Dove 🕊 @doveafterdark - Tumblr Blog

May 14, 2025

5 - Rival

4K isn't the only demon in the world. Another demon wants to challenge 4K and take the mountain for themselves and despite HD's instance to help, 4K won't let him. HD isn't going to let this rival demon ruin his deal, or hurt his 4K.

Chapter 5 finally here and it is a LONG one. I mean it, I think this was one of my longest fics ever for this site. Regretably there isn't a lot of tickling in it but the tickling that is in it is worth it I would say. There's more a focus on 4K and HD's feelings and their backstories on this one but please do enjoy it.

4K was a demon who wore his expressions so easily. He had his heart on his sleeve and said whatever he was thinking. It was always easy to see what mood he was in because the demon had the worst poker face. HD had kept his guard up that 4K’s constant smiling and positive attitude were just a front for something, but after months of living together he could only believe that it was just truly how 4K was.

So when 4K woke up that day with a down turned lip and no shine in his eyes, HD knew something must have been very wrong.

The sunlight streamed in tiny beams through HD’s thicket, shining on him and slowly drawing him awake. It was past noon and he was alone. Usually 4K would wake HD or he’d be somewhere close by in the glade, waiting for him to wake up. It was the first time in a while HD woke up and the demon was nowhere around, but he tried to quell any worries as he shimmied himself out the thicket and walked into the cave.

It was a warm day outside but the cave felt cold and darker than usual. HD drew his grass cloak more around himself as 4K walked out from the deeper cavern.

It was clear to see something was off with the demon. His smile and bright personality was gone, but even the way he stood and walked seemed slow. His shoulders slumped and his steps were hesitant. It even seemed like his wild hair, kept in its tie, had lost it’s lustre.

4K didn’t even notice HD at first until he stepped closer. He seemed lost in some sort of trance, snapped out as he looked over to HD. “Oh…h-hello.”

His voice was cold and distant, such a turn from his usually upbeat tone that HD’s concern turned to full out worry.

“There’s fruit for breakfast in-”

“Is everything okay?”

HD cut in, too on edge to wait for 4K to finish, but it seemed to snap 4K more out of his trance to be interrupted. His eyes had more life in them as he blinked to HD. His jaw hung slack and open before he quickly shut it, taking in a slow breath through his nose.

“There’s a dead body in the mountain…”

Out of the long anxiety list that HD made up in his head, he didn’t have this on it at all. Of course it was a worrying situation but it was so far out of HD’s possibility. “Oh…” He kept the hesitation out of his voice, trying instead to sound sorrowful. “Do you know when or…how?”

“It was sometime last night, they weren’t there before I went to sleep. A-And…” 4K hesitated with an uncertainty HD had never seen the demon have. He pursed his lips, a part of it catching on his snag tooth and drawing blood. HD opened his mouth to mention it when 4K continued. “They were put there by another demon.”

“O-Oh…”

Oh.

Despite only knowing 4K for a few months, it never really occurred to HD that the other demons wouldn’t be like 4K. But of course demons weren’t just good natured and kind usually. His whole point of striking up the partnership with 4K was specifically because he knew that reason. His gentle time with 4K seemed to make him forget.

“I need to take care of it.” 4K’s voice was sure, but heavy with his resistance.

The offer came so easily, HD didn’t need to think about it. “Do you want help?”

4K looked almost shocked HD even offered. “You… You don’t have to.”

“I want to help.”

4K’s dim eyes glowed for just a moment, and a grateful smile finally lifted his face. “Th-Thank you.” He sighed. “If it’s alright, could we deal with it now? I just… I don’t like knowing they’re there.”

“Of course. Lead on.”

The two went down the cavern, venturing deeper into the tunnel than HD had ever gone. There were still a few candles lit and lanterns hanging from the walls, but the deeper in the went, the fewer there were, until eventually the caves slowly became rougher and the only light was from the occasional crystal peeking out the stones. It got colder the further they travelled in, enough for HD’s skin to prickle with goosebumps and he wished he’d taken his cloak with him.

HD always thought he had good eyesight for the dark but that was always under a night sky. In a cave he was practically blind, yet 4K took such confident steps ahead of him. It was only when HD started to slow down did 4K reach back and link his hand with HD’s.

“Stay close. The caves open up and have some holes to the surface further in. Just a little bit more to go and we can get our bearings.”

4K’s hand was warm, and his calloused palms were a grounding comfort in the darkness. HD held on tight and followed each step. “Where is the body exactly?”

“I… I don’t know.” 4K admitted.

“You don’t? I thought you knew everything on this mountain?”

“I do. I’m supposed to. It’s tricky with other demons, they can hide themselves from me if I’m not paying attention. But this body… I should be able to know where they are but I don’t.”

It was clear it worried 4K. If not from the mood he was in then from how concerned his voice was. Or…was it mournful?

Eventually the caves did open up, as 4K said. The tunnel lead out to a wide open cavern. The ceiling was impossibly high, with stalactites dripping water down to the jagged rocky floor and small speckles of sunlight shining in. There were a few pools of water flowing into an unsteady stream further in the cave.

“Do you have an idea where to look?” HD asked hopefully. Of course he offered his help and would gladly do it, but he could see the caves inside the mountains were bigger than he thought and there were more tunnels he could just about make out in the darkness. He was starting to doubt if they could find the body today.

“They’re close.” 4K sounded sure, which HD was thankful for. “I can’t explain it but I can feel them. They’re… There they are!”

Some morbid relief swept through HD until he saw the body. Then he felt sick.

The body was stuck between some sharp rocks in the stream, but it was bloated and pale, having been in the water probably all night. Even from a distance across the cavern, HD could see the lashes and tears all over the body, though their skin was a muted grey from the water and the wounds were a pale white. They had been torn a part before placed or thrown into the mountain.

There was an easy enough path to get to the body, though the closer they got the more 4K’s steps faltered until he had stopped altogether. He wasn’t far from the body, but he kept a few feet between him and the water’s edge while HD carefully stepped further. The ground was jagged and uncomfortable, but HD was too focused to care.

The injuries all over the body weren’t random as HD had thought before. While there were deep cuts and slashes along the body, there was also symbols carefully marked out along the bloated skin. They seemed like runes though not any HD recognised.

“They’re demonic scripts.” 4K answered the unasked question. HD looked up and saw the demon still hadn’t moved any closer. “That’s how I couldn’t see them.” He mumbled.

“This ones covered in them.” HD pointed out. It seemed any space of skin not marked with a wound was given the mark. The scripts seemed old compared to the other cuts. They looked more like old scars, paler and more raised up against the skin with a slight shimmer to them. Though it was hard to judge from the state of the body.

“Just one of them would be needed. The demon is trying to send a message.” 4K concluded grimly.

HD gave a quickly look up and around the caves. The stream the body was on split further down, one leading off to one of the pools which lead deeper into the cave and another that went towards and under the mountain walls. “Does that stream lead out?” He asked with a point.

“Y…Yes…” 4K answered unsure, but HD trusted it. He knew the mountain best.

“If we move the body out, let it float down and lead it down that stream, we can get them out of the mountain.” He explained. HD quickly looked around and saw an opening on a platform further up that could take them out the mountain. It wouldn’t be too far a climb down and it should be close to the stream.

“I-I…” 4K’s voice shook and HD turned towards him. “I… I can’t touch…”

HD understood. “I’ll handle it.” He quickly stood up, trying to look around for something to help.

“I’m sorry. I…”

“Don’t worry about it.” HD kept his voice soft. “Just keep watch.”

There was a slim stone broken off from a boulder that HD quickly grabbed. It was sturdy enough for what it needed as he manoeuvred the body away from the rocks. He managed to use the stone to keep the body slow down the stream, leading it down the right path and out. The two quickly climbed out then, heading out to a small ledge at the side of the mountain that was an easy enough climb down.

This side of the mountain was thick with shrubbery and low trees. There was no marked path but there was some elephant path through the trees that they followed. There was a bridge over a river the two followed it towards the mountain to find the stream leading out of it, and the body slowly floating down.

It was the part HD wasn’t looking forward to, but he gathered what strength he had and reached down to the body. The skin felt slimy and awful. Every part of HD wanted to gag and wash himself of the feeling, but his thoughts of this poor victim kept him still. How awful to be used as a warning. They deserved a proper burial at least.

Even as the body was hoisted out of the water, HD couldn’t even tell if it was a male or female. They’d been mutilated so horribly and their bloated skin hid all of their features.

“I’m going to make a small grave for them.” 4K spoke. The first time in a while since HD started dealing with the body. “Just for now. I just need to grab a shovel.”

“No it’s fine.” HD said and quickly looked around. “Let me just…find somewhere.”

“A-Are you sure? You’ve done enough.”

“No no, I can get it. Just…”

There was a spot not far from the stream where the thickets thinned just enough space. With effort HD dragged the body closer and held out his hand over the earth.

It had been so long since he had to use his magic but just like with making the deal it came so naturally. He was a fair folk and the earth responded to him; the soil shifting to his call and slowly crawling out of the way to make a small grave.

“Wha… What is…” 4K marvelled and slowly stepped behind HD.

“Faes have magic.” HD explained, almost amused by 4K’s interest if not for the situation they were. “I’ve never had to use it much. Never thought it would come in handy for…this.”

The dirt moved to the side, creating a makeshift grave. HD rolled the body in, having the dirt cover over them. It was deep enough for the body, but the grave would be noticed from the road.

HD stood and wiped his hands off on his tunic. He’d still need to wash to get the feeling truly off his skin, but it would do for now.

“Thank you for that.” 4K spoke as the two made their way back to the mountain. It was quicker back through the caves than walking around. 4K hoisted HD up to the ledge and climbed up after him. Only then he spoke. “I didn’t mean to make you deal with all that.”

“No, it’s alright.” HD quickly soothed. “I’m just…upset something like that happened. Due to another demon, you said?”

“Yes.” 4K voice was grim again. “That will need dealt with soon.”

They made their way back to the dark tunnels, walking slowly to avoid the sharp stones.

“What’s going to happen?” HD asked. He was trying to keep slow and watch for the rough ground, but he tried to keep up with 4K, only being about to make out a vague shadow. “Why would another demon do…that?”

“It’s a warning.” 4K replied. “They mean to challenge me.”

The light of the lanterns came just into view. HD had never been so relieved to see them. His steps were more confident and the tunnel opened up enough he could walk beside 4K.

“The runes all over the body were a message.” 4K continued. “This demon wants to challenge me for the mountain I’m assuming.”

“But…why leave a message? Why not just attack you outright?”

“It’s not how it’s usually done. If it was a pack coming for my territory they would have as they have the numbers. If it’s a lone demon they’re probably trying to scope it out and finding the best way to attack.”

The tunnel finally opened up to the first cavern of the cave. It felt like the first breath of fresh air HD had for a while. Safe, but still unclean. They kept their hands tense and far away from their body, something that 4K took notice when he turned to look at HD.

“Sorry. You probably want to wash. I didn’t think.”

“Don’t worry about it.” HD resisted the urge to shake his hands. “Let me quickly wash at the waterfall.”

“I’ll get you soap.”

4K returned with one of HD’s favourite soap - the rose scented one - and despite HD’s assurance he’d only be washing his arms, 4K left for HD to bathe under the waterfall. While he’d give himself a full wash later, HD quickly got to work lathering up his arms and washing the suds off. It took a few tries for the slimy feeling to really go away, but HD worked fast. 4K was so unusually uncertain, HD worried at any moment he could close himself off when the threat of this demon was clearly bothering him. Even if he was curious, HD was also sympathetic. He wanted to help 4K anyway he could.

Luckily, his fears seem unfounded. As he washed off his arms for the last time and returned back into the cave, 4K was waiting with a towel at the ready at the nest of furs by the wall. HD’s heart was elated, but he didn’t let it show as he settled down in the blankets beside 4K. Before he could talk though, 4K took one of his arms into the towel and began to dry him.

“You don’t have to…” HD’s cheeks flushed. He felt almost bashful to the soft attention.

“It feels like this is the least I could do to help.” 4K laughed softly. He gently worked his way down HD’s arm, careful around his wrist and finally going to his hands.

“Almost feels like I’m being pampered.” HD pointed out as 4K seemed to take great care with his hand. It felt like a massage as 4K’s thumb pressed into his palm and soothed out over his thumb. HD had to suppress a moan when the towel ticklishly traced down each of his fingers.

“You deserve to be pampered. Especially after helping me.”

HD gave a careful look up to 4K, who was focused on HD’s other arm now. “The runes… Do they make it so you can’t touch the body?”

4K’s lip twitched and his hands faltered. HD wanted to take it back, but 4K spoke. “No. I just… I can’t handle dead things. It’s like a phobia I guess.”

“Oh. I’m sorry…” HD quickly apologised. “I didn’t realise.”

“No it’s fine.” 4K finished drying and set the towel down. He ran his hand over HD’s arm as a sort of last check that made the fae shiver, but 4K ever mentioned it. “I have to thank you properly, I really don’t know what I would have done.”

He pulled his hand back from HD’s arm and he looked up to the fae with a bright smile. “How can I make it up to you?” He asked but then was struck by an idea and quickly added. “How about you can ask any questions you want today? No tickling required.”

That was an offer HD was more than happy to accept. He pushed aside the small part disappointment that he refused to acknowledge and clarified. “You sure you want it to be any amount of questions? What if I run out for the future?”

“Aw, well…” 4K hummed. “Okay. three questions then.”

Three. HD could manage three and still find more to ask. Three was good. Especially after today, he had a lot of questions.

“The rune on the body, what did it mean? I thought it might be a spell but I couldn’t feel anything. Is it a language?”

4K gave a half shrug. “Yes and no. It’s like a specific language to each demon. A rune for us is a mark of ownership. Each demon is born knowing a symbol. That’s your rune. Demons use it to mark…” 4K looked at HD and bit his lip slightly. The words caught in his throat, and he cleared it to speak. “It can be used to mark any thralls. Sometimes demons take servants and mark them. The mark shields them from being tracked by other demons and it means they can always know where their servants are.”

It wasn’t news to HD that demons took people to serve them, but the rune system he hadn’t even the slightest idea about. “Do you have a rune?” He asked, and 4K nodded. “Can you show me?”

4K looked around as if he’d suddenly find ink and paper, until he turned to the wall and settled there. He half turned his body, bringing his claw up to scratch a mark in.

It was almost like an ‘X’ shape but not quite. There were two lines running parallel to one another from top right to bottom left. The line above had a hook, connecting to the other line. The line going left to right was also slightly off. The tip of it had a hook shape as well, and when it touched the second line it split into two. One went down, the other carried on the path.

It was a nonsensical symbol, nothing HD had ever seen. It looked like an almost X but then when he blinked it could almost look like an ‘M’ shape, and then almost like an ‘A’.

“Mine couldn’t just be simple, huh?” 4K chuckled and drew his claw back. He was admiring the symbol like he hadn’t seen it in so long. Maybe he hadn’t.

“I’ve never seen this before… Do you mark the mountain with it? Do you keep it hidden?”

4K gave an awkward shrug. “No. Most demons don’t use the ruin for territories. Living in a pack means there will be many runes. And marking as a lone demon makes you a target. Plus I wouldn’t be opposed to sharing. Don’t get me wrong, the mountain is mine, but if another demon needed shelter, or even if they wanted just the caves inside I wouldn’t mind that arrangement.”

HD studied the mark some more. He opened his mouth but was quickly cut off as 4K spoke again.

“That is all I will answer about runes.” He said and quickly added when he saw HD’s panicked expression. “You still have two questions. Of course I’ll answer any small follow up questions and they won’t count. But if you want to talk about the rune anymore, it counts.”

HD pouted in an expression he could only hope was cute as he asked. “Can I just have one more about the rune? Please?”

4K tried to look stern, but it was useless. It was so lucky HD knew how cute he was. He knew just how far to push it. The demon sighed. “Fine. One more.”

“How come you never…put the rune on me?”

4K’s face twisted as HD expected it would. “You are not my slave, or thrall. You don’t belong to me.”

“I mean…technically I do.” HD pointed out. “I’m your tickle toy for as long as our deal lasts.”

“It sounds almost like you want the rune.”

“I’m just curious.” HD quickly defended. “Did you ever think of use it on me? Even for just a split second?”

4K paused before he answered. “Yes. I did. When you first offered up the deal. I thought for one moment maybe I should have it as safety, so you couldn’t just cancel the deal at any time. But our marks are permanent. They cannot fade, or be removed unless the demon dies. It was an extreme thought and your deal was fairer, were we both agree.” He looked over at HD with a softness that moved the fae’s heart. “I’d never want to trap you where you don’t want to be. I’d never want to force you to stay with me. A rune would have been too much to ask.”

HD suddenly realised that if 4K had been a crueller demon, had just offered the rune and not explained everything then there was a chance HD would have been stuck with it. He would like to believe he would be wary and question and refuse if it happened but he couldn’t be sure. For now he was just grateful 4K had the heart he had.

“Now, that’s your last question of the rune gone. You’ve got two more left.”

HD accepted that. He had more questions at the ready anyway. “You said there you’d be fine with a demon living on the mountain, or under it I guess, but you said demons were territorial, only being allowed in packs. Have you ever been in a pack before? With other demons?”

“Nope.” 4K shook his head. “Never.”

“Is that common? For demons to go without a pack?”

“Well, I wouldn’t say common. It’s…situational.” 4K struggled to find the right words. He had been slowly leaning back against the wall, getting himself comfy now as he answered. “Packs are only made up of family. Siblings specifically. Demon parents aren’t uh…well nature wise they aren’t great at raising the kid. They’ll look out for them until they reach a certain age, but then they’re on their own. If they have another child, it becomes the oldest’s responsibility to take care and look after them. It all depends on how many kids the parent has.”

HD blinked rapidly, his mind processing the information. “So you’re packless because…your parents didn’t have another child?” He asked.

“Pretty much.” 4K shrugged. “I mean, they could have and just couldn’t find me so sent the kid out. Personally I think that’s more likely.”

“Have you ever seen your parents since going out on your own?”

“No, and I don’t really want to.” 4K’s voice was colder. “They weren’t great when I was with them. Dad only showed up every once in a while to throw food at us. Mom was…well lets just say when they told me I was on my own I wasn’t upset. That’s the last I saw of them.”

The concept was so alien to HD but understandable. It wasn’t like he was even in contact to any of his own now, but in the beginning HD was as close to his kin as any fae was. Blood or found, a family was important to a fae. It was ingrained into the fairie folks being to adore, love and seek out family.

Well not so much now he was the kin killer, but before that HD was never far from any of his siblings. The idea of a small family also seemed so alien. HD’s own family had countless half-siblings to him.

“Some lone siblings do try and make a pack together but it never works out. And I was never really interested in that. But those in a pack usually stay until they find a mate, then they go off as a couple.”

HD eyed 4K warily because they knew how he was take the question. But still HD took in a quiet breath to ask. “Do demons mate for life?”

4K’s eyes were on them and even as HD tried to brace themselves for the tease, the normal question threw him off.

“I’d say that counts as a new question.”

“Wha-No!” HD snapped. “That still counts to the last one!”

“I don’t think so. Last one was about packs now it’s about mates. Different topic.”

HD huffed, letting out a little whine of annoyance but he relented. “Fine.” He pouted. “Last question. Do demons mate for life?”

“Hmm. We can, but I’ve honestly never seen any actually do it.” 4K explained. “Our runes can also be used on other demons. On anyone else it’s a mark of ownership but if it’s placed on another demon, and they also place their mark on you, it’s an equal showing of love. The mark isn’t coming off unless one of them dies and demons live for a long, long time.”

HD filed that information away, but he had so many more thoughts on the nature of runes to demons. They were more important than HD had thought, but that was also useful information should he ever need to hunt a demon down. If he could find anyone marked, or if a territory had these runes it could give him an advantage.

“I’m personally not a fan of it.” 4K continued on. “As romantic as it might seem in theory, I like the idea of a partner choosing to be with me. Not locked in through a ritual or something binding them. If I’m with someone I want them to know I’m choosing to be by their side.”

HD could understand that, though he’d honestly never given much thought to the idea of mates. The faes were free and experimental with their love. It was encouraged to follow your heart, a sentiment HD never really took on. Of course he had partners and people close enough but none of them ever jumped out at the idea of a mate to him. Nothing serious.

“Do faes mate for life?”

The question pulled HD out from his thought. He gave a look over to 4K lounging back on the furs. He had one arm resting up behind his head, the other lazily lay over his stomach. His legs crossed at the ankles. He looked calm and relaxed, not at all like he’d gone through the trouble this morning. It was tempting for HD to lay down with him, but he kept himself up.

“Some do. We don’t have any sort of ritual or marks but there are some fae who keep a partner for life. Or lose a partner and never take another. Faes are very open when it comes to love an relationships so there's a mix.”

4K’s eyes were half lidded when he spoke next. “Have you ever taken a partner before?”

HD’s heart thumped in his chest. “In the past, yes. Not for years.”

4K hummed in thought and HD studied his face for anything. Though he wasn’t even sure what he was looking for.

“Have you ever taken one?” HD asked, excusing it was only fair to ask it back.

“In the past.” 4K responded with a smirk. “Only a couple that were serious. Demons I’ve met haven’t been the nicest so not a lot of options there. And no-one else wants to really get close to a demon.”

While HD would have loved to explore that more, he was suddenly reminded to the situation this morning. The other demon who had threatened and challenged 4K for his mountain. A sour mood took HD and he knew he wouldn’t be able to shake it off.

“Speaking of other demons…”

The smirk fell from 4K’s lips. He knew where this was going.

“The demon that did that…what now? What’s their plans now?”

“I really don’t know… They’re crafty and sneaky. I assume they’re trying to scope out the mountain more.”

“Can you not get them then?” HD asked hopefully. “They would have had to come on the mountain sometime if they’re scoping it out.”

“Not exactly. I can only see demons on the mountain if they’ve been on it a while. If they’re smart they’ll keep themselves hidden as long as possible. I suspect they’re trying to figure me out. My patterns. When I leave. If…”

4K’s eyes wandered to HD, then an uncommon bashfulness pulled his eyes away and turned his cheeks a light red.

“Wh-What?” HD blinked to the sight. It was unexpectedly adorable to see the usually boastful demon so shy.

“They’re…just p-probably…” 4K drew in a breath of fresh air and regained some courage to look back at HD. “Kind of funny we were just talking about this… They’re probably trying to figure out if you’re my mate. Or…maybe they already assume you are.”

“W… Wh-What?!”

Now HD’s face flushed red and they were sure it was already brighter than 4K’s. They kept opening and closing their mouth, thinking of anything they could say but nothing was coming to mind.

“I can’t tell how long this demons been tracking or scouting out, but even if it’s only been for a few days they probably saw you here, all the time. Since they see you here so much they might assume you’re my mate.”

“But they’d know I’m not a demon!”

4K shrugged. “Demons take mates from anywhere. Human, fae, another demon. We don’t really care about that.”

HD’s face was hot and he turned away. Technically it could be possible to believe they were mates. Even the fae HD had gone to deal with had made the assumption just on the scent of 4K on him. The two were affectionate with one another constantly even between the tickling. Oh dear gods the tickling. HD wondered if the demon had saw any of it. It was an embarrassing thought, one HD let himself think of for a moment and shove away. He couldn’t focus on it now.

“Okay s-so…” HD cleared his throat. “They think I’m your mate. Then what?”

“Well they’ll use you against me. Or kill you, if they can.” 4K voice sounded calm, but HD could see the worry in his eyes. He looked down at the furs, biting his lip slightly in thought before looking back to HD “You have your time away coming up, right?”

HD hadn’t even thought of that. It had been the furthest thought from his mind at that moment, but he saw the idea spark in 4K’s eyes. “I can hold it off.”

“The deal was you would have a minimum of a week off. In a couple of days there’s only one week left of this month.”

The time line was muddled in HD’s head when he usually kept such a good count. “We can change the deal.” He quickly thought. “I can change it, you just have to agree.”

“No.” 4K quickly shut down and pushed himself to sit up. “Its better if you aren’t here.”

“Aren’t here?!” HD almost gasped at the suggestion. “You’re in danger! I’m not leaving you if there’s a demon who wants to kill you.”

“You’re in danger if you’re here, especially after that warning. If you’re gone I can deal with this without putting you in harms way.”

“I can help you.”

“I don’t want your help, I want you safe!”

The argument was going nowhere, which worked against HD. He couldn’t change the deal without 4K agreeing and the demon wasn’t budging. He had not outright said it, but HD couldn’t help but worry. 4K meant to deal with this demon alone.

“Please just…promise me, while I’m gone, you won’t go fighting the demon.”

4K didn’t want to agree. His lips pulled into a tight line, but his eyes softened as he looked to HD again. A conflict of wanting to keep him happy, and wanting to deal with this as soon as he could.

“I promise… I will not start the fight.”

It was the best HD could hope for, so he agreed to that for the time being. It was nothing official, but he trusted 4K to keep his word. At least he wouldn’t be throwing himself into danger, and now he could defend himself if the demon tried anything.

“Now, lets take back the day at hand.” 4K’s tone quickly shifted. He lay back down over the furs, stretching his arms up and legs out. As he relaxed, with his hair flayed out on either side of him, he looked inviting.

“You up for a nap?”

HD felt too frazzled for a nap, but at the same time the offer was too tempting to refuse. He slowly crawled his way down by 4K’s side, pressing his back to his side as the demon turned over and wrapped his arms around them. They had cuddled before in their naps but this felt…protective. 4K’s arms were tight around him, holding him so close HD could barely move.

It was comforting in that moment but worrying. Worrying that 4K had to hold them tight enough.

“I think I have enough to make us some pancakes when we get up.” 4K’s voice was soft against HD’s ear. His beard tickled in the spot just under HD’s ear, making them squirm. “Just sleep for now.”

It took a while for HD to fall asleep. He kept listening out for any signs that 4K had fallen asleep, but eventually couldn’t keep himself awake and fell into and uneasy slumber.

When the two awoke they found out it there was not enough mix to make pancakes. At least not full sized ones. 4K instead made each of them small pancakes in fun, wonky shapes. He tried to make all of HD’s flower shapes, to varying degrees of success and HD couldn’t help but laugh and smile and for that one moment he felt normal again. Everything felt right.

The next couple of days blurred together with the same feelings. There were no more warnings, or none that HD could pick up and while 4K kept up his cheerful attitude, it was a front. During the first night, 4K asked HD to sleep in his bed with him, as a just in case and HD agreed. It carried on like that for the next night as well. HD slept close but nothing happened.

HD had been around the demon enough to know that while 4K was all smiles and warm, it was a front. He was never relaxed and never allowed himself to just rest in the moment. He hadn’t even asked to tickle HD at all, or even tickled him in small moments. No squeezing of his sides or skittering on his ribs. He wasn’t exactly himself but whenever HD offered to talk or help, 4K would brush it off. He’d say it wasn’t for HD to worry about and refuse to talk. All HD could do was just be by 4K’s side.

And finally the day came for HD to leave. He had never felt so nervous, not even for his first time away. Of course his first time away didn’t have a demon trying to kill 4K.

“Have you got everything you need for your trip?” 4K asked.

HD was sitting outside their thicket, looking over their pack. They usually packed specifically, but now they practically had nothing. They threw a few clothes into their pack and that was all. “Yes.” They lied.

Usually HD left early on the day but it was coming to noon and he was dragging his feet. He just pulled his pack on when 4K started speaking.

“Hey, if its not too much trouble…” 4K asked. “Could you ask in the town if anyone was missing? Just if there’s a chance that body is from the the town I’d like them to have a proper burial.”

HD’s heart warmed and sank at the same time. He gave a slow nod. “Of course.”

“Thanks again.” 4K sighed softly. He drew HD into a side hug. “I’m going to miss you…”

HD’s heart thumped uncomfortably in his chest. “I can come back early. We can still change the deal.”

“No.” 4K said firmly and still held HD tightly into his chest. “You have a minimum of a week away. I assume you don’t want to take the next week off right away.”

“No!” HD quickly responded. “I’ll be back after seven days.”

4K chuckled, his arm fully falling away. A little spark of hope rose in HD as he offered. “You could come with me.”

He watched the temptation rise in 4K’s eyes, but he gave a sad smile and shook his head. “I can’t leave the mountain with this going on. If they mean to take over I can’t let them.”

HD knew that would be the answer, yet he couldn’t help but keep that hope. He knew this mountain meant more to 4K than anything. “Please just…keep your promise.” HD begged. “Just don’t go after them.”

“I promise, I will only fight to defend myself.”

It was as good as HD was going to get and he kept reminding himself that seven days wouldn’t be that long as he left the mountain. It was the only thought that could keep him even slightly calm.

The first stop HD took was to the town, as 4K asked. He wasn’t looking forward, especially since the last time he had to speak with them their distant for him was clearly evident, despite the fact he technically took care of the problem.

As soon as he stepped in and the people saw him, their faces twisted to distaste. They were already thinking “why are you here” before he had a chance to talk to anyone. The town only had elders that acted as the official “leaders”, but even as HD went to speak to them he was followed by half the town. HD didn’t fear them, but he couldn’t lie it put him on edge.

HD asked if anyone from the town was missing, and the crowd spoke in hushed whispers between them.

“No-one has gone missing. A few have gone out for trading but we have confirmation they’ve made it to the city.” One of the elders answered.

“When was that?” HD asked.

“The letter came yesterday. They’re not expected to travel back for another week.”

It was safe to assume it was none of them. Unless the demon had really committed and set up the mail system somehow. But then that meant it was some random traveller.

“Why do you ask?” Someone in the crowd asked.

It was no use to lie, especially when they already suspected so much. Anything but the truth they probably wouldn’t believe.

“There’s a body buried off the main path, close to the river. They were killed.”

An uneasy murmur worked through the crowd till eventually someone asked. “Was it that demon who killed them?”

A spike of anger shot through HD. He controlled his voice while he spoke. “A demon killed them.” He corrected. If they were going to find the body, the markings on it would be evident enough the murder was demonic.

“There’s another demon?!” Someone shouted and the crowd erupted into panic whispers.

“It’s not bad enough we have that monster on the mountain!”

“How do you know it wasn’t that demon?”

“You were supposed to deal with him!”

His frustration boiled up. HD whipped his head round. He didn’t know who had spoken, so he addressed all of them. “When was the last time someone else was taken by him!” HD almost demanded though he knew the answer. The crowd knew it as well as they all averted his eyes.

“But he still lives.” One of the elders pointed out and HD turned back around.

“I never said I’d kill him! I said I would take care of the problem and I have! He’s not taken any of you since.”

He could feel the energy of the crowd around him swelling. Distrust and suspicion were in their whispers, along with unkind names. Killing 4K wasn’t a solution HD wanted, though he knew it might have been a possibility. But he had never discussed that with anyone from the village.

“But he’s brought the attention of another demon. A demon who does kill.” The elder who spoke before continued. He had a cross scar on his chin.

“Even if I hadn’t stopped him, this other demon would still be an issue. You can’t blame everything on 4K!”

“He knows the demon’s name!”

It was a slip up HD couldn’t catch in time and he cursed at himself for being so careless.

“Are you with the demon now?” Cross-scar asked.

“I have an arrangement with him and he leaves you alone.” HD defended himself before the absolute absurdity of it hit him. “This isn’t about him! I’m telling you there is another demon prowling around and has already killed someone, and you all look for any excuse to blame 4K!”

“He’s a demon!”

“He tickled a few of you! There’s a demon out there actually killing people so 4K seems like a saint in comparison!”

There was no reasoning with them. There was nothing he could say or do to make them not see 4K as the problem. In fairness to them they were right to be wary even if he was just kidnapping them to tickle them. But HD still hadn’t forgotten his talk with 4K months ago. The lies the village had told about being taken away for longer. 4K was used as an excuse. For what, HD didn’t care to know. These people weren’t his problem.

There was nothing more he could do for them.

“The body is close to the bridge over the stream. Take care of it or don’t.” HD said.

The elders looked puzzled at him before sharing a look between them.

“You can’t just leave!” Someone shouted.

“This demon is our problem too!”

“You have to deal with it!”

A bile of anger gathered in HD and he spat out before he could calm himself. “You’re welcome to try and make me.” He challenged. He almost wanted them to try but even with the mob mentality running, none of them were stupid enough. The crowd slowly broke off, avoiding looking at HD as he left the town.

He could not help them. He didn’t want to help them. Whatever he did would never be enough. HD’s only focus now was to help 4K, but that seemed impossible.

HD had never felt so helpless as he had in that week. While usually he’d travel and try and get as much done as he could, he instead stayed by the mountain for the five days he was out. Five days of keeping himself by the mountains path, wandering it up and down till he knew the position of every piece of grass and rock.

Sometime between those five days, the body had been taken from their shallow grave and HD only hoped it was put to proper rest.

The first thing HD did on the first day was grab his obsidian dagger. His stuff was still hidden under the rocky slope and he was careful to place it all back perfectly. The dagger fit nicely into his pocket and with his cloak over his shoulders it was completely hidden. Next was to try tracking.

There was very little to track around the mountain which HD couldn’t be sure if that was a good or bad sign. Animal tracks were common yet there were some unknown that lead nowhere. HD’s frustration grew and it irked him more that he didn’t even know if it was the demon he was tracking.

Helpless. The mountain so close, and HD could do nothing. The glade and 4K so close and HD had no power to help. Not until the two days were up. For five days HD roamed the mountain path, taking quick naps between the grass and then he was up to roam again. Every day he found nothing, until the night of the fifth day.

HD was awoken on the fifth night by a roar. It was dark when HD jolted up from the grass. The sky was thick with clouds threatening to burst into rain. His cloak hung awkwardly off him as he quickly stood up and as he righted it as there was another roar.

It couldn’t be. It wasn’t. Surely it was far off thunder, or some tree blown by the wind somehow making the noise. It wasn’t…

A scream this time. High pitched, vicious and scared. And then another scream. It was deeper, more in raged. It was a scream HD knew.

He’d never heard it before, but he knew who it was. He’d heard the voice so many times laugh and tease him. Even without ever hearing it before, he knew that scream. It was 4K’s. It was a fight.

HD sprinted off to the path around the mountain. He wasn’t close to the path up to the glade, but he could make it there quick. He constantly kept looking up for any sign of movement but it was dark and the moon completely covered.

Another scream, louder and closer but not 4K’s. He continued running the path, coming to the turn that would take him up the mountain when he spotted them. Both of them.

The demons.

4K stood on the rocky slope, higher than the demon who was half slipping down the mountain side, holding onto a small cluster of loose stones and thin tree growing out between them.

It was not 4K as HD had ever seen him. He was much bigger. Tall and thicker with muscle. He was a shadow against a clouded moon with only his orange eyes truly visible.

The other demon might have been the same height, but they kept themselves on all fours. They were spindly, but their hands elongated into powerful claws. A mop of deep black hair draped down their back.

They were about twenty feet above HD. Or maybe more. Neither of them saw him, giving HD enough time to get closer under and hear them speak.

“Last chance…” 4K’s voice growled with a deep rumble HD had never heard. It felt like his bones shook from it. “Walk away or I kill you. Leave the mountain or you die here!”

The other demon hissed with their words. A poisoned honey voice that made HD’s skin crawl. “Where’s your pretty mate? Where’d you hide it?” The demon taunted. “Was going to kill it as the last warning. Keep its pretty head as a trophy and give you its body to use one last time.”

4K lunged faster than HD could keep up with. One moment was on his ledge and the next he was tackling into the demon and sending them both tumbling. 4K tried digging his claws into the side of the mountain to slow the drop. He almost stopped until one of the demons claws dug into his chest. It ripped into his flesh and 4K screamed as he fell.

HD’s heart leapt into his throat, yet as the demons tumbled down the idea struck him. If they fell off the mountain, HD could help.

The demons fell from the mountain, knocking off some loose stone and rocks that HD had to press right into the side of the mountain to avoid being hit by. By the time the rocks had fallen the demons were fighting again.

4K had the demon grappled. They were trapped, struggling uselessly against 4K’s arms. Perhaps HD didn’t even need to help; yet despite having the demon trapped, 4K didn’t end it. The demon’s neck was perfectly in his grasp but 4K hesitated. The demon did not.

They twisted enough to get their claws in 4K’s shoulder. He roared again in pain, his arms loosened enough for the demon to slip out. They pulled 4K forward from his shoulder, flipping him onto his back. HD heard 4K grunt with pain, and saw the demon’s claws rise to strike for 4K’s neck. That’s when HD grabbed a rock and threw it.

It struck the demon’s head. It wasn’t a lot of damage but it was enough to distract them. Their focus snapped up to HD. Small yellow eyes gleamed from the shadows and a matching yellow set of razor teeth grinned.

“The pretty mate…”

The demon stepped over the dazed 4K. They were just a bit shorter than 4K, but their limbs were elongated. Spindly arms that lead to claws and legs that seemed more like an animals than humanoid. Their skin looked thin and stretched over a frail body that was covered in rags. Their claws dripped with some kind of liquid that shimmered even in the dark. A silverish shine that HD could see over 4K’s chest and shoulder.

HD already had the dagger out and ready, but he ran on adrenaline as the demon lunged at him. Or…tried to lunge for him.

They took one quick step and suddenly they were on the ground. It took HD a second and quick blink to realise that 4K had grabbed the demon’s ankle.

The demon screeched, managing to twist enough to drag their claws along 4K’s side. 4K screamed again, and let go but by then HD was at the demon’s side and the dagger was in their throat.

Their long mouth stretched out into a scream, but there was no sound other than a horrid wet gurgling sound.They reached their claw up in some weak attempt of a slash but HD pulled out and stabbed the dagger in again and again. In their shoulder, their chest and finally back to their neck. The damage from the obsidian burned them, making the skin bubble and melt. There was a hiss, HD couldn’t be sure if it was from the demon or from their skin burning but HD pulled out his dagger for the last time, and the demon fell limp on the ground. They gave one twitch and then went still.

Dead.

Relief flooded HD so intensely that his legs turned weak and he fell on his knees. He felt like laughing and crying all at once. His first kill on a demon, not as clean as he would have liked but the job was done. But instead of celebrating his attention was pulled to 4K who rose himself up.

This 4K before him was a demon. He was much taller, with HD barely reaching his chest. His skin wasn’t shadowed by the clouds at all, it was like molten ground. Black cooled lava but whenever he moved it would glow like magma in motion, rippling thorough his body and settling again. His horns were longer in his fire hair and his fangs seemed almost too big for his mouth. He still had his right fang just a little longer than his left. The sight of it warmed HD’s heart, but that feeling quickly dropped when he saw 4K’s glowing eyes were staring at the dagger in his hand.

4K flicked his eyes up to HD’s and his voice growled. “HD…”

“4K.” HD lowered the dagger, and put his other hand up. “Just…let me explain.”

“HD…” He growled again and he tried to take a step forward but pain surged through him. He gave a shout in pain and collapsed.

“4K!”

The dagger was forgotten and dropped as HD rushed to 4K’s side. He was a behemoth compared to HD but the fae still tried to help keep him up, letting the demon lean on him. The slashes on 4K’s chest, shoulder and side shimmered with the silvery fluid.

“Your wounds need looked at. We need to…” HD looked up the mountain, the situation hitting him. “I… I can’t go on the mountain. I…”

“Tea…house…” 4K rumbled. “There’s a tea house…abandoned…on the road.”

HD had seen the tea house. It was not far from the path and while it was abandoned it was still good for shelter. HD had checked it during his patrols around the path but there was no sign of anyone there.

“I know where it is.” HD nodded. “Can you walk a little? You can lean on me…”

It was awkward with 4K’s size but he was able to hunch over and lean on HD’s shoulder. Every step towards the hut made 4K hiss in pain, but he never complained and kept up pace as they made their way to the hut. HD kept the pace slow, until tea house came into view.

It was a very small hut, with four walls and just one room. Some of the wooden walls had holes in them but they still stayed standing and kept the half rotted roof staying up. The path to it had been overgrown but it was an easy divert off and they were there.

During the walk HD could feel 4K slowly shrink, feeling lighter and lighter with every step. Just as they reached the door of the hut, 4K had shank back to his original size. When they stumbled inside and towards the mat which was half covered in moss, the magma sheen of his skin was gone and the fire in his hair settled to the jet black.

4K lowered to his knees, or more like he collapsed as soon as he could. While the mat seemed okay, and the moss wasn’t old exactly, HD still hesitated to lay 4K down. “Hold on.” HD worked out from under 4K’s arm and shrugged off his cloak. He laid it out over the mat, and helped 4K lay down.

Blood mixed with the silver oozed from the wounds. HD felt his hands shaking, but kept his voice steady as he could. Which wasn’t much. “I-I need to g-get my things. I’ve got supplies. J-J-Just stay here, I’ll be right back.”

It wasn’t like 4K could go anywhere, but still he nodded as HD quickly ran out the hut and made his way back on the path. It was the dead of night with no-one around, yet HD panicked and over thought every panicked thought his mind wouldn’t let him escape. He thought of anyone finding 4K so helpless and his heart thundered uncomfortably in his chest.

The demons body was still lain on the path, as HD should have expected. It still came as a small scare when he saw it again but the demon was certainly dead. It would have to be dealt with sooner or later but HD didn’t even want to think about it in that moment.

By some miracle his dagger still lay on the side of the path from where he’d dropped it. Or thrown it. He had been so scared when 4K saw it, his voice unsure and careful like a warning. HD just needed to explain, but he couldn’t now. His focus was on making sure 4K could live through the night.

HD sheathed away the knife, leapt over the demon’s body blocking the path and quickly made it to the rocky slope where his stuff was hidden. He had no care for tact as he yanked the rocks and stones away, quickly gathering what he needed and then just placing the stones back, hoping they’d hide it enough.

When he returned to the hut, he could hear 4K grunt of pain. HD came through the door to see 4K half way on his side, and HD rushed over.

“Don’t move! You’re going to make them worse!” HD tried to pull 4K to lay on his back. He was fighting it but his strength waned with his wounds and he was rolled on his back.

“Sides…hurtssss…” 4K hissed. One hand clutched to the four slashes along his right side.

“I need to clean the wound on your chest first. Then you can roll over.” HD promised, though looking to the wound on 4K’s chest that would take time.

It was almost a perfect slash right down the centre of 4K’s chest. It wasn’t long, only going half way down but the wound was deep and the blood mixed with the silver fluid like they were oil and water.

“The silver… It was on the demons claws. Is…”

“Venom.” 4K grunted, and HD felt the panic rise in him. “Don’t-ngh…w-worry.” The demon quickly assured. “It won’t kill me, but you need to be careful.”

At the assurance 4K wouldn’t die, HD sighed in relief, and the worry for his own safety was touching but unneeded. “I can’t be poisoned.” He said.

Even though the fog of pain, 4K gave an unsure look to HD. “Are you…sure? This is demon venom.”

“I’m fine, I promise.” HD nodded, getting his supplies ready. “Faes blood is pure. Blessed. Some dumb legend.” He shrugged. “We can’t be poisoned. I’ll be fine.”

While 4K would live, it would probably help to clean the wound of the poison as much as he could. HD readied a cloth with herbal mix, his face twisting as he looked to 4K. “This is going to hurt, but it’s going to help.”

“Just…do it.” 4K’s already grit his teeth in preparation for it the pain. “Please just make it quick.”

It was easy to say he would, but as soon as HD placed the cloth onto the wound 4K screamed. His back arched and HD could see his body start to thrash, but he controlled himself, trying to keep himself as still as possible for HD to work.

“Fuck! That…hurts!” 4K screamed.

“I’m sorry…” HD’s hands shook but he worked fast as he could. The wound was as clean as he could get it. He mixed up a separate herb, something to keep the wound clean and numb the pain, and laid the cloth over the wound before wrapping it in bandages. It was awkward as 4K could only lift his left arm up, but the wound was covered. One less to go.

“There, you can roll over now.” HD said softly, readying the next mix on the new cloth. “Although…it’s still going to hurt.”

“I can handle it.” 4K grunted as he turned over on his side. He gave a slight hiss as he settled but his body was tense. “It’s best to get it over with.”

HD agreed, no matter how much his heart ached for 4K. He tried to be quick, yet when the cloth pressed to the wound in 4K’s shoulder he flinched again, letting out a low growl.

“Fuuuck! FUCK!” The pained shouts came through breathless gasps. His fists beat on the wooden floors. “Fuck-fuck….t-talk…”

“T-Talk?” HD’s hands faltered as he wiped away the blood. “About what?”

“Something-Anything!” 4K grunted again. “How…what did you do on your time away?”

HD cleaned around the edge of the slash, as he spoke. “I was just staying around the mountain.” He admitted. “Just in case…well, just in case this happened.”

“Kind of a blessing you were here.” 4K’s voice had an almost lift to it. His grimace of pain faded for a moment, and turned into a smile as he looked up to HD.

“Wh-What?” HD paused mid cleaning of the wound.

“You like me.” 4K’s voice teased. Almost like a sing-song he carried on. “You like me more than the humans~”

“Oh shut up!” HD would have smacked his arm if not for the wounds. Instead he got back to cleaning while 4K gave a breathy chuckle.

But then there was a silence. Not even a wince of pain as HD covered the wound on his shoulder and began to wrap it up.

“HD…the…” 4K’s voice came out carefully. “That dagger.”

The same worried feeling swept over HD again, but he had a better chance to explain himself now. He could think rationally and the words came out calmly. “I know what it looks like, but the dagger was never to be used against you, 4K.”

4K gave a little snort, which HD almost did a double take to. “Believe me, Starlight, I wasn’t thinking that.”

HD blinked, but kept to the task at hand, readying another mix to clean the slashes on his sides. “No?”

“No. Well,” 4K’s voice was thoughtful. “At first. When we first made the deal and you said one of your conditions was to know more about demons I thought for sure it was to find out how to kill me. But I thought ‘fuck it, let’s see how long this goes on’. Just seeing how much fun I could get out of it. If your plan really was to kill or harm me then I’d deal with it then. For the time being it was kind of funny I was tickling my would be murderer silly.

“But then you…” 4K’s voice became soft. “You began to…let your guard down. Maybe it was a big act, that’s what I thought. But you were kind, and thoughtful and gentle with me. You’d say the sweetest things, you’d fall asleep in my lap. I thought if you really wanted to kill me you were being awfully cuddly about it.”

4K spoke without a wince or hiss of pain. HD looked down to the first slash on 4K’s side that he had just cleaned. Only three more to go and it seemed if 4K was the one talking, the pain wasn’t an issue.

“When did you stop thinking I’d kill you?” HD asked, readying another cloth.

“I don’t know honestly. I think it was a collection of moments I guess. I think the first time I thought it was when you told me you didn’t want to sleep in the caves. You were so worried I’d be upset or offended. Made no sense you’d care about that if you wanted to kill me.

“We had taken a few naps together. Perfect time to kill me in my sleep, yet I’d wake with no wounds and you curled in my arms. There was no act while you were asleep. You’d hold onto my like I was a lifeline.”

HD’s cheeks burned. Thankfully 4K couldn’t see him, but it wasn’t like HD could deny it. He was drawn to 4K physically. He was never more calm than when he was in the demon’s arms.

“Did you ever plan to kill me?” 4K asked.

HD shook his head and pressed the cleaning mix to the third cut. “No. I knew and prepared myself it might be a possibility but I never went with the intent to kill you.”

“Well, lucky for me-NGH!” 4K’s words cut off with a grunt, and HD quickly thought of a question. One he was actually burning to ask.

“4K, when you grappled with the demon you had their throat in your hands. You could have killed them there but…you hesitated.”

4K went tense and HD knew it wasn’t from the pain. “Suppose if I hadn’t I wouldn’t be so cut up…and you wouldn’t have had to finish the job.” His voice was ashamed and HD quickly cut in.

“I’m not upset. I would have killed them ten times over. I just want to know why. What stopped you? Did you know them?”

“No.” 4K shook his head. “Never seen them before. I just…” He sighed. “I hate touching dead things. That extends to making them dead too. I hate killing. And fighting in general.”

HD’s hand hesitated in surprise. Of course it wasn’t like 4K was ever out looking for a fight, but HD had always assumed from the size of his muscles and his strength that he was well versed in fighting.

“Well…” HD was slow wiping the cloth away from the wound. “I’ve seen you hunt for our meals, so it’s not a complete no killing rule.”

“Yes, okay, you got me there.” 4K gave a light huff, but HD could see his lips turned up to a smile. “I hunt for food. And I have fought and killed when I’ve needed in the past. My time as a young demon, trying to make it on his own, wasn’t exactly a pacifists path. There wasn’t a day I wasn’t fighting for survival.”

“Is that why you’re so fond of tickling?” HD asked as he wiped the last cut. The wounds had hardly any of the venom in it and would heal alright. HD readied the cloth to place over them and got the bandages for the last time.

4K chuckled. “Yeah… Sort of. I just…” He hesitated and HD waited in the silence. He would not push 4K to talk on such a tender subject for him, but would be here to listen if he needed. “Every day, since I could remember, I just had to fight. My parents never hit me or anything but mom took me out on hunts specifically to get into fights. Other demons. Humans. Anything bigger than me I had to fight it. And I couldn’t just beat them, I had to kill them. She said it would make stronger. All it did was make me feel horrible. When I went out on my own I thought it would change. But no matter where I went or who I found, they wanted a fight. Humans feared me and demons took me for a challenge. I couldn’t just exist.”

4K moved without prompting as HD wrapped the last of the bandages around his side. When he could lay back down he sighed gratefully, slowly rolling on his back.

“It was not long after I made the mountain my home when I started my…obsession lets call it.” He continued. “No other demon took the mountain because it was so close to town. A lot of them didn’t see the hassle worth it. I had no intention of taking the town so just moved in. But a human did come up to the mountain. I think they were a hunter, I just remember they had a knife and when they saw me they were just…they already hated me!

“I tried to explain I wasn’t going to hurt him, that he could sleep on the mountain for the night if he needed it but he came at me and refused to listen. I got so mad. I know I should have killed him, every lesson my parents taught me was to kill him but I was tired of that. I didn’t want to kill, I just wanted to be left alone. So I grappled thee human and then I…” 4K shrugged. “I just started tickling.”

It was not the backstory HD was expecting, though honestly he couldn’t think of one that made more sense. HD could sympathise with the treatment. No matter what 4K did or how he came across, people saw a demon and already made up their minds. HD was no stranger to that.

“How did you even know about tickling?” HD asked curiously.

“I don’t know. It was so long ago I couldn’t remember. Honestly I think I just squeezed his side or something to try get him to stop or just in frustration and he laughed. I carried it on from there until he was weak enough not to fight back, and he just bolted as soon as I let him go. It was fun and weird but in the moment I felt a strange joy. That I could deal with something like that without killing.

“More people came to the mountain and I avoided them when I could. When the odd one or two did find me and try anything I just tickled them till they stopped. Eventually the rumours started that a terrifying demon lived at the mountain and people avoided me. But I craved it in a way. To tickle someone. It was like I was taking control back, from those years of being forced to kill. It made me feel good to have a power over someone and not harm them. Of course it was wrong, but it started with only going after smugglers and bandits on the road. Got a few of the townsfolk too on accident and then – well you’ve went to them, you know.”

Yes. Then the rumour of the terrifying demon who stalked the town and took people back to his mountain to tickle them for days on end started. Then HD had climbed the mountain to strike a deal with the terrifying tickler.

And now he was here, tending to the wounds of that tickle demon and letting said demon cosy up to his side.

“Sorry. Didn’t mean to just unload all that.” 4K apologised. His laugh was sheepish and slow. “I blame the venom. It’s made me all loopy.”

“Is that all with the venom?” HD asked, his worry coming back. Of course 4K said he wouldn’t die, but surely it would effect him somehow.

“Well yeah.” 4K’s face fell. “I won’t die, but it’s not going to be pleasant. I’ll just be really weak and feverish for a few days.”

“Well, that medicine on your cuts will probably make you sleepy. Hopefully you can sleep through the worst of the fevers.”

While HD spoke, 4K slowly shuffled over till his cheek rested on HD’s thigh. HD’s hand sought out his hair without thought, stroking through the inky black locks and twirling them around his finger. He could feel 4K melt against him.

“Didn’t mean to badmouth humans in front of you.” 4K mumbled.

HD gave a snort. “Go ahead. They’re not my favourites either.”

“No?” 4K asked, sounding actually surprised. “Thought they were special to you. I thought they’d love you as a hero.”

HD gave another laugh, this one more cruel. “Gods no.” The two had spoken just in passing about what HD did on his time away before. It was no use hiding it and HD was honest in saying how he helped humans or any towns and villages under fae influence. The demon never commented on it, good or bad, but he gave a questioning look at first. He never asked more, and HD never told him more. Now with the sharp words of the town still in his head, it came boiling over.

“I think they hate me more than any other fae. Having to live with the fact another fae solved their problems. They hate it.”

4K slowly blinked. His eyes were unfocused but still aware enough. He frowned in thought. “You went to the town about the body. Did they…give you trouble?”

HD pursed his lips. “…yes.”

“Does every town and village you help treat you this way?” HD hesitated to admit it, but he nodded. “Then why do you help them? Why put yourself through this?” 4K asked.

“It…” HD’s eyes averted 4K’s. The painful look squeezed at his heart. “It’s not a good story.”

“If you don’t want to say it, I won’t push.” 4K offered, though HD could hear the soft tone in his voice. The tone that was pleading to be trusted and let in. And HD found he wasn’t shying away from that thought as he usually would. He wanted 4K to know.

“Some…fae…some fae leave their children to be raised by humans. Sometimes they’ll swap out their child for a human one. Other times they just leave their child to be found. I was left as the latter. My fae parents left me to a village who raised me without question. They thought I was one of their own.” HD’s voice already felt heavy. “I thought I was one of their own…”

4K said nothing and just watched HD with intense eyes. As intense as they could be as he fought off a drowsy sleep.

“I was raised by them for years. I was an adult when the faes…when my birth family came for me. Told me who I was and told my parents too. The people who I thought were my parents. And everything I knew crumbled. My fae family wanted me to go back with them and call them family; but they were strangers to me. No matter how much I tried I wasn’t going to fit in. So whenever I could I ran off, back to my real family. But even they…they hated me.”

HD’s voice was rough. “They looked at me like I was a monster. Like I was the liar. The faes who left me claimed I wasn’t swapped out for a child but they didn’t believe it. Honestly I didn’t either. It wouldn’t be out of the ordinary for the faes to miscare for a human child and the just wipe the parents memories. My family couldn’t be sure I wasn’t just replaced. They’d never love me again. But I loved them. I loved humans. I was raised by them and suddenly I was expected to forget all of that.

“It hurt, but I didn’t care that my family hated me. I loved them still. I just wanted them safe. I’d watch them whenever I could. Even if I couldn’t be in their lives anymore, I just wanted to see them live it. That would be enough.”

“B-But…” A choke almost leapt in HD’s throat. He stopped and swallowed it down. Not now. Not yet. “The faes didn’t like that. They told me no fae ever went back to their human lives. It was an insult to the faes that their own child would reject them, and prefer the humans. I didn’t care. When they asked me to choose I chose my real family. No hesitation. And they…hated that. Enough that they killed them. My real family.”

It was fast and monotone. That’s how HD always had to say it. How he always had to think it. He didn’t risk looking down and seeing 4K’s expression. He didn’t trust himself not to crumble.

“They slaughtered them. My parents. Grandparents. Siblings. Aunts, uncles and cousins; any close bloodline to them, they were dead. The faes said this human fascination would pass. I’d get over them. But in that moment it didn’t feel like I’d ever get over it. I’d never felt such a rage. Every drop of blood and cell in my body was white hot with hate and pain. I didn’t realise what I had done until I felt the blood on my hands.

“My fae father, the one who lead the slaughter, was dead. Half my siblings who followed him, who helped destroy my family were dead too. I don’t know how I did it. A moment of rage they were unprepared for. The siblings who lived fled and told stories of what happened. Kin-killer they called me. A name meant to shame me, and I wore it like a badge of honour. Faes feared me and avoided me. I was basically banished.

“So I used my time to protect humans from them. And so another fae child wasn’t raised in a lie. I gave back fae children and returned human ones when I could. I hunted and chased away faes who went after humans and killed them if I had to. I’d make sure I could limit the amount of hurt they could cause.”

4K had not moved through the whole story, and now he shuffled and tried to push himself up. His arms were weak and wobbly and he could barely push himself up before HD placed a hand on his chest.

“Careful!” HD warned. He could hold down the demon so easily, the strength from him all gone.

“That’s why you help humans…” 4K’s words slurred. His eyes were focusing and unfocusing. The medicine was kicking in and 4K was fighting it.

“HD…” 4K slurred again.

“You need sleep, 4K.” HD tried to reason, though he had feeling 4K wasn’t up for listening. He still couldn’t tell what got 4K so worked up. Was it in sympathy from the tale, or was it anger for saving humans? HD didn’t even want to think of that now. He just focused on trying to keep 4K laying down.

4K was powerless to fight, but that didn’t mean he wasn’t going to try. Like a child refusing sleep he fought every step of the way to keep his eyes open.

“4K you’re going to sleep whether you fight it or not.” HD huffed. “You might as well make it easy for-”

It was one last attempt. A last burst of energy from 4K. His arm shot up, grabbing onto HD’s collar and pulling him down until their noses touched and their lips just a breath away. HD was stunned as he felt 4K’s words.

“You don’t have to save them all.” 4K’s voice was quiet and soft. “You aren’t to blame.”

It felt like a cannon ball launched into HD’s heart. It winded them, made their mind turn blank. “I… I…”

“Not all fae are those monsters. Not every human is your family.” The grip on HD’s top loosened, but they were still stunned there. “It’s…not…”

The medicine was getting too strong for 4K to fight it. His eyes struggled to stay open and HD was grounded again.

“You need sleep, 4K.” HD’s voice was calm, despite his hands shaking as he lead 4K’s own hands back down. “You will recover faster if you sleep.

“He…mmm…” 4K tried to speak again, but the words faded to a soft sigh and finally his eyes fell shut. HD tried to move him to a comfortable laying position. He didn’t know how strong the venom would affect him, but for now the least HD could do was make sure 4K was safe while he slumbered.

He’d keep watch and protect 4K for the days to come. But for that night, HD let out a flurry of tears and wails that had been locked inside for years. For that night, for the first time in centuries, he cried for his family.

The night passed by slowly, but uneventfully. HD didn’t dare let himself sleep. He was too frazzled with everything to settle down and now the sun was rising; the threat of them being found was higher.

There was not much HD could do to hide the old tea house from the view of the path without moving literal trees, so all he could do was make it look so destroyed and undisturbed as possible. Any tracks made from himself or 4K were covered, and he could use some of his magic to sway the bushes more to keep the path blocked. Enough to hide, but not enough of a change in the forest to be noticed.

While HD kept himself awake, 4K slept through the night and well into the next morning. That was fine for HD. Sleep was probably good for him, working the venom through his system. He’d make small noises in his sleep, just huffs and whimpers through the night and by morning his skin was hot and sweaty. HD tried not to panic as he wiped the sweat off and kept the demon comfortable as possible. 4K said he’d be feverish. This was normal.

All they had to do was get through this night and at midnight tomorrow they could make it back up the mountain.

The paths weren’t too busy during the day. Due to 4K’s reputation very little would actually use the path, instead going the long way. HD was over alert, making sure no footsteps came close but so far there was only a few people who walked by.

The sun started to set and HD let himself relax. He wouldn’t sleep but at least he didn’t have to stay alert. He let himself lean back, just closing his eyes for a moment when 4K screamed.

He didn’t just scream; his body jolted like a rush of electricity surged through him and his arms flailed in a panic.

HD ducked to avoid getting smacked by a stray arm. He was trying to grab 4K’s arms when he could hear the words between the screams. 4K was shouting for him.

“HD!” 4K yelled in complete panic.

“Shhh! I’m here, 4K!” Once HD got control of the flailing limbs, he pushed himself forward. His hand gently touching 4K’s face to wake him. “4K! Wake up!”

4K roused from his sleep slowly. It took a moment for his eyes to open, and then a moment more for him to blink the sleep from his eyes and realise where he was. As soon as his vision focused on HD, his expression swept up into teary-eyed relief.

“I’m here.” HD’s voice soothed. “It was just a nightmare.” They brought themself in closer to 4K’s side. Their thumb still soothingly rubbing over 4K’s cheek.

“I… I’m sorry…” 4K’s words were slow. His eyes were still hazy and unfocused. “I had a nightmare. It was horrible. The demon was still…i-it--”

“Shhh, calm down.” HD hushed the demons rapid words. “You’re safe.”

“I-It-It got you…” 4K brought a hand up to HD’s. With little strength he had he pulled the fae down to lay by him. His warm arms wrapping around HD’s waist. “It got you… I was so scared. I’d never felt so…”

“I’m okay, I’m right here.” HD assured him. “The other demon is dead. You’re safe.” He reached a hand up, touching 4K’s forehead. “It must be the venom effecting you. You’re still really warm.”

“Can…can you stay with me?” 4K mumbled. “Until I fall asleep…”

“Of course.”

The sigh 4K let out was so soft, HD wouldn’t have known it if he hadn’t felt the soft breath on his shoulder. The two rearranged on the mat, shifting over slightly so HD could fit on. 4K rested his head over HD’s shoulder, another soft sigh escaping him as he pressed himself in further. His tightened around HD’s waist and his lips pressed into the nook between HD’s neck and shoulder.

HD shuddered as 4K whispered against his skin.

“My little star…” His voice was soft, sleepy. “I can’t lose you.”

His lips pressed against the soft skin in front of him. It only lasted for a moment, but it was too long to be an accident. It was purposeful. A kiss.

4K had been affectionate before. He’d pressed kisses over HD’s head, and teased him by kissing his hand. But he’d never kissed somewhere so intimate and close.

“4K…?”

There was no response and the soft snore a second later confirmed he was asleep.

HD relaxed then. Honestly he wasn’t sure what he would have said if 4K hadn’t fallen asleep. The kiss wasn’t unwelcome but it felt sudden and being in this situation HD didn’t have the mental will to think of it right now.

He stayed with 4K for a while longer. His fingers played with 4K’s black hair, but he shuffled himself out of the demon’s arms when it reached night. He could feel the want of sleep trying to pull him back, to lay at 4K’s side and cuddle again but HD wouldn’t risk it. He’d protect 4K until they were safe in the mountain.

The night passed without incident again, and so did the next day. 4K was still in the process of recovery. His skin was clammy but he woke up more and more, this time not from nightmares. By the time the sun was setting, 4K was staying awake more often though the pain still racked through him. HD tried to keep him comfortable until, finally, it hit midnight.

The path was completely empty and the sky was clear to show the crescent moon. By the moon’s light and the twinkle of the stars, the two made their way to the mountain’s path. 4K still struggled to walk so it was a slow climb, leaning over HD’s shoulder like how they made their way to the hut.

HD took notice that as they walked the path, the demons body was completely gone. There were some drag marks along the path, along with heavy footprints so HD could only assume they had been removed by someone, and not taken off by some feral animal.

The walk up the mountain took most of the night. Every step was taken slowly, and sometimes the pain made 4K immovable. Despite how much he insisted to go on, HD kept him still until the pain had passed and they continued on.

As they came up and could see the familiar glade and trees, the relief almost floored them. It was like a breath of fresh air as they made their way around the pond to and into the cave. After the final climb up the slope, 4K slumped into his own bed, with a sigh of relief so long it must have expelled all the air from his lungs.

HD didn’t want to spoil the moment, but he couldn’t stop looking at the bandages, all worn and yellowing. “Your wounds will need rebandaged.” He softly brought up.

4K gave a noise half way between a scoff and groan. “Nooo… It’s fine.” He mumbled into his pillows before rolling over.

“It’s not fine, they’ll need cleaned.” HD said, thankful now they were in the mountain and had proper medical supplies.

“They’re probably healed by now.” 4K responded casually and lifted his arm. He winced as his shoulder twinged and pulled it back down. “I-It’s just the venom now…”

HD opened his mouth to argue, but 4K’s eyes were on him like properly seeing him for the first time.

“Wh-What?” HD asked, self-conscious.

“Have you slept?”

HD could only imagine how he must have looked for 4K to notice. His eyelids were heavy and he was exhausted, but 4K’s safety was his first thought. He shook his head, surprised by the almost worried expression on 4K’s face. “I needed to keep you safe.”

“Have you not slept at all?”

HD shook his head. He could not allow himself even a moments rest, fearing he’d sleep too long. Now there was no doubt bags under his eyes, and his skin paler.

4K reached out, softly petting the back of his fingers over HD’s cheek. “You must be exhausted.”

He was. Sleep was not needed the same it was for humans, but staying up near three days in a row was still a stretch even for faes.

“You need sleep. We are safe in the mountain. The demon is dead, and I will know if anyone comes.”

It made sense, and 4K’s voice was so so soft. HD could already feel his body leaning, and finally falling into the furs at 4K’s side. 4K reached his hand up, softly stroking through HD’s hair and scratching over his scalp. HD was out, but not before he could hear 4K whisper.

“Sleep, my Starlight. I will keep you safe now.”

HD wasn’t sure how long he slept for. Judging by the sun it was just coming to noon, though it felt like he’d slept for longer than a day. 4K was up as HD awoke, unwrapping what he could of his bandages and checking on the wounds.

As 4K had said, there were no wounds left. The cuts had been completely healed without even a scar. The only noticeable mark left of the wound was…

“I’m afraid it’s taken some of your chest hair.” HD pointed out. His fingers ghosted over the patchy smooth spots laid over 4K’s chest.

4K chuckled and pushed HD’s hand away before he looked down himself. “Aww…was proud of that hair.” He pouted. “Well, it’ll grow back.”

“What if it doesn’t?” HD pointed out, giving a dramatic gasp. “What if the venom makes it so you can’t grow hair where it stuck!”

“Don’t say that!” 4K gasped, and covered his chest. “My whole charm is in my chest hair! You couldn’t stop staring at it the first night we met!”

HD’s face burned red. 4K laughed at it till a pillow smacked in his face. He still laughed after that as the pillow smacked and smacked against him and even HD was laughing as his cheeks were red.

Things almost felt normal again. So carefree and playful. But HD couldn’t shake the feeling not everything was right.

Something was off but he couldn’t quite place it. Most of normality had slipped back into place, though most days was spent in 4K’s bed. The demon still need a few days rest though neither of them complained. 4K was happy to be given a few bed days. HD was happy to keep 4K still for them to readjust their deal.

Being kept away from the mountain for a week as too close a call. If the demons hadn’t fought on that side of the mountain, or if they’d just been sneakier in their attack; HD didn’t even want to think of the outcome.

“A week is too long to be away.” HD was half mumbling mostly to himself.

“It was you who wanted a week.”

“But it was you who wanted a week minimum.”

“That’s cause I didn’t want whatever curse this thing would put on me if you were late coming back!”

It wasn’t a serious argument. In fact it was barely a conversation. Majority of it had been HD talking his thoughts out loud and 4K nodding with a hum. They were lounging on 4K’s bed. 4K was on his back, as he said it was better for his pain and he wanted to watch his chest hair grow back (which it was starting to fill in). HD lay on his front, leaning on his elbows to keep himself up and laying beside 4K.

“Two days minimum is better.” HD decided.

“Fine.” 4K gave a half shrug. His other arm stretched up with a yawn.

“Though…actually!” HD second guessed, missing 4K rolling his eyes. “What if a demon attacks you on those two days.”

“No demon has attacked me for years. That one there was a chancer.”

HD knew they were being paranoid, but in their defence it was a perfectly reasonable thing to be paranoid about. Their friend being in trouble would make them worry, but they also wanted to keep the deal fair for both of them.

“Maybe just one day. A minimum of one day.”

“How about…” 4K started and turned over on his side towards HD. He propped up his elbow so his head leaned on his hand. “You come and go on the mountain as you please? You no longer need a time frame.”

The offer stunned HD to a moment of silence. “Is that…okay?”

“I don’t see why not.” 4K shrugged.

“But…that could be any amount of time I’m away.”

“I’m aware.”

“What if I never come back?”

“Do you want to leave?”

The question was instant, and just as instant HD answered.

“No.”

“Then what’s the problem? You’ll come back, that’s all I need to know.”

“But what if something takes me away for a long time? Like months?”

It was just the worst case scenario HD could think of. His mind working in a panic over everything he could think of, though now under 4K’s stare he wish he’d kept his mouth shut. It wasn’t that 4K looked upset but he looked deeply thoughtful at HD, like he was searching for something.

“Are you still going to help humans?”

The question wasn’t judgemental, yet HD still felt unsure with the intention. “I don’t…know.” He answered honestly. The night with 4K made him wary of his help to the humans. It reminded he would never win their favour or avenge his family. Yet HD wasn’t sure he could stop helping them, if just to get back at the fae.

And he was also questioning 4K’s whole view on it. While he was soft in that moment a petty voice in HD’s head was telling him he was just being soft because of the venom. What if it really was in anger, or frustration, and 4K was too weak to show it.

4K just watched HD for a moment, before he answered. “Well even if you’re far apart, we can still communicate through the bond thing.” 4K pointed to his chest. HD had almost completely forgotten about it. The little knot around his heart just felt so normal to him now. Another part of him. “So let’s say you just tug on the heart when you’re coming home. Then I’ll know.”

It was an agreement on complete trust, and it set HD’s skin on edge.

“Okay.” HD kept their voice steady. “Then the new agreement. No time frame on when or how long I’m away for. I can come and go on the mountain as I please. Do you agree?”

4K nodded. “Sure. Yes. I agree. Considering it was my id-” His words caught in his throat as he could feel the tie around his heart shift just ever so slightly.

It wasn’t anything like a tug or squeeze. Just like the knot was readjusting and then it settled back.

“Your powers keep surprising me.” 4K marvelled and pushed himself up. HD followed him up. “So that’s it done? I’m not gonna… I dunno, turn into a frog if you come home early?”

HD snorted. “No. My curses are a little more powerful than that.”

“Well, I’m never going to find out.”

It wasn’t said like a boast, or challenge. 4K said it so naturally like it was common knowledge. The words settled like a warm flame in HD’s heart. Something comforting about it.

And yet the anxiety of it all still ebbed away at the fae. Because even as things returned back to normality, and 4K healed from his injuries and regained his strength, things weren’t the same.

It had been over a week now, and HD hadn’t been tickled.

It was wild how normal tickling was to HD now that to go without it left him almost feeling crazy. His skin felt overly sensitive and he craved that soft touch to just ghost over him. It felt like 4K could just look at his sides, or feet, or armpits and HD would be giggling. Yet 4K made no such move.

After the wounds had healed, 4K’s chest hair had grown back in and the demon flaunted his achievement by keeping his shirt off. It wasn’t that different from his usual attire. He always had his kimonos half off or the ties done so loosely his chest was just out in the open; but before that was just 4K how he usually was. Now he flaunted his chest.

He had caught HD watching his chest and teased them over it. HD blushed, but they defended their actions. It was a flimsy lie of trying to spot which hairs were the new grown in ones, but rather than the usual following of teasing, leading to playful pokes and finally tickles - 4K just laughed. He laughed it off and continued what he was doing and HD felt…empty.

HD never brought the issue up. It was embarrassing to ask why they weren’t being tickled and honestly they were afraid of the answer. They were scared 4K had just grown bored, or maybe he hadn’t even noticed the issue. No matter how hard they shook their head, HD couldn’t escape the thoughts that maybe all this was marking the end of their deal.

A pang of cold sorrow settled in HD’s chest and he wrapped himself in his grass cloak and moss covers to chase it away. It didn’t work.

HD had returned to his thicket bed a couple days after they returned. As nice and relaxing as it was to finally sleep in his own bed, HD could only now think of how far away he was from 4K. He was only mere steps away, yet the distance felt like miles to him. He couldn’t know what the demon thought anymore. Usually he would have thought the smile 4K would give him was honest but now he couldn’t help but think it hid something more. It was like a show the demon was putting on. Keeping up the appearance that everything was okay. It wasn’t.

“You need to speak to him…” HD whispered into the moss under him. Holding it off wasn’t doing any of them any good. Tomorrow, as soon as he’d wake up, HD would find 4K and discuss everything he could. Tomorrow they would sort it all out.

Or…perhaps sooner.

HD heard the footsteps approach. He had heard them as soon as 4K had stepped out of the cave and onto the grass. The demon made his way over to the thicket, but then he stopped. Curiosity took HD before nerves could and he picked himself up to turn around. He could just see 4K out of the small thickets opening. He had knelt down peeking in and almost looked surprised to see HD.

“S-Sorry…” He quickly said. His voice was soft, like he had to keep quiet. “I wasn’t sure if you were still up. Or…if I woke you.”

HD shook his head. “No, I’m up. Everything okay?”

“Yeah, it’s fine. It’s just…” 4K scratched at his other arm. He was nervous. The boisterous tickle demon was nervous. “I-Is it alright if I sleep here with you tonight?”

“S-Sure.” HD replied. He could never have expected 4K to be nervous of something like this. They had slept in the same bed loads of times before. “Do you want me to come in, to the caves? If you’d rather sleep in your own bed tonight.”

“No, no. It’s fine. The fresh air might do me some good, honestly.”

“Well…okay, sure.”

HD shuffled himself forward and 4K slipped into the thicket. It was intensely cramped with the two of them. 4K’s chest pressed up against HD’s back but the fae didn’t mind. He did notice 4K’s arm hesitate before he asked.

“Is it alright if we cuddle?”

4K had never asked before and HD was stunned into a moment of silence before he nodded. 4K’s arms wrapped around him slowly. He was hesitant yet HD couldn’t help but sigh. This was good. This felt familiar, but he couldn’t ignore 4K’s hesitance.

“Is everything alright? Do you want to talk or just…sleep?”

4K didn’t answer for a while. The arm wrapped around HD’s waist held him in close, as the other softly traced lines down HD’s arm.

“I’m…afraid.” 4K gave an almost laugh. “And I can’t even face you when I say this, so I’m a coward too.”

HD wished they were facing one another so he could give some comfort, but he wanted 4K to feel comfortable enough to speak. “What’s wrong?”

“I’m… I’m scared…” 4K spoke slowly, trying to find the words. “I’m scared that I’ve made you afraid of me.”

“Wh-What?” HD couldn’t help the question blurting out.

“You saw me. My…true form. You looked afraid.”

“What?” HD was puzzled. He tried to search his memory, imaging 4K in his tall imposing form again. Skin black as coal and glowing hot as magma. Horns and fangs sharp and hair blazing like fire. HD wasn’t afraid of him at all. He was in awe of him. But in that memory he could also remember the fear.

“I was scared when you saw the dagger. I was afraid you thought I was going to hurt you. Or thought I was ever planning to.” HD brought his hand to 4K’s, lacing their fingers together loosely. “If you had just asked I would have explained.”

“Was a little busy with that whole venom stuff.” 4K’s huff laugh hit the back of HD’s neck. “Then afterwards I was scared of the answer.”

It was ironic how HD was worrying himself over the days, 4K was also worrying just as much. Or maybe even more.

“I worried you were scared of me.” 4K continued. “When you didn’t sleep around me and only slept because you were exhausted, I thought you were being protective but I couldn’t shake that doubt. I didn’t want you to feel trapped. I-I really do want you to see this mountain as your home. I want you to come and go as you please but I admit I offered it as a test. To see if you would take the time away but the more days that passed the more scared I got it would be true.”

His arms tightened around HD’s waist and his lips mumbled into HD’s neck. “I’m terrified you’ll leave me…”

The hand holding 4K’s squeezed tightly and then HD unlaced their hands. “Let me turn around.”

4K was hesitant, but his arms loosened and allowed HD enough room to slip forward and turn himself around to face the demon. 4K looked so unsure. His eyes were soft and pleading, his lips pulled down to a worried frown. He looked so frail and HD couldn’t help but take cup both hands around 4K’s face and hold him softly.

“I could never leave you.” HD admitted. His heart thumped awkwardly in his chest. The small voice of doubt worried to lay himself so open but 4K was reaching out with that same vulnerability. They were equal, and honest. “Nothing could make me leave you, or this mountain.”

Hope flittered across 4K’s eyes, but it wouldn’t draw a smile to his lips or even ease his worried brows. “Really?” He asked softly. “Y-You are bound here with the deal…”

“I offered the deal. And even with the freedom to leave, I am still here.” HD swiped their thumb under 4K’s eyes. “These months with you, they are the happiness I’ve ever been in all my years of living.”

His eyes lit up then and he leaned into HD’s hand. “You are…important to me.”

HD was reminded of the kiss to his neck, and the whispered words when 4K was delirious with sleep and sickness. His skin tingled just to the memory. “I’ve never cared for anyone as much as I care for you.”

4K’s arms around HD’s waist pulled him in close to a tight hug. His chin rested over HD’s shoulder and he gave a breathy laugh. “You don’t know how long I spent trying to work up the courage to come out here. How long I worried if everything was still good between us.”

HD smiled, relief easing his tension at 4K’s laugh. “If it makes you feel any better, I was planning to talk with you tomorrow if you didn’t come out here tonight.”

“Damn.” 4K joked. “Crumbled too soon.”

“Well I’m glad you did.”

The arms tightened around HD’s waist, and he could feel 4K’s tail softly curl around his leg in an attempt to hold him closer. It made HD’s heart flutter. He stroked a hand through 4K’s thick hair. “Do you want to sleep?”

“Honestly, I’m tired but I’m so relieved it’s turned into excitement! Think I’m too buzzed to sleep.”

HD felt a similar way. His heart beat happily in his chest and a buzz worked through his nerves. Usually in a mood like this, HD would subtly offer himself up for tickles. He’d only ever done it a handful of times, wearing an outfit that showed off more of his skin or stretching out in front of 4K. It always worked, yet just as fast as the thought for tickles came into his head another thought took it’s place.

An interesting thought.

HD pet through the wild mane of hair again. “4K…” The demon hummed against HD’s shoulder in response. “Are you ticklish?”

The tail that had been so happily flicking away stilled to the question. He could feel 4K tense up for a that one second. A second of silence that felt much longer until 4K coughed and answered.

“I uh… I don’t know.” He replied, his voice unusually shaky.

“You don’t?”

“No. W-Well…” He pulled back just slightly as he answered, but he kept his arms around HD. He wore a sheepish grin and a light pink blush as he spoke. “I’ve been tickled by things before. Like if I walk out and the grass is covered in dew it tickles my feet. Sometimes if cloth or something brushes against me it feels tickly.”

“But you’ve never actually been tickled?” HD pushed.

“No. Not a lot of people really think to tickle the demon tickling them.” 4K gave a laugh. Nervous, but giddy.

“Would you like to be?”

4K’s eyes widened just ever so slightly and HD could feel his tail start its twitching again. He pursed his lips, catching it on his snagged tooth before his sheepish smile came back and he nodded.

The thicket was much too cramped for what was planned so the two shuffled out to the glade. The night was warm and the grass was dry as 4K splayed out. He laid on his back, stretching out his limbs. HD took position straddling over 4K’s waist.

He couldn’t help but stop for a moment, and just stare at 4K’s body as he lay out so trustingly for him. 4K was bulky but not overly muscular. He didn’t have defined abs but his arms and legs were strong. His kimono top was tied so loosely it was showing off his chest so proudly. Ever since his hairs had grown back he’d been happily going topless or keeping his robes open to show off.

“See something you like?”

4K’s voice snapped HD out of his thoughts. He looked up to 4K’s grinning face.

“I was just deciding where I should start first.” HD quickly responded, and watched 4K’s grin drop. “I think your chest maybe.”

4K tongue poked out just slightly between his lips. “Y-Yeah?”

“Yes. I noticed it a few days ago when I was touching over your chest. Tracing over the smooth skin. You laughed and pushed my hand away.”

4K shuffled uneasily. Clearly a detail he hadn’t noticed or he hoped HD hadn’t.

“Or maybe your armpits. Actually…” HD watched the demon’s arms in thought. Laid at his side, but his hands nervously playing with the grass. “It’s best you keep your arms up. So I can get at all the spots.”

“Right.” 4K slowly raised his arms up over his head. “I-I don’t know if I’ll be able to keep them up. Thrashing around, you know?”

“Yes you will.” HD said confidently. His hands poised over 4K’s sides and he could feel the skin under his hand jump. A rush of power overwhelming him. “You’ll keep them up because you want to be good and do what I tell you.”

4K’s eyes widened as his cheeks became pink a pinkish hue. The colour fluttered down over his neck and chest and reached the tip of his ears. Yet still his arms went up and his hands clasped together.

“Good boy…” HD praised and he could feel 4K’s tail whip back and forth behind him. “Now…where to start? Do you have any preferences?”

“Mmm...a…” 4K almost sounded breathless. HD watched his Adams apple bob as he swallowed to regain his sense. “I…I… What about my sides? They drive you mad, and I always wondered how it feels.” He teased. HD’s could feel his cheeks blush, but he smiled widely and the confidence wavered in 4K’s eyes.

“You can tease all you want, but it’s going to be you laughing.” HD pointed out. His hands pushed up 4K’s top and found a place right at the demon’s sides. Fingers digging ever so slightly. It wasn’t enough to fully tickle him, yet 4K still jumped with a a soft yelp. “Until you’re begging for mercy.”

4K still had enough confidence in him to boast. Even flashing a cocky smile as he spoke. “Begging? Me? I think you’re jumping ahead of yourself a little. I get you begging because I’m a seasoned tickler. Takes years.”

“Yeah?” HD cocked his head. “You want to wager that? I bet I can get you begging me to stop.”

“Oh?” 4K’s tail flicked with interest, curling around HD’s ankle. “What do I get if I win? Just to remind you, you’re already my tickle toy for eternity.”

“You can have…a full day of tickling me. No trade or questions required.” HD offered, and lay it on thick as 4K raised an eyebrow. “That means a whole day of whatever kind of tickles you want. Trying out all your brushes. Tying me down. Hell, even blindfolding me and going at me with all those feathers while I’m tied to that chair. Whatever you want.”

That got 4K interested. His face went red once again as the tip of his tail flicked back and forth against HD’s ankle. It tickled only slightly but HD could put up with it.

“Yes. Instantly agree, yes.” 4K quickly nodded.

“You’ve not even heard what I’ll get.” HD pointed out.

“Doesn’t matter.” 4K smirked. “You won’t win to get it.”

“How cocky! I’ll make sure you regret that.”

4K opened his mouth to give another quip, but any words he had were caught in his throat. A sharp gasp as HD pressed his fingers into 4K’s side, kneading up and down just slightly and the response was fireworks.

His hips bucked as the a laughter took him by surprise. “PHGN! F-F…Fuck! WAIT! HAHA! Thahahat! That! That tickles!” His arms shook and almost fell down to protect him but HD could see him focus and forced himself to kept them up.

“Well you are ticklish.” HD took note. His hands didn’t stop their tickling, but he switched from kneading to skittering, letting the tips of his fingers and nails just lightly brush over the sensitive sides.

The struggling changed from bucking to gently wiggling. 4K swayed his hips side to side, not really trying to knock HD’s hands away but enough to let out the pent up energy coursing through him.

“I think you might be more ticklish than me!” HD teased, clearly a lie but it worked at well, riling 4K up so.

“NAaaha-HAHA! N-No I’m n-no-nohohot! Y-You are the-EEEEEEEEEEHEHEHEAHAHA!”

HD dug in again, fingers dancing into the nerves of his sides. “Hard to tease me when you’re laughing, isn’t it?” He cooed, noticing how 4K’s laugh hitched up higher in pitch. “Are you more ticklish when you’re teased? How very fitting! You tease me all the time yet you’re so sensitive to it yourself.”

“Not! Not more…! AAhahaa!”

He spoke out in little gasps. His words breathless between the spouts of laughter. He still kept his arms up, which HD had to admire. Though maybe he hadn’t found the right spot to bring them down. While the main point of the challenge was to get 4K begging, HD couldn’t help but set himself his own challenge. Get 4K to bring his arms down.

Best place to start then would be right at the source. HD shuffled himself up slightly and dug into 4K’s pits. He had a patch of black hair in his pits, but it wasn’t so course HD couldn’t skitter his claws through; each of his fingers moving on their own, never finding a rhythm.

4K gasped out a wheeze, then his laugh returned in little giggles. Like hiccups, each giggle surprised him and made his voice squeak. “Weehehe…! H-Heh! My-My pits aharen’t that t-tihicklish!”

“Still ticklish though.” HD quickly said. It wasn’t exactly disappointment in finding out his armpits weren’t ticklish, but they glared at the arms staying defiantly up. Stretching out the skin as if to ask for more tickles.

This might have been harder than HD thought. Not only was 4K a tickling fiend, it seems he also loved being tickled as well.

They weren’t going to let that stop them though. HD still had a wide expanse of the demon to tickle, there would be plenty of spots to try. He pulled his hands back from 4K’s underarms, letting the demon’s giggles fade out before he spoke again. “I’m going to tickle your chest.”

4K gave another high giggle, though HD suspected it wasn’t from the ghostly tickles left behind. “O-Oh…?”

“Yes. Your stupidly buff chest which you flaunt in my face every day.” HD almost huffed with his words, but his hands roamed over 4K’s chest, pushing away his robe to show it off. “I’d say you’re asking for it to be tickled.”

“Maybe I’m just trying to subconsciously influence you to show yours off more. Your chest is quite tickly if I remember.”

HD’s face burned remembering when they discovered that. 4K was quick to test out all the feathers and tease him. HD thought now though he could just tickle him back and an idea sprung to mind. Each of them tickling each others chest to see who would give up first.

“I think you know your chest is ticklish.” HD said. The idea of 4K gasping and begging for the chest tickling to stop subdued the blush on his cheeks.

4K gulped again. The bravado lost. “M-M-Maybe…”

“Maybe?” HD coaxed. He shifted his hands just to rest over 4K’s pecs and watched in delight as the demon wouldn’t take his eyes off HD’s hands.

“W-We-Well…” 4K cleared his throat. “I do keep my chest exposed for a reason… Especially the centre of my chest. It’s very…sensitive.”

It was what HD hoped for, yet he felt almost dizzy with the possibilities. He watched his hands move like he was possessed and carefully trace feather light touches down the centre of 4K’s chest.

4K sucked in a breath as though to hold in his laughter, but it was no use. HD hadn’t even traced a full line down before he was sputtering with laughter.

“O-OhHOOhohoho n-nohohoho! Th-ahat -! EEEheheehehe!”

HD moved quickly. He skittered, kneaded and fluttered his fingers all over 4K’s chest, picking up every different sounding squeak and giggle, focusing on those spots for a a second more before moving on.

“AHAHAHAHA! YOUOUOU! That-that’s nohot faAAHAHAHAHAIR! NAHAHA! DON’T-DON’T TIHICKLE MOHOHORE WHEN I’M TAHAHALKING!”

HD waited for any words to stop. His ears perked for any signs of 4K voice changing or any sign he wasn’t enjoying it, but there was nothing. 4K’s voice was hysterical, but not distressed. So HD continued.

4K’s arms shook now with the effort to keep them up and HD was sure he could get them down. His nails skittered down till he dug in under the pecs, right where 4K’s ribs met his chest, and kneaded in.

The laugh that came from the demon was more like a howl. He arched his back, trying in vain to knock HD off but it felt like nothing could take his hands from that spot.

“HEHEEHEEEDEEEHEHEHE!”

“Do you give up? Are you begging me to stop?”

A wheeze, and a whimper, then 4K shook his head vehemently.

His arms were struggling to stay up; half way pulled down but keeping strong. But for how long.

He kneaded up and down 4K’s ribs, skittering over each bone and 4K howled.

“GOHOHOHOD! GOHOHAHAHAHA! THAT-That t-ticklessss… Thahahat tihickles soho muhuUAHAHAHAHA!”

“Does it tickle so much?” HD gasped in mock shock. “Oh what will you do? How will you escape? If only there was a way to stop it.”

“F-FUHUHUCK- FUCK! OHhohohoHOHO! P-Please! Plehehease! T-Take ihihit-!”

Like a shock coursing through his body, 4K glitched. His arms came down in an instant protecting the one spot that undone all of his will. His laugh was so sudden it was a silent scream. He bucked hard enough to knock HD slightly off and half turn himself away. Luckily HD caught himself before he could fall, but the two stared at each other in silence.

4K hands cupped around his rib. His lowest rib on the right side.

4K’s eyes were wide. HD’s eyes were wide. Then he grinned.

“Arms up.”

A nervous smile broke out over 4K’s face. “Be-Be reasonable, HD.”

“Up.” HD repeated and 4K still hesitated. “Arms. Up. Or I count that as a forfeit.”

4K giggled nervously and hesitated to move his arms. HD was almost sure he wouldn’t move, yet very slowly 4K began to lift his arms up again. As soon as the rib was unguarded, HD launched his hands in and tickled right away.

Even knowing it was coming, 4K screamed. He bucked his hips again but HD was prepared this time. He quickly slipped off 4K’s side, kneeling beside him as he wrecked that one rib.

“AAHA! UGHGHAHAA! PLEASE PLEASE! MERCY!”

“You know how to make it stop!” HD had to almost shout over the screaming laughter. Between the screams 4K was making silent laughs and deep gasps. He was absolutely at his limit. His arms went back down, trying in vein to protect himself but HD was too prepared to let himself be pushed away.

“I GIHI-AAHAHAHA! I GIVE UP! OOOOHOHOHO STOP STOP!”

HD stopped tickling right away. A part of him didn’t want to stop which he felt a deep guilt for, but he saw 4K curl up into himself. His hair was a mess, not only was it wildly laying out over the grass it was stuck to his skin which was slick with sweat. He was panting, trying to gasp for air and between his small giggles.

The want to tickle 4K more was suddenly overpowered by the utter need to comfort him. HD scooted himself up more to 4K’s head, running his hand through his hair and scratching over his scalp. 4K sighed softly to the touch, leaning in more to HD’s legs.

Was this was 4K felt whenever he’d stop tickling? Just an urge to comfort and cuddle.

“You okay?” HD asked. “That wasn’t too much was it?”

“That was… intense.” 4K’s gave tiny pants between words. His eyes finally opened, though half lidded. Tired, but bright. “But I liked it. I really liked it.” He smiled. “Just that rib. God damn that tickled so much. It was like a button straight to my nerves.”

4K shifted, his hand still half patting over his rib and half protecting it.

“But I really did like it.”

HD’s eyes travelled up, away from the rib to see 4K was staring up at him. The urge to coddle him was intense and HD pet through his hair. “Yeah?”

“Yeah. I wouldn’t mind being tickled again.” He thought about it. “Maybe not tonight. That…took it out of me.”

HD knew that feeling well. Of being utterly overloaded with tickles to a bliss, softness. 4K always took the time to make HD comfortable then, to get him whatever he could ask for and keep him comfy. HD felt the same instinct to make sure 4K was taken care of.

“Do you want to sleep?” He offered, running his fingers through 4K’s hair again. “Or do you need anything? I can run and grab you a drink if you need it.”

“No, no…honestly I could sleep.” He made a point to stretch out his legs and softly sigh into HD’s lap again. “I’m not sleeping in your thicket though. I’m far too big.”

Yes, it was a rather tight squeeze with both of them in it. But… “Well that just means we have to cuddle real close.”

“We can technically cuddle anywhere.” 4K pointed out. “Here…”

4K raised his arm, wrapping it around HD’s waist and pulling the fae down. HD squeaked, but they relaxed and let themself be moved as 4K got comfy. He turned on his side, facing HD and bringing the fae in close to his chest. He tucked HD’s head under his chin, sighing contently as he rested over it. His arms wrapped around HD’s back and one leg lay over HD’s.

It was warm and comforting. It lulled HD to relax, almost melting into to 4K’s chest.

“See? We can cuddle anywhere.” 4K’s voice rumbled, HD feeling the vibration of his chest on his cheek.

“I see…” HD responded, watching as 4K’s tail lazily lay over HD’s hip. “You want to sleep here? Outside where it can rain?”

“It’s warm enough.” 4K half shrugged. “A little rain won’t hurt.”

It did feel warm enough, though HD was sure that was from 4K’s body pressed so close to him. He could hear the demon’s strong heartbeat, lulling him to sleep as 4K’s tail trailed further around his waist, as though trying to tie the two together.

“Sleep.” 4K purred and following his command, HD did.

Just as their luck would happen, it actually did start to rain just before sunrise. 4K woke up as soon as the first drop was on him, like a cat hissing to the water. The rain wasn’t heavy and it was actually rather pleasant to HD but he still followed 4K to the cave and was thankful that as 4K laid out over his bed, he pat his chest and drew HD forward to lay down on top of him.

4K fell asleep first this time. His face looked so soft as he slept. No big grins or a put on of bravado. He was just…4K.

I’m going to keep you safe. HD promised. For as long as I breathe, as long as you are with me, I’m going to keep you safe from all of them.

He gave a small kiss to 4K’s cheek, and then he fell asleep.

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