Finding the Dungeon [publishing]

Chapter 14 *intense fluff* *cringey*

"Where's that girl?"

A tilt of the head from Nyxie, before Niamh elaborated.

"That brunette in the purple dress?" she began to search around, "Where is she?"

Her eyes drooping a little, Nyxie sat up, staring around the room. Niamh took a step back.

"Oh. So that's what it was," she laughed nervously, "Now I get it."

She walked forward and pushed Nyxie back into the seat, towering over the woman. Nyxie looked up into her eyes, but she couldn't tell what emotion she was feeling then. Sort of mixed. Uncertain.

"Do your little friends know about this?"

Nyxie's eyes widened, but shook her head.

"Don't let them know, then."

"I won't," the small, shaky voice came from Nyxie. A pause, then:  "Eria probably just got lost, that's all."

"Hmph," Niamh protested, but stepped outside the room.

"Ah! Miss Nightshade!" a familiar voice called. "Sorry, I got lost on the way to the bathroom!"

Nyxie softened up, but Niamh tensed.

"Ask me for directions next time."

"Don't worry, I don't intend for there to be a next time."

"Ugh," Niamh scoffed, visibly appalled by Eria's behaviour. "Get out then. Get out of here and take your little friends with you."

Nyxie seemed shocked as Eria simply rolled her eyes.

"Eria!" Nyxie hissed quietly.

"What?" she tutted.

Turning away sharply, Nyxie stared at her hands. Her attitude reminded her of Annabel. She walked towards where Leo, Boa and Ryuu were now standing.

"Mami!" Boa called, then looked around sheepishly. Nyxie smiled, and Boa ran to hug her. She was surprised how quickly they bonded.

Eria smiled brightly, and walked up to Leo, placing her arms around his neck.

"Hi."

"Uhm... hello?" Leo blushed. He hadn't expected her to make a move so soon. Eria reached in to kiss him, and he accepted it shyly. Her lips were rougher than he anticipated, but they had a pretty strawberry scent to them.

Ryuu coughed, taking a hold of Boa's hand. Nyxie took Boa's other hand and started towards the door.

"C'mon then, Eria..." Leo muttered. Who would've known that his first kiss would be over so fast. He tugged Eria towards the door. "Let's at least get back to the... uhm... before... we do anything..."

Eria enclosed her fingers around his, and was seductively walking beside him, rubbing close against him.

"Okay," she replied, smiling as beautifully as ever.

Ryuu and Nyxie rolled their eyes after seeing the pair behind them. But what could they say? They were only young adults after all.

***

Ryuu and Nyxie had decided to talk Boa on a walk to a nearby town to gather supplies, leaving Eria and Leo alone.

"So..." Leo started, "What gave you the courage to make the first move?"

She simply smiled sweetly. "No reason..." She leaned forwards and pressed her lips against his neck. 

Leo pushed her away, overwhelmed. Yes, he had a crush on Eria, but how was she supposed to know about it?

"I need time to think," he cleared his throat. Eria pouted, but Leo didn't change his mind. "I just wanna think this through first."

Ryuu opened the door to the pair on opposite sides of the room, and stepped in awkwardly.

"Leo?" he called, "Eria?"

The two looked up, the silence breaking

"Is Boa there?" Leo enquired, to which Ryuu nodded.

Boa entered the room, accompanied by Nyxie with multiple bags of supplies. She walked over the kitchen, and Boa ran straight towards Leo.

"Onii-san? Wanna play a game with me?"

Leo nodded. Boa pouted.

"SMiLe!" he complained. Leo laughed, taking hold of Boa's hand.

"You are one funny boy."