.
Alicia's smile widened, her amusement deepening as she watched his flustered form. "You're too considerate for your own good, you know that?" she said with a light laugh, her voice holding a note of fondness.
Before he could muster a response, she reached out, her hands gently cupping his face. With deliberate care, she guided his head to face her, forcing him to meet her gaze.
Asriel opened his mouth, perhaps to protest, but Alicia leaned forward and silenced him with a soft, fleeting kiss. Her lips brushed his in a gesture so quick and light that it left him frozen in place, his heart pounding loudly in his chest.
"You don't need to be so cautious," she murmured, her voice barely audible above the soft sound of water. Her hazel eyes held his, warm and steady, before she gave him a gentle smile. "Now, let me finish your hair."
Without waiting for a response, Alicia rose slightly, her movements unhurried as she resumed scrubbing his hair. Asriel sat motionless for a few moments, too stunned to react, before finally relaxing once more under her soothing touch.
"Alright," he muttered, his voice almost inaudible.
Alicia chuckled softly, her hands moving with renewed focus. "Good," she said simply, her tone warm and affectionate.
She worked with deliberate care, her fingers moving closer to the base of his ears. Each brush of her hands made him quiver slightly, his ears twitching involuntarily at the sensation. Alicia paused briefly, considering the best approach, then spoke. "Asriel, look down for a moment," she instructed.
"Huh?" he asked, his peaceful daze broken by her request.
"Look down," she repeated, her voice calm yet firm as she gently guided his head downward.
Asriel obeyed, though as his gaze dropped, he caught a full view of Alicia's bare chest, mere inches from his face. His face burned hotter than ever, the heat spreading to the tips of his ears. He clamped his mouth shut, trying desperately to remain composed as Alicia continued her work.
Unaware—or perhaps fully aware—of his predicament, Alicia leaned forward, her chest pressing lightly against him as she carefully scrubbed around his ears.
Asriel's instincts stirred, every sensation amplified by the closeness of her body. Her warmth of her body, and the undeniable softness of her chest made his lion tail flick beneath the water. His heart raced as Alicia leaned in further, her movements deliberate yet unhurried.
Alicia smiled to herself, her expression unreadable as she shifted slightly, her chest brushing against him with every subtle motion. She could feel the tension in his body, the way he held himself still despite the flurry of emotions clearly running through him.
Finally, Alicia rose just enough to adjust her position, her body dragging against his as she shifted. Her touch was gentle yet purposeful, leaving Asriel breathless and completely at her mercy.
"All done," Alicia announced cheerfully, breaking the spell as she sat back. She smiled, her eyes dancing with amusement as she observed Asriel's red-faced expression.
Asriel swallowed hard, his throat suddenly dry. "Th-thank you," he stammered, his voice barely above a whisper.
"You're welcome," Alicia replied, her tone light and teasing yet warm. She tilted her head slightly, her smile turning mischievous. "So… now your back?"
Asriel stiffened, his ears flicking nervously as he hesitated for a moment. Finally, he nodded, his voice soft and unsure. "Y-yeah… okay."
Alicia chuckled at his bashfulness, finding his reaction completely endearing. Without another word, she moved around him, the water rippling gently as she settled behind him. Grabbing a cloth, she dipped it into the water and splashed some onto his back.
Asriel jolted slightly at the coldness.
"Sorry," Alicia said with a laugh, her voice light and genuine. "I'll warn you next time."
She poured soap onto the cloth, rubbing it into a lather before pressing it gently against his back. Her movements were smooth and deliberate, the soapy cloth gliding over his skin with practiced care.
Asriel shivered at first, his body reacting to the cool water. But as Alicia continued, the warmth of her touch quickly overtook the chill, and he let out a soft sigh. His muscles, once tense, loosened under her gentle care.
His tail, a clear indicator of his mood, swayed lazily in the water, occasionally brushing against Alicia. She smiled at the sight, her hands working in steady, rhythmic motions as she scrubbed.
Minutes passed in companionable silence, the soothing sound of water accompanying her work. As she finished, Alicia poured water to get rid of soap from his back with careful precision, ensuring no residue remained. Finally, she set the cloth aside and shifted closer.
Without warning, Alicia wrapped her arms around his neck from behind, pulling herself into a gentle embrace. She rested her head against his, her soft chest pressing lightly against his back.
" All done," Alicia murmured, her voice soft and gentle.
Asriel tensed for a brief moment before letting out a quiet exhale, his ears twitching slightly. "Thank you," he said, his voice barely above a whisper.
Alicia smiled, wrapping her arms around him with the firm yet comforting strength of a Level Four adventurer. Her touch was warm, grounding. "Would you like to stay here a little longer? Just to talk?" she asked, her tone light and inviting.
Asriel hesitated, his mismatched eyes flickering with thought before he gave a small nod. "Sure," he said. "I'd… like to know you better, Alicia."
Her smile widened, a flicker of warmth in her hazel eyes. "Good," she replied, nestling comfortably against him as the soothing water surrounded them.
A brief silence settled between them, not awkward but peaceful.
"So, what do you want to talk about?" Asriel asked after a moment, his voice calm but curious.
Alicia hummed softly, resting her head against his shoulder. "I just want to know more about you," she admitted, her voice quiet yet sincere. She nuzzled slightly against his neck, her breath warm against his skin.
Asriel's ears twitched, and for the first time that day, a flicker of uncertainty crossed his mind. He realized he hadn't really told her much about himself—about what he was.
He hesitated, his tail stilling beneath the water.
"Um… Alicia," Asriel started, but the words caught in his throat.
"Hm?" Alicia murmured, tilting her head slightly.
Asriel swallowed, choosing his next words carefully. "…I was thinking, if you wanted to, maybe we could… go on a date today? You know, to get to know each other better?" He rubbed the back of his neck, his usual confidence wavering slightly. Maybe I should wait a little before telling her I'm a lion, he thought.
Alicia blinked, then slowly pulled back just enough to look at him, her expression unreadable for a moment. Then, a smile spread across her lips—soft, genuine, and just a little amused.
"I'd like that," she said simply.
Asriel let out a breath he hadn't realized he'd been holding, his tense shoulders loosening. "Yeah?"
"Yeah," Alicia confirmed, giving him a playful nudge before resting against him again. "But I expect it to be a good one."
A chuckle rumbled in Asriel's throat, his tail swaying lazily beneath the water once more. "I'll do my best," he promised.
And for now, he decided, that was enough.
(Author)
{Word count: 6,489}
I never expected to write this much in my life.(pretty small word count but still surprised by it)
I needed to rewrite some parts since I didn't really like how it was turning out, plus I was distracted and busy with lots of stuff, so it took a while to edit and write this chapter. I'm sorry.