(Leo's POV, Planet Vorthas)
Wasting no more time than courtesy demanded to greet the crowd on Tithia and to debrief the First Elder in private about the war, Leo boarded the first flight back to Vorthas, where he hurried straight home to Amanda.
"Hahaha—"
"Run fast or I'll catch you!"
The giggling voices of Alia and Luke drifted into Leo's ears the moment he stepped into the Skyshard Mansion, drawing his gaze to the garden where the two played catch.
Both laughed heartily, their cheeks flushed with pink, their joy so vibrant it seemed to color the air around them.
Luke's body flickered with a faint blue aura as he lunged across the grass, while Alia glowed softly in pink, her delight in her lover's company written all over her face.
"Oh, Leo? When did you come back?" Luke exclaimed the instant he noticed his brother watching from the sidelines, as he sprang to his feet, dusted himself off, and strode forward to embrace him.
"It's good to see you back, brother—" Luke said warmly, tightening his grip.
'He's regained a lot of strength... that grip is firm,' Leo noted inwardly, as he returned the hug before breaking away and giving Alia a friendly nod.
"Your presence feels different... Did you tier up again?" Alia asked, her head tilting curiously.
"Yep. I am a Transcendent now," Leo confirmed, as both Luke and Alia's faces lit up with joy.
"Congratulationsss!" Alia sang, throwing her arms around both brothers in a cheerful group hug, which Leo indulged in before moving toward the manor doors.
"How've things been around the house?" he asked casually, hoping to bridge the silence, as Luke merely shook his hands in a so-so gesture.
"Not particularly good or bad. But it's nice having Cervantez and Gimli living in the guest rooms. Their presence makes this place feel more like home…. I guess having more earthlings around brings some culture back. Holidays like New Year's and Christmas feel alive again," Luke shared, his expression bright as Leo nodded in quiet satisfaction.
It was good to know the family was holding steady, because in the end, that was all that truly mattered to him.
Amanda was down in the basement welding some parts for the new version of her mana heart, as she sat at her work bench completely immersed in her construction.
She never heard Leo approach, for Leo had slipped silently down the stairwell, his movements softer than the hum of the converter itself, as he sneaked up on her as if she was an assassination target.
He laid a light touch on her shoulder, as immediately, Amanda yelped in response.
"Ahhh!" She screamed as she jerked upright, her goggles slipping down her nose, as her free hand clutched at her chest.
"Leo! You—"
She protested as she finally turned and saw his face, however, before she could say anything more, he seized her waist in one smooth motion and pulled her flush against himself.
His lips crashed onto hers, fierce and urgent, his breath hot with longing, as the world of sparks and steel vanished into nothing but the taste of him.
For an instant, she stiffened, startled by the sudden intensity, but then her body melted into his, her arms circling his neck, her lips pressing back against his with equal fire, as though all the days of waiting and worry had pent themselves into this single moment.
The tool in her hand fell to the floor, forgotten, as her fingers tangled into his hair and she kissed him back just as vividly, their breaths mingling, their bodies pressed so close the air between them seemed to vanish altogether.
After what felt like forever and no time at all, Leo finally drew back slightly, his forehead resting against hers as both of them struggled to steady their breaths, their chests rising and falling together.
"You scared me half to death," Amanda whispered, though the trembling smile on her lips betrayed how little she truly minded.
"That was the idea," Leo murmured, his voice low and rough, as his hands tightened gently around her waist, holding her as though he never wanted to let go.
"Mmm, you feel different…. Your body, it's as hard as a rock now…. It's sexy—"Amanda noted, as she ran her fingers all over Leo's body, Feeling every inch of his ans and firm chest.
Leo chuckled softly at her words, the heat in her touch only stoking the fire already rising within him, as his eyes gleamed with a familiar mischief she hadn't seen in months.
"Well then," he murmured, his lips brushing the shell of her ear, "if you like what you're feeling here, why don't we head upstairs… and I'll let you explore the rest of me properly."
He teased as Amanda blinked, her breath catching in her throat at the bold invitation, as her cheeks flushed crimson even beneath the soot smudges from her work.
For a moment she hesitated, then bit her lip and gave the faintest nod, her voice low but steady.
"…Alright."
She agreed, as that was all the consent Leo needed.Without another word, Leo bent and scooped her effortlessly over his shoulder, her surprised laugh ringing out as her fists thumped playfully against his back.
His strides echoed up the stairwell, every movement filled with certainty, as Amanda's laughter turned into a soft sigh of anticipation.
She had understood by now that Leo had most likely tiered up again, and that he was about to show his newfound power and stamina in the most intimate way possible.
'Stronger again, huh? Then tonight's the night. No excuses, no holding back— if you don't knock me up after all this waiting, Leo Skyshard, I'm never letting you hear the end of it.'
She thought to herself, as the concept alone sent a shiver down her spine.
She knew that what she was thinking was equal parts desire and mischief, as she buried her face against him to hide the wicked smile spreading across her lips.
(More chapters in Buyers club for TMT)