Chapter 66: The Difference
Laying down in this bath with Charlotte, I realize now how much different it feels. When I took those baths with Lisa, sure it was nice to have someone with me, but when I'm like this with Charlotte, somehow the water surrounding us feels a lot warmer.
My head's clearing up a bit now, and I begin to recall everything that happened recently, but I still can't believe how forward I was. Even just before, asking Charlotte if we can do this again, am I really that selfish? But to hear her not say no fills me with even more warmth... I really hope we can do this again; together.
"Shiro, you're not asleep, right?"
"Y-yes! I'm awake."
I've been relaxing against Charlotte's breasts for a while now, not moving, so I'm not surprised if she thought I was asleep, especially considering how I'm prone to fall asleep when we're like this.
"We have the day off tomorrow, so let's just take it easy, okay?"
"Nn..."
I nod softly as I nestle myself comfortable against Charlotte as she gently holds me around my waist. She's so kind, making sure that I don't fall in.
I then think back on what happened earlier, when I kissed Lisa. Looking back on it now, she did say that you can only kiss one person, claiming that you can only love one person. I still don't get it, but if I have to choose, then obviously it would be Charlotte, right? She's been with me the longest, and I trust her the most, but it almost feels wrong to leave Lisa and everyone else that has helped me out.
"Charlotte."
"Yes?"
"Is it true I can only love one person?" I'm not really doubting Lisa's words, but I feel like I also want to confirm it with Charlotte as well.
"Lisa meant in terms of a romantic relationship. In that case, generally yes. Although there are some instances where people might love more than one person in that way. I don't personally get it though."
"And romantic..."
"W-when two people devote themselves to on another, eventually leading to marriage." She explained it a bit differently this time. But in doing so, I have no clue what that last word meant.
"Marriage?"
"Pfft. Remember when I talked about your parents?"
"Yes?"
"Well, typically when two people love each other, they eventually get married and most of the time, having a baby. So you could say that your parents loved each other."
I think I'm getting an idea of what it means now. So it's not just something you feel for someone you like and want to be around, but more so a commitment, bringing new life into the world. If that's the case then I understand now why Charlotte looked strange when I kissed her that time. I was basically saying to her that I want to be married and have her baby... Wait. But my parents-
"My parents. They were a man and a woman?"
"Yes."
So I guess that settles that. I think I'm finally seeing the bigger picture now.
"Ah- but uhm..." Suddenly, Charlotte's voice begins to trail off, her voice sounding higher than usual. "Two men can also be in that sort of relationship, same thing with two women."
"Huh?" Hearing those words, I found myself a bit confused. "So men can also reproduce?"
"N-no..."
"Women?"
"No."
"I'm confused."
"Pfft, hehe. Well, some people don't love someone simply just to have a baby."
"So a baby isn't a requirement?"
"Hehe, no."
Strange... So even though they can't reproduce, to have a baby, they still love each other? I felt like I learned something, but now I feel like I'm just as confused as when we started this talk. But I guess I did learn the significance of what love really is; I think...
We end up heading out of the bath as our talk came to an end. I managed to dress myself just fine, but Charlotte did help with drying and combing my hair, getting us ready for bed, although it's only just gone night time.
Charlotte... I've been thinking about her ever since we got out of the bath, about our talk. I do feel different when I'm around her, but that could just be my trust in her, with her pampering me like this. Feeling Charlotte comb through my hair as she dries it with the hairdryer, it's so soothing. I'm not too sure if what I'm feeling is love or not, but what I do know is that I don't want to say goodbye to this feeling.
"All done~" Charlotte says as she turns off the hairdryer.
"Thanks, Charlotte."
I inadvertently go to check the mask on my face when I realize that it's not there. Looking over at the bedside table, I see the mask in question. It's weird now having to see it like this. I'm still not used to not having something on my face. I end up touching my nose, my eyelashes, all of it still surreal to me.
"You okay?"
"Ah- yes!" I quickly drop my hands down to my sides, away from my face. I'm not sure why, but I feel a wave of heat spread across my chest, even my face as well. Is it the wine from earlier?
"Let's get some sleep, okay? I just need to check in on Lisa to make sure she's doing okay."
"Okay."
While I watch Charlotte leave the room, I feel the heat I felt suddenly vanish as I hear Charlotte walk down the stairs. I thought this heat was because the mask was off of my face, but could it actually be because of Charlotte?
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