Imara Diversifies The Beastmen World

Chapter Fourteen: Discussing Plans

As we prepared the meal, I decided to add skillet potatoes to the mix. With the Honey Glazed Lamb Chops, bell peppers, onions, spinach-infused fried eggs, and now potatoes, the aroma was mouthwatering, filling our home with warmth.

Taking a seat beside Harvey on the bench he had made, I appreciated the care he put into even the smallest things. Every meal with him was a reminder of how we complemented each other. I noted, with a smile, that Harvey preferred his eggs a little runny—a detail I tucked away.

After breakfast, I settled down with my comb and mirror, ready to start braiding my hair. Harvey, to my surprise, offered to help, his gaze both curious and earnest.

"Are you sure?" I asked, handing him the comb, half-expecting him to hesitate.

He nodded, a determined look in his eyes. "Just tell me what to do."

With a smile, I guided him, showing him how to part the hair. "You need to take a small section here, like this," I said, using my fingers to demonstrate. "And then divide it into three even sections for the braid."

"So, like this?" he asked, carefully mimicking my movements. He gently took a section of my hair, his hands surprisingly soft and steady.

"Yes, just like that!" I encouraged, feeling a mix of excitement and curiosity as he started braiding. "Now, as you braid, keep the tension just tight enough, but not too much."

He nodded, adjusting his hold to keep it firm but gentle. I could feel his focus, the way he leaned in, studying each movement, wanting to get it right. And to my amazement, his touch was incredibly gentle, yet precise.

After a moment, I glanced in the mirror. The parting was crisp and even, and the braid was laid down perfectly.

"Wow, Harvey! You're a natural at this," I said, a bit envious at how easily he seemed to master it.

"Is it okay?" he asked, eyes lighting up as he looked at the braid he'd finished.

"More than okay," I replied, running my fingers over the smooth, neat braid. "It's even better than I could have done myself!" My hair was laid to the Gods, neat and perfect, and it felt so free! I added purple and yellow rubber bands to the ends for a pop of color, since I didn't have beads or gold pieces to adorn it with.

In that moment, I felt a surge of pride in my man's abilities. No one could tell me anything about my man! "Thank you—I absolutely love it! And you're so fast! I thought this would take at least an hour and a half. How did you get so skilled at this?"

He looked up modestly. "I'm just good with my hands, I guess. I like tasks that take time and care."

My mind instantly went to the gutter. But before I dragged this man to bed I really need to discuss our plans and actions I want to take.

"Oh, I know," I replied with a playful smirk, enjoying the way Harvey's cheeks flushed as they always did—I loved to see it. I then moved back to the bench and gestured for him to take a seat. Sitting sideways in his lap, I felt the warmth of his arms around me and began, "There's so much to talk about, but let's start with some basics. I'll let you go first then, I'll start."

He nodded, "Tell me, how did you get here?"

"Remember I told you I was in an accident? That really happened—I got hit hard by something and passed out, which is how I got the wound on my side and the scratches on my face." It's almost completely healed now; Harvey took care of it every single day. "Then I woke up here, in the middle of the forest. After finding a stream, I followed it to a tree with thick roots where I spent the night. The next day, I followed the stream to a lake, and that's when Parker found me and brought me to Camel Hump."