I'm listening, always.

Aorta didn’t see Dess, he was trying to talk to Ace about finding Alice. I don’t think it’s home…So maybe we could go to that little village and see if it’s there? Ace seemed quite insistent on staying around the church. And while the two of them went back and forth, Dess listened…Resisting the urge to not leap out and butt in.

He seemed almost as cheery as he was when you first met him now, it felt so unnatural it almost made you sick.

How did he even know that? He clearly hadn't been here before, let alone in the forest at all. How on earth did he know that?

Aorta’s appearance has scared people before.

How…Did you know where the village is, dear?

It sounds wonderful! We should go. It's not far, after all.

The corner of his mouth twitched.

Aorta took Ace’s hand and walked them through the forest to the village. They still had no idea that Dess was following them through the bushes.

When they got there, it was exactly as Aorta had expected. The air was cold and the sky was dark, like it was about to rain over the town. Only some people lingered outside, and they seemed quite young.

ace could feel the hairs on the back of his neck raise, as if he were being watched. If the feeling occurred again, he decided it best to inform aorta.

Aorta’s smile faded into a small frown.

It’s always a little bittersweet. Thinking about it.

…

…Mm, I think Alice had a residency here when they worked at the church normally. I’m guessing it’s been given away.

Aorta glances over at a small house and views a couple children chatting. They look up at him and he tries to smile, but it’s unsettling enough that they glance away.

Ace glanced at the children you smiled at but decided it best not to interact, as he got a chill up his spine once more. That's it. He was sick of this, he was going to tell aorta.

Aorta, darling? Do you feel that as well? That...dread?

He placed his hands on your shoulders and leaned over you while walking. He looked slightly less cheerful than usual, and whispered in your ear.

He was awfully close.

I dont feel it, no…But if someone is following us, we should hide…

Aorta tugged Ace into one of the buildings, that was…Certainly a house belonging to someone. They could get in big trouble.

No.

His words were stern.

he pushed you behind him gently as he trued to peak out the door again.

I can't seem to spot where they are... they must be good at...observing. whoever they are.

He mumbled under his breath;

Whatever they are.

...I won't then. I think we've found our little follower anyway.

He hid you behind the door and stood in the threshold, threatening a stance against dess. His smile was bright and he contrasting held out his palms in a "jazz hands" gesture.

Hey there, kiddo! You got a problem or something? What're you doing, kid?

“Ciao. I’m LOOKING for some sorta DEVIL named AORTA. Coulda SWORN I saw him with YA, so I thought I’d ASK.”

Dess smirked, walking up to him.

“Do you KNOW them? What’s your RELATION with them? Oh, BETTER YET. What’s your NAME?”

She reached her hand out to shake. There was a paper bracelet on her wrist, that said “Viaggiatore 178243” on it.

Hello, dess! My name is ace, and would you mind if I asked you why you need to know all that about aorta? Seems a bit invasive, don't ya think?

“That would be INDESIDERABILE to you.”

She wiped her hand on her dress.

“I was told by a PEST that Aorta would like SEEING me.”

Dess sneered a bit.

“Didn’t think I’d be met with such a ‘CHARMING’ fellow.”

Well, indesiderable, I don't know whom aorta is, nor where she might be. I didn't think I'd be met with such an "indesirable" individual either. You really should learn Italian better, darling.

She wasn’t named that! Right? Right? …uh

Dess crossed her arms and huffed. This man was ticking her off! And plus, Aorta WAS that girl that was with him, right? Red and blue. That’s like heart colors or whatever.

Aorta didn’t see Dess, he was trying to talk to Ace about finding Alice. I don’t think it’s home…So maybe we could go to that little village and see if it’s there? Ace seemed quite insistent on staying around the church. And while the two of them went back and forth, Dess listened…Resisting the urge to not leap out and butt in.

He seemed almost as cheery as he was when you first met him now, it felt so unnatural it almost made you sick.

How did he even know that? He clearly hadn't been here before, let alone in the forest at all. How on earth did he know that?

Aorta’s appearance has scared people before.

How…Did you know where the village is, dear?

It sounds wonderful! We should go. It's not far, after all.

The corner of his mouth twitched.

Aorta took Ace’s hand and walked them through the forest to the village. They still had no idea that Dess was following them through the bushes.

When they got there, it was exactly as Aorta had expected. The air was cold and the sky was dark, like it was about to rain over the town. Only some people lingered outside, and they seemed quite young.

ace could feel the hairs on the back of his neck raise, as if he were being watched. If the feeling occurred again, he decided it best to inform aorta.

Aorta’s smile faded into a small frown.

It’s always a little bittersweet. Thinking about it.

…

…Mm, I think Alice had a residency here when they worked at the church normally. I’m guessing it’s been given away.

Aorta glances over at a small house and views a couple children chatting. They look up at him and he tries to smile, but it’s unsettling enough that they glance away.

Ace glanced at the children you smiled at but decided it best not to interact, as he got a chill up his spine once more. That's it. He was sick of this, he was going to tell aorta.

Aorta, darling? Do you feel that as well? That...dread?

He placed his hands on your shoulders and leaned over you while walking. He looked slightly less cheerful than usual, and whispered in your ear.

He was awfully close.

I dont feel it, no…But if someone is following us, we should hide…

Aorta tugged Ace into one of the buildings, that was…Certainly a house belonging to someone. They could get in big trouble.

No.

His words were stern.

he pushed you behind him gently as he trued to peak out the door again.

I can't seem to spot where they are... they must be good at...observing. whoever they are.

He mumbled under his breath;

Whatever they are.

...I won't then. I think we've found our little follower anyway.

He hid you behind the door and stood in the threshold, threatening a stance against dess. His smile was bright and he contrasting held out his palms in a "jazz hands" gesture.

Hey there, kiddo! You got a problem or something? What're you doing, kid?

“Ciao. I’m LOOKING for some sorta DEVIL named AORTA. Coulda SWORN I saw him with YA, so I thought I’d ASK.”

Dess smirked, walking up to him.

“Do you KNOW them? What’s your RELATION with them? Oh, BETTER YET. What’s your NAME?”

She reached her hand out to shake. There was a paper bracelet on her wrist, that said “Viaggiatore 178243” on it.

Hello, dess! My name is ace, and would you mind if I asked you why you need to know all that about aorta? Seems a bit invasive, don't ya think?

“That would be INDESIDERABILE to you.”

She wiped her hand on her dress.

“I was told by a PEST that Aorta would like SEEING me.”

Dess sneered a bit.

“Didn’t think I’d be met with such a ‘CHARMING’ fellow.”

Aorta didn’t see Dess, he was trying to talk to Ace about finding Alice. I don’t think it’s home…So maybe we could go to that little village and see if it’s there? Ace seemed quite insistent on staying around the church. And while the two of them went back and forth, Dess listened…Resisting the urge to not leap out and butt in.

He seemed almost as cheery as he was when you first met him now, it felt so unnatural it almost made you sick.

How did he even know that? He clearly hadn't been here before, let alone in the forest at all. How on earth did he know that?

Aorta’s appearance has scared people before.

How…Did you know where the village is, dear?

It sounds wonderful! We should go. It's not far, after all.

The corner of his mouth twitched.

Aorta took Ace’s hand and walked them through the forest to the village. They still had no idea that Dess was following them through the bushes.

When they got there, it was exactly as Aorta had expected. The air was cold and the sky was dark, like it was about to rain over the town. Only some people lingered outside, and they seemed quite young.

ace could feel the hairs on the back of his neck raise, as if he were being watched. If the feeling occurred again, he decided it best to inform aorta.

Aorta’s smile faded into a small frown.

It’s always a little bittersweet. Thinking about it.

…

…Mm, I think Alice had a residency here when they worked at the church normally. I’m guessing it’s been given away.

Aorta glances over at a small house and views a couple children chatting. They look up at him and he tries to smile, but it’s unsettling enough that they glance away.

Ace glanced at the children you smiled at but decided it best not to interact, as he got a chill up his spine once more. That's it. He was sick of this, he was going to tell aorta.

Aorta, darling? Do you feel that as well? That...dread?

He placed his hands on your shoulders and leaned over you while walking. He looked slightly less cheerful than usual, and whispered in your ear.

He was awfully close.

I dont feel it, no…But if someone is following us, we should hide…

Aorta tugged Ace into one of the buildings, that was…Certainly a house belonging to someone. They could get in big trouble.

No.

His words were stern.

he pushed you behind him gently as he trued to peak out the door again.

I can't seem to spot where they are... they must be good at...observing. whoever they are.

He mumbled under his breath;

Whatever they are.

...I won't then. I think we've found our little follower anyway.

He hid you behind the door and stood in the threshold, threatening a stance against dess. His smile was bright and he contrasting held out his palms in a "jazz hands" gesture.

Hey there, kiddo! You got a problem or something? What're you doing, kid?

“Ciao. I’m LOOKING for some sorta DEVIL named AORTA. Coulda SWORN I saw him with YA, so I thought I’d ASK.”

Dess smirked, walking up to him.

“Do you KNOW them? What’s your RELATION with them? Oh, BETTER YET. What’s your NAME?”

She reached her hand out to shake. There was a paper bracelet on her wrist, that said “Viaggiatore 178243” on it.

Aorta didn’t see Dess, he was trying to talk to Ace about finding Alice. I don’t think it’s home…So maybe we could go to that little village and see if it’s there? Ace seemed quite insistent on staying around the church. And while the two of them went back and forth, Dess listened…Resisting the urge to not leap out and butt in.

He seemed almost as cheery as he was when you first met him now, it felt so unnatural it almost made you sick.

How did he even know that? He clearly hadn't been here before, let alone in the forest at all. How on earth did he know that?

Aorta’s appearance has scared people before.

How…Did you know where the village is, dear?

It sounds wonderful! We should go. It's not far, after all.

The corner of his mouth twitched.

Aorta took Ace’s hand and walked them through the forest to the village. They still had no idea that Dess was following them through the bushes.

When they got there, it was exactly as Aorta had expected. The air was cold and the sky was dark, like it was about to rain over the town. Only some people lingered outside, and they seemed quite young.

ace could feel the hairs on the back of his neck raise, as if he were being watched. If the feeling occurred again, he decided it best to inform aorta.

Aorta’s smile faded into a small frown.

It’s always a little bittersweet. Thinking about it.

…

…Mm, I think Alice had a residency here when they worked at the church normally. I’m guessing it’s been given away.

Aorta glances over at a small house and views a couple children chatting. They look up at him and he tries to smile, but it’s unsettling enough that they glance away.

Ace glanced at the children you smiled at but decided it best not to interact, as he got a chill up his spine once more. That's it. He was sick of this, he was going to tell aorta.

Aorta, darling? Do you feel that as well? That...dread?

He placed his hands on your shoulders and leaned over you while walking. He looked slightly less cheerful than usual, and whispered in your ear.

He was awfully close.

I dont feel it, no…But if someone is following us, we should hide…

Aorta tugged Ace into one of the buildings, that was…Certainly a house belonging to someone. They could get in big trouble.

No.

His words were stern.

he pushed you behind him gently as he trued to peak out the door again.

I can't seem to spot where they are... they must be good at...observing. whoever they are.

He mumbled under his breath;

Whatever they are.

Aorta didn’t see Dess, he was trying to talk to Ace about finding Alice. I don’t think it’s home…So maybe we could go to that little village and see if it’s there? Ace seemed quite insistent on staying around the church. And while the two of them went back and forth, Dess listened…Resisting the urge to not leap out and butt in.

He seemed almost as cheery as he was when you first met him now, it felt so unnatural it almost made you sick.

How did he even know that? He clearly hadn't been here before, let alone in the forest at all. How on earth did he know that?

Aorta’s appearance has scared people before.

How…Did you know where the village is, dear?

It sounds wonderful! We should go. It's not far, after all.

The corner of his mouth twitched.

Aorta took Ace’s hand and walked them through the forest to the village. They still had no idea that Dess was following them through the bushes.

When they got there, it was exactly as Aorta had expected. The air was cold and the sky was dark, like it was about to rain over the town. Only some people lingered outside, and they seemed quite young.

ace could feel the hairs on the back of his neck raise, as if he were being watched. If the feeling occurred again, he decided it best to inform aorta.

Aorta’s smile faded into a small frown.

It’s always a little bittersweet. Thinking about it.

…

…Mm, I think Alice had a residency here when they worked at the church normally. I’m guessing it’s been given away.

Aorta glances over at a small house and views a couple children chatting. They look up at him and he tries to smile, but it’s unsettling enough that they glance away.

Ace glanced at the children you smiled at but decided it best not to interact, as he got a chill up his spine once more. That's it. He was sick of this, he was going to tell aorta.

Aorta, darling? Do you feel that as well? That...dread?

He placed his hands on your shoulders and leaned over you while walking. He looked slightly less cheerful than usual, and whispered in your ear.

He was awfully close.

I dont feel it, no…But if someone is following us, we should hide…

Aorta tugged Ace into one of the buildings, that was…Certainly a house belonging to someone. They could get in big trouble.

Aorta didn’t see Dess, he was trying to talk to Ace about finding Alice. I don’t think it’s home…So maybe we could go to that little village and see if it’s there? Ace seemed quite insistent on staying around the church. And while the two of them went back and forth, Dess listened…Resisting the urge to not leap out and butt in.

He seemed almost as cheery as he was when you first met him now, it felt so unnatural it almost made you sick.

How did he even know that? He clearly hadn't been here before, let alone in the forest at all. How on earth did he know that?

Aorta’s appearance has scared people before.

How…Did you know where the village is, dear?

It sounds wonderful! We should go. It's not far, after all.

The corner of his mouth twitched.

Aorta took Ace’s hand and walked them through the forest to the village. They still had no idea that Dess was following them through the bushes.

When they got there, it was exactly as Aorta had expected. The air was cold and the sky was dark, like it was about to rain over the town. Only some people lingered outside, and they seemed quite young.

ace could feel the hairs on the back of his neck raise, as if he were being watched. If the feeling occurred again, he decided it best to inform aorta.

Aorta’s smile faded into a small frown.

It’s always a little bittersweet. Thinking about it.

…

…Mm, I think Alice had a residency here when they worked at the church normally. I’m guessing it’s been given away.

Aorta glances over at a small house and views a couple children chatting. They look up at him and he tries to smile, but it’s unsettling enough that they glance away.

Aorta didn’t see Dess, he was trying to talk to Ace about finding Alice. I don’t think it’s home…So maybe we could go to that little village and see if it’s there? Ace seemed quite insistent on staying around the church. And while the two of them went back and forth, Dess listened…Resisting the urge to not leap out and butt in.

He seemed almost as cheery as he was when you first met him now, it felt so unnatural it almost made you sick.

How did he even know that? He clearly hadn't been here before, let alone in the forest at all. How on earth did he know that?

Aorta’s appearance has scared people before.

How…Did you know where the village is, dear?

It sounds wonderful! We should go. It's not far, after all.

The corner of his mouth twitched.

Aorta took Ace’s hand and walked them through the forest to the village. They still had no idea that Dess was following them through the bushes.

When they got there, it was exactly as Aorta had expected. The air was cold and the sky was dark, like it was about to rain over the town. Only some people lingered outside, and they seemed quite young.

Aorta didn’t see Dess, he was trying to talk to Ace about finding Alice. I don’t think it’s home…So maybe we could go to that little village and see if it’s there? Ace seemed quite insistent on staying around the church. And while the two of them went back and forth, Dess listened…Resisting the urge to not leap out and butt in.

He seemed almost as cheery as he was when you first met him now, it felt so unnatural it almost made you sick.

How did he even know that? He clearly hadn't been here before, let alone in the forest at all. How on earth did he know that?

Aorta’s appearance has scared people before.

How…Did you know where the village is, dear?

Aorta glanced at her side to see Ace’s tail inching towards her. It was getting…Quite close. She could feel it starting to brush against her. So she shuffled forward a bit, so that she was closer to Ace.

Don’t fret! I’m not going anywhere for now.

His tail finally edged close enough as he wrapped it around your arm, holding you tight.

Oh I know.

His face shifted as he stood up, pulling you up with him. It shifted into something more...normal. his grin just seemed malicious now, not unnatural. His eyes still looked the same, but asides from that his face actually looked...rather attractive. How did he do that?

Having a more welcoming face would make the next part so much easier.

he wrapped his tail around your waist and grabbed your wrist as he walked you upstairs to a small room and two chains hanging from the wall. Reddish brown liquid stained some of the nearby wallpaper and floorboards.

You know, I'm just so fascinated by whatever little critter you are that I'd like to get a closer look at you! Seem okay?

Um- n-no, I’d really rather you didn’t-!

Oh, but it was too late. Aorta was forced onto the wall and Ace chained them down before they could run away. The cold metal on their arms, the restricted movement, the way their breathing shallower and their heart rate picked up…It all brought back some very bad memories.

Ace, darling, could you let me go?!

I told you that you fascinated me. Now I can really... take everything in.

He examined you meticulously, tracing his finger along the bridge of your nose and the lengths of your arms,before just standing there for what seemed like hours. Once he was satisfied he placed his hand on your cheek.

Exactly as I expected. You've really outdone yourself, aorta! Do you want to get down now?

…Yes…Certainly…

As they were unchained, they almost collapsed right into Ace. Their legs felt weak after standing there for a while.

….unholy hellfire…i don’t think i can feel my legs.

Would you like me to carry you outside? I think it's safe to say that we can leave now.

Aorta knelt down as slowly as she could as to not cause any pain in her legs, and untied the laces on her shoes. She didn’t quite know where to put them, though. Did she keep them on and risk them slipping off? Did she leave them here and get a new pair later? She didn’t really want to carry them…

She just decided to leave them loose on her, they either fell off or they didn’t.

Alright. Let’s depart. There’s an abandoned little town a few miles away, near my partner’s church…We could take a trip there before I make my way back to Alice.

He locked the door behind him before placing his hand on your back to make sure you were secure.

Ace made his way through the dark forest, still carrying you in his arms, rubbing your arm gently with his thumb.

Why do you want to walk on your own? Why can't you just lead me? You're not going to leave me, are you? Aorta, do you even know what would happen if you left me? Do you want to find out?

It was pitch dark, you couldn't even make out ace's face, if it was even there.

what was wrong with him?? Why was he acting like this?

he let go of your arm and let go of your torso, not trying to place you down at all, leaving you to your own for you to get off of him.

it's alright.

He sounded much more monotone now.

Aorta glanced at her side to see Ace’s tail inching towards her. It was getting…Quite close. She could feel it starting to brush against her. So she shuffled forward a bit, so that she was closer to Ace.

Don’t fret! I’m not going anywhere for now.

His tail finally edged close enough as he wrapped it around your arm, holding you tight.

Oh I know.

His face shifted as he stood up, pulling you up with him. It shifted into something more...normal. his grin just seemed malicious now, not unnatural. His eyes still looked the same, but asides from that his face actually looked...rather attractive. How did he do that?

Having a more welcoming face would make the next part so much easier.

he wrapped his tail around your waist and grabbed your wrist as he walked you upstairs to a small room and two chains hanging from the wall. Reddish brown liquid stained some of the nearby wallpaper and floorboards.

You know, I'm just so fascinated by whatever little critter you are that I'd like to get a closer look at you! Seem okay?

Um- n-no, I’d really rather you didn’t-!

Oh, but it was too late. Aorta was forced onto the wall and Ace chained them down before they could run away. The cold metal on their arms, the restricted movement, the way their breathing shallower and their heart rate picked up…It all brought back some very bad memories.

Ace, darling, could you let me go?!

I told you that you fascinated me. Now I can really... take everything in.

He examined you meticulously, tracing his finger along the bridge of your nose and the lengths of your arms,before just standing there for what seemed like hours. Once he was satisfied he placed his hand on your cheek.

Exactly as I expected. You've really outdone yourself, aorta! Do you want to get down now?

…Yes…Certainly…

As they were unchained, they almost collapsed right into Ace. Their legs felt weak after standing there for a while.

….unholy hellfire…i don’t think i can feel my legs.

Would you like me to carry you outside? I think it's safe to say that we can leave now.

Aorta knelt down as slowly as she could as to not cause any pain in her legs, and untied the laces on her shoes. She didn’t quite know where to put them, though. Did she keep them on and risk them slipping off? Did she leave them here and get a new pair later? She didn’t really want to carry them…

She just decided to leave them loose on her, they either fell off or they didn’t.

Alright. Let’s depart. There’s an abandoned little town a few miles away, near my partner’s church…We could take a trip there before I make my way back to Alice.

He locked the door behind him before placing his hand on your back to make sure you were secure.

Ace made his way through the dark forest, still carrying you in his arms, rubbing your arm gently with his thumb.

Why do you want to walk on your own? Why can't you just lead me? You're not going to leave me, are you? Aorta, do you even know what would happen if you left me? Do you want to find out?

It was pitch dark, you couldn't even make out ace's face, if it was even there.

what was wrong with him?? Why was he acting like this?

Aorta glanced at her side to see Ace’s tail inching towards her. It was getting…Quite close. She could feel it starting to brush against her. So she shuffled forward a bit, so that she was closer to Ace.

Don’t fret! I’m not going anywhere for now.

His tail finally edged close enough as he wrapped it around your arm, holding you tight.

Oh I know.

His face shifted as he stood up, pulling you up with him. It shifted into something more...normal. his grin just seemed malicious now, not unnatural. His eyes still looked the same, but asides from that his face actually looked...rather attractive. How did he do that?

Having a more welcoming face would make the next part so much easier.

he wrapped his tail around your waist and grabbed your wrist as he walked you upstairs to a small room and two chains hanging from the wall. Reddish brown liquid stained some of the nearby wallpaper and floorboards.

You know, I'm just so fascinated by whatever little critter you are that I'd like to get a closer look at you! Seem okay?

Um- n-no, I’d really rather you didn’t-!

Oh, but it was too late. Aorta was forced onto the wall and Ace chained them down before they could run away. The cold metal on their arms, the restricted movement, the way their breathing shallower and their heart rate picked up…It all brought back some very bad memories.

Ace, darling, could you let me go?!

I told you that you fascinated me. Now I can really... take everything in.

He examined you meticulously, tracing his finger along the bridge of your nose and the lengths of your arms,before just standing there for what seemed like hours. Once he was satisfied he placed his hand on your cheek.

Exactly as I expected. You've really outdone yourself, aorta! Do you want to get down now?

…Yes…Certainly…

As they were unchained, they almost collapsed right into Ace. Their legs felt weak after standing there for a while.

….unholy hellfire…i don’t think i can feel my legs.

Would you like me to carry you outside? I think it's safe to say that we can leave now.

Aorta knelt down as slowly as she could as to not cause any pain in her legs, and untied the laces on her shoes. She didn’t quite know where to put them, though. Did she keep them on and risk them slipping off? Did she leave them here and get a new pair later? She didn’t really want to carry them…

She just decided to leave them loose on her, they either fell off or they didn’t.

Alright. Let’s depart. There’s an abandoned little town a few miles away, near my partner’s church…We could take a trip there before I make my way back to Alice.

He locked the door behind him before placing his hand on your back to make sure you were secure.

Ace made his way through the dark forest, still carrying you in his arms, rubbing your arm gently with his thumb.

Aorta glanced at her side to see Ace’s tail inching towards her. It was getting…Quite close. She could feel it starting to brush against her. So she shuffled forward a bit, so that she was closer to Ace.

Don’t fret! I’m not going anywhere for now.

His tail finally edged close enough as he wrapped it around your arm, holding you tight.

Oh I know.

His face shifted as he stood up, pulling you up with him. It shifted into something more...normal. his grin just seemed malicious now, not unnatural. His eyes still looked the same, but asides from that his face actually looked...rather attractive. How did he do that?

Having a more welcoming face would make the next part so much easier.

he wrapped his tail around your waist and grabbed your wrist as he walked you upstairs to a small room and two chains hanging from the wall. Reddish brown liquid stained some of the nearby wallpaper and floorboards.

You know, I'm just so fascinated by whatever little critter you are that I'd like to get a closer look at you! Seem okay?

Um- n-no, I’d really rather you didn’t-!

Oh, but it was too late. Aorta was forced onto the wall and Ace chained them down before they could run away. The cold metal on their arms, the restricted movement, the way their breathing shallower and their heart rate picked up…It all brought back some very bad memories.

Ace, darling, could you let me go?!

I told you that you fascinated me. Now I can really... take everything in.

He examined you meticulously, tracing his finger along the bridge of your nose and the lengths of your arms,before just standing there for what seemed like hours. Once he was satisfied he placed his hand on your cheek.

Exactly as I expected. You've really outdone yourself, aorta! Do you want to get down now?

…Yes…Certainly…

As they were unchained, they almost collapsed right into Ace. Their legs felt weak after standing there for a while.

….unholy hellfire…i don’t think i can feel my legs.

Would you like me to carry you outside? I think it's safe to say that we can leave now.

Aorta knelt down as slowly as she could as to not cause any pain in her legs, and untied the laces on her shoes. She didn’t quite know where to put them, though. Did she keep them on and risk them slipping off? Did she leave them here and get a new pair later? She didn’t really want to carry them…

She just decided to leave them loose on her, they either fell off or they didn’t.

Alright. Let’s depart. There’s an abandoned little town a few miles away, near my partner’s church…We could take a trip there before I make my way back to Alice.

He locked the door behind him before placing his hand on your back to make sure you were secure.

Aorta glanced at her side to see Ace’s tail inching towards her. It was getting…Quite close. She could feel it starting to brush against her. So she shuffled forward a bit, so that she was closer to Ace.

Don’t fret! I’m not going anywhere for now.

His tail finally edged close enough as he wrapped it around your arm, holding you tight.

Oh I know.

His face shifted as he stood up, pulling you up with him. It shifted into something more...normal. his grin just seemed malicious now, not unnatural. His eyes still looked the same, but asides from that his face actually looked...rather attractive. How did he do that?

Having a more welcoming face would make the next part so much easier.

he wrapped his tail around your waist and grabbed your wrist as he walked you upstairs to a small room and two chains hanging from the wall. Reddish brown liquid stained some of the nearby wallpaper and floorboards.

You know, I'm just so fascinated by whatever little critter you are that I'd like to get a closer look at you! Seem okay?

Um- n-no, I’d really rather you didn’t-!

Oh, but it was too late. Aorta was forced onto the wall and Ace chained them down before they could run away. The cold metal on their arms, the restricted movement, the way their breathing shallower and their heart rate picked up…It all brought back some very bad memories.

Ace, darling, could you let me go?!

I told you that you fascinated me. Now I can really... take everything in.

He examined you meticulously, tracing his finger along the bridge of your nose and the lengths of your arms,before just standing there for what seemed like hours. Once he was satisfied he placed his hand on your cheek.

Exactly as I expected. You've really outdone yourself, aorta! Do you want to get down now?

…Yes…Certainly…

As they were unchained, they almost collapsed right into Ace. Their legs felt weak after standing there for a while.

….unholy hellfire…i don’t think i can feel my legs.

Would you like me to carry you outside? I think it's safe to say that we can leave now.

Aorta knelt down as slowly as she could as to not cause any pain in her legs, and untied the laces on her shoes. She didn’t quite know where to put them, though. Did she keep them on and risk them slipping off? Did she leave them here and get a new pair later? She didn’t really want to carry them…

She just decided to leave them loose on her, they either fell off or they didn’t.

Alright. Let’s depart. There’s an abandoned little town a few miles away, near my partner’s church…We could take a trip there before I make my way back to Alice.

Aorta glanced at her side to see Ace’s tail inching towards her. It was getting…Quite close. She could feel it starting to brush against her. So she shuffled forward a bit, so that she was closer to Ace.

Don’t fret! I’m not going anywhere for now.

His tail finally edged close enough as he wrapped it around your arm, holding you tight.

Oh I know.

His face shifted as he stood up, pulling you up with him. It shifted into something more...normal. his grin just seemed malicious now, not unnatural. His eyes still looked the same, but asides from that his face actually looked...rather attractive. How did he do that?

Having a more welcoming face would make the next part so much easier.

he wrapped his tail around your waist and grabbed your wrist as he walked you upstairs to a small room and two chains hanging from the wall. Reddish brown liquid stained some of the nearby wallpaper and floorboards.

You know, I'm just so fascinated by whatever little critter you are that I'd like to get a closer look at you! Seem okay?

Um- n-no, I’d really rather you didn’t-!

Oh, but it was too late. Aorta was forced onto the wall and Ace chained them down before they could run away. The cold metal on their arms, the restricted movement, the way their breathing shallower and their heart rate picked up…It all brought back some very bad memories.

Ace, darling, could you let me go?!

I told you that you fascinated me. Now I can really... take everything in.

He examined you meticulously, tracing his finger along the bridge of your nose and the lengths of your arms,before just standing there for what seemed like hours. Once he was satisfied he placed his hand on your cheek.

Exactly as I expected. You've really outdone yourself, aorta! Do you want to get down now?

…Yes…Certainly…

As they were unchained, they almost collapsed right into Ace. Their legs felt weak after standing there for a while.

….unholy hellfire…i don’t think i can feel my legs.