Sorry im as slow as can be on these but i will not stop until im done with it or someone better comes and takes it lol.
"Date"
No climax, no catch; a respite.
Maybe it’s just me…
Ever since returning to the capital, everyone in the party is acting so strangely. It’s hard to describe, but s a tension in the air.
All the women apart from Fio are acting particularly strangely. Sure, there were little disagreements from before, but they stand out more now. It’s like they’re more serious, more aggressive than before.
“Why are you following me, you dull bandit? I’m supposed to be going shopping with Alto today.”
“Rei, do you think you can fool me? Leave that strange drug behind.”
“It’s not something harmful. There are medicines out there that babies like you would never understand.”
“I do understand. That’s why I’m telling you to leave it.”
“Well, still a baby, but you know things like that, you pervert.”
“Look in a mirror. Slut.”
Once we’re out shopping, arguments start breaking out in the group.
“Alto is busy! He’s in the middle of sparring with me. What’s the matter Yuri?”
“I thought you’d be tired, so I brought you something. Lord Alto, I put my heart and soul into making these sweets. Don’t you think it’s time for a break?”
“You’re in the way! The way of the sword isn’t a path one treads with a sweetie in hand! Take them away!”
“Lord Alto is already so strong. At least as strong as someone I know who’s always just swinging their sword.”
“Now who might that be?”
“Hehe, well.”
Even when we’re sparring, the glaring match continues.
“This isn’t right. Fio, we really shouldn’t be fighting each other. When they start fighting, I want you to step in.”
“You want me to die? Do you really want to see me get minced?”
I was so concerned about the infighting, that I decided to discuss it with Fio, my lover and more knowledgeable about people than me.
Until now, I could only think about it by myself, and stew. But now that I’m close to Fio, I can discuss things like this. I’m so grateful she’s around.
“Isn’t there something we can do, Fio?”
“No way. I mean, if we say we’re lovers, then things will settle down, but I’d get killed. So yea, no way.”
“No way for you as well huh, Fio.”
She says it like she’s trying to get at something, but it does seem that Fio can’t do anything about it. Pity.
“You know, Alto.”
“What is it, my lovely Fio?”
“Well, you know, that’s not something to bring up as we’re about to, you know…”
Right now, we’re both in a plain room with one bed. I got us a remote place in the outskirts so we can escape attention. This is the first time in a few days I get some time for romance with Fio.
She’s sitting on my lap in her lingerie; I hug her shoulders close. A happy moment.
“Hey! Wait!”
“True, sorry, it was bad timing. For now, I’m just going to focus on you.”
“No, that’s not what I want to say…wait…!”
I get it, this is “us” time. Talking about other women is just wrong. Just because Fio is kind, if I assume she’ll always let me off, she’ll get tired of me. I need to become the kind of man she deserves.
“So, umm.”
“Close your eyes, Fio.”
I halt my discussion, and gently wrap my lips around hers. We haven’t had much time together since returning to the capital. I really must secure quality time with my lover.
One thing I found out recently is that kissing really turns her on. Her cheeks redden, and she’s relaxed her body, gently letting her weight rest in my arms.
“They’ll be suspicious if we don’t return by night. Fio, we better start.”
“Oh, OK…”
And so it begins.
Before me is my lover, the one I desire, quietened, her cheeks flushed, a sight only for here, only for me. I slowly rest my hands on her shoulders.
“…”
“Here’s my payment. Is that enough?
“Thanks. Hope you stay the night next time.”
My body is still flushed. There’ s still a dull pain, and some discomfort.
Unlike me, Alto looks refreshed and quickly settles the bill. His hand gently wraps mine, and I’m pulled along the evening streets, like I’m riding some feverish cloud.
…stupid warrior, he doesn’t know how tough it is for women after sex. Why the hell would he bring the end of the night to the beginning of the date. Idiot.
This is the first date with my lover in some time. Leave Alto to plan, and he drags us to an inn from the get-go. This warrior, he sure doesn’t change.
“This way, Fio.”
“…yea, sure.”
I’d heard we were going for a meal now, but my head’s so clouded that I can’t think straight. I wonder what kind of place it is.
I leave Alto to lead me through the streets, and concentrate on settling the heat still rushing through my veins. Would cure magic do it? Maybe an anti-fever spell? No, that doesn’t sound right.
...Alto hasn’t said a word since a while back. I don’t have the strength to chat, and Alto doesn’t say anything. This is supposed to be a special time for us…this isn’t right.
Wait, this is Alto we’re dealing with here. He’s quiet to begin with, it’d be more awkward if he suddenly got chatty. He’s at least holding my hand, let’s call that a pass.
Shouldn’t expect too much from the beginning anyway. I better just gently warn him not to start the night with sex.
“I’m sorry I couldn’t make time for us, Fio. If I had my way, I’d do this every day.”
“That…that would be a bit much.”
But Alto seems to want to do it every day. In the two weeks since returning to the capital, we’ve done this every four to five days. This is our fourth secret date.
I thought we saw each other just as frequently as an average couple, but for Alto, apparently that isn’t enough.
And no wonder we’re not being followed. Alto’s taken extra care to scope out our surroundings, just in case. Getting found out would be horrific. We mustn’t let our guard slip. Alto has been remarkably cooperative.
I’ve also told Alto, “never talk about it to anyone about this!” When he wants to invite me, I’ve told him to tug my arm a little. That night, I would sneak into his room, and discuss a date and time. It’s pretty thrilling every time.
On one of my visits, I bumped into Yuri in front of Alto’s room. “I don’t know how to say this to you, Yuri, but I’m going to enjoy some nocturnal pleasures.” Thankfully she bought it. I’ve never been so glad that I frequent brothels. She blushed when I said that, cute.
“We’re here, Fio.”
“Umm, wow.”
After walking 10 minutes with Alto, we arrived at a small, typical meal joint. Not the kind of place for a date. I mean, it’s not like it has to be expensive, but in all honesty, the store screamed “cheap”. When he said “dinner”, maybe he really just meant grabbing food.
“Oh, don’t get me wrong Fio. I’ve booked out the place tonight, just the premises. A top chef is coming to cook for us. Like a catering service.“
“Oh, is that right.”
“There are nicer place near the capital, but people know us. If they see us, they might start gossiping. You want this to be a secret still, right?”
“Alto…! You’re so thoughtful, this is perfect.”
Well, isn’t that something! It’s not like him to be so thoughtful. I’m grateful for the consideration, but I begin to wonder how many women he has on the side.
But no, I’ve decided to trust Alto…it’s hard to tell whether he’s extremely devious or just out of it. When we started dating, I only thought of him as devious, but now, I see an extremely clumsy side of him, in that he doesn’t think he’s clumsy.
I really don’t know which.
I cast a suspicious look at Alto, but as we open the door, we find the inside rather nice. There’s a slender, beautiful woman standing in the kitchen. When she sees us, she gives us a graceful bow.
“Oh, you’re already here.”
“Welcome, Lord Alto, Lady Fio.”
She is wearing a maid’s uniform; her sharp, cat-like eyes gently thin as she greets us. Her wavy, silver hair gently shakes as she smiles, as I become entranced by her beauty…
Wait.
“Kuriha!”
“Yes, Lady Fio.”
We’ve come all this way to escape attention, and he brings someone he knows! That idiot!
“Fio. Her cooking is said to be some of the best in the palace. I splurged a bit to bring her in on her holiday.”
“Wait! Kuriha, this is, err, there’s nothing between me and Alto, I mean, we just happened to meet for a meal…”
“You can rest easy, Lady Fio. I don’t intend to tell others about your relationship. On my honor as a maid.”
“That’s…wait, no…”
Well, at least she seems tightlipped.
“You have my blessing, Madame Fio. And now, allow me to prepare your meal; please enjoy yourselves in the meantime.”
And with that, Kuriha poured us some wine and disappeared into the kitchen. The table was decorated with a stylish mat, with plates decorated with small cheese, all the trappings of a classy establishment.
“She must have come early and even decorated for us. She was the right choice.”
“Ugg…if at all possible, I didn’t want anyone around us to know…”
“Well I’m sorry. But out of the people I know, she was the only who could come and cater for us.”
“Oh, that’s right. You’re so popular, but you’re a bit of a loner.”
“…”
Oops. He looks a bit hurt.
“But let’s have a toast, Alto! Let’s enjoy tonight! Though well, we’ve enjoyed ourselves already…”
“Err, yea. A toast, Fio!”
In a dash to save the mood, Alto and I clink glasses and swallow some wine.
And so, we are going to dispel our post-coital languor and enjoy a homemade dinner featuring Kuriha’s culinary expertise. Just as people said, she was one of the best in cooks in the palace; the cooking she served at the king’s banquet was truly exquisite.
…though that look she gave us when she went back to the kitchen left me thinking.
Alto and I face each other and enjoy the comfort of our surroundings. Alto is still silent. I suppose some conversation is in order.
“Alto, can I ask you something?”
“Sure Fio. Anything.”
“That first night. If the girl that nearly died during the raid was some other girl, say Yuri. If it was you and Yuri who escaped and became lovers in that shack, would it be Yuri sitting here now?”
A little revenge for starting the date with sex, I throw a slightly mean question at him. How will he respond?
“No, that wouldn’t happen.”
“What makes you so sure?”
“The only goddess who would forgive me after what I did, and even become my lover…Fio, that can only be you.”
“I wonder.”
Well, much better than I thought. But out of the other four, I’d say all four would make you do the responsible thing and become your lover.
Once the ice is broken, the talk continues. It’s Alto’s turn now.
“You know, I’m sorry. I think I misunderstood you.”
“Misunderstood?”
“Yea, that is, I thought you were a persistent troublemaker, and you’d always cause problems. I feel so embarrassed.”
“Oh yea? That’s true though. I’m a hedonist like that; if it’s fun, that’s all that matters.”
What’s with the sudden apology?
“…fair enough. That’s exactly what Birdie said about you, Fio.”
“Really. Birdie’s picking a fight, as always. Guess I’ll be swapping his lance tips with dried fish tomorrow.”
It’s fine for me to say this kind of thing; having it said by other people is infuriating.
“You know, Fio. I like that about you.”
“Really. Weirdo.”
That’s rare, guess Alto likes human trash. Like girls who like useless men, just the other way around.
“So Fio, I want you to always be with me. Be by my side.”
“Sure, I got it.”
“That’s a promise.”
He gently closes his eyes and puts his hand on my cheek. I rest my face on his palm and close my eyes.
The two ignore the presence of the maid, touch lips, and deepen their love.
No climax, no catch; a respite.
Maybe it’s just me…
Ever since returning to the capital, everyone in the party is acting so strangely. It’s hard to describe, but s a tension in the air.
All the women apart from Fio are acting particularly strangely. Sure, there were little disagreements from before, but they stand out more now. It’s like they’re more serious, more aggressive than before.
“Why are you following me, you dull bandit? I’m supposed to be going shopping with Alto today.”
“Rei, do you think you can fool me? Leave that strange drug behind.”
“It’s not something harmful. There are medicines out there that babies like you would never understand.”
“I do understand. That’s why I’m telling you to leave it.”
“Well, still a baby, but you know things like that, you pervert.”
“Look in a mirror. Slut.”
Once we’re out shopping, arguments start breaking out in the group.
“Alto is busy! He’s in the middle of sparring with me. What’s the matter Yuri?”
“I thought you’d be tired, so I brought you something. Lord Alto, I put my heart and soul into making these sweets. Don’t you think it’s time for a break?”
“You’re in the way! The way of the sword isn’t a path one treads with a sweetie in hand! Take them away!”
“Lord Alto is already so strong. At least as strong as someone I know who’s always just swinging their sword.”
“Now who might that be?”
“Hehe, well.”
Even when we’re sparring, the glaring match continues.
“This isn’t right. Fio, we really shouldn’t be fighting each other. When they start fighting, I want you to step in.”
“You want me to die? Do you really want to see me get minced?”
I was so concerned about the infighting, that I decided to discuss it with Fio, my lover and more knowledgeable about people than me.
Until now, I could only think about it by myself, and stew. But now that I’m close to Fio, I can discuss things like this. I’m so grateful she’s around.
“Isn’t there something we can do, Fio?”
“No way. I mean, if we say we’re lovers, then things will settle down, but I’d get killed. So yea, no way.”
“No way for you as well huh, Fio.”
She says it like she’s trying to get at something, but it does seem that Fio can’t do anything about it. Pity.
“You know, Alto.”
“What is it, my lovely Fio?”
“Well, you know, that’s not something to bring up as we’re about to, you know…”
Right now, we’re both in a plain room with one bed. I got us a remote place in the outskirts so we can escape attention. This is the first time in a few days I get some time for romance with Fio.
She’s sitting on my lap in her lingerie; I hug her shoulders close. A happy moment.
“Hey! Wait!”
“True, sorry, it was bad timing. For now, I’m just going to focus on you.”
“No, that’s not what I want to say…wait…!”
I get it, this is “us” time. Talking about other women is just wrong. Just because Fio is kind, if I assume she’ll always let me off, she’ll get tired of me. I need to become the kind of man she deserves.
“So, umm.”
“Close your eyes, Fio.”
I halt my discussion, and gently wrap my lips around hers. We haven’t had much time together since returning to the capital. I really must secure quality time with my lover.
One thing I found out recently is that kissing really turns her on. Her cheeks redden, and she’s relaxed her body, gently letting her weight rest in my arms.
“They’ll be suspicious if we don’t return by night. Fio, we better start.”
“Oh, OK…”
And so it begins.
Before me is my lover, the one I desire, quietened, her cheeks flushed, a sight only for here, only for me. I slowly rest my hands on her shoulders.
“…”
“Here’s my payment. Is that enough?
“Thanks. Hope you stay the night next time.”
My body is still flushed. There’ s still a dull pain, and some discomfort.
Unlike me, Alto looks refreshed and quickly settles the bill. His hand gently wraps mine, and I’m pulled along the evening streets, like I’m riding some feverish cloud.
…stupid warrior, he doesn’t know how tough it is for women after sex. Why the hell would he bring the end of the night to the beginning of the date. Idiot.
This is the first date with my lover in some time. Leave Alto to plan, and he drags us to an inn from the get-go. This warrior, he sure doesn’t change.
“This way, Fio.”
“…yea, sure.”
I’d heard we were going for a meal now, but my head’s so clouded that I can’t think straight. I wonder what kind of place it is.
I leave Alto to lead me through the streets, and concentrate on settling the heat still rushing through my veins. Would cure magic do it? Maybe an anti-fever spell? No, that doesn’t sound right.
...Alto hasn’t said a word since a while back. I don’t have the strength to chat, and Alto doesn’t say anything. This is supposed to be a special time for us…this isn’t right.
Wait, this is Alto we’re dealing with here. He’s quiet to begin with, it’d be more awkward if he suddenly got chatty. He’s at least holding my hand, let’s call that a pass.
Shouldn’t expect too much from the beginning anyway. I better just gently warn him not to start the night with sex.
“I’m sorry I couldn’t make time for us, Fio. If I had my way, I’d do this every day.”
“That…that would be a bit much.”
But Alto seems to want to do it every day. In the two weeks since returning to the capital, we’ve done this every four to five days. This is our fourth secret date.
I thought we saw each other just as frequently as an average couple, but for Alto, apparently that isn’t enough.
And no wonder we’re not being followed. Alto’s taken extra care to scope out our surroundings, just in case. Getting found out would be horrific. We mustn’t let our guard slip. Alto has been remarkably cooperative.
I’ve also told Alto, “never talk about it to anyone about this!” When he wants to invite me, I’ve told him to tug my arm a little. That night, I would sneak into his room, and discuss a date and time. It’s pretty thrilling every time.
On one of my visits, I bumped into Yuri in front of Alto’s room. “I don’t know how to say this to you, Yuri, but I’m going to enjoy some nocturnal pleasures.” Thankfully she bought it. I’ve never been so glad that I frequent brothels. She blushed when I said that, cute.
“We’re here, Fio.”
“Umm, wow.”
After walking 10 minutes with Alto, we arrived at a small, typical meal joint. Not the kind of place for a date. I mean, it’s not like it has to be expensive, but in all honesty, the store screamed “cheap”. When he said “dinner”, maybe he really just meant grabbing food.
“Oh, don’t get me wrong Fio. I’ve booked out the place tonight, just the premises. A top chef is coming to cook for us. Like a catering service.“
“Oh, is that right.”
“There are nicer place near the capital, but people know us. If they see us, they might start gossiping. You want this to be a secret still, right?”
“Alto…! You’re so thoughtful, this is perfect.”
Well, isn’t that something! It’s not like him to be so thoughtful. I’m grateful for the consideration, but I begin to wonder how many women he has on the side.
But no, I’ve decided to trust Alto…it’s hard to tell whether he’s extremely devious or just out of it. When we started dating, I only thought of him as devious, but now, I see an extremely clumsy side of him, in that he doesn’t think he’s clumsy.
I really don’t know which.
I cast a suspicious look at Alto, but as we open the door, we find the inside rather nice. There’s a slender, beautiful woman standing in the kitchen. When she sees us, she gives us a graceful bow.
“Oh, you’re already here.”
“Welcome, Lord Alto, Lady Fio.”
She is wearing a maid’s uniform; her sharp, cat-like eyes gently thin as she greets us. Her wavy, silver hair gently shakes as she smiles, as I become entranced by her beauty…
Wait.
“Kuriha!”
“Yes, Lady Fio.”
We’ve come all this way to escape attention, and he brings someone he knows! That idiot!
“Fio. Her cooking is said to be some of the best in the palace. I splurged a bit to bring her in on her holiday.”
“Wait! Kuriha, this is, err, there’s nothing between me and Alto, I mean, we just happened to meet for a meal…”
“You can rest easy, Lady Fio. I don’t intend to tell others about your relationship. On my honor as a maid.”
“That’s…wait, no…”
Well, at least she seems tightlipped.
“You have my blessing, Madame Fio. And now, allow me to prepare your meal; please enjoy yourselves in the meantime.”
And with that, Kuriha poured us some wine and disappeared into the kitchen. The table was decorated with a stylish mat, with plates decorated with small cheese, all the trappings of a classy establishment.
“She must have come early and even decorated for us. She was the right choice.”
“Ugg…if at all possible, I didn’t want anyone around us to know…”
“Well I’m sorry. But out of the people I know, she was the only who could come and cater for us.”
“Oh, that’s right. You’re so popular, but you’re a bit of a loner.”
“…”
Oops. He looks a bit hurt.
“But let’s have a toast, Alto! Let’s enjoy tonight! Though well, we’ve enjoyed ourselves already…”
“Err, yea. A toast, Fio!”
In a dash to save the mood, Alto and I clink glasses and swallow some wine.
And so, we are going to dispel our post-coital languor and enjoy a homemade dinner featuring Kuriha’s culinary expertise. Just as people said, she was one of the best in cooks in the palace; the cooking she served at the king’s banquet was truly exquisite.
…though that look she gave us when she went back to the kitchen left me thinking.
Alto and I face each other and enjoy the comfort of our surroundings. Alto is still silent. I suppose some conversation is in order.
“Alto, can I ask you something?”
“Sure Fio. Anything.”
“That first night. If the girl that nearly died during the raid was some other girl, say Yuri. If it was you and Yuri who escaped and became lovers in that shack, would it be Yuri sitting here now?”
A little revenge for starting the date with sex, I throw a slightly mean question at him. How will he respond?
“No, that wouldn’t happen.”
“What makes you so sure?”
“The only goddess who would forgive me after what I did, and even become my lover…Fio, that can only be you.”
“I wonder.”
Well, much better than I thought. But out of the other four, I’d say all four would make you do the responsible thing and become your lover.
Once the ice is broken, the talk continues. It’s Alto’s turn now.
“You know, I’m sorry. I think I misunderstood you.”
“Misunderstood?”
“Yea, that is, I thought you were a persistent troublemaker, and you’d always cause problems. I feel so embarrassed.”
“Oh yea? That’s true though. I’m a hedonist like that; if it’s fun, that’s all that matters.”
What’s with the sudden apology?
“…fair enough. That’s exactly what Birdie said about you, Fio.”
“Really. Birdie’s picking a fight, as always. Guess I’ll be swapping his lance tips with dried fish tomorrow.”
It’s fine for me to say this kind of thing; having it said by other people is infuriating.
“You know, Fio. I like that about you.”
“Really. Weirdo.”
That’s rare, guess Alto likes human trash. Like girls who like useless men, just the other way around.
“So Fio, I want you to always be with me. Be by my side.”
“Sure, I got it.”
“That’s a promise.”
He gently closes his eyes and puts his hand on my cheek. I rest my face on his palm and close my eyes.
The two ignore the presence of the maid, touch lips, and deepen their love.