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Mercedes took care to close the door behind them before desperately kissing Constance so hard that her back was soon pressed against the elegant ebony of her desk office. The sound of machinery working in the eerie Black Magic laboratory muffled the moans they made as the vampire gracefully undid the clasps of Constance's tight corset. Both women were too aware of the risks that carrying out their affairs in such an environment posed to both of them, but this was simply the outcome of a situation where they no longer needed to make the excuse of convenience to sate their needs.
It had all started when Constance confronted Mercedes about her lack of honesty, which she had interpreted as Mercedes considering her unworthy as a friend. Mercedes had never been one to wallow in the misery of regret when considering her own condition and yet that night, she had felt her heart clench.
Mercedes knew her childhood friend had become a very different person from the girl in her memories. Much like her own life, Constance's path was one of misadventures and tragedies that hardened and emotionally branded her. Even so, the vampire always found it easy to smile whenever the mage gazed at her with an inquisitive look, so fitting for a curious child who wanted to unveil all of the world's secrets.
As a result, Mercedes, the vampire who had grown more and more used to claiming and corrupting with each passing night, had wanted to selfishly protect and treasure Constance's remaining ‘innocence’ despite knowing its futility. There had been sadness when Constance forced her to see the reality they faced, but when she had pressed their lips together for the first time, there had been too much frankness for Mercedes to back away…and another bold request from the mage was all it took for the vampire to visit her again.
And again. And more times now they could ever count.
Just like tonight.
Slowly, Mercedes trailed her lips down Constance's neck, eliciting soft gasps from her. The scent of Constance's blood wafted into her nose, causing her fangs to elongate with the ever constant hunger. Still, she wouldn’t bite just yet. For some reason, when it came to the mage, rushing the steps seemed like a capital offense.
This fact confused Mercedes. She was aware that arousal of her prey made the feeding process easier, but it wasn't as if Constance wasn't already excited. Hells, her reddened face announced it clearly. It also wasn't as if Mercedes could feel the same intensity of sexual pleasure as she felt when she was still alive. The vampire had been warned before her turning that such numbness was part of not being human anymore, as depressing as it sounded.
So why did she bother at all?
Mercedes guessed that part of her delighted in turning such an elegant, dignified woman into a lustful mess, though she was certain it was her own impulses that wanted to trap the mortal somewhere they could make out forever.
"Hm? ‘Tis most unusual for you to stop so abruptly. Did I do something that made you lose your appetite?" Constance asked, half sarcastically, half seriously, moving one warm hand to touch Mercedes' cheek gently.
"No, dear, I was just…" Just what? Mercedes couldn't come up with anything remotely convincing.
"Remember when I said you could trust me?" The mage's blue eyes seemingly pierced into her very soul; Mercedes could feel the guilt crawling up her stomach.
"Constance…"
"Dear Mercedes, you know better than anyone how much you wound me with your insincerity." The mortal frowned severely, though her voice was nothing but kind as she intertwined their fingers. She squeezed the vampire's hand lightly.
"I am…feeling a tad confused right now." Mercedes backed away from Constance, but stopped by the window where her gaze wandered throughout the darkness outside. "When I acquired my ‘condition’ , I was told many things about it, but some don't seem to be adding up recently."
"You will need to be more specific about it, if I am to help you, Mercedes,” Constance said, tilting her head in her traditionally inquisitive fashion. “I might be exceptionally clever, but I am still not a telepath."
Mercedes licked her lips. As expected, Constance wouldn't let the subject slide. She wasn’t sure whether it was due to the eccentric workings of her sharp mind when confronted with a subject of interest or… or due to the empathy she showed towards Mercedes.
No, she wouldn’t drop it–no matter how awkward the subject may get.
"Do you know why I never let you…reciprocate my gestures?" Mercedes looked away with a habitual, though unnecessary sigh. She was certain a faint blush now colored her pale cheeks.
"Well, at first there was a part of me that felt annoyed by it, but now I just consider it to be a matter of preference. Though… perhaps there is more to it?" Constance rested her chin on a closed fist, her mind sinking into deeper thoughts.
"While there is a matter of preference that dates back from my mortal days…you are correct. There is more to it. One of the reasons why I am a valuable asset to Lady Edelgard is because some of my senses—like my vision and hearing—became extremely accurate…while others were significantly dulled." The vampire spoke with an enigmatic expression. "My lack of physical sensitivity can be most helpful to withstand pain yet…it essentially led me to be unable to feel sexual arousal like I could before."
Constance's eyes widened, but no words came out of her mouth. Her gaze was intense, somewhere between perplexity and an odd form of compassion.
"I am aware that I am far from the only woman to have partaken in such carnal activities with you, but have you been putting on an act every night you visit me, Mercedes?" Despite how much she might try to conceal, a note of indignation and sadness escaped the mage.
Mercedes’ heart seized at the sight of Constance’s hurt expression."No, my fair Constance, and that's the very thing…I feel I can't explain. That's where I find myself at a loss for words." An unnaturally bloody tear ran down the vampire's cheek as she shamefully lowered her head.
Constance’s eyes softened as she lifted her hands to cup Mercedes' face and locked their gazes together. "There is much I have yet to understand about you…but you need not struggle alone. Nay, you have the Minister of Black Arts in your arms; it's not a crime to use me as more than a meal every now and then." She chuckled bashfully. "Just tell me about what brought up such doubts in you."
Mercedes hesitated. She might not have known what precisely afflicted her, but she could not help but worry about the repercussions if a person in a high position, such as Constance, were associated with using state resources to help a monster. Edelgard might be aware of Mercedes’ condition, and even be amenable to improving her situation if asked, but there were more important things to think about whilst in the middle of war. That said, the vampire would never doubt that if what she said stirred her friend's scientific drive, Constance would go to unimaginable lengths to help her.
And while Mercedes knew she could withstand many horrible things, being the cause of Constance's disgrace was definitely not one of them.
As if to assuage Mercedes’ worry, Constance leaned in and kissed the vampire. Just like the first time they bared themselves to each other, Constance's firm lips conveyed the dauntless bravery Mercedes was slowly learning to rely upon, communicating the sweet feelings of comfort and safety that should have been far too generous for a parasite like herself.
"Very well." Mercedes smiled softly. She dragged Constance by the hand as she sat in a comfortable armchair, then gently pulled the mortal onto her lap. "Shall I start?"
"Of course, time is of the essence." With a wave of her manicured hand, Constance summoned a small notebook and a magically inked pen. After shifting slightly to make herself comfortable, she looked at Mercedes attentively.
"As you are aware, the hunger of a vampire permeates all of my emotions, so as much as I try to keep it in check, I…won’t ever be completely free from it. That's not news to you, right?" Mercedes' tone was steady even as her arms snaked around the other woman's waist in a bid for comfort. Constance’s brief nod in reply to her question indicated she should continue.
"Good." Mercedes sighed. "That said…it is expected for me to be more detached from my emotions. This is hard for me. Maybe it is because I am still a young vampire, so I remember most things from my mortal days… and yet… as a monster, I…" Mercedes paused, and to both her and Constance's surprise, she found herself chuckling softly. "I shouldn't be so eager to kiss a gorgeous woman without immediately feeling the urge to bite her right after.”
The pen stopped, and Constance eyed her quizzically.
"How long have you been feeling these…symptoms? For lack of a better word."
"About two months."
"How did you first notice them?"
Another pause, a longer one. When it was about to get awkward, Mercedes' lips curled up in a shy smile.
"I noticed that they would appear whenever I approached a mortal with whom I have a deep emotional connection,” she admitted. “And these meetings would sprout in me… some shivers and cravings I no longer thought it was possible for me to feel."
The mortal woman raised an eyebrow.
"In other words, you have felt sexually excited."
"Correct. It was as if I remembered the things that enticed me as a mortal and somehow, even if the feelings have been slightly duller than it would have been, I have been aroused."
"I think I understand, Mercedes.” The mage’s cheeks blushed slightly. “Have you noticed a specific trigger to these sentiments? A touch, perhaps?"
"There are many triggers, actually.” Constance raised a brow, and Mercedes continued. “To be fair, they seem to be centered around one specific person. She is someone that I can let my guard down around, despite my weaknesses. She brings me a warm, cozy sense of sanctuary that I find nowhere else. Also, she is incredibly powerful and talented—not to mention beautiful.” Mercedes chuckled musically, her impish smile revealing her pair of sharp fangs. "Plus, she tastes fantastic… and I am not just talking about her blood.”
"That's… a lot of things for me to think about, Mercedes, thank you." The red of Constance's cheeks darkened as the mage fumbled upon words in an attempt to cut the conversation short.
"Oh?" Mercedes held Constance’s hand even as she rose from her lap. "Are you sure you have no more questions for me?"
"What are you implying, Mercedes?"
"Are you not…curious to know who was capable of awakening such feelings in me?"
"T-that’s private information! It's not necessary for you to tell me…” Constance averted her gaze, embarrassed. “Though I suppose I can't stop you if that's what you desire."
The vampire used her index finger to tilt up the mage's chin, aligning their gazes. The heat from Constance's face seemed to increase as Mercedes ran her thumb over her cheek, caressing the skin beneath it lovingly.
"That would be no fun to a woman of your intellectual capacity. Why don't you try guessing first?" The vampire teased, feeling her chest impossibly light, as she wrapped her arms around Constance's waist.
"Oh Goddess, strike me down if I am wrong about this." Constance swallowed dryly, evidently having trouble trying to find a place to focus her gaze.
"I personally don't think that will be necessary. You are, as you've said before, ' exceptionally clever '." Mercedes continued, leaning so their mouths were only inches apart.
Constance sighed with melancholy as she wrapped her arms loosely around Mercedes’ neck.
"I… understand if you do not wish to pursue this any further, my dear,” Mercedes said, cutting the claustrophobic silence hurriedly, panicked by Constance’s lack of response thus far. “If this is the case, I apologize for making you feel uncomfortable. Of course, that won't change how much I value your company." She began to back away, just in case, but her escape was unexpectedly interrupted by Constance pulling her into her arms.
“Mercedes,” Constance began, her voice trembling with anxiety, “tell me what I need to do to bring you to gratification. If I am to be your lover I will not allow you not to be satisfied in all the ways I should provide for you."
Relief washed over Mercedes. "You will have to forgive me for I am not sure what will work or not…not yet, at least.” Her smile turned slightly mischievous. "If there was anyone that I trusted enough to help me with this 'quest' would be you, my Constance."
Mercedes' claim upon her seemed to bring a light back to Constance’s eye. "Ohoho~ It seems like I will be busy testing numerous methods," she crooned, slowly recovering her traditional enthusiasm. "Fortune smiles on our side, however, for I have many, many ideas."
The vampire's smile grew as she tugged down the already loosened clasps of Constance’s dress. She kissed and nibbled at the pale shoulders as they were exposed. "Just make sure Her Majesty doesn't find out where her trusted Minister of Dark Arts has been spending her time and resources."
Constance gasped at Mercedes’ delicate touch. "A-ah! You will see the things I will make for you,” she retorted breathlessly, “I am certain that I, Constance von Nuvelle, can even make your heart beat again." Constance retorted more breathlessly than she imagined.
"That you already do, my dearest. With you, I feel most alive." Mercedes chuckled lightly, earnestly, closing the distance between their lips with a passionate kiss.
Humming aimlessly between fiery kisses, Constance melted into her possessive embrace. It did not last long, however, because she soon pulled away from Mercedes. The vampire could do nothing but watch helplessly as Constance stalked across the room to sit on her work desk, where she leaned back to lie on top of it. She spread her legs to make room for Mercedes, and making eye contact with her, beckoned her over.
"We don't have much time until dawn,” Constance pointed out airily, “and my dearest, you still need to feed.”
"You say that like you’re looking forward to it,” Mercedes said as she took her rightful place between Constance’s thighs. “One might even say you enjoy it.” She continued to provoke her lover, squeezing her breasts, sliding her hands down the sides of her slender body, and slipping up her skirt before sneaking under the thin fabric of her underclothes.
Constance's lips parted like she planned to offer a scathing retort, but any words were ultimately interrupted by the touch of Mercedes’ icy fingertips to the heated flesh between her legs. She circled Constance’s clitoris gently at first, then with increasing intensity. The contrast of hot and cold made Constance’s eyes roll back with pleasure.
"M-maybe I do,” she panted. “Would that surprise you, dear Mercedes?”
Surprised indeed, Mercedes slowed her movement and tilted her head curiously.
"Honestly, a little bit,” she admitted. “I wouldn't say that my vampiric qualities were so attractive to you, only that you were curious about them. Not that I am complaining. "
Constance huffed, but Mercedes couldn’t tell if she was annoyed or embarrassed.
"I…find your fangs extremely alluring. The sensation of them running across my skin, pressing against my flesh is…very exciting. It is akin to a sharp stinging feeling, bringing excruciating pain and immense pleasure at the same time."
Mercedes smirked at Constance’s confession, deliberately baring her teeth for her lover’s sake. "My, my, who would guess that my sweet Constance would have such tastes?"
The mage blushed intensely, but she was apparently not done speaking her mind. "I also adore how your icy touch feels against my body, and how those red eyes of yours shine with delight when you are satiated."
"I see you have given… some thought to my condition," Mercedes said, her pale face reddening as she began to pick up her pace between Constance’s thighs again."Though I daresay you’ve done more than just think about it.”
A moan escaped Constance. Wrapping her arm around Mercedes' shoulders, she drew her in and locked their mouths in another kiss. Mercedes teasingly nibbled the mage’s lip, just enough to draw blood, which she sucked upon lightly as they broke apart.
"Ngh!" Constance’s eyes widened at the taste of blood. They were so close that Mercedes could feel the rapid beating of her heart beneath her skin.
Mercedes' head began to spin so dizzyingly that she had to shut her eyes. She leaned her head forward to let it rest on Constance’s shoulder. Her instinct to feed was dangerously threatening to overcome her. The taste of blood, the visual appeal of the woman beneath her left her hunger whispering dangerously soft, tempting words of need in her mind. Cracking her eyes open, she gazed down at Constance with a weak laugh.
"I shouldn't be teasing myself so much,” she murmured, “but I can't help but wish the nights we spend together could last forever."
"Y-you should know that it's inelegant to play with your food, my dearest." Smiling contentedly, Constance rested her back against the wood of her desk. "So, have you decided where you wish to feast tonight?"
"Mhm. I would like to go for your neck, since it gives you the most room to work with your hands.”
“The most logical choice,” Constance praised, appearing to be seriously pondering the issue. “Considering that feeding is what arouses you the most, it makes sense for me to join the efforts."
Only Constance von Nuvelle could get analytical while being fingered, Mercedes thought. Not that the vampire didn't find it endearing.
Constance interrupted her train of thoughts by gently untying the knots of Mercedes’ bodice. With a soft breeze of magic heightening the delightful anticipation for what lay beneath, her dress fell to the floor. Even though Mercedes’ senses had been long dulled to warmth or coldness, that didn't seem to apply to the mage's warm, tender hands as they caressed her chest and collarbones.
Mercedes closed her eyes, focusing on the meticulous hands that mapped her body with care, attentive for any reactions. Constance's soft fingers ran down her spine, her nails delicately scratching the ivory skin, stealing a short gasp from the vampire.
"Good?" Constance asked quietly, hopefully. Mercedes glanced down to see her pink lips curled up in a shy smile.
"Mhm," Mercedes replied, her tone soft as Constance's touches took a more erotic turn. Her touch evoked more recent memories tied to similarly pleasant sensations, which now fused with the enticing new moment Constance created for her.
Constance’s hands traveled from her chin and down Mercedes’ neck, across her arms, before finding their way to her voluptuous breasts. Hesitating, she glanced at Mercedes, who simply gave a small nod. Constance took full advantage of her permission, cupping her breasts while she squeezed them gently, teasing the nipples with her thumbs. Her gaze flicked back and forth between the vampire's face and chest, studying the gorgeous woman on top of her, her eyes sparkling whenever she coaxed a sigh or a moan from her.
"Constance…" Mercedes sighed dreamily, positioning her head right on the side of the other woman’s neck before licking it up to her ear. "Place one of your legs between mine, won’t you? I've always wanted to know how your stockings would feel against me."
Constance’s face turned entirely red. It amused Mercedes just how quickly her partner could flip between being forward in her desires and being overwhelmed by embarrassment. Even so, she shifted just enough to fulfill the vampire’s command, whimpering when Mercedes’ cold fingers began to fuck her once again."Are you certain you don't want me to reciproca— ah !"
"Eventually,” Mercedes whispered, “but let me take it slow. Tonight, this is enough for me.” She placed a kiss against the pulsating artery on the side of her neck. "May I bite you, my sweet Constance?"
Constance nodded, surely more desperately and needily than she wanted to convey, but Mercedes suspected such decency was very far from Constance's mind by this point. As she sank her fangs into Constance’s neck, the mortal keened with pain and pleasure, her back arching off of the desk beneath her.
The vampire sucked on the wound, as she ground sensually against the mage's partially clothed leg. She was finding it easier than anticipated to tap into the ever-growing arousal beneath her skin, especially since each and every one of Constance’s unfettered moans threatened to throw her over the edge.
As she finished feeding, her belly full with what Constance had provided, Mercedes licked the wound close, but didn't stop moving her hips or hand against her lover. It was a paradoxical experience. It wasn't as if she needed to breathe, yet she found herself panting. She was sated, yet she craved for more. More contact, more touches, more pleasure.
Constance seemed to have picked up her cues, as she flexed her leg just enough to grind harder between the vampire’s thighs. She clutched Mercedes so tightly that her nails sank deep into the vampire's bosom.
Mercedes felt the breath catch in Constance’s chest as she wriggled beneath her. She struggled to gasp, but eventually managed to whimper, “I can’t– hold on much longer—!”
"Then don't, my dear. Cum for me.” Mercedes nipped at her neck, then sucked gently on the skin above her bite. “And make me cum too, with you.”
Her simple request broke the spell. In seconds, Constance came violently, bucking wildly and digging her nails deeper into Mercedes’ flesh.. Mercedes watched her with eyes alight as she continued to play with the sensitive spot between Constance’s thighs, slowly thrusting her fingers in and out of her wet pussy, causing the sorceress to shake even more violently until there were no signs of control left in her.
Mercedes' climax came shortly after Constance’s.Her freezing body shuddered intensely as a surprising warmth spread throughout her limbs. Her jaw dropped open in shock.
" Constance –!" Her mind felt entirely blank. Her whole body trembled as ecstasy overwhelmed her. Her undergarments felt completely soaked. But beyond the physical, she felt that a part of her that was missing, had been found again.
For a few moments, neither of them dared to move.
Mercedes was the first one to disrupt their peace, removing her hand from the woman below her. She licked the cum off of her fingers, all the while smiling fondly down at Constance, who seemed to have passed out.
"My sweet, adorable Constance," Mercedes murmured before kissing her cheek and forehead. Secretly, she reveled in the crimson marks left behind by her blood-stained lips.
Constance’s eyes fluttered open to reveal a dreamy look in her eyes. She smiled sheepishly up at Mercedes. "My dearest Mercedes," she crooned, her expression as innocent as it was lewd. "I think we managed to pull it through."
"Yes, that was…incredible." Mercedes chuckled as she helped Constance sit up on the desk, fixing the elegant dress for her.
"Indeed, most excellent. Although…I would love for you to stay here with me." Constance confessed bashfully,looking away. Mercedes knew the mage wasn't only talking about sleeping together.
" I would be delighted to, but you know that the sun would turn me to dust if I didn't leave now." Mercedes replied apologetically as she fixed her dress with Constance's help. “As delightfully dark as your laboratory is, I do have errands outside of it. I would rather not risk it.”
"The sun… huh." Constance spoke absentmindedly, a melancholic tone echoed in her voice.
"Oh no, I know that tone." Mercedes teased in an attempt to cheer her up. ”You’re scheming again.” Turning around to face Constance again, she caught her chin in her hand and tilted it up towards her.
“Tone? What tone? Tis' nonsense, my dearest." Constance retorted, even as her characteristically smug grin appeared on her lips.
Mercedes hummed, then leaned in and kissed Constance, both of her thumbs tracing circles on her cheeks.
"Please promise me you won't exhaust yourself,” Mercedes said, trying to express her concern as earnestly as she could. “I will come to see you tomorrow night."
Constance smiled softly and pressed their lips together one more time.
"I promise. I can't allow myself to lose sight of a test subject so fascinating." The mage’s voice was low as she lifted her hands to cup the vampire's face.
"Good. Otherwise I will need to ask Hapi to let me into your lab again so I can carry you back to bed." The vampire teased, smirking as she planted one last kiss on the mage's forehead.
Sulking, Constance crossed her arms over her chest. "Ugh, don't need to remind me of the embarrassing details."
"Then don't work yourself to exhaustion." Mercedes laughed as she drew away from Constance, walking towards the window that silhouetted the beginning of dawn, fighting the bittersweet feeling of longing that overtook her whenever morning was about to break and she had to leave Constance.
"Mercedes!"
The vampire turned around at the sound of her name to see Constance nervously twirling a blonde curl around one finger. Mercedes’ expression softened at the sight of her lover, her face glowing in the hint of daylight.
"Yes, my dear?"
"I…love you."
Mercedes couldn't hold back a joyous, honest laugh.
"I love you too, my beautiful, brilliant Constance. Always and forever."
Mercedes turned herself into a cloud of bats and disappeared into the darkness. As she flew away, she stole a single glance at her blushing, delicious Constance one final time. She swore she could feel her heart flutter at the sight.