Soaking Up The Heat

Ilar sighs contently as he slips into the water of the hot springs, relaxing against a rock as his tail sways, eyes closed as the water warms his fur.

His business was going well, lots of new customers had started to show up lately. What he didn’t expect was for some of those customers to be demons. 

Why this was weird to him he had no idea but he wasn’t going to complain.

“The more business I receive, the more Carats I get to spend on Mimic.” Ilar says sighing softly, eyes closed in thought.

He really needs to take her out more. Somewhere fancy for once.

“I just have to figure out what’s the fanciest place to take her to.” He chuckles to himself, tail swaying gently behind him.

While Ilar was lost in thought, the sound of shifting water caught his ears, “Well, well, I didn’t expect to see you here.”

Mimic giggled softly as she waded her way over to him and stole a kiss. “I didn’t expect to see you here either.” She says, moving to sit beside him, back against a rock as she laid her head on his shoulder.

The two sat in silence for a while, enjoying each other's company, a content sigh escaping Mimic as she relaxed.

“I should’ve come here sooner. So much better than just taking normal baths and drinkin’ lots of hot drinks.” Mimic says.

“Is that all you’ve been doing to keep warm this Winter?” Ilar asked.

“Well no, I bundled up with lots of comfy covers too.” Mimic replied.

Ilar chuckled, reaching up to gently pat her head. 

“How’s work been treating you lately? Any rowdy clients?” Ilar asks.

“Work’s been good. We got a lot of new clients recently but no rowdy ones. Madame wouldn’t allow any buns like that into the brothel anyway.” Mimic answered.

‘Good. Otherwise I would have to come to your job and beat the shit out of someone if they hurt you.’  Ilar thought, sputtering when he felt hot water suddenly hit him in the face.

“Hey what was that for?!”

“You had that look on your face again.” Mimic replied.

“What look? I don’t have a look.” Ilar replied.

“The look when you’re worried about something.” Mimic says, splashing Ilar; squealing softly when he splashed her back before surging forward and tickling her; making her squirm and wiggle against him, trying to get away from the sudden tickle attack; only to be pulled into a tight embrace.

“I keep tellin’ you that you don’t have to worry about someone takin’ me away from you silly.” Mimic says, placing a hand on his chest and looking up at him; stealing another kiss.

Ilar sighs, gently taking her paw into his and placing it against his cheek as he looks into her eyes.

“I know. I know I need to stop worrying about it. Besides, even if someone tried, they couldn’t make you feel as good as I do, now can they baby?” Ilar says as he pulls away, a sly smirk on his face.

Mimic stared at him wide eyed, a deep blush forming on her cheeks.

“You look cute when you blush.” Ilar said breathlessly as he nuzzled her.

“Shut up.” Mimic says, her cheeks growing warmer by the moment as she buried her head into his chest.

Ilar chuckled and held her close, gently stroking her head and rubbing her back, enjoying the feel of her fur against his.

“You know, if you’re so worried about me bein’ taken away from you, you could just come and buy me before my regulars show up.” Mimic says.

Ilar sighed. “Believe me I’ve thought about it but that would be selfish of me, don’t you think? Besides, I know you enjoy your job and I wouldn’t want to take it away from you just because I’m territorial.”

Mimic climbs out of the hot spring and makes her way over to one of the trays, grabbing a bottle of Sake and two tiny cups with saucers under them.

“What’s this for?” Ilar asks, taking one of the cups.

“A little drink before I go. I’m starting to get all wrinkly.”

Ilar chuckles softly, tossing back his Sake before climbing out of the water himself.

After putting the cups and saucer in a little basket, the pair make their way out of the building and into the cold Burrowgatory air, the spirit motes suddenly appearing behind Mimic and wrapping around her like a scarf.

“Good thing I brought my shawl with me.” Mimic says, pulling her shawl tightly around her as Ilar pulls her close and wraps his arm around her waist.

“How about instead of going to your place, we go to mine since it’s closer to the hot spring?” Ilar suggests.

“Are you sure it’s not too much trouble?” Mimic asks, tilting her head curiously.

“Of course not. What kind of boyfriend would I be if I let my girlfriend walk all the way home in this cold?” Ilar says.

A broad smile spread across Mimic’s face as she snuggled closer to him, her tail entwining with his.

“Thanks Ilar. You’re too good to me.” Mimic says.

“Anything for you, baby. Anything for you.” Ilar said, quickly stealing a kiss from her as he takes her paw and starts to walk her to his house.