When the doctor returned, he had informed me that I would have to spend the night at the hospital. I was too weak to make it up the stairs to the Jade palace. Even if I had been airlifted by Crane, the blood would begin flowing again due to his talons grabbing my midsection.
As I was told this, Viper seemed a little down. She really didn't want to be separated from me after the attack. At least until I was back on my... well, stomach I guess seeing how I don't have feet to get back up on. The evening approached and Viper asked me something.
"Mike"?
"Yes Vipes"?
"Please don't take this the wrong way but... can I sleep here tonight? I'm... just worried about you is all".
I smiled and gave a small laugh.
"Well, I'd imagine that would be the doctors choice to make, but if he agrees then I accept".
Viper nodded and climbed back on top of the covers. She seemed a little distracted, probably about what Yinshen had talked to her about but I didn't dare press on for the sake of worrying her. Instead, I just raised my tail and held her close to tell her that she had nothing to worry about. Not today at least...
Viper had noticed the doctor walk past and chased after him. I chuckled. I honestly doubted the doctor would let her sleep here tonight in the same room. Five minutes passed and she slithered back in. She seemed happy.
You've got to be kidding.
Then again, this world was centuries behind mine so I imagined that most patient health and safety rules did not apply or even exist. That must have been the only reason. Still, I felt happy. Not because she would be sleeping with me but because at the moment, I didn't want to be alone. Niether of us did.
The sun had disappeared and the moon rose high into the starry sky. I was glad that I had a room with a window. The scenery never failed to impress me. Viper strolled into the room. She had gone to use the bathroom a few minutes ago and had returned. As she did, she looked around the room.
"Isn't there a second bed anywhere"?
Oh boy...
"I... don't think so". I responded.
Viper seemed a little nervous almost at once. So did I. I mean, yes we had shared a bed before but that was during a small nap. This was something else entirely. I guess we should have talked to the doctor a little more about this.
"Should I"...?
"I guess we don't have much of a choice". I sighed.
Viper slithered towards me and got into the covers. I wish I could have turned but my injury prevented me from doing so. The both of us were face to face, blushing.
"Well... uhh... goodnight I guess". I spoke at last.
"Good night". Viper repeated. I closed my eyes and tried to forget that the snake I love was in the same bed as myself. Easier said than done.
This was just too awkward to try and drown out of my head. I opened my eyes and saw Viper's were already open. They looked much less bloodshot than earlier today.
"Mike"?
"Yes"?
"Is it okay if I wrap around you? Just to feel less... you know"?
"Sure. That's fine".
I just remained still as Viper wrapped around my body from head to tail. Surprisingly, it did seem to help. I did feel more at ease as we cuddled. Viper gave a small sigh.
"Is something the matter Vipes"? I asked calmly.
"It's just about Yinshen visiting. I... do know the reason why she was acting so nervous. She told me as we were walking back to the hospital".
"Okay. And what would that be"?
"We're... hoping to get you to show everyone the truth about you. You know, human"?
I frowned. Yinshen must have told Viper that she already knew about me. I did know that this was going to have to come eventually, but did it really have to be now?
"Vipes, I don't think now is the best time. I mean, think about it. We just got attacked by a large airship. I think everyone is a little wound up right now for something like that".
"And if not now, when"?
"... When we've dealt with Fennu. That will be the best time".
"Mike"...
"Vipes, please just listen. I know you're going to try and talk me into it but you have to realise I'm not doing this for myself but for everyone else s sake. It would cause a panic amongst the villagers if it ever got out, okay? That's why I'm staying silent about it. For now at least. Please tell me you understand".
Viper squeezed my tail before replying.
"I promise I'm not going to talk you into doing something you feel uncomfortable with. But could you at least think about it? For me"?
She was putting me into a tight position and she knew it. Even when she was trying to sugarcoat the situation. But I would promise I'd put some thought into. That much I could do.
"Alright. I will. But only because you trusted me with Yinshen".
"That's all I ask". She spoke with a smile before leaning in and resting her head on me rather than on the bed. Seems like I was still her favorite pillow. At least it didn't seem as awkward anymore.
"Good night Vipes".
"Good night Mike".
...
Short chapter today. Got more Uni stuff to sort out I'm afraid ^^
Cheerio!