A Steamy Bath with My Little Sister
The bathroom was thick with steamy heat.
"S-So... shall we wash up?"
Charlotte's timid voice broke the silence. I tried to play it cool as I opened my mouth, but I couldn't help the slight tremble in my voice.
"Y-Yeah. Sure. We've got all this sweat... and dust everywhere."
I said that, but my hands wouldn't move. Sure, she was my little sister, but stripping naked in front of another grown girl was way more embarrassing than I'd imagined. And after that weird skinship earlier, I couldn't stop being hyper-aware of it, no matter how hard I tried.
I snuck a glance at Charlotte. She was in even worse shape. Her face was buried low, fingers fidgeting with the hem of her dress.
"Ch-Charlotte?"
"Y-Yes!"
She jumped at the sound of her name, shoulders shooting up.
"Aren't you... gonna take yours off?"
"I-I have to! I will...!"
She answered with grim determination, but her hands just hovered near the buttons. Her face was pomegranate-red, ripe to bursting.
Instead of hesitating, I reached for the zipper at the back of my dress.
Ziiip.
The sound echoed hugely in the quiet bathroom. Charlotte flinched and glanced over before whipping her head away.
The dress slid off my shoulders. Cold air hit my bare skin, raising goosebumps all over. Instinctively, I crossed my arms over my chest.
"Ugh... it's cold."
To hide my embarrassment, I exaggerated a shiver and headed for the tub. That's when I heard rustling behind me. A peek back showed Charlotte finally fumbling with her dress buttons, trembling so much it took forever for the first one.
"Nngh..."
Wearing a woeful expression, she struggled and finally shed the dress. White fabric pooled on the floor, revealing her snow-pale nakedness. But the second it was off, she curled up tight, arms wrapping around herself.
"D-Don't look..."
Her ears were scarlet as she avoided my gaze. Her petite frame, smaller than average. Hunched shoulders. It was pitiful yet oddly cute, making my own face heat up.
"I won't. Hurry up and get in. Water's gonna cool."
I plunged into the tub like I was hiding. Splash.
Warm water rose to my neck, and tension finally eased.
"I'm... coming in..."
Charlotte approached with a towel over her front, taking tiny steps. She fidgeted shyly right up to the edge. Slosh.
The water rippled as she settled in the opposite corner, knees pulled tight to her chest, body curled small. Just her nose poked above the surface, wet eyes peeking at me. Our gazes met through the steam, and my heart thumped.
"Warm, right?"
She nodded faintly at my awkward question.
"Yes... nice and warm."
Silence fell. Only water lapped at the tub's edge amid the strange tension. To break it, I sat up.
"C'mere. I'll scrub your back."
"Huh? N-No, I couldn't...!"
"Just sit still. That's what sisters do."
I lathered up plenty of bubbles and scooted over. She started to refuse but turned her back with a resigned air at my firm tone.
Smooth, milky white. I rubbed gently, careful not to press too hard. Bubbles slid over her skin. Swish, swish.
"Heehee. It t-tickles..."
She shrank with a giggle. I felt her shoulders twitch under my touch. It was just washing, but skin on skin felt vividly intimate.
"All done."
"Thank you..."
She turned with a shy smile. Then she said,
"My turn now."
"Huh? N-No need for mine..."
"I want to. Let me."
Her stubborn gaze made me chuckle as I turned.
"Fine. If you insist."
Slosh.
Water swirled, and her small hands touched my back. Delicate fingers scrubbed tentatively. It didn't hurt or feel refreshing—just ticklish. But I didn't mind the clumsy touch. If anything, it soothed me oddly.
Then her hands traced my waistline, slow and lingering. I cleared my throat to shake off the weird vibe.
"Ahem, Charlotte. That's enough. Tickles too much."
"Ah... sorry. Your skin's so soft, I got carried away."
She pulled away regretfully, splashing water to rinse. We played in the water wordlessly for a bit. Steam clouded our vision in a hazy fog. Through it, Charlotte parted the waves and sidled closer.
"Sis."
She took my hand underwater.
"Today... was really nice."
She pulled it to her wet cheek. Her hot skin burned through my palm. Amethyst eyes, brimming with moisture, stared deep—less clear pool, more bottomless marsh.
"From now on... always..."
She nuzzled my palm, whispering low.
"I'll be your little sister, right?"
"..."
Hard to read her intent. Suffocating silence. Lavender scent overwhelmed me. I couldn't look away, mesmerized by her gaze.
Her face drew nearer.
"Sis..."
Her voice dripped wet longing. Lips parted as if craving something—
Knock, knock.
"Miss, I've left fresh clothes by the door."
Marie's voice came from beyond.
"Eek!"
The tension snapped like a rubber band. Charlotte recoiled. I gasped, spell broken.
"Ah, y-yeah! Got it! Thanks!"
My voice came out ridiculous. Across from me, Charlotte buried her scarlet face.
The strange mood vanished; she was just a flustered girl now.
"Ch-Charlotte. Let's get out. Too long'll make us dizzy."
"Y-Yes! Let's go!"
We fled without meeting eyes.
Fresh pajamas on, the window showed gathering dusk. I toweled my damp hair and flopped on the sofa. Charlotte glued herself right beside me.
The bathroom vibe was gone, but she wouldn't detach.
"Time to head home? It's late."
Her face fell at my words. She twisted my hem, pouting.
"I guess... I have to?"
"Yeah. Sebastian'll worry."
"Can't I... just sleep here tonight?"
She looked up, eyes wet like she might cry.
"No one'd even notice I'm gone..."
"No means no. Come play again tomorrow instead."
I drew the line firm before my resolve softened. She bit her lip.
"Okay... I'll go then."
She stood, shoulders slumped pitifully. I pulled her into a tight hug.
We headed to the secret passage room.
"Be careful. No more injuries."
"Yes. Goodnight, sis."
She knelt at the entrance, glancing back. Face half-shadowed in dark.
"Tomorrow... first thing when I wake up."
"Sure. I'll be waiting."
Her hand brushed the floor lingeringly before vanishing into shadow. Rustle, rustle.
The faint sounds faded completely; I stood there till then.
Back in the living room after seeing Charlotte off, Marie handed me a letter.
"Oh, miss. You got mail."
"Mail?"
"Yes. It came with the dinner ingredients earlier. Addressed to Lady Bellaph."
I tilted my head. Who? No one should be writing to house-arrest me. Family's in the same territory—no need for letters. Not the palace either.
Taking the envelope from Marie, my brows furrowed.
Leoness von Austria
Leoness.
A letter from her.