I know you are, why do you think I agreed to our contract? [Hm.] I told you I was going to take this seriously because we both have things that we want. Even if the things we want don't always want us right away.
[He's well aware that Akane loves him, at least, but he's also cautious because he remembers certain events.]
...if our roles were reversed, Akane wouldn't think twice about sleeping with people to survive. She'll understand. That's not the part I'm concerned with. [...which is a lie, he is, but that's also because he's a little more sentimental than she is in some cases.] I haven't even slept with her yet and instead this is happening. Kinda fucked up, isn't it?
[At the same time, he seems to be thinking about it.] ...it's more like who do you trust enough to actually get somewhere? [The "you" is general, but if Tamamo has a list he's interested in that, too.]
[She really doesn't want to be here, suddenly, talking about someone else's love and what they'd think of this entire situation. Her thoughts drift -- like always, to her emperor, the man who cast her aside when she was outed as a fox. He would often talk about the other women of the court, as if Tamamo could not be harmed by his opinions.
Fate is cruel. Life is unfair. She winds a finger against the pillow, choosing her words carefully]
Better you trust no one, and look at it as a business transaction. Those who are eager for your business, or information -- they will continue to see value in you, and are less likely to discard you in the upcoming weeks.
[...]
Wei Wuxian seems fond of you, as does Higekiri-san. In fact, many of the people here would rather you live than die. You can choose your pick from anyone in the hotel, I wager.
And that's my reason for doing as much research as I am. [And because he's still thoughtless, he listens for all of five seconds before he turns to finally look at her.]
...what about you, Tamamo? [He's not clear on what he's asking, but the line of thought is a little easier. "What if I wanted to choose you?"]
-- What? You're asking who I would chose among this group?
[She laughs, pupils narrowed like a cat's again, both revolted and delighted that he bothered with the question.]
Not even half of you on a normal day, and yet -- didn't I tell you at the beginning? There are things that I want, and I will use any to get it.
[Humans are greedy; foxes are worse. And standards are meant to be broken and remade as the situation call for it. For an evil soul like hers, this is easy. There's no low bar to sink to when you're lonely and desperate]
So how about it, Master~? Shall we use each other to further our goals?
[Unsurprisingly, he leans into that movement and maybe someday Tamamo might catch on that despite his brusqueness in a manner of things he's also somewhat starved for affection of any kind. It's been a very long year, after all.]
If you're sure. [But he sounds relieved. ] Then...we'll use each other to stay in the game. Everyone else will be a bonus for benefits, information, and protection. Can we agree on that?
[Her hand stills, then remains where it is, half-cupped against his cheek. Some of her gentleness seeps back through the cracks of her discontent. It annoys her a little now, that he has that effect on her, but she supposes she never would have agreed to the pact if he could not reach her core in some way.]
-- Though I warn you, Master~ if you're that bad in bed, I might ditch you for someone else. ♥
[Likewise he doesn't push her away, but he doesn't take more than she's willing to give him either. It's a partnership, and even though he's still learning about her, he knows enough to accept things for how they are. It's probably easier that way anyway.
But there's a nervous laugh because, haha, fuck.]
So what you're saying is no pressure at all. Got it.
[And then she just. Lunges at him. Which sounds a lot more sexy than it actually is, given she practically bodyslams this poor fool into the mattress for a second time. Her tails are wagging behind her. It's unfortunate.]
Mikon! How lucky you are to partake in the bodily pleasures with someone like me~!
[Oh my god. He's immediately knocked over again and there are fox tails and everything is a lot?! But like. His hand goes to her waist to hold her steady as he blinks up at her.]
I can hardly believe it myself. [It's like kind of sarcastic but he's grinning a little anyway because it's Tamamo. This is endearing and also terrifying all at once.] ...I trust you with this. So...stay with me. Okay?
[A week into their contract and he's still trying to make sure she won't smash Betray. Maybe he has issues, it's fine.]
[If he will stay with her remains to be seen -- no, she doesn't want to think on the inevitable and sour her mood again, instead opting to lean her weight on top of him and rest her chin on his clavicle. A moment's trust is still trust, isn't it?
[Promises are such a weird thing. But she can settle on him and when she's close enough he'll turn his head just enough to kind of bump his mouth into the side of her head. It's not quite a kiss, but it's...something.]
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[He's well aware that Akane loves him, at least, but he's also cautious because he remembers certain events.]
...if our roles were reversed, Akane wouldn't think twice about sleeping with people to survive. She'll understand. That's not the part I'm concerned with. [...which is a lie, he is, but that's also because he's a little more sentimental than she is in some cases.] I haven't even slept with her yet and instead this is happening. Kinda fucked up, isn't it?
[At the same time, he seems to be thinking about it.] ...it's more like who do you trust enough to actually get somewhere? [The "you" is general, but if Tamamo has a list he's interested in that, too.]
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Fate is cruel. Life is unfair. She winds a finger against the pillow, choosing her words carefully]
Better you trust no one, and look at it as a business transaction. Those who are eager for your business, or information -- they will continue to see value in you, and are less likely to discard you in the upcoming weeks.
[...]
Wei Wuxian seems fond of you, as does Higekiri-san. In fact, many of the people here would rather you live than die. You can choose your pick from anyone in the hotel, I wager.
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...what about you, Tamamo? [He's not clear on what he's asking, but the line of thought is a little easier. "What if I wanted to choose you?"]
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[She laughs, pupils narrowed like a cat's again, both revolted and delighted that he bothered with the question.]
Not even half of you on a normal day, and yet -- didn't I tell you at the beginning? There are things that I want, and I will use any to get it.
[Humans are greedy; foxes are worse. And standards are meant to be broken and remade as the situation call for it. For an evil soul like hers, this is easy. There's no low bar to sink to when you're lonely and desperate]
So how about it, Master~? Shall we use each other to further our goals?
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Uh, yeah. That's...sort of what I was asking. Do I still count even knowing what you know about me?
[Does he meet her standards anymore? He doesn't seem bothered if he doesn't, but he'd rather make sure she gets taken care of regardless.]
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[The blade's edge in her voice disappears.]
You are my Master, and I am duty bound to protect and serve you, in any way that will be productive.
[Finally glancing back to him, and staring for a moment. She reaches out and draws a finger against his jaw, eyebrow arching]
If anything, the matter is made much simpler for me. I have a clear way to keep you from harm.
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If you're sure. [But he sounds relieved. ] Then...we'll use each other to stay in the game. Everyone else will be a bonus for benefits, information, and protection. Can we agree on that?
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[Her hand stills, then remains where it is, half-cupped against his cheek. Some of her gentleness seeps back through the cracks of her discontent. It annoys her a little now, that he has that effect on her, but she supposes she never would have agreed to the pact if he could not reach her core in some way.]
-- Though I warn you, Master~ if you're that bad in bed, I might ditch you for someone else. ♥
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But there's a nervous laugh because, haha, fuck.]
So what you're saying is no pressure at all. Got it.
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[And then she just. Lunges at him. Which sounds a lot more sexy than it actually is, given she practically bodyslams this poor fool into the mattress for a second time. Her tails are wagging behind her. It's unfortunate.]
Mikon! How lucky you are to partake in the bodily pleasures with someone like me~!
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I can hardly believe it myself. [It's like kind of sarcastic but he's grinning a little anyway because it's Tamamo. This is endearing and also terrifying all at once.] ...I trust you with this. So...stay with me. Okay?
[A week into their contract and he's still trying to make sure she won't smash Betray. Maybe he has issues, it's fine.]
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Of course I will, Master. I promised, didn't I?
[If he will stay with her remains to be seen -- no, she doesn't want to think on the inevitable and sour her mood again, instead opting to lean her weight on top of him and rest her chin on his clavicle. A moment's trust is still trust, isn't it?
It'll be alright... Maybe.]
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Just making sure.