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Before the brat could utter a word, Yoru shut the door behind her and locked it. Maybe then she would learn to not wander around during the night.
No. She would not learn because she never does. The quiet night is Yoru's only companion and the only mercy in that shithole, but even that has to be destroyed by her grating cries. Mother, I'm thirsty. Mother, can you leave the door open, it's too dark. Mother. Mother. Mother. All the brat did was complain and she loved doing it just to spite her. Just to ruin her day further. No. That night she would stay alone in the dark. She would learn the darkness is nothing more than total emptiness whether she liked it or not. Yoru flicked the lighter on and lit a cigarette, finally walking back to her own room, light as the translucent banners that hung lifeless from the ceiling.
She passed by the door to their kitchen and the dusty old room kept for storage before noticing a second distinct scent beginning to blend in with the smoke. Looking at the ground, a trail of red puddles led further down the corridor towards where her room was, accompanied by a set of muddy footprints and unknown ashy residue.
Yoru walked faster, veins bulging around her forehead and odachi held tight in her grip. She didn't have the patience to deal with her that night and would not hesitate to gut her like an animal.
Like predicted, the footsteps ended at Yoru's door where a pair of heavy boots drenched in gore and viscous hemolymph and a vile smelling jacket had been carelessly discarded.
“You're a disgusting animal.” Yoru threw open the door and walked towards her bed where Valencina sat, ripping off dirty bandages wrapped around her waist while opening a fresh bottle of whiskey. The fact she wasn't even drunk just added fuel to Yoru's rage. She was doing it on purpose.
“Shut your mouth and be useful. Here. Pull this shit out.”
Without ceremony, Valencina threw the sweat drenched shirt and bandages aside, revealing a fist sized purple lump on her side. Surrounding it was a hole from which blood and white pus poured, while deep in her flesh a barbed stinger stuck out, barely visible. Yoru could only laugh. It served that parasite right. How she wished that thing was venomous.
“Ask Callisto.”
“You're shit out of luck. He's not at the House. Did you think I came here just for the pleasure of seeing that fucking face of yours? Move before I lose my patience.”
It's not like Yoru had an option. As much as she would love to watch Valencina slowly bleed out, it would just be making things worse for herself. So she moved. She moved as slowly as possible, kicking the open bottle to the floor before kneeling in front of her and removing her gloves.
Before she could smile, Valencina had Yoru's face in her grip, squeezing her cheeks between her fingers until the insides of her mouth were tight against her teeth.
“Do you find this fun? Apologize, or you'll be chewing on my cigar caps for the rest of your days.”
Yoru chuckled.
How could she not? Valencina wasn't that creative with her punishments when she wasn't drunk and whatever her mind could come up with would be nothing compared to the punishment that was the House of Spiders. The longer she spent threatening Yoru, the longer Yoru would get to watch her squirm as the stinger dug deeper into her flesh.
“Hurry up.” Valencina threw her face aside and stole the cigarette from between Yoru's fingers, before bringing it up to her lips for a quick drag. “How do you still smoke this shit?”
“It's good enough. Lean back and shut your mouth, lest I make you wait for Callisto's return.”
“Ticket got you worked up today?” Valencina made herself comfortable, still smoking the stolen cigarette despite the complaints. “Haven't seen much of her lately.”
“How fortunate for you.” Yoru spat, pushing her fingers into the wound and prying the barbs from the flesh. The audacity of this disgusting woman, to walk into her room uninvited, lay down bloody and sweaty, drinking with her clothes all over the floor and belt unbuckled, dirtying what few things Yoru can call hers, and she still rubs it on her face that she doesn't have to see that brat. That she gets to go outside. Yoru pushes the stinger deeper, freeing it enough to move around and making Valencina groan and bite her hand. Then she pushes it deeper just for the joy of seeing her twitching in pain again and again. “Don't move, lest you want it to get stuck again.”
“Hah… You bitch. You think we're out there frolicking on the fields like you useless bunch? You wouldn't survive a day out there. I would bet ticket can already use that sword better than you could ever dre—”
Suddenly her mouth hung open with a silent yell as Yoru ripped the stigger out of her body, staining the tatami mat with an arch of blood.
“Fuck! You fucker! I'll kill you!”
In blinding rage she reached for Yoru's kimono and pulled her closer, holding the tip of the sword under her chin with a finger on trigger. Yoru stood still, her face devoid of expression before her lips slowly curled into an empty grin from which emanated a slow, aching laugh.
“Ehe. You're one cunning snake, aren't you?”
Valencina let go of her and sheathed her sword. Leaning back into the same position she was before.
“Next time, if you want me to fuck you up beyond repair you better let me take a few swigs first. Should have thought about that before wasting one of my finest.” Feeling the nozzle of the bottle, Valencina picked it up and examined how much was left inside. She took a large gulp before extending the bottle in Yoru's direction which she thanklessly took, drinking until not a drop was left.
“Not like it would matter anyway. That fanatic would just show up because that contraption just happened to tell him to be here.”
“Leave.”
“Patch it up and I will. You think I want to be here listening to you wailing and moaning? And bring me my cigar. These little toothpicks of yours ain't shit. Coat pocket. Right side.”
Not bothered to check and wanting to touch the jacket as little as possible, she unceremoniously threw the rag in Valencina's direction and let her search for herself, just watching as she pulled out the cigar and cut the cap with one swing of her blade.
Yoru went through the usual motions to patch up her wound. Pressure on the affected area. Cleaning. Bandaging up. The sooner she was done the sooner Valencina would leave her to her peace and quiet. The sooner she'd be left alone again. Yoru only realized her hands had stopped when a hand was extended in her direction, holding the lit up cigar.
“This is better than the shit you smoke. Try.”
She did not reply nor did she move to take the offer. Yoru had long since grown weary of accepting any type of kindness from the other Nursefathers and Valencina was no exception.
“If you keep moping like that, you're no better than Ticket. Take it. Slowly. Don't inhale. Feel the flavor. You think this is your cheap garbage?”
“Quiet. How is someone supposed to enjoy anything with that gritting shrill of yours?” She snatched the cigar from Valencina's hands and lifted the veil away from her face, letting the cigar hang between her lips and the smoke linger in her mouth. That witch was right. It did taste better than a cigarette.
“This is when you thank me… Are you listening? I want it said loud and clear.” She pulled the veil, dragging Yoru towards her and holding her in place, staring into the burning red eyes “That's it. That's the face of the Dihui Star. That whiny snout was starting to annoy me. Now you can thank me properly.”
“Vile woman.” Yoru pressed against the Valencina's wound, nails clawing at the swollen skin beneath the bandages.
“What? Want me to keep you company for longer. Wasn't expecting that from dear old Yoru.”
As the words rolled out from her tongue, her eye saw clearly into Yoru's intentions. She was to lift up her arm and throw a punch into Valencina's face for daring to use her name. It wouldn't be a pretty wound. It would hurt like hell and send one of her teeth flying. So she let go of the veil and caught Yoru's fist in her hand before it could even touch her skin.
“Nice one. You're getting faster. Why don't you try again later?"
Valencina pulled her closer, taking the cigar back and wrapping her leg around Yoru's waist. Disgusting.
“It's not like you'll get any other action stuck here, so you better take the chance while I'm in a good mood, capisci?”
“And you may approach any other soul in the city, yet still must put up this pathetic display for the only other prisoner within this web... I pity you, Valencina.”
Yoru's veil was unceremoniously ripped from her head cast aside to the floor beside them, as a hand pulled her from the back of head, dirty fingers tangling themselves in black and blue strands of silky hair. Relief washed over Yoru upon tasting that woman's mouth. She hadn't been drinking as much since the war had started, and the taste of her tongue felt less repugnant than it would've been otherwise. Her piercing green eye watched Yoru's face, unblinking as they both fought to take charge of the pace of their kiss. She leaned into her, hand pressed against the scarred bare chest that she never took the effort to cover. What a shame that a handsome body had been wasted in such a rotten soul.
The pulling force on the back of Yoru's head ceased as Valencina pulled away from her to bring her cigar to her mouth once more. Still, she prodded and pulled at Yoru's clothes, unable to figure out how to untie the many knots that kept her covered.
“Why do you have to dress like that? Take it off yourself if you don't want it cut up.”
“So you aren't smart enough to figure out clothes? With a mentor like that, no wonder the brat is such a dullard. I guess it's my fault for having a lick of hope for a person like you.”
“Fine. Now quit your whining.” Valencina interrupted, wrapping her arms around Yoru and undoing the sash tied around her body and the knotted bows keeping her kimono closed. Beneath, was another layer of white fabric, keeping her skin insulated from the pristine white and blue robes, which Valencina tore away from her body with the same disregard.
Valencina’s eye scanned her up and down, whistling satisfied at seeing the previously unknown shape of Yoru's naked body. She too had long-healed scars embellishing her figure, but the musculature had lost the definition it had on her prime days as a warrior. Below her light, smaller breasts, purple marks were still visible on the saggy skin left hanging above a mound of unkept black hair. Valencina let out a whistle, turning Yoru on her back and pulling her to flush against herself, sending shivers down her spine as she blew a puff of smoke into the nape of her neck.
She was making fun of her, Yoru was sure. “What do you want?”
“How about you make a prettier face than that? You should be happy you don't look like shit just yet.”
Valencina's hands closed around Yoru's breast, feeling its weight, teasing her nipple between her fingers.
“Hah, look at it, already hard from one little touch. How long has it been since someone touched you like this?” Without stop, her other hand descended further down her body, reaching for her thighs and pulling down the underwear that still covered her.
“Legs up. Open.”
“Be quiet!” Yoru demanded between gasps, pulling a yank of dirty blonde hair.
With no invitation, Valencina pried her legs open and slid her hands between them, separating the folds as Yoru shuttered against her, biting her lower lip. With a mocking cackle she pulled out her hand, showing off the wet, glistening fingers.
“Already wet just from that. You're even easier than I thought.”
Valencina's hand disappeared into her once more, two fingers feeling the hood of the clit, sending jolts up Yoru's spine. Searching for something to hold, she clung to Valencina's arms and head, grinning and peering from above her shoulder. The calloused fingers pressed down on her nerves, circling faster. The last time she had felt a wave of pleasure like that was long lost to Yoru, and very quickly she found herself enjoying the touch, opening her legs to allow for the wretched hands to explore her deeper. And then Valencina stopped, leaving her the pain of unfulfillment and a cruel cackle.
“What? You wanted it to be fun only for you? Too bad. Make a bit more of an effort, aren't you Pinkys all about hard work or whatever?”
“You bitch…” She gasped, elbowing Valencina's stomach, “... don't touch me.”
“Fine, finish by yourself and give me a show.”
Her grip on Yoru loosened and she allowed the gasping woman to fall onto her own mattress. Her body craved to keep going, she didn't care if Valencina was there to watch, she had already seen all there was to see. And yet, she couldn't do it. The thought of putting her own hand to a disgusting body like that irked her to no end. All that skin, all that hair. All the wrinkles that covered her fingers. She couldn't do it.
“Doesn't feel the same, does it? Quit being stubborn.”
She climbed on top of Yoru, eclipsing the light dangling from the ceiling above and dipping her head into the crevice of her neck, sucking and biting at the soft, pale skin. Then her tongue slid down to the chest, drawing circles around her nipples, playing with them, holding them between the lips, then softly between her teeth. Yoru scratched at Valencina's shoulders and pushed her off before she could get the idea to bite down harder.
“What? Don't like it when it's your tits? Tough crowd.”
The ravishing wave of pleasure returned as soon as the fingers dipped into her pussy again. Valencina stood above her, looking for any change in expression, grunting with every dig of Yoru’s nails into her back.
With face flushed red and no hands to cover her mouth, Yoru's hushed moans filled the room, filling the silence between the wet sounds her body was making against Valencina's hands. Her back arched until they were pressed together. And Valencina stopped.
“You… disgusting thing. Hurry up.”
“Quiet.”
Yoru's hips thrusted against Valencina's hands, desperate for her to start moving again. She did, now effortlessly pushing her fingers into her body, no longer satisfied with just teasing her clit. Inside her, the fingers moved and curled around, pumping rapidly as the palm of the hand bullied the teased clit further. This time Yoru would not let her stop, holding her close with her arms and legs, twisting around Valencina's back.
“That's it. That's a cute expression you're making. Now thank me for wasting my time on you.”
“I'll kill—” She didn't get to finish the threat. Her body curled on itself, squeezing the two together. Drops of transparent fluid spat out from inside her, staining the red of Valencina's pants with darker droplets. Yoru's mouth hung open, caught in the blur of her climax, her vision darkened and her hearing was deaf to all besides Valencina's complaints. Then, all at once, she lost her strength, her muscles going limp.
“Hah. And you're still complaining? Ungrateful and hopeless. I'll leave like you wanted. Let go.”
That tone. Yoru couldn't stand that tone, not after allowing that animal to play around with her body like that. She would not let go, instead flipping the woman on her back and pushing her down with the weight of her whole body.
“Running away? Coward. You're nothing more than a coward. That's why you came crawling back after one single wound.”
“Quiet. Don't want to hear any more of your bullshit today, you disgusting hag.”
“And who gave you permission to decide that with your back against my floor? Now it's your turn to behave.”
“HAH? My turn? Fine. Don't bore me, Dihui Star.”
Just as Valencina had discarded her clothes, Yoru, too, discarded her pants and wet underwear like scrap paper. She was already ready and aroused just from watching Yoru squirm in her lap. Gross. She was gross from the crest of her hair to the ends of her toenails. Yoru would not touch her. She picked up the empty whisky bottle, pressing the rim into her pussy, touching her with the cold, hard glass.
“So that's your idea of revenge? Aah. Even you can be amusing from time to time.”
“Quiet. Before I break this thing in your body and shove the rest of the glass down your filthy mouth.”
Valencina grunted carelessly as the bottle’s neck entered deeper into her body, stiff and hard. She didn't move. She couldn't. She didn't doubt Yoru would make good on her promise as long as it didn't kill her.
The panic, the searing pain from the open wound on her side, the cruel stare of Yoru, it all meant nothing and would not be brought up again as soon as she stepped out of that room. The coldness of the glass that had brought her shivers before was nothing more than an instrument for pleasure.
Yoru's hand made her way towards Valencina's neck and her slender fingers wrapped themselves around her throat, pressing as hard as she could.
How fun it would be to kill Valencina right there, dooming her to a shameful death inside the House of Spiders. Yoru could cut her body to pieces, burn her to ashes, and serve her poisonous flesh to the other Nursefathers. Then one of her many headaches would be gone. And maybe even that would be a greater mercy than having to live tied to that place. Bruised, pale, and gasping for air. The thumb Nursefather smiled all the same, thoroughly enjoying every second of pain.
At last, she shook violently, scratching at Yoru's arms, her insides tightening around the bottle. She let go of her throat and allowed her to gasp until the color had returned to her face.
Valencina picked up the lit cigar that had fallen onto the mattress, leaving a circular burn on the white fabric. Yoru lit up one of her own cigarettes. Then, like nothing had ever happened, Valencina dressed herself and prepared to leave.
“You surprised me. Better think of something better for next time.”
“There will not be a next time, you filthy witch. Leave at once.”
Valencina left the room, her footsteps echoing down the endless halls of Yoru's floor, searching for that elusive door to the outside that Yoru could never find. She could finally rest for the night.