D.E.M.O.N.S: Getting Summoned Weekly isn't so Bad

Chapter 1343 Chapter 1343 What Makes a Relationship Strong?

--- Kat ---

Kat couldn't help but smile and Kress' antics. He was now getting a lap pillow from a slightly worried looking Stan, and Kat felt quite happy for the guy. *He's come a long way. Even just the last time we were in this dimension I doubt I would ever have been able to picture Kress getting a lap pillow.*

[Yeah, it's pretty cute. I'm not interested in guys at all, but I can still appreciate the closeness those two have.]

*Is the fact that you don't like men relevant to that observation?*

[Yes! Yes it is. Plenty of things are just better when a woman is involved. I can't find anything those pair do sexy, and watching them kiss would be slightly uncomfortable because it's really not what I'm into but quiet moments like this? Normally they're fine. Or well, more than fine I guess.]

*I don't really get it… but I'll take your word for it supposed. I like that Kress is willing to show some vulnerability. Before he was… a bit tightly wound but he's relaxed so much. That powder he had might have helped smooth things out a bit at the start… but I have a feeling this is all Kress now. He really needed a chance to relax.*

[Well… considering what we know about his past I'm wondering if he ever had a chance before. He was essentially adopted in Gareth's guards after tragedy struck his village. He probably felt like he needed to constantly work himself to the bone to be worthy of the help he received… and despite the work he put in Gareth seems roughly equal if not his better.]

[So all that work and he still wasn't 'good enough' in his eyes, and then Greena and Nixilei come into the picture, and they go on adventures. Gareth is their frontline, so the worry from not knowing if he's still in charge of Gareth's safety while they're off fighting monsters of if Gareth is in charge of everyone else's safety…]

[Then he enters this tournament, which is a massive deal for the whole continent… and suddenly that's more stress. I wouldn't be surprised if he cracked a bit and he took those drugs as a way to force himself to relax before he became a danger to everyone else. Sure we didn't see any indication of something like that, and Nixilei didn't mention it… but perhaps she didn't want to bring it up, or she didn't notice.]

*I feel like you're making a lot of assumptions there. I don't necessarily think any of them are wrong… but I do feel like you're filling in a few too many blanks with guesses. Regardless of the truth though… it looks like this round has done Kress a lot of favours, and with the win secured, he could team up with Stan. Though I wonder if that didn't just put more pressure on him now that I'm thinking about it.*

[Perhaps it did pile on some pressure but he looks very happy at the moment so I'd say it was the good kind of pressure. Not the 'Oh shit I have an assignment due tomorrow and it's already midnight' but the 'This looks tricky but if I just work at it… I think I can do it!' sort of pressure.]

*Not quite sure I follow the metaphor but I can still get what you mean. I think. With that in mind though… do you think the aimless freedom that we're soon to be granted will help their relationship.*

[Honestly? Not sure. Ideally for them, at least in my opinion, would be if Thyme had a few games set up that you could choose to participate in. It would give them activities to choose if they desired but no pressure to actually attend if they didn't want to. I'm not sure how well they'll manage without a guiding touch. Though perhaps Green and Gareth can help with that?]

*Why do you think they need guidance?*

[Well without a foundation of friendship, neither of them really knows what the other likes. They might just default to building sandcastles all day every day for multiple days in a row because they know that the other person enjoys it at least a bit. I imagine that would get a bit boring on the second day… but perhaps not. I suppose if they still find it fun by the end of vacation they've got a shared activity they know they can always call upon.]

*Is that something WE need?*

[Eh not really. We were friends first so we know each other's habits pretty well. You're not going to be shocked if you find me staying up late reading something that interests me, jut as an example.]

*I dunno about that. Considering how much you sleep these days I think I would find it pretty surprising.*

[Ok perhaps that was a bad example… but you get what I mean.]

*I do understand you're point… but I don't know if I agree with it. Then again, I don't really understand why you think Kress and Stan need a touch of guidance because they seem to be doing fine on their own. I wonder if this is just a thing I don't understand because I'm asexual…*

[Pretty sure that's just trying to shift the blame their Kat. This is perfectly understandable in theory. I'd be more likely to blame it on the fact you've never really got into any romance novels. Or… or perhaps because you don't have all that many friends.]

Lily could practically feel Kat's raised eyebrow.[Look I know that's rich coming from me, but I did… well I did a lot of studying and asking questions about how friendships are meant to work when I started having issues with Stella. It's part of the reason I have such an appreciation for you. One of the main points for any friendship, or romantic relationship is a shared hobby. The fact that we became friends without really having one just means we're quite compatible socially. Though I suppose an argument could be made Contracts are now a shared activity…]

Before Kat and Lily could dive further into the topic Thyme spoke up. Midnight and Cyan had arrived and it was time to make some announcements. "Well, everyone is here. First off, congratulations to Stan and Nell for taking first and second place respectively. I'll approach your teams later to discuss the prizes. Midnight, Cyan… you have made it clear that despite the controls being simple and based off self-driving carriages they were still to complicated. What was the problem?"

"Never driven one before," said Midnight and Cyan together.

Thyme gave a curious look towards Midnight specifically who shrugged. "Midnight… not to be insensitive about this but don't you travel with royalty regularly? Surely you've used those carriages before. I admit I need to clean up things, but even for you?"

"Hey I've never driven one of them. That's always been Vanya's job, with Burnice chipping in from time to time. I think I'm the only one who didn't care for making an attempt at driving… but I could be wrong about that," explained Midnight.

"Right… I'll keep it in mind for any events that use them. Apparently the plane was intuitive enough for Asteodia and Nixilei but the jet-skis, despite being simpler, were an issue. I suppose I did explain everything so… whatever. The final event will take place at 1:00pm, so take this as a chance to go out, take a break, eat lunch, whatever you want. As was previously announced, it will be a treasure hunt round and the winner will be able to select one treasure of their choice to keep. This final event will be at the opposite end of the island, so make sure you head that way for it. Wouldn't do for you to be late because you went to the wrong staging ground. Oh, and a small tip from me. Bring your weapons if you want, they might come handy,"

With their piece said, Thyme gestured for everyone to get back onto the boat so that they could drive everyone back. Kress grumbled a bit but with some nudging from Stan they both started to make their way onto the boat, clearly planning to stick together this time. Nell was lifted by the Thyme that had been attending her though she quickly waved off the help and made her way onto the boat under her own power. Midnight and Cyan shared one more shrug before they stepped on.

Kat let out a long breath as the boat kicked into gear. With everyone shrunk down like this you didn't really get the feel of the wind in your hair… but you also avoided the splashes of water and dried salt on your skin. *Something I don't have to worry about.*

[Yeah but it's something I DO have to worry about. Honestly, even with this I feel like I still need a bath. My instincts are practically screaming at me to start licking but it doesn't sound tempting at all compared to a number of my other instincts.]

*I could give you a bath when we get back?*

[Hmm… I like the sound of that. If we have time after lunch then I'll definitely take you up onthat offer. I'm a little surprised my instincts aren't telling me off for that. Then again, I'm used to showers, and the idea of getting clean might trump the need to do it myself. Hmm…]

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