Harvey embodied an ethereal androgynous beauty, a mesmerizing blend of masculine and feminine features. His wavy blonde hair cascaded like sunlit silk, catching the light in a dance of golden hues. Adorned with leopard print ears.
His eyes, the color of a clear summer sky, held kindness and wisdom. They were windows to a gentle heart that radiated warmth and drew people in. His features were finely sculpted, a balance of sharp angles and soft curves. His skin was flawless and sunkissed, a canvas that spoke of self-care.
Yet, it was his androgynous charm that truly set him apart. His slender frame bridged the gap between genders, moving with elegant confidence. Beyond his captivating exterior was a gentle soul. Harvey's voice carried a soothing melody, and his laughter was refreshing.
In his presence, one felt seen and understood. Harvey's beauty was a reflection of the harmony within, a reminder to embrace one's true self and share authenticity with others.
I was surprised by the rush of emotions as I looked at Harvey. It felt like a strange mix of admiration and infatuation.
I knew he wasn't real, but standing here, it was as if my heart was trying to convince me otherwise.
Tears welled up in my eyes, more from confusion than anything else. This couldn't be love at first sight, right? After all, he's just a fictional character.
But there was a strange connection forming. In that moment, he seemed more than just a character. It was as if all my unspoken longing to find true love had taken form in this surreal encounter. Reality hit me hard. There he was, captivating and very much a reminder of being fictional, yet standing before me.
Harvey's approach was gentle, his eyes holding a warmth that made my tears flow even more freely. It felt like my heart was bursting with affection. Yet, doubt crept in.
Was this real? Would he disappear if I reached out? The fear of losing something intangible tightened its grip, and I found myself grappling with strange, unexplainable emotions. It felt surreal. I thought to myself. "What the hell was wrong with me? I need to get a grip. This was just... weird."
On the other hand, Harvey was equally astonished by the beauty standing before him. Her skin had a rich, lustrous brown hue, like chestnuts and sweet roots, and it seemed to glow in the sunlight. Her eyes, a lovely and warm brown. Her hair, in tight dark curls that cascaded down her back, added to her divine allure. Harvey's heart fluttered, and he couldn't help but wonder if the Beast God had carved her out of his own heart's desire. He had seen Bai Qingqing's beauty, but seeing this newcomer had him questioning if the Beast God was feeling especially generous lately.
His heart stirred with curiosity and tenderness as he wondered what could be troubling her. A sudden pang of concern tugged at Harvey's heart, and his instincts kicked in, urging him to ask, "Are you hurt?" He gently suggested, "Please, come into my hut, and let me take a look at what's wrong." With genuine worry etched on his face, he approached her, wanting nothing more than to alleviate her pain and provide comfort.
My gaze remained intense as I cried, and my legs almost gave out from the overwhelming flood of emotions. Fortunately, Harvey caught me just in time, and the other beastmen who had followed me stood behind, bracing for my potential fall. Gently, he lifted me up in his arms and carried me into his hut. Even at my plush 225 pounds, he wasn't winded or struggling.
Harvey turned to the other beastmen, his voice firm but kind. "Don't overcrowd her; she may be feeling overwhelmed. Give her some space, and if she's open to it, you can visit another time." Understanding the importance of respecting her boundaries, the three leopard beastmen left, their hearts still hopeful for a chance to see her again.
With Harvey holding me in his arms, I was spellbound and entranced. It was surreal to have him there, and I couldn't find the words to express the mix of emotions swirling inside me. Our faces were so close, and I couldn't help but be captivated by his features, his tanned and caramelized skin, his pouty and soft lips, his beautiful blonde eyelashes and eyebrows.
His face was sculpted to perfection, as if he were the embodiment of a Greek God, capable of stealing any woman's heart. I couldn't help but embrace him, and take in his scent while laying my head on his shoulder, speechless and overwhelmed by the moment.
As he gently set me down on his bed, a slight blush colored his cheeks. I could only imagine it was because I had been staring at him like a love-struck fool.
"Where does it hurt?" he asked softly, trying to be as gentle as possible.
U-umm, my lower back," and his concern grew.
"Can I have you lay on your front and remove your umm top?" he requested, trying to help me.
His request for me to lay on my front and remove my shirt caught me off guard, but I was willing to do anything he asked.
He turned around to give me privacy and said, "Let me know when you're done." I silently obeyed, my heart racing with anxiety.
Lying down, silent as the dead, I waited until he turned back around. With a gentle smile, he approached me, holding a golden root in his hand (which I knew to be Ginger in our world).
He asked for my consent to touch me, and I blushed, feeling butterflies in my stomach.
"I will have to touch you, but I will not hurt you," he reassured me softly.
In there go that damn crying again, overwhelmed by his kindness and tenderness.
"I promise the golden root will soothe you," he said, attempting to comfort me.
I nodded my head, burying my face in the fur beneath me, trying to collect myself. In the midst of my emotions, Harvey asked for my name, and I whispered, "Imara."
He smiled, his pearly whites shining brightly, and said, "Imara," as he bent down to apply the soothing golden root.
Harvey's heart softened even more. He had never encountered someone who looked like her, and he was determined to do whatever he could to help her feel comfortable and cared for.
As he gently touched me, my heart skipped a beat. I was both nervous and comforted by his presence, finding solace in the fact that this was real, and he was real. The golden root worked its magic, easing my pain and soothing my nerves, and all the while, I couldn't help but be mesmerized by the man before me- the fictional man I adored from a world that had now become my reality.
In this somewhat intimate moment, Harvey couldn't help but feel a profound connection with Imara. Her tears and vulnerability stirred something deep within him, and he wanted nothing more than to comfort and protect her. As he gently massaged the golden root into her skin, he felt her tension gradually subside. He was amazed by her beauty and grace, and he couldn't deny the pull he felt towards her.
"I hope this soothes you," he whispered softly, his voice filled with genuine concern. He was captivated by her and the emotions she evoked in him. Harvey found himself wanting to know more about her, to understand the depths of her heart and the thoughts that crossed her mind.
But deep down, he knew that such a chance would never exist. No female would want a stripeless beastman, especially not her. He could tell by the way she was crying that she wanted nothing to do with him, but right now, she needed his help.
Unbeknownst to him, she was crying not out of disgust or wanting to reject him, but because she felt love for him and couldn't believe that this surreal situation was real. Her overwhelming emotions had taken her by surprise, leaving her unable to fathom that the object of her affection was standing right in front of her.
My motions were a whirlwind as I laid there, feeling both embarrassed and comforted by Harvey's touch. I couldn't believe this was real, that the man I had loved from the pages of a novel was here with me, tending to me like I meant something to him.
"I'm such a mess," I thought, feeling the tears subside but still overwhelmed by the rush of emotions. "How did I end up in this world, and why is he being so kind to me?"
As Harvey finished applying the golden root, he sat beside me, looking at me with gentle concern in his eyes. "Are you feeling better?" he asked, his voice filled with warmth.
I took a deep breath, trying to steady myself. "Yes, thank you," I managed to say, my voice still shaky.
He turned back around, just like a gentlemen and let me put my shirt back on. I said, "I'm done now." Then he faced me.
Harvey couldn't help but feel a sense of shock and surprise, for most females he had encountered in the past weren't as considerate or appreciative. They often expected things to be done for them simply because they were used to being treated that way and that was the rules of all Beastmen, to provide for the females. But Imara seemed different; she had thanked him genuinely, and her polite demeanor warmed his heart.
He smiled at her, and it felt like the sun had come out after a long winter.
"Good," he said, his voice soft and reassuring. "I'm glad the golden root helped. It should ease the discomfort in your lower back. You seem to be handling this situation quite well." He brushed a gentle hand over her hair, trying to offer some comfort and reassurance in return for her gratitude.
I couldn't help but smile back, my heart fluttering at his kindness. "You're really Harvey, right?" I asked, just to make sure this wasn't some dream.
He chuckled softly, the sound like a melody in my ears. "Yes, I am," he confirmed. "And you are Imara. It's a beautiful name."
I blushed, feeling my cheeks heat up again. "Thank you," I mumbled, feeling like a schoolgirl with my first crush.
Her hair was soft and curly, and he took in her features once again. "You're welcome," Harvey said, his gaze never leaving her. "You're different from anyone I've ever met before."
I couldn't quite decipher the look in his eyes, but it was enough to make my heart race even faster. "Different how?" I asked, genuinely curious.
He hesitated for a moment, as if choosing his words carefully. "Your appearance for sure. Also, you seem...so full of life and emotion," he finally said. "It's like you carry the weight of a thousand worlds on your shoulders, but you still have this incredible strength and beauty that shines through."
I felt my heart swell with his words, and I couldn't help but feel a deeper connection forming between us. "Such is life with females that look like me." I said with a bittersweet tone.
Harvey's eyes softened even further as he reached out to gently touch her cheek. "I never thought I would meet someone like you," he admitted, his voice low and intimate. "With a female as beautiful as you, where are your mates? How did you get here? Why were you by yourself? Which tribe are you from? I can't tell by sniffing you out."
I took a deep breath, feeling a mix of emotions swirling within me. I knew I had to be honest with Harvey. "I honestly don't know how I got here," I began, "and my tribe is very far away. I'm from the human clan, and I can't go back to it. Also, I don't have any mates.
Regarding how I ended up in Camel Hump, I was hopelessly lost in the vast forest when Parker came across me. At first, I thought he might try to claim me as his mate, but he already had his eyes set on someone else, Bai Qingqing. I then inquired about finding a doctor for my aching back, and he directed me to you, Harvey."
As she spoke, Harvey's expression turned to one of concern and understanding. He now knew why she had been crying-the pain of rejection from the male she had wanted, Parker. Harvey knew that Parker was a powerful and respected beast in the valley, and he couldn't fathom why any male would reject someone as captivating as Imara and why she was mateless; she must have had a hard time up until now.
"Oh, I see," he said, trying to hide the frustration he felt at the thought of Imara being rejected. "I've never heard of the human clan. Can you tell me more about it?"
I hesitated for a moment, not sure if I was ready to share everything about my world just yet. "I'll tell you another time," I replied softly, "it's a long story."
Honestly, I felt a knot of anxiety in my stomach as I considered how to broach the complex truth to Harvey. How could I possibly explain that I was from the real world, and he was merely a character from a novel I had read? It sounded utterly absurd, and I feared he might not believe me or, worse, think I was crazy.
Yet, I knew I had to find a way to tell him eventually, as our connection grew stronger with each passing moment. But for now, I decided to keep that surreal revelation to myself, hoping to find the right moment and the right words to share this incredible secret.
As much as I wanted to open up to Harvey about my true origin, I couldn't ignore the potential danger it could bring to him as a stripeless beast. In this world, where beastmen held rigid customs and beliefs, my presence as a human from another world could be seen as a threat. Moreover, the knowledge of my monthly cycles might expose Harvey to unnecessary risks if others found out. I cared deeply for him, and the last thing I wanted was for him to face any harm or prejudice because of me.
Harvey nodded, sensing that she needed time and space to open up about her past. "Don't worry," he said, his voice gentle, "there are plenty of beastmen in the valley who can take care of you. I know you probably don't want to stay here with a stripeless beastman, and I know you probably wanted..." He paused, almost saying Parker's name, but Imara interrupted him.
"Harvey, I have nowhere else to go," I said honestly, looking into his eyes with sincerity. "You've already helped me so much, and I really don't want to deal with any other beastmen right now."
I longed to cherish every moment with him and build a genuine connection, ensuring that he understood my love was for him as he was. "I will acquire other mates later on."
Harvey's heart ached for her, understanding that she must have felt dejected and vulnerable after the rejection. He didn't want to press her or make her feel uncomfortable, but he couldn't help but feel protective of her. He had thought she found herself having to cope with a stripless male like him, someone she perceived as incapable of offering protection compared to a strong mate like Parker. But Imara didn't strike him as the kind of person who would forcefully pursue someone to be with her. The rejection must have been the reason for her tears.
Harvey was unwittingly creating unnecessary worries, as the truth was far from the plot he imagined.
In that moment, everything felt so real and surreal at the same time. I couldn't believe I was having this conversation with Harvey. But here he was, with his hand on my cheek, and I couldn't deny the emotions welling up inside me.
Harvey's eyes locked onto mine and I could see several emotions reflecting in his gaze. "Then stay," he said, his voice filled with sincerity that sent shivers down my spine. "Stay with me, Imara."
My heart skipped a beat at his words, and for a moment, time seemed to stand still.
Tears of joy welled up in my eyes, and I couldn't help but let out a small laugh. "Yes," I said, my voice full of emotion, "yes, I want that too."
He said softly, "I won't push you. You're welcome to stay here with me as long as you need. You don't have to worry about anything, I'll take care of you."
My eyes filled with gratitude, and I smiled through my tears. "Thank you, Harvey," I whispered, "you have no idea how much this means to me."
He gently wiped away my tears, his touch sending shivers down my spine. "I'll do whatever it takes to make you feel safe and comfortable," he said sincerely, "you're not alone anymore, Imara."
And in that moment, as our hands intertwined and our gazes locked, I knew that my life had forever changed. I was no longer just a reader loving this fictional world; I had become a part of the story.
I felt a sense of peace and warmth envelop me. I didn't know what the future held, but I knew that being with Harvey, felt like a dream come true.
As the day turned to night, I stayed in Harvey's hut, finding comfort in his presence. He made me a simple meal, and we talked about the valley and the beastmen living there. I marveled at the diversity of the community and the unique dynamics between the tribes.
As the night grew darker, my exhaustion caught up with me, and I felt myself drifting off to sleep. I was filled with a mix of emotions-gratitude for finding Harvey, uncertainty about my place in this new world, and excitement for the adventure that lay ahead.
Author-san:
Okay, I couldn't help myself. I just finished chapter 20 and is flowing through 21. So, I just couldn't fight the feeling to post another chapter. Plus I want to spoil you all for even reading my story it means the world to me! 💜