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As the gorgeous, vermillion blood dripped down Two Time's arm, their smile grew exponentially wider. The Spawn was bound to be utterly pleased with their devotion. They hummed, using their dagger to make neat cuts on their skin in the shape of the Spawn's symbol. They knew that the marks needed to be completely perfect.
More jagged cuts began to adorn the fragile skin of their arm. Two Time didn't feel any regret for a single one. It was a necessity to prove that they were loyal to the Spawn. The red liquid dripping down their arms was clear proof of it. It was all in honor of their God.
Their sheets stained crimson due to the damage they had caused, but it was something they were willing to bear with to avoid soiling the Spawn symbol on their clothing. That would be beyond disrespectful, and doing anything that offensive sounded like a horrifying nightmare. They'd have to give more than just a pathetic amount of blood to atone if they ever did something so monstrous.
A sigh escaped Two Time's lips as they peered at their bloodied skin. It truly would be taxing to clean, but it was more than worth it for their God. Glory to the Spawn! Giggles spilled from Two Time's lips as they gazed at the mutilated skin, but they stopped as soon as a realization hit them.
Azure was likely going to arrive home shortly. He was bound to be exhausted after toiling in the garden for hours, so they knew that they had to bandage their wounds beforehand. Two Time hoped that they would have time to clean the bed before he came back.
They quickly grabbed bandages and disinfectant from a nearby cupboard; doing this efficiently was vital if they wanted to have enough time to replace the sheets with clean ones.
The door opened before they even had the chance to open the tube of ointment, revealing Azure. They wiped at the perspiration dribbling down their face, and the small, gentle smile that decorated their features was replaced with a concerned expression as they noticed the copious amount of blood dribbling down their partner's arm.
"Azure, welcome home," Two Time sputtered, their manic smile growing considerably smaller, "I do apologize for the state that you discovered me in. I was in the midst of showing my devotion to the glorious Spawn."
"My Nightshade, there's no need to be sorry," Azure's voice was sickeningly sweet as he stepped closer and placed a comforting hand on their shoulder. His expression was soft; there wasn't a hint of judgment lingering in his gaze as he assessed the damage.
Two Time averted their eyes immediately, "Is it not horrible of me to make you nurse my wounds as soon as you arrive? Tending to the flowers is quite taxing, and I'm only causing you to complete more work."
"Dear, you're not making me do anything, I want to take care of you," he cupped his partner's face, making it clear that they weren't a burden to him, before letting go and gently grabbing the supplies from Two Time's hands.
Azure's fingers were deft and light as they gently wiped the blood off Two Time's arms, applying ointment and whispering soothing words whenever their partner winced because of the discomfort. They bandaged every gash with the utmost care.
"Azure, I thank you for all you've done." Two Time mumbled, their shameful gaze landing on the red splotches littering the linen, "I'll ensure that the sheets are washed adequately."
Azure smiled softly as they followed their partner's gaze to the stained bed, "Please rest, Two Time, you've already endured enough today."
"I'm certain that the Spawn is very pleased with your kindness," Two Time whispered, their face slightly reddening when a soft kiss was pressed to their cheek. No matter how many times Azure kissed them, the action never failed to fluster them.
"I do hope that you're pleased as well," Azure hummed to himself, pulling his partner into a gentle embrace. Two Time's smile softened as they leaned into his touch.
"I'm very pleased."
. . .
Sickening giggles escape Two Time's lips as tears spring to their eyes. The sound of flesh tearing is audible as they slit their skin open in various places. Patches of the moth-eaten blanket grow dark as blood begins to stain it. The cabin is achingly cold, but that's the least of their worries.
They need to thank the Spawn for this challenge! They must do so. Their God would never have sent them to this odd realm if it wasn't deserved. It's simple. The Spawn is testing Two Time to ensure that they will stay a devout follower even in times like these.
Their smile grows increasingly twisted and strained as their dagger digs into more of their tender flesh. Two Time's thigh aches and throbs, but they know that the pain is worth it for the Spawn. Every and any sacrifice is worth it for the Spawn.
They can no longer cut open their arms due to how the other survivors will instantly catch on to their actions. Their old scars have already been noticed and not commented on, but new ones would cause concern. Two Time desperately didn't want that. They're giving up their blood for a cause, after all. Having to stop sounds terrible.
The guilt is unbearable and crushing, but they have to face it. Even though they miss Azure dearly, they know that it was a necessary sacrifice. They needed to do that. It was for the Spawn; if it was for the Spawn, then it was worth it. Their feelings don't hold a candle to the greatness that is pleasing their God.
Hideous, animalistic sobs escape their throat as they clutch their dagger tightly, staring at the red liquid that covers their pale skin with a crazed expression. Tears finally freely pour down their face, the same face that Azure used to hold with such delicate care.
May the Spawn forgive them for being so pathetic.