[PCA] UNIVERSAL CONSTANTS

[skinstealer]

[id: broth approaching maes' doll box, their face and everything past the hips covered up in scribbled, permanent marker. "CONFIDENTIAL" is written in strong font on the side of the box, breaking the frame in an especially imposing fashion. broth looks deeply concerned, worried about the restrained doll inside.
......

The doll box is in its exact location as the night before, the Maes look-alike back in its zip ties and trapped behind the plastic window.

The only difference is the writing on the box, hastily scribbled permanent marker that Broth can't make out.

No time's wasted to open it up, just like before.

She falls out without much grace-
-an instruction manual taped to her back as she flops into its arms.

The skeleton takes a moment to read.



Most of it is similarly scribbled out, only a few words properly legible. 

Manufactured, Product, Licensed, Pleasure. 





Repayment Options.

Rosetta's words echo in the back of its mind, not helped by the doll laying limp in its arms.


I think something bad is happening aboveground.


It presses its face against her and squeezes her hand to check for a response, getting a faint noise of recognition before speaking.


...did
I do good?


Her words come out dazed, as if just waking up.


Perfect.. 


It's a little harder to lift the doll this time, Broth having to strain more than Charon did.


D-do I get
paid? You promised-


The doll lets out a muffled whimper, clearly not all there.


Paid?


Did
my end of it. 


As Broth hauls her up properly, it's clear her thighs have been stitched over- rips sloppily repaired in the same spots as her wounds in the real world.


Did my job


Who did this to you? 


It traces along her injuries, its voice worried.

...


The haze slowly pulls away, the doll jerking in its arms. 


B-broth? I
I didn't
Recognize you


You're okay, you're going to be safe once we're out together. Promise..


Have to do my job
All I'm good for and have to do it


I'm sorry. Trying hard


The proxy tries carrying her out, trying to push through trouble keeping itself steady. 


You don't have to do anything, we're going on a trip.


Maes feels particularly vulnerable there, curling up with what limited motion she has.


Are we on vacation again?


Mmhmm, I-hold on actually. 


The proxy levitates inches off the ground, able to pick up speed now. 


I can do that.


Full of magic
I was scared at first
But now I like it a lot I think


Good, gonna make this easier hopefully... I like your face.


It's all stitched up
And I can't make the smile go away


True, but... it kinda makes you look like one of us.


Oh
I do like that part


Should've been someone else here scooping you up though, I don't have a shell like the others..


Why would you be bad
I want to spend time with you more


Harder for me to keep you safe, shit's all... exposed.


I don't mind
I know you'll be gentle


True but.. I'm just glad nobody attacked us on the way out.


Are there reasons to be scared
I did the best job I could

The others are more defined I guess, feels safer... Mar's a fighter, Flor's built for the books, Kettle doesn't run out of energy and me... depends on the day really. 
Sometimes I'm the happy middle ground, and sometimes I can't get anything going. 
The other three are built off of my frame, so I guess I could do all the same things but... takes extra work as the actual bare bones.


Is that why you're shy


Mm... I want you to see me at my best.


What if I want to see you now
Regardless


Uh... I mean, I like theater, dressing up in costumes, and playing roles. I do a lot of fashion in general too, help Judgment come up with outfits. Try to look decent too..


Fashion sounds nice
My box says I can be dressed up
But I only come with one outfit and it hurts


One outfit?


A dress with leggings and heels that is too tight
But it came packaged with me
So I guess it's meant to be


Maybe I'll call dibs then. Trade you something that fits better.


I don't know what would
I haven't worn anything else
My robe I guess and underwear


We'll figure it out, find your range. Sometimes I like poofy fits, or dresses, or being a manic bedsheet ghost.


I just want it to not hurt


We'll find something.. does everything feel a bit tight right now in general?


Yes
It hurts a lot
The leg stitches make body tighter and it already hurt a lot


The proxy looks more carefully around the ever-shifting dream, pivoting towards a diner patched together from memories of disparate places.

Could take out some stuffing to loosen you, then properly fix you once we're a the castle.


It's all slimy
You can try, though.

[skinstealer]

Despite being empty, the diner is lit cozily, as if everyone inside preparing for the morning rush managed to step out just for that moment. In the external world, taking a sex doll to brunch would be seen as obscene, let alone what Broth was about to do, but- if it works to help relieve pressure....

The booth will do, a soft enough surface with back support to prop Maes up against. Any dream voyeurs would have to deal with it.


Broth places her down carefully, checking around for various zippers.

It was easy enough finding the same one as before-



One between her legs, running across a slight bulge.


Ah.. would it hurt if we tried this?

My legs would hurt less
Weird and sore and tight right now


It unzips her, slow and gentle.


Lets see if we can get you more space.


Slime leaked out, taking a familiar, albeit limp shape.


I'm sorry
I know it's weird

I like it personally.. just let it out.

Need help I think


The proxy leans in, using a single, skeletal hand to help warm her up.

The plush doesn't react, completely inanimate.

Even so...

Mm... easier to talk to you when you're a doll I think, less gap between us.
We're kinda just puppets and dolls too... the stitches and zipper make you look like a costume. Mar, Flor, and Kettle are kinda that for me out in the lab.


It doesn't take her long to stiffen up as Broth talks her through it, more sliding out with each touch.


I like talking to you too
Even I'm not very good at being a doll
I don't match what it says on my box

You mean you aren't licensed, or-?

Not quite
I'm not a good girl
Crossed it out
Don't like it
Don't like a lot of it

I'm.. I guess a lot of things myself.
A dog, a knight, sometimes a girl, maybe?
Not sure I'm always good there either... and you're you, not words on a box.
You get to pick.

I wouldn't know what
Everything feels scary
Everything except-
-what you know me as-

You like being our boss?

It's the only word that feels right

Then you're choosing to be our Boss.


The proxy starts really using both hands on her, making sure to massage her thighs and help guide the pressure out of those areas.


Maybe you're like me, but slime instead of a skeleton?

Nn- how so?


A muffled whine comes from within the plush, having a hard time with her inability to move along with its strokes.


A frame in a costume... but squishier.

...a costume...
You mean to say I'm a different person underneath?

Maybe? Or maybe you are the costume and you need a filling that works better. If you had to guess?

Oh...
I...wouldn't know what that'd look like..
...
But being your boss feels like I have any degree of control at all.
A chance to be me.

Which part of you fills that?

I don't know if I like the answer.

Mm?

...like something I can't put back.

So?

I...can't.
I have to be the doll in the box.

Do you?

I have debts that must be repaid.

And if I steal you?

...you'd be in danger.

And what if I wanted you more than them?

I know you do...

What would you need to be my boss right now? So you can fight back?

...I don't want to be a good girl anymore.
I'm tired of it
I don't like it on the packaging
I've never liked it and I'm scared because you're feeling me in this way and we're going to be more and more serious
I'm scared of what will happen

I'll keep us safe..

I know
I wish I wasn't still scared
I won't be able to fix this outside of with you all
I'm scared about the longing

Even in here?

Terrified
...though your hands feel nice


Broth pulls away from between her legs, reaching over to hold Maes' hands tight.

She barely manages it-
-but gives a little squeeze back.


You are all such good rooks
I'm proud to have you in my service

We'll free you one day... and until then we're happy to have you as our doll, our Boss..
Come here...


It opens its arms up wide-


[id: doll maes and broth leaning in for a kiss, maes' permanent jagged smile feeling soft as the skeletal proxy makes gentle contact. the world fades out around them, grainy and dyed with color slowly seeping in.]

Only for a noise to wake Charon up- some sort of clattering of dishes.

MAES: S.
MAES: Sorry Lash-
MAES: I think I need more time to navigate...

[skinstealer]

The dog nearly kicks Kettle in the face, having laid next to her all night.

CHARON: B-Boss?
MAES: One second-!
CHARON: Is everything alright out there?
MAES: Yes, just-

 

She manages to wedge her way in with Lash's help, precariously carrying a tray with a tea set on it- and taking very, *very* small steps.

CHARON: You made drinks for everyone?
MAES: Lash did, mainly-
MAES: I woke up to all of you drooling and swollen, and I can't have that.
MAES: Me falling asleep without aftercare after such a rough session-

 

Halfway to the bed, Maes clearly unfamiliar with handling something so precarious.

MAES: - is unacceptable.
CHARON: Maintenance.
MAES: Yes, and it should have happened immediately.

 

She finally reached the two of them, setting the tray in his lap.


[image description: a goofily shaped tea set on a tray, the teapot resembling kettle's head, and the teacups having strange, striped tail-like handles]

The drinks are warm, but not too hot- the novelty tea set familiar to Charon and Kettle at this point.

Herbs lay on the side, neatly arranged.

MAES: They're not ideal, but should be good enough to treat your impending stomachaches with some massage.
CHARON: Stomach aches?

 

Maes reaches over to give his abdomen a gentle stroke, raising her brows at the slight curve.

MAES: Could have been worse,
MAES: Scrap-dense slime is...difficult to digest, and can have side effects, especially in the quantity you all swallowed.
MAES: I...need to be careful.
CHARON: It was worth the risk.
MAES: ...I'm sure, but I don't want you nauseous all day.
MAES: Wake the rooks and drink up.
CHARON: Kettle-

 

The ghost's already sat herself down in anticipation, ears perked.

CHARON: ...Mm. The others will be ready soon.
MAES: Go on.
CHARON: Me or her first?
MAES: Either.
MAES: You all need to drink in the end.

 

Kettle punches Charon in the arm.

CHARON: I was going to go first regardless...

 

The dog takes a sip.

The tea is just slightly sweet, smooth going down and coating any soreness.

CHARON: That's quite nice..

 

The ghost follows suit, dog bracing himself for anything... only for a little appreciative squeak.

CHARON: It would go well with cookies, yes.
MAES: You can have some once your throat can handle crumbs.

 

Kettle pouts.

CHARON: Ignore her, she's a glutton for sweets.
MAR: ...Flor and Broth will be here soon, maintenance.

 

Mar is next to join in.

MAES: Drink it slow.

 

The knight tips her head into the cup much like a bird.

CHARON: I forgot she does this.. keep the tray steady.
CHARON: She's dipping.

 

Maes reaches out to do so, hair painfully close to Charon's face- and nice and messy, too.

He stays entirely still, frozen in place until Mar finishes up.

MAR: That was much needed.. thank you.
MAES: Good...Now scold Charon for saying it was worth risking it without this.:
MAR: Charon.
CHARON: Kettle spoke through me, not my words.
MAES: Kettle.

 

The ghost headbutts his shoulder repeatedly in response, a harsh hissing sound.

CHARON: Y-you absolutely are the one who had my strings last night-

 

Another hiss, unsure if trying to imitate a cat or a snake.

CHARON: ...No I suppose I can't prove you did that this morning.

 

Mar shakes her head.

MAR: I tried...
MAES: I'll have to discipline him, then.
CHARON: It was her libido-
MAR: If you blame her you have to acknowledge you took co-front of her last night too..
CHARON: ...Mm.. I'll retract my statement.
MAES: And for that extra bit of dodging, your punishment is settled.
MAES: No touching yourself for twenty four hours.
CHARON: Ah... well I was planning to offer someone else lead today anyway..
MAES: And if the opportunity provides itself, you will be made to watch.
CHARON: I mean yes that's how that works..
MAR: Did you decide who yet speaking of?
CHARON: ...Boss' choice.

 

There's a comfortable silence, the four of them enjoying the calm morning moment.

CHARON: ...I'm honestly especially glad you've been so good to the rooks, some of us here need a little extra help.
MAES: I see no reason why not-

 

Her ears perk.

MAES: Speaking of- where are those two?
MAES: They're more than a little late now.
CHARON: Ah, still busy.
CHARON: They're down the hall to the right
MAES: I'll go check on them-
MAES: I need to learn the layout anyway.

 

She grabs her cane by the nightstand, already moving.

[skinstealer]

Flor's voice is audible, albeit hard to make out- sounding like they're in the middle of a conversation. There's a quiet hymn in Maes' head, not too different from being around Broth or Lash- absolutely a proxy.

MAES: ...hello? Flor?
MAES: Is someone with you?

 

There's a pause before the follow up.

FLOR: Oh uh.. yeah, actually. 
FLOR: You need me over there?
MAES: I had Lash make tea. 
MAES: ...though, I don't know if it'd do much for you.
FLOR: Yeah, I don't really get sleepy, I guess.
MAES: That's-
MAES: It's medicinal. 
MAES: Treating any wear and soreness from yesterday.
FLOR: I'll come over in a sec!

 

The hall is silence, Maes' tail tip twitching as she waits.
What could even be taking Flor that long?
Was someone hurt, or-


Maes tries to avoid her curiosity-



-only to give in and approach.

MAES: ...Flor? 
MAES: Broth?
MAES: Judgment said you were tending to something-
FLOR: Yeah, uh-

 

Flor's voice is cut off by someone new, reminiscent of Kettle but with a feline tinge.

????: A-ah! 
????: She's here?
MAES: ...who's that?
FLOR: Our Fifth Beatle, so to speak. 
FLOR: Introduce- 
????: I got this. 
????: Rosca Reyes, Rook of another time and place...in a way. 
FLOR: Complicated origin, but for all intents and purposes, she's one of us. 
FLOR: Just... another version. 
FLOR: Many worlds interpretation? 
FLOR: Familiar with that at all? 
ROSCA: Not as many as you'd think...

 

Maes fully enters the room, her head a mess of confused, unstable feelings. It's already been so many new things, and all at once, even if pleasant-

MAES: ...why didn't you introduce me before? 
MAES: Or...mention her?
FLOR:  Uh... trying to put it delicately. 
ROSCA: You don't have to, it's going to be a lot either way.. 
FLOR: Think we should...
MAES: She's a Rook. 
MAES: I-
MAES: I'd like to know all of you.
FLOR: She is but she's not your Charon's rook. 
ROSCA: Mm, can't simply waggle a finger to bring me out.
MAES: ...

 

Her ear twitches.

MAES: You-
MAES: Said another version.
ROSCA: Flor? 
FLOR: Yeah I'll handle it. 
FLOR: You wanna sit down for this one? 
FLOR: We're about to crack a few lids open about the scary side of witchcraft.
MAES: ...where should I sit?
FLOR: Right over-

 

There's a thump on the bed, like a pillow slapping the mattress.

ROSCA: Right here!

 

Maes makes her way over, brushing her tail to navigate. 


[id: a feline, doll-like figure laying still in a bed, her face covered by hair.]


Sitting feels..awkward, nervewracking. 
A new discussion about the unknown.

Rosca chimes at her, something fluffy brushing against Maes' thigh.

ROSCA: I'm right in front of you... 
MAES: ...hello.

 

Maes eases up as she reaches to pet it, only to stiffen again when her claws meet a solid, polished orb- one bigger than her entire head.

MAES: Wh-
MAES: What is that?
ROSCA: My tail... 
ROSCA: Karacel, different kind than you.

 

Rosca reaches out, her hand tapping Maes' arm. It's distinctly not the hand of a proxy...and her scent oddly similar to Charon's.

MAES: ...you're organic.

 

She reaches up to brush their fingers together, breath catching.

MAES: A different morph? 
MAES: I've never seen-
ROSCA: Still attached to my original operator.... nothing more than a puppet to interface with but... I like thinking of her still as another face of mine. 
FLOR: Also from another reality.

 

Flor interrupts.

ROSCA: Suppose that makes me a invasive species. 
FLOR: Lots of pockets of magic exist locally, but when you got no starting point the best stuff requires a pact.
FLOR: Lots of weirdos between time and space willing to give you those. 
ROSCA: It's why all of us exist, why we have this castle...
MAES: I-
MAES: Uh.
MAES: Hm.

 

She's completely overwhelmed.

MAES: Is- there an abridged version. 
MAES: Something introductory.
ROSCA: From the start?
MAES: Like, a single sentence for someone who has never heard of this in her life.
FLOR: Your Knight made a contract as a kid with a scary guy from another world, got the power to summon a proxy, killed a cult leader, and ended up with all of us- including a rook from that other world as a bonus. 
ROSCA: I'm the bonus~
MAES: Ah.
MAES: That-
MAES: Helps, yes.
FLOR: Does it?
MAES: It's...simpler put.
MAES: ...and this is where your experience with handling cults come from. 
MAES: Judgment had mentioned it...and...having to kill young. 
MAES: It lines up.
FLOR: Yeah. 
FLOR: Rosca's a bit of a product of that. 
FLOR: You wanna take over from here?

 

Rosca tries to hold Maes' hand. 

ROSCA: Mm.. the cat before you is what's left of my Judgment. 
ROSCA: A empty husk that can never die.
MAES: ...and you're stuck here.

 

She pulls Rosca in closer, nuzzling her cheek.

MAES: You don't seem empty to me.

 

Rosca returns it, her face soft and easy to ruffle. There's an energy to her matching a certain ghost proxy's, but....less fine muscle movements. A marionette on strings.

ROSCA: Don't blame the others, there'd be no good opportunities out there.
MAES: Why not?
ROSCA: It's uh... well- 
FLOR: One proxy rule for starters. 
FLOR: Operator's body and mind fall apart fast if you try to break it.
MAES: ...and you're not technically his.
ROSCA: No... 
FLOR: Me, Mar, and Kettle are all built off of Broth, costumes on a single proxy body. 
ROSCA: I'm both a operator's body and a proxy body, but my operator...

 

The husk flops into Maes' arms, quiet breathing the only proof she was alive.

MAES: ...I'm sorry for coming in so...half-cocked, then.

 

She moves to pet the husk's hair.

MAES: I'm guessing from your affection that you'd like to be one of my rooks as well, correct?
ROSCA: Is it too much? 
ROSCA: I know I'm.. not the same as them but.. I've been waiting for this awhile.

 

The cape matches Maes' touch, feeling just like Kettle's sleeve.

MAES: ...no.

 

She finally picks the husk up, holding her close to her body.

MAES: You shouldn't be left waiting any longer.

[skinstealer]

The husk's arms and cape match her motions, hugging Maes back after a few false starts. Her arms loosely wrap around her waist, snuggling into the position Maes guides her into.  

Warm, just like the others.

ROSCA: You might have to visit this place regularly..
MAES: I can try.

 

Rosca purrs at that, pleased with the promise of more attention.

ROSCA: I'll send you little messages on the phone if it helps..
MAES: That sounds...sweet, honestly...
MAES: A strange sort of long distance.
MAES: ...It feels like I'm learning about many different kinds of relationships all at once.
ROSCA: Many in one..
MAES: You'd think I'd be more overwhelmed than this.
ROSCA: Are you?
MAES: Only a little. 
MAES: I've handled worse at work.
ROSCA: I'll *clearly* have to try harder then.
MAES: Ahh. 
MAES: You want to be a challenge.
ROSCA: Mmhmm.. 
ROSCA: I bring trouble everywhere so why not lean into it?
MAES: Someone to tame.

 

Maes' grip tightens, Rosca completely compliant with the extra restraint.

ROSCA: I have to make it a bit of work. 
ROSCA: I am the strongest piece on the board after all.
MAES: Is that so?
ROSCA: A queen among many knights and rooks? Absolutely.
MAES: And what if I seek to become king?
ROSCA: You'd be sharing I think.
MAES: With who?
ROSCA: Judgmen- I think he'd- they'd hate to be referred to as such if I'm frank. I'd rather not...
MAES: ...Hm.

 

Maes raises her brows, but does not pry.

MAES: Well.
MAES: I suppose I've never been a fan of monarchy myself.
MAES: Perhaps...I can simply be The Boss.
ROSCA: Why change something that's worked so well after all?
ROSCA: The others seem to adore that.
MAES: I could simply own the entire board.
ROSCA: Such ambition..

 

The husk tries to crawl onto her lap, struggling to get herself positioned.

MAES: I have you.

 

Maes brings the husk in close, making just the slightest wince as her bandages are brushed against.

MAES: You're significantly lighter than the others, at least.
ROSCA: Mm... it's by design. 
ROSCA: Maybe you could carry me on occasion?

 

Despite being *slightly* taller than Charon, she's very light framed. Lacking much in terms of muscle mass, her fur's doing heavy lifting in disguising signs of malnutrition.

MAES: ...yes, but-

 

She gives Rosca a firm frown.

MAES: You haven't been eating.
ROSCA: Body relies on blood, food on its own doesn't do anything..
MAES: ...blood in the generalized description? 
MAES: Internals? 
MAES: Or...more specific.
ROSCA: She's a fiend and a extreme one, far moreso than your Knight.
ROSCA: If he has avoided it so long because he can't sustain himself well..
MAES: Well.
MAES: I mean.
ROSCA: ...Do you-
MAES: I'm just.
MAES: It's an idea.
ROSCA: Go on..

 

The husk clings on tight with its claws.

MAES: How much memory do you share?
ROSCA: None.
MAES: Hm. 
MAES: Interesting.

 

An evil smile spreads across her face.

MAES: Then you don't know much about me directly, do you? I'll have to get you acquainted.
ROSCA: Only if I can match your offer, I've got an idea of your tastes..

 

The husk presses its neck to her mouth.

MAES: ....You want me to bite you?
ROSCA: I want you to go all the way through. 
ROSCA: Flor? 
FLOR: Yeah so, she. 
FLOR: Can't. 
FLOR: Die. 
ROSCA: They tried tossing me into a volcano and we reformed a hour later in a nearby town. 
FLOR: Infinite fiendish regeneration. 
ROSCA: True immortality even..
MAES: That's.
MAES: I don't know if you want to do that.
ROSCA: I do..
MAES: I haven't-
MAES: You have to understand, my...history, with this-
ROSCA: ..Oh?
MAES: ...It has been seven years since I've fed on a living being.
MAES: None of those experiences were pleasant.
MAES: As...much as this is...a very strong fetish of mine...

 

She lets out a rough sigh.

MAES: I have been avoiding actively engaging with it for this reason. 
MAES: I have no idea what would happen.
ROSCA: Does he know? 
ROSCA: Your knight has thought of similar, at least withing his own limits.
MAES: ...I haven't told him yet, no.
MAES: He knows of my past here and there, and plenty *implied*, but...
ROSCA: But you're afraid you wouldn't stop.
MAES: ...yes. 
MAES: It scares me.
ROSCA: I'd let you test the waters safely, baby steps.
MAES: And what would that constitute
ROSCA: Bites, licking wounds maybe.
MAES: I suppose that'd be safe enough...
MAES: ...but, I'd still like precautions.
ROSCA: Go on.
MAES: Someone should remain nearby with restraints if needed.
ROSCA: Broth and Flor are here.
MAES: ...and the two of you are up for it?
ROSCA: We gotcha. Broth?

 

The skeleton gives off an affirming rattle.

ROSCA: There you go.
MAES: ...okay.
MAES: I. 
MAES: Will try.

 

[id: maes approaching rosca, feeling up her chest with her massive claws as she grins with intent to pounce.]

 

She moves in, taking a moment to feel up the husk's chest before brushing her lips against Rosca's neck.

MAES: Offering yourself up for me and everything...
ROSCA: I get headaches so it's a little indulgence for me as well..
MAES: Something else to focus on...

 

She opens her mouth just enough to graze her teeth against the husk's throat. Rosca can't help but shiver at the touch, eager for Maes to stop teasing.

ROSCA: This body is meant to be worn, if Charon ever feels bold enough..
MAES: Don't tempt me...

 

She presses her teeth down just barely enough to break the skin- a test bite, more for placement and gauging limits than a proper chomp. Golden fluid seeps into her mouth, oddly sweet and definitely tingly.

ROSCA: It's up to him but...

 

Maes makes a low moan as the first taste hit, her breath hitching. The mental effects come in fast, her head swimming as the heat in her abdomen intensifies.

MAES: H...he told me about this...
ROSCA: What part? 
ROSCA: The stimulus? 
ROSCA: The texture?
MAES: T...the sensory changes...
ROSCA: Mmhmm, it's nice right?
MAES: Mmgh...dangerous stuff...
MAES: Y-your safeword is nucleus.
ROSCA: Nucleus?
MAES: ...yes?
MAES: It's-
MAES: Subatomic... 
MAES: It will never come up.
MAES: Good safeword.
ROSCA: Nucleus is fine.
MAES: Good...

 

Maes digs her teeth in for real, rows tearing into the husk's flesh. The husk doesn't flinch for an instant, completely pleased and purring over being shredded.

ROSCA: T-there you go..

 

Maes clutches at Rosca desperately, practically making out with the bite wound in a feverish attempt at getting more blood without worsening the wound.

ROSCA: You enjoying?
MAES: Mmm...mhm-!
ROSCA: I know you're going to want to come back for me plenty..

 

She comes back up to breathe, her mouth soaked.

MAES: E-evil to tempt me...
ROSCA: Safety measures were provided, castle with plenty of room to get creative, I see no issue.
MAES: I have a job, you know...
ROSCA: You have after hours.
MAES: With you in this castle, that's more after *days.*
ROSCA: All the time in the world.
MAES: Well...we're going to use a lot of that time to get some meat on your bones...
ROSCA: It'd be a lot of work..
MAES: I've got a fast track...

 

She moves the husk's hand between her legs, dripping like crazy.

MAES: You understand?
ROSCA: Mm..

 

The cloak seems to match the motion, feeling up Maes.

ROSCA: For full disclosure then, I am not the cat.
MAES: ...you're the fabric?
ROSCA: Mmhmm...
MAES: ...may I hold you?

[skinstealer]

ROSCA: Mmhmm!

 

Her body falls limp-

-the cloak loosely coiling itself around Maes, the husk's true puppet master revealed. It's soft, light, conforming around her easily...the karacel's breath catching at the touch.

ROSCA: You didn't really think a proxy would just be a slightly off model karacel, would you?
MAES: Well...its not like I'm _that_ researched.
ROSCA: Mmm... well then, I have to state that while it can actually happen but it's quite unlikely.

 

The cloak presses up to her mouth, imitating a nuzzle. It's well kept, smelling freshly washed yet feeling pleasantly worn in.

MAES: I can't say I've ever done this before...
MAES: ....well...
MAES: S.....sort of...
ROSCA: Sort of?

 

There's a smug shift in Rosca's voice, Maes getting more and more flustered by the second.

Caught in another one of her secret interests.

MAES: ...it's...I haven't told anyone...
ROSCA: I can keep a secret.. and the others will too, right?

 

Flor shrugs.

FLOR: I mean, who would we tell?
MAES: It's...
MAES: ....
 

This is-

difficult.

Admitting to a heavy interest in cannibalism, domination, that's one thing. 
That felt practically normal compared to this. 

She buries her face in Rosca's fabric, whispering almost inaudibly.

MAES: T-the closest I ever got, with- helping myself.
MAES: Was- 
MAES: hgh.
MAES: ...this is a lot for me. 
MAES: Sorry.
ROSCA: ...Can you show me.. please?
MAES: Hhh...

 

She hugs Rosca close to her chest, rubbing the blunt side of her claws into her fabric. It's linen, weathered and soft-

-not quite the same as what she'd been used to, but...

MAES: I'll...I'll try. 
MAES: It's been a long time...
ROSCA: I trust you to treat me well..

 

She nods, slowly moving her hand down lower. She's shaking as she wraps the cloak around her dick, looking deeply embarrassed.
Surely she has to-
Rosca is the cloak, so maybe it's-
No, she has to commit. This is one of her partners now, and any shyness about her interests takes second priority to enjoying Rosca's attention.

MAES: This okay...?
ROSCA: Mmhmm... slime?
MAES: I guess you wouldn't have known, actually...
MAES: Y-yes, I'm- slime all the way through. 
MAES: No organs, bones...
ROSCA: It feels nice..

 

The proxy feels around with a fabric edge, moving the husk's hand closer.

ROSCA: Just in case.
MAES: I-in case of?

 

She gives herself a small rub to start, having to cover her mouth to hide her expression.

ROSCA: In case you need an extra something to use..
MAES: I shouldn't be too rough today...

 

[id: maes' limbs and torso covered and hugged by a thin fabric, showing off her curves as she rubs a hand between her legs. she's starting to get really excited about it, showing her teeth and unable to keep from shyly smiling.]

 

Rosca wraps herself around Maes' body, finding just the right spots to squeeze and feel. She's careful as she brushes some of the fabric against the karacel's bandaged legs, avoiding being hard enough to hurt.

ROSCA: Going to take care of you.
MAES: All of you insist on it...

 

Maes gets a good grip going, a little more bold. Pretending she isn't enjoying this is no longer an option, less and less restraint with each feel.

MAES: I u-used to experiment like this, when- when I was figuring things out...
ROSCA: Well this is a field test, one you're prepped well for, yes?
MAES: I mean-
MAES: It's-
MAES: ...yes. 
MAES: I've slowed down in recent years, but-

 

She moves the fabric up and down, letting it conform around herself.  It'd been such a long time, but the movements are still familiar, even if the material moves and hugs her differently.

MAES: Hgh-
ROSCA: It's better when the blanket tells you how nice the texture is, right?

 

The cloak's voice lowers to a whisper.

ROSCA: Maybe I'll give it a lick, I know Flor's so jealous that they're the only one who can't...
MAES: Please...

 

The cloak presses against it, loosely mimicking the form of a mouth.

MAES: J-just like that...
ROSCA: Mmhmm!
MAES: U-used to fantasize about this-

 

More blush, trying to just let the words burst out.

MAES: H-having one of my blankets or pillows come to life-
MAES: hrgh-

 

Rosca lets the cat enjoy, working her over.
Beautiful relief, feeling more like being massaged and soothed than the rough frenzy of the night before. 
Maes could simply melt away, her whole body losing shape outside of Rosca's grip-

ROSCA: Can I say something odd?
MAES: O-of course.
ROSCA: Does make me wish I could be your proxy, imagine if you felt lonely in the middle of the night..
MAES: M...maybe I'll make a habit when I'm here-
ROSCA: Please. 
ROSCA: Maybe next time we can coordinate a double team.
ROSCA: May still even be time... 
FLOR: I'll wait my turn. 
FLOR: Plus, Broth might just turn into Kettle in the middle of it or something.
MAES: Two of you-
MAES: Competing for me, no doubt.

 

She can't help but thrust into Rosca's touch, held back from moving too hard and hurting herself.

MAES: H- the fact that you're all indulging this at all-
ROSCA: Is it so surprising? 
ROSCA: You're smart, wonderful to be around, quite the looker in general...
MAES: And yet, no one- no one has allowed me this before you all-
ROSCA: Nobody must have been confident enough.
MAES: It's-
MAES: No one else I've- none of them would have considered anything like this-
MAES: They just see a woman, a-

 

It's hard to get the word out, pain and dysphoria coming through clear as day.

MAES: -a girl, and consider it conquest-
MAES: You're letting me go this far, to- to be so open and attentive to me-
ROSCA: Why wouldn't we?
MAES: ...I've never had it before. 
MAES: How would I know?
ROSCA: We're all.. very unusual. 
ROSCA: You've been very good to us despite that.
MAES: Think I'm adjusting well enough...
ROSCA: Don't say that just yet..
MAES: O-oh?
ROSCA: I come with.. options.

[skinstealer]

MAES: Go on.
ROSCA: So... I'm more than just a cloak. 
ROSCA: Usually I'm a throne for my catty half..
MAES: A throne.
MAES: As in, a...literal throne?
ROSCA: Of sorts, yes.
MAES: And this is an option.
ROSCA: One of many.
MAES: ...you know, I've teased Judgment about using him like furniture, but-
ROSCA: He'll have to wait his turn there.
MAES: That does keep happening, yes.
ROSCA: Be glad there's only one of you. 
ROSCA: For now.
MAES: ...for now?
ROSCA: You never know... 
FLOR: Yeah, there's a lot of ways that can happen down here- and not always in the ways you'd immediately think of either. 
ROSCA: More of you for everyone, imagine...

 

The cloth coils around her torso, cradling Maes' joints as if prepping to pick her up.

Gentle. 
Careful.

Unlike anything she'd had.

MAES: I-it does sound somewhat nice...
ROSCA: Spoiling two of you at once...
MAES: It'd be two messes to deal with....though...
MAES: Two aching bodies to soothe..

 

She leans into the cloth's grasp, trusting Rosca entirely. It's easy to, for reasons she can't fully parse-

-something about the proxy's touch, scent, everything, feeling familiar and welcome.

ROSCA: Threatening us with a good time?
MAES: I figure you have enough trouble with one of me.
ROSCA: Charon might pass out, but I think we'd manage otherwise.
MAES: No, it's more...

 

She shakes her head.

MAES: It doesn't matter. 
MAES: Just show me what you've got.

 

The proxy scoops both Maes and the husk up, not too fast, nice and gradual.

ROSCA: I'll ease you in properly...
MAES: O-oh, I-

 

She puffs up, startled at first-

-only to ease into the proxy's touch.

MAES: Hhgh...it's...
MAES: Good to trust someone to do that...
ROSCA: You're extending that confidence and familiarity to someone you just met? 
ROSCA: For all you know, I could be the bad Rook...
MAES: I've been grabbed a lot in my life...
MAES: You're the first person to hold me this tight and make me excited.

 

Rosca maneuvers onto a throne draped in more of her fabric- the husk puppeted to lean back into Maes' embrace.



[id: a low shot of maes and rosca on a fabric-draped chair, laying next to each other- maes at rosca's back. their tails loosely brush against each other, a blanket draped over their torsos and fancy sandals on the husk's feet. ]


Maes lays against the husk, tails brushing against each other as she purrs.

ROSCA: ...Have the others not been as bold yet?
MAES: They're...more subtle.
MAES: And less grabby.
ROSCA: It's all I can really do without help, so...
MAES: Well...from you, I do really enjoy it.

 

Her breath feels heavy as she grinds gently against the fabric's grip, still dripping slime from earlier.

MAES: Why don't you help me out on my new throne?

 

The husk flops around, Rosca trying her best to angle it onto her lap, drool leaking against the karacel's thigh bandages.

ROSCA: You'd really steal it from this face?
MAES: Why, that's mine as well.
ROSCA: ...Claim it then, show her how much she'll enjoy having a boss.

 

Maes manages to move one of her hands enough to line up the husk's head even with the fabric's grip- clearly having a hard time keeping it cool over having an inanimate toy to play with.

It feels indulgent- beyond indulgent. Something she wouldn't even allow in her wildest dreams-

Rosca rubs the husk's face gently against her, getting slime on its nose.

ROSCA: It may not be the real thing but... I want to pretend a bit.
MAES: Why wouldn't it be real?
ROSCA: Because as much as I like to picture myself in these positions, she's really more of a prop I can use to cuddle you with.
MAES: Would you say me using any kind of toys in play would be any less real?
ROSCA: No, perhaps not.
MAES: Would you say me using any kind of toys to make me feel more grounded and present be cheating, for false?
ROSCA: No, just... 
ROSCA: I wish I could just have-

 

The husk's tail coils around Maes' own.

ROSCA: Well, this really.
MAES: ...

 

Maes returns the coil-

-before pressing her tail tip against the orb on Rosca's, raising her brows.

ROSCA: I-is something wrong?
MAES: Not at all.

 

Pressing it further, until the internal pocket could be felt-

-smooth, secret flesh rubbing against her.

MAES: Can you feel that?

 

The throne vibrates in turn, its excitement bizarrely clear for a piece of furniture.

ROSCA: O-of course I c-can. 
ROSCA: First time we've really had a chance at this part...
MAES: That's my challenge, then...

 

She drops her voice down to a whisper.

MAES: Suck me off, and I'll give you all the tail sex you've been craving.

 

The husk seems to almost spring to life at that, throne aligning and slamming the cats together. It's overwhelming instantly, the body's movements feeling like more than just strings being pulled-

MAES: O-oh shit, a-ah-!
MAES: R-rosca, that's-!












 

Maes crosses her arms, thoroughly tucked in to keep her from leaving the bed, fresh bandages on her legs.

MAES: ...you need to give her more enrichment, Judgment.
CHARON: In my defense, we have a complicated history...
MAES: I'm not saying it has to be you, but-
MAES: She's even more pent up than I am. 
MAES: It's impressive.
CHARON: That difficult?

 

A little laugh escapes him, amused at her plight. Her suffering

The bastard.

CHARON: Given, she's a heavily modified fiend. 
CHARON: Stamina of a god.

 

Still, she smiles.

MAES: I'll have to train.
CHARON: That excited?
MAES: For all of you, really.

 

Maes rests her head on his shoulder, purring.

MAES: ...do you think we can get away with a cuddled up nap while we're both grounded?
CHARON: I think so, are you worried about the others?
MAES: If we try to get away with anything, they'll either suplex us both or we'll end up even more in trouble.
MAES: I told you to take care of yourself-
MAES: ...I have to take my own advice.
MAES: But...surely just holding each other...
CHARON: I will accept all consequences from here.
MAES: ...

 

She curls up close to him, wrapping her arms around his chest. 

His heartbeat is steady, just a little sped up-
-growing to be her favorite sound.

MAES: This okay?
CHARON: Mmmm...

 

The dog gives her neck a nuzzle, careful around the tender spots.

CHARON: Happy to have you...
MAES: Mmmm...
MAES: ...thank you, Charon.
CHARON: For?
MAES: For letting me love you.

























 

Matthias' ears twitch.

MATTHIAS: Look-
MATTHIAS: Hey.
MATTHIAS: HEY.

 

This fucking guy.
Of course he gets stuck having to talk to this
peon
of a lower tier Salivist.

MATTHIAS: You got a lot of nerve talking to me like that-
MATTHIAS: I've got rank now, you hear me?
MATTHIAS: .....

 

He idly tugs at the payphone cord, slumping against the motel wall.

MATTHIAS: ..........



 

Wasting his fucking time.

MATTHIAS: Are you done.
MATTHIAS: I'm standing in the middle of a truck stop and I need you
MATTHIAS: to stop being so retarded
MATTHIAS: and let me Do my job.
MATTHIAS: Got it?
MATTHIAS: .......
MATTHIAS: Okay! Great.
MATTHIAS: I've gotta go talk to the guy
MATTHIAS: WHO ACTUALLY KNOWS HOW TO FUNCTION.

 

Matthias slams the phone back onto the receiver, smoke trickling out of the corners of his mouth.

Someone stares at him across the parking lot, their grimace clear. Once you started crossing the border into Precipice, you got all these people and their sensitivities. Not as bad as Solitude, but-





Irritating. 
Pisses him off.

MATTHIAS: ....idiot.

 

He reaches for the pouch on his belt, fishing out his cigarette carton and lighter.



Last one.



Shit. 



Shouldn't be too hard to bum one off a teen at the next stop. He doesn't even need the things anymore, Spit's smoke running through his body like a beautiful, holy blessing.





But old habits and nicotine die hard. 


Usually a smoke helps him chill. Takes the edge off.
....but the place is too hot, on top of it all. Too dry. 








No point to even trying.  May as well get to calling the doc. 


The contact picks up on the first ring, immediately relieving the tension in Matthias' shoulders.

MATTHIAS: Heyyyy, we still on for-
MATTHIAS: Yeah, I'm on the way.
MATTHIAS: Should have heard the shit I just-
MATTHIAS: Uh huh.
MATTHIAS: Yeah. Yeah!

 

[id: matthias smiling wickedly, talking on a payphone with a cigarette held between his teeth.]


His usual grin returns, finally dealing with someone with brain cells rattling around in there.

MATTHIAS: That's what I told him!
MATTHIAS: Spit's happy you're in on this, man. 
MATTHIAS: Besides, bet you're gunning for another shot at this guy-
MATTHIAS: Yup. 
MATTHIAS: Just don't kill him if it comes down to it, alright?
MATTHIAS: ....
MATTHIAS: .......
MATTHIAS: Nah.

 

He snickers.

MATTHIAS: I just wanna make some tapes before I hand his ass over.
MATTHIAS: Call it settling some old beef. 
MATTHIAS: Hey- call me after the party with how it went.
MATTHIAS: I'll be waiting at the next leg of the-
MATTHIAS: Yeah, number should work.
MATTHIAS: Cool. You're the best.
MATTHIAS: Oh, and-



 

He flicks ash off his cigarette, his enthusiasm fully restored.

MATTHIAS: Happy retirement.