Archive of Our Own ^beta

“And you’re sure this will work?” Shiori asked as she looked over the papers in her hands, glancing down at the shorter girl.

“Yuppers! I copied it word for word from the family library, it’s how I summoned my own super powerful girlfr- I mean demon!” Gura nodded with a big toothy smile.

“Yeah no, I think everyone in a ten mile radius knows you’re dating that demon. I just want to make a deal, not get laid.” Shiori chuckled, only laughing more at the flush rising in the mage’s cheeks.

Shiori could also smell the agitation rising in the small alpha alongside her usual scent of ocean spray and the beach. Her own scent gave very little away, she was on a lot of suppressants.

…More than her doctor said was safe, but she’d rather not deal with the curse that was being an omega, not after…

…

“Do… Do you think this will work?” Shiori asked quietly, brow furrowed.

“Depends on what you have to trade, I know you collect valuable magic items so maybe just that, but… Be careful, okay? Not all demons are nice, and a lot of them will try to take advantage of your grief to screw you over.” Gura advised with a frown.

“It’s sweet that you’re worried about little old me, but I can handle myself. I may not have a degree in summoning demons or anything, but I’m pretty hard to trick.” Shiori chuckled.

…At least, she hoped she was.

“This was a weird place to have this conversation by the way, not exactly private.” Shiori pointed out, gesturing to the cafe around them. Loud with business, easy enough to drown out their voices and scents from others, but still pretty public.

“Eh, if anyone asks, we're talking about a bad romantasy novel. Or playing D&D! That’d be fun, we should actually do that some time!” Gura grinned, seeming excited at the prospect.

“Don’t you already have a magical enough life? Or would you just play some completely normal average Joe for funsies?” Shiori asked with a grin.

“I can play Bob from accounting, he’s used to crunching numbers, now he’ll be crunching bones. Coming this winter!” Gura giggled, irritation gradually seeping away from her scent.

“Alright alright, that’s enough. If I don’t contact you tomorrow, feel free to bust in and save me from whatever I summoned, oh righteous Bob from accounting.” Shiori gave a half-smile, somewhat amused but stomach leadened with the matter at hand.

Shiori wasn’t much of a witch, just like how she wasn’t much of an omega. She just liked collecting magical items to show off to her actual witch of a girlfri-

…Well, she used to. Which is exactly why she needed to do this. She’s not sure what a demon would ask for in return for bringing a loved one back from the dead, but she’d be willing to pay any price.

…Even her own life.

She didn’t tell Gura that part. She wouldn’t understand, wouldn’t help her if she knew it would lead to her destruction.

So they got up and said their goodbyes, shared a fist bump. It was lame, but it was their thing.

…

Shiori glanced around the cafe. Saw someone staring at her. A woman with red eyes, red hair, looked about her age…

Shiori stiffed slightly. She didn’t like it when strangers looked at her like that. She could never tell if it was genuine interest, or a witch hunter sizing her up. Either way, she wanted no part in it. She stared right back until the redhead noticed her staring, immediately turning back to the menu in front of her with…

Hm. Almost looked flustered. Maybe it wasn’t someone who wanted to kill her after all. Good, she had a feeling there’s a demon out there who calls dibs on that.

Shiori turned away, running a hand through her raven hair with a sigh.

This was going to be an eventful day.

Drawing the summoning circle had taken nearly two hours and quite frankly, Shiori was over it at this point. But, she double and triple checked, and found she had finally gotten it right. This circle was far larger than the smaller ones she’d made before, so it was difficult to even get the circle part right…

“Okay, that’s step one…” Shiori murmured, flipping through the notes. It seemed to be a photo copy of a page filled with different incantations next to the summoning circle, but it didn’t specify which incantations summoned what.

“Gura…” Shiori sighed with a frown. Could she have at least singled out a demon that could bring back the dead? Underlined it? Something?

Shiori set the papers aside for a moment, getting up to re-light the candles that had gone out during her hours of fruitless circle drawing, double checking the curtains were closed and no one could see what she was up to.

“Let’s see if I can figure this out…” Shiori mumbled, picking up the papers again and skimming the incantations. Several that seemed to be for wealth, a few for love, youth, strength…

Finally she spotted one that mentioned the dead. This was it. This had to be it. 

Shiori stood before the circle, taking a deep breath. She can do this. She has to do this. It’s the only way she can have her girlfriend back, the only way she can be happy again.

So she cleared her throat, and started reciting.

“Come forth from shadows, come forth from flame, come forth now as I call your name.” Shiori began, noting how the circle slowly began to glow, the candlelight flickering.

“From the underworld I call for thee, from hell’s chains I set thou free.” Shiori continued, picking up the knife she had initially bought because it looked cool, only to find out it was ceremonial. 

“I ask of thee to free the dead, to ease my pains and warm my bed.” Shiori read on, daring to prick her finger with the knife and letting the blood drip on the circle that was starting to glow a brilliant red, though it began to shift to a more magenta color. 

…She felt weak in her knees.  Felt her energy being sapped for the circle to work. She hadn’t used any major magic components after all, she anticipated something like this-

A loud hissing sound. Her ears ringing, vision starting to blur as the glow grew brighter and brighter, the candlelight growing stronger, turning that same magenta color.

She had to finish the incantation. She didn’t know what would happen if she didn’t, and she didn’t feel like finding out, even if it was hard to read with her head pounding.

“It- It is here to this place I summon thou, come forth from the depths, here and now!” Shiori called out louder, trying to keep herself steady.

The ground began to shake. She found herself dropping the knife, falling to her knees as piercing pain made itself known in her head.

This… This was bad.

The floor within the circle began to ripple, more like water than the wooden flooring. It shifted and changed like a mirage, until she could see flames, brimstone-

And a hand, emerging from the floor. Followed by another hand, a pair of horns- No, one horn, the other was broken-

Shiori tried to keep it together, tried to still her racing heart and the fear making its way into her mind. She had to remain strong, steadfast, not show any weakness-

The pain grew worse. She doubled over, arms wrapped around her stomach and head aching terribly. 

She saw piercing scarlet eyes.

And then nothing at all, as her own eyes squeezed shut in pain. She knew this was bad, she had to get it together, she- She had to-

Silence.

“Hiya darling~”

Shiori flinched at the voice. It sounded… Normal? Like an ordinary woman her age, no ominous echo or ancient rasp, nothing that sounded otherworldly…

A gentle hand on her chin, lifting her head and causing her eyes to snap open.

Before her was a woman, a beautiful woman with piercing scarlet eyes, long raven hair with a pair of half-broken horns poking out from it, raven wings protruding from her back…

…Before her was a demon.

A demon that was looking at her with a smile. Not a cruel one, at least as far as Shiori could tell.

“I… I summoned you to make a deal.” Shiori tried to say firmly, but it came out a weak warble. Whatever the summoning ritual had done to her, it wasn’t doing her any favors.

“I assumed as much, most people that summon me do. I don’t really mind this time though, you are very pretty.” The demon giggled.

“It seems you weren’t up to the ritual though, it’s done you some damage.” The demon said, kneeling down so she was closer to eye level with the witch.

“D-Damage?” Shiori winced.

“Well, half your hair turned white for one-”

“What?” Shiori blanched, quickly grabbing one of her longer strands of hair and pulling it to her vision. Indeed, it had turned white.

“...I… I don’t care, I summoned you for something important to me, and I don’t care what it costs me.” Shiori managed to say more firmly this time, somewhat wary of just how close this demon was to her.

“Important? Hm, I don’t get important requests often.” The demon chuckled, still not letting go of her.

“It’s important to me. I summoned you because I want to bring-” She paused, taking a deep breath, “to bring someone back to life.”

 …Silence.

“Oh… Oh dear. You’ve summoned the wrong kind of demon, little witch. I can’t do that for you, I’m sorry to hear that you’ve lost someone.” The demon frowned, seeming… Genuinely apologetic.

Shiori froze.

“What… What kind of demon are you then?” Shiori asked, voice trembling and trying not to cry at the simple fact that she failed.

Her girlfriend would remain dead. Hours of work, hurting herself, all for nothing. Hopefully this demon wasn’t dangerous, and could be dismissed easily-

“I’m a succubus.”

…

“A WHAT?!” Shiori squeaked, pulling back from the demon’s hold. Suddenly the ‘warm my bed’ line of the incantation made sense, not that it prevented Shiori from freaking out.

“What is it with people summoning me by accident?” The demon sighed, only moving close once again.

“What’s your name?” The demon asked, reaching out and casually taking her still bleeding hand.

“...S-Shiori.” The witch mumbled, hesitant, but still abiding by the question. Just because this was a succubus didn’t mean she wasn’t dangerous, it’d be best to play along until she could de-summon her-

The circle had gone dark. The candles had melted down to nothing.

Uh oh.

“Well it’s nice to meet you Shiori, I’m Nerissa. I uh, have a feeling we’ll be getting to know each other pretty well, considering you broke the circle.” ‘Nerissa’ shrugged with a sheepish smile, glancing down at her hand.

“Oh golly gosh, I- What are you doing?!” Shiori squeaked out when the demon opened her mouth, a long forked tongue trailing over the cut on her finger, lapping up the blood. The demon’s answer was bringing the hand closer and putting the bleeding finger in her mouth, sucking on it in a, quite frankly, very lewd gesture, one that immediately had Shiori’s heart rate skyrocketing. She took a deep breath-

And immediately got a faceful of pheromones, similar to her own, or at least how they used to be, smelling of rich honey and a touch of coconut.

So the succubus was an omega. And currently sucking on her finger. Neat.

Slowly Nerissa pulled back, licking her lips and sending Shiori’s heart to a new place of residence in her throat. She hadn’t had anyone this close to her since…

...

“W-What … What was that about?” Shiori stammered, tucking her hand close to her body in hopes of the succubus not grabbing it again.

“You were bleeding.” Nerissa shrugged, as if that were answer enough.

“Anyways, I don’t really mind being stuck in the human world, hell isn’t exactly the best place to be all the time, so don’t worry about me like, trying to steal your soul out of anger or something, I’m not gonna do that.” Nerissa continued like she hadn’t just done… That.

“A-Ah, well… Good- Good to know?” Shiori struggled to get out. There was some relief to be found in that, but not much. She still had a succubus in her apartment, and she had a feeling she knew how that was going to go…

At least the succubus wasn’t an alpha, maybe it would be okay. Maybe… Maybe this would be fine.

Maybe.

“YOU SUMMONED A WHAT?!” Gura’s voice blared from her phone. Shiori winced, holding the phone further away from her ear at the volume.

“You didn’t underline or circle ANY of them! How the hell was I supposed to know which one was right?!” Shiori shot back with a groan.

“How do you mistake a succubus incantation for a reaper?!” Gura asked incredulously.

“It talked about raising the dead!” Shiori tried to defend herself.

“It was probably just a euphemism for making another thing rise, it wasn’t serious!” Gura continued being unhelpful.

“Whatever, whatever! You’re the demon expert, what do I do now?” Shiori sighed loudly.

“Well a succubus is a lesser demon, they can’t return to hell on their own unless they feed enough, and even then lesser demons prefer to stay topside, hell ain’t exactly a comfy summer home.” Gura explained.

“...So I have to let that demon have a go at me, possibly die from her eating my life force, and it might not even work?” Shiori groaned, pinching the brim of her nose.

 “I mean it could be worse, you could’ve summoned a demon that likes to eat human flesh.” Gura added unhelpfully.

“I still blame you for this, next time figure out the right one!” Shiori huffed.

“There better not be a next time! Where is the demon anyway? I hope you didn’t just let it loose in the streets…” Gura sighed.

“S-She’s…. Uh. Currently asleep in my lap, something about summoning taking up a lot of energy?” Shiori squeaked out, glancing down at the beautiful demon using her lap as a pillow. Better than what she could be doing at least…

“Oh geez… I would say don’t let the succubus imprint on you, but it sounds like that’s already happened.” Gura groaned, sounding rather tired.

“Imprint? The hell does that mean?” Shiori blanched.

“Sometimes succubi latch on to people they find attractive and make them their target, but it can also manifest the same as a human having a crush on someone, though this is with the end goal of consuming life force.” Gura explained, not helping matters at all.

“S-So in summary, I have a succubus stuck with me for the foreseeable future that wants to get into my pants, and won’t leave until I let her do that?!” Shiori asked, voice rising in pitch and volume. Nerissa let out a soft grumble, turning slightly and burying her face against the witch’s stomach with a happy sounding sigh.

“That about sums it up, yeah, but the succubus might not want to leave even if you do, play your cards wrong and you’ll be left as its thrall until it gets bored of you.” 

“Yaaaay, thanks Gura, that’s exactly what I wanted to hear…” Shiori sighed heavily, letting her head fall back against the couch  cushion behind her with a defeated ‘pomf’ noise.

“I mean having a demon for a girlfriend doesn’t exactly suck, plus you’re pretty much defenseless if witch hunters try to find you, so who knows, this might be a good thing!” Gura added, an audible smile in her voice.

“Just because you like getting pegged by a demon doesn’t mean I do, plus, I…” Shiori trailed off, gazing down at the beautiful demon in her lap.

“I.. I don’t think I’m ready for a new relationship, or… Ever will be.” 

Silence.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean-”

“It’s okay Gura, I know. I’ll figure something out, just… Just keep checking in on me to make sure I’m still alive, okay?” Shiori asked quietly.

 Another moment of silence.

“You better stay alive, or I’ll find a demon that can bring you back so I can kick your ass for worrying me!” Gura huffed in mock anger, but they both knew her heart wasn’t in it anyways.

“Yeah yeah, love you too broski. Talk to ya later, space cowboy.” Shiori chuckled and hung up. 

Only for her smile to fall almost instantly.

She had no way out of this. She had a demon looking to sap her life force through amorous methods, something she’d probably have to go along with if she were to get rid of this demon. 

Nerissa seemed nice enough, but demons could be deceiving. Who knows, it could all be an act just to get into her pants, that sounds plenty plausible.

Shiori wasn’t looking forward to this. After all, she did all of this to try and get her girlfriend back.

…It’s been almost a year. A year of taking suppressants non-stop to an unhealthy degree because every heat reminded her she was alone, because every time an alpha tried to flirt with her she was reminded that she wasn’t ‘taken’ anymore.

Because the faded bite mark on her neck was a constant reminder of what she had lost.

It had been an hour or so. Shiori found herself sitting next to the demon, who was very much enjoying her personal space considering the arm around her shoulders and the easygoing smile.

Shiori could already feel the Succubus feeding off of their proximity. Seems she wasted no time…

“Sooo, what do we do now, little witch?” Nerissa asked with a grin.

“Well… You’re stuck here, and I can’t make the deal I want with you, so…” Shiori trailed off, frowning at the way the demon’s fingers idly drummed against her shoulder.

“I can’t let you run around out there and drain the life force of the entire city to try and get back, so… I was going to make a different deal with you.” Shiori sighed, not making eye contact.

“That being?” Nerissa asked.

“I let you drain my life force, and you go back to hell. Not- Not all at once- Over a few weeks or so, just so you don’t kill me.” Shiori suggested, hands folded in her lap.

 “Hm… Deal. I wouldn’t mind a few weeks topside, or getting to feed off you, you are very pretty after all.” Nerissa giggled, smiling brightly.

“Y-Yeah yeah… Just… Don’t do something too intimate without asking or telling me what it is, okay?” Shiori requested, trying to ignore the warmth of the succubus.

“Of course I’d ask before doing anything too crazy, I’m a demon, not a monster!” Nerissa scoffed at the very idea of such a thing.

“Really? I thought succubi just took whatever they wanted.” Shiori tilted her head, glancing up at the demon.

“Some really powerful ones do, but you can’t really afford to make that many enemies when you’re a lesser demon, or have the strength to take whatever you want by force. Besides, life force from someone unwilling isn’t particularly good in the first place, it’s hard to get, it makes for less energy to feed off of, and it’s morally reprehensible. No good reason to do it.” Nerissa explained.

“Huh… I guess demons have more morals than I thought.” Shiori commented.

“Eh, not all demons think it’s bad, might just be me. I guess I’ve spent enough time around humans to think that, huh?” Nerissa chuckled with a shrug.

“You’ve been topside before?” Shiori asked, confused. Why would she have gone back to hell if she went topside, unless the last person who made a deal with her sent her back on purpose?

“A handful of times, yeah.” Nerissa nodded, then paused, glancing down at the witch.

“So… What now?”

…That was certainly the question of the hour.

The answer was… Not a lot, really. Shiori set down some general house rules to keep the demon from burning down her apartment, not to mention making sure Nerissa wouldn’t leave without her.

Having a succubus around wasn’t nearly as troublesome as Shiori thought it would be. Nerissa kept to her word and didn’t do anything too extreme.

However…

“Do you plan on letting me go anytime soon?” Shiori asked with a sigh as she tried to make dinner. 

She currently had a succubus glued to her back and using her head as a chin rest.

“Mmm… Nope, unless you ask me to let go, then I will.” Nerissa chuckled, snuggling in closer, arms wrapped around Shiori’s stomach.

“I guess you're feeling peckish if you’re trying to get some of my life force already…” Shiori sighed. She couldn’t quite feel it being sapped, but she knew it was happening, it always did when succubi engaged in any physical affection.

“Not really, I was just wondering what you are.” Nerissa shrugged, stepping in time with Shiori as she walked over to the pantry to get a few ingredients.

“I’m a witch, I thought that part was obvious?” Shiori snorted in amusement, making her way back to the stove and continuing to cook.

“I mean that I can’t smell you at all.”

“....Oh.” Shiori mumbled, brow furrowing. She didn’t expect Nerissa to pick up on that so soon…

“I would assume you’re a beta, but you have a scent gland and sharp teeth, so you gotta be an omega or alpha, I just can’t decide which.” Nerissa mused, sounding far calmer than Shiori was.

“I… I don’t like dealing with the monthly hell cycle, okay? I’m just on suppressants. Besides, it’s none of your business what I am.” Shiori scoffed, setting the box of macaroni she was holding down a little harder than she needed to.

“I guess I’ll have to find out later, then. Considering our deal, you can’t avoid it forever.” Nerissa said plainly, as if it were a simple matter of fact.

“Whatever, whatever…” Shiori grumbled mixing together the hot water with the rest of the ingredients needed for the macaroni. 

“What’re you making by the way? Besides a mess.” Nerissa chuckled, peeking over her head at what she was making curiously.

“Macaroni and some hot dogs to mix into it.” Shiori decided to answer honestly.

“Huh… I’ve never heard of that before, must be a newer delicacy.” Nerissa shrugged, not seeming too perturbed. 

“Yeah, let’s uh, let’s go with that.” Shiori gave a quiet chuckle as she pulled the hot dogs from the microwave. She wasn’t used to people being so calm about her odd food combinations, so it was a pleasant change of pace.

…Even if it came from a demon.

She just hoped these next few weeks wouldn’t suck.

Time will tell if that’s the case…

It had been a few days so far. Nerissa had been sleeping on the couch for the time being considering Shiori wasn’t sure she could trust the demon in her bed quite yet, thankfully said demon wasn’t complaining considering her couch was pretty comfy.

“What’s that?” Nerissa asked one day, pointing to her Switch next to the TV.

“That’s a Nintendo Switch, you can play videogames on it.” Shiori answered from her place in the lazy boy that also resided in the living room, looking up from her book.

“Nintendo…? Ah, I remember that from the last time I was topside, they made that really fun fighting game!” Nerissa perked at that with a smile.

“Smash Brothers?” Shiori asked, tilting her head. She had never considered a demon would play videogames, but then again, Nerissa wasn’t that old by demon standards…

“Yeah, that’s it! Do you have it on there?” Nerissa asked, sounding genuinely excited. There was something dreadfully… Human, about getting excited about something as ‘silly’ as a videogame.

“I have the latest entry in the series, it’s got the biggest cast of characters of any Smash game, I don’t know if you’d recognize most of them.” Shiori answered, opting to put a bookmark in her book and setting it aside. She had a feeling this was about to turn into a request, one she didn’t really mind fulfilling.

“Do you have it? If so, could I play it a little?” Nerissa asked, turning to the witch with a rather impressive set of puppy eyes.

“Alright, alright, put the deadly weapon down, I’ll boot it up.” Shiori chuckled, getting up to do exactly that and handing Nerissa a controller whilst grabbing her own.

“Colors weave into a spire of flame~” The opening song began to play, only for Shiori to press ‘skip.’

“Wait, what was that? That wasn’t like the old one… Also these graphics are insane!” Nerissa commented, eyes wide.

“This Smash game has its own theme song and that’s the opening, I usually skip it since it’s kind of long. We can listen to it later if you want? It’s a pretty good song.” Shiori shrugged as the game brought them to the main screen, selecting ‘Smash.’

“Oh, okay! Wow, those are a lot more maps than before, I think I recognize a few of them?” Nerissa tilted her head as she eyed the screen.

“I see… Oh, why don’t we pick one of those ones you recognize? Got any requests?” Shiori asked, turning to face the demon.

“Oh oh, what about that one with the heart on it!” Nerissa pointed to one of them, a standard map that didn’t really have anything too crazy going on. ‘Super Happy Tree’ or something?

Then they were confronted with the character screen and Nerissa’s eyes went wide.

“That’s… That’s so many characters…” Nerissa marveled, eyes flitting between the dozens of names on the screen.

“There’s the same ones you’re used to in there too, want me to help you find one?” Shiori leaned over, scanning the screen for said characters.

“N-No, I got it, I see Kirby!” Nerissa nodded, gingerly hovering her cursor over to said sentient marshmallow.

“Alright, how about a team battle? We can fight two CPU’s and fight together, since you’re probably rusty.” Shiori suggested as she selected her own character, Joker.

“Sounds good to me, I remember how to play Kirby but I have no idea what the other characters do, it’d probably help to have an expert.” The demon smiled at Shiori.

“I mean, I’m a casual player, but I also picked a pretty strong character so it should be fine.” Shiori shrugged, quickly configuring the game as such.

The game began, the randomized enemies turning out to be ‘Fox’ and ‘Pit.’ Nerissa’s eyes immediately lit up.

“Ohh I remember Fox, he’s the one always shouting ‘Fire’ really loud!” Nerissa giggled as the match began.

Predictably, Nerissa wasn’t the best with these new controls, but Shiori was more than used to them and was doing pretty well.

“Wait- is that what I think it is?!” Nerissa sat bolt upright in her seat at the sight of the hammer drifting down onto the platform.

“It’s all yours if you can get it.” Shiori chuckled at the sheer childlike excitement the demon was showing off at something so simple.

That excitement only grew as Nerissa managed to get it, giggling with utter glee as she sent both CPU’s flying off the screen.

“Oh wait, there’s the smash ball, I better get that…” Shiori nodded to herself as said item fell onto the stage.

“The who and the what now?” Nerissa asked with a tilt of her head.

“Just watch.” Shiori grinned as the CPU’s respawned, quickly breaking it and getting a rainbow glow around her character. She waited, aimed…

And suddenly ‘Joker’ rushed across the screen, grabbing both of them and activating the ultimate attack for said character, namely an all out attack from the game Joker was from, the other characters from the cast of said game crying out and rushing forwards in one big attack against the enemies before the screen exploded into more of a manga style, ‘Joker’ looking at the camera with a big grin and tugging on his glove as the CPU’s both got absolutely destroyed.

“And THAT’S how it’s done done done!” Shiori half-sang that last part to the tune of said song.

“Oh my gosh, that was so cool!” Nerissa cheered as the enemies went flying, one of them being defeated outright  while the other had one life left.

“I know right? I never finished the game he’s from ‘cause it was so long, but I always loved that part of it.” Shiori giggled, turning her attention to Fox flailing about in a panic at being the only one left, or maybe it was just the AI bugging out, who knows.

Funnily enough, Nerissa was the one to send Fox careening over the edge of the map, earning them both a loud declaration of “GAME!”

“We did it- We did it!” Nerissa exclaimed, feathers ruffling behind her and grinning from ear to ear as the game displayed the ending screen, showing Shiori as number 1. 

“Indeed we did, and you said you were rusty!” Shiori chuckled, smiling at the demon.

…Something she didn’t think she’d be doing any time soon, if at all. But, she had fun, and so did Nerissa, and…

And this was nice. She was used to living by herself now, she hadn’t had a game night in what, a month? Two? Gura was so busy between her mage work and her new demon girlfriend that they hadn’t really hung out lately.

This… This was so nice. 

Not to mention Nerissa’s behavior was almost… Endearing, in a way? For a few minutes, she wasn’t the clingy succubus she summoned by accident, she was just an ordinary person who got excited about things like videogames.

Maybe…. Maybe she could learn to get used to this.

Emphasis on ‘maybe.’

It had been about a week since Nerissa had first appeared in Shiori’s life. Things were… Relatively normal, or at least as normal as life could be with a supernatural being living in her apartment with her. 

Shiori woke up like she did any other day, feeling sore and head pounding from the amount of suppressants she was on. 

…Okay, maybe not just like every other day, because this time her head hurt bad. She spared a glance at the clock. 10 AM.

Shiori let out a soft groan, burying her face further in her pillow. It was late, and her stomach was growling, but her head hurt too much to do anything about either of those things.

Normally she’d just lay in bed until either the headache subsided or her hunger got too intense to bear, she was used to it.

However, she forgot that her house had a new occupant.

She sighed into her pillow when she heard a knock on the bedroom door.

“Shiori, you okay? You’ve been in there all morning…” Nerissa’s voice, sounding oddly… Concerned? 

“No.” Shiori groaned out, burying herself further into the pillows and trying to will away the piercing headache making it borderline impossible to keep her eyes open.

“May I come in?” Nerissa asked cautiously. Considering she’d never been in the bedroom before and what she was, that was a valid question. Shiori groaned out a ‘uh-huh,’ trying to ignore the headache. 

She heard the creak of the door opening and soft footsteps. She dared to crack open one eye and found herself almost face to face with a worried looking succubus.

“Are you sick?” Nerissa asked in concern, gently brushing her bangs aside and pressing a hand to her forehead. Her cool palm felt wonderful against her warm skin, enough that Shiori found her eyes fluttering closed again.

“Kinda… It’ll pass.” Shiori tried to handwave it, though it didn’t seem to abate the demon’s worries.

“Is there anything you need? Anything I can do?” Nerissa asked, hand on her forehead drifting to her cheek instead. Shiori dared to open her eyes, gazing into Nerissa’s.

“Just… Just need painkillers, they’re in the bathroom, on the sink.” Shiori grumbled, unconsciously leaning into the cool touch on her cheek without thinking much of it.

“Okay… I’ll get you that and something to take it with, just hang in there, okay?” Nerissa spoke softly, before she stood and left the room.

Shiori laid there quietly, trying to will away her headache. She knew it wouldn’t abate, it never did without painkillers.

One of the many side effects of taking heavy duty suppressants far more often and longer than she was supposed to. They were the sort you were only supposed to take one or two weeks maximum out of a month and no more because they were so strong. 

Shiori took them anyways, because they were the easiest way to keep herself from going into heat and blocking her scent entirety. Most people that didn’t know her just saw her as a beta, and it made it easier to cope with the fact that she-

…

That she was an omega who had no alpha, not anymore at least. She tolerated her heat cycles before she met her girl, but it was much more bearable with someone to share them with. 

Now they were a reminder that she was alone.

As she would forever be-

Her wallowing was interrupted by the door opening again. She glanced up, only to blink in surprise. 

Nerissa was standing there with the painkillers, yes, but she was also holding a TV tray with a plate of jam-covered toast and a glass of milk.

“It said you shouldn’t take this on an empty stomach, so I got you something. I still remember how toasters work thankfully.” Nerissa chuckled, making her way over and setting the TV tray in her lap.

“...You… You didn’t have to do that.” Shiori mumbled as she dared to sit up, eyeing the demon in confusion.

“I know, I wanted to. You’ve been pretty nice to me even though I couldn’t give you what you wanted, I figured it’s time I returned the favor.” Nerissa just smiled at her, sitting on the side of the bed and wings folding behind her.

“I…” Shiori trailed off, unsure on what to do or say. She was so used to handling this by herself that being taken care of felt… Foreign. Strange.

She was more than used to being alone, to taking care of herself, to dealing with the consequences of her suppressant overuse by herself.

And… Here Nerissa was, a demon she summoned on accident, showing her kindness. 

It shouldn’t have choked her up as much as it did.

“...Thank you, Nerissa.” Shiori whispered, a weak smile on her face.

“Any time Shiori, any time.” Nerissa just smiled back, bright as the sun.

Something stirred in Shiori’s aching chest.

She elected to ignore it.

…

But, she made a note of it. Made a note on what she should do in return for this kindness.

Shiori didn’t like owing people after all.

It had been a few weeks.

“I’m back!” Shiori called out to the apartment, bags in hand. She found Nerissa exactly where she expected to, on the couch and playing on her Switch.

“Having fun there, Nerissa?” Shiori asked in amusement when she saw just how zeroed in she was on the game. She expected that too, ever since she’d let Nerissa make a new account on the Switch and try out her other games.

“I’m having so much fun! Minus the weapon durability, that’s awful.” Nerissa nodded as she continued playing the game.

“Well you better hurry up and beat that one then, the sequel fixes the weapon durability problem.” Shiori chuckled, making her way over to the demon.

“Does it also fix how you can’t climb in rain? That’s my only other complaint.” Nerissa asked, not looking over yet.

“Yeah it does actually. Anyways, can you pause for a second? I got some stuff for you.” Shiori said as she took a seat beside the demon.

“Oh, something for me? So sweet, Shiowi~” Nerissa giggled, pausing the game and leaning close.

“Yeah yeah, I’m the best, don’t wear it out.” Shiori snorted with a roll of her eyes, setting the bags in the demon’s lap.

“When’d you get this by the way? I thought you were at that bookshop for work and stuff.” Nerissa tilted her head, looking over the bags.

“I got them after work. Now open ‘em, I wanna make sure you actually like it.” Shiori lightly bumped their shoulders together with a smile.

Nerissa just smiled and nodded, opening the first bag, only to tilt her head in confusion.

“It’s… A hat? With holes in it?” Nerissa glanced between Shiori and the hat in the bag, lifting it out. It was a rather nice looking hat, almost looking like a fedora of some kind.

“The holes are for your horns, silly. You can put it on and pretend your horns are part of the hat, so nobody suspects anything.” Shiori explained, smiling at the way the demon’s eyes lit up.

“You mean…?” Nerissa asked slowly, hopefully.

“Yup, you can go outside with me as long as you wear this and pretend it’s just a cool hat. I think I’ve had enough time around you to determine you won’t like, run off and start a killing spree.” Shiori chuckled.

“I promise I’ll be good! I’d wanna stick by your side anyways, who else would keep you safe?” Nerissa half joked, trying on the hat. Seemed to be the perfect fit, oddly enough.

“How’d you make this the right size by the way? Were you measuring my horns in my sleep?” Nerissa asked with an amused smile.

“Oh ha ha, I’ve just spent enough time around you to get a general idea. Plus, if they’re too small, your horns would just tear them wide enough so it didn’t matter if it wasn’t exact." Shiori shrugged.

“Now, open the other one.” Shiori instructed, leaning in a little more to make sure she didn’t miss Nerissa’s reaction.

Nerissa didn’t waste any time, reaching in and pulling it out…

Only for her eyes to widen significantly, if not misting over with the hint of tears.

In her hands was a big soft Kirby plushie, one as rotund and huggable as, well, Kirby.

“I saw this when I went to get the hat, and thought you’d like it. I… I hope you do, at least.” Shiori said quietly, turning her eyes away when she saw Nerissa’s reaction.

“...Can I hug you?” Nerissa spoke softly, something vulnerable in her voice.

“If uh, if you wanna.” Shiori chuckled weakly.

Immediately she had arms around her, tight but not too tight as the demon latched onto her.

“I… I haven’t been given anything like this before… T-Thank you, that’s- That’s so thoughtful and sweet of you!” Nerissa said, voice somewhere between a laugh and a quiet sob.

“It’s- It’s nothing you don’t deserve, ‘Reese.” Shiori tried to play it off, only to cringe at the lame nickname that slipped out.

Nerissa paused for a moment, pulling back a little to look Shiori in the face.

“...Reese? I get nickname privileges now?” Nerissa tried to giggle, but it was clear she was genuinely touched.

“I mean- If you want ‘em, they’re yours.” Shiori nodded with a sheepish smile.

“I like the sound of it…. No one’s given me a nickname in ages, you’re so sweet!” Nerissa giggled, hugging her to her chest again.

“Yeah yeah, don’t wear it out.” Shiori tried to deflect, but it was clear Nerissa wasn’t falling for it, humming happily and holding Shiori as if she were… Precious. Fragile.

…She was one of those things.

“You’re a good friend, you know that?” Nerissa sighed happily.

“Friend?” Shiori asked incredulously.

“I mean, I’d like to think we’re friends by now.” Nerissa nodded, though Shiori felt it more than she saw it.

“...Friends. Yeah, I like the sound of that.” 

It was the next day. The two were walking hand in hand, outside for once. Nerissa was marveling at everything they walked past and asking a hundred questions about everything, but Shiori found she didn’t really mind.

“Geez, when were you last outside?” Shiori joked as they walked.

“A decade or so ago.” Nerissa answered without missing a beat, idly swinging their joined hands together.

“Ah… Well, sorry for the weeks of not letting you out, I wanted to be sure it was safe to do that.” Shiori winced.

“Eh, I don’t really mind, I got to play a lot of fun videogames in the meantime so I can’t complain.” Nerissa giggled, smiling down at the witch.

“Anyways, where we heading first?” Nerissa asked, smiling brightly. 

“Clothing store to get you some new clothes, you probably shouldn’t wear the same thing every day, plus you aren’t dressed for this weather.” Shiori nodded towards the clothing store in question, eyeing the crowd and gauging how much they stood out.

Thankfully, no one seemed to pay them any mind as they walked, a few murmurs about ‘what an odd couple they make’ that Shiori ignored, but most of the general public was minding their own business.

“I haven’t really had multiple sets of clothes before, this’ll be fun!” Nerissa giggled, swinging their joined hands with a smile bright as the sun.

So bright, Shiori almost looked away with how blinding it was.

…She tried to ignore the warm feeling behind her ribcage at just how lovely the demon’s smile was.

The store was a lot warmer than the crisp mid-November air outside, a welcome change. Nerissa didn’t seem to mind the cold that much when they were out there, but she was visibly shivering the moment the warmth of the store made itself known.

“Let’s get you something warmer to wear, yeah?” Shiori suggested as they walked hand in hand, making their way over to the women’s section.

“Pick out what you like and try them on in the changing room to make sure you like them.” Shiori instructed as they reached the clothing racks. Nerissa was eyeing the manikins, the pictures of women in fall fashion all over the walls, looking like a kid in a candy store.

“And you’re sure you’re okay with paying for them?” Nerissa asked cautiously as she eyed a few sets of clothes, giving the hand in hers a gentle squeeze.

“I’m sure, I make a shockingly decent amount of money at the book store, I can afford it as long as you don’t get a dozen outfits or anything ludicrously expensive.” Shiori pacified that concern with a smile.

“Okay then… What kind of clothes should I get?” Nerissa asked with a tilt of her head.

“Something warm probably, you were shivering earlier.” Shiori suggested, gesturing towards a rack of big comfy looking hoodies.

“Hm… Oh, this one’s cute!” Nerissa pointed to one that was designed to resemble a black cat, ears on the hood and sleeves long with thumb holes and paw-pads on the underside.

“Go ahead and try it on then, the changing room is over there.” Shiori gestured towards said changing room. They were early enough in the day that it wasn’t too busy, there wasn’t even anyone in said changing room yet.

“Sounds good, I’ll be back!” Nerissa smiled brightly at her, giving the hand in hers one more squeeze before letting go and making her way off to change.

…Shiori tried to ignore the odd sadness that rose in her throat at letting go of her hand.

Whatever, it didn’t matter, they weren’t going to be apart for very long. …Not that Shiori wanted to examine why the separation was getting to her. 

She’d been alone for so long at this point, and finally had someone in her apartment again, someone who clearly actually cared about her, who respected her boundaries and found joy in the simplest things. Honestly it was easy to forget Nerissa was a succubus, considering her innocent demeanor when it came to getting excited about little things like getting clothes or playing videogames. It was…

It was sweet. Precious. Something Shiori hadn’t had in a long time.

…Something Shiori elected to ignore, like most thoughts she had about her new roommate these days. Ignored it just as hard as she did the notion that this was temporary. Nerissa was just here until she could feed enough to leave, as was their deal.

Nerissa hadn’t been eager in sapping her energy though, she was far more cuddly than anything else, almost clingy in a way. Shiori idly wondered when that would have to escalate, considering she probably wasn’t feeding as much as she should lately. The last thing she’d want is for Nerissa to starve-

Ah, the curtain opened.

“Does it fit? Is it comf-YYYY?!” Shiori’s voice sharply rose in octave and pitch.

Nerissa was indeed wearing the hoodie.

Only the hoodie.

“It’s very comfy, thank you! I think it looks cute.” Nerissa smiled, unbothered by the scandalous amount of leg she was showing, just barely hiding her lower body and leaving her thighs exposed for all the store to see, even if there weren’t many in the store.

Shiori rushed over and guided Nerissa back to the changing room before anyone else got a peek at her demon-

Her demon? Hers? Is that really an appropriate response right now, brain?!

“What? Does it look bad?” Nerissa asked with a pout as she was corralled back into the changing room.

Yup, all her clothes were sitting there, no underwear thankfully.

…Granted, Shiori had no idea if the demon wore underwear in the first place.

“You were s-supposed to put it over your clothes! Don’t parade around half-naked in public!” Shiori tried to keep her voice even as she scolded the demon.

“Do humans not do that?” Nerissa asked, sounding genuinely puzzled.

“Ah… Right, succubus… No, humans don’t tend to be half-nude in public, it’s actually a crime in most places! So make sure you’re clothed all the way next time, okay?! I don’t want anyone looking at you funny.” Shiori huffed, trying to keep her eyes on Nerissa’s face rather than at her long toned legs-

Nope nope nope shutting THAT thought down-

“Ohh… I guess you wouldn’t want anyone but you seeing me like that, huh?” Nerissa chuckled, only making Shiori’s face flush further.

“N-No- I- UGH you’re IMPOSSIBLE!” Shiori huffed, lightly swatting her shoulder with a glower and a bright red face.

“Heh, you’re adorable Shiowi~ Fine, fine, I’ll get dressed, I still wanna try on some other clothes though!” Nerissa just smiled, wrapping her arms around the witch in a brief hug before she began to pull off the hoodie.

Needless to say, Shiori darted out of the room before that could happen, trying to ignore… All of it. Sure, they were fated to get… Intimate, but that didn’t mean Shiori desired the succubus in any way, especially after what she had lost.

…

Just who was she trying to convince?

Shiori wasn’t sure, to be honest. So she opted to ignore it, like everything else.

Nerissa picked out a few more outfits, thankfully with far less incidents. The demon was having fun and seemed so excited that it put a smile on Shiori’s face, helping her decide which ones Nerissa actually wanted to get. Thankfully the succubus wore them all correctly and didn’t pick out anything too scandalous.

…For the next twenty or so minutes that is.

Then she emerged in a crop top  and long flannel shirt unbuttoned and worn more like a jacket, low jeans…

Shiori could’ve sworn she saw hints of a tattoo on the very edge of where jeans met skin.

Regardless it made her face flush, trying not to stare at the exposed skin as the demon giggled and did a little twirl.

“This is so much fun! I’ve never done anything like this before!” Nerissa chirped excitedly, making her way over to the witch with a big smile on her face.

“I’m- I’m glad you’re having fun, you deserve it.” Shiori tried to maintain eye contact, giving her own weak smile.

“Aww, thank you! I also found these cute necklaces, could I get one?” Nerissa asked, holding up two necklaces. One appeared to be an apple with a snake wrapped around it, quite on theme, and the other was a raven with its wings spread.

“Oh, uh, sure, which one?”  Shiori asked. Neither looked particularly expensive, it was probably fine…

“I’ll try both on and you can pick!” Nerissa nodded to herself, putting on the apple necklace-

Which made the low cut of the crop top apparent, resting right between her…

…

Shiori tried not to stare. She really, really did.

“It- It looks nice.” Shiori tried to stammer out, eyes darting up to the succubus’.

“Hehe, right? I thought it would.” Nerissa smiled, eyes alight with excitement as she tried the other one on. This one hung higher, so it was less dangerous to look at.

“I think I like this one more, it really suits you.” Shiori gave a shaky smile, attempting to avoid getting… Distracted.

“Alright, sounds good! You should try something on too, I bet they have stuff you’d look cute in!” Nerissa grinned, setting aside the apple necklace and setting the raven necklace in the relatively small ‘to buy’ pile.

“Alright, alright, get dressed in your normal clothes, I’ll look for something…” Shiori nodded, mostly because she’d rather not dampen the demon’s spirits with a ‘no,’ not to mention it’d be a nice break from the demon slowly killing her with her outfit choices. Shiori definitely felt hot under her collar…

It didn’t take particularly long for Nerissa to get back into her ordinary outfit, hat included. Shiori browsed the store for things to wear, but most of it didn’t really suit her tastes. Nerissa didn’t help much, she kept pointing out things that were too bright or showed far too much skin for her liking…

However, thankfully, her search did end eventually, shooing Nerissa to sit beside the small stack of folded clothes to buy and going to the dressing room herself.

Shiori was shocked she found something to her liking considering this was a normal clothing store, but she wasn’t complaining. She finished up changing and hesitantly made her way out to where Nerissa was sitting, feeling oddly nervous at what the demon would think for reasons she refused to acknowledge.

“There you are, you were taking awh-” Nerissa went silent, staring hard at the witch. 

Shiori shuffled uncomfortably, glancing down at her outfit of choice. A dark maroon dress with a black corset, a cute looking cap, and fishnet stockings. Something that felt very in her wheelhouse, though now she was beginning to doubt it at the demon’s silence.

“...If it’s bad, I can just-”

“No! No it’s good, it’s great! You look… You look stunning.” Nerissa hummed happily, looking at her with something Shiori would rather not name.

“I- I’m not that special, I promise…” Shiori tried to deflect the sincere compliment, but it just made Nerissa stand up outright, making her way over.

“Nonsense! You’re one of the prettiest humans I’ve ever met, you’re also sweet, charming, really smart… You’re incredible, Shiori.” Nerissa took her hands, smiling earnestly down at her.

“If… If you say so.” Shiori murmured weakly, heat rising in her face once again at the barrage of compliments.

Gura did mention that succubi imprinted on people, this was probably just that talking. Shiori wasn’t anything special, she wasn’t really any of the things Nerissa said she was, the demon was probably just speaking from that place of infatuation… Right?

“I know so! You probably should get into your normal clothes though, before I get too tempted to kiss you.”

Shiori immediately turned bright red. She opened her mouth to make some clever comeback, but found herself fresh out of any of those and instead let out a series of squeaks.

Nerissa had the audacity to giggle at her reaction, leaning down and-

Pressing a kiss to her burning cheek.

Shiori made some garbled excuse that hardly sounded like speech and retreated to the changing room. The second she closed the door behind her she pressed her back to it, eyes wide and breathing unevenly.

Gods, Nerissa was truly and completely infatuated with her. An utterly insane fact that had her pulse off-tempo, staring at herself in the mirror at the other end of the small room.

She looked like a mess, red to her ears, hat askew…

And a look in her eyes that Shiori refused to name. Refused to even think of. She- She didn’t like the demon back, this was all just temporary.

…So why didn’t that thought make any of those feelings stop?

Shiori had no idea.

The witch opted to change instead, shakily marching out of the room with the outfit in question and quickly going to pay for all the clothing with Nerissa at her heels with a smug look on her face.

Even still, things were going okay. They walked around the shopping center, (hesitantly) hand in hand once more as Shiori tried not to think too hard about what had happened. 

“So, wanna get lunch somewhere? I don’t need anything, but I know you need to eat.” Nerissa suggested, pointing towards a few food places with their joined hands.

“Eh, why not. Sounds like a decent ide-”

Shiori stopped dead in her tracks.

She forgot it was mid-November. 

The witch slowly turned her head, eying the source of her strife; a store with a large outdoor Christmas display.

Peppermint.

Everything smelled of peppermint.

Her grip on Nerissa’s hand grew tighter. All appetite vanished on the spot as the scent overwhelmed her. Her throat tightened, as did her jaw, as emotions began rushing through her at an unsafe speed.

“Shiori? You okay?” Neriss asked, clearly concerned. She followed the witches gaze, frowning at the Christmas decoration.

“Not a fan of Christmas?” 

“...Peppermint.” Shiori croaked out, trying to will away the emotions rising in her voice with a shake of her head. 

Its effectiveness was… Limited.

“Oh… Do you- Do you want to go home?” Nerissa asked, brow furrowed.

Home. Home.

Shiori just nodded.

Thankfully the lump in her throat receded once they got away from the scent. The pain lingered, but it was more of a dull ache now. 

Nerissa had the decency not to ask for specifics on why she reacted that way. She was rather gentle with Shiori after the fact, tried to make her smile…

It worked a little, but that seemed to be enough for the demon.

The drive home was quiet other than the radio as Shiori tried to focus on anything but the memories knocking around in the back of her head. Thankfully the trip was quick and calm, the two carrying their bags inside the apartment and setting them aside. Shiori opted for grabbing a book she’d been reading and left Nerissa to her own devices. She didn’t want to talk about it and just hoped Nerissa would continue to respect that.

Thankfully, she did. She picked up her switch controller and played for a little while, sitting next to the witch and just… Was there, if needed. Leaned her head against the witches shoulder in an offer of physical comfort, one Shiori gladly took.

It was quiet for several minutes outside of the game, Shiori managing to calm down and get her shoulders less tense. Something Nerissa clearly noticed if her smile was any indication.

“Hey Shiori, wanna see something cool I learned?” Nerissa asked, glancing up at the witch.

“Alright, shoot.” Shiori chuckled, placing her bookmark in the book and setting it in her lap. Nerissa perked at getting her full attention, Shiori doesn’t doubt that if she had a tail it would be wagging right now.

“Okay, watch this!” Nerissa grinned, turning to the game. She abruptly jumped off a cliff, opening the menu and summoning a round bomb, then a square bomb, and-

Set one of them off, sending her character flying at insane speeds, especially when she pulled out the paraglider.

Shiori just. Stared.

“...Did you seriously figure out how to windbomb? That’s- That’s a speedrunner strat, how did you-?” Shiori asked, puzzled and impressed in equal measure.

“I looked up tips and tricks on your computer for this game and found that, it’s been really nice for getting from one side of the map to the other!” Nerissa grinned, clearly giddy at Shiori being impressed.

“You’ve been getting on my computer?” Shiori blanched, glancing down at the demon.

“Nothing bad, I promise! I’ve just looked up stuff about the games you’ve been letting me play, I got really stuck on a puzzle one time and had to look it up.” Nerissa rose her hands in defense as her character landed safely on the other side of the map.

“...I find it very funny that I have a succubus in my house and she’s using my computer for Breath Of The Wild walkthroughs.” Shiori deadpanned.

“What else would I look up? I don’t wanna get you on some watchlist!” Nerissa gasped in faux offense, hand on her chest.

“I dunno, I’d expect something horny! It’s hard to remember you’re a succubus sometimes, you don’t act like one that often.” Shiori chuckled with a shake of her head.

“I mean, I haven’t fed off of you that much so that makes sense.” Nerissa shrugged with a smile.

“Ah yes, that… Well, at least you got new clothes out of our arrangement?” Shiori shrugged right back.

“Oh, I should try on some of them!” Nerissa nodded to herself, pausing the game and going to grab one of the bags.

“You do that, have fun, look both ways when crossing the street, yada yada-” Shiori chuckled, grabbing her book and flipping to the right page again-

Only for her mouth to go dry when she looked up and found a naked succubus before her, bending down to grab the new clothes.

“R-REESE?!” Shiori squeaked out, face flushing at the sight of the nude succubus, at the way beautiful raven hair fell down her back in waves, well-preened wings emerging from her lower back, her-

NOPE NOPE NOPE STOP LOOKING-

Unfortunately that’s when Nerissa turned around and the real scandalous parts were revealed. Shiori’s eyes darted everywhere, unsure of where to look when Nerissa was right in front of her. She was gorgeous and hot and- And- Wait was that a womb tattoo?!

“What?” Nerissa asked, confused, somehow.

“C-CHANGE IN THE BATHROOM OR SOMETHING, GEEZ!” Shiori half-shouted, once more bright red.

“Huh? Why?” Nerissa asked, stepping closer to the witch until she was right in front of her, leaving Shiori with very few places to look but at the succubus. 

…It seemed it was about then that Nerissa noticed the red hue in the witch's face, a grin tugging at her lips.

Shiori only let out an even louder squeak when Nerissa moved forwards and slid into her lap, straddling her and still very much naked.

“W-What are you-?!” Shiori stammered, trying to ignore the-

Ah. Nerissa was hugging her whilst completely naked. Awesome.

“Something wrong?” Nerissa teased, nuzzling the witch’s cheek with a grin. 

The thing that came out of Shiori’s mouth hardly resembled the things known as ‘words.’

The scent of honey and coconut invaded her senses, her very being. It was so strong with the demon this close, bare skin brushing her own, warm breath brushing against her neck-

“So cute… So pretty…” Nerissa murmured against her skin, pressing a kiss to her jaw that had the witch quivering under her.

“So sweet… Thank you for all you’ve done for me, my lovely little witch…” Nerissa whispered in her ear, giving the witch in question goosebumps at the feeling. She’d given up on speaking at this point, words were miserably failing her after all.

Shiori wasn’t sure how she should be feeling right now, but it probably wasn’t as hot and bothered as she was. If it weren’t for the suppressants, she has no doubt Nerissa would be able to smell it coming off of her in waves.

“...Can I kiss you again, my sweet little witch?”

A strangled choke of a noise escaped Shiori’s throat without permission.

For a few moments, the ghosts lingering in her bones faded. For a few moments, she didn’t think about what she had lost, nor how she shouldn’t be feeling this.

For a few moments, she dared to nod.

Nerissa leaned in close, kissing the tip of her nose with a big smile. Began peppering kisses across her face, leaving Shiori an absolute mess at the feeling of soft lips against her skin.

…Ending with a kiss to the corner of her mouth. Not quite a full kiss, but enough to leave Shiori’s breath hitching.

“Thank you for the little snack, Shiowi~” Nerissa giggled, slowly getting off of her lap and grabbing her clothes and heading off to start changing. 

Shiori was left sitting there, face bright red and breathing heavy.

…She promptly grabbed the nearest couch pillow and screamed muffledly into it.

It had been a week since that… Incident. Things had gone back to relative normal, Nerissa was still clingy but careful about her boundaries and hadn’t pulled a stunt that extreme since. Sure she still cuddled with the witch and did smaller things to keep her energy up, but Shiori could tell that things were going too slow for the succubus to gain much power, if barely enough to remain stable.

Shiori just… Wasn’t ready. 

Then again, she doubted she ever would be. It had only been a year or so since she lost her other half. How could she move on so quickly? Even if it was just to get Nerissa back to where she came from, it still… It still felt wrong.

…Wrong enough that she found herself jolting upright in bed, gasping for air and covered in a cold sweat.

A nightmare. A familiar one of what she had lost, with the added sting of what she was doing in spite of it. The face she missed so much demanding answers, chiding her for moving on, yelling at her, hating her…

Shiori felt tears rolling down her cheeks before she even realized she was crying, head in her hands and breathing uneven and choppy.

Why couldn’t she just fix this? Why did she mess up the spell? Why- Why was it her instead of Shiori who died? She was a much better witch than Shiori was, she would have brought Shiori back to life without breaking a sweat.

Why was Shiori the one left alive? What had she done to deserve life?

Nothing came to mind. But the spiral didn’t go to the extremes it once did, thoughts of leaving this plane altogether to be with her girl in the afterlife.

Because now she had something to take care of- No, someone. 

As if on cue, the door opened, revealing a sleepy demon.

“Shiori…? I heard a loud noise, everything okay-”

Nerissa paused. Went silent, at the sight of Shiori’s state. Immediately moved closer, concern pinching her brow.

“...Nightmare?” Nerissa asked softly with a frown, taking a seat on the side of the bed.

“Y-Yeah, I’m- I’m fine, don’t- d-don’t worry about it…” Shiori tried to handwave her own emotions, but her voice was trembling too terribly to be convincing.

“It’s okay if you don’t wanna talk about it, but… I’m here if you need me, okay?” Nerissa spoke softly, reaching over and gently taking one of the witch’s hands.

…

“Stay with me?” Shiori requested in a small, fragile voice.

“Of course.” Nerissa nodded with a smile, shifting to get under the covers as well and pulling Shiori into her arms. Not quite what she meant, but Shiori couldn’t deny how the gentle support made her racing pulse grow calmer.

“...Thanks.” Shiori murmured, daring to sink into the comforting embrace. Nerissa rested her chin atop Shiori’s head, gently running fingers through her hair.

“Any time Shiori, any time.” Nerissa murmured, pressing a soft kiss to the crown of her head. Shiori didn’t even have the energy to get flustered by that, she mostly felt…

Gods, she felt loved. Something she didn’t think she’d ever feel again. Part of her doubted it, part of her tried to remind the witch that it might not be real, that it may just be the succubus imprinting on her, but…

…

She… Wanted it to be real, she realized with a startling clarity. Part of her wanted Nerissa’s love.

What a damning thought that was, huh?

Shiori thought that over as Nerissa began to softly hum a lullaby, shifting them to lay down again and tucking the witch’s head into the crook of the demon’s neck.

It was… Peaceful. Nice.

Shiori had a feeling she could get used to this.

Shiori did indeed get used to it. One thing led to another and Nerissa found herself sleeping in Shiori’s bed most nights. She’d proven to the witch that the demon could be trusted in her bed anyways, so it made some amount of logical sense.

Things were rather mundane, calm.

Too calm, apparently.

Shiori had gone to the bathroom to grab her suppressants, only to be paused by a loud noise. The witch rushed to its source without a second thought, and…

Well. Found Nerissa, collapsed on the floor.

“R-Reese? You okay?” Shiori asked frantically, dropping to her knees, medicine all but forgotten in the face of her roommate’s distress.

“...Fine, just… Low on energy…” Nerissa tried to handwave, but her stomach growled loudly and quickly made it impossible to believe.

“I- I’m sorry- Let me get you to the couch…” Shiori quickly tried to help the demon stumble over, settling her on the couch with a great deal of effort.

They were both quiet for a few moments, simply trying to keep the succubus steady.

…

“We need to do something.” Shiori said.

“It’s- It’s okay, don’t push yourself on my account…” Nerissa tried to smile, but it was clear she was hardly awake.

“No. This is entirely my fault for not letting you have enough of my energy lately.” Shiori spoke firmly, turning to face the demon.

“It’s- No, it’s fine, you-”

“It’s not fine, you’re struggling to stand!” Shiori huffed, taking both of the demon’s hands into her own.

“Feed off of me.”

Nerissa went quiet, eyes widening. She looked Shiori up and down, expression teetering somewhere between concern and eagerness.

“Are you- Are you sure?” Nerissa asked softly, hesitantly.

Truthfully, Shiori was not sure. There’s a reason she’d been putting off any major instances of the succubus feeding on her, but that was apparently a mistake, one she had to rectify.

Nerissa was hurting, and she had to correct that.

“Yes, I’m sure. Just- Just kiss me, that should be enough.” Shiori attempted to maintain eye contact, voice trembling slightly.

“...Are you sure?” Nerissa asked again, reaching out and gently cupping her cheek.

“As I’ll ever be.” Shiori gave a helpless smile and a small shrug. Truth be told, her heart was racing a mile a minute, and part of her despised the idea of kissing someone again after what she lost, but…

….

Nerissa needed to feed, Shiori had been starving her by accident and that had to be rectified. 

…Not to mention that she… Wasn’t exactly against the idea of kissing Nerissa specifically. She’d rather not think about the implications that carried…

“...Okay.” Nerissa whispered, leaning in close, looking for any signs of hesitation. When she found none, she leaned in closer…

And then they were kissing. Shiori felt a shiver run down her spine at the once familiar feeling and the memories that came with it. Shivered more when Nerissa pulled her closer, almost in the demon's lap at this point.

It didn’t last as long as Shiori thought it would. Nerissa pulled back a few seconds later,  resting her forehead against Shiori’s and looking her in the eyes.

“I’ve… I’ve wanted to do that for so long.” Nerissa laughed breathlessly, her smile bright as the sun. 

“You.. Y-You have?” Shiori asked in a low murmur, face flushed.

“I’ve wanted to kiss you since I first saw you, then I got to know how sweet you are and wanted to kiss you even more, so yes.” Nerissa giggled, nuzzling their noses together in a different sort of kiss.

“O-Oh.” Shiori mumbled, taken aback.

“Heh, yeah… Is this still okay?” Nerissa asked softly, hopefully. 

“...Y-Yeah, still- Still okay.” Shiori whispered. There was no point in raising her voice, they were right next to each other after all.

“Can I kiss you again?” Nerissa asked. Why was she asking? Why was she being so considerate? She was starving, and yet she still cared about Shiori’s boundaries, still asked for consent. Like Nerissa cared.

Like Nerissa loved her.

…

Shiori gave a hesitant nod.

Nerissa kissed her again. Still soft and gentle, the hand on her face shifting to instead run its fingers through her hair, the succubus letting out a happy-sounding hum.

It… Didn’t feel like kissing a hungry succubus. It felt… Nice.

They pulled apart for a moment, breathing each other’s air and looking into each other's eyes.

“...That’s… A lot softer than I thought you’d be…” Shiori admitted quietly, face flushed and heart beating off-kilter.

“I’m starting soft because I don’t want to overwhelm you. Did you want me to be rough with you?” Nerissa chuckled, smiling mischievously.

“I- J-Just do whatever you need to!” Shiori squeaked out, averting her eyes.

“Whatever I need to?” Nerissa teased with a less than innocent lilt to her voice. Seems the succubus was starting to slip back into that more mischievous side of her now that she was feeding again…

“You- You k-know what I mean!” Shiori huffed, turning her head to face away from the succubus.

Only to shiver at a gentle kiss to her jaw. 

And shudder when she felt fangs against her earlobe.

Let out an indecent noise when Nerissa bit down.

“You like this?” Nerissa rumbled into her ear, lolling out her tongue and tracing the outer edge of the witches ear with it.

“I- H-Hn-” Shiori whined when another bite came to her earlobe, gentle, careful not to draw blood, but stinging nonetheless.

…In a good way, not that Shiori liked to admit that.

Shiori let out a small yelp when she found her suddenly laying down on the couch with the demon hovering over her, blocking off any escape and practically pinning her there. 

Even then, Shiori was not afraid. She had no reason to be, she knew that Nerissa would back off in a heartbeat, if only Shiori asked.

…So why wasn’t she asking her to?

“So cute… So precious.” Nerissa murmured, pupils dilated and looking and sounding absolutely smitten.

 Then she was kissing Shiori again and any thoughts on that went down the drain. This kiss was more intense for sure, a tongue swiping against her lips almost immediately. Shiori dared to open her mouth and immediately found it seized by that long demonic tongue wrapping around her own, trailing over her teeth…

Shiori couldn’t help but moan into the kiss, eyes fluttering shut as amorous feelings began taking root behind her ribcage. After all the casual and not-so-casual intimacy, the passing compliments and comments, after nearly a month of having this succubus in her life…

Shiori felt... Something. Something she was scared to put a name to that made her kiss back just as hard, hands gripping the back of the demon’s shirt.

Nerissa slowly pulled back, leaving the witch dazed and panting. Scarlet eyes darted down towards her neck, clearly desiring to bite.

“D-Don ‘t… Don’t mark me…” Shiori requested meekly, averting her eyes and voice trembling.

“Understood.” Nerissa nodded without a moment’s hesitation. Something warm panged behind Shiori’s ribcage at that, at the complete lack of hesitation to respect her boundaries.

It didn’t stop her from trailing her tongue over her pulse point and making the witches breath catch in her throat. She kept licking around the area, pointedly careful to not allow her teeth to so much as brush the skin-

…Moving her choker slightly, revealing a faded mating mark on her neck. Nerissa’s eyes widened for a moment, before shaking it off. Shiori was exceptionally beautiful and kind, her having a past relationship that was serious enough to lead to a mating mark wasn’t that shocking.

Nerissa didn’t mention it, just avoided touching it with her tongue or her lips as she peppered the area with both.

“N-Nerissa…” Shiori whimpered, grip on the back of her shirt only growing tighter as the kisses and licks trailed lover, lower, down to the collar of her shirt…

Shiori jumped at the feeling of a hand slipping under the bottom edge of said shirt, trailing over the bare skin the demon found there.

“So pretty…” Nerissa murmured as her hand trailed upwards, nails digging in slightly just to see the witch shiver under her. 

She paused before her hand moved too high. Waited, head titled in silent question. Shiori took a deep breath, face flushed and more than a little aroused already.

…Nodded.

Moaned when she felt the hand immediately move to her chest, giving a small squeeze before fingers found and pinched the peak through the fabric of her bra. 

Squirmed when Nerissa both pinched and bit her at the same time, letting out a breathless noise that had her covering her mouth in embarrassment

“Ah ah ah, no hiding. Good girls don’t hide. You want to be a good girl for me?” Nerissa smirked, pausing her ministrations. 

…

Shiori slowly moved her hand away from her own mouth.

Nerissa leaned in close, right next to her ear.

“Good girl.”

Shiori felt the hairs at the back of her neck stand on end, hips bucking in a mortifyingly needy display as the embers in her gut stoked into an inferno. 

Part of her felt a touch pathetic at how much such a little thing affected her, but every other part of her was beyond caring at this point.

“I can finally smell your scent, omega… Just how turned on are you if I can smell it through the supressants?” Nerissa murmured, taking deep breaths of the scent of old books and petrichor. Something soft and comforting, and so very Shiori. It was a shame she hadn’t smelled it before, it was lovely.

“I- U-Um-” Shiori stammered, heartbeat making quite the racket in her chest and… Well. Lower. She wasn’t shocked Nerissa could smell her, she had forgotten her suppressants that morning…

“I bet you’re already wet for me… Does my good girl want me to do something about that?” Nerissa purred, hand trailing down from her chest, down, down-

Shiori jolted violently the moment Nerissa’s hand drifted between her legs.

Nerissa stopped immediately. Moved her hand away.

“Shiori?” Nerissa asked in concern at that reaction, the domineering act vanishing at the drop of a hat.

Shiori’s chest was heaving, eyes misty with tears. 

Nerissa got off of her in an instant, giving her room to breathe, room she gladly took, sitting up and wiping her eyes with a frown.

“S-Sorry, I- I just-”

“You don’t need to apologize, Shiori. If you aren’t ready you aren’t ready, I’ve fed enough.” Nerissa said firmly, not daring to move any closer.

“I… I’m fine, I just-” Shiori cut herself off, taking a deep breath. Felt herself calming down at the familiar scent of rich honey and coconut.

But felt worse at the same time.

…

“I’m… Gonna go take a shower. I got work in half an hour anyways.” Shiori deflected, quickly standing and scampering off to do just that.

Nerissa was left sitting there, brow furrowed. She wondered what had elicited such a reaction, that… That wasn’t just not being ready, it felt like something deeper.

Nerissa pondered this as Shiori scrambled off to work earlier than she really needed to, sitting on the couch and staring at her reflection in the TV screen.

Had she done something wrong? Did she hurt her? She had fed on her energy, yes, but she had been careful not to consume too much. She didn’t want to hurt Shiori.

…

Nerissa sighed softly, falling back on the couch and burying her face in the cushions. Smiled weakly when she registered that they still had Shiori’s scent on them, faint as it was.  It was certainly calming her down from the anxiety going through her…

Hm. Interesting.

…Nerissa got up, and decided to go snooping. Maybe there was something in Shiori’s room with a stronger scent. Shiori had already told her she could do most anything she pleased as long as she put back anything she used or picked up, so it was probably fine. It’s not like Nerissa had much else to do while Shiori was at work outside of gaming, and her nerves were a little too shredded for that at the moment.

So, Nerissa made her way to Shiori’s bedroom. Like usual, the bed didn’t smell like much since Shiori was always on those suppressants, if anything it smelled like the demon primarily. Some part of her was appeased by the knowledge that her own scent most likely lingered on the witch. It wasn’t quite marking, but it felt nice to know that anyone who was around Shiori would know she was taken.

Nerissa didn’t like sharing after all.

She ran her fingers across the spines of the many books on the large bookshelf, making idle note of the names and just how worn the spines were, assuming the well-worn ones were Shiori’s favorites. She recognized a few of them, but not many.

And then there was the closet, which Nerissa had never opened before. Ah well, she hadn’t been told to stay away from it, so may as well. It could have some clothing that smelled like Shiori anyways.

Nerissa opened the closet, and immediately got a faint hint of that scent she was searching for. The closet was lined with gothic outfits, pairs of black boots and shoes-

But something smelled… Off.

…What was this box doing in here? 

Nerissa, against her better judgement, pulled it out. It wasn’t particularly heavy, wasn’t big either. She made her way to the bed, taking a seat to set the box in her lap, and dared to lift the lid.

…Photo’s. Dozens of them, a few in frames, a few loose, and what looked like an old sweater. The second she opened it, she could faintly smell peppermint…

Peppermint.

It was coming from the sweater. Why did Shiori keep this around if she didn’t like the smell of peppermint?

It was then that she saw the pictures.

Dozens of them, all of them featuring a beautiful girl with blonde hair pulled back in a braid and blue eyes, many of them included Shiori, they…

They looked happy. Cuddled together and taking a selfie with goofy poses, having their picture taken at different places, always together, always close.

Nerissa hadn’t seen Shiori smile that brightly before.

She looked through the pictures, brow furrowing as they painted a rather sorrowful picture. 

Especially when she got to the one at the bottom.

…With the blonde wearing the very sweater in the box.

Shiori told her that she wanted to bring someone back to life. Nerissa wagered that this was exactly who she was referring to in their very first moments together. 

If the scent was strong enough to linger this long, they had to be an alpha. They had to be Shiori’s alpha, one she lost not that long ago. This is why she recoiled at the scent of peppermint, and with the approaching winter season, she probably was confronted with it too often to bear, hence her trying to summon a demon in the first place.

This… Explained so, so much. Why Shiori was initially so hesitant to be close to her, why it took so long to bring down the walls she had built around her heart, where that faded mating mark came from, why Shiori had reacted the way she did when Nerissa tried to take things further…

Shiori lost her partner, and was scared to let anyone else in.

…Something Nerissa could relate to.

She had to talk to Shiori. Now.

Shiori was… Distracted at work.

How could she not be after what happened? She still could feel the ghosts of Nerissa’s touch all over her body, found herself unable to stop thinking about how nice Nerissa’s lips felt against her own…

And worst of all, she’d forgotten her suppressants entirely, so her scent was out for the world to perceive, not to mention the scent of the demon lingering on her as well… She’d already had one of her coworkers make a shocked comment at her being an omega that she handwaved. 

Customers were even worse. People treated you differently when they knew what you were. People wouldn’t just act normal, some acted softer considering omega’s scents calmed people down, but then…

“You really should smile more, I bet you have a pretty smile.” Came the voice of a clearly arrogant alpha, leaning against the bookshelf she was currently sorting through.

“If you have questions or are looking for a specific book, there’s someone at the counter.” Shiori replied calmly as she continued working, keeping her usual customer service cadence.

“Oh, I am looking for something actually.” The alpha chuckled, stepping closer. 

“And that would be? Everything’s categorized pretty well, you should be able to find it.” Shiori sighed, not even looking at the man.

“Your phone number.”

Shiori stifled an audible groan at that one.

“I’m on the clock right now, so-”

“I’m willing to wait, you’re hotter than the sun in the middle of July.” The alpha just continued, leaning in even closer to her personal space.

Being an omega in public sucked.

“If you don’t have any actual business with me, I suggest you keep shopping.” Shiori deflected, setting the last book in place before she began moving the now empty book cart elsewhere.

…And was followed. Of course she was, why wouldn’t she be hounded by some alpha who thinks they’re hot shit in the middle of work when she needed the time alone to think. She could smell the agitation starting to grow at her repeated rejection to his advances, so that wasn’t good. It’s not like the book store had security she could call…

“Hey, I’m trying to be nice here!” The alpha huffed, continuing to follow her. Shiori shot a pleading look her coworker’s way, but they were in the middle of a rather large transaction and not paying attention. Great.

“Besides, I’m not one for sunsets, but I’d love to see you go down.”

Ew.

“I’m not interested, please continue your business-”

A hand on her shoulder that she immediately swatted away on instinct, shooting the alpha a glare.

“You don’t smell like you aren’t interested. Yknow, I envy your heart, cause it’s pounding inside of you.” The alpha continued being a creep.

Double ew.

“Just because I’m an omega doesn’t mean I’m interested in you, now let me get back to work.” Shiori huffed, trying to move past him, only to be blocked off.

“I could smell you from the door, you sure about that? You seem like you need an alpha.” He smirked, leaning in closer.

“I don’t care how I smell, I’m telling you to leave me alone!” Shiori said firmly, eyeing any ways of escape. Not many, she was backed into one of the bookshelves and he clearly wasn’t going to let her leave without a fight.

“Hey, no need to be like that~” The alpha purred, flashing sharp teeth with clear intent.

“With all due respect, fuck off.” Shiori hissed, trying to muscle past only to be grabbed by the wrist.

“Let go.” Shiori said firmly, trying to pull away-

“Stop being a bitch, I’m just being nice!” The alpha scoffed.

“She said let GO.” A familiar voice borderline shouted.

In an instant the man was off her and roughly shoved into the bookshelf, sending a few books flying off the shelves and hitting the alpha in the head.

“Ow- What the fuck-”

The man went silent at the sight of a very angry demon standing there, physically barricading him from the witch.

“Shut the hell up and get the hell out before I punch your teeth in.” Nerissa growled, eyes almost seeming to glow and pupils thinning, sharp teeth bared..

Suddenly mister big strong alpha wasn’t so big and strong anymore, practically sprinting out the door with his tail between his legs.

Nerissa stood there for a few moments, glaring at the door with grit teeth.

“...R-Reese?” Shiori stammered out, eyes wide.

That seemed to snap the demon out of her rage, spinning on her heel to face the witch with concern in her eyes.

“Are you okay- Are- Are you hurt?” Nerissa asked, thoughtlessly reaching out to hold the girl by the shoulders, touch so, so gentle it nearly made Shiori start crying again.

“...I’m- I’m okay.” Shiori replied quietly, unsure on how to react.

“Thank goodness… I’m not shocked a douchebag tried something, your scent is going haywire. Probably from missing your dose, right?” Nerissa asked, sounding concerned.

“Y-Yeah, yeah… I uh… I probably need to go home, I haven’t had a heat in almost a year and I have a feeling I might have one now that I’m off my meds…” Shiori sighed, trying to focus on the problem at hand and not the mess in her head.

It was relatively easy to convince her boss she was sick and needed to go home, considering her scent was so strong even the beta that ran the bookshop could smell it. They got some looks when they left together, but they were well on their way before anyone could ask questions.

And so they were off, walking down the street, Shiori tucked into Nerissa’s side with an arm around her shoulders. Nerissa kept her expression stern and warning as they walked, glaring at anyone who looked at Shiori for a moment too long. 

It… It made Shiori feel safe.

How damning.

…

“Why… W-Why did you come find me?” Shiori dared to ask, voice trembling terribly.

“Because I realized what I did wrong, and… I wanted to say I’m sorry.” Nerissa said softly, pausing their walk to fully turn towards the witch.

“What? N-No, it was me freaking out, you-”

“I know who you lost.”

“...What?” Shiori rasped.

“You wanted me to bring your girlfriend back to life, and… And I’ve been too pushy after what you lost, I just… I’m sorry.” Nerissa apologized, voice… Small.

“...It’s... It’s not your fault.” Shiori offered weakly, not sure on what exactly to say.

It was quiet for a few moments, the two just… Looking, at each other.

“I lost my last partner too.”

“You… What?” Shiori asked, brow furrowed. Nerissa showed affection so easily, so how…?

“It was years ago, and I…” Nerissa trailed off, sounding… Sad. Deeply so. 

Shiori stepped closer, and, without thinking much about it, wrapped her arms around the demon in a tight hug. Heard the soft hitch in her breath. Felt arms wrap around her in return.

“...This is p-probably a conversation to have at home instead of in public, huh?” Shiori sniffled, pulling back slightly to smile weakly at the demon.

“Heh, yeah…” Nerissa gave her own weak smile, starting to pull away as she looked up to keep walking-

Paused. Stared.

And immediately darted back with Shiori in her arms.

A loud boom.

A bullet in the pavement right where they had been standing.

Nerissa whipped her head around with a loud growl, pupils thinning.

“Damnit, be less obvious next hunt!” A voice scoffed as the handful of humans around them began to scatter in absolute fear at the gunshot.

“Witch hunters.” Nerissa growled out, quickly grabbing hold of Shiori and rushing behind a parked car for cover, only to hear another loud boom and see the side mirror be shot right off, inches from the two.

“Oh goddamnit-” Shiori hissed, only to jump when the glass of the car shattered from another gunshot.

“SOMEONE CALL 911!” A human shouted in fear as they raced away with the rest of the crowd, making their assailants easy to spot. Just three witch hunters, all armed with guns that probably had silvered bullets or something.

“They don’t have anything that could actually hurt me. I’ll draw their attention away and you can run.” Nerissa outlined, watching the approaching attackers in that shattered side mirror.

“What? Oh hell no, I’m not leaving you!” Shiori scoffed at the idea.

“There’s no time! A bullet won’t do much to me but it could seriously hurt you! They’ll focus more on a demon than a witch, and I can deal with them!” Nerissa said frantically, starting to get up and ready to dart out.

“Reese- Reese NO-”

Too late. Nerissa raced out from behind the car, hand out and mumbling something that sounded like a spell, a large tuning fork-like staff appearing in her hands as she rushed right at the nearest attacker. 

A bullet right to the shoulder, but it hardly did anything. Nerissa shook it off easily enough, swinging her staff like a bat and striking the witch hunter right in the head, laying them out immediately.

Shiori quickly stumbled out from behind the car, watching as Nerissa rushed at the next attacker, though this one was ready and pulled out a sword, deflecting the staff with it while the other hand kept firing at the demon. 

Another bullet straight to the gut. Nerissa grunted in pain, but shook it off, starting to overpower the hunter.

But she wasn’t paying attention to the other one.

Shiori was. They were aiming right for her head.

Shiori didn’t want to find out if demons were immune to headshots.

She took a deep breath, pulling the knife she kept for emergencies like this out of her boot and unsheathing it. She very well could die doing this, but she didn’t care.

She was not losing someone else she loved today.

The witch raced out from behind the car, coming up behind the hunter and immediately stabbing them right in the back, hearing the horrible squelch of flesh meeting metal, heard the cry of pain.

“STAY AWAY FROM HER!” Shiori shouted, trying to wrestle the gun from them as they reeled in pain-

Nerissa’s back was turned. She was so focused on the fight that little else was getting to her, nothing remained but the soul-deep desperation to protect the girl she loved.

A gunshot.

A scream.

No.

No.

NO!

Nerissa spun on her heel, only for the blood not rushing to her wounds to freeze in her veins.

Shiori was on the ground. 

She was on the ground. 

Bleeding.

Nerissa let out a loud enraged cry of pure hatred and malice, one that shook the earth itself with its power.

Hell hath no fury like a demon in love.

The demon rushed forwards with a rage-filled scream, staff forgotten on the ground as she shot at them like a bullet.

In an instant they were on the ground, screaming in utter terror as their leg laid several feet away alongside their gun. 

The other shot at her.

Nerissa lurched, turning to face them, covered in blood and looking like something out of a nightmare. She raced at them with terrifying speed, grabbing their head and roughly jerking it as hard as she could, snapping their neck and leaving them crumpling to the ground, dead.

Nerissa turned her attention back to the bastard that hurt her Shiori. They were still trying to crawl away frantically, even though they were bleeding out, even though there was no escape.

Nerissa could smell their fear.

She walked towards them slowly, expression devoid of emotion, uncaring for their pain and fear.

“Shut up and choke on your own blood.” Nerissa growled out, reeling her fist back and throwing a punch.

And another.

And another. 

Over. And over. And over again.

Blow after blow after blow, until they were a bloodied broken mess, coughing up blood and letting out horrible gurgling sounds in weak attempts to breathe.

They still drew breath all the same.

That wouldn’t do.

Nerissa mumbled a spell under her breath.

And promptly left them to burn alive.

Nerissa stood there, dripping blood that wasn’t hers and wounds already healing. Her anger simmered, but it didn’t abate.

She felt no better.

A choked noise.

“SHIORI!” Nerissa’s anger fizzled out in an instant, racing to her witch’s side and dropping to her knees.

“...H-Hey there beautiful.” Shiori choked out, giving a tired smile and holding onto the side of her stomach, red ichor seeping from between her fingers.

“I’ll- I can fix this- I can FIX this!” Nerissa panicked, hands hovering over the bullet wound and eyes wild with utter panic.

“...Nerissa…” Shiori rasped.

“W-What is it? I- I promise I’ll save you, I- I know how, I just-”

“I love you.”

Nerissa froze. 

…Bit back a sob.

“I love y-you too.. So d-don’t… Don’t LEAVE me!” Nerissa cried out, tears streaming down her face and leaving streaks in the blood staining her face.

“I’ll-” A harsh, coppery wet cough, “I’ll t-try…”

Nerissa’s head whipped up at the sound of footsteps, spotting a few humans watching. 

The demon carefully lifted the witch into her arms with utmost gentleness, rushing into a nearby alleyway and spreading her wings. 

“Hang on, just- just hang on-” Nerissa rambled frantically as she began to take off the ground, wings flapping as hard as she could get them to fly them home.

Thankfully no one noticed them, too occupied with the brutal crime scene to pay attention to much else.

Everything was a blur for the witch. The world to her was nothing else but the sharp pain in her stomach and the demon’s arms around her. One moment they were in the air, the next they were in her living room, laying on several black towels placed over the couch with a terrified demon hovering over her.

“I can fix this- I can fix this-” Nerissa mumbled under her breath, carefully lifting the edge of her shirt to look over the wound. It didn’t look like it hit anything vital, but it certainly looked like it hurt and was bleeding quite badly. Thankfully the bullet went clean through, there was nothing left embedded in her…

“Let her flesh not be torn, let her blood leave no stain, and no matter how they’ve hurt her, let her feel no pain!” Nerissa chanted, hands hovering over the bloodied wound.

Shiori let out a shaky gasp as a magenta light began to emit from the wound, the sharp pain dulling, dulling…

Flesh reformed, blood ceased to flow, skin knit together…

Leaving a blood-covered scar, a ghastly one at that.

Nerissa looked so relieved she could cry, hands shaking terribly as they hovered over her body, looking her over for any other injuries. 

Found none, thank gods.

“D-Don’t scare me like that again, you jerk!” Nerissa tried to sound upset, but she was crying too hard to sell even false indignation.

“L-Love you too…” Shiori chuckled weakly. She still felt… Not great. It felt like one giant bruise, it definitely hurt when she tried to sit up, only to be immediately supported by the demon.

“D-Don’t move too fast, it’ll take a little while for it to stop hurting…” Nerissa cautioned, holding the witch as if she were the most fragile, precious thing in the world.

“...H-How’d you do that? I- I didn’t think succubi could heal…” Shiori asked, head lolling to the side and resting against a warm shoulder.

“I gave some of my regeneration power to you. I didn’t hurt myself doing it, I promise.” Nerissa tried to reassure her when Shiori began to look concerned.

“I… I see… Thanks for putting some towels on the couch… It’d be a pain to clean the blood out later…” Shiori chuckled weakly,

“Of course you almost die and your first thought is the couch cushions…” Nerissa sighed, gently lifting the girl and heading towards the bathroom.

“What, they’re expensive!” Shiori tried to smile, but it was tired.

“...You shouldn’t have tried to protect me, Shiori.” Nerissa said firmly as she set the witch down on the sink counter, wetting one of the towels and beginning to wipe away the blood.

“You were doing the same thing…” Shiori pointed out with a frown.

“I’m basically bullet proof, you’re not. I wasn’t in any real danger, those guys were clearly just equipped for dealing with a witch and not a demon.” Nerissa huffed, mumbling a quiet ‘sorry’ when she brushed it against the scar and drew a wince from the witch.

“I- I couldn’t just stand by…” Shiori grumbled, looking over the demon. Her own bullet wounds had healed, and it seems the bullets themselves were gone too. Must be magic on top of the regeneration powers…

“You should’ve, though. You could have died, Shiori…” Nerissa said firmly, seriously.

…

“I’m sorry.” Shiori relented, avoiding eye contact for a moment only for a gentle hand on her chin to shift her head so she couldn’t anymore.

A touch reminiscent of the very first time the demon touched her.

“I’m just happy you’re still alive. Don’t scare me like that again, okay?” Nerissa sighed softly, a tired smile on her face.

“Okay, okay, I’ll try…” Shiori chuckled weakly, leaning into the touch on her face.

“Good… Now, it’s late, we probably should get to bed once we get this blood off.” Nerissa suggested.

…After all of that? Yeah, bed sounded nice.

Shiori woke up the next day feeling warm and safe. Considering what happened yesterday, that was a shock.

Considering she was currently being cuddled with by the demon that had saved her? Less of a shock.

Shiori didn’t bother with moving much, she didn’t feel sore like before, she mostly felt… Happy. Nerissa seemed to be feeling pretty good too considering the happy trill in the back of her throat. Shiori did suppose Nerissa was part bird…

“Sleep well?” Nerissa asked softly, nuzzling further against the witch.

“I slept like a log, which isn’t too shocking I guess.” Shiori chuckled softly.

“Mm, I’m glad to hear that. I had half a mind to get up and make you breakfast, but I don’t wanna let go…” Nerissa pouted, holding the witch impossibly closer.

Shiori was quiet for a few moments, just… Thinking.

“Are you gonna be even more clingy now that we’re together?” Shiori sighed with a shake of her head.

“Together?” Nerissa echoed, a hopeful spark in her eyes.

“What are you, deaf? I said I love you, you dork.” Shiori let out a soft huff of laughter.

“I’m guessing that also means our deal’s null and void now and I get to stay topside?” Nerissa asked, sounding even more hopeful.

“I mean, I lost my last girlfriend, I’d rather have you stick around.” Shiori half-joked, though it didn’t hurt as much to say as she thought it would.

…Maybe, just maybe, she was starting to heal. 

“Same… I’d rather not have a part two of my last relationship.” Nerissa chuckled, though it sounded… Sad.

Shiori went silent for a few moments, looking up into the demon’s eyes.

“I’m sorry that you lost someone too.” Shiori whispered, reaching up and tentatively placing a hand against Nerissa’s cheek, one she leaned into without hesitation.

“It’s… It’s a little different, but I lost her all the same. She… She didn’t exactly die, she…” Nerissa trailed off, voice beginning to tremble at the mere thought.

“She…?” Shiori prompted gently.

“She was a witch, like you. She summoned me by accident just like you, but it was to protect her from some spirits she had angered. We got close, fell in love, but…” Nerissa paused, sighing softly.

“I don’t know what happened. I really, really don’t. One second we’re happy together, and the next she’s yelling at me and sending me back to hell. She never told me what I did wrong, never told me how to fix it, just…” Nerissa trailed off again, eyes welling with tears.

“Just abandoned you?” Shiori grumbled, sounding furious on her demon’s behalf.

“...Yeah. I… I don’t know why. She never told me, just… Sent me away, without another word. I hadn’t seen the sun in years before you summoned me.” Nerissa sniffled, only for the tears to start actively falling when Shiori’s thumb began gently running over her cheek, wiping away the tears as they began to fall.

“That’s cruel. Whatever you did or didn’t do, sending you back to hell without notice is a shitty thing to do. Who was that jerk anyways?” Shiori huffed, sounding angry.

“...Fauna.”

“Hm… Doesn’t ring any bells. Good for her, or I’d find and slap her.” Shiori grumbled, before tentatively leaning in and pressing a kiss to the demon’s forehead, soothing the sorrowful pitch to her brow.

“...I think that’s the first time you’ve kissed me.” Nerissa laughed breathlessly, sadness rapidly draining from her face.

“Careful, I may just do it again. We are in love with each other after all!” Shiori chuckled playfully, smile brighter than usual.  For once, the pains of the past didn’t weigh her down, didn’t make her hesitate in acting on that and kissing the tip of Nerissa’s nose.

“You’re so sweet, my beautiful Shiowi~” Nerissa giggled, leaning in and pressing a kiss to the witch’s cheek. 

“I mean, you literally saved my life, who’s really the sweet one here?” Shiori shot back with a lopsided grin.

“Can I kiss you?” Nerissa blurted out.

“Anytime you want, but… Where’d that come from?” Shiori asked with a tilt of her head.

“Oh, that’s dangerous…. And I asked because I want to kiss you, simple as that. I almost lost you, and I don’t want you to doubt for one second that I love you and want you.” Nerissa started off jokey, but it petered off into something more serious.

“...I love you too, ‘Reese.” Shiori whispered.

Nerissa leaned in close. Paused, waited a moment, searching her eyes for any hesitation. 

Found none.

…Kissed her. 

It was soft and gentle, filled with love and care that left Shiori relaxing against her, arms wrapping around the demon's neck.

It only lasted for a scant few seconds, before they pulled apart again, foreheads resting together, breathing the same air…

“I’m so happy I still get to do that…” Nerissa chuckled quietly, nuzzling their noses together.

“I’m not going anywhere, dummy.” Shiori let out a soft huff of laughter, smiling from ear to ear.

“You better not, you’re stuck with me now.” Nerissa just smiled, pressing another peck to her lips.

“Oh no, how terrible, however will I live.” Shiori drawled sarcastically, only to giggle when Nerissa started peppering her face with kisses with vigor, as though she were determined to not let an inch of the witch go unloved.

“I get it I get it, you love me-” Shiori chuckled as Nerissa kept going, only to shiver when one kiss landed on the crook of her neck.

A vaguely familiar sensation.

Shiori decided to kiss the demon on the lips in response, eyes squeezed shut and breathing growing a touch uneven.

…

The witch dared to run her tongue over the demon’s lips, only to be immediately granted entry. Shiori had to mind the demon’s sharp teeth, but it was… Nice. Good, even.

They quickly grew tongue-tied, the warmth of the bed quickly growing a bit much considering their rising body temperatures.

Nerissa pulled back for a moment, a strand of saliva connecting their lips before snapping as they stared at each other, pupils dilated.

“More?” Nerissa rasped.

“More.” Shiori nodded, though she hardly got the word out before she had a demon pouncing on her, rolling them over so Shiori was on her back on the bed with Nerissa hovering over her.

But… She paused.

“How… H-How far do you want this to go?” Nerissa asked cautiously, thinking back to their last tryst.

“As far as you w-want.” Shiori tried to say confidently, but her voice wavered.

“And you’ll tell me to stop if you don’t like it, right?” Nerissa asked, brow furrowed.

“Yeah yeah, just kiss me already!” Shiori huffed, though in a less love-drunk corner of her mind she deeply appreciated it.

Nerissa didn’t hesitate to grant that request, kissing the witch with every ounce of love she had to give. Considering she had fingers scrabbling at her back, the message probably got across.

Nerissa didn’t waste any more time, sitting up and abruptly pulling off her shirt and tossing it in some random direction, baring her to the other omega.

“...W-Woah. You’re- You’re gorgeous…” Shiori couldn’t help but mumble as she marveled at the succubus above her. 

“Takes one to know one… Can I take yours off too?” Nerissa asked, tugging on the edge of the witch’s shirt. With a nod, it was off as well, revealing black lace.

“Oh damn… Did you do that on purpose, cause that’s sexy as hell.” Nerissa chuckled, pressing a kiss to her now bare shoulder.

“I… I may have thought about trying again when I got off work…” Shiori mumbled, averting her eyes.

“Well, it didn’t go to waste anyways.” Nerissa chuckled, starting to trail her kisses over the newly exposed skin, smirking against the warm body under her as Shiori’s breathing hitched.

…Trailed across the new scar. Pressed a tender kiss to it.

“I love you.” Nerissa murmured soft as a psalm, looking up into Shiori’s eyes with a tender smile and utter affection in her eyes.

“Love you too, ‘Reese…” Shiori whispered back.

Nerissa pressed one more kiss to the rougher skin of the scar and trailed her mouth higher, hands sliding under the witch’s back and skillfully unclipping her bra first try. Considering she was a succubus, that wasn’t shocking.

“So, so pretty…” Nerissa murmured as she pulled it off and began lathering her chest with affection. Shiori trembled under the attention, breath hitching at the feeling of sharp teeth against the most sensitive part of her chest.

Let out a moan when Nerissa bit down lightly.

Nerissa seemed impatient though, starting to trail her kisses lower, lower…

Fingers hooking into the waistband of her pants. A silent question.

One Shiori answered with a titillating look that set the demon aflame.

Nerissa wasn’t shocked when she saw just how wet the witch was. They were both omega’s after all, and she had forgotten her suppressants. Nerissa wouldn’t be shocked if this was about to send Shiori into heat, not that the succubus would mind all that much.

But, she paused. Looked up into Shiori’s eyes, waiting for any sign that this was too much, that Shiori didn’t want this.

But this time, Shiori did.

“So precious… So lovely…” Nerissa murmured before trailing a slow lick over the witch’s aching slit, smirking at the moan that earned her.

“S-Stop teasing…” Shiori attempted to sound firm, but it came out in more of a helpless whine.

“Alright alright… I’ll have you know my tongue is very long by the way.” Nerissa giggled, only laughing harder at the incredulous look that earned her.

“...I guess you are technically a sex demon…” Shiori mumbled, only to go silent when Nerissa demonstrated just how long her tongue was by lolling it out in its entirety, dipping down well past her chin.

“...Fuck.” Shiori rasped.

Nerissa just smiled and got to work.

Immediately Shiori jolted, though not as badly as last time. Closed her eyes, taking deep breaths. This was Nerissa. This was her new girlfriend, and she wanted this. She just has to convince her stupid brain that liked to wallow in the past.

But Nerissa took things slow, was careful. Clearly knew what she was doing, but didn’t over do it. And with time, the tense hitch to her shoulders eased, breathing evening out as she began to just indulge in the lovely feelings presented to her.

“Still okay?” Nerissa asked after a few more moments, slick dripping down her chin.

“Y-Yeah… Keep- Keep going…” Shiori nodded, settling her hand on the demon’s head and guiding her back to the apex of her thighs.

The next breath came out as a moan, Shiori shuddering and moaning loudly as Nerissa lapped at her with the fervor of a woman starved. 

It didn’t take long for Shiori to get close to completion as it were, squirming against the sheets and moaning out curses as the demon had her way with the witch. In Shiori’s defense, it had been a long time since she’d last felt anything like this…

Nerissa pulled back for a moment, earning her a whine, only for that whine to turn into a choked moan when Nerissa replaced her tongue with her fingers, two at a time, lapping frantically at her clit.

“Good girl… Such a good girl…” Nerissa rumbled between licks, smirking at how much tighter Shiori grew at the words. 

“N-Neriss- Ahn- Neri- Ngh- FUCK-” Shiori moaned loudly, sounding so desperate to her own ears that she could die of embarrassment.

“That’s it… You’re taking me so well…” Nerissa murmured, moving her fingers even faster.

The noises escaping the witch hardly resembled words at this point as the pleasure rapidly mounted, nails digging into the demon’s scalp slightly and hips moving on their own.

Nerissa pulled back for a moment, pushing a third finger in and causing the witch’s back to arch, head thrown back with a loud moan that was music to the succubus’s ears.

“Be a good girl and cum for me.”

Shiori was physically incapable of denying that request and came harder than she had in her entire life, absolutely covering Nerissa’s face with her release, even as the demon frantically tried to lap it all up, to not let a drop be wasted.

Shiori just let out a weak warble of a moan.

“Good?” Nerissa rasped, resting her cheek against her thigh.

“J-Jesus Christ on a trike, I forgot you were a succubus!” Shiori laughed breathlessly, shakily sitting up.

“Well now you know~” Nerissa giggled, moving back up so she could press a kiss to the witch’s cheek.

“I’ve wanted to do that for a while now…” Nerissa admitted with a slightly more sheepish smile.

“I had a feeling, considering our deal and how the first thing you did was suck on my finger.” Shiori let out a weak huff of laughter, wrapping her arms around the demon.

“Can you blame me? You’re super pretty and sweet!” Nerissa huffed, nuzzling their noses together.

“You’re not bad on the eyes either, Reese.” Shiori chuckled, turning her head slightly so she could kiss the demon’s cheek.

“Yeah yeah… Also, do you uh, do you wanna have one more round or call it here?’ Nerissa asked, wings fluttering slightly in excitement at the prospect.

“I mean, I don’t feel too tired, so… Sure? What did you have in mind?” Shiori asked, another dull pang of arousal running through her at the prospect of more.

“I have an idea I think you’ll like…” Nerissa slowly got up, hands hovering around her own lower body and mumbling what sounded like another spell.

In a flash of magenta light, a knotted strap on appeared on the demon.

Shiori just. Stared.

“...Why am I surprised that a sex demon can summon sex toys?” Shiori sighed with a shake of her head, eyeing the new ‘instrument.’ It wasn’t too big, nothing that would hurt, which was good…

“I dunno, silly. Anyways, this alright? Bigger? Smaller? I can change it.” Nerissa asked. Shiori looked it over for a few moments, heartbeat starting to grow off kilter again.

Being eaten out was one thing, but… She hadn’t had something that big inside of her in a long time. She knew she could physically handle it, but…

…

“Y-Yeah, it’s fine. ‘Not too big or anything.” Shiori tried to handwave the thought of what she had lost. This was supposed to be something happy and fun, she doesn’t need to have it ruined…

“Alright… Here I go then, tell me to stop if you need me to, okay?” Nerissa asked softly, reaching up and cradling the witch’s cheek.

“I get’cha, thanks for being so sweet.” Shiori replied with a smile, turning her head so she could press a kiss to the demon’s palm.

Nerissa just smiled softly at her, pressing a gentle kiss to her lips before pressing the strap against the witch’s core. Shiori immediately tensed up slightly, making Nerissa pause, shooting her a concerned look.

“Fine, just… Not used to this.” Shiori handwaved the reaction, taking a deep breath and trying to relax. Only after she succeeded did Nerissa try to push in, slow, careful.

Shiori let out a soft grunt at the feeling of the silicone stretching her open, already reaching deeper than Nerissa’s tongue did. Still, Nerissa was slow, careful as can be as she moved.

Once again, Shiori forgot for a few moments that her new partner was, well, a sex demon.

But then she was reminded when she looked down and saw the womb tattoo the demon bore, glowing faintly and only growing brighter the deeper she pushed in. Must react to her feeding off energy… Nerissa wasn’t consuming very much though, Shiori felt mostly fine.

Both girls moaned when the demon bottomed out, leaving only the knot on the outside. Considering they just started, that was probably a wise decision.

“S-Still good?” Nerissa asked breathlessly, pupils dilated with want but still trying to maintain some form of control.

“Y-Yeah… Go nuts.” Shiori smiled helplessly up at her unfairly pretty and awfully considerate demon.

Nerissa didn’t need to be told twice. 

She started slow, hands gripping Shiori’s thighs and keeping them spread to make her movements easier. Granted, there was more than enough slick to make it an easy fit and each stroke smooth.

Shiori moaned uncertainly as Nerissa moved, trying to ignore the nagging in the back of her head. This was now, and she… She wanted this. She wanted to get better, to stop living like a ghost haunting her own corpse in grief.

So she pulled Nerissa down into a kiss. It was fast and messy, teeth clacking together on accident, but Nerissa didn’t seem particularly perturbed by this, returning the kiss with something hot and wanting.

The speed gradually ramped up, the two parting lips to moan into each other's mouths, growing caught up in the moment as Nerissa grew faster and faster.

The only sounds in the room were that of their moans and of skin against skin, accompanied by the creak of the bedsprings protest. Nails digging into skin, the feeling of each others hot breaths as the bed began to shake.

And gradually, those less than positive memories faded. It was hard to remember her sorrows when every inch of her was filed with arousal and love. 

Speaking of which, Nerissa seemed to be getting quite into this, shifting Shiori to instead prop her legs up against the demon into something almost like a mating press that only made the heat rise even further, moans punctuating every breath.

Truly, Nerissa was a sex demon.

“C-Can- Can I mark?” Nerissa panted out, eying the witch’s bare neck. 

Shiori… Paused. 

…

Gave a small nod.

“You s-sure?” Nerissa asked, concern rising above the clouds of lust for a few moments.

Truly Shiori wasn’t sure, but she doubted she ever would. Nerissa couldn’t mark her the same way an alpha could, though her teeth were sharp thanks to her being, well, a demon. Then there was the matter of the faded bite mark on her neck…

But… Shiori trusted Nerissa. She loved her. That didn’t erase what she lost, or the grief she felt, but if she let that grief stop her from doing things she wanted to with the one she loves…

…

“I’m sure.” Shiori said firmly.

Nerissa hesitated. Why wouldn’t she? She had to know just how big a deal this was, how much trust was being shown to her…

The demon leaned in close to her neck, pressing a soft kiss to the faded mark, earning her a shiver and a whimper. 

Brushed her teeth against a patch of skin bare of any mark at all, careful, gentle…

Bit down.

In an instant Shiori’s back arched, nails leaving red streaks on the demon’s bare back, letting out a loud moan mixed with a choked sob. 

Nerissa kept moving her hips, whispering soft affirmations and sweet nothings to her crying mate. Shiori held on all the tighter, burying her face in the crook of the demon’s neck and hanging on for dear life.

“M-Mark me too.” Nerissa murmured.

Shiori didn’t hesitate, but didn’t bite down that hard either. It hardly showed up, would probably only last a day or two, but it was enough.

Shiori was Nerissa’s witch, and Nerissa was Shiori’s demon, and nothing was going to change that.

The climax to their tryst was inevitable, the knot slipping in in their frantic frenzy and locking most of Shiori’s release inside her body. Both were left panting and sweating, staring at each other…

“I l-love you, Reese.” Shiori whispered.

“And I love you too, my Shiowi.” Nerissa whispered back.

Love… Love was a fickle thing. It came and went without warning, both of them knew that. But… Something about this love felt… Different. Stable.

They would be together as long as the fates allowed, and that was enough for both of them right now.

They were in love. That’s all that mattered, really.

“Don’t you EVER scare me like that again, you jerk!” Gura whined, lightly smacking the witch’s shoulder.

“In my defense, neither of us had any idea I was being followed…” Shiori gave a sheepish smile, rubbing her shoulder as the four found a table at the cafe.

“Boo, not good enough of a defense! I had to find out you were hunted from my family, you’re lucky they’re good at covering up hunter attacks! Now everyone just thinks it was a mugging went wrong, even the news.” Gura sighed, agitation in her voice and scent.

“Well, they made it out alive, that’s the important part darling.” The new arrival chuckled, a nice enough looking girl with long dark hair and similarly dark eyes swimming with… Well, something ominous.

Because sitting before them was an ancient demon, specifically the one Gura had summoned.

So. Y'know. Normal Tuesday and all that.

“I guess… I just hope the hunters leave you alone now that you got a demon with you, it’s not like any average hunter could take out even a lesser demon without a looot of luck and special equipment.” Gura sighed, piping down as the waiter approached and took their drink orders, alongside a few sweet treats.

“Transferring your regeneration to your human was a smart idea, I applaud you for keeping your human safe. Though, flesh warping would’ve prevented any scarring.” The greater demon turned to address the succubus, who looked more than a little nervous in the presence of someone far far more powerful than her.

“O-Oh, uh, yeah, I don’t know a lot of flesh warping magic, so I didn’t want to risk it… But uh, thanks, lord Ina’nis?” Nerissa gave a sheepish attempt at a smile.

“Just Ina is fine, it’s apparently less of a mouthful for mortals.” The demon known as Ina handwaved that reaction, thanking the waiter as they arrived with their drinks. Surprisingly the ancient demon got hot chocolate with a mountain of marshmallows. Maybe she’d just been topside long enough to get a preference?

“Well anyways, I’m just glad everything turned out okay. Treat Shiori right, okay succubus? Don’t break her heart or the hounds will find you.” Gura made a ‘watching you’ gesture towards Nerissa, one that she laughed off.

“She’s gonna have to get rid of me with a crowbar at this point, no need to worry!” Nerissa giggled, throwing an arm around Shiori’s shoulders.

“Heh, yeah, right back atcha.” Shiori chuckled, resting her head against the demon’s shoulder.

“Ew, PDA, I’m gonna hurl.” Gura deadpanned, taking a sip of her own drink.

“I mean, we’ve done far worse in public-”

“SHHHH!” Gura cut Ina off, face flushing quite badly.

“Do I even wanna know?” Shiori asked with a raised brow.

“Probably not.” Ina just shrugged with a grin.

“Well, that aside, at least we both got ourselves some happy endings, for once, right?” Shiori smiled, looking between all the occupants at the table.

“Not quite a happy ending, we’re still writing this one right now.” Nerissa giggled, pressing a quick peck to Shiori’s cheek.

“You’re right, I don’t think our story’s over yet.”

…

…..

……

On the other side of the cafe, a pair of red eyes watched as they chatted, as the mage and her partner left, leaving only that pretty witch and what was clearly a demon.

Elizabeth would have to monitor the situation further…

To be continued…