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“Sure, I’ll be your boyfriend.” You say without hesitation.
“<span class="mu-i">Excuse me?</span>” Verity doesn’t believe what she heard.
“<span class="mu-i">H-H-H-H-Huh?</span>” Donna pretends dogs don’t have better hearing.
“<span class="mu-i">Y-You will?</span>” Lydie has turned all red.
Nobody in this room expected a quick response, less so this kind of response. They’re all flabbergasted, their brains malfunctioning, trying to connect to a code of conduct fit for the situation. The looks of horror, confusion, and glee are unique to each of them, but they somewhat combine in a ball of mixed emotions. All this to say, if you don’t say something, the situation will be stuck.
“Yeah, I don’t mind pretending to be your boyfriend.” You clarify.
“<span class="mu-i">Pretend…?!</span>” Now Lydie is acting like the other two.
“You two just met, you have no right to expect this much.” Verity doesn’t try to throw this in the athletic girl’s face, but she does feel smug.
“I-I-I-I-I was ready to say it too…” Donna feels the same panic as she once did in the other room. Is confessing her feelings her way to cope?
“Whatever it is, whatever it is. Don’t be surprised if it turns out the <span class="mu-i">pretending bit</span> renders itself pointless, my equal. But thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! <span class="mu-s">Thank you!</span>” Lydie will take her chances as she places her arms around yours. She looks unbelievably happy, her grinning cheerful self was not even close to looking as fulfilled as she acts now. “But here, behold this flier!”
“Oh? What’s this?” You grab the piece of paper handed to you. It’s some sort of Church Bootcamp for aspiring new members. If you didn’t know any better, you’d say it’s similar to the indoctrination methods the Cult of Chernobog pulled off. Perhaps, this is where they got the idea?
“Our excellency, the Archbishop of the Church, will host a three-day camp in which aspiring members might elevate their ranks within the order, if they complete a row of tests. It’s also an introductory event for new prospects, but that’s an aside.” Lydie explains. “Our mission, my love, is to have a meeting with her — and pledge my case!”
“Her? Meaning the <span class="mu-i">Archbishop</span>...?” Verity leaves her mouth open.
“Indeed!” Lydie nods. “This is incredibly exciting, isn’t it?! Don’t be stressed, my love. I’ll figure out the details, all you need to do is stay true to yourself. And now, I shall never leave your side to build our chemistry, my trophy!”
Lydie has become a parasite, err, a lovely temporary member of your party. Donna is next to you like a police dog…
