Page 27 of Simon

I had stolen some food from Calliope and her orc. I didn’t think my mate would appreciate eating roots. I had bread that would last a few more days before I had to get more, and the meat I’d caught myself was fresh.

Though I'd grown increasingly self-sufficient, the art of baking—with its delicate balance of ingredients and timing—remained beyond my grasp.

Lucy hummed and turned to meet my gaze. I felt like it had been many moons since I’d seen her face when it hadn’t been long at all.

“E-eat?”

My heart leaped when I could form the words. It was coming so much easier, just being in her presence.

Could it be the bond, with the goddess’ will helping me?

With a bright smile, Lucy uncrossed her arms, the tension visibly leaving her shoulders. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to have apanic attack.” She took tentative steps toward me and reached out her hand toward mine.

She was touching me.

Please, penis, do not come out.

“This was a lot. More adventure than I have ever had in my life, actually, and I have been to many places in my lifetime.”

I gave her adventure!

“And wow, these nails are sharp!”

She took my hand and flipped it over, her fingers trailing my palm.

“Not as rough as I thought. It is actually really soft. These nails though, wow, just fascinating. Not nails, more like talons. Can you shred meat with these?”

I can shred your clothes.

I nodded enthusiastically.

“There is so much I want to learn from you, Mr. Tumnus.”

I let out a bleat and took my hand away, crossing my arms like I saw her do when she was uncomfortable.

“Right! Sorry, sorry!” She ran her fingers through her hair. “I need your name. Do you have a name? Can you say it?”

I ground my teeth and stuck my tongue out at her. She was still going to be calling me Mr. Tumnus in her head. I just knew it.

“Oh, come on.” She tugged on my arm. “I really am sorry. I know you hate that name. Come on, be a good little faun, and please tell me your name. We can eat and then work on your speaking. I think our problem is you have a longer tongue. We can work on tongue placement, so we can have a better conversation. Please?”

She begged sweetly, and my shaft twitched in my pouch.

Down. Stay down in the pouch of loneliness.

I huffed in annoyance. I cannot say my name. The sound at the front always came out like a whistle. I did my best, with my tongue flailing about until all that could be heard was “imon.”

She wiped my spit away from her eye. “Right, okay.Imon,then?”

I shook my head and stomped my foot.

“A sound beforeImon,then?”

I nodded. “Lucy touch?” I held out my hand for her arm to lead her inside for her warm food, and she nodded. She sounded out more letters in front ofImon,and when she finally said my name, I nodded excitedly.

“Simon! That’s your name!” She smiled, jumping up and down. I couldn’t help but follow her movement when she wrapped her arms around me. I paused, taking in long whiffs of her hair.

Her body was warm, and I was melting into it.

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