Y/n Pov

The northern region of Alvarez was a rugged and unforgiving place, especially during the heavy downpour of rain that drenched everything in sight. Y/n trudged along the narrow mountain passage, his cloak soaked through and his helmet protecting his head from the rain didn't just have drops falling off but little rivers. Beside him, Irene, Heine, Juliet, and Rose were in similar states, the relentless rain turning their journey into a soggy, uncomfortable ordeal.

Y/n glanced at Irene, whose usual composed demeanor was being tested by the incessant rain and the complaints of Heine and Juliet. Irene, who was walking a few steps ahead, her crimson hair plastered to her face, Her usual four braids changed to a single one, her dress clinging to her form. The two girls, drenched and miserable, were bickering about their soaked clothes and the discomfort of their journey.

"This rain is ridiculous! I'm soaked to the bone," Heine grumbled, shaking her head and sending water droplets flying.

"Tell me about it," Juliet chimed in, wringing out her ponytail. "Why did we have to come here in this weather?"

Irene's patience finally snapped. With a swift motion, she swung her staff and bonked both girls on the head. "Enough whining!" she snapped, her eyes blazing with irritation. "We have a mission to complete. Act accordingly."

The girls fell silent, rubbing their heads and exchanging sheepish glances. Y/n couldn't help but chuckle softly at Irene's no-nonsense approach. Despite the miserable conditions, there was something oddly comforting about the way she kept everyone in line. She knew how to make everyone follow her orders, always.

Irene pulled out the portable lacrima, its surface glowing faintly as she checked the mission objective. She frowned, her annoyance deepening as she realized they were still far from their destination. "We have a long way to go," she muttered, her frustration evident.

The rain showed no signs of letting up, and the forest around them seemed to close in, making the path even more treacherous. Y/n glanced at Rose, who was trotting alongside them with her fur wet from the rain and coat drenched. Even the usually composed cat seemed to be struggling with the relentless weather.

Irene let out a sigh and decided to check how many dark guilds they had to visit. Her eyes narrowed as she scanned the list on the lacrima, the number of guilds only adding to her irritation. "This is ridiculous," she muttered under her breath, her grip tightening on her staff.

Y/n sensed the dangerous shift in her mood. "Irene, calm down," he said gently, placing a hand on her arm. "We'll get through this."

Irene's frustration reached a boiling point, and for a moment, Y/n saw a dangerous glint in her eyes. She raised her staff, ready to cast a powerful enchantment in a fit of rage. "This entire mission is absurd! Why do we have to deal with all these dark guilds?" In the sky three large magic circles apeared above a nearby mountain.

Before she could release her magic, Y/n, Heine, Juliet, and even Rose rushed to stop her. "Irene, no!" Y/n exclaimed, his voice urgent. "You'll blow up the entire mountain range!"

Irene paused, her breathing heavy as she fought to regain control. Slowly, she lowered her staff, her anger simmering down to a manageable level. "You're right," she admitted, her voice trembling slightly. "I just... this rain and these guilds... it's too much."

Y/n nodded, understanding her frustration. "Hey Irene, tell me something." He stated and the enchantress looked up with a hum. "This device where did it come from." He pointed to the lacrima. Irene pondered for a moment. "I think it came over from Ishgal."

After what felt like an eternity of trudging through the relentless rain, Y/n and his companions finally emerged from the forest to find a small town nestled in the valley. The sight of civilization was a welcome relief, and the prospect of a warm, dry place to rest lifted everyone's spirits.

The group made their way down the muddy path and into the town, the rain still pattering against their soaked clothes. The townsfolk went about their business, glancing curiously at the drenched newcomers. Y/n spotted a tavern with a sign that read "The Drunken bard." and pointed it out to the others.

"Let's head in there," he suggested. "We can dry off and get something to eat."

The group nodded in agreement, eager to escape the rain. They pushed open the heavy wooden door and stepped inside, greeted by the warm glow of a roaring fire and the comforting hum of conversation. The tavern was bustling with patrons, but they managed to find a table near the hearth. To their surprise everything in this tavern felt heated, even the floor.

As they settled in, Y/n could feel the warmth seeping into his bones, a welcome contrast to the cold, wet misery of the forest. Irene sat beside him, her proximity a source of comfort. She leaned her staff against the table and began wringing out her hair, her eyes scanning the room warily. Y/n knew that despite the friendly atmosphere, she was always on guard.

The serving maid approached their table, and they ordered hot meals and drinks. As they waited, Y/n and Irene shared a quiet moment, their shoulders touching. Heine and Juliet quickly shrugged off their cloaks and sat down, their faces relaxing for the first time in hours. Rose hopped onto a nearby stool, shaking her fur dry before curling up contentedly.

"Irene, do you think we'll find anything useful here?" Y/n asked, his voice low.

Irene sighed, her eyes still scanning the room. "I hope so. We can't afford any more dead ends."

Their moment of respite was interrupted when a burly man with a swagger in his step approached their table. His eyes were fixed on Irene, a lecherous grin spreading across his face. "Hey there, sweetheart," he drawled, leaning on the edge of the table. "How about you and I have some fun?"

Irene's eyes narrowed, and she fixed him with a steely glare. "Scram," she said coldly. "If you value your manhood."

The man chuckled, clearly not taking her seriously. "Come on now, don't be like that. I'm just trying to be friendly."

Y/n could see the tension in Irene's shoulders as she gripped her staff. Before the man could say another word, she stood up and swung the staff with precision, striking him squarely between the legs. The man's eyes bulged, and he let out a high-pitched yelp before collapsing to the floor, clutching himself in agony.

The tavern fell silent, all eyes turning to the commotion. Irene calmly returned to her seat, ignoring the pained groans of the man writhing on the floor. "I warned you," she said coolly and leaned back right onto Y/n's arm pulling it around her as if she wanted to sign that she was taken.

The serving maid hurried over, looking flustered. "I'm so sorry, miss. He's always causing trouble. I'll get him out of here."

"See that you do," Irene replied, her tone leaving no room for argument.

The maid and another patron helped the man to his feet and escorted him out of the tavern. Gradually, the noise and activity resumed, though there was a noticeable increase in the amount of respectful distance given to their table.

Steaming bowls of stew and mugs of mead were placed before them, the rich aroma of the meal filling the air and lifting their spirits.

As they ate, Y/n looked around at his companions, taking in their weary but determined faces. He took a spoonful of the savory stew, the blend of tender meat and vegetables providing a satisfying warmth. "So, what do we know about this dark guild?" he asked, breaking the silence.

Irene, seated beside him with her staff resting against the wall, stirred her stew thoughtfully. "From what I could gather, they're not just a band of rogues. They have structure, leadership, and a clear objective. They've been operating in the shadows for years, avoiding the authorities and expanding their influence."

Heine nodded, her ears twitching as she took a sip of her mead. "I've heard rumors about their activities. Kidnappings, blackmail, smuggling – they're involved in all sorts of illegal operations. But they keep a low profile, which makes them hard to track."

Juliet, her cheeks already flushed from the mead, added, "I've seen some of their members in action. They're ruthless and well-trained. If we're going to take them down, we'll need a solid plan and all the information we can get."

Y/n took a long drink from his mug, feeling the warmth of the mead spread through him. "We need to figure out who their leaders are and where they're hiding. Cutting off the head of the snake will cripple their operations."

Irene nodded in agreement. "We'll also need to be cautious. They won't hesitate to strike back if they feel threatened. We have to stay one step ahead."

As the evening progressed, their conversation grew more animated, the camaraderie of shared purpose bringing a sense of unity. The tavern's lively atmosphere, filled with laughter and chatter, seemed to invigorate them, despite the grueling journey they had endured.

Heine, now on her third mug of mead, giggled as she recounted a particularly humorous encounter with a local merchant. "And then he said, 'I've never seen a cat with a sharper tongue!' I thought I'd die laughing!"

Juliet, equally inebriated, clinked her mug against Heine's. "To sharper tongues and sharper swords!" she declared, her voice loud enough to draw amused glances from nearby patrons.

Irene chuckled, shaking her head. "You two are going to regret this in the morning," she said, though there was a fondness in her tone.

Y/n watched as Heine and Juliet continued to drink, their faces flushed and their words becoming increasingly slurred. Eventually, the inevitable happened. Heine slumped forward, planting her head onto the hardwood with a loud thud her head resting on the table, while Juliet leaned back in her chair, eyes closed and a contented smile on her lips.

"Looks like they're out for the count," Y/n observed, a hint of amusement in his voice.

Irene nodded, her expression softening as she looked at the two girls. She couldn't believe it that the two of them were just mere enchantments, created from swords and yet they feel so alive as if they were real beings. She felt proud of her ability to create enchantments so real you can fool anyone. "They deserve the rest. We've all been through a lot."

Y/n reached over and gently adjusted Heine's position so she wouldn't fall off her chair. "We should let them sleep it off. Tomorrow, we'll need everyone at their best."

Rose, who had been quietly observing the scene from her little perch on the tiled stove, let out a soft meow, as if agreeing with Y/n's sentiment.

As the evening wore on, Y/n and Irene found themselves with a bit of time to relax. They ordered a few drinks and settled into a quiet conversation, their closeness evident to anyone watching. Irene leaned in, her shoulder pressing against Y/n's, as they spoke in hushed tones. "It's nice to have a moment like this," Irene said, her eyes softening as she looked at Y/n. Heine and Juliet laid with their heads on the table and hands tightly grasping the tankards of mead.

"Yeah," Y/n agreed, taking a sip of his drink. "We don't get many of these."

Their intimate moment was interrupted by a figure approaching their table. A man with a hood pulled low over his eyes, his presence casting a shadow over their relaxed atmosphere. Heine, ever vigilant, glanced up and subtly signaled to Y/n.

"Mind if I join you?" the man asked, his voice low and gravelly.

Irene's eyes narrowed as she scrutinized him. Something about him seemed off. She reached into her cloak and subtly pulled out her notes. A quick glance confirmed her suspicions – this man was part of the dark guild they were hunting.

"Sure," Y/n said, his tone neutral but his body tensing slightly. "Have a seat."

The man sat down, his gaze flicking between Y/n and Irene. "I hear you're looking for something," he said, a knowing smirk playing on his lips.

Y/n and Irene exchanged a quick glance, the unspoken understanding clear between them. This encounter was about to get very interesting. Even tough both were quite drunk, neither of them had any issue being concentrated when they needed to. Irene made sure Y/n could drink a ton of booze and stay focused.

Irene, her tone casual but her eyes sharp, asked, "Do you know anything about the nearby dark guild's hideout? We already know the dark guild is here, and we want to talk business with them, not fight."

The man hesitated, glancing around the tavern as if to ensure no one was eavesdropping. "And what do I get out of this?" he asked, trying to sound confident but betraying a hint of fear in his voice.

Y/n leaned forward, his gaze piercing. "You get to keep your life," he stated coldly, and a sharp dagger blinked up in his hand instantly.

The man swallowed hard, clearly unnerved. He turned back to Irene, looking for some sign of leniency. Irene's smirk deepened, a hint of cruelty in her eyes. "Do you know any of the Alvarez military's top commanders?" she asked, her voice silky smooth.

The man blinked, clearly taken aback by the question. "Uh, yeah. The twelve shields of Spriggan. Everyone knows them. There's Invel, the Winter General; Brandish, the nation destroyer; Dimaria, the Warrior Queen, Wall Eehto the Machias, Jacob the assasin, Neinhart, Ajeel the desert king, Bloodman and God Serena ... And, of course, the Death Dragon, Y/n," he said, glancing at Y/n's armor.

Irene's smile widened, her eyes gleaming with sadistic amusement. "You're forgetting someone," she purred, leaning in closer.

The man's face paled as he frantically searched his memory. "Uh... There's August, the wizard King; Larcade,... Wait... no, it can't be..." His eyes widened in horror as he finally connected the dots. "The Scarlet Despair," he whispered, his voice trembling.

Irene chuckled, a low, menacing sound. "There you go. Took you long enough."

Realization and terror flashed across the man's face. The dark guilds knew all too well who she was. One particular tale spread through the dark guilds like a wildfire, she murdered an entire guild with her bare hands, not using any magic and tanking every single spell they threw at her, if insanity had a face, she would be it as from the tale of a surviving mage she was laughing the whole time, when ending the life of the dark mages slowly, crushing their heads with her hands like they were nothing. He stumbled backward, nearly tripping over his own feet in his haste to get away. "I-I'll tell you everything! Just go to the Velvet Fang tomorrow!" he stammered before bolting out of the tavern.

The group watched as he fled down the street, disappearing into the night. Irene leaned back in her chair, her laughter echoing through the room. "Pathetic," she said, still amused. "Your reputation precedes you it seems." Y/n comented taking a drink of his mead.

Heine and Juliet, who had been half-asleep from the mead, sat up more alert now, sensing the shift in the atmosphere. Heine rubbed her eyes and looked at Irene. "Do you think he was telling the truth?"

Irene nodded. "He was too scared to lie. We'll go to the Velvet Fang tomorrow and see what we can find out."

Y/n leaned back in his chair, his expression thoughtful. "We need to be prepared. This could be a trap."

Irene smirked, her eyes gleaming with confidence. "Let them try. They know exactly who they're dealing with, which is why they wont do anything." She rested her head on her hand amused, smugness writen all over her face. "Last time someone tried to fool me they eneded up transformed into a pig."

The group settled back into their seats, the weight of their mission pressing on their minds. The Velvet Fang awaited, and with it, answers to their questions. As the night grew darker, they knew they had to be ready for whatever awaited them.

Y/n and Irene stood up from the table, gathering their belongings, the remnants of their meal scattered across the wooden surface. The warm, dimly lit tavern buzzed with conversation and the clinking of mugs. Y/n signaled to the tavern owner, a stout man with a graying beard, and they approached the counter, "We'd like to pay for our meal and book two bedrooms," Y/n said, reaching into his pouch for coins. "One for us and one for our friends, Heine and Juliet. Also, could we arrange for a hot bath in our room?"

The tavern owner nodded, his eyes glancing over the group. "Of course, sir. That'll be ten gold for the rooms and baths."

Y/n handed over the coins, the metal clinking as they exchanged hands. The tavern owner counted the money quickly before giving a satisfied nod. "Thank you. I'll have the rooms prepared immediately. It'll be just a few moments."

As they waited, Y/n and Irene leaned against the counter, taking in the bustling atmosphere. Irene looked around, her eyes sharp and watchful. Y/n, meanwhile, found his thoughts drifting to the mission ahead, the weight of their journey heavy on his mind. The tavern owner let his gaze move over the group. "Are you perhaps an adventurers party?" He asked curiously and Y/n thought for a moment. "We are indeed, part of an adventurers guild." He stated and the tavern owner nodded. "There has been an increasing number of monsters, we will need more adventurers patroling the roads to keep the people safe." He stated, cleaning the counter.

"Perhaps you should sit down again, it might take a while for your rooms to be ready." The owner inclined to them. The night was still young tough and Y/n pondered on the idea, he ordered for another round of mead, much to Irene's surprise who began to feel the beveerages side effect kick in. She cursed under her breath as in this form she had no chance to stay clear in her mind much longer. Giving way to the antics she had back in Ranoa if it went on.

Sitting back down onto the table the barkeeper promptly came with the desired liquid, and left with the Jewels in his hand. Heine and Juliet engaged quickly in a rowdy drinking contest. Their boisterous cheers echoed across the room as they threw back mead with reckless abandon, determined to outdo one another.

Irene, sitting beside Y/n, her hand tightly around the mug of mead, almost emptied had already begun to feel the effects of the mead she'd been sipping. She wasn't one to hold her alcohol well anymore, and a playful flush crept across her cheeks, she leaned into him. The tavern's warmth, combined with the soft buzz from the drink, made her feel bolder than usual.

"Y/n..." Irene whispered, her voice low and sultry as she shifted closer, her body pressing lightly against his side. Her hand found its way to his lap, fingers brushing teasingly across his thigh as she gazed up at him with a mischievous glint in her eyes. "You know, nights like this... make me think of all the things we could do," Her words were slurred slightly, her voice intimate as her breath tickled his ear.

Y/n, feeling the heat of her closeness, let his hand drift to her waist, his fingers grazing the fabric of her dress as he gently pulled her even closer. Irene's body responded, leaning into him, her lips brushing against his neck in a way that sent a shiver down his spine. Sitting upright was in no way possible for her.

She giggled softly, her breath warm against his skin, and whispered something indecent—her words laced with a teasing hunger, the alcohol clearly loosening her tongue. Y/n smirked, his hand resting more firmly on her waist now, and he turned his head slightly to meet her gaze. Her brown eyes were half-lidded, playful, yet full of desire.

Heine and Juliet continued their drinking contest, oblivious to the growing tension between Y/n and Irene, the room seemed to shrink around them. The world outside the tavern walls faded, leaving just the two of them in their own intoxicating bubble.

Y/n leaned down, his lips brushing Irene's ear as he whispered, "Careful, Irene. You're going to regret teasing me like this."

She only giggled again, her hand sliding further up his leg and up to his chest as her eyes gleamed with mischief. "Maybe I like a little danger..."

After a short wait, the tavern owners daughter returned with a key in each hand. "Your rooms are ready. Upstairs, second door on the left for the gentlemen and his partner." She stated noticing how close Irene was clining to Y/n. The girl gave them an all too knowing look. "Third door for the two ladies. The baths are being drawn as we speak. And don't break the beds please."

"Thank you," Y/n said, taking the keys and handing one to Heine. They made their way up the narrow wooden staircase, the creaking steps adding to the rustic charm of the place.

At the top of the stairs, they reached their rooms. Y/n unlocked their door and pushed it open, revealing a cozy space with a large bed, a small desk, and a window overlooking the town. A wooden tub, already steaming with hot water. Irene's eyes softened at the sight, appreciating the comfort it promised.

They placed their belongings down carefully. Y/n set his large backpack in the corner, alongside a smaller satchel. His sword, an essential companion on their journey. The sword was a gift from Irene and carefully crafted out of a rare ore found only in the northern part of Alvarez and runes running along the blade. Their words were "The sword that cuts through darkness will bring light into this world." The runes were the same ones found on magic circles. It was placed within arm's reach by the bed. Irene did the same, her pack leaning against the wall, her staff resting beside it.

"I'll check on Heine and Juliet," Irene said, her voice soft but firm, steading herself on the wall. She stepped out into the hallway, knocking on the door to their friends room. Moments later, Heine and Juliet, looking slightly more alert, appeared in the doorway with Rose perched on Juliet's shoulder.

"The rooms are ready, and the baths are prepared," Irene informed them. "Get some rest. We have a big day tomorrow."

Heine nodded gratefully. "Thanks, Irene. We'll take it from here." The dark blue haired girl spoke smiling.

Returning to their room, Irene closed the door behind her. She glanced at Y/n, who was already unpacking some essentials. She watched him attentive as Y/n already had taken off his Cuirass and gauntlets, his hair clearly drenched from the rain. The only parts left on his body were the pants, a white button shirt and his armored boots. "Looks like we'll have a bit of peace tonight," she remarked, her tone lighter.

Y/n nodded, a small smile playing on his lips. "Let's hope so. We need all the rest we can get." He stated and looked up to her. Unable to resist, Irene stepped forward, her gaze locked onto his. She reached out, her fingers brushing against his chest. "Let me help you with that," she whispered, her voice low and sultry. Y/n nodded, his eyes darkening with desire as she began to unbutton his shirt.

With each button she released, more of his well-built upper body came into view. His skin was marked with a few scars, remnants of past battles and trainings. Irene traced one with her finger, a faint smile playing on her lips. "Why do you keep these?" she asked softly, her touch lingering on the rough surface. "You know you can heal them."

Y/n caught her hand. "I think they look good where they are," he replied, his voice equally soft but with a hint of amusement. "They remind me of what I've been through, what I've survived."

Irene nodded, understanding the sentiment. She moved closer, feeling the heat radiating from his body. She could smell the faint scent of sweat and leather mixed with the rain that had soaked them earlier. It was intoxicating, she was thankful to not have the sense of smell of a Dragon anymore, it would drive her insane at this moment.

With a deliberate slowness he unzipped Irene's dress, the fabric parted and slid off her shoulders, pooling at her feet. She stood before him in her undergarments, her skin glistening with remnants of rain. Irene's eyes flicked to his, a silent invitation. Y/n responded by swiftly removing his own damp clothes, discarding each piece until he was as bare as she was.

The room was filled with the soft rustle of fabric and the sound of their heavy breathing. Y/n stepped closer, his hands finding their way to her waist. He pulled her against him, their bare skin meeting in an electric touch that sent shivers down their spines. Irene bit her lip and thought to push him away but her body was restless, she wanted him, she desired him, yet her brain told her not to as they made a promise. She gave in, their lips met in a deep, passionate kiss, their bodies pressing together as if trying to become one.

Irene's hands roamed over his back, tracing the contours of his muscles, feeling the warmth of his skin. Y/n's fingers danced over her curves, exploring the softness of her body, every touch igniting a fire within them. Irene pushed him down slowly onto the bed. His eyes never left her face as she slowly crawled on top, stradling his lap. She traced his chisseled jaw just as he tugged a strand of her scarlet hair behind her ear, capturing her lips in a deep, passionate kiss.

Irene responded to his touches, her hands roaming over his back and front, feeling the muscles ripple beneath her touch. She hooked her leg around his waist, pulling him closer as they turned for him to be on top, needing to feel every inch of him against her.

Their kisses grew more heated, more desperate. Y/n's hands moved over her body, exploring, caressing, setting her skin on fire. He trailed kisses down her neck, along her collarbone, making her arch against him with a moan of pleasure. The little sounds she made were of another world for him, lovely mewls of delight which provoked him to get more out of the scarlet sorceress.

In one swift movement, Y/n discarded his remaining clothes. The feeling of his skin against hers was electrifying. He took a moment to look at her, to appreciate the beauty of the woman beneath him.

"Irene," he breathed, his voice thick with desire and affection. She looked up at him, her eyes dark with passion. "I want you," he said, his voice a low growl.

They spent a moment caught up in each other. His statement echoing in her mind. Her heart beating of lust. Her lips pressed firmly together and a smile played on her lips.

Irene took Y/n's hand and led him to the bathtub. It was large and inviting, filled with hot water that promised to wash away the chill of the rain. She stepped in first, the water enveloping her in a comforting embrace right up to her colar. Y/n followed, easing into the tub and settling beside her.

The warmth of the water enveloped them, creating a cocoon of intimacy. Irene moved closer, pulling his face towards hers meeting for a kiss, she straddling his lap, her hands resting on his shoulders. She looked into his eyes, her gaze filled with desire and affection. Y/n's hands found their way to her waist, pulling her even closer until their bodies were pressed together. They wanted to see how far they could go before it was too late.

They kissed again, slow and deep, their tongues dancing in a sensual rhythm. The steam from the water mingled with the heat of their passion, creating a heady atmosphere. Irene's fingers tangled in Y/n's hair, her nails grazing his scalp as their kiss intensified.

Y/n's hands roamed over her back, feeling the softness of her skin, the curve of her spine. He moved his lips to her neck, trailing kisses along her collarbone, making her moan softly. The sound drove him wild, and he captured her lips again, their kiss filled with a desperate need.

Irene arched against him, her body responding to every touch, every kiss. She could feel the hardness of him press against her, a reminder of the desire that burned between them. Y/n's hands moved to her hips, guiding her as she settled more firmly against him.

The world outside ceased to exist as they lost themselves in each other. The water lapped gently around them, the only sound other than their ragged breaths and the occasional moan of pleasure. Irene's movements were slow and deliberate, her body rocking against his in a rhythm that was both sensual and intoxicating.

She pressed her hand against his chest to gain some distance, a moment of clearance in her mind. "Y/n, remember our deal?" she said softly, her voice tinged with both desire and restraint. "We said we would wait until the time is right, before we are doing this step again."

Y/n sighed, a mixture of frustration and understanding in his eyes. "I know," he replied, his voice heavy with longing. "But it's so hard to wait when I'm with you."

Irene smiled, her eyes filled with affection. She slowly moved off his lap, creating a small distance between them in the tub. Then, with a playful glint in her eye, she reached behind her back and unhooked her bra, slipping it off and tossing it out of the bathtub. Her ample bossom was hidding just under the water line. Her hands moved under the water, her eyes never breaking the eye contact with him as she slowly pulled on her panties, her right foot apeared right next to him throwing out the lacy undergarments. The sight of her made Y/n's breath catch in his throat. "You're not making this any easier," Y/n said with a laugh, shaking his head, feeling his pulse quicken.

"I know," Irene said with a mischievous smile. "But we both agreed. We'll wait."

Y/n couldn't help but laugh along with her, his frustration giving way to amusement. He pulled her closer again, wrapping his arm around her waist. "I can't wait until this is all over and the wait pays off," he whispered into her ear, his voice filled with anticipation and love.

Irene looked up at him, her eyes brimming with adoration. "Neither can I," she replied, her voice soft and sincere. "Besides you have to do what I say, I'm your mentor and you are my student." She stated eyeing him sternly. "I've never heard of a mentor sleeping with a student." He replied and Irene rolled her eyes. "Everything has its origin."

With a tender smile, she reached for the soap and a cloth, beginning to gently wash Y/n's back. The touch of her hands was soothing, each stroke filled with care and affection. Y/n closed his eyes, relaxing under her ministrations, feeling the tension of their journey melt away.

"Feels nice," Y/n murmured, his voice content.

"I'm glad," Irene replied, her hands moving over his shoulders, down his spine, and along the muscles of his back. "It's been a long day. You deserve some relaxation."

As Irene continued to wash his back, Y/n turned his head slightly, curiosity piqued. "I wonder what Heine and Juliet are doing right now," he mused.

Irene paused for a moment, then closed her eyes. Her magic activated, and a faint glow appeared in her irises as she used her Eye Magic to check on their companions. "Let's see," she said, her voice soft as she focused her magic.

After a few seconds, she smiled and opened her eyes. "They're bathing calmly with Rose," she reported, a hint of amusement in her tone. "It seems they're having a peaceful time. Rose looks particularly content."

Y/n chuckled, imagining the scene. "Good to know they're doing well," he said. "Rose deserves some pampering too."

"Indeed she does," Irene agreed, her fingers tracing gentle patterns on Y/n's skin. "She's been a loyal companion."

After a few more moments of washing his back, Irene leaned in to press a soft kiss to his cheek. "All done," she said with a smile. "Your turn now."

"You know this would feel completely different if you were older." He stated and Irene blinked confused. She ohed for a moment. Y/n turned fully to face her, taking her hands in his. "Thank you," he said, his voice filled with warmth. "For everything."

Irene's smile widened, her eyes shining with love. "You're welcome," she replied. "Now, let's switch places. It's your turn to wash my back."

They shifted positions, Y/n now sitting behind Irene. He picked up the cloth and soap, lathering it up as he prepared to wash her. His hands moved gently over her shoulders, down her spine, and along the curves of her back, mirroring her earlier motions.

"Your turn to relax," Y/n said softly, his voice filled with affection.

Irene sighed contentedly, leaning forward to give him better access. "It feels wonderful," she murmured, her eyes closing as she enjoyed the soothing touch of his hands.

As Y/n continued to wash her back, he couldn't help but admire the beauty of her form. The way the water glistened on her skin, the curve of her neck, and the softness of her long scarlet hair all captivated him. He was filled with a profound sense of love and gratitude for the woman in front of him.

"You have the most beautiful back," Y/n said, his voice a mix of admiration and teasing.

Irene chuckled softly, turning her head slightly to glance at him. "Only my back?" she teased, a playful glint in her eyes.

Y/n laughed, shaking his head. "No, every part of you is beautiful," he replied sincerely. "Inside and out." His hand reached forwards to her tigh only to be caught by her.

Irene's smile softened, her eyes reflecting the deep connection they shared. "Thank you, Y/n," she said quietly. "That means a lot to me."

. . .

Y/n lay on the bed, gazing at Irene as she stood by the window, her underwear clinging to her body, she wore a pair of black lace panties and a black lace bra. She raised her hands, her fingers moving gracefully through the air. Irene began to cast her magic in an unknown language, she intoned, her voice a melodic whisper. As she finished the spell, the used bathwater rose from the tub forming into a large water buble in a shimmering arc, sparkling with magic as it flew out of the window.

From outside, they heard a surprised shout. "Hey! Who's throwing water out the window?" someone yelled, clearly annoyed. Irene giggled, her eyes twinkling with mischief. She waved her hand, and the window shut with a soft thud, sealing out the night air. She turned back to Y/n, her hair still glistening from the bath, and crossed the room with graceful steps towards a dresser, sitting down.

Y/n watched her comb her hair slowly, counting to ten every time before changing sides. "Is this some kind of ritual." He asked watching her and she let out a silent giggle. "Not realy, I'm just used to it." She replied and sat down the comb. Lifting up her hair he noticed Irene fiddling around with something.  The Scarlet sorceress stood up approaching the bed, He noticed a shimmer on her neck, Y/n's eyes were drawn to a delicate golden necklace. The ornament caught the light, its intricate design gleaming softly. He hadn't noticed it before, and curiosity piqued, he reached out to gently touch it.

"Where did you get this?" he asked, his fingers lightly tracing the golden ornament.

Irene glanced down at the necklace, her expression softening. "August gifted it to me," she replied, her voice holding a note of fondness. "He said it had something to do with sorceresses. It's an ancient symbol, a reminder of our heritage and the power we wield."

Y/n studied the intricate design, appreciating its beauty and significance. "It's beautiful," he said, his fingers lingering on the ornament. "And it suits you perfectly."

Irene smiled, touched by his words. She climbed into the bed, slipping under the thick, warm elderdown quilt beside him. Y/n wrapped an arm around her, pulling her close as they settled into the comfort of the bed. He held her, his fingers traced gentle patterns on her skin, feeling the warmth of her body against his. He admired the way the light played off the golden ornament, casting delicate shadows on her skin.

"It's snowing," Y/n murmured, a sense of calm washing over him as he watched the snowfall through the closed window.

Irene nodded, her breath warm against his skin. "It's beautiful," she said softly. "A perfect end to a long day."

They lay there in comfortable silence, the warmth of the bed and the soothing presence of each other creating a cocoon of peace. The snow continued to fall, each flake glistening in the faint moonlight.

"Do you think we'll ever find a moment of peace like this once the mission is over?" Y/n asked, his voice a mere whisper.

Irene looked up at him, her eyes filled with determination and affection. "We will," she said firmly. "No matter what happens, we'll find our peace together."

Y/n smiled, pressing a gentle kiss to her forehead. "I believe you," he replied, his voice filled with trust.

As the snow continued to fall outside, they held each other close, the warmth of their love warding off the chill of the night. Together, they watched the world transform, knowing that no matter what challenges lay ahead, they would face them together.

With a final wave of her hand, Irene extinguished the candles around the room, plunging them into a soft, comforting darkness. She snuggled closer to Y/n, their bodies intertwined under the elderdown, the golden ornament resting between them as a silent testament to their bond.

In that moment, surrounded by the gentle snowfall and the love they shared, everything felt right in the world. And as they drifted off to sleep, the sound of the snow falling outside was a gentle reminder that no matter how stormy the world might become, they would always have each other.