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Minthara was a woman of certainty. She knew she was intelligent, she was strong, and she excelled at coitus. She knew exactly what she offered, and expected her partners to capitalize on all of it, then perhaps betray her or move on. Such was the way of the world, and she’d killed over half of her lovers already for the former.
But Tav had done neither as of yet. She was a lovesick thing, and yet she had a strong sense of identity. She had a bleeding heart, but rarely allowed herself to be taken advantage of. She gave herself to Minthara easily, but had few partners. She was an enigma, and Minthara found herself wanting to unravel the mystery of her. When she would rest her head on her chest every night, she found herself wanting to lay her hand atop it. To reach inside her mind and drink in every thought, every memory, until she understood her as easily as breathing.
“Minthara,” she sighed so sweetly, as if there were no sound more beautiful in all the realms, and glanced up at her with sparkling eyes. The look she gave her could almost be called coquettish, if she weren’t stark naked.
“Tell me: what is it you are thinking of?” Minthara asked quietly, stroking her hair.
“Of you, of course,” she replied, grinning.
She barked a laugh. “I suppose I should have expected such an answer,” she hummed. “What specifically has you contemplating me, might I ask?”
Tav took a moment to think. “Your lovely smile, perhaps? It's as bright as the sun.”
“How poetic. Are you going to break into a ballad next?” she deadpanned. “Tell me something else.”
“Your sense of humor, then. I always liked that joke about the drider getting married.”
“Ah, yes, the beautiful webbing. Next.”
“That commanding tone of yours makes my blood rush.”
“I have been told I have that effect on people. Give me something else, something only you would know of me,” she requested.
A mischievous grin spread on Tav’s face.
“Not of the vulgar sort.”
Her face dropped in a pout. “Well, seeing as you’ve deprived me of my most amusing answers,” she announced, “I’ll have to get philosophical. You rarely admit that you’ve always liked the softer, gentler things in life.”
Minthara frowned. “I acknowledge no such thing.”
“Oh? Because I saw you eyeing that fluffy blanket at the market. And I know you blush every time I compliment you in public, even if you pretend to be annoyed at my ‘affectatious’ displays.” She smiled. “It’s rather cute.”
“I am not cute.”
“You most certainly are.” Tav’s arms snaked up Minthara’s body, brushing against a few less than innocent places before wrapping around her neck. “It’s why I love you so.”
Minthara’s brows furrowed. “You’ve always been too affectatious for my comfort.”
Tav shook her head. “No. I’ve always been nothing but honest with you. If you ever doubt my sincerity for even a second, you’re welcome to check for yourself.” She tilted her head, a silent invitation.
Minthara stared at her for a moment. Tav blinked up at her, entirely earnestly. “No, I don’t think that will be necessary,” she finally announced. “You are welcome to think me ‘cute,’ if that is what you wish.”
Tav’s face split into a grin. “I will, thank you.”
Perhaps Minthara didn’t know herself as well as she thought she did. Perhaps she didn’t need to. Certainty had been a rare commodity, as of late, afterall. And she didn’t hate being surprised, or held in mild suspense so much if it was by Tav. Sometimes, it even felt nice.