Asha still didn't look entirely convinced at his insistence that she'd done nothing she should apologize for, but she hesitantly nodded all the same as she reminded herself that Xarakas wasn't the sort of person to hide his true thoughts.
Or at least, he'd never been that way with her.
"In that case… I suppose I'll just say that the only thing you're really supposed to do in that situation is sit back and enjoy," she responded with a little smile. "Relax, breathe."
Her smile transformed into a teasing grin as she used her foot to splash a bit of water his way. "Appreciate the sight of the beautiful woman with her mouth wrapped around your dick."
Asha's playfulness faltered at his own teasing however, the hybrid sitting up a bit straighter.
"I…"
She actually hadn't thought about it like that and seemed taken aback herself.
"Our three hours every day would still have to be dedicated to training. And this doesn't mean I can simply dismiss my suitors. And my father absolutely can't find out. And I can't make any promises about how often I'll be able to make time. I try to work in a break every couple of weeks, but I've been so busy, it's been months. I really shouldn't even have done this today," she warned.
Asha wasn't quite sure if she was preparing him or attempting to scare him off upon suddenly realizing she seemed more attached to him than she had known.
Still, she gave him a little look at his claim. "I'm not okay with that though, Xarakas, and you should want more for yourself. Like a partner who returns your affection. Or love. Just because your demon chose me doesn't mean you should settle and be happy simply because it's a step-up from what you'd experienced before."
Xarakas laughed faintly at her teasing, splashing her back in return. "Oh, I promise I appreciated the sight, Princess. I don't think I'll ever forget it."
His smile faded slightly as she seemed to tense, worried that his teasing had been too much, but before he could apologize, she began speaking of the parameters they'd have to have: using their training time just for training, carving time out of her already busy schedule, keeping things a secret. It almost sounded as if she were trying to discourage him.
So without really thinking, he slipped off of the edge of the tub and into the water, clothes and all, wading across until he reached her, at which point he gently cupped her cheeks and pressed a soft but passionate kiss to her lips.
"You're the first person who has ever shown me an ounce of kindness or consideration when it comes to intimacy, Asha. It's not just my demon that's chosen you, it'd seem. And yes, it's complicated, and messy, but if you're willing to try to figure it out, I'm right here, ready."