Ch 20 - Hot

                                    

                                          
What happens when your crush wants to see you after the hot spring?
                          
Enjoy.
                          
~~~~~
                          
After a half hour or so you get out of the soak. You see how Howie is doing. This hooting savage wingman is still chilling (when its actually pretty warm) in the birdbath in there. "Would you like a towel and a hand, or would you like to air dry?"
                          
*Hoo* Howie pointed his wet wing to a towel. 
                          
"Got it. Then you behave when we see Asia. Got it? And no making certain gestures. You know what I'm talking about too."
                          
He shook his head.
                          
"I wonder about you sometimes. Well, at least in my regard. Look Howie, I don't know what any of this is going to lead to. I don't. But, I haven't thought of anyone else. And I can't imagine how hard that would be..."
                          
Howie whistled. 
                          
"Telling a girl that you live with Rias or Akeno alone would put things into question. Then, being a Devil and it has to stay secret. How you and I could talk is probably the whole easiest thing out of all of that. Would be hard for the most part. Ah Howie. I think you and my mother are all I've got outside of this place I stay at."
                          
The owl shook his head. 
                          
"You mean?" 
                          
...
                          
"Ohhh... Seriously? Think it would work?"
                          
...
                          
"Got it. Got it. Might as well see her first and just talk. I'll try not to be awkward."
                          
*Hoo!*
                          
"I know! Pants! I got it!" Shouldn't that be obvious? "And a shirt. I'll be dressed." Just to go along with his joke. 
                          
It was time to get yourself settled. Though when you got dressed in clean clothes again you were nervous about this. Going into a girl's room. It is no big deal with age, but the first time and all the stereotypes a boy is told as a kid with only a mother figure in his life takes this approach much different. 
                          
You decided to go in with a fresh pair of pants and a button down shirt opened up. Very business casual per say. As Howie rests on your shoulder, you knock on Asia's door. Hoping this owl behaves himself and Asia leads the conversation. Being optimistic, you wait for her to answer the door. Assuming that it's just going to be the two of you. 
                          
The door opened. "Hi (FN). Hi Howie."
                          
"Hey Asia." You smiled.
                          
*Hoo*
                          
"And Howie says a pleasant hello of course."
                          
"Please come in. I have a place for Howie to rest too." Asia smiled and invited the two of you in.
                          
"For real?" You asked her.
                          
*Hoooo* Howie flew off of your arm and went to Asia's desk. And why? Probably the softest bird nest ever made. Made from the most comfortable of pillows but for a bird. 
                          
"Woah. What is that?" Seeing how Howie is ready to fall asleep just like he did in the bath. 
                          
"Rias made some extra pillows around. They were torn. So I made Howie a nest. Come have a seat at the table. I just made tea." Asia walked you over to the couch. Next to it was a little coffee table with a warm pot of tea. There was already two cups poured. 
                          
You sit down and reach for the cup. "Thank you Asia. This is very nice. Really."
                          
"I'm glad you like this."
                          
"How could I not? You've been so good to me. Honestly."
                          
"Well I wanted to be inviting."
                          
"Really Asia, I should be the one trying to pay you back in some way. Only saving my life, being good to Howie as your own pet, and, well-" You blushed. Unable to complete your sentence.
                          
"It's alright. I'm happy to help. And you have helped me in ways too. I'm not sure that you realize that." 
                          
"I do? How? I don't get it." You are trying to put this all together. There has been nothing that you have noticed when you have been with Asia. You haven't saved her life for certain. 
                          
"People know we live with each other. And with that the guys are afraid to mess with you. You protect me and you don't know it." Asia knew you wouldn't get it. That's why she wanted to explain. 
                          
"I don't remember doing so." You are drawing a complete blank. 
                          
"I know there is this aroma people talk about. I know what it is. It is this dark and hurt energy. But beneath that small black jacket of energy there is a good person. When I'm around you I feel safe. I know you would protect me and the other girls. I don't want to be a needy girl is distress. I hate it. I feel awful about it. The fact I don't have magic like Rias or Akeno or strong like Xenovia and Koneko. I just feel a little left out and insecure."
                          
"Well I like you just the way you are! Uh-!" The two of you gasped. It got silent. And not a peep from Howie either. That owl is probably pretending to nap. Most likely... "Asia, I got to stop hiding it."
                          
"What is it?" Asked Asia.
                          
You turned away and put the cup down. "I can't believe I can't look at you while I say it. It's just trying to look at you and seeing those eyes I just kind of, lose it. You know?"
                          
"My eyes?"
                          
You turn your way to her. "Asia, I've thought about it for a while now. And, look, I have feelings for you. And as you can imagine Howie knows it too."
                          
"Rasai gave me a hint. Because he likes you when it isn't supposed to like any boys. But he likes Howie. And he is okay with you."
                          
"But you like someone else right?" You questioned it.
                          
"I don't have any relationship with anyone but you." 
                          
"You- Wait we do? I mean I'm not complaining but, how and when?" Did she really confess and jump the gun? You okay with all of this? 
                          
"What I mean is, I like you (FN)!" She closed her eyes.
                          
"We're both a little shy here aren't we." You smiled. 
                          
Asia hugged herself and looked away. "It's harder for me."
                          
"Upbringing?"
                          
"You went to public schools when I was in a church. And there boys didn't show affection."
                          
"You're right." So where does this go from here? A little awkward? Not sure how the motion is made on both sides? Ugh. 
                          
"Do you want to start things slow?"
                          
"Asia you think we can just not overthink this and just be ourselves?"
                          
"Yeah..." She opened her eyes and looked over. "Thank you. Thank you so much."
                          
This is when the owl left its pillow nest and landed on the coffee table. *Hoo* 
                          
"An arborator, great. But uh, thanks Howie."
                          
Howie whistled.
                          
"Shuddup."
                          
~~~~~
                          
Needs a little work. But, let's just say I've been there. Legit. I've been in something similar. 
                          
-Rel