[ He finds himself laughing back. Maybe that’s not necessarily a good thing, though, since that means she’s probably definitely right. ]
What can I say? I’m a very hands-off type of teacher.
[ He says minutes after his hands were on her, connected to her circuits, guiding her along… not to mention, you know, the fucking biting. ]
Oh? What, learning magic isn’t rewarding enough by itself? [ He says it like that, but he’s grinning just as much as she is. ] Well, if it’ll motivate you, then fine.
[ So he says, not at all thinking of what the reward will be in the event that she succeeds. ]
[ Nuh-uh. You can't be trusted. [ says the girl who was just letting him chew on her hand... ] It's safer if I decide.
She drops her gaze back down to her hand and turns it over, examining the bite from another angle. The incantation had worked, but it'd still sat strangely in her mouth. Someone else's words, too wordy for her to really connect with them. She and Oberon are similar enough that it'd worked but it still doesn't feel right. Maybe something else, something shorter would be more...
Her expression visibly twists with the look of someone working their way up to something a little embarrassing. But if it's just about putting yourself into the right mindset, the words that should work for Ai are - ]
... Lights, camera, action...?
[ For a second, nothing happens. Then, a pop and flash of mana like a camera's flashbulb and everything flows. It's not perfect, but blotches of healed skin spatter over her hand, unevenly patching over the bite still marring her skin. It's far from perfect - but it's a huge leap on from her first try. ]
[ She's not exactly wrong, either. He would make the reward something extremely intimate, wouldn't he? And heightened intimacy seems to always lead to one place with them as of late... and they just got a new bed, too.
...Except he can feel the way her mana reacts as she makes her second attempt, and his eyes can only widen at the sudden leap in efficiency. ]
Wha...
[ ...Seriously? Is he actually that good of a teacher? ]
[ Perhaps unsurprisingly, Ai looks equally... alarmed, perhaps? Or maybe just a little taken aback. It certainly doesn't look as if she'd expected it to work. ]
Huh. You know, the whole genius mage thing was supposed to be a joke.
[ She laughs a little uncertainly and flashes him a smile. ]
[ He blinks, realizing that his mouth is hanging open and quickly shutting it, clearing his throat. Is it their compatibility? Maybe it's because he gave her a better starting point? Not that it really matters in terms of human magecraft, where lineage is everything.
...He's not saying that out loud. The last thing he needs to end up finding out is that she's actually got some relation to an old mage family that she never knew about, so he'll keep his cursed mouth shut on that matter. ]
...Ugh. Fine. What do you want?
[ That should be clear enough as an answer, right? ]
[ Sh-she's never seen someone look so thoroughly defeated over getting the exact thing they were aiming for... it's enough to make her smile warm up and fit a giggle to bubble out of her mouth. ]
Aah, I hadn't actually thought that far ahead just yet but now you've put me on the spot...
[ Her warm smile turns into a playful little grin. ]
[ His eyes widen a little, his first immediate thought being "what, that's all?"
And can you really blame him for that line of thought? In terms of relationship checkpoints, they've gone just a tad further than a "date". Hell, they're even living together. Going on a regular date seems somewhat tame in comparison, doesn't it?
Except then it hits him... that they've never really gone on a proper date, have they? Sure, they've had outings... some of which ending on very intimate notes (Ai's swimsuit look remains thoroughly engraved into his mind, huh), but it's not like he's ever really taken her out anywhere proper. If anything, it's been the other way around, with her dragging him out of the apartment and forcing him to go out as himself instead of the Fairy King. ]
...
[ He brings a hand up to rub the back of his head as he awkwardly averts his gaze. A date... the thought causes hesitation to form in his mind. Though it's several steps behind the base that they're on, something about outright taking Ai on a date is... isn't embarrassing, but Oberon the Liar taking a woman out on a date?
...Or maybe he's overthinking it, and he really shouldn't be worrying about a date of all things after the countless hours he's spent literally plowing her into a broken bed.
God. His curse became so much more annoying once he found his Titania... ]
A Servant and Master going on a date...? That must be a first. [ ...WELL ACTUALLY— ] But fine. I suppose the alternative is "something horrible", right?
[ Said with his usual grin as he hops off of his perch, glancing at her mostly-healed hand. ]
Maybe, maybe not. You don't wanna take a risk and find out first hand, do you?
[ She really hadn't been expecting that moment of transparent hesitation but she certainly doesn't dislike it. Maybe that makes her a little mean, but...
It's nice. Whenever it seems like things might just work out once there's not a contract binding them together. Anytime they're together as two people instead of Master and Servant it makes her feel just a little more settled and secure. ]
Heehee. Is this technically our first one, then? Jeez, we really got the order all messed up on that...
[ She says it like a joke but something about her smile is warm and a little bashful. The sort of warm, lovey-dovey smile an idol absolutely shouldn't wear. ]
[ ...God, that brings him to the other reason he can't refuse: that damn smile on her face. ]
Oh, don't tempt me.
[ He should make sure that it's a good date though, right? Ugh, putting effort into something is exhausting... but it is her reward, so...
He sighs and reaches out to put a hand on her head. Look at her, beaming so brightly it could blind him. Her expression so warm it could burn. Is this what it's like to fly into an insect trap? Bright, hot, alluring... ah, but maybe that was already a given for being in a relationship with an idol? ]
Ah, but that's not so bad, is it? I've never had much patience myself, after all.
[ Says the guy who... you know what, it doesn't even need to be said at this point. ]
It's not, no. I did say I was greedy, so I guess I'm just as bad. [ Not bad enough to break their bed, but still. And yes, she's still not planning on letting him live that one down. ] But since I'm sooooo greedy and impatient, you'd better give me another reward now, too. So I don't have to wait.
[ S-so demanding...
With his hand on her head, she steps in a little closer and tips her face up towards him expectantly. Come on, if they're going all in on the cutesy couple stuff, she wants a kiss as well!! ]
[ Bad enough to tempt him mercilessly, he’d say… despite having still not explained to her exactly how and why she drove him so crazy back at the beach. ]
Oi, oi, a second reward? Someone’s getting spoiled already…
[ He says as if he could ever resist leaning down to kiss her deeply, putting his hand on her waist to pull her in. ]
[ It's still a little hard getting her head around the idea that she's allowed to have this. Really, she shouldn't be - it's only because nobody here knows what she really is that she's been getting away with it.
Maybe that's what makes having it that much sweeter. She's not allowed and she never will be - but she wants it enough to take it, anyway. Hasn't she always been like that? ]
Mm. Maybe. [ She presses another kiss to the corner of his mouth as she speaks. ] But you like spoiling me, so it's fine.
[ Another kiss - warm and affectionate above everything else. ]
[ Clearly yes, since he returns the kiss yet again... but this time, he reaches down and puts his arm under her butt, hoisting her up with just one arm so that he can kiss her without having to lean down by outright lifting her up to his level.
Easier to spoil his tiny short Master like this, no? Or maybe he just likes showing off. ]
Wh-! [ A little yelp of surprise - and then she dissolves into giggles. ] H-hold on, what did I say about warning me before you pull stuff like that?
[ Not that he's ever actually bothered to. Of all the guys to literally sweep her off her feet, Oberon's really not the one you'd expect...
Not that she hates it, of course. And at this point, she's gotten so used to him manhandling her as and when he pleases that she can't even pretend she's embarrassed. ]
Now who's spoiled? [ She gives his cheek a pinch with one hand - her other arm tossed loosely over his shoulder to hold herself steady. ] Some girls might get mad about being picked up and carried off whenever you feel like it.
Would they? I would think most women would love being swept off their feet by a king...
[ Though he IS an evil king... but hey, some girls might be into that even more! Ai is also unfortunately an unwitting example of that as Oberon holds her steady even as she pinches his cheek. ]
[ Dryly: ] I think when you're the one doing it, it's less sweeping me off my feet and more of a kidnapping.
[ But he's right. She's not complaining. The arm loosely wrapped around him becomes a proper hug and there's a giggle in her voice once she breaks their lips apart for a breath. ]
Then again, if you think about it... if I summoned you, am I technically the kidnapper here? I am the one who's keeping you around.
[ He grins. He certainly has all the bad vibes of a kidnapper... as unfortunate as that might be. ]
Hah... nah, I think I like being the big bad kidnapper more.
[ The nefarious villain who kidnapped everyone's favorite idol... not a terrible role, he thinks. Ah, would that make this stockholm syndrome, then? Eh, as if he cares about something like that. ]
I'm snatching you away and keeping you to myself, after all.
All to yourself, huh? [ She loosely curls a lock of his hair around one of her fingers and gives it a light, playful tug. ] Sorry to break it to you, but you're gonna have to learn how to share when you come back with me.
[ When. She's gotten into the habit of saying it like that lately - like it's set in stone. Nothing for either of them to worry about. ]
Even before I redebut, you're gonna have to get used to sharing me with Aqua and Ruby.
[ He says it playfully, allowing her to keep saying it... saying that she'll bring him back with her. It's a strange thought, honestly. As someone who has made it very clear what he thinks of Proper Human History, being brought into it as a human should by all means be an unpleasant thought to him.
Yet... if it's with her, he feels as though he can bear the maelstrom of ill will that is humanity. So long as he has her... it's a thought that clashes with his genuine disgust for the worst parts of humanity. A part of humanity that Ai is hopelessly connected to.
It's a conflicting feeling. One where he isn't sure where he should land... but the hope in her voice when she says it as if it's set in stone. Said as though there's no refusing her greedy wish...
...He really just can't resist her, can he? ]
...but if I must, then I'll be hogging you all to myself for as long as I can, then.
You've been doing that plenty already, buster. [ said with another playful tug of his hair. ] Maybe I should start hanging out with Hibiki-chan some more so you can get used to it in advance.
[ That's what she says... but she's pressing a kiss to his forehead, her nose nuzzling into his hair. If he's holding her up like this then she should take full advantage, right?
Besides. For all that he plays about keeping her to himself, it's not like he's really that disinclined to share. ... Jeez, what is her dating life that this is the less uneven relationship by comparison?
She hums a little in thought against his skin. ]
... Mm. Hey, Oberon. If you do come back with me... how exactly do you want things to go? I've been talking and talking about it but... I haven't really worked out what it is you want yet.
Hey, if you think you can keep up with that kid, then by all means.
[ The sheer positivity is overwhelming... either you're overwhelmed by the amount of energy packed into a single teenage girl, or you get your ear talked off about her "Sunshine".
Despite the fact that he generally looks scruffy and disgruntled when he's not in Servant-mode, his hair is soft and almost fluffy. Surprisingly pleasant to shove your face into... something that he's glad she's doing. He doesn't want her to see the way his eyes briefly flit downward at her question. ]
...Who knows? Do I look like the kind of man who thinks about his own future?
[ Would it go just like that man? Not that he ever met him, but he's just about the only Servant he knows of who actually made that wish and had it granted. But with this, he'd be appearing in a different world entirely.
The fact is... she's special. He would never even be considering this otherwise... if it wasn't her. For once, he can't think of a good answer on the spot. ]
...What about you, then? What do you want to happen...
[ A little laugh puffs out of her, gently ruffling his hair. ]
Is it gonna sound really bad if I admit I'm not sure either? It's not that I haven't tried to think about it, but...
[ Her guts twist a little. For a second, her abdomen throbs around the imagined intrusion of a knife. ]
I guess I haven't been able to imagine it yet. Whenever I think about going back, all I can imagine is not opening that door. Or putting on the chain lock - or calling the cops or whatever I need to do to get it right this time. I can't even start to think about what comes after.
[ One of her fingers is still curling a lock of his hair but then she lets go - puts her arms around his neck to hug him properly. ]
Just getting to go back already feels like I'm asking too much. Anything else on top of that is a bonus. But if I can be really greedy... I want this, too. The way we are when it's the two of us. I want to be an idol and a mom and yours all at the same time.
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definitelyright. ]What can I say? I’m a very hands-off type of teacher.
[ He says minutes after his hands were on her, connected to her circuits, guiding her along… not to mention, you know, the fucking biting. ]
Oh? What, learning magic isn’t rewarding enough by itself? [ He says it like that, but he’s grinning just as much as she is. ] Well, if it’ll motivate you, then fine.
[ So he says, not at all thinking of what the reward will be in the event that she succeeds. ]
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Huh. You agreed to that faster than I thought you might. Aren't you worried I might do something horrible?
[ Not that she was planning to, but. Come on, don't hand her a freebie like that. ]
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[ Besides, if she actually manages to figure this out on her first day, then she'll deserve a reward. Not that he expects that to happen anyways. ]
But you're right. A reward within reason, then. No mischief allowed.
[
If he's a liar, though, then does that mean mischief is totally allowed?]no subject
She drops her gaze back down to her hand and turns it over, examining the bite from another angle. The incantation had worked, but it'd still sat strangely in her mouth. Someone else's words, too wordy for her to really connect with them. She and Oberon are similar enough that it'd worked but it still doesn't feel right. Maybe something else, something shorter would be more...
Her expression visibly twists with the look of someone working their way up to something a little embarrassing. But if it's just about putting yourself into the right mindset, the words that should work for Ai are - ]
... Lights, camera, action...?
[ For a second, nothing happens. Then, a pop and flash of mana like a camera's flashbulb and everything flows. It's not perfect, but blotches of healed skin spatter over her hand, unevenly patching over the bite still marring her skin. It's far from perfect - but it's a huge leap on from her first try. ]
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Whatever you say~
[ She's not exactly wrong, either. He would make the reward something extremely intimate, wouldn't he? And heightened intimacy seems to always lead to one place with them as of late... and they just got a new bed, too.
...Except he can feel the way her mana reacts as she makes her second attempt, and his eyes can only widen at the sudden leap in efficiency. ]
Wha...
[ ...Seriously? Is he actually that good of a teacher? ]
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Huh. You know, the whole genius mage thing was supposed to be a joke.
[ She laughs a little uncertainly and flashes him a smile. ]
So, um - What's my grade?
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...He's not saying that out loud. The last thing he needs to end up finding out is that she's actually got some relation to an old mage family that she never knew about, so he'll keep his cursed mouth shut on that matter. ]
...Ugh. Fine. What do you want?
[ That should be clear enough as an answer, right? ]
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Aah, I hadn't actually thought that far ahead just yet but now you've put me on the spot...
[ Her warm smile turns into a playful little grin. ]
Why don't you take me on a proper date?
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And can you really blame him for that line of thought? In terms of relationship checkpoints, they've gone just a tad further than a "date". Hell, they're even living together. Going on a regular date seems somewhat tame in comparison, doesn't it?
Except then it hits him... that they've never really gone on a proper date, have they? Sure, they've had outings... some of which ending on very intimate notes (Ai's swimsuit look remains thoroughly engraved into his mind, huh), but it's not like he's ever really taken her out anywhere proper. If anything, it's been the other way around, with her dragging him out of the apartment and forcing him to go out as himself instead of the Fairy King. ]
...
[ He brings a hand up to rub the back of his head as he awkwardly averts his gaze. A date... the thought causes hesitation to form in his mind. Though it's several steps behind the base that they're on, something about outright taking Ai on a date is... isn't embarrassing, but Oberon the Liar taking a woman out on a date?
...Or maybe he's overthinking it, and he really shouldn't be worrying about a date of all things after the countless hours he's spent literally plowing her into a broken bed.
God. His curse became so much more annoying once he found his Titania... ]
A Servant and Master going on a date...? That must be a first. [ ...WELL ACTUALLY— ] But fine. I suppose the alternative is "something horrible", right?
[ Said with his usual grin as he hops off of his perch, glancing at her mostly-healed hand. ]
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Maybe, maybe not. You don't wanna take a risk and find out first hand, do you?
[ She really hadn't been expecting that moment of transparent hesitation but she certainly doesn't dislike it. Maybe that makes her a little mean, but...
It's nice. Whenever it seems like things might just work out once there's not a contract binding them together. Anytime they're together as two people instead of Master and Servant it makes her feel just a little more settled and secure. ]
Heehee. Is this technically our first one, then? Jeez, we really got the order all messed up on that...
[ She says it like a joke but something about her smile is warm and a little bashful. The sort of warm, lovey-dovey smile an idol absolutely shouldn't wear. ]
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Oh, don't tempt me.
[ He should make sure that it's a good date though, right? Ugh, putting effort into something is exhausting... but it is her reward, so...
He sighs and reaches out to put a hand on her head. Look at her, beaming so brightly it could blind him. Her expression so warm it could burn. Is this what it's like to fly into an insect trap? Bright, hot, alluring... ah, but maybe that was already a given for being in a relationship with an idol? ]
Ah, but that's not so bad, is it? I've never had much patience myself, after all.
[ Says the guy who... you know what, it doesn't even need to be said at this point. ]
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[ S-so demanding...
With his hand on her head, she steps in a little closer and tips her face up towards him expectantly. Come on, if they're going all in on the cutesy couple stuff, she wants a kiss as well!! ]
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Oi, oi, a second reward? Someone’s getting spoiled already…
[ He says as if he could ever resist leaning down to kiss her deeply, putting his hand on her waist to pull her in. ]
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Maybe that's what makes having it that much sweeter. She's not allowed and she never will be - but she wants it enough to take it, anyway. Hasn't she always been like that? ]
Mm. Maybe. [ She presses another kiss to the corner of his mouth as she speaks. ] But you like spoiling me, so it's fine.
[ Another kiss - warm and affectionate above everything else. ]
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[ Clearly yes, since he returns the kiss yet again... but this time, he reaches down and puts his arm under her butt, hoisting her up with just one arm so that he can kiss her without having to lean down by outright lifting her up to his level.
Easier to spoil his tiny short Master like this, no? Or maybe he just likes showing off.]no subject
[ Not that he's ever actually bothered to. Of all the guys to literally sweep her off her feet, Oberon's really not the one you'd expect...
Not that she hates it, of course. And at this point, she's gotten so used to him manhandling her as and when he pleases that she can't even pretend she's embarrassed. ]
Now who's spoiled? [ She gives his cheek a pinch with one hand - her other arm tossed loosely over his shoulder to hold herself steady. ] Some girls might get mad about being picked up and carried off whenever you feel like it.
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[ Though he IS an evil king... but hey, some girls might be into that even more! Ai is also unfortunately an unwitting example of that as Oberon holds her steady even as she pinches his cheek. ]
Besides... I certainly don't hear any complaints.
[ Said before he goes in for another kiss. ]
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[ But he's right. She's not complaining. The arm loosely wrapped around him becomes a proper hug and there's a giggle in her voice once she breaks their lips apart for a breath. ]
Then again, if you think about it... if I summoned you, am I technically the kidnapper here? I am the one who's keeping you around.
[ not against his will, but still. ]
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Hah... nah, I think I like being the big bad kidnapper more.
[ The nefarious villain who kidnapped everyone's favorite idol... not a terrible role, he thinks. Ah, would that make this stockholm syndrome, then? Eh, as if he cares about something like that. ]
I'm snatching you away and keeping you to myself, after all.
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[ When. She's gotten into the habit of saying it like that lately - like it's set in stone. Nothing for either of them to worry about. ]
Even before I redebut, you're gonna have to get used to sharing me with Aqua and Ruby.
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[ He says it playfully, allowing her to keep saying it... saying that she'll bring him back with her. It's a strange thought, honestly. As someone who has made it very clear what he thinks of Proper Human History, being brought into it as a human should by all means be an unpleasant thought to him.
Yet... if it's with her, he feels as though he can bear the maelstrom of ill will that is humanity. So long as he has her... it's a thought that clashes with his genuine disgust for the worst parts of humanity. A part of humanity that Ai is hopelessly connected to.
It's a conflicting feeling. One where he isn't sure where he should land... but the hope in her voice when she says it as if it's set in stone. Said as though there's no refusing her greedy wish...
...He really just can't resist her, can he? ]
...but if I must, then I'll be hogging you all to myself for as long as I can, then.
[
...oh god are they gonna fuck again—]no subject
[ That's what she says... but she's pressing a kiss to his forehead, her nose nuzzling into his hair. If he's holding her up like this then she should take full advantage, right?
Besides. For all that he plays about keeping her to himself, it's not like he's really that disinclined to share. ... Jeez, what is her dating life that this is the less uneven relationship by comparison?
She hums a little in thought against his skin. ]
... Mm. Hey, Oberon. If you do come back with me... how exactly do you want things to go? I've been talking and talking about it but... I haven't really worked out what it is you want yet.
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[ The sheer positivity is overwhelming... either you're overwhelmed by the amount of energy packed into a single teenage girl, or you get your ear talked off about her "Sunshine".
Despite the fact that he generally looks scruffy and disgruntled when he's not in Servant-mode, his hair is soft and almost fluffy. Surprisingly pleasant to shove your face into... something that he's glad she's doing. He doesn't want her to see the way his eyes briefly flit downward at her question. ]
...Who knows? Do I look like the kind of man who thinks about his own future?
[ Would it go just like that man? Not that he ever met him, but he's just about the only Servant he knows of who actually made that wish and had it granted. But with this, he'd be appearing in a different world entirely.
The fact is... she's special. He would never even be considering this otherwise... if it wasn't her. For once, he can't think of a good answer on the spot. ]
...What about you, then? What do you want to happen...
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Is it gonna sound really bad if I admit I'm not sure either? It's not that I haven't tried to think about it, but...
[ Her guts twist a little. For a second, her abdomen throbs around the imagined intrusion of a knife. ]
I guess I haven't been able to imagine it yet. Whenever I think about going back, all I can imagine is not opening that door. Or putting on the chain lock - or calling the cops or whatever I need to do to get it right this time. I can't even start to think about what comes after.
[ One of her fingers is still curling a lock of his hair but then she lets go - puts her arms around his neck to hug him properly. ]
Just getting to go back already feels like I'm asking too much. Anything else on top of that is a bonus. But if I can be really greedy... I want this, too. The way we are when it's the two of us. I want to be an idol and a mom and yours all at the same time.
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He can't help but laugh a little at the thought. That they're both just blindly stumbling along, carried by their greed. ]
Heh... then here's hoping your kids don't mind sharing their mother either.
[ They will mind. There will be murder attempts. This is, unfortunately, unavoidable. ]
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