Twinkie!

Standing outside of the small, but cozy, house, [Name] looked up at the swirling vines against the stained wood. Laios so willingly offered up his and Falin’s house for [Name] to stay and recover at for the short break. With a heavy sigh, the three of them dragged their weary bodies inside. Laios gently closed the door behind them.

“It’s nothing fancy but you’ll be dry and warm.” He smiled like an idiot (but you can tell he’s just as tired). Their house smelled like sugar and old wood, a combination that was surprisingly comforting after the trip they just had. He placed a hand on their shoulder, it was warm and not as rough as someone would expect for a fighter. “You’re not injured, right?” After a small shake of the head, Laois spoke up again, “Go take a bath. I’ll cook up something good.” He walked away licking his lips.

The warm water felt nice on [Name]’s tired skin. It seemed to wash away the grime and stress from the long journey, coating their skin like a blanket of heat, the air breaking through with a chill as they stepped out. Exiting to Laios’s room attached, they were in nothing but a towel. Their previous clothes were far too dirty and torn to put back on. That’s when they noticed the neatly folded shirt and shorts lying on the bed… Laios’s? After putting the soft cotton onto their still slightly damp body, they left to go rejoin the siblings in the main area of the house.

“Mmm, Laios, that smells so good,” [Name] was practically drooling as they came up behind him. He laddeled the soup into a couple bowls. “Thanks. I figured we needed something hearty.” [Name] took a bowl and sat on an old couch near the fireplace. It was old, a couple rips and tears here and there, but lord was it comfortable.

[Name] was quiet as they ate. They were too tired to try and hold a conversation. Laios, however, still had enough energy to talk their ear off about monsters. “I can’t believe we got to fight a warg!” He paused to take a bite.

“And it almost ate my head off” [Name] interrupted.

“Actually wargs don’t eat humans…” and he went on and on.

[Name] occasionally chimed in with a “mhm” or a soft “ahhh”.

“And this book has so much valuable information on how to eat! I need to try at least one of these recipes. Just think of all the unique flavors.” His eyes gleamed with excitement.

[Name] could only smile in return. “You’d make a great monster Laios.” They set their bowl down with a yawn. As agreed on previously, they made their way to Laios’s room. [Name] was sure he’d be joining him soon. He sat on the edge for a moment, sinking into the soft plush of an old mattress, they laid down, getting comfortable.

They weren’t sure how long it’s been, they just remembered waking up to a dip in the bed. Turning their head with barely open eyes, they saw Laios climbing into bed. His large stature began to envelop [Name]. “…Laios?” They barely whispered out. He didn’t seem to hear. His big arms wrapped around their waist as he curled around them. He was incredibly warm and so soft! Everything about this position felt protective and comfortable. Laios was big, far bigger than [Name]. They were laying with their knees up to their chest with Laios curled around them and holding tight.

It seemed that Laios fell asleep instantly. A deep rumble came from his chest as his arms tightened. A growl?! “Oh, Laios, you really would make a good monster!” Every action felt like a beast protecting a member of his pack. Despite the… oddity of the scenario, [Name] couldn’t help but feel flattered. They knew how much Laios liked monsters. This was proof enough that he wanted to protect them how he knew. They softly smiled, pressing their face into his chest, letting themselves be comforted by this man with such an interest in monsters that he started to act like one.

“Let’s stop here.” Shuro’s voice rose above the footsteps on the cobblestone path. The air surrounding the party was thick with disappointment and fear. Everyone seemed to stop in their tracks, in agreement of course. These past few days have been increasingly more difficult. Most members were wounded after a previous encounter with a Basilisk… then a school of Blade Fish… then an Undine… then, after finally reaching the next floor, a flock? of harpies. One monster after another truly took it out of everyone.

[Name] was the most injured out of the group, leaning on Falin as she struggled to walk. “I agree. We need to rest before we lose someone.” Falin’s soft voice spoke up next. Her grip on [name]’s shoulder seemed to tighten its hold, her miraculously soft fingers brushing against the shredded fabric. Everyone was lead to a room within the dungeon with one of those handy water fountains in it.

The rest of the party members set up camp. Mats unrolled and flattened against the unforgiving dungeon floors as Marcille sparked a fire. The rations of food seemed pretty small at this point. Definitely not enough for everyone to get a balanced meal. “[Name], sit.” She looked over to Falin in a more secluded area. “You’re injured. Please, let me heal you.” [Name] looked down at her like she was God herself. “…Yes, please,” was croaked out of her sore throat. She gently lowered herself onto the sleeping mat, grabbing Falin’s hand for support, lying down in front of her.

“Tronsum lunaae stantinus currant oonzu…” Falin muttered with her hands on [Name]. Her eyelashes dusted her cheeks as the magic sparkled against the wounds. [Name] barely noticed the healing pains as her eyes were glued onto Falin. She felt an intense amount of admiration for her, but also a feeling of helplessness. “Can I do anything without needing to be revived? Is all I do cause trouble for my party?” She didn’t notice that Falin had finished. She glanced at [Name] who seemed lost in thought with a sour expression. “Hey.. what’s wrong?” She guided her to sit up. “You look so sad.” [Name] glanced up at her, tears fell from her eyes. “Oh no! [Name], really, what’s wrong?!” She grabbed her shoulders and pulled her in close. Her head fell against Falin’s soft chest, those same soft hands running over her head. “Shh… it’s okay. You’re safe now,” Falin’s voice seemed to get softer as [Name] got closer, sinking into her warm body.

After a moment of holding her, she spoke up again “…Please talk to me.”

“I don’t know… I just-“ she sniffled and hicced, “I have no business being in this party. I’m always getting myself injured and making the rest of you take care of me. It would be better off if i just went back to the surface…”

Falin blinked for a moment. Her hands travelled up towards [Name]’s face. “Oh.” She softly smiled. “Well I can promise you I’ve never thought about you like that. I take care of you because I want to.” Her fingers wiped the tears, drying her red cheeks. She brought her face closer, noses touching. “Now please stop crying. We like having you around. I do. You’re a help, not a burden.”

[Name] looked up at her with those same eyes, yet filled with something more than appreciation. “You really mean it?” She gleamed, sniffling away the last bit of tears. As Falin nodded, she hugged her tight. “Let’s get you some food, hm?” Falin separated for a moment to pester Namari for some of the leftover food. It wasn’t much but it was enough to regain some much needed energy. Falin returned and sat herself as close to [Name] as she could. “Open!” As she obeyed, Falin placed bits of food into her mouth, making sure she ate properly. “Thats it. We need to keep you healthy if we’re gonna find that dragon.”

She smiled as she finished the short meal. “I think it’s time to sleep. Falin’s arms wrapped around [Name] tightly, falling to lay on the mat. After a moment of surprise with a soft “oof”, she accepted the gesture and hugged back.

“You’re tired from all the hard work. Please sleep, [Name]. I’ll be here when you wake.” Falin cooed as she smiled, pulling a blanket over the two of them.

“Thank you…” [Name] muttered as she cuddled into Falin, her arms wrapped around her waist as her face rested in her chest. Falin’s arms followed, encircling her and rubbing along her back. “I’m proud of all the work you’ve done to keep us safe. Sleep well.” She softly smiled and rested her head atop [Name]’s, softly kissing it.