Chapter 1: A Barely Clad Arrival
Matthew blinked, the world around him a sudden swirl of vibrant colors and exotic scents. One minute he’d been in his dingy bedroom, the next—poof!—he was standing in the middle of a bustling marketplace, the sun scorching his pale, scrawny frame. And to his utter horror, he was clad only in his tighty whities, the fabric clinging to him like a desperate lover. His hands shot down to cover himself, his face flaming hotter than the desert sands beneath his bare feet.
'Oh, crap, oh crap, oh CRAP!' he muttered, darting behind a stack of barrels. His heart pounded as he peeked out, scanning the crowd of strangely dressed folks—some with pointed ears, others with shimmering tails. Where the hell was he? This wasn’t Kansas, or even Comic-Con. His eyes snagged on a flash of purple hair and a sway of hips that could stop traffic. Shantae. The Shantae. The half-genie hero of his late-night gaming sessions. And she was heading straight toward his hiding spot.
'Hey, you! Behind the barrels!' Her voice was like honey with a bite, sharp and commanding. Matthew froze, his skinny legs trembling. 'I can see your bony knees sticking out. Come on, don’t make me drag you out of there.'
He swallowed hard, stepping out with his hands still strategically placed. 'Uh, hi. I’m... I’m not from around here. Like, really not from around here.' His voice cracked, and he cursed internally. Real smooth, Matt.
Shantae’s emerald eyes raked over him, a smirk playing on her lips as she crossed her arms, pushing up her already distracting curves. 'No kidding. You look like a fish out of water—or a boy out of pants. What’s your deal, string bean? Lost your laundry on the way to a swim?'
Matthew’s ears burned. 'I didn’t ask to be here, okay? One second I’m in my room, the next I’m... this.' He gestured to his near-naked state, his embarrassment warring with the way her gaze made his skin prickle. 'Can you, like, not stare? It’s bad enough I’m half-naked in front of... well, you.'
She laughed, a sound that was both mocking and oddly thrilling. 'Oh, relax, kid. I’ve seen worse. But you’re gonna need more than those sad undies if you wanna survive Scuttle Town. Stick with me—I’ll get you covered. Among other things.' Her wink was a weapon, and it hit him square in the chest.
As they moved through the market, Matthew trailing behind her like a lost puppy, he couldn’t help but notice the way her hips swayed with every step, the way her tight outfit hugged every inch of her. His mind was a traitor, conjuring up images he had no business entertaining—not when he was barely keeping his dignity intact. But damn, she was fire, and he was a moth with no sense of self-preservation.
They ducked into a small shop, the air thick with the scent of incense and something musky. Shantae tossed him a pair of loose trousers, her grin wicked. 'Try these on for size. Unless you’re enjoying the breeze down there.'
He snatched the pants, fumbling to pull them on while she watched, unabashed. 'You’re enjoying this way too much,' he grumbled, though the heat in his cheeks—and lower—told a different story.
'Maybe I am,' she shot back, stepping closer. Her breath was warm against his ear as she leaned in, her voice dropping to a purr. 'You’re kinda cute when you’re flustered, string bean. Makes me wonder what else gets you all... worked up.'
Matthew’s breath hitched, his body betraying him as he felt himself grow hard under the thin fabric. Her hand brushed his arm, deliberate and teasing, and he swore he saw stars. She wasn’t just strong—she was a force, and he was caught in her storm. The room seemed to shrink, the air charged with something electric. Her lips were inches from his, her eyes daring him to make a move, and he knew if he didn’t step back now, he’d be lost in her completely—sweating, panting, and aching for more.
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