The morning after their intense reconciliation was a slow, domestic dance against the backdrop of the rugged highlands. They needed water, but the well near the shack was dry.
"Looks like we're fetching water the old-fashioned way," Mild announced, picking up two battered plastic buckets. "I'm also going to take a bath. The river's about a half-mile down that trail."
Arm immediately stepped forward. "I'm coming with you."
Mild paused, giving Arm a pointed look. "You can come, but only if you promise you won't get touchy. I need a proper bath, Arm, not another spontaneous mating session on a riverbank."
Arm ran a hand through his perpetually neat hair, looking genuinely distressed. "That's a big ask, Mild. You know I can't control myself when I see you naked. My brain just switches off, and my body..." He gestured vaguely at his lower half. "It yearns."
Mild chuckled, a warm sound that made the air feel less cold. "Then stay here. You can look at the view."
