Knock knock knock!
“Ves?” I peek into the room.
“What is it, Shade?” The Cathar, who was reading the issued manual, turned around.
“I need to talk.” “About what?” “Ves, enough.
First of all, we’re bonded.
Second, your thoughts and desires give me goosebumps.
What’s wrong, you seem like you’ve gone off the leash?” “As if you don’t know,” the Cathar snorted and turned away.
“I know perfectly well,” I close the door, step forward, and hug the cat-girl sitting with her back to me.
“That’s why I came — so there’s no misunderstanding.
And also to calm you down and cuddle you.
Nom!” I gently bite her ear.
Barely at all, just with my lips.
“Oh, Shade!” Vessira blushed, jumping up.
“Okay, okay, just don’t bite.” “Well?” “It’s just… Hadiya puts me on edge.
It’s not so much that I’m jealous of you — I trust you, and moreover, I know that after a night with me you remain unsatisfied, and as I said before, some Cathars take several girls…” “Ves,” I gave her a disapproving look.
“Let me finish.
So, it’s normal — it’s physiology, and nothing can be done about it.
Even my father has several wives, so subconsciously I was preparing and waiting for someone else to show up.” “But no one did?” “No, someone did.
Maybe you look at her differently…” she looked at me, “at least you try, but she definitely doesn’t.
And moreover, she has plans for you.
You can say what you want, but I’ll never believe you didn’t realize it.” “I did realize,” I sigh, and moving away from the edge of the bed, lean my back against the wall.
“Even when we first met, she tried to show she was interested.
But back then everything was complicated, and she had other things on her mind… but she tried.
I jokingly said, ‘grow up first.'” “Heh… She grew up,” Ves smiled, pulling her legs up and turning fully toward me.
“Something like that.
Anyway, I know about her hints.
But as I said before, I won’t trade you for anyone.
And I definitely don’t want you to be jealous.” “I’m not jealous.” “Then what is it?” “She drives me insane!!!” Ves punched the bed.
“She simply drives me insane.
She’s an arrogant, spoiled bitch who’s used to getting what she wants no matter what.” “And mind you, she knows how to achieve it herself.” “Yes!
But that doesn’t change the fact that she’s a bitch.
And the way she told me off… that’s just… the height of insolence!
Even you have limits, but she has none!
And she looks down on us — if we weren’t your friends, she wouldn’t even give us a glance.
And her cunning and craftiness.
She could use us in her games, and we wouldn’t even realize it.” “She won’t use us,” I grin.
“How do you know?” “Because she wouldn’t dare.” “She wouldn’t?
Oh, she would.” “No, she wouldn’t.
Not after what I did for her.
And not because she’s grateful — she’s not that kind.
But because she knows that if she even tries, I’ll make sure she regrets it.
And she knows I’m not bluffing.” Ves looked at me for a long moment, then sighed.
“Fine.
But I still don’t like her.” “You don’t have to like her.
Just tolerate her.” “That’s hard.” “I know.
But for me?” She pouted, but finally nodded.
“For you.” “Good girl.” I kissed her forehead.
“Now get some rest.
We have a big day tomorrow.” “Are you staying?” “I thought you’d never ask.” She smiled and pulled me down onto the bed.
“Just know.” “Still!
I can come to terms with another girl.
Yes, I won’t deny it, not without gritting my teeth, I’d have to get used to it, but I understand that and I’ve already accepted it — that’s just a fact.” “Ooo, someone’s been working themselves up.” “Hush!” She flicked my nose.
“I wasn’t finished.” “I’m quiet, I’m quiet.” “But that woman — she won’t share, she won’t try to please, she’ll just wrap you around her finger and that’ll be that!
And you, despite all your indifference, clearly like her.” “I wouldn’t have gotten into that whole mess without that,” I nod.
“Right.
And she can and will use it.” “She will.” I nod again.
“But in moderation.
You see, Ves, Hadiya wouldn’t even dare think about harming me.” “And how do you know that?” “Because I’m the only person she trusts more than herself.
Back then, that day, I could have turned her in.
I could have gotten a lot, but I not only didn’t betray her — I stood up for her and helped.
And then again.
And again.
And I asked for nothing in return.
Also, I saw the way she looked at me.
You understand, before she met me, she thought everything around was filth and rot because she simply hadn’t seen anything else.
But then I showed up.
And I straight-up told her that not everyone had rotted yet.
Of course, she didn’t believe me, but time passed, and simply not believing was no longer an option.
In the end, I have so many of her secrets in my head — ones she’s probably forgotten herself.
For any single one of them, it would be logical to kill me so I don’t blab, but that won’t happen.
Simply because I’m trusted.” “Mmm…” Ves was genuinely stunned by such revelations, thoughtfully pressing a finger to her lips.
“Also, when I found her, I saw just a scared little girl who was on the edge.
She didn’t believe in good intentions anymore, but I managed to make her believe.
And now — we don’t have a tyrant, but a more-or-less reasonable girl…
As much as that’s even possible for Shikaakwa, since that planet is mentally ill all on its own.” “I know.
I remember.
I’ve been there.” Ves answered slowly, enunciating every word.
“So my company really rubbed off on her, and to my surprise, even for the better.
Even though I myself got a bit tougher around her.” “So you trust her?” “Her — yes.
Everyone around her — not so much.” I shake my head.
“But Hadiya knows what she’s doing.
She knows how to pick personnel.
She has a few trusted people who are genuinely…
well, more or less loyal to her.
When I was still her bodyguard, I pointed those people out to her, and then she promoted them to the right positions.
But I repeat — I trust her.
And note, you hit her, and she swallowed it.
Believe me, Ves, for far smaller offenses, she’s ready to erase, concrete, or send someone to breathe vacuum.
So the fact that she forgave you such insolence, even if not without my intervention, says a lot.” “I hadn’t thought about that.” “Yeah, Hadiya is quite the…
woman, but she’s one of us.
And if anything happens, she’ll have your back.
Even if she’s cursing you out.
As for her manner of speaking…
well, look where she lives.” “I guess…” “Remember your mom — she’s sharp too.” “Actually, I only noticed it just now,” Vessira smiled.
“They really do have common traits.” “There you go.
So everything’s fine.
The real issue is that you’re jealous.” “I’m not jealous…” She looked away, but gave in under my indignant stare: “Maybe just a little.
But!” All the embarrassment seemed to wash away, and she flared up, turning sharply to face me.
“That doesn’t mean you’ll pay for it.
So as soon as you find someone else, I won’t be against it.
Just be sure to consult me first.
And only one!” “Gulp…” “Exactly.
And that’s not up for discussion.” “…” “Or what is this — the girl is already worn out, but the man hasn’t even…” “You’re exaggerating…” “Hush!
I’ve said my piece,” she crossed her little arms and fell back against me.
“Ah…
You’re missing wings,” I whisper softly into her ear, burying my nose in her hair.
“Huh?” “You’ll be an angel.” “What’s that?” “A holy creature.
Pure.
The purest in the world — they compare the kindest, most selfless, and generally saintly people to them.” “No, I’ve killed people.” “Okay, then an angel of vengeance.” “Heh…
You wiggled out of that.” “Of course.
I had two teachers!
Hadiya was number two.” “There!
That’s exactly what you need to tell her!” Ves stirred, lowered herself a bit, and lifted her head to look into my face.
“Oh, you…
Kitten.” I kiss her nose.
“Yep.
Yours.” “Mine, mine.” “Shall we continue?” She licked me.
“Alas.
I still need to stop by Hadiya’s.” “You’re going right now to put her in her place?” “Oh, come on.” I flick her nose, making her twitch it in annoyance.
“No, just to make sure there are fewer incidents tomorrow.
It’s also about that favor I asked.” “What favor?” “It’s connected to my father.
I asked her to find some information.” “Ahh.” “Alright, I’m going.
Good night, kitten.” Giving Ves a goodbye kiss, I reluctantly crawl out of bed.
The rooms here, by the way, are very similar to Qigong Kesh, and are quite warm — unlike the corridors.
But no sooner had I stepped out of Ves’s room than I ran into one of the Masters making his rounds.
“Hey, you!” “Damn it all,” I sigh, turning around.
Forgot to check the surroundings again.
Might as well run radar around the clock.
“What are you doing here, and so late?” the Miraluka approached me.
“Depriving girls of their virginity, what else,” I grumble discontentedly, hands in my pockets.
And seeing the master choke, I add: “Well, what else would I be doing in a woman’s room?” “Aero!” the Miraluka hissed.
“Oh!
We’re acquainted?” “I saw you at the testing.” “Ah, right.” “Do you have no sense of decency at all?” “Why?
I do.
But frankly, even if it were true, and I really was seducing a girl,” I nod toward the door, “what difference does it make if it’s allowed for wanderers?” “There’s a curfew in effect, you idiot!” the Miraluka growled.
“Keep it down, you’ll wake people up.
What’s all the shouting for?” “…” “Alright, thanks for the warning.” “Where are you going?!” “To Hadiya’s.
I still have to seduce her.” “…” “Don’t look at me like that.
Even if I can’t see your eyes, I can feel your gaze perfectly fine.” “A-a-e-r-r-o…” “Don’t growl like that — you’re a Miraluka, not a Cathar or something.
And I will return to my room, but later.
I have a couple of issues to sort out with her.
Have a good evening, Master.” Bowing, I walked past the stunned duty master, who was taking his time coming to his senses.
Yeah…
Tomorrow might bring a few small problems, but compared to one very active Twi’lek, they don’t even register.
Hadiya herself had settled on her ship, so to get to her, I had to wander a bit, then go outside, and then reach the ship.
But…
“Um…
Mister Shade?” one of the guards asked uncertainly.
“Yeah, what’s up?” “Lady Hadiya went to see you.” “Damn.
We missed each other.
Alright, thanks, guys.” I nod, but just in case, I sent out a wave of the Force to scan the ship.
Hadiya really wasn’t on board, so I had to trudge back along the same route to my room.
Reaching my own quarters, occasionally hiding from prying eyes, I went inside.
Hadiya was indeed already there, sprawled out on my bed, one leg crossed over the other, hands behind her head.
“Well, that’s just blatant audacity,” I shake my head, closing the door.
“I brought you your brew,” the Twi’lek raised herself and pointed to the drink on the table, already a bit cooled down.
“The one you like, with a spoonful of shaleen and milk.” Approaching the table, I take the drink with a smile.
Yeah…
Hadiya invented this stuff in a burst of wanting to please me, and in all my wanderings, I’ve never seen it anywhere else.
Taking a sip, I smile wider.
Just right.
“Am I forgiven?” “So be it.” Pulling a chair over with the Force, I place it with its back toward Hadiya and sit down backwards.
“Shade.” “Hm?” Taking another sip, I look at the hesitant Twi’lek.
Before me now was not the Queen of Shikaakwa, but the most ordinary girl.
Though, she wasn’t that yet, but I had no doubt that time would come.
Hadiya has enough strength, charisma, drive, and talent.
That’s all her.
“Tell me honestly — do you not like me?” “Hadiya…
That’s not it.” “Then what is it?” “I’ve told you before.
I have Vessira.
And I really do have feelings for her.
Bright and strong feelings, and I’m not going to trade her for anyone.” “But I’m not just an empty space to you either!” “Mmm…
Now I understand those who called me a smart fool,” I snort.
“Hadiya, you’re far from an empty space, but listen to what I have to say.
Yes, I like you.
I liked you back then, I like you now, and considering how you’ve grown…
I can’t lie to myself — you really are very beautiful, and moreover, I might even start a relationship with you.” “But then…” “But I have Ves!
I won’t give her up or trade her away.
You understand…
These are the very ideals that attract you to me.
Some of them.
And I’m not going to change them.” “So I have no chance at all?” “I don’t think you’d want to share,” I snort.
“Eh?” “So here’s the deal.
I will NEVER trade Vessira for anyone.
Period!” “And you wouldn’t have too much with two at once?” She caught on immediately, frowning indignantly and tilting her head.
“I don’t care — I’m just telling you how it is.
What you do next is your decision, whether you want it or not.
I’ve been honest with you before, and I’m being honest now.
In case you didn’t know, Cathar physiology is…
special.
And Ves is always insecure about it.
So having several girls for one guy is perfectly normal for them.
I don’t think it’s good or bad — I just don’t care.” “Predictable,” Hadiya snorted into her fist.
“As for you…
Yes, I like you.
A relationship?
Maybe.
But I won’t leave Ves.
That’s a fact.
If everyone’s okay with it, I’ll accept it.
If not…
Well, I’ve told you everything honestly.” “Mhm.” “My advice — don’t see her as a rival.
Not for my sake, but for your own.
And don’t see the others that way either, in my company.
Gris, Zeng, Feng, Ramiro…
They’re all great people — we grew up in the same circle and have been through a lot together.
By the way, Feng is single.” I wink.
“And he’s no worse than me.” “Oh,” Hadiya rolled her eyes.
“Shade, don’t, okay?
It’s insulting that you think so little of me.” “I don’t think that way about you — I’m just telling you how it is.
What you think is up to you.” “Well, good that you don’t think that way.
I don’t need those softies.” “Trust me, they’re not softies,” I snort, recalling our past sins.
“Maybe.
But I’ve known you for a long time.
I’m seeing them for the first time.
And besides, do you know how much I worried about you?!” “I know.
I can feel it.
And I apologize.
I really got caught up.
Besides, either you couldn’t answer, or I was out of range, then it all went to hell…
But that’s in the past.” “Mhm.” “Just don’t take offense, Hadi.
I really won’t choose between anyone.
You’re a pretty and sweet girl that I wouldn’t mind caring for.
But that doesn’t relieve me of the responsibility I already have, nor, especially, of my desire to be with Ves.” “I understand, Shade.
That’s what I like about you,” the future queen smiled sadly.
“And all those public displays of attention and your behavior — just so you know, she’s not jealous of you.
Maybe just a little.” “Really?” Hadiya’s eyes went wide.
“You just annoy her with your behavior.
She’s confident in me — one.
And two, I’ve already told you she’s been working herself up over…
well, working herself up.
If you want, you can talk to her yourself, and if you two come to an agreement and make peace, I’ll be absolutely happy.” “Alright, I’ll talk to her,” Hadiya nodded happily.
“Just not the way you like and know how.
She won’t understand that.” “Oh, Shade, what do you take me for?” I opened my mouth, but she cut me off.
“No, don’t answer.
That was a rhetorical question.
In short, I’ve heard you and I understand.” We fell silent.
I sit there, drilling this quiet little face with a very, very suspicious look.
“For some reason, I feel like we didn’t understand each other.” “I understood you!” “And heard?” “And heard.” A nod.
“Then why do I feel like I’m being quietly and brazenly deceived somewhere?” “No-o-o, you’re just imagining it.
You do trust me, don’t you?” “Ah…
Fine.
Let’s get back to business?” Hadiya raised an eyebrow.
“You said you found something about the Stargazers?” “Huh?
Yes.” Hadiya immediately composed herself and leaned forward.
“Basically, it’s a fanatical sect led by Dalien Brock.
Know who that is?” “No idea.” “He’s a former Je’daii.” “Oho.
So, like, my colleague?” “Something like that.
But…
let’s say he renounced using the Force and left the Order, considering it if not evil, then close to it.” Hadiya pulled out her vibroknife and began twirling it in her hands, as was her habit.
“And my father was in contact with this guy?” “Wait, I’ve just started.” “Sorry.” “Dalien Brock is formally listed with you as either dead or missing — take your pick — and the effort it took me to drag that name to the surface is a whole other conversation.” “I can imagine…” “Yes.
Now about the ‘Stargazers’ themselves.
They genuinely believe that beyond our star system, there is other life.” “It’s stupid to think otherwise.
The galaxy is big.
And our ancestors flew in from somewhere, didn’t they?” “That’s what they think.
Since our ancestors were brought by the Tho Yor, the ‘Stargazers’ consider their true home to be the place they came from in that distant past, and they strive to return there by any means necessary, regardless of methods or potential consequences.
Let me emphasize, Shade: ANY means.” “I’m starting to regret asking you to dig up information about them…” I lean back slightly.
“And that’s just the beginning.
Furthermore, the sect’s members belong to all sorts of races and genders — they’re essentially everywhere, just in hiding, since the organization is formally considered criminal.” “Hearing about criminality from you is priceless,” I smirk.
“Shade, these people have even outdone us.
Twenty years ago, these guys stole an entire Sleeping Ship, and guess who they stole it from?” “The Je’daii?” Hadiya nodded.
“Yes.
But we’ll get to him later.
The sect members worship their leader, Dalien, like…
Well, like you worship the Force, I suppose?
I can’t put it more precisely.
But they believe that as long as he gazes at the stars, the celestial bodies speak to him and show him the right path.
The info is crazy, but it’s accurate — I personally talked to one of them.” “Heh, all for me?” “All for you,” Hadiya smiled, continuing to twirl the weapon in her fingers.
“So they believe strongly…
To the point of obsession, I’d say.
And that has cultivated fanatical loyalty, all the way to forced suicide.” “For example?” “Storming an ancient artifact vault, knowing that two-thirds of them will stay lying right there.
Good enough?” “Brutal…” “By the way, about their branches on Shikaakwa — I jumped the gun.
Upon detailed inspection, those were just front offices — filters for contacting the sect itself.
In short, dust.
The sect itself keeps very quiet and very deep, with many, many small points scattered all over the system, and instead of a base, they have one old Sleeping Ship converted for their needs.” “They really know how to cover their tracks, I’ll give them that.” “What did you think?
These guys are very cautious.
At the same time, despite their reputation, they have their own funding sources, which allows them to have places for large gatherings, conduct research, obtain cutting-edge equipment, as well as artifacts and weapons.
And on Kalimar, they’re a perfectly peaceful organization with no formal violations.
Granted, again, the official branches there aren’t real — fronts — so…” “I get it, mysterious and secretive guys.” “Yes.
Now about that ship.
As soon as I found them, I tried to plant my own person.
I succeeded, and here’s what he dug up: twenty years ago, the sect found some mysterious artifact here, on Tython.” “What kind of artifact?
Where did they dig it up?” “I don’t know what kind of artifact — that information is only available to the top brass within this already fanatical structure.
But it’s something very important and extremely valuable.
So much so that the entire order started working solely for it.
And they found it here, on Tython.” “Ehhh?” My eyebrows shot up, and Hadiya nodded in agreement.
“Yeah, I was surprised too, especially since the Stargazers are forbidden from Tython, and you yourself told me that even if they flew here, it would be very hard for non-Force-users to survive.” “Impossible.
Unless you’re a crowd of armed soldiers with tank and air support.” “Exactly.
So Je’daii were involved.
And they were digging in the Old City.
Do you know anything about it?” “I’ve heard rumors, something about ancient ruins of a past civilization, or something like that.” “They really are ruins of a truly ancient civilization, Shade.
And the sectarians found something in them.
See what I’m getting at?” “Something smells like fuel…” “Exactly.
And then events took off.
Almost immediately, a new colony was founded on Sunspot.
Huge amounts of money were poured into a completely incomprehensible but very important project, worked on by a very narrow circle of leading scientists, gathered from all over the system, by the way.” “Whoa!” “Shortly before that, a Sleeping Ship was stolen and properly equipped.
It was led by a certain Saros Aero.” She paused.
“My father,” I nod.
“And almost immediately after it was ready, that ship departed into space with barely a sixth of its crew.
This wasn’t a resettlement — it was more of an expedition, since they were flying with a very specific purpose.
The question is, what purpose?
At first, I thought it was an escape, but then I rejected that version.
It’s definitely an expedition.” “What made you decide that?” “Documents survived.
I copied all the paperwork — supplies, orders, transport, everything — and analyzed it.
Someone quickly, piece by piece, put all the puzzle parts together and sent them on their way.” “Mom said Dad promised to come back,” I drum my fingers thoughtfully on the back of the chair.
“That’s exactly what I’m saying.
But what exactly they found and what that project is — I never found out.” “Mmm…” “But I did find out where to get the answer to that question.” She reached for the table, where a small suitcase lay, opened it, and pulled out a map.
“Here.” “What’s this?” “A schematic of the Old City.
Their find is marked here.
Elevation above sea level, and location.” “Half a kilometer underground?!” “Yes, yes.” “Now that’s digging deep…” “No, if they dug, it wasn’t much.
There are shafts and tunnels there, preserved from time immemorial.
Also, what I managed to find out — right after this discovery…
some influential and wealthy individuals immediately poured excessive funding into the Stargazers.
This matches the documents from the time when special goods started passing through Shikaakwa in large quantities.” “You know, Hadiya, I’m afraid to imagine how much work you’ve done in all this time.” I glanced at this monster with her elegant figure, slender legs, and delicate hands with short, well-manicured nails.
“Well, I couldn’t come empty-handed,” she spread her hands.
“And besides, I was trying for you.” “Thank you.” “You’re welcome.
And don’t worry about your father.
I looked into him through my channels — he became an exile under some unclear circumstances.
Oddly enough, even though he communicated with the Stargazers, he wasn’t a member of the sect.
That’s where I don’t understand what possessed him to get involved in this mess.” “A very good question,” I mutter under my breath, studying the map.
“One we’ll definitely get an answer to.
Later.” “Right.
But I’m not done yet.” “Hm?” I look up from the map at that very, very pleased little face.
“They’re preparing something grand right now.
Well…
not right now, but in the near future.
Their goal is this place.” She leaned forward, looked at the map, and tapped the marker.
“That’s where the map comes from.” “That’s interesting…
How serious is this?” “Serious enough that they’re arming up like for a war.
In the future, they want to take control of this place.
Ideally, it should all go quietly.
But if not, they’ll be there anyway.” “I don’t like the sound of that.” I rub the bridge of my nose.
“And how much time do we have?” “About two years.” “How much?” “I told you, they’re just preparing.
The news is fresh — the moment I got the map, the moment a lead appeared, I flew straight to you.
Also, as I said, they want to do it quietly, without noise or fuss.
An armed conflict is a last resort, but if pressed, they’ll fight back.” “I see.
Hmm…
The Old City is located near Vur Tepe.
We could, on the way there or back, stop by and stay a while.” “I’ll tell you right now — it’s very dangerous there.” “What lives there?” “Mostly bloodlice.” “Mother of…” I even flinched.
“How did the Stargazers not die there?” “Somehow.” She shrugged.
“Apparently…
not without losses.” Oh.
The presence of bloodlice in the ruins significantly complicated things.
Just to be clear, a bloodlouse is a small, nasty creature that flies silently like a pest you can’t hit, immune to mental suggestion from the Force, and to most of its manifestations.
They fly very fast in large swarms, inflicting many small, bleeding wounds on their victims.
In short, one of the most unpleasant creatures native to Tython that you can run into.
One good thing — to actually stumble upon them, you have to try pretty hard, since they’re terrified of light and don’t live just anywhere.
“Wait, how do they survive there?” “There’s a Source of the Force there.” “A Source of the Force?” I raise my eyebrows.
“What kind?” “I don’t know.
Just a Source of the Force — that’s all I know.” “Damn.” I put down the map and rub the bridge of my nose.
“What does that mean?” “Hm?” “Chhhyeert.
You always say that word in another language.
And that ‘sun’ of yours too.” “Really?
I hadn’t noticed.
Well, the Sun is a star.
Bright and beautiful.” Hadiya smiled.
“And ‘damn’ is a creature.
A very bad creature.
You could compare it to a pest — it has a mystical origin and usually brings trouble.” “I see.
So it’s something bad.” “Exactly.
And to be honest, right now I’m not even sure if it’s worth it.
I mean, why do I need this, why risk myself, when I’m already living pretty well?” “So you can live not just pretty well, but also peacefully?” Hadiya tilted her head.
“Your father is, effectively, a renegade and a traitor.” “But Mom always spoke highly of him.
And I don’t think she would have tied her fate to a madman.
So something’s off here…” I tap my nails on the back of the chair thoughtfully.
“Alright, it’s late, and we have to get up early tomorrow for training.
Thanks again, Hadiya.
I had no idea you’d bring so much.” I took a fresh look at the map and the sheer volume of information that Hadiya not only had to find but also analyze.
And this is just a short summary with key points.
I don’t even want to think about how much was filtered out…
“So, I deserve a kiss?” “Hadiya!” “What?
I have the right, and you can’t brush me off with my age anymore!
Or with Vessira either, since she’s fine with it.” “Tch.
What have I gotten myself into?!” I raise my eyes to the ceiling.
“Want me to answer?” “No!” “Well then…
Can I have my reward?” “Fine.” I put the map back in the suitcase and close it.
“Hm?” “Keep it with you.
It’s safer and more reliable.” “Alright.” Getting up from the chair, I lean down to Hadiya to kiss her on the forehead — after all, she didn’t specify — but I was outsmarted.
As soon as I got close, she wrapped a hand around the back of my head and tried to kiss me on the lips.
Completely ineptly, as much as that was possible, but very, very earnestly.
“Mmm…” Pulling back, I look at this satisfied little minx.
“I take it that was your first time?” “Mhm.” “Well…
I can be proud of myself, then.
Okay, Hadiya, now I’m asking you to leave my room.” “You’re going to kick me out, this late, into a cold and gloomy corridor?” She made big eyes.
“Yes!
Because it’s my room!” “What if an assassin is waiting for me out there?” “Then I’ll shake his hand myself.” “Well, maybe I can just sit here on the chair?” “Hadiya…” “Fine, fine, I’m going.” She slid off my bed but wasn’t in a hurry to leave.
“Oh, please, I won’t be a bother, I promise.
I don’t want to go anywhere.” “May the Force be with you, stay.” I wave my hand, pulling a travel cot out of my bag.
“Hm?” “You sleep on the bed.
I’ll sleep here.” “But I thought…” “You’ll live!” “Listen, Shade, are you sure about your orientation?” “?!?” “Well, it’s just…
A beautiful girl wants to lie down next to you, and you…” “Hadiya…” “Fine, fine, I’m quiet.” She immediately jumped away from me as if burned.
I stand there, drilling her with my gaze, and stupidly realize that the moment I relax, she’ll simply and brazenly crawl over to me, just like she did two years ago.
So, sighing and shoving the cot back into the bag, I flop onto the bed.
Hadiya immediately lands next to me, rests her chin on my chest, and looks into my eyes, happy.
“Say one word, and you’re out the door.” Blink.
Blink.
Hmm…
Maybe I should go to Gris’s?
He’s just next door…
Ah, screw it, my brain is already leaking out of my ears, I don’t need to worry about anything else.
Relax and enjoy the pleasant company.
Yeah.
It all helps promote the story.