Just as I fell asleep, I woke up. My eyes fluttered open to find Crimson, looking at me while her fingers gently combed through my hair.

"Hm. It's been a while since you've been a creep," I joked.

She chuckled. "Good morning, sleepyhead. Breakfast is definitely behind us by now, you know that?"

"I don't mind," I replied, half-yawning, nuzzling into the pillow as I stretched lightly.

"Do you want to get up?"

"I still want to be in bed for a while," I murmured, leaning closer. As I got a better look at her eyes, mine narrowed. "You seem tired."

She ignored that.

"Trouble sleeping?" I pressed.

"... Yeah."

"Crimson… come on. Just so you know, my mind about yesterday is still the same."

Her faint smile subtly faded and turned serious. "Are you really sure?"

I nodded. "Not a crumb of hesitation."

Even now, her fingers stopped, and her eyes abandoned mine.

"I can't understand you, you know?"

"What can't you understand?" she asked, looking back at me.

"Crimson… you literally forced your way into my life, and now that I'm opening the door, you decide not to step in?" I replied, furrowing a brow.

"It's not easy…"

"I think you're simply overthinking."

She scoffed. "Look who's talking…"

I leaned closer. "Just what is holding you back?"

Again, hesitation was all over her face. "Have you ever lost someone you hold dear because of your nature?"

"I've lost my mother, Crimson."

"It's..." She looked away, and another sigh escaped her. "Right… I'm sorry, I didn't mean it like that."

"And now, you're what's left…" I murmured. "And I'm not going to lose you, too. Whatever it takes."

It took a little, but we were finally face to face again. "But those are just words."

"I promise," I countered. "And to show you how serious I am…"

Her eyes fell to my hand. "What?"

"Pinky promise."

She blinked, until she burst out laughing. "Pinky promise?"

"Hmm-hm."

"We're not kids anymore, Snowflake… This is serious," she said through the chuckles.

"Pinky promises are serious. They meant everything to me and my mom!"

She shook her head, hiding her face in her pillow. "Oh, gosh…"

I was growing irritated. "Come on. I'm literally doing everything to make this easy for you, but you keep ignoring my attempts! Just tell me what the problem is! What else do you want me to do?"

After a moment where she only clutched the pillow tightly, she sighed deeply and turned her focus to me. Rolling over, she gripped my shoulders, and holding herself above, she stared at me deeply. "The problem… is you."

"Huh?"

"You're perfect in every way..."

"Well… that doesn't help me understand," I replied as a little chuckle ran free.

"There isn't a single thing I would change about you. I love everything about you. Even the way you sleep… The way you speak, the way you reason, the way you move. The way you act when you're around me; the way you eat and glance at me, keeping your guard high. The way you get angry when I push your buttons, and the way your body relaxes once I'm done. The way you roll your eyes at my comments…" She smirked lightly. "The way you blush, flustered, and avoid my eyes when I tell you just how much I adore you…"

"... So out of place," I muttered.

"Every single thing you do... You don't even try, and I can't help but love every side of you. But, if tonight… you change your mind about me... I'd find myself with nothing again. And a life without the strangest, most beautiful girl in this world…" Her voice faltered, and a shaky sigh escaped. "I'm not sure it's a life worth living."

Although I could feel my cheeks burning slightly, I smiled at her words. "But if I don't change my mind, wouldn't you be happy?"

"I would. But I can hardly see that happen, and I've made peace with the fact that I can have you as long as I hold myself back. And I can do that."

"Lies," I smugly retorted. "You once bit me because you couldn't fight the urge."

"But that's nothing, Snowflake. If I get too comfortable with you, I'd be worse. Just like when we first met. You hated me back then, didn't you? Back when I still hadn't realized how much I wanted you."

"Ah, well…" Well, I had no counterarguments to offer here. "It's… it's not that I hated you," I mumbled, nervously glancing away. "It's just that I was going through a lot, and… and you were a distraction. Love is a distraction. But…" I looked up, meeting her gaze again. "But I enjoyed the time I spent with you, and you're a welcome distraction now."

Her grip tightened, and her lips, along with her eyes, trembled. "Words… What if you hate me again? Real hate?"

Truthfully, I wouldn't hate her. As much as going back to a life of relentless teasing would be challenging, I was used to it; my mother had taught and forged me well. Who knows, maybe it would even be fun with Crimson, without secrets. So, with no hesitation, I extended my hand between us once more.

She froze at that.

"Whatever you do to me, I promise I won't hate you, and I won't leave you. I'm not going anywhere. Besides, you'll listen to me, won't you?"

"Well, yeah… If I don't lose control…"

"Then, I have nothing to worry about. If my words can't reach you, I'll make sure you understand in other ways anyway," I proudly remarked, shaking my hand.

She studied it for a little. More than a little, to tell the truth. Still, with a long, deep sigh, she relented. "Alright… I'll try," she murmured. "I'll try, okay? Tonight… I'll show you everything."

"Can't wait."

And finally, she reciprocated the pinky promise. "Cold…"

"Hm? What is?"

"Your hands, as usual."

"Well, warm them up, then," I proposed with a smirk.

She smiled back. "Later… Now, I just want to rest a little."

Settling over me, she rested her head on my chest with a sigh. Now, I was the one gently caressing her head, combing my fingers through her hair. Such a weird feeling, but I didn't mind it at all.

"You know?" I mused aloud. "I'd like to be my mother right now…"

"Hm?"

"She used to lull me to sleep like this… It's strange."

"You don't have to be your mother," she murmured, her voice muffled against me.

"You'd sleep better that way."

"You're soft. I'll sleep like a rock."

"Well, my mother was softer."

"Shut it."

"Fine…"

Like that, she actually fell asleep; her breathing became slow and steady. It was comforting and… lovely. And, without even realizing, or intending to, I also had a nap. Once awake again, the rest of the day proceeded... quite smoothly. Nothing out of the ordinary, except for Crimson who looked a bit troubled. Her brother roamed around the house, shirtless, of course... while we stayed on the sofa, lounging, relaxing, just chilling.

Then, the evening... it was finally time. We had a pleasant dinner with the family; fancy liquor was also on the table! I drank a little; it was quite strong, and I had to use my willpower and my mother's teachings to hide my regret. After dinner, Crimson told me to wait in the kitchen while she prepared the room. I obliged, and obediently waited. After some time, she returned, and with slow steps... approached me.

"You look nervous," I remarked, noticing her unusual... behavior. She was fidgeting with her fingers; I couldn't help but smile.

"No, well… Err…"

"Don't be afraid, Crimson," I softly reassured. "I told you. I want this."

She sighed before taking my hand in hers. "Come on, let's go."

Finally, it was happening. I was about to see her true self.

The first impact of the room was, pretty much, nothing new... candles, colored and not, flickering calmly all around. She must love them quite a lot; I was getting used to this sight. Well, to be honest, I also like them; they are comforting, and give a more intimate look to what was about to come, too.

What my eyes fell upon after, however, was... more unknown and unusual. Items I had never seen before; most of them, at least, and I definitely had no idea what they were meant for, though I could somewhat imagine… Barely imagine. Still, that was not helping.

"You can still stop, you know?" she offered with a little smile, standing by the bed, while her eyes flickered to the assortment of items on the dresser and nightstand.

I shook my head, stepping closer. For some unknown reason, my pulse quickened. "No, no. I just... I don't know many of these items, that's all," I admitted as an unexpected chuckle escaped me before I could stop it.

"Probably painful, for you," she said, gesturing towards them. "Most of them, at least. I have a vast array, from many kinds of whips to paddles. From ropes to cuffs. Nipple clamps, a-"

"W-what clamps?!"

She stopped. Well, I stopped her. And she chuckled as she witnessed my expression while my arms slowly hugged my chest.

Sadistic people are... weird. Weird, weird, weird! Why would anyone even have such items?! It was like watching a weird collection of a weird collector, a world so odd...

"Snowflake..." she murmured. "Are you really sure?"

I swallowed hard. "Y-yes, I'm sure. I'm just surprised, that's all. I'm finally seeing... your world, and I basically know nothing of it. I'm... curious..."

Slowly sitting on the edge of the bed, I kicked off my shoes, and once undressed, I dragged myself more comfortably to the side, near Crimson. "I-I'm ready…?"

"Straight to the point?"

"Y-yeah. Do your stuff."

She looked at me for a long moment with eyes… somewhat compassionate? I couldn't quite tell. But taking a long, deep breath, she then took a little, slender band of black velvet. "Alright…"

"Oh, I know that one!" I proudly quipped. "That thing you gifted me. Mine's at the guild."

I earned a chuckle in response. "Not quite," she smirked. "I'll use this one to bind your wrists."

"Hm..."

I outstretched my hands, and she leaned closer, resting one knee on the bed, making it squeak as she knelt. I looked deep into her eyes, while hers drifted between my hands and my eyes.

With tied hands... I wouldn't have been able to move. And, she was not going to kill me, or do me anything really bad, but... I would be completely defenseless...

"Snowflake?"

"Yes?"

She halted, watching me closely. Then, to my surprise, she shook her head. "Let's stop."

"What? Why?!"

"You're too tense... you're not ready."

"No, no! I am!" I hastily said, grabbing her hand as she was about to turn. "Please, Crimson... I am. I-I want to do this..." I pressed, trying my best to convince her. "I trust you, Crimson. I'm sorry if it doesn't seem like it. But, please, keep going..."

She looked down at me, glancing away. "But I can see it, Snowflake... you don't feel safe. You don't trust me yet."

"I do," I insisted, clasping her hand tighter as my eyes searched hers. "I really, really do..." I whispered, gently tugging her closer. "I do, Crimson... I love you, and I trust you... I'm just new at this, and so... a bit... disoriented. That's all."

Though her eyes still tried to avoid mine, after a moment, she finally gave me her attention, and sighed. "Perhaps it was my fault."

I tilted my head. "What was?"

Her hand rested on my shoulder, easing me back onto the bed as she leaned over me. "You're one who requires a lot of love and care," she whispered. "I mustn't rush. Not with you. I need to take it slow with you... so that you'll crave it..."

Her lips met mine in a tender kiss, and I understood her plan...

... Or, at least, I thought I did.

As she kept on, I understood... She was just teasing me! It was just another form of torture!

"Stop teasing me and get to the fucking point!" I demanded with a glare. I almost shouted, but refrained from doing so.

I was sweating. I was panting. My skin was literally slick and gleaming with a sheen of sweat for how much worked up I was, but the bitch wouldn't make me content, and I was already tied to the headboard with that stupid black velvet string!

You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.

Clearly enjoying it, she giggled. "Hmm, seems like you're ready to go to the next step."

"You better," I shot back. "Now stop playing around and show me your true colors."

"Relax, Snowflake, relax…" she cooed, bringing her fingers close to my lips, as if in invitation. "Want to taste yourself?"

"Crimson." I glared at her. "Get... to the damn... point."

She laughed, heartily, at my reaction, and brushed a strand of hair from my face instead. "Alright, alright… I won't push my luck, since we're here. Before we continue, though, Snowflake… as much as I-"

"The point."

"... Safe words. Do you require them? Do you have them?"

Blinking, I stared at her. "What...?" I replied, almost amused. "Crimson, I'm not one of your kind, I don't know what you're saying."

"Safe words," she explained. "Essentially, if you feel uncomfortable, if you don't like something, if you feel anything wrong, if I'm overstepping your boundaries, or you can't take it anymore… you say the magic word, and I'll stop. Completely, and you'll get my full lovely attention. We could pick some together, if you'd like, depending on what you think might be too much. I… I want you to feel safe, with me."

Ah, now I see. At such words, I… blinked again.

Her explanation didn't make much sense to me. That seemed rather excessive. Such precautions just for… a night together?

"Um... no?" I just wanted to move on!

She stared at me for a damn, horrible, excruciating, heart-rending long moment before getting off the bed. "Allow me to give you just a little demonstration of the pain and misery I plan to inflict upon you..." she countered, picking up a whip from the side.

It looked pretty rigid and rather stiff, almost unnervingly so as her fingers curled tightly around the handle. Then, she lifted it, and… built suspense.

"Damn it, Crims-!"

She whipped. The bitch brought it down across my side.

At the sharp crack of the whip, I jolted from the sudden flash of pain. I almost gasped, but I quickly managed to stop it by biting down hard on my lip and sucking in air.

That… was painful. That was painful, and I am fairly positive I'm able to withstand a lot of pain because of this ugly and nasty world. Yet... that was quite painful, and the sting lingered long after the whip had snapped away from my skin.

"Do you think you can handle it?" she questioned, her tone serious, even haughty and, at the same time, almost taunting as I caught my breath, settling my head against the pillow. At that moment I could even notice far more just how sweaty I was.

If I could handle it, though...? That was a good question. But it was not a matter of whether I could or not. I wanted this to be true and real. I wanted no secrets and no restraints between us. And, that aside, this much pain... could've been a good distraction from what life was offering me.

Oh, without a doubt it would be.

At the mere thought, giggles escaped freely, and I redirected my gaze back to her. "Stop wasting so much time with useless, worried talks and get to work," I provoked. "You sound like Elizabeth."

Full of surprise, her eyes widened. After a thankfully brief moment of silence, she scoffed, and a wide, wicked grin stretched across her face while her grip tightened around the whip. "Oh, Snowflake… Alright, then. As you wish. I'll do as I please… and get myself into the mood."

Glancing away, she swiftly retrieved another little black velvet string and brought it toward my eyes.

"Uh-oh…"

Well, that was a tiny, significant detail that was making my sweat turn cold.

"What? Afraid of the dark?"

"No… not at all. Do your stuff."

She giggled. "Oh, don't worry. I will. I'll make sure you regret your words through blood and tears."

With my vision plunging into darkness right after catching sight of her devilish grin, as my senses sharpened and my imagination ran wild, making my heart pound, her full and total amusement began…

... It hurt.

It hurt.

It hurt like Hell.

But at the same time... it was also very pleasing.

I knew her. I finally knew her for what she really was: a crazy, sadistic bitch.

My crazy, sadistic bitch. And, at the same time, my sweet and caring girlfriend.

"Are you alright?"

She asked me that several times between her... sadistic, inventive, and most likely criminal, acts.

I did indeed lose blood, just like I shed tears, and she left me with plenty of marks... They burned; she even used the candles I'd grown to love before this encounter.

No, that's just a joke... I still like those candles, but now I know for a fact that she likes them way more than I do. Though, she prefers their hot wax on me. According to her opinion, I look like a mesmerizing and breathtaking painting when glazed with it.

Whenever she smiled, I couldn't breathe. Literally. And I think I came close to passing out more than just once. Yet, at the same time... I also enjoyed that smile. Of course, I wasn't always blindfolded. After all, she intended to savor my pained expression to its fullest, and I also aimed to admire her.

I welcomed everything about her. Even the clamps; she made her move with them when I couldn't see. They felt cold upon first contact, but mostly... sharp and painful, like a chilly and unexpected nip coming from my demon. She reveled in it. She loved it.

She relished every moment of my suffering. I don't think she ever lost control, but without a doubt, a rush took over her. Sometimes, I even considered begging for some reprieve, but I endured, and I did it exactly because I wanted to see her at her fullest. Her true self. Besides, mom raised no weakling, and I could be a little stubborn.

Still, it was worth it. And, while it was something I could definitely not handle for several nights in a row, I could bear it unapologetically every now and then, if she truly wanted to.

"Yes, Crimson. I'm alright," I replied.

She caressed my cheek; we were now face to face, nestled under a comfortable and warm blanket, while she looked at me with sweet and concerned eyes. Everything had concluded.

"Are you, really?" she continued.

"Yes," I reassured with a smile. "I am."

She leaned closer, planting a soft kiss on my lips. "You've been so good, Snowflake..."

"Thanks."

"I love you so much," she said, kissing me once again, watching me with fond eyes as her fingers tenderly combed through my hair.

My mother used to watch me with the same eyes... Was she looking at me as her little creature or something?

"I love you too," I murmured.

"You still do, really?" she softly asked. "You're still yourself, right? You don't hate me? I've never been so rough; with anyone… I was so overstimulated."

A chuckle escaped me. "Yes, Crimson. I'm fine, and I'm still myself. And I told you I'm not like the others."

"Do you still see me the same way? You truly don't hate me?" she continued; her eyes seemed almost afraid.

I nodded. "You're still the same crazy bitch, yes."

She laughed tenderly. "Okay, yes. You're still the same Snowflake."

"Of course I am."

She kissed me again. "You're so good, Snowflake..."

"Hmm-hm."

"I'm so proud of you. If you ever want to switch things up, all you have to do is ask."

"Thanks, but…" I had to pause before continuing; I felt my lungs devoid of air for a moment. "Nah."

"Are you sure? If you want something just say it, okay?"

"Yes, I'm sure," I reassured once more. "But I do want some water... I'll go get some."

I slowly pushed myself from the bed; my body still ached all over. As I rose from the edge of the bed, however, my vision suddenly spun, little black dots forming from the sides crawling toward the middle.

"Snowflake!" Crimson grabbed me, helping me sit back down. "Hold on, you rest here, I'll get it for you."

"A-alright..."

She planted a little kiss on my cheek, and with a smile, headed off the room.

Crimson looked... truly happy and satisfied. I also was, to tell the truth. So this is how people feel when there are no secrets... When love... is true?

Sighing, I comfortably settled back against the pillow, and letting my body relax, I waited for her to return. She was taking her sweet time, though...

But she was coming back... She surely would. She wouldn't disappear after such a night. And she wouldn't definitely leave someone inside a room in her parents' house. So, she was returning. She wasn't leaving me behind; this would also be a betrayal, and she wouldn't do something like that. Not to me... She never lied to me. She wouldn't lie to me… right?

Eventually, she did return, and with more than just water; she brought a whole tray with sweets and juices!

"Crimson..." I chuckled.

"You need to get some energy back," she said, placing it on the bedside table. "Snowflake… what's wrong?"

"Hm?"

She immediately cupped my face. "You're crying." Not even the time to answer she showered me with kisses and apologies as she caressed me.

"I'm fine, I'm fine," I replied through giggles while her thumbs took care of all my tears.

Kisses and more kisses for me.

"I'm sorry, I should've given you more attention. I shouldn't have left you alone. Where's my mind?" She also giggled. "Gosh, I'm so overstimulated. I'm so sorry, babe."

More the giggles that ran free as I clung and nuzzled against her.

"I'm fine, really. I'm fine," I reassured some time later. "I… just was a little scared, I think."

Thankfully, she also calmed down, and reassured, handed me the glass of water I craved so much, along with a small potion. "Take it, it will help you."

I slowly gulped down the potion and the water, asking for some more right after. I got juice instead, but that also was fine. I missed something fruity, and my body needed it after such a night.

While I drank, Crimson continued showering me with affection and caresses. "Gosh, you're so beautiful, Snowflake..."

"I heard that," I said with a sigh. "How many times are you going to repeat it tonight?"

"I just can't believe you're mine," she whispered with a soft smile, leaning closer to kiss my head.

"Well, I am. And you're mine, too," I replied, putting the glass aside.

"You have no idea how much you made me happy," she whispered, her voice muffled as she planted more soft kisses on my skin. "You're such a good girl…"

I absentmindedly clasped her arms while she kept going. "Are you happy, really?" I asked with an overly light-hearted tone.

"Hmm-hm."

"How happy?"

She laughed at that, pecking my nose playfully. "Words can't explain it."

"The happiest day of your life?"

"The happiest day of my life so far," she corrected with a grin. "You have no idea what door you've opened, Snowflake."

Hearing that, I couldn't help but feel overjoyed to the point of tears. I truly did it. "I'm happy to hear that… I truly am…"

My mother's eyes would never fall on me ever again, but that was fine, because Crimson's were now on me. Eyes filled with a gentle and loving, warm fire, ready to melt me on the spot, dissipating all of my chills. Perhaps a little questionable. Even so, all the chaos that had been engraved in me shall be turned to ashes and replaced by Crimson's affection, which I have more than welcomed.

So, I reciprocated all the love and affection she was giving me, down to the last drop. She chuckled at my behavior.

"Hmm, come on, eat something as well," she then said, breaking the kisses and pulling away to take something from the tray; a crumby snack. "You need to regain energy."

"I don't want to eat in bed... I don't like it."

She looked at me as if I had said something blasphemous. "Really? Who doesn't like eating in bed?"

"All the crumbs are going to make it messy... I don't like it. And I'm not that hungry right now."

"Hmm... alright then." She shrugged, putting it back on the tray before redirecting all her focus back to me.

Happily, and in love, we cuddled in bed. I basked in her warmth as tears of joy kept threatening to spill over. I kissed her lips. I kissed her neck. I giggled. I listened to her heartbeat. I felt at peace. She showered me with pecks. She whispered tender compliments. She treated me like a precious jewel. Until, unexpectedly, both of our attention was redirected towards a red light.

"Huh...?" she murmured, tilting her head. "My codex..."

I blinked, pushing myself up a little. "You got a new spell?"

She slid off the bed, taking her codex in hand. "Yes," she said, casually, as if it didn't interest her or it didn't involve her in any way. "A new spell..."

I pouted at that. "That's quite unfair..."

"Well, what can I say? I'm just that special," she quipped proudly, giving a light shrug.

"The Deities have favoritism."

"Hey, now that I think about it... Not that we had many chances, but I never saw you use any of your mother's spells. How come?"

"I don't want to use her spells..." I responded, leaning back into the bed. "It's... a matter of principle. I want to use my own." And redirected my eyes to her. "Are you... fine with that? You don't despise me for making such a choice, right?"

She approached, cupping my face as she returned to the bed with me. "Never."