Imara Diversifies The Beastmen World

Chapter Twenty Nine: Days at The Leopard Tribe Castle XIII Pinky Promise

Waking up in Harvey's embrace, his warm gaze fixed on me, was a moment I treasured. I couldn't help but wonder if he'd been up all night, lost in his thoughts just as I had been. The weight of our recent conversation lingered, and though he assured me otherwise, a trace of anxiety nestled in my heart. I worried that my hesitation about children might have left a deeper impression on him, making him believe I didn't truly want them.

The truth was more complicated. While the idea of parenthood didn't fill me with uncontainable excitement, I had begun to dream about it—little ones with a mix of features: blonde hair, blue and brown eyes, and warm chocolate skin. I could even see one that was unmistakably Harvey.

The thought brought a soft glow to my heart. Maybe, just maybe, I was warming up to the idea of children more than I realized.

Before I could voice my musings, Harvey broke the quiet with a tender, "Good morning, my love," punctuating his greeting with soft kisses across my face and lips while his fingers gently massaged my temples. I melted into his affection, savoring the gentle start to our day.

"My love, my breath stinks," I chuckled, half-heartedly trying to shield my mouth from his kisses.

"No, it doesn't," he countered playfully, nipping at my hand to remove the barrier. Undeterred, he continued his affectionate assault, his kisses raining down over my face and lips, each one sending a surge of warmth through me.

"Baby, nooo, it's stinky!" I protested through laughter, trying to squirm away. Just as I thought I'd escaped, Harvey caught my foot, pulling me back with a mischievous grin.

"No, it's not. It smells light, like air. I'm not lying," he teased, his sincerity peeking through the playful banter as he kissed whatever part of me he could reach.

His lips found my stomach, and I wriggled uncontrollably, the ticklish sensation too much to bear.

"Aheehee, okay, nooo, it tickles!" I giggled, gasping between fits of laughter. His breath danced over my skin, and playful pinches only added to my torment.

With a surge of determination, I lunged at him, managing to land on top, victorious for a moment. "Hmmph! No more kisses until I freshen up, you bad boy!" I declared with mock indignation.

Harvey, however, had other plans. With a quick push of his knees, I toppled forward, and he caught me, planting another kiss with a smirk.

"Youuu bad boy! Ah!" I squealed as he pinched my sides and playfully licked my cheek. Our laughter filled the room as we wrestled and teased each other. The morning sun streamed through the window, bathing us in its golden glow.

Finally, we collapsed in each other's arms, our smiles wide and hearts light. "Your breath doesn't stink though, I'm really not lying," Harvey insisted, his tone soft and earnest.

Skeptical, I tried to sniff my breath, surprised to find it wasn't unpleasant. In fact, I couldn't remember the last time I noticed an odor, even after sweating from our playful bout.

"You're right," I admitted, my mind drifting to this new world. Everything here was natural—the food, the water, the air. I hadn't worn deodorant in ages, yet my body felt cleaner, my skin clearer, and my energy higher. Maybe it was this world—untainted, free from chemicals and pollution.

Harvey leaned in for a gentle kiss, his smile reassuring. "Told you," he said simply. I giggled, feeling a warmth that went beyond the morning sun as we began preparing for the day ahead.

Waking up in Harvey's embrace was a comforting start to the day, but my thoughts were already turning to what lay ahead. Harvey suggested dropping me off with Queen Memi while he and the others handled moving our belongings in preparation for tomorrow's journey back home. I agreed—it was a chance to spend time with Memi and also present her with the gifts I had prepared.