Mama Fox

<Zuri>

She was asleep.

That idiot had fallen asleep on him. Staring down at Cleodora, Zuri couldn’t help but give a tired sigh. The weight currently resting on his lap was surprisingly heavy. Perhaps it was due to her lifestyle as a hero causing her to be more robust, but Zuri could’ve sworn her head was heavier than it was supposed to be. It was gradually becoming uncomfortable to carry it on his lap. Adding to that discomfort was the long fiery red hair spilt everywhere. The tangled mess of hair felt slightly ticklish to the touch, forcing Zuri to awkwardly keep his hands up.

… He needed to wake her up now.

They needed to move on.

But.

Despite thinking that, Zuri didn’t move to do so. Instead, he quietly observed Cleodora in the peaceful silence.... Really, it was quite the shame she was the way she was. With the beauty she possessed, it wouldn’t be difficult for her to find a willing partner. Most, if not all, would be delighted to be charmed by the hero herself. On paper, she had what everyone would desire in a partner. Looks, status and an amiable, outgoing disposition. The only thing really holding her back was her odd fixation with him.

… It really wasn’t fair.

Now Zuri had to suffer because of it.

Cleodora stirred in her sleep.

Zuri paused and did his level best not to move.

‘This is such a mistake’

The moment that thought came into Zuri’s mind, he banished it with a shake of his head.

‘This is the only way’

Reaffirming himself, Zuri calmed the slight bits of panic threatening to overtake his mind. There was no other path to travel if he so desired to keep his treasures. Yesterday evening had been a valuable moment for Zuri to collect himself. Namely because it allowed him time to think about the future. After the herbalist left, before Cleodora came back, he sat down with himself. He sat with himself and decided the best course of action to take.

He was pregnant with triplets, trapped in the sticks and unable to rely on his family.

With this in mind, he made a decision.

A decision to not only survive but thrive.

Cleodora stirred in her sleep again.

It was regrettable that thriving meant stalking the dragon’s den.

“Wake up.” (Z)

Cleodora’s body twitched a little, but she didn’t attempt to lift her head.

Zuri clicked his tongue and flicked her forehead.

“I know you’re not asleep.” (Z)

“O-Of course!” (C)

Cleodora raised her head while smiling softly.

“…Sorry about that.” (C)

Zuri met her meagre, heartfelt apology with a silent roll of his eyes. He’d known she was awake the moment her breath hitched, but he had kept his peace, using the silence to prepare for whatever was next. The apology rang empty due to this. She wasn’t really sorry but more so embarrassed at being caught red-handed.

‘Still… A sorry like that from her is a bit…’

Odd.

A bit too sincere.

The recent change that had occurred in Cleodora was not lost on Zuri. It wasn’t but a few days ago she was proudly proclaiming she’d get him pregnant by any means. Now, not only was she flinching at his every other word, but the initial excitement around his pregnancy seemed to have tapered off to some extent. It was increasingly becoming obvious something other than guilt was contributing to this behaviour.

‘What though?’

Zuri had no answer.

Clearing his throat, he turned and eyed Cleodora.

“I believe we have come to an understanding in regard to how we will move forward?” (Z)

He may not know what prompted the change, but boy did he welcome it.

The talk they had wouldn’t have been possible or productive without it.

“…Yes. We have come to an understanding.” (C)

The words that came out of Cleodora were spoken slowly and sounded forced, but the fact they were coming out at all was a good sign.

Zuri eyed Cleodora, giving her the green light to continue talking.

“You want us to be friends first.” (C)

He nodded at her response.

Zuri very much liked the idea of friends.

People with whom you shared a close but not close relation. Unlike family or romantic partners, friends were easier to manage and, if necessary, easier to discard. Crucially and most importantly to Zuri, friendship didn’t demand intimacy. One could be a companion without the burden of physical or emotional fulfilment.

A voice, lightly strained, called to Zuri.

“Then lovers, correct?” (C)

It was Cleodora’s turn to eye him.

She eyed him in turn until he eventually nodded, though reluctantly, at her words.

Naturally, Zuri had no intentions of letting their ‘relationship’ get to that level. He wasn’t even planning on getting to friend level with her no matter what. This façade was merely in place in order to enlist her full cooperation. Cleodora won’t be as wilful as she was in the past if she believes she needs his consent, his favourability to win. The meaning of which was simple: no more unwanted touching.

“You are correct. Lovers will be last.” (Z)

Vocalising his agreement, Zuri set their arrangement in place.

This battle of theirs will no longer be one-sided.

Cleodora smiled at his words.

It’s a smile short-lived, though, as an epiphany seems to strike her soon after.

Nervously, Cleodora briefly studied Zuri's body before asking.

A timid question is posed.

“…Can I make a request?” (C)

Zuri’s eyes hardened at her words.

Given the fact she had not so discreetly just checked him out, he had a good feeling what exactly that question may be about.

“What.” (Z)

Using a purposely rough tone, Zuri glared daggers at Cleodora.

“…Nothing.” (C)

“Nothing?” (Z)

“Yes, nothing.” (C)

Cleodora got up from the bed, coughed and then smiled.

“I’ve got work to do. I’ll be back soon.” (C)

“Take your time.” (Z)

Zuri dismissively waved her off.

She laughed.

“…I can’t wait to be your friend again.” (C)

The door closed with a soft thud.

Zuri clutched his bedsheets.

This was the correct path forward, right?