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zintranslations · 4 years ago

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Kaleidoscope of Death, Ch. 119

Kaleidoscope of Death by Xi Zixu Link to Chinese / Novel Updates

Chapter 119: Real Life

There were a total of eight chests in the kitchen. Xiao Ji had opened three, and Xiao Mei had opened three. There were two left.

Lin Qiushi went and gave these two chests a listen, confirming that one chest had something inside and the other was empty.

After the contents of the chests were confirmed, things got a lot easier. Lin Qiushi opened the empty chest and made sure the tunnel wasn't inside. Then beside him, Ruan Nanzhu used the wooden stake in his hands on the other chest. He stabbed the stake straight through the top of the chest and then used a dining room stool as a hammer, pounding the stake in inch by inch.

Following the stake's puncturing, an awful scream came from inside the chest. Large quantities of bright red blood seeped forth from the top, soaking the black wood through.

This was a cry they'd heard many times before—the cry of the Hako Onna. It was just that this time, her crying felt somewhat more wretched. Those standing around the chest listened on, silent and numb.

They were already used to death. Facing the Hako Onna once more, their senses of fright had already been sanded down flat. Luck was too large a component of this game; had they not been able to find the wooden stake, or had they not met the self-sacrificing Xiao Mei, this matter likely would've involved a lot more twists and turns, as well as several more victims.

Compared to when they first came in, there was more exhaustion on everybody's faces.

Ruan Nanzhu held Lin Qiushi's hand and stood in front of the wooden chest, listening as the cries inside got weaker and weaker.

"Who's opening it?" Sun Yuanzhou's companion asked once the crying died down.

"I'll do it," Sun Yuanzhou said. "We've been under your care these past few days."

He obviously had some lifesaver item as well. Had Ruan Nanzhu not expended the Hako Onna's power cards, more people likely would've died.

He took a step forward and grabbed hold of the chest. With a light application of force, he lifted the lid.

When he did so everybody held their breaths, but it was about as they expected—the Hako Onna inside the chest had disappeared, leaving behind only a puddle of blood. Behind the blood was a dark cavity, and at the bottom of that cavity there was a long set of stairs leading off into the distance.

The group entered the tunnel and followed the stairs all the way down.

Finally, at the end of the stairs, they saw a black metal door.

Ruan Nanzhu brought out the key, stepped forward, and opened the door. After it opened, he picked up the fallen hint slip.

And so the tenth door ended just like that. Both Ruan Nanzhu and Lin Qiushi got out safely and took the tenth door's hint slip with them.

Before taking off, Sun Yuanzhou tactfully expressed to Ruan Nanzhu a desire to work with them again.

Ruan Nanzhu was noncommittal and only took down his contact information. After that, he and Lin Qiushi followed that glowing tunnel into the real world.

Coming back to reality and getting to breathe this air again, Lin Qiushi once again felt the beauty of being alive. He rushed up the stairs, only to find Ruan Nanzhu standing at the other end like he'd just been ready to come down.

Then the two wordlessly caught each other in a hug, taking in the heat that emanated from each other's bodies. Only this way could they be certain that they'd survived the door.

Cheng Qianli just happened to be passing by, and when he saw the two wrapped around each other, he could only swallow the dog food and mutter about how it was the middle of the day, and he was a minor, could you guys please check yourselves.

Ruan Nanzhu shot him a glare and Cheng Qianli scampered away.

"Did you get the hint?" Lin Qiushi asked Ruan Nanzhu.

"I got it," Ruan Nanzhu answered.

"How does it compare to the one you got last time?"

Ruan Nanzhu thought for a moment and, without answering, took the hint slip from his pocket to hand to Lin Qiushi. Lin Qiushi took the hint and read the words on it, expression turning into one of consternation. On the tiny paper hint slip, there were only two words written: No Solution.

"How could this be?!" Lin Qiushi asked, stunned.

From the first through tenth door, the hint that each door offered provided them with some information. But the hint to the eleventh door was somehow "no solution."

He glanced up at Ruan Nanzhu. "The one you got before is the same?"

"Mh," Ruan Nanzhu nodded.

This was why he went through the tenth door again, because the hint he'd gotten last time was utterly useless and wasn't of any help at all.

The eleventh door did not provide them with a hint for use; the hint slip this time proved it hadn't been an anomaly.

Looking at the hint, Lin Qiushi's heart sank. But after some thought, he told Ruan Nanzhu: "That's okay. As long as I'm with you, I don’t feel so scared."

Ruan Nanzhu couldn't help but grin, pressing a kiss to Lin Qiushi's forehead.

Though the eleventh door's hint slip was a heavy weight to bear, they had to go on living.

That night, Lin Qiushi saw a piece of news on the television. It said that there had been a serious car accident downtown, and that a bus carrying more than a dozen people drove right off the bridge, resulting in six deaths and over twenty injuries.

In the list of fatalities, Lin Qiushi saw a young man named Li Bomei. It reminded him of something, and he let out a soft breath.

At least Xiao Mei and her lover had one last chance to say goodbye. In reality, they could hold each other and die happy. They might have even been able to give each other one gentle kiss, and make promises for the next life.

Ruan Nanzhu understood as well, but he picked up the remote and changed the channel.

"It's always worse to be the one left behind," Lin Qiushi said. "It's much better if they could leave together."

"It's hard to let that happen though," Ruan Nanzhu said. It was hard to let a lover die; you only hoped he could live on happily.

Lin Qiushi turned around to look at him.

"Then have you thought of the fact that once you come out, you have to face your lover leaving a second time?" And you had to see him die right in front of you. That was surely a bit too cruel.

"True."

Though Ruan Nanzhu's voice was faint, he agreed with what Lin Qiushi said.

There was a long time still between the tenth and the eleventh doors. They didn't have to be in a hurry.

But in a few more months, Cheng Yixie and Cheng Qianli would be going into their tenth door.

That was why in this period of time, Lin Qiushi basically didn't see the twins at all. It seemed that Cheng Yixie was taking Cheng Qianli through a crazy amount of doors, so many that Cheng Yixie nearly lost his mind.

"Uwaaa why me," Cheng Qianli wept in complaint to Lin Qiushi. "My brother's taking me through a door every three days, I really can't take it anymore!"

Lin Qiushi watched him in sympathy.

"Go on, don't worry about it. I'll take care of Toast for you," he said while he petted Toast's fat little butt.

Cheng Qianli had more to say, but Cheng Yixie came and whisked him away. Watching these brothers, Lin Qiushi thought this was quite funny.

Due to Ruan Nanzhu's presence, Obsidian had always commanded high prices and huge quantities of commissions. Countless people wanted to hire Ruan Nanzhu to take them through their doors.

Gu Longming contacted Lin Qiushi over the internet with a tactful message about how he would like to join Obsidian.

Once Lin Qiushi received Gu Longming's intentions, he went and spoke to Ruan Nanzhu about it.

"What are your thoughts?" Ruan Nanzhu asked Lin Qiushi.

"I think he's got a lot of potential." Lin Qiushi spoke his assessment of Gu Longming. "He's a good seed."

Ruan Nanzhu gave it some thought.

"When's his sixth door?"

"The beginning of next year, I think." Lin Qiushi made some simple calculations. "It should be around new years exactly."

"Don't give him an answer yet," Ruan Nanzhu said. "I want to meet him inside the doors first."

It wouldn't be too late to bring Gu Longming into Obsidian after he made certain Gu Longming had the qualifications. Not just anyone could join Obsidian, after all.

For a while, the mansion stayed busy. Those who did gigs did their gigs and those who trained trained. Only Lin Qiushi had absolutely nothing to do. At first he'd wanted to take some jobs from the forum, but Ruan Nanzhu had stopped him, telling him to wait until after the new year to take jobs. He ought to take this time to rest and replenish his spirits.

When December came, the weather grew cold. A snowstorm came about ten days in.

The heater was on inside the mansion, and Lin Qiushi was curled up on the couch, nodding off.

He didn't know where Ruan Nanzhu had gone off too. Ruan Nanzhu had been busy recently. It seemed to have something to do with White Deer.

Zhuang Rujiao returned to the mansion with snowflakes on her shoulders and hair. When Lin Qiushi heard noise, he looked up, saw her covered in snow, and asked, "you didn't bring an umbrella?"

"I didn't think it'd snow," Zhuang Rujiao said.

At this point, Lin Qiushi could see no hint of Xia Rubei on Zhuang Rujiao still. That cute, innocent scaredy-cat of a girl seemed to have been an illusion; only the woman before him now with the distant eyes was real.

"Something's happened at White Deer," Zhuang Rujiao spoke as she wiped her hair with a towel. "Jin Yurui is dead."

She announced Jin Yurui's death like she was talking about a matter of no importance at all.

Jin Yurui was the one who took over as White Deer's leader after Li Dongyuan's death. Lin Qiushi had only met her once before, and didn't think that she'd be gone not so long after.

"Because of a door?" Lin Qiushi asked.

"Mh," Zhuang Rujiao said. "I'm leaving." She picked up the hot tea on the table, taking a slow and neat sip. "I'll be the leader over at White Deer."

Lin Qiushi: "Can you do it?"

Zhuang Rujiao laughed: "I've got to, even if I can't. You have Ruan Nanzhu to protect you. The one protecting me is gone."

Lin Qiushi was silent.

"I really do envy you two. If I'd been able to become like you sooner, then he might not be dead." Zhuang Rujiao was talking about Li Dongyuan. "But the world never does sell medicine for regrets. I've been in your care these past months, thank you."

Though she'd lived at Obsidian for a while, she'd never truly become part of the group. Clearly, she'd anticipated leaving one day.

Lin Qiushi: "I hope everything goes well."

"Mh," Zhuang Rujiao said. "I'll take your well wishes."

After that, she went upstairs to pack up her stuff. Lin Qiushi went to the doorway and saw through the french windows that Ruan Nanzhu was back as well. Ruan Nanzhu wasn't coming inside though, only stood silently by the car at the front door.

White snowflakes fell on his raven-black hair, and his dark eyes were looking slightly down. His pretty lips were pressed together in a thin, taut line.

Lin Qiushi called out: "Ruan Nanzhu."

Ruan Nanzhu glanced up, and the corners of his mouth flicked up just for Lin Qiushi. Smiling sentiment tinted his eyes—nothing too strong, but plenty enough to warm Lin Qiushi's chest.

Lin Qiushi fetched an umbrella from the side of the door and went outside, opening it beside Ruan Nanzhu.

"Why don't you have an umbrella?"

Snow in the south was different from snow in the north; once fallen, it melted easily on a person. Ruan Nanzhu's shoulders and hair, therefore, all bore traces of wetness.

Ruan Nanzhu: "I forgot."

Lin Qiushi: "Are you driving her there?"

"Mh," Ruan Nanzhu nodded.

"What's the situation like at White Deer?" Lin Qiushi felt that things weren't actually so simple.

"Not great," Ruan Nanzhu said. "I'm not sure if she'll be able to hold it down."

Changing leaders twice in a row was not a good thing for White Deer. Had it been the Zhuang Rujiao of the past, then Ruan Nanzhu would definitely have not agreed to let her go. Now, however, Ruan Nanzhu chose to respect Zhuang Rujiao's wishes. Though Li Dongyuan wanted Zhuang Rujiao to live on well, did this sort of living at some point become a kind of torment?

This was a lesson that Lin Qiushi had taught Ruan Nanzhu, at least.

Zhuang Rujiao quickly packed up her stuff and came out. She did not have much with her; whether coming or going, she seemed like just a passerby.

"Safe travels," Lin Qiushi said to her.

"Thank you," Zhuang Rujiao replied, getting into Ruan Nanzhu's car.

So Lin Qiushi stood under the umbrella and watched as the car disappeared into the snowy distance.

This was the last time he'd see Zhuang Rujiao. Later, he'd learn from Ruan Nanzhu that Zhuang Rujiao did manage to hold White Deer down. She'd perfectly inherit Li Dongyuan's legacy.

"Did she kill Jin Yurui?" Lin Qiushi would ask Ruan Nanzhu when the time came.

"I don't know," Ruan Nanzhu would say. "I'm not sure, so I can't say either way. However, Jin Yurui did fail in a door that she and Zhuang Rujiao were passing together."

"Oh," Lin Qiushi said. "Then how did Li Dongyuan die?"

"Zhuang Rujiao says it has something to do with Jin Yurui. As for the truth, I don't know that either."

"Oh."

Not long after Zhuang Rujiao left, the new year came around. But because Cheng Yixie and Cheng Qianli were entering a door after the new year, they didn't go very over-the-top with this year's celebrations. The twins who usually headed home didn't go this time either, instead seizing the time to train on more doors.

Gu Longming's sixth door would be after the new year, around the tenth or so. When he learned that Lin Qiushi and Ruan Nanzhu were going into his sixth door with him, he was naturally ecstatic.

But Ruan Nanzhu still made it clear to him that they could not be protecting Gu Longming this time, nor could they make any guarantees about Gu Longming's survival, so Gu Longming should prepare himself for any incidents. Reading between the lines, he was basically telling Gu Longming to prepare a will, in case when the time came he’d come out the door, die, and have nothing arranged.

Gu Longming was shocked by how blunt this girl Zhu Meng was, and said Linlin ah, is this your girlfriend?

Lin Qiushi thought for a bit before answering yeah.

Gu Longming: "She's going in with us this time?"

Lin Qiushi: "Yes."

Gu Longming: "Is she good then?"

Lin Qiushi: "Better than me."

Gu Longming nodded, thinking that if she was better than Lin Qiushi, then she really must be amazing. And so he grew much happier.

As for the sixth door's hint, Ruan Nanzhu would be providing it. It was still being selected, and Lin Qiushi wasn't too worried.

The few days around the new year, the mansion was particularly lively.

Cheng Qianli finally got a couple of days off from Cheng Yixie, brazenly dragging Lin Qiushi with him to buy a bunch of fireworks in secret.

Lin Qiushi said, "but isn't it illegal to set off fireworks in this city?"

"We're the suburbs, sub-urban! Nobody cares."

Lin Qiushi looked at him in doubt.

"Are you sure?"

"I'm sure." Cheng Qianli put on a pitiful face. "I've only got this one hobby, can't you indulge me a little bit?"

"Fine fine fine, I'll indulge you."

Then the two found a clearing to start lighting fireworks. Everybody else from the mansion watched from afar, and Lin Qiushi called, "come over and join us."

"That’s for kids," Chen Fei said. "Us adults couldn't possibly join you."

Lin Qiushi, "…"

Forget Chen Fei. Even Cheng Yixie beside him had the same sort of expression, the you guys are so childish I don't even want to speak to you kind of look.

Lin Qiushi glanced at Cheng Qianli grinning like a fool beside him and didn't know what to say for a whole minute.

But foolish Cheng Qianli didn't seem to know he was being judged, cackling with his butt stuck out as he lit the fireworks. He watched the fireworks shoot up off the ground and explode open in the night sky, bursting out into laughter.

"It's so pretty." His eyes curved up, grinning like a kid, pupils dyed the fireworks' rich colors.

Lin Qiushi looked over at Ruan Nanzhu, standing far away. Their gazes met, and saw a smile in each other's eyes.

But these smiles only lasted a few seconds before disappearing, because there came the sound of police sirens from the distance.

"Oh shit, run!!" Yi Manman roared. "If we're caught we'll be fined!"

So the group took off, Cheng Qianli darting and leaping like a rabbit. Lu Yanxue, who ran the slowest, was stomping her feet by the end, cursing, "if I'd known I wouldn't have worn heels today!"

They were quick to escape, and luckily did not get caught. They all got back into the mansion, laughing in living room, and Cheng Qianli still had the nerve to pout, complaining that the police came too quickly, he still had a bunch he hadn't lit yet!

"I told you not to get the rocket fireworks, but you wouldn't listen," Chen Fei said. "And look what's happened now."

Cheng Qianli's dream of beautiful fireworks was completely destroyed. The group cooked up the dumplings they’d prepared before and ate while they chatted, passing this lively new year's eve together.

After the countdown, Lin Qiushi snuck into Ruan Nanzhu's room, and the two slept in the same bed all evening.

This was the happiest new year's eve that Lin Qiushi had ever had. Last year, he hadn't been too familiar with Obsidian, but this year, he'd basically made it his home.

Ruan Nanzhu slept on his side with a hand on Lin Qiushi's waist, breaths hitting Lin Qiushi's neck.

It didn't take long for Lin Qiushi to grow sleepy, the two sinking into deep slumber.

The next morning, there were new guests at the mansion. Lin Qiushi first thought it was another organization, but when he went downstairs to look, he found that it was Cheng Yixie and Cheng Qianli's parents.

They'd brought with them a bunch of local specialties, and were passing them out with big smiles.

Lin Qiushi had heard about his parents from Cheng Qianli before, and that they didn't really know what their sons were doing. Cheng Yixie had lied and told them that they treated hereditary diseases here, but as for how they did so, he'd never told them in detail.

But for a once-hopeless family, the method no longer mattered. Tacitly, the parents didn't ask more questions—as long as their kids could survive, whatever the method, it didn't matter at all.

Cheng Qianli spotted Lin Qiushi standing in the second-floor hallway and waved him over, calling, "Qiushi, come down! My parents brought you a present!"

Lin Qiushi went downstairs and greeted Cheng Qianli's parents. Cheng Qianli stuffed a giant bag of candy into his arms.

"You like candy, don't you? My parents got these just for you."

Lin Qiushi thanked them with sincerity, but the father only gave him a smile filled with gratitude, saying his son's been in their care.

After that they all ate lunch together. Chen Fei had wanted to keep them here for a few more days, but the parents were staunch about still having things to do, so they had to leave first.

Cheng Yixie wanted to say something, but in the end, didn't try to keep them.

"Do they know?"

After they left, Lin Qiushi asked Cheng Yixie this.

"Probably not," Cheng Yixie said. "They seem to think we're doing something bad." Then, after a beat of silence, "but they also don't stop me or anything."

To a mother and father, the survival of their children was the biggest blessing, particularly for a pair of terminally ill twins. It was hard to imagine the sort of difficulty they’d faced when they thought they were losing both of their kids at once.

"Mh," Lin Qiushi said. "Maybe you can explain it to them."

"I have. They don't really believe it." Cheng Yixie glanced at the mansion. "But they should be less worried this time."

"Do they come often?" Lin Qiushi asked.

"Rarely," Cheng Yixie said. "This is the second time."

The first time was when Cheng Yixie brought Cheng Qianli over. Cheng Qianli had been just a kid then, passing his first door on luck and calling his brother in tears. Cheng Yixie rushed home overnight to take his little brother away with him. When his mother had learned what he wanted to do, her gaze had been filled with melancholy. But she hadn't stopped him, asking only: "Can Qianli really survive?"

Cheng Yixie had answered: "I'll do my best."

After that, she never asked again.

Cheng Qianli, who should've died years ago, was still alive and well; Cheng Yixie had kept his promise. He'd gotten that foolish brother of his past the torment of their sickness and made sure he lived on in health.

[Ch. 118] | [Ch. 120]

#kaleidoscope of death #xi zixu #cnovel #chinese translation #死亡萬花筒 #skjdfnsd the first time i read the novel and i got to this chapter ending i was like #UM UH OH EXCUSE ME DON'T YOU DARE MA'AM DON'T YOU DARE #but listen #my son's back next chapter so we're all winners here #get ready for rotten fish seasickness and claustrophobia #also badass LQS #also RNZ meeting GLM hahahahahahahahhahaa #but i'm being sent offsite for work for two days so there might not be a chapter update tomorrow #TTTT

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dashofmonsters · 3 years ago

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Deep in the Dark Pt. 3

Male Orc x Female Reader

You're at an absolute loss for words. You remember him saying that you'll see him in the morning but not here and not before work and especially not with a bouquet filled with your favorite flowers.

"I uh um good morning," you stutter as you stand aside to let him in. Passing by you smell the expensive cologne he's wearing, it reminds you of iced green tea and the ocean. Quite the fragrance...

"I take it that you thought you wouldn't be seeing me again until work huh?" he grins, handing you the flowers and letting his touch linger a little bit longer over your hands.

You bite your lip, trying to hold back your giggles. Oh he is taking this bet seriously huh?

"So this is how it's going to be?" you raise a brow.

He gives you a rather wry smile and shrugs his shoulder as if to feign innocence.

Ok yeah he plans on playing dirty.

Lucky for you and very very unfortunately for him, he decided to come at a time when you're still in your pajamas. Deciding to kick things off on your end, you set down the lovely bouquet and start stripping right there.

"Oh no, come on that's not fair," he laughs, obviously enjoying the show you're putting on.

You step out of your pajama bottoms and walk right past him, stark naked and absolutely loving the look he's giving you right now.

"I'll be in my room getting ready. Think you can keep those hands to yourself in the mean time?" you tease.

Sloan gives you a long once over before catching your hand in his, kissing the tips of your fingers and giving you a deliciously devious grin. "I hate to see you leave, but damn do I love to watch you go."

You roll your eyes but you can't help as to laugh. Continuing on, you strut your way down the hallway to your bedroom and before the door shuts you turn back around to see Sloan leaning against the wall fully enjoying the view.

There's plenty of time for you to get ready since you're an early riser, which means you'll have enough time to extend his torment. Picking out the most laciest bra and panties you own you decide to step out in them so you could go and grab your coffee from the kitchen.

"That was quicker than expected and here I- Oh my..." Sloan quickly covers his mouth to hide the fact that he's in absolute awe of you. "Ok, you are being completely unfair right now."

Taking things just a tad bit further you walk right up to him until you're barely a breath away. "Making things a little hard for you?"

Sloan folds his arms behind his back and shakes his head with a troubled smile. "How dare you say something like that while wearing... something like this..."

You smile at that then walk off to the kitchen to grab your coffee. Taking a sip you start to wonder if he's already concocting a plan to get back at you for this. Whatever it is, it'll have to be very subtle if he plans to strike back at work.

Deciding not to over think it you reach into the fridge for your creamer since your coffee's still a bit on the bitter side. As you bend down to reach for it you hear a strained cough.

"Excuse me ma'am are you trying to kill me?"

Looking up you see Sloan grabbing at his heart.

"Your own fault for thinking you could one up me in my own home," you stick your tongue out at him and he rolls his eyes.

"Obviously, though I don't think I'll be regretting this little oversight of mine," he purrs, rubbing his chin as he carefully traces his gaze about you.

"Just remember you can look but you can't touch. After all you already have a point against you from earlier, " you grin.

Sloan looks confused so you let him sit and simmer on what you mean while you fix up your coffee and pour him a cup. Finished with his back tracking he gives you a side eye and shakes his head. "I was being a gentleman when I kissed your hand nothing more nothing less. But if that's how you want to play then fine. No touching, no hugging, and no kissing. None of that till Saturday."

You had assumed that much but I guess there were no clear rules to the bet... or a clear prize. It'll be interesting to see who can hold off that long and who can keep their hands to themselves. It'll be just today, Thursday, and Friday so there is no telling who will cave first.

"Deal, oh and I should warn you my friend is supposed to be coming in tomorrow. She wants to help me shop for our date," you tell him, handing him his coffee.

He gives you a thoughtful look over the brim of the cup. His golden yellow eyes are practically telling you how much he wishes to take you right here right now. But he'd wait or break, just like you will.

Checking the time you notice you only have about twenty minutes to finish getting ready so you quickly get into uniform and fix up your hair. Sloan, ever the gentleman offers you a ride since you're both going to the same place.

You agree and get in. Right before you go to buckle up, he leans over and grabs the strap, careful to not touch you as he tugs it gently right over your breasts. His breath is hot against your neck and when you hear the seatbelt buckle in place you realize that you've been holding your breath.

"Safety first angel," he smiles and acts like he didn't do anything out of the ordinary.

Biting your cheek you realize that you might have just gotten yourself into a trap, but then again this is a car and there's not much you can do in a car to turn someone on. That is there's not much he can do anymore since you've already been fastened in.

Luckily you're right and he doesn't try anything else on the short ride to work but when he parks the car he takes the liberty of unbuckling you. Just as before the strap glides gently across your breasts and he's oh so close to touch but remains just a hair away. Finally letting the seatbelt snap back into the car you find yourself once again holding your breath.

"We're here," he says. The doors unlock in unison but when you go to open yours you find it's still locked. You look over and see that Sloan has already gotten out and was nowhere to be seen. You hear the door finally unlock and open, with Sloan holding the door.

He looms over you and offers his hand to help you out and you almost take it but you quickly grab the door frame and pop up. Sloan curls the hand you didn't take and lays it disappointingly at his side. He looks a bit hurt that you didn't take it but he's the one who set the rules, "no touching".

The work day goes by uneventfully aside from everyone wondering if you and Sloan got into a fight or something. Miles asks if you're ok and you have to figure out how to tell him that you and Sloan have decided not to show skinship during business hours. You can tell that he doesn't fully believe you but he doesn't press any further.

Sloan on the other hand practically avoids you up until lunch. You didn't really feel the weight of his absence around you until your first break and it felt off and really uncomfortable. You wanted to go see him but maybe this was his way of making you come to him, unravel and unwind into his embrace. But you'd wait... wait or break.

You go into the breakroom and see Sloan sitting at a pretty filled up table with a couple of the others who were on lunch. You've been so used to sitting with him at lunch that this felt really really off. You take up a seat at the furthest corner of the breakroom and go through your lunch quickly and quietly, ignoring the laughter and banter from the other table.

As you get up to leave Miles and Lacey sit down at your table.

"Ok what in gods name is going on between you and Sloan and don't you dare tell me it's you two trying to be professional," Miles hisses in a very low tone.

You glance over the both of them and see Sloan joking with everyone at the table. He looks your way for a split second, his expression unchanging but there's a fire in his eyes. Is he not only planning on denying you his touch but also his company?

What a dirty move, but well played. I guess it's my turn now.

You turn your attention back to Miles who is practically on the edge of his seat. "We're not fighting, but you're right we're not doing this to seem professional."

Lacey seems confused and a bit concerned, but Miles gives you a slightly knowing look.

"Uh huh, ok I'll bite. Just don't let it effect your work, unlike most work places we don't condemn coworkers for dating not unless it effects the environment," he starts. "People are worried and not in a good way. Most of them will side with Sloan since he's been here the longest. I know you're a good person and all but be careful."

You weren't expecting him to roll out such a kind warning and it made you feel a bit guilty about playing the bet while at work. Maybe something to bring up to Sloan later on if you can actually catch him at work, if not on the ride home.

"Thanks, I'll keep that in mind. Anyway Lacey how are you liking work here? You started at a pretty crazy time," you ask the tiefling.

His tail twitches and he looks a bit stressed. "To be honest I didn't think it would be this demanding. I've had three of the same customers come in everyday requesting for me."

You let out an airy giggle remembering that you had a similar issues at the height of the summer rush.

"Yeah that will happen. Sloan says he has a similar problem but because of that he'll hardly take walk ins during the summer. I've gotten a few who will only see me but since you and I are still new we can remain open to walk ins easier during the rush," you explain to Lacey.

You end up spending the rest of lunch break talking to Miles and Lacey about work and whatever you guys do on your free time. Somehow you manage to completely forget about Sloan in that time and enjoy a pretty peaceful conversation. As everyone starts to leave with ten minutes left of break you go to the sink to wash your dishes and realize that Sloan has stayed behind.

The stream of silence between the both of you leaves much to be desired. A feeling in your chest rises as you wonder if it'll be you or him to break the quiet. Deciding to muster through and keep your thoughts to yourself, you hold fast and concentrate on your dishes.

"Are you enjoying yourself angel?" his voice is low and his breath is hot against your ear. You stand perfectly still as he traps you in place, arms on either side and the heat of his body right behind you.

"I-I have no idea what you're talking about." you bite your cheek and try your hardest to keep composed.

"I had no idea that you're the competitive type, my angel." he purrs the little nickname he gave you right into your ear. "It'll make winning this bet all the more enjoyable."

You have to set the dishes down, unable to focus on the task at hand. Turning around he backs up enough so you won't accidentally bump him. "And what make you think you're going to win?" you grin with a raised brow.

Sloan leans down, his face so close that if you stood on your tippy toes you could kiss him. "Honestly I don't know if I will win. In fact I'm almost tempted to loose."

"Why so you can kiss me again?" you laugh.

He shifts his weight and leans in further teasing you as he blows air in your ear. "I'm interested in seeing what you'll do to me. How you would have me. How you will make me beg."

You cross your legs, afraid of the rising sensation growing between them. Your imagination goes wild for a split second and brought back down by a dark and devious rumbling laugh.

"And if I win, I will certainly be enjoying those benefits." he growls.

With that he backs away and you take a deep long breath. He studies you for a moment then takes something out of his pocket. You don't see it but you feel it when he tips your chin up with it so you're looking up at him.

Clever.

"I can't wait to see what you plan to do to make me break for you," he says flatly, almost as if he's wanting you to try harder. He lets go of your chin and leaves the breakroom with you gripping the counter behind you.

You take a few seconds to process the whole situation then get back to the dishes. He didn't need to play dirty, but he did and you know he'll continue to do so. He didn't physically touch you, a technicality you'll certainly want to remember.

"So did you and the big guy have a little heart to heart?"

Surprised, you nearly drop the wet tupperware out of your hands.

"Miles?! Oh gods it's you..." you toss down the scrubber and set your dishes on the drying rack.

He walks in and right up to you and places his hands on either side of your shoulders. "I am a terrible person for eavesdropping but you have to tell me everything."

Your eyes go wide and you feel like you could explode from embarrassment. "How.... how much of what we said did you actually hear?"

"Heard and saw. From the pinned against the kitchen sink to right before he turned around and walked out." he says. "Y'all do know that this is an open space right? That anyone could have walked in?"

You wince at the thought but it's not like it's something you haven't thought about before. The prospect of getting caught was exciting but actually being caught... "We sort of maybe made a bet..."

Miles lets you go and waits for the rest with his arms crossed.

"No hugging, no kissing, no physical contact at all until Saturday." you explain.

An evil grin crosses his face and you feel like you just opened a can of worms. "Ok, I see how it is." And then he walks away, leaving you doubly dazed.

Work goes on as normal for the rest of the day, you're quite busy up until a hour before closing with back to back clients. You get a few texts from your mom and Liz, who is super excited to be seeing after so long. You honestly can't wait to see her either but you're also afraid of how long the shopping excursion might be.

Pondering over all the places she might drag you to and what all she'll make you try on, you decide to head over and check the closing roster to see who's closing today. Looking at the schedule you see that the original names have been marked over and yours and Sloan's was now there.

Miles...

Looking closer though you notice that not only today but also the rest of the week has been edited with you and him at closing. You roll your eyes and before you can stomp off to confront the only person who could have done this you hear an airy cackle.

"You're welcome," Miles grins and walks away, obviously very proud of himself.

Not even moments later Sloan walks in and asks about the closing roster.

"Apparently it's going to be us the rest of the week," you say as you try to hide your agitation.

Sloan goes over to the board and looks at the scratched out names in disbelief and then he looks over to you. "I'm guessing you decided to volunteer us for closing?"

You're surprised that he's not a tad bit mad but in fact intrigued.

"No, someone else had the bright idea. Which is going to lead to a whole other conversation that they brought up earlier..." you admit and start to tell him how Miles caught the both of you in the breakroom at lunch. You're waiting to see if he'll be embarrassed or upset or anything but you're surprised again when he gives you an amused smile.

"So he knows about the bet? That being said, half the staff might know by now as well," he explains, still keenly amused.

You bury your face in your hands and hear him laugh. "I know, I goofed up and got us both caught. I honestly felt bad for avoiding you all day but.." he pauses and takes a deep breath. "Can we put a time out on the bet for just a few minutes? I'm dying here not being able to hold you or touch you..."

You look up at him and he seems like he's about to cave regardless if you say yes or no. It would make for an easy win for you and you could go back to the regular affections afterwards, that is if only you didn't like a challenge. But you'll make him wait, just a little bit longer.

"Fine, but only after closing and once everyone is gone," you put your foot down and watch him pout.

"Oh you're so cruel to me, my angel," he chuckles, then acts like he's been shot right through the heart and crumples on the floor.

"Your nana must have her hands full raising you if you're this dramatic," you shake your head laughing.

Sloan pulls himself up and bows, "I was in theatre for a time. Though I always did tech when they decided to do musicals." He shudders and winces at the memories.

"That bad?" you ask.

"The opening production of every single year in high school was The Wizard of Oz," he rubs his face in agony and annoyance. "Shit they tried to cast me as the lion one year."

You quickly cover your mouth to stifle the laugh that had already escaped. Your brain quickly envisioned him in a too tight lion outfit with the fake whiskers glued onto his face.

"I don't think I want to know what you're laughing at do I?" he asks and all you can do is swiftly shake your head in return.

After a minute or so, you're able to gather yourself with as much of a straight face and composure as you can muster. Though it doesn't last long when you give him a quick once over.

"I'm glad my near suffering as a blundering teen is providing you with such amusement," the sarcastic lilt is tinged with a bit of annoyance so you try even harder this time to calm yourself.

"I-I'm sorry it's just that the thought was- No, nope I'm good. I'm fine. Not going to laugh anymore I swear." you hold out your pinky and look up at Sloan and his hand. His pinky was about a good inch away but you can tell he stopped just in time before he hooked yours.

"Tell me again why we made this bet?" he groans, pulling his hand away from yours.

You can think of a few good reasons why you agreed to it, but above all is that you didn't want to seem too eager to get intimate with him. This was the first time dating anyone who seems to genuinely care for you and the last thing you want to do is fudge it up.

Smiling you blow him a kiss and he pretends to catch it and shoves it in his pocket. "I want a real one of those later." He winks, slipping around you to exit the breakroom.

"Fine," you agree only to be treated by an overly dramatized version of Sloan blowing you a kiss.

Closing comes around and you feel as if everyone is taking their sweet time leaving. Miles never being the one for over the top organization decides that before he leave he'd like to make sure today's receipts are in order of time and membership. Sloan seems to be on the edge the entire time, asking people if the need any help so the can go ahead and leave.

Miles might know about the bet but he doesn't know that you agreed to give Sloan a few minutes of touch time. This one's for you to enjoy now. After thirty minutes of dilly dallying everyone is finally gone and the front doors are good and locked. Sloan cuts the lights in the lobby and turns to see you at the hall entrance.

You note the hunger in his eyes, how touch starved he is as he stalks towards you as if you'd immediately satiate him. Determined to drag this out you turn around and strut away slowly enough for him to follow. You feel silly when you think he'd play along because he's pulling you to him by your hips.

The tips of his tusks tease the nape of your neck as he presses a kiss. You didn't realize how badly you missed his touch until his hands started exploring and roaming through and under your shirt. You grind against him as the sensation between your legs grows. He moans and you know he's in just as much trouble down there now as you are.

"Fuck angel... please... I-"

Pulling away you see the desperation on his face and the need for release but you won't give it to him. You trace the outline of the bulge and his hips buck into your hand.

"You haven't had any time for yourself today have you?" you purr, still tracing lines.

He doesn't respond so you make the executive decision to lead him to his work room. You take a seat at the corner chair and cross your legs, watching as he unzips his pants and displays his needy cock to you.

"Why don't you show me just how bad you want me," you tell him as you sit on your hands, conveying your lack of participation.

Sloan corners you in as he holds himself up against the wall with his forearm, cock in his other hand. "Is this how you want me?" he growls as he starts to firmly pump.

Your breathing grows ragged as you watch him slowly glide his hand along it. You nod your head and before you have a chance to get comfortable he's moving away. You soon realize that he's grabbing a bottle of oil as he lathers it in his palm, coming back to you with a now well slicked cocked.

"If at any point you decide you can't keep your hands to yourself, I can go wash this off," he taunts.

You beckon him closer and he obliges, rubbing his cock harder and faster. His hungry moans start turning into starved growls and you can't help but want to start looking for your own release. You unbutton you shirt and slide it off, revealing that you're still wearing your lacey bra from this morning. You hear an audible hitch in his breathing as he enjoys the glorious view you so kindly bestowed to him.

"Dammit angel... fucking beautiful," his voice is strained and low and does nothing for your growing need.

You put a hand down your pants and find your clit, sensitive with want. Sloan looks down at you and watches as you pleasure yourself to him. It's not long after that he comes and comes hard, his seed raining down on your face and chest. He sways for a moment and has to balance himself on the table behind him. Your own release follows shortly after and you can barely tell up from down as you come down from that pleasurable high.

As you're coming back to, Sloan is carefully cleaning you up and checking to make sure nothing got on your clothes. "Sorry I didn't think I'd have that much left in me..." he quietly admits.

"You must be really pent up then," you let out a breathy laugh, taking the hand towel from him to wipe the rest off your face.

"Apparently so, though you're not helping much. Especially with what you did this morning," he fixes his pants and tucks his shirt back in.

You grin, remembering the nude walk you did for him and then caught you bending over in the kitchen. It was fun and honestly the first time in a long while since you've felt confident enough to do something so bold. "I know, I was making it hard for you."

He rolls his eyes and laughs, "You made it very hard throughout the entire day my angel. Had I any idea that you were this competitive I might have not agreed to such a bet. Speaking of which..."

Sloan leans down and steals a slow and soft kiss, cupping your face with one hand. He's taking his time, pressing as deep as he can go and parting your lips so as to have a taste of you. His tusks are pinned on either side of you cheek as his tongue enters, slowly teasing yours to his. Your head feels delightfully dizzy and you almost whimper when he backs away but you're happy he does.

The look of adoration in his eyes, the longing and the missing even though you're right here in front of him. You wrap your arms around him and he holds you as close as he can. "This bet is stupid..." you whisper.

"Shall we just call it and say that you won?" he chuckles as he rubs circles on your back.

You push away and give him a very stern and pouty look, "Oh no, if I'm going to win it's going to be fair and square mister. Oh and now we're back on to no touchy time."

He scowls at you and sighs, "Fine, if that's how you're going to be then maybe I should try harder to win."

"That's the spirit!" you slap your hands together and get to buttoning up your shirt.

The both of you spend almost a couple hours getting everything cleaned and shut down. You mention to him in that time that Miles told you that you guys should be more careful about going about any personal business at work since it can cause problems. Sloan seems to agree though it looks like he's a bit peeved that people would bother with someone else's personal affairs at work.

Once everything is in order Sloan takes you home, though he tried to offer to take you out to eat. You have to turn him down since you've already agreed to helping your mom out with the dogs.

The next day comes and you're bombarded with texts from Liz who sends you constant updates of her at the airport, her landing, getting to the hotel, and everything. You and Sloan are still continuing the bet, though you note how less concerned your coworkers are.

Miles...

Your first break rolls around and you decide to check your phone and see a text Liz sent you a text several minutes ago that says "Here".

You quickly rush to the lobby and see the worst possible sight, Liz and Miles talking it up.

Oh no...

"There she is!" Liz shrieks giddily, throwing her hands up and over as she give you a tight hug.

You hug her back and glare at Miles over her shoulder who is grinning knives at you.

"You have your purse and everything? Come on," she tugs at you and you give her a look of deep confusion.

"Did you think I would drive my happy ass over here just for a quick visit? Oh no, you're clocking out for the day. Miles said he rerouted all your clients so nothing to worry about," Liz smiles as if nothing about this is off.

Miles waves his fingers at you, still grinning. "You've been off the clock since your break started. And no, your pay is not being docked. I'm not that mean."

Before you can protest Lacey is bringing you your purse and phone charger. Liz ever so enthusiastic hurries you out before you can have a chance to tell Sloan goodbye (and sorry), though you manage a quick text to him in the car.

Liz takes you all over the place to try on dresses and shoes and has you pick out some very lovely and lacier things. By the time it's all over you're exhausted but proud of the outfit you have for Saturday. When she drops you off it's well past closing so you don't expect to see Sloan tonight.

Walking up to your door you see a beautiful bouquet with a little bow tied box next to it that says "For my angel."

You carefully and rather tactically pick the gifts up and manage to get into your house with everything in hand. Setting it all down on your couch you decide to open up the little box uncertain of what to expect.

Removing the tie and lid you open it up and nearly squeal, covering your mouth as you try not to drop the "gift".

You quickly call up Sloan who sounds all too delighted to be hearing from you.

"And how is my angel doing on this fine evening?" he purrs.

You bite you cheek, not wanting to give away how much you're going to enjoy the present. "Oh I'm fine. Just getting home. I got the flowers..."

"I had some help with them, same florist as the others are from. And...?" he pauses, obviously waiting to hear more from you.

"And? Oh right I got this little gift tied box," you smile, waiting to see if he'll say anything. When he doesn't you continue. "It's very cute, the box that is, the dildo was a bit of a surprise."

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