Chương 232: In the lake
AN: There you go 3 chs today. I was expecting some more Powerstones. Oh, well... Enjoy.
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The Next Morning
Rogue stirred as the first light of dawn filtered through the tent, painting the fabric in soft golden hues. She reached out instinctively, expecting to find Peter's warmth beside her. But her hand met only the cool, crumpled sleeping bag. Her brows furrowed, and she opened her eyes fully. She looked around inside the tent. In the air came the faint sound of rustling leaves and a cheerful chirping of birds, but nothing else was in the tent.
She sat up rubbing her eyes, and let out a soft yawn. She looked down at her wrist watch. Barely 6 a.m. "Where'd you go, sugar?" she murmured to herself and stretched her arms.
She put on her jacket and went outside. Her breath could be seen in the fresh morning air. It was silent and peaceful out at the camp with the fire down to glowing embers.
As Rogue approached, she halted, missing a beat in her heart. There, in the cool water of the lake, was Peter. Naked to the actual nakedness, his back was to her as he waded waist-deep into the shimmering surface. The water rippled around him as he dipped his head under, coming up dripping with droplets cascading down his toned shoulders and back, catching the early sunlight.
Rogue instinctively ducked behind a nearby tree; her cheeks flushed to deep crimson. Lord have mercy, she thought, peeking out warily. Her breath hitched as she took in the view. Peter seemed utterly at ease, movements fluid and relaxed as he washed his body.
At the same time, she covered her mouth to hide her giggle as he muttered to himself, apparently aggravated as he tried to scrub out a pesky smear on his arm. "Guess magic doesn't fix everything," he grumbled, shaking his head.
Without intending to, Rogue's mind began to roam. Her eyes followed the outlines of his body, her ideas growing sharper and more alive. What it would be like to trace his damp body with her fingers, to push against him as the water tumbled over them. Shiver ran down her spine-not from the chill.
Get a grip, girl. She tossed her head to dismiss the flush creeping up her cheeks. But still, her eyes returned to Peter, standing in the shallows, stretching his arms over his head. The movement showed every ripple of muscle, and Rogue had to bite down on her lip to keep from making a sound.
"Wow," she murmured to herself.
As if he sensed her presence, Peter turned, a wide smile spreading over his face. "Good morning, sleepyhead!" he called out cheerfully.
Rogue straightened, too, and attempted to look all composed, but she couldn't help the smirk tugging at her lips.
"Mornin', sugar."
"How'd you sleep?" Peter asked casually as she moved closer to the lake's edge. She also walked closer with her eyes stuck on his well-toned body. She could feel the heat rising with her.
"Pretty good," She replied, trying to ignore the way his hair was tousled and wet. "Though Ah gotta say, Ah'm surprised you're up this early."
He chuckled. "Well, habit, I guess. Besides, it's a beautiful morning. Didn't wanna waste it."
Rogue nodded, taking in the view around them. The forest was bathed in golden light, and the air was cool and clean, refreshing her lungs. A sense of peace washed over her as she smiled.
"It is a nice morning," she agreed. "And the view... Ahem... It's somethin' else."
Peter's grin widened. "I know, right?"
She let out a soft chuckle. "Ah don't think anyone could argue with that."
"So," He grabbed her leg and pulled her into the water. "Wanna join me?"
"Peter!" Rogue gasped as she went under, the cold water enveloping her. She surfaced very quickly, clearing her eyes from the water. Peter started laughing, and Rogue, still shaking her head, found herself unable to help but join in.
"You are so gonna get it for this," she said with mock sternness as she splashed him playfully.
Rogue's splash hit him square in the face as Peter laughed, and droplets flew all over him. "Oh, is that how it's gonna be?" he teased with his mischievous grin.
"You're askin' for trouble, sugar," Rogue warned, her lips curling into a smirk. She lunged at him, hands outstretched, but Peter deftly sidestepped her, the water parting around his movements.
"Too slow!" he called out, his laughter echoing across the lake.
Rogue narrowed her eyes. "Alright, Spidey. You wanna play?" She swam forward, catching him and tackling him into the water. They both went under with a splash, surfacing a moment later, laughing and gasping for breath.
Peter wiped the water from his face, still laughing. "Okay, okay, you win. I surrender!"
"Darn right, ya do," Rogue said, flipping her damp hair back. Her victory smirk softened as she noticed the way Peter was looking at her—his brown eyes warm and filled with admiration.
"You look beautiful," he said softly, his voice sincere and without hesitation.
Rogue felt her cheeks warm despite the cool water. "You're layin' it on thick today, aren't ya?" she teased, though her voice was tinged with shyness.
"Just telling the truth," Peter replied, stepping closer. His hands found hers under the water, his touch gentle but grounding. "You're incredible, Rogue. I don't say it enough, but you mean a lot to me."
Her teasing expression melted into something softer as she gazed up at him. "Peter..." she began, her voice barely above a whisper.
He took a step closer, closing the distance between them. "You don't have to say anything," he said, his voice steady. "Just… let me show you."
Peter cupped her cheek, his thumb brushing against her skin as he leaned in. Rogue tilted her head slightly, her breath hitching as their lips met. The kiss was slow and gentle, the world going into a haze around them. The water rippled softly around them, cool against their skin but unable to be compared with the warmth of the moment.
Rogue's hands crept up to lie against Peter's chest, touching his muscles, tracing the lines of his physique as she went into him. The kiss deepened, a spark flaring between them. Finally, they broke apart, chests heaving, and they leaned forward, their foreheads grazing each other's.
"Wow."
"Yeah," Peter grinned at her. "Wow."
Her eyes sparkled, raising her eyebrows and shaking her head. "You really know how to sweep a girl off her feet, don't ya?"
He sounded light when he spoke, but his expression was serious. "I try."
Rogue wrapped her arms around his neck and clutched him tight. They just stood there in the water, embracing each other.
Promise me somethin',' she said, her voice muffled against his shoulder.
"Anything," Peter replied without hesitation.
"Promise we'll keep doin' this—findin' these little moments for just us."
Peter tightened his hold on her, his voice firm as he answered. "I promise."
.....
Peter gently pulled back just enough to look into Rogue's eyes. They were still close, the water lapping around them, but her expression had shifted—uncertainty flickering in her gaze.
"Something wrong?" he asked softly, his thumb brushing over her cheek.
Rogue hesitated, biting her lower lip. "Ah've been wonderin'... why haven't ya tried to... y'know, take things further between us?"
Peter blinked, surprised by her sudden vulnerability. He didn't speak immediately, sensing the weight of her words.
"Ah mean," she continued, her voice dropping to almost a whisper, "ya seem so... patient. Like ya don't even wanna..." She looked away, her cheeks flushed. "Is it 'cause ya don't like me like that? Maybe... Ah'm not what ya really want?"
He felt the strike of her words and a shiver of guilt shot through Peter. Softly he took her hands, mooring her with his touch.
"Rogue," he started out, his voice stern but loving. "I love you."
Her eyes snapped up to his, wide and shocked, her lips slightly open.
"I haven't made a move because I do want you," he admitted, his voice steady. "I didn't want to push you or make you feel like you had to do something you weren't ready for."
Rogue stared at him, her breath hitching. "Ya mean. ya were waitin' on me?"
Peter nodded. "You're not just someone I want physically, Rogue. You're someone I care about—someone I respect. I want us to be ready when we take that step, and I want it to be on your terms, not because you feel like you need to prove anything."
His sincerity pained her heart, the warmth of his voice dissolving what had been left of doubt. She swallowed hard, her hands slightly shaking as they tensed over his.
"Prove it," she whispered, her voice quivering but firm.
Peter raised an eyebrow, tilting his head to the side. "Prove it?"
"Yeah," she said, her voice gathering courage. "Show me you're really interested in me, sugar. Ah'm tellin' you, Ah'm ready. Ah trust you."
Peter's lips curved into a soft smile, his heart pattering fast as he leaned in, forehead against hers. "You sure?" he whispered, voice barely louder than a breath.
She nodded, "Ah've never been more sure 'bout anything."
--[POWERSTONES.]---
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