If Story

It began with a scent.

The familiar and sweet fragrance of Theodora, mingled with the headache-inducing smell of alcohol, filled Maxim's senses and mind. It was as if Theodora was trying to reclaim the warmth she had missed for three years, pulling Maxim closer with an intensity that made his steps falter. Theodora's steps staggered along with his, and his hand, lost for a place to settle, found its way to the back of her head.

Their lips and tongues, once entwined in a passionate kiss, began to slow, becoming more languid and intimate. The kiss brought back memories for the two of them, memories of when they knew each other so well. Theodora's eyes began to blur, perhaps in an attempt to fill the emptiness she had felt deep inside for so long. Her voice trembled as she spoke, laced with desperation.

"Maxi..."

Theodora called his name softly, her heated breath brushing against his neck and face, sending shivers through his skin. Maxim felt his senses awakening and calming all at once.

He lowered his head.

Theodora's pale cheek was flushed, not from the alcohol but from the touch of his lips and breath. Wherever Maxim's lips touched, a blush bloomed on her white skin, like flowers blooming in spring. Theodora relaxed completely, her hand reaching for Maxim's as he gripped the collar of her uniform jacket.

Sssrrk.

As if unwrapping a layered gift, Theodora's jacket slowly slid to the ground. Her body, the curves he had long forgotten, revealed themselves with each layer of clothing that was shed, becoming more real to Maxim with each passing moment.

Theodora's body was not too thin but had a firmness to it. Beneath the thin layer of her shirt, he could feel the soft line of her shoulder. His lips traveled down to her prominent collarbone, caressing it with gentle kisses. Theodora let out a faint moan, her breath catching in her throat.

"It tickles..."

Her usual authoritative demeanor had vanished. Theodora's voice, a mix of embarrassment and arousal, whispered in Maxim's ear.

They were fully entwined now, exploring each other's bodies in the most intimate way possible, standing in front of the bed.

Thud.

The last button of Theodora's shirt came undone. Maxim's hand searched for the knot of her corset, fingers tracing the curve of her back.

Hiii...!

Theodora let out a high-pitched, broken moan. Maxim suddenly remembered how sensitive her back had always been. Beneath the soft skin, he felt the tautness of her muscles, and he teasingly let his fingers glide along her back.

"Ah... Wait... Maxi..."

Theodora's face was now completely flushed, her lips glistening with saliva. The stormy clouds that had swirled in her eyes now softened to a hazy, heated gaze that locked onto Maxim's. Her pleading voice, asking him to stop, sounded more like a request for more, prompting Maxim to continue teasing her back.

Hik...

Theodora trembled with each of Maxim's touches. Her thighs touched the bed, causing her to fall backward. Her short hair spread out across the sheets like a delicate veil. Maxim's fingers finally found the knot of her corset, and he began to untie it, all while holding her close.

Srrk, srrk.

With each loosened knot, Theodora's expression changed. Familiar hands guiding her, Theodora turned her arms behind her, helping Maxim remove her undergarments.

Tick.

Her undergarments fluttered to the floor. Through the half-open shirt, Maxim could feel the soft swell of her breasts, pressing against his body with a firm yet gentle pressure. Maxim lowered his head, pressing his face against the ample mounds that proudly stood out beneath her collarbone.

Theodora's breasts were beautiful, two perfect, round peaks that flowed seamlessly into her body.

"Maxi..."

Theodora lowered her head in embarrassment. Maxim could feel her gentle touch on his head as she placed her hand there. His lips roamed across her breasts, searching for the peak.

"Kyaa..."

Theodora's nipples hardened under his tongue. Maxim teased the tips, circling them gently as if savoring a sweet fruit.

"Ah... Ha..."

Theodora's breath grew hotter, her transparent eyes fixated on Maxim. Her trembling hands began to unbutton his shirt, revealing his bare chest. Maxim slowly kissed his way down her body, from her breasts down to her flat stomach.

Her chest, despite lying down, maintained its perfect shape as Maxim's lips moved lower, tracing the soft skin of her abdomen.

Thump.

Theodora's heart pounded loudly. Maxim's tongue and lips drew another line down the delicate line of her belly, the sensation intensifying as he moved lower. Theodora's body trembled as he approached her navel, her hands covering her face as she twisted and turned, trying to hide her embarrassment.

Near her navel, at the entrance to her most intimate area, Maxim's head paused. He lifted his gaze, meeting Theodora's tear-filled eyes. Slowly, he lowered his head again, his lips finding hers.

Softly, like biting into a ripe fruit.

"It's so warm..."

Theodora smiled tearfully at Maxim, her eyes brimming with unshed tears. Her hand caressed his cheek.

"You're so warm, Maxi."

Their kiss was soft and familiar. Playful at times, it lingered long, like the kiss of lovers. They nibbled at each other's lips, explored each other's mouths, and their tongues danced together before they parted with a wet sound.

Theodora sat up halfway, her eyes on the scars that marred Maxim's bared chest. Under the brass light of the lantern, the dark scars, even through the haze of alcohol, brought back memories. She remembered the time in the dungeon, how he had taken the brunt of the attack to protect her. Though she had quickly healed the wound with a potion, the scars had remained.

Theodora reached out to touch the scar that stretched from his chest down. It felt strange.

"It must have... hurt a lot..."

Ah, the alcohol was to blame.

Tears welled up in Theodora's eyes and fell. Maxim gently wiped the tears from her cheeks. The tears he hadn't been able to wipe away that day were now fading from his touch.

"It's nothing."

That was Maxim's reply. He leaned down to kiss her once more. A smile reappeared on Theodora's face, a beautiful, heart-wrenching smile, no different from three years ago.

"Forget it... for now."

Maxim leaned forward, gently biting her ear.

"Hing."

Theodora whimpered, trembling.

"Theo."

Maxim called her name, his low voice eliciting a breathy sigh from her. How long had it been since they last called each other by their nicknames? Maxim couldn't quite remember. His head spun.

Was the longing greater than the hatred?

Maxim kissed her again, his hand caressing her tear-streaked face.

Theodora pulled back, facing him. The tears had left only faint traces, and a playful smile adorned her face. Her hand moved down, tracing his toned muscles until it reached his lower body.

"What do we have here?"

Her hand touched the front of his pants.

Maxim's manhood was already hard and fully erect. The delicate touch of Theodora's fingers stroked and teased him, making his arousal swell even further.

Theodora caught the change in Maxim's expression and smiled seductively. She began unbuckling his pants.

"I wonder."

"Hmm?"

Maxim's hand slid down to caress Theodora's panties. She was already wet, the slickness of her arousal seeping through the fabric.

"...So embarrassing."

Theodora momentarily placed her hand on Maxim's wrist, then let go. Maxim's fingers traced the line of her underwear, teasing her skin and the fabric. Theodora tilted her head back, letting out a faint moan as Maxim pulled down her panties.

"Kyaa..."

The fabric slid down her smooth, shapely thighs, past her clean knees, down her long shins. The underwear continued its descent, passing over her beautiful ankles and her delicate, sculpted feet.

Her lower body was now fully exposed, leaving her nearly naked save for the loosely draped shirt. Her body was a masterpiece. Theodora furrowed her brow slightly as she reached for Maxim's pants. With a resigned smile, he followed her lead, sliding them down.

"...It's big."

"...What."

Maxim's pants and underwear were both pulled down. Theodora, up close, marveled at the size of his member, her hands stroking it, guiding it toward her body. Maxim, breathing heavily, followed her lead, guiding his length to her entrance like an artist painting with a brush.

"Mm..."

Theodora's entrance was slick with arousal. The sound of his manhood sliding against her wetness echoed as he moved, each motion eliciting a soft squelch.

"Maxi..."

Theodora lay back, wrapping her arms around Maxim's neck. A faint smile played on her lips as her eyes locked with Maxim's golden gaze. Her pink lips parted.

"Come to me..."

Maxim pushed forward, sliding his length deep inside Theodora. His large member entered her, making a soft, squelching sound as it went deeper.

"Haah...!"

Theodora let out an involuntary high-pitched moan, quickly covering her mouth with her hand, surprised by the depth of the penetration. His member reached deeper than she had anticipated, touching her most sensitive spots. Maxim, after pushing deep inside her, paused for a moment, then slowly began moving his hips.

"Ah... An... Maxim..."

Sweet, sensual moans escaped from Theodora's lips as she wrapped her arms around Maxim's neck and pulled him in for a kiss. Her breath, filled with arousal and satisfaction, mixed with soft moans and uneven gasps.

"Mmm... Mmm! Mmm...!"

Maxim continued his smooth and rhythmic movements, gradually intensifying them. The warm walls of her vagina wrapped around his member, increasing his excitement and bringing Theodora closer to climax. Her breath became more ragged, and with each wave of pleasure, her muscles tightened around Maxim, unwilling to let go.

"Oh... Maxim... Ah! So good... Keep going..."

Theodora repeated his name on the brink of ecstasy, her eyes clouded, filled with tears of joy and pleasure.

Their lovemaking was filled with longing and passion but also love and memories. Their relationship was complex, but now Theodora was not a commander of knights but simply a woman in love with Maxim. Maxim, too, was not a weakened knight but a man who loved this woman with all his heart.

The bed creaked with their movements. Maxim's pace continued to quicken.