Clearwater University
The following day, Clearwater University thrummed with energy, the very air charged with anticipation and curiosity.
It was as if the campus itself had come alive, every corner buzzing with the electric hum of conversation.
News of the confrontation between Leores and Keshawn had spread with the speed and intensity of a wildfire, setting ablaze the imaginations of students and faculty alike.
Tight-knit groups formed like clusters of bees, each one animatedly recounting the dramatic events of the previous night, tales growing more fantastical and daring with each retelling.
Leores, once a shadowy strategist known only to a select few, had emerged from obscurity to become an overnight icon, a figure of boldness and intrigue whose story captivated the hearts of all who heard it.
As he walked beside Lishcelle through the sprawling campus, they were the focal point of countless eyes, the air around them thick with a heady mix of admiration and speculation.
Whispers danced through the crowd like flickering candlelight, fingers pointed in their direction, and a few daring individuals even offered spirited thumbs-up gestures.
Lishcelle, at first bewildered by the sudden attention, felt a tide of confusion lap at her senses. Why is everyone so interested in us? she wondered, her mind grappling with the mystery.
But as the rumors began to unravel around her, each thread weaving into a vibrant tapestry of chaos and danger, understanding dawned upon her like a sunrise.
“Keshawn tried to what!?” she exclaimed, her eyes widening, pupils dilating with shock as the whispers crescendoed into a fever pitch.
Leores, however, remained cool and collected, a grin teasing the corners of his lips as he shrugged off the astonishment.
“Yeah, but it’s cool. I mean, I knocked his jaw sideways after all.” His nonchalance only served to heighten the thrill of the tale, turning what could have been a sordid altercation into a badge of honor, a story to be retold and revered, echoing through the annals of campus lore for years to come.
But Lishcelle was having none of it.
The disbelief in her voice crackled like a storm on the horizon.
“What the hell, Leo? Why would you do something like that?” Her words were charged with a tempest of worry and fury, swirling around them.
“Shh! Don’t call me Leo in public, Lish,” Leores hissed, his gaze skimming the bustling corridors of Clearwater University.
“He had a gun pointed at me and thirty-five guys backing him. What was I supposed to do?” I couldn’t just stand there and let him have his way.
“But Leores… the cops? What happens now?” Her voice trembled with anxiety, the tremor revealing the depths of her fear as her eyes searched his face, hoping to find some flicker of doubt or unease.
“He goes to jail, plain and simple,” Leores replied with a nonchalance born of experience, drawing from a well of past encounters that had tested his mettle time and again.
“Don’t worry about it. I’m fine; he’s in the hospital getting his jaw wired before heading off to prison. Everything’s good,” he added with a reassuring smile, though the tension in his shoulders betrayed his facade.
“But what about Sydney?” Lishcelle’s concern deepened, her brow furrowing as she pressed for answers. “Is she okay?”
“Her and Abbie made it there safely. Sydney was… grateful.” Leores rubbed the back of his neck, the memory of her embrace bringing a flicker of heat to his cheeks.
A bit too grateful, he mused, the thought trailing off into the recesses of his mind.
Lishcelle’s grip on her bag tightened, her posture turning rigid.
“What do you mean ‘a bit too grateful’?” Her tone sharpened, slicing through the air like a blade, demanding honesty.
“Just… very touchy, that’s all. Nothing else happened, though,” Leores insisted, his words light and dismissive, though he could feel the intensity of Lishcelle’s gaze boring into him, unyielding and skeptical.
Her eyes, narrowed to slits, remained locked onto his.
“Don’t lie to me, Leores. I know when you’re hiding something.” A steely determination laced her voice, a testament to her insight.
In that moment, amidst the throng of students and under the fluorescent glare of overhead lights, the weight of unspoken truths hung heavy between them, a palpable presence threatening to unravel everything they thought they understood.
“What exactly do you expect me to say? ‘Yes, we had sex.’ Do you really think I wouldn’t tell you if I did? You know how blunt I can be,” Leores retorted, his words laced with a defensive edge.
He could sense the tempest of jealousy swirling within Lishcelle, her unease almost palpable.
Yet, he was determined not to fuel the fire with deceit.
He exhaled slowly, striving to navigate her emotions, though her jealousy felt like an irritating itch beneath his skin.
“Look, if you can’t trust me, then just ask Sydney,” he suggested, hoping to douse the rising tension.
“You know what? I think I will,” Lishcelle snapped back, her voice vibrating with fury. “I’ll call her right now and demand to know what the hell happened!”
Leores sighed, rolling his eyes as he turned away from her. “Do what you have to do, Lish,” he called over his shoulder, each word threaded with irritation.
He lacked the bandwidth to navigate Lishcelle’s emotional whirlpool.
Between the weight of his academic responsibilities, the relentless dynamics of the fraternity, and the chaotic fallout with Keshawn, he simply didn’t have time to justify himself.
With determination, Lishcelle pulled out her phone, her fingers moving swiftly over the screen as she dialed Sydney.
The phone rang once, then twice, before Sydney’s voice finally broke through the tension on the line.
“What’s up, Lishcelle…” Sydney greeted, punctuating her words with a yawn, the remnants of a hangover evident in her voice. “What’s going on?”
“You tell me,” Lishcelle replied, her voice as cold as ice. “What the hell happened with you and Leores last night?”
“Nothing much, we just talked… He’s a very good listener, by the way. I was surprised that he’s not going to school for psychology like me.”
“Yeah, he’s got that whole knight-in-shining-armor vibe going on,” Lishcelle remarked, her voice dripping with sarcasm. “But tell me, when exactly did you decide to thank him in such a ‘personal’ way?”
Sydney giggled, the sound light and teasing. “Wow, you seem pretty upset over your single friend.” She teased, aware of the undercurrent of jealousy in Lishcelle’s voice.
“But if you really want to know, all we did was talk about my feelings and stuff,” she replied, attempting to keep her tone neutral.
Lishcelle could hear the smile in Sydney’s voice, which only served to further kindle her annoyance.
“Just talking, huh? Did he mention anything about me?” she asked, striving to mask the jealousy that laced her words.
“No, he was just really focused on making sure I was alright. Mostly mentally though,” Sydney replied, her voice tinged with a hint of sadness.
“But, I don’t need to be a scientist to know that he really respects you. When you called him, he left immediately.”
“Well, if that’s all that happened, then I guess I don’t have anything to be worried about,” Lishcelle said, her words more an attempt to convince herself than Sydney.
She goes to end the call, but her mind a whirlwind of thoughts and emotions.
Sydney’s words echoed in her mind, “But why do you care so much? Not like he’s your boyfriend or anything.” Lishcelle’s heart pounded in her chest, a rhythm of confusion and longing.
She didn’t understand why she felt so possessive over Leores, but she did.
Perhaps it was because he was the only real friend she had here, or perhaps it was because she saw something in him that no one else did.
Either way, she couldn’t shake the feeling that she was losing him to Sydney.
“Lish, you want me to be 100% with you?” Sydney’s voice cut through her thoughts, clear despite the hangover. “I’ll be lying if I didn’t want to fuck him last night…”
Lishcelle felt a cold knife twist in her gut, the confession hitting her harder than any physical blow.
“What?!” she exclaimed, her voice echoing down the hallway.
“I don’t know why you do it, he’s just so… So fuckin’ hot, sweet and…” Sydney’s voice trailed off, her words charged with a heat that made her more turned on.
Lishcelle’s face flushed with a mixture of embarrassment and anger, her cheeks burning as if lit by an inner fire.
“Look, Sydney, I’ve got to go. I need to talk to Leores,” she said abruptly, cutting the conversation short.
Her voice was sharper than intended, but she couldn’t help it, the emotions swirling within her were too potent, too consuming.
“Just know this… I respect your resistance to not melting around him, but he’s fair game. So I’m going to shoot my shot every time, Lishcelle.” With that parting comment, Sydney hung up, leaving Lishcelle standing in the hallway, her thoughts a chaotic mess.
Her heart raced, pounding against her ribcage as she replayed the conversation in her mind.
Why do I care so much? she questioned herself, struggling to untangle the web of feelings.
Leores was single, free to see anyone he chose.
Yet something about the way Sydney spoke about him, the way she said his name, it was as if she had laid claim to him, and it irked Lishcelle to no end.
She clenched her fists, nails biting into her palms as she fought to quell the fiery jealousy that coursed through her veins.
I can’t believe this is happening again, she thought, memories of past insecurities threatening to engulf her.
She had been there for him, through thick and thin, supporting him, helping him become the person he was today.
And now, it felt as though she was being eclipsed, pushed aside for someone else.
“Game on, bitch… Game. On,” Lishcelle muttered under her breath, the words a declaration of determination and defiance.
She shoved her phone into her pocket, her movements sharp and decisive, and stomped off toward the dining hall.
She needed food, not to satiate hunger but to channel her simmering fury into something tangible, something she could control.
As she walked, her mind remained a tumult of thoughts and emotions, the corridors of Clearwater University blurring around her.
Each step echoed her resolve, her determination to not let Sydney, or anyone else, dictate her relationship with Leores.
She wouldn’t be sidelined, not now, not after everything.
Few hours later
Leores ambled across the bustling Clearwater University campus, fresh from his ethics class.
Despite his diligent study, human emotions remained an enigmatic puzzle he hadn’t quite pieced together.
“All these years of trying to understand emotions and I’m still a fucking amateur,” he muttered to himself, weaving through the throng of students, each absorbed in their own worlds.
“Hold on, bro,” a voice called out, cutting through his introspection.Leores turned, spotting Marcus, a beefy guy from the fraternity he'd met briefly at a recent party. Marcus sported a wide grin and a mischievous glint in his eye.
“I heard what happened with that douchebag Keshawn. You’re the man!” Marcus exclaimed, slapping Leores on the back with enough force to knock the wind out of an ordinary person.
Leores scrutinized him for a moment, trying to recall faces from the party.
“Oh, you’re Marcus, right? The guy who showed me where the food was,” he said, piecing together the memory.
“That’s right! Marcus, the legendary football quarterback of Clearwater!” Marcus laughed, his hand still firm on Leores’ back. “So, you really knocked Keshawn’s jaw off its hinges?”
“Yeah… Sorry for being a bit of a dick, but I’m a little suspicious of the ASOD, since one of your members tried to kill me yesterday,” Leores replied, striving for politeness despite his wariness.
Marcus’s smile remained unwavering.
“Don’t worry about it, man. We don’t all see eye to eye on things, especially when it comes to exes. But hey, if you’re looking to blow off some steam, we’ve got a game coming up. You should come check it out,” he offered, handing Leores a flyer for an upcoming fraternity football match.
The flyer felt hot in Leores’ hand, the memory of Keshawn’s touch still fresh.
“I don’t know, I’ve got a lot on my plate right now,” he said, his tone non-committal.
“Come on, it’ll be fun! And who knows, maybe you’ll find someone to take your mind off things,” Marcus suggested with a wink, implying he had someone specific in mind.
“Yeah, well, I already have someone who’s trying to do what you’re implying,” Leores said with a smirk, thinking of Lishcelle, who was likely in the dining hall at that moment, probably venting her frustrations on a plate of food.
“But I’ll think about it,” he added, folding the flyer and tucking it into his pocket.
Marcus chuckled, noting the smirk. “I’ll take that as a maybe. But seriously, come check us out. We could use someone like you on the team,” he said before strolling away, leaving Leores to his thoughts once again.
Leores raised an eyebrow, considering the offer.
“I’m not sure about that; I’m not even as big as you guys. I’m more of a strategy guy than a sports guy,” he admitted, wary of diving into the frat’s social scene.
Marcus chuckled again. “Don’t worry about that, we’ve got brains and brawn. You’d be perfect for strategy. Plus, it’s a co-ed game, and let’s just say we could use some of that ‘brain’ on our side.” His wink this time carried a clearer meaning.
Leores pondered the idea. He could easily tackle the game alone against ordinary opponents, but the concept of a team sport intrigued him, something he hadn’t truly considered before.
A challenge like this might not be so bad, he mused, contemplating the possibilities.
It could indeed be an intriguing challenge, a chance to flex his strategic muscles in a real-world setting, far removed from the theoretical confines of his textbooks.
"Okay, it’s not like it’s a real game anyway, so I might as well go check it out," Leores murmured to himself, curiosity starting to override his initial reservations.
The prospect of engaging in a team sport, where intellect and physical prowess could blend seamlessly, stirred something within him.
As he continued his walk toward the dining hall, the thought of encountering Sydney again danced on the edges of his mind, a presence he tried to dismiss with little success.
Even Leores, with his calculated demeanor and sharp intellect, wasn’t entirely immune to the charms of the fairer sex.
There was something about Sydney's easy laughter and the way she seemed to understand people, even in their most complex forms, that intrigued him.
Yet, he knew better than to let such thoughts cloud his judgment.
He valued his friendship with Lishcelle too much to let a fleeting attraction interfere.
Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings.
Still, the dual pull of curiosity and attraction made him pause, adding another layer to the intricate web of emotions and relationships that was his life at Clearwater University.
As he entered the dining hall, the familiar blend of scents and sounds enveloped him, grounding him momentarily as he scanned the bustling space for Lishcelle.
The Hughes house
A few hours later, Leores found himself sprawled on the couch at home, his mind a whirlwind of thoughts and emotions from the past 24 hours.
Everything seemed to be moving too fast.
He had barely managed to vent his frustrations to Eris, and now he was entangled in a potential love triangle with Lishcelle and Sydney.
"God... It’s so annoying knowing what’s going on with those two," he muttered to himself, eyes fixed on the ceiling.
Just then, Lilia entered the living room, mixing a bowl of cake batter with a whisk.
She wore a crop top and short shorts, highlighting her toned stomach and long, tanned legs.
Her hair was pulled back in a ponytail, and her glasses were slightly fogged from the kitchen's heat.
“Welcome home, Leo. Seems like you had a rough day,” Lilia remarked with a knowing smile, her eyes catching the tension etched across his face.
“Yes ma’am, I think I’m caught in some sort of love triangle now,” Leores replied, his voice tinged with annoyance and fatigue.
Lilia's smile widened as she set the bowl down on the coffee table.
“Oh, is that so?” she asked, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. “Tell me more, who are the lucky girls?”
“Lishcelle and this girl Sydney. I mean, Sydney seems to like me just because I showed her basic human attention, and Lishcelle is acting very jealous of Sydney for no reason,” Leores sighed, rubbing his forehead in exasperation.
Lilia's grin turned knowing. “Ah, the classic case of unrequited love and new romance. But remember, Leo, with great power comes great responsibility,” she quipped, echoing a famous superhero catchphrase.
“This isn’t Spider-Man; I already know the implications,” Leores grumbled, sitting up and leaning forward. “But thanks for the life advice, Mrs. Hughes.”
Lilia pouted playfully and pinched his cheek. “You stopped calling me and Maes mom and dad after Eris left for college, you know?”
“I’m just trying to be respectful since you’re not my real mom and dad,” Leores said, a slight smile breaking through despite the seriousness of their conversation.
Lilia chuckled softly, her demeanor warm and understanding. “Respectful or not, you’re still family to us, Leo. Remember that.”
He nodded, appreciating the sentiment. In this moment, surrounded by the comforting familiarity of home, the chaos of the day seemed to ease, if only temporarily.
The complexities of his relationships and the rapid pace of recent events remained, but here, in this space, he found a semblance of peace.
Lilia’s expression softened, her maternal instincts shining through. “I know you are, sweetie. But we’re here for you, always. Now, tell me more about this Sydney,” she said, her eyes lighting up with interest.
Leores rolled his eyes, yet he couldn’t suppress the small smile that played on his lips as he recounted the events of the night before—how Sydney had opened up to him, and the unexpected connection they had shared.
As he spoke, he began to realize that his feelings for her were deeper than he initially thought.
“Oh yeah… I think I know what’s happening,” Lilia said, her voice filled with mirth. “You’re really good at telling people the right thing at the right time.”
Leores looked at her skeptically. “What do you mean?”
“I mean that you have the most attractive trait any guy could have: you make people feel heard and understood,” Lilia explained as she sat next to him on the couch. “And that’s something that makes people gravitate towards you, especially women.”
Leores stared at her, the realization of his charm not fully setting in yet. “But I didn’t do anything special, I just talked to her.”
“Exactly, you just talked to her. And sometimes that’s all it takes. But remember, with that charm comes the responsibility to be honest and not lead anyone on,” Lilia said, her voice gentle but firm.
Leores palmed his face, feeling a sudden migraine coming on.
“Thanks for the advice, mom, but I’m pretty sure I can handle this without turning into a heartbreaker,” he tried to lighten the mood.
Lilia laughed and gave him a warm, tight hug.
“I know you can, sweetheart,” she whispered in his ear.
“But you’re also human, and humans make mistakes.” Her words were gentle, but they struck him with the weight of truth.
Leores hugged her back, a deep sense of comfort settling in with her unconditional love.
He sighed heavily, feeling the weight of his decisions pressing down on him.
“Thanks, mom. I don’t know what I’d do without you guys,” he said, his voice muffled against her shoulder.
“I love you, Leores,” Lilia said, her voice filled with warmth and sincerity as she wrapped her arms around him, her embrace like a gentle cocoon shielding him from the storm outside.
“Mhm.” Leores nodded, feeling warmth spread through his chest at her words.
Lilia rolled her eyes; he never did say he loved her or Maes yet, but the warmth of her embrace was all he needed.
She pulled back and looked at him, her gaze soft and knowing. “You know, Leo, love isn’t just about the big gestures. It's the little things you do every day that show people you care.”
“I know, mom,” he said before standing up. “I’m going to my room to sleep. I’ll see you later, mom.”
Lilia nodded. “Alright, sweetie, get some rest. You’ve had quite the day.” She watched him as he walked away, her heart filled with a mix of pride and concern.
Just as Leores closed the door to his room, Maes returned from work.
“Hey, Leo’s not here, right?” Maes called out, a blend of hope and weariness in his voice.
Lilia giggled a little. “Unfortunately, he is, hubby. No sexy time tonight, unfortunately,” she teased, handing him the bowl of cake batter.
“Fuck!” Maes exclaimed, tossing his hat on the hat rack in frustration. “Remind me why he doesn’t get a dorm at school?”
Lilia chuckled, handing him a spatula. “Because he’s family, darling, and we don’t kick family out when they need a place to stay,” she said, her voice light. “Plus, he feels comfortable being able to have access to his weaponry, assassin remember?”
Maes sighed, his shoulders slumping in defeat. “Yeah, I guess you’re right,” he said, taking the spatula from her. “You making a cake? What’s this for?”
“It’s for Eris’ birthday, remember?” Lilia said, her tone slightly scolding. “We’re going to surprise her with it tonight. I know she’s been busy with her studies, but she deserves a little bit of happiness.”
“She’s coming home in the morning? Does Leo know?” Maes asked, his voice filled with excitement.
Lilia nodded, a smile playing on her lips. “Not yet, it’s a surprise. I thought it would be nice for them to have some time together, to catch up and enjoy each other’s company.”
Maes grinned, the prospect of a family reunion lifting his spirits. “That sounds perfect. I’m sure Leo will be thrilled to see her.”
Lilia smiled, feeling a sense of contentment wash over her.
“Yes, it will be good for all of us. Now, let’s finish this cake before Leo decides to wander back in here,” she said, taking the bowl back and resuming her mixing, her heart full of warmth and love for her family.
Lilia nodded, a knowing smile playing on her lips. “Yes, I talked to her. I didn’t tell him, but I’m pretty sure he knows that it’s her birthday. It’s hard to keep a secret from Leo,” she said, her voice carrying a hint of pride.
“Yeah, that’s our little lie detector, always sniffing out the truth,” Maes chuckled as he began to scrape the sides of the bowl. “But seriously, how is he dealing with everything?”
“Oh, he’s already having girl problems, is all,” Lilia replied with a knowing smile. “But he’ll figure it out. He’s a smart kid.”
Maes rolled his eyes, acknowledging that Leores was far from a typical teenager. “Great, just what we need, a love triangle with an assassin in the mix.”
“Maes, don’t say that!” Lilia admonished, her eyes wide with feigned horror. “Leores is much more than just an assassin. He’s our son, and he deserves to be happy.”
“I know, but… Can he even have a healthy relationship? He doesn’t understand the concept of love really. I mean, we love him to death, but he never said it back to us,” Maes said, his voice tinged with doubt and concern.
Lilia looked at him, her expression softening. “Maes, he’s more human than you think. He just shows his love differently. And as for relationships, we can’t control who he loves or how he loves. We can only support him and hope he finds happiness.”
Maes pulled her into a hug. “I know, babe… Leo is smart, but his Asperger’s can really mess with his emotional intelligence,” he said, concern lacing his words.
Lilia nodded, understanding her husband’s worries. “It’s not just about the Asperger’s, though. He’s had to deal with so much in his life. But he’s come so far, and I truly believe he’s capable of understanding and expressing love in his own way.”
“I have hope, I have hope,” Maes murmured to himself, echoing the sentiment as he helped her cook dinner and prepare the cake.
Their shared tasks provided a moment of unity, a reminder of the strength and resilience that their family embodied.
As they worked together in the kitchen, the aroma of baking cake filled the air, mingling with the warmth of their conversation.
Despite the challenges Leores faced, both Lilia and Maes held onto the belief that he was capable of finding his own path to happiness, guided by the love and support that surrounded him.
Early in the Morning
Leores was sleeping peacefully in his bed when he suddenly felt something heavy on his chest.
Opening his eyes, he found Eris sitting on top of him, a giant smile lighting up her face.
“Good morning, my ‘brother~’” Eris sang, bouncing slightly on his chest, causing the mattress to squeak under her weight.
Her eyes sparkled with mischief as she watched Leores’ sleep-filled gaze slowly focus on her.
“So… You came home for your birthday, huh? That’s sweet of you, Eris,” Leores said groggily, his voice thick with sleep.
He was both happy and slightly annoyed at being woken up like this, but it was good to see her after so long.
“I had to! I can’t miss out on all the fun!” Eris replied, her smile widening. Leaning down, she whispered in his ear, “Besides, I heard you got into a bit of trouble with some random asshole, and I wanted to make sure you weren’t lying to me when you said you were okay.”
“Ah, they told you? It’s not that deep, actually,” Leores said, trying to play it cool as he sat up and rubbed his eyes.
Eris wrapped her arms around his neck, holding him in a tight embrace.
“Mmm~ I’ve missed you so much, Leo. Tell me everything,” she said, her voice full of warmth and affection.
Leores felt a comforting sensation spread through his chest, unrelated to the heat of the room or Eris’ presence on him.
“It’s nothing, just some idiot with a gun and a grudge,” he mumbled, trying to downplay the seriousness of the situation.
“Yeah, I know, but I still get worried,” Eris said, her grip tightening slightly.
“You’re the only guy who’s important to me, and I can’t have you getting hurt.” Her voice was filled with genuine concern, and Leores couldn’t help but feel a pang of guilt for keeping her in the dark about his true identity and past.
Leores gently pulled her arms away. “I know, but I’m fine. Anything in-between isn’t relevant,” he said, trying to change the subject before she could probe further.
Eris pouted cutely, but she knew when to let things go.
She hopped off Leores and wandered over to the bedside table, picking up a framed picture of the two of them from when they first met.
“You’ve really changed, Leo,” she said wistfully, her eyes scanning the image of a much younger Leores standing next to her, both wearing awkward smiles. “You’re not just the cold, emotionless guy I met anymore.”
Leores got up and started stretching before getting dressed. “You guys are obviously the only ones who see that. Everyone at school doesn’t seem to know,” he grumbled while grabbing his clothes.
“Well, maybe if you smiled more and showed more emotion on your face, people wouldn’t get that idea of you, Leo. Besides, we’re all here for you,” Eris said, her eyes never leaving the picture as she spoke.
Leores finished dressing, and Eris put the picture down, wrapping her arms around his hips and looking up at him.
“You don’t mind giving a girl a quickie, right~?” she said with a wink, her tone playful.
Leores raised an eyebrow at her boldness. “Now?! Mom and dad are downstairs, plus I’ve got to go to school,” he said, his voice laced with a hint of amusement.
“True, but since you have amazing hearing, your room is the only one soundproof. Besides…” Eris leaned closer, her breath tickling his ear, “I’ve missed you, and I want to make sure you know how much.”
Leores couldn’t help but smirk at her audacity, even if it was a bit embarrassing.
“I’ve missed you too, Eris. But maybe we should save the… reunion for later?” he suggested, stepping out of her embrace and heading for the door.
Eris wasn’t having it and grabbed him by the back of his school collar.
Leores sighed, remembering how demanding she could be sometimes, but it was also one of the things he liked about her.
Despite the chaos, he valued the connection they shared, knowing it was rare and genuine.
"Alright, alright," Leores conceded, a bit annoyed but willing to oblige.
"But only because it’s your birthday." Eris grinned mischievously and playfully pushed him back onto the bed, making him sit down.
Leores was taken aback by her newfound strength.
Despite her appearance suggesting he weighed about 170 pounds, he knew he’d actually weighed 510 pounds due to her unique circumstances.
"What kind of training did she do?" he wondered, eyes widening as Eris playfully overpowered him.
She had always been fit, but this was something else.
Eris positioned herself between his legs.
"I’ve been needing some 'D' for months now; you can’t blame me for being a bit... eager," she said with a smug grin.
The room, blessedly soundproof, kept their giggles and occasional moans contained as they reconnected in their own unique way.
Afterward, Leores emerged from the room looking drained, while Eris walked beside him, wiping her lips and smiling brightly.
"How... did you do that with your tongue?" Leores asked, cheeks flushed as he tried to compose himself.
Eris winked at him. "It's all part of the charm," she replied, her voice low and teasing.
"But really, I've been taking some... private lessons," she added with a mischievous smile.
They sat down at the table to eat. Maes noticed how tired Leores appeared.
"You okay, Leores? Looks like something snatched your soul out of your body," Maes chuckled.
Leores struggled to respond, unsure if it was a sexual innuendo or not. "I'm fine," he said, trying to maintain his composure.
"Just had a rough night." He hoped his voice didn’t betray his lie.
"Yeah, dad. Leo didn’t get 'sucked' up by an alien last night," Eris quipped, her eyes glinting with mischief.
"Just had some... personal stuff to deal with," she said with a knowing smile, taking a bite of the cake she’d been eyeing.
Leores shot her a look that said, "Are you serious...?" but quickly composed himself and took a bite of his breakfast.
The taste of the food didn’t quite match the awkwardness in his mouth.
"Oh, and Leo, I'm going to school with you today," Eris said casually, as if it were the most natural thing in the world.
Leores almost spit out his food in surprise. "What? Why?" he asked, his voice a mix of shock and curiosity.
"Well, Eris wants to explore the campus of your school a little, sweetie. Besides, she just wanted to make sure you don’t get into any trouble," Lilia said with a knowing smile, placing a plate of pancakes in front of him.
"Besides, you two not being related would probably get those females to stop bugging you, Leores. You should be happy," Maes said, winking at him.
Leores covered his face in embarrassment. "You guys are going to make my social life harder... Plus there’s a community football event today that’s unisex—" Leores began before being cut off by Eris’s excited squeal.
"Unisex football!? I'm definitely going! I can’t wait to dog these fools!" Eris exclaimed, her eyes lighting up with excitement.
She had always been the competitive type, and the prospect of playing against both guys and girls in a football game was like a dream come true for her.
"Oh God..." Leores said, looking up.
"Lord... I know I'm not pure, but why me though?" he muttered to himself, trying to ignore the smirks on his parents' faces.
"Now Eris, don’t be putting these guys and girls in the hospital. I’m getting sick of paying medical bills," Maes said with a serious face, though his eyes twinkled with pride.
Eris just rolled her eyes. "Don’t worry, daddy. I’ll go easy on them," she said, her voice dripping with sarcasm.
"And you better not be drinking, Eris. You’re 19, not 21. No funny business with the frat boys," Lilia said with a stern look, though the corner of her mouth twitched with amusement.
"I'm not a child anymore, mom. Besides, Leo is too good of company to be worried about them," Eris said, popping a grape into her mouth and giving a cheeky grin.
Leores leaned into her ear. "Stop making undercover sex jokes," he whispered to Eris, but she just giggled harder, making his cheeks burn even more.
He quickly ate his breakfast, trying to ignore the smirks from Lilia and Maes.
He knew they were just teasing him, but it was still embarrassing.
Despite the playful banter, he felt grateful for their support and presence in his life.
On the Streets of Baton Rouge
After finishing breakfast, Leores and Eris began their walk to the university, with Leores still feeling a bit annoyed by Eris’s forwardness.
“Why couldn’t we take your motorcycle? Why walk 1.5 miles to school every day? That’s 30 minutes,” Eris complained, her breath forming mist in the cold morning air.
“Because freshmen are not allowed to drive in their first year, that’s the rules.” Leores replied, trying to maintain a calm and steady voice.
The conversation was making him more nervous than he cared to admit.
“Ah, right. The ‘you’re not a real adult yet’ rule,” Eris said with a dramatic roll of her eyes.
She enjoyed teasing him, especially after their earlier encounter. “But it’s not like you need to worry about that, Leo. You’re the golden boy around here now."
Leores stopped and looked down at her.
“Look, I care about you. I really do. But that flirty crap stays outside of my campus. We’re just normal foster siblings, alright?” he said with a stern voice.
Eris smiled sweetly at him. “Okay, I’ll be good,” she promised, patting his cheek lightly.
“Dead ass now,” Leores said with a serious tone, conveying his sincerity.
“Scout’s honor,” Eris said, holding up three fingers in a salute, her eyes twinkling with mischief.
Despite her teasing, Leores knew she was trying to lighten the mood.
He couldn’t help but chuckle at her antics, which only made her smile widen.
They resumed walking, and Eris intertwined her fingers with Leores.
“I know it’s weird, but I’m just happy to be here with you, Leo,” she said, her voice softer than usual. “It’s been too long since we’ve just done something like this together.”
Leores’ face softened, and though he didn’t say anything, he squeezed her hand in return, letting her know that he felt the same.
They continued their walk to Clearwater University, the sun casting a warm glow over the buildings while the sound of distant chatter and laughter filled the air as students began to arrive.
The familiar path and the presence of Eris beside him brought a sense of comfort and nostalgia, reminding him of the importance of family and the simple joys of shared moments.