“Wrought from the heavens, thy tempered steel. Fires of the forge, strike true from below. Lost child of the wounded pride, defender of the light and messenger of salvation. The darkness from beyond, past the mountains of old, bringer of horrors untold. Protected by the light of Astralis, heavens grant us deliverance through the swords of the stars. ”
- Record 21263C, “Prophetic Observations from the Stellar Observatory Section S”
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Thunder masked the tension that lingered upon the campus like a pipe ready to burst. Ever since the official Traxo-Aben war had been declared, the once joyous Academy had reshaped itself into one of frigid stares and hushed whispers. Guardians patrolled the campus in greater numbers, the ominous clanking of their heavy boots now a more than familiar presence no matter where one went. Even the professors seemed perturbed by the developments, some lessons remaining unchanged, but ones like Sophie’s Logistics and Strategy course had Professor Ehrlich speaking on larger scale military encounters than the more limited ones they had been covering before.
The mood between students also seemed sour at best, the amount of Traxians in the Academy’s population adding more flames to an already simmering pot. It perhaps came as a small surprise when one day, Carus and Lucinia Trax, the third and sixth prince and princess of Traxia respectively, announced that they would remain at the Academy, and that they would not be throwing active support to the conflict for either side. It was a mundane if uneventful statement, but the consensus at least, had been that they represented a large enough majority of Traxian students. At the very least that statement relieved some of the tension . People still eyed the Traxian’s warily, but perhaps with a tinge less hostility than simple suspicion.
Sophie on the other hand, was worried as well. But truthfully, she was having the time of her life. Aryana had kissed her a little under a week ago, it had been one filled with desire, care, and joy, a moment that Sophie had etched permanently into her mind. One that had sent Sophie on a spiralling train of thought every night that they went to bed. Every time that their lips would part, Sophie would have a flicker of a moment back to the dream she once had. Of how she imagined Ary’s hand on her breasts, flicking her teats whilst the two were locked in a passionate embrace, their tongues as intertwined as their bodies. Without fail, it was always when Ary would reach down between her thighs, the girl’s pale and slender had gently toying with her, that Sophie would awaken from her slumber, her body twitching with unfulfilled longing. Almost every time, she would reach down to touch herself, the numbing pain of lust tingling just enough that she would push her own finger within herself only to stop when she realised what she was doing.
The experience had been as liberating as it was confusing to her, all these strange new emotions and sensations that had no chance to gestate before were now sprouting to life. Within just the span of a week, her heart would now flutter as she turned into a bundle of nerves whenever she caught Ary’s eye. For her part, Aryana seemed to grow even more comfortable around her presence, taking advantage of all the quiet moments to cuddle and kiss. The redhead seemed especially keen on teasing Sophie whenever their eyes would cross paths in public. Sticking just that much closer, hooking her arms around Sophie’s or even sneaking in a kiss or two that left Sophie completely flustered.
A tender hand wrapped itself around hers and Sophie almost let out a yelp before loosening up and squeezing back. She turned to look at Aryana who only winked knowingly before smirking and turning back to her meal. Sophie nibbled at her chicken rice ball, taking the smallest of bites as her ears heated up from Aryana’s touch alone. Her fingers instinctively wiggled around and explored Ary’s hand. A soft giggle escaped from the redhead’s lips and Sophie felt her shuffle a little closer, their shoulders now touching as well.
“A-Ary…” Sophie stammered out.
“Hmmm?” Aryana leaned on her shoulder.
“We’re… in public.”
“Mmm, but food tastes good, and good makes me think of you.”
“I…I…” Sophie’s brain sputtered to a halt and she hid her face, her cheeks burning up and a stupid goofy smile snaking its way across her face.
Aryana settled for one last squeeze of the hand before giggling and returning to her meal. Sophie blushed and squeezed back, trying her best to follow the other’s example and returning to the meal. She’s… she’s so… so much more active with me… I… I think I…
“Ary…I…” Sophie tried to speak.
“Hmm?”
Her lips dried up as her mouth searched for words. Her mind froze mid thought before only one thought began to consume her, her eyes drifting over to the redhead’s, meeting her mischievous gaze. Trying her best to steel her nerves, she shuddered and ran her tongue over her lips.
“Can… can we… can we kiss later? In private? Maybe…” Sophie let out a nervous breathy whisper, “maybe more than a few times?”
She could tell the words had an immediate effect as Aryana seemed to tense up, the girl’s expression turning into one filled with a sudden fiery desire. Their eyes met for the briefest of moments before Sophie spied the redhead’s wandering across her entire body, the strange feeling of being so scrutinised making her burn up within. Ary finally let out a soft breath after a moment of silence, the girl’s face stuck between unbridled joy and covetous desire.
For the first time in a while, Sophie seemed to have caught her off guard and Ary seemed equally as flustered. Only when Sophie walked their intertwined hands over Ary’s lap did the girl finally seem to return to the present.
“Y-yeah.” Ary finally whispered back, her soft words making Sophie shiver in anticipation.
The two let their gazes linger upon each other until the sound of another student accidentally dropping some utensils startled both of them back to dinner. They shared a giggle between each other before settling into a comforting silence, their own moods embolden by simply the presence of the other.
It felt like only seconds had passed by when they finished their meals. Sophie had gotten a chicken rice ball, pork knuckles, and some pickled cabbage, all of which made her wary of kissing lest the lingering flavours soured the experience. Aryana meanwhile, had finished a smoked fish sandwich, a chocolate cupcake and a caramel tart. There was no doubt in her mind that Aryana would taste just as delectable as she usually did but in the interests of hiding her own concerns, Sophie had simply said that they should freshen up and get ready for bed. It was an idea that earned her an unfriendly but cute little pout, as Aryana’s desires and emotions were put on full display.
So it was that dinner turned into quick trips to the bathroom as Sophie brushed her teeth and cleaned herself up with Ary going to do much the same. After a quick shower as well to wash the grime and rain off her, she returned to the room and found no sign of Aryana. Feeling a little mischievous and partly craving a more intimate experience, Sophie decided to risk it all on a gamble. After all, tomorrow was Caeus once more, and the day of their first date. It was a thought that made Sophie incredibly giddy despite the dour mood of the Academy and likely the city when they got there. But all that doesn’t matter, I'm going on a date! Ahhhh! I… I have to talk to Eva, clear things up. And also talk about the date! Ahhh!
She wanted to both prank and demonstrate her growing affections by setting up something akin to a little mystery trail that led back to her. It would be risky, for she would have to pretend to be asleep, something that might have Aryana either also going to bed unknowingly, or more likely pouting, then going to bed. Frowning, she wondered what would both seem meaningful yet noticeable enough when her eyes danced towards some spare sheets of paper. Taking advantage of the little time she had, Sophie started sketching out some flowers that she knew Ary liked. Lupines, lilies, and dandelions, heh. Then she paused, her cheeky grin freezing on her face. How do you draw those?
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She fumed above the pieces of paper, barely managing to even draw a generic flower before she tossed it aside. Dammit, I can’t even draw a lily! Frustrations turned to resignation as she sighed, defeated by her inability to visualize any flowers to draw in the moment.
*Click*
Sophie jumped at the sound of the door opening and almost tripped over a stool. She practically leapt out of her seat and froze as Aryana entered the room with a yawn. It was cute, in a way that made Sophie desire to squish the girl’s cheeks. Yet, when their eyes met, she could see Aryana’s semi sleepy eyes widen and slowly examine her. Tragedy struck when the girl’s eyes briefly glancing at her failed drawing. Nooo!
“Ahh… it’s…” Sophie tried to say but couldn’t, it looks so bad!
Aryana appeared unconcerned before she smiled, “Is this for me?”
“I… yes, but no! But not yet! It’s so…” Sophie spluttered. It looks horrid!
Aryana seemed more amused than expected and just giggled at the drawing. Sophie watched as the redhead pondered to herself for a heartbeat or two before picking it up and giving it a small kiss, “Now it’s a special flower.”
“Buh-euh?”
“Oh Sophie, you’re so stupid but wonderful sometimes.” Aryana cooed.
For a brief second, Sophie was conflicted. I was insulted and complemented in the same breath, but what exactly does she want from me? Her doubts were only a brief second however, because before she could even take in a breath, everything in her mind vanished beyond the sight ahead of her.
Perhaps because of her slow reply or perhaps it was all part of a plan that Ary had all along. Aryana nervously but seductively pulled her bath towel down to her stomach, her perky breasts popping out from under them before resting just above the hem of the towel. Though Aryana seemed almost immediately uncertain, starting to shuffle and fidget her feet at the display. Sophie was completely frozen, with her mouth half agape, she could barely process the sight ahead of her let alone what meanings that the gesture might've held. It wasn’t that they hadn’t seen each other naked before, but the implications the redhead exuded when doing this had left Sophie utterly stunned. She… her breasts, they’re just… there… and I… no, Sophie, focus. What do I do?
“Ah…” She mumbled. What do I do?!
Aryana shifted uncomfortably before eventually baring her chest at Sophie, locking eyes and not allowing Sophie to avoid her gaze. There was both a shyness and a fierceness in the girl’s eyes, ones that waited impatiently for Sophie’s response.
“You’re…” Cute, adorable, beautiful, wonderful, Sophie thought to herself, trying to will herself to speak but failing.
Sophie dropped what she was holding and slowly shuffled forward, each step of her feet on the cold floor bringing with it a small sense of unease that Aryana might just regret everything. To her relief, the redhead shuffled towards her as well, her gaze never leaving Sophie’s. It was only when they grew close enough that they raised their hands and interlocked them, the two wordlessly looking at each other until Aryana finally broke contact.
“S-so?” Aryana asked, her trembling voice exposing her own doubt, “ W-wha-what… about me huh?” She let out a breathy whisper.
Sophie just continued to stare for a moment, her mind barely processing the question that Ary had posed. She noticed how Ary’s skin still glistened a little from the shower. A few translucent droplets have dripped from her hair and tracing a wet little line past her chest, a line that drew her attention directly on her breasts. She noticed how each freckle on her skin seemed to tingle with anticipation as Sophie closed the distance, how Aryana’s breathing seemed to stop as they grew closer. Aryana’s composure showed its cracks as she began to tremble, the redhead growing more afraid of rejection as the silence dragged on. Words wouldn’t do. Seizing her chance, Sophie unlinked her hands from Ary’s, the separation of their clammy palms bringing a look of dismay upon the redhead’s face, her hands half grasping for Sophie’s. Yet, before Ary could be allowed to give in to even contemplate despair, Sophie wrapped her arms around the girl’s waist and pulled her in, the coarse Academy towel pressing up against her skin.
A small joyful yet mischievous smile skipped its way across her face as she locked lips with Aryana, taking in the look of surprise on the girl’s face before she closed her eyes and embraced the sensations within her. The comforting floral vanilla had coiled around that of her own, the dance of scents mirroring the emotions that bloomed between the two of them. Aryana’s own hands began exploring Sophie and she could feel the redhead sneaking under her own towel, the soft hands gently holding her in an embrace. She felt pleasure, amazement, and desire twist in an unholy amalgamation within her, the longing to press just a little bit more, to move their connection a little bit further. Taking a risk, she let her instincts guide her and snuck her tongue forward, something that seemed to catch Aryana off guard as the girl almost stiffened at once.
But just when Sophie got worried and began to retreat, Aryana opened up. Sophie felt an electrifying thrill course through her body as they met, their kiss having deepend into something more. Buoyed by the momentum, Sophie wiggled under Aryana’s embrace and decided to meet Ary’s vulnerability with her own. She moved until her own towel had loosened up, sneaking one hand back to quickly yank it down a bit more. A coldness crept over her skin as she bared her own breasts out from the protection of the towel. The cold did not last however, and Sophie quivered as they made contact with Aryana’s.
“Ngh.” She unwittingly let out a strange noise, the touching of their nipples have sent a surge of something strange within her too large to contain.
The moment had been interrupted and they both peeled away slightly to take stock of what had happened. Sophie was now the one who was thoroughly embarrassed, but Aryana’s entire being had seemed to turn as red as a tomato as well. After a few seconds of confused shuffling, they both finally glanced at each other, and Sophie felt her own smile reflected on Aryana’s face. For a quiet spell, they both simply just watched each other as they panted heavily; be it from breathlessness or the excitement, Sophie did not know. All she knew was that she was now beyond content or happy, she had felt bliss, and judging from Ary’s expression, the girl felt much the same. Eventually, she caught Ary’s eyes wandering down to her breasts, the girl seemingly studying them in detail before her own wandered over to Ary’s in kind. The two then met each other’s gazes again before bursting out into a fitful giggle.
They leaned in for another kiss, but this time, there was a hunger behind their actions, a sense of desire that seemed to intensify the more they connected. Sophie clutched desperately at Ary as their breasts made contact again, suppressing the noise that threatened to escape from her throat by remaining tightly locked in an embrace of both body and lip. The two eventually made their way to one of their beds before launching into another round of passionate kisses. More comfortable with the concept, they were both emboldened enough to begin teasing the other, Sophie occasionally grabbing Aryana’s breasts whilst Ary would gently flick her nipples. Every once in a while, the sensations would crash through what little self control they had and one or the other would moan or utter a noise that dangled the prize right in front of them, to go further, to do more. But each time, through great willpower, they both mutually agreed to wait, their bodies and tensed muscles enough to get the message across without so much as a word being shared. And so, pressed against each other like two matching pillows they explored more of each other well into the night, a demonstration of dreams made manifest.
Nervousness, fear, anxiety, worries; all were washed aside as Sophie revelled in Ary's embrace. She knew that there was more of the body to explore, that her own nether regions yearned for its own liberation as she felt it quivering the more contact she made with Ary. But for now, this was more than enough, to have so physically opened their souls to each other through such deep kisses was an act Sophie had never imagined herself doing with anyone. Yet here she was, clinging tightly to Aryana who clung back just as tightly. In the here and now, she didn’t care about the world, the cult, Myndiri, towers, wars, or anything, like emotions she had, they too, barely mattered. Aryana was here, and she was what mattered.
Sophie listened to the soft heartbeats, the rhythmic breathing as Aryana inhaled and exhaled. Sophie had no idea how long they had made out for, only that they were both so caught up in the act that they had kissed until the point of exhaustion. Aryana was already sound asleep and she would soon be too. Taking one last look at her adorable companion, a pleasant final thought crossed her mind. I hope this turns out into something more. I like her. I really do.