Love, give me love
Anything you want I'll give it up
Lips, lips I kiss
Bite me while I taste your fingertips

--Talking Body by Tove Lo

--

"What sort of trouble would I be in if I don't stop?" Lena asked innocently.

"A big one," he answered.

She didn't know why she feels scared and excited at the same time. Maybe it's because of the way he looks at her, like he's hungry for something only she could give or the way his hands tremble against her waist in anticipation. Or maybe they just missed each other so much that the air around them suddenly feels electric.

Whatever it is, she wanted to know where it would lead them. What would happen if she doesn't stop? What would happen if she indulged herself?

Ipinulupot niya ang mga braso sa batok nito.

"Lena..." His voice sounded like a warning, a warning that she has not planning to heed.

She began her assault on his neck, trailing his jawline with kisses and nibbling on his lower lip. His complaints were then replaced with groans. It didn't take long until he took the lead and began kissing her fervently. When she finally backed away because she needed to breathe, he was looking flustered and angry.

"Are you mad?" she asked in worry. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to make you angry."

Bumuntong-hininga ito. "I'm not mad, Lena. I'm just aroused."

"W-What?" Agad na nag-init ang pisngi niya sa sinabi nito. "L-Like-"

"Yes," he answered with a nod. "It's what happens when you keep on teasing me."

"I-I'm sorry," she told him, even though she wasn't feeling sorry at all.

He brushed her hair with his fingers, cupped her face and gently kissed her lips. "Don't be," he said with a smile.

She didn't know what to say. Sinasabi ba nitong ayos lang? Just to check if that's what he meant, she kissed him again.

"I love you," she whispered against his lips.

When she said the magic words, he pulled her closer to deepen the kiss. It was more feverish than the last one, and she knew that that was the last straw. Hindi na siya nakareklamo nang pangkuin siya nito at dalhin sa kwarto.

And that afternoon, she learned what it means to be in trouble. Turns out it wasn't as bad as it sounds.

--

Lena felt the hunger after. Nakalimutan kasi niyang gutom siya. But after the deed, the hunger came back. But she didn't dare say anything. They just lay there quietly. She was pressed close to him, afraid to move, afraid to break the silence, afraid that this is just a dream and she will wake up alone again.

She stole a quick glance at him and was confused with the expression on his face. He looked... frustrated. She couldn't understand why. Was she that bad? But it was her first time. He should at least be more understanding.

"Sorry," she mumbled.

He looked at her with a frown. "For what?"

"I was terrible, wasn't I?" She eased the frown on his forehead. "You look really frustrated."

"I was frustrated with myself, Lena. This wasn't part of the plan."

"I'm sorry," she told him again. "I was the one who insisted."

Niyakap siya nito at hinalikan sa tuktok. "I was the one who lost control. Lagot ako sa daddy mo nito."

"Let's not tell Dad about this, please."

"I don't intend to," he said with a nod. "But I don't want to break my promise to him."

"What promise?"

"That I won't get you pregnant until we're married."

"But didn't we use that rubber thing?" she asked, blushing at the memory.

"We did, but you'll never know."

"Does this mean that we can't do this again?"

"We still can. We just need to be really careful." Then, with a grin, he asked, "Why? Do you want to do it again?"

She'd be lying if she answered no. But she was really hungry. Hindi pa siya kumakain buong maghapon. The sudden grumbling of her stomach was the proof of that.

He laughed upon hearing that embarrassing sound. "I guess I'll have to feed you first."

Bumangon ito at nagbihis. She did the same, but exchanged her jeans for a pair of his boxers. Saka siya sumunod dito papuntang kusina. To her surprise, Cyrus put the vegetables back in the fridge (except for the carrots) and took out chicken and potatoes instead.

"What are we having for dinner?"

"Afritada."

Tuwang-tuwa siya dahil isang gulay na lang ang kailangan niyang pagtiyagaang kainin. She loves potatoes. No problem with that. Carrots na lang talaga.

"Ngayon lang 'to," paalala nito sa kanya.

She beamed and gave him a kiss. "Thanks!"

--

Cyrus was pleased that she finished the whole casserole. Hindi naman ganoon karami ang ulam, but it was still enough for four people. They managed to finish it on their own, which meant that she ate more than her usual serving.

"Mas ganado ka palang kumain kapag pagod," biro nito.

She threw him a glare. "I was just really hungry."

He grinned. "Really, now? Hungry for me?"

He was being cute and annoying at the same time. There's that conflicting feeling again. She wants to kiss him and slap his arm simultaneously. He pulled her for a hug when she made a face.

"I have another surprise for you," he told her.

Ang dami naman yata nitong pasalubong? Surprise na naman? But she was excited to know what it is.

"What?"

"Close your eyes first."

She obliged. Then she opened her eyes when she felt his lips on hers.

"That's your surprise?"

"No. I just couldn't resist. Close them again. Totoo na 'to."

Pumikit siyang muli at naghintay. The house became silent for a moment. She was itching to take a peek but stayed still. Maya-maya ay narinig niya itong lumapit. Tapos ay naramdaman niya itong humawak sa kamay niya.

"Can I open my eyes now?"

"Sure."

She counted to three before opening her eyes. And what she saw left her speechless.