The next day, a dull ache flowed through my body as I woke up. It wasn't as bad as yesterday, but my muscles were definitely sore from all that flying. They weren't used to staying tense for hours on end.
Groaning, I gingerly sat up and stretched as much as I could. As a few of my bones cracked, I felt something shift under me and saw a giant snake head lift up.
If not for me being used to such a sight, I probably would've screamed. Instead, I murmured sleepily, "Morning Ahi. Sleep well?"
He let out a hiss and I took that as a yes. Giving him a smile, I wiggled out his coils before stepping out of my sleeping bag. Ahi shifted into his male form and I finally got out my sleeping bag without falling on my face.
I overestimated my muscles, thinking I could stand up so easily. My legs were shaky, almost like I had done an intense leg day workout.
Agh… This was going to be a pain.
"Morning love." Ahi greeted me as his arms wrapped around my waist.
He tried going in for a kiss, but I moved quicker, placing a hand over his mouth and said, "Let me wash up first."
As much I wanted to kiss him, there was no way I was doing it without rinsing my mouth at least. Who knew if I had bad morning breath, especially with how I was limiting properly brushing my teeth to once a day.
I hated it, but I only had one tube of toothpaste and no proper alternative to clean my mouth. At least I hadn't discovered any except for chewing mint leaves or gargling warm water with salt.
So until I found a solution, I was stuck with my situation.
Of course, beastmen didn't seem to have any problem. Almost everyone I met had perally whites and didn't suffer from bad breath. What I'd give for that…
"Fine, but you owe me two then…" Ahi murmured before planting a kiss on my palm.
Before I could retort, someone coughed, "Ahem!"
I turned to the direction of the noise and saw Xaier standing awkwardly by the entrance of the cave. Heat flashed across my face in embarrassment. Did he see everything?!
"We should start preparing to leave." Xavier simply said. "I've already boiled some water for you, Elisa. There's also some roast meat for you from last night."
"Oh… um thanks, Xavier." I thanked awkwardly.
"Of course." Xavier nodded. "It's a male's duty to provide for a female."
A pang of guilt hit me. Xavier had been helping us a lot and I hadn't really done to repay him. I knew this world was different, but I wasn't as accepting of others helping me just because I was female.
I believed in give and take.
"Stupid bird…" I suddenly heard Ahi mutter under his breath, making me confused. But before I could voice anything, Ahi turned to me. "I'll get you some berries I spotted yesterday. Xavier can entertain you while I'm gone."
Without another word, he slithered out the cave, making me question what the hell was going on. I wondered if something happened between them, but shook my head.
Nope. It was too early in the morning for this. They were both grown adults and could sort out their differences without involving me.
So instead, I quickly washed up as best as I could, gargling some salt water to clean my mouth. Once I was done, I headed out the cave to see Xavier waiting outside.
"Thanks for the food." I said before grabbing some strips of meat to eat.
Xavier watched me quietly eat for a few moments before unexpectedly moving to where I was. He sat down on the log next to me, taking up almost all my personal space.
"Are you physically attracted to me?" Xavier suddenly asked, looking me straight in the eye.
Thankfully, I wasn't eating, otherwise I would've choked. "What the-?! Why are you suddenly asking me that?!"
"I'd like to know whether you find my body attractive." Xavier answered. "Do you not like how I look?"
"You look fine…" I muttered, trying to hold back the blush threatening to escape. "Quite the male specimen if I'm being honest."
It felt a little like I was cheating on Ahi talking to Xavier like this, but I was just complimenting his looks. And in this world, it was normal to have multiple mates. I just had to get used to that.
"What about my scars?" Xavier asked. "Do they not bother you?"
"Um not really…" I raised an eyebrow, wondering where this conversation was going. "They actually suit you. Makes you look like a strong warrior…"
Xavier was quiet for a moment. "You have strange tastes."
"W-what?! You're the one…" I found myself speechless at his words.
He was the one asking me questions and I was being honest. Why the hell was he judging my words? Did he want me to say he was ugly instead?
"I don't mean it in a bad way. It's just an observation." Xavier explained before quickly changing the subject, "What about my beast form? Do you like my feathers?"
I gave him the side eye. "Your beast form is okay and your feathers are pretty… But where are you going with this?"
"Good good…" Xavier mused as he stood up. "Thanks for answering my questions. I was curious about something."
He walked off to do who knows what, leaving me dumbfounded. Did that stupid bird lose his mind?! What was all that about?