Chapter 285: Mood Swing - 3
-----Fabian's POV
Fabian: "I'll... See you at dinner?"
Rina: "Mm."
She closes the door behind her, carrying with her the now empty platter with just a few scrapes of food left behind. With Rina now gone, I slump on the table, heaving a heavy sigh in the process.
I didn't end up mentioning the idea of us actually giving the "lovers" thing a go as we got too busy trying to finish the food. And when we did end up finishing the food, Rina just quickly started to pack up things before leaving, giving me no chance to talk about it. But at least this gives me time to actually process everything properly and to re-think how I'll go about doing this.
For starters, I never imagined a monster would even consider getting into a relationship like that with a human, but maybe that's just me projecting what humans would consider weird or taboo onto her. Maybe monsters don't give a shit about who their partner is, and if that's the case, then that kind of makes humanity out to be quite... Wait, what am I even saying? For a second I nearly thought monsters are better than humans, haha. But maybe that isn't too far off. Maybe monsters and humans can be equals here...
This of course makes me recall my sister and Kaede back at the academy. When I first found out Kaede's actually a vampire, I immediately thought my sister was being manipulated by her, and possibly even being killed. But maybe they are truly friends and they're just living life as they please, regardless of whether Kaede's a vampire or not.
Fabian: "Huh..."
Of course this could all just be a giant hoax, and I'm actually the one being manipulated here, but everything seems to add up. I feel like after everything that's happened recently, the possibility of Kaede actually being a friend to Ellen is considerably higher than Kaede wanting to kill her. If that's the case, then maybe it might not be a bad idea to experiment here with Rina. Plus this would help with me potentially finding a way out.
Fabian: "Hah~"
But now I have to wait till dinner before I can even say anything to her. I technically could try and walk outside this room, but after being stuck in this room for so long, I feel quite a bit of fear from stepping out. Like what if I run into Tarifa, or someone else like that... No thanks. At least when I'm here, Rina will come by and Ilfa too when she can. I'm quite fine with that. Maybe I could ask about what it's like out there when Rina comes back. But in the meantime, I better start practicing walking around the room.
...
As it stands, I'm capable of walking for about 10 minutes before I have to sit down and rest. It's still pathetic as I do feel like an old man like this, but compared to before when I could barely even touch my feet on the ground, this is like night and day. I also choose to sit at the table instead of the bed this time, mostly due to how long I've been stuck there, and despite some good times have been had on there, I still see it as a symbol representing my enslavement. Instead, I see this table as a new beginning, eating together with Rina, helping her learn my language, I can only think of positive memories when it comes to this table. I end up smiling as I think back on those memories, gently sliding my hand along the smooth, varnished surface. Every time when we're done eating, Rina makes sure the table is wiped clean in preparation for our next meal. It's a bit rude of me to just "try this out" with Rina, but it's not like I don't like her. She brought with her a breeze of fresh air in this gloomy place, and I can't say that I'm not looking forward to more pleasant times with her.
Just then, a knock could be heard from the door. Knowing that Ilfa would just burst right in, the knock lets me know that this is actually Rina. But isn't she a bit early for dinner? Also why isn't she opening the door?
Fabian: "C-come in?"
And at my word, Rina emerges from the doorway, closing the door behind her. The only thing she brought with her was a fresh glass of water. Normally when she wanted to stick around longer, she'd bring her notes, so she must plan on leaving after delivering me this water...
Rina: "I forgot your water, sorry."
Fabian: "It's okay. Thank you, Rina."
She places the glass of water in front of me at the table before immediately turning around.
Rina: "Hmm?"
I didn't realize it until Rina looked down where I could see that I had subconsciously grabbed hold of her arm. Looks as though my body reacted before my words could.
Rina: "Is there something-"
Fabian: "Can we talk?"
She ends up sitting down at the table with me as I take a moment to moisten my throat with the water she brought me. It was a nice way to collect my thoughts, as I put the glass back down as we lock eyes with one another.
Fabian: "Thank you for the water."
Rina: "You're welcome."
Fabian: "..."
Rina: "..."
...
Again with this awkward silence! I was the one that asked her to stay back and here I am stumbling about.
Rina: "Uhm. What did you want to talk about?"
Fabian: "Ah, right. Well... I was wondering... What is it like outside this room?"
Rina: "Hmmm. Fighting."
Fabian: "Fighting? I thought Ilfa took care of that."
Rina: "No. Weaker races fighting."
Weaker races... So subordinates of Ilfa? Maybe they're fighting over land or something? I'm not sure what monsters fight over, but the way Rina talks about it, it mustn't be that big of a deal.
Fabian: "What about outside this room?"
Rina: "Hmmm. Nothing? Empty mostly. This place is the Matriarch's place, only she allows certain people to stay here."
Fabian: "Like you and the other elves?"
Rina: "Mm. She reunited our race, so we're... grateful?"
Fabian: "Grateful, yes that's right."
Honestly I'm quite proud how far Rina's come in terms of learning my language. Although I do find it cute when she stumbles mid sentence like this, wondering if what she's saying is correct.
Fabian: "Your race was broken before?"
Rina: "Yes. Many of us were split into... 千卂匚ㄒ丨ㄖ几丂, like uhm... Groups? Fighting against one another."
Fabian: "What made that happen?"
Rain: "Many things. Many small problems turning into bigger problems, forcing a split in our race."
This reminds me of what happened to my own family. I took father's side, leaving my family to split up into two... I guess we have a little something in common in regards to this.
Fabian: "I can relate to that."
Rina: "Relate?"
Fabian: "Understand, connect with."
Rina: "I see."
It was then that she went to try pull out her notes, but she quickly realizes that she didn't bring them. I end up chuckling, prompting her to giggle as well.
Fabian: "Remember to bring them at dinner."
Rina: "Mhmm."
Thank god she's smiling now. It just took that little thing to bring it back. Maybe this is the right time to ask about "that?"
Fabian: "Uhm. Also. I'm sorry again, about before with, the lovers thing."
Rina: "You said that already."
Fabian: "I know, but I really do feel bad... I understand if you don't want to forgive me, and you don't need to."
Rina: "It's okay."
Fabian: "I just... I didn't think mon- elves to think of humans like that."
I quickly manage to not let that word slip as I feel like Rina could take offence to that. So I choose to be safe and just refer to her as an elf instead of a monster.
Rina: "S-some groups think it's okay. Others don't."
Fabian: "Even after Ilfa reunited your people?"
Rina: "Yes."
Fabian: "Is that why you were being bullied for giving me food before?"
Rina: "Yes. Even though we're united, we still have our own- ideas?"
Fabian: "Ideals?"
Rina: "Yes!"
Fabian: "I understand. And you're from a group where it's, okay?"
Rina: "...Mm."
She looked almost ashamed to admit that, but it does make me happy knowing that she's okay with the idea of entering a relationship with a human. But maybe it isn't so simple? What if we did enter that kind of relationship and Rina get's harassed even more from her peers? From what I heard, it's already bad enough that she comes here to give me food, so of course this would just escalate things... Unless we keep it a secret.
Fabian: "...Hey, Rina."
Rina: "Yes?"
Fabian: "Did you want to be lovers with me?"
Her face of course lit up like a furnace at my words, her cheeks immediately shifting to a pink tone as she ears quiver rapidly.
Rina: "L-like I said. I didn't understand what you meant. I thought YOU wanted to be like that with me."
Fabian: "Even so, you did accept, right?"
Rina: "..."
Fabian: "Why?"
Rina: "...You saved me. You're strong, having put up with your, legs... Kind... I'm happy being around you. I also really enjoy our study sessions and laughing together..."
I guess I did save here when Ilfa brought the elves in this room, but to hear me be called kind is a bit embarrassing. I almost want to avert my eyes, but I continue to keep eye contact.
Rina: "So... When you, said that to me. I was surprised, but I felt happy at the same time... So I-"
Fabian: "Then would you like to?"
Rina: "Eh?"
Fabian: "ㄥㄖᐯ乇尺丂. You and me."
There I said it! I'm not entirely sure how I feel when it comes to Rina, and this is just a little experiment on my part. I would've liked it to be with Ilfa, but I know that won't ever work out. We just work too differently with one another. But maybe with entering a relationship with Rina, maybe I might feel something, and already I can feel my heart beat rapidly increase as I wait patiently for her answer. I made sure to use the term in her language so that there won't be any miscommunication, which seems to have worked as she begins to fidget around as if she's trying to collect her thoughts.
Rina: "W-what about the Matriarch?"
Fabian: "She'd... Likely still do as she pleases."
Rina: "...So then, why not be ㄥㄖᐯ乇尺丂 with her?"
Fabian: "We're too different. And I have no idea how she actually feels. But either way, I'd like to hear your answer."
Rina: "...Are you sure you're okay with me?"
Fabian: "Of course. You've been taking care of me this whole time. And, I also really enjoy spending time with you."
I originally thought it was Ilfa cooking for me all this time, but seeing as it was Rina instead, I have a lot to give back to her. Even if we never exchanged words at that time, her kindness still shined through. What man would say no to that?
Rina: "Then-"
She reached out, grabbing both my hands, causing my heart to stop for a moment as I await her next words.
Rina: "Yes!"
We share a smile as I gently grasp her hands in response.
Fabian: "I'm glad... But we do need to keep this a secret."
Rina: "Y-yes!"
And so began my weird relationship with an elf. We're lovers, or partners, but I can't say that I feel that way just yet, and I'm not even sure Rina feels the same way. But we're both interested in each other enough to give this a shot. Wait, shouldn't we had kissed just before? But maybe that's too soon, I don't know. Either way, it warms my heart to see Rina smiling so brightly in front of me like this.
Rina: "I'll be in your care then."
Fabian: "Yeah, likewise."
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