in my oc/canon phase

From the shadows, Mhin observed the bustling crowd of people mingling outside and on the bottom floors. Endlessly following the established patrol paths and movements. As they were checking on the first floor, lending an ear to make sure none of the closed rooms were currently hosts to dangerous activities, the sound of footsteps approaching caught their attention. Some of the event organisers? No, too tall. Their hands grazed the pommel of their knife.

"Good evening Mhin."

Turning their head to the sound of approaching footsteps, recognising the doctor Kuras. Their shoulders relaxed lightly.

"Good evening Kuras. How are you?"

"I am fine, I suppose. Did you see Jiro at all?"

Raising an eyebrow at his lightly worried tone of voice, they swiped a glance over at the party below.

"I haven't, no. And I can't see them right now either. Why, did you manage to convince this scared pup to come to the celebration?"

Perahps this wording had too much bite to be accurate, but it's not like he could hear it and take offence anyway.

"I did, without as much hassle as you assume. They left my company not too long ago but I've failed to find them since."

"... did they leave on their own accord?"

"Yes, but I worry about what he could get into, he... looked quite upset."

"For a change."

Mhin readjusted their short ponytail with a short exhale.

"I could try to find him and make sure he's OK if it came to that."

"I hope that won't be necessary. In the meantime..."

Kuras procured a steaming cup of mulled wine from their belt.

"Perhaps this could help you withstand your patrols outside."

Mhin scrunched up their nose. The doctor always thought he was being slick with the way he'd look out for the freelancer and trying to protect them. He wasn't.

"I don't need it, you can drink it yourself."

"That wasn't an insult to your capabilities, Mhin. Merely a way to have you participate in the celebrations, no matter how lightly."

Mhin fluffed up their coat, putting on their hood. 

"The attention is appreciated, but if you excuse me, I need to get back to my shift."

"I see.", he whispered, closing his eyes and relenting.

"Enjoy your night.", Mhin anwsered before turning away.

As they stepped out, they were surprised to hear another pair of footsteps accompany their own. They turned around, meeting with surprise Kura's enigmatic stare. They scoffed.

"What?"

"I have understood you do not want to talk to me tonight. I merely wish to take a walk out and clear my head. Is it something you're comfortable with?"

"Sure."

As they simply chose to keep concentrating on their patrol, a small whisper at the back of their mind still came through. Kuras was very warm. So much so it was rare to not feel it emanating from him. Tonight was one of those countless times, and despite Mhin having traded their usual cloak for one lined with warm fur on the inside, they couldn't deny how nice it felt to have him here.

He seemed to match their pace, keeping at a reasonable distance and not saying a word, his eyes wandering over the city view. It was somewhat... comforting. Not having to talk, not having that pit in their stomach and worrying if they were just going to end up pitied again, but still being able to enjoy the company of someone close.

"Your patrol, idiot", they reprimanded themselves, snapping their head back onto the crowd.

The rustle of fabric beside them seemed to indicate they hadn't exactly been subtle with their movements just now, and they tried to not blush too hard to maintain the illusion.

A sudden chilling wind started to suddenly blow, and as it didn't abate in the following minutes, Mhin started to feel it seep past their cloak. Without thinking, they inched a bit closer to Kuras. They realised they had stumbled too close when they felt their body back up into the doctor's. They jumped, almost running off on the spot, before Kuras set both of his hands on their shoulders. Their heartbeat slowed, and warmth spread through their body. Mhin stayed, unmoving for some time, petrified by the possibility of breaking the ice at this moment. Kura's hands slid down their shoulders, settling a bit lower and his thumbs rubbing them with a soothing motion it seemed.

"Are you handling the temperatures well?"

The rumble of the doctor's voice hit their ears closer than usual, making Mhin's stomach tie itself into knots, although they were thankful kuras had merely been worried about them. Compared to asking about their position, it was a mercy.

"I'm... fine."

Finally pulling away, they met his eyes since they had started walking together, before their body was shaken up by a shiver; after staying in the brunette's embrace for so long, the change in temperature felt even more brutal.

"Are you sure? If you're feeling uneasy--"

Kuras reached into his belt again, pulling out once again the cup of mulled wine, this time keeping the lid on.

"This should still be warm."

"Can I really... drink this on the job?", Mhin tried to protest.

"Do not worry, the alcohool contents of mulled wine are lower than average. You will still be able to perform your duties."

they knew that already, but being backed into a corner like this they finally had no choice but to relent.

"Well then... thank you, Kuras."

They brought the cup to their lips, savoring the warmth of the spices as it warmed their body from the inside. Reluctantly, they admitted this did help them with the cold wind.

"I think I'll be more comfortable to finish my patrol outside with this, you can go back inside if the cold is bothering you in the meantime."

"I would rather accompany you for the rest of your patrol outside, I am not so easily bothered by temperature.", he murmured, smiling.

"Are you sure? Always wearing too little layers... If you become ill, this place could be in even more trouble than now.", they reprimanded, starting their walk again.

"Your worry is duly noted. I will make sure to not fall ill so as to not worry you.", he answered, following them.

"Don't do it just for me either."

"You are the only one who is worried about this, thus I'm afraid my wording is accurate."

This look of superiority wrapped in gentleness he sometimes took on was oh so unbearable. Like he was looking down on them. As if talking to a mere animal.

"How about you don't take the piss every time someone suggests you take care of yourself?"

"I am most surprised to hear this coming from you."

The freelancer sharply turned towards Kuras, frowning at him. He tilted his head lightly to the side with a smile. Knowing they couldn't win, Mhin let out an exasperated sigh.

"Okay, fine, you have this one, please take care of yourself for me, then."

Arriving at the end of their outside patrol, Mhin entered inside the building through a back door, Kuras following them.

"I know you enjoy hearing the effect you have on me, I thought I would let you have this one."

Midway through shaking the snow off their boots, Mhin stopped immediately to look at Kuras.

"What do you mean by that?"

"Nothing bad of course, I think it's admirable you worry about me. And while it may sound illogical to me, I know it does to you."

This little monologue reeked of his familiar superiority, and yet Mhin wasn't as mad this time.

"And I know you also enjoy knowing I do things because you asked."

"I do not--"

"Do not deny it, there is no shame to be had.", Kuras murmured, bending down towards them.

Feeling a sudden pressure, Mhin took a step back but found themselves pinned against the narrow wall of the entryway.

"I do not think I am mistaken in saying you enjoy knowing you can influence me. It is a form of closeness between us after all."

 They noticed a lightly smoke scent in the air which made them raise their eyes, catching a glimpse of a small tuft of greenery hanging on the ceiling above them. Their stomach tied itself in knots. This was the worst place to have Kuras try to connect with them on a deeper level. As if hearing their thoughts, the doctor followed their eyes and stared at the mistletoe with surprise.

They didn't want to know what Kuras would do with this. They needed to leave.

"No, I do not enjoy influencing you in any way, Kuras. You are a person I have immense respect for and this is where we stand."

"Oh, my apologies if I misunderstood."

"You did, yes."

A small pang of... Something, tug at them. As if their own body was rejecting what they were saying. They tried to push it down by keeping on talking.

"I do not need to get entangled in attachments and feelings, not when I'm... whatever, we're just two people benefiting from each other's services, aren't we? There's no need for more."

"If that is satisfactory for you, that is how I shall talk of our relationship. However if you ever want to have a real conversation about--"

"There is no need for that."

A small drop of sadness seems to make the doctor's facade falter for a second, the corners of his lips dropping down.

"Right. May you spend a nice evening, Mhin."

"I'll send Jiro's sorry ass to you if need be, don't worry."

They turned their heels, as putting physical distance seemed to lessen the blow on their emotions.

The searing feeling of pain started to lessen as they continued down into the corridors, turning into a faint one, but one which persisted.

During a corner turn, their foot suddenly tripped into something. Something that squealed, before looking at them with sad puppy eyes.

"... Jiro?"

"Ah-- good evening, Mhin..."

"Have you... been crying?"

"No."

The way the raven was still drying his eyes didn't make this lie any more believable but they didn't bother bringing it up, instead extending a hand towards Jiro to help him up.

"What are you doing here? No one is using that part of the building tonight."

"I'm just sulking. For a change."

"You worried Kuras a lot, you know."

Smiling lightly, Jiro answered in a small voice.

"I probably do that a lot, and yet he's still as nice as ever when we see each other... I don't know how he still tolerates having me around."

"He's got thick skin and the occasional misunderstanding won't wound him, don't worry."

As fleeting as this conversation was, it was somehow also putting them a bit more at ease with what they had just experienced. Perhaps they should just hang around for some time.

"How is the evening? Did someone ask you to come?"

"The evening's... time passes for sure, let's put it like that. Leander and Kuras told me about this gathering and I just thought I could participate, for a change."

"It's great to see you try some new things."

The worry that had been plaguing the raven's face suddenly started to lift up a bit.

"Do you think so?"

"Of course I do. New arrivals to this city aren't treated in the fairest way possible as is, isolating yourself can only make that worse. Getting to establish connections with locals and picking up on social customs can get you far."

"It almost sounds like a compliment, thank you Mhin. Oh! And I have something for you, hold on--"

Letting out a short snicker, Mhin leaned in on the next wall as the raven started to feel around frantically, before pulling out a slightly crumpled paper box.

"A gift, for the new year."

Silently taking the box and opening it, they found a small cake with whipped cream and strawberries on top, dusted with sugar. It looked like it had been made today.

"... did you learn this from here, or is a tradition originating from wherever you came?"

His eyes losing focus, as if recalling a memory, Jiro started talking slowly.

"I'd say... it was also common practice where I came from, I think. But I have been travelling for so long... I can't recall."

"Well, for your information you don't need to feel obliged to follow this tradition with me, I don't find any enjoyment or attachment to the new year's celebrations."

"Oh, was it not common where you came from?"

"Tch, do I pry into private matters like that?", they said, feeling intruded upon.

"You just did!"

They opened their mouth before closing it quickly, realising the raven was correct.

"I'm sorry. It's a bit of a sensitive subject."

"Oh, no problem, you don't have to answer that, you can just enjoy your cake."

"I'll accept it for this year, but the next time--"

"No way, come on, if I'm giving everyone else gifts I'll also give you one, no matter how small", he insisted.

"It's unnecessary--"

"Like most things in life, but that doesn't mean I won't put in the effort when I can."

They leaned up against the wall next to the freelancer.

"Plus-- you know. Compared to the others, there's just something different when I'm hanging out with you. It's nice. Of course I'd want to make it up to you."

"Hm, is it the fact you can't see eye to eye with the others without getting neck pains?"

"Wow, fuck you.", the raven spat, snapping his neck around with such an indignant expression that it made Mhin genuinely snort in amusement.

Mhin quickly tried to turn around to hide their quiet snickering, but not fast enough.

"Oh yeah look at you, I didn't know you liked your jokes so low-hanging Mhin, should I remind you something about where you stand in the tall-to-short scale or are you good?"

"I'm-- I'm good, I'm good.", they giggled, wiping the corner of their eyes.

"Yeah eat the fucking cake I got you, asshole.", the raven sighed, but Mhin could see them smiling clear as day.

"Thank you", they mumbled quietly.

"Hmm?"

"I said thank you, don't push your luck, I won't repeat it again."

"So you do like gifts... I'll keep that in mind."

"Tch-- I do not."

"You can't lie your way out of this nowww...", the raven mused.

"I'll smack that cake right in your face", they warned.

"Without even tasting it? I don't believe you."

"Just give me a fork, I'll share some with you."

"You would...? Are you sure? I'd be fine leaving it all for you."

"My offer won't stand a second time."

"Okay, okay! I would like it if we shared."

The raven had such a sad, miserable disposition at all times Mhin assumed it'd be contagious. But sometimes, it seemed like it wasn't. Somehow, being surrounded by people celebrating something they didn't believe in anymore, in a random empty corridor, they felt the most at peace.

Jiro checked and re-checked again his cloak, nervously wondering if his clothes looked as decent as everyone else at the small reception. He couldn't really tell if he looked that horrible or if it was just his mind playing tricks on him. Most of Lowtown had dressed up as best as they could, and their best definitely looked better than whatever Jiro had managed to scrounge up in a month, that was for sure.

With a groan, he brushed off a few snowflakes from his shoulders before taking his backpack off, shoving it in a dark empty corner of the hall; at least looking a bit shabby would make sure no one would try to steal it.

"Good evening Jiro, glad to see you could make it."

The softness and familiarity of the doctor's voice slid down his spine in an oh-so delicious way Jiro physically shook it off before turning around, rearranging his messy hair. He caught a glimpse of the delicate sweater that had replaced his undershirt, the usual medical coat covering it a short wool cloak falling over their shoulders. His eyes fell down to the junction between the cloak and the sweater to see it didn't hide the curve of his hips. He cleared his throat, looking back up again, cheeks burning with embarrassment.

"Good evening to you too Kuras, I know I'm a bit late but I had to get a few things right before coming."

"No offense is taken, of course.", he said, laying a hand on their shoulder.

Jiro's face softened for a second feeling the warmth of Kura's hand against their body, melting the tension straining their body, before they perked back up.

"We should probably get out of the entry."

"Of course, I'm sure you'll enjoy this reception very much."

With a gentle pull, the doctor invited him into the somewhat crowded hall. By force of habit, Jiro stayed close behind. Perhaps the heat emanating from him also played a reason with the way the boy felt compelled to always trail behind him like a puppy, but he didn't like thinking about that too much (at least not in public). The smell of food somewhere in the room made the raven's desperately empty stomach growl, and he stopped for a second, avidly looking for the source.

"Oh, are you hungry? My apologies for noticing earlier, come with me."

Carving a path to a table displaying an assortment of food, Kuras grabbed a bowl and poured some sort of broth containing fish, bread, potatoes and parnish in it, before leading the raven to a table in the corner of the room, relatively away from the crowd. Jiro hurriedly sat down, and the doctor put the bowl and spoon down in front of him.

"Thank you."

"No need to mention it. Please satiate yourself first, the rest can wait."

The raven nodded vigorously before grabbing the spoon and starting to hurriedly eat the contents of the bowl. In a lightly undignified, perhaps, but they were starving. Once their frenzy had died down a bit, they looked up, catching a glimpse of the way Kuras looked at him when he thought he couldn't see. 

He always looked at him with this sort of amusement, as if gazing at a cat playing with its own tail, except Jiro didn't have a tail and the doctor definitely looked at him like this while he was distracted doing very ordinary things. It was definitely a bit weird but he could feel he didn't have any ill intent towards him doing this, so he let it slide every time, and had come to accept it as an expression conveying affection from the doctor. He almost choked on a piece of bread thinking about it. He cleared his throat a bit loudly.

The noise seemed to alert the doctor, who quickly looked to the side, trying to play off the fact he was caught. His face certainly managed to look relaxed enough to pull it off, but the nervous jittering of his fingers broke the illusion.

"Are you enjoying your meal?"

"Quite. If an eating house did this, I should try to find out where it's located. If they're affordable, it could be a lifesaver."

"I thought the wet wick provided you with food if needed?"

"Oh yes, I can eat as much bar snacks as I want but it's pretty bad for my eating habits overall and... well, being so dependent on Leander kind of makes me feel... uncomfortable? Guilty? Something of the sort, anyway."  

"I see. As for the issue of your eating habits, I do wonder if Leander has changed so much that he'd stopped asking people to accompany him for dinner on a weekly occurrence."

"He hasn't, my mind just loops back to issue number two."

"Of course. Old habits die hard, as I've guessed."

The small laugh stifled underneath his sentence made Jiro feel so full he felt tempted to leave the rest of their broth. Correctly guessing this was a very irrational thought,  they persisted and drank the broth until the last drop, a sigh of content leaving their lips as they settled the bowl down.

"I never could've guessed lowtown would be able to come together and provide a space such as this for everyone, even for just a night."

"You shouldn't be so surprised, it is part of human nature to come together when experiencing hardships."

"Depends who's considered part of their community.", they scoffed on instinct.

"Unfortunately you aren't wrong. Humans can be quite cruel to people they feel threatened by, whether it's a real threat or simply perceived. I'm sorry that you experienced this enough for it to plague your mind even when you are in a safe place."

"It's OK, don't worry."

Jiro didn't mean it exactly like that, but whatever he had actually on his mind was too heavy to utter out loud.

"If you're done, how about you explore a bit of the party? There are multiple activities held here tonight, I'm sure a few of those would be of your liking--"

"You're not coming with me?"

Jiro immediately realised he'd said that too early, in a way too desperate manner. He swallowed nervously, watching Kura's eyes widen with surprise. He anxiously picked at his finger, too afraid to break the silence.

"If your wish is for me to accompany you... I do not see any reason to disoblige."

The raven didn't miss the way the raven's lips curved upwards when he said that. Was he happy being around him? His heart fluttered. Allmother, he hoped he did.

After returning the bowl to the table, Kuras beckoned him by his side and headed to a flight of stairs leading to an overhead balcony overlooking the main hall. Faint unrecognizable smells and voices could be heard from a few open doors down the hall.

"The new year celebrations are a good occasion to forge new bonds within the community, and to try out new things. You'd benefit greatly from it all."

The doctor knocked on a half open door, and joyful voices answered from the inside.

"We're free, please come in!"

Following behind the long flowing hair of the doctor, they entered the room. The pale walls were covered by rugs and the floor in small candles, making the temperature warmer than outside. Two young smiling women were kneeling on cushions, a small low table separating them from the raven and Kuras.

"Good evening doctor! Did you bring a friend with you this year?"

"Jiro is new to lowtown, and they asked I accompany them for the night, I hope you don't mind."

"Of course not, it's a pleasure to not see you alone for once!"

In a smooth motion, Kuras sat down at the table, and Jiro imitated him a little bit less gracefully.

"Have you ever had henna, dear?", the one in front of him asked, extending a hand, "Your hands look pretty even covered up like this."

"Oh, what's henna exactly?"

"It's a dye that we apply on the skin in patterns during celebrations! It's for good luck and good looks. We'll leave it on for some time, then clean it up, and you'll be left with the stain for up to a week."

"Woah... yes, that sounds interesting."

"Well come on, give me your hand, don't worry, whatever they look like isn't an issue."

"I can't, I'm sorry.", the raven mumbled, quickly retracting his hands further into his cloak, unable to shake off the tingling feeling in his fingertips.

"Hmm, well, if you change your mind for whatever reason while we're here, don't hesitate, OK?"

"Hm."

The girls set a few liquid containers, wipes and small piping bags on the table, getting a few words out of Kuras with their small talk. His attention diverted to the way the doctor's long cascading hair shimmered in the low candlelight, the lighter ends of his hair pooling and curling out like gold. How could a human be so pretty?

"So Kuras, what type of design do you want to go with today?"

"I must say I have been wanting to try out something new for some time, but my imagination has been of very little help."

"Well that's a bummer, how about your friend pitches in?"

Jiro settled his attention back onto the girl in front of him in a startled movement. He noticed a few freckles dotting her olive skin, all connected together by dark lines as if imitating constellations. Were they also henna?

"Uhhh, yes sure, what kinds of things could be good for this?"

"Let's see, do you have a favorite plant or fruit?"

"I guess my favorite fruit is clementines, does that help?"

"Yes, yes! The flowers also grow in beautiful clusters, what do you say we add those too?"

"O-oh, I'm not an expert and this is for Kuras after all, please feel free to do what would look best..."

"Hmm, I can see it, he has a very nice mount of Venus, we can do a clementine there and have a cluster of flowers burst forth along your life line, it'd look beautiful I think."

Jiro hadn't realised until now how little conversations he'd had with people since coming to Eridia, or even before. This felt comforting. Warm. Natural. His gaze nonetheless settled back on Kuras.

"And you, doctor? What's a plant you like?", the girl in front of him asked.

"I'm quite fond of clementines as well.", he answered with a bit of surprise.

"Then do you want both of your hands with clementines and clementine flowers?"

"That would be good, thank you."

"Out of curiosity, is the design on both hands?", Jiro interrupted out of curiosity

"Usually yes, and they can show continuing scenes on the same side of a hand."

"Oh, like a sun and moon theme on each hand but the main elements staying the same?"

Both women looked at each other simultaneously in surprise, humming in approval.

"You have some good ideas for someone who's never dabbled in it! Are you an artist?"

"Not at all, please this is nothing...", Jiro stuttered, trying to hide his cheeks burning up in embarrassment behind a piece of his cloak.

"Nooo, don't devalue yourself like that! Are you OK with me using this idea?"

"I wouldn't mind, of course..."

"Then I don't either, please feel free to work with it.", the doctor spoke softly.

They mutually exchanged a discreet smile, before Kuras presented his left hand to the young lady in front of him. As she turned his palm upwards to scrub it, Jiro hurriedly turned away after catching a glimpse of the cut running along it. 

Kura seemed to lightly position his palm away from view most times, and with the amount of respect he had for the doctor, he certainly didn't want to be overstepping.

"Oh, do you want me to hide it again or can I incorporate it into the design?"

"I trust your experience to manage to incorporate it into the design well enough."

"A challenge, huh? Consider it accepted, doctor!"

After a bit of hesitation, Jiro looked back in the direction of the doctor's hands, to see that the woman had started to apply the henna on Kuras with one of the small piping bags she had set on the table earlier. He watched with admiration the unwavering outline the woman had managed to start tracing out on his skin, plant elements meeting complex geometrical patterns on his palm, continuing up to his wrists, then spreading all the way to his fingertips.

"How pretty..."

"Are you considering letting me do your hands?", the woman in front of him asked with a little grin.

She was obviously just assuming it was all in good fun and Jiro was simply insecure, but it still made them uneasy. Underneath his cloak, Jiro nervously pressed his nails into his hands.

"No, I'm fine..."

"Mariam, Enoth, if I may ask, I do believe you have opened a shop down by riverside, is the state of affairs to your satisfaction?"

"Aww, thanks for asking doctor, I didn't think you'd care! Well, things are going great..."

Surprised to hear the sound of voice, Jiro turned towards him, meeting his gaze with a violence he wasn't expecting.

This half lidded gaze and inscrutable expression always left the raven feeling exposed and vulnerable, even if they couldn't tell exactly why. After all, Kuras had always been the most patient person he'd met here, the one he was sure wouldn't pry behind his back. He averted his eyes, nodding slowly to thank him for getting the attention away from him.

"Okay, we'll let this sit for a few more minutes and then you'll be good to continue on with your evening."

Kuras took his eyes off of them to thank the young woman, breaking the spell he'd put the raven under. Putting a hand against their chest, they could feel their fastened heartbeat finally starting to slow. They let out a small sigh of relief. Feeling temperature with the thickness of the bandages was a bit too hard so they didn't bother to try and see if they had been blushing, merely hoping that not having felt anything meant they hadn't been.

He realised he'd dozed off when his eyes caught movement in the blurry background, and he quickly snapped back in reality to see the setting time was over and the women were now carefully removing the excess and washing his hands one last time. He curiously bent over to see the results.

Criss crossing patterns envelopped by branches, leaves and petals covered the back of his hands. When Kuras turned them over, Jiro let out a small admirative noise. With both of his palms next to each other, the raven could see both represented the same nature scenery, but the left one sported a bright sun with stylised rays, one of which was used to camouflage the scar in the center of his palm. The lines on the flowers and fruits undulated lightly, as if the heat of the rising sun was already scorching. On the right one, the landscape appeared under a dark night sky illuminated by a crescent moon and shining star, the flowers dotted with dew shining like diamonds.

"I am glad it is of your liking. Your idea was most fortunate."

Jiro flinched hearing his voice rumble so close to his ear, and realised he'd gotten quite close to the brunette without knowing. Smiling for just a second, Kuras took in his hands a wild strand of hair away from his face, tucking it behind his ear.

"What do you say I show you the view from here now that we're done here? I bet you'll love it."

"O-oh, sure, yeah, let's do that!"

The doctor stood up, smoothing out any potential creases in his short cloak while Jiro fumbled to do the same.

"Thank you for your services, young ladies. Your mastery of your craft never ceases to improve and it is a delight to witness every time."

"It was nice to meet you two as well", the raven chimed in before following the doctor who had already started to turn away and walk out of the room.

Right before they could also exit, one of the girls grabbed the hem of their coat to hold them back. Jiro tensed up lightly, but noticed she'd willingly avoided grabbing their arm. They looked at her questioningly.

"Just wanted to say... I'm sorry if I made you uncomfortable earlier, whatever reason you have to not want to show your arms; it's okay."

"Oh, now worries, I didn't hold that against you!"

"Also, Jiro... us lower citizens gotta stick together. You seem new around here. Me too.", she said in a determined tone of voice, looking directly into the raven's eyes.

Behind them, the other woman cleared her throat, but from the sound the conversation, it didn't seem like a coincidence, more like a warning.

"If you ever need anything, don't hesitate to look for a shop called "the lunar arts" by the riverside. I'll see what I can do to help."

Feeling a sudden heaviness to the conversation, Jiro only managed to nod. The woman smiled to disperse the tension, the lines connecting the freckles on her cheeks curving upwards.

"I'm Enoth, it was a pleasure to meet you, Jiro."

"It was a pleasure to meet you too, I hope I'll see you again."

After this pleasant-- although ominous, small conversation, Jiro caught up to the doctor, who had waited for him near another closed door.

"Glad to see this little detour was to your liking."

"Very much so! I don't think I would've thought of coming here by myself, so truly, thank you."

"You are most welcome. Now, there is a place I'd hope to show you tonight."

Opening the door, Kuras let the raven walk out onto balcony before him.

The cold air turning to mist as he exhaled, he approached the fencing to get a better look at the view of the sprawling city.

Colorful lights blooming out of every window, from hightown passing by the high tower of the senobium to lowtown, the murmurs of voices could reach him from anywhere. A city celebrating the coming of a new year of life in a dying world. Usually, such a thought would make Jiro despair, but here, so close to his goal, having met people he could rely on, for once he wanted to give in and believe in this celebration.

Feeling unbotherd by the cold, he turned around to the doctor with a hopeful look in his eyes.

"This is beautiful."

"There will always be light to be found in this world if one knows where to look. Please remember that."

"Never a good meeting with you if we're missing a foreboding advice, huh?"

"My apologies, I'm afraid this is simply a flaw of mine.", the doctor whispered, the gems placed under his eyes catching the light for a moment and gleaming like stars.

"Come on, I never said it was one."

Jiro came to settle next to him, the warmth of the doctor finally reaching him again.

"You know, I thought that I should try and match the occasion and get gifts for everyone who helped me out so far. But... I have a confession, I may have lacked... A few resources."

The raven sunk his hands into his cloak, feeling around for his pocket, before grasping a small object.

"So... Please be nice, okay? Uhm... I'm really sorry if it's bad, I'm not exactly skilled with my hands, but... I thought you'd appreciate something hand-made."

He stretched out his hands clasped together, and Kuras stretches out a hand, a questioning expression on his face. After a moment of hesitation, anxiety twisting his stomach in knots, he gently opened them, letting a small object fall into the doctor's hand.

His golden eyes open wide with surprise, using a finger to stroke the small figure made out of rope, a bright red jewel-looking rock embedded in its open chest. Jiro grimaced, the cracks and poorly done cuts on the rock he'd made trying to carve the small thing into the shape of  an anatomical heart appearing much more visible under this light.

"This is really bad, I'm really sorry I couldn't do better--"

"It's beautiful."

A gentle smile spread appeared on Kura's lips, who wrapped his fingers around the figure, absentmindedly bringing it closer to his body like the gesture actually meant a lot to him.

"O-oh... I'm. Glad... you like it, I--"

Jiro felt he couldn't utter a single coherent word, yet desperate vocalise something, anything-- to make sure the doctor could know how much this meant to him, how much--

As he looked up, breathing in deeply, trying to calm the erratic pulse of his heart, the sight of something green on the dormer of the window they had both come out of caught his attention. His cheeks became red again and his heart started drumming in his chest harder.

"Mistletoe...?"

Kuras turned around to see, and skimmed the leaves with the back of his hand with a coy smile.

"It appears so. Do you know the tradition associated with this plant?"

Jiro swallowed drily. Don't tell him anything, don't let him guess anything.

"Uh-uhm, I'm afraid this wasn't common practice where I came from, s-so I, I don't think I know exactly..."

"In a bygone era, mistletoe used to be considered a sacred herb for its ability to blossom among the harshest of snows, and praised for its vivacity. It was first used in fertility rituals, but soon enough people saw even simply kissing near it a sign of good luck for lovers."

Oh fuck. The raven reminded himself to breathe.

"Do you believe in those sorts of things, Jiro?"

The glint in the brunette's eyes made a hot thrill rang through Jiro's body and they suddenly felt incredibly dizzy. Their vision suddenly blurred. Why now was this acting up? Their knees buckled, but the brunette's grip on their shoulder didn't let them completely fall over. A hand flew to his forehead, checking his temperature.

"Oh dear, are you okay?"

The raven took a second to breathe deeper, the black spots obscuring their vision gradually receding. The doctor's hand finally settled on the side of their face, gently keeping it straight. The heat emanating from his hand was so intense, yet comforting and familiar. Like something Jiro had forgotten but that he'd merely survived without his whole life. He dared look into Kura's eyes, now tainted with worry. He realised their bodies were pressed against each other, in an intimacy they'd never quite allowed each other to be in with the other. 

If he spoke, he'd break the spell and they would go back to before. Never quite one or the other, too entangled in their own personal messes to really think of making a reality out of what the raven fantasised about. Of course Kuras probably didn't think about these sorts of things, especially with someone like him, it was just a nice fantasy to indulge in from time to time.

"I am, don't worry, this is just a recurring problem..."

"Do you need any help with this?"

The raven could guess the underlying question behind the troubled but mostly curious glance Kuras was giving him."Is it part of your curse?" He bristled. Of course it had to always be about his curse, wasn't it?

"There's nothing you can do for me, I appreciate the thought anyway."

Wiggling out of the doctor's grasp, he took a step back, not daring to look him in the eyes.

"I'm-- I'm glad you appreciated my gift, Kuras. I'll... just go explore the party a bit, see you around."

"Make the most out of your evening, Jiro. I hope to see you again tonight."

The obvious disappointment in his tone felt like a punch in the guts, but Jiro knew he needed to get away from this situation before he made everything worse. Whatever hurt he was causing by leaving wouldn't be as bad as if he stayed around. Pinching his lips together, he finally looked back up to Kuras for a brief section before disappearing back inside. An observation kept repeating, one he started to hold onto to try and ignore the terrible guilt and shame that threatened to overcome his mind.

"I did not see mistletoe on that dormer when we went out."

The Senobium had such a habit of letting Vere go free on the worst of days, he had a feeling it was fully intentional.

He shuddered, trying pull his long sleeves closer to his body like that would warm him up. Eridia was never not a soggy, rot-smelling swamp of a city, but with the shift of the seasons, both of those factors could only get worse. He put a hand over his nose, sniffling uncomfortably.

Damn cold, damn approaching winter, damn ever closer snow.

He stooped under a small stall to observe the seasonal goods, still steaming and emitting a pleasantly spicy smell.

"I'll just take some glazed buns."

"Excellent choice my good sir! Two silver pieces for three!"

"Thank you."

His pastries in hand, he started wandering around the streets, trying to find a drier place to eat in peace, but with such a cold, humid weather, most terraces were reduced to a puddle meeting place, if they were even installed outside.

The ginger exhaled sharply, keeping his precious snacks close as he wandered into the streets, the humid air weighing down his ears.

Just as he was about to get frustrated at this waste of time, he noticed the underside of a particularly proeminent balcony with a bench he could comfortably settle under. He hurriedly sat on, unwrapping his pastries and enthusiastically preparing to take a bite, but the weather seemed to have other ideas.

Just right as his lips parted, a sudden gust of wind blew the contents of a nearby rain gutter all over him and his fresh, delicious handmade buns.

"FUCK!", he screamed out, immediately springing back onto his feet, suppressing a shiver. He stayed frozen in place a second, not knowing what to do with himself. So what was he supposed to do, if the universe was so hellbent on fucking over his day out? Was he supposed to go back to the senobium, to his cell? Have his snacks confiscated, be chained inside, like every day, just because at least he'd be spared more misery?

No, he'd rather swallow his own tongue and die. In a mute rage, all the fur on his ears and tail standing out, he stomped out in a random direction, crushing his pastries in his hold. 

The streets kept changing and shifting as Vere spiralled further, trying to chase away the gnawing feeling of helplessness threatening to to drown out his every thought. Who cared where he was going, it didn't matter. Eridia was just a bigger cage he was confined to outside of his cage.

And yet despite him knowing all that, he couldn't bring himself to just give up, he may have been chained to this place but he refused to give up and bow down. Perhaps too foolish, perhaps too angry. He'd find a way to break out, and when he did, the fury he would unleash on the Senobium would leave its mark. Hopefully he could manage to tear out its gangrenous roots out of the deepest parts of the world and erase it.

Only once he realised there was no more streets to walk into in front of him, had his anger started to die down. He realised he had stormed into a small parc, closed off from most of the city. The pavement had stopped, fading into a dirt path slithering among the trees. He sighed, exasperated. Since he'd walked all the way there he might as well take shelter under the sparse folliage and stew on his plans to destroy the world.

Sitting down at the roots of the trees after a bit of meandering, his heart suddenly felt a bit lighter. He'd forgotten how softly leaves and branches of a tree bristled against each other under a gentle breeze. After all, it'd been a long time since he had the freedom to come unwind here, been allowed even less than a day of respite. He sighed some more, angrily bringing out his first pastry and sinking his teeth into it. It wasn't as warm and airy anymore, and definitely a bit watery, but in the moment it tasted like the best thing he could've eaten.

Taking on the second one, he softened a bit. Maybe he was becoming too tame, he didn't feel like getting angry. His surroundings felt too peaceful to be disturbed and destroyed today, and there was no one near he could take out his anger on, not that he'd feel like doing it anyway.

He couldn't deny that the third one was finished too quickly, and he found himself wishing he had more. He threw the greasy paper in an abandoned composting bag with a sigh. He wouldn't call his outing a success in any capacity so far, but at least he didn't feel miserable, just lightly unsatisfied.

Pacing for a bit while trying to come up with what interesting thing he should definitely do before they'd start looking for him, his foot landed on something slippery on the floor and he paused. Leaves, of course. Spotting a small pile it probably slipped from, he nonchallantly put his foot in the middle of it, watching it sink into it and then slowly moving it around to scatter the pile all over the grass. Not really much of a destruction, but petty enough that he felt compelled to stoop down to it.

Once he was satisfied with his work, he noticed another small pile near another tree. Letting out a short jubilating sound, he quickly ran over to it and kicked it, sending leaves flying in all directions, some of the leaves getting kicked up high enough to be picked up by the breeze and diappearing out of view.

His tail started to wag at the sight, glee spreading in his veins. Oh, he absolutely needded to keep going now.

Weaving through the trees, running through the path and dirtying his boots in the process, he meticulously kicked through each and every piles, until he reached the deepest parts of the parc, where the biggest of them all laid, still undisturbed. It was so big it reached his waist.

His tail started to thump furiously as he got a very dumb, but very amusing idea. A single kick wouldn't get it down, or even multiple. But maybe if he put his whole weight on it...

Taking a step back, he erupted into a small sprint, lunging at the pile. He crashed into it at full force, sending tons of leaves flying as the ones not kicked up cushioned his fall. Getting back on on his knees, shaking his head vigorously to get the leaves out, he took a second to stare at his hands, sinking deep into the leaves and the grass below. That wasn't normal behaviour coming from him, but he didn't mind. It was quite fun.

He turned around towards the sky, laying down on the leaves before shimmying around, sending leaves flying around just to see them hover in the air and fall back down. How much time had even passed since he started? He truly didn't care.

He was so distracted he didn't even pay attention to the obvious footsteps on the dirt path getting closer and closer, until the sound of a choked up snicker right next to him snapped him out of his transe.

Cheecks burning bright red with shame, Vere turned around to see Ais, looking at him with a bemused but vaguely entertained expression. His lit cigarette was barely hanging onto his parted lips, and for a second, the ginger wondered how he managed to keep it lit among the light rain steaming over them. But his mind quickly snapped back to the embarassing position he had been caught in, and he tried to come up with something-- anything, to justify how he ended up here.

"What are you doing, can't you see I tripped? Won't you lend me a hand and help me up?"

The way his voice was wavering under the other monster's crimson eyes made him want to scream.

"You, tripped?"

"Why else would I be on the ground?"

"If you'd tripped you have already been up pretending it didn't happen.", he mumbled, a small smile lightly stretching the corners of his mouth.

The way heat rose up to his cheeks, he could tell his face had gotten ridiculously red.

"What's the implication here?"

"I dunno, why were you lying on the ground rolling in leaves?"

"I-I wasn't rolling in them--"

Ais threw his head forward, stiffling a laugh, and despite his hand flying to his mouth, his cigarette fell to the ground and slowly went out, but he didn't even seem to notice.

"Come on. We know each other enough by now. Do you think I'd laugh at you?"

Vere stopped moving, halfway through the motion on shaking off the leaves caught in and around his ears. Before he had the chance to do anything else, the raven had sat down with a grunt, and let himself fall back onto the scattered pile of leaves, closing his eyes.

"This is pretty nice, actually."

The tension the ginger had been unknowingly under suddenly evaporated, and his ears finally went back up. Taking advantage of the monster having closed his eyes, he laid back down, head turned towards him, basking into his serene expression.

"Do you actually think so?", he said, trying to hold onto his suspicion despite knowing it was futile.

"Do you think I'd lie about this?"

"Hmph. You're not above holding off  to make someone comfortable."

"Would that be a bad thing?"

"I'd rather you be honest."

"Well, rest assured that I honestly like this."

"Like I'd believe that."

"You're allowed to just enjoy the moment without a layer if irony you know."

"Were you under the impression I didn't know that?"

"It was a subtle way to get you to shut up, but you're being difficult."

"You like me being difficult."

"I do, but I appreciate the silence even more.", Ais eventually mumbled, opening an eye and grabbing a handful of leaves and scattering them all over the fox.

"And now you're not getting it just for that.", Vere hissed, fully unable to hide the smile plastered all over his face, clutching his own, bigger handful of leaves and brandishing it above his head as a threat.

"You give me no choice, do you?"

Rolling onto his side in an instant, Both monsters immediately launched at each other, leaves furiously flying around all around them. Grabbing each other with pure glee, shoving wet piles of wet leaves on each other and tackling each other in puddles in the grass, without a care in the world.

Vere didn't know how much time they spent tussling before he realised he didn't regret letting himself go today.

Ais suddenly grabbed him, shoving him gently against the trunk of a tree.

"Does that mean I win?", he teasted.

"Interesting thta your version of winning always involves dominating a man, huh?"

"I don't know what you're talking about.", he whispered, leaning close so their faces touched.

A small amused snort suddenly rang near, and he froze, looking frantically around for who he'd have to kill to keep this a secret from anyone else.

His ears flattened and he let out a rageful growl, staring at that wretched, fucking doctor, hiding his smile behind his hand, trying to look innocent.

"Good afternoon, Ais, Vere."

He must have been really amused if he even forgot to ignore him, and that was not something the monster enjoyed in any way in this situation.

"Hey doc. Uhh. this can stay between us, right?", AIs asked, letting out a nervous chuckle.

"Of course."

"And you better stick to it.", Vere added.

Kuras' eyes narrowed slightly, but his smile didn't falter.

"Rest easy, I have no desire to tarnish whatever reputation you may have."

The ginger scrunched up his nose, feeling a tint of insult to his remarks, but decided to not escalate the situation-- Allmother forbid taking on whatever he was, durign his free time of all times. The doctor didn't seem to want to linger anyway, quickly shutting off the book he had laid open on his lap, adressing a curt nod before walking away, pristine white coat wholly unsullied unlike both monsters, now staring at each other shivering, dumbfounded, covered in mud and leaves.

"I think we can also keep this between us", Vere whispered, a smile starting to appear on his lips despite himself.

"Just another secret to add the pile, nothing much",  Ais shrugged, pushing his hair back with his hand, "do you want to warm up with a cup of tea back at my place? My treat."

The priest's mind felt numb. It had been a loud, albeit easy day of service. The brew he was slowly agitating in his hand was turning a dark blue when he felt his thoughts clear a bit. He plugged the vial up, placing it on the shelf next to his desk. Making an inventory of all the potions he still hadn't come around to refill finally eased him back in the moment. 

The intermittent sounds of pages being flipped in the background grabbed back his attention once he was done. His little star had taken the habit of accompanying his evenings quite often, all of their own accord.

Cirrus finally laid his eyes on Hail. The young man sat against the wall, reading a book about the movement of the stars. By the way he was supporting his head with his free hand and his discreet swaying back and forth, the priest could see he was dozing off. He decided to approach him.

"Is this book not to your taste?"

Hail lightly jumped, closing the book like he was afraid Cirrus could take a peek in.

"Not at all Cirrus! I actually kind of like it... It's just difficult to understand when you lack the bases..."

"I suppose so. What is it you don't understand, little star?"

"Well... Few things..."

"Come sit with me, we'll take a look together."

As he approached, Hail reached at the back of his head to take off his mask. It slipped off of his face, and the raven brushed a few strands of hair away from his face to make eye contact with Cirrus. A small akward smile flourished on his lips.

"Thought I'd make myself comfortable."

A pleased sound escaped the priest as he bent over to read the word Hale was pointing towards.

"Ah, heliocentric. It means "sun at the center". It is the theory that our world orbits around the sun."

"Oh! Isn't this view of the world a bit... upsetting? For the lunar faith, I mean."

"Hmm... this question is a bit deep. I don't think so for my part, but I can't speak for my other colleagues."

They got over some more terms describing the many types of celestial bodies, before getting to constellations.

"As we move through the year, different constellations become visible to us. Depending on which one you were born under, it is said that the lunar god bestowed different gifts onto you."

"Which one were you born under?"

"Ophiuchus.", he said while pointing to an illustration of a twisting snake with scales pale like the moonlight. "The people born under it are gifted with the love of the lunar god. The love he used to craft the world with."

"How charming.", Hail commented.

"Hm. Is it sarcasm I feel?"

"Not at all. I'm just... Kind of wondering which one I could be born under."

"When is your birthday? With this information, it's easy to deduct."

Hail's expression freezes completely, and for a second he's completely unmoving, as if he'd forgotten to breathe.

"I don't know.", he ends up saying.

The curve of his lips fell downwards as he finishes talking.

"What a shame. Don't trouble yourself with this. I have a few guesses."

"Really?", he asked, perking back up.

Cirrus always found so satisfying how easy it was for him to influence Hail's mood. A simple word to make his eyes shine. A simple order to bring him to his knees and whimpering. So little to destroy and build him back up again. He decided to see how flustered he could make him.

"Perhaps Cassiopeia could explain your beauty, or maybe Cygnus gave you the gift of your lovely voice, Corona Borealis..."

As he kept going, Hail's face gradually became a darker shade of red before they interrupted him.

"O-okay I think I get it, we don't need to do more of that..."

Before the raven could curl up on himself in embarassement, Cirrus put a finger on his collar, digging his finger in between it and Hail's skin, pulling him towards him with ease.

"Don't hide. You know I don't like you interrupting me."

"Sorry.", he whispered.

"Sorry... who?"

"Sorry master."

"Hmm..."

He gently caressed the side of Hail's face with his hand, silently trying to decide if it was transgression enough for a punishment, before Hail leaned into his touch, finally making eye contact.

"Just make it hurt, please."

"Well, if you insist... take everything off."

Hail's dark eyes immediately became dazed as he silently sild his cloak off, following by undoing his corset and unbuttoning his top, making both fall to the ground. His pants and underwear soon followed, before he got on his knees, eagerly awaiting for what's next. The priest hummed with satisfaction. He turned around to open a drawer full of ropes, perusing the different ones neatly folded before grabbing one turning back to the raven.

"I think blue suits you better, little star."

Hail shuddered as the priest untied the bundle of rope.

"Stand up, hands together."

"Yes master."

The speed at which he executed himself earned him a chuckle.

"What an obedient little puppy."

Cirrus knew how this nickname always made the raven tingle. His pleading, pitiful eyes all made for a delicious spectacle.

As Cirrus tied the rope around his torso, he noticed something that made him scorn. Bruises on his little star's arm, traces of a violent altercation. Cirrus ran his tongue on his canines. How he hated when other people got to Hail before him. He pressed the rope on the largest mark. Hail held back a whimper, eyes watering.

"I wonder what caused this.", he mused.

"I'm really sorry master, I just ran into someone who didn't like me refusing my services..."

"Hmm."

 Cirrus' mood softened, ever so slightly.

"You did good."

Hail's shoulders fell back down, and he quickly met Cirrus' gaze with uncertainty.

"Do you actually think so?"

"Sweet little star, have I ever lied to you? If I was angry, believe me, I'd let you know very quickly."

The priest let his thumb settle against the raven's lips for a second, enjoying the reaction he got out of it. He pushed his thumb past his lips, letting the spectacle of Hail passionately wrapping his tongue around it take over him for a second.

"I would've done much worse than what I'm about to do if I was displeased."

The little shiver that shook his little star made him chuckle internally. As nice as it was to have a Hail unconditionally worshipping his every move, nothing could quell his hunger more than a Hail that was afraid of ever stepping out of line.

"Keep your hand together correctly. I will need to have you pray."

"Yes master."

Cirrus carefully bound his arms against his chest to force him to maintain his praying position, appreciating Hail's breath shortening, his skin becoming flushed all over. The raven kept an eye on the priest's hands working the rope around him, the shape his open mouth took betraying excitement among his apprehension. 

Once he was done, he quickly took a chair, carefully guiding Hail to prop themselves on it, one knee bent on the seat. The priest felt the raven tensing up more when his hands made it on their thighs. In a rare act of benevolence, Cirrus made sure the ropes would not dig into his scars too harshly. After all, Hail had been behaving quite well outside of this little mishap... They even accepted to be punished before Cirrus could even decide if it was necessary. Oh, that thought lit a fire in him.

"I'll guide you during the suspension process, but do be careful still."

"Yes, master."

Hail didn't weigh much of anything, so Cirrus had no issue slowly lifting the smaller man off the ground, until his body was safely hovering above the ground. Hail muffled a quick dound. The priest let out a disapproving tsk, running a hand along his exposed back as a warning.

"I don't remember asking you to be quiet."

"Sorry, master..."

"I want to hear you today. I want to hear you confess to what you did wrong first. And then I want you to pray for forgiveness. Am I understood?"

"Yes, yes master..."

"Then what are you waiting for?", Cirrus whispered, softly placing his other hand on Hail's head, tangling his fingers into his long raven hair as a soft way to warn Hail of his shortening patience.

"I interrupted you today solely because I was trying to run away from your words, and I did this knowing it was wrong for me to do, and for that I deserve a punishement.", Hail quickly uttered, stumbling on his words.

"My little star, I think I taugh you to speak more clearly", Cirrus spoke louder, pulling his fingers into a fist, pulling a bit on the raven's hair in the process.

Hail let out a broken whimper. One that could let a quick sob be heard. His body tensed quickly, straining against the ropes. Cirrus felt the fire in him roar stronger.

"Forgive me... I interrputed you today solely because I was trying to run away from your words, and I did this knowing it was wrong for me to do, and for that I deserve a punishement.", he repeated clearly. 

"And then?", Cirrus asked.

"I can only beg--"

The priest pulled on the raven's head, quickly jerking it backwards. Hail screamed out in pain. He brought up their head up slowly so they'd meet his gaze.

"I think I have been clear in my instructions. Have I not?"

Hail was breathing laboriously through their mouth, moaning out in pain through every breath. Their cheeks were blood red, glistening with sweat. Their gaze poured into Cirrus' into a silent plead for respite, but they couldn't manage to utter a single word. The priest exhaled slowly, before slapping them across the face. Hail once again let out a scream, one that scorched his throat harder than the last one did.

"I do not like repeating myself, little star. Speak. And pray."

"My apologies... master.", he gasped.

A content smirk broke through their lips, his gaze clouding in pleasure and madness.

"I can only pray for you to forgive me. Please, whatever punishement you see fit for me, I'll bear."

Cirrus let go of their head, who fell back down limply. Damp strands of hair clung to his gloves before he shook them off. He fought for his expression to stay as controlled as it was, balling his other hand into a fist to release some tension away from Hail's eyes. The fire was consuming him whole. Who knew the pious Hail, the meek Hail, the oh-so fragile Hail would ever so openly enjoy pain. Perhaps he should push him harder more often.

"Filthy mutt", he mouthed as softly and quietly as he could.

As he turned to grab a long, harsh crop from the shelf he allowed himself to break a smile. Today was not the time for blood. Not yet. But soon enough. He had more than enough time and opportunities to see how far that smile would persist until he could break it.

He got his expression back in control as he walked back towards Hail. With a quick pull of the ropes, he changed Hail's position to elevate his hips and extended leg. This position put less stress on his scarred thighs, but let more blood flow towards his head. Perhaps the raven understood that, as his breathing changed noticeably.

"You look like a beautiful crescent moon, little star. A perfect postion to pray, don't you think so?"

"You're right...", he sighed with contained delight before starting a prayer. 

"As the Moon shines above us so does it shine inside of us, I call out to Our Lunar God, hear this prayer..."

Hail always prayed with such a devoted voice. A voice that rarely fatltered, and yet it did when Cirrus ghosted his fingers along his spine.

"I don't remember asking you to stop. Keep going."

The muscles of Hail's back arched at his passage, and yet the raven found the strength to keep going, his voice barely trembling.

"I have disobeyed my leader and as such offer myself up for punishement, so that in Your name I may cleanse myself and heal--"

Cirrus took a step backwards, angling his arm to deliver a first strike to their back. The raven's tone shifted ever so slightly, climbing up in tone in expectation.

The crop resonated harshly against their skin, making them moan out in pain quietly. A red mark began blooming, although both knew it was far from the harshest blow that would be delivered tonight.

"Let my suffering be proof of my devotion to You, let my devotion be strong enough to reach You...", Hail clammored almost immediately, as if invigorated. He took a strong breath in.

Cirrus waited for him to start his third verse to strike again, striking his ass harder. The raven choked on his prayer, needing a few seconds to catch his breath before starting up again, his tone becoming desperate.

"Excellent my star, keep going.", the priest purred softly as he administered another one in the exact same place, chastising them for stopping.

A long, pleading whine escaped their lips before they resumed. Their whole body was tensing, their hands straining to stay clasped together correctly as they kept their desperate prayer going. Cirrus was circling them like an animal, the crop audibly dragging along the floor as a constant warning. Each stop of their voice, each faltering of their posture earned them a new lashing. The marks were a burning red on his back and his ass, the same color as his face. Their voice was rough, climbing ever highly as they got closer to finishing.

"Basking in your light I remain, loyal the the... Cycle.", He finished in a whine, panting in exhaustion.

Cirrus stopped pacing, getting closer and affectionately resting his hand on the raven's thigh.

"Good."

"I'm not done... whip me again for stopping in the middle of my prayers.", he gasped.

"Pardon?"

Hail let out a strained laugh, contorting his head to meet Cirrus' gaze.

"I said... I'm not done. Whip me again."

His eyes seemed to glow in the darkness of the study, his smile contorting his face in a hungry expression Cirrus had never witnessed from the raven.

"Master Cirrus, I need to adress a prayer to you directly..."

The strike went off without Cirrus controlling it. The slapper and the spiral stem crashed against the raven's thigh with violence, Hail's entire posture broke under the blow, his voice trailing off in agony, losing the ability to breathe for a moment.

Cirrus felt himself short of breath, a bit shocked at his loss of composure. He had underestimated Hail. He needed to be crueller, oh so crueller.

"Keep going.", he hissed through his sadistic smile he couldn't be bothered to hide.

Something clear was dripping from Hail's face onto the ground, although he couldn't tell if it was tears or drool.

"I said. Keep going. Until you're done.", he raised his voice, winding back his arm.

"Yes... I ask for your forgiveness, master, for..."

Their voice broke down again, as their body writhed against the rope, as if the priest had hit them again. Cirrus wasn't unaware of the fact that while soft touches could almost not be felt by the raven on this severely damaged part of his body, any violence would be pure agony. Until now he had refrained from abusing this weakness of his little star's too harshly, their actions had never necessitated such a harsh treatment. He wasn't sure if Hail asking Cirrus to act a certain way was deserving of it, but now that he had started, elliciting such a pleasant reaction from his sweet, devoted little star without any complaints, he sure wasn't going to stop.

Their voice reduced to a mere ruin of what it used to be, on the verge of sobs, pleading, begging for Cirrus' forgiveness. He couldn't even feel at which strength he was hitting exactly, his whole being shaking with adrenaline and power. He could barely understand the contents of the prayer towards him anymore, his attention instead being drawn to the raven's hard, flushed cock that had laid untouched against his stomach all this time. Despite the increase of hardness in his strike, it hadn't gone down at all. Despite how wrecked they looked, they were still wholly enjoying the experience.

"Hu-humbly begging for your forgiveness, Master... I... remain basking in your light, ngh-- and I remain... I remain loyal to the c-cycle."

By the way his voice finally went out and his body finally relaxed, almost fully abandonning himself into the ropes' embrace, Cirrus could tell this time Hail was done. Cirrus raised his crop on last time, striking his thighs one final time with measured force as a sign of compassion. A dry orgasm wrecked through the raven's body, tearing one last tortured moan out of him, earning Cirrus a final spark of satisfaction. 

They both took a moment to recollect themselves, gasping for air.

"You are forgiven, my little star."

Cirrus grabbed the ropes keeping the young man suspended, slowly lowering his legs to be under his head again. He first untied Hail's bent leg and carefully placed it along his other leg, before taking the raven into his arms and freeing him from the ropes suspending him.

The priest laid him down gently into the bed of his study, before grabbing a cloth and dampening it in a bucket of cool water. When he came back to face the raven, they were opening an eye, their lips adorned by a small, but nonetheless present satisfied smile.

"Am I?", they whispered.

"Absolutely. Your behaviour was perfect.", Cirrus whispered as he softly whiped off the raven's face, followed by his body.

"I think I needed something like this today."

"Do you mean after your altercation outside?"

"Yeah."

Hail brought up his hand towards the bruise on his arm.

"I'd rather have you fuck me up than anyone else."

"Language.", the priest crooned to distract himself from the roaring jubilation of hearing Hail giving themselves to him. Him, him, him, him.

"I'm really tired. And cold. Is it okay if I just take a nap here? I just need a blanket."

"I'll go fetch that for you immediately."

"Thank you, Cirrus. And, I... nevermind."

"I love you too, Hail."

His eyes widened in surprise before closing back down, statisfied.

Gwyndolin wasn't sure how much time had passed when he heard someone approach his father's tomb again. Days? More than a week? Hard to say; they barely let themselves think about the time, and consenquently, only ever let "night" fall over the city on rare occasions. "Night" was hard to bear down in this tomb. "Coldness" was a concept more than a feeling for a god such as themselves, but for some reason, even the concept repulsed them.

It was the new human servant, Jiro, approaching the fog with a big smile. The dark sun deity approached the wall to study the young man.

Long black hair, black eyes, pale skin. Wearing some clothes of old Anor Londo. Still no sign of being anything but a normal human. Was it relieving, or disappointing?

He walked past the bonfire, hesitating for a second before touching the fog with his left hand.

"Mortal", warned the darkmoon knightess from the shadows.

"Am I not allowed to go further?"

"You are not.", answered Gwyndolin.

"Oh, you're here my lord! Hello!"

"Greetings Jiro. How hast thou setlled?"

"Very good, thanks to your knightess! It's such an honour to be able to serve you, master Gwyndolin."

That human really had a way to pronounce his name in a way that wouldn't leave Gwyndolin's mind. Was it the astorian accent?

"Has thou made contact with the godmother?"

"Princess Gwynevere? Yes my lord! She is as welcoming and magnificent as I had imagined!"

"Good."

They fell silent for a moment. Talking about their sister was still difficult.

"Is everything okay my lord?"

"Certainly. Let us talk about thine tasks now."

The human nodded.

"Since thou art the first mortal in Anor Londo in centuries, thou shalt seeketh the olden records of worship. They should contain rituals servants and worshippers followed. One of the duke's channelers should be able to provide them for thou."

"You... Without offense, wouldn't you know about those better than the records? Since you must have been living through them regularly."

"I..."

Gwyndolin gritted his teeth for a moment.

"Due to mine mission of watching over father's tomb, I was kept away from those sorts of traditions."

"... I see."

Why did Jiro's tone sound sad? Why was it irritating the dark sun more than it should? They inhaled deeply.

"Once thou art in possession of the records, thou shalt study them. I wisheth for thou to revive some of the customs of old. First starting by rituals servants used to perform daily, up to seasonal festivities."

"Understood!"

"This task shall occupy thou for some time, so do not feel pressured by time. That is something I do not lack. I ask of thou to be precise and cautious in your search."

"Yes my lord. I will get to it immediately."

"Wait, master Gwyndolin. You might need to mark Jiro as one of our own. I do not wish to defame the Duke, but you know how... demanding of test subjects he can be. A channeler might just mistake your servant for an offering.", objected the knightess.

Gwyndolin cursed internally. Their knightess was more than correct. They had only met the Duke on rare occasions, but everytime they were near him, they could feel the dragon's eyes fixed on them, glaring at their legs like he was just waiting for an opportunity to experiment on the then young and terrified god...

"I have seen the order of the dark moon wear rings... would that suffice?", Jiro asked, interrupting the dark sun's thoughts.

"... it could... but... in case it does not, let me write a letter to the Duke thou shall carry. Hold out thine hand."

Jiro obliged. Gwyndolin could have made ring appear right on the human's finger, but they felt compelled to phase their hand through the fog and delicately put the ring directly on the middle finger of the human. They felt how soft Jiro's skin was, saw his cheeks redden and heard his surprised gasp.

They retreated their hand through the fog.

"Rest now. I shall have the letter ready by next morning. Understood?"

"Understood, my lord! I'll be ready by then. I hope you rest well too!"

Jiro bowed, stroking the ring on their hand with admiration, and left.

The dark sun was left with his knightess.

"Ursa. Can I ask of thou to watch over him?"

She chuckled under her helmet.

"Of course master Gwyndolin. I wasn't going to let this defenseless human flutter away from the nest so easily."

"Exercise caution. I do not wish to be in open conflict with the Duke."

"Of course master Gwyndolin. I will take my leave now. And I hope you rest well too.", the kightess said with a tint of amusement as she imitated the words of the young human.

Gwyndolin kept the small laugh he couldn't repress as silent as he could. Jiro was very clueless to tell a god that has no need or will to rest to do so. But that didn't really bother the dark sun.

Rarely was Gwyndolin ever interupted by someone in the empty tomb. Days and weeks could go by without anyone ever interupting the silence that surrounded his medidation-like state. He couldn't say he hated that stasis state, though. After all, stasis was the sign that everything was running along smoothly. The veil was intact, the first flame was still burning bright. What could ever matter more than this?

He heard the footsteps of the silver knights long before they stopped in front of the fog wall. Unnusually, the two knights were dragging someone with them.

"Lord Gwyndolin, we found an intruder that claims to seek asylum in Anor Londo and the blessing of the gods."

"An undead, I presume?"

"No, a mortal my Lord."

Gwyndolin rose up from his seat in shock.

"What mortal would seeketh refuge here?"

"Best he tells you himself then."

The guards dropped completely the short human, who immediately fell on his knees and bowed. Blood was dripping from his nose, staining the pavement. The dark sun felt a tinge of annoyance seeing the pavement being tarnished.

"I simply wish to serve the gods of Anor Londo. Ever since I was born... I always learned about what the gods did for us... I've wandered looking for this city for a long time now, I'm just so happy to have finally archieved my goal and stand before you..."

The human's voice was quiet and hardly reached the dark sun, but they could hear the deference and admiration this human had for them. They didn't seem like a serious threat either.

"Stand up. What is thy name?"

"My name is Jiro, my lord. I hail from Astora."

Gwyndolin slithered up to the fog wall. Up close, he looked even more average, even less of a threat. The young man had obeyed and was looking intently at the fog wall, as if he was hoping to see through the fog separating them.

"Jiro from Astora. Thine wish is admirable. Thou may not be undead, but thou can still be mine servant and honor father Gwyn and sister Gwynevere."

The black eyes of the human lit up with joy. He looked directly into Gwyndolin's eyes without knowing.

"Thank you, my lord! Be sure I will never fail you."

"Soldiers, please accompany him to the bonfire of the darkmoon knightess. She will be in charge of helping him settle in Anor Londo. Once thou hast finished settling in, thou can seeketh mineself here again, we shall converse of thine tasks then."

"Yes my lord... And thank you for your kindness again."

The young man smiled sheepishly, before bowing again and disappearing with the knights.

Gwyndolin stood still in front of the fog wall for some time. A mortal in Anor Londo. A mortal seeking to worship the gods. How long had it been?

A small sigh escaped past their lips. It felt funny to hear someone other than their knightess refer to them so highly. He was the one no one was supposed to see after all.

He slowly slithered back to his seat. The young man's voice was still ringing in his ears. Suddenly the stasis in which he was stuck in seemed more oppressive than it should be.

A gentle breeze carrying the smell of Inteyvats ran through his hair. Khaenri'ah was celebrating. The kitsune watched on as the godless nation feasted, danced and cheered. He found something beautiful about it.

"Emissary, wouldn't you want to join us in or festivities?"

He looked at the young human standing before him, slightly surprised.

"I don't think I can participate, so I'll pass."

"Why couldn't you?"

"Well... I guess a non human creature like myself doesn't really have a part to play in the godless nation..."

"I'm afraid you misunderstand our mindset. We do not banish any creatures from our kingdom, we simply treat them as equal. And as I see it, you are as able to participate in our celebrations as any of our other citizens."

"But... I am but an emissary from Inazuma, I'm not from here...", he tried to object.

"And this changes nothing in our eyes. So come on, you can join in without fear."

The still young kitsune carefully stole a glance at his kin stading behind him. They were glaring disapprovingly.

But he unsurely presented his hand to the man who took it and lead him closer towards the feast.

"Do you know how to dance?"

"N-not much.", he mumbled in embarassement.

"It's okay, I'll teach you! You need to take my hand, then with your right foot..."

The kitsune's heart felt light, so light at that moment. That euphoric feeling of partaking in the celebration with the young man, dancing carelessly, laughing... He wished he could feel like that again.

Shin'Yaku awoke from the nightmare, gasping for air. Those memories were painful, too painful. He should've repressed them, so why had this one just resurfaced?

He sat up from that unfamiliar bedding he was in in a hurry, and suddenly, his lower back ached like it never had in his entire life.

"Ow ow ow! Shit, what did I do?"

"Me. Or rather, I did you.", giggled a familiar voice next to him.

He turned his head towards the voice with a bad feeling. He recognised Enjou, shirtless, casually sitting on the bed next to him, as if he had  been watching over Shin'Yaku.

"Are you feeling better now?"

"Are you fucking serious asking me this?", the kitsune uttered, shocked at the audacity of the lectern.

Enjou giggled again, and Shin'Yaku was pretty sure his eye started twitching.

"I'm sure you must feel a bit sore of course, but, considering you were quite adamant about not wanting me to stop, am I really to blame? Any time I did try to pull away, you'd pull me back fiercely. You certainly have sharp claws... And sharp teeth."

"I will... Fucking kill you.", was the only thing the kitsune managed to say back.

"Now now, I don't think you're currently in the state to. Let me take care of you for a while..."

The lector gently lifted the covers away from Shin'Yaku, who was evidently still entirely naked. 

"Can you turn around?"

"You are getting way too comfortable ordering me around, boy...", he hissed, but complied.

His back didn't like the move, but Enjou placed his palm on his lower back. The warmth greatly helped, and the kitsune couldn't help but let a sigh of relief escape his lips.

"Are you feeling better yet?"

Shin'Yaku simply rolled his eyes. He wasn't about to admit that out loud.

"I noticed you had potions in your pocket, mind if I use one on you?"

"That's why I carry them around, so..."

"Yes, the geo potion is indeed used for wounds and aches... But the hydro one? Unless you secretly carry two visions, I fail to see a... non-sexual purpose to it."

"So not only did you search my pockets but now you're making fun of me for having lube?"

"Oh no, I'm making fun of you for forgetting you had it in the first place, because this could have certainly helped you not be in your current state."

Shin'Yaku burned to make the wretched lector bite his own tongue, but he could think of nothing that would knock off that stupid grin off his face. So he simply sunk his face in the bedding, letting out a defeated groan.

This... Creature from the abyss really was annoying. Toying with him like that... He clenched is fists. He'll pay for this.

"Shin, your tails are in the way, can you retract them?"

The kitsune hadn't realised it sooner, but his tails were indeed out and swishing from left to right.

"My name is Shin'Yaku...", he groaned, making his tails disappear.

"Thank you Shin'Yaku."

The kitsune glared back at Enjou, and saw him uncap the bottle of the geo potion.

"Your tails are incredibly soft, no wonder you clung on to them when you were sleeping."

"I'd never do such a thing!", he snapped back, feeling his cheeks burn.

"There's nothing to be ashamed of dear, if I had those I'd certainly cuddle with them too."

"DID YOU TOUCH THEM?!"

"Come on, can you really blame me?"

"A kitsune's tail is one's most sacred body part, you heathen! And you just petted me like a vulgar animal!"

"Sorry dear, I didn't know."

"Bullshit--", started the kitsune, before realising he may be genuine.

He meekly hid his head in the bedding again, feeling the most shameful he ever had in centuries. Damned lector... If only he had enough electro energy stored up, he would've electrocuted that smirky asshole to oblivion.

"I can feel you're very tense right now... Try to relax dearest.", said Enjou with obvious mockery in his voice."

"Every breath you take only serves to aggravate me further".

"You're being over dramatic now, come on, just relax."

Dipping his claws so deep in the tissue he probably ripped it, the kitsune forced himself to stay silent and just endure whatever the damned abyss creature had planned for him. Enjou poured a few drops of the potion onto his back, before massaging into his skin.

Shin'Yaku let out a small sigh of contempt. Due to the nature of the lector, a small cristalise reaction was forming. The small shards created melted away right into his skin, appeasing the muscle aches that had plagued him.

"Can you flip over now?", he asked.

"Sure, but why?"

With only a mysterious giggle as his anwser-- that lector really giggled a lot, he complied.

Enjou delicately took a hold of the kitsune's legs, and let other drops of the lotion drip onto his thighs. He carefully started to massage him again.

It did feel pretty good. Shin'Yaku could just melt into it, but he reasoned himself that falling asleep in the presence of Enjou would be a fatal mistake. Almost as bad as sleeping with him in the first place.

"I'm done dear."

The kitsune opened his eyes. So even trying to not fall asleep, he still dozed off.

"Great. Where did you put my clothes?"

"Don't you want to stay?"

"Absolutely not."

"That was cold.", Enjou whined.

"I don't owe you anything, actually."

"You kind of owe me your life, actually."

"Ha, I could've survived that and kicked your ass back into the abyss you crawled out of easily, Enjou."

"Huh, it's the first time you called me by my name.", the lector remarked while handing him his clothes.

He seemed delighted. Shin'Yaku was caught a bit off guard by this. He tried to hide it as he put on his kimono.

"And it will be the last, so savour it."

"Will it be really?"

The kitsune squinted.

"Why do you sound sad about that?"

"Because you're nice, and interesting, and I'd like to know more about you?"

"Not going to happen, "dear". You should already be thankful I didn't kill you."

He adjusted his high socks, and stood up. Or rather, very carefully stood up.

"Oh my, did I go too hard?"

"Keep being so cheeky and I will kill you."

"Come ooon..."

"Don't even try it."

"Hmph. Okay, fine. See you."

Shin'Yaku turned back to Enjou, and inadvertantly looked at him in the eyes. He hated the way he saw emotions reflect in them.

"We won't see each other again. It's goodbye.", he sternly said, turning his back to Enjou and walking out of the library without waiting for an answer which didn't come anyway.

On the court, faint traces of their fight was still visible. The kitsune simply walked past them without a second glance. The athmosphere of Enkanomiya seemed colder now. Was it because he spent so much time near the lector? 

He groaned. That had been a stupid, and fruitless venture in this place. He'll make sure to never set foot here again.

"I should've killed him."

He quickened his pace.

"I should've killed him."

The emotion in his eyes was unbearable to look at.

"I shouldn't have looked at him in the eyes."

He uncounciously grit his teeth.

"It's okay now. I'll never see him again... I'll never see him again."

The emptiness of Enkanomiya seemed so peaceful as Shin'Yaku walked on the stone steps of the altar at the serpent's heart. But he knew something was trailing him. However, the kitsune wasn't really worried about it. Whether it was some sort of Vishap or Hilichurl, they were rather unintelligent and lacked enough force to hurt him.

He kneeled to read a stone tablet, written in both the old and common inazuman tongue. Even though he wasn't really worried about his little stalker, it was starting to annoy him. While he was taking in the information, he heard a shift behind him. Oh? Was it finally time he got ambushed? His vision started to glow faintly in anticipation.

He stood up as if he was unaware of the danger, but finally it seemed the creature changed its plans, and steps echoed against the stone. Shin'yaku turned curiously.

An average height man, with round glasses and dark blue hair, wearing a plain blueish-grey kimono appeared.

"Oh, hello there", the kitsune said in the most average tone ever.

Humans in Enkanomiya? No, that wouldn't be possible. Whatever it was, it was diguising himself at one, probably to lure him into a trap. Shin'yaku felt a tinge of amusement at the thought.

"Hello, it's unusual to meet someone else on these desolate lands. Who are you?", said the mysterious creature.

"I am but a humble adventurer trying to decode the mysteries of this place... And you?"

"I was originally the clerical staff of Sangonomiya sent here when the portal was opened, but I stayed behind because I wanted to study some of the ancient texts left behind."

Clerical staff? It would be a great excuse if there were male shrine maidens at the present in Sangonomiya, which they weren't... This was getting more and more amusing.

"Oh, then I guess we could team up! I'd like to learn more about those, but I can't read them."

The creature smiled warmly, and extended a hand.

"Some company wouldn't hurt! I'm Enjou. Meaning "above the depths". Nice to meet you."

"My name is Shin'yaku. I had heard of this place and have wanted to come down for a long time, but I wasn't allowed to. I had to sneak in."

When the kitsune touched the the creature's hand, he felt the distinct presence of abyssal energy. Oh, even more interesting. Why was the abyss order here?

"Don't worry, I won't tell. Come with me, I'll show you the archives in the library.", the creature calling itself Enjou told him.

Oh, so that's where everything would go down? Shin'yaku almost let out a laugh.

"Gladly! Shall we go?"

As they walked together side to side, they started making small talk.

"I'm glad you seem to trust me!", Enjou started

"Why? What if I didn't?"

"Well, would you believe me more if I told you you can punch me if you like?"

"Oh, you're quite the interesting character, is this what you're into?"

"Huh? N-not at all!", Enjou protested, his cheeks reddening.

As they were both standing in front of the door mechanism, Shin'yaku, got tired of pretending and stopped in his tracks, materialising his polearm. Enjou looked at him, feigning surprise.

"Sh-shin?"

"It's Shin'yaku. And you can drop your little charade, I am frankly quite bored of it."

"Oh."

Enjou's-- the creature's tone and posture seemingly relaxed a bit.

"Well then... If you insist. We can fight here."

"Don't worry, I will put an end to your miserable existence quickly."

The creature finally revealed itself, a gigantic, crimson humanoid, draped in white, his monstruous head looking towards the kitsune, bearing an expression he didn't care to register. A lector, even if Shin'yaku never saw a pyro aligned one before.

Making his polearm swing in offensive stance, Shin'yaku waited for the lector's first offensive. As soon as the flames hit in his direction, he started running, evading the attack and aiming for the creatures body. Too slow to evade the first slash which tore through his tunic, the lector hissed and made a ring of flames explode aroud him, from which the kitsune easily escaped from.

Reletlessly flashing around, Shin'yaku used his speed to dance around the lector, slashing at his enemy and evading his flames.

"Hear the inferno's call!", roared the lector.

"So noisy...", commented Shin'Yaku as he evaded the attack once again.

Concentrating electro energy on the tip of his polearm, the kitsune lunged at the creature, hitting it in an uncovered part of its body. The lector screamed out in pain as the elemental attack singed his whole body, applying a painful mark to his chest. A painful, but familiar mark...

The lector's laugh disturbed Shin'yaku more than he was willing to admit.

"This symbol... How interesting."

"Don't you dare, sinner.", the kitsune couldn't help but growl.

"It seems you and I aren't so different after all..."

"I am nothing like you.", he continued, trying desperately to keep his nerves down. A provocation, that's all it was. It was just to make him lose his temper.

"Come on, don't lie to yourself."

Losing all self control, Shin'yaku charged screaming at the creature, making the air crackle as his electro infused weapon sliced through it. But he couldn't land a single hit on his opponent, who evaded him everytime. Roaring of rage and frustration, he tossed the polearm aside and, manifesting all of the electro power he could, formed his elemental whip.

"So noisy...", mocked the lector, imitating Shin'yaku.

Making his whip crackle and soar through the air in a deadly dance, he charged at the lector again.

Hits after hits rained on the lector, who coated himself in flames.

"Don't worry sinner. It'll be over soon.", the kitsune snarled, perhaps a bit too sure of himself.

The lector simply chuckled, and grabbed the end of the whip, his flame armor creaking grimly under the elemental reaction. He pulled, and Shin'yaku tripped forward, forced to let go of his whip, his eyes widening in shock. Grave mistake. The ground started boiling, almost burning the kitsune. He jumped away from it, furiously trying to summon his weapon again. But while his attention was focused on the floor, he didn't notice the lector throwing something down from the sky. And when he did, it was too late to avoid the explosion.

The shock sent the kitsune flying off the edge, crashing down in a shallow pool of icy water head first. He tried to fight the feeling that he was about to faint, as the back of his head throbbed and black dots obscured his vision. He felt the lector kneel besides him. Even though the heat felt welcoming, he recoiled from him as much as he could.

"I do not want to kill a fellow bretheren."

"Fuck off or kill me already, I'm sick of hearing you talk."

"I'm willing to do neither of those, sorry."

A warm hand brushed the kitsune's forehead.

"Mhm, you're too beginning to shiver, I'll take you inside the library, it's warmer there."

Shin'yaku felt too weak to snap back. He felt his eyes were still open, but he couldn't see anything. He was loosing his battle, feeling his conciousness slip away slowly. The hands of the lectern slipped under his body, and lifted him up. He couldn't help the pitiful whine that slipped past his lips as he started to feel vertigo.

"Close your eyes for now, it'll be alright soon."

By some weird moment of obedience, the kitsune did as he was told.

"That's it dear."

Since talking seemed too exhausting right now, he simply hissed at the stupid pet name.

He was laid upon a soft and warm material. Enjou brushed strands of hair away from his face, and started to feel around his skull and ribs to verify they weren't broken.

"Your bones aren't broken. That's good."

The kitsune tried to open an eye, and saw the lector was staring right back at him. Enjou backed away from the kitsune a bit, leaving him a bit of room to observe where he was. It was a small alcove of the library he had seemingly turned into a small campsite for himself.

Turning his attention back to the lector, Shin'Yaku saw he was holding an ancient incense burner containing a old recipe of incense powder. A part of him he tried to silence felt emotional and nostalgic at the sight.

"This will help clear your head and gain back some strength, but I think you know that already."

Enjou approached his finger to the powder, and it quickly caught. The smell engulfed the small, cozy alcove. Nostalgia drowned Shin'Yaku. Small residues of memories, taken from another life, a fallen land the kitsune had tried to repress.

"I'm sorry if this brings you anguish in any way."

"Bullshit.", he spat.

Enjou brushed his hand to the side of the kitsune's face.

Shin'yaku leaned into the touch-- why?

"I truly don't wish you any harm dear. Far from it."

"You're lying...", he said with less conviction.

The incense was certainly helping him recover his senses, but it did a bad job at helping him keep his composure. It was breaching the defenses he had oh so carefully spent centuries building up.

"I am not. You're one of our people too. I could never hurt a bretheren."

The lector's clawed digits continued adventuring on him, even if it seemed he stopped having an excuse to do so. It was good though. It gave the kitsune shivers. Good ones.

One of the claws tugged at the hem his his clothes--just at the upper end of his thigh.

"Hey...", he started like he was about to object, but nothing came.

"Yes?"

"Whatever."

"Do you want me to stop?"

"Just do what you want, or whatever. I don't really care."

The lector chuckled a bit too mockingly for the kitsune's taste.

"Don't push your luck si--"

He was cut short by the lector crashing against his lips, pulling him into a kiss. The creature's monstruous tongue pressed against his lips, and Shin'yaku let him in.

Enjou's tongue was so big he had a hard time trying to kiss him back, and he almost gagged when it dipped down his throat. Enjou gently retracted after that.

"Do not use that word around me again."

The kitsune could only gasp and pant as a response. He was really starting to realise what he was messing with. Enjou was so big both of his hands circled his whole waist easily. His tongue was more reminiscent of a snake's than anything else. And all of his body felt very hot to the touch. Archons, he was messing around something he really shouldn't... Just like he had before.

"I won't. Now are you gonna keep waiting to undress me?", he anwsered.

The monster grinned.

"If that's what you want..."

This time, it's Shin'yaku who pulled Enjou into a messy kiss. During it, his final piece of clothing finally fell and he felt the hands of the lector burn along his back. He gasped at the direct touch. Could he really handle it? He was already tetering dangerously around the edge, archons, he felt like he could snap at any moment...

A single finger brushed against his erection. He moaned in between gritted teeth, trying his best to not come just yet.

"You can let it out now, dear."

"No, I'm fine, I'm fine..."

With a sadistic smirk, Enjou took Shin'yaku entirely in one hand and slowly started to stroke him. The kitsune cried out pathetically, the insane heat of the lector's hand being enough to--

As his whole body shook, he came undone, and tears prickled the corner of his eyes. So heavenly... He fell forwards on the lector's torso.

"Don't cry, dear.", Enjou praised.

His hands travelled to his head to gently play with his hair.

"Are you satiated?"

The kitsune took a moment to bask in the calm before anwsering.

"I am not.", he reluctantly admitted.

He wanted more. Even if the act was so reprenhensible, celestia be dammned if he didn't want to go all the way right now. He'd have the rest of his life to regret it. He straightened his back, and plunged his eyes into the lector's.

"Let me do something for you..."

Shin'yaku slid his hands on the bare skin of the lector on his sides. Enjou jolted a bit.

"Your hands felt a bit cold.", he explained "You can keep going."

The kitsune slowly descended to the monster's thighs. He knew Enjou had been hard for a long time, and he couldn't hide a little smirk.

"Do you think my tongue will be warm enough for your cock?", he taunted.

"I think it will indeed, dear."

Shin'yaku curiously lifted the loincloth of the monster. The sight made him fluster a bit too much for his liking.

Definitely bigger, and less human than he was expecting... The lector chuckled a bit, and lifted his chin up.

"Hesitating, dear?"

"Simply thinking about how I'm supposed to take you. Don't flatter yourself."

He ran his tongue on Enjou's cock as a starter. He felt the warmth pulsing, the exhilerating ridges, and the peculiar curve. And each were tempting the kitsune to keep going.

He opened his mouth and burried that warmth in his mouth. He couldn't take it all inside but he didn't really care. Dear archons was it fun to suck on it... he bobbed his head up and down, looking up the lector.

Enjou hummed in approval, grabbing his head softly. He began leading the movements of the kitsune, who followed eagerly.

"You certainly know how to please me, dear."

"You know you can't make me flustered with dirty talk right?", groaned the kitsune.

"I know, but I still want to praise you."

As Shin'yaku sank on his cock again, the lector got an idea and brought two fingers to his mouth. The kitsune, too absorbed in his task, only noticed something was up when teasing digits gently caressed the base of his tail. He immediately yelped in surprise, and started shivering.

"Oh, are you sensitive there?"

"F-fuck off.", he spat.

Enjou's finger curled downwards, and started teasing the rim of his ass. He couldn't help but moan in response, pushing his hips against the lector's hand to invite him to continue. Enjou chuckled.

"So you are able to drop that cold attitude... Cute."

"Stop making fun of me."

"Fine, fine. Come here."

Shin'yaku came sitting on the lector's lap, as Enjou started fingering him again. The kitsune gasped delightfully. Enjou's fingers were quite large, and he liked the way they felt inside him. He bent his body backwards to get a better angle, and started to moan shamelessly. The lector's cock was lazily rubbing against his, leaving a burning sensation all along his.

"You seem to be enjoying yourself, dear."

"I'll enjoy myself more when you'll be inside of me, so hurry up."

Enjou thrusted his fingers rougher inside of the kitsune, making him loose his mind.

"Fuck--! Come on please, please hurry..."

"You surely understand that you're considerably smaller than me?"

"I don't care, I can handle it, just fuck me already, I want it."

Enjou chuckled as he aligned himself against Shin'yaku and started to thrust into him. His body whrithed.

"Fuck, oh fuck that's a lot...", he gasped.

"Relax, dear, relax. Breathe deeply.", whispered the lector.

He caressed the kitsune's sides to appease him, nuzzling against his neck in a comforting manner.

"Y-yes, yes... Oh, archons..."

The warmth of Enjou inside him was making him dizzy. He rolled his hips around, slowly sinking down on the abyss creature.

He fell against his torso, panting. Strands of hair were sticking to his forehead. Enjou gently laid him down on the bedding, wiping away the hair in front of Shin'yaku's eyes.

"Are you alright dear?"

"Yes, keep going."

As the lector bent down on him, the kitsune wrapped his legs around his waist and latched onto his back, bruising it for sure when Enjou started to move slowly inside of him, making him gasp and crave more. The lector's hands found their way to the base of the kitsune's ears, starting to lightly tease them, and Shin'yaku almost screamed out. He was losing his mind. Enjou was making him feel so good his head was spinning.

"Keep going", he gasped-- or more accurately screamed.

"I will, for as long as you want it, dear."

Humming a joyful tune, Ichiro entered his home after a usual day of work. The albino head of Kaego, who was busy cleaning his hands, immediately turned towards the door, and he gave him one of his big happy smiles like he always did.

"Hey Ichiro! How was the day?" "Pretty well, the clients were pretty nice today.", the ginger said as he walked up to him and kissed his forehead affectionately.

Kaego giggled happily.

"Can I request something?", he asked in his cutest voice. "What is it?" "Can you do the cooking for tonight? I already prepared most of it, but I have to do something." "What things? I know you, you're up to something, and you know I'm tired." "Pleaaaaase, just this one time?" "You can't expect to act cute and get away with it everytime", Ichiro tried to resist one last time. "Yes I can, dear", his lover lulled mischeviously. "Okay fine. But you better watch yourself, or you know where this knife is going."

He skittered away with an annoyingly proud look on his face, taking a few of the reddened bags on the table.

"Okay, so you ask me to cook but you're gonna eat on your own while I do it? Motherfucker...", the ginger muttered without much animosity behind his words.

He opened the bags the albino had left for him to see what he could cook. He whistled. Kaego had found some pretty big game for tonight. Let's see... Ichiro pondered for a while, and decided he could make something his beloved would enjoy. Rib steak sounded great.

He rummaged in the bag and pulled out the morsels Kaego had precut. They were very fresh too, and smelled absolutely delicious! He wasn't going to eat them raw of course (no matter how apetizing), so he put them into a pan, letting them sizzle just the way the albino liked it. Such a good smell! Ribs weren't Ichiro's personal favorite, but he certainly didn't hate it.

"Kaego! It's done!" "Coming!"

He set the table up, and put the big meat plate on the center. Kaego shuffled over, his hands behind his back. Ichiro squinted. "Ah-ha, so you were scheming something. What did you do again?" "Nothing.", the albino blurts a bit too quickly. "Sir... Am I going to have to have the cops showing up anytime soon?", Ichiro jokingly added on. "No, nothing like that! I just-- here."

Hesitantly, he put a cocktail glass on the table. The ginger immediately recognised what it was.

"An "eye for an eye"!" "I know it's your favorite so I thought... I could learn making it at home... And it would make you happy."

Ivhiro lunged towards him, hugging him with such fervor he lifted his lover off the ground.

"That's so adorable! Kaego..."

The albino shyly kissed him, his cheeks becoming a deep shade of red. Ichiro put him back on his feet to taste the cocktail. Grabbing the glass, he slowly made the liquid turn. The alcohol was a deep shade of red, just like it was supposed to be. He grabbed the eye decorating the side of the glass. Mhm, a blue one, definitely Ichiro's favorite. He slowly lifted it up to his mouth, and delicately put it between his teeth. He slowly squished it, until it popped and he could taste the juices leaking from it. After he had chewed and swallowed that little treat, he took a sip out of the glass. The taste of blood was perfectly balanced with that of alcohool. He stared back at his with a satiated look.

"You did very well. I'm proud of you. Even the meat you picked is delicious." "A lonely jogger on the way home, thought you'd appreciate it, love." "I do..." Ichiro leaned over to kiss him softly again.