"Can Master Raine… tell Thessy how good she's doing?" she asked, very subtly going closer. If Raine swung that way, there was a very real chance to get a reaction from her. Most men definitely would.
However, Raine didn't move. Rather, she was curious about what the woman would do.
Thessy felt awkward as she stood there—releasing her pheromones—but with Raine not doing or saying anything. Shouldn't he ask her to 'talk' elsewhere?
He… wouldn't be thinking of doing things right here, in front of Kimmy, right?!
She pursed her lips. She wouldn't be too comfortable with that (yes, she also had her limits) but if that's what the man wants, that's what he shall receive.
After a pause, she gathered herself and looked up at the 'man'.
"Sir…, it's really warm lately," she said, her voice changing timber to a more velvety tone. "Should we go inside? Kimmy prefers the outside, but perhaps you have a… different preference."
She raised her hands, gesturing to touch the other's clothes, but her wrists were held tightly. For a man, Raine's felt… different. However, her head was too filled with desperation and awkwardness to realize anything. Instead, she just continued with her moves.
"Your clothes seem really warm… especially in this weather."
This was both truth and a line of seduction because Raine was wearing big and loose clothing, which seemed really uncomfortable in this weather.
Since Alterra popularized cloths, various old and new styles also pooped up here and there.
In order to hide her gender better, Raine began to wear more clothes, mostly long-sleeved shirts and polos.
Raine just stared at the woman, making her more and more awkward and unsure of what to do. This rarely happened!
On the other hand, the androgynous woman was seriously considering just kicking her out. In Terran standards, this was definitely grounds for termination, and maybe even a lawsuit.
In Xeno though, it was different. How many people with the qualifications could take on this job? They were mostly in the clinics or in good positions now.
At the very least, Thessy had been doing a pretty good job handling Kimmy and the house. She had questionable morals in terms of romance, but she had investigated the woman and knew she had not yet done anything too bad. She had not really scammed anyone or hurt anyone (physically). In the end, despite her flaws, Raine decided to hire her.
Further, as the owner of the property—even if it was a lease and therefore temporary—Thessy wouldn't be able to bring a man or anyone in the villa without Raine being notified.
Of course, as a system limitation, the notification would not be sent while he was on Belluga, but would've flooded him after she reentered Alterra. It had been a while and no such alert appeared, so he knew Thessy did not even try to get someone in.
Raine sighed and decided to give her one more chance. She stepped back, waving her hand to dismiss the woman. She gestured to go up to her room, definitely intent on locking it.
"I'm tired, just take care of your master well," was all she said in the end. "I'll give you one last chance. If you make any other questionable choices, prepare to look for a new job."
"Oh, and…" Raine paused before completely heading in. She turned to look at Thessy with a blank expression on her face. "I like men."
Another visitation was Jake's, who had returned from the barracks to visit Ryo's family house. It was a single detached house in one of the newer communities.
Nervously, he rang the doorbell and soon a middle-aged woman appeared. "Auntie," he said with an awkward smile. "How is she?"
"Improving," she said, letting him in. "She eats properly now, and talks back now."
His tense shoulder relaxed just a little bit.
He actually got Yiyi to live with Ryo's aunt, with him paying for all her expenses. He also went there every day unless he was on a mission. Whenever he missed a day because he was outside the territory, then he'd make it a point to stay twice as long in his visits.
He entered the house to see the old man preparing his rice crisps for the next day. Auntie sat back down, helping him out.
Yiyi, too, was doing some labor and helping out with the 'family business'.
Jake's eyes softened as he looked at her figure. "Yiyi…"
She flinched and nodded without looking at him, just continuing wih her 'job'. In fact, Jake had been paying room fees for her. She didn't have to work at all, but if she wanted to get some pocket money he wouldn't stop her.
Jake smiled and sat next to them, joining the family in making rice crisps as free labor.
They did so for a while, with auntie opening small talk here and there, though the awkwardness didn't dissipate.
The Old man sighed, having his own processes in the rice crisps, he disliked such drama and distractions.
So… the two of them got kicked out in the end.
"Don't come back until you two talk things out!" he said, and Jake and Yiyi found themselves outside the house, awkward as ever.
Jake rubbed the back of his neck and looked at her. They had talked in Fargo Village before, but how easily could people forget trauma? Until now, Yiyi still believed she was 'dirty' no matter how many times he told her it wasn't true.
When she walked away in a random direction, he made sure to follow her closely. There was always a meter or two between them, with him watching the girl's back the whole time.
When she noticed this, her pace quickened a bit. However, even if she ran away, Jake would've been effortlessly able to follow.
Somewhere along the way, she ended up tripping on a rock. "Watch out!" Jake gasped, rushing to catch her.
He felt her softness land on his arm and his heart beat loudly. He was nervous. How would she react with this physical contact?
When she turned cold and shook, he guided her upright, holding her thin shoulders.
"Yiyi… Yiyi... look at me," he said, voice gentle, trying to urge the shivering girl out of her shell.
She reluctantly raised her eyes and met his. Jake could only hope she could see that his heart was clear, hoping his intent was expressed.
He gave her a weak smile, gently rubbing her shoulder with his palms as if warming her up. She shook a bit, but he realized it was more for him, as if she didn't want to dirty him.
Yiyi was such a selfless girl. If it was for herself, she might not bother getting out of her situation, but if it was for others…
"Touching Yiyi brings me comfort," he said, making her pause. Her eyebrows furrowed as she looked at him. "I want to be close to you. See my eyebags? That's because I can't."
This made her eyebrows furrow even more and she looked at him in concern. He couldn't help but smile a little, and it made his eyes sparkle.