When I looked back to see who was hugging me, I saw Fleur standing there with a gentle smile on her face. After letting go, she went around to sit on my lap and snuggled up against my chest. She didn't say a word and simply rested there as if it was the most comfortable place in the world for her.
"What are you doing up still?" I asked, trying to break the silence.
"You never came home to eat dinner with us. Everyone was sad, you know? And also, when I saw you come home, it just looked like you really needed a hug."
"Is that right? so everyone missed me then."
"Mhmm. You know that things have become much more lively since you've been around. Even Luna is different now. You're practically all she talks about when you aren't around. Oh, but don't tell her I said that."
". . ."
We didn't exchange words for a few minutes after that, and Fleur made no effort to reignite the conversation. She seemed to be waiting for something as she rested up against me.
"Fleur, how do you do it?"
"Hmm?"
"How do you not lose heart? I've seen how people are affected by your charm and how bad things can get. How can you stay so positive all the time? How can you still trust people, trust me?"
"Hmm, let's see. To answer your questions, I guess it would be that If I spent all my time worrying about things, then I don't think I could ever move forward. I can't judge them based on involuntary acts they committed while under the effects of my charm, and some of them turn out to be friendly people."
". . ."
"At least that's what I like to think anyways. The truth is, I don't always trust people, and I'm often scared about the things that could possibly happen to me. But I have people I can rely on."
". . ."
"I have you."
"Huh?"
"It may seem small to you, that time you saved me, but it was a significant moment for me. Everyone who took an interest in me did so against their will; some people even shunned me because of it. And I'm always having to guess whether someone's feelings are genuine. But with you, it's different. You're kind, yet you show no interest in me or give me any special treatment. It makes me happy."
"Happy?"
"Mhmm. Because I know that if I succeed in winning you over, what I receive will be your genuine affection. Even now, as you hold me close, I can tell the difference from if it were someone else. I feel safe."
Now that she mentions it, she's right. At some point, I seemed to have subconsciously wrapped my arms around her and pulled her close.
"If you let me, I'm sure I can be someone you can rely on as well."
". . ."
"I'm not sure if I can do that quite yet. But I'm grateful for everything you are doing right now. I'm already starting to cheer up."
"Really?"
"yes." It's not a lie. I'm grateful for this little bunny that waited for me and comforted me. If I had permission, I would seriously consider telling her everything. But now is not the time.
"Why don't you go and get some rest? I'll follow you shortly. I'm just going to watch the stars for a little longer."
I really am feeling better. Although the change is small, the way I pulled her close to me without thinking shows that the barriers inside me are slowly breaking down. A short while later, I headed inside to my room to rest. And as I was getting ready to lie down, someone knocked on my door.
*knock* *knock*
"Who is it?"
"It's Raya. Do you mind if we talk for a bit?"
"Sure, come in." I'm getting a lot of visitors tonight—First Fleur and now Raya. I wonder what she wants. After getting my consent, Raya came in and sat on the edge of the bed before asking me if I was alright.
"Yeah, I'm fine. why?"
*sigh*
"Why do you torture yourself like this?"
"What do you-"
"That's not the expression of someone who's alright. You may think you're hiding it well, but all of us can see that you're struggling. Why not let us help you?"
"It's not something you can help with."
"Are you sure about that? You know, when you failed to return, we were all worried. So we went to see the headmaster, and she told us about what you're going through right now. All of it."
Really? they heard everything. I guess that explains their behavior tonight.
"What about Fleur?"
"If she didn't say anything, it's likely because she wants you to feel comfortable enough to tell her yourself."
That makes sense. She did say something about wanting to experience genuine affection. She probably thinks I would feel forced to tell her if she put me on the spot.
"Why don't you let me relieve some of that built-up stress for you?"
It was pretty obvious what she was offering to do here, so I thought about it for a moment before confirming.
"Why go so far?"
"Because I think you are someone worth going that far for. Even if you don't see it yourself, also, I told you before, didn't I? I've taken an interest in you. The noble houses of Albion take great care when choosing suitors. This isn't an offer I would make just anyone."
". . ."
"What is there to contemplate so much about? You'll never move forward if you don't take a chance, you know."
Never move forward, huh? That reminds me of what Fleur said earlier. Oh hell. It's not like I've been making any progress on my own. I might as well take a chance.
"Alright. I want to take it slow, though."
"Of course. We don't have to go all the way but let me take care of you tonight and provide some relief."
With that, Raya walked over to me while swaying her hips seductively before providing a little show as she stripped down to stimulate me. Facing me, Raya began pulling up the crop top she usually wears to release her perky breasts before tossing it to the side. The motion pulled them up, so they bounced around a bit when the shirt was fully removed before settling in place.
The sultry snake woman then unfastened her pareo skirt and let it fall to the ground. She smirked before turning away from me to bend over, and with agonizingly slow movements, she hooked her fingers under her panties and slid them down to her ankles. After completely taking them off, she gripped both cheeks and spread herself wide open, giving me a full view of both her holes.
Raya then stood up again to face me and gently pushed me back on the bed. She got on top to straddle me while looking behind to rub my bulge with her hand. Since I was about to go to sleep, all I was wearing at the moment was a pair of boxers and a t-shirt, so it was pretty obvious to her that I was reacting to her advances.
She leaned close to my ear and licked it with her long snake-like tongue before whispering some sweet words.
"Just leave it to me. I promise I'll make you feel good."