Thanks for the Memories

A clear night manifested, heralded by the call of evening finches and the soft hum of crickets as they bade farewell to the sunset. Their chiming tolls welcomed the brisk air of the night. It was a perfect night, as one dared to admit, for a stroll away from the confines of the monastery's walls. It wasn't permitted to do so, but Kazuki needed some air. Not to mention he needed to get away from that place if only for a little while. He had found a section of the great wall that was close to a storage shed, providing a nice place to climb up and out. Thankfully the first time he ventured off grounds this way he had discovered a way back in, as he had not thought about that sort of dilemma beforehand.

With a foot on the wall of the shed and the other griping into the stone of the main wall, the young monk shimmied up and jumped over. With a grunt he hit the ground in a tumble. It took a moment to recover but he shook off the jar from the landing and got to his feet, gladly heading off into the inviting woods that hid the monastery from the view of the town. He knew his way about from the few trips he had made nights previously, as well as when Master Yuuta felt he'd rather travel outside the grounds for his daily lesson. He could think of no better place to wash away his cares than a spring nearby where the small river called Gonjun was born.

The clearing was still alight by lanterns from earlier that day, making it much easier to find this time about. He gathered a little kindling of dried brush and fed it to the dying flames, managing to revive them for a bit longer. This place had long been thought as a collection point of energy, where spirits dined and their wisdom flourished.

Certainly it was quite special to the rest of his company at the establishment, but even Kazuki had to admit there was something about this particular place that made him feel more at ease.

Finding a lush patch of grass near the edge of the water, Kazuki sat himself down and rolled the legs of his gi up so that his tired feet could soak in the cool water. He ran his hand through his dark red hair, pushing it out of his face. His body had several aches from his training the previous day still, though he had plenty of rest since. It felt to him as if he was getting too much down time, making him feel generally restless and short tempered.

Earlier that day, while taking lunch out in the courtyard he found himself talking with a girl that he had known for a long while. Isha was new and she made fast friend's with Kazuki, though the two of them did clash a good deal. That day they had their usual bout of witty exchanges and playful banter. She mentioned something in a joking sense and they got into an argument, a touchy subject to begin with. It escalated until they parted with bitter goodbyes. He knew she had a temper, strong-willed and defiant girl that she was, but she had said something distasteful about Master Yuuta. Kazuki could let many things slide by but when dishonoring the closest thing he had to a father in his life he could not hold his tongue, even if she was merely jesting.

He hated making a friend scorn him, but he really did not regret anything that he had said. Thankfully the soft flow of the water around his legs was making him forget the incident completely. He laid back in the grass and closed his eyes, feeling the zen of this Eden carrying him away in relaxation for little while. His toes began fidgeting with a few small rocks, sitting loosely on the floor of the spring. A thought occurred to him, after he had begun to wind down, and he sat upright.

Holding a strong certainty that no one had followed him, he pulled his tunic over his head as he clambered back onto the shore. He untied the strap to his pants and left his clothing where he had once been sitting. The water was quite inviting as he strode out deeper into the spring. He had toyed with the idea earlier of bathing out here in the nude, and most of the time his more adventurous side won over in these inner debates. This was no different.

With a sigh, he cupped the clear water in his hands and began messaging it through it locks of hair. He scrubbed at his face, feeling the remnants of sweat and oil from his skin wash away. As suspected the water did quite a number for his stiffened muscles as he sunk himself a bit lower into the spring, brushing his skin with the soothing elixir.

Without warning something twinged at the corner of his vision and he looked up in surprise. This momentary pause quickly turned into shock and alarm as he dove his hands down to cover himself from view, slinging water about him as he did so. He shouted, scowling as he instantly recognized his audience, "Just what do you think you're DOING here, huh?"

Upon a collection of rocks at the foot of a large statue there sat a young woman. He knew her immediately as Isha, the very girl he had been upset with that sent him to this sanctuary in the first place. She brushed back her dark hair and laughed as he was finally alerted to her presence. She had been sitting there for several minutes, watching in amusement. Her body shifted and she rested her head on her hand lightly, the nearby lantern flowing over her dark complexion with soft accents upon the thin features of her face. Isha smirked, "I could ask you the same thing. You know they have baths back at the temple."

He grumbled slightly, "Well yeah, but they aren't this big either. Besides I was hoping for some privacy." He found himself grinning slightly at the last word and shook his head. He was still unhappy with her, and plus if she ratted him out he'd never hear the end of it.

"And what, pray tell, were you planning on doing out here by your lonesome that you could not do in the same building as the others?" Her eyes lingered on him, the mirth in her voice causing him to pause for a long moment before he regained his wit.

Kazuki rose an eyebrow, "Some people like to sing when they bathe, and I'm not particularly good at it." He shrugged, though the smirk of amusement on his face gave away his bluff.

A skeptical look crossed her face and she sat upright on the rock, letting her feet dangle, "Right, I'm sure." Isha seemed to drift off after her sarcastic tone lingered for a moment and her mocking demeanor began to falter. After a short silence she smiled, this time more warmly than her usual sneer, "I'm sorry about what happened today. I know how you felt about him and I really should have just kept my opinion to myself."

The look upon her face broke away the last of his hostility, though there really was very little left, and Kazuki blinked in a small pause. He hadn't really expected her to actually apologize for it. They would sometimes have disagreements and just get over it in their own time, but maybe it was because this time he was truly offended and she had known it. Whatever the reason he held up a hand, as if in defeat, "It's alright, Isha. I know you didn't like him." He couldn't help but laugh a little, much to Isha's surprise, as he added, "Is that why you followed me all the way out here?"

Isha shrugged, "Well that and I wanted to see where you went when you sneak out at night. I know this isn't the first time." She giggled darkly, "But, now that I know what these little adventures are about, I think I'll just mind my own business from now on."

The trail of her eyes over his body was only an instant but it was enough for him to notice. He chuckled, "Hey, you've got the wrong idea. It's just a bath. You should try it some time, because this spring is just great."

Another dark giggle rose from Isha and she got to her feet, her hand on her hip, "Is that an invitation?"

Kazuki's throat tightened and he felt his cheeks grow warm. He hadn't meant it like that at all, but at the mention of it he couldn't help but wonder if she would accept such an offer. He gulped and stammered slightly, "Er..uh, no. I mean, all I'm saying is it's here whenever you wanted to try it. And hey, until today I didn't have to worry about anyone spying on me."

A slight twitch of disappointment crossed Isha's face and she looked him over critically. The slight blush in his face caught her eye and her coy grin returned with a bit more courage, "You don't seem to mind me watching now." She laughed as his hands, which had gradually returned to his sides during their conversation, shot back to his front to cover himself.

Uncertainty rose within her, not knowing how Kazuki would react to her next action. With a decision in mind her hand drifted down to the tie in the fabric of her coat's belt, feeling his eyes on her hand as she did so. She stared at his face, finding that she enjoyed his expression of surprise and almost alarm, and tugged lightly at the knot until her belt of cloth unraveled. She let the trail of fabric flutter down to her feet and she held the edge of her top gingerly, "Would you feel better if you spied on me, maybe?"

Kazuki's cheeks flushed with warmth again and he felt his heart flutter in his chest. He had jested with her at times previously, flirting and teasing her in his usual manner, but in all honesty he had never suspected her of responding to his antics. In fact, now that he was quite certain of her intentions, just by the look in her eyes, he wasn't sure about what to do. He felt trapped.

Something rewarding in the slight quiver of his lip and his lingering gaze made Isha certain of her choice. She slid the earthly toned fabric down her arms until the sight of her naked chest was just barely hidden, "Well?"

"I uh....Well..." His eyes fell upon her dark skin, like smooth caramel and glistening in the dim light of the lantern. He was entranced now and wanting nothing but to see more of this astounding beauty, perhaps to even touch her soft skin or taste her full lips. As insecurity followed by uncertainty began to fade into the past he straightened his back, unable to pull his eyes away and unable to keep his thoughts upon anything else, "...Go on."

A devilish smile curled her lip and she knew that she had his full attention now. The fabric fell away and she stood, proud and strong, in that soft yellow light. Her body was lean and elegant, only a slight tone of muscle would hint to her active lifestyle. Many tattoos graced her body, soft blue in color, and they fell in a particular patterns around her pierced naval, across her chest, and in bands on her lower arms. Her hands pulled the last strand of cloth that held up her loose pants and they fell with ease about her ankles.

At the sight of her fully unladen bodice Kazuki shivered. It wasn't that he had never seen a woman naked before. More so that...she was naked for him. Did he really think that it would never happen? Well no...but he never thought about the specifics of it. But now Isha was standing atop the stone ledge right before his eyes with no
one else to see her, except him.

His silence made her grin widen and she pushed the discarded clothing away with her toe. The cool water made her draw a sharp breath as she stepped down into the spring, but she hid her momentary discomfort with a calm hum. She strode out deeper in the waters and stopped just an arm's distance from him, looking at his eyes as they poured over her body.

It took a great effort for him to remain standing still, he grew more restless with each step closer she made towards him. She was so close, yet he dared not reach out for her. He didn't want to risk being too eager, already he felt he had been foolish with his dumbfounded expression of disbelief. He slowly closed the small gap between his lips, that was steadily growing wider as he stared, and brought up his gaze to her face. Finding that she was looking right back into his own eyes he, at first, wanted to pull away but could not. He looked at her for a long moment before drawing up enough courage to speak, "You were right. I do feel better."

Isha smirked and took a step closer to him, reaching out and gently caressing his face, "I thought you might." She leaned in close and her lips hovered just barely above his own and she could feel a warmth breath brush past her full with the shivers of anticipation.

This small pause was maddening for Kazuki, but his patience paid off well. Her lips pressed softly against his, the slight and subtle motion teasing his mouth until his lips parted enough for her tongue to slip between them. He cradled her tongue in his, a soft hum of pleasure escaping him at the delicate touch and a taste that hinted vaguely of honey.

She could tell that he was struggling keep himself steady, delighting in his ecstasy with a sense of pride. However it would be no fun if he merely stood there and offered nothing more than amusing mannerisms so she took his hand gently and pressed his palm onto her breast. She took his other hand and placed it firmly on her rear end. Of course, at this he took the hint and decided to make a move for himself. With a gentle yet strong pull he closed the distance between them and returning her gentle kiss with a more passionate response.

Isha gasped soundlessly at his sudden embrace but rewarded his courage with another tantalizingly smooth kiss and pressed her body against his. She nearly pulled back in surprise as his manhood pressed against her legs. She had been with few other men in her days, young though she was, and even in her small window of experiences she could tell without a doubt that Kazuki was indeed well endowed. The water made this unclear from before, and she had never been able to guess this fact. Her smile returned and she kissed him again. One hand draped over his shoulders and the other began to travel down his chest, a touch so light and delicate it could barely be felt. His skin shivered as her hand moved ever lower and she could feel him take a deep breath when they lingered for an instant just below his naval.

Teasing him was far too tempting and she brush her fingers into the curls of his pubic hair, her fingertips just barely grazing the base of his member. He gave her breast a firm squeeze, kissing her deeply with a hum of rapture. He felt his impatience welling, his muscles tightening with the desire to pull her hips onto him.

The thought of it all began to make his head swim and his shoulders quiver, until she finally wrapped her hand around his dick and held him tightly. It wasn't just that someone besides himself was touching him as much as it was the way she did so. It was not nearly as gentle as her previous caresses, but firm with intention.

He gasped slightly as he felt her hand move down the shaft and he heard Isha giggle knowingly at his reaction. The secret was void now, only a virgin would shudder at such a small stroke. But this, to Isha, was more erotic than a well experienced man. Now she could make the rules, set the pace, and do whatever she wanted however she pleased with the certainty that it would be enjoyed. She continued to squeeze and rub as his slight gasps and moans rose in sync with her touch. His reactions were all that she needed for her body to begin to ache with appetite. Slowly she lifted her leg, pressing against his skin lightly, and she took his hands in hers. She brought them both down to hold her steady as she ease forward, guiding him into her carefully and slowly.

Kazuki's eyes gazed with a soft, heavy stare over Isha's body as she moved onto him. He held her easily, as she was fairly light and the water around them helped a bit to alleviate the strain, and a whimper escaped his lips as he felt her heat envelope him. Her arms wrapped around his neck and he lifted her off her feet, rocking her against him as his body took over out of some innate knowledge of this act that was so new to him. He found that he must be doing something right as the sound of her lustful moans rose with each meeting of their hips. Once the initial surprise of the act itself faded, he too began to groan softly in broken breaths against her soft lips.

With a smug smiled, Isha pulled his hips to her with a great force from her legs and he dipped his head down, stifling a loud moan against her collarbone. She held his neck tightly with one arm to keep her self steady as his fevered rocking began to quicken, her other hand cradled his face and she looked down into his dulcet gaze with a sort of wickedness in her dark eyes. Her voice rose softly as she leaned in, whispering in his ear, "Much better than imagining it, is it not?" She giggled soft and nibbled at the lobe of his ear.

A voice so soaked with seduction flowed so gently over Kazuki's ear and he felt his pace quicken. His own voice muttered feebly, laden with passion and desire, "Would be a lie to disagree." He thrust into her harder now, awash with lust and losing control over his urges, but he found that her loud gasp was indication enough that it was acceptable so he continued as hard as he dared.

Isha's fingers filed into his hair and tugged sharply, her breathes trembling with yearning gasps for more. She heard him give a throaty moan as she tugged his crimson locks in her fingers and grinned before pulling them harder. In respond he drove himself even deeper, pulling her hips down as his voice cracked from the sudden rush of ecstasy he felt. She pressed her chest against him and gave his lower lip a sharp bite. The sudden surge of pain made his body jerk and he pressed his lips against Isha's, kissing her fervently as he gasped from rising pleasure. She could taste the coppery tang of blood from the cut she had given him and held him tightly around the shoulders, enjoying his rush of passion with devilish satisfaction.

The cool water of the spring paired with the sudden heat from this intimacy, one after the other with each thrust he made, was nothing short of exhilarating. The rhythm to his motion began to lose consistency as Kazuki began to lose all grasp on any feeling other than pleasure. He felt shudders wrack him as a warmth began to raise throughout his body, Isha's moans of pleasure only pushing him deeper and deeper into his rush. Isha began to feel a familiar tingle ripple up her body and she held his shoulder's tightly, "Kazuki.."

At the sound of her voice he was lost completely, swinging her body against his in wild thrusts as his pleasure began to peak. Unfortunately the rocks he steadied himself upon, slightly glazed with algae, shifted under the stress of his motions and his moan of euphoria turned into a yelp of surprise as he fell under the surface of the chill water.

Thankfully Isha managed to catch herself enough to keep her head above water and she stood back up, panting heavily. She blinked her eyes open just as Kazuki sprung to the surface, coughing and sputtering. He breathed heavy breaths for a moment and hunched over with his head down, coughing up a bit of water.

A long silence fell between them, only panting and coughing heard. After a moment Kazuki's voice rose in a fit of laughter, and then Isha too could not hold back her amusement. She rested an arm on his shoulder and doubled over, both of them snickering with revelry before Kazuki finally managed to speak, "...sorry...Tripped.."

He burst into laughter again and Isha shook her head, "No kidding." She sighed and looked up at his wide smile, unable to keep back a grin. He let out a long breath and looked back at the path with some uncertainty, "Maybe we can try this again later...in a less risky place."

She laughed again and looked at him with a sly smile, "Again?"

Kazuki crossed his arms with a grin, "You didn't sound disappointed earlier."

"That was before you slipped." She laughed as his lip pouted slightly, "No, you know I'm kidding," she leaned in close to him and let her lips linger close to his, "I would very much like to continue our little encounter." She kissed him softly before pulling away, her dark eyes tarrying over him as she strode back to where she left her clothing. She grabbed her garments and slipped into them with ease.

Isha paused at the line of trees where the path back to the monastery began and she looked back over her shoulder at Kazuki, her eyes barely discernible in the fading light, "You know, I do have my own room." She giggled darkly and disappeared into the darkness, leaving him to stand in the spring and ponder her offer.

Kazuki gazed after her and blinked before willing himself to move. Maybe it wasn't over after all. He'd have to make up for this utter disaster, certainly, and now that he was a bit more confident he planned on it. He gathered his clothes and looked back up the path with a wily grin, wondering when exactly she meant for her offer to be met.