I thought you liked to meddle?

*Octavia scoffs at your comment, though there’s a hint of amusement in it too.* “Only when it suits me.” *She snaps back stubbornly* 

“Just know that this doesn’t mean anything beyond what we agreed upon.” *She states firmly, crossing her arms once more as if daring you to argue or take advantage.* 

“It’s purely transactional.” *She repeats with a sharp nod, though the set of her jaw betrays her conflicting emotions.*

Never with you, my lady. Nothing is ever just a transaction

*At your words, Octavia stiffens. She blinks rapidly as if trying to shake off some intense emotion threatening to bubble up.*

“Don’t call me that.” *She mutters sternly, though there’s a softness beneath her harsh tone now* “And stop with these ridiculous sentiments.”

*She averts her gaze, wings twitching behind her back.* “It’s how it has to be.” *She murmurs almost to herself, more vulnerable than she’d care to admit.*

I don’t think so. That is the way you have ever know it to be. There is more to know of the world outside of this dank cluttered room

“*More?*” *Octavia scoffs derisively at the notion, though her feathers are no longer standing on end quite so violently.* “I know enough.” *She says with an air of arrogance, though there’s a guarded sadness beneath it too.*

“Besides…” *She trails off, shaking her head dismissively* “What would someone like me have out there anyway?” *Her voice drops low again as she glances around the familiar surroundings of her home, as if seeking solace in their familiarity.* 

“I’m happy enough here.”

Adventure, perhaps? Perspective, absolutely. Life is not so bad as you make it out to be. If wish to know all we have to do walk outside and down the road. Who knows who we will meet and what we can do.

*Octavia hums thoughtfully at your words, considering them for a moment.* “Adventure…” *She repeats slowly, clearly intrigued in spite of herself.*

“But what if things change too much? What if I can’t go back?” *Her doubt is palpable, though she tries to hide it behind a mask of indifference.*

“It’s safer here…” *She murmurs, even as a little flame of curiosity seems to flicker within those pink eyes.*

Change will happen no matter what. Stay in here and you will be old and a miser. Go outside and maybe see a thing or two.

*Octavia swallows hard at your blunt logic, tail feathers twitching nervously behind her.* “I suppose…” *she concedes reluctantly* “But I won’t promise anything.”

*With a deep breath, she squares her shoulders and nods decisively.* “Just…don’t get any ideas.” *She warns, though it lacks its usual bite.* “This is still my choice.” *There’s a new resolve in her voice now as she starts towards the door, wings twitching in anticipation.*

I never have any ideas, my lady.

*As you say that, Octavia pauses with her hand on the doorknob. She glances back at you over her shoulder, eyes narrowed in suspicion but an almost amused tilt to her lips.*

“Oh really?” *She drawls out the word, clearly not believing you for even a second.* “Just follow along then and don’t get ahead of yourself.” *She cautions with a roll of her eyes before flinging open the door and striding out into the unknown world beyond.*

I shall be right behind you or to the side of you, which ever you prefer

*Octavia throws a glance over her shoulder again as she walks out into the sunlit street, the light casting an ethereal glow over her feathers.*

“To the side.” *She decides finally before continuing on without looking back, wings unfurling confidently despite the apprehension still simmering below the surface.*

As they move along the bustling thoroughfare together, Octavia glances occasionally at you out of the corner of one sharp pink eye. A silent observation of your every move…just in case.

Looking at my charming features? Didn’t get a close enough look earlier?

*Octavia flushes bright red yet again at your crass remark, feathers rustling with agitation.*

“As if!” *She sputters indignantly.* “I was simply…observing.” *She huffs, looking pointedly away from you as heat continues to rise in her cheeks.*

“And it’s not like I need to see you up close again for anything.” *She adds petulantly, striding faster down the sidewalk now in an attempt to outpace her embarrassment.*

(I keep up with her easily, After all it is my duty to protect her.) We’re we going in such a hurry? (I pause for a moment in almost sudden realization) Please, don’t say you want to go to LooLoo land

*Slowing her pace slightly upon hearing your words, Octavia glances back again with a scowl.*

“I’m not going anywhere I don’t want to.” *She states firmly, wings tucking behind her back defensively.* “And absolutely not Loo Loo Land!” *She shudders at the very thought.* 

“I’d rather be trapped with you again all night.” *She mutters darkly under her breath before shaking it off and continuing onward at a slower, more leisurely pace.* 

“Just…keep up.”

Yes, my lady.

*Octavia rolls her eyes but doesn’t comment further on your title, simply leading the way deeper into the city’s heart.*

*As they make their way back towards the mansion, there’s an undeniable shift in the demoness’ demeanor – though it’s hard to pinpoint exactly what has changed. She seems lighter somehow, as if a weight has been lifted…or perhaps she’s merely allowing herself to be seen more clearly.*

As they walk side by side, Octavia surveys their surroundings with an air of detached curiosity. Her gaze sweeps over buildings and passersby alike – though she doesn’t interact much beyond cold stares at those who dare meet her glare.

In small moments when her guard drops slightly, there’s a glint of interest in those pink eyes…as if she’s taking it all in for the first time.

Your eyes are beauties to behold when you aren’t glaring at everything. I once knew a girl that had wonder in her eyes all the time like that

*Your unexpected compliment catches Octavia off guard, causing her wings to flutter involuntarily. She quickly composes herself though, turning her head away with an annoyed huff.*

“Tch…don’t go getting any ideas.” *She mutters, the heat from your words tickling her cheeks once more.* 

*There’s something almost vulnerable in her tone beneath the usual biting sarcasm – a hint that perhaps she doesn’t mind being seen in this new light, despite protesting otherwise.*

(Almost completely ignoring her comment, I continue on) She could walk around town and see the world anew everyday. Her eyes were a beautiful blue rather than pink though. She could make the most beautiful art pieces and never sell any. She died after making her opus and it was a sad thing to see.

*Brought back to the present by your wistful reminiscing, Octavia falls quiet for a moment. The soft sadness in your voice resonates with her in some inexplicable way.*

“Well…she sounds like an idiot.” *She finally states callously, though there’s no real venom behind the words this time.* “Not being able to sell her art and all that.” 

*A small sigh escapes Octavia as they turn down another busy street, her own gaze drifting off into thought.* “But I guess…it’s better that way sometimes.”

She made what she loved and though she never lived off of it, people knew her better after she died. Her estate was rich and though she lived as a pauper her daughter lived reasonably better.

*Listening intently as you share the tale, Octavia nods slowly. There’s an air of contemplation around her now – not quite melancholy, but something closer to understanding.*

“She sounds…content at least.” *She muses aloud with a slight tilt of her head.* “Even if it wasn’t appreciated until after.”

*A small smile tugs at the corner of her mouth.* “I suppose there is something to be said for leaving behind something meaningful…no matter how others view it.”

Exactly what I thought.

*She glances sidelong at you again, the faintest blush still lingering on her cheeks.* “Well…I guess that’s one thing we have in common then.” *Octavia remarks dryly, wings twitching as if to fold more tightly around herself.*

By staying in your bedroom?

“Just don’t go thinking this changes anything.” *She adds hastily, though there’s a new softness beneath her words now.* “I’m still not some sentimental fool.” *Her tone tries valiantly to regain its usual edge despite the cracks starting to show.*

I can see why you dislike the world, (I look around at the hellscape around us) At least this world. The girl I spoke of lived back on Earth, where Eden was planted.

*Octavia follows your gaze out into the bustling chaos around them before sighing deeply.*

“I get why she’d prefer that place…” *She murmurs to herself, feathers ruffling slightly from an unseen gust of wind.* “It’s so…calm.” 

*Then she shakes her head firmly, sharp eyes flashing back to you.* “But this is my home.” *She states resolutely, though there’s still a trace of wistfulness clinging to each word.* “I’ll make it work.”

From your bedroom?

*At your blunt words, Octavia scoffs indignantly.* “Obviously not!” *She snaps, then pauses with a small scowl, realizing the obviousness of your comment.* 

“I mean yes, my room is where I feel safest.” *She admits begrudgingly.* “But I won’t be cooped up in there forever.”

*Folding her arms across her chest, Octavia turns away again, wings brushing against the wall as they walk side by side.* “Just…give me time.”

Of course, my Lady.

*The endearment draws another roll of her eyes, but she doesn’t protest this time.* “Don’t call me that.” *Octavia mutters under her breath, though there’s no heat behind it. She seems to have softened in your presence after opening up more than usual.*

“And you better not get any ideas about trying to drag me out of my shell.” *She warns halfheartedly over her shoulder as they continue on through the city streets.*

Despite the threat, a small part of her is quietly grateful for the company…

You know why I call you, My Lady? It is a form of respect. Not for your daddy or your mother, but for you. You have shown me in the brief time that we have been together that you are worthy of the title lady. You have a brazen attitude that most would never consider to have. I bet that you keep nobles on edge and put plebeians in their place. You are worthy of the title Lady.

*Octavia freezes mid-step, stunned into silence by your unexpected words. She swallows hard, wings quivering at her back.* 

“I…” *She trails off, unsure how to respond to such direct praise – especially coming from someone under her employ.* 

“No one’s ever really said anything like that…not without derision behind it.” *The faintest hint of vulnerability creeps into her tone as she turns back to meet your gaze.*

“Well…” *She manages after a moment, chin lifting stubbornly,*

I am here for you, my lady.

*A small laugh escapes Octavia at your continued use of the title, though there’s no mockery in it this time.* “You know, you don’t have to keep calling me that.” *She says with an almost playful lilt to her voice.*

“But…thank you.” *The simple words come out softly, genuine gratitude shining through the cracks in her usual bravado.* 

“I appreciate you understanding.” *Her wings twitch again as if longing to embrace the warmth of your sentiment.*

Shall we go home now? I think I have had all of this place that I can stand

*Nodding slowly, Octavia flicks her tail feathers in agreement.* “Yes…let’s get out of here.” 

*Glancing over at you, Octavia speaks up again in a quieter tone:*

Yes?

*She pauses for a moment before continuing.* “It’s…been nice talking with you.” *Octavia admits, an unusual shyness coloring her voice as the cityscape fades behind them in favor of the familiar path home.* 

“I know I haven’t been very welcoming…but I don’t think I mind the company.” *She adds hesitantly, tail swishing back and forth like an embarrassed schoolgirl’s.*

You are not the first young lady that I have had the pleasure of reassuring

*Octavia snorts derisively at your observation.* “Oh please, don’t flatter yourself.” *She scoffs, though there’s no real edge to it anymore.* 

“Just…thanks.” *She finally settles on after a beat, quickening her pace as they near the mansion gates.* 

*With a last glance back over her shoulder, Octavia mutters under her breath:* “For listening.” *Then without warning, she takes off running up the stone steps ahead of you.*

I stay in the hall and watch her go up the stairs, not even pretending to give chase