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binbogummy · 27 days ago

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Humans are —

Chapter 3

This fic is fairly mundane so far, but things pick up just s bit in the next chapter. As much as a sickfic can pick up, I suppose.

Words: 3k+

The morning came gently and with it, the roaring sound of last night's downpour had been replaced by the softer tapping of raindrops against the windowpane.

Your eyes had just barely opened, but the muted gray light of the overcast sky peeked weakly through the undrawn curtains, and you could already imagine the damp chill of the world outside, a stark contrast to the cozy warmth enveloping you now.

You rolled over with a sleepy hum and noticed that your phone, keys and a few neatly folded bills were setting on the nightstand. It was the contents of your pant pockets you'd forgotten to empty before undressing last night; placed there with care by Aziraphale no doubt.

The fancy glass bottle he'd brought had also been refilled. You'd nearly emptied it last night after waking up rather thirsty once or twice, but it was once again full to the stopper. A doily had also been placed underneath it to catch the condensation growing on the sides as well as a coaster under your glass.

As you finally shifted to sit up, the ache in your head made itself known, along with the stuffiness now completely blocking your nose. And you couldn't help but groan, accepting that the cold you'd brushed off last night had fully settled in.

Plucking a tissue from the box on the nightstand, you were prepared to make an effort to relieve the pressure in your sinuses, only for a soft knock to rap against the door.

"Good morning, my dear," Aziraphale’s voice sounded carefully through the wood, hoping to alert you to his presence if you were awake but stay quiet enough to not disturb you if you weren't. "Are you awake?"

You almost responded but felt the slight resistance in your throat and clammed up immediately. You knew for sure your voice would betray your condition immediately.

While you didn't have much of a game plan, you were relatively desperate not to let Aziraphale know that you really were sick now. The still clean tissue in your hands was quickly crumbled and tossed in the trash to hide the evidence, and you resolved to keep quiet. If you didn’t speak, maybe he wouldn’t notice.

Aziraphale’s knock came again, this time accompanied by the silent creak of the door opening slightly. His head peeked around the edge, expression tempered by cautious concern until he saw you sitting up in bed and smiled brightly.

In your mind, you felt caught like a deer in the headlights.

"Ah, you are awake! Very good." He nodded, his head disappearing back behind the door for a moment before letting himself in the rest of the way.

He was practically glowing. Humming a happy tune as he carried along a wooden tray table inside with him. Atop it sat a plate, covered securely by a silver cloche, as well as a small ornate tea tray at the side, complete with two cups, a flowery teapot and the servers for sugar and cream respectively.

You were a bit doe-eyed at the sight but were far too distracted with the thought of giving away your condition to give it much thought.

His happy humming continued, even beaming proudly for a moment when he saw you staring, unaware you were practically staring through him, as he set everything down on a nearby dresser.

"How are we feeling?" He asked, a flicker of anticipation passing over his features as he arranged a few things on the tray. "Still a bit out of sorts?"

Not quite thinking, you shook your head vehemently.

He hadn't been looking in your direction, though, and turned to you with a hum when you seemingly didn't respond.

"Hm?"

With his eyes on you now, you shook your head again with what you hoped was a convincing display of casualness this time.

"Ah, that's good. Quite good. What did I tell you? The wonders of a good night's rest!" He seemed to almost sigh in relief, his smile returning as he lifted the little tea tray from the larger tray table and closed the distance to place it on your bedside table. "I thought you might enjoy a bit of tea to start the day?" The question was likely intended to be rhetorical, but when you only continued to glance about doe-eyed, you saw his expression shift expectantly.

So you nodded quickly, overcompensating with enthusiasm in an attempt to reassure him.

Luckily, he seemed to brush off the strangeness of your silence once again with an agreeing hum and began to set everything carefully in its place, his movements always precise and practiced as he poured the steaming liquid and added just the right amount of milk and sugar before stirring it with a soft clink of the spoon.

After that, the gentle clink of porcelain was the only sound in the otherwise quiet room.

Your head felt like it was filled with cement and your body ached just sitting up, but so far so good, you guessed.

For a little while, as he prepared each of you a cup of tea, the two of you sat in the quiet that Aziraphale had usually found peaceful, but as you continued to avoid offering him so much as a, 'Morning, Azi!', he fidgeted slightly, smoothing down nonexistent wrinkles in his waistcoat between each action as if looking for something else to say.

But he forced his movements to remain calm and methodical, and was sure to unfurrow his brow before turning to you with the lovingly prepared beverage.

"Here we are~ Just the way you like it." He assured sweetly, his full smile returning as he was sure to earn your signature and always grateful little 'thank you!'

But when he passed you the tea, you reached for it silently, gripping the saucer with both hands and only an acknowledging smile.

His brow didn't remain unfurrowed for long.

You, on the other hand, smiled a bit more genuinely as you lifted the china cup to your lips, taking a comforting sip and sighing quietly at the way the warm beverage offered a bit of relief to the pressure in your sinuses.

Your enjoyment, though, could only last a few seconds before you felt his gaze lingering on you and you dreaded the worst.

You dared not look up, keeping your eyes on your tea as Aziraphale tilted his head slightly, giving you something akin to a stern, expectant pout; like a parent waiting for their child to admit guilt.

Setting his own untouched tea back on the nightstand, the angel was sure now that something was amiss, and his mind began to race through the possibilities.

Until...

"You're cross with me, aren't you?"

You froze mid-sip and finally looked up at him, cocking a brow in confusion with a barely audible, "...hm?"

"Oh, you are cross with me. I knew it!" He reiterated, throwing his arms up slightly as he began fretting in place.

Your eyes widened in alarm when you finally realized that he'd completely misinterpreted your silence. You opened your mouth to reassure him, but the thought of speaking and revealing your stuffy voice made you hesitate. Instead, you waved a hand frantically, shaking your head again to indicate that nothing was wrong.

"No, no, you must be," Aziraphale continued, his voice tinged with regret. "Oh, I've overstepped, haven't I? I've been far too meddlesome? I do tend to get carried away with my... fussing. Oh, I'm a fusser!" He winced at the word, as if yours and Crowley's teasing had finally gotten under his skin.

You kept shaking your head, mouthing the word, "No," and motioning for him to slow down but the angel was already beginning to ramble.

The earnestness of his guilt made you feel awful. You wanted to reassure him, but the more he spoke, the harder it became to find the right way to communicate without using words. So instead, you quickly set your tea aside and reached out to place a hand on his arm, giving it a gentle squeeze and offering your best reassuring smile.

Aziraphale paused, his lips parting slightly as he stared at your hand, then back at your face. "Oh- oh... are you... not cross with me?" he asked, his voice now soft and hopeful.

You shook your head emphatically, your expression earnest. No, you were in no way "cross" with him.

His face softened immediately, relief washing over his features as his shoulders sagged just a touch. "Oh, my dear..." he murmured, his hand lightly covering yours where it rested on his arm with a sigh of relief. "You've no idea how much better that makes me feel."

You smiled and nodded gently, but before you could relax entirely his brows knitted together again, this time out of curiosity.

"Then... whatever's the matter?" he asked, leaning in to get a better look at you. "You've been so quiet this morning. It's not like you at all." he added, a new note of concern creeping into his voice. "Are you sure you're feeling quite yourself?"

Of all the moments you could have hesitated, this was the worst and your hand slid off his arms as soon as you noticed that he'd noticed the small pause in your expression.

You gave an awkward thumbs-up and kept your lips sealed in a tight smile.

Despite what the bulk of this morning so far would lead one to believe, Aziraphale was quite observant, and his gaze quickly flicked to the tissue box on the nightstand, then back to your face. The flush in your cheeks, the slight weariness of your eyes, the way you sniffled ever so softly; it all seemed to click into place.

The angel's expression hardened, "You do look a bit peaky," he muttered. "Come now, let's have a look."

Your eyes widened in horror as a gentle hand was extended to your forehead, and with the kind of speed that made your aching head pound harder, you ducked under the covers to avoid it.

Aziraphale blinked in startled surprise as you disappeared beneath the covers, clutching them tightly around youself like some kind of shield. His hand hovered in the air for a moment, then slowly dropped with a sigh.

"Really now, hiding under the covers?" He chided, "I promise, I'm only trying to help," he coaxed gently, his voice adopting the soothing tone someone might use with a frightened animal.

You shook your head, your voice muffled but unmistakably nasally as you spoke without thinking, "I'm fine!"

That was all the confirmation Aziraphale needed.

"Come now, there's nothing to be embarrassed about," he cooed, the mattress shifting slightly under his weight as he sat at the edge of the bed. "It’s perfectly natural for humans to catch colds from time to time. All the more reason for me to help you."

A hand landed atop the blanket over your shoulder, and you felt a pang of guilt. In that moment as you hid under the blankets like it would do any good, you were becoming increasingly aware that your actions were almost as over the top as Aziraphale’s silly mother-hening.

Now you were being unintentionally silly too, borderline childish, immature even, and it was all because you were in the presence of one of the few people you felt safe being 'silly' around.

There was a moment of silence, the kind that suggested Aziraphale was waiting for you to give in. When you didn't after a few seconds, still coming to terms with it all, he sighed dramatically, the sound as theatrical as something that should have come from Crowley.

You finally peeked out from the edge of the blanket, your eyes meeting Aziraphale’s soft gaze. He wasn’t angry, or even exasperated. He looked... fond. Too fond to be looking at you, you thought, and just fond enough to force you to give in. With a sigh, you poked your head out the rest of the way and let the blanket slip down to your shoulders.

"There now," he said warmly, his smile thankful as if you’d just done him the greatest favor. His hand hovered cautiously, giving you the chance to move away before it landed lightly against your forehead and the coolness of his palm felt heavenly against your overheated skin.

"Oh, dear," he murmured after a moment, his brow furrowing in concern. "As expected, you've a fever."

Aziraphale withdrew his hand and you hung your head as a good few seconds of silence stretched between you.

"I knew it!"

Aziraphale's triumphant exclamation was accompanied by a radiant smile, or perhaps it was a self-satisfied smirk, and you cocked your head up immediately in surprise. "I knew it!" he repeated, his voice brimming with pride. "I had my suspicions last night, of course, but I thought to myself, 'No, surely they'll admit it when they're feeling truly under the weather.' And yet, here we are!"

He straightened up with an almost smug little huff, his eyes sparkling with a mix of satisfaction and concern as he regarded you. "It's quite a good thing I insisted you stay the night, or heaven knows what state you'd be in now."

All that remorse from moments ago in regards to his 'fussing' had vanished, replaced by the vindication that he really had made the right decision from the get-go.

You blinked slowly, reminded that despite his good nature, even an angel couldn't resist the allure of a good "I told you so".

But he seemed to remember himself after a moment, coughing into his hand to begin again with more humility as his eyes settled back on you with a soft look of concern, "But that's no matter now." He amended. "What matters now is seeing you well again."

You glanced away as he leaned in closer to examine you once more

"Let's start with your symptoms. You've the fever, of course and you're rather stuffy by the sound of it, as well as harboring some congestion I'd imagine? What else? How's your throat, any soreness?" He interrogated you with earnest concern.

You shook your head softly.

"You're quite sure? You are being honest with me?"

You nodded. It was true. Your throat wasn't sore exactly, but the congestion in your chest and pressure in your head did make talking a bit of a chore.

"I see. Is there anything else? Anything at all?"

"My... head hurts." You admitted. That couldn't be more true. When you glanced too hard in any direction, when you shook or nodded your head, and even when you sat up or laid back down, it felt like your brain made a soft thump into the inside of your skull.

He hummed thoughtfully then gave a serious nod. "I see, well I'm afraid that leaves no room for argument then. You're far too unwell to be gallivanting about. It's clear you need at least another full day, if not more, to recover properly. And I'll see to it, personally, that you stay put."

"Mmmmm...." You pursed your lips and made a chittery groan from your throat in an exaggerated show of disdain at the idea. Aziraphale was a sweetheart. Probably the sweetest person you knew. But to this day you still found kindness, from him or anyone else, hard to accept. Knowing Aziraphale had helped you work on that. The guy was nothing BUT kind after all, stubbornly so to the point where your usual attempt to deflect didn't even work.

At least last night you had the mercy of going to bed, but a full day if not more of being subject to these levels of protective angelic cosseting might actually kill you.

"Really now," Aziraphale began with a half sympathetic, half exasperated look that faded to something soft and coaxing when he met the pleading look in your eyes, "Hmm," He hummed and then smiled kindly, "Do you think you could do me a favor, my dear?"

You narrowed your eyes at him and he let out a little chuckle.

"Since I must insist that you remain where I can keep an eye on you, perhaps you could find it in your heart to enjoy your time here; under my care?"

Dammit... enjoy it? How could you not enjoy it?

You glanced around yourself, at the layers of blankets tucked over you lap, at the quickly cooling tea you'd set aside and then down at the nightgown you were wearing in defeat.

Guilt, that's how. But regardless, you were sure denying him now, while he was giving you that fond, affectionate look would only make you feel guiltier.

So with a single word, even more final than the one you gave last night, you rolled your eyes and gave in. For real this time.

"Fine..." You scoffed but there no no bite behind it at all, only a deep pink rushing to your cheeks as Aziraphale seemed to feel every bit of emotion you didn't dare express outwardly and grabbed your hand to give it a tender squeeze.

"Oh, thank you, dear! I assure you you're in the best of hands." He beamed, "Now then, I'll ensure that you have everything you need for your recovery, but for nowー" He raised his eyebrows playfully and turned to fetch the tray table he'd set aside earleir, returning to your bedside with it in hand, "how about some breakfast to start the day, hm?"

"Azi, no!" You exclaimed with a hopelessly bashful look as he gently set it to straddle your lap and adjusted it just so. "You didn't..."

"Aziraphale, yes!" He countered enthusiastically, once again correctly interpreting your 'distress' as the bashful appreciation that it was. "No tummy troubles I'm assuming? So it'll be important you keep your strength up, and a good breakfast is sure to set the precedent for a good day!"

Aziraphale grinned, his excitement palpable as he carefully gripped the handle of the silver cloche and, after waiting a second for dramatic effect, lifted it with a flourish.

On the plate underneath was a big croissant sitting beside a serving of scrambled eggs, topped with a bit of parsley, a few slices of bacon and a small dish of fresh fruit containing strawberries, blackberries, and some orange slices. At the side, there was also a dish of butter and a dish of marmalade, neatly placed for spreading. The presentation was tidy and thoughtful, prepared with care like the kind of thing you'd see served at a fancy Cafe.

"Voilà," Aziraphale said with pride, gesturing to the tray as though he'd just successfully pulled off one of his magic tricks. "A proper breakfast; made with love, of course. Nothing too heavy, just enough to lift your spirits and nourish the body."

"Oh, Aziraphale, this is..." You began in awe, about to insist that it was too much, that he didn't have to do all of this, when a small, 'ahem', from the angel cut you off. You looked up and met his smile. It was soft but expectant.

"If I recall, we did just agree to let ourselves enjoy our time here? Did we not?"

So you took a small breath and smiled, you really smiled, and then continued differently.

"Perfect. It's perfect. Thank you, Aziraphale."

"Think nothing of it, my dear! I assure you. Seeing to your well-being is an absolute pleasure." He reached for the teapot and refilled your cup, adding a bit more cream and sugar before placing it on your the tray table as well. "Now, eat up while it's still warm. And don't hesitate to ask if you'd like anything else. I'll be happy to oblige."

You hummed happily and began to dig in.

You couldn't help the small hum of appreciation that escaped you after a few bites and Aziraphale beamed from his place beside you, picking up his own cup of tea and taking a seat at your bedside. For a few minutes, you ate and he sipped his tea with an air of quiet contentment, reading the morning paper he'd brought up with him and silently emoting to whatever it said.

You glanced at him between bites, noting that he didn't appear to have brought anything up for himself. He seemed content just to sit with you as you ate, but you couldn't shake the question that had popped into the back of your mind.

"You're not eating?" you asked softly, your voice still a little hoarse but warm with curiosity. Food was one of his favorite earthly things after all.

Aziraphale blinked, startled out of his thoughts, and turned his attention to you. His expression softened immediately. "Oh, my dear, I've already had breakfast," he explained, setting his teacup down on the bedside table with a delicate clink. "This morning was a bit of toast with marmalade and some tea. Quite scrumptious." He mused joyfully. "I made a point of having it quite early, you see. Knowing you might still be unwell, I rather wanted to focus on making sure you had the best morning possible!"

"Aww, Azi...that's so sweet."

"But worry not!" he added quickly. "I’ll have plenty of chances to join you for meals yet. Lunch, of course, followed by afternoon tea, then dinner. And with you bit more settled, breakfast tomorrow morning as well. And I’m quite looking forward to <i>all</i> of it, if I do say so myself~ On top of that it's–" his face scrunched a bit in thought, "what day is it, my dear?"

"Thursday." You answered with a sip of your tea.

"Ah, yes! Thursday! The shop's closed on Thursdays– or wait, perhaps that was mondays?" He seemed to think again but waved the details off with a flutter of his hand and a smile, "Doesn't matter! What I do mean to say, is that for the rest of the day you'll have my undivided attention!"

#good omens #GO #aziraphale #crowley #platonic good omens x reader #good omens x reader #ineffable dads #anthony j crowley #Technically he's not in this chapter but he's gonna be a bigger part of this fic as a whole #so I'm tagging him #Also #I haven't taken requests in ages #buuuut #I'm definitely the the mood for some inspiration #soooo #If you have any good prompts/ideas send em my way #and maaaaybe I'll take a crack at em

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brutal-nemesis · 5 months ago

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E&T: Caught in the Clutches of Lust

No im not sorry for any of this. cope and seethe

Btw I used a line from @painsandconfusion and @wormwriting's degradation starter list that I saved THREE YEARS AGO for this very moment. I am always playing the long game (⊙ˍ⊙)

←Previous - Masterlist

Ingredients: VERY creepy/intimate whumper, implied threat of noncon, a lot of noncon touching (unsexy but right on the edge), implied noncon kiss, unsexy nudity

Shiori?

No, it couldn’t be, she was a world away, she was human, he’d left her waiting by the fountain after the party and she’d moved on and forgotten about him, no reason to follow him here, into the depths of hell, looking exactly like she had the night of the party, jarringly out of place in her pretty dress, smiling at him like he wasn’t a blood-covered, unrecognizable version of himself.

And then he blinked, and all of a sudden it wasn’t Shiori at all, but Lythia, wearing the same yellow bandana that she always did while she was working in the palace gardens, the little black braids of her hair just as beautiful as he remembered. There was no pity in her dark eyes, like there had been the last time he saw her, looking up at him from the crowd while he was chained to that pillar, promising he’d be rescued after it was already too late. Actually seeing her hurt, and Erebus looked away for a moment, just a moment…

When he saw the woman in front of him now, his jaw dropped, eyes widening, his tense, burning hands finally relaxing.

“Come on, let’s get you somewhere safe.”

Her voice was just as he remembered, and she was smiling at him so kindly, her eyes soft, her gloved hand outstretched, she was here to save him, she’d found a way to bring him back, he was too tired and scared and stressed to do anything else besides surrender control to her once again, to take her small hand and follow her blindly towards the fate she’d chosen for him. She was squeezing his still-healing hand tightly in hers, but she could do whatever she wanted with him just as long as she got him out of this place.

“Well, that was easy.”

The voice wasn’t Shiori’s, or Lythia’s, and it certainly wasn’t Neteri’s.

Erebus jumped back, finally seeing the person next to him clearly for the first time. She-they?-smirked at him, bright purple eyes sparkling. Their white hair was long and wavy, partially braided back with impeccable precision. Gold jewelry and a low-cut black dress accentuated their natural beauty, seeming very out of place in this hellish world. Most striking of all, though, was their bright red skin, a shade that was very familiar to Erebus.

This was a lust demon, and she’d lead him right into her lair.

“You-how did-I-”

They laughed, deep and bright, obviously amused by his shock and confusion. “You only saw what your heart wanted you to see, darling. It’s not my fault you turned into a meek little lamb and followed me here.”

Erebus’s face grew hot. “Well I-I…” his wings sank behind him. He’d thought he was about to be saved. Like an idiot. She’d led him away from the bubbling pools and acrid air into a sort of cave, a furnished one at that. But now he was cornered in here, at a disadvantage in the cramped space. He swallowed and changed the topic, hand resting on the pommel of his sword. “Who are you and what do you want with me?”

“Apologies.” She bowed slightly, the sort of bow people gave when they were pretending to show respect during negotiations, but then declared war a few weeks later. “My name is Asmodeum, and really,” they gave him a disapproving look, “I’d rather not fight with you. I heard you’ve defeated Somiaken and Vorath already, but I believe you and I could work something out without coming to blows.” They held their hands up briefly, but the way they watched him made it clear that their guard was still up. “So, tell me your name, now. Unless you’d prefer I just call you darling?”

Erebus very much did not want that, so he complied. “Erebus. But you didn’t really answer my question. What do you want, if not to fight me?”

Asmodeum sighed wistfully. “Well, I can tell that you’re the sort of person who’ll never agree to what I really want, but I believe something can be arranged. You see, I’ve been stuck here for Akumo knows how long with no toys to play with. So, I was thinking-”

“I-I’m not gonna be your toy,” Erebus choked, his throat feeling like it was closing up.

“Ah, ah, ah.” Asmodeum wagged a finger. “Let me finish, dear. I could have my way with you quite easily, you know. It would be oh so effortless to drag you back into my domain proper and throw you into a pool of boiling water or lava and watch the show. However, I think your forced cooperation would make this a little more fun, and it would be nice if you behaved for me. So, if you let me do what I want with you, barring the most intimate acts, I’ll let you kill me once I’ve had my fill.”

“What happens if I don’t say yes?”

Asmodeum casually examined their nails. “I will take you by force and I will defile you.”

“D-defile?! You don’t mean…” Erebus quickly glanced down, and Asmodeum smiled wickedly.

“Oh, I do mean. If you let me play with you, I swear I won’t do anything of the sort. Call it an incentive. So come on, Erebus, get rid of your sword.” Erebus just tightened his grip on it, weighing his options. As much as he didn’t want to let this demon…play with him...did he really have any other options? He was exhausted, and there wasn’t much room in here for him to try and put up a proper fight. And more than anything, he really, really didn’t want to risk being...Despite the anxiety building in his chest, Erebus unbuckled the sword belt around his waist, setting it carefully on the ground.

“Fine. But if you so much as touch me there I’ll-I’ll make you regret it.” How would he do that? He wasn’t sure. But he just-he had to make it clear that he wasn’t surrendering. He was just…agreeing to play along. Just to get a break from fighting. He was okay with this. He’d be fine. He'd been through so much worse.

He'd be fine.

“I promise I won’t cross that boundary, don’t you fret.” Asmodeum walked over to him, kicking his sword out of reach as they took his hand. “First things first, you’re absolutely filthy. Let’s get you cleaned up, shall we?”

Erebus pulled his hand out of her grasp. “I mean, I-I can do that myself,” he muttered. Asmodeum raised an eyebrow.

“I’m sure you can, but I want to wash you, dear. And right now,” she grabbed his hand once more, “I get what I want.” They pulled him along into a bathroom, and he followed reluctantly, feeling an odd sense of familiarity in just going along with this sort of thing. Their threat was certainly a motivator, but that didn’t mean he was going to roll over completely on every little thing, right? He had to make it clear that he wasn’t happy with this, despite agreeing to it. She started filling up the bathtub with water, turning to him with a smile. “Let me strip you now.”

“I-I’d rather-”

“Shhhh.” She placed a finger on his lips, her other hand starting to undo the ties on his shirt. “None of that, dear. I can’t get you all clean if you’re wearing these dirty clothes, now can I?” He looked away as they tugged his shirt off, hoping that they’d-nope, now they were going to try and take off his pants, too.

“You said you weren’t going to-to do that to me.”

“I won’t. But that doesn’t mean you get to keep your clothes on the whole time, you shy little thing. I just won’t touch.” Erebus stifled a whine as she pulled down his pants, and his underwear along with them. “There we go. You can get in now.” He did so, almost jumping into the warm water and crouching down, hugging his knees close and spreading his wings around himself protectively. They gently pushed his wings back, stroking his face as he glared at them with wide eyes. “There’s no use hiding when I’ve already seen everything, silly. I think I’m going to need to get these arms out of the way, hmmm?” They pulled out a pair of manacles, and Erebus’s stomach sank.

“Wait, I won’t resist just-just don’t-”

“Too late for that, Erebus.” She clamped them around his wrists, twisting the chain securely around the faucet. “Besides, you look absolutely darling like that, all helpless. Now, keep those wings out of the way or I’ll pierce them together.” Erebus’s wings sank in defeat, slowly moving back until they were behind him. There wasn’t any winning here, was there? “Good boy.” She grabbed a cup from the countertop and started using it to pour water on him, rinsing away some of the pieces of flesh stuck to his bloodied skin. After she lathered a washcloth with soap, she began to gently clean the dried blood off his face. He screwed his eyes shut, fists clenched as he tried to think about anything else.

Even back when he was a prince, he’d hated being fussed over, preferring to take care of himself when he could. Asmodeum, however, seemed to have no concept of personal space, or just didn’t care. She had to work hard to get through the blood caked over most of his skin, leaning in close, starting with his face before switching to his hair. Their hands slid in, tenderly working through tangled bloody mats and massaging his scalp. He hated how nice it felt, how much it reminded him of the way Lythia always used to play with his hair, forcing himself to open his eyes and look at Asmodeum, to remind himself who was…

Lythia smiled at him sweetly, and Erebus felt his blood run cold. That wasn’t her, no matter what he saw, no matter how he felt. She wasn’t here. She was back home, probably still tending the palace gardens despite the change in management. Did she still think of him as she looked at all the places they used to laugh? Or could she not get the image of him screaming and sobbing up on that podium out of her mind, unable to remember any other version of him than the one he’d left her with? Maybe that’s what he deserved to be remembered as, since he’d hardly thought of her since that day, the memories too painful.

Erebus shuddered when Asmodeum moved to his horns, which were always far more sensitive than they had any right to be. She seemed to be able to tell, continuing to stroke them long after they were clean, and as much as he wanted to ask them to stop, he was afraid it would only encourage them. At the very least, the disconnect between Lythia and his horns was enough to push the thoughts of her out of his mind, and Asmodeum changed back to their normal form.

Her hands finally slid lower, caressing his neck, fingers slipping under his collar, making sure the skin underneath was clean, pressing down against his throat every so often as they did so. It wasn't enough to really choke him, but the message was clear.

They moved onto his shoulders, his wings, his arms, his back. He caught their smile as they saw what his right arm really looked like, and her fingers traced his whip scars as they were uncovered. Dread started to pool in his stomach as she moved to his chest, scrubbing away, revealing-

“Oh, well isn’t this pretty.” They marveled at his brand, stroking the lines of the scar, pausing over his rapidly-beathing heart. “Too bad you’re already owned by someone else, huh? But I suppose they’re not here now, are they?” Erebus just bit his lip, refusing to make eye contact. The thought of his…of Neteri not being here hurt, and, try as he might, he couldn’t help but think of her, of the way she’d always protected him. He wondered how angry she’d get if she saw what was happening to him, or if she could feel now that someone besides her was touching him. He could imagine her bursting in, yelling at Asmodeum to get their hands off of him, unchaining him and letting him cover up before pulling him into a hug-wait wait what was he thinking she’d been his captor she’d hurt him and ripped him into pieces and kept him locked up but she'd promised to save him and he missed her.

“What’s wrong, darling? Is even this too much for you?” Asmodeum brushed away a tear he didn’t realize had been falling with her finger, her skin no longer red, but brown. He couldn't look her in the eye. Not while she wore that face. “Such a sensitive little thing.” Hearing those words in that voice was already bad enough. Erebus tugged at his chains, wishing he could rub away those stupid traitorous tears, because he wasn’t crying about Neteri or Asmodeum or any of this.

Their hands plunged beneath the surface of the blood-clouded water now, and Erebus couldn't stop himself from tensing up as they scrubbed his stomach, glad the parts of him that were previously under clothes weren't as caked in blood as those that weren't. Still, there was enough to clean that she had an excuse for her hands to wander lower still, caressing his hips, his thighs, and now he was trembling, fists clenched, tears dripping even more steadily into the tepid, cloudy water, no one had ever touched him there, at least she was wearing her own face now, but please, please stay away from there, you said you wouldn't touch me there and if you do then why am I here why am I letting you do this why do I keep letting people hurt me if I just stood up for myself more if I wasn't such a coward maybe I'd still be-

"You're rather pathetic, aren't you?" Asmodeum mused as they cradled his face, turning him towards them. Erebus blinked away tears, just now realizing that they'd finished cleaning him, the tub already drained. He couldn't exactly argue, crying and shivering like he was, so he just swallowed and gave the tiniest nod as he pulled himself together, hoping it'd be enough to get them to move on.

With a satisfied smile, she unhooked his wrists from the faucet, but left the manacles on as she pulled him up and out of the tub. He tried to cover himself as best he could as they toweled him off, hoping they’d stop touching him or at least give him clothes soon. Thankfully, they did, handing him a small bundle, and upon unrolling it he found...a pair of shorts that barely reached his knees, and that was all. Once he’d put them on, she dragged him into another room and let go, crossing her arms. “Kneel.”

“I don’t-” Asmodeum raised an eyebrow, and Erebus stopped himself. They were expecting him to obey their every little whim if he didn’t want to be...he knelt, staring at the floor. She circled him a few times, and he clenched his fists in his lap, hating how much of his body was on display. Not that she hadn’t already seen everything.

“You were just made to kneel, weren't you? Absolutely gorgeous." Erebus's face burned even hotter than before. All he could hope was that they'd be done with him soon, but he'd never specified how long this would go on for when he agreed to it, so this might last…He was such an idiot, why did he just go along with this without any negotiation?

Asmodeum stopped in front of him. "Well, what are you in the mood for, dear? Pain,” her hand slid under his chin, tilting it up, “or pleasure?”

“Please just-anything but-” he choked, and she just laughed.

“Anything, you say? Then, I think...I'm in the mood for this.” They grabbed his collar, yanking him up onto the nearby bed. Before he could even try to sit up they were on him, wrapping themselves around him, worming in between his shackled arms, forcing him to embrace her back. A shudder ran down his spine as her skin came into contact with his, her arms pinning him flush against her body, her legs tangling around his. “Have you ever been this close to someone, darling?” she whispered in his ear, their fingers stroking his hair.

“I-I, um, a few times but-”

“Aw, and you’re still nervous.” Her hand ran down the back of his head, stopping at his collar. “It’s so cute how you still wear this. I’m sure you could get it off if you tried, so you must like having it on, huh? Do you miss your owner?”

“She’s not-I don’t-I just-it’s…” he screwed his eyes shut, “I can’t take it off, alright?!”

“Such a dutiful little pet-”

“I wasn’t h-her pet!”

“You’re so adorable when you’re in denial.” They stroked his back, rubbing around the base of his wings. Erebus just opted for staring at the wall, hoping they wouldn't touch his horns. “Do you know how lust demons feed, my dear?”

“By eating…?”

“Well, of course, but not the same way you do. We feed off of humans, more specifically, their bodily fluids.” She smiled widely, showing off her fangs. “And I haven’t had a meal ever since being locked up in here. I normally get my fix a different way, but, to be considerate of you, innocent little boy,” they shifted until their lips were right next to the base of his neck, fingers pushing his collar out of the way, “I’ll settle for feasting on your blood.”

Her fangs sank into his neck, and he couldn’t help but gasp at the sudden pain. He tried to breathe in calmly through gritted teeth as she sucked on the holes in his flesh, drinking his blood. Soon enough, his ears started ringing, and lightheadedness crept in. He gripped the chain between his wrists just too feel something solid, glad that he was lying down, at least. By the time Asmodeum pulled away, licking droplets of blood from their lips, a dizzy haze had settled over Erebus. He closed his eyes, tears leaking out as she snuggled back into him, just hoping that this would all be over soon. In fact, maybe he would just...let the blackness take him...just for a little bit...so he didn’t have to be...awake…

Erebus’s mouth tasted like dried blood when he woke up, and Asmodeum was still wrapped around him tightly. She smiled when their eyes met. “Did you have a good little nap, my darling? I hope you don’t mind, but,” she gripped his chin, her thumb stroking his lips, “I had a little bit of fun with you while you were out of it.” A bit of...wait is that why his mouth tasted like-

“W-you-you can’t d-do that to me I-I don’t-” his voice broke, and he couldn’t breathe all of a sudden, no matter how many fast little breaths he sucked in, just get away, get away from me stop touching me don’t do that to me please please I don’t want that you can’t do that to me you can’t you can’t I never wanted that not from you not from anyone and now now now I-I’m-I’ve been-

He felt something solid press into his hands, and he realized that Asmodeum was standing in front of him, and that was his sword in his hands, he was sitting up now and that was his sword and Asmodeum was smiling they were holding out their arms to him they were ready they were ready they were laughing they were coughing up blood they were on the ground there was so much blood how much of it was his he wasn’t sure he didn’t know they reached up and he backed away he had to get away he couldn’t stay here a second longer she was dead she was dead she was already crumbling away and he had to go he wanted to rip off his own skin he could still feel her touching him where where where were his clothes where was the key to these manacles he had to go he-

Erebus dropped his sword. He fell to his knees. He buried his face in his hands.

And he screamed.

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@vampiresprite

#i wrote something #erebus & terror #erebus #asmodeum #creepy whumper #intimate whumper #nonhuman whumpee #demon whumper #noncon kiss #noncon touch #can i get a lmao in chat this guy is having the worst time of his life maybe #yeah shiori is human and normal and i meant it when i said they'd never see each other again #bro's neteri devotion is literally getting worse now that they're apart what is he DOING #i cant believe superhell isnt the healing environment he needs to process his trauma 😔#but yeah back when i was still in college and writing like chapters 3-6 ish of E&T (like him getting branded)#i was like ''okay but the bathing scene is soooo fun and sexy i want to write it right now''#so i did and then it sat there for 3 years #it's honestly really weird that it's out in the open now it's been My Secret Writing for SO long #had to make a lot of edits though and i can see how much ive improved since then like yeah let's GUT this bitch #asmodeum fucking sucks. sorry. they are the literal fucking worst #they're also technically genderfluid but since the way they're perceived is based on the person's attraction #erebus just gets female/androgynous vibes cuz he doesn't like men 👍#uh what else oh yeah we had to give him the kissing trauma. rare instance of me projecting write it down kids #god i started the final edit of this at 4:30 and i was like ''yeah i can have it ready by 5''#it's 5:51 you idiot

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