Writer's Notes:
Well here's chapter 2, hopefully we can get a better look into Mirabelle's history. Hopefully Caleb will be able to reach her past the walls she's put up.
This chapter contains mature subject matter, blah, blah, blah, read at your own risk.
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The next morning came as quickly as the night. As the sun shined down on this sure to be a pleasant Saturday, Caleb was getting out of bed preparing to start his first day as a host. But before he got out of bed he began to remember a rather unusual he had the previous night.
The Dream:
He was standing in the middle of a room. There was nothing in it but greyness and a light fog. He began to walk for what felt like an eternity as he contemplated his whereabouts, when suddenly he noticed a large purple couch in the middle of the floor. Exhausted from walking, he decided to sit down and rest, still trying to figure out how he ended up here. He turned his head and nearly jumped out of his skin when he saw a woman from out of nowhere sitting next to him. She had deep lavender hair wore a lovely purple satin sleeveless dress with a black waist strap that, not only gave her hips and large breast a voluptuous physique, but accentuated her long, curvaceous legs. She wore no shoe or socks. As she sat, crossing her legs and sitting up straight, she spoke in soft but seductive voice. "Tell me the truth", She began.
"If you do, you can indulge yourself as much you want with me." She then scooted over into Caleb's lap and began grinding on him. Caleb was confused but didn't object to her actions.
"You're disgusted by her, aren't you?". Caleb tried listening to this sudden question but was too enthralled with her movements but managed to retort. "Uh, no. Who are you talking about?". She put her face to his ear and began nibbling the lobe before whispering. "Oh come on, you can tell me. The second she stepped out of the van you saw her as some filthy riding animal with a human face. Am I right?" Caleb suddenly snapped out of the trance, grabbing her hips and moving her off his lap. "What are talking about?! I don't think of anyone as an animal." The woman stopped her grinding. "Cut the bullshit, the second you saw her, you wanted her out of your sight, didn't you?!" Caleb, becoming annoyed stood up from the couch. "Look I don't know who you're tallking about but. Why would I get rid of someone when I don't even know them?". The mystery woman stood up as well, clearly becoming agitated. "You're lying, I don't know how but you are. All you humans lie it's what you are all best at." Caleb stood bewildered by her random outburst. What is this woman talking about? Who is she talking about? "The food.", the woman spoke almost to a growl. Caleb looking at her questionably. "What were plan on doing to it? Did you put any drugs in it? What were you planning to do once she was knocked out?", she spoke angrily while becoming teary eyed. Caleb, shocked from her accusation, spoke up abruptly. "No. Why the hell would I do that? Are you fucking insane?!" The woman, tears rolling down her eyes "Y-you're all horrible. You just see us as animals." Caleb feeling guilty and concerned reached out to try and console the crying woman, she jumped back in response. But not before looking at Caleb and his worried expression. She turned and ran and Caleb went after her but she was too fast and he easily lost sight of her. Before Caleb saw a finally glimpse of her in the distance, he noticed how her form had changed a bit, her rear almost looked like that of a horse.
Dream End:
"I gotta stop eating sweet potato pie before bed, it gives me weird dreams", sighed Caleb coming out of the shower with his blue bathrobe on. He then put on the clothes he had previously laid out; A black pokemon shirt, blue jeans, dark brown belt, and brown converse sneaker. Caleb made his way over to Mirabelle's room and knocked at the door.
"Good morning, sleepyhead.", he chimed joyfully. "I'm about to get breakfast started come on out when you're ready".
"A-Alright, I'll be out soon", Mirabelle said softly as the sound of hooves tapping against the floor could be heard.
With that, Caleb went into his now stupidly big kitchen and looked in his refrigerator for the ingredients he sought. He had already read over Mirabelle's diet plan as it most detailed her vegetarian needs. It was good thing he had went shopping the day before, so his culinary repertoire was fully stocked.
Thirty minutes had passed and Caleb was finishing up his last dish. It was at the moment when the young Nightmare came walking…trodding?...yeah no, walking into the dining room. She had on an indigo tank top and purple bolero jacket covering it. She wore long purple cape-like cloth covering the top portion of her horse half. In her hair was a crescent moon accessory pinned on the side.
No sooner than the scent of the delicious meal hit her nostrils, Mirabelle stood staring in complete befuddlement at the feast presented before her. A plate of crispy hashbrowns, English muffins, freshly made whole wheat pancake with sliced banana on top, and vegetable breakfast burritos lay out on the IKEA table. Being a bachelor for so long has its perks, one of them learning to cook for yourself.
Now feeling a drool coming on Mirabelle blush in embarrassment as her stomach growled. "What is all of this? Did…did he really make all of this…for me", Mirabellethought incredulously. Caleb who had heard the noise and lightly giggled, "ah, Ms. Marequine, you're up. I'll be there in a minute you can go ahead and start without me".
Mirabelle looked at her host dumbstruck as she finally asked, "Um…Mr. Bizzell…What…what is this?". She paused waiting for his response.
"Well…short answer…breakfast. Long answer, hash browns, muffins, pancakes—", he stopped when he saw her questioning look. "Oh, is there something wrong. You want me to make you something else?".
Mirabelle shook her head frantically. "oh, no, no, no. Everything is fine, it all looks delicious". A little too delicious. She thought.
"Ok, welp have a seat and dig in before everything gets cold.", Caleb giggle with a toothy grin while handing her a plate with a fork and butter knife.
Mirabelle, feeling a bit wary, walked to the side of the table and took one of her specially designed seat and placed her full bottom portion on it. Her waste was close enough to the table edge that could reach everything. She looked at the food cautiously almost deciding which would be safest to eat. She decided to start with the hash browns and took a small portion onto her plate. She took a bite and immediately lit up in delight at the taste of the crispy spuds. It's incredible. So crunchy and rich, she thought with a content look as she munched on the potatoes.
"hehe good right.", Caleb said walking up to the table. Mirabelle snapped out of her trance and looked at the man with an embarrassed grin. Caleb walked over and placed a cup of orange juice on his and her side of the table. He then took a seat on the opposite end right in from of Mirabelle. "I wasn't sure if you liked whole wheat pancakes or not hell not many people do. So, I just said go for it.", He said with a shrug. She eyed the pancakes suspiciously "What's that aroma coming from the pancakes it smells…robust?". "Oh that's cinnamon, thought the taste would give them an extra kick", Caleb said with grin. Mirabelle took a bite of her pancake and hummed lowly at the tasty fluffy treat. it's delicious, so soft and warm. Caleb smiled at the blushing face of the centaur.
"So how did enjoy your first night's sleep at Castle Caleb?", he said in a joking tone.
Mirabelle stopped eating as a sense of concern began to grow within her. "I-I slept well. Why do you ask?" She looked up at him, scanning his face for something.
"I just wanted to make sure you're comfortable. I can imagine it'd be hard falling asleep in a house with someone you barely know.", Caleb explained.
Mirabelle looked at him and was startled that she found no hint of falsehood in his expression. "O-Oh. So how did you sleep?", she looked, now a bit cautious.
"Pretty good, had a weird dream though, but t I'm sure it was just the sweet potato pie.", he said plainly. Sweet potato pie? Mirabelle thought tilting her head before asking "What was it about?"
"Something about a woman who kept asking me strange questions. In short, she just kind of broke down into a fit and I tried to console her but she ran away. I actually felt really sad for her…she looked so…hurt", Caleb stated in a remorseful tone a tear forming in his eye which he wiped away.
After hearing his answer, Mirabelle felt a sense of warmth com over her at his answer. How can he be so kind? There has to be ploy, he must be up to something. Her thought was interrupted when Caleb, just pulling himself together, asked "So…do you have anything planned for today?"
Mirabelle jumped up and sat for a few seconds at his sudden question before looking down nervously. "N-no, I don't. Why do you ask?"
"Well I just thought we could go out today so I can show you around town. I don't have work again until Monday and It's kinda part of my job to teach you about my culture." Caleb said about to finish the last of his juice.
"Oh…well…um…" Mirabelle stuttered trying to find out how to respond.
"I mean", Caleb continued, "You must have been so nervous when you first came here. I know it can be overwhelming coming to a new country you know next to nothing about. I just want to help you adjust as best as I can."
Mirabelle looked at Caleb with a slight sparkle in her eyes at his kind words and concern, but quickly shook it off and looked off to her side. "O-Okay. I'll go"
Caleb lit up happily, "Awesome, I know the perfect place to start."
Mirabelle continued to look away and nodded, a small smile started to grow on her face.
An hour later after breakfast and Caleb was just finishing the dishes. Any leftovers from breakfast were put away in the fridge. As Mirabelle was getting ready for her little tour with Caleb.
I wonder where we should go first. Well the botanical garden is close by maybe I'll take her there. Caleb pondered as he placed the silverware into their drawers. At the same time, Mirabelle approached the counter withher violet colored shoulder bag with a floral pattern.
"Oh, ready to go?", Caleb asked with a small grin.
"Yes, I just needed a few things", Mirabelle said warily looking at Caleb.
"You look great by the way, especially that hairpin. You must be a sailor moon fan.", He said innocently causing Mirabelle to blush at his compliment. "Oh th-thank you and yes I really like the show."
Caleb took his keys off the counter and placed his wallet in his back buttoned pocket. He opened the front door and allowed for Mirabelle to pass through first, he then turned and locked the doors.
"Alright away we go, first stop, the botanical gardens", Caleb stated in a jolly manner, warranting a confused look from Mirabelle. "What is this botanical garden?"
"Oh, you'll love it, trust me, I'll explain more on the way it looks like our ride is here.", Caleb said pointing at the approaching bus-like vehicle. In it, several humans and Extraspecies were riding on it. It was a cluster of serpent tail, horn, claws, and various other features hanging partially exposed on the outer sides. Mirabelle looked on with an awestruck gaze. "Good thing that care package came with a phone number to an Extraspecies trolley. Seriously, a trolley made to accommodate all Liminal species? That's freakin awesome.", Caleb explained a bit too enthusiastically.
The boarded the trolley saying good morning to the other Liminals and their hosts. Caleb found a convertible seat and followed the instructions on the overhead to fit Mirabelle's body type. She contently sat down as Caleb took his seat. Caleb explained to her about the botanical garden and its cultural significance in the Huntsville. She seemed to be very interested in all the information he gave her. However, Caleb could feel something was off about the way she talked. As if she was forcing everything she said.
They had finally arrived at the botanical garden and got off the trolley, along with a few passengers, at the front entrance. Caleb looked at the various Extraspecies and their host families that were in the area. As he and Mirabelle walked inside, he noticed how she kept keeping a certain distance away from him.
"Hey Ms. Mirabelle", He said causing her to snap her head up at attention, "Why are you walking so far behind?
"Um…we're in public…so…", she trailed off
Caleb stepped to her side and took her hand causing her to squeal. "W-W-W-What are you doing Mr. Bizzell, people will see you with me."
"What's wrong with that?", He questioned causing her to give a surprised expression, "…Do you not want…to be seen with me?"
Mirabelle looked at his growing somber face and quickly tried to diffuse the tension. "N-No, that's not it at all. It's just…I had a host that…he…didn't like me walking with him in public. He would always tell me before going out that he would hurt if I ever got to close to him.", she finished as her shoulder slumped.
Caleb agitated at the thought of someone doing that to her, "Well he was an asshole. I ain't even gonna fathom someone being that damn stupid."
She looked up at him with bright sparkling eyes. Caleb brought her hand clasped in his up to her face. "I for one enjoy your company". Her eyes grew wide in surprise as Caleb gave her a reassuring smile. "Now, how about I show you a piece of Alabama pride?" Mirabelle giggled with a small smile "I'd like that".
The rest of their time there was spent viewing the gorgeously themed gardens with various wildflowers native to Alabama. Caleb explained the uniqueness of each native flower (at least all he knew from Google searches) to Mirabelle who seemed to really enjoy the large patch of lavender flowers, so Caleb bought her some in a vase at a souvenir stand. Her face lit up in delight at their scent. The two walked around the woodland nature trail enjoying the pleasant scenery. Throughout the walk Caleb could feel that Mirabelle wasn't very engaged in the conversation. Everything he said she responded with a "ok or an 'mhmm'". At one point thought they came across a bunch of freshwater turtles near the edge of a bridge they were on. Mirabelle cooed at how adorable they were. It delighted Caleb to see her show genuine interest in something on the tour. It wasn't long before hunger began to set in so they found the closest indoor café to take a break. Luckily, the cafe seemed to accommodate Liminals and the two found a table with convertible chairs for Mirabelle to sit in. There were not many people in the café aside from a couple of hosts and their homestays and four other individuals.
"Wooo man I'm beat, I swear this place just gets bigger every time I come here", Caleb fanned himself with his hand trying to cool down. "Are you hot too?"
"Yes, very.", Mirabelle spoke between her chin resting her head on the table.
Caleb motion over to the waitress. The young woman came over to their table gave them their menus. "I'll have the smoky mountain chicken and a Diet dr. pepper. What about you Ms. Mariequine?"
Mirabelle looked up from her menu "Um I will have large order of Asian salad, two slices of blueberry cheesecake, and a large peach tea."
"Alright, how will you be paying?", said the young waitress
"Credit", Caleb took out his credit card which she swiped at the counter
"Alright thank you, we will have your meals out shortly", Said the waitress as she gave Caleb back his card and left the two alone.
Caleb looked at Mirabelle with a content look "You are going to love the salad here, it is just heavenly."
Mirabelle just looked at Caleb as if examining him "Mmhmm"
"So those turtles were cute right? I would have loved to take one home, I think I would have named him…Sheldon. Get it?", he giggled at his pun.
Mirabelle just continued looking at Caleb contemplatively "mmmm"
Caleb slowly growing concerned "Is there something wrong? You're acting a bit distant?"
"Why are you doing all of this?". She asked plainly
Caleb confused by what she meant "All of what?"
"All of THIS.", She stated waving her hand across then stopping at the vase of flowers, "The breakfast? This trip? The flower? And now you're buying me lunch?". She paused and looked down at he clasped together hands "What do you want from me?"
"Nothing. Maybe I'll think of something later on but not right now.", Caleb answered looking her in the eyes.
"I…I don't understand. Why would be so nice to me for no reason?", she asked
"Who says I need a reason to be nice?", he questioned. She looked on at him astonishment. "I wanted to do these things with you Ms. Marequine; show you my culture, walk with you, talk with you, buy you flowers, cook for you. And before you get the wrong idea it's not just because it's my job as a host, I did it because…well…we're friends. Aren't we?"
Mirabelle was speechless. She simply stared at the young man mouth agate eyes blinking in surprise. "I want to be your friend at least, I guess I overdid things a bit. But then again, I always liked to go above and beyond people", he said scratching the back of his head. Mirabelle smiled back at him "I'd love to" Caleb looked at her in surprise. "I'd love to be friends with you Mr. Bizzell." "Please, you can call me 'Caleb'.", he said with a smile. Mirabelle gave a playful smirk "Well, then it's only fair that you now refer to me as 'Mirabelle'". Caleb giggled at her sudden cuteness, "Oh ma'am I do declare, it is so nice to see a 'real' smile on that beautiful face". Mirabelle blushed heavily at his comment "a-and you're a bit of a charmer."
"Here are your orders', the waitress said from out of nowhere easily startling Mirabelle into flinching.
The waitress set Caleb's smoky mountain chicken dinner in front of him. A platter of barbecue chicken, mashed potatoes, butternut squash, and cheese broccoli covered his plate. Next was Mirabelle's, a bowl full of salad with spring lettuce, cabbage, carrots, radish, sugar snap peas, and mandarin orange. Along with two slices of blue berry cheesecake at her side. Mirabelle visibly drooled and began to dig into her meal with a look of utter content. Caleb did the same and enjoyed the delicious tender meat and sweet squash.
After a few minutes of eating in silence Mirabelle halted her veggie assault and looked up at Caleb who was still working on his broccoli.
"Um, Caleb?" ,She asked catching his attention. He wiped his mouth with a napkin and looked up at her. "Yeah?"
"I-I want to start over?", Maribelle stated shifting in her seat.
"Start what over?". Caleb asked puzzled.
"Our relationship. I feel like we didn't exactly get off on the right foot and I want to get to know you better now.", she said with a hint of remorse.
Caleb took a sip of his drink "Alright then, what do you want to know?"
"Oh…um….well…what do you do for a living?", she asked taking in a mouthful of cabbage and carrot.
"I work as a designer for an engineering firm. We're currently working on a new type of turbine that could help increase energy production in powerplant generators", Caleb explained taking another drink of soda.
"Wow, that sounds amazing. So you're an engineer? You must be really smart.", Mirabelle stated her eyes wide with admiration.
Caleb waved off the complement "eh some of the math can get crazy every now and again but it's a rewarding experience when you see the finished product. I've done about 8 projects since I started working there."
"I bet it gets tiring from time to time.", she stated sipping her tea.
"Every now and again. But I only work Monday through Thursday 9 to 6, so those weekends are a godsend. Unless project manager is a dick and dumps some specs for us to analyze", Caleb explained with an annoyed tone.
"Ah, so what do you like to do for fun?", Mirabelle asked blissfully
"I like reading, building models, watching anime, and gaming. Currently enjoying Dragonball Fighterz, I'll show you how to play some time.", Caleb said finishing the rest of his chicken.
"Ah that would be lovely, I don't think I've played a video game before. However, I've heard stories about them from other liminal homestays.", she explained with a slight giggle.
Caleb cleared his throat and looked at Mirabelle, "Alright now it's my turn to ask about you.". Mirabelle's eyes widened with curiosity
"What do you like to do for fun?", he asked
"Well…I Iike to read, mostly fantasy and I don't like horror. I enjoy gardening, my mother always said my thumb was so green it could rival a Driad.", she laughed which made Caleb laugh with her. "I also love collecting Sailor Moon figurines.", She said with a blank expression.
"Huh, I had a feeling you were a fan of the franchise.", Caleb stated with an impassive expression
"Odd, usually whenever I tell anyone that they burst out into laughter and say something like 'are you kidding? You're into that dorky crap?'", She grimaced as she took a bite of her cheesecake.
"Ugh, I hate it when people do that. It's like our passions and interests are a complete joke to them. You wouldn't believe the shit I got when I wore my Pokemon belt to work.", He said with a scowl. "But how many figurines do you have?"
"I've got 29 in total", she said with a supercilious tone to which Caleb rolled his eyes. "I only brought 8 with me when I first moved in though. I can ask Agent Sterling to have the rest delivered to me along with some of my other things".
Caleb looked at her with a bemused expression, "Why didn't bring everything with you when you moved in? Did you think you weren't going to stay long?".
Mirabelle paused and closed her eyes contemplating her answer, "I…honestly did", she said weakly.
"What would make you think that?", he asked trying to comfort her.
She played with her cheesecake with a downtrodden look "Every other host I ever had, either rejected me upon introduction or had me sent away after one night. Some of them…did things to me…tried to hurt me. Tried to…tried…to…", she put her shaking hand over her mouth to muffle her sobs.
Caleb tried to stand up to comfort to clearly distressed woman, but she caught his arm and guided him back to his seat. Likely not wanting to draw attention from the other people in the café.
"There…there are many people that still view us Nightmares as a symbol of misfortune. Humans despise us for our ominous, haunting appearance and other Centaur see us as cowardly, weak, and a disgrace to their species. W-why are we so loathed, we only want to live in peace.", she spoke dolefully.
"Mirabelle", Caleb interjected, "There will always be folks that treat others like that. Hell there are people who look at me disdainfully."
"You…know what's like for people to viewed with contempt?", Mirabelle surprised at that statement.
He closed his eyes spoke critically "Well…yeah of course I do, I'm black. Down here in the South my people have a wretched history. We've been persecuted for hundreds of years, we've struggle to have just basic human rights. I mean fuck many of our ancestors started out as slaves."
Mirabelle's jaw hung open in complete shock, there was nothing she could say at that moment.
"But at us now, look at ME now. We're started with little to nothing and we turned it into a better life. Not many people discriminate against us like they did back then. I mean yeah, like I said earlier, I've had to deal with bigots and racists once in a while, but that's just how it is. I guess what I'm trying to say is, it gets easier. The hard part is finding the determination and patience to see it, but it does get easier.", Caleb finished as he went to finishing the last of his broccoli and cheese.
"C-Caleb, I…", the young centaur uttered still trying to process everything she heard, "I had no idea, I'm so—", Caleb shushed her by clasping her hand on the table. No sympathetic speeches, not today.
"Acceptance takes time Mirabelle", Caleb continued, "Don't let a few shit heads take away your trust in others".
Mirabelle looked at the young man teary eyed. "So…do you accept me Caleb?". He looked her straight into sparkling violet orbs. "Yes, I do." "What do you see when you look at me?", she continued. "I see a girl. A girl who's been hurt, a girl who needs a friend, a girl who deserved to be happy" Suddenly they heard a low grumbling sound that sound like an animal growling. It was Mirabelle's stomach. Caleb, "heh a girl who wants seconds." Mirabelle smiled at the young man, blushing from her slight embarrassment. Caleb called to the waitress "Excuse me, can we have another order of Asian salad?"
A couple hours passed with the two finishing up their meal, it was evening and the sun was starting to set. As the botanical garden was closing, Caleb and Mirabelle were waiting on the trolley to bring them back home. They were walking to the closest pick-up stop about three blocks down, blissfully chatting with each other the entire way.
"and so the guy looks at the waiter and says 'no she didn't, she just walked in the front door", Caleb exclaimed raising both eyebrow while the Centaur walking beside him burst into laughter.
Caleb had just finished telling Mirabelle a joke he heard from some coworker awhile back.
"Hey, look there's the trolley stop point.", Caleb chuckled out, pointing at the sign with the trolley symbol on it.
Mirabelle let out the last of her giggles and nuzzled up closer to Caleb as they walked. As they walked out two guys came out of an Applebee's laughing hysterically and clowning around. As the two guys came walking passed Caleb and Mirabelle, one of them said "Whoa, bud. You better get you pony back to its stable before it shits on the road". "Hey partner, you put a saddle on her yet", the other one cackled. Mirabelle held Caleb's arm tighter as she shook with fright. Again the other guy called out, "Yes sir, that would be a sight to see. A monkey riding a horse". Caleb clenched his fist as Mirabelle looked up at him worriedly, he gave her a strained smile and looked up ahead for a moment. The trolley was in sight. One of the men came up close behind "Hey partner how about giving us a little ride on your horse hear?", this made Mirabelle draw back terrified as the man tried to touch her rear. Caleb then grabbed and twisted the man's arm and performed a judo throw knocking him to the ground. Mirabelle looked at the scene in awe. "You fuckin piece of—", said the other man taking a swing at Caleb, who blocked then kneed him in the stomach making the man curl up in pain. As this happened, the first guy took out his knife while Caleb back was turned. Mirabelle saw this and snapped out of her trance. "Nooooo", said rushing at the man and shoving him to the ground. "Gaghhh, stupid ass horse bitch. I gonna cut up that pretty face.", he said as he rushed at her. Mirabelle froze in fear and covered her face. To her surprise, she felt no pain, but opened her when she heard a cry of pain followed by something hitting the ground. She saw that Caleb stood in front of her, while the guy with the knife cradled his eye socket in agony. Eventually to two picked themselves off the ground, the one holding his eye shouted "You fuckin freaks, you don't belong here. And you, you're a deadman. Goddamn n***er". They ran off as the trolley slowly pulled up. Mirabelle winced at their word and looked up at Caleb who was simply shaking his head disappointedly. "It's just like I said you gotta deal with people like that every once in a while." He turned around and looked at Mirabelle who simply stared back.
"Come on, our ride's here", he stated wistfully and Mirabelle simply nodded and followed him.
Soon they arrived back at Caleb's house, they came in the house got settled in from the ride back. Caleb took off his shoes and decided to relax on the couch and Mirabelle took the oversized ottomon to sit next to him.
"So you enjoyed yourself today Mirabelle?", Caleb asked with a small grin.
Mirabelle her head up in surprise "U-uh, I did, I really learned a lot and the gardens were beautiful", she picked up and sniffed her violets. "I will treasure this day for as long as I live".
"Heh, well aren't you awfully poetic all of a sudd—Ah.", Caleb winced as he tried to put his hands behind his head. Mirabelle noticed this and eyed Caleb for a minute before noticing a red spot near the should on his shirt.
"Caleb put your arms down and sit still", he obeyed while she scooted over and lifted up his shirt sleeve. There was a cut on his shoulder that still bled a little. Caleb saw it himself and was surprised. "Whoa when did that happen? Weird, I thought I felt a stinging sensation but I just ignored it. Doesn't look deep though I can just—", Caleb stopped when he saw the now panicking centaur.
Maribelle frantically muttering, "Oh gods, uh, we need bandages and water to clean wound. Oh and herbs, and…oh my gods it may need stitches. Don't worry Caleb I'll—", she was cut off by Caleb who grabbed her shoulders.
"Hey, Hey now it's fine Maribelle. I'll just dab on some rubbing alcohol and put on a bandage. It's all good.", He spoke nonchalantly.
"It's not Caleb.", she said shaking visibly her vision becoming watery. "It's my fault you were injured. You were protecting me because I couldn't protect myself. I'm such a weakling"
"Mirabelle, you are not weakling and it's not your fault in the slightest, it was that asshole who was harassing us. Plus, if anything you saved my life. When you pushed that guy, he was about to stab me when I wasn't looking was he?", She nodded slowly. "You saw someone you cared for in danger and you acted, THAT is not being weak, that is courage, you Mirabelle are my hero tonight.", he spoke the last part in a valiant manner.
Mirabelle confounded by the emotions that swelled within her stood silent pondering his every word. "You…think I was courageous?", she asked, eyes growing wide in anticipation.
"of course, you are. And as thanks, tomorrow I'm going to cook you a hero's breakfast then we'll play some Dragonball Fightersz. But I think start with a thank you hug ", He punctuated with his arms outstretched inviting her in. She joyfully rushed into his arms hugging him tightly and enjoying his warmth.
The two separated from the hug with Mirabelle blushing and her tail swaying furiously. "Welp it's getting pretty, think we should turn in.", He yawned and started heading for his room. Mirabelle snapped back to reality and made way to her room. "Good night Mirabelle", "Good Night, Caleb", the two in their rooms closing their doors.
Caleb looked at his phone. It was already close to 10. He then remembered he had to email some updated notes to his supervisor at work, so he set an alarm on his phone for 4:00 am to email it to him. That way, if his boss was at church, he'd have them in his inbox when he got back. After going through his inbox, Caleb eventually decided to turn in for the night. Soon he started having another dream.
Caleb opened his eyes and looked around to see he was in the same grey foggy room as last time. "Ah great, this again", he sighed in contempt. He looked around to try and find anything else he might have missed, soon he spotted the same purple couch. "Okay, this is ridiculous, what the hell is this place? I wonder if the weird lady is still here. Whatever, guess I'll just chill on the couch again.", He groaned as he walked leisurely and laid on the couch. A yawn escaped his lips as he was beginning to close eye, when he slowly opened them again he saw the woman standing behind the couch just starting at him. "Dafuq—ah god", Caleb spouted jerking his head up suddenly and rolling off the couch. "Oh Gods, I'm sorry did I frighten you?", said the worried lady. "You nearly gave me a heart attack, geez what do you want lady?", he asked growing impatient. The woman played with her finger and shuffled her body. Caleb notice her attire was less… risqué. A purple long sleeve turtle neck, a black dress skirt with black stockings, and purple heels. "I…want to apologize for everything I said to you. I know now you didn't deserve that", she apologized in a gentle voice. Caleb sighed in exasperation and pinched the bridge of his nose, "Fine, It's fine, ok? I don't know what that was all about before but I hope whatever your going through it'll all work out. And you did apologize so I'll let it slide.", he said relenting to the flippant woman. The woman then came up to him until they were face to face, smiling and blushing the whole time. "You're so kind. Even in this state, you're still same as you act. So understanding, so patient, and so accepting.", As her blush grew her eyes began to grow more glazed with desire. She put her hand to his chest making Caleb's eyes widen in surprise. "Hey, come on now, what—", She shushed him with her finger as she leaned closer. Suddenly the spot on his chest began to glow, making Caleb mutter in confusion. When the light died down, Caleb pulled his shirt to look at the spot to find…a mark…shaped like a hoof with a crescent moon in the center. "What…what is this?", asked Caleb bewildered. "That is my mark. The mark that unites us as one. You belong to me and I, you. My love.", she spoke in tender tone with a loving smile. Caleb confused just simply accepted her proclamation, mostly not wanting her to fly into another fit of hysteria. "Alright then", he said simply. The woman lit up in excitement and wrapped her arms around his neck. She then leaned in for a kiss, and Caleb puckered his. Suddenly a loud sound like music was playing, the entire room began to rumble like an earthquake, the surroundings began to slowly dissolve into darkness, and the couch turn to dust. "WHAT"S HAPPENING?!", Caleb shouted in fear. "No, Nononono, he's waking up!", the woman exclaimed. "WHAAAAAAAA", Caleb shouted one last time. Everything went black and Caleb, now awake shot up from his bed screaming.
He panted looking around and located the source of the noise, His phone's alarm. "Ugh right, that email, shit why'd I choose GorGor for my alarm?! I need gave myself a stroke"., he cursed turning of the alarm. Caleb then remembered the dream he had, "huh, that dream again. Man, what was up with lady? First she hates me now she wants to kiss me?". He sighed and prepared to get out of bed when he heard a whimpering sound.
He turned and saw…Mirabelle...standing near the foot of his bed muttering incomprehensible gibberish and looking around frantically.
"What the? Mirabelle?!", he shot out startling her into falling over on her side.