18: Operation! Raven's Happy Ending!

It was night time as I was using the phone, and when the call ended I sigh.I turn behind me to see Raven in her dining area."Well, how did it go?" Raven asks as she prepares the dinner on the table."Looks like I can move back to my apartment tomorrow. The door and key card are much more secure now they said so I'll just pick it up tomorrow." I answered in response as I take a seat."Oh? Are you sure you wanna go back? You can just stay here with me, Estelle." Raven says teasingly as she smiles sweetly at me."C-come on.. I don't wanna be an inconvenience." I say nervously as I avert my gaze from Raven.'Plus, living with a girl despite being a girl now still feels weird.' I think to myself, still keeping in mind that I'm originally a guy that just transferred into Estelle's body.Raven chuckles softly at my attempt to decline. "You're not an inconvenience, silly. You know you're always welcome here."She places a plate in front of me, showing the delicious food she'd prepared."Besides, I enjoy the company." Raven adds, sitting down across from me with her own plate.I can't help but smile at Raven's friendliness. It's always so easy to relax around her, despite her sometimes being reserved. "Thanks, Raven. I appreciate it."I start to dig into the food, savoring the taste. "But seriously, I don't want to overstay my welcome. Let me figure out what I'm gonna do first." I say, still feeling awkward about intruding on her space."Well, I guess I can't force you then." Raven says softly.I can sense a hint of disappointment in her tone, but she quickly masks it with a smile.It hurts a little to know I'm rejecting her offer, but it also makes me question my decision. Maybe a voice in my head says that living with a girl like Raven would be nice. But it's not just about that. I need to figure out a lot of things in my current situation first.'After finally choosing to have Nero as another option for her. I need to make sure that Operation: Raven's Happy Ending must be set in motion!' I think to myself."You look determined, are you thinking of something?" Raven asks as she notices me clenching my fists together.I quickly loosen my grip and look up, realizing Raven had noticed my clenched fists."Oh, I'm just... thinking about things." I say vaguely, not wanting to share my inner thoughts.Inside, I'm still formulating a plan. I can't shake the need to ensure Raven's happiness, even if it means making decisions that aren't entirely selfish."It's nothing, really." I assure her with a small smile."Okay. " Raven says softly with a smile.After dinner, I helped Raven in cleaning the dishes and let the time pass by as the clock strikes at 10 'o clock.The night sky was bright outside the window and when I closed the curtain I look on over to Raven who is about to head to her room.Raven pauses and looks back over her shoulder, sensing my eyes on her."You okay?" She asks, a touch of concern in her voice as she meets my gaze.I realize I've been staring a bit too intently and quickly shake it off."Yeah, I'm fine." I assure her, a small smile on my face, and quickly look away.Raven chuckles softly. "Hey, Estelle.. there's also this one thing I wanna try that other girl friends do."I raise an eyebrow curiously as I turn my attention back to her."What's that?" I ask, wondering what it is that she's thinking of.Before I knew it.I was in her bedroom."Go on, lay down with me." Raven says with a gentle smile as she pats the space on her bed.My eyes widen momentarily as she invitations me onto her bed. I look at her, feeling a mixture of surprise and anticipation."Uh.. are you sure?" I ask, my voice a bit shaky.Despite my reservations, I find myself drawn to the idea. After all, it's not every day that a girl like Raven invites me to share her bed.'B-but, I'm a guy deep down. Not Estelle! Ugh.. ' I think to myself, conflicted as I take my eyes off of Raven for a moment."Come on, it's not everyday we get to have a little sleepover where we share a bed together. You'll be back to your place and I'll be all alone here again." Raven says softly.Raven's words hit my heart. I know she's right. And besides, what's wrong with just sharing a bed? It doesn't mean anything, right?'It's just a harmless thing that girls do anyway.' I try to rationalize to myself.I can feel my resistance crumbling. The idea of spending a night close to Raven is too tempting."What is it? " Raven softly mutters."Do you hate me so much that you can't fathom sharing a bed with me?" Raven says in a teasing manner as she pretends to be hurt.Her playful tone brings a smile to my face, but there's no denying the truth in her words. I do want to share a bed with her; I'm just conflicted."N-no, it's not that at all," I stutter, trying to hide my embarrassment."I just… I don't want to make things awkward between us." I admit, my eyes darting to the side."It will only be awkward if you make it feel awkward." Raven says, proceeding to pat the space on the bed again.Her words seem to ease some of my tension as my eyes fixate on the spot she's patting. I can feel my heart racing as I consider her offer."You really want me to sleep in the bed with you?" I ask, needing to hear the words again to make sure I'm not imagining things."Mhm." Raven nods.I hesitate for a moment longer, but the look in Raven's eyes convinces me. I take a deep breath and nod in agreement."Okay, I'll do it." I say, my voice a bit shaky.I take a few steps towards the bed and gingerly sit on the edge. I carefully slide under the covers, feeling a bit out of place but also strangely excited."There you go, good girl." Raven says softly as she looks at me while laying down next to her in bed.I lie there, feeling the warmth emanate from Raven's body next to me. It's a weird but not unpleasant sensation, and I can feel my pulse quickening.The thought briefly crosses my mind, and I can't help but wonder.'If she knew I was a guy deep down, would she still act this friendly to me?' I think to myself.I shake the thought away quickly, not wanting to go down that rabbit hole. For now, I'll just enjoy the moment and the unexpected comfort of being so close to Raven.There was a momentary pause as we both lay there, each immersed in our own thoughts. But then, Raven turns on her side and moves closer to me, her body almost touching mine.I can feel the heat radiating from her and the scent of her shampoo fills my senses.My heart pounds against my chest, the proximity to the beautiful girl next to me making it hard to breathe. I fight the urge to move away, instead forcing myself to stay still."C-can I ask you something, Raven?" I manage to whisper, my voice hoarse.Raven murmurs in response, her voice slightly sleepy. "Mmm.. sure, go ahead."I hesitate, wondering if I should ask the question that's been gnawing at me. I know it's a risk, but I can't help myself."If I... if I told you I was a guy deep down.." I begin, my voice barely above a whisper. "Would you still be this kind to me?"The room falls silent for a moment as my question hangs in the air. I can feel my heart racing, bracing myself for her response.Raven slowly opens her eyes and turns her gaze to me. She's quiet for a few seconds before softly speaking."Why would you ask something like that, Estelle?" She murmurs, a hint of surprise in her voice.I gulp, feeling vulnerable under her gaze. "I just... I just need to know." I reply, the words leaving my lips before I can even stop them. "I-i just wanna ask a silly little question, you know? Silly little girl's talk."Raven seems to consider my question for a few moments, her eyes studying my face intently. The silence is deafening as I wait for her answer.Finally, she lets out a soft sigh, a hint of a smile playing on her lips."That's a weird question, y'know?" She murmurs, her tone light but not cold. "Obviously, it wouldn't change a thing. You're my best friend after all."I froze.Guilt taking over my head.'Right, her best friend. That's not me. That's the real Estelle's role.' I clench my fist tightly as I remain by her side.My heart sinks a little at her words, the truth of the situation hitting me like a ton of bricks. I'm not Estelle, not really.But I can't tell Raven that. Not yet, at least.I nod slowly, still caught in my conflicting emotions. "Yeah, of course. You're right. Just a silly question."I force a smile and quickly turn away from her, hiding the conflict on my face.As Raven faces my back, there was a moment of silence until I hear her moving around behind me."But.." Raven proceeds to mumble something I can't quite hear.But from the guilt I'm feeling, everything else is clouded.'Proceed with the plan. Get Raven her happy ending. That's my top priority.' I close my eyes shut and proceed to try and get some sleep.Raven continues to murmur behind me, the soft rustling of the sheets adding as the only sound in the room.I lie there, trying to force myself to sleep, but my mind is a whirlwind of guilt and uncertainty.'I need to focus on the plan. On getting Raven the happy ending she deserves.' I tell myself repeatedly, trying to drown out the sound of my heart beat racing fast.So, the following day.I head to school with Raven, proceeding with our morning routine.It was quick and easy as I arrive in the classroom in no time with her."Nero, what's up!" I say as energetically as I can as I watch Nero writing on his notes.Nero looks up from his notes, a hint of surprise on his face as he sees me."Umm.. you seem especially cheerful today." Nero mutters, putting his pen down as he keeps a stoic expression despite the surprise look on his gaze.Raven watches me as she goes to her seat."Alright, Nero. I was thinking.. do you wanna go out somewhere with me and Raven on the weekend?" I ask him in the friendliest way possible.Nero raises an eyebrow, clearly caught off guard by my sudden request. He glances over at Raven, then back at me, his expression still stoic."You want.. the three of us to go out somewhere on the weekend?" He asks, wanting clarification just to be sure he heard correctly.I nod enthusiastically, forcing a smile."Yeah, c'mon, it'll be fun! It's not like you have a girlfriend or anything, right ? So I don't see why not." I say, trying to sound as casual as possible.Nero pauses for a moment, his stoic expression faltering for a brief second. But then he regains his composure and shrugs nonchalantly."I mean.. sure, why not. I don't have plans." He responds, his voice still nonchalant as he keeps a cool demeanor.'Alright, that does it!' I smile proudly to myself.When the professor arrives, I turn to my seat before telling Nero."We'll discuss this at lunch, sound good?" I ask him.Nero nods once, his stoic expression still firmly in place."Yeah, we'll talk at lunchtime." He says gruffly.When I head to my seat, Raven looks at me with her head tilting to the side."This morning you said you would ask Nero to join along with us.. don't tell me you really went with it?" Raven asks softly."Hehe, I did. Now, we will all go. Don't worry, I'm gonna do great this time at the cafe. I've read a lot in the guide booklet and you've taught me things last night when we were eating dinner together. " I reply cheekily as I watch Raven blink twice."I see.. " Raven mutters, and I proceed to keep an optimistic manner.The class starts with lectures and the morning passes by rather quickly. The anticipation for lunch keeps me on the edge of my seat, barely able to focus on anything except the plans for lunch with Raven and Nero.Finally, the bell rings, signaling lunchtime. I stand up from my seat, energy building up within me.TO BE CONTINUED