Chapter 13: Complicated Feelings
After the... superfluously dramatic introduction of his supposed 'bodygaurds' Caleb was now in the kitchen fixing some snacks and drinks to discuss this properly. Camilla could be seen working her literal magic as all the papers and various items flew back into their original locations. The couch had been adjusted and section so that Sterling and the Zyklon siblings were seated across from Lyca and Mirabelle with the coffee table between them. Mirabelle twiddled her fingers glancing every so often at the Zyklon sisters. Lyca curiously watching the triplets before locking eyes with Zwei who smirked playfully before returning the gesture three-fold. Camilla had finished restoring the living room to it's former glory-actually it was much cleaner now- before dispelling the magic seal and join the others. She took a seat next to Mirabelle who nervously shuffled and scooted and couple inches away from her. Camilla ignored the action thinking she was probably just being polite and giving her more space.
Caleb walked into the living room placing a serving tray of a plate of microwavable pigs-in-a-blanket and a piture of kiwi-strawberry koolaid with four glasses already full. He stepped away and Ein, Zwei, and Drei grabbed a glass of the sweet liquid. Ein, Zwei, and certainly Lyca proceeded to devour some of the delicious meaty morsals.
"Alright, now that we're all together, mind explaining the situation here Sterling? Slowly and without recreating the twister from Wizard of Oz in my living room?", Caleb inquired petulantly crossing his arms and leaning against the arm of the couch. Ein drank some of the koolaid blissfully humming at the fruity, sweet taste. Her sisters each grabbed themselves a glass too.
Sterling removed his black shades meeting Caleb's gaze, " Well to put it plainly, you've officially become a target by one of the most ruthless criminal organizations in the Central United States and there's a possibility they'll try to assassinate you. What's more, they have gained the assistance of powerful liminals that we're still unsure of the exact number or even species. In order to ensure your safety, we've enlisted the help from these highly skilled MON operatives."
"And that's us!", Zwei exclaimed shooting from her seat with her chest puffed out and her fist over it. Zwei turned to her sisters urging them to follow. They rolled their eyes and reluctantly raised their fist to their chests.
Caleb exchanged uncertain glances with Mirabelle, Lyca, and Camilla as they processed the gravity of situation.
"Um that great and all but... I'm not sure if-", Caleb spoke but was immediately interrupted by Sterling.
"I know what you're about to say but rest assured Mr. Bizzell, these three are more than capable of handling the job. They are the some of thr top ranked MON Agents in Beijing, experts in espionage and strategic combat, and have contributed largely to suppressing liminal and human terrorists. They've already been issued passports for their indefinite stay here in the U.S. and have been registered as official temp service members of my branch.", Sterling finished.
Camilla stood from her place with everyone's eyes now focusing on her, "Perdomeme, but I believe ju overlooked a couple details."
"Oh, and what would those be Ms. Sartana.", Sterling replied
"Ju mentioned the number of species that are assisting their organization is unknown; so wouldn't that mean they have a tactical advantage in terms of unpredictability? El patròn( criminal boss) Jakob, for example. When I encountered him a second time at la motel, I could sense a powerful magic aura radiating off him. For some time, I thought it was merely the stress of the situation affecting my senses. However, after whnat ju said, there is a chance they have a creature with great magical power working for them. I could tell by its aura it is not one of my kind. And it seems they can bestow a little of that power to humans.", Camilla finished as Caleb, Lyca, and Mirabelle shot her disbelieving and surprised looks. The Zyklon siblings listened but didn't seem too phased by the information Camilla presented and Sterling nodded understandingly also not phased.
"It's funny you should mention that.", Camilla raised a curious about eyebrow as Sterling leaned back against the couch cushion opening his mini briefcase and retrieving a green folder, "We actually had our suspicions about liminals with supernatural abilities being involved with the Malone family. These suspicions were only confirmed some hours ago by a reliable source."
Sterling folds the outer layer of the folder behind itself exposing the paper then turning them around for Caleb's group to see, "Thing is, we've realized in these past weeks that the Malones rely very heavily on aggressiveness and unpredictability as you mentioned Ms. Sartana. However, it's those traits that we'll use collapse their system. Their trade routes appeared sporadic; frequently changing entry points into Alabama. The only reason we could shut it down so quickly was likely because they were still in the process of establishing sustainable network; they needed more time to fully understand Alabama infrustructural layout."
"So you're saying it was pure luck the authorities were able to close their channels BEFORE they could be permanently integrated into Alabama.", Caleb interjected not enjoy the thought of it.
"Well, not 'pure', we had general information on their activity for a while already but needed a focal point to start our full investigation. Luckily, a good Samaritan went and gave us the kickstarter we needed.", Sterling flashed a knowing wink at Caleb who turned away dismissively, "Our tactics have taken a much more aggressive approach and our constituents further North have begun uncovering more trade in their states. Their activity may be unpredictable but that only shows the weakness in their unit. With the information we currently have, the pressure on them will only intensify forcing them into more conventional methods making it easier to predict their moves. Because whether they admit it or not they ARE outnumbered.", Sterling finished with a confident grin. Camilla felt a bit satisfied by his answer but couldn't shake the uneasy dread hanging in the back of her mind. Mirabelle who could only listen to them talk look over at Caleb. She could tell he was still uncertain and afraid but rightfully so.
Camilla was still uncertain, but felt his answer was acceptable. Perhaps it's just what she's taught herself to believe over the years, but she couldn't shake the idea that things were going to get worse. But, at the end of the day, all that really matter was that everyone she truly cared for were safe.
Sterling refocused on Camilla, "Now what was your other concern Ms. Sartana?"
Camilla snapped from her thoughts and turned to Sterling and the Kamataichi, "Jes, dis house only has four rooms and dèr all occupadò. Where are they going to stay?", She finished as Caleb , Lyca, and Mirabelle let the realization sink in. For Mirabelle and Lyca, they were both busy thinking of the pros and cons of possibly sharing a room with a complete stranger. Caleb dreaded the realization he may get more renovation done on his house. They JUST did renovations a few days ago to modify the guest bedroom for Camilla; and they ripped out the ENTIRE section of his house to do it-while he and the girls were still inside! He swore if anymore of these government folks come tearing up his crib one more time, he was gonna lose it.
"Ah, well that's no problem. We already have a solution to that.", Sterling said putting away everything in his briefcase. He stood up and walked to the front door with the Zyklon sisters soon following behind (after each of them poured a second glass of koolaid). Caleb and the girls watched in bewilderment as they walked past before Sterling stopped at the door, turned to them and said, "Come outside please."
Sterling and the Kamaitachi left outside the house. Caleb turned to his homestays and shrugged before leading the way. The evening sun hung in the sky bathing the world around them in a vibrant auburn light. Caleb noticed Sterling and the Kamaitachi standing on the walkway gesturing for them to follow. He and the girls were surprised to see a house right next to his that was not there before separated by a 4 foot brown picket fence. Upon crossing into the next yard, they got a better look and were greeted by the Kamaitachi standing on the the lawn pointing in a 'Ta-DAA!' fashion. The house was a third the size of Caleb's with a similar architectural design. Aside from a different colored roof, it was essentially a miniature version of the house next to it. The girls gazed in awe at the miniature version of their house as Caleb jaw hung open limply as his brain was devoting it's energy to answering how this could even happen.
"What do you think, not too bad huh?", Sterling smugly proclaimed.
"U-U-Uh, Sterling, how the h-", Caleb barely got out before Sterling was next to him pushing his back to hurry on inside. Caleb turned his head to see each of the Kamaitachi hurrying one of the girls into the house. He could also make out the image of some ICEP vans pulling into his driveway and men in grey jumpsuits getting out.
"Hey, wait Sterling what's...uhhh", Caleb silenced his tirade as his eyes widened in astonishment. Whoever built this place took a page out of Snoopy's doghouse because it was much bigger inside compared to the outside. The interior was decorated in a very Central Asian theme complete with sleek, red, black, and gold furniture and wall colors, nature patterned lanterns, Zen Buddhist ornaments, and even little bamboo plants. There was an staircase leading up to three doors. The girls came in one after another with Caleb's homestays gazing in sheer amazement.
Each of the Zyklon sisters had bright, flickering stars in their eyes as they admired this luxury palace that was their new home. Certainly a step up from the terribly high rent studio apartment they used to live in. They won't even have to share a bed! They regrouped huddling together collectively thinking 'Score' and fist bumping each other.
"Impressive, huh?", Sterling said picking up a paper lantern examining it, "Well let's get on with the tour."
...
After a good 20 minutes, Sterling had finished showing the group the entire layout of the house. It had all the basic amenities( Kitchen, bath, bedrooms ect.) and everything was built to be wind resistant since the Zyklon siblings frequently used their wind powers. However, it also double as a safehouse for Caleb and his homestays; reinforced walls and doors, bullet proof wind resistant glass windows, and even a large panic room built into the floor of the dining room. There were even alarm system attached to each of the Zyklon siblings bedrooms(still bare until their belongings arrive) that'd sync with Caleb's. They were only half-way set up though. Throughout the tour, tried asking questions about this house's existence but was constantly brushed off by Sterling, to his growing impatience.
Caleb looked around to see his homestays and his bodyguards mingling together. Camilla and a Mirabelle listened with genuine curiosity as Ein explained the cultural significance of the Zen statues. Lyca and Zwei were playing with some giant gold and black spinning tops which Zwei made fly with tiny cyclones. Drei just sat crossed legged atop the stairs rails quietly observing everyone with the focus of an Elite chess player.
"And that's everything you need for now, I'm going to let you all get to know each other better. Caleb get the girls homes and Zyklon get Caleb AND the girls home. I bid you good ev-", Sterling was turning to leave when a hand placed on his shoulder interrupted him. He turned to see Caleb with a menacing aura surrounding him
."Ohhh no you don't! You've been dodging me since we got here and you're going to answer my questions. How the hell could you get this house built in less than a DAY!?", Caleb unloaded at the agent and the group of liminal girls turned their attention towards the human men.
Sterling faced Caleb with a slight snarkiness in his eyes, " For your information, we checked the land for soil contaminants and zoning issues yesterday, got approved by the municipal system's to buy the property yesterday, got a building permit yesterday, had this house was designed yesterday, built yesterday, transported from the contractors yesterday, and requested for the immediate installation for heating, water, and electricity...yesterday", he finished putting on a pair of black shades.
"How is that even HUMANLY possible?!", Caleb retorted incredulously.
"Geez, calm down, it's not like YOU had to accomplish this within our constraints.", Sterling shot back crossing his arms. Caleb was about to rebut curiously before he felt something tug at his right pant leg. Looking down, he was surprised to see Drei with a deadpan expression.
"It's easier not to think about it.", She spoke calmly warning him. Caleb opened his mouth but no words came as he realized this conversation would go nowhere. He decided to let it go.
"Fine, fair enough, sorry for hollering at ya.", Caleb apologized, "But, one last thing. You mentioned that their alarm system would be synced to my house? How does that work exactly?"
Sterling perked up a bit forgiving the boy's rudeness, "Oh, I'm glad you asked. Your house will be equipped with it's own high grade alarm system. It should be operational right about...now."
Caleb's blood vessels turned to ice as he remembered catching a glimpse of men in jumpsuits approaching his house, "Mr. Sterling...what have you done?"
"Why don't you come see and find out", Sterling chided walking out of the door before Caleb could get another word in.
The second Caleb and all the girls followed him next door, they were greeted with the sight of workers in grey jumpsuits exiting the house in a straight line and Sterling waving them off. He then urged Caleb and the group to come in to which Caleb grumbled begrudgingly.
They spent 15 minutes looking over some of the home's new 'features'. Namely, how the walls were now reinforced to withstand powerful winds. The front and back doors were now equipped with automated touchpad locks and integrated with sensor alarms throughout the house. The bedroom doors were replaced with steel-plated ones. Lastly, there was the most important feature Sterling showed them; the panic button. It looked more like a regular fire alarm inside a plexiglass box attached to the wall by a lock and key mechanism. Sterling explained that it's meant as a last resort and will activate the external defense system; putting the house on full lock down and immediately calling in authorities.
When that was all done, Sterling bid good night to the Bizzell household( after some more banter with it's host of course) and gave have his bout of confidence to the Zyklon sisters to fulfill their duty. As he was leaving, he couldn't help but feel like he forgot to mention something important. After he left, Caleb realized it was about time to prepare dinner. Camilla and Mirabelle offered to help (simultaneously in fact) but he politely declined claiming it was his 'host responsibility' but really he didn't want to keep maneuvering past someone or have quasi sentient ingredients moving everywhere. Tonight's dish was supposed to be a quick on anyway; Three cheese garlic spaghetti and lamb chops. The Zyklon sisters joined them for dinner since they hadn't done any grocery shopping yet. Caleb wasn't really annoyed about making three extra servings; and they praised his boss ass cooking skills so that fed his confidence a bit.
After dinner, he did the dishes alone, again telling Camilla and Mirabelle not to worry, while Lyca and Zwei played Dragonball FighterZ. From the other room, he could make out the enthusiastic chatter from the two gamers. All while Drei commentated on the two; a few times Caleb giggled at her quips. Ein and Camilla were having what sounded like an engaging conversation. The only one who was really quiet was Mirabelle which didn't surprise him that much. She hasn't even adjusted to Camilla's presence let alone 3 more girls that literally blew into their lives. He'll have to help her soon.
Afterwards, the Zyklons did a quick perimeter check of the property then said their good nights and left for their house next door. Lyca turned in early feeling tired from her long workout earlier, Mirabelle was taking a bath, and Camilla was in her room.
Caleb was walking down the hall to his with a can of diet Dr. Pepper in hand. All the while, thinking about how jarring it is that his house looks relatively the same but can now withstand Cat.5 hurricane. He let out an exhausted yawn stretching out his arms before opening the can and taking a swig. The sweet carbonated brown liquid burned the back of his throat sparking new life in his weary eyes and alleviating a little bit of stress.
"Ahhh, food, air, and diet Dr. Pepper-these are the things I need to survive life.", Caleb sighed to himself walking into his room closing the door; actually feeling the newly added weight it had. He set down his now half empty can of liquid happiness and proceeded to get comfortable. He tossed away his belt about to change into T-shirt to sleep in when he heard a knock at his door and turned to it curiously.
"S-Senor?", came the muffled voice of the Elder devil on the other side. Wow, partially sound proof too.
"Ms. Sartana?", Caleb responded before opening the door with a little extra effort (this'll take some getting used to) revealing Camilla standing in the middle of the hallway in front of his door, "What's up?"
He could tell from how she securely cradled her arms under her busom, her legs kept shifting, and didn't make eye contact, that she was clearly nervous about something. Obviously, he's gotten very used to noticing body language like this.
"Ms. Sartana, I know there's something bothering you. I right her if you need me.", Caleb assured her and she instantly felt calm enough to meet his gaze. She inhaled then exhaled and suddenly stepped up close enough that they were inches away. Caleb, caught off guard, instinctively took a step back.
"Señor Caleb, I need to talk with ju about something important.", she said as her wing expanded slightly before slowly lowering back down, "M-may I come in?"
"YEAH sure come on in, just uhh, here take this seat.", Caleb rolled the chair from his desk computer to the front of his bed. It's a good thing he did some cleaning in his room yesterday; he didn't want to show his sloppy side just yet. Camilla proceeded to close the door but Caleb stopped her, "No no no, l-leave it half-open, please."
Camilla was a little surprised but complied with his wish, "O-ok".
He mentally breath a sigh of relief. It would be too distracting having someone of her...gender and...bonniness in his room with the door closed. After ignoring every scenario his brain could concoc t within a second, he sat down on the bed directly in front of her and said, "So, what do you need to talk about?"
Camilla took a second to collect her thoughts, "I...I wanted to tell you that...that...I...", She stammered over her words as her mind began to began to become hazy. His expression morphed to one of genuine concern and it just made her heart melt even more. Caleb attempted to reach out in an attempt to comfort her when suddenly...
"Gahhh, Por qué en los nueve círculos esto me está sucediendo?! (Why in the nine circles is this happening to me)", Camilla exclaimed burying her face in her hands.
Caleb was confused but tried to remain empathetic, "Uhh, it's ok, take your time. You don't to force yourself if you're not sure you tell me yet."
"DAT, right there, stop it! Dis isn't how things go.", Camilla demanded in a grim tone. She looked back at to see his reaction. Caleb expression hadn't changed; only silently allowing her time to collect herself more. Camilla exhaled, "Remembered earlier when I said ju were the only man who's ever cooked for me?"
"Yeah, I remember.", Caleb answered.
"Well, it's true. In my 180 years living in this world, I've seen and experienced the most worst things men can do.", Camilla started, "That includes mi padre (father); who was nothing short of cruel to mi madre (my mom) and I. I despise him for forcing her to do what she did. Every day we were forced to endure the harshness of our war torn country. The humans we encountered every now and again treated us like animals. They hurt us. They hurt me, so I wanted to hurt them back any way I could." Caleb listened intently seeing the pained expression on her face.
"Over time, I grew to almost enjoy it. Charming and manipulating vile, weak-willed human men who were little more than swine in clothing. Then one day mi Madre left me without a word; suddenly I was alone with the men I treated as my toys. I survived on mi own through the years that followed however I could; stealing, manipulating...", Camilla hesitates feeling a lump grow in her throat, "e-even killing." Caleb's eyes widened in shock at her last statement.
"Mi ex-husband was even worse. He used me then sold me away. The human men in the cartel...used and did many horrible things to me.", Camilla somberly rubbed her hand across her shoulders and sides, " Suddenly I was now the toy for the same vile swine I grew up with. What's worse, I was forced to watch others of mi pende( my race) suffer the same fate. All this time, I hated men and was convinced there was no such thing as kind one.", Camilla looked up at Caleb with puppy eyes, "And then I met ju, Señor. Ju saved me and helped me more than I ever thought possible; more than I thought any person could.", Camilla rose up and walked closer to Caleb, "A-And...that's why...I believe you're the one. Señor."
Caleb was taken aback by her statement, "The one...what?"
"We Succubi have a bit of a myth among our race. The myth that for every succubus born into this world, an individual that is meant to be their partner is born as well. These two are then meant to find each other will become lover. We call these individuals our 'Destined Ones'", Camilla explained, "Of course, it is only a story we are told as younglings. But there are members of my people that spend most of their lives searching for their Destined One. It's...actually why they steal life energy to add more years to their life span-just to keep searching longer. Most give up their search and end up filling the void in their heart by settling for a life in an incubis harem or using human men.", Camilla explained gazing down at Caleb much to the latter's slight discomfort.
Caleb scooted to the side and stood up meeting her at eye level, despite the 4 inch height difference. "Ms. Sartana..."
"Please, Señor, call me Camilla", She corrected with a sweet grin.
"Ok, Camilla, you don't actually believe that I am your...destined lover or whatever right? It's preposterous.", Caleb stated to Camilla's bewilderment.
"But I've heard that humans believe in something similar; that there is someone out there meant to be jour partner?", Camilla inquired.
"That's just something we tell ourselves to make us feel a little less lonely. We also say 'there's plenty of fish in the sea' but the sea is too vast and most of us have never been fishing.", Caleb stated flatly.
Camilla tilted her heard curiously, "I'm not sure I follow Señor. What are ju saying?"
"I'm saying there's no such thing as destiny. Nobody is MEANT for anybody.", Caleb stated.
"Jes, I thought the same too Señor.", Camilla replied, "But...it feels as though something deep inside me has been awakened; something I never knew was there. Whenever I'm near ju, I get so easily flustered and self-concious. Mi thoughts race and I feel nervous yet...blissful. I don't despise it, I can't help but enjoy every minute of it. No man has ever done anything like this to me before and I need to explore it.", Camilla said.
Caleb sighed not out of exasperation but understanding, "Camilla, listen, it's just a crush, nothing more. You're just confusing gratitude for infatuation, it happens to everyone. Emotions are complicated sometimes."
"I am not confused Señor! I know what I am feeling and ever I met you that night in the warehouse my heart refused to stop pounding. Even now it won't stop!", Camilla stepped up closing the distance between them and grabbed his hand pressing it firmly against her left breast. Caleb face heated up and his heart and mind raced trying to process what was happening, "Can ju feel it? How our hearts beat as one?", She inquired pressing his hand into her more causing soft flesh to spill between his fingers.
'I'm feeling somethin' alright!', Caleb mentally screamed wanting but also NOT wanting her to let go. He tried to pulls is arms back but her grip was like hydrolic press. Thing was, he COULD actually feel her heart thumping. His legs fidgeted trying to hide the growing tension in between. He froze up when her face began creeping closer to his with slightly parted lips. Caleb felt his back hit against his book shelf knocking down a few literary volumes.
"Señor Caleb, I think I love ju!", Camilla confessed with a heavy blush in her cheeks as Caleb's jaw hung in shock. The shock of hearing this caused his sense of reason return momentarily. She inched ever closer with half lidded eyes.
"C-Camilla, please lis-!", he sentence was interrupted by a faint squealing sound like someone holding in a sob. Both he and Camilla turned and were shocked to see Mirabelle standing in front of the door now all the way open. A feeling of deep regret instantly shot through Caleb's nerves.
Her entire body was trembling, her eyes welled with tears, her chest palpitated erratically trying to contain her sobs as her hands covered her quivering bottom lip. She couldn't look away at the scene before her. The man she loved in the arms of another woman. One so much better than her. It hurt, so much.
"I knew it.", Mirabelle whimpered in bitter defeat as tears streamed down her cheeks. Camilla loosened her grip and Caleb immediately pulled away from her.
"Moon Pie, I know how this looks but you gotta listen...Moon Pie!", Caleb managed to get out before Mirabelle turned and ran back to her room sobbing. Caleb went after her leaving Camilla standing alone in his room.
Mirabelle rounded into the entrance of her and proceeded to shut the door tight when it stopped...right onto Caleb's fingers.
"OW, Fuckin' Fuck sprinkles!", Caleb exclaimed as he cursed himself not thinking that through; plus the damn door is practically made of metal now. Mirabelle threw the door open surprisingly easily (does she even lift) with a horrified expression as she saw Caleb cradling his injured fingers.
"Caleb! Are you okay?! I'm so sorry! I-I didn't mean...*sniff*...I", Mirabelle anguished at the feeling of causing her dear even more pain. Why can't she do anything right?
Suddenly, Caleb gently cupped the side of her face with his other hand silencing her as they locked eyes, "Moon pie, it's okay, it was only an accident and I'm not mad. You would never intentionally hurt me."
"Señor, are ju okay?! Do ju need any help?", Camilla inquired worriedly then noticed the tender moment they were sharing.
"I just got my hand caught in the door. Don't worry my fingers are in tact", Caleb emphasized opening and closing his fist in front of both of them to show he was fine, "I'm sorry but can we finish our...discussion in the morning?", He finished in a serious tone.
Camilla wore a slightly disappointed expression shifting her gaze between him and Mirabelle-lingering a bit on Mirabelle. "S-Si Señor, it can wait", Camilla uttered before heading off to her bedroom closing the door audibly alerting the two that they were alone.
"Can I come in?", Caleb requested surprising Mirabelle for a moment who looked away dejectedly before wordlessly stepping backwards allowing him to walk in. She closed the door walking over to her bed near the window as Caleb looked around her spacious room. His gaze lingered on a China cabinet filled with rows of Sailor Moon figurines; a few he noticed he bought for her. He looked back at Mirabelle only now noticing her attire of a large dark purple linen robe with silver crescent moon shapes all over covering most of her upper and lower half.
He stepped closer to as she refused to make eye contact. He wasn't sure how to salvage this but he will do his best, "Moon pie, listen that wasn't..."
"Are you sure?! Because it bloody looked as much to me!", Mirabelle cut him off surprisingly speaking in a cold tone, "She was so close to you! She wanted you...and I'm sure you wanted her too."
Caleb looked at her sadly, "Mirabelle, you know that isn't true. We were having a relatively normal conversation until she started talking about all this destiny shit. I don't even like her like that."
"But you were groping her! ", Mirabelle cried her voice cracking.
"N-No she just grabbed my arm tight and held it there herself! Even tried to pull away but she's too damn strong!", Caleb finished but he could tell by her expression she wasn't convinced.
Mirabelle hung her head low, "Did you want to let go?"
Caleb paused at her question hesitating for a moment as he thought about his experience moments ago.
"Hehe, s-see? You're expression tells it all.", She giggled sadly before shifting to a more serious tone, "Remember earlier in the dining room...when I said...I loved you? I meant that I'm IN love with you. But you're only reply was 'I know'. I eventually realized something; even in the dreamscape, you've never said 'I love you' back."
Caleb eyes widened at the realization that what she said was true. He knew she cared deeply for him but he never imagined her feelings were this strong. Honestly, he always thought she was beautiful, kind, understanding, and sweet; she's an amazing. But he didn't want those to grow beyond that. He didn't deserve someone like her for what he was, not one goddamn bit. His hands are stained with blood and he refuses to allow her become tainted by him. But he STILL managed to hurt her. This was all his fault and he wasn't sure how to fix it. But...he had to try.
"Mirabelle...you are so important to me. You're more precious to me than you know.", Caleb spoke closing the distance between them as remained totally still. He then placed both hands on her shoulders but she didn't react or pull away and lifted her chin forcing her to look him in the eyes, "And I never want to imagine my life without you.", he embraced her in a hug and she slowly returned it.
Mirabelle stared back at him longingly. He still can't say it. She can see the genuine care in his eyes and his devotion towards her. But he STILL can't say. Why? Deep down she knew the answer; the other girls. All of them had far more desirable traits. Lyca with her confident, energetic, and fearless personality. Camilla and her wisdom and years of experience with cooking, housework, and even men. Even the Zyklon siblings with their combat expertise and endearing personalities.
And what about her? A needy, weak, sniveling coward. With so many better alternatives, no wonder his feelings for her are so uncertain. She knew she needed to do something. Something to prove her value to Caleb.
Mirabelle looked upwards from her window at the dark night sky. The murky black clouds slowly revealing the bright lunar beauty. 'It's almost time.', she thought.
...In the other rooms...
Lyca was lying spread out in her bed of animal skins blissfully snoring. Suddenly her body started to twitch erratically , her chest grew tight, and the spot between her legs began to heat up to uncomfortable levels.
In Camilla's room, Camilla was sitting at her dresser mirror sketching something on a large pad thinking about what she said to Caleb. She couldn't believe how desperate she made herself look. At the same time, she couldn't think of how he looked with señorita Mirabelle. What is their relationship? Before she could question it further, she found herself cradling her abdomen groaning in discomfort. Her chest grew tight, her breathing became ragged, and the area between her legs began to pulsate with heat. She pulled herself up and saw, in the reflection of her mirror, the moon peaking behind the cloud. 'En no, por qué ahora?'( Oh no, why now?), She thought to herself.
...Back to Mirabelle...
She could feel her body starting to react to the full moon's rays. But she was ready. In truth, She had spent the last few hours debating whether or she should go through with this. What if she wasn't ready? What if HE wasn't ready?! She has no experience with this stuff what if she messes up?! Or ruins the experience?! What if she does something he doesn't like?! Not to mention, it's against the exchange laws! What if they're found? What will happen to them?! What if they take her away?! SHE'LL NEVER SEE HIM AGAIN!
'No...no no no. I HAVE to do this! This is my one chance to earn Caleb's love. My one chance to show...that I can be brave like the rest of them. I'll...I'll face the exchange program as well if I have to' , Mirabelle thought as she stared at the now fully exposed moon. She gently pulled away taking a step back much to Caleb's immediate concern.
"Mirabelle, what's...", Caleb was silenced his mouth slightly agape in awe as he met her purple eyes that had a more radiant glow than usual. The mist emanating from her legs and tail began spreading out covering much of the floor. All the while her entire body became enraptured in a shimmering purple light that gave her an otherworldly appearance. Her eyes had now become devoid of all thoughts not related to desire. She had surrendered completely to the moon's sway.
"Caleb, my dear...", Mirabelle spoke softly looking up with a meek yet longing expression, "please...for tonight...lets experience pleasure...beyond our wildest dreams", She emphasized untying the sash on her robe. The entire thing to fell off her body revealing her pajamas consisting of a light purple silk partially transparent lingerie skirt that covered her upper half and part of her horse body. Underneath was a strapless dark purple bra that barely managed to contain her D-cups with matching hook-on lace panties for her front and back nether regions. Each of her legs had little purplish-black ribbons tied into bows. Caleb's heart skipped about three beats as he became entranced by her...surprisingly risque attire. The light from the moon cascade over her making her look even more ravishing.
'wait...moon?", Caleb thought before looking at the full moon above her. His eyes widened in realization.
"Caleb my love", Mirabelle cooed stepping forward and wrapping her arms around his neck and taking him out of his thoughts, "please, I want you to take me. Right now please."
She slowly brought her lips closer to his as Caleb gulped audibly parting his lips slightly. He leaned in and...
TO BE CONTINUED( Roundabout starts playing)
Writer's Notes
Happy Valentine's Day my Fan Fic Fam! I hope some of you are enjoying the company of that special-because I sure ain't (tear ~alone again, naturally~). Anyway, would you guys believe this is the first chapter that's ACTUALLY on time? And that's with classes, work, and crippling loneliness weighing me down. Holy shit I fuckin rule( sometimes).
Well as you've already deduced, the Full Moon Chapter is finally upon us. Believe me I've been excited for this one. I've concocted NUMEROUS scenarios, dialogues, antics, even had an idea involving a honey few melon and Barry Whites 'Can't get enough of your love' and watched plenty of hentai (for researcher and inspiration). Ultimately though, I've decided to condense everything down a bit, only using the best I could come up with. Plus, I didn't want to go over 10,000 words.
Now I'd also like to give the utmost thanks to my homies Sandshrew Master 317 and Superairaptor for help making this chapter what it is. I suggest checking out their content. Not that I'm trying to get rid of you or anything, I just feel we need space from each other. It's not you, it's just me.
Welp, that's all for now. Enjoy y'alls chocolates, and roses, and all that good shit. Peace Fam!