The goblins were at it again.
I sat by the campfire beside Aria, watching the lot of them dance around the flames and pound on their drums.
Those drums were so old and worn-out I almost mistook them for basins.
Aria leaned over me, resting her head on my shoulder as we watched the goblins perform their tribal dance.
With a simple movement, her hair slid down onto my arm, still warm from the fire. Then she looked up at me.
"Thank you, Ragnar, for everything you've done," she said sincerely.
"If you hadn't come to us, we would have been forced to leave, or worse, become the orcs' slaves. And with how things are in this forest, we could've taken a wrong turn and gotten ourselves killed."
She paused, then looked at me again. "Would you be… moved if you heard I was dead?"
I met her gaze. "Logically, I'd say no. But lately… I've come to really enjoy your company. And I've always liked your quirks."
"Don't worry about it. I would've already gone looking for you."
She stared at me for a second, then burst into loud laughter, so loud the goblins turned their heads.
"For a kobold, you're surprisingly emotional," she teased.
She stood up, stretched, and her toned stomach showed beneath her top. Even her skirt couldn't hide how good her legs looked. She caught me glancing, and a smug smile curved her lips.
"Well, Ragnar… I'm sorry to inform our savior that we only have one room available."
I tilted my head. "Huh?"
"My room," she said, smirking. "We'll be sleeping together. Don't worry, it's for your protection. Who knows, maybe some goblin is planning to kill you in your sleep." Even she didn't sound convinced by her own excuse.
Before I could respond, she teased again, "I'm going to sleep first. If you get tired of staring at the fire, come join me in the same bed."
With that, she turned and walked away, her hips swaying more than necessary. Definitely on purpose.
I stared at the starry sky for a moment. The night was cold and clear, and I could see every star, two moons glowing gently above. Somewhere out there was Earth. Well… not exactly one of the shining spots, since Earth wasn't a fireball of light.
I chuckled. People back there were probably still doing their jobs like usual.
Shaking my head, I muttered, "Time to sleep," and stood up.
When I pushed open the hut's door, I found her already asleep in the dim light. She wasn't wearing her armor or traveling clothes, just what she called "pajamas," which were basically a tiny rag barely covering anything.
It was even shorter than her fighting skirt, leaving her smooth, firm legs exposed. Her top was loose, showing hints of softness she usually kept hidden under armor.
She looked dangerous, not in a hostile way, but in a way that tested my self-control.
I climbed onto the bed and lay beside her. The mattress was soft, her chest rising and falling gently as she slept and… snored. It was a small, whistling sound. Cute, honestly.
I tried to keep some distance, but then something soft pressed against me. I opened my eyes and looked down to find her warm, plump thigh wrapped around my leg, and her arm around my torso like a cute green koala.
I cursed under my breath, fighting off the thoughts creeping into my head.
My evolution had made my body more sensitive to her touch. I was starting to think… I might actually have feelings for her. And right now her scent was all over me, sweet, with a hint of sweat from this morning's battle. Not helping at all.
I mentally slapped myself. Hold it, Ragnar. She trusts you. Don't screw this up. I closed my eyes and drifted into sleep.
Sometime later, snoring softly, I didn't notice Aria open her eyes. She looked at my sleeping face and poked my cheek affectionately.
"Look who's talking," she whispered. "You're the one with the cutest snoring, little kobold."
"And it looks like I shouldn't hesitate about my decision, then…" She poked my face again.
While I slept, she leaned close and kissed my cheek, slow and warm. Her breath brushed my ear as she whispered, "I love you."
I couldn't hold it in anymore. My eyes opened. No point pretending.
Her eyes widened when she realized I was awake. She pressed her fingers together shyly. "W-were you awake?"
"Yes," I said quietly. "And if that's how you truly feel… then you deserve my answer."
She looked up at me, closed her eyes, and waited.
I moved closer and kissed her.
"I love you too," I whispered, my breath uneven, my hand cupping her cheek.