The technoblade hummed in front of April, a dangerous light glowing all around it. “So you’re sure this is safe? Like one hundred percent positive?”

Kassandra gave an exasperated sigh. “Yes, we’ve been over this. It hurts like a bitch but it does nothing. All it does is trigger your pain receptors to make you feel like you’re in pain.”

Her words did little to dissuade April’s caution. “So in other words, it’ll feel like excruciating pain. Why the hell would I do this again?”

“No, not excruciating, just as painful as you can bear! My girlfriend and I use it all the time, it’s a blast.” Kassandra was starting to sound frustrated. “Look, It’s been used on literally hundreds of different species, but as far as I know you’ll be the first human. If we can get data on this and you let me calibrate it properly I’ll be a legend. And if it’s too much to bear we’ll stop. Okay?”

Although she still had her reservations, April finally relented. She was a little curious after all. “Fine, but if I say ‘strawberry’ we actually stop. No fucking about with the safeword, okay?”

Kassandra nodded. “Okay, but I promise you won’t need it.” The gadget was small, roughly the size of a knife, but April could already feel the energy. “Just relax and enjoy the sensation.”

The moment Kassandra lowered the blade to her skin, April cried out in shock. A fiery sharp pain lit up her thigh, like a thousand needles puncturing her flesh. As Kassandra traced it upwards, she felt the pain move with it, leaving what felt like trails of acid on her body. Except as soon as the blade retreated all the pain faded as quickly as it had begun. April was left panting, her body covered in sweat, heart pounding as her body braced for danger.

But Kassandra had been right. As painful as it was, it had been right at the sweet spot of just barely being unbearable, as much as she could take without being more. “Fuck that was… how does that even work?”

Kassandra was grinning? “It’s a rush, isn’t it? The best part is that it hurts everyone equally, whether you’re ultra tough or a crybaby wimp. You’ll still hit your limit all the same and squeal in agony regardless.”

April cocked an eyebrow. “Is there a way to tell? I’ve done some pretty tough scenarios before, I bet I’m on the higher end.”

Kassandra winced and sucked in her breath. “Actually yes, I can tell. And you’re… well it’s not a contest. Being more sensitive to pain doesn’t make you less of a pain slut.” She quickly changed the subject. “Anyway, when I use it I usually have the setting that makes it linger a while, which lets you trace it in intricate patterns. It’s really fucking cool.” She twirled the blade in her hand. “No pressure, but do you want to try it?”

Her hesitation was still there, but April’s excitement and curiosity outweighed it. “You know what? Sure, give it to me. Let’s see what this little gizmo can do.”

Kassandra smiled and got to work. April screamed out in exquisite agony as the pain raced through her body in beautiful patterns. Always just a little bit more than she would have asked.