Chapter 61

Yoko

I wake up to the scent of Faye.

Which, honestly? Greatest way to wake up. Ever.

For a second, I stay still, blinking against the soft, golden light filtering through the hotel curtains. The sheets are warm, tangled around my legs, and Faye's presence beside me is just right—familiar, comforting, hers.

And then it hits me.

Wait... this isn't my room.

I sit up so fast I almost fall off the bed. My brain is still half-asleep, but I'm awake enough to register a hotel room. The crisp, white sheets, the plush pillows, the soft hum of air-conditioning— the clear, undeniable fact that this is definitely not my bedroom.

...What the hell?

I turn my head, and there she is—the culprit.

Faye is sitting on the couch by the window, one long leg crossed over the other, scrolling through her phone, still in the hoodie she stole back from me last night. 

Her hair is messy from sleep, her glasses perched on her nose, looking like a goddess who just casually decided to exist in my life.

My life? Blessed.

"What—" My voice comes out groggy, still thick with sleep. "Where—" I rub my face, groaning. "Are we seriously in a hotel?"

Faye finally looks up, her lips curling into that annoyingly attractive smirk. "Good morning to you too, baby."

I blink at her, trying to piece together what the hell happened. "Did you seriously kidnap me?"

Faye chuckles, setting her phone down. "You make it sound illegal."

"It feels illegal!" I throw my hands up, then immediately regret it because wow I'm sore. Like, all-over sore. What did she do to me last night?

I stare at her, accusing. "You said quality time. You didn't say road trip."

Faye stretches lazily, tilting her head. "I implied it."

I groan, flopping back onto the bed, burying my face in the pillow. Of course she did.

"You're impossible," I mumble.

"And you love it," she replies smoothly.

She's right. I do.

I peek up at her through the mess of sheets, still trying to fight the smile threatening my lips. "Where even are we?"

Faye grins, pushing up from the couch and strolling over to the bed. She plants both hands on the mattress, leaning in, close enough that I can feel her warmth, her presence wrapping around me like a second skin.

"Somewhere nice," she murmurs, brushing her lips against my temple.

I shiver. God, I'm doomed.

"Come on," she says, nudging my nose with hers. "Get up. I have plans for us today."

I groan again, dramatically rolling onto my back. "I swear to God, if your plans involve hiking, I'm going back to sleep."

She laughs, pressing another kiss to my forehead. "Not hiking."

I squint at her. Suspicious.

Still, even as I try to act so annoyed, I can't stop my heart from swelling—because this? This is the best kind of unexpected and it's all because of her.

The warm spray of water cascades down my back, soothing my sore muscles as I lean against Faye, letting her lather shampoo into my hair. 

God, I'm sore. My thighs. My arms. My entire body.

Faye's fingers massage my scalp gently, her touch slow, methodical, and entirely too smug. "You're quiet," she murmurs against my ear. "That's rare."

I huff, blinking through the steam. "I'm remembering."

"Remembering what?" she asks, completely innocent.

I turn my head, squinting at her. "You know what."

Faye hums, tilting her head slightly. "No, I really don't."

Liar.

I close my eyes, leaning back into her hands as she rinses the shampoo from my hair. The worst part? She actually looks so pleased with herself.

The memories are coming back in pieces now—after I finished work at the café, I went straight to Faye's house. Nothing new, just another ordinary night... until we opened a bottle of wine.

And then? I begged.

I groan into the steam. 

Oh my god.

"You're remembering now, huh?" Faye teases, a hand sliding down my waist, her touch feather-light.

I whine, smacking her arm weakly. "Why did you let me drink?!"

"You were the one pouring us drinks."

Oh. Right.

Then, the realisation hits.

I had begged Faye to take me somewhere. I had whined, pleaded—fully drunk and needy—about wanting quality time with her, alone, away from everything and everyone.

I had wrapped my arms around her, climbed onto her lap, whispered absolute nonsense about how much I wanted her.

And Faye? Faye had been so patient. So damn calm. At first.

I snap my eyes open, staring at her, wide-eyed. "You drove us here in the middle of the night."

She bites her lip, trying to suppress a smile. "I did."

"And I—" I blink. "I knocked out the entire ride, didn't I?"

"You did," she confirms.

I groan again.

That means I didn't even get to enjoy the damn road trip.

Then, the final memory slams into me—the moment I woke up in the hotel room last night. How I barely let her breathe before I was on her.

My face erupts in heat.

Faye grins, leaning in to kiss my shoulder. "And now we've come full circle."

I smack her again. "Stop looking so smug!"

She chuckles, nuzzling into my neck. "I can't help it. You were so desperate for me last night."

God, kill me now.

"Shut up," I mumble, reaching for the body wash just to distract myself.

Faye sighs dramatically, pressing a slow, teasing kiss to my jaw. "You're adorable when you're embarrassed, you know that?"

I glare at her, but she just smirks and steals the loofah right from my hands. She spins me around effortlessly, pulling me closer, her arms wrapping around me like a second skin.

Her voice drops, low and warm. "Let me take care of you."

And just like that—I'm gone.

The cool morning air greets me as I step out onto the balcony, my damp hair falling in loose waves over Faye's oversized shirt. 

The fabric is soft, worn in the best way, smelling faintly of her—a mix of cedarwood, bergamot, and something distinctly her.

I tug at the hem slightly, feeling small in it, feeling wrapped up in her. My gaze drifts beyond the railing, taking in the view properly for the first time.

The ocean stretches endlessly before me, waves lapping gently against the shore. The sand is untouched, pristine. There's no loud chatter, no bustling city noise—just the soft, rhythmic hush of the tide.

She brought me to the beach.

My chest tightens with something warm, something full.

She really brought me somewhere quiet, somewhere just for us.

I grip the railing, inhaling deeply, letting the salty breeze fill my lungs. The air is crisp, fresh, like a new beginning.

"You look like you're having a moment," comes a teasing voice from behind me.

I don't turn around yet. I just close my eyes briefly, smiling.

"I am," I admit.

Faye steps closer, arms wrapping lazily around my waist as she pulls me back against her. She's warm, fresh from the shower, and I practically melt into her embrace.

"Good moment or bad moment?" she asks, pressing a slow kiss to the side of my neck.

"Very good moment," I murmur, tilting my head slightly to give her more access.

She hums, pleased. "So, I did well?"

I chuckle. "Faye, you literally drove us here at night while I was passed out. I don't even remember the trip."

She laughs, her lips grazing my skin. "You're the one who begged me to take you somewhere, remember?"

I groan, covering my face with my hands. "Why are you like this?"

She grins against my shoulder. "Like what?"

"Smug."

She spins me around easily, trapping me against the railing, her eyes dark with amusement. "Maybe because I enjoy seeing you flustered, baby," she murmurs, tilting my chin up.

My breath catches, my fingers curling into her shirt. "I hate you."

She smirks, brushing her lips over mine. "No, you don't," she whispers.

And just like that, I melt again.

By the time we finally drag ourselves out of the hotel room, the sun is already sitting comfortably in the sky, casting soft golden rays over the quiet beachfront town. 

The scent of salt, coffee, and fresh bread lingers in the air as we stroll down a narrow street, the distant sound of waves breaking against the shore filling the silence between us.

Faye walks beside me, her hand casually resting on the small of my back, her touch light, absentminded—but grounding.

"Are you actually hungry, or are you still running on pure post-sex bliss?" she teases, grinning as she pulls open the door to a cozy-looking café.

I roll my eyes, stepping in first, the warm aroma of brewed coffee and buttered pastries instantly making my stomach growl.

"Do I look like I can survive on love alone?" I mutter.

Faye tilts her head, considering me. "Hmm... I'd say yes, but I'd rather not risk you getting hangry on me."

I narrow my eyes. "Smart choice."

She laughs, leading me to a small corner table by the window.

The café is quaint, peaceful, with wooden beams running along the ceiling and walls lined with bookshelves filled with novels left behind by past visitors. 

There's a soft hum of conversation from the handful of patrons around us, the clinking of cutlery against porcelain, the whirr of the espresso machine.

We order—coffee for both, eggs and toast for me, and something ridiculously healthy for Faye—then settle in, our legs brushing under the table.

I sip my coffee, watching her stir sugar into hers.

"So, what's the plan for today?" I ask, raising a brow.

Faye leans back against her chair, stirring her drink with lazy ease. "I figured we could just chill by the beach. Swim, lounge, do nothing, maybe walk around town a bit."

I blink.

I was expecting something a little more structured, maybe some activity Faye meticulously planned, some itinerary she'd secretly prepared for our little getaway.

But instead—nothing. Just... existing.

The realization settles softly, like a gentle tide rolling in. A slow, content smile spreads across my lips.

"That sounds... perfect," I admit.

Faye smirks, watching me over the rim of her cup. "I know," she murmurs.

I take another sip of my coffee, fully basking in the calm, perfect morning when it hits me.

I didn't tell my dad.

I choke.

Faye barely has time to react before I slam my cup down, eyes wide.

"Shit."

She raises an eyebrow, amused. "That's never a good way to start a sentence."

I look at her, horrified. "I... I didn't tell my dad I was going on a road trip. He's going to kill me. Oh my god, what if he—"

Faye cuts me off with a slow sip of her coffee, completely unfazed. "Relax, darling," she hums, smug as hell. "I already told him."

I pause and blink once, twice.

"You what?"

Faye sets her cup down, eyes twinkling. "You were literally passed out in the passenger seat last night, so I figured someone should be responsible and let your dad know where you were."

I exhale, relieved. "Oh, thank god."

Then—another thought strikes.

Oh, god.

"Wait—what did he say?" I ask, suddenly wary.

Faye's smirk grows.

I squint at her. "Faye."

Faye grins wider, stirring her coffee with unnecessary patience.

I point a finger at her. "Faye. What. Did. He. Say."

She leans in, voice low, teasing. "He said, and I quote, 'Oh? And here I thought my daughter was staying home for the break? But I see... she meant staying home with you.'"

I groan, dropping my face into my hands.

Faye laughs, so damn smug, so damn pleased. "Oh, and he also told me to make sure you eat well, sleep properly, and not get up to too much trouble."

I glare at her. "You're enjoying this way too much."

She tilts her head, smiling. "Oh, absolutely."

Breakfast is over way too fast, though I suppose time always moves too quickly when I'm with her.

Faye stretches as she stands, her white linen shirt catching the morning light, her brown eyes glinting with something playful.

"Ready to head back and change?" she asks, lips quirking in a smirk.

I nod, still feeling the warmth of her teasing from earlier.

We walk back to the hotel, the sound of the ocean breeze following us, my fingers brushing against hers occasionally. 

I feel so at peace, so relaxed—so much so that when we step back into the hotel, it still feels like I'm dreaming.

But that dream quickly shifts when I remember what we're about to do.

Swimming.

Which means—Bikinis.

I swallow.

Faye, oblivious to my sudden internal spiral, casually undoes the first few buttons of her shirt, walking towards her suitcase.

"Are you gonna stand there and stare or actually get changed?" she asks without turning, her tone so effortlessly smug.

I huff, rolling my eyes—but she's not wrong. I grab my swimsuit from my own bag, heading into the bathroom to change.

I step out, adjusting the straps of my bikini top, and—

I freeze.

Faye is in front of the mirror, tying up her hair in a loose bun, her back completely exposed.

Her bikini is black.

Of course.

The strings rest perfectly against the toned expanse of her back, the knot sitting just below her shoulder blades.

I swallow hard, gripping the doorframe.

She meets my gaze through the mirror, smirking. "Everything okay, darling?"

No. No, it is not.

But I nod.

She turns, and I swear she does it in slow motion just to torment me. Her toned stomach, her long legs, the way she crosses her arms under her chest, tilting her head—

I am not surviving this.

"Shall we?" she asks, eyes twinkling with mischief.

I inhale, exhale, and nod. We leave the room, heading out towards the beach yet all I can think about is—I am so, so screwed.

The warm sand cushions my feet as we step onto the beach, the scent of salt and sea filling my lungs. The ocean stretches endlessly before us, the waves rolling in soft, rhythmic whispers, inviting, teasing.

I grin.

This is perfect.

Faye, however, has a completely different agenda. Because while I'm already eyeing the crystal-clear waters, ready to run in, she—

She is laying down a towel, setting up under the shade, reaching into her tote bag and pulling out a goddamn book.

I stare at her.

She adjusts her sunglasses, crosses her long legs, and leans back like she's about to settle in for hours.

"...Are you serious?" I ask.

She turns a page, completely unfazed. "I don't see the issue."

I gawk.

"We are at the beach, Faye," I say slowly, gesturing wildly at the ocean. "The whole point of coming to the beach is to get in the water."

Faye tilts her head, lifting her sunglasses slightly to peer at me, expression infuriatingly smug.

"No," she corrects. "Your whole point of coming to the beach is to get in the water. My whole point is to relax."

I groan dramatically, throwing myself onto the towel beside her. "But the water's so nice," I whine, nudging her tanned shoulder with my own. "Come swim with me."

She hums, flipping another page. "No thanks."

I scoff.

I watch her for a moment, her smooth, sunkissed skin glowing under the afternoon light, her toned stomach rising and falling steadily as she breathes, her collarbones so unfairly perfect—

Damn her.

I squint. If reasoning won't work, then—I smirk, shifting onto my knees.

"You know," I start, dragging my fingers slowly down her arm, watching as goosebumps rise on her skin.

She pauses.

"If you come into the water with me," I whisper, leaning in, voice dripping with mischief, "maybe I'll reward you later."

That gets her attention.

Her sunglasses slide down her nose just a little, revealing her darkening brown eyes as she slowly turns to look at me.

I grin, triumphant.

Faye exhales through her nose, shutting her book with a quiet thud.

"You're impossible," she mutters, but she's already sitting up, already rolling her eyes as she stretches.

I beam. "And you love it."

Faye grumbles something under her breath, but I don't care—I've won. I grab her hand, tugging her up, excitement buzzing in my veins.

The ocean is waiting and so is my revenge for making me work so hard to get her here.

The water is cool, wrapping around my legs as I wade in, the gentle waves lapping at my skin. Faye follows closely behind, her steps slow, controlled, like she's still debating whether this was a good idea.

I grin.

Too late to back out now.

The moment the water rises to our waists, Faye pulls me into her arms, her hands resting lazily on my lower back.

"Happy now?" she drawls, her voice low, smooth, indulgent.

I tilt my head back, smirking up at her. "Very," I purr. "Look at you, embracing the beach life."

Faye rolls her eyes, brushing a damp strand of hair away from my face. "Don't push it."

I giggle, looping my arms around her neck, pressing closer, feeling the water sway around us.

"You fought so hard against coming in," I tease, trailing my fingers down her back. "And now look at you."

She shrugs. "You convinced me."

"Convinced?" I mock gasp. "I had to practically seduce you into the water."

Faye chuckles, tilting her head, her lips barely brushing against mine. "And?" she murmurs, her breath warm despite the cool ocean air.

My heartbeat stutters.

Damn her.

I narrow my eyes, remembering my revenge.

"And," I say sweetly, pulling back slightly—just enough for her to lower her guard.

Then, I scoop up a handful of water and splash it right at her face. Faye freezes.

Oh. Oh, that was satisfying.

Her jaw drops slightly, water droplets trailing down her stunned expression. I burst into wild laughter, clutching my stomach, backing away just a little, knowing I've signed my death warrant.

"You—" she finally sputters, blinking rapidly. "Did you just—?"

"Oh, my love, my darling—" I start dramatically, placing a hand on my chest. "You look a little wet. Need a towel?"

Faye's expression darkens. "You're dead, Yoko."

Then—she lunges.

I shriek, turning to flee, but the water slows me down, and in a matter of seconds, Faye's arms wrap around my waist, pulling me back against her chest.

"Wait, wait—Faye, I—"

I barely finish my sentence before she lifts her hand, sending a wave of water splashing against my face. I splutter, choking on laughter.

"Oh, you did not just—"

Another splash.

"Faye!"

Another.

"You started it," she hums, so utterly smug, so annoyingly victorious.

I narrow my eyes, wiping my face. This means war. Before she can react, I attack back, sending wave after wave of water in her direction.

Faye gasps, lifting her arms to shield herself, but I don't let up. The beach air fills with our shrieks, our laughter, our playful threats of revenge.

"Truce!" Faye yells, ducking behind her arms.

I pause, panting, grinning. "Truce?" I echo, tilting my head.

She nods, water dripping down her face, her lips curled into a lazy smirk. "Yeah."

I pretend to consider it. Then—I send one final splash at her.

And run for my life.

I sprint through the water, if you could even call it that, because honestly—running in the sea is a scam. 

Every step is dragged down by the waves, making my escape impossibly slow, and behind me, I can already hear Faye's delighted chuckle, the kind that spells doom.

"Yoko," she calls, amused, her voice smooth as velvet. "Running won't save you now."

I glance over my shoulder, gasping when I see her gaining on me. "Stay back!" I warn, lifting my hands dramatically, as if that would stop her.

Faye tilts her head, eyes gleaming. "Hmm," she muses. "No."

Before I can even attempt to flee again, she moves—one swift, precise grab and—I'm captured.

Faye yanks me against her, her arms tightening around my waist as she lifts me off my feet, twirling me slightly, sending water splashing around us.

I shriek, half laughing, half gasping. "Faye!"

"You lose," she murmurs, her breath warm against my damp skin.

I wiggle slightly, pretending to struggle. "Let me go, you tyrant!"

She hums, pressing her lips against my bare shoulder, her hold tightening.

"Hmm. No," she says again, smug.

My heart stutters.

Damn her.

I huff, my fingers curling around her shoulders as I pretend to pout. "You're so unfair."

Faye tilts her head slightly, her lips barely grazing my jawline, a slow, lingering touch that sends heat rippling through me.

"And you," she murmurs, her voice dipping lower, richer, full of something dangerous and intoxicating, "are a terrible loser."

I gasp, glaring at her, but my resolve is already melting, crumbling into nothing. "That's a lie," I whisper, my voice weaker than I want it to be.

Faye smirks. "It's not," she hums. "You just happen to look adorable when you lose."

I want to argue, to fight back, to keep up this battle of wills. But then—Faye leans in.

Her lips brush against mine, a teasing, fleeting touch, sending fireworks through my veins. I exhale shakily, gripping her tighter, anchoring myself.

She waits. Torturously.

Then—I cave.

I press my lips fully against hers, sealing the space between us, drowning in her warmth, in her presence, in the taste of the sea on her lips.

Faye reacts instantly, her fingers threading through my wet hair, pulling me closer, deeper, until the waves around us feel like nothing compared to the storm inside me.

The world fades. The ocean disappears. It's just her.

Faye kisses me slowly, deliberately, as if she has all the time in the world, as if she's savoring every single second of this. And I do the same.

Because if this is my punishment for losing—I'll lose every damn time.

The kiss lingers, even as Faye pulls back slightly, her forehead resting lightly against mine. 

The world around us is nothing but waves and warmth, and the way she's looking at me—like I'm the only thing that matters—makes my heart feel too full, too heavy, too light, all at once.

I'm blushing. I can feel it. Faye, of course, notices immediately.

Her lips quirk, her fingers gently brushing my damp cheek. "Red suits you," she murmurs, voice dipped in amusement.

I scoff, rolling my eyes, trying to compose myself despite the way my knees are still weak from her kiss.

"It's just the sun," I mutter.

She hums thoughtfully, dragging her fingers down to trace the side of my neck. "Oh? Then I should kiss you out here more often. Maybe see just how much the 'sun' can make you blush."

I nearly choke.

"Faye!"

She laughs, completely delighted, looking so smugly satisfied with herself that I want to drown her.

"Yes, darling?" she hums sweetly.

I groan, hiding my face against her shoulder. "You're impossible."

She chuckles, pressing a kiss to the top of my head. "And you love it."

Goddamn her.

I pretend to grumble, but honestly, my smile is too wide, my chest is too warm, and I know she's won. Again.

Eventually, Faye shifts slightly, tilting her head towards the beach. "Come on," she murmurs, "let's dry off and lounge before you pass out from overexertion."

I huff. "It's just water."

She raises an eyebrow. "Says the girl who was running for her life a minute ago."

I glare, splashing her again before retreating towards the shore. "I hate you."

She laughs, trailing after me. "You love me."

We finally make it back to the shaded lounging area, where the beach chairs sit comfortably beneath a large umbrella, the soft breeze making everything feel perfect.

I flop onto one, sighing in contentment. Faye sits beside me, adjusting her sunglasses, reaching for her book that she left behind earlier.

"You're really going to read right now?" I whine, turning my head to pout at her.

She glances at me over her shades, smirking. "Would you prefer I kiss you instead?"

I freeze.

My mouth opens—then closes. My brain malfunctions. Faye just laughs.

And just like that, I know—I've already lost this round too.

...

I didn't mean to steal her book. Okay. Maybe I did.

But in my defense, she was on her phone, typing away, eyebrows slightly furrowed in that serious, business-like way that makes her look so damn attractive but also makes me want to sulk.

So, naturally, I snatched the book from her lap before she could reach for it and started reading it myself.

"You do realize I was reading that," Faye comments dryly, still focused on her phone screen.

"You do realize you're supposed to be on vacation," I retort, flipping a page dramatically.

She exhales, typing something quickly. "Just one last email."

I side-eye her. "You said that five minutes ago."

She hums nonchalantly. "And I meant it."

I huff, dragging my finger across the text, barely absorbing the words. "This is tragic."

"What?"

"This." I wave the book slightly, then point at her phone. "You. Me. Here. The beach. And you're emailing."

She chuckles, still not looking at me. "Dramatic."

I glare at her. "Disappointing."

Faye's smirk twitches, but she still doesn't look up.

Fine. Two can play this game.

I make a show of flipping the page, stretching lazily against the lounge chair. "This book is actually really good," I muse. "Maybe I should keep it."

"Yoko."

I grin, victorious.

Finally, she puts her phone away, slipping it into her bag. Then she turns to me, one eyebrow raised. "You're unbelievable."

"And you love it," I hum, mimicking her tone from earlier.

She exhales deeply, dragging a hand down her face. "Give me my book."

I pretend to think about it. Then, deliberately, I lower it, shifting slightly so I can lean in and press a lazy kiss to her jaw.

Faye stills. Then, she whines.

I pause, startled, before bursting into laughter. "Did you just whine?"

She groans, covering her face. "You're insufferable."

"And you love it."

She lets her hands drop, narrowing her eyes. "One more time, Apasra, and I'm dunking you back into the sea."

I grin, unbothered. "Go ahead. Then you'll have to dry me off and warm me up."

She mutters something under her breath, shaking her head, but I catch the tiny, fond smile tugging at her lips.

Yeah. I win.

...

The sun is warm but not overwhelming, a gentle breeze carrying the scent of the ocean. The waves crash rhythmically in the background, lulling me into a comfortable daze as I lay sprawled over Faye's chest, the book propped open in my hands.

She's let me keep it. For now.

Her arms rest loosely around me, one hand tracing absentminded circles along my spine. Every so often, she shifts slightly, glancing at the pages over my shoulder.

"You're reading it upside down," she points out lazily.

I turn the book the right way up, blinking. "Right. That makes more sense."

Faye laughs, soft and amused, then presses a kiss to my temple. "What page are you on?"

"This one," I say, tapping at the paragraph in front of me.

She glances over, reading quickly. Then she hums, her voice warm, smooth, and so enticingly patient.

"This passage is talking about the impermanence of human emotions—how love, desire, even grief, are fleeting things. It's a reflection on how we try to hold onto feelings that are meant to pass, rather than just... experiencing them for what they are."

I blink. "That's kind of sad."

"It's also kind of true."

I scowl. "You sound like a teacher."

She chuckles. "I am a teacher, darling."

I turn slightly, tilting my head up to look at her. "Not to me, you're not."

Her eyes darken slightly. "No?"

"Mm-mm," I hum. "To me, you're just my incredibly hot, incredibly smart girlfriend."

She smirks. "You forgot 'incredibly humble.'"

I snort. "No, I didn't."

She laughs, and I feel the vibrations of it against my cheek. Then—her fingers glide lower, skimming just beneath the hem of my swimsuit. 

Teasing. Slow, lazy, intentional.

I still.

"Faye," I warn.

"Hm?" she murmurs, feigning innocence.

I narrow my eyes. "You're doing that thing again."

"What thing?"

"That thing where you act like you're completely oblivious to how hot you are."

She smirks, clearly entertained. "Am I hot?"

I groan, dropping my forehead against her collarbone. "You're impossible."

"And you love it," she murmurs, her lips grazing my ear, her breath warm against my skin.

Okay. That's it.

Before she can say another word, I shut her up with a kiss.

She sighs into it, her grip tightening around me, pulling me closer, deeper. My fingers tangle into her hair, tilting her head just so, angling the kiss to something slower, more intense.

I shift, straddling her lap, feeling the way her hands slide down my back, pressing into my waist, steady, grounding.

"Yoko," she murmurs against my lips, her voice lower now, rougher.

I hum, smiling, before dipping down to kiss her again.

Faye's hands tighten on my waist as I deepen the kiss, my fingers weaving through her hair, pulling her closer, grounding myself in the warmth of her.

I feel her exhale sharply through her nose, the smallest groan slipping from her lips as I tilt my head, pressing deeper.

She melts. Just like that.

My smugness barely has time to register before her hands grip me tighter, sliding over my hips, palms warm against my bare skin.

 The shift in her demeanor is instant—one second, she's letting me tease her, letting me take control.

The next, she pulls me flush against her, kissing me back with a heat that makes my head spin.

I let out a soft gasp into her mouth, fingers curling at the back of her neck as her tongue flicks lightly against mine.

I break away, barely, just enough to breathe against her lips. "This isn't fair."

Faye tilts her head back slightly, smirking. "You started it."

I open my mouth to argue, but she takes the opportunity to kiss me again, deep, slow, completely consuming. Heat coils in my stomach, my breath coming shorter as I press my forehead against hers.

"People are gonna see," I murmur, halfheartedly, because at this point, I honestly don't care.

Faye hums, her lips trailing slowly, deliberately along my jaw, down my throat. "Then maybe," she breathes against my pulse, "we should head back to our room."

My stomach flips.

I pull back, just enough to meet her gaze. Her eyes are dark, filled with something teasing, knowing.

"Faye," I murmur.

She smiles. "Yes, my love?"

I narrow my eyes. "You're trying to seduce me."

She grins. "Is it working?"

I groan, burying my face in her neck. "It's always working, you menace."

She laughs, soft and amused, before pressing one last kiss to my temple. "Come on," she murmurs, tugging me up gently. "Let's go."

I sigh, reluctantly sliding off her lap, but not before she grabs my hand, intertwining our fingers.

And just like that—we head back to the hotel.

...

The moment the door clicks shut behind us, Faye is on me.

Her lips crash against mine, her hands sliding over my waist, up my back, pulling me closer, pressing me against her like she can't bear even a whisper of space between us.

I moan softly into her mouth, my fingers grasping at the hem of her swimsuit, feeling the heat of her skin beneath my touch.

She's breathless when we part, her forehead resting against mine. "Shower?" she murmurs, her voice low, teasing.

My stomach flips but I nod.

Faye's smile is slow, knowing. She grabs my hand, leading me into the bathroom, the warmth of her fingers wrapped around mine sending shivers down my spine.

The moment the water cascades down, she's on me again.

My back presses against the cool tiles, my breath hitching as her lips trail along my jaw, down my throat, leaving fire in their wake.

"Faye," I whisper, my fingers threading through her dampening hair.

She hums against my skin, her mouth pressing open kisses along my collarbone, her hands sliding down my sides, slow, deliberate, teasing.

She knows exactly what she's doing.

I arch slightly, pressing closer, my breathing ragged as her hands move lower, her lips trailing lower, her touch setting me ablaze.

Her name spills from my lips like a prayer, a plea, a worship.

She looks up at me then, eyes dark, filled with something deep, something raw. "Let me take care of you, baby."

And then—she does.

The warm cascade of water drummed against my skin, mingling with the shuddering breaths slipping past my lips. 

My back pressed against the cool tiles, a stark contrast to the heat pooling in my chest, spreading like wildfire as Faye's hands explored every inch of me.

Her lips traced slow, deliberate paths down my neck, lingering at my pulse point before moving lower. 

Every touch, every whispered sigh sent a thrill down my spine, my fingers threading into her damp hair, tugging her closer—silently pleading for more.

Faye's hands, steady yet reverent, gripped my hips, pressing me against her, claiming me in a way that left no room for hesitation. 

My breath hitched as she murmured against my skin, her voice low, intoxicating.

"You're stunning," she breathed, the weight of her words sinking deep into my bones.

A soft whimper escaped me as she pressed a kiss over my heart, worshipping me in ways that made my head spin, my body surrender. 

The steady rhythm of the water became nothing more than a distant echo as I lost myself in her, in the way she made me feel like I was the center of the universe.

Her touch was both teasing and possessive, her lips moving with a tenderness that contradicted the intensity burning between us. 

I felt adored, cherished—loved in a way that transcended words.

And as my name tumbled from her lips, breathless and reverent, I knew—I was hers. Entirely, irrevocably, hers.

...

Wrapped in the soft embrace of a hotel robe, I sat cross-legged on the bed, eyes half-lidded, basking in the warmth of Faye's gentle touch. The steady hum of the hairdryer filled the room, a stark contrast to the intimacy of the moment.

Her fingers, deft and practiced, combed through my damp hair, parting strands with care as she ran the warm air through them. I sighed, leaning into her touch, eyes fluttering shut.

"You're purring," she teased, the smile evident in her voice.

I cracked one eye open, smirking lazily. "Maybe I'm just appreciating my personal hairdresser."

Faye chuckled, ruffling my hair playfully before smoothing it down again. "Personal, huh? You say that, but I'm not getting paid for this."

I turned, tilting my head up to meet her gaze, my smirk widening. "I can think of plenty of ways to pay you back."

Her brows shot up, amusement flickering across her face before she set the hairdryer aside and leaned down, her lips brushing over mine in a slow, teasing kiss. 

"Tempting, but you need food, not another round of distractions."

I huffed dramatically. "Boring."

Faye flicked my forehead, laughing when I yelped. "Come on, brat. Get dressed. We're heading into town."

Grumbling playfully, I got up, rifling through my suitcase before pulling on a pair of denim shorts and a loose-knit sweater. 

Faye, ever effortlessly composed, slipped into dark jeans and a button-up, rolling the sleeves up to her forearms—the sight making my stomach do an embarrassingly excited little flip.

Once we were ready, Faye grabbed the hotel key and her wallet, turning to me. "Let's go before you get any more ideas."

I stuck my tongue out at her but took her hand anyway as we left the hotel, stepping into the warm, golden embrace of the evening air. 

The sky was painted in hues of soft pink and lavender, the town slowly coming to life under the glow of streetlights.

It was perfect—just us, walking hand in hand, the quiet hum of the world around us fading into the background.

The streets were alive with the soft hum of the evening crowd, warm lights spilling from charming little storefronts and cafés, casting a golden glow on the cobbled pathways. 

The salty breeze from the nearby shore wove through the air, carrying the distant sound of laughter and clinking glasses.

Faye's fingers laced with mine, her grip firm and grounding, as we strolled leisurely through the town, glancing at the various restaurants lining the street. 

My stomach rumbled in protest, and Faye shot me a knowing look, lips curving.

"Alright, let's feed the brat before she gets grumpy," she teased.

I bumped my hip against hers, pouting. "I don't get grumpy."

She arched a brow, giving me a look that said otherwise. "Mhm. Sure. Just conveniently moody and unbearable when you're hungry?"

I gasped, scandalized. "Wow. That's rude. Is that how you speak to the love of your life?"

Faye merely chuckled, tugging me along. "Come on, drama queen. Let's get you some food."

Eventually, we stopped in front of a cozy-looking bistro, warm candlelight flickering from the windows, the aroma of grilled seafood and freshly baked bread wafting through the open doors. It was quaint, charming—the kind of place that made you want to linger over a meal for hours.

"This looks good," I said, already tugging Faye towards the entrance.

She let out a soft laugh. "You didn't even look at the menu."

"I don't need to. I trust my gut."

"Your gut is starving," she pointed out dryly.

I grinned, pulling her inside.

The restaurant was intimate, with rustic wooden beams and soft jazz playing in the background. The hostess greeted us with a warm smile and quickly led us to a quiet corner table by the window. I slid into my seat, sighing in contentment as I took in the cozy atmosphere.

Faye smirked as she settled across from me. "Happy now?"

I nodded, pretending to wipe away a fake tear. "So happy. My girlfriend takes such good care of me."

She rolled her eyes but didn't argue. Instead, she picked up the menu, glancing over it with an easy familiarity.

I, on the other hand, was already distracted—watching her instead of reading. 

The way the warm light softened her features, how effortlessly elegant she looked even in such a simple setting. It was unfair, really.

"What?" she asked without looking up, as if she could feel my gaze.

I shrugged, smiling. "Nothing. Just admiring my view."

Faye let out a quiet chuckle, shaking her head as she flipped the menu over. "You're impossible."

"And you love it," I shot back.

She exhaled through her nose, amused but resigned. "Unfortunately."

A waiter soon arrived, and after placing our orders—grilled seafood for me, steak for her—we settled into a comfortable quiet, the hum of conversation around us filling the space. 

I reached for my glass of water, taking a slow sip before leaning in slightly, resting my chin on my palm.

"So," I drawled. "Tell me, Miss Peraya. How do you feel about spontaneous road trips and reckless girlfriends who beg for quality time?"

Faye gave me a long, considering look, tapping a finger against the rim of her glass. 

"I feel," she started, her voice low and teasing, "like I should have let you suffer in your horny mess last night."

I nearly choked on my drink. "EXCUSE ME?"

She grinned, oh-so-smug. "You heard me."

I gaped at her, caught between laughing and throwing my napkin at her. "That is SO rude."

"Only stating facts, darling."

I groaned, covering my face while she laughed quietly, clearly enjoying herself far too much.

When I finally peeked at her from behind my hands, she was watching me with that soft, fond amusement—the kind that made my heart flip in my chest.

"I love you, you menace," I mumbled.

She leaned forward slightly, the corner of her lips lifting. "I love you too, brat."

And just like that, the teasing melted into something warmer, something softer—something entirely, irrevocably ours.

...

The town's streets were quieter now, bathed in the soft glow of street lamps and shopfront lights. The distant sound of the waves crashing against the shore mixed with the occasional laughter of people strolling by. 

It was peaceful, intimate—just the two of us, walking hand in hand, no rush, no worries, just the simplicity of being together.

I swung our joined hands between us as we wandered past little boutique shops and stalls, my eyes gleaming as I spotted a small bookstore tucked between a café and an antique shop.

Immediately, I tugged on Faye's hand.

"Ooh, can we go in?" I asked, already pulling her towards the door.

She chuckled, not even pretending to resist. "Of course. I should've known you'd find a bookstore."

I grinned up at her. "You love that about me."

She hummed, pressing a soft kiss to my temple as we stepped inside.

The store smelled of old pages and vanilla candles, the shelves packed with well-loved books, the lighting warm and golden. It wasn't a large shop, but it had charm—the kind of place you could spend hours in and still feel like you hadn't seen everything.

I ran my fingers along the spines of the books, my heart swelling at the sight of all the stories stacked in neat rows.

Faye, of course, had already wandered over to the poetry section.

"Predictable," I teased, sidling up beside her.

She smirked, not taking her eyes off the books. "And yet, you're still hopelessly in love with me."

I scoffed playfully, nudging her shoulder. "Maybe."

She turned, eyes twinkling with amusement. "Only maybe?"

I pretended to consider it, tapping my chin. "Well, I guess I have to think about it. I mean, you did bully me over dinner."

Faye arched a brow, leaning in slightly. "I could make it up to you."

My breath hitched, but I played it cool, lifting my chin. "How?"

She reached up, plucked a book from the shelf, and handed it to me. I glanced down, reading the title—Love Poems Through the Ages.

I blinked. Then looked up at her, a small smile playing on my lips. "Smooth, Peraya," I murmured.

She smirked, pressing a lingering kiss to my forehead.

We continued browsing for a little while, both of us picking out books—her, a classic poetry collection; me, a novel I'd been eyeing for weeks. 

Once we'd paid, we left the shop, stepping back into the cool evening air.

As we walked, Faye suddenly pulled me towards a small souvenir stand, where tiny trinkets and handmade jewelry gleamed under the soft lighting.

I tilted my head, amused. "Buying me something?"

She picked up a delicate bracelet, her fingers tracing over the small charms dangling from it—a tiny book, a crescent moon, and a feather.

"It suits you," she murmured, fastening it around my wrist before I could protest.

I stared at it, feeling my heart squeeze. "You're too good to me," I whispered.

She simply kissed the top of my head. "Always."

We continued walking, hand in hand, stopping every now and then to peek into random stores, laugh at silly souvenirs, and steal soft kisses when no one was looking.

At some point, I stopped in front of a candy stall, my eyes lighting up.

"Faye," I gasped dramatically. "Look at this."

She sighed, exasperated but fond. "Yoko, it's just candy."

"It's not just candy. It's Scottish fudge. That means I need it."

Faye gave me a look, but she still reached for her wallet.

I grinned, poking her cheek. "You're such a good girlfriend."

She rolled her eyes. "Brat."

We walked away with a bag of sweets, and I happily popped a piece into my mouth, sighing contentedly. Faye looked at me, shaking her head but smiling.

"You're lucky I love you," she murmured.

I beamed. "I really am."

And as we continued strolling through the quiet town, beneath the glow of the streetlights, fingers intertwined, I knew—this was happiness. This was love. This was everything.

Back in our hotel room, the warmth of the evening still lingered on my skin, the scent of salt air and a hint of Faye's perfume mixing in the dimly lit space. 

I dropped the shopping bags onto the armchair in the corner, stretching my arms with a satisfied sigh.

Faye locked the door behind us, slipping off her coat and draping it neatly over the chair. She turned to me with that small, knowing smirk—the one that always made my heart do ridiculous things.

"Tired, baby?" she asked, voice soft.

I flopped onto the bed dramatically, face first. "Exhausted."

She chuckled, her weight dipping the bed as she sat beside me. "That's what happens when you drag your girlfriend around town for hours."

I peeked up at her, grinning. "Oh, come on. You had fun."

Her smirk widened. "I did." She leaned down, brushing a kiss to my temple. "But I think you had more fun making me buy you candy."

I snickered, rolling onto my back. "You're just a sucker for me, that's all."

Faye hummed, tilting her head. "Maybe."

Before I could retort, she reached for my wrist, tracing her fingers over the bracelet she'd bought me earlier. The gentle touch sent warmth spreading through my chest.

"You like it?" she murmured.

I nodded, biting my lip. "I love it."

Faye's expression softened, her thumb brushing over the charms. "Good."

We sat there in silence for a moment, the weight of the day settling into something quiet, something intimate. I reached for her hand, intertwining our fingers, squeezing lightly.

"You're really good at spoiling me, you know?" I teased.

Faye smirked, lifting our joined hands to press a kiss against my knuckles. "It's my favourite thing to do."

I felt my face heat up, but before I could say anything, she pulled me up effortlessly, her arms wrapping around my waist, pulling me onto her lap.

My breath hitched. "Faye—"

She tilted her head, her nose brushing mine. "What?"

I swallowed, suddenly too aware of how close we were, how her hands rested against my lower back, warm and steady.

"You're—" I huffed, trying to sound annoyed but failing miserably. "You're really testing my self-control here."

Faye chuckled, her lips ghosting over my cheek before pressing a kiss there. "Am I?"

I narrowed my eyes. "You know you are."

She grinned, leaning back against the pillows, pulling me down with her. "I'm just getting comfortable."

I rolled my eyes, but my heart was hammering.

We lay there, wrapped up in each other, tangled in the sheets, my head tucked under her chin as her fingers traced lazy patterns along my back.

This was the part I loved the most—these quiet moments, just the two of us, the world outside fading into a distant hum.

"You should go shower," she murmured, her lips brushing against my hair.

I groaned. "Too lazy."

She laughed softly, rubbing my back in soothing circles. "You'll feel better."

I sighed, finally pulling away to sit up. "Only if you come with me."

Faye arched a brow. "Needy, aren't we?"

I smirked. "Always."

She chuckled, shaking her head, but I could already see the fondness in her gaze. "Alright, let's go."

And just like that, the night continued—filled with soft laughter, tender touches, and the quiet kind of love that felt endless.

Steam curled around us as the warm water cascaded down, wrapping us in a cocoon of heat. Faye stood behind me, fingers threading through my damp hair, massaging my scalp with gentle precision. My eyes fluttered shut as a pleased sigh left my lips.

"If you keep that up," I murmured, leaning into her touch, "I might just fall asleep right here."

Faye chuckled, the sound vibrating through me as she pressed a lingering kiss to my bare shoulder. "I wouldn't mind."

I cracked one eye open, tilting my head slightly to glance at her. "You'd just let me slump over like a wet noodle?"

She grinned. "Maybe. You'd be cute as a sleepy noodle."

I snorted, playfully elbowing her. "You have the weirdest endearments."

She only laughed, turning me around so I faced her. 

Her gaze softened, trailing over my face before she lifted a hand to brush a wet strand of hair behind my ear. "But you love them."

I huffed, rolling my eyes, but my heart was already fluttering. "Unfortunately."

Faye smirked, leaning down until our foreheads touched. "Such a shame."

I hummed, resting my hands against her waist. "The worst."

She kissed me then—slow, lingering, the kind of kiss that filled every inch of me with warmth. I melted into it, my arms looping around her neck as she held me close, water running between us, over us, around us.

By the time we pulled away, my legs felt like jelly, and Faye was smirking again, all smug and self-satisfied.

"Come on," she murmured, nudging me toward the shower controls. "Let's finish up before you really do fall asleep on me."

I sighed dramatically but let her guide me through rinsing off. 

Once we were done, she wrapped me in a plush towel, drying me off like I was something delicate. I let her, soaking in the quiet care, the way she tucked my damp hair behind my ear, the way she made sure I was warm before slipping into one of her shirts.

Back in the room, the bed was inviting, soft and cool against my skin as I climbed in. Faye followed soon after, her arms immediately wrapping around me, pulling me close until my head rested against her chest.

Her fingers traced soothing patterns along my spine, lulling me further into that blissful space between wakefulness and sleep.

"Thank you for today," I murmured, voice heavy with drowsiness.

She pressed a kiss to the top of my head. "Always."

I sighed contentedly, feeling the steady rhythm of her heartbeat beneath my cheek.

"I love you," I whispered.

Faye's hold tightened ever so slightly, her lips brushing against my forehead.

"I love you too, baby."

And as the night settled around us, wrapped in warmth and love, I knew there was nowhere else I'd rather be.