Viper
Likewise, Atsuko was discovering just how fun it was to toy with someone. She hadn’t had the opportunity for something like this before… It was quite enjoyable, wasn’t it? She enjoyed having people do things for her, yes, but this was different. How interesting…
Viper “Perhaps I do. Shameful isn’t something in my vocabulary… for many things that most people would see as such.”
Atsuko let out another chuckle.
“Simply not caring what other people think about you, then… That’s a good thing.” Atsuko certainly thought so, at least. Most people thought quite negatively of her, but were in little position to voice this opinion—almost entirely due to papa.
She wondered how far that went for Viper… Did she care what people thought was ‘good’ or ‘bad’ as little as Atsuko did?
Viper Not at all. I would never wish for you to get tired of it, I just need you to know that whilst I’d be glad to do things for your entertainment, I’ll have to see some payoff myself to completely bend to your will.”
“And what would that be?” Atsuko figured, but she also wasn’t all that interested. She was just telling Viper to jump and seeing how high she would jump. “Apart from fire, there’s not much else I have to offer.” Money was one thing, but that was neither here nor there. “Unless just looking at me is enough?” Humble queen.
Viper “I don’t expect a lot. But just a little enjoyment aside from entertaining you, and I’m sure we can work something out. I must agree with them, you are awfully persuasive, Atsuko.”
“…And without even lifting a finger.” Atsuko tended to always get what she wanted. Whether it be due to papa’s influence or due to fear, she didn’t take no for an answer.
And that was what it was all about, wasn’t it? Having Viper wrapped around her finger. A new source of entertainment. But would it amount to anything in the end? Could it overtake her love for the flame? As she watched the pages of the cookbook burst into flames with the simplest touch of fire with sparkling eyes, she thought not.
Viper “…Perhaps, despite myself, I am already tamed.”
Just as she had tamed the flame, she would tame Viper, too. That’s how it was in her mind, at least. Truthfully, however, the flame couldn’t be tamed. It would run rampant for as long as it pleased, no matter how far Atsuko tried to push it or how hard anyone else tried to extinguish it. That, too, was how Atsuko viewed this. She would burn forever, regardless of what anyone else thought.
“…I hope you’re prepared, then. I’ve only just gotten started.”
