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The following is a fan-based

FICTION

Las Lindas and other products set in the same universe are all owned by Chalo/Chalosan and SoulKat.

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Chapter 31: It went Cuddlier


A yawn left my lips as I finally managed to get back home.

I was greeted by a cheerful Taffy, the Rabbit Prime being close to calling an end to her shift and getting back to some plans she made with Idward and Sarah. Something about D&D that I decided to not join for a very… curious reason. A few minutes before getting back, I received a message from Mora that asked me to check on something in her office. A surprise for sure, but definitely a good one since she said it so herself. I still stopped to retrieve the small plate with my own meal as I returned just a little after lunch, thus failing to arrive to be there to eat with the others.

After thanking the girl for the kind gesture and grabbing the plate with a big slice lasagna she had made for the occasion, I found myself greeting both Randal and Miles as the two were taking a moment to challenge each other at a game of cards. Minos had joined too, but the clueless look on his face as he stared at his hand showed how little he knew about the game they were playing. Finally I reached where the office was and I knocked just once before entering inside. It was there that I saw Mora having finished her paperwork and enjoying a much needed break. She looked way happier than she usually would be when it comes to finishing that cumbersome task, and I had a strong feeling there was something else that drove her to send me that message and ask me to pass by.

"Good news, dear?" I asked quietly and the Cow Prime's smile doubled at my words.

"You can damn say that, hon. I think I have some news you might want to hear and… first, how about we talk of Hope? I think that's a bit more important."

I slowly nodded at that sudden shift of topic, but I couldn't argue over the fact that it was a fairly important subject to discuss. So I did, and I explained to her the current condition Hope was in. Digit decided to teleport inside the room as soon as she heard me mention the proper issue with the Gazelle Prime and the dangers tied to that circumstance. I was surprised when she was suddenly on my face and she was gasping at what I was telling her and Mora as the situation was far from ideal for the pervy therapist.

"Wait, that's… that sounds incredibly risky," The little spirit argued. "While it's true that Nanozell Spirits are symbiotically attached to their 'owners', there are restrictions to prevent that from becoming too dangerous on both."

"The jewel is usually encased in a protective metal that looks like gold," I agreed almost too quickly, stealing a nod from Digit before explaining this better to Mora. "If that wasn't there, then the connection with the spirit could easily grow unstable and lead to a fusion of personalities due to it. Which is why Ambar worked on this situation to make sure that Hope got a special set to prevent the worst. Hence the second surgery and her currently debilitated state."

The brunette flinched at the mention of a second surgery and how painful one normally was. "How long before she will be discharged."

"A couple of days, maybe a week. She is already recovering and it's clear it's working as it should be."

"Are you sure she didn't show any symptoms to be worried about? Any mood swings?" Digit pressed on the matter.

"Nothing concerning," I replied calmly. "She was in a bit of a sour mood, but it was the pain. I could tell she was still 100% her in that and that she was panicking about losing anything with this."

"I wouldn't be happy if that had been me," Mora admitted. "Still, I suppose she is being treated well."

"I would say so. In fact, since she is a Knight, she got quite the attention to make sure her condition was frequently monitored."

"That is… good. I think."

"It is," Digit confirmed, smiling in relief. "Declan, if it's not asking too much, can I speak with Hope tomorrow by the phone? I want to really help her with this and perhaps I can."

I sighed. "I will call her and ask, but don't expect her to say 'yes'. She isn't exactly feeling well right now, and I believe stressing her too much wouldn't be nice."

"Okay!"

With that out of the way, Digit was back to patrol the farm and make sure things were going nice within the perimeter while I finally addressed the reason why Mora wanted to talk with me.

"So, about that message-"

"Oh right, there has been a… development. Which I think it's positive in a way but I would like to discuss this before doing anything big."

I frowned, I could see a degree of nervousness on her face that almost screamed she did something I might disagree about. "What about?"

"Do you remember about the… Rachael situation?"

"Yes. And I hope you're not going to say that-"

"She helped me with the milking."

"How?"

"Well, old-style."

I groaned. "Mora-"

"I know, I know. I shouldn't be doing things like that but… she actually came to apologize for our little feuding and she meant it. She isn't exactly… well, willing to let go-"

"Even though I told her so."

"Even though you told her… but that doesn't mean she is at fault. Everyone can decide to keep persisting if they feel like it," Mora argued, gaining some annoyance at my resolve. "And we have both agreed that our relationship is a bit more open than others. So I can tell you that I wouldn't mind it if she wanted to try something with you."

"Dear..."

The Cow Prime sighed, gesturing to me to come closer. I was quickly pulled in a hug. "You're worrying about this, and it's alright. But trust me on this. It's like how it went with Sandy. She didn't cause us any trouble now, did she?"

"No."

"And I can tell you have given it a positive thought before so… why not give it a shot?"

"She was good at milking you, wasn't she?" I half-accused, knowing full well that this matter was why she was being so supportive of it. Mora had the decency to blush at it.

At this point, I couldn't even blame anyone. It was kind of expected, somewhat, that Rachael would have picked up an opportunity. And it came out in a rather polite and calm way towards Mora. It was a surprise, but one I couldn't exactly call the best possible. Did I have my own limitations about it? Yes. I knew I was going to have a conversation with Sarah the moment she picked things up and I really hoped she didn't decide, out of the 'trend' to try her hand too. I was already aware she didn't see me that way, but she was rather childish in a way and curious. And those were good enough factors to drive something to happen. So, while I was glad that Mora and Rachael made up, and did so in quite the intimate way, I still had my own reluctance to the ramifications of that move. It could lead to many scenarios, most of which were far from idyllic. It really didn't help when I started to go through my usual second shift. I was working calmly, doing the same as usual, so I wasn't exactly planning to do much beyond getting the workers' quota reached by the end of the day. Everyone was ecstatic and particularly satisfied with the pace they were going. No major complains, and I took this chance to walk back in the house and check something I was actually curious about.

"Oh, I actually… don't know," Digit answered reluctantly. "Like, it's one of those news stories that I'm unable to get through the network. And it's a common thing for any Knight-related affairs."

"So you can't tell me if this is a possible issue we would have to be worried about? After all, that spirit was targeted out of nowhere."

"It's… it's upsetting," The girl admitted with some unease. "But I can't really do much about it and… and it's quite frightening."

"Oh, but we will not allow that to happen. They will have to pass through me first. And Mora. Mora is definitely going to be much tougher than me."

"That's not true! Sure, she has the strength and side but you are more persistent, dad," Digit rebuked fiercely… before slamming her palms on her mouth. "O-Oopsie?"

I frowned. "About what?"

Her mouth opened in a silent gasp and then closed down.

"W-Wait, you're not angry that I call you dad… unironically?

"Hm? Why should I?" I inquired, feeling like there was nothing wrong with that.

"I-I mean, it can be fun as a joke or two but… I mean it seriously. As in, I think of you as my father."

"And I wouldn't mind calling you my daughter."

She sniffled, then started to blink fast to handle some of the tears and… I was slammed by a Mach-1 tackle-hug.

"Daaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaad!"

I chuckled, barely holding myself from falling down due to that rush. The girl clutched me close really hard, nuzzling on my shoulder as I patted her upper back.

"No need to cry, sweetie. After all, in a technical way, I would become your real dad when I marry Mora."

"Y-Yeah, I think Mora is my mother so… wait, did you just say 'when'?"

"Well yes, I've been thinking about-"

"Oh my Gods!" Digit squeaked in delight. "You mean you are planning to ask her that big question?"

"Not… anytime soon. I want to give it a couple more months but I believe we're at that point."

She giggled happily and hugged me harder. "It doesn't matter! I support this move!"

I chuckled. "Sure, sure. Now, how about we do something together? I heard you have dabbled for the first time in Black Jack."

"Yeah, Mora taught me how to be a masterful player. What? Do you want to lose some money, Daddy?"

"I was planning to play with Taffy's latest batch of cookies."

The spirit gasped. "Then you really want me to play seriously! No, I will not surrender!"

It was truly a pleasant pause from work and a good one before it was time to get ready for dinner. I was particularly fine and all, with no one giving me any issue beyond Geecku… well, being Geecku. At least Sander was happy with what he got out of those frequent encounters with the Life Crest. If only he knew that the reason she was being so wild and intense about this was tied to her powers allowing her to do so much about this kind of situation. Of course, the workers didn't know the truth as it was only me, Mora, and Digit that knew the truth at the moment.

By an early glance, today was going to end calmly and without any issue. Nothing to really worry about as far as I could tell. So I was more than happy to help Taffy with the preparation and get everyone roll called to enjoy the last meal of the day. Everything was set for a delicious time together where everyone had no complaints to forward and…

I jinxed it, I suppose. As something did happen.


In fact, something unusual unfolded right by dinnertime as we were close to finishing the big event.

And it all started from a single first step that didn't cast any suspicions on the masterminds behind it all. Everyone was almost done with dinner when Rachael mentioned having forgotten something by the barn. Nothing really weird or strange, but I could tell from the bizarre look she gave me and the knowing smile on Mora's face that the two had planned about this. So, I wasn't completely surprised when I received a message from Rachael that she needed help at the barn and that I was the one she needed.

Yep, this was a clear call for something a bit more intense to unfold, and so I proceeded about this cautiously. I could really see a repeat of what happened with Sandy occur and yet I had this distinct feeling it wasn't going to be like that. So I approached the barn with a supposedly defeated look… only to find out that Rachael really needed my help as her ladder dropped right as she was setting, removing a bag she had left there for what she had planned to do for this event. She was shivering a little, not out of fear but embarrassment as I carefully got the ladder back up so she could get down without any trouble. The Cat Prime didn't look at me, but didn't say no to a tiny hug from me.

"I'm an idiot. I- I almost died for that."

"Nah, the ceiling is reinforced and you would have held it," I assured, remembering how I had personally made that order and got Digit and Minos to help me fix that. "You're a tough lady."

"Ah… I'm not."

"And what's with beating yourself that hard now?"

"Because..." Rachael paused and sighed. "I messed up."

"You didn't-"

"I did. And the worst part is that I had this big plan to actually take it slow, then have you by my side and… and now it's gone. I've ruined it for myself..."

That sounded like she was no longer into the mood. Which was understandable considering the situation, but I could tell it was a bit saddening from Rachael's point of view. I took a moment to ponder about it and ultimately I decided to go for a sneaky move. One that I could tell was going to work if I convinced her with it as it was still intimate but… feasible without going too far about it. And it gave me the chance to gauge her intentions once and for all.

"How about cuddling?"

She tensed up and looked at me with a serious glare. Not one filled by anger but… confusion. "What?"

"Mora told me what happened."

"...Ah."

"And I had expected something to happen so, I guess you tried to put effort in this and it's quite… difficult, isn't it?"

"It's… how?"

"I have done my own efforts to gain girls' attention during my first relationships. Those were some of the more awkward years but… those defined me. It was a start, like yours is," I explained as kindly as I could. "You may think that you could have gone for more. That you should have planned this better, and you blame yourself as to why you feel reluctant about it now that it came crashing down. Don't be."

"I still failed," The young woman argued, clearly frustrated by this. "I put so much into this attempt. I apologized to Mora, I helped her, I claimed my mistakes and started to fix those but-"

"It's progress-"

"It's not what I wanted."

"And you would be surprised to know the first times don't usually end that well," I pointed out. "I think my first time trying was… well, clumsy as one could imagine by a rich boy. I got ridiculed about it by pretty much the whole class when they learned I got rejected. Pretty bad if I have to say."

"That can't be true, you are-"

"Me?" I guessed, allowing her to nod. "Well, I am always myself, but my experiences and my emotions change. Do you think you're still the same person as you were back when you were ten?"

"No-"

"Or maybe twelve, fifteen-"

"I-I changed. But… I still failed to plan this better."

"That's because you didn't have much experience to be able to know what to do and what to do. It will happen with time and… it's not like at this point I can tell you no due to Mora since she wants me to open up with you due to your words… and actions."

Rachael blushed at that comment. "I-I just thought of helping."

"There is no shaming here, Rach. I can tell it's quite entertaining when one gives her 'a hand'."

She admitted a tiny smile to agree with my point and then looked back up at me. "Is the cuddling offer still open?"

I merely smiled and nodded. There was a towel that had been meant for the plan Rachael had set for the night, but now was being used for more tame than what she had in mind. We both set ourselves there, the girl picking a spot right over me. The feline Prime adjusted her posture, perhaps the hay mixing with her fur made for quite the unpleasant feeling. So she was using my body as something of a shield about it. She was compressing her size to fit into mine and be even smaller in a way. Eventually Rachael seemed to find the peak of comfort through that lengthy action, something that kept me awake for a while, and then started to pleasantly snore right under my chin. Her fury was awfully pleasant to feel on my skin despite it being a little pointy in some spots. Curled perfectly over me, I could only sigh and allow that to unfold as I tried to catch some rest myself. It had been a long night alright and I could already imagine the face Mora was going to give me the moment she learned that nothing crazy happened in that night spent at the barn.

Of course, I was also blissfully unaware that some plans were being made by someone that needed Hope's assistance with problems of love. A plan that indirectly saw the whole farm being brought to face the most unexpected problem. The summer holidays.


AN

Paraiso coming soon!

And maybe some lewd too for once!

Last time-

Was more of a lime!

Stop rhyming!

Try me! Bleh!