Voices from a colorful cast of humanoids echoed throughout the streets. The glamorous sheen of Aegis's architecture cemented newcomers in place as they gasped in awe. In every nook and cranny of this bustling port city, you could find people from different walks of life. The shadows of Wyvern fluttered overhead as they delivered people to their destinations. Nearby the northernmost dropoff, an easily excitable neko's nose flared at the scent of salty sea air.
"Wooow, this place is HUGE!" Lucky's tail bounced from side to side and her ears were rapidly adjusting to the chaotic lifestyle around her.
"You get used to it," Jamie grabbed Lucky's hand, "Now c'mon! I'm going to show you how to get to Karyl's place!"
"Right!" Her eyes sparkled as she let Jamie lead them a handful of blocks south.
As they meandered down the city streets, Jamie would often point out landmarks and important directions for Lucky to take note of. Generally keeping her on task feels impossible, but this is going surprisingly well. Jamie grinned at the thought. Lucky tugged on Jamie's arm, breaking his concentration. She looked at him with eyes full of desire. Lucky raised her arm and pointed across the brick laid road. Jamie turned his gaze to where Lucky was pointing. He saw a vendor that had a large cart filled to the brim with an assortment of freshly fried seafood. That's what I get for being so optimistic...
Jamie shook his head, "No Lucky, we are running out of tim- ARE YOU DROOLING ON ME?!"
Lucky buried her face into Jamie's arm shaking her head back and forth. "I can't help it! I'm soooo hungry!" Lucky pathetically held her stomach.
Jamie looked at Lucky in disgust, "But you just ate before we left the house."
"Do you know how hard it is to maintain this form with my mana?" Lucky asked.
"Ugh, Stay." Jamie rolled his eyes and hurried over to the cart.
Lucky fiddled with her hair and whispered, "I'm not a dog ya know..."
Jamie pointed at a fried squid on a stick before hovering his phone over a tiny kiosk. Lucky's tail wiggled as she kept a close eye on Jamie's back. He's the best. Lucky couldn't stop grinning, the wiggles began extending from her tail to her whole body. Finally, the agonizing wait was over and Jamie returned with some freshly battered fried squid for Lucky to munch on. Jamie held it out in front of Lucky and she raised her mitts in anticipation.
"Okay before you eat this," He waved it to the side and her eyes darted after it. "Before you-" With a snappy motion he moved it in the opposite direction. Her eyes once again followed the squid on the stick.
His lips deviously turned upwards as he began rapidly moving the stick in various directions, causing Lucky to move her hands slightly to follow it around.
"Jamie pleeaseee!" Lucky's stomach rumbled slightly.
Jamie held it still directly in front of her face, "Before we get there, Just promise me that you won't leave Karyl's today until I get back."
Lucky shoved the squid in her face, "You aren't staying with me?"
"Unfortunately no, you know how I leave the house most days for a little while?"
"A little while? It's hours!" Lucky protested.
Jamie ran his fingers through his hair and sighed, "Sure, but that's when I go off to work."
"you keep bringing up this work thing, is it really that fun?"
"A-are you serious?!" Jamie stumbled over his words, "NO, work isn't fun! Well I like my job but that's not the point. You don't mean to tell me that you've never had to work before do you?"
Lucky shrugged, "I don't even know what 'work' is."
Passerbys began looking suspiciously at them in an attempt to decipher the cause of the commotion. Jamie lightly placed his hand on Lucky's back to guide her in the direction of their destination.
"Okay, so you know how I always talk about credits with different people?" Lucky nodded, "Well the credits are used to purchase things like food, Wyvernfare and such. I get them from working as an adventurer." He explained.
"Oh, so like a job." Lucky said dryly. "That's boring."
Jamie frowned at Lucky, "I think you hit your head when you fell from the sky."
Lucky looked around absentmindedly for a moment, "Hmmm, I couldn't say, I've lived here my whole life." She stated like a kid who was reciting their parents' instructions.
"Shut up." Jamie groaned.
"No thanks!"
Lucky ran her mouth down the side of the stick to get the last bits of food in her mouth. As the two walked in tandem Jamie would occasionally point out landmarks and wave to acquaintances. Huh, that's the second time today. How strange. Lucky took note of Jamie's rare softer facial expressions.
"We're here." Jamie's voice carried a wave of relief with it.
Donk. Jamie's abrupt stop caused Lucky to bounce her nose off of his back. While rubbing her snout she peered up over her hand. Oh wow! Lucky's eyes sparkled as she inspected the three tiered storefront before her.
Lucky's head tilted as she read the fancy cursive sign with a tea cup on the plaque, "The Fool's Carol?"
Grinning Jamie responded, "Yep, that's my home."
"Your home? We just came from your place." Lucky's tail formed a question mark.
He shook his head, "You'll see." Jamie reached out to Lucky offering her his hand, "Shall we?"
Accepting his invite they placed their hands on two girthy wooden doors before giving them a shove. Before either of them could see what was inside they were greeted with a warm aroma. Lucky's nose twitched as she chased the scent of cinnamon and baked goods. Blind to her environment Lucky found herself in front of a selection of baked goods..
"Oh my~" Lucky's captivation with something behind the pane of glass alerted a woman at the counter.
A soothing raspy voice perked Lucky's ears up, "Hey sugar, would ya like that lunaloaf?"
Lucky raised her head from the display and saw a taller woman with faded blue eyes looking down at her. After taking a quick look from side to side, Lucky clasped her hands and took a step away from the counter accidentally bumping into someone.
From behind, a familiar voice comforted her, "Yeah, I'll take two." She craned her neck backwards until the back of her head was resting on his chest. "Sup?" Jamie grinned.
"Where did you go?" Lucky wondered.
Jamie shook his head, "You're the one that ran off without me. Anyway, Karyl, can I pay you for those on the way out? I need to go speak with Vladimir before he takes off for Lumenview."
Karyl leaned back against a counter with various ingredients on it. Her dark locks bounced off of her tailored cafe uniform, "The old man should be in the hall working the counter with Betty" She stuck her thumb over her shoulder.
"Alright Lucky, why don't you get seated and order yourself some food. I'll be right back," Jamie motioned to a nearby table. "Appreciate it, Karyl. All of it." Jamie grabbed his loaf and walked off towards the back of the establishment.
"And Jamie, you don't need to pay me, ya hear?." Karyl yelled after him.
Lucky awkwardly shuffled to the aforementioned table, quietly sitting down. A taller Kitsune maid with a gothic lolita aesthetic approached Lucky, but Karyl waved her off. Karyl took a moment to neatly slice up Lucky's lunaloaf and dust it with confectioners sugar. She then reached down into a fridge and pulled out a jar of red jam. Lucky's tail began wagging as she watched Karyl spread it neatly over the top slice of bread. By the time Karyl had put a spoonful of jam in a tiny dish, Lucky could feel her mouth water. Karyl brought the dishes over to Lucky and placed it down in front of her. By now, Lucky's tail couldn't stop banging against the finely crafted wooden chair her rump laid on.
"Well don't keep me waiting sugar, eat up!" Although rough around the edges, Karyl's voice was light and carried a sweetness that rivaled the snack before Lucky.
"O-okay! Thank you very much!" Wasting little time Lucky tore a piece of the bread with jam on it and popped it into her mouth.
"Is this real? Oh myyy~" Lucky hysterically jammed another bit of her snack into her mouth. "Thith ith schoo good!" Lucky's cheeks exploded as she tried speaking with her mouth full.
"Jamie wasn't lyin' about your table manners." Karyl giggled, "Relax hun, it's not going anywhere. I can always get you more."
Lucky tried swallowing but began pounding her fist on her chest as she began to choke. Karyl calmly slid her a mug of cocoa and watched on as she downed it in one gulp.
"Ahhhh," She politely dabbed her mouth with a napkin, "Jamie talks about me?"
"E-ve-ry-day." Karyl sighed, but that sigh quickly turned to a wholesome grin. "But I totally get it."
Leaning forward Lucky whispered, "Sooo what does he say?"
Mirroring Lucky, Karyl moved forward and put her hand on the side of her mouth. "Well he talks about how you're a messy eater, how he's constantly cleaning up after you, he keeps bringing up how you made it so he could never look at Alma the same again. Oh yeah, I almost forgot the time you caused a fire in the kitchen," Lucky's ears drooped and she looked down at the table while tugging at her shirt.
"I see..." Lucky sounded dejected.
"But," Lucky's ears perked up, "He clearly sees something in you, something good. He's not the type of person to just do everything he's done for you without a good reason. Will he save someone's life because it's in danger? Yeah of course. But will he home them, teach them about the world and try to make them comfortable? Well, apparently but I never thought so."
"Wait so do you know about my-"
"Gossiping?" Jamie's voice caused both of the ladies to jump.
"-I'm going to get you two some real food." Karyl scurried off and Jamie took the seat to the right of Lucky, "Uh-huh... Well turns out, I'm free for the day. So... what do you think of this place?"
Lucky's gaze traveled the room, occasionally stopping on other patrons or some of the employees busying about.
"It's cute." She said simply.
"I know right? I thought you might take a liking to it."
"Do I... Inconvenience you?" Lucky stared at her half eaten lunaloaf, her bottom lip trembled.
Jamie seemed to be caught off guard, "What?"
"Am I a bother? I don't mean to make your life harder." Tears welled up in Lucky's eyes and her bottom lip puffed.
Jamie frowned, "You're a pain in my ass," Lucky flinched and closed her eyes. "But, I'd say that having you around has been a lot of fun. Listen, I don't know what you've been through, mostly because you won't tell me. But the way I see it, everyone has flaws and while your flaws can be... A lot sometimes. I'd say you've got some really great positive qualities."
"Tell me." Lucky whispered.
"Huh?"
"Tell me what they are." Lucky sniffled
Jamie caught a glimpse of Karyl eavesdropping from the counter. Oh man... This is so awkward. He could feel the temperature rising.
"Well for starters," Jamie avoided making eye contact, "When you commit to something you really try your best."
"Everyone does that." Lucky protested.
Jamie gritted his teeth and put on a fake smile, "Didn't you ask me to tell you? Or are you going to object to every compliment I give you?
"Please continue." Lucky motioned at him.
"Oh, thank you so much," He said dryly. "You have a way with animals and monsters, your shapeshifting ability is really neat, you're fun to be around and to do stuff with, and..." Jamie paused and ran his hand through his hair.
Lucky leaned forward, "Aaaaannnnnd?! Don't keep a girl waiting!"
"Well you're kinda-"
Right as he was about to finish a younger Laprin burst through the front doors.
"Somebody help!" The bunny girl's voice was stricken with fear.
Before Lucky could even open her mouth Jamie had already begun making his way to the younger girl.
"My name is Jamie, I'm with The Fool's Carol Guild. How can I help?"
"S-some men took my father around the corner and were yelling at him saying mean things."
"Alright, I want you to go talk to the nice lady at the counter and wait here until I get back." Jamie quickly made his way out of the cafe and Lucky got up to run out after him.
I doubt they would do anything too crazy in broad daylight. Jamie reasoned as he turned left from the entrance making his way to a nearby alleyway. Once he turned the corner he saw 5 figures standing over a crumpled man with long bunny ears.
Jamie stood tall as he called out to the group, "Hey, what seems to be the problem?"
The smallest member looked up first, "Shit, I told you guys someone would notice us here."
A larger mountain of an orclike demihuman grunted, "Who cares? The boss said to get his money."
Lucky stood around the corner listening carefully. I want to help him. Lucky clenched her fist but her body shivered and her legs were cemented in place.
"Give the man his money back, and step out of the alley so we can talk." Jamie demanded.
A human with a scar on his forehead stood up brandishing a chrominium pistol. "Or what? You gonna snitch?"
Jamie sighed, "No, but medical expenses for criminals are a tad bit ridiculous in Aegis."
The large demihuman let out a guttural of a laugh. "Is the puny human attempting to threaten us?"
"Last chance," Jamie took a step. Suddenly the air grew very dense, even Lucky who was around the corner began breathing heavily.
The man with the scar waved his pistol around in the air, "Get out of here before you get yourself hurt!" He taunted.
Jamie's face grew dark and his eyes seemed to glow. The air grew thicker, freezing the men in place for a moment. "5." Jamie suddenly appeared in front of the orc driving his elbow deep into its solar plexus, momentarily suspending him in the air.
"4." With a decisive spinning heel kick to the temple, Jamie knocked one of the other members into a nearby concrete wall causing the man to convulse.
"3." He grabbed the smallest member by the neck and lifted him into the space between himself and the man with a pistol. He shifted the small man's body to and fro a bit making sure to block the gunmans view. There was a neko here somwhere. Jamie's eyes scanned the environment. Dammit, they got away. His face tensed up as his brow furrowed.
"2." With a quick flick of his wrist, he launched the chrominium rod from its sheath into the gun hand of his foe. The pistol spiraled from his hand and Jamie spiked the meat shield headfirst into the concrete below. With a swift tepe kick Jamie launched the pistol into the orc's face, causing him to spiral into the ground.
"I-I'm sorry I was just following orders." Said the last standing assailant.
Jamie swiftly closed the gap and dispatched of the gunman with a precise hook to the kidney. "Me too." His voice was monotone as he snatched up his rod and resheathed it.
"Don't move another inch!" A voice hissed from the entrance of the alleyway.
Figures. Jamie looked back in the direction from which he came.
"I-I'm sorry, I just wanted to make sure you were okay." Lucky struggled against the Neko holding her hostage, a dagger traced her throat.
"Now listen here, seaweed head," the shady neko called out. "You will- ACK"
Jamie disappeared from the neko's view before reappearing again, "1" Jamie's fist sunk deep into the Neko's diaphragm as he whispered into their ear.
Lucky gasped as she fell for a moment. Catching her, Jamie carefully placed her down, "You okay?"
Lucky pouted, "Yeah, I'm fine!" Her face scrunched in frustration.
Jamie contemplated for a moment then finally spoke, "I'm glad you're okay. Listen, I need to check on the kid's father. Want to come with me?"
Nodding Lucky marched past Jamie towards the now standing Laprin. Jamie followed closely behind, with a confused expression on his face. The Laprin had exquisite ornaments in his ears and donned verdant robes. Ah, a member of The Burgn'snatchian chamber. This should be... Fun. With Jamie's quick inspection complete he brushed some dust off of his chest. That aside, I must be off my game. One of them got their hands on Lucky, and there was a sixth on the rooftops that slipped away. Well, one thing at a time I suppose. Jamie turned his attention to the Laprin and offered him his hand.
"Hello sir, I hope you're not too badly hurt. Anything broken or missing?"
The Laprin chuckled but began coughing instead, "You humans never cease to amaze me." He then grabbed Jamie's hand.
"Oh?" Jamie put on a fake smile, "And why's that?"
"Where I'm from, if a cottontail came running for help people would assume things." The Laprin explained.
"What kinds of things?" Lucky asked earnestly.
The Laprin's eyes looked towards his feet, "That the maw of a hungry wolf wouldn't be far behind."
Jamie eyed the Laprin, "Well, this is Aegis. We do our best to look after our own here. What's your name?"
The Laprin scrunched his nose, "Chuck is fine. And as you can see, I am not one of the lovely Aegis's people."
"Hello Chuck, my name is Jamie. And you should know that Aegis is a city built on refugees, adventurers, lost souls and-" Jamie helped Chuck turn the corner, "Political exiles."
"You could tell?" Chuck asked, shocked.
"I'm not sure anyone in this city would have mistaken you as anything else. Could also explain the situation you were just in." Jamie chuckled. "Let's get you back to your daughter. I'll have the two of you speak with Vladimir. He'll see to it that you're taken care of."
After finally returning to The Fool's Carol, Chuck's daughter came running up to show them the star shaped pastry Karyl had given her.
"A starbit, one of my favorites," Jamie knelt down, "Did you get the one with cocoa or jam?"
"Jam, it's delish!" The Laprin child tiptoed with glee.
Chuck cleared his throat, "Tolli, introduce yourself and give thanks to these strangers. No these do-gooders."
"Thanky! Oh! My name is Tolli, nice to meetcha!" She exclaimed.
Jamie gave her a high five, "My name is Jamie and my companion here is Lucky. Now Tolli, your bravery and quick thinking saved your father's hide. Thank you for looking out for him." Lucky's tail softly swished as she saw Jamie's smile.
Jamie pointed to the table where Lucky left her half eaten lunaloaf, "Why don't you go make yourself comfy while I introduce them?"
Lucky obliged and took her seat back at the table. She watched him walk past the counters and through an entrance way into another room. After taking a deep breath Lucky slowly began eating her lunaloaf again. For the first time since she set foot in the establishment, Lucky took note of the various happenings inside. Everyone is wearing the same thing one of Jamie's Alma figures had on. What did he call it again? Her eyes wandered to a table across the room, where a rather rowdy party was enjoying their food.
"See, I told you maid cafes are the best!" The one with black and red hair said.
The one with black and white hair had been poking at their food, "It's fine, I didn't really want to come here."
"Riight, that's why you kept complaining about the job taking too long. You were mumbling about cute maids spelling your name on your omurice in your dreams." The last one with light purple hair teased.
"Shut up Nepped."
"What's that you always say Terra? No you?" Nepped retorted.
"Alright you two, behave. We're on guild grounds." The one with black and red hair leaned forward resting her chin on the back of her wrists. "Remember, we are supposed to be meeting our new fourth here today. So behave. If not for yourselves then do it for me." She said coyly.
"You're no fun." Terra said.
Nepped leaned back, "Alright, Holly."
Holly looked at Lucky, her silver eyes locking momentarily with Lucky's. Lucky quickly looked away, A maid cafe, that's what The Fool's Carol is. I see. Lucky absentmindedly consumed the rest of her lunaloaf and someone placed a plate of omurice down in front of her. Involuntarily she began devouring that as well. But more importantly. Lucky placed her hands under her bum to get them to stop shaking. Why can't I use my magic? She felt a twinge in her chest and she gripped her thigh tightly. The sound of the rowdy table getting up took her away from her toiling. She noticed that a fourth person had joined them. A Neko with silver hair that ended in blue tips was exchanging greetings with the other three.
Must be nice. Lucky slumped in her chair before shoveling the rest of her meal into her mouth. She watched for a handful of minutes as Karyl and the waitstaff busied about. Greeting and serving customers as they came and went. This place is BUSY! It wasn't much longer before Jamie rejoined Lucky at the table.
"So, where were we?" Jamie waved down one of the maids.
"I don't know." Lucky sighed.
Jamie raised his left eyebrow, "You sure you're okay?"
"I..." Lucky frowned, "Don't know."
Jamie leaned forward, "Do you want to go home?"
Lucky shook her head.
"Do you want anything else to eat?"
Lucky shook her head faster.
Jamie got a shit-eating grin,"Do you want to go for a walk?"
"I am not a dog." Lucky pouted.
"Alright, well let me know if there is anything I can do."
Lucky turned her head and mumbled under her breath, "You can shut up."
The server came over and took Jamie's order. Contrary to their conversation, Lucky excitedly ordered a bacon cheeseburger as well. With a click of the pen the server took off once more. Lucky stared at Jamie intently.
"What now?" Jamie sighed.
"You were pretty cool today." She said bluntly.
"Pbft. If you thought that was cool, you should see me when I'm actually working sometime."
Lucky shook her head, "Nah, I'm good."
"Why's that?" He asked.
"I don't like the idea of needing to be saved." Lucky shrugged, "I can't protect myself or anyone else right now. I'd be a liability." Jamie studied Lucky's expressionless face.
"Ya know, you aren't wrong but-" Jamie stopped talking as the server came back with their food and placed it in front of them.
He shifted his turkey sausage to one side of the plate, his scrambled eggs to another and left his hotcakes at the bottom most section. With a swift flick of his wrist each of his sausage links were split down the middle vertically. Reaching to the right he grabbed a small bottle of hot sauce and drizzled it over his eggs and the center of his sausage.
"Nice!" Pleased with himself he took a forkful of sausage and egg then shoved it into his mouth.
The two sat in silence as they pigged out on their respective meals. Lucky was the first to finish but not by much.
"Well that was delicious." Jamie patted his tummy.
Lucky simply nodded and waited in silence.
"Cat got your tongue?" Jamie smiled.
"I changed my mind. I would like to go home." Lucky's face remained neutral.
"Alright, yeah. Home sounds good. Is it okay if we go talk to Karyl one last time before we dip?"
Lucky's ears perked up and she nodded.
"Sweet," Jamie beamed, "Let's go."
Jamie and Lucky approached the counter and waited for Karyl to come greet them.
Karyl leaned on the counter,"Thanks for your help sugar, I think our new friend Chuck would have been 'Chucked' if you hadn't been so quick." She turned her attention to Lucky, "You okay love?"
"Mmhmm." Lucky responded.
"Well," Jamie slipped his hand in his pocket and pulled out his phone, "Take out the terminal so I can pay you before we take off."
Karyl pushed his phone away, "How many times do I have to tell ya, I'm not charging you for a damn thing. Now don't ask again or I'll call Betty."
Jamie hurriedly tossed his phone into his back pocket. "Y-yeah, let's not do that. I already have a headache." He said nervously.
"Thought so." Karyl winked, "So Lucky, do you have any plans for tomorrow?"
Lucky moped, "I don't have any plans... Ever."
Jamie and Karyl shared a brief glance. Karyl reached across the counter to place her hand on the back of Lucky's but Lucky quickly pulled away. She moved back a bit putting Jamie between her and Karyl.
"Please no touch, sorry." Lucky seemed flush.
Karyl smiled softly, "Hon you don't need to apologize. I'M sorry for making you uncomfortable."
Lucky shook her head, "It's alright."
"So," Karyl reached under the counter and pulled up a rectangular box with a ribbon on it. "If you're interested, I'd like you to swing by tomorrow and try working with me for the day."
Lucky's heart began to pound quickly, "Would Jamie be here too?"
"Unlikely," Jamie said softly, "I've got a party I need to help with a quest tomorrow." Jamie nodded in the direction of a party sat against a wall. Lucky recognized them as the group she had been watching earlier.
"Oh, okay." Lucky looked longingly at the party then back at Karyl, "What would I need to do?" She inquired.
"Not much, mostly look cute and tend to the counter. I will be here to show you the ropes all day until Jamie returns." Karyl smiled.
Lucky formed a small smile in return, "That sounds delightful."
Karyl slapped the counter, "Then it's settled, I'll see you both tomorrow! Oh, take this with you and open it up when you get home tonight. It's a gift from the five of us."
"The five?" Lucky tilted her head to the side.
"You'll meet everyone eventually." Jamie pushed off of the counter, "Alright, thank you very much Karyl. We'll see you tomorrow."
"Later sugar, stay safe."
"You too." Jamie waved as he headed for the exit.
Before they left the cafe Lucky felt like she was being watched. So she quickly looked to where the party was sitting. I knew it. She waved meekly at the four adventurers who had been sizing her up. Holly, Terra and the newcomer waved back while Nepped just followed her with her gaze.
*****
A little while later Jamie and Lucky returned to Jamie's cabin north of Aegis. The conversation on the way was noticeably lacking and Jamie's several attempts to get it going failed spectacularly. I'm getting a little worried. Actually, I know what to do. Jamie opened the door to their home.
"So, whatcha think Ankho will be up to tonight?" He asked.
"Probably learning a new character in City Brawler 6." Lucky's body skittered for a moment causing her to change into a pink button up pajama set with a black lunaloaf pattern on it. Her hair was changed to a messy bun and she had cute little wyvern studs in her ears. Good to know she likes Delilah and the lunaloaf that much.
"Ya know, I wish I could do that." Jamie grunted as he kicked off his boots.
"And I wish I could use my magic." Lucky pouted.
"Lucky, if it's really bothering you that much I can probably help you out if you want me to."
Lucky began to whine, "I don't wanna talk about it. Can we just watch Ankho in your room tonight?"
Jamie frowned, "I don't know why I ever worried about you. We walk through the door and you're already back to normal."
"ANNNNKHOOOO!!!" Lucky yelled and ran back to Jamie's bedroom.
"Alright, alright, We can watch it in there just this one time," Jamie followed, "I'll get it set up but I need to take a quick shower. Remember to get your own blanket. You CANNOT get under my sheets."
"Okayyy!" Lucky cheered from inside his bedroom.
Jamie quickly fiddled with his TV and got fidget.tv pulled up. After placing the box Karyl sent them home with on his dresser, he turned to see the mess of clothes still on his bed. Scoffing he tossed Lucky the remote and grabbed his night clothes.
"Remember," Jamie started talking.
"Get your own sheets," They said in unison.
Jamie rolled his eyes and went to the bathroom to clean up. I still can't believe I let one get a hold of her and another get away. Jamie leaned against the slate in his shower. I don't want to work tomorrow, I want to see her in the maid costume. Jamie pictured it for a moment then shook the image out of his head. Dude, pull yourself together. Alma is the only one for you. After taking his time getting dressed in his own plaid pajamas and kirbo shirt he moved a container with a suspicious liquid under the sink. After closing the cabinet he walked back to his now darkened room. The only light source was the TV flickering as Ankho combo'd other players on her stream. Looks like she put the clothes away. Jamie took a look at the stream admiring Ankho's Vtuber model. The character had bright blue hair with pink highlights and seemed to have a polar bear theme. The models' icey blue eyes and light blue nail polish were iconic in their own right. Jamie turned his attention to Lucky.
"So how is the- GET OUT FROM UNDER MY SHEETS YOU FREELOADER!!!" Jamie yelled frantically.
"Nope. Too comfy." Lucky grabbed the comforter and rolled facing the empty side of the bed.
"Lucky!" Jamie went to grab the remote, "I'll turn it off!"
"What? Scared?" Lucky goaded.
"Scared of what?"
"Laying next to a beautiful woman." Lucky tapped the bed beside her.
Jamie stood over the bed, not unlike a poltergeist, "Woman? Hardly." Jamie got into bed and turned up the stream a little, "Seriously, you cannot sleep in my bed every time you get upset or scared."
Lucky wiggled closer, "You said I could stay in here tonight though."
"No, I said you could watch the stream in here tonight." Jamie clarified.
"Bullshit." Lucky pouted, "Let me stay in here just for tonight." She pleaded.
Jamie put the remote on his night stand, "It's been 'just for tonight' half of the month..."
"Yeah, I know." Lucky's voice lazily trailed off as she began to snore lightly.
"You're such a pain in my ass." Jamie rested his hand on her head and gently rubbed it for her. "Goodnight Lucky."
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(Uploaded version is the initial draft of the work LxD. The final edited version will be available for purchase in the future and you can check the progress of the book by visiting Lucky's streams twitch.tv/TheLuckyTempest)