Man On The Moon

Chapter 30: Farawell Sister

The next morning, with the sun rising and casting a warm glow over the mountain summit, Acheron, Vettel, and Jingliu wake up slowly. Despite having slept awkwardly on the hard surface of the mountaintop, the restful night and the warm rays of the sun make them feel a bit rejuvenated. The trio sits up, groaning softly with the movement, and takes in the sight of the sun-soaked mountain peak. Acheron, the first to speak, her voice still a little gravelly from sleep, speaks up.

Acheron: "Morning, everyone."

Vettel, rubbing his eyes, groans a bit as he stretches out his limbs.

Vettel: "Morning... Didn't expect to wake up on... a mountain summit."

Jingliu, her usually stoic features softened by the morning light, offers a rare smirk.

Jingliu: "Nor did I expect to use a pair of thighs as a pillow, yet here we are."

Acheron couldn't help but chuckle at that, her cheeks a hint pink.

Acheron: "I would argue that my thighs are very comfortable. Seems like you both agree."

Vettel and Jingliu both look a little sheepish, though they don't refute her claim. Vettel, the smirk back on his face, responds with his usual dry humour.

Vettel: "Can't argue with that. Although... I doubt anyone could ever say 'I slept on Acheron's thighs and survived' again without someone thinking it's a euphemism."

Acheron rolls her eyes, feigning annoyance, but is unable to suppress a small laugh at Vettel's jest.

Acheron: "You two are terrible."

Jingliu, not to be outdone, chimes in, her usual bluntness tempered by a hint of humour.

Jingliu: "Survived or not, at least the view was better than your snoring."

Vettel gasps in mock offense.

Vettel: "Me? Snoring? You must have me mixed up with someone else. I'm a silent sleep-... Okay, I do snore a little. But you two aren't exactly quiet either, you know."

Acheron laughs softly, her eyes sparkling with amusement.

Acheron: "Oh, don't even get started on you, Vettel. You're both equally loud in your ways."

Jingliu, her usual stoicism replaced by a hint of playful rivalry, responds.

Jingliu: "At least I don't snore loud enough to wake up an entire mountainside."

Vettel chuckles and raises his hands in surrender.

Vettel: "Alright, alright. I give. You two win the 'Loudest Sleepers' award. But let's not forget who was the most comfortable pillow in this group. I'm pretty sure I get some points for that."

Acheron playfully swats at him.

Acheron: "One more word about my thighs, and you're not getting a pillow the next time we sleep on a summit."

Vettel, feigning innocence, pretends to pout.

Vettel: "But Acheron, your thighs are the ideal solution to all my sleep problems. Surely you won't be so cruel as to deny me their comfort?"

Jingliu rolls her eyes.

Jingliu: "At this rate, I think your obsession with Acheron's thighs is going to earn you a nickname. 'The Mountain Summit Pillow Snatcher' or something equally ridiculous."

Acheron laughs heartily at that, the sound ringing through the peaceful morning air.

Acheron: "I think you're right, Jingliu. That name suits Vettel quite nicely. 'The Mountain Summit Pillow Snatcher' it is from now on."

Vettel, despite his mock protests, is secretly pleased with the title.

Vettel grins, leaning back against a rock.

Vettel: "Well, if I'm going to have a nickname, it might as well be a memorable one. The Mountain Summit Pillow Snatcher... I could get used to it."

Jingliu, shaking her head, can't help but let a small smile slip through her usually stoic expression. Acheron, looking at the two, feels a surge of affection. Despite the teasing and the banter, there's a sense of closeness and understanding between them that few would ever understand.

Acheron, her tone softening a bit, speaks up.

Acheron: "As much as I like that nickname, let's focus on getting down from this mountain first. The faster we get back, the sooner we can find more comfort than a mountaintop."

Vettel and Jingliu both nod, a hint of seriousness returning their expressions. Despite their exhaustion after the climb, they know they need to start the descent back to civilization.

Vettel: "Agreed. As much as I enjoyed this unexpected camping trip, I could use a shower and a proper bed right now."

Jingliu, readjusting her robes, adds.

Jingliu: "And a proper meal wouldn't hurt either."

Acheron stands up, stretching out her limbs.

Acheron: "I think we all share that sentiment. The view was worth it, but a roof over my head and some real food sound like paradise now."

With that, the trio begins to make their way down the mountain, their journey back to civilization and a sense of normalcy begins. As they traverse the rocky terrain, the path slowly leading them back down, the trio falls into a companionable silence. The events of the night still linger in their minds, but they all focus on the task at hand. Acheron leads the way, her footsteps sure and steady. Vettel and Jingliu follow, their steps mirroring her determined pace. Despite the weariness from the climb, they all push forward, their determination to reach the base of the mountain stronger than their exhaustion. The descent is quiet, save for the crunch of gravel underfoot and the occasional bird call from the surrounding trees. Vettel, walking next to Jingliu, occasionally glances over at her, a sly smirk on his face. He breaks the silence, his voice soft but mischievous.

Vettel: "You know, I never knew you were such a cuddle bug in your sleep, Snow Leopard."

Jingliu, keeping her gaze forward, rolls her eyes slightly, a subtle flush creeping up her neck, but doesn't deny the statement.

Jingliu: "I was exhausted. And it was cold."

Vettel grins wider, clearly enjoying the rare chance to tease Jingliu out of her stoic shell.

Vettel: "Oh, come on, you can admit it. You found My sister's thighs quite comfortable, didn't you? You were snuggled up pretty close to them all night."

Jingliu chooses not to respond, her lack of denial speaking volumes, but her eyes betray a hint of embarrassment. Acheron, walking ahead, overhears the banter and can't help but chuckle softly. Acheron, glances back at them, a teasing smirk on her face.

Acheron: "You two are like children sometimes, you know that?"

Vettel laughs, his good mood irrepressible.

Vettel: "And you love it. Admit it, you wouldn't have us any other way."

Acheron laughs softly, shaking her head.

Acheron: "Oh, I do admit it. It would be dull without your shenanigans."

Jingliu, feigning indifference, mutters under her breath.

Jingliu: "Just focus on the descent and stop bickering."The banter continues as the trio continues down the mountainside, their pace steady and their spirits high. The banter becomes a familiar rhythm, a comfortable background to the quiet trek downwards. As the day progresses, they make progress, the landscape gradually shifting from the rugged summit to the more verdant foothills. They take brief rests, sharing sips from their waterskins and bites from their provisions. The mountains might be tiring, but the company is a boon. The trio comes across a waterfall on their descent, its cool waters cascading down from a rocky outcropping into a pool below. The sound of the falling water and the refreshing sight tempt them into a small break. Vettel looks at the waterfall with unabashed enthusiasm.

Vettel: "A waterfall! Now this is more like it. I could use a good swim to wash off all the mountain sweat."

Acheron nods, looking at the crystal-clear pool that the waterfall feeds into.

Acheron: "Agreed. A quick dip would be a nice way to refresh ourselves before we continue the journey."

Jingliu, usually more reserved, can't hide a hint of anticipation.

Jingliu: "It has been a while since I've been swimming. This will be a pleasant respite."

Vettel immediately begins to unbutton his shirt.

Vettel: "The last one in the water is a rotten egg!"

Without waiting for a response, he dashes towards the pool, strips off his shirt and dives into the cool water with a splash. Acheron and Jingliu watch with amusement as Vettel cannonballs into the pool. Acheron laughs heartily at his eagerness.

Acheron: "Ever the impatient one, aren't you, Vettel?"

Jingliu shakes her head, a small smile tugging at the corner of her lips, and starts to unbutton her outer layer of clothes. As Vettel resurfaces, shaking the water out of his hair, he grins up at the two still on the bank.

Vettel: "Hey, no one said waiting was my strong suit. You two coming in, or what?"

He paddles over to the edge, watching Acheron and Jingliu as they continue to undress. Acheron, now down to her undergarments, toes the edge of the pool before diving in. She emerges a moment later, laughing and shaking the water out of her hair.

Acheron: "Oh, that's refreshing. Come on, Jingliu, the water's perfect."

Jingliu, now in only her undergarments as well, hesitates a moment before taking the plunge. She glides into the water with a grace that contradicts her usual stoicism. The trio swims around, enjoying the cool, rejuvenating water. Vettel playfully splashes Acheron, inciting a brief splash war. Jingliu, despite her usual seriousness, lets her hair down – literally and figuratively – laughing at the duo's antics. As they all enjoy the water, Vettel, ever the mischief-maker, starts to joke about Acheron's figure.

Vettel: "So, Acheron, your body looks like it's been carved from marble. Firm, shapely... I bet even the Gods would be jealous."

He grins, clearly enjoying himself. Acheron rolls her eyes but can't hide a hint of amusement. As Acheron playfully splashes water at Vettel, Jingliu chimes in, a sly smirk on her face.

Jingliu: "Firm and shapely, you say? Perhaps you could admire a more... direct example."

She turns in the water, her lean body gleaming as the water runs down her skin, her figure revealed through the thin fabric of her undergarments. Vettel, caught off-guard, can't help but stare for a moment, his eyes trailing over Jingliu's figure in unabashed appreciation. Acheron, noticing his reaction, giggles as she also watches.

Acheron: "Looks like you've left him speechless, Jingliu."

Vettel, regaining his composure, looks back and forth between Acheron and Jingliu, a cheeky grin on his face.

Vettel: "Indeed. I never expected the Snow Leopard to be such a temptress."

He splashes some water at Jingliu playfully, his gaze full of admiration. Acheron laughs, enjoying the banter. Jingliu, slightly flustered by Vettel's attention, responds with a cool smirk.

Jingliu: "Careful, Vettel. Teasing a snow leopard might get you bitten."

She splashes water back at him, the cool facade cracking a little. Vettel, not one to back down, retaliates by swimming over to Jingliu and grabbing her from behind. He pulls her towards him, his arms around her waist.

Vettel: "You're all talk, Snow Leopard. I think deep down you like the attention."

Jingliu, her composure faltering, lets out a small gasp as Vettel pulls her against him. She is caught between her usual reserved demeanour and her unexpected reaction to his touch and banter.

Jingliu: "Don't get too full of yourself, Vettel."

Her protest sounds weak, almost like a half-hearted attempt to hide her liking for his attention. With Jingliu trapped in his arms, Vettel continues to tease her. He nuzzles her neck, his breath warm against her damp skin.

Vettel: "Oh, come on, Snow Leopard. No need to be coy. I can feel the heat of your body. You're enjoying this just as much as I am."

Jingliu's breath hitches in her throat, her body responding to Vettel's touch despite her efforts to stay aloof.

Jingliu: "Hmph... Don't flatter yourself, Vettel."

She tries to sound annoyed, but there's a flush of pleasure creeping up her neck that betrays her true feelings. Vettel, his confidence growing by the minute, pulls her even closer, his arms like iron bands around her waist.

Vettel: "Oh, I'm not flattering myself. I'm just stating the obvious. You can pretend all you want, but your body betrays your true feelings."

He continues to nuzzle against her neck, his touch both possessive and tender. Jinglui, her usually icy exterior crumbling under Vettel's touch, can't hide the shiver that runs down her spine. Her eyes flutter shut for a moment, a low, involuntary moan escaping her as Vettel's lips find a sensitive spot on her neck.

Jingliu: "I... I'm not.."

Her protest is weak, her voice ragged. Vettel chuckles, his touch growing bolder as he feels her resistance weakening. He runs his hands up her sides, his fingers tracing lazy patterns on her skin.

Vettel: "You're not? Then why is your heart beating so fast? Why are you shivering every time I touch you?"

He nips gently at her earlobe, his voice a low, possessive growl. Jingliu's breath hitches again, her body responding to Vettel's every touch. She tries to maintain her aloof exterior, but it's a losing battle.

Jingliu: "I... It's the cold water."

It's a weak excuse, and even she doesn't believe it. The truth is written all over her flushed skin and the rapid beating of her heart. Acheron, observing the exchange between Vettel and Jingliu, can't help but let out a soft chuckle. She watches as her brother teases and flirts with the usually unshakeable Jingliu who is weakening under his touch.

Acheron: "Well, if I'd known all it took to crack the snow leopard's icy exterior was a few touches from my rowdy brother, I would've invited him along on all our adventures much earlier."

Vettel, hearing Acheron's comment, looks over his shoulder at her, a playful smirk on his face.

Vettel: "Hey, what can I say? I have a way with women."

He punctuates this statement with another gentle bite at Jingliu's neck, eliciting another soft moan from her. Acheron raises her eyebrows in mock surprise.

Acheron: "Looks like you do have a talent for rendering the strongest of women weak at the knees, little brother."

She swims closer to the pair, her gaze flickering between them with playful amusement. Vettel, pulling Jingliu closer to his chest, grins at Acheron. He keeps one arm around Jingliu's waist, his hand resting possessively on her hip.

Vettel: "You're just jealous, big sister. Not everyone can be as charming as I am."

Jingliu, finding herself trapped between the two siblings, can't help but let out a huff of annoyance. But the effect is lessened by the hint of a blush on her cheeks.

Acheron laughs heartily at Vettel's cocky comment. She shakes her head.

Acheron: "Oh, please. Not everyone can be as full of themselves as you, brother dear."

She then turns her attention to Jingliu, still encircled by Vettel's arm, a wicked smile on her lips.

Acheron: "And speaking of full of yourself, it looks like our Snow Leopard is enjoying the attention, wouldn't you say?"

Jingliu still flustered and slightly annoyed, attempts to maintain her usual aloof demeanour despite her current predicament. She glances at Acheron, her expression a mix of resignation and irritation.

Jingliu: "I'm merely tolerating this... behaviour."

She tries to sound cool and detached, but the shiver that runs through her body as Vettel's hand roams over her hip betrays her words.

Acheron, not one to back down from a bit of teasing, playfully splashes water at the pair.

Acheron: "Oh, come on, Jingliu. We all know you're enjoying this as much as you try to act like you're above it all."

She swims a bit closer, eyeing the way Vettel's holding Jingliu, the intimacy of the gesture making her smirk. Vettel, feeling emboldened by his sister's teasing and Jingliu's lack of protest, tightens his grip on Jingliu's waist. He grins unabashedly at Acheron.

Vettel: "Careful, big sister. Jealousy is not a good look on you."

Jingliu, her cheeks a lovely shade of pink, shoots an annoyed glance at Vettel but doesn't pull away from his grip. Acheron, feigning shock, puts a hand on her chest.

Acheron: "Me? Jealous? Perish the thought. I'm merely observing the rare spectacle of my brother having some charm."

She grins widely, her eyes darting to the way Vettel's fingers rest possessively on Jingliu's hip. Vettel, unrepentant in his confidence, continues to hold Jingliu close, his thumb tracing lazy circles on her hip.

Vettel: "Oh, please. You're just realizing now how charming I am? I've been charming women since the moment I left the cradle."

Jingliu, her expression still attempting stoicism, can't help but let out a soft sigh as Vettel's fingers continue their caress. As the three of them finish their playful banter, an air of melancholy settles over them. It's time for Acheron and Vettel to part ways, and the atmosphere turns serious.

Vettel turns to Acheron, his previous cockiness replaced by bittersweet affection. He pulls her into a tight embrace.

Vettel: "Big sister, it's time for us to say goodbye, isn't it?"

Acheron wraps her arms around Vettel, holding him close. For all their banter and lighthearted moments, this moment is serious.

Acheron: "Yes, it is. It's hard to believe we've come to this point already."

She pulls back slightly to look at him, her expression a mix of sadness and pride. Jingliu, standing nearby, is also solemn. Despite her usual stoicism, there's a hint of sadness in her eyes as she witnesses the siblings' farewell. She stays silent, her hands clasped together in a gesture of respect, allowing the siblings their moment. Vettel hugs his sister tightly for a moment longer, reluctant to let go.

Vettel: "I'm going to miss you, you know. Who's going to keep me in check now?"

Acheron laughs softly, her eyes misting over.

Acheron: "Oh, I'm sure you'll find some way to get into trouble without me around."

Vettel grins, reluctantly breaking the embrace but keeping a hand on Acheron's shoulder.

Vettel: "Yeah, that's probably accurate. But promise me one thing."

Acheron looks him in the eyes.

Acheron: "Anything, brother dear."

Vettel's smile fades a little as he gets serious.

Vettel: "Take care of yourself, okay? You worry about me, but I worry about you, too."

Acheron's eyes soften, touched by his sincerity.

Acheron: "I will, I promise. You take care of yourself too. No stupid risks, okay?"

As Vettel says his final goodbyes to Acheron, Jingliu steps forward. Her usual aloofness softened, and she spoke to Acheron with rare earnestness.

Jingliu: "Your brother is lucky to have a sister as strong and caring as you. Take care of yourself."

Her voice holds a note of respect, unusual coming from the usually stoic Jingliu. Acheron, touched by Jingliu's words, nods appreciatively.

Acheron: "Thank you, Jingliu. And I know my brother is in good hands with you. Take care of each other."

Vettel slings an arm around Jingliu's shoulder, pulling her close. He grins a mix of affection and mischief in his eyes.

Vettel: "Don't worry, I plan on sticking to this Snow Leopard like glue."

Jingliu rolls her eyes, but there's a hint of a smile on her lips as she leans into his touch. Acheron laughs, seeing the affectionate exchange between Vettel and Jingliu.

Acheron: "I have no doubt you will, little brother. Just make sure she doesn't freeze you solid if you get too obnoxious." 

Vettel grins, unrepentant as always.

Vettel: "Oh, you know I've got a way of melting that icy exterior of hers."

He pulls Jingliu closer, eliciting a small protest from her. Acheron chuckles, shaking her head at her brother's confidence.

Acheron: "Just watch yourself, Vettel. I know Jingliu, and she's more than capable of standing up to you."

With that, she steps back, giving the couple space. As they bid farewell to Acheron, Vettel and Jingliu begin to make their way on the rest of their journey. They walk side by side, a comfortable silence between them. Occasionally, Vettel glances over at Jingliu, the memory of their recent playful banter still fresh in his mind. He bumps her shoulder lightly with his, a silent gesture of affection. Jingliu, though she tries to maintain her usual, stoic demeanour, can't help but glance back at Vettel with a hint of a smile. Though she would never admit it out loud, she finds his presence reassuring and even somewhat enjoyable.