Flight of The Harpy's Heart

Chapter xx: Desertion

Aden and Eugene strolled along the garden path, the tranquil surroundings providing a contrast to the delicate subject they broached. Eugene's hesitation was palpable as he mustered the courage to inquire about Laura, the woman they both held dear.

"How's.. uh, how fond are you of Laura?" Eugene ventured, his voice tinged with apprehension.

Aden's expression softened as he contemplated his response. "She is sweet and adorable," he began, carefully weighing his words. "And a force of nature, that's for sure."

A shared chuckle escaped their lips, an acknowledgment of Laura's insatiable desires and the impact she had on their lives.

"Yes, she is like a hurricane," Eugene concurred. "One moment peaceful, and suddenly everything is swept away."

The men's camaraderie grew as they navigated the intricate dynamics of their unconventional arrangement. Aden searched for the perfect analogy to capture Laura's passionate intensity, prompting Eugene's suggestion of a "whirlwind."

As their laughter subsided, Eugene's expression turned solemn. He glanced around furtively, ensuring their privacy before voicing his deepest concern. "I'm glad you have fond feelings for her. I just want to say something."

Aden braced himself, anticipating Eugene's request for him to distance himself from Laura.

"Please don't take her away from me," Eugene implored, his voice laced with vulnerability. "I know from the way she looks at you, she would leave me for you at any chance given. I love her. I know I'm half a man. But I would do anything to make her happy and content." His gaze dropped, the weight of his words hanging heavily between them. "Including letting her go."

Aden reached out, offering a reassuring tap on Eugene's shoulder. "Hey, take it easy. You are a good man, Eugene. She won't leave you."

Eugene's eyes shone with hope as he sought confirmation. "Really?"

"Yes, a good husband like you is hard to come by," Aden affirmed, his words carrying conviction.

The conversation veered towards the delicate matter of their arrangement. Eugene's voice wavered as he inquired, "Do you want me to stop plowing her?"

Another pause, another fleeting glance downward, before Eugene revealed his true feelings. "No, she would be mad at me."

Aden probed further, "But do you want me NOT to?"

Eugene's response was resolute, a testament to his selfless love. "No, I would be a selfish man if I did. I want her to be happy. I have to see the reality. I want her needs fulfilled, and you are the perfect man for her."

Aden nodded, his respect for Eugene's strength evident. "You are a real man, Eugene," he affirmed, grasping Eugene's shoulder firmly. "Every man has their own battle, and not every man could fight the battle as you have now. There is a special place for a man like you in heaven."

Eugene's eyes widened, seeking reassurance in Aden's words. "Really?"

As they reached a secluded bench beneath a towering tree, both men paused, the weight of their bond and the challenges they faced lingering in the air.

Aden's words carried a reassuring weight, offering Eugene a glimpse into the promised rewards that awaited him. "Yes, that's what I was told. In heaven, you would have the strength of ten men and will spend your time deflowering maidens," he affirmed, his tone resolute.

A relieved sigh escaped Eugene's lips, his shoulders visibly relaxing. "Thanks, Aden. I feel better now."

Aden's words were no mere platitudes; they stemmed from the logical tenets of the Lua Light belief system. In the eyes of Lua, Eugene's actions were those of a great person with an immense heart and vast reserves of patience. His rewards in the afterlife would be plentiful, a just recompense for his selfless devotion.