Archive of Our Own ^beta

“Oh god, I’m so bored,” Shikyo whined, throwing her head back.

“It’s been ten minutes,” Misumi hissed, pinching the bridge of his nose. Already the two of them were going to go at it. Do I have to do all the work around here?

“Shikyo’s never had any patience,” I snickered as I looked her up and down. She folded her arms across her chest, blocking me out as I teased her.

“Misumi — keep watch, will you? I know how to kill some time.”

“Oh, for—” Misumi wheezed as he held his fingers to his temples. “You’re not serious, are you? Right now?”

“I can kill a half hour, or you can volunteer to keep her entertained some other way,” I arched my eyebrows, staring down the bridge of my nose at him. I dared him to challenge my authority, but he merely growled lowly in response.

“Fine.”

“Shikyo.” I called her name with a stern voice, garnering her full attention. “Let’s go.”

“Go where?” she furrowed her brows at me, holding her hands up in despair. She was still such a novice at reading subtle cues and situations. Orochimaru-sama and I had so much left to teach her. It’s a good thing she was such a willing student.

“Come with me,” I breathed into her ear as I passed her by, and immediately she turned tail to follow. She was perceptive when she chose to be, though; I had to give her that. Either she could tell by the tone of my voice, or she knew better than to question me. I’d always accept the latter as the answer.

“Here we go,” Morosoki huffed, then shook his head as he reluctantly tagged along behind.

“I thought I’d have to beg,” Shikyo chuckled lowly once we had gotten away from Misumi.

“I never said you wouldn’t have to,” I purred, stopping short as I turned to face her. I leaned in to exhale on her lips, and she nearly sucked my breath in as it left my throat. Sometimes I swore she got high off my voice. “Especially after that little outburst.”

“I didn’t think you’d actually indulge me,” Shikyo lowered her head, her gaze intensifying.

“We have a five-day maximum to complete this portion of the exam,” I explained, pressing one, two, three, four, then five fingers to her breastbone. “If you can’t hold yourself together for more than ten minutes, we’re going to have a problem.”

“God you know I hate waiting,” Shikyo huffed as she reached up, but I caught her wrists firmly in my hands.

“Ah,” I clicked my tongue disapprovingly, tensing my grip for a moment. “Are you going to be a liability?”

“No,” she growled as she looked away, staring past me. “But the longer we’re split up, the more vulnerable we become.”

“Don’t justify your insatiable appetite with petty excuses just to keep me on your schedule,” I instructed sternly as I let go of her left wrist.

She went to lift that same arm, but stopped as I pressed my thumb to her lips. I hooked my remaining fingers under her chin, then traced my thumbprint over the outline of her mouth. Her lips were so beautiful. “You have such exquisite lips, yet you soil them with your greed and impatience.”

“You’re really enjoying this little act of torture, aren’t you?” she panted as she failed to catch my thumb with her teeth, and I pressed it back against the length of her mouth.

“You wanted to kill time, didn’t you?” I raised my eyebrows as I looked down at her. I could feel how heavy the lust rested on my eyelids. My façade was cracking. I couldn’t help it; I slipped my thumb past her bottom lip to brush it over her teeth. “I’m indulging you, so you’ll do it my way. And you’re going to cooperate. Got it?”

She nearly went to answer, but she knew better as I pressed my thumb down onto her front teeth to coax her mouth open. Something inside me begged for her teeth to pierce my skin. I’d wished countless times for her to cut her teeth on me; to draw blood and let it flow freely for her. But she was always too obedient; too cooperative. She’d do anything for me; anything I’d ask of her. And we both knew it. But cutting myself on her teeth after instructing her to allow it made the notion lackluster. Predictably, her jaw softened as she opened her mouth slightly wider — only as far my pressure indicated. I rested the middle of my thumb over her teeth as I pressed down on her tongue, and she let out a moan that sizzled and dissipated on my skin. She closed her eyes, indicating her submission to me, and I snickered lowly in my own mirth.

“Good,” I hummed as I thumbed the inner corner of her mouth, pressing against it briefly. “Now, down on your knees.”

Her eyes opened slowly as she glared up at me, but all I needed to do was give her a simple reminder.

“You heard me.”

With an involuntary gurgle, Shikyo let herself drop gracefully to the floor, never taking her eyes off me. My heart fluttered as I watched her obey, my eyes flickering for nothing more than a moment as delight danced within them. I gave her an approving hum as I smirked at her, then placed my hand on my hip.

“And disrobe.”

“I think you’re enjoying this a little too much,” Shikyo gave protest, and I watched as her eyelids grew heavy. She wanted me just as much as I wanted her, but I’d never give her the satisfaction. She pouted as she looked up at me, and my little subordinate leaned graciously into her pose as she made herself smaller. She always knew how to make me feel fifteen feet tall, and she knew I was a sucker for it. I hated that aspect of myself; she always made me second-guess how easy I was to read. She knew just what I liked down to the minutia. I hated it. I loved it. I kept my desire tucked deep in the back of my throat as I readjusted my glasses.

“I could stand here all day,” I smirked, though I could feel the desire in my eyes searing holes into her figure, “with you like that on your knees for me. And if you don’t cooperate, I just might.”

“You’re the one with the clock up his ass.” She dropped her shoulders and folded her hands upside-down on her lap.

“You better not let Orochimaru-sama catch wind of your nonchalance. Your lack of respect for orders might just cost you your good standing.”

“Don’t threaten me with Orochimaru-sama’s good graces,” Shikyo growled, straightening up. “This is strictly between you and me.”

“All it takes is an inkling to start a rebellion,” I shrugged. “Don’t blame me when your lack of obedience costs you your position. Or worse.”

“You know, for someone who speaks so highly of respecting orders, you’re indulging in your own fair share of neglect.”

“Keeping you in line is part of my orders,” I gave her a wicked growl, baring my teeth at her as I knelt to her level, “in whatever way I see fit.”

“What, like I’m some kind of unruly toddler?” Her nose flared.

“Well, if that’s how you see it,” I chuckled, amused with her answer. I took it that she didn’t like my response because her hands balled into gently cradled fists. “Oh, don’t go and lose your temper, now. I just might have to discipline you.”

“That’s what I’m fucking waiting for,” Shikyo whispered in forced desperation as she glared into my eyes, her breath hot and taunting on my lips. Now she was asking for it.

“You better watch that mouth,” I warned as I pressed her bottom lip up against her teeth with my thumb. I could feel my eyes narrow for a second; the urge I had to discipline her nearly overwhelmed me. I centered myself on her bottom lip, watching as it trembled ever so slightly against my thumb. Silent pleading. I knew how much she enjoyed my disciplinary action, and she was eager for it. Her breaths were warm and shallow against my skin; I wonder just how tightly wound she is right now. I let her simmer in that desire for what felt like eternity, then she swallowed hard and took a breath.

“…Or what?” she panted.

“Don’t test my patience, Shikyo,” I kept my voice low as I laughed. She was truly in no position to threaten me; it was obvious to us both. I always found her empty threats somewhat amusing. Sometimes I think she does it to rouse a response out of me. Sometimes she gets lucky. “The quicker you obey, the quicker we’ll get to my indulging you. I’m not asking much of you; really.”

“You’re insufferable,” she growled, but ultimately began to undo the sash that held the top of her kimono closed.

“I knew you’d see it my way.”

She kept quiet as she put on a show for me. A single sigh and a brief, furious glance was all I got, but it was all I needed. Whether or not she acknowledged me, we both knew exactly for whom her display was intended. She guided me along with intentional tilts of the head. Her eyes drew the path that her hands and fingered trailed leisurely behind. I watched with a head swelled from ego as she ran her hands up and down her bare skin, peeling layer after layer off of her delicate, porcelain body. She begged — no, dared — me to touch her with the movements she made, but I knew better. I enjoyed the spectacle far too much to intervene. She ended her sensual performance by raising her legs over my shoulders. A full centerfold pose for my eyes only. She hovered her ankles over me and shot a gaze right through me, wicked as she was. She took her time removing her heeled sandals, her movements slow and deliberate. Her skin nearly glittered in the sunlight, pale and supple beneath the holes in the canopy. My eyes had recentered on her blushing womanhood, and I felt a weight settle in my breastbone. I was going to ravage her. I’d make her blush two shades darker. I’d fill that centerfold of mine with enough pleasure for fifteen Icha Icha novels. I’d put that wandering author to shame if he knew the things I’d do to—

“Well?” she chirped, snapping my attention from her blushing center to her lusty eyes. Showing mercy that I didn’t quite need, I felt her ankles lower onto my shoulders.

“Very good,” I exhaled my tension and touched my fingers to either ankle. I closed my eyes and pressed my lips to the fullest part of her fibula, her skin soothing my eros. I heard her let out a soft moan, which was followed by another as I grazed my teeth over the area I’d kissed. “I’m wondering now how to best reward your obedience.”

“Why don’t you come down here, and I’ll show you?” I could tell by her tone alone that he was growing impatient with me. Didn’t she know better by now? “Or are you going to make me spell it out for you?”

“It’s written in thick ink all over your face,” I snickered as my eyes fluttered open, and I traced every inch of her body with my eyes. I felt my ribs burning with renewed vigor as I trailed down her body, once again landing on her womanhood. “Not to mention elsewhere.”

“My eyes are up here.”

“I’m aware,” I hummed, readjusting so I could lean down. With a scalding breath and a well-placed flick of the tongue, I ignited her body in an instant. The guttural moan that escaped from her throat was intoxicating. I had done that. I had caused her body to emit such a visceral, primal response. I’d done it time and time again, but the repetition never once dulled the pleasure it brought me. Her nails clawed at the soft earth beneath her as I buried my face in her warmth, interlocking my lips with her core.

“Kabuto,” she panted with a heavy breath, her toes curling. I kept my tongue full and wet against her clit, the way I know she liked it, and it drove her mad. I could feel her skin blazing; her nerves nearly buzzed with the electrical impulses that initiated from my mouth. I couldn’t stand being filthy, and traces of dirt or blood or worse sent me into a frenzy. But when it came to Shikyo, I had trained myself to produce as much saliva as possible. I wanted to drown in the rain that her body produced for me. It was my body’s own visceral response, one that I couldn’t quite justify or explain. Perhaps it was because I knew I was the reason. Arousal fluid is, of course, a normal bodily response to intercourse; this I knew very well. But… Well, maybe it fed my ego to know just how aroused I got her. I found it incredibly flattering, especially since it was such a raw, genuine response. You simply can’t fake bodily reactions like that. I was eager for that response, for that stroke of my ego, and I circled my tongue around her clit. I sucked and tongued at her warmth, growing drunk on her nectar as she kept it flowing so generously.

Her breathing hitched as I overstimulated her, and she twisted and arched and writhed in my grip as I sucked out her very essence. I swirled the tip of my tongue over her clit and flicked it. I’d devour her until the end of days, even if it meant I’d have to restrain her. She let out another moan from the depths of her being, throwing her head back in mirth as I continued. I felt her fingers intertwining my hair, tugging at my bangs with every spark I generated within her. I could feel her beginning to quiver beneath my lips, and a pattern formed in the way her body tensed. Time to pull back. I ended my meal with a sloppy kiss, and I watched as a thread of mixed fluid trailed from her core to my lips as I pulled away.

“Fuck,” I heard her pant airily, and my eyes darted upwards. She held a hand to her forehead, then pressed her opposite fingers to her throbbing center.

“Don’t you dare,” I warned her sternly as I watched her fingers complete a single circle. I nearly choked on my breath as I watched her clit sparkle with fluid. It molded like wet clay to the shape of her fingertips. How dare she take that away from me. I stared her down as I lifted her hand, then pressed my tongue to her fingertips.

“Oh, Kabuto,” she huffed through the shiver that arrowed down her spine. Her lips parted once more into that exquisite O-shape — the one that drove me fucking wild — when I took her fingers into my mouth. Mm; fuck. I felt my eyes flutter, and I held them shut tight as I tried to calm down. My shaft had other plans, and I felt it tense and pitch against my boxers. Traitor. You truly can’t fake bodily reactions like that. I punished her for orchestrating my body’s transgressions against me, and an unholy moan spilled from her lips and into my ears.

“Quiet,” I growled through the fingers in my mouth, my eyes rolling as the mirth overwhelmed me. I was slipping; she always brought out the worst in me. I continued sucking on her fingers as I reclaimed what was rightfully mine, and I marionetted her warmth with my other hand. She shivered and twitched as I made my motions. I swirled my fingers against the internal edges of her being, pressing firmly as I made my fingers feel larger. I stroked them along the top of her cavity, sinking my fingertips deliberately. She danced for me in her own way, her inner walls convulsing and her body arcing as I conducted her symphony of pleasure — which was made complete with an intermittent, hushed harmony of moans.

“You’re going to soil my gloves, aren’t you, Shikyo?” This time my eyes nearly rolled to the back of my head as mirth overtook me. I let her fingertips dance across my bottom lip as I scolded her, and I sealed her punishment by slipping my fingers deeper. I was drunk. Nearly wasted. I would never willingly soil my gloves, and post-coital me would scold current me. But I didn’t care. I wanted nothing more than to drench myself in her sacred rain. Shikyo was a goddess, but I was her god. She bent to my whim, and if I’d commanded her to drench me, she’d do so without question. I asked this of her without words every time we had sex, and every time she obliged. This occurrence was no different, and I intended to reap what I had sown — even if it meant soaking my gloves in it first. Eventually I’d soak myself in it, and afterwards I’d want for nothing. I’d be complete; I’d be whole, even if it were for a moment. “Yeah, you are. You’re getting all. Over. Them.”

“Kabuto,” she sang for me, her breath soft and pleading. Another sporadic tensing. I was quietly thankful that she was too busy riding her own swells of pleasure to notice my twitching member. Despite my every effort to swallow my lust, my shaft betrayed me at every turn. Enough was enough. I let out a low growl as I gave one final, halfhearted protest, then withdrew my fingers from her throbbing pussy.

“Ngh!” Shikyo panted desperately as her insides hollowed out. She looked up at me, watching through evidently dizzy eyes as I swapped her fingers for my own. I cleaned her fluid with a swift flick of the tongue, then began disrobing. I watched as her body trembled before me, but I wouldn’t dare touch her. It was the masochist in me that drove this action. I could have her writhing with my mouth alone. She’d be screaming and panting and contorting if I’d slip just two of my fingers back inside her. A thumb to her clit would send her careening over the cliffs of pleasure. She was wired and ready for a throttling; I could see the anticipation vibrating beneath her skin like a live current. She panted anxiously, and I let her simmer in it. The fingers of her left hand interlaced with silvery locks as she gripped her bangs — an attempt to ground herself. I cast aside each layer of clothing as I watched her lie there. She squeezed her eyes shut and her lips parted slightly; she was focusing on something. What was it? Was it her fingers in my mouth? My lips engulfing her clit? My nails grazing over her g-spot? I couldn’t stand not knowing the definitive answer, and I clenched my teeth behind pursed lips as I fought with the bottom half of my clothing.

“Shikyo,” I growled, commandingly. I’d waited long enough.

“Hm…?” she breathed in her throat, the pitch of her voice high and gentle. I was on the verge of exploding, and she was lost in her own inebriation. I nearly lost my damn mind. I scrambled towards her, throwing myself as I crashed my lips into hers. I felt a gasp burst from her throat, and it resonated into my mouth. I made my way over her, my naked core straddling her waist, and took her face in my hands as I kissed her. She cried out again, fumbling as she tried to embrace me, then cried again and again each time I parted her lips with mine.

“Fuck, Kabuto…,” she cried breathlessly as she pressed her forehead to mine. I was fucking ravenous. I wouldn’t let her know a moment’s peace. I wasn’t fucking finished with her yet. She yelped as I threatened to suffocate her with my kiss. “Mmph!”

“Keep quiet,” I panted sternly, my words transferring to her skin as I brushed my lips against hers. She parted her lips with a soft pant, begging for me with the ragged edge of desire. I knew what she was doing. Reverse psychology. She wouldn’t dare kiss me, the way she was, without permission. But she begged and screamed for me to kiss her. I could feel her reeling me in, calling out to me. I graced myself with permission instead. My lips slipped against hers as I forged the ritual forward. Breath mixing with breath, skin slipping against skin, we continued to inch closer towards oneness — towards a uniformity and singular wholeness that defied the laws of physics. Connected for now by warmth and saliva, I slipped my tongue into her mouth.

“Mmmph!!” she huffed against my lips. I’d threatened to suffocate her before. I intended on it, now. I held her face as closely to my own as I could, my hands cupping her cheeks. I felt her supple skin embracing my fingertips, and they sunk snugly into the sides of her neck. I positioned my index fingers purposely under the temporomandibular joint. Less specifically, the ball-and-socket joint that connects the jawbone to the skull. Something carnal inside me drove this action. I was desperate to feel her jaw unhinging as she kissed me. I’d heard Shikyo and others refer to it as a kink of mine. Whatever it was propelled me forward, and our tongues intertwined and danced as we took the next step in our hedonistic ritual. I could feel her panting against me between each kiss, her breath shallow and ragged as she struggled to breathe. Her desire seared my skin, and I could feel the sweat percolating at my temples and forehead. She set my skin ablaze for the millionth time as she burned me alive with her lust. I had to escape; I pulled away.

“Kabuto,” Shikyo gave a full-bodied moan as she pleaded for the final time, fluttering her lashes as her vision focused in on me.

“I know,” I panted hoarsely as I looked into her eyes, my vision blurred behind the fog in my glasses. She needn’t ask me twice; I already knew because I was there myself. Sitting atop the precipice of desire, we couldn’t hold back. She needed me to take the leap, and I needed it for myself. I didn’t even hesitate. I glanced down to get my bearings as I adjusted, then looked back to watch her expression as I pressed myself against her dampened slit. Her eyebrows knotted. To fucking hell with permission. I slipped myself inside her, and I felt something unshackle within the depths of my being as a guttural moan escaped from my throat.

“Oh, fuck,” Shikyo groaned, articulating her profanity. Sooner or later I’d wash that mouth of hers out. Well, that was a lie. I never wanted her to stop cussing for me. She had such a filthy mouth, but so did I. I fucking loved the way she owned her profanity, allowing it to spill from her lips for my sake. I felt her womanhood quiver in relief as I filled her up, and I pushed her boundaries as I pressed ahead. I felt her cervix pulsate in and out of reach as my pelvis brushed against her lips. That’s as far as I go. Then I heard her speak again, “You’re going to run… every inch of you through me… aren’t you.” It was more of a confirmation than a question.

“Every fucking inch, Shikyo,” I panted my affirmation directly into her ear. She left me breathless when she spoke to me like that. That dirty, foul fucking mouth. I loved the words it spoke. It terrified me, the way she made me feel, because I was constantly losing control around her. There was no question as to whose authority was in place in any given moment. But she tore me down when she uttered words like this, so unabashed and unbridled. Her candor warmed something in me, something I couldn’t quite shackle away or ice over — no matter how hard I had repeatedly tried.

“Oh, FUCK!” she cried out, arching her back as she writhed in delight. “Fuck me, Kabuto. I’m begging you.”

“You’re such a good girl, Shikyo,” I panted again. I could feel how drunk I looked. Not a drop of alcohol, but I was plastered beyond recognition. This is what she did to me, and I praised her for it. “Taking me all the way in and begging me to fuck you with every inch I’ve got.”

“Don’t fucking patronize me,” she rolled her eyes, though the corners of her lips turned upwards in a thin smile. “I need you, you stupid, self-righteous fuck.”

“Yeah? Do you?”

“Fuck, Kabuto! Please!”

“Is that what you want?” I could feel my lips curl into a sickening smirk as my ego possessed me. Consciousness separated from my body, I pulled out nearly all the way before slipping myself back in. The pleasure felt ghostly; disconnected. I had to get a grip. My glasses slipped down the bridge of my nose as I gazed down at her, like a god gazing upon his divine sacrifice. Oh, how beautiful she was. She really did make me feel fifteen feet tall. I wanted to feel taller still. I felt my lips part as I bucked my hips into her once more. “Is this what you need?”

“Fuck, Kabuto; yes,” she whined through gritted teeth as she gripped her bangs betwixt her fingers. “I want you to fuck me, Kabuto, right fucking now. I need you right fucking now.”

“You have such a filthy mouth,” I growled, yet my body commanded me forward. My body knew that if I started, I’d hear her moan again. That’s what I wanted more than anything. No more words, just her screaming and moaning and panting for me. A symphony of devotion. So my hips moved rhythmically, my consciousness and body still split in two. But still I scolded her, “Do you know that?”

“Bite me,” she growled back, but let her head rest against the earth as I rocked her body back and forth. I leaned down and obliged her, though I gathered she hadn’t been serious when I heard her let out a huff as I sunk my teeth into the base of her neck, my lust threatening to pierce skin. As I bit deeper, she let out a whine that pitched between pleasure and pain. A phantom shiver pulsed through me as my eyes fluttered. If I could bottle a single vibration of air. I had what people would call ‘sadistic tendencies’. This sound alone could turn me full.

My panting and moans were nearly synchronized with hers, but I was lagging behind. A singularity was impossible — we were both painfully aware — but we could at least breathe as one. I just wasn’t quite there yet. I was too busy drowning in my own mirth, which hadn’t completely merged with hers. My goal in sight, I widened my stance and clawed at Shikyo’s hip as I readjusted her waist. She moaned hard in response but welcomed me further, tilting her hips forward and spreading her legs further apart. She always knew just what I wanted. What I needed. And I knew precisely what she wanted, what she needed, but I wasn’t ready to oblige. I felt her clit linger against my pelvic bone, but never longer than a moment. I knew she hated that. I knew how much it teased her; how crazy it drove her. I know she can’t cum like this, and that’s the intent. I’m not ready for you to cum just yet, Shikyo. I know when you’ll have had enough; that’s when I’ll allow it. I’ll know because you’ll know, and vice-versa.

I get very little enjoyment out of giving in. Perhaps that’s part of my sadistic tendencies. I never yield; not genuinely. Not without ulterior motive I intend to collect upon. Blessing her with an orgasm without her earning it was a stance I’d never budge on. I had some principles, after all. I had performed these calculations too many times to deny myself this pleasure. If I bided my time, I could cool her down just to rev her up again — and the payoff was always twofold. I’d run her through, just the way she asked me to, and I’d strike gold.

“Ngh… Unh… Kabuto.” And so it began. “I want… to get… Nngh! …on top of you.”

“Already?” I panted, a smile creasing my lips, and I felt a warmth in my face. A warmth I had repeatedly tried to lock away for good. I refused to let up on my rhythm, on my ravaging her body to and fro, so she nodded double-time to articulate her request. “Hold on to me.” Familiar with the routine, she held herself tight to me before I rolled us over. As I watched her sit upright, her eyes widened as she wiped furiously at her backside to clean the dirt from her hair and skin. I couldn’t help but laugh internally. You’re the one who wanted this, Shikyo. I wasn’t pleased about the dirt, either. But I had a much more pressing matter to attend to. A snicker escaped from my lips as I trailed my fingers up along her delicate curves. She sucked in a tense breath as her skin raised along the trail I left, and she swayed as my hands molded and shaped her body.

“Ngh! Unh… hnn…”

A trio of cries emerged from Shikyo’s throat as I ran my fingertips over her nipples. Fuck, was she sensitive. I’d wound her tight by purposely ignoring them. I knew better than to indulge her with everything all at once. She panted softly as her head hung back, her spine arcing as I twisted and pulled. She may have been on top of me, but I was still in full control. She told me on several occasions she was thankful I was good with my hands. I’d patched her up more times than I should’ve needed to, but we both knew what she meant. As long as my fingertips had access to her body, she’d relinquish control to me over and over. Subtle vibrations cradled my core, and I knew the power I had over her. Twist, pinch; twist, pinch.

“Mmph!! Mmn… Mmm, Kabuto…”

She loved when I did this, and I loved watching her spiral.

“Shikyo,” I cooed back at her. I kept my voice low in my throat as I flashed her a lusty gaze.

“Oh, fuck,” she winced through gritted teeth as she pressed her hands into my chest, then lifted herself up. Jackpot. I let out a mirthful gasp as she slammed back into me, and I couldn’t help but laugh softly as she began a rhythm. She started off slow, tugging and nudging, tugging and nudging. Her pussy was so fucking tight around me she could barely move. Eventually a second wave came, slicking every inch of me as she threatened yet again to swallow me whole. She alternated between grace and greed as she bounced on top of me. Every slap of skin-on-skin was complemented with her panting and contrasted with a carnal squelching, and it echoed against the forest canopy.

“You get so fucking wet for me, Shikyo,” I snickered, my breath airy. I slipped my hands from her breasts for a moment to squeeze her hips in praise.

“Mmmph!!” she whined, biting her lip as she threw her head back in reply. “You feel so fucking good, Kabuto.”

“Ngh!” I gave a low growl, my nails digging further into her skin. I wasn’t expecting such an admission in that moment. Her praise enveloped me, and my observation must have done the same. I groaned and panted as I felt her grinding into me, her pubic bone desperately trying to connect with mine. She was on a warpath, now. “Oh, fuck.”

“Kabuto! Kabuto…!” She dug her knees into my sides, nails clawing desperately at my chest as she rode me hard. I tugged at her hips to guide her motions and watched as her eyebrows knotted in delight. Now I was losing patience. And then I heard her utter the words, “I… I need you.”

I bit my lip and nodded at her; we’d both had enough. I took my glasses off and placed them gently on the ground. At this point, they were superfluous — I could feel her physically begging for me. She also knew that when I took my glasses off, I was done fucking around; that’s when we could get rough. She leaned in close to me, her nose centimeters away from mine, and our existences finally synchronized. We let out raw, elongated moans as her clit and pelvis dug into me. I had closed my eyes as I became enslaved to the pleasure, and she took advantage of it. I felt her lips press forcefully against mine.

“Mmph,” was the sole noise that emanated from the back of my throat as I kissed her back. She lay flat as she grinded against me, and we clawed desperately at one another. I felt her fingers gripping my hair as I scraped my nails up her spine. She tilted her hips to and fro as she generated that sultry friction, and I felt my heartbeat pulsating in my pubic bone. I’ve sworn before that she would rub me raw if it weren’t for her generous lubrication. In turn, she’d ask me how it would be possible to get even closer to me. I’d tell her it was simply impossible to occupy the same space. Yet, in spite of it all, we’d try again and again and again. Our simultaneous breaths and pleasure were as close as we’d ever get. I didn’t care, and neither did she. We’d just keep trying.

She kept her strokes shallow, my tip knocking against her cervix repeatedly. I felt feverish as she sent pulses through me, wondering if maybe today would be the day we’d fully intertwine. Her breath was so damn hot on my face, but I sucked it in like the raging inferno I was. We played catch as I moaned into her mouth, but we pitched at the same time. I’d burn up a million times over if it meant we could stay like this. If I could do this forever. In this moment, every damn time, this was the only thing I cared about. This was the only thing that mattered to me. I’d sever my own arteries if it meant I could fuck her for the rest of eternity.

“Okay,” she panted in the gaps between my kiss. “Okay. Now I… really… need you.”

“I’ve been waiting,” I purred, sheer desire moving my lips as I smiled at her. That inebriated detachment came in handy. I stole one last kiss from her — one that produced a mind-numbing whine — before she could grant me access to her breasts. She teased herself on me, circling her hips over my pelvis as she pushed the boundaries of her walls. I knew she loved how full I felt inside her because I was right there with her. I’d sworn in solitude that she was the perfect fit. She corkscrewed up and down along a shallow distance as she propped herself upright, then readjusted as I took her nipple into my mouth.

“Oh, fuck!! Oh!!” she moaned hoarsely, continuing as I teased her. I traced circles with my tongue and pinched with my fingers, and my expert handiwork yielded a melody. She screamed and moaned for me as she neared her climax, and I felt her womanhood affirming the notion.

It wouldn’t take long, now.

“Mmph… Unh… Hah, hunh, hahh! Kabuto! Kabuto!”

I snickered in my throat as I could hear the volume of her cries increasing.

“Kabuto!! Kabuto!! Kabuto!” She opened her legs, widening her stance as she pressed deeper into me. That was all I had to give, and it was all she could take as she forced me to bottom out with each stroke. She cried out in pleasure as I stood firm, my tip snug and unmoving against her final barrier. Oh fuck, yes. My head was swimming in waves of pleasure. She pushed past that tightness and continued undulating. I kept my pinches and nips varied to keep her barreling down the track, but I cursed inwardly at how I felt myself jerking inside her. If only it were her release I had to worry about. Something carnal, something primal burned in the pits of my stomach when I bottomed out against her. She trembled around me every time I did, making me feel like my every inch had the potential to set her off. Through her body she begged me to pierce right through her, to dive deeper into unifying with her. She engulfed me so greedily, so unabashedly.

It was intoxicating.

“Kabuto!! KABUTO!!” Her tone was desperate; she was nearly there.

“Mmmph,” I groaned, my eyes fluttering and rolling. I’d never get enough of her gorgeous voice screaming my name. I was her one and only god, and she’d scream solely for me. I instinctively placed a hand on her ass and began to help guide her back towards those screams.

“Oh, FUCK,” she gasped helplessly as I felt her clench briefly around me. “Just like that… Just like that.”

“Mmph! Mmmph.”

Fuck I couldn’t wait. She dug her nails into me, anchoring herself to me like I was her springboard. My tongue slipped across one nipple, and my fingers kneaded the other. A struggle for control and a fight for release. She grinded rhythmically against me, begging me to push her over the edge. Then I heard her breathing hitch.

“Kabuto! KABUTO! KABUTO!! KABUTOOOOO!!!” she wailed, crying out as she quivered violently around me. Pleasure exploded from the depths of her womanhood, igniting her from head to toe as I blew her fuse. She clenched, clenched, and quivered as her pussy spasmed, and she dug her nails into my chest as she focused on it. Sweet fucking release.

“Fuck, Shikyo,” I panted, my eyes closing as I lowered my head to the ground. I let my left hand trail along from her breast to her ass, then squeezed it with both hands. She let out a desperate moan — which was complemented by an involuntary, vaginal squirm — then looked down at me with those dreamy, post-bliss eyes. I smiled up at her, that warmth in my face now flushing my cheeks.

“Oh, Kabuto,” she whimpered as she leaned down and pressed her lips to mine. I snickered through the gap as I kissed her in return, then gave her bottom lip a nibble.

“Don’t go limp on me just yet,” I purred, brushing my nose against hers. I could feel her fading as her weight grew heavy on me. “I’m not quite finished with you.”

“Oh, fuck,” she panted with a thin smile. She closed her eyes and pressed her forehead to mine, and I gave her another chuckle. “Okay… Okay. Where do you want me to go…?”

“I want you to get on your knees for me,” I commanded bluntly.

“Uunh…!” A shiver rippled through her. “Mmph… Okay.”

“Good girl.”

“Don’t—”

“I’m not fucking patronizing you,” I laughed as I cupped her cheeks in my hands. “I just love it when you’re obedient.”

“Like I’m your slutty little subordinate,” she pouted and rolled her eyes.

“Exactly like you’re my slutty little subordinate.” I gave a deep, throaty moan as she took the words out of my mouth, then crashed my lips into hers. “Mmph.”

“Mmn!” Shikyo gasped in surprise. She kissed me back, gripping at the back of my head to keep me close. I tried to focus less on my throbbing cock and more on her lips, so I ran my tongue over her them and nibbled intermittently. Her lips were so velvety between my teeth, so soft and fragile — and filled with so much blood. I’d have given anything to taste her blood after having drank her essence and getting her to orgasm. I’d wish she’d give up more of herself to me. I was willing to bet that if her blood spilled down my throat, it’d cool me off. Her breath was so damn hot against my lips, but I could taste the desperation on it. She begged for me still, even after I had made her cum. She was as insatiable as I was. I bit and nipped and kissed her until her moans became winces, then slipped my hands down to her hips.

“I need to get behind you.”

“Okay, okay,” Shikyo panted breathlessly. I guided her hips upwards but felt a stubborn resistance. “Oh, fuck; easy…,” she whined and nearly bit through her lip as her eyes shot down to watch. “Easy, easy, easy.”

“You’re like a fucking vice grip, Shikyo,” I gave a hearty laugh as I squeezed her hips. Her body was adamant about not giving me up, her movements lagging behind my hands. She panted and whined through a bitten lip, her head hanging limply. Eventually, a bittersweet release came, and I cooled down at least one degree. With a soft moan, Shikyo removed herself from her pedestal, gracefully withdrawing her leg as she got on her knees for me. As she made herself comfortable — hips raised, ass out — I positioned myself behind her. Clenching my teeth as I looked upon her gorgeous figure, I only allowed myself the pleasure of pressing my tip to her warmth. Regathering myself, I ran my fingertips along her hips and ass and trailed my eyes along the pattern I ghosted across her skin.

“I thought…,” Shikyo panted as she attempted to readjust herself, but I backed up, “you had a clock up your ass.”

“Honestly, Shikyo,” I purred, my eyes fluttering as she dared challenge me, “the nerve you have to rush me is astounding.”

“I’m not…! Rushing you,” she sighed helplessly.

“What’s the matter, then? Hm?”

“You’re the one who told me… not to go limp on you.”

“Who says I’ve gone limp?” I snickered. I withdrew from her opening, then pressed my cock gently to her labia. She let out a moan as she glanced over her shoulder, and I smirked down at her. I’d show her. Hand to base, I guided myself along the folds in her warmth. As I grinded against her clit, she clenched her shoulders and let out a hushed gasp. I had all the time in the world to tease her. My eros guided me, and my ego swelled well past its brink. There was no room left for concern. I was too busy wetting myself in her holy water, drenching my center in her very essence. Fuck was she wet. I rubbed myself on her clit — first in strokes, then in circles as I’d indulge in the essence that soaked her. She panted and whined as I teased her, huffing when I’d press my tip against her opening just to pull away again.

“Kabutooo.” Her cry was like a siren song in my ears. My heart fluttered briefly.

“What’s the matter?” I cooed indulgently. “Are you not done with me?”

“No, Kabuto,” she sighed as she stroked my ego, “I’m not done with you.”

“Oh, you’re not, are you?” I snickered, then pressed myself against her nub once more. “How gluttonous of you.”

“Is this about me… or you, Kabuto?” she panted in exasperation as she leaned back into me. Not yet, Shikyo.

“Why not the both of us?” The question sounded more rhetorical than I’d intended. Of course I was intent on pleasing her, too. But I needed to calm down just a little more…

“Are you going to make me beg, again?”

“That wasn’t my intent,” I hummed, then gave an airy snicker as I entertained the thought. But I decided against it. Not today. I pressed my tip further into her warmth, then slipped myself in. My jaw went slack as my eyes fluttered. “I think I’ll spare you this time around.”

“Thank fuck,” Shikyo whined hard, allowing herself to drop to her elbows. I couldn’t help but laugh. She had no filter, and I found it so refreshing. She took all the guesswork out of reading people. Somehow it kept me on my toes, but in a way I reveled in. My laugh lulled into a hum as I slipped deeper, then extinguished as an indulgent moan as I felt her gripping me.

“You’re so fucking tight, Shikyo; damn it,” I growled selfishly, pulling back out. “But you’re fucking soaked. Guess I’ll have to do this inch by inch.”

“Don’t you fucking dare,” Shikyo protested, her tone indicating near exhaustion.

I let loose another laugh. “Are you going to cum again before I’m done?”

“If you don’t hurry up, I just might.”

“You better take full responsibility when Orochimaru-sama asks why we deliberately disobeyed his orders.”

“Nng!” she moaned as I slipped another inch into her, then withdrew. “Why are you so… hah! Nng! …insistent on teasing me?”

“At this point, I can’t even get inside you,” I chuckled, continuing my futile attempts. “Why don’t you pleasure yourself for a little bit and help me?”

“Uunh!” A guttural noise erupted from Shikyo’s throat. I knew that would set her off. My sadistic tendencies paid off once more. “Are you… kidding me?”

“I have to do everything myself, hm?” I clicked my tongue at her. I continued my attempt to open her up, but brought my index finger to my mouth. I gave it a brief lick, then pressed it against her clit. Another guttural moan. I closed my eyes as I focused on how she felt. “That’s it…”

Plunging and circling, I orchestrated her to my whim — and she cried out with every movement I made. I marveled at how sensitive she was while knowing full well I was the reason. If I had been more sober, I would have been more conscientious of all the noise she was making. Too bad I wasn’t. I spiraled as she continued to sing for me, my vision swirling behind the motions of my finger. I’d felt her inner cavern slowly relaxing, and something in me hangered for the tightness to return. I’d done more than enough waiting. I dug my nails into her hips, holding her tightly in place, then dove back inside her.

“Oh, fuck! Kabuto!!”

“Oh, Shikyo,” I moaned harshly. I leaned further into her, reaching for her divine gate, biting my lip the entire journey. I had tunnel vision as I plowed towards her cervix, which vignetted and tightened as I felt her quivering around me. I gave her fair warning: “One more time.”

“Mmn,” she whimpered, then let out another cry as I rammed back into her. I slapped a hand to my forehead and nearly bit through my bottom lip from the pleasure.

“I’ll never get tired of that.”

“Kabuto,” she breathed as she ran her fingers through her hair.

“You’re in no position to be making any demands, Shikyo. Not after making me open you up myself. Your pussy’s so fucking tight.”

“KABUTO!” She let loose another guttural cry. “Oh, for fuck’s sake!”

“Hah! You’re awfully vocal today,” I gave a hearty chuckle. “I’d like to say much more than you usually are.”

I withdrew once more for my own indulgence, then began our sybaritic ritual for a second time. I pressed my index finger to her clit one more time, then returned my hand to her hip to hold her steady. By the way she was backing into me, matching my rhythm, I guessed I had waited too long to cool down. I wondered if I’d have to make her cum a second time. The thought alone made me chuckle; it wouldn’t have been the second time – nor the fifteenth. I’d already formulated the quickest pathway to get her there if need be. I tested the theory of her second orgasm as I undulated into her, my diaphragm expelling airy chuckles and moans as I collided with her. She panted in time with my strokes, her vocalization varying as I kissed her cervical wall repeatedly. I knew she wanted me to run her through. I knew what she was asking based off her body language alone. She was getting that second wind I had theorized about, and it’s because she was so focused on getting me to bottom out.

“Kabuto,” she panted helplessly, her voice barely rising above the slapping of skin.

“Shikyo,” I hummed back at her, my lips creasing into a smirk. Almost as if she were on cue. I gave her ass a firm smack as I commended her, continuing my thrusts. “Do you have any idea how good you feel?”

“Kabuto.” A complementary tensing in her inner sanctum told me exactly what I wanted to know.

“What’s the matter, Shikyo? Am I driving you crazy? Is the pleasure too much?”

“If you don’t hurry up, I’m going to need you again,” she huffed as she squeezed her shoulders together.

“You are insatiable, you greedy little harlot,” I cooed through clenched teeth, leaning in close to pour the words over her. “You came for me, and already you want to cum again. And I haven’t even gotten a chance to. I have half a mind to tell you to finish me off yourself.”

“Nng,” she croaked.

“But,” I continued, clicking my tongue as I shortened my strokes and kept close to her, “my other half refuses to give up this position. To see you on your knees for me… in the middle of this garden of mystique… Nng! Unh… writhing into me? Mmmph; no.” I bit my fucking lip again, the pain grounding me. “Absolutely not.”

I’d vowed that one day I’d wash her filthy mouth out, but I was a hypocrite. I loved talking to her like that, and I knew she did, too. I think the reaction my words roused out of her trained me into enjoying it. I’d roused desperation with this dialogue; she was grinding into me as I tunneled through her. Slap, slap, slap. Fuck, it felt so damn good. Too good, apparently.

“Kabuto… Kabuto,” she whined for me, glancing at me from over her shoulder. Her hair was tousled, a beautiful mess of silver and black as it cascaded over and across her face. My eyes widened as I looked over her disheveled state.

“Mmm; fuck, Shikyo,” I hummed. I felt the corners of my mouth curl into a crooked, wicked smirk as I looked her over. I hadn’t even ejaculated yet, and she had that “just-fucked” look. She was completely at my mercy — and looked the part. She looked as desperate as her womanhood felt as it clung to me. I wiped at the sweat percolating on my forehead, ruffling my bangs as I generated a phantom breeze. My vision swirled more as I gripped tightly at her hips, plowing through her.

“KABUTO!!”

Oh, FUCK.

“I didn’t… mm! Hah… want to cum… just yet,” I panted breathlessly, “but I want to…”

“Cum for me, Kabuto,” Shikyo pleaded desperately, coaxing an orgasm out of me. She sounded like she wanted it as badly as I did. “I want you to cum for me…!”

“Nnng! Mmph…” I let out groan after grunt as I felt my manhood jerk inside her. “Mmn! Nng; Shikyo… I need you…”

“What, Kabuto? What do you need¬—”

“I need you to stop. Moving,” I growled, my eyebrows knotting as I dug my nails into her hips. She let out a yelp as she halted but laid her upper half on the ground as she relinquished control. “Oh, fuck; stay down there. And put… your arms behind you.”

I needed something to hold on to. What I really needed was a wall to rail her up against, but her arms were the only thing at my disposal to keep her steady. She did so without hesitation, throwing her arms behind her back and crossing them over one another. Self-induced shibari. She let out a soft moan when I gripped her forearms, permitting me to rip through her.

“Mmmm! Unh; fuck!”

I had orchestrated a symphony out of her, but now it was my turn. I bucked my hips forcefully into her, my strokes long and deep as I begged for a final time to break down her fortress wall. Moans and growls escaped from the origins of my being as I fucked her with a primal lust. My consciousness detached from my body one last time, then splintered off from reality. I had a moment of clarity that I’d forget entirely in my post-coital state: this was bliss. The two of us, utterly intertwined. Giving our entirety to one another. This was the only thing that mattered to me. This, and this alone, was my purpose.

“Kabuto! Kabuto!! KABUTO!!”

“Moan for me, Shikyo,” I grunted through clenched teeth. Slap, slap, slap. “Tell me how good I feel.”

“Oh, god, Kabuto!! Mm; fuck, you feel so good!”

“Fuck!!” An unholy, guttural noise emerged from an untraceable point of origin as I moaned for her. It was deep and raw, and it strained my throat to emit. “I want… Nng!! …to scream for you, Shikyo…”

“Scream for me, Kabuto,” Shikyo whined, begging for it while simultaneously giving me permission. I bit my lip in gratitude as I dug my nails into her forearms, steadying us both. “Scream for me…! Cum for me…! Fuck, Kabuto; please!!”

“Oh, FUCK!!” A few more powerful thrusts, and an overwhelming explosion. “SHIKYO!! SHIKYOOO!!!”

My screams emerged from a rigid jaw and an open throat, complemented by a pulsing through my shaft as sweet release finally engulfed me. Shikyo let loose an unadulterated cry as she felt me coursing through her, and my eyebrows knotted. I slowed down, letting up on her searing pussy and the arms I had anchored myself to. I kept my strokes slow and sensual as I rode out the remainder of my orgasm, then gripped one last time at her forearm before squeezing her hip. I felt a secondary wave vibrate through me, and the noise that emerged from my throat wavered between a laugh and an elongated moan.

“Oh, Shikyo,” I chuckled warmly, my voice still deep in my throat. “Mm, you felt so fucking good. You feel”—here I pressed my lower body to hers, balls to clit—“so good.”

“Kabutooo…!” Shikyo moaned hard and long as her walls phantom-clenched around me.

“Go on,” I chuckled again. “Sing for me. Tell me how I felt. Tell me how hard I fucked you, and how you loved every second of it.”

“Kabuto!” she snapped, her voice hoarse.

Drowning in my state of severance, I once again came to the same conclusion I had many times before. A lesson I’d be enlightened by — and forget without a trace just as quick. There was nothing I enjoyed more than being in control. I relish it, even. I have felt nothing but guided and unaccountable in every aspect of my life; every single decision and word having been decided for me by numerous external origins. Having control over subordinates, especially Shikyo, was the one semblance of power I had in this world.

And yet I still needed permission. Who was Shikyo to me really that I needed to ask permission to scream for her? She was technically my underling. I’d given myself permission for myriad things, numerous times. Screaming in pleasure should not have been one of them. I shouldn’t need to ask permission; so why the fuck did I? Why did I, over and over, every time we fucked? Why did I need to know that she wants to hear my voice screaming her name just as much as I wanted to scream it for her? Why did I need to hear her tell me how she wants me to run through every inch of her? I know just how bad she wants me, and just how desperate she gets for me. I know she loves the way I feel, the way we fuck, because I love it all the same. But it’s one thing to know, and another to be told. So why did I need these stupid, petty affirmations, if my knowledge was sound?

I knew the answer. I go through these motions every single goddamn time and arrive at the same conclusion. Maybe it’s because I’ll never articulate it that I never remember once the bliss decays and reality seeps back in. People say that spoken words become reality, after all.

And I didn’t have room for the terrifying reality of requiring validation.

I grounded myself, instead, by scolding her once more.

“Cocktease.”

“Kabuto.”

“Don’t snap at me,” I clicked my tongue as I pressed a finger to her clit. “I’m not asking much of you.”

“I love the way you fuck me,” she huffed desperately, twisting so she could look over her shoulder. “And I love the way you feel.”

“And I love the way you cum for me,” I snickered in a wicked, self-indulgent tone. “And how wet you get for me. Mmph! I’m afraid I haven’t brought anything to clean you with, though.”

“Yeah, I was afraid of that,” Shikyo let out a sigh as her head hung low.

“I think you’ll soak through our supply of bandages,” I purred nonchalantly as cold, hard logic began to reclaim my brain. “That won’t do.”

“Oh, fuck,” she bit her lip as she watched me begin to pull out, and a broken moan emerged from her throat as I retreated. I watched with blissfully drunken eyes as our unified, divine rainfall spilled from her sacred cavity, and I ran my fingers through my bangs to keep calm. “What am I supposed to do, now?”

“I haven’t gotten that far,” I shook my head, my focus lasering in on her glistening pussy. “I’m too busy enjoying the view.”

“Oh, you hedonist!” she groaned as she adjusted herself upright. “Oh, fucking hell.”

“Oh fucking, yes,” I laughed lowly as I watched more pour out of her. Shaking the excess from my shaft, I continued, “You really bring out the worst in me, huh? All that cum and all this cursing. The both of us are a filthy mess.”

“Will you get a grip,” Shikyo demanded of me more than questioned. “I have half a mind to think you wanted me just as badly, you little slut.”

“Oh, watch that mouth,” I tutted, a coo in my voice as my vision blurred momentarily, “or I’ll cut out that tongue of yours.”

“And deprive yourself the pleasure of my singing your praises? Spare me the empty threats, scalpel bitch,” Shikyo rolled her eyes. She truly was a wicked little subordinate.

“If I didn’t love the sound of your voice screaming my name, I’d feel otherwise,” I shrugged her comment off as I fell from my high. No more time for luxurious pleasantries; we have work to do. “I think I’ll leave it intact for now. Besides…,” I trailed off as I leaned in close, “I love the way it feels against my cock.”

“Kabuto!” Shikyo growled as she punched my arm. I had chosen those words carefully, but somehow I hadn’t anticipated her following through with a punch. I gave a hearty laugh, candidly amused in that moment, and it lingered on my lips as I kissed her passionately. I sealed that sentiment on her lips with a smack!, and she let out a soft moan. A chuckle released and dissipated on her lips before I withdrew, and I caught a glimpse of her longing stare before I moseyed over to my clothes. Donning my glasses first, I then fished around the pile for my satchel.

“These are the only bandages we have, so try not to soak through them all; okay?”

“How many times am I going to warn you,” she growled through tightly pursed lips, “not to patronize me?”

“I’m asking politely,” I raised my eyebrows. “And being realistic.”

“One of these days, Kabuto,” Shikyo shook her head in a pseudo-threatening manner as she swiped the bandages I offered. “I swear on the Hokage.”

“Not aloud you don’t,” I warned with a smirk. It appears both of us had returned to our usual states of mind. “If you were a loyalist, I think I’d take that threat more seriously. Too bad you’re not.”

“Well, I’d never swear on Orochimaru-sama’s life,” she huffed as she unraveled the bandages, then decided she had taken too much. “He’s far too important.”

“And that’s why I know you never mean it,” I hummed in self-satisfaction. “Besides, if you had meant it, you would’ve done it already. But I’d bet for certain that you would never lay a finger on me in any meaningful way.”

“Yeah? Whaddya wanna bet?”

“You don’t have anything I need,” I shook my head, my tone flat. I stole a furtive glance to see her glaring me down, but I busied myself with dressing. Absentmindedly, I mused, “The one thing I’d want you’ve already given to me, anyway.”

“So then why say something so asinine and pompous?” Shikyo snarled, a venomous smirk creasing her lips.

“You know…,” I stopped and pondered my own words. Why would I say something so asinine? “That’s a good point. Maybe you’re rubbing off on me, after all, Shikyo. I’m not sure why I proposed something I wasn’t willing to collect on.”

“I can’t say I take that as a compliment,” she huffed. She distracted herself with the bandages instead of lingering on the thought.

“Take it how you will,” I shrugged, indifferent. “I’m just making an observation.”

“My hand’s starting to itch…”

“Oh?”

“Yeah; itching to slap you across the face.”

“Would you quit making those empty threats?” I rolled my eyes as I pulled my pants on. “It’s incredibly unbecoming of you, not to mention cowardly. If you’re so eager to slap me, then do it already.”

“You’re such a little shit, you know that?”

“Stop barking and bite me already,” I sneered, my lips curling into a wicked smirk. My eyes narrowed as I glared her down, and I watched as she boiled up inside.

“Will the two of you quit it, already?”

“Moro,” Shikyo choked as she watched the canine approach. I shook my head as I glanced between the two of them, Morosoki’s tail low to the ground.

“Enough of your petty pissing game,” the wolf huffed. “You’ve allowed yourselves to get awfully distracted. …Hurry up and get dressed, Shikyo.”

“I hardly expected you to be the voice of reason in this scenario, Morosoki,” I chuckled, my mood easing as I enjoyed the surprise. A ragdoll wolf from essentially the pits of Hell. Hardly my first choice as a voice of reason; yet here he was. He didn’t speak often, especially to me, but didn’t mince words when the time came.

“You,” Morosoki growled, lowering his head at me as his gaze hardened. “Stop antagonizing her.”

“I’m just trying to instill upon her proper manners, is all.” I wasn’t terribly concerned with how elitist my tone was. The two of them could take it as they pleased; it’s not like I wasn’t telling the truth. I adjusted my glasses to appear fallible.

“What did I just say,” Morosoki dinned. The two of us watched as Shikyo clenched her jaw, reacting quietly to my comment. She finished cleaning herself, then glared angrily at me. Guess she didn’t take it well. A pang of guilt pierced me, if only for a moment.

“So help me,” Shikyo threatened under her breath as she got to her feet, then proceeded to dress herself. Showing me disdain, she presented me with a genuine cold shoulder. She’d never turn her back on me — she knew better — but she didn’t face me head-on. She glared at me occasionally from the corner of her eye, with or without my attention being on her in the first place. She finished dressing in silence, but I could tell her mind was churning question over question. Her eyebrows twitch, knotting forward for a millisecond, and her mouth tends to pull in a subtle pout. I knew every quirk and spasm, and I could tell whatever she was mentally dissecting was taking all her focus. She huffed as she tied her belt sash and smoothed it out, then folded her arms over her chest as the finishing touch.

“Okay. Let’s get going.”

“Oh, so soon?” I hummed, gesturing sarcastically to her. For all that intense milling, she seemed eager to move on. I made my way over to her, but stopped short when I heard her grumble faintly. Her lips were pulled tight in a dissatisfied pout, her eyebrows furrowed in equal dissatisfaction as she glared daggers through me.

“Lighten up, won’t you?” I cocked my head to the side, my eyebrows arched. “Misumi won’t take kindly to you being cranky through this whole portion of the exam.”

“Shut it,” Shikyo snapped as she clenched my cheeks in her fingers. The pressure contorted my mouth into a pout, and I raised my eyebrows. This was a brash action I hadn’t expected. I did, at the very least, find it amusing — though I wasn’t exactly fazed. Her gaze nearly penetrated right through me, though I could tell it was halfhearted. She hadn’t exactly slapped me, but this wasn’t something she had thoroughly enjoyed, either. I stood hostage in her grip for a minute or two; then I heard her let out a grunt as she released her grip. Without a word she turned away from me and went to walk away, but I grabbed her by the arm.

“What—” she whined in an irritated voice, but I shushed her with my lips. Shut up and kiss me. She eventually gave in and let out a moan as she kissed me back, accepting what little penance I offered as I reasserted my dominance. Nothing brought me greater pleasure than watching her squirm, watching her argue with me, but I never really meant anything by it. She kept me on my toes — and I her — and that was just a facet of our relationship. But I refused to simply let her walk away after that little outburst.

Satisfied that she and I were back on the same page, I broke away.

“Come on.” I let go of her arm so I could coax her along with a tap on the ass. “Let’s get going.”

I walked past her as I led the way back to Misumi, and I heard her trailing along behind me — her footsteps soft against the ground. She really is such a good girl.

“It’s about damn time,” Misumi growled, his fingers pressed to his forehead as he watched us approach.

“I hope you weren’t bored to tears,” I chuckled. “Thanks for keeping watch.”

“Yeah, yeah,” Misumi sighed angrily. “You took a helluva lot longer than a half hour, Kabuto.”

“Did I?” I blinked in surprise, not pleased with the tone or audacity he addressed me with. “I wasn’t keeping track.”

“Can we get on with the exam, now? I’d prefer not to die in this godawful forest.”

“The others have certainly gotten a head start,” I feigned concern as I placed a hand on my hip, rolling my eyes towards Shikyo. “We should probably get a move on.”

“I told you to shut it,” she growled, folding her arms over her chest once again. “If we had a lock of hair or a thread of clothing, Moro could track any of them all the way across the forest.”

“Yeah, but we don’t have any of that,” Misumi snapped at her, giving her a glare.

“Don’t be so testy, Misumi,” I purred as I gave a warning nod to my second underling. “We’ll just have to work harder to find them.”

“Great,” Misumi groaned as he limbered up. “Let’s get going, already, then.”

“Mm,” I gave a hum as I looked between both subordinates, then to Morosoki. “Alright, let’s go. Keep up with me, you two.”

“Yeah, yeah,” Shikyo and Misumi bleated in their own ways as they readied themselves, then sprung at my heels as I led them into the belly of the forest.