"That sounds awfully familiar."
"That's because you're always saying it."
Whether it was "Aren't you going to pet me?" or "Aren't you going to kiss me?", Luna always disguised herself as prey to launch her attacks.
The moment Clorinde touched her, she would be overwhelmed by Luna's warmth and scent, losing herself completely.
Perhaps through constant exposure, Clorinde felt she was becoming a little like Luna herself. At least in this regard, they were undeniably similar.
And she felt no shame in it.
Lovers grow more alike over time—that's what I've heard, anyway.
As her mind wandered, Clorinde felt a sudden weight settle on her abdomen.
Snapping back to reality, she found a hand shamelessly kneading her stomach. The warmth spreading from the palm made her want to drift off to sleep right then and there.
"No sleeping yet. We still have plenty of time tonight. Don't you want to do... something else, Clorinde?"
A playful smile tugged at Luna's lips.
A faint, sharp sting pricked Clorinde's stomach. A gentle bite.
Clorinde murmured thoughtfully, "Something else...?"
There were plenty of options if they went out—buying books, flowers, or daily necessities—but after their recent "duel," Clorinde had no desire to leave the bed, or Luna's warmth.
So she shook her head, deciding it was best to stay in.
"I'm not going to sleep. I want to spend more time with you."
Hearing Clorinde's candid reply, Luna shifted, letting Clorinde rest her head on her lap. From this angle, Clorinde could gaze past Luna's flawless skin and up at her face.
"Then shall we play a game?"
"What kind of game?"
"What other game could it be? The one only you and I can play..."
A game only they could play... So that's what she meant.
Clorinde nodded slowly in understanding. It wasn't the first time, after all.
"But this time," Luna said with a beaming smile, "it's your turn to be the Master."
"Me?" Clorinde was taken aback.
Luna buried her face in Clorinde's chest. "We have to switch things up sometimes."
It didn't really matter to Luna whether she took the lead or followed—unless she was with someone like Chiori, who insisted on being dominant no matter what. With Chiori, her competitive streak would flare up.
Ultimately, she simply enjoyed doing this with the person she loved.
"Then..."
What should I do? Clorinde was at a loss.
It had always been Luna who gave the orders, and Clorinde who carried them out. That was their "game."
But now, she had to make the decisions herself.
Luna seemed to read Clorinde's mind. She sat up and smiled gently. "What does Clorinde want me to do? Just say it. The most important thing about a game is that both players have fun."
"Sit," Clorinde said.
Luna obediently sat down.
"...Give me your hand."
Luna extended her palm toward Clorinde's, pressing it against hers.
"Bark."
"Woof."
Clorinde's expression softened. So this is what it felt like for Luna before. Now that their roles were reversed, she could truly feel the sense of control.
Still, if asked which role she preferred, Clorinde would probably think for a moment and say she'd rather be the passive one.
After all, this "game" existed because of the promise they had made.
Luna had won their duel, so the real "leash" was in her hands. Now, it felt as if Luna were tugging on Clorinde's leash, forcing her to give the orders.
But for the moment, none of that mattered.
Clorinde ran both hands through Luna's hair. "Good girl... That's... mm, my Luna."
"Here, have a treat."
"Good girl."
She continued to gently caress Luna's hair. The pleasant sensation from her fingertips made Luna narrow her eyes slightly, a glint of excitement flashing within them.
There it is again, Clorinde thought.
Whenever Luna got excited, her eyes would change subtly. Anyone who knew her well—who knew her body and soul—would notice it immediately.
Sure enough, the next second, Luna pinned Clorinde down.
"Don't be surprised. When little animals get too excited, they might pounce. Of course, a well-behaved one wouldn't, but unfortunately—"
Luna pressed her lips against the corner of Clorinde's mouth. "That little act just now wasn't enough to tame me."
"Then... how can I tame you?"
"You're asking me? No Master asks the animal itself how to train it."
Luna said with a sly smile.
So I have to figure it out myself.
Clorinde thought for a moment, then reversed their positions, pinning Luna down. Before Luna could react, she sealed her breath with a kiss. As a Marechaussee Hunter, she knew the nature of animals all too well.
Show dominance, reveal a threat, and the other will cower, retreat, and submit.
Cupping Luna's face tightly, Clorinde poured all her desire and affection into the kiss, leaving no room for even a single breath to escape. Yet, instead of resisting, Luna closed her eyes and sank into the sensation.
This is what she wanted.
Of course, Luna loved seeing her beloved's expressions change because of her actions—the vibrant blush, the dazed smile, even tears of joy. But sometimes, she wanted to switch roles, to fully receive the affection poured into her.
"I'm not the type to choose only one side, you know," Luna whispered.
"What?"
"Leading or following... I'm happy with either."
Luna cupped Clorinde's face with one hand, her cheek gently brushing against Clorinde's. "If I am the harbor and you are the ship docking within me, then let me feel your presence even more deeply, my dear Miss Champion Duelist..."
Then, she released her hand, showing she was ready to let Clorinde take the lead.
Only her gentle smile remained unchanged.
Clorinde pressed their foreheads together. "If I am the ship, and you are the harbor that lets me dock... then let me cherish you, protect you..."
"Luna."
"Hm?"
Clorinde smiled faintly. "Thank you. Please stay by my side from now on."
Luna returned the smile.
"Of course."