Ientaculum Interruptum

The morning sun filtered through the curtains, its warm rays spilling onto the bed in a soft glow. I lay there on my side, one arm draped protectively over Jin, who had nestled against my chest sometime during the night. Her breathing was slow and steady, her eyes closed in peaceful slumber. Her tail twitched faintly under the covers, brushing against my leg in a rhythmic motion that was oddly soothing.

I didn’t dare move. After yesterday's troubles, having her cuddle up to me again so naturally was something I didn't take for granted. My fingers idly traced the curve of her shoulder, brushing against the scars that marked her skin. She shifted slightly at my touch, a soft sound escaping her lips as she burrowed closer into my chest. I smiled, pressing a gentle kiss to the top of her head. "I could stay like this forever,” I thought to myself, enjoying her warmth.

Eventually, I had to give in to the reality that the day wouldn’t wait for us. I shifted carefully, easing out from Jin's arms without waking her, and padded toward the kitchen to start breakfast. I must've not been as quiet as I thought, since Jin followed shortly after, her crimson hair messy and unbrushed as she stomped sleepily into the room and perched on a stool at the counter, watching me through heavy eyes. “You’ve got it good, you know,” I teased, cracking eggs into a bowl. “Just sitting there like a queen while I do all the work.”

She tilted her head slightly, a faint flicker of amusement crossing her face, followed by a big yawn. Her tail twitched in what I could only interpret as smug agreement. I laughed softly, sliding a plate of food in front of her a few minutes later. “Eat up.”

The quiet comfort of breakfast was broken by the ping of my datapad off in the distance. Grumbling to myself I got out of my seat and decided to go look who dared interrupt my breakfast. After having to dig the datapad out of a pile of laundry I'd mean to wash, I glanced at it reluctantly, already dreading whatever awaited me. The device had a knack for bringing bad news, and this morning was no different. The notification was simple, unassuming, but its message hit me like a punch to the gut: Report to HQ for Operation Readiness Assessment.

I stared at the words for a long moment, my mind catching up to my eyes. "Ah fuck," I sighed, running a hand down my face. It seemed knocking out the bigoted Rookie—What was his name again?—the other day had ramifications after all. Someone among the higher-ups thought I wasn't operation ready anymore, which, if true, would lead to me being shelved at best, and let go at worst. Neither of which I could afford. It also meant I was being called in for a mission, should I turn out to be performing adequately. Gritting my teeth, I returned to the kitchen and slid back into my chair.

My eyes flicked to Jin. She was just now finishing her breakfast, her head tilted slightly as she studied the table. She was calm now, safe, but the thought of leaving her alone here, even for a single day, made my stomach twist. She was still fragile in so many ways, still navigating this new, unsteady life with me. The idea of her panicking, confused and alone in the apartment, was unbearable. Especially given how that went the first time.

But taking her with me wasn’t an option either. I set the datapad down with a sigh, dragging a hand through my hair. I needed a plan, and fast.

---

The first person I thought of was Crone. She and her partners had built their home into a sanctuary for their family, and I was good friends with them. It was loud and chaotic, as children tended to be but it was also the kind of place where Jin could thrive—where she’d be cared for, distracted, and protected, while I was off committing whatever violent deed would be asked of me this time.

Pulling up Crone’s contact on the datapad, I tapped the call icon and waited. It didn’t take long for her face to appear, her sharp, otherworldly features softened by the warm light of her home. Except for her eyes, those massive voids that always seemed to suck up all light.

“Raku,” she greeted, her voice as steady as ever. “What’s wrong?”

Straight to the point. That was Crone for you. “Morning Hel, I got pinged for a readiness assessment,” I said, rubbing the back of my neck. “Guessing a mission, too?" The old sniper nodded at my implied question; she'd been called in for a mission as well. "I can’t leave Jin alone, and I can’t take her with me," I continued hesitantly, "I was hoping she could stay with your family while we're away. Last time I left her alone at HQ I had to... never mind that. Point is, I can't take her along, and I can't leave her here either.

Crone’s expression softened. “Of course. Bring her over. The kids will love having her around, and you know she’ll be safe here. Aen is definitely home for the week, so Jin will have someone to care for her.”

Relief flooded through me. “Thanks, Hel. I’ll head over soon.”

We ended the call, and I turned back to Jin. She was watching me with quiet curiosity, her tail swaying faintly as if sensing my unease. Setting the datapad aside, I moved to kneel in front of her, resting my hands lightly on her knees.

“Jin,” I began gently, keeping my voice calm and steady, even though I knew she probably understood some of what I'd said on the phone, “we need to talk. I have to go somewhere for a bit—just for the day hopefully, maybe a little longer. But you won’t be alone again. I’m taking you to stay with a friend, someone who’ll take good care of you.”

Her tail stilled, her pink eyes widening slightly. She shook her head adamantly, her claws extending and scratching against the edge of the stool. "Jin,” I said softly, reaching up to brush a strand of hair from her face. “It’s not forever. Just a little while.” The succubus shook her head again, a low, frustrated sound escaping her lips. Her tail lashed behind her, and I could see the beginnings of a—very understandable—tantrum brewing.

I sighed, pulling her into my arms and holding her close to my chest. She struggled for a moment, her claws poking my skin, but I tightened my grip, resting my chin against the top of her head, right between her horns. “I know you don’t like it,” I murmured, my voice low and soothing. “I don't like it much either. But there’s no other way. I need to know you’re safe while I’m gone. Just trust me, okay? You will be okay.”

Her struggles lessened gradually, her breaths coming slower and steadier as she leaned into me. I stayed like that for a long moment, holding her and letting her process in her own time. "Why don't we go to the bedroom and you can feed from me however I want, and then we drive over so you can meet my friends, hm?"

Jin struggled a bit longer in my arms while I kept talking, until eventually, she pushed me back a bit and looked deep into my eyes, as if searching for something. We stayed like this for a few heart beats, both of us unblinking, until finally, she nodded, and pulled me into a kiss.

We didn't make it into the bedroom.