Though he would never admit it out loud thanks to the teasing he would endure from Smith should she find out, Xeno had to concede that there was something highly attractive about having a beautiful woman come to his defence.
Of course being who and what he was, he was more than capable of making his irritation known to the blundering oaf who had stepped on his now throbbing tail, but he sincerely doubted that he would have derived as much amusement from the now fearful human if he had beaten Miia to the punch.
"AND FURTHERMORE, YOU SHOULD THINK ABOUT GETTING SOME NEW GLASSES. IT'S CLEAR THAT THE ONES YOU HAVE ARENT WORKING PROPERLY, AND ITS ONLY A MATTER OF TIME BEFORE YOU SMASH INTO ANOTHER INNOCENT BYSTANDER".
Seeing that the overweight human was on the urge of fainting as he was forced to endure the wrath of a pissed off lamia, and having no desire to endure the scolding he was bound to receive if he allowed this little mishap to get further out of hand, Xeno skillyfull manoeuvred himself so that he was now between the pale human and a glaring Miia.
"Apologises for my friend, but as I'm sure you can understand, she tends to be a little bit biased when it comes to liminal and human misunderstandings. That being said, I'm sure that in the future you'll be more aware of your surroundings. After all, I sincerely doubt the next time you step on someone's tail, they'll be as forgiving as I am now. Do we understand each other"?
Smiling in a manner that was largely reminiscent of his human caregiver during her more scary moments, Xeno let out a small chuckle as he witnessed the overweight human frantically bow in apology before fleeing with a speed that should have been impossible for a man of his bulk.
Frowning in disgust as she watched the human's rapid departure, Miia's intense expression soon melted into a look of an apologetic child as she turned her attention back towards the amused looking male.
"I'm sorry for lashing out like that Xeno. I know we don't need the additional stress right now since Darling's life is in danger, but I can't stand people who aren't considerate of others".
Waving aside her apology with a wave of his hand, and ignoring the slight throbbing sensation that was coursing through his now hidden tail, the male hybrid offered a smile towards his fretting reptilian companion.
"You have no need to apologise Miia. In fact, if anything I should be the one apologizing to you. If I had moved a little quicker, or been more like our beloved coordinator, I could have avoided the entire issue. So hopefully you'll forgive me".
Confused by his reasoning, for in her eyes he had nothing to apologize for, Miia's expression quickly gained a slightly mischievous edge to it.
"What do you mean? Are you saying that if you acted like a free loading government agent you would be more willing to forgive people? Cause honestly, I don't really see you being able to pull that off with the same amount of skill Smith does".
Snorting in amusement as Miia's accurate, if somewhat incomplete description of the raven haired human, Xeno's smirk soon gained a slightly more predatory edge as he moved to correct the red haired lamia.
"Can't say your wrong there. Despite her best efforts, I never really picked up the habit of mooching off people to compensate for my own laziness. Though I confess that when she wants to be, Smith can be an extremely scary person. I've done my best over the years, but nothing I've managed to do can come closer to her smile of doom. Hell, I doubt even my own mother could intimidate that woman. Would be amusing to watch though since Mom would probably do her best to put our government coordinator in her place".
Surprised by the male's admission, for she couldn't recall the last time she had ever heard him speak about his family, Miia softened her tone as she tried to learn more about her male housemate.
"What was your mother like? She must have been quite something if even Smith's temper wouldn't be enough to frighten her".
Though he was rather shocked by the lamia's question, since he had expected Miia to change the subject rather than try and have a potentially emotional conversation with him, Xeno nevertheless answered her question with a slightly melancholy smile.
"You have no idea. Not sure how it is with other non human races, at least those who aren't composed of one gender, but female members of my kind tend to be rather more…dangerous in appearance and temperament than most males. As a fully mature member of our species, mom possessed both a body that could easily surpass Tio's in size, and had a strict personality that could easily put Centorea's to shame".
Slightly blanching at the thought of a woman who was not only larger in size then that of the buxom ogress, but possessed the necessary tools and temperament that surpassed that of their equestrian housemate, Miia found herself growing surprised at the next piece of information Xeno willingly shared.
"But that was just for those who weren't family. While she was still somewhat strict with all 3 of my sisters, mom nevertheless loved them all, and encouraged them in any way that she could. My sister Acidia idolized our mother, and always did her best to act like her. Wish I assure caused a fair bit of teasing from my more mischievous siblings".
Smiling in encouragement as Xeno's expression soon developed an easily identifiable look of fondness, Miia encouraged him to continue.
"And what about you? Was your mom as strict with you as she was with your sisters"?
Snorting in amusement as he recalled the dynamics of his family, Xeno shook his head in the negative.
"Quite the opposite actually. In fact if it wasn't for Clawdia and Talonia's constant teasing that I was turning into a mama's boy, I'm pretty sure I would have ended up the most spoiled child on the island. More than a match for Smith's usual display of laziness at the very least".
Giggling at the image of a younger, more lazy Xeno, Miia was soon interrupted by her thoughts as her male companion gestured to the noticeably less crowded area.
"It appears that we've finally managed to get out of that overly crowded line. So Miia, since we have some time before Kimmy Boy and Mero return, want to see what's so great about a zoo for aquatic animals? I've never been before, and I find myself wondering if it will live up to all the hype".
Though a bit saddened at the change in topic, for she had begun to feel a tad bit closer to her male companion at his happy reminiscing, Miia nevertheless accepted the proposal with a smile.
…
Though he would never admit it to anyone, though he suspected that his government coordinator would inevitably tease him for thinking this way, Kimihito had to admit that his aquatic homestay was making him feel very nervous as she roped him into their current spying mission.
"I must say that this facility has excellent equipment for our voyeur purposes Dear Sir. Must ask Madame Smith to install some when we get home. That way, it will be far easier for me to witness the effects of my failure".
Shuddering in understandable terror as he thought of what Smith would do to his poor house if she ever decided to implement Mero's suggestion, though he couldn't help but wonder whether the raven haired agent had already done so already, Kimihito attempted to steer the conversation back into a productive direction.
"I'll be sure to ask her that the next time I see her. But I think for now it would be best to get to the matter at hand. Have you seen anything weird on the cameras? Cause from what I've seen, nothing springs to mind".
Nodding with a pleased smile on her face, the pink scaled mermaid kept her eyes glued to the screen as she responded to the human's question.
"I have indeed. Their progress together would make any mermaid envious to be in their position".
Confused with her answer, and seeing that the aquariam's security staff were also somewhat perplexed with her answer, the black haired human sought to discover what she meant.
"What have you found Mero? Did you see some guy with a weapon? A liminal who is in this country illegally? What"?
Shaking her head at his list of guesses, though she blushed at the seriousness of his tone since it once again reminded her of how protective her host was, Mero pointed a single finger towards the screen.
"I'm referring to the way in which my housemates are interacting with each other. Their stance is reminds me of a couple who are clearly in love with each other, but have yet to accept their own feelings as well as inform the other of their attraction. It's not quite the same story structure as the Little Mermaid, but it is fascinating to watch".
Resisting the urge to face palm as Mero's love for tragic romance once again made itself known, and ignoring the amused chuckling of the security forces, Kimihito drew closer to the screen and was perplexed by what he saw.
"I'm sorry Mero, but I think your wrong. Yes Xeno appears to be a tad more cheerful than he usually is, and Miia seems to be a bit more fidgety than usual, but considering the circumstances we find ourselves in, its only natural. Miia of course would be nervous since this outing is to try and lure out the person threatening me, while Xeno is probably looking forward for the chance to terrify some criminal without suffering the consequences".
Frowning at her beloved human's reasoning, Mero was about to refute his hypothesis when a familiar voice decided to offer her own opinion regarding the situation between the two liminals.
"Nice to see that your still totally obvlious to matters of the heart Darling Kun. But I suppose it's a natural response for a man who has yet to lose his V card despite having a slew of women chasing after him. Perhaps you and Xeno could start a club since you both seem to be in the same boat".
Shooting the sputtering boy a teasing smirk as she looked over the shoulder of the blushing mermaid, Smith's expression soon gained a slightly predatory edge as she directed her attention to the pink haired girl.
"Would I be right in thinking that you have been trying to kill two birds with one stone Mero? I should have expected that you would try to play matchmaker, but since this is a rather serious situation, I would appreciate if you try and reign in your more 'tragic' tendencies".
Nodding her head in embarrassment, and more than a little fear as Smith directed a deceptively cheerful smile in her direction, Mero was soon relieved when the raven haired agent moved on to more pressing matters.
"Since we need Darling Kun to play a more public role in this little operation, I'm afraid the two of you will need to rejoin your companions. I trust that the two of you will be able to keep your little experiment into voyeurism to yourself? Would hate to think what those two would do to m…to you if they learned that you were spying on their budding romance".
Receiving a pair of nods from her most important charges, though she noticed that her fellow human appeared to be somewhat confused by the last part of her statement, Smith waited until the pair had fled the room before she turned her attention back to the screen.
It did her heart good to see Xeno slowly coming out of his shell, but she couldn't help but feel a tad upset that it wasn't her sharing this moment with the male hybrid.
Still, she would not begrudge her favorite subordinate this little bit of happiness, especially considering all that had happened in his life.
But she still couldn't help but wonder what it would be like to take the place of the currently laughing lamia. For despite her best efforts, she would not soon forget Xeno's firm, yet gentle touch on her tightly constrained breasts. And as she knew from observing her male subordinate, though he was still somewhat confused about how to act on his as yet unconfirmed feelings, Xeno had a tendency to like girls with big chests.
Though little did she know that the male hybrid would soon be expanding his view of what he considered to be attractive.
…..
Despite her disgust at having to plunge herself into the low born mass that was humanity, Draco was feeling elated at the fact that she was finally reaching her goal.
She had suffered a brief moment of doubt when she saw her fellow reptile enjoying herself with the admittedly good looking human, but after watching the lamia fall into a depressive state after the arrival of yet another human and his liminal companion, the dragonnewt had recovered her resolve to claim the lamia for her own.
Only briefly did the proud reptile believe that her task would end in failure. For while she could safely dismiss the plain looking human as a viable threat to her plans, the leather clad human somehow reminded her of a sleeping predator. Not enough to thwart her plans of course, for she was a member of a superior species, but enough to warrant a greater degree of caution on her part.
To ensure that her presence would go undetected, Draco had taken to keeping her distance from the human and liminal quartet, something which bothered her greatly since it greatly limited her options to enact her plan.
However she needn't have worried.
For it had seemed that her quarry also possessed the same feelings of jealousy that she herself possessed in abundance. And despite the slightly chilly atmosphere, not to mention the now slightly throbbing sensation that was now coursing through her tail, Draco could only feel a happy sense of accomplishment as she finally obtained her goal.
"Oh my goodness I'm so sorry".
…
Cheerfully ignoring the somewhat frantic staff who were trying to pry the cuddly aquatic mammal from her grasp, and feeling slightly more cheerful than usual as she witnessed her rival take up with another man, Tio ecstatically reported her findings to her raven haired superior.
"I just saw the serpent head somewhere with a cute guy. Not as cute as Cutie of course, but still reasonably good looking. Since I can't leave him to perform his duties by himself, I take it you want me to remain in my position in case anything else happens"?
Frowning a little as she heard her raven haired superior sigh in annoyance at her reasoning, Tio found her previously cheerful mood vanish as Smith explained her new assignment.
"That's a negative Tio. It's possible that Darling Kun's stalker is threatening him because they have an interest in keeping the girls away from him. That means that it is highly likely that they would only reveal themselves IF they have a chance to claim one of the girls for themselves. So with that in mind, you're to leave the tasking of guarding Darling Kun to your beloved Cutie, while you focus on the potentially more important task of keeping our favorite lamia under surveillance. I trust that you won't let your personal feelings get in the way of completing this mission"?
Though she would have preferred to keep an eye on her favorite male rather than following after that reptilian floozy, Tio knew from past experience that it was never wise to disobey Smith whenever she allowed her tone to lose any of her usual warmth.
"Understood. Do you want me to place myself in a position where I can intervene if things take a turn for the worst? Or do you want me to serve in only an observational capacity"?
In truth, if the red haired lamia found herself in danger, the ogress would do anything in her power to protect her from harm. Not just because she took her oath to protect all liminals from harm very seriously, but also because her Cutie would be extremely upset if anything happened to his housemate.
As is sensing the direction of her buxom subordinate's thoughts, Smith allowed her tone to soften slightly as she proceeded to clarify Tio's new orders.
"Your job is to only keep an eye on them from a distance. I'm sure that should the situation become more serious, Manako is more than capable of handling it".
Nodding to show that she understood her orders, before blushing in embarrassment at the reminder that Smith couldn't see her, Tio quickly reassured her raven haired superior that she would obey her orders to the letter.
…
Though he knew he would receive a stern tongue lashing from Smith once she learned that he had left his post, the young hybrid pressed on with his disobedient actions as he searched for his reptilian housemate. In retrospect he should have seen recognized the signs, though he was still somewhat confused as to what had triggered Miia's temper this time.
After they had finally managed to escape the ridiculously long line of humanity, Xeno had almost slipped back into the usual melancholy like state he always did after he realized that he had somehow been tricked to talking about his family. However to his great surprise, Miia had managed to somehow keeping him from experiencing his usual feelings of depression, and had proceeded to entertain him with her amusing observations.
It had truly been funny to find aquatic representations of most of their housemates, and just before Kimmy Boy and Mero had arrived to put an end to their little bonding moment, the two non humans had managed to find animals that they had each thought fitted the other perfectly.
It had taken some effort on his part since he didn't want to ruin their good fun by picking an animal that would have been insensitive, and to his mind comparing the cheerful lamia to an eel would have been very insulting, but in the end he had found his quarry and could only smile as Miia giggled at his choice.
While the choice of a sea snake was rather predictable, his reptilian housemate had nevertheless accepted it without complaint, even though she pointed out that she lacked the ability to produce venom.
Her choice for him had left him rather surprised, though in retrospect with the lack of any other aquatic reptile that wasn't a turtle or snake, the iconic ocean swimming predator was the only animal at the aquarium that fit him.
However before he could offer his amused agreement with the smiling lamia, a certain pink haired mermaid had decided to make herself known by offering her support of the idea that his characteristics were like a shark.
That should have been the first indicator that something was troubling the previously cheerful Miia. For despite the fact they had now been reunited with their human host, the red haired reptile had displayed none of her usual clinginess, and had in fact grown increasingly irritated as Mero tried to include her the conversation.
The second indicator should have been her less than happy expression after they had learned that their aquatic housemate had been invited to participate in the aquarium's dolphin show.
While both him and Kimmy boy had enthusiastically voiced their admiration for Mero's acrobatic feats, though he suspected that might have something to do with the way the girl's swim attire and the way it showed off her clearly feminine features, Miia had spent the time glowering at the pink haired mermaid.
But after seeing the less than cheerful attitude of his first homestay, Kimmy Boy had quickly moved from being a supportive fan to the concerned wet blanket he had always been, and the male hybrid was surprised when this latest attempts of comforting had failed to have any positive effect on the sulking Miia.
Instead, she had quickly slithered away in a huff, leaving her male companions to watch her departure in confusion.
Originally, Kimmy Boy had been all set to chase after the clearly upset girl, but Xeno had quickly shot that idea down. While he understood his host's need to try and apologize to the absent lamia, though he was unsure as to what exactly there was to apologize for, the fact remained that there was another reason for their little day trip besides seeing the sights.
If the black haired human decided to chase after Miia, he would be exposing himself to potential danger from his stalker, who more than likely was waiting for the perfect chance to strike, and said best chance was when he was out of a crowd.
And since the laws stated that a liminal exchange student must be accompanied in public by either a government official or their host, that meant Xeno couldn't accompany his host while he tracked down the absent reptile.
So, though he knew that he was very likely risking a particularly harsh scolding from Smith, and possibly Tio and Bina, once they learned that he had increased the danger to their human charge, Xeno had decided to leave his host in the packed stadium while he hunted around for a certain lamia.
But as fate would have it, he would be soon learn Miia's current whereabouts thanks to the unexpected aid from one of Kimmy Boy's more close minded of acquaintances.
"Can you believe the nerve of that stupid bitch? Here I am, a regular human like her, and she decides to give away her best boat away to a couple of scaled freaks. I don't know where our country's going babe. First I get charged for disturbing the peace because I chose to exercise my freedom of speech, and now I can't even enjoy a romantic boat ride because some snake freak wants to get it on with some lizard mutant".
His curiosity now piqued by the loud, and rather obnoxious tone of a rather thuggish looking human, Xeno was uncertain whether he should be grateful at the chance to narrow down his search, or disgusted by the almost simpering reply of the human's female companion.
"I know what you mean babe. This is still a free country, and as normal citizens our rights and privileges should be the government's first concern. I mean, it's bad enough that we have to share our homes with these monsters, but to see them treated like they own the place? It's disgusting. Still, I'm still somewhat shocked that the snake bitch managed to fit in one of those boats. Would have thought with an ass that big, she would have preferred to stay on land to get her freak on".
Eyes narrowing in disgust as he listened to the couple bad mouth those who were different from them, but knowing that they were currently his best lead to tracking down his reptilian housemate, Xeno forcibily willed his face to adopt a cheerful expression as he approached the two racists.
"Excuse me. I couldn't help but overhearing, but is it true that you came across a lamia during the course of your travels"?
Receiving a dismissive wave from the blonde human, who didn't even bother to turn around to look at who he was talking to, Xeno barely managed to keep his composure as he received the answer he sought.
"In this day and age, its hard not to run into any one of these freaks. But what's it to you pal? You one of those pervs who can only get with monster on monster porno? Cant say I blame you really. She might lack a normal set of parts in her lower half, but the snake's got a pretty descent rack".
Fighting down the urge to snarl at the blatant disrespect the human was directing towards his housemate, Xeno managed to keep his tone polite as he inquired as to which direction they had seen the elusive lamia.
"And where exactly would I find her if I may ask"?
Grumbling in annoyance at the hybrid's continued questioning, the blonde couple turned around to offer a snarky reply to his inquiry. But as they caught sight of his inhuman features, their reactions went from annoyance to full out disgust.
"Oh my god your one of those freaks aren't you. Can't believe I've been so stupid. It's obvious why you would want to find your little monster friends".
Narrowing his eye's at their less than stellar reactions, Xeno tilted his head to the side as he regarded the now smirking man.
"And what reason would that be"?
Matching her boyfriend's smirk, the rather ugly human female told him.
"Its probably to get in on the action. I mean let's face it, a girl like that, it's obvious that it takes a bit more effort to get her motor going if you know what I'm saying".
Hissing in anger as the pair of humans laughed at their insensitive joke, Xeno's grasp on his more bestial instincts soon slipped as he heard the thuggish male dig his own grave.
"Oh man, how would that even work? Would one of you try to fill that void while trying to get some tit action? Or would the pair of you go in at the same time since she' so lo…GRKKKKK".
Fighting the urge to use his now exposed tail to gut the human as he struggled to release himself from his grasp, and silencing the now shrieking woman with a look that clearly stated that he was in no mood to put up with her bullshit, Xeno bared his teeth in anger as he directed his question towards the understandably terrified human.
"I will only assssk thisss one more time. Where did you ssseee the lamia"?
Quickly pointing in the direction from whence they came, and oblivious to the fact that she had just pissed her pants thanks to the hybrid's menacing tone, the racist girl told him.
"Th….there down by the lake. It…its only 2 minutes that way. Please don't hurt me".
Dropping the now gasping human to the ground, and not bothering to spare a single glance backwards as he proceeded to follow his newly gained directions, Xeno was completely unaware that his little interrogation session had been witnesses by 2 pairs of eyes that clearly expressed their amusement at his little show.
"Nice to know that Babe's stay with Kimmy Boy hasn't affected his ability lay down a kickass beating. Shame that he's pressed to time. I do like to watch a man who knows what he's doing".
Chuckling in agreement with her red haired subordinate, and grateful that a certain ogresses wasn't here to reprimand them for encouraging her beloved cutie to act like a criminal, Smith's smile gained a slightly menacing edge as she gestured towards the familiar couple.
"Since I believe we have some time to kill before our comrades call us for backup, why don't we take our time explaining to that endearing couple that they really should start adopting a more modern mindset? It's clear they haven't learned the lesson Darling Kun tried to teach them the last time they decided to make their opinions known. But I do believe that it is very possible that they might be more willing to change their minds if they discover that some of these so called freaks now carry the authority to dispense justice towards certain criminals. And I do believe spewing hatred and disturbing the peace counts as a crime. Don't you think so Zombina"?
Smiling in a manner that would have made even a shark back up in fear, the gun toting zombie nodded her head in agreement with her smirking supervisor.
"I do indeed Smith. I do indeed".
….
Despite her very real elation at finally managing to get the beautiful snake woman all alone, Draco couldn't help but feel a tad annoyed at the fact that Miia seemed more inclined to complain about the men in her life, rather than focus on a stunning specimen such as herself.
Not that she blamed the currently ranting lamia, for in her mind all men were pigs whose only real use was ensuring that certain species did not go extinct, but that still didn't mean that she wanted the entirety of their little date devoted towards speaking about their guy problems.
Time to subtly change the subject.
"I completely understand where you're coming from Miia. My experience with men has also been…less than pleasant. Still, at least now you realize what total scumbags they can be, so we can now switch our focus to more pleasant things".
Seeing the slight narrowing of the lamia's eyes, Draco suspected that she could have used a little more tact when trying to get her to focus on something else.
"They're not scum bags. If anything those two are the nicest boys I ever met, even if they have a tendency to be easily distracted".
Fighting the urge to grit her teeth in agitation, though she was uncertain whether she should be more annoyed at her failure or Miia's defensive posturing, Draco put on her most charming smile as she tried to do some damage control.
"Really? Cause from you've told me, one of them is a human version of a door mat, while the other is a brooding loner. Hardly fitting for a woman of your beauty. But enough about them. Let's just sit back and enjoy getting to know each other a little better. After all, since were both reptiles, I believe we are more compatible with each other than those two males could ever hope to be with you".
Though the smile Draco flashed her was meant to be reassuring, the continuing negative attitude towards her male host and housemate, not to mention the lizard's slightly creepy tone when talking about how compatible they were, Miia could only feel a growing sense of unease as she stared at her fellow reptile.
"I think…I think I want to go back to shore now".
Frowning in annoyance as her plan seemed to be in jeopardy, though she was still uncertain as to what could have caused this to happen, the dragonnewt decided that perhaps all the pink scaled girl needed was a reminder that humans were an inferior species.
"Why? So you can be with your precious apes? Its not like they'll ever understand us. To them, we're just the latest fashion to be excited about. Once that dies down, they'll reveal themselves for what they have always been. A species who will always reject those who are different from them. But people like us, those who are untainted by the flaws of humanity, we are truly superior to them, and should act like it".
Shocked by Draco's sudden change and attitude, and now fully regretting her earlier display of jealous, Miia tried once again to make her position known.
"Draco…please take me back to shore now. You're scaring me".
Glaring in clear disgust at the lamia's continued loyalty to her human acquaintances, and more than a little hurt at what she viewed to be Miia's rejection of her, Draco decided that it was perhaps time to use more forceful methods of persuasion.
Casting off her long over coat so she could finally expose her wings proudly, though this seemed to have the opposite effect of impressing Miia, Draco took a menacing step towards the trapped lamia.
"There's no reason to be scared Miia, though I wouldn't blame you if you were a bit in awe of a descendent of a dragon. But since I intend for us to get to know each other a bit better before we return to shore, I'm afraid that I can't let you g..GRRKKKK".
Her words cut off as she suddenly felt something wrap around her neck, cutting off her airway, Draco managed to catch sigh of Miia's surprised, but no less relieved expression before she found her turning to face the one who would dare assault her person.
"I believe that my friend has sssaid that she wantssss to go back to ssshore".
Desperately trying to loosen the interrupter's tail from her neck, a fight that was proving to be in vain since her attempts merely caused him to tighten his grip, Draco flashed a pleading look at the soaking wet liminal before a small spark of recognition entered her eyes.
While he was shorter than the buxom woman that had shamelessly tried to get into her pants during their roof top meeting, there was no mistaking that this male shared more than a passing resemblance with the slightly perverted liminal.
Possessing the same, if slightly smaller inhuman parts as Talonia, and sharing the same basic facial features, though his features were currently arrayed in a mask of cold fury rather than an expression of teasing enticement, the dragonnewt was quickly pulled out of her musings by the simple fact that the male had released his grip.
But before she could do more than take a few greedy gasps of air, Draco found herself being lifted off the ground once more, though this time the male had grabbed the back of her shirt, and to her immense embarrassment her tail as well. And before she could try and give an ounce of protest from her rough treatment, the dragonnewt was sent flying into the air before crashing into the chilly water.
But before her head fell beneath the surface, Draco caught to sights that made her both ashamaed and jealous.
The first one being that a mere human, situated into one of those swan shaped paddle boats was quickly approaching her landing zone. The second one being was that her fellow reptile was now tearfully embracing the stunned liminal, who insultingly enough seemed quite willing to embrace the sobbing lamia.
….
Despite the fact that her rescuer was slightly chilly to the touch thanks to his method of rescue, the snake like woman had no intention of letting him go any time soon as she expressed her gratitude for his timely arrival.
"Thank you Xeno. Thank you so much. I was so scared. I thought he was my friend, but he turned out to be a creep".
Feeling a pair of arms surround her in an awkward, but no less comforting manner, Miia allowed her tears to fall freely as the male hybrid tried to console her.
"Its ok now Miia. It's ok. I'm sorry for all this since it's clear that this was my fault".
Shocked at receiving an apology from her male housemate, Miia raised her head off of his admittedly solid chest to see that Xeno was currently sporting a look of regret.
"If only I had acted faster, or recognized that I was placing you in danger by remaining by Kimmy Boy's side, I could have prevented this whole thing from happening. I hope you'll be able to forgive me".
Though she was still shaken by the experience, Miia's expression soon gained a look of utter seriousness as she did something she would have never though possible.
She slapped him.
"Don't you dare go believing that this was your fault. The decision to leave with Draco was mine and mine alone. I don't want to hear you ever again blame yourself for something that was beyond your control. Is that clear Xeno"?
While taken back by the sudden display of assertiveness from his reptilian housemate, and knowing that it would be better to agree with her while she was still trying to get off her experience, Xeno did the only thing he could do.
He nodded.
"If that is what you wish then I shall do it Miia. Now, I suggest you sit back down while we get back to shore. As much as I'm enjoying your hug, I'm afraid that I need both my arms to row, not to mention the fact that I'm probably cold to the touch right now".
Her cheeks going red as she released her grip on the seemingly composed male, though in truth he had been somewhat flustered at having Miia's clearly feminine form pressing into his body, Miia settled herself back down into her seat. Content to simply pass the journey in silence while she cast her thankful gaze towards the softly smiling male.
….
Having watched everything through a modified telescope whether it had been Xeno showing off his aquatic skills to rescue his housemate or Miia's slightly embarrassed expression as she gazed at her rescuer, Manako couldn't help but feel a tad jealous of the budding romance that was developing between the two liminals.
It wasn't because she had romantic designs on her male colleague, for while he treated her with respect and dignity he still managed to make her feel nervous whenever she was in his presence. Nor was it because the lamia had all the..tools to ensnare a man, even though her success rate at this point could have been better.
No, the true reason for her jealousy was because that they had a connection that she believed would never be experience by her.
Few people ever managed to look at her with anything other than fear, and despite her coworkers attempts to help her feel better about this demoralizing aspect of her life, the cyclops knew that such a situation would be a continuing factor of her life.
"You ok Manako? You look a little sad right now".
Recognizing the voice of Smith's favorite host, and flushing at the fact that the human was now currently starting at her with clear concern on his face, Manako fought the urge to flinch as she tried to respond in a professional manner.
"I…I'm fine Mr. Kurusu. I trust that you've remained unhurt during yet another attempt at bravery".
Receiving a slightly embarrassed laugh from the admittedly handsome human, Manako's attention was diverted by the angry ranting of their perp.
"WHY THE HELL DO YOU CARE ABOUT WHAT HAPPENED TO HIM? THAT BASTARD TRIED TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF ME AFTER HE FISHED ME OUT OF THE WATER. I DEMAND JUSTICE".
Casting a brief glance towards the irritated dragonnewt, who for some reason appeared to be clutching his cloth's in a manner that was more akin to an embarrassed woman than a man, the cylops found her eye widening in amazement as her superior arrived to calm things down.
"I highly doubt that Draco. While Darling Kun tends to get involved with a variety of situations like this, it's always because he has some noble intention in mind. And since I highly doubt he was aware of the fact that you are indeed female, I can hazard a guess that he merely intended to get you out of those wet clothes before you catch cold".
Despite the feeling a tad smug at the fact that unlike the winged reptile nobody would be able to mistake her for a man despite her lack of a chest, Manako could only nod her head in agreement as her raven haired superior directed her fellow human's attention elsewhere.
"Since your services are no longer required here Darling Kun, why don't you go and comfort your first houseguest. I'm certain she can use it after all this, even if Xeno managed to save her before it could go any further".
….
Receiving a nod from her favorite host, though she was surprised to see that there was the barest traces of possessiveness in his eyes when she had mentioned her male subordinate, Smith waited til he was out of ear shot before turning the full extent of her now chilly smile towards the understandably nervous reptile.
"Now Draco. I believe you have already been warned about straying away from your host family. So mind explaining why I shouldn't punish you for this latest excursion"?
Hearing only a mumbled excuse that sounded suspiciously like "they are beneath me", Smith prepared herself to deliver yet another scolding before informing her of her punishment when the surprised voice of her shape changing subordinate drew her attention.
"Well well well. What is this? It looks like Draco might be guilty of the no touchy rule when it comes to humans. And to hide it in your bra of all places. Don't you know that's only a good hiding place when you got something to keep it there"?
Chuckling in amusement as Doppel handed her the card, Smith's smile quickly predatory as she looked at the flat chested reptile.
"Oh dear. It looks like that things have just gotten worse for you Draco. Having intimate relations with humans, regardless of gender, is in violation of the Exchange Act. It would be quite easy for us to deport you if this happens to be true. I don't suppose you have some excuse to explain your actions"?
Having expected Draco to flat out deny everything, the human agent was rather caught off guard when the reptilian female came up with an excuse that she had not foreseen.
"For your information, that card wasn't given to me by a human, it was given to me by a liminal. And the law says nothing about 2 liminals getting intimate with each other. Though I admit that we haven't done more than communicate over the phone the last couple of days".
Scowling at the truthfulness of Draco's statement, for when the laws were being made nothing had been stated that would prohibit strictly liminal couples, Smith distracted herself by examining the slightly soggy business card, and immediately froze when she saw the name printed on it.
Ignoring the inquisitive expressions of her subordinates as she stared at the defiant looking lizard, Smith somehow managed to surpass her usual threatening persona as she smiled evilly at the androgynous liminal.
"I do believe I have found a way in which you can lessen your punishment Draco".
...
And I believe that this is a good place to leave it :)
I apologize for the delay, but sadly I had suffered a case of writers block for this chapter. I knew how I wanted it to go, problem was putting it into words :P But since I had promised myself that it would be done before Christmas...I have devoted my time to ensuring that it is prepared for all my faithful readers :)
More or less pleased with how it turned out :P, even if I had to change the reactions of some characters, but believe that the change is plausible due to the role of the OC in this story.
Saw some more interaction between Xeno and Miia, and a little bit of Kim and Mero, along with MON. I believe that since Mero now has two guys for romantic partners, feelings of jealousy that are present in the series would take longer to develop, but they will nonetheless happen.
Anyways, not sure when next chapter will be up, since I'm trying to decide on how to structure it, not to mention the fact that I got other stuff to do, but hopefully it wont take that long.
Big thanks to my beta reader Ghostface4
And as always, I DEMAND reviews :P no flames of course