The living room was quiet, eerily quiet. I sat on the couch along with Lilith as the two that stood in front of us were Kale and Tera. Tera filled Kale with the incident that happened earlier and talked with him about wanting a conversation with me, which he agreed to. So now Kale was staring at me with a disappointed face, Tera only looked at me with a blank face.
Lilith seemed confused and surprised about what I did. When we were outside of the gate, she kept asking questions about what I did and if I killed someone. Which I tried to answer as she shook me. Normally she'd be the one who'd be making bad decisions. Seeing me make one probably mind fucked her as I was suppose to be the smart one.
We all said nothing for a good moment before Kale decided to start the conversation.
"So…you almost killed someone?"
"I-I didn't try to k-."I tried to speak, but kale interrupted me.
"Any reason why? I can't imagine anything pissing you off that much."
"They were harassing Sura!"
"Is that what triggered it?"
"Yes!"
Kale looked at Tera as if confirming with her if what he was hearing was true. She nodded and huddled up together. It seemed they were trying to figure out what was up with me.
"Kota, let's talk about… this issue of yours. Your parents aren't here, so you can speak about it."
What? Wait, are they assuming that Synthia and Gerald abused me? I don't think there's ever been an occasion where they have. I'm going to stop that guess right before it begins.
"No! No! They never did anything bad with me!" I frantically waved my hands in front of me. Kale and tera looked at each other, thinking. It wasn't long before tera went back to that other theory she made when she found me.
"Is it because of Lilith's bullying that it triggers you?" When she asked that, Lilith turned to me in more confusion. "Perhaps your attachment to the young lady has developed a sort of…problem for yourself."
Ok, maybe this theory is really out of this world…wait, was I actually developing a protectiveness to Lilith? The last time I actually got mad was when…well shit when Lilith was in trouble. Actually, I think most of the issues I've gotten into involve her. No, I'm just seeing it as that. I think the real issue goes farther back to my past life. I'm starting to see a pattern when I usually get in trouble.
"Wait, are you saying I'm causing his issues?" Lilith worriedly asked.
"No, I wouldn't say that." As tera said that, she looked at kale for support. Kale was looking off before he noticed Tera, I don't think kale is that good when it came to conversations like these.
He quickly realized that he needed to say something and awkwardly coughed. "Oh! A-Ahem…yeah…she's right." That was a horrible response and it showed on Tera's disappointed face.
"You are terrible at this."
"Look. When I had Gerald as an apprentice, there weren't any issues with him. I don't know how to handle Kota. Plus he's your Apprentice, right?"
"I'm his teacher. But I was asking you to support me."
Kale frowned at that. "Oh."
Tera Groaned and then looked at me, she was trying to figure out what was wrong with me. To be honest, I wanted to tell her. But with the rules that Arael made lingering in my mind, I kept my mouth shut.
"Kota." Her Brown eyes stared right at me, it was like looking right through my soul. "From what I've seen and heard, you seem to have an issue with those who attack Lilith or any female friends. Is that right?"
"I-uh…yes?" I had to agree there, but who doesn't have any issue with anyone doing that? And why must you specifically say female?
"Mmhmm, so he doesn't have an issue?" Kale chimed in. "How many times have I protected you or Lilith?" He looked at both Lilith and Tera.
"Yes, but you don't usually have your first option as Humiliation. Kota's is. And I want to crack down on that." Tera snapped at him, though her cheeks reddened slightly. "Since we know that Kota is just protective of Girls now, we just need to find out why he takes it to extreme measures."
Kale groaned at that, taking a seat in one of the chairs. He seemed already tired of this conversation. I didn't blame him, it seemed like Tera was just trying to drag it out even more.So he just cut to the chase. "Look, Kota is just over protective. He saw Lilith getting smacked around by some bullies and Kota went into knight mode, Simple. Seeing Sura getting harassed was enough to trigger that protectiveness. I say he just overreacted. but go ahead and keep going, queen." He sank deeper into the cushions of the chair as Tera sighed and sat in the one across from him. He really wanted this conversation to end.
Tera thought for a moment, I think she believed there was something else. But after a few moments, she gave up and held both hands against her mouth. "Perhaps I was looking into this too much. But I do believe you have some sort of issue that needs to be addressed." Her eyes went towards Lilith. "Lilith, do you need Kota to protect you at all times?"
Lilith gave her a surprised look when she was called on. "Me? I mean…" she twiddled her thumbs around as she thought. "To be honest, I'm pretty sure I'm stronger than Kota is right now."
That is absolutely true. My mana reserves are far superior than hers, my magic is as well. She can't really do any sort of magic, nor has she tried to. But I'm just saying that from a Magic point of view. In terms of strength and speed? She beats me easily. Anything from the close range, she'd beat me. It's like a sixty percent chance if it was mid range. I mean, she has been training way more than me.
"But I don't mind if he does come and save me. Just as long as he understands that i'm not weak." A hand clenching to her chest as she said that. Her tone was slightly more confident. Her eyes gleamed, it was like something switched in her.
Tera raised her eyebrow at that, there was a surprised look on her face when she heard that. I was surprised too. I didn't even expect her to answer that so calmly.
Lilith continued on. "I've had troubles and issues before he came and helped me that day. But I've grown stronger and now I'm able to help and protect him." She then turned to me, her cheeks reddening as she spoke. "Look, I don't know how to converse about these sorts of things. Nor do I really know how to deal with these things. What I do know is that…you don't need to worry about me or anyone, just trust that they can handle it themselves or else you'll end up maybe doing worse. I mean…look at me and ask yourself if I always need your protection."
The room fell silent as she finished her sentence. Lilith stared at me still, a small smile on her face as I looked at her stunned. This…oddly sounded familiar. No, no it was just a coincidence. I think what I should be more surprised about is how…correct she was.
In my past life, I've tried to protect a girl from my friends without even thinking. That oversight of mine led to me basically being outcasted and bullied, even by that girl. That anger to my friends just led me to double down on protecting those who were being harassed. But that just made things worse for me, I ended up getting kicked out by my parents. And here I am in this world, doing the same damn thing. Lilith's words struck me, in an odd sense. Like it was something that should've been told to me. Either way, it did make me think.
Sura could've managed that situation we were in, in a less hostile manner. Though she never said anything in particular, I could tell she was irritated that I decided to help. And with Lilith, well she said it herself. She's capable of actually handling things herself and she doesn't always need me.
"Kota?" Lilith's voice broke through my thoughts when she spoke. "Are you alright?"
"…Yeah. Just didn't expect you to say all that."
Lilith smiled as she heard that, though she noticed her own smile and tried to keep a straight face. "So you understand then?"
I shook my head. " I understand." I felt a palm against my cheek, Lilith raised her hand to touch it. She's got somewhat worn hands from using the sword, but it didn't bother me.
"Good…" she continued to rub my cheek gently. This was probably the most intimate I've seen her. A hug was enough, but she was going in now! I just sat there as she did it.
"Ahem…'' Kale coughed to get both our attention. He looked very laid back in that chair, but he seemed to get uncomfortable at the two of us. "Little too close to each other, settle down kids." Lilith quickly receded her hand, holding it close to her chest as she seemed more flustered than before.
"Yes." Tera chimed in, there was a wide grin on her face as she looked at Kale. "But a little interaction with the two could prove vital to Kota's situation. Kota, are you able to get past this issue? If not, I'd assume it'll just cause more issues in the future…"
"I…I think I understand it now. I just…never had anyone give me advice on this sort of thing." That was true. I don't remember a single damn person in my past life who came up to help me…well besides that Girl at the bridge, but I didn't really listen to her. I wonder where she is? Didn't Arael say something about her? I'll need to keep that in mind whenever that goddess comes to visit me.
"Hmm, well at least we know that you won't try to kill anyone. I hope." Tera looked at Kale who was still trying to stay out of this conversation. that seemed to piss her off. "Will you contribute to the damn situation!" She quickly grabbed a pillow and threw it at him. He was unfazed by it.
As those tera began to berate him on his lack of support, Lilith tugged on my Sleeve, breathing heavily.
"Let's go to bed."
"Huh?" Both of us? This coming from the left field, why's she inviting me? She's never done this. By the looks of her eyes, there seems to be a change. The amber colored eyes were not there anymore, her left eye glowing red and it seemed there was just more drowsiness in them. She was just alive and well moments before, what the hell happened?
"Uh, I need to take Lilith upstairs." I urgently said that caught the attention of Kale and Tera. "Thanks for the pep talk, I'll keep it all in mind. Especially Liliths. I'll just leave you two to solve your couple problems." And I quickly grabbed Lilith by her arm and brought her upstairs.
As soon as we entered our room, she immediately toppled onto the bed. She looked extremely exhausted for some reason. Is it because of her eye? Shit, I didn't even notice it activated until then. She rolled herself until she took all the bed sheets, not even taking off her shoes or changing.
Dude, she is making the bed dirty! I literally clean this bed every time they leave! I gotta get rid of the shoes!
Swiftly, I untied the laces of her shoes and took them off. These shoes were extremely sturdy, and they looked quite nice. Except for the smell, it was horrible. Those days of training really accumulate in these, so I tossed them aside while closing my nose.
As I finished, Kale came into the room. It seemed that he and Tera had ended their conversation. Looking outside, I could see Tera walking away in the snow. I wonder what they were talking about?
Judging by his expression, it probably ended badly. He probably pissed off tera with his informal manners or something.
"Is Lilith alright? You both kind of…ran off." He said as he moved closer to her, then he noticed her eyes. "Hey, her left eye is glowing. Cold sweats…what happened?"
I shrugged. "That's what I'm trying to figure out. Maybe it's emotional stress? Doesn't her eye only activate from that sort of thing?"
"Hmm." Kale stroked his chin. "Maybe that confession from her took a toll on her. But she seemed calm. We should let her rest. If anything, we wouldn't want to keep her awake."
"What'd you and Tera talk about?" That question seemed to freeze kale, was it really that bad?
"We…talked about how I behaved and I…" Kale seemed to struggle with his words, kinda sounded like he was on the verge of crying. "I'm pretty sure I pissed her off."
I sat down on the ground. "Well, you didn't really say much in that conversation. You just kinda played it off."
"What was I supposed to do, I never dealt with this sort of thing. Lilith doesn't even mind her own issues. Anything like…mental health, I just don't get it. I don't know why she's asking me to help." Kale put his hands to his nose stressfully.
"Maybe she just wants you to be there for her." Kale looked at me in confusion, so I just pressed on. "I mean, you said it yourself. She loves you, seems like you love her. I think she's just asking you to be there to support her, you probably hurt her feelings for being so out of it and not doing anything. I think showing just a bit of interest would've made her happy."
"Urgh, this is annoying." He groaned. Kale still didn't seem to get it. Why's this whole day just about personal issues now? I just wanted to hang out and spend this day relaxing. Just a peaceful day of just hanging out and now I'm here being a therapist to an older man.
"Forget it, I'll think about all this in my room." He frustratingly walked to the door before turning back. "Make sure she sleeps." Finally, he left the room.
"Mmm…" I heard Lilith moan, she seemed to be having trouble with sleeping. Even in her sushi roll looking form, she wiggled and moved constantly. Taking this time, I took off my cloak and changed into some sleepwear.
I hopped onto the bed, looking at Lilith. She was red faced as the Left eye of hers glowed red. Her silver-pinkish hair was messy from all the rolling.
I sat and watched as she tried to sleep. I might've looked weird, but I wasn't really sure of what to do. It was even more weird that she was staring at me. Just…both of us keeping eye contact. And I suppose to make a move? No, I already made myself a promise to only have her make a move.
Maybe I should ask if she's ok…
"Lilith?" I asked. "You good?"
"Mmm…head hurts…" she whispered. Jesus, what the hell drained her? Would healing magic work on her? It's not my strongest spell, but maybe it'll do something?
"I'm going to put my hand on your head, I'm gonna cast a healing spell." I gently laid my hand on her head, she was sweating profusely.
Remembering the feeling when I casted healing before, the beginner spell emanated from my hand. A green hue enveloped Liliths face, but it wasn't working.
"Damn it. No good." I pulled away and watched as Lilith withered in bed. I'm not really sure what to do, so I laid down beside her and watched with alertness.
Several minutes passed and it seemed she had gotten better, her eyes were closed and her breathing was more steady. It was just me and my thoughts now.
I blew out the candles that lit up this room, and found myself without a blanket since Lilith took it all. It was freezing like hell, and I was not having it. Though my mind began to wander, specifically to what Lilith had asked during our conversation downstairs.
I started to say what I was thinking, paying no mind to Lilith as I did. I mean she was asleep. "I made a promise to you that I'll help you to fight against your dad…that I'll be by your side and keep you safe. I don't know why, but…something about you makes me want to keep protecting you." Now that I got that out of my system, I turned to my side. Only to see that Lilith was actually indeed wide awake. Her eyes being their normal amber color.
"Uh…" I felt my cheeks reddening, I turned to the other side to avoid contact with her as she started to unroll out of her blankets. Did she hear that whole fucking thing? That was like the equivalent of saying I love you, I really duped myself!
And then, I felt a blanket being placed on me. Lilith put the blankets on me? And then I heard the shuffling and felt the warmth of someone next to me. It was Lilith sharing the blanket with me and we were both underneath them. Usually we'd have separate blankets for ourselves, but not tonight.
"Kota…" I heard her whisper.
My heartbeat was racing, what the fuck is happening? I didn't expect this! This whole fucking day Is taking a weird turn!…Actually these past couple of days have been insane! First we went out on a bounty and I almost get killed by an ogre, second we find Chris being kidnapped by a demon owl thing, and now I almost killed a kid because of my own stupid behavior. And Lilith is now under the sheets with me.
"Kota, look at me." I felt Lilith shake me as she said that, it was a weak shake. She still probably feels horrible. So I slowly turned to her.
"Y-yes?" When I said that, she was so close to my face that I instinctively backed up.
"As I said, I don't mind you protecting me."
"Oh…"
"I just wanna say thank you. For remembering."
"Ah no. You do-." I couldn't finish my sentence as she quickly leaned in and pecked me on my cheek.
Hm? Eh?
What? Huh?
Lilith quickly turned around, hiding beneath the sheets. Did she…did she seriously do that? I patted my cheek to confirm. Yep. Indeed. And now she's suddenly asleep, what the hell? What puts you to sleep so fast? Why the hell did you kiss my cheek?
Now hold on, think Travis. Remember what you said. When she makes the first move, we go. Don't panic…relax.
I steadily calmed myself and focused on what had just transpired. Now that the first move was made, what the hell do I do? She's probably going to wait now for me to make a move. Wait, is someone that young able to make a first move? Wait, am I able to make a move?
Ugh, this is way too much for today. Tomorrow morning will be a much better time to evaluate my options.
As hard as I thought sleeping would be…well it was rather quick as the exhaustion of today quickly overcame my thoughts. And suddenly, I found myself drifting into sleep. My back pressed against Lilith's. Maybe I'll have this all figured out by the time it's the festival.