<img src="./panels/operafaint1.png" alt="opera, a cat furry with a cartoony face, and faint, a ghost mantis furry significantly taller than opera, are sitting on a couch together. paige sits on opera's shoulder, making eye contact with a nervous, flustered faint."> Faint leans back on their couch, keeping their eyes on the cat next to them. The situation's simple- just them and Opera sitting down and talking in Faint's van while their respective paranormal hunting teams check in on rooms in the motel. It's not like they'd been getting much time together, jobs keeping them apart.... Texting her number didn't feel like enough to the mantis neuroth, lately. Neither had phone calls. Neither had waving across parking lots when they happened to be in the same area, only to be whisked away by whatever job called on them. //...even so, I can't think of [[anything to say-->p2]]!//The cat's proxy, Paige, would occasionally peek over, from her shoulder, sometimes being bold enough to make direct eye contact. Faint had gotten used to Opera carrying the sheet ghost-like creature on her, knowing its status as a part of her very soul. While it all kind of went over the mantis' head...it was clear that Paige was a package deal with being friends with Opera, and they never minded its company. They manage to meet eyes a couple of times- and yet, even after all this time, they can never tell what it's thinking. FAINT: ...how's the job going for your squad so far? FAINT: Didn't expect you to show up so late to something. The proxy squeaks, and somehow, despite not a single chirp registering from it as a word, they can understand it as speech. FAINT: ...yeah, that's....I'm sorry the two of you are dealing with that. FAINT: Hopefully I can give you a break for a little, even if it's just for a bit... They glance over at the cat herself. FAINT: ...she [[okay->p3]]?The proxy tilts itself into a shrug before whispering into Opera's ear, getting a little smirk out of her. OPERA: You worried about me? FAINT: ...when you're quiet like this, that either means you're not doing good, or you're up to something. OPERA: Just thinking... The proxy squeaks in response, cackling mixed into each noise it makes. OPERA: Paige, you can't say that in front of them... The sheet ghost is slightly audible, enough to make some idea of what was uttered. //...the [[latter->p4]], then.//Their cheeks heat up the slightest bit, the mantis tapping their claws against their thigh. FAINT: And what is it that's so interesting about- They have to make themself say it. FAINT: //Antennae//, exactly? FAINT: Paige is allowed to share with the class. Paige mumbles- it's jokingly rude from what Faint can tell, though the actual word can't be made out. OPERA: Can't say that period! OPERA: We're gonna have to have a talk later. The cat shakes her head. OPERA: This one's being a little bit of a punk today. OPERA: Course, you put that together by now. FAINT: It's allowed to be a little punk...I just wish I could [[make out->p5]] what it's saying better.OPERA: Fact that you can hear anything is wild. Most of my group can't. FAINT: ...really? FAINT: I mean, I noticed it getting easier, but- FAINT: Aren't you really close to them all? They raise their antennae. OPERA: Yeah but.. it depends honestly? OPERA: Butler hears Paige just fine most days. OPERA: Nix doesn't hear any words but she can make out tone. OPERA: And... our fourth guy...guys sometimes? OPERA: Anyway, it's a revolving door of people cause we can't get anyone to stick that long. FAINT: Every time you mention that, it makes me want to shift sides. OPERA: Could consider iiit. //...she's giving me that [[look->p6]]...//FAINT: Got anything that needs a tune up? OPERA: Maybe.. Her tail immediately crooks like a bendy straw. OPERA: Depends. Faint tries their best not to stare, failing when the urge to tap at the orb at the end overtakes them. //Such a perfect texture....if only I could-// FAINT: I charge extra for fixing up people, you know. OPERA: Really? Can I get a estimate before I make a decision? OPERA: Might have to take a look. //...now I have to come up with something. This...whole flirting thing- I don't know why she even gives me the time of day with it, I'm god-awful at it.// Faint tries to look lost in thought, struggling to find the right words to parry back with. //...maybe just... Being earnest...// FAINT: ...a movie. FAINT: You have to watch a [[movie->p7]] with me.OPERA: That's not bad, guessing you're giving me a discount? FAINT: You haven't heard what the movie is yet. OPERA: Keep going? FAINT: ...the only things I really have around here are old underground bug stuff. FAINT: I... Faint leans back further, sighing and looking to the side. FAINT: I want to try and reconnect with the counterculture side of neuroth stuff. FAINT: Bramble is an awful place when it comes to the surface, but...I miss what little I got to see of the underside growing up. FAINT: I have a collection of art house and punk films from neuroth directors, and...as far as showing other people, no one's really been able to stomach it. FAINT: It's too distant from what people are used to here. There's a dangerous confidence in the little toothy grin that sneaks up on the cat's face. OPERA: Sounds like you've been thinking about asking. OPERA: And... I'm probably the right choice for that. //...[[uh oh->p8]].//FAINT: I figure you don't scare easy. OPERA: Mm? Why'd I be scared? Opera leans a little closer. OPERA: What kind of things am I about to see? Faint's face heats up more. //A-ah...she's...// FAINT: That depends. FAINT: My collection starts fairly mild as far as us bugs go, but even that involves enough gore to get an R rating easy. OPERA: ...How does the rating system work there? They make a displeased face, clearly unwilling to go into that topic further. OPERA: And it's real gore too right? FAINT: Mhm....a big part of why some of these films are banned here, and hard to import. FAINT: They were made ethically, seeing as the whole...regeneration thing us bugs have, but it's still too close to the kind of thing that comes out of Consumption and similar zones for people to like. FAINT: ...it's... FAINT: It's difficult. FAINT: Seeing a part of your culture that you want to- They shake their head. OPERA: You can [[keep talking->p9]].FAINT: ...seeing it as something you want to connect with, and knowing that voicing that could just get you ostracized or worse. FAINT: I have to keep them pretty secret away from the rest of my gang. FAINT: They barely get me as is, and... Faint shrugs, averting their eyes again. FAINT: I don't think this is something they'd be all that charitable to. FAINT: They already get on my case for complaining about the size of this van, they don't really care that it's too small for me... OPERA: What makes you stick it out? FAINT: ...those slots on your team fill up pretty quick. FAINT: Revolving door, sure, but...it just never lines up. FAINT: Me having a bad enough day to risk it never swings by with a free space. FAINT: .... FAINT: If I bail on this job, I'd be out of a place to live, and...I wouldn't get to see you. OPERA: ..You're really doing it for me? FAINT: ...mm. They nod, letting their gaze wander back over to the cat. She doesn't miss a beat. OPERA: Whatcha thinking about now? OPERA: Anything catch your [[attention->p10]] tonight?//Your tail, your damn tail, you know it's the tail, and your face, and your teeth-// FAINT: What do you mean? OPERA: I'm curious what you look at first... FAINT: More bold than usual, talking like that... OPERA: That a problem? FAINT: No, just... They let their hand wander back over to her tail, brushing their wispy fingertips against the orb there. FAINT: You're not typically that straightforward. OPERA: Guess not.. Her tail fluffs up at their touch, something that delights Faint down to their cores. FAINT: What's gotten into you, then? OPERA: Look at our conversation and [[you tell me->p11]].//...this is it, then. She's actually propositioning me, after months of cat and mouse....// They let out a soft sigh, their expression guilty. FAINT: ...I can't guarantee I'll be able to give you what you need, and like I said, my tastes are...weird, compared to here. FAINT: I don't want to disappoint you. OPERA: In that case, I want to figure you out. FAINT: It'd be gruesome... Faint's rubbing grows a little more intense, the core in their chest pounding. OPERA: I mean, yeah. FAINT: No complaints there? FAINT: None at all? OPERA: Nope? FAINT: [[Then- ->p12]]Faint starts leaning in a bit, every part of them feeling electrified. OPERA: Go ahead... They get in close, their breath [[heavy->p13]] against Opera's face--only for a pounding at the van door, startling the shit out of them and making them hiss //extremely// loud. FAINT: WH-WHAT IS IT-?! ACCORD: Motel's full up! ACCORD: Butler wanted to let Opera know there's one room left, and she better get it now! The cat's fur is standing up from the loud noise, equally rustled. OPERA: Only one? Huh... FAINT: [[Look->p14]], Op...Faint sighs, rubbing their cheek. FAINT: You should go grab that before somebody else does...I was already planning on staying in here to save some cash. OPERA: Or... you could share with me? They blink. FAINT: ...I know we were about to kiss, but- FAINT: You're really that serious? OPERA: Worst case scenario, nothing happens and you get to enjoy a bigger place to sleep. FAINT: ...[[thank you->p15]]...They dare to nuzzle against her cheek. //So warm....// FAINT: ...we probably shouldn't let the others see us, though. I don't want them bullying you- OPERA: I can take it, I'm not worried. OPERA: But... there is some fun in keeping it low key. FAINT: ...are you into sneaking around? OPERA: I'm into the suspense! FAINT: I'll wait for you to get the key, then. FAINT: Act like I'm getting some water. FAINT: We'll meet up at the room itself.... OPERA: You're not at least going to walk me to the entrance? FAINT: ...guess it would be rude not to, huh? They get up slowly, gesturing for her to follow. FAINT: Let's get this [[settled->p16]]...[[....->p17]]OPERA: Nobody saw you sneak in, did they? FAINT: Not that I could tell... Faint closes the door behind them, making sure to lock it. OPERA: Now it's just us! FAINT: Just us. //With a new threshold crossed...// The mantis turns back to face her, chest core pounding again. OPERA: Wanna get cozy a little bit? OPERA: Before we consider options, of course. FAINT: Can't say no to that... They approach slowly, swallowing down their nerves discretely. FAINT: How do you want this? OPERA: We got a bed and a TV, we can get creative with that. FAINT: ...this place got a [[VCR->p18]]?Faint pats their coat pocket. FAINT: I...did end up bringing a movie. OPERA: Probably got one, let you rent movies out if you have a key on you. They head over to the TV setup, kneeling to inspect it. Sure enough, there's a VCR ready and waiting- kind of dusty, though. Blowing it off makes it look good as new, and there's a good chance it'll play the tape just fine. FAINT: Pretty standard look. FAINT: Should fit my tape...are you down for that? OPERA: Mmhmm! OPERA: I let Paige out to wander around while we do this. OPERA: He's not squeamish but... FAINT: Probably the best for now...he's welcome after we get a feel for how this is going to go. OPERA: Mm. OPERA: He's the embodiment of courage but uh... he's the embodiment of //my// courage. FAINT: ...you're worried about him getting too [[excited->p19]]? OPERA: I'm worried about whether ot not this room's gonna be here tomorrow morning.Faint lets out a low hiss at that, clearly flustered. FAINT: Don't want your crew getting billed too hard...we probably can't go too far. OPERA: You worried about breaking things yourself? FAINT: .... //More about whether she'll actually go for the gore thing, but...// FAINT: I'm stronger than I look. FAINT: Not...experienced, either. OPERA: I mean, you //are// pretty big. //If we're really doing this, I should be [[open->p20]]...//Faint slide the tape in, making sure it's rewound before heading back to the bed and gesturing for her to join them. FAINT: Even with that being true, I...don't feel confident using that strength. FAINT: I've never had another partner, and I figured, with my interests, it'd...probably end up being another bug, if I ever even came across one that I meshed with. FAINT: Just safer. OPERA: I mean maybe.. tougher than you think though. FAINT: I know... They feel around for the remote, waiting for Opera to come over before starting. She wastes no time, scooting in next to them. The mantis dares to wrap an arm around her shoulder, letting out a soft sigh at finally being able to touch her, after what felt like ages of wanting it. Sure, they had hugged before, but- She immediately leans into their [[embrace->p21]]. OPERA: There we go.FAINT: You're very soft... OPERA: Mmhmm! OPERA: The perks of being a mammal.. bird? Thing. FAINT: ...you're a bird? OPERA: Half proximity, not super prominent but.. FAINT: Huh...I guess that does make sense. They lean in, nuzzling her forehead. OPERA: If you look in the right spots you might see some down feathers.. FAINT: That sounds interesting.... They let out another involuntary hiss. FAINT: Should I start the film and set the mood? OPERA: Mmhm! What'd you pick for today? FAINT: This is a pretty entry level one, as far as these kinds of things go...it's an erotic horror piece, though more of a leaning on the former. FAINT: ...first scene's pretty gnarly, though. FAINT: You ready for this? OPERA: Mmhmm! FAINT: Alright...tell me if you need to stop. They press [[play->p22]].It starts slow, just a rainy evening with two friends, both neuroths- one a beetle, and the other a mantis. Faint's seen this a million times, knowing exactly how the beats are going to go... They go out to get snacks from the convenience store, and both spot something weird watching them on the way home. It's tense, but they're too busy talking about other things, especially getting excited when they get to their apartment and reveal just what plans they were preparing for- -cutting out the beetle's chest core with a [[knife->p23]].They glance over at the reveal of the blade, trying not to look as nervous as they felt as they gauge Opera's reaction. The cat just seems to nuzzle closer in response. //She's cool with it, she's [[doing good->p24]], maybe this'll be okay...//The scene itself is romantic, the two characters even setting up some music and mood lighting in-story. It's clear the actors aren't super experienced, but the chemistry is very there as the mantis slowly strips their partner, running the blade along the visible carapace seam on his chest. Opera mimics the motion, lightly pressing a finger to the mantis' back and dragging it. //Oh, fuck-// They shudder, letting out a little gasping hiss. //She likes it, she's into it-// OPERA: You okay? OPERA: Can feel some [[nerves->p25]].FAINT: N...not quite nerves. FAINT: Maybe some nerves. FAINT: But, uhh- FAINT: Lot of anticipation here, I want to see how you feel about it- OPERA: It's hard to say yet, gruesome but.. something about it's engaging. FAINT: Well- watch [[this part->p26]].The mantis digs the knife in along the seam, opening the bug up so cleanly that it almost feels //professional//, even with the amateur acting. It's a loving gesture, the beetle's chest parted to reveal a [[gel core->p27]] a bit bigger than a baseball.OPERA: This all real? FAINT: As real as it gets. FAINT: ...is it [[scary->p28]]? OPERA: Nah.The mantis on-screen reaches in carefully, pulling out the core from the other neuroth's gel-filled chest cavity- -and bringing it to their mouth, kissing and licking it. There's a moment where they go to put it in their mouth, as if to bite it, when there's a thunderclap, startling the pair. Even so, after a moment's comfort, the mantis chomps down, the core gushing from their teeth like the most succulent fruit. Their partner grows sluggish, dialogue overlaid in a rough dub- a portrayal of the psychic communication between them, a [[neuroth specialty->p29]].FAINT: ...and now? OPERA: You want that? FAINT: ...yeah. FAINT: I come back to this movie for the first scene alone, though the rest is equally good...I just...can't get it out of my head. OPERA: You've been thinking about this with me then, yeah? FAINT: ...yeah. FAINT: It's... FAINT: I know it's a lot- OPERA: I mean I.. kinda want to try that? OPERA: Is that weird? OPEERA: Obviously the one eating, not the other way around. OPERA: I mean if I could, I wouldn't mind it, maybe... They can't help but burst into a huge smile. FAINT: Do you mean it? FAINT: You're [[serious->p30]]?OPERA: Which part? OPERA: I mean yes, probably, to all of it? FAINT: The- I wouldn't risk eating any of you, but you taking one of my cores... OPERA: You have two, right? FAINT: One in my head, one in my chest. FAINT: As long as one remains intact, I can live. They point at the screen. FAINT: [[Watch->p31]].The beetle neuroth seems sluggish, sleepy in his movements, but still reacting to his partner's loving touches. The two continue talking with audio dubbed over- -until the power goes out, a lightning strike revealing a terrifying silhouette by the distant window. The [[stalker->p32]] following them home...Faint pauses the film. FAINT: ...with one core removed, neuroths enter a weird altered state. FAINT: If you lose the head core, you can still move around, but lose a lot of sensory input. FAINT: If you lose the body core, you can't move as much, but retain your senses. FAINT: ...in this situation, the mantis is going to have to protect their partner from the slasher. OPERA: Mm... you trust me to take care of you like that? FAINT: Yes...I haven't had a core destroyed since my last molt, so...it would only be for fifteen minutes or so. FAINT: Takes longer the more times you've had them destroyed. OPERA: Does the time decrease if you take breaks? FAINT: Mhm...it's molt-based. FAINT: Once every two months or so, us bugs shed our carapace and have to spend a week all...mushy. FAINT: Timer gets reset then. OPERA: Huh... OPERA: Keeping that in my pocket. FAINT: You make it sound like you're planning this to be a regular thing.... Their face is flushed. OPERA: I mean... we'll see. The cat lets out a little cackle at the sight of Faint getting even more [[blush-covered->p33]].OPERA: Everything regenerates as long as a core is intact? FAINT: Yeah...and like I said, if it hasn't been done super recently, it's pretty fast. OPERA: Maybe I'll take a souvenir then... //F-fuck-// They have to hide their face under their arm at that, making another low hiss. FAINT: That...is very much an intimate thing in underground circles...to trust someone with keeping and maintaining a part of yourself is a huge deal... OPERA: Would you want that? FAINT: ...yes... It comes out [[soft->p34]].OPERA: Maybe something for those lonely nights... FAINT: You'd take part of me to cuddle? OPERA: Mmhmm! FAINT: At the very least. They uncover their face, leaning in a little. FAINT: You're making it very hard to resist kissing you right now, you know...you're spoiling me more than you know. OPERA: It's all part of my plan. FAINT: ...can I, then? OPERA: Mmhmm! OPERA: But warning, I might bite. FAINT: [[Please->p35]] do.Faint cups her face in their hands, moving in for a soft kiss- and Opera going for it just as readily. //She's so warm...even more than I expected...// They let their tongue wander into the kiss, trying not to feel self conscious about its size- only for the cat to nibble on it, just a little. //O-oh god-// They can't help but make a loud noise into it, moving one of their hands to rub against Opera's chest, delighted as she presses back into the touch. They close their eyes, doing their best to focus...and open a [[mental link->p36]] with her.//C..can you hear me?// //** Mmhmm! **// //Opera...// Faint dares to reach under her shirt, clearly awkward and inexperienced with it. //**You wanna sneak a feel in?**// They hesitate, worried about getting ahead of themself. //Yeah....is that okay?// //**Do it, but I want my turn too..**// They rub their thumbs into her chest, trying to find sensitive spots to feel. //You have no idea how [[much->p37]] I wanted this...////**I-I've speculated on some things...**// //What did you guess?// //**About a 8.5 at least. **// //An 8.5 what, exactly...?// //**Could mean many things really.**// //I...if you mean my, ah, **size**, that's not entirely wrong, but...it's... It's not really **mine**, it's- yknow, just a toy-// //**It counts to me..**// //You really wouldn't mind it? I know some people are disappointed by not having the...real deal, or whatever.// //**Nope! **// //...makes me wish I brought the strap with me then, I didn't want to assume... Was half expecting you to get grossed out by the movie.// **//Did you really though?//** //...I'm nervous about all this, so [[yes->p38]]!//**//You still took the leap, no?//** //It's hard to hold back...// **//Part of you knew there's a chance.//** //But if I fucked it up- I didn't want to lose you entirely...// **//And yet you weighed the risk and reward enough to decide it was worth trying.//** //[[Worth it->p39]]...//Faint pulls away slowly, leaving Opera's mouth a drooly mess. FAINT: ...god, you look good.... She plays into it, letting their saliva drip out of her mouth. OPERA: Yeah? FAINT: Y-yeah....I thought about the whole...tongue...size difference thing before, but... FAINT: I like the mussed up look on you. FAINT: You look...content, like that. OPERA: I am... FAINT: Perfect. They plant a kiss on her forehead, nuzzling up to her hair. FAINT: ...and you really did like the scene in the movie? FAINT: The whole...core eating? OPERA: Mmhmm! It's giving me [[ideas->p40]] for sure... FAINT: ...can I hear them?OPERA: I want a [[piece of you->p41]].FAINT: You did mention keeping a memento to cuddle... They look down at themself. FAINT: ...what seems appetizing? OPERA: Thinking... bigger the chunk the harder it's gonna be to keep discreet. FAINT: I suppose it also depends on what you want to do with it. OPERA: If you had to pick... FAINT: ... Their face turns flushed, clearly shy about saying it. OPERA: What would be the most fun thing to imagine? FAINT: Y-you...getting yourself off, thinking about me... OPERA: That's the goal.. FAINT: I know it's probably too much to take my whole hand, but...maybe a finger or two? OPERA: I wouldn't mind [[a hand->p42]] personally...They hold both of them out for her to inspect. OPERA: Left. FAINT: The left hand...do you have a knife on you? OPERA: I was gonna just bite it off, but I can go get one. FAINT: ...biting works, though you're going to have to really dig in there. FAINT: Carapace is hard for non-bugs to penetrate. OPERA: I've been practicing, should be fine. FAINT: ...practicing? OPERA: You know? FAINT: So you did look into this... OPERA: Only from time to time. FAINT: Enough to practice... They raise their left hand up closer, angling it so that she can reach their [[wrist->p43]].Immediately- she bites in deep, not lying in the slightest about her technique. The hiss that comes out of the bug as her teeth plunged in was long and shaky, gel oozing up from the punctured caparace. It's sweet but subtle, not unlike tree sap or sugar water. She takes a moments to get at the fluid before getting in significant progress quickly. Faint keeps making excited noises, getting louder the more she digs in. Their spare hand wanders between their legs, unable to keep from feeling themself up a bit. //**You like it....**// They can hardly get words out even with the mental connection, making another [[low sound->p44]].Almost done, the cat slowing down her pace to get a little more mileage. //I l-love it, ohhh god-// //**So cute...**// //I'm already so-// //**So..?**// //I'm so close-// Their whole body is shaking, dying for more and more. It's so much, feeling her teeth tear into them, feeling her tongue lap up the gel and knowing she's [[greedy->p45]] for it...She finishes biting through with a pleased growl- the hand falling into Opera's lap and leaving Faint's wrist stump idly oozing gel. They're panting at this point, staring down at the mess with a dazed expression. OPERA: How was it? //Undescribable, but-// They try to get actual words out, stumbling on it. FAINT: A-a...amazing...hahhh... OPERA: Excited to see how you'd handle something more... intense. FAINT: I may need b-baby steps after all... OPERA: We'll work our way up. FAINT: D-did you like it, though...? The cat picks up the hand and gives it a light [[nuzzle->p46]]. OPERA: Hmm.. what do you think?FAINT: Y-you do look pretty flushed, too... OPERA: Bit tougher to do that than I thought... FAINT: It's part of why you don't see a lot of non-bugs hooking up with us as doms...even if they want to, a lot of people can't take a dominant role in the same way. OPERA: I'm built different. FAINT: You definitely are... They lean forward, cuddling up to her and letting themself breathe heavily against her chest. FAINT: Please let me pay you back for that... OPERA: Go ahead... FAINT: That depends on how you want it...any request, I'll do it. OPERA: I'd ask you to eat me but I'm not a bug so... FAINT: ...I could still get a taste, though. Show you how much I appreciate it... They move their head down a bit, waiting for permission to go further. OPERA: [[Spoil me->p47]]...They waste no time, getting her shorts off and making a pleased noise at the sight of her bare legs and underwear, taking a moment to feel her uncovered thighs. //So beautiful...// OPERA: Indulge... The mantis rubs their face against her legs, building up the tension as they graze their teeth against her. FAINT: Like this? OPERA: Exactly like that... They move to press their face between her legs, [[debating->p48]] for a moment-Before scooting up to grab the hem of her underwear in their teeth, using their fingers sparingly to delicately pull them off. OPERA: That's adorable ... FAINT: Want to be speful- They let go of the underwear, satisfied with how much they've been lowered. FAINT: //Special//, for you. OPERA: You already are... FAINT: Flattering me... They let out an adoring hiss as they get positioned, using their large tongue to start [[warming her up->p49]].//It's nice that I can still talk to you like this...// //**It's handy, could help us be discreet on some days...**// //You want me to flirt with you in secret?// //**I'd love that... wish you could just sneak me into your head and we could kiss in private.**// //That'd be a dream come true...I'd be tempted to go further, though. Maybe my mind would wander.// //**You'd make a noise...**// //I could cover it up.// //**They'd catch on quick.**// //Then we'd make an excuse to go check on something, find somewhere private...// //**I wouldn't mind.**// //I could try to do you in quick, satisfy you and let you go right back to work...// //**Get more out of our time...**// //I'd learn how to get you off fast enough to [[drive you crazy->p50]] any opportunity we get. //They pause, pulling away to speak out loud. FAINT: Are...you okay with me putting my tongue in? FAINT: It's kind of large, so... OPERA: You kidding? OPERA: I'd let you choke me with that thing if you wanted. FAINT: You really like it that much? OPERA: Mm! FAINT: Okay...tell me if it's too much. They give her one more lick before slowly starting to push in, watching for her reaction- only for her to pull them in closer with her thighs. They let out an excited hiss as they got driven deeper, clearly extremely into being [[pushed around->p51]]. OPERA: I-If I were a mantis we'd be able to go so hard on this stuff... //I'll treat you as good as I can either way....you're perfect just as you...// OPERA: So sweet... //I want to spoil you **rotten.**// Faint pushes in harder, almost giving her the full thing. Her taste is better than they could have ever expected, almost intoxicating in the moment. OPERA: G-Go all in... //I'll practically be screwing you at that point...// They oblige, moving their intact hand to feel themself up at the same time. //**That's what I want..**// //I'll give you [[my all->p52]].//The mantis immediately starts going hard, unable to keep from breathing hard as they work her over. It aches a bit, keeping this position, and sure, their jaw will hurt after... But they wouldn't want to be anywhere else, even if this lasted forever, a task for a [[perfect toy->p53]]....Opera pushes their head in closer, and from the quick look Faint gets at her face, she's already incredibly close. //Get loud for me, please...I want to hear how much you like it...// All she does in response is make a horrible noise, one that has no business coming out of any creature Faint knew of. Far more strange than a typical moan or gasp, but... //Just like that...my Opera...// //**Thought that'd startle you..**// //Just makes me want you more..// //**F-finish up and you'll get all you want.**// //Yes, [[s-sir->p54]]... //Faint does their best to push her to the limit, trying to go hard //just// for her. Anything for Opera, especially after this long of wanting her, lusting for her, all of those lonely nights spent wishing their own hand was hers... Opera wraps every limb around them as she finally gets off, gasping and trembling and squeezing them tantilizingly tight. It's enough to make Faint's head spin, leaving them wondering if they were in just as [[overwhelmed->p55]] of a state.They let her hold onto them for a few moments, taking their time before pulling their tongue away, panting just as much. OPERA: ..Let's be more open about this from now on, okay? FAINT: If we're being open... They rest their head on her thigh, looking up at her with an adoring expression. FAINT: I love you. OPERA: I love you too... She can't help but purr. FAINT: ...can I [[hold you->p56]] before we do anything else? OPERA: As long as you want...As they scoot back up next to her, they're startled as their hand suddenly reforms, twisting into shape. FAINT: ...guess it was about time for that. OPERA: That's crazy fast.. FAINT: Not like I'd done anything since my last molt...it'll be slower next time. OPERA: That's fine, I'll keep you safe.. They make an appreciative sound before pulling the cat into their lap, snuggling her all over. FAINT: You promise? OPERA: Mmhmm, nobody's going to hurt you while I'm here... FAINT: Thank you... They close their eyes, [[taking it all in->p57]].FAINT: ...it wasn't weird when I called you "sir", was it? FAINT: It...slipped out. OPERA: No, that feels right, honestly. FAINT: ...thank you then, sir. OPERA: Thank //you!// OPERA: You did amazing... FAINT: Well...even without a lot of experience, I have been thinking a lot about this kind of thing... OPERA: Yeah well, me too. //She's so perfect...// They don't even mind their thoughts wandering into Opera's head, letting her hear whatever she wanted. **//Maybe...//** //You are, you are you are [[you are->p58]]-//They plant a kiss on top of her head. FAINT: Maybe we could watch the rest of the movie and see how we feel...give ourselves some time to recover. OPERA: Yeah, get some more ideas too. FAINT: Going to have to get through some good ol' slasher tension first...but I'll hold you tight. OPERA: Good. They fumble for the remote, still getting used to the new hand...and angling Opera so she could see. FAINT: That good? OPERA: Mmhm! OPERA: Perfect. FAINT: Okay.... They play the movie, letting the spooky ambience settle over the two of them. FAINT: [[Off we go->p59]]. ''CREDITS'' Vasco "Comorant" Rivera- Opera and Paige writing, cover composition Mortis Velasquez- Faint writing, panel work Vyn- CSS and scripting and a huge thank you to everyone on our (link:"Forums") [(goto-url: 'https://homebrewdeviants.com/forum/')] and (link: "Discord")[(goto-url: 'https://discord.gg/gZVx7Zu')] for funding this oneshot! <img src="./panels/operafaintcover.png" alt="a cover image for the oneshot. it pictures paige, a sheet ghost-like proxy, holding a few playing cards as it waits outside a motel room. there is a do not disturb sign on the door, and text reading: ROOM 107 a morbit oneshot"> [(text-style:"shadow")[ROOM 107] [[CONTENT WARNINGS]] (you can use the arrow keys to go backwards and forwards through the twine!) [[START->p1]]]this twine contains gore, hard vore, BDSM dynamics, and explicit oral sex. it also contains implications of stalking in a piece of horror media. [[RETURN TO COVER->Untitled Passage 1]]