May Things Stay The Same

Sunny exited out of the shower, the warmth from the hot water still clinging to his skin.

Showers to Sunny was like a god level creation. I mean, sure, it consumed a lot of water at cost, but warm water that washes away the grimes and hardships for a moment seemed fascinating.

He took a deep breath, feeling the tension from the sparring session finally ease. The bathroom was steamy, but the cool air of the bedroom was a sharp contrast as he walked in, his damp hair falling into his eyes.

He looked at Nephis.. or rather couldn't due to his aggravating bangs that covered his eyes.

'Gods, you need to cut your hair.' He quickly brushed his hair to the side, only it to fall back on his eyes.

Feeling frustrated, he adjusted it to not fall on his eyes and glanced at the angel.

Nephis was lying on her stomach on the bed, her legs bent and feet dangling in the air as she scrolled through her telecommunicator.

She glanced up as he entered, but didn't say anything, her attention immediately going back to whatever was on the screen.

Sunny smirked and leaned against the doorframe, watching her for a moment. There was something about her that always caught his attention, even in these quiet moments.

He loved that about her. The way which she portrayed herself to the outside world, the Changing Star that everyone saw. The leader of the fearsome cohort, the one who challenged horrors, and ultimately being known as the last survivor of the Immortal Flame Clan.

Was a complete contrast to how she was now. He did not fall in love with Changing Star.

No, rather he fell in love with Nephis.

The Nephis that couldn't speak to someone, to not go out her comfort zone, for her life. The silent responses she'd give, even though she was in a turmoil. The Nephis who looked cute when she was flustered. The Nephis who clearly didn't know any comedic humor and her smiles oozing more negativity then positivity.

That Nephis, was the one he fell in love with.

"Anything interesting?" he asked, his voice low as he took a few steps toward the bed.

Nephis glanced up at him again, her eyes glinting with that same mischievous spark.

"Just work stuff," she muttered, clearly uninterested. Her fingers kept scrolling, tapping away at the screen.

(nephis canonically doom scrolls like the rest of us)

Sunny raised an eyebrow, then moved to sit on the edge of the bed, leaning over to take a better look at the screen. "You're really that into it?"

Nephis didn't even flinch, her fingers still tapping the screen. "Not really," she replied flatly, her lips curling into a faint smile. "Just waiting for something to catch my attention."

Sunny tilted his head, then, without warning, reached down and gently pried the device out of her hands, tossing it onto the bed next to her.

"Hey!" she protested, but before she could react, Sunny leaned over her, his chest pressing lightly against her back, his breath warm against her ear.

Nephis blinked, her heart rate quickening ever so slightly at the proximity. For a moment, she stayed still, then turned her head slightly to face him.

"What are you doing?" she asked, her voice soft but tinged with amusement. "I was.. watching something."

Sunny didn't answer immediately. Instead, he cupped her cheek gently, his thumb tracing along her jawline. His gaze softened for just a moment, the playful teasing from earlier melting away into something a little more intimate.

Then, he kissed her.

It was slow, calm, a gentle press of lips against hers that deepened as she responded, her hands instinctively reaching up to grip the front of his damp shirt.

The kiss lingered, but then, as Nephis leaned into him, Sunny pulled back slightly, just enough to catch her breath.

He smirked, that familiar cocky glint returning to his eyes.

"You're too easy to distract," he murmured, his voice teasing.

Nephis let out a soft, almost defeated sigh, but her eyes were filled with that knowing spark. She shifted beneath him, moving her body to twist and sit up, then tugged him down with her.

Before he knew it, she had him lying on the bed, her weight pressing against him, her lips finding his again, this time more urgent.

Sunny responded instantly, his hands finding their way to her back, guiding her closer, his heart pounding in his chest.

But Nephis, always the one in control, pulled back just enough to look down at him with a smirk.

"You really thought it would be that easy?" She whispered.

Sunny didn't respond right away. Instead, he reached up to trace the curve of her neck with his fingers, his eyes locking onto hers.

"I never said it would be," he replied. "But I'm never going to make it too easy."

Nephis laughed softly, shaking her head. "You're insufferable."

Sunny smiled, the genuine warmth in his expression softening the cocky edge. "You love it."

Nephis arched an eyebrow, then, without warning, leaned down to kiss him again.

This time, their movements were more urgent, more desperate as the heat between them grew.

They spent a few moments like that, lost in each other, before Nephis finally pulled away again, her lips brushing against his one last time as she sat up, her eyes never leaving his.

"You're stubborn, you know that?" she said, her voice low, teasing.

Sunny chuckled, still lying on the bed, eyes half-closed as he looked up at her. "It's one of my best qualities."

Nephis shook her head again, but there was no mistaking the fondness in her gaze. "We'll see how long that lasts."

Sunny grinned. "I'll let you have this one, Nephis."

She shot him a playful glance. "You better."

Then, the moment passed.

The quiet returned, but it was a comfortable silence now, one that held no pressure, just the shared understanding between the two of them.

Sunny, for the 16th time, stretched his arms above his head, trying to get the last bit of tension out of his body. "You know, I really need that coffee now," he said, letting out a small sigh.

Nephis raised an eyebrow but didn't say anything, instead getting up from the bed.

She started toward the kitchen, and Sunny followed, trailing behind her.

"Coffee for me… if you want." she said, glancing back at him.

He slightly paused, knowing the true truth behind the words "if you want."

He wondered why, whenever Nephis asked him of something, it never came out as an order?

'Meh, whatever. I blame the author.'

Sunny smirked. "Are you sure you want one? It's a little late for that, isn't it?"

Nephis shot him a look over her shoulder. "You're not the boss of me, Sunny."

He laughed, the sound easy and warm as he followed her into the kitchen.

'How ironic.'