Chapter 346 Reflections in the Bath

Anna stretched out her arms with a long, exaggerated yawn, her face glowing with the warmth of the evening’s fun.

 “Whew, Suzu… I’m completely worn out. With all these card games and excitement, I feel like I’ve been running around for days. You know what would be absolutely amazing right now?”

 She leaned in with a playful twinkle in her eye. 

“A nice, long, hot bath. Just like the old times! What do you say? You and me, catching up, relaxing - no more card games, just pure bliss.”

Suzuka’s eyes lit up instantly. She loved the idea. It wasn’t just the bath - it was the chance to reconnect with Anna, just like when they were younger, sneaking into the bath after a long day of shenanigans and games. A grin spread across her face, and she clapped her hands together with playful enthusiasm.

“Oh-ho! A bath, you say? Well, count me in! I could use a good soak after all of this excitement. Plus, you know how good we are at turning bath time into an epic gossip session!” Suzuka winked, already imagining the steam rising around them as they relaxed in the hot water, chatting like old times.

 “And hey, if you fall asleep in the tub again like you used to, don’t worry, I’ll definitely splash you awake!”

Anna giggled, clearly excited by the idea.

 “Oh, you better not splash me again! Last time, I almost drowned from laughing so hard!”

“Well, no promises!” Suzuka said, rising from her chair and stretching her arms above her head. 

“Let’s get going before we end up knocked out like those two,” she gestured over to the couch, where Antonio and Nick were still sound asleep, bundled under the blankets and snoring softly.

The two of them made their way toward the bath, their playful banter filling the hall as they passed. Anna’s energy had returned to full force, now buzzing with excitement at the thought of indulging in some much-needed relaxation. Suzuka followed her closely, a bounce in her step, her heart warmed by how natural everything still felt between them.

Once they reached the bath, steam greeted them like an old friend, rising from the small tub that was already filled with warm water.

Standing near the edge, Anna began slowly peeling off her clothes, glancing over her shoulder to see Suzuka’s reflection in the steamy room. Despite being only a year and a half older, Suzuka had grown into her figure, her curves more pronounced, her body carrying the confidence and grace of someone beyond her years. Anna couldn’t help but steal glances as Suzuka undressed, feeling a mix of admiration and frustration bubbling up inside her.

She tried not to look too closely at her friend’s body, but it was impossible. Suzuka’s curves were like something out of a fantasy novel, exaggerated and perfect. Her breasts were full and round, her hips wide and flaring, and her legs long and toned. Even the way she moved - slow, deliberate, sensual - was leagues ahead of anything Anna could muster.

With a small pout, Anna looked down at her own more modest figure. She had always been a little curvier when they were younger, but now, standing next to Suzuka, she felt… well, a bit defeated. She cast one last playful glance at her friend before murmuring, "Up pu pu... not fair! I used to be bigger in all the right places," she grumbled, her cheeks puffed out in mock frustration, crossing her arms over her chest as if to make her point more dramatic.

Suzuka, now completely undressed, caught Anna’s grumpy tone and turned with a playful smirk.

 “Bigger, huh? You’re saying I’ve outgrown you?” She placed her hands on her hips, striking an exaggerated, mock-flirtatious pose. 

“Don’t worry, Anna. Some of us just… blossom late. You’ll get there.” She winked teasingly, making an exaggerated point of puffing out her chest and sticking out her hip like a show-off.

"Hurry up, Anna," Suzuka teased, her voice dripping with honeyed mockery.

 "Or do you need help getting out of those clothes?"

Anna scowled, her hands fumbling with the zipper of her skirt. 

"I don’t need help, I'm fine." 

Anna sighed, peeling off her blouse and tossing it aside. Her own body felt inadequate by comparison, her chest modest, her hips narrow. She’d always prided herself on being athletic, but now that seemed like a hollow victory.

Suzuka burst into laughter, the sound echoing off the bath walls.

 “I’m just teasing! Come on, no need to pout. We’re both gorgeous! Who cares about curves when you’ve got a smile like yours?”

Anna rolled her eyes, unable to suppress a giggle despite herself. She stepped carefully into the bath, dipping her toes in first before sinking into the warm water with a satisfied sigh. 

“I’m just saying… I used to have the upper hand! Now look at me, all petite and plain, and here you are, looking like you stepped out of some fancy painting.”

Suzuka gracefully slid into the tub beside her, the water swirling around her skin. 

“Oh, stop it,” she said, leaning back against the smooth stone edge of the tub. 

“You’re adorable just the way you are! Plus, if you want to beat me in size, we can always ask the local witches for some enhancement spells. Maybe throw in a few potions for good measure. Just imagine - Anna, the ultimate bombshell!”

Anna splashed her playfully.

 “You’re terrible! There are no such things as witches and curve-enlarging potions!”

They both laughed, their giggles mixing with the gentle bubbling of the water. After a few moments, the laughter faded into a peaceful silence. The warmth of the bath soaked into their muscles, easing away the fatigue from the day.

Anna leaned back against the smooth edge of the tub, closing her eyes with a blissful smile.

 “Ohh… this is heaven. I forgot how much I needed this.”

Suzuka sunk into the water beside her, the warmth instantly melting away any remaining tension from the day. 

“You and me both. I feel like I could just float away right now.”

For a moment, they sat in silence, simply enjoying the comforting heat of the bath. But then, true to form, Suzuka couldn’t resist stirring up some fun. She swirled the water around her with a sly grin. 

“So, Anna… What have you been up to while I’ve been gone, hmm? Come on, spill the beans. Any secret admirers? Anyone sending you love letters?”

Anna’s eyes shot open, her cheeks flushing bright red.

 “S-Suzuka!” she sputtered, splashing water in Suzuka’s direction.

 “No way! I’ve been too busy with everything that’s been going on. Besides, I’m not like you, all adventurous and meeting people left and right!”

Suzuka laughed, playfully dodging the splash. 

“Hey, hey, I’m just asking! It’s not my fault I’ve had all the fun while you’ve been stuck here. But seriously, though, it’s good to see you smiling again.”

Anna’s blush faded into a soft smile, and she looked down at the rippling water.

 “Yeah… I guess I needed this, huh? All this time, I’ve been so worried. But now that you’re here, I feel much better. So, how about you? Do you have a man? I mean you were all over the place and you look stunning. You must attract men like bees to honey. How about Antonio, um, do you still like him?”

Suzuka leaned back in the tub, letting the warm water lap at her skin, her eyes half-closed in thought. A playful smirk tugged at her lips as Anna’s words sank in. She glanced over at her friend, her teasing nature bubbling up to the surface, but there was a glint of something more serious in her gaze.

“Me? Attract men like bees to honey?” Suzuka laughed softly, shaking her head.

 “Please, Anna, you give me way too much credit. Sure, I might catch a few eyes here and there, but it’s not like I’ve got admirers lining up at the door. Besides, I’ve been a bit busy, you know, saving people, kicking butt, pulling off magic tricks - men aren’t exactly my top priority right now.”

Anna pouted, sensing a little dodge in Suzuka’s answer.

 “Oh, come on, Suzu! You’ve got to have at least one story. Some handsome prince or charming rogue trying to sweep you off your feet?”

Suzuka chuckled, her fingers tapping the edge of the tub as she considered her words.

 “Alright, alright. I won’t lie. I have a lover.”

Anna’s smile grew, but then she hesitated, her voice a little quieter as she asked, “And… Antonio? Do you still like him?”

That question hung in the air for a moment, the warmth of the bath contrasting with the sudden stillness in Suzuka’s expression. Her playful demeanor softened, and she looked down at the ripples in the water, watching them swirl gently.

 “Antonio…” she whispered, letting the name sit on her tongue.

 “I did, once. A lot. I thought he was everything - strong, kind, protective. I chased after him for a long time, hoping he’d see me the way I saw him. But… he didn’t. And that’s fine.” 

She paused, her fingers drawing circles in the water. 

“People change, and so do feelings. I don’t regret those days, I learned a lot from them. But I’m not that girl anymore.”

She sat up straighter, looking Anna in the eyes now.

 “Antonio’s been through a lot, I know that now. But liking him the way I did back then? That’s in the past. Right now, I just wanted to help him get his family back.” 

Suzuka’s smile brightened a bit, returning to its playful glimmer.

 “So yeah, I found myself a person who looked my way.”