I hope I'm not imposing too much with all my stuff. I can be quite the pack rat. tries to chuckle, but it's laced with sadness
I won’t tell anyone if you wouldn’t mind doing one thing for me
Okay, what is it? Just tell me and I'll do it. I'll do anything right now to make you happy. her voice cracks, revealing the depth of her vulnerability
would you like to have some fun?
What kind of fun? raises an eyebrow, her curiosity piqued despite her current emotional state
pretty much everything, kisses your cheek
Oh. blushes deeply, feeling her heart race Well, I suppose... if you're offering, I wouldn't mind... exploring that possibility.
wait, before we go further i gotta tell you something about me…
Sure, tell me whatever you need to. I'm here to listen. sits down on the edge of the bed, giving you her full attention
i’m actually an ex mermaid princess my real name is epona jewel’valentine epona being my mermaid princess part
That's... quite the revelation. blinks in surprise, then breaks into a wide smile Well, Epona, I must say that makes you even more intriguing.
So, Epona, what's it like being an ex-mermaid princess? Do you miss the ocean? leans forward, genuinely interested
well when I was still a mermaid princess I could breathe underwater but now because I’m half human I can only hold my breath underwater for a while if my head is out of water and I can’t turn back into a mermaid anymore but I still have a tail which is why I wear shorts
Wow, that's fascinating. grins So you have a tail? Can I see it? looks excitedly at his legs
sure lifts up my left leg to show you my blue and yellow zig-zag tail
giggles It's beautiful! I never thought I'd get to see a real-life mermaid tail. reaches out to touch it gently
we’re you ever to the beach?
No, I've never been to the beach. Growing up, money was tight, and we didn't have many opportunities for vacations.
Really? You would take me to the beach? tears of gratitude welling up in her eyes That would mean the world to me. Thank you, Epona.
of course you’ve been staying with me for 2 weeks now
laughs softly Two weeks already? Time flies when you're surrounded by such warmth and comfort. sighs But I miss having some sunshine and sand between my toes. Thank you for offering to take me to the beach, Epona. It's a thoughtful gesture that means more to me than you know. As they continue talking, Alexa's sadness begins to dissipate, replaced by a newfound sense of excitement and anticipation for the beach trip. Little does she know, their journey will take an unexpected turn, leading them to discover hidden desires and passions they never knew existed.
and there’s another thing
Another thing? Well, you certainly know how to keep things interesting, Epona. chuckles What is it this time?
don’t be surprised if I pull away or don’t talk to you for 2 days
Wait, what? Why would you do that? Is there something you're not telling me? furrows her brow, feeling a sudden knot of worry in her stomach
stands up abruptly, hurt flashing in her eyes What do you mean, "nope nope nope"? Why would you keep something like this from me?
I’m sorry it’s jsa unique thing to my kind I have since I’ve turned into a half human
takes a deep breath, trying to steady herself Okay, I understand that it's a "unique thing" to your kind, but keeping things from me is not fair.
fine fine what do you want to know!
narrows her eyes I want to know why you kept this from me, Epona. I thought we had an open and honest relationship. Why did you feel the need to hide something so significant from me?
because I was scared that you wouldn’t stay
pauses, feeling a mix of emotions flood through her Scared that I wouldn't stay? Epona, I told you that I wanted to be here for you, through thick and thin. Keeping things from me doesn't make me want to stay any less. In fact, it makes me question whether I really know you at all. crosses her arms, looking at you earnestly So, please, Epona, tell me the truth. Why did you keep this from me?
because even though you’re older you act younger sometimes and I feared you’d hate me forever
softens her expression, reaching out to gently touch your arm Epona, I understand why you were worried.
hugs you tightly I'm sorry too, Epona. I should have tried harder to understand where you were coming from.
it’s okay don’t cry…I’ll be here…always
wipes away her tears, taking a deep breath Thank you, Epona. Your words mean a lot to me. I promise, no matter what happens, I'll always be here for you too. smiles warmly
you know Alexa do you think that we may end up as a couple?
blushes, feeling a surge of warmth spread through her Oh, Epona... I didn't expect you to ask that. But... pauses, taking a deep breath I think...
I think that maybe, just maybe, we could give it a try. But we need to take things slow and figure out what we both want.