Hot Spring Holiday
"It's okay, just a little harder..."
"Linié, doesn't it hurt? If you push any harder..."
"It's okay... um... it feels good, Linié can hold it in... whimper..."
Steaming heat filled the small, private hot spring chamber, the air thick with the relaxing scent of sulfur. The gentle murmur of water was accompanied by a suppressed, nasal hum.
Lupa -pink twin ponytails deepened in color due to the moisture, with water droplets dripping from the ends. Her wheat-colored skin glowed with a healthy sheen in the heat. Her body, sculpted by years of exercise, was smooth and resilient, the muscles in her shoulders and arms undulating slightly with her movements.
At this moment, she was straddling Linié, intently massaging Linié smooth back with her palms, applying pressure carefully.
Linié lay face down on the stone platform, her face turned to one side, her long, wet pink hair cascading down, partially obscuring her cheeks. A large expanse of her fair back was exposed. Her deep blue pupils were half-closed; though her expression wasn't particularly expressive, it was clear she was enjoying herself.
A few tens of minutes ago.
This is a natural hot spring hidden deep in the valley, meticulously maintained by the innkeeper. The edges are lined with smooth, round stones, and flowing water is channeled into it. As night falls, a few stone lanterns emit a soft glow, mingling with the rising steam, enveloping everything in a hazy and warm tranquility.
"Splash--"
The water made a soft sound. Lupa was the first to sink into the water, the warm current instantly enveloping her entire body, making her sigh comfortably. She stretched out her body, leaning against the edge of the pool, the warm spring water just covering her collarbone. Her body, honed by years of exercise, completely relaxed in the hot water, the lantern light casting a warm glow on her wheat-colored skin.
She looked up at the starry sky blurred by the moisture, her heterochromatic eyes slightly narrowed, like a relaxed little wolf.
Linié stood by the pool, quietly taking off her travel clothes with meticulous care, carefully folding them and placing them on the dry stone platform.
Although Demons' clothing can be formed from magic, the one she was wearing was chosen for her by Lupa.
She stepped into the water, her movements steady, barely creating a ripple. The water temperature seemed just right for her. She slowly sank until the water reached her collarbone, her deep blue pupils appearing even more profound in the misty steam as she quietly gazed at Lupa opposite her.
"Ah—soaking in a hot spring is definitely the best thing after a long journey!" Lupa out a long sigh, her voice languid with the moisture of the water. She moved closer to Linié, splashing water around her. "How are you, Linié? Are you feeling comfortable?"
Linié didn't answer immediately. She lowered her head, looking at her pink hair swaying slightly beneath the water's surface, then raised her hand, watching the water droplets slide off her fingertips. After a while, she whispered, "Hmm. The water temperature is just right. My body... feels very light."
Her word choice remained concise, but with an added, indescribable gentleness.
"Right, right!" Lupa laughed, scooping up a handful of water and gently splashing it at Linié. "Again!"
Water splashed onto Linié's face and shoulders. She blinked, tiny water droplets clinging to her long eyelashes. She didn't flinch, but simply looked at Lupa's radiant smile, then scooped up some water and splashed it back at Lupa, precisely hitting her collarbone.
"Hey! You haven't forgotten after all!" Lupa laughed as she parried, and the two began to play gently in the not-so-spacious spring, the sounds of water and their soft laughter echoing in the tranquil valley.
"Demons are not good at forgetting, especially when it comes to things related to Lupa," Linié replied bluntly.
After a brief respite from their play, Lupa leaned back against the pool, her cheeks flushed from the heat. She looked at Linié, her long pink hair clinging wetly to her cheeks and neck, water droplets sliding down her delicate skin. The lantern light outlined her serene profile, giving her an almost unreal, exquisite quality.
She moved closer to Linié, their arms lightly touching in the water, creating a subtle warmth. "Shall I give you a massage?"
Linié nodded quietly and obediently climbed onto the stone platform.
Lupa's movements were meticulous, her fingertips feeling the smooth, even texture of Linié's back beneath her delicate skin. Linié's back had a fluid line, and her skin was incredibly smooth. Lupa could feel Linié's steady heartbeat and warm body temperature emanating from beneath her fingertips.
"It's okay, just a little harder..."
"Linié, doesn't it hurt? If you push any harder..."
"It's okay... um... it feels good, Linié can hold it in... whimper..."
"Linié's skin is so smooth, even though we exercise together every day..." Lupa muttered softly, as if talking to herself, as she applied slightly more pressure to massage the slightly tense areas.
"... Hmm, the body of a female Demons is probably like this." Linié responded very softly, her body tensing almost imperceptibly for a moment before slowly relaxing.
Only the sound of flowing water and the faint sound of pressing against skin remained in the air.
After a while, Linié spoke softly, "Lupa."
"Um?"
Why are you so good to Linié?
Lupa's movements barely stopped, her tone matter-of-fact. "Because we're companions. And... I want to be nice to you, is that wrong?" As she spoke, she gently pressed her knuckles against a spot next to her spine.
Linié was silent for a moment, seemingly considering the answer. Then, she said very softly, "Linié also wants to be good to Lupa."
Her voice was very soft, almost blending into the sound of the water, but Lupa heard it clearly. Her massage movements became more focused.
"Then... will it always be like this from now on?" Lupa asked tentatively.
"... Okay." Linié's reply was still brief.
After the massage, the two switched positions. Linié imitated Lupa, straddling Lupa and beginning to Lupa.
Lupa felt the gentle touch behind her and couldn't help but chuckle softly, "It tickles..."
Linié stopped immediately. "... Too light? Or is the position wrong?"
"No, it's very comfortable." Lupa turned her head and smiled at her. "Let's continue."
Linié seemed to straighten her back slightly and continued her movements, a look of satisfaction or relief flashing in her deep blue eyes.
After soaking for a while, Lupa became drowsy, her head nodding off. Seeing this, Linié gently moved closer and carefully pulled Lupa's head to rest on her shoulder, a move she seemed to have learned from someone.
"Tired?" Linié asked.
"Hmm... a little." Lupa responded vaguely, leaning against Linié with a sense of security. Linié had a clean and refreshing scent about her, which she liked very much.
Linié didn't speak again, but sat quietly, letting Lupa lean against her, like a silent and warm guardian statue. Her gaze fell on the shimmering light and shadow on the water, and occasionally fell down to look at Lupa's relaxed sleeping face so close to hers.
Stars twinkled in the night sky, and the rising steam from the hot spring blurred and merged the two figures together.
After an unknown amount of time, Lupa groggily woke up and found herself still leaning against Linié.
"How long have I been asleep?" she asked, rubbing her eyes.
"Soon," Linié replied, her voice steady.
Lupa looked up and saw Linié remaining in the same position for so long. Her heart softened, and she reached out to gently brush away a strand of pink hair clinging to Linne's cheek. "Thank you, Linié. We should go back now." Her fingertips brushed against Linié's slightly warm cheek.
Linié didn't react, she just nodded. "Mm."
The two rose from the water, creating a splashing sound. The night breeze brushed against their wet skin, bringing a slight coolness, but it couldn't dispel the warmth that emanated from within.
They dried themselves off, changed into clean pajamas, and walked side by side back to their hotel room not far away. The corridor was quiet, with only the sound of their footsteps.
The door closed gently, shutting out the slight chill from the outside. The bed was soft, and the two naturally drew closer, embracing each other as they slept, sharing each other's body heat and comforting scent.