Starving man

Nathaniel is mad at me.

As I gaze at my shirtless lover, his bronzed skin glistening in the morning sunlight filtering through the trees, a heavy weight settles in the pit of my stomach. Nathaniel's eyes are distant, his attention focused solely on the two magnificent serpents coiling around his arms.

I know he's angry, and I can't blame him. Last night's passion swept us away into dangerous territories, he was tossing and turning all night. But now, in the sober light of day, he's avoiding me,consequences my actions.

Lost in my thoughts, I watch as Nathaniel affectionately strokes Tenebris, the larger of the two serpents, his touch gentle yet tinged with an underlying tension. Despite his silent demeanor, his every movement speaks volumes of the turmoil swirling within him.

Sitting on the edge of the pool, the water rippling softly around me, I long to be Tenebris or Raijin right. I'm now jealous of stupid snakes.

In the spacious kitchen, Gregory is a whirlwind of activity, his typically stoic demeanor replaced by an infectious energy I've rarely seen before. With a broad smile stretching across his face, he moves with a sense of purpose, his large frame seemingly made for the bustling environment of the kitchen.

As pots clang and utensils clatter, Gregory navigates the culinary chaos with surprising finesse, his movements fluid and confident as he orchestrates a symphony of flavors. It's a side of him I never knew existed, I've never seen the large man so happy.

I glance over at the hot spring, where Damien is nestled between Elizabeth and Lani, a serene expression on his face as he basks in the soothing warmth of the water. It's an amusing sight, seeing him sandwiched between the two taller girls, reminiscent of a little boy finding comfort in the company of his older sisters.

Meanwhile, Tama's departure into the forest catches my attention, sparking a sense of curiosity within me. There's always been an air of mystery surrounding Tama, his actions often shrouded in secrecy and intrigue. Despite the tranquil setting of our temporary retreat, his sudden venture into the dense foliage hints at a deeper purpose or perhaps a personal quest of his own.

Lost in thought, I find myself once again drawn to Nathaniel, his presence casting a magnetic pull that I can't seem to resist. Hima, my loyal companion, senses my unease and slithers at my feet, a silent gesture of comfort in response to my inner turmoil. With absent-minded strokes, I soothe the smooth scales of my white snake, my mind preoccupied with the lingering tension between Nathaniel and me.

His disapproving glare weighs heavy on my heart, stirring a deep longing within me to mend the rift that has formed between us.

As I gaze upon him, a mixture of regret and longing fills my soul, a silent plea echoing in the recesses of my mind for reconciliation and understanding.

*

I observe Selene's retreat into the villa, a mischievous grin playing at the corners of my lips as I suppress a laugh. Hima, ever loyal to her mistress, follows closely behind, her serpentine form trailing in Selene's wake. The sight of her departure brings a sense of amusement, a fleeting moment of levity amidst the tension that often lingers between us.

My attention shifts to Tenebris, his scales gleaming in the soft light, a silent witness to the playful antics that unfold around us. With a sense of anticipation, I eagerly await Selene's next move.

In my defense, I remind myself, I'm in the body of a teenager, susceptible to the whims and follies of youth. What she did was akin to torture, hell it was torture. I'm not giving in soon, it's like putting a feast in a starving man's face and asking him to stare.

After all, Selene's affections for me are undeniable, bordering on obsession. It's a fact I take some amusement in, knowing full well the extent of her feelings. So the best punishment is 'minus me'.

As I contemplate my genius plan, a sense of satisfaction washes over me. Selene, in the absence of my presence, should feel a pang of longing, a sense of incompleteness that only my company can fill. It's a devious plan, one crafted with a careful understanding of her emotions and vulnerabilities.

I can't help but chuckle at the sheer brilliance of my scheme, knowing that even in my absence, I hold sway over her thoughts and desires.

I observe Tama's return from the forest and head back to the forest, his gait suggesting a sense of purpose as he carries a suspicious parcel. My curiosity piqued, I raise an eyebrow, intrigued by his recent activities.

*

As I sink into the soothing embrace of the hot water, flanked by two stunning women—Lani and Elizabeth— even though they probably look at me as a younger sibling but let's not sweat the small details.

Nevertheless, I indulge in the moment and I'm going to eat so much during this vacation. Perhaps, with a bit of luck, I'll experience a much-needed growth spurt, shedding the appearance of a child among my companions.