If You'll Have Me

by DoodleBat13

Summary:

Formerly 'Your Local Anomaly'

Sorcha came into the world like any human being -- through the shimmering pink light of a long-abandoned Embra shrine in a world that hasn't seen humans in 10,000 years. Now they must adjust to this strange new world and its inhabitants - the Majiri - along with their customs and culture. It's a beautiful new world, but there seems to be an undercurrent of darkness, too...

Notes:

This is going to be a painfully slow burn, I'm just letting you know now... But if you're here for the angst and existential dread, we've got plenty in store! I also noticed a lot of fics have Hodari as more daddy dom... he is not that in this fic. He's a sweet softie and is borderline submissive; just look at those pretty doe eyes and the bashful looks he gives you! My God!!

Chapter 1: Emergence

In the dark void, I can hear a soothing feminine voice.

 

“I have high hopes of what you can accomplish, Sorcha…” were the last things I heard in the ink black.

 

Then, the darkness dissipated into a brilliant pink light. It cascaded around me, though I couldn’t discern if I was forming around it or the other way around. The world around me came into focus; a cavernous room with stone pillars and mirrored pink flames lining the walkway up to me. I was suspended in the air for only a while, gently being placed down onto the smooth stone floor. There, finally at eye level, I realized I wasn’t alone.

 

“Oh. My. Dragon!” The cute purple woman exclaimed. “Did you just materialize out of thin air?!” 

 

I cleared my throat, trying to test if my voice was gonna work. “I… guess so?”

 

“Oh, of course,” the woman shrunk, rubbing the back of her neck in resignation. “This is all so new and exciting for both of us!”

 

After several minutes of excited rambling, I finally gathered her name was Jina. She was a Majiri. I was a human. Majiri were the primary lifeforms of the world. Humans had been extinct for ten thousand years… up until now.

 

“You should go visit Ashura,” Jina finally concluded, “he’s the innkeeper in town. He’ll be able to put you up for the time being!” 

 

“Um…” I started, “What… does he look like?”

 

“Oh, uh… right,” Jina deflated a little, “You are literally new here. Um, I’ll have Hekla escort you!”

 

Hekla, being the galdur that was assisting Jina, started walking me toward the exit. There was something familiar about her, or more specifically about galdurs. Like I had seen them before, though the Majiri were new to me. 

 

Hekla assured me that though this was all very strange, I would be alright. Coming from her, it felt true.

 

We walked through the short cave and behind a waterfall, emerging to find a small bridge and a large man waiting for me there.

 

“Hey there!” He was a tall, stout man with a beard and ponytail. “I'm Ashura, I'm the innkeeper in Kilima. 

 

“Sorcha…” I replied, arms crossed as I walked down the bridge to him. 

 

“Unfortunately, the inn doesn't have any available rooms… but there's an old plot out of town I can take you to.”

 

“Uh… don't suppose I have a choice.” 

 

“The options are pretty limited, we haven't had a new resident in a while… especially not a long extinct race, haha!” His laugh was loud and boisterous, but he did make me smile despite the crummy circumstances. “Hodari is out there clearing out some of the old debris by the last owner, I can walk ya out there and introduce ya.”

 

“Thanks,” I said, then turned to Hekla, “and thank you for walking with me… I appreciate you talking to me.”

 

“Certainly, human!” Hekla chimed with a spin of her head. 

 

I walked quietly with Ashura along the cobbled path, which led into a dirt path up a hill and into the mountains. He could tell I was nervous, so he didn't press for conversation. It was nice quietly sharing the scenery with him, though. The valley was beautiful, and the climb to the plot in the mountains was enjoyable. 

 

This must be the place, because Ashura broke the silence. “This is yours!” He gestured to the flat landing ahead, though it was by no means clear. There was a rickety fence in a square, surrounded by trees and rocks. In the center was the decrepit remnants of a home long since abandoned. 

 

Suddenly, a loud clanking resounded through the landing. Then another, and one final one as a boulder was struck through by a pickaxe. The man wielding the pickaxe dusted off his clothes, then finally noticed us. 

 

“Ashura,” He hailed as he walked up, “And you must be the new resident.”

 

“Hodari, this is Sorcha. They're gonna take over this plot.”

 

“Sur-ka? Interesting name…” Hodari said skeptically. 

 

I nodded at the man approaching, “Yeah, it’s short for 'circumference,'" I said with a twirl of my finger. 

 

Ashura laughed boisterously, making me smile and relax a little. 

 

“Well, the good news is, this is all yours.” Hodari gestured broadly to the land, clearly not finding it quite as funny. “Bad news is, it needs a lot of work. This'll come in handy for ya, though.” 

 

Hodari brandished a small, makeshift pickaxe. When he extended it out, I realized it was meant for me.

 

“Oh, uh… thanks.” I tentatively take it in both hands, examining the new tool. 

 

“That reminds me, you'll need one of these, too!” Ashura pulled out a makeshift axe. “This'll allow you to collect wood, clear trees, all sorts o’ things!”

 

With two new tools in my hands, I stand dumbfounded in front of these men of a new race in a new land.

 

I am so lost. 

 

“Guys… I appreciate this, but I literally have no idea what you're talking about.”

 

–

 

After several hours we successfully went over proper posture and technique to chop and mine, how to use those materials to build, and created a crafting table to make those things. It was exhaustive, though luckily Ashura had food to share with me. 

 

“Well, I've gotta get back to work,” Hodari announced, standing to depart. “Good meeting ya, Sorcha. Keep workin’ on that mining.”

 

“Will do,” I said with a mock salute.

 

“I think I'll make my way back into town, too. Come down whenever you're ready, Sorcha. The folks in Kilima are kind, I'm sure everyone would be delighted to meet you.”

 

“Sure. Thanks again,” I said with a wave. 

 

With that, the two men walked away. Leaving me alone.

 

The mountain side plot wasn't quiet - there were birds and chattering creatures out of eyesight. But it was peaceful.

 

And I was alone.

 

I started crying before I really even understood why I was. 

 

Alone. Truly alone. 

 

There hasn't been another human in 10,000 years. 

 

Why me? 

 

Why now? 

 

Why this place?

 

It was going to take some time, maybe even a long time. But I was going to figure out what the fuck was going on here.

Chapter 2: Water Temple Down

Summary:

It's the water temple! Everyone's least favorite temple! And also character intros, as though that's important to anyone reading this, but it didn't feel right not to introduce everyone...?

Kenli, the ‘mayor,’ stopped by my plot fairly soon after I moved in to inform me that I needed to distribute gifts to everyone in town. I thought that sounded a bit backwards, but he assured me this was a Majiri custom for newcomers. 

 

Badruu showed me how to get a garden going, and it was really rewarding. The puns we shared were also hilarious (if only to the two of us). He was easily gifted any of my crops or seeds, and a sweet man to talk to. 

 

His sons were also kind, and carbon copies of their mom. Their whole family was farm enthusiasts – except for the youngest, Auni, who enjoyed bugs. He mentioned he was also the leader of the bug scouts, but I couldn’t quite tell yet if this was a party of one he made up in his mind, yet. Still, he was a goofy dude I liked talking to. His brother was… well, he seemed to have a big heart, even if he didn’t talk too well. 

 

Delaila was a sweet mother, who doted on her kids and husband even when they weren’t around. She appreciated flowers on occasion, but preferred a practical gift above all else. She was a sensible lady, afterall, with a farm to run. She was the first person to give me a hug, too, which I didn’t realize I needed until I was being wrapped up in a huge mom hug. 

 

Einar was another galdur in town, teaching me the ways of the fish. He was very fun to talk to – having been around since the last humans, he knew vague ideas and customs of my kin – and an easy customer when it came to the Majiri gift giving requirements. Fish. Always fish. 

 

Sifuu was… so hot. The first thing I did was try to flirt with her, but I think she mistook it for friendly banter. Her son Hassian, however, knew better and sent me daggered glances anytime we crossed paths. Sifuu was always happy with meaty foods and ore, and Hassian accepted hunting arrows and skins… begrudgingly.

 

Najuma helped me create the glider I’d need for exploring the water temple, but it came in clutch all over the map. She was keen on fireworks and ores, though occasionally she’d take a cute bug. She was quite shy when I first asked about the glider, but the second time around she talked a little more loudly and excitedly. Hopefully the trend would continue: she was adorable. 

 

Hodari was also fairly easy to discern what he’d want: he’s a rock guy, afterall. Any ore I gathered would work for him, and according to Najuma furs and horns did the trick, too. He was encouraging about continuing to mine veins around Kilima and Bahari, though he wasn’t too chatty otherwise. 

 

Reth was the closest thing to a cooking expert the town could offer, but his excitement was infectious. He was also a flirt – nicknaming me sweet tooth right off the bat – but I knew how to dish it as well as it came. And of course, his preferred gift was soup or soup adjacent foods. 

 

His sister Tish was adorable – she was the carpenter of the town, and as cute as can be. She showed me some simple recipes for furniture I could make at home, which thank Embra because I had to sleep on the ground the last few nights. It sucked. She accepted fabric, fur, and other cute things like flowers and shells. Jel wasn’t too different – the local tailor and tortured artist. Him and Tish were kind enough to donate some clothes to me so I didn’t have to wear the same clothes every day like a cartoon character. 

 

Eshe and her daughter Kenyatta were a little tougher to impress, but eventually you learned just to listen to either of them or Kenli and they’d eventually mention in conversation what they craved. Kenyatta was a spunky rebel, while Eshe was a buttoned up governess. I liked talking to both of them, though for much different reasons. 

 

Zeki’s gift preferences also ran a little rich for my blood, though I could always give him a fish and he’d be satisfied. He was apparently an alien from a race that crash landed on earth. I had my suspicions that the Majiri were the aliens, but I guess not. Zeki was fun to cut up with, and he seemed to have secrets I think I’d be interested in. All the more reason to get closer to him, too.

 

Caleri and Elouisa were twins, always hanging out in the library. Caleri enjoyed refined conversation and gifts, while Elouisa loved a mystery to unravel. Both of them charmed me, and I hoped to eventually get closer to them as well. Caleri, being the librarian, had access to human history that was restricted, and who better to get in cahoots with?

 

After I made the rounds and greeted everyone, I beelined back to Jina. Her and I traversed further into the water temple, with the help of Najuma’s glider she’d made me. The information we gleaned had been interesting: unfortunately none of it alluded to why a cosmonaut such as myself was thrust into the future, but it did paint a picture as to the fear and confusion humans were facing towards the end. 

 

I did learn something about myself, however: I can’t fucking swim. I nearly drowned after missing the ledge of the water temple’s lower level, and bent the glider by accident trying to scrabble up the side to get back on solid ground. Thankfully not enough to prevent me from escaping after reading everything I could in the ancient human language (that I somehow know, which only adds to the mystery of how I got here). 

 

As I walked home, smelling and looking like a sopping wet hound, I made a mental note to visit Najuma again to help me fix the glider. In a brilliant irony, she and Hodari were waiting for me at my plot. 

 

“Oh, uh… hey?” I greeted in confusion.

 

“Hey!” Najuma said, hopping up from the fence. “So… uh… I– we appreciate your gifts,” she gestured to her dad, “And wanted to give you somethin–” Her expression turned from earnest to confused as you got closer. “What… happened to you?”

 

“Enriching my life with history lessons and life threatening revelations.” 

 

Najuma shared a confused glance with her dad, but continued her spiel. “A-anyway, uh… we brought you wallpaper for your house.”

 

“Oh! Cool,” I beamed, finally reaching them. “Thanks, guys.” 

 

“M’star stone’s garnet,” Hodari explained as he extended his roll. “I don’t really ascribe to that mumbo jumbo, but it’s a pretty stone. So, here’s a nice wallpaper based off it.” 

 

“And mine’s quartz,” Najuma interjected. “So I brought a quartz wallpaper… it’s kinda boring,” she admitted, shrinking a little, “but boring can be good, y’know?”

 

“Hey, mine’s quartz, too!” I said, taking both the rolls off their hands. Everyone I’d gifted to in town had also brought me wallpaper… Is this also a Majiri tradition? I didn’t want to be rude and ask, just in case. “Thanks, you two. These are great.”

 

“Well, we'll head out,” Hodari said, crossing his arms. “Seems like you’ve had a long day.” 

 

“Yeah, before you go,” I said, placing their wallpaper rolls in the threshold of my one room house, “Can I trouble you to fix my glider, Najuma?” 

 

As I produced it from my bag, Najuma’s eyes widened in horror. “What did you do to it?!”

 

“It became an impromptu flotation device… accidentally!” I clarified as she glared me down.

 

Najuma groaned, but accepted the glider and began working on it at my workbench. 

 

“I appreciate ya, firecracker!” I said, pointing my fingers like a pair of guns with a wink.

 

“Ugh, you're lucky I like you,” she muttered as she tinkered.

 

I shook my head, water dripping from my hair onto her in a little shower. She squealed, making me laugh, to which she begrudgingly began laughing with me. It was a nice treat after nearly dying today.

 

“How’d it end up becoming a flotation device…?” Hodari reiterated. “Was this part of the ‘life threatening revelations?’” 

 

“Yeah, I wouldn't recommend traversing the water temple without knowing how to swim…” I watched Najuma work, trying to glean whatever information I could on how to do the repairs myself the next time I inevitably did the same damage. “Kinda shoulda been obvious, but hey, what do ya do?”

 

“Do most humans not know how to swim?” Najuma asked absently as she fiddled with the structuring. 

 

“I wouldn’t know, I can’t exactly ask anyone else,” I replied with a deep sigh, shifting to lean against the work bench. “The other humans are dead, and all their notes don’t really talk about casual stuff like swimming…” 

 

I crossed my arms, wondering further into the question. How much of humanity is innate within me? I can speak, use tools, read a long dead language, and I can’t swim? Whatever cruel trick The Phoenix was playing on me, the punch line sucked. 

 

“Well, uh–”

 

Najuma’s voice snapped me back to reality. She was handing me my patched glider, eyes sheepishly peeking up from the ground every so often.

 

“I can’t tell you about humans, but… we can talk. If you wanna…” 

 

Hodari and I both looked just as surprised, exchanging a glance before looking back to Najuma.

 

“That… I'd like that,” I accepted the patched glider with a warm smile. “Thanks, Najuma. I'll drip by later,” I said with a wink and flick of water off my shirt sleeve. 

 

She rolled her eyes, but smiled none the less. I think I made a friend.

Notes:

I head canon the reason why we get magic-ed out of water is because we can't swim.

Chapter 3: Devotion to Demise

Summary:

Prove Your Devotion quest along with the beginning of the Pavel Haunted Mine Saga. And of course: the weight of existence crushing us.

Eshe, the real mayor, visited me not long after the water temple debacle. She tasked me with some citizenship tests to fulfill, including gifting Majiri things they'd need and talking to Jina about the past. I asked if the last batch of presents counted, but by the scoff and eye roll alone, I gathered retroactive tallying wasn't going to happen. 

 

I had a few things on hand I thought some villagers might like, but I'd need to gather more to fulfill Eshe’s quota. So I set out to town to talk to Jina first.

 

Jina gave me coordinates to go to in Bahari Bay, and asked me to… feel out the vibe? I'm not sure what to expect, but a memorial shrine to the extinction of humanity was not what I imagined.

 

I did what she instructed, though. I sat there, on the plateau, with the weight of the end of my race.

 

Did I die with the rest of them? Was I spared, or resurrected? I emerged fully formed and clothed… maybe I'd been killed back then and was pushed through the fabric of space time to return to earth?

 

None of it made sense. 

 

What started as crying devolved to laughing, and then died down to silent contemplation. I climbed up there around noon, and stayed there until the sun was far to the west. 

 

When I finally came down, I ran into Najuma at the pond in front of her house. 

 

“Hey there,” I greeted as I approached. 

 

“Ah!” Najuma's eyes snapped up from her project, “Don't you know not to sneak up on people who work on explosives?!”

 

“Sorry, firecracker!” I exclaimed in kind. “Next time I’ll… yell?”

 

Najuma rolled her eyes, but smiled nonetheless. “It’s uh… good to see you, though. I wanted to talk to you about something.” Najuma walked up to me to whisper, “The… mine is haunted.” 

 

I nodded my head vigorously, “Say no more, I’ll get the salt and sage.”

 

Najuma’s eyes brightened, “You mean it? You believe me?!” 

 

“For sure! There’s literally a grave site up there, ya know,” I said pointing up to the plateau I was just on. “There’s no way there aren’t ghosts around here.” 

 

Najuma beamed, then suddenly looked down, sullen once more. “My dad won’t believe me… he says there’s no such thing as ghosts. Will you talk to him? Maybe coming from an adult, he’ll actually hear it for once.” She looked me up and down then clarified, “You… are an adult right?”

 

“For sure,” I confirmed with a vigorous nod, “Einar estimates I’m somewhere between 25 and 50.” 

 

“Einar?”

“Yeah, he’s the only one who was alive that long ago,” I said with a shrug, “He’s the closest thing I’ve got to a doctor right now, which is… not great,” I sighed with a so-so shake of my hand.  

 

“U-uh. Anyway… thank you,” Najuma said, gathering her project up into her arms.

 

“For sure, I’ll talk to him,” I said with a wink and finger guns.

 

Before going into the mines, I had an idea what might remedy their situation…

 

After a little running around in Bahari, it wasn’t hard to find Hodari; I could hear him clanking around in his mines before leaving the memorial site. He was far into the tunnels now, with only the light at his hip to indicate where he was.

 

“Oy, Hodari!” I called from afar, hoping he wasn’t as jumpy as his daughter. 

 

He turned to face you, placing his pickaxe down with a tired sigh before responding.

 

“Sorcha. How’s the new pick working for ya?”

 

I’d just gotten the recipe for the copper pickaxe a few days ago, and it honestly was great. I could finally tackle bigger veins in Kilima, even if the Bahari veins were still too much for me. 

 

“It’s great! I’ve got some bad news for ya, though,” I said with a shake of my head. “Mine’s haunted.”

 

Even in the dark I could see Hodari roll his eyes, “Not you too.”

 

“To be fair, there is literally a mass grave site memorial overlooking your mines,” I said in exasperation. 

 

“I told her to stop telling tales… she's always had an active imagination, but this is getting out of hand.”

 

I shrug, “I dunno, you could try listening to her.”

 

Hodari initially looked upset, crossing his arms and pursing his lips. But the anger gave way to sadness as he closed his eyes with a sigh. “It's… not like I don't try. But I know what's wrong with the mines, and it ain't no ghosts. It's just dark. S'easy to catch yerself seeing shadows so deep in the earth like this.” He explained with a wave of his hand, his shadow dancing along the rough walls. “Y'wanna set her mind at ease, why don't ya help me catch some lantern bugs?”

 

“Oh, you mean like–” I pulled out my jar with a flourish, “these ol’ things!”

 

Hodari looked both delighted and dumbfounded, everything I’d hoped for with such a dramatic flare. 

 

“What's a good dad to do for his scared daughter?” I imposed, handing off the jar with a smile. “Get her a nightlight, of course.”

 

He accepted the glowing bugs gingerly. “Thanks for this… S'pose if Najuma does sneak back in, at least she won't get lost now.”

 

“Anything for that lil firecracker,” I said with a wave. “Imma head out, see ya!”

 

“Mm,” he acknowledged, returning to his work.

 

“Let me know when you're ready to give up the ghost!” I hollered back playfully. 

 

“Bye.” He replied flatly. 

 

I couldn't help but grin. What a beautiful start to a friendship.

Notes:

In game, I gifted everyone something, and then immediately was visited by Eshe telling me to do it all again c,:

Also, it took me starting to write this fanfiction before I realized that OF COURSE THE MINES ARE HAUNTED. First of all, your wife died in there, that's one ghost confirmed. And also, there's a burial ground overlooking the Pavel Mines, THATS GOT GHOSTS FOR SURE!

Chapter 4: Couch Surfing

Summary:

It Must Flow and A Little Cough quest, along with non-canon dialogue and happenings.

Notes:

Forewarning: there's sex in this chapter! It's one paragraph long, and it's not that satisfying lol. But if you're not into that, just a heads up!

It was nearly a month of being in Kilima before I met Tamala.

 

I’d heard vague references to her by Hassian and Eshe: all bad things. Though, in fairness those two didn’t have good things to say about anyone. 

 

The first thing I noticed about her was the magic potions strapped to her hips – and then immediately I noticed her impressive chest.

 

“Hey, there,” I greeted with a wave.

 

“Well, aren’t you a curious thing,” she said with a flip of her thick hair. “What brings an intriguing specimen such as yourself all the way out here?”

 

“Just wandering around,” I laughed with my hands up. 

 

“Well, I'm glad you did. It gets lonely out here in the woods,” she said with a manicured nail poised to her lip. She eyed me up and down, and I suddenly wondered whether I had any twigs or mud in my hair. “I'd be thrilled to have a little company, especially when that company comes in such a… fascinating package.”

 

“You're… quite fascinating yourself,” I flirted back. “I'm Sorcha, by the way.”

 

“Tamala,” she said with an extension of her hand. “I bet your mind is like a gift waiting to be unwrapped,” she said, her eyes wandering over my body like she was trying to unwrap me with her eyes. 

 

“Say, you wouldn’t happen to have any spice sprout on you, would you?” She asked, rubbing her throat concernedly. “I’ve a bit of a cough, and could use them.”

 

As it just so happened, I did. “Here ya are,” I said, handing off a bundle. “Though, you don’t have to make up a cough to get spices from me,” I said with a grin and a wink.

 

Tamala laughed boisterously, “Aren’t you a clever little thing,” she said with a wide grin. “Why don’t you come by my cottage, I can show you what it’s for.”

 

–

 

I ended up leaving her house before dawn, tired and sore. 

 

Admittedly I was the one eager to rizz her up, but after that performance I figured we weren’t a good match. Eating her out in the garden was hot as fuck, I nearly came from it. But when she roughly pegged me from behind while trying to choke me, I lost my libido and insisted we stop. She begrudgingly pulled out of me, but complained she needed a more ‘adventurous paramour.’

 

I started getting cozy on her couch as she unharnessed her strap-on, but she quickly cut into that.

 

“It's about time you head out, pet.”

 

“Uh… can't I just crash on your couch?”

 

“Mmm, no,” she said with a bemused look. “Wouldn't want you getting too comfy.”

 

I laughed nervously, “Not even til the sun comes out?”

 

“There are beautiful creatures out at night in Bahari,” she cooed, kissing my forehead. “Especially you, sweet pet.”

 

With a groan and stretch, I begrudgingly started my trek back home. 

 

It was long, arduous, and pissed me off a bit. But I made it home as the sun was at mid-morning, flopping onto my camping couch (I could neither afford a bed, nor the skills to make one yet).

 

I didn't even fall asleep before Kenli came knocking on my door to help him with some stupid shit.

 

–

 

When mid-afternoon found me, I was bone tired. My head was throbbing, and though I'd made it a point to eat before leaving my house, I was still famished.

 

I found a schematic in the dirt while gathering, and wanted to stop off at the Pavels before returning home. 

 

“Hey firecracker,” I said with minimal enthusiasm.

 

“Uh, wow Sorcha,” she said meekly, “you seem… off today.”

 

“It's been a rough one,” I admitted. “My head's pounding and I didn't get much sleep.” I started to pull out the rolled up paper the schematics were on, but Najuma interrupted. 

 

“I-if you want, I can make you some tea.” She offered. “It'd help with your headache, at least,” she said, looking down and fiddling with her glove.

 

My instinct was to say no, finish my business, and go.

 

But my heart didn't want to upset this sweet girl who opened up to me.

 

“That sounds great,” I said with a tired smile. “Thanks, Najuma.”

 

She looked up with bright eyes, “Y-yeah? Okay, come with me!”

 

She led me to the kitchen where she prepared a concoction of herbs, then cursed quietly to herself.

 

“Everything okay?” I asked, sitting on the couch in the living room with my head in my hands. After slowing down, the pain in my head was far more enunciated. 

 

“Yeah, just… some of the spices are missing,” Najuma grumbled. “I wonder if dad walked off with some of them.”

 

“It seems like chaapas are the usual suspects,” I replied. 

 

After some time, Najuma presented a piping hot mug to me. She also had a cool rag on the other hand.

 

“Sip this, lie down, and put this on your forehead.”

 

I chuckled, “Yes, ma'am.”

 

~~~

 

When Hodari returned home from his day in the mines, he was exhausted. The veins continued to be dry, but at least they were well-lit with the new lantern bugs Sorcha had given him.

 

He strode into his home, and was surprised to see just that human laid up on his couch. Next to them was an empty mug, and over their eyes a cloth. 

 

He stepped back out quietly and walked to the workshop. 

 

“Najuma, what's Sorcha doin’ in our living room?”

 

“They had a hard day and… I wanted to help them,” she mumbled as she tinkered.

 

Hodari sighed, unable to argue with his good-natured kid. “Alright, guess I'll… make dinner outside tonight.”

 

He had plenty to grill up, it just annoyed him to have to avoid his own living room. Sure, it was his living room, but he was raised right enough not to wake up a sleeping guest. Not that he needed in the kitchen anyway, with his spices missing he'd have to muscle through dinner with… no flavor.

 

He lit the charcoal and sighed deeply, wishing he could rub seasoning into his dinner. He saw Najuma running to the front door, and quickly jumped to intercept her.

 

“Whoa, kiddo! Yer friend's sleepin’,” he said in a chiding tone.

 

“I gotta get something from my room, though,” she countered.

 

“Well, yer about as subtle as dynamite. Lemme get it for ya.”

 

Najuma groaned, but agreed. 

 

As Hodari started to slowly open the door, it swung the rest of the way with a human running headfirst into him.

 

“Oh, shit–!” Sorcha stopped themselves against Hodari's chest with their hands. “Sorry, sorry I crashed your couch. Hang on,” they squeezed by him and dashed off. “I'll be back in a second!”

 

They were gone before either Hodari or Najuma could protest. 

 

“Well, guess I'll get it myself now,” Najuma said.

 

Hodari shook his head and went back to his melancholy task of cooking unseasoned meats and veggies. Though longer than a second, Sorcha came back to the Pavel's home by gliding down from one of the plateaus surrounding them.

 

“Hey!” They shouted as they landed with a thud. “Got somethin’ for ya.” Sorcha produced five jars of spices to Hodari and Najuma. “Ta-da! Crisis averted.”

 

“Huh… seems so.” Hodari looked between Sorcha and Najuma, sure there was conspiring for this to have occurred. “Well, lucky fer you, s'time for dinner. Here, I'll even let ya do the honors of seasonin’ tonight.”

 

“Whoa, highest honor.” They said with a grin. 

 

Sorcha rolled their sleeves up and started pouring the spices onto the meat and veggies laid out. They rubbed it into the meat, too, making sure it was well coated. 

 

“Which of these would you've put in that tea?” They asked Najuma as they worked.

 

“Huh? Oh, none of them,” she said as she dog-eared her book.

 

Sorcha looked at them in query. “Seriously?” They shook their head and laughed. “You're hilarious, firecracker.”

 

Hodari looked back and forth between the two red-heads, unsure what to make of this exchange. Surely something to do with Sorcha sleeping on their couch. 

 

He just hoped this wouldn't become a trend.

Notes:

I just know Tamala is topping/pegging. I believe it in my heart.

Also, sorry if the perspective shift was hard to process, I do that a couple times in this series just because there's stuff the character won't see/hear I NEEDED to write about.

Chapter 5: Errant Errands

Summary:

'To T Love H' and 'Plumehound Pilgrimage' quests. Canon dialogue with some non-canon interactions!

The first piece of magic I made a point to learn was a return home rune stone. After the longest day of my life post getting booted from Tamala's, I wanted to be able to travel home quickly in a pinch. The flowstones to carve them were hard to come by, so I made it a point to be sparring with it. 

 

I was tempted constantly though; the folks in Kilima Village needed a lot of errands ran. 

 

Today I was back and forth between Bahari and Kilima, hunting for sernuk and searching for sea shells. While out, I found a note written by someone in the Majiri language. 

 

A love note.

 

It piqued my interest, but ended on the back burner as I continued hunting, gathering, fishing, mining. I felt like in a weird way, everyone's Path had become mine. I liked it though; it felt really good being self-sufficient, and even better being needed around the village. 

 

I stopped at Ashura’s tavern as the sun hit the center of the sky, marking the third time I'd made the journey to Kilima that day. I delivered spice sprouts to Reth and some trout to Ashura, and decided to have a sit for lunch. 

 

The only other person there at the moment is Hodari, and I didn't want to awkwardly sit across the way in an empty bar. Besides, I had a budding friendship that needed tending.

 

“Mind if I join ya?” I asked, pulling the chair out from the long table he was alone at.

 

“If you wanna sit in silence an’ eat yer lunch, sure,” Hodari replied gruffly.

 

“Good, don't go chatting my ear off,” I mocked with a grin. He did not return the smile, only nodded. 

 

I pulled out my soup flask – that which I thought was hilarious when I first heard of it, but now see the value in – and the checklist I'd made myself for the day. 

 

“Oh, before you go telling your long story,” I said with a wink, “is this yours?” I fished out the love letter from Bahari. It would surprise me if Hodari had a secret lover, but also would absolutely fascinate me. 

 

He took the page, glanced it over, and handed it back with a, “Nope.”

 

“Ah, alright. Thanks,” I said, folding it back up to investigate with another ‘H’ or ‘T’ in town. 

 

“Mhm,” he acknowledged, returning to his own lunch. 

 

I smiled, amused by his straight forward nature. I found it endearing. As a reward, I stopped teasing him and worked silently with my flask of soup.

 

When Hassian came in a while later, I thought back to the note. “Hey, Hassian. I got a question for ya,” I started as I pulled the note out. 

 

He crossed his arms and huffed, “I haven't got all day.”

 

I stopped. I put the note back. “Actually. Nevermind.”

 

He shook his head, “Good. Where are we on the flow battery?”

 

“It's in the works. Why do you wanna go into a human temple, anyway?”

 

Hassian shrugged. “Maybe I want to know more about where humans come from… that way you can go back there instead of bothering me,” he finished with a scowl. 

 

Fucking brat. 

 

“You can fuck off, now,” I barked. He heelturned away with a scoff, and it took a great deal of willpower not to throw something at his smug head. 

 

I silently seethed until Auni came trotting in after Hassian – probably to play cards – smiling with his toothy grin. “Hey Sorcha!”

 

I couldn't help but smile back, the fire in me dying by this bouncy kid. “Hey, bug! Got something for ya,” I said, producing a garden leaf hopper in a jar. 

 

“Oh! Thank you!” He accepted with glee. “I've been running around all over for these! Guess I'll get my exercise another way,” he said with a shrug. 

 

“Ha, I'm sure you'll think of something,” I said, offering him a bug scout's fist bump before he scampered off. 

 

“Yer really makin’ a name for yourself here,” Hodari said, admittedly startling me because I forgot he was sitting there. 

 

“Oh. I guess,” I said with a half smile. 

 

“Folks been singin’ yer praises' in town – most of ‘em, anyway,” he added, throwing a look back to where Hassian and Auni were playing cards. “Even Najuma’s got nothin’ but kind words to say about you.”

 

My smile widened, “Aw, I'm glad. I adore that little firecracker.” 

 

Hodari nodded, then looked back down to his sandwich. “Been hard to talk to her… an’ if you ain't noticed, I'm not much of a talker as it is.”

 

I nodded, “Sure, kids are hard. But… if it makes you feel better, she really loves you.” She'd asked me if I fought with family the last time I saw her, and after I reminded her I was magic-ed here and have no one, she quickly apologized saying how she couldn't imagine life without her dad. 

 

Hodari looked at me with a guarded expression – indiscernible from his face moments ago – and then he cracked into a grin before nodding. “Good to hear.”

 

We continued to sit in silence for a little while longer.

 

At least until Badruu came in: I couldn't help but start our usual back and forth of puns. His were always farming related, but he had quite a bit of material accumulated after having been a farmer for a long time. 

 

Hodari sighed and bade farewell, returning a smile to me this time as he left. 

 

Hell yeah – friendship growth.

 

–

 

The next time I was in Bahari, I rounded to the left before heading out to hunt so I saw Najuma. I gifted her a quartz – our shared starstone – and she lit up. Apparently she collects them! She mentioned in passing her dad needed leather to fix his favorite chair – apparently a chaapa tore it up somehow?

 

So I made my way out to Tamala and checked in with her. 

 

I tried sleeping with Tamala a couple times after the first, but each time I ended up getting her off without being able to myself. She wasn’t a selfish lover by any means, but she was just too rough for my taste. She always wanted to be inside me, and I found out my body just isn’t into that most of the time. As we hung out post-coitus though, she warmed up to me and taught me some magic. Though she was still quite secretive about the good stuff, I felt like I was learning a lot. She was a bit conceited, but witty and fun to talk to. 

 

When she was regaling me about the magic workings of flow in proudhorned sernuks, I remembered the letter and asked her about it. Turns out, that letter was to her from Hassian. She wasn't exactly nice about it either, and a part of me felt bad for bringing it to her rather than Hassian.

 

But also, fuck him. 

 

As a reward, Tamala gave me Dari cloves and let me eat her out. She offered to peg me again, but I didn't want to be sore on the way back home this time. I'm more of a giver, afterall. 

 

On the way back I passed Hodari, and gave him the leather Najuma mentioned he needed. He wore the same beaming look Najuma gave me after she received her quartz – adorable. 

 

I even got a “stay safe out there,” from him.

 

“You be safe in those mines, y'hear?!” I called back to him. I was happy to have run into him again. 

 

And then I ran into Hassian again. 

 

I was worried he somehow knew I gave the letter to Tamala, but it was actually about the temple. Apparently what we needed was in the Pavel mines – flow stones. I eagerly broke from my stiff conversation with Hassian and trotted back up to Hodari, who hadn’t made it far.

 

“Nevermind, I’m goin’ in with you.” I said dramatically. 

 

“Huh?” 

 

“Tau apparently went hiding stuff I need to get into the next temple in your mines, so I gotta go excavating.” Technically, it had been Zeki who hid them, but I figured Hodari would be less miffed at a plumehound than a grimalkin using his mines as contraband storage. 

 

“Ah, I do remember seein’ him sniffing around the other day,” Hodari nodded. “That hounds got a mind of his own.” 

 

We walked in silence the rest of the way to the mines, though I was comfortable doing so. It felt nice sharing a moment of peace with Hodari as we traveled. 

 

When we made it to the mines, Hodari asked, “How're you gonna find what ya need? Tau leave a map for ya?”

 

I laughed boisterously, not expecting Hodari to crack a joke with me. “I wish. No, I've got a flow stone on me, and they glow when they get near each other – like magnets!”

 

Hodari grinned, “What kinda magnets you got that glow when–”

 

“Alright, alright,” I elbowed him playfully, “you know what I mean, wise guy. Care to give me a tour of the facilities?”

 

“Sure thing,” he walked ahead through the entrance of his mines, leading me through. 

 

One after the other, I dug up the missing flow stones I needed to get through the next temple. 

 

As we walked around the mines together, I asked about things in there: the little pond inside, the random mini tunnels here and there, how the new lights were treating him. He talked with me more animated than I'd seen him before, which made sense considering this was his vocation. He was clearly passionate about it, which made it all the more endearing.

 

The final flow stone was up a sheer rock wall, to which Hodari offered to grab a ladder for me. “Don't trouble yourself,” I said with a wave, hopping up and climbing the wall to reach the ledge in no time. 

 

“Wow, y'sure are spry,” Hodari commented from below. 

 

“Thanks, it's from running around all day,” I called down. I looked around more, realizing there was a short passage that led out into the open. From the Whitestone walls, it looked like an old human ruin. “What's this lead to?”

 

“Eh, some ol’ human spot. Got a big door and sconces that don't quit burning.”

 

“Oh yeah?” I peeked down at him. “Sounds like the next temple we're trying to get into. Mind if I use your mines as a shortcut next time?”

 

Hodari shrugged, “S‘fine, so long as you watch your step. One wrong move could send it - and you - tumbling down.”

 

I gave a mock salute, “Rodger, dodger.” I jumped down from the ledge, giving him a startle before I tucked and rolled. “Thanks, Hodari. I appreciate you!”

 

He looked me over for a second before settling on, “Try not to get yerself killed, ‘kay?”

 

“Well, since you asked so nicely,” I laughed with a pat on his shoulder. “See ya!”

 

It wasn't until the next day I saw Zeki again to return the flow stones. He repaired the battery to the door, and I now had access to his cool underground speakeasy. 

 

I checked in with Sifuu to give her the shocking conclusion she'd been hoping for. She excitedly declared she was coming with me, which I eagerly accepted. 

 

Then she mentioned grabbing Hassian and meeting me there. My excitement quickly fizzled out; I couldn't seem to be rid of this guy.

Notes:

I headcanon that the reason you can fast travel to your plot once every 30 minutes is because you have access to flowstones but can't expend them too often.

Also, fun fact: Hassian was the first guy I romanced in the game (after Tish, Jina, and Kenyatta), and I really wanted to like him. I really did. But he's just such a little shit.

Chapter 6: Heat Exhaust

Summary:

This follows immediately after the 'A Catalyzing Caper' quest.

After Tau mavericked into the fire temple, I’d hoped that would provide a bit more information than the last.

 

All it did was give me heat blisters and a despondent outlook on the end days of humanity. It seemed to improve my relationship with Hassian and Sifuu, though I was still likely not going to be able to seduce her. 

 

Trudging through Bahari to return home, I hadn’t even registered I was trudging past Najuma and Hodari as they were making dinner.

 

“Hey Sorcha!” Najuma perked up from her book. I had helped her – and Zeki – with a safety suit not too long ago, which felt like a huge bonding moment between us. That this shy kid trusted me with her family drama and inventions, it felt really special. So when she commented, “You look terrible,” I couldn’t help but laugh aloud as her father quietly chided her. 

 

“You’re not wrong,” I said with a sigh. “I was just in the fire temple, I probably look half charred.” 

 

“What’re ya doin’ out there?” Hodari asked, plating whatever delicious smelling thing he was cooking.

 

“How’d you get in?” Najuma asked, snapping her book shut.

 

“Oh, I don’t wanna crash your dinner,” I said, dreading the rest of the walk home. I hadn’t packed any food to take to the temple, and I was getting a bit delirious from hunger. The smell of whatever they were about to eat wasn’t helping, either. 

 

“Stay for dinner, then!” Najuma said. “They can stay, right dad?” She quickly added, throwing her father a pleading glance.

 

“I don’t wanna impose–” 

 

“Nonsense,” Hodari shook his head. “We're always happy to have ya over. Especially someone who'd saved my spices.”

 

My shoulders slumped forward, relieved to rest. If only for dinner.

 

–

 

Hodari’s cooking really hit the spot, I had polished off the plate quicker than either of them to the silent alarm of both Majiri.

 

“Thanks so much,” I said as I wiped my mouth. “I really needed that.” 

 

“You might think about keepin’ some rations on ya while you’re out exploring,” Hodari offered, taking a sip of his water. A sharp glance from Najuma made him also add, “Not that you’re not always welcome to join us.”

 

“Yeah, I love hearing about your adventures!” Najuma remarked. 

 

I’d given them a run-down about the temples I had been to thus far and a little bit of what we’d found in them, though I didn’t want to bring them down with the dying thoughts and morbid writings of the scientists. 

 

“What’ve you been working on?” I asked Najuma, wanting to change the subject off of myself. 

 

“Oh, uh–” Najuma swallowed her bite of food down hard, “Nothing as exciting as the temples…”

 

“Oh, that’s not true,” I said with a wave, “I love hearing about your projects!” 

 

Najuma visibly brightened up, “Y-yeah?”

 

“Absolutely! Regale me with the deets,” I leaned in with a wide grin.

 

“O-okay, sure! Come inside,” she jumped up and ran to the door, “But uh… not in my room. It’s not fit for guests right now.” 

 

I chuckled and started to get up, but then looked up at Hodari picking up the empty plates with an indiscernible expression.

 

“Uh, hey,” I started quietly, in case Najuma returned to earshot, “if you’d rather I go, I can make up an excuse. I don’t wanna cut into family time, if that’s what’s–”

 

Hodari looked up and quickly shook his head, “No, no, you’re more'n welcome here.” He was hard to read, but looking into his eyes he seemed to mean that.

 

As I walked into the house, Najuma had spread out several blueprints onto the coffee table, and appeared to be collecting more. I couldn’t help but smile at her excitement, despite the exhaustion that hung from me.

 

~~~

 

Sometime around midnight, Hodari and Najuma had gotten into a debate about the mechanics of explosives in different products. When Hodari had turned to ask Sorcha what their thoughts were on the subject – though not an expert, he hoped they would come to reason with him – he realized they’d fallen asleep on the couch. They were practically curled up into a ball, head resting on their hand with their feet tucked in tight. 

 

With a smile, he patted Najuma’s leg and said, “I think we lost them, Najuma.” 

 

She looked over at her sleeping guest and groaned, “Ugh, I wanted them to agree with me on the catalyst theory.” 

 

“Maybe next time, kiddo,” Hodari said with a chuckle. He collected a blanket from the hall closet and gently laid it over the sleeping human. 

 

They were usually wearing long sleeves and pants, but having been in the fire temple they were dressed in a tank top, shorts, and boots today. They were covered in bruises and burns. Hodari didn’t want to comment on it, but there was a small part of him that worried about their well-being. 

 

Even not having known them long, he’d grown to trust them. After clearing up the missing dynamite with Najuma, he felt closer to both his daughter and his friend. 

 

Once, they tried gifting him a sundrop lily, and Hodari responded brusquely without even meaning to. To his surprise, they just laughed and offered seven different things to him before he finally took some chaapa fur. They were stubborn… but still kind. He was happy to have them in his life… if nothing else, as a friend. 

 

When Hodari turned off the lights, Sorcha woke up with a start. 

 

“M’sorry, I can go–” they mumbled, shifting to stand up from the couch.

 

“Whoa, take it easy,” Hodari said, gently putting his hand on their shoulder to keep them from standing. “Just rest, it’ll be dangerous for you to go back home this late.”

 

“Mm, don’t wanna bother you…” they countered weakly, laying back down in spite of their protest. 

 

“It would bother me more if something happened to ya on my account.” 

 

The human grumbled, but returned beneath the blanket without any more resistance. Hodari retired to his room with a smile, no longer bothered by the sleeping human on his couch.

Chapter 7: Seance Ain't So

Summary:

'Say It Ain't Seance' Quest, largely with canon dialogue.

I made it a point to go out to Bahari Bay with something for the Pavels to eat as thanks for putting me up the other night. I recalled Hodari scorning fish the other day, so something savory with meat outta do it.

 

When I'd made it over there - after the usual trip around town to check in on the other Majiri - I met Hodari on his trek to Kilima.

 

“Hey, Hodari!” I said with a grin. 

 

“Sorcha,” he acknowledged. “Wish I could say it was good t'see ya but… I ain't a good liar.”

 

My heart sank. Was this about sleeping over? Crashing dinner? “Did… I do something wrong?”

 

Hodari quickly backpedaled, “No– no you ain't been nothing but helpful since I met ya. S'my family… I just got a letter from ‘em.” He produced a letter from his breast pocket, “Get a load ‘a this.” 

 

I read the message and smiled, “Aw, that's sweet of her to reach out.”

 

“You ain't met my sister,” Hodari assured with a shake of his head. “Read it again: bless yer heart??”

 

“Ooooooh,” the southern passive aggressive finally sunk in. “I get it now.”

 

“Normally doesn't get to me, but… this year's different. I nearly left when the mines took Leta, but Najuma wanted to stay where her mom's heart was…” Hodari crossed his arms in the defensive way he always did. “She asks for so little… what kinda dad am I if I can't let her keep her damn home?”

 

I rushed forward and grabbed his crossed forearms. “You're a great dad.”

 

Hodari shook his head, but accepted your touch. “I'm not… but I'm trying. Maybe the mines really are cursed…”

 

I grasped his arms with both hands and leaned in. “What?! Way to bury the lead, man.”

 

“They were just rumors. Other miners‘ve gone bust trying to squeeze something from these veins. But the real world don't work like that,” he sighed, pulling out of my grasp. “It's my fault I can't make this work, not some made-up curse.”

 

“Let me help you,” I insisted. “What can I do?”

 

“S'pose you could whip up a seance, er cleansing, er whatever… m'joking of cour–”

 

“If it's between that or losing you two, I'm willing to try!” I heel-turned quickly to bolt off, “I'll go ask Elouisa, she's all about the ghosts and ghouls!”

 

Hodari looked exasperated, “Look, I ain't the boss of ya, but I–” he shouted after you as you ran off, “-I wouldn't put all my eggs in that particular basket!”

 

–

 

Talking with Elouisa was always a treat, but hunting Proudhorned Sernuk was not. It took felling half a dozen of the damn things before I finally got a horn intact for the candles. With Elouisa's help and instruction, I set candles in the specified spots of the Pavel Mines to ward off whatever creepees she was talking about.

 

I didn't see Hodari for a couple of days after that. I had just taken down an elder sernuk in one shot – which was so gratifying after tailing proudhorned for days – when I heard a whistle from behind. 

 

“Nice shot,” Hodari complimented.

 

“Hey, buddy!” I beamed, pulling the arrow from the sernuk's head to start field dressing it. “How's the haunt going?”

 

“Well, when I went into the mines earlier today they felt… different. Not sure how to explain it.” His arms were crossed as he shrugged. “I feel foolish buying into all of this, but I also know when I'm beat. Here's these back, by the way,” he reached into his satchel and handed me two burnt down candles. 

 

“Technically we beat the creepees, but I appreciate you taking it on the chin,” I said with a smile, wiping the blood from my hands before accepting them.

 

As Hodari handed off the candles, his hands lingered on mine. “Thank you… it's comforting knowing I can rely on you. I hope you know you can do the same for me.” 

 

He was earnest as he looked at me, and suddenly I became very aware of every sensation. His leather gloves touching my hands, the greyish blue of his eyes, the smell of stone and sweat, the reverb of his voice as he spoke.

 

Oh no. 

 

He's hot.

 

“Anything you need,” he concluded, sliding his hands off mine, leaving a cool vacuum where his warmth once was. “Anything at all, you just gotta call an’ I'll come running. Metaphorically, of course,” he added with a chuckle, “Don't need to sprain anything.”

 

I laughed, perhaps a little too loudly, “Yeah, totally! Don't go doing that!” I pocketed the wax in my quiver without thinking and backed away, “Well, gotta go, see ya buddy, bye!”

 

“Uh… yer kill–?”

 

“It's yours now! Congrats on no ghosts!” I turned and walked away, painfully aware of my walk cycle and the sound of my feet stomping on the earth. 

 

“Huh… thanks,” he said, likely wearing that crooked smile he sports when I give him something. 

 

My cheeks flushed. I was heading to Kilima when I certainly didn't need to, but I couldn't turn back now.

 

I think I'd fallen for Hodari.

Notes:

Another fun fact: I didn't intend to romance Hodari. I wasn't expecting to catch feels for this fictional man, but something about the way he was after I completed this quest... whelp, I wrote a whole fanfiction about it, so you know how that went.

Chapter 8: Party Crashers

Summary:

"Look to the Sky" quest with part canon and fanon dialogue.

To get into the Temple of Air proved more convoluted than the last.

 

Zeki had to steal the flow battery he originally had from Eshe at her and Kenli’s anniversary party. And I was meant to be a distraction. In fairness, she'd confiscated it from Zeki in a legal grey area, so this was fair game to confiscate it right back. 

 

This was the first formal event I’d been invited to, so I wasn't exactly sure what to expect. Or wear. Tish had gifted me a bunch of lovely clothes, but the only dress that had made it in the pile was very… ‘off the farm,’ as Badruu might say. 

 

So, a suit it is! With a touch of make-up, it all came together well for a thrown together ensemble. 

 

Walking into the party, the first Majiri I encountered was Delaila and Auni.

 

“For an anniversary party, it sure is melancholy,” Delaila said hushed to me, though Auni wasn’t even close to trying to listen in. “They haven’t spoken to each other all evening!” 

 

“Yeeeah,” I said with a shrug of my shoulders. I'd gotten closer to Eshe than either of us expected me to, and she had shared some raw feelings about loving Kenli’s sister more than him. I knew she'd be mortified if I talked about it though, so I steered the conversation away with, “I suppose I outta go turnip to see the couple,” I said with a wink.

 

Delaila guffawed, “Oh, Sorcha! You and Badruu get along too well.”

 

Auni pulled on the cuff of my shirt, “Hey, Sorcha!” 

 

“What’s up, bug?” I asked playfully.

 

“Wanna catch some crickets in the garden? There’s a million of them, but everyone’s too boring to chase ‘em with me!”

 

“Oh, that sounds fun,” I started, “But I’d hate for you to get into trouble.” I lean down and talk to him behind my hand, as though sharing a secret. “Y’know, boring adults hate it when you interrupt them being bored.” 

 

“Ugh, you’re so right.” Auni resigned with a slump.

 

Walking around, I see Sifuu and Hodari chatting around the food spread. Across from them, Badruu seems to be inspecting the well-being of the plants in the garden. I’ll start there, feeling a little too jittery to talk to Hodari yet. 

 

“Hey, spuddy!” I wave, walking over to him. 

 

“Hey now, that’s my line!” He guffawed with a knee slap. “The grubs top notch at these shindigs, but can’t say the same for the music.”

 

“Got anything to help with that?” 

 

“Well,” he started, pulling out a record, “I found this in one of the boys’ rooms. Maybe this’ll liven it up?” 

 

The record is a Bahari Boyz album. “Not exactly what I was expecting, but… sure. Why not.” 

 

“Well, if only I’d brought my lute I coulda given everyone a show!”

 

As I got to know Badruu, I learned he was a musician before he was a farmer. With the help of his two kids – Nai’o and Auni – we repaired his lute so he could play again, and made him a good luck charm. In return, he let me join him for music lessons in the barn.

 

I didn't realize how much I needed music until I started playing with Badruu. At first, I sounded like a discordant peki on strings, but through hours of practice and focus, I'd say I'd gotten fairly decent. 

 

“Now that I’d love to see,” I said with a grin. “Next time, maybe we can play together?”

 

He tipped his straw hat to me and said, “I'll hold ya to it!”

 

I weaved my way around to the music player, replacing the worn out one with the freshly pressed Bahari Boyz one.

 

And now we wait.

 

I join Sifuu and Hodari at the food table, steeling myself to play it cool. “Hey, my two favorite Majiri!” 

 

Oh no, was that too forward? Can Hodari tell I'm into him?

 

“Hey, lookin’ sharp, Sorcha!” Sifuu said, pointing to my suit with her free hand.

 

“If only the dinner table had put in as much effort,” Hodari sighed, picking at his plate meagerly.

 

Oh thank God, he's oblivious. 

 

“Yeah, there was more meat last year,” Sifuu added. 

 

“Oh, I see the issue,” I said, starting my own plate. “There’s just a bunch of fish… Not a super diverse spread.” The plate I made consisted mostly of veggies and desserts. 

 

“I’m with ya on that one, Sorcha.” Hodari nodded, “Ain’t much of a fish person.” 

 

“Dang shame,” Sifuu shook her head. “Though the change in music is fun!”

 

It was very poppy, up-beat music. Not my favorite genre, but definitely more lively than the last record. 

 

Eshe strolled past in a huff, my attention snapping back to the mission: I needed her distracted longer than changing a record would allow.

 

“O-oh! Hey! Lady of the hour!” I shouted, receiving glares from Hodari and Sifuu both for catching Eshe’s attention. “How’s the party going?”

 

Eshe sighed, but came to chat with me regardless of her agitation. “Sorcha. Glad you could attend. Perhaps I can have good conversation for once,” she said with a glare towards Kenli. “Tell me,” her gaze returned to me, “are you married?”

 

Well that wasn’t where I thought this was going to go.

 

“Uh… no?” I answered, though I really couldn’t say. Having been fully formed from a nebulous void, probably not? But if this was a reincarnation scenario, maybe? 

 

This did however earn a hardy slap on the back from Sifuu, “Haha! You don't even remember, ya heartbreaker?!”

 

“Not in this life, I suppose,” I said with a nervous laugh, feeling the sear of my cheeks matching my lipstick. “Being magic-ed into the world full grown, I might have had a life before, but… I wouldn’t know.”

 

Eshe’s eyes softened, “Perhaps that’s for the best. I don't know how you do marriage where you're from, but here it is a contract between families, not individuals. These two know it,” she said, waving at Hodari and Sifuu. “Especially among those in the upper echelons of society.”

 

“Sure,” Sifuu said with a nervous laugh, “But uh… most folks are excited about their marriage.”

 

“Not everythin’s a business transaction,” Hodari huffed. 

 

Eshe scoffed, “You didn’t have the pressures I faced in my union.” I knew she wasn’t wrong, but I didn’t know how to stand by her in this situation. She patted my hand, her eyes full of sadness. “You have the bearings of someone with… refined qualities. Best not to squander it.” 

 

The atmosphere at the table dropped like a ton of bricks.

 

Zeki gave you a thumbs up and grin from across the way, signaling your work here was done. 

 

“Well, enough of this maudlin topic,” she said with a flick of her skirt. “I’ve got to attend to that distasteful cacophony at once.” 

 

Her heels clicked away, leaving only the sound of the Bahari Boyz to fill the void. 

 

“That was… uncomfortable,” I concluded.

 

“I’d like to go on record,” Sifuu said with a swing of her mug, “not every marriage is as abysmal as theirs.” 

 

“I can second that,” Hodari chimed in.

 

“I know she’s… abrasive,” I said, rubbing my neck. “But she’s got more going on than she lets on. Trust me.” 

 

Sifuu scowled, “That doesn’t mean she’s gotta shit on marriage as a whole. Not everyone’s miserable with their partner, or makes their partner miserable.”

 

“She…” I didn’t want to give too much detail, but I felt the need to defend her. “More or less got talked into marrying Kenli, and the poor idiot… doesn’t know anything about it.” 

 

“Guy doesn’t know much of anythin’,” Hodari remarked, and following his gaze I could see Kenli absently watching the butterflies in his garden dance as Eshe huffs past him. “Almost feel bad for ‘em.”

 

I nodded, though I felt bad for both of them. “Yeah… Imma head out,” I said, losing my appetite. 

 

“I’ll go with ya,” Hodari shrugged. “Not feelin’ so festive now, anyway.”

 

“Were you before?” I asked with a grin.

 

Hodari chuckled with a shake of his head, following me out of the party. 

 

“Mind if I tag along?” Sifuu asked, and part of me wanted to object. 

 

But having her buffer would also keep me from spiraling into an awkward head space. Even if I objected, I imagine she’d come regardless. 

 

“So, you think you’ll get married now?” She asked me with another clap to my back.

 

I couldn’t help but respond flirtatiously. “Why, you asking for my hand?” Even now being infatuated with Hodari, Sifuu was still hot as hell. The intrusive thought of taking them both home came to me and… I’ll never recover from the images.

 

Sifuu responded the same way she did the first time: laughing. “Sorry Red, I ain’t on the market. My son is though, if you–”

 

“Absolutely not,” I cut her off. The last time I saw Hassian, he got in my face, fuming about something I didn’t even do. To which I knocked him on his ass and told him to back off. Haven’t seen much of him since, thankfully. 

 

This time Hodari laughed, his boisterous one that made my heart skip. “First step is findin’ out who you don’t like, I s’pose.”

 

I nodded with a halted laugh, sure if I spoke it would give me away.

Notes:

Technically Hodari wasn't at this party in the game, but I had imagined he was so that's what was written. Also, poor Eshe...

Chapter 9: Studious Nature

Summary:

Air temple quests mentioned, along with 'one last walk' which is a found quest. Also, more introspection as to why humans got thrust into the future and the ache of loneliness~

The Air Temple was beautiful, but the information I gleaned from it was just as harrowing as the last two. This time, I'd gotten closer to Elouisa and Caleri, and they'd grown closer as well. 

 

Having gotten to know Caleri, I was permitted to go into the coveted restricted section of the library. I finally was able to comb over the books that covered human history and the downfall, but they didn’t end up being as informative as I’d hoped. A lot of the texts were more speculative – or outright fictive – and all I could really glean from the books was that the last king was largely blamed for their annihilation. 

 

Ironically, some of the most informative text I found was scattered about in Bahari. The ruins were scored with random notes and accounts by its inhabitants. One of them left a trail of notes across the coast, pondering their end of days and longing for their lost lover. The last thing they wrote was “Perhaps we will meet one day if fate allows,” to the far future reader: me.

 

It didn't. 

 

I felt bad for taking their chest of supplies, like I was invading a crypt. But I had to remind myself that they were gone, none of them were coming back for this.

 

It's just me.

 

I sat down at the ridge, looking out to the beachcomber cove. The waves were deafening up close, but from back here it was a peaceful drone. With my knees up to my cheeks, I had another cry about being the last human.

 

I had to live with this. I wanted to live, I loved my life here in Palia. But fuck… it was heavy having to bear the weight of death everywhere I went. Most days I can keep it on the back burner as I travel between the regions, but the skeletons of my people loom over me constantly in stark white contrast to the lively landscape. 

 

I sighed, tears left to dry on my cheeks as I laid out on the grass with my legs dangling off the ledge. I watched the clouds roll for a while – maybe it was five minutes, maybe it was an hour. Time could only be measured in cloud migration for the moment, and the ormuu shaped one was beating the star shaped one. 

 

“Y'alright there–?” 

 

“FUCK!!” I screamed, jumping up and away from the sudden voice. 

 

In a span of a half second two things happened: I realized it was Hodari and was mortified. Then I tumbled backwards down the ridge I'd been laying on.

 

“Whoa, whoa!!” This was the first time I'd heard Hodari yell as he ran to reach me rumbling down, but he wasn't fast enough.

 

I rolled backwards and dug my heels into the earth, slowing my roll while my arms gripped the earth to halt myself all together. 

 

My ponytail was flipped over my head, I was covered in dirt, and I looked like a startled palcat.

 

Amazing.

 

“Hey bud,” I said nonchalantly, patting the dirt off my clothes. This might as well happen. “What's up?”

 

“Could ask you the same thing,” Hodari said, hands on his knees as he spoke to me from atop the ridge. “Y'need a hand?”

 

I shook my head, dust raining down from my hair. “No, I'm alright.” I quickly climbed up the embankment, trying to keep whatever dignity I had intact. 

 

As I reached the crest, Hodari offered me a hand regardless. I accepted, and with one arm he hoisted me up from the ledge, flexing his impressive arm muscles as he did so. His scent wafted over me as I ascended – not a sweaty smell, but a warm musk that must have been his own pheromone blend.

 

Which hey, why not add to my issues about being normal around him.

 

“Thanks,” I groaned. “What’re you doing all the way out here?” 

 

Hodari shrugged. “I saw you laid out, wanted to make sure you were okay.” 

 

I nodded, “I’m always okay,” I assured, pulling my hair tie out to ruffle the dirt from me. At least this way I couldn’t see his gorgeous eyes boring into me.

 

He put his hands on his hips, looking me over skeptically. He finally said, “I’m sure y’are. Still… y’can always stop by our house if ya need. Couch is free,” he added with a lopsided grin. 

 

I chuckled, looking down as I tied my hair back once more. Embra help me, why was I so shy around him? I threw myself at Sifuu and Tamala. What about this guy made me clam up?

 

“It’s nothing bad, just… I mean, I guess it is,” I admitted, shoulders slumping as I looked back out to the bay. “I don’t always… get why I’m here, and I think about the other humans who died… and why I was brought here,” I pondered aloud, my hands sinking into my pants pockets.

 

“Yer always in those temples,” Hodari speculated, “tryin’ to find answers?”

 

“Unsuccessfully,” I answered. “Just… sad recounts of the end of days for humanity… and a lot of unanswered questions.”

 

“Y’know…” Hodari started slowly, “sometimes we go our whole lives without answers to those questions. But for what it’s worth… I’m glad you’re here.” 

 

I finally turned to look at him. His arms were crossed, his eyes were watching me carefully. Was he… worried about me?

 

“Hey. Yeah, no,” I stammered, trying to cover for myself. I slipped. I can't let people know how much this bothered me. Especially not the guy I'm pining for. “I'm okay, I promise! But– I appreciate you being here for me.”

 

“I didn't think I had much use for friends, but… I got use for you,” he said earnestly. 

 

My cheeks flushed as I snickered, “Oh yeah?”

 

“I meant our friendship, I got use for our–” he winced, realizing his second foot was wedging into his mouth. “Let's… pretend that was a compliment and move on with our day, yeah?”

 

I burst out laughing. He really was bad with words.

 

He chuckled with you, “Not so good at talkin’ if you ain't noticed. But it's easy with you… most times, anyway,” he added with a flat expression.

 

“Sure… thanks, Hodari.”

 

“Y'wanna swing by for dinner? I'll make an extra plate,” he added with enticement.

 

“Ugh, I wish,” I begrudgingly declined. “I have to get back to Kilima and check in with Einar, who I guess has intel… Raincheck?”

 

“Ain't gotta check for rain with us,” Hodari assured with a half smile. “Yer always welcome at our home.”

 

–

 

Einar not only had intel, he was getting distress signals from the keeper of the final temple. The Patron Galdur himself, The Gardner.

 

The Temple of Roots was just as uninformative to the plight of humanity, but I did learn a lot about the origin of Galdur. Poor Einar was hacked into by the Gardener for a while in the temple, but thankfully I was able to talk him into returning him to his current state. 

 

Despite the Gardener's best efforts, I was on my way to becoming his best friend. We both had a complicated relationship with humans and were now strangers in a new land. He physically could not share his knowledge about the end of days with humans – his wiring wouldn't allow it – but I hoped that perhaps with the power of friendship anything was possible. I even gifted him a batterfly, to which he gave me a candy egg. We're nearly besties. 

 

Afterwards, I returned to the night sky temple with Einar to meet with Jina. After solving the roots temple puzzle, a staff shot down from out the top of the temple, though it was suspended in a force field. 

 

It was the same color as the magic that I emerged from.

 

“Where did that come from?” I asked Jina in awe.

 

“I can't say for sure,” Jina said, scratching her head, “but it appears something on the smaller moon – Ignis – was activated. I wonder if the ancient humans used the moons for any other purposes,” she wondered aloud as she gazed up to the roof of the temple. 

 

“What do we have to do to get through this?”

 

“I'm not sure… yet. We should probably wait for the Order Official before we do anything else.”

 

I groaned, “Noooo, we have to deal with those guys?”

 

“Yeah, it's kinda… their jurisdiction,” Jina said with a grimace. “I'll talk with the watcher – her name's Subira by the way – and let her know what's happened so far.”

 

I rolled my eyes and sighed. “Great. Glad we called the cops.”

 

Jina shook her head, her cute hair poufs bouncing slightly, “They're really not bad! They're a necessary entity.”

 

“It's fine, I get you gotta do what you gotta do,” I said, shoving my hands into my pant pockets. “I'm gonna go hang out with Badruu, I'll see ya later.”

 

“See ya soon!” Jina cheered as I walked out.

 

Really, I wanted to go to the Pavel house and talk about what happened with them. But after my revelations regarding Hodari, I'd been torn between wanting to be around him all the time and not too much so I wasn't an awkward mess. The backslide I did in front of him only added to that concern.

 

I wanted to tell him how I felt, but I also didn't want to scare him off. He sees me as a friend, and I don't want to make him uncomfortable by trying to change that dynamic. But I also kept having lucid dreams of him in… situations friends don't normally find themselves in. I'll just have to keep a healthy distance for now, until I sort myself out.

Chapter 10: Maji Market the Musical

Summary:

In which Sorcha finally confesses their feelings to Hodari through the power of song.

After Eshe gave herself a hernia from stressing about getting Kilima in shape for Subira, it turns out she's pretty down to earth. 

 

I still didn't quite trust the Watcher, but she gave the impression of someone who truly cared about people and believed in the cause she served. Having read human history through my various sources though, I knew that wasn't always the mark of a ‘good’ person. 

 

The Order was the reason Tish couldn't get lifesaving treatment for her illness. Why Reth had to sign his life away in servitude to the Grimalkin cartel. Why magic and human history was kept out of the public eye. 

 

I needed answers, and I wasn't going to let The Order stop me from finding them, regardless of how nice Subira was upfront. 

 

She asked to talk to me after the party, and she mentioned in passing that the council voted to accept the new humans into the Republic.

 

“I'm sorry… humans? Plural?” I clarified.

 

“Yes, there have been multiple emergences around Palia, and even some reports from Uumbra. You're not alone,” Subira offered in comfort. “But something terrible must have happened to your people in the distant past… something involving magic,” she added with gravity. 

 

I nodded, “So I've heard. But we also will need it to solve whatever's going on with all this “humans coming back’ business.”

 

Subira bowed her head slightly, “You're not wrong, though it must be met with respect and wary. Not like your friend, Tamala, wearing it around her neck like a trophy,” she huffed.

 

Oh. Someone's got a chip on their shoulder. I made it a point not to smile, but her judgemental disdain for my friend definitely gave me a tickle. I’d have to tell Tamala about it later. 

 

“In time, I'll need your assistance at the Temple of Waves. But before that, I've heard the Maji Market is coming up soon,” she said with a bright smile. “It would be lovely to get settled for a moment while you and Kilima prepare your festivities. We can continue our investigation afterwards.”

 

I left her room with a bowl of congee and a strange feeling. 

 

I wasn't alone.

 

It was a relief. 

 

It also deepened the mystery as to what the actual fuck was happening here. If I slipped through the fabric of space time alone, that's a fluke. If multiple people from a long dead species emerged around the same time, that's the machinations of a higher caliber. Cheyne speculated I was brought into the world by the Phoenix Embra herself, maybe this was a deux ex machina of sorts?

 

I made my way to Badruu's barn, where we continued our usual music lessons. I grew close to Badruu and the other Daiya's, having been in and around their house quite a bit lately. I even asked Badruu to be my Shepp, and he said he would… if I did him a favor.

 

He wanted to perform for the Maji Market, but he was also jittery to get back on stage. Unless he had someone up there with him.

 

“You’re almost as good as me!” He beamed encouragingly.

 

“There's no need to lie to me,” I assured.

 

“No no, you are! And your voice is beautiful; you're just who I need on stage with me.” He elbowed me, “And you'll get to serenade whatever sweetie you're after~”

 

“Oh, no,” I laughed, “That's not– I'm not interested–” I tried to counter, but my reddening cheeks gave me away.

 

“Sure thing,” he said with a tip of his straw hat. “Whoever it is, they'll be lucky to have ya as a partner.”

 

I insisted we keep practicing for the day, though his encouragement was much appreciated.

 

I think Badruu could tell I had someone or something on my mind by the way he kept teaching me love songs and telling me all the ways he courted Delaila. They were of course tooth achingly sweet, but didn't help at all. I feared if I sang him a ballad he would laugh and slam the door in my face. Or, more likely quietly shut the door and never speak to me again.

 

Both sounded like death to me. 

 

Eventually, even Najuma caught on to my infatuation with her dad. I was hanging out with Najuma at the pond in front of her house the next day when she confronted me.

 

“Uh… So this is really weird and you can deny it if you want but–” she said, eyes dropping to the ground, fidgeting with her hands, “uh… Are you trying to date my dad??”

 

I nearly spit out my tea. “Uhhhh… why do you ask?”

 

“You uh… get a little jittery around him now, and you didn't used to… I've also caught you checking him out which is… ew,” she added with a grimace. 

 

My face must have been the same shade as my hair. “Uuuuuh… sorry if that… makes you uncomfortable…” I said quietly. 

 

“No, no,” she said, looking up at me, “I mean, I... think it would be good for him. To, um, find someone.”

 

This was not the way I thought this confrontation was gonna go, but it was also not so surprising: Najuma’s a practical kid, after all. 

 

“Well that's sweet of you… approving of me, that is,” I said with a nervous laugh. “We'll just have to see if your dad thinks as much.”

 

“He… does,” Najuma stated with confoundment.

 

“... Come again?”

 

She looked at you with wide eyes, “You… seriously haven't picked up on that?”

 

“Wh– he hasn't told me anything–!”

 

“Oh my god, he invites you to eat with us all the time! He talks about you like you're Palium ore–”

 

“Oh wow, that's serious for him,” I said in awe.

 

“Maji, are all adults this dense?!” She shouted with a flail of her arms. 

 

“Wh– I've only been with one other person!” I defended, which was embarrassing to have to explain to a kid. “And she was super up front with her feelings! Your dad is more… guarded.”

 

Najuma shrugged, “Eh, you gotta point.”

 

I peeled a blade of grass apart, thinking more about the subject now that it's been dragged to light. I… really liked Hodari. And he… really liked me? 

 

What was the next step? Tish and Zeke both tried selling me stuff after I'd gotten closer to Jina, but nothing romantic ever bloomed between us so I just ignored them. But… I did have heartdrop lilies. And I was supposed to play at the Maji Market… where Hodari would definitely be. 

 

“Hey Firecracker,” I started with a grin, “wanna help me with a surprise for your dad?”

 

~~~~

 

Hodari and Najuma trekked from their home in Bahari every year for the Maji Market. Hodari could do without it, but Najuma loved making the fireworks for the festival, even going so far as to build a timer system for them. He loved her too much to say no, even if every year it felt a little tougher to make the journey. 

 

He unloaded the cart while Najuma set up the display – he knew better than to try and help her with this part. 

 

“Need a hand?” Asked a familiar voice.

 

Hodari smiled and turned to face his friend Sorcha. He nearly dropped the fireworks he had in his hands when he saw them. They seldom got dolled up, the first time being Eshe and Kenli's funeral of an anniversary party. That night they'd don a dark suit; tonight they'd opted for a strapless dress in summer colors. Both looked quite flattering on them.

 

“No, no,” he answered, trying to keep his composure. “Nothin’ we can't handle, huh Najuma?”

 

Najuma turned to see, and beamed with a squeal at the sight of her friend. “Sorcha! You look great tonight,” she ran over giving the human a big squeeze. “Don't they look great, dad?”

 

Hodari shook his head, not falling for whatever trick his kid was trying to pull on him. “It's always good to see ya, Sorcha.”

 

“Thanks, you two,” the human said with a grin. “I'm up here, soon,” they said with a wave towards Badruu. Even the farmer had a lovely button down and dress pants on tonight, matching his cohost in a warm color scheme. “Najuma, you still okay with–”

 

“Yeah, yeah, I got it,” she said in a haste. “Go, go! I've been dying to hear you play,” she said with a shoo of her hands. 

 

Sorcha just laughed aloud, “Okay, okay! I'll talk to you two later tonight,” they said with a wave as they trotted over to Badruu. Hodari kept his eyes glued to the Firework stand, not wanting them to wander.

 

Eshe was the first to come on stage, introducing Badruu and Sorcha as Kilima's talented bards. 

 

Then, after Eshe stepped off stage and the duo finished preparing, Badruu led them in song. It was an upbeat song, about love and heat – fitting for summer. Badruu's singing voice was excellent, and he played with the vigor and excitement of someone who had been deprived of the stage for far too long. Sorcha hung back on the first stanza and chorus, singing back-up vocals and lute. The only indication of their anxiety was their tapping heel to the beat of the song, their other foot planted firmly in place. They weren't as lively as their co-host, though they were keeping time with them.

 

Badruu started the second stanza, then suddenly ceased playing his instrument and stepped out of the way. 

 

One beat.

 

Two beats.

 

Sorcha marched forward and belted out the following lines. Auni and Delaila whooped for them from the crowd, and as they continued the song with Badruu, a great big grin spread across their face. They finished out their long final note and jumped back to join Badruu in playing together.

 

They were in it now.

 

Hodari and Najuma were to the right of the stage. When their friend's voice rang out into the market, they both couldn't help but look up in surprise. 

 

“Whoa,” Najuma gawked, “they're actually really good.”

 

Hodari couldn't help but chuckle, “Don't sound too surprised, kiddo.”

 

“I'm not! Just, uh… that's cool.” She said, regaining her composure. “And uh… they look really good tonight too, huh?”

 

Hodari eyed his kid, “Why do you keep bringing that up?”

 

“No reason!” Najuma said defensively. “Just, y'know, they really worked hard on their fit tonight.”

 

“‘Fit?’” Hodari parroted, shaking his head. Kids these days.

 

He did steal another glance to his human friend on stage, and at the crescendo of the song, flames shot off to the left and right of them.

 

“Nice! Perfectly timed!” Najuma cheered.

 

Sorcha looked over at the duo, smiled, and winked as they played out the rest of their song, their energy and movement finally matching Badruu's.

 

Hodari felt his cheeks prick with color. That was… probably meant for Najuma. Almost definitely.

 

The rest of the night was filled with songs, most of which were upbeat and fast paced. Badruu really looked like he was in his element, a side of him he hadn't been able to show in a long time. 

 

At one point, the band took an intermission to get some much deserved water and food. 

 

“Whoo boy,” Badruu panted, dabbing a rag to his forehead. “All that dancing and singing really takes it outta me. Ain't the spring peki I once was,” he said with a tired smile.

 

“You were amazing,” Sorcha complimented with a pat to his sweaty back. “I might go mingle a little, if that's alright.”

 

“Sure thing,” Badruu said with a friendly elbowing to their side. “Got some sweeties to flirt with, huh?”

 

Sorcha laughed and blushed, “Just… one. Maybe,” they said nervously. “We'll see–”

 

“You've got this, spud-y!” Badruu encouraged as he walked away. “You're a shoo-in!”

 

His band partner couldn't help but laugh at his confidence in them… now they just needed some for themselves. 

 

As Sorcha approached the Pavel's Firework stand, Najuma saw them first. 

 

“You were awesome!” She shouted, alerting her dad to their presence. 

 

“Thanks to those pyrotechnics, firecracker!” Najuma tackled Sorcha, nearly knocking the human over in a fit of giggles the two of them shared. Sorcha swung Najuma around as they laughed, spinning their dress around with the young Majiri.

 

“Yeah, they were the best part of the show,” she beamed, fully accepting the compliment.

 

“You both were great up there,” Hodari added, “Badruu's a lot more spry than he lets on.”

 

“You're not kidding,” the human said with a puff of air. “I was fighting to keep up.”

 

Najuma interjected, already aware where the conversation was headed. “I'm gonna go get some peki wings! Dad, can I have some tickets?”

 

Hodari produced a stack of market tickets, but before handing them over bargained, “You'll get me some too, yeah?”

 

“Yes yes, I'll be back in a minute,” she said in a rush.

 

That left Hodari and Sorcha alone, in the corner of the market, without any meddling ears to hear.

 

“So,” the human started, “I– Najuma, she told me you two do this every year?”

 

“Yeah,” Hodari sighed, “every year gets a lil more crowded and a lil more loud.”

 

“Oh wow, you're really selling me here,” Sorcha cajoled, leaning against the display. 

 

“Sorry,” he said, softening, “just… gets to be a lot, and usually ends with a headache.”

 

The human smiled warmly at their Majiri friend, “But you do it for her.”

 

Hodari nodded, “Anythin’ for her.”

 

“I know,” they said softly. “That's why I got you these,” they rummaged through their bag to produce a small bouquet of crystal lake lotuses. “Since our beloved Firecracker can't help but get burnt, I figured you should have some on standby.”

 

Hodari accepted the bouquet with a grin. “Usually the talent gets flowers, not the crowd.”

 

“Huh, must be a weird cross of cultures,” they said with a sly smile. “Oh, shoot, I got one more for you,” they said, turning to pull out one more flower.

 

“You ain't gotta do all that, these’re plenty fer-” Hodari’s words caught as he saw the final flower. 

 

A heartdrop lily.

 

Sorcha held it out for him to accept, along with their breath.

 

Hodari gingerly took the flower, “This… I ain't exactly refusing just… you know what these mean… right?”

 

Their face dropped a little, “It– it's okay if you don't want–”

 

“I didn't say that,” he quickly corrected. “Just… wanted to make sure.” Hodari held the flower as though it were made of glass, baffled at their courting him. “Y'should'nt doubt yourself… you got a better head on your shoulders than most people I've met.” 

 

Hodari looked back up to Sorcha, two sernuk caught in one another's headlights. Their chest was heaving, their mouth turning up to a tentative smile. 

 

They were beautiful.

 

“Look, uh– I gotta get back to–”

 

“Sure, of course!” Sorcha said with a pitch higher than their normal one. “I'll… catch ya later?”

 

“Talk to ya later,” he said softly, watching them slowly walk away.

 

This was by far the most exciting market night he'd ever been to.

Notes:

This is the song Badruu and Sorcha are singing in my head:
https://soundcloud.com/justfriends89260/fever
But also, I didn't include lyrics on purpose in case there's a song in your heart that belongs there instead~

Chapter 11: You're Only Human

Summary:

The conclusion of the Maji Market, and the beginning of the quests with Subira throughout the temples.

The rest of the market was like magic to me. I sang every night with Badruu, dancing and playing for visitors to the market. Kilima was a bit out of the way in Palia, so no night was crowded by any means. Which was perfect for playing on stage for the first time.

 

Not only that, Hodari more or less accepted my lily. Holy shit.

 

Every night I would pop over to their booth and throw down some lines, trying to flirt. Some landed, some did not. Once, I commented on wanting to squeeze his biceps and he effectively told me to get my own.

 

Embra, help me, I want to squish his face.

 

On the final night something unexpected happened: I met another human. Several, in fact.

 

As Badruu and I tuned our instruments, a caravan of riffocs rolled into the clearing near the entrance. I was wearing a romper with a midriff cut-out, while Badruu wore a suit and vest with a similar cut. At first I didn't think much of it, but heard a clamoring buzz around and headed to the caravans. 

 

My breath caught as I realized what all the hubbub was about. The first human I saw was a beautiful black woman with thick braids crowning her head. And after her about a dozen followed behind. 

 

Suddenly, Eshe was next to me and shooing us off stage. She grasped the microphone and announced, “Distinguished guests of Makuu City, please make yourselves at home in Kilima. Our home is yours for the night, and we hope you enjoy the festivities!”

 

She looked between the two of us next and commanded, “Tonight has to be perfect, give us your best performance!”

 

We nodded vigorously, exchanging looks before looking back to Eshe: she was already walking away hastily. 

 

“Not like the pressures not already on,” I huffed. 

 

“You want me to take over tonight?” Badruu offered. 

 

I looked at him in shock, “What? No, I couldn't leave you to–”

 

He put his hand on my shoulder, “This is a big night for ya, spuddy. I think you outta mingle,” he encouraged with a warm smile. 

 

My heart dropped. 

 

Yeah. That's what I should do. These are my people. This is a huge opportunity to interact with other humans who went through the same alienating experience I had. 

 

“Why… am I so scared?” I asked Badruu earnestly.

 

“Well, I can't pretend to know how… complicated this all feels,” Badruu admitted with a grimace and a shrug, “but I know you're a wonderful friend and worth meeting! And I know you'll wanna make friends with them, too.”

 

I nodded, smiling sheepishly. “Yeah… yeah!” I hopped up and down on my heels, hyping myself up. “You're right, I'll go show them how Kilima hosts a human!”

 

“Heck yeah!” Badruu high-fived me, “Romaine calm, and knock ‘em down!”

 

I cantered to the beautiful woman first, introducing myself perhaps a little too excitedly. 

 

The first look I received was confusion.

 

I continued on less confidently, saying how excited I was to see them and finally chat with other humans. Maybe I was coming off too eager, or maybe I sounded crazy–

 

The beautiful woman raised her hands in a halting motion. “I'm sorry, we don't speak the ancient human language.” She said, her voice as lovely as she was. “Will you say that again in Palian?”

 

I flushed, feeling embarrassed and unable to repeat myself. “Yeah, sorry– uh, I'm Sorcha. I'm the… local anomaly, haha,” I laughed nervously. 

 

She smiled, “It's lovely to meet you, Sorcha. Please, tell us all about your quaint little village.”

 

The humans of The Capital were nice… but they only made me feel more alienated. 

 

They stared in horror as I explained everything I did – hunting, fishing, mining, gathering in the wilds of Kilima – and visibly recoiled when I broached any human topics. I wanted to understand what their deal was, but also didn't want to upset them so I kept sidestepping the subject. Maybe having been in the capital, they've grown so used to Majiri customs that human stuff was alien to them, too? When I asked about the capital, I got an assorted variation of the same answer: cushy, well cared for by host families, and uninterested in what brought us here. 

 

It wasn't until I peeled off and got myself a little treat from Delaila's stand that one of them answered my questions.

 

“They're just scared to talk about the old world, that's all,” said a voice behind me as I collected a peach cake. 

 

I turned around to see a pale man with short blonde hair, and I couldn't help but think of a human version of Nai'o when I looked at him. Though he didn't have the same face shape or features, he still came to mind when I returned the smile. 

 

“Why's that?” I asked, taking the first bite of Delaila's best pastry ever. 

 

“Majiri can't use magic, and a lot of human history is steeped in magic,” he explained, stepping closer to me. “It's not illegal to talk about necessarily, just taboo.”

 

“I see,” I looked over to the group of humans solemnly. 

 

Maybe I was a bit flippant with the rules, but I knew magic wasn't dangerous. The human hubris was, and I don’t have that. Being in the capital, they probably only heard horror stories of the ancient humans; they didn't know about the scientists clinging to hope, the lovers seeking one another in the storms, the families looking to the horizon for a new future.

 

They didn't know humans.

 

“Not me, though,” the man said, breaking me from my train of thought as he stepped far too close to me. “I'd love to hear more about what you've uncovered out here.”

 

I stood my ground, staring up at him as he leered down at me. He was tall, but not as formidable as he probably thought. I was also sure he hadn’t built the strength I had out here living in the capital. I was the strong one in this situation, despite what he might have assumed of me.

 

“That's okay,” I said, pressing my palm firmly into his chest to get the message across. “I'm not interested in uncovering anything with you.”

 

“I can change your mind about tha–” he said with a smirk, reaching past my arm to grasp me. 

 

In one fluid motion, I blocked his hand with my arm, swiped my foot behind his, and kicked up to knock him down. He fell with a loud, satisfying thud. All without dropping my peach cake.

 

“You can fuck off,” I commanded, stepping around him.

 

He looked livid, indignant rage filling his eyes. “You back water piece–!” but I was already walking away and didn’t catch the rest of his unimaginative insult.

 

“Y'alright, dearie?” Delaila hurried after me, having only realized what had happened. She was so busy with market customers, she hadn't noticed this guy was even here.

 

“I'm fine,” I fumed. I looked back over to the other humans, hoping to catch a kind eye. Maybe someone who saw what really happened, someone who could empathize with me.

 

They all looked scared of me… There goes my shot of befriending anyone. 

 

Eshe shuffled over quickly toward me, and I was sure I was done for. This wasn't exactly my “best performance,” but I steeled myself to defend my actions. I don’t regret knocking that guy on his ass.

 

“I'll escort him out immediately, “ Eshe said to me in a brisk tone. “There'll be no misconduct on my watch,” she assured before stomping over to the human man still on the ground, ready to tell him off.

 

…Huh.

 

That was an unexpected side of Eshe. 

 

“Do you want anything, sweetie?” Delaila offered. “Ya can have anything from the stand, on me,” she assured with a pat on my hand. 

 

“No, that's okay,” I sighed. “I think I'll just call it a night. Sorry, I just don't want to–”

 

“Don't you apologize, dearie,” she said with a wag of her finger. “You go on home, I'll have Auni bring ya some treats when he delivers yer mail,” she said with a wink and a hug. 

 

“Okay,” I crossed my arms with a small smile, “thanks, Delaila.” I turned and started the walk out of the fairgrounds. I swear I could hear hushed whispers all over the festival, and it felt like eyes were boring into me from all around. 

 

I wouldn’t cry, but damn if I didn’t want to. 

 

–

 

The next day I had to hop right back into work: with Subira, that is. 

 

I showed Subira around the temples, and upon reentering them we both realized we were a mere step behind someone else. Someone powerful. Someone who knew magic. Someone who knew the ancient human language and had a connection to the ancient humans.

 

Subira of course suspected Tamala, but I wouldn't give her any information. Despite not having had the best sex with Tamala, I still counted her as a friend. She taught me simple spells and potions, and was an interesting character. Maybe she wasn't the most popular Majiri in town, but I knew there was good in her. Plus, Subira said she put a sensor in front of the temple to detect if any villagers showed up, and it marked the intruder as an unknown entity. I wondered if it was another human that emerged, came up for the Maji Market as a guise, and has been on the hunt for answers as well. My first thought was the tall blond asshole, but I doubted it. 

 

Regardless, we chased the shadow of the mysterious character from temple to temple, appearing to be only a moment behind each time. And each time we found something new – something I missed. That kind of annoyed me more than the culprit. Something called the Cosmo Protocol kept coming up at each temple, like a failsafe installed in each one. And each one was becoming deactivated. 

 

When we got to the Gardener, he would only cooperate if I took him to various places to ‘see the sights.’ Not like this wasn't time sensitive or anything, but hey. Glad he got some people watching in. I placed him in Bahari out by the lighthouse, in the air temple, and in Kilima Village. He reminisced about what used to be there with me, and how much has changed. Bahari used to be a bustling city. The Air Temple was a lively research facility. Kilima was once a university. Though life persisted, it changed. 

 

I guess that's all we can do.

 

As he observed silently on the hill overlooking the riffoc stables, I spotted Hodari walking into town. Perfect opportunity to throw down some lines.

 

“Hey, handsome,” I called from my spot next to the Gardener's hub. 

 

“Hey, you,” Hodari hollered. “Heard you got into a scuffle at the market the other night.”

 

I gave a humorless laugh, “Yeah, just some guy getting a bit too chummy with me.”

 

“Well, glad to hear y'gave him what for,” he crossed his arms and nodded.

 

“Eshe apparently tore him a new one,” I said with a grin, swinging my legs listlessly. 

 

“When I'd heard whadda happened, I nearly tore ‘m one, too. Y'let me know next time, yeah?” He said to one side of his hand, as though he were telling me a secret. 

 

I laughed at his goofy gesture, feeling lighter with the interaction.

 

“Cease your socialization,” commanded The Gardener, making Hodari flinch. “I’m trying to collect data of the residents of Kilima.” 

 

I pointed to Hodari, “This is a resident of Kilima,” I countered daftly. 

 

“That is a resident of Bahari Bay, and I have already collected the data I need from that region,” The Gardener bickered.

 

“What’s all this?” Hodari asked in befuddlement. 

 

“This is the creator of all Galdur,” I explained, knocking my knuckles against the housing of the Gardener’s hub. “He’s been trapped underground for centuries, so he needed some air.” 

 

“I don’t require air to function–”

 

“It’s a figure of speech,” I rolled my eyes, “Cool your circuits.” I leaned forward and spoke quieter to Hodari, who’d stepped closer off the path. “I’m in cahoots with Subira to get some intel from him, and he made a deal to answer our questions if I took him out.”

 

Hodari nodded, though he seemed perturbed at the whole situation. “So you’re… arlight?”

 

“Huh? Yeah, he’s harmless,” I said, waving at The Gardner. “Unless you’re a Galdur, in which case he can rewrite your programming remotely,” I added with a wince, remembering Einar. 

 

“I meant with all the Maji Market stuff,” he clarified, looking at me with those pretty blue eyes that sought the truth. 

 

My heart fluttered, “Yeah, of course,” I said with a smirk. 

 

I wasn’t. 

 

But I didn’t want anyone to know that. Especially the guy I’m trying to impress. 

 

Hodari stared at me for a moment longer before shrugging and sighing. “Other than an outta towner, I’d say you really shone during the market,” he said earnestly. “Sets m’heart at ease knowing you’re doin’ well.”

 

I pursed my lips and said flirtatiously, “I don’t make your heart race?”

 

His eyes widened with an upturned flick of his mouth before looking down and grasping his palm in his nervous gesture. “...’course ya do. You’re you.”

 

I blushed, “Oh wow, that was smooth,” I said, putting my head into my hand as I leaned my elbow on my knees. “You’re good at words when you want to be, huh?”

 

“Eh, y– I gotta–” he fumbled, “get goin’ I’ll– yeah,” he said with a mock salute as he walked away. If I didn’t know any better, I’d say he was blushing, too.

 

Nice.

 

“That was displeasing to watch,” the Gardener remarked from behind me. 

 

“Oh, can-it, tinman,” I said with a wide smile, leaning back so my head rested on the cool metal. “How do you like Kilima? As stimulating as you wanted it to be?”

 

“There are more intelligent species than there once was,” the Gardener stated, “some that look similar to humans, some less so. All functioning in harmony… unaware of the loss they've constructed their town atop of.”

 

My heart sank. “Yeah… it's always on my mind,” I admitted.

 

There was a long pause we shared – a silence of respect for the lost lives of the past – until the Gardener finally insisted we return to the temple. 

 

Once there, he assured that the intruder wasn’t able to get past his override, he wouldn’t allow them. Though he couldn’t provide any descriptors of the intruder: they cloaked themselves both physically and magically so they wouldn’t be recognized. Part of me wondered if they were choosing to shroud their identity from The Gardener because he would recognize them… but Subira expressed disbelief in such a theory. An ancient human recognizable by The Gardener would have to be thousands of years old, likely decrepit from age or the magic it would take to sustain themselves for so long. 

 

We disbanded for the evening, only to wake up to a great beam of light shooting out from the Night Sky Temple in the dead of night. I woke up to the sight and raced to the temple, hoping I wasn’t too late. 

 

The Gardener had been bypassed, the culmination of deactivated protocols led to the lights setting off, from here to regions far beyond. It also opened up a new wing of the night sky temple. One Subira and I had to precariously platform through before making it to the console. 

 

There were ancient records from a person named Aurus, a researcher who synthesized some new form of flow called cosmoflow – an amalgamation of all four elemental flows. Apparently flow comes from another realm, and this person had not only learned how to make immortality elixirs with it, they also were drafted to make weapons with it. They weren't given much choice considering their family was threatened if they didn't fulfill the ministries orders. Though Aurus's efforts were curbed by scarcity – apparently the realm of flow is not a limitless resource – the character Sadeel came into play, insisting Aurus seek another, greater source of power “through the veil.”

 

That's where the Mirror Protocol comes in. 

 

Only it backfired. From what I gathered, trying to tap into yet another alternative dimension led to monsters flooding into the world. Though the power from that realm was vast, it led to the downfall of humanity as they fought against the beasts. 

 

And this is where the Staff comes into play.

 

Aurus crafted it to convert ambient flow to cosmo flow – or at least that was the goal. Though it couldn't close the rifts between planes, it was intended to be effectual against the monsters that came from beyond the veil. 

 

It wasn't. 

 

Aurus and humanity lost. They were swallowed by the darkness they wrought unto the world. Though children of the Phoenix, her fire wasn’t enough to keep the void from swallowing them once more.

 

But nevertheless, Aurus hoped. They prayed. In their final message they wished me – the far future reader reborn into the brilliant sun – to feel the joy of life. Aurus closed their letters by wishing our sunsets were as breaktaking as theirs… and went for a walk.

 

Was this the author from the Bahari Bay notes…?

 

I sat with the logs for quite some time. Rereading them over and over in the dim light of the long forgotten tomb of the ancient humans. Aurus's hope was astounding. How could someone – at the end of everything – hold on so tightly to anything? 

 

After I gathered myself and rejoined Subira at the console, we learned there was yet another layer to this conundrum: the elderwood tap. Apparently even in the human times there was the elderwood – I guess that’s what makes them elders. Before we regrouped in the Elderwood, I went home to get some food and bathe.

 

When I checked my mail, I realized I got a letter from Hodari. I smiled, thinking about how much I wanted to talk to someone about all this. 

 

He essentially told me Najuma wasn't comfortable with us being in a relationship.

 

… Are you fucking kidding me?

Notes:

Okay so--

The first time I played through I was a couple conversations away from being BFF's with Najuma, and Hodari sent that letter saying we can't be together. Which in game logic I get because you have to earn her trust before he'll date you, but it also irked me because I was like?? The fuck????

So now we're gonna use it for dramatization~

Chapter 12: Slow Burn

Summary:

In which we go through the 'Nature of Shadows' and 'Bugging Out' quest, along with an update on that letter Hodari sent.

I was livid. He could've just said no, I asked him if he wanted to say no. I gave him an out immediately!

 

I was so pissed off thinking about the contents of the letter he wrote, I forgot to take Tamala's special potion for gathering infected plants. 

 

Instant regret.

 

I cried out, cursing to myself for being stupid – about everything. I hastily wrapped it and took the potion, continuing my work with a throbbing hand and aching heart.

 

Subira cordially took the gathered plants and examined them. Her findings were inconclusive; she needed sentient organic material. I suggested insects since they were a little easier to catch in the elderwood, and Subira suggested I speak with Auni about making some bug bombs.

 

“Yes, let's ask a child to assist us with dangerous magical substances,” Tamala drawled in venom, “I can't think of a problem that could arise from that!”

 

“If you need any assistance,” Subira continued, unfazed by Tamala’s genuine concern, “I will be here, Sorcha.”

 

Tamala reached into her bosom and produced an amulet. “Don't lose that now, pet,” she said with a wink. “That'll keep you and the kid safe while interacting with the essence.”

 

I shook my head with a laugh, likely never going to be rid of her nickname. Subira seemed unamused by Tamala’s playful nickname, though, shaking her head and pursing her lips. 

 

Accepting the amulet, I made my way back to Kilima, giving a wide berth to the Pavel residence. I wasn't ready to face him yet – mostly because I was still pissed and would probably come at him sideways. It’s alright that he didn’t want to date, I only wish he would have been upfront with me and not tapdance around it for a week.

 

Talking to Auni though… he suggested I talk to Najuma since she's the resident inventor. 

 

Dammit. 

 

I love Najuma, I love hanging out with her. I didn't want to bog her down with my stupid adult issues, though. 

 

As I approached the workshop, Auni had already beat me to Najuma. 

 

“Oh, good, you’re here,” Najuma sighed. “Auni wasn’t really explaining it super well.”

 

“Hehe, sorry!” Auni giggled. “Isn’t this exciting, though?! We get to help Sorcha on an ADVENTURE!!”

 

“Help me, Najuma Pavel,” I said in a mock serious voice. “You’re my only hope.”

 

“I-I mean, I'm happy to help if you need it. Kind of a nice change of pace from my dad telling me to cut stuff out…” Najuma said, looking down with a scowl. 

 

“I know, right?” Auni interjected with a wide smile. “My mom can't even be mad I skipped chores for this!”

 

“So uh… can you explain a little more what exactly you need?”

 

With only a bit more elaboration, Najuma understood the assignment perfectly. Not surprising, considering what a bright kid she was.

 

“See, what did I tell you? We're basically heroes fighting against the darkness encroaching on the Elderwood!” Auni was practically shouting from excitement. “And to defeat the evil, we have to BECOME the evil! It's just like Super Palia Chronicles!”

 

Najuma flinched away from his shouting like an agitated cat. “Yeah… infected stuff so close to Bahari Bay doesn't sound great. I kind of live here.” She said with a wave across the bay. “But I'll need to test which materials will work best with the infected essence. Most smoke bombs use different plants to create the effects. It sounds like plants from the Elderwood might work best, since they've already been exposed… Um, do you think you can get me some of this infected essence, and a couple different Elderwood-local plants?”

 

“Way ahead of ya, firecracker,” I said with a wink. I placed several plants on her work bench, and a jar of essence along with them. I put my hand over the jar and emphasized, “Do NOT handle this without wearing this–” I said, placing the amulet over her head and around her neck. “This is like magical PPE, okay? You don’t touch this without this,” I emphasized.

 

“Okay… got it.” She nodded, registering my serious intonation. “I've… never been to the Elderwood. These things look totally different from the stuff I see in Bahari Bay. And this essence stuff... I wonder what kinda fireworks I could make with it…”

 

“Focus, firecracker,” I said with a chuckle. 

 

“A-anyways, let me try some stuff out really quick!”

 

I gently ushered Auni out of the workshop so Najuma could work uninterrupted. Bless his heart, he’d probably distract her and draw out the process all day. I intended to take him to the field across the way to catch bugs and avoid Pavel Senior.

 

It didn’t matter though, because as Auni and I exited the workshop Hodari strolled past on his way to the mines.

 

“Hi, Mr. Pavel!” Auni beamed as he jogged out to the fields. “We’re gonna be super heroes!” 

 

“Uh…” Hodari struggled to figure out what to say to that, but he didn’t have to worry considering Auni was already off in his own little world. 

 

Leaving just him and me in ours.

 

“... Hey.” I said tersely, my hand throbbing from the self inflicted burn from before. 

 

Hodari crossed his arms in his usual defensive stance. “Listen, I–”

 

“You don’t owe me an explanation,” I said coarsely. “I should have been listening to you; a lack of a yes is still a no.” 

 

“It’s not that I don’t–” He said, getting flustered. “I just don’t think I should get into anything with Najuma–”

 

I rolled my eyes and groaned. “Don’t hide behind your daughter, Hodari.” 

 

“Excuse me?”

 

“Najuma has nothing to do with this,” I said in a low tone, trying not to alert her that we were talking out here. I wasn’t going to bring up that she helped me set up the firework show. That she was in on the night’s antics. I didn’t want her to get mixed in with this. “If you don’t feel the same way, just say it. Don’t bring her into this.” 

 

Hodari’s eyes were alight, his hands gripping his arms in their crossed stance; he was fuming. “My daughter’s my entire world. She’s the last good thing I’ve got!” He pointed a stern finger at me, “I'm not gonna be in a relationship she ain't comfortable with!”

 

I sought another response to bite back with, but Najuma beat me to it.

 

“What!?” She shouted, emerging from the workshop.

 

“Najuma?” Hodari looked dumbfounded, the fire quelling in his eyes.

 

“You, you–!” Najuma was seething, “Sorcha asked me first! I-I know you like them! Why are you blaming me for rejecting them?!”

 

I interjected, “Najuma, it's okay, I can take rejection–”

 

“But he likes you, I know it!” She shouted, waving at her father.

 

“How– when did you two conspire to–” Hodari balked.

 

“Conspire is a strong word,” I said with a wave of my hand and a roll of my eyes. “Najuma’s a smart kid, she clocked me, and… I guess she thought she clocked you, too.” I added, dejected. 

 

“I know my dad,” Najuma huffed, “I know he's lying.” 

 

Hodari began to argue with his daughter, but I watched her turn to grab the essence and material off of her workbench. 

 

Which had the amulet sitting next to them.

 

“Don't!” I shouted, running forward. My hand hadn't stopped burning since I touched the stuff last time, I couldn't bear if Najuma felt that pain, too.

 

I pushed between her and the bench. My arm grabbed her and swung her away from the material, and through that force I ended up sticking my hand directly into the essence. 

 

Stupid. 

 

I involuntarily cried out, a shrill scream I'm not sure I’ve ever made before. I squeezed my eyes shut, willing the tears from falling as they gathered in my eyes. The second burn on top of the first one from a few hours ago hurt a lot worse; go figure. 

 

I turned to Najuma, she looked like she was going to hyperventilate. 

 

“I'm sorry– Sorcha, I'm so sorry–”

 

“Hey, hey,” I said as evenly as I could. “I'm sorry if I scared you. This is why we use PPE, right firecracker?”

 

Najuma's breathing was still ragged, but she nodded in response. 

 

“Will you make me some of that tea, please?” I asked gently. “That'll help with the pain, right?” 

 

“Yeah– yes.” She snapped into action, “I'll make you some right now, hang tight!” She tapped her dad's shoulder, “Treat the burn for me,” she commanded before sprinting off. 

 

I waited til I couldn’t hear her footfall before doubling over in pain, giving another strangled cry. I was afraid to touch my hand with the other, so it hovered around the throbbing, blackened tips of my fingers. It pulsed with dark magic that felt like shocks of pain striking me to my core. 

 

I flinched when Hodari’s hands found my shoulders, but I didn’t move out from his touch.

 

“C’mere,” he whispered, “Lemme take a look at that.” 

 

I wanted to refuse, wanted to insist I didn’t need his pity or his tending to. I faced him ready to argue.

 

But his eyes… The hurt in them sent an ache in me worse than the essence. 

 

I quietly walked with him across the workshop to the first aid kit. I sat in the chair, unable to continue our squabble at this point from the pain. He began pulling out the supplies he needed and knelt down in front of me. 

 

He worked in silence for a few minutes, and I didn’t mind. I was comfortable with it – even in moments like this where we weren’t on the best terms.

 

As he dabbed crystal lake lotus poultice into the wound, he finally broke his own silence with a nearly inaudible, “‘m sorry.”

 

“Yeah well,” I sighed as he put away the poultice, “I should have handled it better.”

 

“You say it like it is. Some people don't appreciate that, but I do. I like knowin' where I stand with someone.” As Hodari wrapped my hand in a fresh bandage, he gently pressed his lips to my covered hand. “But yer always gentle with Najuma.”

 

My heart fluttered, my cheeks bloomed blush. “O-of course.”

 

Though his hands were big and calloused, he still held my bandaged one with great care. “Yer right… I was hiding behind my kid. The truth is I feel the same way about ya… and I'm scared of it.”

 

I felt my chest heaving slightly, like the night I handed over my heartdrop lily to him. “Why? I wouldn't… push you into anything.”

 

Hodari nodded, “I know… I was bein’ a coward. I ain't done this since… we lost Leta.” He said heavily. “I hadn't thought of doin’ this ever again but you… yer unlike anyone I'd ever met.”

 

I nodded, leaning forward so my forehead met his. “We can go slow… if that's what you want.”

 

His eyes stared into mine, his cool stone blue into my green. His eyelashes were long and dark, if I leaned in just a little further they'd brush my temple. 

 

“Would ya still have me?” He asked, low voice rumbling in my chest.

 

“I'd be lucky to have you,” I whispered.

 

Najuma burst in, sending Hodari’s head flying away from mine to look up at her.

 

“Uh– should I leave?”

 

“No, no-”

 

“We weren't doin’ nothin'–”

 

“Okay, whatever,” Najuma rolled her eyes. “Here's your tea, Sorcha.”

 

I winced as I gripped the cup, the pain of my hand returning as I tried to use it.

 

“Thanks, firecracker,” I said with a small smile. “You too, Hodari.” 

 

I sipped my tea, thinking about how to tell Subira I'll be out of commission for a few days. 

 

“Uh… I hate to cut into… whatever this is,” she said with a point between me and Hodari, “but uh… Auni ran toward the Elderwood.”

 

I groaned, slammed my tea, and stood up. “I'll go get him.”

 

–

 

After rescuing Auni from the elderwood like a cat out of a tree, I took the next few days to rest my hand. 

 

The poultice and tea helped quite a bit, but it still wasn't all too functional. It was like a cross between a jellyfish sting and venomous bite, pulsing from my fingertips and radiating up to my elbow at times. 

 

I tried occupying myself by working on my furniture making skills. With my right hand only partially functional though, it was hard to craft anything worth putting in my little house. 

 

I got so frustrated with the shelf I was making I threw it across the yard, cursing it in the ancient human tongue.

 

“Uh–”

 

I turned to see Hodari, my cheeks flushing more than they already were.

 

“Is that gon’ be me here soon?” He asked, a half laugh escaping his lips. 

 

“What? No, no--" I said, trying to fix my hair with my one good hand. “That's… not related to our talk yesterday. I just hate feeling helpless, y'know?" I emphasized with a wave of my bandaged hand.

 

Hodari nodded, “I get that. When we were Najuma’s age, m'brother thought he'd psych me out with a swing ‘a his pick, ‘cept I was stubborn and didn't move my leg.”

 

I winced, “Oof, that sounds awful.”

 

“Sure was, but not as much as bein’ outta commission fer half a year.”

 

I chuckled, picturing a young Hodari going stir-crazy with a broken leg.

 

“Listen,” he started, stepping through the gate, “I wanted to come see ya, ‘bout yesterday.”

 

I waved and pursed my lips, “We hashed it out, it's okay.”

 

He shook his head, “It's not okay… but I wanted to bring you somethin’.” He pulled out a buzzy jar, the little lightning bugs blinking inside. “I shoulda reciprocated sooner, but… y'know.”

 

I took the jar and watched the insects dance in it, thinking back to the jar of lantern bugs I'd given Hodari months ago. 

 

“Thanks, Hodari.” I accepted, looking up to him with a warm smile. 

 

He held my gaze for several moments, both of us silently taking each other in. He broke from my gaze first, looking down as he squeezed his palms in nervousness. “Well uh, you can use that, er chunk it out the window, feed it to a chaapa… it's yours.”

 

I nodded, “I always take good care of my things,” I said with a wink. 

 

We both looked at the smashed shelf, then back at each other. 

 

“Most everything,” I said with exasperation, earning a hearty laugh from him that warmed my heart.

Notes:

In game the essence causes intense emotional turmoil, but I wanted some physical trauma to go with our drama~

Chapter 13: Choked Up

Summary:

In which we do the 'One Step Behind' and 'Like a Shiprunt' quests, along with developments in our relationship with Tamala.

I was able to return to the Elderwood after a good week of resting my hand. It was hard slowing down for so long, but it did give me time to spruce up my house a bit and do some home renovations I’d been neglecting.

 

After the latest inspection of insects I'd gathered, Subira concluded the essence was infecting their host and assimilating with it. Not surprising, considering the vicious attack it had on my hand.

 

Before I could retire from the woods, though, Subira urged me to track and follow Tamala.

 

Since The Order's investigation began, Tamala has made it a point to be an arm's length from Subira. I figured she was gonna make a move on her, but perhaps she was trying to play her. Whatever the case, I was curious, too. What does Tamala know about all of this? This all felt intrinsic to why I was brought into this world 10,000 years later, and she’s been a lot more coy since Subira came to town.

 

“I know I ask a lot considering your… bond.” Subira said carefully. “But she's either taking advantage of you, or she truly is in a predicament. I will track your progress from here, and if I sense you're in danger I'll come to your aid.”

 

This made me laugh. “Tamala might be eccentric, but she's not dangerous.”

 

Subira looked at me with a guarded look. I couldn't tell if she felt sad or scared for me, but I knew it was misplaced. “Be careful, Sorcha. And return safely.”

 

I set out, easily catching her tracks in the soft earth. I only hiked a short distance before running into Sifuu of all people.

 

“Hey Red! Out hunting, too?”

 

“Uh… kinda.” I figured if I brought up Tamala she'd just join in on the witch hunt. 

 

“Well, be careful of the elderwood beast! It's tracks are over here… could be even watching us from these trees,” she said with eyes to the foliage. 

 

“Don't worry, I'll fight it off!” I said, flexing for her in boast. 

 

“Ha! I like your energy! But don't underestimate the beast. I'd hate to see something awful happen to you. Here,” she produced a charm from her satchel, “Take this. You'll need this if your investigating all this nasty stuff popping up in the elderwood. It's a bit above my pay grade, but if you need me I've got your back.” She patted me on the back, “Stay safe out there.”

 

Two different people bade me stay safe. 

 

This feels like a bad omen. 

 

I couldn't turn back now, though. I was hot on the trail, and I knew I'd be fine. I roughed it in these woods for days on end, I felt safe in every environment on the continent. 

 

I wasn't scared. 

 

I made it to a small cavern where a campsite had been constructed. There were notes and runes on the table. I hadn't gotten through the notebook before Tamala strode into the cavern, heels clicking loudly in the stone room.

 

“Oh, Sorcha… I really hoped it wouldn't be you.” Tamala said with feigned sadness. “All you had to do was mind your own business. Does our relationship mean nothing to you?”

 

“I could ask you the same thing,” I said with a dramatic snap of the journal. “You know I've been looking for answers since I got here!”

 

“All you had to do was ask,” she said with a coy look. 

 

“You just told me to mind my own business! Would you have been honest?”

 

“Hmm, I might have considered it.” She said with a devious smile. “The watcher's got it wrong, though. I'm not behind this Elderwood kerfuffle.”

 

“So who is?” I pressed. 

 

“I can't quite say yet. Though I'd love to meet and exchange notes…” she wondered, poising her nail to her lip in curiosity. She then faced me once more, “I can't risk having you spread around my business.”

 

I rolled my eyes, “Don't be so dramatic, I'm no snitch. I’ve literally delivered illegal goods to you before, remember?”

 

“I can’t take that chance,” she said, her demeanor shifting as she blocked the entrance. “So I'll leave you with a gift.”

 

I laughed nervously, walking towards the entrance. “C'mon, let's just get outta here and talk–” 

 

With swiftness I'd never seen from her before, Tamala grabbed me by the throat.

 

“Tamal– AH!” 

 

She slammed me into the wall, grasping a rune in the other hand as she chanted. I kicked and thrashed to try and pull out of her grasp, but the strength she held onto me with was inhuman. Where did this power come from? Did she have access to the cosmoflow that created super soldiers? Was this related to why her tracks looked beastly leading here?

 

I felt a tightening around my neck as she worked her magic. Tears streamed down my face, I was sure I was going to pass out. When I thought the world was about to turn black, she threw me by the neck onto the floor, away from the door.

 

As I gasped, trying to return to earth, I sputtered, “What… What did you do to me?”

 

“Just a little spell to keep you from speaking ill of me. No need to be so dramatic,” she said languidly. “Now, I'm going to lock you in here for a little bit, let you think about what you've done. That cute little rune you started carving to transport yourself home won't get you out of this one.”

 

I was so scared.

 

She must've seen it on my face, which only made it worse. “Mmm, hold that face, darling. When I come back, I'm sure we can find a way for you to apologize properly for me,” she said with a lecherous grin.

 

With a snap of her fingers, she left in a flash of light. 

 

And I was alone. 

 

I choked back sobs as I tried getting it together.

 

My throat felt tight still. The way she looked at me like she wanted to hurt me… I felt betrayed and guileless all at once. 

 

Everyone. Literally everyone warned me she was trouble. I just figured she slept around and burnt bridges. I didn't think she'd assault me. I wasn't aware she could betray my trust and hurt me so easily. Like it was nothing. Like I was nothing. 

 

Stupid. 

 

With shaking legs and gritted teeth, I forced myself up. 

 

I wouldn't be here when she returned. 

 

–

 

Subira found me a while later with a little Umbraan boy named Ulfe. He ran off before she could interrogate him, and I honestly considered doing the same. Talking about what happened was going to be tough.

 

“Was that the boy Nai'o was searching for? I feel as if I missed some important information…” Subira looked around, “Let's quit this place before we continue this conversation. This place has a heavy air about it.”

 

“Agreed,” I nodded. I pressed my palms into my eyes, hoping I didn't look like I'd been crying. 

 

“So,” Subira started in the open air, “what happened?”

 

I started recounting what happened, wanting to get this over with. As I tried talking about what happened with Tamala, my throat began tightening again. 

 

“You seem to be struggling,” Subira noted, “did something happen?”

 

I couldn't bear trying to talk about it. Trying to force the words – the truth – was too painful.

 

“Let's change the subject,” I suggested, and my windpipe immediately relaxed. 

 

“Yes… perhaps that would be for the best.”

Notes:

I get Tamala didn't technically put her hands on you in the cave, but when that happened it FELT like she might as well have.

Chapter 14: Survivors' Guilt

Summary:

In which we do the quest 'survivor's guilt' with help from a friend.

I couldn't leave my house for days after the Tamala incident. 

 

I rotted in bed for most of the time, crying off and on again. The first night home I couldn't sleep soundly, scared Tamala would darken my door and enact revenge for my escape. Everytime I drifted to sleep it was marred by her menacing visage in that cave – leering at me like the man at the Maji Market with clawed hands and a wicked grin. 

 

The first time I looked at myself in the mirror and spoke of Tamala – the words becoming distorted as they came out – a symbol appeared around my neck where Tamala's hand had gripped me, like a dark choker. 

 

I couldn’t look at myself again. 

 

I tried playing the lute, doing something with my hands besides wringing them. But my voice didn't feel like my own, and I couldn't seem to play for shit. I just ended up getting frustrated and putting it up, not singing again. 

 

When Zeki came to visit me on my plot, I likely looked like a mangey chaapa.

 

He asked me to check on Najuma, and my funk immediately dissipated. 

 

“What's wrong with her?” I asked, my voice cracking after not having used it much lately.

 

“She's obsessed with the mines, and the safety suit she's been working on is one of her mom's prototypes… This can't be a coincidence,” he said with a shake of his head and sad eyes.

 

“That makes sense,” I said, squeezing myself. If I'd been more around lately rather than moping about my Elderwood run-in, I might've seen the signs. “I'll go talk to her.”

 

As I turned to get dressed, Zeki added, “And hey, y'know you've got a friend in me, too? Right?” 

 

I looked back at him, his wide grin sincere with his arms out. I nodded and went in for a hug, which was clearly not what he was offering but patted my back regardless. 

 

“Thanks… I appreciate that.”

 

With great effort, I brushed my hair, bathed, and changed into fresh clothes. After not having done it for a week, it felt foreign, but refreshing. 

 

The hike to Bahari Bay felt longer than usual, but it had been a while since I'd done it. I found Najuma in her usual spot in the workshop, at her bench tinkering. 

 

“Hey, firecracker,” I called out with a wave.

 

“Sorcha!” She audibly gasped and ran into me with a hug, nearly toppling me. “I haven't seen you since you left with the bug bombs! I was worried about you.”

 

“I'm… okay.” I lied. “How're you? Heard you've been obsessing over this suit, lately.”

 

She looked up from her embrace. “I'm not obsessed, this is my path!” She released me and started walking back to her bench, “Once I get this right, dad'll have to let me back into those mines.”

 

“Najuma, you're still a kid,” I said gently, placing my hand on the workbench. “You don't have to rush into this.”

 

“Yes I do! I don't have time to be a kid, I'm the reason my dad is struggling so much,” she said, her voice raising in agitation.

 

My heart ached. I already knew where this was going. “No you're not. Your dad loves you… he wants to keep you safe.”

 

Najuma halted her work at my words, “You're wrong… if it weren't for me, mom would still be here. Dad wouldn't have to do it all on his own.”

 

“That's just not true, Najuma.” I said, rubbing her shoulders. I didn't want to upset her, but I couldn't let her keep thinking that way about herself. 

 

“I'm old enough now… I can handle that fact. When I was like five, I ran away in the middle of the night. I don’t remember why... some dumb fight with my mom. I decided I’d go and live in the mines. But I got lost in the dark. My mom found me a few hours later. That’s when the accident happened…” She held onto her tools without moving them now. “The supports started crumbling, walls caving in… Mom grabbed me and threw me to safety. A boulder still caught me by my leg, but mom… She was trapped behind the rubble. When dad found us, he freed me first. Then he spent all night with people from Kilima trying to clear the cave-in. By the time they got through…” She finally released the tools, hands flexing as she recounted the painful memories. “Well. Sometimes gas builds up in the mines. Especially if there’s bad ventilation. Or a cave-in. If she hadn’t followed me... if I hadn’t run away–”

 

“Someone would have still died,” I interjected. “Najuma, you didn’t cause the cave-in, you didn’t cause the gas leak.” I hugged her tightly, though she still faced the work bench. “It’s awful you lost your mom, but it wasn’t your fault.”

 

Najuma turned and returned the hug. “Thank you for talking to me… really. It means a lot.” She gently nudged me off of her, “But… I gotta get back to work on this.”

 

“I–” 

 

“Go!” She shouted, pushing me out of the workshop. 

 

The door slammed on me faster than I could respond. A chill fell over me. I failed.

 

–

 

I could only sink back into my depression for a day before Hodari visited my plot. Though I didn’t look quite as gnarled as when Zeki found me, I still felt disheveled in front of my crush.

 

Hodari looked startled at my appearance, but clearly thought better than to comment on it. “I… need your help. I know you’ve been talking to Najuma, and I’m glad you’re looking out for her.” He stayed at the fenceline as he spoke to me in the doorway. “But that someone should be me. I just…” He crossed his arms, the way I knew meant he was upset at himself. “Every time I try to talk to her, somethin’ goes wrong. I say th’wrong thing, she gets mad, and we both just leave upset.”

 

“I couldn’t do much better,” I admitted. “I can… try again, if you want me to.”

 

“This one’s on me,” he said earnestly. “I wanna help her with her suit.”

 

“Yeah?”

 

“Yeah. It’s time I met her on her level instead. Th’problem is… I ain’t exactly good at all this mechanical... stuff. That was Leta and Najuma’s thing. So maybe what she needs right now is a little bit of her mom.” He pulled out an old, yellowing notebook. “I’ve got Leta’s old notebook. It’s full of her blueprints, but some of the pages are ripped out. If you can help me find the missing ones.. well. I know it would mean a lot to Najuma, if we could give her the full set.” 

 

“Yeah, okay,” I said, pulling my hair up into a ponytail. “Where should I start?”

 

“Well, I was thinkin’,” he started nervously, “maybe I could come with ya this time… if that'd be alright.”

 

I balked for a moment before saying, “Yeah, no, of course. Uh, just… give me five and I'll be ready.”

 

I changed quickly and brushed my teeth, hurrying to meet Hodari outside. He was leaning against my fence, back to me, looking out to the valley below. 

 

“You've… really cleaned this place up,” he said.

 

“Thanks.” I wanted to talk to him – I'd been dying to hang out with him one on one – but with the way I'd been feeling I couldn't look forward to it as much. “So uh… what's the first order of business?”

 

“Zeki might have a note er two still stashed away,” he replied. “Leta an’ him were thick as thieves; they would work on designs together and have brainstorm sessions.”

 

“That's sweet,” I said with a small smile. “I'm glad she had a friend to plot with.”

 

Hodari chuckled, “Me too… I ain't as keen on the invention side a things.” 

 

We walked in comfortable silence down the mountain path; even without talking, I felt better being around him than I had all week.

 

“Y’know I ain't much of a talker,” Hodari started, “but I'm a helluva listener.”

 

I sighed, knowing where this was going. 

 

“You seem to be havin’ a hard one, and I just want ya to know you're not alone.”

 

“I… appreciate that, Hodari.” I finally said. “I'm fine, though.”

 

He nodded, though he didn't seem convinced. 

 

We reached Zeki's store together, and he looked surprised to see the two of us.

 

“Well, you two sure make a daring duo!”

 

“Hey Zeki,” I greeted, already tired. “Do you have any of Leta’s old designs?”

 

“Mm, lemme check,” he said, rummaging through his backroom. After several minutes of shuffling papers, he emerged with an elated “A-ha! We were workin’ on these short-range communicators together. Still have the old blueprints. What do ya want with ‘em?”

 

“They’re fer Najuma,” Hodari answered, accepting the notes from Zeki.

 

“Ahh, I see what you’re doin’ here! Smart, very smart.” He said with a snap of his fingers. 

 

As we started to leave, Zeki called out, “And Sorcha, it’s good seein’ ya out and about! Hope you’re feeling better.” He said with a genuine smile.

 

“Thanks,” I said quietly. I looked at Hodari to see his reaction, but he kept his eyes down as we left. He probably knew I wasn’t ready to talk about it… and for that, I was thankful for him.

 

We walked to the edge of Kilima Village when another voice called out, “Ah, Sorcha!”

 

It was Subira. 

 

Shit.

 

She trotted up to us, “Sorry to interrupt your afternoon stroll,” she said to Hodari and I, “After some thinking about it, I believe I may have figured out your odd behavior regarding Tamala.” She said, looking intently at me. “Blink once if you're fine, and twice if you're under a spell.”

 

I couldn’t blink twice, so I didn’t blink at all. 

 

Embra, I wish I didn’t have to go over this any more. 

 

“I see...the spell is thorough, but I will find a way to unweave it.” She assured me with a hand on my shoulder. 

 

“Thanks,” I said, pulling away in haste, “We’ve gotta get going, see ya later Subira.” I grabbed Hodari’s hand and led him away from Kilima and Subira’s empathetic eyes.

 

“Safe travels, Sorcha. Hodari,” She said with her formal flourish, though we were already making our way down the path to Bahari.

 

Hodari didn’t pull from my hand, but he did ask, “Anything… you wanna–”

 

“Not really.” I said in exhaustion. 

 

“Okay, okay.” he said softly. 

 

We were halfway to the Bahari arch before I realized I was still holding his hand. I let go and said, “Sorry.”

 

“Don't apologize,” he assured.

 

“Where to next?” I finally asked, realizing I may have been leading us in the wrong direction.

 

“‘Round Bahari; Leta had spots she'd go to sketch, an’ plenty a chaapa holes to check.” Hodari affirmed. “I'm glad–... it sets my heart at ease, all the other people that care about you.”

 

I nodded, crossing my arms. “Yeah… I'm thankful I ended up in Kilima, of all places.” I looked at him, back to the ground, then up again. “I'm really glad we met.”

 

Hodari gave a shy grin, looking down to his palms. “Me too… Didn't expect we'd ever get this… close.” He squeezed his hands in the sweet way he does when he's nervous, a small smile gracing his handsome face.

 

Bless Embra, he's adorable. 

 

The first chaapa hole we stumbled on had a jar of spice sprouts in it.

 

“I knew it! These lil bastards,” Hodari grumbled as he shoved the jar into his satchel. 

 

“How do they keep getting your spices, exactly?” I asked incredulously. “Do they have a key to your house?”

 

“Nah, I…” Hodari huffed, then muttered, “keep leavin’ em out on the grill.”

 

I couldn’t help but laugh, my cheeks pinching into a smile. “Well, that’ll do it, huh?”

 

As I sighed, not having laughed in a week, I looked to Hodari and caught a glimmer in his eyes; a soft adoration I hadn’t seen before.

 

My heart fluttered. I looked away with a nervous chuckle. “Ah… let’s keep looking?”

 

Hodari nodded with a grin, following along as I searched for more chaapa burrows. We found a mechanical chaapa blueprint in one, but otherwise were coming up short. 

 

“Let's check the mines over by the beach,” Hodari suggested. 

 

As he lead the way, I skimmed over the schematics for the mechanical chaapa. “This is cute,” I said with a smile. 

 

Hodari shook his head, “I dunno if that one had any function beyond decoration.”

 

“Hmm, that's okay. Not everything's gotta have one,” I said as I offered it back to Hodari. “I wish I could've met her.”

 

Hodari looked at me with curiosity, “Yeah? I'll bet you woulda liked her.” He tucked the notes back into her notebook, absently thumbing over the old paper. “You two woulda ganged up on me,” he laughed to himself. 

 

“Oh, I would have loved that,” I said with a devious chuckle, elbowing him playfully. 

 

We walked in silence for just a bit longer, enjoying the peace between us and the theoretical world we made. One where Leta and I could tease Hodari together and make silly explosive things with Najuma. It could have been beautiful. 

 

Hodari checked the mine and emerged waving the paper in success. 

 

“Nice! Three down?”

 

“Four – I'd found one behind the house before I'd left to grab you.”

 

“Hell yeah,” I said, offering a fist for him to bump. He tapped his gloved knuckles against mine, sure to roll his eyes as though he didn't love it. “Anymore?”

 

“There's still a couple pages missin', I'm hoping we strike out at the lighthouse.”

 

“Alright, let's do it to it,” I said with a shuffle.

 

We were halfway across the bridge when I looked to the left and felt a shroud of dread fall over me.

 

Tamala's house was just beyond the old waterway. 

 

My heart dropped to my stomach. 

 

She never came out this far. She didn't come to collect me at my house. She wasn't going to get me. 

 

And yet I was still terrified. 

 

“Hey–” Hodari whispered into my hair, wrapping his arm around me to hold me by the opposite shoulder. “It's alright, yer safe.”

 

I couldn't peel my eyes away, but slowly I walked along with him until we reached the plateau the lighthouse stood on. The rock formations around obscured my view of the throughway, and it's like the spell lifted from me.

 

“I… thank you,” I said quietly. More than anything, I wanted to ignore what happened. I wanted to never think about Tamala again. 

 

But Hodari had opened up to me.

 

He came to me about Najuma. He talked to me about Leta. He's not pushed me once for what happened, but he offered the most precious parts of his heart to me.

 

I wanted to offer the same.

 

“Something happened… in the Elderwood.” I started quietly. “I'm sure you… gathered that, though.”

 

Hodari nodded, pausing his search for the notes. “Yeah, but… ‘s okay if you're not–”

 

“It's just hard to.” I interjected. “It's… literally hard to talk about what happened because of… her.” Even saying that caused my throat to tighten a bit. 

 

“So she really did put a spell on ya?”

 

“More than that,” I said, my voice choking up. I squeezed my eyes shut tight, forcing the words out, as painful as it was. “My voice– my throat–” my hand rubbed my neck where I'm sure the mark had begun appearing. “Everytime I try to speak of her–” I want to scream– “I want to kiss her– FUCK!”

 

I finally opened my eyes to see Hodari. Staring at me with the hurt look he'd given me when I burned my hand. He tentatively reached for me, then thought better of it. 

 

“What did– what is that?” 

 

“It's what I get for trusting her,” I growled. “Everyone told me not to, but I'm too stubborn,” I admonished, rubbing my sore throat.

 

“This ain't yer fault,” he said, a more stern voice than I'd heard from him all day. 

 

“It is… I shouldn't have–”

 

This time he did touch me, cupping both of my cheeks. 

 

“It ain't yer fault.”

 

His eyes – steely blue, intense, endearing – locked in with mine. 

 

“I-I could have–”

 

He kissed my forehead. 

 

“It ain't,” he whispered.

 

A rogue tear slipped down my cheek.

 

“I–”

 

He kissed my neck, where Tamala's mark was emblazoned on me.

 

“Somethin’ like that,” he whispered, “Ain't ever yer fault.”

 

I stared back at him for a moment longer before wrapping my arms around him. I sighed, not realizing how badly I needed someone to say that. I was afraid I'd overstepped, but he squeezed me around my shoulders in a tight embrace. 

 

“I hate feeling… weak.” I admitted into his chest. “I don't want to be seen as a helpless person… y'know?”

 

Hodari rubbed my shoulder comfortingly. “There's a whole slew of words I'd associate with ya, but ‘weak’ an’ ‘helpless’ ain't ever made that list.”

 

I nodded, not wanting to part from him yet. “Thank you… for everything.”

 

He hummed, allowing me to hold on to him. If just for a little longer.

 

I finally pulled away and wiped my eyes, “Alright. Notes.”

 

Hodari nodded, “Yeah… ain't seen ‘em yet.”

 

I looked around, trying to focus on something else. “Maybe inside? Did she ever climb the rafters?”

 

He shook his head, but then stopped. “Actually… I dunno. Maybe.”

 

I nodded with a grin, “Oh yeah. I would have liked her a lot.” 

 

I trotted up the first decrepit steps, then proceeded to climb and traverse the beams to reach the top. I'd been up there before looking for abandoned treasure – not uncommon around these parts – but never noticed any notes. 

 

“No dice up here,” I called down.

 

“I found ‘em outside,” Hodari hollered from the door. 

 

“Cool, I'm headed down,” I called. It didn't seem so far down – definitely not the furthest I'd fallen – so I didn't bother pulling out my glider.

 

“Sorcha–!” Hodari shouted as I made jumped from the rafters. When I made contact with the floor, I rolled and righted myself as he sighed heavily. “Dragon almighty, yer gonna give me a heart attack.”

 

“Nonsense, you're surely used to it by now,” I laughed with a pat to his chest. 

 

He shook his head and followed me out of the lighthouse. “Yeah, can't imagine you ever ‘helpless.'”

Chapter 15: Soup For Sniffles

Summary:

In which we do the 'Soup for Sniffles' quest and Hodari gives you a gift.

The day started fairly well, with a cool breeze and an overcast sky. I'd started taking fighting lessons from Ashura and Sifuu – both agreeing quickly after I opened up about what happened in the Elderwood. I couldn't outright say what happened thanks to the curse Tamala put on me, but the mark she left was telling enough. It was becoming easier to talk about it after I ripped the bandage off with Hodari.

 

After an evening with them, I was a touch sore but happy that morning. I'd only gotten around to weeding and watering the crops when my favorite guest came by. 

 

“Hey, Firecracker!” I shouted from the back of the garden, dusting off my gloves as I stood up from the ground. “I found the perfect spot for your mechanical chaapa,” I said with a wave. He sat at the corner of my garden plots, next to the wooden chaapa I'd made.

 

Najuma smiled, “They make a cute duo. But uh, I have a favor to ask…”

 

“What do ya need?”

 

“My dad’s sick.”

 

“Oh, no! I’m so sorry.”

 

“Yeah, well, he won’t rest! He’s not taking care of himself. I heard him sneezing from the other side of the house,” she said with exacerbation, “and he still won’t take the day off. Maybe you could talk to him?”

 

“Of course,” I nodded, peeling off my gloves, “let’s go.”

 

Najuma and I walked out to Bahari Bay together, talking and laughing about the random things that were happening with her and I. It was nice hanging out with her again, casually hanging out without the stress of dodging Hodari. It wasn’t until we made it to her house that she veered off.

 

“I’m gonna get back to my projects,” she said, hooking her thumb behind her towards the workshop. “Dad’s out at the mine now… thanks for talking to him.”

 

“You got it, bud,” I say with a snap of finger guns. As I walked to the mines, I felt nervous again, though it wasn't about flirting this time. The whole time I’d known Hodari he had been strong and well, this wasn’t like Tish where I’d seen them at a low point or a bad health day regularly. I was worried about him, worried this was serious enough Najuma called on me. 

 

When I heard jarring coughs resounding from the mines, I knew I was close. Turning a corner in the dark mine shaft, I saw Hodari with his back to me. He was heaving, leaning over his pickaxe as he tried to regain his composure. 

 

“Hey, Hodari,” I started gently.

 

“Didn't, uh, see you there.” He stood up straight, though his stance was clearly unstable. “Not that I ain't glad to see you, but. Y'need somethin', or...?”

 

“I need you to not die, please.”

 

He groaned, “Did Najuma send you? I told her, ‘m fine.” 

 

I sighed, “No you’re not.” I grabbed his forearm and pulled him gently. “C’mon, let’s get you some rest.” 

 

He slipped his arm from out of my grasp and backed up. “I’m a single dad, I can’t just take a day off. There’s too much to do,” he argued, though he was clearly exhausted just thinking about all he had to do today.

 

“Tell ya what,” I said with a clap, “I’ll do your work for ya today! I already mine all the time anyway, I'll just give you what I’ve got in my storage box.” 

 

He shook his head, but was clearly waning in the fight. “No, no… I don’t want you to have to do that. Maybe… Well, I used to buy medicine from Tamala, but now…” he trailed off, looking at me somberly.

 

“Yeah, right,” I said, wanting to steer the convo away from her. “You go rest, I'll take care of the work," I said with a gesture of my hand.

 

He sighed, but left his pickaxe and drudged behind me as I led the way to his house. “Never met someone as stubborn as me… maybe that's why you and I get along so well.”

 

–

 

After successfully leading Hodari back to his house, he stopped at the threshold of his room before turning back to me.

 

"F’you can help me with dinner… the rest of it can wait. And… Thanks, Sorcha. Guess I'm not used to having someone else watch out for me.”

 

“You don't even have to say it,” I said with a grin. “Now shoo, get some sleep,” I said with a wave. 

 

By the time Najuma came back to the house, I’d successfully navigated their kitchen to make dinner. It was gonna take less time than running all the way back home and cooking to come back, and it also meant I could be close by in case his health took a turn. 

 

Najuma sniffed the air and gave an audible ‘mmm’ in delight. “Smells good, what’s that?”

 

“Sernuk Noodle Soup,” I replied, stirring the contents as they simmered. “It should be done here soon.”

 

“And dad?”

 

“He’s tucked in bed,” I said with a wink. 

 

Najuma sighed, “Thanks, that’s a relief.” 

 

I ladle out three bowls: one for each of us. It felt eerily like we were a family, but I didn’t want to indulge in such a fantasy with Hodari indisposed. I handed off one bowl to Najuma, set one down across from her, and walked the other one back to the front of the house.

 

With a quiet twist of the knob, I stepped into the dark room. Hodari was huddled beneath his blankets, snoring softly. 

 

“Hey, handsome,” I said softly, rubbing his shoulder. “Brought you something warm to sip.”

 

With a grumble, he sat up slowly in bed to receive his soup. “Thanks…” 

 

I sat across from him on the bed, watching him to make sure he ate most of it. Thankfully, his appetite wasn't gone.

 

“‘S nice… you’re really nice.” He started, staring into his bowl. “Maybe too nice. Anyone tries taking advantage of that, you let me know, okay?” 

 

“Psh, too late for that,” I said with a grimace. 

 

His eyes caught mine, and though he was clearly delirious, his gaze was still intense. He touched my neck softly, then cupped my cheek.

 

“I won’t let that happen again,” he said more coherently than he had all day.

 

“S-same goes for you,” I countered.

 

With a grin he laid back and said, “You can take advantage of me anytime y'want, darlin’.”

 

I could feel my face flushing, this might very well be the first time Hodari was flirting sexually with me. “Oh wow, you're really out of it, huh?”

 

“Mmm, maybe…” he deposited his bowl down on his nightstand, “should get back to sleep… thanks darlin’.” In a matter of seconds, he was out like a light. 

 

I chuckled and shook my head, but admittedly still giddy by the delirious flirt. And the “darlin'” nickname… I was close to giggly. 

 

I offered to stay the night on the couch to keep an eye on the two of them, but Najuma insisted she could handle the rest. I promised I’d come check on them in a couple days, but Hodari had beaten me to it. He came to visit my plot as I was making a new wall shelf – no throwing involved this time. 

 

“Hey, stranger,” I called playfully. “Still feverish?”

 

Hodari chuckled, “No, feeling much better now. Uh, listen,” he started, leaning against my fence, “I didn't say anything weird the other day, right? Memorie’s a bit foggy from the allergies.”

 

“Uh-huh, allergies,” I said with a shake of my head. “Well, you called me “darlin’” and told me to take advantage of you.” His flustered face was everything I needed today, with a laugh I added, “Don't worry, I wouldn't take advantage of a bed-ridden Majiri.”

 

“Is uh… that a problem? Calling you darlin’?” He clarified, looking down as he squeezed his palm.

 

I meet him at the fence and lean in, “Not if you don't think it is.”

 

“I don't think I mind either… darlin’.” He finished with a glance and a smile.

 

I leaned in closer, but I wanted him to choose. I want him to have the chance to back away, in case he isn't ready.

 

His hand met my cheek before his mouth did, holding my face gently as his soft lips met mine. My breath caught, though I couldn't stop a smile from spreading across my face. As he kissed me over and over, slowly, his thumb stroked my cheeks. 

 

I leaned into his hand as he pulled away, sighing. “Don't suppose you can stay a while?”

 

Hodari grinned and leaned back in, only to kiss my forehead instead. “I can't… but I wanted to give you something.” He produced a heart shaped quiche from his satchel. “Here… eat it, toss it, leave it on the counter… whatever you want.”

 

“Are you kidding,” I said, taking the quiche with both hands, “this is the cutest thing I think I've ever seen.”

 

“Okay–” he sighed, rolling his eyes.

 

“No, I'm serious!” I said, grasping his arm, “this is literally the cutest thing I've seen. I don't know if I can eat this!”

 

“Anyways, I gotta get back t'work.” He shook his head smiling, “You'll… stop by again soon, yeah?"

 

“How could I stay away now? You've given me kisses and quiches.”

Notes:

This was one of the first chapters I wrote, so it's been combed over a few times BUT if I messed up the tense or perspective... oops! Let me know and I'll fix it.

Chapter 16: Lunch Rush

Summary:

In which we do the 'Business and Leisure' quest... with mild smut at the end.

I was buzzing to see Hodari again after he kissed me. It felt like a slow burn that wouldn’t quite catch a spark, but after I got a taste of him I was fiending for more. 

 

When I saw him in town next, I kept the flirting to a casual pass so neither of us got in trouble with Eshe. And the time after that when I saw him and Najuma out in their garden, I kept it tame for Najuma’s sanity. 

 

But when I caught him alone in the workshop, it was time to put down the moves.

 

“Sorcha, good t’see you,” Hodari acknowledged from his work bench.

 

“Hodari, excellent to catch you alone,” I said outright.

 

His hands stopped working, but his eyes stayed affixed to the table. “Oh, yeah?”

 

I sauntered over to the other side of the table where he was and leaned against the solid wood. “Yeah, was hoping I could get one of those things off you.”

 

“Things?” He finally looked up, the tension broke with confusion.

 

“Yeah: quiche or kiss. Think you can help me with that?” I asked, tilting my head with a wink. 

 

Hodari’s serious face broke as he let out a guffawing laugh. “I think I can make one of those happen,” he teased, pulling his leather gloves off as he stepped closer to me. I couldn’t wait for him, stepping into him as he leaned down slightly to meet me. 

 

His mouth was soft, though his stubble was a bit coarse against my chin. My hands tentatively settled on his chest, not wanting to touch him in the wrong spot. For how long I’d been trying to win his favor, I didn’t want to scare him off now, when he was finally getting comfortable with me.

 

When his other hand cautiously trailed my back, I relaxed a little more into his kisses. He was just as nervous… but just as eager. 

 

Without pulling away, I whispered, “Am I keeping you?”

 

Hodari kissed me several more times before replying breathlessly, “If you'll have me.” 

 

I couldn’t help but snerk, leaning into the nape of his neck to laugh aloud. I wrapped my arms around him in a tight hug. “Of course I’ll keep you, handsome.” 

 

He breathed in deeply, squeezing me by my waist. I could tell he was going to break from the embrace, so I gave his neck a quick peck before leaning back.

 

Hodari bit his lip as I backed away, and I was tempted to return on the spot from that face alone. 

 

Instead, I restrained myself and admonished, “Okay, okay. I’ll quit distracting you.”

 

He looked down to return his gloves to his hands and said sheepishly, “When it’s you distractin’ me… I don’t mind so much.”

 

–

 

After a couple weeks of flirting in the streets and making out in the shed (not the sheets, we haven’t gotten there… yet), I got a letter from Hodari inviting me to lunch with him while he was working on a project in the water temple. 

 

I was giddy to get more alone time with him, to say the least. All of the tension was building between us, and I was bursting at the seams ready to go further with him. I never pushed him further than the tepid touches we’d share when we kissed, but my dreams were getting… wet and wild, to say the least. 

 

As I entered the temple, the cool air made the hair on my legs and arms stand on end. Today… I was brave and wore a dress. Not strapless like the maji market dress, but a simple, cute, something different. Most times adventuring around, pants and long sleeves were both safer and more comfortable for the climate. But for a hot date with a hot dad, I’d need to shake it up. 

 

“No idea how they made this,” Hodari said ahead, talking to himself as he worked. “Ain’t like it’s infused with flow, or anything…” He ran his hand over a smooth, stone pillar, examining it for its secrets. His brow was furrowed in concentration, and his eyes were intense with curiosity. 

 

He was beautiful. 

 

“Oh, Sorcha!” He said, startled at your approach. “Sorry, I uh… didn’t see you come up.” 

 

“You look so handsome when you’re focused,” I said earnestly, head in my palm as I watched him with a smile. 

 

A blush bloomed over his cheeks as he sputtered, “Thanks, uh… you– you’re good– looking good, too…” His eyes looked you up and down, then quickly sought anything other than you. “Look, I ain’t as good with words as you are, okay? Lemme just put down my tools and I’ll meet you by the–” he stopped short, looking down at his work bags.

 

“Everything okay?”

 

“I… forgot the food I packed.” He groaned. “I was so busy thinking about seeing you, I must've forgotten it on the counter.”

 

“You sure you weren't busy thinking about rocks,” I teased, sidling up to him.

 

Hodari laughed and wrapped his arm around my hip. “Solid 75-25 split. As impressive as these walls are, you're better,” he said with a kiss to my forehead. “Great meal I made for us today, though. Fat load of nothing, with a side of nothing for dessert. Sorry, Sorcha,” he sighed.

 

I leaned up to kiss the underside of his chin. “I'll bet I can forage something for us.” I pulled away from him with a side shuffle, “Think you can work up a fire for us?”

 

Hodari smiled, “Always keep a bit ‘a flint on me, just in case.”

 

–

 

Foraging took a second, and unfortunately I had to use the geyser to return to our picnic spot. This wouldn't have been a big deal if I'd worn my usual adventuring attire, but alas I was wearing a dress with no water resistance. 

 

When I landed back near Hodari, I was wringing the hem of my dress, dripping from head to toe. “Got the ingredients!” 

 

“Just when I thought you couldn't get more impressive,” Hodari grinned up from the fire. His smile turned somber when I got closer, my waterlogged shoes squelching with each step.

 

Ugh, I felt like a soggy napkin next to him. I handed him the mushrooms I foraged and sat across from him, hoping to dry up a little more next to the fire before getting close.

 

He set aside the mushrooms and stood up abruptly, removing his straps and taking off his jacket. 

 

Even with clothes beneath the jacket, I still got flustered at him stripping. “Whoa, hey, I didn't realize it was that kinda first date,” I laughed nervously.

 

Hodari shook his head with a grin, “It’s whatever kinda first date y'want it to be.” When he finally pulled his jacket down off his broad shoulders, he set it next to me. “I'll turn around, ‘n you can wear this while yer clothes dry.” My face must have been burning a bright red, to which he clarified, “It's my fault you got your dress soaked, and I don't want ya to get a chill. I won't look, promise” he said turning his back to me as he started skewering and cooking the mushrooms. 

 

At first, I could only stare at his muscular back. He was just wearing a plain white shirt, but it looked exceptional on him. I stood up and peeled off my dress, leaving my undershirt and underwear on. I wasn't self conscious until this exact moment, and quickly wrapped Hodari’s large jacket around my shoulders before I could overthink it.

 

I kicked off my wet shoes too, and spread the garments out next to the fire to the side of Hodari. When I was done, I padded back over to him and kissed the top of his head.

 

“You're a gentleman, y'know that?”

 

Hodari scoffed, “Yeah, gentleman who can't get lunch right.”

 

I knelt beside him so I was sitting on my calves. “Oh, stop. No one gets it right 100% of the time.” The stone floor sapped the heat from my legs quickly, but I tried to ignore it.

 

“Honestly,” Hodari continued, “when you first came to town I wasn't so sure you'd hack it here.”

 

You couldn't help but laugh, “What? What was the alternative, give up and die?”

 

“I'll be the first to admit I was wrong,” Hodari said with hands up in defeat. “It takes a special kind of person to turn a failed date into an impromptu feast.”

 

“I think you're pretty special, too.”

 

“Psh, yeah,” he remarked, shaking his head.

 

“Hey, don't beat yourself up. You had rocks to get after,” I teased with a wiggle of my eyebrows. 

 

Hodari smiled back at me, disarming my humor. He was beautiful. Even when his smile dropped and his eyes widened, he was gorgeous. “Sorcha, yer shaking.”

 

I looked down, realizing the same time he did. I hadn't even noticed, I was so entranced by the company. Even beneath his jacket, I couldn't stave off the cold from the frigid stone floor. 

 

“Man, my one weakness: cold water,” I said with a laugh. 

 

“Well, c'mere,” Hodari said, spreading his legs and waving toward himself.

 

I felt my cheeks burning up again, “I-I don't wanna get you wet, too.”

 

“It's my fault you're soaked to begin with,” Hodari affirmed. “I flummoxed lunch, lemme at least keep ya warm til your clothes dry.”

 

I stood up, because the last thing I needed for my wet dreams was to crawl in between Hodari’s thick thighs. I had enough to work off from today as is. 

 

I sat in the circle he made with his legs, and he immediately hugged me tightly. It was over the jacket, but it was still deeply intimate somehow. 

 

“Better?” He asked, rubbing my arms.

 

Oh, right. The cold. 

 

“Yeah,” I whispered, looking into his smokey blue eyes. He held me for what felt like an eternity.

 

He broke the stare-off first. “A-anyway, the uh… lunch is ready. I keep a pack a’spices on me, so they should taste alright.”

 

“What else are you keeping in your pockets?” I asked, reaching for my skewer of mushrooms, “Kitchen sink?”

 

“You laugh, but imagine if we'd have to eat unseasoned food right now?” Hodari emphasized to one side of his hand, as though he were keeping it secret from the temple.  

 

His antics nearly made me spit out my mushrooms from laughing so hard. Hodari didn't show his funny side much, but when he did it was adorable.

 

“Thank Maji we didn't commit any food crimes today,” I bantered.

 

“And thank you,” Hodari said, returning to his usual cadence. “I don't just mean for savin’ the meal. I… like spending time with ya, too. Find myself looking forward a lil more to each day, lately…”

 

“Aw, Hodari,” I put down my skewer, “does that mean you… weren't looking forward to the days before?” The way he said that concerned me, like he was depressed.

 

“Not terribly,” he admitted, “But I do now,” he whispered as he leaned in for a kiss.

 

I had to turn my body a bit to meet his mouth, which landed me straddling one of his thighs. I tried not to think about the thin fabric separating him and me, instead focusing on the spiced kisses he was sharing with me. I tentatively flicked my tongue against his lips, like a request to deepen our kiss. He accepted voraciously, wrapping his arms around me as he pulled me closer. His tongue danced with mine, mingling between his mouth and mine in a seductive dance that made it harder and harder not to think about the heat dipping to my clit.

 

My breath was becoming ragged, my grip around his shoulders tightening. Hodari's jacket slipped off my shoulders, but there was enough heat between us now I didn't feel the chill. I pulled back to catch my breath, and his mouth trailed down. First to my neck, then my collarbone, then my bare shoulder. Hot, wet kisses traversing my skin, all I could think of was how it might feel if he kissed me lower still.

 

I grasped his head where he kissed my clavicle, and before I could cover my mouth a moan escaped. I held back the rest of my sounds as best I could, but I'd already came against his thigh. My hips were shaking under his hand, and I could feel him trying to look up at me.

 

“You alright, Sorcha?” He whispered in a low, gravely voice. Which was not helping my preemptive orgasm situation.

 

I kept my hand clamped over my mouth as I gave a raspy, “mm-hm,” riding out my climax as still as my twitching muscles would let me.

 

“Talk to me, darlin',” he said, concern tinging his voice. Could he really not tell what effect he had on me?

 

I released his head and tucked mine against his clavicle. I was mortified, this man was just trying to have a nice lunch and I came on him. “Uuuuuuhh, sorry–” I muttered against his chest. “Sorry, I… didn't mean to–”

 

Hodari backed away from you, and his eyes made your stomach drop. He looked hurt. “I'm so sorry, I thought… If you felt pressured– I never wanna–”

 

“Whoa, no!” I said, pressing my hands to his chest. “No no, you're great. You're… too good.” I patted his chest, taking a deep breath to clear this up. As embarrassing as it was, him thinking this was something he did wrong broke my heart. “Good with your mouth, and hands, and… it all culminated to a… surprise climax,” I said the last part barely audible. Hoping he got the message without having to be loud about it.

 

Well, any louder than I'd already been.

 

Hodari’s serious demeanor cracked into a sly grin. “That all?”

 

“Don't say that so casually,” I said with a nervous laugh. “I really am sorry–”

 

“I'm not,” Hodari assured me with a squeeze on my hips, pulling me back to him with a new air of confidence. “I told you, this can be whatever kinda first date y'want.”

 

“Well still,” I sighed, pressing my palms into his impressive chest, “I wasn't trying to do anything you didn't want.”

 

“Mm, ‘s definitely something I want,” he said low, his voice rumbling in my chest. “Glad to know you're… interested.”

 

“Was that not obvious?” I said with a snerk. “What about you? Want me to–”

 

“Oh no, no,” he patted your hips gently. “Much as I'd like to, no. I'm at a job site, and I've got an hour's walk home. Plus,” he accentuated with a kiss to my cheek, “I don't give just to get.”

 

“Mm, a true gentleman,” I grinned, placing a slow kiss to his upturned mouth. “Well, do you wanna finish lunch and I can let ya get back to business?”

 

“Gonna be hard now,” he admitted, “but yeah. That's what we outta do.”

Notes:

Next chapter, we'll have a real sex scene! But first, some awkward first date shenanigans.

Chapter 17: Hot Topics

Summary:

This chapter is strictly smut and non-canon interactions~

After our date that went from cold to hot real quick, I'd been at an all time feral for Hodari. 

 

I couldn't chance seeing him in town, or I might lose it and jump him in the streets.  

 

I made a point to visit him out at his workshop in the morning, so Najuma was sure to be in bed.

 

“Hey, handsome,” I hailed, knocking on the frame of the door. 

 

Hodari looked up, grinned, and looked back down. “Darlin’,” He greeted, already taking his gloves off for me.

 

“Any way I could… make up for our date?”

 

Hodari rounded the work bench slowly, “Yer not the one who botched lunch.”

 

“No, but I did use you inappropriately,” I admitted with a grimace. 

 

When Hodari reached the other side of the table - only a couple feet from me - he leaned against the table, his gaze finally meeting my eyes. 

 

He looked ready to devour me. 

 

“I told ya, you can take advantage of me anytime, darlin’.”

 

I was trying really hard to focus, but my clit was throbbing now. “Well, I wanna talk to you before taking advantage of you. See what you’d like,” I added, clearing the distance between us. I planted my hands on either side of his hips, holding his gaze. 

 

Hodari brushed my cheek with his thumb, “I can’t stop thinkin’ about you… wanna know how you taste,” he whispered, his voice low and gravely. “That be alright with you?”

 

I wanted to rip off my pants right now, but I was strong and responded with words instead. “Yeah, I think that can be arranged,” I breathed as I leaned forward.

 

Hodari didn’t waste any time deepening our kiss this time, his hand cupping my cheek as the other rubbed my lower back. I couldn't stop the moan that came from me, only halt it in my throat. He groaned in response, and I was very tempted to run my hands over his body. 

 

He was gorgeous. 

 

I had to be strong.

 

“Hodari,” I gasped, “I need to tell you something.”

 

He leaned back and looked at me intently. “‘M listenin’.”

 

I hated having to bring this up, but better here than mid-coitus. “I gotta warn you, I can't… accept visitors often. Maybe 80% of the time I'm external sexy time only.” My face was burning up so much, I was worried I'd catch flame. “That being said, I'm very creative in the bedroom, so… I'll still take care of you.”

 

Hodari hummed, leaning down to kiss my neck. “You been takin’ care of me plenty, darlin’,” He rumbled. His thumb rubbed the edge of my jaw as his other hand massaged my hip. “It's my turn.”

 

My breath hitched as his mouth slowly meandered to my collar bone, pressing gentle kisses along the way, then back up to my cheek. My hands were still planted to the sides of Hodari, but my grip on the table kept getting tighter. I wanted to tear his shirt off and have him in the workshop right now. 

 

I kissed him one more time, rolling my tongue in his mouth with a parting moan. “I gotta go, handsome.”

 

Hodari smiled, sighing deeply. “Come back soon?”

 

“If you'll have me,” I flirted, stepping backwards as his hands slid off me.

 

“Yoy got me anytime you need me.”

 

It was hard walking away from the Pavel place, but I had to get back to it. I had to do normal stuff to try and clear my head. It's been swimming with his visage since our date, and I gotta be normal about this. 

 

–

 

The next day I got a letter from Hodari inviting me to spend the night. He offered that I can take the couch again, but his bed was available if I'd have him.

 

Fucking flirt.

 

My heart was aflutter all day, my hands too jittery to get any actual work done. I ended up just cooking a bunch of food and gardening, unable to stay focused long enough to go out and function in Kilima. 

 

When I finally made my way out to Bahari Bay, the sun was making its way out in the west. I showed up at the Pavels while they were making dinner – like clockwork – around 8p. 

 

“Do y'all mind if I join ya?” I asked, as I approached. Even if Hodari invited me, I didn’t want to tip off our adult antics to the kiddo.

 

Najuma looked up and beamed, “Sorcha! It's good to see you again.” She was reading through Leta’s journal, and from the looks of it she already added notes and tabs in the margins.

 

“Yer always welcome here,” Hodari said casually. “Loaded potato soup's on today.”

 

“Oh hell yeah,” I said, sitting down next to Najuma so I'd behave myself. “I brought dessert, if you want any.”

 

“What's it?” Najuma asked, her interest piqued.

 

“I went a little crazy in the kitchen today and made a million petit fives,” I explained as I pulled out the box of pastries. “So, here's a cool two dozen of them to start you off.”

 

Hodari whistled, “Ooo, that may be a lil too rich fer my blood.”

 

“Not for me,” Najuma said with a sly smile. She picked one up and started eating it, earning a chiding look from her dad.

 

“Y'gotta eat dinner before dessert, kiddo.” He said, placing a bowl of soup in front of her.

 

“My bad,” I said with my hands up, “I tempted the kid.”

 

Najuma rolled her eyes, “I'll still eat the soup, dad.”

 

“And you?” Hodari asked me, a glimmer of mischief in his eyes.

 

“If you'll have me,” I said, accepting the bowl with a sly smile.

 

–

 

We all hung out for a while longer, playing a home version of the hot pot game from Zeki's speakeasy. Rather than gambling coins, we gambled the rest of the petit fives. Najuma cleaned house, which was both impressive and concerning. How does this kid know how to gamble better than me?

 

“Alright, I'll be taking my winnings to the workshop,” Najuma said with her stack of cakes “Gotta fuel the creative process.”

 

“Please don't eat all a those in one setting,” Hodari pleaded. “You'll rot yer teeth out.”

 

Najuma groaned as she exited, though I had a good feeling she'd heed his warning. 

 

“She's a great kid,” I said with a smile. 

 

“She is,” Hodari agreed, “But she's also a handful. Sure you wanna get tangled up in all this?”

 

I nodded, “Oh, absolutely. Did I tell you I had to save Auni from a tree in the elderwood? I'll take Najuma’s antics any day,” I said with a flattening motion of my hand. 

 

Hodari chuckled, “And… me?”

 

I crossed the room with a coy grin, “I'll take your antics, too.” When I made it to him, I straddled his lap, his hands wasting no time to find my waist as I sat atop him. “Is that invitation still open?” I whispered, my mouth hovering above his lips.

 

Hodari answered by pressing his mouth firmly into mine, his hands massaging my thighs and hips. I opened my mouth and rolled my tongue along with his, exchanging hot, wet kisses. He was already proving effectual with his hands, eliciting a moan while we made out. 

 

“Let's take this somewhere private,” Hodari groaned. “Can't go scarrin’ the kiddo out here, all hot ‘n’ heavy.”

 

I chuckled and stepped off of his lap, taking his hand to pull him up with me. “‘Hot n heavy?’ That's my new band name.”

 

Hodari grinned at me, chasing my arm to get up close to me once more to kiss me. We walked awkwardly together into the bedroom, me backing in while he stepped into me. It made me laugh, breaking from our kiss for his mouth to wander down to my neck. 

 

When my calves hit the bed, I asked, “Will you take a request?”

 

“Anythin’ for you,” he whispered against my clavicle.

 

“Will you take your shirt off?”

 

Hodari snorted, “That all? I'm tellin’ ya,” he said, removing his jacket, “I'll do anythin’ for ya.”

 

“I mean, you're welcome to strip more,” I said, watching him intently. “I'll even join ya,” I said, pulling my sweater and undershirt over my head. 

 

I wanted to go ahead and take my pants off, but didn't want to get ahead of myself. Maybe he just wanted to make out and touch each other tonight. When he pulled off his shirt, his eyes saw my bare chest for the first time and burned with intensity, his broad chest heaving in anticipation. 

 

Maybe he did want all of me.

 

“You're beautiful,” I said with a grin, tentatively touching his chest. He had dark chest hair all across his pecks, and on his stomach there was a trail of hair leading down into his pants. He was muscular, with a bit of sweet softness around his belly. My fingers found a faint scar on his right breast. “What's this from?”

 

Hodari shook his head, trying to find the words escaping him. “Uh… somethin’ when I was young. Can't really concentrate on that right now,” he admitted, wrapping a hand around my waist. “You've got yerself some scars too, darlin’.”

 

I'd gathered a nice little collection of scars from all my adventures – a close call with a sernuk here, a particularly biting tree there. I smiled, happy to show them off to someone. “There's more on my legs if you wanted to see those, too.”

 

Hodari laughed, leaning his forehead against mine. His laugh was contagious, his smile brilliant.  “I love the confidence on ya. It's gorgeous,” he kissed my forehead, “you're gorgeous,” he kissed my mouth. “Can I?” His hand was holding me beneath my breast.

 

“Yes,” I said, a breathy laugh escaping me in anticipation. 

 

Hodari gently pushed his leg between mine, and I parted them with a grinning gasp. He slid his knee along the bed, to which I folded my legs beneath me, allowing me to straddle his thigh. He kissed my sternum first, pressing soft kisses slowly along my chest. When his mouth met my nipple, kissing me over and over, my breath was becoming ragged. My fingers wove into his hair, massaging his scalp as he teased me, his tongue enveloping my nipple as I fought to catch my fleeting breath. His arm wrapped around my back, holding me close as his other hand kneaded my thigh and hip seductively. 

 

My hips rolled against his thigh, and thankfully my pants were still on otherwise I might've gotten too much friction. I didn't want to climax preemptively again, but by the way he used his mouth and hands, he wasn't going to make it easy. 

 

His hand rising to replace his mouth atop my breast as he rasped, “Can I taste ya, darlin’?”

 

I nodded, words lost to me as my chest heaved against his hand. I leaned in to kiss him, tongue slipping into his mouth with a low moan. He reciprocated my eager kisses, moving out from beneath me so I could take my pants off. 

 

“You don't have to,” I said against his mouth. “I did walk here, so–”

 

“I want to,” Hodari insisted, dropping to his knees in front of my covered hips, hands holding onto my waist. “Please,” he breathed, eyes pleading for me.

 

Fuck me.

 

I unbuckled my pants and slipped them down my legs, kissing him as I leaned down. I sat on the bed, and he followed my mouth, not breaking from our kiss. His hands slid up and down my sides, stopping at my hips.

 

“You want me to stop, you tell me, yeah?” he said, voice low the way I love it. “Anytime, no matter what we're doin', I'll stop.”

 

“I trust you,” I said with a smile, cupping his cheeks as I stared into his eyes. 

 

His mouth turned up in a grin, kissing my lips once more before migrating down, leaving sweet kisses along the way. I leaned down to slip my underwear off, but Hodari’s hands interlocked with mine to stop me. 

 

“Allow me,” he requested, kissing my stomach with a look up to me, eyes hooded in desire.

 

“Okay,” I breathed, chest heaving as I laid back on the bed for him to continue his descent on me. 

 

Hodari kissed me atop my underwear, my thighs, my covered clit. My heart was racing in anticipation, my nerves alight at every spot he touched. He flattened his tongue against my covered vulva, pressing into me as he slid up and over my clit. I gasped at the sensation, his teasing teetering me closer over the edge. 

 

He hooked his thumbs on my waistband and pulled my underwear down slowly, giving me time to shift my hips to help them down my thighs. 

 

Hodari kissed me softly on my vulva once. Twice. Thrice. Each resounding with the wetness I’d been dripping since I straddled him in the living room. Then with savoring slowness he dipped his tongue into me, moaning as he took me in. I mewled breathlessly, feeling his hot tongue flexing within me. 

 

When he slipped out of me and over my clit, I started shaking. I couldn’t help but moan softly, trying not to be too loud, self conscious of the noises I was making as I came. My hands gripped the sheets above my head, my body twitching uncontrollably. I had no idea how I sounded to him, I was so fixated on his hot mouth on my clit, lapping at me slowly as I rode out my orgasm. 

 

As my shaking died down and my breathing returned to a regular rhythm, I finally whispered, “You’re… wonderful,” seeking words that made sense. 

 

Hodari parted from my sex, eliciting a small involuntary cry from me. “Yer pretty sensitive, darlin,’” he said with a satisfactory grin.

 

I laughed breathlessly, “I came on your thigh in a cave,” I remarked, looking down at his handsome face, slick with my orgasm. “You can’t be surprised.” 

 

He replaced his mouth on my vulva, kissing and caressing my wetness intermittently. With the way he was going, I was getting worked back up. 

 

I rolled my hips towards his mouth slowly, tentatively testing his willingness to continue, to bring me back to another crescendo. He readily wrapped his arms beneath my thighs, grasping my hips and butt as he devoured me. My hand shot down to clutch his hair, a cry escaping me without being able to stifle it, my breath coming out in time with his mouth’s motions. With holding my hips, he was able to dip his tongue even further into me, moaning in devotion to my body.

 

“Ah– aH~” I wanted to say something – how good it felt, how good he was, how much I ached to finally be here with him – but all that could come out was discordant, moaning cries as I came in his mouth. I could feel my orgasm contracting on his tongue, his hands grasping me as I writhed against his jaw. I didn't doubt Hodari was strong, but he was always so gentle in his strength it was almost startling, involuntarily shaking in his arms as he firmly held me in place. Nevertheless, he was careful with me, holding me tightly without hurting me.

 

As I was coming down from coming, I couldn't quite catch my breath. Hodari was intent on me, working his tongue and lips to take care of me. I started to get a bit dizzy from the high of oxytocin and the lack of oxygen, so begrudgingly I had to lean down and cup Hodari’s chin.

 

“Hey–” I gasped, “ya gotta stop–” to which he immediately backed away from my wetness and climbed to face me. 

 

“Y'okay, darlin’?” He was out of breath, panting as he looked me over with adoration and concern.

 

I wrapped my arms around him in a tight squeeze, quivering in the aftermath“Yeah, I just gotta catch my breath,” I laughed breathlessly as I held him close. “You're perfect.”

 

I could smell me on him, and when I leaned in to kiss him I could feel the results of my orgasm on his chin.

 

“Mmm, yer the perfect one here, gorgeous.” He groaned as he kissed me softly. 

 

I rolled my hips up to his, and I could feel his pants were still on, but he was hard beneath them.

 

“What're these still doing on?” I teased, pulling at the hem of his pants towards me with my thumb. 

 

He chuckled, “I told you, I wanted to take care of ya. You don't have to worry about me.”

 

“I want to,” I said, licking from his chin to his lips. “You worked so hard for me, handsome,” I said before rolling my tongue in his mouth, coating it in my own wetness.

 

Hodari moaned into my mouth, leaning into me as he succumbed to my touch. “Yer… incredible, darlin’.” 

 

I slid his pants down far enough to reveal his boxers, with little hearts dotting them. “Oh, these are cute,” I teased as I palmed his erection beneath his underwear.

 

“Not sure I'd call myself cute,” Hodari huffed back, breath catching as I stroked him.

 

I removed my hand and thrust my hips up to meet his, now able to properly grind my clit against his erection. A wanton sigh escaped me, though I tried to focus on him.

 

“Does that feel good, handsome?” I asked as I found a rhythm to rub against him. Not too slow or hard, just the right pace to get him.

 

“More ‘n you know,” he said in the low, gravely voice I loved. 

 

His breath was getting ragged like mine had, and I couldn't help but get worked back up. I could feel how much he wanted me, I could hear it, I could see it in his face as he fought to keep his composure. 

 

“I wanna make you come, Hodari,” I groaned, grinding on him from beneath him. I was soaking his boxers, which only aided in both of our demise. “Fuck– aH~” I cried discordantly as I rode out my third orgasm on Hodari’s hips, clutching him around his shoulders. 

 

Only this time, his hips joined me in the rhythm. I could hear a whimper come from deep within him as he gripped my hip, his other arm supporting us both as we came together. I could feel his boxers getting soaked, not only with my orgasm but his too. It made it all the easier to slide along his length and ride us both out.

 

As we climaxed in unison, I felt as though I was moaning too loudly in his ear, so I tucked my head into his clavicle trying to stifle my sounds.

 

“Sorry,” I mumbled as I quivered. “Not trying to scream in your ear.”

 

“Mm, bust my eardrum, darlin’,” he groaned into my hair, kissing me as he slowly returned to earth. 

 

I snickered, facing him so I could kiss his mouth once more. He held me up still, despite having been spent as well, so I made sure not to let go of him. I placed soft, slow kisses along his jaw and ear, sure if I did too much it would overstimulate him. In return, he leaned into the crook of my neck and breathed me in deeply, enjoying the afterglow with me.

 

“‘m gonna need to clean up,” Hodari finally sighed. “I gotta go alone though… yer gonna get me in trouble,” he growled, kissing me once before pulling away. 

 

“Who, me?” I teased, laying back as I watched him meander to the door. “Never.”

Notes:

I've poured over this chapter a dozen times, but if there's inconsistencies or some weird verbiage, I'll fix it!

Chapter 18: Afterglow

Summary:

In which we wake up where we belong~

For the first time in a long time, Hodari slept sound through the night.

 

Since he was young, he struggled with insomnia. His kid seems to be having it, too, working out in the shop until the wee hours. Most nights he tossed and turned, even tried some tonics Tamala swore by. Nothing seemed to help indefinitely. 

 

But last night, he didn't wake up once. 

 

As he stirred from slumber, the first thing he saw was red hair splayed out in front of him. His arm wrapped around their waist as he held a sleeping Sorcha. The night before came flooding back to him: their laugh, their moans, the way they looked at him, the way they tasted on his tongue, the way they gripped him as they climaxed. 

 

Hodari let out a soft groan, basking in their smell and warmth for just a little longer. Begrudgingly, he kissed their bare shoulder and slipped out from the sheets as carefully as he could. He dressed in the dark room, familiar with the layout enough to find his work clothes.

 

“Mmm, I'll get up soon,” Sorcha rustled, sitting up on their elbows. 

 

“No, darlin,’” Hodari chuckled, rubbing their shoulder as he sat on the bed and kissed their cheek. “You stay as long as you like.”

 

Sorcha grinned, kissed his upturned mouth, and settled back in. “You're wonderful, Hodari.”

 

“Ain't gonna turn you out just ‘cause I gotta get to work.”

 

“Not just that,” the human said, taking his hand and kissing it. “You're so gentle ‘nd sweet,” they said, dozing off as they spoke. “You're beau'ful…” they mumbled as they trailed off, still holding his hand. 

 

Hodari's heart fluttered, their sleepy candor enamoring him. He wished he could stay here with them, cozy in bed. Sorcha was always warm, but there was a guardedness they kept as well. It wasn't lost to Hodari how special it was they were so vulnerable with him, not to mention trusting him with their intimacy. 

 

He slowly removed his hand from theirs, though it ached to do so. 

 

They were gorgeous.

 

He had to be strong.

 

He successfully snuck out of the room without stirring them again, continuing his morning routine in the kitchen. He drank black coffee as he made breakfast, fixing extra for Sorcha and Najuma. Najuma always woke up late – especially since she started staying up all night in the workshop – so he didn't doubt both of these plates would get cold before they were enjoyed. Still, he left a plate out for his kid and quietly tucked Sorcha's into the room; he didn't want them to miss it, after all.

 

As he headed out to the shop, a thought came to Hodari: his pin. Majiri gave their romantic partners pins to show their affection for one another. He hasn't given Sorcha anything besides a quiche and a jar of bugs. They probably didn't even know about the tradition – and Hodari wasn't necessarily a traditionalist himself – but they deserved one. Not just because of last night, but from everything they’ve done for him and Najuma since he’d met them. He started sketching concepts immediately, thinking on what they'd liked. It had to represent both of them, but Sorcha was such a complex person it was a little harder to think of just one thing they'd be represented by.

 

“Salutations, Mr. Pavel!” Rang a melodic voice. 

 

Hodari looked up to see exactly who he expected it to belong to: Tamala.

 

“Yer not welcome here,” he said flatly, crossing his arms. 

 

“Oh, come now,” she said with a wave, “you're one of my best customers! We've had an excellent repertoire for years, what's– oh.” She caught sight of the sketches Hodari had in front of him. “Those wouldn't happen to be for a cute little human we know, would it?” She said with a wicked smile. 

 

Hodari snatched the papers and rolled them up. “You need to leave.”

 

Tamala feigned a pout, “Oh, don't be like that. I'm happy for you! They're quite a catch, and a lovely little treat in bed,” she smirked. 

 

Hodari always tried to keep his composure. He was used to trying to be the level head in the house with Najuma – and before her, Leta. But a quick way to piss him off was someone talking lecherously about someone he cared about.

 

“Keep ‘em outta yer mouth, Tamala.” Hodari stayed planted where he was at the table, but the grip he had on his arms was wrenching tighter. “Get. Out.”

 

“Are they here? At the house?” Tamala mused, posing a manicured nail to her lips as she looked to Hodari’s cottage. 

 

His mind was flooded in half a second: Sorcha asleep in bed, soft and beautiful. The way they called him gentle and sweet. Their teary face when they confided in him what Tamala did to them. Their throat, marred by Tamala’s mark.

 

“Maybe I'll drop in and see them. They owe me an apology, you know–”

 

“Get outta here!” Hodari shouted. “You don't come ‘round here again, ‘and you don't go near Sorcha!”

 

Tamala couldn’t help but drop her guise: a deep rage within her ignited, her mouth turned to a snarl. But she quickly veiled it with a polite smile and guarded eyes. “No reason to raise your voice, Hodari. I sure hope you’re not talking to our sweet Sorcha like that. They’re a sensitive little thing, you know,” she said as she sashayed down the path to her neck of the woods. 

 

Hodari seethed for a while longer, trying to collect himself. He rubbed his face, pulling down on his chin in exasperation as he sighed.

 

He promised Sorcha he wouldn’t let anything like that happen again. And he had to be sure they knew he meant it. 

 

~~~

 

Warm light filtered through the window as I slowly regained consciousness. I didn't remember Hodari leaving, but a small part of me wished I could have woken up with him. 

 

I grinned to myself, thinking back to him and the night we shared. Maybe it was best I hadn't woken up, or I might have seduced him back into bed. I could smell the gift Hodari had left me on his desk though: a hearty breakfast to greet me, even if he couldn't.

 

Phoenix bless, this man was precious.

 

I stretched and dressed before peeking out of the room into the quiet house. I couldn't tell what time it was, but it must have been late enough that Najuma was up already. 

 

Though the house was clearly empty, I still felt the need to tiptoe around, washing my plate in the sink and creeping out the front door with a slow click. I felt a little lost for the day, having woken up not in my bed. Maybe that's where I'd start. 

 

On my way to my house, I ran into several Majiri in town. I casually conversed with them, wondering to myself if they could tell. Did they know I spent the night at Hodari’s? Did I have sex hair? I bathed after Hodari did – begrudgingly waiting my turn as he asked, rather than sharing one with him – so I didn't smell like it, right? Did my face give it away? 

 

Regardless of my mind wandering and racing, no one implied as much. I got home and cleaned up around the house a bit, weeding and watering my modest garden. My mind kept replaying the evening over and over, reliving the ecstasy we'd shared. 

 

I figured I should give it the day before heading back over to Hodari’s house; I didn't want to overwhelm him. Despite how voracious he was last night, I still didn't want to assume he just wanted me over at all times. 

 

I couldn't help but sing to myself, my voice finally feeling like my own again. I sang love songs Badruu showed me mostly, but diverged to other human songs I'd learned through recordings in the temples. Most of them were punk rock ‘fight the power’ songs, but a good handful were about love at the end of the world. 

 

“Hell of a show yer puttin’ on for the pumpkins,” you heard a familiar, handsome voice call from the front that made my stomach flip. 

 

I made my way around the front of the house, where Hodari was waiting, leaning against my fence. 

 

“Feels like yesterday I was showin’ ya around here,” Hodari mused, waiting for me to join him at the fence. 

 

I grinned, wrapping my arms around his broad chest to hug him from behind. “You were a stranger then. Not anymore.” 

 

Hodari held my arms, “Sure hope we ain’t strangers anymore. But that don’t mean we’re done learnin’ about each other,” he said, twisting around to face me and kiss my forehead, “Lucky me.”

 

“You couldn’t get enough of me last night?” I teased, releasing him so he could walk through the gate. 

 

“Not even close,” he smiled. “But more’n that, I wanted to check in on ya.”

 

I tilted my head a bit, “Check in? What for?”

 

Hodari looked down and squeezed his palm, “Just, y’know, make sure everythin’ was good last night…”

 

I couldn’t help but laugh aloud. “Are you kidding? You were perfect, handsome,” I said. I swooped his hair out of his eyes, my hand rolling over his cheek and cupping his jaw. 

 

“Well, thank ya darlin’,” he sighed, leaning into my hand. “I guess I’m just… I wanna make sure I’m doin’ right by ya.”

 

“Well, if we're exchanging notes, is there anything I did that you didn't like?”

 

Hodari chuckled, “Not a damn thing.” He leaned down, kissing me softly. “There's somethin’ else I wanted to bring ya.” He reached into his pocket and produced a key. “This is t'my room. In case y'ever wanna let yerself in.”

 

I took it from him, flipping it over in my hand. “Oh wow, I was that good, huh?”

 

“More'n that,” he emphasized, tilting my head back by my chin, “I want you to know yer always welcome. Even if you're not tryin’ to be… intimate,” he said, eyes locked with mine to be sure I understood he meant it. “Y'always have a safe place in my bed.”

 

My heart fluttered, the sincerity of his gift suddenly feeling heavier in my hand. My instinct was to joke, make light of the situation, but I couldn't bring myself to do it. 

 

Instead I whispered, “I always feel safe with you,” wrapping my arm around his neck and pressing my forehead to his. “Thank you.”

 

“Anytime, gorgeous,” he said with a grin.

Notes:

In game everyone gives you a key to their room when you befriend them to a certain level, which is sweet, but I wanted to make it a point of trust between our protagonist in this story~

Chapter 19: We're Short Staffed

Summary:

In which we do the 'Something Wicked' and 'Where the Hearth Is' quests, along with some sweet fluff and bitter confrontation.

The first time I made use of Hodari’s room key, I was bone tired and just couldn’t make it all the way home. I only had one home rune left and had been short on flowstones since Subira made it to town (I’m certain the goody two shoes was confiscating them left and right). So rather than use that bad boy, I used Hodari’s room key instead.

 

I slowly unlatched and started to open it, but was met with a lit room and a startled Hodari sitting at his work desk. 

 

“Oh– sorry, I thought you’d be in bed,” I said with a flush. “I would’ve knocked if I thought–”

 

“Yer alright, darlin’,” He grinned, shuffling the sketch papers he was working on to another page. “Jus’ having a hard time sleepin’ tonight. Figured I might as well do somethin’ while I'm not.”

 

I nodded my head, closing the door behind me. “Don't suppose I can still sleep over?” I asked, stepping closer. “Can't say I'm feeling sexy, but–”

 

“That don’ matter, darlin’,” Hodari said quickly. “Make yerself comfy.”

 

“Think you'll join me soon?” I asked, kneading his tense muscles. 

 

“Gonna finish this mock-up fer some new dining chairs, then I'll try again,” he sighed, tapping his pencil against the paper as he melted beneath my hands. 

 

“Okay,” I said softly, massaging his shoulders for a little longer. I ran my hands up to cup his jaw, tilting his head back to press my lips to his. I gave him two more soft, slow kisses before I stepped back and began removing my backpack and boots. 

 

“Do you have a side you prefer to sleep on?” I asked, unbuttoning and peeling my pants off. Last time I'd slept over, we rolled around so much before bed I wasn't sure if there was a definitive side he enjoyed. 

 

“Whichever side y’ain’t on,” he said listlessly, looking at me with a warm smile. His head rested on his fist, still holding the pencil as he watched me undress.

 

I blushed, feeling like I was on stage again. “Like what ya see?” I teased, stepping out of my pants facing him. 

 

He quickly averted his gaze, “O-of course, but… I ain't tryin’ to– y'know, start anything,” he fumbled, bouncing his pencil on the table by the eraser. “Yer just… very beautiful.” 

 

I padded over to him and wrapped him up in a tight hug. “You are too,” I said with a kiss to his temple. “I like it when you look at me.”

 

“Yeah?” He perked up, grinning at me. “That's good… I quite like lookin’ at ya.”

 

I kissed him once more, unable to resist his handsome face. “Alright, I'll stop distracting you,” I said, parting from him. 

 

He nodded, looking me over once more before returning to his drawing board with a lopsided grin.

 

Dammit, he's too pretty.

 

I stripped my sweater off so I was only in my under garments, slipping under the blanket and settling into Hodari’s comfortable bed. I had only got around to making a twin bed, so the space and cush of his was a luxury I quite liked being able to indulge in. With the waterfall behind his house, the breeze was cool, the soft drone from outside the window really rhythmic, and I easily drifted to sleep…

 

When the bed shifted with Hodari’s weight joining me, I innately woke up and rolled over to face him.

 

“‘S there ‘nough room?” I muttered half asleep, my head in a haze from being woken up. The lights were off, but I could still see his shape in the dark.

 

“Yer fine, go back t'sleep,” Hodari whispered adjusting to fit under the covers.

 

“Mmkay…” I laid back down, and thought about it for a while before asking quietly, “Can I hold you?”

 

He was quiet for a moment, then answered, “‘course, darlin’.”

 

I wiggled across the bed to find him under the sheets with me, wrapping one arm around him as I weaved my legs with his. I inhaled him deeply as I settled back into sleep, holding him close from behind. His natural smell was intoxicating, I felt like I was floating in a cloud of Hodari cologne. He tentatively placed his own arm over mine, holding me as I held him. 

 

I started drifting back to sleep when I heard him whisper one more thing, but couldn't quite make it out as I faded into my rem cycle…

 

The next time I was brought back to consciousness, Hodari was slipping out from my arms in the dim, early morning light. I was tempted to go back to bed, the sheets still warm where he once was, but I promised Subira I would meet her in the elderwood. We had to get back to the work we were doing before Tamala cursed me, and I’d been putting it off for some time.

 

So begrudgingly, I stretched and groaned my way out of bed.

 

“Y’ain’t gotta get up on my account,” Hodari assured. 

 

“I know,” I yawned, “I've gotta get to it today, too.” I said, hoping back into my pants. It felt like mere minutes since I got out of them.

 

“Want some breakfast before ya skedaddle?” He asked, covering his beautiful chest with his work shirt.

 

“Well, I’m not gonna say no,” I said grinning. “Maybe a spot of coffee?”

 

Hodari nodded, “Gotta have my cup'a in the mornin',” he agreed while looping his belt into his pants. 

 

I finished dressing before he did, so I walked to the kitchen and started the percolator. I looked around his kitchen and found milk and honey to go with my coffee – jackpot.

 

“Y'drink it with that?” Hodari asked incredulously. “I take my bean juice black, it don’ need any of that sweetener.”

 

“I love my coffee like I like my men,” I teased, waiting for the drip to finish, “hot and sweet.”

 

Hodari had begun pulling down the pan and fixings he needed, “I'm worried you got the wrong guy,” he said with a flat expression. 

 

“No no,” I assured, “you're my guy. Under this coarse exterior is a sweet man I adore,” I said as I hugged him from behind. “And you're hot as hell.”

 

I could feel his chest rise as he chuckled, hands occupied by breakfast. “Don't know what I did to deserve ya.”

 

–

 

My sweet morning was quickly curdled by the elderwood happenings. 

 

When I got there Subira handed over several documents for me to look over: two lab reports and an officer report from The Order. The former of which was actually very educational and an interesting read into what's going on. Though the answers were still hypothetical, the analytics were sound and gave me some comfort. 

 

The latter of the two pissed me off. “Human hubris” isn't what I'm bringing to the table, and the fact that Subira’s superiors think I have something to do with any of this rubs me the wrong way. I couldn't tell if Subira was merely trying to be transparent with me about where The Order at large stands with me, or if she is passive aggressively warning me that she's got her eye on me.

 

Either way. When I returned to talk with her about trying to find the source of the elderwood tap, Ulfe rustled out of the trees like a wild thing. At first he only saw me, and nearly bolted at the sight of Subira. With a bit of coaxing, I settled him down enough to talk to us. 

 

“Danger… all over,” he emphasized with a wave of his arms. “Waste time going everywhere.”

 

“What do you suggest we do?” Subira quizzed. 

 

“Zendruu tree. In village,” Ulfe continued, “I go there, I…” Ulfe sought the words, then landed placing his hand on a tree saying, “How I find sick.”

 

“Where is the Zendruu tree?” I asked. It almost sounded familiar, but I couldn't quite place it.

 

Ulfe began leading Subira and I to the tree, but was stopped short by a dense wall of essence blocking the path.

 

“Ah, Zendruu Way…” I said to myself, quickly realizing why it rang a bell. 

 

“Trapped,” Ulfe said despondently. 

 

“What about the staff?” I asked, turning to Subira. “The logs from the Night Sky Temple–”

 

“We are thinking the same thing,” Subira said excitedly. “I'll contact Hekla and Jina, letting them know we're on our way. I expect there to be a puzzle or riddle to unlock it, but I'm sure you'll make quick work of–” Subira cut herself off and stared, having lost her concentration.

 

“Uh… Lines busy?” I laughed nervously. 

 

Subira shook her head humorlessly. “I'm accessing Hekla's flow network directly: that's impossible. She is offline… Something's wrong.”

 

My heart sank. “We gotta go,” I turned to Ulfe, “Are you gonna be okay til we get back?”

 

Ulfe nodded with a nod and dour look, “I go to trees. Watch.”

 

I nodded back, “Stay safe.” I produced my last flow stone and prepared to teleport. 

 

“What are you doing?” Subira asked abrasively. 

 

“My house is close to that temple, I'll get there faster this way.”

 

“Magic is not meant to convenience–”

 

“We don't have time for you to preach on your high riffoc!” I shouted, gripping the stone and initiating the flow. In a swirl of brilliant pink I was teleported at the front of my home, and quickly turned to sprint away to the Night Sky Temple. I sprinted, hoping I wasn’t too late, that this time we’d finally caught the cloaked figure. 

 

When I got there two awful things were made clear: Jina and Hekla had been knocked out. The staff was stolen.

 

As I tried to awaken Jina and Hekla, I heard Subira finally catch up to me – surely using magic herself, the hypocrite. Hekla nearly attacked me mistaking me for the intruder, but thankfully Jina became coherent enough to call her off. Even with Sifuu’s fighting lessons, I didn’t want to try them out on a big metal galdur.

 

“Are you okay?” I asked, helping Jina up to her feet. 

 

“I-I’m fine, I think,” she said, rubbing her eyes. “Hekla?”

 

“My system rebooted successfully, though I am experiencing a despondent state,” Hekla said with a low whorl of her head.

 

“I'm glad you're alright,” I sighed. “Can you tell us what happened?”

 

“A fatal error was introduced into my rune network from the Flow Network. It forced a reset loop of my cognitive functions,” Hekla explained. “Fortunately, I keep backup systems safely partitioned. But it takes time…” 

 

“After she went down, I saw a purple orb? Or maybe smoke? And then I… passed out,” Jina said with her head in her hand. “I couldn't control it, I just got so sleepy all of the sudden.”

 

“This is my fault,” Subira stewed, “I should have left you with more protection. There's no way you could have defended yourself against such an attack. Sorcha, if I could have a word?” I followed Subira off to the side a little away from the two.

 

“I'll make us some sustenance while you converse,” Hekla proclaimed. 

 

When we had some space from the two, she started in. “I am sorry… Truly. My oversight has set us back many steps,” Subira said with a hand to her chest in sorrow. 

 

“Aw, hey.” I wasn't sure what to say, this was the saddest I think I've seen Subira since she arrived. “You can't blame yourself, and you can't predict the future.”

 

“It is my job to try,” Subira countered. “We are at a standstill: our options are to go after the staff or find another source of cosmoflow. Both tasks will take quite some time to enact.”

 

I breathed through my nose and gripped my arm. Of course. Why wouldn't it be, right? Embra forbid we get a straight answer ever.

 

“Do not let this feel like a failure,” Subira offered with a hand on my shoulder, surely detecting my dejection. “You saved Ulfe. You uncovered valuable information. This is only a small setback,” she concluded with a smile. 

 

Subira tried to leave afterwards, but Hekla stopped both of us and gave us creamy mushroom soup to share. Despite being remiss about the staff, the soup was excellent and I really enjoyed spending a moment with everyone in semi-normalcy. 

 

“These small moments of kindness in times of uncertainty… They remind me what I fight for,” Subira said as she finished her soup. “Thank you, Hekla. I'll send you my congee recipe in return,” she offered with a smile. “I'm returning to the elderwood, Sorcha. If you could meet me there once more, I'd appreciate it,” she asked with a smile. 

 

I nodded, mouth full of soup as she strode off. Before I could say anything she was gone leaving the three of us to enjoy our sustenance. I bade Jina and Hekla farewell, walked out of the temple and down a ways to the fields behind the Daiya farm, and I broke down crying. 

 

It must not have even been ten in the morning. I got up so early with Hodari, and the day went to shit before noon.

 

Dammit all. 

 

I know Subira is upset. Jina and Hekla, too. But this is just a project for them. A mystery to report back. 

 

I'm the local anomaly. 

 

This all leads back to why I and every human showed up out of thin air. And some motherfucker keeps messing with it. If anyone is owed explanations it's me, not some asshole in a cloak skulking around in the shadows. 

 

“Y'right there, Spuddy?” Called a friendly voice. 

 

I wiped my face with a groan, “Heeeeey, pal.”

 

Badruu walked up to me, pulling his hat off with a sigh. “Don't suppose a… jam session could make it better?”

 

I sniffled with a nod. “Yeah… yeah, that sounds nice.”

 

–

 

The Daiya's always made my day brighter. I practiced lute with Badruu, caught bugs with Auni, and ate lunch with Delaila while we gabbed. For a moment, I felt a bit of peace with them. 

 

Afternoon was fastly approaching, so Nai'o and I set out to the Elderwood once more: for me to meet with Subira, and for him to check on Ulfe and the stables. On our way out there we chatted a bit, making conversation. Nai'o was the kindest soul there was, but Embra bless him, he was dense. I made a pun back to one his dad told him, and it took longer to explain the joke than the actual story. Thankfully, he and I rode out on his riffoc so it took way less time than if we'd walked. Nai'o gave me a hug goodbye before doing his rounds, and I found Subira by the relic stand Elouisa and Caleri set up. 

 

“Your friend's efforts are impressive,” Subira said with a smile. “I can see you've donated some things already, they'll be invaluable to understanding the predecessors of this place.”

 

I nodded, smiling at the cute stand they built together – well, commissioned Nai'o to build for them. “Yeah, they're pretty impressive when they combine forces.”

 

Subira proceeded to apologize again for her fault in the loss of the staff. She then gifted me with a couple hundred ounces of essence. 

 

“Oh wow– are you sure?” I asked, taking the jars of essence off her hands. After chatting with Elouisa, I figured out how to make relic bags designed to do the same thing Tamala's charm did for Najuma. 

 

“Certainly, you'll find more use for these than I,” Subira said with her cordial flourish. “I also wish to share my condolences,” she started with a hand to her heart, “that your… friend hurt you, Sorcha.”

 

I pursed my lips, uninterested in rehashing this out with her. “Thanks, yeah… it sucks.”

 

“I just want you to know I'll be looking into her next, and I'll keep searching for a way to–”

 

“Thanks, really!” I said a bit too loudly. “I'll see ya around,” I said with a sharp heel turn out of the stables. 

 

I had to remind myself she was just being nice, trying to comfort me. But all it felt like was pity. It made me sick having to deal with this curse from Tamala, but having her pity me over it like I was some helpless plumehound made it worse. At least Hodari and Sifuu didn't treat me like I was weak.  

 

I was so caught up in my head, so focused on getting back home and away from my feelings, I didn't hear the click of heels behind me.

 

“Yoohoo, my pet~” I heard a familiar voice call out.

 

My stomach pitted. 

 

“I've missed you, sweetie.” I couldn't face her, but I could hear Tamala getting closer. “You're not still mad about that whole time out business, are you?”

 

“Leave me alone,” I growled, picking up my pace. 

 

Despite my protest, she continued to follow me, taunting me. “Let's try out that little spell, huh? Say the meanest thing you can think of to me?”

 

I gritted my teeth, uninterested in giving her the satisfaction of my suffering.

 

“You are just no fun, aren't you?” She pouted, keeping pace with me. “And you used to be such a fun thing to play with,” she teased. 

 

I finally whipped around and snapped, “Leave me alone!” I was shouting, but I was also shaking. I was terrified of what she would do to me. What she could do to me. I was also livid that she showed her face to me again, after all this time. 

 

Tamala smiled coyly, pulling out a bottle from her satchel. I steeled myself for a fight, ready to use what Sifuu had taught me, but she extended her hand and offered the bottle to me instead. 

 

“It's no home brew wine, by any means,” she said with a sway of her hips, “but I think it'll make a nice olive branch to patch things up between us.”

 

“What is it?” I asked incredulously. 

 

“It's a hearth potion, takes you straight home like your cute little runes would,” she said with a smirk. “I know our ornery Order member has been making flow stones scarce, so I'm sure you could use this.”

 

I was several paces away from her still, unable to take a step toward her. She rolled her eyes and scoffed, clearing the space between us. Before I could knock her back, she pushed the bottle into my hands and backed up. 

 

“Don't be so dramatic, Sorcha,” she said with a flourish of her finger. “I got a little rough with you, sure, but it had to be done–”

 

“No!” I shouted. “No, you–” asshole! “–amazing woman!” Her curse cut off my cursing, tightening around my throat like a threat. I wouldn’t give in, though. I wanted her to hear this. “I wouldn't have said anything about you if you'd just left with me!” I finally stepped up to her, getting toe to toe with her, shouting, “I thought I was your friend, you–” fuck! “– “fresh daisy!” Her mark was likely fully emblazoned on my throat now, and I hated that I wanted to hold it in hurt.

 

Tamala laughed cruelly, stepping out from my orbit. “Oh, that was cute. People are a means to an end, dear. And don't get me wrong, you're a pretty little end,” she said with a flick of my bangs, “but I'm far too wise to be friends with anyone.”

 

I stepped back, laughing humorlessly, “Sure, right. Because all that time has made you so wise, huh?”

 

“You're getting precariously close to calling me ‘old’ darling, and that's quite rude,” she snarled. “Your new boy toy isn't the young thing you are, either, yet you seem to be–”

 

“Oh, fuck off!” I shouted, wanting her to keep Hodari out of this. “The funny thing is I would have stood by you, I would have stuck up for you!” I looked down at the bottle, “But if all I am is a ‘means’ to you… then I guess this is the end!” I shouted as I smashed the bottle at her feet. 

 

A swirling cloud of pink engulfed her from the broken glass, her last words “That was an expensive brew you bi–!” before she was teleported away - likely back to her cottage.

 

And I was alone.

 

I was seething. Shaking. Close to tears.

 

I pressed my palms into my eyes, trying not to cry over Tamala again. She'd already taken enough from me, I didn't want to cry over her anymore. I didn't want to have to keep looking over my shoulder anymore. Despite everything she'd put me through, I didn't wish her ill, I just wish she'd move away and I'd never have to see her again. 

 

If only I was so lucky. 

 

I looked around, realizing the sun was on its way to setting. Despite how impossibly long this day felt, it was coming to a close. I wondered if I couldn't visit my favorite Majiri before the day was up.

 

When I got to the Pavel house, Hodari was corralling Najuma to come to dinner. I felt bad not having anything to offer this time, but even if I didn't eat with them I wanted to see them. 

 

“Hey, firecracker,” I called out, still several paces back from the father-daughter duo. 

 

Najuma and Hodari both turned to me, the former of the two smiling wide and shouting, “Sorcha! What've you been up to?”

 

“Oh psh, nothing exciting,” I lied. I didn't want to bring her down with my shitty day, instead asking, “What're you up to?”

 

“Currently ‘bout to make hot hounds fer dinner. You wanna join us?” Hodari asked with a grin. 

 

“Sure, dunno what hot hounds are, but you've yet to disappoint,” I said, finally catching up to them.

 

“You haven't had hot hounds?” Najuma asked skeptically. 

 

“Well, we oughta change that,” Hodari said, wrapping a hand around my shoulder as we walked. 

 

“Thanks,” I said, my shoulders relaxing under his touch. “I appreciate that.”

 

As Hodari cooked, Najuma informed me about the fireworks she'd been working on, down to the chemical breakdown of the powders and pastes. It was really fascinating; I smiled as she beamed at sharing her interests with me. 

 

When Hodari was done with dinner, he joined the conversation and told me about his day. He was just as excited about his specifics as his daughter, and it tickled me to see the pair mirror one another as they talked. Najuma flexed some of her mining knowledge while her dad was talking, and he patiently waited as she hijacked the conversation.

 

The hot hounds were good, but not as good as the company. 

 

When Najuma was done with dinner, she bade me goodbye to continue on her work - she insisted she would just get distracted with me at the shop with her. I nodded and watched her walk away listlessly. 

 

“I adore that kid,” I sighed, thankful for all the good people I had in my life despite the setbacks. 

 

“She really looks up to you, y'know?” Hodari said, sitting across from me at the table. “Think you're her new role model.”

 

I laughed tiredly, “Can't imagine why, but… that's really sweet.”

 

Hodari knocked on the table, drawing my attention to him. His eyes were searching again, but this time I wouldn't let them wonder for long.

 

I nodded, answering his unspoken question. “I had a… pretty shitty day. I… really appreciate you letting me crash dinner again,” I said with a soft smile. 

 

Hodari pursed his lips, “Y'wanna talk about it?”

 

“Yes… but it's kind of a long story,” I uttered. “I don't wanna keep you.”

 

Hodari gave me his lopsided grin and asked, “Y'don’ wanna keep me?”

 

I laughed aloud, my heart feeling lighter already. “Of course… if you'll have me,” I said with a smile, walking around the table to hug him beneath his jacket. 

 

Hodari wrapped his arms around me and kissed my forehead, “You got me anytime y'want me, darlin’.”

 

And that was the second time I made use of his bedroom key.

Notes:

I put off the conclusion quest for a while, so why shouldn't Sorcha?

I also know you technically do the hearth quest to get the hearth potion, but in the context of the story it felt more realistic Tamala would try and bribe you with it to make amends. Or, y'know, pretend to make amends.

Chapter 20: Pining For Your Pin

Summary:

In which we have some fluff along with "Rooted in Place" quest.

I tried not to abuse the power of Hodari’s bedroom key, but over the course of a couple weeks I already used it five times. Each time we only ever slept together, no shenanigans involved. There was plenty of cuddling, and the occasional make out, but he kept true to that promise I could come by whenever I needed somewhere safe.

 

Early one morning, I woke up on Hodari’s chest; he snored softly as I rose and fell with his breath. In the dim light of the morning, I could see his face was soft, his jaw unclenched and brow unfurrowed. Even with his sharp cheekbones and jawline, he looked supple, at peace. My stomach fluttered, thinking how I wanted to preserve that softness. 

 

Hodari snorted, waking suddenly with a quick draw of breath. His eyebrows stitched together, breaking his soft visage to his awoken tense self. His eyes lulled open, looking around, then down to me; his eyebrows softened their tension. 

 

“Mornin’ there,” he rumbled.

 

“Mm, you're so beautiful,” I sighed, my hands rubbing his chest. 

 

He huffed a laugh, “Pretty sure m'snoring woke me up. Not sure I'd call that beautiful.”

 

I filed my fingers through his dark chest hair and breathed in deeply. “It was more like… purring,” I said with a grin. 

 

“Oh yeah?” He slipped my hair through his fingers, playing with it idly as I laid on him.

 

“Mmhm, my big handsome cat, purring for me,” I teased, wrapping my arms around him in a tight embrace. 

 

Hodari chuckled, causing me to bounce up a little bit as his chest fluctuated. “Ain't so cat-like anymore, but I'll take it.”

 

I settled into his hand as he massaged my scalp, running his fingers through my curly red hair. “I dunno if I told you this,” I said quietly, “but I love your voice. Especially when you're talking in a low octave.”

 

Hodari hummed, “This one?” He said in his sexy gravely voice.

 

I grinned and placed a soft kiss on his chest with a groan. “That's the one.”

 

He continued in his low voice, “I like your voice, too,” he said, pulling his fingers from my hair to cup my cheek. “Love the way you sound.”

 

I grinned coyly, “In what context?”

 

Hodari shifted on his side, unfortunately leading me to remove myself from his gorgeous chest. He placed his hand on my waist and motioned with his head as he invited, “C'mere and I'll show ya.”

 

I chortled softly, shimmying up to face him as he watched me in the dim lit room. “What did you have in mind?” 

 

I wanted him, but I was still anxious about having sex with him. Worried I'll have another Tamala situation where we wanted different things and I'd have to bring sexy time to a screeching halt. He's been nothing but gentle with me, but the back of my mind still clung to the thought that it would change in an instant. 

 

“Nothin’ much,” he assured, making me wonder if my face had given me away. Hodari stroked my side, trailing up and down the dip in my hip as he looked over me with enamor. “Just wanna touch ya while talkin’ to ya,” he leaned his head into mine, lowering his voice in emphasis of his suggestion.

 

My hands sought his chest, running my hands over him and down his stomach. I loved his body. “And… how do I get to take care of you?”

 

Hodari’s hand squeezed my hip, “‘m not interested in keepin’ count, darlin’. Just wanna focus on ya,” he purred. “Is that okay?”

 

I wasn't opposed to it by any means, it was just foreign. Just wake up and get taken care of? No reciprocation? That sounded sexy as hell, but… not what I'm used to. 

 

“Yeah,” I whispered, snuggling in closer to him. “I'd like that.” My hands were tucked up to him, but I could still touch his chest with one hand while the other cupped his jaw. “You don't have to, if you don't want to,” I assured, kissing his nose and brow.

 

“Mm, I do,” he rumbled. 

 

His hand slipped off my hip to squeeze my thigh, eliciting a soft sigh from me. I parted my legs for him, rolling my hip back a little. He meandered on my thigh for a while more, rubbing and squeezing me to work me up.

 

“Y'let me know if it's too much?” he asked, continuing to use that sexy voice of his. He waited until I nodded before proceeding with those callous hands. “‘m so lucky I get to take care of ya, darlin’.”

 

Hodari finally made his way between my thighs, gently palming my mons before slipping down further atop my underwear. I could feel myself getting wet for him, just from his pillow talk alone. As he gently pressed his fingers against my covered vulva, he kissed my neck in time with his touch.

 

“Ain't told ya yet,” he rumbled, his voice reverberating in my chest, “but I loved the way you tasted. Little sweet ‘n’ salty,” he said, slipping his hand up and then down into my underwear. “Yer perfect.”

 

I gasped at the touch, my hand absently massaging his scalp as he teased and talked to me. His voice was really getting me worked up, and I already knew his hands were adept at building me up. It shouldn't have been surprising, a guy who worked with his hands all day being good at this, but the effects of his voice was a plot twist. 

 

“The way ya come is enthrallin’ too,” he growled, slipping his fingers between my labia then back up to my clit. He encircled my sensitive bit, using my slickness to glide over me. “The way y'shake fer me. How y'came on my tongue.”

 

I looped my elbow over his shoulder, by breath shuddering as he kept up an erogenous rhythm. I rolled my hips into his hand, meeting his fingers with eagerness. 

 

“Will you slip me a digit?” I whispered, biting his ear gently. 

 

Hodari chuckled, “I can do that.” With sensual languidness, he rubbed between my labia before slowly pressing one finger into me. Even just one felt enormous in me, eliciting a stifled moan from me. “I'll bet y'feel just as good comin’ on m’fingers as my tongue,” he growled. 

 

My breathing hitched as I rocked my hips against him, riding his hand as he talked dirty to me. I was closing in on an orgasm, his own breathing picking up as he worked me up. When his finger slipped out of me and up to my clit once more I was sent over the edge. I bit into his neck as I moaned, trying to muffle it as I came against his finger. I didn't want to be loud, I wanted to hear him talk to me, hear the rumble of his voice in my chest. 

 

“Mm, yer gorgeous darlin’,” he growled. “Shame I can't hear ya sing fer me.”

 

My arms clung to him tightly as I rode out my orgasm, gasping against his neck between stifled groans. I could feel myself fulfilling his wishes, my vagina flexing around his finger as waves of ecstasy crashed into me. It wasn't easy keeping my voice down, he felt so good it was hard to contain my cries.

 

As the waves receded, my breathing started to slow down finally. I released Hodari’s neck and pressed slow, soft kisses where I'd been biting and sucking on his tender skin. He slowly pulled out of me, enticing a subtle moan from within my throat. 

 

“I– you got me, handsome,” I whispered, my arm moving around from the back of his head to his cheek. I kissed him, his lips soft and sweet. “Sorry if I bit ya too hard.”

 

Hodari grinned against my mouth, “Not at all. Could stand to bite harder,” he teased, kissing me slowly. His hand made its way back to my hip, wrapping around me in an embrace. 

 

I tucked myself into his arms, basking in the warmth of the morning sex we'd shared. Does it count if only I came? Would it constitute as more of a morning handjob? As I mulled it over, I realized I'd worked up quite the appetite from him satisfying me.

 

“What do you say I repay you in breakfast?” I offered with a squeeze around his shoulders. 

 

“Ain't gonna say no to breakfast with ya darlin’,” he said with a kiss to my cheek, “but I already to ya y'don't owe me a damn thing.”

 

–

 

I made it a point to find Hodari later that day before I set up the Gardener's hub near his pond. It felt fair, afterall.

 

He was on his way to Kilima when I stopped him, “Hey, handsome!” I called out.

 

He stopped and turned, grinning as he replied, “Hey, you.”

 

I cleared the distance between us and put on a forced smile. “So… got a favor to ask.”

 

Normally he jumped at helping me, but as I hoped my face told him not to do so so readily this time. “...What's that?”

 

“Do you remember the Gardener? The metal thing I brought to Kilima a while ago?”

 

“Yeah…?”

 

“Well, he's lonely,” I said, my smile turning genuine, “I've been visiting him every so often, but he's so out of the way it's not enough.”

 

Hodari’s guarded look softened as I spoke, and Embra help me, it made my heart melt. I almost felt bad asking the next part.

 

“And so… he asked to be closer to people. But not as much as Kilima village, sooooo…” I trailed off and smiled.

 

“No.”

 

We had already walked over to the pond and assembled the Gardener's hub when he finally voiced his objection. Lucky for him, the Gardener objected just as much. 

 

“This will not do at all,” complained the Gardener. “Does the constructor think I could actually be content by staring at the purple ones fish all day? This place is too noisy, far too wet, and too close to sea level.”

 

Najuma crossed the pond and approached, “Uh… what's this thing?”

 

“It's your new brother,” I said with a jazzy wave of my hands. “His name is The Gardener, he is older than you by a few thousand years, but he's a real treat.”

 

“I am siblings with no one,” The Gardener remarked, “there are none like me and none that will ever be like me.”

 

Najuma walked around the hub with wide, curious eyes. “What's his housing made of? He's like a stationary Galdur?” She asked, reaching out to touch the housing.

 

The Gardener let out one of his loud, shrill electronic sounds he makes in the temple, sending Najuma jumping backwards like a frightened palcat.

 

“Do not touch me, little engineer,” The Gardener commanded. “I am not interested in having my circuitry experimented on.”

 

I put my hand on Najuma’s shoulder, “Don't worry, he's harmless. He's programmed to where he can't hurt people.”

 

“Try again. The next place better be private, dry, and higher off the ground,” demanded the Gardener.

 

I shrugged, “Guess that means you're off the hook, you two,” tearing down his housing so I could try a higher, dryer spot. As bratty as the Gardener was, there was an endearing quality to him.

 

“Yeesh, you kinda had me freaked out about the brother thing,” Najuma admitted.

 

“You don't have to worry about that, Firecracker,” I assured her. “I'm not having kids anytime soon.”

 

“Well I already know you're sleeping over,” Najuma complained with crossed arms. “You left your boots in the living room last night, Sorcha!”

 

Hodari and I both caught a bit of color in our cheeks from that one. 

 

“Oh– uh, sorry–” I started to fumble.

 

“Don't you worry about–” Hodari started to chide.

 

“It's! Fine!” Najuma asserted. “Just–! Next time, keep your boots in dad's room so I don't have to know about it every time,” Najuma asked in compromise. 

 

I lifted up a thumb and muttered, “Got it, firecracker,” not able to make eye contact with her. Poor kid, we ended up scarring her anyway. “You really don't have to worry about kids though,” I assured once more, “I literally can't have them.”

 

The two of them were quiet for a while, and when I finally looked up they both were looking at me with sad eyes.

 

“What–? It's not a bad thing,” I quickly assured. “I wasn't planning on having kids anyways, so it just makes my life a little easier.”

 

“How do you know?” Najuma wondered, earning a pointed look from her dad.

 

“It's okay,” I said with a pat to his chest, facing Najuma once more. “Y'know how Einar is kinda my doctor?”

 

“Uh-huh…?” Najuma nodded.

 

“Well, when he checked me over the first few times he kept asking about a cycle that humans with my body type have,” I explained with a rotating gesture in front of my uterus. “Since emerging, I've never had one, and it's something that marked fertility in the ancient humans. Without it, I likely can't have kids,” I explained with a shrug.

 

“Oh…” Najuma nodded, her eyes pitiful. “Sorry to hear that, Sorcha.”

 

Hodari squeezed my shoulders in comfort, and I couldn't help but laugh. “I promise, it doesn't bother me. What was I gonna do? Repopulate the planet with more humans?” I laughed, gesturing broadly out with my arms. “Yeah, no thanks.”

 

“I guess that makes sense,” Najuma sighed, though her eyes still seemed sad for me. “Well, I'm gonna keep tinkering over there,” she said with a hook of her thumb. “I'll see ya around, Sorcha,” Najuma waved as she walked off.

 

I waved back, and realized Hodari was still holding my shoulders. “You're really unbothered?” He asked, his steely blue eyes searching mine.

 

I laughed nervously, “Why, is that a deal breaker for you?”

 

Hodari shook his head, “‘Course not. I've got the exact amount of kids I need,” he said with a glance to his daughter actively creating explosives. “I just don't… Talk to me, alright?” He asked, slightly shaking my shoulder for emphasis. “If somethin’ does end up botherin’ ya. Please?”

 

I smiled softly and wrapped my arms around his chest. “Promise,” I said with a squeeze.

 

He reciprocated the hug and released me, “That's all I ask.”

 

“And thanks for putting up with this guy for a minute,” I said, packing away the last of The Gardener. “He's really not so bad.”

 

“Yeah,” Hodari sighed, “that was gonna be a tough sell if he wanted to be here permanently.”

 

“I would have made it up to you,” I said, taking his hand and kissing the back of it. Gotta keep it tame in front of the kid. 

 

Hodari grinned and shook his head, “Don't suppose I'll see ya later?”

 

“Most definitely,” I affirmed with a mock salute as I backed away. 

 

–

 

The air temple was too high and deserted.

 

The elderwood was too overrun with the essence (which The Gardener referred to as the energy present when humanity fell). 

 

But my house was juuuuuuust right.

 

I'd set him up and forced him to socialize with me for about an hour when Hodari swung by.

 

“Glad I caught you, darlin',” I heard him as he approached. 

 

“Hey, handsome,” I called, standing up from my sitting position in front of the Gardener.

 

“Was in the area, thought I'd stop by… And by in the area, I mean I came specifically because I wanted to see you.” He admitted with a lopsided grin. “Had some questions, if you've got the time to answer.”

 

“I've always got time for you,” I assured. “Hit me with it,” I said as I drummed on the fence.

 

“Great, what's your favorite flower?”

 

“Hmm, never thought of that,” I said honestly. I looked over at my modest flower garden and thought it over. “Probably those guys,” I said, pointing to the pink and red flowers.

 

“Pale paintbrush flowers?”

 

“Yeah!” I said, not even realizing what they were called. “They're really pretty when they bloom out in Bahari.”

 

Hodari nodded with a soft smile, “Yeah. They are.” He and I looked over one another for a moment more before he backed away from the fence. “Alright, I gotta get back to it.”

 

“Huh?” I asked dumbfounded. “You just got here! Stay a minute,” I insisted, waving him to join me. 

 

He stepped up to me at the fence line with a smile and a kiss. “Wish I could, but ‘m'working on a little project. Don't mind me,” he assured with another soft kiss to my cheek. “I'll see ya later.”

 

“Before you go,” I insisted, “can I ask you a question?” He looked back and forth to the road and me before nodding, unsure where I was going with this. “If you were a breakfast item, what would you be?”

 

Hodari’s serious look cracked into a wide smile as he laughed aloud. “Thought you was gonna ask about my lil project.”

 

“Figure if you wanted to tell me, you would,” I shrugged. “Now about that breakfast,” I mused as I leaned against the fenceline. 

 

Hodari sighed as he finished his guffaw, setting his hands on his hips. “Hmm… I think I'd be grits n eggs. Simple, hearty.”

 

“Delicious,” I added with a wink. 

 

Hodari blushed, “A-and you?”

 

“Fried peki and waffles. I figure I'm a sweet-salty combo,” I said with a so-so hand gesture. 

 

“Y'sure are, darlin’,” Hodari flirted as he bit his lip. 

 

I turned my head with a grin. “You better get outta here before you can't leave,” I warned him. The way he's talking and looking, I was about to pounce on him. 

 

Hodari laughed once more, “Yer right, yer right. I'll see ya soon, darlin’,” he said, and as I looked back at him I saw him walking away with his usual swing of his hips.

 

Dammit, he's so gorgeous. 

 

I thought about the flower question and realized I ought to water those. As I collected some water from the little well at the front of my house, Najuma came out of nowhere. 

 

“Ugh, that was painful to watch–”

 

“AUGH!” I screamed, tossing the water bucket in fright. “You scared the shit outta me!” I was also very thankful nothing happened between Hodari and I just then – talk about traumatizing the kid.

 

“Sorry, sorry!” Najuma recoiled. “I just didn't want my dad to see me.”

 

“Were you like… hiding in the bushes?” 

 

There was a long pause. “I mean yeah, but that's not important right now.” Najuma walked past the fenceline and sat down on the chair I had on my porch. “My dad's making a pin for you! That's why he asked you your favorite flower. He thinks he's being all sneaky, but I saw the plans on his desk,” she explained with a wave of her hand. 

 

“What's a pin?” 

 

“Wh– it's like a romantic thing people make for each other.” Najuma replied. “You really don't know?”

 

“I haven't seen anyone else wearing pins. Wouldn't Badruu and Delaila have ones? Or Jel and Reth?”

 

“The Daiya's are married, that's the step after pins. And Jel and Reth are clueless,” Najuma sighed. 

 

I nodded with a shrug, “You gotta point there.” Maybe that's the next thing that should be on my list is getting those two to figure it out. I then blushed, “Wait, is he proposing to me?”

 

“What?! No, no,” Najuma assured, “this isn't like a marriage thing, more like a ‘I'm taking our relationship serious’ thing.”

 

“Oh, whew,” I sighed. I really liked Hodari, but we weren't anywhere near marriage yet. “Why're you telling me this, exactly? Isn't this supposed to be a surprise?”

 

“Because he's been working on this design for WEEKS and he just keeps changing it.

I'm not sure he's ever gonna think it's good enough to give to you.”

 

“Aww,” I said with a hand to my chest. That explained all the blueprint papers he kept in a very specific stack: my pin design was probably in there. Or, designs?

 

“You have to make the first move and force his hand. Maybe then he'll stop acting so... WEIRD about this,” she said with exasperation. “Seriously. I've never seen my dad care this much about anything.”

 

“He cares about you that much,” I asserted with a gentle kick to her boot.

 

“Well, yeah, sure,” Najuma said. “But I'm his kid, he doesn't care what I THINK about him. We're stuck with each other no matter what.”

 

“I can see the family resemblance,” I teased at her cynicism.

 

“So... you're gonna go make a pin for him too... right? I mean, you don't have to or anything!” She quickly assured. “But if you want to, I bet Sifuu can help.”

 

“Alright, I'll talk to her. Thanks, firecracker.”

 

“Cool. Okay... I'm gonna go and stop meddling in my dad's love life now. I mean, seriously, ew,” she said with a feigned gag as she walked off my porch. 

 

I laughed as she left and thought more about the pin situation. Hodari really thought of me as his partner. I smiled as I collected my fallen watering can, excited for where this relationship was headed.

Notes:

My fantasy world involves not having a period and getting to have sex without fear of getting pregnant~

I've combed over this chapter several times, but if there's inconsistencies or grammatical errors I'll fix em~

Chapter 21: Mine Your Pins

Summary:

In which Hodari and Sorcha exchange pins and more~

The day after the Pavels came to my plot, I had plans to start the pin making process. Before heading out to Sifuu's though, I overshot to the Daiya's. Maybe it was a human thing, but it felt like I should talk to my parental figures before making a pin. 

 

Badruu was feeding the ormuus and pekis this bright morning, and when he saw me he gave a wave with his hat. 

 

“Howdy, spudy!” He called. “Yer just in time to help with the critters.”

 

“Oh no, I just saw Auni on his delivery route,” I joked, “I think the critters are loose!”

 

Badruu guffawed at my quip, “We can't keep that critter contained, but ya think ya can help with these other ones?”

 

I nodded, happy to help. “I also wanted to talk to you about something,” I started. 

 

“Yeah?” Badruu hoisted another bale of hay, “What about?”

 

“Well, you know I've been flirting with Hodari,” I said, feeding and loving on my favorite peki – Pekki Masala. “We've been hanging out, and went on a date.” We also had hooked up a couple times, but Badruu doesn't have to suffer those details. 

 

“Aw, I'm happy to hear you're enjoying yourselves!” He assured me with a pat to my back. “He's a good guy, easy on the eyes… more quiet than I assumed you'd go for, though.”

 

I smiled sheepishly, “I like that about him. And when he does open up, it's… he's really sweet.”

 

“Aw, I'm glad ya found yerself a sweetie,” he affirmed. “That's all I'd ever want for my kids – and you, now – is someone who's sweet on ya! Just watch out for cavities,” he teased with an elbow to my side. 

 

I snickered, glad we'd gotten through the awkward part. “Don't worry, I'll keep my toothbrush on me at all times. And another thing, uh… Najuma kinda spilled the beans and told me he's making a pin.”

 

“Whoa! That's a big deal coming from him!” 

 

“Yeah? How come?” Despite being entrenched in Majiri culture, there was still nuance I wasn't picking up. 

 

“Well, he's a widower,” Badruu explained, absently petting Sugarfoot, “Ain't out of the question for Hodari to get with someone else, just means he really means it.” Badruu walked over to me and knelt down with me as I fed another peki – Pekerella. “Some folks use pins fairly casually, but if he's giving ya one he really cares about ya.”

 

I felt my cheeks flush, “Oh… cool,” I said, petting Pekerella. “That's… I'm glad.”

 

“Are you wanting to make him a pin, too?” Badruu asked, putting his hand on my shoulder. “You don't gotta if you don't wanna, by all means! These are just usually an exchange, is all.”

 

“Yeah, I was gonna go talk to Sifuu after this about making him one.”

 

“Well, that's mighty special,” he said with a gentle shake to my shoulder. “I'm happy for ya, Sorcha.”

 

“Wha's all this?” Delaila asked, walking over to us as we were stooped down. “Is everythin’ alright, Sorcha? ‘Nother round ‘a bad news with the temples?” She asked with worry. 

 

“Oh no, nothing bad–” 

 

“Sorcha's making Hodari a pin!” Badruu said excitedly, wrapping his arm around my shoulder and shaking me with delight.

 

“Oh! He's a good lookin’ fella,” Delaila said with a giddy wave of her hand. “And he'd be lucky to have ya.” She took my hand and helped me off the ground. “Badruu, sweetie, why don't I borrow Sorcha? Let us gab about our guys, huh?”

 

Badruu snickered and agreed, “That's fine by me. See ya, spudy!” 

 

After having a lively morning with the Daiya's, I went to Sifuu for our usual fighting lesson. After we were properly sweaty and tired – well, mostly me – I asked her about making Hodari a pin.

 

“Not sure if I should congratulate you or seethe with jealousy. When I heard someone finally got that old grump's heart, I nearly spit out my ale!”

 

“Really?” I blushed. “You have a thing for Hodari?” I thought this whole time Sifuu was into femmes only, I didn't think she'd be interested in Hodari – or any guy for that matter.

 

“I mean, you've seen him, right?” Sifuu laughed boisterously. “A’course, if it was gonna be anyone, I'm not surprised it's you. Especially since Hodari came by last week asking me for advice on the same thing,” she laughed aloud once more.

 

I chuckled, “Wow, must mean I'm hard to ‘pin’ down,” I said with a laugh and an elbow to Sifuu's side. 

 

She laughed along with me and patted my back, “Alrighty, pins are best when you put a little of yourself in them, and a little of the other person too. So, you know Hodari best. What's his thing?”

 

I considered it carefully, then smiled to myself remembering the ore Najuma compared me to once. “Palium ore.”

 

“Strong, good lookin', and a rare find. Perfect!” I swear I just kept getting redder because Sifuu guffawed at me. “And what about you, what do you like?”

 

“I'm pretty good at hunting,” I beamed. Despite Hassian's rude nature, I did get adept at it.

 

“A Palian after my own heart,” Sifuu said with a squeeze around my shoulders. “I used an elder sernuk antler for mine, and I'll bet that'll look great with the Palium!”

 

I nodded, “Okay, yeah. I'll get those together and bring them back to you!”

 

The elder sernuk antler once again took forever to collect. But it was worth it.

 

–

 

I saw Hodari a few days later at his workshop.

 

“Hey, handsome,” I said with a knock to the side panel of the doorway.

 

“Darlin'–” he hurriedly swept the project he was working on from the table to the floor. “Didn't– hey. How're you?” He asked with his chin on his fist, trying to feign nonchalance.

 

“I won't peek,” I said, turning my head up to the corner of the workshop with a grin. “But could you come here?”

 

Hodari walked around the bench and met me at the workshop entrance. “Yes'm?”

 

“I made you something,” I said, pulling out the pin. “Well, technically Sifuu put it together, this is the first pin I've ever– but I– I got all the material together, if that counts,” I fumbled. 

 

Hodari looked at me and the pin in my hands, wide-eyed and mouth agape. “Well… this is embarrassing."

 

I winced, “Oh, you were making a pin for the other Sorcha in town,” I said playfully. “I can take it back–”

 

“I ain't saying I won't take it,” he laughed, taking my hands in his as I still held the pin. “Don't get me wrong! I just, uh,” he looked me up and down and sighed. “I've got about twenty pins in progress in the workshop. Kept scrappin' them and starting over. Now that I say it out loud, it doesn't really sound like me. You just… Make me act like a fool sometimes,” he finished with a grin and a squeeze to my hands.

 

“Were you really that nervous about the pin?” I asked earnestly. 

 

“Course I was. Have you seen yourself?” Hodari remarked with a lopsided grin that made me blush. “I ain't used to... carin' what other folks think of me. But I want you to like me.” He removed one hand from mine to hold my cheek, “I want you to be able to rely on me, and trust me. Tell me whatever's on your mind. And know that I'll listen, and be there for you. Whenever you need, and whenever you want,” he said, stroking my cheek with his thumb as he spoke.

 

I was entranced in him as he spoke, his blue eyes endearing and full of adoration. I was torn between responding with endearment or joking with him to break the intense moment. I leaned forward and pressed a soft kiss to his lips, which he readily reciprocated. We shared soft, slow kisses like this: in front of a workshop, his hand on my cheek, my hands in one of his, still holding a pin between us. 

 

It was perfect. 

 

I pulled back, and he followed, pressing his forehead to mine with a smile. 

 

“If you'll have me,” I finally said with a grin.

 

“You already have me,” he affirmed. With a kiss to my forehead he pulled back, finally accepting my pin. “Guess I'm gonna need to get m'self in gear and finish this damn pin.”

 

I shook my head, “I'm happy to wait for you, handsome. You don't have to rush–”

 

“Ain't a rush if I been draggin' it out,” Hodari assured. “By tomorrow, I promise I'll get over myself and get it finished.”

 

I blew a kiss, “I'll leave ya to it, then.”

 

The next morning I checked my mail and sure enough, I had a letter from Hodari asking me to join him in the mines today for his pin.

 

When I made my way over there, Hodari was waiting at the entrance with crossed arms and a nervous demeanor.

 

“There y'are!” Hodari beamed, “Was worried a letter was too pushy.”

 

“Not at all,” I assured. “I'm excited to see what you landed on,” I said with a smile. 

 

“Here,” he presented me with his pin with stiff arms and an awkward grin. “Melted down all the other pins I was workin' on to make this. Figured if one pin didn't feel like enough... might as well just combine 'em all and hope it conveys even half of what I feel about you,” he said, more like himself. 

 

I looked at the pin, with awe: it was beautiful. He ended up using the pale paintbrush flower afterall, with a curved stem and a carved copper ore in the shape of a glow bug.

 

“Get a load a this,” Hodari said as he gingerly took my hand and started walking me into the mines. He had removed the lightning bug jars from the ceilings, and as I was about to question why, when my pin started to glow. The carved ore was glowing where a bug normally would. 

 

“Najuma helped, too. The bioluminescence was her idea,” Hodari explained, and by the way he sounded I could hear the smile in his voice. 

 

“Damn, that kid is so smart,” I said in awe as I marveled at my pin.

 

“I think the moment she decided to trust you was when I knew you were a keeper,” Hodari said quietly, his hand trailing up to my elbow as he spoke. 

 

“Yeah? Guess we can keep you, too,” I teased with a pat to his chest.

 

“Sure hope so,” Hodari laughed, “considering we already exchanged pins ‘n all.” 

 

I found his face tentatively in the dark, and followed with my mouth. Hodari moved his hand from my arm to my hip, deepening our kiss with a slow, sensual swipe of his tongue. I gasped at the invitation, but smiled and reciprocated readily. My hand was still holding Hodari’s pin, but the other one held the back of his neck as we made out. In the dark my senses were heightened, picking up on every shift his body made with mine as we shared sweet, deep kisses with only the faint glow of my pin marking us in the ink black mines.

 

When Hodari finally broke from me, his breath was ragged. “...I know I ain't much of a talker, but this... you and me,” he emphasized with a squeeze around my waist. “Didn't think I'd feel this way again. For the first time in a while, I'm... excited. For the future. For us. For whatever the world will throw at us next. Long as I get to face it with you,” he proclaimed, his forehead finding mine in the dark as he spoke.

 

“The world is getting pretty intense,” I warned Hodari. “The human re-emergence thing has been… crazy,” I admitted. “And it's heavy. But… I’ll do better talking about it.”

 

“That’s all y’can do,” Hodari nodded, “S'probably enough sap for a year of syrup, so I'll stop there.” 

 

“Aw, I love it,” I said with a squeeze to the back of his neck. “You’re really good with words when you want to be.” 

 

Hodari snickered, “Sure.” 

 

“And even better with your mouth,” I whispered, leaning in close to his ear. 

 

He grinned against my cheek, “That an invitation?”

 

I turned to meet his mouth, which readily kissed me deeply. “If you’ll have me,” I teased, stepping backward to find a wall to lean against. 

 

“Whoa–” Hodari pulled me to his chest and away from the wall. “Y’don’t wanna lean on that one. It’s touchy. Here,” he said, leading me by the hand to another spot in the mine. I could see shapes in the dark, but wasn’t able to navigate as well as Hodari could in the dimly lit tunnels. “This is tucked away, in case we get a kid tryin’ to sneak in.”

 

“Oh, you’ve definitely done this before,” I teased as I followed his arm as he leaned against the wall. 

 

“Gotta stay prepared in the mines,” he said in his low, rumbling voice. With fluidity, Hodari scooped my leg up and hiked it up against his hip, leading me to lean against his body with my full weight. 

 

“Oh wow–” I breathed as his mouth found mine. I wrapped my arms around him, one finding its way around his broad shoulders while the other trailed along his waist and hip. I couldn’t help but smile into the kiss, causing him to laugh slightly at the awkward mouth shape. 

 

“You’re gorgeous, darlin’,” Hodari sighed, his hand massaging my thigh. “I dunno what I did to deserve ya, but ‘m so thankful,” he whispered before dipping his head down to the crook of my neck.

 

I gasped as his mouth kissed me softly, hands teasing my thighs, my hips rolling against him as he worked me. With jeans on I wasn’t worried about any preemptive climax, so with unabashed desire I rode his thigh. 

 

I was nearly out of breath when he asked, “Can I get ya from behind?” against my ear, his deep voice rumbling within me. 

 

My stomach dropped. “Uh– I–” I balked, causing Hodari to back up against the wall, waiting for me to finish. “I don't know if you remember, but, I can't usually take– uh–”

 

“No, no, I didn't mean like that,” Hodari clarified, putting his hand on my chest. “Just wanted to eat ya out from behind ‘sall.”

 

“Oh,” I could feel my cheeks radiating heat in the dark. “Oh, yeah, sure– I can do that– I mean I'd love that,” I emphasized, “just… sorry.” 

 

Dammit, I ruined the mood. 

 

Hodari removed his hand from my upper thigh, hugging me tightly. “Never apologize, darlin’.” 

 

“Wh–?”

 

He released me and continued, “We ain't ever gonna do anythin’ you don't want, okay? And don't ever say sorry for it,” he said gently. 

 

My heart fluttered. It was such a simple ask. A basic necessity. But it still struck my heart strings to hear him say it. To hear my needs voiced by the person I care about most. I kissed him softly, holding his cheeks in both hands. 

 

“Okay,” I agreed. I stepped back and started to take off my pants. “So, this is your rodeo. How're we doing this?”

 

“We don't have to–” he started to assure. 

 

“I want to,” I cut in. “I just can't see as well as you can in here, so you'll have to lead.”

 

Hodari hopped off the wall and walked around to the other side of me, touching my shoulders so I knew where he was. “There's a boulder just right here, should be a good height for you to brace on.”

 

“This is feeling very calculated all of the sudden,” I teased as I sought the stone he was talking about in the dark. 

 

Hodari laughed hoarsely, “I uh… have definitely thought about this with you… a few times,” he admitted quietly. 

 

“Oh, wow,” I grinned. “Maybe next time we can try out one of my wet dreams.”

 

“I'll do anythin’ for ya, darlin’.” Hodari knelt down behind me, holding my hips as he waited for my confirmation. “Just name it,” he groaned, clearly getting worked up already. 

 

I kept my underwear on, anticipating he would want to take them off of me. “Is this a good position for ya, handsome?” I didn't want to get too excited and break his nose backing into him, so I waited.

 

The first thing I felt was Hodari's hot breath, panting against my sensitive bits as he leaned forward. He pressed his lips into my softness, kissing me with fervor. I gasped when his tongue finally made contact, dragging the flat of his tongue against my vulva and soaking my underwear through. I moaned breathily, my bare chest hovering over the cold stone. His hands massaged my hips, his tongue teasing me through the thin fabric before finally relinquishing my underwear from my body.

 

I rolled my hips back and parted my legs slightly, to which Hodari rumbled, “There y'are.” His hand kneaded my butt as the other wrapped around my thigh, his tongue dipping into me with a low moan. 

 

I cried out, his mouth working me up quickly and intensely. “Hodari– AH~” I tried not to move against him so I didn't hurt him, but as I came against his mouth I involuntarily bounced slightly against his chin. He didn't seem to mind though, not breaking from my vulva throughout my climax, my wanton cries echoing in the cavernous tunnels.

 

My moaning died down to halted gasps, and I finally muttered, “you're perfect,” my voice cracking as he parted from my tender clit. 

 

“Can't believe yer all mine, darlin’,” Hodari whispered, close enough I could still feel his breath on my vulva. 

 

I hiked my knee up on the rock, making it so he had more space between my legs to catch his breath. He took the opportunity instead to kiss me once more, his hand traversing up my stomach and chest to tease my breast. My breathing quickly kicked back up as he ate at me voraciously.

 

I rolled my hips back for him, his eagerness to satisfy me tantalizing. I knew what that fervor was like, tasting someone's sweetness and being surrounded by their heat. Seeking every way to work them up to fruition, feeling the efforts drip from my chin. I wondered what I tasted like, what I felt like.

 

I wondered what he tasted like. 

 

Suddenly, my second orgasm crashed into me, his tongue and hands sending me over the edge. I grasped his hand, my other hand and knee firmly planted on the stone that kept me balanced. He held me tightly, making me feel safe in his arms as I moaned for him. My voice was discordant, pitching lower than normal from the deep sensation of this climax. I could feel him moaning too, his sultry noises reverberating against me, adding to the overwhelming high I was riding. He kept up his fervent pace, and I had to wonder how he wasn't out of breath.

 

I'd reached the end of my nerves, the sweet sensation turning to tender ache as i became overstimulated. I reached down to cup Hodari’s chin, the words lost to me as I fought to catch my breath. He moved away from my vulva, giving me room to close my shaky legs. I leaned back on the rock and pulled the collar of his jacket, bringing his face up to mine. I pressed breathless kisses into his soaked mouth, wrapping my arms around him beneath his jacket. 

 

“Y'alright, darlin’?” Hodari asked, his own breath coming in short from all his hard work. 

 

“Mm, never better,” I sighed, holding him tightly in the dark, still shivering intermittently. “How about you?”

 

“Thoroughly enjoyed myself,” Hodari mused, kissing me softly. “Thanks for indulging me, gorgeous.”

 

I patted his chest, “Oh no, the pleasure was all mine,” I chuckled. “What can I do for you?”

 

“Y'already done it,” he said in a low tone, “‘n ya felt so good doin’ it.”

 

“Well, I've got an idea if you're up for it,” I said playfully. “We'll even use this handy dandy rock again,” I emphasized with a pat to the stone. 

 

“What's that?”

 

“Will you take these off?” I inquired, pulling at his belt buckle. As he removed his pants, I stood up off the stone with shaky legs, facing away from him.

 

“Y'ain't gotta do–”

 

“I want you, handsome.” I assured, wrapping my arm back and around his neck. “And I'm honestly not sure it'll feel good, but… if you're up for it I want to try it.”

 

Hodari grasped my hips from behind, though he made no move yet. “I'll do anythin’ for ya.”

 

“I can't take you, perse, but you can slip here,” I said, reaching between my legs for his erection,” and maybe I can still take care of you.”

 

“Yeah?” He affirmed, leaning down to kiss my neck. “If it gets to be too much, I'll stop.” 

 

I lowered my chest and pushed my hips back towards him so he could slip between my thighs. With care, he fit himself nicely between my thighs, sighing at the sensation. I rocked my hips back and forth to entice him, feeling the head of his penis graze my clit as I worked him up. 

 

I groaned, running my fingers through his hair as he met my hips, joining in with his own thrusts. I wondered if this was the pace he used when he touched himself, what he might think of when he did so. An involuntary mewl came from me as he stroked me and himself, and I could feel my cheeks heat up again from embarrassment. 

 

“m'I gettin’ ya, darlin’?” He asked, his voice hoarse from exertion. 

 

“Yeah,” I groaned, “when do you not?” I teased, turning my head to bite his cheek playfully. “What about you? This feel good, handsome?”

 

“Mm, very much so,” he affirmed, growling in my ear as he slid his hand up my stomach to massage my breast. 

 

I relaxed my head back against him, my breath hitching at his touch. This gave him the angle to dip into the nook of my neck, kissing me before running his teeth along the sensitive skin. I moaned aloud before realizing it: I don't think he's bitten me yet, and I couldn't believe how much it affected me. My cheeks were burning now, and I was thankful we were in the dark so Hodari couldn't see… Or at least as well. 

 

“Ah, Sorcha,” he panted against my tender neck, closing in on his own climax. 

 

I rolled my hips back into him, trying to bring him to fruition. My hand massaged his scalp, my other hand planted firmly on the stone to keep us up. I tried thinking of something to push him over the edge, give him what he'd always given me so readily. And I wondered if my voice could have the same effect on him as his does for me.

 

“Hodari,” I gasped against his ear. His thrust faltered, giving me the indication I needed to keep going. “Y'gonna come for me, handsome?”

 

He responded by groaning into the nape of my neck, wrapping his arm against my chest and halting his thrusts. I could feel him coming for me, dripping down the front of my thighs as his cock twitched between my legs. I couldn't help but give a wanton sigh, his orgasm turning me on further. I wondered how close I was to coming with him, but I didn't want to touch myself to disrupt his own waves of ecstasy. 

 

Even after he finished ejaculating, he held onto me tightly as he breathed heavily against my neck. He rubbed my chest in adoration, kissing my neck softly as he came back down to earth. 

 

“Yer perfect, darlin’,” he sighed, pulling himself from between my thighs with a groan. “I'll get ya cleaned up, gorgeous.”

 

I swiped some of his ejaculated off my thigh, licking it off my finger with a sigh. “I don't mind getting a little dirty with you, handsome.”

 

He found his pants in the dark and produced a rag from it, carefully wiping my legs with it. He kissed my forehead, then my cheek, slowly pressing his soft lips into me. “You want me to take care ‘a ya s'more?”

 

I quietly laughed against his cheek, “You've already done that. Twice,” I said, emphasizing with two quick kisses to the side of his mouth. 

 

“What can I say?” He rumbled, dipping his mouth into my neck once more, his hand lingering on my thighs. “I'm a giver.”

 

We stayed in the mines for quite some time, Hodari proving he was a giver twice more.

Notes:

I have once again tried so hard to make this perfect, but if I failed with incontinuity... my bad.

Chapter 22: The Path Less Traveled

Summary:

In which Sorcha does "The Path Less Traveled" quest and another non-canon side quest!

In Kenyatta's quest to find her path, she somehow jumped from gardening, to furniture making, and now mining. But hey. Might as well rule everything out, right?

 

“Najuma seems to have fun with all those explosives,” Kenyatta rambled as we walked to Bahari, swinging her new pickaxe a little too flippantly. “Plus, and you didn't hear this from me, Hodari is, like, really hot,” she said with a smirk.

 

I laughed and said, “Hell yeah he is,” offering her a high five. “That's… actually who gave me this pin,” I said, pulling it up a touch to show it off. My heart fluttered a little, thinking about the rest of the day we'd spent together after exchanging pins. I nearly made him carry me out of the mines from how wobbly my legs got after we finished.

 

“Get. Out.” Kenyatta took my shoulders in her hands, shaking me slightly out of my train of thought. “You bagged that guy?!”

 

I laughed harder, “Yeah, he… I really like him,” I sighed, the sincerity overpowering the laugh. “I'm really glad he accepted mine.”

 

“Oh shut up,” Kenyatta rolled her eyes. “Anyone in this place would jump at the opportunity to have your pin.”

 

“Aw, you're being sweet,” I said.

 

Kenyatta shook her head, “I'm not being sweet, it's true! You're kind of a hot commodity. Hodari probably doesn't even know what a snag he's got,” she said, elbowing me in the side. 

 

I shook my head and laughed, sure that was an exaggeration but thankful for the compliment. 

 

We made it to the Pavel house, though no one was home. That was rare, considering one of them always seemed to be home or around their property, but I didn’t want to speculate aloud. Nor did I want to try traversing the mines alone without one of them to guide me. 

 

“Alrighty, new plan,” I said with a clap. “Let's hit some free-standing nodes outside the mines until someone gets back.”

 

“Uh, not to be mean,” she said with crossed arms, “but just because you're dating a miner doesn't mean you are one.”

 

I produced my exquisite pickaxe and wiggled my eyebrows. “I'm no expert, but I've gotten pretty good at it. The least I can do is give you some basics.”

 

For an hour straight, Kenyatta picked at a little node that was a few paces from the Pavel home. As much as I don't think she'll be a miner, I gotta give her credit: she doesn't give up easily. 

 

“Uh…” I heard behind me, turning to see Najuma and Hodari walking back from Kilima. Najuma asked, “What's goin’ on here?”

 

I waved and smiled, “Hey firecracker. Hodari. Kenyatta's taking a swing at mining,” I said with a pantomime of a pickaxe. 

 

Kenyatta growled, “UGH! This pickaxe must be a dud, there's no way this should still be intact!”

 

“Did you hit the weak spots we talked about?” I asked, looking over her shoulder. 

 

“Dunno if there's a spot weak enough,” Hodari said under his breath, earning a pointed look from Najuma. 

 

Kenyatta sighed, “Can we try something else? Maybe those explosives?” She asked eagerly, giving Najuma a pleading look. 

 

Hodari shook his head, “I don’ think that's a good idea,” he said with a flattening motion of his hand. 

 

“It's fine,” Najuma assured, stepping towards Kenyatta, “come with me, I'll show you some basic chemistry.”

 

“Preferably away from the workshop,” Hodari called to his daughter's back, to which she gave a thumbs up. He then stepped up to me and asked, “You think she's gonna be a miner?”

 

“Nah, but she's quite persistent,” I said, shaking my head. “One of these days she'll figure out what she's meant to do.”

 

Hodari sighed, “Oh, thank the dragon. I was worried you were losin’ it,” he smiled lopsided, placing a hand on my waist. 

 

I kissed the underside of his jaw, “Don't you worry, handsome. I still have all my marbles.”

 

Hodari held my waist, his grin growing as he looked me up and down. 

 

My cheeks flushed, “Got something you wanna tell me?”

 

He looked down at the ground, “M'pin looks good on ya, darlin’. Glad I finally got my act together and finished it.”

 

I siddled up next to him, pressing the side of my hip into his, “Yeah? You look pretty good yourself, there,” I said with a tap to my pin that he wore on his chest. It really did accent his outfit well, emphasizing his steel blue eyes nicely.

 

“Now,” he said, moving his hand to my cheek, “I'll just have t'work hard to keep you wearin' it.”

 

I smiled, pursing my lips trying to contain my giddy. Dammit, he's endearing. I leaned up to kiss him, his hand still holding my cheek as our lips met softly. Hodari’s thumb stroked my cheek as we shared several sweet, soft kisses.

 

“I’m still surprised you’re interested in me… this way,” he admitted quietly, lips hovering over mine.

 

“In what way?” I asked, feigning ignorance while batting my eyelashes.

 

Hodari’s cheeks changed shades as he looked me over and then to the side bashfully. “In uh… a romantic way,” he groaned. “Y’gotta stop teasin’ me so much, darlin’, my heart can’t take it,” he chuckled, meeting my eyes once more. The look in his eyes… He must have ached for me as I did for him.

 

I snickered and leaned in to kiss him again, relishing in his orbit a while longer. I broke from our kiss and noted, “Najuma hates going into town. What were you two up to?”

 

Hodari leaned back and smiled softly, a somber one I'd never seen before. “We were visiting Leta’s marker. Wanted to catch up with her, ‘n Najuma always likes to go with me.”

 

I nodded, returning a soft smile to him. “That's beautiful. I'm glad you got to visit with her.”

 

Hodari parted from me, beginning the walk to the mines. “Had to tell her about you, too. I think she would've liked you,” he said with a lopsided grin.

 

“Oh yeah, I think we would've gotten alo–”

 

Suddenly, an explosion cut into our conversation. 

 

We both booked it to the sound, but I was a lot faster than him. I skidded to a halt and saw Najuma standing to the side of a small rock slide, with Kenyatta at the center of it – both unscathed. 

 

“They're alright,” I called down to Hodari as he rushed to join me. 

 

“No, we're not!” Cried Kenyatta. “A sernuk got hurt in the fall!”

 

I finally saw what she was kneeling in front of – an injured sernuk fawn. I shook my head and sighed, pulling off my bow and an arrow. “Sorry, Kenyatta. Move outta the way, I'll take care of–”

 

Kenyatta shot up and stood in front of the fawn defensively. “No! What are you doing!?”

 

I felt a little dumbfounded, answering what I thought was obvious. “Uh… putting him out of his misery…?”

 

“I can fix this!”

 

“You… what?”

 

“Go get my medical bag, it should be by the old docks to the west.” Kenyatta knelt back down and started bracing the fawn's leg. To my surprise, it seemed docile, waiting patiently for Kenyatta to do her work. “That's where I was when I helped Tau with his paw.”

 

Hodari finally caught up as I was putting away my bow. “Uh… I guess we're rescuing a sernuk now. I'll be right back,” I said with a pat to his chest. 

 

“Wh– what is goin’ on today?” He asked in exasperation, rubbing his face and pulling down on his chin.

 

I sped down the road, running as fast as I could to Kilima. I quickly found the pack where Kenyatta said it would be, and sprinted back to the mines. I was out of breath when I made it back to Kenyatta and the Pavels, handing off the kit without a word. 

 

“Thanks Sorcha, you're a lifesaver!” Kenyatta exclaimed, quickly going to work on the fawn. 

 

As I plopped down next to Najuma, Hodari handed me a water canteen. I nodded in thanks, drinking between gasps. 

 

“So uh… I guess this could be Kenyatta's path,” Najuma noted as she watched her work. 

 

I nodded, realizing how intent Kenyatta worked on the leg, how focused and determined she was. I finally rasped, “Yeah… you're right.”

 

Kenyatta looked over and said, “I mean… I've always liked animals, I guess. I've picked up a few things here and there.”

 

Hodari shook his head, “Don't sell yerself short, there.”

 

Kenyatta was wrapping the fawn's leg now, doing an impressive job keeping it calm as she worked. “Yeah but… it's not like it could be my path, right?”

 

I waved my arms in exasperation, “It's exactly like that!”

 

“I guess… I'm just used to giving up on things like this…” Kenyatta finished her wrap, standing and giving the fawn room to stand. It tentatively stood and wobbled away, with Kenyatta watching it with a nervous fist to her mouth. “But you're right… I should talk to Chayne, see if he'll sponsor me.”

 

“Is Chayne a veterinarian, too?” I asked.

 

“A veter– what??” Kenyatta asked. “He's a healer, did you not know that?”

 

I shrugged, “I don't really talk to him much, I thought he was a monk of Maji or something.” There was something about spiritual leaders that made me wary, though I couldn't quite place where that mistrust came from. Maybe something from the old times?

 

“Well, he's a spiritual and physical healer,” Kenyatta clarified. “So you kinda got half of it right. I'm gonna head back, but… thanks Sorcha. I don't think I could've figured all this out without you. Any time you need help, just ask and I'll make time for you,” she said with a grin and a hand on her hip. 

 

I smiled back, “I appreciate that, Kenny. Thanks.” As she walked down the path toward Kilima I finally groaned and pushed myself up off the ground. “Thanks for giving her a chance, firecracker. You didn't have to,” I said with a smile. 

 

Najuma shrugged, “Eh, figured she'd give up halfway through the lesson, anyway.”

 

“Just glad everyone's alright,” Hodari sighed. “I gotta hit the mines, lost too much daylight doin’ all this,” he said with crossed arms.

 

I grimaced, “Sorry, handsome. I'll make it up to ya later,” I promised with a pat on his shoulder before he departed. “What're you gonna do with the rest of your day?” I asked Najuma.

 

“Eh, I'm gonna hit the drawing board. Today's a bit of a wash after seeing Kenyatta botch explosives.” She looked to the ground with a somber look, “And… after visiting mom, I think I'll just work on concepts.”

 

“Sorry, firecracker,” I said with a gentle pat. “Did you… have a good chat with your mom?”

 

She nodded, sheepishly looking up at me, “Yeah. It was nice talking to her… Dad talked to me about her, too.” She smiled warmly, looking down at her hands as she fiddled with them. “I like hearing dad talk about her.”

 

I hugged her with one arm, smiling softly. “I'm glad you two got to see her today. Do you… want to hang out with me for a little while? Tell me all about her?”

 

“Yeah? O-okay!” She perked up, waiting with a jovial hop. 

 

She led the way as we walked to the workshop, though my stride was slower than usual after expending all that energy chasing after Kenyatta's bag. I hung out with Najuma for a couple hours, chatting about the mock ups she was working on, and I my antics. With the staff quest halted, I didn't have any pressing issues to contend with, so spending an afternoon with Najuma felt like a nice reprieve. As we were talking about her day out with her dad, she mentioned he complained the whole way about his back. Something about pulling a muscle in the mines the other day, and I had to keep my face in check so I didn't allude to what I was thinking. Maybe it wasn't from us… but it did make me laugh internally thinking it might have been a sex injury. 

 

After a while, I gave her a big bear hug goodbye and meandered back to town. As it so happened, I ran into Cheyne on my way home as he was leaving town. 

 

“Hello, Phoenix Child,” he greeted me kindly. “I just spoke with Kenyatta. She tells me you encouraged her to pursue a path in healing?”

 

“Yeah,” I nodded with crossed arms. “She patched up an injured sernuk. She did a great job,” I assured, “I think she'd make a great healer if you gave her a cha–”

 

“I don't doubt it,” he agreed calmly. “I'm glad you directed her to me. It will take time, of course, but she has a big heart and a fierce determination.”

 

“Yeah… I see it, too.” I said, now feeling embarrassed for getting defensive. “Thanks, for taking her on. I'm sure she's really excited about that.”

 

“The honor is all mine,” he said with a flourish not dissimilar to Subira’s. “If there is anything I can help you with, I'd be happy to.”

 

I nearly declined immediately out of habit – always ready to assure everyone I'm fine and didn't need anything from anyone. But I thought about it, really listened to the request, and thought of someone else. 

 

“Well… there is something I could use your help with,” I started. 

 

~~~

 

Hodari drudged on through the rest of his day with a tweaked back. He figures he pulled it yesterday trying to make up for lost time. The other day when he and Sorcha… commemorated their pin exchange, he didn't get a damn thing done. He wasn't mad about spending the day with them; the intimate afternoon they shared was better than anything he could've imagined. Of course, pushing himself to make it on the double meant injuring himself – classic move only rookies should be making. 

 

He grumbled to himself, cleaning up the dishes after him and Najuma finished supper, frustrated with his mistake. Standing at the sink hurt, too, but he couldn't just leave a mess around like his kid did. No, despite how it felt, Hodari had to push through and do what needed to get done. 

 

A soft knock at the door disrupted his train of thought. He turned and looked through the living room to the front door, seeing his favorite human peeking around as they tentatively opened it. 

 

“Hey, handsome,” Sorcha said, not quite as chipper as they usually were. 

 

“Hey, you,” he said with a lopsided grin. “‘m almost finished here, you're welcome to go ahead ‘a me.”

 

“I told you I'd make it up to you later,” they started, walking up to him at the sink. “And I heard you hurt yourself?” They asked, gingerly touching Hodari’s broad shoulders. 

 

Hodari shook his head, “Ain't so bad, darlin’. Just pulled somethin’ in the mines.”

 

“I mean, I remember you pulling something for sure,” they teased, wrapping their arms around his chest, pressing their head into his back. “I'm sorry if I had something to do with that.”

 

Hodari chuckled, “Y’ain’t the reason I got a bad back, Sorcha.” He dried his hands and squeezed their arms as they held him. “It'll probably fix itself by t'morrow. No need to worry.”

 

“Oh, sure, ignoring injuries never made them worse,” they teased, shaking Hodari lightly. Sorcha released him and stepped back. “I've got something that might help, though.”

 

Hodari shook his head, “Much as I'd like to, I dunno if I can–”

 

“I'm not here to take advantage of you,” Sorcha assured, producing a small glass jar from their satchel. “I've got something else in mind.”

 

Hodari was easily coaxed to bed, laid out shirtless and on his stomach. Sorcha straddled his waist, swiping a dollop of ointment from the jar onto his back. 

 

“I got this from Cheyne,” they explained, massaging the fragrant ointment onto his muscular back. “It's supposed to help with back pain, though I can't assure anything,” they said with a chuckle. 

 

Hodari groaned at their touch, Sorcha's hands kneading into his back, effectually loosening his tense muscles. It might have just been a placebo effect, but it felt like it was already working. His back warmed as they rubbed his aching body. Or, then again, maybe it was just those hands and who they belonged to that did something for him. 

 

“Thank you, darlin’. Feels incredible,” he sighed into his pillow. 

 

“No no, thank you for letting me rub this immaculate back,” they said, rubbing up Hodari’s broad shoulders and into his biceps. 

 

Hodari chuckled, “If I didn't know better, I'd think you were only in this for my muscles.”

 

“Mm, not at all,” they whispered, kissing the dip of his back, “You mean much more to me than that.”

 

“I'm glad,” he groaned, their palms running over an especially pesky knot.

 

“I also like you for your delicious food,” they said playfully. “Those grilling skills? Woah~” Sorcha snickered, and Hodari didn't have to see them to know they were smiling as they spoke. 

 

“Lucky me,” he drolled, though he couldn't fight his own smile from spreading. “Guess I better grab some meat and keep my shirt off.”

 

Sorcha burst out laughing, giving Hodari butterflies in his stomach. They kissed his shoulder, “You won't hear any objection from me, handsome.”

 

Sorcha flopped onto the side of Hodari, rubbing the dimple of his shoulder. They looked over one another, sharing a comfortable silence as they relaxed into Hodari’s bed. His back felt raw from the rub down combined with the tingling effect of the ointment. 

 

“Y'know…” Hodari started, “If y'ever get sick of dating an old guy, I won’t be upset if you–”

 

“I won't,” Sorcha smiled tiredly, kissing his elbow. “And hey, being over 10,000 years old, I'm technically the old one here,” they added with a smirk. 

 

Hodari chuckled. “Mm-hmm. And quick witted, too… Can't believe I'm so lucky.” He laid there next to them, their smell mixing with the fragrant ointment they used on him. Their breathing soft and rhythmic as they relaxed. Sorcha’s hand was all Hodari had to hold, but it was plenty to feel close to them with. He was overcome with adoration; with enamor that could only be surmised in three simple words.

 

“I love you, Sorcha,” he sighed, opening his eyes after finally breaking the silence. Instead of meeting their eyes, he saw his partner asleep. Hodari laughed through his nose, equal parts impressed and jealous they could fall asleep so quickly. With great care, he pulled the blanket up and around their shoulders to tuck them in. He'll just have to tell them later when they're conscious. 

Notes:

I feel like in the game I use the Pavel mines as a shortcut constantly, but in a story, it might seem weird going onto someone's private land to fish and mine and what have you. Also, I massage my wife with tiger balm irl and felt like Hodari would most definitely be into that sort of thing with how much he complains about his back~

Chapter 23: Ceremoniously

Summary:

In which Sorcha has to do the Acceptance Ceremony or Eshe will lose her shit.

I’d gotten a letter from Eshe about doing the acceptance ceremony some time ago – after the Maji Market, more specifically. She sent a follow-up letter asking me to inform her when I’d like to reschedule after the Elderwood incident, but I failed to reply from getting caught up in village shenanigans. I honestly forgot about the whole thing… but Eshe sure didn’t.

 

“There you are!” She shouted, tromping up to me in a huff of frills. “Did you forget you had a responsibility to Kilima?!”

 

“Uh… I’ve been doing stuff for Kilima since I got here…?” I said in confusion.

 

“And you have something else pressing to do,” she chided, tapping her cigarette holder at me. “You have yet to perform your acceptance ceremony!”

 

Oh… is that it?” I asked. “I don’t mind skipping it, y’know? I don’t need to be celebrated.” 

 

Eshe gasped, her hand going to her chest in shock. “Of course you do! Everyone does! Everyone who has earned their place in Kilima, that is,” she clarified. “I’ll be preparing a new ceremony for you. You will be there this time. No more pushing it off,” she affirmed, extending a crisp new invitation for me. 

 

I nodded and sighed, “Yes, ma’am.” 

 

I was nervous being the center of a party. That was strange to me. I might have played at the Maji Market with Badruu, but I wasn’t the center of that event. The invitation said the party would be in three days… I guess that was plenty of time to get nervous about it.

 

When I got home, I fretted over everything in my wardrobe twice over. What does one wear to an acceptance ceremony? Maybe I didn’t even need to wear anything special? Eshe would tell me to dress to the nines and exude elegance, but in fairness that’s her response to everything. Badruu might have some suggestions, being my Shepp and all. And speaking of Badruu… would I have to perform at my ceremony?

 

I made my way down to the Daiya farm with all my pertinent questions, and was only met with more. 

 

“What do you mean ‘it's whatever??’” I asked in exasperation and air quotes.

 

“Well, it's your special day!” Badruu exclaimed. “It can be whatever kinda day you want. For example,” he started, “I wanted to pursue music when I did my acceptance ceremony, so me and my band played for the whole town!” 

 

“Oh… I guess you and I can do that again,” I thought aloud. 

 

“I know music has been a big part of our relationship,” Badruu said with a pat to my back, “but don't let that dictate what this night is for you. If that's what you wanna do, I'll do it with ya in two shakes of a trufflet's tail! But only if you're sure,” he said, pulling his hat off in earnest. 

 

I nodded, really considering it. “We don't have a lot of time to decide, which is kinda my fault,” I admitted, rubbing my neck. “It might help liven up the evening if we do another performance; the last event Eshe hosted was… pretty bleak,” I shuddered, recalling her anniversary party. “Plus, I'm kinda nervous about being all eyes on me… having you up there with me will help,” I said with a sheepish smile. 

 

Badruu replaced his hat and nodded, “You got it, spudy. I'll tell Eshe to expect us. Are you wanting to do matching outfits again…?” 

 

I rolled my eyes grinning, “Don't act like you didn't love getting gussied up with me.”

 

Badruu guffawed, “I won't deny it. I'll smooth out those details with Eshe if you'll smooth out those wrinkles with Tish!”

 

“You got it, Shepp,” I said with a salute and a wink. 

 

Tish and Jel helped us make the Maji Market ensemble, I honestly thought about just recycling one of those outfits. That's not faux pas, right? 

 

“It absolutely is!” Jel shrilled. “Rest assured, my bosom buddy and I will produce a fine new outfit for you and Mr. Daiya.”

 

“Is your boyfriend doing the menu?” I asked teasingly. 

 

“My– who? W-what?” Jel blushed, both of us knowing well who I was referring to. “I-I don't uh… if you're referring to RETH my FRIEND then uh… yes he's procuring the sustenance for the evening.”

 

“Hmmm. That's nice,” I said with a big Cheshire grin. “Well, my request is the same as the Maji Market: nothing too crazy or eccentric. Thank you~” I bade as I strolled out of his store. 

 

Walking down the street, I ran into Hodari leaving the tavern. “Hey there, handsome,” I greeted, meeting his stride. 

 

“Yer a sight for sore eyes, darlin’.” He sighed with a smile. “Heard you got an acceptance ceremony comin’ up?” 

 

“Yeah,” I answered, feeling my cheeks pink. “I told Eshe she doesn't have to worry about it, but she insisted–”

 

“I'm glad. Yer worth celebrating,” Hodari asserted. 

 

I flushed further and crossed my arms, sure this is what the next few days was going to be like. “Ah… thanks, Hodari.” 

 

“Well, I won't keep ya if yer busy,” he assured, taking my hand to kiss it. “Don't wanna get in yer way… or Eshe’s,” he clarified with a flat expression. 

 

I laughed, holding his hand as we walked together. “You won't be in anyone's way, Hodari. But… I know you don't love crowds, um…” I struggled asking, but I really wanted him there with me. “Will you… be there?”

 

Hodari looked surprised at you. “Of course.”

 

I beamed, “Yeah?” 

 

He shook his head, “Y'ain't even gotta ask, darlin’. I'd come even if they held it all the way in The Capital,” he assured with a squeeze to my palm. “An’ by how often I hear folks singin’ yer praises, I’ll bet all of Kilima will be there to celebrate ya.”

 

“Oof, pressure's on,” I laughed nervously. “Uh… I'll let ya go,” I said, releasing his hand. “I'll see ya later, Hodari.”

 

He grinned and winked, saying, “Keep my name on your lips, darlin’,” before strolling away as I stood there.

 

Face red. 

 

Heart pounding.

 

…This fucking flirt. 

 

–

 

The next day I checked in with everyone I saw in Kilima, seeing if there was anything I could do for people to keep busy. In a shocking turn of events, all the Majiri of the village were asking me what I needed… I wasn't used to that. Everyone was so nice, readily offering me assistance for my big day – which made me realize what a big day it actually was – I was reminded how I felt the first day I was here. Alone. Scared. Crying in a clearing on my plot. I’d come a long way from the beginning, and I was far from alone anymore. It made me thankful for all the people who cared about me, excited to celebrate me being part of their lives, too. 

 

The only request I could fulfill was for Ashura - he was so busy helping Eshe set up my ceremony he didn't have time to visit his wife's grave marker. I gladly offered to take over for him, but he insisted I couldn't be part of the planning. He assured me that if I could visit his wife for him it would make him feel better. 

 

With a bouquet of sundrop lilies, I made my way to the remembrance garden. Sabine Otoro - a beautiful name for a beautiful soul. Ashura talked about her constantly, I almost felt like I knew her. I sat with her for a while, quietly watching over her as I burnt an incense for her. 

 

Before I left, I found another lady I'd heard so much about I owed a visit to.

 

“Hey Leta,” I started. “Uh… I heard you heard of me...” I said softly. “I hope uh… you don't mind me dating your– ugh,” I stopped myself from putting my foot in my mouth; though I was only talking to stone, it still felt important to say it right. “I just… I really like hearing about you. I'm sad I didn't get to know you.”

 

We sat in silence together for some time, though it felt more intense than sitting with Sabine. I felt so nervous being at Leta’s remembrance marker, like I was sitting in front of her bragging about dating Hodari. 

 

“It's not like that,” I assured the headstone. “I didn't plan on falling for Hodari, I just… I mean, I'm sure I don't have to explain to you how charming he can be,” I said bashfully. “He… I really love him,” I admitted in a whisper. Those words hadn't come up yet between us, but they surfaced in my subconscious for quite some time. “I love them both, y'know… I honestly cared about Najuma before Hodari,” I chuckled.

 

There was no response. How could there be? She was gone long before I'd emerged from the void. Leta might have been my best friend – shit, maybe I would have had a crush on her rather than Hodari. Life here would have been much different with her here. I sighed, the last of the incense I burnt for her withering into ash. I stood up and dusted off my pants, ready to leave when I saw something stuck to the back of Leta’s marker. 

 

It was a photograph of the Pavels. It looked like it had been pushed up by the wind. The photo was of a little, round toddler Najuma with chubby cheeks and a gap in her teeth. Holding her was Hodari – a decade younger, without grey peppered in his hair or crows feet on his cheeks. And with her arm around Hodari, there was Leta – a gorgeous woman with bright red hair and a dazzling smile. I couldn't help but smile back, even if it was just a photo. 

 

They were all so beautiful. 

 

Sure that one of them dropped this on their last excursion to visit Leta, I tucked it safely in my satchel and started walking out to Bahari. I felt anxious having this family memento, like it was a hostage I didn't even want to take. I wanted to return it to the Pavels ASAP, whichever one I ran into first. 

 

It just so happened to be Hodari. 

 

“Hey, Hodari,” I said, feeling my ears prick, recalling what he said last time I saw him about his name and my lips. 

 

“Yer a sight for sore eyes, darlin’,” he said with a lopsided grin. 

 

The prickling spread to my cheeks as I approached, pulling out the photograph. “Ah– I, uh… think this is yours?” Talking with the dead has me all flustered, usually I'm the one working him up. 

 

His smile stayed, but it took on a sadder tone. “Must've dropped it when Najuma and I came out to visit her. Leta, that is,” he clarified, staring down at the photo. 

 

I shifted on my feet for a minute, unsure what I needed to do. “I can give you a moment, if you–”

 

“‘m fine,” he assured, looking up to me as he flapped the photo in his hand. “Just remembering the day we took this.”

 

“Yeah?”

 

“I was never one to like posin' for stuff like this, but Leta was a natural. She even got a coupl'a portraits of herself done in Bahari City,” he chuckled softly. “Her family's probably got 'em hangin' up still. And Najuma... well, she's got restless feet like me. Only way we got her to calm down was givin' her a sparkler her mom brought along in case she acted up.”

 

“Ha, classic firecracker,” I chuckled. I couldn't see the sparkler in the picture, but could imagine little baby Najuma dazzled by it.

 

“Yep, took after her mom with that stuff,” he said, shaking his head. He looked it over one last time before tucking into his breast pocket. “I've been thinking about taking another family picture with her to keep on me while I work.” He looked up to you with those pretty blue eyes and asked, “Think she'd ever agree to that?”

 

“Definitely,” I nodded. “She may be a cool kid, but she loves you a ton,” I assured with a pat on his shoulder. 

 

Hodari smirked, “Thanks… and thanks for returning this. I couldn't stand it if I'd lost it for good.”

 

“Of course, Hodari. You know I've always got your back,” I said, offering a fist for him to bump. 

 

He chuckled and returned the fist bump, then took my hand to kiss my knuckles. “Hope you know I've always got yours,” he drawled, holding my hand close to him. 

 

“Yeah,” I chirped. “Yeah, I do. Uh…” I wanted to stay like this, or migrate to a secondary location with him. I searched for something to say and landed on a question. “I've been wandering around the village asking if anyone needs any help today. Do you?”

 

Hodari considered my request, but shook his head with a flat expression. “Not so much.”

 

“Not even… some quality time?” I teased, sidling up to him.

 

“Gettin’ that right now, aren't ya? If this ain't enough, we can always spend time somewhere more private,” he offered, leaning in close and lowering his voice. 

 

I shivered at the invitation, very much interested. After his lips comment yesterday I was feeling froggy. I was about to answer yes when Eshe barked at me several paces back from us. 

 

“Sorcha! I need you over here!” She had her cigarette holder in a vice grip and looked positively peeved. 

 

“Ope, guess that's my answer,” I groaned, now feeling miffed for getting clit blocked by Eshe. 

 

Hodari released my hand and stepped back with a laugh. “Alright. I'll be thinkin’ about ‘cha, darlin’,” he said with a wink.

 

I pat my cheeks to will the blush away, but I'm sure it was no use: that fucking flirt got me again. 

 

As I approached Eshe she scolded, “You'll have plenty of time to fraternize with your partner later! I need your input on important party details.”

 

–

 

The ‘important party details’ were napkin colors and silverware placement. Incredible. I missed getting laid for this. 

 

Since I was already in town, I stopped by Jel's place to see what they had cooking up: a cute off the shoulder sweater and matching skirt with knee high boots. It was perfect, and I told the duo as much. Tish did a trial run on my make-up there at Jel's parlor, and handed off the set I'd need to recreate it on my ceremony day. 

 

“Thanks, Tish! Now I'll see if Badruu won't let me add a little of this to his fit, too~” I chortled. 

 

“Oh, he'd look so good with this palette!” She squealed in delight. “I'm excited to see you accepted, though by my books you're already a member of the village,” Tish said, clasping her hands and looking at me with her big sweet eyes. 

 

“Aw, you're gonna give me cavities with how sweet you are~” I said with giddy, wrapping my arms around her in a tight embrace. 

 

Jel coughed dramatically, alerting us that we were ‘making a scene’ in his store. 

 

“Alright, I'll let you two goss’. See ya later!” I waved goodbye to the fabulous duo and hiked outta town, ready to be done with my festivities. After this, I don't want to be celebrated again for a very long time. 

 

When I got back to my plot, I found a note on my doorstep with a box of chocolate. Without a second thought I opened the box and helped myself to one of the tantalizing little nuggets before even opening the letter. I figured it was another well wisher for my acceptance ceremony, after all. It was from Hodari, congratulating me on my acceptance once more. Of course I thought, finally putting it together; this box was in the shape of a heart, I should have known it was him. He said he hoped the sweets tasted good, and invited me over whenever I'd like in case I wanted to give him a taste.

 

… I immediately headed back out and to Bahari. 

 

I ambushed him at the house while Najuma was still outside tinkering. He whirled around and couldn't get a “You traveled an awful long way t–” before I grasped his face and kissed him. I was worried I'd been too forward, but he immediately deepened our kiss with a sensual swipe of his tongue and a throaty groan. 

 

We hurriedly kissed one another, both clearly aching to pick up where we left off in Kilima. I pulled back and gasped, “How do those chocolates taste?”

 

Hodari laughed against my mouth with enamour, “Not as good as you, darlin’.” He wouldn't step back from me, but leaned back to take in my outfit. “You get all gussied up fer me?”

 

“And if I did?” I teased, wiping the lipstick off his mouth with my thumb. 

 

“Ain't gotta do all that for me,” he assured, “but y'do look mighty gorgeous.” His hand treaded the hem of my sweater, where the smallest sliver of my skin began to peek out.

 

“Oh, well if you don't like it I can always take it off,” I teased, turning us around so I was backing into his bedroom. 

 

Hodari bit his lip, “Y'ain't even gotta take it off for me to get a taste of ya,” he said, following me into the room before shutting it behind us. 

 

My heart fluttered, “Yeah? Uh… I might have a request if you're up for it,” I asked, pursing my lips. 

 

“What's that?” He asked, quirking one eyebrow up.

 

I walked to the end of the room to the side of Hodari’s bed where there was a blank bit of wall for me to lean up against. I looked back at him and asked, “Do you think your knees can handle being down here?” 

 

Hodari chuckled and strode up to me, eyes alight with desire. “I can manage,” he rumbled, dropping down in front of my hips, hands grasping the back of my boots when he landed. He was gorgeous, his thighs split between my legs as he looked up at me from his knees.

 

My clit was throbbing looking at him, my chest already rising more rapidly with desire. “I didn’t exactly plan it this way, but this skirt will give you easier access,” I said, cupping his cheek as we gazed at one another. “I know you said you wanna taste, but you don't have to–”

 

Hodari disrupted me with a kiss over my skirt, “I want you, gorgeous.” He peeled my skirt up slowly, kissing my underwear with a groan, “Wanna taste ya come fer me.”

 

I gasped at his contact, getting worked up just from this little tease. “Would you…” My cheeks burned up, feeling silly for my request. He watched me, waiting for me to divulge. It wasn't even a big ask, it just made me feel self conscious. “I… liked when you bit my neck, can you… bite my thigh?” 

 

Hodari visibly relaxed – I hadn't even realized he was tense until he did so. His shoulders rolled forward, his terse mouth curling into a coy smile. “C'mere,” he said in a gravely voice, pulling the back of my knee up.

 

I giddily raised my leg over his shoulder, resting the back of my knee on him. He slid his tongue against my thigh first, kissing the wet trail he left. I held onto his hair, trying not to pull as I focused to keep my breathing under control. He looked up at me – his brilliant blue eyes capturing mine – as he slowly sank his teeth into me. 

 

I couldn't hold his eye contact, rolling my head back as I moaned aloud. I scratched against his scalp, figuring that would be better than gripping his hair in a fist. He grasped my butt under my skirt, holding me in place as he sucked the skin between his teeth. He wasn't hurting me, rather perfectly stimulating me. I cried out for him, my leg already shaking from the proximity to climaxing. Hodari took the cue, running his other hand up to rub my clit with his thumb as he held me.

 

That was all I needed. 

 

My orgasm crashed into me, pushing me against the wall as Hodari bit my tender thigh and stroked my hard clitoris. “Ah~ Hodari~!” I moaned for him, letting his name drip from my mouth, feeling my underwear dampen as I came. He kept up his thumb's work, releasing my thigh to kiss the spot he had been biting. I rode out my climax like this, letting out soft cries as Hodari lit my nerves with his mouth and hand. I fought to catch my breath, only able to look back down when I began coming down from my crescendo.

 

He was watching me intently, his cheeks flush with enamour. “That was quick, darlin’,” he teased, kissing my thigh over and over. There was a purple spot where Hodari had a hold of my thigh: a hickie to remember him by. 

 

“Your mouth is very talented,” I sighed, biting my lip as I watched him meander around my thigh, edging closer and closer to where his hand had been teasing me. 

 

“Still alright if I…” Hodari asked, hovering close to my covered vulva. 

 

“Definitely,” I laughed breathily, reluctantly moving my leg off of his shoulder to pull down my underwear. 

 

As I stepped out of them and put them aside, Hodari grasped the back of my knee once more, guiding it back atop his shoulder. He'd seen me before, but standing over him now I felt equal parts powerful and vulnerable. My most sensitive area spread and exposed for him to see, and yet I had command over him and whether he was allowed to indulge in my sweetness. He looked at me as though I were a precious stone, a rare find in the mines. He moved his thumb over my vulva, gently parting my labia to see all of me. He leaned in, eager to dive into me, but stopped short to look back up to me. His smokey blue eyes were filled with arousal, pleading to please me. 

 

“I want you, handsome,” I whispered.

 

Hodari responded with fervor, pushing up against my bare vulva with his lips. He kissed me over and over, teasing me as he pressed his shoulder up into my thigh, hiking my leg up further. Clever fucker, he used that to angle himself beneath me, giving him perfect access to dip his tongue into me. I gave a breathy moan, feeling his hot tongue delve inside me before slipping back out, encircling my clit once more. 

 

I turned my leg on the floor out more for him, wanting him to have all of me. I was able to open my hips more for him, to which he eagerly dove his tongue into me with a groan. I wish I could hop my other thigh on his shoulder to straddle his gorgeous face, but I didn't want to hurt his poor back. 

 

He must have sensed my desire, maybe my thoughts were too loud, or my body language gave me away. Whatever the case, Hodari gripped the bottom of my thigh beneath my butt, and with the other he flipped my leg over his adjacent shoulder. I gave a startled mewl as he stood up abruptly, never parting from my softness as he held me aloft. I tensed my abdomen to remain upright and placed my hands atop his head.

 

“Ha– Hodari, I–” 

 

I wanted to say I love you. The words were teetering on my teeth, on the verge of falling over him. I sought something else to say, anything else to say as he ravished me on his shoulders. The words weren't the only thing teetering, I was closing in on another orgasm on his lips, giving him the taste on his tongue he sought. I said the only other words pressing against me the way he was. 

 

“P-please don't stop–”

 

Hodari answered by growling into my sensitive sweetness, delving his tongue deeply into me over and over, coaxing an orgasm from me. My legs shook around him, my hands grasping his hair as he ate me voraciously, my voice relinquishing discordant moans and cries between gasps. He didn't stop, just like I asked him to. He kept his erogenous rhythm inside me as I came, my vagina contracting on his tongue in waves. I was out of breath, my thighs twitching as the oxytocin washed over me. I wanted to tell him I couldn’t take it, tell him it was too good for too long, but the words escaped me. All I could do was moan with shaky breaths as he ate me up.

 

When Hodari finally parted from my tender sex he slid his tongue up to my clitoris before sliding my legs off of his broad shoulders and into his hands. He was panting too, his chin slick with me. I wrapped my arms around his neck, holding myself up as he pressed me into the wall. My eyes were fluttering, half-lidded with spent ecstasy. I looked him over in my arms, my hand roaming from the back of his neck to his cheek. He leaned into my touch, groaning in satisfaction.

 

“You're too good to me,” I whispered, my voice breaking as I tried using it again.

 

Hodari smirked and opened his eyes, meeting mine once more. “You deserve it, gorgeous.”

 

“I wish I could take you,” I groaned, leaning forward with a grin. I tightened my thighs around his waist, squeezing closer to him as I pressed soft kisses to his lips. “One of these days I'm gonna.”

 

Hodari returned my kisses, his mouth upturned against mine. “Ain't expecting that, darlin’. All I want is you,” he sighed, shifting my legs in his calloused hands as he kissed me. 

 

“Can I return the favor?” I asked quietly. 

 

“Mm, no,” he chuckled nervously. “I… Let's just say I've been satisfied just from a taste.”

 

“Oh, that was more than a taste,” I teased, licking his chin up to kiss his lips with a groan. “Consider me thoroughly ravished.”

 

–

 

Somehow, I hadn't gotten any of myself on the skirt. Hodari bravely took the brunt of my orgasms on his mouth and chin, so I was still able to wear the outfit for my acceptance ceremony. 

 

That night, everyone in Kilima was there, just like Hodari had predicted. Celebrating me. It was surreal, an honor for sure but just such a strange feeling. Even Hassian congratulated me, which I thought was very big of him considering how brusk he’d been with me overall.

 

I made sure to find Najuma hiding in the dining room to talk to her, sure all the people and noise was a lot for her.

 

“It's cool you're becoming a real part of Kilima. Not that you weren't already,” she clarified with a wave of her hands. “It's just… now it's official!”

 

“Thanks, firecracker,” I said with a warm smile. “Want me to grab you some snacks so you don't have to brave the outside?”

 

“No, no, I'll make my way outside… eventually. Maybe when everyone goes to the bathroom…?”

 

“At the same time?” I teased.

 

“Er, y'know, maybe everyone will have to around the same time, it could happen–”

 

I burst out laughing at the image of everyone going at the same time while Najuma scurried to the snack table. To save her the acrobatics I offered, “What if I cause a distraction?”

 

Najuma's eyes sparkled at this suggestion. “What are you gonna do?”

 

I backed away with a Cheshire grin, “You'll know when you see it~”

 

I trotted over to the stage where Badruu was tuning his lute, but made a beeline to a handsome gentleman before joining my Shepp. 

 

“Can't even hear m'self think,” Hodari grumbled to himself, pulling apart a seared peki thigh to eat. 

 

“I could always yell louder,” I teased, walking up beside him. “Cancel it out.” Him and his kid were cut from the same anti-crowd cloth.

 

Hodari grinned painfully, “I know you're jokin', but please don't. For my sanity's sake?”

 

I laughed aloud, wrapping my arm around his. “I'm surprised you're still with me,” I said quietly, leaning in close. “Considering how loud I get.”

 

This earned a rumbling laugh from him and a flex of his arm as mine encircled it. “That's a different kinda loud I quite enjoy.” 

 

“I’m glad you came,” I said earnestly, looking him over. He wasn’t wearing anything out of the ordinary – a white button up with dark pants and a matching jacket. But dammit, he made everything look good.

 

“course I did,” he said softly, leaning down to kiss me. “Anything for you.” 

 

I sighed and squeezed his arm one more time before pulling away from him. “I’ve gotta run, but… thanks again, Hodari.” I wanted to say it… the three word phrase that held the world in it. But I didn’t want to spring it on him, make him feel like he had to reciprocate.

 

As I got on stage I put two fingers to my mouth and gave a loud whistle. This elicited Najuma to peek out from the window, and I winked and nodded at her to assure her it was the moment. 

 

“Everyone! It’s about time to hear my Shepp Badruu take stage, but before then I’ve got to talk about how much I car-rot about him,” I said with a wiggle of my eyebrows.

 

Badruu couldn’t resist – like I knew he would. We proceeded to have a pun off for several minutes, earning several groans and playful boos from the audience, though no one took their eyes off us. Perfect opportunity for a certain shy kiddo to steal some snacks from the food table. 

 

After our banter, Badruu and I played in Kenli’s garden for a couple hours. We didn’t earn another groan after that, thankfully. When it was time to begin the actual ceremony part, Eshe joined us on stage. 

 

“It is my honor, as Magistrate of Kilima Village, to welcome someone new into our community.” Eshe looked at me with her kindest eyes, “Sorcha, you have walked in the steps of our ancestors. Learned our ways. Shown your devotion, your kindness, your dedication to the wellbeing of every villager,” she emphasized with a broad sweep of her arm to everyone in attendance. “There is but one more question I must ask, though it is long overdue,” she said with a smirk. “Will you accept Kilima Village as your new home?”

 

“It’d be my honor,” I said with a slight bow of my head. 

 

“Then it is my pleasure to present you with this wreath, woven from plants found only in our fair valley,” Eshe said, cueing Badruu to produce something hidden behind stage.

 

Badruu pulled out a gorgeous wreath, made from rich green branches and bright yellow flowers around a wooden u-shaped center piece. I took it gingerly, marveling at its gorgeous craftsmanship. I had to wonder if this was what Ashura was busy with yesterday.

 

“May it always remind you of this day, and of the promises you made here.” Eshe stepped back from me and flourished her arms out ceremoniously, “I welcome you, Sorcha, as an official resident of Kilima Village.”

 

I turned to face the village as everyone began clapping. Badruu gave a finger whistle while Delaila and the boys whooped from the audience. Off to the side I saw Najuma and Hodari clapping, and when I caught Hodari’s eye he gave me a wink. Last time I was on a stage, it was me winking and fluttering him. My how the tables have turned, I thought with a chuckle. 

 

I noticed Najuma peeling off for a moment, but before I could wonder long what for, fireworks began whizzing through the air. A beautiful, dazzling spectacle filled the night sky, and I felt the light and sound surround me like the love of the village. 

 

I was home.

Notes:

I put off the Acceptance Ceremony for so long because I was worried the game would just end and I wouldn't get to keep exploring and doing silly little things around town. Thankfully not! But I was dodging Eshe like crazy for weeks haha.

Chapter 24: Mawwage Is What Brings Us Together Today

Summary:

In which Sorcha does the Platinum Wedding Bells quest with Hodari, along with some other stuff~

Today was the day. 

 

I woke up feeling frisky, thinking about the way Hodari used his mouth the other day so excellently. I had planned on fishing for Einar today, but all I could think about was climbing him and taking advantage of him… Hodari, that is. I couldn't comfortably fish with all the dampness between my legs.

 

I scurried up from Bahari Bay looking for him when I crossed paths with just that man heading back from the mines. He looked pent up, frustrated about something, his hand covering his mouth the way he does when he's contemplative. I'd been thinking about him all day, but maybe today wasn't the day to try and seduce him.

 

I could hear him muttering to himself, so I called out, “Care to share with the class?”

 

Hodari turned to me and smiled tiredly. “Hey there, Sorcha. Sorry, just a bit distracted… Najuma just figured out a good reason to go to the Elderwood, and being my apprentice I can't rightly go without her.”

 

“Need some protection detail?” I asked, shouldering my bow for emphasis. 

 

“Nah, ain't tryin’ to wrangle you into this.” Hodari said, shaking his head with a sigh. “Just when I put all the arguments about goin' into the Elderwood for profit to rest, my sister has to up and get engaged,” he said, grasping and pulling down on his chin like he does in exasperation. Even this gesture was attractive to me, the bastard. 

 

“You'll have to elaborate, I still don't get what that has to do with the Elderwood,” I said, fighting the giddy smile his pretty face makes me do.

 

“You see, the traditional wedding gift for those on the Miner's Path is platinum,” he explained as he walked with me. “My sister Rosii got me and Leta the most beautiful platinum grill tools, so it wouldn't be right for me to not make somethin' special for her.”

 

“Ah, and that's the only place you can mine for it out here,” I said finally catching up. 

 

“Just when I finally convinced her it was too dangerous! It's almost like she and Rosii colluded. You know,” he said with a wag of his finger, “I bet Rosii timed her proposal just so I'd have to take Najuma into the Elderwoods to get her a gift.”

 

I laughed aloud, “C'mon, that seems extreme.”

 

“You think that, but you haven't met my sister. She timed her Path Declaration on my birthday, just so she could be sure I had a party.”

 

I cracked up again, getting a kick out of Hodari’s family recounts. I sighed, “Ah, alright. I got some platinum I could give you if you want.”

 

Hodari perked up. “Yeah? You sure?”

 

I nodded, “Of course! Anything for you, big guy.” 

 

Hodari crossed his arms with a lopsided grin. “I suppose if I still made the gift myself it wouldn't exactly be breaking any traditions. Alright, bring me back a platinum bar and in the meantime, I'll try to think up what I should make.”

 

“Uh, Hodari, I don't have the recipe for platinum bars from you yet.”

 

“Wh– really?” He balked.

 

I shrugged, “Yeah, I just hadn't gotten around to buying it off you yet. But I have some platinum ore at home I can bring over.”

 

We had made it in front of his house when he looked back and forth between the house and the shop. “Actually… could I come with ya to your house? Save ya a trip, and I can show you how to smelt the ore down proper.”

 

I placed a hand on my chest in mock shock. “Why Hodari, are you trying to seduce me?” Embra help me, I hoped he was. He was running through my mind all day, doing all sorts of things with me. I wanted to try at least one out.

 

Hodari shook his head and laughed, “Nah, it ain't like that. Just… that being said, if you wanted–”

 

“Uh-huh, yeah,” I teased coyly, bumping my hip into him. “I hear ya. Do we need to tell Najuma we're headed out?”

 

Hodari nodded, “Yeah, she's gettin’ old enough to cook on her own, but… the last time you brought steaks over for her, she turned ‘em into two tiny fireballs,” he said to the side of his hand with a grin. 

 

I snorted, “Aw, our firecracker can't be perfect at everything. I guess if you wanted her to, she could come to my place while we work. Kinda like if you went on your Elderwood expedition, but way less dangerous.” I would admittedly be bummed not having him all to myself tonight, but I can't say no to that kid, either. 

 

When we caught Najuma in the workshop she promptly declined coming with us. “Sorry, Sorcha, I'd love to hang out with you but… I don't wanna be around for your ‘adult sleepover.’”

 

I blushed, “Whoa, that's not–”

 

Najuma DeLeta Pavel–!” Hodari began to scold.

 

“Oh my Dragon, it's fine!!” Najuma shouted over us. “It's fine! I'll make a salad or something without fire, and you two can have a date night. Just go!” She said with a wave of her hands, flipping her goggles back down and returning to her work.

 

I floundered for a minute out of the workshop, worried this meant Najuma didn't like me anymore. Was me getting with her dad upsetting her?

 

Hodari’s hand interrupted my train of thought to wrap around my shoulder, “Don’ overthink it. Najuma just doesn't wanna see her dad get lovey dovey, like any kid. Ain't nothing to do with you.”

 

I felt my cheeks get redder. How could he tell that's what I was worried about? “Yeah, uh… thanks. Cool. That… makes me feel better.”

 

“Still alright if I come over?” Hodari asked, his eyes looking me over carefully. 

 

I nodded, “Of course! This Platinum isn't gonna smelt itself,” I said with a playful elbow to his side. As we started the trek back to my place I asked, “What're some of your ideas on wedding gifts? Is there also a traditional gift you're supposed to give for the miner's path?”

 

Hodari shook his head, “Nah, platinum and ancient wood are the only real stipulations. Najuma wants me to do gardening tools, because Rosii loves to watch things grow. Probably on account of her name...

But Sifuu thinks I should make a bow to extend an olive–er, an Elderwood branch to her fiance who was a semi-pro monster hunter before he joined the family mining business.”

 

I thought about it, walking alongside him in quiet contemplation for a few minutes. He didn't press for a response, just as comfortable in the silence as I was. 

 

Finally I explained, “Well, he's in the mining business now, right? So the bow would be more sentimental than useful, not that that's a bad thing,” I clarified. “And your sister likes to garden, she's got more use for these than her fiance would, right?”

 

“You're right. Rosii is family and I know what she likes. I can't go wrong with the gardening tools. I'll need elderwood for the handles though. If you had some, I'd be much obliged.”

 

I winked and snapped my fingers, “You got it, handsome.”

 

“Thanks darlin’, I appreciate you helpin’ me out with this. Saving me a dangerous trip where I'd just fret over Najuma the whole time.”

 

I nodded with a smile, “Yeah, there's a lot of cool stuff in the Elderwood I could see Najuma enjoying. I could also easily see her getting distracted and falling off a cliff,” I affirmed with a wince. 

 

Hodari crossed his arms with a sigh. “Yer not wrong.”

 

“Maybe when she's a little older we can go together?” I offered. Hodari looked at me quizzically to elaborate. “I'm pretty familiar with the Elderwood at this point, so I can be your guide! You can come, set your heart at ease, and Najuma can come to satisfy her curiosity.”

 

“You know what they say, curiosity is for scholars and Palcats,” he huffed. “And I ain't got no tail, nor any use for a piece of paper tellin' me how smart I am.”

 

I peeked at his behind, “Y'know, I've never checked,” I said with a sly smile. No tail, but still an impressive behind. 

 

Hodari wrapped his arm around my waist, “Y'ain't gonna find one,” he assured with a lopsided grin. 

 

“Because you tuck it,” I nodded, “got it. Cool, your secret is safe with me,” I said with a straight face. He leaned down to kiss me, breaking my façade of seriousness. I smiled into his mouth, snickering as he kissed the corner of my mouth. 

 

“Thanks, darlin’, knew I could count on ya,” he said playfully. He leaned back up and released my hip, allowing both of us to walk normally again for the remainder of the journey to my house. 

 

When we got there, I led Hodari to my lockbox next to my forge. “They're in here, I've been saving them up until I got this recipe from ya.”

 

Hodari looked over my shoulder, “Holy ormuu, that's a lotta platinum!”

 

I beamed, “It's like I said, I've been to the Elderwood a lot. Plenty of time to gather these bad boys.” I took out a handful of ores and placed it by the forge. “So, let's start here?”

 

Hodari nodded, going straight to work. While we worked the forge together, he was intent and focused. It was exciting, seeing him in his element. By the time the sun was beginning to wane behind the trees, we had a dozen platinum bars and a bucket of sweat between the two of us.

 

“Nice work, handsome,” I said, patting his damp back, his jacket long since discarded. 

 

“Same t'you, darlin’. That oughta do it,” he said, waving over my haul of platinum. “I guess thinkin' 'bout what we can make outta platinum will be good practice…”

 

I nodded absently, then looked up with cheeks already flush from working. “O-oh, uh… you mean for u– if we–”

 

Hodari took my hands with a chuckle, “Now I'm not tryin' to rush things between us, but I'm glad I'm not the only one thinkin' it. You can't blame a man for his active imagination, after all,” he said with a kiss to the back of my hand. 

 

“What else does that imagination have in store?” I teased.

 

Hodari smirked, kissing my hand once more before releasing it. “Don't suppose I could get a rinse in before any ‘imaginative’ stuff happens? ‘M pretty gnarly smellin’ here,” he said, peeling his damp shirt up off by the hem.

 

I hugged him, still quite sweaty myself, “I don't mind, handsome,” I said, kissing his cheek. I honestly liked the way he smelled when he perspired, but maybe that was a weird thing to bring up. “C’mon, I'll show you the bathroom.” 

 

When he saw my capital chic tub, he gave a low whistle and said, “Snazzy. Dunno if I can use it.”

 

“It’s honestly the nicest thing in my house,” I said with a laugh. “I'll make us something to eat while you figure this one out,” I teased with a kiss on his shoulder. 

 

The smell of Hodari bath running and my cooking mingled pleasantly in my little home. By the time he came out, I had just finished making Soon Tofu for us. I knew he liked spicy, so I figured it would be a good meal for the evening. 

 

“Smells good, darlin’,” he said with a kiss on my back. He began to wrap his arms around me, but I quickly moved out from him to his shock. 

 

“I'm still rank from today, handsome. You don't want my fish and sweat smell rubbing off you now that you're all clean,” I said with a pat to his chest. 

 

Hodari relaxed, “That all? I ain't one to shy away on account a smell,” he said, then quickly realized what he said sounded awful. “Sorry, that– you smell great, don't get me wrong, I mean, not now but when we– uh, y'know–”

 

I cracked up laughing, dying watching him flounder. “It's okay, Hodari. I know what you mean. C'mon, have some dinner with me rather than your feet.”

 

We ate and chatted more about Hodari’s family. I'd asked what Rosii was like, and he went into all of his siblings and cousins. He clearly loved them, despite how much each of them grated on his nerves in their own special ways. It was endearing listening to him talk about his family, and a small part of me ached. Badruu and the Daiya's are my family, and so is just about everyone in Kilima Village at this point. But there's a difference between found family and the ones you grew up with… I don't remember growing up, and the people I'd grown with are long dead. 

 

“Sorcha?” Hodari asked, gently touching my hand. 

 

“Oh-! Sorry,” I said, realizing my mind had wandered off in the middle of his story. “What did you say?”

 

Hodari looked me over, then shook his head. “It's not important. Y'want me to clean up so you can get cleaned up?” He asked, taking our long since empty bowls to the sink. 

 

I sighed, “Sorry, handsome. You don't have to do that, I can–” 

 

“I gotcha, darlin’. Don't worry,” he emphasized with a kiss to the top of my head. 

 

I couldn't help but grin when he kissed me, relaxing as he continued on with his task. I appreciated him jumping in to do dishes for me as I went ahead to bathe, thankful to finally berid my odiferous clothes. I grabbed a pajama shirt with Maji on it, and some sleep shorts for a change of clothes. 

 

The bath felt incredible, the grime of the day rinsing off in the water in a foamy mess. I drained the water and ran a new bath, with fresh suds so I could sit and soak in it for a minute.

 

“Hey Sorcha,” Hodari asked at the threshold of the bathroom, “‘m looking for where the pots go.”

 

“Don't worry about it, I'll put ‘em up. They're kinda tucked away in a weird cabinet only they fit in.”

 

There was a pause before he finally said, “Whatcha say?”

 

I rolled my eyes with a smile. “Would you come here?” Bless him, he can't hear for shit.

 

“I didn't wanna interrupt you,” he said nervously, still standing at the doorway. 

 

“You're welcome in here with me handsome,” I said, “Come in, sit down, there's a chair in here!”

 

Tentatively, he stepped into the room, looking around for the chair – a cute seashell stool Zeki gave me the recipe for – and found it with a grin and a shake of his head. He pulled it up and looked at anything other than me. When he sat down, he squeezed his palm in that sweet shy way he does. Watching him fiddle with his hands made me want them on me, but I kept my thoughts quiet for now. 

 

“So, uh… them pots.” He said flatly, the tips of his ears pricking with color. 

 

I busted out laughing, absolutely entertained by his bashful demeanor. I leaned against the side of the tub and grabbed his hand, releasing it from the other so I could squeeze it. I wanted to squeeze him all over, but would stop here until I knew what he wanted. 

 

“I invited you in here, remember? You're allowed to look at me,” I said, kissing the top of his hand. 

 

“I…” he sighed, finally meeting my eyes. He looked adorable, with endearing eyes and a touch of color in his cheeks. “I never wanna assume. Don't wanna overstep or… make ya uncomfortable.”

 

I nodded, my heart fluttering at the endearment. “You've never made me uncomfortable. But if you ever did, do you think I wouldn't say something?” I asked in a teasing tone, my hair floating around me in the water like a red net. “Do I strike you as a quiet, docile thing that can't tell someone off when I need to?”

 

Hodari’s serious demeanor cracked with a smile, “That just happens to be something I quite like about ya.” His thumb stroked my fingers as I held his hand, the water in the tub splashing him a little. “Yer honest, but still kind… an’ I really appreciate that about ya.”

 

I leaned my cheek against my shoulder with a coy grin, “Is that the only thing you appreciate about me?”

 

Hodari chuckled, “I also really like your butt ‘n thighs.”

 

My cheeks burst with blush. “Hodari!”

 

He leaned in and kissed my hand, “Y'have the best I've ever seen.” His calloused hands were always so gentle, and in the bath exposed it felt like he was being even more so. “Not gonna lie, I was pretty impressed when I first laid eyes on you… You just keep gettin' more gorgeous by the day, darlin’,” he said with his cool blue eyes staring into mine. 

 

I kept my eyes level with him, my chest rising and falling faster with his confession. I whispered, “How are you gonna say you're bad at words… and then say something so sexy–” he broke eye contact to start laughing, “- I am short circuiting in the bathtub?”

 

Hodari smacked his thigh as he cracked up. “Good thing I like yer wit as much as the rest of ya,” he sighed. 

 

“Some parts more than others,” I teased. “It's okay, I quite like the rest of you, too,” I said with a kiss to his hand before releasing it. 

 

Instead of retracting his arm, Hodari brushed the back of his fingers against my cheek, still smiling from our jest. His eyes were warm with enamor, despite being such a cool blue.

 

I finally interrupted our silent stare-off by saying, “Either you need to get in here with me, or I'm getting out to join you,” with a grin. Either was going to work just fine with me – I calculated earlier and think we could fit snuggly in here together.

 

Hodari snickered and leaned in to kiss me. He stopped short and whispered, “Why don't you come out an’ I'll get ya wet again,” before pressing a slow, soft kiss to my lips. 

 

This fucking flirt. 

 

I stood up and languidly reached for my towel, giving him plenty of time to get an eyeful before I started drying off. After getting my hair, I flipped it to the side dramatically to dry off the rest of me.

 

As I wrapped the towel around me, Hodari hugged me around my shoulders, tucking me into the towel. “Mind if I help?” He asked, kissing me softly. 

 

I nodded, and before I could make a smart comment, he bent down to scoop my legs up in one arm while the other held my back. I was in his arms with an involuntary yelp, my arms shooting out of the towel to wrap around his neck in reflex. 

 

“You rascal,” I laughed, leaning in to kiss his cheek as he held me. 

 

He walked me all the way to the doorway to realize it wasn't wide enough for both of us to get through.

 

He put me down while we laughed, “Well, I thought I was gonna sweep ya off yer feet.”

 

I took his hand leading him to my bedroom, throwing my towel on the chair at my desk. “You wanna get comfy on the bed? I upgraded to a bigger one,” I beamed with a wave of jazz hands. No longer rocking a twin size mattress, I now had the industrial bed I'd made while learning how to make furniture for Tish's passion project. “No frills, but it's sure to be sturdy,” I said with a push of my palm to Hodari’s chest. 

 

With no resistance, he sat down on the bed, enthralled with me as I stood bare in front of him. 

 

I pressed soft kisses to his mouth, peeling off his jacket for him, moving my hands slowly along his arms and shoulders. As I unbuttoned his shirt, I could feel his chest rising faster in anticipation for me, his breath catching as I kissed him. 

 

I smiled, “You're beautiful, Hodari.” As I slipped his shirt off his shoulders, I asked, “Will you take off your pants for me?” With a kiss to the tip of his ear. 

 

As I leaned in to do so, he kissed my clavicle as his hand traced up my thigh to grasp my hip. With his other hand he unbuckled his belt and slid his pants down with a quick hop off the bed. He sat himself back down and pulled me toward him by my hips. 

 

I obliged, straddling his thighs and wrapping my arms around him. My bare chest was flush against his, and though it was simple, it felt so sweet and intimate to hold him like this. I cupped his cheek in my hand, looking down at him with a smirk.

 

“What can I do for ya?” He breathed, hands awaiting my confirmation. 

 

I stroked my thumb against his cheek, and kissed the tip of his nose. “I wanna try riding you,” I whispered, adjusting my hips to press my clit against his covered erection. “Can't promise anything, but… I've been pretty wet for you all day.”

 

Hodari squeezed me around my waist, kissing me on my sternum. “Yer in charge, darlin.’ I'll do anythin’ for ya,” he said with a sigh as he planted slow, sweet kisses to my chest. 

 

I bit my lip, swaying my hips back and forth against him as he kissed my breast. I moaned softly, his mouth and erection teasing me perfectly. This encouraged him to roll his tongue over my nipple before gently biting it, eliciting a gasp from me. I wanted to just plunge right into him, but I figured the best way to do this would be work us both up first. 

 

“Will you lay back on the bed?” I asked him, kissing his soft mouth before stepping off of him. 

 

He scooted back until his head was near the headboard, and I quickly followed suit. He looked like a beautiful painting, and I suddenly wished I had that skill to emulate this moment with. I straddled him, leaning down to kiss his mouth. He readily wrapped his arm around my back and deepened our kiss with a moan. I excitedly reciprocated, grinding my hips against his with a grin and a gasp. I ran my hands up and down his chest, my fingers filing through his chest hair.

 

I moved my hips off of him to his disproval, but replaced it with my hand to tease him further. I stroked him atop his boxers, feeling the silhouette of his erection as it pushed against the thin fabric of his underwear. After working him up a little longer I released him, and realized this was the first time I'd seen his penis in the light. I had no real metric for how anyone else’s looked, but his was pretty as far as I could tell. As I stroked his length, I slid my vulva against him in time with my hand. He groaned in satisfaction, his eyes hooded in desire as I worked him up. His hands massaged my thighs and hips, teasing me as I teased him.

 

Biting my lip in trepidation, I pressed the tip of his penis into me. Slowly, sensually sinking down on him with bated breath. He stayed still, forfeiting himself to me as I controlled the descent. He was well endowed, but somehow he still felt bigger inside of me. I held onto the headboard with one hand, gripping as I slipped down further while the other guided him inside me. My heart fluttered, my clit throbbing as I slowly took his entire length. 

 

In the ancient human language I stuttered to myself before crying out, succumbing to an orgasm. Just from Hodari filling me up, I came against him, clutching the headboard as I moaned loudly. His hands held me as I shook, and I thought I could hear him saying something, but I was too loud to catch it. 

 

I rolled my head forward and finally looked down at him. His eyes were gorgeous, staring at me with enamor, watching me come atop him. I couldn't help myself – amidst my moans I laughed breathlessly at how silly I must look to him right now, my cheeks hot from it all. 

 

“Y'alright?” He groaned, leaning up and sliding one hand up to my back. 

 

“Yeah, yes,” I nodded, leaning down to kiss him languidly. “You feel so good, handsome,” I whispered before rolling my hips against him with a groan.

 

Hodari’s hands moved from my hips, one massaging my thighs as the other teased my breast. He kissed me deeply, as deep as he stroked me inside. I couldn't help but moan into his mouth as he worked me up, touching me just right as I slid along his length. I was so wet for him it felt like it was pooling under me, dripping down his cock and between his legs. 

 

When I leaned back to try and catch my breath he rumbled, “Y’feel incredible, gorgeous,” kissing my neck before raking his teeth against the sensitive skin. I gasped at the sensation, my rhythm faltering momentarily as he teased me. “Love feelin’ you come for me,” he growled, moving closer to my ear so it reverberated within me.

 

I released one hand from the headboard to grasp the back of his head, closing in on another crescendo. I moved my mouth down to his neck, kissing and biting as I whimpered. 

 

I came once more, my muscles contracting on Hodari’s member with intensity. I bit into his neck to stifle my cry, eliciting a moan from him as he gripped my hips. I slid along him, though I couldn't keep it up for long. He felt so good, but as my vagina constricted through my second orgasm, it was becoming too tight to handle his size. 

 

Begrudgingly, I hoisted myself off of him with an erogenous slick noise. I sat so that his dick was between me and him, still gleaming with my orgasm. 

 

“Y'okay?” He asked, dazed from his own ecstasy. He must be close to coming himself, his eyes half-lidded and cheeks flush with enamour.

 

“Yeah, sorry,” I groaned, “we gotta continue this externally, handsome.” I started rubbing my dripping vulva along his length, but he grabbed my hips and halted my progress.

 

“We don't gotta keep goin’ if it's too much,” he assured me sitting up, suddenly more coherent thinking I was overstimulated. 

 

“I still want you, handsome,” I assured with a kiss to his perfect chest, “and I already told you I'm creative in the bedroom~” 

 

With one hand on his shaft and the other holding the back of his neck, I rocked my slick clit up and down his cock. His hands traversed my body, his eyes hooded with premonition of what's to come. I couldn't help but give a low moan with each succession against the head of his penis, the tip dribbling in anticipation. He felt so good, even being on the outside of me, stroking my clit and labia just right. I pressed my forehead into his, closing in on both of our crescendo. 

 

When I came again for him, I kissed him on his soft mouth, muffling my cries of ecstasy. I almost felt bad for coming again before he could, but as I rode him he grasped my upper thighs and thrust his hips into mine in finality. He groaned in my mouth as he joined my orgasm, and I could feel his sultry fluid dribbling down his shaft and onto my hand. He was coming for me; he sounded so sexy, he felt so good as we came together.

 

I was shaking in his arms, but I still held my position to keep from overstimulating him. Our deep kisses slowly divulged to soft, slow, wet kisses as we returned to earth from our high. I pressed my forehead into his once more, angling my mouth away so he could catch his breath.

 

“Hey handsome,” I whispered, “How you doing?”

 

Hodari nodded his head and gave a “Mm-hmm,” unable to form coherent thoughts at the moment. Hey, we've all been there. 

 

I kissed the tip of his nose, then slowly peeled myself off of him, releasing his cock and parting from his gorgeous body. He gave a throaty whine as I did so, to which I replied, “Sorry, I know it's a lot afterward.”

 

“Never ‘pologize for that,” he groaned, his eyes still closed.

 

I watched him for a moment, laid out and spent from me. I was thoroughly satisfied with myself, happy I could still get him off without being inside me. I looked down and noticed I still had some of him on me. As I went to grab a rag to clean up, I tasted him. It wasn't quite as satisfying as pussy, but knowing it was him made it sexy nonetheless. 

 

When I returned with a damp cloth, Hodari was still in the same position I found him. I sat next to him on the bed. “Hey handsome,” I said with a kiss to his chest, “you wanna clean up before passing out?” I started to wipe his stomach with the rag to work down, but his hand took mine. 

 

“I'll take care of it, darlin’,” he sighed, sitting up to kiss my eyebrow. “You've done enough tonight.”

 

“Like, in a bad way, or…?” I teased, handing over the rag. 

 

Hodari grinned and kissed my neck, “The best way. You get enough attention?” He asked, his free hand gently touching my cheek. 

 

“Mmm, plenty,” I sighed listlessly. “You're perfect.” 

 

I got back up to clean myself up in the bathroom. By the time I came back, he was passed clean out with the rag on the tile floor. 

 

I smiled at his visage once more, thankful he was mine. I slowly, cautiously joined him in bed, spooning him from behind with a kiss to his bare shoulder. It wasn't long before I joined him in slumber, drifting from our sweet evening to a sound sleep.

Notes:

I haven't had sex with a penis-haver in about a decade, so I hope this all makes sense lol