HPDBC Chapter 10: A Bit of a Stretch
Chapter 10: A Bit of a Stretch
Chapter 10: A Bit of a Stretch
As I continue to look around, I can see a few interesting artistic designs with the webs on the wall.
A few even seem to be a story, maybe like a journal? There was clearly was a lot of work done on them and the aesthetic of the room. Glancing back at Lin and Ai, it is easy to see that the further they get in, the worse their anxiety gets.
They dont seem to see the traps, but the aesthetic definitely is creeping them out. Gong herself seemed to expect their reaction, but also looked a tad disappointed.
Sigh.
Its always the little things that disappoint us. What am I going to do about this why cant I leave this alone?
Ah, well. This is just how I am.
Speaking up a bit, I say, Huh, I kind of like this place. I really like this art piece here, actually.
Her face clearly picks up as she looks at me, happy that Im complimenting her place.
She freezes as she recognizes the piece Im pointing to. A bit surprised, I look at the one I thought was one of the more detailed designs.
Appearing to be one of the more prominent pieces, the image is framed like a web of stories within a web frame, with a quad of characters as the centerpiece.
Two characters are facing away from the others to the left, with the other two facing each other on the right.
The first character is walking away from the group, oblivious, while the second character appears to be sneaking pickpocketing the first.
The third character is on the ground, their hands folded and covering their body in defense.
The last character appears to be raising their fist to strike
Oh.
I guess this is showing the relationship between Rong, Ai, and Lin, isnt it?
Ah.
As I look back at Gong, its clear shes still frozen.
My eyes meet hers and its clear she really doesnt want to talk about this right now.
As I continue in my thoughts, as Gong ends up taking me to her personal room, which is unsurprisingly deeper into the cave system that shes created. As we arrive, there is another cavern like area.
Within this one, though, there are large pillars of web stretching from the floor to the ceiling in a circular pattern. Each of the pillars are ornately designed, with layers of web as support and adding to the aesthetic. In the center of the pillars is something that looks like a giant, fluffy, and webby haystack. Honestly, it looks amazingly comfortable and fits the room.
All along the walls and ceilings are more art pieces, though these look to be more artistic and interpretive. Going from corner to corner, it reminds me of the Catholic Cathedrals, as shes even added glowing magic stones to some of them, adding back-light, that shines shadows onto different areas or reveals intricate designs. Shes even added dyes (of what, I cant tell), giving color splashes to shake up the greys, blacks, and whites of the webs.
Its gorgeous I cant help but to mutter, as I look around the room.
I hear a deep breath intake from Gong.
Realizing I said that out loud, I quickly glance at Gong. Shes facing away from me.
T-this is my h-tch-hummel a-b-bode she stumbles over her words as she bites her tongue.
Since she has pale skin, its easy to see how red she is from embarrassment and maybe the slightest bit of happiness.
She really has a gift for this. I hope that one day, Ill be able to make it so demi-humans like her, can do this freely.
Its a crime to have this artistry unseen. Though, I am definitely biased.
Thinking this to myself, I see her raise up both of her hands and clasp her face.
Suddenly, she slaps both hands on her cheeks with a crisp sound.
Woah, are you alright? I ask as I run over to see if shes alright. That must have hurt. She nods quickly, her cheeks now redder than her face. However, the redness hasnt gone away, as it appears, she is about to try something.
Y-you can sit on the bed, if you want.
Dont mind if I do. Theres no way Im going to give up trying out a bed this comfy. Its clear it isnt sticky, plus this doesnt seem like a situation where I need to worry about my life. As I climb up onto the large elevated bed-like web, she moves closer to the bed as well. Lowering her spider body to the floor, it appears Im now at chest level to her. She lowers her body to reach eye level with me.
Then she gulps and seems to harden her resolve.
She stretches, like she did back in the alley, only this time she is on the same plane as me. A wonderful image appears before me, as it displays what she has. Now closer, it is clear they are even larger than I thought they were. Her eyes remain on mine as her blush continues. Her continued stare easily brings my eyes back to hers.
The first time she did this, she was more teasing and less self-conscious about it. Now she appears nervous and flustered. If I was a dense guy, Id probably just assume that she is nervous and planning an important discussion. Since Im not, its easy to tell that she has feelings for me. My best guess is that all the compliments have got her feeling something for me. I think she still has something to tell me, but from the look in her eyes
She coughs lightly after her stretch.
Gazing at me with a puppy faced look, Do y-y-you like me?