Dungeon date

The corridor stretched on, the sand quiet underfoot.

Alice walked a few steps ahead, chewing on her lower lip.

Okay. Think. Be smart.

This place was too high level for her. That wasn’t insecurity, that was math. The enemies hit harder. The traps were crueler. Loot mattered. Levels mattered. But surviving mattered more.

Her eyes betrayed her anyway, flicking to Ignition.

He was right there. Calm again. Controlled. Heat banked low and steady, not the scary kind. The kind that

No. Focus.

If they pushed deeper, maybe she get a few more levels. Better drops. Something worth the risk.

But if they left now…

Her face warmed.

Date. An actual date. and maybe more.

Her brain, traitor that it was, supplied a vivid and deeply unhelpful mental image.

She didn’t notice the door.

Because it didn’t belong there.

It wasn’t sandstone like the rest of the labyrinth. It stood flush against the wall like it had been inserted after the fact, a perfectly ordinary wooden door complete with brass handle and clean black frame. No dust. No runes. No warning.

It looked like it belonged in an inn hallway. Or a townhouse. Or nowhere in this dungeon at all.

Alice took one more distracted step.

The door opened.

“Oh !”

There was no resistance. No creak. Just a sudden lurch as the world folded, and Alice stumbled forward through the doorway.

Ignition reacted instantly, lunging and grabbing her wrist, heat flaring as he followed her through

The door slammed shut behind them with a soft, polite click.

Silence fell.

Not the heavy, breathing silence of a dungeon chamber.

The comfortable kind.

Alice’s stomach dropped.

Ignition released her wrist slowly, already turning, hand half-raised as fire crawled instinctively along his knuckles.

The door was gone.

Not sealed.

Gone.

Where the doorway had been was now a smooth stretch of wall, perfectly painted, unblemished.

“What,” Ignition said flatly, “the hell was that.”

Alice swallowed. “That… wasn’t the dungeon.”

They turned.

The room was enormous.

Plush carpet sank beneath their boots. Warm amber light glowed from hidden fixtures. A king-sized bed dominated one wall, pristine white sheets folded with hospital-perfect corners. Nightstands of dark polished wood flanked it, each topped with softly glowing lamps. A couch sat near a low table that held a bowl of fresh fruit. A mini fridge hummed quietly beneath a marble counter stocked with crystal glasses and bottles that looked expensive.

The air smelled faintly of clean linen.

No sand.

No enemies.

“This is wrong,” Alice said, voice tight.

Ignition moved immediately, testing the walls. Fire flared as he punched one.

The wall didn’t even scorch.

He tried again, harder. Heat roared.

Nothing.

Alice summoned her spear. Thrust it forward.

The tip slid across the wall like it was glass.

No resistance. No damage.

“No mana feedback,” Ignition muttered, jaw tightening. “It’s not blocking us. It’s just… not letting us leave.”

Alice’s heart started to race.

She turned in a slow circle. Everything here felt too deliberate. Too curated.

“Maybe it is a trap,” she said. “But not the kind that kills you.”

A chime sounded.

Soft. Pleasant.

A translucent System panel unfolded on the far wall, elegant and infuriatingly calm.

[INTERMISSION SPACE DETECTED]

[Location: ???]

[Exit: Temporarily Unavailable]

A second line appeared, flickering like it was enjoying itself.

[Dice: Oh hey! Congratulations! You found one of my bonus room doors .]

Alice’s blood went cold. “Dice.”

Ignition stared at the panel. “Found. As in… accidentally.”

[Dice: Very accidentally. These pop up wherever I get bored. Taverns. Back alleys. Dungeons. Bathrooms. You name it.]

Alice clenched her fists. “You dropped a random teleport door in a high-level dungeon?”

[Dice: Dropped is such a harsh word. I prefer ‘liberated from causality.’]

Ignition’s flames flared hotter. “Let us out.”

[Dice: Can’t! Won’t! That’d ruin the experience.]

A new panel slid in beneath the first, glowing smugly.

[STATUS: LOCKED-IN COMFORT]

[Note: No hostile entities detected. No environmental hazards detected.]

Alice laughed, short and panicked. “Oh gods. It’s a reward room.”

[Dice: Ehhhhh.]

The panel flickered again.

[Dice: It’s more like… enforced bonding.]

Another chime.

A new interface appeared, this one clearly labeled.

[TASK ROOM]

[Completion Required to Reopen Exit]

Ignition and Alice both stared at it.

“Task room,” Ignition repeated slowly. “I don’t like those words together.”

Alice nodded numbly. “Same.”

The list was blank for a heartbeat.

Then the first line resolved into focus.

Task 1 of 7: Hand Holding

Silence.

Alice felt her face heat instantly. “You have got to be kidding me.”

Ignition’s ears went red. “This is… worrying.”

[Dice: Relax! No monsters. No traps. Just a little emotional cardio.]

Alice shot the panel a glare. “You did this on purpose.”

[Dice: I do everything on purpose.]

Ignition exhaled slowly, clearly recalibrating. “So. No exit. No ****. No magic. No breaking.”

Alice nodded. “Which means…”

They both looked at the task.

“…We have to play along,” Alice finished weakly.

The bed seemed to loom behind them.

The couch looked inviting.

The room hummed with quiet patience, like it knew it had all the time in the world.

Alice swallowed, wings twitching. “Okay. Okay. This is fine. It’s just ”

She lifted her hand, hesitating.

Ignition lifted his.

They hovered there, inches apart, neither quite committing.

Alice let out a shaky laugh. “We’ve fought worse than this.”

Ignition snorted despite himself. “Yeah. Somehow this is scarier.”

They interlaced fingers.

Warmth spread immediately. Not fire. Just… him.

The panel chimed.

[Task 1 Complete]

A second line blurred into existence beneath it, still unreadable.

The door did not reappear.

Alice did not let go right away.

Neither did Ignition.

The panel chimed again.

A second line resolved beneath the first, crisp and merciless.

Task 2 of 7: [Blowjob]

Alice stared at it.

Ignition stared at it.

They both very deliberately did not read it out loud.

Silence stretched.

Long.

Very long.

Alice’s wings twitched. Slowly. Like they were trying to crawl up her back and hide.

“…We’re not doing that,” she said at last, voice far too Loud and embarrassingly squeaky and her face had gone red.

Ignition cleared his throat. Once. Then again. His ears were burning. “Agreed. Absolutely not. That is ” He gestured vaguely at the panel without looking at it. “That is a conversation we are not having right now.”

The System did not argue.

Which somehow made it worse.

Alice crossed her arms, then immediately uncrossed them when she realized that only made her more aware of her body. The bikini. The room. Him.

“Okay,” she said quickly. “New plan. We… don’t think about that. At all.”

Ignition nodded a little too fast. “Yes. Excellent plan. Very tactical.”

They both turned away from the task board at the exact same time.

The room, unfortunately, remained very present.

The bed was still there. Immaculate. Inviting. Menacing.

The couch looked like it had been designed by someone who wanted people to sit too close together.

Alice made a beeline for the mini fridge.

“Oh hey,” she said, far too brightly, crouching to open it. “Food. Look. Real food.”

Ignition seized on that lifeline immediately. “What’ve they got?”

The fridge was stocked like a luxury hotel suite. Chilled drinks. Fresh fruit. Prepped meals sealed in crystal containers that shimmered faintly with preservation enchantments.

Alice pulled one out. “This… looks like some kind of flatbread?”

Ignition leaned over her shoulder, then immediately stepped back when he realized how close he was. “Uh. Yeah. And is that marinated meat?”

She glanced at him. “You like cooking?”

He shrugged, suddenly shy in a way that did not suit a seven-foot berserker. “I used to do all the cooking for my old party, I can cook a lot of things but my favorite is barbecue, Slow stuff. Smoking meat. Long waits. Fire you don’t rush.”

Alice smiled despite herself. “That tracks.”

She straightened, holding another container. “I’m… really into sausage. Like. Unreasonably into it.”

The words hit her brain half a second later.

Oh no.

Her face went nuclear.

Ignition’s eyes widened just a fraction before he very deliberately looked at the ceiling. “That is. Uh. Very cool. Sausage is. Good.”

Why did Dice make language.

Alice laughed, mortified, and shoved the container back into the fridge harder than necessary. “I meant food. Obviously. Food. Gods.”

“Of course,” Ignition said, nodding seriously. “Food.”

They both stood there, pretending the task board did not exist.

Alice finally dared a glance at him.

Seven feet tall. Nearly pitch-black skin catching the amber light like polished obsidian. Broad shoulders. A body built like a professional bodybuilder.

And then his face.

Soft where it had no right to be. Almost unfairly pretty. Calm now. Warm eyes. The kind of expression that belonged on a pop idol poster, not a walking natural disaster.

It wasn’t fair.

Not even a little.

She swallowed.

I am trapped in a luxury room, in a micro-bikini, with a guy I’ve already slept with, who just agreed to go on a date with me.

Her heart thudded.

And despite the glowing task board. Despite the obvious trap.

Despite the embarrassment still curling in her gut

…It wasn’t actually that bad.

Ignition caught her looking and immediately flushed again. “What?”

“Nothing,” Alice said too quickly, then softer, “Just… thinking.”

He hesitated. “Me too.”

The panel remained silent.

Waiting.

Ignition broke first.

“…I’m going to get food, Because if I keep standing here pretending that list doesn’t exist, I’m going to spontaneously combust.”

Alice nodded immediately. “Good plan. Very healthy coping mechanism.”

He opened the mini fridge and paused.

Then blinked.

Then opened it wider.

“…Alice,” he said slowly, “I think this thing is cheating.”

She glanced over. “What?”

“There’s… a lot,” he said. “Like. Way more than should fit.” He reached in and pulled out a bundle of fresh vegetables. Then another. Then a slab of cheese. Then a sealed container of meat that immediately reappeared behind his hand as if the fridge had politely replaced it. “I think it’s infinite.”

Alice stared. “Of course it is. Dice would never let us starve in his weird porno prison.”

Ignition snorted, tension easing just a little. “Alright then.” He rolled his shoulders and moved toward the small kitchen nook built into the side of the room. “I’m cooking.”

“You don’t have to ”

“I want to,” he said quickly, then more quietly, “It helps me think.”

Alice didn’t argue.

She climbed onto the bed instead, sitting cross-legged on the pristine sheets. The mattress sank comfortably beneath her, absurdly soft. Too soft. Like the room was actively bribing them to relax.

Ignition moved with easy confidence in the kitchen. He tied his hair back into a ponytail, he didn’t consult a recipe, didn’t hesitate. He just… started.

Flour appeared. Water. Yeast. Oil.

Alice watched, mesmerized, as he mixed dough by hand, movements precise and practiced. The heat from his palms was perfectly controlled, just warm enough to activate the yeast faster, never scorching.

He didn’t even seem aware he was doing it.

“So,” Alice said, mostly to keep herself from staring too obviously, “you said you cooked for your old party?”

“Yeah,” he replied, kneading smoothly. “We couldn’t afford taverns. And I don’t sleep much. So I cooked while everyone else rested.”

“That’s…” She trailed off, then laughed softly. “That’s kind of amazing.”

He shrugged. “It’s just food.”

Alice stared at the dough. At the sauce he started making from scratch, crushing tomatoes with a spoon, seasoning by smell alone. “You know I’ve burned water, right?”

He glanced back at her. “…How.”

“I don’t know,” she admitted. “It’s a talent.”

That got a real laugh out of him. Low, warm, filling the room in a way the silence hadn’t dared.

Idle conversation followed. Little things. Safe things.

“What’s your favorite color?” he asked while stretching the dough.

“Black,” she answered instantly. “Always. Goes with everything. Hides stains.”

He smiled. “Mine’s baby blue.”

She blinked. “Really?”

“Yeah.” He shrugged again, almost embarrassed. “It’s calm. Reminds me of clear skies.”

“That’s…” Alice smiled. “Actually really cute.”

His ears went pink. He pretended very hard to focus on the sauce.

The oven chimed a while later, cheerful and oblivious.

Ignition pulled the pizza out and set it on the counter.

Alice leaned forward.

Half the pizza was chicken, bacon, and mushrooms. The other half was absolutely loaded with sausage,

Her eyebrows lifted.

He glanced at it. “…Yeah.I wasn't entirely sure what you would like.” Then, after a beat, “Chicken, bacon, and sausage are my favorite toppings.”

Alice laughed, resting her hands behind her on the bed. “Of course they are.”

He cut them slices, brought one over to her carefully, like he wasn’t entirely sure how close was acceptable anymore.

She took a bite.

Her eyes widened.

“Oh,” she said faintly. “Oh no. That’s unfair.”

“What?” he asked, suddenly worried.

“This is really good,” she said. “Like. I might actually forgive the dungeon for trapping us here.”

He relaxed, smiling softly. “Glad you like it.”

Ignition carried his plate over, then hesitated.

The couch was… small.

Not tiny, but close. Intimate in a way.

Alice had already claimed most of it, legs tucked under her, wings folded as neatly as they ever got. If he sat there too, he’d have to crowd her. Practically pin her. And she was still in a bikini. And he was very aware of his size.

So instead, very deliberately, he sat on the edge of the bed.

Far enough away to be polite.

Far enough away to be safe.

Alice noticed immediately.

She took a bite of pizza, chewed, swallowed, then another. It was incredible. Cheesy, rich, perfect. Normally she’d demolish it without thinking.

Tonight, every bite felt… loud.

She became painfully aware of how she ate. Of her fingers. Of licking sauce off her thumb.

Gods, pull it together.

She glanced at Ignition.

He was sitting stiffly, slice in one hand, the other resting awkwardly on his knee. Massive shoulders hunched just a little. Eyes fixed very firmly on the far wall like it might start a fight if he looked away.

He looked… nervous.

That did it.

Alice swallowed, set the slice down on the table, and stood up.

Ignition startled immediately. “Did you was it bad? I can ”

“No,” she blurted. “It’s amazing. I just ” She gestured vaguely. “I don’t want to hog the couch.”

He blinked. “Oh. You can I mean I’m fine here.”

She took two steps toward him anyway.

Every heartbeat felt like a drum in her ears.

She sat down beside him on the bed.

Careful. Just enough space. Their thighs not quite touching. Her wings tucked tight to avoid brushing him.

The pizza was forgotten entirely.

Silence fell again, heavier this time.

Alice clasped her hands together in her lap, knuckles white. Her heart was racing so fast she felt dizzy. She stared at the floor, then risked a glance upward.

Ignition was looking at her.

Not staring. Not undressing her with his eyes. Just… looking. Like he was trying to memorize something important and was afraid of getting it wrong.

Icy blue eyes. Softer than she expected. ****.

She looked away instantly.

Too much.

Too real.

Her chest ached in a way she didn’t recognize.

This wasn’t a crush.

This wasn’t excitement or adrenaline or the dumb heat of a dungeon high.

This was… different.

Her last boyfriend’s face flickered through her mind.

Ignition wasn’t like that.

Ignition was strong and careful. Awkward and gentle. Terrifying when unleashed and endlessly patient when he wasn’t.

Her throat tightened.

Oh.

Oh no.

She inhaled slowly, trying to steady herself.

Ignition shifted, clearly just as unsure. “Alice,” he said quietly, then stopped. Tried again. “You okay?”

She nodded too fast. “Yeah. just thinking.”

“Me too,” he admitted.

Their hands were close now. Inches apart on the bedspread. Neither of them moved.

The task board remained silent.

Waiting.

Alice let herself breathe.

Whatever this was… it felt real.

Ignition set his plate down untouched.

The quiet clink felt louder than it should have.

Alice looked up just in time to see him stand, then step closer not looming, not rushing. He lowered himself in front of her, kneeling on the carpet.

Even like that, he was still taller.

That fact hit her all at once.

Seven feet of muscle, level with her face even while kneeling, eyes steady and earnest. He didn’t touch her. Didn’t crowd her. He just… stayed there, like he was making a point of meeting her where she was.

“Alice,” he said softly.

Her breath hitched.

“You don’t have to do that,” he continued, nodding once toward the task board without looking at it. His ears were pink again. “You don’t owe me anything. Not that. Not ever.”

She swallowed.

“I just want to be clear,” he added, voice careful, deliberate. “We’ll get out of this room. One way or another. But it doesn’t have to be you doing something you’re not ready for.”

Her fingers curled into the bedsheet.

Ignition hesitated, then went on, quieter. “If it comes down to it… I’d rather be the one helping you. If that’s what you want. If it’s just a task to clear. Not because you feel pressured.”

The words landed hard.

Alice stared at him.

Her last boyfriend’s voice echoed in her head uninvited. The way he’d flinched. The way he’d laughed it off. The way he’d said no without ever really saying why just that it was “weird,” or “not his thing,” or that it would “make him gay.”

Like acknowledging her cock would somehow undo him.

Alice hadn’t realized how much that had stayed with her until now.

Her chest tightened.

Ignition wasn’t avoiding her body.

He wasn’t minimizing it.

He wasn’t afraid of it.

He was looking at her like she was exactly what she said she was.

And that thought made something ache sharply behind her ribs.

“You…” Her voice wobbled, and she hated that. She cleared her throat. “You don’t think It’s… weird?”

Ignition frowned, genuinely confused. “Why would I?”

She laughed weakly, eyes stinging. “Because some people do.”

He shook his head immediately. “I don’t. I see you. I’ve always seen you.” His jaw tightened a little, not angry, just certain. “Nothing about you makes me question who I am.”

That did it.

Alice’s breath shook as she exhaled.

“Oh,” she whispered, more to herself than to him.

She reached out before she could overthink it, fingers curling into the fabric of his shirt the same way she had earlier. Not pulling him closer. Just anchoring herself.

Ignition went still instantly, letting her set the pace.

She leaned forward, resting her forehead against his.

“Thank you,” she murmured. “For… saying that.”

He smiled, small and shy and devastating. “Anytime.”

The task board didn’t change.

The room remained patient.

Whatever came next whatever choice she made it would be hers.

Alice's fingers remained tangled in his shirt, her forehead still pressed to his. She could feel his breath, warm and steady. Could feel the patience radiating off him like heat from banked coals.

"I want to," she whispered. "I think I want to. But I'm scared."

Ignition didn't flinch. Didn't pull back. "Of what?"

Everything, she wanted to say. Of you seeing me. Really seeing me. Of the way you might look at me after.

"That it'll be different," she managed instead. "Once you... once it's real."

His hand came up slowly giving her time to pull away and cupped her jaw with gentleness. His palm was warm, calloused. Safe.

"It's already real," he said quietly. "You're already real. Nothing changes that."

Alice's breath shuddered out of her.

She nodded.

He let her set every pace.

When her trembling hands moved to her bikini bottom, he waited. When she hesitated, he simply kept his eyes on her face, not rushing, not glancing down. Just... present.

When she finally pulled her cock out, she felt **** and exposed in a way that had nothing to do with skin, Ignition's expression didn't shift into disgust or discomfort.

He looked at her like she was beautiful.

"Okay?" he asked softly.

She nodded, not trusting her voice.

He lowered himself further, settling between her knees with the same deliberate care. His hands rested on her thighs warm, steady.

"Tell me if you want me to stop," he said. "Anytime. For any reason."

"Okay," she managed.

The first touch of warmth made her gasp,when he kissed her cock.

Not from the sensation itself though that sent electricity sparking up her spine but from the reality of it. This was happening. He was here,and there wasn't a single trace of **** in the way he moved.

Her hands flew to his shoulders, gripping hard.

Ignition paused immediately, looking up.

Their eyes met.

The concern in his gaze the genuine care cracked something open inside her chest. Her vision blurred, and she realized with distant horror that she was crying.

"Sorry," she choked out, laughing weakly. "Sorry, I'm not this isn't I'm okay, I just "

He reached up and took her hand.

Laced their fingers together.

Squeezed once.

Then he held her gaze and continued, never looking away from her eyes even as his mouth worked with more enthusiasm than technique. He was clumsy, clearly completely inexperienced but he didn't hesitate. Didn't flinch. Didn't treat her body like something to be endured.

Alice's free hand came up to cover her mouth, muffling the sob that escaped.

He sees me, she thought, tears streaming freely now. He actually sees me. They spilled down her cheeks silently, and she laughed at herself an embarrassed, hiccuping sound because who cries during this?

Every fumbling, earnest suck and lick felt like a declaration. Every gentle squeeze of his hand against hers felt like a promise. He wasn't performing acceptance he was simply accepting, as naturally as breathing.

But Ignition didn't stop. He just reached up with his free hand and brushed his thumb across her cheek, wiping the tears away without comment.

His eyes said everything.

I see you.

You're safe.

She believed him.

She laughed, wet and overwhelmed. "Sorry, I'm I don't know why I'm "

He squeezed her hand again.

His head still bobbing up and down on her cock.

More tears still came. She couldn't stop them. Something she'd carried for so long she'd forgotten it was heavy.

Every time her body had felt wrong.

And here was this ridiculous, beautiful, giant, on his knees for her, looking at her like she was exactly what she was supposed to be.

Alice's free hand found his hair, fingers threading through it gently.

"Thank you," she whispered again, voice breaking. as his tongue trailed up her shaft "Thank you, thank you "

As Ignition continued to lavish her cock with attention, Alice's pleasure spiralled out of control. Her entire body felt like it was humming with desire, and she knew she was close to the edge.

The velvety smoothness of his tongue glided up and down her shaft, teasing and taunting. His hand gently squeezed her hers, as if he could feel the electric current that was coursing through her veins.

She arched her back, letting out a low moan as she felt her orgasm building. "Ig-Ignition..." She breathed.

His mouth left her cock for a moment, looking up at her with concern. "Alice? Are you okay?"

"Yes," she gasped, "Just... don't stop."

He nodded, his hand tightening its grip on hers. Then he was back to his work, lavishing her cock with love.

Her orgasm crashed down on her like a tidal wave, slamming into her with intense ****. She cried out, her hips bucking wildly as pleasure washed over her. She could feel her jizz pouring into his mouth, hot and sticky. But he didn't hesitate, swallowing her cum without much thought.

She tightened her grip, holding on for dear life as she rode out the intense wave of ecstasy.

The sensation crested not just physical, but emotional. Everything she'd buried, everything she'd armored herself against, it all rushed to the surface at once.

She came undone.

And Ignition stayed with her through every second of it.

Afterward, she sat there shaking, tears still streaming, laughing weakly at how ridiculous she must look.

"Was that... okay?" he asked.

Alice laughed really laughed, breathless and wet and free.

"Yeah," she managed. "Yeah, it was okay."

The task board chimed softly behind them.

Neither of them looked at it.

Ignition climbed up onto the bed beside her, and when he opened his arm in silent invitation, Alice tucked herself against his side without hesitation. His heart was pounding. She could feel it against her cheek.

"You're shaking," she murmured.

"Adrenaline," he said, voice rough.

"Liar."

He huffed a laugh. "Fine. That was... a lot. Good a lot. But a lot."

Alice smiled against his chest. "First time?"

A pause. "...Yeah."

"You did good."

"Thanks." Another pause. "You're still crying."

"Happy crying," she clarified. "Different thing."

"Okay." His arm tightened around her. "That's okay then."

"Sorry," she mumbled into his shirt. "That was... a lot."

"Don't apologize." His voice rumbled through her. "Never apologize for that."

She hiccuped again. "I don't usually I mean"

"I know." His hand rubbed slow circles on her back. "It's okay."

Alice stayed pressed against him, breathing slowly, letting the warmth seep into her bones.

Finally, it subsided, leaving her gasping and panting. Ignition pulled away slowly, "That was..." He trailed off, searching for the right words.

Alice managed a shaky smile. "Incredible," she breathed, her voice still husky with pleasure. "Thank you."

Ignition smiled back at her, his heart seeming to swell in his chest. He stood up, lifting her into his arms, still holding her tightly against his broad chest.

She could feel his heartbeat against her cheek, strong and steady. She wrapped her arms around his neck, holding on to him tightly.

"Slow down, big fella," she whispered, laughing softly. "You're going to run out of breath."

Ignition chuckled softly,the rumbling vibrating through her. "I could never tire of holding you," he said, his voice full of sincerity.

They stood there like that for a long moment, simply enjoying the safety that flowed between them. Finally, Alice pulled back, looking into his eyes.

TASK COMPLETED: Blowjob (1/1)

[TASK COMPLETE: 2 / 7]

[Dice: Awwwww. Look at that.]

[Emotional growth, personal breakthroughs, mutual trust.]

[Disgusting. I love it.]

Alice groaned weakly into Ignition’s chest. “He was watching.”

Ignition exhaled through his nose. “Of course he was.”

[Dice: Don’t be shy. You did great.]

[Gold star. Extra credit.]

[Please hydrate.]

The panel flickered again.

The next line resolved.

Task 3 of 7: Admit an Embarrassing Fetish

Silence.

Then Alice burst out laughing.

It was exhausted, incredulous, slightly hysterical laughter, the kind that came from hitting the point where embarrassment had simply run out of room.

“Oh no,” she said between breaths. “Nope. Absolutely not. That’s that’s insane.”

Ignition stared at the task, then at her, then back at the task.

“…We’re being bullied by a god,” he said flatly.

[Dice: Hey! It’s character development.]

Alice wiped at her eyes, still laughing. “We’re not doing that one yet.”

Ignition nodded immediately. “Agreed. Strategic delay.”

They both very deliberately looked away from the task board.

Pizza suddenly seemed like the most reasonable thing in the universe.

They moved to the couch together this time without thinking about it.

The couch was still too small.

Alice paused for exactly half a second.

Then, with a little huff of determination, she turned and sat down sideways on Ignition’s lap, legs tucked in, wings folding carefully around them both like a hug.

Ignition froze.

Entirely.

She glanced up. “Is this okay?”

His ears went pink instantly. “Yes. I mean yeah. I’m yeah.”

She smiled and leaned back against his chest, stealing a slice of cold pizza from the table. “Good. Because I’m not moving again.”

He relaxed slowly, one arm coming up around her waist with careful certainty, the other reaching for his own slice.

They ate in comfortable, ridiculous silence for a moment.

Alice took a bite, chewed, then smirked. “So.”

Ignition sighed. “No.”

She laughed. “I didn’t even ask yet.”

“I know the direction you’re looking.”

She grinned wider. “Admit an embarrassing fetish, huh?”

He coughed. “Hypothetically.”

“Purely academically.”

She pretended to think, tapping her chin. “I think yours is going to be something super wholesome.”

He squinted. “That sounds like a trap.”

“Like,” she continued, enjoying herself now, “domestic stuff. Naked apron. Maids ”she wiggled her eyebrows “Sitophilia.”

Ignition groaned. “What even is that.”

"Just a fancy way of saying foodplay, like eating sushi off a girl or messing around with whipped cream or chocolate" She laughed and nudged him with her shoulder. “Okay, okay. Your turn. Guess mine.”

He hesitated. “…I don’t want to offend you.”

“You won’t.”

“…Large cocks?”

She blinked.

Then laughed. “Okay wow, rude, but also ” she took another bite of pizza “ not inaccurate, pretty sure that's not embarrassing enough to count for the list though.”

They both laughed again, the sound easy now.

The task board remained unchanged.

Waiting.

But for the first time since they’d entered the room, neither of them felt rushed.

Alice leaned back more fully against him, pizza balanced in one hand, the other resting comfortably on his arm.

“This is stupid,” she said contentedly.

Ignition smiled down at her. “Yeah.”

She glanced up. “You okay with… this?”

He tightened his arm just slightly. “Very.”

The room hummed softly around them.

The couch was warm.

The pizza was cold.

The task board could wait a moment longer.