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Finishing her shower, Zani sighed in contentment as she sank into the bathtub. The hot water eased the day’s exhaustion from her muscles.
It had been a long, difficult day for the Montelli family’s staff. An echo had gone rogue during her lunch break with Phoebe, forcing her to cut their time together short. Wanting to make up for it , she’d invited her girlfriend to stay the night–something she had never done before. It’s funny how love softened even her guarded habits.
“Not coming in, Phoebe?” she called toward the door. “The water won’t stay warm forever.”
A shuffle answered her. The door inched open slightly, revealing a glimpse of golden hair and violet eyes.
“You don’t have to if you’re not comfortable with it,” Zani said, smiling.
“N-no, I want to! Just… give me a second.”
With a steadying breath, Phoebe stepped inside, clutching a towel to her front. For a moment, neither of them spoke. Zani watched, amused, as Phoebe’s blush slowly deepened to crimson.
Sparing her girlfriend, Zani extended a hand. “Come here, love.”
Phoebe approached slowly, before pausing at the tub’s edge. Zani studied her with quiet curiosity–this was new for the both of them.
“Zani, could you…close your eyes? Just for a bit?” She asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
“Of course amore mio. ” Zani obliged, chuckling.
She felt the water ripple as Phoebe slipped in. “Okay,” she murmured.
Zani opened her eyes to the cascade of Phoebe’s hair, covering her bare back. Gently, she gathered the golden strands and pressed a kiss to them, inhaling the familiar warmth of vanilla and amber.
“So brave tonight, miss acolyte.”
Phoebe squeaked and tried to scoot away, until a pair of strong arms circled her waist and a tail coiling around her leg.
“Now, now, where do you think you're going?” Zani drew her girlfriend against her chest, settling her into her lap.
Phoebe giggled as Zani scattered kisses along her neck. “Zani– ah –that tickles!”
With a final kiss to her crown, Zani leaned her back against the tub, drifting her eyes shut–until Phoebe lifted her hands from the water.
“Your hands…” she murmured.
“Hm?”
“They're covered in scars.”
Zani laughed softly, gently resting her head on Phoebe’s shoulder, mindful of her horns.
“Comes with the job.”
Phoebe turned, frowning. “I hate seeing you hurt.”
Zani kissed her forehead. “I try to be careful.”
Still frowning, Phoebe brought Zani’s palm to her lips, pressing featherlight kisses to each mark.
“Not scared by my scars?” Zani whispered.
Phoebe met her eyes, then gave her a peck on the cheek. “Never. These scars are part of you–proof of how strong you are, and how much you protect others.” She then added with a small voice, “And I love every part of you.”
Zani’s breath caught. Slowly, she leaned in, giving Phoebe a chance to retreat. She didn’t. Their lips met softly, a gentle press that lingered just enough to convey warmth. There was no urgency in that kiss, only quiet understanding, and a silent exchange of affection.
When they parted, they rested their foreheads together, Phoebe’s giggles bubbled up as she melted against Zani.
“I love you.” She whispered.
Zani held her closer, “And I, you.”