Dreams fade like wisps of smoke as a gentle knocking pulls me from sleep. For a disorienting moment, I'm caught between worlds, the comfortable darkness behind my eyelids and the stark white reality of my new existence. The knocking comes again, more insistent this time.
I drag myself upright, running a hand through my sleep-tousled hair. "Coming," I call out, my voice still rough with sleep.
The door slides open with that now-familiar hiss, revealing Kate standing in the hallway. She's holding a tray loaded with food, steam rising from pancakes. My stomach growls in immediate response.
"Good morning, Tyler," she says, her voice warm and melodious. She's wearing her white uniform dress again.
"Good morning, Kate," I manage through a yawn. Her smile brightens at my greeting, and I feel that familiar flutter in my chest.
As I move to take the tray from her, Kate's expression shifts. There's a flicker of uncertainty in her eyes, something almost vulnerable.
"Did you prefer to eat alone?" she asks hesitantly. "I know yesterday you fell asleep right after our sample collection, so you didn't eat much. I was just…"
"Kate," I cut her off gently. "I would be thrilled if you wanted to eat with me."
The relief that washes over her face is immediate and intense. It's strange seeing someone so confident look so pleased by such a simple invitation. She steps into my room, the door sliding shut behind her.
As she moves toward the small table by the window, my robe shifts with my movement. The loosely-tied garment slips open across my chest, exposing bare skin. I don't notice at first, but Kate certainly does. She freezes mid-step, her eyes locked on my exposed torso. The tray in her hands trembles slightly, and there's a look on her face that makes my skin heat up.
She sets the tray down with careful precision and then strides over to me. Before I can say anything, her hands are at my shoulders, drawing the edges of my robe back together, covering me up.
"You seem utterly defenseless since yesterday, Tyler," she says, her voice carrying a hint of both concern and something darker. Her fingers linger at my collarbone, straightening fabric that's already straight.
"What?"
"If you ever decide to walk around outside," she explains, her eyes serious, "we don't want you being immodest. Women would go absolutely feral at the sight of your chest."
I blink again, trying to process this information. In my old world, no one would look twice at me walking shirtless through a park on a hot summer day. But here? Apparently, I'd cause a riot. Just one more bizarre reality of this new existence.
"Right," I say slowly. "I'll keep that in mind."
Kate's hands finally drop from my robe, though she looks reluctant to stop touching me. She gestures toward the table where she's set our breakfast.
"The pancakes are getting cold," she says, her professional demeanor returning, though her eyes still flick occasionally to my now-covered chest.
I follow her to the table, conscious of how my robe moves with each step, making sure it stays closed. We sit across from each other, the small table intimate in its dimensions. Our knees almost touch beneath it.
"Did you sleep well?" Kate asks, passing me a fork.
"I did, actually," I reply, taking the fork from her. "Like a rock. Thanks to you."
Kate's eyebrow rises slightly. "Thanks to me?"
I realize what I've said and quickly cut into the stack of pancakes to buy myself time. "Yeah, you know... after you helped me with the, um, sample collection." My face heats up at the memory.
"Oh!" Understanding dawns on her face, followed by a pleased smile. "Yes, that would explain it. Physical release often leads to better sleep quality."
She watches with obvious satisfaction as I take my first bite of pancakes. They're incredible, fluffy, sweet, with just the right amount of butter melting between the layers.
"These are amazing," I mumble through a mouthful.
Kate beams at me, taking a small, delicate bite of her own. "I'm glad you like them. I had the kitchen prepare them specially."
We eat in a cosy silence for a few moments. I'm ravenous, realizing how I hadn't eaten since arriving in this strange new world. Kate seems content to watch me devour my breakfast, occasionally taking small bites of her own.
"Tyler," she says after a while, setting down her fork. "Right now, the expectation for you is one sample a day."
"One per day?"
She nods, completely unfazed by the topic as she hands me a knife. "The council heard my request and will return with an answer about our... personal arrangement hopefully today." Her voice drops to a more intimate tone. "But since yesterday went so well, they'd like it if you could hit a one sample a day quota."
I swallow hard, cutting another piece of pancake. "Sure, that shouldn't be an issue."
It's not like it's a hardship. In my old world, I was already handling business once a day anyway, sometimes more. The difference was that nobody was collecting it in a cup afterward.
"Wonderful." Kate's smile widens. "And if you'd like, I can help you whenever. There are a few other means for sample extraction as well."
The fork freezes halfway to my mouth. "I'd hate to burden you again."
"Nonsense," she says firmly, reaching across the table to touch my hand. Her fingers are cool against my skin. "I know plenty of guardians who exclusively take care of their wards in that regard. It's part of our duties."
My brain short-circuits at the casual way she's discussing this. Like she's offering to help me tie my shoes.
"I've also heard of wards who have used some of the sample extraction machines," she continues, taking another dainty bite of pancake.
"The what?" I ask, my voice cracking embarrassingly.
"Sample extraction machines." Kate says, her voice taking on a clinical tone. "They're designed for male comfort and efficient collection."
I try to focus on her explanation, but my eyes keep betraying me, drifting down to the deep V of her uniform where it frames her chest. The way her dotted freckles disappear beneath the white fabric is hypnotic. When she leans forward to refill my glass with orange juice, I get an even better view of her cleavage. I quickly snap my gaze back up to her face, hoping she didn't notice.
Too late. A knowing smile plays at the corners of her mouth.
"The extraction device is built like a..." she pauses, tapping her finger thoughtfully against her lips. "I suppose you could call it a receptacle that does all the work, similar to what I did with my hand yesterday. If you'd prefer that kind of help to avoid personal contact."
"No, no," I say hastily, nearly choking on my pancake. "I'd prefer you, of course."
Kate's smile transforms into something radiant, pride gleaming in her eyes. "Then so it shall be," she declares, looking utterly pleased with herself.
I shovel another forkful of the delicious pancakes into my mouth.
"All the food you eat is specially formulated," Kate explains, gesturing to my plate. "It's designed to maximize your body's sperm output."
I pause mid-chew, looking down at my breakfast with newfound appreciation. "Does it all taste this good?" I ask after swallowing.
"It should," she confirms with a nod. "The scientists work hard to ensure nutrition doesn't come at the expense of flavor."
"That's great then," I say, cutting another piece. "At least there's some perks to being a unicorn."
Kate laughs, the sound musical and light. "There are many perks, Tyler. The food is just the beginning." She takes a sip of her coffee, watching me over the rim of her cup. "The living quarters, entertainment options, even your wardrobe, all designed for your comfort and well-being."
"So I'm basically royalty?" I joke, though part of me wonders if that's not far from the truth.
"In a way," Kate says thoughtfully. "Though I'd say more like a precious natural resource. One that requires careful management."
"Careful management," I repeat, the phrase hitting differently than Kate probably intended. My treacherous eyes drift down to her chest again, before I quickly look back up at her eyes.
"You keep looking at my breasts, Tyler."
Heat floods my face and I glance away, mortified at being caught. "Sorry, I didn't mean to…"
"No, it's perfectly okay," Kate interrupts, her voice gentle but amused. "Our uniforms are specifically designed to elicit a response from our wards. There's absolutely nothing wrong with your reaction."
I risk looking back at her, surprised by her understanding. Her eyes drop briefly to my lap, and her smile widens.
"In fact," she says, her voice dropping to that silky purr that makes my stomach flip, "you already look ready for today's sample collection."
I follow her gaze and realize with embarrassment that my robe is tenting noticeably. The thin fabric does nothing to hide my body's enthusiastic response to her presence.
"I, uh…" Words fail me completely. My mouth goes dry as Kate stands up gracefully, moving around the table toward me.
"We might as well take care of it now, don't you think?" she suggests, reaching for my hand. "The morning samples are typically the most potent."
"Let me just grab something first," she says, releasing my hand to retrieve a small cup from a nearby cabinet.
"Sit on your bed, Tyler," she instructs, her voice taking on that professional tone again. "And take out your penis."
I wince involuntarily at the clinical term as I make my way to my bed. It sounds so sterile, so medical coming from her lips. Kate tilts her head, studying my expression with those perceptive green eyes.
"You don't like that word?" she asks, her tone softening. "Would you prefer I call it something else?"
I hesitate, embarrassed but grateful for her attention to my comfort. My fingers fumble with my robe as I expose myself.
"Is cock alright?" I ask awkwardly.
Kate's smile blooms across her face, warm and approving. "Of course," she says, her eyes sparkling. "I've been talking formally with you to keep you at ease, but some wards like... more arousing types of wording choices."
She gracefully lowers herself to her knees in front of me, her tall frame still somehow elegant in this position. The way she's looking at my erection makes my breath catch, there's hunger in her eyes.
"I should mention," Kate says, her voice dropping to a husky whisper, "repeated stimulation of one kind can lead to subjects becoming desensitized." She licks her lips, her eyes never leaving my cock. "So I'd like to show you another way for me to do a sample retrieval."
My pulse thunders in my ears as she places the collection cup on the floor beside her knee. Without breaking eye contact, she reaches out and wraps her fingers around me, her touch feather-light.
"Is this okay?" she asks, her professional demeanor slipping away to reveal something more primal beneath.
"Yes," I stammer, my hands gripping the edge of the bed.
Kate leans forward, her auburn braid falling over one shoulder. "I'm going to use my mouth now," she explains, her breath warm against my skin. "It's a more efficient collection method, and I've heard many wards find it... significantly more pleasurable."
Before I can process her words, she lowers her head and takes me into her mouth. The wet heat of her tongue against me tears a groan from my throat.
"Oh my god," I gasp, my hips jerking involuntarily.
Kate makes a small noise of approval, her hands steadying my thighs as she establishes a rhythm. All pretense of clinical detachment is gone now, her eyes flutter closed in what looks like genuine excitement as she works.
I melt under her touch, unable to control the soft whimpers escaping my lips. Kate's head bobs rhythmically, her movements practiced and precise despite her claimed inexperience. The sensation is overwhelming, warm, wet, perfect.
Suddenly, she releases me with a soft pop, her eyes wild and intense as they lock onto mine.
"Look at me, Tyler," she commands, her voice husky with desire. "I want to see every reaction on that beautiful face of yours."
I obey without hesitation, our gazes connecting in a way that feels more intimate than the physical act itself. There's something feral in her eyes, something possessive that makes my heart race. She takes me into her mouth again, but this time she doesn't break eye contact. The visual combined with the physical sensation is almost too much to bear.
"Kate..." I gasp, my fingers clutching at the bedsheets.
Without warning, she reaches for my hand. Her movements are deliberate as she guides my fingers to the neckline of her dress, pressing them into the deep V of her cleavage. The warmth of her skin against my fingertips sends electricity through my veins.
I hesitate for just a moment before she encourages me with a nod, her mouth still working me expertly. My fingers slip beneath the fabric, finding the soft swell of her breast. Her nipple is hard against my palm as I begin to knead gently.
"Oh god," I breathe, marveling at the perfect weight of her in my hand. "Kate, that feels... incredible."
She hums around me, the vibration adding yet another layer to the overwhelming pleasure. The dual sensation of her mouth on my cock and her breast in my hand pushes me rapidly toward the edge.
"Kate, I'm going to cum!" I stammer, trying to warn her.
Rather than pulling away, she doubles her efforts, her movements becoming more focused, more intense. Her eyes never leave mine, demanding I witness her devotion as she pushes me over the edge.
My release hits like a tidal wave. I cry out, unable to contain myself as pulse after pulse of pleasure wracks my body. Kate doesn't flinch, doesn't pull away. She takes everything I have to give.
When the last tremors subside, she finally releases me, sitting back on her heels with a satisfied smile.
Kate's eyes lock with mine as she slowly opens her mouth, revealing a pool of white gathered on her tongue. I breathe heavy, unable to look away, something so animalistic and intimate about seeing her hold my release like that, displaying it with an almost reverent pride. With deliberate care, she tilts her head over the collection cup and lets my seed slide from her tongue, watching it fall with scientific precision.
"Fuck," I breathe, unable to contain myself at the erotic display.
Her eyes flick up to mine, a hint of amusement dancing in them as she makes sure every last drop makes it into the container. There's something ceremonial about the way she handles it, like she's preserving something precious.
"Language, Tyler," she scolds gently, but the corner of her mouth quirks up in a smile that tells me she's not actually upset. If anything, she seems pleased by my reaction.
After securing the lid on the cup, she rises gracefully to her feet, smoothing down her uniform. I notice with for a moment that her hands are trembling slightly. Despite her professional demeanor, I affected her too.
"Thank you," I whisper, my voice rough with emotion.
Kate chuckles warmly, her eyes crinkling at the corners as she studies me. "You're very reactive, aren't you?" There's fondness in her tone, but also something analytical, like she's cataloging my responses.
My heart pounds against my ribs. Something about this moment feels significant, a turning point I can't quite define. Maybe it's the post-orgasmic clarity, or maybe it's just that I'm tired of pretending.
"Kate, listen, it's not that." I swallow hard, gathering my courage. "I just really like you."
Her eyebrows rise slightly, but she doesn't look displeased.
"I've loved you longer than I can remember," I admit blatantly, the words tumbling out before I can second-guess myself.
Kate's expression shifts, doubt clouding her features. She steps closer, her hand rising to cup my cheek. Her palm is cool against my flushed skin.
"We haven't known each other long, Tyler," she says gently, her thumb tracing the edge of my scar. "In fact, we only talked for the first time when Eliza was sick a few months ago."
I lean into her touch, closing my eyes briefly. "I've seen you around," I say softly. "That's how I fell for you."
It's a lie, but not entirely. The truth isn't far off, I fell for her in my last world, seeing her outside when I was a kid, and then even more when she'd babysit me on the occasions my dad would disappear for days at a time. But how can I explain that without sounding completely insane?
"You've seen me around," she repeats, her tone thoughtful. Her fingers trace the contour of my jaw, sending shivers down my spine. "And that was enough?"
I nod, meeting her gaze directly. "Sometimes you just know."
Kate's eyes drop to my lap, and I follow her gaze to see my cock hardening again already. My face flushes hot, but when I look back up, there's something hungry in her expression that makes my breath catch.
She leans toward me, close enough that I can feel her breath on my face. Her eyes never leave mine as she speaks, her voice dropping to a silky whisper.
"I've heard a few stories of wards falling for their guardians, Tyler," she says, her fingers tracing idle patterns on my thigh. "More often though, what happens is the guardians become infatuated with their wards." Her smile takes on a sharp edge. "Those situations can become quite... detrimental to the ward's life."
The warning in her words sends a chill down my spine, but the heat in her eyes ignites something reckless inside me.
"I'd hate for you to bite off more than you can chew," she finishes, her smile widening.
My heart hammers against my ribs as I make my decision. Before I can talk myself out of it, I surge forward, capturing her lips with mine. The kiss is clumsy, desperate, all my pent-up feelings pouring into this one reckless act.
Kate freezes against me, her body going rigid with shock. When I pull back just enough to see her face, her eyes are wide with surprise, like she never expected me to challenge her this way.
Then something shifts in her expression. Her eyes darken, her smile stretching into something almost wild. There's something unsettling in that smile, something that should send warning bells ringing in my head, but I'm too far gone to care.
"Tyler, even though I just…" she begins, her voice husky.
I don't let her finish. I dive back in, kissing her deeper this time, my hand sliding up to cradle the back of her neck.
For a heartbeat, Kate remains still against me, and I fear I've crossed a line I shouldn't have. Then something shifts. Her initial shock transforms into something else entirely as she surges forward, taking control with startling intensity. Her hand slides up to grip my hair, fingers tangling in the strands as she pulls me closer, deepening the kiss with a lust that makes my head spin.
This isn't the gentle, professional Kate anymore. This is something primal, possessive, overwhelming. Her tongue explores my mouth with confident precision, drawing a moan from deep in my throat. I'm drowning in her, her scent, her taste, the heat of her body pressed against mine.
When she finally breaks away, we're both breathing hard. Her lips are slightly swollen, a flush spreading across her freckled cheeks. The hunger in her eyes makes my heart stutter, something wild and untamed lurking behind her usually controlled expression.
"My, my," she purrs, her voice husky as she traces a finger along my jawline. "This will certainly make our relationship more interesting."