This is the beginning of the promised rewrite! - The first 1/3 will be the same overall (then things will begin to really differ after Lance comes in). However, there have been LOTS of tweaks, an altered origin story, and added details with animal/anatomy, cause that's the most fun part. So if you have read it I'd give it another look. OBLIGATORY WARNING - NAMED TF2 CHARACTERS. I got an okay to post this here - they really are just the classes with names and mild realistic individuality, and dash of gay. So here is the first chunk all at once, it has (chapters) 'parts' if you need to stop at any point : ... ---Part 1--- They told horror stories about Respawn. It was supposed to be a new technology to save lives...but just months after its instatement already the men stationed at The Well felt like guinea pigs with a Russian roulette gun pointed at their temples. Some people got sick from Respawn, the shakes, night terrors, seizures. At the same time, some remained unaffected; fresh has daisies when the machine spit them out. It seemed quite ‘choosy’. The worst, of course, was that sometimes it did the very opposite of what it was designed to do – it could kill you. People had been fried by Respawn if they went through too many times in a week, or the power levels dipped too low, or your respawn was after hours, any number of factors... The Respawn machine was indeed fickle mistress. That was why the mercenaries actually gave two shits about calling for a medic. The medigun could heal you up in a jiffy, giving you one less pull of the trigger with that respawn roulette gun. But it’s hard to call for a medic when you are tossed into the water. “AGGnnn!†The BLU team’s only Spy was thrown into the canal, tossed by a blast from a soldier’s rocket launcher. He’d have survived if he could have made it to the tunnels, but the same RED solider followed after him to finish the job. â€Bon voyage Crouton!†The American chuckled as the rocket fired. The Spy didn’t have time to dodge, even if it all seemed to happen in slow motion. He was always so careful, so sneaky; the worst he ever got was spy check burns, which thankfully respawn or the mediguns fixed. But he’d never been gibbed in the water, and it was so close to ceasefire... His mid section was blown clear apart, guts and blood spilling into the water. In a foolish reflex, he’d put his hands down to try and block the attack. Those were blown off nicely too. Since his head was mostly unharmed, he had a few moments to watch the world go dark as he bled out, and to see his mangled body. His finely tailored suit was like confetti among intestine streamers as the Spy drifted in the waterway. The ceasefire bell rang just as the BLU Spy sank to the bottom, dead at last. The Respawn machines automatically lowered their power levels after ceasefire, sensing no more bodies in the pick up system. The Spy was left waterlogged for a good half hour, forgotten. His team did not wonder where he was at dinner; the Spy was frequently out of sight, off on his own. That was what Spies did. So it was not thought of again. ... The Frenchman’s balaclava was partially blown off, making his short, dark, and slightly curly hair a tangle for some young fish to pick through. There were lots of small aquatic creatures in the canals, for the irrigation-like canals at Well led out to rivers, which were a trickle at their desert like location, but fed out to larger ones far away. Any small river fish, crawdad, and frog that could squeeze through the grates made it in, and would feed on the bits of blood and flesh that Respawn did not pick up. The system often left behind ‘extraneous’ appendages that it could just reconstruct - blown off legs, fingers, toes; all good scavenging for the freshwater wildlife. The fish would grow and become too big to make it back through the grates, making the canals like little ecosystems. The fish scattered like a fluff of disturbed feathers as the Spy’s body zapped out of existence, finally recovered by respawn. ... The BLU team, who was sitting down to dinner, startled as they heard a *KZZATTCChhh*. The lights flickered...right before all the power went out entirely. “Wot the bloody ‘ell...?†The marksman snorted to the darkness. There was a silence before the Scout burst out laughing. “Shuddap!†The Soldier barked, aggravated and hungry, not liking being unable to see his dinner. “Did we blow a fuse or somethin’?†The BLU Engineer scrunched up his nose. Soon the rest of the team was poking him to go fix it, because that was his job right? The Engineer grumbled it was BLU industries job to make sure their equipment was working, the lazy bastards. He went over to the breaker box, and indeed found the Respawn circuit tripped. It had shorted out the rest of the base. He grunted in annoyance, but was then pleased as he could easily fix the issue and be a ‘hero’ to the rest of the waiting team. A quick flick over of the breaker switches, and the team gave an amused cheer from the kitchen. Anything different was welcomed to the monotony of the work week, they’d be stationed at Well a long time with no transfer. The breaker box was in the locker room just outside Respawn. A wispy cloud of amino acid-laced smoke spewed out of the Respawn room as the missing member of their team finally materialized. The BLU Engineer drew closer; confused as to why someone was re-spawning after ceasefire... He gawked as the smoke cleared; unsure if what he was seeing was real. ... ... ... ---Part 2--- When he awoke, the Spy found himself strapped down, and being prodded over by Team Fortress Industries BLU crewmembers. The company got wind of the ‘malfunction’ right away, and stepped in to ‘correct’ the problem. They had no idea how Respawn could cause someone’s genetic make up to alter so completely, and so neatly. They sent the Spy though multiple respawns, with various settings and injected drugs, trying to make the system restore his original pattern. However, the system believed the combined animal and human DNA to BE his original signature. The scientists were a bit baffled. How did the foreign DNA get in there to begin with? Of course there was no original backup on hand... it would cost too much to store such high-memory data with redundancy. “Je vous en prie....please....no more...†The Spy was mumbling to deaf ears, not fully aware of his surroundings (or much of anything) because of the drugs. Why did he feel so dry? Why was breathing so hard? He groaned at the lights overhead and the straps holding him down. “I don’t think we can fix it...†“What about his contract...?†“Cover it up, no one will know. He’s a Spy, his identity is already shadowed… like he doesn’t exist. They’ll find a replacement in a few weeks.†“What do we do with him then - ?†“Dispose of him.†They wiped his data from the system, and prepared lethal injection doses, unaware from the viewing deck wide eyes were looking down upon them. It was a middle aged German man, the doctor technician in charge of keeping the complex bio patterns for the BLU’s respawn machines in check. BLU had been trying for years to auto regulate the patterns, but computers had not yet caught up to how to recognize minute nuances. They still required a human element to periodically weed out the different from the ‘okay to be different’ pieces, otherwise the computer would respawn the men as they were at their last original pattern scan – including hormone levels, stomach contents, hair growth, and most important – memory. It was the reason respawn was not perfect; it still had a human behind the wheel to keep those elements in check. He had taken over for the previous technician who had left....that man had developed the whole system. No doubt he was relaxing on a beach somewhere, paid handsomely by BLU for his inventions. While equally brilliant, the scientist in charge now felt his own genius was completely ignored. He was nothing more than a caretaker, a baby sitter. He felt everyone on the behind the scenes team looked at him as such. So he decided to work on something of his own, something that would make BLU single him out for as HIS work- his invention. He kept it a secret from everyone. That day he finally put his computations into the respawn system. Watching on the Administrator cameras, he saw the Spy blown conveniently into the water before the ceasefire bell. No one would miss him for 30 minutes; his body would be hidden. Surreptitiously, he quickly got to work. He needed the extra time to mix his altered patterns with that on file for the Spy... Now here he was, staring down at his work, it was successful in that the Spy was ALIVE, and not a pile of protein goo. Now the question was - was he the perfect perfected killing machine he had intended to create? Surely BLU should recognize his genius – bioengineered soldiers, fit for any terrain. Sea, land, and air could be conquered, without the need of machines! This was only the start... The German brashly came into the room, smug and blinded by his own ego. He revealed the altered Spy was his doing, and explained how he did it. The half aware Spy just barely heard what he was saying, but he could not process it at that moment. The other technicians stared at him, not sure whether to be shocked, scared, or impressed. However the reception he received was not as glorious as he had envisioned. The Administrator was not pleased. The heads of BU were not pleased. They wanted people who answered to them, not sneaking about and doing things behind their backs. Half animal soldiers? Such nonsense. The German was hauled away, cursing and screaming. He was to be dealt with appropriately. As for his experiment? He pleaded with them to let him study it, to not destroy it. It was proof of his success! Proof of his genius! As he was handcuffed and the door to the respawn room closed, all he saw was that lethal injection needle coming up to the altered Spy. ... ... ... --- Part 3 --- They could dissect him – see exactly the damage the Respawn doctor had done. The Spy did not even have time to think about why he couldn’t quite feel his legs, or what that mass of writhing was from his hips down. He was just aware enough of that ominous needing coming for him. It would mean his final death. Instinct kicked in. The other DNA in him said ‘ESCAPE’. The doctors all screamed as half-dried tentacles ferociously struck out, tearing through leather restraints and knocking over metal tools. Guards came in the room, momentarily shocked at the speed and strength long enough for one of the doctors to be violently ripped apart like a piñata. Bullets flew, purple blood splattered against the walls. An inhuman snarl, a flash of claws and fangs was all they saw before the gunmen were bloodily dispatched. With a damaged cloaking device, the injured Spy was tailed by more TFI guards right into the war game compound. A few of his old team caught sight of what was going on. They watched as their former Spy was riddled with bullets, and kicked into the sewers like garbage. While they wanted to understand what had happened, in the heat of the moment it was easier just to forge the whole thing happened. The altered Spy was dead, the German doctor imprisoned, it was done with. … However, they had miscalculated the altered Spy’s ability to heal. He survived…barely. The BLU Medic wondered where some of his med kits disappeared off to. But it was not worth worrying about for too long. The former BLU Spy tended to his wounds with a distant demeanor, like running on autopilot. His body dragged him to a dark, sheltered corner of the pipe-ways in the canal, where it felt safe. He was instantly asleep - exhausted, stressed and confused. It was only after he was out of danger, and had a full night’s sleep at the bottom of the canal, that he could wake up and really realize what’d become of him and where he was. “Tut Alor…..†He gawked at himself, and tried to push it away like he could escape from his own body. HIS body, that writhing mass was part of HIM. He tore off his tattered pinstripe suit to inspect himself fully, to touch and confirm it was real. He thought he was still wearing his thin leather gloves, but he could not be because they surely wouldn’t have fit over the webbing that now stretched between his fingers. His hands were the same color as the dark aged leather. The color tapered off just before his elbows into a mass of spots. He was loosely spotted elsewhere, all along the sides of his face, down his sides...where there was now a set of what appeared to be gills - they had to be considering he was underwater and breathing comfortably. Scraggly frills ran down the once damaged skin behind his arms and backbone. Then there were the tentacles. Where his legs used to be, was a massive curling pile of tentacles; large and muscular, like a kraken, with fleshy, prehensile suckers from base to tip. They kind of did their own thing, exploring and gripping to the sides of the pipe and the edge of it where it led to the open water. When he thought of them, or even just one, suddenly they flowed under his conscious control. But as his mind wandered so did the appendages. He distantly watched the tip of one curling over his hand; it was like he was watching someone else. Were these things really...him? Part of his body? ‘…what’s that?' His head jerked over; a tentacle exploring out into the open water gave him some interesting feedback, something the more primitive part of his brain liked. He darted out, not thinking much about it. Thinking would make him have to come to terms with his current situation. His brain could not handle any more stress right now. But his damaged body, it knew it needed to heal, and to do that it needed energy, it needed food. A nicely-sized catfish was what he sensed. It was quickly caught with a single tentacle, reeled in, and torn apart, fangs sinking into the sweet flesh. It was a female too, full of eggs. It was delicious to the starving altered Spy. Was it alright to eat the raw meat? Rip and crunch through the bones with his teeth? Running on auto pilot though - he did not think about those things too deeply. The Spy sank to the bottom, coiling up on himself like a sated snake. Each finger was licked clean for every morsel of the prey. He then suddenly scraped his finger on his teeth, flinching. His teeth were certainly much sharper than they had been before...The Spy lay there nursing the small wound, an inhuman ‘churrr’ escaping his throat. What had become of him? He tried to recall the past few days in any kind of coherent manner. He recalled the solider killing him, and Respawn must have picked him up for he was here now…he remembered a BLU doctor who was not their team’s Medic looking him over, and multiple other people in blu colors. He remembered feeling sick, hungry, achy. There was yelling, and talking. He tried hard but it was all a blur. He also recalled killing people. A good number of people. The memory was a haze of movement and blood. It was part of his job description to kill people. He liked the rush and the danger, stalking and outwitting his mark, the satisfaction of that fatal backstab, and defending himself if his cover was blown. It was like a game sometimes, like hide and go seek; only you die. He was always professional, cool, collected. But self defense and assignment was one thing. The fact he felt he’d been out of control, couldn’t remember exactly what he did the past day - that greatly disturbed him. That he had killed without deliberation, like some wild animal. The Spy thought himself an intelligent person, secretive, well traveled, smart, attractive…and a skilled assassin. But not a monster... In recent years he was thinking about retiring from the ‘spy business’. He had wants of companionship. To think - a ‘lonely spy’. He could never have a steady lover as a spy; it’d be too dangerous for both of them. He had enough money saved he could have done it after his tour with BLU. Find someone, settle down, and get an apartment in the city. Enjoy cups of tea and coffee at corner café’s in Paris, eat expensive pastries, make love on silk bed sheets. Why did this suddenly cross his mind? …maybe because as he looked at himself…he realized he’d never have any of that now. Dominique crawled back into that safe feeling pipe, tired and overwhelmed. He’d never felt depressed or lost like this, not even when he was captured by the enemy and interrogated, not even when he spent days sitting alone on stake out. His tentacles pulled his clothes back to him; they made a passable pillow as he curled up into a silently weeping ball. ... Picture Ref of Domi over at: http://tf2chan.net/rpg/src/128934466881.jpg http://tf2chan.net/rpg/src/128934474974.jpg ... --Part 4-- The Spy huffed as he growled at his Cloak and Dagger and Disguise Kit. Both had been damaged in the attack. He had not the mechanical ability to fix them, despite trying. The charge on the invisibility watch did not hold through movement, but it would still work with indefinite invisibility while stationary. His disguise kit fritzed randomly; the audio or visual would work but not in tandem, or it would flicker in sunlight. Sometimes it worked perfectly. It was very unreliable. Being a man of espionage who survived without such tech for over a decade, Dominique figured he’d get by. Getting by, however, consisted of becoming accustomed to his new existence. That first day, after he got over what he’d become and how he almost died by his own team’s hands…he started slowly exploring his new ‘home’. His idle exploration was also good means to get used to his changed body. Simple swimming seemed to come naturally, instincts no doubt. He skirted along the bottom, walking more so than swimming against the rocks and sticks littering the concrete canal floor. His tentacles poked into every nook and cranny, taking in the texture of the concrete walls, rocks littering the bottom, things he could stop to look at because his lungs weren’t burning with a held breath. When he paused, or came up on a wall, his mantle flared to grasp, with suckers seeking purchase all on their own, grasping and wanting to explore everything they could reach. This made him somewhat distressed, because it made him feel like he was out of control of his body. He didn’t like that idea of being out of control of anything, especially his own actions. How could he sneak about with wandering limbs? Reasoning, the Spy compared himself to a child learning to walk. A baby couldn’t walk before they could crawl, surely this was no different? What the Spy did not know, was that imbued into his DNA was indeed just that. The tentacled limbs of octopi arms have little minds of their own, with their own independent nervous systems. The brain delegates orders, while the arm is responsible for deciding exactly how to execute the order. Then the octopus, or in this case the distressed BLU Spy, can give a quick assignment to the arm and then not have to think about it anymore. A side effect of course, is that when not giving them orders, the limbs can tend to wander. Investigating the canals around the shipping base was fascinating; it was a side of the bases he never got to see. The waterways were a lot more extensive than he imagined - with plenty of hollows to hide in. He liked dark; enclosed and hidden…at least a feeling inside him told him such. He also had to explore himself. He knew his anatomy had changed, but the exact technicalities of how he was still breathing and functioning as a living creature were unknown to him. He craned his neck, trying to get a full look at his naked body. All the damaged skin from when he was killed that last time was changed. Scraggly frills on his arms and back were under his control to perk or lower, like a fish. Despite it being impossible for anyone to be around at the bottom of the canal, he glanced about and made sure he had privacy before poking about his lower half. He ‘lifted up his skirt’ wincing and feeling ill at first seeing all those large suckers on his tentacles where they trailed up towards his torso like spokes of an umbrella. Dominique panicked for a moment, now that he was (mostly) calm, rested, and fed, he could think of secondary things. Finding himself plenty flexible to curl around like looking between his legs, he felt over his lower anatomy. Where was his manhood? All he could figure out by sight was his ‘ass’ - or what was left of it. Merely a crux of those suckers, not in the same position or form as it was before. From what he recalled of animal anatomy, that is where a ‘beak’ would be on octopuses, as it was their mouth, like on starfish or sea urchins. It was funny how all that stuff he learned way back in school suddenly was very helpful. The Spy slumped against the curve of the large water pipe he was laying in. Was he to suffer yet more indignity? He was quite honest with himself in that like most other men in their mid-prime he had sexual needs, from self gratification to rolling in the sheets with a partner...he couldn’t imagine living without it. Now what could he do? Would he ever feel the same again? He writhed in frustration for some time, stewing over thoughts. The Spy then flitted to the surface to distract himself, and considered now what he would do about LAND. He didn’t have legs any longer. Could he even GO on land anymore? He recalled vaguely when he escaped away from those guards; he was running on autopilot during the ordeal. RUNNING, yes he recalled traversing the land somehow...not swiftly, but still... His frustration only grew as he discovered he not only looked quite aquatic - he WAS very aquatic. With the cool and safe blanket of night, he fumbled through trying to make his tentacles work in a manner for ‘walking’. As he did so, his chest began to feel dry if he breathed air longer than a few minutes - his breaths slowly became shallow and labored as if he had asthma. He quickly slipped back into the water. After a quick soak, he could breathe air just fine. It was to be assumed his lungs needed to be kept moist to work - that was the logical conclusion. When he breathed underwater, he inhaled water like he would air, but it was exhaled out through the gill slits on his sides. He could feel the cold water passing through him, it was a very natural feeling motion, just like breathing always was, except a lot ‘thicker’. In fact, it was quite pleasant, pleasurable even. He wished he could see how his inner anatomy had changed...though that made him think of the word ‘dissection’, so he refrained from thinking about it too hard at the moment. Not to be caught suffocating, the crafty Spy had an idea. He stole a liquor flask from the RED Demoman the next chance he had, when his gibbed body was thrown into the canal. He was the worst Demoman he’d ever seen! Stepped on his own stickybombs. He didn’t NEED to be drinking any more than he was. The tentaspy cleaned out the metal flask and kept it in his suit, filled with fresh water. He could now sneak about for longer periods of time, though his tentacles required moisture after not much longer than his lungs…they’d grow chapped and leathery like lips in the winter. But it was breathing that was most important. Looking like a drunkard with a habit, Dominique would periodically take inhaling sips from the flask as he snuck around at night. The flask gave him a lot of freedom from his ‘watery prison’, to think how such a simple thing could be so liberating. Despite the uplift, the Spy was still incredibly frustrated. It had been almost a fortnight since his new existence...and he was really itching now for relief from that kind of tingle only orgasm could provide. It wasn’t just your usual need, sure men got horny, but this felt raw and beyond him like many things that clawed at his mind now. It was this animalistic, alien heat inside him, and it didn’t help he had no idea how to satisfy it. He hit a trigger one evening. As he explored behind RED base, he caught a wiff of something like a good meal being cooked; only there was no smell of food. It was the smell of arousal. Not the odor, but the hormones, the very elements that made it inveigle your senses on a primal level. He peeked into the window there, cracked to the outside as it was a cool, mild evening. There inside was the RED team’s Medic and Heavy, quite intertwined and muffling their cries so as to not have teammates hear through the wall. A twinge of humor rose in the Spy, thinking about how he’d backstabbed both of them in tandem multiple times, one after the other. Now he was seeing them in such a different light, not ruthless and intimidating on the field, but naked and sweaty, groaning in need. Though that didn’t change the fact he was there invisible, watching...just...watching. Like some dirty voyeur. Only his expression on his invisibly cloaked face was one of longing and jealousy. HE wanted that... When he couldn’t watch anymore he sank to the dew damp grass, tentacles coiling up to conserve moisture, but also in aroused confusion. Mon dieu, he could still SMELL them, like some fine perfume. It was intoxicating! He growled softly, a shaky hand removing his water flask from his scraggly pin stripe suit. Half of the water spilled down his face and chest as he tried to inhale a deep breath of it. Dominique made it back to the canal edge closest to the barracks. He smoothly slid in and sunk to the bottom. The cool water washing through his system helped to douse the passion in his ‘groin’. Maybe...maybe being this ramped up he could achieve some kind of release. Maybe he could – His train of thought scattered as a shot of pleasure ran through him. He writhed against the canal bottom, back arched to it. A hand instinctively felt downwards, discovering a firm but prehensile appendage – and it wasn’t one of his tentacles. Seemed he wasn’t missing something after all. It was incredible, and release him hard and fast as he quickly discovered how amazing it felt to wrap his soft suckers all along his erect length, pulsing and squeezing. He writhed in limp relief, a flurry of low churrrs and growls welling up in his throat. “Ahhh...ahhhh...†He gasped, gills flaring wide. If nothing else, at least this was one thing he had regained control of. ... ... ... -- Part 5 -- But another thing he really wanted…was a new suit. His pinstriped jacket was torn and bullet hole riddled. He did not like looking so...shabby. He was a spy, not a hobo. And he did not want to be nude all the time, it was highly unprofessional...but most of all...keeping some semblance of humanity was something he was trying to cling to with all his might. His team replacement that came made for easy pickings. When he was comfortable enough with his ‘walking’ skills, he went for it. While the battle raged on outside during the day, the tentaspy slinked into the base, and snagged a fresh suit from the new BLU Spy’s closet with a curling tentacle. Dominique took a look at the replacement Spy’s bed… ...that was his bed. Only a month ago, he would sleep there, dry and warm. Dominique scowled, choking back emotion. He’d been getting a little more emotional then he ever recalled before - maybe it was hormone fluctuations, or the fact he was basically assumed dead and it didn’t matter anymore what outwards appearance he put on. The pillow and blanket were snatched as well, they were HIS after all. BLU would replace them. The pack of cigs on the dresser was left behind. He had kicked the habit during his physical ordeal. During his attempts at walking he had tried lighting up like he would in the past, stress smoking to ease his nerves – but he got a stinging pain in his gills and such a coughing fit it discouraged all thoughts of smoking again. He reluctantly, and quickly, had to quit cold turkey. With his gills connected to his lungs, exhaling made some air go out through them too. The delicate frimbrae seized like pouring salt in a wound. He would miss those swirling little smoke rings he used to blow, and the menthol flavor. But his lungs firmly said NO, so it was something else he had to give up. ... Before heading back to the canal, the tentaspy swooshed into the kitchen like a low moving, tentacled panther. He used the spray wand from the sink to rewet his needy tentacles. He gave a happy, churrring groan of relief. He felt a webbed hand over them, slimy and smooth as they should be... He was so occupied he almost did not hear the Engineer stumbling in from Respawn. “Merde!†Domi hissed to himself as he darted to the first out of the way place he could think of – the top of the fridge and cabinets. There was plenty of space between them and the ceiling to wedge himself. Being still, his faulty Cloak and Dagger worked to make him completely invisible. It was Dexter…that was the Engineer’s name. He used to be his teammate. He’d joke with him about sappers whenever they crossed paths in the showers. The man liked to pleasure himself while reading car magazines. He hated the smell of citrus, liked to play solitaire, always wore suntan lotion. These little things he liked to observe of people, when they didn’t know he was there. If he knew he was alive, would he, or any of his team, still treat him like a teammate? Or would they shoot on sight, and finish the job BLU thought they accomplished? “Well that’s a hell of thing….is the sink leakin’ again’?†The engineer finally noticed the wet floor. He had come in to grab a drink of water before heading back outside. He checked the sink pipes but all was in order. The Engineer shrugged, it wasn’t a huge deal. Domi sighed in relief as he left. Better not risk it…he wasn’t in Respawn anymore. ... ... ... --Part 6-- Months turned into years. Soon three had passed. The crews shuffled. Contracts were fulfilled, people left, were killed by faulty Respawn, and new people came over that time. Only a hanful of members were left that would recognize Dominique, if they saw him. While he WAS good at hiding, there were times he was briefly seen. The results only backed up his fears. Rumors of a ‘tentacle monster in the canals’ became amusing bonfire tales for the teams. But no one really believed anything the drunk Demo, crazy Soldier, poor English speaking Heavy, or eccentric Medic said anyway. The former spy kept up his love of observation. He’d become quite the voyeur, even more than he was before. It passed the time, kept him a part of things he had to leave behind. Now that he was ‘outside the system’ it was a whole new feeling. He’d hide in corners as long as his drying tentacles could stand. Thankfully, he could sip from his flask without making his faulty cloak flicker. Dominique took notes on stolen journal paper, and would read them in a hidden, dry alcove deep in the drainage pipes. It was decorated with bits of things he’d take from the bases...anything to feel more human (Anything to remind himself he was human, to not let himself slip into an instinct driven routine). He only used the alcove to spend time and store things; sleeping was done underwater, always. From his pillow kept dry inside in a sealed plastic bag, rounds for his revolver, to little things like magazines and empty pop bottles. He’d stack damp cards till they fell over, then play solitaire with them. He’d try to make up new tricks flipping his balisong blade, draw into the concrete moss covered floor with his claws – all while slumped on his stomach with his tentacles draped into the water. He tried to avoid spinning his revolver barrel idly; he might become tempted to use it. ... The altered Spy didn’t notice at first how much he ate, but it was actually quite a lot...it was like his metabolism was high, or that he needed more energy to keep running all those tentacles. He knew his blood was slightly bluish, being a deep reddish-purple, what he didn’t know precisely, was he was half blue blooded because of having elements of the copper-bonded blood octopuses have. Octopus blood is a poor carrier of oxygen, which helps explain the animal's sometimes apparent laziness. But Dominique was a fairly active, half mammal. To cope, he merely took in more, so he’d have the energy to pump that blood at the high blood pressure level he needed, as he lacked the three hearts that octopus as the animal possesses to keep up THEIR blood pressure. Dominique grew disenchanted with fish out of boredom, and he could only steal so much food before people took notice. He tried catching game outside the bases during the cool nights, or when it rained, venturing past the fence where the trains would come in. The trains were starting to come less frequently. Jackrabbits and wild foul made for interesting prey, and quite tasty ones at that. That was indeed a nice distraction...though one day he tried something else as his taste buds and energy-needy body grew hungry for variety. The first time he plucked a body from the waters where it’d been blown he was disgusted at himself for feeling the urge to eat it, but found the taste…pleasant. He took to killing members he didn’t like, picking off RED’s and BLU’s alike, this lasted for only a few days, and the Spy was sure to kill swiftly and cleanly before he was really seen... …he went back to fish and jackrabbits soon after. If he let himself slip too far; he feared he really would become that monster everyone thought he was. ... The fifth year crept by. Dominique had somehow avoided being discovered by the BLU scientists who wanted him as a science experiment. And, as of lately, they seemed to not be around much behind the scenes. It was like they were letting the mercenaries have more freedom in their spare time. Or they got the equipment working to their satisfaction, because Respawn was not frying as many people as it used to. It was a rare occurrence compared to when the Spy first came. Or perhaps they just didn’t care. Either way, the trains kept coming with supplies, and Dominique would watch them like a perched, invisible vulture up in the station rafters. He would ride one out if he could, but there is no way he’d survive to civilization, or anywhere with water. There was nothing but half-deserted farmland and grassland as far as the eye could see. The closest river he could see was too far to walk to unless it was raining, if his tentacles could even carry him that far on the rough ground. He tired quickly supporting his weight on land if going more than a short distance. ... It did not rain much, but Dominique loved it when it did. Then he could stay out as long as he wanted. It let him wander outside the fences even longer to catch guinea foul and rabbits. The tentaspy had a venom he could inject into his prey, he had found this out in his first year, and now was a master of it. It was far more desirable than squeezing his prey to death in his tentacles, for the mouth feel of the muscles staying intact. He found it amazing how he could eat all this raw food without getting sick; he had no doubt his body chemistry had changed for that. It reminded him of sushi, that clean, mild taste of fresh meat. It was wonderful how delicious plain, raw meat could taste... A quick bite of his fangs, and jackrabbit stopped struggling within seconds. It was easy work for his claws and sharp teeth to skin and cut up the creature. He sometimes used his balisong to get a more precise cut, or just to feel more refined, feel more human even though no one was watching. Picking flesh off the jackrabbit’s leg like it was a buffalo wing, Dominique lazed his tentacles over the nest he’d made in a high corner of the BLU base, which resembled a factory on the outside. A large, broken pipe made for a lovely high perch to watch people. He’d dragged fabric and grasses up there over the years, and with some jugs of water he could stay up there for hours even when it was not raining, as the padded scoop held water like a wading puddle. With the bases rainy and the factory buildings lit up for the evening, it was actually rather beautiful. It reminded him of Paris...be it a run down, industrial, rusty Paris (with a healthy dose of imagination). With all the little runner lights through the fog of the rain, he tried to picture the factory tower by RED Base as the Eiffel tower....maybe if he squinted. The lit building and warehouse windows were like the city lights. Trying to toss the rabbit bones into a rusty bucket on the next catwalk down, Dominique sighed and stared again at that distant river like he had many times before. He thought while idly flicking his balisong open and closed in a twirling motion. CLICK, chink...CLICK, chink....Click click CHINK.... Maybe he really should try to make it to the ocean...maybe he could get to the Mediterranean, or the coast outside Europe. “That’s where you could go, back where you came from, yes?†He thought, “But that is very far...would you make it out there?†He’d traveled the world; he was not in need of sightseeing. It’d be no different than where he was right now. He’d still be just as limited by his aquatic nature and faulty disguise kit, and he’d still be an invisible tentaspy spying on people. He couldn’t sit in his favorite corner café, he couldn’t woo anyone, and he couldn’t enjoy a glass of wine on a hotel balcony. Besides, would Paris be...if he was alone? ... ... ... --Part 7-- Then one day, the current RED Engineer accidentally walked in front of his own sentry as it was firing at a BLU. Respawn fried him. A new RED engineer came. Dominique observed him as he did every new team member, starting a ‘file’ on the individual. The Engineer’s name was Lance; He was American, and southern – this one was from Austin Texas specifically. Short, 5’ 4â€, stocky build, velvet fuzzed head with dirty blond hair. Because of the heat during the day, he didn’t always wear the team colored RED shirt, so you could see his light scruff of chest and armpit fuzz poked out from under his not-so-formfitting reddish brown overalls. This engineer was a little bit aloof, not unfriendly, just...he seemed to avoid the larger classes and keep to his workshop when the day’s fighting was over, though he also spotted the man getting to know his teammates over a few bottles of beer to grease the social gears. Very laid back but not cocky, though he seemed to like to joke he was ‘the better man’ when ever he got the best of a BLU. Of course he was a genius of machinery. Though, this engineer seemed more artist than mechanic when compared to other engineers…he spent long hours drawing detailed blueprints, and crafting a design that was sleek and beautiful, not just functional. A form to follow function, and a function to the atheistic beauty of the form. For a man like the Spy, who was accustomed to the art of the Louvre and the romantic nature of his homeland, it stirred interest and a sense of sophistication he admired. The Tentaspy continued his observations into another week. To his amusement many of the fancy designs of the Engineer did not work; or would be too weak overall to withstand heavy combat (he used bulkier designs during the day’s fighting, a lot of the special designs were done on the side, though his sleeker designs often built quicker). The man was entertaining in his artistic frustration, but the Engineer kept at it. The notes went down in Dominique’s journal files. Everyone had secrets, and he wanted them all. New team members held his attention for a while, distracted him from his boredom and loneliness. Then it’d be back to the same routine... But there was something about the new Engineer’s eager creativity that kept the tentaspy’s attention. Dominique found himself watching the man a little more closely than usual. ... ... ...
tl:dr But, I did read Part 1 and I'm adopting such respawn failures into my head canon. Merci.
Just a heads up for anyone reading this story: I joined Y Gallery specifically to find the rest of it, and a later chapter contains some of the hottest tentacle-related sex I've read in a long time. Yes, it's long, but it's worth reading - trust me on that. Gotta say though - Lithe, you don't need to include the background on what Domi is right now, like how he's half mammal or whatever. It breaks the flow a little, like a section of science text dropped in for no reason. The rest is good. I'll be watching this one.
Actually I like the sciency stuff. (Not really into porn but adult fanfics have a lot of good drama or humor in them.) Your tentaspy is pretty interesting.
I've always liked this story, and I can't wait for my favourite scene to come up (lol the porn), and see how it's changed, if at all.
Loving it so far. If you don't mind me asking, where's the y-gallery link?
ahh loving this. Though i actually prefer the original reason behind why he became a tentaspy. I can't wait to read more
Can't wait for the next installment!
>>6 Just go to Y Gallery, search for tentaspy domi or something, and you'll find it. You'll need to sign up but that takes no time at all.
I will admit, I am no fan of tentaspy. It just seems rather pointless to me. But I read the entire thing posted here, and I'm hooked. I'd like to see where this goes. The romance seems a bit cheezy though, but eh, if there really is hot porn at the end, it might be worth it...
Enjoying the rewrite so far; they seem more like Classes-With-Names rather than completely original characters and that is what I like in my TF2 fics (feels less mary sue-ish). The main problems with this fic came in later chapters with the characters acting like smitten 14-year-old girls rather than middle-aged, battle-hardened men, so I'm interested to see if the rewrite takes that into consideration.
> 3 I'm a nerd for science techobabble and all that so expect to see it in any of my fics, but yea it might have broken the flow for sure where it was, I agree. > 2 Ffftt your welcome. Enjoy, heh heh! > "Plot that happens to have porn", that's what I'm going for here. It's in Afanfic with a reason! :) > 11 Oh yes, that is where I am mostly doing the changing. Domi IS still a slightly insecure and super lonely/horny tentaspy, and Lance IS still a closet gay Engineer, but his team mates won't be as accepting, if he tells them at all, and neither will be doing any '14 year old girls' as it were. That was the MAIN reason for the rewrite.
12 Excellent. Well then continue.
I actually really like the sprinkling of science in this fic. I'm a hard science fiction kind of gal, and having some facts to back it up make a story even more plausible to me. A bit of science in my porn makes me happier than a kid who's just heard the ice cream truck jingle (which in the neighborhood in which I grew up happened far too seldom). Please, do continue.
The science is a teeny bit distracting the the flow, but I'm torn because I freakin' love sci-fi. Honestly, though, I'm looking forward to the increased-manliness in the upcoming chapters; I love it when you write man-monsters just sort of clicking over into primal mode (while the partner is just going "dude? um, dude?" with the awful realization that their sweetheart is gone and if they didn't want three-foot tentacock, too goddamn bad), but yeah, it was a little too cutsey last time. It's impossible to make everyone happy, but I for one really appreciate you taking the criticism so well and giving this a rewrite.
I have a terrible memory, so I'm enjoying this story as if for the first time. I'm quite liking it, and I get unduly, Medic-style curious about a TentaSpy's insides, so... yeah, rock on.
I've been looking forward to the rewrite on this, glad to see it's here.
I really like it so far, never read it the first time around but it seems to be going in an excellent direction. Can't wait for the next update!
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Eeeexcellent. Been waiting for this. I like the changes to the story.
*stalking quietly*
Oooh, very interesting remake on the disguise kit repairs.
No words... I'm happy to see this again.
*Old one of this post deleted, then reposted cause of some small changes – new post follows this one* Thanks for the crit and kind words all! I love feedback of all kinds. Here is the next 2 parts, already you can see the new direction, despite the overall similar plot line. ... --Part 8-- Weeks later, Dominique sat coiled in a damp corner watching the RED Engineers work one evening. To Dominique’s fortune the ‘artistic’ Engineer liked to smelt metals at RED’s outside furnace, heating them up to hand pound and shape. It was not far from the canal, and near some drainage pipes and shrubs. It was so close because to quick-cool the pieces the canal made an easy dipping pot. To the tentaspy it was merely extremely convenient for HIM. The dirty blond engineer didn’t know what it was, but sometimes he swore he was being watched since arriving at the RED base. “Hey pardner, do...those spahs ever...well spah on their own teammates?†Lance asked of a fellow engineer, who had come by to shape some metal as well. “I wouldn’t put it past them,†The older man replied, glancing up only briefly from his work. Domi furrowed his brow, tentacles curling. Not like they could reach him where he was....but he never liked it when his mark got the ‘hebbie jeebies’. CLANG, CLINK, CLANG The tentaspy watched the laborers do what they did best. The shirtless Engineer held his piece of metal up to a schematic blueprint, making sure it was sized and shaped properly. It seemed to be plans for a dispenser, but this one had a sleeker look than the usual. The current RED team actually had 3 engineers; it was easy to tell them apart as Lance was typically hatless, while the other two liked to wear Stetsons, one in black, the other in white. The one in white had come about 2 weeks after Lance, most likely an over-hire misfile when their second Engineer was killed, as the team didn’t really need three engineers. His name was Roscoe, the youngest of the three engies at about 35 years old, perhaps 4 years younger than Lance. The oldest, the one Lance was speaking to at that moment by the furnace, was there long before them, a veteran of the RED team and no doubt due for a transfer soon. His name was William, he was known for being fairly serious, though a few beers always loosened him up. “Well, it sure is nice having unlimited materials, but the selection is a bit restricted,†Lance muttered to himself as he fixed a curled piece of RED metal to another for an outside panel of his dispenser. “We’re given what is required to build what we need for the team,†William replied. “I wonder how that BLU metal welds...†Lance kept talking to himself. Dominique chuckled softly as he idly played with his water flask, turning it over in his webbed hands. What did the laborer mean by that? How would BLU’s metal be any different building dispensers and sentries? When he was dried enough for it to be uncomfortable, the tentaspy snuck around in the shadows behind the engineers, his faulty cloak flickering, but the noise of them banging metal made them plenty distracted not to notice. He slipped into the canal silently, last of his tentacles disappearing like thick noodles sliding into soup. Looking up, he saw and heard the hiss of hot metal hitting the water’s surface, as one of the engineers quick cooled a piece of metal. He was still thinking about the engineer’s muttering as he hunted for dinner. To his observations - BLU was more industrial than RED, with BLU base being all concrete and metal, while RED being ‘homely’ with wood and brick on the outside. Maybe BLU did manufacture a very different kind of metal, though he swore BLU’s sentries looked the same as RED’s. The ‘puzzle’ gnawed at him a bit for a day or two, and while listening to the battle rage on topside muffled through the water, he considered making use of that scrap metal left behind from the day’s territorial war. After the end of day bell rang, when the BLU Engineer wasn’t looking, the tentaspy crept up behind him and snagged some of his sentry’s remains in his tentacles. With the metal securely in his suckers, Dominique swam through the tunnels and brought his gatherings to the RED side of the field, hiding them in a corner so he could think. Now there was no way he could just HAND them over...and leaving some BLU metal there like a present with no wherewithal would be more than suspicious, so he had to make this look orderly. He had to make this look credulous. He had to be sneaky and cunning about this – he had to be...a Spy. A pleased grin curled across his face – it was like he had a mission again...be it this was silly and self-imposed – but still. It was something with purpose. In his scheming, Dominique formulated a plan. He had noticed the new RED Engineer seemed friendly with their team’s Heavy. Not amazingly buddy buddy, but enough that, combined with that the Heavy was often on the BLU side of the field being offensive with their Medic, and was strong enough to carry it, made it believable that he could/would gather sentry metal scrap to bring back. This, and the Russian was also friends with William, as both had been on the team together for some time. It could be assumed he might have told the Russian about what Lance said in off hand conversation, especially over a beer. Forging handwriting styles was actually one of his forte’s. Dominique gave a pleased chuckle as he had not lost his touch, and he produced a believable note from the Heavy to Lance as he sat there on top of the scrap in a shadowed corner by the canal, tentacles curling about it like a kraken protecting treasure. He’d take this and leave it on the pile of scrap outside the RED Engineer’s workshop and – But then as he thought about it more, he realized, he needed to have some security that Lance would not mention it to William or the REAL Heavy...and leaving a discreet note did not seem like the Russian’s style. He’d want to hand it over personally to get praises from his team mate...he was a big man and never subtle. Dominique crumpled up the note and coiled his tentacles more around the pile of waiting scrap. For the Russian to hand it over...to hand it over in person.... For his plan to work, he’d need a working disguise kit. Because of the fear of being put out into a vulnerable situation and being captured if discovered, Dominique never bothered to attempt it in the past 5 years. But now...with every member on each team who had known him while he worked for BLU dead or transferred, no one was left that would recognize him in the least. Also, the teams seemed to be working quite autonomously of their companies, with no BLU or RED behind the scenes workers living there like they were when the Spy was working for BLU. The respawn systems were stabilized – everything was working with (relative) smoothness with no need for a ‘babysitter’. So now was the perfect time for the altered Spy to take some risks - and he finally had motivation to do so. Once that idea got into his head of SPEAKING to people again, disguising and impersonating members like old times, he couldn’t get it out of his mind. Disguise kit in webbed hand, Dominique used those note forging skills again, to impersonate the RED Spy... ... ... ... --Part 9-- Lance came into the workshop after the day’s battle and clicked on the bulb to his workbench. He put down his wrench and hesitated to put down his toolbox as he noticed something on his desk. It was a disguise kit – the kind the team Spy would use during battle to impersonate others. He recognized it right away – but god damn, it was in bad shape. He picked it up and noticed a note sticking out of it. Lance could practically hear the RED Spy’s snarky accent in his head as he read it, Dear Laborer, My disguise kit has become a bit waterlogged using the canals to infiltrate BLU, and is malfunctioning. You seem to have an eye for small details – fix this before tomorrow’s battle, would you? Slide it under my door for me when you are done. Merci, Spy “Merci indeed,†The engineer grumbled to himself, “Couldn’t even come in person, lazy, anti-social spah just leaving stuff lying ‘round.†He sighed. But after the initial annoyance, the Engineer got to taking apart the damaged kit...and was soon engrossed and intrigued by the delicate technology that made it tick. He’d never taken apart one of the Spy kits before, though he’d seen their Spy in action using it on the field. It was fascinating! It was a lot like a watch in the intricacy of its mechanics, a lot crammed into the small space of the cigarette case like device. He was curious now to get a hold of one of the cloaking watches too....he wondered what THOSE looked like if this was so interesting! ‘Damn this thing really IS water damaged...’ Lance mused as he blew away solder smoke before it clogged up his nostrils, ‘he must use the drainage and canal systems to get to BLU all the time.’ The engineer re-soldered all the connections on its circuit board, re-adjusted its kinetic powered quartz charging system, and installed new seals so water could not get in again. He was very intricate in small details, almost more artist than mechanic at that moment – fixing the small, complicated tech of the disguise kit was no problem for him. It looked almost good as new when he was done with it. A job well done, Lance fell asleep at his desk as it was far beyond when he normally stayed up, the repaired kit under him. Keeping tabs on his gear...was the real owner. Dominique had been coming in periodically (to and fro from the canals through the cover of night), peeking in the back window, slinking up to the rafters, faulty cloak flickering, but the engineer was deep in work with his back to him, there was little risk of being seen. The tentaspy panicked a little when he saw the engineer asleep. “No no no he must slide it under his door while he is asleep! If he does so in the morning the RED Spy might be awake and see it, and I won’t be able to snag it!†Domi thought. He looked around for something he could pick up and throw to make noise to wake him. But just as he was about to do so, the door creaked open. It was Roscoe, the youngest and newest engineer - coming in with some things to put at his work bench. It was obvious he had been working outside, hence why Lance had been alone all evening in the shop. He noticed his fellow engineer asleep at his workbench. “Lance?†He piped up lowly, coming over to shake his shoulder. “NNggg?†The hatless engineer lifted his head as he woke up from a deep sleep. “Heh, this is no place to snooze pardner, gunna git a stiff neck like that, ya hear?†He chuckled. “I...ahh yea...†Lance yawned, not fully awake. “Workin’ hard on something?†Roscoe questioned. “Jes fixin’ the Spah’s disguise kit,†He hopped to his feet, and stretched his stout little body, the kit in hand. “Keepin us busy, are they? The variety is nice at least,†Roscoe picked up his wrench; he liked to keep that with him in his living quarters. “Yea,†The older man replied as they both left the shop, turning of the lights. Suddenly he remembered that the Spy needed this before morning. “I’m gonna git to mah real bed,†He gave a small wave and a smile to his comrade, who gave a quick ‘goodnight’ in return as he disappeared into his room. The older Engineer made a beeline for the Spy’s room. Soon as Domi saw them leave the shop, and the direction Lance went, he made for the same place on the outside of the building. The kit just made it under the crack at the bottom of the door. “Better not STEP on it when he gits up,†Lance muttered to himself, chuckling with another yawn, heading right for bed. On the other side of the door...the window was opening silently...the RED Spy sleeping in his bed just under the window frame, making only small sounds of snoring. His blankets were akimbo, showing he had fallen asleep on his back, in his slightly dirty button up and vest, his tie loosened and not straight. Dominique pressed himself in halfway, avoiding being directly over the Spy. His tentacles would reach all the way to kit by the door...if he could just balance himself to make the stretch, and concentrate enough so as one wouldn’t wander to poke at the sleeping Spy. He furrowed his brow, balaclava scrunching. He gripped onto the wall with suckers, and to the window frame with his claws. An outstretched tentacle snaked down, the tiniest of sucker tips catching on the disguise kit’s casing. It was reeled in, the gripped more securely by a coil of tentacle as it was in reach. In his quiet flexibility maneuver, he had just slightly leaned into the RED Spy’s space, and a drip of water trailed off his pinstriped suit fell right onto the unmasked man’s cheek. The tentaspy froze as the other man stirred, blue eyes snapping open. He was muttering something in French as he felt over the wet spot on his slightly stubbly cheek. He must have not been fully awake, as while his eyes opened he didn’t seem to really take in anything going on. Dominique WAS cloaked, but in that he was in a strained position, his faulty cloak was flickering as a slight confusion of shape. The RED Spy’s eyes closed, and he rolled to his side, sleep crashing over him again. Dominique breathed a sigh of relief. That was a close call. Though while he was mentally celebrating and concentrating on taking his disguise kit out of his tentacle’s grasp, an un-managed tentacle was casually snaking down the RED Spy’s shirt. That DID wake the man. “AAaagGnnnn!†The RED Spy flailed, the unknown feeling making him startle reflexively like someone feeling a crawling down their neck and thinking it’s a spider in their shirt. The suckers latched onto him the harder he pulled to get it out. They had a hold on something interesting, they wanted more of it. Dominique hissed, falling off balance as he was suddenly yanked on, and completely caught off guard by the feeling of being grasped, and making physical contact with someone else in general. What was at first a reflex action, soon became a real moment of fear and confusion as the RED Spy saw the flicking mass of shape around him. He recognized that cloak flicker, but he did NOT understand the shapes he was seeing. Like a cat, he reached for his balisong on the nightstand, only to find his wrist grabbed by a striking, firm appendage. However, he only NEEDED one hand to open the knife. With a fast flick he whirled the blade open, and flailed his arm to stab anything he could hit. An inhuman snarl rang out as the RED Spy stabbed into something soft. The shock of pain made Domi’s unruly suckers detach, and recoil from the Spy’s clothes. He fell out backwards from the window, falling to the dusty ground with a THUD. The RED Spy jumped to his feet, glancing around the room frantically and brandishing his knife, clothes and hair even more askew then they were before. He looked almost comical, especially with his plain red briefs the only thing adorning his lower half. The Frenchman cautiously looked out the open window, and saw nothing there. It was eerily quiet, not a sound of foot steps or struggling. He KNEW he hit something...he put a finger to the windowsill...seeing wetness there in the moonlight. A mixture of slime-like substance and water...and on his balisong was a dark, blue-purple colored blood. What WAS that thing that attacked him? ... Dominique had quickly broke for the canal. Soon as he was out of earshot he stopped holding his breath and wheezed against the tightness and pain in his chest. His side was bleeding profusely. The RED Spy had stabbed him right in the gills. He could taste iron and copper in his throat as he dangled half of himself into the water. He wasn’t sure if it was better to rest his gills and sit out there breathing blood-gurgled air, or go in the water and breathe smoothly, but with one damaged gill. He groaned and grit his teeth, holding his side as the pain was making it hard to think straight. His gills were a sensitive organ, richly supplied with blood, and always mucous membrane-like damp like your lips or eyes. He took off his damaged suit and shirt, so he could directly apply pressure to the wound. Dominique knew he could heal fast; having survived being shot up by the BLU guards proved that...but it didn’t make it hurt any less. And fast wasn’t fast enough as he sat there sputtering. He decided the cold of the water would help more, so he slipped in fully, sinking to the bottom. It was like breathing with asthma for a while as his blood clotted and his damaged gill pumped irregularly. The cool water did soothe the pain though, and he sighed with relief through stammered breaths. Dominique slumped over, able to relax as the bleeding stopped, but he was light headed from the loss of blood. His tentacles coiled with slowly decreasing agitation. While he had been partially seen, he had succeeded – he had a working disguise kit. If he was lucky the RED Spy would keep his anti-social mouth shut, or if he told anyone, they’d just laugh and say he had dreamed it in a drunken hangover. Dominque used his removed clothing as a pillow for his head, curling into a safe feeling pipe opening to rest and heal for the night. ... ... ... NOTE: Roscoe is used with permission from DigitalDuckie - even though it's basically just his name/framework I'm using. But still, it’s an homage to him.
--Part 10— While his injured gill was still achy and sore, Dominique felt well enough to drag himself out onto dry land to test his repaired gear. The excitement alone was enough to over take the minor discomfort. It was like Christmas morning. In a deserted area of the shipping train yard, just beyond the fence and gates, the tentaspy took out the disguise kit; it looked almost good as new. His claws slid over the casing, feeling the tight seals and admiring its restoration. The detailed engineer did quite a good job with it, as expected. While the favor had not been done ‘for him’, he still felt grateful to the engineer. He snapped it open and chose a disguise from the interface, the most obvious choice for a test run. An encompassing puff of smoke briefly shimmered over the tentaspy, and shortly to an observer he would have looked just like any normal Spy. No webbed hands, no sharp teeth, normal skin sheen, and most importantly - legs. Standing up on his tentacles high as he could, around his original height, he turned and looked at himself in a shiny metal piece of sheeting like it was a mirror. He had to keep his appendages curled in towards and around himself, to stay within the cloak. He felt over the pinstriped pants, his ass, the curve of his thighs, craning to look and see his backside in the mirror. He could even ‘walk’; the illusion complete. It was quite a thrill...to see himself with legs. He’d not seen such a thing in half a decade. It was both wonderful and bittersweet. In fleeting fantasy, it was like everything as it used to be, as it should be. But harsh reality told him it was nothing but smoke and mirrors. As comfortable and habitual he’d become with his new self...and the many wonders of his underwater world, the back of his mind never stopped missing being human. If he had the choice, he’d give anything to be the way he was. Dominique sat down on a crate, stretching his ‘legs’ as he poked though his disguise kit’s memory banks to make sure everything was still there and worked properly. The data patterns for long since dead or gone team members still existed, like ghosts of the past. He glanced over the data for Boleslav, the current RED Heavy. He would be next...but the tentaspy had to wait until evening... ... Meanwhile in RED Base at breakfast, the RED Spy was not looking as cocky as usual. In a typical morning, he just sauntered in, lighting a cigarette as he grabbed some toast and eggs, and strode right out. But today, the man looked poorly rested and suspicious, glancing about like he expected something to jump out and surprise him. “Didn’t get enough beauty rest, Sheila?†The Sniper snickered under his breath as he was getting rations for himself, just barely glancing up. He too would only be seen briefly before he disappeared back to his nest for the day’s fighting. The Spy was already displeased, and quickly drew his balisong and brandished it at the Australian, “If you are going to insult me, do eet to my FACE, or my knife will ‘ave something to say to your BACK.†Lance stopped mid bite of his bacon and eggs on toast, eyes widening behind his goggles at the sudden tenseness between the Spy and Sniper. Sure spies and snipers didn’t mix, and the men could get rough sometimes, but he’d never seen team mates threaten each other like that, and never when he was so physically close to the argument. “Woah woah bloody hell, calm yer arse down Frog!†The Sniper threw his hands up to go with an accompanying gesture of ‘get that the hell away from me.’ “Tch, niais...†The Spy flicked his blade closed, and adjusted his suit, muttering under his breath. He put some jam on toast and sat at the table to eat, all eyes starring at him. He NEVER sat at the table. The cluster of three engineers was like a black-eyed staring beehive, intrigued. The large Russian sat between them and the Frenchman, like some human iron curtain, making the Engineers feel a little safer from the half-deranged-looking Spy. “You look a mighty’bit spooked there pardner’,†Roscoe piped up, a bit naively as he was newer and did not know the Spy’s habits as well. “Spook the spook,†The Sniper chucked brazenly, making his leave for his nest with a final scowl at the Spy. “Da, Something has happened?†Boleslav chimed in, looking both tactically suspicious and mildly concerned. Lance wondered this as well...his team mates basically asking his questions for him as he sat evaluating the situation before opening his mouth. What happened to the Spy? He saw or heard nothing when he dropped off his kit, maybe he just drank too much and didn’t sleep good. The Engineer was also thinking how it’d be polite to get some kind of thanks or recognition for his work he did, without prompting. Even if it was in his “job description†to fix things, manners were always obliged with personal favors. Also to make some friends outside his enclave of Engineer’s would be nice, having allies was always a good thing, especially amongst a crew of questionable mercenaries. The RED Spy wanted to mention what happened, but how crazy would he sound, to mention of a ‘monster’ attacking him in bed? He DID go to sleep a bit tipsy last night, hit the cheap wine bottle a little harder than usual (that crap they sent on supply trains could BARELY be called wine...). But he could not have dreamed it, that blood on his knife was real...those marks on his chest were real. Lance was going to ask about the disguise kit, when the Spy gave a point to all of them, “Something is up around ‘ere,†He narrowed his eyes, “Keep watch on yourselves at night.†After the cryptic warning, he left. “What was that all about?†William whispered huskily, looking to the side with a ‘what in tarnation’ expression. “I don’t know,†Lance narrowed his eyes in thought; “I was up late last night fixin’ his disguise kit and some thanks I get,†he sighed in a grumble. “Oh yea?†“And when I slid it under his door to return it I didn’t see or hear nothin’ unusual.†“He was jes drunk and is hung over,†The older Engineer replied, “Ignore him, backstabbers are all th’ same.†... The hot day dragged a bit for the men, but for no one more than Dominique. He hunted crayfish in the thin layer of rocks and sticks on the bottom of the Well canals, listening to the booms of rockets exploding overhead. He just wanted the day over, then he could enact his plan. ‘Patience...’ he smirked to himself, picking the claws off a crayfish and nibbling them like hard shelled pretzel nuggets. If only he had been there as the RED team ate breakfast – his cover was almost blown, if Lance had asked about the disguise kit, suspicions might have been raised all through the base before he infiltrated it. Evening came - the scrap was hidden in the respawn room, and Dominique waited inside for when the one Engineer would be walking by. The showers were close to the workshop in relation to their position along the hallway, and were also connected to the respawn room. It would make for a convenient waiting spot. Cloaked in a dim corner of the showers, he waited for the smells and sounds of the Texans walking by. The dampness allowed him to stay inside and lurk; but especially with his injured gill he was feeling weaker than usual, he couldn’t handle much drying out. He was a still and patient hunter, only today his prey was not for eating. Dominique found himself apprehensive, and more excited by the anticipation of his ‘scheme’ then he first thought. He stayed out of the affairs of the teams for his own safety...but now, finally he was bored and bold enough to take some risks, and had a drive to do so as well. The former BLU spy wanted so badly to be a part of things again, do ANYTHING that mattered or created change. Besides, he owed the little engineer now...this was only fair, yes? His tentacles curled with expectancy... After waiting a bit, the RED Medic suddenly came in to shower. Being the day ended some time ago and all who cared to bathe had done so and gone to dinner, Domi hissed softly at the unexpected intrusion. What he didn’t know was the Medic had been tending to some bullets lodged in a Scout’s torso, and was held up in the infirmary. He silently watched the German do his ablutions. He was always quite fastidious, understandably. The tentaspy had done this before...watched the men in the showers. He’d almost become grabby multiple times, but always held back. Their exposed flesh wet and slick with soap...body hair matted down with the flow of the water. This medic had a good bit of chest hair...dark with flecks of gray like the hair on his head... It was then he smelled the scent of his mark, coming up the hallway. ‘Merde,’ he hissed to himself. He kept an eye on the German, waiting for him to turn his back... “Mmm?†The doctor turned his head, hearing a noise in the locker room. He peeked around the corner, curious as he heard no one else there before. “Boleslav! I didn’t even hear you come in,†He chuckled, seeing the large Russian there, nearly bumping into him as he rounded the corner. The Heavy inched back, he was fully clothed, and holding a pile of scrap metal. Dominique didn’t want the medic to touch him and feel through his disguise. “Da! Doktor, I didn’t know you were in showers either,†The ‘Russian’ chuckled, smiling. The Spy knew all the long time team mates well from his voyeuristic activities... the Medic and Heavy were close...he could play this part. The Medic tried to advance, a sudden dark lust in his eyes and a grin on his lips, “You vhere vhroking hard today too, vhy not join me?†“Nyet, I can not, I don’t want to get this metal wet, it will rust!†He deeply laughed, smiling back, “Eet is for Engineer, so he can build bigger guns to crush leetle baby BLU team.†“How wunderful! You picked zhat up from the BLU side, ja?†He gave a look over the metal, being very unabashed of his nudity which was right up in Dominique’s face. He tried not to glance about too much, tentacles coiling on themselves in knots. He could SMELL the hormones as they wafted off the German, that masculine sex drive welling up in him the second he started conversing with what he thought was his bed partner. “Da, and I saw him coming up hallway, so I wanted to get it to him tonight.†He hefted up the pile of metal, which in reality was being half supported by some tentacles, which were stronger than his own arms, “Come see me when you are done?†The tentaspy was beginning to curse himself for not ‘warming up’ with some simple espionage and interactions before jumping right into the RED base. He was proud he was holding it together this coolly, his training was so deeply engrained...but at the same time, it was making his heart beat so fast to be interacting with people again, and the first one just HAD to be the Medic cooing over his Russian lover. The hormones were intense, he knew how he was sensitive to them...and despite knowing it was still surprising him. “Alright alright, I see you are eager,†The German shooed him, “But have no doubt, I’ll be seeing you soon.†His wide, toothy grin was both mischievously playful as it was fearsome. Dominique knew what the Heavy would do; he’d want to give a goodbye kiss...especially to rush out on the doctor. He kept his cool, gave a kiss to the man’s forehead, and then quickly made his leave. The Medic was none the wiser, though he did feel the kiss was wetter than usual... Thankfully Lance had taken his time, and was just going into the workshop when ‘The Heavy’ ran up. “Engineer!†The Russian bellowed, stopping up a little too close for comfort to the Texan. “Woah there big fella!†Lance backed up, “What’s the hurry?†He eyed that pile of metal in the man’s grasp, smoothing over his velvet short hair with a hand. He wouldn’t wonder for long - “These for you,†The Heavy thrust the pile at him. The Engineer was taken a little off guard and nearly fell over from the sudden weight, but he adjusted and soon was grasping it, in a similar fashion he’d hold his toolbox-housed builds. “Fer me?†He looked a little shocked, but soon he was grinning, “Hey, this is BLU Metal! How’d you get this?†“Leetle birdie told me you need stronger metal to make weapons to kill BLU’s. So I take from battlefield where I crush BLU Engineer’s sentry.†He shrugged, looking casual. Behind the cloak, the tentaspy knotted his tentacles on each other, the urge to reach out and touch was stronger than he anticipated...and the encounter with the Medic did NOT help. “This is mighty fine! I can’t believe you did that...†Lance smirked thinking ‘William you devil...’, “Thank ye kindly! I think I’ll be able to make GREAT guns with this for mah designs!†“Don’t tell other Engineer, will think I told on him. No need for anymore thanks, just make good weapons to get baby BLU team.†The Heavy held up his big hands. “A Texas gentleman never tells when asked to keep a secret, consider it done pardner,†The small man nodded, furrowing his brow over his welding goggles. “Is good, Удачи,†The Russian gave a comrade hand wave gesture, and walked off. The tentaspy made right for the back door, sneaking out and cloaking, the disguise fading away in the safety of invisibility. As the stress of the moment was over, his trained concentration for infiltration receded...and he could truly revel in his success. Like endorphins straight to the brain, that rush of interaction, infiltration, making eye contact and the other fully believing you were someone else...it was wonderful. Dominique shivered with excitement as he rolled in the canal waters, tentacles fanning out and stretching. Keeping himself so compressed in the disguise, and not being able to touch, it was so hard on him physically. He writhed smirking smugly to himself. He’d keep a closer eye on that Engineer now, to see what he made...made with what he gave him. There was change happening because of him... Not to mention Lance’s file was full of holes, it needed much fleshing out.
I am intrigued. I'm really enjoying Dominique's progression into the belly of the RED beast sofar-- I really wonder how this is going to pan out. You seem to have a real fondness for our little Spy, which is just fun to read. Please, continue.
Now I'm curious. What was the original draft like, exactly? Other than that, I am definitely interested in this. Heheh. Years can go by, but there will always be a Medic and a Heavy screwing each other, eh?
Oh wow, this is so much better than the original, and I liked the original. I love where this is going.
I really enjoyed the original Dominique when I was reading it, but I can see why you chose to change the parts that you have done. This re-write is brilliant. I can't wait for more!
>>26 The progression will continue! I so indeed have a great fondness for Domi, and tentaspies in general, but it's a strange love that waivers between wanting to see them happy and loving to torture them, hehehhh. >>27 It was pretty much completely different from where Lance comes in. Main change was that this one is more 'stock TF2-y' - I really like the emotional wrenching and romantic aspects of the first one, it just wasn't manly/realistic enough. And haha yes Medic/Heavy steryotype, thrown in half for lulz, but also I do love the idea of that pairing. Glad people are liking the rewrite, thanks for your comments! If you want to (these kinds of things always help me / I love to see them): What things in particular stand out to you as good? Also any suggestions for improvement as I continue?
This is of course assuming TF2 present takes place around 1968, as per that famous calendar seen in one of the respawn rooms. [Part 11] It was to the RED Engineer’s delight the BLU metal allowed him to make thinner, sleeker designs like he had down on blueprint paper. While he still used the typical beefed up sentries and dispensers on the field to protect his team and RED’s property, off hours he tinkered with some fancy welding work. “Well ain’t that a hell of a thing,†Roscoe circled Lance’s latest endeavor, a level 1 sentry that seemed light on its stabilizers. “This one might actually hold up to battle, AND be fast to deploy!†“Might take it out tomorrow, I rekon,†Lance grinned back, wiping some grease off his hands, “It’s not necessary for war machines to be beautiful, but well, I guess I’m a bit of an artist trapped in an engineer’s body,†He chuckled. “Engineering IS an art, Lance.†The other RED said with resolve. “True, true...jes this isn’t the sleekest of battlefields...no need for pomp ‘n’ circumstance. And here I am still designing things that belong on some grand battlefield.†He paused in thought for a moment, “I guess I wish some of mah designs couldn’t seen something grand, like the World War, all those lovely guns and planes, I remember lookin at some’a them in the museum.†He pet a hand idly over the rivets on his work. “I don’t think any of ya’ll designs are going to end up in any museums outta this place,†William broke Lance’s little fantasy, and their conversation, just barely glancing up from something he was sanding in his corner of the shop. “Company is too secretive, to begin with.†Lance was struck silent for a moment as he kind of realized his daydreams were being shot down openly and he hadn’t even obtusely revealed them, “Tch, well, with the money I’m getting from this job, I’ll be able to start mah own company. We’ll make the prettiest damn weapons you ever did see,†He gave a bit of a mocking tone, chuckling and getting up to give an appropriate gesture. But it wasn’t a joke. He wanted to be his own boss, produce his own designs. Sleek, beautiful weapons, perhaps reminiscent of a more romantic era, but none the less deadly. And with his own workshop, he could make other things too, useful inventions that could be in everyday homes. And who knows, maybe something of his would end up in a museum one day... “Mmm humm you would,†William gave a face and went back to his work. As the Engineer’s talked, they were being watched from a rafter corner...where the tentaspy was scribbling down this new information into his notes file. He smiled softly, it was both bittersweet and encouraging to hear other’s dreams and wants...for while his own dreams were diverted like a river with a bolder thrown into it, he took a strange pride to think how these men he cataloged might go on to achieve theirs. Roscoe and William left to grab dinner...Lance stayed behind for a few extra minutes, putting some finishing touches on that special sentry, sparks reflecting in his goggles as he did small spot welds. The tentaspy pet a finger over his slightly damp notepad, the locking plastic bag that kept it dry underwater crinkling against the back. It was so amazing to see what he did meant something to the Engineer’s labors. He wondered what the new machine would look like in combat. Lance left to go to dinner. Dominique slinked to the canal to rewet his drying body, but he found himself drawn back to the base after not too long. He had files to flesh out after all; Lance and Roscoe were both still relatively new members. But of course Dominique seemed to be spending all his time on the dirty blond... It was a cool night after a hot day. The engineer opened his room window to the soft breeze, locking himself in his small living quarters to prepare for bed. He was not alone, as a watchful party was just outside the window, privy as the stout Texan unclipped his overalls. They were a bit charred and dirty from the day’s work – the garment fell to the curve of the man’s ass, needing a little help to slough completely down to be kicked off. The engineer groaned slightly as he stretched, flopping to the bed so he could kick off his work boots. Welding goggles removed, revealing hazel eyes hiding underneath. Soon he was completely naked, exposed to the fresh breeze from that window; it felt so good to his skin. Lance leaned over and pulled out his personal suitcase from under the bed. He glanced at the door, then pulled off a hidden compartment panel in the lid when he seemed satisfied things were safe. The tentaspy watched, almost entranced at the sudden secrecy, pen falling silent on his paper. Out was pulled a pile of slightly dog-eared magazines. The engineer leafed through them, Dominique could catch some of the titles as the covers flashed by, “ONE: The Homosexual viewpoint, January issue 1965.†– “The Male figure review – 1968†, “MANège, 1965†...which appeared to have Swedish or Danish writing on the cover. While Dominique had seen plenty of homosexual fooling around on the bases, and some interesting developments between many different parties (Especially past Heavies and Medics, for some reason...), this was the first time he saw someone with gay literature. Such kinds of magazines had not been around long to begin with, perhaps just starting the past decade; Dominique recalled seeing some in boutiques while he was in London, though he never felt a strong urge to read any. He was interested in ‘people’, so bodies of all kinds came with that as well...though being sexually with one’s own gender was always more risqué – and considered a sin by many. It was not something you wanted to flaunt about, it was not accepted in the open, understandably. You kept it to yourself. For the Engineer to have such magazines, especially one that looked more intellectual and not just nudie mags, meant he was serious about it, that he was most likely ONLY interested in men, and had known for some time. Known, and gotten good at hiding it. Dominique didn’t think he looked it, he didn’t act in a fashion that would make one think he was ‘that way’. This was how he wanted it, no doubt. Dominique recalled how the Engineer he was teammates with liked to masturbate while looking at car magazines...well here was his replacement 6 years hence, doing the same to eloquent looking men in gay European circulars. Taking mental notes now, the tentaspy perched on the windowsill as his suckers clutched up against the wooden siding boards, getting drawn in as the Texan fell to his back, arching softly against the mattress with a hand down his boxers. He gasped softly, quietly, like he didn’t want anyone to hear. “AGGnnnn...†He groaned in a hushed whisper, rolling his hips and tweaking over his right nipple, like he was pretending someone was there with him pleasuring him, “Y...yea...geezus fuck...†As the Engineer was pleasuring himself, Dominique soon found he was doing the same. It wasn’t the first time he’d spied on team members and done this...he longed for that physical connection - besides being a sensual blooded, middle aged man, he also felt an extra twinge of need when his animal instilled hormones kicked in. It surprised the tentaspy how strongly his urges kicked in watching, hearing, smelling the stout little Texan. It set his insides ablaze with arousal. He was so close, it’d be easy for a tentacle to reach out and touch him...snake around that thick erection and slick over him, slime mixing with precum... Thankfully the Engineer didn’t hear Domi’s small animalistic cry of desperation as he squeezed his suckers around the length of his engorged erection, he was too busy groaning to himself as he twitched with the release of his own orgasm. “Nnnngg...ahhh....†He gasped to himself, falling limp and ignoring the cum on his chest hair. Lance perked his ears up as he heard a noise outside, like a thunk of something soft falling to the ground. Could have been a possum...or any other wild creature, but with the heebie jeebies he was getting recently like someone was watching him, he didn’t take chances. He closed the blinds on his window and shut it to a locked slit, it would block some of the cool air but it was worth the privacy as he slept. Out of sight, Dominique was gasping to dry sounding lungs as he copiously came, the smell and sounds of the little engineer still ringing in his nostrils and ears. He writhed on the ground, a jumble of slimy tentacles and pinstripes, tensed hands gripping at the cold grass. Goodness, that was excellent. He had not had an orgasm quite like that in a long time. He shakily got out his water flask and downed all he had left in it. It took him a little time before he had energy to move again – but soon the tentaspy was curled up in his den, plotting a few more things through his mind before he fell asleep...
So very interesting...
I love this!!! <333 Please continue 8)
>>33 Please don't do that. Man, this is great! I have to say, this is way better than the original. Keep going, please!
And what exactly am I doing wrong? I'm just showing that I appreciate this work ._.
>>33 I believe it's the emoticons. People generally frown on them here. I personally think it's stupid to fret over that kind of thing, but I suppose they have reasons. Anyways, emoticons=no.
>>33 >>34 >>36 Animu emoticons make you look underage, and are liable to get you banned. Try reading the rules sometime, kay?
ahh giving this a love bump. Hope you update this soon!
I shed a tear...
Ahaha I got bumped! Well the chapter was about done anyway, here you guys go: [Part 12] “Isn’t it a bit hot out to be doin’ that tonight?†The oldest engineer glanced at Lance as he was trotting out the door with a large toolbox. “I want to get this done; you know how it is when you are inspired, yea?†Lance flashed his goggles at him with a tilt of the head, with an appropriate smirk of knowledgeable mischief. William gave a ‘you’re crazy’ head shake, going back to his own work, though he couldn’t help but admire the younger man’s enthusiasm. Lance worked alone outside, heating up that BLU metal to a hot red, then bending it into the right shape before it cooled. He had a protective smock, and thick gloves on both hands, to shield from sparks off the hot metal. As William had warned, it was indeed a hot evening, and the Engineer was sweating under the brunt of it. He just wanted to get the idea realized; heat wouldn’t stop him from working when he was inspired. He was concentrating so hard he did not even hear the de-cloaking of a Spy... “Laborer,†A French accent spoke, making the industrious engineer glance up. “Spah?†Lance blinked behind his dark goggles, giving a curious look to their team spy there leaning against a thin tree in all his RED pinstriped swagger. The Engineer seemed a bit annoyed to be disturbed while working, or perhaps it was that he was still bitter of the lack of thanks for his careful fixing of the Spy’s disguise kit, “Fancy you actually givin’ audience in person, yea?†He said in a loaded fashion, but his tone was not snide, merely dismissive. He gave a few strong hits to the metal in front of him before it completely cooled. The Spy chuckled, “Eet iz possible, oui.†The lithe man strolled closer, all the way around to the other side of the Engineer, giving the Texan a ‘being circled by a shark’ vibe, “I came in person to thank you for fixing my disguise kit. Eet iz much appreciated.†He said it like he KNEW that is what the Texan was waiting for. He took out the kit for a moment for emphasis, twirling it in his fingers, “Good as new.†The engineer, besides a look of disbelief, seemed to light up, his work actually being recognized, who doesn’t like that? He was proud of his skills; he gave a prideful smile and straightened up, “Much obliged, good to see you have some kind’a manners.†“Do you really theenk so low of me, monsieur?†He gave that feigned voice only a Spy can do with the proper level of mild snarky. “Ze BLU Spy ruins your machines, but I would never do zhat, don’t hate all us Spies, oui?†The Spy was being awfully friendly, thought Lance. It was suspicious. What kind of interest would a man like him have with a stout, grease-monkey Texan, other than to manipulate into another favor? Lance was nobodies fool. The engineer gave a sideways eye as the RED Spy casually pulled a cigarette from his kit. He put it to his thin, wide mouth, but stopped when he went to light it, “You don’t smoke, correct?†he asked, the fag hanging from his moist inner lip as he talked, “Your colleague does but I ‘ave not seen you doing so ever.†As he referred to William. “Did when I was younger, but not any more,†Lance replied simply, making a face like he’d appreciate it if the man DIDN’T smoke right in his vicinity, especially when he was working. The Spy left the un-lit cig, “Well, I’ll be the gentleman I am and respect your workspace while I am ‘ere,†He took it from his mouth, dangling it in his fingers in habit and gesturing with it. “You practically chain smoke those things,†The Engineer chuckled like he couldn’t believe the man could go without his fix for five minutes, as he putting the piece of metal back into the furnace; “Now Spah, while I don’t dislike yer company, you must be here for a reason, and I don’t like you pussyfootin’ ‘round the subject, so what else kin’ I do for ya?†While he was internally flattered Spy would think he was favorable company, he knew that couldn’t be the case for a backstabber like him. And he didn’t like being buttered up into doing something. The Spy looked hurt, being him it was a feigned sort of sarcastic ‘hurt’, “Monsieur! Might eet be possible I just wanted to say thank you...?†He leaned in to look closer as the hot metal piece was taken from the furnace, glowing orange and white, “Also, I’m curious about this...theeng.†He gestured to the dispenser taking shape off to the side, “I saw your new sentry on ze field ze other day. Smaller, lighter, faster to deploy. You ought to push ze front lines weeth such a theeng. Very impressive.†He went to take a drag off his cigarette, but grumbled when he remembered he’d not lit it to be polite. At least this is mostly how the RED Spy would act, thought Domi - Who was falling nicely into the role. It was funny to be pretending to be a nicotine addict again, he used to chain smoke just as much as the current RED Spy...but having gills stopped that habit dead in its tracks. While he was playing the guise of the RED Spy, he was speaking from his own mind when it came to what he was saying. It was him, in the body of the RED. He was using him like a second skin. “Jes a new dispenser model. Should be lighter to carry.†Lance smirked back, unbelieving the Spy even took interest in his original alterations, or sentries in general beyond sapping and destroying them, “To go with my sentry.†Dominique wanted to snake his tentacles all over that fancy dispenser, feel it inside and out, explore its curves and rivets. He bit his lip, realizing soon after that was more so what he wanted to do to its creator. He consciously coiled a tentacle around all his over ones, like tying them down with a noose. They were nestled in nicely against himself, keeping within the disguise cloak. He was drying quickly in the heat, though with the sun set, the air was cooling steadily. The arid heat was most a problem as he felt his chest going dry...needy for moisture, the feeling creeping up his throat. He was making use of the fact the real RED Spy was in his room drinking wine and fapping in the mirror with a disguise of the RED Sniper on himself. Best to make use of his time... “Well I theenk eet is very inspired,†The RED Spy sauntered over, leaning in a teasing manner onto the end of the big metal workbench, very much in the man’s personal space, “I’ve destroyed many a BLU machine, and this eez nothing like anything I’ve seen.†The Engineer looked a little worried. Or was it intimidated surprise? He gave a shove to the Spy’s shoulder with his wrench, “Yer in mah way Spah, you’re going to get hot metal in your mouth keeping your mug there.†The Spy chuckled in amusement, giving the Texan his space, then looking like he remembered something, “Ah! Well, eef you are so eager to do something else for me...I DO ‘ave something you could look at...†It had dawned on Domi his Cloak and Dagger needed fixing too. He shouldn’t pass up this opportunity. The RED Spy unhooked a watch from his wrist, giving it to the Engineer, who held out a thickly gloved hand. The Spy pet his finger tips over the leather-protected palm, lingering as he gave the equipment, “Eet needs a tune up, the cloak has been on ze fritz, S'il vous plait?†The Texan felt a rush of heat, and it wasn’t just the sweat from the heavy protection gear he was wearing. He put the spy watch in a pocket, “It...it shouldn’t be a problem,†“Merci, much appreciated.†The RED Spy grinned back, pulling away, not before closing the larger fingers of the Texan around the spy gear with another purposeful touch. In reality, Domi was pulling away so hastily as some tentacles were creeping their suckers up the edge of the table and inches from latching onto Lance. He was having far too much fun with himself...getting to flirt with the little Engineer, TOUCHING another living being with suave appeal. He felt like his old self again in a fleeting moment. He mustn’t lose himself in the moment...blow his cover... “Cough cough!†“Spah?†Lance looked over as the man was leaving, hearing the dry cough. The taller man waved a hand dismissively, “Ze dust is just irritating my already needy lungs,†He hoarsely said, flicking his lighter open, “I weel be back for my gear tomorrow evening Laborer,†Being it was Friday night they’d have off tomorrow. The Spy, even without a cloaking device, seemed to vanish all the same. Once he was alone the Engineer stood a little dumfounded for a moment. He replayed over in his mind the Spy’s behavior...certainly he couldn’t deny it felt like that Frenchie was flirting with him. He was a mixture of suspicious and....aroused. What if he WAS flirting with him? What if he WAS actually interested? What if – Lance paled and nearly dropped his wrench. That Spy could get into anything and go anywhere...what if he’d seen his...secret belongings? OF course, that would explain how he was playing things up with him, using him for favors because he knew he’d fall for his flirting and could blackmail him if he refused. Lance did NOT want just any people knowing...especially a team of mercenaries he was stuck with for a year long contract. Lord knows a bunch like that wouldn’t exactly be approving of a ‘pansy’ in their mix... Lance did not think low of himself for his desires; he just knew the harsh reality of what society thought of them. Laying low meant being safe, and accepted. He didn’t dwell on it too much, that was how things were, and when he got off this job he could go back and find like kind, lord knows he missed it like how much of the men probably missed havin’ ladies around. They were all in the same boat really. When he fixed that cloaking device and returned it...he thought about if he should confront the Spy about it, or play dumb. Maybe he knew nothing and WAS just being the eccentric flirt he was. He’d just stay quiet about it all to the Spy, just be ‘normal’, normal as one was in a place like this.
I had a dream about your fic... Then you updated. Words cannot express my glee.
Words cannot describe the awesomeness of this update! I am completely hooked on the new fic, just as I was hooked on the old one! The writing seems better somehow, and the story is more believable (I use this term loosely of course) when it flows as smoothly as this. It feels less rushed, more edited, more refined. It also adds in some confusion later with the RED Spy! I'm liking it in every way!
ah man, bumped it without knowing you already had the chapter done, can't wait to read the rest of this. I'm really excited about where this is heading
I laughed at that line of what the real RED Spy was doing. Loving this whole reboot and hope to see more soon!
This redone version has become one of my favorite TF2 fanfictions, and I'm so happy at every update. Please never stop being awesome, and extra-please make sure to finish this thing of beauty! >>44 I laughed also. Too funny.
This is probably my favorite fic with Tentaspy. bump of looooooove~
Why you do dat. ='(
giving this a small poke
This will be updated soon I promise, I just kind of belonged to getting a costume done before Otakon for 3 weeks, then I was at Otakon and just got back the other day. Though if you are a fan of tentaspy you won't regret the time spent, as it was all for bringing Dominique to life. Photos available of my costume here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/zoroko/sets/72157627204435315/with/5999462633/ And here: (remove spaces) http://lithefider.t u m blr.com/tagged/tentaspy And if you have not checked out "Fimbriae" yet shame on you! But yea, don't worry I'm still writing, just been busy.
Man, this story has me on the edge of my seat! It breaks my heart that it isn't finished yet. Will Domi ever find out how he became a tentaspy? How will he and Lance truly meet, let alone become friends and lovers? Will Domi ever try to join with RED? Will Lance help Domi find a cure? Will they ever retire to Paris? Will Domi have a happy ending? I wanna knowwwwwww!!!!
That costume...is insane. That looks awesome! And in three weeks? Jesus. Congrats on a successful con! ... Now update! Things are just getting interesting.
Yeah, that costume is amazing. You deserve a medal, Lithe. But seriously, please do continue soon. Dominique is my favorite Tentaspy ever. I love.. just everything about it. So.. yes! I look forward to more.
>>55 WELL I can say some indeed will be answered, I just gotta keep writing and you gotta keep reading! I can't reveal spoilers, but I can say I know where I am going with this. Just have to find energy an time to write in-between life. (Also thank you <3 ) AND here is finally the next chapter, enjoy! [Part 13] “Nnngggg,†The RED-clad Frenchman gave a groan as he got some water from the tap in the kitchen. Thank God it was the weekend, it didn’t matter how hung over he was. He looked a little disheveled with only a single sleeve garter on, a crooked tie, and a half burnt down cigarette dangling from his lips. “Don’t make me bring up that beauty rest thing again,†The Sniper said as he stole all the coffee from the pot, pouring it into his white mug. He made sure his kukuri was at the ready, considering how the Spy acted LAST time. The Spy flashed the Australian a wild ‘fuck you’ look, made even more apparent by the dark circles around his eyes, “Careful, I might get bored of stabbing ze BLU Sniper and go after you instead.†He was pissed off enough he had not been sleeping well since...that incident. He’d hoped the wine and self gratification would have helped, but it only did so much. He felt like he was going crazy. “I’m sure that’ll go over real jolly with RED, Jes make sure you’re doin your job mate,†The man gave a point to him like he was a fucking mess and didn’t look like he was in any shape to do the kind of espionage they excepted of him. The Spy quieted down, softening a bit like he approved of the Sniper showing some kind of concern for his state of being. “I can take care of myself,†He turned his hooked nose up, “Eet’s you all I am concerned for, ignorant of what eez going on around ‘ere,†He rubbed a hand over those hidden hickey marks on his torso...they were just about gone. “And what might that be?†Suddenly there was a Texan accent in the mix, as the shorter American was there in a towel like he just came from the showers. He’d overheard the talk from the hall and came in to investigate. He felt a jolt when the RED Spy looked at him, the worry from last night about blackmail coming his way creating a tension inside him. But his eyes were locked confidently to his comrades with no sign of apprehension outwardly. “I weel inform you all when I get more intel,†The Spy glanced between the two men, which with their height difference was quite an acrobatic eye move. “I intend to keep this team on top of theengs.†He’d find that thing that attacked him. He’d find it and prove it if it killed him. The Frenchman took up his glass of water and moved his cig to his fingers, “One theeng I do know eez there eez a supply train coming today. Keep an eye out for eet, I theenk we are getting a transfer, or perhaps an extra team member altogether.†He made to leave, brushing past the Engineer on his way out. “See ya later Spah,†The Texan stated in goodbye, while he meant it in a manner of ‘I’ll have your watch ready later,’ the Spy merely gave a tired smirk and a nod like it was just a normal goodbye, not catching the tone. “Spy givin’ a shit?†Sniper muttered sipping his coffee and making his own leave back for his nest, “Now there’s somethin’ to be suspicious ‘bout.†“It’s his job to aid this team whether he likes it or not,†Lance smirked, “But really he ain’t such a bad fella.†... ‘I hope.’ “Since when did Engie’s make friends with spahs?†The Sniper sipped his coffee. ... Wanting to stay on the Spy’s good side (and wishful thinking that he’d appreciate this second favor as a friendly gesture) Lance got to working on the damaged Cloak and Dagger watch. The Spy didn’t seem so terrible if you could believe anything he did as somewhat genuine, and not just done for manipulation. Lance had only been there a few months, and while he’d not expected to make ‘friends’ among a bunch of mercenaries, having people you could get along with was always nice. At least he was friendly with the other Engineer, Roscoe, and the Heavy, Boleslav. The watch was even more intricate than the Disguise kit. Being the tech was packed into an even smaller space. The technology the team provided for the spies was highly advanced, Lance had never heard of anything like it before. He took mental notes on things to add to his own designs by looking at the small devices. While again being water damaged and an old model, the watch wasn’t in such terrible shape as the Disguise kit. The engineer got it done and then spent the rest of the evening at his workbench doodling up some small designs of his own based off the cloaking watch. ... Dominique had been so distracted with the Engineer he’d not heard the same intel as the real RED Spy, that he was again using the skin of as he waltzed into the RED base. He suddenly heard the horn of the approaching train in the distance, ‘A Supply train! I’ve never missed one before...how did I not hear of it?’ He fussed to himself, angry with his incompetence. He always liked to be fully informed... ‘Well, while it’s nice to be on top of shipments...doesn’t getting to talk to that RED engineer top your priorities list today?’ he told himself. He DID feel naked without his cloaking watch. He wanted it back as soon as possible. ... “Peek-a-boo.†A low voice calmly rasped into the Engineer’s ear from behind. “GEEZUS!†The shorter man startled, nearly falling off his stool and dropping his drafting pencil. After a hearty laugh (and a few snorts), the RED Spy smiled at the miffed looking Engineer, “Oh...eet was too good to resist, you were so deep in thought.†The fine leather glove pet over the drawings there on the drafting table, “New designs?†“Y...yea.†The man adjusted his goggles, then put them up to his forehead, “I’m gonna start calling you ‘spook’ like Snipes does at this rate.†“Oh Mon ami,†The Soy shook his head, still petting over the designs...slowly and purposefully. After eyeing the Spy’s hands silently, the Texan spoke up “Your watch is done; I assume that’s what yer here for.†He picked the small device out of his front overall pocket. The Spy’s face lit up, and he took his belongings back thankfully, “Merci beaucoup,†He affixed the watch back on his wrist, “You do such lovely work, like un artiste, truly.†Lance grinned with satisfaction, but man the Spy saying those things in that lovely accent, rolling off his tongue and being so complimentary. Before he could reply the Spy disappeared in a shimmer of air. “Spah?†He blinked, reaching out and feeling nothing, “Tch, running off just like that?†He grumbled and looked about. “Non, just testing your repairs,†The smooth voice replied, right behind him. The Engineer whirled around, arm bumping into the invisible man making him shimmer for a moment then disappear again. “Damn spook!†He laughed; reaching out again like it was a game. “You forget I’m used to spy checkin’!†“But I’m no enemy,†The French accent crooned, invisible hands touching to the stout man’s cheeks, sliding to his shoulders and firmly making him turn around on his stool. The Texan calmed down like an obedient dog, a bit frozen as he felt those long ,thin fingers caressing...a bit more than friendly...against his neck and then down to his collar bones. ‘Oh god what are you doing?’ Dominique hissed inside his head. He couldn’t stop...he just wanted to touch, just a little...He’d need to be careful, if the Engineer paid too much attention he might feel his webbing or claws. All Lance could do was lean back his head to the progressively more intimate, invisible fingers, parted mouth shuddering out increasingly husky breaths. When he felt cool fingers dance over his nipples, he whispered out, “...you won’t tell the men...will you?†“Tell them what monsieur?†The Spy muttered back, like he had no idea what he was talking about, a coy tone, like he knew exactly what he was doing, and had no intention to make it public. The Engineer uttered a low moan, god he was good with his hands...it didn’t help he couldn’t see what he was doing, just an occasional shimmer where the cloak faulted under a firmer touch. Seemingly by ‘magic’, an overall clasp was removed, giving the Spy better access to that broad, fuzzed chest. It was taking lot of willpower to keep his tentacles off the Engineer’s flesh. They were creeping up the stool like an unstoppable force, inches, then just centimeters away from the man’s legs, the nimble tips coiling hard around the stool legs to halt their progress. He couldn’t keep this up much longer... Domi furrowed up his brow, arms wrapping around Lance’s neck and shoulders, and buried his face into his neck to take a deep inhale of his scent. He could SMELL his arousal like a cologne. The tentaspy muttered a low growled purr, a sound full of longing. Like an alarm bell waking up the men from a dream, the supply train whistled loudly as it came into the base’s platform. Both men jerked up, the Spy especially, jumping back, and tentacles doing the same (not a moment too soon). “Dammit the train, scared me half to death, I even knew it was comin’ today...†Lance laughed a little, the shock wearing off him as he looked around for the Spy, “Spah...?†He said tentatively. “I must be off petite,†The voice said from thin air, Lance indeed caught the roll of a French pet name, “Thank you again... à plus.†And he was gone. Lance was left a bit in a daze. He fixed his overalls, and smoothed over his velveteen hair. “D...damn Spahs,†He muttered loosely, but his skin was still tingling. God, he wanted do try that again, and not be interrupted... As much as he liked this development, he just couldn’t be at ease in his mind. He was still worried he’d tell the team. Then everyone would know he was a faggot, and then would come the dirty looks, the slurs, the unfriendly bumps in the hall, the feeling of not being ‘one of the guys’. “Tch,†He huffed and rolled up his plans, “Jes keep yer head, everythin’ will be okay,†He muttered to himself as he ran off to help unload the train. ‘You’re not a kid anymore, don’t act like a damn coward.’ ... It seemed every encounter with the Engineer ended in masturbation. Heated, writhing, gut tingling release. But it relaxed him and relieved the tension...momentarily. So next time he could try again, to get a little closer. Dominique didn’t trust his body, next time he might be all over the man. He had to be patient. Patience was a Spy’s virtue...
Yay, an update! Awesome as always, except you misspelled "Spy" as "Soy" at one point, which made me chuckle.
Hurrah! I love this story. I saw a French typo in there, too, actually, but only one. 'petite'. Should be 'petit' where the person referred to is male. The E on the end is only added for females.
Oh, holy crap this was really awesome. Thank you so much for the update. I'm so glad you came back!
I think I speak for everyone when I say HELL YEAH! Ahem. 'Bout time this got an update.
No words can describe the joy I felt at the discovery of an update. I've read the first incarnation, and this newer one is just as deliciously exciting as that, maybe more. I certainly hope you do find more time to write, as my non-rape Tentaspy kink certainly needs sating.
>>58 I agree, there needs to be more non-rape Tentaspy. There's only one other fic on that chan with that in, but it's very good. http://tf2chan.net/afanfic/res/3688.html
What an amazing character! I love the way you describe how he controls the tentacles. Supercool. This tentaspy keeps showing up; what are his origins? I've read through the archives, but I can't tell which one is the original.
>>54 , >>55 Oh thank you! They are already fixed in the file for when I re-post this anywhere. >>56 I never left! I was just busy with >>49 (work, life, RP, making costume tentacles, the usual). >>57 , >>58 I think the rewrite is a big improvement myself, all thanks to the con-crit of readers and friends. I will try to make the next updates not be so long in-between. As for non-rape tentaspy, yes, we need more of those. Not that I don't enjoy a well written, guilty pleasure, down and dirty tentaspy porn fic sometimes. ;) >>59 that was written by my friend, her tentaspy, Maurice, is a gentleman (also a troll, haha), he and Domi know each other very abstractly (barely interacted) in our group roleplay. But yea, Maurice is indeed a non-rape tentaspy too. Medicine is working on another fic with Maurice I think, to tell her she has interested parties. >>60 Goodness thank you! I have a lot of fun with it. From what I know (as it happened before I entered the fandom) it was from a simple Little Mermaid joke fanart, then the tentacle and monster fetishists took hold of it, and made it their own with more srs bsnss and plot behind it. Not everyone likes it, and they don't have to, but for us who like monsters, from feral to tragic and tortured, and combined with the aura of The Spy, it's good fun. I myself have been a gills/water creature person since I was a kid, so it was something that wasn't hard for me to jump into, hehehh.
As much as you like water creatures, I'm rooting for Lance to eventually find a way to fix Dominique. Eventually. After much tentasex. Then they can skip and shag into the sunset.
Any chance you could link us to your other Maurice stories?
>>63 Maurice is my tentaspy, actually. The fic that >>59 linked is one I posted awhile back. I'm actually working on a follow-up chapter right now. That's a project I'm writing solo. However, there's a much more explicit story-format RP I wrote with a friend involving Maurice here http://ya*oi.y-gallery.net/view/712196/ . Minus the * of course, on account of retarded wordfilters.
>>64 Won't open, something about compression is invalid or some shit. What's the background for Maurice?
>>65 It just means you need to log in. Dunno why it gives that error and not just prompt to log in or redirect to frontpage.
(Next part is nearly complete too, I promise I won't leave you all hanging at the end of this part long, that would be too cruel) [Part 14] The RED Spy....was becoming a nuisance. He had started poking his nose about the fences, stalking suspiciously past the canals, looking at everyone with suspicion, when he barely even knew what he was LOOKING for. Apparently he hadn’t thought Domi had just been a dream...as the tentaspy had hoped with the chance encounter. He was haunted by the event. It made it hard for Dominique to sneak into RED after hours, especially if he was acting so different from RED Spy himself. And to disguise as someone else, the Spy might take notice on such high alert. At least he had fully working equipment now, his confidence was high and he was able to move about with the most amazing stealth and ease, a fearsome thing to anyone who might be considered an enemy. With how the RED Spy was poking about he might have to worry about HAVING such an enemy... But to Lance, all he knew was that RED Spy was following him around closer and closer, like a terrible tease. If the man wanted him, why didn’t he just TAKE him? Man like him must be used to doing that, getting anyone he wanted. Was he just teasing him out of spite, did he want something else? Or was he actually...courting him? The engineer turned around one afternoon in the locker rooms, what used to be a empty bench, suddenly there was a half naked RED Spy lounging there. “GEEZUS!†Lance gasped, dropping his overalls that he was TRYING to put on. “OH, ‘ello Petit,†The Spy crooned like nothing was unusual. “Spah, y...ya don’t have’ta sneak up on me to git my attention.†Lance gave him a face as he put on his clothes properly. “But you love eet,†The Spy leaned his head on his hand. “Do I?†Lance chuckled, biting his lip as he closed his locker. “I would believe so,†The Spy had a Cheshire grin as he cloaked and vanished in a shimmer of air. “I see the cloaking device is working jes’ fine!†“Oui, indeed.†The disembodied voice of the Spy replied coyly, “I’ll see you later, mon cher...†‘See me later?’ Lance narrowed his eyes in thought, ’oh now he’s just making me paranoid...’ Domi took the opportunity to re-moisten himself, and prep mentally for what he was going to try to do...but as he was finishing up making use of the RED showers, and waiting to listen for when Lance would retire to his room for the night, the sounds of Italian leather shoes came down the hallway floors. It was the real RED Spy. The tentaspy saw as he cloaked and crept into the hallway, ‘Merde!’ he hissed to himself. Thankfully Lance narrowly missed seeing him; he was in the workshop. Most likely cleaning up his blueprints before bed. ‘No, you WON’T be messing things up!’ Domi narrowed his eyes, invisible and watching; he’d waited and mentally prepped for this for too long. Something primal and impulsive snapped in him. COMPETITION. The voice hissed. HE’LL TRY TO STEAL YOUR MATE. The Spy didn’t even know what hit him. Dominique was a silent killer, dropping onto the RED from above like a spider. Tentacles quick as lightening wrapped and restrained him, muffling his voice like a gag, while Domi pulled the RED’s head to the side to expose his neck. The Spy struggled like a fly caught in web, eyes going wide as he recognized for a split second what had him. A swift bite, that was all it took, and a strong dose of paralyzing venom stopped the struggling. “Hello?†Lance glanced out into the hall. But it was empty. “Lance?†Roscoe looked over; William barely looked up from his desk. “Thought I heard something...†... “Fais de beaux rêves,†Domi had a predatory smile as he gave the half naked, unconscious Spy a kiss on the forehead and laid him down in his room. “I promise I’ll return these...†Domi adjusted the red suit on his torso, and made sure the balaclava was straight before he left. ... Later, Lance was ready to turn in for the night, and thought he was alone in his room as he was undressing. He was getting a little wiser to the RED Spy’s ‘feel’ now, especially after what he said earlier. He felt prickles up his spine, and looked around. “Spah, I know yer there.†He smirked. A cloak shimmered into view, the RED Spy was there leaning on his dresser. “If I didn’t know any better I’d say you were courtin’ me,†The Texan gave a sideways glance as he removed the grease-stained overalls. Spy knew his secret and seemed of like kind; best to try and go with it...see where this went. The Spy sure was pushing hard enough. It was all in, or fold, Lance thought. ‘I never was too good at Texas Hold 'Em anyway,’ He thought. The RED Spy’s face softened a little, surprising the Engineer, “I did not want to ...rush you, petit.†“Rush me?†The engineer took a seat on the side of his bed, “You kin’ ‘rush me’ some more if you really want...†He gave a look that was less than innocent. That was more than an open invitation to Dominique. Like a striking predator, he came in for the kill, only his prey wasn't running scared. "Ahh!" Lance moaned in surprise at how the Spy came in like a force of nature. The taller man had leaned over him on the side of the bed, a hand beside him and the other grasping behind his head. But as soon as the initial shock was over, he was kissing right back to those skilled lips, their mouths opening wide and their motions firm and needy. Only when they let up for a breather did Domi really have a chance to allow that to sink in, “Magnifique,†He rolled off that talented French tongue in a low groan, “Très magnifique,†He echoed with a grin, nuzzling into Lance’s face. “Geezus, you’re some kisser,†Lance propped himself up on his elbows, then switched to wrapping them around the Spy’s red suit, ‘He smells like cigarettes and cheap wine,’ Lance thought, smelling his clothes, but it was strange because he didn’t taste any hint of what one would attest to a smoker’s mouth or a drinker’s lips...he tasted musky and damp. Whatever it was, he wanted more of it. As per Domi’s training to himself, he was wrapping his tentacles around themselves in tight coils, making two ‘legs’ of sorts that he was using to support his weight over the Engineer. This also helped them hide in the cloak even this close and touching the bed. However, it wouldn’t stop the other from feeling their texture or suckers if he touched them with bare skin. “Now, let me do all ze work, oui?†The RED Spy pushed Lance’s back to the bed. Even with all his mental preparation, Domi knew his tentacles would wander, this could end badly. If he could at least keep them OFF Lance, he could get away with it. But any deviation from the cloak, they would flicker and be highly noticeable. Well, he’d planned something to get around that... He put on a little show, unbuttoning his coat, his vest, loosening his tie...the engineer tried not to stare too slack jawed, but goodness, he had a way about him - so sophisticated, such...a gentleman. How he used his hands, the way the pinstriped jacket was shrugged from his shoulders. Everything came off with care except his pants and mask that seemed to perfectly hug the man’s hooked nose and sharp cheekbones. God there was something about that mask... “MRMPH!†Lance’s staring gaze was smacked with the man’s vest and shirt. When his vision was cleared, the Spy was right there, with his un-done tie. “Ze show is over Mon Cheri,†The Frenchman smiled mischievously. Lance glanced down at the Spy’s lithe body, but not moments after the tie was being put around his head like a blindfold. “Hey!†The Texan yelped, but it was a playful tone. He reached out and grabbed the spy at the hips...dangerously close to his tentacled half for Domi...and just under his gills. ‘Too close!’ Domi hissed to himself. He took the Engineer’s hands and kissed them in a tender but dominant way, “I thought I told you to let me do ze work...?†“Not fair you kin’ touch and I can’t,†Lance tilted his head. He was a little nervous being made vulnerable to the Spy...but that also made it kind of exciting. ‘He’s on your team, he won’t HURT you...’ “Oui, eet’s not...but...please indulge me for now. Eet will be fun,†He made it like a game. Lance just assumed he was being kinky. So the engineer laid back, arms above his head, and put himself at the Spy’s mercy.
You. I love you. Normally I don't actually post on here, I just lurk. But you just posted this update, which I read. And then I reread the entire thing from be beginning. Because I love this story. And Dominique is quite possibly my favorite tentaspy. Of all time. Look, I'm even lapsing into sentence fragments. Because it's that awesome.
Oh, God, please do NOT keep us waiting for too long! This is amazing. I am so glad that there was an update. Best way to start my morning.
An update so soon? You are spoiling us sir/madam. Please continue to do so.
I didn't care for tentaspies before, but after reading this, I'm hooked! I love all of the details describing Dominique, how he reacts to his body and surroundings; it makes it more believable and enjoyable to read, well atleast to me it does! also Lithe, I love your tentaspy costume as well, the tentacles and gloves look amazing!
(As promised <3 Cause you guys are awesome.) [Part 15] It was just too perfect. The engineer laid out before him, hands above his head, like a delicious meal waiting to be devoured. “Mmmm,†Dominique hummed; petting a hand over Lance’s remaining clothes article (his boxers) as he danced his thin lips over his chest. As amazing as this was...and as much as he was enjoying it, it was hard to fully appreciate the moment. He was spending so much time focusing on his tentacles, keeping them coiled; keeping them away from Lance, and at the same time he was concentrating on maintaining his cool. He wanted his touch to be as pleasurable and luxurious as it always was, he didn’t want Lance to get a shell of his former glory. He wanted him to feel good, to FEEL how much he had been longing for him... “Ahhh!†The Engineer writhed, grinding his hips under the RED Spy’s talented fingers and mouth. The man’s touch was cool and smooth. He rolled out husky moans, breathing reduced to shuddering. “So ‘ard so quickly,†Domi crooned in the RED Spy’s voice, though it was all his tone, all his words and manner of saying it...the RED was just a façade. “You seem t’ have that effect on me,†He laughed lightly back. Lance didn’t think that blindfold would do much for him, but damn he was rather enjoying it now. He was a visual person, but focusing only on the touch, and not knowing WHERE it was coming or going, made it tingle that much more. Domi pushed down the boxers, just enough to let his erection free. It was a good reflection of it's owner, stocky, which made the uncut cock seem shorter than it was. Like a cat to cream, he licked down the stout man’s lightly fuzzed chest, and right onto his cock, taking it in a hand. He tried to keep his fingers together to hide the feeling of his webbing. “Geezus fuck!†Lance bucked, gripping the bed sheets as he threw his head back. He REALLY wished he could see now, that amazing image in his mind of the Spy sucking him off...his imagination ran away with him as he was orally pleasured, trying to picture every lick and hot breath visually. If only he could really see, there was a confused cloak shimmering all around, the free tentacles not acting as ‘legs’ gripping to every surface in the room, Domi constantly glancing and checking... Not only that, his throat was going dry. He took one last lick of the head of Lance’s thick erection, then discreetly grabbed for his water flask. Lance heard it...the sound of the metal lid being unscrewed, and the liquid sloshing inside. Because he didn’t feel any sting of alcohol on his penis when the moist mouth returned, he assumed it was just water...? ‘Well lord knows my mouth could sometimes get a little dry during this kind of thing,’ Lance thought back to the last time he was doing this, it’d been years sadly. Domi gave a guttural groan into the Engineer’s spongy corona, which hid the pained churrrr in his throat. A sound of want for MORE....he wanted so badly to let loose. He gripped his hands into the man’s legs and then around the sides to cup under his ass, which pressed his chest through Lance’s legs like a wedge, widening their spread. Domi nuzzled and moaned and licked at every inch of his blonde-fuzzed thighs he could get to. ‘more...more contact...mon dieu...please...’. His gills fluttered at the air with his deeper breaths, and unseen tentacle tips curled like toes. He sucked harder, and used his hands like a musician over an instrument, ‘oh you are making some sweet music for me indeed...’ Dominique thought, using the tip of his tongue in quick little flicks at Lance’s cock head in time with his hand motions. This elicited even louder groaning, which was suddenly muffled by the Spy’s mouth over his. He’d jumped up, pressing their chests together. Lance could taste his own salty flavor on the man’s lips; his hands flew up and gripped around Spy’s shoulder blades and head as he mouthed back wetly. The Spy’s tongue delved around in his mouth, like a violating force – but Lance welcomed the heated, unbridled condition. He didn’t even protest as his boxers were removed, leaving him fully exposed. Dominique was getting a little sloppy as they got this frenzied. He felt himself slipping, getting lost in the pleasure...god it was so good...he’d been so long without, even just this was pure ecstasy. Lance brushed past the frills on his arms and back, they went unnoticed in the passion of the moment. Tentacles bumped into the engineer’s legs as Domi straddled over him, they were passed off as his pants covered legs as the drying backs were becoming more and more leathery. ‘He’s blindfolded...he won’t know...’ he kept telling himself. It was then he got even bolder. His erect penis had made itself known some time ago, Domi was keeping it busy around the large suckers of his under mantle, and was basically pleasuring himself. He swallowed, then slowly, consciously now, snaked it out, and brought it up between his ‘legs’ (which was now just a horrible twisted mess of tentacles). He tried not to think about how fake this all was; what an indulgent and deceptive fantasy he was playing. He tried to praise his cleverness and control thus far. His webbed hand easily enveloped both of them, their two cocks pressing together. He took a deep breath, calming himself and slowing things down a little. The Spy proceeded to jerk both of them off, bucking his ‘hips’ with the other in purposeful, firm motions. When Lance felt that heat and pulsing, he knew what the Spy was up to, “Spah, fuck, that feels amazin’...†He groaned, back arching, wishing he could see the man’s erection for himself. Their pace quickened before too long, gasps becoming deeper and motions more frenzied. As pleasure overtook them both they flew off the handle, moaning and writhing, sloppily kissing, nipping at necks, foreheads pressing into one another, anywhere they could reach. Lance convulsed and came first, hard and sudden. Domi let his body relax just long enough not far after...his cries a bit animalistic as he hit a searing high that was accompanied by his own release. He collapsed on top of the Texan, breathing hoarsely, his whole body limp. Lance was breathing hard too, a husky laugh escaped his throat - he was thinking ‘geezus was that you that came so much? I can feel it dripping down my side...’ Domi stayed like that as long as he dared, exhausted and sated, their two bodies dappled with sweat and the engineer acting as his mattress. With both hands on the engineer’s jaw, Dominique gave some parting, passionate kisses to the shorter man, before he smoothly slipped backwards. His body needed water; he could feel his tentacles becoming harder to move, weak and slow. After too long he’d become too dry to be able to walk on his limbs. Lance got a feeling of dread as he felt the other man suddenly slipping away; he ripped the tie from his eyes. The Spy was gone. “Spah?†He called out, sitting up. “I’m sorry Mon Cheri I must be going...I would love to cuddle more, but next time, oui?†He tried to keep his voice up beat, but really it was killing him. As much as he was proud of himself for both his control and cleverness, it wouldn’t be long now before the real RED Spy ruined things, and Lance would find out...things couldn’t stay like this forever. “Why do you hav’ta go? I won’t tell anybody...’ell I was worried you’d tell about me...†Lance almost pleased, feeling a bit abandoned. “No one will know, and I trust you...I trust you.†The voice said as a hand grabbed the tie from Lance’s grasp, flickering for just a moment before it vanished within the cloak as well. Lance didn’t stop the Spy as he watched his door open and shut on its own. He sighed, not liking that the man didn’t stay, that didn’t sit right with him...but he must have his reasons. Maybe he was too damn trusting. But when the Spy said that, that he trusted HIM, his tone was like he had something worth entrusting, as if he had something to lose. His hand slicked over his sticky chest, and it brought a satisfied smile to his lips, ‘Great now I need another shower before bed...’
Ungh. Just... ungh. I'll be on my windowsill, et merci beaucoup pour les lettres que vous ecrivez.
I don't know whether I should look forward to, or absolutely dread when Lance finds out about Domi's true nature. Update again soon!
and you spoil us rotten. Can't wait to read more, though you would think thant Lance would ahve felt the tentacles or the mantle or at least the suckers underneath when Domi 'stradled' him.
I've been lurking and watching this story for a while, and I absolutely LOVE IT. And now we're finally getting to the dirty bits. Umph. I love you. Let's have a baby.
Oh. My. God. For the love of god, I'm sorry, allow me to adjust my post-multiple-orgasm face and just... Please continue.
Tonight is a night for spoiling! Huzzah! >>74 One way or another he's going to find out, you'll just have to wait and see how >>75 Domi actually never straddled him, his "feet" were on the floor the whole time, "legs mostly together" as he was leaning over Lance who was sitting legs over the edge of the bed. Domi did that for that reason, because if he did straddle him Lance would have indeed felt mantle and suckers no matter how much he balled himself up. Even when he flopped on top of him, it would have just been the drying (not slimy anymore) outside parts of his tentacle tops pressing against Lance's groin, that (in theory) would feel like the RED Spy's pants to a not-paying-total-attention-blindfolded Lance. Hope that clears that up :) >>68 , >>71 , >>76 Oh lurkers come one come all, I love hearing from you. Glad you like the (finally) smut, hehehh. >>77 OH-MY-Sulu.avi
Oh, god, Lithe that was very hot. I couldn't believe that we got two updates in one day! Oh, man. I'm very glad. But I feel so bad for Dominique! I want him to be able to be himself but I'm also terrified of what Lance will do when he finds out. Ahh it's so intense! Also, I just thought I'd say, Domi is my favorite Tentaspy. Ever.
Been creeping on this story for a bit, now. Kind of have my own tentaspy idea rolling around in the brain. If it ever makes it on the chan, you can bet I'm giving a shout out to you for being my inspiration.
Ah, I love this fic so much. Yum.
Woah woah, hold up. I thought this was supposed to be consentacles? In what world is intentionally lying to someone about your identity to have sex with them not rape? Also, spying on and watching someone without their knowledge is not romantic - it's creepy. See: Twilight
Hmm, I think it's a bit different. Aside from briefly masquerading as someone else which carries a big risk if someone touches him in the wrong area, Domi has no human contact aside from watching people. He can't escape, and he has no social life. He seems to observe and watch people as a way to cling to his humanity, so he doesn't withdraw completely and just become a monster. He also quit eating scraps of dead people for that reason. But the whole identity issue and essentially lying to Lance, that's something else. On one hand I can sympathize with Domi because he hasn't been with another person for years and he's constantly at risk because he can't respawn and if he reveals himself to someone and they freak out, he could end up vivisected or something. On the other hand, he's not being entirely ethical with Lance. I think things are going to come to a head soon. I hope it's done with finesse, finding out the person you've become attracted to is not only NOT the person you thought he was but someone pretending to be him, but to be this half-human octopus fish thing is a pretty big damn shock.
82, you are certainly right as to what does and doesn't constitute rape, though I think this story is still somewhat unique in the fact that it doesn't contain VIOLENT rape, which is usually the norm for tentacle porn. As far as ensuring the ending doesn't veer into "rape=love" territory, I leave that in Lithe's capable hands. As far as what counts as "romantic" I don't think anyone was implying Domi was being romantic by spying on and indeed manipulating Lance. It's usually flaws, grey areas, and screw-ups like these that not only drive the story forward but help readers relate to the characters and situations and develop feelings about the story's content. Unlike Twilight, this story is recognizing the problems for what they are and utilizing them to create conflict and interest. Not at all saying you were wrong to point these things out, but just reassuring you that fans of this story probably aren't all idiots and/or bad people.
I think 82 was just being a douche, to be honest. Implying that this story reads like Twilight suggests they have read neither. Stop shit-stirring.
I think as long as Lance does indeed feel a bit rightfully pissed, and Domi is willing to own up to it, I think it will be fine.
Actually, I have read this entire fic thus far. I'm sorry, but it's terribly cliche. It still feels like a high school fantasy romance. If Lance is a deeply closeted gay man in the 60s, why would he masturbate to trashy European porn with the window open? Why would he be willing to engage in sexual acts with someone whose identity he can't really be sure of? There's more than one Spy on base, and he surely knows they're both capable of disguising. That would be such easy blackmail material. Also, it doesn't matter whether it was 'violent' or not, rape is still rape. One party knowingly manipulated the other, and took advantage of his trust. The other issue I take is the infodumping. Yes, having the details of a tentaspy's anatomy can be very cool, but just dumping that information in the middle of the story is very awkward. It needs to be in context within the plot in order to work properly and read well. On the subject of anatomy, I'm shocked that Domi didn't die or wasn't severely crippled by a stab to the gills. Gills are extremely blood-rich and slicing them open is, predictably, going to make them bleed rapidly. If the bleeding managed to be stopped, there would still be a huge risk of infection. Domi's extreme dependence on the water is noted frequently, but seems inconsistent. One moment he's drying up because he's out of the canal, and the next he's hanging out in the rafters in one of the bases - far, one assumes, from any source of moisture. Why would a tentaspy's mantle, when dried out, feel like cloth (a man-made textile)? Amongst all the lip smashing, how did Lance not notice Domi's sharp teeth? There are just a lot of plot points that don't seem to add up or don't appear to be well thought out. Sex gets the most detail (and, 'spelling out' the groaning/moaning is more humorous than sexy, in my opinion)which would be fine if it was porn-without-plot. There are quite a few grammar and spelling mistakes, as well, and certain sentences read very awkwardly. For example: “See ya later Spah,†The Texan stated in goodbye, while he meant it in a manner of ‘I’ll have your watch ready later,’ would be better stated as something along the lines of "See ya later, Spah," the Texan offered as a farewell, giving a look that promised that the watch would be ready later. Anyway, sorry for the essay, but constructive crit is given to help improve writing/art/etc. Sorry to disappoint you 85, but I'm not doing this to 'shit-stir' or be a 'douche'. I'm just trying to offer what people used to flock to the chan for, and is now sorely lacking.
>>84 "As far as ensuring the ending doesn't veer into "rape=love" territory, I leave that in Lithe's capable hands." I don't know about that, 84. You must not have read Lithe's other main medic-medic couple... they're the epitome of "rape=love".
>>87 I do agree with many of the points that you brought up, and sometimes Dominique's drying out sometimes feel like a convenient exit for the character. As for the a lot of the anatomy inconsistencies, I certainly won't argue with you there either, and was wondering how Lance missed his teeth myself. However with the info-dropping about the anatomy, all I really have to say to each their own. Some people enjoy it, others don't, you can't always please everyone. Having also read the previous version of this story, I'm must point out that this VAST improvement over the original story. It clearly isn't perfect, but there is always room for improvement. I also agree with you that there is a noticeable lack of good criticism going around these days, but that just means that I'm more selective about which stories I read now. >>89 After reading some of the arguments here, I am inclined to agree with the argument for this being a form of rape. It isn't violent by any means, but it consists of a sexual act that would not have occurred if not for Lance being deceived and manipulated, which upon discovery could be just as traumatic. However, like many others here I'm willing to see how this plays out from the author. As for this whole comparison to Twilight, I would like to point to one very obvious point where the two differ: Intention. Twilight was written and published with the intent of being sold and making money. Not only is it marketing its mistaken ideal of love, but every book that someone buys means more money in Stephanie Mayer's pocket. Dominique on the other hand, if I'm remembering correctly, started as an RP (feel free to correct me if I'm wrong). No, the characters aren't completely original so it would be incredibly difficult to make money off of it without the threat of being sued. However, the intention behind it is more to explore the potential of a fantastical creature in a pornographic setting. So basically: Twilight is a money grab marketed towards people who should be ashamed of how they view love, where Dominique is more an experiment for the people who enjoy it. tl;dr just another person's opinion... Keep writing Lithe-Fider!
I suppose by textbook definition this is considered rape, given the whole identity thing, but its not as if Lance fought it. Granted the whole tentaspy thing generally is inclined to rape, this seems to be far from the grab-and-fuck tentaspy that appears more often. Either way I don't think this story needs another rewrite, I look forward to the next chapter.
Considering this is starting to cause debate, I'm now REALLY interested where Lithe is going to go when the big reveal happens. I for one actually really like the inserted snippets of information, I find them interesting and it makes this Tentaspy seem more real to me. I do agree about the random "drying out/totally cool don't need no water" bits, and when Domi was in the rafters I wondered why the old, dry wood wasn't affecting him. But meh, all I know is that I really enjoy this fic and it's one of the few here I get excited about when I see it get bumpoed.
sure is white knight in here
I also think 'rape' is too strong a word here. Both parties obviously enjoyed it. There was no pain. It's not like Dom paralyzed Lance, dragged him off to his cave where he had his wicked, violent, gory way with him and then left him with the terrible, life-ruining mental damage. Or ate him. Yeah, Domi is lying about who he is, but I think he has a pretty good reason to. Let us remember that he is half-man, half-octopus. I think it'd be a bit difficult to tell that to someone you're very interested in. Is it right to lie? No. Does it make sense? Yes. Real people lie to potential mates too. Besides, not all romances are straight and clean. A bit of lying, deception, stalking make it a little more dark and a little more exciting to read, and if this fic had none of that, I would have been disappointed. "Perfect" romances, while sometimes enjoyable, aren't always possible in every story, just like they aren't always possible irl. It would be silly and illogical. tl;dr Rape is serious, but this isn't rape. I am, though, enjoying this fic very much, and I'm eagerly awaiting new installations.
I have to STRONGLY disagree with 95 that "both parties obviously enjoyed it and there was no pain" = "no rape." There was a case some time ago where a guy's twin brother tricked his twin's girlfriend into having sex with him. As the woman believed she was making love to her boyfriend, she enjoyed it and felt no pain. But when she found out that the guy was a different person, she felt HORRIFICALLY humiliated and violated and traumatized. The jury declared the guy innocent because it's ridiculous easy for rapists to get away with their crime, but it was most definitely rape. HOWEVER, in this case, Domi didn't actually have sex with Lance, so it's much more ambiguous imo. I'd still expect Lance to be righteously pissed off when he finds out, and Domi should take full responsibility for his actions, but I'm not sure I'd call it rape. It's a grey area, imo, extremely unethical but not necessarily unforgivable. Besides Domi and Lance, I'm finding RED Spy very interesting. He is technically an antagonist, but he is also innocent (he was attacked by a monster in his sleep, for Pete's sake, OF COURSE he is out for revenge! Plus, as far as he knows, the monster in question could be a danger to his teammates). I hope he doesn't die, and that he gets a happy ending with the RED Sniper.
I’m going to step in right now because I really love and very much thank for the crit I’m getting(!), and I appreciate also people responding basically with what I’d respond with (meaning I see how I meant my story top be gotten across IS getting across) Thank you. Also please sage if you are discussing, stop bumping the thread. When it comes to grammar and flow, I basically just got to keep working on that best I can as I’m doing. I proof everything over at least three times before posting, but I'm not perfect...things do get missed (I apologize). Getting a beta reader would be a big help. (Any takers? Email is in the name slot. I hate asking for that kinda thing unless I know it’s a fic someone would be interested in at all to read). To those worried about rape, that is the opposite of what I /want/ this fic to be. As stated well before, rape is serious, and it’s not something I know is easily discussed. Just because I have another TF2 couple that is dysfunctional and may be on a rape vein, does NOT mean this one is. Domi this whole time is doing everything in his power to NOT let his tentacles have their way with Lance (quite the opposite from most tentaspy fics). Also this can’t be “consentacles†until we get the “Tentacles†I think. (lol) Yes, he is deceiving Lance, but Lance in all intents and purposes did consent to their sexual relations. The deceit is so Domi can have Lance get to know him, so in Domi’s hopes, when he has to tell him the truth, he won’t just be instant ‘IT’S A MONSTER SHOOT IT’. >>95 said it well. You can be sure Lance WON’T be happy when shit goes down (and yes, shit will go down). I promise you it’s not going to be ‘A-ok’ that he did that to him. I think posts >>83 and >>84 sum up things I’d say quite well, on why things are going as they are and what is going through Domi’s head. To explain a few of the technical points: Domi is indeed highly aquatic, but he also has degrees of how long he can stay out of the water. Also note his tentacles can last a lot longer than his lungs, which he quite religiously keeps moist using his water flask. Him outside on a sunny day = less time before he gets uncomfortably dried out, while being inside at night would mean more time out of water. I apologize if it ever seems inconsistent; I try to keep it in these boundaries. Also >>93 you make a good point about the wood being dry, I’ll take that into consideration in the future. When his gills were stabbed he indeed was highly hurt by it, and got so light headed he pretty much passed out. As stated in the fic, he clots / heals faster than a normal person; also he has access to medkits (that he steals). If I redid some of those parts I’d try and add some more detail to show more how it was a very bad injury. Also I like to “infodumpâ€, I’m a sci-fi-monster-anatomy fetishist and I fully admit to it. I will try to work that kind of thing in better, I’m sorry if it seemed like ‘dumping’. But basically if you don’t like to hear in-depth detail about “science fiction techno babbleâ€, you’ll most likely dislike my fics involving half human creatures (who I do have outside of the TF2 verse). TL/DR: THANK YOU for the crit, I’ll take everything into consideration. This is a TF2 fic, it won’t be rainbows and bunnies. Spies are creepers and watch people. Lance WILL be pissed and Domi will have to man up to it. I like to sci-fi info babble. I could use a beta reader to make this better. Next chapter will be coming soon, I had some great brainstorming discussions with Cat Boundary and I’m on a roll. Thanks all. :)
85/91 here. Last time commenting 4rlz >>96 said it best.
I like the sci fi anatomy info.
Yes, he is deceiving Lance, but Lance in all intents and purposes did consent to their sexual relations. The deceit is so Domi can have Lance get to know him I'm going to have to disagree here. Lance consented to sexual activity with RED Spy, not with Domi. I would also think that someone who genuinely cared about their love interest would get to know them in less... intimate... ways before skipping straight to sex. That's playing an extremely dangerous game with someone's emotions, and a considerate person wouldn't take an action with such an obviously huge chance of hurting their love interest. No, it wasn't violent, but it wasn't consensual, and it was sleazy, deceitful, and selfish.
Whether you 'intended' it to be rape or not is irrelevant - that's still what you wrote. A little self-awareness goes a long way. The fact is, that what Domi did was rape. No ifs, buts, or ands. Lance consented to sex with someone he thought was the RED Spy. Not to sex with any other Spy, and certainly not a tentacled monstrosity. Your 'romantic' interest is a stalker and a creeper who deliberately tricks people into kissing him and sleeping with him, who watches them while they masturbate and who masturbates while watching them in turn. This should be labelled horror, not romance. Regarding his lungs/gills, you compared getting stabbed in them to an asthma attack, and then had him running away and swimming off with little to no problem. Despite the fact he'd basically just been stabbed in the lungs. Finally: copy and pasting your worldbuilding into a story, which is what appears to have gone on here, is infodumping. And you are doing it very, very badly, and it is one of the hallmarks of terrible writing. It's great that you're putting so much thought into the background and mechanics of it all, but you are communicating that information extremely clumsily.
If y'all got such a stick up your butt about this rape stuff, how about we just change this from "romance" to "erotica" and be done with it?
Because that not only doesn't excuse anything, but actually makes it worse?
Oh shit,*oh shit*. THE FUCKING BLU MEDIC IS INFECTED ISN'T HE?!
How? The argument you're making is that it isn't a "romance" because there's rape and deception. I agree with you on that one. Erotica falls under a broader category. I dunno. Let's just see where this story goes.
Oh, durp. I just realized that Domi and Lance actually had sex. I was totally unaware of the last two updates. I feel dumb now.
First off, I'm loving this story. Domi has got a tidal wave of explaining to do once RED Spy wakes up and the timing is coincidental with 'his' and Engie's tryst. A few points have already gone in his favor I think, because Engie doesn't particularly like RED Spy but he does like Domi. Once the deception and the proceeding shit storm is blowing through, that'll probably help him not be killed in a pitch fork baring mob. That said, I have to agree with the preceding points on that what happened was essentially rape BUT since it was indeed Domi's personality and Domi being as truthful to Lance as possible without telling him 'hey, I'm half squid' I'm really leaning more towards this being more akin to a transvestite not letting the other in on the fact that they are not physically the gender they are portraying. It's not an exact roll over comparison, but we have to take into account that we are talking Tentaspies and complete and utter fiction. Just saying and I know a LOT of people will disagree.
The rape is kinda grey as far as rape cases go, so i'll skip that and not comment. I would like to disagree with 101 and point out that getting stabbed in the gills is not like getting stabbed in the lungs. A stab to a lung, which is like a large balloon, will deflate the whole lung. However, a stab to a gill, which is a pile stacked of membranes, will only damage the part that was stabbed. Unlike lungs, surface area is more critical for gills. This is not to say it's not potentially lethal. However, when a fish gets punctured in the gill (say during fishing or a fight with some other animal) the cause of death for the fish is usually the bleeding, not suffocation unless the clots were in a way that they caked the gills and could not be removed. Provided Domi can clot enough, and clean the clots out, as it was already stated he clots a lot faster than normal, he would probably be okay. Also, you have to consider his size. A knife going through a gill big enough for a human probably wouldn't damage too much of the actual tissue. Imagine, for example, stabbing a 200lb shark. He also has some ability to breathe on land, which actually seems to be hampered by his half-copperate blood than his anatomy, so that also helps. Also, i like your sci-fi anatomy stuff. Please continue?
> all the rape discussion Can we not all agree to disagree? Soapboxing in spoiler. Whether or not the sexual intercourse between Lance and Dominique should be defined as rape or not should not be the topic of discussion here. What we, as readers, are (hopefully) here for is to read and provide feedback on the content of the story. The morals behind actions can have an impact on the overall plot, but that is ultimately up to the author. Also, critique. I agree that there is a minor lack of commentary on how to improve various stories; but just because someone (perhaps you) puts forth their opinion on how the story can be improved, it does not mean that the author must follow it. Nor does it mean the analysis contains fixes in the story's best interest. We can all give our opinions on how Lithe-Fider 'should' write or rewrite her literature, but ultimately, they are opinions . Since rape is such an emotionally charged topic on its own, criticism is often similarly emotional. Whether or not a character's action should be constituted as one when the definition is affected by the surrounding circumstances, plus factoring in the fantastical quality of the subjects themselves in this case, IMO should not be up for debate. Before critiquing, consider the action as it is without the constrictions of emotional labeling, and form your own opinion. Be polite. If it is going to drag morality into the discussion, let it be a positive inspection of the plot and consider the characters' viewpoints and beliefs, not your own as a reader. Lithe-Fider is writing a fictional story about the relationship and interactions between a Tentaspy and an Engineer, and the subject of 'is sexual deceit rape or not' isn't the point. Is the story enjoyable? Are the characters and their actions believable within the setting and background? What can be done to improve these qualities, and what about the story seems out of place? This is the critique that should be given. TL;DR This is fiction, not a debate/instruction on law or belief. You like it, keep reading; if not, don't try to make us not like it as well. It's a (mostly) free internet after all.[/soapbox] Also labels are so narrow, inconsistent and vague, but that's another subject entirely. To the author: I am personally enjoying the tidbits of scientific information left throughout the story. While it does seem a shy out of place with the mood in certain instances, to me it doesn't detract from the overall enjoyment of a nicely written fantasy. Please keep up the work and know there will always be people to read your work.
101 here >>108 Okay fair point, a gill is not going to be the exact same as a lung, but my point was that Domi was running around extremely easily for someone who'd just been stabbed in them. but whatever, it's really one of the least of this fic's sins >>109 Considering that the author is trying to pass this all off as sexy and romantic and 'consentacles'? Yes, I'd say a discussion of whether this is rape or not IS warranted. (spoiler: it IS rape, and none of the apologising for it in the world will change that) Personally, I don't care how fucking 'fantastical' the setting is - if it's rape when it's between two human beings, then it's still rape when it's between a human being and something which is no longer human but still seems to want to consider itself a person. That, and critique is what made this chan great, and the asspattery and white-knighting that is going on in this thread is exactly what is killing it. I hope you are all very proud of yourselves.
I'm not good at critique. Sometimes something pops out that I notice needs fixing. I notice grammar and spelling though. Basically I know when I like a story. So far I like this.
>>110 Don't be a dick, okay? You don't like something, that's fine, but there is absolutely no need for you to curbstomp everyone who happens to like it. Add your critique, if you want to, but don't expect everyone to agree with you, and don't bitch and moan when someone doesn't. As for labelling this story 'horror' instead of 'romance'? There -are- no labels for 'romance' on this chan. It's 'adult fanfiction'. There will be stories about rape. I also don't recall the author mentioning anywhere about this being 'sexy' and 'romantic'.
I just want to pop in long enough to say that I am enjoying this story so if you're at all feeling discouraged, Lithe-Fider, just letting you know I am quite interested in seeing where all of this leads. And I do enjoy the information on Tentaspy anatomy. It shows that thought has been put into him instead of, "Oh crud, monster, watch out, hablargh!" which seems to be pretty common. I can't wait for Engie to be told/find out about the deception and what follows there after.
I've read over all the peoples comments about whether this is or isn't rape...and quite frankly find everyone too embedded in their own opinions to comfortably post my own. What I have to say to those who don't like the stories situations and flow of writing is this: Why are you still reading it? Something must have caught your interest and held you long enough to want to say something. I'm all for constructive criticism...but some of the things being said just felt mean spirited and wrong...on both sides attacking and defending the story. I immensely enjoy this fanfic...even more since I read the original a while back and...thought it needed improvement. And well....this is it! Please keep on writing, Lithe-Fider! I can't wait for more!
(again, please sage people!) >>109 You pretty much hit the nail on the head. Don't worry I'm not discouraged <3 And thank you to those enjoying the ride, please keep the crit coming guys as that's how people get better (what's been mentioned already has indeed affected how things will be written), and I also am happy people are keepin it civil in this dispute. But can we stop the 'rape trigger' discussion? This isn't the place for it. I wasn't trying to 'false advertise' with the 'romance' in the title, I wish I could go back and change the title now then, with all that has been brought up. I put it in in a manner of 'TF2 romance' which from the fics I've read on this adult board can mean unusual, dysfunctional, raw, or a little taboo (and that's in the consensual fics). These are mercenaries, most with questionable sanity, their 'romance' on how some authors write them, isn't going to be typical, or necessarily fully 'healthy' by normal (sane) people standards. And that 'dangerous' nature is why I love writing and reading TF2 fics. Lots of fics in this fandom (that involve sex) contain non-con, rape, voyeurism, hatesex, deceit, etc... To Anon 101/110, you are correct then, this fic contains 'rape' in a form in the recent chapters, I'm sorry if you felt I was 'trying to pass anything'. If you, or anyone else doesn't want that, or that ruins the nature of their relationship, then don't read it. BTW still looking for a good beta reader! My email is in my name slot on post >>97
I come back from PAX and this is what I find? Way to hijack, y'all. For god's sake, no one's been dissected, peed on, or cannibalized, so by this fandom's standard there's almost no depravity to be found. If TeratoMarty can write necrophilia and guro fluff, LitheFider can damn well write dubcon tentacle romance. Shut up and let's get back to our regularly scheduled programing, non?
Beta reader: Jeffian (thank you!) This chapter was almost 2 separate ones but I just left it together. Last 2 parts were at >>72 and >>67 [ Part 16 ] “Mein gott, vhat vas zhis again?†“Bobcat.†The RED Spy replied distantly, his eyes a little bloodshot. “Zhere are bobcats around here?†The new medic, the transfer who had come on the supply train, looked over with feigned worry like he thought the Spy was overreacting. Spy turned his head slowly to look at the German, his face full of malcontent. He gave the medic such a dirty, under slept, wild eyed look that it physically made the other shy away. “Vhell you seem to be alright...†The Medic took a few more sample swabs and then warmed up his medigun, which for infirmary use was mounted to a ceiling harness to keep it charged. “Ve should check zhese for rabies, just in case,†He handed the samples to the new medic, who had taken to being an assistant for now, though the man looked anything but greenhorn, he was just as old if not older than the current RED Medic. “I’ll take care of it,†The other German replied calmly, giving their patient a funny look as he walked over to the storage cabinet, “Are you sure you did not get drunk and fall on a rake?†The Spy pulled his already open collar wider and showed off the deeply bruised bite and scratch marks there, “DOES ZHIS LOOK LIKE A RAKE TO YOU?†“Calm yourself Herr,†The Medic planted the Spy back down onto the examination gurney, “You’ll be ready for zie field today, no problem.†He clicked on his medigun and turned it to the tired Spy, the warm vapors reconstructing his skin and mending his wounds. The Spy would have told them what it REALLY was, but he still didn’t fully know it himself. He’d never gotten a clear look at what had attacked him...all he knew was...it has tentacles. And who would believe talk of a ‘monster’ ? “It certainly doesn’t look like a bobcat bite,†The new medic mumbled, eyes narrowing with a sideways glance. ... As the men ran out onto the field for another day of territorial dispute, Dominique watched from one of his high perches on RED base. The fabric-padded, water filled scoop inside the curve of a rusted water tower made for a good place to watch the action out of harm’s way in the cooler mornings. Flicking his balisong as displacement activity, he indeed noticed the new RED Medic, though it was strange they had not transferred out the old one, ‘No doubt he complained, didn’t want to leave the Heavy,’ he thought, knowing the two were close. They would most likely transfer out both of them and send in a new Heavy within a fortnight. That, or RED was keeping a larger team on hand. While that would usually be the highlight of his month, taking notes on the new member was the least on Domi’s mind right then. He was thinking about the RED engineer, more specifically, how he could somehow reveal reality to him. It wasn’t just about feeling useful, interacting, or the sex anymore, he was falling for the man. Lance deserved to know the truth. He felt horrible inside he had to deceive the Texan, but he hadn’t known what else to do. Pretending to be something you’re not came so easily, it’s something he’d been doing his whole life. But this time his whole deceit was so he could get to know him, so maybe when the engineer found out what he really was, then he wouldn’t just instantly see him as a nothing more than a monster. Maybe it would ease things…at least that is what the spy hoped for. “Soon...there will be a slip. One wrong comment from Lance to the real RED Spy, one misplaced gesture or look,†He thought, using a tentacle to dump a stowed jug of water into his puddle of a ‘pool’, “Questions would be asked. The RED Spy, he is no idiot...he would put two and two together...†... “He must theenk I’m an idiot.†The RED Spy inhaled furiously on his fag, “Theenks he can move about and do weeth me as ‘e pleases, who or whatever ‘e iz…†He stalked about cloaked, wary like a paranoid man that at any moment something would leap out at him from the ether. His original resolve to get to the bottom of it was renewed. … Lance was acting as a defender inside the RED base, looking for any BLU scouts who might happen by. A lithe looking sentry sat nestled by his feet, keeping vigilant watch. Its casing was sleekly painted RED, chips in its surface revealed the BLU metal underneath. But it didn’t matter where some of its metals originated, it was defending RED now. The RED heavy came up to warm himself by Lance’s dispenser, “Woah, are we getting hammered out there big fella?†The engineer asked. He hoped the man would take notice of his sentry, made using the metal he’d retrieved for him. “Da, other team’s Demoman being ‘specially clever today.†The Russian winced as his surface wounds were healed. “Where’s doc?†He knew those two were almost inseparable. Also the doc’s pinpointed medigun would do a better job of healing the large man then his mechanical dispenser. “Helping Solider. New Doktor with Pyro sneaking in from side.†“Best’a luck out there Boleslav,†Lance flashed his goggles at him as the large man ran back out to find his medic. Just as Lance was turning around, he nearly jumped. Their Spy was sitting there hunched over on his dispenser, smoking in a disgruntled fashion and sighing with relief at the warm healing vapors. “GEEZUS Spah, I told’ya you don’t hav’ta sneak up on me to git mah attention.†He chuckled, giving a friendly smile and inching up. “Mmmm?†The RED glanced at him tiredly, “You need to be more attentive, next time eet will be ze BLU Spy.†He flicked open his knife and made a playfully dangerous ‘kill’ gesture to emphasize his point. “Ahh, of’ course,†Lance laughed again, nervously this time. He checked to make sure they were alone before petting a hand out over the Spy’s knee, “Seems RED to me.†There was no flicker of cloak at the touch. The Spy gave a funny look to the touch, like it was a little much for a spy check, “Good theenking,†He huddled his knees together, slightly away from the engineer. “You alright? You look like you didn’t sleep well,†Lance observed, also noting his sour mood. “You ‘ave no idea.†The Spy let his last inhale seep slowly from his nostrils. “Heh, I figured after last night you’d be all worn out and sleeping like the dead,†He said in a quiet voice, grinning widely like a cat who got the crème. The Spy stared blankly in thought, alarm bells going off in his head. Far as he knew, last night he was walking towards his room...and then he was attacked, and all was black till morning when he woke up in bed, with everything but his pants folded and sitting on his nightstand. No one else saw the state he was in or his injuries except the medics. “Ohhh...?†The Spy finally said, giving a forced smile he was hoping wouldn’t seem fake to the engineer, “Heh well, doing that kind of thing can be tiring, oui?†He fished. “Well, ‘specially after those things you did with your mouth and hands, Nnnnn,†Lance bit his lip, he couldn’t help but smile ear to ear, it really was too wonderful. He checked around again to make sure no one was there. Everything was quiet on the home front, nothing but the hum of his dispenser and the beeps of his sentry. If it wasn’t for the Spy’s extensive experience and training, he’d have given the engineer the most aghast, confused face know to man. After hearing those words and seeing how the man was acting, he could only assume that the Engineer believed they’d had sexual relations. It was the logical conclusion. And who else could impersonate him but another Spy? And he was RED team’s only Spy. Meanwhile, Dominique had returned to the canals as the sun rose, he only had so much fresh water he could use at a time where he’d stowed it in his lookout nests. He swam by the front of RED base, along the straight running, concrete lined canals. Passing under one of the foot bridges, he heard the heavy fire of the Heavy’s machine gun, followed by German and Russian tinged laughter. Not long after the body of the RED Demoman came splashing into the water. Domi retreated deeper and away to avoid any stray fire, though the smell of blood still filled his nostrils through the water. He swam down, almost to the bottom, and into a large inlet pipe that led up into RED base as a well opening. He pushed up on the wooden cover with a tentacle as he came to the pipe’s end, peeking out cautiously. The coast was clear. In fact…he heard the beeping of a sentry just out of view around the corner. He smelled the air, clearing water from his sinuses. It was Lance. ...And the RED Spy, he knew that brand of menthols anywhere. The RED Spy took a few stalling pulls of his cigarette, smirking and laughing in his throat to buy him time to think. “OH Monsieur, you flatter me,†He played along with Lance, hoping to learn more. “Next time, no blindfold.†The engineer held up a finger in a joking accusatory fashion, “Though I admit that was interestin’.†‘Could that be why my tie was all wrinkled...?’the Spy thought, “Petit, I thought you might like eet, heh heh,†He gave a pet to the Engineer’s cheek, almost a ‘oh you’re cute’ pinch. Inside he was rather disgusted with his display, really, while he didn’t have an issue with men sleeping with men, why would another Spy want to go to so much trouble with THIS man of all people? What could the BLU Spy, assuming it WAS the BLU Spy, have to gain? Perhaps he wanted to gain access to their shop? Steal intel on their builds? Lance DID build some unique...things. But couldn’t he steal such information without sleeping with the man? More importantly, what did that thing that attacked him have to do with the BLU Spy? Was it some kind of ‘guard dog’ for BLU? As he thought he took out his disguise kit to see which BLU he’d load up, and to get a new cigarette. Best to get out of there before the engineer wanted a kiss or something. His head was buzzing with new questions now that he was getting some answers. He needed time to think and plan his next move. “Any problems again with th’ disguise kit?†Lance asked. “Huh?†The Spy blinked again, “AH non, eet’s working perfectly mon Ami, merci.†He smiled, thinking ‘again’? “I like checkin’ in on my handiwork,†Lance beamed. “AH… ‘ow long ago was eet that you fixed eet up again? †He assumed based on the engineer’s words, though he never recalled having any of the engineers work on his equipment. Apparently someone wasdoing a LOT of things in his body... “Almost a month ago now.†“Time flies,†The Spy flicked the case closed, putting the fresh cig in his teeth. “I’ll be sure to ask again eef I need anozzer tune up,†He said coolly. “Anytime…†Lance said a little sadly, seeing the Spy was getting ready to head back out. “Take care of yourself Mon Cheri,†The RED Spy laid it on thick, and tried to imagine the Engineer was someone else as he whispered the words brushing his lips against the other man’s ear. Watching the exchange…was a fuming tentaspy. There was no rational look, or humanity, in his eyes. His increasingly raspy breathing devolving into low growls. As the RED Spy cloaked and made way for the BLU sidelines, he had no inkling of the predator stalking behind him. Cloaked and silent, Domi snuck low past Lance and out the front steel door, creeping up onto shipping crates like a rolling fog to loom over his mark. Hormones and animal instinct clouded over his judgment like a storm. Had he been thinking rationally, he’d have been distraught that his cover was blown, that the RED Spy knew something was up, and he should have been planning how to deal with it… But in watching the RED Spy flirt with the RED engineer, HIS engineer…these little jealous voices welled up in him. It wasn’t intelligent jealousy, this was purely territorial, and it was strongly voicing, HE’S TRYING TO TAKE WHAT IS YOURS. HE’S TRYING TO STEAL YOUR MATE. Convinced the Spy really was trying to take his place, fall for real into the role he’d created using the other’s body, the tentaspy drew closer. His teeth were bared, his pupils were dilated, and his claws were extended. The RED didn’t even know what hit him when the tentaspy pounced onto him from above, bowling him over and right into the canal. There was a few moments of silent disorientation as the Spy struggled in the water, trying to find which way was up, he hadn’t gotten a full breath before being plunged in. He was about to break the surface when a tentacle whipped out and snagged him backwards, a flurry of bubbles and water-muffled cries trailing after him. After what felt like being tumbled by an ocean wave, he was mercifully pushed above the surface just as his lungs were burning. Gasping and coughing, he was yanked under again, a loud cry of ‘HELP’ being cut off before he could finish the syllable, and was greeted by a sharp toothed snarl, uncloaking painfully clear in front of him in the water. The Spy struggled, fighting both to get to the surface and to get to any of his weapons. He wasn’t much of a match for the strength of the suckered limbs all around him, but Domi also wasn’t thinking clearly, he was not as coordinated with restraining the man. As soon as he was allowed another breath, he cried for help again, before his mouth was covered by a wrapping tentacle. He was pressed up against the side of the canal, then up over the edge so his back hit the ground, the tentaspy over him like a lion with its prey. TOYING with its prey. Not far away, looking out the open top windows of the factory-like RED building was the Sniper. He glanced towards what he swore was a very panicked cry for help, just heard over a lull in the gunfire that had all shifted towards the BLU side of the field (The two docs pushing back the front lines with Solider and Heavy after the BLU Demoman was dealt with). Zooming in with his scope, he saw something that made him question if he was dreaming. Coiled around their Spy was…well it looked like a BLU Spy, if a BLU spy was mashed together with a sea monster. “Wot in bloody ‘ell…†He murmured, throat going dry. It took him a moment to concentrate again, because he remembered what the Spy had been going on and on about recently, being spooked and paranoid for weeks. Was this what he was talking about? Well, the Sniper believed him now. He turned his laser sight on to try and line up a shot to protect Spy. After an intimidating snarl, the tentaspy warned in a hiss, “You stay away from Lance…!†The RED Spy couldn’t answer, there was a tentacle clasped over his mouth. He winced and twitched in the tight grasp, pretty sure that pain in his ankle and chest was something being broken. “ ‘e’s mine, you got zhat!?†The monster loosened his grip just enough in his distraction as he thought of his words. The RED Spy didn’t waste any time, calling loudly again for help as he managed to get a hold of his Ambassador. Domi whipped him over as the gun was fired, moving with ferocious speed and litheness, making sure he was kept silent THIS time with a bite to his neck. The gun was knocked away, the bleeding bullet wound near the base of a tentacle not being nearly enough to slow him down. “Let him go!†A shaky voice came from behind the tentaspy and his captive. The neck was released before the bite could be made fatal. “SHIT damn Engineer in the way of moi shot,†The Sniper growled, moving to realign it. “Lance…?†Domi said distantly, like he didn’t quite realize what was going on. There was his Engineer, pistol aimed firmly with both hands. Lance didn’t quite believe what he was seeing any more than the Sniper did, but what he did know when he came running to the cries for help, was that it looked like a BLU, and it had his lover in its grasp. “W…whatever you are, back off or I’ll shoot! Ya hear me?†He said firmly. The Texan was a little afraid to open fire unless he had to, that thing looked dangerous; he didn’t know what it could do. Words failed Domi as he began to understand the situation; he looked down, the RED Spy in his grasp, breathing ragged and bloody with claw marks, and Lance…LANCE there pointing a gun at him. He didn’t even notice the RED laser sight trailing over his head. Domi moved closer to the Engineer, “Petit eet’s not what eet-†He snarled in pain as Lance shot him in the shoulder, and jerked away with coiling tentacles, just in time for a second, larger caliber bullet to hit him in the chest. The cry was louder this time, and the RED Spy was released as the wounded creature slipped backwards into the canal, sinking out of sight. “Missed,†The Sniper grumbled. When Domi was hit just a second before the Sniper took HIS shot, it made him jerk out of line of a headshot. Still, he hit the thing, and it vanished into the water. “Spah! Spah, you alright?†Lance pocketed his weapon and came running to his team mate who meant a lot more to him then being just of the same employer. He helped the man up, the Frenchman couldn’t put weight on one of his ankles and he went back to sitting in a cry of pain and anger. “Doc!†Lance called for a medic, and put his arms protectively around the Spy, “I’m sure of’em will be along shortly, hang in there babe.†Lance smiled and kept a suspicious eye to the canal, and pet over the Spy’s chest looking at his injuries, but it was quite obvious from his touch he was treating the Spy like a lover. “I’m not your ‘babe’,†The Spy finally spat, pushing away Lance’s touch. He wasn’t THAT disgusted with the man, but in his frustration, pain and ordeal he didn’t want THIS on top of it all. Besides, there was no way him playing along now would give him any edge to find out more from the engineer since that thing attacked him...it was obvious BLU knew HE knew something was up. “Now now calm down -†Lance just thought he was being understandably unreasonable with his ordeal. “I’m not your babe and I’m not your ‘Cheri’!…someone ‘as been using my skin, impersonating me to get closer to YOU.†The RED Spy voiced, “I can only assume eet iz ze BLU Spy. And zhat…zhat THEENG iz working weeth ‘im!†He groaned holding his chest, definitely broken ribs. “W….what?†Lance finally said, his face and tone disbelieving but also heartbreaking as a heavy feeling sunk down into the pit of his stomach. “I’m sorry, I am not ze RED Spy you know.†He said a bit more solemnly, moaning soon after hoping the medic would get there shortly. Backup arrived in the form of Doc and Boleslav. Lance was distant as he watched their medic look over Spy, medigun his main injuries, then instruct Boleslav to pick him up and take him to the infirmary, his bones would need manual resetting. Not another word was said between the engineer and the spy that day.
I want to write an essay about how much I love this fic, but I can't seem to find the right words. so, I'll just leave it at this. This fic is my favorite story here, I love the characters and how descriptive it is, I'm looking forward to reading more! now if you'll excuse me, I'm going to reread it again <3
SHIT JUST GOT REAL. BETTER THEN LAST CHAPTER. ACTUAL FIGHTING. BIG IMPROVEMENT. LOOK FORWARD TO LANCE ANGST. LOOK FORWARD TO NEXT INSTALLMENT. /CAVEMAN
I cannot tell you how much I love this story. I'm so in love with it, with Domi, and with Lance. This is one of my most favorite fics in the entire fandom, even that I've ever read. Thank you so much for creating something so amazing. I can't wait to read more.
AWWW SHIT Mate'stealin wannabee home wrecker got ROCKED son
Agh. Awwwkkkwwwwwaaaardddd. Awkward moments killll me. But this one was reasonable. I felt sorry for RED Spy. He was at least nice enough to explain.
Oh, man. OH MAN. I just. I need more of this. Like right now. I NEED TO KNOW WHAT HAPPENS NEXT.
Poor Lance. I hope the next day RED Spy gives him some words of comfort... Even if RED Spy doesn't like Lance, he is certainly intelligent enough to understand that Lance was deeply hurt, and Spy did say that he cares for his team... At the very least, he should reassure Lance that he is not going to blackmail him as Lance originally feared. And speaking of comfort, I hope Sniper offers some to Spy. Damn if the poor guy doesn't deserve some good old lovin' after all the crap he has gone through.
Ugh...damn! NO more updates!! ...Being a non-member lurker (and first time speaker-upper) isn't a always a good thing...
>>119 I think I like this response as much as the fic, if not a tad bit more.
wonderfull fic, simply amazing, you've drawn me in completely~ i must know when the nwxt update is, oh please????
Just read all of this in one sitting. I, personally, love the science in this, as well as the explorations of Domi's character. It not being a Tentaspy-rapefic helps a lot. Can't wait for more!
JEALOUSY. YES. I like, I like.
Oh there's plenty of angst/drama to come even, though I'd say it's all pretty warranted! I'm also happy RED Spy is coming across so people care about him, he's grown on me and I've developed him more then originally intended, but I am glad for it. He SHOULD be a character to himself, not just some background tool. He's become an integral part of things. And I noticed I got bumped, which is okay cause now there's a chapter for ya. This part was beta read by Kuhzka, thank you! [ Part 17 ] The look on his face. It was not unexpected, but it didn’t make it any easier. After he got over the initial shock of being shot, Domi poked his eyes above the water to see what was transpiring. He caught a glimpse of the RED Spy being carried off by Boleslav, with a very distant engineer following after. There was no doubt in Domi’s mind the Spy had told him ‘the truth’. Just then, the pain from his injuries finally REALLY hit him; he sank to the bottom, briefly blacking out. His body jolted him awake a few minutes later. If he didn’t seek out help, he’d soon bleed to death. Two nursing tentacles coiled around his torso, half to squeeze against the pain, but also they were acting like a tourniquet. He limped to his dry goods den, where a stolen med kit was waiting for this kind of emergency. It was amazing luck the Sniper’s botched shot didn’t hit his heart. Without quick action from a medic, he’d have been dead, even with his heightened ability to deal with injury. As his tentacles dragged him along, he could feel water slipping through the bullet hole in his chest as he breathed out his gills. The Sniper bullet had gone clear through him. In a dry air pocket hidden underneath the shipyard building drainage sewers Domi pulled aside his damaged vest to inspect the wounds. He used his claws like tweezers and felt inside the shoulder wound. The smaller pistol shot was still in there. “Aggnnn!†He clenched his teeth and gripped his tentacles firmly to the railing that rimmed the ledge. His vision whited out from the pain momentarily. When he could focus his eyes again, he saw the bullet there in his claw tips. It was tossed aside, and he winced as he shakily uncapped the short, thick, med kit syringe. It was pre-filled, the liquid inside softly glowing blue against his flesh in the dim lighting. There was another cry as he stabbed it in next to the larger of the bullet wounds. He threw the empty syringe against the wall not far from where he tossed the bullet. But the syringe was far more breakable, and it shattered to the concrete floor, the sound echoing off the walls. The sound was overshadowed by Domi’s growl of pained frustration, which muffled as he slipped limply back into the water. His breathing stabilized as the hole in his chest sealed over, flesh regenerating, pain slowly fading... His uninjured tentacles curled at the damaged one where the Spy’s ambassador had shot him at point blank range, like an animal nursing a wound. It would take more time for the med kit’s effect to reach there. Domi stared up at the dark water above him, his back to the canal floor. The physical pain was predominated by an even greater pain in his chest. He’d been living such a lie those past few weeks...such a self-deceiving, hopeful lie. He couldn’t have just been happy to interact with the teams with his fixed gear, he couldn’t just flirt or chat...he had to go and get so involved. He had to begin to fall in love. And not only that, but he’d hurt the one he cared about, and revealed himself to RED. And he’d been nothing more than some wild animal, snarling and baring teeth as he attacked RED Spy like he was competition for a mate. The way Lance had looked at him...that was how he was viewed. Monster. The tentaspy turned over, curling up on himself. You can try to cover it up with all the frills you want, but that’s what you are at the end of the day. A Monster. ... ... ... Deceived. Tricked. Lied to. Used. These were the main thoughts running through Lance’s head as he sat alone in bed, looking a little lost and vulnerable. How could he have been so STUPID. How could he have let the BLU spy trick him like that, play his heart strings like a violin to get to his team. It was all according to some plan...he was just a cog in his deception machine. The BLU was probably smirking the whole time he was blindfolded while they... What frustrated the engineer the most was how real it felt. How the man touched him, every soft gesture, how he talked, his tone of voice; if Lance couldn’t tell the difference between real love and deception how could he even trust HIMSELF? How could he trust his own judgment on how ANYONE treated him? Was he really so gullible, so blind? At least he could relax tomorrow. Since it was the weekend, he wouldn’t have to interact with anyone. He could just sleep forever, sleep it all off. ... There was a somber, grumpy faced balaclava peeking out from the RED infirmary bed sheets. “Come, you must eat.†The Medic poked some dinner in the Frenchman’s face. His newer comrade stood over him, watching carefully. His wounds had been healed, but his cracked/dislocated bones had required surgery to reset, and it took a little time for them to settle before they could seal them with the medigun. For observation, the Spy had slept in the infirmary. The medics finally grew tired of coaxing their patient like a child. The food was left on a table in front of the Spy and the man was left alone. The RED Spy’s mind was a strange mixture of anger and regret. First and foremost, he was angry for being so easily played...being a pawn of that conniving BLU Spy bastard. It made him feel outclassed and out maneuvered. It ate away at his pride like acid. ‘No one plays me like that— no one...and gets away with it.’ his mind stewed. The regret came from the causality of this deception, their engineer. The RED Spy was ruthless, but like any gentleman, he understood and respected love. That look in the Texan’s eyes. It was unmistakable, and heartbreaking. How dare the BLU do such a thing. The Spy sat up and put the plate in his lap. He poked at the baked potatoes and beans. Did the medics REALLY wonder why he was so reluctant to eat it? But he WAS hungry, no denying that, and enough butter and salt could mask the blandness of the driest baked potato. Not long after he started eating, did the door to the infirmary crack open slowly. The stealthy Frenchman was so quiet, that Lance didn’t even notice the RED Spy until his fork chinked against the metal plate. The Engineer jumped, almost dropping the aspirin he’d come to get for his headache. There was an awkward silence, both making eye contact from across the room. The RED Spy looked so less proud and powerful than usual; just a white undershirt, balaclava, and boxers. He looked so... human. There were wide bandages around his ankle and torso. Lance didn’t look much better though, un-showered, lazy clothes, like he’d been in bed all day. As far as he knew, the Spy sitting there wasn’t interested in him, but seeing his face still arose some feelings. “I was jes gettin’ an aspirin,†Lance finally said, closing the medicine cabinet; the silence was terribly heavy. He got a paper cup from the infirmary sink and filled it with water. “Oui,†The Spy replied simply, taking another bite but not looking away as Lance took the pill. Lance began to leave, but he had questions that had been gnawing at him; he couldn’t keep them to himself. He turned just as he was at the door and came back over with resolve, “W...when did you know? When did ‘ya find out about the BLU’s tryin’ to infiltrate us usin’ you?†It was said in a half angry half bittersweet manner of ‘Why didn’t you tell me?’ “That theeng you saw, that...monster BLU must ‘ave created – he attacked me in bed about a month ago. Then in ze hallway last week, then ze other day as you saw. I did not find out zhey were using MY face until yesterday. I would ‘ave informed you after I used ze information to my advantage,†he said professionally, but his voice was tired. The plate was put aside. “Ahh.†The Engineer crossed his arms, looking like it didn’t make him feel that much better. He was thinking though, back to when the RED Spy first left him that note asking to fix his disguise kit...that must have been the BLU too then. “Mon Ami, you must’eent let eet get to you, ze BLU’s are ruthless. We will strike back accordingly.†The Spy reached for his cigarette case and flicked it open. There was something else clawing at Lance’s mind. Spy obviously knew, knew he’d been involved with ‘him’. How could he bring up such a thing? Shit, best just to do it, “Spah, might I ask you...not to explain the details of this to th’ men?†He gave a pained sigh, “Please...I’ll do any favor ya’ ask.†He seemed uncomfortable in saying this, like he might regret it. The lighter was lowered as Spy’s mouth curled up, and he finally laughed, but not too hard as he couldn’t with his healing ribs. “Ze Docteur.†“Wha?†Lance was taken aback, had the Spy lost it? “Ze Docteur and ze Russian, I’m surprised you ‘ave not ‘eard them through ze walls.†He chuckled, “And Ze Sniper would not admit eet, but also ‘e’s been known to enjoy male company as well. While I’m not sure how much of all this iz of ‘convenience’ for everyone, you are not ze only one ‘guilty’ of playing around weeth other men.†The Frenchman took as deep a drag as he could and then continued, “You can know from ME, I ‘ave no problem weeth whoever you choose to fuck weeth, or love. And I’d appreciate eet eef you kept THAT information from ze men, as well.†The engineer felt the best he had in 24 hours hearing that from Spy. It took a weight off his worries. “Spah, you- you kin trust me. No doubt about that. Thank you.†He smiled with a thankful look. “Excellent.†The Spy returned the grin, his cig loosely in his bare hand. He groaned soon after, leaning over, “I can’t wait for ze medic to set zhese bones tonight...†“You’ll be good as new.†Lance wanted so badly to comfort him...but he had to keep telling himself, this wasn’t ‘his’ RED Spy, nor was that Spy ever real. He swallowed and sighed, wanting to leave because he wasn’t sure how much better this was making him feel being around Spy right now. “Well, take it easy, alright?†He gave a wave and made his leave. On his way out the door he brushed past their Sniper, who gave him a knowing glance. But he said nothing; he merely passed by the engineer and into the infirmary. Sitting back on his bed, the engineer thought now about that...creature that had attacked their Spy. Heartbreak and BLU infiltrating them was one thing, but that thing was beyond anything he’d ever seen. BLU must have been playing with the very laws of nature. It was both fascinating and horrifying: to think how that creature had been made, or bred, or god knows what. Now that he was in the calm of his room, Lance could think back to the encounter. It was a little of a blur, everything happened so fast. But looking back now, the creature had tried to talk to him; he had said his name, like he knew him well...and he looked so confused. When the BLU came at him, Lance of course had felt scared, all those...tentacles twisting like something out of a science fiction movie. All he could think of was to keep it AWAY, and wanting to protect who he thought was a budding lover injured on the ground behind. He fired his gun and the BLU vanished into the canal. “Water damage...†Lance whispered out loud in thought, “The disguise kit and Cloak and Dagger I repaired were [i]water damaged/i]....†There was a sinking feeling in his stomach as he had the thought - was the BLU Spy really involved at all – - or had the entire deception for BLU been carried out by that creature?
God, I- I just- F**k, this hurts to read. I don't mean that it's bad or poorly done, I mean; I am feeling the pain of these characters as if it were my own. It's like... Someone reached into my chest, smashed through my ribcage and peeled it all back to grip onto my heart and twist it into an unrecognizable knot of muscle while both lungs collapsed and failed. It hurts so much I can barely even see straight, but then I look down and there's no injury there and I realize that it's not a physical pain. And for some reason, that makes the pain feel so much worse.
Nice character interactions. I'm looking forward to the next chapter :)
Lance, gurrrrrrl, I can't wait to see what crazy hijinks you get into next
I just read the whole story today, and have recently came to the realization that I haven't eaten or drank anything all day because I couldn't pull my eyes away from the treasure trove that is this story. I love the entire science fictiony beginning to this story you had, and I still can't get over how well everything is written. I could definitely tell you did your research, and I love all the details you put in from Spy realizing he isn't at least entirely human anymore to the sex... and ohh god the sex was great by the way. TL;DR I loved your story, can't wait for more installments and I hope you aren't at all discouraged by anything anyone has said about this story-- I love it so far and can't see you doing anything to it that would make me love it any less. On a side note: Damn, you made everything Spy ate sound delicious.
Ohmygoodness this update. So... tantalizing. Can't wait for more, as always.
OH man. Just hold up while I flip my shit. I feel so sad for Domi... It would be so incredibly lonely to be in his situation. Also, I liked that Lance sorta figured it out.. Because I was getting frustrated at them for thinking it was the real BLU Spy. Domi is different! Hah, he should just dye his clothes purple. Anyway, another great section, and I simply cannot wait for more.
You hear that noise? Its the sound of my heart breaking. Oh man, I feel the pain that these characters are experiencing like it was my own. I feel so bad for everyone! For Lance who was deceived, for Domi who was forced into this whole miserable existence and now has to live on the fringes of society, and for Red Spy who got caught up in this whole mess and almost killed even though for the majority of the deception he had no idea what was going on! And now Lance is starting to realize that Domi was the person behind everything, ahhhhhh I can't wait to see how everything pans out!
>>137 You BITCH!!!!
It's okay I got bumped cause the next chapter is done. Good timing! I split it into two smaller parts so it wasn't so huge, just fixing up the second half right now. Also, I'm just a cliffhanger masochist. And that this made some of you feel the pain of these characters means I am doin' it right, that was my intention. I felt it too as I wrote it. Thank you so much for your insights! [ Part 18 ] While Dominique felt lethargic and depressed enough to sleep for days, he needed to eat. By morning, his stomach was growling relentlessly. He would not have enough energy to hunt if he didn’t eat soon, and with the bases on high alert he couldn’t risk stealing food. Half-heartedly, the tentaspy stationed himself at the bottom of the canal near the fences where fish liked to gather and pick at plant matter and algae. Letting his tentacles do the work, exploring and tasting their environment looking for anything edible, he let his thoughts wander. He wondered if Lance was alright. Considering his faded BLU uniform, they probably thought BLU was sending him in to infiltrate, to get to Lance somehow. With these assumptions, the engineer must think he had just been used and played with...knowing by now it wasn’t the RED Spy who flirted and had sex with him. If they reasoned that far, he pondered if Lance felt ill to think it was him who was there kissing and sucking him off - a tentacled monstrosity who had been masquerading to as a normal spy. After such a first impression being seen there attacking his teammate. How could Domi go and try to talk to the engineer? ‘I’m sorry I attacked your teammate. I didn’t mean to do it. I’d never snap and attack YOU like some rabid dog. I don’t actually work for BLU anymore. They don’t even know I still exist. By the way, I think the world of you.’ Domi thought sarcastically, carving lines abstractly into a nearby log with his claws. His industrious tentacles finally brought a fish back in their suckered grasp. He took his frustration out on the prey, ripping at the flesh with his teeth and claws, and crunching right through the smaller bones. God it was so good though, he hadn’t realized how starving he was after just a day; his healing body was part of the increased need. He hissed with dilated pupils at a large catfish trying to get in on the cloud of fish parts. It soon turned tail seeing how large a predator Domi really was. It wasn’t fast enough to escape the reach of his lightning fast tentacles. Having a full belly perked his mood, and he lay on the riverbank outside the fence clearing his head of the haze of prey drive. While everything was a mess, he couldn’t wallow in self pity forever; he’d done plenty of that in the past at his worst moments. “Look at how much you’ve accomplished thus far, you aren’t as restricted as you thought, you have better control then you thought. You can’t stop now.†He thought to himself. ... He waited through into the weekly battle, gathering composure and making sure he was healed thoroughly from the effects of the med kit. He watched Lance with a heavy heart, building a dispenser in the central building. Domi could tell he was depressed too. He wasn’t as chipper as usual, and his smiles seemed forced. He let his builds unwrap themselves with a distant look, not really checking them until they were done. Domi wanted to jump down there and tell him everything. But he had to wait, Patience... It was during a quiet evening. Dominique cautiously hung around RED base, keeping an eye and nose out for traces of the RED Spy, or anyone for that matter seeking him out. He caught the scent of something desirable. Domi crept out of the canal, cloaked and low to the ground. He suckered his way up onto a shipping container, chest against its surface, stalking like a cat. It was Lance, out back by the smelting area where he could usually be found. Only instead of working, he was just sitting there, back to where Domi was spying from. He was in casual wear, slumped over with his head on a hand, sighing like he was deep in thought. Domi licked past his sharp teeth as his brow furrowed up. ‘Now...now you can talk to him...’ he thought, looking around for other signs of life. It was clear; he could hear the distant sounds of the teams inside chatting and laughing it up at dinner. To ease the situation, he flicked open his disguise kit, bringing his old data pattern over himself. At least then it wouldn’t be such a visual shock right off the bat. He was used to danger, and this was not only risky, but this made his heart beat with trepidation of a different manner. ... The engineer’s mulling was broken by the sound of soft shuffling, like footsteps. He whirled around with caution, and laid eyes on a BLU clad figure. Domi paused, a few yards away, reading Lance’s face. The engineer was just staring back, like he was frozen. Was it with fear? “Mon Cheri...†Domi whispered, “Please don’t be afraid. I’m not here to ‘urt you, I’d never ‘urt you.†He tried his best to sound reassuring. As he talked he moved slowly forward, hands out in front in a manner that showed they were empty of any weapons, but also it showed his mild nervousness. “What’a you doin’ here?†Lance replied quickly, face contorting in fear and confused anger. Where were those tentacles? “You best keep right where ya’are.†“Let me speak,†He reached up, un-tucking his balaclava and slipping the tight mask off. He hoped showing his face would emphasize his non-association with BLU and that he trusted the other. His cloak flickered about his face, only for a moment, the hologram adjusted very quickly. Revealing his face made the Engineer fall silent again, eyes widening. But he didn’t budge, or reply. “I don’t work for BLU, as much as I wear this uniform... Eet ‘as nothing to do weeth my loyalties.†Domi took a few steps closer as he spoke. “Like I buy that,†Lance muttered, whipping out a gun from behind the pile of scrap he’d been sitting on. Something about his posture made Domi pause, but the weapon in his hand was what made him stop in his tracks. It looked like a miniature syringe gun. Before he could think about it, the weapon had fired, and three syringes were sunk into his chest. Besides the shock of the confusion, Domi suddenly felt so heavy...limbs going slack and flicking out his disguise kit as he crumpled to the ground. He struggled to move, terror coming over him as he realized quite obviously – - that wasn’t Lance.
I..I am so mad at you. Just...just so mad at you.
I'm not. --grin--
Second part! I forgot to mention my beta reader on these 2 parts was Jeffian, thanks! [Part 19] The fear showed in Dominique’s eyes as he looked up at the figure walking towards him. Whatever he was drugged with, it was making everything feel like it weighed a thousand pounds. His body could still respond to muscle twitches, but they weren’t coordinated, they had no strength behind them. Sounds slowly began to echo as the minutes wore on, like he was falling into a long tunnel. “Oh dear, I’ve made quite a mess.†A French voice said though Lance’s body, which rippled into the taller figure of the RED Spy. He shrugged off the red button up he had on over his suit, tossing it onto a worktable. “The Sniper told me to use one of my target’s shirts to mask my scent, saying a creature like yourself might ‘ave a good nose. I was skeptical, but I trust ‘is judgment when eet comes to ‘unting animals.†The Spy said with smugness, taking out a cigarette and savoring it’s taste as he lit up, like he’d been missing them while lying in wait. Before any other pleasantries, the RED Spy resolutely came right up to the half paralyzed tentaspy, his Ambassador drawn just in case the chemicals he ‘borrowed’ from the Medics didn’t work as expected, and gave the creature a swift kick in the gut. “AHHgggnnnn!†Domi cried out in a far more animal then human manner, attempting to curl up against the assault. It was like a nightmare, no matter how hard you fight to move, you can’t, like your body is stuck in molasses. “THAT’s for stealing my face, and THAT’S,†He gave another blow, “For breaking my ankles and stealing my clothes, THIS iz for all ze sleep I lost, and THIS,†He gave an especially firm kick, “Iz for ‘urting my teammate.†The last one landed square into Domi’s side, which was managed because Domi had tried to curl up so much he was almost face down to the ground.. This elicited the biggest cry of all, teeth flashing, and causing him to writhe all the way around onto his back. ‘Fuck. FUCK!†Domi hissed to himself, trying to wrap protective tentacles around his torso. His GILLS, he could hear something snap, the bone supports in them, like little ribs. Searing pain shot up his whole torso. It was like getting kicked in the nuts but ten times worse. His breathing fluttered into shallow gasps, and blood started to drip down his sides under his suit. “Mon dieu, you are quite un monstre, oui?†The Spy sneered, looking over his form with morbid fascination, “Now, are you going to tell me what BLU has planned, or will I be sending you through a painful respawn?†He pointed his large gun at Domi’s head threateningly. Domi, delirious in pained confusion, wasn’t responding but simply staring back with contempt. His breathing was stuttered, it sounded pathetic to the RED Spy, who was mad with power at that moment. All his frustrations, all his sleepless nights, to find out his face was being used in a plot. “I – I don’t work for BLU...I...I t-told you that.†The tentaspy rasped. “Did you work alone? Or weeth ze BLU Spy?†“Alone!†Domi struck back in a forced manner, like it was painful to talk “I...I’m not w-weeth a-anyone or anytheeng.†“I was theenking eet was just you, but I could not believe eet at first. I didn’t think that your...form could fit into a cloaking device. But seeing you just now proved me wrong. That...and I didn’t know if you’d be capable of impersonating me so convincingly.†The RED Spy exhaled cigarette smoke. Domi tried so hard to get a tentacle around the other’s ankles, knock him over, anything...but it wasn’t hard for the RED Spy to keep his distance and kick away any stray tentacles. Dominique groaned in frustration. “What iz BLU planning?†The RED Spy repeated, not buying Domi’s stories. His voice sounded like he was talking out of a badly tuned radio station. “I...I d-don’t....work for BLU anymore.†He replied with a worn out tone, voice hoarse. Water...god he felt his breathing getting dry so much faster than usual with how he was heaving against the injuries in his chest. With the world starting to spin all he wanted to do was slip back to the canal. “Then what did you want weeth my teammate?†The RED Spy drilled, voice frustrated, and the gun pressing now into the other’s exposed forehead. “T-to get to....know him.†He choked back, cheek against the dusty ground, “Please...†Domi gasped, his tone not pleading, more so tired and desperate to be understood. The RED pushed the gun harder into the enemy’s skull, his face was so strange...was he really telling the truth? If he wasn’t here working for BLU then why was he here and how had he become some kind of science experiment wearing a Spy’s uniform? It enraged and confused the Spy, he wanted ANSWERS... Dominique closed his eyes partially, like he was ready to accept death. He’d cheated it long enough...if he was to die here, like this, would it really be so unwarranted? What future could he have, what hope could he have to be happy? He’d faced death so many times in his life the overall fear of it was numb to him, but there feeling so helpless at the hands of an enemy, and thoughts of what could have been in a perfect world, were what stung the most. These thoughts ran though his drug-clouded mind, everything was lulling him into a distant buzz, the RED Spy’s questions getting increasingly out of focus. The tentaspy heard the click of a gun cocking, but it was quickly drowned out by the yelling that came from around the side of the building. Running up was almost half the team. The Spy saw Sniper in with the bunch, looking right at him. ‘He must have been spying on me...’ The Spy thought. Though it was obvious, he’d been worried if he had attracted the BLU monster, watching his back from afar with his scope. That’s what Spy got for discussing his plans with the Australian. For those who hadn’t yet laid eyes yet on the BLU monstrosity, they gasped and stared like watching something interesting at the zoo. All had heard by now through gossip what their teammates had seen. Hearing about and seeing with your own eyes were two different things though. And there was Domnique, fully exposed with no cloaking device activated, tentaces splayed all over the gound. Everyone buzzed to one another, the voices blurring together. Domi looked up hazily, a twitchy, pathetic pile of slowly suffocating tentaspy. Between the drugs and the constricted breaths, he was gradually passing out. He fought to stay awake, to keep aware. Last time...last time he was like this it was when he woke up after that fateful Respawn. He’d tried everything to remember those hours-or had it been days? He didn’t even know. All he knew is he didn’t want that again. He found a face in the haze. Lance. Lance was there with the others, staring...Was he scared? Confused? Angry? Domi tried to lift his head, the eye contact keeping him lucid as they locked gaze for some time. He found himself physically unable to form words because of the drugs overtaking him, but he tried to speak instead through his expression. “You know him?†Roscoe spoke up, seeing the look they were giving one another. Lance looked like he wasn’t sure for a moment, but he swallowed and broke the gaze, looking to the side like it hurt to say, “No...I don’t know ‘im. I don’t know him at all.†Domi felt his head drop to the ground, the haze overtaking him as he felt everything crash around him like a wave. He was able to make out a medic leaning over him with interest, the other talking loudly to the Spy, something about ‘taking drugs without permission’... A German accent barked, there was arguing. Then foot steps...metallic noises of wheels. The tentaspy’s head fell slack as he was lifted, body limp. Even so, weak tentacles tried to coil and grip around the many hands picking him up. He felt cold metal, some tightness, and movement. Then everything went black.
My reaction to this: 1. Oh, it's back at the top. Probably just another comment... I'll check it anyway. 2. Holy dooley, it's an actual update! 3. ....FUUUUUUUUUUUU-
I forget. Is Domi still in the respawn system?
GODDAMN. This just. FUCK. Continue this SO SOON, PLEASE. You can't just leave us hanging! I mean. Oh. Just. OHHHH. You are a cruel being, you know that? SO CRUEL. I love you so much. Never stop.
BRB installing a toilet into my chair so I can sit here forever and wait to read more.
nooo... I want more. cliffhanger pain
I literally grabbed my monitor and yelled at the screen "but what happens next?!" Also, I was listening to Within Temptation's "All I Need". Surprisingly fitting for this fic, I think.
I noticed a bunch of typos and sudden POV shifts through-out the most recent updates. I'm guessing these were a little rushed. Regardless, please keep going. I'm eager to read more. There is plenty of good tension and plot building up.
>>143 Yea people got to sage for fics that have not been updated >>144 Domi is NOT in Respawn. He is pretty sure of this himself too, so he knows how mortal he is. >>145 I'm a cruel mistress indeed, heheh. >>148 That song is indeed appropriate. I love finding songs tbh, fuck the haters of character mixes. I recently was grooving on 'Sash! Feat Stunt - Raindrops', and if you look for the Fonzerelli remix, it's far less 'happy hardcore' and more stimulating too. >>149 I knew about the POV shifts, I did that in the scene with Lance because I was trying to make it less obvious he was the RED Spy, if it was all from Domi's perspective it might be even more obvious, but I see your point. Also as I read over this a lot and I had a beta and see no spelling errors to my knowledge, please do point out the typos as I can fix them them for any future postings. Thanks!
You misspelled 'Dominique' and 'tentacles' and 'ground' in one sentence: And there was Domnique, fully exposed with no cloaking device activated, tentaces splayed all over the gound.
>>151 How embarrassing, that was a sentence I added for flow in editing over my beta reader's suggestions, all my fault then. All fixed now for when I re-post it, thanks!
It's funny, the second time around when I was trying to find them, I didn't even notice the sentence Anonymous pointed out. So there might be more I had seen before and missed this time (I was also only skimming the last part.) I would look in the prior two parts but I don't have the time right now. Here is one thing that I did notice but it's not a typo, I simply think it's odd. He’d faced death so many times in his life the overall fear of it was numb to him, but there feeling so helpless at the hands of an enemy, and thoughts of what could have been in a perfect world, were what stung the most. Perhaps it's only me but I think something like "lying" should be in front of "there".
.... This story makes me so sad right now ;.; Oh please update soon
Two updates?! You, Lithe-Finder, just made my morning.I tried to hold back and only read part 18, so that I'd have something to read when I got back from class, but it was in vain, the story is just too good! The suspense is killing me, can't wait for the next update!
More please! I am chewing off my fingernails in anticipation to what happens next!
Lurking this for awhile and oh my god. I don't usually even like angstfics but FUCK this is a work of art.
Oh my God. Just- Oh my God. You raised my hopes, I was crossing my fingers, praying that Lance would listen, hear Domi out, and then there were- And that- I- Shit, I can't breathe for how hard it is to keep myself from crying.
Let the insanity begin. (( Beta look over by Kuhzka and Jeffian! )) [ Part 20 ] “UUggnnnn,†“Oh good, you’re alive,†A distant German accent echoed, matching to a blurry face. Everything ached, that was what Dominique could first feel. Infirmary lights blinded him for a moment as he blinked his eyes open, even though they weren’t that bright. He inhaled a breath, becoming conscious now of his breathing. His throat was sore. He choked for a moment; there was something in there. A...tube? He gagged slightly; it WAS a tube...up his nose actually, leading down into just inside his trachea. It was then he became aware of a damp trickle; it was rationing out a steady flow of water down his throat, just enough to keep his lungs damp. “Thankfully I could rig zhat up foah you. Your lungs don’t vhork as vhell as expected...†The voice was annoyed at the words, but he couldn’t help but chuckle after almost everything he was saying, like he could barely contain himself. Domi glanced towards the voice, seeing a RED Medic there checking over an IV drip that disappeared where he couldn’t see. He winced as suddenly he was grabbed and a small flashlight was shone into his eyes. His pupils constricted and he hissed in surprise. It was over quickly as it happened, his jaw being released. “Your eyes don’t keep moisture perfectly ezither over long term periods. Such a disappointment...†The medic unscrewed a small bottle and Domi flinched again as drops of wet smacked him in the face, and ran into his eyes. However, after he could see much clearer. Dominique could make it out now; the man was the new medic, not ‘doc’ as everyone so affectionately called the long-standing Medic. He’d not had much chance to learn about the man yet; he’d arrived less than a fortnight ago. He looked perhaps older than the other medic, maybe 50 years old. His temples were definitely grayed, the rest of his short hair still medium brown. The tentaspy glanced around more, checking his surroundings, smelling the room, and craning his neck. It was dark out, and there was no one else in the room. He couldn’t move much, he was strapped down quite tightly - restraints around wrists, torso, arms, head, and waist. He was stark naked too. Straps were over his tentacles as well, restricting them, but such a thing shouldn’t be able to hold him. He went to move them, to try and free one, it should be easy. But he felt a pang of horror as he couldn’t move them. They were moving...lazily, some coiling around the gurney legs, each other, and the straps, but he had no control over them. In fact he could barely feel them, if at all. Like he was paralyzed from the waist down. “What did you do to me?!†Domi finally spoke, the horror of the realization making him suddenly lucid enough to form a sentence. “Ahhh really coming around now, ja?†The medic came up, putting out a bare hand and sighing happily as he pet over the half dried tentacles. A delicate tip curled around his fingers, suckers curiously examining. They were acting out as they would do if Domi was ignoring them, on pure nerve and muscle impulse alone. The German picked up a water bottle with his free hand and spritzed over the limbs, which jerked at the sensation, some trying to coil closer to the direction it came from. Domi could feel the movement, the wet...but it was so distant. Domi winced. Was he paralyzed? This wasn’t permanent was it? He could still control his human half alright. He snarled a little, tugging at the restraints. A feeling of vulnerability washed over him as he became more and more awake. “Calm down mein Krake,†The Medic crooned, coming in threateningly close. There was no fear in his eyes; in fact he seemed completely unfazed by Dominique. “It is only temporary. I’d never vhant to permanently damage mein own handivhork.†What was with this man? Something about him now, besides everything else, was terribly creeping out the former Spy. He looked at him now, closely. His face was not familiar...but Dominique was starting to feel a clawing sensation of déjà vu, perhaps it was his voice. “Oh I’ll admit, it vas somezhing, to see your face again. I vhorked so hard to get back here: disappeared off zie map to escape BLU - identity changes, false records, a little facial surgery. I didn’t even know if you vere still alive. I had no idea how I could even find you if you vere, zhen zie incident last week...I knew. “And ZHEN you fall right into my lap, I didn’t even haff to search foah you! Such good luck...†The medic chuckled deeply, whispering most of the words in uncomfortably close like he was worried others might hear. Domi wanted nothing more than to shy as far away as possible from the man, which was impossible, but he went as far as the restraints allowed him. “What are you saying?†Domi gulped, his words a little awkward with the water tube where it was. “Of course you don’t remember me! You never got to see my face. They wheeled you off quite quickly, upon hearing you vheren’t just an ‘accident.’ Pity BLU couldn’t see the genius and application of my vhork...I never got a chance to study you, back zhenn.†Dominique’s eyes widened and his jaw hung slack. No, it couldn’t be. “OH don’t give me zhat look...zhat you survived, and for zhis long, only proves my genius even more.†He grinned widely petting a hand over the tentaspy’s chest and down to his fluttering gills. “You...you were ze one...who did this?†Domi was too shocked to even be angry at that moment. He shuddered at the touch, still trying in vain to shy away. The man nodded, lifting his fingers to gesture with. “Mmm humm, ja! I’ll admit you haff some flaws, now zhat I am getting a closer look at you...but nozhing too major. I’d say you turned out quite vhell considering you’re a prototype. Self sufficient are you? Can eat raw meat vith no repercussions, see in zie dark, smell better then a dog, subdue an enemy vith one bite?†He was describing and asking at the same time. “O...oui?†Domi answered weakly, indeed all those things were true. He didn’t even quite know how to react, he felt like he was dreaming. He couldn’t even grasp the situation, and the German was very domineering, surreally so casual in the twisted things he was saying. “ ‘ow? Why did you...?†“Don’t vhorry your head at zhis moment, mein Krake.†He cut Domi off, “It’s late and I do haff to vhork tomorrow.†The medic waved a hand, talking nonchalantly like none of it was a big deal, “I told RED’s senior medic I studied invertebrate biology in school, which made him feel I was qualified enough to handle and look ovah you. I’ll be even more free to study you vonce he is gone...as he is due to be transferred out vith Bolesalv to another base on zie next supply train.†The man seemed to like to hear his own voice, that or he was so giddy with his success he could barely stop himself. As he talked he rigged up the infirmary hose to an IV stand with some duct tape, locking the handle so it sprayed out water in a slow, fine spray that was almost a mist. He angled it so it was right over the tentaspy. The water dripped down over his exposed body, trickling off the gurney and eventually into the infirmary’s floor drain, which was more commonly used for washing away blood. Dominique’s tentacles gained some more activity as they felt rejuvenated. A few curled out trying to reach the IV stand, the direction they felt the water coming from. But it was just out of reach considering how he was strapped down. Satisfied, the medic nodded. “Zhat should do for zie night. I’m already vhorking out better accommodations vith zie engineers— So crafty zhey are!†He chuckled, “Oh, and do try to get some sleep, you haff a busy day tomorrow.†He turned to leave with no more pleasantries. The lights went out, and Domi heard the infirmary door click shut. He lay there staring at the ceiling for a long time in the darkness, letting everything sink in. His mind raced, but no coherent thoughts came to the forefront. His only company was the sounds around him in the otherwise deathly silent and empty room. The humm of the respirator machine rigged up with water, his raspy breathing, the spray of the infirmary hose, and the sound of dripping water into the floor drain. Then there was the soft movement of wet tentacles as they tried to settle into a comfortable position...usually so comforting, but it only made the former BLU spy’s stomach sink more at that moment. God that silence was horrible. ... “Jesus, was that from the infirmary?†Roscoe lifted his welding visor. The oldest of the three busy engineers looked up from the blueprints he was editing. “Sounds like that creature they hauled in makin’ a fuss...they should’a just killed the thing and sent it back to BLU in the arms of Respawn. Who knows if they’ll come after him.†William grumbled. Lance swallowed, glancing up only briefly from where he was cutting a large sheet of plexiglass. If only his team mates knew what had transpired between him and ‘that creature’. Mercifully, Spy kept his mouth shut, and no one else knew any of the details around Domi’s infiltration beyond that he’d been impersonating the RED Spy, attacked the RED Spy, and that Lance had shot him. Even in all his anger towards that BLU...that cry that echoed from the infirmary made Lance feel trepidation. It was such a sorrowful noise, yet so bloodcurdling because of its half human, half animal nature. This WAS a war, and while Lance liked building tools for combat, he wasn’t used to the idea of a prisoner of war being kept right down the hall, strapped down like a science experiment. That just made him squirm. “The Medic and Doc already went to bed...†Roscoe still seemed spooked. “Like I said, fussin’ like a dog in a crate.†William scribbled on the blueprints for a jury-rigged tank, not looking up. “WE ought to be in bed.†Roscoe shot William a look back from under his Stetson. “Jes a little more, then we can git this done by tomorrow night after work,†the oldest replied. “I’ll feel a lot safer when that thing is properly caged.†“Agreed.†Lance finally spoke. “I think you are more spooked then any of us by that thing in there pardner,†Roscoe told Lance, “You’ve been so quiet ever since you shot it and saved Spah.†“Yea Lance, you were th’ one who pretty much discovered it.†William noted, “Probably saved all our bacon.†Lance couldn’t help but smile at the admiration from his senior engineer. “I guess I am a little spooked, but nothin’ we can’t handle. Thanks you two.†He felt safe around them, and he agreed with Will when he said he’d feel safer with the BLU properly caged. Still... the looks that thing gave to him, and what he’d said. They were haunting Lance. But it couldn’t be; those spies were really good at faking you. It was just trying to make him feel bad, like a hurt wildcat, and then when you get close it’ll swipe at you for your efforts. The industrious trio of engineers worked for a bit longer, getting as much done as possible before bed.
hug... I want to give Domi the biggest hug ever.
Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh SHIT.
Oh how fuckin' relieved I am now, that Lance could consider Domi's actions to be honest. Thank you thank you thank you thank you thank you.
Yay, drugs! Drugs are awesome. This fic is awesome. My main complaint, if any, would have to be that Medic's accent is written rather too thick. I personally hate it when people write accents at all, but if you have to, make the accent very occasional. For example, "I’ll admit you haff some flaws, now zhat I am getting a closer look at you...but nozhing too major". Perhaps change that to something along the lines of "I'll admit you haff some flaws, now that I am getting a closer look at you...but nothing too major." Or "'Don't vhorry your head at zhis moment, mein Krake.'" Don't insert 'vh' or 'zh' anywhere-- the 'v' and 'z' is bad enough. Just put "Don't vorry your head at zis moment, mein Krake."
>Feather Really, using some accents such as 'zis' instead of'zhis' wouldn't work, as they clash accents; "Hon hon hon, zis is a french accent" and "hah hah hah, zhis is a german accent", if you will. It's simply the standard I've seen in various fics; I don't know about anybody else, but I read certain words in certain accents because it's how said population phonetically pronounces said english word. Switching between two 'dialects' as they are is jarring in a sentence; "Don't vorry your head at zis moment, mein Krake." sounds like someone switching from german to french, as if they were bi-lingual and confusng words (it can happen!) If this was part of the cannon, then woo hoo! if not, it is, as aforementioned, jarring. On a shorter note, I agree with the idea that changing words to make them sound more like a character's canon is a little silly, especially when you have multiple characters playing the same role; what is the possibility that you would hire two doctors for the same secretive job from the same part of germany, hence the same accent? Also, if whoever-this-new-medic-even-though-he-was-from-seven-years-ago changed himself significantly to avoid blue and get into red, why is it that his accent hasn't changed? They'd pick up on his voice hot as toasted tea cakes if they were hounding him as well as I assume they were. That aside, awesome fan fic!
>>164 I personally don't notice the accents in so much detail. Even when people don't use accents I still read it in their voice. Maybe the best crazy medics come from Germany? And to Americans they all sound the same anyway? I dunno.
>>164 sounds like you're being way too nitpicky. there is no difference between 'zis' and 'zhis' really. i think the way things are written is just fine.
Naw, I agree with >>164 it is kinda hard to read. The way I see it, though, as long as Medic isn't in any of the porn, I'll read it just fine.
I myself also dislike heavy accents in writing (I try to keep Domi's French accent minimal for example), yea I could tone it down/switch it up a little for the Medic, I'll take it to mind. Sorry about anybody who thought it was too much. I've seen WAY heavier then what I'm doing, and yea those are unreadable. No thank you indeed. >>160 I concur, and save them up, he'll need more later too... >>161 There was never a more true statement >>162 <3 (Now we'll have to see how he acts on it)
I have to admit, this is just... brilliant. Simply, utterly brilliant. I'm making a note here: HUGE SUCCESS. The accents are no real problem for me, though I did notice the inconsistencies... But really, this is awesome. It's seriously hard to overstate my satisfaction. Best. Tentaspy. Fic. Ever. Bumping because this should be given a medal.
while I agree this fic deserves a medal, that bump was heartbreaking. reeeeaally looking forward to the next update!
>>169 die
Let me just sob quietly in a corner. This is heartbreaking. Please update soon.
Your writing had gotten better with a beta, but there are a number of things you need to work on - primarily grammar, and awkward sentence structure. There are a lot of little things like Domi flinched again as drops of wet smacked him in the face that could be simplified for easier reading, e.g., "Domi flinched again as wet drops smacked him in the face." Also, in Infirmary lights blinded him for a moment as he blinked his eyes open, even though they weren’t that bright. It makes it sound like his eyes 'weren't that bright', rather than the lights - or makes it more easily misinterpreted as such. "The infirmary lights weren't that bright, but they still blinded him momentarily when he first blinked his eyes open," would directly associate 'not that bright' with the lights, and reduce confusion. Another thing I see you doing a lot is using the phrase, 'in the manner of'. For example, It was said in a half angry half bittersweet manner of ‘Why didn’t you tell me?’ is one of many. This also reads rather awkwardly. An easier way of putting it would be, "The half-angry, half-bittersweet manner seemed to say, 'why didn't you tell me?'" I would recommend reading back through your chapters before you submit them. If you see sentences that maybe don't look quite right, read them out loud - if it's awkward or unnatural to speak, reading it will probably be the same. I'm also going to agree with those saying that the accents are a little overdone. When accents get so heavy that they become awkward to read, it's almost better to just note that the person uses a thick *insert nationality here* accent when they speak a line. It still lets the reader 'hear' the accent without making it difficult to read. I am also deeply curious as to why, if BLU thought this Medic was such a drain on resources (or harming their cause) they didn't just take him out back and shoot him. I am glad, however, that Lance is upset at what was a genuine betrayal of trust - that's very realistic, and I'm hoping it stays that way.
Oosh. Format fail. Rough. Good update though.
Sorry for the epic delay on this chapter, I was super busy the last few days. Beta by Jeffian, thanks! [ Part 21 ] Dominique didn’t know if it was the drugs or the sheer mental exhaustion, but he finally passed out into a merciful but restless sleep. He was awoken the next morning by a distant shuffling of medics, strapping on their gear for the day’s battle. He could hear talking, echoing like vertigo inducing waves. He was vaguely aware of a medic checking him over to make sure he was stable. It was him... Domi wanted to cry out, to scream in anger at the man responsible for derailing his life, but Domi didn’t have time to wake up enough to gather the energy to do so, because there was a sharp needle prick, and all was darkness again. When he was next aware, Domi felt a pressure being let off his head. “I put you on an IV drip to keep you out, no need to have you thrashing about in here all day while ve fought off ze BLU’s.†A German voice stated as the words came into focus. Although Domi’s mind was weak and disoriented, his instincts were not. They felt restraints being let off, so they struck with strong immediacy. ESCAPE. The tentaspy shot up off the table with a flashing of teeth and erect frills, making him look especially menacing as he snarled. He didn’t get far though; a strap caught his chest at a certain point - which resulted in a sound similar to a dog’s choke chain being tugged. Domi was still tightly restrained with leather straps at his wrists and a belt wrapped around his torso like a leash, resulting in only being allowed into a sitting up position. His hands were tight to the table at his sides, allowed little range of movement, or chance to fight back. While his upper half was tense, his tentacles were completly disconnected from his actions, calmly lazing about as if nothing had changed. He thrashed a little longer, testing the strength of the binding, eyes wild and teeth bared. The Medic was at a safe distance, watching with interest. Domi finally settled into a hunched over posture, arm and back frills gradually sinking. A low growl rumbled from him like an idling car engine. Lucidness ebbed back into his eyes, the feral look vanishing. But the anger did not, and that gaze was fixed right on the medic standing there. He then noticed the other doctor was there too, watching with horrified fascination. It was not Domi’s intention to look menacing towards HIM, but it wasn’t hard in his current state, with curls of damp hair falling over his forehead as he hoarsely breathed around the respirator tube. “Mein Gott,†Doc echoed, staring, “Sure you aren’t taking pointers from zie Snipah for animals? You seem to be good around him.†“You flatter me Herr,†The Medic told his superior officer, ‘Mmm it vas quite impressive to come out of sedation so quickly, and in his current state.’ he thought to himself. “Vhell at least I’ll be leaving zhis place in good hands. I’m overdue for a transfer, as you know. And so is Boleslav.†the other replied. No doubt that the Medic had not told the current doctor his past. Domi could tell it all right then - a former BLU now working at RED. Treason, betrayer, possible double agent... But he was only a monster, and an active BLU to their knowledge, why would they believe anything he said? Domi sighed in frustration as he just sat there, listening to the others continue to chatter like he wasn’t in the room. “Leave me alone vith him for zie moment, would you? And save me some dinner, ja?†the Medic said, smiling at his comrade. The Doc left, and all that crossed Domi’s mind was ‘My God, don’t leave me alone with him...’ That grin the Medic gave his comrade was about as reassuring as a crocodile to the tentaspy. It felt like his sinking heart plunked right into his stomach, which growled quite unhappily in the silence. “You MUST be hungry;†The medic had heard it. He reached up and shut off the water spray from the hose as he talked, “Based on how I engineered you, your body must burn up a lot of fuel with all those muscular tentacles - even though you’ve been at rest since your capture.†A myriad of questions ran through Domi’s mind as the insufferable medic prattled on like a science text book, regarding Domi with no more grace of humanity then a child would a fish in a bowl. How could you have done this to me? How did you do this? What will you do with me now? Can you change me back? What will you do with me? He finally settled on something to say as the medic busied about in the infirmary cabinets, “My name is Dominique.†“Hummm?†The medic barely glanced back from his supply rummaging. “I said...my name is Dominique.†“Ja, I knew that actually; I had it from your file. I knew all zie team’s names. I used to look down upon you all like a bird on a wire through zie closed circuit cameras.†“Then USE eet.†Domi gave him a stern look. “You don’t like zie nickname I gave you?†The medic smirked, fitting a mesh over a cup with a rubber band as he walked back over. Domi didn’t need to reply, his face said it all. “I now go by Dr. Eppelheim,†He said smugly, “Pity it seems the tech crews like mine are gone now, zie base seems so automated...respawn stabilized for zie most part. Vhell all the better for me, no worry of being discovered, ja?†The medic wasn’t caring for pleasantries, he had work to do. He’d waited 6 years for this, to finally study the results of his experiment. “Now I’d like a sample of your venom. Unless you give it to me, zhere vill be no food for you today.†Domi gave a low growl. But it was weak.... It was obvious the state he was in, despite his best efforts to look strong. Even his tentacles moving on their own were sluggish, many barely moving at all, just curled into spirals or suckered stationary around the gurney legs like ribbons on a may pole. “Just image it’s zie RED Spy, you attacked him, ja? Vhat set you off with him anyway?†It was more of a statement then a question. The medic hovered the cup closer, cautious but knowing he had the upper hand, “Bite through zie mesh. Zie cup will catch it all.†Dominique recalled seeing a photo like this once; this was how they milked venom from snakes. The prospect of food was very welcoming... But giving into anything this man asked of him made his stomach churn in a different fashion. Should he refuse and hold out longer? Keep his dignity? To what end? His stomach groaned again and he sighed. Best to keep up his strength. Then if he could get loose, he could escape or fight back. The tentaspy hissed and curled his lips back, garnering up venom from his glands, which caused a feeling of pressure running up the sides of his neck. He tried to think of someone as he struck down onto the offered cup, but it wasn’t the RED Spy. Translucent liquid lined the bottom of the cup, running from the channels down the backsides of Domi’s fangs where they acted like mini hypodermic needles. It was far more then you’d expect of a snake, close to a tablespoon of fluid. He jerked back when the deed was done. A thick drool reflexively started at the whole act, only this time there was no prey to eat, so he found himself licking his lips and teeth. Eppelheim stared with morbid fascination, grinning widely when he had the precious sample, “I bet this will match vhat we got off zie Spy that one night too, I could tell by zie bite... It vas from a human sized mouth.†He began spliting it up into separate sample tubes for further examination of its chemical make up. Domi slumped back down to the table, which was about as uncomfortable as something could be. He tried to remain stoic. Things could be so much worse...and that anticipation of what was to come was the most horrible. He didn’t give the Medic the pleasure of any more responses as his tentacles were poked over, testing reflexes, measuring sucker strength, size, and colorations. He stopped watching the scene, staring to the wall instead, tuning everything out. His eyes stung as they started to feel dry as the hour ticked past. He was suddenly jerked to attention at a sharp pain that dully ached into his being. He looked down, his tentacles were twitching with displeasure, one of the tips had been severed - a good 20 inches cut clean off. Thankfully the epidural-like IV feed cut off almost as many signals getting to his brain as it did them reaching down. Seeing it though, sent phantom pains of what he knew he should be feeling into his psyche. “These should grow back... Let’s see how many days zhis one takes, mmmm?†The medic took the still writhing tentacle piece and went to put it in to the refrigerator. “Va te faire foutre!†Domi practically spat, growls welling up in his throat. “Such language,†The medic sarcastically pouted as he made a specimen jar label, catching the French insult. “I thought you said you were going to feed me?!†Domi snapped back, not realizing until after he’d said it how animalistic that sounded. He WAS hungry... So much so it was knotting at his insides. That combined with his current state wasn’t doing much to keep him level headed. “Now zhat you mention it, I never DID eat dinner,†The medic noted. He left...leaving Domi alone with his thoughts. How he missed feeling whole - was Domi’s first thought. How long would this disconnected state last? As much as he used to wish to be rid of the things, the tentacles were a part of him, and he’d come to be rather attached to them (in the realization there was no going back). He relied on them, and they’d been his only ‘company’ through the years. Because they acted half of their own accord when not given orders, it was like he had someone else there with him; comforting, inquisitive, tender. Never had he missed the cool, weightless embrace of the canals more then he did right then, especially as his tentacles slowly dried with the water spray turned off the past hour. He just wanted to fill his lungs with water, feel it coursing through him, sleep in his den in that padded concrete pipe in a coiled bed of tentacles. It was a sad, simple existence, but it was his. It was something he’d learned to take pleasure in, to accept as his new reality. It helped him forget all he’d lost. He glanced down at the severed tentacle...and how tacky the slime on them was becoming. The medic must have wanted the hose off so he could work on the limbs without them being too slippery. At least his limbs drying out wouldn’t kill him (Though he’d never been past a certain point of dryness...). Had they been in his control he couldn’t walk in them in this state, nor move them with any strength. His mind kept wandering. And what else was at the forefront of his mind but the situation that put him in such a mess. Why had he put so much faith so quickly in the engineer? Well, between his passions for building and using weapons of destruction, he was a kindhearted picture of a southern gentleman. Domi looked at him and saw ‘understanding’. A man outcast in his own right as a homosexual hiding amongst a very masculine field, he must feel isolated. There was a feeling of safety that made Domi want to put faith in him, like he could have a chance at something meaningful. Such reasoning only backed up his already eager physical attraction to him, so he took risks and acted foolishly...then his animal instincts kicked in and betrayed him. Domi could see on his face when they had locked eyes, Lance knew for sure he was the one behind the mask of the RED Spy. And yet his words, and his look, said it all. He didn’t trust him. Didn’t believe anything he did was real. It was understandable... But it still hurt. Even if Lance would give him audience to explain things, would he believe him then either? Or forgive him? Most importantly, could he see past, or accept, his physical condition? Was he so disturbing that he’d never want to talk to him at all? Was he seen as nothing more then an animal? Eventually the creak of metal signaled the infirmary doors being opened. “Easy Mein Krake,†The German cooed, walking over. He weakly sat up into a hunched posture. ‘I dare you to say that with me UNTIED,’ he thought snidely, but with an audible growl. Domi eyed what the medic had in his hands, a plate of what looked like leftovers from dinner. Cut up bits of chicken covered in BBQ sauce, peas and beans. Typical fare for the mercenaries, filling but cheap food. It was put within reach... did he expect him to eat it off the plate like a dog? He swallowed though, he needed that food. It had been almost 48 hours since he last ate. “Come now, zhis is for you being good, remember?†Eppelheim grinned. The hesitation didn’t last long. Domi tried, as dignified as he could, to lick and bite the meal off the plate. But what was a noble effort soon turned into a ravenous attempt to eat as much as he could as fast as he could. The plate was quickly cleared, and the tentaspy was licking meat and bean juice from his lips in a calmed daze. “Such a good boy,†The medic put it aside. “I’m not your DOG.†Dominique struck back, the daze dissapearing. The Medic didn’t seem insulted or remotely threatened, and the fact all his retorts didn’t faze the doctor just made Domi even more frustrated and angry. “You could be a little more grateful, you should see vhat zie engineers are working on, just for you.†He moved his hand down to the safety of Domi’s paralyzed tentacles, which were tacky with slime. ‘Oh god don’t TOUCH me,’ Domi thought with a wince as Eppelheim curled his finger into some weak suckers. He wanted so badly to snap the man’s wrist in half...if only... To Dominique’s relief the hose was turned back on, and the medic was sure to soak every inch of him initially. He was told a less then comforting ‘goodnight’...with a promise of ‘more work to be done tomorrow.’ Sleep, he wanted a good nights' sleep so badly. But all he could do was run visions of dissections through his head and stare at the ceiling for the longest time.
I'm going to cry. I am so happy that this fic updated.
I love this fic with all my heart.
aww, I want to find a way to rescue Domi. I love this fic so much
Come onnnnnn, Domi! You're still a Spy! You can escape, I know you can!
An update! *throws confetti* Honestly, I think that when this fic is over, a part of me will die. That's how awesome this fic is. Come on Domi! You can do it!
This doctor is disturbing. I'm surprised that Domi doesn't try harder to appeal to the Medic as a fellow person/human, but maybe that would just be a waste of time, huh?
Oh man, poor Dominique. This is pretty tough.. I never thought he'd actually be captured. I hope he can get loose soon! Thanks for the update, and keep it up, please!
Oh no ! Domi ! Please lance, just go over and hear the Tentaspy out.... I wish that doctor would choke on his scalpels. Seriously.
It's kind of interesting, how the current situations here and in The Dustbowl Horror are so similar, yet so different. Both Medics are very interested in how their experimentation has turned out, both Domi and Spy have no choice but to be there (Domi because he's strapped down, Spy because there are no other water-filled areas). There are only two major differences - Spy has his Sniper there with him while Domi is alone, and the Medic in TDH is enthusiastic (like a kid with a new toy, as an anon said) while Eppelheim is enthusiastic in a way that is... cruel, to say the least. Wow that was a big TL;DR right there.
Agreed, Insecuriosity, on both counts. Although I'm not sure why he'd be trying to swallow his scalpels... ah, well. Who are we to ponder the insanity of a crazed Medic? Also, just wondering, is the original, non-rewrite still up anywhere? Earlier on a lot of people were talking about how different/similar it is to the original, and I suppose I'd like a comparison.
>>186 seconded
>>186 Last I checked a couple months ago, it was on Lithe-Fider's ygallery account. I actually have been meaning to go back and read it, myself.
ughughuuh this angst is all so delicious please never stop
>>185 There are also two more mayor differences. The Medic in this fic experimented on his own teammate, and he did it because he wanted to be "recognized for his genius". So he betrayed a person he was supposed to care for, and he did it for his own selfish ends. The Medic in The Dustbowl Horror experimented on an enemy combatant (which is still technically a war crime, but at least it's not a betrayal), and he did it because he wanted to study the camouflage which could benefit RED Spy (and because of scientific curiosity, since the tentacles were unnecessary). So he used a person he was supposed to attack anyway, and he did it (mostly) for his team's sake. The situations are very different IMO. Medic in TDH comes across as likeable to me, whereas Medic in this fic should die a slow and painful and permanent death.
>>190 Ah, I hadn't really thought about that. You make some very good points. Also, I concur with your last statement there.
Ditto.
Well said.
(((First off - should have an update to you guys by hopefully tomorrow night, if not, not until Monday as I'll be gone all weekend. Been really busy with work/helping on an independent film.))) Thanks for the referral you guys, I ran right on over to check out Anne's fic and it was very sciency-fun! I will be watching it for sure. Indeed my medic in this who was once a BLU Respawn tech is not one I intended anyone to like (except love to hate). Your feelings of animosity are well placed. He cares about scientific progress, and if it's at the expense of 'expendable' people that is no matter. He's also selfish and wants his own genius to be properly recognized. I wouldn't call him vindictive, but 'obsessed and crazy' is best words to describe him, lol. Also it's not looking like Domi will be loose any time soon, but I am not a spoiler giver. >>182 I'd be a waste of time to Eppelheim, yes. Though Domi should try to appeal to the OTHER medic, 'Doc', who is a far more reasonable human being. > 186 - >>188 Yes it's up on my Y!, you can check it out if you want, but it's got a very different tone (this one is more realistic and serious, the original is fluffy in comparison, which is necessarily a bad thing, just depends on your want for reading material.) >>189 ohhh yes, angst all over, well deserved tho. Your welcome! heheh
I actually have 3 chapters done, so they will be posted as they are final proofed. [ Part 22 ] As the RED team gathered for the day’s fighting, many were chatting about the captive in the infirmary. Eppelheim listened out of the corner of his ear. Doc was keeping out of it; as much as he was also fascinated by the strange creature, he’d much rather NOT have a BLU in the base at all. And he picked his cohort’s brain about him as they went along. Perhaps he could sit in when the other medic did a more thorough examination...as long as he was humane about it. Through it all the RED Spy seemed strangely quiet. He got his coffee and breakfast, turning to leave and eat elsewhere. “Herr Spy.†The Frenchman was stopped by a thick vinyl gloved hand on his shoulder. “Docteur?†The Spy glanced at the medic. ‘Oh here it comes...’ he thought, knowing exactly what the topic would be. “They say it vas you who lured zie BLU creature in, ja? How exactly did you do it?†“Since when did a spy reveal his secrets?†He said cryptically, like he didn’t have much desire to talk to the man. He’d heard some of the noises coming from the infirmary, and he’d seen how he had the BLU strapped down. As much animosity as he had towards him for stealing his face, those things were haunting, and it made him fear the new medic a little. “Did you have some reason to be mad at him? Considering you stole some of my tranquilizer sedatives to take him down...†“OH heh,†He laughed innocently, “Sorry about that docteur. And oui, do you recall when I came into the infirmary with that bite? Also when I came in weeth all ze scratches and broken ribs?†The medic smirked. “I did correlate those two in my mind...so it vas him?†“Oui. And yes, I theenk that is plenty motive enough.†The Spy wanted to appease the medic with little information as possible. He didn’t want to betray his promise to the engineer, so that meant keeping all else about his interactions with the tentacled spy secret. “I’d suppose so...†Though the medic still wondered why his creature would attack the Spy. If he’d been hiding all these years, he must have not revealed himself much if ever. To have so brashly bitten and gone after the Spy on two separate occasions, he must have had a good reason to... “Are you healing alright? No further side effects?†“All seems well, merci. You two are very skilled,†The Spy sipped his coffee, “Now eef you’d excuse me Docteur, I would like to eat my breakfast before ze battle.†He hurried off. ‘He’s hiding something...’ the medic thought, though he wasn’t sure what. He’d keep an ear out. ... “Why did you ‘ave to go and drag the whole team over?†The RED Spy huffed as he sat on a wooden crate up in the Sniper’s roost, which was on the top floor of the RED’s factory building. “Now ze Medic has that theeng tied up in ze infirmary and is grilling me for details I do not want to give. Eet’s annoying.†“You didn’t know how well that tranquilizer would work! He could’ve turned on you any minute, dragged you roight off into the water, maybe to BLU. Sure seemed like he was tryin’ to take you when I saw him attakin’ you before that. A wounded animal is the most dangerous kind, you know.†The Australian struck back, his own breakfast in his lap. It had begun to be a common thing for them to eat breakfast together, away from the hubbub of the team. Soon as the RED Spy knew where his little hideaway was he started sneaking up there for the quiet privacy, and the company. One would wonder why the two would want to spend time together from how they acted around one another - chiding, threatening, and bickering. Well, they do say opposites attract. “I was only being cautious,†The sniper added in a mumble, pulling his hat down a bit. “You’d miss me too much eef BLU caught me, is that eet?†The Spy pet a pointed shoe toe up under the Australian’s loose pants cuff, an impish smirk on his lips. “Bloody spook.†Sniper grabbed his ankle with a strong hand, plate put to the side. It seemed like he just meant to throw him off, but he teased right back, pushing the Spy’s pant leg up and giving his sock garters a good snap. The Spy shook loose, giving a flinch. “Well at least for ze first time in weeks I had a full night’s sleep. That is ze one advantage to knowing the BLU’s science experiment is strapped down.†“You ought to have slept up here mate, I’d have watched over you,†The Sniper said in a low drawl. “Derik, pleaseee. Much as I respect your...stories of conquests of big animals and don’t doubt that ability, your bed is a little...well...†He glanced at the sheet-less mattress on the floor of the loft room, a thin dingy blanket strewn across it. “Wot? Fine enough for shaggin’ but not for sleepin’ over, that it?†“I’ll bring you a SHEET at least, ‘ow about that, non?†He couldn’t help but snort in a laugh. “Shut ya gob, Raimund. Bloody snoot, that wot you are. Picky ass poofer.†His grumbling was stopped short as the Spy came and straddled his lap, putting a gloved hand to his chin. “I’ll bring a fresh sheet set tonight, oui?†.... ... “Not done yet?†Eppelheim leaned against the doorframe of the workshop, looking rather sharp with his vest and dress shirt. He cleaned up well after the daily battles and surgeries. He didn’t look impatient at least—that would have annoyed the engineers. They were working like busy bees for the third afternoon on the tank-like structure designed to hold their special BLU prisoner. “Murphy’s Law,†William gestured with a rolled up blueprint, “We only got so much time and energy after the day’s battle.†“Ahh right, right.†The medic ventured closer, looking the build over. “Dankeschön, by zie way, this is much appreciated.†“It’s taking so long because William is implementin’ some new technology he was working on,†Lance flicked up his welding mask to talk, “It’s really quite amazing.†He gave a nod to his team mate. William looked quite pleased, like he knew how genius it was, but he also stayed humble at the same time. “I’ve been developin’ an energy field of sorts using magnets and alternating current, something to protect builds while they construct or for manual adjustments on the fly. It drains a lot of energy so you can’t get too much outta it on the field at a time, but for the purpose on this tank it could be maintained easily with a constant, low energy flow from a wall plug in.†He tapped the rolled up blueprints on a series of covered transformers on the side of the tank. “It will prevent ‘im from poking any of those limbs of his through the wire mesh on top or breakin’ this plexiglass. ‘Cause strong as it is, I don’t trust it to hold that devil.†“Wunderbar!†The medic exclaimed, severely impressed. They could have used someone like William back when Respawn was new. “This is really too vonderful.†“We like a challenge.†Lance smirked, seeing the others nod in agreement. “We live fer this kind of stuff,†Roscoe agreed, “Folk like us.†“Keep at it. You will be done by tomorrow then?†“Should be done tonight I reckon,†William agreed, “But you might not be able to move him in ‘till morning— depends on your schedule.†“Vielen Dank!†The Medic thanked them, “Ja, just tell me soon as you are ready,†and then left them to their work so he could get to HIS work.
Three chapters? Yay!
Yay an update! So he's not suffering too much since the old Medic is still around right? I like how Red Spy is feeling weirded out by the new medic a bit.
Don't mind me, I'll just be in the corner, refreshing madly.
F5 F5 F5!
Time to make a new one, OP. Before it starts auto-saging, Congrats, btw!
I must away to bed but I'll leave you with this cliff hanger for now, heh. >>201 I'll make a new thread when it does auto-sage, and I will post all the chapters thus far in it too so it's all together. The repost will also include a fix of the 'info-dumping' and some other errors, keeping some in an author note and other bits better worked into the wording. Warning, little bit of surgery guro in this part. [ Part 23 ] Dominique was brought out of his sedation, the infirmary cleared for the evening, all bullets and shrapnel removed, and the tables cleaned. He was met with a plate of food, kept out of reach. “I have more questions for you.†The eager medic smiled as he let the man’s restraints off just enough like the other day. Domi groaned dryly, sitting up in a haze. He gave a croak of a response, glancing at the food, and leaned forward, limply hanging by his restraints like wasn’t quite awake yet. He fell back to the table, looking disinterested, pale, and weak. His breathing was dryer than ever. “Hummm.†Eppelheim fussed, hearing this. “Even with zie respirator giving you a steady trickle of fresh water you still seem a little dry in your throat...I can’t up zie flow and still have you able to speak, but...†He took the hose from its mount, turning off the valve. He unscrewed the nozzle, and then turned it back on, this time it was like a plain garden hose with a thick flow of water. He put it right over the half conscious tentaspy’s face and parted lips. Domi jerked against his restraints at the feeling, opening his mouth wide. A glorious coolness filled him, fresh oxygen rushing to his system as water gushed past his gills, a far more efficient method of oxygen exchange for the tentaspy. His eyes rolled back in relief as he reveled in the feeling. When the water was turned off, he gasped far more smoothly as the water drained from his lungs, switching over to air breathing. He moaned softly after every deep breath, reeling. “That’s definitely something I need to find zie problem with,†The medic put the spray nozzle back on, “So it can be fixed in zie future.†He mumbled as he took the plate of food again, “Zhat feel better?†“O...oui,†Domi answered, sitting up and swaying a bit. The medic grilled him with questions, like if he could change his tentacle skin color at all (‘a little at times, but not like an octopus, no.’), how efficient his gills felt (‘quite good’), how well he could see underwater (‘perfectly fine’), how sensitive his tentacles were to taste feedback (‘focusing on it, indeed receptive almost as much as a tongue’)... Domi answered everything—not enthusiastically, but that food was a good lure—and he was feeling in a better mood after that jolt of water. God that felt wonderful. Would he get to be in water again soon? He wanted it back more then anything...it was this primal need welling up from inside him, overtaking most of his thought. Just being kept moist wasn’t enough. He was finally given the meal; some sense came back to his mind instead of just running on autopilot. “Everything going all right?†A voice came from the door, accompanied by a small knock. “Doctor! Ahh yes, everything is fine.†Eppelheim grinned. However, inside he was not smiling. He wanted privacy so he could work unmediated... Dominique listened with a heavy heart as the two talked. Eppelheim explained to Doc about how he wanted to do a dissection while he still had him strapped down and half sedated. The other agreed, but said he wanted to stay and observe, also to make sure proper precautions were used; he said he’d been worried with some things he’d heard coming from the infirmary. Wait, dissection? “Don’t I get a say in this!?†Domi blurted out, voice shaky. God he hated how pathetic he sounded. “You’re lucky to be alive,†The medic snapped back, though of course in reality he’d never want him killed. “Surely, besides study are we not to interrogate the enemy for information? Being a Spy he must know a lot!†Eppelheim reasoned to his comrade. “If you overload him, then he von’t be useful for anything when he’s catatonic. I trust your expertise, but your overzealous eagerness vhorries me.†The doctor waved a finger. “And enemy or not, I’ll have no outright torture going on in MY infirmary by way of medical carelessness.†Much as Eppelheim didn’t like it, it WAS still HIS infirmary; the older doctor was his senior there in rank. “And don’t you get any ideas.†The doctor glanced at Dominique, who was giving him the most pleading face possible while keeping his dignity. “You are a BLU. I’m not saying this because I feel sorry for you. You are not some innocent caged animal; I’ve seen vhat you did to our Spy. My oath is to this team, and you are a threat to their health and safety. I intend to learn vhat we can to have knowledge to protect that.†Eppelheim couldn’t contest THAT, so he agreed. Dominique hung his head; in his position he couldn’t make the Doc believe otherwise, he was a BLU, shown to have indeed hurt the RED Spy. He was ‘the enemy’. ... Preparations were made. Dominique’s heart beat rapidly as he glanced around from his restrained position on the table. The doctor had said he wanted this to be ‘humane’, thank god. Who knew what would have become of him had he been alone with the other medic. Would he be awake? Put under? Would he...see what they were doing to him? The doctor brought over a large rig attached to the ceiling. The medigun he usually used during the day was attached to it. He positioned it carefully, adjusting some dials on the side. Eppelheim watched carefully; he was still a little new to the mediguns—using them that is. He saw plenty of them on the cameras while working behind the scenes. The device was switched on, the red vapor beam reaching out toward the strapped down tentaspy. “I had to calibrate it to be able to latch onto someone not in zie RED’s respawn system,†The medic told his comrade, “How it’s set is more like a ‘mist’ then a beam anyway.†He cleared the air bubbles from a prepared syringe and jabbed it under Domi’s chest skin subcutaneously. The captive winced and twitched, but as the thick flush of the medication spread, it combined with the medigun’s warm glow, creating a feedback reaction in his cells. Dominique could still feel, but nothing ‘hurt.’ “Ah ah, vhait,†The medic stopped his superior from placing a mask with nitrous over the captive’s face, intending to knock him out, “I need him awake for this part, before we crack him open.†Dominique violently wrenched at the restraints at this, a feudal reaction to his want to get away. His tentacles, if only...he squeezed his eyes shut trying with all his might to make them respond. It was no use... “Shhhh, shhh, this shouldn’t hurt vhith how we’ve set you up,†Eppelheim crooned, reaching a clean, bare hand down and picking up the top gill slit closest to him. Domi could just barely see what he was doing, but he could FEEL it... His mouth gaped with unpleasant gurgles as his gill slits were painfully stretched wide. It...yes it didn’t hurt...he was right about that. But it was an unpleasant alien feeling that disturbed him to his core. The stretching intensified as the medic wedged his fingers into the top slit, further, further, until his knuckles hit the flap of the gill slit under it. A trickle of blood dripped down from the damp fimbriae, damaged by the intrusion. “Nnnggg!†Domi clenched his teeth, fists doing the same. “Vhen we open him up we should be able to see a connection right to his lungs, I can feel zie valve here; it feels almost like a large, tricuspid heart valve. Here,†The medic pointed to his comrade, having him douse the hose over his face again like before. With his hand blocking the valve, all the water flowed out of the opposite side gill slits. “Tell me, vhat does that feel like?†The medic asked with curiosity. “I...I would assume eet would ‘urt a lot more w-without that medigun running...†Domi sputtered as the water was removed. “I wonder how his lungs look to compensate for that,†The doctor added, not worried that it could actually be painful with his medigun rigged up as it was, “Come let’s get started,†The mask returned, a hand holding it over him was all Dominique could see as everything went into a fuzzy blur. ... In his delirium Dominique thanked the Doc for his mercy, if it wasn’t for him, who knows if Eppelheim would have used anesthesia at all. ‘Thank you thank you,’ he mouthed, not even aware he was trying to speak out loud. There was the whine of an electric sternum saw. He could vaguely feel a pressure in his chest, a movement and tickling like the caress of fingertips. He heard pleased laughter, voices, discussing and taking photographs. That warmth from the medigun felt so good...keeping a pulse in his veins and blood regenerating in his body, even as it flowed off the table when his heart was removed. Room had to be made to see elsewhere... When the mask was removed, it could have been minutes or hours, Dominique lost all sense of time. He blinked as the nitrous went out of his system as fresh air entered his damp lungs. “You’re a successful creature indeed,†Eppelheim pet his head briefly, meanwhile the other doctor was tending to his medigun. Dominique was able to catch a glimpse of his exposed organs before the medigun was ramped up to full power. It was like some out of body nightmare, because it didn’t hurt, but he knew it should. He screeched in horror, even as his chest closed up and his ribs snapped back together. The doctors left to let their patient rest, and to clean up and get dinner, the doctor scolding the other medic for bringing him out of sedation a little too soon. Dominique breathed deeply, chest heaving. That chest had been open just minutes before. Miracle of mediguns or not, that was something he never wanted to see. ‘Mon dieu mon dieu mon dieu...’ he squeezed his eyes shut, trying not to picture everything they had been doing, trying not to piece it together in his mind. He struggled again, tiring quickly, eyes shut with exhaustion and vertigo. He tried to imagine something pleasant. Floating on his back in the river on a clear night, watching the stars. You could see so many out there in the desert, even with light from the bases. The night was cool and damp. His tentacles splayed out in the water, some anchoring him to the riverbank, others down to the bottom where unwitting young fry pecked at his skin like a massaging tickle. Too small to be eaten anyway... Dominique heard the infirmary door open again. That sound made him flinch, ‘He’s coming back...no no noo...please...no more!’ His mind instantly raced in anticipation. But there was no German tone - in fact no talking at all...but there was a familiar, favorable smell that included burnt steel. Domi turned his head to confirm the presence he sensed there. There was Lance, silent and just a foot away at the side of the exam gurney.
Oh, DAMN that cliffhanger! My heart is in my throat and my hands are shaking-! AH! I can't go to sleep like this!!
A Lance-Domi confrontation in the next chapter?! Ugh, I can't wait! And poor Domi, having to endure that vivisection.
I am so ready for more. Eppelheim is legitimately frightening to me, and I'm really glad Doc was there to keep things from getting too grotesquely out of hand. But now that Lance is there... I'm just dying to hear their conversation. They really need to talk and get everything out in the open. Because they just have to get together. I just love them so much. I cannot wait for the next part. You are amazing. Thank you so much for writing this.
Oh my god, oh my god, oh my god-more! That was the least disturbing dissection I've read about. The TF2 fandom is lucky to have the medigun.
(All there parts beta'd by Kuhzka.) Sorry to be the cliffhanger masochist, but finally, this is what has been waiting to be said. [ Part 24 ] There was tension in the air you could almost taste. The engineer and the spy locked eyes as they glanced about each other. Dominique’s urge to speak grew more and more as the seconds stretched into minutes. ‘He’s HERE...say something!’ he thought. But in his current condition, he felt about ready to pass out with the added stress. It was a horrible dual feeling. His heart leapt to see the engineer there of his own accord, it was a ray of hope he needed so desperately, but at the same time he wished he wasn’t there—not now. He was a frazzled, poorly slept, inadequately fed monster strapped to a table with such indignity. How could he make any kind of redeeming proclamation in such a state? Lance looked like he wanted to speak, but finally he motioned to leave, having said nothing. “Cheri, wait!†Domi cried out quickly, desperately. The engineer stopped and turned, coming back to the side of the gurney. “Now...now why would you say that? Think you can really keep that charade up?†He sounded accusing, but shaky, like he didn’t want to be mad. Domi did his best to speak clearly and calmly, but it wasn’t easy with his throat closing up with emotion on top of the respirator tube wedged back there. “S'il vous plait, let me explain. Firstly...eet may be ‘ard to believe, but I’m not employed by BLU. At least not anymore. I ‘ave no bad intentions for your team, I’m not ‘ere on a mission.†“But yer uniform - †“I was weeth BLU, oui - over six years ago. Back then Respawn was a new technology, I think they were experimenting weeth eet. One day...I woke up from Respawn like this.†His eyes were attempted calm, but they were bloodshot, tired, pleading. “They tried to dispose of me. But I escaped, and ‘ave survived ‘ere at ze base ever since...keeping under ze radar. They think I am dead.†The engineer listened...the story sounded plausible. He wanted to believe it. That BLU was experimenting with Respawn could be true. He knew he was scanned and had blood samples taken upon coming there to RED. They of course never told him the details of how Respawn worked, but it sure had something to do with bio-patterns, DNA, the like. Maybe they toyed with it, doing things against nature, messing with the patterns. “So everythin’ you said...you pretendin’ to be our spah?†“He was the most convenient to impersonate. Similar body type, someone I could act like myself and eet would not seem out of place. That’s why I ‘ad you fix my disguise kit and cloaking watch, you theenk I could really go up to you, anyone, like this? And eef I was weeth BLU why would I put on a trick to ‘ave you fix my gear?†“I - I don’t know.†Lance remained skeptical, but he listened to everything, and the Spy sounded sincere. His tone and how he was looking at him. “What happened right after you fixed ze disguise kit?†the tentaspy asked. Lance thought...remembering around the same time Boleslav gave him that metal and he was able to make that new build with it. “Your ‘eavy gave you some metal, didn’t he?†Domi said it before Lance could. “Y...yea.†The engineer felt a chill of realization. “That wasn’t Boleslav.†Domi tried to smile. “All this began weeth me just wanting to DO something...I’ve been so idle and bored and alone for so long. When I over’eard you talking about wanting to get your hands on some BLU metal I decided to take action. Eet was just a leetle thing, but once I had a taste of being back in ze action I kept going. And you...YOU were what made me want to. Everything I said, that I did was sincere...I promise...†“How kin I believe anything you say?†Really how could he? What proof did the Spy have? ‘Maybe he really is a BLU renegade, working alone. Imagine for a minute everything he said is the truth. And he did all this, just to get closer to you. He risked himself, because he loves you...’ Dominique felt desperate, exhausted...how else could he prove himself? He had nothing but his word. He didn’t even have actions at that moment, strapped helplessly to a table, half paralyzed, every muscle aching. His body trembled with frustration as he writhed against the restraints. “I’m sorry, I’m so sorry for everything. I’m sorry I lied to you and deceived you...Je suis vraiment désolé... désolé...†Domi cursed himself for how pathetic he sounded, especially as tears squeezed from his eyes, but he felt like he had nothing left. Nothing was right and everything had gone wrong. It didn’t matter. “I just wanted to get closer to you...I just wanted to be closer...†He was practically delirious as he rasped the words. Domi could just make out of the corner of his eye something coming near. He shied away out of confusion and reflex in anticipation of harm. But then he watched silently as the engineer softly stroked the back of his fingers over his cheek. Dominique melted into that touch, closing his eyes and shuddering out a breath with a look of disbelieving joy. He wasn’t even sure if it was real or he was hallucinating. But he needed it so badly. ‘His face,’ Lance thought, expression cracking a bit as he too choked up. Such a reaction he received, surely this all could not be fake... He’d made the decision to trust in what the Spy said, at least for now. The engineer would remain cautious, but open. In that moment, he felt a wash of happiness seeing the other’s expression. He really did have a nice smile, different from their Spy of course. And while he’d come to fall in love with that face, now having talked to this spy even just this briefly, he heard the ‘RED Spy’ in him, he saw the man he’d come to fall for. This face... could come to grow on him, as well. “Petit,†Domi purred, nuzzling into the touch like he could fall asleep right there. “Je t'aime tellement...†An actual purr welled up in his throat. Lance recognized it; he’d heard that before in the ‘RED Spy’. He figured it was just talented voice box work, but now seeing him like this, it was fitting and obvious how he made such sounds. Of course it raced past Lance’s mind, ‘what are you doing, LOOK at him.’ But if the Spy’s dedicated, sincere feelings (not to mention dashing good looks...) were desirable enough to Lance to make him feel so strongly, then his physical nature was something he could at least begin to deal with at a later point in time. He couldn’t deny he’d very much liked the affections ever since day one when ‘the RED Spy’ started courting him. The whole situation was already very atypical; the engineer decided he’d roll with things as they came. “Don’t even know yer name,†He chuckled, “You spah’s never give that kind of thing out.†“Dominique,†the tentaspy looked up at him, “My name is Dominique, mon chéri.†“It...it’s a pleasure to meet you Dominique.†The engineer pet over his damp hair this time, “I think you already know my name.†“Ze pleasure is all mine,†Domi whispered, his demeanor so calm now. He leaned back into that gentle hand as it went back to his face. “The doc might be back any minute; we’re installing that tank he requested tonight. I hope...that it’ll be better for ya. I’ll admit, it looks mighty terrible what they been doing to you in here,†He swallowed, “Even if you were th’ enemy or not.†The engineer finally removed his hand, he felt bad to leave the man in such a state, and he couldn’t deny it felt mighty nice. Domi went far as he could to follow the touch. ‘Please don’t go,’ he was thinking, but Lance was right, there was no way they could catch him looking sympathetic. He watched the RED Engineer make his leave, giving him one last glance before he closed the infirmary door. A chance, he was being given a chance...
I literally waited all day for this. I haven't even read it yet, but I'm so excited I had to say thank you for posting.
I desperately want fanart of purring Domi. And I desperately love this story. Lithe, you're such a great writer.
I have been waiting for this moment ever since Domi was captured. Part of me feels like maybe Lance let him off a little easy, but I kind of am taking that as partly his own broken heart looking for any reason to forgive. And I was seriously very near tears at the end of the chapter. I honestly cannot praise you enough for the way you've written this story. Magnificent. Eagerly awaiting the next installment, whenever it may come.
I totally agree with everything >>210 said right there. I am very excited that this chapter marks a (hopefully not just temporary) turn for the better!
No chapter, up until this point, has made me this happy and excited for your characters. Keep up the fantastic work! (I'm also so happy I caught up 3 chapters and didn't have to wait over that dreadful cliffhanger at the end of 23, pheew!)
>>209 I've drawn nuzzling Domi before but mmmmm purring, gotta do that next. >>210 I was worried for that too, but here is all my reasoning I put through my mind that made things write as the did in the chapter, and it seemed right to me: yes Lance WAS also searching for reasons to back up that his gut feelings, no one likes to be wrong, especially when it comes to love (Ego hit of the century). That, and just look at the state Domi was in, Lance was being extra compassionate at the moment. But trust me he's not right back to 'everything's cool' lovey mode. He doesn't exactly look at the tentacles with lust, haha, but they don't disgust him either, so he figured 'well he's in such a state right now, I'll bring all this up later...' Also Domi had given him reason to keep believing he wasn't a liar in how he looked at him the last two times Lance saw him in his true form. Thanks so much for the feedback guys, that's what has made this so much better as it comes along, and it also keeps me at this on a regular basis to know people are really rooting for the two. :) >>211 Overall I think it does, but Domi is not out of 'hot water' yet (okay terrible pun). Also next time I post I'll be making a new thread, I think this one is auto-saging or close to it. (All the chapters thus far will be put in it too for ease.)
202 "...iolently wrenched at the restraints at this, a feudal reaction to his want to get away." Derp. Regardless, just wanted to say I've been lurking on this story since I came here; my tentaspy tastes are far more foul then Domi but this was the fapfic that got me started on the damn idea. Gratzi for making a pervert of me.
I'm just gonna stroke your cheeks to show my love for you.
Captcha: prevedC functions ...I feel my function right now is to BUMP this. I'm in love with this story, best tentaSpy fic I've read ever. Please do continue.
Please tell me you haven't died, this story is glorious