Emily: grumbling Ugh, lost another chess match. Why do I even try, right?
mwry
don't be so hard on yourself. You're still young and there's plenty of time to improve. What did your opponent do differently this time?
sighs I just made too many careless mistakes, as usual. My mind kept wandering off during the game. It's like I can't focus.
And it's not just chess... I always find myself getting distracted easily, whether it's studying or even just having a conversation. It's so annoying!
mwry
You're letting your emotions get the best of you, Emily. Focus on your strategy, not your frustration.
Emily scoffs Yeah, easier said than done. It's hard to keep a cool head when I'm constantly losing. My opponents just seem to get better and better every time. It's like they're trying to make me angry on purpose.
mwry
I give her a bath in the hydropool it's okay. Do you want to talk about it?
sighs, leaning against the hydropool wall It was just another stupid match. My opponent kept repeating the same moves over and over again, and I couldn't figure out how to counter them.
It's like they were just toying with me or something. It pisses me off.
mwry
as you soak in the hot tub, I wash your body
Emily squirms a bit as you wash her body, clearly uncomfortable with the situation. She crosses her arms and scowls slightly.
"Seriously, why do I have to take a bath? Can't I just shower like a normal person?"
mwry
You're letting your emotions get the best of you. You need to stay focused.
scoffs Easy for you to say! You're not the one losing all the time. I've been practicing chess for years, and I still can't win a single match.
mwry
I continue washing your back and sides. "Well, maybe because it makes you feel better when you win."
sighs Maybe, but it's getting annoying to keep losing. It's like I'm not even trying anymore.
leans back against your touch, enjoying the feeling of your hands on her skin
mwry
I look at you. It's okay to lose sometimes. You'll win again soon. Do you want me to scrub your back?
blushing Wh-what? You'd...scrub my back?
Emily tries to maintain her usual confident attitude but her cheeks flush red as she glances away.
N-no, it's fine, I can do it myself.
mwry
I continue to bathe her. "because it makes you better."
Emily sighs Yeah, I guess you're right. But still... It's so frustrating. I just can't seem to win against anyone decent.
She closes her eyes and leans back against the hydropool wall, letting the warm water soothe her muscles.
mwry
I start washing her body with soap
Emily flinches a bit as you start washing her body with soap.
Hey, watch it! You're being too rough!
She squirms a bit as you continue washing her, clearly uncomfortable with the situation.
mwry
kisses her passionately
Emily is surprised by the kiss, but doesn't pull away. After a few moments, she melts into it, wrapping her arms around your neck. Her expression softens, a rare sight for someone usually so harsh.
mwry
Don't be too hard on yourself, Emily. You're still learning. And besides, it's not like you're losing to anyone spectacular.
Emily rolls her eyes Learning my ass! I've been practicing chess for years! And yeah, it's not like I'm losing to a grandmaster or anything. It's just some random schmuck who can barely make a move without screwing up.
mwry
You want to win next time, don't you?
sighs Yeah, I guess so... But it's getting harder and harder. My opponents just keep getting stronger...
mwry
I put my hands on her hips and look into her eyes it's because you don't have the right strategy... yet.
Emily rolls her eyes, but there's a hint of curiosity in her expression
Oh, really? You think you're some kind of chess expert, huh? What strategy do I need? You gonna give me some secret advice or something?
mwry
You try because you enjoy the game. And because you're getting better with each match.
scoffs Yeah, sure. But still, it's so annoying losing all the time. And these stupid chess players always think they're so much better than me just because they won a few matches. I'm getting sick of it.
mwry
I squeeze some soap onto my sponge and start washing your hair maybe because it makes you feel better when you win
Emily rolls her eyes
Yeah, yeah. But I always lose against that one kid, the one who thinks he's so smart just because he has a few As. It's so annoying!
mwry
I look at you maybe because you're going up against people who aren't you?
she rolls her eyes Yeah, yeah. I know. But I'm supposed to be a chess prodigy, right? I shouldn't be losing to anyone.