Chapter 34: Xmas Galore (2)

Beta-Reader: Ant0nius

Geecku likes to play. A lot.

The kind of games that generally got her interest were tied to all those moments of rare ‘cat and mouse’ situations where she could be the mouse and have fun with the cute mouse. It’s been so long since she had the chance to play someone for long and that said someone could put quite a challenge before ultimately admitting defeat. Now, Frankie wasn’t at the level of facing a Crest and she could tell the gap was big enough to make her appreciate the fact he was willing to resort to ‘tricks’ in an effort to actually raise the difficulty bar.

It made the matches entertained and it also enabled her to be completely active during those as one mistake means losing the advantage she would tend having during fair chases. And each mistake warranted an extension to how long it would take for her to catch him. The idea of having Frankie around for a couple of days was the perfect reason to comply to Ambar’s simple requests of not causing any messes for the time being. Usually she would just break that promise to win in both cases, but Christmas was about to come and, in the Bear’s own words, ‘Frankie could actually get her a gift if she behaved nicely’.

A gift? The entire idea had her a bit confused if not intrigued as it would be the first time she actually got a ‘Christmas gift’. Yes, Geecku had normal gifts before and even some delicious and ‘delicious’ tributes from tribes of old when she was previously hailed as a Goddess before being draft in that crazy war against the big bad foe they faced a while ago, but this would be the first time ever she had the chance to ‘experience the Christmas holiday’ as many were calling it. The Life Crest wasn’t exactly sure how to feel about it, but if this was going to be a ‘better gift’ from the normal ones she got in the past, then who was she to say no to this custom?

It would just be plain ridiculous and sillier than anything she would normally do. She was silly at times, that didn’t mean she couldn’t recognize a possibly good boon coming her way. But for now, Geecku was thinking less into what gift she was going to get, knowing it was going to be good regardless of what thought Frankie put into it, and more into playing with the smiling human that else, taking immediate delight on the idea of having him around for that long. It was definitely a ‘gift’ as a situation, but the girl grinned at the chance of getting more of that.

She was a gluttonous ‘brat’ at times, but this time that gluttony was aimed at the strangely pleasant games that she was stuck with as she loved the chase, the laughing, the amusement born from that kind of interactions. Maybe it was because she was just outright bored and didn’t feel her other needs pushing her to be too aggressive. It was rare as it was to be playing with someone without being chided for ‘being too childish’. Why would anyone be worried about being childish?

Frankie was being childish too, and he looked absolutely well and nice to her. In fact, he was one of the nicest individuals she had the chance to met that didn’t treat her as some ‘deity’ or something of the kind. She was still Geecku, someone that loved life and being close to everything worthy a hug and more. In a strange turn of events, she could actually feel more at ease around a human she had been seeing just a few times during the years than any of the men and women working at the manor. They worked for Ambar first, and were supposed to be… ‘respectful and formal’, both things unimportant to Geecku if not for some rare occasions where both were a must to be shown towards others. But towards her? Geecku might be an important person by their culture, but that didn’t mean she would say no to more informality from anyone that knew of her and of her status.

It was incredibly frustrating, there wasn’t much to do about it beyond actually conceding that she was a guest no matter how Ambar said she could stay indefinitely. And a guest couldn’t do much but… what if she relocated? It was actually possible, she just remained around to ‘not lose grasps’ with that hint of modernity she couldn’t help but appreciate. Better food, warmer bed, more people to playfully entice- there were things that just couldn’t be found in isolation than they could be found within settlements. It was a bit upsetting but… what if she moved to another settlement with other people?

“My home?” Frankie hummed as he gauged the query Geecku just pushed forward, her curiosity regarding the young man’s hometown piqued by his mentioning of going to visit it at the end of the year during the summer holidays. “Well, it doesn’t have many trees. There is a big park but it’s not that populated with plants. Still there are many beaches nearby.”

Geecku’s disappointment in the reduced nature available was countered by a little desire that she had been developing as of recently. Since that would be during summer, it would be easy to see how the beaches would be the best kind of place to check and visit frequently rather than the park. Maybe she could actually temporarily visit if the human and his family were fine with it. Sure, it would mean being a little restrained… but not as restrained as she was here. She could be a little more playful, a little more ‘brazen’ too if things played rightfully in the next few months. But for the time being, it was still a plan in the making with nothing really set in the stone. Yet.

Soon, her focus was no longer on Frankie’s narration. With the game resuming after a brief break to ‘catch some breath’, Geecku’s main objective was actually to try run away from him as it was his turn to ‘capture’ her and… as much as it would seem odd, Geecku felt part of her wanted to lose. Mostly because she knew a loss would dictate a tickling session from the young man. It had been one of the many ‘punishments’ that he was willing to use on her and… it was funny. And the tickling was nice and never went overboard. Humming mirthfully as she still gave him some trouble in getting caught, Geecku’s little musing came to an end when someone else decided to join the fun. Her smile turned in a wild grin and she disengaged from the game to go and properly greet the figure.

“Geecku!” The big girl, or ‘Tiggs’ as others called her, chirpily called as she braced for the incoming tackle.

Soon the Life Crest happily snuggled onto the giggling Tiger Prime, the young woman beaming at the intense manner of greeting, hugging dearly at the fellow female. She had almost forgotten about the notion that her and the huffing Fox Prime behind the Tiger were to visit to. They weren’t going to stay, but since they were friends with Frankie, they were definitely going to check on them rather frequently.

Ah yes, this Christmas was sure going to be one of the best Geecku ever had the chance to experience!

-------d-d-d-d--------

After greeting a jovial-looking Tiggs and a deeply amused Vixy before seeing them leave to check on Frankie, Miles was left once more alone with the one individual that he just knew held some truths from them.

Sitting by one of the chairs by the table in the living room while checking his phone, he found his attention finally moved by this very circumstance as he know something big was cooking on this very odd situation. It was no novelty to the Cat Prime that Naerie was a friendly individual despite her stoic appearance, but nothing suggested they all got close enough for her to actually invite people (him to be more specific) to this place. Everything looked really nice, and he didn’t mind the invitation- but he sure minded the reasons behind such invitation as those easily felt more to be… fabricated than what really drove the Bear Prime to offer them this situation to them.

“So, did you invite us to irritate Hope, or is there something I’m missing?”

Miles was no moron when it comes to love despite what many would believe. Sure, he wasn’t exactly a casanova when it was his turn to try and seduce someone, but he had actually developed a keen eye to pick up any sort of strange situation which would normally be difficult for people like him to understand. Specifically when it came to try and handle the surreal thing that is a love drama such as the one Frankie had unconsciously stumbled upon. It was amusing, ironic even, but overall a proper display on how ‘too much’ wasn’t better than ‘too little’ of that kind of sugar. He was trying to get some action, but that didn’t mean he was open to consider that kind of mess. One girl was enough. For now.

Still, the current instance was fairly amusing in itself. The comment he just uttered got Naerie particularly… ‘surprised’ from the way she looked at him. There was just a hint of emotional attachment to the matter which made her reactions weigh more than the usual. It was difficult to grasp, but the Cat Prime could see his words got something out of her. He just didn’t know what and how to replicate this phenomenon again, preferring to look more into the issue at hand. After all, there was comedy gold hiding somewhere within this kind of conversation.

“What do you mean?”

“Frankie is expected, maybe Tiggs and Vixy too- but you and I never had any major interactions so, what’s up?”

She blinked, her composure tightening at that pressure. “Would you have preferred to not have been invited?”

“That’s not what I’ve asked,” The young man pointed out, perceiving some hostility already. Yes, he just spotted a sore spot from the looks of it. “I asked you, why me?”

There was some silence. The redhead was clearly caught off-guard by that sudden rebuttal. Miles had learned to be wary of ‘behaviors’ which were unusual in nature as signs that someone was lashing out in their own manner. While he was more familiar with ‘physical’ lashing out when people were angry and generally punched or headbutted a wall, this was the equivalent of a minor psychological lash out. Which made some sense considering the individual he was talking to.

“And you think it’s tied to Hope. How so?” The Bear Prime inquired with… interest.

“You like Shin. Hope ‘likes’ Shin. I can’t say she does anymore since, you know, the reason why you took Frankie for this vacation. He is kind of a hostage to keep her from doing anything stupid, isn’t he?”

“That’s...” The redhead paused, gauging the overall situation before ultimately nodding. “Correct.”

“Then you picked me to cover up that this was the main purpose. I don’t mind, of course, it’s a nice place to stay for a while, but I would like to address a point before this becomes the norm,” Miles commented flatly. “I would like to be told I’m just a pawn. Better to know than not.”

“And how did you know of this? I’m sure it wasn’t me.”

“It wasn’t. It was Hope actually because Hope was reluctant to give her goodbyes,” The Cat Prime argued with an annoyed look. “And I can tell you two spoke before she left. You told her this was what was going on.”

“I’m impressed but… what’s the purpose of telling me this much?” Naerie pressed, knowing that the young man had another reason to be saying this kind of things to her.

“I think you are doing something wrong about this- you know, by trying to control Shin.”

…

“I’m not controlling Shin,” The Bear Prime firmly rebuked and yet Miles sighed and showed how unconvinced he was with his next words.

“So, why are you focusing on ‘removing Hope at all costs’ and giving so little about trying to seduce him yourself?” The Cat Prime remarked dryly. “You’re really showing how your real worry is ‘losing him’ to her when it’s clear Hope is no longer into him. Like, I don’t get it.”

Her eyes narrowed. “What?”

“I just… Like, I don’t care if you or Hope get him. In the end, if you’re all happy that’s what really makes things fine. But the issue here is that neither you or Hope really put any effort in doing the smartest thing a chick could do with Shin, and that’s being direct with him.”

A sigh. “It’s not that simple.”

“Is it? Shin doesn’t even know how to seduce anyone even if his life depended on it. He is not the ‘nice guy that knows how to handle feelings’, he is just someone that wears his heart on his sleeve and is as genuine as he can get. But that’s all, he can’t handle relationships, the girl has to take charge of that or nothing can be done,” He countered without hesitation. “In fact, I bet you never considered taking him to the side, asking him out and then slowly push yourself onto him until he got the message clear.”

“I may… have not done that. But that doesn’t mean that… that it’s the right way.”

“And blackmailing a former rival just like that is actually the right one?”

“It’s more complicated,” She quickly argued, but Miles didn’t care. He faked yawn and got up from his seat, starting to walk away, but not before passing near to the Bear Prime.

“I think that’s more of a you problem than else,” Miles hummed calmly, booping her nose with his left index, the gesture quickly gaining a frown from Naerie. “You really need to be more honest with others, that clearly stunts your means to get laid with the man you want. I’m free to listen if you want, I’ll keep it a secret from the others.”

It was a bit of a long reach if he had to be honest, but he knew the young woman needed that very support Hope could get with ease from others. She wasn’t as socially active as her ‘rival’, thus it was only out of good moral and good will that he offered her that kind of support in that ‘trying journey’ before her. After all, it wasn’t as pleasant or simple to seduce a dense-looking blond with a clear affection aimed more at books than anything else.

“...I will consider,” Naerie conceded, her words stopping Miles. “And I find your thoughts on me quite flattering. Likewise, you’re attractive yourself, Miles Lionheart. I believe you will find a nice woman if you delve more into your potential.”

The Cat Prime paused, his gaze morphing in one of shock as he remembered a factor he had ignored up to that very moment.

“You… read my thoughts?”

“A few of those. And I think you should stop undressing me with your mind.”

“Perhaps you should stop reading my mind already,” He remarked flatly, finally walking away, but failing to notice that, for just a moment, an amused twitch appeared on Naerie’s lips. Almost a smile.

Almost.

But as Miles decided to retreat to his room, he ended up stumbling on a wandering High Prime. The older Bear Prime looked slightly surprised but… incredibly interested on him being there.

“Oh, I suppose you’re Miles. It’s been a while,” She greeted. “Can you please be a dear and help me with some… boxes~?”

He decided to help, out of actual good intention as he didn’t expect fun things to happen out of nowhere. So he was genuinely surprised when the room he was taken in was the woman’s bedroom, and within that place the advice he got from ‘successful men’ such as Frankie’s father and Shin’s father gave him a solid realization of what to do in a sudden interesting and bombastic situation he shared the High Prime. Two things were confirmed by this decision:

The rumors were right about Ambar’s thirst and… her bed sure is comfy to rest on after some intense time spent with her.

--------d-d-d-d----------d-d-d-d-------

After spending some time tiring Geecku out with their cat-&-mouse games, I was ready to just pass out after passing the ‘burden’ to Tiggs.

I didn’t really mind playing with the Life Crest despite the state of undress she was in. It was a bit jarring at times, but nothing that I hadn’t seen. Even as Ambar would argue it was still fairly indecent, I could tell that Geecku’s decision to not wear clothes was the same of a nudist in a way. But I really felt the strain on my body after pushing all my energy to try keeping up with the clever individual. Her grammar was far from the norms, but her brain was critically experienced and prepared with tactics that helps her during each game session. So, I kind of appreciated the little offer forwarded by Vixy as soon as I free to talk with her as she led me away from the others and into a quieter place.

As we walked back in my temporary room, we were quick to get under the warm sheets of the bed while enjoying some much needed rest via cuddling. The girl had taken a rather intense training session earlier in that morning, and had held back from napping just to be around me and take me for a cuddle-nap session. I didn’t mind- in fact, I loved every single moment of that predicament. We ditched just a few clothes, just so that it didn’t felt unpleasant to press onto each other and feel too heated up in the process. Nothing scandalous, just enough to feel at ease with one another.

“My father wanted to talk with you about what happened the first time you two met. He wanted to apologize,” The young woman muttered as she quietly enjoyed the embrace she was stuck in. “I think he will behave this time around.”

“Oh?” I hummed, a bit perplexed and unsure if I could trust that kind of opinion considering how the last time wasn’t really that… ‘calm’.

“He will behave. I’ve given him a few strong words about it and he know he will not try anything bad if I’m around. And I will be around during that,” She added, trying to press the point that she got it under control. I nodded and gave her a quick kiss on her forehead.

“Wasn’t trying to sound reluctant.”

“I wouldn’t blame you for it,” Vixy calmly agreed. “But yes, I admit that it would be good if you two settled things out. Wouldn’t want to cause any hassle because I love you lots.”

My smile twitched, partly in amusement, partly at the idea that I would have to let her down in the future so that Tiggs could take care of her. Really awkward despite Geecku’s words about this matter, but I still managed to hold a solid composure about it. I knew that it wasn’t bad if I actually shifted our relationship so she understood the situation and I don’t lie to her. I still care for Vixy regardless of it being true romantic love or not and… I couldn’t help but be the selfish guy in some instances.

It wasn’t like Traci wasn’t getting any action as she mentioned some plans happening for Christmas with ‘a guy she wanted to do it for a while now, but held back for Vixy’s sake’ and, surprisingly enough, it coincided with some ‘clues’ given up by Vixy about ‘having planned something big for us this Christmas’. I had to take precautions to try and match that kind of surprise with something that, hopefully, could match up with what she was planning. Because I really couldn’t imagine what was up with her plotting, and I could only expect… something within my wallet’s range. I decided to put out some of the ‘Free Fund’ I had set beyond the ‘Flat-plan’ one.

I planned to use this last one by next year to buy a place to stay in for the rest of my years in Prism Uni. It was something I had planned together with Tiggs so we could share a flat and be able to split the costs behind that kind of investment. A ‘stable place’ where to start living in after school and somewhere to also keep friends if they needed help for a while. Maybe even expand that project in case there was a chance to buy a bigger place and have other housemates. It was all up in the air, but it was definitely going to be a fun project to look more into. Still, not the main concern at the moment. The ‘Free Fund’ was what I didn’t put in the flat budget, keeping it either as an emergency coverage or as an actual budget to buy gifts, food ingredients, and other stuff that I needed but couldn’t afford without some available money on myself.

In this case, I planned to buy her a piece of jewelry that was expensive, but small. Nothing too cumbersome to wear, but something Vixy could keep without having to take too much time putting in on. Something I was really putting a thought into. Either some earrings or a pretty ring. The latter was a bit of a difficult choice since that could give birth to multiple misunderstandings that I really didn’t need to push onto her.

“By the way, I heard that you’re looking into applying for a job?”

Vixy hummed, nuzzling closer to me. “An old friend of mine through dad has opened a photo studio for models. It’s nothing too crazy, with the worst being skimpy bikinis.”

“Got it,” I hummed. “You trust him with that?”

“Dad will keep tabs on me through him, so I doubt he will even consider trying anything funny,” She assured. “Which is why I want you and dad to make ‘peace’. In a way. Actually, are you two at war?”

“I would say it’s more of a bad first impression situation? I think?”

“Yeah, that sounds about right,” The Fox Prime agreed, humming as we both conceded some more into the hugging. “Still, I have a pressing question.”

“Oh? What about?” I quietly mumbled, seeing her looking at my face with a slightly serious expression.

“What are you planning to buy me for Christmas?”

I snorted. “I think we both agreed to make it a secret.”

“I’m making a secret one,” She rebuked before huffing at my flat look. “Doesn’t mean you have to keep quiet about it.”

“You will like it. That’s what I can tell you. It will be special.”

Her lips twitched. “You’re not making me any less interesting interested on it with that tone, Frankie.”

“I’m sorry, but I’m holding back from asking about your surprise just because I know it will be stunning. So, trust me on this one, you’ll like it.”

“...Fine. But I hope it’s really worth the surprise.”

“I told you that you will really like it. I’m making sure it’s something that really represent us.”

…

“And now I will have to stalk you down until I learn the truth. See? You are just coaxing me to pester you.”

“Then I will keep quiet,” I replied, frowning at that last bit.

“And then I would ask more and you will eventually give me more clues- Frankie, this is a vicious cycle you put me through, oh you cruel human.”

…

The next few minutes were filled with giggles and laughing. The chemistry just made things pleasant and I couldn’t help but imagine how the ‘aftermath’ of Christmas was going to be once Tiggs got what she was planning to do dealt with.

Hopefully nothing too cray-cray…

---------d-d-d-d-----------

AN

Miles was a fun snack.

I heard you had to help him walking for a while since… you know. You weren’t that kind with him.

He wanted the full experience and that’s what he got.

I guess that’s… fair?

Of course it is!