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@yellowwithalisp
Hello!!!~ This is my blog where I'll mainly be posting about my MC and Demiurge! Nice to meet you all!!
#HiddenImmunity update today :3
Will you continue the Albert Wesker ff from 2023 ?
I am! I will be working on finish it soon!
A Caged Bluebird [ A Demiurge x oc Story ]
(So- I didn't expect people to like this story. (///) I was really worried that it was too poorly written and people wouldn't like it. So thank you all so much for your kind words! It really means a lot to me! As allways, this story is inspired by @the-blind-geisha Demiurge's work and @baphymittens demiurge/mc quotes. Thank you all so much for reading so far! ) [Chapter one. ] [ Chapter two. ]
( I do hope some of you enjoy this! I will work on the next part soon! - Yellow 💛🌻)
(Final count- 10,151 words.)
𝐀 𝐂𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐝 𝐁𝐥𝐮𝐞𝐛𝐢𝐫𝐝: 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐰𝐨- 𝐀𝐧𝐝 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐚 𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐦𝐚𝐧, 𝐠𝐮𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐝 𝐛𝐲 𝐟𝐞𝐚𝐫. …..𝐒𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞𝐬 𝐟𝐞𝐚𝐫, 𝐢𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐞.
Everything is a blur of harsh fluorescent lights and the squeal of wheels.
My head pounds like someone's hammering nails into my skull. The world lurches—up, down, sideways—and I taste copper on my tongue. Blood. My blood.
"Easy now, Willa, easy. Don't fight me."
A woman's voice. Calm. Too calm. The lights overhead flicker, or maybe it's my eyes. Can't tell anymore.
Thud. Something hard beneath me. Concrete? Tile?
The ceiling tiles blur above me. Fluorescent lights flicker—flicker-flicker—like morse code spelling out words I can't read. My body feels... wrong. Disconnected. Like I'm watching someone else's life from behind frosted glass.
"Wilhelmina? Wilhelmina, can you hear me?" The room fills with controlled chaos. Dr. Josephine is at her bedside now, a stethoscope pressed to her chest. Her heart rate is absolutely out of control—tachycardic, erratic. The EKG confirms Dr. Josephine's worst fears: ventricular fibrillation.
"Code blue! Cardiac arrest on Wilhelmina—she's crashing!"
The monitors scream.
Dr. Josephine mind is already racing through protocols. Willa—as the staff calls her—has been in this hospital bed for… What, twenty years now? Since she was an infant. Chronic condition, complex medication regimen, a case study in long-term pediatric care for the department.
But tonight something's different.
Her oxygen saturation is plummeting. 88%… 85%… The heart rate alarm is wailing its urgent song. Dr. Josephine checking her IV sites, her hands moving on autopilot while her brain assesses, calculates, reacts.
"Call for Dr. Patterson," She snap at the nurse beside her. "Full respiratory support, prepare for—"
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The Hidden Kingdom was a marvel of coexistence, a place where humans, demihumans, and monsters lived in relative harmony under their ruler. The architecture was an astounding blend of styles - grand human castles stood beside elegant elven structures, while sturdy dwarven fortresses and mystical monster dwellings created a patchwork of culture and cooperation. The streets bustled with activity as diverse citizens went about their daily lives. Cherry and Naira were leading the group, no one seem to be afread of Lord Ainz, in fact, they treated him like a normal person... the thought of this disgusted Albedo.
The Hidden Kingdom stretched before them in all its magnificent diversity, a testament to what Moon had achieved. Albedo walked behind her beloved Supreme Being, her golden eyes scanning the crowds with barely concealed disdain. Humans chatted freely with demihumans - an elf and a catgirl shared a street vendor's stall, examining exotic fruits together. A human child played tag with a small dragonkin near a fountain. The sight made Albedo's wings twitch with irritation.
"How... quaint," Albedo muttered under her breath, though loud enough for those nearby to hear. Her distaste was obvious as she looked at the mingling crowds. "Master, I must say that while this 'harmony' is... impressive in its execution, I fail to see how it benefits Nazarick. These creatures do not understand the hierarchy of beings. They should fear and revere their betters, not treat them as equals." Cherry turned her head to look at Albedo as they walked. Shooting her a glare.
"Moony put a lot of hard work into building this place. She spent a lot of time making sure that everyone here is treated the same. Do you have a problem with that!?"
Albedo's eyes widened at the sharp rebuke, her ornate wings bristling slightly in surprise at being spoken to so directly. She had grown accustomed to being treated with reverence, even by the other Floor Guardians, but this pink-haired tefling was addressing her as if they were equals.
Cherry's naturally cheerful expression had shifted to an irritated scowl, her hands moving to rest on her hips. "She wanted everyone to get along! That's what makes this kingdom special!"
The small tefling took a step closer to Albedo, her yellow eyes flashing with defensive fire. "If you're going to walk with us, you'd better keep your rotten attitude to yourself! Moony doesn't need people like you trying to poison things with your prejudice!"
Meanwhile, Naira had stopped walking entirely, her multiple eyes focusing on the confrontation. The humonoid spider's posture shifted to something more formal as she addressed both parties.
"Lady Cherry, while I appreciate your passion, perhaps we should approach this with more diplomatic consideration," Naira suggested, though her tone carried a subtle edge. "The Lady Albedo is simply expressing her perspective."
Albedo herself had stopped, her golden eyes narrowing at Cherry with an intensity that could freeze flesh. Her lips curved into a cold smile that didn't reach her eyes.
"Diplomatic consideration?" Albedo's voice dripped with barely contained amusement. "This tiny creature dares to lecture me on the proper treatment of inferior species? How… amusing."
She straightened to her full height, her wings spreading slightly in a display of dominance. "I was not criticizing Moon-sama's vision, little tefling. I was merely pointing out the fundamental flaw in treating all beings as equals. You may pretend this is harmony, but I see it for what it is - weakness."
Her gaze swept over the mixed crowds with obvious disgust. "In Nazarick, every creature knows its place. Here, they have forgotten the natural order. Tell me, Cherry, when these 'equals' face true danger, will your precious Moon-sama sacrifice herself for a human street urchin the same way she would for a Supreme Being? The answer is no. Because she is not foolish."
Cherry's face flushed an even deeper shade of pink, her yellow eyes blazing with indignation. She clenched her fists at her sides, her tail lashing behind her.
"You're such a stuck-up bitch!" She hissed at Albedo, completely uninhibited in her anger. "What do you know about Lady Moonstone? You've never even met her! She's kind and caring and she actually gives a shit about everyone, not just the 'important' ones!"
The small tefling's voice cracked slightly, genuine emotion bleeding through her anger. "You talk about how people here are 'weak' for not knowing their place, but that's exactly what makes them strong! They don't need a hierarchy to feel safe. They have Lady Moonstone!"
Cherry took a step forward, jabbing a finger at Albedo's chest. "Maybe if you stopped being such a judgmental elitist, you'd realize that true strength isn't about looking down on others!"
Demiurge, who had been observing silently with his usual calculating expression, finally chimed in. His tail swished behind him as he adjusted his glasses with one clawed finger.
"An interesting philosophical debate, though I must say, Cherry's passion on this matter is quite… illuminating." He glanced between the two women with an amused smirk. "Though I wonder if we're straying from the original purpose of our visit. Lord Ainz was hoping to meet Lady Moon-sama, yes?"
Naira had remained still, her multiple eyes following the exchange with what might have been concern. Now she spoke in her measured, formal tone.
"I apologize for the disruption, Lord Ainz. Perhaps we should continue to Moon-sama's location before this… disagreement escalates further."
"...." Cherry flipped off Albedo. Albedo's eyes widened in surprise and then narrowed dangerously, her golden irises flashing with recognition and alarm. The temperature around them seemed to drop several degrees as her expression shifted from shock to barely contained fury. "Bitch." Cherry mumbled.
Albedo's eyes widened in shock initially, her perfect composure cracking like thin ice. The temperature in the immediate vicinity plummeted several degrees as her supernatural rage began to manifest. Frost began to form on the floor around her feet, and her black wings flared out dramatically, rustling against her back.
Her golden eyes, usually so composed and elegant, now burned with an almost liquid intensity. The vertically split pupils contracted into thin slits as she glared down at the audacious tefling fists, the silky white gloves straining against the force.
"You dare—" Her voice came out as a low hiss, dripping with barely contained fury. She took a step forward, her elegant white dress swishing around her legs as she moved with predatory grace. "Do you have any idea what you just did, you insignificant—"
She stopped herself abruptly, remembering who was watching. Her jaw clenched visibly as she forced herself to take a breath, though the anger was still evident in every line of her body.
Naira bowed deeply to both Ainz and Demiurge, her multiple eyes dropping to the floor in genuine shame. Her several arms moved in a complex pattern of apology, the gesture clearly formal.
"My most humble apologies, Lord Ainz. Cherry is normally better behaved than this," she said, her voice carrying genuine regret. "The Lady Cherry can be… passionate when defending what she believes in. It seems her loyalty to Lady Moonstone has gotten the better of her judgment."
Cherry herself looked rather sheepish now, though her ears were still pinned back in embarrassment. She fidgeted with the hem of her pink dress, not quite able to meet anyone's eyes.
"S-sorry for being rude…" she mumbled quietly, though her expression suggested she wasn't entirely sorry. More like she was annoyed at having to apologize.
Albedo straightened up, her breathing having returned to normal, though her golden eyes remained sharp. She smoothed down her white dress with one hand, the other still clenched at her side. The temperature began to rise again as her anger cooled.
"Perhaps we should continue our search for Moon-sama before this situation becomes more… complicated," Albedo suggested, though her tone carried a slight edge when she looked at Cherry. "I suggest you keep your 'loyalty' in check."
Demiurge adjusted his glasses with a slight smirk, his scorpion tail swaying behind him.
"An interesting cultural note, actually," he commented. "The Lady Cherry's passionate defense of egalitarianism versus Lady Albedo's rigid hierarchy… quite the debate. Perhaps we should allow it to continue another time?" He glanced between the two women with those inscrutable gem-like eyes.
Ainz said nothing as he seemed to be lost in thought. Yeah… We should find Moon before this gets any worse. I don't want the first thing she sees is Cherry fighting with Albedo.. Ainz cleared his throat, nodding his head slowly. "My apologies for Albedo's outburst as well." He said, making Albedo gaso as she turned her head to look at him. "Lord Ainz?!" Ainz looked down at Albedo. "Albedo, I understand fully that you may not agree with how this kingdom is ruled here, or how Cherry feels on the matter. However. I will remind you that at the moment, we are guests in this land. So I will remind you to act accordingly. Is that understood?"
Albedo's golden eyes widened in genuine surprise as Ainz addressed her directly. Her cheeks flushed a deep crimson, though whether from embarrassment or anger was unclear. She bowed her head immediately, her black wings folding back against her shoulders.
"My deepest apologies, Lord Ainz. You are, of course, completely right," she said, her voice carrying a mix of shame and something else - perhaps disappointment that she had lost her composure. "I allowed my emotions to override my judgment, which is completely unacceptable behavior for the Overseer of the Floor Guardians. I beg your forgiveness."
She maintained the bow for a few heartbeats longer than necessary, clearly struggling with her pride. When she finally straightened, her expression was carefully controlled, though there was a hint of hurt in her eyes.
"However, Lord Ainz, I must respectfully point out that the issue at hand is not one of hierarchy or guest behavior. The Lady Cherry displayed a profound lack of respect for her betters. Such behavior should not be ignored simply because we are guests in Moon-sama's domain." Her tone was measured, but firm.
Cherry, meanwhile, had gone very still. Her multiple eyes darted between Ainz and Albedo, her fingers fidgeting nervously with her shirt. She looked like she wanted to say something, but was holding back.
Naira remained perfectly still, her multiple eyes watching the situation with what might have been concern. Demiurge's tail swished slowly behind him, a small smile playing at his lips as he observed the dynamics between the group.
"Be that is it may, this is her home. Would you not react the same if someone were to say something similar about The Great Tomb?" Ainz asked Albedo.
Albedo's eyes widened again, her face flushing even deeper this time. Her hands clenched into fists at her sides, the white gloves straining against the force of her grip. Naira glanced over at Demiurge. "We should we going Lord Ainz." She said as she then looked at Ainz. "Moving on from this seems like it would be the best corse of action at the moment. And Laby Moonstone would be able to keep Cherry in check." Demiurge's eyes narrowed behind his glasses as he processed Naira's suggestion, his demonic tail swishing thoughtfully behind him. He adjusted his red suit jacket, a contemplative expression crossing his refined features.
"Ah, an astute observation, Lady Naira. Your reasoning aligns with what I was just considering myself." He turned his attention to Ainz, his tone shifting to one of absolute reverence and admiration.
Naira's eyes lit up with understanding as she nodded at Ainz's reasoning. "That is curect Lord Ainz. Lady Moonstone is not too far." She said as she turned to lead the group through the streets.
As they walked, Naira glanced back at the group, ensuring everyone was following. "This way, please. The district where Lady Moonstone resides is just past the central plaza." Her tone was respectful but carried an undertone of urgency.
Albedo walked with her head still slightly bowed, though her steps were measured and precise. The earlier confrontation had left her visibly shaken, though she maintained her composure. Cherry trailed behind, her white hair bouncing with each step as she kept close to Naira.
Demiurge walked beside Ainz, his tail swishing with barely contained interest. "An excellent point about the temporal constraints, Lord Ainz. Your strategic thinking continues to astound me."
I just wanted them to stop fighting. Ainz thought before looking back over at Naira. "How does Lady Moonstone handle conflict between humans and inhumans?" Cherry giggled, moving her hands behind her head as she spoke, "Though it wasn't always easy. There were... complications. Some humans resented the monsters. Some monsters distrusted humans. But Moony listened to everyone's grievances and created a system where all voices mattered. Even now, the Council of Representatives meets regularly to discuss issues."
Ainz listened intently, his mind racing with the implications. The Hidden Kingdom was a social experiment on a grand scale - different races living together in harmony, all under Moon's guidance. It reminded him of his own efforts in the Sorcerer Kingdom, though on a much smaller scale.
Demiurge's tail swished with interest, and he leaned forward slightly. "Fascinating. A truly equitable system, Cherry. Lady Moonstone seems to have been quite the visionary leader." His voice carried genuine curiosity beneath the usual smooth delivery.
Albedo's expression remained carefully neutral, though her fingers twitched slightly - a telltale sign of the conflict still roiling beneath her composed exterior.
Cherry giggled at Demiurge's comment, then glanced over at him with a mischievous smirk.
"You should tell her that yourself," she teased, nudging him playfully with her elbow.
As if on cue, Naira suddenly moved with surprising speed, bringing her staff down onto Cherry's head with a resounding THWACK!
"OW?!" Cherry yelped, stumbling back slightly and clutching her head with both hands. "N-Naira! What was that for?!"
Naira's expression remained perfectly neutral, though there was a slight twinkle in her eyes that suggested she was enjoying herself.
"Come on! You know that Moony would love to hear that from him directly!" Cherry said to Naira, her multiple eyes gleaming with mischief as she pointed at the demon.
Naira's stern expression cracked for just a moment. She glanced at Cherry with an exasperated look.
"Cherry, you know I'm just trying to keep us focused on reaching Lady Moonstone," Naira replied, though her tone was softer now. "We don't have all day."
Demiurge chuckled, adjusting his glasses with one hand while his tail swayed behind him.
"I suppose I could elaborate on my thoughts regarding Lady Moonstone's governance," he said smoothly. "Why would Demiurge's words mean so much to someone we don't know," Alber said coldly. Cherry was clearly about to tell them why when Nairs again, hit Cherry on the head.
Alber's cold words hung in the air as Naira's staff came down on Cherry's head with an audible THWACK! The tefling eyes went wide, and she let out a surprised "Ouch!" before stumbling forward slightly.
"N-Naira!" Cherry cried out, rubbing her head with both hands. "That's the second time you've hit me!"
Naira's expression remained neutral, though her compound eyes showed a hint of amusement. "You were about to ramble for hours about 'why' without considering we need to reach Lady Moonstone soon, Cherry. You know how you get."
Demiurge cleared his throat delicately, his tail swishing with barely contained amusement.
"Fascinating dynamics you two have," he observed, adjusting his glasses.
"Whay dynamic!? she just hits me!?" Cherry complain.
"More of keeping you in check," Naira said.
Cherry's eyes narrowed as she glared up at Naira, her cheeks puffing out in an indignant pout.
"Keeping me in check!? That's not what 'keeping me in check' means!" she protested, though there was more exasperation than genuine anger in her voice. "You just like hitting me!"
Naira maintained her stoic expression, but her compound eyes showed a flicker of something that might have been sympathy—or perhaps amusement.
"That's precisely what 'keeping you in check' means, Cherry," she replied calmly, her voice even. "You have a tendency to get… carried away with your explanations. I'm simply preventing that."
Demiurge chuckled softly, his tail swaying in interest. Naira continued leading them through the streets, her movements unhurried but purposeful. "We're nearly there, Lord Ainz. Just past this plaza…" As the group followed Naira off the main roads and into the forest, the sounds of the bustling city began to fade behind them. Birdsong replaced the clamor of urban life, and the air grew cooler and more humid as they ventured deeper into the trees. The forest was lush and vibrant, filled with the scent of pine and wildflowers.
As Naira led them around a massive oak tree, the sounds of movement began to echo through the trees ahead. Not the panicked sounds of fleeing prey or aggressive beasts, but something more purposeful—the rhythmic clopping of hooves on hard-packed earth, and the occasional lowing sound.
"Ah, there they are. The forest guardians. They're quite protective of this area." She called out, addressing the unseen protectors. "They'll let us pass as long as I or Cherry are here with you."
As if responding to her words, one of the deer stepped forward. It was larger than the others, with silver-tinged antlers that seemed to shimmer with ancient magic. The creature's eyes—wise and knowing—fixed on Ainz.
Cherry gasped softly, her multiple eyes widening with wonder. "Oh! It's Silverbranch! He's one of the eldest!" She took a tentative step forward, raising her hand in greeting. "Hello, Silverbranch! Remember when you helped me find the Dreamweaver Moths last spring?"
The deer's expression softened slightly, and it lowered its head in acknowledgment before stepping aside, allowing the group to pass through the herd. The other deer parted like a living corridor, their protective gazes following the group until they were safely through.
The group emerged into a clearing where an ancient willow tree grew beside a stone statue of a gargoyle. Her stone hair indeed adorned with a delicate flower crown, and around her were scattered baskets filled with various foods—fresh fruits, and simple but lovingly prepared meals from the common people. Then, as if on cue, Silverbranch appeared from the forest, his antlers catching the light like a crown. He approached Moonstone's resting form with the careful steps of one who knew he was entering sacred ground. He nodded his head respectfully to her, a gesture of profound respect from one ancient guardian to another, before continuing deeper into the forest.
The sight of all these offerings—flowers, food, the reverent attention of her protectors—spoke volumes about how beloved Moonstone truly was throughout the Hidden Kingdom.
Cherry's multiple eyes widened as she took in the abundance of offerings, her analytical mind immediately cataloging the differences. "That's more than last time," she observed, her voice tinged with curiosity. "There's fresh bread from this morning's baking, and those are definitely the honeyed melons from the western gardens…"
Naira nodded, her compound eyes showing a flicker of understanding. "Indeed, they know that she doesn't like being in stone for long." Naria turned her head as she looked up at Ainz. "Lord Ainz, what would you have me do now? Would you like me to awaken her?"
Ainz took a moment to take in the scenery, his glowing red eyes surveying the clearing with a thoughtful expression. The willow tree, the carefully arranged offerings, the reverent silence—everything spoke of devotion and care. He nodded slowly, the gesture almost imperceptible beneath his academic cap.
"Yes. Please do so," he said, his voice carrying the weight of command, though tempered with respect.
Naira nodded, her compound eyes gleaming with purpose as she approached the stone gargoyle statue. She moved with practiced grace, her multiple arms moving in a ritualistic pattern as she knelt before the statue. The flower crown adorning the gargoyle's stone hair caught the light as Naira's hand hovered over it, hesitating for just a moment.
She sat down in front of the stone gargoyle, positioning herself with careful attention to the baskets of offerings surrounding them. The layout was almost like a shrine—intentionally set up to create a space of reverence and welcome. Her breathing became slower, more measured. Naira took a deep breath and began to speak:
"Lady Moonstone. Lord Momonga is here to speak to you."
The willow tree's branches rustled in response, and even the distant tree deer seemed to pause and listen.
The silence that followed was profound—waiting for the stone gargoyle to respond, to awaken from her long rest, to acknowledge the presence of her beloved master.
Nothing happened for a moment. The clearing held its breath, the very air seeming to thicken with anticipation. Cherry's eyes narrowed in concentration, trying to sense any magical response. The offerings remained pristine, undisturbed.
Then, as if reality itself had been holding its breath, the stone statue began to crack—fissures spreading across its surface like lightning through glass. Thunder rumbled overhead, though the sky had been clear moments before. The sound seemed to come from everywhere and nowhere at once.
Cracks appeared all over the gargoyle, spider-webbing across the stone in an intricate pattern broke. The statue shuddered, and then- With a sound like wind chimes and breaking chains, the gargoyle broke free of her stone prison. Her form emerged in pieces, each section cracking and tumbling away until she stood before them.
She stretched her body, her movements fluid and powerful, wings unfurling with a whisper of air displacement. Her tail swept across the ground, scattering a few of the offerings with unconscious grace. She shook her head, and bits of stone fragments fell from her braid, clattering against the willow's roots.
Long white hair cascaded down her back in a single, thick braid that seemed to shimmer with its own inner light. Her skin was a smooth, cool blue that reminded one of twilight skies. Coal-black eyes opened, sharp and aware, fixing immediately on Ainz with an intensity that suggested she could see straight through to his soul.
Her horns—sleek and curved—protruded from her head with elegant authority. As she fully emerged from the stone, she straightened to her full height, a presence that immediately commanded respect and reverence.
The gargoyle's deep grumble rumbled from her chest—like the distant sound of boulders grinding against stone, the kind of resonant frequency that only creatures of her magnitude could produce. It was a sound of awakening, of power reasserting itself after long dormancy.
She shook her head again, and more bits of stone fragments tumbled from her long white braid, scattering across the ground like crystallized moonlight. Her movements were both mechanical and gracefully natural, as if her body needed a moment to remember the fluidity of flesh after so long frozen in stone.
Moonstone then moved her right arm, almost checking if it was still there—a gesture that somehow conveyed both vulnerability and overwhelming power. The arm flexed smoothly, fingers curling and uncurling as if testing each joint, each muscle. Her coal-black eyes tracked the movement with analytical precision.
As she fully stood to her impressive height, her wings rustled once more, creating a soft flutter of displaced air that carried the scent of old stone and new freedom. Her tail swept behind her in a lazy arc, the tip curling slightly as if in contemplation.
"How long was I out?" She grumbled, still getting a hold of being away. Naira closed her eyes and nodded her head. "Long enough for your wings and arms to regorw My Lady."
Moonstone's eyes widened, her gaze sweeping across the garden with a mixture of confusion, wonder, and dawning recognition. She stepped carefully over the offerings, her bare feet touching the stone path as if relearning how to walk.
"Momonga…" She whispered the name, her voice thick with emotion. The name rolled off her tongue—itself a title, a designation she hadn't heard spoken aloud in… how long?
Her eyes moved to Albedo, The succubus stood there in all her glory, radiant and powerful. Moonstone's gaze lingered on the white dress, the golden spiderweb necklace, the elegant way she held herself.
Then her eyes found Demiruge.
And a deep blue blush spread across her blue skin, visible even under the moonlight.
Her blush deepened, a shade of blue that Cherry had never seen before—embarrassment mixed with something else she couldn't quite name. Naira sighed deeply, her expression knowing and slightly amused.
Cherry's smirk grew wider, her eyes dancing with mischief at the sight of the Gargoyle's obvious flustered state.
Moonstone's wings fluttered slightly, creating a soft rustling sound as she tried to regain her composure. Her hands clutched at her braid, twisting it nervously. "I didn't expect to... to awaken to this." She mumbled, her eyes quickly darting away from Demiruge and over to Ainz. Ainz let out a low chuckle. Yeah.. She's still in love with him. Shouldn't be surprised by that. Albedo had noticed the flush, of course. The succubus's golden eyes narrowed slightly, her cat-like pupils contracting as she assessed the situation with the precision of someone trained to notice every detail. Her wings gave the faintest flutter of agitation. Demiurge adjusted his glasses, though whether he was actually using them was questionable. His demonic tail swished behind him in a slow, calculating motion.
Albedo's gaze sharpened as she studied the newcomer who had just emerged from the stone. Her golden eyes narrowed with suspicion, though a flicker of curiosity also passed through them.
"I am Albedo, the Overseer of the Floor Guardians and the guardian of the 9th Floor. This is Demiurge, the guardian of the 7th Floor." She gestured elegantly toward the demon beside her, her tone carrying both pride and a warning.
Demiurge adjusted his round glasses with a flourish, the jewels that served as his eyes gleaming with interest. His demonic tail swished behind him, the metal plates clinking softly.
Moonstone's eyes narrowed dangerously as she stared at Ainz, her confusion morphing into suspicion. The Gargoyle's wings tensed, ready to spring into action if needed. "Momonga. Why do Albedo and Demiurge not remember me?" Her voice was cold, sharp as a blade. Eyes staring at Ainz as the undead panicked to come up with a reason. "It's because of a World Level Item, Lady Moonstone." Naira took over at Moonstone and looked down at the humanoid spider. "Lord Ainz will be sending scouts out to try to locate the World Iten and take it back so that some of Nazarick's members' memories may be returned." Ok-well. That kind of works. I just have to tell Lum in private the real reason.... Which is going to suck. Ainz thought as his emoshion supressing spell took effect as he looked at Albedo and Demiurge.
Ainz's expression remained carefully neutral, his emotion-suppressing spell taking effect as his gaze shifted between Moonstone, Albedo, and Demiurge. The undead's red eyes remained placid, almost doll-like, as he processed Naira's explanation.
"Indeed. It appears a World Level Item of some kind has interfered with the memories of those it came into contact with." His tone was measured, academic even, as he maintained eye contact with Moonstone. "Naira has correctly identified the problem."
Albedo's eyes narrowed further, her wings spreading wider in what was clearly a display of her authority. "A World Level Item… interfering with memories?" She turned to look at Naira, then back at Ainz. "And you knew about this, Master?"
Ainz's expression remained impassive, though there was a flicker of something—perhaps guilt—in those empty red eyes before the spell suppressed it. And while Moonstone was still far away, he said softly to Albedo and Demiurge.
Ainz's posture shifted slightly. He turned his attention to Albedo and Demiurge, his voice dropping to what he believed was a whisper, though the emotion-suppressing spell still kept his expression carefully neutral. "Yes, see. Moonstone and Demiurge were... Very Close." He paused, his red eyes flickering with something that might have been discomfort. "The fact that neither of you can't remember her… can only lead to something blocking your memories of her."
Albedo smoothed her white dress with trembling fingers, the first outward sign of her internal turmoil. "Lord Ainz." Her voice was carefully measured, though there was an underlying current of something—concern? Jealousy? It was difficult to discern. "You speak of Moonstone as if she were… someone of significance to you. Yet there is nothing in Nazarick that shows proof that she was there.."
The succubus took a step closer to Ainz, her black wings shifting slightly at her waist. The movement was subtle, but it spoke volumes about her internal state. Her expression remained composed, though the set of her jaw was perhaps a touch tighter than usual.
"Forgive me, my beloved Lord Ainz, for prying into matters that may not concern me," Albedo continued, her voice maintaining its refined quality even as it carried a note of barely suppressed anxiety. "But you yourself told me that Moonstone is a Supreme Being from YGGDRASIL. If she truly existed, then surely there would be some trace of her in the Great Tomb. Would there not?"
Demiurge's diamond-like eyes gleamed with interest, his tail swishing behind him in a manner that suggested his demonic curiosity was thoroughly engaged. He adjusted his glasses with one clawed finger, a gesture that betrayed his analytical mind working through the implications.
"Now that you mention it, I had wondered the same thing myself. Lord Ainz, you said that she was a member of the Suprem Beings, was she not?" The Arch-Demon's voice carried no judgment, only the clinical curiosity of someone who saw patterns in everything. "If she truly exists in the New World, her presence should have manifested in some way, where remnant of her own essence faild carried over during the transfer?" He stepped slightly to the side. Ainz had to think carefully about how he was going to approach this. There was...
Albedo's golden eyes widened almost imperceptibly, while Demiurge's head tilted with renewed interest. The succubus's composure wavered for just a moment, her jaw tightening almost imperceptibly. "Pandora's Actor… vouches for her presence?" Her voice remained measured, but there was a subtle tremor beneath it. "Forgive me, Lord Ainz, but Pandora's Actor is… shall we say, an exaggerator by nature. He tends to embellish matters to make them seem more dramatic." The Arch-Demon's tail swished excitedly behind him, his diamond eyes gleaming with scholarly curiosity. "How fascinating." He adjusted his glasses with enthusiasm. Albedo clasped her hands together, her fingers intertwining with careful deliberation. Her eyes flickered toward Naria and Cherry, watching them with careful attention. "Though I confess, I find it… unnerving to think of another Supreme Being that I have not met." Ainz nods his head. "And I find it deeply disturbing that neither of you remembers her..." Albedo's composure cracked completely, her golden eyes widening with genuine distress. Demiurge's smile faded, replaced by a look of profound unease. Her voice dropped to barely above a whisper, every syllable measured but strained. "Disturbing? Moon-sama, I..." She paused, her hands clenching into fists at her sides. "I have tried to recall every moment. But I... I have no memory of a being named Moonstone." The succubus took a step back, her wings folding tightly against her back. "Forgive me for my failure." The Arch-Demon's tail had gone still, his usual jovial demeanor replaced with something far more serious. He moved closer to Ainz, his diamond eyes searching Ainz's face with unusual intensity. Ainz held his hand up to Albedo. "This isn't your fault, Albedo; it's the effect due to a World Level Item. Someone does not want you to remember her, and for that. We must correct it immediately." Ainz turned his head to look at Moonstone, Moonstone looked back at him, worried. Man, this sucks. Why did they both have to erase any mention of her at all? It just makes this harder than it has to be. Not to mention Lum's is going to be upset when she hears that all the things she gave Demiurge in the game are gone.
Demiurge's tail began to sway slowly behind him, a sign of his agitation as he processed what Ainz had just revealed. The Arch-Demon's diamond eyes narrowed thoughtfully, his mind already racing through possibilities and implications. "A World-Level Item capable of altering memories..." His expression had shifted from jovial to deadly serious, his usual sadistic glee replaced by cold calculation. "This was done deliberately. Someone wanted to erase Moonstone from our recollections, likely to weaken our bond or our loyalty to you." Ainz looked back over at Demiurge. "Could be, we can clearly see how much her own people respect her and are loyal to her, it could also mean that the same person knows about us through her, and wanted to prevent more people from being loyal to her. eraing ones memory of her would sever all ties to her."
Demiurge's eyes widened slightly, a flicker of genuine surprise crossing his features. The thought hadn't occurred to him yet, but now that Ainz mentioned it, the possibility became increasingly fascinating from a strategic standpoint. His tail began to swish more agitatedly behind him. "Sever the root of loyalty itself by erasing the very foundation of admiration. Quite brilliant, really. Though I suppose if I were in their position, I'd prefer to simply eliminate threats rather than… politely ask them to forget."
The Arch-Demon adjusted his glasses, his mind already formulating possibilities. "But, if we cannot remember Lady Moonstone, does that mean she also cannot remember us? Or is this selective amnesia that only affects us?" A concerned frown creased his brow as he considered the implications for both the NPCs of Nazarick and their new ally. "Her reaction to you, Demiurge. Tells me that she does fully remember you all."
Demiurge's diamond eyes widened, a sharp intake of breath escaping him as he processed this crucial detail. The fact that Lady Moonstone had reacted to him specifically—remembering him—meant that at least some of the memories were intact. His tail began to coil and uncoil in thought.
"Fascinating…" He murmured, pacing slightly as his analytical mind worked through the implications. "So we have a World-Level Item that selectively erases some memories while leaving others intact. That requires either extraordinarily precise craftsmanship or someone with intimate knowledge of what exactly they wanted us to forget."
He turned his full attention back to Ainz, his expression a mixture of professional interest and concern. "Lord Ainz if I may suggest…" His tone became more formal, the advisor in him emerging. "We should approach this systematically. First, we need to determine who has access to World-Level Items capable of affecting memories in this manner. Second, we need to understand their motivation—is this an external threat trying to sabotage our alliance, or someone within Nazarick acting against our interests?"
His tail swayed thoughtfully. "And third, we should consider the possibility that Lady Moonstone herself may be able to help us recover the lost memories. After all, if she remembers us, perhaps she also remembers how she came to be here, who she was, and who might have wanted to erase our connection to her." Crap... This was ment to just be a quick fix to why they can't remember her. Now it's getting way out of hand. Ainz nods his head. "We can do that back at Nazarick, for now..." Ainz looked at Moonstone, who was still looking at him. "Moonstone, I request that you and your companions come with me to Nazarick. There are things I must discuss with you, now that you are here."
Moonstone slowly looked at both Naria and Cherry before nodding her head. "I agree."
Ainz nod again as the three walked closer to him, using the ring of Aiz Oold Gown. He telaported them all back to the tomb.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Arriving in the great hall, Ainz turned to face the group again. "Albedo, Demiurge. You two are to take Naira and Cherry, and reintroduce them to the other Floor Guardians and NPCs. Explain the situation to them about why some can not remember them." "Lord." "Lord." Both said at the same time as they bowed. Naira bowed as well, and Cherry was lost in space. Ainz looked back at Moonstone. "Moonstone and I are going to talk privately in my office."
Albedo and Demiurge exchanged a subtle glance before nodding in unison, their expressions betraying a mixture of curiosity and concern about this mysterious new development. They began leading Naria and Cherry away, the demon's voice carrying back to them.
"Come along, you two. I promise to explain everything to you in the bar later. Though I must say…" Demiurge tone turned slightly teasing as he looked at Cherry's blank expression. "Cherry, you might want to pay attention. This seems important." "Huh?! I am!!" "Not really," Naira added as they walked away.
As they disappeared down the corridor, Ainz turned his full attention to Moonstone, his posture shifting to something more open—though still maintaining the dignified bearing of an Overlord. Moon was staring at Ainz. Her posture froze before Ainz started to lead her into his office. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ As Demiurge, Albedo, Naira, and Cherry walk through the halls, Cherry looks around.
"So... Is no boobs still here too?" Cherry asked.
Demiurge paused mid-step, turning to look at Cherry with an amused smirk playing at his lips while Albedo's eye twitched in barely concealed irritation. He adjusted his glasses with one finger, his tone maintaining that gentlemanly demeanor despite the absurd question. "Cherry, that's… quite the observation. Though I'm not entirely sure what you're referring to with your 'no boobs' comment." His tail swished behind him, the metal plates clinking softly.
Demiurge's smirk widened into a full grin, while Albedo let out an exasperated sigh, her wings shifting in subtle annoyance. He chuckled, clasping his hands together. "Yes. She is still here." "Damg it." Cherry said as her tail flicked. Naira is getting ready to hit Cherry with her staff again. She looked down at Naria's raised staff and cowered slightly, her tail tucked between her legs. "N-Naria! Wait!"
Demiurge's expression shifted to one of mock concern as Naria raised her staff, the wooden weapon crackling with latent energy.
"Now, now, Naria. I understand this is… frustrating. Cherry is merely still adjusting to her surroundings and memories. Perhaps we should introduce her to Shalltear properly rather than dealing with this here?" He glanced at the succubus with a knowing look. "I would actully recament agsint that Lord Demiurge." Naira said. "Cherry and Shalltear .... Did not get along at all."
Demiurge tilted his head, his expression shifting to one of genuine curiosity as he considered this. Albedo's eyes narrowed slightly, her wings rustling behind her as she processed this information. Naira sighed. "Let's just say some... words were often said to one another as they fought-" "No boobs." Cherry mumbled as Naira, yet again, got ready to hit her with her staff. Which made Cherry move to be Demiurge laughed, covering his mouth with one hand as his tail swished excitedly behind him. "Ah, I see. This is going to be… entertaining." He glanced at Albedo, who had pinched the bridge of her nose in exasperation.
Albedo voice was crisp, professional despite her obvious frustration. "Naria, perhaps we should proceed to the bar where Shalltear is likely to be. I suspect this conversation will require witnesses." She gestured down the corridor with a slight flourish of her white dress.
Demiurge adjusted his glasses, his expression becoming more thoughtful as he looked at Cherry. "You know, Cherry, Shalltear has been quite… particular about her preferences. I'm not certain she'd appreciate being compared to you in that specific manner." His tone carried a hint of warning beneath his polite exterior. "What? You mean that the fact that she has no boob and keeps stuffing her bra to make it look like she has boob when all she really has are these tiny tiny-" WACK!! "OW!! Naira!!"
The wooden staff connected with Cherry's head with an audible crack that echoed through the hallway. Naria stood there with her arms crossed, her expression a mixture of exasperation and barely contained amusement. Demiurge's tail had gone completely still, his jaw slightly agape.
He blinked rapidly behind his glasses, clearly caught off-guard by the bluntness of Cherry's commentary. "Right. Well… that's certainly one way to put it." He cleared his throat, attempting to regain his composure while suppressing a grin. "Though perhaps we could have this discussion somewhere more… private? The hallway isn't exactly the best venue for such frank observations about our Floor Guardian's physical attributes."
Albedo had stopped walking entirely, her golden eyes now fixed on Cherry with an expression that could charitably be described as 'dangerous.' Her wings began to unfurl slightly, the black feathers catching the magical light of the tomb's illumination.
"Cherry." Her voice was dangerously calm, like the prelude to a storm. "I suggest you never, ever repeat what you just said in Shalltear's presence. I do believe she would take it… poorly. Very poorly." Naria lowered her staff, though she made no move to apologize, instead looking quite pleased with herself as she examined the wooden weapon for any damage. "No no- she would. And still will." Naira said as Cherry smirked. "I've yelled it from ontop of the tomb before!" She said proudly.
Demiurge's eye twitched as he processed this information, a full-blown grin spreading across his face despite his best efforts to maintain his composure. He pressed a hand to his forehead, clearly entertained. "Oh my. That sounds… eventful." His tail began swishing with barely contained amusement. "I take it Shalltear's response was… memorable? I have a feeling she didn't take it as 'compliments' though I suppose from a certain perspective…"
She closed her eyes, taking a deep breath through her nose before opening them again with renewed calm. "Shalltear chased Cherry around the 2nd floor for approximately three hours. I had to intervene before she impaled you on one of the spikes." Her wings gave another irritated flutter. "And Cherry was laughing the entire time. Which only made it worse."
She turned to Cherry with a stern look, though there was a hint of fondness in her golden eyes despite her words.
"You really do have a talent for causing trouble, don't you? Though I must say, your timing is impeccable in the most infuriating ways possible." She gestured down the corridor. Cherry gasped and pointed to Albedo. "AHA!! You remember that!!" "Come. Let's proceed before we attract any more attention. The last thing we need is Shalltear hearing this conversation secondhand and creating a scene."
Demiurge followed with a soft chuckle, his mind already racing with the possibilities of how this information might be useful in future… negotiations with certain vampiric individuals.
Albedo's composure cracked for just a moment, her confident expression faltering as recognition flickered across her features. She looked at Demiurge, then back at Cherry, her wings twitching with sudden agitation.
"I… that was…" She paused, her usual poise wavering as she clearly struggled to reconcile this new memory with her previous understanding of events. "That wasn't how I remember it. I remember breaking up a fight between you two, but the details are… different."
Demiurge's tail had gone rigid, his grin fading as he too seemed to be experiencing some kind of cognitive dissonance. He reached up to adjust his glasses, a nervous habit, as he processed this information.
"Fascinating. It seems our memories are indeed… fragmented. Or perhaps altered." He turned to Naria with a raised eyebrow. "Care to elaborate on this 'three hour chase'? I'm curious what exactly prompted such an extended pursuit."
Naria shrugged casually, as if recounting a mundane grocery trip rather than a violent confrontation.
Cherry cut Demiurge off. "You know what that means!!" Naira looked over at Cherry with her head tilted. "It means I get to prank Shalltear more, and they will get their memories back!!!"
WACK!!!
Naira's staff connected with Cherry's head once more, this time with significantly more force. The sound echoed sharply through the hallway as Naria stumbled back a step, her eyes watering. That didn't stop her as Cherry smirked at the group before running off deeper into the halls, " Come here no boob bitch!!!"
Naira's eyes widen as she, Demiurge, and Albedo quickly rush after Cherry to stop her.
The group broke into a run, their footsteps echoing frantically through Nazarick's corridors. They rounded a corner just in time to see Cherry disappearing around another bend, her voice still calling out that particular insult.
Naira sprinted after the bomb-carrying demon, her staff bouncing against her shoulder as she ran. "CHERRY! Stop! You're going to—" She paused, then added quickly, "—get yourself killed!" There was a slight pause where 'somehow' might have been an option, but Naria wisely didn't elaborate.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Moonstone and Ainz were alone in his office. And she was glaring at him. "Explain. now." Ainz sighed. Not being able to bring himself to look at her. "Lum- I-..... We all thought you had... Died." Moonstone was still glaring at Ainz, but it was less harsh now. "Well, I'm here, so I didn't die. I remember something happening at the hospital. But then I woke up here with Naira and Cherry." Ainz couldn't look at her still... his hands closed into fists at his side. "When.... When we had the fake class field trip. We were all talking, and you were aleep but.. Something started happening to your avatar. We heard alarms through your mic and... We heard you fell off the bed. Ulbert tried to wake you up, but then you disconnected. We.... No one ever heard from you again. Or saw you again."
Ainz's shoulders were tense, his hands still clenched into fists at his sides as he spoke, still unable to meet Moonstone's gaze. The confession seemed to cost him something—each word a small weight he was forced to carry.
"And then… nothing. We waited. Message after message. Nothing. We thought…" His voice dropped lower. "We thought you were gone. Really gone."
The weight of months of unanswered questions hung between them. The uncertainty. The grief had settled into the space where regular contact with his advisor should have been. "We all knew that it was going to happen, but no... no one wanted to except it... Ulbert couldn't handle it. He took off the ring that you gave Demiurge, deleted all infomation of you from him... Many others did the same. No, everyone but...... It was so painful for everyone." "...." Moonstone's eyes widened as she looked at him. "So..... That's it? I really did die?" She mumbled, looking down at the ground with tears forming in her eyes. "I can't go back even if I wanted to?" Ainz said nothing as he slowly nodded his head. "I didn't change anything. TouchMe, Luci★Fer, and a few others keep your memories. But...."
"Everyone else didn't..?" Ainz slowly nods his head. "So... that whole 'World Level Item'..." "I don't know how to explain to them that their creators took away their memories of you." Moonstone crossed her arms over her chest. turning her head to face away from Ainz. "... I'm sorry Lum." He mumbled as he attempted to reach out to her, but stopped himself. "Is my room still here even?" Ainz slowly nods. Not that it did any good when she wasn't looking at him. "It is..."
Moonstone's shoulders tensed at his words, and she felt something twist painfully in her chest. The thought of her room still existing at the hospital—empty, silent—was somehow worse than if it had been erased entirely. Like a ghost of a presence lingering in a space that no longer held any meaning.
She turned back around to face him, her eyes still glistening with unshed tears. But there was something else there now—something harder. ".... W-well... Let me talk to Ulbrt. I can tell him I'm here—" Ainz sighed, shaking his head slowly. "He's not here.... None of them are. It's just us two." She looked down again, blinking rapidly. "They can't remember me. But I… I was real once. To them. To some of them. Doesn't that… doesn't that matter anymore? Now that they can't remember me... What.. what about me and Demiurge I... "
Ainz could see the conflict playing across her features—the grief, yes, but also something else. Anger. Confusion. The same things he'd been carrying around for months.
Moonstone took a shaky breath. "I'm sorry Lum," she said quietly, looking back up at him with red-rimmed eyes. "That's not what I meant to say. I just…" She gestured helplessly. "It's just hard to hear that everyone forgot. That I became… nothing. To everyone except a few…" "You were never nothing; the guild never stopped talking about you." ".... But they did. In a way." The room grew quiet. Neither of them says anything for a moment. Ainz was attempting to speak, but his words died in his throat. "... I'm going to go to my room then." Moonstone said as she finally looked over at Ainz. Ainz slowly nods his head. "... It's still on the 6th floor," Ainz said as Moon hummed. Turning to leave the room completely before closing the door behind her. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ The sound of footsteps echoed down the corridor of Nazarick's 10th Floor. Moonstone had been wandering aimlessly through the halls, still processing everything Ainz had told her. The fact that her room still existed felt like a cruel joke—a space that held memories of conversations that had been erased from everyone's minds.
The sound of hurried footsteps grew louder, and Moonstone turned to see three figures approaching rapidly down the corridor. Cherry's distinctive white hair bounced with each step as she ran, her expression worried. Behind her, Naira moved with practiced efficiency, her face set in determination. And bringing up the rear, Demiurge strode with measured urgency, his tail swishing behind him.
Cherry reached Moonstone first and quickly hid behind her. "You can't blame me for what happened! I did nothing wrong!!"
Naira, who was clearly about to hit Cherry if she hadn't hidden behind Moonstone as Demiurge calmly walked up to them. "If you hadn't said those things to Shalltear. We wouldn't be in this predicament." Moonstone blinked as she looked at Cherry, then at Naira, then at Demiurge. "What... Happen Demiruge?" She asked confused.
Demiurge looked at Moonstone with an expression that was difficult to read—something between sympathy and calculation. He tilted his head slightly, adjusting his glasses.
"Ah, Lady Moonstone." His tone was conversational, almost casual, despite the weight of what he was about to say. "There's been a development. A rather unfortunate one, I'm afraid."
He gestured to Cherry, who peeked out from behind Moonstone with a sheepish expression.
"Our dear Cherry here… had a little chat with Shalltear. She may have—" He paused, choosing his words carefully. "—used some rather strong language. Impulsive. Unwise. The kind of thing one might say in the heat of the moment." Moonstone blinked as a look of frustration slowly appeared on her face, looking down at the pink tefling. "We haven't even been back here for a full day. Are you really starting this up again?" Demiurge raised a brow. "So this was a common occurrence?" Moonstone nods her head with a huff. "Yes. Sadly. The fights between them were extremely common."
Demiurge's expression shifted to one of deep consideration, his tail swishing thoughtfully behind him. He turned his gaze to Moonstone, his jeweled eyes studying her with an intensity that seemed almost probing.
"Fascinating. And you've been caught in the middle of this dynamic?" He tapped a finger against his chin. "I must say, Lady Moonstone, your patience is truly admirable. Most would have crumbled under such constant stress."
He stepped closer, his tone becoming more serious—no longer the casual observer, but something more akin to a strategist analyzing a problem. Moonstone face darkened with a blush as he grew closer. His eyes flickered between Moonstone and Cherry, clearly trying to piece together the full picture of events.
Naira remained silent, watching the exchange with a mixture of relief and concern. She had seen the tension between Shalltear and Cherry before, but never quite like this. The vampire had been furious—demanding that Cherry be punished for her transgressions. "Cherry has always been like this." The Supreme Being said as she bowed to Demiurge. "I apologize."
Demiurge stopped in his tracks, his crimson eyes widening behind his glasses as he took in the sight of the Supreme Being bowing before him. For a moment, his usual composure cracked, revealing a genuine expression of shock and surprise. This was… unprecedented. The Supreme Beings were beings of near-divine status in Nazarick, entities that even he, as a Floor Guardian and senior member of Ainz Ooal Gown, had always treated with the utmost respect and formality. He quickly composed himself, adjusting his glasses with a trembling hand as he bowed deeply in return, his demonic tail sweeping behind him. "N-No, I am the one who should apologize, Lady Moonstone. I simply got caught up in the moment with Cherry's enthusiasm." His voice wavered slightly, betraying his inner turmoil at this unexpected turn of events.
Moonstone's face remained flushed a deep, almost purple shade of blue as she straightened up from her bow, her yellow eyes still downcast. The blush seemed to intensify rather than fade, spreading even to the tips of her ears. Her hands fidgeted nervously at her sides, fingers intertwining and untwisting in an anxious motion.
She glanced up at Demiurge through her lashes, her expression a mixture of embarrassment and something else. "I… it is not necessary to apologize, Demiurge-san. You were merely caught in Cherry's enthusiasm. She can be quite… overwhelming when she is excited." Her voice was soft, still flustered. Her ears folded back slightly, a telltale sign of her discomfort and embarrassment.
Cherry spun around to face her creator, her pink curls bouncing with the movement. Her expression was one of mischievous delight as she pointed at Moonstone's flushed face.
"Moon! Your blushing is really BAD!" She giggled, clapping her hands together. "Look at that shade of blue! You're practically glowing like a gemstone!"
Moonstone's blush deepened even further at the teasing, her face now an almost glowing dark blue. She instinctively tried to cover her face with one hand, peeking through her fingers at Cherry with an exasperated expression.
"Cherry, not helping…" she muttered, her voice muffled.
Demiurge stood frozen between them, his own face now sporting a faint crimson flush that crept up from his neck. His tail twitched nervously behind him as he realized the sudden shift in attention.
Before Cherry could say anything else, Naira's hand came down with a resounding 'wack!' directly on top of the pink tefling's head. The sound echoed in the chamber.
"Fufu~" Naira chuckled darkly, her usual stoic expression cracking into a smirk. "That's enough teasing for one day, Cherry. Save it for the villagers, not your creator."
Cherry yelped and rubbed her head dramatically, though there was more mock indignation than actual pain in her expression.
"Ow! Ow ow ow! Mean Naira-chan!" She pouted, but couldn't hide the grin tugging at her lips.
Demiurge let out a soft, surprised laugh, his own embarrassment finally starting to fade into amusement. He cleared his throat, trying to restore some semblance of normalcy to the situation.
"Well, I suppose I should return to my chambers. The scroll-making process cannot be left unattended for long, after all." He bowed slightly to Moonstone, his tail swishing behind him in a more relaxed fashion now. "Thank you for the… interesting conversation, Moonstone-sama. And Cherry, perhaps we could discuss your enthusiasm at a later time?" Moonstone blinked as she quickly looked back up at Demiurge. "You're leaving already?" She said a bit too quickly. There was a flicker of something—disappointment? Relief?—in her expression before she quickly composed herself.
Her fingers continued to fidget at her sides, betraying her inner anxiety despite her attempt to maintain her regal bearing.
Demiurge paused, his glasses glinting in the light as he studied her face. Something about the mix of emotions he glimpsed there made his own crimson flush deepen slightly.
"Yes, I should return to my work. The scroll-making process requires constant monitoring, and I have several batches that need tending to." He adjusted his suit jacket, buying himself a moment to process the strange interaction. "But Lady Moonstone, if you ever wish to inspect my experiments or discuss the scroll-making process… You would be most welcome to visit the 7th Floor. I am always honored by your presence."
His tail swished behind him in a slow, measured rhythm as he spoke, his formal demeanor returning.
"I…. Yes. Of course."
Cherry's smirk widened into a full grin as she watched the exchange between her creator and the demon. She tilted her head, pink curls bouncing, clearly enjoying the situation far too much.
"Ohoho~ Look at you two, acting all formal and stuff!" She stepped between them, hands on her hips. "You know, if you're going to have these kinds of… conversations, you should really pick a better time than right after I got smacked!"
Despite her teasing, there was a playful glint in her eyes. She glanced between Moonstone's still-blushing face and Demiurge's slightly discomfited expression.
"Actually, this is pretty entertaining though. When's the last time I saw my creator all flustered like that? Maybe never!" She giggled, covering her mouth with her hand.
Naira cleared her throat from her position, her stoic mask firmly back in place, though there was a hint of amusement in her dark eyes. "Perhaps we should return to the 6th Floor. The evening is getting late."
Moonstone's blush had begun to fade, though traces of it still colored her blue cheeks. She cleared her throat delicately, trying to regain her composure in front of her subordinates.
"You're right, Naira. We should return." She turned to face Demiurge once more, her voice returning to its usual melodious tone. "It was… enlightening, Demiurge I will keep your offer in mind."
Her tail swished once behind her, betraying the lingering effect of the unusual encounter.
Moonstone offered Demiurge a soft, elegant smile—though it was notably less flush-toned than moments before. The blush had begun to fade from her cheeks, though traces of pink still lingered.
"Have a good evening... Demiurge." she said, her voice returning to its usual melodious and controlled tone.
Moonstone walked away with measured, graceful steps, her tail swishing gently behind her. Despite her attempts to compose herself, the blush still colored her blue cheeks—a persistent reminder of the unusual interaction that had just transpired.
Naira followed closely behind, her stoic expression firmly in place, though her eyes held a hint of curiosity about what she'd just witnessed. Cherry skipped along beside them, still grinning mischievously.
"I wonder what that was all about~" the white-haired demon mused aloud, glancing back at the doorway where Demiurge had stood. "Moony looked like she got a little flustered there!"
They continued down the corridor toward the 6th Floor, leaving Demiurge alone in the hall. The demon adjusted his glasses, his crimson flush finally beginning to recede. He touched his forehead, processing the… unexpected turn of events.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Art of Moonstone, Naria, and Cherry!
All I can say is. In the next chapter of A Caged Bluebird. This is Cherry to Shalltear in the next whole chapter. All. Chapter. XD
https://youtu.be/i9AT3jjAP0Y?si=NUHMB5fVap-pHzKk
A Caged Bluebird [ A Demiurge x oc Story ]
(Sooo… I have never posted a canon x oc story before… But after reading all of @the-blind-geisha Demiurge's work and @baphymittens demiurge/mc quotes… I decided to give it a try? My writing is not good so this is written poorly. I even got all the books to help with plot stuff. )
( I do hope some of you enjoy this! I will work on the next part soon! - Yellow 💛🌻)
(Final count- 13,378 words.) [ Chapter one. ] [ Chapter two. ]
𝐀 𝐂𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐝 𝐁𝐥𝐮𝐞𝐛𝐢𝐫𝐝: 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐧𝐞 - 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭 𝐓𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐈 𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐋𝐨𝐨𝐤𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐧 𝐚 𝐌𝐢𝐫𝐫𝐨𝐫 𝐢𝐧 𝐚 𝐃𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐦.
I don't know how long it's been, and yet, I still don't know how I arrived in this world and this body. The last thing I remember was being with my guild; the doctors were kind enough to let me have my laptop with me, and I was on my deathbed. Just waiting for death to take me. The doctor said they did all they could to help me, but I was going to die anyway. I remember being with my guild; we were in the middle of a raid. It was some High-level Monster that they needed my character for. I had the rare race of a Gargoyle, which was a limited time off for a race. Stone by day, warriors at night, unless you had a certain skill to undo the curse. I was in the middle of helping them fight when I felt extremely tired.
My eyes were slowly starting to close. I thought it was just tired do lack of sleep with the number of visits from the doctors and checkups. I felt my eyes start to close, and once they did. The next thing I knew, my whole body was submerged in water. Then I woke up here after dragging myself out of the water, of course, I found myself and my avatar. My avatar was a bit different from the normal Gargoyle. I had a long, thick tail and wings, which most Gargoyles had, but mine were strong due to being used constantly. Of course, I panicked, not knowing where I was or how I got there, but I wasn't alone. My two NPCs are there as well, while I don't know what happened to my body in my world or what happened to the rest of my guild. All I knew now was that I was my character, and the woman I was had died in a hospital. In my mind, I was my character, and that's the life I needed to focus on then and there. Not my past, to be honest, I prefer it that way. In my world, I was a dying human with trauma. The same goes with my character in a way I guess. I trauma dumped on her a bit too much, but it was a way to help let it out.
That was over 200 years ago, and there's still no sign of my guild here. The first thing we caught on right away was that non-humans were treated disgustingly, horribly. And seeing how I was a Gargoyle, my first NPC is a Tiefling, and my second NPC is a humanoid spider, we were not treated so kindly. So the three of us headed north, where we were told that there was a town that accepted humans and non-humans together. I never got to introduce my NPCs to the rest of the guild. I made them in a separate area away from Nazarick. I had a small shack in a forest where I like to do my work. After the raid, I was going to show them and show everyone their past, their bios, and their abilities.
But now in a way, there are Guardians that never were. I still do plan on fighting Nazarick someday. I refuse to believe I'm the only one for my guild in this world sure, there are other MCs in this world, but the ones we ran into our cruel and evil. I've got to run to a good one, and they're rare it's best to blend in to pretend that you don't know anything about it.
"Lady Moonstone, Lady Cassie O'Finn is here to speak with you."
A quiet voice came from the right side of the room, or two large stories or I looked up from my desk at Naira Shimmermoon. My humanoid spider NPC. She had four bright blue eyes and her skin was a fuzzy light green, she had three arms on each side of her, and she carried around a walking stick with a bit of a cobwebs on the top of it. She wore a poncho that was a light tan color and then light brown pants with a hole for her tail to stick up. She was a shy spider; she hardly liked talking. She knew how much she made people fear her, and she always felt bad about it. But she was the sweetest person in all of the North. Most people feared her at first, but once they got to know her, she was the sweetest thing on the planet. She was very kind to all the people here and did everything she could to help others. Her webs could be used for healing; she was often seen helping people with injuries, wrapping them with her silk-like threads around the injury so it would heal better. Some of the men became protective of her. Whenever she works through town (Even though she can defend herself and as a high-level class NPC.) they would always form a protective circle around her and make sure nothing bad happens. Those men view her as a little sibling and would do anything in their power to protect her. She was often times in my room as unlike her fellow NPC- did not like leaving my side too much or leaving any room at all. Again, it comes with her fear of people fearing her for her appearance.
"Thank you, Naira, I'm afraid the time has passed by so quickly for me. Somehow…… Doing all this paperwork. Please, let her in, please."
She nods before giving me a bow, moving to open the door slightly as a woman steps in and she closes our softly behind. Giving a bow to the woman who just entered before walking over to the side of my desk. Her arms are crossed in front of her as she looks nervous. My tail moves without thinking and gives her leg a gentle pop, reassuring her that she will be fine. I see that she smiles slightly. It helped a bit but she was still nervous with any human.
"My apologies for coming so late, your majesty."
"It's no trouble at all, I know that you are quite busy with your farm. Thank you for coming on such short notice."
"It's no trouble at all my grace, thank you for indulging me in this foolish idea of mine."
"No ideas are foolish, they're all special and unique. Please, share with me what you had to think about."
Cassie bowed before standing back up straight. In the background, I can hear the crackling sound of my candles on my desk, the sound of soldiers and armor marching past the door, and the sound of people discussions happening outside of my room. My hearing was sharp, I was able to hear most things that happened outside of my room whether I liked it or not. So I had to focus on what she had to say a bit harder than normal. there was a lot going on apparently outside. Another thing to do wants this conversation is done.
"Your majesty, forgive my boldness. I know that you have a disdain for attending those… Gatherings with the other kingdoms."
I frowned, I had a feeling this was where she was going with this, every other kingdom was ruled by humans. And their disdain for non-humans was well known. They still did not accept me as the true leader of the North with myself being non-human. So I didn't bother intending many of those gatherings. I focus all of my attention on my people and improving my own kingdom.
"I know you did not wish to attend them, but the next one is coming up and a few months. I know it is a lot to ask but if you would just attend this one-"
"And why would I do that?"
My voice came out a bit harsher than I realized. But honestly, all those Royals angered me. Cassie looked up at me with a frown on her face. "It's not like our kingdom is doing poorly. Our kingdom is thriving very well, even if we're in the north. And the weather here is terrible." Both she and I smiled at this. I chuckled as she looked at her. "You're still not used to it yet?" "I don't think anyone can ever be used to this much snow!" The three of us laughed before getting back on the topic at hand. "But it would be best to make some more allies. Having dragons is nice. Having no fear of anyone attacking us for quite some time is a bit concerning. It would be better for us to have more than just one Ally if something were to come up."
"Can you tell me who the kings are that would align with us?" She shrugged, honestly not having an answer to my question. "I don't know your grace, but it wouldn't hurt to look. And if it doesn't work, at least we tried. At least people know we exist. We can plan to seed and watch it grow, watch people think about a kingdom more, and think about the outcome of aligning." I leaned over my desk, my chin resting on my hands and my elbows on my desk. My tail was gently moving from left to right. "It's an interesting proposal. Not one that I plan to dismiss so soon, but I will have to think about that. I think everyone knows how much I despise this meeting and the Nobles." She smiled a nodded. "I'm well aware. Thank you for taking the time out of your busy day to talk to me about it."
"It's no trouble at all. I thank you for coming to speak to me about this. if my people have ideas to improve our kingdom, I want to hear them. And that's exactly what you're doing." She smiles. "Well, I will get back to you once I think about this more. You should go home now for now. It's about to get dark soon, and you've had a long day." "Thank you, your grace." She bowed before when she was shown the way out. Closing the door behind her, she was gone at a distance so she wouldn't hear a conversation. She turned to look at Naira. "Do you think it's a wise idea, my lady? Even if you attend with a baby dragon. Do you think it would work?" I push my chair back as I stand up, my wings wrapping back around me as I walk over to her.
"It's certainly an idea that I can't deny right away, but she is right, we do need more than one All,y and trades from different areas would be nice, but."
She looked up at me worried. "You're worried about the non-humans here." I nod. "And the humans as well, everyone who lives here has different thoughts and opinions from everyone else in the world. I'm worried that if we do trade in business with others. They'll treat our people poorly. We can send goods. But there's no telling what they would do once they enter a different Kingdom."
I let out a sigh, closing my eyes briefly. "People not knowing where we are is an advantage to us… I would rather keep it that way."
She sighed as she pinched the bridge of her nose. 'The humans here were a lot like the ones back in YGGDRASIL. People hate others who have picked different races. Sometimes it would lead to full-on attacks and raids. While most were able to defend themselves. They would often go for the weaker NPS, or place down traps. Nazarick was always well prepared for these attacks, even with numbers fading. We were still able to defend ourselves from outside attacks. Now with this kingdom. I'm not sure if we're able to promise the people transporting good safety. Maybe if I sent Cherry with them when they transport them? That could work with her teleport ability. If things do start to go bad, she could get the people to safety.'
I looked over at Naira with a gentle smile.
"Now, where is Cherry?"
"She's at the tavern, my lady."
I closed my eyes, shaking my head.
"I shouldn't have expected anything else. Celebrating with the dwarves again?"
"I believe so my lady? I don't go into that part of the town so much…"
"I know, and that is quite all right. you do whatever you feel comfortable doing."
I told her as I reached over to take my coat off of my chair.
"I will be back in a bit Naira, I'm going to discuss something with Cherry."
Naira nods her head, giving me a slight bow. "As you wish, Lady Moonstone." I walk up to her and gently pat her head. "I will send the sibling in here to keep you company till I return, how's that?"
"That would be… Very nice, thank you Lady Moonstone."
I nod my head. Getting my wings through the two holes in the back of my coat before I started to make my way out of the room, I asked two of the guards standing nearby to have the siblings give Naira company while I was away. They agreed, and one of them went right away to fetch the boys. Once that was done, I started to make my way down the hallway to exit the castle. It was getting late, so it wouldn't make sense if there weren't that many people in the castle still. Most of them are heading home before the storm hits. One of the older men stopped me as I was about to exit the building.
"You're not going out with that winter storm about to hit, are you my lady?"
I smiled. Reinfred was one of the older humans still working here. He was a good man who helped take care of the others here in the North. I nod. "I'm on my way to fetch Cherry."
"I see, she's probably at the tavern again."
We both let out a chuckle. "Somehow, that doesn't surprise me at all." He shook his head. "Not at all. She's probably started another drinking contest too."
I sighed. "Ugh, that girl."
"You can't blame her! I have yet to see anyone out drink her yet!"
"She's still young, it could happen."
He waved me off. A gentle smile on his face. "Well, I shouldn't keep you then. You both don't want to get caught in that storm." He bowed. I bowed back. "I hope you have save travels, Mister Reinfred."
"And I to you, my lady."
I walked down the stone road in my snowy kingdom under the cloak of night, a lantern held aloft in my hand. Though my eyes could pierce the darkness with ease, I knew not all my subjects possessed this gift. The flickering glow of the lantern illuminated the way for the common folk, casting long shadows that danced upon the snow-covered cobblestones.
The biting cold nipped at my cheeks and nose as I strolled through the quiet streets, my breath misting in the frigid night air. I hate it.
The cold. I've always hated the cold, even when I was human. I hated the cold. Not like I could have left the hospital at all to fully experience it. The UK was not as old as some places, but it was enough for me to hate it.
The silence was deafening, broken only by the occasional hoot of an owl or the gentle crunch of snow beneath my feet. I could feel the weight of my responsibilities heavy upon my shoulders, the burden of ruling this vast, frozen realm. One hundred years. That's how long I have been in this new world. With none of my guildmates here with me. It was up to me to build a land that they could safely live in, one where they would not be outcasts for their race. This kingdom is open to all.
I looked up at the moonlit sky. staring at the moon hidden behind the clouds. Yet, there was a certain peace to be found in the stillness of the night, a tranquility that eluded the bustling, noisy days. I savored the solitude, my mind drifting to the memories of the past and the dreams of the future. I never attended the meetings that the other Kingdoms have. It always ends up with them arguing and fighting with each other. Still, even if I sent a human in my place to know what happens. That still puts one of my people at risk.
The lantern bobbed gently with each step, casting a warm, inviting glow upon the path before me, guiding me ever deeper into the heart of my winter kingdom. In that moment, I was not just a ruler to these people, but a guardian, watching over as they slept, ensuring their safety and well-being in the dark of night. The lantern, a beacon of hope and protection, lit the way for all who wandered the cold, stone roads of my frozen domain.
As I approached the pub, the boisterous laughter and cheerful shouting of its patrons grew louder, spilling out into the frigid night air. Two burly dwarves stood outside the heavy wooden door, their bearded faces flushed from the warmth and the drink. They clutched tankards of some hearty ale, the froth sloshing over the rims with each enthusiastic guzzle.
The dwarves, noticing my approach, quickly set down their mugs and stood to attention. Their eyes widened in recognition as they took in my regal bearing and the lantern I carried. As I drew closer, they bowed their heads respectfully, their voices booming out in unison.
"Your Majesty!" they greeted, their deep, resonant tones echoing off the stone walls of the pub. "Welcome to The Hanged Man. We are honored by your presence, my liege."
I offered them a warm smile, feeling a sense of camaraderie and kinship with these stalwart warriors. "You may rise," I said, my voice softer than their own but still commanding. "I am pleased to see you both in good spirits and high morale. The gathering within seems lively indeed."
One of the dwarves, his beard a fiery red and his eyes a piercing blue, dared to speak up. "Aye, Your Majesty, the lads are in high fettle tonight. The latest shipment of dwarven ale arrived just today, and we've been...celebrating its arrival."
I chuckled, shaking my head in amusement. "I can hear that, my friend. I trust you are being...responsible in your revelries?"
The other dwarf, his hair and beard a deep, dark brown, his eyes crinkling with mirth, spoke up. "Oh, aye, Your Majesty. No worry, we'll be in top form for the morrow's duties. But tonight..." He paused, then grinned widely. "Tonight, we celebrate the bounty of our ruler's wisdom and the prosperity of our kingdom."
I felt a surge of pride and affection at their words. "Then I shall not interfere with your festivities," I said, my tone light. "Enjoy your evening, my friends."
I pushed open the heavy oak door, the warmth and noise of the tavern spilling out to envelop me. The hinges creaked softly, announcing my presence to the room full of dwarves. As I stepped inside, a hush fell over the assembled crowd, hundreds of eyes turning to stare at the towering figure of their ruler.
The tavern was a sea of rugged, bearded faces, the air thick with the mingled scents of roasting meats, hearty spirits, and the faint, underlying musk of sweat and toil that clung to the dwarves. Flames danced in the hearth, casting flickering shadows across the rough-hewn timbers of the walls and the sturdy, scarred tables that filled the room.
I walked forward, my head held high, my cloak billowing behind me. My eyes scanned the room, meeting the gazes of my subjects with a regal nod.
A path opened before me, a corridor of awestruck silence and respect. The dwarves I passed bowed their heads, their hands over their hearts, their voices rising in a chorus of acclaim.
I made my way to the center of the tavern, I climbed the short staircase to the raised platform where the barkeep, a jovial man with a thick black beard and a twinkle in his eye, stood ready to greet me. His hands clasped before him. Up close, I could see the fine craftsmanship of his tunic, the intricate stitching, and the gleaming buttons that bore the insignia of my kingdom. His beard, while thick and dark, was well-maintained, a sign of the pride he took in his appearance and his station.
"Your Majesty," he said softly, his voice a deep, respectful murmur. "It is a great honor to have you grace our humble establishment. How may I serve you this evening?"
I offered him a warm smile, my eyes crinkling at the corners. "You may serve me well by continuing to tend to others with the same care and hospitality that you have shown me," I replied. Smiling at the man. "How is your evening, Bobby. I take it the celebration is going well."
The barkeep, whose name I knew to be Bobby, grinned broadly as I used his name. "Indeed, Your Majesty, the evening has been most splendid," he said, his deep voice pitching up with enthusiasm. "Our hearty folk have gathered to celebrate the bounty of the season and the wisdom of your rule."
He leaned in a bit closer, his eyes sparkling with a hint of mischief. "I dare say, the Ale has been flowing freely, and the laughter and camaraderie are as warm as the fire behind me. Cook has outdone himself with the feast, and the bards have arrived to regale the crowd with tales of your deeds and the glory of our kingdom."
I nodded approvingly, feeling a swell of pride at the festive atmosphere and the clear contentment of my subjects. "It warms my heart to see it, Bobby. The joy and unity of my people are the greatest treasures of my reign."
Shifting slightly in my seat, I then asked a question that had been on my mind since I entered the lively tavern. "You mentioned the good cheer and the celebration, but I don't see young Cherry mingling amongst the crowd as I would expect. I know she has a particular fondness for these gatherings. Do you happen to know where she may have got to this evening?"
Bobby's gaze turned back to the room. "I haven't seen her. I would have expected her to be in the center of things. But I have not seen her once. Cherry is usually the life of the party, her laughter ringing out louder than any other. But I must confess, I haven't laid eyes on the lass since the celebrations began."
I rose from my chair, the fabric of my gown whispering softly as I stood. I placed a gentle hand on Bobby's shoulder, giving it a light squeeze. "You've been most helpful, my friend. I'll go look for her myself and ensure she's... accounted for."
With a nod and a warm smile, I stepped away from the raised platform, descending the short staircase. The chatter and laughter of the dwarves rose up around me as I moved through the crowd, their faces alight with mirth and cheer. I wove between the tables, my eyes scanning the room, seeking any sign of my absent subject.
As I approached the staircase leading up to the next floor. I climbed the creaking wooden stairs, my gown trailing behind me as I ascended to the second floor. The hallway was quieter up here, the laughter and revelry of the tavern below muted to a distant hum. I walked slowly, my eyes sweeping over the closed doors lining the corridor, seeking any sign of my elusive subject.
Near the end of the hallway, I spotted a familiar figure standing by a small, arched window. The pink skin of her pointed ears and the delicate curve of her horns were unmistakable in the moonlight that spilled through the glass. I approached her silently, not wanting to startle the tiefling.
As I drew near, I could see that Cherry was leaning against the window frame, her arms crossed over her chest. She seemed deep in thought, her gaze fixed on the snow-covered landscape beyond the glass. The moonlit scene was a canvas of whites and grays, the barren trees standing like skeletal sentinels against the star-studded sky.
I cleared my throat softly, and Cherry startled, whirling around to face me. Her eyes widened in surprise, and a soft gasp escaped her lips.
"Moon!"
She cried out, a smile quickly taking over her face, the deep look in her face disappearing.
I walked the remaining distance to the window, the floorboards creaking softly beneath my feet. As I drew near, Cherry straightened up, her hands falling to her sides. I could see the faint blush coloring her cheeks, a rosy hue that stood out starkly against the soft pink of her skin.
"Why the long face, Cherry?" I asked, my voice gentle but curious. "Why aren't you down there, celebrating with the others? I thought you loved these gatherings."
I tilted my head slightly, studying her expression in the moonlight. Cherry's gaze flicked away briefly before meeting mine again, a hint of nervousness in her eyes.
"I do!! It's just.... Well." She glanced back at the window. "I have a strange feeling."
Cherry bit her lower lip, a furrow forming between her brows as she met my questioning gaze. She took a deep breath before responding, as if steeling herself for my reaction.
"Yeah a feeling. A strange sensation in the pit of my stomach, like… like something's not quite right. I couldn't focus on the revelry, not with this weight on my mind."
Her eyes searched mine, a glimmer of fear and uncertainty in their depths. "I couldn't put my finger on it at first, but then I saw… or sensed, something in the distance, out there in the forest."
Cherry turned back to the window, pointing a slender finger at a distant point in the shadowy woods. "I swear I saw a flicker of light, a glow that shouldn't be there. And it was followed by… I don't know how to describe it, but I felt a cold chill run down my spine. A darkness, lurking among the trees."
She turned her gaze back to me, her expression etched with worry. "I tried to dismiss it, to tell myself it was just my imagination playing tricks, but the feeling persists. And I couldn't bring myself to join the festivities, not with this unease gnawing at me."
Cherry shook her head, her horns glinting in the moonlight. "I know it sounds dumb, but I couldn't shake the feeling that there's trouble brewing out there in the darkness. I just wish I knew for certain what it is! It's like that feeling we had when we first came to this world!" She said as her tail swished behind her.
I raised an eyebrow. If what she says is true, it could be others finally arriving. But... It's a coin toss if that is a good thing or not. "Do you believe that others from YGGDRASIL are finally arriving in this new world?" I ask. Cherry glanced back out the window again.
"I'm not sure Moony. I just know something is out there!"
"I believe you, Cherry." I said, my feet moving closer to her as I myself looked out the window. If it really was other from YGGDRASIL, we would have to be careful about who it was. It could be a human player or.... One that hunted down people with inhuman avatars. My fight tightly clenched, I had to keep everyone under my care safe. Who knows what was brought into this world besides us.... It was that unknown variable that brought me much discomfort. The wind gently moved the lost pices of hair that have falen out of my braids. Cherry;s green eyes were watcting out of the window as well, her tail flicked every now and then. Keeping an eye out for what I could not see.
"Go. Join the celebration, Cherry." I smiled at him, trying ot hide my worry from her. "I will watch over the entry point into the city. I'll even have Canablie help me serve the sky.
"You're gonna wake him up? Isn't he gonna be grumpy?" Cherry asked as she hopped down from where she was sitting. Her feet hit the ground as I turned to face her. "He's a big dragon. He'll be fine."
Her gaze lingered on me for just a moment, glancing past me at the window, then back at me. "You'll call us if you need us. Right?" Her gaze was heavy with a look of worry. I held my breath for just a moment. Adjusting the cuffs of my dres shirt as we could hear the party below us continue. "I promise. I will call for you both if something happens." I said, a smile softly appearing on my face as Cherry thought about what I said. There was a loud laughter below us as Cherry smiled. Moving in to give me a tight hug. "Ok... I trust you."
I smiled as my wings wrapped around myself, moving to wrap around both of us. "Thank you, Cherry." I saidas we hugged. The candles that light the room around us flicker.
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In the vast, shadowy expanse of the Tomb of Nazarick's Throne Room, Ainz Ooal Gown observed the glowing monitors of the Mirror of Remote Viewing, an artifact capable of displaying various locations within and around the tomb. The luminous screens cast an ethereal light across Ainz's skeletal visage as he scrutinized the images before him.
Albedo, standing gracefully by Ainz's side, her eyes fixated on the monitors, inquired with a hint of concern laced in her voice, "My lord, it appears we have an unexpected visitor at our doorstep. Shall I dispatch the Floor Guardians to intercept?"
Ainz, his fingers steepled before his chin, pondered the situation "No, let's not be hasty, Albedo. They pose no immediate threat, and I am curious to see what brings them to Nazarick's gates," he commanded with composed authority. This could be the distraction I need to break this monotony. Let's see how this unfolds; it might even be entertaining. He mused internally, his thoughts starkly contrasting his outward calm.
The guardians and their Overlord watched on, their presence unknown to the stranger at the gates, the potential threads of fate spinning silently in the dark. Naira and Cherry walked through the halls of the first floor, Cherry with her arms behind her head, and Naira holding her staff. Cherry turned her head to glance at the spicer as her pink tail flicked behind her. "You really think the other are here still? Normally, fake boobs would have stopped us by now if anyone was still here."
The spider sighed, annoyed as she kept walking. "I can smell others through these walls. They are here." "Ughhhh... Then why are they not showing up or greeting us?!"
The spider rolled her 8 eyes. "Maybe they remember how often you pranked them and don't want to greet you." Cherry smirked as she summoned her guns in her hand as she walked. "They werent that bad of pranks!!"
"Annoying."
"No, they weren't!"
"Slow."
"My pranks were never slow!"
"Useless."
"All my pranks had a reason!!"
"I was describing you."
"Oi!!!"
Ainz watched the exchange between Naira and Cherry through the mirror, his expression unreadable. He turned to Albedo and the others, his voice low and thoughtful. "It seems our visitors are none other than Nazarick's Angle's NPCs - Naira and Cherry. I had thought them lost to us after... her passing." He paused, a flicker of old pain in his eyes before he continued. "It appears they retain their personalities and mannerisms, uncanny in their similarity to how I remember them."
Albedo's eyes widened slightly, surprise coloring her tone as she spoke. "lord Ainz, if I may ask - I do not recall a 'Nazarick's Angel' Nor do I recall any NPC with those names."
Ainz's gaze turned distant for a moment, lost in memories of the past. He sighed softly before replying to Albedo. Right... He had forgoten that most of the other guild members had deleted Her lore from their NPC. Her death was too painful for most... Shit. Oh wait shit! If none of the NPC in Nazaricktember her or her own NPCs. Shes going to ask him why and want an answer. Ainz was quiet, slight from the hope to see one of his old friends back from the dead.... The other part of him is dreding reveling all that had happen after she left.
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'I'm going to do it you know mate.'
The British women said as she turned to face Demiurge as he stood idel on the 7th floor. Ulbert was busy tro to find a certain item for Bukubukuchagama, Momonga and Peroroncino were sitting on some near by steps leading up.
'Do what exactly?'
Peroroncino asked as Momonga's attention also turned to the gargoyle.
'I'm going to marry Demiurge!' She said happily. Making Ulbert force in his tracks. Momonga and Peroroncino looked at each other before Peroroncino collapse onto the ground.
'Like one of those cheese animes where the mc get transported into the game and then falls in love with a character from that game! Yeah that!'
Peroroncino clenched his hand over where his avatars heart would be. Rolling around on the ground.
'I thought you only read H-manga Pero.'
Moon teased as she leaned in closer to Demiurge. Pero sat up quickly at that comment. 'Your talking about a anime trop!! Of course I know about those!'
He swaked as TouchMe logged in. Glancing around in slight confusion.
'Hey TouchMe.' Momonga said. Emoting a smile face. 'What... is happening here?'
Ulbert huffed as he placed some gems onto a box as he keep digging around for something. 'It seems our maxed out Good Karma paladin plans on marrying my creation.'
TouchMe glanced over at Lumin0us.
'Really?'
'Yeah!' Swaked Peroroncino. 'You would think she would fall for your NPC given both of their stats!'
Moon huffed as she rolled her eye, shooting the KFC a glare.
'There's nothing wrong with Sebas. But I like Demiurge.'
'He's the most evil NPCs we have Lum.'
Ulbert grumbled as he pulled out a gold goblet from the box.
'But, if evil. Why is he so hot with a sluty little waist?'
'.... Don't even use his name and 'sluty little waist' in the same sentence again.'
'You made him Ulbert!! KFC! Back me up on this!'
Peroroncino glared at Lumin0us. His feather ruffled. ' Watch it Lumin0us! Or I'll book a flight to kick your ass!'
'Your can't even drive! How are you planing on getting around the UK?'
'I have your address! I will say it outloud I do not care!!'
The gargoyle laughed as she fully turned away from Demiurge. Her hands on her hips.
'You threatened that so much but you never do it. Go ahead.'
The room quickly grew quickly as everyone looked at the two. Momonga gasped as TouchMe sighed. Bukubukuchagama now loging in to see what this was all about. Looking at Momonga and at her brother.
Momonga laughing as the slim looked back ang forth. 'You- you have concent Pero.'
'Yeah he does.' Ulbert commented.
Peroroncino preceded to say her address fully as Lumin0us tried desperately to stop him. Bukubukuchagama sighed as she shook her head, moving over to sit with Momonga.
'Would you really marry him if we were taken into a video game?'
Momonga asked as Moon was kicking Peroroncino. Pausing to glance over at Momonga noding her head rapidly. 'Absolutely! This man would treat me so much better then anyone has ever!'
Bukubukuchagama moved one of her arms to point at her. 'But, what would he sound like. The NPCs don't have voices here.' She paused to look at Ulbert. 'Ulbert! What would he sound like?'
Ulbert sighed as he closed the lid on the box, standing up to dust his knees.
'Are we really talking about this?'
Moon let go of the bird and walked over to the goat. 'How about this, if I make it out of this year alive. I can marry him.'
'That's just you marrying my NPC.'
She smiled and walked around to the other side of him. 'Think of this as my 'You made it another year!' Gift!'
Ulbert crossed his arms and huffed, he could feel the other guild members eyes on him. '... Fine. We can do that.'
'Yes!!' Moon tossed her hands into the air. Doing a kissing emote Demiurge's way. 'I'm gonna go make rings!' She said before using her ring of Ainz Ooal Gown to teleport out of their.
-----------------------------------------------
"Ah, forgive me, Albedo. Nazarick's Angel, or rather, Lumin0us_t0rrent, was a dear friend of mine and the guild from our old world - YGGDRASIL. She was a gentle soul, always looking out for the best interests of the guild and its members." His voice carried a tinge of melancholy. "Sadly, one day she vanished, and her NPCs vanished from our midst shortly after. I had not expected to see them here, in this realm."
Albedo bowed her head again. "I see..."
Ainz watched as Naira and Cherry continued their playful bickering as they made their way deeper into the Great Tomb of Nazarick. Their dynamic was so reminiscent of how he remembered them from the old days in YGGDRASIL. It's almost as if no time has passed at all... he mused internally, a wistful smile playing on his lips beneath the skull.
He turned to address his guardians, his voice low and contemplative. "It seems our guests are not aware of the recent... changes in our ranks. Let us not be hasty to reveal the full extent of our power just yet." His eyes gleamed with an idea. "This could prove to be an opportunity to learn more about my old friend's fate in this world. We shall observe them further, for now."
Ainz's gaze drifted over to the arguing duo on the screen. He had not expected to be reunited with her like this. But perhaps, through her NPCs, he can uncover the truth of what became of her in this realm. His skeletal hand absentmindedly stroked his chin as he pondered their next move.
"Ughhhh!!! This is taking too loooooong!" Cherry complaing as Naira stoped in her steps. "Then what am I ment to do about that?" Naira said.
"Come onnn!!! Let me teleport us to the throne room and see if anyone's there!! Then we can wake up Moon and tell her what we found!!"
Ainz watched the exchange, his interest piqued by Cherry's mention of 'waking up Moon'. He turned to his guardians, a thoughtful expression on his face. "Did you hear that, Albedo? They mentioned someone named 'Moon'. I do not recall any being in Nazarick with that moniker." He pondered for a moment before continuing. "It is possible that this 'Moon' is somehow connected to Lumin0us_t0rrent.
Albedo cocked her head, her yellow eyes narrowing as she considered Ainz's words. "Lord Ainz, if I may say so - this 'Moon' individual they mentioned could potentially be a key to unraveling the mystery surrounding your old friend's fate. It's quite possible that this being knew Lumin0us_t0rrent in life or has some connection to her in this world." She paused, then continued with a hint of curiosity in her voice, "If we can find this 'Moon', we may gain valuable insights into what happened to our former guildmate after… the change." Albedo's gaze drifted back to the mirror, observing the antics of Naira and Cherry, her eyes narrowing at the two.
Ainz nodded slowly, a calculating glint appearing in his eye sockets as he gazed at the mirror, watching Naira and Cherry's continued banter. "You may be onto something there, Albedo. If this 'Moon' is indeed connected to Lumin0us_t0rrent, then discovering their identity and fate could provide a missing piece to the puzzle of what happened to our long-lost friend after…" He trailed off. Moon could be Lumin0us's new name, just as he took on the name Ainz in this new world. All of the suddon, there was a poof, and the two npc were now standing in front of Ainz and Albedo.
Ainz and Albedo turned abruptly as they sensed the sudden teleportation, eyeing the now-familiar duo who had appeared without warning right before them in the throne room.
The teifling, Cherry, took one look at the imposing figures of Ainz and Albedo and immediately took a step back, her earlier bravado evaporating. "Uh, hi there! We didn't mean to intrude… Please tell me we didn't show up when you both were about to make out-" she started to say, before being cut off by her spider companion, Naira, elbowing her companion in the side.
Albedo's eyes narrowed as she gazed at the two NPCs, her voice cool and somewhat annoyed as she said, "It seems our visitors have taken it upon themselves to invade the privacy of our lord." She turned to face the duo directly, her tone sharp and commanding. "You dare teleport into the presence of Lord Ainz Ooal Gown without invitation? Impudence-'
Albedo's eyes widened in surprise at Ainz's sharp rebuke, and she quickly bowed her head in apology. "Forgive me, Lord Ainz. I did not mean to overstep," she said, her voice now softer and more respectful. She let her own jealousy and possessiveness cloud her judgment. Of course, these NPCs would be precious to Lord Ainz, being creations of his lost friend.... Turning back to Naira and Cherry, she added, "Please, do not be frightened. Lord Ainz is right - you are welcome here as guests of Nazarick."
Cherry looked confused, Naira also looked... Confused. Cherry lowered her arms from behind her head. "Do... you not remember us 'bedo?" Cherry asked confused. Naria added. "I understand treating Cherry like this with her history of her.... Annoying being." "Hey!!" Cherry said, looking at Naria. But the spider went on. "But that was... Different, even for you Lady Albedo."
Ainz stepped forward, his voice gentle yet firm as he addressed the confused duo. "Naira, Cherry, please do not be alarmed by Albedo's earlier outburst. She merely wishes to protect me, as is her duty." He paused, his gaze softening as he regarded them with a mix of nostalgia and curiosity. "I remember you both, and I assure you, you are most welcome in the Great Tomb of Nazarick. Tell me, what brings you here after all this time?"
Cherry looked at Naira before she spoke. "We came looking for the other Suprime Beings, Lord Ainz." Naira nods her head. "Lady Moonstone, Lady Lumin0us name she has taken in this new world. Wanted to know if others would ever arrive here like she has. My Lord."
Ainz felt a chill run down his spine at the mention of his old friend's new name in this world. Moonstone… Lumin0us. Could it be that she truly has found a way to carry on her legacy, even after all these years? He quickly composed himself, not wanting to reveal the depth of his emotions to the two NPCs.
Turning to his guardians, he gave a subtle nod to Albedo before addressing Naira and Cherry directly. "I see. And have you had any contact with… Lady Moonstone recently?"
Cherry smiles, nodding her head. "She's resting in her stone from right now. But she's alive!" Naira added. "We have been in this world for 100 year,s my lord." Naira bows.
Ainz's eyes widened slightly at the revelation, a flicker of emotion briefly visible in their depths before he regained his composure. 100 years… and all this time, he thought she was lost forever. He cleared his throat, stepping closer to the two NPCs as he inquired further.
"I see. And tell me, Naira, Cherry - how is it that you came to be in this world, and how can you confirm that your mistress, Lady Moonstone, is truly the same being as the one I knew in the past?" His gaze intensified as he awaited their response, a glimmer of hope and anticipation coloring his tone.
Cherry laughed. Her hands moving back behind her head. "Oh that easy!! She's in love with Lord Demiruge!"
Ainz couldn't help but chuckle softly at Cherry's blunt revelation, shaking his head in amazement. "Indeed, her affections for Demiruge were no secret among the guild. But to think that those feelings would follow her into this new world…" He paused, considering the implications before turning his gaze to Naira.
"Tell me, Naira - is Lady Moonstone truly happy in this reincarnation?"
Naira nod her head, bowing to him. "She is, and will be even more now knowing that you all are finally here."
Ainz felt a wave of relief and happiness wash over him at Naira's words, a genuine smile gracing his skeletal features. "I am truly glad to hear that Lady Moonstone has found happiness in this new world, even if the circumstances of our arrival here are…unorthodox." He paused, considering the implications of their reunion before continuing.
"Tell me then, Naira - how can we go about reuniting with the other Supreme Beings? It is my deepest desire to be reunited with all those who shared my journey in the past." Naira looked over at Cherry before back at Ainz. "She is in stone now. We would have to wake her up. But that will not be hard to do my lord."
Ainz nodded, a determined look on his face as he considered the best approach to waking his old friend. "Very well. I will accompany you both to where Lady Moonstone resides in this world. It is past time we were reunited after so many long years." He turned to Albedo and gave her a commanding nod. "Albedo, ready the guard for our departure. We shall leave for Moonstone's location immediately and reunite me with my lost companion."
"Oohhh! You should have Lord Demiurge wake her with a kiss!!" Naria jabbed her staff into Cherry's side. "OW!!!"
Ainz raised an eyebrow at the playful bickering between the two NPCs, a hint of amusement in his voice as he replied. "While I appreciate your enthusiasm, Cherry, I believe a more…gentle approach may be in order for reuniting with my old friend. After all, she has been resting for some time." Turning to Naira, he inquired, "Is there a more conventional way to awaken your mistress? I would prefer not to startle her unduly upon our first meeting in this realm."
Naira closed her eyes with a sigh. "Yes. All we have to do is speak to her; she can hear us in this stone form. Please forgive Cherry's words. She is at times. Stupid."
Ainz chuckled softly, shaking his head in mock exasperation. "There is no need for apologies, Naira. I remember well the… color commentary that Cherry was known for in the past." Turning to Albedo. She bowed to him again. "Shall I gather the rest of the Floor Guardians here my Lord?"
Ainz held up a skeletal hand, stopping Albedo mid-step as she prepared to move to carry out his order. "No, Albedo - I believe a more discreet approach would be best for this particular reunion. Gather only a small, trusted contingent of the Floor Guardians to attend us. I would have our reunion with Lady Moonstone be a private affair, at least at first." His gaze turned thoughtful as he added, "Have Demiurge join us as well, of course. If indeed, his presence is what allows her to hear us in her stone form."
Cherry laughed as a wide grin appeared on her face. She was going to comment on something, but Naira hit her with her staff again, harder this time.
"Oww! Hey, watch it, Nai- oh… aahh…" Cherry yelped in pain, rubbing her bruised side. "My apologies, Lord Ainz. I'll keep her in line," Naira said, giving Cherry a warning glare.
Ainz couldn't help but chuckle softly at the exchange, shaking his head in gentle reproach. "Please, let us maintain some decorum as we prepare to reunite with my old friend. I would have our first meeting in this realm be a more dignified affair."
"Yes my Lord. I will keep her in line." Naiar said. Ainz moved his hand up to where his ear would be to call Demiurge. "Demiurge. I require your presence in the Throne Room at once." he commanded, his voice carrying a hint of urgency. As he waited for Demiurge's response, Ainz turned to Naira and Cherry. "While we await Demiurge's arrival, tell me more about Lady Moonstone's current circumstances. I am eager to understand the life she has built for herself in this world."
"Lady Moonstone is the ruler of the Hidden Kingdom. A Kingdom where humans and Inhumans live in peace." Naira said.
Ainz nodded slowly, a thoughtful expression on his face as the implications of Naira's words sank in. "A kingdom of humans and inhuman races living in harmony… that is quite remarkable, indeed." He paused, considering the significance of this revelation before turning his gaze to Naira.
"And tell me, Naira - in what capacity does my old friend serve as ruler? I would understand the nature of her reign and how she has united such a diverse populace." Ainz's curiosity was genuine, eager to learn how Lumin0us had adapted to this new role in this strange world. Albedo turned her head to Ainz. "I havenever seen a 'Hidden Kingdome on anyof the maps my Lord."
Ainz glanced at Albedo, a slight frown on his face as he considered her comment. "That is not surprising, given the… unconventional nature of our arrival in this realm." He turned back to Naira, his expression thoughtful.
"Naira, I must know - is this 'Hidden Kingdom' difficult to reach? And what manner of ruler is Lady Moonstone to the various peoples within her borders?"
Naira shook her head no. "We have a spell covering the city, keeping us hidden from those who wish to harm us."
Ainz's eyes widened slightly at Naira's revelation, a hint of admiration coloring his tone as he replied. "A spell to conceal an entire kingdom… now that is a feat of magic I could not have envisioned from my old friend in the past." Pride swelled within him as he continued, "It seems Lady Moonstone has truly carved out a new path for herself in this world."
"Ehhhh… Moony still doesn't use a lot of magic. Even for a Paladin."
Naira ignored Cherry and continued. "We have mages that are able to do 8th-tier magic."
Ainz raised an eyebrow at Naira's revelation, a mix of surprise and faint amusement playing across his skeletal features. "A kingdom with mages capable of 8th tier magic… and yet, you say that Lady Moonstone herself does not rely heavily on her magical prowess as a ruler?"
He shook his head, marveling at the notion. "It appears my old friend has taken a rather unconventional approach to leadership in this realm. Tell me more about how she governs without extensively utilizing her own considerable magical talents."
Cherry looked at Ainz as her tails flicked behind her. "When she talks, people listen. People trust her word and follow her."
Ainz listened to Cherry's simple yet profound explanation, nodding slowly as he processed the implications. "Trust and respect… the most valuable assets a leader can possess. It seems Lady Moonstone has honed her natural charisma and wisdom to unite her people, not solely her magic."
He smiled softly at the notion, feeling a swell of pride and affection for his former guildmate. "To command such loyalty and obedience through mere words and presence… that is a skill I have always admired in Lumin0us. It warms my bones to learn that she has not only carried this strength into this world but has used it to forge a new life and community."
Albedo listened to Ainz's words, her brows furrowing slightly as she felt a pang of envy at the praise he lavished upon the absent Supreme Being. "My Lord. You speak highly of this… 'Lady Moonstone'. It seems this former guildmate of yours possesses qualities that have earned her the respect and devotion of her subordinates in this realm." She paused, considering her next words carefully before adding, "I must confess, I had not expected such… lofty opinions of one you had not seen in a hundred years."
"Aww! is someone jealous!" Cherry teased.
Albedo's eyes flashed with annoyance at Cherry's taunt, and she quickly retorted with a sharp tone. "You watch your tongue, teifling!!"
Ainz shot both Cherry and Albedo a stern look, silencing them with a minimal gesture even as Albedo's cheeks flushed a faint pink beneath her porcelain skin at the accusation. "Cherry, please - let us maintain decorum in this discussion," Ainz chided gently yet firmly.
Turning to Albedo, he gave her a reassuring smile, his voice softening. "Albedo, your dedication and loyalty are beyond question, as are your own exceptional qualities. There is no need to feel envy or comparison." He paused, contemplative. "Lady Moonstone's strengths simply highlight the truth - we were blessed to have such steadfast and remarkable individuals in our original guild."
Ainz smiled warmly at Cherry's apology, giving her a gentle nod. "There is no need for such formality, Cherry. I know your heart is in the right place, even if your tongue sometimes runs ahead of your thoughts." He chuckled softly before turning back to Albedo.
"Now, let us focus on the task at hand. Albedo, I would have you accompany Demiurge and myself to Lady Moonstone's hidden kingdom, along with a small, trusted contingent of our guard." Ainz's gaze turned serious as he considered the sensitive nature of their mission. "We must tread carefully, for the sake of old friendship's sake. But most importantly, the future of Nazarick hangs in the balance."
"You do not need to hide yourself my lord. Undead live in the city as well." Naira said.
Ainz raised an eyebrow at Naira's revelation, a glimmer of intrigue in his voice as he inquired further. "You say undead reside in this Hidden Kingdom alongside the living? Now that is a development I had not anticipated." He paused, considering the implications before adding, "Tell me, Naira - how do the undead and the living coexist so harmoniously within the realm of my old friend's rule? I would understand the nature of this unprecedented peace."
"The Hidden Kingdom has been around for 90 years. People there have always lived amongst inhumane. Theurre were 4 slave city's that ones made up the Hidden Kingdom. Lady MoonStone killed all the slave owners and traders. Offering the free slaves to go free. Or to live in piece amounts her. All of the slaves chose to stay with her."
Ainz listened intently to Naira's explanation, his eyes widening slightly as the full scope of the changes his old friend had ushered in became clear. "Lady Moonstone abolished slavery and granted freedom to all within her realm... And yet, the former slaves chose to remain under her protection?" A sense of awe and admiration colored his tone.
He shook his head slowly, marveling at the transformation. "In but a mere 90 years, she has not only united the living and undead but forged a new society built on the pillars of freedom and choice. To have achieved such a feat is nothing short of extraordinary."
"Surely humans are not treated the same as her." Albedo commented. Naria's and Cherry's eyes narrowed at her. "And what if they are?" Grumbled Cherry. "Moony has put in a lot of work to keep her city peaceful... But that might be too hard for someone like you to grasp." Cherry commented coldly on Albedo. Ainz cut Albedo off quickly. Holding up a hand, silencing both Albedo and Cherry with a sharp look. "Enough. I will not tolerate such discord, especially not in matters concerning one who was once precious to me." His gaze turned to Albedo, his expression stern.
"Albedo, I expect better discretion and respect from you. Lady Moonstone's methods, while perhaps unconventional, have clearly brought peace and unity to her kingdom. To question them so flippantly is beneath you." Ainz's voice carried an edge of reproach before softening as he addressed the group.
"Now, let us put aside our differences and focus on the task at hand - reuniting with my old friend and forging a new alliance between Nazarick and her Hidden Kingdom."
Everyone paused as the doors opening to the throne room could be heard opaning. Naira and Cherry both turn their heads to see Demiurge approaching them. Ainz wondered.... He knew that Moonstone's passing was hardest on Ulbert then everyone. He knew for a fact that Ulbert deleted all mention of her from Demiurge's lore and programing. So he alredy knew that he wouldn't remebr her at all. "I appreciate you come Demiurge." Ainz said as Demiurge walked up and bowed down to him. "Tell me. Do you remember a Supreme Being name, Lumin0us_t0rrent?"
Demiurge paused, a flicker of confusion crossing his sharp features as he climbed to his feet. He shook his head slowly. "I... do not. The name is unfamiliar to me." A hint of genuine puzzlement colored his tone, with no trace of the usual arrogant grin or sly smirk. It was clear that the name Lumin0us did not resonate with him, likely due to the careful editing of his backstory by his creator, Ulbert. Shit... If this really was her. She was going to be mad. And then she'll start asking him why her favorite NPC can't remember her.
Naira and Cherry looked at each other.
"Shit... Well this ain't good." Cherry said as Naira looked a bit worried. "Do you remembrance us Lord Demiurge?" Naira asked. Demiurge shook his head, a look of genuine confusion on his face as he replied. "No, I'm afraid I do not. I have no recollection of either of you, nor the Supreme Being you mentioned earlier." He paused, intrigued by the concern etched on their faces. "I assume that you two somehow connected to this Lumin0us character?" His crystalline eyes narrowed slightly as he studied Naira and Cherry with newfound curiosity.
"Ummm...." Cherry tried to lie. But she had a horrible lying face. Glancing off to the side, Naira had a more annoyed look on her face. Cherry's tail flicked more as she tried to lie to Demiurge. "Nooo-" "-Yes," Naira said.
Ainz listened to the exchange, his expression growing more somber as the implications of Demiurge's lack of memories sank in. He turned to Naira. "Cherry and I are creations of Lady MoonStone. Or formerly known as Lady Lumin0us_t0rrent. Is a Supreme being of Nazarick. Yet. It seems that only a few here can fully remember her. It may be due to something in this new world attempting to fully block it." Naira said as she put three of her eight arms behind her back. "I believe that it may be an effort of a World Level Item.
Ainz listened intently to Naira's words, his skeletal jaw clenching slightly as the weight of the revelation settled upon him. He knew the true reason behind the lapse in Demiurge's memories - Ulbert's decision to erase all traces of Lumin0us from their collective histories was a painful one, a final act of grieving and coping with their loss. Her death was hardest on him then anyone else. There was a rumor that the two of them had feelings for each other, but those were never brought up again after her passing.
However, Ainz could not bring himself to reveal the harsh truth, knowing that it would only cause further distress and division among his remaining companions. Instead, he chose to focus on the path forward, on reuniting with his old friend and forging a new alliance.
Turning to Naira and Cherry, he gave them a reassuring nod. "I see. Thank you for your honesty, Naira. It seems we have a mystery to unravel, indeed." He paused, considering his next words carefully before adding, "For now, let us concentrate on reuniting with Lady Moonstone."
Naira bowed to Ainz. "Would you wish for me to teleport us all to where she is, my lord?" Ainz nodded slowly, considering Naira's offer. "Yes, please do so. Let us make haste to reunite with my old friend." He turned to the assembled group, his gaze sweeping over them.
"Albedo, Demiurge - stay close and maintain a respectful demeanor in the presence of Lady Moonstone. She is still a Supreme being of Nazarick. "Ainz's voice held a note of anticipation and longing, eager to lay eyes upon his lost friend once more.
"Lord." Both of them said as they bowed their heads to him. Naira bowed her head as one. The only one who was still slightly lost was Cherry as she looked around the room. As well as Ainz, as he thought back to different times.
-----------------------------------------------
'So what are we doing exactly?'
Lumin0us asked as she sat in a chair on one of the levels in the Tomb. Bukubukuchagama, Momonga, TouchMe, Ulbert, and Peroroncino waited around as well.
'There's a fall event!!' Peroroncino said excitedly. Momonga added on.
'Oh yeah. What up with that? Because fall is ment to be exercise session.'
'Guess gso! Beat the event and get a tracksuit!' Peroroncino added a bit too excited. But then he slammed his fist onto the guild's round table. 'What a letdown...'
Peroroncino said as he finally sat down sadly. Momonga agreed. 'Yeah, modern track suits seem out of place in a fancy game.' Peroroncino shook his head as he crossed his arms.
'Nah, I'm saying they should have gone with the bloomers for the female avatars!' Peroroncino said proudly.
Momonga slowly turned his head to him. 'Is your taste stuck in the Showa era???'
'Eh, guess that could have used panties or bikini bottoms insted.'
Lumin0us leaned over to Ulbert. 'Was... that actually a thing?' She asked as Ulbert crossed his arms with a huff. 'I'm taking no part in this coverensation.'
Peroroncino pointed over at Lumin0us. ' Hey!! If the guys were shirtless and shorts and shirtless- you would be asking Ulbert to have Demiurge were it!!'
Lumin0us made no verbal comment as her head snapped over to Ulbert. The goat crossed his arms over his chest with a huff. 'Don't even think about it Lum.' He grumbled as Peroroncino shouted 'cowered!' at him.
Ulbert waved a dismissive hand at the walking KFC as he continued to talk to Momonga.
'We were thinking about taking a group photo with all of us in the track suits.' Peroroncino said as both he and Ulbert thought about the guild recreating one of those dumb class photos in the trachsuits.
'The Ainz Ooal Gown school mandrake harvest memorial photo.' Ulbert added.
Momonga and Lumin0us looked at each other before Momonga said. 'Why not just make it a sports festival?' 'Though, I guess when you watch old shows set in high schools, they were those tracksuits for all kinds of events, there are plenty of scenes you could stage with them.' Lumin0us added, thinking about the older anime she had watched over the years, stuck in the hospital. Not being able to leave due to how bad the air had gotten in the UK.
Ulbert glanced at who was at the table before thinking more. 'what else... Hmm... I know! Lets do it!' 'The Ainz Ooal Gown class trip!!' Both Peroroncino and Momonga said as the same time. making the gargoyle quickly look at the three of them. 'The Ainz Ooal Gown class trip..??' Lumin0us said confused.
Lumin0us looked over at TochMe and Bukubukuchagama. 'Are you two wanting in on this?' she asked as they looked at her. 'I would have to make sure my wife and child were well before I do so' TouchMe said. Lumin0us smiled as the other paladin. 'Aww... How's she doing?'
'She is well. She does have what hair you should add to your player model next. I'll dm it to you.'
Small 'ooohs' could be heard as the two paladins talked. Lumin0us took a moment to pull up TouchMe's message.
'Awww! Long braids? I love it! I'll change that and send a screenshot to you when that's done!'
'Ohhh! Let me see!'
Bukubukuchagama asked as Lumin0us went to upload the photo in their group chat. 'Give me a seccc... There. It's in the group chat.'
Peroroncino went to look before coming back to say.
'It's just like this one game I played where the maim character has people pull on her hair like--'
Bukubukuchagama muted her brother's mic as he clearly kept talking. Not knowing he had been muted until he was done speaking.
Ulbert sighed before he went on speaking.
'The class trip allows all the students in the same grade to travel to some decent location for sightseeing and social education. While the trip is educational, there's nothing more exciting than traveling with friends. And then there's the most thrilling part of all... ' It didn't take long for the group to move to a fake otomarikai by the time he was done talking. 'Group sleepovers!!' Ulbert yelled as Momonga walked over to him, everyone now wearing the tracksuits. 'I wouldn't call them the main event.' He added.
'Look I mostly work off of manga and video games here.' Ulbert added as Lumin0us looked around at the tatami on the ground. 'Do you not have these in the UK?' Punitto Moe asked Lumin0us as she looked around the room. 'I don't... think so? Father never told me about having things like this back in his school days. I had to do homeschooling with my condisons..' She said as she sat down on the tatami. 'Were these fun?'
She asked, looking up at Punitto Moe moved one of his vine hands up to his chin as he thought. 'From what I've seen in anime. They look fun. In the 20th and early 21st centuries, pollution and economic disparity weren't nearly as bad, so it was normal for even the lower classes to go on middle and high school class trips.'
'You're talking like over a century ago.' Takemikazuchi added, walked over to the two, and put a hand on his hip. Both of them are in the tracksuits as well.
But you've all watched at least one show like that right?' Ulbert asked as he looked over at TouchMe and Peroroncino. 'Yeah I have.' Peroroncino said as he leaned down on a bed. TouchMe crossed his arms under his chest as he added on. 'And it was more or less like this.' 'True.' Momonga walked over to the group on the bed. 'There's always a pillow fight on the class trip sleepover right?' Ulbert said as he bent down to grab a pillow. 'Let's do it!! We even got enough for each--'
'Sorry, but both the futon and the pillows are defined as a single object. You can't actually pick up just the pillow.. The blankets are separate, though.' Tabula said as Ulbert tried to pick up a pillow. 'Your right-- This sucks!! The hell!!?' Ulbert yelled angrily. 'We could throw the whole futon.' Nishikienrai added as Takemikazuchi shook his head. 'Who ever heard of a futon fight?'
'I'm pretty sure the shop sells pillows, I'll go buy some-- be right back' Tabula said as she turned to leave the room. Momonga waved his hand back and forth quickly. 'Huuh!? No, I'd feel bad making you go through trouble.'
'Oh I don't mind it's on me for ordering the wrong item in any case.' Tabula added on as he turned his head to look at Momonga.
'Surely we own something that can make do, so you don't have to go buy some cushions Maybe?' Peroroncino said as he sat down fully on the futon. Nishikienrai had sat down next to him as well, taking a peek at his inventory. '
'I don't have any, but the guild shared storage might.' Nishikienrai said as he looked over at Peroroncino. Lumin0us was lying down on the futon. looking around at the others. Then stared at Ulbert for a bit with her chin in her hands. 'Oh here's something close-ish!' Takemikazuchi said as he held up a bag of flour. TouchMe also found something as he showed it to the group. 'I've got a white bag.' 'Way to go TouchMe!!' 'What's in it?'
Takemikazuchi looked down at the bag of flour, then back up at the other. 'Bags of flour look pretty similar, don't they?'
'They do, they look about the same so.... Sure? Why not?' Ulbert said as he looked over at Lumin0us lying down. TouchMe glanced over at Ulbert. 'They're close but- wouldn't a white bag be better?' TouchMe hummed as he tapped his foot on the ground, before looking at the whole group.
'Diatomite. Who's up for a diatomite fight?' 'Diatomite??' Lumin0us mumbled oncfused as Ulbert added on. 'Like we're goofing off while stacking sandbags!?
Lumin0us was still staring at Ulbert as she was staring off into space. The door to the room slammed open by Bukubukuchagama and Yamaiko.
'Yo whazzup? The girls are here to hang in the boys' room!' Bukubukuchagama said as Yamaiko held some pillows in her arms. 'Put some pants on sis!' Peroroncino yelled as the pink slim yelled at her younger brother. 'Shut up! It would look weird if I did!'
'They were running late, so I asked him to pick up some pillows.' Momonga said as Lumin0us finally glanced away from Ulbert.
'That's our Guild Master.' She said with a smile. 'Thanks?' Bukubukuchagama noticed that Lumin0us was already here. 'Heyyy! You aredy in here Lum!'
'Huh? Yeah? It's a group sleepover?' She said, a bit confused. Bukubukuchagama had a smirk on her face, even though she did not really have a face. ' We brought enough for everyone!' She said as she pulled out some pillows from her inventory. Yamaiko held out some pillows as well. 'Everyones here but Luci★Fer?'
Tabula looked over at the group getting pillows. 'If he comes to, we'll be short a pillow.'
Momonga turned over to Tabula.
'No, we'll have enough. He said he wanted to play the teacher role. You know- the whole "Teachers coming!! Everyone pretend to be asleep!!" thing. ' 'I've seen that!' Peroroncino said as he pirked up. Tabula mumbling. 'Is that really fun for him?'
Perorncino shoots up. Poinging at the group. 'I know what this is!! The teacher comes to check on us while the girls are visiting.... And they're not allowed to be here- SO! They have to hide in the futon with you and avoid getting caught!!! It's a classic trope!'
'I vote the NPC be brought in then--' 'Were not being in Demiurge just for you to lie down on his chest Lum.' Ulbert cut her off.
Tabula crossed his arms and looked over at Perorncino . 'From the porn games you mean?'
'Noooo from all ages Rromcom manga!!'
Punitto Moe. walked over to hit Pereoncino on the back of his head. 'Well this time we know in advance that there's teacher coming so...'
'Takemikazuchi-san and Yamaiko-san are too big to share a futon so they both need one of themselves. Yamaiko-san pull your head under the covers too!!'
'Teapot-sanis tiny enough to share with anyone, but even though this is retrospace, as a woman, she should go with her brother for priority's sake!'
'Finally. As a ninja, Nishiki-san can hide with basically anyone.'
'Okay I think we have a solid shot for the teacher Tekken' Punitto Moe said as both Ulbert and Takemikazuchi both raised their hand. Lumin0us raised her hand as well.
'Agreed.'
'Agreed.'
'Agreed.' 'You can tell we're all veterans of raid prep.' Momonga said as Pereoncino looked panicked. 'I don't want to share with my sister!!' 'You should Rejoice! I'm a girl!'
TouchMe looked around the room at the walls. 'Come to think of it, this is actually a room of the Ninja mansion. Nishikienrai didn't need to bother hiding under the futon. He can just use a spinning wall to evade into another room.' 'But- they don't have spinning walls on a school trip, I think?' Lumin0us mumbled confused. 'If This Were a real class trip, we'd be in a Ryokan! No ninja mansion gimmicks allowed!!' Tabula raised his arms into the shape of a x. Ulbert pointed at TouchMe.
'Yeah!! respect the sitting!'
'But isn't the Ainz Ooal Gown class trip already traveling all over Yggdrasil's setting??' TouchMe added on confused. Nishikienrai walked over past TouchMe to the closet, opening it.
'If we're pretending it's a standard Ryokan 'hide in the closet' is the classic option.'
Opening the closet to see a broken pot with seals all around it. '...... There's something in here.'
'It's a pot with a ghost sealed inside of it.'
'How does that fit the setting!?'
'What kind of old Ryokan where you go to for a class trip doesn't have a sealed Ghost or two?'
'.....Tablula-san. what is this theory based on!?'
Nishikienrai moved things around on the top shelf a bit. 'I'll just hide on the top shelf to avoid tipping over this pot.' Momonga nod in agreement as he looked back t everyone gathering around them.
'Okay, never ready, even if the teacher comes without warning. Now, let's start the pillow fight!'
Everyone grinned as they all reached for a pillow. Lumin0us finally stood up as well, reaching over to grab a pillow. Huh, this would be her first-ever pillow fight. She.... Was excited. Everyone was getting ready to start when TouchMe interrupted.
'Sorry, what rules are we playing by?'
....... Everyone paused as they glanced at eachother. What rules?
'Who need 'em!!?' Ulbert yelled as he was the first one to throw a pillow at TouchMe's face. 'Seriously? What were you thinking!? This is about a battlefield, where violence ranges supreme!!' Ulbert yelled as he pointed at TouchMe. 'It's a ryokan. A class trip hotel. We don't need no rules, you admit defeat, you're out, last man standing wins!!'
'So a free-for-all?' Yamaiko asked politely.
'In that case I have no fear of losing an endurance match to a Caster who always runs out of gas in about 5 Seconds' TouchMe said drectly to Ulbert. Ulbert snas his head over at TouchMe. 'Nuh-uh, whoever hits hardest went and who cares about fuel efficiency and a pillow fight!!' '.....' Lumin0us watched the two fight as Pereoncino walked over to Momonga with a pillow in hand. 'Let's ignore those two and get started.' 'Yeah.'
Bukubukuchagama, Takemikazuchi, Tabula, and Pereoncino all start to throw their pillows at Nishikienrai, who uses his shadow cons to avoid the attacks. Momonga had to cut in and tell Nishikienrai no shadow clons allowed. Yamaiko smiled as she watched everyone start throwing pillows. While Ulbert and TouchMe were still fighting.
TouchMe was fighting with Ulbert when his body froze. 'Wait!! Everyone froze! Do you hear that?'
'Hear what?' Punitto Moe asked. 'Oh a music box?' Bukubukuchagama mumbled. '..... Is it getting closer?' Takemikazuchi asked as he looked around. 'It's coming from outside. I'll take a look.' Momonga said as he set his pillow down. Pereoncino nod his head. 'I'll go with you.'
Luci★Fer was walking down the hall, knife in one hand. a music box in the other. ' ' Creepy. ' ' Both Momonga and Pereoncino said. Quickly going back into the room, both Pereoncino and Momonga looked at everyone. 'The teacher is coming!!' Pereoncino whispered. 'And he has a knife- for some reason.' Momonga added as everyone quickly made their way to a bed. 'Pretty sure that's a serial killer not a teacher!!' Someone added. Ulbert also grabbed Lumin0us to share a bed with her. The girls all found someone to share a bed with and to hide under the covers.
'We all good?' Momonga whispered.
'No more footsteps.' Ulbert added.
'He's coming!' Punitto Moe whispered.
'Eee-Hee Hee-Hee. Any baad children still up after curfew....? Hee-Hee.' Luci★Fer sang as he entered the room. He made his way through the room, and over to the closet where Nishikienrai was hiding. 'Eee-Hee Hee-Hee...'
Luci★Fer opened the closet door where Nishikienrai was. Making the ninja jump. 'Hee-Hee Ehh. All I have to do is destroy this seal and I'll be free of this place.'
'Wait he's not a teacher at all he's the ghost of the pot!!' Pereoncino whispered. 'That setup paid off.' Tablula whispered. 'Were you two in cahoots Tablua-san!?' Momonga whispered. Lumin0us was trying to stay still ontop of Ulbert. Not being able to see what was happening, and they were on a bed that was close to the closet.
'What have you done with our actual teacher!!' 'Be gone ghost, be gone!'
'That won't work hee-hee- ehee!'
Yamaiko peeked out of her hiding spot when an alarm went off for her. 'Oh, look at the time, I got plans with me sister. I gotta run guys.' Bukubukuchagama nodded her head in agreement. 'kay, the girls are heading out to hang with akemi-chan.' Momonga peeked up from his bed, giving the girls a thumbs up. 'Got it. Thanks for coming!' 'No prob.' 'It was fun!' Bukubukuchagama clanced over at Lumin0us. 'You hopping off? Do you have any check-ups after this?' 'Thankfully no. Doctors should be bothering a bit. So I'll hang out here for a bit longer. Probably till I pass out.'
Bukubukuchagama waved by as Yamaiko logged off before she did as well. Momonga looked over at the others in their bed. 'So what do you say? Do we call it a night?' Pereoncino laughed as he shook his head. 'Are you kidding me!? The class trip sleepover has just begun!' 'We got to lie in bed and chat about random stuff until we all drift off' Pereoncino said as most everyone turned on their side to look at each other. The lights were still off, and now Luci★Fer had crawled into Nishikienrai bed.
'Eee-hee-heee-hee.. sounds fun.'
'.....Why is the ghost in my futon?'
Lumin0us let out a tired yawn as the boys talked about what they could be talking about. Ulbert glanced down at the tired gargoyle. 'Are you feeling alright?' He asked as she nodded her head. 'Yesh.. It's fine, it's probably due to some of the new meds my doctor has me on. I'm just a bit more sleepy now...' 'Did you take your last round of meds on time?' 'Yeah, I paused during the pillow fight and took them. I don't have anymore till tomorrow morning.' 'And headaches at all?' 'No.. (Yawn) No. I'm ok... I'm just tired.' TouchMe looked over at the two. 'Is it too loud in here for you?' 'No, actually it's nice. The hospital is always too quiet for me. So I don't mind sleeping here like this.'
Pereoncino had gone on rambling about love and H-games. Then they started to talk about the women NPC of Nazarick. Ulber did pip in here and there. Lumin0us was still slightly awake. So she added. 'You guys can... (yawn) have the women. But Demi... Demi is mine...' She mumbled as the boy turn there heads to look at her. Ulbert rolled his eyes at her comment. 'Why don't you make a ring and give it to him.'
'... Can I.... Please?' Lumin0us mumbled as Ulbert sighed. 'Sure.' 'See! See! This! A Player x NPC!! This is the good shit!' Pereoncino. After a bit, Lumin0us did fall asleep against Ulbert. The voices of the rest of the guild are fading into the back.... And the sound of heart monitors alerting went off, waking her up.
Update the Demiurge bag! :3
Why do you say MC rather than OC. MC is used in games and books for canon main character. OC is original character. OC is used for fandom characters made by fans.
It's just how I tag things. Sorry if it's annoying. 💧 I ship him with my Supreme Being oc. So I just use the mc tag. I also never really tagged my stuff before and never really used tumble much in a long time. I'm so sorry if I did it wrong at all!
Updated Demiurge bag. :3
Mc: “You’re an evil creep.”
Demiurge: “I’m your evil creep” *shows wedding ring* “-forever~”
When Demiurge says he got you a gift.
If feel like I have a lot of catching up to do with my stuff on here with me mainly being on Twitter. But this is my bag. I actually pull the bag charm after buying 8 of them. XD Worth it.
「流石は偉大なる御方!」
“As expected of the most supreme one!”
Isekai Quartet - Season 3, Episode 3
I'm being bullied for like demi help.
Sooo... Time to introduce myself two the other two- no. Three Demiurge simps on here. 🙇♀️ But here's some art of my MC and her totally normal pillow. And yes. I have this pillow in irl. :3
underneath
PAIRING: Mega Bat!Sonar x Fem!Reader
SUMMARY: Upset that Sonar joined Shroud, you confront him during the final fight. It ends much differently than you expected.
WARNINGS: 18+ slighty nsfw! reader gets turned on and beast!sonar gets a little cheeky. reader also has kinetic energy absorption that give a lil high. some regular shmegular fighting scenes
WORD COUNT: 4.4k
READ ON AO3
You watch Sonar grab the Mechaman suit mid-flight, crashing through the ground like a meteor. The hole they leave behind is massive—jagged concrete and twisted rebar, smoke pouring out.
You jump after them immediately. Twenty feet of freefall into industrial darkness.
Your power catches you at the bottom, impact becoming euphoria—kinetic energy dispersing through bone and sinew, that familiar rush of force absorbed and stored. You land in a crouch, hungry for more.
"Robert." Your voice cuts through the settling dust. "I got this."
The suit hisses somewhere to your left. You can already feel Robert's protest forming—a particular quality of mechanical hesitation that still manages to convey human doubt. Probably the rational argument. The practical one. Backup, safety, not going after Sonar alone. All smart suggestions.
All ones you'll ignore.
You turn to face him, tracking the height of his suit. You're sure he can see the look on your face now, the set of your jaw. Even your hands, humming with stored energy.
"They need you up there." You nod toward the hole above. Toward the sounds of fighting and destruction. "And I need this."
The suit doesn't move for a long moment.
"Fine," Robert's voice echoes, followed by a sigh. Whether it's strictly exhaustion or a tinge of exasperation, you're not sure. But you have an inkling—have had it all day, actually—that Robert's been very deliberate in his decisions. Keeping you on the other side of the city. Evacuation duty. Clean-up. Anything to keep you far away from this.
From Sonar.
Because Robert knows. Maybe not everything, but enough.
Real smart guy. You've, admittedly, grown fond.
Robert lifts off, ascending toward the light. His voice crackles through his suit's speakers. "Have fun with your situationship. Don't die, please."
You'd laugh if your attention wasn't already swallowed by the dark ahead, your body shifting into defensive mode. Hands up. Power humming beneath your skin like a second heartbeat.
Every nerve ending firing at once.
The basement sprawls ahead like an open mouth—all exposed pipes and rusted machinery, the industrial guts of a building laid bare. You can barely see five feet ahead, but you feel him. A prickling awareness that climbs your spine. The tangible weight of prey recognizing predator, large and waiting and utterly focused on you.
He's been waiting for you, uncharacteristically silent, as you'd ushered Robert away.
Your pulse kicks up. Just adrenaline, you tell yourself, but the words leave a sour taste in your mouth.
"Sonar!"
The word echoes, comes back slightly wrong, like the dark is chewing on it. Nothing answers except the drip drip drip of water somewhere in the black. Somewhere above—so far above it might as well be another world—you hear the fight. Explosions. Shouting. Energy and weapons crackling. Your team fighting while you're down here in the dark with—
With whatever the hell you're about to do.
Rubble crunches under your boots. Three more steps. Still nothing.
You can hear him now, though. Sounds of movement on concrete. The faint click of claws. Those enhanced senses of his are undoubtedly cataloging your heartbeat—too fast—your breathing—too shallow—every micro-movement of your body.
You're tired of this waiting game, of whatever baiting trick this is. Some stupid reddit thread technique he probably studied. The image of him scrolling through combat psychology forums makes you want to fast-forward to the good part: facing him and beating his ass.
You stand taller, eyes scanning the darkness. They're slowly adjusting. "…Marco!"
The word will do its job. You already know it will. A stupid joke between you.
Sonar's enhanced hearing came with a multitude of perks. One of them was that he could find you anywhere—across crowded bars when you got separated, during missions when your comms weren't viable.
"Polo."
The voice comes from directly above and your whole body goes rigid.
He drops from the rafters, landing fifteen feet away. The impact shakes the ground and your body eagerly drinks it in, storing it like fuel.
You swallow hard as he straightens to full height, tilting your head back to keep your gaze near his face. But your eyes catch on the new accessory: metal circling his throat, pulsing with light that matches his eyes. Glowing crimson. They track you with an animalistic focus that makes your hindbrain shriek warnings.
An awareness so different from the one you usually carry around him.
Sonar's beast form is nothing new. You've seen it before, laughed with him as he stood towering over you. And you knew, of course, that his nature was monstrous. Capable of more violence than you'd naturally assign to him.
Sure, Sonar had been a criminal. Sure, he'd tossed out jokes about eating people. It never seemed real, though. Most of his crimes paled in comparison to the people you used to run with. Your stupid-smart situationship with a penchant for substance use was never actually a threat in your eyes.
His beast form being a true beast was a concept you understood intellectually. Abstract. Academic. A fact without weight.
This isn't abstract anymore.
This is teeth and claws and pure instinct. An apex predator wearing a collar— and the collar somehow makes it worse. Makes him look owned. Controlled. The way people leash their reactive dogs.
For the first time since meeting him, every part of you screams to retreat. You fight the urge to step back.
"Sonar."
He takes a step closer and you swear the collar pulses in rhythm with his heartbeat.
"Hey, gorgeous." His voice is almost the same—that playful drawl that usually pulls an affectionate eye roll. But it's lower now. Rougher. Gravel wrapped in velvet. "Aren't you a sight for red eyes."
You haven't seen him since Robert cut him from the team.
He'd stopped answering your texts. Every call, ignored. You stopped counting after the number began to tank your ego. Told yourself it was dignity, not giving up. He wasn't allowed to punish you, to make you feel like you'd done something wrong just by existing in a space where he wasn't allowed anymore.
He'd chosen to sit and lick his wounds instead of letting you in. Chosen to wallow in his anger. That wasn't on you.
Above, you hear more destruction. Closer. More desperate. Your team needs you.
You meet Sonar's gaze. "What the hell are you doing?"
Your voice comes out harder than you meant. Anger covering fear covering the third thing you refuse to name.
"What does it look like I'm doing?" He tilts his head in that same motion, even in this form—about to say the most insufferable thing possible. "I'm flirting with you."
Your mouth twists. "I'm not into spineless traitors."
He scowls, tension rippling through his shoulders. Good. You want it to hurt. You want a lot of things. Hurting him is the only one you'll admit to.
"Ouch." He shifts his stance, beginning to circle you. His movements are predatory, deliberate. "And here I thought you'd be nice. Understanding. Maybe give me the benefit of the doubt."
"And why would I do that?"
"Because you like me."
You clench your hands into fists. Power pooling in your palms like liquid heat, ready to be weaponized. "What's there to like?"
"C'monn, we had a fun will-they-won't-they thing, didn't we? Guess we've settled on won't." He lets out a deep, theatrical sigh. "Totally not the outcome I wanted."
"You made it pretty clear you didn't want anything to do with me when you cut me off."
"Precautions were taken to avoid my parole officer." He circles closer, his hunched form casting strange shadows. Those massive winged-arms shift with each step. "And maybe I wanted to avoid this. You and that disappointing gaze, telling me not to go to the dark side, or whatever."
"Or maybe," you say, voice shaking slightly, "you were just too prideful to admit your feelings were hurt. Because you wrongly convinced yourself it made you less of an... alpha."
That stupid fucking word. Only used in mockery by you and Malevola, but Sonar has a strange relationship with it. Ties back to his frat house, to the guys he had to prove himself to. A genius ultimately still seen as other because he was a hybrid. Their little bat boy. The butt of their jokes. A confession he'd made one night when way too drunk, then immediately called himself a mopey loser. You'd never brought it up again.
The silence that follows feels explosive. Lightning about to strike. Then he laughs—short, bitter, deflective in sound.
"You know what? Sure. I was mad. At all of you." His voice flattens. "I considered eating Robert. Guy's a fucking loser anyways. Who would miss him?"
Your eyebrows rise despite yourself.
"Spent like—" he pauses, actually calculating, "—twenty minutes thinking about which part would be least disgusting. But I decided he'd be gross. The total opposite of a boneless chicken wing." His mouth quirks, lips stretching behind enlarged fangs. "Then I realized, I should actually thank him."
Absurdist humor covering genuine hurt. You're almost tempted to believe nothing has changed at all.
"Thank him?" You ask, forcing your tone flat. "For what?"
"For cutting me loose. Giving me an excuse to stop trying so hard." He stills, stops circling. "Being a hero was boring anyway."
The comment bothers you more than it should. Maybe because it's the barest lie he's ever told you. Sonar enjoyed being good. He was surprised by how nice it felt, made a comment once that he thought everyone was bluffing about altruism and good deeds. Some good shit to sell Jesus pamphlets, he'd said.
It gave him meaning.
Or maybe you're just projecting. Because it gives you meaning. And, unfortunately, you value Sonar's opinion.
So if he thinks it's not worth it, then what does that say about you?
"Bullshit."
You thrust your palms forward. Force explodes outward—the stored energy from his landing, from your own movements, all of it weaponized. The air itself becomes a battering ram. Debris lifts and scatters. A shockwave that should send him flying.
He moves fast for a large being. One moment he's there, the next he's vanished into shadow. Your blast tears through empty space, through nothing. Behind where he stood, a support beam groans and buckles.
"You don't believe that," you call into the dark.
"I don't?" His voice drifts from your left. "Did you gain new mind-reading abilities while I was gone? Hot."
He's toying with you. Treating this as some joke— because Sonar doesn't like serious. It pisses you off.
It's not a joke. You're not a joke.
His voice echoes, deep and raspy, as he asks, "Hey, what am I thinking about now?"
You don't dignify his goading with a reply. You spin and slam your fist into the ground. The kinetic energy pulses outward in a shockwave, cracking concrete in a spiderweb pattern. It forces him to move, to reveal his position as he leaps away from the fracturing floor.
The corners of your lips twitch, biting back a grin. Reactive dogs are always easy to bait.
You throw up a barrier between you—shimmering and dense, solidified force made visible. He emerges unnervingly slow from the shadows, claws tapping the invisible wall. Testing it. The barrier holds but you feel the pressure of him probing for weaknesses.
"Look at you. Collared like a bitch on a leash." You scoff. "Heard you got pistol-whipped by Shroud too. Real dignified. I'm sure Harvard would be proud."
The growl that rips through him sends vibrations through your barrier. He moves—explosive, aggressive, done playing games— and slams into your barrier full-force. The kinetic feedback screams through your body. The wall shatters like glass.
You reinforce it desperately but he's already airborne, appendages spread wide as he launches himself over the broken barrier, coming at you from above. You roll, his claws tearing gouges in concrete where you were, and absorb the energy of your movement. Convert it. You plant your feet and release it as a directional blast.
It catches his arm mid-sweep, the force of it redirecting his momentum. He crashes sideways into cement.
"Ow," he says, pulling himself free. "That was mean."
"Traitors don't deserve my kindness."
"There it is again. That word." He's circling again, but faster now. "I'm not a traitor."
"You are." You create two barriers—one ahead, one behind. Boxing him in. "Look what you're doing. You've hurt innocent people. People who never did anything to you." Your voice cracks. "And I know that has to bother you."
"It doesn't."
Liar. The waver in his voice gives him away.
"It does." You press forward, barriers tightening. "You betrayed your friends. You betrayed me."
He crashes through the forward barrier like it's nothing. The kinetic backlash floods through you—too much, too fast, threatening to tear you apart from the inside. You stagger, struggling to contain it.
"Is that what we were?" He stops right in front of you. Those red eyes boring into yours. "Friends?"
You're not sure if he means the team or the two of you specifically. The distinction feels cosmically important. Your mouth opens, but no words come. Above, another explosion. The ceiling shudders violently. Chunks of concrete rain down, dust filling your lungs.
Sonar notices your pause. Vulnerability flickers across his face—raw and unguarded—before the mask slides back. "We were never friends." His voice drops lower, quieter. "If Robert had cut you, I would've left, too. For you."
Your chest constricts painfully.
"Then maybe you were in it for the wrong reasons."
"Yeah, maybe." He straightens to his full height, towering. "Guess that's what I get for having a soft spot."
He moves and you're already reacting. Barrier up. He tears through it like paper, absorbing the kinetic energy you pour into it. You redirect his charge, throwing yourself sideways. His claws whistle past your face, so close you feel the displacement of air.
You hit the ground and convert the fall into momentum, coming up with both hands extended. You release everything you've stored—enough power to punch through steel reinforcement.
Sonar takes it head-on. The impact drives him back several feet but he stays upright, wings extended for balance. His eyes never leave yours.
The fight continues, strangely brutal and intimate. Neither of you backing down. You're both being stubborn, both refusing to yield. Every barrier you create, he shatters. Every blast you fire, he tanks or evades. You're evenly matched in the worst possible way— neither using your full power, neither acknowledging that you're not.
Time is running out. You can feel it pressing down on you. You're wasting it, down here with him.
His arm sweeps toward you in a wide arc. You barely raise a shield in time. The force of his movement floods you— pleasure-pain that sings through every nerve ending. Too much, far too much. You have to release it or it'll rip you apart. You channel it through your hands, directing the blast at his shoulder.
It catches him clean, sends him staggering. Pain flashes across his face— but you're not certain it's the kind that has anything to do with his body.
"Don't make me hurt you," he says. "I don't want to do that."
"You and that ego." You're breathing hard, power flickering at your edges. Running on empty. "You can certainly try."
The vulnerability in his expression vanishes completely. His arms spread to their full span, the membrane of his wings now stretched taut. He launches himself at you with terrifying speed.
You throw up a barrier. Sonar grabs it, his claws sinking into the solidified force itself and tearing it like flimsy fabric. The backlash is devastating. Your concentration shatters. You stumble, vision swimming.
He's on you instantly.
His hand closes around your wrist in an iron grip. You try to absorb the kinetic energy of the grab, slip free. But he knows that trick intimately. His other hand clamps on your shoulder. Then you're airborne, weightless. Flying not by your power but by his.
A quick glance down, and you see the ground rushing up. You brace for impact. At the last second he twists, his body taking the collision instead of yours. You feel his muscles absorb the shock, feel the way he curls around the impact to protect you even now.
Then you're rolling and he's moving with you, controlling the momentum. Controlling you. Suddenly you're on your back and he's everywhere.
Pinning you down.
His massive hands capture both your wrists, pinning them against the cold concrete on either side of your head. Above you, his weight settles, inescapable. The form of him spread wide, creating a cage around you, blocking out the basement, the fight above, everything.
The world has narrowed to just this— him hovering over you, hunched and monstrous.
"Got you," he says, and there's a dark satisfaction threading through the playfulness.
Your heart hammers everywhere—your throat, your wrists, your back pressed against unforgiving floor. Concrete cold against your knuckles. Red eyes stare down at you, unblinking.
Your power is still active, still drinking it all in— the movement of his breathing, his heartbeat, the tension in his muscles. A euphoria that pools low and hot, mixing with adrenaline and fear and want until you can't separate one from the other.
You thrash violently. Try to create a barrier between your bodies, to push him off with raw kinetic force. Nothing comes. You're completely drained. Empty. Too close to him to think straight.
"What are you gonna do now, huh?" You say through gritted teeth. "Eat me?"
"I could make the best joke right now." His voice drops lower and you hate how it affects you. "But it doesn't seem like the right time." His mouth quirks. "You do smell great, though. New perfume?"
Mocking or serious, you feel his words in your chest all the same. He offers a small chuckle and the sound vibrates through him into you. You feel it everywhere he's touching you, pleasure sparking under your skin. A shiver runs traitorously up your spine.
Sonar goes very, very still.
His brows furrow, eyes narrowing as he leans in closer. Instinctively you turn your head to avoid the intrusion, and seconds later you feel his breath ghost across your neck. Hot and quick.
You're breathing too hard, too fast. Everything in you screaming to move, to fight, to do anything except lie here beneath him, but you can't. Can't move. Can't think. Your body won't cooperate.
His nose—enlarged in this form, undoubtedly more sensitive—twitches near your throat. He's smelling you. Scenting you. Like you're prey he's deciding whether to devour. Your pulse kicks up another notch, thundering loud enough that you can hear it. He definitely can.
He pulls back slightly, staring down at you. Surprise bleeds into realization, then sharpens into hunger.
"Interesting."
"What?" You bite out defensively, like the trapped animal you are.
He grins. Fangs and predator teeth on full display. Terrifying and magnetic in equal measure. It should make you more afraid, should make you desperate to escape. It doesn't.
God help you, it doesn't.
"The fuck are you doing?" You yank hard against his hold. It doesn't budge even slightly. "Kill me or let me go and fight me, you loser."
"Are you sure you really want me to?"
The question stops you cold. Your breath catches audibly.
"What?"
"Your heartbeat is through the fucking roof." His voice takes on an edge. "But it's not because you're scared. Is it?"
Heat floods your face, your neck, spreads through your entire body. No. No no no. This isn't—you're not—
"I'm not scared—I'm angry—"
"Noooo." He draws the word out, leaning closer to your face. Once again, you turn away sharply, jaw clenched, refusing to look at him. "I don't think that's it."
He dips his head lower. His nose traces along your collarbone with agonizing slowness, barely touching, burning everywhere it passes. The touch is barely there but you feel it like a brand on your skin. You feel him inhale deeply, drawing your scent into his lungs like he's committing it to memory.
He's savoring it.
"Holy shit."
You're breathing so hard you feel dizzy. Your thighs press together against the ache building there. Every sensation is amplified—the euphoria of your power tangling with arousal, with the terrible realization that in all the time you've known him, you've never been this close. Never had him pressed against you like this. Never felt the full weight of him, the heat of him, the way his body fits over yours, even like this.
There's a sickness in you. Because part of you—the part you're desperately trying to ignore, trying to shove into the darkest corner of your mind—is aware that this is attractive. That the adrenaline is mixing with want so visceral it borders on pain. You tell yourself it's because it's still Sonar underneath all this.
But this is different. Dangerous. He's dangerous. He could kill you right now. Could tear your throat out without effort. And some twisted part of you finds that even hotter.
What does that say about you? Nothing good, probably.
"Are you actually into this?" His voice is rough, almost awed, like he can't quite believe what he's discovered.
Heat pulses low in your belly. Mortification and shame burning through you.
"Did Shroud do something to your fucking brain too?" You sneer, trying to salvage some dignity. "Stop being a creep."
His grin widens. There's familiar mirth underneath it. Except now he's a predator playing with food, and you're lying beneath him helpless and—
"You are, aren't you?" He sounds delighted, amazed. "Man. I should've done this months ago. Guess I should thank Shroud for the wingman assist—"
Over his shoulder, you catch a golden light beginning to filter through the holes in the ceiling. Blonde Blazer's powers illuminating the upper level. Your team still fighting without you.
"You sound insane."
He tsks, the sound absurd coming from that monstrous mouth. "Uh uh uh. You've been holding out on me."
You don't answer. Can't, really. Your throat is too tight, your face too hot.
"Be honest. Were you taking it easy on me earlier?" His voice takes on a cruel teasing edge. He shifts his weight, pressing more firmly against you. Warmth bleeds through where your bodies connect. "Thought you were rusty, but now I'm wondering if you just wanted to get pinned down."
It's cruel, really. All these months of careful distance, of professional boundaries, of almosts and not-quites. And now here you are—getting everything you didn't let yourself want, in the worst possible way, from the worst possible version of him. The universe has a sick sense of humor.
He's right and it's almost offensive. Degrading. You're a superhero, not some—
"Oh fuck you—"
"Is that an offer? Because I'm getting some mixed signals here and I want to be really clear about—"
"Stop talking," you hiss, cutting him off. He doesn't seem interested in your response anymore.
You remember—with sudden, visceral clarity—a conversation from months ago. Sonar sprawled on your couch, half-drunk, trying to explain what the beast form felt like.
He'd explained that it amplified everything. Made impulse control nearly impossible. Made wanting into needing. Something about instincts. Primal ones. The kind that made him want to claim things, keep things.
You'd thought he was talking about substances.
"I wonder," he murmurs, voice dropping to barely above a whisper, "if you smell this good everywhere else."
The words caress your skin, and your entire body goes hot, then cold, then hot again. The implication—the mere image it conjures—makes your core clench involuntarily. You bite down hard on the inside of your cheek.
He notices. Of course he notices.
"Oh, you liked that one," he breathes out, sounding wrecked. "I can hear your thighs pressing together. You're aching. I could fix that, you know. I could keep you here. Keep you pinned and —"
The golden light grows brighter, closer. He's too distracted to notice, too focused on you and what he's discovered. Too drunk on your racing heart, the heat of your skin, the scent of arousal he's drowning in.
"Victor." His real name leaves your lips softly, pleading. "Please."
The word comes out broken, desperate. Please what?
Please stop? Please let me go? Please help them? Please touch me?
You don't know. Your brain has short-circuited, caught between duty and desire, and all you have left is his name and that single, useless word.
His mask slips away entirely, grip loosening, eyes softening around the edges. The red dims, just barely, and for a heartbeat you see him—really see him—beneath the monster. He opens his mouth to speak—
Golden light explodes through the basement with the force of a flashbang.
Blonde Blazer crashes through the ceiling in a shower of concrete and rebar, golden energy trailing behind her like a comet's tail. Robert follows immediately after, propulsion jets screaming, the Mechaman suit's servos whining as he adjusts trajectory mid-air. They hit Sonar from both sides with coordinated precision, wrenching him off you. He roars—surprised, furious, betrayed—flaring as they drag him backward across the concrete.
"Get back up top!" Robert shouts at you over the sound of Sonar's struggling.
"Robert—"
"Now."
Your legs shake as you scramble upright. Power flickers weakly—guttering like a candle in wind—barely there at all. But you force yourself to look. One more look.
Blonde Blazer's light illuminates everything in stark, unforgiving detail: Sonar pinned between them, still fighting, still snarling. But it's you he's looking at, staring at you with those red eyes.
Stripping you bare.
You know—with absolute certainty—this will visit you in the dark hours before dawn. Will find you when you're alone and aching. Will become the fantasy you'll hate yourself for wanting.
You turn and don't look back.
Your team needs you. That's all that matters.
my b if reader's kinetic powers were inaccurate somehow. i, personally, am not a superhero so idk how it works. anyways...thank you for reading 😽 i love seeing all your replies & reactions
atm im probs not considering a part two bc im focusing on part two of smooth operator
𝗠𝗮𝘀𝗸 𝗦𝗹𝗶𝗽
Pairing: Sonar x Hero!Reader
Summary: You and Sonar don't exactly get along. After one bad interaction, you two have become about as compatible as oil and water. But then Malevola gives you an invitation to a house party out of the blue and after you make a discovery that wasn't meant for your eyes, it has you looking at him a little differently.
Content: 21.3k words. 18+, MDI. AFAB. Enemies to lovers adjacent (more like petty inconveniences to lovers). Sonar being an obnoxious little perv. Restraint via telepathy, biting, P in V, creampie, switch dynamics, breast play.
Notes: I don't know, I never thought I'd be here, and yet here we are. I blame it on my crush on Moistcr1tikal. Inspired by the fan art from ☆ Purple | Sonar Nation ☆ on tiktok, they get all the credit, sonar's happy trail has infected my brain like a worm. Gif by @seashellisinmyheart, divider by @omi-resources
You shouldn't be here. You don't know why you are, but your feet have picked themselves up and carried you here anyway. The uncertainty, the hesitation makes the hallway you're standing in daunting somehow, as simple as it is. Barren, pale walls lined with polished doors; clean tiled floors so pristine that you can practically use them as mirrors; the light fixtures on the ceiling above dot the corridor in a bright glow. It all seems so expensive, decorated with the kind of interior design that's so immaculate and exorbitant that you're concerned that you might leave tracks in your wake, dirt smudges and shoe prints.
You contemplate turning around and leaving, but curiosity keeps you cemented in place. Music thumps past the barrier of the door, seeping through the wood, and you know that it must be absolutely blaring inside the apartment if you can hear from this side of the threshold. It's something upbeat, energetic, good for dancing. There's no way they're going to make it through the entire night without one of the next-door neighbors raising a noise complaint to whatever manager might be in the building.
You could leave. Right now. No one would notice. You hadn't exactly confirmed that you would show up at all. You'd somewhat left it vague, and when she had sent you the text of what you'd assumed to be her address and apartment number this evening, all you had responded with was an unsure, "I'll see if I can make it," and you threw in a heart emoji at the end for good measure. In the hopes that it made the response seem a little less rigid and disinterested, but it mostly just made it awkward. Somehow, you felt as though you've never held a conversation in your entire life.
Despite all of your doubts, you can't deny that you are intrigued. That just maybe you had been a little excited — and extremely bewildered — when Malevola had approached you this Tuesday, making herself known by placing a gentle hand on your shoulder to get your attention. Your teammates had gone quiet around you, the pair falling into a fascinated hush as you turned to acknowledge her with a smile. Though you're sure that the confusion you had felt was still apparent, eyebrows raising when you greeted her.
It's not like you're unfamiliar with the Z-Team. It's impossible to work at the Torrance branch and not be somewhat aware of them. They're notorious. A group of ex-villains becoming employed under the counsel of SDN made for a lot of heavy gossip. Old cons, murderers, petty thieves trying to turn a new leaf. And despite you being a few ranks higher, up in the D-Team, you've managed to have your fair share of run-ins out on the field with a few of its members — especially one member in particular, because you were just oh so lucky in that way.
But you've never spoken with Malevola all that much, apart from extending a brief greeting when you would cross paths down a hallway, or you'd once vented to each other in the breakroom about having to pull double-shifts last month, with every hero at SDN spread thin by a fucking hydra. It had been particularly nasty to deal with, 80 feet tall, armored flesh, fast healing, the ability to spew lava from its multiple heads. Not fire. Lava. In molten, gigantic breaths that traveled up to forty meters.
You don't recall reading about any lava breathing in middle school when you had gone over Greek myths, but it would have been nice to know. It had plowed its way through downtown, tottering, pulverizing asphalt with each step, knocking into skyscrapers and buildings like it was drunk. It had spread the Torrance branch thin, an all-hands-on deck kind of situation. And when one overzealous hero had decapitated one of the heads, he'd only made the situation worse, two more sprouting from the gnarled, raw stump with a terrifying quickness. It had taken over 24 hours to take the monster down.
But that specific instance, a temporary, shared moment in expressing your equal exasperation, had been the only real time you'd ever talked to her. So it left you confused when she had approached you out of the blue, effectively snuffing out the conversation you'd been sharing with a couple of your teammates — though you're actually kind of thankful for it. Mimic and Hazard are great, but sometimes they talk too much, and if you had to listen to them having a debate about Nickelback any longer, you were going to lose it.
"We're having a party this weekend. Nothing big, just a little get together. Some of Z-Team is gonna be there." Malevola had explained, definitely prompted by your visible (but you hoped, not unkind) confusion. "Don't feel obligated to turn up, but I just thought I'd extend an invitation. I'll text you the address, yeah?"
And then just as quickly as she has arrived, she was gone. Walking away from you, tearing open a gap in the air with a rip of shimmering, pink light and was stepping inside before you could question her or properly agree. You didn't have a chance to ask her how she managed to get your phone number, either.
And now you're here. You had contemplated turning up for longer than necessary, and you had almost decided forgoing the whole thing entirely, pacing around you bedroom while you struggled with that to wear. You figured you would just be staying inside at home all night, enjoying the time off before you'd have to wake up early for your shift at work. But the idea of that monotony, of doing the same thing you do every other night, had been bitter in your mouth, a nasty taste that your body rejected like a pill forced onto your tongue. You didn't want that. You didn't want to sit on the couch again or turn in for bed at 10 P.M. like some kind of elderly person twenty years past their prime.
You only showed up because you thought that it was her party. Her apartment. But you had quickly deduced that you were wrong in that assumption. It isn't her place, it's Sonar's. The marble floors in the lobby and the fancy furniture in the adjoining waiting room kind of tipped you off as soon as you stepped foot inside the building, and it was enough that you had almost immediately turned around and called it night. But for whatever reason, you didn't.
The door to his apartment almost seems imposing somehow, even though you've taken down countless villains, defeated monsters and beings beyond your comprehension, and yet what's pretty much a polished piece of wood unsettles you. It has apprehension prickling along the notches of your spine, uncomfortable, the scuttling of an insects legs on the nape of your neck.
You don't give yourself time to hesitate or to change your own mind. You don't bother knocking, either. Judging on the noisy volume of the music booming inside, you doubt that anyone in the apartment would be able to hear it anyway. You try your luck with the knob, twisting the cool, rounded metal, and thankfully, it opens with a muffled click.
The song playing is loud in your ears when you step inside, and you're assaulted with the pungent scent of weed and various flavors of vape, something tropical and mint. The rhythm of the tempo is so pronounced that you can feel it trembling throughout your body, rattling softly across your bones, churning in the center of your gut, and it's an awful combination with the nerves turning your stomach over. A perfunctory sweep of the apartment reveals that there's a lot more people present than just some of the Z-Team, though you do notice a few of its members scattered about the crowd. Prism is on the sofa, holding onto a sweating glass bottle, leaning into the cushioned support of the backrest while she talks with people you don't recognize who are accompanying her. Coupé is in the adjoining kitchen, seated at the small table in the corner, seated opposite to Punch Up, the both of them holding a fanned-out assortment of playing cards within their hands — probably poker or the like.
Flambae's laugh scales high over the music playing, amused but audibly scathing, sarcastic; you still haven't spotted him yet, but he's here somewhere. You continue your survey, scanning the surrounding area, taking a vague count of the people in the room all mushed in like sardines in a tin can, bodies shifting and swaying in vague dances. There's a man reclined on the kitchen island, splayed out, shirt rucked up to his chin, exposing the length of his torso for body shots. A couple makes out furiously in a dim corner. So eager that you wouldn't be surprised if they pulled each other to the floor and started fucking in the middle of the room, hands sweeping and clawing at what they can, like they intend to maul each other, fingers groping, pulling at the other's clothes.
And then your eyes find him, and all of the curiosity and tentative excitement you felt curdles in the pit of your stomach like spoiled milk. You aren't surprised that he's here. You know that he and Malevola are best friends, so yes, you did expect to see him. Where one is, the other is never too far behind. But you were hoping that you'd at least be able to settle in, to maybe get a drink or two in your system before you two managed to cross paths tonight. But nope, here he is, in all of his . . . Glory definitely isn't the word you'd use for him. Audacity, stupidity, bullshit. Those could all work.
You'd butted heads with him from the start, but that was all his fault, really. Okay, maybe, you'll admit, you're the one who made a snap judgment. But when you see a guy walking around the workplace with crypto magazines, and you overhear his conversations where he's unironically talking about being on Reddit, it raises a few red flags. You'd caught him mention something about looksmaxxing one time, and you didn't bother sticking around to hear what his opinion really was, you had immediately turned around as you were crossing into the breakroom and went out for lunch instead, abandoning the food you brought from home for the Mexican joint down the street. Listening to that for the entire duration of your lunch break was a torture that you wouldn't have been able to withstand.
He was like a caricature of person, like every online personality had been compacted and funneled into a singular body, and the first real interaction you had with him didn't do anything to improve your opinion of him.
To be honest you didn't have to step in, but you'd been passing by, having just finished up your latest mission, and you'd spotted him when you were on your way back to SDN. He had been easy to see from your vantage point, flying high above the city, but it had been the sound of screeching, a thin, earsplitting warble that had really caught your attention.
You knew who it was soon as you'd seen him. A dark mass down below, gigantic, membranous wings expanded, flapping harshly like he was possibly trying to generate lift, but was unable to, talons lashing out at the ground beneath him. Standing tall, morphed into that famed monstrous bat form you'd heard so much about. Shrieking at the top of his lungs, his massive maw snarling, fangs glinting with drool like he was feral, standing in the middle of a public park of all places, right next to the monkey bars. And then you'd noticed them, crazed and scattering across his body like tiny, rabid insects. Children. He was being attacked by children.
You'd shifted your course like a bullet, slowing your body in the air above them just in time so your arrival wouldn't generate a sudden blast. You had them all before you even landed. The field of your powers expanding throughout and past you to lift them all up from his body, carefully plucking the kids up like they were a bunch of wayward cats, leaving them to kick and flail where you had them suspended in the air. A few of them had tried to cling to him, gripping at the thick clutch of his fur with their tiny fists, but they soon gave under the grasp of your pull, kicking at nothing in petty tantrums.
"Hey, you good?" You'd asked once your feet where on the ground, the soles of your boots crunching the wood chips of the play area with their weight. "What the hell is this about?" You'd gestured to the kids, still hanging. Many hadn't ceased their floundering, but a few had given up, gone still within your telepathic grip, loose-limbed and visibly pouting. One of the rowdier ones had actually hissed at you and bit at the air. There was about six of them all together, all equally as wild.
You had a lot of questions. Like why they were apparently rabid, and more pressing, where in the hell their parents were at. Maybe they ate them, that seemed like a sensible conclusion.
Sonar — you'd remembered his name, thankfully, had yet to acknowledge you. He shook his head, body shuddering wildly like a dog that had just finished rolling, trying to shake free any dust that dirtied his coat. You had eyed him a little wearily. You didn't know much about him, if he was really aware of himself when he was a full-blown bat monster, or if maybe, he slipped into something more animalistic, just impulses and drive.
But his gaze had shifted, ears twitching, and you knew that he had heard you. It was a little hard to gauge just where he was looking specifically, with those blank, crimson eyes, twin coals burning in his sockets. But you saw them shift, the lids twitching from the movement, almost as though he was maybe embarrassed by the whole ordeal. And then his head angled in your direction, tilting to properly look at you.
"Drugs, I think? I don't know man, I'm not sure what's wrong with them," he'd replied. His voice had been deeper than the other times you'd heard it, the monotone of it layered with a kind of strange, trilling baritone. "But I had it covered, so you didn't need to swoop in like that to try and save the day."
He sounded exasperated, words dripping with a sardonic petulance that made you huff out a bemused laugh, a little offended. You blinked, your lips pulling into a scorned smile. "I was trying to help you out, alright. A thank you would be nice."
"I had it handled," he insisted, the almost piggish shape of his nose curling it a contemptuous snarl. His behavior was pettish, showcasing every bit of immaturity that you had assumed he possessed, and it a way, it felt vindicating to know that you had been right. He really was just some bitchy, dumb guy who probably spends his free time behind a computer screen bullying twelve-year-olds.
"You know what, you're absolutely right," you relented, already drawing your body up from the ground in preparation to take off. "I'll leave you to it, big guy."
"Wait, wha-" That's all he'd been able to get out before you dropped the kids back on him, all six celebrating with an invigorated cheer as they landed upon him in a pile, latching onto his back and wings and tugging on his ears, resuming their chaos as though they'd never been stopped at all. You'd been gone in a blink, launching away with a mocking laugh that you're sure his sensitive ears had been able to pick up. Good. You hoped it haunted his ass.
Ever since that day, there's been a noticeable tension between you. Always there, bubbling beneath the surface, a kind of static building between you both whenever you have to interact. Annoyance and resentment prickling in an undercurrent, thorns prodding at your skin. It's enough that your team has remarked on it. You think the whole damn building knows honestly. Not the either of you have been exactly subtle with your hatred for each other.
Just last week you two got into an argument over coffee creamer of all things. You felt a little childish doing it, and yet you weren't able to curb back your own voice as you snapped at him, but at least you could blame it a little on your exhaustion. Sleep was still clinging to the corners of your eyes, stinging and terrible, you felt like a zombie when you shuffled into the breakroom. All you wanted was some caffeine, some fuel to help jumpstart your system for the shift ahead.
Sonar had already been there, the wooden stirrer he was circling around his mug softly scraped against the ceramic. You ignored his proximity as you stepped up to the counter, opening the cabinet to grab your own mug so you could work on pouring your own cup of coffee. It was fine. You were able to pretend that he wasn't there while you mentally prepared yourself for the day ahead, and in turn he hadn't made any effort to speak to you. It was all going well. Almost peaceful, if you were being generous. But when you moved to open the fridge, leaning down enough to look inside, a single glance had your simple morning routine snuffed out.
You've long since started buying your own creamers for work. Sure, the breakroom has an entire drawer full of pods, a variety of different flavors, but you know what, you're a little particular with the brands and types that you prefer in your coffee. So you started buying and bringing your own to work a few months after you became an employee, and you've never had a single issue before. You write your name on it with permanent markers and sticky notes, and shove it to the back of the fridge, and it's been that way for the five whole years that you've been employed at SDN. Until now.
It was empty. The entire box, but you knew for certain that you still had a few pods left when you had made your morning cup yesterday. You had enough to tide you over for a least a couple more days before you had to restock. You knew that for certain. You made a mental note of it. But there wasn't any left. What had been in there before was all gone, leaving only an empty, cardboard box in the back of the fridge.
And then you spotted it. Out of the corner of your vision, and your full attention quickly followed, flickering up to the counter where Sonar was pouring a pod of creamer into his coffee, humming gently under his breath. Your creamer. Three other empty containers were scattered out beside his mug like corpses at a crime scene, the plastic covers peeled back, all while he was in the middle of pouring another one into his coffee.
You didn't want to overreact. To be an asshole, and if it was anyone else you might have resisted the urge to lash out, but you had long since lost all patience for Sonar. In the brief interactions you've had with him, he always manages to pull out the worst in you, to prod and insult you until you're on the verge of snapping.
"Is that my creamer?" You'd asked, pointing at the vacant pods strewn out, nothing but empty trash.
"Hmm?" His brow had raised like he was clueless, head angling in your direction as he drained the small container in his hand of all its contents before dropping it onto the counter alongside the others with a hollow clatter. "Oh, yeah. It's pretty good. You should pick up some more." He stopped stirring, taking an assessing sip, making sure to slurp extra loudly just to grate on your nerves more than he already had.
"So you thought it would be cool to steal my shit?"
"The early bird gets the worm, my friend." He said obnoxiously, like some shitty online quote. "This is what happens when you drag your feet."
"No that is not what happens. This is what happens when a selfish dick decides to take someone else's shit without asking," you'd seethed.
"Mmm, I don't know. It seems that way to me."
You hated him. You hated how he smirked at you, fangs glinting, all pleased with himself. You'd entertained the idea then, of swiping your hand, letting your powers curl around the mug held up to his face to douse him with the boiling liquid, but you regrettably didn't. You let him get away unscathed, mostly because you didn't want to get suspended for giving a SDN employee third degree burns, but the memory still eats you alive sometimes.
You'd been good at avoiding him since then. Plus, it helps that you belonged to different teams, so your chances of naturally crossing paths are fairly low (though unfortunately not zero). And now you've managed to plant yourself directly in his path. Months of trying to evade him have gone right out the window, and you don't have anyone to blame except for yourself. You don't even have a proper excuse as to why you agreed to be here. You aren't friends with anyone on the Z-Team. You know them through fleeting interactions and the occasional team up on exceptionally tough missions, but you aren't close by any means.
And now he's right there, maybe 30 feet away from you, leaning against the kitchen counter with a beer in his hand, egging people on as they step up to take body shots off of the same guy as before, still laid out on the island like an offering. You've never seen Sonar like this before. He's always in those suits — overkill, honestly, fighting villains in clothes that probably cost more than his rent, dressing as though he's some corporate CEO and not a subpar hero.
The only change now is that the usual suit jacket he wears is absent. It's subtle, hardly noteworthy, and yet it makes him look completely different. More relaxed. His fur is disheveled, like he's been running his fingers through it, the burgundy tie around his throat loose, the weak knot of it seeming to highlight how the first two buttons of his shirt are undone. He looks . . . unkempt, casual, with his sleeves rolled up above the thick of width of his forearms, shirt untucked from the waistband of his pants. It's the opposite of tidy. So unlike the manicured image he tends to maintain. With him like this, you could almost imagine he isn't a complete bastard.
He's at ease, clearly enjoying himself, and totally unaware that you're here. You should leave before he realizes.
You don't get the opportunity to. Of course you don't.
"You came!" A familiar voice calls, swaddled in that soft Australian lilt. Malevola comes shifting through the crowd. The people around her part like the Red Sea as she steps directly in front of you with a mystery drink in hand, the presumably alcoholic beverage sloshing in a solo cup as she hands it to you. "I'm glad you're here. For a second there I figured you'd ditch us all together."
"I honestly did think about it." You almost cringe. It's sounds more like an insult and less like the joke that you had intended. But you don't even know what kind of joke it was supossed to be in the first place.
"I can't blame you," she reassures, the pleasant smile on her face is unwavering, still gentle despite your blunder. "We're an acquired taste." An expression that's a little sheepish passes over her face then, apologetic, but still friendly. "Also, I'm sorry for lying to you about the turn out, but I figured it would have scared you off completely."
"Yeah, it might have," you answer honestly and lean out of the way when someone shoulders past you to get to the front door. "I'm not very good at this sort of thing. Meeting new people." You almost hesitate to say it, but you're fast to decide that it doesn't really matter. She knows the truth. She's seen firsthand how you and Sonar interact with each other. You aren't salvaging anything by sugarcoating your words.
You nod your chin in the direction of the adjoining kitchen, and she follows the gesture, angling her torso so that she can comfortably look over her shoulder. "Plus, me and him don't exactly mix, so I probably won't stick around for too long. I'm sure he'll get pissed once he realizes I'm here."
She laughs a little at that. A delicate, short sound. It's hard to tell by the singular honeyed shade of her eyes, but you think that she rolls them, a playful exasperation. "You're pretty oblivious, huh."
"What do you mean by that?" you laugh at little too, but it's much thinner. Lacking any true amusement, impeded by your uncertainty. She settles you with a look then, head cocking, brows raising while she appraises you. And then she's leaning in, crowding into your space conspiratorially, closing in her proximity so that she can be heard over the music without having to raise her voice.
"It's probably not my place to say this, but Sonar doesn't hate you, babe." She answers and something mischievous passes through her gaze, and her next words makes the floor feel as though it's dropped out from beneath your feet. "He's literally had a poster of you on his wall for years; the guy's obsessed with you. It's a little pathetic honestly."
"What?" You nearly shout, your voice pitching up so much higher than you had intended, and it if it wasn't for the vocals and electric pop instrumentals projecting across the room, bouncing against the walls that have managed to feel so much closer than before, everyone would have heard you. Your grip seizes around the cup in your hand, the thick plastic popping crisply, a dent crinkling inward from the press of your thumb. You know you're staring, mouth agape, looking dumb as you gawk at her like she's grown another head, but it's a concept that you can't entirely grasp.
Sure, you've heard rumors about Sonar. About him being a bit of pervert, and you've experienced that facet of his personality firsthand. But he's never singled you out specifically, he doesn't flirt with you anymore than he does with his other co-workers. There wasn't anything special about how he would tease you. Or so you thought. You never would have imagined that he'd see you in such a way, and you don't know what to think. It's as though your mind has gone white, drawn a blank, emotions swirl up in the pit of your stomach like a storm. It's overwhelming, and you have no choice but to just sit with it while it all churns and heaves: surprise, irritation, and worse than all, intrigue, and the traces of something else that you don't want to name. It's too sudden, too warm and fluttery to allow yourself to accept.
You take the first sip of your drink, and immediately grimace. You almost choke on it completely. It's like cough syrup if it burned, searing as it goes down your throat, overly sweet from its syrup, the carbonation biting and bubbling harshly, mixing with the sear of alcohol in a way that's horrific. There's a variety of conflicting flavors that attack your tongue, the pervasive punch of the combination washes over your palate. You can't tell what the hell it is. Tequila, maybe and bad soda, but you mouth twists from it.
"Yeah, it's not too great," Malevola says, taking note as you shudder with disgust, forcing yourself to swallow. But as terrible as it is, you appreciate the burn of it right now. It gives you something to focus on, something pungent and poignant enough to guide you back into reality. "We just kinda threw together what we had. But listen . . . you can, uh, pop into his room and see it for yourself if you want. I won't blame you," she shrugs, mouth twisting into something a little sly. "It's down that way," she gestures to her right. "Down the hall, the very last door at the end."
You tell yourself that you won't do it. You're going to finish the rest of the drink — some terrible amalgamation of what you suspect to be lemon soda and God knows what else, and then you're going to get the hell out of here. You'll go home, take a cold shower, go to sleep and pretend that tonight never happened. That you didn't become burdened with knowledge that you shouldn't be privy to. There are certain things that co-workers shouldn't know about each other, and this is one of those things. The awareness of it dredges up too many feelings. So much of your own thoughts come barreling up, fast and powerful. But you block them out, hold them at bay with the promise that you're going to leave and you can continue on with your life, pretending to be ignorant.
You don't go home.
You're standing in the middle of his room after a long internal debate on morality. It's easy to blame it on the alcohol. That it's already made you too dumb, infected you with a dangerous liquid courage. You're definitely crossing a line by being in here without his permission, but then again, wasn't he crossing some kind of line by having a half-naked photograph of you up on his wall? Maybe. Sort of. The reluctance you had felt was easily eclipsed by your curiosity and try as you might to protect you own peace and not feel like a terrible person, after standing in the middle of the hallway for too long, listening to music and laughter and conversation bubble around you, you had stepped inside of his room anyway.
It's spacious for a bedroom in Torrance, where the rent prices are excessive, riding on the novelty of being so close to L.A. .It's got a high ceiling, expensive wood flooring, and a massive sky view that displays the city spanning out below. He has paintings posted around the walls of the room. The sort of art you'd find some wealthy billionaire's home. That old-money aesthetic. Oil paints, smudges made from pastels, and earthy hues stroked over canvases framed in fancy, rich wood.
But the wall directly across the from the bed — an unnecessarily large one at that; a California King with silk sheets, because of course — seems to be dedicated to important milestones in his life. Engraved plaques and photographs taken of him shaking hands with uptight men wearing business suits and oily smiles. And there, in the middle of all that over bloated self inflation and success, is a poster of you.
There in all of its glory, is your 2022 Posing for Pollution Awareness poster, made visible by the glimmers of light projecting through the window, the soft glow of street lamps and neighboring buildings trickling over the glass protecting the picture in a soft glow. You had done it for a fundraiser. Made to bring in donations for an independent organization, all to raise money and bring consciousness to properly clean up the bay of trash. Most of the Torrance branch had agreed to do it, and you (obviously) had been among the numbers who had.
The photoshoot wasn't anything too scandalous. What they had dressed you in wasn't much different than what you would wear at a pool or out on a day at the beach. It was a simple bikini, exposing enough to ensure that the pictures would sell but not enough that you would feel demeaned wearing it. Simple, black, a smooth material that hugged your breasts in flattering way, making them look perky, supported, and you had appreciated how it complimented them.
You were posed out on the beach, stretched out on the sand, skin damp and glittering in the sunlight, dewy drops glowing amber from the warm luminosity. The ties of the bikini's bottoms were cinched high around your hips, pronouncing their shape, the subtle arch in your back only perpetuating the sultry position the photographer had guided you into.
You did admittedly feel a little awkward when he had requested for you to try and give the camera a flirtatious expression, something confident and salacious. But looking back at the end result now, you don't hate it. You look . . . good. Great, if you're being truthful with yourself, and the risk of being completely narcissistic, you can see why Sonar has this particular poster secured at the foot of his bed. He even framed it. Not even in some basic, plastic frame, but in an ornate one that you would see holding a portrait, gold and exuberant. Overkill. It felt more akin to a shrine than just some dirty totem, used for him to gawk at and jerk off to.
Surprisingly, you aren't mad. Or even disgusted like you expected yourself to be. There's no repulsion, not even as a symptom of your shock. You suppose this is the sort of thing you had assumed the posters would be used for. Sure, you had hoped that it purchased mostly as a gag gift, or more importantly, because people wanted to contribute their money to a good cause, but you weren't ignorant. You knew that some pervert out there would end up buying it for less than innocent reasons. You had just never guessed that one of those perverts would be your co-worker.
You hate how you almost feel flattered. Maybe there's just something wrong with you, but you're more amused than anything, satisfied almost. It's funny in a way, to know that the same guy who's been giving you so much trouble, making your life at work hellish with petty little disruptions and immature jokes has been coming home every night to a massive photograph of you on his wall, framed and hung up like it belonged on an altar.
For a brief second, the thought raises, flickering up from the fringes of your mind, passing and thin, that maybe you should finally go home. Maybe snap of picture of the poster he has with your phone for future blackmail and then leave. But that thought passes over and past you, drifting away until it's as though it never existed in the first place. Maybe it's because for the first time in a while, you feel like you're actually in control of this stupid little game that you've both found yourselves in. After months of toying with each other, stealing things, playing childish pranks, all the paint bombs you've planted in the drawers of his cubicle's desk, this is the first instance where you truly felt like you've not just evened the scales, but completely tipped them in your favor.
And you aren't letting an opportunity like this pass you by. You aren't leaving. Not yet anyway.
The sound of approaching laughter snaps you out of your stare, and your head jerks to face the door. You hold your breath as someone nears, their footsteps muffled as they carry themselves down the hall. You see their shadow break through the warm light that trickles in beneath the thin gap underneath the door, bobbing and swaying unsteadily for a moment, hovering there long enough to make your heart stutter, but thankfully whoever it is keeps walking. The noise of them stumbling into the neighboring room is noisy, shoes squeaking on the tiles, and the gentle click of a toilet seat being lifted and the damp retching that follows lets you know that they'll be occupied for a while. It should give you ample time to slip past without them noticing.
You do take a picture of the poster before you leave. Just for insurance.
When you nudge his bedroom door open, you're careful to be quiet, even with the cover of the music raucously thundering throughout the apartment, impossible to not be heard. How they haven't managed to get a noise complaint yet is entirely beyond you. You lean out just enough to glance around the hallway, checking for anyone who might be present, but it's clear, not a soul in sight thankfully.
You're quick to slip out of Sonar's room, carefully closing the door behind you and then you're moving, treading down the hall with casual footsteps, tucking your phone into your back pocket.
You find him effortlessly. He's right where you last saw him, except the guy who was doing body shots is now gone, and the island has been repurposed for beer pong. Sonar is playing with the few people who are scattered around him, intently watching as one of his opponents steps up, drawing his posture up straight and raising an arm to line up the shot with the triangle of cups posted at the opposite end of the island. There's a brief pause, everyone watching seems to hold their breath, concentrating as best as they all can, some only a little buzzed and others completely trashed, watching with the glazed eyes of drunks as they all track the trajectory of the ball when the man tosses it through the air.
It misses completely, striking loudly on the counter, just a few scant inches from the cups, and ricochets off the counter, shooting somewhere into the living room, vanishing into the sea of bodies.
"Ha! Get wrecked loser," Sonar insults maturely. Now he's the one stepping up, clutching onto a hollow ball within his fingers, shouldering past his rival, but not without passing the man another derisive comment. "Now watch and learn."
He doesn't even look when he launches it with the flick of his wrist, keeping his eye contact settled on his opponent with a smug grin, canines sharp. All that the other guy can do is observe, just standing in place and staring as the ball coasts smoothly through the atmosphere in a graceful arch and meets it target. A bullseye, landing neatly in the center cup with an empty, plastic clatter. The sound of defeat.
"And that is how it's done."
Some people cheer, others wince at the other man's loss, who is now mumbling something under his breath as he harshly slaps a few bills into Sonar's outstretched palm. His grumbling is too low against the clamorous volume of the music for you to hear, but you're sure it isn't anything nice. You take the lull in the game as an opportunity, weaving through the fringes of the crowd to sidle up next to Sonar where he's backed up against the kitchen counter. He's oblivious to your proximity, too busy counting the cash that he won from the game, nimble fingers rotating through the singles and the couple of fives he'd been given before folding them and slipping them safely inside of his front pocket.
"Good game," you compliment, settling the base of your spine against the counter, leaning your weight on it to get comfortable, standing close enough to him that you can feel the subtle hints of his body heat caressing over your skin. All balmy and unnecessarily pleasant. You try not to focus on it, instead taking another swig of your drink, even though it still makes you grimace as it goes down, spreading a blaze in your gut.
Sonar practically flinches when he hears you, jerking a little, eyes blinking as he tilts away to properly assess you, gaze darting over you from head to toe as though he can't believe you're real. "What— you're here. What the hell are you doing here?"
"Malevola invited me," you answer, voice pitching up to be properly heard. But it's probably needless with how keen his hearing is.
"Mal invited—" his words clip of abruptly, a heavy pause expanding between you both, terribly silent despite the near deafening chaos and excitement fizzling and sparkling across the space around you. As though a cloud had settled over your bodies, and only you two. You dare to look at him then, watching as his eyes dart around the living room before falling steady, locking onto something with an intensity that almost concerns you. When you allow yourself to track his stare, you find Malevola. They gaze at each other from across the distance, and something wordless and personal passes between them. A discussion unsaid, one that you aren't apart of. You aren't sure if the smile on her face should unsettle you or not.
"Cool, cool. That's . . . cool," he says and it takes you a second to realize that he's speaking to you. "So, you enjoying yourself so far? How's the punch? I made it, it's not too b—"
"It's terrible," you answer without hardly processing it, the alcohol having made you a little loose lipped.
"Terrible," he agrees immediately. "It really is."
"What even is it?"
"It's vodka mostly, but there's some tequila in there too, I think. And to make it go down easier I mixed some old lemon soda and a dash of Coke." His eyes widen a little, maybe worried from how you're squinting and glaring at the inside of the cup, analyzing the opaque brown liquid like it's something toxic.
"The drink!" he hastily adds. "Not . . . the substance."
"I'm glad you clarified," you joke, and it catches you off guard. You can't think of a single time where you've ever been this relaxed around Sonar. Sure, he doesn't frighten you or really make you all that uncomfortable, but he is irritating, that is indisputable. Whenever you two happen to be in the same vicinity, it's pretty much a guarantee that some kind of fight will break out, some type of immature bickering. You've never really sat like this. Never allowed yourselves to exist in the same space without some type of vitriolic exchange. It's startling, really, how nice it is. Something as simple as breathing next to each other. Peaceful in a way that sort of scares you.
It would be easy to pin it on the liquor, and hell, maybe it is. But you really don't think so. It flows too naturally, settling somewhere in your spirit too organically; two rigid, jagged pieces finally fitting together. You've spent a lot of time with him, minutes and hours and weeks, spent taunting and troubling each other with stupid pranks and infantile jokes, and right now it's as though all of that history has taken a back seat.
He's different, almost awkward right now. Like he doesn't know what to do with himself now that you're so close to him. As though your proximity has thrown him off, made him loose around the edges. You can't recall a time where he hasn't spoken to you with some level of annoyance or smug superiority, but now he's almost rigid, shoulders drawn up tight, his left hand white-knuckling his beer as though it's a life line. He's nervous.
"Are you alright? You're being all chill right now, it's odd." You eye him from your peripheral vision skeptically, raising a questioning eyebrow.
"What do you mean, I'm always chill."
"Yeah, with other people. You're always giving me shit. You literally call my team 'Dick Team' and you're constantly stealing from my desk. You took my white-out and like, eight of my pens."
"I don't know," he shrugs, and his nose twitches in a way that's always a little adorable — not that you'd ever admit it aloud. "I guess you're just easy to pick on. Plus, you're not innocent either. Are you conveniently forgetting the time you stole my spare suits from my locker? I had to walk around the office completely in the nude; you're lucky I'm confident with my body."
"You deserved it," you volley back.
His gaze narrows, those milky, flat eyes squinting like he's made a clever discovery, read between the lines and now he's all self-congratulatory. You can practically see his chest puffing out in pride, heaving behind the pale fabric of his shirt, all male bravado. "You just wanted to see my dick, didn't you."
An amused puff of air escapes you, making you pause before you take a sparing sip of your drink. "If I wanted to see your dick, I don't think it would take very much."
His mouth drops open, lips parting in a shock that you know is fake, large ears shifting forward, intentionally overexaggerating it before he sets his expression into what seems like an offended sneer. "Are you slut shaming me right now? What makes you so confident, huh? I may have given a few hand jobs behind The Sardine for some blow, but I am not a whore, alright."
"Sure, sure," you agree noncommittedly. It's all so relaxed, your bodies having shifted closer than you think either of you had realized in the time that you've been talking, as though some kind of gravitational pull had gradually drifted you both into the others orbit. So close that everything else becomes faint, a thousand miles away, as though the party surrounding you is a dream, all hazy and distorted and somehow, he's become reality, a centered point. Clear, and vivid, and familiar. It's almost unsettling in a way. How at peace you are standing next to him, with the fridge humming beside you, the overhead cast from the overhead lights bathing everything in a soothing glow, his warmth gliding over you when his arm brushes against yours. Too close and somehow, despite everything, it feels right. Normal.
So of course, your mouth goes and ruins it.
"The poster in your room, that's what makes me so confident, big guy."
He freezes, you can feel his body go still and you want to kick your ass as soon as you register what you've said. You want to tape your mouth shut, or maybe just crawl into a hole and cover yourself with earth until decades pass and you've been able to properly forget this little interaction. But you can't do any of those things, you can't take back time or retract what you've said and now you're left to deal with the aftermath, stranded directly in the middle of it.
"You, you went in my room?" He asks, and now he actually sounds genuinely appalled. Maybe horrified. Now you want to pour the rest of your drink down your throat in the hope that maybe if you're lucky enough, it'll choke you out and you won't have to face this situation. He doesn't give you the opportunity to defend yourself, to try and make some kind of explanation, even though all of the ones that you've been running through your head don't sound all that convincing. And the truth is just as flimsy. Almost worse than the lies you've been mulling over.
Your best friend told me to go snoop inside of your room and so I did?
That sounds terrible.
And now he's leaning into your space, turning on the heels of his shoes to properly face you, crowding close while his mouth shapes into a smile, one of pure delight, all teeth. There's that perverted glint reflecting in his eyes, one you've seen a thousand times, one that's been directed at you, present with every crass joke he's ever made at your expense. Like when he sees you after a particularly rough shift out on the field, combat suit tattered, revealing strips of skin that are typically hidden, he can't seem to resist passing you a sleazy wink. It's the same stare that he gives you when he sees you at the start of your respective shifts, always greeting you with a monotone "Mornin', sugartits." A salutation that's become an expected part of your routine.
"Oh-ho," he chuckles, excited. "Who's the pervert now, huh? Classic case of the pot calling the kettle black."
"Okay," you roll your eyes. Pretending to be exasperated at this point really. A façade to keep him from seeing the relief that floods through you, as though a new life had been breathed into you. The alleviation that comes with dodging a bullet.
He dips his voice low, dropping it into something obnoxious, saturated with faux modesty, his typical monotone flourishing with a lilt. "I hope you didn't steal any of my panties."
"Ew, don't say panties."
He goes quiet again. Leaving you both in another bout of silence, except this one isn't as comforting as before. It's unsure, brittle, shaken in a way that your dynamic, as strange as it typically is, strained and charged, has never really been before. You feel a little lost, like you've been stepping around blindly and your foot has slipped, leaving you tripping and struggling to reorient yourself in a sightless struggle.
If it weren't for the music, you're sure you'd be able to hear yourself breathing. You've become hyperaware of everything. The fit of the clothes on your body and the brush of each individual thread rubbing across your skin, the press of the floor beneath your shoes, the plastic cup within your hand, having long since turned lukewarm, no longer chilled. It all settles you deep into the moment, planting you directly in the thick of it and forcing you to confront it. You can't hide from any of it, and nothing is helping to distract you. Not the music, not the laughter, not even the guy who's passed out on the middle of the living room floor, a man (his friend, hopefully) giggling to himself as he creatively sketches a penis on the unconscious dude's forehead. None of it works.
"But, uh, so what do you think?"
It takes you off guard. The abruptness of him speaking again, the almost timid nature of his tone, reluctant, soft around the edges. For perhaps the first time since you've met him, he sounds uncertain. Anxious. For a second, your brain falls blank, caught and spun up within his sudden embarrassment. He seems modest, a little delicate, prodding you for your approval, and you hate how much you like humility on him. The tips of his ears have gone a little lax, almost as though he's wilting from his own unease, gradually caving in on himself and once again he's holding onto the sweating beer in his grip like it's a comfort blanket.
Everything feels raw. Sensitive. Like there's a new direction spanning out in front of you, expanding, stretching far beyond your ability to comprehend, but it tugs at you. It reaches for you, grasping with inquisitive, longing fingers, urging you to step forward, to take the plunge. You aren't sure what's happening between you two. What caused the shift. If it's just the alcohol getting to both of your heads, or if it's just that damned poster that's caused the change. Struck something previously unseen between you, now demanding to be acknowledged. But as much as it frightens you, you don't entirely hate it, either. It fits somehow, like slipping into a jacket that had gone ignored in the back of your closet for years, unexpectedly snug, warm and well-fitted.
You decide immediately, standing along the fringes of a wild party that seems to exist and carry on outside of you, that you want to test this — whatever this is. You want to study it, live in it, if only temporarily, and discover where it might take you, and if it blows up in your face, then you'll take it. You'll endure it, let it roll off of your back like oil. You can take whatever disaster may come. Take the cowards way out if you have to and pretend that it was all done under the impressionable influence of liquor — one silly night and one dumb moment of vulnerability. And then you and Sonar can go back to loathing each other, returning to the security of those stupid pranks, because that's what you've always done. But for now, you can let yourself be honest, you can indulge in the odd sincerity that's swaddled you both and take that daunting step forward.
"About the poster?" You question, though you really don't have to. "It's fine. I mean, it's what I expected it to be used for if I'm being honest. Though the frame was a bit unexpected. It's kind of sweet. . . In a really strange, sort of creepy way."
"You think so?" He visibly perks up, ears lifting, as though he's been revitalized, life breathed back into him.
You only shrug, but the smile you offer him is the most genuine and gentle thing you've probably ever directed at him, and it seems to soothe whatever doubts he may have had. His eyes seem to widen by a fraction, pale and glittering in the amber lights. You can hardly recall a single moment where you two have ever been so cordial. Sure, you've had rare exchanges in the breakroom. Brief interactions where you would both mind your own business or maybe, you'd coexist long enough to do something inconsequential like grabbing a plastic utensil from one of the drawers to pass it to the other, but that's about as far as your kindness would extend. You've never seen him like this, almost soft. It's jarring, especially because of how pleasant it is.
"I like . . . looking at you." It's such a reluctant confession. It's genuine, hesitant in its delivery, like he's almost afraid to admit it. And then, inevitably, the dreamy expression on his face shifts a little, becoming familiar in the flirtation that's shown. As though he's reminiscing, thinking back fondly on filthy memories, every bit of the pervert that you're used to. "A lot."
In any other circumstance, you'd give him hell for it, insult him a little bit for turning a good thing crass. But weirdly enough, it hasn't ruined the moment. That authenticity is still there, tender, weaving naturally through the conversation despite his antics.
"I like you like this. Us like this, I mean. Not being complete dicks to each other," you divulge. And you almost have to force the words out. They leave you slowly, like if you utter them carefully enough, you might have time take them all back. "It's nice."
"Yeah, I like you too — this too." He clears his throat, the pink flesh of his snout wiggling, crinkling as though he's internally admonishing himself.
If you were still acting like your old self — the you from literally an hour ago — you'd probably tease him for it. This entire night and interaction have given you the kind of blackmail material that you could hold over his head for years, something to dangle and taunt him with whenever he gets under your skin (which is constantly). And yet, the desire to do so barely crosses your mind. It flickers over you, as quick as a dying ember, losing its heat in its trajectory and smoldering out, dark and smothered. And with its passing, something unexpected and more than a little insane blossoms in its place.
You feel crazy by just thinking it, and you want to pin the blame on the horrendous blend of vodka and tequila coursing through your system. But you know yourself. You know your limit, and yes, you can feel the liquor beginning to settle in your body, fuzzy and balmy, but it's clement. Mild. Little more than a dull thrum gliding along your fingertips and toes. You're just starting to feel a buzz, and it's no where near the point where you can't trust yourself to make proper decisions.
You know that if you say what you really want to then you'll reach a point of no return. There will be no pretending, no way to back track. You're staring down an event horizon. But now that you've had this, seen firsthand how life can be between you two, you really don't want to return to your old ways. You don't want the anger and hatred, the constant baring of teeth and the immature, humiliating comments that you both spit back and forth at each other like venom. This connection, as outlandish and unforeseen as it is, is something you can't help craving now that you've had a taste of it, and it forces you to make a realization that you don't think you would have otherwise. That against all odds and common sense, you might actually like Sonar.
Sure, maybe it's just a spur of the moment type of deal. Maybe tomorrow, you both will wake back up and be at each other's throats again as though tonight never happened; treat it like a fantasy. A hallucination. But if that's the case, there's really no reason in fearing the jump, hesitating to take the plunge. You might as well, consequences be damned.
"Hey, do you maybe wanna go to your room and see how that poster on your wall compares to the real thing?"
It doesn't take him long to process what you've said, and when it clicks, he stands ramrod straight. Spine stretching to its full height, ears directed forward as though they've locked onto a target. You don't think you've ever seen anyone's eyes light up with such delight and disbelief before. Glittering with a wonder that seems innocent despite the perverse ideas and images that are no doubt flooding his brain in a deluge of pornographic excitement.
His attention snaps onto you, gaze narrowing, heavy-lidded with equal parts skepticism and joy. "You mean, like, looking at your boobs and stuff?"
For being so smart he has a tendency to act incredibly dense, and yet you find yourself smiling anyway, laughing softly in weary amusement. "Yes, Sonar, like looking at my boobs and stuff."
He stares at you heavily. Long enough for you to almost second guess the offer. For you to get a little insecure. His nose twitches again, like he's trying to sniff out a lie, breathing in the air for even a sliver of hesitation or the hint of a joke on its current. He leans so close that you can smell the cologne on him, fresh and amber, robust with a subtle spice. The clean notes of it still surprise you even now. Honestly, you expected him to wear something like Axe Body Spray, not whatever this is, notably expensive and mouthwatering in a way that's kind of humiliating.
"Are you fucking with me?" He presses, the bushy shape of his brows drawing close in an doubtful pinch. "You can't dangle the promise of boobs in front of man's face like candy and then not deliver. That would be cruel, even for you."
You long to roll your eyes at him, to jab at him for his doubts, but you don't. For reasons beyond you, you're bold tonight. You feel empowered when you reach out and grab ahold of his tie, looping your fingers around the smooth texture of the fabric, rich and fine in your hand, like water inside of your palm as you glide it up the length of the material, seizing ahold the knot secured at the base of his neck. He bows to the drag of your arm without a sliver of resistance, malleable and compliant, all of his previous bark snuffed out with a singular gesture. He lets you guide him into your space, obeying the weight of your hand as you urge him closer, eyes already glazing over like he's become high on your confidence.
"I'm not fucking with you, Sonar. Yet." You answer, and the dopey way his ears droop, already tangled up inside the implications of your words makes you want to laugh. "But play your cards right and you just might get lucky."
His eyes widen with the realization and then he's rambling, a hasty, stumbling stream of emotions pouring over. "Please, please, please, I'll be so good. I'll play my cards right; whatever you want—"
"Then come on."
You barely tug on his tie at all, and he still falls in after you, allowing you to guide him forward as though he's been lured in. Hypnotized and trapped under a spell. You both barely have the minds to leave your drinks behind, forgotten and abandoned in favor of the anticipation and hunger. You move your way out of the kitchenette, Sonar close on your heels, and through the flurry of enthusiasm and sound, you can hear him muttering to himself, brief utterings like, "Holly shit, I can't believe this is actually happening."
It makes you smile, amusement bubbling in your chest, fluttering and light. But you don't make it out of the party unseen. Celebratory voices rise up, following after you two before you can step down the hallway — the Z-Team. Whooping and hollering from their places scattered around the apartment. Wolf-whistles pitching high, laughter popping in the air like fireworks.
To your utter surprise, Sonar doesn't make a comment, missing the prime opportunity for him to shout something douchy. He's too busy chasing after you, mind narrowed down into tunnel vision, pinned on you, locked tight.
It happens in a blur, the trip down the hallway, with how desperate you both are, the thrill of what's to come alive and sharp, working through your bodies like electrical currents. And then you're back in his room, and he's stumbling in after you, quick-footed and taut from his suspense.
"Go sit on the edge of your bed," you order as soon as the door is shut.
"I always knew you'd be the dominating type," he comments, voice syrupy and thick, all satisfied in his quipping. He obeys your command without resistance, walking across the room quickly to seat himself down on the mattress, creating a divot there with his weight. He settles his hands in the middle of his lap, fingers flexing like he's concentrating to combat his own urges, knuckles turning pale. "Don't worry, I know the rules: I can look, but I can't touch."
You huff in amusement, briefly eyeing your poster as you step away from the door before you shift your attention onto him, moving to stand close, directly in front of him. He seems captivated by your movements, staring as you shift yourself in front of him, standing so close that there's only a few inches between your legs and his knees. Just enough room for you to comfortably move around and toe off your shoes, swiping them out of the way with the kick of your feet.
When you lower your fingers to the metal button of your jeans, thumb circling and pressing it down to guide it through the buttonhole, he narrows in on the movement with a zealousness that delights you. It lights up in your veins like an aphrodisiac, hot and pulsing, made intense, overwhelming by the way he watches, as though he's fascinated by your every micromovement. Captivated by how you softly sway your hips to aid your arms in rucking your pants down from around your waist and past your thighs. They pool down around your ankles in a pile, meeting the wooden floorboards with an almost inaudible thump.
You're taken off guard about how you don't feel and ounce of shame or humiliation. It's almost impossible to with how he's observing you, eyes large with fascination. Awe. You didn't imagine that Sonar would be capable of this type of admiration. Innocent in its intrigue despite what you're doing being anything but innocent. He's just . . . tender. Soft even though his want is palpable. Noticeable with the white-knuckled grip he has around his own hands.
It's all the drive you need to reach from the hem of your shirt, pulling it up and over your head in single movement. You let it fall to the floor as you step out of your jeans. And now you're standing in front of him in nothing more than your undergarments, which are completely unsexy. They don't even match, just a basic, lace bra and a pair of cotton underwear, blank gray and boring.
But Sonar is still staring at you as though you created the entire night sky, strung the stars up and molded the moon with your own bare hands.
"I'm not a striper, Sonar. You can touch me," you say, already reaching behind your back to undo your bra's clasp.
"You serious?" His jaw drops a little, fangs poking out, fully exposed from his disbelief. You wonder what it would feel like if he bit you.
"Very," you reply. And then with a few practiced movements, the fastenings come loose, the straps around your shoulders go slack, already slipping from their perches and you let them shift free. Your bra drops down by your feet with the rest of your clothes, and now you're practically naked. The tepid air gliding over your breasts has your nipples hardening, but the salacious look he gives you, roving over you from head to toe, is white-hot. He hasn't even touched you and you already feel as though you're being eaten alive, consumed piece by tiny piece at a time.
But his hands aren't off of you for long. Suddenly, they're there, taking ahold of you, warm and greedy. They slip around your ribs long enough for him to hold you, moving you in between the spread of his thighs with so much enthusiasm that you nearly trip on your feet, but he manages to keep you steady. And then they brush around the shape of your torso in a pair, leaving fire in their wake as they move to grab onto your breasts in avid handfuls, fingers tensing to squeeze.
"This is so much better than how I've imagined it," he remarks as he kneads the swell of your chest, tracing the shape of it with his thumbs.
"Yeah?" you breathe, arching into the press of his fingers when he plucks at your nipples, circling them in teasing glides, causing a thin gasp to snag in your throat. "Better than the picture you've got right there?" You angle your head, gesturing it towards the wall behind you, trying to focus as he continues to play with your breasts as though they're the most fascinating things on the planet, kneading them in zealous gropes.
"Oh yeah," he answers without a second of delay. "That camera really doesn't do you justice in comparison to this; you have no idea."
But you think you do have a pretty good one with how eagerly he's still grasping at you. There's no opportunity to tease him for his desperation. The words you had ready, forming in the back of your mouth are snuffed out as quickly as they were building, vapor in the hollow of your throat. Because now he's tilting forwards, jaw hinging open to lick a long, steady trail between your breasts with the flat of his tongue. It's wet, leaving saliva glittering on your skin, pleasure darting on your nerves from the slick weight of it.
He fucking purrs. Guttural, contented clicks lifting from somewhere deep behind the pit his ribcage as he tastes you. You feel his fangs graze your flesh alongside the drag of his tongue, lethal pinpricks caressing over you in sharp nicks. When your gaze drops downward, jumping to glance down at him, he's already watching you. Eyelids droopy, the flat white of them turned a little vacant, like he's managed to get drunk off of some simple heavy petting.
"This okay?" he slurs around the width of his tongue, refusing to detach the press of it from your body for so much as a second. As though the separation, no matter how temporary, would be debilitating for him. Soul crushing.
"Definitely," you nod.
He doesn't verbally respond. He only hums, a long, satisfied vibration against your skin; you feel it bone deep, trembling inside of your marrow. He gets adventurous now, hands shifting, moving reluctantly from your chest to explore the rest of you. They're everywhere, seemingly all at once. Your back, your waist and hips, moving low to grope the shape of your ass, massaging the fat with an appreciative rumble. And then he's sealing his mouth around your right breast, maw large enough to encompass the entire thing within the stretch of his jaw if he wanted, lips clasping around the nipple to suck.
Your spine bows, muscles coiling from the suction, damp and molten, the serrated edges of his teeth lightly dragging over it, and the dull pain rips a weak moan from your lungs. He's fast to calm the sting with his tongue, circling the large point of it around your nipple, easing the muted throb.
In a blur he's hauling you up into his lap, arms coiling around you like steel bands to secure you to the length of his torso. It leaves you scrambling, gripping onto his shoulders for support, nails biting into his shirt, and through the abruptness of it all you notice it — Of course, he's already hard. Firm and pressing at you through the fabric of his pants. His hands return to your waist, starved for friction, self-restraint fraying around the edges, and he grinds himself between your thighs, right up against your cunt.
You didn't exactly have a plan for this encounter. It was impulsive, abrupt, and you didn't have anything particular in mind except that maybe you'd let him see you naked, maybe you'd tease him a little, indulge in some harmless fooling around. But those initial intentions were quickly slipping right out the window. Maybe they'd been tossed out of it as soon as he'd gotten his hands on you, or maybe they were just a lie you had been telling yourself the entire time. Stupid and flimsy. Meant to trick your own mind, so you could pretend that you didn't want anything more from him. Giving yourself the curtesy of pretending to be shocked by your own actions when you roll your hips to meet his. But deep down in your bones, in the center of your body where your soul might sit, you know you want this and so much more.
He moans when you swivel your hips down, driving them in a steady roll directly against his, right on his cock. He says something, mumbled and clipped around the edges, too distorted for you to make out, but you catch a few swears and pleads scattered inside of his murmurings. Little glimmers of 'fuck yes' and 'just like that.'
It comes over you like a wave, great and sudden, rising within you in a lashing of instincts that can't be ignored. You take ahold of his face, directing it out from your chest, and his loud complaints go disregarded to your ears in favor of threading your fingers through the silky tufts of his fur and nudging his chin up to press your mouth to his.
"Oh, c'mon, don't take 'em away from me ye—" His voice dies out on your lips. His body goes still under you, muscles tensing as though he doesn't know what to do with himself. But his stupefaction is temporary, and now he's moving, hands roving over you and clasping tightly like he wants to steal you away and hoard you for himself.
Kissing him takes a moment to figure out. The mechanics of it aren't the same as it would be with a regular person. His mouth is larger, a little wider, and the narrow shape of his fangs frame the corners of your lips when you press them against his own, the sharp points of them scraping over the delicate skin. But you do manage to find a rhythm, as unusual as it is, though it's not unpleasant by any means. Only different.
It's sloppy, bordering on harsh, though that's mainly due to his enthusiasm. His tongue lapping inside of your mouth, the serrated edges of his teeth nipping, and spit smears from the messy exchange. You've never been particularly aroused by sloppy make outs. You've endured one too many guys who think its sexy to punch their tongues into your mouth, lacking any kind of technique or tact. Locking their lips with yours like they're trying to eat your face whole, but somehow, despite his fervor, he manages to do it in a way that doesn't make you want to crawl out from your skin.
There is a kind of restraint to it. You can feel it in the way that his muscles coil beneath your palms, taut and flexed, as though he's really repressing the desire to extend his jaw and eat you alive. Maybe that should terrify you. He did used to eat people, those are some of the rumors that circulate SDN, at least. That during his stint as a villain, human flesh was a key part of his diet. But you aren't scared of him. A part of you even likes it — not the death part. Just the teeth, the prospect of him biting, and you can't help but imagine what it would be like if those honed barbs of enamel would sink through your skin.
The thought of it, the brief fantasy has you lose control of yourself for only the flashing of a second. Your powers pour from your body in a flare, an uptick of it surging, and in a blink an invisible push has Sonar shoved back on the bed. The oxygen from his lungs escapes him in a whoosh. He stares up at you, eyes wide from his place on his back, arms splayed out and pinned down to the mattress by the thrumming of your power. You expect him to complain, to bitch a little about being thrown around, but there isn't a shred of offense on his face. Once his initial shock wears off, satisfaction takes its place, smug and delighted, as though there's no other place on the entire planet that he'd rather be right now.
"I love a woman in charge. So, now that you've got me all vulnerable and at your mercy like this, what are you gonna do with me?" His ears lean forward while his mouth pulls into a smile, eager, ready to be used up. He's not fighting against the weight of your power. He's malleable beneath it, fully relaxed.
Honestly, you don't know what you want to do with him. You didn't exactly plan to shove him down like this, but now that you have him here, flat on his back and compliant, it's not an opportunity that you can let slip by. It's too good to pass up.
You let your sight spill over him, taking in every inch and detail that you can from your perch around his hips. The heave of his chest, the smear of spit around his mouth, glittering in the warm spill of light projecting through the window. If it wasn't for his fur blocking the view, you're pretty confident that he's blushing, the skin beneath the thick cover of hair flushed red. He's pretty like this, in a lethal, monstrous kind of way, eyes glimmering and eager.
"You gonna let me do what I want?" you ask, pressing your hips down over his bulge, dragging your pussy right over the length of it. You're already wet. You can feel your arousal soaking your underwear, making the fabric cling to you, and the texture of the fabric presses right over your clit when you circle your waist over him.
"You can do absolutely anything you want to me. My body is yours." Such a cornball. And a slut, not that either of those things surprise you in the least.
You don't bother touching him outright. You let your ability do all of the work, mentally shaping your power to pluck at the buttons of his shirt like fingers, carefully slipping his tie loose from around his neck. You feel him try to press into the weight of your field, and you cut him some slack, easing up the pressure enough to give him room to move, to really feel the hum of the energy pulsing around him. So he can indulge in the brush of it gliding across his chest as you continue to pluck the buttons free.
More and more of him gets revealed to you as you work, and you take in each bit of him that gets exposed in an appreciative stare, tugging the drape of his shirt down and over his shoulders between the squeeze of his body and the mattress. You've wondered an embarrassing number of times how far the fur around his head travels. If it just stops at his neck or keeps going. His hands are human, that much you know. And the bit of his forearms that are visible seem the same, except for the thick smattering of hair that peeks out past the rolled-up cuff of his sleeves above the base of his elbows. But that never gave you too much to draw a proper estimation from, no matter how much you tried to imagine it.
Now you finally have your answer. With the final button undone, you're able to tear the front of his shirt open with a lazy push of your powers, gripping ahold of the cotton material with a tangle of energy, and his compliance allows you to tug the sleeves down from around the length of his arms simultaneously. It leaves his shirt nothing more than a wrinkled-up pile of fabric under his waist, forgotten and useless, and his torso is now deliciously bare. Free for you to ogle him, shameless and starved.
The fur keeps going from around his neck, spanning down his shoulders and upper arms. It's thick around his chest, as full and dark as the rest of it, completely covering his pectorals in a rich coat. His abdomen is bare though. Human, pale soft skin, defined and shaped by light muscles — abs, he has abs? — that you didn't expect; lithe but still visible. And there, from top to bottom is a thick stretch of hair that splits directly down the middle of his torso, expanding out from his chest, starting from his sternum and scattering in a path all the way down until it vanishes under the waistline of his pants. Referring to it as a happy 'trail' wouldn't do it any justice. It's too broad, made from a heavy scattering of coal gray fur, probably almost as wide as the width of your palm.
It's stupid how hot it is.
"Like what you see, huh?" Sonar gloats. "I knew you would."
"Oh, shut up." You scoff, but there's no real bite in your voice. You're too distracted to really chide him.
"Nah," he responds. So much arrogance dripping from one tiny word. He's a little too confident in your opinion, content and relaxed underneath the pulse your energy, white-hot, an electrical field molding around the shape of him, swaddling, stroking against his skin and fur. It's made him relaxed. Happy to lounge and soak up the sensation of it all.
"I could shut you up, you know?" You lean in a little, just enough that you can feel the warmth from his muzzle brushing over your nose. "Pretty easily."
"I'd love to see you try," he goads.
You don't bother with any cheeky one-liners or boastful assurances; you just do it. The field flowing from your skin funnels, molding down into the vague shape of a hand, elongated fingers stretching around the width of his snout to trap it shut, wrapping and overlapping to seal his jaw together. Tight enough to be secure, but not enough to cause any pain. But you want him to feel it. To know that it's there, and you aren't disappointed. You see the realization creep in on his face. First, it's confusion, brows drawing close in a bewildered furrow, and then understanding dawns after, eyes expanding as he stares at you. It's that particular expression that makes you feel truly in control. You've got him at your fingertips, spun up and contained within the threads of your grip like a fly strung within a web. But unlike a fly, he doesn't seem all that concerned with getting free.
All of his initial shock has drained away, fleeting, and now all that remains is pure, unadulterated joy. As though he's thrilled by the prospect of being put in his place, pinned down beneath you. You should have expected this honestly. All of the months he's spent burrowing under your skin, plunging himself there like a thorn, burrowed deep and irritating. It makes sense, and you're pretty disappointed with yourself for not noticing it sooner. All of the verbal sparring in the past, the stupid fights and arguments, they've been foreplay to him.
. . . And for you too, if you're going to be truthful with yourself. He knows how to get you heated, how to piss you off in just the right way, more often than not, about the most inconsequential, pathetic things. It was only four days ago that you two spent, probably about fifteen minutes fighting over the copy machine and who got to use it first.
(You were both so caught up with being petty that two other people had used it while you were arguing.)
You both debated with more passion required for something so trivial, crowding up into each others spaces, so close that you could smell his cologne. It was a simple thing, and if it were anyone else, you would have been more than alright with allowing them to go ahead before you, but it wasn't anyone else, it was Sonar. And because of that, you two remained that way, caught up in the tension building between you, thick and toxic like poisoned fumes, because the hatred gave you an excuse to be close.
But you don't need that excuse anymore — you probably never did. Now you can sit in his presence and not have to pretend to loathe the air he breathes. You can touch him and not make excuses for the soft-edged fuzz that fills the center of your stomach whenever you're around him, wedging behind the pulse of your heart, cradling it in cotton and warmth, soaked in sugar.
It's a little terrifying, how much you like this. Him. But you don't want to run from it either. Not now at least, when you have him splayed out and wanting.
You shift back, moving the press of your body from his hips to slip a little lower, settling down across his thighs instead. Sonar responds as best as he can, a mournful, petulant groan rumbling from his chest in an inarticulate complaint about the absence of your weight on his cock. You know that if he was still able to talk that he'd be giving you a mouthful right now. You can see his desire to grumble and protest reflecting in his eyes, burning and passionate. That bit of indignation is doused out quickly as soon as he notices his slacks being unbuttoned by an invisible force, the polished button slipping free from its notch with a simple tug.
You only pause long enough to give him ample time to reconsider, eyeing him from your place on his thighs with an evaluating stare. You don't let him free completely, easing up the potency of your hold enough for him to give you some kind of indication that he's having second thoughts. You get the total opposite. His head lifts up, now free to do so, craning downward so that he's able to properly look at you, chin brushing against his chest. And then he's nodding, frantic and overzealous; muffled words are trapped behind the ghostly hold around his snout. You can't understand the majority of it, but you are able to make out a smothered "hell yes, please," before the rest becomes completely inaudible.
That's all it takes for you to slip the zipper down its metallic teeth, pulling it with a hand that isn't truly there. You let yourself watch the show, sitting back on the support of his thighs, while your powers do all the work. He just as entranced by the display, staring down while his pants and boxers get rucked down in a steady grip, bunching up in their downward drag. You lift yourself just enough for the rest of his clothes to slip off around his ankles, and you remove his shoes and socks with it all in one firm tug. They fall down somewhere at the edge of the bed, landing with a pronounced thump.
He's fully naked know, exposed to the scope of your attentions, and you are entirely brazen as you take in the sight of him. Visually eating up every sliver of his body like it's a feast for your eyes — to you it is. Because damnit, as much as that tiny part of you that's trying so badly to cling onto your hatred doesn't want to admit it, you have to. He is pretty.
He's there, all of him, spread out for you to admire every detail. The athletic muscles and the subtle divots of his ribcage contacting with his every breath; the way the dim whisps of light catch on the dark smoky hue of his coat, tracing along the pale hue of his skin in fragments of gold, his large eyes shimmering like twin pearls as they watch you.
And then there's his cock, long and rock hard, head flushed a dusty pink. He looks turned on enough for it to seem painful, the veins trailing down the considerable length are throbbing — leave it to Sonar to be practically ready to bust from a little dry humping. He's already leaking, precum trickling from the tip in a decent flow, pouring all the way down the entirety of his cock and dampening the thick bush of fur covering his balls. It's a pretty impressive amount that he's produced considering that all you've done is some making out and a little grinding. You can't imagine what it'll be like once you actually fuck him, how soaked and full he'll get you. It's almost humiliating how much the thought of it affects you, and your blood seems to turn molten at the prospect of filled up to the brim until its leaking out of you, your pussy clenching around nothing.
"Christ, Sonar, is this normal?" You can't keep the awe out of your voice, but you can't be bothered to contemplate how your obvious astonishment is going to have terrible consequences on his already inflated ego.
He's not able to give much of an answer, but the flirtatious way his brows lift up is conformation enough. You can practically hear his voice in your ears despite his silence, a conceited, "Pretty impressive, right? There's a lot more where that came from."
You don't sit in your stupor for long. It's difficult, now that you have him in front of you like this. You don't resist temptation any longer. As much as you want to touch him yourself, to bask in the warmth of his skin against your palms, you also want to be able to absorb every twitch and microexpression unencumbered, and so you let your powers encapsulate him entirely. It's holding his mouth, sweeping over his chest, pinning down his hips, and now, it's coiling around his cock.
He tries to lurch, body involuntarily shaking and jerking against the weight of your influence, restrained and embraced within the expanse of it, but he's helpless. Caught.
You mold the shape of your power around his girth, fitting snuggly over the whole length of him, tight and heated. You get to watch as the glide of that indiscernible grip smears the wet rivulets of his cum over blushed skin, making him soaked and messy. Maybe it's a little mean how you get to toy with him like this. Sitting, (mostly) unaffected, turning him into your own personal entertainment while he's tortured by a pressure that he can't see, only feel. And it's everywhere. You extend it across the planes of his body, encompassing him, stretching hands and solid weight over his chest, threading a stimulating energy through his flesh and sinew, saturating him at a level that'll root down to his atoms.
Phantom fingers rake through his fur; they caress his skin and seep into his limbs like a throbbing warmth. It has to be overwhelming. Agony in the best way possible, and the expression on his face reflects that. It's crumbled, all pinched tight as though he's in pain. His chest heaves, a thin breath hiccupping within the back of his throat, a purr blurring with a pathetic whine.
It's such a good look for him, pathetic and a little fucked out.
"Is this what you do when you're in here?" You lean forward, holding yourself up by settling your hands on the base of his hips, fingers gripping onto the silky coat that envelops his lower waist and upper thighs. "You sit in here at night jerking off to a poster like some kind of perv."
He's nodding again — it's all he can do while you keep him muzzled and work his cock with firm, invisible strokes. Drawing his arousal out of him, making it spill from him in a flow that's thick and constant. He tries to speak regardless. He's rambling, a flood of words gushing from him, welling up inside the hollow of his throat with no where to go. And maybe you're just weak willed. Pathetic in your own way, but you're intrigued — desperate, really — to hear what he has to say.
As soon as you release his mouth, a deluge of comes rushing out of him, utter filth. Voice all slurred and rapid, carried out on a moan that almost sounds pained. " — ou have no idea. So many nights. So many fucking nights, fucking my fist wishing I was pumping into you instead. So fucking — I can smell you right now and it's killing me. I want you to soak me; it's gonna feel so good. I know it will. C'mon, ride me, sit on my face, I don't care. I don't —"
It's a snap kind of decision. Jarring in its arrival. Hurtling down on you with all the mercy of a violent storm. But it's so inspired by the sheer scope of his want, the passion of it, that you're tired of all the fanfare. You two have been at it for long enough, the constant push and pull, the denial of feelings, and the fissures that's been weakening your resolve have finally grown too wide, and it splits your restraint right down the middle. With the loss of your self-discipline, your powers go with it, the gentle weight that you've been suppressing him with vanishes like a light.
"Sonar." You breathe, collecting yourself as best as you can. Gripping tightly onto his thighs to steel yourself against the rampant emotions welling up inside of you. That want, the anticipation; lust and liquid fire blazing in the pit of your stomach. "I want you to fuck me. Think you can do that?"
"Do I think—" His eyes narrow with his offense, growing sharp at the challenge. It's the only warning you get before he's hauling you up, hands as strong as iron when they grab onto you and flip you over on your back. The air in your lungs slips free, rattled from the jarring swap in perspective when you meet the mattress with a cushioned thump. He's over you now, caging you in with his hands on either side of your face, his hips wedged between your thighs, forcing your legs open, keeping you pinned and helpless by his weight.
He's so close that he blots out the poor streaks of light spilling inside of the room, and now it's only him, eaten up by shadows. Consuming your vision, and he almost seems wild. His teeth glimmer, soft and lithe like porcelain. Only inches away from your face, it's perhaps the first time you've actually considered how massive they are. But you're forced to confront it now with how close they're hovering within your proximity, imposing, fatal in their potential to sink into you and tear. By all accounts, it should be a little terrifying, but you aren't scared.
Like a damned degenerate, you're only turned on. Maybe it's the threat of danger, or maybe it's because it's just Sonar. It's hot because he's the one who's draped over you. Trapping you in place, keeping you wedged between the warmth of his body and the smooth press of a comforter that probably costs more than your monthly income. If it were anyone else, you'd have the urge to resist more, but for whatever reason — from pure horniness or something deeper — you trust him.
"You're a real pain in my ass, you know that?" He sneers, lips pulling back to flash those rows of jagged teeth. His eyes flash, red scintillating behind the white, opaque hue of them; a hellish glow. It's the same shade that overtakes his stare whenever he goes full bat, crimson, monstrous. It makes your heart race a little faster. "Always walking around with that holier than thou attitude."
"Because you're such a delight to be around," you quip.
"I mean, I must be, considering that you're the one who dragged me into my bedroom during a party so I could fuck you," he snarks back. And yeah, he makes a good point, but you aren't going to tell him that.
You could insult him back, take the boring, simple route to try and one up him. But in the duration that you've been co-workers, you've learned a thing or two about Sonar, and it's this: Despite being a savvy, tactful business and con man, that intellect and cunning do not follow him throughout all of life's facets. He may be guileful, but when it comes to sex, he's a complete and utter sucker. And you can have him in the palm of your hand if you lean into those vices. It's a little dirty, but, maybe it's his fault for being easy.
You soften your expression, refocusing it from irritated to coy. If he was a little sharper, he'd be able to see right through it, but Sonar is a slave to his desires and it clouds his judgement. You know as soon as he sees the tender, flirty look on your face that you've got him. Hook, line, and sinker. And all it takes is for you to turn a little bashful, playing into the act by arching your back, flaunting your breasts and shoving them directly into the plush fur layered across the contours of his chest.
You reach up with both hands to cradle the sides of his face, combing your fingers through the dark fluff there, curling them to scratch your nails over the soft skin underneath to relax him. He melts like butter, going lax as though his skeleton is made of wax and he's been held over hot coals. Eager and willing. The sharp, pitchy chirps that reverberate from the pocket of his lungs, trilling through the depths of his throat, are telling enough that you've got him right where you want him. But if you had any doubts, that glazed sheen that glosses over his eyes would have been enough to destroy any of that uncertainty.
"Come on Sonar, you've finally got me right where you want me. You said it yourself, remember? All of those nights spent right here, all alone with nothing but your hand, wishing I was here." You draw him closer and he lets you move him. His arms bend and drop down until he's holding himself up with his elbows, leaning in towards you so his nose is brushing on yours. It lets you tilt your chin towards him, angling your head so that you can press a kiss over his mouth, chaste and brief, a brush against the smooth shape of a single fang. "So why don't you just take what you want?"
His body has gone tense. He feels like a live wire being pulled from both sides, taut, muscles quivering and skin searing. You can feel his cock, heavy and throbbing, sitting on your stomach. You can't see it from how close your bodies are, but you know that he's still leaking. Precum is dribbling onto your bare skin, leaving it damp and wet from his arousal.
Usually you would tell a guy to eat you out before hand, or at the very least, stretch you out with their fingers before they even think of putting their dick inside of you. But you really don't think that you have the patience for that tonight. You're pretty sure that if he doesn't get inside of you within the next five minutes that you might actually lose it.
"Sonar, please —"
He severs your voice off before you can finish speaking. "I'm gonna fuckin' ruin you. Don't say you didn't ask for it."
You hardly register the sound of fabric tearing over the throaty snarl of his voice, but you feel your underwear being ruthlessly ripped from around your waist. He shreds them like they're made of paper, flimsy and delicate, but the noise they make is as harsh as the bite of them tugging into your flesh before they give to ferocity of his pulling. He's reduced them to scraps, and you just barely manage to track the scattered bits of their remains fluttering through the air when he tosses them. Or what's left of them.
You aren't super upset about the loss, but you wouldn't have had the chance to be pissed off anyway, because in what seems like a near instant, he's slipping cock down to the entrance of your cunt. Notching the head there, getting it slick and soaked, and then he's pushing himself inside in a single, brutal stroke that steals the oxygen from your lungs like a hit to the chest.
You're wet. You've been wet since the moment you had gotten him pinned down on the bed, but that doesn't make taking him all at once any easier. You vaguely catch yourself shouting his name, you feel your arms fly up to grab at his shoulders for stability, but it all seems so distant. As though you've been separated from your body, already overwhelmed from the girth of him splitting you open, forcing your pussy to adjust and give around the shape of his cock. It fills you with an ache that almost hurts. A sting that throbs and sears through your middle, but it also feels good in the best way possible. A sensation that balances delicately between the blurred line that splits pleasure and pain into their respective halves.
Your hips twist, body involuntarily floundering like it doesn't know if it wants to shift away or move in closer to the weight of him. You aren't sure what you want either, tortured deliciously on the length of him, devastated and hyper-stimulated, and you've only just started.
"Ah, ah, ah." He admonishes, arrogant, catching your waist in the tight clasp of a single hand. Holding you down on the mattress. He's smiling at you but it's all teeth. "You wanted this so badly. So be good and take it."
He draws himself back, retracting his cock until he's sitting inside of you by only the tip, and then with another long push he's fucking himself inside of you in a grueling pace. It's deep, heavy strokes. The kind that hits spots inside of you that you haven't had a guy find a long time. It shows a level skill that you really weren't expecting from Sonar. As much as you wanted to sleep with him, you never truly bought into all of his bravado and flaunting, especially those boasting his supposed sexual prowess. You figured that he was just gassing himself up. That he'd been lied to by one too many women and was actually out of touch enough to believe them.
You've never been happier to be proved wrong.
"Shi — God — fuck, Sonar." You ramble in disbelief, words shoved up out of your throat by the repetitive drag of his cock. Your fingers lock around the width of his shoulders, nails digging into them with enough strength that you know they're splitting flesh under the edges. He doesn't seem to mind the bite of them though.
Air puffs from his lungs, the amused brush of it gliding along your face. You know that your blissed out cries are doing wonders for his ego. He's going to be unbearable after this. If he was hell to endure before this, then every second at work from this day onward are going to be insufferable. But it's worth it. Absolutely worth it.
"Feelin' good, aren't you." It's rhetorical. Even your brain, as stunted and sluggish as your thoughts are becoming, is still able to gather that much. You nod regardless, your head rolling loosely on your neck because you can't be bothered to manage anything else. All you want to do is take it. To let yourself be greedy, delightfully overwhelmed. You hear him chuckle, low and smug in your ears. "I love you like this. It suits you, pretty and fucked out. I should keep you right here, in my bed, all the time. Sounds like a good plan to me, what do you think?"
"Fuck yes," you answer, breathing through a particularly intense thrust that makes your eyes roll.
"Yeah," he rumbles. "I agree."
His hips grind down on you, catching your clit on the rough patch of hair on his pelvis, and the texture shoots sparks over your nerves. You chase after the sensation of it, lifting your legs up to circle around his waist, rolling your pelvis to meet the rhythm he's set. Drawing out the ecstasy that lights up within you, eating its way through your bones and veins, rippling up your spine in a thick spiral.
He groans when you tighten around him, curling in on you to drop his head into the junction of your neck. He swears into your skin, strained and inflected with quiet tremors. The hand he has around your thigh squeezes, and the talons that's grown in place of his usual filed nails catch on your flesh, dragging to leave marks, etching the evidence of his grip onto your body.
"Do that again," he begs, groaning lowly against your throat. "Just one more time. Feels so good —"
His words are clipped off. Dead air when you tighten yourself around him again, gripping him with your cunt, wet and warm. You aren't disappointed in his reaction. He whines a little, pathetic and relieved, as though you've grazed over something buried deep inside of him, vulnerable and gutted. He jerks up, muscles coiled as though it takes a great amount of effort and discipline to do, lifting himself above you so that he's bearing most of his weight on his knees. And then he's raising an arm with the movement, stretching it out over you to cling onto the headboard, holding it so tightly that you know his knuckles are bleached from the strain.
It has your hips tilting, shifting from where your ass is settled on the front of his thighs and it makes the angle he's fucking you in change. He hits so deeper than before, the width of his head grazing right along your g-spot and your jaw drops from the heavy strokes.
"Sonar," you gasp raggedly.
"Victor," he replies. Spits out between the clench of his teeth.
"Huh?" You ask dumbly, brows furrowing while you pant through each pronounced thrust.
"It's Victor. Please say it. I wanna hear you say it. Thought about it so much." He babbles.
Despite the fact that he's in the middle of railing your brains out, you smile. A lovestruck, drunken grin. It's sweet. Nice. Your heart swells a little, because regardless of your old hatred for each other, all the hostility and aggression, he's willing to share something so personal with you. Sacred. You decide then that maybe it's only fair that you return the exchange, even though he didn't ask for you to. It just makes sense. You have to focus to say it, holding in a gulp of air so that you're able to properly vocalize, and once you can, you don't hesitate. You say your name, loud and clear.
His eyes go a little wide at the sound of it, lighting up with recognition, and you could laugh at the adorable expression if you weren't so preoccupied.
"That's my name," you offer.
"I know." He responds, nodding as best as he can. "I . . . shit . . . I hacked into Blazer's computer and read you file a little after I got boarded onto the Phoenix Program." He notices your confusion, sees the shock blatant and bare on your face, and he must feel regretful because his brows furrow, something that seems a lot like a worried frown tugging at the corners of his mouth. "That's not a turn off for you, is it?"
You should probably be angry. Or annoyed. It's a clear invasion of privacy and a clear violation of company security and somehow, once the surprise wears off, you don't manage to feel so much as a flicker of rage or irritation. You're indifferent. Uncaring, but maybe that's only because he's balls deep inside of you, and once this is over, that repressed indignation — if there is any — will come swelling up the surface. Now though, you can't be bothered to care.
"No, not really," you shake your head, though it's a little restricted from the pillows crowded around your skull.
"Cool."
The entire interaction is laughable, and it's exactly the sort of thing you had expected from him — Victor. It's a fitting name for him, though you probably wouldn't have guessed it yourself if you had been asked to —
"Victor!" you gasp abruptly, chest heaving at a rough drag. His cock ploughs through you, and it sounds sloppy. Wet, messy noises fill the room, made each time he pulls himself out of you and thrusts back inside.
"Yeah, just like that. Let me hear it," he urges, leaning as close to you as he can while still gripping onto the headboard. The mattress is creaking, or maybe it's the bedframe, rattling and groaning with every grind. Even with the music playing throughout the rest of the apartment, if anyone were to wander down the hall, the noises coming from inside of this room are unmistakable. It's bad enough the Z-Team had practically announced to everyone at the party what you two were doing in here, but that doesn't mean that you want someone to be able to listen in, either.
And the noises he's pulling from you don't help matters, but you can't help it. He's got you stretched open, dousing you with fire and bliss with every rock of his hips, punching moans from you with too much ease.
"Slow down. People are gonna hear."
He seems affronted by the mere idea of it, eyes squinting into a glare as though you've slapped him (but he would probably enjoy if you did that, honestly). "I don't care. Someone could come crashing through the door like the fucking Kool-Aid man, and I still wouldn't stop. Let them hear."
And maybe you are thankful that he doesn't change his pace, because you can feel yourself getting close. The muscles in your abdomen flex with your impending orgasm, drawing tight to hurtle you over the edge. Dragging you closer and closer to the fringes of a rapture that feels molten. Scorching liquid pooling in the base of your gut, searing within the junction of your hips to ravage you from the inside out, smoke searing through your sinew and blood.
It's building within you with a startling ferocity, twisting and frothing under your sweat-slick skin; a torrent of sensation seething at a bone deep level. You grab at whatever you can to settle yourself through the anticipation, nails digging at his shoulders, his chest, reaching around the claw at his spine. If it wasn't for the fur cloaked thick down his back, taking most of the damage, you're pretty sure that you'd be leaving scratches behind, nasty and raw.
He groans, some rumbling noise that comes from a place deep inside of him, right from the depths of his lungs. It urges you to look at him, lashes fluttering as you nudge your chin to stare at him above you. It's impossible not to admire him like this, sweat glittering over the sections of his exposed skin, simmering in faint flecks of gold, made more dramatic by the shadows pouring over his body like spilled ink. Your vision traces over as much of him as you can, struggling to keep your attention focused through the bliss eating away at your soul, but you manage it. Sweeping your vision over the arm gripping onto the headboard, muscles made defined from the tension keeping them stiff. The tendons and veins in his wrist bulging from the exertion, locking his fingers around the the wooden structure in a vice grip.
His focus is drawn elsewhere, head bowed downward to watch the pornographic view of his cock repeatedly plunging in and out of you. Ears tipped forward to listen to the wet smack of him filling you up, stretching you open around his girth. You can't help but to look now, angling your chin to see it for yourself. Taking in the way his abdomen heaves, abs clenching as he drives himself into you, his girth visibly soaked with the combination of your arousal.
You can't help how seize up, pussy clenching around him and he practically whimpers because of it, gasps slipping from his mouth in low, thin puffs of air. "Fuck, you're getting so tight, it's — baby, you're, you gettin' close? You gonna come for me?"
You're barely able to make yourself nod, much less talk, and all you can push from your throat is a sluggish sounding "Mmhmm."
"Yeah, I can tell," he remarks, settling back into an arrogant, but weakly put together façade like he wasn't just whining because of you a few seconds ago. "I wanna feel it. You can let go for me, make a mess. I wan' you to soak me with it. I need to smell you on me for days."
It's disgusting, utter filth, and yet you don't think you've ever been more turned on in your entire life. His mouth latches onto your breast just as his free hand wedges between your bodies, shifting low for his fingers to slip between the slick press of where you both meet, thumb finding your clit with deft precision, careful not to accidentally nick you with his claw. He works tight circles around it, and you jerk from the gush of pleasure it provides, ecstasy hurtling through your blood stream like an electrical pulse. He keeps his pace consistent, steadily working you up, the heat swelling to a new high, suspended by the sweep of his damp thumb around your clit and the wet suction of his tongue. Lapping and tracing your nipple into his mouth, grazing it shallowly with his teeth.
You're right there, just a tiny step away from the precipice, a long drop that'll sweep you under, and you chase after it. Rolling your hips to meet the drive of his own, hurtling you both closer to your respective orgasms. And all it takes is a few more thrusts, the heavy drag of his cock stretching you open, repeatedly nudging into that sensitive spot inside of you that makes your eyes roll, the repetitive coast of his thumb working around your clit, for you to tip into a devastating end.
You try to warn him, a weak moan cresting from your throat, but that's practically all you manage. A pathetic hiccup of his name, broken and lazy on your tongue, but he understands the warble regardless.
"That's right. Give it to me, le' me feel it," he urges, a smoky purr in your ears. When he detaches his mouth from your chest with an audible, sloppy pop, tongue sticking out to lick a path up to your shoulder, you aren't expecting him to sink his fangs into the junction of it. The pain bleeds through you right when you come, either exceptionally well-timed on his part, or executed purely on luck, but the sharp throb of it is the final push you need to give in to the rush. You light up like you've been thrown into a pyre, everything in you drawing up tight like you're bound in tugging strings. Clenching, muscles spasming almost violently to wring out every possible ounce of pleasure.
Your nails dig into the flesh on his back, sinking past the barrier of his fur to scratch. You feel the sound of his moan reverberate along your fingertips, humming across your throat from the clasp of his teeth banded around your neck. You hear the whimper in your ears, a punched out, elongated murmur, broken up only by a string a profanity and pleads, and then you feel him come, only seconds after you. It floods you with warmth, a steady, copious flow that fills you up, full to the brim and drenched from the warmth of it. Your spine arches from the sensation of it gushing inside of you, waist angling up in some primal urge take in every last drop.
He groans deeply, an exhausted, satiated noise before he lets go of the headboard and all but collapses onto of you, cushioning his fall by temporarily taking the brunt of his weight on his elbows. His body crowds over yours, shoulders hunched as he closes over you, satiated with the kind of satisfaction that hums in one's marrow, down in their blood. But he doesn't stop. He's not even pulling out at this point, he's just grinding against you, pressing the subtle swell of his pelvic bone into your clit in sluggish, languid swivels.
You're sensitive from your first orgasm. Everything feels raw from the pleasure still popping and fizzling across your nerves, aftershocks ebbing and flowing through you. It makes the press of his hips grinding against yours almost too much, too good, too harsh. He still hasn't let go of your shoulder, though his teeth have slackened, the bite of the enamel going lax, but not releasing, and the sting makes you twitch and tremble.
It catches you off guard, the blossom of it heating between the messy apex of your thighs, completely unexpected. You come again, much gentler than your pervious. A smaller orgasm riding off of the first, light and fleeting in comparison, but just as good in its own way. Sweeping over you in a dreamy, balmy glide, a summer gale ghosting over your skin, making your thighs twitch, ribcage shuddering from the delicate weight of it.
It's only then that he stops, the overstimulation having become too much for the both of you, and the sluggish grind of his hips slow to a halt. He sags against you completely, relaxing with an appeased sigh, and he finally releases his teeth from around the tender, raw flesh on your shoulder. He lets his head slump on your chest, nuzzling into the shape of your breasts with a pleased huff, and the massive width of his ears unintentionally nudge across your nose with the movement.
You want to laugh, maybe you do, but it's difficult to tell with the flood of endorphins surging through your system, stuffing your brain full of a calm, hazy fog. You're covered in a layer of sweat; his cum is trickling out past the plug of his cock, wet and slick across the inside of your thighs, and he bit you hard enough that you won't be surprised to find out that you're bleeding whenever you manage to drag yourself to the bathroom. The bastard. Most people only have to worry about hickies, but it feels like he damn near took a chunk out of your shoulder.
You wince at the sting, groaning lowly when a dull throb pulses over your nerves, and that seems to attract Sona— Victor's attention. He lifts his head up from your chest just enough to properly look at you, and you notice his eyes shifting through the glow of the city lights, flickering as though he's assessing you. He looks like a mess, but you doubt you're any better. His fur is all disheveled, the long tuft between his ears is mussed, his eyes are hazy, clouded over from sex, and there's a clear smile tugging softly at the corners of his mouth.
"Don't worry, you're not bleeding," he mumbles, still slurring at little around the edges. Well that answers that, at least. His eyes rove over where he sank his teeth into you, no doubt appreciating the impressions that his canines have left on your skin. "I'm sorry for biting you, I kinda have a tendency to get a little caught up in the moment."
You roll your eyes at that, not judgmental, just amused. "No, you're not."
He hums at that, a syrupy, gratified noise. Thick, rich, a purr. "You're right, I'm not."
He yelps when you swat at him, smacking your hand on his back, but it's mostly out of surprise. You're still sluggish. Limbs rubbery and lethargic, and you know that even your best hit right now wouldn't be enough to cause any actual pain.
"Ow," he grouses. "The hell was that for?"
"That was for biting me, you ass."
"I said I was sorry."
"I know," you reply, unimpressed. But he's easy to soothe, the furrow between his brows smoothing out as soon as you press a kiss the tip of his nose. The silence that follows after is tranquil in a way, and you both just allow yourselves to sit in it. Absorbing the silence (well, it's sort of silent, you can still hear the party outside bleeding in past the walls), enjoying the other's body heat and the rise and fall of your chests. He takes the lull as the opportunity to slip out of you, and you both hiss from the sensation of it, too tender for it to be enjoyable. Worse than that though, is the gush of his cum pouring out of you, a profuse amount, way more than a normal man would produce, and now it's soaking down your thighs.
"Shit, that's . . . a lot," you mutter in astonishment, mostly to yourself. You can feel it cooling on your skin already, becoming tacky, sticking your flesh as it trickles down the swell of your ass in a stagnant flow. It's disgusting. So gross, and so soon as you find the will to move, you're immediately taking a shower.
"Yeah," Sonar agrees, but it doesn't share a single shred of your awe or mounting disgust. He's knelt down between your legs now, attention fastened down on your cunt, no doubt watching how his cum is flowing from you in its abnormally heavy pour. His hands settle across your thighs, squeezing them within his palms, massaging the pale ache from them as he gently guides them open, spreading you so that he can get an unimpeded view. "Can we stay like this, for just a minute?" He asks, and the expression that crosses his face lets you know that he's not above begging for it.
"Ugh, you're such a guy, I swear," you grumble, but it lacks venom. You don't resist or make any effort to deny him. You remain reclined, settled back on the rumpled blankets, swaddled in the silk, cool and gossamer on your heated skin, catching your breath.
"I now the timing is a bit weird, considering I'm staring at your pussy right now, but . . . " he trails off, gesturing his snout down towards the middle of your legs, and you don't resist the urge to playfully nudge your knee into his side at the motion of it. He smiles a little at the jab, but it's a dull one. The hesitance in his voice doesn't fade. He remains soft spoken, hushed, as though this moment is fragile and he's afraid it might shatter if he handles it too roughly. "I just want to say that I am sorry. For how I've been acting, how I treated you when we first met. . . I know it's not much of an excuse, but I was embarrassed, I guess. You were this sexy, bigshot hero — someone who — " he sighs. "I've followed your career for years, believe it or not. And then I was just fucking up. Right in front of you, and I hated it. And then I made you hate me, so . . ."
"So you've been acting like a dick this entire time because you have a crush on me?" You ask bluntly. It's without hatred, or the means to offend. You don't want to ruin this, to squander it or give him a reason to withdraw inside of himself, to hide behind his usual ego. He's being a genuine, a rare show of the man who lies beneath all of that debonair flirtation, and you're drawn to it, his vulnerability. His trust in you. There's an undeniable sweetness there that you long to explore, to understand on an intimate level, saccharine and serene.
"Well when you put it like that it sounds stupid."
"Because it is."
"Hey, I'm trying to be honest here. So can you not? Way to kick a guy while he's already down." There's no true snark in his tone. Maybe some frustration but that seems to stem from himself, rather than you. It's humiliation, clear as day, etched in the gold and the dark that filters in through the window, winking lights bathing the room and the shape him in their shifting, incandescing hues. Spilling over his embarrassment like a spotlight.
If you're being honest, you have to take some of the blame. You were fairly quick to cast your criticisms on him, to snub him as soon as you met. Labeling him off as a lost cause and you hadn't bothered looking back, did it without a flicker of hesitation. You'd met him when he was in a stressful situation, and even though he absolutely handled it poorly, baring his teeth, lashing out as though you were the problem, you hardly paused to properly consider him. You gave up. Just like he did. You both hold an equal number of wrongs in this, choosing to squabble like a pair of middle schoolers instead of sharing a conversation like actual adults. It's uncomfortable to think about, to confront the reality of it. To admit that you aren't perfectly blameless. It's bitter, a vile pill sitting on the flat of your tongue, but you will yourself to swallow the truth down anyway.
"It's fine. I treated you pretty badly too." You sign deeply, and for a moment you allow your focus to flicker about the room, a temporary distraction from intently he's watching you now. This entire thing should be a whole lot more awkward. You're naked, he's naked, and he's sitting directly between your cum smeared thighs, and somehow, despite all of uncertainties, it's not so bad. It feels natural, in a way. As simple as breathing. "We both made some mistakes. We were stupid. Really stupid. I mean, we could have been doing this the entire time if we'd just pulled our heads out of our asses."
You joke to lighten the mood, and when you return your attention back to him, you're relived to see that it worked. That the smile on face is a little more authentic, the ghost of his usual demeanor slipping back into his body. His posture straightening, filling out with his confidence; expression now relaxed, blithe. "A true shame," Victor agrees.
"I guess we'll just have to make up for lost time then." It travels across the atmosphere like a kind of offering. An extension of an olive branch, a white flag waving up in a hopeful surrender. A vow, a promise, an extended hand waiting to be accepted, taken in by another reaching palm.
His smile is answer enough, appeased, happy. The remnants of the worry that was clinging on to him has finally relented, withdrawing its claws to slink back, forgotten. Like maybe, a part of him had been worried — expectant that you would want to go back to the way things were. To pretend that tonight never happened, a moment of weakness that would get shunned into the shadows. But that's not going to happen. Not in a thousand years. You want this. Whatever it is. And now that you've had him, seen what you can have with him, you're not letting it slip from your grasp so easily.
"Yeah, I guess we will," he agrees.
That feeling passes between you two again. The same one you experienced back in the kitchen. That hopeful, wistful shift. A current gliding between you, sanguine and irresistible. A lure, a shimmering of lights that you both can't help but fall for.
His grin stretches, turning wolfish, sharp but no less ecstatic, canines flashing, pale and lethal. The grip on your thighs strengthens, fixing around you tightly just before they release to settle his palms on the bed. It makes the mattress shift when he moves, his knees whispering over the silken blankets when he bullies his shoulders between your thighs, settling the flat of his stomach down to rest comfortably within the spread of your legs, making a home for himself there. Carving a place as though it's where he belongs.
His breath spills over you, clement, rasping over your sensitive skin. His eyes glimmer in the dark, large white coins, duskily reflecting the lights belonging to the city skyline. He looks starved again, already desperate for more. You know what's to come, you can feel it ripple through the air, still scented with the heady perfume of sex.
"What are you doing?" You really don't have to ask, but you do it anyway. A smile presses at the corners of your mouth while you watch him from the support and comfort of the pillows haloed around your head, holding you up to aid you in getting the perfect view. You watch as he gets comfortable, hands smoothing up, massaging your thighs, fingers tracing over you as though you're something to be cherished, but he looks at you like he's wants to eat you alive. Until nothings left, bones, blood, all licked clean on his tongue. You think you'll let him.
"What's it look like I'm doing?" He angles his head, sweeping his lips along your flesh. "I'm cleaning up my mess."
It's going to be a long, long night, but you've got no complaints.
