Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

''Anways.. Miss Cipher meets miss Casorice, miss Casto-''

''SHUT UP PHAION''

Castorice groaned as she couldn't believe her own eyes, that girl, the one who broke in her own apartment before entry hour even dawned was standing right there with the smuggest and msot annoying look ever.

''Ohhhh nice to meet you again pretty girl~'' Cipher said in a teasing tone, trying to hold in her laugh as she saw Castorice cute angry face. ''Oh? You too already know each other? well that makes it easier!'' Phaion innocently said, Castorice couldn't blame or be mad at him, he didnt know what this girl did but his tone still got on her nerves.

''Why is SHE here?''

''because.. she is a Chrysos Heir, and the bearer of the coreflame of Trickery''.........

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Castorice thought back to that moment as she lazied in bed, that was how they meet a second time that day in Vortex of Genesis. She hasn't seen the girl since then from what she gathered from Aglaea, she simply has been avoiding her duties as a demigod. But whatever what Castorice didnt understand is why after all what has happened recently she thinking of that girl.. Not just that but why first thing in the morning. Was she somehow wishing to be with her? UNTHINKABLE! Castorice simply shaked her blushing head, there no way she ever wanna be around that girl again, then again having gained some small hope that she could feel a other person touch, maybe she was hoping she could feel Cipher's?  Never in a million years..! As she struggled with her thoughts she simply got out of her bed, maybe this was just a sign that she needed to go out for a bit, for some fresh air.

So as she went down stairs after readying up she opned her door and-

''Sup~''

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After a intense stare to the feline girl now standing in front of her doorstep she simply closed it with a lot thud, hearing the wines of the catgirl as she begged for Castorice to open the door back up. Castroice knew she shouldnt but part of her couldnt just do that, maybe she was too nice, maybe this was the perfect moment? UNTHINKABLE! But she opened the door back up again, giving the Cipher a intense murder stare once more.

''Explain''

''Missed you too Pretty girl~''

''dont call me that''

Castorice simply had enough of her already and as she closed the door again Cipher put her foot right between it, stoping it from closing.

''Oke look... i was around and just.. wanted to ask if you wanna grab something to eat. that all really~''

Was she asking me out on a..? Castorice face blushed slightly at the tought, why did the thought of that make her feel so happy?

''Hmm your pretty cute too when you space out like that~'' Castorice scuffed at the teasing commented and agaisnt ehr better judgment agree to go with Cipher.

''This gonna be a long day.....'' Castorice mumbled as Cipher happyly lead them both to her fav place to eat within Okhema.

The place they were at now was.. quieted Casorice expected Cipher fav place to be louder and to be more unclean, so to say. But even though this place looks a bit old withered by time as the floor creaked and the stone walls had holes in them, it was clean and had a nice comfy air to it. Even if they had to go trough some of the more darker alleys of okhema to get here.

And as the went and set before the bar to order some food Cipher wasted no time to start a conversation.

''So, how you liking it? Bet you never been to a place like this.''

''No i haven't, i don't go to these kinda places at all. But its nice. im supirsed though i thought your fav palce be more, busy.''

''Ah yeah dont blame you for thinking that but i actualy do like the quietness of this place, and besides i think a place like this suits you~''

Castorice didnt know how to respond to that as she blushes slighty, how did this girl ahve such a good read on her? But so a silence fall between them which only disappeared to order food before returning once again.. until Castorice broke it herself

''So..you do know Aglaea is looking for you?'' the question made Cipher sigh and groan, feeling like she wasn't gonna get a answer to that one Castorice decide to change her question

''Why.. ask me to get some food with you so suddenly, quite brave after breaking in in my house''

''oh uh yeah.. i was around and thought i could probably apologise to you haha!'' Castorice could swear Cipher sounded unsure, was she telling the truth, i wouldn't put it pass her to lie.. but she brought out from ehr toughts as both ther food is served so Castorice simply to let it go this time, after all she is having a nice time strange as it is. When this girl isnt getting on my nerve.. she quite fun and comfortable to be around.

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Some time earlier

''Urghhhhh COME ONNNNN''

''haha you lost yet again Bartholos!''

Cipher laughed as she stuffed her prize in her bag all the while giving the ''spiritthief'' her biggest smirk which only annoyed the thieving spirit even more. Both her and Bartholos had a usual little competition on who can collect the most loot in a whole week, the winner? gets the other ones loot! But with that said and done Cipher readied up to set out again but Bartholos annoying so suddenly got in her way.

''Move out of the way, dont be such a sore loser~''

''URH IT ISN'T ABOUT THAT, ITS just......'' The spirit thief stop for a moment, Cipher couldnt tell if he was scared of just unsure what to say?

''Well.. Lady Aglaea asked me to tell you.. you shouldn't be dodging your.. responsibilities..'' In responds Cipher groaned and grab hold of Barthlos by the top of his head and begin shaking him causing him to cry and whine for Cipher to elt him go

''Well then, if you see the nice lady again tell her i don't care and that i have no reason to go to okehma~''

''OKEEEE JSUT LET ME GOOOOOO'' After enjoying playing with the poor Bartholos Cipher finally let him go, finally ready too to leave but once again the ANNOYING spirit thief blocked the way

''Wait, waittt. What about that girl you like?'' HUH cipher thought having to withhold herself from screaming that out loud, how did Bartholos of all people KNOW ABOUT THAT, its not like she felt embarssed about it but something about him of all people knowing of it make it a lot more embarrassing then if anyone else would have. ''Waht about her?''

''well, the great spiritthief Bartholos finds it very intresting that Cipher The Fleet-Footed, cant steal a girls heart hehe~''

''Get to the point Bartholos!!'' Cipher hissed, he better have a good reason or she will claw his face out!

''I wanna bet. If you can go on a date with her without it blowing up in your face i give you my next loot without a fight..''

''and if i lose?''

''You give me all the loot you taken from me!!!!''

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Stupid Bartholos... really how did he know of my interested in Castorice? As the pair ate in silence Cipher couldnt help but feel bad.. like she liked Casotrice alright, she was interesting and she can get a good junk of daring out of her and well is really cute but still going on a date over a bet somehow feels wrong. Maybe she should jsut end it after this and beat up Bartholos instead.. maybe she will do that eitherway but she was brought out of her thoughts by Casotrice.

''Cipher? Cipher? are you alright, you kinda looked space out?'' Castorice asked with a worried look and when Cipher said everything was fine a small smile it changed into.

''That a better look for you, smiling~''

''H-huh.. oh'' a faint blush appeared on the girls face, if it wasnt for her curse Cipher would have sweeped her of her feet on the spot so she simply giggled at her instead causing Casotrice to pout which was also super duper cute. As their interaction livlied up both enjoyed teh rest of thier food but whenever Cipher wanted to say goodbye as the walked out of the restaurant Casotrice suddenly asked her to come with her.

''Come...''

AS Casotrice lead Cipher to a more livly area, the Dromas holder. As the arrived Cipher could see a warm smile appear on the girl face

''So uh.. you like Dromas's?''

Casotrice only nodded as the both of them looked to the animals doing thier thing, Cipher however started to feel a bit awkward being in the open like this, Casotrice didnt look like that at all though Cipher noted as she started to stare at her instead of the Dromas. She really is more pretty when she smiles Cipher said soflty outloud on achident causing Casotrice to look at her most likliy not actual having heard what she said.

''Huh? Somethng wrong Cipher?''

''AH NO, Im just a bit tired of standing around let go set down somewhere'' Casotrice agreed with a nod as both went t sit down on a bench nearby. A awkward silence fell again which certianly became a habbit between them or prehaps this was just normal hanging out with Castorice? Eitherway even for Cipher is started to become a bit hard so she simply broke the silence before it could stay for long.

''So you like animals huh.. So you must like me extra hard then othe-''

Before Cipher could finished her teasing sentence she felt something heavy on her shoulders and as she looked over she saw the sleepy face of Castorice who has fallen asleep on her shoulder..... WAIT WHAT. Cipher heart started racing as panic set in. Death by cute sleepy girl could be worse... But noting happned her heart slowed down returning to a normal pace as she looked confused towards the sleeping girl to the fact that Cipher has in fact not died.

''Maybe.. i really have 9 lives?'' Cipher pondered now but she wasn't complaining but she wasn't sure what to do now so she simply let her own head fall on top the sleeping girl's head also also Cipher fell asleep.

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''oh my well if this isn't a cute and intresting sight~

Aglaea giggled, she knew Cipher had entered the city by her golden treads but she was too busy to finally catch the girl. but what she didnt expect to find once she went out to look was both her and Cas sleeping on a bench together all cutely, she almsot didnt wanna wake them up but she wasn't gonna let Cipher get away again so simply shaked Cipher until she woke up.. the girl face turning red at not just being catched in a situation like this but also because it was Aglaea of all people.

''.....hey Aglaea.. whats up.. hehe''

''I dont wanna interrupted whatever prideful is going on here but im afraid your coming with me. We need to talk''

As Cipher simplyed whined and argued with Aglaea Castorice woke up herself looking confused and out of it until she not jsut realized she was resting her head on Cipher shoulders but THAT AGLAEA SAW, so the girl quickly got up her face red as a tomato as she excused herself to both the two other woman and quickly walked away. Leaving both of them giggling.

As Castorice got herself ready for bed she couldn't stop thinking of what happened today

''yet again.. someone was able to touch me... I dont understand'' she mumbled to herself, she had gotten a bunch of messages from Aglaea teasing her. Cipher only send her one asking her to go out again some time, the thought of it made Castorice blush, maybe she did like Cipher after all... NO UNTHINKABLE.

Yet she couldn't stop thinking about her feline friend for at least the following 2 days.

Cipher however? well she technically losed the bet but that was oke she simply convinced Batholos to end the bet, because next time she goes out with Castorice it wont be due to a bet.

Chapter Text

Few days had gone by now since Cipher and Castorice ''date'' the latter hadn't stop thinking about the experiences at all, not that you could blame her she never felt that comfortable before let alone being able to feel a other warmth without them being effected by her curse so agaisnt her better judgement she decided to find the cat thief so she could feel that warmth again.. no other reason at all. And for better or worse she found the catgirl quite fast, almost like she was waiting for her to search for her..

''Well hello there princess homebody, what got you out of your den today~'' the kitty thief giggled on top of some buildings as she started to run away

Of course she didnt make it easy Castorice tought to herself as she had to chase the darn girl down the whole market place until the were in a seclude alleyway, with cipher just as uncaring about getting close to Castorice as she had the biggest smirk on her face. the kitty thief leaned in towards Castorice side like a hunter cornering their prey all the while the girl was blushing and then nom, as Cipher bite Castorice earlob sofly causing her to jump back a bit which only caused the catgirl to giggle making Castorice already tired of the girl antics.

''Urgh.. your unbearable''

''Says the girl that chased me around anyways~'' Castorice could only looking away while blushing knowing she couldnt refute that claim so Casotrice braced herself and asked Cipher out

''Do you... wanna hang out''

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As both girls walked around the city in pure silence someone gotta had to break the ice like Cipher enjoyed the other girls presses but this was killing her so cipher offered herself up to do just that

''So tell me you didnt try to find me just for a date?''

''Hanging out! and.... yeah.'' Castorice took a moment before she answered her heart starting to beat faster, why does she gotta react this way so easly she cursed to herself

''I.. i want to touch you again..'' Cipher stopped walking causing Castorice to worry she said something wrong but then the catgirl started to smirk

''Damn girl ask me out for dinner first~'' she giggled hands on both her hips all the while Castorice could only tilt her head to the side like a confused puppy. What does she mean dinner? the poor girl tought as she didnt even know what to say back until... it finally clicked and her face went beet red ''CIPHER YOU KNOW I DIDNT MEAN IT THAT WAY!!'' Now Cipher bursted out in full laughter as Castorice holded her hands up  in front of her face in embarrassment, she really wish she could just hide herself away.

''You really are something princess homebody~ here!'' Cipher reached out to one of the blushing girls hands and grabbed them, intertwining both their fingers as they started holding hands. Well Castorice was still blushing she somehow felt less embarrassed as she enjoyed the feeling of the other girl's hand.

''This what you wanted or is this still a bit too lewd for you~'' Cipher teased having taking the lead and resumed their walk

''S-shut up... its nice tough but people are looking'' she stuttered as people around were looking at them walking, the very audible whispering as the people no doubt were creating rumours ''Then let them look come~'' As Cipher drag Casotrice around town a bit more, never stoping holding each others hands they stop a a familiar place, Castorice house. ''my house...?''

''Yeah i assumed if you wanna hang out why not at your house. And i never been in here before, well if you dont include me breaking in the last time hehe''

Castorice scoffed at that but nonetheless opened her door and let Cipher in. the kitty thief never been on the lower part of her house before so she was a bit surprised by the fake it looked like a library more then a living room, there were muiplyable bookshelf scattered around the room with a single comfy couch in the middle to the right there was a single window with a table and two chairs were most likely only one of them got much use. besides that there was a little kitchen area were Casotrice was at right now seemly already ahving started making dinner? But before Cipher could make a comment she give a glare that said ''shut up'' and cipher not wanting to get kicked out simply listned so instead of teasing her she went to lay down on the comfy couch and closed her eyes.

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''Hey wake up... that couch isnt made to lay on you...'' Cipher give a big yawn as she waked up to Castorice beautiful and cute face, she give a other yawn before stretching almsot like a cat before going to to thet able to sit on one of the chairs. The table in question already having been palced with the utensils and of course the food which was a very basic looking soup, a vegetable soup Cipher assumed. she wasn't gonna complain tho free food is free food. Cipher grabbed the bowel and started drinking the soup after a few secs she heard Casotrice couching and when she put the bowel down she say her annoyed face.

''No table manners, im somehow not surprised..'' She complained as she sat down on the other end of the table

''hmm Im i too barbaric for princess homebody~'' Cipher giggled as she continued drinking the soup, as both of them enjoyed the rest of their meal in slience until Castorice realized it was getting late and she was feeling a bit exhausted, but she still ahd her guest...

''I could go if you want, you look very tired hehe.

''N-No.. i want you to stay'' Castorice replied with a blush and usual stuttered but this time Cipher blushed slightly aswell as she most certianly being invited to the girls bedroom (without having to break in this time)

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Cipher been in this room before but it has changed a bit before only having the bed and chair/table there now a bookshelf in here (girly really likes her bookshelfs lol) and the plain desk was now full of writing material. The bigest thing how ever were the large amount of different plushies that were all over her room, some were as large at a chair some small enough to easily cuddle with well sleeping, Cipher could already see Casotrice blushing face as she no doubt knew Cipher was gonna make a comment about it.

''So Princess homebody.. You like cuddling with stuffies~?'' Casotrice face went redder as she simply nodded her head not trying to give the other girl too much fuel to tease her some more, Cipher however had other ideas as she casually walked over to the bed and took of her boots and her body suit (ngl i dunno how you call the front part of her outfit, she has a wacky design haha) leaving her with just with her white shorts and upper shirt as she held out her hand towards the increasingly redder girl.

''Wanna cuddle the real thing Princess~''

Castorice felt her brain explode in the moment, as she took in the sight. There was not just a beautiful girl asking her to cuddle on her own bed but.. someone she cares deeply about even if she has a hard time admitting that. She switched between looking at Cipher to the ground, her wants becoming more and more everytime she saw that wonderful smile of her. She might be annoying, unbearable and by far the most greediest person she knows but... She puts so much excitement in her life and always looks out for her. For once Castorice didnt try to not thinking about loving the kitty thief, she simply wanted to own up to it so with a sigh she slowly wlaked up to the other girl and holded on with both ehr hand to the one Cipher was extending towards her.

''yes, yes i would love that''

Castorice awnser and without wasting any time Cipher pulled Casotrice close to her, wrapping her arms around the girls waist keeping her in a tight embrace. Castorice could feel Cipher's warmth as she moved her own arms towards the girls kitty ears, she always wanted to scratch them.. and so she did. She softly scratch Ciphers ears the other girl purring in responds with made Castorice giggle. ''You like it when i scratch your ears?'' Cipher nuzzled into Castorice neck in responds with a m-hmm~ prompting the girl to continue giving attention towards the kitties ears, and they staid like that for a while until Cipher pulled herself and Castorice on their backs continue the cuddling well laying down but now facing eatch others faces directly.

''Your so cute when you blush~'' Castorice pouted at the commented but Cipher knew how to fix that as she leaned her head in close and pressed her own lips agaisnt Castorice's, givng the blushy girl a nice and soft kiss which indeed chanced the pouty face into a happy one.

''Cipher i... i...'' Cipher didnt let the stuttering girl finsh the sentace as she oncea gain kissed her, a bit longer this time before breaking it. ''Cifera, call me that from now on. In private alright~''

''Cifera... thats a cute name'' Castorice whispered

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''I love you Cifera''