115 Road less traveled (2/2)

She scrunched her brows together, ”Like what?”

Arei laughed nervously as he ran his hand across the back of his neck. ”Well like kissing... among other things.”

She came to a hault, ”What is a kiss?” She asked.

Arei chuckled and patted her head. ”That was perfect, Kitten.”

She smiled brightly up at him, ”We are lovers now?”

Arei sputtered and coughed, ”No!” He adjusted his tone. ”Not quite, dear. It doesn't... there is still a bit more...” He grunted and stood back straight. ”I'll explain it more some other time, alright? For now we need to make our way into town before all the good spots are taken.” He gave her hand a slight tug and she began following along beside him again.

Jos watched him throughout their dinner and the long moonlight walk home. His eyes were more lively tonight. He laughed with an ease she hadn't seen in him since their first night together. Each touch in itself was a welcomed surprise because he typically didn't touch her or allow her to touch him. She glanced down at their intertwined hands as they neared the path that would lead to her lagoon home. He had built up the cave to be 'a more suitable home', he'd said. ”Your trip must have went well.” She said as she watched the moonlight play across his smiling face.

”Umm...” He nodded as he enjoyed the peace this part of the island provided and the chance to spend time with her. He'd been to war for the past year and many nights had been spent thinking about her and whether she was safe and happy in his absents. ”It was alright, but I'm happy to be back.” He said stealing a glimpse of her beautiful curious eyes as they studied him.

Arei tried to hide any signs of surprise from his expression. He'd forgotten Ry had moved into a nearby shack and was no longer staying with her. ”I thought it would be nice if we-” He searched his brain for a good excuse to spend the night. ”-got an early start on training in the morning. I'm teaching you to sail, doesn't that sound fun?” He smiled down at her.

***

”How are you feeling?” He asked worry weighing heavy in his eyes.

”The pressure and fatigue is starting to ease up. I can tell we are nearing the ocean.” She answered forcing her eyes away from his reflected gaze.

He nodded, ”I took the route that would bring us to it fastest. I figured from there we could ride the coast to my brothers place. Should take another hour.”