Melting Point Pt.2

Several weeks had passed since that special night. Even now, alone in her Atlas mansion, those memories would surface occasionally, making her smile despite herself.

Willow was back in her usual reading spot in her private quarters, nursing a drink more out of habit than a desire to forget and drown. A small chuckle escaped her lips as she remembered Jacques’ expression when she’d returned. Her little escapade in Mistral had spread across the CCT network like wildfire - especially those revealing pictures of her in that barely-there white bikini.

The scandal had been everything she’d hoped for, and more. Every society paper and gossip site had run the story of Willow Schnee’s ‘breakdown’ on a public beach, though breakdown wasn’t quite the word she would use.

Strategic rebellion was more accurate. And not one of them knew about her partner, about that night that had left her with something warm in her chest that even Atlas’ cold couldn’t quite freeze.

Willow took another sip of her drink, contemplating how that impulsive night had affected her more than she’d expected. The memory of his gentle touch, those warm brown eyes, and those adorably expressive ears would surface at odd moments. Even now, weeks later, she could still feel the ghost of his kisses as she traced her fingers across her lips.

It was strange, really. She’d planned it as just another way to scandalize Jacques, to rebel against everything he held dear. Instead, she’d found herself genuinely affected by that young man. How ironic that a one-night stand with a beach bar worker had made her feel more than decades of marriage to Atlas’ most ‘eligible’ bachelor back in her days.

Speaking of Jacques, his reaction had been priceless. Not just to the photos, but to how the media had spun it. Some called it a mid-life crisis, others a cry for attention, and the more sympathetic ones painted her as breaking free from Jacques’ control. None of them were entirely wrong, she supposed, but none of them knew the whole truth either.

Not like he could do a damn thing for getting even, because one single look from her sent him with his tail between his legs like the coward he was. And if he wanted to whine and moan, then he could do so in the skirt of that street rat he fancied.

She reached for the bottle to refill her glass, pausing as she caught her reflection in the window. The woman staring back at her seemed different somehow, more alive than ever before.

“Another drink, madam?” One of the servants asked from the doorway.

“No,” Willow replied, surprising herself. “I think I’ve had enough for today.”

She stood up and walked to her window, looking out over the snow-covered grounds of the Schnee manor. Her scroll buzzed again, but this time she glanced at it - an advertisement for Mistral’s upcoming Summer Lotus Festival had somehow made it through her filters.

A three-day celebration of art, music, and culture, supposedly featuring the most spectacular fireworks display in Remnant. The festival was held on their most famous beaches, where thousands of paper lanterns would float across the water while performers danced in elaborate costumes...

Willow’s lips curled into a thoughtful smile. She wondered if a certain beach bar would be participating in the festivities. After all, Mistral did have such lovely beaches, and she had enjoyed their... hospitality so much last time.

Perhaps it was time for another trip.

-------------------------------------------------

The Summer Lotus Festival was in full swing when Willow arrived in Mistral. The air was thick with the scent of exotic foods and burning incense, while paper lanterns swayed gently in the evening breeze. She’d chosen a light summer dress this time - still elegant enough to turn heads, but less scandalous than her previous beach attire.

Her bodyguards were keeping their distance again, though she noticed they seemed more alert than during her last visit. Perhaps it was due to the bigger influx of people than the last time.

She made her way through the festival crowds, enjoying how people still parted before her like water. This time, though, there was less fear in their eyes and more curiosity, no doubt wondering what the infamous Willow Schnee would do next and the next topic of discussion.

Either way, her feet carried her almost unconsciously toward that same spot that she visited the last time. Soon she reached the bar, and the festival had transformed it. Strings of colored lights hung from its wooden beams, and traditional paper decorations fluttered in the breeze. A small stage had been set up nearby where musicians were setting up their instruments and testing.

She took a seat at the bar, ordering a drink more out of habit than desire. Her eyes scanned the staff idly as she waited for her drink, pretending she wasn’t looking for anything - or anyone - in particular.

“Welcome back, ma’am,” came a voice from behind the bar, and something in her chest fluttered traitorously before she could suppress it.

Willow turned in her seat to find Ignis standing there, still wearing the same summer work uniform when she met him, but with a colorful band tied around his arm. His ears perked up when their eyes met, that same innocent charm radiating from his smile.

“I see you remember me,” she said, maintaining her composure.

“Hard to forget,” he replied, his ears twitching slightly. “Though I didn’t expect to see you again, especially during the festival.”

“I heard Mistral has spectacular fireworks this time of year.” She took a sip of her drink, watching him over the rim of her glass. “Besides, my last visit was... quite memorable.”

A light blush colored his cheeks, but he didn’t look away. “Your last visit was a hot topic of discussion for a long while in these parts. Though they seem to have missed some of the more interesting details.”

“Indeed, they did,” Willow smirked, enjoying how his ears twitched again. “I suppose the festival keeps you busy?”

“Very. But...” he glanced at the clock behind the bar, “my shift ends when the fireworks start. They say the view from the shorelines is breathtaking.”

Willow felt a genuine smile tugging at her lips, as she didn’t miss that hint. “Is that so? I wouldn’t know my way there...”

“I could show you,” he offered. "If you’re interested in local culture, of course."

“Of course,” she replied, her voice carrying a hint of amusement. “Purely for cultural enrichment.”

The festival sounds seemed to fade into the background as they held each other’s gaze for a moment longer than necessary. This wasn’t what she’d planned when she’d decided to return to Mistral, but then again, the best things in her life lately hadn’t been planned at all.

The evening progressed in a pleasant haze of festival music and dancing lights. Willow remained at her spot, watching the celebrations unfold around her as visitors and locals alike got caught up in the festivities. Every now and then, Ignis would return to her table, bringing fresh drinks or small plates of festival delicacies she hadn’t ordered.

“You should try these,” he’d say, placing down skewers of grilled seafood or colorful mochi. “These are local specialties.” His tail would wag slightly whenever she approved of his selections, though he tried to hide it.

She found herself enjoying the attentive service, watching how he moved through the crowds with practiced ease. When other staff tried to serve her, he’d somehow materialize and take over, earning knowing looks from his coworkers that he pointedly ignored.

“Your coworkers seem amused,” Willow commented during one of his visits.

“They might be jealous I’m serving our most distinguished guest and her generous tips.” He replied with that disarming smile of his, making her chest warm in a way that had nothing to do with alcohol.

The sun was starting to set, painting the sky in brilliant oranges and pinks. The paper lanterns began to glow more brightly as darkness crept in, and the festival took on a more magical atmosphere. Through it all, Willow maintained her composed exterior, though her eyes followed the faunus movements whenever he was in sight.

She wasn’t used to this feeling - this pleasant anticipation that had nothing to do with scandal or revenge. It was... different. Not unpleasant, just unfamiliar after so many years of emotional numbness.

The musicians were starting to play slower, more traditional melodies now, and the first few festival lanterns were being prepared for release into the night sky. Soon it would be time for the fireworks, she thought, taking another sip of her drink.

Soon.

And that soon was too long for her already.

Willow drained her first and only drink, setting the glass down with force, getting a few heads turned her way. Rising from her seat with fluid grace, she made her way directly to where Ignis was currently working.

“Excuse me,” she said to the people, not really meaning it, before grabbing Ignis’s hand. “I’m borrowing him.”

His ears shot straight up in surprise. “Ma’am, I’m still-“

“Your shift was supposed to end five minutes ago,” she cut him off, already pulling him away from the table. She could hear the whispers and gasps from the patrons, see the curious and surprised looks of his coworkers, but she couldn’t bring herself to care.

Ignis stumbled slightly as she led him away from the crowded festival area, his ears twitching nervously. “The fireworks haven’t even started yet...”

“I’m not interested in fireworks anymore.” She drew him behind one of the beach’s decorative screens, away from prying eyes at least to a certain degree.

The festival sounds seemed distant now, the paper lanterns casting soft shadows across their faces. Willow turned to face him, still holding his hand. “Unless you’d prefer to go back to work...?”

His response was to pull her closer, that innocent smile transforming into something more heated. This time, she didn’t try to suppress her blush when his lips met hers.

“Wait,” Ignis pulled back slightly, ears drooping with worry. “My boss might actually kill me for ditching during the busiest time of the year...”

“Your boss will understand,” Willow purred, pulling him back. “And if not, I’ll simply buy the establishment and fire him.” Her fingers traced along his jawline.

Ignis let out a laugh, then caught himself when he saw her expression. “You’re... you’re actually serious, aren’t you?”

“Deadly serious,” she confirmed, a predatory smile playing on her lips. “But let’s focus on more immediate concerns. I want that cultural tour, after all.” She glanced around the area, finding it still too exposed for her liking as she could still see some heads headed her way.

Yes, she just kissed him with some public in view. That might explode tomorrow's headlines, but she didn’t care. Taking his hand again, she started walking, pulling him along the beach’s edge.

“Do you know where you’re going?” he asked, following willingly despite his doubts.

“Not at all,” she admitted without shame, scanning the darkening surroundings for somewhere suitably private. “But I’m sure we’ll find something... appropriate.”

She continued leading him away from the festival lights and sounds, the growing darkness broken only by the scattered moonlight and distant paper lanterns. She was Willow Schnee - she always got what she wanted, even if she had to improvise along the way.

Willow’s eyes lit up as she spotted the rock formations ahead, quickening her pace and practically dragging Ignis along with renewed purpose. Her intuition proved right as they discovered a secluded tide pool, sheltered by the natural stone walls that curved around it.

The water was deeper than it appeared, reaching up to her knees. Without hesitation, she reached for the zipper of her dress, revealing a more modest navy blue bikini than her last visit to Mistral. She carefully laid her dress on a nearby rock, away from the water’s reach.

Stepping into the tide pool, she felt Ignis’s arms wrap around her from behind, gentle yet secure. Willow smiled, feeling herself relax into his embrace - a sensation both foreign and welcome. The sound of distant festival music mixed with gentle waves lapping at the rocks, while the scattered moonlight reflected off the water’s surface, creating an almost ethereal atmosphere.

She felt more at peace in that moment than she had in years, protected from the world by stone walls and a pair of strong but gentle arms.

Willow turned to face Ignis, reaching for his tie and beginning to loosen it.

“You’ll have to take this off eventually,” she said, unbuttoning his shirt.

“As you wish, Ma’am.”

She slid the shirt off his shoulders, letting it fall to the water with a light splash. Their lips met again, the kisses becoming hungrier and more heated. Ignis’s hands moved to her chest, gently massaging her breasts through her swimsuit, earning a contented sigh from her.

Her own hands moved to his shorts, undoing the cord, and pulling them down slightly until letting them fall into the water. She smirked against his lips when she found his length already hard and ready for her, giving him a teasing squeeze.

“Eager, aren’t we?” she playfully remarked.

“I can’t help it,” he breathed against her neck.

Willow let out a pleased hum as she felt his hardness throb in her hand. “I really can’t blame you.”

He nuzzled closer to her neck, trailing kisses and small bites along her skin. Willow tilted her head back, relishing in the sensations and the heat building inside of her.

With a moan, Willow pressed back against him and he responded by grinding his hips against hers.

She could feel how ready he was now.

So she pulled away from him and took a few steps before leaning against the rocky wall. She looked at him over her shoulder, a seductive grin on her lips.

“Come get me, boy,” she said with sultry confidence.

Willow’s hands rested against the cool surface, her hair spilling down her back. The sounds of waves crashing against the shore mingled with her breaths, each exhale turning into a quiet moan as his hands roamed across her body, caressing her curves.

He pressed up against her, his warm body covering hers once more, and his lips found the sensitive spot between her neck and shoulder. He truly was an amazing lover.

A shiver ran through her body, causing a deep ache within her.

Her core was wet and longing to be filled again.

“You’re so beautiful,” he whispered in her ear, sending more shivers down her spine with his warm breath.

The faunus wrapped his arm around her waist, reaching up to cup her breast and gently squeeze it. Her nipples hardened under his touch, straining against the fabric of her swimsuit.

“Please,” she moaned, desire evident in her husky voice. “Touch me.”

He obliged.

His hand traveled lower, finding her covered slit. His fingers glided over the material, igniting pleasurable sensations throughout her body.

“Oh gods,” she gasped as she dug her nails into the rocky wall for support.

He continued to tease and caress her through the swimsuit, gradually building up her pleasure.

With what felt like an endless wait, his fingers finally hooked onto the edge of the swimsuit and pushed it aside, sliding inside her core.

Willow cried out in ecstasy, her legs trembling as he pumped his fingers in and out of her. He curled them inside her, pressing against her walls and causing a whimper to escape her lips.

“More,” she pleaded.

Ignis obliged, slipping another finger into her. He began to pick up the pace, pumping them faster and harder, reaching very sweet places inside her snatch.

Her breath came in short, shallow gasps as his thumb rubbed her clit, adding to the mounting pleasure.

“Willow...” He whispered in her ear, drawing her closer to the orgasm.

She closed her eyes, focusing on his finger, stretching her folds until she let out a loud moan as he seamlessly moved the head of his shaft towards her slit, and pushing HARD.

“Aaahhh!~” Willow threw her head back, her walls squeezing him.

He wrapped his arms around her, holding her close as he rocked his hips, and driving deeper inside her. She could feel him pulsing within her, filling her, stretching her, and her body shuddered as the building pleasure crashed over her.

“O-oh, Ignis...” She moaned, feeling overwhelmed by the sensations coursing through her. But before she could fully give in to the pleasure, his hand firmly gripped her jaw and turned her head, silencing her with a possessive kiss that left no room for protest.

Even as their tongues tangled and their mouths devoured each other, Ignis continued his relentless thrusts, growing rougher with every movement.

Her moans were muffled by his mouth, but grew louder as he expertly explored every inch of her mouth with his tongue.

Just when she thought it couldn’t get any better, Ignis abruptly pulled out of her with a wet pop.

“What... are you doing?” She protested, craving the release only he could give her.

He turned her around and claimed her lips once again before lifting her up effortlessly.

Willow gasped, feeling his erection press against her, and instinctively wrapped her legs around him. Her arms encircled his neck, holding on tight as he held her up by her ass.

He lowered her onto his cock, giving back that delicious feeling of fullness.

“I want to see your beautiful face,” He breathed, kissing along her jaw, and nipping at her neck.

Willow couldn’t help herself as she looked away in embarrassments by his declaration. “Flatterer...”

She could feel herself losing control, completely consumed by the intense pleasure and the overwhelming desire for this young man. And as he continued to thrust into her with fierce determination, Willow knew that she never wanted this moment to end.

However, he seemed to take her words as a challenge, kissing along her throat, and sucking at the sensitive spot where her neck and shoulder met. His teeth scraped over the sensitive skin, drawing a moan from her.

With a primal growl, Ignis lifted her up, his throbbing cock nearly slipping out of her slick heat before he violently slammed her back down onto him. Willow cried out in pleasure as he filled her again and again, each thrust driving her closer to the edge.

She clung to him desperately, leaving deep marks on his skin as she succumbed to the intense pleasure coursing through her body. She could feel herself getting closer and closer to climax.

Ignis’ grip on her ass tightened as he continued to pound into her mercilessly. 

“Willow,” he groaned in her ear.

She buried her face in his neck, inhaling his intoxicating scent as she prepared for what was about to come next. With a lustful glint in her eyes, she murmured the words she knew would drive him wild.

“Inside...now.”

Her lover let out a guttural growl before gripping her hips with an iron grip, forcefully pushing her down as his bulging head penetrated deeper and harder than she ever thought possible. She screams in shock and pain, but it soon turns to intense pleasure as she felt his seed coating every inch of her walls with a searing heat.

“AAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHH!!~♥️” 

Her body is overwhelmed with ecstasy, white hot bolts of pleasure shooting through her as she arches her back and moans uncontrollably. The fireworks in the sky above only add to the intensity, their bright colors reflecting off their glistening bodies.

Ignis’s gaze was fixed on Willow, his eyes filled with primal desire as he watched her writhe in his strong arms. “Beautiful,” he murmured before claiming her lips once again in a passionate kiss.

Despite being weakened and dazed from the intense orgasm, Willow met every kiss just as fervently, lost in the overwhelming sensation of being completely consumed by his fire.

When they finally broke away, he rested his forehead on hers.

“I love you...” He murmured, making her freeze.

At first, she didn’t know what to say, her mind racing. Was this real or just words spoken in passion’s heat? But then their gazes met, and there it was - that genuine warmth in his brown eyes, that same innocent smile she’d first noticed at the beach bar, now illuminated by the exploding fireworks above.

Her silence spoke volumes as she just stared, processing the weight of those three words. His ears drooped as doubt crept in, worry crossing his features. “It might be too so-“

“Don’t,” Willow cut him off, cupping his cheek with surprising gentleness. “You caught me off guard, is all.” Her voice was soft but clear, a rare genuine smile gracing her features.

It was his turn to look surprised.

“Yes... I suppose it is a little early for love.” She said slowly, trying to come to terms with the realization herself.

Love?

The foreign, yet not completely unwelcome, word held some new meaning now. All her life, love had been a transaction, a business arrangement, a duty - never this warm, fluttering feeling in her chest. The more the thought settled into her mind, the more she liked it. It was certainly different.

But perhaps good different?

“I wouldn’t mind trying it,” Willow said, her finger tracing a gentle path along his jawline before pressing a soft kiss there. “After all, we’re still in the first phase of your tour, and I’m sure there’s so much left to experience.”

Ignis’s ears perked up instantly at her words, his whole face brightening as he leaned into her touch. His hopeful smile made him look even younger. “As you wish, Ma’am.”

“I’ve told you already. Call me Willow.” There was no bite in her tone, only warmth.

“My apologies...” he hesitated for just a moment, his voice softening. “Willow.”

The way he said her name made something flutter in her chest. Willow’s usual sharp edges seemed to melt away as she reached up to run her fingers through his hair, playfully ruffling his ears. “You’re forgiven.”

The intimate moment shattered at the sound of a shocked gasp, sharp and loud enough to be heard over the continuing fireworks display.

Their heads snapped toward the source in unison, the peaceful bubble they’d created bursting in an instant.

There, standing near the entrance of the tide pool, was a small crowd. Three young men and two women, all with their scrolls pointed directly at them, recording. The fireworks must have masked their approach, or she was too lost getting fucked to notice them. 

Willow’s mind flickered briefly to her bodyguards before remembering her own explicit instructions - no interference unless there was a direct threat to her physical safety or life. 

This... definitely didn’t qualify.

“Well, shit.” Ignis growled, his ears flattening against his head in frustration.

“Oh, do you mind? We’re a bit busy here,” Willow snaps, her voice dripping with annoyance as she struggles against his strong grip. But as she feels him harden again, her body betrays her, and she gasps in pleasure. “You pervert.”

He looks away guiltily, but refuses to let her go.

“I can’t help it...” he mumbled.

“Fine, but I have a better idea.” She turned to the crowd and shouted, “You want a show?!”

Before they can react, Willow leaned forward and began to trail hot, wet kisses down his chest, her eyes daring anyone to look away.

“H-hey...!” Ignis’s face flushed with embarrassment.

“Shh….” She shushed him, nipping at his skin before licking her way up his throat.

“We have a few more rounds before we’re done, right?”

If the world was hungry for a scandal, she would give them one of the biggest ones.

A beautiful, passionate scandal.