Lunae's tail writhed on the floor, signifying her agitation. She wanted things to be better with her new family. But fate seemed to have other ideas.
Pouting like a child, she clenched her fists against the carpet, staring up from her seating position while waiting for Sonera to emerge. But as she felt the crisp air of the morning brush against her skin, something was off. Only after a brief moment of rumination did Lunae realize how dreadfully dense she had been.
"Lila." She gasped.
Lunae had assumed the pinched feeling at the back of her head was caused by her frustration with Sonera. But indeed, that was only half the deal. There were other problems to fret over.
Looking over her bare shoulder, Lunae found Lila sitting with her back against the wall near the exit to the bedchamber, her face buried in her own knees. There was an assumption, however naive, that Ivy simply needed some time to recover and that her relationship with the Earthling would be right as rain. Lunae nearly cursed herself for miscaculating so badly.
And to think she prided herself on emotional intelligence.
Lunae strode gracefully towards Lila, whispering into her mind with a gentle voice. "Oh, Lila. I'm so sorry."
The Earthling looked up, her eyes red from all the tears. She was beyond the stoic urge to keep her feelings away. In fact, the sheer desperation in her gaze told Lunae all she needed to know in regards to limits and space.
"Come here." Lunae knelt down, wrapping her arms around Lila's back as she pulled her forward. "My poor, brave little girl."
Lila cried into her friend's shoulder for a bit before her muffled voice came out. The girl's tremble was weak; her body labored from all the stress and panic. It seemed not even Infestare healing magic could mend the numbing sensation in her heart.
"I just want to help her."
"I understand," Lunae nodded, using her tail to wipe away Lila's tears. "More than you know."
"It's my fault."
Lunae pulled the Earthling back, allowing for her disappointing glare to meet her face.
"Don't be an idiot."
"Huh?" Lila sniffled, surprised to see Lunae take an aggressive stance.
"You gave her life. Not another burden." The Infestare princess snarled, her markings flickering with agitation. "You don't know what it's like to be at fault for someone's condition."
As if to bluntly remind Lila where her words came from, Lunae opened her mouth, allowing for her long tounge to lick the Earthling across the left side of her face. Lila's eyes widened with shock, releasing a panicked whimper akin to a hiccup. A bit of saliva stuck to her eyelashes as they fluttered about bashfully.
"You focus on what you need to do for her." Lunae breathed out, using her real voice. "Grow brave. Grow strong. Fight. Gods know a coward like me can't."
"L-Lunae." Lila blushed. "I-."
Lunae grabbed the Earthling's nape, bringing her face down onto her soft chest as she rose to a greater height. Lila was practically consumed by the soft flesh, her hands grabbing onto a pair of thighs that squeezed against her. It was as if she had been engulfed by a warm, comforting pillow.
It smelled good as well.
Held close to the girl's heart, Lila could feel a heartbeat. It wasn't quite human, thumping three times at a faster rate. But it was Lunae's, and that was all the reprieve she needed.
"Sssshhh." Lunae tilted her head with a feminine grin, lowering her gaze. "It's okay. Sonera and I are here for you. We're your family. You can get through this."
"And when Ivy's ready." She continued, licking her lips. "Complete your bond. Make her yours."
The Earthling lurched upwards, gasping for air as her face turned red. The shock in her eyes was matched only by the bashful enjoyment she took from the encounter. Lunae giggled, placing a finger to her own lips.
"If you need someone to lean on-."
"Yeah, I got it." Lila nodded with renewed speed, her head bobbing up and down with a cartoonish ferocity. "Thanks, pookie."
"Sonera gave you a talk as well, no?" Lunae smiled.
Lila cocked her head, her fingers figiting in shame. "Uhm."
"Of course she did."
"Y-you guys are very convincing."
"Oh, Lila." Lunae rolled her eyes, fixing her bra as she spoke. "Poor thing. You must think we're degenerate freaks."
"N-no." Lila shook her head. "You're just...really up front and honest."
Lunae grinned leeringly, "You like it...don't you?"
"Not in the same way as Ivy but-."
"Of course not. She's the one."
Lila breathed out, staring down at Lunae's figure in an attempt to avoid her alluring gaze. "But yea...you two are really uh..."
"Up front and honest?"
"Yea! That."
"Well, just be prepared for Sonera's treatment." Lunae hummed.
"W-wah." Lila blushed. "What?"
"We aren't going anywhere till you and Ivy sort this out."
Lunae maintained her smile, trying not to focus on the red mark upon Lila's face. She knew Ivy had hit her. But at the time, it was better to focus on encouragement and soothing.
"Oh boy." Lila stammered, remembering how up front Sonera could be.
"The sadder you get-."
"Thanks."
"Hm?" Lunae cocked her head.
"I mean, thanks. To you and Sonera." Lila looked up and stared, her freckles glimmering in the light of Lunae's markings. "For being there."
"Always." Lunae sighed. "For family."
The Earthling raised a finger, preparing one of her comical jokes. "It's a good thing we're not related."
Lunae laughed a bit harder than expected.
"I forgot humans are opposed to that."
"Ayo?" Lila raised an eyebrow.
"I asked Sonera."
"Yea but like-."
"If you were my sister Lila..."
"Uh oh."
Lunae leaned closer, whispering into her ear.
"That wouldn't stop me."
"Pause." Lila threw up her arms.
"Just joking." Lunae giggled. "Was it good?"
"Are you making fun of me?"
"Never."
"Uh huh..."
Lunae smiled again, helping Lila up to her feet.
"I do like your humor, Lila."