"Next week, I'll take you to tour the venue and get your measurements taken. We have over a year to plan, so let's take our time so it's not too much stress," Gloria said while pulling Aura in for a hug.
"Okay," she replied while patting Gloria's back.
Flow headed to the door, glancing back to wave at everyone before saying,
"I should get going."
Gloria ended her hug with Aura to rush over to her daughter. The resemblance between them was uncanny; the only difference was that Flow was slimmer and about a foot shorter.
Pierce had a quiet conversation with Fenix in the corner.
Aura watched them, waiting by the door. Fenix slowly turned in her direction with a soft smile. Pierce noted something quietly to his son, which made Fenix's grin spread. He hurried to hide it behind his hands, and Pierce laughed so loudly it echoed across the room.
They said their goodbyes as Fenix's parents escorted them to the door.
As soon as it shut, Aura whispered,
"What were you and your Dad talking about?"
He smiled shyly.
"Secret," Fenix replied. His blush crept up to his ears once again. Aura took hold of his hand and accepted that, deciding not to pry.
He carried Aura home and followed her inside.
Her breathing became unsteady, and her heart raced erratically as soon as the door shut behind them.
As he reached for her, she stiffened, buzzing with desire.
His hand rested on her cheek, and he softly pressed his thumb to her bottom lip.
"I have something to tell you... But we should take a shower first."
She stared into his eyes and nodded. After he retracted his hand, she scurried away.
Fenix used the mat to return to his home and shower separately.
He was seated on her bed, waiting for her when she returned.
When she sat next to him, she was instantly lured closer by his warmth and the scent of his body wash.
"I've been unintentionally hiding something from you," he started. In that moment, Aura's mood shifted to fear.
"What is it?" she asked, gripping the comforter and bracing herself.
"I never told you what my power is," he explained. His voice shook with nerves.
Aura released the covers to hold his hand and say,
"Isn't your power over heat or fire?" Fenix laughed, pulling her hand up to his lips before replying.
"That's what I had to make everyone believe, in case the infiltration failed and the academy needed to arrest me."
The news was shocking, but Aura kept her expression composed.
"Then what is your power?"
Her calm response eased him, so he moved closer until their shoulders touched.
"Before I tell you, I'll explain why I'm revealing this to you now. It is still confidential information, but as my wife, you deserve to know."
The word 'wife' cracked her composure instantly, but it broke completely when he kissed her cheek. He continued speaking as if he didn't notice the effect he had on her,
"I can create a sphere that's only visible to me. I can alter its size at will, and within that sphere, I can completely control the temperature." He extended his palm and kept talking, "Not just heat." As he said this, an ice prism formed in his hand, then it melted and instantly transformed into a ball of steam.
"I can't be affected by temperature changes... and my powers are directly linked to my emotions. I can usually keep them under complete control, but not with you. It's hard to stay calm around you." The cloud dissipated, and he lowered his hand.
"That's... incredible," she muttered, looking at him in awe. "Can you manipulate the weather?!" Aura asked excitedly.
Fenix looked surprised, but then he smiled and laid his forehead on hers.
"Yeah, but that requires a bit of prep time," he replied.
"What about things like hurricanes?!"
He chuckled softly and nodded. Aura's mouth dropped open as her mind ran through the possibilities.
"I should have told you sooner," he mumbled,
"That's right! You should have!" Aura scolded, and he laughed out loud.
As she huffed, Fenix reached up, turning her face toward his so their lips could meet. His fingers trembled as he kissed her again, and again. Then Aura pulled away, and his breathing hitched.
He stared into her eyes hungrily, and she pouted.
"Also... I never realized you had an aversion to touch. Were you also hiding that from me?" Fenix blinked, moving in to kiss her again, but she withdrew. "Answer me first, kisses later."
He exhaled heavily and looked down at their clasped hands.
"I wasn't hiding it, you're simply the exception," he replied. Aura's heart fluttered, and he met her eyes, as if he could feel it too. "I learned how to hide the symptoms well, resisting the urge to vomit when someone brushed against me or touched my shoulder until I was alone. I plastered on fake smiles so I could get closer to people despite it."
"Why?" she inquired gently.
"I need a few kisses to mentally recharge with, before I start diving into my trauma," he answered while releasing her hand and rubbing his forehead.
Aura scoffed, then kissed his chin.
Tension released from his shoulders, and he turned to her, smiling.
"I requested a few," he replied teasingly.
"We only have one in stock right now."
Fenix snorted, hiding his face.
"Fine..." he sat, silent and contemplative for some time. His hand naturally moved back to hers before he began speaking, "I told you a bit about my blood parents. I'll skip over the gory details, but the only touch that felt natural in that household was a beating. I can stomach touching others in a fight; it actually thrills me, but outside of that, I can't."
Aura looked down and thought carefully before voicing her question,
"Have I... ever made you uncomfortable?"
He laughed dismissively, so she continued, "I may have triggered you accidentally."
He cupped both of her cheeks and began speaking once their eyes met.
"I was the one who touched you first. It was a test, because talking with you already felt so comfortable, and before I knew it. I became addicted."
Aura's cheeks reddened, and Fenix kissed them and added, "You were shy and reserved. I was the one who pushed for intimacy. You never triggered me."
Aura's eyes moistened as the relief hit her, and Fenix took that opportunity to kiss her lips.
"Now..." he began again, "It's time to make good on your promise."
Aura blinked at him in confusion. He stood, untying the belt on his robe.
Aura stared at him in stunned disbelief for several moments before hiding her face and shouting,
"Have you been naked this whole time?!"
"... No, I had on a robe," he replied slyly, while grabbing her sides and easing her back into the bed.
"Okay... okay," she repeated, panicking internally, still keeping her eyes covered.
He lay down facing her.
"You said I could kiss you all I want, clothes would just get in the way," he cooed while stroking her arm.
"That makes no sense, whatsoever!" she retorted sharply, not removing her hands from her eyes, but thrumming with anticipation as he unbuttoned her pajamas.
"Your clothes are in the way, too," he replied coolly.
Hours later, Aura lay in bed staring at the ceiling, too exhausted to move but too wired to sleep.
Fenix was still cuddling her, pressing light kisses along her neck.
"Oh yeah..." he said suddenly, "Is there anything else you want to ask?"
She pulled the covers up to her face and rolled over with her back toward him.
"No," Aura muttered softly. Fenix kept his arms wrapped around her waist, moving the location of his kisses to her nape and shoulders.
"If you change your mind, let me know."
The sun was dawning on a new day before she got any rest.
She awoke to the sound of Fenix cooking in the kitchen. There were stacks of pancakes, plates of fried eggs, and sausages on the kitchen counter.
As soon as he heard her enter, he turned and smiled.
"Look who's finally up," he teased.
She yawned, dragging her feet as she moved to the dining area and sat down.
"What time is it?" Aura mumbled.
"It's close to seven PM now."
Aura immediately looked out the window.
The light outside was dim, and the sun was close to setting.
"I missed a whole day?" she muttered in disbelief. Fenix placed a plate of food and a glass of apple juice in front of her. He then sat down in the chair at her side.
"Don't worry about it, eat. You need to refuel."
Aura frowned, but started eating regardless.
Once she finished, Fenix kissed her cheek and took away her empty dishes. He then moved over to the sink, washing everything, including the pans he'd used.
As she waited, she felt her neck, grazing over the sensitive spots.
She began activating her power to lighten the bruising, but Fenix paused from his cleaning to say,
"If you erase my marks, I'll replace every single one right now."
Aura's heart trembled from his warning, and she quickly lowered her hands into her lap. Only then did he finish cleaning up.