Chapter 2: A Test of Patience

The sun cast its warm rays through the stained-glass windows of the small church, casting colorful patterns on the floor as Haru sat in the confessional, listening to the murmurs of the faithful. It was a typical day, with people coming in to confess their sins and seek forgiveness. Haru had always found this part of his duties as a priest to be a source of comfort, a reminder that he was here to help others find their way. As he listened to the latest confession, a sense of calm washed over him. He was good at this, good at being a steady presence in people's lives, guiding them towards redemption. But just as he was about to offer some words of wisdom, he heard the creak of the confessional door next to him. "Haru, daddy," Bella's voice purred, "I've got a confession to make." Haru's eyes widened in surprise, and he felt a flush rise to his cheeks. What was she doing here? He tried to focus on his prayers, but his mind kept drifting back to the mischievous succubus who was now sitting in the confessional next door. The priest cleared his throat, "Ah, yes... please, proceed." Bella giggled. "Oh, Haru, I'm so glad you're here. I've been feeling really guilty about something." Haru steeled himself, expecting the worst. "Go on," he said, trying to sound as neutral as possible. "Well, you see... I've been feeling really... sinful," Bella said, her voice dripping with amusement. "And I think I need to tell you all about it." The priest's eyes closed in a mixture of resignation and horror. This was not going to be good. "I was out last night, and I met this... interesting fellow," Bella began, her voice husky and seductive. "His name was Alessandro, and he was just so... handsome." Haru's face remained impassive, but his mind was racing. What was she doing? Why was she telling him this? "So, Alessandro and I... we got to talking," Bella continued, her words spilling out in a rush. "And he was really charming, really charming. We ended up at his place, and... well, let's just say it was a night to remember." The priest's eyes widened as Bella's words became more explicit, more detailed. He felt his face grow hot, and his mind reeled in shock. How could she be telling him this? Didn't she know that he was a priest, a man of God? "I see," Haru stammered, trying to maintain his composure. "And then," Bella continued, her voice rising to a crescendo, "we did this and that, and... oh, Haru, it was just so good!" The priest's jaw clenched, his fists tightening in his lap. He couldn't believe what he was hearing. As Bella finished her... confession, Haru felt like he was going to explode. He took a deep breath, trying to calm himself down, and spoke in a low, measured tone, "Bella, I... think that's enough." But the succubus just laughed, a throaty, seductive sound. "Oh, Haru, you're so cute when you're trying to be pious. But I have to tell you, it was just so... delicious." The priest's eyes widened in shock, and he felt like he was going to pass out. He couldn't believe what he was hearing. How could she do this to him? "Bella," he said, his voice shaking with effort, "I think that's enough." There was a pause, and then she said, "I think I'll stop there, Haru. But just so you know, I'm still feeling a little... guilty." The priest took a deep breath, his heart racing. He couldn't believe what was happening. "Bella, in the name of Jesus Christ, I ask you to leave," he stammered, trying to keep his voice steady. The succubus giggled. "Aww, come on, Haru. You're not going to give me any penance?" The priest's face turned beet red. "Just... leave, Bella. Please." The silence that followed was oppressive, and Haru could feel his heart pounding in his chest. He was just about to breathe a sigh of relief when Bella's voice cut through the air once more. "Okay, Haru. I'll leave. But just so you know, I'm not sorry." As the stall creaked open, and Bella slipped out, the priest let out a shaky breath. He had never been so glad to see someone go in his life. "Lord, have mercy," he whispered, crossing himself. It was going to be a long day.