♔亞緣腐宅窩♔

Candy Coated Kisses（Louis）

Giles "We have decided to make it so that only men are allowed to give chocolate."
This year, Wysteria's Valentine's Day traditions are turned on their head!
Wysterian girls don't know what it's like to receive Valentine's chocolate from their special someone.
But you're about to discover it's sweeter than you could have ever dreamed.
…………
………
Louis "I don't want to let you go.
Louis "I love you, Moana."
………
…………

（This is my first ever Valentine's Day like this.）

Whose candy coated kisses will make your heart melt?

*感謝沐沐提供路易線的劇情~~(飛吻

Prologue：

I noticed a familiar figure up ahead, waiting outside my room...

The evening sky was clear overhead, and the stars were just beginning to sparkle.
As I headed back to my room, I gazed at the stars through the windows.

（It's finally Valentine's Day tomorrow.）

A small ache settled in my chest as I thought about it.
I couldn't help but recall what Giles had said to me.
It had been only a few days earlier.

〝Giles：This year we're holding cultural exchange events with many other nations on Valentine's Day.〞
〝Giles：We have decided to make it so that only men are allowed to give chocolate.〞
〝A great many visitors from surrounding nations were currently visiting Wysteria.〞
〝Since they were visiting right around the time of Valentine's Day,〞
〝Wysteria was holding cultural exchange events throughout the nation to take advantage of the opportunity.〞

〝（I get why we're having cultural exchange events and all, but—）〞

〝Moana：How come only men are allowed to give chocolate?〞
〝Giles：We have a lot of guests from other countries visiting.〞
〝Giles：In many of them, it is customary for only men to give chocolate on Valentine's Day.〞
〝Giles went on to explain that he wanted everyone in Wysteria to get a chance to experience other customs.〞
〝He felt that it would help deepen our relationships with the visitors from those nations.〞

〝（Okay, I guess that makes sense then.）〞

〝Moana：It will probably make them really happy, right?〞
〝Moana：Being in another country yet still being able to celebrate their own culture.〞
〝Giles：Yes. And naturally this rule will apply in the palace, too.〞
〝Giles's gaze sparkled with mischief as he went on.〞
〝Giles：I wonder who you'd like to receive chocolate from?〞
〝Moana：Geez, Giles!〞
〝I wrinkled my nose up at the teasing in his voice.〞
〝But I couldn't help thinking about my special someone.〞

（It's almost like this Valentine's will be more special somehow this year.）
（I wonder how it's going to go?）

I felt a sudden burst of excitement and anticipation as I continued down the corridor.

（Hang on a minute—）

I noticed a familiar figure up ahead, waiting outside my room...

◆ Select a Suitor ◆

Who will you choose?
Choose and your story will start.

＞＞＞Choose Louis

Louis, Chapter 1：

Moana：Louis!
I called out to Louis as I hurried towards him.
He was standing in front of my door, but he turned with a gentle smile at my approach.
Louis：It's been a while, Moana.
Moana：It really has!
Louis and I had both been so busy with work that we hadn't seen each other in some time.
Just the sight of him standing before me made me smile.

（I had no idea I'd feel so happy just seeing you again!）

The two of us stood there for a moment, just smiling at each other.
Then Louis's expression changed slightly.
I studied his flushed cheeks, wondering at the look in his eyes.

（Is something the matter?）

Louis：I came because I just wanted to see you, but—
Louis：Is your work finished?
There was a hopeful tone to his voice, and my heart skipped a beat.

（I love that you came here just because you wanted to see me.）

Moana：Yes, it's all done for the day.
I opened the door to my room and smiled at Louis again.
Moana：Come on in.
Louis：Thank you.
Louis：If you weren't here,
Louis：I was thinking I'd just have to come again tomorrow so I could see you.
Louis：I'm glad you're here.
His voice was husky, and I found myself staring at him, studying his face.

（It's only been a few days since we saw each other, and yet—）

It felt so right to have him here with me again,
and a sense of longing filled me up inside.
Without thinking I reached out towards him.

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

A sense of longing filled me up inside as I stared at Louis.
I wanted to feel his warmth again, and without thinking I wrapped my arms around him.
Louis：Moana?
Louis sounded startled, and I caught my breath.

（Oops, maybe he wasn't expecting that.）

Louis：What's the matter?
Louis reached up, wrapping his arms around me in return.
I breathed a sigh of relief that he wasn't bothered by my impulsive gesture.

（So I didn't scare him. Good.）

I smiled a little to myself, snuggling closer into his embrace.
More than anything, I really just didn't want to let him go again.
I buried my face in his chest, breathing deep of his scent.
Louis：Well, I'm happy right now, but I'm also troubled.
Louis pulled back just slightly, leaning closer to catch my gaze.
Louis：If we do that, I can't see your face.
He smiled gently at me, his eyes crinkling at the corners.
Moana：I guess you're right.
I laughed lightly, looking up at him.
The gentleness in his gaze made me feel warm and gooey inside.

（Ahh, I'm not myself today. Or maybe I am.）

I wanted to touch him even more than I usually did. I wanted to hold him tight and never let go.
I looked steadily up at him, wondering if my feelings were showing in my expression.
We gazed at each other in silence for a moment.
Then Louis smiled at me, his expression turning mischievous.
Louis：Come here.

（Oh?）

His smirk sent a thrill of anticipation through me, and I let him pull me forward.

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

I felt a thrill of anticipation as I let Louis pull me forwards.

（Waah!）

All at once he wrapped his arms tightly around me.
A moment later he tumbled us together onto the bed.
Moana：Louis?
Louis：I think this is better, don't you?
Moana：Oh, really?
Louis's face was much closer than it had been a moment earlier, and I giggled.
I was so startled and delighted that I couldn't quite think of what else to say.
Louis：Well, if we're like this, you can hold me tight—
Louis：But I can still see your face.
Louis's eyes were sparkling, his smile bright with amusement.
It was like he'd read my mind, and happiness rushed through me.
I hugged him even tighter than before, loving the feel of having him so close.
Louis：So, is something bothering you today?
Louis：You're acting even cuter than usual.
Louis leaned closer, his gaze catching mine, an edge of concern in his voice.

（I don't know why, but I feel like I can tell you anything today.）

Moana：I haven't seen you for so long, so I'm just really happy.
Moana：I know it was work, and it couldn't be helped, but—
Louis pressed a sudden soft kiss against my cheek, as if interrupting my protest.

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

Louis pressed a sudden soft kiss against my cheek, as if interrupting my protest.
I caught my breath, reaching up to touch my cheek.
It was just a little kiss, yet my heart was racing, need burning through me.
I smiled hesitantly up at Louis, not sure how to respond to my own feelings.
Louis：When you say something that adorable—
Louis：Well, it's only natural for me to give you a kiss in return.
There was a teasing edge to his laughter that was at odds with his blush.

（Ahh, you're the one being adorable!）

I could feel giggles welling up inside of me.
Yet his words filled me with warmth as well.
Before I could say anything, he spoke again, his gaze turning serious.
Louis：Do you have work all day tomorrow?
Moana：Well—
Our gazes met and locked, and I tried to ignore the need inside me and think.

（Is this about Valentine's Day?）

But the thought set my heart racing all over again.
I tried my best to speak calmly, but I sounded a little breathless even to myself.
Moana：In the morning I'm studying with Leo, and then I have a dance lesson with you, but after that I'm free.
Louis：I see. Well, in that case—

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

Moana：In the morning I'm studying with Leo,
Moana：and then I have a dance lesson with you,
Moana：but after that I'm free.
Louis：I see. Well, in that case—
Louis took a deep breath, and then his expression relaxed into a sweet smile.
Louis：After that, will you come into town with me?
I felt a sudden burst of excitement at his invitation.

（Into town? Then that means—）

Moana：Are we going to the cultural exchange events for Valentine's Day?
Cultural exchange events were being held all over Wysteria.
Naturally, that included the town, where many festivities had been planned.
Louis：Yes.
Louis：I thought I'd like to enjoy them with you.
Louis reached up, running his fingers gently through my hair.
There was a gentle light in his pale blue eyes as he gazed at me.
Louis：I feel the same as you—
Louis：it's been so long since I saw you, and I really want to be with you.
Louis：Is that okay?
There was a sweet, breathy edge to his voice,
and it sent a flutter of joy through my heart.
Moana：Of course. I was hoping I'd get to go with you.

（There's nothing I want more right now than to go on a date with you on Valentine's Day.）

I smiled happily up at him, relieved that he'd finally asked.
Louis：Thank goodness.
Louis's fingers paused, still tangled in my hair.
Louis：There's something I want to give you tomorrow.

（Oh, really? Don't tell me—）

Louis, Chapter 2：

Louis：There's something I want to give you tomorrow.
Louis's fingers paused, still tangled in my hair as he gazed into my eyes.

（Oh, really? Don't tell me, is it chocolate for Valentine's?）

But I didn't want to ask and spoil the surprise, so I just nodded silently.
Still, his happy smile filled me with hope for the following day.
Louis leaned close and kissed me gently on my cheekbone.
Louis：I'm looking forward to it already.
His voice seemed filled with sweet happiness.
A moment later he began to rain kisses down on me, moving across my cheek to my ear.
Moana：Oh!
Louis：You're so adorable, Moana.
Moana：Louis—
I laughed helplessly, wriggling to get away from the sudden barrage of kisses.
Louis：Stop moving!
Moana：Why?
But I stopped wriggling, lifting my head to look him in the eye.
He leaned closer, his gaze catching mine, his face only inches away.
Our lips were so close I could feel his breath against mine.
But before they could touch, his expression changed suddenly.
I saw something flash through his eyes, and then he kissed me on the tip of my nose.

（Hang on—）
（Aren't you going to kiss me on the lips at least once?）

A sudden feeling of unease wormed its way through my heart.
I reached up, fisting my hand in his shirt.
The next day was Valentine's Day, and the morning dawned bright.

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

The next day was Valentine's Day, and the morning dawned bright.
I finished getting ready and stepped out of my room,
but I couldn't stop thinking about the day before.

（I was pretty forward with Louis yesterday,）
（and I'm glad he didn't mind, but—）

I'd enjoyed the quiet time we'd spent together, but something was bothering me.

（Louis didn't quite seem like himself yesterday.）

I remembered the odd expression on his face when we'd been about to kiss.

（But he was fine after that. Maybe I'm just overthinking things.
（And today we're going on a date!）

〝Louis：There's something I want to give you tomorrow.〞

（I can't wait!
（I'd better get my work finished as quickly as possible!）

Just picturing Louis's smile made my footsteps seem lighter.
I hurried towards Giles's room.

（Still, I wonder what's being changed?）

I'd received a message that there was a change in my morning schedule and that I was to see Giles about it.
As I turned a corner I saw someone up ahead who looked like a doctor.

（Hmm, I guess someone must be ill?）

I shrugged and turned towards Giles's door.
Giles：I'm sorry for calling you in here so early.
Moana：Not at all. I heard there was a change in my schedule?
Giles：Yes. It's not a huge change, but I wanted to inform you as soon as possible.
Giles：I will be overseeing today's dance lesson instead of Duke Howard.

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

Giles：I will be overseeing today's dance lesson instead of Duke Howard.
Moana：I'm sorry?
Giles's words caught me completely unawares, and I didn't know what to think.
Moana：Why can't Louis do it?

（Did something happen to him?）

A sudden burst of unease struck me, and I chewed my lower lip.
Giles：You don't have to look like that. He's fine.
Giles：The doctor came to see him just now, but apparently it's just a mild cold.

（Wait, that doctor was for Louis?）

I remembered the man I'd seen walking away down the corridor.

（But Louis was fine yesterday!）

Giles's frowned faintly, his expression concerned.
Giles：Duke Howard has been swamped with work recently.
Giles：He's currently in his room, resting.
Moana：I see...

（He never even mentioned being so busy yesterday.
（But maybe he's been pushing himself too hard.）

I could clearly picture his sweet, smiling face, and it made my heart ache.
Giles：At any rate, that is the situation, so I appreciate your cooperation.
Moana：Of course.

（But if he has a cold, I guess we can't go on our date, either.）

My shoulders slumped at the realization, and then I heard Giles laugh.

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

Giles laughed suddenly, and I looked up at him in surprise.
Giles：He promised to take you on a date, didn't he?
Moana：Giles—
I frowned doubtfully at Giles, my thoughts racing.
Moana：How did you know?

（We only decided last night, and I can't imagine Louis telling you about it!）

I studied him suspiciously, but he only smiled as he went on.
Giles：Duke Howard looked so disappointed.
Giles：At first he completely dismissed what the doctor said.
Giles：He was going to ignore how poorly he felt and spend the day with you anyway.
Giles：But we can't have him getting any sicker. So I stopped him.
Giles gave me a faint smile, and I smiled ruefully back at him.
Moana：That's just like Louis.

（Ignoring his own health just so he can keep his promise to me.）

I sighed, but I couldn't deny that his sweet nature made me happy.

（It's a shame we can't go out to celebrate Valentine's Day, but—
（It doesn't matter. I'll go see how he's feeling after my work is done.）

Moana：Thank you for letting me know. I look forward to our lesson later.
As soon as I'd finished all my work that morning—

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

As soon as my work was done, I made my way to the room where Louis was staying.

（The more you rest, the quicker you'll get better.）
（So I just have to make sure you take it easy.）

I sat down on a chair next to the bed, and offered Louis a glass of cold water.
Louis：And here I promised to take you into town today. I'm so sorry.
Louis sat up slowly, regret written clear across his face.
He meekly accepted the glass from me, drinking the water slowly.
His voice sounded weak and thready, and I couldn't help but worry.
Moana：Don't worry about that.
Moana：What I really want to know is, were you already feeling sick yesterday?
Louis：I was starting to feel a bit tired.
Louis：But then I got to see you, and I felt better.

（You were already coming down with this cold yesterday, weren't you?）

Moana：I'm sorry I didn't realize.
Louis leaned over and put the glass down on the bedside table.
He reached out, cupping my cheeks with his hands.
Louis：It's not your fault.
Louis：So please don't look like that.
His hands against my skin were warmer than usual.

（Gah, you're sick—）
（I'm supposed to be making you feel better, not making you worry!）

Moana：You're right.
I did my best to smile for him, trying to look reassuring.
Moana：But I can't help but be worried. So let me take care of you, okay?
Louis：Thanks. I'd like that.
Louis's smile seemed to light up his whole face as he dropped his hands from my cheeks.
A moment later he leaned towards me...

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Louis, Chapter 3-Sweet Ending：

Louis's smile seemed to light up his whole face as he dropped his hands from my cheeks.
A moment later he leaned towards me, and I suddenly felt his weight on my shoulder.
Moana：What the—
Louis was resting his head on my shoulder, his whole body leaning against me.
Moana：Louis?!
I hurriedly forced him back into bed, and he gave me a small smile.
Louis：I'm sorry. But your sweet expression made me want to cuddle up to you.
My heart skipped a beat at his words and the look in his eyes.

（You're being more needy than usual—and I think I like it!）

It made me happy to feel like Louis was relying on me for a change.

（Right, I need to do whatever I can to make sure you get well soon!）

Moana：Louis, wait just a moment.
I turned to pick up the pot I'd brought with me,
and poured the hot water from it onto a towel.
Louis：Is that... lemon?
The faint scent of the lemon oil I'd added to the towel wafted through the room.
Moana：Yes. I heard it's really good for colds.

（This is what that book in the library said to do, right?
（I really hope it helps!）

Louis：My throat feels less scratchy somehow.
Louis closed his eyes, taking a deep breath.
Then he turned a gentle smile on me.
Louis：Thank you.

（Oh, thank goodness, it did work!）

I squeezed the excess water from the towel and began to wipe the sweat away from Louis's neck.

（Oh!）

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

I squeezed the excess water from the towel and began to wipe the sweat away from Louis's neck.
As I did so my hand brushed against his shirt.

（Oh! It's so cold!）

Louis's shirt was drenched with sweat, and it was chilly to the touch.

（If you leave this on, you're going to freeze!）

Louis：Moana?
Louis's voice sounded confused, and I realized my hand had stopped moving.

（Ahh, this isn't the time to be thinking naughty things, you're sick!）

I pulled back from Louis's neck, avoiding his gaze as I said,
Moana：Louis, will you take your shirt off?
Louis：What?
Louis looked more than a little startled, and I blushed.

（I probably could have phrased that better.）

Moana：I mean—your shirt is really damp from all your sweat.
Moana：If you leave it on, you'll get really cold and uncomfortable.
I gave him a bashful smile as I spoke.
Understanding crossed Louis's face, and he sat up slowly.
Louis：Now that you mention it, you're right.
He slowly peeled off his shirt, revealing his bare skin.
I couldn't help staring at it,
and then I realized what I was thinking and quickly looked away.

（Ahh, I'm supposed to focus on taking care of you, not on touching you!）

I fiddled with the towel I was holding, but a moment later I heard his soft laughter.
He leaned closer, catching my gaze, his eyes sparkling.
Louis：Why are you looking away?

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

Louis：Why are you looking away?
Moana：I just—

（I'm trying to be a good girl!）

I pouted up at Louis, and his smile deepened in response.
Louis：It's hardly the first time you've seen me shirtless.
Moana：I know, but—

（Now's not the time to be getting all excited!）

Louis reached out, placing his hand over mine.
Louis：Could you wipe the sweat off my body?
His eyes were sparkling,
but I wasn't sure if it was the fever or if he was teasing me.

（That's probably just going to get me even more worked up, but—）

Moana：Okay.
I lifted the towel in my hand and began to wipe the sweat from Louis's neck and arms.

（I should wipe your back down, too.）

Moana：Can you turn around so I can reach your back?
Louis hesitated at my question, his gaze unsure.
After a moment he looked up at me and said,
Louis：Moving around is kind of painful for me. Can you reach it from there?

（The doctor said it was just a mild cold,）
（but I guess that doesn't change the fact that it's exhausting and painful!）

Moana：Of course.
My heartbeat began to pound almost painfully in my ears.
But I reached out, my arms wrapping around Louis from the front as I wiped the sweat off his back.

（Whew, now I'm starting to feel all hot and bothered too!）

My movements were awkward, but at last I was finished, and I started to pull back again.
Louis：Wait. Can we stay like this a little longer?

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

Louis：Wait. Can we stay like this a little longer?
Louis's breath was feverish against my neck as he embraced me tightly.
Moana：Louis—
His body was unusually warm against mine, and it sent a surge of longing through me.

（Gah, this is driving me crazy.）

Then Louis pulled back again, laughing softly.
Louis：I'm sorry.
Moana：What for?
Louis turned away, his body moving normally and seemingly without pain.
He reached for a spare shirt that was lying on the bedside table.

（Hang on—you really looked like you were in pain a moment ago.）

I frowned suspiciously, and Louis smiled at me as he put his shirt on.
Louis：I was just so happy that you wanted to take care of me.
Louis：So I wanted to really make the most of it.
Moana：So when you said it was painful to move—
Louis：I was kind of lying. I'm sorry.
Moana：Geez, Louis.
I pouted at him, but it was hard to hide my smile as he leaned closer, his gaze worried.
Louis：Are you angry at me?

（When you look at me with those eyes?
（Not a chance.）

I shook my head, letting him see my smile at last.
Louis smiled with relief,
and then turned to take something out of one of the bedside table drawers.
Louis：I didn't want to be giving this to you here, but—
He turned to offer me what he was holding.

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

Louis：I didn't want to be giving this to you here, but—
Louis turned to offer me the thing he'd taken from the drawer.
It was a small box wrapped in lovely pale blue wrapping paper.

（Is this—）

Moana：Chocolate for Valentine's?
My heart was suddenly dancing, and Louis smiled at me, his gaze affectionate.
Louis：Will you accept this, and my feelings with it?

（Even though we didn't get to take part in the special Valentine's Day events—
（You still found a way to share your feelings with me. I'm so happy!）

Moana：Of course. Thank you.
Joy tumbled through me, and I couldn't stop smiling.
Louis's expression turned thoughtful for a moment before he said,
Louis：I want to kiss you... but then you might catch my cold.
Moana：Well, in that case—

（I mean, I really want to kiss you too.）

I leaned over and gently kissed Louis on the cheek.
His eyes wavered for a moment, and then a faint frown marred his features.
Moana：What's wrong?
Louis：Now I REALLY want to kiss you.
The words were a soft, regretful murmur.
But a moment later he lifted up the box of chocolate and pressed it against my lips.
Moana：Um?
I blinked at him in confusion, but then he kissed the other side of the box.
Louis：Guess we'll just have to settle with this for now.
His smile was full of promise, and my heart began to race again.
Louis：I hope you'll let me give you lots more kisses when I'm feeling better.
Moana：I will.

（I know we didn't get to go on our date, but we're still spending a special moment together.
（So long as I'm with you, Louis, any way we celebrate Valentine's Day is more than enough to make me happy.）

I smiled brightly at Louis, and he reached out and pulled me into his arms.
I leaned against him, letting him enfold me in his feverish embrace...

fin.

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Louis, Chapter 3-Premium Ending：

Louis's smile seemed to light up his whole face as he dropped his hands from my cheeks.
A moment later he leaned towards me, pressing his forehead against mine.
Moana：Louis?
He was suddenly almost too close, and he grinned at me, his gaze dancing with mischief.
That simple look was enough to set my heart racing.
Louis：You don't have to worry. I'm okay.
Louis：Look, my fever's not even that high.
I could feel his faint warmth from where his forehead pressed against mine.

（You're right.）

I breathed a small sigh of relief, and Louis pulled back again, his smile gentle.

（But even so—）

He still looked pale and unwell, and I didn't want him to overdo it.
Louis：I don't want you to catch my cold as well, okay?
Moana：I know. But please let me stay with you until you get better.

（I know how awful it feels to have a fever.
（I want to do whatever I can for you.）

Louis：Thank you.
Louis smiled, a happy smile that seemed to brighten his pale face.
Moana：First you need to take your medicine.
I reached out and picked up the medicine sitting on the bedside table.
I offered it to Louis together with a glass of water.
Louis：Oh, that's right. I can't take it yet.

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

Louis：Oh, that's right. I can't take it yet.
Louis's voice was a soft, uncertain murmur.
Moana：What?
I gazed at Louis in confusion, and he shrugged slightly.
Moana：But why not?
Louis：The doctor told me to take it after I eat.
Louis：But I haven't eaten anything yet today.
He gazed up at me with clear blue eyes, and my heart melted.
I had a sudden idea, and I smiled at him.

（In that case—）

Moana：Let me make something for you.

＊＊＊

I borrowed the palace kitchen to make some food for Louis,
but I soon returned to his room, wheeling a cart carrying the food.
Louis：Welcome back.
Moana：Thanks.
I smiled as I approached, and Louis sat up slowly in bed.
Louis：That smells good.
I picked up the bowl of soup from the cart, and sat down next to the bed.
Louis：It looks delicious.
Moana：It's pumpkin soup. Do you think you can eat it?
Louis nodded slowly, and I smiled with relief.
I started to hand him the bowl and a spoon, but he said,
Louis：Could you feed it to me?

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

Louis：Could you feed it to me?
Moana：What?
I hadn't expected Louis's request, and I stopped short.
Louis：Please.
His voice was husky, and it set my pulse racing.

（Ahh, sometimes the simplest things you do get me so hot under the collar!）

Moana：Okay.
I scooped up some soup with the spoon, and lifted it towards Louis's mouth.
He wrapped his mouth around it, swallowing the soup carefully.
I pulled the spoon back, and he smiled at me.
Louis：It's delicious.
The happiness in his gaze sent a flood of warmth through me.

（Thank goodness.）

In no time at all, the bowl was completely empty.
Moana：There, you'll be better in no time.
I took the glass back from Louis as he finished taking his medicine.
Louis：Thank you.

（Now, you've eaten and you've taken your medicine.
（What else is there that I can do to help you?）

The thought spurred me into action, and I started to rise from the chair.
Louis：Wait.
Moana：Louis?
Louis grabbed my hand, pulling me towards him, and I fell against him on the bed.
Moana：What's the matter?
I looked up at him as he wrapped his arms around me, hugging my tightly.
Louis：You don't need to do anything special.
Louis tightened his grip on me, as if he never wanted to let go.

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

Louis tightened his grip on me, as if he never wanted to let go.
Louis：You don't need to do anything special.
Louis：Just stay with me.
His voice was cajoling and alluring all at once, and I swallowed hard.

（You don't normally let down your guard like this.
（It's adorable, and I love it.）

Moana：Okay.
I nodded reassuringly, and Louis smiled gently as he let me go again.

＊＊＊

Some time later...

（Hang on—am I—）

Consciousness slowly returned to me, and I opened my eyes.

（Where am I?）

I sat up and looked around the room,
and a jacket that had been covering me slid to the floor.

＊＊＊

（This is Louis's. Oh my gosh, I fell asleep right here in this chair!
（I can't believe I fell asleep when I was supposed to be taking care of him!）

Louis：Good morning.
I heard Louis's gentle voice, and a moment later felt a soft kiss on my forehead.

（Louis—）

I looked up at him, and the words tumbled out of me in a flustered rush.
Moana：I'm so sorry, Louis—I didn't mean to fall asleep—
Louis：No, it's fine. Thank you for staying with me the whole time.
Moana：Are you feeling better?
Louis：I am. I feel a hundred percent better.
Louis：It must be because you stayed with me.

（Oh, thank goodness!）

His voice was soft and relaxed, and his complexion looked much better.
As I smiled up at him, he held out his hand to me.
Louis：We still have time, so come with me.
Moana：What for?
But Louis only scooped up his jacket on the floor and took me by the hand.

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

Louis took me by the hand and led me out onto the balcony.

（Oh!）

I could distantly see dozens of fireworks going off in the night sky above us.

（Wow! I wonder if those are for the Valentine's Day festivities?）

Louis：It would have been better if we could have seen them down in town, but—
Moana：No, not at all. They look beautiful from here.
Louis：I'm glad you think so.
We stood side by side, gazing up at the sky dyed bright colors by the fireworks.
Louis：Moana.
Louis's serious voice broke the silence, and I glanced over at him.
He handed me a small box wrapped in pale blue wrapping paper.
Louis：Remember how I said yesterday that I wanted to give you something?
Louis：I heard that this year only men are allowed to give chocolate.
The moonlight and the fireworks lit up his face,
and I could see an edge of nervousness in his expression.

（I was hoping you would, but I wasn't sure! Ahh, I'm so happy.）

Moana：Thank you.
I beamed brightly up at Louis, and he smiled at me in return.
Louis：Do you want to try one?
Louis carefully undid the bright ribbon holding the box shut.
He reached inside and pulled out a single chocolate truffle.
Louis：You were kind enough to feed me earlier.
Louis：Now it's my turn to feed you.
He reached out, pressing the edge of the truffle against my lower lip.
Louis：Open wide.

（There's something about this that feels very sensual.）

I slowly opened my mouth and let Louis slide the truffle inside.
The sweet taste of milk chocolate filled my mouth as I chewed.
Louis：Is it good?
Moana：It's delicious! Do you want to try one?
Louis studied me silently for a moment, his eyes dancing.
Then he leaned closer and pressed a light kiss against my lips.
Louis：You're right. It's sweet and delicious.
Moana：Geez, Louis, that's not what I meant!
I couldn't help but laugh in spite of the sudden thrill of excitement coursing through me.
I peeked up at him, and he wrapped me in a warm embrace.
Louis：I don't want to let you go. I just want to stay here and kiss you.
Louis：Do you mind?
I smiled again, shaking my head, and he smiled back at me.
He pressed a soft, barely-there kiss against my lips.
Louis：I love you, Moana.
He whispered the words, his voice husky and sonorous.
The sound seemed to thrum through my heart, making it soar.
Moana：I love you too, Louis.
I met his gaze directly as I said it, my voice hushed.
Louis smiled slowly, and kissed me again, deeper this time.

（I'm so glad we're here like this, and that you shared your feelings with me.
（I never imagined Valentine's Day this year would make me so happy.）

Our kisses grew deeper, as sweet and as smooth as any milk chocolate.
I closed my eyes and let myself melt into Louis's embrace...

fin.

After Episode

Find out what happens afterwards in a sexy After Episode...

You're in for a very sexy Valentine's night!
Louis：What do you want to do?
Louis：I don't want to stop at just kisses.
He leaned closer, his blue eyes intense as he held me tightly.
Louis：Do you mind if I touch you all over?
It'll be a night hot enough to melt the chocolate he just gave you!
Your man is in an especially giving mood this year...