The Succubus's Plaything

Chapter 53: Nothing?

Nothing. Absolutely nothing. I have no cuts. No bruises. And no scars. Was I dreaming? No.. But it doesn't make any sense.

Could Inesa have some healing ability that I don't know about? Maybe Valorie? I lick my canines inside my mouth whilst doing my best to clear the fog covering my memories. If they do, then why haven't they been using it on me up until now?

I jump, and am thrown out of my thoughts when the phone in my pocket disrupts the silence. Fishing it out, I don't recognize the string of numbers. Sales-call?

I click the green answer button and hold it up to my ear. "Hello? Hal speaking."

"Hey Hal! It's me, Hina."

"H-Hina? How did you get my number?" Looking at the time I realize that it is quite a bit later than I Previously thought. It is almost lunchtime already.

"Oh, I got it from Gabriel. I hope that's alright?" It is more of a rhetorical question, I know she doesn't care whether or not I would have given her permission or not.

"Yeah.." Man my life sure is hectic right now. I'll be sure to mark this number as Hina's and then do some ghosting later.

"Great! So how are you? I saw you got picked up by your mother." I remember that Hina once mentioned Valorie in one of our conversations, but I guess she hasn't actually ever seen her.

"Uhm.. Well.." Should I correct her? "I guess I'm doing well. You?" I glance at my neck in the mirror once again. Oddly well.

"Yup. I made home safely." Hina's voice on the other end is purely cheerful.

"So.. What led you to call me?"

"Oh! Was this a bad time?" A hint of worry appears in Hina's otherwise purely cheerful voice.

"Not really? I'm just surprised."

"Well, notes. Remember how you wanted those? I've printed out a copy, and I was wondering when you'd like to meet so I can hand them to you."

"..." I meant that she could just send a digital copy.. But now that she's already gone ahead and printed it out, it would be rude to refuse to meet. And of course, I want them as soon as possible. She's.. Quite the schemer. "Are you free in an hour?" I might as well rip off the band-aid.

"That should work just fine. Where?"

"Where do you live? Somewhere right in-between us?"

"I live pretty much at the opposite side of town from you. So maybe we can meet up at the park near school?"

"... Since when do you know where I live?"

Hina goes silent for a moment before laughing nervously. "You mentioned it once when we spoke."

Did I? I.. Honestly, I can't remember that at all..

"Alright.. But okay. I'll be there. See you." I unsurely draw the call to its conclusion.

"See you." While it may be my imagination, I swear I hear a soft clicking noise before the connection is cut.

I sigh deeply. What am I supposed to do with all these girls? Why they look completely innocent on the outside, in reality they are terrifying. Even my sister is acting weird, although thankfully not in the "hitting on me" sort of way.

...

"Hey little brother, can I ask you something?" Sara asks me when I return to make myself a quick sandwich before heading out to meet Hina.

"Sure?"

"Have I.. Done something?"

"Heh?" What is she talking about?

"I mean.. I feel like you've been distant lately. And I can't help but wonder if it's my fault."

I pause for a little bit before answering. Her face is downcast.

"It isn't your fault. I've just.. had a lot going on."

"Really?" She looks up at me. I can tell that her mind is clear, but her hangover is hitting hard.

"I promise. My behavior has nothing to do with anything that you've done." Wow.. Has she really been taking my secrecy this hard?

"Okay.."

"Hey Sara.. I will tell you.. Just when I'm ready. Okay?.."

She doesn't answer, but just nods thoughtfully.

...

I arrive a few minutes early to find that I'm the first one to arrive.

Well.. I guess I'll just have to wait. I would have thought that with how Hina has been acting lately, she would be here early for sure.. But then again, she is known to be a very precise individual.

All there is to do is tighten my jacket further, put my hands in my pockets and freeze while waiting.

"Hello Hal. You're early. Have you been waiting long?" I turn around when I hear Hina's voice behind me, as well as her hand on my shoulder.

"I just got here."

"Just got here as in the clichéd you've been impatiently for the past ten minutes?" She grins, probably hoping her guess is true.

"No, like I actually just got here half a minute ago." Joke's on her. I can't help but grin in victory.

"Aww. That's too bad." She fakes a pout before breaking into another grin of her own. "Anyway, here are the notes I promised you." Hina reaches into a black handbag which she's carrying.

Already? I thought this would be one of those times when this "quick exchange" is supposed to turn into going into a café or something. "Thanks. You're a lifesaver." I reach out to receive the small bundle of papers and take off my backpack to stash them there. Maybe my ego has been inflating a bit too much lately.

"I would have liked to go to a nearby café or restaurant since we're here anyways, but I actually have a family thing to go to, and I can't really afford to be late." Her face takes on a disappointed expression.

I see. So that's what is going on. Well, at least I haven't quite lost my edge yet.

"There is always next time." I say out of courtesy, but it seems to cheer her up.

"That's true." Hina leans forward once again cheerful, and wraps her arms around me, and since it would be awkward to not return the gesture, I do. 

---------------------

Lupus: Uhm.. So, do you know what is going on with Hal?..

Valorie: I.. Might?.. 

Lupus: It's because of?..

Valorie: I'm afraid so..

Lupus: Hmm.. Well. That aside, how have you been doing, it's been a while since we hung out. 

Valorie: You shouldn't hit on a succubus. You know what happens. 

Lupus: I'll be fine. It isn't as if I'm new to your charm. 

Valorie: I suppose not. By the way, why'd you have to pick that photo for me?

Lupus: For the new character sheet? 

Valorie: Yeah, I mean I know I look good, but you could have picked something a little less.. Intimate?

Lupus: I just liked it. 

A/N

Hey everyone! If you haven't noticed already, I've recently added a character sheet for all the major characters! It took my far longer then I care to admit, so please have a look!