~Hinata~

She enjoyed the movie with him. Perhaps too much. The connection was definitely there. Attraction, attachment, similarities, everything. They were definitely compatible.

She had to ask herself whether this was a good idea. She may very well strike Eden if she lost control. But... he was willing to take this leap for her. True, most guild members were usually open to physical experimentation, at least on a non-sexual scale with those who they hadn’t bonded with. She, however, was not most guild members.

“Hinata... I am designating you and Eden as partners.”

“What!?”

“Wait, so soon?”

“Not in the marital sense, Eden. Merely living together. It is not unusual for team members to live in a quarters together, but sometimes the quarters are divided into two separate housing sections in place of four. Yours, however, will have three. Opal’s, Densetsu’s and one belonging to the two of you.”

“But... wait, why me and her?”

“Lars designates them based on personal data.”

“Oh, for... yeah, and I bet his personal thoughts had nothing to do with him placing me together with Eden, right?”

“Who is Lars?”

“Living Artificial Residence Software.”

“So a sentient computer program.”

“Yes, Eden.”

“So... are you really okay with this? We just met a while ago.”

“Yes, Eden... just don’t ask me to disrobe completely. My underwear stay on, okay?”

As she neared the Katrina had designated, Hinata’s heart leapt to her throat. She was nervous, that was certain, but also excited beyond measure. She was filled with conflicting emotions, as she had never lived with anyone else, let alone a male.

As the blue-green door opened, she entered alongside Eden. The main room was quaint. A large rainbow tie-dye yoga mat lay on the bamboo floor, which see assumed was for Eden and possibly herself. The walls were varnished orange-tinted oaken wood. A mid-sized pink sofa lay in the middle of the room and a massive gray television screen lay in front of it near the wall. Two bathrooms marked with each other their names lay in the east and west corners, and a main bedroom door on the north wall.

All in all, she would likely enjoy their time together in this space.

Looking to Eden, Hinata spoke, “Okay... I-I’m... I’m going to get undressed in the bathroom. Don’t watch, okay?”

Eden nodded to her, a warm smile on his face as he approached the couch. In turn, she took to the doorway to her own bathroom, opening it.

As she entered, Hinata found the bathroom was none other than hers. An old antique dresser and floral flamed mirror, black wood tiles on the floor, log-cabin styled walls, a small white curtain for the blue-tiled shower, everything.

Bracing herself, Hinata opened to door ever so slightly. She had to test him. To her shock, Eden was laying upon the couch, his eyes closed and averting from the doorway. Not so much as a “Are you ready?” or “Done yet?” emerged from his mouth.

She slowly disrobed, fully intent on making certain he didn’t peek. After disrobing to her undergarments, she was shocked. Eden had paid her less than a moment’s notice the entire time. Preparing herself, she exited the room, de-materializing her horns as to not injure him.

“Eden...? I’m ready.”

Nervous, she approached him little by little, slowly sitting upon the couch. In response, he turned to her, his expression and aura fully benevolent and loving.

With a nod, he motioned for her to lay upon the couch as he stood up. Although slightly anxious, she obliged him, laying on her front upon the furniture with her arms and legs to the side.

“Are you sure you’re okay with this?”

After a nod of confirmation, Hinata felt Eden’s hands meet her back. She gasped as he pressed his fingers into her body, obviously intend on ascertaining whatever damage had been done to her.

“Well, you’re knotted up pretty badly. I think I should start on your shoulders.”

Hinata instantly felt a rush of sensation as Eden kneaded his hands into her upper body. A tingling, or perhaps a pleasant burning, as he softly kneaded her tissue. Her uncle had never done this. No one had.

“Oh... wow...”

“Feel good?”

“Yes...”

She was in complete bliss from the the tender strokes on her tensed muscles. Even single caress made her feel as if she were in heaven. She had inadvertently let out a soft moan as she felt him move to her spinal area, pressing, delicately healing her needy sinew from years of stress. A droning thrum emitted from her throat as he worked throughout her body.

Lower back.

Hips.

Arms.

Legs.

Oh, dear God, this was something she never expected.

“Could you turn over?”

“Y-yes... just... look into my eyes when you touch anywhere private. I want to see your face.”

She obliged him without a second thought, lost in his touch. His hands moved upon her neck, brushing against her with loving care. He pressed his fingers into her collarbone and...

Words could not express how amazing that felt.

She let out a giggle as he moved towards her sides.

“Are you ticklish?”

“Y-yes...”

“I’ll be careful then.”

Giggles mixed with groans erupted from her maw as he labored on the abdominal muscles she had worked so hard to obtain over the years. Finally, he looked into her eyes, his expression carrying the same compassion and kindness as usual.

“Are you ready? Is it okay?”

“Yes...”

‘He’s not going to hurt me. He’s not my uncle.’

Now was the moment of truth. Eden’s feminine and graceful cossets met her breasts. She shuddered, attempting to keep herself from... shit!

“Ow!”

She had punched him in the eye. She had failed. She was a horrible lover, just like she had assumed.

“Eden... I’m so sorry!”

“It’s... it’s okay.”

It was... okay?

“I understand, Hinata. Maybe you weren’t ready for that yet.”

He understood.

What was he?

Unable to control herself, Hinata began to sob. To her shock, however, Eden had climbed onto the upholstery with her, cradling her neck with tamest embrace she had ever felt.

“I don’t care...”

He didn’t care... he didn’t care?

What was he?

Without thinking, she embraced him in turn, taking full notice of his empathy and docility.

“Can we just sleep together like this?”

At Eden’s words, Hinata nodded. The only words she could make out was, “Thank you....”

[End of Act 1]