The river ride is indeed romantic. And it is not boring.
The boat is shaped like a lotus flower, with petals that open and close around us. The water is dark and smooth, reflecting the glowing lights of the fungi and the stars. The air is fresh and cool, with a hint of floral scent. The music is soft and soothing, playing from hidden speakers. There are other boats on the river, some far away, some close by. I can see other couples enjoying the ride, some kissing, some talking, some just gazing at the scenery.
Llywelyn and I sit on a cushioned seat in the center of the boat, facing each other. He looks uncomfortable and stiff, his arms crossed over his chest, his eyes scanning the surroundings. His veins glow faintly, matching the colors of the lights.
I smile and reach out to take his hand. He glances at me and then at our hands. He doesn't pull away, but he doesn't say anything either.
I lean forward and lift his hand to my lips, pressing a kiss to it. "You know, I think romantic expects us to look at each other." I say, teasing him.
He huffs and looks away. "I'm just... taking in the view."
"So am I. And you're part of it."
He scoffs, but I see the blue tinge of his veins brighten a bit. "You're insufferable."
"Mmh, but you invited me." I point out.
His ears twitch, and he finally meets my gaze. "I... suppose I did."
I smile and squeeze his hand. "I'm glad. It's beautiful."
He nods, his eyes softening. "It is."
We sit there for a while, holding hands, watching the lights and the water. The boat glides smoothly along the river, the petals gently closing and opening. It's peaceful and serene.
I don't want to ruin it by talking too much. But I also want to... touch him. I want to feel his skin against mine. I want to kiss him. I want to...
I bite my lip and scoot closer to him. He doesn't move away. He just looks at me with a curious expression.
"What are you doing?" He asks, his voice low.
"Nothing." I say, and place my hand on his thigh.
He tenses, his eyes widening. "Sarah..." He warns, his voice sounding strained.
I smile and lean in to kiss his neck. He gasps and his hand grabs my shoulder, but he doesn't push me away. He just holds me there, his breath quickening.
"Sarah... this is... not the place..." He whispers, his voice rough.
I pull back and look at him. His veins are glowing brighter, his eyes half-lidded, his lips slightly parted. He looks so... hot.
"Our companions don't think so." I say, nodding towards a boat that's passing by. The couple inside is kissing passionately, their hands roaming over each other's bodies. They don't even notice us.
Llywelyn glances at them and then back at me. His ears flutter. Those pretty veins of his flare up a brighter purple-pink. "They have no sense of decency. Or shame. And—your—" He looks away, embarrassed.
I smirk and move my hand higher up his thigh, feeling the warmth of his skin through his clothes. "I didn't catch that last part. My what?" I ask, my voice playful.
He growls and looks at me with a dark glare. "You know damn well what I'm talking about, you nish'an—"
I cut him off by kissing him. I kiss him hard and deep, my tongue sliding into his mouth. He kisses me back, his arms wrapping around my waist and pulling me closer. His tongue meets mine, his teeth grazing my lips. He tastes like mint and salt and something else that's uniquely him.
I move my hand from his thigh to his chest, feeling his heartbeat under my palm. His glow pulses faster, matching his rhythm. I break away from the kiss and smile down at my hand over his.
"So... I can feel your glow like this, too?"
His chest heaves as he catches his breath. "You... you don't know... what you're saying." He murmurs, his voice hoarse.
"I want to." I say, looking up at his face. "I want to learn. About you. About this."
He stares at me with a mix of lust and wonder. His hand cups my cheek and his thumb brushes over my lips. "You... you're too much, Sarah. You ask too much."
But rather than pull away from me, he presses a kiss to my forehead and then pulls me against his chest, resting his chin on the top of my head. He wraps his arms around me and holds me tight.
"Stay like this for a moment." He whispers. "Just like this."
I nod and nestle against him. I can hear his heart beat, his breath, his veins hum. I can feel his warmth, his strength, his love. It's... nice. It's more than nice.
I wish we could stay like this forever.
He curls his arms around me and buries his face in my hair.
I don't know what he's thinking. What he's feeling.
But I can see his veins pulsing brighter, feel his heart racing.
He's deeply affected by... something I've done, I suppose. My mention of feeling his glow, maybe? I'd look at his face to try to understand, but I can't. Only his glow.
After a moment, I press my lips to his chest.
He shudders quite visibly, and his hands tighten on me. I smile against his skin and press another kiss there. And another. And another.
He growls and grabs my chin, lifting my face to his. He looks at me with an intense gaze, his eyes blazing. "You're trying to seduce me. Again. In the middle of a river. In a boat."
"I'm not trying." I say, grinning. "I'm succeeding."
He shakes his head and kisses me. It's a short but fierce kiss that leaves me breathless. He pulls away and leans his forehead against mine. "You want this, do you? Wait until we're home. Pay attention to the fis'ia ride."
He says it, but he hasn't pushed me away, nor even stopped touching me. His thumbs stroke my cheeks, his lips brush mine.
I wrap my arms around his neck and press myself against him. "I'm paying attention to you. I like that more." I whisper, and kiss him again. He responds eagerly, his mouth moving with mine.
It's getting hot in the lotus boat.
I wonder if anyone is paying any attention to us. I wonder if they can see what we're doing. I wonder if they care.
I don't. I just want him.
The boat gently bumps into something, and we break apart. I look around and see that we've reached the end of the river. The boat stops and the petals open, revealing the dock. There are other couples getting off, some of them looking flushed and disheveled.
Llywelyn clears his throat and stands up, offering me his hand. "Let's go." He says, his voice gruff.
I take his hand and lurch slightly as the boat rocks with our movement. He catches me against his chest and murmurs in my ear. "I'll make you regret being such a tease, hetchki. Count on it."
I bite back a smile and let him lead me off the boat.
I'm rather looking forward to it.