Apartment

Alice stood in silence for a long moment, the projection of the lakefront home still glowing between them. Her reflection shimmered faintly across the water’s surface this strange new version of herself staring back with wide, uncertain eyes.

Finally, she drew a breath. “It’s perfect,” she said quietly. “Really. But…”

Quin looked up from his console. “But?”

“I can’t.”

The words came softly, but with certainty.

Quin’s brows lifted. “Can’t or won’t?”

Alice smiled a little. “Both, maybe.” She ran her fingers through her hair, tail coiling in slow thought. “I’m grateful, Dad, truly. It means more than I can say that you’d even think to give us something like that. But I’m not ready for… that kind of life yet.”

He said nothing, just watched her.

He smiled faintly, then nodded toward the projection. “You know, your mother would’ve accepted this house before I finished showing it to her.”

“Yeah,” Alice said softly. “She’s always been better at taking hand outs.”

Quin’s tone gentled. “She’s also learned that refusing comfort doesn’t make the struggle noble. It just makes it lonely.”

Alice looked away. “I know. But I’m not her.”

He nodded slowly, already knowing where this conversation was heading.

“I appreciate this, Dad. Really, I do,” Alice said, her voice steadying. “But I’m not ready for that kind of life yet. I want to see what I can build on my own first. Me and Nia found a small place well, we’re going to look at it today. It’s nothing like this.” “But it’s ours and ” her cheeks flushed faintly “ smaller places are a bit more… intimate.”.”

Quin leaned back, studying her. “You really mean that.”

“I do.”

“Even if it means living in a closet with bad plumbing?”

Alice smirked. “If the water’s hot and the bed’s warm, I’ll survive.”

Quin chuckled quietly, shaking his head. “You’ve always been stubborn.”

“Takes one to know one.”

His eyes softened again, pride and worry twining together. “Then I’ll say this once, and only once.” He dismissed the hologram with a flick of his wrist, the mansion dissolving into motes of light. “That house is yours, Alice. Whether you take it next week, next year, or never. It’ll be there. Waiting.”

She looked up, caught off guard. “You mean it?”

“I never offer things I don’t mean,” Quin said simply. “You don’t have to prove yourself to me anymore. You already did. But I’ll keep the lights on anyway just in case you change your mind.”

Alice’s tail coiled tighter. “You really hate that I won’t take your help, huh?”

He smiled softly. “No. I hate that you still think it’s help.”

That silenced her.

When she finally stepped forward to hug him, her hooves clicked softly against the polished floor.

“Thank you,” she said quietly. “For understanding.”

Quin’s hand brushed the back of her head, gentle and steady. “Always.”

She pulled back, blinking hard, forcing a smile. “I should go. Nia’s waiting. We’re gonna check out our maybe-home.”

He nodded. “Then go. Build your life your way. But remember my door’s open.”

Alice grinned, turning for the elevator. “I’ll keep that in mind.”

The elevator doors slid shut with a soft hiss. Quin lingered at the window, looking down at the city,

The elevator hummed softly, panels of glass and gold catching the city’s distant glow as it sank toward the lower floors. Alice leaned back against the railing, still trying to process everything her father had said.

The elevator doors opened with a soft chime.

Alice stepped in then froze halfway through the motion.

Standing there, framed by the golden light of the lift, was someone she almost recognized.

Almost.

He was smaller than she remembered, much smaller. His once-broad shoulders had softened into slender curves, his waist cinched narrow beneath a strip of silken fabric that barely qualified as clothing. A gauzy veil of crimson shimmer draped from his hips, more for show than coverage. short twin tails of blond hair framed a face far too delicate to belong to the brash commander she remembered shouting orders across the guild hall months ago.

Leo.

She blinked. “...Wait. No way.”

He jumped like he’d been caught sneaking out past curfew. “Wh-what?!” His voice cracked high girly, petulant, braty, . “Do I do I know you?”

Alice’s mouth opened, closed, then opened again. “You're Leo, right? From Lionheart? The loud guy with the harem and the armor?”

His entire face went scarlet. “I-I wasn’t loud!” He tugged the hem of his loincloth like he could will it longer. “And we were a serious party- shut up!” He crossed his arms quickly, trying to look intimidating, which only made his exposed midriff glint under the light.

Alice raised an eyebrow. “Uh-huh.”

Alice coughed into her fist to hide a smile. “You look… different.”

His head snapped up, eyes narrowing. “Don’t. Say. It.”

“I wasn’t going to say anything!”

“You were thinking it!”

“Thinking what?”

“That I look like- like some kind of… doll or or bimbo!” His words came out too fast, his voice wobbling. “I didn’t choose this, okay? It was the damn treatment! The poison! The stupid orc twins!”

Alice tilted her head. “Orc twins?”

He flinched like she’d stepped on a nerve. “N-nothing! I’m not, I mean they’re annoying! Always hovering, always ” He broke off, shoulders curling inward. “And I definitely don’t like the way they never mind!”

She blinked, half-amused. “You sure?”

Leo’s blush deepened, the tips of his ears pink. “I said drop it! Gods, you’re worse than they are!”

The elevator doors slid shut, trapping them in the quiet hum of descent. Alice leaned casually against the glass wall, studying him. He still had that spark, the faint, defiant fire of someone trying desperately not to admit they’re embarrassed. But the bravado that once filled a room had shrunk to a defensive pout and fidgeting hands.

“Sorry,” she said at last, gentler now. “I just… didn’t expect to see you again. You look…”

“Yeah, I know. Everyone says that. ‘Oh, Leo, you’re so cute now!’” He threw his hands up, voice rising in a bratty whine. “I hate it! I’m not cute!”

Alice bit back a smile. “You kinda are.”

He made a strangled noise. “Shut up!”

The silence that followed was awkward and thick with unspoken things. Leo shifted, eyes darting to her, then away again. When he finally spoke, his voice dropped small. “You were in Company of the Coin, right?”

Alice nodded slowly.

“I… heard what you did. Candyland.” He hesitated. “It was… brave.”

Alice blinked, taken off guard by the sincerity. “Thanks.”

Leo’s cheeks pinked again, and he turned away. “Whatever. Don’t get smug about it.”

The elevator chimed. The doors opened to the busy lower hall voices, footsteps, clattering steel. Leo stepped out first, chin high, the transparent fabric of his skirt swaying with each step.

Alice followed, watching him try to reclaim the swagger he’d once had. It didn’t quite work but it was strangely endearing.

“Hey, Leo?”

He turned, wary. “What now?”

“You really do pull off the twin tails.”

His entire body flushed pink. “Shut up!” he squeaked, stomping away down the hall.

Leo stomped out of the elevator, still muttering under his breath. “Stupid Guild girl, stupid hair, stupid-”

He didn’t get to finish.

“little wife~!”

The voice hit him before the pair of heavy footsteps did. Two tall, green-skinned women came into view nearly identical, but for the slight difference in their skin tones and hairstyles. Kiki and Koko, dressed in light traveling leathers that hugged their muscular curves, beamed the moment they saw him.

Kiki swooped first, looping an arm around his shoulders. “There you are, little lightning bug~.”

Leo made a strangled noise. “D-don’t call me that!”

Koko joined in from the other side, trapping him in a wall of warmth and muscle. “But it’s so fitting,” she purred. “You light up every time we touch you.”

“I do not!” Leo squirmed uselessly between them, face bright pink. “Get off!”

Neither of them moved.

Behind them, Jolie strolled up at an unhurried pace, one hand resting on her belly and her expression was smug and teasing.

“Well, well,” she said sweetly. “If it isn’t my favorite almost-ex-boyfriend.”

Leo stiffened, caught between glaring and looking anywhere but her stomach. “Jolie you- you look...”

Jolie grinned. “You mean radiant? Fulfilled? Thoroughly bred?”

His mouth opened. Closed. Opened again. “I- wh- you- !”

Kiki giggled, pressing closer, her chin resting on his shoulder. “Careful, wife. He’s gonna short out.”

Koko’s tusks flashed in a grin. “He does that when he’s excited.”

“I’m not excited!” Leo blurted, voice cracking halfway up the octave. “You- you’re all awful!”

Jolie’s eyes sparkled with mischief as she leaned in, close enough for him to catch the faint, earthy scent of the orc twins still clinging to her skin. “Aww, but you love it,” she whispered, brushing a strand of hair from his face. “you did like watching them fuck me.”

Leo’s breath hitched just barely audible and then he jerked his head away. “S-shut up! I- I don’t !”

“Oh, sweetheart,” Kiki murmured, nuzzling into his neck, “you blush so cute when you lie.”

Koko ran a finger down his bare arm, her voice low and lilting. “It's ok we’ll breed little wife too.”

“You- can't I’m not a girl!” he shouted, voice cracking again. “You’re all insane!”

Jolie laughed softly, genuine warmth under the teasing. “You keep saying that, Leo. But you’re the one who keeps begging us to.”

“I I don’t that- wasn't!” he stammered. “You you just !”

Kiki and Koko traded an amused glance, then leaned in together, their twin voices a teasing chorus. “Maybe that’s because you like our cocks more then big wife~.”

Leo went red from ears to chest. “I hate you both!”

They kissed his cheeks at the same time. “Love you too, little lightning bug~.”

Alice stood in the elevator doorway, frozen somewhere between laughter and disbelief.

It was surreal. Months ago, Leo had been the golden boy of the guild loud, confident, a walking ego with a sword. Now he was sandwiched between two towering orc women, dressed like a courtesan, and blushing so hard he could’ve powered a streetlamp.

She caught Jolie’s eye for a brief second. The woman smiled faintly, one hand absently rubbing the curve of her belly.

“Don’t worry,” Jolie said lightly. “He’s harmless. Just dramatic.”

“Stop talking about me like I’m not here!”

Alice exhaled, finally stepping out of the elevator. “I think the whole lobby can hear you’re here.”

Kiki and Koko laughed, pulling Leo in tighter. He wriggled and complained, but the sound that escaped him wasn’t anger it was flustered, helpless delight.

As the trio disappeared into the crowd, Jolie lingered for a moment, looking back at Alice with a knowing grin.

“Funny, isn’t it?” she said softly. “How we all end up where we belong.”

Alice blinked, unsure how to answer.

And then Jolie was gone too following her wives, leaving behind the faint echo of laughter and the sight of Leo being dragged along, kicking, blushing, and smiling.

She spotted her party tucked into a shadowed alcove near the rear staircase. The Company of the Coin her people. Nia, Jen, Mako, and Nell gathered close, voices low, heads angled toward one another like they were guarding state secrets.

She caught just enough of Mako’s tone to know what they were talking about.

“…she could’ve said something,” he was saying. “You don’t just forget to mention your dad runs the whole damn guild.”

Nell nodded nervously. “Yeah, I mean… it’s kind of a big deal.”

Jen leaned back in her chair, boots crossed on the table, expression unreadable. “Maybe she didn’t want to be treated different. You ever think of that?”

Mako frowned. “Jen, come on. That’s not small talk. That’s that’s the kind of thing you mention before you sign the party contract.”

“She’s not obligated to tell anyone anything,” Jen said flatly. “Everyone’s got parts of their life they don’t drag into the guild.” Her eyes narrowed slightly, daring him to push it. “Some of us more than others.”

That silenced them.

Alice swallowed and stepped forward before the awkward quiet could thicken further. “Guess I picked a bad time to walk in.”

All four heads turned at once.

Nell blinked rapidly, fumbling to close his holo-panel. “Oh hey! We were just ”

“Talking about you,” Mako admitted, because of course he did.

Alice sighed. “Yeah, figured.”

Jen dropped her boots to the floor and straightened, her tone losing some of its edge. “We weren’t judging, if that’s what you’re thinking. I told them to let it go.”

Alice looked from her to Mako. “Did you?”

Mako scratched the back of his neck, avoiding her eyes. “Mostly.”

Nia hadn’t moved. She sat slightly apart from the group, tail curled tight around one ankle, her gaze fixed on the table. Her silence hit harder than the others’ words.

Alice **** herself to smile. “So… yeah. It’s true. Quin Inspira’s my father. Guildmaster, legend, walking headache.” She exhaled, rubbing her temple. “I didn’t tell you because I didn’t want it to matter.”

Nell shifted uncomfortably. “Kinda hard for it not to matter, though. That’s… a lot to hide.”

“Exactly,” Mako added. “If the higher-ups find out ”

Jen’s hand hit the table lightly, cutting him off. “Then they find out. But she’s still the same person who dragged us out of the Candyland mess. You think that changes because of a last name?”

Alice blinked, surprised by the defense.

Mako quieted. Nell nodded sheepishly.

Jen leaned back again, tone casual but eyes sharp. “Everyone’s got their ghosts. She just happens to have one with good branding.”

Alice gave her a small, smile. “Thanks.”

“Don’t thank me,” Jen said, shrugging. “I just know what it’s like to want some space from where you came from.”

Something flickered in her expression gone before Alice could read it.

The silence that followed was thicker, heavier, and all of it centered on the one person who still hadn’t spoken.

Nia.

Alice hesitated. “Nia?”

Nia’s tail flicked once. Her voice came out calm, too calm. “I’m just wondering why I wasn’t worth telling.”

Alice’s heart stuttered. “Nia, that’s not ”

“You trust me in battle,” Nia continued, cutting her off gently. “You trust me in your bed. But not with this?” Her eyes lifted, pinning Alice in place. “What else are you not telling me?”

The question wasn’t angry, it was quiet, low, and full of hurt.

Alice stepped closer, words tumbling out faster than her thoughts. “It wasn’t about you. I didn’t tell anyone. I didn’t want people to look at me and see him. I didn’t want you to think I was someone else’s problem to manage.”

For a moment, Nia didn’t respond. Her tail coiled slowly, the motion deliberate restrained. “You’re not someone else’s problem,” she said softly. “You’re mine.”

The possessiveness in her voice sent a shiver down Alice’s spine.

Jen cleared her throat loudly. “Okay, before that turns into another public display of… whatever that is ”

Mako coughed into his fist. “Yeah, seriously. People are watching.”

Alice tore her gaze away from Nia, cheeks flushed. “Sorry. I just didn’t mean for this to blow up like it did.”

Jen stood, clapping her on the shoulder as she passed. “You’re fine, Alice. If anything, this proves you’re one of us.”

Alice blinked. “How?”

Jen smirked faintly. “Because the rest of us are a mess too.”

Nell let out a nervous laugh. “She’s not wrong.”

Even Nia’s lips twitched, just barely.

Nia rose, her tail brushing lightly against Alice’s leg as she passed. “You’re still Alice. I don’t care whose blood runs in your veins. Just remember which life you chose.”

She paused, then added quietly, but with that same edge of affection Alice knew too well “And if your father ever tries to give you orders again, I’ll remind him who you belong to.”

Alice’s cheeks warmed despite herself. “That’s… mildly threatening.”

“Good,” Nia said simply. “Means you heard me.”

Alice leaned against the window, The warmth of her skin never really went away anymore; she could see faint wisps of heat fogging the pane where her shoulder touched it.

Across from her, Nia sat quietly, crimson eyes half-lidded. Her tail swayed lazily against the seat, brushing Alice’s leg every few seconds not by accident.

Alice caught her smirk. “You’re doing that on purpose.”

“Maybe,” Nia said softly. “You get warmer when I do.”

“Warm?” Alice muttered. “You mean hot.”

The snake-tail lifted its head, flicking its tongue. “She’s not wrong,” it murmured. “You’re glowing again.”

Alice sighed. “Not helping.”

Alice and Nia stepped out of the ride share into the soft buzz of the evening city.

Neon reflected off puddles on the cracked sidewalk, Across the way, a neon sign buzzed to life over a glass storefront Mana Noodle Syndicate. Steam rolled out through the open windows, filling the air with the scent of ginger, broth, and faint mana spice.

“Smells amazing,” Alice murmured.

“Don’t get distracted,” Nia said, scanning the row of apartments. “Which one’s ours?”

Alice double-checked the address. “Third building down. Second floor.”

The building stood three stories tall, clean and neatly maintained, with flower boxes under the windows and faint lighting along the eaves. A brass sign near the door read: Knight Rentals Vacancies Welcome, Payment Up Front.

Nia’s tail flicked. “Knight Rentals?”

Alice shrugged and pushed open the door.

The lobby smelled faintly of coffee. A holo-panel flickered behind a small front desk and behind that desk, standing on a stool, was a woman who immediately squinted at them.

“Well,” she said in a voice that was half cheer, half threat. “You must be the delvers looking to rent the top unit. Don’t just stand there sweating up my clean floor, come in.”

Alice blinked. The woman barely came up to her chest, round hips, thick thighs, a loose tank top that read “Coffee First.” Her hair was tied up in a black ponytail, and her expression was pure mischief.

Nia leaned close, whispering under her breath, “Be polite. Goblins are sensitive about height jokes.”

“I heard that,” the woman said instantly.

Alice froze. “I sorry, I didn’t ”

The woman barked a laugh, hands on her hips. “Goblins? Please. Do I look like I have satellite ears or a tail girl, I'm not even green? I’m human, sweetheart. Just fun-sized. Name’s Tara Knight. I run this place and before you ask yes, I can reach the light switches just fine.”

Alice blinked. “Oh. Uh. Sorry. You just ”

Tara grinned. “Yeah, I get that a lot.”

Alice coughed into her fist. “Right. Well. I’m Alice, this is Nia. We’re with the Company of the Coin.”

Alice’s tail tilted its head, whispering low. “I like her.”

Tara caught it and smirked. “And I like that. You keep it house-trained?”

Alice sighed. “Mostly.”

“Good enough.” Tara hopped down from her stool and grabbed a set of keys. “Come on, girls. Let’s take a look at your new place.”

As they followed her up the stairs, Alice glanced around. The walls were warm cream,

The second-floor hallway opened onto a broad door with a runic lockplate. Tara tapped the key against it and the seal flashed green.

“Here we are.” She pushed the door open with a flourish. “Two bedrooms, one bath, a balcony with a view of the noodle shop, and mana conduits strong enough to run a small forge. No smoking, no summoning demons, and if you start any fires, you clean them yourself.”

Alice stepped in first, and her tail let out a low whistle. “She wasn’t kidding. It’s nice.”

Sunlight poured through the window, catching on glass bottles lined along the counter. The space was surprisingly open wood floors polished to a soft sheen, a full kitchen alcove, and the faint hum of mana lines running under the floor.

Nia crossed her arms, eyes scanning every inch. “It’s nice.”

“Damn right it is,” Tara said, propping her hands on her hips. “Had the conduits redone myself last spring. I keep things working. My tenants stay quiet, pay on time, and don’t summon any eldritch nonsense, and we get along fine.”

Alice grinned. “That seems fair.”

“Good.” Tara’s tone softened just a little. “And since you’re new, first month’s half rate. Call it a welcome gift. You girls look like you could use a win.”

Alice blinked. “That’s… incredibly generous.”

“Don’t thank me yet,” Tara said, already heading for the door. “Wait till you see the water bill. Now, I’ve got a beer and some noodles with my name on them, so I’ll be across the street if you need me.”

When the door shut behind her, the room went still.

Nia turned to Alice. “You were blushing.”

“I was warm,” Alice said automatically.

The tail flicked, voice sly. “You’re still warm.”

Alice sighed, leaning against the counter, cheeks glowing faintly as mana heat rolled from her skin. “She’s… a lot.”

Nia stepped closer, her tail brushing against Alice’s. “So are you.”

Alice smiled, heat shimmering between them. “Guess we’ll fit right in.”

The apartment was quiet.

Nia sat cross-legged on the couch, her tail draped lazily across the floor. She looked perfectly at ease, but Alice could feel her eyes on her. Always watching. Always reading.

Alice tried to breathe slowly, tried to cool down, but the heat inside her only rose. Steam curled faintly from her skin, the shimmer of pink light licking at her shoulders before fading. She pressed a hand over her chest, forcing it down.

Nia smiled faintly. “You’re steaming again.”

Alice exhaled, half-laughing. “I know. It’s not my fault. You have that look.”

“What look?”

“The one that says you’re about to suggest we break in the new furniture.”

Nia’s lips curved, but she didn’t move closer. “Tempting.”

Alice’s tail tilted its head toward her. “She’s serious, you know.”

“I know,” Alice muttered. “But there’s something I need to say first.”

That drew Nia up short. She straightened slightly. “Alright. I’m listening.”

Alice sat down beside her, the couch springs creaking. For a moment, she stared at her hands. “You asked before why I didn’t tell anyone about my father.”

Nia nodded once.

Alice hesitated. “You deserve to know.”

Her tail lifted its head, flicking its tongue. “Deep breath, Alice.”

She brushed it aside gently. “I’m fine.”

After a long moment, she began.

“My father Quin and my mother, Maria… they weren’t anything. Not a couple, not even friends, really. It was just… one night. A mistake.” She stared at the floor. “He didn’t even know I existed until I was about five.”

Nia stayed silent, letting her keep going.

“When he found out, he showed up at our door with that calm, polite face he always wears offered to take me away, raise me with his ‘real’ family.” She made air quotes. “Said he’d give me a better life. But my mom was crying the whole time, and I just… couldn’t. I didn’t want to leave her. She needed me more.”

Her voice softened. “After that, he kept sending things. Gifts. Jewelry for Mom, clothes for me. Expensive, useless stuff. I never took any of it. It felt like he was trying to buy me.”

Her tail hissed quietly. “Men like that always try to buy what they can’t have.”

Alice gave a weak laugh. “That’s one way to put it.”

She ran a hand through her hair. “I met my half-siblings later. My sister hated me on sight But the twins… they were kind. They’re the only reason I ever set foot in that palace more than once.”

Nia’s voice was low, careful. “And after that?”

Alice’s smile vanished. “After that was high school.”

The air in the room seemed to tighten. She picked at the seam of the couch cushion. “My father decided I needed to ‘build connections.’ So he set me up with someone from one of those old guild families. I didn’t know it at first. I thought the guy just… liked me.”

Nia’s tail twitched, a faint rattle in the motion. “He didn’t?”

“He liked what my father told him to like,” Alice said bitterly. “The name. The potential deal. The idea of being tied to the Inspira family.” She swallowed hard. “When I found out the truth, I broke up with him. He didn’t even argue. Just looked at me and said he was relieved. That he was disgusted by my body anyway.”

Her voice dropped to almost nothing. “That was the day I decided I’d never take anything from my father again. Not money. Not favors. Nothing. I’d rather crawl through dirt than owe him anything.”

Nia spoke softly. “What was his name?”

Alice shook her head. “Doesn’t matter. He’s just another reminder.”

Her tail flicked toward Nia. “She doesn’t want to say it because it still hurts.”

Nia ignored it, her voice low but sharp at the edges. “If I ever meet him ”

“You won’t,” Alice interrupted.

“I wasn’t finished,” Nia said, eyes darkening. “If I ever meet him, he’s going to suffer.”

Alice exhaled, somewhere between a laugh and a sigh. “You’re terrifying sometimes.”

“Only for you,” Nia said. Her tone softened again. “You were right not to take anything from your father. But you’re allowed to take comfort.”

Alice leaned against her shoulder, warmth bleeding into Nia’s skin. “Thanks.”

The tail stretched lazily across the back of the couch, murmuring, “Finally, honesty.”

Nia smirked. “Even your tail’s proud of you.”

“Yeah,” Alice said quietly. “For once, so am I.”

Nia shifted slightly, then without warning slipped an arm under Alice’s legs and another behind her back.

Alice yelped, startled as the world tilted.

“Nia! What are you ?”

Before she could finish, Nia lifted her easily and settled back against the couch, placing Alice squarely in her lap.

Alice went rigid, her face heating almost instantly. “You can’t just !”

Nia rested her chin on Alice’s shoulder, voice low. “You talk easier when I can hold you.”

Alice’s pulse spiked. The warmth beneath her skin bloomed outward, pink light threading faintly along her collarbones. Steam curled from the tips of her hair.

Her tail hissed softly, amused. “Told you this would happen.”

“Quiet,” Alice muttered, though her voice trembled.

Nia chuckled, nuzzling her shoulder. “You’ve gotten taller since we met. This used to be easier.”

“Sorry I ruined your cuddle logistics,” Alice grumbled, trying not to melt completely.

“You didn’t ruin anything,” Nia said softly. “You just make me work harder for it.”

For a while they stayed like that, the silence stretching comfortable and close. The hum of traffic outside filtered through the window; the noodle shop’s neon glow painted their faces faint blue.

Then Nia spoke again, voice quiet. “You told me about your father. You should know about mine.”

Alice turned her head slightly, catching the shadow over Nia’s eyes.

“I don’t remember much,” Nia said. “My parents lived somewhere near a gate, or maybe just in one of the bad zones. Too much mana drift, not enough regulation. They were both human. I wasn’t supposed to be like this.”

Alice frowned gently. “Like what?”

Nia’s tail brushed the floor. “chimerin my guess, is exposure before I was born. Wrong place, wrong time. When I was little, my mom said my father ran off the day I opened my eyes. Couldn’t stand to raise a freak.”

Alice’s stomach twisted. “He said that?”

“She did.” Nia’s voice stayed calm, but there was steel underneath. “She said he left because of me. And every time she looked at me, I could see she believed it.”

Alice’s warmth softened into something different, protective, aching. She turned slightly in Nia’s lap to look at her. “So you left.”

Nia nodded. “When I was sixteen. Walked out and never went back. Mako’s family found me later, fed me, gave me a place to sleep until my system unlocked. I owe them for that.”

Nia’s arms tightened a little, just enough to make Alice feel anchored. “You’re safe now,” Nia said softly. “No one’s buying you, and no one’s abandoning me.”

Alice exhaled slowly, letting herself sink back against her. The heat in her body finally steadied, a steady warmth between them.

“Promise?” she whispered.

“Always,” Nia said.

The kiss deepened before either of them thought to stop it, their lips moving against each other with growing hunger and the world narrowed to just the two of them the soft whir of the apartment's AC and the sound of their increasingly ragged breaths intermingling.

Nia smiled against Alice's lips, “I love how you get hotter when you’re flustered.”

“Shut up,” Alice whispered back, even as the shimmering heat of her arousal rolled off her in visible waves, enveloping them both in a haze of want. “You’re not helping.”

“Not trying to,” Nia murmured, pulling Alice flush against her. Her hands roamed and groped Alice's new breasts, squeezing and shaping, thumbs brushing over the nipples.

Alice’s tail twitched once, clearly smug. “Told you this was going to happen.”

“Quiet,” Alice hissed, but her voice was breathy and distracted, her hands curling weakly in the fabric of Nia’s shirt, feeling the planes and ridges of muscle and flesh underneath. Alice shivered as she felt Nia's massive horse cock twitch against her stomach, even mostly soft it was a massive size. It stirred, quickly hardening into a hot, throbbing rod between them.

As Nia continued to caress and tease her aching breasts, Alice could feel the brush of Nia's cock against her own hardening dick, the shaft lengthening and rising to curve up towards her belly-button as it filled with blood, the tip poking out from her shorts.

Each tweak and roll of her nipples sent zings of electric pleasure arcing through her, making her cock throb as she grinds her hips against Nia. Alice felt her body temperature spiking, a flush rising across her chest as her arousal coiled tighter and tighter.

Nia's tongue teased and traced the seam of Alice's lips, coaxing them to part. Alice surrendered with a sigh, allowing Nia to deepen the kiss. Their tongues slid together, exploring and tasting. Nia mapped the inside of Alice's mouth, her tongue gliding along her teeth and tangling with Alice's, the slick, silky caress making Alice's head swim.

The kiss grew more passionate, their tongues dancing, teeth nipping and catching on lips. Nia groaned into Alice's mouth as she continued to fondle and grope her full tits, making Alice arch and whimper needily. Alice felt devoured she never wanted it to stop.

As the kiss went on, the feeling of Nia's monster cock pressing insistently against Alice's stomach and her own much small hard on straining against her neglected dick became impossible to ignore. With a gasp, Alice broke the kiss.

"Nia, please..." she panted desperately, "I need more... I need you. Fuck me.." Her hips rolled, humping Nia, seeking relief.

Nia's smile was slow and predatory. "With pleasure, my sweet pet," she growled. "I'm going to split you in half with this cock until you scream for me. You want that?"

Then knock knock.

Both froze. The noise cut through the warmth.

Another knock, louder this time. “Alice? You home?”

Alice’s eyes widened in horror. “Oh no. No no no ”

Nia sighed, resting her forehead against Alice’s. “You didn’t tell anyone we were moving today?”

“I might have mentioned it to Jen,” Alice admitted weakly.

The tail groaned. “You absolute idiot.”

Before Alice could scramble to her feet, the door opened just a crack Jen’s voice cheerful as ever.

“Hey! Hope you don’t mind, we oh.”

She froze.

Behind her stood Mako, Nell, and Maria, each carrying boxes. Maria’s smile was bright and utterly knowing.

“Well,” Maria said, stepping inside as if she owned the place, “looks like we came at a good time.”

Alice practically melted into Nia’s lap. “Kill me.”

“Later,” Nia murmured dryly.

Jen cleared her throat, pretending not to notice the blush steaming off both of them. “We, uh, brought your stuff down from your mom’s place. And a few of Nia’s things that were still at Mako’s house.”

Mako lifted one of the boxes slightly. “Mostly clothes, weapons, and… whatever this is.” she peered inside. “Do you need this?”

Nia smirked. “Sentimental value.”

Nell was already peeking around curiously. “Wow. It’s actually nice in here! I thought you two would end up in, like, a basement or something.”

Maria shot him a look. “My daughter does not live in basements.”

Alice groaned softly. “Mom ”

Maria ignored her, moving deeper into the apartment. “You two really made it your own. Cozy. Small. Steamy, apparently.”

Alice covered her face. “I hate everything.”

Nia chuckled under her breath, arms still loosely around her waist. “You’re adorable when you panic.”

The tail snorted. “Told you they’d ruin the mood.”

Jen was already setting a box on the counter. “We figured a proper housewarming was in order.”

Jen grined. “but judging by the smell in here~”

“Jen!” Alice yelped, her blush going nuclear.

Mako just grinned and dropped another box beside the couch. “We’ll take that as a yes.”

Maria leaned in and kissed Alice’s cheek, her tone softer. “I’m proud of you, sweetheart. Really. You’ve come a long way.”

Alice blinked through her embarrassment. “Thanks, Mom.”

Nia smiled faintly at the sight, resting her chin on Alice’s shoulder again. “Told you we'd make a home.”

Boxes were stacked everywhere mismatched, half-opened, and spilling out The apartment wasn’t large a single living room that blended into the kitchen, two narrow bedrooms, and a balcony overlooking the city glow but it felt lived in. Warm. Cluttered. Home.

Nell had already claimed a corner of the couch, nervously sipping at a coffee cup while Maria leaned in far too close.

“So,” she purred, propping her chin on her hand, “how old are you, dear?”

Nell blinked rapidly. “Uh twenty-two?”

Maria smiled like a cat who’d found a toy. “Mmm. Old enough to-”

Alice nearly choked on her drink. “Mom!”

“What?” Maria asked innocently. “he's adorable, dear and you already have Nia.”

Jen was sprawled out near the TV stand, flipping through Alice’s game cases like they were sacred relics. “You’ve got Zelda, Smash, and Animal Crossing? Seriously? You’re such a Nintendo girl.”

Alice, still red-faced, muttered, “Yeah, well, they're relaxing.”

Jen smirked.

Nia snorted softly, helping Mako unpack the last of the boxes. Mako crouched near the kitchenette, opening one marked Guild Storage Nia. Inside were folded uniforms, a few old training weights, and a battered plushy that looked like it had been through a dungeon break.

Mako grinned. “Didn’t think you’d miss this thing.”

Nia took it from him carefully, brushing off the dust. “I didn’t.”

Alice’s tail peeked curiously out from beneath the couch, flicking toward the counter. “There’s meat in that bag.”

“Yeah,” Mako said, setting out the groceries. “Picked up different types of sausage from the deli remembered you mentioning it was your favorite.”

Alice brightened immediately, eyes gleaming. “You’re my favorite person right now.”

Nia raised a brow. “Thought you couldn’t digest meat?”

“I can now remember," Alice said, already opening the package. “Doesn’t do anything for me, but it tastes great.”

The tail hissed approvingly. “Meat. Good choice.”

Maria rolled her eyes. “I raised a carnivore.”

“You raised a demon,” Jen corrected.

Nia stared at the bag of meat like she was jealous of it.

Someone found a half-broken speaker soft music buzzed through it as they set out paper plates and mismatched cups. The couch became a table, the table became a seat, and laughter replaced the last awkward traces of the earlier embarrassment.

It was simple friends, food, and the sound of the city beyond the balcony. Alice leaned back against Nia’s shoulder, her tail curled lazily around one leg. Maria was still teasing Nell, Jen was playing Mario Kart, and Mako was telling an exaggerated story about how she’d had to wrestle a mimic to get Nia’s old stuff back.

The noise faded gradually as the evening wore on.

Maria and Nell had drifted to the balcony, talking about city lights and guild politics. Jen was still on the floor in front of the TV, swearing at Rainbow Road.

Mako leaned back against the counter, watching Alice and Nia share the end of a couch. The light from the window made the room feel softer, smaller like the rest of the world had gone to sleep.

When Alice looked up, Mako’s eyes were already on them.

“You got a minute?” Mako asked quietly.

Nia tilted her head. “Now?”

“Yeah. While they’re distracted.”

Alice frowned but followed as Nia stood. The three of them slipped into the narrow kitchen. The hum of the fridge filled the silence.

Mako crossed their arms, studying Nia for a long moment before speaking. “You didn’t tell her yet.”

Alice blinked. “Tell me what?”

Nia’s tail flicked once against the cabinet. “Mako…”

Mako sighed. “Relax, I’m not here to start trouble. Just figured it’s better she hears it from us both.”

Alice’s pulse ticked upward. “Hear what, exactly?”

“No drama. I just want things clear.” They exhaled slowly, looking at both of them. “Nia and I… had something before you two got serious physical, not romantic. It wasn’t love. It was fun.”

Alice blinked. “You mean you ”

“Yeah,” Mako interrupted. “We fucked. A lot. But it was simple. It kept her sane, kept me stable.”

They leaned their hip against the counter, expression unreadable. “I’m not saying this to stir shit, Alice. I’m saying it because I’d like to keep that door open.”

Nia’s eyes snapped toward Mako, her tone sharp. “That’s not your call to make.”

“I know,” Mako said quietly. “That’s why I’m asking her.”

Alice went very still. “You mean you two are still ?”

“Not recently,” Nia said quickly. “Not since you and I started sharing a bed. But…” She hesitated, glancing at Mako.

Nia’s gaze flicked to Alice. “You know I love you.”

Alice swallowed hard, the warmth in her chest rising until she could feel fire radiating from her skin.

Mako noticed, smirking faintly. “You’re overheating.”

“Yeah,” Alice said, voice tight. “Because I’m thinking.”

Alice could feel her pulse in her throat and the faint shimmer of heat rising through her skin. Her body didn’t know whether to be angry, flattered, or embarrassed.

Nia turned to Alice, voice soft but firm. “You don’t have to say yes. You don’t have to say anything. You’re mine.”

The words hit like a heartbeat

Mako filled in the silence. “But I wouldn’t mind if it wasn’t off the table.”

Mako’s expression softened a little. “Look, I’m not trying to steal anyone. I just… like what we had. No strings, no drama. You know me romance isn’t my thing. But this? This worked.”

Nia’s gaze flicked to Alice. “You know I love you .”

Alice swallowed hard, the warmth in her chest rising until she could feel it radiating from her skin.

Alice’s hands tightened against the countertop. The logic made sense painfully so. But hearing it out loud twisted her stomach. “So you want to… join us.”

Mako shrugged lightly. “If you’ll have me. No jealousy, no ownership. Just fun I’d rather this be honest than watch you both burn from pretending you don’t need more.”

Nia’s jaw flexed. “She doesn’t need anyone else.”

Silence again. The refrigerator hummed faintly behind them.

Alice’s tail uncoiled slightly, its voice a low murmur. “He’s got a point. More fucking means more power. More XP. More control.”