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Topaz stood in the middle of the dimly lit Underground square, her stern gaze sweeping over the small group of IPC troops that had been stationed here. The air felt thick with the cold, hard edges of the Underground’s atmosphere, a stark contrast to the warmth and artificial comforts that the Interastral Peace Corporation often enjoyed. Numby, her loyal Warp Trotter, nudged her leg as if sensing her frustration, its small huffs of steam swirling around her boots.
The soldiers stood in rigid lines, faces pale with tension. They had grown used to operating with an air of superiority, carrying the weight of the IPC's authority wherever they went. But now, under Topaz’s piercing gaze, they seemed smaller. Humbled.
"I don’t think I need to explain how disappointing this situation is," Topaz started, her voice firm, laced with restrained anger. "Reports are piling up. Complaints about how you’ve been behaving as though the IPC owns this place—Jarilo-VI. You know very well that this planet is trying to climb out of its isolation and prove itself on the galactic stage. The last thing we need is you all acting like conquerors."
The soldiers shifted uneasily, glancing at each other out of the corners of their eyes. One brave enough to look up met her eyes but quickly averted his gaze as Topaz’s frown deepened.
"Do you have any idea what that does to our image? What it does to me? Every deal I’ve worked toward here, every negotiation carefully planned... is at risk because of you. I have enough problems without having to repair the damage caused by a bunch of soldiers acting like they own the place."
Numby, sensing her mood, let out a small snort. The sound echoed in the quiet space, amplifying the tension. Topaz’s expression softened for a fleeting second as she glanced down at her companion, but it was short-lived. She returned her gaze to the troops, sharp as ever.
"I’m not in the business of second chances," she continued, her tone growing icier. "I’ll have you all reassigned to the lowest pits of the IPC’s operations—places where you’ll wish you were stationed in a frozen wasteland like this—if I see even a hint of this behavior continuing. And trust me, there are far worse places than Jarilo-VI’s Underground."
The soldiers’ faces paled further, some of them visibly swallowing the tension that hung thick in the air.
“We understand, ma’am,” one of the higher-ranking soldiers finally said, his voice tight but respectful. “We apologize. It won’t happen again.”
"It better not," Topaz responded, crossing her arms. She was done with them. The lecture was over, but the weight of her words hung in the air. "Dismissed."
With murmurs of "Yes, ma’am" and stiff salutes, the troops quickly dispersed, eager to escape the oppressive atmosphere. Once they were gone, the Underground felt a little quieter, but Topaz didn’t feel any more at ease. She let out a long sigh, one hand massaging her temple as her frustration finally broke through her collected exterior.
"Tch... I don’t need things going even worse down here," she muttered under her breath, glancing down at Numby, whose big eyes stared up at her with a mix of curiosity and sympathy. She knelt down to rub his head, seeking some comfort from the warm creature.
"At least you’re reliable," she whispered to her Warp Trotter, as Numby let out a pleased squeal, nuzzling closer. Still, even with his warm presence, the nagging tension remained. The Underground was unpredictable. She couldn’t afford for anything else to go wrong.
But this was Jarilo-VI. It seemed like something always went wrong here.
Topaz strolled through the Underground, her eyes surveying Boulder Town’s streets and alleyways with a mix of cautious optimism. The cold, heavy atmosphere that once suffocated the locals had lifted ever so slightly, revealing the seeds of progress. Vendors called out their wares with more enthusiasm than she’d seen before, and the people seemed to walk with less weight on their shoulders. It wasn’t much, but it was enough to make her smile.
Jarilo-VI was getting its chance. A chance her own home planet had never been given, at least not without the intervention of the IPC. Topaz’s gaze softened as she thought of her past—the struggles her people endured until she clawed her way up through the IPC’s ranks. It was her efforts that saved her home, her relentless drive that ensured its prosperity. And if she had any say, Jarilo-VI wouldn’t need to be saved by the IPC. It deserved to thrive on its own.
She allowed herself a small, satisfied breath, though the weight of her earlier reprimand still lingered in the back of her mind. At least things were moving forward here, even if the IPC had nearly botched their role.
But her quiet moment of reflection was interrupted by the sharp sounds of fighting.
Her brows furrowed. Please don’t be my troops again, she silently prayed, irritation already bubbling up as she followed the noise. The last thing she needed was more reports of IPC soldiers making a mess. Turning a corner, she prepared herself for the worst—ready to confront whoever was responsible.
Instead, what she found caught her completely off guard.
In an open lot, two familiar figures were engaged in a sparring match. The first was Luka Strongarm, the Underground’s celebrated fighter. Topaz had crossed paths with him during the Wardance. His resolve, his unshakable determination—it had impressed her then, and she understood his drive better than most. He fought for something bigger than himself, something deeply personal. It was a quality Topaz admired, even if she didn’t always admit it.
But her attention was quickly drawn away from Luka and locked onto the man he was sparring with.
Caelus. The trailblazer of the Astral Express.
Both men were shirtless, their skin glistening with sweat as they exchanged light punches in a relaxed yet intense rhythm. Topaz felt her mouth go dry. Luka was certainly built—his muscular form a testament to his countless battles in the ring—but it was Caelus who captivated her gaze.
The way his body moved, the sheer definition of his muscles, each one honed through battles with beings that transcended human understanding... Topaz’s eyes lingered on the scars that adorned his chest and arms, symbols of his dangerous journey through the stars. The power in his stance, the casual grace with which he dodged Luka’s blows—it was magnetic.
And while she had a known fondness for cute animals, something no one in the IPC dared challenge her on, there was something else—something she kept much more private.
Topaz had... thirsts.
Her gaze roved over Caelus’s body, tracing the lines of his toned form. The sharp cut of his abs, the way his muscles flexed with each movement. He was different from Luka—not just in size or strength, but in the way his body had been shaped by the cosmos itself. The man faced cosmic horrors on a regular basis, and his physique spoke of it.
She bit her lip, silently grateful that no one was there to catch her staring. Her professional composure wavered, just for a moment, as she indulged in this personal weakness. No one knew, and she’d never allow them to. But damn... he was something else.
Focus, Topaz, she scolded herself inwardly, her face flushing slightly as she realized how long she’d been staring.
As Luka and Caelus ended their sparring session, their fists meeting in a firm handshake, Topaz felt her pulse quicken. She watched closely—perhaps a little too closely—as Caelus’s muscles flexed beneath the fading lights of the lot, the sweat tracing defined lines over his skin. The sight wasn’t fair, not in the least. It was already a challenge managing the Astral Express on a professional level. Now, dealing with Caelus on a personal level felt like it was going to be a whole different struggle.
Since when was he this ripped? she thought, crossing her legs instinctively as she leaned against a nearby railing. Topaz had always known Caelus as the capable, daring trailblazer, but this... this was new information. New and very distracting information.
Luka waved a quick goodbye, his form disappearing into the shadows of the Underground, leaving Caelus behind as he sighed and moved toward an old stool where his shirt and jacket were draped. Topaz watched him, biting her lip as she deliberated for a moment before making a decision she wasn’t entirely sure of. She straightened up and hurried over to him, determined to act casual despite the nervous flutter in her stomach.
“Caelus,” she greeted him with a smile, forcing her voice to stay steady as she approached.
Caelus turned to her, his own easy smile lighting up his face as he greeted her back. “Hey, Topaz. What brings you down here?”
She let out a small laugh, trying to seem at ease. “Just... overseeing some IPC work down here. You know how it is.” The words flowed smoothly enough, though her mind was racing. "What about you? How’ve you been?"
He shrugged lightly, wiping some sweat off his brow before reaching for his shirt. “I’m doing okay. Just got done sparring with Luka. Gotta keep up with his training,” he replied, as if the entire display of physical perfection he had just put on was no big deal. His nonchalance only made it harder for her to maintain her composure.
Topaz nodded quickly, trying to focus on the conversation and not the rippling muscles that were distracting her more by the second. "Right. Luka’s coach, huh?" She recalled hearing something about that during her visit. It made sense—Caelus had a lot of experience with combat, and Luka seemed like the perfect student for someone of his caliber.
“Yeah, he’s a good fighter,” Caelus agreed. "Keeps me on my toes.”
There was a small pause, and then Caelus looked around, as if realizing something was missing. “No Numby today?”
Topaz chuckled, grateful for the change in topic. “Ah, Numby? He’s off doing his own thing, probably searching for other Warp Trotters to harass. He’s... fine,” she added with a lighthearted shrug.
"Good to hear," Caelus said, his eyes kind but playful.
It was all going well until Caelus paused, noticing the subtle shift in Topaz’s behavior. Her gaze had drifted downward, tracing the lines of his physique with more focus than she'd probably intended. She wasn’t even being subtle. His smirk widened, clearly catching on.
"Something on your mind, Topaz?" Caelus asked, his voice teasing but gentle. The smirk didn’t leave his face as he tilted his head slightly. “Or do you just like what you see?”
Topaz’s breath caught, and before she could stop herself, she muttered, "Yes," so softly it barely registered.
It took a moment for her own words to catch up with her, and when they did, her eyes widened in shock. But the damage was done, and Caelus was staring at her, his smirk slowly fading into surprise at her honesty.
Caelus’s smirk deepened as he leaned in slightly, his voice dropping just enough to make Topaz's heart skip a beat. “You can touch, if you want,” he said, his tone teasing but inviting. There was no hint of mockery, just a playful openness that left Topaz momentarily frozen.
Her hand instinctively twitched toward him, fingers hesitating just inches away from his skin. But before she could close the distance, she pulled back, coughing awkwardly as a wave of nervousness washed over her.
"I—I can’t," she stammered, her face flushing deeper. “It... it wouldn’t be professional.” The words tumbled out, flustered and unconvincing.
Caelus’s chuckle was soft, but it sent a shiver down her spine, that husky quality in his voice far too tempting for her already fragile composure. “Nobody’s around to make sure we stay professional,” he replied with a mischievous glint in his eyes. His tone was casual, but the weight of his words lingered between them, teasing her with their closeness.
Topaz let out a small whine, the tension building as she tried to maintain her usual composed demeanor, but it was impossible to ignore the way her pulse quickened. She felt a knot of frustration mix with the undeniable pull she felt toward him. “That’s not fair,” she muttered, half scolding, half pleading. “You’re being so unfair to me right now.”
Still, despite her protests, her hand betrayed her, drifting back toward him. Slowly, almost cautiously, her fingertips brushed his chest, tracing the outline of his muscles and the faint ridges of scars that marked his body. The warmth of his skin under her touch was intoxicating, her hand trembling slightly as she pressed a little firmer, running her fingers along the scar that curved across his chest.
Her face burned red as she tried to maintain any semblance of control, but the softness of his skin, the hard muscles beneath, made it almost impossible.
Caelus chuckled again, the sound low and rumbling, sending a fresh wave of heat through her. She both loved and hated how... husky that chuckle sounded. "I should warn you," he said, his voice carrying a hint of amusement, “some of my scars are kind of ticklish.”
Topaz swallowed hard, her fingers briefly pausing over one of the scars. She couldn’t help but laugh softly, despite the heated flush in her cheeks. "Ticklish?" she asked, her voice trembling with the mix of nerves and excitement.
“Yeah, believe it or not,” Caelus replied, grinning as he watched her, clearly enjoying the moment.
Topaz tried to compose herself, but the warmth of his body beneath her hand made it harder and harder to think straight. The teasing, the intimacy—it was all so unfair, and yet, she couldn’t bring herself to pull away.
Topaz knew it. She was weak—at least when it came to moments like this, when all the carefully built walls of her professionalism seemed to crumble in the presence of something, or rather someone, so undeniably tempting. She had her vices, her needs, and right now, with Caelus standing so close, his warm skin under her fingers, his scent lingering in the air around her... she knew exactly what she needed.
Leaning into him slightly, she inhaled, her senses overwhelmed by the mix of his natural, masculine scent—sweat, warmth, and something distinctly him. Her breath hitched in her throat, but her voice stayed soft and controlled, laced with a purpose she couldn’t ignore.
“Caelus,” she murmured, her lips curling into a small, mischievous smile, “I’d like to discuss a... business proposition with you. In private.”
The words hung in the air for a moment, charged with meaning beyond the professional guise she attempted to use. She knew he would see right through it. And he did.
Caelus raised an eyebrow, a faint smirk tugging at his lips as he tilted his head to look at her more closely. He understood her completely, though he didn’t push too far, didn’t overplay the situation. His voice was smooth, almost teasing as he replied, “A business proposition, huh? You have a place in mind?”
Topaz felt a rush of heat course through her as she nodded. Her tone became just a touch bolder, almost daring. “I have a room at the Goethe Hotel,” she answered, holding his gaze, her heart racing. It was more than an invitation, and they both knew it.
Caelus’s smirk widened slightly, a quiet acknowledgment of the tension between them, but he kept his tone casual. “Then lead the way,” he said simply, his words carrying more weight than their simplicity suggested.
With a soft exhale, Topaz nodded and turned, starting to walk, her heart still pounding in her chest. Caelus followed, his presence behind her steady, and somehow, that just made the anticipation all the sweeter.
Topaz’s hotel room at the Goethe was dimly lit, casting warm, ambient shadows across the space, but neither she nor Caelus paid much attention to their surroundings. Their focus was solely on each other, on the fierce, undeniable pull that had drawn them into this moment. The sound of their breathing, quickened and heavy with desire, filled the room, mingling with the faint creaking of the bed as they tumbled onto it together.
Caelus had taken control of the situation, pressing her down onto the soft mattress as their lips met in a heated, demanding kiss. Topaz felt a rush of excitement course through her as his weight settled against her body, the sensation sending a thrill through her spine. She wrapped her legs tightly around his waist, pulling him even closer, their bodies pressed together as the kiss deepened.
Her hands moved on their own, tugging at the buttons and clasps of her ornate IPC uniform, her fingers trembling slightly with the intensity of the moment. Each kiss, each touch, made it harder to focus on anything but the sheer need she felt for him. Finally, the ornate belt around her waist loosened, and she unwound her legs from around his waist, letting her suit slip off her shoulders and fall away, forgotten.
Caelus had already discarded his shirt and jacket, his toned chest and the scars that marked it visible once again in the dim light. Topaz’s eyes lingered on him, taking in the way his muscles shifted beneath his skin as he moved. He was breathtaking—every inch of him a testament to the battles he’d fought, the strength he carried.
She leaned up, her fingers deftly working the buckle of his belt, the leather sliding through the metal with a soft click before she undid his pants, letting them fall to the floor. The intensity of the moment made her movements unsteady but determined, her breath catching as she saw his arousal revealed before her. The sight only deepened her desire, her thoughts swirling with anticipation.
Topaz’s hand wrapped around Caelus’s erection, the warmth of his skin against her palm causing her heart to race. She stroked him slowly at first, savoring the way he responded to her touch. His breath hitched slightly, a low sound escaping his throat as she continued, her movements growing more confident as she imagined what was to come. Her mind flooded with images of him making love to her, his body moving in sync with hers.
But for now, this moment was hers. She wanted to take her time, to explore every inch of him before they lost themselves completely. Her gaze flicked up to meet his, and the raw, unspoken intensity in his eyes only fueled her desire.
Without breaking eye contact, Topaz leaned forward, her lips brushing against the tip of his erection. She kissed him softly at first, a teasing flick of her tongue that made Caelus’s body tense in response. He groaned quietly, his hand gently threading through her hair as she continued. Each touch, each caress of her lips sent waves of heat between them.
Topaz took him into her mouth slowly, deliberately, her movements guided by the rising need within her. She could feel Caelus’s fingers tighten slightly in her hair, a quiet encouragement that made her heart skip a beat. His breathing grew heavier, more labored as she worked, her lips and tongue moving with increasing urgency.
The air between them was thick with desire, the intensity of the moment heightening with every passing second. Caelus groaned her name, his voice low and husky, and the sound sent a shiver through her. There was something raw, something almost primal in the way he responded to her touch, and it made her pulse quicken.
She continued, her pace steady but deliberate, savoring the way his body reacted to her. Her hand moved in tandem with her lips, stroking him gently as she shifted her position slightly, allowing her to take him deeper into her mouth. Caelus’s grip in her hair tightened just enough to send another thrill through her body, his hips instinctively pushing forward in time with her movements.
For a moment, the world outside the hotel room ceased to exist. There was only the soft sound of their breathing, the feel of his body beneath her touch, and the overwhelming sensation of the connection between them. Each second seemed to stretch out into eternity, the tension building with every flick of her tongue and every quiet groan that escaped his lips.
But even in the intensity of the moment, Topaz felt a surge of control. She was guiding him now, savoring every reaction she drew from him, feeling the power shift between them in a way that thrilled her. Caelus might have taken charge earlier, but here, in this moment, she held the reins.
She let him slip from her lips for a moment, breathing heavily as she looked up at him, her hand still stroking him slowly. His chest rose and fell in time with his labored breath, his eyes dark with a mixture of lust and admiration. Topaz knew the power she had over him in this moment, and it made her feel bolder, more confident than ever.
"You're... impossible," she murmured softly, a teasing smile playing on her lips as she continued to stroke him, her fingers trailing along his length.
Caelus chuckled breathlessly, the sound deeper now, rougher from the tension that lingered between them. "I could say the same about you," he replied, his voice low, the words laced with the same teasing tone she’d used earlier.
Topaz smiled, leaning forward to kiss his abdomen, her lips grazing the taut skin there before she returned her attention to his erection, taking him into her mouth once more. The feeling of his warmth, the taste of his skin, it was all intoxicating. She could feel his body tense beneath her touch, the way his hips moved in subtle rhythm with her motions.
She knew they could go further, but for now, this moment was enough—this quiet, intimate exchange of control and desire. The world outside the room could wait, just as everything else would. Here, it was only them, and the intensity of the connection they had built in such a short time.
The air between them was charged, but Topaz didn’t rush. She savored every second, every sound that escaped his lips, every small twitch of his muscles as she brought him closer to the edge of his restraint. It was a dance, and for now, she was leading.
There was a quiet sense of understanding in Caelus’s eyes as he looked down at her, a softness beneath the lust. They both knew this wasn’t the end, but just the beginning.
Caelus’s breath came in shallow waves as he gazed down at Topaz, her lips still wrapped around him, her hand stroking with measured, deliberate rhythm. The room was thick with heat and the soft sounds of their desire. For a moment, Caelus let her take the lead, savoring her control, the way she commanded the moment with each flick of her tongue. But as the intensity built, a shift stirred inside him—a pull, a need to take back control.
With a soft groan, he gently withdrew from her mouth, his hands sliding from her hair down to her shoulders, coaxing her up toward him. Topaz blinked up at him, her lips parted in surprise as Caelus’s grip on her body tightened, his fingers firm yet gentle.
“Topaz,” he murmured, his voice low, carrying an edge of command, “my turn.”
Before she could respond, Caelus guided her back onto the bed, his strength and confidence causing a flutter of anticipation in her chest. Topaz fell back against the plush mattress, her body sinking into the softness, her breath catching as she felt his hands move over her. The shift in their dynamic was immediate, the subtle give-and-take they’d been playing with now turning into something more primal, more intense. He leaned over her, his chest brushing against hers, and their lips met in a heated, desperate kiss that deepened with each passing second.
Caelus’s hands roamed her body, exploring the soft curves and sensitive places with a deliberate slowness that made her squirm beneath him. His fingers traced the outline of her waist before sliding lower, finding the warm skin beneath the remnants of her clothes. Topaz arched her back as his touch found her thighs, his fingertips grazing her inner skin. Her heart raced, the need she had been suppressing now at the forefront, demanding more.
She gasped softly as his hand slipped between her legs, his fingers skillfully teasing her folds with the barest hint of pressure. Topaz’s breath hitched, her hands instinctively gripping the sheets as she felt his touch become more purposeful. His fingers slid inside her, slow at first, testing the waters before pushing deeper, curling in a way that made her let out a quiet, needy moan. Her body responded immediately, hips lifting to meet his hand, her need for him overwhelming any semblance of restraint.
"Caelus..." she whispered, her voice shaky, laced with both frustration and desire as his fingers continued their steady work, coaxing more breathless moans from her lips.
He smirked, leaning down to press a kiss to her throat, his mouth trailing warm, languid kisses across her collarbone and chest. "You're so responsive," he whispered, his breath hot against her skin. "I like seeing you like this."
Topaz bit her lip, her eyes fluttering shut for a moment as the pleasure coursed through her. His fingers moved in perfect rhythm, building her up, pushing her closer to the edge, but not nearly fast enough for what she craved. She wanted more—needed more. His touch was electric, but it wasn’t enough. Not now.
With a soft whine, she opened her eyes, her gaze locking onto his as her chest rose and fell with shallow breaths. "Please," she murmured, her voice catching slightly as she tried to find the words. “Caelus… I need you… please put it in.”
His hand paused for just a moment, his gaze meeting hers as the meaning behind her words sank in. The hunger in her eyes was undeniable, and the vulnerability in her voice sent a surge of heat through him. Caelus’s smirk softened, a mix of affection and desire flashing in his expression.
“Are you sure?” he asked, his voice soft, though there was an undeniable intensity in the way he looked at her.
Topaz nodded, her body trembling with need as she whispered, “Yes… I want you. Now.”
That was all the confirmation Caelus needed. In one fluid motion, he pulled his fingers from her, his hands sliding up her thighs as he positioned himself between her legs. The heat of his body pressed against hers as he leaned down, kissing her deeply, his lips capturing hers in a way that left no doubt about the passion between them.
As he shifted, aligning himself with her, Topaz felt the weight of his body against hers, his tip pressing gently at her entrance. The anticipation was almost too much, her mind racing with a mixture of impatience and longing. But Caelus didn’t rush. He moved slowly, deliberately, savoring the moment as he pushed inside her, filling her inch by inch.
Topaz let out a sharp gasp, her body arching to meet his as the sensation overwhelmed her. The initial stretch of him inside her was enough to send her mind reeling, but when he was finally fully seated within her, she could barely breathe. Her hands moved to his back, fingers digging into his skin as he held her close, their bodies completely in sync.
For a moment, neither of them moved, caught in the electric stillness of being so intimately connected. Caelus’s breath was warm against her ear, and Topaz could feel his heartbeat against her chest, the sensation grounding her in the heat of the moment.
“You feel… incredible,” Caelus whispered, his voice thick with emotion as he slowly began to move, his hips rocking against hers in a steady, deliberate rhythm.
Topaz whimpered softly, her body responding immediately to the motion, her hips moving in time with his. Every thrust sent a wave of pleasure through her, each one deeper, more intense than the last. Her legs wrapped around his waist again, pulling him closer, urging him to go deeper, to give her more.
As their pace quickened, the room seemed to blur around them, the only sounds filling the space being their breathless gasps and the soft rustling of sheets beneath them. Every touch, every movement between them was deliberate, a slow but steady build toward something neither of them could hold back.
Caelus shifted, pulling her legs higher around his waist as he leaned over her, his lips finding hers in another heated kiss. His movements became more urgent, his thrusts harder, deeper, filling her with every stroke. The tension between them grew with every passing second, their bodies moving together in perfect, desperate rhythm.
At one point, Caelus paused and adjusted, pulling her hips toward him as he moved behind her, entering her from a different angle that made Topaz cry out in pleasure. Her fingers gripped the sheets as she pushed back against him, each movement driving them both closer to the edge. The shift in position sent even more intense waves of sensation coursing through her, her body trembling as she lost herself in the pleasure.
“Caelus…” she breathed, her voice thick with need as she pressed her forehead into the mattress, her body pushing back against him, craving every touch, every thrust. “I’m yours… I need you… please…”
Caelus’s breath hitched at her words, his hands gripping her hips as he leaned over, his voice a rough whisper in her ear. “You’re mine,” he murmured, his lips brushing the sensitive skin of her neck. "I’ve got you, Topaz. I’m not letting go."
The words sent a shockwave through her, igniting something deeper, more intense than just physical desire. It was raw, powerful, and as his thrusts grew more intense, Topaz could feel herself slipping further into that need, that overwhelming sense of connection. She wasn’t just Topaz, Senior Manager of the IPC, and he wasn’t just Caelus, the trailblazer. In this moment, they were something more—two souls intertwined, completely and utterly lost in each other.
Their movements became more frantic, the tension building, spiraling toward something they couldn’t hold back any longer. Topaz’s breath came in ragged gasps, her body trembling beneath him as she felt herself nearing the edge, her release tantalizingly close.
“Caelus… I—” her voice broke as the pleasure surged through her, the final wave crashing down. Her body clenched around him as she came, her moans filling the room as she rode the wave of pleasure, her fingers gripping him tightly.
Caelus groaned her name as he followed close behind, his pace quickening before he stilled, his body tensing as he reached his own release. For a brief moment, they were both lost in the intensity of it, their bodies moving in perfect harmony as they rode out the final waves of their shared pleasure.
As the aftershocks faded, Caelus collapsed beside her, pulling her into his arms as they both lay there, breathless and spent, the heat of the moment still lingering between them. Topaz rested her head on his chest, her mind hazy with satisfaction, a soft smile tugging at her lips as she listened to the steady rhythm of his heartbeat.
Neither of them spoke for a long moment, the silence filled only with the sound of their breathing and the faint hum of the city outside. But when Caelus finally broke the silence, his voice was soft, filled with quiet affection.
“You’re incredible, Topaz.”
She smiled, her hand resting on his chest as she let out a contented sigh. “I could say the same about you.”
For now, the world outside could wait. All that mattered was this moment, and the connection they’d shared—a connection that neither of them could deny.
The bright morning light filtered through the curtains of the Goethe Hotel, casting a warm glow across the Overworld’s bustling Administrative District. Inside, Bronya Rand and Pela walked briskly through the hotel’s corridors, their steps echoing lightly against the marble floors as they approached Topaz’s room. Bronya, always composed and regal in her demeanor, walked with a sense of purpose, her platinum hair swaying gently with each step. Pela, though quieter, kept pace, holding a small tablet in her hands, her attention half-focused on the latest reports from the IPC’s activities in the region.
“I hope Topaz has managed to get her troops in line,” Bronya said, her tone carrying a subtle hint of concern. “It would be a relief to hear that yesterday’s reprimand had the desired effect. We can’t afford any more tension between the IPC and our people.”
Pela nodded, adjusting her glasses slightly. “Actually, according to the most recent report,” she said, glancing down at her tablet, “the IPC troops stationed in the Underground have been much better behaved since yesterday. No more incidents.”
Bronya’s expression softened. “That’s good news. Hopefully, today’s discussion with Topaz can be more pleasant—less about business and more about… kinder things.”
Pela smiled softly at that, though her mind was still half-occupied with the report. “Indeed. It would be nice to talk about something that isn’t IPC-related for once.”
As they arrived at Topaz’s door, Bronya raised her hand and knocked gently, the sound echoing through the quiet hallway. They waited for a moment, exchanging a brief glance as they heard movement from within.
The door swung open, and both Bronya and Pela were greeted with a sight that neither of them had expected.
Caelus stood in the doorway, his hair tousled and sleep still clouding his eyes, his body clad in nothing but a pair of loose-fitting boxers. He blinked a few times, clearly still waking up, before realizing who was standing in front of him. The silence in the hallway stretched for a moment as Bronya and Pela both froze, their expressions shifting from shock to something far more flustered.
Bronya’s eyes widened just slightly, her mouth parting as she processed the scene before her. Meanwhile, Pela’s face went bright red almost instantly, her glasses fogging up at the sight of Caelus’s toned, bare chest and the defined muscles that accompanied it. She blinked rapidly, adjusting her glasses in a futile attempt to clear them as her mind raced.
Caelus blinked again, the realization finally dawning on him as his sleepy gaze took in Bronya’s wide-eyed stare and Pela’s flushed face. “Oh… uh… good morning…” he muttered, his voice thick with sleep. He quickly glanced down at his state of undress and his eyes widened, the casual morning air disappearing as he suddenly became aware of just how improper this looked.
“Sorry about this,” Caelus added quickly, backing into the room and pulling the door shut with a soft click.
As the door closed, silence descended on the hallway once more.
Bronya stared blankly at the closed door for a moment, her mind trying to reconcile the image of the trailblazer, Caelus, half-naked in Topaz’s hotel room, with the professional discussion she’d been expecting. Beside her, Pela was still blushing furiously, her glasses hopelessly fogged over as she fanned herself lightly with her tablet, attempting to regain her composure.
Finally, Bronya cleared her throat, blinking as she turned to Pela. “Are we sure this was the right room?”
Pela, her voice a little higher-pitched than usual, quickly tapped her tablet to double-check the room number. “Y-Yes. This is definitely Topaz’s room,” she confirmed, her voice shaky.
A long silence followed as both women stared at the door, still trying to process what had just happened. Pela finally muttered under her breath, almost too quiet for Bronya to hear, “I need a bit of that…”
Bronya’s eyes widened in shock, her cheeks flushing as she turned to Pela with a look of disbelief. “Pela!” she admonished, her voice sharp but clearly embarrassed. “That’s—! We… we’re here for professional reasons!”
Pela blushed even deeper, adjusting her glasses again, but she couldn’t suppress the small, flustered smile tugging at her lips. “I-I know! I know… I just… it’s hard not to notice…”
Bronya’s mouth opened to respond, but she found herself momentarily at a loss for words. She couldn’t entirely disagree, as the image of Caelus’s toned body lingered in her mind, much to her own frustration. With a deep breath, she closed her eyes and shook her head, trying to regain her usual composure.
“Let’s… let’s just focus on our meeting,” Bronya finally said, though her voice still carried a hint of embarrassment. She glanced once more at the door before adding softly, “I… suppose we’ll give them a few minutes.”
Pela nodded quickly, still flustered but doing her best to regain her composure as well. “Y-Yes, that sounds like a good idea.”
The two women stood there, awkwardly waiting outside the door, trying their best to shake off the blush lingering on their faces, all while trying not to think too much about the unexpected encounter.