In total shock, Fati nearly leapt out of the water in terror. She rose slightly, almost exposing herself, before realizing she was completely naked. She instantly dove back deep into the water until only her blazing, stunned eyes remained visible.
Jaguar watched her frantic movements with a calm that bordered on admiration.
- You're going to suffocate,
He said smoothly.
- What are you doing?
She wanted to scream at him, but she chose to stay submerged in her heated silence. Reading the fury in her eyes, he raised his hands in mock surrender.
- Alright, alright... I'm leaving.
But before stepping out, he rested his hand on the doorknob and turned back with a provocative smirk.
- I assumed you left the door open on purpose... wanting me to join you.
At that, Fati couldn't contain herself. She thrust her wet hand out, splashing him with all the water she could gather. But Jaguar was too quick; he swung the door shut, letting the spray crash against the solid wood instead of his teasing face.
Jaguar stepped out from the bedroom either and closed the door, knowing all too well the volcano brewing inside. Staying any longer would have meant facing a thunderous scolding he wasn't ready for. He rubbed his chin thoughtfully, realizing a strange truth: he enjoyed her fury as much as her calm. He only felt a sense of loss when he was away from her gaze those eyes that lost themselves in a maze of emotions every time they collided with his presence, turning her cheeks crimson despite her attempts at stoicism. He knew for sure she still loved him; she was just being stubborn, and pride was her last standing fortress.
He headed to the living room and sat on the sofa, the fever still coursing through his veins, but the fire in his heart was stronger. His eyes caught the small note left on the table, and he hungrily read what Fati had written: (Shower, Dinner, Romantic Movie). Those simple words ignited a spark in his soul; he decided then and there to make those points the "manifesto" for a truly crimson night.
Without wasting a second, he called to order a lavish dinner fit for their first night in their new home, then began searching his phone for the best, most touching romantic movies. He reclined on the sofa with a lingering smile, keeping his eyes on the bedroom door, waiting for his "mischievous kitten" to emerge so the chapters of their promised night could begin.
Jaguar replayed the last few moments in his mind. He couldn't wait a second longer after receiving her message asking for the door code. He didn't know how his legs carried him to the apartment, only to find an eerie silence. He searched everywhere, initially avoiding the bathroom because he assumed she'd never leave the door open while inside. When he couldn't find her, terror seized him he was convinced she had left him to return to Kylo. He burst into the bathroom with a broken spirit, and when he saw her in the water, a wave of relief washed over him. His teasing words weren't out of arrogance, but out of pure gratitude that she was still in his life.
Meanwhile, Fati was drowning in anxiety. In her haste, she had forgotten to bring her clothes or even a towel; everything was left on the bed.
"How can I get out now?"
She panicked. Her eyes landed on a tiny hand towel next to the sink it was small and barely covering anything, but it was her only hope.
She quickly rinsed off under the shower and stepped out, wrapping the tiny white towel around herself. It was so small it practically revealed everything it was meant to hide. She tiptoed out, her breath hitched in her chest. Seeing that Jaguar wasn't in the bedroom, she let out a sigh of relief, dashed to the bed to grab her large towel and clothes, and scrambled back to the bathroom as if she were in a race against time.
Fati finally emerged from the bathroom wearing a simple white cotton pajama set. She hoped that Jaguar had returned to the hospital; it was better for him and for her frayed nerves. She lay in bed, trying to banish any thoughts of a romantic night, as her appetite for food and movies had vanished under the emotional turmoil he caused. Just as she closed her eyes, a persistent ringing woke her.
She followed the sound to the dark living room, where Jaguar lay on the sofa. The dim light from the TV reflected off his face he had paused the movie and she saw beads of sweat glistening on his bronze skin like a mysterious blue glow. Panicked, she touched his forehead and realized his fever had spiked dangerously. At that moment, his phone rang again. She silenced it once, but when it rang a second time, she answered only to find the delivery man at the door with dinner.
As she moved to get up and receive the food, Jaguar's trembling hand suddenly gripped her wrist. He struggled to stand, his voice hoarse but firm despite the pain:
- You're not going... your clothes are too revealing. No one but me will see you like this.
Jaguar pulled her down onto the sofa, leaving her speechless, as he headed toward the door with a lingering, feigned strength. He opened the door, took the food, and returned quickly, as if fearing any wandering eye might catch a glimpse of her in his absence. But the moment the door clicked shut, his strength vanished. His body collapsed to the floor, the food tumbling with him, splashing hot soup everywhere.
Fati realized the disaster instantly; he had left the hospital without his medication, and the fever was now consuming his last bit of endurance. She rushed to support him, but felt the searing heat of the boiling soup on his trousers. With a doctor's reflex, she dragged him away from the spill, wrapped her arm around his waist, supported his head with her other arm, and hauled him toward the bathroom.
In her frantic state, she didn't have time to drain the tub of her previous bathwater, so she lowered him clothes and all into the cool water to douse the fire in his body. In the chaos, her feet slipped on the wet floor, and she fell right on top of him into the water. She struggled to stand, lying flat against his broad chest with her legs flailing in the air. Despite being half-unconscious, a faint, weary smile touched his lips as he whispered,
- I see... you've finally joined me.