RFC-Mini Arc 4: Night Life-21 (Patreon)

The bathroom door opens. I turn as Wren emerges from the bathroom wearing a soft looking robe and toweling her damp hair. She pointedly ignores me as she goes straight for the liquor. Alana hastily hands over the bottle, scooting her chair away from the bed. The tension between them is clear, but my friend is more affected by it. My ‘date’ for the night seems quite adept at accepting strange realities or perhaps selective denial. “At least no one can say she’s cheap,” Wren mutters as she picks up the bottle, likely not expecting me to hear. I smother a chuckle as I enter the bathroom.

It's as simple as the bedroom, possessing a larger than average tub, sink, toilet, and closet. Both tub and sink have a water affinity stone to create water, the height of plumbing and quite expensive. I strip, folding my clothes and putting them in the closet, taking one of the robes hanging inside. With a thought, I shift between forms, cleansing myself of any dirt, and don the robe, languishing.

[My summoner.]

Oh? Are you a bit bored waiting outside? Sorry about that. It just seemed a bad idea to bring a succubus into a whorehouse, no matter how high class.

Her chuckles echo through my mind. [We both know I am always by your side~]

Aw, how touching. And disturbing. Did you need something, pet?

[A quick word as your chosen for tonight loosens her morals with the help of liquid courage. You have precious little people to act as a voice of restraint in your life. The normal source is currently too intoxicated to fulfill her role so I thought I might step in.]

I burst into laughter but quickly smother it. Don’t want my ‘date’ wondering about me laughing in here by myself. But it’s just too funny. Geneva, the voice of restraint. Who told her to tell such a poor joke?

[Yes, I find the circumstances amusing as well.]

This is new. What scheme is she perpetrating now? What’s her angle? I won’t be fooled, there’s always an angle. Let’s see…I doubt you’re jealous about what’s about to happen. That’s almost as funny as you caring about restraint. She can’t be a danger or you would have warned me about it. What am I missing?

[Nothing so dramatic. I simply think you are letting your wife’s methods overwhelm you. Are you certain you wish to travel down this road? It won’t be easy to turn back.]

Don’t you think comparing me to my wife is a bit of an exaggeration?

[For how long? You are well on your way.]

Oh, I see. You’re concerned that she’s influencing me more than you, aren’t you? Haha, it was jealousy after all.

[I could simply be concerned for you.]

Come on, I told you not to make me laugh.

[Then, I shall speak plainly. Kierra’s thirst for conflict is a significant motivator but often leads to trouble. No doubt the circumstances with the trolls was a result of her enthusiasm.]

Oi, did she tell you that?

[It is not a hard conclusion to deduce. How else would a woman of such prowess ever be in a position to be taken by surprise by a group of simpletons? I don’t doubt that her people made a mistake but it was most likely a result of being overworked trying to keep up with her increasing demands. She pushes until something breaks, whether that is the enemy or herself. Those like her usually perish swiftly but she was born with an unparalleled talent to piece herself back together. You have the same ability, though more potent. Consequence is not enough to warn you off. Only your own conscience can.]

Very eloquent. Get to the point, succubus.

[Are you sure this is what you want to be?]

And what else am I going to be? Hm? I’ve got power, Geneva. Real power, which is rare. The way I see it, I’ve got three choices. Use it for other people and be hailed as the greatest saint of all time, use it for myself, or don’t use it.

I’m no saint, we know this. It might be fun to play the hero once in a while but I don’t have the patience or the goodwill to dedicate my life to others.

Fading away into obscurity wouldn’t be too bad. It was my original plan, after all. Thing is, dragons don’t burrow underground. They claim mountain peaks and everyone else needs to deal with it. Why would I bury my head in the sand? Why would I purposely complicate my life or limit my options? The mere notion is ridiculous.

Even if I were inclined to do so, I made a promise to Cosmo. I promised him amusement and change, which I’m sure includes quite a bit of chaos. You think I’m going to put the goodwill of anyone in this kingdom over the will of the plane-walking god who gave me a second chance at life? Not a chance.

Sainthood isn’t possible. Obscurity isn’t possible. Logically, that only leaves indulging my every whim as my path in life. Putting logic aside, I enjoy this. Is it because I met Kierra before I had a decent role model? Was this kind of personality sleeping in me all along? Who cares! Certainly not me. And certainly not you. So, are you satisfied?

[Quite. I will prepare myself for the future. You have a night to get back to.]

Cheh. Damn succubus. How long have I been standing here talking to a voice in my head? Ah ah, I hope Wren doesn’t get any ideas. I lose a lot of momentum if she thinks I’m panicking in here.

Taking a minute to run a hand through my hair and straighten my robe, I leave the bathroom.

The scene is quite similar to how I left it, both women drowning themselves in the available liquor. Alana softly rocks back and forth threatening to pass out. Wren is in a much better condition, currently scowling at her empty glass.

I revel in the look she gives me, trying hard to hide her nerves. I take her glass from her stiff fingers, setting it on the tray. “One more time.” Our eyes meet and I hold the stare until she turns away. “Want to walk away?”

“Why do you keep asking?” she grouses. “Aren’t you the one getting cold feet?”

“Mm, nope. I’m just too nice for my own good.”

I move in front of her, movements slow. Unthreatening. Not giving her any reason to follow through on that little voice that’s telling her to leave after all. I hook a finger in the loose knot holding her robe close, undoing it with a quick yank and exposing a modest pair of breasts. Another bolt of excitement races through me when I check her gaze, her tight jaw and hard eyes trying to show a confidence I know she doesn’t feel.

And, surprise of all surprises, I can smell traces of her growing excitement. I thought I was going to have to work past her reluctance but it seems Wren isn’t quite the staunch obstacle I initially suspected her to be.

I cup her face, brushing my thumbs over her cheeks, before leaning in for a kiss. There’s only a beat of stiff indifference. Then she engages. Hesitantly at first, responding to my eager lips with small pecks. Really, I’d love to tease her but the night isn’t as young as it used to be.

I relish the muffled sound of surprise as my hold tightens and my kiss becomes more aggressive. She doesn’t resist as I push my tongue past her lips, stepping forward and pushing her onto the bed. She sucks down a large breath after release her, whipping off the robe. Ha, my modesty didn’t last long.

I take a moment to enjoy the stroke to my ego as she admires me. Then I put a hand on the back of her neck and force her to sit up. “Off,” I growl.

She dazedly shrugs off the robe. I toss it aside without looking and go back to kissing her, bringing my hands into play. She moans into my mouth as my fingers tease one her nipples, the pale bud stiffening at the first sign of attention. She squirms as my other hand brushes over her stomach and strokes her thighs. My fingers dig into her ass as I push between her legs.

“You going to let me do all the work?” I mumble as I move away from her lips, kissing along her jawline while working my way to her ear.

“You’re the one who…” She’s cut off by a moan as I trace her lower lips with a finger. “Who paid to, mm, fuck me.”

I chuckle. “I paid to fuck you, huh?”

“Didn’t you? Not my problem if you don’t have the proper to equipment to make it satisfying.”

“Mm. But is it your problem if I do?”

“Huh?”