Aqua: "Hmph! Whoever you are, if you can reach this goddess, you've got some skill!"
Aqua: "But playing spooky tricks in front of this goddess won't work!"
Aqua: "Show yourself, mastermind! (hands-on-hips, smug.jpg)"
Aqua: "Ahhh~ Don't tell me you're stunned by this goddess's unmatched beauty and wisdom?"
Aqua: "As expected, this goddess is just that perfect! (self-admiring.jpg)"
Albedo watched in silence, a barely noticeable trace of mockery flashing through her violet eyes.
A water goddess?
Something this noisy and shallow… worthy of being called a god?
She kept quiet, like a spider lurking in shadow, patiently weaving a web of information—listening to every speaker's tone and word choice, trying to infer their personalities, strength, and standing within the group.
At that moment, several long-time online members were drawn by the newcomers' commotion.
Erica: "Oh? New people again? Welcome, welcome—I'm Erica Blandelli."
Erica was, as always, cautious—noble in manners, tinged with curiosity. She would never be as rude, impulsive, and reckless as Aqua.
Fubuki: "Welcome, both of you."
Shiba Miyuki: "Welcome to the chat, Aqua-san and Albedo-san. I'm Shiba Miyuki."
Frieren: "A water goddess? Sounds impressive. (curious-look.jpg)"
Having learned that "gods" differ in definition and power across worlds, Frieren was, unsurprisingly, curious what sort of water goddess Aqua might be.
Bibi Dong: "A goddess? I wonder how strong she really is."
Spurred on by the welcomes and questions, the water goddess grew even more animated.
Aqua: "Hahaha! That's right! I am the goddess who governs water—beauty and wisdom in one—who guides the dead young souls to other worlds: the super beautiful and brilliant Goddess Aqua!"
Aqua: "To bask in this goddess's radiance is your good fortune! (nostrils-to-the-sky.jpg)"
"Heh."
Albedo's mask-perfect face remained unreadable, but her assessment of this "goddess" dropped another notch. So gaudy, so shallow—worlds apart from the Supreme Beings.
…
By contrast with the lively fuss Aqua was kicking up in the chat, things were quiet on Rei Ao's side.
Dawn light filtered through the gauze curtains, edging the room in a hazy gold.
"Mm…"
Alicia's lashes fluttered as she slowly woke. Before she even opened her eyes, the lingering ache in her body brought everything back.
She realized she was curled in a warm, solid embrace. Rei Ao's even breathing brushed the crown of her head. Everything from last night—the shyness and fluster, and later that indescribable thrill—surged back like a tide.
"Mm…"
A tiny whimper escaped her lips. Her cheeks, ears, even the pale line of her neck flushed a vivid red. Instinctively she tried to slip free of the arms that sent her heartbeat racing, but the arm around her waist tightened a little.
"Awake?"
His voice, lazy and a touch husky with morning, rumbled above her.
Alicia's body went rigid. She wanted to bury herself under the covers, but knew there was no escape. "Mm…" she breathed, barely more than a mosquito's hum.
Rei Ao chuckled, a faint vibration running through his chest. He lowered his head, letting his chin brush her soft hair.
"Hiding? Now you're shy? You were very—"
"Don't say it!"
Alicia jerked up and reached to cover his mouth—only for her courage to melt the instant she met his deep, smiling eyes. Her hand stalled in midair, her blush deepening.
Rei Ao caught her slender wrist and pressed a light kiss to her fingertips. Startled, Alicia tried to pull back like a frightened bunny, but he held her gently, firmly.
"My Alicia—adorable."
His gaze, full of open admiration and fondness, lingered on her flushed cheeks.
"How do you feel? Anywhere uncomfortable?"
The straightforward question made Alicia wish the floor would swallow her. She lowered her lashes; they trembled like butterfly wings. "I…I'm fine…"
"Yeah?"
He leaned in, wickedly playful, warm breath brushing her sensitive ear.
"Sounds like I didn't try hard enough."
"Rei Ao-sama!"
Alicia was so mortified she was on the verge of tears. Her eyes glossed with moisture as she glared at him in a mix of shame and anger—more pout than fury.
Seeing she was truly at her limit, Rei Ao relented. He let go of her hand and cradled her face instead, his thumbs gently stroking her burning cheeks as his eyes turned earnest.
"Alright, I'll stop teasing."
"Alicia. Look at me."
She obeyed, lifting her eyes to meet his. The warmth and gravity there steadied her racing heart.
"Since you chose me—entrusted me with your most precious self," Rei Ao said, voice low and sure, "I promise you this: I'll treat you sincerely, protect you as I do Yukino and everyone I hold dear. I will not betray your trust or your feelings."
It wasn't a flowery oath, but each word landed in Alicia's heart with heavy, reassuring weight. In his eyes she saw a clear reflection of herself. Her unease and shyness ebbed, replaced by a great tide of warmth and peace. Her eyes pricked with heat.
She nodded hard and nestled into his arms of her own accord, cheek pressed to his warm chest. Listening to the steady drum of his heartbeat, she felt a security and happiness she'd never known.
"Mm…I trust you, Rei Ao-sama," she whispered, her voice soft with reliance and complete devotion. "My heart already belongs to you."
Otherwise she would never have yielded so completely.
The two of them held each other in quiet for a time, savoring the tenderness of the morning.
Nearby, Yukino and the others—pretending to be asleep—wore the faintest smiles at the corners of their lips.
~~~
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