GigaBeasts 2, page 6
"I'm okay, buddy," I said reassuringly. "I just got the wind knocked out of me."
He whined again, louder this time. I removed my arm from around Irina and tried to do the same for Maeve, though the redhead clung to me like I'd float off into the sky if she let me go, so I ended up keeping my arm around her shoulders. My free hand stroked down his nose. "You did great, Chomp. You made a good choice, trusting Irina and Mallow to help us."
"Krrrr," he gurgled, a weird purring sound.
"There's a switch in the front and back cars," Irina said, pointing to what looked like a lightswitch in the back car. Beneath it was a scraggly piece of paper that said 'MAKE HEAD CAR' in all caps. "It looks like it'll make this the lead car, and we can use it to head back in the direction we came."
"Good, we should get out of here," I said. "We need to talk to Xanthe."
"We need to get you some proper medical attention," Irina argued.
I opened my mouth to insist I was fine, but the glare she leveled on me told me that trying to convince her otherwise would be the fight of my life. I wisely decided to pick my battles and simply nodded because I was sure Faryn would also insist I see a doctor. Outnumbered and outmatched, I shut my mouth.
Mallow flew up beside us then, barely able to stay airborne because he was holding a giant red ball—no, balls didn't gleam like that. The surface wasn't entirely smooth, either. It looked more like there were hundreds of tiny flat surfaces making up one sphere.
"What is that?" I asked.
[Rubycore Clown Nose
"Infused with the spirit of the carnival, this strange rubycore accessory brings mischief and mirth to even the gloomiest days."
Rarity: Epic
Appearance: A brilliantly polished, crimson clown nose that shimmers in the light.]
"That thing is huge," Irina said, her eyes wide.
"That's what she said," Devil replied, which told me Maeve was feeling a little better now.
Mallow sat the Rubycore Clown Nose at my feet. Maeve hurried to pick it up for me before I could bend down.
"Thank you," I said as she offered it to me. I turned the thing over in my hands. It was surprisingly light, given its size. "Is Rubycore expensive?"
"It's an epic rarity, and it's," Irina glanced at Devil, "sizeable."
The puppet didn't say a word. She tilted her head innocently, her broken horn flopping. "Yes?" she asked sweetly.
Irina shook her head before turning to me. "We need to get out of here before something else shows up. Something's wrong with this dungeon. It's not safe here."
"You don't have to tell me twice." I deposited the giant jewel into my inventory, then climbed into the roller coaster car. The seat hurt against my back, which was raw and tender. "I don't suppose I can just drink a healing potion and make this all better?" I asked. I vaguely recalled hearing them mention potions.
"Sadly no," Irina answered with a sympathetic wince. “While there are potions to heal people, they're expensive if you're buying them without a prescription. The rarest ingredient is apparently hard to cultivate, but luckily the hospitals here aren't for profit…"
"I bet Faryn could grow it."
"I'll run ahead and get her when we get outside," Maeve said.
"You could just message her on your GigaHub," Irina said.
Maeve paused. I knew she had to have been frazzled if the obvious, logical solution didn't come to her.
We settled into the roller coaster car, our GigaBeasts at our feet.
Chomp whined, though I didn't know if it was because he was worried about me or the ride. Probably both.
Maeve held tightly to my hand, her green eyes staring up at me like she wanted to say something. "I…I…I lov—ahhh!" She screamed as Devil yanked down the lap bar and the roller coaster jerked into motion.
Chapter 7
"Out! All of you, out now!" Faryn shouted as she summoned surprising strength to push Maeve, Irina, and even Xanthe through my bedroom door and into the hall.
"No, I need to stay by his side!" Xanthe cried, reaching for me like a hungry zombie. "I can make him all better! My love can cure him!" Her fingers made a grabby motion.
Faryn planted a hand on the other woman's face and pushed her through the door, then slammed it shut and turned the lock.
"No!" Xanthe howled. "No door can stop me, Faryn. I can just use my powers to delete it, just like I could erase your garden-loving gothic ass." She pounded on the wood, rattling the door in its frame.
"Then do it," Faryn challenged. Her chin was lifted in that stubbornly defiant way that somehow made her even hotter. Xanthe couldn't see her, I think, but Faryn remained in that position as the other woman slammed against the door.
"Faryn, I'm fine. Really," I quietly insisted. She stared down her nose and through her glasses at me like a sexy, stern librarian. As intimidating as it was, it got my blood pumping and my heart skipping a beat.
"He needs rest," Irina said from the other side of the door. "The doctor said he'll be fine as long as he takes it easy for a bit. We just need to wait for the healing potion to do its work."
"But I—ow!" Xanthe cried. "How does that puppet hit so hard?"
"Bitch slaps are super effective when you're being a bitch," Devil said.
"That doesn't make any sense."
"Neither do you."
"I could delete you too. Ow!"
"Enough—both of you!" Irina snapped.
"Release me before I wipe you from existence!" Xanthe shouted, followed by the sound of stamping feet.
"Harder, Mommy Irina!" Devil cried.
What the hell is Irina doing to them? I wondered, then jumped slightly as Chomp hopped up onto the bed while Faryn was occupied staring at the door. He sniffed me, letting out a low whine.
Faryn's shoulders slowly relaxed as she blew out a long, quiet sigh. She turned to the bed, blinking when she set eyes on Chomp, who stood protectively over me. Her stern expression faded to a gentle smile.
"I know you're worried about him," she began, gracefully crossing the room to pat Chomp's nose, "and I know you're a good boy who will let Sam get his rest. Aren't you?"
"Khuufff!" Chomp huffed proudly and nodded. He bumped Faryn's hand affectionately with his nose before sitting next to my head. His body was stiff, his head scanning the room like we were still in danger.
"That's a good boy," Faryn said before finally turning her gaze to me. "Are you comfortable, my love?" She reached down, gently fluffing the pillow beneath my head. "Do you need anything?"
"I'll be fine," I assured. It was true. Despite my muscles being sore and aching like I'd had the most intense workout of my life, I wasn't in significant pain now, not compared to how I had been. After a proper night's rest, I'd be good as new. "That potion the hospital gave me fixed me right up."
Faryn eyed me closely. "Do you remember your day in court?" she asked.
"How could I forget?" I chuckled, then regretted it. Medicine was more advanced in the Cybercore's realm because of special potions and because they had chubby little pink GigaBeasts that had the ability to heal humans to a degree, but the soreness really hit me whenever I moved. At least the road rash and bruises were gone.
"Do you remember what I said? I want to be strong for you when you're vulnerable, Samuel." She smiled gently, stroking some of my hair from my face. "I want to be your rock. I want to be the person you lean on when the others need to lean on you."
"The others?" I asked.
Faryn paused, frowned, then shook her head. "Just…others. You know." Her cheeks flushed, and she cleared her throat softly before continuing, "That's besides the point."
"I really am fine," I insisted, "but I do appreciate it." I smiled at her. "You don't have to stick around if you're busy, Faryn. I'm sure you have things to do."
"Nothing more important than taking care of you."
The ease with which she said that made my heart skip a beat. I swallowed hard. "Talking to Xanthe and figuring out what happened is pretty important," I said.
"Indeed. However, taking care of your needs is my top priority, regardless of what else is going on around us."
My stomach fluttered with butterflies. Faryn's earnest declaration sent a warmth spreading through my chest that went all the way to my ears. I knew she loved me, I knew she enjoyed doing things for me, but I'd never had someone boldly announce that my needs were the most important. Sure, my mom had always put me first, but a woman I was dating? No. I'd always been the one making the sacrifices and putting in the work when things got tough.
I fidgeted, unsure what to do with myself. Faryn smiled down at me, gently stroking her fingers along my hair and looking at me like I was her entire world. Staring into those bright blue eyes, I knew she meant what she said.
I also knew I was falling for her.
I rested my hand over hers as she stroked my cheek. She smiled wider, the corners of her eyes crinkling slightly with happiness. I let go of her hand, and she frowned until I patted the spot in front of me.
"I'm supposed to be tending to you," she whispered, biting slightly on her lower lip.
"You are. Right now all I need is some quiet time with my girlfriend."
Faryn blushed, tucking a strand of platinum blonde hair behind her ear.
Chomp huffed, the hot breath ruffling my hair.
"And my best bud," I quickly added.
"Krr!"
Giggling at our exchange, Faryn daintily pulled her legs onto the bed. She went to lay down in front of me, though paused to tug the tie from her hair. Her pale, slightly wavy locks cascaded onto her shoulders in a surprisingly intimate display that made me realize I'd never seen her with her hair down before. Her hair glimmered in the light as it trailed down her shoulders to follow the curve of her spine to her lower back.
Faryn shifted, slowly laying down. After taking a moment to set her glasses on the nightstand, she positioned herself so that her back barely brushed my chest when I inhaled, but that wasn't enough for me. I reached out, wrapping my arms around her waist and dragging her closer, until our bodies were pinned together.
"S-Samuel," she stammered, squirming slightly. I loosened my grip so she could escape if she wanted. She didn't. "You startled me." Shifting around, she soon settled down, propping her head on my pillow. Her hands rested over the one I had resting on her smooth belly, absently stroking my skin. "I've never been held like this before…"
"Do you like it?" I asked.
"It feels nice. Safe but also…intimate. I enjoy feeling your weight against my back. Maeve said it felt good, but I couldn't imagine why it would feel any different than a normal hug. Yet, it does."
"You and Maeve talk about things like that, hm?" I asked. We were so close that her hair moved when I spoke and tickled my nose when I inhaled. I didn't budge because I loved the smell of her strawberry shampoo, and the way my breath on her neck made her shiver.
"We talk about many things," Faryn said, her fingers growing still against mine. "We're better friends now than before you came into our lives."
"And you're not jealous anymore?" I prodded.
"Hmm…" Faryn fell silent, giving a meek shrug.
"It's okay to admit you are, I just want to know how you're feeling, or if we need to reevaluate how things are for everyone to be happy."
She shook her head firmly. "No, it's not like that. I know I could…make love with you, just as Maeve does. I want to do that, and I'm so close to being ready that it's maddening, but…"
"You're not quite there yet, and you wish you were," I concluded.
Faryn nodded. "More than that, I know Maeve doesn't want to take you away from me. I know she's happy with our arrangement, that she cares deeply for you, and also that she doesn't wish to hurt me. I can't say the same for Xanthe."
"There's nothing going on between me and Xanthe."
"I know, but it's painfully obvious that she wants there to be." Faryn paused, then slowly rolled in my arms until she was facing me on her side. Her blonde bangs fanned out around her on the pillow. "I'm afraid of what that means for me, but also what that means for you. She's practically a god, Samuel. And she seems…unstable, at best."
"Yeah," I softly agreed, the dungeon fresh in my mind. "Say, has the Cybercore's voice changed for you recently?"
"Yes. It's more monotone now."
"Yeah, same for me." I paused, mulling over the things I knew. I had a lot of questions about the Cybercore, but it seemed better to ask Xanthe than to try to puzzle things out with Faryn.
With a sigh, I rested my forehead to hers and closed my eyes, enjoying the comforting warmth of her presence and the soft exhale of her breath against my lips.
Faryn's hands lightly cupped my cheeks, stroking at my skin. Her soft lips brushed against mine as if in warning, then pressed into a firmer kiss. My hand, which was on the small of her back, drew her body closer. She naturally lifted her top leg, hooking it gingerly over my hip as my lips parted. Her tongue met mine in the middle, dancing together in teasing circles that made our breaths come out heavier.
"Mmm," she moaned into my mouth, her foot slipping along the back of my thigh and curling to draw my groin tighter to hers. I grew hard as our tongues warred, my pent up cock pressing into her through our clothes. She rubbed against it, then let out a surprised little gasp that broke our kiss. "Is that what I think it is?" she whispered, not daring to look down.
"Mhm."
"From just kissing?"
"From just kissing you," I specified.
Faryn cheeks turned a deep shade of red. She leaned in, burying her face in the side of my neck. "That makes me happy," she softly admitted.
I combed my fingers through her soft, platinum blonde locks. They were slightly wavy, with a bit of frizz sticking off from where she'd rolled around in the bed. I'd never been aroused by a woman's hair before, but seeing the usually kept together Faryn even slightly disheveled was hot.
"I guess that seems mean, when I'm not ready to go further." Faryn leaned back, frowning up at me. "I don't wish to be cruel to you, especially when you're already in pain."
"I get it," I reassured, stroking her hair. "We don't have to do anything until you're ready." Though I was disappointed, I also knew that Maeve would happily pick up where Faryn left off. I felt a little guilty thinking that, but it was a much more pleasant thought than the other stuff trying to force itself to the front of my mind.
"I'm not ready to make love," she slowly began, her eyes flitting between my face and my chest like she couldn't bring herself to hold my gaze, "but I could…fetch Maeve. Perhaps she could help you? While I make sure that she doesn't get too vigorous as to do you harm, that is."
My heart skipped a beat. For a moment, I was shocked—and then I remembered how Faryn had a bit of a voyeuristic streak in her. It seemed completely at odds with her romanticised view of how things should be, especially with her insistence on calling sex 'making love,' but I supposed that was just how it was. Even the most reserved people had their naughty little kinks. The more reserved the person, the more wild they tended to get.
"Sure," I said a bit too quickly.
Faryn sat and drew out her GigaHub, tapping away on it with her thumb while the opposite hand slipped absently up and down my side. She set it down on the nightstand next to her glasses, then looked behind me, tilting her head.
I craned my neck to look back at Chomp, who cocked his head at us. "I'm in good hands, bud," I said, "why don't you take a break from guard duty?"
The Sharkpuppy nodded. He jumped off of the bed with a thump that sounded too heavy for his small body, then padded toward the door. He waited there until it opened, then slipped through the gap between Maeve's legs.
As Maeve entered, I caught a brief glimpse of the BatMaeve puppet holding miniature lockpicks before it disappeared behind her back. I arched my brow.
"How can I help you today?" Doctor, a puppet version of Maeve with a stethoscope and doctor outfit, asked. The puppet looked me up and down, her button eyes settling on my crotch. "After careful observation, it seems the patient is suffering from a penile erection." The puppet turned to Faryn. "Don't worry, ma'am. It's treatable, though the symptoms are likely to appear again…If we're lucky."
I held back a chuckle, giving my head a soft shake.
"What do you prescribe, Doctor?" Faryn asked with surprising seriousness as she scooted to the edge of the bed.
Shit, is she into roleplay? I swallowed hard.
"Hmm, given the patient's current condition, I think a healthy dose of fellatio is in order," Doctor replied. Maeve moved closer to us, pausing as she came to a stop next to the bed. "Do you wish to be in the room while I treat your husband, ma'am?"
"H-husband," Faryn repeated, her cheeks even redder than before. She breathed heavily, clutching her hand over her chest before nodding vigorously. "Yes…Yes, please, Doctor. Show me how to treat my husband's condition so I can take care of it myself next time."
"Alright, ma'am. Please make way," Doctor said as Maeve smiled mischievously.
Faryn slid along the edge of the bed, giving more room for Maeve to kneel down in front of it. Doctor 'stood' at the edge of the bed, Maeve's arm hidden by the mattress. "Please move to sit at the edge of the bed," Doctor said.
I obeyed because who the hell wouldn't. Sure, my back ached a bit when I moved, but I managed to get comfortable enough just by sitting and leaning back slightly on my hands.
"Ma'am, would you care to help your husband with his clothes?" Doctor asked.
Faryn's cheeks somehow turned even redder. With a hard swallow and slight nod, she shifted so that she was sitting directly beside me. She turned her body toward me, our knees pressing together as she fumbled with the button of my pants. It took her three tries to finally get them open because her fingers were shaking so hard. Her breaths were still heavy, each making her chest inflate, pushing her breasts further toward me.
As she worked the zipper, her pink tongue softly dabbed her lips, hungrily wetting them. The way she nibbled her bottom lip made me throb because I knew she wanted to taste me as much as I wanted to feel those soft lips wrapped around my hard shaft.
