There was a faint beeping. And that beeping only grew louder. It was blaring.

Hiyori's eyes flashed open, instinctively reaching for her alarm clock. She slapped the button until it went silent. She yawned and stretched her arms above her head.

Why was it so cold?

She rubbed her arms.

That's when Hiyori remembered.

She glanced down at her naked body in the morning light. She gasped out of surprise and covered herself with her blanket.

Her mind replayed everything, and her cheeks felt like fire. It all happened so quickly.

And to think, it had been with Yato-

Hiyori immediately turned to discover an empty bed next to her. When she sat up and looked for her clothes, she noticed his clothes were gone. Her gaze wandered to the view outside her window in remembrance of last night.

"You belong to me now…"

Normally, that would've raised alarms for anyone else. But Hiyori knew better. He wasn't the type.

Besides - she belonged to him now. He would return for more.

Hiyori reached for her phone on the nightstand and immediately saw the new text message notification displaying his name.

'Sorry! Had to leave before Yukine woke up. See ya later tonight!'

-Yato

However, she couldn't deny the hint of disappointment in her. He could have at least stayed with her after their first time. It was terrible form.

Was this love?

Hiyori sighed and heaved herself off the mattress. Despite living completely alone, she silently checked that the hallway was clear before heading to the bathroom.

While she waited for the water to warm up, Hiyori stepped into the shower. It was in that moment she noticed the numerous marks Yato's mouth had left on her. They ranged in all sizes; some, colors light pink, and some, shades of dark purple. Her body resembled the color of Blight, but Hiyori knew this was not a defilement at all - it was a gift from her god. This "Blight" represented her purity.

She smiled to herself, content and confident.

Her core ached slightly where he had stripped her of her virginity the night before. She didn't mind it. It was a rather pleasant reminder that she was now his.

A god wanted her! And the proof was presented all across her body.

Her only problem now was finding clothes to properly cover herself.

. . . .

"You belong to me now."

It still didn't insinuate anything in their relationship.

"My dear follower…"

That was a new name. If anything, it only further reinstated his first claim of "belonging" to him.

He was a friend. A good friend.

Who she'd slept with.

What did that make them now? Only for a brief moment, Hiyori cringed.

It was absolutely ludicrous; because if they were actually lovers now, then they wouldn't be sneaking around everyone's backs; there would be no reason to.

It was unheard of to have sexual relations with someone they were not committed to; much less speak of it. It was strictly taboo.

So - as much as Hiyori wished she could scream from the rooftops - her lips were locked. No one knew of her dirty secret, and with that, she realized the power she held.

She couldn't help but entertain the idea that no one around her knew she was relieved of her virginity last night - and by a god of all people. Who else could also say that?

Hiyori smirked at the idea, feeling almost powerful as she passed every unsuspecting person in the hall. She could feel the breeze in her face and hair as she went, reminding her she was alive and free.

After she rounded the corner and entered her lecture hall, Hiyori finally found her seat in the back. That way, she didn't have to worry about her professor seeing her attention slip. She set her briefcase on the empty spot beside her, knowing her class was relatively small and no one usually shared the bench to her left. However, she was more mindful of the desk room that stretched out in front of her as she placed her laptop and books accordingly.

Only then did Hiyori settle and allow her mind to wander.

The half-Phantom could already feel her body crying out for more. Now that she knew what she was missing out on, Hiyori yearned for it.

She craved it just as much as food or water. She needed it just as much as air or sleep. If it wasn't for school or a social life, she'd never do anything else. Now she understood why people raved about it. The heat, the tension, the intimacy, the thrill, the pleasure…

Yato had completely rearranged her brain, rewired her code. Her wants suddenly became her needs, and there was no more space in her head to think about anything else. He was bringing out the worst in her - in the best way possible.

She'd found the drug that contaminated her mind, and it was sex. Hiyori desperately needed a second fix - maybe a third and fourth -- she was losing her mind.

Remember to breathe. Breathe…

. . . .

Yato lifted his head out from under his pillow, the morning sun stinging his eyes. He sat up and looked around.

The futon beside him was vacant. Yukine was awake now.

Memories of the earlier night circled and spun in his head. He had her; was so close he could smell, feel and taste all of her. And when she spoke-

"Yes, my god…"

My god…

She had never addressed him in such a dangerous, revolutionary way. She had given him a new title - a new purpose, and placed him on a pedestal. There was a whole other side of Hiyori to be discovered.

Yato released a heavy, exaggerated breath. She probably had no idea just what she was doing to him.

He had to be very careful about who he confided this with. Kofuku couldn't keep her mouth shut, Yukine would need another Ablution, and Daikoku would have his ass on a platter. On top of that, any resident of the Far Shore could turn on him at any moment and report to the Heavens, and - while he was lucky to have escaped their punishment once - he knew they would not be so easy on him the next time.

Sleeping with humans was more of a rare, unspoken event; because it disrupted the delicate line between both Shores. And even though the mortals created the idea that sex was preserved for committed relationships, that rang true for gods too.

But Yato never played by anyone else's rules. And Hiyori wasn't technically on either side when she walked between both worlds.

The thought that he and Hiyori could metaphorically and literally tear the whole world apart sent chills down his spine. He chuckled sadistically to himself.

Yato practically threw himself out of bed, feeling overwhelmed by a new feeling of pride and purpose. He wanted to see just how much further he could get away with.

It seemed too good to be true - he almost questioned if it was all a dream. But the proof was in his sore muscles, and the pink claw marks engraved in his back.

Yato smirked at the image reflected back from the mirror, running his fingers against the raw flesh. Even while she was away, Hiyori was still with him.

The god headed downstairs where he yawned and stretched his arms. "Morning!" He greeted the blonde boy sitting at the kotatsu.

His Regalia looked up from his crossword puzzle and gave his master an incredulous expression. "It's almost eleven!" He retorted.

"Exactly!" Yato replied with a wide, innocent grin.

He sat down and ruffled the boy's hair as he went. Yukine swatted his hand away before fixing his blonde locks again.

"Where were you last night?"

"Hah??" Yato barely had a chance to take a bite of his muffin. He blinked, genuinely clueless.

Yukine rolled his eyes, already annoyed. "You said you were going to Hiyori's -- when did you get back?"

"Uh…" Yato froze.

He knew Yukine usually went to bed no later than ten-thirty. He didn't check the time when he fell asleep at Hiyori's apartment, but when he woke up to leave, it was probably midnight.

While there wasn't anything necessarily alarming about his whereabouts or specific timelines, it was the combination of those things that made his story suspicious. It was going to be especially more complicated and difficult to explain if he repeatedly spent long nights at her apartment by himself. He would have to leave earlier than anticipated to avoid the chaos he and Hiyori might catch themselves in. That also meant not staying the night or visiting at certain hours.

"Not much later after you usually fall asleep," he lied.

Yato waited with bated breath and hoped his Blessed Vessel didn't see right through him. Then, after a few long seconds of staring, Yukine seemed to settle.

"Next time you're gonna be late again, just let me know, okay?" He muttered to his master and returned to his activity book.

If Yukine didn't trust him, he would have been a lot angrier. But Yato didn't see anger, only concern.

However, it didn't make the lying any easier. A small seed of guilt bloomed inside him, but he knew it was for a good cause. Surely, it couldn't be that difficult.

. . . .

Yato sighed in contentment, sitting down at the table. Just as he settled, the can in his hands was stolen and immediately replaced with a water bottle. He blinked a few times in bewilderment before turning around to see his culprit.

"Hey!" He declared. "Give that back!"

The open can of beer was already being stuffed back in the fridge with the others.

"Would it kill you to drink some water once in a while?" Hiyori crossed her arms and puffed out her cheeks in defiance.

Yato glared at her, then turned back to his pathetic water. "Booz has water in it too…" he mumbled, taking a sip.

"Hardly…!" She mumbled back.

She filled the dirty pan from their dinner with soap and water, then let it soak in the sink. She dried her hands on a wash cloth nearby.

"I still don't understand why you keep them all here," the half-Phantom stated. "What if my family stumbles across them and thinks they're mine?"

Yato rolled his eyes. "You wouldn't have to worry about that if you would just let me drink 'em."

Hiyori stood her ground and didn't respond. She made herself busy shifting through items in the fridge. But the silence proved to be too unbearable to the neglected god still sitting at the table. He sighed, long and loud, making himself known again.

"Today was such a long day!"

The brunette rolled her eyes.

He really liked the sound of his own voice.

"It was a long day for me too," she replied blandly as she inspected the carton of milk.

"Oh right - I forgot; sitting and staring at a book for a lil' while is much harder than cleaning the whole city of Phantoms," he challenged sarcastically.

Luckily, Hiyori knew what to do.

"Ah - it sounds like you want to do my homework!" She fired back.

Silence. Sweet, rewarding silence.

Hiyori smirked and reveled in her own victory. She continued reading the back of the carton before realizing it was unusual she could hear her own thoughts. She lifted her head.

A few feet away, blue eyes locked with pink ones. He was staring intensely. Hiyori almost forgot how to breathe for a second.

"You think you're so clever, huh~?"

Hiyori swallowed thickly. She knew that tone of voice, and she knew it only meant trouble, but she had to stand her ground.

"I-I am."

Hiyori observed him as he stood up from his seat and slowly advanced towards her.

She felt adrenaline coursing through her body. She hid her trembling hand behind her back, presenting herself innocently. When he came closer, she took a step back. Her back hit the wall behind her, and that was when Hiyori realized she was now cornered. He was the one grinning now.

How could she have forgotten?

Yato didn't like to admit defeat so easily.

"Is that any way to speak to your god of fortune~?"

Despite suddenly being a bit warm, Hiyori shivered. She didn't answer - she couldn't. Everytime she breathed in his scent, her head started spinning.

He reached a gentle hand up towards her and twirled a lock of her dark hair around his forefinger curiously.

"Listen-" Yato began again, softly, "I've been thinking, and m-maybe - only if you want to...-"

He paused, then bailed altogether. Hiyori watched the confidence slip from his face. His gaze dropped, and he withdrew from her personal space.

He shook his head, seeming to discard whatever he was about to propose to her. "Nevermind. It was a bad idea."

Hiyori thought about leaving it alone, but her curiosity got the best of her.

What bad idea was so outrageously heinous that the god of calamity - infamous for absolutely terrible ideas - would finally draw the line?

She decided her fate carefully, then opened her mouth.

"I'm listening…"

Yato whipped his head over his shoulder to see her again. He gaped at her in shock for a moment. He studied her for any hint of deception, but she was sincere.

Everytime he thought he had her figured out…

He grinned and scoffed in disbelief. He licked his teeth, intrigued to learn more about this new, rebellious Hiyori.

Yato's eyes turned upwards towards the ceiling, and he sighed. "Heaven help me," he mumbled to himself.

He took a deep breath and straightened up again, composing himself.

"Would you be willing to give up your consent and freewill to serve me?"

Hiyori's face felt hot, and her eyes lost his face. She stayed close to the wall.

"W-what-... do you mean…?"

Yato licked his lips, and Hiyori swallowed. Her mouth suddenly felt empty without his tongue.

"I mean…-" he began, "if you want to give me your all, you must open yourself up to me."

She was so incredibly captivated by his eyes boring into hers that she was nearly drowning in a sea of blue.

"Do you understand, Hiyori?"

"'Open myself up…?'" She thought aloud.

Those were the same words Masaomi gave her just a few days ago. She trusted her brother - she trusted her god.

Yes! This was her chance.

"It means submit to me, worship me, give me your complete and utter gratitude. Show me your weakness - show me your dependence…"

Hiyori felt a pleasant chill run throughout her body.

"It also means I won't ask. Ever. I get to tell you what to do and what to say, and I can touch you whenever, wherever I desire," he chuckled at his own evilness.

The god stepped forward and gently tucked some hair behind her shoulder. His finger traced the round shape of the dark marks against the skin of her collarbone, now that it was no longer hiding from his view.

Hiyori's eyes fluttered shut, hypnotized by the comforting brushing of his fingertips across her flesh.

"Because I've claimed you as mine. That's what it means to be with a god…~"

Completely at his disposal. Completely bare and vulnerable. Completely taken advantage of.

Wasn't that what humans were for?

As long as she was depending on him, she never needed to depend on herself, or anyone else. And Hiyori could enjoy the peace of mind, knowing the next and only person to swoop in and vandalize her would be her trusted god of fortune.

The prey would go about her normal day, knowing that at any moment, her predator could strike. And he was always one step ahead of her.

Hiyori had never thought kindly of the idea of being treated like an object. And yet, being treated as his object had a nice ring to it. She felt her own thrill of it forming between her legs.

"I won't ever hurt you, or disrespect you - even if you wanted me to - I couldn't. If something doesn't feel right, or you don't like it, just tell me."

Hiyori released her breath, and her shoulders settled down back at her sides. Her head tilted to connect closer with his fingers still tickling the crook of her neck. She sighed pleasantly and closed her eyes.

After he was finished explaining everything, Hiyori only needed one word to answer him.

"Okay."

Yato still seemed hesitant despite her conviction. He withdrew his hand from her, causing Hiyori to open her eyes to see him.

"Are you sure? We don't have to do this."

She knew him. And she knew he knew what she did and didn't like.

"Yes," she replied. "I trust you, Yato. You have my consent - whenever, wherever."

The concern drained from his face. The corner of his mouth turned upwards, and he nodded. She smiled too when she saw what looked like a hint of childlike wonder behind his eyes in response to her earnest words.

"I might be the one in control, but you don't have to obey or play along. Alright? We can use safewords."

"'Safewords…?'" Hiyori echoed.

"Something distinct and practical to tell me when to stop, or not try anything."

"I can't just say 'no?'" She blinked, confused.

"You could, but in this situation, it's too confusing and risky. Anything else you say or do won't matter - this way is easier for both of us."

"I-I see…"

Her cheeks felt incredibly warm. Her gaze instinctively fell on the flowers in the vase on her dining table not too far away. They were a vibrant shade of crimson red.

That was when it came to her.

"Red."

Yato blinked, silently questioning her. "What?"

"F-for my safeword," she answered.

The god's face then brightened, and his grin grew. He stepped toward her, blocking her in between the wall and his body. Hiyori breathed in his mesmerizing scent as much as she could, feeling immediately dazed.

He trapped her there, grabbing her wrists and pinning her against the wall helplessly. She closed her eyes, suddenly intimidated by his piercing gaze. She felt the moist heat of his mouth against her neck, and there was almost no chance to breathe.

"Say it again…" he told her.

Hiyori was so distracted by his advances, she could barely speak, and even if she could, she didn't want her breath wasted on her safeword. But she had to listen to him.

"R-red..." she answered softly, shaking underneath his grasp.

"Louder." Yato commanded.

Hiyori's voice evened out to a normal volume. "Red."

He straightened up so that she could see his face.

"Be more confident in yourself," he encouraged her. "Don't be afraid to hurt my feelings."

He saw Hiyori close her eyes and take a slow, deep breath as she prepared herself. When she looked at him again, her focus was unmatched, and her expression stern and unmoving.

"Red."

Yato finally released her and stepped back to admire his beautiful creation, his smile twisting. He casually stuck his hands in his pockets, no longer presenting as a threat to her. He was convinced they had made solid progress.

"That's it - it's that easy!" Yato concluded proudly. "There's nothing more attractive than a woman who knows her boundaries and how to express them. Got it?"

He flashed her a charming smile, his blue eyes illuminating the whole room.

Feeling flattered, Hiyori blushed and nodded.

Did he really see her as a woman? Did he just call her attractive?

"No matter how much or how little you use them, your safewords will lose no value. As your beloved god of fortune, I will always hear your needs and desires…~" he declared.

"And as your dedicated follower, I will serve you - only you. Whatever you say - anything you want…" she proclaimed.

"Starting now."

Hiyori nodded again in response. Her heart was pounding against her chest, but she wouldn't give him the satisfaction of knowing. She felt as if she was standing on the edge of a twenty-foot cliff, staring down at the high drop below her. Except, the fall wasn't terrifying, it was exhilarating.

"Would you…- get down on your knees for me? Praise me…?"

There it was again. That insinuation of sexual worship.

Yes. She could be much more to him this way. She would no longer be just some mere human. From then on, she would be his human - his servant -- his miko.

Hiyori seemed slightly taken back. There was a pause.

Then, he witnessed how her energy shifted, and her expression became completely sensitive, portraying a whole other person. She slowly and deliberately tucked her hands in front of her torso, dropped down to his feet and knelt down before him, all without breaking eye contact. She bent over, laying herself against the floor on all fours, and bowed her head respectfully. Her voice was more fragile when the words left her lips.

"Yes, my god. Anything for you."

This was no longer Hiyori. She was now his dazzling, defenseless servant.

Yato let out a sinister laugh. "Ah… You're so obedient~..." he complimented.

He got down on one knee beside her now, and reached a careful finger to lift her chin off the floor. Her eyes were already hooded from her own lust when he stared back at her, absolutely at his mercy below him.

"This'll be fun~..." the god remarked, smirking.

His thumb traced her bottom lip until she wordlessly obliged and opened her mouth for him. Yato leaned in to close the gap between them, his own mouth and tongue reaching out for hers.