Pre-chapter AN: Hello hello everyone, here is Chapter 4 of Is It Wrong to Want to be an Advisor in Orario This Time? and it will officially cement Alise and Rhein's romance in the story before we move on towards the more canon material that will be coming up in future chapters. In addition, the start of this chapter will provide a segue into the primary meat of the next chapter.
Warning: This chapter contains overwhelming fluff that it's sort of sickening.
Without further ado, please enjoy.
The Pantheon...
"Another Denatus, another list of Aliases." I said aloud with a small smile, unable to hide the amusement I felt at reading these dramatic names from yesterday's Denatus.
What the hell is 'Divine Water Chariot' even supposed to mean? Ah well…I pity their deity..
"I still don't understand why you enjoy reading all these Aliases so much, Rhein. Even after three years." Rehmer said with a small sigh when he passed me more of the paperwork that we needed to fill out in light of the latest discussion that took place in the Denatus yesterday.
"Because it's one of the few things that provides me entertainment as a Guild employee, Rehmer. Besides, I should always look out for the Aliases of my Adventurers as well, shouldn't I?" I said to the Chienthrope who paused for a moment before nodding.
"Yes, I suppose you do have a point. Well, you've never let your hobby of reading Aliases get in the way of your ability to complete the paperwork with efficiency in the first place, so I don't even know why I ask." Rehmer noted, causing me to look over at him.
"Well, you're a responsible person. I honestly admire your diligence in making sure that we're all doing our jobs, like what you have to do with a certain someone." I reached in the drawer of the desk I was seated at and pulled out a small piece of chalk before throwing it at the head of pink hair over yonder, watching as it visibly bounced off the head in question before it shot up from the desk it was resting on.
"Ooooowwwww!" The head of pink revealing itself to be Misha cried out as she clutched her head. When she turned her head to look at the culprit, she saw me staring at her with a small smile.
"Rhein, you jerk! What was that for!?"
"What do you think?" I deadpanned as the girl who was glaring at me. "Don't think I didn't catch you snoozing off earlier this morning just because you have an early shift like me. Now get back to work before I throw another one."
"But what about you!? You're just sitting there reading the Aliases as always when a Denatus comes by!"
"Yes I am." I said, not denying that claim in any way before following up on that. "But unlike you, I also keep an eye out on any reports on the Denatus that the Guild might have to know and note them down, and even then, I can still do my work in time. Keep in mind that when it comes to our work, I'm literally a male Eina."
"He's not wrong. And Flott, get back to work!"
"Aw…"
I swear, if she were any worse, she would have been fired.
I turned my attention back to what was in my hand as I scanned the report of the Denatus, an Alias under the Loki Familia just so happened to capture my attention.
There we are. The newest Alias from one of my client Adventurers.
Lefiya Viridis, the Loki Familia's Thousand Elf as of Level 3. Since she came to Orario after becoming Level 2, she hadn't been designated an official Alias yet, at least by the Gods of Orario, on account of the fact that we didn't have too much to her name. But with the achievements that she's made as part of the second string Adventurers of the Loki Familia, she was recognized for her Magic potential and the ability to use any magic that is used by an Elf.
When she came to the Guild to report to me her Level Up, I could see the happiness and pride that she exuded from this achievement, and being the Advisor whose care she is under, I was equally just as pleased by her progression, even if my involvement in her actual growth itself was minimal, as that was under the direction of the higher ups in Loki's Familia.
Even so…
Being a magic caster can only carry you so far into the Dungeon, and it would be a shame if she squandered her potential by being merely the equivalent of a Caster in a world where with enough training you can grow in every way possible.
"Is something wrong Rhein? You're frowning for some reason."
I looked up to see Eina looking down at me with a hint of concern, and I shook my head to quickly ease her worries.
"Oh it's nothing Eina. I'm just thinking about how I should advise one of my Adventurers from here on out and whether or not she'll accept my suggestions if she wishes to improve in the Dungeon." I explain before pulling out the newest information on my young Elven Adventurer and handing it to Eina.
"Oh! Miss Viridis from the Loki Familia? Thousand Elf…yes, that would be a fitting name for her wouldn't it, especially if she can use any form of Magic that has been used by an Elf. That is honestly quite an amazing magic, wouldn't you say Rhein? Although, I guess you'd know, being her advisor."
"Yes it is."
And it really was. To be able to use any magic that has been used by your own race so long as you know the chant and effect? If there was even remotely an equivalent in Earth's modern age amongst the human Magi, that person would be strapped to a table and cut into faster than you can say 'Root'. So to have that sort of power in your hands here is truly quite amazing. That said…
"But unfortunately, she may be hindering her own potential by trying to become the second coming of the Nine Hell, and as such, her Alias of Thousand Elf would only be a sham."
"Isn't that somewhat harsh of you to say? After all, she's being mentored by Lady Riveria herself. Why would Miss Viridis be hindering herself by succeeding her? Eina asked me with a frown, and I suppose I can understand where she is coming from since Riveria Ljos Alf is a name that resonates with all Elves.
"Hm…let's put this into perspective then. Loki Familia's Nine Hell is known for her powerful magic, right? So it would be safe to say that even despite her heightened physical status, she is still primarily a combatant who is in the back. Miss Viridis is very much the same, but she differs in that she's known for the potential of her magic, not just the potency, so just like Miss Ljos Alf, she would be suited for the backline and support. However…if you met an Elven close quarters combatant whose Magic allows them to physically perform better in combat, yet you were only a mid to long range magic user, wouldn't you say it'd be a waste to have such an interesting magic in your arsenal, yet you yourself are incompatible with it? After all, it's not like you would have a good reason to ever use it mid battle unless it's to…I don't know, avoid your enemy, if your fellow Adventurer isn't there to protect you? And even then, that's just a waste of Mind and then some when its normal user would be charging headfirst into the battle."
"I see…so when you say she's hindering her own potential, it's because she's put herself in a position where if she progresses as she is and doesn't change, she would not truly be able to use her Elf Ring magic at its fullest, at least based on what you're saying." Eina murmured, understanding the point I was making, especially as someone who wants to ensure that her Adventurers are always prepared for the Dungeon. "And to actually use it to its greatest, she would have to-"
"Become a magic swordsman much like the Sword Princess or even Alise. Or at least a practitioner of any close quarters weapon if not a swordswoman." I finished for her before continuing.
"Although she will probably never be able to truly catch up to them in terms of physical prowess and swordplay, she would be their superior in the arsenal of magic she can employ against them. I don't mean to demean the two, but when a time comes when they are pushed into a corner, other than whatever Skills and Development Abilities they have, the two of them will only turn out to be one-trick ponies as far as Magic goes, even if those tricks are still extremely difficult to overcome. Miss Viridis on the other hand would not be so limited in that regard. And if she is capable of fighting and casting magic at the same time, she will probably even be able to easily surpass Riveria Ljos Alf, in potential and through Basic Abilities." I said before looking down at Lefiya's Alias again before shaking my head.
"But we'll just have to see what happens when I meet with her."
Eina nodded her head in silence, probably since there wasn't much else that the two of us could contribute to this topic since we hit that nail on the head. Although…
"I'm going to tell Miss Alise you called her a one-trick pony."
"Oh, she knows this already. I think I called her that in the first few weeks that we had met."
Eina just lets out a sigh, probably used to how blunt I can be. After all, that's how our earliest interactions with one another had gone.
"I still can't believe that you are her boyfriend…"
"Isn't the sister supposed to be the one keeping the girl away from her brother, not the other way around?" I deadpanned, staring at her as I asked her that.
"I don't know what you mean." Eina innocent said with a small smile.
"That said, the two of you are adorable together, and despite how grumpy you can be, you care for her a lot."
"Alright, no need to talk about my relationship in the workplace, get back to it you, or you'll receive the Misha Special." I said, holding up a piece of chalk before Eina giggled and walked away.
"Yes, yes, I know."
Later in the day…
*Poke.*
*Poke poke.*
*Poke poke poke.*
"Alise?"
"Yes Rhein?"
"Can you tell me why you're poking my cheek so much?"
"Because…you look cute when you're so focused on that book?" Alise asked me from under my arm that was wrapped around her shoulder as her head was leaning against my chest. We were currently lounging on the couch in my apartment on account of the fact that I worked early hours today, allowing me to go home earlier than normal and the Astraea Familia wasn't going to the Dungeon at the moment, so Alise decided to pay me a visit and spend time with me in my apartment today.
Alise was snugly positioned between my left arm and my body while I placed my book on the cushion beside me, flipping its pages with my right hand as I craned my head away from the girl next to me to read it, leading to this moment.
"You just want me to pay more attention to you, don't you?" I deadpanned at the Scarlet Harnel who had the audacity to let out a 'tee-hee' in response.
"Maaaaaybe?~"
Never change Alise.
I playfully rolled my eyes as I slid my bookmark into the page I was reading and closed the book, picking it up to lightly toss it onto the table in front of it before focusing my attention onto my girlfriend.
"You do know that I was reading in the first place because you were exhausted and fell asleep in my arms right? When did you even wake up anyway?" I asked her with a raised eyebrow, causing her to giggle.
"Oh you know…a few minutes ago. I wanted to watch you read your book in peace, but then I got bored."
Of course you did, you silly adorable girl. I swear, at times I can't help but think she has this world's version of ADHD with how she is.
"Well, my focus is back on you now, so what is it you want, you troublesome girl?"
"Mmm…I want a lap pillow from you!" Alise exclaimed as she looked up to me, her green eyes sparkling with a lot of energy for someone who had just woken up. Then again, she wouldn't be Alise otherwise.
"Alright then, one lap pillow coming up. Scoot, you." I said and then gently pried her off of me so that I could scoot down the couch a bit. Once I did that, I patted my lap and without needing another word, Alise quickly turned her body and then leaned backwards so that her head impacted my lead while she kicked her bare legs hanging over the side of the couch in the air in happiness.
"Thank you, my heroic lap pillow! Now, you know the drill!"
"Yes, yes, I know."
I began to stroke her hair that had already been undone from its ponytail, running my fingers through her scalp as her cascades of beautiful scarlet red hair ran between the digits of my right hand, all while I was watching as Alise closed her eyes and let out a sigh of pleasure as I continually repeated that same action. In the meanwhile, my left hand held onto her own left hand over her stomach as the two of us enjoyed this moment of peace together.
Still…
"I spoil you too much, you know that right?" I couldn't help but ask her and received a nod in response.
"Yep, but you're the one who lets me be spoiled as well." Alise asked, opening her eyes to look up at me with a warm smile.
Well I can't say that she's wrong there.
"Well…I guess you have a point." I conceded, returning a small smile of my own, watching as Alise reached up to cup my cheek with her right hand that I pressed my head into, closing my eyes as I felt the warmth of her palm.
It's been little over half a year now since the two of us began dating, and with that territory came Alise's earned and deserved right to invade my apartment and spend time here with me whenever she wants on top of being with the rest of the girls in her Familia, and when she comes, she would always be happily greeted by the small menace known as Fou, who was certainly grateful for the new presence in our shared living space.
Speaking of whom, I'm pretty sure he's at the Loki Familia's home right now, visiting the Sword Princess. I'll be sure to get him from her later.
I have to admit that the dynamic between the two of us didn't seem to change that much ever since we got into a relationship with each other. Sure, Alise and I are more physically intimate, as seen with her being held by me as I read the book in my hand, and my caressing her hair right now, among other things, but aside from that, things between us have pretty much been the same. She would be a bundle of energy with me being hopelessly caught up in her area of effect but happily going with it, except it's on a more frequent occurrence, and I would be the poor soul who bowed to her whims because I enjoy seeing the smile that she gives me and only me. It's pretty much the same interactions as always, except just a bit more and we can actually call them dates now.
In short, we're just two people who have liked each other for quite some time and can now openly express that with each other.
And imagine what everyone's reactions were like when they learned that the two of us officially cemented our relationship with one another.
(With Eina…)
"Oh wow! Rhein, you and Miss Alise are a couple now? I just knew it! The two of you are so perfect together!"
I could have sworn her eyes were emitting stars due to how excited she got when hearing the news from the two of us.
"Aw thank you Eina! Since Rhein is your big brother, how about you start calling me big sis then?"
And there was hurricane Alise abruptly blowing through once again out of left field.
"N-No! I couldn't do that Miss Alise. While I do consider Rhein as an older brother, you are still a renown Adventurer and I'm just a Guild employee. I can't just-"
"Come on! Say it with me! Big sis!"
"I…um…you see..."
And as Eina clearly faltered between wanting to call Alise 'big sis' and remaining true to her standing as a simple Guild employee, the Scarlet Harnel just merely pushed the attack.
"Are you not going to call me that because you don't think this pure and dazzling Adventurer wouldn't make for a good sister?" Alise asked her, putting on a hurt look as she placed her hand over her chest as if Eina's reluctance hurt her.
Needless to say, the poor Half-Elf got carried into Alise's nonsense.
"No, that's not it at all! I think you would make for an amazing big sister!" Eina exclaimed only to be caught off guard when Alise pounced on the girl for a hug.
"Aw thank you! And as your new big sister, I'll be sure to be the pure and perfect example of what an amazing, beautiful big sister should be like!"
"R-Rhein! Help me please!"
And there I was, as the solo witness to this ordeal, letting out a small sigh before preparing my flicking fingers as I went to save Eina.
(With Noin…)
"Oh wow, Mister Rhein! You and Alise are together now? Congratulations! I wish you both the best!"
"Thank you Noin. I'm glad that you approve of the two of us."
"Why wouldn't I? After all, you're the reason why I'm here today! Supporting you is the least I can do!"
I think out of everyone in the Astraea Familia, Noin was the most enthusiastic upon hearing about our relationship. Ever since I had saved her from the Juggernaut, aside from Alise, Noin was the one who warmed up to me the most from within the Astraea Familia.
Don't get me wrong, I get along well with all of the Astraea Familia, but Alise and Noin would probably be the two who interacted with me the most.
I can't remember when exactly it was, but at some point, probably in recognition of my combat capabilities when exterminating the Juggernaut, Lady Astraea and Alise had asked me to train everyone so that they would never get caught off guard like that ever again. Unsurprisingly, Noin was the most enthusiastic about it, despite the number of times I ended up introducing them all to the ground intimately throughout my training. In spite of how rough it was, it definitely played a part in all of them leveling up several months later, putting them at Level 4 and 5 after almost three years since their last level up, having participated in the defeat of multiple Monster Rexes in that time, coupled with their increased stats courtesy of me beating them down.
Getting back to the point though, if Alise was the one who was going after my heart, Noin was the one who always sought my recognition, seeing me as her hero for saving her. She even went so far as to take up hand-to-hand combat and knife fighting, both of which I did well in as a Counter Guardian, despite the fact she was a sword-and-shield user. I had to admit, even if I hardly ever show it, part of me was genuinely touched by her adoration of me.
So in a way, Noin was sort of like a student to me that I never had.
"Isn't our amazing Rhein the best, Noin!?" Alise asked with a grin with Noin nodding enthusiastically.
"Yes, he is!" The brunette girl agreed with a smile.
Of course, that also made her more susceptible to following Alise in praising me.
"Alright, calm down you two." I said with a small smile, causing Alise to giggle.
"Aw but Rhein, we both know that out of everyone in our Familia, second to this girl filled with inner and outer beauty, you like Noin the most. She's so adorable with how she follows you around like a little duckling all the time!"
"A-Alise!"
And true to form, Alise ignored Noin as she continued.
"And there you are, letting her train with you like a teacher wanting to see his precious student grow."
Well that's not really inaccurate if you think about it. But before Alise could continue, Noin jumped in and shushed her, grabbing the Scarlet Harnel and shaking her around while Alise merely went with the flow.
But there was someone else's reaction to this I looked forward to the most.
(With Astraea…)
"Tell me Rhein…does this mean that you should call me mother-in-law at some point?"
"L-Lady Astraea!" Alise cried out with a blush in the face of Astraea's question.
"Hm…well, I suppose that calling you my mother-in-law would be more likely than me addressing you by simply your name." I said with a nod as the Goddess and I looked each other in the eyes, firmly ignoring Alise's cries in the background.
"R-Rhein!?"
"Is that so? Then tell me, what are your intentions with my dear child? After all, to call me mother-in-law, that means the two of you must be willing to marry one another, yes? So will you be taking responsibility for Alise's well-being and happiness then? And if so, when will you be giving me grandchildren?" Astraea asked with a smile that I returned, as if we were having some everyday pleasant conversation.
Of course there is a reason for this. That is because for a goddess of justice, she surely has a bit of a wicked side to her, and unfortunately for Alise, it seems that the two of us made a silent agreement to put Alise into a situation out of her control.
"Lady Astraea, please stop! Rhein and I are only dating! We're not going to get married or have any k-kids! And Rhein, don't joke about calling Astraea your mother-in-law!" Alise shouted, her cheeks a deep tomato red as she gave the two of us a pleading look.
"So you don't want to marry Rhein in the future then?"
"When did I ever say that this was a joke?"
Astraea and I said simultaneously when we looked at Alise with a 'confused' gaze.
"No! I mean, yes! Wait, wait! I mean…I mean…"
I was honestly starting to feel just a bit bad for bullying her, so in a moment of compassion, I leaned in to press my lips against Alise's cheek to give her a chaste kiss, halting her stuttering before taking her hand in mine as she stared at me in surprise.
"Oh my." Astraea asked with a small laugh hidden behind her hand.
I guess Alise' surprise was understandable, since that was very affectionate, even for me. But she did kiss me first the other day, so why wouldn't I return that gesture?
"Don't worry Alise, Lady Astraea and I were just teasing you, weren't we?" I asked the goddess who giggled and nodded.
"Yes, we were. I'm sorry Alise. It's just too adorable seeing you act up that way."
"You two…you're so mean, you two!"
"But if we weren't, then you wouldn't have been able to be kissed by Rhein, am I not wrong?" Astraea asked, causing Alise to pause for a moment before cupping her cheek and then smiling a few seconds later.
"Well…I guess you're right…"
And Alise played right into Astraea's hand.
I swear, that goddess is way too good at getting her way.
Good times.
I was shaken out of my thoughts though, when Alise moved her hand from my cheek to poke me on the nose.
"Hey Rhein?" Alise asked me as she seemed to stare up at me with a smile after I opened my eyes.
"Hm? Yes Alise?"
"Can I have a nickname?"
I blinked and then stared down at Alise.
"A nickname? Like a romantic nickname?"
"Yup!"
The two of us continued to stare at each other in silence before Alise pouted before poking me on the forehead.
"What are you staring at, mister? Are you not going to give your pretty, fabulous, amazing, and pure girlfriend a cute nickname that only you can call me?" She asked me before flashing a smile and batting her eyes at me.
She must really want that nickname…and something just tells me that she'll keep asking until I give her one, not that I mind in the first place. Still, what name to even give her.
"I mean, I can give you one, but we've been dating for about half a year now. Why now all of a sudden?" I asked her and Alise hummed for a moment before answering.
"Hm…I think it's because things between the two of us didn't change all that much even when we got together, not that it's a bad thing. I mean, sure we kiss each other on the cheeks and head, and we hug and cuddle and all and spend more time together, but I wasn't sure if you wanted to do nicknames or not, and since we've been together this long, I figured I'd just ask. So…please?" Alise asked with a smile and poked me on the nose for good measure.
Honestly, reflecting back on it now, I honestly feel bad. I mean, I should have realized it beforehand, but I guess our relationship really has progressed slowly relative to others, but Alise has always been patient with me and in a way, took things at my pace, and it's only because of who she is that things really worked out between us.
"Alright, you troublesome girl, I'll give you a nickname." I said with a small smile, only for Alise to giggle.
"Yeah, but I'm your troublesome girl now, and you know that you like that."
She wasn't wrong, but I wasn't going to confirm it. Then again, with her growing grin I probably didn't need to, so I just pushed on as if I didn't hear her.
Might as well start brainstorming then.
"Well, I can't call you something like 'angel' because you're too troublesome."
"Hehe!"
Tch. Don't just go 'hehe' like you're proud of that.
"And 'troublesome girl' is more of an endearing nickname than a romantic nickname…"
"Awwww Rhein, you call me that because my antics are endearing? I knew that there was a reason why you only call me that!"
I'm not even going to dignify that with an answer.
Well…I guess there is a possible nickname for her that suits her just fine.
And while very forward, it'll only serve as a demonstration of how I feel about her.
Because without a doubt, I…
[Alise POV]
Oh wow, he really looks like he's concentrating on a nickname. I mean, I was sort of just teasing him, but if he has an idea, I actually want to hear it!
Ahh~! Seeing his eyes narrow in concentration like that is so adorable, I just want to keep poking him on the cheek! Keep it together Alise! Don't break Rhein's concentration!
"I think I have one that suits you just perfectly Alise." Rhein said to me, giving me one of his small smiles that I just love to see.
But that aside, he has a perfect nickname for this perfect girl?! I can't wait!
"What is it?" I asked him and-
Oh!
Oh my...
I saw as he leaned down, his face moving closer to mine as he did so.
W-What is he doing? What is this? Is he trying to kiss me!? I mean, not that I don't mind! It's just that we've never actually kissed each other on the lips, only on the cheek or forehead. Why is he doing this all of a sudden?
"R-Rhein, what are you-"
His breath…we're so close that I could feel his warm breath brush across my skin…his lips are so close that all I had to do was lean my head up and then we would-
"My little ember."
Huh?
My eyes trailed up from his lips to see warm blue eyes that seemed to peer into me. Those lovely blue eyes that look the best when they're so warm like that, unlike when we first met, without purpose and cold.
"Your…little ember?" I asked him, wondering why he chose that for my nickname. I mean, my Alias is the Scarlet Harnel and I use fire Magic, but was that all?
"That's right. I think I'll call you my little ember because just like its namesake, an ember is something that exudes warmth, but is able to turn into a passionate and intense fire so long as there is still something letting it burn. And even if that fire were to somehow die out, an ember will still remain there, burning so long as there is something that'll allow it to stay lit. After all, that suits our relationship just fine right? The hope that our relationship will still burn brightly, no matter what?"
I watched as his lips curled up into a smile before my eyes went back to his.
"So? What do you think?"
Wha…wha….wha-wha-wha-!
Rhein! What is this!? Who are you and what did you do to my boyfriend!? Why are you being such a romantic!? Are you doing this on purpose? If so, why is this working so well!?
Oh my goodness, I can feel my face heating up right now! How did it turn out like this?!
But still, hearing him say that…I feel so warm inside…wait, I need to do this properly!
I gently pushed him back and quickly got up from lying down on the couch, and before Rhein could ask what I was doing, I jumped onto him, my knees at his side on the cushions as I was now sitting on his lip, facing him. The two of us are now face to face, Rhein looking at me with surprise while I stared back with a warm face, my hands on his chest as I swallowed a bit before opening my mouth.
"Do…do you really mean that?" I asked him.
I needed to ask him that. While I'm sure that he cares about me, hearing him talking about me like this is just a completely different story. But I want to hear him confirm that he lo-
That he cares about me.
We've been together for all this time, and while I've enjoyed every single bit of time with him, I know that our relationship was slow compared to some that I've seen in Orario, and I wanted what they had, but I wasn't sure how to approach the topic with Rhein. I didn't want to possibly put him in an awkward situation and possibly ruin things. And while things didn't seem to change between the two of us, at least on the surface, I know that he hugged me more, kissed me on the head and cheek if he got the chance, gave me the keys to his apartment, everything. That's why I know that he enjoys our relationship.
But for him to be this open…it's new to me, and it honestly made me very nervous. I wanted to make sure he knows what he's saying.
I couldn't be surprised when he let out another sigh. He's just the type of person to sigh about almost anything, but after getting to know him for over three years, I've come to learn that this is just his default.
"You troublesome girl." After he said that, I could feel his arms going around my waist and pulling me close to him, the two of us face to face again.
For another time now, the two of us were so close together…
"Why would I say all that about us if I didn't mean it?"
My heart raced when I heard his answer.
"So…you really mean it?" I asked again.
"Of course I do, Alise." He confirmed and I couldn't help but to relax into his hold, feeling every bit of tension in my body go away.
Oh Rhein…I'm…I'm so happy…
"Can you call me that one more time?" I asked him, my voice the softest it's been in a long time as he nodded at me with that warm gaze and smile. Just another reminder that when I'm with him, I can be just Alise, and feel as vulnerable as I want.
"Sure thing…my little ember."
I could feel my heart beating faster when he called me that again. 'My little ember' he said. As in me being his little ember.
"I…I don't have a nickname for you though. It's not really fair if I don't have one for you right?" I asked him, only for Rhein to shake his head.
"It's fine. Just call me what you've always called me. After all, am I not your hero?"
Ah…
Yes he is. He is my hero, in more ways than one.
"T-Then..as my hero…you have to keep the embers of hope between us burning, you hear me?" I asked him and he nodded before answering my question..
"I'll consider it my very own heroic quest then. Then in return, you have to make sure to keep burning."
I nodded before swallowing the saliva that had been building up before opening my mouth.
"Rhein. Can you call me that again?"
"Alright, my little ember."
My heart raced faster.
"Again."
"My little ember." He said once again with a patient smile, and I could feel my breath shortening just a bit.
But I still wanted to hear it once more.
"One more time?"
And just as always, despite how I can be with him, he is always patiently willing to do what I ask of him as he continues to stare at me.
"My little ember, Alise Lovell."
I don't know who made the first move, either him pulling me in, or me leaning forward, but in that next moment, the two of us had closed our eyes, my hands cupping his face while he tightened his hold around me, and our lips locked in our first ever kiss.
It wasn't really anything extravagant like in the books nor was it sloppy and lust-filled.
But it was passionate, and for me it was perfect.
Our lips were constantly locked to the other's, breaking apart for a bit of air before we both leaned in for another kiss. And another. And another.
We probably didn't even know what we were even doing.
All I knew was that the whole time, we didn't open our eyes. Or rather, we wouldn't allow our eyes to open, otherwise this first truly special moment would end before we knew it.
I was nervous. My brain was telling me to run away out of embarrassment, but my body yelled at me to stay and keep going. My lips were telling me that they wanted more.
So we continued, kissing for what seemed to have been an eternity when it was only just a brief few moments out of an entire day, fire running in my veins, and my breath shaking every time we pulled away only for it to stop when we kissed once again, the occasional gasp escaping our throats and a small whimper from mine when I wanted more and he would keep providing.
But we finally stopped, pulling away for the lips time before I slowly opened my eyes to see Rhein staring at me with a smile, his lips wet and just slightly swollen, and if I looked into a mirror, I would probably see the same thing with my own lips. It was a new sight that I've never seen from him, but I knew that it was one I wanted to see again.
But setting that aside…
"That was…"
"Yeah…"
Words didn't need to be said. It was amazing. And because of that, I couldn't stop myself from blurting out something that I truly felt from the depths of my heart.
"I love you Rhein."
A part of me wanted to feel embarrassed and mortified about actually saying those words for the first time, even if they were true after we've known each other for so long and have been in a relationship, but somehow a part of me knew that it was fine.
I was proven right when Rhein leaned in and tilted his head up to kiss me on the forehead.
"I know. I love you too, Alise."
He loves me. He really does love me just like how I love him.
Thank goodness...
I leaned in to give him another kiss, one less passionate than the one we shared, but equally just as loving but then...
"FOUUUUU! FOU FOU KYU FOUUUU!"
Eh?
The two of us turned out head to see Fou who had apparently managed to crack open a window to squeeze himself in. Was he always capable of doing that? I mean, he doesn't even have hands-
No wait! How long has he been there!?
"Fou…how long have you been there?" Rhein asked the small adorable creature as Fou began letting out a series of noises to answer Rhein's question.
You know, to this day, I still don't know if Rhein actually understands what Fou is saying or if he's just been playing the longest running prank I've ever seen in my life, but since Fou is a pretty smart little guy, I like to personally think that it's the former.
"Oh, so only for that small bit? Well, that's not too bad I guess." Rhein murmured with a hum, and for my own sake if nothing else, I couldn't help but to ask him to translate for me.
"How long was Fou there?"
"Ah, not that long. Just long enough to hear us say that we love each other." Rhein answered and I couldn't help but to be the one that sighed this time, more out of relief. I don't think I could ever live it down if someone caught our special moment together. After all, he was my first kiss, and knowing Rhein, I know that I was his first kiss too.
I swear, with the many times he rejected the advances from any female Adventurers who see him, especially the Amazoness, I would have thought he liked men instead. Thankfully, I'm just that amazing enough to get under his skin and confirm he likes girls.
"Fou…fou!" Fou cried out before I saw him running to another part of the apartment, leaving the two of us alone, more or less.
I turned my head back to Rhein as a chuckle left lips before his eyes looked at me in amusement.
"Well, what a way for a stopper to be put on us. By a small white ball of laziness and hunger of all things."
And I don't know why, but I couldn't help but to laugh a bit as well, with him joining me as we took a moment to enjoy the amusement that the two of us felt.
He does have a point, it was definitely an interesting way for our moment to end, but I didn't really care. All that matters is that our feelings for one another have been finally cemented.
And so, the two of us just continued to laugh because of what could have been known as the most entertaining way to break the romantic mood and yet we didn't even mind it.
Even if things on the outside to others may not have changed, especially since Rhein keeps his life as private as possible…that just means that they aren't aware of the biggest change between the two of us.
Post-chapter AN: Alright, this overwhelming fluff is over! Holy crap, I'm surprise I actually had the balls to write something so...passionate, yikes! Anyway, with this, their romantic relationship has been secured, which I feel is a long time coming for a couple dating for six months, especially in an era where things like that are typically fast. But now we'll just see small fluffs in the future with this diabetes inducing one out of the way.
Next chapter, we're going to be taking a look at the Loki Familia featuring Fou and the results of Lefiya and Rhein's meeting which will take place between the two chapters!
Interesting news, I'm currently on a third multiversal story, and I have some ideas in the works. If you wanna hear about it, you can join my Discord server via the invite code kdyDgrj4QU to learn more and also get previews into the new chapters that I write.
Anyway take care folks!