Cerea shuffled her hooves nervously, her brain fumbling with itself. She stood in the foyer of Tanner's apartment, her hand on her sword as she waited for Tanner.

Upon arriving, Cerea had inspected the place for points of entry and exit, points of vulnerability to gun fire, proper locks, and potential household weapons. As far as the kitchen and living room area went, the place was fairly secure, with only a small area next to the window being a potential sniper point. On the other hand, being in such a tall building, there was only the one exit through the front door, unless one fancied leaping seven stories down to the next roof top. Aside from the tactical points of the place, Cerea noticed a lack of decor about the place, save for a number of fantasy movie posters and some weapons of various origins; Cerea couldn't tell which of them were real or prop.

Currently, Cerea stood awkwardly, her left hand floating about herself as she waited for Tanner. When they had arrived, he went to his bedroom and told Cerea he was going to shower. Cerea of course needed to first inspect the bathroom, with a blush upon her cheeks, and ultimately deemed it safe. Cerea sighed in relief as she heard the water turning off and stamping of hooves as Tanner dried himself. Cerea's ears twitched as she heard him pull his towel off a hook, then she heard him sigh and chuff.

Cerea's face lit up bright red as she realized just how close she'd gotten to the bedroom door. Scampering across the room, she turned her back to the bathroom, covering her face and whimpering as images of Tanner's toned body, dripping with water plagued her mind. How could she be so impure!? She was a knight, assigned to protect someone, she thought to herself. And yet, she couldn't keep the thoughts from coming back...

"Ah, my apologies Cerea," Tanner said as he emerged from his room, "I didn't intend to leave you waiting so long. Would you like to take a shower?"

Cerea spun around, her cheeks even hotter now as the thought of the two of them together in the shower- Cerea had to punch herself in the side to break from her devious thought path. Of course, as soon as she saw Tanner, her brain froze completely. He wore a cut off shirt that hugged his chiseled chest nicely, leaving his arms completely free; Cerea hadn't noticed before just how large his biceps were. His hair was even messier when wet, making Cerea giggle to herself a bit. Finally composing herself, Cerea cleared her throat and shook her head. "No, I'm fine. I musn't become distracted with such things while protecting you. Your safety is my only concern until this threat is dealt with." Cerea puffed her chest out (even further so, which seemed impossible) and held herself tall. "By the honor of the centaur race and my name, Centorea Shianus, I swear, there shall be no harm done to you under protection of my blade!" Cerea drew her sword dramatically, staring off into the distance with a gleam in her eye.

Tanner couldn't help but gasp and whimper as he gazed at Cerea in awe. Her proud and stoic words, her grand and heroic stance, the way her beautiful blue eyes filled with such intensity as she stared down the length of her blade! Tanner was near swooning. Chuckling to himself, Tanner smiled and said, "Very well, Milady knight. Where shall I set bedding for you? Would you prefer the living room, or the bed chambers?"

Cerea's sword arm dropped a bit as she looked to Tanner now. Then, as realization slowly set in, Cerea broke her stance and wheeled backwards, stammering. "W-w-w-! B-b-bed chambers!?" Cerea was glad only now of one thing as her brain melted and her cheeks burned: that none of the other girls were here to see her in such a state.

Tanner laughed and blushed, waving his hands, "Oh, I'm sorry Cerea, that was my mistake. I'll simply put the bedding in the living room for you then..." Tanner blushed awkwardly and prayed Cerea didn't take it too seriously.

Cerea gulped and chewed her lip as she sheathed her sword. "W-well," she began, her ears flickering, "you do have windows in your room, which could be points of entry...and since I don't need very much sleep, it would be prudent for me to keep a close eye on you...what I mean to say is that, I suppose, if you're alright with it, I shall...stay in your chambers with you...simply so that I may keep a watchful and protective eye, is all! I shant sleep a wink, I swear it; there shall be no opportunity to insinuate any lewd or untoward happenings, so, it should be alright..." Cerea didn't realize that as she was rambling, she was looking further down to the floor (or as much of the floor as she could see past her breasts) and taking slow steps forward. She stopped talking just as she saw her hoof come forward and meet another...Tanner's hoof. She looked to his face, the both of them blushing intensely.

Tanner rubbed his neck, "A-alright then, my fearless knight...I shall do as you request," he said sheepishly before turning and setting out a blanket and pillows on the floor beside his bed for Cerea.

Cerea blushed and buried her face in her hands. Between her Master and Tanner, these events made Cerea truly wish she'd received training in relations with men, rather than swords. Cerea was broken from her reverie as Tanner smiled to her, saying, "Alright, it's ready."

"Thank you, Tanner..." Cerea said as she slowly walked to the bedding, then sat down. She looked out the window to avoid staring at Tanner as he climbed into his bed.

Tanner sighed and gave a lopsided smile to Cerea. "Goodnight, lady Cerea..." he said as he shut off his light.

"Goodnight..." Cerea whispered. From her position next to his bed, Cerea was actually rather close to Tanner...leaning her torso over, Cerea reached just far enough to plant a soft kiss on Tanner's cheek. She quickly reeled back and resumed her watchful gaze out the window, trying to hold in a whimper as she blushed.

The next morning, Cerea awoke and lifted her torso up off the edge of the bed. She didn't remember falling asleep last night, but it couldn't have been for very long. Looking into the bed, she saw that Tanner was gone, and momentary panic set in, until she heard the sizzling of a pan from the other room. Rising, Cerea slowly walked into the kitchen to see Tanner toiling over a large pan of eggs. Turning to see her, Tanner flashed his bright and disarming smile, and with a wave said, "Good morning Cerea! I'm sorry I didn't ask what you wanted to eat before I started cooking, but you just seemed so peaceful, I couldn't bring myself to disturb you. But I trust vegetable omelettes are to your liking?"

Cerea blushed, hugging herself in embarrassment. She had a duty to guard Tanner, and to think she fell asleep for any time at all! "Truthfully...I've never had an omelette. But it does smell divine..." Cerea took a deep breath, savoring the rich and delightful scent.

Tanner smiled, "well then, I think you're in for a treat. If we fauns know how to do one thing, it's fry a good meal over a fire." Tanner served the eggs onto plates, his plate vastly smaller than Cerea's. Setting them at the table, he poured two glasses of Orange juice, then sat down. Cerea approached the table and sat at the mats Tanner had set for her to kneel on. She could hear her stomach rumble as she looked at the plate; the eggs were bright yellow and fluffy looking, while having a golden brown crisp edge, the bright colors of tomato and peppers peeking out in places. As much as Cerea wanted to dig in, she sat with her hands folded on the table, waiting, as she watched Tanner silently pray.

Tanner, finishing his prayer and looking up, smiled to Cerea as he picked up his fork. "Cerea, I've told you, you needn't wait for me to pray. You're more than welcome to begin eating before me."

"Nonsense," Cerea waved her hand as she picked up her utensil, "faith, be it in a deity or in a way of life, is something I do not scoff at. I shall respect your faith in the same ways you have respected my culture. Besides, I am a guest in your home; to begin eating before you would just be unthinkable. Despite many a jest from Miia and Rachnerea, I was not raised in a barn, mannerless."

Though Cerea's expression was stern and without humor, Tanner couldn't help but laugh. This did cause a smile to break on Cerea's lips. Once she began eating, she melted; the egg was fluffy and soft, unlike anything she'd ever eaten, while the vegetables were fresh and crisp, though delightfully softened and sauteed, all crowned with a thin layer of gooey, melted cheese. Cerea had to hold one hand under the table, to pinch herself if she noticed she began eating too quickly. As much as she wanted to devour her whole plate at once, she needed to maintain her decorum.

"So," Tanner said in between bites of his own egg, "how did my valiant knight sleep? I hope I left enough of the bed for you to rest your head on."

Cerea blushed, swallowing a large bite before responding, "I was not asleep very long! Only an hour, maybe. I assure you, my guard was never let down!" Cerea blushed more when she saw Tanner snickering to himself. "But...I slept fine, thank you...I was plenty comfortable."

"Good." Tanner smiled. "Say, Cerea, do you have movies in your village?"

Cerea shook her head. "Well, not many. We had a few very old films, but only one television in the village. Until the cultural exchange came about, we truly only cared for combat training as recreation. Well, of course, aside from the human laptop my uncle once stole...he showed me some fantasy RPG video games on it, but that was the extent of my exposure to human technology before coming to Japan. Why do you ask?"

Tanner smiled, folding his hands in front of him. Cerea thought his grin was turning somewhat mischievous, almost like Miia's. "Well then, since Miss Smith has asked us to stay indoors today, I thought I'd share with you a time honored tradition of not only the faun race, but also the humans." Tanner walked over to his tv, and in a cabinet underneath it, pulled out a small box. "We're going to watch one of my favorite movie series: The Lord of the Rings."

--

That same morning, Draco was quick to leave the Kurusu house. Miia bit her lip after Draco left, barely giving Miia the time to say goodbye. She prayed that she hadn't upset Draco in her attempts of teasing. Miia was soon pulled from her thoughts by the delightful smell of breakfast.

Miia, Mero, Layah, Papi, Suu, Kii, Curie, and Kino all sat at the table for breakfast. It was normal for Rachnee to be asleep well past breakfast, but not Lala. However, nobody seemed to notice with all the other guests. After they finished eating, all the other girls went home, while Miia, Mero, and Layah started a hot bath.

"Aaaahh~" Layah sighed as she slid into the tub, "these baths truly are amazing...I could get addicted to something like this."

"I know, right?" Miia responded, in a daze beside her, nuzzling into Layah's side.

Mero sat on the other side of Miia, snuggling her in an almost possessive manner, much unlike her usual attitude. Miia couldn't take note of this, however, as she was trying to not only relax, but also keep her mind to her guest and her objective.

For a while, the three sat silently in the tub, simply enjoying the soothing heat and each other's touch. Mero closed her eyes, sinking further into the warm water and clutching Miia's arm tighter. She wasn't the jealous type; it was her fantasy to see her Mistress seducing and making out with other people. Besides, Miia had only kissed Layah in hopes of advancing her plan to set her up with Draco! If Mero truly believed that, then why did she still feel a knot winding itself in her stomach? Why was she holding so desperately onto Miia? Mero pursed her lips in a bit of a frown as conflicting feelings began to swirl in her head. Suddenly, she was pulled from her stupor by the feeling of a familiar tail wrapping around her own. Looking down, she saw Miia's red tail, curled around her fin and waving to her. Looking up to her Mistress's face, Mero cracked; she saw piercing, golden eyes, cascading Scarlett hair, and the most beautifully charming smile on this or any earth - she saw the glorious and gorgeous face of her Mistress. The face she'd fallen in love with, over and over. When Mero smiled back, humming in contentment, Miia leaned down and planted a soft and loving kiss on Mero's head. She had no reason to worry. No matter what Miia did, no matter how consumed by her schemes she may become, she would always come back to her Little Mermaid. Mero knew that.

The trio's relaxation was interrupted by the sudden opening of the bathroom door. "Mistreeeeeesss!" Papi shouted as she glided into the room, then threw her arms around Miia's neck from behind, subsequently smothering Mero and Layah's faces in feathers. Suu walked in after Papi, smiling with her usual spaced out glee.

"Hi Papi," Miia giggled as she wiggled against Papi's strangling hold. "I thought I told you not to call me Mistress around other people though..." Miia nodded toward Layah, who was currently paddling her way out of Papi's feathers.

Papi gasped lightly, then whimpered, her lip quivering, "I'm sorry Mistress! I didn't know she didn't know! I'm sorry!" Papi's wide eyes shimmered as tears welled.

Miia lept up, pulling Papi into the bath and into her lap, holding her close as she hushed her. "Oh no Papi, don't worry, it's fine! Layah can find out, it's okay. You just have to be more careful next time, okay?" Miia pet Papi's hair gently, holding Papi's head to her shoulder. Mero giggled, amused at how maternal Miia had become.

Papi soon calmed and perked back up to her usual self. "Can I take a bath with you, Mistress? Boss said I had to take one with someone else."

Miia rolled her eyes in amusement. It was often someone's duty to ensure Papi actually washed in the bath, and not just swam. "Of course, my pet," Miia booped Papi's nose lovingly, "but first, can you say hi to my friend Layah? You remember her from last night, right?"

Papi looked at Layah with a blank smile. "Um...sure..." Papi squinted for a moment, placing her wing on her head as she thought. "Oh, right! The princess from that movie Boss likes! Right?" Papi put her hands together, holding an imaginary sword, and waved them around, going, "voom, voom, pew pew!"

Miia face palmed and groaned, while Mero giggled, Layah looking on utterly confused. "No, Papi, not that Leia! She's my friend from my hometown. L-A-Y-A-H." Miia spelled out.

"Hello again, Papi," Layah smiled awkwardly, blushing as she held a hand out to Papi, "we met last night. Remember...?" She seemed to shrink back now, her hair falling in front of one of her eyes.

Papi tapped her chin in thought, until Suu extended a tentacle to Papi's head. Suddenly, Papi perked up, seemingly remembering, "oh, right! I remember! You're Miss Candy Cane!"

Layah raised a brow in confusion while Miia groaned. "A...candy...cane?"

"It's a red and white candy that humans have that they eat in winter," Miia explained.

Layah nodded slowly. "Oh...okay. Well...As long as you remember me."

"Yay!" Papi exclaimed, now throwing herself onto Layah, hugging her tightly. "New friend!"

Layah blushed intensely, her arms going up in confusion. She stammered and whimpered, flustered, until Papi moved in just a way to grind both their naked nipples together, making Layah squeak and freeze.

Miia giggled as she wrapped her tail around Papi's waist, ready to remove her from Layah. "Come on Papi, ease up. She's shy and not used to you yet."

As she spoke, Layah's arms and tail synched around Papi. "So...warm...soft..." She muttered, nuzzling into the harpy.

Miia smiled to Mero, sharing a mirthful laugh. "Papi," Miia said, taking the harpy's chin in her fingers, directing their eyes together, "if you wash up and get clean, I'll let you play with Layah," Miia flashed a few of her spirals to Papi, whose eyes widened as she gasped.

"You got it Mistress!" Papi leapt up and went to the shower to wash herself, Mero following for supervision.

Layah looked to Miia with a skeptical expression, her cheeks still glowing red, "What did you mean...play with...?"

Miia smirked and gave Layah a kiss on the cheek. "Oh, you'll see. I promise, Papi will show you a good time."

While Mero helped Papi bathe, Miia and Layah once again leaned back, their coils now wrapping around each other in a writhing mass under the water. Suu, who had been up til now silent, came closer to the tub, leaning on its edge right behind Layah. Putting one tentacle into the water, she began drinking, swelling her breasts up and growing taller.

Miia noticed her eyeing Layah with her usual predatory gleam, "Oh, Suu please don't-"

Before Miia could stop her, Suu had snagged Layah, making her squeak in surprise. But, to Miia's surprise, Suu wasn't assaulting; she had her arms and hair wrapped gently around Layah's shoulders and torso, pulling Layah's head into enlarged cleavage, snuggling her with a tender smile. Suu cooed in her bubbly, echoing voice as she gently pet Layah's hair with her primary head tentacle. "Friend," she cooed.

Miia noticed how as Suu's head feeler rubbed Layah's head, it emitted a low, green glow. Suu was reading Layah's mind, in combination with the hot bath water she had absorbed, to take on its properties, being warm and soothing. "Good girl, Suu," Miia sighed, petting Suu on the head, Suu cooing in response.

Once Papi was clean to Mero's standards, the two returned to the tub, with Papi hopping back into Layah's lap, and Mero sliding into Miia's. "Well hello," Miia said with a giggle as Mero casually slid herself up to Miia's face.

"Hello, my love," Mero said with a soft hum.

Papi giggled as she nuzzled into Layah, Suu doing the same, making the lamia's cheek burn brightly, her eyes wide and mumbles spilling from her mouth. As Papi squeezed and groped Layah's breasts, she commented, "I wonder if you taste like a candy cane." Without warning, Papi leaned forward and licked Layah's collar bone. In response, Layah squealed, her tail flailing.

Miia sighed, and pulling away from a passionate kiss she and Mero had engaged in, grabbed Papi by the waist, pulling her off of Layah. "Now Papi," Miia said, starting her spirals and instantly captivating the smaller girl, "I know you're excited. And I do want you to have fun with Layah. But she's very shy, so could you please go a little slower and ask her permission before doing anything like that?"

"Okay Mistress..." Papi said with a distant and dreamy voice.

Miia leaned forward and gave Papi a loving kiss on the lips, "That's a good girl." Miia returned Papi to her perch on Layah's lap.

From behind Layah, still holding the lamia's head in her tits, Suu chimed in, "Miia, can you hypnotize Suu too? Suu wants to feel good like Papi!"

Miia raised a brow and gave a skeptical look. "I'm not sure if I can...I can try, I suppose. If you let me."

Suu nodded eagerly in agreement, making her boobs shake around Layah's head. Layah, for her part, was now hiding her entire face behind her hair, which Miia suspected was beat red. With a shrug, Miia started her spirals once again, now targeting Suu. "Become my Pet, Suu...feel good like Papi. And take very good care of Layah. Be gentle and easy with her. Got it?"

As Suu's eyes absorbed the spirals, her smile grew. Now, instead of reflecting and redirecting them, they were taken in, as Suu allowed them to take control of her. Suu nodded as she accepted her commands, then turned her focus back to snuggling Layah.

"So Layah, what should we do?" Papi inquired from her place, nuzzled into Layah's chest.

"How do you want us to make you feel good, Layah?" Suu cooed, her tentacle lazily tracing over Layah's head in little patterns.

Layah was frozen. Despite the warm bath and warmth of Papi on her chest, she shivered and whimpered. "M-Miia..." She said, barely audible.

Miia, now resigned to the fact she wouldn't get the time to have any real fun with Mero here, looked to Layah. "What is it, Layah? I promise, they'll give you an awesome time."

"I...I just...I can't..." Layah whispered, one eye now visible from her hair shield.

"Trust me Layah. They will go at your pace, be as gentle as you want, and won't do anything if you tell them not to. So relax, have some fun, just-"

Miia was cut off by an outburst from Layah as she yelled (still in a whisper's volume), "I can't do it with someone who isn't you, Miia!"

Miia stopped. She'd thought this could be a hitch, but had hoped it wouldn't come up. Sighing, Miia put her hand on Layah's, looking into her friends eyes intently, "Layah...it's been so long since we've even spoken to each other. We both changed so much, I...I'm not the same lamia you fell in love with as a kid. I love other people now, and...I think you should too. I'm not saying you can't love me too, but...just let yourself be free. I can understand if you truly don't want to have sex or mess around with Papi and Suu, but please, just don't do so because you're holding out for me. Live." Miia took a breath, now wrapping both her hands around Layah's. "I know...that all this time, you probably haven't moved on...haven't tried anyone else. And that's okay. But I didn't just send you that letter to catch up. I want to help you open your heart to someone other than me."

"Bu-...but Miia, I...you..." Layah couldn't find words, and was soon silenced by Miia's finger on her lips.

"Shh," Miia said, "look me in the eyes Layah, and tell me, with all honesty, that there is absolutely no part of you that wants to be with Papi and Suu right now."

Layah bit her lip. She looked to Papi, then to Suu, both smiling brightly, eyes spiralling away. "Well...I mean...they are very beautiful...and s-soft..." Layah whispered, her nerves seemingly a little calmer now.

Miia smiled and reached out, gently pulling Layah's hair away from her eyes, then tracing down Layah's cheek and chin. "Layah, do this for me, please. You can do whatever you want with the girls. Let yourself live, do what you want to do; that's what I've been doing. I've had fun with plenty of other people and let myself be free. You deserve the same." Miia mentally held her breath. This wasn't just about helping Layah unwind and have a good time in the tub; it was about helping her move on.

Layah swallowed, then slowly nodded. "Okay...Miia, I...I'll try. For you."

Miia smiled and nuzzled her forehead to Layah's. Sitting back down, Miia felt Mero's arms wrap around her middle, pinning her arms down. Mero leaned up and kissed Miia's pointed ear, leaning into it and whispered, "We've got plenty to talk about later...but I'm tired of waiting, Mistress. I want you. Now."

Mero pounced on and subsequently had her way with Miia. Meanwhile, Papi said in her dreamy and hypnotized voice, "Layah, can I taste you again? I wanna see if your lips taste like a candy cane!"

Taking a deep breath, Layah slowly nodded, letting some of her coils come up to loosely wrap around Papi's legs and hips. She closed her eyes and leaned forward, pursing her lips. She opened her eyes when she felt Papi's feathered hand squeezing her cheeks.

Papi giggled, squishing Layah's cheeks loose. "Rachnee always tells me to relax my face. Don't stick your lips out, just relax and feel it." Papi then closed her eyes and pressed her lips to Layah's, moaning into the soft and sensual kiss.

Layah was stunned. Though the girl appeared much younger than her, Papi was quite knowledgeable. As far as technique and sensation, it was even better than her kiss with Miia last night (of course, the kiss she shared with Miia had meant more and filled her with such a sense of elation, it would forever be meaningful to her). Layah decided it best to heed Miia's words to relax, and so stopped thinking, simply turning into the kiss and enjoying the warm, soft sensation of Papi's delicate lips.

When Papi pulled back from the kiss, Layah gasped, blinking a few times to regain her bearings. "So, Papi..." She said, a bit of a smirk growing as she now grew more comfortable between Suu tits, "do I taste like a candy cane?"

Papi shrugged, licking her lips. "I dunno. I don't remember what a candy cane tastes like. But you taste good!"

From above Layah's head, Suu cooed, "Suu wants to taste too!" With a finger under Layah's chin, Suu directed her head to look up as far as was comfortable for her. For a moment, Suu met her rainbow spiraling eyes with Layah's immaculate teal, and giggled in appreciation of the lamia's beauty. With the ease of a boneless slime, Suu leaned down and closed the distance, engaging her slimy lips with Layah's in an upside down kiss.

Layah moaned in surprise, quivering under Suu's lips. Though she lacked the practiced technique of Papi, she made up for it in the sensations of her slime, and more importantly, her tentacle-like tongue softly roaming into Layah's mouth, gently entwining with hers. Layah whimpered, a hand slowly extending to Suu's face as she melted into the uniquely erotic kiss.

Suu couldn't help herself but shiver as she made out with Layah in the odd position. Odd, but no less pleasing, Suu thought. She was delighted to taste not only the exotic flavor of Layah's mouth, but also the faintly lingering, mildly sweet taste of Papi. A tentacle came down from Suu's head, landing on Layah's now pertly erect nipple. Slowly and delicately, Suu began to pulsate and suck, making certain to monitor Layah's reaction. Once she was sure Layah was enjoying it, she picked up the pace just a bit, which signalled Papi to follow suit.

Layah moaned loudly once Suu withdrew her slimy tongue from the lamia's throat, as she now had a tentacle and a mouth softly suckling her sensitive nubs. She was in absolute bliss, the idea of Miia slowly drifting away from her thoughts as she was engulfed by the love and tender touch of Papi and Suu. That was, until she felt both a tentacle and wing drifting down to her very wet pussy. "N-No!" She exclaimed in a gasping whisper, her eyes jolting open as she lurched forward a bit. Suu and Papi, eyes both spinning away with hypnosis, looked to Layah, now awaiting explanation with looks of concern. "I...please, don't..." Layah whispered with a gulp, "I just...I wanna...still save that...save that for Miia...please..." Layah bit her lip, but took a deep, calming breath and remembered Miia's words. "I'm not ready for that much yet, but...we can keep doing what we were, please..." Layah looked to the two and was met with eager and accommodating smiles.

Though Suu and Papi respected Layah's wish to keep away from her nether region, they still helped her to reach a few pleasurable climaxes. Once fully satisfied with their play time, Miia took both girls out of their trances as the group dried off. Upon exiting the bathroom, and with kisses to all the scaly girls, Papi and Suu retreated to the living room for their normal routine of video games. Normal, aside from them being stark naked, much to Darling's dismay.

Returning to Miia's room, herself, Mero, and Layah began to get dressed as Layah looked at Miia with confusion and intrigue, inquiring, "Miia...you know how to use hypnosis magic?"

Miia and Mero shared a look of bemusement before Miia turned back to Layah. "Oh, yeah. I do. Sorry I forgot to mention that. Hehe.." Miia laughed awkwardly and rubbed her neck. 'Oh jeez,' she thought, 'am I picking up Darling's awkward habits now?'

Layah was bewildered. "But...how? Lamia haven't been able to practice hypnosis in centuries! It's just fairy tales, and yet...you put those two into a trance in seconds..." Layah was thoroughly confused, but there was something else in her voice; was it interest, or desire?

Miia shrugged, and began to explain, "I don't know for sure. But I did have a devil to teach me. Lilith, who you met last night. It certainly wasn't easy or quick training, but...She kinda just drilled it into me. I've been getting better at it as I do it more, too, and Papi and Suu weren't resisting, so they're easy to put under."

Layah bit her lip. "And...how much control do you have, when they're under? Can you...alter someone's feelings, or...the way they think?"

Miia raised a brow to Layah, answering slowly, "Well...I haven't had to do anything like that. For the most part, I've just used it to make people more compliant, or to put them to sleep. The furthest I've gone has been using a trance to make Cerea think about something more from my perspective." Miia began to grow fearful of Layah's questioning. 'She couldn't be thinking that...could she?'

Layah seemed now to be getting excited, clutching her hands to her chest as she came closer to Miia, looking deep into her eyes. "Could you...Could you teach me...?"

Miia swallowed, biting her tongue, and trying not to do so obviously. "Mero?" She said, turning now to the mermaid who had been absolutely silent till now, "could you give us a few minutes please?" Miia hoped Mero could see the emotion in her eyes and not be offended.

Mero, being as empathetic and as good a girlfriend as she was, nodded with a reassuring smile. "Of course. I'll be downstairs." Mero kissed Miia's cheek, and with a smile to Layah, swiftly rolled out the door, closing it behind her. In the hall, Mero sighed. Miia hadn't given her all of the details about Layah, and given the tension that had just suddenly appeared between them, she suspected there was a long story Miia had elected not to share. Mero just prayed for the best now.

"My my, Mero, kicked out to the hall? I thought Miia had learned her lesson."

Mero looked up, broken from her thoughts by a sultry voice. Sighing, Mero's worry slowly ebbed into relief as she realized that perhaps the owner of said voice could provide a little insight to this situation. "I need your help, Rachnee."

"Layah," Miia said, the words feeling heavy on her tongue as she spoke with care, "there's a reason we hadn't spoken in years before I sent you that letter. What happened last time, what you said...I thought giving you time and space would help you."

"And it has!" Layah said with earnest, "It's helped me to see that everything I said was real! That you truly are the only one for me, Miia! My heart can't have anyone else..." Layah bit her lip, but didn't back down, her veil of reservations pulled back now, alone with Miia.

"But I love my Darling and Mero, Layah," Miia sighed. She just didn't know how to take this bandage off easily.

"And that's okay!" Layah smiled, continuing, "if I'm not the only one for you, that's fine. If you want your human and Mero, I'll support you all the way! But, please...I...isn't there room in your heart for me, too?"

Miia's jaw quivered. She didn't know what to say. Throwing caution aside, she let her feelings speak now, "Layah...there will always be a spot in my heart for you. It's just that..it's not the same place as where you have me."

Layah's smile fell as she let out a deflating breath. "Then...why did you write to me? Why am I here...?"

"Because..." Miia began. She figured that if she was going to leave this room with nothing more than her oldest friend and nothing else, no progress in her plans, that this was what she had to say. And Miia was okay with that. "I wanted to resolve this between us before I asked you to be my maid of honor."

"M-maid...of honor...?" Layah's expression softened as understanding beset in her mind. "You're getting married!?" Layah squealed, her grin spreading from ear to ear as she grasped Miia's hands.

Miia laughed and shook her head in relief. "Yes, but please, quiet down! I'm not doing it yet, I just...I will be soon. I wanted to talk about this with you now. I'm..." Miia took a breath. She wasn't going to lie to her friend, or herself anymore. "I'm gonna ask Mero to marry me, soon. I want to resolve any matters like this before that. And if I'm getting married, I want my best friend there, by my side."

Layah smiled and nodded. "Of course. I...kind of always hoped I'd be the first person you married...but, I know we haven't spoken in so long, and you love Mero, so...I'll be there." Layah blushed, then sniffled, pulling herself to Miia in a shakey yet tender hug. "I can't wait to get you into a traditional lamia wedding gown!"

Miia returned the hug, ashamed that she did so with hesitation. "Layah...half of lamia get married naked. What traditional gown?"

Layah scoffed. "Oh relax. You know magic hypnosis, I know our people's fashions. I'll get to work on it right away and have it ready for whenever you do finally take the leap. Just don't...don't leave me behind when ya jump, okay?"

Miia set her jaw and gritted her teeth. She couldn't tell any more lies, but she couldn't tell the whole truth to Layah right now. She wouldn't listen. And in honesty, Miia missed Layah as well. So for now, she played along, whispering as she put a hand to Layah's head, "of course not. I'm not leaving you behind...I swear." Miia hoped with all of her heart she could keep that promise.

Once the girls readied themselves, and Layah dried her tears, they ventured down to the kitchen to find everyone readying for lunch. Mero sat with Rachnee, and both waved to Miia when they noticed her coming. Miia waved back, then noted that Papi and Suu were still naked, giggling to herself. Darling brought to the table a large plate piled with all kinds of sandwiches, to which everyone dove in. Miia sat next to Darling and immediately wrapped her tail around his legs and her arms around his.

"Woah!" Darling said with a nervous laugh as Miia latched onto him, "Uh, hello to you too, Miia. You okay?" He gently put a warm hand on Miia's head, hoping to direct her eyes to his, but only making her muzzle into him more.

"Oh, I'm fiiiiiine," Miia hummed in contentment, rubbing her head into Darling's hand, "you're just so waaaarm Darling...I've missed you."

Darling laughed as he leaned down and planted a kiss on Miia's head, making her jolt up. "You might want to sit up to eat tho, Miia." He shook his head with bemusement, seemingly unaware of Miia's reaction.

Miia felt wave and wave of heat wash over her, not just from Darling's body, but also from her growing embarrassment. This was the first time he'd shown outward affection to her in front of the other girls! Miia put a hand to her red cheek, but couldn't stop from pulling closer to Darling.

"So, Layah," Mero said as she daintily wiped her mouth, making even the simplest of an act look regal, "are you going to be staying here with us?"

Layah blushed, looking up from between her hair where she'd been hiding up til now. "Well, actually, um...Smith actually arranged for me to stay somewhere. It's called the Black Lily hotel."

Almost everyone at the table shared a look of disdain, but kept quiet.

"And speak of the devil, here I am!" Smith said, materializing behind Darling, making him and Miia practically launch themselves into the ceiling.

"How did you get in here?!" Darling shouted, now more exasperated.

"Oh please," Smith said dismissively while grabbing a sandwich, "I made my own key as soon as Miia moved in."

Miia, more than a little aggravated, glared at Smith and said through her teeth, "I take it you're here to pick up Layah, then?"

Smith nodded as she sat down, eating her sandwich. "My word, I can't believe how often I have to chaperone guests for you guys nowadays. And I haven't even been invited for dinner in months!"

Everyone at the table shared a groan, which Smith elected to ignore as she indulged in another sandwich. Once Smith took note of all the glaring eyes pointed at her, she sighed, and holding her half eaten sandwich, stood up, and with a wave to Layah said, "Well it looks like I overstayed my welcome. Layah, are you ready to go?"

Layah, who had just been silently eating up til now, jolted up. "Oh! Uh, y-yes, I'm ready."

"See ya later, Candy Lane!" Papi called with a wave, butchering Layah's name horribly.

Suu also waved with a smile and, "bye bye!"

Mero pulled Layah down into a hug, gently kissing Layah's ear, making her flush an even brighter red. "I can't wait til we meet again, Lady Layah. It truly was a pleasure. And perhaps next time, you should share some embarrassing childhood stories of Miia." Mero whispered the last part, making Layah smile, and giving Miia a bit of unease.

As Layah disengaged from Mero, she walked into Miia's waiting arms. "Alright Layah, go get settled in, then call me whenever you want me to show you around. You're gonna love Japan, it really is wonderful!"

Layah nodded. "I'm sure it is. As long as I'm with you, anywhere is amazing..." Layah sighed with a smile as she nuzzled into Miia's cheek, before letting go of her. Now turning to Darling, Layah blushed even more, twiddling her fingers nervously as she attempted to make eye contact with him. "I, um...I'm sure I will, Uh, see you again, but...I just want to say...I want to tell you...thank you, for making my Miia so happy." Layah now finally managed to look Darling in the eye and smile, even through the glowing red blush on her cheeks. With a deep bow and shuddering embarrassment, she finally turned to the door and accompanied Smith out.

Once Layah and Smith were gone, everyone settled back down to finish lunch. After everyone had finished and cleaned up, Miia made to talk to Darling, but her advance was stopped short by a familiar webbed hand on hers. "Mistress, may I speak with you?"

Miia turned around with a smile, but faltered; Mero's expression was soft, but serious. Growing mildly nervous, Miia nodded, allowing Mero to lead her to Miia's room. Closing the door behind her, Miia said, "Alright Mero, what did you need to talk to me about?"

"Well," Mero said, squirming in her chair nervously.

"She wanted me to talk to you," Rachnee said as she descended upside down from the ceiling. If both their tones hadn't conveyed such concern, Miia would have been distracted by Rachnee's gloriously suspended breasts.

"Rachnee," Miia said with an edge of scepticism, her brow furrowing, "what's this about?"

Rachnee sighed as she now stood upright and crossed her arms. "Mero told me about your plan with Draco and Layah, and expressed some concerns about it." Rachnee's tone was dry, but still with an underlying warmth, which Miia perceived to be her caring toward the couple.

Turning now to Mero, Miia couldn't help but hold an expression of slight betrayal. "Mero? What do you mean, concerns? Why didn't you just talk to me?" As much as Miia did feel slightly hurt by Mero going behind her back to seek out Rachnee, she didn't feel an ounce of anger; her voice did not raise and her body did not tense. She couldn't be angry at Mero, now or ever. She was just looking out for her, after all.

"She was unsure whether she could bring herself to tell you what you needed to hear. Hence, my involvement. Unlike Mero, I have no qualms about giving tough love. Now come, let's sit down." Rachnee sat on the floor in front of Miia's bed, Mero sitting beside it and patting the spot adjacent to her on the covers. Miia took her seat, right next to her pet, whose eyes followed her closely.

"Ok. So...what's wrong then? Is there something in my plan you don't approve of, Mero?" Miia asked, directing the question at Mero, but keeping eye contact with Rachnee.

"Not the plan itself," Rachnee said, clearly taking her time to speak with tact, "just your means of enacting it. And...the fact that you haven't given Mero the whole story yet."

Mero now spoke up, putting her hand on Miia's. "I know you have a history with Layah, and before now I didn't want to pry. But..after earlier, I...as your girlfriend, I just want to know so I can help you as best I can." Mero looked at Miia with her eyes pleading, making all of Miia's walls crumble immediately.

Miia supposed that she'd have to tell Mero the story at some point, so why not now? With a sigh, Miia began with, "The last time I spoke to Layah was almost three years ago, long before I ever left for the cultural exchange. We had just undergone our traditional ceremony of age, when we became adults. I'll spare you the gruesome details of the ceremony, but afterwards...Layah confessed to me. She told me she was not just in love with me, but...obsessed with me. I didn't know what to do; I'd never seen her as anything other than my best friend. So...I kind of panicked. I cut her off. I kept as much distance as I could because I didn't know what else to do. But I never hated her, I just...wanted her feelings for me to go away so I wouldn't have to deal with them." Miia's tone was downtrodden and ashamed as she looked to her lap in guilt. "I know it was wrong and I know I should have done better, but we did everything together, we grew up practically as sisters. How do you tell the greatest friend you've ever known you don't feel the same way they do?" Miia subtly wiped a tear from her eye, sniffling. She'd tried not to think about this very much since the talk with Layah, years ago. Even when inviting her to Japan, Miia focused only on seeing her friend and hopefully setting her up.

Mero took a few moments to process not only what Miia had said, but what it implied in regards to her relationship with Miia, and Miia's plans. When she finally worked up the nerve to speak, Mero cleared her throat, and with a reassuring hand on Miia's arm, said, "Miia, I know this can't be an easy position for you, but think how Layah must have felt, and still feels. You offered wise words to her earlier in the bath, but what you said didn't fully encompass what you needed to say to her."

"And in that same regard," Rachnee chimed in, keeping her voice level and soft, "you're just leading her on. She obviously came here under the impression that there was still a chance with you, or at least she thinks that now. Not telling her you can't be together is just prolonging her suffering, as well as Draco's."

Miia could tell by their expressions that Mero and Rachnee weren't enjoying this conversation anymore than she was. And yet, she knew they were right. Deep down, she knew that the only person she was truly trying to spare was herself. "What should I do then?" Miia said, her voice cracking a little, "What am I supposed to tell them? I've already dug my grave pretty deep..."

"Right now," Rachnee said as she put her hand on Miia's shoulder, "the only thing you can tell them is the truth. Tell them both that they have no future with you. And as sad as it may be, even if they refuse to remain your friends after that, then you'll all be spared a lot of pain."

"Rachnee's right." Mero said, her voice soft and calming. Miia thought she could be channeling a bit of her siren ability. "But no matter what happens, I'll always support you, and I will always love you, Miia."

Miia attempted to swallow the lump in her throat as she nodded. She looked at Mero, and was met with the same warm and loving smile she fell in love with. "Thank you, Mero." Miia picked up Mero's hand and held it tenderly in hers.

Mero leaned forward and gently kissed Miia's hand, letting her tail overlap onto Miia's coils. "Of course, Mistress."

————

As the credits rolled on The Return of the King, Tanner leaned over the arm of his sofa, toward Cerea who had been kneeling on a tatami mat. "So, what did you think, Cerea?" Tanner asked with giddy excitement, now seeming almost like Papi.

Cerea had to turn away from Tanner and cover her face, lest he see the stream of tears running down it. "It-it was...brilliant!" Cerea managed to gasp out as she attempted to suppress her emotions. "Such beautiful story telling! The depth of not only the story's emotion, but the ability of the actors to convey it in such glorious ways! The epic scale combined with the relatable kinship we feel with the characters-" Cerea stopped herself to take a breath, and now realised she had drawn incredibly close to Tanner. Clearing her throat and wiping the tears from her face, Cerea said with a sniffle, "it was nothing short of magnificent. I enjoyed it very much, Tanner."

Tanner grinned and beamed at Cerea. Once again, his love for her had grown by leaps and bounds, as he looked over Cerea's face, seeing in her the appreciation for one of the dearest things to him. And in turn, his face reflected the same level of adoration and reverence to Cerea. "Well," he said as he composed himself, returning to his gentlemanly demeanor, "I'm glad you enjoyed it. It's about time for dinner, so how about I whip us up something to eat, and then I have another movie I want you to watch."

Cerea's eyes lit up and her ears and tail flicked with excitement. "Another!? Does it have swords, and battles, and magic as well!?" Cerea didn't notice, or didn't care, that she had leapt forward, grasping both Tanner's hands in hers as she came practically nose to nose with him.

Tanner smirked, pulling a hair closer to Cerea in turn as he whispered, "Indeed. And more than that, this one...has centaurs." Tanner thought Cerea's subsequent shrill gasp of excitement would shatter a window. With a laugh, Tanner got up and set to cooking the pair some food. Small though his kitchen was, he knew a way around it very well. He retrieved a wok from a cupboard, noodles and tofu from the pantry, and vegetables and sauces from the fridge all in a matter of seconds.

Cerea was in awe of the fluidity with which Tanner moved. Immediately, she knew from the ingredients he intended to make lo mein. Having seen her master make it, and having helped him with it several times, Cerea trotted over to help. Wordlessly, Cerea began cutting vegetables as Tanner prepared the fire and the pans. Back and forth across the kitchen they would move, with a flawless synergy, as if they were dancing; as if they fit together like pieces of a puzzle. Not once did Cerea bump into Tanner with her rear, nor did Tanner ever stand in Cerea's way. In practically no time, they had a flawless pan of sizzling, delectable vegetable lo mein made, and unbeknownst to the pair, they'd done it all while smiling and blushing.

Tanner got dishes and utensils while Cerea took her seat. After setting two heaping bowls on the table with chop sticks, Tanner went back into the kitchen. Finally sitting down with a bottle of wine, Tanner poured two glasses. Cerea blushed as she accepted hers. Her stomach growled and roared at her, the scent of the vegetables making her near mad with hunger. But, she knew to wait, as Tanner folded his hands, like he always did. This time however, Cerea folded hers as well, out of some unknown compulsion. Cerea honed in on Tanner's face as he prayed; how his gently closed eyes looked so serene, how his lips occasionally moved as he mouthed the words of his prayer, the lines of his face as intricate and beautifully sculpted as a marble statue, his finely trimmed and gorgeously curly hair- When Tanner finished his prayer and opened his eyes, Cerea realized just how intently she was staring at him, as well as just how insanely smitten she was with him. Leaning back and blushing, Cerea picked up her chop sticks and began eating, lest she say something foolish. She flattened her ears against her head as she felt them begin to burn. Would there ever be a time that Tanner didn't vex and charm her so?

"Cerea?" Tanner said with a smirk, making Cerea jolt and look up to him. "I've noticed you keeping a closer eye on me when I pray. Is there...something you want to know?"

Cerea blushed even more now as she swallowed her food, following it with a rather large sip of wine. His smirk now reminded her of Miia's. "I'm terribly sorry Tanner, I don't intend to stare. I'm just...fascinated. And intrigued." Cerea didn't have the nerve to tell him she stared mostly because she liked his beautiful face. Tanner watched with a bemused smile that tormented Cerea as he took a bite of his food. Taking a deep breath and trying to control her blush, Cerea said, "I was wondering if perhaps the next time you prayed...I could..." Cerea put her hands in front of her face, "pray with you..."

Tanner stopped in the middle of slurping up a long noodle, casting a puzzled look to Cerea. After blinking, Tanner finished his bite and swallowed. Putting a hand to his goatee, he fixed Cerea with an intense gaze, making Cerea squirm.

Under the intense watch of Tanner's brilliantly green eyes, Cerea felt small, in the same way she did under Rachnee's gaze. Cerea scoffed to herself as she realized she was already beginning to miss her housemates.

"Why?" Tanner inquired softly, after a minute of silence.

Cerea blinked. Fumbling over her tongue for a moment, Cerea said, "Watching you pray...seeing your faith in a god...I'm interested in it. I want to learn as much as I can about you, to be closer to you. If faith is something this dear to you, I wish to understand it as well, to know every aspect of..." Cerea stopped for a moment, "of the man I'm falling in love with..."

Tanner was now incredibly shocked and taken aback. To say he hadn't expected such a confession was to say the least. Clearing his throat and fighting a grin, Tanner tried to regain his serious facade. "Cerea...that's a bit of a slippery slope." He elaborated slowly, "I know you already understand how faith works, but...prayer, specifically is not just an experience I can share. Not like my movies that I can show you, or a meal I can make for you. It cannot be seen or touched. When I pray...I take myself somewhere else. I...hold a conversation with my God. And if you do not believe in that God, than a prayer is more of an insult. A fake prayer would get you no closer to God, or to me, I'm afraid to say."

Cerea nodded slowly. She truly did desire closeness to Tanner. But, his words rung true, with wisdom not often shown. He really was reminding Cerea of some of her housemates now. Taking a breath, Cerea opened her mouth. "Very well. Insulting your beliefs is the opposite of my goal. If I may then...simply be privy to one of your meal prayers. Or if you would be so good as to educate me more in your religion." Cerea grasped at straws a bit, but could think of nothing better. For some time now, since she'd met Tanner, the concept of religion toiled away in the back of her mind. She'd never really entertained the idea of a god before, but never denounced it either.

Tanner nodded. "Very well then," a smile tugged at the corner of his mouth, "as you wish. You'll be happy to know then that the next movie I have in store for you is heavily faith driven. It may help you understand a little."

Cerea beamed and grinned. The idea of understanding yet another facet of Tanner...there was nothing quite as exciting to her in that moment. Well, of course, other than a movie with centaurs. Cerea nodded, then took another large drink of wine, and silently continued eating. The remainder of their dinner passed silently, but still with a happy atmosphere. Once they cleaned up, the pair returned to their seats as Tanner started The Chronicles of Narnia.

————

Miia sighed as she picked up her phone. Mero and Rachnee were absolutely right, she thought. She needed to tell Layah and Draco the truth, all of it.

Of course, she already told Layah all of what she could say, Miia reasoned to herself. Mostly, at least. So she really only needed to speak to Draco. But that still didn't seem any less daunting in Miia's head...

Miia bit her lip as she rolled her phone between her hands. She had taken a bath with Mero and Rachnee to relax, and to be in a better mindset for this conversation, and yet...She was still so afraid. She didn't want to hurt Draco. But Miia couldn't spare herself, she knew that; she knew this was necessary for everyone to move on. "If only I could do it without any pain..." Miia whispered to herself, pressing her phone to her forehead now. Then, like a spark, it hit her. Miia didn't have to have the painful conversation with Draco, she didn't have to put either of them through that! "I can hypnotize her!" Miia had gone so long without needing to use her hypnosis, it had slipped from her mind somewhat. But if she could put Draco under a spell, tell her to put all of the feelings she held for Miia onto Layah, Miia's plan could work! It was so simple! Miia grinned as she typed a message to Draco, instructing her to meet at the shrine after Miia's shift tomorrow. Of course she would need to find somewhere to hypnotize her that wasn't Darling's place...She didn't want him to think Miia was falling for Draco too or anything. He already had his suspicions about Mero, no doubt.

Miia couldn't believe her luck as Draco replied, offering her homestay to hang out. Miia grinned and tapped away at her reply. Her new plan was perfect. What could go wrong?

————

Tanner blushed and rubbed his neck, laughing to himself a bit. "Um...So, Cerea...did you...like it?" He asked, rather timidly.

Cerea couldn't respond, for her face was buried in a pillow. She was currently slumped over, with her face covered, sobbing uncontrollably into the cushion. Finally gaining the composure to pull herself up, Cerea sniffled, turning her watery eyes to Tanner. "T-Tanner..." She stammered, her breath hitching, "I'm beginning...to, to think that...that you're just showing me these...so that...so that you can see me cry." Cerea chuckled a bit to herself through a hiccup as she wiped the tears from her face.

"Oh goodness!" Tanner said, desperately scrambling to give a tissue to Cerea, "Cerea, I would never! I truthfully didn't expect you to have such a reaction to them upon your first viewing. They mean so much to me, and to see they impact you in a similar way...Well, I'll admit...it does make me happy." Tanner smiled sheepishly as he tenderly brushed a few loose hairs out of Cerea's face.

Cerea giggled through another sniffle, blushing as she took a few tissues and tried to clean herself up. Once deeming herself presentable, Cerea cleared her throat and turned back to Tanner. "To answer your question...I was positively blown away. It was far more than just battles and swords. It wasn't just about the centaurs, though glorious as they were, nor was it exclusively about the incredibly depicted majesty of all the magic of the land and it's inhabitants. All the metaphors and lessons, thinly veiled enough to be present and clear, but not too much so to ruin the story. I can see why they might mean so much to you, especially if these were stories shown to you in your youth."

Tanner couldn't contain his grin. The fact that Cerea loved not only Lord of the Rings, but Narnia as well? If he had his great grandfather's ring with him, he thought he might have proposed on the spot. "And now, can you understand a little more about the faith?"

Cerea nodded. "Absolutely! How excellently that seam was woven into the tapestry! The four children, faithless in their own ways at the beginning of the tale all grew to believe in something bigger than they. It has not answered all my questions, but it has indeed helped me gain a better grasp of the outlines." With a blush, Cerea looked down. To grasp, she thought...with a trembling hand, she reached out...To which, Tanner immediately understood. Cerea gasped as Tanner took Cerea's hand, weaving their fingers together gently. Whimpering, she reciprocated, squeezing Tanner's hand affectionately. Looking up toward one another, Cerea and Tanner locked eyes. Exactly like the movies they had watched, it was as if there was a magic between them; a force drawing them toward one another in an inescapable tension. Cerea blinked a few times, then tried to gulp the knot forming in her throat, while Tanner took a deep breath. Cerea saw Tanner close his eyes, and so did she. Cerea was uncertain of which one of them had leaned forward and closed the distance, but in a moment, she could feel Tanner's lips pressed softly to hers. For a moment, they simply sat, both of them frozen with their lips together. Then, mustering every ounce of her courage, Cerea tilted her head, deepening the kiss. She channeled everything she could remember from Miia kissing her, and with a touch less dominance, and certainly less experience than Miia, Cerea began to passionately kiss Tanner. For a while, Cerea simply lost herself. She felt the rest of the world, her surroundings, even most of her body fall away, taken in the loving throws and warm embrace of sucking on Tanner's lips.

When they both finally pulled back to breathe, they opened their eyes, losing themselves even further in the beauty and richness of the others eyes. Cerea hadn't realized that both her and Tanner had put their left hands on the other's head. The pair seemed to read each other's minds, going back and forth in perfect sync without a thought. Cerea wanted the moment to continue as it did forever, just diving into the depth of Tanner's emerald eyes. The moment was only broken by the buzzing of Cerea's phone. Both Cerea and Tanner broke into a terrible blush as they bounced back from one another, Cerea scrambling for her phone. Picking it up, she stammered, "Y-Yes, what is it!?"

"Oh!" The voice at the other end of the phone squeaked, "um, it's Manako...I'm, uh, ya know...keeping watch, and uh... Well, I saw you two...ya know...and uh...I was just thinking...maybe...Miss Smith, well...she probably wouldn't want you getting too distracted on the job...sorry...I'll leave you alone now..." the phone call was abruptly ended, leaving Cerea in a flustered, embarrassed, ashamed mess. Ashamed of course not for kissing Tanner, but for losing her focus. The kiss was...

"I'm sorry, Tanner," Cerea said with a quivering voice, "I allowed myself to become distracted, and I... I should have been more focused on my task." Cerea held her head high, despite still blushing.

Tanner pursed his lips. "So...was it that bad then?"

Cerea's breath hitched. "Bad!? O-Of course not! It was...I found it to be...absolutely splendid, Tanner..." Cerea whispered, now looking down as she twiddled her thumbs, "I simply mean to say that I am your guardian, and as such, I must remain vigilant at all times so as-"

"Are you just my guardian?" Tanner cut Cerea off. His eyes were stern, and filled with a blaze, whether it was passion or fury Cerea could not say. Cerea could not form a response, so Tanner continued, "To me, you are my friend first. Second to that...you are the beautiful woman that I hope to be courting...being my guardian is, as I see it, your tertiary role. In your presence, I am always safe. Whether you are kissing me or not. So please, do not fret if every now and then you need to...drop your armor, or set down your sword. When the time comes, no matter the situation, I trust in your ability to pick it up and fight regardless. But until that time, please...just be my girlfriend."

Cerea jolted in reaction, her eyes flying open as her ears flicked. "G-g-gir...frien-?"

Before she could finish, Tanner interrupted, his face glowing red, "A-anyway, uh, you liked the swords from the movies, right?" Tanner leapt over the back of his couch and went to his back wall, taking two swords off of their perches crossed over one another. "These are just two that I have," he came back over to Cerea, handing her one, "this was Peter's sword, gifted to him by Santa, if you remember. My parents had the smiths in my village craft it for me after the first time I watched Narnia."

Cerea accepted the sword, still in its sheath. Rather than dwelling on the embarrassment that they were both feeling, Cerea decided to instead focus on the artistry of the blade. She ran her hands up and down the gorgeous scarlet leather sheath. The guard and leather wrapped handle were excellent, but weren't much a feat in comparison to the immaculately detailed lion head pommel. Cerea danced her fingers softly over it, feeling every small notch and wave in the mane, the curve of its face, and it's fangs. Turning the sword around in her hands with the grace one could only gain over years of practice and diligence, Cerea unsheathed the sword in a swift and fluid motion. Bringing the blade to her eyes, she read the engraving along the fuller, all finely etched and painted in gold. Cerea smiled, giving the sword a slow twirl in her hand, then extending it out in front of her. "It's beautiful," Cerea said, in a bit of a daze as she stood and went through some basic motions with the blade, "But, a bit too short for me, I think. I'm used to longer, two handed swords, not meant to be wielded with a shield." Cerea spun the sword a few more times, then swiftly returned it to its scabbed with a satisfying hiss of metal.

"Ah, then this is more your style." Tanner traded Cerea weapons, giving her one with a much longer handle and a wider guard. "And this one?"

Cerea smirked as she gripped the handle, "Andúril," Cerea said dramatically as she slowly drew the sword, then flicked it into the air, looking into her reflection upon the blade, "the flame of the west."

Tanner smirked to her. "Excellent. You remember."

The pair continued on into the wee hours of the night, geeking out over the collection of replica weapons Tanner had, discussing and analyzing every detail and aspect of every blade, axe, shield, mace, pole, and otherwise, to a degree that should anyone else have entered the room, it would seem they were speaking another language. To some, the exercise would be odd, but to the pair, was almost more intimate than the kiss, and every bit just as sweet.

Manako yawned yet another time as she fought to keep her eye open. As boring as this assignment may have been, at least Cerea and Tanner were cute to watch. And of course, Manako would never be unhappy about not having to fight.

Once Tanner realized just how late he and Cerea had stayed up, he hurried himself to bed, insisting that Cerea get some rest as well. Once Cerea had settled onto her mat, Tanner knelt on the opposite side of his bed, looking to Cerea and said, "Do you still want to listen to me pray?"

Cerea nodded with earnest. "Yes please. If it wouldn't be too much trouble. I'm still very intrigued, the movies only grew my interest." She tried to keep herself from blushing as she leaned over his bed as well.

Tanner smiled, "Well, I suppose I can't deny a request of such wholesome curiosity in religion. Very well then." Tanner brought his arms up and folded his hands as his eyes closed, Cerea following suit. "Before I begin my prayer, I empty my mind. I take a moment of meditation to put myself into the zone, so to speak. Think about your day and everything that went on in it, good or bad." Now taking a breath and clearing his throat, Tanner began his prayer, "God, heavenly father, I offer my thanks for another day. Another day of prosperity and happiness. I hope by your grace my humility and perspective will remain throughout all the time that I shall be so blessed. I offer my thanks..." he paused, and blushed, glad Cerea wasn't looking at his face, "for Cerea. Not just my valiant knight and guardian, but my beloved friend. Her curiosity and intrigue is remarkable, and I pray that you will help guide her to your grace in her pursuit of knowledge. I pray for the well-being and good fortune of my family, my mother and father, as well as the friends of myself and Cerea. I extend that wish of good wishes toward all in need; I pray for the souls of the lost, and for the health of the ill. And I pray that should I, or heaven forbid it, Cerea pass in our sleep, that our souls should ascend to your glorious kingdom. I pray all this in Jesus's name. Amen."

Tanner took a breath and opened his eyes, seemingly coming out of a trance. He looked so calm and at peace, Cerea thought. His words had not been anything intensely profound, but it was how he said them that struck her; the passion and the faith in his very tone. The gratitude he held for everything he had, including her. It all astounded Cerea in exactly the way she'd wanted it to.

With a smile, Tanner said, "That's more or less my average prayer. I'll occasionally pray for more specific things if I feel a need to, but..." he shrugged and chuckled a bit, "that's about it. Any questions?"

Cerea smiled and unfolded her hands, bashfully yet unashamedly placing them atop of Tanner's. "I've learned all I want to for today. Your words...touched me, dare I say. But you are tired, let us speak of it more tomorrow."

Tanner smiled, his joy abundantly clear as he climbed into his bed. "Very well, malady." As he pulled the blanket up, he looked closely to Cerea and asked sheepishly, "May I…give you a kiss goodnight, Cerea?"

Cerea was a bit surprised but didn't have to think long before responding, "very well, good sir." Leaning forward, her lips gently met Tanner's. It was soft and fleeting, but oh so delightful.

"Goodnight, Cerea," Tanner whispered after pulling away.

"Goodnight. Sweet dreams." Cerea responded as she took up her post next to the bed, watching over Tanner.

As morning crept over the horizon, Manako's eyelid flickered, her mind still bent on keeping her eye open, even hours after she'd fallen asleep. Leaning on her rifle, drool pooling in the corner of her mouth, she snored in as dainty a way as possible.

Miss Smith smirked as she looked over her, two coffees in hand. Kicking the rifle out from under Manako's arm, she snickered.

"Wh-owah-aaAAH!" Manako flustered as she woke up, then whipped her head around in every direction, eventually seeing Miss Smith. Jolting up and standing to attention, Manako blushed a bright cherry red and exclaimed, "I wasn't sleeping captain! I swear it! All is quiet and as it should be ma'am!" Manako clenched her eye shut and whimpered.

Smith laughed and put one of the coffees in Manako's hand. "Here. Go take a nap downstairs, the other girls aren't up yet. I'll take watch for a while." Smith sat down on a cushion next to Manako's rifle, taking out a scope of her own and looking into the apartment. "How are they doing?"

Manako took a large gulp of the coffee, only to burn her tongue. In a teary fluster, she said, "Thfine, I gueth." Manako shook her head and continued, "they're becoming very close. Last night they...well...Cerea..." Manako couldn't help the blush rushing back over her face.

"So, Cerea finally made her move? It's about Damn time." Smith smirked. If the noble and sweet girl couldn't get Mr Darling, then at least she could get the Prince charming that Tanner was. "Maybe it's about time we make our move..."