"Nina, I didn't want to pry before, because I think you're entitled to some amount of privacy despite our contract. However, I've been feeling apprehension from you most of the night. Is there something you want to talk about? That's kind of what having a friend is for." (Mizuki)
I give her the warmest smile I can as I say this, and I try to push my feelings of concern through our connection.
"So, you noticed that, huh?" (Nina)
Nina smiles wryly in response, and I sense a twinge of fear and nervousness swirling in her. Then, she sighs deeply and sinks into the bath further. After a minute, she seems to make up her mind, and she sits back up to address me.
"You know, it's been quite some time now, but I used to reside at a different area in the forest. It was wonderful, with a bigger lake, lots of nice fruit, and good sunbathing spots. There was even a natural hot spring close by." (Nina)
I stay silent, waiting to see where this goes, and she continues with her random anecdote.
"Eventually, Halzar found the place, too. He wanted to set up his nest in that area, and he mentioned the idea to me. I refused, and eventually we got in a fight over the territory. Being much stronger than me, he won, and I ended up moving my nest to where you found me. I know that it was ridiculous of me to behave that way. Still, even knowing I'd lose, I fought him for it." (Nina)
She glances over my way, gauging my reaction. Sensing my confusion, she rolls her eyes and continues.
"I'm saying that I never have been, and never will be, good at sharing things that I like with others." (Nina)
She now looks at me expectantly, like 'do you understand?'. Uhm…no…no I do not. I'm confused as hell you lunatic dragon.
Seeing my dumbfounded expression, she groans and looks down at her bath water. I also begin to sense embarrassment from her.
"Damn it, Mizuki, I'm saying that I like when it's just the two of us, and I don't want to share you. It's embarrassing, and I know I don't own you, but that's what you've been sensing." (Nina)
At this point she's strongly avoiding eye contact with me. I can't even tease her for that, though, because I'm so confused.
What in the actual hell is she talking about? Sharing me? The only other person I could even call a friend in this world is Percivil. As far as I know, she doesn't even know about him, much less have a reason to be jealous.
I decide it's best to be direct.
"Uhm…Nina, I'm sorry if this comes off as insensitive…but…what the hell are you going on about? Sharing me with who?" (Mizuki)
She snaps her gaze over to me and her eyes open wide. I sense a rush of confusion and…anger? Oh boy.
"Don't you play dumb with me! The emotional connection goes both ways, you know. When you went to meet the elves earlier, I felt a huge rush of attraction from you. I'm guessing it was towards that elven princess. If she became your mate…I doubt she'd want you spending time with me." (Nina)
She layers the phrase 'elven princess' with disdain, then she frowns and looks down at the bathwater again.
I cannot believe this right now. Is she worried I'm going to abandon her…over Ilina!? It's so absurd for so many reasons. I think it's time I had a little heart-to-heart with her about all this.
I meet her gaze and give her a warm smile.
"Alright, let me assure you that we're friends. I'm not going to abandon you, and I'll be here for you if you need me. I'll show you…this is how I felt when I agreed to bring you here tonight…" (Mizuki)
I think about picking her up earlier, when she hugged me enthusiastically, and I forward to her how grateful I felt to have someone happy to spend time with me.
She looks up at me in surprise and smiles. I sense a flood of happiness from her, and her mood seems to improve significantly. However, her expression dampens after a moment.
"I appreciate and believe that you're willing to be my friend…truly. I just…" (Nina)
I can sense some disappointment around the word 'friend', and she trails off without finishing her thoughts.
Is it really that? We've only known each other a day. There's no way she's romantically interested, right? I wonder…
"I can also assure you that I don't have any interest in a romantic relationship with the elven princess, Ilina. Here, see for yourself. This is how I feel when I'm in her company…" (Mizuki)
I think about the night I first visited Ilina in her and Klaus's room, and how I felt annoyed the first several minutes of talking with her. As I do this, I focus on pushing the emotions I felt to Nina.
Nina gives me a surprised look, and I sense relief from her.
"So, there are no such women in your life – no romantic interests?" (Nina)
Nina watches me with a mix of curiosity and apprehension.
I can't tell…is she asking because she's interested in me romantically, or is she just worried her new friend might get too busy with a girlfriend to hang out with her? Honestly, if it's the former, I'm…not bothered by it.
Still, it feels too soon to complicate our relationship like that. However, I also don't think it's healthy to leave us both in a state of such uncertainty. I think honesty is the best policy here, awkward as it may be.