Daily Life of Monster Girls in Alabama

by GoatManofAnime

It's time for a MonMusu fanfiction that takes place in sweet home Alabama, nuff said.

15. Damage Control

Chapter 15: Damage Control

Heaviness. That's the feeling that pervaded the atmosphere as Caleb took a step down the hallway. As if he was walking straight into the deep end of a public pool...that hasn't been cleaned in three weeks. He stopped and stared down the hallway in deep contemplation. Mirabelle's door to his left, Lyca's door one door down from the bathroom, and further down to the right, across from his office, Camilla's door.

Memories of last night flooded his mind. It was simultaneously the most terrifying and...hottest experience of his entire life. They had no control over themselves. They weren't themselves. The intensity of their desire to be with him, the sense of utter helplessness and failure of not being able to protect them. And now...they blame themselves for his irresponsibility. Damn it. Damn it all to hell. He needed to do something. He needed to fix this.

'But how?! Where do I even start? ''Hey guys, remember last night when all y'all got the moon beam madness and were only stopped by gangbanging me into unconsciousness while covered in Drei's sleep serum?' Come on.', Caleb thought with a tired sigh. He looked between each of the doors and an idea started to form. Maybe he didn't have to tackle it all at once. He could just see about one at time, talk them each through what happened and smooth it over a little, THEN sit them all down to talk more on how to move past it. It's fool proof! Then again, even that'll probably be a monumental task no doubt. Fuck it, he still needed to try. Now, who should he start with first. He remembered from Drei's note that Camilla and Mirabelle awoke first and immediately shut themselves in out of shame. What about Lyca though? Maybe the medicine kept her under longer?

Caleb tiptoed over to to Lyca room and pressed his ear to the door. He could faintly make out the sound of snoring coming from the inside of the room. Perhaps the sleep oil affects certain species differently compared to others or maybe its because Lyca is just a heavy anyway. Either way, he can scratch her off until later. He then refocused his attention to Mirabelle and Camilla rooms glancing at them respectively.

'Which one should I talk to first? I mean, both practically confessed they had romantic feelings toward me, albeit to noticeable different degrees. Moon pie I can sorta understand but Camilla? She barely even knows me and vice versa. Hmmm, maybe I'll start with Moon pie first. I at least know her well enough by...', Caleb thought as he made it to her door freezing in place. He thought of the look of sheer desperate lust Moon pie had on her face. Her sad pleas for him to stay with her despite her 'cowardice'. He felt his stomach twist in knots as he realized he was standing in front of her door heaving slightly. He took a deep breath and exhaled clearly whatever stress beginning to form. '...No, I don't. I don't know a damn thing about her. Or what she's going through. ..so...I guess it's time to listen and learn!'

He inhaled again mentally preparing himself for whatever was to come as he raised his knuckles up to the door about to knock. Suddenly, to his surprise, the door slowly opened up wide and standing on the other side was Mirabelle; now dressed in her usual light purple long sleeve button shirt and dark purple cloak. The inside of the room was fairly dark with the closed blinds on the window only allowing a few rays of light to seep through. It, combined with the light in hall, was still enough for him to get a good enough look at Mirabelle. Her hair was unusually messy and a closer look revealed the top portion of her collar and breasts were partially wet and wrinkled. She hung her head low to the floor as little whimpers and sniffles could be heard from her quivering form. Caleb's heart sank as he gazed at the sight before him. He shakily reached out to her.

"Moon pie...?", was all Caleb could say. She gasped jerking her head up meeting his gaze. Her eyes were puffy, reddened and pupils devoid of any life, her cheeks were stained in dried tears, she wore a deep frown, and her once cream-colored skin was now a sickly pale. She looked absolutely miserable. He gulped audibly but stilled himself and gently said her name again while reaching out slowly. Only for her to jump visibly with a squeal and back away from him trembling and holding her arms to her chest securely. She looked...terrified? Not knowing what else to do, Caleb stepped into the room slowly.

"No. No, no, no, no, p-please. I'm sorry.", She spoke with trembling voice shaking her head. She felt her rear touch the wall gasping at the notion of being cornered. She looked up again with horrified eyes at the image of him closing in on her with those filthy hands. When they were inches away from her, she could practically hear his voice. That awful voice that still haunts her.

"I-I'M SORRY! Please Jason!", Mirabelle practically begged. However, instead of the feeling of being violated in some way, this sensation felt...warm. She opened her eye to find herself embraced in caring but strong arms. Her head buried in a firm chest and having her head and ears gently petted.

"Ssssh, it's ok. You're safe Moon pie. You're safe.", Caleb spoke gently comforting the terrified woman before him. Her arms simply dangled to her side like limp noodles as she processed where she was and what was happening. She felt herself slowly calming down. Mirabelle felt him removing his hand from her head and lightly cup underneath her chin and gently force her to meet the pair chocolate brown eyes. It was Caleb. Her dear Caleb, looking back with that same kind and supportive gaze that reminded her all was well; even when it wasn't.

However, this feeling was short-lived when she noticed his bandaged arms and legs. She gently pulled away from him removing his hand to his confusion and worry. Memories of what she did replayed again in her mind. The shame of lowering herself to such an obscene degree. All because of her fear, jealousy, cowardice, and self-pity. And now, she had the gaul to compare her Dear to...him?! Caleb...isn't him. He's not! He's NOT HIM! AND HE NEVER WILL BE! How...could she...?

"Moon pie, look w-", Caleb sighed taking a step towards her only to be interrupted by Mirabelle.

"STAY away from me Caleb! Please, I...I don't want to hurt you any more.", Mirabelle whimpered feeling her eyes ache from more tears starting to well up as she receded into a darker part of the room, "Please, just leave. I'm a monster. A monster that'll only bring you instability and sadness. I don't deserve...love. I don't deserve to...to..."

Caleb watched in sadness as she sunk down allowing her grief to overtake her. A sight he's more than familiar with. He clenched his fist. He wasn't to allow her to go down that road. He went to the window and pulled the blinds up illuminating the room. He turned to Mirabelle who was huddled behind her large dresser with a now puzzled look on her face. She watched as he walked over to her bed and sat down on the very comfortable hyper elastic polymer cushions draped by bright purple linen sheets.

"Alright, sit.", Caleb stated patting on the bed. Mirabelle didn't move at first but when she saw the look of genuine care and understanding on his face as he beckoned her to come out, her body unconsciously stepped from behind the dresser. She slowly made her way over to him averting her eyes from his. She then sat next to him making sure to position herself diagonally so her back was to him. Caleb picked up on this and rose up to sit to her left so she was facing him much to her shock. Mirabelle was about to turn herself around again when Caleb stopped her.

"You know i'm just gonna keep moving right? You don't need to be afraid to look at me.", Caleb reassured. It didn't have much affect as she wordlessly cast her gaze down to her front legs as she fidgeted the hem of her skirt.

Caleb thought for a second of how he was going to approach this. He decide maybe it was best to simply put it out in the open.

He inhaled scooting a bit closer, "Moon pie, look...last night was not your fault. You couldn't control yourself-", he spoke placing a hand on her back only for her to jerk away interrupting him mid-sentence.

"You're wrong!", she stated her voice cracking a bit, "I allowed myself to give in. I knew there would be a full moon! But I...I stayed quiet. All because...because...I...was afraid."

"Afraid, of what? Moon pie...", Caleb inquired confused and hurt for her.

" I felt that...last night was my only chance to show you how much you mean to me. Even then, I was still afraid, so I allowed to moon's energy to give me the courage I needed to...", Mirabelle trailed off then inhaled and resumed, "to show you...I had some value. "

Caleb listened intently seeing her body tremble, "Mirabelle..."

"But instead, all I showed were the darkest and most depraved parts of my soul! I-I was just so afraid of losing you that I completely lost it! I...just..just THREW myself at you like some kind of whore! I tried to make you...", her voice became choked up as tears streamed down her cheeks. She let out a strained sob gripping the sides of her head and burying her face in her arms, "I'm...I am no better than him...Oh gods!"

Caleb repositioned sitting in front her grasping wrist startling her as he clasped her hands together in front of them. She looked up to him confused only to be met by his serious eyes.

"Moon pie, you are definitely not a whore and you are NOTHING like that son of a bitch.", he spoke wholeheartedly, "And you don't to worry about losing me, I'm here for you. Whenever you need for anything or just need to talk. I'm here."

Mirabelle clenched her fingers pulling her hands away and to her lap looking down despondently, "How can you say that...to someone who can't even promise the same for you?"

Caleb paused at her question unsure of what she meant. Then remembered the things she said last night-at first seeming like random emotional outbursts-and then there's her behavior since the incident. He began to piece things together. He looked at her now with a lump forming in his throat for what he was about to ask her.

"Mirabelle, do you...do you feel guilty about what happened that night?", Caleb inquired afraid of the answer but remaining firm in his resolve. Her only response was pulling her hands into her chest reclusively without uttering a word all while a deep frown appeared on her face. He'll take that as a 'yes'.

"Moon pie, listen to me, you have no reason to blame yourself for any of that.", Caleb stated, "What happened to me that night was by pure, unfortunate coincidence that nobody could've foreseen."

"B-but...if I didn't leave my sailor moon plushie in the park...you wouldn't have had to be out there alone and...", Mirabelle uttered before Caleb cut her off.

"No, it was ME who made the decision to stay and not go with you guys. It was ME who chose to go help some random stranger who seemed to be in trouble. It was ME who, after miraculously escaping his captors, went BACK to help Camilla and the other devils and putting myself in even more danger. I was afraid, very, very afraid that night would be my last night on earth. But I was even more afraid about what would happen to you and Lyca, and I...couldn't put you and her through that. So don't blame yourself over me being an idiot.", Caleb stated. Mirabelle seemed to calm slightly but was still visibly doubtful.

"Even so, your life was in danger, but...I didn't do anything to try and save you! I just...stayed under MON protection. Lyca, she went off to save you not even caring about herself. T-then I find out that devil fought to protect you AND saved Lyca from certain death, both of which I am forever grateful for but... All I did was whatever MON personnel told me. I wanted to sneak away, to go wherever you are and keep you safe. But no, I was too much of a COWARD to even muster the nerve to do something so...so...", Mirabelle struggled before Caleb helped her out.

"Insane?", Caleb flatly stated to Mirabelle's surprise before he continued, "Reckless? Dangerous? That's the best way I can describe it. Mirabelle standing back and letting trained professionals work to save a loved ones life is not cowardice that's sensibility. Lyca running off on her own was reckless. I'm grateful for her protecting me against that Hellhound but doing so almost cost her her LIFE. Me, Camilla and the others had no CHOICE but to fight to stay alive. Think what you will, but know I would've preferred that you and especially Lyca were in MON protection and NOT where I was dealing with that shit. All I cared about at the end of it all was going back home with my girls and try to move on from the whole experience."

Caleb unbuttoned his pajamas to expose his chest, "You did not do this to me, those asshole Malones did.", he emphasizes to the bullet scar on his chest.

"What if you died?", Mirabelle inquired in a low tone.

"Yeah, 'IF'", Caleb stated, "I'm still here ain't I? Mirabelle, I appreciate how much you wanted protect me but remember it's my job as you're host to protect you. And I believe that proves you have more courage than you realize; just like the time you saved me when those guys harassed us."

Mirabelle's eye lit up for a moment as she processed what he said then suddenly cast her gaze away in shame.

"It doesn't even matter. I made a bloody fool of myself last night.", Mirabelle ashamedly muttered, "Can you really say I have any such courage if I could willfully bring myself to such a pitiful level?"

Caleb paused for a moment as he realized he's now walking on eggshells at this point. What he was about to ask next may break both of them a bit...but he had to. Sometimes you have to be willing to break a few shells to save the rest, right? He took a short deep breath and faced her.

"Mirabelle, last night was insane I will admit that honestly. I saw a whole different side of you that, now that I think, I've only ever seen a glimpse of in my dreams. Seeing it come full view like that was ...overwhelming...and a little scary.", As he spoke he noticed her trembling increase as she held herself tighter. He stilled himself about to break the first eggshell, "But, last night also allowed me to see your pain and the fear you have of losing me. You said some things that caught my attention...espescially when...Camilla was...you know. So I need to ask...are you really afraid she's going to take me away from you?"

Mirabelle slowly looked at him with anguished eyes before nodding slightly.

"It's about what she said last night isn't it?", Caleb inquired to which Mirabelle shook her head slowly.

"No, not just that. I was afraid because she's...so much better me.", She admitted sadly.

Caleb was confused by her statement, "better than you? What do you-"

"Don't play dumb!", Mirabelle interrupted before her voice went back to a somber tone, "You really haven't noticed how alluring she is. Lovely caramel skin, soft full lips, silky brown hair...human legs...e-even her breasts are bigger than mine. Not to mention, she's strong physically and magically, she's an excellent cook, she's good at housework, and full of experience. She's perfect. She...she would make a much better partner for you...than me."

Caleb listened intently with downtrodden expression as she continued.

"And not just her. Lyca is so much fun to be around. She's energetic, playful, confident, and never afraid to speak up around people. A-And...she's so well-toned and muscular. Even those three weasel liminals assigned as your bodyguards. Their all very powerful and...have more variety to offer in both personality and sex appeal.", Mirabelle's shoulders sunk low as she hung her head in sorrow, " With so many better alternatives...why would you even waste your time on someone as...pathetic as me? Someone with so little to offer."

Caleb's eyes widened in shock. She thinks he's going to replace her!

He immediately grabbed her shoulders eliciting a startled squeak from her, "Mirabelle, look at me.", he requested but she turned her gaze downwards only for him to cup a finger under her chin lifting it up until her eyes met his.

"I. DO NOT. WANT. THEM. And no one will EVER take your place.", Caleb stated firmly.

"How are you so sure?", Mirabelle inquired unconvinced, "You could...just be saying that to spare my feelings."

Caleb eyes widened at her speculation before mentally preparing himself to break another shell.

"Mirabelle, l need to ask. Do you truly...love me?", As he said that Mirabelle visibly tensed, "How you acted last night...d-do I...really mean that much to you?", Caleb inquired expectantly.

Mirabelle face flushed a rosy pink before hiding it in her hands, "Yes. I love you. I love you so much...you mean everything to me."

Surprised by her answer, he reflexively averted his gaze unsure of himself. That's the first time a girl's ever said anything like that to him and wasn't exactly sure how to respond.

"But I now know you don't feel the same about me.", She continued, "Whether it's the real world or the dreamscape, you've always distanced yourself when I expressed any affection toward you. Is..is it because deep down...you're repulsed by the idea of being with me?"

Caleb immediately turned towards her flabbergasted at her words. The pained look on her faces as tears streamed down her cheeks made his heart race in panic. He hated that he was doing this to her. He hated it so much. He exhaled slowly his heart still pounding but his mind calming enough to think. It's time he told her.

"You really believe that, don't you?", Caleb inquired only to be met with silence, "You're right, I have been distant whenever you get that close to me. But it wasn't out of disgust Moon pie, I was afraid. Not just because of the laws against human-liminal romantic relationships.", Mirabelle looked up with a sadness but also curiosity, "I was afraid of getting too attached to you. Afraid of wanting you to be a part of my daily life. Afraid of getting to know a lot about you. Afraid of seeing the beauty in you. ...Afraid of you...seeing the ugliness in me. You've been in my dreamscape multiple times since you've been living here, Moon pie. I know...you've seen them; or at least glimpses."

Mirabelle listened intently mouth slightly agape. She knew exactly what he meant. She would sometimes witness these images that would seep through their dreamscape. In them, Caleb was younger with...a look of deep depression. She would also see glimpses of people she never met before but could feel a sense of...regret? Hatred? Blame? Or a combination of unpleasant feelings that would appear and quickly vanish overshadowed by their imagination. There was no denying it, those were his subconscious fears born from unpleasant memories.

"I'm not ready to tell you everything just yet but I will tell that...I was afraid that if I got too close you'd learn what I really am; and you would reject me like everyone else. But in doing so, all I've done is make you question if you really mattered. I'm so sorry.", Caleb said as tears rolled down his cheeks. Mirabelle eyes widened in surprise.

"Dear?...", Mirabelle uttered shakily reaching out unsure if she had any right to comfort him. Suddenly, he gingerly took her hands and she looked up with curious eyes.

Caleb dried his eyes with his bandaged arms before shooting her a serious look, " I also want to tell you that you don't need to prove or force yourself to do anything for me, or anyone. I more than accept you just the way you are."

"But...you saw how much of a pathetic mess I was last night.", Mirabelle uttered in a low tone.

"Mirabelle, I would describe the way you acted using any word BUT 'pathetic'. In a slightly deranged way, you were a woman willing to do everything in her power to show the man she loved how much he means to her. Actually, when I put it that way, I...think it's pretty heartwarming that someone cares for me to such an extent. I know I know, I sound crazy but you know what? Screw it, I could care less.", Caleb stated as Mirabelle stared at him with complete interest. She scooted closer to him never breaking eye contact with little traces of uncertainty in her eyes.

"B-but Caleb you saw me. You saw how terrifying I could be. I'm still horrified at the damage I could've done if you were sleeping! Can't you see I'm dangerous? I...just don't want to hurt you. You're much better off with someone safer. Lyca, Camilla, or even those weasels are better options than me.", Mirabelle stated as her trembling eyes began to water once more.

Caleb closed his eyes with a sigh, "Moon pie, sweetheart, you forget you weren't the only one acting up last night. Lyca nearly made a paraplegic. Camilla nearly suffocated me. Even my quote-on-quote 'bodyguards' nearly broke the bones in my body. All you did was enthusiastically cuddle me. Yes, you each are dangerous in some way but not enough that I don't care for each of you and want us to spend time together. You are no different. In fact, I treat your happiness as one of my top priorties."

Mirabelle went silent with her mouth agape motioning like a fish out of water. Her mind frantically tried to come up with reasons she shouldn't be with him. All the while, she could feel a warmth building in her chest the longer she gazed at him. T-there had to be something. The way she feels...its too good for her. She doesn't deserve this. She even compared him to...

"B-b-but...I don't...I don't deserve...", Mirabelle stuttered before he clasped her hands tighter pulling them towards silencing her once more.

"You are much more than you believe, Mirabelle. The day I met you, I kept discovering new things I liked about you. I like your voice; it's so soothing and the meekness in it makes you so approachable. Even when you stutter, there's still an air of approachability around you. I like your hands; they're so soft and full of kindness. There's always a nurturing sensation in them like when you tend to plants. It makes me feel I can really trust you. I like your eyes; when you look at me they're filled with tenderness and amiability. Even when you're nervous and they waver a bit, I can still tell there is love behind them. I like how you walk. When we walk together shoulder-to-shoulder you try to always match my pace so as to not step on my foot, move too far ahead, or move too slowly. You always want to be right by my side. I like your enthusiasm when talking about your interests, especially Sailor moon. It's so enthralling to see you so passionate and full of excitement when explaining them. That look of pride and joy you have is so beyond description. I like the way you eat. Whatever I make, you always take your time enjoying every last bite and appreciating the effort I put into meal. It makes me proud that someone enjoys my cooking that much.", Caleb smiled and let out a short giggle, " And last night, you shown there's STILL more to you. You can freakin teleport and have some kind of energy absorption powers? This on top of being a Dream Master, makes you one of the coolest people I ever met! I'm so happy I can't stop finding reasons why I love...you..."

Caleb paused as he thought as his smile soon vanished with his expression morphing into bewilderment. Did...did he just say? He then noticed Mirabelle staring at him in unfettered anticipation. Her eyes sparkling brightly and filled with hope.

"You...you said it.", Mirabelle whispered as he cheek flushed bright pink, "After all this time...you finally said it.", as she uttered this tears began forming the corners of her eyes.

Caleb open his mouth to try and refute this only to find the words wouldn't come. He pondered to himself for a second looking at her expectant gaze. He closed his eyes and let out a deep sigh. He's come this far, may as well break a few more shells., "...Yes, I do. I do love you Moon pie. I guess I always have but...I was too scared to act on it. And, just to make myself clear, it's...not that Agape Christian kind of love or a that pragmatic kind of love from my duties as a host family. No, I love you...in a way that I cannot imagine my life without you. I need you in my life. You know what my days used to be like? I led a dead existence. I got up, went to work, and came home went to sleep before doing it again and again on endless repeat.I rarely socialized or went out, ate the same foods everyday, and found myself feeling more and more alone. Not that I didn't deserve it. You changed me Moon pie. You brought something into my life that I only later realized was lacking; purpose. I honestly don't want to know what I would've done if I continued to live like that.", he spoke his voice breaking a bit before he wiped the tear from his eye; steadying himself enough to continue, "So please, don't sell yourself so short ever again. Otherwise, the list I have is just gonna have to get longer. I guess all I'm trying to say is...I want you be my girlfriend? ", he finished beaming a sheepish grin at her.

Mirabelle literally stopped breathing as soon as those word hit her eardrums. She slowly brought her hands to her chest with her heart feeling like it's about to explode. Her face grew redder than a tomato and her eyes glistened like purple starlight.

"C-c-c-caleb...is this really ok? How I feel right now...but I...I can't help it. Isn't it wrong for someone like me to be THIS happy?!", Mirabelle inquired with tears in her eyes but an adorable smile.

"You say it like you committed a crime. You deserve to be happy Moon pie and I want to make you happy. But I guess you are guilty of theft; being so damn adorable you stole my heart.", Caleb said with a loving grin.

Mirabelle rose up getting closer to him. Time to show a bit more courage, "Caleb dear I...I really want to kiss you right now. A real kiss...not like last night when I wasn't..."

"Well, I'm right here and I think we're all entitled to a do-over every now and again.", Caleb stated with a sly grin cupping her cheek softly making her eagerly swoon from his touch. Mirabelle closed her eyes and pursed her lips leaning in with anticipation. Caleb a second to admire the sight before enrapturing her lips unto his. The two held this position for a couple moments before Mirabelle got a bit more daring and stuck her tongue begging for access to his mouth. He happily accepted and the two lovingly savored each others embrace. Mirabelle wrapped her arms around his neck pulling him closer but still remaining submissive enough to let him take the lead. Caleb noted how she even tasted different from last night; sweeter somehow.

The two eventually parted to gazed at each other.

Mirabelle's grinned happily her cheeks were still flushed red and she kept fidgeting while taking repeated shy glances before dissolving into an uncertain demeanor, " D-Did I do ok? Was it...enjoyable? I-I-I haven't brushed my teeth yet so..."

Caleb placed another kiss to her lips much to her surprise but effectively silencing her. He released at her dazed expression with an supporting grin, "It was perfect."

Mirabelle relaxed once again at ease and beamed a delighted smile at him. He was so good at reassuring her that all was well. Caleb stared at the woman before him with unfettered admiration. Now this, this is his Moon pie.

Suddenly, a thought just occurred to Mirabelle, "Um, Caleb dear? I just remembered when I woke up, I was back in our home. The Zyklons explained to myself and...Ms. Sartana what happened in more detail. Lyca was still unconscious so they took her back to her room. We saw you on the couch unconscious being treated by Ms. Drei. I was so distraught I ran to my room without a word. But... I could also hear Ms. Sartana crying as she passed my door before slamming her's. I...was wondering...h-how is she now?"

Caleb's eyes widened like dinner plates, '''Shit!", He internally cursed himself realizing he almost forgotten about Camilla. He quickly composed himself enough to answer her.

"I'm not sure, but...probably not to be honest. I was going to see about her after checking on you though.", he explained as Mirabelle look away with a pensive expression.

"I see.", Mirabelle uttered casting her gaze downwards "Last night, she and I...we acted so terribly. And Lyca, we just started really to understand and get along with each other. I don't know I'm going to face them again! What if they hate me now!? What if they-'"

Caleb tapped a finger on her head and she instantly refocused on him.

"Begone bad thoughts!", Caleb stated in a purposely over-the-top deep voice. Mirabelle blinked in confusion. "Hey now, don't worry. I'm going to talk to both of them and smooth over last night events. After that, all of us, you, me, Camilla, Lyca, and the Zyklons are going to sit down in the living room and work this all out. We can move forward from this, ok? You trust me right?"

"Y-yes, with all my heart.", Mirabelle stated sweetly, "B-but...when you speak with Ms. Sartana... I mean what if she..."

Caleb interrupted already sure of what she's going to say, "I won't let it happen. I promise you. I love you, Moon pie and I want you. You're not going to lose me, ever."

Mirabelle thought for a second before nodding and looking at him with trusting eyes, "Yes my love, I believe in you."

"Alright.", He stated as he stood up; stretching and popping his back as his muscles had stiffened from sitting in that position too long. Mirabelle slowly got up as well with Caleb helping her up by the hand( admittedly pointless since she had four legs but the gesture was still appreciated). He

"You should probably get changed. That top looks pretty...damp. Afterwards, I need you to wait in the living room for a bit. I'll go...talk with Camilla first then Lyca. ", Caleb stated walking backwards over to the door with her following him. He stopped grasping the doorknob from behind then leaned in pecking her on the cheek, "Pray for me, I'm probably gonna need it"

...

She smiled and nodded wordlessly at him as he opened the door and stepped out. He making a gesture with his hand winking at her before saying, "Lali-ho?". Mirabelle smirked at him making the same gesture responding with, "Lali-ho." He nodded and closed the door in front of her leaving her alone. Exhaling blissfully, she turned around to find a shirt that wasn't soaked in tears before something on the floor caught her attention. It was the Sailor Moon plush Caleb won for her. She carefully picked it up ruminating over the events from 4th of July until now. Her thought eventually focused on one phrase that kept repeating; 'I love you'. She smiled affectionately hugging the plush tight. "I love you too", she uttered softly.

...

Caleb inhaled slowly feeling a surge of vigor surging through him. As he made his way for Camilla's room, a smilr was plastered on his face as he couldn't contain his excitement and happiness at the moment. Mirabelle was his girlfriend now! It's a dream come true, literally. After that little heart to heart cession, he's feeling a bit more confident about his approach towards Camilla. 'Ok, just gotta clear the air between us, acknowledge what happened, and move on, rinse and repeat. I can do this. I can totally do this. It gonna...be...', Caleb thought as he slowed to a stop upon noticing a blue leather suitcase sitting next to Camilla's door. The same one she had when she first moved in. He sighed lugubriously as he resumed walking until he was looking down at the suitcase. 'This is gonna be tougher than I thought', he rued before bending down to pick it up. At that moment, the door swung open and out stepped the tall succubus herself. Her attire consisting of blue and black capris, a light blue V-neck shirt, and brown ankle boots. Her wings were once again folded in like a cape; which actually complemented her outfit well.

She bolted out of the room clearly in a haste before turning around to close the door. A large blue drawstring bag was slung behind her back. All the while muttering unintelligible distressed Spanish. She reached for her suitcase only to find it being held by someone else. Her panicked expression intensified as she finally noticed Caleb standing there holding her suitcase with quizzical look.

"S-Senor...", Camilla uttered her voice straining a bit as guilt and shame began to appear on her face, "Ju are...awake? I-I'm glad."

"Yeah, me too. But nevermind that, where are you going so early in the morning?", Caleb inquired twirling her suitcase with his wrist, noting that it was fairly light.

Camilla managed to compose herself enough to put on a more serious disposition but kept her eyes averted from his and spoke coldly, "It does not matter. I will be out of your life immediately. Now, please, my suitcase..."

She reached for her suitcase only for Caleb to pull it behind his back, "Whoa, whoa, whoawhoawhoawhoa, uh uh, no you are not. Do you realize how much trouble we'd both get in if you went out on your own? And you JUST got into ICEP's system. That not a good combination."

" Then I'll say I ran off while ju and the others were asleep. If they catch me, then...I'll allow them to...take me out of this country. Ju will no longer be responsible for me but I am forever grateful for all my have done for me. Now please, my things.", Camilla quickly explained before attempting to grab her suitcase again only for Caleb to pivot behind her.

"I'm sorry but that's not going to happen Camilla.", He stated walking into her room with the suitcase. He placed the suitcase on the bed looking over shoulder slightly to make sure she sees and slowly unbuckled the latches. Then Camilla slammed her palm down on the suitcase glaring at him menacingly making him sweatdrop.

"Senor, what are ju doing?! Don't just go through a woman's belongings!", Camilla stated in irritation.

"I wasn't really going to, I just needed to get you in here so we could talk in private.", Caleb said noticing her irate expression morph into a somber frown. Her gaze then shifted to the floor.

"There's...nothing to talk about. Nothing I say will EVER excuse all I've done.", Camilla stated grimly before locking her suitcase and turning around to leave again.

"But we can still move on from it. Please l just want to talk about last night.", Caleb said as he put himself between her and the doorway.

Camilla tensed up at those words refusing to look at his face, "I said...there's nothing to talk about! Now leave me alone!", she stated her voice cracking slightly as shoved past him. Caleb grabbed her by the arm stopping her as she turned with a stunned expression.

"I can't do that. I won't leave you when you're suffering like this.", Caleb spoke softly as Camilla froze from the compassion in his eyes.

She could've easily ripped her arm away but...she felt paralyzed by the genuine energy he exuded. What's worse, her heart began palpitating the longer he held her. A feeling she's beginning to despise. She's tried all this time to tell herself he's just a man. A tool for amusement or to feed her magic. No different from every other she's ever seen in her time in this world. Weak. Easy to manipulate. Greedy. They are all the same!

She watched with frustration on her face and trembling shoulders as he positioned himself in front of her again, subsequently, releasing her arm. She snatched her arm back clutched her fist in anger. Her demonic eyes trembling with her frustration brewing the longer he stood in her path. Why was she hesitating? He can't stop her, no one can! She's disposed of men like him like insects and...she can...do the same. Right?

She raised her arm at him forming a bright red magic seal, "l-I won't tell ju again...Caleb...get out of my way...or...I will...I will...", her voice choked and her arm trembled slightly. Admittedly, Caleb became a little afraid but slowly moved towards with never breaking eye contact. Her menacing black and red eyes quivered as she watched him and her breathing rose with the rush of adrenaline rushing through her. Shutting her eyes, she prepared to use the spell. It was then she felt a hand gingerly clasp her own. She opened her eyes to see him holding her hand through the still swirling magic seal.

"Listen Camilla, it's...ergh ok. I'm not ergh mad about last night. I only...wanted to talk to you because...I felt...you must feel really guilty and depressed. I want to help you so please...let me.", Caleb uttered as he winced from the pain from the seals contact with his skin. It felt like needle constantly pricking every inch of his hand. He really should've thought that through a little more. The hostility in Camilla's eyes melted away and was replaced with profound sadness and fear. Why...why was this human so willing to do all this...for her?

The seal around their hands dissipated, much to Caleb's relief who began awkwardly massaging the pain away. Camilla dropped her suitcase and bag to the floor as her shoulders drooped and arms hung limply to her sides in defeat. The depression and anguish on her face as she cast her face downwards reminded Caleb of a starving stray kitten left on the streets to fend for itself. Suddenly she collapsed to her knees with her brown locks obscuring her face and tail wrapping around her waist like a security blanket.

Caleb immediately rushed to her aid kneeling in front of her ready to assist, "Camilla, are you Ok?!"

"Why?", Camilla uttered, "Ju comfort me...after seeing what I truly am?"

Caleb paused at her question before replying, "If you're referring to last night...I believe that's how you were ACTING but I don't think that's the real you."

"Then ju are a fool. If ju cannot see me for the evil creature that I am", Camilla spoke contemptably, "I...I attacked ju and...I tried to rape ju."

That word left a foul taste to Caleb's ears. The memories of her pinning him to the couch and the...forced breast feeding flashed through his mind making him even more uncomfortable and embarrassed. This conversation was definitely going to be harder than he thought.

"I even attacked mi companara de cuarto (roommates), I...I tried to kill one of them.", Camilla uttered as she choked up in disgust towards herself, "Ju all accepted me here...and I...I..."

Caleb shook himself from his thoughts. He needed to push that down for now. There's a despairing woman in front of him that desperately needed help. He quietly inhaled and exhaled deeply mentally preparing himself to give it his best.

"Camilla it's ok, I know you must be feeling horrible about what happened. Trust me, the others feel the same but we can get through this together.", Caleb stated reaching out to her only for his wrist to be grabbed her hand. It wasn't tight enough to hurt him but it did prevent him from getting closer. She looked up at him with cold and stern eyes before pushing his hand back towards him.

"Ju speak as though I belong here.", she scoffed swatting his hand away before standing up from her position, "When de truth is I belong nowhere!" She exclaimed walking over to the corner of her room near the window to what appeared to be a canvas with multiple pencil drawings set around it. She lay her hand on the canvas in deep thought while Caleb slowly approached her from the side. He saw that many were drawings of detailed landscapes and mountains, houses and towns, random people on horses or in , and some portraits of individuals.

"Camilla, did you draw all of these yourself? They're incredible.", Caleb asked in amazement.

"Heh, Jes, I suppose so.", Camilla spoke indifferently.

"What are they, like, do they hold any kind of special meaning?", Caleb inquired.

"Dey are mi memories. Each one, a story of mi journey through mi home country.", Camilla spoke, "I was drawing as a hobby since I was very little and it became mi way of remembering how far I'd come."

Caleb peered over her shoulders at a the canvas she plaintively touched the edge of. On was a drawing of a woman; a succubus woman. He noticed she...looked a lot like Camilla save for having a set of four horns instead of two.

"Camilla...that woman...is she...?", Caleb stated cautiously worried he may be treading into dangerous territory.

"She is...was mi Madre.", Camilla spoke.

Feeling a bit more confident, he decided to push a little further, "She's beautiful. You...look a lot like her, it's almost uncanny."

She smilled weakly, "Gracias...but honestly, I never thought of myself even half as stunning as her. Strong, kind, powerful, cunning and proud. She was truly a marvel of our kind."

"What was was her name?", Caleb asked now curious.

"Jimena dalerosa Hema Sartana.", Camilla stated as Caleb smiled at how beautiful it. Though he couldn't say it as...lovely as she could.

"Do you...do you miss her?", Caleb inquired cautiously.

"Jes...Not a day goes by...when I don't wonder where she is right now.", Camilla ruminated looking up at the window to the cloudy sky.

Caleb looked down with a forlorn expression. He understood how she felt. Ever since...that day he's thought about his mother. Things left unsaid, memories that could've been had, seeing her reaction to the kind of man he had become. All of these lost to them...forever. Caleb shook his head driving out these thought; now wasn't the time, he needed to focus on Camilla.

"Camilla...if you don't mind me asking, what...did your father do to your mother?", Caleb asked swallowing feeling he may be poking at a very sensitive nerve. His fear seemed to be confirmed when a black aura appeared around Camilla's body as she tightly clenched her fists. She turned to him with anger in her eyes and he gulped and got ready to apologize and hopefully drop the subject.

"He made her life miserable just for giving birth to me! He knew how much the other females resented her; everyday they harassed and tormented her. Instead of help her he only spurred it on just to amuse himself! There were days when I found mi Madre nursing fresh bruises or weeping in private.", Camilla growled angrily with shaking shoulder before her aura died down, "But...she would always put on a smile and letting me know all was well. Then one day, that bastardo went on violent tirade and tried to take out his frustration on her. I tried to defend her but I was beaten until mi Madre finally had enough and attacked him with her magic. He had us thrown out that same day. I still remember the other females snickering as we left. "

Caleb was taken aback failing to find the words to describe what he felt. Or what she meant by other females.

"We spent all of time searching for a new place to call home but, because of the war among the humans, villages and towns were ravaged. Despite that, my mother assured that we would be ok. It didn't matter how much we had to steal, how much death we saw, or how tired we became, she remained determined and proud. Always reminding me of our pride as beings of discord and chaos that never submit to mortal folly! Her smile didn't waver and I always felt safe looking at her. I wanted nothing more than to keep us safe. I punished anyone who dared pursue us. I made them pay any way I could. No one was going to hurt us ever again!", She suddenly went silent, "But as time went on...she began to use her magic less and less. She also didn't smile as much. T-there were even times...she wouldn't look at me and when she did...there was dis shame in her eyes. Then O-one day...I woke to find that she was nowhere in sight. I searched for her for days but...she was gone. Not a word spoken or letter saying goodbye. Nothing.", she strained out before crumbling the picture of her mother on the stand.

Caleb's heart sunk watching her holding her trembling form as she tried desperately to hold back her sob. He slowly approached from behind.

"Camilla...I'm so-", he said gently laying a hand on her shoulder before ripping herself away facing toward him with a pained expression. She looked on the verge of tears.

"NO, JUST STOP! Can't...can't ju see there is something wrong with me?! I'm a monster! A murderous, vile creature capable of only inflicting pain on others; whether they deserve it or not! E-even...hic...even mi Madre could see that. She suffered so much all because of me! Everything I've been through, the humiliation I endured, the cruelty I received, it's what I deserve! It's ALL I deserve!", Camilla reviled herself shutting her eyes to block the tears welling up.

"Camilla-", Caleb said reaching out to her before being cut off again by the hysterical demoness who shot him a half-furious-half-morose look.

"WHAT?! ARE JU GOING TO SAY I DON'T?! Ju experienced the harm I can do to ALL of ju! Haha and to be so pathetic to believe someone like ME could ever have a Destined One?! Wishful thinking as always! W-why are ju really here human? Is it to calm me down before having your precious ICEP swine throw me out? Or did ju want to berate me about last night? Or maybe ju want revenge? Well GO AHEAD, PUNCH ME, CUT ME, BURN ME, KICK ME, IT'S ALL BEEN DONE BEFORE. If it makes ju feel better, COME ON, DO IT!", Camilla shouted at the human man before closing her eyes and lowering her defenses expecting whatever pain he wanted to inflict on her. A few moments passed as she waited for whatever harm to come. She tensed up feeling his hands rest on her shoulders; she inhaled readying herself. She let out a squeak as her body was pulled forward and his arms wrapped around her back. Her eyes shot open in surprise as she realized he was holding her. His embrace was firm but also...warm. It was beyond her comprehension. Then he did something she really wasn't expecting.

"~Just a small town girl, living in lonely worrrrlllld, she took the midnight train goin' annnyyywherrre.", Caleb sung petting Camilla's head gently avoiding her horns as he did so. The latter raised an eyebrow in confusion as he continued, 'Just a city boy, born and raised in South Detroit, he took the midnight train goin' annnyyywherrre~"

He pulled away enough for her to look at him with a dumbfounded expression.

"Q-què eres...I mean, what are ju...w-why...?!, Camilla struggled as tried to understand what was happening. Her eyes widened in surprise as he grinned nervously.

"Heh s-sorry I kinda panicked there and...needed help you relax and well...that was the first idea that popped into mind.", Caleb explained meekly rubbing the back of his head, "It looks like it kinda worked though so...yay?"

Camilla confusion only grew at his strange actions. Was is with this human? Is he mocking her or something? But the way he speaks feels so genuine.

Caleb let out a sigh composing himself, "Camilla, listen, I won't pretend I could ever understand how much you've suffered. You've seen the worst of humanity long before I was even conceived. The very notion of that alone would be enough to break me. I've never met your old man...but he sounds like a dick, a capital DICK and it was wrong how he treated you and mother. Plain and simple. And I don't know the real reason your mother left you alone for all that time nor will I guarantee we'll ever know. And I won't lie and say what you told about...how you treated those men from your past or...how you behave during the full moon didn't scare me, it did, quite a bit."

Camilla cast her gaze away from him, "Then...ju know I cannot stay-"

"But I wasn't scared of you(for the most part)", Caleb stated cutting her off, "I was scared of what would happen to you and the others. I didn't want any of you getting hurt, no matter what I had to do to ensure that."

Camilla was taken aback by his statement but was still uncertain, "But why? Why should my life mean anything to ju?"

"Camilla, I know I said I can't fully understand how painful it was for you, but I do understand why you did those things. When you're surrounded by those who only want to hurt you and try to make you ashamed of who you are, it's natural to want to give back that pain. You don't want to feel weak so you hurt them before they could hurt you. I know that feeling. I don't believe you're a monster Camilla. It was your circumstances forced you to change. You were willing to do what you needed to protect your mother and yourself in a war torn environment. The need to survive drives people to do some messed up things. I won't say you're actions were entirely justified...but I'm certain if I were in your shoes, I probably would have done the same, maybe even worse somehow. I'm not going to hold your past against you Camilla and that includes last night. So, come on let's work to move on from it...together.", Caleb finished holding his hand out to her.

Camilla stood there floored by his offer. Her demonic red eyes fixated on him curiously. After a moment she finally spoke sadly, "But... I... I am a demon. The only thing I'll do is bring ruin upon your life just like other men before ju. Please, just let me go. I don't belong here."

Caleb chuckled surprising her before speaking, "Well you're kinda late. My life was already fairly ruined before any of you came. The only way it could get worse is...if any of you weren't here.", He finished in a humble tone. Camilla looked down vociferously and slowly clenching and unclenching her fist now uncertain of what to do.

"I...I don't believe ju. I...just cannot-gasp", Camilla uttered slightly startled when Caleb clasped her hand in both of his. She didn't know what kind of magic he was using but she became petrified fixated solely on his chocolate brown eyes.

"It ok if you don't. I couldn't expect you to put so much faith in just another man. Especially one you barely know still. But you can believe this. No matter what you choose, just remember, you are ALWAYS welcome here. As long as I'm here, this will always be your home. Whenever you are hurting, hungry, or just feeling lonely, I-WE are here. That is my promise to you.", Caleb stated assuredly gently squeezing her hand, "And if I EVER break that promise...you have my permission to put a curse me. Er, that is assuming you can do that at least. Not sure where the line is drawn with magic. ", he finished with a comforting smile.

Camilla stared at him as a torrent of emotions flooded her senses making her unable to form coherent thoughts anymore. All she could focus on now, was the young man before her who is willing to accept her into his life; no strings attached, ulterior motives, or out of fear. There was no sign of falsehood in his voice nor subversive intent behind his warm smile. It was an anomaly Camilla had never encountered before. Her heart wouldn't stop racing and her legs became like jelly struggling to keep her standing. She once again collapsed to her knees, only this time, Caleb managed to catch her in his arms.

"Whoa hey now, can't have ya fallen out so-", Caleb stated before falling silent when the succubus gripped him in a tight hug with her claws digging into his back no doubt leaving holes in the fabric. She buried her head in his chest; her horns pressing a bit uncomfortably in his left pectoral but he endured it. Her breasts mushed into his abdomen; which He also endured by focusing on the pectoral pain. He felt her body tremble with every partially muffled hic and snivel that went into her sobs. Her tears making the side of his chest damp and warm. Caleb instinctively began gently petting the top of her head; only curiously brushing the horns a couple times noting how they were surprisingly smooth like stone from a river. She pulled her head up meeting him with tear stained eyes, contorted pleading expression, and quivering bottom lip.

"Gracias...Senor...I've waited...and waited so long...to hear those words. I had given up. Then ju...", Camilla uttered between sobs before burying her face in the crook of his neck and wailing hard. She tightened her already spine shattering hug even more which Caleb slightly hissed from before returning with his own hug; smiling through the pain.

"Please...please don't hurt me.", Camilla whispered almost fearfully.

"Not a chance in hell", Caleb reassured stroking her wings and back gently. Camilla pulled off his neck and beamed a content grin with her teary eyes filled with admiration. She brought her hands caressing his cheeks much to his surprise. His eyes widened when she, through closed eyes, inched closer to him with lips parted eagerly. He swallowed feeling his mouth become dry as he lips hovered mere inches from his. He grit his teeth before placing a finger to her lips causing her eyes to shoot open in confusion and worry then released his face.

Caleb sighed looking away, "Camilla, I'm sorry...but...I can't...D-don't get me wrong, you are really beautiful. Enchanting in fact, no pun intended. ...But the way things are now, there are too many reasons why I can't do this."

Camilla turned her eyes away dejectedly before muttering, "Is Señorita Mirabelle one of them?"

Caleb paused realizing how she had already caught on. It wasn't like it was that big a secret in retrospect, but it still caught him off guard. Oh well, may as well own up.

"Yes, she is. Despite what ICEP'S laws say, I...I love her. As corny as it sounds, I kinda fell for her before I even realized I did.", Caleb stated feeling a bit awkward telling this to another person but not denying it.

"Heh, that is pretty lame.", Camilla giggled weakly forcing a smile before finding the nerve to looking at him directly, "I've seen how ju two are around each other. It is cute. She...she is very lucky to have ju. I...think I envy her."

Caleb became unsure how to approach the next subject but decided to give it a shot, "Camilla...about the whole 'Destined One's thing, I'm still firm in my belief that no one is meant for anyone. That doesn't necessarily mean it's a bad thing. It means we are all free to choose the person we want to be out partners."

"Jes, but, mi problema is that...fate or not...i've already met the one I wish to be mi companero. Ju have been so kind and accepting of who I am. I think ju are a wonderful person so...", Camilla paused in thought for a moment, "Señor if...things do not work between ju two...would ju give me a chance to win your heart?"

Caleb shook his head slowly much to her dismay, "Camilla, no one's heart is a prize to be won, that isn't how it works. A person has to willingly accept others into their hearts: either as friends...or lovers.", Caleb unbuttoned the side of his pajamas to expose the hoof mark as Camilla's eyes widen in intrigue , "Plus, I don't want to betray the faith Moon pie has in me."

"S-she has marked you?!", Camilla scooted closer to examine the mark; she had never seen a symbol like this before.

"Yeah, it's kind of a custom among her clan to mark those they trust with all their hearts. It gets darker the deeper our relationship grows. See? It used to be a couple shades lighter than my skin now it's way darker like obsidian or something.", Caleb explained intentionally leaving out part about dreams.

She reached out to gingerly to touch it, with Caleb's permission, to second she felt it she felt the surge of powerful stored mana, "What is this energy? It's so concentrated and...full of life. As if, part of her very soul is bound to ju! This particular kind of spell stores emotions and slowly converts them to magical energy. But...the amount that is built up now would've taken years; she's lived her only a few months. How is dis possible? ", Camilla paused in disbelief. She trusts him so much, she's willing to hinder her own potential? Just how deep is their bond?

"Not sure what you mean, but in a way, I guess you can say she's the girl of my dreams.", Caleb stated smirking to himself.

"Then...there is no chance for me. That woman has your heart already.", Camilla uttered in defeat. Caleb changed his position so her was slightly above her, to Camilla's shock, he placed a kiss to her forehead. Not much, just a peck so Caleb could affirm her position. Caleb stood up straight as Camilla sat on her knees looking up with hopeful eyes and deep blush in her face.

"Come on now, weren't you listening about people needing to willingly accept others in their hearts? I may not love you in a romantic sense, but I do love you as a close friend, Camilla. However, the best I can offer in terms of physical displays of affection are platonic hugs and ocassional kisses to the cheek or forehead. I hope that's ok.", Caleb finished offering his hand to her. She grinned happily accepting as she stood up meeting him at eye level...sorta(She was almost a foot taller than him), "One last thing we should discuss."

"Of course Señor, what is it?", Camilla inquired eagerly.

"All of us are meeting in the living room to discuss what happened last night. I think it's important that we all move on from this together.", Caleb said as Camilla backed away taken aback by the idea of confronting them again, especially Mirabelle.

"Señor, I'm not sure about that. Ju remember I tried to...to hurt them; even tried to the woman ju love so much. How can ju expect me to face them? I am surprised ju can even stomach the sight of me.", Camilla spoke timorously cradling her arms and looking away pensively.

"And yet I'm still here and my stomach feels fine, a little hungry, but fine. Camilla, look I already spoke with Mirabelle and trust me she feels almost exactly how you feel. She pretty much wants to reconcile too but is unsure how to do it. Uhh, don't tell her I told you though.", Caleb explained as Camilla's expression morphed to genuine surprise, "That's where ICEP Host Damage Control Officer Caleb Bizzell, trademark, comes in. We will all come to terms with last night's uhh...erotic escapades( mental facepalming) and work for peaceful coexistence and all that good shit.", Caleb finished hands on hips, chest puffed, all with the shit-eatingest grin he could must.

Camilla deadpaned at first but soon let out disjointed snorting as her face contorted into a smile before bursting into laughter, " ohohoho Dulce Discordia(Sweet darkness), what was dat? Ju seriously couldn't phrase that any better?"

"Well it...it sounded...cool in my head so. Don't judge me.", Caleb rubbed his arm embarrassed.

"Ju are enorme( huge) weirdo Señor.", Camilla spoke between chuckles.

"Fine, yeah, I'm got a problem with that? Cuz I ain't ashamed of being a weirdo.", Caleb stated haughtily. Without him noticing, Camilla was directly in front of him. She wraps him into a warm hug and humming contently. Caleb smiled sheepishly return his own gentle hug.

"I like dat about ju. It makes me feel so normal by comparison.", Camilla purred happily nuzzling his cheek. Caleb blushed feeling her breasts press harder into his chest and tense up more feeling her tail snake across his back. He looked up to see her with a deep blush and an longing expression. He should stop this before it spirals out of control.

"Ahem, Camilla, you're getting a little too happy now", He audibly cleared his throat and casually pulling away. Subsequently, this snapped Camilla back to attention as she realized what she was doing and blushed in embarassment releasing him.

"L-lo siento Señor, I got a bit carried away!", Camilla frantically apologized.

"It's fine, it's fine, it happens and...it's...fine.", Caleb uttered as the two exchanged awkward glances at each other. Then came an uncomfortable silence between them. Neither of them sure where to go next after that... experience.

"Ooook, so...take your time, collect your thoughts and whatnot, then come wait in the living room until we're all together.", Caleb stated breaking the silence while making a break for the door. He turned to her with a nervous but supportive grin, "I'mma go check on Lyca now, I'll see ya in a little bit."

...

Camilla weakly grinned and nodded watching him leave. As soon as the door closed, her expression morphed into a mixture of confusion and disappointment on her face. She took a deep breath and exhaled to still her racing mind and beating heart. She started to pick up her sketches, shuffling them into one neat stack. While doing so, she thought on what Caleb said: 'I do love you as a close friend.'

"Is that really enough for me?", Camilla quietly asked herself hugging the stack of drawings to her chest. After a few moments, she decided it would be better to focus on her apology to Señorita Mirabelle and Lyca. She would deal with these feelings later. While putting the stack away, her eyes lingered on the crumbled sketch of her mother. She made a circular motion with her fingers creating a familiar yellow infinity magic seal. Instantly, the paper was covered in a yellow glow and began restoring back to it's former integrity. She sighed gingerly touching the paper with a depressed frown.

'Where did ju go? I've been lost without ju, Mama.', Camilla thought wiping a tear from her eye then smiling weakly, 'But...I believe I found a real home now Mama. ...I just wish ju could see it.'

...

Caleb repeatedly exhaled and inhaled calming himself from that...experience with Camilla. He began slapping the side of his face in an attempt to smack the lewd out of himself. Honestly, he should feel proud for staying loyal to Moon pie. At the same time though, he couldn't help but feel awful for Camilla. He had to do something for her, as a friend of course, to show how much he cares for her.

Suddenly, Caleb felt a sudden fatigue. His head felt a bit heavy, his chest was still racing, and his eyes were filling with stress. It looks like the 'conversations' with them took a lot more out of him than he thought. Dealing with a torrent of heavy emotions and repressed issues from two different people, both with very specific needs, in a row proved to be a bit more than he was prepared for. Feelings of dread arose as he turned his attention to Lyca's room. If his short-term memory was correct, Lyca was by far roughest out of them. And it's LYCA. Who KNOWS how she must feel? Or if she'll even be consolable.

Well...on the other hand, he did do a pretty good job helping Camilla and Moon pie.

He walked over to Lyca door and pressed his ear to her door. The muffled sound of disjointed grunting and deep raspy breathing could be heard; along with Lyca's voice.

"77...78...*huff* 79...80!...81...", she repeated between breaths. Caleb raised an eyebrow curiously listening. Was she...working out? Granted under normal circumstances it wouldn't be surprising since she always did her workout succession. Heck, he sometimes went on morning runs with her; even though her idea of a 'morning run' is 15 mile jog around town and back! But now...?

Realizing he won't get anywhere just staring at her door, Caleb knocked on her door. The sound of her counting stopped replaced by only her fatigued puffing.

"Um, Lyca? It's Caleb.", he stated in the door.

"Hahh, oh morning Chief!", Lyca chirped from the other side still catching her breath.

Caleb was caught off guard by her timely response but managed to collect himself, "Can...we talk for a minute?"

"Sure, one sec!", she stated as what sounded like something heavy being dragged along the floor and clothy materials being tossed could be heard. Suddenly, the door swung open and standing there was the She-Wolf herself wearing a camo sports bra with match tight shorts. A blue towel draped on her shoulders which she used to wipe the remaining sweat from her face. Her muscles still glistened with sweat and the heated sent of her workout began wafting out through the open door. She smiled her usual toothy grin looking at Caleb with attention and genuine affection. Instantly, Caleb grew even more concerned.

"Uhh...can I...come in? It's something we need to discuss first in private.", Caleb inquired warranting a confused head tilt from Lyca.

"Ok Chief. Heh funny, this is probably the first time you've asked to come inside my den.", Lyca said with an aloof grin before backing up allowing him space to walk in, "come on in."

Caleb stepped inside admiring some of her rustic decor and lingering slightly on her workout equipment; some of which look like they've been used very recently. The entire room was permeated with the thick, earthy scent of her workout sweat and heat. He left the door cracked a bit as he slowly adjusted to the...less than comfortable environment and choosing to breath through his mouth. He made a mental note to try and get back into a weight lifting regiment. Lyca went bounding past him before landing on her bed of animal pelts. Despite knowing they were fake, Caleb found it a little creepy that, among the deer, raccoon, and bear, there were also wolf pelts. She adjusted so she lay on her stomach facing Caleb before reaching down to the floor wear a sports drink bottle sat and drank some. She sighed, tail swaying happily, as the cool liquid refreshed her before focusing her attention back to Caleb. The latter felt a little unnerved by how calm she was being.

"Ok, Lyca, I wanna talk about last night.", He stated abruptly while watching her reaction.

Lyca gave him a puzzled look, "Huh? Last night? What about it?"

Caleb paused stunned how lightly she was taking it before pressing further, "It was...I mean, do you know what you did last night?"

Lyca put a clawed finger to her chin fixing her gaze upwards in thought, "Hmmm, let's see, I ate dinner, then I played that new fighting game you got with Zwei, then I took a bath, umm OH I gnawed on Bain for a while, then I fell asleep.", she listed off, grabbing her stuffed black wolf from underneath a bear skin. It had several bite and claw mark all over it and stuffing fell out when she suddenly hugged it; then she gave him an innocent smile.

Caleb, once again, was caught off guard. He motioned over and sat on the bed next to her, "So...you don't remember anything else, like anything important?"

"I'm...not sure whatcha mean there Chief. I just g-OH!", Lyca suddenly exclaimed making Caleb jump feeling his heart starting to race. A look of realization was plastered on her wide eyed face.

"W-what?!", Caleb swallowed hard preparing for what was to come.

"I remember I had this really weird dream last night.", she started as Caleb's eyes darted to and fro in confusion, "I was running through a forest trying to find some prey, when I came across this tough looking guy. But he was also kinda sad, so I stopped to play with him. He kinda looked like you actually. Then we met these five girls deeper in the woods. Two of them were also really sad, but one was really nervous, one was lonely, and one was really bored. But then, we all came together and started laughing and having fun. Then we dog piled up on each other giving big hugs! I liked that dream.", Lyca finished in a blissful tone and toothy grin. Her tail beat against the bedding occasionally knocking against Caleb's side.

Caleb opened his mouth to try and say something. He got nothing. As he looked into her childlike amber eyes filled with trust, he couldn't help but grin at her. He decided to not mention anything about the full moon just yet. He'll get her in the living room with the others and they'll all discuss it together. Better for her to not feel alone or like he's centering most of the blame on her. It was mostly his fault for being forgetful anyways.

"Heh, ok, that's good.", Caleb said rising off the bed to face her. She was still puzzled by his behavior evident by her touching her claw to her chin before repositioning herself so she was now sitting up on her knees.

"Ummm, is that all you wanted Chief?", Lyca inquired quizzically.

"No, one more thing, all of us, you, me, Camilla and Moon pie, are meeting right now in the living room to...discuss something really important.", Caleb stated.

"Important?", She uttered as if testing the word out herself, "What are we talking about?"

"It's...kind of a long story. But don't worry, just get changed, maybe wash up a little, then come join us.", Caleb assured her before looking at her ripped up stuffed wolf toy, "Hey, I could stitch Bain up for ya. He's prettttyy worn out."

"Ok. Thanks, Chief!", Lyca stated happily hugging Bain causing even more stuffing to spill out. She then lifted her armpit and smelled herself. She gave a ponderous look before chuckling, "Hehe, maybe I'll take ya up on that shower idea."

"Ah well take y-", Caleb paused tensing up as he realized he just breathed through his nose for the first time since being in her room closest to the scent. The pungent scent of B.O. hit his nostril like a sledgehammer. On a wider spectrum, it wasn't the WORST thing he had smelled, but it was still unpleasant nonetheless. Gathering up his resolve, he spoke in a strained, pitchy voice, "Yeah, ok, you do that. When-your-done-get-dressed-and-come-join-us!", he finished hurrying out of the door then closing it.

...

Lyca raised an eyebrow at Chief's weird behavior. She sniffed her pits again before doing a 'Meh' shrug. She picked up Bain wrapping him in a tight hug. Her gaze then shifted to her bed; a thought occurred making her raise an eyebrow. She woke up wearing what she has on this morning. She could've sworn she slept naked last night. 'Oh well.' , she thought before looking for something to wear.

...

Caleb inhaled as much clean air as he could then emitted a lengthy exhale. "Gawwwly!", he uttered to himself recovering with a couple more breaths. He looked back to Lucy's room before tentatively scratching the back of his head. That was...surprisingly manageable. No shouting or crying, just talking; reasonable, calm talking. Adding on to the fact that it was with Lyca, the most emotionally inclined out of the bunch. That dream she told him about was odd, but at the same time, he feels kinda relieved. He finally caught the short break he really needed. And with that, he's dealt with each of the girls individually. But he knew things weren't quite resolved yet, they each needed to confront each other about last night.

Caleb made his way to the living room to get everything prepared. All the while, a small grin began to form on his face. Knowing there was hope he could salvage the peace in his home, he felt a surge of determination.

As soon as he stepped into the living room, he was surprised to find the Zyklons were there. Ein was pacing near the front door muttering what sounded like "Phwk reā thả xarị(What do we do?)" repeatedly. Zwei sat near the counter with her head buried in her arms accompanied by faint groaning. Drei sat on the arm of the couch with her knees pulled into her chest reading a book titled 'Cocoons'. She glanced back at her older sisters before turning back slowly shaking her head in disappointment. It was then Caleb's shoulders lowered in realization. He had almost forgotten about the two Zyklons who tried to assault him.

"Oh, hello Dear", chirped the voice of Mirabelle. He turned to the kitchen to see her stepping around the counter with a fresh pot of coffee and four mugs dangling off her fingers before sitting them on the counter. The Zyklons were immediately turned to him only just noticing his presence. They all immediately tensed up in shame and fear; except Drei who had no reason to be.

"I, um, decided to make us all some coffee.", Mirabelle said with rosy cheeks and sweet grin. Caleb returned the gesture at his now official girlfriend.

"Thanks Moon Pie, that's really-", Caleb started.

Before he could finish or even blink, Ein was right in front of him bowing her palms together thumbs in-between eyebrows with her palms near her chest. "MR. BIZZELL! WE'RE SO SORRY! SO VERY, VERY, VERY SORRY! It was just disgraceful how we conducted ourselves.", Ein cried out before continuing to bombard him with a stream of apologies. Zwei got up slowly from the counter dragging feet a bit. Her entire disposition radiated embarassment as crossed her arms and refused to make eye contact. Mirabelle was so startled she nearly dropped the batch of coffee. However, instead of shattering into pieces spilling the hot black liquid on the tiles, it simply levitated off the floor surrounded in green aura. Ignoring Ein for now, Mirabelle and Caleb watched as it floated harmlessly to the counter.

They looked behind them to see Camilla standing with a magic seal in her open palm which instantly dissipated the second she closed it.

"Dat was...close?", Camilla spoke with a awkward feel in her voice. Mirabelle tensed up, her eyes flickering between Camilla and any random object.

"Oh, y-yeah thank...you?", Mirabelle uttered as Camilla flashed a weak smile before frowning in shame. Then it fell silent in the room; metaphorically, Ein was still prattling on but Caleb kinda just tuned her out for the moment.

Caleb could just feel the awkwardness between them so he decided to give them a little push. He slid between as their eyes now focused on him.

"Hey, why don't y'all just go sit down for a bit. I'll just fix up a little morning snack before we really get started. And uh deal with...that real quick", Caleb advised them before pointing to the bowing wind weasel women; one of whom still berating, explaining, and vilifying their behavior.

They looked at him then at each other. Both still a little uncomfortable with the situation. After a moment, each of them nodded in agreement. Camilla quickly took at the far end of the couch as Mirabelle passed Caleb glancing at him for a moment as he flashed her a supportive grin. Suddenly, Ein's voice began to fade back in.

"It's INEXCUSABLE, we are supposed to protect you!", Ein continued as Caleb refocused on them, "Zwei and I are deeply, deeply ashamed of ourselves! Right Zwei?!"

Zwei silently looked away puffing out her cheek before, "GAH OW!", she felt Ein deliver a swift but hard jab to her arm.

"RIGHT?!", Ein snarled while glaring daggers at Zwei held her arm then bowed to Caleb.

"YES, we're deeply ashamed! I'm so sorry we tried to straddle you-OW!", Zwei exclaimed getting another well-placed jab, "What the hell was that for?!"

"Can you BE any more uncouth?! Do you realize how much trouble we'll get in if he decided to tell Sterling about this?! WE CAN BE EXPELLED FROM THIS MISSION AND THIS COUNTRY! We'd be lucky if our home branch will take us back to do GRUNT work after this embarassment! Why can't you take ANYTHING seriously?!", Ein ranted.

"Hey I-", Caleb uttered only to be interrupted by Zwei.

"Oh, you think I'm not?! I don't want to go back to doing mountains of paperwork and working with boring asshats all day! Besides, this all started because you were soooo happy to have your own room! And you call me childish.", Zwei shot back.

"Wait a s-", Caleb tried to interject but cut off again.

"Me?! Childish? You were the one who was so adamant that we used SO much of Drei's full moon blend that we 'built up a tolerance' and were fine without it!", Ein retorted.

"Yes, SHE'S an idiot for believing that insane logic and you're an idiot for believing in her and her logic. You're basically a flat earther. I've already berated you two.", Drei interjected momentarily silencing the two. They then glared daggers at each other emitting low growls; the fur standing up on their erect tails. Drei turned to him with a knowing expression before nodding to him. He under

"Would you two please just shut up and listen already!", Caleb stated firmly at the two women immediately froze in place preparing to be castigated, "Now, two things: first, you two REALLY feel ashamed for what y'all did, y'all can make it up to me. Starting by helping me cook some breakfast. Second, I meant to discuss last night's events among my wards AND you two anyway. That includes your status as my bodyguards.", He finished with slight coldness in his tone and narrowing his eyes at them. The color drained from their faces as they felt humbled by this man who exuded a dominant aura.

"You, Zwei right?", Caleb stated pointing to Zwei who instantly stood at attention.

"Y-yes!", she stated.

"I assume those blades at your hip aren't just for show.", he remarked pointing to the kunai knives on her hips, "Incidentally, there's a knife set by the microwave; how about dicing up some of them red potatoes and carrots. Now."

"Right, Ok!", Zwei stated before zooming past him to grab what he requested.

"Alright, you, tall one, I'm puttin' you on cinnamon roll and hamburger steak duty. Pop the rolls in the oven for 10 and get some thawed out ground beef from the fridge. Get to it.", Caleb stated.

"B-but what about last-", Ein murmured before she was cut off.

"Food now, talk after. Or do you want me to inform ICEP how you 'failed on the first day'", he emphasized with his fingers.

"EEK, no, no I'm on it!", she exclaimed before zooming past him grabbing a metal tray and going to the freezer.

Caleb exhaled calming himself before noticing how Camilla and Mirabelle looked back at him with admiring grins, "Alright, Lyca should be out of the shower soon, so I'm gonna start on hashbrowns, eggs, sausage and bacon.", he stated before catching Drei looking at him expectantly. He made a gun hand gesture saying 'I gotcha' with a wink. She gave him a thumbs up then resumed reading.

...

As they watched him go to work on preparing them breakfast, Camilla and Mirabelle immediately found themselves back where they started. An awkward silence, save for the sounds from the kitchen, and feelings of regret between them.

Wanting to try and ease the tension, Mirabelle grabbed the tv remote powering it on. On it appeared a movie with two human women holding a state trooper at gun point. Camilla eyes widened interest as the woman, named Louise apparently, fired off rounds in has vehicle. Mirabelle, on the other hand, seemed to be more interested in the woman, called Thelma, holding the trooper from behind with his own gun. Neither of them knee why, but they felt like the could relate to their respective women in the movie. They each exchanged glances with each other; making eye contact a couple times.

Finally, the tension reached it's breaking point. Mirabelle closed her eyes, inhaled sharply while gripping the cushions, summoning whatever courage she had before turning to Camilla.

"MS. SARTANA-I'M-SO-SORRY!" "SEÑORA I BEG YOUR FORGIVENESS", Both of them shouted simultaneously. They each paused for a second giving each other confused looks.

"W-what? B-but it's my fault. I chose not to say anything to Caleb about the full moon. All because I was being pathetic.", Mirabelle explained much to Camilla disbelief.

"Desparates(nonsense) Señora, if any was pathetic it was I. I behaved like a selfish, arrogant fool.", Camilla replied much to Mirabelle's shock.

"You? Why do you feel pathetic?! Y-you're strong, beautiful, and full of life experience...e-espescially with men.", Mirabelle said glancing away with an embarrassed blush.

"Who told ju of dis so-called experience with men?", Camilla demanded clearly agitated making tense up.

"I-I overheard the men who were renovating your room talking about how Succubi are known for their experience with men. And they mentioned that you were over a century old so...", Mirabelle stated feeling kinda bad now hearing it out loud.

"Señora, those men ju heard were likely members of the same vile, ignorant swine. I do not know the kind of warped perspectives other species have towards mi gente(people), but I assure mi experiencia has been nothing short of nightmarish. Most of mi life, I have been abused, hurt, persecuted...I was even raped. I wanted nothing more than to inflict the pain they gave me a hundred fold.", Camilla stated as Mirabelle wore a horrified expression. Suddenly Camilla sadlu turned her gaze downwards, "I am not strong, beautiful, or full of life experience. I'm always afraid, I am ugly inside and out, and I feel that I haven't learned much of anything after all this time."

"Ms. Sartana, I... I didn't know I... I'm so sorry I...", Mirabelle uttered feeling foolish for jumping to conclusions, "I was a fool. To think, this whole time we actually shared something in common", she spoke sadly.

Camilla looked up at Mirabelle in surprise. Her full attention only on the centaur.

"I've spent most of my life in constant fear. Always rejected by humans and even other Centaur. Then I come to this country and experience the same scorn and ridicule; making it worse, from those who smiled in my face. Then I meet this man, one of original hosts, who appeared to be everything I wanted...but even that was a lie. He hurt me...and tried to force himself on me...he almost destroyed me.", Mirabelle choked as tears welled up before turning to Camilla, "I didn't know you experienced a far worse hell than me."

Camilla hastily got up taking a seat next to her, "No! No, Senora no matter how long, no one as gentle as ju deserves to go through that!"

"W-well neither did you! You're a kind person! You saved Lyca and my dear!", Mirabelle says her voice warped by her sobs, "I'm sorry how I acted last night. It's my fault. I saw you with my dear Caleb and I just got so angry and jealous and sad and just hated how much of a coward I was!"

"No, it was my fault! I didn't realize how just felt about Señor. I made ju feel dat way, I'm so sorry!", Camilla cried tears ran down her cheeks.

"But I just ran, I didn't even try to make my feelings known and I thought he deserved someone as amazing as you. You great at advanced magic, and martial arts, and cooking, and house work, and magical cooking.", Mirabelle continued tears falling to the cushions.

"Don't sell yourself short, I've never in my years encountered magic as unique as yours. You even nullified one of my most powerful spells. Ju are marvelous! ", Camilla spoke before wrapping Mirabelle in a hug, "I can't believe I wanted to destroy ju! Please forgive me!"

Mirabelle wholeheartedly returned the hug, "I do! Of course I do! Can you ever forgive me?"

"Jes! Ju are more than deserving, Señora Mirabelle", Camilla uttered holding Mirabelle tighter. The latter returned the gesture as the two sobbed into each other's shoulders. Unbeknownst to the pair, Caleb looked over his shoulder with a smile and discreetly wiped a tear from his eye. Drei looked up at the pair with an almost blank expression as she covered up a small grin with her book.

Caleb then heard whimpering coming from next to him. He turned to see tears pouring down Ein's face like cartoonish mini waterfalls. He then raised an eyebrow when he saw Zwei wiping away tears as well.

"*Hic* Zwei are you chopping onions over there? My eyes just won't stop watering.", Ein choked out.

"No, maybe it's just seeing them put their differences aside to find common ground is an intimation for our borderline dysfunctional relationship.", Zwei uttered between whimpers before turning to Ein, "I'm sorry sis, I really screwed up big."

"Yeah, but I screwed up even bigger by gushing my own space and not stopping you in the first place.", Ein cried before stooping down to hug Zwei who returned, "No matter what, I still love you sis."

"Same here sis!", Zwei stated happily

Caleb watched them intrigue as he stirred the eggs up. He looked over at the cutting board Zwei was and shot a deadpaned glare. Turns out she was in fact cutting onions, red onions to be precise.

Suddenly the timer on the over went off signaling the cinabuns were done, "Hey, don't mean to interrupt but my buns are about to burn!"

Ein pulled away wiping her eyes, "Right, got it!", she then put on an ovenmit and took out the tray of freshly baked goods.

Caleb got a serving tray and placed the stack of hashbrowns, bacon, and eggs. His eyes widened to see Drei now sitting at the front counter reading.

"They are...quite the family huh?", Caleb inquired half jokingly as the two other sisters searched the cabinets for the glaze and plates.

"They're the siblings I neither need nor want, but the ones I deserve. That's good enough me.", she spoke somewhat sweetly. Caleb paused as he thought frowning a bit to himself, 'ones I deserve huh? That's one way of looking at it, I guess.'

"And speaking of deserving things...", Drei said interuppting his thoughts.

"Heh, yeah I know. Here.", Caleb slid Drei her meatlovers omelet as graciously bowed her head slightly as she took the plate.

"Morning everyone! How's every...body...?", Lyca announced after having come out of the shower before falling silent upon noticing Camilla and Mirabelle hugging and whimpering on the couch, "H-Hey, what's wrong guys?! Why are you crying?!"

Camilla and Mirabelle pulled away from each other; looking at Lyca with their eyes with little red circles around them. They turned to each other taking in how lame they looked. Camilla snorted attempting to hold in her chuckles before breaking into laugh. Mirabelle soon joined her in about of hearty laughter.

Lyca stared at in confusion before turning to Caleb for answers, "Chief, what's going-"

"Lyca! Think fast!", Caleb stated tossing Lyca a bacon strip. Which she skillfully caught in her mouth. Her ears twitching and hips swaying with her wagging tail as she savored the porky treat. He then noticed Ein and Zwei had finished glazing the cinabuns. He looked around and saw everyone was there and the food was ready for eatin'. He lingered a bit on Camilla and Mirabelle as their laughter died down enough for them to catch their breath. Caleb was feeling proud they were able to have a breakthrough all on their own. He then turned to the two Zyklons in the kitchen.

"Fix y'all some plates too. Well, get me one of those hamburgers and two slices of bread THEN fix yourselves somethin' ", Caleb stated warranting surprised glances between each other. They honestly figured he'd just make them cook then just berate them, "What are you guys staring into space for? Hurry up, we're about to get started."

Zwei shrugged before loading her plate with cinabuns and bacon. Ein did the same with more...grace.

Caleb then fixed two square plates: one with two cinabuns, bacon, Sunnyside up eggs, and hashbrowns and the other two cinabuns, sauteed carrots and hashbrowns.

"Here we go. Camilla, for you. And this one's for you, Moon pie. ", Caleb handed them their plates from behind to couch.

"Gracias Señor,", Camilla grinned contently.

"Thank you, Dear.", Mirabelle spoke with a smile.

Caleb quickly fixed a plate with two hamburger steaks, cinabun, and a mini stack of bacon, "Here ya go Lyca."

The she wolf eagerly accepted with a toothy smile while the plate and thanking him. She then turn to him with a concerned expression, "Oh, but Chief what was tha5 was all the crying about and the laughing?"

Caleb lay his palm on top of her head between her ear lightly petting her. She sighed happily at his touch before he said, "Don't worry, we're about to talk about that in a minute. Take a seat with others right now."

"Ok!", Lyca stated before walking past him shoving a while hamburger in her mouth.

"Here you are sir!", Ein stated from behind startling Caleb a bit. He turned to see her bowing as she presented the hamburger steak, two wheat bread slices and hashbrowns to the side. Admittedly, he felt a bit wrong for doing her like this but it was necessary to rebuilding any trust. Yep, totally necessary. "Thank you, Ein.", he said before taking a bit of his hamburger. He savored the robust taste and surprisingly smooth texture.

"Hey, these burgers are great, Ein. What seasoning is this?", Caleb inquired taking another bite. She raised an eyebrow puzzled by his sudden nonchalant behavior.

"I-I just used some coriander and a pinch of black pepper from your spice rack", She explained.

"Well this is one of the best hamburgers I've had in a while. You really know your blends.", Caleb complimented.

She sighed in exasperation, " Mr. Bizzell, I'm sorry but I need to know what is the purpose of this? You could just tell your coordinator what happened and be done with us. Why are dragging it out by having us all eat together?"

Caleb finished his burger sitting the plate on the counter then facing her, "Tell me, would you like to deal with the aftermath of tramatic event in the morning on an empty stomach too? And on top of that, dealing with it seemingly on your own? Right now, everyone's getting settled in, food in their bellies, and time to decompress in the presences of company they can relate to. See?"

Ein followed his gesture toward the group. Mirabelle and Camilla were now invested in the movie, Lyca and Zwei were happily talking with each other. She was actually surprised how calm everyone was acting.

"If we're all gonna talk this like adults, everyone needs to be full and relaxed.", Caleb explained.

"D-does that mean you're not-", Run was about to say but he quickly interrupted.

"Oh I am, I'm quite indignant about the whole thing. Especially with you and your sister.", he said crossing his arms. Ein gulped sinking her shoulders in fear.

"So why don't you grab a cinnamon roll for that face hole while I get things started.", he said moving around the couch standing in front of all the girls. Ein honestly couldn't believe he put this much forethought in how he was going to approach them. Suddenly a cinnamon roll appeared in her face snapping her out of her thoughts. It was Drei holding said cinnamon roll while sitting on counter.

"It IS a cheat day.", Drei sarcastically stated.

Ein slumped in defeat taking the roll jamming it in her mouth.

Caleb moved around the coffee table sitting next to Mirabelle and gently touching her arm to get her attention, "Hey Moon pie, you mind turning to tv off for a bit? Don't worry, I'll play the movie from the beginning for you guys on Netflix later." She kindly obliged before leaning in to inform Camilla.

Moved again standing on the other side of coffee and in front of the tv. As it powered off, all the girls individually focused their attention on him. Caleb inhaled and exhaled calming himself before starting, "Alright girls, time for little heart to heart. Now, in case some of you don't remember, last night was a full moon."

The girls each wore varying expressions ranging from shameful embarassment to regular embarassment. Lyca, however, seemed genuinely shocked and a little afraid she may have something.

"So because of the full moon, most of you were acting, and I say this with love, totally batshit crazy. Some even crazier than others. But I'm not here to scold anyone( much), I want to talk about moving past this together. We are a family and there should be trust between all of us. So I'm go around the room, describing what each girl did. Let's just lay all the embarassment on the table. Once everyone's embarrassed no one will be. I know it sounds crazy, but it just works. ", Caleb stated warranting uncertain looks from Lyca, Ein, and Zwei. Camilla and Mirabelle were a bit more comfortable though. They felt at ease knowing he was trying his best for them. It truly warmed their hearts.

"Alright, I'm gonna start with two girls who were equally a bit of a handful. Moon pie and Camilla.", Caleb stated.

The two girls in question became stiff as stone; eyes widened like dinner plates. 'Oh no", they both thought collectively.

Heyyyy Fam, what's up? Ok, I'm sorry for ghosting you guys the last couple months but you gotta understand there has been so much on my plate. First, of course, I had finals and one of my course was comprehensive. Not to mention, my professor was a huge cucklorde king of cucks. But, good news I manage to pass all my finals. Still an A-B student!

Second, there was my brother's wedding where yours truly was a groomsman. Lovely wedding, beautiful bride, ugly groom (jk bro 😁), and...ok food.

Third, Mothers day. The day this chapter was supposed to be uploaded! But, I was cooking a borderline lovely Italian theme dinner for her which was DELICIOUS! Hope you all showed your moms how much they mean to you. No matter how small the token, hell just being there with them, that's the best gift you could give.

Alright now that you're caught up on my life, I have a few announcements. Since I have a lot more freetime this Summer, I'll be writing for this story more frequently. Which means more of Drei! Yay!

Also, I recently began a new story based on the adventures Caleb and Mirabelle have in the dreamscape. It's called DreamMasterz. Don't be confused, there will still be DreamMasterz sequences in the main story but they'll mostly serve to drive the plot. The new story will be purely for entertainment; only occasionally making references to the main story. To make things more interesting, I'll have polls for the scenarios they could be a part of ranging from a variety of fandoms ( Dragon ball, Jojo bizarre adventure, Avengers, ect.).

Ok, that's all for now. See ya guys soon. Peace Fam!