After relaxing and discussing the shipboard party for a while, we squeezed in one last round of fun at the beach before heading back to the cottage. We each took turns in the shower to rinse off the salt and sand, eventually regrouping in the living room once we had changed into casual wear.
"I’m feeling a nice sort of exhaustion since we played so hard in the water. Falling asleep right now would feel incredible."
"That may be true, Master, but it might be a little too late in the day for a nap."
As Anima pointed out, it was already around three in the afternoon. Starting a nap now felt like bad timing. Besides, since I planned to return home that night, I wanted to leave around evening after stopping by to say goodbye to Laguna. That gave us only a few hours left.
"Is there anything specific you want to do, Anima?"
"Let’s see... I don't have anything particular in mind, but I would like to... well, spend some quiet time alone with Master."
"I see. Relaxing sounds good. That was the whole point of this trip, so it might be the perfect way to end it."
To be honest, we had played so much at the beach that we were more "tired out" than "rested," but regardless of how I felt, Anima didn't seem fatigued at all. I suppose that was simply the difference in our base HP.
That aside, I noticed that Anima had hesitated slightly when she spoke about wanting to spend time together.
"Anima, you seemed to stumble over your words just now..."
"Ugh, ah, no, that’s... P-please wait a moment. I know what Master is trying to say, so just give me a second... I need to settle my heart."
Hmm. Based on her reaction, she likely wanted to do something characteristic of a lover. She had been too reserved to say it at first, but after I pointed it out, she must have realized that I wanted her to express her desires without holding back.
If my guess was right, Anima was trying to be more honest with herself during this overnight stay, and she was currently bracing herself to tell me what she wanted.
I waited patiently. After a deep breath, Anima looked at me with a calm expression and spoke.
"...Would you allow me to give Master a lap pillow?"
"Wait, so not me giving you one like yesterday, but the other way around?"
"Yes. It might be strange to call it 'returning the favor,' but I have a strong desire to do something for Master as well... What do you think?"
"I don't mind at all. In fact, it's a lovely proposal... though I have a feeling I really will fall asleep if I take you up on it."
"That is perfectly fine. I will wake you after a little while... Honestly, it would make me happy just to see you rest comfortably."
It was a request so typical of her that I couldn't help but find it endearing.
"Well then, since you've offered, I'll take you up on it."
"Yes!"
I smiled back at her happy expression and laid my head on her thighs. She had traded her usual military-style outfit for something much more casual, and because her trousers were made of a thinner fabric, I could feel the soft warmth of her legs. It was incredibly cozy.
As I settled in, Anima looked absolutely delighted, her face lit up with a grin so wide I could practically visualize a puppy wagging its tail so hard it might snap off.
"How is it, Master? Is it comfortable?"
"Yeah. It's so comfortable that I feel like I'm going to drift off any second."
"I am glad. Please, don't worry about anything and just sleep... I will wake you when the time is right."
"Thanks. I'll take your word for it, then."
The lingering fatigue from the ocean combined with the blissful relaxation of the moment, and sleepiness claimed me almost instantly. As I closed my eyes, Anima gently placed her hand over them, shielding my vision.
"Master, thank you for everything you did for me this time. I should deeply reflect on my failure to manage my own health, but at the same time, I am helplessly happy that you care for me so much. I hope I can return even a fraction of those feelings... Good night, Master. I love you."
Her voice was a gentle whisper, followed immediately by a soft sensation against my lips. Anima's kiss, filled with an affection that made her heart-felt love for me unmistakable, was deeply comforting and full of bliss.
However, I felt it would be too embarrassing to open my eyes now, and Anima had likely covered them for that very reason. I didn't say anything in response, choosing instead to savor the warmth of that moment as I slowly sank into a deep, peaceful sleep.
??? "Oh, so Serious-senpai is still a piece of chocolate... And what’s with the kotatsu?"
Machina "I’ve already had my fill of chocolate for now, so I figured I’d just leave her like that until we head back. Besides, I was just in the mood for a kotatsu. Kotatsus are wonderful, aren't they? Oh, look, there are mikans too. Want some?"
??? "Well, don't mind if I do."
Machina "I want to eat one too, so peel mine while you're at it."
??? "...How bothersome. Though, I suppose I can listen to that much of a selfish whim as a reward for you providing the kotatsu and mikans..."
Machina "Make sure you take off the white pith."
??? "...You certainly are picky with your orders. There, it's all clean."
Machina "Aahn."
??? "..."
Machina "Aaaaaaaahn."
??? "...Good grief."
Machina "Mmm. Delicious!"