30 - ATHENA
My nerves were like a livewire as we arrived at the manor. Releasing my nature didn’t fucking help either; she’d been sour since Zet’s interruption, sending my stomach into spins. Usually coming here was relaxing. Nostalgic.
Tonight was anything but.
Arachne was worthy of me. Undoubtedly. She understood why I was general and didn’t resent it.
I wasn’t concerned with Supremae’s approval either. Also, doubted they cared about her loathing toward them. If anything, Suprema would likely feel guilty about Blossom’s imprisonment if it were raised.
My anxiety was mostly driven by two factors. The first being it wasn’t fair Arachne was meeting my family before I’d even stepped foot in her place. Sure, whatever, call that petty, but it bothered.
The second was that the dinner could topple into chaos. I didn’t know if I was being an asshole for worrying that the closest beings I had to parents might accidentally offend my girlfriend. Or vice versa.
Both parties were unpredictable, though.
Zet, unlike me, was grinning from ear-to-ear. They knew I was sweating this. I’d never introduced anyone to Supremae before. Not as general in public, or as Athena in private. “Ready?” my friend taunted, their smile spreading clownishly.
To my surprise, Arachne nodded. She was cool as a fucking cucumber as we entered through the side-entrance. The manor was one of the first structures in Idyll, and its celestine carved walls reflected as much.
“This way.” I was grateful Zet took the lead. They could probably tell I wasn’t managing. Between the bouncing wings and finger wrangling, it was probably obvious.
Arachne didn’t know those tells yet; she winked as we made our way toward the dining room. Which was actually a relief.
I didn’t like appearing weak around her. Not only because she was the strongest femme I knew, but because I wanted her to lean on me. For anything, whether emotional or physical. Desperately.
“ Ah , they have arrived, Zu-Zu. Welcome, welcome,” Athanatos exclaimed as we turned the final corner. The male’s silvery braids caught in the light as he grinned.
The Supreme hugged Zet first, then me. He extended a hand to Arachne before faltering, his chrome eyes darting between us… Which was weird .
He barked a hearty laugh, clapping his enormous hands. “And they didn’t mention being tethered! Congratulations! When did you learn the news?”
Well, that sort of decides their approval doesn't it? My gaze was wide as it darted between the male I considered my dad and Arachne.
Who looked… guilty ?
Like she knew!
My vision blurred as my heart sped.
I couldn’t tell you what happened next because I collapsed.