บท 18: Next Time

"When you touch me, can you feel my mana?"

Cordelia nodded like this was a normal thing. Lyonis couldn't help but feel slightly embarrassed and exposed. It was like she could read his mind through touch.

"Can you feel emotion?" Lyonis's head filled with questions. He had never heard of things Cordelia spoke of. It was new and fascinating.

"Yes. Feelings can change the way mana presents itself to me. Sometimes it's a temperature; other times, it feels like a sensation - like rocks tumbling down a hill or water rushing. The intensity depends on how strong a person's mana is and how strong the feeling is. The feeling isn't always apparent to me - since feelings can be so complicated and differ from person to person. For instance, I can't touch someone and know they are angry, but I can usually guess."

Lyonis couldn't help but think how exhausting it must be to absorb emotions so easily. Knowing this, he could tell why Cordelia kept her circle small and close-knit. His mind flashed to earlier when she had placed her hand on his cheek. Could she feel what he was feeling then? What had he been feeling and thinking of when she did that? He hoped he wasn't thinking of anything perverted at the time.

"So what do I feel like, Cordelia?" To his pleasure, as well as slight horror, she opened her palms towards him, offering him to take his hands in hers. He reached out and wrapped his fingers around hers. She closed her eyes, and he watched as her chest lifted up and down with each breath. The braid that was over her shoulder was coming undone slightly, and he wanted to pull the ribbon out, letting her black hair fall around her naturally. He wanted to run his fingers through it, pull her close to him, and breathe in her scent that smelled of her apothecary.

Remembering what was happening, he forced the thought from his head. He didn't want to insult her with thoughts like that. He was happy that she trusted him enough, though, and that she was no longer angry with him. She giggled slightly, which confused him.

"What?" He asked. She opened her large grey-green eyes and looked at him, not letting go of his hands.

"What are you thinking about, Lyonis?" Her flushed cheeks were pink even in the moonlight.

"You tell me… I'll let you know if you're right." He tightened his grip on her hands ever so slightly. It felt like his skin was tingling under her touch. The feeling grew until it flowed around inside his body, like little fireworks were blooming inside him. She laced her fingers with his, and the sudden intimate action made his heart leap.

"You liked that…." She giggled, and he loved the sound. "You feel… bright and wild, like the calm before a storm. Mixed with the feeling of… a cool breeze on a warm summer day. Refreshing and invigorating in a way… and there's a warmth that comes and goes. But it's not an angry warmth… it's…."

She paused and closed her eyes again, cocking her head ever so slightly in search of the feeling. Lyonis couldn't help but run his thumb over the skin on her hands, his eyes trailed the length of her neck, and all he could think of was unclasping the buttons down the front of her dress.

She gasped as if to catch her breath. The involuntary sound was so sensual and seductive that it caught both of them off guard. In her panic, she shot back and covered her mouth with her hands. He saw her ears burn red, and she looked away. The tingling in his body dwindled away, and he felt disappointed. It was infectious, that feeling.

"Hey…" Lyonis reached across the small table and tucked the hair that had fallen on her face behind her ear before cupping her cheek in his hand. To his delight, she didn't turn away from his touch. Her face was warm with embarrassment. "Was that your feeling or mine?"

Her large grey-green eyes sparkled into his, and she shook her head slightly, "I don't know…."

He smiled at her, "Maybe it was both?" He caressed the side of her face with his fingers, and she caught her breath once more.

Lyonis pulled away from her and stood up, grabbing the basket they had brought with them, "Why don't we get out of here?" He held a hand out to her, which she grabbed automatically. He pulled her to her feet, and feeling brave, he wrapped an arm around her waist, pulling her close.

…

Lyonis paid the bill, and the two of them walked out onto the street.

Cordelia's head was spinning, and she didn't know if it was from the wine or the man who stood next to her. She felt so swept up in his feelings that she had a hard time deciphering which were hers and which were his. Somehow, they felt the same.

Lyonis went to call a carriage, but she grabbed his arm as he raised it. He looked down at her inquisitively. "Let's walk a bit, Lyonis. I need to clear my head." She hiccuped, and it dawned on her that maybe she was a little drunk.

"Cordelia? Are you drunk?" Lyonis leaned down to look at her. His face was suddenly close to hers, and she pushed him away instinctively.

"No… I'm not." She stumbled backward, and he caught her from around her waist before she fell on her butt.

"No? Could've fooled me. Let me call a carriage." Lyonis laughed, and irritation flushed over her.

"Don't laugh at me. You can call a carriage, but I'm walking." She pushed away from him, but he held her close, not letting go of her waist. She scowled at him and contemplated tossing him into the ocean with her magic.

"Fine… fine… We'll walk. But at least let me escort you home. And I wasn't laughing at you. Who knew you could act so childish after a little bit of wine?" He leaned into her, letting his lips brush her ears slightly, "It's so cute…."

She pushed him away again. The feeling of his lips sent shivers down her spine. He was toying with her. "I am not…. Cute."

"Oh, I beg to differ… And stop pushing me. You'll fall. I can't have you hurting yourself. Gabrielle will burn me to a crisp if I bring you back with even a scratch." Lyonis looked down the street as he led her by the waist over the cobblestone steps. Cordelia swayed on her feet, the wine making her senses spin. Lyonis supported her easily as they walked down the path.

She giggled at the thought of this imposing man being intimidated by her apprentice, "Should I send my little dragon after you?"

Lyonis looked down at her a cocked an eyebrow, "Please don't. That's one dragon I don't think I could slay."

Cordelia sighed and closed her eyes. She swayed slightly and reached to wrap her arms around Lyonis's arm, propping herself up. She clung to his sculpted arm and rubbed the side of her face against his skin. Her body melted around his arm, which felt like it was made of warm marble. It gave ever so slightly against her touch. A masculine and earthy scent emanated from him. Reminding Cordelia of the smell of a forest after rain. It was calming and drew an unfamiliar urge that flourished from deep within her. She found herself wanting to touch him more. She rubbed her face against his arm, letting her lips brush against his skin. She tasted the salt from his skin on her lips.

Lyonis reached up with his other hand and gently placed it against one of her arms. He rubbed her arm with his thumb in slow, rhythmic movements. Despite the layer of clothes between them, the close contact with his skin and her lessened control over her mana caused their energy to mix freely. Cordelia let herself be carried along by his emotions - she didn't know which were her own and which were his. They were different but similar as if they were both thinking of the same things.

They walked for a while. Instead of taking the main street by the docks, Lyonis chose a quieter route from deeper within the city. While it was still busy, it was dimly lit, and they were able to hide better under the shadows of the balconies.

Cordelia sighed deeply and felt like she was floating.

…

Lyonis glanced down at the woman who clung to him. She buried her face against the skin of his arm. He could feel her lips and her eyelashes caress him. He gulped, trying with great difficulty to resist the urge to push her against a wall and lay his lips against hers. But he promised himself he wouldn't take advantage of her in her inebriated state. She trusted him, and he wouldn't betray that.

Lyonis tried to keep his thoughts clean. But with her so close to him, her body pressed against his arm; he could feel the softness of her skin give to his, the length of his arm resting comfortably between her breasts - lewd thoughts came to him innately.

Cordelia yawned sleepily. A comfortable smile graced her lips, and her cheeks were flushed pink. Her grey-green eyes were hidden behind closed lids. Her long black eyelashes seemed to flutter slightly in the wind. Her black hair was coming undone from its braid, and the free locks cascaded around her shoulders. Lyonis noticed the black ribbon at the end of her hair was slipping. He reached over to gently pull it from her locks, letting the rest of her hair unravel. He put her ribbon in the basket he was carrying for her. They walked slowly for a long while.

Cordelia blinked her eyes and glanced up at him. He could tell she was starting to regain some of her senses. The drunken haze was fading slightly. She rubbed her eyes and looked up at him.

"Where are we headed?" She asked sleepily. Lyonis couldn't help but swell with pride as she willingly allowed him to lead her wherever he wanted.

"Back to your apothecary." Lyonis watched as her lips pouted, her eyebrows pulled together in a scowl.

"I don't want to go back. Can we see your ship?" Cordelia tugged on his arm. Lyonis shook his head no. He wanted so badly to bring her there, to pull her into his quarters and place her on his bed…

"Why not?" She whined at him, "I want to see it…." She looked up at him, her grey-green eyes pleading.

"Not tonight, Cordelia. You need to sleep off the wine and rest a bit." He pulled his eyes from hers. If he kept looking at her, he would give in to her request. "Another day… I promise."

She sighed and pouted. She chewed on her lip in frustration, making it red and slightly swollen. He groaned and looked away- he wanted to nibble on those lips so badly. He could feel her look up at him in confusion.

"What's wrong?" Cordelia was on to him, "You seem conflicted… you're all… jumbled inside." Without unlinking her arms from around his, she brought her hands up and fiddled her fingers about as if demonstrating what she was feeling through him.

"You're making it very hard for me to deny your request," Lyonis had been trying so hard to conceal his emotions, but he knew that it was probably impossible to hide from her. "I want to take you to the Chimera right now."

"The Chimera? That's the name of your ship?" Cordelia returned her hands to clasp his arm. Her fingers were caressing his skin naturally. He groaned again. He needed to get her home as soon as possible. His resolve was crumbling fast.

"Yes. Her name is the Chimera."

"I want to meet her. Please take me…." Cordelia hugged his arm. Her voice was quiet and pleading.

'Please take me…' Her words echoed in his head. He would love to take her - right here, right now. He groaned again.

"Not tonight, Cordelia." He stood fast to his conviction. He would not make a move on her while she was still under the influence of alcohol. It wasn't right, and he was a man of honor.

"Why not?!" Her tone was suddenly angry, and she shot an annoyed glance in his direction.

He stopped walking and looked down at her, turning his body to face hers. His sudden motion caught her off guard, and she stepped back, releasing his arm before bumping her back up against the brick of the building next to them. They were encased in shadow, only being slightly lit by the light of a small gas lamp that flickered near them. Lyonis stepped toward her, placing his forearms on the brick in front of him, trapping her between his arms. He leaned down to whisper in her ear. He heard her gulp and suck in a small quick breath as if she were preparing herself for something.

"Because Cor-de-li-a…" He took his time letting her name roll off his tongue, "I can't promise I won't 'take' you tonight." He hoped his emphasis on the word would be enough of a hint. He pulled back, their faces so close he could almost rest his forehead against hers. He raised an eyebrow at her. She averted her gaze from his.

"I don't know what you mean…." Her voice was almost a whisper, and she half-heartedly feigned ignorance. She didn't meet his gaze.

"I think you do…." He pressed his forehead against hers, rubbing against her gently, "You are making it difficult for me to be a gentleman."

"You don't need to hold back…." He tensed up as the words left her lips. He pulled away from her slightly.

"Yes, I do. You've only just recovered, and you're drunk…." He said this more to convince himself than her.

"I'm not drunk…." She whispered.

"Yes, you are…." He leaned back towards her, this time placing his head on the brick next to her head. He closed his eyes and let the roughness push against his skin, hoping the slight irritation would bring him back to his senses. He sighed, "Please, humor me this one night. Give yourself some time to think about it before you give yourself to me so readily…. I do not want you to regret it…."

He heard her sigh beneath him, conceding to his request. "Ok…" Her voice was quiet, and disappointment was laced in the simple word.

He took a step back and offered his arm to her, which she refused. She crossed her arms and stared at the brick pavement below them with sadness. Her eyes glistened as tears threatened to fall. The sight kicked him in the gut. How could he refuse such a woman? He almost caved in but stopped himself.

"Cordelia… I am not rejecting you… This is… this is difficult for me." He leaned towards he again, brushing her hair out of her eyes. He cupped her face in his hands, and she closed her eyes, not wanting to look at him. She bit her lip as if to stop herself from crying. He leaned in and placed a soft kiss on her lips before quickly pulling back. "Please… don't think I don't want you… I couldn't live with myself if I took advantage of you tonight…. Gabrielle would skin me alive if she found out."

A small smirk tugged at her lips. She glanced at him, reaching up to touch his face, she closed her eyes, and he felt the familiar tingling of her touch. She pulled away and nodded at him. "Ok, Lyonis… I believe you. Take me home."

…

The two approached Cordelia's apothecary. Her arm was laced in his, but as they approached, she let it fall to her side. She stepped up under the balcony. Lyonis heard the door click before she touched the handle. It turned easily, and she opened the door. She turned to face him. Her eyes sparkled at him, and her lustful gaze pulled him closer to her. But he stopped at the threshold of the front door. It was dark in the apothecary, but he could see her cat sitting on the wooden counter, staring at them. His golden eyes glowed as the moonlight hit them, and he didn't move a single muscle.

Lyonis could feel the cat's eyes on him, and the darkness around the cat seemed to warp and grow bigger. Light seemed to disappear as soon as it touched the darkness surrounding the cat. As if it were absorbing it, the shadow grew bigger in size. Cordelia, who was still facing Lyonis, paused and tilted her head slightly towards the cat, who seemed to grow more unnatural the longer he sat there. She frowned slightly.

"Beni… Don't…" Cordelia spoke to the cat, and the darkness seemed to halt. She paused for a moment before speaking again. "I'm fine…." The comment was directed at the cat. Lyonis couldn't help but wonder what was happening. He knew the cat was her familiar, but he didn't know what that actually meant. From his perspective, it seemed like the pair were talking, though the cat obviously said nothing.

"Benoni." Cordelia's voice was curt and threatening, and she turned to look at the cat, who was still unmoving. "I am fine. Leave him alone."

The cat swished his tails. They thumped against the wood in annoyance. Lyonis looked down at Cordelia, who was rubbing her temples with her fingers.

"I don't think he likes me…." Lyonis peered inside to see Benoni still staring at him, unblinking.

She sighed, "He doesn't like anyone. Sometimes, I don't think he even likes me." She blinked up at Lyonis, who went to hand her the basket he had held for her. She placed her hand over his as he lifted it and pushed it back towards him.

"Keep it. The tea inside is for you. You can bring back the basket another time." She didn't look at him, but he noticed her smile at the thought.

"It's a date, then. Thank you for joining me this evening. Get some rest, Cordelia." Lyonis offered a nod, but before he could turn away, he felt her reach out to grab his shoulder. She pulled him towards her planting a tender kiss against his lips. They were soft and inviting. They twitched ever so slightly as if they yearned for more. She wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him closer. She let her lips linger there for a moment before withdrawing, smiling at him from her doorway.

"Next time then…." A mischievousness glinted in her eyes before she closed the door behind her, disappearing from view.