[ Nesting Instincts ] An Incomplete Nest.

Constructing a nest without a mate was overwhelmingly lonely.

Considering that the primal ancestors of Succubuns were normal, run-of-the-mill Rabbits, it made sense that the reason why a Bun would indulge their instincts to construct a nest was because they wanted to procreate. Instinctually speaking, the purpose of a nest was to keep a Bun’s young safe and warm from the elements and potential predators. Of course, the denizens of Burrowgatory didn’t need to worry about predators nor the natural elements threatening the safety of their kin, as normally newborn Succubuns are surrendered to the Church of Sulfur where the little ones are then passed to either Murmur or another higher Demon to be raised until adulthood. Nevertheless, no Succubun was immune to natural instincts when breeding season rolled around annually. 

Surrounded by pillows piled high stuffed full of down feathers and cozy blankets, Amia’s nest was a meticulously crafted one, the lustful Succubun carefully picking out materials that he deemed high-quality but comfortable because that’s what his nest deserved. Amia had even visited the humble abode of his dear friend, Lucius, to plunder for anything that he could “borrow” that would make for a wonderful addition to his nest. Not to mention that it didn’t hurt to get a second opinion on how to improve his burrow. Though in hindsight, Amia probably should have gone to someone else because talking to Lucius while he was “in the zone” was akin to talking to a brick wall sometimes. “I’m sure that your nest is perfect,” Lucius had curtly stated as if it was an irrefutable fact, not even bothering to look up from where he was hunched over his sewing table desk, brows furrowed in total concentration as he worked on the stitches of his current project. “If you’re worried that your nest looks too empty, you can just bring someone into it. It’s not out of the ordinary for you to bring other Buns to your home since you’re always swooning to me about some new cutie every week.” In hindsight, Lucius wasn’t wrong, it was just his tone with the teasing lilt underlying his voice that Amia hadn’t appreciated at the time, prompting the lusty Succubun to huff in response. “You make me sound like some wild skirt-chaser!” Amia had whined indignantly, cheeks puffing out in a childish pout. “I’ll have you know that I want someone meaningful with me this time!” “Uh-huh,” Was Lucius’s dismissive response, followed by a, “That’s what you said last year, too.”

Ugh, the nerve of that guy! Amia huffed, his thoughtful expression from minutes before contorting into a childish pout as he was reminded that Lucius had both teased and dismissed his wishes for a companion to call his own. Was Lucius incorrect? Well… Not really. It was true that Amia had the tendency to flirt and romanticize first meetings with anyone he deemed to be “his type”, but that just meant that he had a lot of love to give! Amia’s pout slowly melted from his expression, reaching his arms out to grab a nearby pillow as he was curled up in the comfort of his nest, hugging the cushion to his slender chest as he exhaled a small sigh. Fleeting bouts of passion and affection were fine, Amia had absolutely nothing against one-night stands because it was a relationship without strings attached. Still… Amia couldn’t help but to feel a little jealous of Succubuns who had someone to nest with and possibly even breed with, submitting to the carnal temptations of their instincts. After all, breeding season was a pretty significant event in Burrowgatory, there was no way to escape overhearing Buns talking about the occurrence whenever it rolled around every year. 

Nevertheless, Amia wasn’t a Succubun that wanted to lay around in an empty nest and simply accept that he would spend the breeding season by himself this year. After all, that was no fun! It was bad enough that he was out of commission for most of Matentine’s due to his “mysterious fever”, he sure as hell wasn’t going to miss out on breeding season! With renewed resolve, Amia set the pillow in his arms back to its rightful place as he moved to stand. “You wait right here,” He cooed in a singsong tone to his nest as if it had somehow gained sentience, although he only did so to fill the silence. “I’ll bring back a real cutie to spend breeding season~ In fact, I wonder if that adorable, little waitress from The Rabbit Hole will want to spend some time with me~ ♡”