Professor Colbert discusses his findings regarding Louise's familiar with Headmaster Osmond.
The following day, Michael attends to Louise's needs and is invited to dinner by Siesta. Afterwards, Kirche asks to see his magic for herself.
Temptation
Professor Colbert knocks politely and steps into Headmaster Osmond's office. He carries an old leather-bound tome with him that is significantly aged around its edges.
Osmond places down his pipe and stands from his desk, smiling welcomingly.
"Ah, Jean, what brings you here so early?" the older man asks.
Miss Longueville, who sits at a small table of her own filling out parchment forms, stands and bows her head for Colbert.
"Good morning, Professor," she greets him politely.
Colbert nods his head. "Good morning, Miss Longueville, and to you as well, Headmaster."
He steps nearer Osmond's desk so he might divulge his reasons for visiting more privately.
"It concerns Miss Vallière's familiar, Headmaster. The young blonde man she recently summoned."
Osmond wears an expression of deep contemplation for several moments, then nods understandingly.
"I see, I see." The old headmaster turns to his secretary for a moment. "Miss Longueville, might you leave us for a couple of moments? This matter demands privacy, I'm afraid."
Longueville nods respectfully and withdraws.
"As you wish, Sir."
She leaves and shuts the door. Colbert sighs and rubs his temples.
He then sets down the weathered tome on Osmond's desk and opens it out to the page containing the relevant information.
"Headmaster, it seems the young man's marking is almost identical to a Guardian's."
Osmond looks over the tome and nods, a hint of unease showing on his face.
"I see... My, my, I didn't imagine I would witness the arrival of another in my lifetime."
Colbert is somewhat puzzled by the headmaster's response.
"...Another? Then the rumors regarding the last void mages' familiar are true."
Osmond sighs deeply. "Yes, Jean. He appeared thirty years ago, to be exact."
He takes a long, deep drag of his pipe, and then exhales. "The very young man who saved my life on that fateful day is of whom I speak. I assume you know the one I mean?"
"I do indeed, Headmaster. Simon de Mont."
Osmond nods sternly, his eyes glinting with concern. "The bastard child of noble heritage born without magic. The same young man I granted refuge all those years ago."
Colbert shakes his head in dismay. "It's a shame the lad was lost to us in such tragic circumstances."
"Indeed, it is," Osmond agrees solemnly. "And the same can be said for his young mistress. All the more reason we be cautious. Actions must be taken to ensure the Staff of Destruction remains secure."
Colbert nods. "I understand. Still, this does not explain Vallière's familiar."
"It is the power of Guardianship, Jean. Similarly, to Gandálfr, its blessing is bestowed when a void mage's powers teeter on awakening. Rumors relating to the boy's otherworldly origins matter not. The Guardian's Mark is a force far beyond that which we could attempt to control."
"Then what do you suggest we do?" Colbert asks.
Osmond sighs. "We wait and we watch, Jean. The Vallière girl must continue with her education and we monitor her familiar's abilities."
"Of course, Headmaster."
Colbert closes the tome, taking it under his arm.
"I will leave you to your duties, then. Farewell for now."
I'm back on my feet and scrubbing Louise's laundry clean with Siesta's help after a further day's rest.
Never thought I'd hand wash a girl's shirts and panties, so this is a seriously strange first.
It's not that big a deal, though. I've been doing my washing since leaving home.
"You seem better today, Michael," Siesta notices.
"I feel it, too, Siesta," I answer with a smile. "Thanks."
"It is no trouble. You know, I am rather envious."
I blink, not quite certain of the meaning behind her words.
"Envious?"
Siesta smiles, a hint of color tinting her cheeks.
"I think it is amazing, the way you can stand up to the students. I cannot even imagine doing the same, being a mere maid."
"It's not a big deal. I only took a stand for what I believed in."
"But there would be serious consequences for a girl like me doing that here," Siesta explains.
"So, what's the issue, then?" I ask, puzzled.
"I'd be harshly disciplined by the school. Worse, the noble's family would seek retribution."
I get her point. I do. It doesn't change my personal stance, though.
"If something's not right, I don't see the point in staying quiet," I reason. "If you speak out, the folks responsible will have to answer for their actions."
Siesta's cheeks redden intensely. "And this is what I like about you, Michael; you followed your heart. And it isn't just me that feels this way. My fellow servants in the kitchens share my feelings, too."
I raise a curious brow. "Oh...? Was it that big a deal?"
"It was." Siesta nods. "Commoners simply don't stand up to the nobility like you did."
"Well, I don't know about it being anything to do with the nobility," I counter, shrugging. "Sure, they're a part of the problem. But people are people."
Siesta simply smiles and returns to doing laundry with me.
A short while later, she places a gentle hand on my shoulder.
I look at her and she's smiling tenderly.
"Actually, Michael, I was wondering if you might join me and some of the other servants for dinner later? Our head chef Marteau is eager to meet you."
"Marteau, huh?" I ask.
"Yes. He's an excellent cook and an even better man. I think you'll get along well."
"If you think so, sure. I'll swing by after Louise is done bossing me around for the day," I agree with a chuckle.
Siesta grins. "Thank you, Michael. It'll mean a lot to everyone. They're all very fond of you."
I laugh sheepishly. "You're all giving me a little too much praise, I feel."
Giggling, Siesta squeezes my shoulder softly. "Nonsense."
"Are you two done over there?!" Louise shouts from a way back. "I want this finished before dinner; you hear?!"
"Yes, Miss Vallière!" Siesta calls out.
Louise huffs and storms over to us.
"You can finish these, Siesta," the pinkette decrees. "I want Michael to walk me to my class."
I stare blankly at her.
"What's up, Louise?"
"Don't talk to me so casually, idiot. We have class today. Come along."
I roll my eyes. She's back to her usual grumpy self already.
Louise huffs and folds her arms, waiting expectantly.
"Come along," she orders.
"Sure thing, Princess."
"Don't call me that!"
I hold up my hands in mock surrender and smirk.
The girl rolls her eyes, grabs my arm, and yanks me toward the castle's front steps.
"Let's go. I can't be late for Professor Chevreuse's class."
I let out a breath and shake my head.
"You got it."
I sit beside Louise in her class. Montmorency sits to her right and the two listen diligently whilst the professor delivers her lecture.
"Void magic, otherwise known as Spirit magic. It is a school of magic which uses the essence of the soul. Void mages are extremely rare, and only a handful are known to have existed throughout the ages. Concerning magic, each of you in this room should be able to use at least one of the four more commonplace elements."
Kirche, who sits at the row of desks behind us, raises her hand and stands.
"Yes, what is it?" asks the Professor.
"Professor, there is one particular student in this room that can't even control a single element."
A murmur ripples through the class.
"Is that right? Who might that be?"
I frown at Kirche. What a jerk.
Louise's cheeks burn and her brow furrows angrily.
The professor soon realizes Kirche's meaning and laughs nervously.
"It does not matter. You should all strive to learn and advance promptly."
Louise growls and her face reddens further. She's obviously humiliated.
"What is wrong with you, Kirche?" Montmorency whispers with a hint of irritation.
"Nothing at all," the Germanian answers with an amused hum.
She has the look of a cat that's just enjoyed a whole bowl of full-fat milk.
"Just ignore her, Louise," Montmorency encourages with a thin smile.
Seeing firsthand why Louise is nicknamed Zero kind of stings, I won't lie.
...
Louise and Montmorency head for the castle's dormitory wing together. I follow from a few good paces back with my arms folded behind my head.
"Actually, Louise, I was hoping you and I might go shopping in town together," says Montmorency.
"Shopping?"
"Yes. There is a sale going on at the boutique."
"Oh, I'd love to, Montmorency, but I'm short on money, I'm afraid. I've... had a couple of unexpected expenses recently."
The blond aristocrat smiles and places a reassuring hand on Louise's shoulder.
"Well, I'll lend you some. And it isn't anything you need to worry about. We can simply consider it a favor." She glances back my way for a moment and smiles gently, I daresay sweetly.
"After all, I have yet to properly repay Michael and yourself for opening my eyes to Guiche's behavior."
"Well, when you put it that way, I suppose it is acceptable. Very well, Montmorency. Thank you."
Montmorency giggles happily.
"That's a relief. Now then, what time should we meet?"
"How about tomorrow afternoon after Professor Colbert's lecture?" Louise suggests.
"Very well, Louise. Tomorrow it is, then. I'll meet you at the castle's entrance."
The blond girl turns and walks down the hallway toward her room, her tiny frog familiar sitting on her shoulder as she goes.
"I'll be looking forward to it, Montmorency."
I step beside Louise and she huffs and looks away.
"Don't say a word," the petite mage warns.
"Hey, don't be like that," I tell her. "I want to fight your corner."
Louise frowns. "Do you now?"
"I do, yeah," I answer. "Because folks ruffle your feathers over the whole 'magic' thing. It's not cool."
"Well, it's not like I enjoy it either," Louise grumbles.
"Hey, I know." I pat her shoulder. "That's why I want to stick up for you. Remember what I said about you not being a failure?"
Louise's vexed expression slips and she exhales softly.
"I don't think me giving you magic somehow counts, Michael."
"Not true. You giving me magic let me put Guiche in his place, right?"
"Hmm, well, I guess that is true."
"Exactly. And Montmorency's your friend now because of it. So, the way I see it, things still worked out."
"You're being too nice to me, Michael," Louise mutters.
I chuckle and rub the back of my neck.
"Eh, if I'm nice to you every time you snap at me then I'll win you over eventually."
Louise blushes and scowls.
"W-Why would you want to do that?"
"So you stop snapping at me," I answer bluntly.
She pouts and folds her arms.
"F-Fine. I suppose that is fair."
I can't help but grin. "Winning feels good."
Just wish I won a little more often. Outside of random flukes, that is.
Louise mutters something under her breath and her blush darkens.
"Say something, Princess?" I ask, having missed whatever it was she said.
"N-No! Just keep walking, idiot."
The sun's down for the evening and there's a nip to the air.
If there's one place London and Tristain share a similarity, it's in their climates.
"Is it always this cold at night?" I ask Louise, who sits at her writing desk skimming through a book.
"No. The season should warm up a little in the coming weeks," she answers without turning her gaze.
I nod shortly. "I'm guessing it's Autumn, then."
I don't see snow on the ground, so I'll count out Winter for now. Well, not that I really know enough about this world and its weather to make that sort of judgment, but hey.
"Yes. It's early Autumn," Princess answers.
Louise puts her book down and turns to look at me.
"You've been staring out of that window for a while," she notices. Taking a small brass pocket watch out of her cloak's inner pocket, she releases the clasp and opens out the face. "Over an hour."
I sigh and scratch the back of my head.
"Just thinking. It's a habit of mine."
"About what?"
"How different this place is compared to what I'm used to," I answer honestly.
Louise gets up from her desk and sits down beside me on the wide windowsill. Together, we look up at the world's two moons.
Our shared silence is soothing. Honestly, Louise is pretty with the pale moonlight shining down on her like this especially while she wears her school uniform.
Not that I plan on getting too attached to her in that kind of way or anything.
"The werewolves must love it here," I chuckle. "There's a ton of natural light."
Louise's gaze narrows slightly and she frowns.
"What are werewolves, Michael?"
I blink. I guess they don't have those here. Weird. I expected they might, given fantastical creatures exist.
"Oh, yeah... They're folklore creatures from my world," I explain. "Men and women cursed to transform into towering beast-like creatures on the night of each full moon. They're supposedly born when a cursed person bites another. They're pretty common in horror stories."
Louise's face lights up and she claps her hands together.
"So, they're a kind of monster? Do they live in packs?"
"Yeah. They're called packs. Usually, they live in large numbers deep in forests."
"Do they eat humans?!"
I raise a cautious brow. "You seem mighty interested in this..."
"I-I'm not!" Louise denies it hastily, her cheeks burning bright. "I-It's just an interesting subject, that's all!"
"Uh-huh. Well, anyway, yeah. They transform and devour humans."
"That's terrifying," the pinkette exclaims. "I'd rather not encounter a werewolf, myself."
"Yeah. If you come across one, run," I agree.
"Or I could throw you out in front of it," Louise teases with a wicked smirk.
"Oh, ha-ha," I chuckle, rolling my eyes. "Real cute."
"Thank you."
"Sarcasm," I explain with a wry smirk.
Louise huffs while crossing her arms and looks out the window.
"You're no fun."
I can't help but smile.
"Maybe. But you like that about me, Princess."
She blushes again and her shoulders stiffen.
"Hmph. Idiot."
We say nothing more for the time being. We just enjoy the quiet.
Raising a hand to her mouth, Louise yawns softly.
"I'm tired..." she murmurs.
"Want me to carry you to bed?" I ask jokingly, smirking.
"Yes. Yes, I do," Louise answers, yawning a second time.
I blink at the pink-haired girl, stunned.
"...But the bed's teen feet away," I point out, glancing back for a second.
Louise frowns.
"I'm sleepy, and you are my familiar. Don't question me."
She holds out her arms, waiting.
"Fine. But you'd better not start demanding stuff like this every night," I tell her, heaving a sigh.
"I'll demand as much from you as I please," Louise answers with a faint smile.
"Whatever..."
I loop an arm securely around Louise's back and scoop her up bridal-style. She's really light. Like, surprisingly so.
Louise remains wordless within my embrace and closes her eyes. I feel her heart racing.
Guess the idea of being carried embarrasses her a little after all, huh?
"Thanks, Michael."
"No problem, Princess."
I take her over to her bed and set her down.
"What about your uniform?" I ask.
"I'll change later," she replies with a dismissive wave of the hand. "You're dismissed for the day, idiot."
"Night, Louise," I laugh quietly, shaking my head.
"Goodnight."
I pick up my cloak from its place at the foot of my mattress bed and unfold it. Throwing it over my shoulders, I fasten the clasp. Then sweep a hand through my hair and exhale shortly.
Figure I'll go see Siesta and the other servants out by the kitchens like she asked earlier.
I leave Louise's room, shutting the door quietly behind me.
"All right. Time to see what Siesta's up to."
Marteau, Siesta's boss and the head chef of the Academy's kitchen is an incredibly tall man. He stands a foot or two taller than I do and is built like a professional rugby player.
"Welcome, kid," the large chef greets, smiling down at me. "Figured me and some of the folks here would treat you. Since you put one of those snotty nobles in his place and all."
A few of the other staff members around the dining table cheer and clap, grinning at me.
A huge feast of meats, breads, cheeses, and pastries is laid out on the table in front of them. The stuff looks so damned delicious that I can barely think straight. It's like a European-style buffet!
"Wow, this all looks amazing," I say, grinning. "You guys are way too kind."
"Nonsense," says one of the other cooks, a young man with long, messy brown hair and a bandana wrapped around his forehead. "You've earned it."
"That's right!" Marteau agrees. "I've never heard of a commoner having magic before. And, you used it to put that spoiled Gramont brat in his place. So, from how I see it, you've earned this dinner. It's just leftovers from the noble's evening tea, mind you. But they'll still taste fantastic, I bet."
"You guys are all awesome," I tell them honestly. "Seriously. Thanks."
Marteau laughs and slaps a hand on my shoulder.
"No problem. Now, come eat."
Siesta smiles brightly at me from the front of the crowd surrounding the table. I smile back at her graciously.
"Let's get eating, everyone," Marteau encourages, taking a seat at the far end of the long table.
He gestures to an empty chair. "Michael, you take a seat there."
"Will do, Chef."
Seriously, this spread looks so good. It'd put our best TV chefs back home to shame!
"Eat your heart out, Gordon Ramsay," I whisper with a wide smile.
I nearly waddle down the dormitory halls with the grace of a slug.
"So full," I groan, holding my stomach. "Couldn't eat another bite."
I notice Kirche standing out front of her bedroom door. Arms folded, she leans by the door with one hell of a passionate smile decorating her features.
The girl wears a skimpy, lacy nightgown, and a long, red dressing gown. Her cleavage stands proudly on display to the point where I can't help staring. Those plump, golden-brown funbags, man. Damn!
"My, my, my. I'm a bit peckish myself," the girl hums alluringly.
She's looking at me like a wolf stalking a deer.
"Um, hi, Kirche," I greet awkwardly, not quite knowing what else to say.
"Hi, yourself, Michael. You're looking well. Are you free?"
"Well, yeah. You need something?"
It's here I recall Louise's warnings to stay as far away from Kirche as possible.
I'll shrug them off, for the moment. A conversation won't hurt.
"Mhm," the Germanian mage answers, nodding.
"Oh. What is it?"
Kirche steps closer and her smile darkens.
"I'd like to talk with you, about your magic."
"What's there to talk about?" I ask. "It's magic."
"You're from another world, or so the rumors say," she states simply. "Which means your magic could be unique. You already conjure flames without a wand, after all."
"Is that really so unusual?" I ask.
Kirche giggles and shrugs her shoulders.
"Very much so." She pushes open the door to her bedroom. "And I'd certainly like you to show me more. Perhaps I could even tutor you?"
"Um... Look, Kirche. It's been a long day. I'm beat. Maybe another time, yeah?"
"Aww," she coos. "How disappointing."
Something about her big, hurt eyes pulls at my heartstrings.
I sigh softly and nod, relenting. "...Fine. I'll come in for a few minutes."
"Ooh, wonderful!" Kirche beams and claps her hands together happily.
"But then I'm off," I add.
"Sure, sure," the buxom mage answers with a playful giggle.
I'm ushered inside Kirche's room. It's pretty nice and spacious, like Louise's.
The walls are decorated with beautiful tapestries. A bookshelf stuffed to bursting stands against the wall beside a large window and a wooden desk.
Kirche's bed is also like Louise's, except larger and a whole lot more comfortable looking.
"Now, Michael, have a seat," Kirche requests sweetly, gesturing to the foot of her bed.
"Will do."
I do as she asks, sitting myself down. Kirche's dressing gown parts and reveals a good amount of her shapely, tanned thighs.
She smiles down at me, her face a little close.
"Now, how about you show me your little trick...?"
The way she purrs her request so sweetly into my ear gets my heartbeat up.
I reach my hand outwards and open out my palm. Breathing in and out, I focus.
"There," I answer, conjuring a small, flickering flame into my palm with a snap of my fingers.
"My, oh my. What an interesting color," Kirche coos, running her fingertips over the surface of the flame.
"Does that hurt at all?" I ask cautiously.
"I'm a fire mage, darling, and you're yet an amateur," Kirche explains with a heated giggle. "I could take your powers inside of me and barely feel a thing."
She closes her palm around my fledgling flame and absorbs it with a short, sensual whine. Her eyes glint a fiery orange as she does so.
"See?" Kirche whispers seductively, cupping my cheek with a hand.
"Y-Yeah. Guess I do."
I gulp. Her body is warm. Like, really warm.
"Kirche, this is awkward," I admit.
"You mean the situation, or me sitting in your lap?"
"B-Both. It's... It's been a while since I've had a girl in my life."
"And, when was the last time, may I ask?" Kirche purrs, pressing her breasts against my chest.
"N-Nearly a year ago... Things didn't end well between us."
No clue why I'm telling Kirche this. It's almost like she has a spell over me or something.
No, that's a lie. I know what drives me. A need for comfort. A deep, painful yearning to let somebody near after a far too long remaining closed off and guarded.
I'm not perfect by any means. Sometimes I can be really, really selfish.
"Hmm, poor, poor Michael," Kirche coos, her voice husky and low.
"Mm," I grunt, feeling her rub herself up and down against my groin.
"I'd very much like to teach you, Michael," she murmurs, kissing my ear.
"Y-Yeah...?"
Kirche's warm, soft hands trail across my body and her lips find mine.
And as they do, there comes a soft tapping against the bedroom door.
"Oh, damn..." I curse under my breath after Kirche parts her lips from mine.
I'm painfully excited and eager to continue.
"Who could it be at this hour?" Kirche sighs, clearly displeased.
I don't blame her.
"Kirche, it's me, Styx," reveals a gruff-sounding guy from beyond the door.
Kirche frowns, stands, and walks toward the door. She unlocks it, opening it just a little.
"Yes, Styx? What is it?"
"I'm here to see you, just as we agreed."
The way this Styx guy said what he did just now reveals plenty to my inner cynic.
"Girl's got a body count," I utter beneath my breath.
"Excuse me, Michael, but what did you say?" Kirche asks, turning her attention to me.
"Nothing. Forget about it," I tell her, raising a hand.
Styx peers through the gap in the door. "Is someone else in there with you, Kirche?"
"A friend, yes," the girl answers with a smile. "He's just visiting. We'll talk later, Styx."
"Isn't that Miss Vallière's new familiar?"
"I suppose it is, yes." Kirche winks devilishly. "Goodnight, Styx."
"W-Wait! This isn't what we-"
Kirche shuts the door before the guy can finish.
She turns to me with a sigh and a tired expression.
"That was Styx," she informs me. "An arrogant young man who is part of a family of powerful earth mages."
"So, a nobleman," I conclude.
Kirche nods.
"Exactly. He and I have... something of a special arrangement."
"You sleep with him."
"Among other things," Kirche admits, smiling wryly.
"So, why'd you shut the door on him?"
Kirche shrugs her shoulders and lets her dressing gown drop. "Because a certain young man stole my affections when he bested Guiche the other day."
She steps toward me.
"You're quite a rare, valuable thing, Michael. So, I'd much rather keep you to myself."
My gaze remains locked on her naked form. Gawd! She's so stunningly delicious I can hardly breathe.
Gotta resist, though. Kirche's seeing at least one other guy, and I don't need this sorta hassle after everything I want through with Anna. It's too much. Not to mention crappy on Kirche's part, too.
"Well, I'm flattered, Kirche, but this is all happening way too-"
The girl drops into my lap and cups one of my cheeks.
"Shush now. Let's just have some fun, okay?"
I swallow hard. Bloody Hell, I'm gonna die.
N-No! I'm not doing this. It's isn't right.
I press a finger to Kirche's lips and firmly shake my head.
"Afraid not, Kirche." I say, unthreading her arm from around my waist and standing.
She looks up at me with wide, confused eyes.
"B-But... But, why?"
I shake my head.
"Listen, I've had a great time, Kirche. But I am not in a good place right now, woman-wise."
"Then I could help you," the redhead offers sweetly, stroking my thigh.
"I'm afraid not."
I take a step back and turn for the door.
Kirche hastily throws on her gown and ties the cord.
"Wait! Michael, wait."
Somebody raps violently against the door.
"Open the door, von Verbst!" Louise demands ferociously.
Kirche merely raises a hand to her mouth and chuckles. "Oh dear... This is quite the mess we're in."
Louise's hammering intensifies. "I said open up! Stix stopped by my room. He told me Michael's in there with you!"
"Oh, did he, now?" Kirche purrs with a smile.
She saunters over to the door and opens it wide.
Louise glares bloody murder at me. "Michael! What is going on?!"
I sigh exhaustedly, walk over to my mistress, and place a finger to her lips.
"Nothing happened if that's what you're thinking, all right? Just... take my word for it."
I retract my finger from Louise's lips and walk out into the hall.
Louise's cheeks burn and she's utterly lost for words.
She silently follows after me toward her room.
"Goodnight, you two," says Kirche with a hint of mischief, shutting her bedroom door.
"What exactly happened?" Louise asks, sitting up in bed.
I'm wearing the vest top I had on when Louise summoned me to Tristain.
"Honestly, nothing. I promise," I answer, lying down on my bed.
"Well, what were you and Kirche doing in there, then?!" Louise presses.
"I was showing her a bit of magic, okay? She was curious."
"Oh, I'll bet she was," Louise grumbles spitefully. "Did I not expressly forbid you from spending time with her without my being there, Michael?"
I exhale and sit up, rubbing the back of my neck.
"You did, but-"
I double-take mentally. Who is she, my mother?!
"You don't own me, Louise. I'm a grown man. You don't get to tell me what I can or can't do."
"Excuse me?!" The petite pinkette growls.
"You heard me. Familiar or not, I'm still my own guy."
"So, you were disobeying me, then? Is that what you're telling me, Michael?"
"No," I answer. "But I fail to see why this is such a big deal."
"Because it is!" Louise shouts, staring me down. "So I'll ask you, and I'll ask you one final time. Did anything happen between the two of you in there?"
I look Louise square in the eyes, unwilling to back down against her fearsome temper.
"Nothing sexual. She forced a kiss on me while I showed her my magic, that's all."
"I-I can't believe this," Louise stammers, her face red as a tomato.
"Hey, come on, now. I turned her down after that. You know that, right?"
"No, I do not!"
I fold my arms and stand firm. "Then you'll just have to take my word for it, won't you?"
"How dare you speak to me this way," Louise growls, jabbing her finger into my chest. "Do you have any idea who I am?!"
"Yeah, a princess with a short fuse and an inferiority complex," I snap back.
Her last nerve fraying, Louise lunges at me.
She lands a couple of slaps against my cheek and tries to scratch at my face with her nails.
"Hey, enough! Knock it off!"
I pin her arms down by the sides of her body and hold her close, looking her directly in the eyes.
"Let me go, Michael! I demand it!"
"Only if you promise to calm the Hell down."
"Fine! Fine, just get off me already."
"Promise, Louise," I repeat.
Louise exhales deeply. "All right. I promise."
"Thank you."
I release her wrists and she sits up.
"Are you satisfied now, Louise?"
She pouts.
"Yes, I suppose."
Louise gets to her feet and brushes her nightgown down.
"Thank God for that..."
Louise huffs and storms over to her bed, throwing herself down on it.
"And you promise it was only a kiss, Michael?"
"Cross my heart, and hope to die. I swear on it. Now, can we please drop this?"
Louise is silent for a few moments. Then she nods. "Fine. You can take your blanket and pillow and sleep out in the hall tonight, though."
I stare at her incredulously.
"You can't be serious..."
"Quite serious, Michael. The door's right behind you."
"But why-"
"Punishment for letting that vixen stain your lips, that's why."
"Oh, my God," I groan. "Fine. Whatever. Have it your way, then. Goodnight, Louise."
"Goodnight, Michael."
I gather up my pillow and blanket.
"Kiss her twice and it's fine," I grumble under my breath. "Another girl kisses me and now we have problems... I see how it is."
"I can hear you!"
"You were supposed to."
...
I lay in the hallway wrapped in my blanket with my legs scrunched to my chest.
I snuck my iPod out of the bedroom and brought it with me. So I at least have something to distract me from the night air's sharp bite.
"Fucking ridiculous," I whisper, shaking my head. "Girl's nuts."
Exhaling, I slip an earphone into my ear and cycle through to a personal favorite of mine. A song Dad got me into while he was home on leave from the cruise ship one long weekend.
"It's got what it takes
So tell me why can't this be love?
Straight from the heart
Oh, tell me why can't this be love?
I tell myself
Hey, only fools rush in
Only time will tell if we stand the test of time."
Exhaling my worldly tension, I shut my eyes and try my best to relax.
"It'll be freaking miserable when this thing runs out of battery."
Wonder if my mini power bank's inside the pair of jeans I have with me, or another? I know for sure I always keep one on hand to charge my phone.
Eh, I'll check in the morning. I'm done for tonight.
"Sleep, Michael, sleep," I tell myself with a deep, exhausted yawn.
To be continued...
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