There Goes That

-----Fabian's POV

Ilfa: "I see. So you two are in that kind of relationship."

Fabian/Rina: "Yes."

During our breakfast today, Ilfa barged in on us once again. It's been 4 days now since Rina and I have entered this relationship, but we still have yet to go all the way. Rina doesn't seem against that idea and we could've done it multiple times by now, but Ilfa seems to hanging around us more and more which started to get quite frustrating for both Rina and I. So today we decided to just come clean at Rina's request. I was scared at the thought at first, but I feel grateful that we're not dead yet after having explained the situation.

We're sat at the table, with Rina and I taking our seats next to one another, while Ilfa is seated on the other side with a massive grin on her face. I can't tell if that smile of hers is a good thing or not.

Ilfa: "So that's why you two were snuggled up a few days ago."

Rina: "!"

I knew it. Someone as powerful as her must've sensed Rina hiding under the covers back then. I guess to her we were seen as some sort of entertainment for her. I wonder if she even knew that she was getting in between us on purpose? I wouldn't be surprised. Rina though seems shocked to hear that Ilfa knew about that, even blushing quite heavily.

Fabian: "Yes."

Ilfa: "You sure are full of surprises, Fabian. Is the reason why you spared Rina was because you fell in love with her mistreating you? Are you some kind of masochist?"

Fabian: "What?! No. This all happened recently."

Rina: "M-masochist?"

Fabian: "No no, I'm not a masochist, Rina."

Rina: "No. What does it mean?"

Right... I totally forgot that Rina doesn't fully know the human language yet. But I was so flustered that it completely slipped my mind. That said, I don't think I can explain what a masochist is-

Ilfa: "Someone who gets pleasure from being humiliated or hurt in a sexual manner."

But here we have Ilfa, with no filter at all as per usual. Rina seems to be even more shocked as she turns her head to face me.

Rina: "You're-"

Fabian: "I'm not a masochist!"

Ilfa: "Fufu. You say that, but weren't you enjoying yourself when doing it with me?"

Fabian: "...More like tolerating."

Oh god, this is getting quite awkward. I really don't want to talk about my past experiences with Ilfa right in front of Rina. I have to change this subject fast before Rina ends up exploding from embarrassment. I end up grabbing hold of Rina's hand before bringing both our connected hands up to our sides, making sure Ilfa sees.

Fabian: "Anyway! Yes. Rina and I are now partners. Is there any problems with that?"

Ilfa: "Hmmm. I will say that I am shocked to see you pull something like this. But yes there are problems."

Fabian: "...Is the fact that I'm your hostage one of them?"

Ilfa: "Correct. Your purpose here is to be an insurance for if that vampire tries anything."

Fabian: "So you're saying that you don't actually have a problem with our relationship?"

Ilfa: "Mmmm. Can't say I don't. You have been an excellent source of food for me. So it's a bit problematic having Rina take you from under me."

Fabian: "Aren't there others that can do that?"

Ilfa: "Of course, but like I said. Most die from it, and I wouldn't want to hinder our forces. Not when war is soon to come."

Wait. Another war?

Fabian: "...I thought you said you're now recognized as some kind of a leader now. Do they still plan to rebel against you?"

Ilfa: "Fufu. No. Actually it's the humans this time-"

What? Humans? Inasdale is crushed so she mustn't be talking about Lucien and his army. Is she maybe talking about my mom and sister? They successfully fled from Inasdale, but maybe they've caught wind that I'm trapped here and plan to save me? With that thought, my stomach tightens up as I feel the breakfast I just had with Rina now try to leave my system, but I manage to keep it down.

Ilfa: "Seems as though you'll be put to some good use after all, hehe"

Rina: "If you plan on killing Fabian, then you'll have to kill me first."

Suddenly, Rina stands up from her seat, declaring such words straight at Ilfa in a defiant manner. I've always seem Rina be timid and respectful towards Ilfa, so seeing her raise her voice like this for me is leaving me speechless.

Ilfa: "Oh my~ Now isn't that romantic of you. I wouldn't want to kill such a capable servant such as yourself."

Rina: "I'll refuse all your orders if you don't."

Ilfa: "Fufu. You do realize your mother is under my care as well. Not to mention your friends as well."

Rina: "..."

Ilfa: "I'm glad you seem to understand. We don't want any careless bloodshed now do we?"

Is that a threat to Alenia? I mean, I know Ilfa is monster and all, but this is the first time I've ever heard her say something like this, and having it directed to Rina just makes my blood boil. If I could, I'd lash out at Ilfa, but I know I have no power to do that. Still though, I feel like this isn't like Ilfa at all. I've grown to learn a lot about her, even having her tell me secrets about her past that I believe she hasn't told anyone else. Sure I've entered a relationship with Rina, but I feel like I have somewhat of a bond with Ilfa. I fell in love with her after all. Or was I just imagining everything? Either way, I have to say something.

Fabian: "You're bluffing."

Ilfa: "Hmm?"

Fabian: "You wouldn't hurt her mother."

Ilfa: "Fufu. And why is that?"

Rina: "Fabian-"

Rina tries to stop me, but I need to push through this. For one, I hate that Ilfa just said all of that towards Rina. I know she didn't say that she'd take Alenia's life but it was heavily implied. But I like to think if Ilfa truly believed she'd kill Rina's mother, then she'd actually say those words, not be this vague.

Fabian: "Because you're too kind."

Ilfa: "Oh?"

Fabian: "You might play everything you did to me off by saying that I'm too valuable to you, being a deterrent towards Kaede. But you're actions spoke otherwise. And right now, you're not the same Ilfa that I know. Even now, I can tell that your smile is forced."

Ilfa: "You praise me too much. Did you not hear what I said?"

Fabian: "Yes, but I know you don't actually plan on killing Rina's mother. If so, then you would've said it, rather than be vague about it."

Ilfa: "Fufu. You're quite sharp for a human, Fabian."

Fabian: "No. It's just that I've been watching you closely ever since I've come here. The way you talk, your mannerisms, everything. You can try to act like a monster, but I can see past this act of yours."

Ilfa: "...Claiming you know everything about me? How is that not being sharp?"

Fabian: "Because... I liked you. I wouldn't see all those things if I didn't."

There! I actually said it! I couldn't say it back then due to how different we see each other, but now that I've moved past that and having Rina by my side supporting me, I could finally let those past emotions out. Rina didn't seem all too surprised since she was aware of my feelings back then, but Ilfa on the other hand is now visibly turning red red. Her face looks as though someone just suddenly threw a fireball at her face with how quickly her face lit up.

Ilfa: "...L-liked?"

Fabian: "Yes."

I guess she picked up on the past tense there, I'm glad. A part of me does wish that she could see me as something more, but being reminded as being a hostage, I ended up leaving those feelings aside and try to move on.

Fabian: "Although I still feel for you, and I'm truly grateful for what you've done for me. But I'm with Rina now. So I can't take it lightly when you threaten her family like that."

Ilfa: "Hah-"

She ends up putting her face in her hand as if she can't believe what I'm saying. I didn't expect her to react that strongly to that confession of mine. But instead of continuing the conversation, Ilfa just stands up and begins to leave the table.

Fabian: "You're leaving?"

Ilfa: "I just... Need to think."

She doesn't even look back, almost as if she's too embarrassed to show her face before she leaves through the door, closing it quite gently. I end up sitting back down in my chair as Rina also follows suit. I let out a heavy sigh of relief after having said all that to Ilfa, but now I'm left wondering what happens from now. Ilfa reacted quite weird at the end there, even choosing to just leave without saying anything more. She said she needs time to think, but I can't help but wonder what it is she's thinking about; especially with how weak her tone was just now.

Rina: "You didn't need to risk doing that for me."

Fabian: "I had to. I couldn't just sit there letting Ilfa say that to you."

She ends up smiling with a slight flush to her cheeks with her ears flickering a little. I love how easily I can tell when Rina is in a good mood.

Rina: "Thank you."

Fabian: "No. Thank you for standing up for me. You even raised your voice against her. Haha, I was honestly shocked."

Rina: "Ahh~ Yeah, that was scary. I was prepared to be killed right then and there."

Fabian: "Haha. Well I'm happy that you made it out alive."

Rina: "Mm!"

She ends up leaving her head onto my shoulder as we remain seated side by side with one another. I end up moving an arm around her waist, bringing her body a bit closer to me as I rest my head on top of her head. I didn't expect how this would all turn out, but I'm glad I can be like this with Rina... But to hear that humans are coming to Inasdale... I still can't shake the idea that my mom and sister will be among them. I was hoping to bring that up with Ilfa, but she ended up walking out like that. I guess I can wait till she comes back.