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The following is a fan-based
FICTION
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Chapter 16: Of Stubbornness
When I was asked by Mora to spare a look or two at the twins' resumes, I thought she was trying to just warn me about possible pranks I might have to be wary about and… I was partly correct with that line of thought.
Reading both documents I realized why Mora wasn't that certain that hiring them was the best idea. I was a little unsure myself, mostly because I learned that the twins were kicked out mostly because of how… 'playful' they tended to get with their fellow workers. It clicked with when I first met the two, especially when Sandy took a more flirtatious approach when it came to me, and why Mora had acted this stern about them. A lustful lady herself, that didn't mean she was up to allow some morons to disrupt the shifts out of egoistical needs.
There was a time for pleasure, and that wasn't during work hours.
Nonetheless, the two continued to keep a playful attitude towards others. It quickly grated Miles' and Rachael's nerves, mostly because the two tended to hit on both Taffy and Sarah. The Bunny Prime noticed and was rather confident in fending off if any big push came to be out of these interactions, while the blonde was spared from the worst due to her young age.
But the one that ended up suffering the most out of it was… me. I was surprised when I learned that Minos wasn't given much attention, possibly because I was a 'funnier' target to approach. I was relieved when I learned that Sander wasn't exactly planning to share the same deal with her sister, preferring to merely settle himself as a close friend. But Sandy? Oh boy, she wasn't exactly subtle with her interest.
Sure, during the shifts she would just restrain herself to mere banter, throwing in some teasing words to gain some attention but still keep working during those few hours. It was when we were done with the work that things just got spicier and particularly awkward. The Tiger Prime was particularly creative when it came to create the unique occasion to steal a quick grope out of me. At first those were simple accidents that I ruled as such, but then… yeah, those became more blatant.
I didn't exactly react harshly at those, merely frowning back at the girl as the redhead merely took this with a cheeky grin. Mora knew since I wasn't planning to keep this behavior a secret, but she mentioned that acting on just some of these circumstances to fire both was overkill. Especially when Sander was actually pulling them out of the mud by keeping himself modest about his behavior. While he was flirting with Taffy, he wasn't pushing his luck at the sight of her being uninterested. In fact, he really took a respectful approach and had made efforts to try and fix things with Miles despite the Cat Prime's own uneasiness to accept him as a friend.
But… Sandy wasn't just stopping. If she realized that one front was soon to become a trouble, she would switch to subtler approaches. I had to commend her for dedication and stubbornness in not giving in when the situation got too tough, but I was growing also annoyed and frustrated by her efforts and… eventually that actually got something out of me. With the Gossamer Harvest Festival around the corner, everyone was doing their best to be ready to win that competition.
I was surprised that Alejandra's company was actually stuck at our own level, but it was a call from Tootsie that elaborated on that circumstance. While it was true that their company produced a lot more to satisfy the demands, it was also true that the Festival took in account a variable created by the costs of production. In this case, Alexandria Dairy was spending about 40% of their gains to just sustain all the costs of the machinery, the maintenance and the extra to any security system within the factories. It was going to be a serious competition… and I was incredibly uneasy because of it.
So, when Sandy kept on poking at me so eagerly, I just couldn't help but finally give a serious answer to it. A little outburst that, while unusual, was fairly moderated considering how much irked I was getting through that much attention from the flirty girl.
As I was leaning down to check the bit of the field that I was working on, I felt a giggling moron reaching out and giving a quick squeeze of one of my butt cheeks. Not the first time, not the second, and definitely way more than ten times. At this point, I was just irritated by her continued teasing and so, tensing up and standing back up to look at her, I returned the gesture with a strict look. At first, she thought that I was just going to chide her and nothing more but… I decided to employ something grandfather used to do when a good-hearted but childish farmhand kept on annoying fellow workers after being told they were not supposed to act like this during the shifts.
"Sandy, you may take a seat and wait the entire shift out. I believe you don't need to work anymore for today."
Calm, collected, but it was easy for the young woman to pick the cold note within my voice. She frowned, eyeing me with a confused look. "What? You serious?"
She had yet to catch up to what I was trying to intend with my comment, but I was more than happy to elaborate on that point without wasting too much of myself in it.
"Yeah, I'm sure that you need to sit this one out since you clearly don't want to work. I'm sure that Mora will be more than happy to withdraw this from your pay once I'm done with the shift."
…
"Wait, what?" She asked, her voice half-cracking at that unexpected explanation. "I didn't say-"
"But you did do something to suggest you weren't up to the task, and I'm quite sure sitting this one out will shake off any issue you might have with the work."
"B-But-"
"It isn't a request, it's an order."
That managed to shut her up as she actually walked up to sit down by a nearby bench, arms wrapped close to her chest as she pouted over the situation. A childish punishment for a childish individual, these were the words grandpa used to summarize how this punishment was supposed to actually work. It was easy to see the effectiveness of such practice, especially since it was meant to humiliate and properly punish workers that were misbehaving during work hours. Since Sandy was under my lead and I could see her brother doing a fine job without annoying me or anyone around while he worked by the field, I knew the girl had little ground to stand on to complain about the situation.
The shift continued until its natural end, the girl doing anything that would warrant further escalation out of her current brooding. I noticed that Sandy wasn't keen to open up to her twin brother when he walked up to us while we made our way back at the house. He was surprised by the sulking and he was, of course, worried about what had happened. I gave him a summarized version of what happened, and how this was just a punishment and both weren't going to be fired over it if they worked on not allowing this to happen again.
"You're jerk," She huffed as I concluded the tale and I shrugged.
"And you were childish enough to put your chance at a stable work together with your brother at risk just because you can't hold yourself during work hours."
"I-It was just a friendly ass-grab."
"Previously it was a mere poke, then a mere pressing yourself onto me because you tripped on some branches and even before that you were just clueless about your pressing your breasts onto me by leaning down some newspaper I was reading during a break," I calmly listed out. "I believe Mora and I were clear about keeping any playfulness of yours to just your free time."
I turned to look at Sander. "When you are flirting around in the house when you are not on duty, did you ever receive any complaints from either me or Mora?"
"No," The guy replied without hesitation, and I looked at his sister.
"Did you receive any issues when you were flirting with Miles, Taffy or even Minos?" I pressed on, gaining a frown and a nervous look out of the young woman.
"...No."
"Then please, explain to me what is so complicated about keeping up with this rule. Because I don't see where the problem really is in this situation."
"It's… my sister has a thing for risky situations."
"Sander!"
I flinched at that aggravated shriek, and I couldn't exactly blame her with how blunt her brother turned out to be on this topic.
"Well, let me put you through perspective since you've failed to notice what your little turn on situation is causing both you and your brother," I continued to speak. "This job requires your utmost attention. No matter why you are skipping out your duty, you are still expected to do your part in this farm as you signed a contract that is considered a pledge you have towards being a good worker and person. Because, if you have failed to notice, nobody wants to hire individuals that have proved to be unreliable in other activities."
"I- we will work on this," Sander promised but I gave him a serious look.
"You're doing fine and I understand you're trying to defend your sibling, but it has to be something she has to do. She can't just rely on you apologizing all the time," I pointed out. "But feel free to discuss this to yourselves. With shift's over, you're pretty much free too do anything."
There was no further discussion on the matter as I decided to make a beeline back to Mora's office. I spared a quick 'hi' to Taffy, and I remembered Minos mentioning that Rachael was planning to spend sometime training in the barn while Sarah and Miles were spending time playing some videogames. Nothing too crude or too weird, just two Cat Primes playing some dance game (which was more Sarah doing fine and Miles looking like a guy stuck with a curse of perpetually self-tripping). With the twins taking their time by the living room, I was meant to be mostly alone with Mora.
I greeted Digit as the spirit calmly rushed in for a hug. I patted her upper back as she nuzzled close momentarily, granting me some 'freedom' a few seconds in the embrace.
"I saw what happened in the fields. That was interesting," She commented, and I was surprised by this very matter.
"You saw?"
Mora huffed, looking to be mostly done with today's paperwork. "Digit said that you handled some issue there, but she didn't tell me what it was all about," The woman pointed out. "So what happened?"
"Just setting things straight with the twins. I had Sandy stand out a shift and get her pay for today removed from the normal count," I explained with a nod. "I'm just… angry at the fact they are both good and capable workers and yet the girl has to ruin things for herself and her brother."
"She is just a frisky idiot. I was one at her age," The Cow Prime slightly defended the fellow woman, but she was soon nodding at me in agreement. "But yes, that should be enough of a wake up call to make her realize that she needs to stop this. At least she is doing a fine job and not slacking off."
I nodded, sitting down by the chair and slouching over it a little bit.
"Tired?" Mora asked with a tiny smile. "I'm almost done with the papers, so we can go for some cuddling if you want."
"Would love to do that," I admitted with a nod. "But I promised Rach to spot her during her exercises. It's usually Minos, but he wanted to take some time off to paint."
"I suppose he should be free to get that hobby of his dealt with," The Cow Prime admitted, still narrowing her eyes at me. "But be careful with that cat. Dunno why, but I don't feel like trusting her that much."
"Like usual."
"Yep."
I sighed and Digit could only giggle at the little exchange. Their little feud had calmed down a tiny bit, but they were still against each other when possible.
At least I didn't need to expect any annoyance while around with Rachael. Hopefully.
I might have jinxed myself.
I don't know why I have this thing going, but I definitely needed to stop being a moron in hoping life here was going to be simple and… for me to failing how much interest Rachael had thrown my general way.
I knew she was fascinated by me, but I didn't expect her to take this interesting length to make it clear once and for all. It all started as I helped her with her warm up exercises. She was rather calm and wearing her usual outfit for training.
Pink sleeveless tank top, bandages over her arms and hands, and black-and-white sport shorts. It wasn't eccentrically skimpy since the young woman had picked this combination for efficiency's sake, but it did garner the attention when needed, especially her tank top. I couldn't help but look at her general direction more than once during these first moments together. Sure, we trained before now, but this was the first time I was this close to her and being integral part of her own training. Usually it was Minos to take that role and the big guy didn't seem to make much of a concern when it came in aiding the girl with her sessions.
In fact, I could say both were at the calmest when around each other. Perhaps it was the fact that Minos' personality just calmed people around and Rachael was someone that trusted way more in her instincts than she would let anyone think about. That and because the big guy just gave off the air of someone way older than he looked to be. Which made him kind of… fatherly to some? 'Old' seemed to fit better no matter how general it just sounded.
Nonetheless, my current attention was aimed at Rachael and… her fine legs. Sure, I was enticed by Mora's curves, beauty and personality but the Cat Prime definitely had a delightful body herself. Not as full as the Cow Prime, her literal strength lingered within her gorgeously muscular frame. Abs, firm curves by her legs and arms. Her breasts were modest and still lovely-looking despite paling when compared to Mora's.
And the issues soon started to increase in intensity due to how determined she looked in going through each exercise. Fiery, stern, but incredibly satisfied with her current pace as she appreciate her improving physique, I ended up ultimately glancing at her highest physical detail. Her firm and toned behind. My eyes could only widen in surprise as I was given full sight over that cute butt, with the girl leaning down and not noticing that I was looking.
Or at least I thought she was unaware of my gaze at the time as I would soon learn that there was a plan behind it all.
With the preparation over, I was finally pushed into the little plan she had concocted just for the occasion. At first I was confused by the request for a spar since we didn't exactly fought. I wasn't even that prepared on that kind of stuff, but I still decided to entertain the idea since I was curious about what she was trying to accomplish through this. The first thing I learned in that spar was that Rachael was a mean hitter. She was strong, fast, and rather unforgiving when it came to fighting.
The biggest flaw of her style? She was clumsy. While I managed to keep myself from being too exposed to her attacks, she didn't take action in covering her openings. It took me very little to dismantle her defenses and conquer that victory. Of course, it wasn't an easy path since I got hit a couple of times, and we both ended up dragging the brawl for a little while. About thirty minutes.
While there wasn't much to say about the time, we were both sweating and in terrible need for a shower. I helped her up and, using the pretense of her leg hurting and requiring someone to help her to reach the showers, I was subjected to some close-contact with the Cat Prime. She didn't say anything, but it was clear that Rachael was enjoying the situation a little too much from the way she leaned so much onto me. I kept quiet, but I studied the situation with a degree of interest and uneasiness.
What am I supposed to do at this point? I was incredibly uncertain how to handle this new situation, so I allowed it to develop just so that I could understand a little more why she was going through these lengths. We made our way through the road connecting the barn to the house and then up to the showers.
"You take the first shift, I will clean up once you're done," I muttered, causing the girl to snort.
"It would be easier if you just came with me. We spare time-"
"Rachael," I mentioned quietly. "This isn't something you should attempt to."
"Why?"
"I'm dating. And it's clear that-"
"I'm just asking to wash together with someone I trust."
…
I couldn't counter that. She knew it. Which is why she used that excuse to clean her hands of the matter. This really was starting to grate onto my nerves. What was it with people trying to get in my pants when I was already in a stable relationship? Sure, I could remember a time where it was extra kinky to imagine individuals that were already bound to a commitment having fun with those that weren't. Hunters and huntresses of boyfriends and girlfriends… at a time where relationships weren't meant to last for long and those that were actually surviving through sheer seriousness and determination were left untouched by the most.
Right now, I couldn't either accuse, fault, or refuse Rachael's offer without making quite a mess out of it. I accepted, but I quickly devised a counter-plan to avoid any awkward development beyond this big test of trust. Between Rachael and me, and between me and Mora. This was going to be… a terrible idea altogether.
Entering the shower at the same time, I allowed the Cat Prime to pick one of the cubicles and I… picked the one distant two from hers. She noticed, and tried to sneak to the closest one, but I stopped her with a frown and quick glare. The girl had to concede this partial defeat and soon we were both getting through the simple process of cleaning up. Main objective for me? Getting done with this as quickly as possible. The situation was too critical to allow any mistake to be done, and I really hope Digit wasn't going to relay anything to Mora.
I was quite busy with the task of getting through shampooing my hair that I was caught off-guard by Rachael's voice.
"Why not?"
I sighed.
Seriously? Are we going through that entire mess of a thought? Right now?!
"Because I'm dating someone that I don't want to cheat on."
"As if she will ever give you the same amount of respect when-"
"Rachael," I shot her down with that serious outburst. "Once again, I'm not going to listen foolish accusations made just to make you appear better to someone. Especially if that someone is my girlfriend."
…
"Still… I don't believe it's just that."
"Oh? Then please enlighten me why you think this isn't the case."
"You just… like big girls?"
"You would be surprised to learn that I don't put that much interest in physical beauty. Not after having been with many women back in college," I lamented calmly. "I'm going to give you another shot."
I was a little angry. At this point, the entire predicament was taking a ridiculous shift that I was growing incredibly pissed about. Still, I was feeling rather merciful on that note and so I allowed her another shot.
"You..."
…
"I don't know."
"Rachael, I want to ask you something. Why?"
…
…
"Why I like you or-"
"Why you thought that going through this much was actually end up in something good for you?"
…
"I thought you and Mora are… close because of your openness to each other."
Oh well, that's… not a bad point from someone that didn't know much of how things developed before she came to the farm.
"I believe you misinterpreted how Mora and I became a couple. The sex came after we were into each other."
…
"Oh?"
"There are things that you and Sarah don't know about just because those took place in a time a little before your arrival. And those don't matter much for you, your sister and the twins to know about."
"...But why?"
"Because it was a moment of trust and privacy. A degree of intimacy that Mora isn't keen to show and I'm willing to protect that rust she has in me about it," I remarked. "Which is why I want you to know that I think you are a good person. You are beautiful, smart, but definitely unprepared to handle romance just yet. Not because of age or any of that crap, just that you need… to be more careful in understanding how this kind of stuff works."
"You… Are you speaking from experience?" She asked and I hummed.
"I had my own broken hearts moment. Not big ones, not devastating ones, but I was refused a couple of times when I started to entertain the chance of being in a relationship," I replied with a sigh. "Not everyone can get what they want out of these feelings until you are utterly certain it can work. That you can trust this individual to the point you can be open about it, not just through physical intimacy but… also about thoughts, the past, and even opinions you are shy to share to others. It's a tough search, but I can assure you it's one with the greatest reward possible."
…
"So I should just stop-"
"Because I will no longer entertain this situation. You are a mature individual, Rach, and I know you mean well but... this has to stop."
…
"I will think about it."
I wasn't sure if this was a surrender or something more worrying, but there was no continuation to it so I let it go. Rachael didn't speak beyond that sentence and, at this point, I was done with what I had to do in the shower. Walking out of the cubicle I took some time to get my fresh pair of clothes on before making my way towards the exit as quietly as possible. I knew Rachael was currently busy with the showering, so I had a small window of opportunity to get out of there without being caught.
But just as I prepared to walk out of the closest door, I heard a whistle right behind me, where Rachael's cubicle was. Ignoring my common sense, I turned and… I was regaled with quite the sight from the girl. Her frame was so lovely and, despite the lack of major curves, nonetheless a delightful scene to be blessed with. Her nudity was exposed, with the small curtain that was used to cover the cubicle now pulled aside to give a clear glimpse over her frame. Her muscles, her breasts, her abs…
"By the way, Decker… can we train together tomorrow too~?"
I thought for a moment this was over. And now I knew how wrong I really was…
AN
Next stop… the Gossamer Harvest Festival. The event will be divided in two chapters due to the presence of multiple characters that I wish to flesh out early on. Expect meetings, reunions, fights, misunderstandings and many new love interests for both Mora and Declan.
Expect some low-tier lewd with sprinkles of Ecchi and promises of pure smut!
...Yeah, what she just say.
