Chapter 87: Steaming bath.[R17]

Words : 1118 Updated : Sep 21st, 2025

The new enemy moved through the Aegis units like they were nothing more than paper tiggers. Every minute, another sentinel went down in a burst of dark smoke. This creature, whatever it was, struck with impossible speed, phasing in and out of the shadows, attacking in a blur, and vanishing before the Aegis units could even register its presence. Within minutes, all the screens showing the sentinels' POVs had gone dark. Rex and Cleo exchanged a long, grim look. "So... it seems like the boss decided to find us first," Rex muttered. Cleo nodded, her eyes fixed on the last bits of footage. " Looks that way. This thing... this 'Void Crawler' it''s practically a shadow. It can slip in and out of the material plane, making it nearly impossible to hit. Tracking it down is going to be... difficult." "Perfect," Rex sighed, cracking his knuckles. " Guess it's up to us now. Let's get Squad 201 ready. Too bad the Mauler Juggernaut can't fit into the subway tunnels; otherwise, we could just roll in there and squash this thing." As he turned to head down to the planet, Cleo grabbed his arm. "Hold on a second, Rex," she said, wrinkling her nose . "You need a shower first. Your hair is a mess, and you smell like... well, zombie brain." Rex raised an eyebrow, looking mock-offended . "Excuse me? I smell way better than you." He plucked a stray chunk of zombie brain from her shoulder and flicked it away. Cleo rolled her eyes. "Which is why I'm taking a shower too." She led him down the corridor to the private shower room, a luxurious area Cleo had personally customized. The space was practically a spa, with a massive hot tub that looked more like a small pool, statues of exotic birds carved from rare stones, and intricate mosaics on the walls. It was obvious this was Cleo's personal sanctuary, designed for both herself and Rex. Inside, a small squad of maid bots, dressed in elegant Grecian-style tunics, hurried over to greet them. They bustled around, helping Rex and Cleo undress with quiet efficiency before retreating to the side, standing by in case they were needed. Rex gave Cleo a sidelong glance, then smirked. Without warning, he scooped her up in his arms, carrying her toward the waterfall shower like a princess. "What exactly are you doing?" Cleo asked, trying to sound annoyed, but the blush on her cheeks betrayed her. "Oh, nothing much," Rex replied, grinning. "Just carrying my personal maid to make sure she can help me wash my hair and back. You know I can't reach back there." He set her down gently on a bench made of some rare, polished stone that felt like smooth silk under his hands. Cleo sighed but didn't protest. "Fine, but let's get this over with." . "It's okay, Cleo," he said warmly. "I'd never want to do anything that makes you uncomfortable. Take all the time you need." Cleo looked up, a grateful smile touching her lips. "Thank you, Rex. I... I appreciate that more than you know." He chuckled, brushing a thumb across her cheek. "What kind of guy do you think I am? I'm not some jerk who's just trying to... well, you know." His eyes sparkled with his usual humor as he added, "Besides, we've got more important things to do, like testing out that ridiculously big bathtub of yours." Cleo's pout appeared instantly. "It's not ridiculously big! I made it that size in case you ever got bigger somehow. Even I'll be taller in the future." She crossed her arms, huffing, which only made Rex laugh. "Alright, alright, you win," he said, still laughing as he carried her over to the massive tub. They settled onto the wide steps leading into the steaming water, with Cleo seated comfortably against him. "Mind if I take a little rest?" She murmured, her voice softer now. "I've forgotten what it's like to actually need sleep... I haven't rested in four days." "Go ahead. Rest as long as you need," Rex replied, wrapping one arm around her shoulders. "I'll take you to bed after, so don't worry." Cleo sighed contentedly, closing her golden eyes as she rested her head on his chest, a peaceful smile forming on her face. She felt safe in his arms, the gentle warmth of the bath soothing her. For once, she let go of the weight of her responsibilities, just enjoying the moment. After a while, when Rex noticed her breathing had deepened, he carefully lifted her from the bath. The maid bots hurried over, ready to help, but Rex waved them off with a smile. "Just bring our bathrobes," he whispered, not wanting to disturb Cleo's sleep. Once the maids returned, Rex gently wrapped Cleo in her robe, then allowed them to help him into his own. Cradling her against his chest, he carried her through the quiet corridors toward their sleeping quarters. Their room was cozy, echoing the style of the mansion back in the underground city, a touch of home amidst the coldness of the ship. Rex lay down on the bed, still holding Cleo close, and settled her comfortably on top of him. As he closed his eyes, he felt the steady rhythm of her breathing, and a sense of calm washed over him. For now, with the threats of the world outside, this small moment of peace was enough. Rex looked down at Cleo, her peaceful face resting against his chest. Somehow, in sleep, she was even more breathtaking. Her lips were parted slightly, and a few damp strands of black hair clung to her cheek, catching the faint glow of the room's soft lighting. She looked like something out of a dream, an ethereal beauty, serene and unguarded in his arms. Gently, he reached for her hand, marveling at how small and delicate it felt in his. He lifted it to his lips, pressing a soft kiss to her fingertips. The gesture felt intimate and comforting, and without a word spoken, it said everything he wanted her to know. As sleep began to pull him under, Rex wrapped one arm around her, holding her close. With their fingers intertwined, he closed his eyes, feeling the steady rhythm of her heartbeat against his. In that quiet, stolen moment, all the battles and threats of the outside world faded away. And for the first time in a long time, Rex fell asleep with a peaceful smile, feeling like he was exactly where he was meant to be.

Chapter 87: Steaming bath.[R17]

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