Sherrel wasn't typically one to freak out, she'd had far too long to resign herself to her fate to do such things anymore. But now, in this time and place, free from her prior damnation to a Merchant-filled hell, she was freaking out.
Sherrel, as she'd told the others, was not experienced in the slightest when it came to relationships.
So, regardless of the fact that this particular relationship was heavily skewed in her favor - Asteroth wasn't putting any pressure on her to do anything, and from what she'd seen he'd accept whatever pace she wanted to set for their relationship - but she couldn't help but feel like she'd been caught like a fish on a hook.
Sure, she'd been thinking about what maybe possibly potentially starting a relationship with Asteroth would be like, but… instead she'd just gone along with her heart yelling at her to not let an opportunity like this slip by and then they'd been talking about boundaries and things she was willing to do and then he'd kissed her.
That memory was positively seared into her memory banks. The sensations his lips had on her body, the feelings he evoked when he spoke such kind things to her. Damn him for being a decent person with a charitable side a mile long, and damn his soft, inviting lips that sent her mind spinning into an incoherent daze.
It was hard to be angry at someone who was simultaneously being incredibly nice to her and helping turn her life around, even when they just barged into her life and settled down like they had no intentions of ever leaving. Well, she'd been the one to barge in technically, but look out that turned out.
Granted, she had permission to leave anytime she wanted, so it's not like she was trapped… It just felt a little wrong to show someone how amazing they were and saying, 'you could stay with us forever, or you could be free to do whatever you like.' and even though she'd been dreaming of finally being her own woman, she suddenly found herself heavily swaying towards staying, and becoming his woman.
Hell, it's not like she wouldn't still be just as free here. Delilah certainly isn't limited. Just the other night she went to the mall and went shopping for Sherrel all by herself - they didn't quite have enough clothes that fit her to keep her dressed for more than a few days.
They also needed bras. Lots and lots of bras. At least there was no mistaking whose was whose…
And to top it all off, Delilah was happy that Sherrel had been taken along for the first step of their relationship. She'd given her a great big hug and congratulated her after the young tinker had gotten over the revelation she'd been watching the entire time.
After asking why she was so ecstatic for Asteroth to have another paramour, her response was simple. Aster, as she called him by his pet name, was at times a walking contradiction - fierce and prideful to most, but to his select few, utterly loving and devoted. Being accepted into the fold was a great victory for everyone - Delilah had an equal to talk to besides Aster, and Aster gained another confidant who was 'in the know'.
Apparently they'd been alone for a long time, using their sexual favor trade to keep his draconic tendencies in check, but with the hope that Sherrel would be joining in at some point in the future, it would help them both out significantly. And that was the kicker - Sherrel technically would never even need to have sex with him if she didn't want to (Her body said that was unlikely, based on the kiss).
The bond would be enough to help out far more than any late night romp ever could. Or she could do both (the most likely option, who doesn't want to bang their hot spouse?).
Regardless, that wasn't the point. For all the terrible shit that had happened to her, Sherrel was not a worldly traveler, nor filled to the brim with life experiences.
So the sheer novelty of the situation, combined with the utterly strange combination of emotions clashing in her stomach had her anxious.
Taking deep breaths, she focused on the inhalations, letting the exhales come on a set schedule to slow her racing heart. They've been utterly clear on her options - she could leave anytime she wanted to.
If it became too much, and she wanted to live a normal life again, she could do so. All she had to do was ask.
Sherrel had the sinking feeling she wasn't going to ask.
A Dragon of Ends and Beginnings
It had been another three days, and Sherrel hadn't gone back to visit Asteroth yet. She wasn't afraid, per se, but the confidence that had filled her with the high of her first real kiss had swiftly fled her body, leaving her a nervous wreck.
They still saw each other at dinner, although he'd been absent for one, 'taking out the trash' is what Delilah said. Never once did he push her or imply he was waiting on anything.
Delilah assured her in private he had no expectations of her, just that she tried her best and stayed happy.
Speaking of her fellow blonde, their relationship had changed ever so slightly. Regardless of her seemingly excited behavior at having a 'fellow bondmate', or potential one, Sherrel was waiting for some passive-aggressive comments or behavior when The Dragon's wife realized she didn't want to share.
Instead, Delilah had gotten more physical with her affection. It wasn't anything weird, but Sherrel had never received more hugs or had her hand grabbed in excitement after Aster and her shared that kiss. The woman had seemingly taken it as approval to be more touchy feely and hands on with her.
Sherrel didn't particularly mind, Delilah acted like a particularly loving older sister most of the time, and that image was just reinforced with her new attitude. The serious act she'd displayed on that first night had been just that. An act.
Also, there had never been a single ounce of negativity towards her, proving Sherrel wrong, forcing her to reconcile the fact that yes, both Aster and Delilah were certifiably crazy for putting up with her and this whole situation, but apparently it was her kind of crazy.
The young tinker couldn't remember a time when she was happier. Even with the odd nervousness making her feel like a teenager all over again, it wasn't enough to overshadow the strange feeling that had come over her in the past couple nights - that of a family.
Her relationship with her deadbeat mom and better left unmentioned step-father had certainly never given it to her.
But she wasn't here to think about those people she'd left behind. Better to focus on the here and now.
Entering the opulent dining room, she took her seat next to Delilah and gave her a smile, which was easily returned. "Hey Sherrel, I haven't seen you all day! How've you been?"
After spending most of the day reading, something Sherrel had precious little opportunity to do before, she could safely say she'd found a new favorite hobby. "I can't complain. I've been reading most of the day, though I'm starting to go stir-crazy and my power is starting to act up. When I almost ripped out the showerhead for some plumbing I realized what it was trying to tell me…"
Delilah gasped and clapped a hand over her mouth. "Oh my gosh, we've had you trapped in here for nearly a week! You should have told me, I'd be happy to take you out and check out the nicer part of town. And if you need to tinker, we do have a garage set up on this block, we'd be more than happy to provide you with materials and a space to work. I'd much rather you give your power a workout than risk our poor bathroom!"
Sherrel had access to several windows and was hardly starved for light. She would be more than happy for the chance to take a walk outside, however.
"I'll definitely take you up on that. It'll be a lot of fun." She meant it too. Getting to hang out with Delilah would be a blast.
The dining room door creaked open and Asteroth rushed in, carrying several plates of food. The smells immediately wafted over Sherrel's nose, causing her to perk up. "Tada! I present to you, you're dinner!"
With an over the top motion, he placed each tray down in front of the two women. Sherrel immediately noticed he was missing his own, even if he could have easily carried it in addition to the other two plates. The confused look on her face didn't go unnoticed by the others.
"I must head out for the night I am afraid - duty calls. I'll actually be gone until tomorrow night as well, so Delilah you'll have to hold down the fort."
The woman in question gave a mock salute. "Aye aye, captain. Sherrel and I will try to make sure the place isn't a wreck when you get back." Then she gave him that smile, the one full of care and intention. It said louder than any words could hope to that she was his, and he was hers, and a little distance meant nothing against the sheer scope of their love for one another.
"Come on Sherrel, let's go see him off before we eat." They both stood, and Sherrel realized that Aster was indeed dressed in his 'going out' clothes. It was another suit, excellently made from what little she knew, and perfectly arranged with not so much as a single thread or button out of place.
They followed him to the door, where he paused before opening it. First, he looked at his wife. "My love. I shall return to you as swiftly as I can, for every day apart is a wound on my soul."
Delilah laughed at his vivacious imagery, but nonetheless stepped forward into his outstretched arms and fiercely kissed him. His arms snaked around the tall blonde's back and lifted her into the air, spinning her around slowly.
Once he completed his revolution, he gently placed her back down and they finally separated. It was quiet, but Sherrel picked out the words Sherrel said to him as he leaned into his neck. "Come back to me soon, my heart."
Aster placed a slow kiss on top of her hair before responding. "Anything for you, Dii Sil."
They separated, and they peered into each other's eyes with the sort of intensity usually reserved for nothing short of a life or death scenario. Just as quickly, it was over, and Delilah stepped away, giving him room to move once again.
Sherrel thought it was over then, but to her surprise rather than saying a parting word and leaving, he turned in her direction and stood, arms slightly parted. "Care for a goodbye kiss?"
The atomic flush that rocketed to her cheeks had absolutely nothing to do with the fact that Delilah was sitting there, smiling and giving her puppy dog eyes. Damn if that girl couldn't give Sherrel some of the most effective cutesy expressions, that affected her far more than they should.
Slowly stepping forward, she approached his reaching arms with the care of a wounded animal, before she got slightly too close and the arms grabbed her and pulled her in. Pressed against his chest yet again, Sherrel couldn't help but close her eyes and slowly inhale the scent of fire and nature that seemed to permeate his presence, shoving her nose further into his suit jacket as she did.
"I'll miss you as well, Dii Ahkrin." She felt his lips press against the top of her head, and she let herself melt into his embrace, simply enjoying his presence and warmth for all it was worth.
Eventually they too had to part, though he still held her close. They stopped moving, him looking down at her, her looking up at him, before he very slowly started to move. She recognized it as yet again, him making sure she was ok with what was happening.
How silly had she been to worry about such inane things as she had. These people had tried to tell her, this is what they were looking for, this is what they wanted, and they wanted her to be happy. Aster had said, over and over, to tell him what she wanted or her worries.
It was only natural, she supposed, that she hadn't quite believed him when he said she could come to him with anything, but here they were, where he once again proved that nothing would happen that she didn't want to have happen.
Rushing to meet him past the halfway mark, their lips met without the force or passion of their first kiss, but with a more focused emotion behind it.
It was gentle, chaste, and lasted for a heady eternity.
Slowly opening her eyes again, Sherrel was greeted by the sight of his soft smile and crimson eyes crinkled in happiness.
They parted fully this time, and he opened the door to their hidden abode. "Don't let this place burn down while I'm gone, and I'll see you both soon!"
A few brisk steps later and the door was shut, leaving the two women alone.
Sherrel glanced over at Delilah, who stood for several moments, simply staring at the door, before she shook off her fugue and turned back to the tinker with a smile. "Well, now that that's done, let's go eat!"
They set off towards the dining room again, and Sherrel took the opportunity to ask something that she didn't really feel like bringing up in the heat of the moment. "Um, those things he called us, what was that language? What did he say?"
Delilah was quick to respond, an excited look on her face. "Ah, of course! I'm so used to it now I don't really think of it as irregular. Ahem, what he spoke to us was the language of dragons, otherwise known as Dovazul. I'm not particularly fluent, but what he said was simple enough for me to translate."
Language of the dragons, huh? That sounded interesting. "The first word of both 'Dii' is simply a possessive, or 'my'. The second bit for me, is a rough translation of 'soul'. It has some deeper connotations when related to a dragon's soul versus a mortal soul, but I won't bore you with those details. What he said to you was 'Ahkrin'. He called you his courage."
Sherrel wrinkled her nose at the thought. "His courage? I don't think I'm a particularly shining example of courage, all things considered."
Delilah simply smiled at her, the kind of smile that said 'you're wrong but I'm not going to say it out loud'. "Maybe you believe that, and from his stories Aster has plenty of courage of his own, but to him… that doesn't matter. Those things that once gave him courage aren't here anymore. His reasons for being a courageous hero aren't the same. I believe when he calls you his courage, it's both because you are more courageous than you think, and your tale and relationship with him gives him reason to be courageous yet again."
That was surprisingly deep, but also showed just how well Delilah knew her husband. Maybe someday Sherrel would understand him even half as much.
They both sat and ate the once again excellent dinner made by Asteroth before heading off to bed.
It was as they were standing to leave, however, that Delilah stopped her and grabbed her hand, looking more shy and nervous than the woman had any right to be. Whatever inflicted those emotions on her must have been pretty serious.
"Sherrel… I know it might be too much to ask, but could you… spend the night with me? I don't sleep well on my own, and I normally just tough it out on the nights when Aster has to leave, though those are few and far between usually. If you don't want to then please, don't feel obligated. I'll be ok!"
That… wasn't what she was expecting to hear. And while part of her felt like she should, no matter what her feelings were on the matter, her two hosts had successfully driven home the idea that she wasn't required to do anything they asked - they only said it about 10 times a day.
But in this case, she was being given an opportunity to help out the closest thing she had to a friend in… a long time. How could she possibly say no?
"Delilah, it would be my pleasure to spend the night with you, and don't you dare make a fucking joke about us sleeping together or I will promptly leave, so help me."
That got a wan smile out of her, which is what Sherrel was hoping for. "Let me just get my things, and I'll meet you in your bedroom?"
"Ok, I'll see you soon." With that done, Sherrel left to change her clothes and collect her pillow. While this wasn't the oddest thing she'd seen or even done since entering this house of 'debauchery' as it were, she couldn't help but wonder what happened to Delilah in the past that would leave her so scarred.
Well, she did say she'd tried to fight Aster when she was younger, and that would be quite scary.
But it was also mentioned she'd been ordered to mess with the people in his area, which led to the fight specifically, which meant she was probably in a gang? With her looks the Empire was virtually the only option. Marquis worked alone and didn't hurt women, the ABB was the ABB, and the Merchants were just better left unmentioned.
It could have easily been something else though, and speculating would only get her so far. It wasn't something she wanted to casually ask about either, she figured it would come up when it came up.
Once she was clad in her silky pajamas and had her pillow in tow, she departed her room and walked through the decadent hallways until she reached Aster and Delilah's bedroom. A brief moment of hesitation overtook her, and she opted to play it safe, deciding to knock.
Sherrel heard a muffled 'Come in!' so she turned the handle and entered. The bedroom was similarly styled to the rest of the house, though the bed was definitely larger than a king, and likely had to be custom made. Thinking about why that was the case was something Sherrel chose to ignore.
Clad in her own dark grey and silver toned nightwear, Delilah stepped out of the bathroom attached to the room and greeted her with a smile. "Hey silly, you don't have to knock. This is your bedroom now too, you know? It's yours to sleep in anytime you're ready!"
The taller blonde just got a blank stare back in return. "I'm serious! You're in the relationship
now, are you not?"
Technically? "Yes… I think so?"
Delilah rolled her eyes at her. "Of course you are! It doesn't matter what stage of the relationship you're in, once you're part of it you get all the perks. Including being allowed to sleep in the master bedroom with us! Only if you want to of course."
They were so stringent about making sure she knew there was zero compunction for her to do the things they said, it was kind of funny in an endearing way. Yet, simultaneously, so gut-wrenchingly kind that Sherrel almost felt she was going to be sick with appreciation.
"I'll keep that in mind, thank you for letting me know." She turned towards the bed and approached it, before turning and asking her sleeping partner an important question. "What side do you normally use?"
"Oh, just lay down wherever. Honestly, this thing is so huge I can't even tell which side I'm normally on anyway." That made sense. Seriously, the thing was fucking ginormous.
Throwing down her pillow, she flopped onto the bed and crawled forward until she could slip under the covers.
Delilah walked over to the lightswitch and hit it off, leaving them with a single lamp to light her way back. She repeated the same process as Sherrel had, sans the pillow throwing, and crawled in next to her. "I hope you don't mind, but I'm a bit of a grabby sleeper."
Honestly, Sherrel just kind of assumed that was the case. Delilah seemed like that kind of woman. "It doesn't bother me in the slightest."
It really didn't - Sherrel hadn't developed any phobias of being touched during her time with the Merchants, though she wouldn't have been surprised if she did. Fuckers.
Delilah let out a huge yawn, before rolling over to the lamp and turning it off, plunging them into the dark. Rolling back over, the young tinker could tell the older blonde was facing her from the soft puffs of air she could feel from her breath brushing against her back.
As they both got comfortable, no more than a minute had passed before Delilah gave up any pretense of the 'sleeper' portion of 'grabby sleeper' and simply glomped onto her. She had scooted closer, tucked an arm under her pillow, threaded a leg in between both of hers, and cast her other arm over her body and pulled Sherrel close.
Opting to not struggle, Sherrel simply let it happen and enjoyed the closeness they shared. It wasn't unlike the sensation she got when hugging with Asteroth - the simple act evoked feelings of warmth, family, and a level of care she hadn't felt before. All things she'd been decidedly lacking up until now.
It didn't take long at all for sleep to claim her, with the scent of smoke and fresh air, along with an odd hint of iron, playing across her nose, the warmth of Delilah's body soothing away any minor aches and pains she'd accrued throughout the day, and a rush of contentment to top it all off.
It was a good night.