*knock* *knock*
A knock echoed from my door before it slowly creaked open, looking at who opened my door I could see from the doorway, Tama's head poking in a quiet expression painted on her face.
Although I knew who it was before Tama had opened the door. Before Tama had knocked she had announced herself by asking me if I was awake
When I didn't answer she opened the door to my room and asked again to make sure.
I didn't answer the first time as I was busy comforting Aoif. Even if she was asleep, Aoif still unconsciously clung to me. I couldn't ignore that and put her closer to my chest, which seemed to help calm her.
"My lord, are you awake?"
It was after Tama had asked again that I raised my head looking towards Tama and replied.
"Yes," I quietly said, making sure my voice was not too loud as to wake Aoif.
With my confirmation Tama entered the room. Tama was wearing a golden kimono most likely conjured by her denial of reality, unless Tama had found someone to tailor clothes for herself.
Shaking my head I dismissed the possibility, if there was a tailor I wouldn't be wearing clothes conjured by Tama.
Besides the kimono, the other thing that struck me was my hunger. It wasn't random, Tama came in holding a plate of what seemed to be an elaborate meal.
It was only after seeing the plate of food that my hunger had struck. It seemed when I was soothing Aoif and her concerns, my body had suppressed its hunger so that I could properly care for Aoif without feeling the pain of hunger.
However the pain came to me immediately after seeing the food that Tama held, all other thoughts were out of my mind at that moment except how I was supposed to eat it.
Though even if I had lost my mind from hunger I still didn't disregard how comfortable Aoif was in my lap. I was conflicted for only a second, I would bear more pain just to comfort Aoif, if I had to leave myself hungry for as long as it took for Aoif to wake then I would do so with a smile.
Though my internal dilemma did not go unseen as Tama, seeing my situation, had prepared. With a snap of her fingers the plate that she was holding now sat on a lap table.
It was just the right size so that it could fit in my lap while Aoif was still there without disturbing her.
Placing the food on my lap Tama backs away, waiting for me to finish my food so that she could dispel the lap table.
…
It seems that the aftermath of healing my body from that injury had used up too much energy as I had quickly devoured the food that Tama had placed before me. Even then, after eating the whole thing my body's hunger was not sated.
It took a grand total of four meals, spaced out within 30 minutes of each as Tama did still have to prepare the food, to finally eat my fill.
In a flash of golden light the lap table, plates, utensils, everything that was in front of me were scattered into golden motes as Tama dispelled them.
After finishing my meal I could see Tama make to leave, however I couldn't help but notice something. Her soul was fluctuating with emotion. It was a kaleidoscope of emotions but the one that was most apparent was pain and longing.
"Come here" Sighing I softly command Tama to come over to me.
As Tama walked over to me I could finally identify why her emotions were fluctuating so much.
It was a deep longing fought by an iron will of professionalism.
Ever since our coupling together Tama had hidden her emotions under a thick cloud of professionalism, this was the first time that I had seen the unfiltered desire for warmth, for comfort in my arms, coming from her.
It was why I had hardened my resolve, I would break that shell, I would allow her to soften her emotions for once.
Tama's soft footfalls fell one by one as she gradually approached me.
"Yes, my Lord?" Tama questioned as soon as she was close enough to me.
Instead of answering her question I hold out my hand and gently grap Tama's.
"Huh"
With a small exclamation of surprise Tama was pulled onto the bed. Even if Tama could resist, I knew that she would not resist something that I had done to her.
So even if Tama had the strength to resist she did not.
Once Tama had fallen onto the bed I used my other free hand to scoop her up and pull her onto my side as my lap was full with Aoif.
"My- my lord?"
"Shh"
I shushed her and started to pet her ears, pulling her closer to me all the while.
Initially Tama was uncomfortable with the situation but eventually the comfort of my hand petting her won her out as she closed her eyes and leaned into my hand of her own will.
…
The rise and fall of Tama's chest signified the end of her consciousness as she fell asleep clinging to my arm.
However I did not stop my ministrations on her ears. There was no particular reason for why. It could have been the soft purrs of delight that Tama let out, or maybe the comfort I derived from it, but either way I kept my petting of both her and Aoif.
I had not forgotten about Aoif in this whole situation. Despite the noise we had made Aoif had not yet woken up. There were some times where I could swear I saw Aoif's eyes fluttering but despite that a quick look at her soul, which was dormant as it always was when she slept, showed me that Aoif was asleep.
With both of my girls sleeping next to me my eyes slowly closed as the exhaustion of the day hit me.
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