Warning: 18+, F/F MATURE CONTENT, EXPLICIT INTERCOURSE! IF YOU'RE UNDERAGE OR THIS ISN'T YOUR THING, PLEASE TURN AROUND AND READ SOMETHING ELSE!
Scare You Close
Chapter Five: Abyss
The journey back to Makima's apartment in Kobeni's worn-out car was silent. There was an unmistakable tension, yet there was also a strange sort of almost comfortable companionship.
The city lights flickered past them like distant stars, unreachable and cold, as they drove through the streets of Tokyo. Kobeni's hands gripped the steering wheel as she drove, her mind racing with too many questions, too many thoughts, and more emotions than she could dare to process, but Makima's calmness as she looked out the window with an almost bored demeanor was somehow soothing.
Makima's apartment felt different as they entered, perhaps because it was dark. Makima's dogs lay quietly and they merely lifted their heads to acknowledge their arrival, but their usual vivacity was subdued, as if sensing something was off. Kobeni also wondered if it was simply Makima's presence and that strange aura she had that seemed to demand things (and get them) without saying a word.
She had a way of controlling people according to her whims, so for sure, it was just as easily done with her loving pets.
Without a word, Makima led Kobeni by the hand through the dimly lit living space. The blood that stained their clothes carried a scent of metal indoors that had gone unnoticed outside, but it was so pungent now that Kobeni had to stop breathing through her nose so as not to feel nauseous. She was oddly aware of how it clung to her body, making her feel disgusted.
No matter how much blood she had seen and touched, the smell was not something she thought she would ever get used to, be it from a human or otherwise, and yet there was also a feeling of numbness she couldn't push away.
At the moment, though, Kobeni tried to push these thoughts to the side, too filled with adrenaline and, at the same time, too tired to think about anything at all.
Thinking, wondering, and feeling... All of it was exhausting.
She had no idea what to expect, but she knew what she thought would happen, even if she wasn't sure how to process it if it did.
As they reached the living room, Makima elegantly turned to face Kobeni. Blood had dried on her clothes and at the ends of her hair, as well. It also coated her neck and chest, where no trace of the gash Kobeni had made could be seen. Her eyes seemed to glow in the dark and flickered with a complex mixture of... not exactly emotions, but thoughts and considerations. There was a raw intensity in her gaze that was both soft and a little dangerous.
Makima looked to Kobeni as beautiful as always, but differently, which, one could say, was disturbingly more appealing.
Without saying a word, Makima released Kobeni's hand and reached out to her. Kobeni swallowed hard as Makima approached her, her hands touching the back of her head and pulling at the small ponytail that she had to remove the hair band until her hair fell slightly above her shoulders. Makima then grabbed her hairpins and removed them until there was nothing else keeping her hair in place.
"I cut my hair at home, so I keep it tied so no one can see it's uneven," Kobeni explained as Makima threw the accessories on the couch. "I'm sorry if it looks weird."
Makima didn't respond at first, simply running her fingers through the strands of Kobeni's hair to make it less stiff, her eyes intense.
"You look cute with your hair tied," she eventually said. "But if you keep it loose, you look older. It suits you."
Kobeni didn't understand why her superior's choice of words made her blush. "I don't want to look older. I prefer to look young, it's easier to be underestimated, at least at first."
Makima's semblance became darker as she nodded her understanding.
Slowly, she reached out and traced a finger along Kobeni's jaw, her touch light, almost caring.
Kobeni's breath hitched in her throat as she felt a mixture of confusion, fear, and an undeniable attraction toward the woman before her. The reality of what they had done and of what she had become was overwhelming, yet there was an undeniable pull towards Makima that she couldn't escape, and it frustrated her while also exciting her beyond anything else.
In a moment that felt suspended in time, Makima leaned forward so her lips met Kobeni's.
There was no hesitation as their lips locked together in a gentle yet passionate kiss, and Kobeni couldn't help but respond to it, holding Makima around the neck while leaning into it with a growing desire that had been there all along and had only intensified during their night together.
Makima's kiss was tender, yet deep and warm, and tasted metallic with a hint of saltiness.
Their bloodied clothes clung to them. Kobeni found herself responding with equal fervor, her hands moving upward and tangling in Makima's hair, pulling her closer.
The dogs watched in silence, their usual playful demeanor absent. It was almost suspicious how quiet they were.
Makima pulled Kobeni closer by her waist, and as the kiss grew hungrier, her hands found their way under the fabric of Kobeni's clothes, tracing the contours of her back with slow and calculated motions.
The sensation of her soft hands against her bare skin sent shivers through Kobeni, who responded with her own hands finding their way down and underneath Makima's shirt, exploring the curves of her body with a growing need.
She had no idea where her fear and shyness had gone off to, but she was fine not feeling anything that could stop this for the time being.
She didn't care about anything at all.
Their movements became increasingly fiery, and their kisses deepened until there was no room for breath or coherent thoughts.
Makima's hand moved up to the front of Kobeni's body, her fingertips grazing over her covered breasts, sending a wave of pleasure through Kobeni's core, and she couldn't help but let out a small gasp of surprise, breaking their kiss momentarily.
She could hear Makima's low chuckle as she continued, her hands cupping her breasts, her thumbs rubbing against hardened nipples that she could feel through the bra, making Kobeni shiver.
Makima then slid her hands down, easily undoing the button on Kobeni's pants. Sliding one hand into the fabric and inside her underwear without warning, she cupped Kobeni's sex, an action she couldn't and wouldn't protest because she wanted it and was too filled with anticipation.
Kobeni could then feel a finger prying the labia apart as it experimentally rubbed around the entrance and over her clitoral area, making her bite down on her lower lip to stop herself from moaning and her legs from buckling. Makima could feel how helpless, aroused, and wet Kobeni was.
The woman chuckled lowly and darkly before, unhesitant, slipping two fingers inside her and pressing.
A sound of pure lust and slight discomfort came from Kobeni because she wasn't expecting so much, so soon. She could barely think anymore as she put some distance between her feet to give Makima more access as she wound her arms around Makima's shoulders for support. Hurriedly, they kissed again.
Makima's free hand quickly reached inside Kobeni's shirt, unapologetically pulling her bra down enough to release a breast before cupping it and fondling it, nipple squeezed under soft, slim fingers. How she could do this, kiss her, and still finger Kobeni was not something the younger woman could understand, but she wasn't complaining because this was the best she had felt in a while during sex and she simply couldn't think about anything else.
Mindlessly, Kobeni moved her hips to take in more, needing more, wanting more. She wanted to take this further; she needed to be fucked deeper, and at that moment, there wasn't any resistance left within her.
Just realizing how hot and wet she was made her feel dizzy and the pleasure was too much. Her heart was beating so hard that she was sure it would jump out of her chest.
Kobeni felt like her mind had dissolved, leaving only sensations that were intense and all-consuming, like a wildfire ready to explode. Her heart pounded against her chest, and her breathing became erratic as the tension built up, slowly but surely, with every movement of Makima's fingers inside her.
The anticipation was too much, and without even realizing it, she'd already started bucking her hips into Makima's hands, moaning loudly into the woman's mouth, desperate to feel her release and feel the tension rise within her. Her legs shook violently and it was difficult to stand as she fought, both wanting to feel Makima's fingers deeper and closer inside her and wanting to spread her thighs wider for more access but unable to.
Makima didn't seem to mind, gently caressing her breasts and pinching her nipples as she continued to finger her faster, bringing forth another moan from her. Kobeni lost control then, crying out loud, thrusting her hips hard against the younger woman's hands, and trying desperately to come and give in.
She was a mess, a trembling, shivering mess. A complete wreck.
Her hands found purchase on Makima's shoulders, her fingers digging into the fabric of Makima's shirt. Her breath came in short, ragged gasps as she felt herself teetering on the edge of pleasure.
"Makima-san..."
The sound of her voice was foreign, a plea for release. Makima's fingers moved with expert precision, her other hand caressing Kobeni's skin.
Kobeni's body trembled as she came, shuddering in Makima's grasp, her legs almost giving way beneath her as the waves of pleasure washed over her. She gasped for air, her mind blank, and her body completely consumed by the sensation.
The climax lasted for what felt like an eternity, but eventually, it subsided, leaving her feeling weak and drained, yet oddly satisfied. Makima removed her fingers from Kobeni's body. Kobeni looked up at her, her eyes hazy with desire and her body still buzzing from the intensity of the moment.
Makima smiled at her, a soft, genuine smile that sent another shiver through Kobeni. "You're a mess, Kobeni," she said, her voice gentle.
Kobeni looked down at herself, her clothes stained with blood and her hair a mess, but she couldn't bring herself to care. "I don't care," she said, her voice barely a whisper.
Makima's smirk was eerie as she pulled Kobeni's hand and led them out of the living room.
As they entered Makima's bedroom, the mood shifted subtly. The room was as currently dark as the rest of the apartment, with the soft glow of the city lights filtering through the curtains and casting gentle shadows across the space. It was neat and uncluttered, oddly plain, but the bed was enormous with fluffy duvet, perfectly made.
Makima released Kobeni's hand and turned to face her. There was a moment of silence as they stood there, simply looking at each other. Kobeni's breathing was shallow.
Makima's expression was unreadable.
Kobeni's nervousness had subsided after what had happened, now starting to give way to a different feeling, a sense of being irreversibly captivated by Makima, not just by circumstance or fear but by a genuine connection that she couldn't fully understand and a wave of all-consuming desire she had not known she possessed.
In the quiet of the room, Kobeni found herself stepping closer to Makima, ready to explore whatever was to come next.
"Now it's your turn," Makima whispered, bringing chills down Kobeni's spine. "Show me what you've got, little one, and make it good."
Kobeni could only swallow the dryness in her throat because, while she was far from being innocent, she had never been with a woman, and she knew that this was yet another test.
Would there ever be a day when she wasn't tested? When would Makima be fully satisfied?
Of course not. The thrill of Kobeni was exactly that—her purity and shyness mixed with her challenging nature and inability to back down from a challenge.
For now, Makima wanted her to take the lead; as unknowing as she was, abiding was all she could do because she desperately wanted it.
There was no room for thought or hesitation as Kobeni reached out for the woman and mouths crashed again. Tongues met wetly, urgently. The scent of blood had stopped being important altogether—nothing was—as hands quickly worked together to divest dirty clothes.
Perhaps the affection, the intimacy, or the warmth. Perhaps Kobeni just wanted to have some wild, thoughtless sex, or perhaps it was the adrenaline from the night's events and the fact that she knew she was allowed something no one else did.
Kobeni had always been a self-conscious person, and yet she was strangely devoid of shame just then. Kobeni's hands fumbled with the buttons of Makima's shirt, her need for more overwhelming any doubts or fears that lingered in the back of her mind.
While hands removed clothes, undid her bra, and lowered her pants, she didn't think about whether she was too thin, her breasts too small and uninteresting compared to Makima's plump, firm ones. Kobeni didn't care if she lacked curves and seemed plain, even when faced with the glorious contours of Makima's sensual, perfect body.
Even if for just a little while, that beautiful creature that was above every other human Kobeni knew had chosen her to be with. It wasn't about looks or physical attraction at all; it was about desire, connection, and manipulation, and none of that demanded anything physical or emotional from either of them.
Without thinking, she quickly grabbed Makima's arms and pulled her in for another luscious, far-too-hungry kiss.
If Makima wanted Kobeni to prove herself again, she would.
Makima responded with equal fervor, and this was something that took Kobeni by surprise because the woman was always composed, yet her hands roamed Kobeni's body with genuine yearning and expert precision.
Their breasts felt amazing glued together like that, their sensitized nipples brushing deliciously. It was warm and felt amazing, and Kobeni could feel her insides throb again as moisture dripped slightly down her labia.
Makima's skin was ethereal and soft. Makima's hands were divine as if she knew every inch of Kobeni's body and every nerve ending that would set her on fire.
Kobeni's mind was still reeling from her orgasm, but she could feel a fresh wave of arousal building within her. Her body was responding to Makima's touch, eager and hungry.
She knew it was only the beginning.
With a wicked smile, Makima stepped back, her gaze never leaving Kobeni.
And yet, her body had a mind of its own, a will of its own, and it ached to explore this unfamiliar territory, despite the trepidation.
As Makima sat on the bed, Kobeni found herself moving forward, a sense of urgency and excitement building within her. She straddled Makima's lap, her hands tracing the contours of Makima's body, marveling at the softness of her skin and the curves of her form.
It was intoxicating.
"You know what I want," Makima whispered, tilting her head back to look into Kobeni's eyes, her voice low and husky.
Kobeni's gaze was drawn to Makima's, the intensity sending a shiver through her body. Makima's fingers danced along Kobeni's skin, leaving trails of fire in their wake.
"Show me, Kobeni."
It was a command, and Kobeni was helpless to resist. She leaned in, her lips finding Makima's, the kiss deep and passionate as she pushed the older one down until she was on her back.
As her fingers brushed against the curve of Makima's breast, Kobeni's breath caught in her throat, a wave of desire surging through her. Makima's scent intoxicated her, her mind was hazy with lust.
The world seemed to shrink around them as the two of them were left alone in their little universe, and Kobeni could only wonder how far she was willing to go.
Makima's hands gripped Kobeni's hips, pulling her close. Their bodies were flush against each other, the heat and friction setting Kobeni's senses aflame.
Kobeni's breath came in short, sharp gasps, her pulse racing as she moved her hips unconsciously, looking for some friction in Makima's leg. Her fingers traced the contours of Makima's muscles, the firmness of her skin, and the subtle softness of her body.
She reached out, her hands cupping Makima's breasts, her fingers stroking the hardened peaks.
Makima's breath was hot against Kobeni's neck, her fingers digging into Kobeni's flesh, sending waves of pleasure through her body.
Kobeni's heart raced as she trailed kisses along Makima's neck; she didn't care about the blood there or the scent of death, all previous traces of nausea having faded.
As she continued her exploration of the other woman's body, Kobeni's hands shook slightly in marvel at the way Makima twitched and arched to the touch.
"Fuck me, Kobeni."
The crude request made Kobeni tremble because of how unexpected it was. Makima always used polite words, but she was visibly riled up. For some reason, Kobeni found it endearing.
Their bodies were entwined, and their skin flushed.
As their eyes locked, Kobeni could see that Makima wanted it—breath ragged, skin slightly perspired.
It never occurred to her that a Devil could feel desire on a sexual level, even if it made sense that it could achieve a certain level of pleasure. However, Makima's body (was it even her real one?) was exactly like a human's.
Kobeni reached out, her hand slipping between Makima's thighs, her fingers finding the slick wetness that lay hidden there. That Makima was as aroused as Kobeni herself was, surprised and excited her.
Makima's hips bucked as Kobeni's fingers brushed against her clit, a moan escaping her lips.
Kobeni's breathing was labored, her arousal almost unbearable, but she forced herself to slow down and savor every moment.
Heaving a trembling sigh, she slid her own body lower until she was between Makima's legs, facing the beautiful pussy she found there, which clenched in expectation and glistened in the dim light. Makima's hands grabbed her head demandingly, and while it was an unexpected turn-on, Kobeni slapped them away silently. She swallowed hard, not understanding exactly why she was eager, but her sex was throbbing with anticipation as she leaned down to attack the organ in front of her with gusto.
Kobeni's tongue lapped eagerly at Makima's clit, her fingers sliding easily inside Makima's welcoming pussy. This wasn't something she had ever done to another woman other than herself, and yet she found that she was not as nervous as she thought and that it was all very instinctual because their bodies were the same.
The taste was exquisite—the musky, tangy, yet sweet flavor was unlike anything she had experienced before.
Kobeni's mouth worked feverishly, her tongue exploring every inch of Makima's sex, her fingers curling inside her.
Makima's moans grew louder, her hips bucking in time with Kobeni's motions, her hands gripping the sheets.
Kobeni's arousal was growing; her nipples were hardening, and her body was craving Makima's touch.
"Don't stop," Makima moaned huskily, her eyes closing while her back arched. "Don't stop!"
The sounds of Makima's pleasure drove Kobeni wild, and she redoubled her efforts, her tongue and fingers working in tandem to bring Makima closer to the edge.
Kobeni was in awe, a deep sense of satisfaction coursing through her as she felt the tension building within Makima's body.
"That's it," Makima moaned, her hands grabbing Kobeni's hair and pulling her closer.
Kobeni's face was slick with sweat and juices, her arousal pulsing between her legs, but she refused to relent, her tongue and fingers bringing Makima closer and closer to the brink.
As the wave of pleasure crashed over her, Makima cried out, her body convulsing and her pussy clenching around Kobeni's fingers.
Kobeni's senses were overwhelmed, and the taste and smell of Makima's arousal were powerful.
Unable to help herself, Kobeni awkwardly and hurriedly used her free hand to reach the crevice between her thighs and easily slid two fingers inside, instantly moaning against Makima's pulsing cave.
The sensation was exquisite, and Kobeni's fingers moved frantically, bringing herself closer to the edge as well.
When she came, she could barely recognize the indecorous tone of her voice.
As the pleasure receded, Kobeni's body collapsed onto the mattress, her heart racing and her mind reeling from the intensity of her orgasm. Still, oddly enough, she didn't feel completely satiated and realized, with dazed confusion, that she needed more.
Trembling a little, she sat back on her heels, unapologetically sliding his fingers out of Makima's constricted inside, which made the woman grunt softly. She only wondered what else she could do for barely a second, however.
Quickly, she crawled back so she could rest her body between the other woman's thighs and she instantly lowered her head so she could thirstily lap at one of Makima's nipples. Her hips rocked forward so they could rut against each other.
Makima's hands immediately grabbed the back of Kobeni's head, her nails digging into Kobeni's scalp, her voice a ragged groan.
Kobeni could feel the heat and wetness of Makima's arousal, her body trembling with need. They didn't need to utter a word because they both knew they hadn't had enough yet.
She bit down on Makima's nipple, none too gently, a hand caressing her other perfect breast.
Kobeni's arousal was building once more, her body aching for release. She felt hot as never before; it was suffocating.
Makima's body responded eagerly, her hips grinding against Kobeni's, their skin slick with sweat and fluids.
As their bodies moved together, the air was filled with the sounds of their pleasure, their moans echoing off the walls.
Kobeni's lips found their way to Makima's once more, their kiss a hungry, desperate thing. Then, she broke the kiss and moved again, and she could see an unusual flash of confusion crossing Makima's eyes as she excitedly adjusted her body. Hence, she had her hands and knees on either side of Makima's body. Her pussy was just above Makima's face, just as she was above Makima's.
Kobeni always dreamt of trying a sixty-nine, and if Makima wanted her to take the lead and do what she wanted, then that seemed like the perfect option.
She shamelessly lowered her pelvis just enough to be within Makima's reach, and while she wanted nothing but to rub herself all over the other woman's face, she simply said, "Do it. Lick it. Fuck me, too."
She could swear she could feel Makima smile.
In the next instant, her words were cut off as Makima's tongue delved into her dripping crevice, exploring and tasting her. Kobeni's body tensed, her hands gripping the sheets as she closed her eyes, her mind reeling from the sensation.
It was everything she had imagined and more, and she couldn't help but venture a few uncoordinated thrusts.
Kobeni's hips rolled; her body was desperate for more. She could feel her orgasm building quickly, and granted, she had never felt this needy and this aroused before, her breath coming in short, sharp gasps.
She wanted to enjoy the moment, to just have Makima pleasuring her and at her mercy. She wanted to ride the beautiful woman's face until she came a hundred times, to soil her. At the same time, she had a visceral need to show Makima that she was good, too, and that she could please her and make her come as many fucking times as she wanted to.
Without hesitating, she lowered herself until her mouth was on Makima's clit once more, her tongue flicking against the swollen bud, her fingers sliding into Makima's pussy, three this time, and she wasn't gentle as she slid inside the passage and mercilessly fingered the tightness under her, causing Makima to let out a vicious growl, her legs shaking.
The room was filled with the sounds of their pleasure, and the air was heavy with the scent of their fluids.
Despite the services rendered, Kobeni was not shy about pushing down, silently riding Makima's mouth demandingly while rotating her hips and moving back and forth.
Makima was good with her tongue, and then her clever, expert fingers were once again added to the mix, sliding inside Kobeni, and offering much-needed relief to her wanton, puckering pussy. She knew she was dripping and that Makima was taking it all in, as she should.
Kobeni didn't care. She shouldn't be the one who always made sacrifices.
She couldn't help but push down against the fingers and Makima's tongue, riding the woman's face without restraint as she, too, sucked and lapped at the clam under her, fucking her clenching hole hard and reveling in the way Makima's legs shook and her body convulsed. A moan against Kobeni's pussy brought a pleasurable vibration that heightened her pleasure.
Kobeni's senses were overwhelmed, her body quivering, the tension building within her.
As the pleasure crashed over her, Kobeni's eyes closed, her body shaking, her pussy spasming around Makima's fingers.
Makima's body quivered, her cries muffled against Kobeni's pussy, her orgasm rippling through her. And it was the sexiest, most guttural sound Kobeni had ever heard.
Kobeni's head spun. She felt her heart racing and her body trembling.
The room was filled with heaviness while time seemed to stand still and they both felt spent and sated. The air smelled of sex, and the city lights outside painted their bodies with a soft glow. Kobeni rolled off Makima and adjusted herself until they were lying side by side, both of them catching their breath.
For a while, they lay in silence, side by side, their bodies still humming with the aftershocks of pleasure. Kobeni's mind was a chaotic mix of emotions and thoughts that she couldn't fully comprehend.
She stole glances at Makima, whose features seemed to soften in the dim light, creating an almost serene atmosphere.
"You're quite something, Kobeni," Makima finally broke the silence, her voice low and husky. Kobeni turned to her side to look at her.
"I... I don't even know what to say," Kobeni admitted, her cheeks flushed. "This is all so... so new to me."
Makima chuckled, a sound that sent a shiver down Kobeni's spine. "New doesn't always mean bad. Embrace it, little one."
Kobeni couldn't shake the feeling that this wasn't about the physical act they had shared but something deeper, something she couldn't quite put into words, and yet, there was a strange sort of emotional and physical distance between them that she couldn't grasp—a forced detachment.
Makima looked up at the ceiling of her room, now with a vacant gaze, oddly unemotional, and she never seemed so inhuman as she did just then—as if she were merely a puppet, a shell, or a container of something else. Perhaps she was. The thought was distressing, but Makima was not a human being.
What did Kobeni know, anyway?
Despite all these worries, Makima's body had responded the same way a woman's body did; it had gotten wet, excited, and orgasmed too.
Biting down on her lower lip, Kobeni restrained the urge to reach out and touch her. It was so much easier when Makima took the initiative, so much more predictable.
Kobeni did not understand their boundaries or lack thereof.
"Even for this, I don't understand," Kobeni blurted out, breaking the silence once again. "Why did you choose me?"
Makima turned to face her, her eyes piercing through the darkness. "You look nice with blood all over you. I find it intriguing. I like to see how you respond to the different things I throw your way."
Kobeni looked away, processing Makima's words and unsure of how they made her feel.
As if sensing Kobeni's internal struggle, Makima reached out, her fingers gently tracing patterns on Kobeni's arm. "You're not like the others, Kobeni. You're not special, but you don't seem to follow normal patterns. Your anguish drives you."
The words lingered in the air, and Kobeni couldn't help but feel a mix of emotions—uncertainty, curiosity, and a strange sense of belonging that made her strangely sick to her stomach.
She was aware that she wasn't being praised. She hadn't expected affection or for Makima to confess to liking her or desiring her because these things were not meant for them.
Still, Kobeni didn't understand why this made her feel disappointed, yet she was relieved.
She turned to Makima, meeting her intense gaze, unable to respond to the physical caress for some reason.
"I just... wish I could understand what's happening; what all of this means, for both," Kobeni confessed, not for the first time, her vulnerability laid bare, and yet it wasn't as if the woman hadn't seen the best and worst of her already.
Makima's expression softened, coming to life in an upsetting way, and she cupped Kobeni's cheek. "Understanding is relative. Right now, just enjoy the journey."
Kobeni nodded, the weight on her shoulders persistent, but there was little she could do about it.
Feeling suddenly lonely, she filled herself with courage and dragged her body closer to Makima. To her surprise, the other woman lifted an arm invitingly, and Kobeni took the queue to lay her head on her chest, her shoulders surrounded by Makima's arm.
Again, it felt strangely detached, and yet Kobeni somehow knew that, regardless, this was something no one else could afford to have.
They lay there in silence once more, the city outside continuing its rhythm. Kobeni couldn't predict where this journey would lead, but for now, she found solace in Makima's distant arms.
oOo
In the next few weeks, life seemed to have gotten increasingly busier and a lot more interesting from Kobeni's point of view, and yet, this also came with an inescapable number of difficulties and logistical issues that seemed never-ending.
Her and Makima's relationship was a mystery to her, and she couldn't even properly say that there was an actual relationship other than boss and subordinate.
Life moved on in the same odd way as it always had. As promised, Makima did keep Kobeni busier, but this also meant that she had to take on several more missions, but not all of them related to Devil hunting. She was often called to accompany Makima on her solo missions, where the woman was entrusted with the task of getting rid of people not in agreement with the Public Safety procedure or, as Kobeni came to find out, with the government itself.
The level of corruption in the country at the time was horrifying, mainly because of illegal businesses in other countries.
Even if they didn't speak about it, it was clear to Kobeni that Makima was an immensely powerful weapon and was seen as such by higher authorities.
It was also clear that Makima did not always enjoy being bossed around, and Kobeni could sense it in the woman's demeanor even if her expression didn't change.
Makima would rarely disclose who the people she took care of or observed were, but she would often make short, displeased comments about humanity's godly complex while being as useless as piles of crap and deeply flawed.
Liars, she called them. Useless. Selfish.
Humanity will destroy itself, she would often say. They are too stupid to realize it and too arrogant to see beyond their goals and ambitions.
Makima's high emotional intelligence confused Kobeni more often than not. She understood people's desires, emotions, and feelings and was capable of responding to them exactly the way they needed, and yet she viewed humans as inferior, easily controlled and manipulated by frivolous ideals and desires, mostly dumb and too enthusiastic about things that had no meaning.
Makima had no hobbies and no attachment to situations or possessions. She didn't seem particularly fond of anything, even if she pretended she was. Kobeni often wondered if there was something she enjoyed in her life, because, despite showing otherwise, there certainly were many things she seemed to dislike.
She had to have a goal and a higher purpose for herself. She preached about peace and often claimed that the world needed to be cleansed, so Kobeni guessed that it was one of her goals, but it was just speculation.
Makima led a pretty bland life, moving from one event to the next with such dispassionate boredom that it chilled Kobeni to the bone.
Dealing with her boss more often made Kobeni understand where Makima's flaws lay and how the fact that she didn't relate to people much actually helped her identity remain undisclosed.
In a normal life, outside of Public Safety and political and international affairs, Makima would be the perfect sociopath. Well, Kobeni was sure that she was, but if she wasn't human, it was not right to expect her to go through emotions and situations the same way.
It was still fascinating, terrifying, and sad. Kobeni watched all of these events unfold like a vicious cycle, unsure of whether being with Makima was better or worse than being a lapdog for her family.
As if her hands were not bloodstained enough, she took silent lessons from Makima's quiet, implacable demeanor and did what she was told.
Not that she liked it, but being the only person on Makima's side while they took care of secret affairs together was the only thrill in Kobeni's life. The aftermath of their killings always brought Makima to life and resulted in really good, random sex that, despite her ethical thoughts, still ended up being something Kobeni eagerly looked forward to.
Regardless, she was exhausted. To say that she felt like a ghost or a robot most of the time was an understatement, so it was a conflicting clash of her wills and desires, where she avidly searched for the perverse freedom that Makima's company provided while also despising what she saw and what she did, all the while becoming increasingly disheartened with her profession as a Devil Hunter.
She wanted out, yet the connection between Kobeni and Makima offered an unexplainable solace and a peculiar camaraderie to which she was very attracted.
Makima's motivations remained elusive, buried beneath layers of stoicism and detached pragmatism. Despite the lack of transparency, Kobeni sensed the impending storm, even though she had no idea what its nature was. Her instincts screamed at her to be cautious, but the intoxicating allure of Makima's nature and very way of being kept her chained.
Makima was not her lover, neither was she a friend, and yet, there was no doubt that they were something, hidden and secret and that this something was theirs alone.
It wasn't love, no. Even Kobeni's trust in Makima was a fleeting thing that expired and renewed every five minutes.
But the fact that Kobeni felt herself growing increasingly more seduced, curious, and attached didn't make her feel good, or even safe.
Sometimes, during moments of intimacy, it was easy to believe that Makima cared for her, even if for whimsical reasons, but Kobeni knew better than to believe that.
She had the nagging feeling that she would be in great danger if she did not walk away soon. One step in the wrong direction and Makima would not be forgiving.
Kobeni knew her heart would be broken that day, considering she had even lived long enough to feel that way.
Survival instincts had forced her to be loyal to the woman, and they were what still kept her alongside her for now, along with… other things.
Too many times Kobeni wondered if she, too, had a god complex. What was she thinking, compacting with a Devil, and thinking out of arrogance that she had some sort of leverage?
Thinking she did was what made it all easier—it kept her fear at bay and gave her courage.
Why couldn't she simply be normal and have a normal life? Why couldn't she simply afford the normal things people usually crave? Why did she always have to pay a price for having nice things?
Well, she knew why. There was no escaping it.
But sometimes—or nearly every day—she felt so intoxicated by everything she just wanted out.
Exposing it to Makima was never a problem.
"I can't keep doing this," Kobeni confessed to Makima, at one point her voice barely audible in their post-coital afterglow (times during which she was assaulted by overwhelming clarity. "It's tearing me apart. I thought Devil hunting and collaborating with you were about protecting people, but it feels like I'm losing myself."
Makima simply looked at Kobeni with those unreadable eyes that more often than not seemed distant, devoid of life. "Haven't I done enough?" she said, unblinking. "Would you simply walk out and leave everything behind, Kobeni?"
At that moment, for some reason, Kobeni found Makima to look frighteningly lifeless and fragile, like a porcelain doll, and she didn't know why the thought crossed her mind when she could not read the other woman and barely knew her aside from what was willingly disclosed.
What did Kobeni know of Makima?
Nothing at all other than she was intelligent, ruthless, efficient, and passionate during sex. She liked dogs. She liked to evaluate Kobeni. She had a twisted mind that somehow took her out of her boredom for a brief time.
Other than that, there was nothing.
Why am I even doing this?
"What would you do if I did?" Kobeni's question was soft, not meant to be threatening, but the hidden meaning, the possibility, was there. When Makima didn't answer, this became evident to both of them.
There was nothing in Makima's expression that gave away what she felt or whether she felt anything at all, so they simply eyed each other in the comfort of Makima's bed, tangled in sheets that had seen too much blood and became so familiar they now probably smelled like both of them.
In the silent hours that followed, Kobeni pondered her choices, the city lights outside flickering like distant stars, offering no guidance in the labyrinth of her conflicted heart.
TBC...
Reviews are much appreciated! Be kind and mindful, please.
If anyone is interested in commissioning, please PM me! I also have a Ko-fi account under my author name, so please donate if you'd like to support my work!
See ya next chapter!