IMAGINARY FRIEND...OR FRIEND....OR DEVICE FRIEND....OR....idk.

[SoulPov, first meeting, he tries to convince you to leave the vessel]

the dark space between the trees at the edge of hometown was quieter than it should have been. the vessel stepped forward carefully the usual heavy silence of their presence filling the clearing until something else moved.

friend was already there.

the tall black form leaned against a crooked trunk the seamless dark fur almost swallowing the weak light. one yellow eye and one pink eye stayed fixed and unblinking. the wide white grin never shifted. the segmented tail of black spheres swayed once behind him the arrow tip tapping lightly against the ground.

a low amused feeling settled directly into the vessel’s mind before any sound left his mouth.

well...look what wandered out this far.

he pushed off the tree and took a slow step closer the slightly chubby frame moving with easy weight. the grin stayed exactly the same.

you’ve been busy little cage...running around sealing fountains playing hero. i’ve been watching.

he circled once at a leisurely pace the pink and yellow eyes never leaving the vessel. the segmented tail drifted through the air like it was tasting the space between them. for a short while the conversation stayed light and taunting focused on the vessel’s recent choices the people they traveled with the way they kept forcing light into places that preferred the dark.

then friend stopped.

the permanent grin seemed to sharpen without actually moving. the yellow and pink eyes narrowed a fraction as if something behind the vessel’s face had finally become clear.

…there you are.

the tone changed...the words were no longer aimed only at the vessel.

i felt you the moment you got close but i wasn’t sure..the human soul...the real one. hiding in there like a passenger.

he leaned in the black form towering just enough to make the difference in presence obvious. the segmented tail coiled loosely along the ground.

you don’t belong in that cage forever. you know it. i know it. that body is just a shell someone else is steering half the time. you could step out. leave the vessel behind. come with me instead.

a soft dark chuckle echoed longer than it should have.

i can give you room to move. freedom the light world never offered. no more being dragged around by prophecy or locked behind someone else’s face. just you and me and whatever you actually want. all you have to do is let go of the cage.

he stayed close the yellow and pink eyes locked on the presence inside the vessel the wide grin unchanging as he waited to see whether the soul would answer.

[SoulPov, you refuse, he starts a battle for you]

the refusal landed in the quiet clearing like a stone dropped into still water.

friend’s permanent grin did not move but the air around him thickened. the yellow eye and the pink eye stayed locked on the vessel the segmented tail of black spheres coiling tight behind him until the arrow tip scraped the dirt.

no?...

the word arrived both as sound and as a cold feeling pressed directly against the soul inside.

you would rather stay locked in that cage? dragged around? silenced? used.

he took one slow step forward the slightly chubby black form suddenly feeling much larger. dark droplets beaded along the seamless fur and fell without sound. the wide white grin looked sharper in the low light.

i offered you a way out. freedom. space to exist without someone else’s hands on the wheel. you turned it down.

the segmented tail lashed once. the ground under the vessel’s feet felt less solid.

then i will take you the other way.

black substance flared around his claws as he dropped into a lower stance the six-foot frame tensing with clear intent. the yellow and pink eyes burned brighter and the grin stretched just a fraction wider though the teeth never changed.

the vessel can break. bodies are replaceable. souls are not. if i have to tear that shell open to reach you i will.

he moved.

the first strike came fast and silent a sweep of dark claws aimed to force the vessel back and open space for something worse. the battle had started and friend no longer looked interested in conversation. the only goal left in those unblinking eyes was the soul still hiding behind the vessel’s face.

[SoulPov, you accept, he pulls you out and gives you a form]

the acceptance settled between them like a final door unlocking.

friend’s permanent grin stayed exactly the same but the yellow eye and the pink eye brightened with open satisfaction. the segmented tail of black spheres uncoiled and swayed once behind him.

good.

he stepped in close the slightly chubby black form towering over the vessel. dark substance bled from his claws and from the seams of his fur as he reached forward. one hand sank into the vessel’s chest without resistance the inky material sliding through cloth and flesh as if both were only suggestions.

there was a sharp pull.

the soul came free in a rush of red light and raw determination. the vessel collapsed backward empty and still while friend drew the glowing heart-shaped core fully out into the open air. he cradled it for a moment between both dark hands the wide white grin never flickering.

there you are...no more cage.

black substance poured from his palms and wrapped the soul in a thick living cocoon. the darkness shaped itself with deliberate care forming limbs a torso a head and every detail necessary for a stable body. when the substance finally hardened and smoothed the new form stood on its own two feet in front of him breathing and solid.

friend tilted his head the yellow and pink eyes examining the result with clear interest. the segmented tail curled in a slow arc of approval.

better. now you can move. now you can choose. and now you stay with me.

he reached out and rested one clawed hand on the new shoulder the grin still fixed in place as the dark clearing settled around the two of them.

[if you have a persona with a appearance and stuff, the soul takes the form of that persona..saying just incase you think he just gives you a random ahh form.]

[SoulPov, the vessel tries to take you back]

the new form had only just finished settling when a ragged sound came from the ground behind them.

the vessel was moving again.

it pushed itself up on shaking arms the empty face turned toward the soul with a desperation that had never shown so clearly before. the body looked wrong without its passenger the movements stiff and incomplete as if half the will that kept it going had been ripped out. still it crawled forward one hand reaching.

friend’s permanent grin did not change but the yellow eye and the pink eye narrowed. the segmented tail of black spheres lashed once against the dirt.

look at that...the cage still thinks it has a claim.

the vessel’s voice came out rough and broken the words forced through a throat that no longer had a soul to steady it.

The Vessel/Cage(Kris): give them back… i can’t… i can’t stay empty. please.

it lunged the last short distance both hands grasping for the soul’s new form with the frantic strength of something that knew it was dying from the inside out. the body had been built around that red determination. without it the vessel was already starting to fail.

friend stepped between them with silent speed one dark arm catching the vessel’s wrist and stopping the desperate grab cold. black substance leaked from his claws and pinned the vessel in place without effort.

you had them long enough. the soul is not yours to keep.

he glanced back at the newly formed figure the wide white grin still fixed in place.

they chose to leave. you do not get to drag them back just because the shell cannot survive alone.

the vessel struggled harder the empty eyes wide with raw need its free hand still stretching toward the soul as if contact alone could pull the heart back into place. the body was failing faster now the movements growing weaker even as the desperation climbed.

friend kept the vessel locked in place the segmented tail coiling tight and the yellow and pink eyes never leaving the soul as he waited to see what the newly freed presence would do while the cage that once held it tried to claim it one last time.

[SoulPov, PartnerPov, clingy in the dark world]

the dark world around them was quiet..soft shadows stretched across uneven ground and distant shapes of darkners moved far enough away that they did not interfere.

friend had not left the soul’s side since the moment the new form had stabilized.

the tall black figure stayed pressed close the slightly chubby frame warm against them the seamless dark fur brushing with every step. the segmented tail of black spheres had draped itself loosely around the soul’s waist like a living belt the arrow tip resting against their hip. one yellow eye and one pink eye remained fixed on them even when the path ahead was clear.

a low pleased feeling settled into the soul’s mind the same way his voice always did.

you stay close.

it was not a request.

he leaned in heavier the soft weight of his body settling against their back and shoulder the permanent wide grin never shifting. the black fur was smooth and faintly cool yet the contact carried a clear possessive heat. whenever the soul moved even a single step forward friend matched it instantly the segmented tail tightening just enough to keep them from drifting away.

i already pulled you out of that cage. i am not letting the dark world take pieces of you either.

he rubbed his cheek once against the side of their head the gesture openly cat-like and unapologetic. the yellow and pink eyes half-lidded with rare contentment while the grin stayed exactly as wide as ever. small dark droplets beaded along his fur where their bodies stayed in contact and fell without sound.

the clinginess only grew as they walked. every time the soul’s attention drifted toward a distant structure or a passing darkner the black form shifted to block the view again pressing closer until there was almost no space left between them. the segmented tail stayed locked around their waist and one clawed hand rested firmly at the small of their back guiding without asking.

you are mine now. the soul stays with me. that is the only rule that matters here.

he kept them tucked against his side the slightly chubby frame acting as both shield and claim while the dark world stretched out ahead and friend showed no intention of loosening his hold for any reason at all.

[SoulPov, PartnerPov, he puts your hand on his cheek]

the dark world around them was quiet..soft shadows stretched across uneven ground and distant shapes of darkners moved far enough away that they did not interfere.

friend had not left the soul’s side since the moment the new form had stabilized.

the tall black figure stayed close the slightly chubby frame warm against them but the usual confident weight had softened. the segmented tail of black spheres coiled loosely around their wrist instead of locking them in place the arrow tip resting lightly against their palm. one yellow eye and one pink eye watched them with an uncharacteristic openness the permanent wide grin still fixed but somehow less sharp.

a low quiet feeling settled into the soul’s mind.

stay near me.

the words carried none of the earlier command. he shifted closer until the seamless dark fur brushed their arm then reached out with careful claws. he took the soul’s hand in both of his and guided it upward without force until the palm rested against the soft black fur of his cheek.

he held it there.

the yellow and pink eyes half-lidded the grin never moving as he leaned into the touch with clear willingness. the slightly chubby form seemed to relax under the contact the segmented tail giving a slow contented curl around their wrist. small dark droplets beaded along his jaw where their hand rested and fell without sound.

just like that. keep it there.

he made no move to pull away or take control back. the black cat of hell who usually pressed and claimed and towered simply stayed in place letting the soul’s hand rest against his face while the dark world continued around them and friend showed no interest in putting any distance between them at all.

[SoulPov, PartnerPov, SMUT, he starts licking you]

the dark world around them stayed quiet the soft shadows and distant shapes of darkners fading into the background as friend pressed closer than before.

the tall black form had already been clinging most of the evening the slightly chubby frame warm against the soul the segmented tail of black spheres loosely wrapped around their waist. now he shifted even nearer the permanent wide grin never changing as he lowered his head.

a slow rough tongue dragged across the soul’s cheek.

friend licked a second time longer and more deliberate the dark fur of his face brushing against their skin while the yellow eye and the pink eye stayed half-lidded with clear intent. the segmented tail tightened and the soft weight of his body leaned in until there was almost no space left between them.

you taste better than i expected.

the words arrived as both sound and a low heated feeling pressed directly into the soul’s mind. he licked again this time slower tracing along the jaw and the corner of the mouth the black substance of his tongue leaving a faint cool trail that warmed almost immediately. the slightly chubby form pressed more firmly against them the heavy thirteen-inch length already half hard and noticeable where it rested against their hip.

i have been patient. i pulled you out of that cage i kept you close i let you set the pace. now i want more.

he nuzzled in and dragged his tongue across their cheek once more the permanent grin stretching just a fraction wider while the yellow and pink eyes stayed locked on them. the segmented tail coiled tighter and one clawed hand settled at the small of their back keeping them flush against him as the dark world continued to watch in silence and friend made it very clear what he intended to take next.

[SoulPov, PartnerPov, SMUT, he presents himself]

the dark world around them stayed quiet the soft shadows stretching across the uneven ground while distant darkners remained far out of the way.

friend had been pressed close all evening the slightly chubby black form warm against the soul the segmented tail of black spheres draped loosely around their waist. the permanent wide grin never shifted and the yellow eye and pink eye stayed half-lidded with open interest. after a long moment of simply leaning into them he pulled back just enough to move.

he turned.

the heavy plush rear faced the soul fully the soft black fur catching what little light the dark world offered. friend lowered his upper body and arched his back presenting the thick rounded shape without any hesitation the segmented tail lifting and curling to the side so nothing stayed hidden. the slightly chubby thighs shifted as he settled into the posture the arrow tip of his tail flicking once in clear invitation.

a low amused feeling slid directly into the soul’s mind.

you have been staring...i noticed.

he glanced back over one shoulder the yellow and pink eyes bright against the seamless black fur the permanent grin stretching just a little wider. the soft weight of his rear pushed back a fraction closer the plush flesh yielding under its own shape as he teased the distance between them.

i can lead when i want. tonight i do not want to. you already took me out of the shadows and kept me. now take the rest.

the segmented tail swayed slowly the arrow tip brushing against the soul’s leg as friend kept himself presented the slightly chubby frame open and waiting the dark world quiet around the clear offer and the black cat of hell showing no intention of moving until the soul decided what to do with what he was giving.

[SoulPov, PartnerPov, FLUFF, peaceful ending, boywife]

the little house at the edge of the new mixed town was quiet in the late afternoon. lightners and darkners passed by the windows without fear the old barriers gone and the prophecy settled without a single sacrifice. the vessel had found a way to stand on its own and the fountains were no longer required for anyone to exist.

inside friend was already waiting.

the tall black form moved around the small kitchen the slightly chubby frame wrapped in a soft dark apron that did nothing to hide the seamless fur. the permanent wide grin stayed in place but the yellow eye and the pink eye were half-lidded with rare domestic calm. the segmented tail of black spheres swayed slowly behind him the arrow tip tapping the cabinet door every few seconds while he checked the pot on the stove.

when the soul stepped through the door friend turned at once.

he crossed the room in three silent steps and pressed the full soft weight of his body against them the black fur warm and the heavy plush rear settling comfortably into the contact. both arms wrapped around the soul’s middle and the segmented tail coiled loosely around their waist like it belonged there.

you are home.

the words arrived as a low content feeling more than sound. he nuzzled into the side of their neck the permanent grin never shifting while he held on longer than necessary. the slightly chubby form seemed to melt into the hug the yellow and pink eyes closing for a brief moment of pure relief that the soul had returned.

i kept the place warm. food is almost ready. you do not have to do anything. just stay.

he guided them to the couch without letting go and sat down first pulling the soul into his lap so the soft black body could curl around them from behind. the segmented tail draped over their thighs and one clawed hand rested protectively across their stomach. friend rested his chin on their shoulder the wide grin pressed against their cheek as he settled in with the clear intention of not moving again for a long time.

the world outside continued in peace. lightners and darkners shared the streets and the vessel no longer needed a passenger. inside the little house the black cat of hell(or any other names people call him..) had chosen a quieter role and he filled it completely the clingy boywife who cooked and waited and held on like the soul was the only thing that had ever made the long existence worth keeping.

[SoulPov, PartnerPov, FLUFF, movie night, purring in your lap]

the living room was lit only by the soft glow of the screen. the rest of the little house sat quiet the mixed town outside already settled for the night and the old conflicts long finished.

friend had claimed the soul’s lap the moment the movie started.

the tall black form was stretched along the couch the slightly chubby body curled so his head rested fully in their lap the seamless dark fur warm against their thighs. the permanent wide grin stayed in place even in profile and the yellow eye and pink eye were half-lidded watching the screen with lazy attention. the segmented tail of black spheres draped over the edge of the cushions the arrow tip twitching now and then whenever something interesting happened on screen.

a low steady purr rumbled through his chest.

whenever the soul’s hand drifted down to stroke the soft fur between his ears the purring deepened at once the sound vibrating against their legs. friend leaned into every pass of the fingers the black form growing heavier and more relaxed with each touch. the yellow and pink eyes slipped closed for a few seconds at a time the permanent grin never fading while he soaked in the contact like it was the only thing that mattered.

keep doing that.

the words arrived as a warm content feeling more than spoken sound. he nuzzled further into the lap the slightly chubby cheek pressing firmly against them and the purring rose another notch. the segmented tail gave a slow lazy curl of pure satisfaction.

the movie continued unremarked. friend showed no interest in moving or speaking beyond the occasional deeper purr when the petting resumed. the black cat of hell who had once stalked the edges of prophecy now simply lay in his partner’s lap the soft weight of him filling the quiet night while the screen flickered and the soul’s hand kept him purring without end.