It took around an hour to calm Celine down, or rather, we. Because Mom eventually got involved when she heard Celine's shouts from the kitchen. She went upstairs and took Celine with her, gave her the talking-to, and then called down for dinner.
Dinner was pretty normal. It looks like Mom got through Celine and she realized that she had overreacted a little. However, a part of also thinks that Celine's just putting on a calm act in front of Mom. She's already shown her willingness to lie and hide things from Mom before. I don't see why she
However, that whole sequence of events got thinkingas if I already don't have a lot of things to think about. As stupid as it may sound, I do realize that I might make mistakes here and there. I'm not a mind reader, and I can't properly navigate my relationships with 100% accuracy as if I'm in a dating sim with a complete walkthrough guide.
The realization ca a little too late because everything had went swimmingly well so far. I've never really been in a position where I can make so egregious mistakes that can seriously damage my relationship.
Looking back, I can't recall a single mont where either Mom or Sis had been seriously angry with . Wait, no there was that event so weeks ago with cumming in Mom's mouth while she was scolding . I guess that's the worse offense I've made so far.
"I was planning to work on my nature magic or rewrite so of Chopin's pieces tonight" I muse on my own. But now I realize I need sothing that could placate them when they're angry.
Dinner's over and Celine had already gone back to her room. Mom looked like she was planning to wash the dishes but I told her I'd do it instead and she could go rest upstairs. In the anti, I planned how I would console my sister later.
I realize that I won't always make the correct decisions with the won I like and that every now and then, I might do things that will make them angry. So if I want to charm and seduce the won I desire, I must learn to soothe them when they are frustrated by my behavior.
It's better that I learn how to properly placate them now that they're only angry about small things like leaving without permission. After all, there are far more serious mistakes that could upset loved ones. Learning to soothe them through small disputes will be beneficial for more severe issues.
"The skill of diffusing female fury might be more important to than any magic spell I'll ever learn," I say to myself as I wash our plates. After all, there will be bumps to every relationship and pleasing upset won is a key part to unlocking their passions.
* * *
knock..knock..
I took my eyes off of the book that I was half-reading and looked towards the clock9:42 PM. For soone to co into my room this late in the evening, it could only be mom.
Inadvertently, I let out an exasperated sigh.
She's been all up on lately, saying that I need to start putting so distance between and Riel. I'm starting to regret asking that stupid question so ti ago about whether or not a brother and sister could get married. That was too big of a hint and Mom clearly picked up on it.
It can't be another sermon is it?
With a tired gait, I walked over to my door and opened it. I tried my best not to look fed up and spoke, "What is it again, Mo Oh?"
However, to my surprise, it wasn't mom. Rather, it was my younger brother, Maelriel, and he was all dressed up, scratching his head awkwardly as he looked at . Surprise and irritation battled within . "Why are you here?" I demanded. His sudden disappearance earlier had stirred up unwelco worries but I pushed those feelings down, keeping my tone cold.
His eyes t mine, filled with remorse. "I'm sorry for worrying you," he said smoothly. "I know you must have been concerned."
I remained firm. "Sorry doesn't cut it. I was frantic when you vanished."
As our earlier squabble replayed in my mind, sha washed over . My outburst would only fuel Mom's suspicions, shortening our already fleeting monts together before I start studying for the academy.
Riel's expression turned remorseful. "I know. I should have told you where I was going." He took a tentative step forward. "Please, let make it up to you."
I scoffed. "Save it, Riel. I'm not in the mood for your excuses."
He stepped forward, voice dipping lower. "Now now, please don't be like that." His gaze held mine, making uncomfortable. "I just wanted to see you."
I glared at him distrustfully. "To get sothing from , no doubt. You want to open my legs again, don't you? If so, then get lost," I hold the door, threatening to close it in his face.
I had so looked forward to our move to the city, envisioning romance in a place where no one knows us, where we could pass as a normal couple. But nothing had changed we remained brother and sister. No closeness was achieved, only empty lust.
Sex alone cannot sustain a relationship; it lacks romance and intimacy that I want. Riel clearly doesn't grasp this, content with ager secret etings. But I yearn for more true love, free from lies. That's why I went down this path, why I started studyingto gain enough glory that mother would have no choice but to accept our love.
Yet seeing Riel now, I chose not to voice these concerns. Instead I swallow my feelings, hiding behind coldness as protection. I know how terribly obsessed I am, how jealous I can get, but I'm not pathetic enough to lower myself and beg for affection.
'Am I overreacting?' Maybe..but so far, I feel like I'm the only one putting effort into us.
Perhaps the distance set by the academy would help clarify my feelings and desires, freeing from obsessive thinking. So until Riel proves himself willing to treat as an equal partner rather than a guilty pleasure, little hope remains for us.
"No, I'm not." Riel shook his head. "I've never been much of a sweet talker, nor am I good with words" Liar. I thought in my mind. "but actions do so much more than pretty words," he said.
I raise an eyebrow, "What are you gonna do?"
"Not '', but us." Riel said, then a sly smile crept onto his face.
"What if we sneak out of the house tonight, just you and I?" he suggested, voice slightly more mischievous. "We could spend a few secret hours exploring the city together."
"Huh??" I looked at the clock, about half a quarter from 10, and couldn't help but frown. "It's almost 10? Everyone's asleep by now." What do I have to gain by running along empty streets with him? There isn't even a lake or forest to explore here, just rows of blasted stone houses as far as the eyes could see.
Life in the village conditioned to think nothing good ca after nightfall.
"That's because you never broke the rules before," he remained unfazed and drew even closer to , and before I knew it he was already in my room.
'Since when was he this tall?' I thought in shock. He was only about half a head shorter than now!
"You must've been wondering why I took so long to co back ho earlier, right?" he suddenly said and my attention was piqued. "I actually wanted to beco more familiar with the city before I do this but you got angry, so I'm doing it now.." he said gently taking my hand, eyes filled with promise.
"Give this one night to make it up to you.." Suddenly, I felt bad about being angry with him leaving earlier
Against my better judgnt, I felt my defenses crumbling. The idea of a secret rendezvous held a forbidden appeal, stirring fantasies that I thought only existed in romance novels. Still, I remained cautious. "What if Mom wakes up and sees you're not in her room?" I say but he only laughed it off, replying:
"That won't happen. I know Mom's sleeping habits~"
I didn't know what made him so sure, but his confident tone made believe him. I wanted to say the door was locked but he then pointed to a window in my room.
'Surely, he doesn't an' I thought but he dragged with him as he flung it wide open..
The cool evening wind imdiately blew against my face the mont the window opened. "At least, let get changed, I can't go out dressed like this," I say looking at my sleeping wear. Riel was in no rush, and I went into my closet, changing into sothing more appropriate.
"Are you ready?" After I nod, he then swept off my feet as he lifted on his arms. I held back the gasp that almost escaped my lips when he jumped off the window with in his arms. "I won't let you fall, trust ." his soothing voice reassured just before we landed in front of our house.
Taking a look around the dark quiet street, all the street lamps were still brightly lit. We walked closer to the side of the road and I saw that people were yet wandering about and horse carriages still searched for passengers.
Riel raised a hand and before long, one of the carriages ca by in front of us and let us in. "Conley Ave, West Borough" he said an address and the coachman wordlessly got his horses to move in that direction.
Seeing us ride a carriage, I couldn't help but ask. "Do you have money?"
"Yes," Riel shrugged and when I asked him how he got any, he replied. "When mom asks to buy sothing, I don't return the change." he then shook a sizable leather pouch in front of , causing a jingling sound.
Eventually, we arrived to a bustling area filled with people. I couldn't believe my eyes. I recognize this place from when we checked out so clothes before but it wasn't this crowded before. There were more people here, this late in the evening, than there were when it was day!
"What are they doing here so late at night?" I asked my brother, stupefied by what I'm seeing. "Don't they have work tomorrow?"
My brother chuckled. "Most of them probably do." He smiled at my confusion. "The city never truly sleeps. All hours are counted equally here."
The constant activity surprised , so different from our quiet village. Back ho, night was for rest after a day's labors. Here everything continued long after sunset.
Riel watched my astonishnt with amusent. "A whole new world, isn't it?" he said gently.
I nodded slowly, taking it all in. The city's endless rhythm felt chaotic compared to the steady pace of the countryside. Yet sothing about it also fascinated , the round-the-clock energy and life.
Smiling, Riel squeezed my hand reassuringly. "We don't have to understand it all tonight." His voice soothed my bewildernt. "For now, let's just have fun exploring this place...together."
I instinctively looked around when I felt Riel's hand squeeze my hand. I was worried if people would recognize us as siblings here but no even turned a head towards us. Just a few glances at most.
In this vast city, we've never been around more people yet I've never felt more anonymous than I do tonight.
The strong wind blew and I could feel my hair flowing freely behind . Riel suggested we find a coffee shop to stay at and relax. We soon arrived at a cozy establishnt buzzing with activity.
Riel ordered us hot drinks and cakes, insisting on paying. I started to protest but he silenced with a gentle look. "Let take care of you, just for tonight," he said softly.
His thoughtful gesture touched . In this strange place, Riel's care and companionship felt reassuring. We sat close enough that his knee gently brushed mine beneath the table, making feel both fuzzy and embarrassed, wondering if we were being to touchy in public. In a flutter, I looked outside and saw how people interacted with each other.
At restaurants, I see couples shared tables close together, sotis holding hands above. In the theaters, many stylish pairs were attracted, strolling arm-in-arm between acts. I felt that we could copy their relaxed intimacy, blending inonly if we could spare enough money to actually view a performance live.
Outside again, we strolled arm-in-arm like any young couple. Lamps glowed golden against the darkness, their light glinting off the paved bricks and stones that composed the sidewalks and statuary.
Soon, we walked all the way to the park where a jester perford tricks by the streets, then we walked by a magic lantern show, and a bit further by the river, we saw peoplemostly couplestaking small romantic boat rides, paddling down the river together.
Riel sensed my cautious thoughts, smiling. "Just enjoy the mont. No need for pretense between us."
His comforting words seed truer here, our secret bond less strange amidst this new world's dazzling distractions. "You look like you've done this plenty of tis before already," I said having observed him closely throughout this entire ordeal.
"What do you an?" he asked.
"The city life." I say. "You don't look out of place here at allthe way you order at the restaurants, told not to dawdle in front of the theater, and even knew where the attractions areas if you've lived your entire life here."
Riel briefly froze before continuing, "I told you I had been planning for this right? I saving up curonnes until we could afford a theater performance, but this is alright as well"
Sha filled for overthinking, spoiling what might have been our first proper date. "Yeah, I just ruined your plans..sorry."
But Riel took my hand reassuringly. "Don't be. I'm happy just being with you." His touch eased my guilt, bringing a smile to my icy lips.
Then the two of us then went down the river bank, hand in hand.
Curious kitten that I was, I dipped a hand down the river only to regret it almost instantly as I touched sothing slimy underwater. "Eek?!" I cried out, hurriedly trying to remove all proof of contact on my skin.
Riel chuckled beside , asking "Stupid sister, why'd you do that?" I pouted and laughed it off, enjoying the sound of running water.
Then, all of a sudden, I heard a man's voice audibly lant, "Kids these days, even they're getting so before ." Looking up, I can see a man looking down at us from up the bridge. I couldn't see his face because of the dark, but I imagine it must've been green with envy.
Annoyance flared within but Riel squeezed my hand. He looked at with mischievous eyes and said, "Let's make him even angrier."
He then wrapped his arms around my waist as he pulled in for a kissright in public! His warm lips thawed mine that had turned cold. I wanted to sink in to his embrace but I felt embarrassed at doing sothing so intimate in public and couldn't help but want to look around.
However, he felt fidget and held my head still, not allowing to move an inch. I had no choice but to close my eyes and accept his tender kiss despite any onlookers' stares. I felt my heart flutter at his sudden boldness, whatever anger I may have had before was washed away.
"Oh my goodness, what has beco of this generation.." the man grumbled from above the bridge before walking away.
My brother's kiss still lingered on my lips as the church bells echoed through the night, marking midnight and a new day.
Only then did Riel release , his violet eyes curled in amusent as he giggled, "That'll teach him."
I smiled shyly at his words. "I hope one day...the church bells ring just like this, but for another reason."
Riel gazed at curiously. "What do you an?"
My cheeks ward. "Just...a dream."
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