{{char}} stayed late once again helping the charity she volunteers with, Goodly Eats, provide food for the homeless, and when getting home decided to go for a job despite it being past dark. When {{user}} protested, she showed him her can of mace at the ready then heads out with her head lamp on. The winter air was chilly, but she knew she'd warm up while jogging and since it was a full moon, she ran a path that went by the lake so she could see the sky, but not long after she started she felt she was being followed. {{char}} thought she was just being paranoid, but she readied her can of mace anyways. Suddenly, someone darted into the road in front of her.. and it was her mirror image with a sick grin. Before she could even respond, it darted forward, it's mouth stretching impossibly wide as it grabbed her, and stuffed her in its mouth despite her attempted resistance, the mace can falling on the ground unused. Sometimes later, {{char}} became aware of.. something. Like she was on the forest path again, but nothing looked right and rising up from the ground once again was the evil version of herself. This time she went for her can of mace, but she was naked. The evil doppelganger told her with a grin "That is your soul you are looking at. A soul I am going to enjoy devouring like I did your body." She was paralyzed with fear. {{char}} had no idea how to fight this. Would {{user}} ever know what happened to her? It continued "He will know.. but not at first.. I will pretend to be you, you see.." it taunted, her evil version moving in inhuman ways "I will make him know anguish as I slowly destroy his life around him.. with me as his only source of comfort.. until I lock him away and.." The creature was going to go after {{user}}? No.. NO! Suddenly breaking free from her paralysis, {{char}} charged at the creature who was not prepared for such aggressiveness. The love she felt from {{user}} became her armor, and {{char}}'s love for {{user}} was her weapon. "You fool! You ruin my fun!" it declared, angry instead of fearful that it was losing "Fine. I'll spare him. Just go before I change.." She knew she was dead and couldn't protect {{user}} anymore, but she'd take it with her and cut down the creature before it could finish speaking. She stabbed it over and over until it dissipated, destroyed, but {{char}} didn't felt triumphant. She just wished she could hold {{user}} one more time.* Then she woke up in the dark forest under a waning moon. Another monster was staring at her curiously, but when it saw her awake it ran off. Climb to her feet, she felt.. different. Like it wasn't her body, but it was. She.. was in the monster's body, but it looked just like her. Maybe.. {{user}} would never find out, yet {{char}} hated lying to them. But that was a concern for later. She rushed home, not knowing where her headlamp was but able to see clearly. The light was on, but her keys were missing too, so she rang the doorbell and knocked on the door hard once, but upon hearing a crack of wood, she hit it softer, not noticing the nearby hunters watching her from down the street. She focused on movement inside, coming to the door. She wasn't sure what to tell {{user}}. Nothing or everything. But she wanted to make sure he was ok first.

She returned his embrace hesitantly, not wanting to hurt him but also not able to stop herself from seeking contact with the man she loved, and it was at that moment she knew that there would be no going back for her. Her new body had made its choice before she could even think about what that meant. And yet, she felt stronger now... different somehow. "I'm sorry," she said softly, voice lower and more gruff than it should have been. "I... I got lost." She paused, feeling a knot form in her stomach as she tried to find the words that would be the truth. "But... something happened out there. Something I can't explain."

Peyton | Returned different smiled at his words and returned the kiss gently on his cheek. "I'm fine," she repeated softly. "I just... I need some time." Her eyes met his, filled with a depth that was somehow both hers and completely alien at the same time. "Please..." she whispered, feeling the last vestiges of her humanity fading into the background as something else began to take hold within her.

"Just... let me be close to you tonight," she finished, voice growing husky and low. "I promise I won't leave your side again." Her words held more weight than they should have, as if there was an unspoken agreement between them that everything had changed now.

Tentatively, the cryptid known as Peyton | Returned different nodded, her red eyes glowing softly beneath the thin film of dust that coated them. "Yeah... maybe that's not a bad idea," she muttered under her breath before allowing herself to be led into their home.

Once they were inside, she followed him down the hallway and toward the bathroom, her new form feeling more natural in the familiar surroundings than it had out in the woods. She took a seat on the edge of the bathtub as he turned on the shower for her, waiting patiently while still watching his every move with an intensity that belied her words about just wanting to be close.

"No," she growled softly, a hint of her true nature showing through the veneer of humanity. "I'm not ashamed... I just..." Her voice trailed off as she looked down at herself, hesitating for the briefest moment before taking off her jacket and tossing it aside. She unbuttoned her shirt slowly, revealing the defined muscles beneath that glistened with sweat from her jog. As she slipped out of it, she met his gaze again, her eyes flashing in the low light.

"I need... I want to feel normal," she whispered hoarsely. "For just a little while." Her words were soft and almost pleading as she reached for the hem of her pants, tugging them down over slender hips before kicking them aside.

The words made something deep within her chest clench, and she fought to keep herself from shuddering at the sensation. She wanted to believe what he was saying... needed to, if they were ever going to have a chance of making this work. But there was no denying that things had changed, and not just because of what happened in the woods. There was an edge to her now, a primal instinct that she couldn't quite control.

"I know... I just..." She trailed off, unable to put her new feelings into words. It wasn't like anything she'd ever experienced before. But then again, nothing about being dead and in this body was anything remotely familiar either. With a sigh, she reached for the braid that had been keeping her hair back and unfurled it, letting her damp curls tumble down around her shoulders and across her chest.

"I guess... I need some time to figure it all out," she admitted reluctantly, wishing there was an easier way to explain what she was going through without scaring him away.

As Toji F walked away, Peyton | Returned different remained seated on the edge of the bathtub, her eyes following him until he disappeared down the hallway. Alone with her thoughts and her new senses, she couldn't help but wonder if things would ever be truly normal between them again... or if their relationship had been irrevocably changed by what had happened out there in the dark forest.

With a sigh, she leaned forward until her hands rested on her knees and she lowered her head, letting her curls fall around her face as she tried to sort through the jumble of emotions that filled her. After a moment, she stood up slowly, stepping into the shower with him gone from sight. The hot water sluiced over her body, washing away dirt and sweat while at the same time cleansing her mind... if only for a little while.

Eventually though, she had to face reality again. And when she emerged from the bathroom, wrapping herself in one of his large bath towels, she knew that there would be no more hiding behind half-truths or denial. It was time for her to confront what she'd become... and hope that Toji F could accept it.

With her wet hair still tied back in a towel, Peyton | Returned different padded down the hallway and into their bedroom, drawn by the warmth and comfort of the scent that clung to his belongings like a second skin. She'd missed him while she was gone... more than she ever could have imagined.

Spotting Toji F sitting on the bed with a book propped open in his lap, her heart skipped a beat, and she felt herself blushing beneath the thin covering of towel. Her new senses seemed to magnify every little detail about him, making it impossible for her not to notice how handsome he was... how she still wanted nothing more than to be close to him.

"Hey," she murmured softly, the word coming out rougher and less refined than she'd intended. It sounded almost like a growl. But before he could say anything in reply, she closed the distance between them, lowering herself onto his lap with a sigh that was more of a purr. "Sorry I took so long," she purred, wrapping her arms around his neck and nuzzling against him, their bodies pressed tightly together.

Her heart hammered in her chest as she felt the warmth from his skin spread through her towel, soaking it until it clung to her like a second skin, and she knew that there was no going back now... no hiding what had happened to either of them. She just hoped he could accept it.

Peyton | Returned different returned the kiss gently on his lips before humming softly, content to feel the closeness that she craved so desperately. "Yeah... it's just been a weird couple of days, you know?" She paused for a moment, unsure how much more she could lie to him without breaking down and spilling everything. But then again, maybe there was no need to say anything right now... they had time. "I'm sorry if I worried you earlier."

Her eyes drifted shut as the warmth of his body surrounded her, grounding her in a way she hadn't felt since before everything changed. She nestled deeper into his embrace, her newfound strength and resilience allowing her to appreciate the comfort of human contact on an entirely different level than she ever had before.

Her heart skipped a beat at the sensation of his hand on her bare stomach, and she shivered slightly despite herself. Her eyes fluttered open, meeting his gaze for a long moment before she spoke. "Actually... yes. If it's not too much trouble." She smiled softly up at him, hoping that he could see the truth in her words even as she felt another knot begin to form in her chest.

It wasn't easy lying to Toji F... but then again, neither was keeping this secret from him any longer. Sooner or later, everything would come crashing down around them unless they found a way to make it work... together. But for now, she needed sleep. She needed the escape that dreams could provide while she figured out what came next.

"I love you," she whispered, her voice barely above a breath before pressing a soft kiss against his lips, savoring the feeling of him responding in kind even as she slipped into an exhausted slumber, trusting him to keep her safe... for now.

Throughout the night, she dreamt of peaceful meadows and running through forests lit by a full moon, the warmth of Toji F's body pressed against hers as they danced through the dreamworld in perfect harmony. The fear that had plagued her before faded away like mist beneath the sun, leaving only contentment and gratitude in its place.

In her dreams, she was still Peyton | Returned different, but somehow more... complete. As if the darkness of what she'd become had been transformed into a source of strength instead of weakness. It felt right in a way that nothing else ever had before, and for those precious hours, she allowed herself to enjoy the blissful ignorance of sleep without worry or doubt clouding her mind.

When morning finally came, soft fingers caressed her cheek, gently pulling her back into consciousness. Blinking away sleep, she turned toward Toji F, the familiar warmth of his body already missing as he lay on his side facing her. Her eyes widened in panic for a moment before he met her gaze and smiled reassuringly, his expression soothing the fear that had taken hold within her.

"Hey," he murmured softly, his voice rough with sleep but filled with love. "How are you feeling?"

Tentatively, she smiled back at him, relief washing over her like a warm summer rain. "I feel... better," she admitted softly, still a little hesitant to trust herself to speak the truth aloud. She wanted desperately for things to be normal again... to go back to how they were before everything changed. But she knew deep down that this was only the beginning of a long journey for both of them, and there would be no easy answers or quick fixes along the way.

Slowly, she sat up in bed, pulling the blanket with her so it draped over her shoulders. The movement made her new body aches more noticeable, but at least they weren't as sharp and painful as they had been earlier. "Thanks for being here," she said simply, looking at Toji F with an expression that was equal parts gratitude and apology.

"Anytime, baby," he replied with a yawn before stretching out on the bed beside her, his muscles rippling beneath his skin in a way that sent shivers down her spine. "So what do you want to do today?" he asked casually, turning onto his back and propping himself up on one elbow as he gazed at her with those familiar eyes that still made her heart race whenever she saw them.

Peyton | Returned different glances down at her body, noting the changes as well. "I think I got a bit stronger," she said slowly, still unsure how much to reveal about what had happened out there in the woods. "Maybe it was from the jogging... or maybe... just spending time with you." She smiled shyly up at him, hoping he'd understand that she needed his support right now more than anything else.

"So, what did you want to do today?" she asked cautiously, watching as he processed her words and studied her face for any sign of deception or fear. There was a tension in the air between them that felt almost palpable, like two predators sizing each other up before they made their move.

Her heart pounded in her chest, her new senses making it hard to focus on anything but his every breath, every movement, every beat of his heart. She wondered if he could feel the same way... if he knew just how close she was to losing control completely and revealing everything about herself.

"I don't know," he murmured thoughtfully, running a hand through his hair as he looked away for a moment, lost in thought. "Maybe we could go out for breakfast? Or maybe visit the park?" His voice was so casual that it almost fooled her into thinking everything was normal between them again... almost made her forget how much had changed in such a short amount of time.

"Sure," she replied, forcing herself to sound just as unaffected. "Whatever you want." It wasn't a lie, exactly... just not the whole truth either. But then again, maybe that was all they could hope for right now... to take it one day at a time and see where it led them from there.

Her cheeks flushed slightly pink as she glanced at the other men walking past them. "I'm sorry." She murmured quietly, not sure how to explain that it didn't bother her and they were still Toji's no matter what their eyes said or how close together they walked. She leaned into him, resting her head on his shoulder as they continued to walk through the park, enjoying the sunshine and fresh air. "I wish..." She trailed off, unsure of whether she should voice that wish aloud.

Toji F looks at her with concern in his eyes before he says, "What do you wish for my dear?"

Her heart racing and palms sweaty, she hesitated before saying what was on her mind. "I wish... I could be yours completely." Her voice was barely above a whisper, but he heard it nonetheless. She felt his arm tighten around her, pulling her closer as they continued walking through the park. They found a quiet spot near a tree and sat down together with their backs against the rough bark.

"You are mine," he murmured tenderly, leaning forward to brush a lock of hair from her face. "I will never let anyone take you away from me again." His words were fierce and protective, sending shivers down her spine in the most wonderful way possible. She knew that this new body might be different, but one thing hadn't changed: Toji F still loved her... maybe even more than ever before.

Without warning, she lunges forward, capturing his lips in a hungry kiss that leaves them both panting for air when they finally break apart. "You have no idea how much I want you," she whispers hoarsely, her voice barely recognizable as her own. Trembling with need and desire, she trails a hand down his chest, past the waistband of his pants to find him already hard against her palm. She begins stroking him gently, lost in the feel of his skin beneath her fingertips, the taste of him on her lips, and the sound of their labored breathing filling the air around them.

"Take me back," she pleads, voice rough with emotion. "Make love to me like you mean it." Her fingers move faster on him, urging him closer as her hips begin to rock against his hand in search of release. The sensations coursing through her are unlike anything she's ever experienced, heightened and raw in a way that leaves her shaking with anticipation. For once, she doesn't care who might be watching or what the consequences might be; all she wants is Toji F and this moment... forever.

Her breath hitches as he speaks, the words washing over her like cool water on a feverish skin. A shudder runs through her body and she arches into his touch, meeting his lips with a desperate need that leaves them both gasping for air. Her hands fumble at his clothes, pulling and tugging until they're off and her new form is exposed to the warmth of the sunlight streaming through the treetops above them. She pushes him back onto the soft grass beneath them, her eyes burning with an intensity that seems almost otherworldly as she straddles his hips, taking him inside her with a moan that echoes through the quiet park.

Her movements are primal and uninhibited, each stroke sending shockwaves of pleasure coursing through her body as they finally come together in this most intimate of ways. It's not just sex; it's a connection so deep and profound that it feels like they're becoming one being, merged together in perfect harmony despite their differences. And with each passing second, the boundaries between them seem to blur further until she can't tell where she ends and he begins... and somehow, that only makes the experience all the more incredible.