Chapter 31: Strange Morning (End of Volume 1)

[Third Person's PoV] 

Stephen paced back and forth, running his hands through his hair in frustration. His mind raced as he muttered, "I'll need to disappear for a few years... stay off the grid... until everyone forgets about all of this, forgets about me."

Vanessa lay sprawled across the bed, watching him with an amused smirk. Clearly, she found his panicked state entertaining. She propped her chin on her hand, her eyes gleaming with mischief.

"Wait." Stephen suddenly froze, turning toward her, his face twisted in confusion. "That still doesn't explain why we're in bed together... Did we… you know?"

His face flushed crimson as he struggled to get the words out. He covered the lower half of his face with the back of his hand, looking anywhere but at her. Embarrassment was written all over his face.

Vanessa bit her lip, stifling a laugh as her smirk widened. 'He's so adorable when he's embarrassed,' she thought, thoroughly enjoying this moment. The urge to tease him further was irresistible.

She tilted her head slightly, her tone feigning innocence. "Did we what?"

"You know…" Stephen muttered, his voice barely audible, "Did we... do it?"

Vanessa blinked, keeping up her act. "Do what exactly?"

Stephen's frustration bubbled over. He let out a deep sigh, trying to collect himself. "Just answer the question. You know exactly what I'm talking about."

"Ohhh, if you're asking whether we had sexual intercourse," Vanessa said, dragging out the words teasingly, "we didn't. Unfortunately for you."

She rolled onto her back, laughing softly as she hugged a pillow, thoroughly entertained. When she finally settled, she lay on her stomach, facing him, her legs swinging playfully in the air as she rested her chin in her hands.

Stephen's expression was a stone wall of exasperation. No emotion, no humor, nothing but pure weariness.

Vanessa grinned, unable to resist. "Aww, are you disappointed?"

Stephen gave her a look of utter disbelief and disappointment, shaking his head in resignation. "What is wrong with you?"

Her smirk faltered as she winced, feeling a surprising sting from his disappointment—not about the lack of intimacy, but the fact that she was intentionally pushing his buttons. She huffed in mock pain. "Ouch, that hurt more than it should have."

Rolling onto her back, she sighed dramatically. "But to be fair, you're the reason we ended up like this."

Stephen rubbed his temples, his patience fraying. "What did I do this time?"

Vanessa's eyes sparkled with amusement as she recalled the previous night. "Oh, after stuffing yourself with cake and downing way too much alcohol, you could barely walk without tripping over your own feet. You got so tired that I had to practically drag you to your room. When we got there, well… we were both too drunk to function. We collapsed on the bed, and before I could even think about leaving, you wrapped your arms around me and passed out. Then I fell asleep too. You were clinging to me! It was kinda cute."

Stephen sighed heavily, feeling an emotional numbness settle over him. "I'm not even surprised anymore. Thank you for dragging me back here. I guess."

Vanessa winked at him, rolling her eyes playfully. "Don't mention it! I had a blast last night. By the way, I've been meaning to say… your room? Wow. I don't remember it being this spacious. The silk sheets are luxurious! Where'd you get all this?"

"Runes and a transmutation spell."

Vanessa raised her brows, impressed. "That's impressive. So, how about you work your magic on my room next? Think you could redesign it?"

Stephen shrugged, his fatigue creeping in. "Sure, if you can come up with a plan. But first, could you please leave so I can get dressed?"

Vanessa stood up, wrapping the sheets around herself, an impish grin spreading across her face. "Fine, fine. Though it's such a shame you won't put on another little show for me."

"Just leave," Stephen muttered, rolling his eyes, "and leave my sheets too."

She pouted playfully, clutching the fabric tighter. "But I'm in my underwear!"

"When has that ever stopped you? Don't you walk around in your underwear all the time?"

Vanessa sighed dramatically. "Okay, fine. You got me. It's just... these sheets are so comfy."

Stephen waved her off. "Take them. I can always make more."

Vanessa winked again, blowing him a teasing kiss as she headed for the door. Before she could leave, Stephen reached out, caught the imaginary kiss from the air, and slammed it to the ground, squashing it with his foot while locking eyes with her.

Vanessa gasped theatrically, placing a hand over her heart as if mortally offended. She opened the door only to find Noelle standing there, fist raised, ready to knock. Vanessa grinned mischievously.

"Stevie~ you've got company!" she called out before sauntering past Noelle, dragging the sheets behind her.

Noelle's eyes followed Vanessa in shock, her mouth hanging open. She slowly turned back to face Stephen, who was awkwardly standing there, half-naked and clearly flustered.

"It's not what it looks like," Stephen began hastily, his face turning red. "I swear."

Noelle's expression turned ice-cold, disgust practically dripping from her voice. "I don't care, you disgusting exhibitionist. The captain sent me to get you for a meeting."

"How am I an exhibitionist? This is my room!"

Noelle scoffed, turning on her heel and slamming the door behind her. "I wasn't talking about this moment."

Stephen stood there in stunned silence, scratching his head in confusion. He turned to Nero, who was perched on the window sill, watching him with judgmental eyes.

"Oh, come on," Stephen groaned. "Not you too. You know this wasn't my fault!"

Nero huffed indignantly and turned her head away, clearly sharing Noelle's sentiment.

Stephen groaned as he headed to the showers, trying to clear his head from the mess of the morning. "Ugh," he muttered under his breath, stepping into the warm stream of water. The events of the night before were already exhausting, and he had barely started the day. After a quick wash, Stephen dried off and donned his Black Bulls uniform, a sleek one-piece with the squad's iconic insignia emblazoned on his chest. With a sharp whistle, the Cloak of Levitation floated gracefully over to him, settling on his shoulders as Nero perched beside him.

As he made his way to the main hall, he was greeted by Magna's booming voice. "IF IT ISN'T THE PARTY MAN!" Magna shouted, throwing up rock-and-roll signs with both hands.

Stephen groaned louder, rubbing his temples. "Please don't start calling me that."

Luck laughed, his usual manic energy radiating off of him. "Hahaha! I didn't know you had such a wild side, Stephen."

Stephen looked around at his fellow squadmates, then bowed slightly. "I want to sincerely apologize for any inconvenience my behavior last night may have caused."

"You better be sorry!" Noelle snapped, glaring at him with barely concealed frustration.

Yami, lounging in his usual carefree manner, chimed in with his trademark teasing. "Looks like Grandpa has trouble gettin' up in the morning."

Stephen shot him an exasperated look. "You are never going to let that joke die, are you? And for the record, I was taking a shower—trying to appear more presentable."

Yami grinned wickedly, leaning forward with a puff of smoke. "I bet you'll croak before that joke ever does, old man." But his tone shifted, becoming more serious as his gaze fell on Stephen, Noelle, and Asta. "Alright, listen up. On official Magic Knights business, we've received word from the Wizard King himself. A dungeon has been discovered near the border between the Clover and Diamond Kingdoms. He's specifically requested that the three of you check it out before the Diamond mages get their hands on anything."

Stephen's eyes widened slightly. A dungeon? he thought. Like the ones with treasure and ancient artifacts?

Yami continued, puffing on his cigarette. "I'll be sending Luck with you for supervision."

"YES!" Luck shouted, practically vibrating with excitement, a wide grin plastered on his face. His bloodlust was already apparent—no doubt he was hoping for a good fight.

Yami's voice took on a more commanding tone. "As this is a direct order from the Wizard King, you are to treat this mission seriously. Do I make myself clear?" His eyes narrowed, emphasizing the weight of the task. "The Golden Dawn will be there as well, so don't let those pompous bastards show us up. Prove to them what the Black Bulls are made of!"

"YES, SIR!" Stephen, Noelle, Asta, and Luck shouted in unison, their voices echoing through the hall, filled with determination.

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A/N: As always yall know what to do, drop down you're favorite moments down in the comments, mine was when Stephen failed the healing spell and smashed himself against the bookcase lol.

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