Torn Between

chapter 17: winter breeze in summer

As the night deepened and Axel and Iris settled into their night together, Iris couldn't shake the unsettling feeling of Axel's coldness.

Iris: Axel, is everything alright? You seem distant.

Axel: Oh, it's nothing, Iris. I'm just adjusting to being back home, I suppose.

Despite his reassurances, Iris couldn't shake the feeling that something was amiss. Axel's demeanor felt distant, his presence lacking the warmth and affection she had hoped for.

Iris: Axel, please talk to me. I want us to be open and honest with each other.

Axel: I'm sorry, Iris. It's just... I'm not sure what's wrong. Maybe I'm just tired from the journey.

Their conversation hung in the air, a palpable tension casting a shadow over the room. At that moment, Iris couldn't help but wonder if their reunion was not as she had hoped - a joyful embrace of love rekindled - but instead, the beginning of a journey fraught with uncertainty and doubt.

As Iris sought to reignite the spark between her and Axel, she made every effort to draw him closer, to bridge the distance that seemed to separate them. Yet, Axel's excuses of fatigue only served to dampen her hopes further.

Iris: Axel, I've missed you so much. Can we not spend this night together, reconnecting and rediscovering each other?

Axel: I'm sorry, Iris. I am exhausted. Perhaps another time.

Though Axel's words were gentle, they stung like a cold breeze on a winter's night. Iris couldn't help but feel a pang of disappointment, the flicker of hope she had nursed slowly extinguishing in the face of Axel's reluctance.

Iris: Of course, Axel. Rest well. We can talk more tomorrow.

As Axel retired for the night, leaving Iris alone with her thoughts, she couldn't shake the feeling of unease that lingered in the air. Despite her efforts to reignite their flame, it seemed that Axel's fire had dimmed, leaving her to wonder if their love could withstand the chill that threatened to envelop them.

As the morning breeze whispered through the window, Iris once again attempted to kindle the flame of desire between her and Axel. This time, to her surprise, Axel yielded to her advances. However, as they lay entwined in their bed, Iris couldn't shake the feeling of disappointment that settled over her.

Iris: Axel, I've missed you so much. Let's make up for lost time.

Axel: hesitant Alright, Iris.

Though Axel acquiesced, Iris sensed a distance in his touch, a reluctance that left her yearning for more. As they moved together, she couldn't help but feel as though Axel's mind was elsewhere, his passion a mere shadow of what it once was.

Iris: Axel, what's wrong? You seem distant.

Axel: I'm sorry, Iris. I just can't seem to get into it right now. Maybe I'm still adjusting to being back home.

Iris's heart sank at Axel's words, the disappointment weighing heavy in her chest. Despite her efforts to reignite their passion, it seemed that Axel's desire had waned, leaving her to wonder if their love could weather the storm that threatened to tear them apart.

Iris, determined to understand the source of the growing distance, decided to address the issue head-on. As they lay side by side, Iris turned to Axel with a mix of concern and vulnerability.