The first rays of dawn seeped through the tall mansion windows, catching the faint streaks of raindrops that still clung to the glass. Tina slowly opened her eyes, blinking against the soft light. Her head was still resting on Andrew's chest, and the familiar steady thrum of his heartbeat beneath her ear made her cheeks warm in a way that had nothing to do with the sun. Her mind reeled.
~Oh no... I really did cling to him all night. And I... liked it.~
Tina's hands twitched, fingers brushing subtly over his shirt as if testing him. Her lips curled into a small, mischievous smile.
~Huh. That was... surprisingly nice. And maybe, just maybe, this is the perfect chance to make him fall in love with me.~
She sat up slightly, careful not to wake him fully, and peeked at his face. Andrew was still half-asleep, his usual frown softened into something dangerously… calm. A smug part of her mind thought.
~He looks ridiculous. But also... cute.~
Neko Neko, curled at her side, let out a tiny squeak, as if prompting her to focus. Tina leaned down and kissed his soft head.
"Don't worry, little fluff."
She whispered.
"I'll make sure he falls… even if he doesn't know it yet."
Her strategy was simple: charm him, confuse him, tease him just enough that he wouldn't even realize he was falling. She knew Andrew too well — his sassy, cranky exterior wouldn't make it obvious. But she could play the subtle game.
"You know."
She murmured, stretching languidly across his chest.
"You were… surprisingly useful last night."
Andrew stirred, one eye cracking open.
"Useful? I think you mean you were a human koala clinging to me like your life depended on it."
Tina feigned indignation, batting at his chest lightly.
"Excuse me! I was terrified! And you were… my hero. That counts as… useful."
She leaned closer, letting her warm breath tickle his collarbone.
"Right?"
Andrew blinked, caught off guard by how deliberately close she had gotten.
"Uh… yeah, sure. Hero… right."
His voice was rough, unsure, and Tina's grin widened. Perfect. That's just the kind of reaction I want. She shifted slightly, pretending to stretch again, but the movement pressed her closer to him. Her fingers brushed his hand 'accidentally', and she bit her lip, holding back a soft giggle.
~Oops, sorry Andrew. Or not so sorry...~
Andrew's brow furrowed, a mix of confusion and suppressed amusement flashing across his face.
"You're… scheming something."
Tina feigned innocence, eyes wide.
"Me? Never. I'm just… appreciating my hero."
She leaned her head lightly against his chest again.
"The thunderstorm was… scary, you know."
Andrew sighed, rubbing the back of his neck.
"Scary? You cling to me like that, and you call that scary?"
His voice softened despite his words.
"Tina… you're ridiculous."
Her grin turned wicked.
"Maybe I am."
She admitted softly.
"But… you don't seem to mind."
She nuzzled against him, pressing just enough that he couldn't ignore it.
"I mean… you stayed, didn't you? You could have—"
"—gotten up and left?"
Andrew finished for her, exasperated but not moving away.
"Yeah, I stayed. Not that it meant anything or whatever."
Tina's heart skipped a beat, but she hid it behind a cheeky smirk. Good, good… he's flustered without even knowing why. She let her hand wander 'casually' over his chest again.
"See? I knew you'd survive the engagement… maybe."
She added the 'maybe' teasingly, letting her eyes sparkle. Andrew let out a low groan, running a hand through his messy hair.
"I'm already regretting this."
"You already do?"
Tina whispered, grinning, as she leaned her head back lightly to look at him, eyes mischievous.
"But don't worry, I'll make it easy for you… to like me."
Andrew froze.
"What?"
She tilted her head innocently, a perfect picture of chaos and charm rolled into one.
"Nothing. Just… making sure my hero feels appreciated. You know, thank you for letting me cling to you all night."
He opened his mouth, then shut it, blinking. He didn't know whether to scold her, tease her, or admit he had enjoyed it. The uncertainty made Tina's grin stretch wider. Exactly as planned. Neko Neko squeaked, pawing at her lap as if reminding her she wasn't alone in her scheming. Tina giggled and whispered to him.
"Don't worry, little fluff. Soon, he'll be mine… whether he knows it or not."
Andrew, meanwhile, sat there, trying to process the whirlwind of fluster, charm, and subtle manipulations that was Tina. He ran a hand down his face, muttering something under his breath that Tina caught.
"Tell me again why the universe thought pairing me with chaos incarnate was a good idea?"
She tilted her head, mock-serious.
"You're welcome."
She said softly, before leaning closer again, letting her warmth and teasing linger. The mansion felt quiet around them, but inside that small bubble, Tina's plan was already in motion. Her heart thumped wildly, the flicker from last night's storm growing brighter, stronger. And this time… she was awake. Fully aware. And fully in control of her chaos. Tina stretched lazily, smirking as she let her gaze linger on Andrew. The morning sunlight made his hair shine slightly, and the way he rubbed the sleep from his eyes… it was distracting. Perfectly distracting. She wiggled a little closer, letting her shoulder brush against his arm, careful to keep it 'innocent'. Neko Neko squeaked loudly, hopping onto the sofa between them, tail flicking impatiently. Tina petted him absently, whispering.
"Phase two, little fluff. You're my witness."
The tiny koala blinked up at her, whiskers twitching as if he understood every word. Andrew groaned, leaning back against the cushions.
"I swear, that furball is worse than you sometimes."
"And you love him."
Tina shot back, grinning. She let her fingers trace the edge of his sleeve 'accidentally' again.
"You survived the storm. You stayed. And now… you're my perfect test subject."
Andrew blinked.
"Test subject? For what exactly?"
Tina tilted her head, eyes sparkling mischievously.
"For me… making you fall in love. Slowly. Strategically. Chaos style."
Andrew froze mid-stretch.
"Seriously?"
"Absolutely!"
She said brightly.
"You'll barely notice it… until one day… surprise! You're hopelessly in love with me."
Andrew's lips twitched into a reluctant smirk.
"And you've already fallen for me, huh?"
Tina's cheeks warmed slightly, but she didn't back down.
"Already did. And now… it's your turn. Phase two starts immediately."
She leaned closer, pressing against him lightly, her warmth pressing into his side.
"And… I'm a very persistent tornado."
Andrew muttered something under his breath and rubbed his face. Tina grinned, satisfied with his reaction. He was flustered, slightly annoyed, and—most importantly—completely caught off guard. Neko Neko, sensing the tension, squeaked again and tried to climb higher onto Andrew's lap.
"Hey!"
Andrew exclaimed, but Tina laughed, letting the tiny koala nestle comfortably between them.
"Phase two witnesses are essential."
She whispered, giving Neko Neko a tiny kiss on the head. Andrew groaned, trying to disentangle himself from her, but Tina's playful persistence made it impossible.
"You know…"
She murmured, leaning so close that their cheeks nearly brushed.
"You're actually… kind of fun to mess with."
Andrew froze.
"Kind of fun? You mean… dangerously annoying."
"Annoying?"
Tina gasped, mock-offended.
"I prefer… strategically challenging!"
She batted at his arm gently, letting her touch linger just enough to make him shiver.
"You survived last night. You're my hero. My very stubborn, flustered hero. That counts for something."
Andrew groaned again, sinking deeper into the sofa.
"I'm doomed."
He muttered.
"Exactly."
Tina said softly, grinning. She pressed closer again, letting the warmth between them linger, and whispered conspiratorially,
"You'll love me eventually… just wait. Phase three will be even more… chaotic."
Neko Neko squeaked in agreement, pawing at her hand. Tina giggled and kissed him lightly.
"Yes, little fluff, you're part of the plan too. Witness and accomplice."
Andrew finally sat up fully, trying to regain composure.
"You're… relentless."
"And you're… the perfect target."
Tina replied, eyes glinting with mischief.
"I've already fallen for you. Now it's payback time."
She leaned in once more, letting her head rest lightly against his shoulder.
"You can't escape. Not now. Not ever."
Andrew sighed, running a hand through his hair again. Tina's warmth, her mischievous grin, and the quiet chaos of the morning were surprisingly disarming.
"I… I do hope I survive this… Maybe..."
Tina's grin widened.
"Maybe? That's my favorite answer."
She pressed closer, letting the small flicker of last night grow into something undeniable.
"Phase two, little fluff… complete."
Neko Neko squeaked triumphantly, curling against her side. Tina laughed softly, brushing the tiny koala's fur and feeling a wave of satisfaction. Her plan was working perfectly: Andrew flustered, a little vulnerable, and completely unaware of how deeply she was weaving herself into his heart. And as sunlight filled the mansion, Tina felt a thrill of victory. The storm was over, but her chaos was just beginning.The aroma of freshly baked pastries and strong coffee drifted through the kitchen as Tina bounced in, Neko Neko tucked under one arm. She clutched a small tray with croissants and a mischievous grin that made Andrew immediately suspicious.
"What are you plotting now?"
He asked, arms crossed, voice low but tense. His eyes narrowed slightly at her energetic entrance.
"Plotting?"
Tina tilted her head innocently, eyes sparkling.
"Me?"
"No, Neko Neko."
He said deadpanned.
"Oh... well, I never really could tell."
"...I was being sarcastic, Tina."
"Oh..."
She laughed awkwardly.
"So what are you plotting?"
"Nothing. I'm… just bringing breakfast."
She set the tray down, letting Neko Neko hop onto the counter.
"And Neko Neko insists I supervise every bite you take."
Andrew groaned, rubbing his temples.
"This is already off to a terrible start."
Tina giggled, sitting opposite him, leaning forward on the table so her elbow brushed his arm.
"Terrible… or thrilling?"
She teased.
"I mean, last night was thrilling, wasn't it?"
Andrew's jaw tightened.
"It was… inconvenient. And uncomfortable. And… I swear I'm never falling for you."
Tina tilted her head, mock-serious.
"Never, huh? I see. Well… Phase three begins at breakfast."
She picked up a croissant and waved it at him.
"Strategic nourishment is essential for… um, surviving heroic mornings. Don't worry, you'll love it."
Andrew groaned again, reluctantly reaching for a croissant. Tina's grin widened as she subtly nudged closer, letting her shoulder press against his arm. The warmth was deliberate, the closeness carefully orchestrated. Neko Neko squeaked loudly, hopping onto the table and sending a small plate sliding. Tina laughed, grabbing the plate before it fell entirely.
"See! Chaos witnesses!"
She whispered, letting the tiny koala paw Andrew's arm lightly.
"Chaos witnesses?"
Andrew repeated, exasperated.
"I can't… I can't handle this."
Tina leaned closer, a soft, teasing murmur in her voice.
"Yes, you can. And you will… eventually. Just… ignore the adorable accomplice."
She nudged Neko Neko lightly, who squeaked again and pawed at Andrew's hand. Andrew sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose.
"This is… ridiculous."
"And yet… effective."
Tina whispered. She picked up a small piece of croissant and held it near his mouth.
"Open… for… strategic testing."
Andrew froze.
"…Strategic testing?"
Tina smiled sweetly, though her eyes glimmered with mischief.
"Yes. Phase three. Chaos queen tactics. Breakfast edition."
She leaned forward, brushing the tip of her nose lightly against his, just enough to make him stiffen.
"I need help."
Andrew muttered under his breath, though Tina caught the tiniest flicker of a smile threatening his lips. Neko Neko squeaked again, curling up against Tina's side.
"Yes, little fluff… all part of the plan."
She whispered, gently stroking him. The tiny koala twitched in agreement. Andrew leaned back slightly, exhaling sharply.
"I… will never… fall for you. Never."
Tina tilted her head, letting a soft giggle escape.
"Never? We'll see… little omega. Phase three is in full effect. And breakfast is just the beginning."
She leaned closer again, letting her warmth press subtly against him, letting her fingers trace the edge of his arm. Andrew groaned, trying to resist the small, deliberate touches.
"I… I can't… believe this."
"You can."
Tina whispered, grinning.
"And you will… maybe not today, maybe not tomorrow… but eventually. Phase three is slow, subtle… strategic."
Andrew muttered something under his breath, looking flustered. Tina's grin stretched wider.
~Yes... exactly as planned.~
She leaned back slightly, watching him squirm, enjoying the subtle chaos she had created. Neko Neko squeaked one last time, tail flicking at Andrew, as if to punctuate her victory. And in that sunlit kitchen, amidst breakfast chaos, playful teasing, and the tiny koala accomplice, Tina's heart thrummed with excitement. Phase three was working perfectly… and the flicker she had seen in Andrew's eyes was growing, even if he wouldn't admit it yet.Tina was mid-laugh, Neko Neko squeaking happily on her lap, Andrew flustered and flailing slightly under her playful chaos. She leaned closer, whispering.
"Phase three is working perfectly… little omega, you won't know what hit you…"
The front door clicked open. Andrew froze mid-breath. Tina's eyes narrowed.
"Oh… perfect timing."
Elijah stepped in, calm as ever, carrying nothing but a small bag from his trip. His serene expression contrasted sharply with Tina's chaotic energy.
"Back from three days with my grandfather."
Elijah said smoothly, his voice quiet but steady.
"I hope everything went… as expected."
Tina puffed her cheeks and crossed her arms.
"As expected? With Andrew here? With Neko Neko here? My perfectly planned Phase three chaos? Hardly."
Andrew's flustered eyes darted between Tina and Elijah.
"Right… so your Butler's back."
"Yes."
Tina muttered, gesturing vaguely.
"And he's calm as usual. Like… annoyingly calm."
Elijah's gaze swept the room, landing briefly on Andrew, neutral and composed. No judgment, no teasing. Just… observing. Tina groaned inwardly. Of course. Calm wave. Total interference potential. And Phase three… might need to be… adjusted. Neko Neko squeaked and twitched his tiny tail nervously, as if sensing Tina's plotting brain going into overdrive. Tina grinned slightly, a mischievous spark in her eyes.
"Phase three… just got interesting."
Neko Neko's mini theater🐨🐨
Squeak! Tail twitch! Tiny paws planted firmly on the armrest. I, Neko Neko, master of observation, hereby declare… chaos has escalated.
First, there's Tina. Small, unpredictable whirlwind of fluff and mischief. She's leaning over Andrew again. Yes. Again. I saw it yesterday, too. The way she presses, pokes, and wiggles… humans are strange. But amusing. Very amusing.
Andrew… flustered. Of course flustered. He's always flustered. His face is redder than the sunset, his hands move faster than he thinks, and yet he tries to look… cool. Pathetic. I wiggle my tail in judgment.
And the calm wave. Elijah. Ah, Elijah. Step in, step out, serene as a still pond. No fluster. No chaos. Yet his gaze… I can sense it. Observing. Evaluating. Not interfering. Dangerous in his own quiet way.
Tina huffs. Phase three. Strategic chaos. She whispers to Andrew, all smiles and mischief, and I… I watch, paw twitching in anticipation. She thinks she's clever. She thinks she can fluster him more than he already is. I know better.
Squeak! Another paw paw! Tiny chaos alert. Tina leans closer again. Andrew freezes. Typical. I feel the twitch in his tail. Ohhh yes, he notices just enough to react, but never enough to admit defeat. Excellent.
And then… drama! The door opens. Elijah. Calm as ever. Tina freezes—not because of fear or love, no—but because the quiet wave disrupts her chaotic rhythm. Phase three… potentially delayed. But I, Neko Neko, remain vigilant. Strategic positions maintained. Chaos observation in full swing.
Andrew glances at Elijah. Tina mutters under her breath. I squeak softly, tail flicking in excitement. Everything is… deliciously complicated. Perfectly chaotic. Phase three… still in motion.
My verdict? Humans are hopeless. Tina is brilliant. Andrew… flustered and clueless. Elijah… serene and dangerous in the quietest way. And me? Tiny master of the fluff, witness to all, judge of chaos, and participant in strategic paw interventions.
Squeak! Tail high! Phase three… I'm ready.