Chasing Dreams, Losing Her.

Chapter 34 moonlight and sweet surrender

??warning mga bading??

??

This chapter contains mature, explicit, and sexually suggestive content intended for adult readers only. Reader discretion is strongly advised. Please read at your own risk.

(sinadya ko talagang 12:30am, bakit?)

Zarya's point of view

The sky was slowly turning into a mix of soft orange and deep pink, the sun starting to dip low over the horizon. The breeze got a little cooler, carrying the familiar salty scent of the sea. I looked over at Iris, who was still gazing out at the waves, her hair gently blowing in the wind.

"The sun is coming down" I said softly, brushing a strand of hair away from my face. "Gusto mo bang pumasok muna? I'll make us some coffee."

She turned to me with that warm, easy smile I loved so much. "Of course, tara."

We walked back inside the quiet beach house, the sound of our footsteps soft against the wooden floors. I headed straight to the kitchen, simple but fully stocked and started gathering what I needed. Iris leaned against the counter, watching me curiously.

I measured the freshly ground beans carefully, tapping the side of the portafilter to even them out.

"You have to make sure the grind is just right, not too coarse, not too fine," I explained, my hands moving with practiced ease.

"If it's too coarse, the water passes too fast and it tastes watery.

Too fine, and it gets bitter. Kailangan tamang tama lang ang timpla. "

I tamped the grounds down evenly, then locked it into the espresso machine.

"Temperature is also key around 93 to 96 degrees Celsius.

Too hot, you burn the beans. Too cool, you don't get the full flavor.

See?" I gestured as the rich, dark liquid started dripping slowly into the cup below.

"You want that golden crema on top, that's the sign it's done right. "

Nanunood lang siya saakin habang nakangiti, and I love it. She is my view as she watches me.

Next, I steamed the milk, keeping the nozzle just below the surface to create that smooth, velvety texture. "Don't let it get too hot, masarap inumin kapag sakto lang ang init, not scalding your tongue." I poured it slowly, creating a simple little heart shape on the surface.

Iris watched the whole thing, looking genuinely surprised. "you make it look so easy. Why are you so good with that? I didn't know you learned making coffee."

My hands paused for just a split second. I didn't answer right away, just gave her a small, gentle smile as I placed the two mugs on a tray. If only you knew... I thought to myself.

"Well, in Italy kasi coffee is everywhere, so natuto lang ako doon," I said lightly, keeping my tone casual.

I didn't wait for her to ask more. I grabbed the tray, plus a thick, heavy comforter from the cabinet. "Come on. Let's bring this outside."

We walked back to the shore, a little further from the house where we had a clear view of the whole sky. I spread the soft comforter over the smooth, warm sand, making sure it was flat and comfortable. We sat down side by side, holding our warm mugs, the steam rising up to meet the cool air.

I leaned my body against hers, resting my head gently on her shoulder. She immediately shifted, wrapping one arm securely around my waist, pulling me a little closer.

"Ang ganda, 'no?" I whispered, my eyes fixed on the sun slowly sinking lower, painting the whole ocean in shades of gold and tangerine. "It feels like time is moving slower here."

Iris rested her cheek against the top of my head. "It does. Seems like the world is on slow motion."

I took a slow sip of my coffee, the warmth spreading through my chest, mixing with the warmth of having her right beside me.

For a moment, I let myself forget everything else, the bidding, the secrets, the people waiting for us to mess up.

Right now, there was only the sound of the waves, the beautiful sunset, and her.

This is all I ever wanted, I thought, closing my eyes briefly. Just simple moments like this. Sapat na sapat na.

The sun had fully dipped below the horizon now, leaving the sky painted in deep indigo and speckled with the first faint stars. The air turned cooler, carrying the steady, calming sound of the waves crashing softly against the shore.

I turned to Iris, still leaning comfortably against her side. "It's getting late. Gutom ka na ba? What do you want for dinner?"

She shifted to look at me, a soft smile playing on her lips. "Anything. Basta luto mo."

I chuckled, shaking my head. "Okay. We have some fresh seafoods there."

Iris immediately frowned a little, shaking her head. "No. You're allergic, remember? Baka mamaya magka rashes ka or worst mahirapan kang huminga."

I grinned "Yes, I know. That's why I brought some medicines." I said smiling.

She stared at me for a second, then laughed softly, shaking her head in amusement. "You really plan everything, don't you? Fine. Seafood it is."

We stood up, folded the comforter, and headed back inside the warm, lit kitchen. I rolled up my sleeves and washed my hands. "Alright, I'll prepare and cook the food. Just give me the chopping board and knife."

"Got it," she said, grabbing a chopping board and knife.

We worked side by side in comfortable silence for a while, the only sounds being the running water, the chopping of vegetables, and the distant crash of the waves.

I was busy marinating the fish and squid with soy sauce, calamansi, and a little pepper when suddenly, I felt two warm arms wrap tightly around my waist from behind.

Iris rested her cheek against my back, holding me close.

She's hugging me from the back, while I am cooking... this feels like home.

I smiled, pausing what I was doing. "Attorney... nahihirapan tuloy akong magluto nito."

She let out a soft, contented sigh, her breath warm against my shirt. "I missed you so much, Doctor Zarya. Do you know that, hmm?"

Her words made my heart feel full, but after a few more seconds, she slowly loosened her hold and stepped back. "Okay, I won't make gulo na. I'll just get some fresh air outside and prepare the table. Hihintayin ko na lang 'yung pagkain."

"Okay, hon," I said, glancing over my shoulder to give her a loving look. "Take your time. I love you."

"I love you too," she replied softly before walking out the back door.

I focused back on cooking, grilling the seafood until it was golden and fragrant, and making the spicy vinegar dip we both liked. When everything was ready, steaming hot and arranged neatly on serving plates, I called out for her, but there was no answer.

Baka naglakad lakad na yun sa shore at hindi ako marinig, might as well pumunta nalang doon.

I carefully carried the tray out, iniisip ko na baka nakaupo lang siya sa buhangin o naghihintay sa may porch. But when I reached the shore, I stopped in my tracks, a warm smile spreading across my face.

She had laid out the same thick comforter we used earlier, pero inayos niya ito na parang isang simpleng kainan para sa aming dalawa.

It wasn't a 5 star set-up. But it was simple, and perfect.

The moonlight shone down on the setup, at kitang-kita ang malawak at madilim na dagat sa harap namin.

Iris turned around when she heard my footsteps, her face lighting up when she saw me. "Oh, tapos ka na? I made this myself, since you don't want me to cook with you. Soo...?"

"It's beautiful," I said softly, walking over to set the food down. Simple lang, pero ramdam na ramdam ang effort. This was exactly what I wanted, tahimik, payapa, at kaming dalawa lang.

Iris patted the space beside her, grinning as she gestured to the spread. "Come, sit down. Gutom na ako."

I chuckled and settled down right next to her, our knees almost touching as we got comfortable on the thick comforter. The food smelled amazing—grilled fish, plump shrimp, big juicy crabs, and the spicy vinegar dip I made

We both reached for the food, but Iris quickly picked up a large crab and turned toward me. "Wait, ako na." She expertly twisted the shell open, pulling out the meat neatly, then dipped it lightly in the sauce before placing it on my plate. " I'm gonna serve you, clumsy ka pa naman."

Before I could even protest, she grabbed a handful of shrimp too. Her fingers moved fast and skilled, peeling off the shells one by one until only the clean, white meat was left, arranging them neatly next to the crab meat. "There you go. Huwag ka na ma bother, I got you"

I smiled, touched by the gesture, and in return, I picked up a piece of grilled fish, carefully removing the bones before putting it on her plate. "Here, para sa'yo. Careful, ha."

"Thanks," she said, picking up a piece I'd prepared for her. She took a bite and hummed happily. "It's so sarap talaga. I could eat this every day."

She took a bite of the fish, her eyes widening again, and looked at me curiously. "Seriously though... how do you manage to cook this well? It tastes like it was made by a professional chef. Saan mo naman natutunan 'to?"

I smiled, taking a bite myself, and gave her a playful, mysterious look. "Easy. Naglagay lang ako ng konting magic."

Iris raised an eyebrow, laughing. "Magic? Seryoso ka ba?"

"Yep," I said with a straight face. "Bumili ako ng special ingredient mula sa isang matandang faith healer when I was in Italy pa. She said it's effective, and you proved it.

She snickered, shaking her head. "Shut up, seriously?, ano talaga? Did you take classes or something?"

"Hmm... let's see," I pretended to think hard. "Or maybe... pinagpraktisan ko lang habang natutulog. Dreams are very educational, you know." I winked at her. "Or maybe I was just born with this talent. Gift na agad sa akin pagka panganak ko no?"

Iris rolled her eyes playfully, but she was smiling. "Nonsense, c'mon... for once, answer me nang maayos."

"Baka," I laughed, trying to play it off "Basta masarap, 'di ba? Don't ask too much, kain ka na lang."

We stayed there even after we finished eating, the space around us now clear and quiet. All that was left was the soft glow of the moon hanging low over the dark horizon, its silver light stretching across the surface of the ocean like a long, shimmering path.

The breeze was cool and gentle, carrying the familiar salty scent of the sea, and the sound of the waves was steady and calming, parang musika na walang katapusan.

I shifted closer and rested my head comfortably on Iris's shoulder, letting out a soft, contented sigh.

Her arm automatically wrapped around me, pulling me a little closer, and I could feel the steady beat of her heartbeat against my side.

Sa ganitong mga sandali, nakakalimutan ko lahat ng bigat sa balikat ko.

I looked up at the moon, then back at her face, and the words just slipped out naturally, soft and sincere. "You know... I could die happy now."

The mood shifted instantly. Iris stiffened slightly beside me, and when I lifted my head to look at her, her expression was no longer relaxed. She frowned, her voice turning sharp and firm, like she was scolding me. "Zarya, don't ever say that. Don't even think about such things."

I blinked, surprised by how serious she suddenly sounded.

Hindi ko naman ibig sabihin na literal, pero naiintindihan ko rin kung bakit ganyan ang reaksyon niya.

I just gave her a small, innocent smile, then slowly pushed myself up from her shoulder and laid back fully on the thick comforter, resting my head on one of the pillows.

I looked up at her, reaching out to take her hand and give it a gentle tug. "Come here. Lay down with me."

She hesitated for a second, still looking a little annoyed and worried, and tried to pull her hand back slightly. "Zarya..."

"Please?" I said softly, pulling a little harder, my gaze never leaving hers. Alam kong hindi niya ako matatanggihan kapag ganito.

True enough, she let out a long, dramatic sigh, shaking her head, but the sternness in her eyes slowly melted away. "You really know how to get what you want, don't you?"

She couldn't resist for long. Slowly, she laid down beside me, settling into the soft fabric, and turned to face me. I immediately shifted closer until our bodies were almost touching, and I could feel her warmth seeping through the thin fabric of our clothes.

We stayed like that, lying side by side, looking up at the vast, starry sky above us.

The moon was bright enough to cast a soft glow over her face, and I could see the way her eyes softened as she looked back at me.

Hindi ko kailangan ng kahit ano pa. Sapat na ang makasama siya, makausap, at mahawakan.

Kahit ganito lang, kuntento na ang puso ko.

The quiet between us felt warm and peaceful at first, only broken by the soft crash of the waves against the shore.

But as I stared up at the stars, my mind drifted back to everything waiting for us outside this little paradise.

..the bidding, Mr. Sterling, and most of all.

.. Eric Valenti. The weight of it settled heavy in my chest, and when I spoke, my voice was no longer soft and light, it turned serious, low, and careful.

Gusto ko itanong sa kaniya that one question that has been stuck in my mind.

"Iris..." I began, turning my head slightly to look at her face in the moonlight. "If the day comes that you have to choose between someone you love... against your own blood... who would you choose?"

The easy atmosphere shifted instantly. I could feel the slight tension rise between us, thick and unspoken. Iris furrowed her brows, turning fully to face me, her expression confused and searching. "What do you mean by that? Saan nanggaling yang tanong na 'yan?"

I looked away for a second, my gaze drifting back to the dark ocean, but my mind was racing. overthinking again, just like I always do.

I can't tell her yet, but it's there, hanging over us like a storm.

Her own father is on the opposite side of this battle, ready to do anything just to win.

He's her blood, her family, the one who raised her.

And me? I'm just the person she fell for, keeping things from her, standing in the way of what he wants so badly.

Paano kung dumating ang araw na mapipilitan siyang mamili?

Would she really turn her back on her own father just for me?

I've seen so many times how people choose family over everything else.

Natatakot ako... sobrang takot na baka sa huli, ako rin pala ang maiwan.

I took a slow breath, trying to steady myself, but I didn't answer her question directly. I just waited, kailangan kong marinig kung ano talaga ang nasa isip niya, even if it scares me.

Iris studied my face for a long moment, her eyes searching mine, though wala siyang kaalam alam sa kung ano talaga ang tumatakbo sa isip ko. She doesn't know her father is my opponent, doesn't know the conflict waiting for us. She thought for a moment before answering, her voice calm but firm.

"I would choose what is right," she said simply. "Kung ano yung dapat piliin."

Her words hung in the air, and immediately another question echoed loudly in my own mind, sharp and painful

Ano nga ba ang dapat piliin? What does "right" even mean?

Is it loyalty to family no matter what? Or standing by the person you love?

And more importantly... worth it ba akong piliin?

Am I worth choosing when weighed against her own father?

Or will I just end up being the wrong choice in the end?

I kept those thoughts locked inside, forcing a small, faint smile so she wouldn't notice how much her answer had unsettled me. "Nothing," I said softly, reaching out to brush a strand of hair from her face. "Just... curious."

The quiet stretched for a moment, my thoughts still tangled in heavy what ifs, until Iris shifted closer, her expression softening as she looked at me. She reached up, brushing her fingers lightly along my cheek.

"Why are we talking about all that serious stuff?" she murmured, her voice low over the sound of the waves. "Shouldn't we just enjoy this moment while we can?"

I let out a small breath, feeling the tension melt away. She was right, bakit ko pa pinapalala ang isip ko kung nandito naman kami ngayon, magkasama? I gave her a faint smile and nodded.

"Yeah... you're right. Minsan masyado lang akong malalim mag isip. Let's just enjoy this."

Before I could say more, Iris leaned in closer. Her lips brushed lightly against my neck, placing soft, teasing kisses that sent a tingling sensation through me.

I gasped and giggled, squirming a little. "Iris—huy, stop it..."

She chuckled against my skin but didn't stop, trailing those soft kisses along my jaw and neck.

"See?" she teased, pulling back to look at me, her eyes glinting. "You laugh so much when I do that. Ang cute mo naman."

I swatted her arm playfully, cheeks warm. "You're so naughty. Alam mo namang nakakakiliti eh."

But I didn't pull away. The heavy questions from earlier slowly faded, replaced only by the sound of the waves, the cool breeze, and her warmth right beside me.

Then, still smiling, she leaned in again.

this time pressing a quick, soft kiss right on my lips, just a light smack, playful and teasing.

We paused for a moment, our eyes locking, no words needed, parang oras tumigil sa sandaling iyon.

Then slowly, she leaned in once more, and this kiss was deeper, slower, filled with everything we'd been holding back.

It was intense yet tender, and I kissed her back, my hands resting gently on her waist.

When we finally parted for air, she didn't stay away long. Her lips found my neck again, no longer just playful, but warm and intentional, exploring slowly.

Her hands began to wander gently, tracing lightly over my back and waist through my clothes.

Ang lamig sana ng hangin galing sa dagat, pero bigla itong napalitan ng init na bumabalot sa amin.

The cool night air was completely forgotten, replaced by the heat building between us, warm, consuming, and making everything else fade away.

We were still caught up in the heat of the moment when Iris suddenly shifted, and before I could even process it, she slid one arm under my back and the other beneath my knees, lifting me up effortlessly. My eyes went wide in pure shock, my arms instinctively wrapping tight around her neck.

"Whoa—grabe, ang bigat ko ah!" I breathed out, surprised. "Since when did you become this strong?"

She just chuckled low against my ear, her steps steady and sure as she carried me toward the house. "You're lighter than you look, Doctor. Kaya ko 'to."

She carried me all the way inside and into the bedroom, the moonlight filtering softly through the curtains.

As soon as the door clicked shut, she leaned down and pressed her lips to mine again, this time deeper, hungrier. Her tongue brushed against mine, slow and deliberate, and I felt her gently nibble on my lower lip, sending a sharp, delicious tingle through me.

She walked us backward until the back of my legs hit the bed, and then she lowered me down carefully, settling herself right on top of me, her body pressing lightly against mine.

I looked up at her, my chest rising and falling fast, and managed a playful, breathless smile. "Hoy, calm down, Attorney. Ang rough mo naman."

A wicked, amused smirk tugged at the corner of her lips as she leaned closer, her voice dropping to a husky whisper against my skin. "Seeing you look at me like that... seeing how much you want this too... paano ako kakalma?"

Her words sent a fresh wave of heat straight through me. She trailed kisses along my jaw, her breath warm and teasing. "You feel that? You're burning up for me, aren't you?"

"Shut up," I laughed softly, my fingers tangling in her hair. "Ang dami mong sinasabi."

"Or what?" she teased, nipping gently at my earlobe. "You gonna make me stop? Hindi yata, 'no?"

Before I could reply, she pulled back slightly, her eyes dark and gleaming. "Wait here. Don't move."

I blinked, confused as she stood up and headed toward the door. "Where are you going?"

"Just stay," she said over her shoulder with that same playful tone. "Don't move."

I lay here, medyo nagtataka at hindi mapakali sa paghihintay, curious and a little impatient, until she came back moments later holding a small cup of strawberry yogurt.

Ano yan? Bakit may yogurt tong babaeng 'to?

She climbed back onto the bed, straddling my stomach, and brought the cup to her lips, taking a slow, deliberate taste. She hummed softly, her eyes never leaving mine. "Hmm... yum."

She set the cup aside for a second, then grabbed my wrist, guiding my hand up until her fingers brushed lightly over my chest. Ramdam ko ang bawat haplos niya, kahit gaano pa 'yan kababaw.

Then, leaning down, she licked slowly over my skin, right over my breast, her tongue warm and wet.

She pulled back just enough to look at me, her lips glistening slightly. "Even better."

"Wait..." I said, laughing softly as I reached out and gently took the cup from her hand. She looked a little stunned for a second, parang hindi inaasahan na ako ang kukuha sa kanya, but her eyes lit up even more as I dipped two fingers into the cool, creamy yogurt.

I looked straight into her eyes as I slowly spread it over my own skin, along my neck, down my collarbone, over my chest and stomach, leaving a cool, sweet trail.

Ang lamig ng yogurt sa balat ko, pero agad napapalitan ng init ng tingin niya.

I tilted my head slightly, my voice low and daring. "Sige... trace every bit of it."

A low, throaty sound escaped her, and she didn't need to be told twice.

She leaned in, her tongue warm against my cool skin as she started following the path I made, starting at my neck, tasting every drop, moving down to my shoulders, my chest, swirling gently around my nipples, and trailing all the way down to my stomach.

Ang lambot ng dila niya, at bawat haplos ay nag-iiwan ng kakaibang kuryente sa buong katawan ko. Every touch made me arch my back slightly, soft sighs escaping my lips.

When she was done, she lifted her head, her lips and chin still slightly glistening, and looked at me with hunger in her eyes. "I want more..."

I breathed out, my heart racing, parang tumatalon sa tuwa at kaba, and looked at her with a teasing glint. "Oh? And where would you like to have your yogurt, Attorney?"

She reached out and took the cup from my hand, dipping two fingers inside to get a good amount.

Without breaking eye contact, she slowly moved her hand lower, and I gasped sharply when I felt the cold yogurt touch my most sensitive part, ang lamig nito, pero agad napalitan ng init ng daliri niya habang ipinapahid niya 'yon.

The contrast made me shiver violently, my hips lifting off the bed involuntarily.

Parang kinilabutan ako hanggang sa buto, hindi ko mapigilan ang kilos ng katawan ko.

She smiled at my reaction, mukhang nasisiyahan sa nararamdaman ko, then reached behind me and slipped a soft pillow under my waist, lifting my hips slightly.

"For better view," she said simply, her voice thick with desire.

Then she gently folded my legs apart, settling herself between them, her gaze fixed on me as she adjusted her position.

Fuck, she is diving in.

And then she leaned in.

Her tongue touched me slowly, tasting every bit of the sweet yogurt, warm and deliberate. "Ohhhh, Iris...hmm."

Ang init na dila niya ay kabaligtaran ng lamig ng yogurt.

I gasped, my fingers immediately gripping the sheets beneath me.

"Holy... Attorney... fuck! Just like that" I moaned, my voice breaking, and reached down to tangle my hands in her hair, guiding her slightly as my hips started moving in rhythm with her.

After a while, she pulled back and climbed up to hover over me, kissing me deeply so I could taste the sweetness too. She pulled away just enough to speak, her voice rough and teasing. "So... does your... yogurt taste good?"

I could barely form words, parang nalilimutan ko na kung paano magsalita, my mind already fogged with pleasure, so all I could do was let out a shaky breath and make soft, broken sounds.

She chuckled low, shaking her head. "Ang ingay mo naman. I don't like noise when I'm eating."

"Then don't make me feel this good," I managed to gasp, still squirming. "Kung ganyan ka, syempre mag-iingay ako."

"Is that so?" she raised an eyebrow, then leaned in again, her tone challenging.

Before I could reply, she crashed her lips against mine in a hard, demanding kiss, deep and rough, making my head spin. Ang lakas ng halik niya, parang ayaw akong pakawalan. She moved down to my neck, biting and sucking gently, making me moan even louder.

"Noisy talaga," she murmured, and then she covered my mouth lightly with her palm, her eyes dark. "You're too noisy, Doctor."

Her free hand slowly traveled down, tracing light lines over my skin until it reached my center again.

She started rubbing in slow, firm circles, and my eyes rolled back, "Hmmmm, ohhh fuck!

" ang lambot ng hawak niya pero steady, at ramdam ko ang bawat galaw na parang tinutukso ako lalo.

I was already trembling, tears of pleasure welling at the corners of my eyes as I moaned against her hand. "Hmmm, ughh Iris..."

Fuck! She really loves teasing me like this, I badly want her fingers inside me for the sake of heavens!

"Pasok mo na... please, Iris," I begged, my voice shaking.

She smirked, removing her hand from my mouth to hold my face instead, her thumb brushing my lip. "Beg more."

I grabbed her face, pulling her down to kiss her hard and desperate. "I'm fucking begging, Iris... ugghh..."

"ahhhh, fuckkkk" And then I felt it, two fingers slowly sliding inside me, making me gasp and arch my back.

Ang init ng hawak niya, agad na nagpadala ang katawan ko. She didn't wait long, she started moving them in and out, steady and firm, keeping her face close to mine so I could feel every breath she took.

"Yesss...hmmm"

Her pace grew harder, faster, and I couldn't help but dig my nails into her back, making her gasp softly too, her own eyes fluttering shut for a moment. "Holy...Zarya you're soo hot"

"Deeper... Attorney... please... deeper and harder..." I pleaded, my hips moving to meet her rhythm. Fuck I don't even care if I look desperate, kung sa kaniya man lang ako mag be-beg nang ganito—bakit hindi?

She did exactly as I asked, going deeper, hitting that perfect spot that made me see stars. My breath came in short, fast gasps. "Aahh... I'm almost there, Iris..."

She didn't slow down, if anything, she moved even faster, her fingers working with perfect rhythm. "Come for me, Zarya..."

And then it hit me, waves of pleasure crashing over me, making me cry out her name as my body trembled and tightened around her. It felt like parang humiwalay ang kaluluwa ko sa katawan ko sa sobrang sarap, lahat ng pagod at alalahanin ay biglang naglaho.

Slowly, she stilled her movements and pulled her fingers out, lying down beside me and pulling me close.

We both lay there, panting hard, catching our breath, our skin still flushed and warm.

I rested my head against her chest, listening to her heart beating just as fast as mine, feeling completely spent, satisfied, and safe.

But I want more, and this time... I want to take the lead.