~At The Royal Palace Of Deviluke~Afternoon~
Afternoon. Specifically late in the afternoon where it is close to becoming night. The time where most of the times, some very well known royalty figures that rule the planet are taking some of their free time to enjoy a nice hot bath together, and have the relaxation they so rightfully deserve after a long day's work. With an addition.
~Inside The Large Royal Warm Bath Of The Palace~
The scene shows Ion with his waist and down submerged inside the warm water of the said bath.
Ionas: *Pleasing Relaxation* Ah~. Nothing like a nice warm bath to relax after a tiring day of work. Don't you agree everyone?
The scene then shows Nana to Ion's right.
Nana: *Pleasing Relaxation* You have no idea.
The scene then shows Mea to Ion's left.
Mea: *Smile* It IS quite relaxing, I agree.
And then the scene shows a bit farther to the side Sephie along with Gid.
Sephie: *Smile* Indeed.
Gid: ...
Yeah, apparently the ENTIRE royal family, that is present at the planet, are using the warm bath together. All completely naked in case it was not obvious enough.
Gid: *Sweat Drop* So... How long is this a thing? With you all taking a bath along with Sephie, I mean.
Mea: *Smile* Almost from the beginning of Ion's enthrontment. Since she was all alone, after you left her, Ion had the idea for when everyone has time, to always have a bath together, so she will not have to feel lonely when taking one, since she can't really share it with anyone who will not go crazy after seeing her face.
Nana: *Sweat Drop* I was really disagreeable at the start with this, because I didn't like the idea of letting Ion see mom naked, but I couldn't disagree for long, considering all the logical facts he bombarded me with about it. And frankly, he was not wrong. At least he is not staring for long where he shouldn't.
Ionas: And also I wouldn't wait for when she is finished to have my turn in this bath. Especially if I had a tiring day, which is most of the times. And I mean, it's not like we are not familiar with each other already. We can share a bath without feeling awkward about it. Right, Sephie?
Sephie: *Smile* I was hesitant at the beginning, but I enjoyed quite a lot the extra company every time. You were always so thoughtful of my needs.
Ionas: As always.
Gid that moment looks back and forth at Ion and Sephie a few times, before he narrows his eyes at Ion.
Gid: *To Ion* Did you do anything?
Ionas: *Raises An Eyebrow* What?
Gid: *Seriousness Intensifies* Did you. Do anything. To my wife here?
Nana: *Blushing And Surprised* Eh-?!
Ionas: *To Gid* *Surprised* Wha-* *Serious* NO! God no! That's my new mom you're talking about, you sick bastard! What is wrong with you?!
Gid: Wh- *Sweat Drop* Wait a moment, I was only just-!
Sephie: *Big Smile* Oh my!
Sephie says as she touches with both hands her cheecks, and drawing everyone's attention.
Sephie: *To Ion* *Big Smile* You finally called me "mom".
Ionas: *Realizes* ... That... I... *Groans In Frustration* It still feels so wrong to me!
Sephie: *Smile* Come on, you know it's appropriate nowadays. *Big Smile* Son.
Ionas: *Awkward* STOP...! *To Himself While Looking Down* Goddammit.
Sephie giggles a bit at Ion's awkwardness.
Sephie: *To Gid* But don't you worry though, dear, I wouldn't cheat on you. *Looks At Him Angrily But Still Smiling* Unlike someone I know.
Gid: *Sweat Drop* I-I told you, those days are over!
Sephie: *Smile* You better mean it, cause if you attempt to run away like before, *Menacing* you will not be able to hide from me this time, be sure about it.
Gid: *Gulps Troubled*
Ionas: Let's change subject. Overall how are things going on between you two?
Sephie: *Smile* Everything is going well. After that calm talk of ours from some weeks ago-
Gid: *Sweat Drop* Yeah sure, let's call it that.
Sephie: *Still To Ion* *Smile* We are closer than ever. Especially with that idea of yours about Gid becoming my personal bodyguard. Not only I have someone reliably strong to protect me from any danger at any time, but also someone I can talk to in private face to face without the veil upon my beautiful face. You sure know how to make your mommy happy.
Ionas: *Annoyed But Smiling* Sure... (I appreciate the fact she is thankful, but the "mommy" thing ALONG with the unintentional pride for her own beauty makes this so F*CKING awkwardly annoying!)
Ion shakes the annoyance off him and turns his attention to Gid.
Ionas: You ok with your new position. You know, except from the fact you won't have any actual freedom again because of your wife due to your past rebellious behavior.
Gid's face frowns for a moment at Ion, but then softens again.
Gid: You know what? I actually do. As surprising as that sounds, I was hoping for some way so Sephie and I could get back together, and make up after what I did. *Looks At Sephie Somewhat Irritated* Which would have been easier if she didn't decide to pretty much grab me by the face and lock me up like some wild animal.
Sephie: *Looks The Other Way And Pouts* Like you're not. And you really still expect me to believe-
Ionas: That aside, *To Gid* feels like you have become more honest all of a sudden, or the water's heat is getting to me somehow?
Gid: What? Even I am capable of honesty.
Ionas: Knowing you, that's hard to believe, but got no reason not to after what you went through.
Sephie: Hm? What are you talking about, Ion?
Gid: *Raises An Eyebrow* *To Ion* What do you think you-?
Ionas: *To Sephie* Didn't actually tell you? I'm telling about how he was unable to do anything with the girls he found in his travels because of guilt, and also about the fact that he wanted indeed to come back to you and ask for forgiveness, but was too much of a coward to do so. Confession from him after our first meeting after a year of absence.
Gid: *Sweat Drop* Hey, not cool! That was supposed to be betw-!
Sephie: *Surprised* So he was really truthful? *Looks At Gid With A Smile And Her Hands Clasped Together* You really felt bad and wanted to come back?
Gid: *Sweat Drop* ... *Looks Away Somewhat Embarrassed* Y-Yeah.
The ex-queen looks really happy hearing that, but realizes herself and with a fake cough she turns herself forward again, her side toward Gid now, and closes her eyes as she raises her head up a bit, without the smile, as if playing it hard suddenly or something.
Sephie: Since Ion is vouching for you, I suppose I can forgive you this time.
After saying that, she moves a bit closer to Gid, shoulders now touching, while she still looks up with closed eyes and with Gid looking at her somewhat surprised.
Ionas: *Kinda Annoyed* Sephie, don't do the tsundere act, it doesn't suit you. Leave that to an ex-princess I know.
Nana: *Annoyed* Now what is that supposed to mean?
Ionas: That even if you play it hard at times, I know very well how much you love me, and still find that attractive about you, you cute little thing.
Ion says that as he pinches Nana's cheeck, with her then pushing his hand away upset, and blushing about.
Nana: *Blushing And Upset* D-Don't say stuff like that about me in front of my parents!
Mea giggles amused at the whole thing.
Ionas: *Amused Smile* Whatever you say.* *To Sephie* Anyway, he was honest with you here, so it's the least you can do as well.
Sephie: ... *Pouts* Χαλάστρα [Greek for spoilsport/killjoy. Not exact translation, only meaning.]
After saying that, she wraps her arms around Gid's arm, and pretty much clings onto it, surprising him even more. Sephie then looks at him with a smile and a soft blush.
Sephie: *Smiling And Blushing Softly* I'm happy you're back.
Gid: *Blush* ... *Looks The Other Way Again* Y-Yeah, me too.
As both stay like that, Mea smiles at them and utters a small "aw~", with Nana simply smiling at the fact that her parents are now for good back together, and as for Ion-
Ionas: *To Gid* *Cheeky* You're welcome, you cowardly idiot.
Gid: *Serious* Don't push your luck now.
Ionas: *Serious But Still Cheeky* Nice way of saying "thank you" for helping you fix your relationship. And don't say you needed no help. We both know that would be a stupidly obvious lie.
Gid: *Starts To Get Really Annoyed At Ion's Lack Of Respect*
Nana: *To Ion* *Sweat Drop* I-Ion don't antagonize dad like that! *To Gid* *Smiling But Troubled* Le-Let's change subject! Got any special story to share with us after you got your new job as mom's bodyguard, dad?
Sephie lets Gid's arm as he thinks about.
Gid: *Thinking* Well... Can't say anything interesting happened.* No one really attempts any funny business with Sephie considering how her charming voice works on people. I always stay on guard just to be safe, but frankly, it's the most lazy job I have been in so far.
Sephie: *Smile* But that's good, isn't it? You have less to worry about it, and you get more time to chat about with me when not busy.
Gid: I suppose you're right, but I really miss the action of it, you know? *Remembers* Oh. But I sure remember seeing something interesting a few times when on our way to stop a few rebellions the past days. When most of the times we were close to reaching the planet of each said rebellion, Ion and his men were already there to take care of things. *Smirk* And oh boy... He was always efficient.
*A Flashback Shows Fast Ion During A Fight That Shows Him Committing A Massacre On His Own, And While Being Drenched In Blood At The Last One And Screaming About Seemingly In Rage*
Sephie gets shivers at the dreadful for her memory.
Sephie: I don't want to remember any of those days. *Saddened* If only I was there to intervene sooner... *Looks Down* Those poor people...
Ionas: Sorry, Sephie, but I can't wait forever till you decide to appear. Our soldiers' lives are on the line, and when the enemy decides to attack first and we are forced to defend ourselves, we must beat the said enemy with everything we've got. *Menacing* And beat them more than just hard.* They were asking for it. Don't feel too bad for them.
Gid: Not that I don't agree with you, hell I even encourage you to continue doing so, but you appear to get more enjoyment from it than I thought you would, which surprises me.
Ionas: *Surprised* You say that I like killing waves and waves of people?* *Serious* That's absurd! How could you even think of something like that?!
Gid: Well, for starters-
*A Flashback Scene Shows Ion At A Battlefield Slashing And Hacking Enemies To Ribbons While Wearing A Really Big Grin With Pointy Teeth On His Face*
Ionas: That was just me trying to scare and give an unsettling image to the enemy. You know, so the survivors will surely remember what they will face next time they decide to rebel. And also, that was not even my actual grin. I can't do that without using my transforming power.
That moment Ion's mouth turns into a really big and creepy-looking grin with pointy teeth.
Ionas: *Real Creepy Grin* See?
All, probably, look at him with shock in their eyes.
Nana: *Shocked* ... Please never grin at us like that again.
Mea: I think I'm gaining a new fetish.
Nana: *Upset* Mea!
Ion turns his mouth back to normal.
Gid: Ok, then what about-?
*A Flashback Now Shows Ion At Another Battlefield Shooting At Some People With A Laser Rifle From Close Up While Yelling "Boom Headshot" A Few Times, Before One Of The Enemies Appear Behind Him And Ready To Strike, Only For Ion To Turn Around And Aim His Rifle With One Hand Right At The Shocked Individual's Face, Before Saying "Boom-" Causing The Guy To Duck As An Attempt To Dodge The Supposed Shot, Only For Ion To Instead Fling With His Free Hand A Small Round Object Inside The Person's Mouth, Causing His Head After Two Seconds To Explode Into A Bloody Mess, With Ion Saying "Kaboom Headshot" And Then Laughing Amused For A Moment Before Shooting Straight At The Supposed Flashback's Camera*
Ionas: *Somewhat Troubled* W-Well-
Gid: *Raises An Eyebrow* And let's not forget that one too.
*A Flashback This Time Shows Ion, Who Appears To Have Transformed Into A Humanoid Mutant Rat With Armor And Robes, Just Standing There And Laughing Like An Absolute Maniac In The Midst Of Battle, As A Big Rocket Of Some Kind Flies High Up In The Sky, With Ion Still Laughing Like A Maniac While Looking At The Object, As It Makes Its Way Downward, And Falling Straight At A Great Mass Of Shocked Enemies Who Spot It The Last Moment, Causing A Massive Explosion Where It Hits, With The Said Explosion Traveling Far, Till It Reaches The Flashback's Camera*
Ionas: *Shocking Realization* ...
Ion had nothing to explain that one.
Ionas: *Shocking Realization* Do... *To All* Do I really lose it that much in fights nowadays?
Nana And Sephie: YES!
Mea: *Smile* You really go THAT crazy, Ion-Sama!
Ionas: *Disbelief* ...
Gid: That's the lust of battle for you. It excites and overtakes most people without realizing. I'm actually surprised you didn't-
Ionas: You know what, whatever.
Gid: Hm?
Ionas: I still do my job of instilling fear into my enemies. And it's not like I actively try to slaughter everyone I come across at every possible occasion I can get. I haven't lost it in such way, and never will for as long as I remember what I'm fighting for. *Serious* And I do not intend to forget, obviously.
...
Ionas: Anyway, change of subject again. Mea?
Mea: Yes, Ion-Sama?
Ionas: ... Seriously now, don't do what you did yesterday again.
Nana: Eh? Why, what did she do?
Ionas: *Somewhat Awkward* A bit awkward to explain, but if I don't, Mea will.* So, I was in my training room-
*A Flashback Shows Ion Inside His Training Room Deciding In Front Of A Computer What Program He Wanted To Train Himself With Today. After Choosing, He Gets To The Room's Center, And Before The Room Even Change, He Hears Suddenly A Giggle Behind Him And Spots Mea Suddenly Beside The Computer, Smiling At Him. Before He Questions About The Reason Of Her Unexpected Visit, He Notices How Her Ponytail Is Connected With The Room's Computer, Before The Said Room Changes Fast Into A Crimson Version Of Their Royal Bedroom, With Multiple Copies Of Mea's Appearing All Around Him, With All Of Them That Moment Pouncing At Him Together And Throwing Him Down, And While Being Overwhelmed By The Numbers, A Supposed Lovemaking Taking Place Offscreen As The Flashback Ends*
Mea: *Mischievous Giggling*
Ionas: *Annoyed* I was so exhausted after that stunt of yours, that I had to delay most of my duties just so I can take a break. *Weary-Like* So many hours...
Nana: *Realizes* So that's why you were missing most of that day and didn't come to bed afterward! *To Mea* *Upset* Damn it, Mea!
Mea: *Rubs Head Out Of Supposed Embarrassment While Smiling* Sorry, I just couldn't resist the urge. It was such a perfect plan!
Gid: *To Ion* I don't get it, *Raises An Eyebrow* couldn't you just destroy the copies or something?
Ionas: The actual Mea was among them, so I couldn't risk hurting her by accident.
Mea gets closer to Ion and hugs him by the side.
Mea: *Smile* And that's one of the reasons I love you. Even at the face of my greatest mischief, you still worry for me.
Ion pushes her off him, breaking her grip.
Ionas: *Annoyed* You're incredibly lucky I did not just decide to take your privileges away after that! Got any idea how tiring it was for me to do my delayed duties during the night?! Why can't you be serious like me, even a little, and not just pull extreme pranks like that out of nowhere?
Nana: *Sweat Drop* Really, Ion?
Ionas: *Confused* Eh? What?
Nana: *Sweat Drop* ... I don't say that what Mea did was appropriate, but you're not one to talk.* Remember what you did to mom almost two months ago?
{Flashback} (Using The Original Type Of Flashback Here, yes)
The scene shows Ion knocking onto the door before opening it, showing inside the room he enters Sephie, with her veil on, sitting at a luxurious desk and signing papers, before stopping to notice Ion, and two royal guards by her side.
Sephie: *Smile* Ah, Ion. Good to see you as always. What brings you here?
Ionas: After finishing with my current duties I decided to go for a little walk around and visit-
Ion stops himself as he appears to now just stand there, looking at Sephie's covered eyes for a few seconds for some reason.
Sephie: Is something wrong?
Ionas: ... Guards, please exit the room and go patrol the hallways for five minutes. The two of us need to have a private talk.
The royal guards look at each other confused, before they decide to salute Ion and leave from the room as ordered, with Sephie being really confused as to what could Ion want to talk about to order the guards out.
Ionas: Get up and come here for a moment, please.
He says as he motions her with a finger to approach him, which she does, now having the desk behind her and Ion in front of her. Ion keeps on looking, now with narrowed eyes, at Sephie's veiled eyes still for reasons unknown.
Sephie: *Concerned* Ion, you concern me. Why are you looking at me like-
Ionas: There is a strange feeling I'm getting from looking at you for some reason. Don't know what, but... Can you remove the veil for a moment?
Sephie: *Sweat Drop* S-Sure...
The ex-queen removes the veil from her faces and now holds it with one hand down, as she looks at Ion with her face bare.
Sephie: So, why-
Before she says more, Ion suddenly forces himself onto her, grabbing both her wrists as he pushes her down with her back onto the desk, and with him now being right above her as he holds her there.
Sephie: *Startled* I-Ion, what are y- *Gasps Shocked*
Sephie takes a close look at Ion's face, seeing with shock at a wide grin and mischievous pink eyes looking at her own.
Ionas: *Grin* *Seductive* What a beautiful face you have revealed upon me. Makes me wanna go crazy.
Sephie: *Shocking Realization* I thought you were immu-
Realizing the great danger she is in, she desperately struggles to free herself from Ion's grip, but his hold was too strong for her. While keeping on struggling, Sephie manages to strike him with a knee to his sensitive area, which makes him recoil unpleasantly for a moment, but not really hurting him somehow which causes her surprise, as Ion looks again at her with a smirk.
Ionas: *Smirk* We have a fighter here. I love strong women!
That shocks Sephie even more than before, being now paralyzed under Ion.
Ionas: *Grin* Better not mind-
When saying that, multiple long bone-vines emerge from Ion's skin, that jerk in an unsettling motion around him.
Ionas: *Big Grin* *Menacing* I like going wild!
Sephie looks for a few more seconds at the shockingly horrifying for her presence standing above her, with multiple thoughts passing through her mind... Before her resistance falters, and her head and back fully touch the desk as her eyes close. Ion is just looking at her for a few more seconds, till his face fills with concern, and his eyes turn back to normal.
Ionas: *Concerned* Miss Sephie?
He retreats the bone-vines back into his body, and looks at her more carefully. She is completely unconscious.
Ionas: *Troubled* Oh my-
The door opens that moment, as Ion turns his head toward it, with him seeing Nana and Mea there.
Nana: *Smile* Hey, mo- *Notices*
Both the girls see how Ion is positioned above the ex-queen onto the table, and the fact that he still holds her down by the wrists. Mea smiles in surprise, and Nana-
Nana: *Obviously Incredibly Upset As She Trembles At The View Before Her*
Ion unhands the unconscious Sephie and turns to moves his palms in front of him supposedly for defense.
Ionas: *Highly Troubled* Th-That's not... Entirely what it looks like...
Nana: *Incredibly Upset* WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU'RE DOING TO MOM, YOU-?!
{End Of Flashback}
Ionas: *Feels Bad* Oh boy, and I wanted to forget about it. I remember you being so angry that you wouldn't stop screaming at my face for an hour till I can explain myself. And after Mea helped Sephie out of her unconscious state, I wouldn't stop apologizing. I just wanted to scare her a bit and laugh it out later, not scare her to unconsciousness. *To Sephie* Real sorry for that again.
Sephie: *Sweat Drop* *Smile* I-It's ok. Just don't do that again, please. It was a really horrifying experience...
Gid looks at Ion with an obviously angry face after hearing all that.
Nana: *To Ion* *Angry* Next time you decide to prank mom like that, DON'T! *Looks The Other Way With Arms Crossed* Good grief...
Ion is about to say something, but decides to stop and lower his head, feeling bad for himself.
Mea: *Smile* I remember Nana would not talk to you for the entire day after that. And when the time for bed came, we heard that you went to the other bedroom to give Nana some space, still feeling bad for what you did. But, she couldn't stay mad at you for longer and went to sleep with you where you were. One of the only times I decided to stay out of this.
Nana: *Blushing And Still Looking Away* Knowing how bad he was still feeling for what he did, I couldn't just leave him like that, so I forgave him and told him to be grateful about it.
After she said that, Ion wrap his arms around Nana's shoulder from behind, embracing her.
Ionas: *Smile* I have such a lovable wife, don't I?
Nana: *Blushing And Embarrassed* I-Ion, not in front of my parents and like this!
Pointing out the fact they are naked in their warm bath.
Mea: By the way, Ion-Sama, while you had Nana's mother pinned down like that at that time, *Mischievous Smile* did your buddy down there feel excited about it?
Ion unhands Nana at the sound of that and turns to face Mea.
Ionas: *Serious* No...!
...
Ionas: *Looks Down Ashamed* Yes, a little, and I feel bad about it.
Sephie: *Blushes And Puts A Hand Over Her Mouth* Oh my.
Mea: *Mischievous Giggle*
Nana: *To Ion* *Upset* Pervert!
Ionas: *Upset* Don't make me feel worse for myself!
Gid: *Obviously Angry* You-
Ionas: *Real Serious* And don't YOU start with me, being protective suddenly about your wife and all. I've had enough as it is already about the subject! It was just a prank that went wrong, with no actual ill intent. THE. F*CKING. END!
After saying that, Mea gets over Ion suddenly, and sits on him while placing her arms around his shoulders.
Mea: *Seductive* Well, I can always bring the tension down when you feel it like rising. *Wink* You know.
She says as she presses her body against his more.
Nana: *Blush* Mea!
Mea: *To Ion* *Seductive* You only just need to ask me, and I will take care of it any time.
Ionas: *Annoyed* Mea, can you just not be horny for just ONE moment! At least not now- Seriously, we have and certain people watching us!
It was obvious by Gid's face that he was starting to feel kinda uncomfortable, witnessing the two like that. In more ways than one. {;D}
Sephie: Well then-
The ex-queen that moment sits onto Gid, just like Mea did with Ion, pressing her chest against his as she holds him in her embrace, much to everyone's varied surprise.
Gid: *Blush* *Sweat Drop* S-Sephie?
Sephie: *To Ion And Mea* *Smile* If you're to act like that, four can play that game.
Nana: *Blushing And Really Embarrassed* Mom! Dad! *Covers Her Eyes* Not in front of us!
Sephie: *To Gid* *Blushing And Smiling* What do you say to show them how it's done, dear?
Gid doesn't answers and continues looking at his wife, really surprised by her sudden perverted playfulness.
Ionas: Welp, things got uncomfortable.
Ion grabs and moves Mea off him, placing her beside him in the water, with her keeping her eyes onto Gid and Sephie, seemingly interest in their intimacy.
Ionas: I just remembered I have something to do. *To Nana And Mea* I'll see you girls at bed later.
By saying that, Ion turns invisible, and the place on the water he was sitting on splashes twice, indicating that he left from the big bath, and the room in general.
Nana: *Blush* *Sweat Drop* Let's go too, Mea.
Mea: *Still Looking At The Hugging Couple* *Smile* I'll come later, I wanna see how the ex-queen and king are when in "action".
Nana: *Blushing And Upset* You will not see mom and dad...! Get up, you!
Nana grabs Mea by the hand as she says the last one, and forces her to get up, off the big bath, and making her walk along with her to the changing room through the door, with the latter disappointed she is not allowed to see any "action" from the couple. The door behind them closes, and the couple is now alone inside the big bath, still at the same sitting-hugging position from before.
Sephie: ... *Smile* Well, that worked better than expected.
Gid: *Confused* Huh? What are you talking about?
Sephie: *Smile* I saw how they were getting ahead of themselves, and wanted to give them a lesson by making this uncomfortable for them.* *Somewhat Upset* Also, I couldn't have you getting excited over that girl's play.
Gid: *Sweat Drop* I-I didn't-
Sephie: *Serious* I saw how you were looking at her when she was doing her thing to Ion. *Blush* You have supposedly changed, so the least you can do is to pay more attention to me, and nobody else. Do you have any idea how much I missed you?
Gid: Sephie...
Gid is closing strongly his eyes, as if fighting something inside him. He then opens them again, and looks at Sephie's.
Gid: I'm sorry. For leaving you all alone like that before. I did not realize how much I actually care for you, till I lost you. *Serious* That's a mistake I don't plan on repeating. I married you. *Smile* So the least I can do is actually act like the husband you deserve.
Sephie: *Emotional* Gid...
Sephie hugs Gid tighter, with him now returning it, as tears start to slowly fall from Sephie's eyes.
Sephie: *Tearing And Smiling* I'm so happy to hear you say that. Promise me that you will always stay by my side no matter what from now on.
Gid: I promise. This time for real.
Sephie's smile widens a bit more hearing that, making obvious her greater happiness. Both of them stay like that for a few more seconds, till Sephie decides to push herself back a bit to break the hug, wipe the tears off her face, and look at Gid with a smile.
Sephie: *Smile* Thank you.
Gid: *Smile*
...
Sephie: *Sweat Drop* *Smile* Well, I suppose I should get off you n-
*Cough*
The sudden cough to the side catches both their attention, and when they turn their heads to see, they notice Ion there, sitting in the water as if he never really left.
Ionas: *Smile* Oh no, don't mind me. By all means, continue with what you were supposed to be doing. *Mischievous Smile* I might as well learn a move or two from this, no?
As they look at him, both Sephie and Gid look then at each other, uncomfortable by this unexpected predicament.
[To Be Continued]