She nodded in acknowledgment. "Sorry, I just didn't expect there to be a full meal and everything. It was Lt Daemon's idea to come here, and I just agreed out of respect."
Ty understood the underlying intention. "I see. To be honest, you'll have to forgive him," he began, "He knows the best way I have a chance at surviving is by being popular or well-liked. He sees you as something for me to use," Ty explained, finishing his meal.
JJ's expression fell slightly as she processed his words. "Oh," she murmured, her gaze lowering.
"Don't let that depress you too much. He is, overall, a good person, but like everyone else, he has his own goals and aspirations... Not even I know them fully, but I'm being used by him to some degree. It's a mutual benefit situation," Ty attempted to reassure her.
Her curiosity piqued, JJ inquired further. "I see. And are you also using me to achieve the goals you have for yourself?"
After a brief moment of reflection, Ty responded earnestly, "No, I can't say I did. When I saw you for the first time, it was about much more than what I could use you for and who you reminded me of."
Ty's candidness brought a hint of complexity to the conversation. "Though I did think about how you might help me get back to Earth a few times, everything I've done for you was because I wanted to. Personally, I am no hero, and I would probably do anything for those I love, regardless of the consequences. And as far as I can tell, you're someone special worth cherishing."
Find your adventure at M V L
JJ's cheeks warmed with a blush at his words. "Well, it all happened so suddenly, but I am glad he told me to go to the arena after all."
Curious, Ty stretched a bit and asked, "Who told you to come? The butler guy or the fiancé guy from your family's house?"
Lt Daemon, seizing the moment to tease, walked up behind Ty, placed his hands on Ty's shoulders, and chimed in with a mischievous grin. "That's not what you were saying when you two were smacking lips," he said, his smile broadening with amusement.
"You were doing what with who now?!" JJ asked, her confusion quickly turning to surprise.
Ty, visibly embarrassed, covered his face with his hand. "We were sparring, and we crashed into each other. I promise it's nothing like he's making it seem."
JJ, attempting to maintain her composure, responded in a measured tone, "I see. Well, let's go ahead and pack things up," while quietly managing her emotions stirred by the unexpected revelation.
As they gathered their belongings and stood up, Ty and JJ made their way toward the door, with Lt Daemon lagging behind by about 15 feet, giving them some privacy.
JJ broke the silence between them, her voice carrying a mix of uncertainty and resolve. "Listen, I don't understand my feelings right now, Ty. Everything has just been happening so fast, and I really want to trust you, even regardless of you being a demon or whatever. It's just... I can't afford to lose anyone I care about, but I also don't want to be so afraid that I lose everything anyway."
Their steps took them outside, into the fading light of day, the suns casting long shadows as they began to set.
Ty's thoughts momentarily drifted to Nana, remembering the time she confessed her feelings to him and his rejection. A poignant memory surfaced, the weight of Nana's parting words pressing upon him.
"You know, the funniest thing is, the most important person in my life... As I told you, I got to see her face to face and hug her, and her last words were to use anyone and everyone to get back home. She told me not to let my loyalty to her stop me from forming bonds that could get me back home."
JJ's determination shone through her words, "She must really miss you as well, and is doing everything she can to get back. I will choose to believe you, but I also can't let anyone win over me. Above all else, I will prove to be your best ally."