Echoes of the Past

Chapter 14

Chapter Fourteen: Underneath the Water & Morning resolves and confessions

The sound of water echoed through the small, steamy bathroom as Harry stood under the showerhead, letting the hot stream cascade over his tired muscles. The heat was soothing, washing away the tension that had been building up inside him. He closed his eyes, relishing the moment of peace, but that calm was soon disrupted when he felt the familiar presence of Lyra behind him.

He turned around, the water running down his face, to find Lyra stepping into the shower with him. Her eyes met his, a mixture of mischief and tenderness in them. Without a word, she moved closer, her body pressing against his under the warm spray.

Harry's hands found her waist, pulling her even closer. The sensation of her bare skin against his sent a thrill through him. The steam enveloped them, making the moment feel both dreamlike and intensely real. His lips found hers in a slow, deliberate kiss, his hands roaming her back, feeling every curve and dip.

Lyra responded with equal fervor, her fingers tracing the lines of his chest before moving up to cradle his face. The water poured over them, mingling with their deepening kiss, as if trying to join them together in its flow.

The kiss broke, and Harry rested his forehead against hers, their breathing heavy. "You're incredible," he whispered, his voice barely audible over the sound of the shower.

Lyra smiled, her eyes locked on his. "So are you," she replied softly, her hands moving down to wrap around his back.

They stood there for a while, letting the water surround them, until Harry finally reached for the soap, lathering it in his hands before gently running them over Lyra's body. His touch was both tender and firm, savoring the feel of her beneath his fingertips. Lyra shivered under his touch, leaning into him as he washed away the remnants of the day.

When they were done, Harry turned off the shower, and they stepped out, dripping and warm. He reached for a towel, wrapping it around her first, and then grabbed another for himself. The intimacy of the moment wasn't lost on him; it was as if nothing else mattered but the two of them and the connection they shared.

After drying off, Harry led her back to the bedroom. The moonlight filtered through the curtains, casting a soft glow over the room. Harry dressed slowly, pulling on a pair of boxers and a t-shirt before turning back to Lyra, who was already lying on the bed, watching him with a contented smile.

He crawled into bed beside her, wrapping his arms around her, pulling her close. She rested her head on his chest, listening to the steady rhythm of his heartbeat.

"Stay with me tonight," she murmured, as his fingers brushed through her damp hair.

Harry nodded, his eyes fluttering closed as Lyra relaxed into him. "Always," he whispered, his voice filled with a quiet sincerity.

Harry pressed a gentle kiss to the top of her head, feeling a sense of calm wash over him. The world outside could wait. Right now, all that mattered was that she was here, with him, lying in his arms as they drifted off to sleep together.

- - -

The first rays of sunlight filtered through the curtains, casting a soft glow across the room. Harry slowly opened his eyes, his body still warm and relaxed from the night before. As he blinked away the remnants of sleep, his gaze fell on Lyra, curled up beside him, her hair fanned out across the pillow.

For a moment, he just watched her sleep, the peaceful rise and fall of her chest calming him. He leaned down, pressing a tender kiss to the top of her head. The subtle scent of her hair and the feel of her skin against his lips sent a wave of affection surging through him.