76 Lanterns

Dan led Midori along the walkway at the side of the lake, passing around the infinity pool, until they arrived at the wooden dock. At the end of it was a floating wooden boat, about the size of a dinghy, secured to the dock by a rope.

"You wanna ride?" Dan asked her as she was fixated on the boat.

"Based on my experience on marine vessels, what do you think?"

He chuckled. "Hey, I saved you back then...managed to keep you alive. You don't trust me on this one?"

Midori suddenly pecked on his cheek. "Fine...if you say so." She then had a bashful smile as she blushed under the moonlight.

He chuckled again and flashed his pearly whites. He gently tugged at her hand to guide her into the boat. He also rode with ease and untied the rope.

He began paddling and soon they were in the middle of the lake. She watched him row the boat as she tried to calm herself from the trauma of the shipwreck. She kept on looking at him for a sense of security.

Finally, Midori looked up to admire the moon and some stars. Since they were far from the city proper, there was a better view of the night sky.

Suddenly, at the corner of her eye, she saw flickering lights.

She gasped as a floating paper lamp approached their boat, as many others followed.

Dan was again mesmerized by her smile, with her dark irides barely visible in those smiling chinky eyes, further obscured by her full-volume lashes. Her cute nose was atop her well-defined thin upper lip and plump lower lip, which framed her straight rows of teeth. Her smile is not comparable to his, but her charm was adequate to catch hearts.

"Things on water aren't so scary now, are they?" he asked, with a flashy smile.

"Hmmn." she nodded, smiling gently at him.

Just then, like a magician, he took out a lantern from behind.

Midori furrowed her brows. "Where did you get that?"

Dan laughed and took out his lighter to light up the paper lantern.

Her eyes glowed in awe, highlighted by the flickering flame from the lamp.

"Make a wish." He took her hand so she can hold the lamp.

She smiled at him, then closed her eyes.

When she opened her eyes again, he said, "Now, let go."

They simultaneously let go and the sky lantern floated up into the sky.

As if her smile was fixed on her face, Midori swept the view with her eyes again.

"My wife, I think it's time we go back." He started paddling again.

.

As the door closed, Dan was pushed against it hard, making a loud sound against the wooden door.

It might have been the overflowing emotions that made her initiate the passionate kiss they shared.

Dan grabbed her by the thighs without breaking the kiss, and carried her into the bedroom.

Soon, clothes were scattered on the floor and there were rustling of the sheets.

His kisses and touches were full of desire and longing as if they were pent up over years of separation. It might be because they were not kids anymore or because they could legally do it now, that he took out all his restraints.

"Hah...hah...ah! Ah...hey, ah!" Midori was panting and squirming under him, with mixed emotions and arousal.

His tongue was slithering through her skin, eliciting moans and shudders. When it arrived at her knob, her moans became louder and she started to pull onto his locks. His finger felt that she was ready so his tongue snaked back up her abdomen, her breasts, up to her neck as he began to thrust into her.

"Ah, ah!" She was hurt by the sudden movement inside her. On the night they did the deed again after so long, she felt hurt because it has been years since they last did it. However, since at that time, they had just reconciled, he was really gentle on her. This time, as if a beast was released, she was taking in deeper and harsher thrusts.

He took in her scent, which aroused him even more. He sped up his pace.

She grabbed onto him, burying her nails on his back.

He grunted and went all the way.

He pulled away from her some time after his release.

She became too exhausted and fell asleep in no time.

As he watch her sleep soundly, he caressed her now auburn locks away from her face.

Then he kissed her forehead and whispered, "I love you."

____________

The couple was awakened by a ringing phone.

Midori recognized that it was her personal phone.

She lazily answered, "Hello?"

"Midori, where are you?!" There was a sense of urgency in the voice.

"Mom...I..." she looked at the sleeping flesh beside her.

"It doesn't matter. Come to SI Hospital right now!"

Upon hearing the place, Midori shuddered, then she was filled with panic.

"Wha-what happened?! Is Masa-nii okay?!"

"It's better for you to see for yourself." Aoi hung up.