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Euphyllia gave a soft yawn as she finished changing for bed. She’d had a long day of helping test Anis’ various magical tools. Euphyllia was a gifted magic-user, but seldom had much reason to employ as much mana as she had been during her stay. In truth, she was more tired than she realized. Not that she would be able to sleep all that well, considering…
“Ready for bed?” Anis asked, having pulled up the covers for her. Since she arrived, she and Anis had been sharing the same bed. It was spacious, more than enough for the both of them, but there were...complications.
“Please excuse me,” Euphyllia muttered, climbing into her side of the bed. As she pulled up the covers, she cast a quick glance over at Anis. Her deep green eyes glistened with mischief as she spread her arms wide, beckoning Euphyllia over. Euphyllia grumbled, pulling the covers up just below her eyes and casting a sharp glare.
“Aww, rejected again,” Anis said with a pout. “I’m starting to think you really didn’t like snuggling with me. Maybe we can just cozy up while we sleep.” Euphyllia narrowed her eyes scooting away. “Joking! Joking,” Anis said hastily.
Euphyllia relaxed, settling into the bed and averting her gaze. Truth was, she did like it. The kindness Anis showed her, and the feeling of someone holding you close...it was nice. She just wasn’t sure it was wise. Anis had certainly been forward about her feelings, but with how playfully she always spoke, it was hard to tell if she was genuine. She wasn’t even sure if she wanted Anis to be genuine. She wanted to feel loved, but something about the idea of Anis actually being in love with her was... Euphyllia let out a soft whine, pulling the covers over her eyes.
“Really, it’s alright,” Anis’ voice called out to her. “I won’t do anything you don’t want me to!”
There it was again. Want to. Why did everyone suddenly care so much about what she wanted. It never mattered much before. Everything was duty, expectation, rising to the demands others set for her. And now she was told she didn’t need to do anything. To just…do what she wanted. Had she failed that badly? Did they have so little use for her now? How was she supposed to know what she wanted when she spent so long pushing such thoughts aside? Bitter tears stung her cheeks, her breath catching in her throat.
“Euphie,” Anis called again, her voice filled with concern. The bed shifted as Anis sat up, covers rustling as Anis seemed to reach out, hesitate, then reconsider her options over and over. Finally, a deep sigh, then a hand gently stroking Euphyllia’s head. “I’m sorry,” was all she said. Euphyllia relaxed, lowering the blanket from her tear-filled eyes to glance up at Anis.
“I’m sorry, that was too far,” Anis said, her eyes soft. “I wouldn’t do something like that to you.” Euphyllia sniffed, nodding her head. “I mean it,” Anis continued. “I like you, and I want you to like me too. But I want you to want to like me, you know? I want you to fall in love with me, but I can’t make that happen. That has to be what you want too.”
Euphyllia lowered her gaze. What she wanted, huh? Anis had been honest from the start, and was waiting on her to decide. She wanted to respond to respond to those feelings but how would she know what she wanted?
Anis shuffled back into bed. “I’ll wait for you to tell me. No more pushing,” she said. “I promise.”
Euphyllia nodded. Anis had been so kind to her, and despite being defensive, she felt comfortable with her. The only problem was being unsure. She wasn’t completely, absolutely certain what she wanted, so she didn’t act. Everything, down to her desires, needed to be controlled. That’s what it meant to be Euphyllia, the proper noble who did what was necessary. But Anis brought her here to escape all of that. To live freely. Maybe this was a chance to just be Euphie, the girl who could laugh and play, and do whatever her heart desired.
“Anis?” Euphie called. Anis hummed, as Euphie threw her arms around her, pulling Anis close. Euphie buried her face against her chest, as Anis held her tightly. “I did like this,” Euphie murmured. “I liked it a lot. That night, after everything, having someone just hold me…it was nice. It was such a warm feeling. The memory of that night…I keep it close to my heart.”
Euphie felt her cheeks flush, as silence filled the room. She wanted to scream. It took a lot to say something so embarrassing; why wasn’t Anis saying anything?! When the tension finally broke, Anis simply asked “What else did you like?”
Euphie nuzzled in, hiding her face. “I liked when you ran your hand in my hair,” she said. She felt Anis’ fingers twirl into her hair, running along her back in large, slow motions. “I like when you praise me,” she continued.
“You’re incredible, Euphie,” Anis cooed. “You work so hard, and have amazing talent. Your magic is breathtaking; a beautiful power for a beautiful girl.” Euphie smiled, humming contentedly as her body relaxed. “I feel silly now,” Anis said with a laugh. “I tried so hard to get you to cuddle with me, and all I needed to do was tell you how amazing you are.” Euphie growled irritably. “You’re cute when you’re mad, too,” Anis teased. Euphie curled up, her face burning.
Softy, quietly, Anis asked “Anything else?” It was an open invitation. Euphie could tell her anything she wanted. But, everything she knew she wanted, she had. The contact. The praise. Anis’ rhythmic stroking of her hair. Euphie tilted her head back, staring into Anis’ gentle green eyes. If there was anything else, it was only what she thought she wanted. She didn’t like acting without being completely sure.
But why not? It’s what Anis would do.
Anis’ eyes locked onto Euphie’s, and for a moment she hesitated. But only for a moment. Euphie pushed herself up, gave Anis a soft kiss. Anis reacted instantly, her arms tightening around Euphie’s waist, pulling her closer. Euphie flinched at the sudden movement, but quickly melted into the unfamiliar warmth spreading from Anis’ lips to hers. She lingered just a moment longer, before slowly pulling away, nestling against Anis’ chest. Euphie’s heart was pounding in her chest, and she could hear Anis’ beating just as quickly.
“Wow, um,” Anis stammered. Euphie briefly lamented pulling away; seeing Anis flustered must be a rare occurrence. “Can we do that again?”
“That’s all you get for tonight,” Euphie said firmly.
“Aww, rejected again,” Anis sighed.
“But, maybe tomorrow night?” Euphie teased.
“That does sound nice,” Anis mused. “Are you sure?” she asked, her hand once again running through Euphie’s hair. Euphie sighed, nuzzling close to Anis and closing her eyes, soaking in her warmth.
“That’s what I want, too,” she said certainly.