【”You know, for a few days, I actually thought things were going well】
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【Main Hall→Ino’s old room→The new rooms】
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【#6D0F8A】
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【Main Hall→Ino’s old room→The new rooms】
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【#6D0F8A】
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After getting kicked out of his boyfriend’s place, Ino had, for lack of a better word, moped. He’d spent days in bed, staring at the ceiling, his eyes drifting back and forth as he tried to process what had happened. Slowly, food had run out and he’d stopped bothering to replenish it. The one time he’d tried, he’d picked up truffle and vinegar for a dish he’d promised to make, then threw out all the groceries in a fit of pique. The only thing he still bothered with was coffee, and even then...some mornings it all ended up down the drain when he caught himself pouring two cups instead of one.
After weeks of this, he’d slowly started moving again, his energy fixed on one goal and one goal only. He still had his ticket to the Prince’s Gala, and he was damn well going to be there.
He’d almost considered not going, true. But it had been his envy that dragged him out of the funk.
He would be there. The one who had stolen his lover and upended all of his plans. And Ino would get back at him if it was the last thing he did.
So he’d forced himself up and into action. He’d gone shopping with the very best tailors, for a series of stunning outfits. He’d contracted with a prodigious human, giving up the chance at a soul for an outfit unlike anything anyone had ever seen, granting him success in return. Anyone who saw one of his designs would be seized with fierce envy until they owned one just like it.
Technically, it wasn’t against the treaty. He’d go so far as to say that he’d helped that human.
He’d worn that outfit on the first night, the ones by demon designers after it. He had more outfits than he needed, but he’d found excuses to change and show them off, one after the other. He’d spent the last days in a haze of indulgences, showing that he was bright, vivacious, undamaged by hurts.
He’d spent the time circling around his enemy, seeking his chance for revenge.
It was around lunch on the final day, and he was dressed simpler than usual. The plain white shirt was billowing and gauzy, slipping off his shoulders and held together with ties down the sleeves, before cinching in at the waist. His pants folded around his supple legs, showing off all of his figure. A red sash at his waist brought it all together, as did the ruby at his throat and the roses stitched on his heeled boots. It was a lovely, casual sort of outfit, but as evening fell, these festivities would demand...more.
When he arrived at his room, though, there was a guard there, one who unabashedly checked him out before clearing his throat.
“Mr. Cense. Ah... Ino. The Prince sends his regards and has arranged a special room for your final night.”
Ino’s heart jumped into his throat, and he had to swallow hard before he had himself under control.
“That’s...truly generous,” he murmured, casting his eyes down. “Will you show me the way?”
It was...very surprising, but there were plenty of ways in which it made sense. They headed for a more isolated part of the castle, and Ino tried to draw things together. The Prince likely wanted to talk, but all things considered, it wasn’t surprising that he’d want this meeting to be private. There was likely a note there, with further instructions. If he was right…
His heart was fluttering like a bird’s, and he didn’t notice anything amiss when the guard bowed, waving him forward into the room. It was fairly lavish, like everything here was. A low table, wood threaded with gold, was set between two couches, upholstered with soft black leather. Across from them was a huge fireplace with shining golden grates, currently swept clean. On the mantle was a massive portrait of the Prince and his bride, standing together comfortably, looking for all the world like old friends.
Ino snickered when he saw it, quickly turning away.
“Humble, isn’t he?” he asked the guard, looking over his shoulder but...there was no guard. For that matter, there was no door either. Ino flew at the wall, slamming his fist against it, then stumbled back, shaking his hand.
“Ow…” he whined, glaring at the wall as though it had hit him, and not the other way around.
His chest felt tight, but he backed up, looking around the room. There...there had to be an explanation. He needed to explore.
There were 8 openings set into the walls. Only one had a door, so that was where he went first. Predictably, it was locked. Maybe there was a key somewhere? He needed to check the other rooms. He started to the left. Each room had a huge bed, soft, with pillars that sent a pang through his heart. Empty wardrobes with elegant scrollwork, with shelves and racks waiting to be filled. A desk and a chair tucked into the corner. Though there was no door into the room, there was a door in the room, and beyond it, Ino found a half-bath, with a sink and toilet. He turned it on, the water smelled clean and fresh.
Three doors down, he found his suitcases, neatly stacked. Nothing was missing, as far as he could tell, though he was no greed demon. Nothing useful either, though he did pop a flower into his mouth, chewing on it for clarity of mind. Nothing wavered, so he wasn’t in a hallucination. That was something at least.
In another room, he finally found something interesting. Another demon sprawled facedown on the bed. He was huge and full of muscle, and Ino hesitated by the door.
“Hello?” he murmured. He got no response, and cautiously, the envy demon moved closer. He was laying so still…
Carefully, he pressed his fingers just under his jaw, seeking for a pulse. If there was a dead demon in here, he would have to hide immediately. He seriously hoped it wasn’t the case.
As soon as he touched him, though, the larger demon stirred, and Ino sagged with relief. “Hey,” he said, a bit louder. “Hey, wake up.”
The other demon made a confused sound, rolling over and peering at Ino with stunning golden eyes. With that came the heavy scent of alcohol, and his body...his body was so gorgeous that Ino’s entire train of thought came screeching to a halt.
“What do you want?”, the other demon mumbled.
“Are you...okay?” Ino asked, the voice (utterly lovely in his ears) shaking him out of his reverie.
The other ran a hand through his hair. “I’m fine.”, he muttered and then looked down. “Where’s my shirt? How did I get here?”
Though he was loathe to cover up the gorgeous view, Ino figured that if they were about to attempt an escape, they should both be fully dressed. He looked around the room, crouched, and soon found the shirt. It smelled sweetly of wine, and Ino felt his lips slip into a pout as he offered it back. He bet that this guy smelled amazing. Maybe it was something they could explore together later.
The man sat up slowly and then groaned, placing his hand on his head with a muttered curse. “The hell happened to my head?” he asked.
“You’re hungover as fuck,” Ino answered immediately. “Lie down. Wait here. I’ll be right back.”
He whisked back to ‘his’ room, digging in the biggest suitcase until he found it. The little satchel looked like a teabag, and into it, he scooped several powders. He’d brought each in abundance, all to create his secret recipe. A hangover cure anyone could use. At home, he kept them all mixed, but he didn’t want anyone here finding this secret. Once filled, he tied it off and brought it back to the other demon. He checked the door in this room, which unsurprisingly led to another half bath, and he soaked the satchel with warm water from the sink. He waited, then squeezed the bag, draining it of excess, and waited more until he caught the faint scent of peaches. It was ready.
The gorgeous demon was asleep again, not that Ino was surprised. He clambered onto the bed, straddling his body. He felt so good between his thighs...No, focus Ino. Not the time. Once in position, he held the little bag to his perfect lips, letting the fluid drip onto them, careful not to pour too much on his face. The magic would kick in immediately, draining excess alcohol and curing hangover symptoms in minutes.
In the meantime, Ino could sit and enjoy his position.
What if this handsome demon woke up and thanked him? What if they escaped together and then just...stayed together? What if he was so grateful that he’d do anything to pay Ino back?
Although, judging by the look in his eyes and the confused “What are you doing on my chest?” he got, he doubted that would be the case.
Ino shivered, full body, when those strong arms took his hips, his mouth falling a little open as the larger demon so easily moved him away before sitting up. An intense surge of lust seized him because holy shit…
“Thank you for the...whatever that was,” the other was saying, buttoning his shirt, and Ino swallowed hard, hoping his voice wouldn’t come out as a squeak.
“Hangover cure,” he chirped. “You’re welcome. Oh, ah...here.” he offered him the little bag. “Suck on it, it’ll help more.”
After weeks of this, he’d slowly started moving again, his energy fixed on one goal and one goal only. He still had his ticket to the Prince’s Gala, and he was damn well going to be there.
He’d almost considered not going, true. But it had been his envy that dragged him out of the funk.
He would be there. The one who had stolen his lover and upended all of his plans. And Ino would get back at him if it was the last thing he did.
So he’d forced himself up and into action. He’d gone shopping with the very best tailors, for a series of stunning outfits. He’d contracted with a prodigious human, giving up the chance at a soul for an outfit unlike anything anyone had ever seen, granting him success in return. Anyone who saw one of his designs would be seized with fierce envy until they owned one just like it.
Technically, it wasn’t against the treaty. He’d go so far as to say that he’d helped that human.
He’d worn that outfit on the first night, the ones by demon designers after it. He had more outfits than he needed, but he’d found excuses to change and show them off, one after the other. He’d spent the last days in a haze of indulgences, showing that he was bright, vivacious, undamaged by hurts.
He’d spent the time circling around his enemy, seeking his chance for revenge.
It was around lunch on the final day, and he was dressed simpler than usual. The plain white shirt was billowing and gauzy, slipping off his shoulders and held together with ties down the sleeves, before cinching in at the waist. His pants folded around his supple legs, showing off all of his figure. A red sash at his waist brought it all together, as did the ruby at his throat and the roses stitched on his heeled boots. It was a lovely, casual sort of outfit, but as evening fell, these festivities would demand...more.
When he arrived at his room, though, there was a guard there, one who unabashedly checked him out before clearing his throat.
“Mr. Cense. Ah... Ino. The Prince sends his regards and has arranged a special room for your final night.”
Ino’s heart jumped into his throat, and he had to swallow hard before he had himself under control.
“That’s...truly generous,” he murmured, casting his eyes down. “Will you show me the way?”
It was...very surprising, but there were plenty of ways in which it made sense. They headed for a more isolated part of the castle, and Ino tried to draw things together. The Prince likely wanted to talk, but all things considered, it wasn’t surprising that he’d want this meeting to be private. There was likely a note there, with further instructions. If he was right…
His heart was fluttering like a bird’s, and he didn’t notice anything amiss when the guard bowed, waving him forward into the room. It was fairly lavish, like everything here was. A low table, wood threaded with gold, was set between two couches, upholstered with soft black leather. Across from them was a huge fireplace with shining golden grates, currently swept clean. On the mantle was a massive portrait of the Prince and his bride, standing together comfortably, looking for all the world like old friends.
Ino snickered when he saw it, quickly turning away.
“Humble, isn’t he?” he asked the guard, looking over his shoulder but...there was no guard. For that matter, there was no door either. Ino flew at the wall, slamming his fist against it, then stumbled back, shaking his hand.
“Ow…” he whined, glaring at the wall as though it had hit him, and not the other way around.
His chest felt tight, but he backed up, looking around the room. There...there had to be an explanation. He needed to explore.
There were 8 openings set into the walls. Only one had a door, so that was where he went first. Predictably, it was locked. Maybe there was a key somewhere? He needed to check the other rooms. He started to the left. Each room had a huge bed, soft, with pillars that sent a pang through his heart. Empty wardrobes with elegant scrollwork, with shelves and racks waiting to be filled. A desk and a chair tucked into the corner. Though there was no door into the room, there was a door in the room, and beyond it, Ino found a half-bath, with a sink and toilet. He turned it on, the water smelled clean and fresh.
Three doors down, he found his suitcases, neatly stacked. Nothing was missing, as far as he could tell, though he was no greed demon. Nothing useful either, though he did pop a flower into his mouth, chewing on it for clarity of mind. Nothing wavered, so he wasn’t in a hallucination. That was something at least.
In another room, he finally found something interesting. Another demon sprawled facedown on the bed. He was huge and full of muscle, and Ino hesitated by the door.
“Hello?” he murmured. He got no response, and cautiously, the envy demon moved closer. He was laying so still…
Carefully, he pressed his fingers just under his jaw, seeking for a pulse. If there was a dead demon in here, he would have to hide immediately. He seriously hoped it wasn’t the case.
As soon as he touched him, though, the larger demon stirred, and Ino sagged with relief. “Hey,” he said, a bit louder. “Hey, wake up.”
The other demon made a confused sound, rolling over and peering at Ino with stunning golden eyes. With that came the heavy scent of alcohol, and his body...his body was so gorgeous that Ino’s entire train of thought came screeching to a halt.
“What do you want?”, the other demon mumbled.
“Are you...okay?” Ino asked, the voice (utterly lovely in his ears) shaking him out of his reverie.
The other ran a hand through his hair. “I’m fine.”, he muttered and then looked down. “Where’s my shirt? How did I get here?”
Though he was loathe to cover up the gorgeous view, Ino figured that if they were about to attempt an escape, they should both be fully dressed. He looked around the room, crouched, and soon found the shirt. It smelled sweetly of wine, and Ino felt his lips slip into a pout as he offered it back. He bet that this guy smelled amazing. Maybe it was something they could explore together later.
The man sat up slowly and then groaned, placing his hand on his head with a muttered curse. “The hell happened to my head?” he asked.
“You’re hungover as fuck,” Ino answered immediately. “Lie down. Wait here. I’ll be right back.”
He whisked back to ‘his’ room, digging in the biggest suitcase until he found it. The little satchel looked like a teabag, and into it, he scooped several powders. He’d brought each in abundance, all to create his secret recipe. A hangover cure anyone could use. At home, he kept them all mixed, but he didn’t want anyone here finding this secret. Once filled, he tied it off and brought it back to the other demon. He checked the door in this room, which unsurprisingly led to another half bath, and he soaked the satchel with warm water from the sink. He waited, then squeezed the bag, draining it of excess, and waited more until he caught the faint scent of peaches. It was ready.
The gorgeous demon was asleep again, not that Ino was surprised. He clambered onto the bed, straddling his body. He felt so good between his thighs...No, focus Ino. Not the time. Once in position, he held the little bag to his perfect lips, letting the fluid drip onto them, careful not to pour too much on his face. The magic would kick in immediately, draining excess alcohol and curing hangover symptoms in minutes.
In the meantime, Ino could sit and enjoy his position.
What if this handsome demon woke up and thanked him? What if they escaped together and then just...stayed together? What if he was so grateful that he’d do anything to pay Ino back?
Although, judging by the look in his eyes and the confused “What are you doing on my chest?” he got, he doubted that would be the case.
Ino shivered, full body, when those strong arms took his hips, his mouth falling a little open as the larger demon so easily moved him away before sitting up. An intense surge of lust seized him because holy shit…
“Thank you for the...whatever that was,” the other was saying, buttoning his shirt, and Ino swallowed hard, hoping his voice wouldn’t come out as a squeak.
“Hangover cure,” he chirped. “You’re welcome. Oh, ah...here.” he offered him the little bag. “Suck on it, it’ll help more.”