Chapter 29: The Aftermath

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The two of them couldn't quite understand how they even ended up in such a situation.

It just happened.

When Paul went to pick up Chris, the two just… kind of hugged each other, and their faces ended just close enough.

Perhaps it was all a coincidence?

Nah, there was no way they could ever convince themselves that it was because of that.

The truth was very apparent, even if the two didn't really want to believe it.

In just a week, they have fallen for each other.

Chris didn't want to believe this because he never thought he could end up liking someone so quickly.

Paul was having an identity crisis, realizing he might actually be bisexual.

However, aside from those thoughts, the two couldn't quite get the sensations they felt out of their heads yet.

No matter what nonsense Teressa was saying, they just couldn't listen to her.

They were constantly remembering and recalling that kiss.

For Paul, this was his first kiss ever.

To Chris, this was perhaps the tastiest kiss he had ever had.

Paul didn't know what to think; his first kiss was with a guy!

But he was so cute and sexy, nice, and kind of cool too.

He couldn't believe he had gotten a crush on someone of the same gender.

Those lips, even if they were just an avatar, felt way too real.

So soft and warm, and his little tongue, how sweet it was...

Paul wanted to kiss Chris again; he couldn't believe it.

If it were up to him, he would have continued kissing him for an hour straight; it was almost addictive how delicious that kiss was for him.

His first kiss ended up being an incredible experience, and his heart wouldn't stop beating with excitement.

But he also has a lot of doubts about himself and about what the hell is even going to happen from now on.

Will Chris call him a creep?

Will their friendship break because he kissed him?

Will Chris hate him?

Paul, as someone with little experience in romance, immediately started to panic internally.

However, that couldn't be so far from the truth.

Chris was constantly remembering his lips as well, and with a smile, he couldn't hide, actually.

He was surprised that Paul even wanted to kiss him; until now, he thought he was straight.

Could it be that Paul was bisexual?

If so, maybe he had a chance.

But at the same time, if it wasn't intentional, he was the one who forced that kiss.

What would Paul even think about him?

Would he get angry at him? Would he call him disgusting?

After all, he had never told Paul that he was gay, so Paul couldn't really know, which might have caught him by surprise.

And a whole lot of misunderstandings could now happen.

"Hey, you two! Are you listening to me?!" Teressa cried as the two young men were looking at the floor while their faces were still as red as tomatoes.

"Heheh~ Big brother has a boyfriend? I didn't know!" Camilla giggled innocently at the side before running towards Alitheus. "Should I call you uncle now? No! brother-in-law, maybe?"

"W-Wha…?!" Chris panicked. "T-There's no need for any of that—I mean, I don't know if... Ahh, um… V-Vlad?"

"Ah! Yes?" Vlad wondered, opening his eyes wide, then meeting Chris' beautiful eyes again. "Um, a-ah, well, that's... It was just... we slipped, right?"

"Eh? Yeah! T-Totally, please, Lady Teressa, don't mind that." Chris cried. "Um… It was just in the heat of the moment."

"The heat of the moment?!" Teressa groaned angrily. "Look, Alitheus, I do recognize the immense strength you carry and how you can be very useful to the family, but I cannot accept this!"

"Huh? Why?" Vlad asked, slightly angry.

"Are you really asking why?!" Teressa said furiously.

Alitheus and Vlad expected the worst; a homophobic vampire mother wouldn't be out of character for the ruthless vampire family after all.

However…

"You can't do any of those things before marriage!" she said, without even addressing the gender issue at all. In fact, there was no such issue for her. "Also, Alitheus isn't a vampire yet? My son, do you expect him to live as long as you do? Eventually, you might outlive him! You must first turn him into a Vampire- Right, you're a Dhampir! Hah, maybe I should bite him then?"

"Wait, why are you talking about marriage?! I don't want to marry anybody!" Chris cried, stepping back, slightly afraid of the strict vampire mother.

"I don't think that's something for you to decide anymore, young man!" Teressa said. "You've already made a pact with my son; a kiss is something that vampires only do when they truly decide to spend the rest of their lives with that chosen person. Don't tell me you're backing down from your sincere feelings of love for my son?! I will not forgive you if you break his heart!"

"S-Sincere feelings of love? Really?" Chris looked at Paul.

"I-I think she's exaggerating a bit... Let's calm down for now; let's keep our heads cool, a-alright?" Paul tried to stay calm.

"You're right… Yeah, okay, miss, please calm down; we need... a lot of time to talk about this; it just happened so spontaneously." sighed Chris.

"Yeah, Mother, please don't blame Alitheus; it is my fault," said Vlad.

"Your fault? Of course, it is! You are too emotional, it seems; I failed at raising you into a proper cold vampire," sighed Teressa. "I'm sorry…"

"Eh? There's nothing to be sorry about!" Vlad sighed again, facepalming. "Ahem, you know, I think we should first address the situation in the entire city. H-How many people did you heal?"

"Ah! Erm, I think I healed thousands. Anybody that was still alive..." Chris said. "But... well, there were a lot of dead people too. I was unable to bring them back. I'm sorry…"

The feelings he was developing for Paul were quickly moved aside as Chris remembered what had just happened this entire day.

The tragedy of the Raid, with a third of the city destroyed and burned to the ground and a sizable amount of people dead.

If it wasn't for his healing, many more would have died due to the injuries, but even then, he felt guilty because he was unable to recover those who had died.

He thought that if this was a game, it would be possible to revive others; after all, it has always been a mechanic in every video game.

But the NPC that died would remain dead.

"There's nothing to be sorry about regarding that," Teressa said with a straight face. "You did what you could, and that's sometimes more than enough. I'll take responsibility for the loss of my citizens; it is all my fault. I responded too late, and I was too weak. I've disappointed my husband's expectations of me."

"That's... well, you did what you could, Mother; there's no need to think in such a way," said Vlad.

"Yeah, the house is fine too," said Camilla while nodding.

"Hah… Now that I can calm myself down a bit, I owe you two an apology," sighed Teressa, suddenly hugging her two children. "I've been a failure of a mother, and I have not been there for you as much as I should have… I was ashamed of myself, ashamed of what I had become, and ashamed that I couldn't give you a better life."

"Mom, don't be sad!" Camilla said. "Mama is nice now, right? Then it's fine."

"Camilla, you're too forgiving," Teressa sighed as she started crying as she hugged her daughter.

"Really, it's fine. I understand your circumstances, mother," sighed Vlad.

He wasn't the same Vlad she knew, but Paul. Although Paul got a summary of Vlad and even seemed to have some of his personality traits within the Avatar itself, it still felt like he had been isekai'd into his body rather than being Vlad himself.

Seeing how realistic the game, its world, and the NPC were, he started to believe that Vlad might have died before his "transmigration" into his body. Just like the scenarios he had read countless times in novels before.

"I think we should quickly start cleaning here first," said Vlad.

"My son, you're the one I've treated most unfairly; you really don't harbor any grudges against me?" Teressa asked.

"No, I don't like holding grudges against anybody," Paul smiled. "It's fine, mother. Let's get along and help this city for now."

"I... thank you. I will try to do better now…" Teressa smiled. "And please leave this to me; it is my responsibility. Thanks to Alitheus' healing magic, my body is back to full health and energy. Strangely enough, I had believed his magic would burn us, but it healed without causing pain."

"I used pure healing essence, without any light to it," said Chris. "It has to do with Ki energy and all of that stuff. I'm glad it worked, Miss Teressa. And you say you're cleaning? T-That's nice; I actually need to go right now."

"Eh? So soon?" Vlad asked. "But we have to talk about-"

"S-Sorry, I just... can't," Chris muttered. "I-I don't want to make you feel any more disgusted."

"Disgusted? Wait, Chris!"

Before Paul could talk to Chris anymore, he logged out, disappearing.

"What happened? I-I thought that..." muttered Paul, sighing. "Did he think that I was disgusted? We need to seriously talk this out… Ugh, but I wish I wasn't so awkward about this."

"I suppose he's gone; is that the ability of Players?" wondered Teressa. "Will you also have to temporarily leave?"

"Yeah, sorry about that," said Paul, sighing.

He wanted to check the rewards of the Raid with Chris, but after he ran away, he didn't even feel like checking anything. Nonetheless, the System still pestered him about it.

Ding!

[Congratulations, you have fully completed the Raid of the {Unending Crimson} completing one of the World Quest Events in the process!]

[The Raid has officially ended. Raid Score Points have been distributed to all parties involved.]

[Your total Raid Score Points: 360.000]

[You can exchange Raid Score Points in the Raid Shop to obtain Unique Items, Materials, and Equipment.]

[Simply invoke the Shop by saying its name out loud for it to appear before you. Once you run out of Score Points, you won't be able to access the shop anymore.]

"Interesting, I guess..." Paul sighed, desperate to log out and talk with Chris. "Um, Mom, I'll bring Camilla to her room, and I'll log out. Is that okay with you?"

"Ah, yes, you two deserve to rest; leave everything to me." Teressa moved rubble with giant hands made of ice while floating in midair and helping the people evacuate to safer areas.

"Alright… Huh? Camilla?"

Vlad looked at his sister, realizing the girl had fallen asleep while sitting down. He quickly had to carry her like a princess and then gently placed her on his room's bed.

"As I'll be leaving because I'm logging out, I suppose you can take over my bed for now, Camilla."

Vlad looked around the room, sighing.

A lot happened today, perhaps too much.

From the invasion of an alien god to a third of the city burning, and then the whole thing with Chris.

"Chris…"

He looked at his own equipment, which was in tatters. His armor had almost barely survived breaking apart completely; he would have to not only repair it but perhaps dismantle it and remake it anew.

However, he had plenty of materials for that, so he was looking forward to the amazing armor he could make now.

Yet, considering a future where Chris wouldn't be there to play with him was slightly disheartening.

Why did it suddenly feel so shallow without him?

He was sure he was having a lot of fun playing the game.

But perhaps Chris being by his side was also part of what made it so fun too.

"I have to apologize to him for what I did and try to amend things."

Once he logged out, he walked out of the capsule, all sweaty. He wanted to sit down and call Chris using his phone, but he decided to first take a cold shower to refresh himself.

As he walked out of his bathroom, he noticed dinner was served over the table, covered in plastic wrap, with a note from her mother.

It read, "I know you're busy with that game, so I won't bother you, honey! I left you dinner so you could reheat it. I have to wake up early tomorrow, so I'll go to sleep. Let's talk tomorrow while we have breakfast."

Paul smiled lightly as he went to change clothes and heated the food his mother made for him, enjoying it while browsing his phone.

Chris seemed to be online.

"Should I send a message? Or maybe calling him would be more appropriate?"

Paul felt too nervous to call him, and when he considered it was already night and his mother was sleeping, he decided to message him and hope for the best.

[Paul]: Hey, Chris. You ok?]

He tried to act casual.

[Read]

[Chris ;3 <3] is typing.]

Chris read the message and then started typing.

[Chris ;3 <3]: [I'm fine.]

"Ugh, so cold... Wait, maybe I also sounded cold with that?"

Paul's note wasn't the best of his written messages.

[Chris ;3 <3] is typing…]

[Chris ;3 <3]: [I'm sorry. I shouldn't have done what did. think we should move on. guess it didn't work in the end.]

"Move on?! What does he mean by that?"

[Paul]: [What do you mean by move on? Also, you said I found that disgusting, but I didn't. I didn't find it disgusting, Chris. Please don't say those things. Don't feel bad; I should be the one apologizing.]

[Read]

[Chris ;3 <3] is typing.

[…]

However, as he wanted to type something, he suddenly stopped.

Paul felt nervous; he didn't know what to do. Was Chris going to ghost him?

At the same time, at the other end of the screen, Chris' blue eyes glanced at his phone.

He looked like he had just cried for half an hour.

"Does… he really means it?"

His little fingers moved slowly, typing something.

"Aahh… S-Should I really do this? What… What will happen next?"

Paul was perhaps the most unpredictable person for Chris; after all, he still didn't know him completely.

Should he play around or... just leave him while he still can?

He wanted to just leave it, but...

But those experiences he lived with him both in college and in the game.

They were really nice; he hadn't felt so happy in years.

And he, despite the short time, had begun to genuinely develop some sort of feeling for him.

He didn't know how true that feeling was, but he knew it existed.

"If he's… really ok with it…"

[Chris ;3 <3]: [Really? You don't hate me? And you need to apologize.]

Paul's eyes widened, feeling relieved, and he answered at the end.

Nervously, he typed again.

[Paul]: [Nah, I could never hate you for that, Chris. It was just something that happened at the moment. I also… wanted it at the end; we're both at fault then?]

Chris' breath became slightly heavier as he felt something down there rise, he was getting slightly hardened by the thought of a future with someone like Paul, for some reason.

"Does he really like me?"

He bit his lips, typing again.

[Chris ;3 <3]: [I liked it… Did you?]

Paul felt more nervous, and like Chris, he was also breathing heavily.

However, his boner was already much harder, poking at his pants.

He typed without hesitation, If the feeling was mutual, what was there to doubt?

Only a few days ago, he believed he was straight.

But right now, he really wanted to experience new things.

New things with Chris.

[Paul]: [I did… I really liked it.]

Chris dropped his phone into the bed, hitting his head on the pillow.

"Did I turn him gay? Or bi? Did I do that?!"

He felt slightly guilty, but also very excited.

[Paul]: [I know it was just a game… But I wonder if you wouldn't mind trying it IRL too? Or maybe I'm going too far?]

"Holy sh*t, is he horny right now?"

Chris quickly started typing.

[Chris: ;3 <3]: [Slow down, cowboy, let's take it one step at a time… But maybe I wouldn't mind eventually? Who knows? ;3]

"Chris…"

Paul swallowed saliva as he felt like never before.

Did he really have a chance?

Did he?!

[Paul]: [Okay… I think we should take it more personally. Should we meet somewhere tomorrow? Are you up for the idea? I mean, maybe it's too soon? I… am not good with these things.]

Chris smiled, regaining his confidence.

[Chris ;3 <3]: [Eeeh, I wouldn't mind tomorrow, guess! If you're so desperate for it, would prefer a more private place, though…]

[Paul]: [How about my house? My mom won't be home…]

Chris' eyes widened.

He was inviting him to his house so soon?!

If it wasn't because he knew Paul was inexperienced, he would guess he was trying to have sex already.

But Paul had no such thoughts in his mind at all; he just wanted to talk about his feelings, hang out with Chris, and maybe cook something for him.

[Paul]: [I can cook some food if you want. Let's… hang out?]

"Hang out, he says… He's way too cute, haha…"

[Chris ;3 <3]: [Geez, fine~ I guess it can't be helped, you better make me something good then. Tomorrow at what hour?]

[Paul]: [2:30 PM? Or is it too early?]

[Chris ;3 <3]: [It's fine… I wake up pretty late, usually, though.]

[Paul]: [Alright, I'll send you the directions to my house…]

Paul quickly sent his direction and everything, as Chris read them.

[Chris ;3 <3]: [Got it, then see you tomorrow? Let's talk things out then…]

[Paul]: [Thank you.]

[Chris ;3 <3]: [You're so corny about it…]

[Paul]: [Am I? Sorry…]

[Chris ;3 <3]: [You don't have to be sorry about it!]

[Paul]: [Um… then what do I do?]

[Chris ;3 <3]: [Geez, you really lack confidence, dude. Maybe some more smooches could fix that?]

"S-Smooches?"

Paul touched his lips, and imagining himself kissing Chris IRL only made it harder for him.

[Chris ;3 <3]: [I'm joking, lol, no way I'm giving you one so easily anymore! Anyway, going to sleep. See tomorrow.]

[Paul]: [Yeah, take care.]

As Chris stopped typing, he slowly left his phone on the desk by the side of his bed and slowly started moving his hands toward his crotch.

"Fuck, I'm so hard…"

At the same time, Paul finished his meal and walked back to his bedroom, sitting over his bed, his boner flaring, poking his pants, and forming a little tent.

"Hahh… Chris…"

Without realizing it, both ended up relieving themselves of their stress while thinking about each other.