Splash, splash—
The sound of water rose softly as Shichen and La Folia stepped into the pool, one after the other.
Ripples spread in rings, like someone's state of mind.
Shichen's, of course, was calm as still water.
La Folia, though she'd made up her mind, had never done anything like this—only knew the theory. It would be strange not to be nervous. But she was the sort to do whatever she decided; no matter how tense she felt now, she wouldn't back down.
"Shichen…" La Folia reached the center of the pool first, turned, and looked at him without covering herself.
He let his gaze sweep once over her moon-pale, translucent skin, then spoke. "What is it?"
"No… I just worry you'll think I'm too forward," La Folia said, shaking her head.
She already understood Shichen was quite possessive—and people like that rarely liked partners who were "open."
"You're overthinking it. I like open women," Shichen said with a smile.
"Really?"
"Besides, you're only open with me, aren't you?"
"Right… you are possessive," La Folia laughed, finally taking a moment to look him over. Not the explosive bulk of a beastman—clean angles, distinct lines, a kind of sculptural artistry. Exactly her taste. Though maybe that was because she'd already chosen him; she'd never actually thought about what kind of build she liked on a man.
Her eyes drifted lower; her heartbeat picked up at the sight of something she'd never seen before. Will that be… okay?
"Shichen, have you… already done it with someone?" she asked before she could stop herself.
"Done what? Oh—yes." Following her gaze, Shichen understood and nodded.
La Folia wasn't like Yukina and the others, all tsundere and quick to get jealous. With her, frankness was fine. She had chosen him with full awareness of his situation.
"W-who?" she asked in a small voice. She doubted it was Minamiya Natsuki—so petite a body would be… risky.
"Avrora and the others."
"Avrora… the Fourth Primogenitor? Is that… alright?"
"What do you mean?"
"They're… so small. Can they handle it?" La Folia asked, cheeks flushing, curiosity getting the better of her.
"…Isn't that a strange thing to worry about right now?" Shichen gave her a look.
La Folia had just said they wouldn't go all the way, and he wasn't in a rush. Why worry about it now? Not that it didn't matter—but there was no need to hurry, was there?
"I can't not worry…" she murmured, embarrassed, lowering her head.
"Sigh. I know this isn't your area. Quick primer: your bodies are resilient. They'll be fine. At most… they adjust to me," he said lightly.
"That phrasing… So Avrora and the others are already…?"
"They're vampires—and powerful Primogenitors. Their recovery is strong."
"I see… Wait, then what about me? Will I be… unable to close my legs?" La Folia blurted.
"…You're not them—and you're quite grown," he said, mouth twitching. Why was he giving this lecture? She really was nervous.
"That's true…" she said, laughing awkwardly.
"So—what were you planning to show me? We don't have much time." His gaze on her warmed.
"I know…"
La Folia pressed her lips together, clenched her fists as if to buck herself up, and her eyes steadied. First she sank into a slow crouch until the water covered everything but her head, then rose again.
Shhh—hiss—
Droplets slid and fell, pattering back into the pool, and Shichen watched, spellbound.
She moved toward him, slowly, until they were face to face—nearly touching.
"Shichen…" La Folia rose on her toes in the water, lifted her arms to loop behind his neck, and leaned her weight against him, cheeks aflame, eyes locked on his.
"Mm." He slid his hands to the smooth of her back.
"I chose you. For life. Please don't mistake me for a frivolous woman—and I'm not using your status."
"Even if you were, it wouldn't matter," Shichen smiled.
"Why?"
"Simple. I don't mind being 'used' for the parts of yourself you can't help. And I'll make you fall completely for me."
"Is that so… I think I already like you more," La Folia said, bright-eyed.
"Then show me what royal ladies are taught."
"Mhm—carry me to the shore."
"Alright."
He lifted her—hands sure at her waist—and waded back.
Water whispered and ran.
At the edge, La Folia didn't let him go; he sat and met her glacier-blue eyes. "What are you planning?"
"Start with… the basics."
She set her toes down, slipped her arms from his neck, planted both hands on his chest, and gave a gentle push. Shichen let himself recline on the rock. La Folia lowered herself with him, covering him, then kissed him without hesitation.
He held her tighter, let her press against him so he could feel her heartbeat—and returned the kiss. Not a brief brush, but something deeper. Tongues twined; La Folia, new to it, quickly followed his lead.
Through their chests, he could feel her pulse—strong, quick. Nerves… or excitement. A first kiss is nerves before, exhilaration during—the shock that rattles straight through you.
Before long she broke away to breathe.
"Haa… haa…"
Her face was bright red, like a tempting apple; her eyes misted over as if dazed.
"This feels… really nice," she managed when she caught her breath.
"…"
Time to be a little more proactive—otherwise he'd look like some purehearted freshman. He'd been around long enough to know better. And here, with no one watching, no one to know—it was fine to savor a little.
"So this is what you meant by 'learned a lot'?"
"Of course it's not just that…" La Folia said, taking his hand and guiding it upward.
He felt the thrum of her heart through his palm—her breath hitching, shoulders trembling. His touch was practiced; she melted against him, clinging for a long moment.
"And then?" he asked, easing his motion without letting go.
"W-wait…"
She steadied herself, glanced back over her shoulder, eyes widening a fraction—ready now. She shifted slowly, turning to sit with her back to him.
"Y—"
He didn't get the question out before words were no longer the point. Warmth, closeness, and the hush of water filled the night.
Moonlight on ripples. A soft intake of breath. The quiet of an island with only the two of them.