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trancylovecraft · 6 months ago

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(KNY) YANDERE PLATONIC! KOKUSHIBO x SISTER READER: You, Shibou. I, Kokoro (CHAPTER EIGHTEEN)

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CHAPTER EIGHTEEN: "Where you go, I'm going."

Daimyo are feudal lords or magnates from ancient Japan. They ruled the majority of Japan through their hereditary land ownings, Being only subordinate to the Shogun and the Emperor.

The moon was held high in the sky, The lunar signalling midnight amongst the dark sea it hung on.

It filtered through the estate, Cracks in the pristine wood and the miniscule gaps in the windows. It was soft and sublime, A kind of light that chilled the skin in such a comforting way, A way where you just had to take a moment to take it all in.

It danced across his skin, Michikatsu's eyes shut gently as he slept quietly within his futon. The sliding window above him let the light through, Shining down onto his face as he breathed in and out.

It was the only thing illuminating the darkness of his room, The luminescence rolling off the silhouettes of what grandiose furniture was in his chambers. Mirrors, Storage units, Plants regularly watered by the servants. All of it was shrouded within darkness yet illuminated by the light just enough to make out the shape.

His eyes strained, Eyelids clenching together, However it was not due to the light.

A strange rocking sensation stirred him in his sleep, A gentle pressure on his side as he groaned softly in his sleep. He tried to shake it off as his mind was still enraptured within the thrall of his sleep, His breath only hitched for a moment before going back to its rhythm.

"Michi-nii..! Michi-nii..!"

A sort of shaky, Familiar voice called out to him in a hushed whisper. Michikatsu murmured something unintelligible through his sleep, The dark hair sprawled across his pillow and face only muddled his eyesight just a bit as he took a groggy peek.

His vision blurry, But he could make out the figure of his little sister shifting uncomfortably through the muddled darkness. He lazily lifted his head from the comfort of his pillow, Slightly shaking the hair out of his eyes.

"[F/N]..?" Michikatsu asked as he looked up at her, His vision dazed as he saw her look down at him with skittish eyes. She shifted in her oversized kimono robe she had most definetly just thrown on, Grasping onto the hems of her sleeves as she spoke.

"Michi-nii..! I'm sorry- Uhm.." She babbled slightly, Stumbling over her whispered words as she strayed her gaze away from him.

Michikatsu groaned as he propped himself up with one hand, The other moving to rub the sleep out of his eyes.

"[F/N]..? What's wrong, You know father wouldn't like it if he knew you were out here at night.." Michikatsu warned softly as he watched her try to gather her words, Remembering how their father was rather.. Adverse to his offspring wandering at night.

"I-I.. Uhm.. I had a nightmare." [F/N] admitted as she finally looked down at him, Almost expecting a sort of negative reaction from him. Like how their father often did. "It was scary.. I don't wanna be alone right now.."

"A nightmare..? What do you mean?" Michikatsu asked, Still half-asleep.

"I was being chased by a monster!" [F/N] hush whispered to him, Meek eyes staring down at him. "It was so big, It had so many eyes- I was running through a town with bright lights- I could hear it running behind me! It chased me for hours before it caught me- It hurt me- It dragged me away!"

Michikatsu listened onto her rather paranoid voice, Watch as her eyes darted back and forth for any sign of the monster throughout the darkness. He could tell she was terrified, Especially as she nudged closer towards him, Gripping onto the hems of her kimono sleeves.

"..I wanna sleep in here tonight, I don't wanna be alone." [F/N] begged quietly, Almost pleading as he looked into her eyes.

Michikatsu's lips thinned as he looked at her. In any other scenario he would have no problem saying yes to her, It was difficult to say no to begin with. But recalling the time she had been caught running around the garden late at night.

Their father called it unlady-like, Especially once he found her rather fancy kimono dirtied with muck. If her future suitors knew about her unfavourable behaviour..

It didn't end good, That was the understatement. Michikatsu couldn't tell if it was bravery or audacity that she was still okay with asking him again now. But it didn't matter. Michikatsu shook his head, Pushing himself up to a sitting position.

"[F/N].. You remember what happened last time father caught you in the garden? Who knows what he'll do if he finds you here.." Michikatsu sighed as he shook his head, Giving her a rather apologetic look.

[F/N]'s eyes widened, Stepping forward towards him.

"Please.. I'm scared, What if the monster in my nightmare comes back again?" [F/N] blurted out, Stamping her little foot slightly on the floor. "I couldn't help it, I don't wanna. It's so dark and quiet- I don't like it!"

Michikatsu opened his mouth to speak once more, However [F/N] beat him to it.

"Please, Michi-nii! I don't wanna be alone.." She begged, Her voice as quiet as mouse.

Michikatsu watched as her eyes pleaded with his, Feeling like his heart was being squeezed within his chest. There it was, The difficulty to say no. Michikatsu watched her lip tremble, The shake almost extending to the rest of her body as she feared leaving the room.

He knew it was for the best if he said no..

But he sighed, Almost in defeat.

"..Alright, Come here." Michikatsu said as he beckoned her forward, Pushing the sheets off off of his body as he shimmied to the side.

[F/N] beamed, Wide and bright in contrast the the dark of his room.

"Yay! Thank you, Michi-nii!" [F/N] cheered quietly as she excitedly lowered and sat herself down next to him on the futon. Michikatsu sighed as he pulled her closer, Watching her kick off her sandals to the side of the room as she happily rested her head down on the pillow.

Michikatsu breathed out a discontented sigh, But the small smile creeping up on his face couldn't be concealed.

"But you gotta leave in the morning, Okay? Father will be coming to collect me for training and he can't find you here." Michikatsu said as he laid back down onto his futon, [F/N] by his side who eagerly cuddled up to him when Michikatsu wrapped his arms around her.

She nodded before resting her head on his shoulder.

"That's fine.. As long as the monster doesn't get me, I'll be okay." [F/N] mumbled as Michikatsu pulled over the covers to get at ease himself, Nesting herself into the blankets comfortably.

"The monster isn't real, Don't worry.. And if it is- I promise I'll protect you, Okay? That's my job as the next head of this clan.. And as your brother." He assured as he rested his head on top of hers, Shutting his eyes.

[F/N] smiled quietly as her eyes shut as well, Getting comfortable as he held her closer to him. The night terror that had haunted her before became only an afterthought as she already felt at ease under the covers, Knowing that his words would be true.

She breathed out, Nesting further under the covers.

"Okay."

☆♡☆

Obanai Iguro had no idea why he was here.

He strode through the passage of some hallway in an admittedly cosy Inn, One in the middle of absolutely nowhere he recognised. It was safe to say he was irked, The slight narrow of his mismatched eyes shown that fact rather clearly.

Kaburamaru slithered loosely around his neck, Sensing his discomfort as he flicked his lounge in and out. Obanai sighed out through the bandages making up his mask, A slight scowl still on his face as he folded his arms.

He had been called by the crow to the village of Hiyohara, A small yet beautiful little township located near Fukushima. The scroll kept within the talons of the bird had detailed little as to why he was here, Only outlining that it was important and sent by the Insect Hashira of all people.

Kaburamaru would be pleased at least.

Obanai rolled his eyes as he remembered the little crush his beloved snake had on her, Nodding to a local as they passed him by on the hallway. The number listed should've been at the end of the hallway, Where he absentmindedly strode to.

As he drew nearer and nearer to the end, He could see the final oaken door within the rather quaint hall. Though as he stepped forward once more on the floorboards, Obanai listened closer.

Noises could be heard behind it, Chatter from several different voices to be precise. Some were soft and delicate, Others were rough and steady. Male and female, Obanai furrowed his brow as he had recognised a majority of the voices.

He stopped, Pausing in front of the door. Kaburamaru coiled just a bit tighter as they stilled to listen on.

His stomach churned as he raised a fist to greet the door.

"Iguro-san!"

Obanai eyes widened as the door was swung open before his knuckles could knock against the wood, His arm swiftly lunged back to his side as his body grew rigid. Once his eyes focused, Obanai felt his heart skip a beat.

Mitsuri Kanroji stood there, Her candy coloured kimono loose-fitting and draped around her body. Beautifully vivid hair was done up in a bun decorated with jewelled pins, And she was looking at him with her signature smile.

Obanai found himself shy, Eyes darting away from her.

"I didn't know you would be here.. It's nice to see you again, Kanroji-san." He muttered.

Though he gasped once he felt her arms throw themselves around him, Pulling him closer until his head was resting upon Mitsuri's shoulder. Obanai hitched a breath, Mitsuri grinning ear to ear as she felt his warmth against hers.

"It's amazing to see you too, Iguro-san! You know, I thought you wouldn't show up! You came pretty late compared to everyone else and I assumed you might not make it!" Mitsuri squealed as she hugged him tighter, Her head resting on his shoulder and vice versa.

"Uhm.. There were a few detours I had to take to get here, I got rather lost- I apologise"

It had only taken him a day to get here, Detours taken because the directions provided were rather vague. Hiyohara was a town he hadn't visited, Fukushima being a city where he barely tread in the first place as he usually operated in the south.

"Kyah~! Don't worry about it, You're here now!" Mitsuri assured as she pulled away from him, Leaving a sort of warmth that Obanai tried to burn into his memory. "Come in, Come in! Shinobu-chan can fill you in."

Mitsuri beckoned him forward with a call of her hand, Stepping back to allow him into the neat little room they were situated in. Obanai took her invitation as he wandered inside, The view of the room finally made available to him.

It was warm, Warm enough to feel through the fabric of his slayer uniform and striped black haori. It was also a rather homely set up with a few simple futons set off to the side and minimal furniture decorating the place.

There were several people he recognised here, Shinobu and Gyomei who sat conversing off to the side who called out a greeting once he walked in. And for some reason, There was a blonde haired girl who had her hands bound to her feet with bandages, Looking rather terrified with another bandage covering her mouth.

Before he could question the bizarre sight however, His eyes caught onto something else entirely. Obanai scowled, His eyes landing on a single group in particular.

"What is he doing here." Obanai hissed as he threw out an accusing finger towards a specific spot of the room, An instant jeer taking him over as he glared hot at the group across him.

Sat at the little table in the middle of the room was Tanjiro Kamado and his sister, Followed by Shinobu Kocho's Tsuguko, Kanao and Gyomei Himejima's Tsuguko, Shizuko sitting next to some Boar-headed kid. They seemed to be drinking some blend of tea they must've acquired from the village merchants, Their cups still mildly warm.

"Oh, Hello Iguro-sama!" Tanjiro waved as he saw Obanai enter inside, Nezuko followed suit, Eagerly waving her own silent greeting as she hummed through her bamboo muzzle. Obanai only shot daggers at him, His hand itching for his blade at the sight of the girl.

"Aha.. How about we move on?" Mitsuri giggled awkwardly as she urged Obanai along, Who continued to glare at the boy and his demon sister. Guiding him past the group, They made their way towards the other two Hashira in the room.

"Iguro-san! It's great to see that you've finally arrived, I assume there was some trouble getting here?" Shinobu asked with a smile as they approached, Kaburamaru perking up at the sight of the woman, Slithering just a bit further around Obanai's neck.

Ignoring his beloved snake, His eyes narrowed on Shinobu.

"Yes.. " Obanai drawled as he eyed her up and down. "Your directions were quite vague. And you failed to mention the prescence of that boy and his demon sister. What exactly is the meaning of this?"

Shinobu hummed, A rather small and placid smile appearing on her face as he asked his question. Tilting her head to the side, She spoke.

"Aha.. I see you're still sour about a demon being in the corps, Iguro-sama." Shinobu observed as she saw his scowl. "The reason why your here on vague directions is for a mission, No need to worry!"

Obanai's face scrunched up for a second, Almost wanting to say something but instead rolled his eyes.

"..Whatever, And the girl over there? What is that about?" Obanai asked as he motioned towards the girl still tied up in the corner, Who this entire time had been making muffled pleas for help from behind the bandage covering her mouth.

"Maika Heihachiro.. One of our shrine maidens that somehow made her way here." Gyomei spoke up from beside Shinobu, Beads rattling in his hands. " An eavesdropper from what we can assume.. We caught this one listening outside the door."

"A shrine maiden, All the way out here?" Obanai 'hmphed' as he continued to look at her. Maika felt like a mouse once Kaburamaru took a rather distasteful interest in her, Hissing lowly under his breath.

Kaburamaru flaunted his fangs, Maika yelped once he near lunged towards her.

"Oh, How could I forget about you, Kaburamaru?" Shinobu giggled as her hand reached into the inside of her haori, Mitsuri and Obanai had to double take when she slipped out a little mouse from inside. Tail pinched carefully between her fingers.

"Do.. Do you keep them on you at all times?" Mitsuri gawked as she watched Kaburamaru's eyes light up, His attention drawn to the dead little mouse being lowered towards him eagerly.

"Oh, No! I just assumed my favourite serpent would want a snack after such a long journey, Doesn't he?" Shinobu cooed as she teased the mouse in front of Kaburamaru's jaw, Lowering so he could get a better grasp on the rodent.

Obanai groaned. His shoulders drooping once Kaburamaru excitedly latched onto the mouse, Shinobu letting go of the rodent to let him scarf it down almost ravenously.

"Can you stop feeding my snake, Kocho-san?" He groaned as Kaburamaru happily choked down the mouse, Shinobu not even turning to look at him as she focused her efforts on Kaburamaru.

"Aha.. Yes, I suppose we really should get down to business, Shouldn't we!" She giggled once Kaburamaru was done, Slithering back around Obanai's neck while affectionately looking at Shinobu.

She raised back up, Finally turning to look at Obanai.

"Now, Let's get to talking!"

☆♡☆

[F/N] breathed out, Feeling herself come into consciousness.

Her eyelids were heavy and she could feel the weight of her blanket cover her body. A pillow under her head, Another she hugged within her arms. [F/N] took a moment to gather herself, To bring herself back to reality.

Another sleep, Another vision.

This one was one of the unfamiliar ones, Not from her past. [F/N] could only assume that it would've been from her past life, No matter how ridiculous that sounded to anyone out of the loop.

[F/N] sighed.

Fuck, It still sounded ridiculous to her anyways.

It was still nothing, It was just another one out of the blue that meant nothing to her current situation. Apparently she had some nightmare as a child and had tried to find comfort in Kokushibo, Or perhaps it was more accurate to call him Michikatsu.

Michikatsu Tsugikuni, That was his name.

Tsugikuni, A neuron connecting in her brain.

Akeno Tsugikuni.

[F/N] had put down the journal once she had read that name yesterday. It was like a jolt to the heart once it came to her, Needing to fully put the diary down and gather her thoughts as to what she was reading.

Tsugikuni, That was the clan name that Kokushibo had provided on her very first day here. Proclaiming that Tsugikuni was her clan name too.

But who was Akeno?

Could she be a wife to another clansmen? Another sibling perhaps? A Mother maybe. [F/N] figured it was best that she'd find out during her next read, The read she was bound to get in once she finally pried herself out of bed.

[F/N] scrunched up her face. To be honest, She hadn't a clue about whatever family could've been in the Tsugikuni clan. She really didn't know anything about her so-called past life, And why Akeno's journal had suddenly appeared out of nowhere for her to read.

Currently it was lying amongst the cutlery on her bedside, [F/N] being too lazy to put it in with her rope and nails that Akaza had provided for her, Currently lying underneath her mattress. [F/N] deeming that it would be a good enough hiding place for her contraband to stay.

[F/N] stilled for a second.

She noticed something strange, Something weird in the room.

The frigid draft that usually flooded the room was so much more present than it was before, So much so that she could feel it even under the warmth of her covers. The ultramarine light that was usually outside seemed to enter in. Though she couldn't see, [F/N] could tell it was.. Much brighter than it was suppose to be.

CREAK!

Her breath hitched, Just for a moment.

Though it stilled just as fast, Returning back to a forced rhythm of pretend sleep. Up and down, She tried not to react to the depressing of the floorboards only a few feet away from her.

A sudden aura came to her, One that removed any remaining grogginess in her mind. It took everything in [F/N] to not reveal that she was awake, Not to gag or jolt at the mere presence.

Kokushibo.

He was here.

From what [F/N] could tell, He was only a few feet away from her at the other end of the room. She could already feel the burning pricks of his eyes look over her sleeping body, [F/N] trying not to shiver under that bloodcurdling gaze.

Calm yourself, [F/N].

She could feel his weight move forward, Another board creaked, A footstep placed in front of the previous.

How long had he been here? Had he just came in? [F/N] chided herself for being so caught up in her own head to ignore his presence entering the room. That foul aura, Toxic and rotten like spoiled milk and vulture chow.

It moved forward towards her, Even closer.

[F/N] listened as he began to draw near, Moving closer towards where she slept. She intently listened to every little creak of the floor, Felt that aura draw closer, Pungent and rotten.

All until that light was blocked out from what she could perceive through her eyelids.

Kokushibo standing right in front of her, Eclipsing the light.

The silence was so loud, So loud that it almost made [F/N] break the rhythm of her breath. [F/N] tried to keep up her sleeping façade, Pleading, Almost begging for him to do something to break that silence.

He was probably just here to drop off her breakfast- That was all- Everything would be-

[F/N] stilled.

What?

She almost needed to take a moment to process what was happening, Almost opened her eyes to confirm that what she was feeling.

A hand was touching her hair.

[F/N] felt Kokushibo cup his palm around her hair, His fingers somehow making their way into the strands of her hair to almost cradle the back of her head. [F/N] felt his icy cold grip like ice on her skin, So cold that the gelid ocean outside couldn't compete.

She heard him lower and a plate clatter settle down on her side table. His hand stroked her hair, Almost fondly, As if stroking the coat of a dog. She felt his clawed thumb rub circles into her skin, Gently and featherlight as if not to wake her.

She wanted to puke, Wanted to scream and shy away from his touch. [F/N] almost felt disgusted when she remembered she had to get closer to him.

Thankfully it was over in a minute, Feeling his hand leave the hair on her scalp and retract back to his side. He breathed out, Stepping back away from her only slightly as she continued to stare at her. Closer to him.

Kokushibo looked over her, Watching the sheets rise up and down in tandem with [F/N]'s breath. The platter of assorted Sashimi still laying within the cluster of bowls and plates piling up together.

He turned on his heel, Ready to exit the room like he had done everyday-

In a moment, A hand gripped onto arm.

A palm wrapping around his wrist made him still in place.

"Stay..!"

Kokushibo turned around, Eyes near bulging out of their sockets.

☆♡☆

"Master.. May I speak with you for a minute?"

Shizuko turned his head to look up at Gyomei, His master, Who overtime had made his way out of the group of other Hashira. Shinobu and Iguro seemed to be in rapt debate, Mitsuri scrambling with a nervous smile to try and calm the both of them down.

Gyomei had long abandoned trying to quell the situation, As it had proven fruitless. Obanai had grown rather understandably alarmed at the prospect of going behind Oyataka-sama's back, Decidingly getting mad about it.

Shinobu tried to calm him down along with Mitsuri, Their chatter going loud in the background as Shizuko and Gyomei stood off to the side. The other non-Hashira still conversing around the side table.

Gyomei rattled the beads snaked around his hand, Trying to shut out the differing conversations.

"I already am aware of what you wish to ask.. But please, Go ahead." Gyomei said as he heard Shizuko fold his arms next to him, Sensing his eyes narrow, A abased confusion dawning on him.

Shizuko sighed.

"Are we just not going to talk about a few days ago? You promised you would speak with me once we met again and here I am." He said, Gesturing to the whole of himself as he looked up at Gyomei. "So please, Master, Can you tell me what you know..?"

Gyomei's brows furrowed. Even though he already expected it, It was still a rather sour topic to him. When Shizuko came to him and had deduced that he, Gyomei, Had known something about the As much as he would like to tell him, It was not his story to say.

Gyomei sighed, Sad expression broadening further across his face. "No.. I cannot." He finalised as he turned towards his Tsuguko, His sorrowful expression sincere as he spoke.

Shizuko near scoffed, Almost in disbelief as he shook his head.

"Master-"

"Please.. Let me finish, Shizuko. I have my reasons for staying silent on this topic." Gyomei cut in with an assuring tone, A surprised expression flashing across Shizuko's face at his interruption.

"It is why I wished for you to be here instead of Genya, Or any other slayer.. I believe that going on this mission will do well for you"

"I still don't get it, Master." Shizuko exasperated, Shaking his head impatiently. "I've been wanting to know for years of my life who it was that held my hand, Why can't you just tell me..?"

Gyomei sighed as he listened to Shizuko's words, Knowing full well that this wasn't fair on him. Shizuko looked up at him and even though Gyomei was unable to see, He could feel the desperation within his eyes.

Gyomei's lips thinned, Brows knitting together as he tried to find the right words to say.

"Shizuko.. The reason I put our conversation off in the first place was because.. I am not the right person to have it with you." He explained slowly. "If I told you what I knew.. You would have much more questions than you would answers.. It would not be right."

"Then who is the right person?" Shizuko urged, Desperation in his voice as he stepped forward.

"Someone who will be able to explain it entirely to you." Gyomei, Unknowingly tuning into arguments only a bit away from the two of him. The higher pitched voice of Mitsuri Kanroji becoming much more prominent than it did before.

Gyomei sighed, Hearing as they continued to bicker.

Shizuko just stared at Gyomei, Desperation almost burning within his eyes. Without thought his hand trails up to his head, Fingers itching as they moved under his hair to graze over his scar, Almost begging to remember what he wanted to know.

His hand burned, The scar even more so.

"..I need to know." He whispered, More to himself now as his sight went unfocused. It was almost if he wasn't seeing what was in front of him now, Instead just a muddled memory kept locked inside his mind.

He was snapped out of it however. The wretched feeling of a hand rested on his shoulder, A horrid sensation yet more comforting than the others as he looked up.

Gyomei stared down at him, A small smile spread on his lips.

"I promise you, Shizuko.. You will know in time. Just please, Promise me you will be patient." He assured, His voice though mournful was warm enough to bring Shizuko back to reality if just for a moment.

Shizuko smiled back, Though it seemed awkward, Almost unfamiliar on his face.

"I promise. Thank you, Master." Shizuko replied, His body visibly relaxing as Gyomei's hand rested on his shoulder. Even though his touch repelled him just like the others, Shizuko could take comfort in the silence they shared, No more words needing to be spoken.

They shared a moment together, Simply like that. The sounds of argument in the background

"Mmph! Mmph!"

Both heads snapped down, Looking towards the blonde girl still restrained in the corner. It appeared that she had been here the entire time, A terrified expression still on her face as she pleaded with them to let her go through the bandage covering her mouth.

"Ah.. I had forgotten that she was there." Gyomei remarked as Maika struggled in the ropes, Trying but failing to get out.

Almost on cue, Inosuke kicked up at the other table. Yelling something with his voice sounding like pig-latin, Tanjiro and the others moving to pull him back into a more. Most definetly causing a disturbance throughout the entire inn.

Shizuko rolled his eyes.

"I should probably go deal with that.. Thank you anyways, Master." Shizuko shrugged as he pushed himself up from the wall, Smile dropping and returning to his signature Shooting Maika a glare that made a shiver run down her spine.

With that, He stalked off towards the table. Barking out a 'What are you idiots doing' as heads turned to look at him.

Gyomei shook his head as he watched Shizuko walk off, Forgetting his rather harsh tone when dealing with people.

"Hello, Gyomei-san!"

A voice called out from beside him, Happy and cheerful as he noticed it was Mitsuri. He realised that the bickering could no longer be heard in the background, With good reason hopefully, Mitsuri deciding to check-up on him afterwards.

He nodded, Turning towards her.

"Ah.. Kanroji-san. I hope Iguro-san has came around to the idea of infiltrating the cult.." Gyomei asked as she looked up at him with a rather relieved expression, Her smile widened, Just a little bit more awkwardly.

"Aha.. Took some convincing and some appealing to Kaburamaru, But he agreed to keep everything quiet eventually!" Mitsuri laughed as she scratched the back of her head, Recalling the efforts both her and Shinobu had to take to get Obanai on their side.

"And how are you doing?" Gyomei asked in return.

"Amazing now, Thanks! We finally got our business in order, So.. What's happening?" Mitsuri asked with a peppy smile as she looked up at the older man, An unknowing shine in her eyes as she looked up at him.

"Mmph! Mmph!"

Gyomei sighed as he heard Maika struggling once more.

Time to deal with this..

☆♡☆

[F/N] felt nervous.

She felt like a mouse in a trap, Caged within walls bigger than her with no way out. Or perhaps it was more accurate to say that she felt like a mouse in a laboratory, Under dissection or observation from a scientist.

It would account for the staring, After all.

[F/N] sat upon her bed, Legs folded in a basket with a plate of sashimi nestled on her lap. Her eyes were focused entirely on the seafood, Smelling the saltwater still fresh on the fish and the soy sauce it was drenched in.

Within the darkness, Were three pairs of eyes staring dead at her.

[F/N] tried not to bring attention to it as she picked up another salmon slice from her platter, Bringing it up to her lips and half-heartedly nibbling on the salinic meat. The golden eyes like stars in the night burning into her skin.

She couldn't even see him from within the darkness, His body entirely consumed by the shadow. Only the spotlights of his eyes staring dead at her, Never leaving for a moment as he sat on his knees, Watching her eat the food he had prepared for her.

[F/N] placed the salmon slice into her mouth, Slowly chewing so the taste would ruminate on her tongue. Why she asked him to stay in the first place- She regretted even asking, Believing it to be a stupid move.

To get closer to him, That was her plan. The word 'Stay' just came out of her mouth without thought. It was almost as if second nature, Even though being around him was the last thing [F/N] wanted in the first place.

[F/N] wasn't quite sure where it came from, But didn't have any basis to find out either.

So she ate her meal, Quietly and without sound as Kokushibo sat knelt in the corner, Watching [F/N] like an insect on a dissecting table. All while she tried to come up with a game plan, To try and worm her way out of this situation.

That- Or try to make the most of it.

Get closer to him like she was suppose to, Take advantage of the situation and like she was suppose to.

Either way, This was a chance to try and get him to trust her more. Even though the words were caught in her throat, Even though she wanted to shrivel up into a corner and never come out- [F/N] needed to try.

Her lips thinned.

"..The journal, Did you put it on my nightstand?"

[F/N]'s voice rang out louder than it was spoken, Her eyes still focused on her food as she blurted out her words.

Kokushibo didn't stutter, Continuing to stare at her from within the shadows of the room. It was again silent, No word spoken. [F/N] swallowed, Almost expecting him to not answer at all.

"..Yes." Kokushibo rasped, His voice that same deep drone as it always was. [F/N] tried not to release a sigh from her lips, Instead keeping them thinned and pressed together as to not reveal her discomfort.

"I see.." She mumbled as she selected another slice of sashimi, A vibrant red tuna slice bound to make mouths water, That of which was proven once [F/N] placed it onto her tongue. "I was just wondering, That's all.."

Kokushibo hummed in acknowledgement as he watched her consume the meal he made. [F/N] didn't know why she felt the need to explain herself to him, Perhaps to confirm she was in his good graces?

She swallowed the tuna, The explanation more sour than her stomach right now.

"..No offense, Kokushibo-sama but.. Why?" [F/N] asked with a cautious tone. Eyes daring to take a peak at him before catching those angler eyes in her vision, Sight quickly moving back down to her food.

"A few months ago.. You had mentioned that your breathing style requires a calm mind.. I assumed that it might assist in that perspective. Reading and meditation were two activities you mentioned.." Kokushibo explained lowly.

[F/N] hummed as she bit into another tuna chunk.

"A diary is a strange choice for reading material.." She spoke through her chews, Poking at the rest of the fish.

Kokushibo didn't answer for a while after that, Letting the silence seep back in from the absense of conversation. [F/N] began to feel the cold of her sweat build up on her back once more, Breathing much more shallow.

Kokushibo's eyes narrowed on her, Watching as she shied her gaze away from him once more.

"..Instead of questioning me, How about you tell me why you asked me to be here..?" He asked slowly, Eyes focused much hotter on her before.

[F/N] froze slightly, Her movements paused just for a second.

There was the million dollar question, The one that she had dreaded coming out of his mouth. Even though she had been expecting it, It still made a pit form in her stomach like stones.

Though her mouth was dry, She began to speak.

"I.. I don't know, I guess I just wanted to have a conversation with someone. I haven't really been able to talk with anyone in months so.." [F/N] shrugged, Shaking her head as it was the best she could come up with.

"You have that boy, Kaigaku.. Despite his rather obvious shortcomings, He should provide enough social interaction for you.." Kokushibo countered, Recalling giving Kaigaku permission to speak with her, No matter how much he detested otherwise.

[F/N] could've almost laughed at how out of touch he was. Despite being a rather solidary person, Even she needed a bit of small talk from time to time and most definetly not with one person and one person alone.

It was almost funny how deluded he was.

Despite her cold humour in the situation, She kept her face still, Though she shook her head.

"I don't like Kaigaku.. It's nothing personal, He's just not good at holding a worthwhile conversation." [F/N] sighed, More in relief as it seems that Kaigaku didn't tell Kokushibo of what happened only yesterday.

Kokushibo's face sharpened at her words.

"And you assumed that I would want to speak with you instead..?" He asked with an apathetic yet brutal expression, Eyes digging into her skin. [F/N] felt herself supress a rather nasty scowl.

What the hell was his deal?

She was trying her best to be polite with him. Despite it all, How much she despised him to the very bone, How his presence even metres away made her want to puke. His aura was rotten, But she was trying her very best to endure it.

Even he, Kokushibo had specifically told her that he would be 'withholding affection' until she got out of her 'rebellious phase'. And she was doing just as he said, She wasn't throwing passive aggressive remarks. She even made the effort to talk to him like she was doing now, Even though it made bile rise in her throat.

So why the hell did he sound so unhappy to be here right now? In fact, [F/N] felt like he was acting much more opposed to her than he usually seemed to be. Could he be suspicious? Perhaps it was because it was still a very new change in her attitude, Maybe that was it..

But it didn't add up, Not at all.

"..You can just go, I don't mind being alone" [F/N] mumbled as she turned back towards her food, Gesturing towards the door with a shake of her head. "..Sorry for keeping you from whatever you do."

She was probably gonna go back to sleep again once he left anyways, At least until Akaza returned. She'd probably just have another vision. A nightmare, Perhaps. At least that would be able to take her mind off the one that she was currently living through.

Kokushibo breathed out, Once more.

Through the silence she could her the faint patter of his hand placing onto the ground. [F/N] listened as she heard the floorboards croak, Kokushibo pushing himself up to his full staggering height.

[F/N] sighed as she heard him stand up, Waiting for him to leave as she ate the remains of her sashimi. At least he wouldn't be bothering her anymore, Expecting the ultramarine shine of the light outside to hit her face any moment now.

[F/N] chewed on her salmon slice.

Her eyebrows furrowed.

She swallowed it, The taste lasting on her tongue.

She blinked, A few moments passing as she looked up to see what was wrong. That turquoise light didn't hit her face after the usual time it took to-

[F/N] felt her heart stop entirely.

He was standing right in front of her, Not even moving an inch as he imposed over her from where she sat. They were only a feet apart, His face steeled in that omnipresent scowl that looked [F/N] felt her sweat drop, Her heart stop entirely in her chest. His eyes narrowed.

"The diary.. Have you been reading it?" He asked in a gravelly pitch, Eyes not departing from hers as his hand reached over to pluck the book from her bedside. [F/N]'s throat felt dry, Feeling herself almost shrivel up inside.

She double-taked however, Shaking off her shock.

"Erm.. Yes." [F/N] breathed out as she watched him flick open the book, Flipping through the pages at a rapid rate until it reached the page where she dog-eared to mark her place. Eyes snapped over to the letters, Beginning to read.

She watched as he scanned the lines with a quick pace, Almost jumping out of her skin once his eyes snapped back over to her.

"You have gotten a fair bit into the journal.. A fast reader, I see.." What would sound like a compliment from any other lips sounded like an observation from him, The kind that would be noted down for a scientific thesis.

[F/N] nodded along, Not daring to speak.

"You are, However.. Only a fraction of the way through.." He continued as his eyes drew back to the book, Reading from where she had left off yesterday. [F/N] felt a question burn on the tip of her tongue. Her mouth opened.

"W-Who is Akeno..? The woman in the book?" [F/N] blurted out, Her eyes still shied away from his as he looked back at her. The words just flooded out of her mouth, Almost like a dam finally breaking down.

Kokushibo breathed out.

"Our mother." He spoke simply, Face not changing a single bit.

[F/N] took a moment to process before she nodded slowly. Strangely enough, Learning that the woman she had been reading about was her supposed mother was not something that brought out a reaction out of her.

Not a big one anyways. But [F/N] couldn't deny that she felt a bit.. Intrigued.

I mean, [F/N] didn't even like her actual mother. A bitter and foul woman. It was a celebration once she died, [F/N] might as well have played beer pong with the bucket that woman kicked.

So [F/N] felt curiosity build up in her.

Would Akeno be like that?

Kokushibo slammed the book shut with a single hand, Bringing [F/N] back to the current situation she was in as she jolted in surprise. His hand moved over, Setting the journal down on the bedside.

His eyes narrowed.

"You are.. Different." Kokushibo stated, Eyes running over her like she was nothing but a frog to be cut open. It was uncomfortable, Skin itching even as he seemed to examine every little blemish on her.

[F/N] averted her gaze back down to her tightly curled fists.

"What..?" She asked slowly, Puzzled by his words.

"It is strange, You do not act like you did before.. There is a rather stark difference, Much more.." Kokushibo trailed off, Eyes still trained intently on her as he paused in his speech. The room suddenly fell quiet once more-

Deathly so.

It felt like forever, As if time had decided to slow down just in this single moment. Her skin burned and blistered under his sight, And Kokushibo never strayed his vision away from her. [F/N] silently begged him to just finish what he wanted to say, To get it over with.

But his lips thinned, And [F/N] could feel the irritated tinge in his aura from miles away.

Kokushibo turned to leave, Not bothering to finish his sentence.

"Continue reading.. I will come back tomorrow to make sure you are.." He spoke as he began to leave, Slowly stalking off towards the door in the room. [F/N]'s lips thinned before they opened.

"Uhm.. What about training?" She asked, Gripping the platter between her hands just a little too tightly.

Kokushibo paused in his walk, But he didn't turn to look at her.

"Until you are confident you will be able to wield Soul Breathing.. You will spend your time focused on literature and other remedial activities.. " Kokushibo explained as [F/N] nodded slowly to his words.

"Kind of a lack of 'remedial activities' to do.. Maybe if the library was a bit more stocked up, I'd have at least something to occupy my time." She muttered more to herself than to him, Under her breath as her eyes wandered off somewhere else.

Kokushibo hummed, Acknowledging her remark before he turned on his heel once more and left. This time, [F/N] didn't stop him as he marched towards the door within the blinding darkness, Her eyes kept on his back at all times.

Pulling it open, He didn't look back at her as the light hit her face. Then it disappeared entirely, Along with Kokushibo's presence.

[F/N] gasped before she took the biggest breath of her entire life, The air finally ripening around her as his suffocating presence left her. That rotten aura like decaying cow carcasses in a field-

It was finally gone.

☆♡☆

"This is still a stupid plan, You should have told Oyataka-sama- You should've provided the information you got from your crow instead of going rogue and deciding to go on some death mission..!" Obanai hissed, Eyes hawked in on Shinobu with a rather menacing glare.

Shinobu didn't feel it a bit however, Not even bothering to shake it off as she smiled.

"No matter now, I suppose. You already agreed to go through with this 'stupid plan' and I don't take any second thoughts!" She hummed, Looking at them from the side as they stood off a bit away from the other groups.

"I'm only doing this because of her, You know my history associated with cults.." Obanai mumbled, His head tossed to the side with a rather sour expression on his face.

Shinobu smiled, Much more sly and knowing than it should've been as she looked Obanai up and down. There was a perfectly good reason why Shinobu had asked him here in particular, Her reasoning seemingly paying off as she watched Obanai almost ogle at Mitsuri who was currently chatting with Gyomei.

"Of course.. I didn't expect anything more." Shinobu remarked as she watched the two converse idly with each other, Both glancing down at the shrine maiden they had caught hours earlier, Still restrained. Shinobu sighed, Shaking her head.

"Ah.. I suppose we shouldn't keep everyone waiting any longer, Let's head off to the convent, Hm?" Shinobu proposed, Not waiting for his response as she stepped forward towards Gyomei and Mitsuri.

Obanai nodded, Following after her as they approached the other Hashira in conversation.

"The issue is.. I'm not quite sure what do to with her."

"Keeping her here sounds horrible though.. My heart hurts thinking about it!"

"Mmph!"

"Ah, I see that you're discussing what to do with the eavesdropper!" Shinobu chirped in as she peered in behind Gyomei's back, Glossy eyes resting upon the terrified shrine maiden who squeaked once Shinobu revealed herself.

"Ah.. Shinobu-san. We're not in agreement as what to do.." Gyomei states. "I suggest that we leave her here for the inns keeper to find while we leave.. Though on the other hand, Kanroji-san believes that would be inhumane.."

"Cause it is! Who knows how long she'd be here, What if the innkeeper doesn't even find her?" Mitsuri butted in as she gestured to Maika, A puzzled frown across her face.

Shinobu nodded.

"I see.. Well I was thinking of heading out soon, Since everyone's here now. So I would like it if you came to a decision soon enough!" She hummed with a smile as Obanai appeared from the other side of Gyomei.

He huffed.

"Though I dislike this plan altogether.. I would rather it go smoothly if I am meant to do it so.. I say we toss her in the near river with her hands and legs still tied."

"Iguro-san!"

"Mmph! Mmph!" Maika muffled out what sounded like hearty disagreement, Eyes bulging out of her sockets as she stared at Obanai like he was some kind of demon, Even more so when Kaburamaru began to hiss.

Shinobu sighed as she stepped forward, Kaburamaru snapping his jaw shut once he watched her approach Maika. Knees bending as she lowered before her.

With a smile, Shinobu ripped off the bandage covering Maika's mouth.

"Ah-!" Maika gasped for what seemed like the biggest breath she had ever taken. "P-Please don't kill me! I can explain why I was listening to you're conversation, I swear!"

"Then explain.." Gyomei said, Looking rather imposing to where the girl was sat on the floor.

"O-Okay.. Erm- Give me a second I.." Maika blinked, Trying to recompose herself. "I didn't come here to tell anyone about what you were doing.. I.. I actually came because I wanted to help."

"How can we tell that you're not lying to get out of a bad situation?" Obanai asked as his eyes narrowed on her.

Maika gulped.

"B-Because I wanna help [F/N]-sama. I overheard your conversation back at the butterfly mansion, About the plan to find out where she was. I.. I wanna help, [F/N]-sama was really kind to me and I feel bad.." She said, Her eyes shying away from the group and she stared to the floor, Still shaking.

She inhaled.

"I.. I feel like it's my fault that [F/N]-sama was kidnapped. She saw me during her fight with that demon and she held back so I wouldn't get hurt.. She made sure he wouldn't find me, Even after I was injured and I just don't think I could live with myself if she stayed missing.. "

"Even though I'm a shrine-maiden.. I'm also a licensed slayer.. S-So please! If it's not a bother.. Could I please go on this mission?" Maika asked just a little bit higher than before, Sweat rolling down her brow, The fear of being rejected burning through her body.

Her lip shook.

Ever since that day in the shrine, Ever since she had woken from that coma, Maika had felt horrible about herself. To think that it was she that got [F/N] in such a bad situation, The guilt Maika felt was indescribable.

No one spoke, Not for a good long while. Their eyes darted back, Trading looks speaking their own thoughts about the situation. Iguro and Shinobu seemed rather cautious and Gyomei seemed to wait for the opinions of the others before he weighed in his own.

It was Mitsuri whoever who decided to take action, Stepping forward towards Maika before kneeling down towards her. A smile brighter than the sun outside as she grasped onto her hands.

She squealed.

"Kyah~! Of course you can come along, Anyone who wants to help, Should help!" Mitsuri grinned as she held Maika's hands within her own, Grasping them warmly as the girl looked up at the woman with a rather shocked blush burning on her face.

"K-Kanroji-sama!" She stammered.

Gyomei stepped forward.

"Are you sure about this, Kanroji-san..?" He asked as he heard their interaction, Hands still in prayer.

"Yes, One hundred percent! Let's go now, Get everyone ready. Heihachiro-san can come with us!" Mitsuri said as sure as she had ever been as she looked back at him, A massive smile on her face. Shinobu stepped forward.

"Well.. If Mitsuri-chan trusts her, Then I suppose I do too!" She cheered, Smiling slightly as she turned towards the rest of the Hashira. "Get ready and discard your slayer uniforms! We'll head for the convent in half an hour."

"Ah.. I suppose I shall be making my leave then.." Gyomei remarked as he wandered past the group, Assumedly to grab his luggage and make his goodbyes before he heads back to his estate.

Shinobu followed him off, Going to tell the group of younger slayers at the table the same news. Mitsuri quickly untied the ropes around Maika's wrists and ankles, To whom thanked her and stretched her tired limbs.

Mitsuri gave a 'no problem' in reply and raised from her position, Turning back to look at Obanai.

"Isn't this great, Iguro-san? I know we're all going off to fight an Upper Moon, But I'm still happy to be able to spend it with all of you!" She cheered with a smile, Looking at Obanai.

He swallowed, Feeling exposed all of a sudden.

"I.. Suppose." Obanai said as he tossed his head to the side, Choppy black bangs covering his red hot face as he turned away from Mitsuri.

Her brow raised.

"Ehh..? Are you okay, Iguro-san? Are you feeling alright, Your face is pretty red!" Mitsuri observed, Stumbling forward as she spotted a hint of burning blush on his face. Obanai huffed, Stumbling back from her.

"I feel fine, Thank you for your concern. We should get going soon." Obanai blurted out as he began to walk away, Leaving a confused Mitsuri watch him go. Mitsuri hummed, Acknowledging the situation.

"Kanroji-san.."

Mitsuri turned her head, As soon as Obanai left, She heard the voice of Gyomei Himejima beckon her over from the other side of the room. He was stood tall, Seemingly preparing the luggage for his departure.

"Oh.. Himejima-san!" Mitsuri called back with her smile reappearing on her face, Not wasting any time to skip over to where Gyomei stood with a . "I guess you'll be leaving now, It's a shame that you won't be able to come along with us!"

Gyomei nodded slightly,

"Yes, It is.. However I just wish to speak with you for a slight second before I leave.." He asked cordially, Stepping closer towards Mitsuri. "It is about my Tsuguko, Himejima Shizuko."

"Shizuko..?" Mitsuri mumbled under her breath, A bell ringing in her head. It wasn't long before her eyes widened however, Shoulders tensing up. "You mean [F/N]'s brother..?! He's here..?!"

Mitsuri's head instantly shot back and forth, Eyes scanning everyone in the room.

"Correct, He was the one I decided to summon after all.." Gyomei replied, Fairly confused as to how Mitsuri hadn't noticed the boy beforehand.

Mitsuri quickly spun around towards the table where everyone sat, Eyes darting through the little crowd. It seemed like they were all getting ready to head off, But from amongst the group Mitsuri could spot a certain mess of hair.

Wide eyes, Scars, Rough braided hair.

Her breath caught in her throat.

"Oh my gods, That's where I recognise him from-! How did I not see it before..?!" Mitsuri gasped as she watched Shizuko put away his things, Barely held back from rushing over to greet him.

"Kanroji-san." The rumble of Gyomei's voice made Mitsuri double take, Turning her head back around to meet his solemn face.

"I came to ask that you do me a favour, By telling Shizuko about [F/N] and his past during this mission.."

"What..?!" Mitsuri gasped, Her eyes growing wide as saucers.

"He has not forgotten her entirely, It seems.. Only a few days ago he had admitted there were some surviving memories from his accident." Gyomei explained.

She shook her head slightly, Almost unbelieving.

"No way.. He actually.." Mitsuri mumbled under her breath, Seemingly collecting her thoughts before speaking once more. "I told this to you, I don't know the full story.. I.. I couldn't give him all the answers even if he did know."

Gyomei shook his head.

"But you know the most out of us all.. And it is right that he knows what you do, At the very least.. I am not the right person, You are." He said, Nodding in her direction.

Mitsuri just looked at him, Mind racing.

Mitsuri couldn't believe what she was hearing, What she thought was just going to be a farewell turned out to be much more than she was bargaining for. It was shocking enough to hear that Shizuko actually remembered something.

But for Mitsuri to also be given the duty of explaining said something? Even more unexpected. Her face turned into a rather apprehensive frown, Lips pressed tightly together.

"Himejima-san.. I understand what you mean but- You can't just leave me with this I mean.. I've never even spoken to him before.. And [F/N].. She herself said it was for the best if they were kept apart!" Mitsuri hushed under her breath, Pleading with him both in her tone and her eyes.

Gyomei nodded slowly, His brows knitting together in a sorrowful expression.

"You are right, I am deeply sorry for leaving you with this.. But he has the right to know, Just not from me." He explained, Hearing the rough voice of his Tsuguko in the background. "For whatever reason [F/N] wished to stay apart.. I believe that is not truly what she wants."

"I.." Mitsuri thought over his words, Ones that struck a cord within her. Mitsuri knew she didn't know the full story, But she knew [F/N] down to the atom, And her wanting to stay away from Shizuko?

Yeah, That wasn't like her at all.

"You're right. [F/N].." Mitsuri stumbled over her words, Shaking her head. "Just.. All I want is some time, Okay? I'll tell him but.. I'll need to put a few things together first, Just make sure everything is understandable."

Gyomei nodded, The expression on his face lightening ever so slightly as he turned around towards his luggage laid out in a satchel. Picking it up and tying the knot.

"Thank you, Kanroji-san.. This means a lot, Both to me and I leave him in your care.. I trust you will keep him safe." Gyomei said, Slinging his satchel over his shoulder before bowing towards the woman. Mitsuri copied his actions, Lowering down herself.

"You can trust me, I promise Shizuko will be safe.." Mitsuri said, Politely yet quietly so that no one could hear them. Gyomei raised from his bow, Settling his yukata over his chest once more before grasping onto his satchel.

They said their goodbyes, And the rest of the group did the same. As Gyomei was walking out, None of the crowd noticed the new air around him and Mitsuri, Some mutual feeling like understanding shared between the two.

Mitsuri sighed once he left, Another task put on her roster along with finding out what was wrong with Shinobu. She couldn't argue however, It was much better to deal with this than let it go untouched.

Mitsuri had learnt that the hard way.

So she turned, Prancing back towards the group to help the rest of them pack their stuff for the journey ahead. She had a smile on her face, No matter how terrifying the situation was about to be.

☆♡☆

[F/N] was left sitting on her bedside, Head dropped, Hands in lap as she tried to mull over what happened.

A sort of disgusting shiver wormed through her system as she remembered his aura, Not to mention their conversation. His behaviour too was particularly unpinnable, [F/N] having no idea why he's acting repulsed to her attempts to talk to him.

It was Kokushibo after all who encouraged this behaviour in the first place, And she was trying her best to play into it best she could. Yet he seemed so opposed to it, Perhaps even a bit aggressive when she admitted she wanted to speak to him.

Why?

There was no point in trying to unravel his behaviour, [F/N] supposed. She hadn't been able to do it before so there was no way she'd ever be able to, Not right now at least.

All [F/N] knew was that she hated him. That he was a centuries old demon with violent instincts, That he had siphoned her away to some mockery of her now defunct shrine. [F/N] knew that he was a horrible person.

Her teeth gritted.

She couldn't stay here, She couldn't bare to be in this decrepit shrine any longer.

[F/N] pushed herself off of the bed, Pins and needles in her legs not bothering her as she turned back and kneeled down so far, Face peeking under the bed.

The ropes.

[F/N] needed to get to work, Right away. Hands lunged under the bed, Snatching the thick spool of unassorted ropes in a single palm as she pulled them out. She needed to start making her way through the infinity castle if she wanted to find the exit door.

"[F/N]!"

A voice called out from somewhere down the hallway, It was Akaza's, About time that he'd show up since Kokushibo had left a good few hours ago. [F/N] paid no heed however as she lugged herself back up onto her bed, Spools of rope in hand.

She set them down on her lap as the door slid open.

"[F/N], You awake?" Akaza called out into the room, Though his question was instantly answered as he watched her begin to play with the ropes in her hand from within the darkness.

"Yep, Wide awake. Had a rather eye-opening conversation with you-know-who earlier and I haven't been able to get them closed since." [F/N] replied but she didn't look at him, Instead beginning to find the ends of two rope to tie.

Akaza's face scrunched up, Golden eyes glowing in the dark.

"Seriously? You actually had a conversation with him?" He scoffed slightly.

"I'll tell you about it if you lend me a hand, We're gonna work on the rope."

"Deal. Though I'm relieved you finally decided to start working on your escape, It was starting to get annoying.." Akaza muttered as he walked forward towards her in the dark, Lunchbox in hand. "Good timing though, Was able to bring you in a few tools for the nails or whatever."

Akaza held up the lunchbox in hand, Presenting it as something more that cutlery rattled around inside. A hammer, By the sounds of it. The spare nails laying around under her bed would finally be put to use.

[F/N] didn't smile, But a glint in her eyes spoke more than she could ever say. Looking up towards Akaza, She spoke.

"Perfect."

☆♡☆

They were high up, Thousands of feet above the air.

Clouds were below them now, Like a ring surrounding the horizon. The sky fading from a desaturated baby blue to a vibrant burst of yellow now that the clock was ticking. Winds were high, Not as much as to cause resistance, But enough so that fabrics and hair would dance violently in the gales.

It was chill too. Snow dusted the glaciated landscape like sand across a desert. From towering pine trees and bustling ferns and sprigs, Slush ice lain in the nooks and crannies' of every single one.

They trudged through the pebblish pathway up the mountain, Mitsuri often gazing out into the expanse of the valley like ants below. The air flourishing up here, So fresh that she couldn't help but take it all in.

Her eyes shone, The blinding sun reflecting in her irises.

"Come on now! We're almost there!" Shinobu called out, Her voice echoing slightly as they neared the grassy top of the mountains. It had been a few hours, If they weren't trained swordswomen, They would've taken much longer in accountancy of breaks.

Mitsuri turned to her, Guiding her hair out of the way as she smiled.

"Right! Let's get a move on, Girls!" Mitsuri called out to the two girls behind her, Kanao and Maika who had issues with keeping their hair out of their faces as well. They nodded, Picking up the pace as they pushed themselves up the slope.

They had decided to split up, The men approaching where the convent should be in a different direction. They had figured that going in one big group would be rather suspicious, And according to Shinobu's plan mixed with Gyomei's information, It was best split by gender.

Kanao had Nezuko's box resting on her back, Kanao's hands resting on the straps to makes sure it stayed steady on her back. Apparently the cult had some rather interesting gender dynamics, Having the women rest and leisure while the men were put to work.

It was strange, Shinobu could tell.

"U-Um-! Can we take a break, Please?" Maika called out to the two women in front of her who had already reached the rather dense woodland atop it all. Shinobu looked at her for a second, Smiling before Maika reached the top.

"Ah.. I suppose A break would be fine. Though not for long as we need to stay vigilant, Being in one spot for too long would be dangerous, I deem." Shinobu deduced as she turned to look at the breath-taking sight beside her, Barely batting an eye as she stared out into the expanse.

Mitsuri huffed as she stopped to stretch her numb legs, Feeling the cold air soak into her skin. She stood next to Shinobu, Taking in the sight together. Something rewarding after the trek up her.

She smiled, Remembering how much times she had to pop her ears.

"Beautiful, It's a pretty nice change from the village scenery, Eh? Not saying that it was bad but.. Come on, Look at that sky~!" Mitsuri wondered with a smile.

"Yes, I agree. Almost makes it worth the journey.." Shinobu spoke with a smile.

They took a moment to breathe it all in, Gaze off onto the horizon of bursting hues, A good reward for their trek up here. They didn't speak for a while, Letting the wind chill their sweat and cool them off.

Mitsuri smiled.

"This reminds me of the golden days, You know?" She spoke softly, Eyes finally peering over to Shinobu.

"Hm?" Shinobu hummed, Turning to look at Mitsuri.

"Oh come on. Me, You and [F/N]?" Mitsuri giggled slightly, Memories coming back to her. "Remember when we travelled around slaying demons together when we were younger? It's just kind of been a while since we've been on a mission together.."

Shinobu's smile, Mitsuri never noticed but it changed, Just a little bit more.. Real.

"Remember when we had to disguise ourselves as men to sneak into that nobleman's dinner? Ah.. I remember you had to put on that masculine voice. You know, I'm pretty sure you scared some of the poor Geisha serving us." Shinobu asked, A hand covering her teasing smile.

"Ah-! Don't remind me, That was so embarrassing!" Mitsuri laughed as she fanned her cheeks. Shinobu giggled. "I guess it was pretty fun, Though! Honestly I think about it more than I should.. I guess I miss it, You know?"

Shinobu nodded, Agreeing with her statement. Her smile dimmed just a little bit, However the genuinity never died.

"If only [F/N] didn't fall into that coma.." Shinobu mumbled, Eyes looking somewhere far off.

"If only we didn't go to that festival." Mitsuri corrected, The smile dimming on her face until it darkened into a frown.

The silence afterwards was much more dense than before, Neither of the girls feeling it was right to speak. Mitsuri felt awkward under the weight of the silence, Her hands coming together to fiddle with her fingers.

Looking at Shinobu, Mitsuri could see her mind work through her eyes. It was obvious from the meeting back at the butterfly mansion that this mission meant a bit more to Shinobu than she was letting on.

And they were about to go fight Upper Moon Two, Well, They weren't quite sure how long it would take to get to that point. But Mitsuri could tell something was wrong with her, And she needed to know what.

She sighed, Air turning to vapour.

"Shinobu-chan.."

Mitsuri finally broke the silence, Shattering like glass.

Shinobu turned her head back to look at her, Small frown still on her face.

"You know I've been meaning to talk to you for a while now, And.. I feel like it's best to bring this up before we leave, You know?" Mitsuri spoke as soft and caring as she could muster, Her eyes shining as she turned to look at her peer.

Shinobu's lips turned back up into a tight smile, A twitch in her eyebrow, Glancing back towards Mitsuri.

"Mitsuri-chan, Whatever this is about, I think it's best if we save it for later." Shinobu responded, Her voice sounding like it had been practiced. "We've spent too much time in one place, We better get movi-"

"No-!" Mitsuri cut in, Realising her tone she shook her head. "I'm sorry, Shinobu-chan. But I know you've been avoiding this conversation for a while now, I want to talk, You need to tell me what's wrong."

Shinobu's smile widened as she fully turned to meet Mitsuri, A noticeable strain on her lips as she beamed at her.

"..There's nothing to speak about, Mitsuri-chan! I'm completely alright, Perhaps a bit stressed.. Maybe that's what you're worried about?" Shinobu proposed, An eyebrow raised as she tilted her head.

"No, It's- It's more than that, I can tell!" Mitsuri exasperated, Her face turning more concerned by the second. "You need to say what's going on, You've not been yourself recently.. Please, You can talk to me!"

Shinobu's stare burned into Mitsuri like the sun glaring into vision. Mitsuri watched as Shinobu just stopped entirely, Her smile still plastered on her face, Making no move to speak.

Fingers curling, A vein in her forehead. Like a porcelain doll, It was if she needed time to process Mitsuri's words.

It was disturbing, Seriously distur-

"Greetings, Is anyone there?"

Heads jerked towards the source of the new voice, Belonging to none within the designated group.

By the edge of the forest-line stood a woman accompanied by a child, Both adorned in white robes. The women cradled a wicker basket in her hand, Half full with what seemed to be the fruit that grew here.

The child held one too, Both looking at the group of girls before them.

The smell of Lotus Flowers burned in the air, Noticeably so.

"Ah..! Greetings, Ma'am! We didn't think anyone would be out here!" Shinobu giggled, Readily stepping away from Mitsuri and towards the woman and child duo instead. "My name is Fujimori Hina, I apologise if we startled you!"

The woman watched as Shinobu lowered down into a respectful bow, Her eyes seemed apprehensive as they darted amongst the newcomers before her. Shinobu could spot the child shifting behind the woman, His eyes wide as he stared.

The woman's lips turned into a smile, Though it was very much faked.

"Ah.. No, I had just heard voices and thought it was best to come check it out." The woman explained, Examining Shinobu from head to toe. "What are you all doing up here..? This is rather far from the nearest village.."

Shinobu raised from her bow to see the woman, Suspicious already even with that kind smile, Shinobu could tell. The child behind her seemed rather hesitant towards them, Almost as if they were an oddity.

Shinobu nodded, Shooting a look towards Mitsuri that spoke plenty.

"We got lost, You see.. We've been meaning to head to Fukushima however our ride broke down and left us stranded!" Shinobu frowned and shook her head, An unfortunate expression on her face. "We figured we could find a village from this vantage point.. However it seems the one down there is a rather long journey.."

"Y-Yeah! It's been a while since we've ate is all.. " Maika piped up from where her and Kanao sat on the floor, Voice shaking, Eyes trained on the woman and her rather odd appearance.

The woman nodded slowly.

"Ah.. I understand. And you all are.."

"-They're my sisters." Shinobu finished. "And yes, Adopted before you ask. I realise we do not look similar, We get that question a lot." She laughed airliy, A smile reappearing upon her face.

"Umeko." Mitsuri said, Raising her hand to greet her.

"Asuna..!" Maika chimed in.

"Kariya." Kanao spoke.

"Right.. I see." The woman drawled, Eyes narrowing. For some reason she was suspicious, Rather apprehensive to the women she came across. "I suppose that you better start moving, It is a rather long journey to the village.."

The woman spoke, A sort of politeness in her voice that was. She almost looked like she was ready to leave, Prepared to grab the child by the wrist and beckon him off into the forest.

Acting quickly, Mitsuri stepped forward.

"Please, Ma'am. We don't mean to trouble you.. But is there anywhere we could stay for tonight?" She begged, Both in voice and her eyes. "We promise to repay you..! We just want somewhere to rest for a while, A bit of food and someplace to pray."

Mitsuri's tone pleaded with the woman, Who still looked rather apprehensive towards the group. Mitsuri, Though a little annoyed that she was cut off from reaching Shinobu, Still grasped the situation. Seeing how the woman appeared aloof.

Though her eyes shifted once the word prayer came from Mitsuri's tongue, A glint like stars in her irises.

They all waited on baited breath, One's they didn't know they were holding. Both Mitsuri and Shinobu both knew that this was no ordinary woman, Both by looks and by her actions. What reason she had to be suspicious, A dead give away.

Would she respond in kind or in aggression? Did she know they were slayers?

The woman breathed out.

"..Well, I suppose that it is only right if I help out my fellow women of faith." The woman smiled, Much more genuine this time. Shinobu's ears twitched at the word 'faith', Her eyes narrowing as the woman stepped towards them.

A wave of relief flooded amongst the group, Shoulders slumping, Held breaths released from lungs. The woman stepped to the side, Child following after her as she beckoned the group to follow her.

"You can follow me, I'm sure I can get you all fed and cared for. You're lucky..! Fortunately around here, We always make sure to tend to our fellow faithful." The woman smiled as she turned, Basket in hand as she began to wander off into the woods.

"Of course, Thank you so much, Ma'am! We appreciate it so much..!" Shinobu thanked her, Bowing her head lightly before taking the first skip to follow the woman. Mitsuri following after, The girls coming last.

They followed her, Trailing along her pathway through the tall forest she came from. The child skipping ahead, Seemingly not wanting to be near the group of girls.

Looks shared between them spoke more than what they could say. Looks of suspicion and fear, While Mitsuri and Shinobu's seemed much more steady as they walked. They both knew that this woman had to be associated with the cult.

Especially with the way she said 'faith'.

Some woman with some pungent scent. It wasn't bad, Per se, But it was strong. It was like freshwater and flowers, So freezingly refreshing yet bitter all the same. Her clothes were pure, No blemish to be found upon the dove white of her kimono.

It was like wedding attire, Was she going to be wed?

It looked so, Everything about her seemed perfectly done. Her hair was midnight yet glistened under the mountain sun, Her makeup could put the most gorgeous Oiran to shame..

It was strange, So beautifully strange.

So they followed along, Both hesitant and eager at the same time. Forest growing darker as they walked, More dense, Deeper and deeper they went.

And the smell of Lotus Flowers grew so much more potent.

Next Chapter

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hadesoftheladies · 6 months ago

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FEMALE MOVIE/TV RECS (PART 5 / HORROR & CRIME DRAMA)

got inspired from a recommendation post so decided to make a list of movies and shows with female-centric stories/female protagonists. since i can't post all of the genres in one post, i'll split it into multiple posts and y'all can save or add to the list as you wish. (disclaimer: i have watched most of these, but i only know about the existence of others. not every movie/show on these lists will be my recommendation. my recommendations will be beneath the list with reasons. also some of these are way better than others in terms of storytelling/performance--which is why i'll list my faves separately):

Common Themes:

-Dangerous girls (they ain't innocent)/ girlhood as violent

-Stressed out and melancholic female detectives and authors (lots of drinking/smoking)

-Mothers who've seen too fucking much to play games/I'm a good mother until it doesn't let up

-Women handling shit/getting shit done

-Mothers who didn't want to be mothers but here we fucking are so might as well handle shit

-Evil women who are also unfortunately hot

-Female sociopaths (not always negatively portrayed)

HAVEN'T WATCHED

The Royal Hotel

The Silent Twins

The Kitchen

The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart

I'm Thinking of Ending Things

Sharp Objects

Killing Eve

Abigail

Heavenly Creatures

A Quiet Place Part 2

Panic Room

Alice, Darling

Blood Red Sky

Rust Creek

The Marsh King's Daughter

Pearl

Longlegs

GOOD STUFF (NEVER WATCHING AGAIN THOUGH!)

Bad Sisters (8/10) (sisters plan to kill their sister's abusive husband)

Yellowjackets (9/10) (love as cannibalism)

Candy (7.5/10) (she's just a killer lol)

Cruella (6.5/10)(help my mom is a narcissist and it's hereditary)

Jennifer's Body (7/10) (boys aren't people lmao)

Bird Box (8/10)

Under the Bridge (8/10)

PERSONAL NOTES

I watched Tragedy Girls years ago, and I remember being grossed out and having a lot of fun as well. If you like Jennifer's Body, you'll probably like Tragedy Girls, too. And if you like Tragedy Girls, you may also enjoy Thoroughbreds. All three have a twisted sense of girlpower.

The Call isn't scary so much as its nerve-wracking and upsetting. It's not gory (although there is violence), but it deals with heavy subject matter. I can, however, promise a satisfying ending. Even though I doubt it would put you at ease.

Horror is my least favourite genre so bear that in mind. I just hate jump scares (because I hate being startled) and I don't like gore though there are times where it doesn't bother me so much. So this is definitely not an exhaustive list on horror recs. Crime is as close as I usually get to such dark stuff so I put the dark crimes, psychological thrillers and horrors together. I don't even want to talk about these that much because I'm nauseous already.

Watch at your own risk.

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weirdly-specific-but-ok · 9 months ago

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star wars but I've never watched it

I'm flirting with death (the star wars fandom) and it's about to succumb. I mean, be seduced. I promise when I flirt the intended result is not succumbing (usually). Here, have this, I know you maggots have missed my summaries they're so comprehensive and well-researched. Two cups of black coffee down. LET'S GO, MAGGOTS.

It is not Star Trek, and if I mix them up, both fandoms will tear me limb from limb, but mainly Star Trek because they're less popular?

No, that was not intended to be inflammatory, it's just what I was warned when I first got kidnapped. Don't blame the student, blame the system.

LUKE, I AM YOUR FATHER.

Except that's actually a misquote, it's No, I am your father. Mad trivia game. Huge star wars fan, me (why do I sound like Crowley).

It's set in outer space.

Are daleks stormtroopers?

Yoda pulls sentences in half like Crowley pulls Aziraphale's legs apart while they're not talking, and then tries interesting positions.

Leia has space-buns and makes out with Luke.

Luke is Leia's brother.

Anakin, whom I thought was some sexy babygirl side character, is apparently Darth Vader.

I am certain some people still find him a sexy babygirl. I just hope if he has a sister, she doesn't.

Is incest hereditary? Besides the obvious, I mean.

Small and green, Yoda is.

Daleks or not, there are storm-troopers, and they wear white plastic but not in a kinky way. Mostly. I remember one video a maggot showed me of a dustbin and--anyway.

They have bad aim.

There is a Death Star, and there is also a Death Star in Star Trek, but this is the more obvious one.

It has machinery specially engineered so if you shoot at that one place, the entire spaceship explodes or shuts down, which is a convenient feature.

A baby Yoda, they made. To make merchandise in time, Disney failed. Money, they lost.

There's something called the Force which everyone irl uses to try and get their remote to fly to them while sitting on the couch watching TV. They squint and reach out their hand while doing this. It rarely works.

There are a lot of unnecessary sequels and prequels. People are not happy.

A lot of Star Wars has inspiration drawn from ancient Indian philosophy and Hindu mythology. Just fun trivia, since I'm such a huge Star Wars fan.

Chewbacca?

R2D2? Robot go beep beep.

Han Solo and Leia get together.

Who is Han Solo? The guy who witnessed Leia making out with her brother. Whatever gets you off, king.

Dead, Yoda might be. Not sure, I am.

Rogue 1?

Return of the... Empire? No, wait, Jedi.

Empire Strikes Back!

Jedi exist. Because uh, it was in the title. They'd better exist.

Luke's daddy cuts off his hand. Not in a sexual way. But you never know with this family.

End (Not. Disney is going to milk this cash cow till they run out of ideas because of underpaid writers, and then they'll do a remake, probably).

Welcome, you are. Comprehensive, all-inclusive, this summary is.

#good omens mascot #asmi #star wars #good omens #<- got to love the brainrot #it even sneaks into my other fandom posts #maggots #empire strikes back #han solo #luke skywalker #yoda #weirdly specific but ok #rogue one #star wars summary #return of the jedi #sw fandom #star wars fandom

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unabashednightmarepizza · 1 year ago

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𝐸𝑦𝑒 𝑂𝑓 𝑇ℎ𝑒 𝑆𝑡𝑜𝑟𝑚

Part 1

Aether, after witnessing the most bizarre things in the whole world when no one else did and was often watched with slacked jaws at how he could still be alive, couldn't help but look at himself and then the taller, blue haired man before him with a blank stare.

Did he look like a stupid boy?

"You don't expect me to believe in this, right? Even Y/N says more logical things-"

"Paimon wants to disagree! Wanting to adopt slimes and petting hilichurls even though they don't attack Y/N but only us is no good thing!"

Yeah... That happened, BUT! In your defence, those slimes were cutely nudging your leg with a smile and one of them even offered a pretty-shaped, shiny rock to you as a gift! ಥ⁠‿⁠ಥ

( And most of the "New recipes" you learnt were from the Hilichurls, who suprisingly made amazing food and didn't attack you but... patted your hair? Even braided it even if it was a tiny one??Sat with you and ate whatever you cooked?? You though they were not that smart, according to what Aether told you but now, you strongly disagreed! They were great companions! Aether didn't know that you already befriended most of them and learnt their recipes, and you intended it to be this way hehe ｡⁠◕⁠‿⁠◕⁠｡ God knew what their reactions would be and that was enough to make you want to spill the beans while smiling cheekily)

"Hmm? What's that cheerful face you are making, you think I'm making this up?"

Kaeya: ಠ⁠ω⁠ಠ, Aether: ಠ⁠_⁠ಠ

Duh, so much so as being discreet Aether ರ⁠_⁠ರ

Kaeya, as the man who often hides his true feelings and thoughts behind a flirty and careless attitude, whined and pointed to his eye-patch with a pout

"Look at my eye-patch! It's a heirloom from my grandfather, It's a solid proof that we are blood related! Let's ask your friend what they think!"

Home boy was so sure you would side with hım just to annoy your companions LoL 😝

"Okay... Hey Y/N, is having an eye-patch a hereditary things?!"

*cue you looking around like a dog trying to determine where you were being called suddenly while cradling the PRETTIEST jewelry you had ever seen, zero-ing on to your friends up near the headquarters of the Knights*

"Nah, whoever says that bullshit is one hell of a Himbo and stupid!"

(did you... just call my precious main "a stupid Himbo"?? ಠ⁠ಗ⁠ಠ)

The Second Trait Aether Loved The Most About You: Brutal Honesty

It hurt whenever you said exactly what's in your mind okay?? ಥ⁠_⁠ಥ

That's why you toned it down, especially for Aether and Paimon, even if sarcasm was your love language... NO LONGER SAD AETHER AND PAIMON!

Now though, as they stared at Kaeya who was trying to hide his embrassment... It was only a source of joy for them

"My, my I didn't know that friend of yours had such a... brutal honesty." *Crying internally and trying to piece his shattered ego back together all the while pretending like it didn't hurt*

As much as Paimon was delighted to see the embrassment on Kaeya's face, since for once she wasn't the one on the receiving end of your honest remarks, she... wondered something none of the males did as she stared at your form down near the entrance of the city where you were waving excitedly at her with earrings on your other hand, purchasing them and speedwalking to where they were and slightly panting from the amount of running you had been doing.

Paimon turned to look at Aether from her shoulders with a confused face, pointing with her tiny finger to your form as the boy still didn't look at her

"Uh... Aether, how was Y/N able to hear us down there?", "Down there? What do you mean they were just... here..."

Aether was once again shocked to his core as he leaned over the balcony and stared at your form which was ... way too far away from where they were. Seriously, how did you hear him? You said you didn't have any powers!

And what gained your attention again?

"Hi! You know what, this place is amazing! I hadn't felt that alive in a long time! So... Where is the person who thinks eye-patch is heredi-" you exclaimed happily as you stepped up on the opening where the three were, playing with the shiny stones you got and the necklace you for for yourself while not holding back from insulting whoever that person was. Even those adults in your world was much smarter than that! But as often as it happened to you, you failed to take a look at the person who said that and see him and make the biggest mistake of your life...

By not realizing the hottest person you had ever seen in your entire life.

Was he really that handsome in the game too? The graphics surely didn't do enough justice to the gorgeous sight before you.

He was taller than you imagined, with those cool and perhaps exquisite clothing alongside the clinking sound his vision made against his leg. But perhaps,the tanned skin and with navy blue hair with lighter streaks waswhat made him even more cute in your eyes. Yes he was hot, obviously, but as he was looking at you with that teasing yet welcoming eyes of his... He looked so damn cute!

How could he both be masculine and feminine?! Why the hell did I fall for him as soon as I entered the city? No wonder he is "the top candidate for grandson-in-law"... *dreamy looks at him while planning 20 years from now on*

Kaeya, unknowingly but also having a gutfeeling about your flustered state at his body, bowed down slightly as he took a hold of your hand and kissed the back of it with that charming, side smile of his and let his lips linger there for a moment to watch your blush deepen slowly.

"It would be me, my lady/lord, I hope I didn't disappoint you with being... a stupid Himbo, I believe?" *Catsmiling at you with that flirtitous voice and rubs your knuckles*

*blushing while looking at the said person who cocked a surprised eyebrow at you who was blushing and looking at him- and the chest window obviously-with an open mouth, clearly down bad for him*

"Here we go again..." Aether, who definetly wasn't jealous of the sight before him and blushing at how intimate it somehow looked, facepalmed at yet once again... your attention being taken by a hot person. He only hoped that wouldn't occur again because he really didn't know what to do to get you away from them since you cried softly at being "seperated" from your true love or whatever.

*spoiler alert: it would only get worse as each day went by hehe*

"I'm surprised you didn't know such common knowledge, darling... Name is Kaeya Alberich, the Cavalry Captain. At your service."

"More like we are at your service!", "Stop flirting with my friend, Captain." A jealous Aether and Paimon exclaiming angrily with a hmph and you turned to look at the taller one with a quirked eye brow.

And absolutely confused at what was going on.

Can a person not have some fantasy world where they can live with the Prince charming for a little while? Why were they acting-

"Aww, are you jealous? Don't worry, you two will always be my favourite person!"

Aether: *smug smirks while being hugged to your chest* Paimon:* holds onto your sleeve as you pat her softly, also smug smirks* Kaeya: *defeated yet makes a new plan to gain your attention back*

Aaand that was how your first meeting went by. You having a raging attraction on Kaeya, him both flirting with you and trying his best to stay strong at your honest comments, Aether tugging on your sleeve to get you away from him (jealousy who?) and Paimon... Begging for food.

Except, all you three got was a mission... even if you also agreed with Paimon with needing food.

"You know what? We can use an ice blade to kill them and later put them out in the wild! That way, the sun would melt the ice and the murder weapon would be poof!" ☺️😁

Paimon: EEEEHHH?! (⁠‘⁠◉⁠⌓⁠◉⁠’⁠) 😳😨😧

Aether: (⁠´⁠⊙⁠ω⁠⊙⁠`⁠) "Please don't handcuff me, I don't know them." and Kaeya: (⁠✷⁠‿⁠✷⁠) "I found my friend!"

Aether was so sure that he could end up in some kind of jail, just by listening to you say this shit but... well, you were his bestie, he had to roll with it.

"Don't you feel... I don't know, even slightly disturbed at the way your mind works sometimes?", " Half of my intrusive thoughts are 'Stab yourself with that knife.' while the other half is 'Stab that person with the knife.' What do you think?" ಠ⁠_⁠ಠ

Kaeya, ASF: Note to future self, don't anger the one with Aether *writes down, mentally scared and sweating*

"Sooo... what's in that treasure? Gold?" *Huge gasp* "Maybe even better, jewelries!" You side-eyed Paimon harshly while rolling your eyes. Sometimes, she really forgot that none of you were much of jewelry people and that she shouldn't get too excited over a "suspicious mission".

"The only jewelry you wear is a hairclip."

"Paimon thinks you are being a meanie- Oh, what's that pretty flower in your pocket Y/N?" Aether slapped his forehead for what seemed like the hundreth time at Paimon, who much like you was easy to loose her track, but still raised a brow at you, just like Kaeya who also eyed the slightly peeking flower in your pocket.

And the sight made him almost choke on air, as his eyes slowly drifted up and he finally looked into your eyes.

Star-shaped ones, much like his, staring right at him with wonder... Face flush with embarrasment and running, all alive and lively, without a worry or a simple knowledge about the significance of your eyes and... the five petaled flower, four white and one blue, you held between your lithe fingers with a soft smile.

And with one look at your glimmering eyes, came another set of headaches to him and you. One that he wasn't able to conceal and groaned in pain, but you did behind a kind smile.

"I'm not so sure... A girl came up to me, just before I came here, and told me that a man in a dark armor, blonde hair and a mask wanted her to give this to me." You shrugged your shoulders noncholantly as your eyes stayed fixed on the pretty flower. Even while playing, and watching some edits about the game, you have never seen such flower except on Lumine's hair. The flower almost seemed like a stone, so dull and colorless though there was some sparkles when you touched its petals. Maybe it was because the flower was away from its homeland, as cliche and naive as it was...You didn't know where it came from or what was the meaning of it, but for some reasons...

The flower made you feel nostalgic and left you longing for... something.

What was it? Why couldn't you exactly say it? Why were you not bothered or slightly scared that someone gave you flowers in a world unkown to you? Why would someone fancy you at the same day you came to Mondstadt? Who was that man?

"I wish I saw them... It's so unrealistic that someone would-"

"It looks like the one on my sister's hair..." your attention was immediately on Aether and how sad he looked. Your heart broke for him, while scolding yourself for straying from your real mission on hand which was getting somehow a clue about his sister, and as the caring and motherly person you were...

You hugged him thightly to yourself. He was a "cutie patotie" in your eyes, not that these people would understand your affectionate terms. And for now, this mysterious person could wait: You had more important matters, such as coddling the boy between your arms!

"Well, maybe, we will see that man again and he might know something about her! Maybe this is a good omen!"

I highly doubt it, considering where it comes from, Kaeya bitterly thought to himself with his fingers playing with his chin thoughtfully. He couldn't help but wonder if you were a spy sent here but quickly dismissed the idea since you weren't even aware of the Seven Nations yet alone Mondstadt or the visions. You seemed like someone who didn't have any powers, except knowing when Aether was in danger as Paimon said, super-hearing and being a skilled swordfighter.

And where you came from seemed like a mystery to you as well. He knows Aether said you two were from another world, but in a way... So was Khaenri'ah, and he had to know it...

Know if you were... another survivor that might have just forgotten who they are as a result of erosion.

As Kaeya was deep in his thoughts, Aether hummed thoughtfully as he hugged you back, though you three were in public, even if there was a cute pink tinting over his cheek. He really didn't want to "ruin" your mood with how crestfallen he had become at the sight of that flower but he just... couldn't help it. With the way he parted ways with his sister, no the way he was forced to, always left a bitter taste on his tongue. He felt like he had failed her, they had never parted before and they never had to go for such a long time with no communication...

He missed her so much... But still, he didn't feel the longing and missing feeling so much with your and Paimon's presence: By the way you always hung out with them, took care of them by trying hard to learn how to cook, watch out for both of them as they slept (even if he made you think they were safe and sound sleep and not awake making sure you were safe too), how you always praised him for his hardwork, patted his head and even helped train with him...

And the best part was perhaps letting you comb through his hair and re-braid them. He didn't let you, for the longest time. Since you two just met, and he didn't know anything about you when he asked and you only said you didn't "remember" much, he didn't want to show a vulnerability to you. Whether you would stab him from the back, tug him back harshly from his hair and kill him... He wasn't sure of what to think about you, considering the life on the wild was already dangerous, but when he saw you begging him to go over a "baby hydro slime" to pat "him", cooing at it from a distance as he held you back with tears in your eyes as a result of "cuteness overload" as you ran at him as soon as he let go of you and watched with a soft smile...

He really liked you a lot... As a friend and companion of course!

Seeing his face contorted in a frown, you pouted and pondered for a few seconds for a way to change the subject and a bulb lighted above your head, visibly brightening your face.

"So... what's the 'super secret' mission you had for us again? I hope it's something risky!" you turned with your whole body to Kaeya with your arms still holding onto Aether thightly, as the man in question raised a brow at how... content you three looked.

A weird trio indeed...

"Why, if I may ask?" he, just as chivalrously as expected of him, asked. He smirked under his breath at how you flushed, even though this headache of his was starting to get him irritated but still... couldn't help but soften when you look down at the blonde in your grasp with obvious tenderness and familial care and then-

"So that I can come close to-hmph!" *harsh slap by none other than a blushing Aether and a bonk by Paimon, who were done with your dying tendencies*

"Nothing... Just explain it, Kaeya."

*Kaeya, shocked... But still gives a long and detailed explanation of the mission and what you three were supposed to look for and overly exaggerating the story while you three are like this*

"The sky used to roar with the thunders as my grandfather would grasp the handle of the sword, the waves get stronger and the sky was covered with the black clouds and strong storms! My grandfather, with the power of the sword, once killed a silver-haired fairy, an abyss dragon-"

"This seems like a huge lie." You, deadass serious: Ehe , ehe

"We can't let the sword to get on wrong hands! We need to get to it first!

"Are you for real? Really Paimon? You believed in his words." As Kaeya watched you bicker with the "floating baby" with a pout while she yelled at you, he hummed to himself and silently made plans for what to do with you and his mission as you three slowly walked away from him.

He had to watch out for you... especially since you seemed like you didn't know about your roots and what potential danger you were in.

At all.

"Perhaps, I should scout the area more... Can't have our guests in danger, now can we?" he said to no one and went to his own office, where he could find some silence, plan his next move on the "secret mission" he gave you and hope to spend some more time with you and Aether, hoping that him and you two...

Ahh, never mind... He was used to loneliness anyways.

But well... Would you look at that! Things, just as usual, didn't go according to plan, as usual, and now you three were tied up together- Wait, Paimon could fly? Why was she here? (ಠಿ⁠_⁠ಠ)

"I thought you could fly away Paimon!", "Paimon got panicked, okay?!", "Of all times... Now?!" (⁠θ⁠‿⁠θ⁠)

For Aether, the worst part wasn't being tied down with you two... It was the constant corny jokes you made, and the most-irritating-yet-funny-statements-that-he-definetly-didn't-find-funny you did.

"You know what, mister treasure hoarder? This is the most I've seen a guy putting in efforts to get me... Are you sure there isn't a sparkle between us?"🫦☺️

"Singing in the shower is fun.... Until you get soap inside your mouth, now it's soap opera!"/ "What did the ocean say to the beach?.. Nothing, it just waved!" ｡⁠◕⁠‿⁠◕⁠｡

Yeah, you get it. The pain of Paimon and Aether is real. ಠ⁠_⁠ಠ

Spoilers Alert: Your very much so bestfriend was already waiting in the Dendro Archon's land, who went by a certain name such as General Mahamatra and his ears ringed "without a reason" 😋

Boy was having the hardest time of his more than 3000 life ever by having to conceal his giggles and not irritate people even more. ಠ⁠﹏⁠ಠ

"Look Bro, I'd have reallyy wanted to act like a cute and girly girl who guys like you loves to prey on but It's against my codes, my morals! I just can't be one, just like you can't be smart enough to tell that I'm already outta the shackles~" you shook on tandem with the shackles between your hands and giggled before sprinting up towards them with Aether's sword that laid idly on the ground, fast on your steps.

*evil giggles, and proceeds to knock out them all in two simple blows and sitting down to munch on the snack you brought* "We should make more of this one! It's yummy!" 🤤😋☺️

Aether, to his future self: Don't tempt Y/N's wild tendencies or anger ✍🏻

He was impressed tho, he never would have thought that you were a strong person, that much at least. He never ever thought of seeing you jumping up and down between enemy like it was a game for you, swinging a bat you found on the corner after letting go of his sword... How did you even find it? How the hell did you get out of those shackles?? Yet alone beat those buff men twice, maybe thrice your size??

"It's a trick I learnt in my world! You see, these little shits are not that hard to-"

"Oh, I see that our newest Honorary Knights are feisty~" *Kaeya fucking Alberich who entered dramatically clapping his hands as a look of confusion yet teasing in his eye, smirking*

The ungodly shriek you and Paimon let out at the sight of him ☠️😅

"Hmm... Remember what I said back when you two beat the StormsTerror?" he asked as he tidied around for the last time, sending the hoarders and thieves into jail with other knights. Aether looked at him for a few seconds, then his face lightened up visibly at remembering it as he picked his sword up from the ground.

"That whether we are a new ally or a new storm?" Kaeya nodded and for a second, turned to look at your form that was now petting a cyro slime cutely, cooing at it as the slime gurgled and made cute sounds to you. He chuckled under his breath at how cute and oblivious you were, and how different you were than the rest who would usually go for killing it rather than adopting them, and how people gravitated towards you naturally... Even though you had the potential to become so much more...

He wondered what your story with him, and with Teyvat, entailed...

Of what you would become.

"I think you are a new ally... Welcome, to Mondstadt." He said looking directly at your face when you turned to look at him with a shocked yet happy smile, knowing full well that he wouldn't leave you alone and you would indulge with any kind of shenanigans with him... By flirting back! ヾ⁠(⁠･⁠ω⁠･⁠*⁠)⁠ﾉ

You had to take your revenge on him for making you feel like that😤

For now though... You had to have a good rest, preferably on a bed, so that this annoying headache ever since you got that flower would go away. Besides, as much as sleeping on the wild, cuddled together with the other two was cute and wholesome -except the times you watched over the two with a keen eye, draping your cape over their figures to warm them more- you desperately needed a good sleep like you used to have in your world.

"FINALLY! I'm so tired and I want to eat something! I'm literally craving and this close to cook Paimon-"

"Paimon is not an emergency food!" All of you chuckled at her answer as Kaeya helped you up and promised to treat you with Mondstadt's national foods as a special thank you which made your heart literally skip a beat at the flirty voice... Someone had to stop this man.

How did he always find a way to flirt?? Does he not run out of ideas?? Ahh, he knows the effect he has... Dangerous indeed, you sighed but nodded anyways. A little bit of fun wouldn't hurt anyone, right?

*cue the "Careless Whisper" entering your mind as he helped you and you both looked at each other for a few seconds and Aether butting in and pushing Kaeya out of the way to lead you himself, while the man was left dumbfounded but even more determined*

"So, how about we go and eat together Y/N? What did you say you were craving again?"

You were definetly going to be the Storm that caused havoc and turned Teyvat upside down.

For now though... You had to meet with some new people, after arriving to the city of course.

Oh boi, you weren't ready to meet all those hot people that would come across you lol

#genshin impact imagines #genshin impact x you #genshin impact x reader #genshin impact x gender neutral reader #genshin x reader #genshin x you #genshin x y/n #genshin imagines #genshin impact #genshin fanfic #aether x reader #aether x you #kaeya x reader #kaeya x you

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thirtysomethingloser92 · 26 days ago

Text

Rule 3: Don’t let the lines blur between your sugar daddy and your personal or professional life.

There were five rules to being a sugar baby—or so you’d heard.

If an opportunity falls into your lap, you take it.

Everything is purely transactional.

Don’t let the lines blur between your sugar daddy and your personal or professional life.

Never meet anyone in his inner circle—no close friends, no family.

Unless it’s in writing, underlined, signed by two lawyers, and you get a new Hermes handbag afterward, don’t fuck your sugar daddy.

So why was it so damn hard to keep these rules in place when it came to your CEO Remy LeBeau?

It had been a month since your whirlwind trip to the Caribbean. The sun-drenched beaches and luxurious villa now felt like a distant memory, almost dreamlike in comparison to the steady rhythm of daily life that had resumed back home. There hadn’t been any lavish getaways since then—no private jets, no sprawling estates, no tropical breezes carrying away your worries. But despite the return to reality, there were still moments when your world felt touched by that same sense of indulgence, thanks to Remy.

Though the everyday grind had crept back in, Remy made sure to remind you that your time together wasn’t confined to exotic vacations. He had a way of turning even the simplest days into something special. Some mornings, you’d walk into the office and find a beautifully wrapped box waiting on your desk—its contents never failing to surprise you. One day, it was an elegant silk scarf, hand-stitched in Italy, the kind of luxury accessory you’d never have thought to buy for yourself. His note had simply read, Thought this would look good on ya.

Another time, after a particularly grueling week at work, Remy had whisked you away to a quiet dinner at a secluded rooftop restaurant. The city lights had shimmered below as he handed you a small, delicate bracelet—gold, with tiny emeralds embedded around its circumference. “To match your eyes,” he’d said with a wolfish grin, though the sincerity in his gaze made your heart skip a beat.

There were other gifts too—lavish perfumes from Paris, a pair of designer heels he'd casually gave you over lunch one afternoon, and even a limited-edition watch that gleamed on your wrist, one he'd given you with the offhand comment, ‘Figured y’ could use somethin’ t’ keep track o’ time, since y’ always losin’ it.’

But despite the lavish gestures, life had largely returned to its usual rhythm—work, deadlines, and the endless hum of the office. You and Yelena were huddled by the breakroom counter, barely holding it together as laughter bubbled between the two of you. Yelena had just finished a spot-on impression of Jane, her voice pitched high, mimicking the way Jane had stormed into the office earlier, waving papers around like they were on fire.

“And then she slam folder down, like this—” Yelena smacked her hand against the counter, sending the sugar packets scattering, “—and said, I swear, if I have to clean up intern’s mess, I will personally hunt down their entire family tree and make sure incompetence is hereditary!”

You were doubled over, clutching your stomach as you tried to catch your breath. “I thought she was going to throw the entire printer at him!” you gasped, tears of laughter pricking at your eyes. “He looked like he was ready to crawl under the desk and never come out.”

Yelena grinned, shaking her head. “Poor kid. He didn’t even know what hit him. Jane’s like tornado in heels.”

You snorted, lifting your cup of tea for a sip, still grinning from ear to ear. “And all of that over a missed deadline for the monthly projection report. You’d think the world was ending.”

Yelena leaned back against the counter, crossing her arms with a smirk. “To Jane, probably was.”

You and Yelena were still laughing about Jane’s meltdown when the door to the breakroom swung open. Remy strolled in, his presence commanding the space immediately, his usual smirk already in place. He leaned casually against the doorframe, arms crossed, watching the two of you with a raised eyebrow.

“Well, well,” he drawled, his voice smooth and teasing. “Didn’t expect t’ find the office comedians hidin’ out in here. Thought y’all were hard at work.”

You shot him a playful glare, barely keeping a straight face. “We are hard at work,” you said, leaning back against the counter. “This is called team-building. You should try it sometime.”

Yelena, standing next to you, snorted but remained silent, her eyes flicking between you and Remy with a curious glint. She folded her arms, clearly intrigued, but content to watch the exchange unfold.

“Team-building, huh?” Remy pushed himself off the doorframe, strolling farther into the room, his eyes locked on you. “Looks more like y’all are slackin’ off. I should probably dock your pay for this.”

You raised an eyebrow, crossing your arms in mock defiance. “Dock my pay? Please. I’m more productive than half the people in this office combined.”

Remy’s smirk deepened as he moved closer, his gaze never leaving yours. “That so? Well, as the CEO of the place, I’ll be the judge of that.”

Yelena raised her eyebrows, watching intently, but she said nothing, clearly entertained by the banter. You could practically feel her eyes boring into the two of you as the tension in the room shifted.

You scoffed, rolling your eyes but unable to fully suppress a grin. “Oh, right. Mr. Owner of the company. Remind me again, how often do you actually work? Or do you just wander around charming everyone and collecting paychecks?”

Remy chuckled, stepping even closer, his voice dropping to that familiar low, teasing tone that always seemed to make your pulse quicken. “I like t’ think of it as delegatin’. Keeps things runnin’ smooth. Plus, I got talented people like y’ t’ do all the heavy liftin’ for me.”

Yelena let out a quiet laugh, clearly loving every second of this. “This is… fascinating,” she murmured, mostly to herself, but loud enough for you to hear. Her eyes were practically sparkling with curiosity as she watched the back-and-forth unfold.

You shot Yelena a quick glance before turning your attention back to Remy, your arms still crossed, but a playful smile tugging at your lips. “Yeah, well, maybe if you did some of the heavy lifting yourself, you'd know what real work looks like.”

Remy leaned against the counter next to you, his smirk softening into something a little more genuine, though still laced with amusement. “Y’ tryin’ t’ say I’m just a pretty face, chère?”

You raised an eyebrow, meeting his gaze head-on. “If the shoe fits…”

Yelena let out an exaggerated gasp, covering her mouth as if scandalized. “Oh my God,” she teased, eyes wide with mock shock. “Did you insult the boss?”

Remy grinned, his eyes never leaving yours. “Don’t worry, Yelena. I like it when she talks dirty. Keeps things interestin’.”

You shook your head, unable to stop the laughter bubbling up. “Of course you do. You love the challenge.”

“Love it?” Remy echoed, his voice dropping to a lower, more intimate tone that made your breath hitch. “Live for it.”

Yelena, clearly sensing the tension between you two, smirked and took a step back, folding her arms as she leaned against the doorframe, watching with barely concealed amusement. “I feel I should leave you alone,” she said, though she made no move to actually leave. “But this too good to miss.”

You turned to her, trying to keep a straight face. “We’re just talking.”

“Uh-huh,” she replied, her grin widening. “Sure. Just talking. This how everyone talks to guy who owns company, right?”

Remy chuckled, his gaze flicking briefly to Yelena before returning to you. “I’m a very hands-off boss,” he said, his tone laced with innuendo. “I let people get away with murder… as long as they keep things fun.”

Yelena snorted, shaking her head. “Yeah, yeah. I’m sure that what you tell yourself.” She glanced at you, her expression playful. “Just don’t let him get distracted, okay? I don’t need Jane coming after me next for whatever report you supposed to be finishing.”

You rolled your eyes dramatically. “Don’t worry, Yelena. I can handle Remy and get my work done.”

Remy’s smirk grew, his voice dripping with amusement. “Handle me, huh? That sounds like a challenge, chère.”

Before you could respond, Yelena shook her head, laughing softly as she grabbed her coffee from the counter. “I am out,” she said, making her way toward the door. “I’ll leave you two… whatever this is.”

You shot her a mock glare, your face warming slightly. “Traitor.”

Yelena winked as she passed. “Good luck,” she teased, giving Remy a playful nod before slipping out of the room.

Now it was just you and Remy, the air between you practically buzzing with the unspoken tension. He leaned against the counter beside you, his eyes locking onto yours with that familiar, lazy confidence.

“So,” he drawled, his voice dropping a little lower, “y’ still gonna pretend y’ don’t enjoy our little exchanges, or y’ finally gonna admit y’ like keepin’ me on my toes?”

You bit your lip, trying to suppress the grin threatening to break free. “Maybe,” you said, your tone light but your heart racing, “but I’m not going to make it easy for you.”

His grin widened, his eyes gleaming with challenge. “Wouldn’t want it any other way, chère.”

You shook your head, laughing softly, the tension between you two simmering just beneath the surface, always there, always waiting to flare up again. The playful tension between you and Remy lingered in the breakroom, the air buzzing with the sort of energy that always seemed to follow whenever the two of you were alone. His eyes were still locked on yours, that ever-present smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. You could feel the heat of his gaze, and despite your best efforts to keep things casual, your pulse quickened.

He straightened up slightly, his expression shifting just enough to catch your attention. The playful glint in his eyes remained, but there was something else there now—something more deliberate.

“Tell y’ what,” he said, his voice low and smooth. “Why don’t y’ come up to my office at lunch?”

You raised an eyebrow, your interest piqued. “Your office?”

He nodded, leaning in just a little closer, his voice dropping even more, like he was letting you in on a secret. “Yeah. I’ve got somethin’ I wanna show ya.”

Your eyes narrowed slightly, curiosity taking over. “Something you want to show me? That sounds… suspicious.”

Remy chuckled, the sound low and warm, the kind of laugh that always made your stomach do a little flip. “Trust me, chère. It’s worth your time.”

You tried to keep your expression neutral, though you could feel the grin creeping onto your face. “Oh really? This isn’t just an excuse to get me alone in your office, is it?”

His smirk widened, the teasing glint in his eyes dancing in the soft light of the breakroom. “Now, would I do somethin’ like that?”

You shot him a knowing look, one eyebrow raised. “Yes. Yes, you would. That’s exactly something you’d do.”

Remy held up his hands in mock surrender, though the grin never left his face. “Alright, y’ caught me. But this time, I promise—there’s actually somethin’ important I wanna show ya.”

You tilted your head, considering him for a moment. There was something in his tone, a seriousness beneath the usual teasing, that made you believe he wasn’t just messing around. Still, you couldn’t resist keeping the banter going. “Fine. But if this turns out to be some elaborate prank, I’m holding it over your head forever.”

He grinned, his eyes sparkling with amusement. “Fair enough. I’ll take that risk.”

You shook your head, chuckling softly. “Alright, lunch it is. I’ll be up there.”

Remy gave you a wink, turning to leave the breakroom, but not before throwing one last playful comment over his shoulder. “Don’t keep me waitin’, chère. I’m not a patient man.”

You rolled your eyes but couldn’t help the smile that tugged at your lips as you watched him walk out. The door swung shut behind him, and the room felt quieter, like he’d taken all the energy with him. You stood there for a moment, still processing the exchange, feeling a strange mix of curiosity and anticipation bubbling up inside you.

What could he possibly have to show you? Knowing Remy, it could be anything, but there was something about the way he’d said it that made you think this wasn’t just some casual flirtation. Whatever it was, you were intrigued.

As you turned back to your tea, Yelena’s voice suddenly cut through your thoughts.

“So,” she said, her tone rich with amusement as she leaned against the doorframe, clearly having lingered just outside, “what that about?”

You nearly jumped, glancing over at her with wide eyes. “How long have you been standing there?”

Yelena shrugged, her grin widening. “Long enough to hear that he got something to show you in office.” She wiggled her eyebrows suggestively, “So,” she said, her tone layered with curiosity and amusement. “What really going on between you and Remy?”

You blinked, turning to look at her. “What do you mean?”

Yelena gave you a pointed look, crossing her arms as she leaned against the counter. “Oh, come on. Don’t play dumb with me. No boss talk to employee like that unless something going on. Not unless he got zero fear of sexual harassment suit.”

You felt heat rise in your cheeks, and you quickly turned back to your half-empty cup of tea, trying to gather your thoughts. “It’s not like that.”

Yelena raised an eyebrow, clearly not buying it. “Uh-huh. Right. So, let me get this straight—he owns company, flirts with you constantly, and now he’s asked you to come up to his office for ‘special meeting’ at lunch. And you expect me believe there nothing?”

You sighed, running a hand through your hair. “We’re just… bantering. That’s how he is with everyone. Yelena snorted, shaking her head. “No. The way he look at you? That not ‘everyone.’ That’s specific. And don’t even try tell me you haven’t noticed.”

You bit your lip, trying to suppress the flutter in your chest. Of course, you’d noticed. How could you not? The way Remy’s eyes always seemed to linger on you just a little too long, the way his voice dropped when he spoke to you, like you were the only person in the room. But admitting that to Yelena, especially when you weren’t sure what to make of it yourself, felt like stepping into dangerous territory.

“It’s just… harmless flirting,” you said, though your voice lacked the confidence you’d hoped for. “He’s like that with everyone.”

“Uh-huh,” Yelena replied, her tone dripping with sarcasm. “I’ve seen the way he‘like that’ with everyone. Trust me, it’s not the same.”

You sighed again, leaning back against the counter and staring into your tea. “Okay, fine. He flirts. A lot. But it doesn’t mean there’s anything going on.”

Yelena studied you for a moment, her eyes narrowing slightly like she was trying to read between the lines of what you weren’t saying. “You sure about that? Because I’ve seen way you look at him too.”

You felt your pulse quicken, and you quickly looked away, focusing on the sugar packets scattered across the counter. “What are you talking about?”

Yelena smirked, clearly enjoying this. “You think I haven’t noticed? You get all flustered when he’s around. And don’t even get me started on how you bite your lip when he talking to you. It’s like a scene straight out of rom-com.”

You groaned, rubbing your forehead. “I don’t bite my lip.”

Yelena raised an eyebrow, crossing her arms. “Oh, you definitely do.”

You shook your head, refusing to meet her eyes. “It’s not like that. I’m just… It’s complicated.”

“Complicated,” Yelena repeated, leaning in slightly. “I see. So, it’s not you don’t like him, it’s that you’re trying figure out what do about it.”

You glared at her, though there was no real heat in it. “You’re way too invested in this.”

Yelena grinned, unbothered by your attempt at deflection. “Can you blame me? It’s like watching a slow-burn romance unfold in real time. I just waiting for one of you to finally make move.”

You rolled your eyes, though you couldn’t help the smile tugging at your lips. “It’s not a romance.”

“Yet,” Yelena added with a wink.

You sighed, shifting your weight as you tried to gather your thoughts. “Look, even if I did… feel something,” you said carefully, “he’s still my boss. And I don’t need that kind of complication in my life.”

Yelena nodded, her expression softening a little. “I get that. But from where I stand, it like he’s already made his move. And if it’s same, maybe it’s worth figuring out?”

You bit your lip again, her words sinking in. “Maybe. But it’s still risky.”

Yelena shrugged, her smirk returning. “Life is risky. But you could do worse than guy who owns the company and can’t stop looking at you like you only person room.”

You huffed out a laugh, shaking your head. “You’re impossible, you know that?”

“Someone gotta keep you honest,” Yelena replied with a grin. “Now, go have your ‘lunch meeting’ with boss. And hey, if he showing you anything that not safe for work, feel free to skip details when you get back.”

You groaned, playfully shoving her as you grabbed your tea and headed for the door. “You’re the worst.”

Yelena laughed, waving you off. “Just don’t keep him waiting. You know how impatient he gets.”

As you walked back to your desk, you couldn’t help but feel a little lighter, though that familiar flutter of anticipation was still buzzing in your chest. Lunch couldn’t come fast enough.

As lunch hour finally rolled around, you could feel the weight of anticipation growing with every step you took toward Remy’s office. You tried to play it cool, reminding yourself that whatever this was, it was just another one of his games—another round of the lighthearted banter that always seemed to pull you closer to him, no matter how hard you tried to resist.

Still, as you reached the door to his office, your heart gave a little flutter. You took a deep breath before knocking, and almost immediately, you heard his familiar, smooth voice call out, “Come in, chère.”

You pushed the door open to find him leaning back in his chair, that signature smirk firmly in place as his eyes met yours. The office was filled with soft sunlight streaming through the large windows, casting a warm glow over everything. He looked effortlessly at ease, as always, like he had all the time in the world.

“Look who made it,” he teased, his eyes glinting with amusement as you stepped inside. “I was startin’ t’ think y’ got cold feet.”

You rolled your eyes, shutting the door behind you. “Please, Remy. You’re not that intimidating.”

He chuckled, leaning forward slightly, resting his elbows on his desk. “Oh, I’d never dream o’ intimidatin’ y’. Y’ too tough for that.”

You crossed your arms, giving him a playful look. “So, what’s so important that I had to come all the way up here?”

As Remy rounded the desk, his movements slow and deliberate, you felt a wave of unease ripple through you. It wasn’t fear, exactly—Remy had never given you a reason to feel afraid of him—but there was always something about him that made you feel as though you were constantly on the edge of something. A precipice, maybe. A cliff you couldn’t quite see over. And now, as he came to a stop just inches in front of you, that feeling was more pronounced than ever.

His eyes, sharp and calculating as always, flicked over your face like he was trying to read your every thought, your every emotion. You could feel your pulse quicken under that gaze, heat rising to your cheeks despite your best efforts to maintain composure. He was infuriating in how easily he could unnerve you with just a look, a smirk, a raised brow. And when he held out his hand, you couldn’t help but feel like you were stepping into dangerous territory, even though you had no idea what was coming next.

You arched an eyebrow, letting your gaze flick down to his outstretched hand before meeting his eyes again. “What’s this?” you asked, your voice tinged with both curiosity and wariness.

His smile softened, but that teasing glint never left his eyes. “Take my hand, chère,” he said, his voice low, that familiar drawl wrapping around you like a slow-burning flame. “I got somethin’ we need t’ talk about.”

There was something about the way he said it, something in the weight of his words, that made your chest tighten. Despite the easygoing smile on his face, there was a seriousness in his tone that you couldn’t ignore. You hesitated, just for a second, wondering if you should brace yourself for whatever conversation was about to unfold. But you knew Remy—he wasn’t going to let this go. There was always a purpose behind every word, every movement, even when he made it seem like there wasn’t.

So, after a brief pause, you slid your hand into his. His grip was firm, warm, and a little too familiar. The moment your fingers intertwined, your heart skipped a beat. His thumb brushed softly over your knuckles, sending a jolt of something—awareness, a quiet thrill—through you. You hated how easily he could get under your skin, how that simple touch made you feel both grounded and completely untethered at the same time.

And then he looked at you, his expression shifting from playful to something more intense. More serious. The weight of whatever this was settled in the air between you, thick and undeniable.

“I’ve noticed somethin’,” he said, his voice steady, but soft enough that it sent a shiver down your spine. “Y’ been payin’ your rent on the card.”

The words hit you like a punch to the gut, and before you could even think, your eyes widened in shock. Instinctively, you tried to yank your hand back, as if pulling away from him would somehow make the situation less real, less intimate. But Remy held on, his grip firm, his gaze unwavering. There was no running from this.

“Remy, I—" you started, the words tumbling out in a rush, but he cut you off with a shake of his head.

“Don’t,” he said, his voice low but commanding. He wasn’t angry, you could tell that much. In fact, his tone was almost gentle, but it held a kind of finality that warned you not to argue. “Don’t y’ worry. I ain’t mad. Just think it’s time we had a little chat ‘bout it.”

You swallowed hard, trying to calm the sudden rush of adrenaline surging through your veins. You wanted to explain, to make him understand that you hadn’t meant to take advantage, that things had just gotten out of hand. But the way he was looking at you—steady, unblinking, like he could see right through you—made it impossible to form a coherent thought. You felt exposed, vulnerable in a way you hadn’t expected.

“Look,” you said, your voice much quieter now, “I was going to tell you. I just… I didn’t want you to think I was using you.”

Remy’s expression softened, and for a moment, something like understanding flickered in his eyes. He gave your hand another gentle squeeze, pulling you just a little closer as if to assure you that he wasn’t upset, wasn’t accusing you of anything.

“I know y’ better than that,” he said quietly. “Ain’t about that. I just wanna know what’s goin’ on with y’. Is everythin’ alright?”

His words caught you off guard, and you found yourself staring at him, unsure of how to respond. Was everything alright? No, not really. But you hadn’t expected him to ask, hadn’t expected him to care beyond the superficial. Remy was always so smooth, so detached from anything too serious. But now, standing this close, his hand still wrapped around yours, you realized this was different. He wasn’t just making small talk. He was genuinely concerned.

“I…” You hesitated, feeling a lump form in your throat. “It’s just been tough, okay? My landlord raised the rent again last week, and I’m barely making enough to cover my share of it. I didn’t want to ask you for a raise so I thought I could just use the card.”

For the first time, Remy’s smirk faded completely, replaced by something quieter, something more thoughtful.

“Why didn’t y’ say somethin’ sooner?” he asked softly. There was no judgment in his voice, just a quiet question that made your chest ache, “I mean, that’s why I gave ya the card. But if y’ need help, y’ jus’ have t’ ask.”

You shrugged, feeling a little embarrassed now, even though you knew you didn’t need to be. “Because I can handle my own stuff.”

Remy’s lips curved into a small, almost sad smile. “It’s not a problem. Not to me.”

The sincerity in his voice, the way he was looking at you now, made your heart twist in your chest. You weren’t used to this from him—this rawness, this openness. And it scared you a little, how easily he could see through your defenses, how easily he had broken through the walls you’d built to protect yourself.

Before you had a chance to respond, Remy tugged on your hand again, pulling you just a little closer, until you were standing right in front of him, the space between you all but nonexistent.

“Come with me,” he said, his voice low but firm. There was no room for argument, no room for hesitation. And despite the flurry of emotions buzzing in your mind—confusion, fear, gratitude, something else you couldn’t quite name—you found yourself nodding.

As you stepped into the hallway, the bustling office atmosphere seemed to shift. The usual hum of conversation and keyboard clicks faded into a palpable silence, broken only by the sound of Remy's confident footsteps and your slightly hesitant ones. You could feel the weight of curious stares from your coworkers, their gazes following your linked hands with poorly concealed interest.

Remy, however, appeared entirely unfazed. He walked with his characteristic easy confidence, his posture relaxed yet purposeful. As you passed by cubicles and conference rooms, he offered polite nods to those who caught his eye, but his grip on your hand remained steady, grounding you amidst the growing whispers.

You felt a ripple of unease coursing through you. The warmth of Remy's hand in yours was both comforting and disconcerting, a stark reminder of the undefined nature of your relationship. You could almost hear the rumor mill starting to churn, could practically see the raised eyebrows and knowing smirks. Your cheeks burned, and you found yourself wishing you could disappear into the plush carpet beneath your feet.

Just as the weight of the stares became almost unbearable, Remy pushed open the glass doors of the office building. The crisp afternoon air hit you like a refreshing wave, carrying with it the scents of the city - car exhaust, nearby food vendors, and the faint aroma of coffee from a nearby café. You blinked rapidly, momentarily blinded by the sudden brightness of the sun after the dimmer office lighting.

Remy's pace didn't slow. He led you down the wide stone steps, his hand still firmly clasping yours. At the curb, a sleek black car waited, its polished surface reflecting the bustling city around it. It was clearly expensive - the kind of vehicle that turned heads and invited whispers of its own.

Without a word, Remy released your hand and moved to open the passenger door. The loss of contact left you feeling strangely bereft, and you found yourself missing the warmth of his touch. He motioned for you to climb inside, his expression unreadable - a mask of calm collectedness that revealed nothing of his intentions.

You hesitated, your feet rooted to the sidewalk. Your eyes searched his face, trying to decipher any hint of what was to come. But Remy's features remained impassive, his eyes holding a depth of emotion you couldn't quite place. It was clear that whatever this was, it wasn't a game or one of his usual pranks. There was a seriousness to his demeanor that both intrigued and unnerved you.

The sounds of the city seemed to fade away as you stood there, caught in this moment of indecision. A gentle breeze ruffled your hair, carrying with it the faint scent of Remy's cologne. You took a deep breath, steeling yourself for whatever was to come.

With a small nod, more to yourself than to Remy, you stepped forward and slid into the car's plush leather seat. As Remy closed the door behind you, you couldn't shake the feeling that you were crossing a threshold - not just into a car, but into something new and unknown. Your heart raced with a mixture of anticipation and trepidation as you wondered where this unexpected journey would lead.

“Where are we going?” you finally asked, your voice quieter than you intended.

Remy glanced over at you, his gaze soft but serious. “Upper East Side,” he said, leaning back into the leather seat with that casual grace he always carried. “There’s somethin’ I wanna show y’. Somethin’ I need your opinion on.”

You blinked, caught off guard by the weight in his tone. My opinion? That wasn’t something you were used to hearing from him, not like this. The Remy you knew was always the one in control, the one with the answers, never one to defer to anyone else’s judgment.

“My opinion?” you echoed, raising an eyebrow.

He nodded, his eyes never leaving yours. “I trust y’r judgment. I wouldn’t be askin’ if it didn’t matter.”

You stared at him, searching for any trace of his usual teasing or the playful smirk that always danced on his lips, but there was none. He was serious. Whatever this was, it wasn’t just another one of his games or some casual afternoon distraction. This was something bigger.

After a long pause, you nodded. “Okay. What is it?”

Remy’s gaze softened, and he glanced out the window for a moment, watching the city blur by as the car hummed along the busy streets. “You’ll see soon enough,” he said, his voice low. “But I need y’ t’ be honest with me. When I show y’ what I’ve been workin’ on, I want y’ t’ tell me exactly what y’ think.”

Your curiosity was fully piqued now. Remy, the man who coasted through life with effortless charm, always so sure of himself, was asking you for your opinion. And from the tone of his voice, it wasn’t about something trivial—it was about something that mattered to him. Something important.

You leaned back in your seat, your mind racing with possibilities. “Alright,” you agreed quietly. “I’ll be honest.”

He glanced at you again, his lips curving into a small, appreciative smile. “Good. That’s all I need.”

The car fell into a calm silence for a moment, the engine’s hum and the soft sounds of the city outside the only noise between you. You watched as the skyscrapers and busy streets turned into the quieter, more pristine avenues of the Upper East Side.

Finally, you couldn’t resist breaking the silence. “So,” you said, glancing at him with a raised eyebrow, “what do you think people are going to say when we get back to the office? You know they’re already talking about us being seen leaving together.”

Remy let out a low chuckle, his grin widening. “Oh, chère, don’t y’ know? The office gossip mill’s probably in full swing already. I give it five minutes before everyone’s got some wild theory ‘bout us.”

You groaned, shaking your head. “Great. That’s exactly what I need—more rumors flying around.”

He shot you a playful glance, his smile turning mischievous. “What, y’ don’t like a little attention? I thought y’ enjoyed keepin’ ‘em on their toes.”

You gave him a mock glare. “You love keeping them on their toes. I’d rather not have everyone thinking I’m sneaking off with the boss for anything but work.”

Remy’s grin deepened, his eyes sparkling. “Oh, chère, I think most of ‘em already suspect there’s more goin’ on than just work.”

You rolled your eyes, but you couldn’t stop the small smile that tugged at your lips. “Well, they can keep wondering. I’m not giving them the satisfaction.”

“Let ‘em wonder,” Remy said with a shrug, turning his gaze back out the window. “Keeps things interestin’.”

You laughed softly, shaking your head. “You’re impossible.”

“And y’ love it,” he teased, his voice warm and teasing.

You shot him a sideways glance, but you didn’t deny it. There was something about this—about him—that made everything feel electric, like you were constantly walking the line between what was real and what was just part of his charm. And maybe, just maybe, you didn’t mind. Not as much as you pretended to, anyway.

As the car slowed to a stop, your heart raced slightly, your mind still spinning with questions about what was coming next. Remy opened the door and stepped out, holding out a hand to help you out of the car. You took it, the familiarity of his touch grounding you as you stepped onto the sidewalk.

He led you toward a sleek, modern building with a doorman who greeted him with a polite nod. The moment you stepped inside the building, you were greeted by an air of understated elegance. The lobby was vast and open, with polished marble floors that gleamed under the soft, ambient lighting. The walls were a rich, deep gray, accented by sleek black trim and modern art pieces that gave the space a sophisticated, minimalist feel. A large, abstract sculpture stood in the center of the room, its metallic surface catching the light in subtle, eye-catching ways. The smell of fresh flowers lingered in the air, coming from the oversized arrangement that sat on a glass table near the back, right next to a concierge desk.

The concierge, a sharply dressed man with a professional but warm demeanor, smiled as Remy approached. Without a word, the man handed over a small, sleek swipe card, which Remy accepted with a nod and his typical easygoing charm. He turned back to you, his smirk firmly in place as he walked over, the swipe card held loosely between his fingers.

“Come on,” he said, his voice low and confident as he reached for your hand. His fingers wrapped around yours, and with a gentle tug, he led you toward the elevator.

You followed, trying to ignore the flutter in your chest as he pulled you along with that effortless confidence of his. As you reached the brushed steel doors of the elevator, he swiped the card through a small reader, and the doors slid open with a soft chime. He stepped inside, still holding your hand, and pulled you in behind him.

As the elevator began its smooth ascent, you glanced around at the luxurious details—the dark wood paneling on the walls, the soft lighting, and the subtle hum of the elevator as it carried you upward. You couldn’t help but raise an eyebrow, turning to Remy.

“So, what is this place?” you asked, your tone teasing but curious. “Your supervillain lair?”

Remy chuckled, leaning back against the wall of the elevator, his eyes gleaming with amusement. “Not quite,” he said, his Louisiana drawl lingering in the air. “Though I gotta admit, I wouldn’t mind havin’ a secret lair. Maybe in my next buildin’.”

You shook your head, grinning. “This is a little fancy, even for you. What, are you branching into the real estate business now?”

His smirk widened as he shrugged. “I dabble in a few things. Keeps life interestin’.”

The elevator continued its smooth ascent, and you felt a slight shift in pressure, indicating that you were moving high—really high. You glanced at the panel, noting that there were no buttons for floors, just a small screen indicating the building’s top level.

“So, what’s at the top of this tower of yours?” you asked, raising an eyebrow. “A dragon? A hoard of gold?”

Remy chuckled again, his eyes gleaming with something like excitement. “You’ll see soon enough, chère. Just trust me.”

You shook your head, smiling despite yourself. “I’m not sure if I should be nervous or impressed.”

“Maybe a little bit o’ both,” he said with a wink.

Just then, the elevator slowed to a stop, and the doors slid open with a soft chime. You stepped out, and the first thing that hit you was the sheer size of the space.

You were standing in a massive penthouse, the kind of place that looked like it belonged in a luxury magazine. The ceilings were high—probably fifteen feet, maybe more—and the floor-to-ceiling windows stretched across most of the far wall, offering a breathtaking, panoramic view of the city below. The sunlight poured in, casting a soft, golden glow over the room.

The interior was modern and sleek, with clean lines, rich hardwood floors, and minimalist furniture designed for both style and comfort. There was a massive sectional couch in the center of the room, facing a fireplace that was somehow both elegant and understated. The open-concept design made the space feel even larger, with a kitchen in one corner featuring marble countertops and top-of-the-line appliances.

But it was the view that truly stole your breath.

You found yourself slowly walking over to the windows, your eyes wide as you took in the city below. From this height, you could see nearly everything—the sprawling skyline, the glittering river in the distance, and the endless sea of buildings stretching out toward the horizon. It felt like you were standing on top of the world.

“You weren’t kidding,” you murmured, staring out in awe. “This is… incredible.”

Remy walked up behind you, his hands casually slipping into his pockets. “Figured you’d like it. View’s somethin’, huh?”

You glanced over your shoulder at him, a playful smile tugging at your lips. “Yeah, this is beautiful… but I probably should’ve mentioned earlier—this might be a terrible time to tell you I’m scared of heights.”

Remy let out a deep, amused laugh, the sound rich and warm, filling the large space between you. “Chère, you’ve been hangin’ out with me long enough. Heights should be the least of y’r worries.”

As his laughter faded, the quiet settled back into the room, and Remy found himself standing there, just watching you with a soft smile tugging at the corners of his lips. At first, he wasn’t sure what it was—this sudden stillness, this unfamiliar feeling creeping up on him. He’d spent years perfecting the art of charming and moving through life with a certain carefree ease, never letting anyone get too close, never letting anyone in. But here you were, standing by that enormous window, bathed in the soft afternoon light, and something inside him shifted.

He watched the way your eyes flickered with awe as you took in the view, the city stretching out beneath you like a glittering sea of opportunity and chaos. You were so different from anyone else he’d ever known. You didn’t fawn over him, didn’t fall for his usual tricks or charm. Instead, you challenged him, kept him guessing. Kept him grounded. And for someone like Remy, who was used to coasting through life, always on the move, always one step ahead, that was something new. Something unexpected.

He had brought you here today with the intention of showing you the penthouse—of getting your opinion, sure—but as he stood there, watching you, he realized it was more than that. He wasn’t just seeking your thoughts on the place. He was seeking you. Your presence. Your approval. He trusted you, but more than that, he wanted you to be a part of it. A part of this.

And that terrified him.

He’d never been one for permanence, never been one to settle in any sense of the word. But with you, things felt… different. He wasn’t sure when exactly it had happened—when the easy flirtation had turned into something else, something deeper—but it had snuck up on him in a way that made him feel both out of control and entirely captivated. The way you looked at him, the way your smile softened when you caught him off guard—it was like you saw past all the layers of charm and confidence, past the walls he’d built, and yet, you stayed.

Remy stood there, hands slipping into his pockets as he tried to steady himself against the unfamiliar tug in his chest. He wasn’t supposed to feel like this—not this quickly, not with you. But here he was, and for the first time in a long time, he didn’t want to run from it.

He cleared his throat, more for himself than anything else, trying to shake off the weight of what he was feeling. “Yeah…” he said, his voice a little softer now, more thoughtful, “heights should be the least of y’r worries.”

But even as the words left his lips, his gaze lingered on you. He wasn’t sure if you’d noticed the shift in him—if you could feel it too—but he hoped, in some quiet way, that you did. Because the more time he spent with you, the harder it was to ignore what was happening between you. And while part of him wanted to push it aside, to pretend it wasn’t there, the other part—the part that was standing here now, watching you with a kind of awe—was ready to lean into it. To see where it could go.

For a man like Remy, who had spent his whole life dodging attachments, that was a dangerous thought. But as he looked at you, standing there with that quiet, confident grace, he realized that maybe—just maybe—he was ready for the risk.

Maybe you were worth it.

For a moment, Remy said nothing, just watching you with that unreadable look he often wore when he was calculating something—something you could never quite figure out. His eyes, usually dancing with mischief, were softer now, almost contemplative. He let out a small sigh, glancing around the sprawling penthouse as if weighing his next words carefully.

Then, his gaze found yours again. “Alright. Now that we’ve cleared that up, I gotta ask—what do y’ think about this place?”

You blinked, surprised by the sudden shift in conversation. This place? You tore your gaze from his face and looked around the penthouse for what felt like the hundredth time, still in awe of its sheer size, the luxury that dripped from every corner, from the high ceilings to the floor-to-ceiling windows offering a breathtaking view of the city.

“I mean… it’s amazing,” you said, your voice catching slightly. “But why are you asking me?”

Remy smiled slightly, that familiar glint of mischief creeping back into his eyes, though it was softer now, more measured. “Because I value what y’ think. And I think this place suits y’. In fact—” He reached into his pocket and pulled out the small swipe card the concierge had given him earlier. “—I think it should be yours.”

Your breath hitched. You stared at him, your brain immediately rejecting what you thought you’d just heard. Yours?

“Wait. What?” The word came out as a whisper, your voice barely registering in the large room.

Remy stepped closer, holding the swipe card out toward you, the card dangling between his fingers like it was nothing more than an afterthought. “I’m serious, chère. This place is yours. From now on.”

You blinked rapidly, your stomach twisting as you took an instinctive step back, the reality of what he was saying crashing over you like a wave. “What the absolute fuck, Remy?” You didn’t mean for it to sound so harsh, but the shock—the absurdity—of the situation was too much.

He let out a low, amused chuckle, the sound warm and rich, his eyes never leaving yours. “That’s the reaction I was expectin’.”

You stared at him, completely floored, your mind swirling with disbelief, confusion, and something else—something that felt like a mixture of fear and wonder. “You can’t just… give me a penthouse. That’s insane.”

Remy shrugged, still holding the card out toward you like it was the most natural thing in the world. “Why not? It’s already mine. Y’r rent situation’s a problem. So, I’m fixin’ it. Simple as that.”

You shook your head, your heart pounding as you tried to make sense of this. “This isn’t just ‘fixing’ it. This is—this is huge. Remy, I can’t take something like this.”

He stepped even closer, his voice lowering, softening just a little. “Y’ can. And y’ will. I wouldn’t be offerin’ if I didn’t think y’ deserved it.”

You swallowed hard, feeling the weight of the moment pressing down on you, suffocating and freeing all at once. Your mind was racing, trying to find a foothold in the madness of what he was saying. The logical part of you was screaming that this was too much, that you couldn’t accept something so extravagant, something so… permanent.

“But… why?” you asked, your voice barely above a whisper. “Why would you do something like this for me?”

For a second, you thought he might deflect with a joke, that he’d brush it off with his usual charm. But when his eyes met yours again, the playfulness in his expression faded into something deeper, something far more genuine than you’d ever seen before. His gaze softened, and the air in the room seemed to shift.

“Because I care ‘bout y’, chère.” His voice was low, intimate, like he was sharing a secret he wasn’t quite ready to confess to anyone else. “And y’ don’t need t’ be stressin’ over rent or dealin’ with some crappy landlord. Y’ deserve better than that.”

Your heart skipped a beat at his words, and for a moment, all the noise in your head—the disbelief, the confusion, the panic—went quiet. It was just him, standing there, holding out that swipe card like it was the most natural thing in the world, like offering you a place in his life was as simple as handing over the keys to a penthouse.

And you? You didn’t know what to feel. There was gratitude, of course—so much gratitude that it almost hurt. But there was also a deep, unsettling fear, a fear that accepting this would change something between you, would shift the balance in a way you couldn’t control. Because this wasn’t just about rent. This wasn’t just about money. This was about him, about the two of you, and about the way his feelings for you were starting to bleed into something more than just playful flirtation.

You opened your mouth to say something, anything, but no words came out. Instead, you just stood there, staring at him, your mind racing with the implications of what this meant.

Remy, sensing your hesitation, took a small step closer, his eyes never leaving yours. “I know this is a lot,” he said softly, his voice gentle. “But I wouldn’t be offerin’ if I didn’t mean it. Y’ don’t owe me anything. I just want y’ to have somethin’ that makes life a little easier. That’s all.”

You swallowed hard, feeling a lump form in your throat. This was more than just a gesture of kindness. This was a door opening, an invitation into something deeper, something you weren’t sure you were ready for, but something you couldn’t deny was growing between you.

After what felt like an eternity, you finally found your voice. “Remy, I—” You paused, shaking your head, trying to find the right words. “I don’t know what to say.”

He smiled softly, his hand still extended toward you, the card waiting between his fingers. “Y’ don’t have t’ say anything, chère. Just… take it.”

And in that moment, with your heart pounding in your chest and your mind racing with a thousand emotions, you reached out and took the card, your fingers brushing against his as you did. His smile widened, a warm, genuine smile that made your chest tighten in a way you hadn’t expected.

“Good,” he said, his voice low and reassuring. “Now y’ don’t have t’ worry ‘bout rent anymore. Just focus on y’rself.”

You stared down at the card in your hand, still trying to wrap your mind around what had just happened. But as you looked up at him, seeing the sincerity in his eyes, you realized that this wasn’t just about the penthouse. This was about him opening a door, offering you a place not just in this apartment, but in his life.

And for the first time in a long time, you felt like maybe—just maybe—you could let yourself walk through that door.

After the initial shock wore off, and the reality of what Remy had just given you began to settle in, you found yourself standing in the middle of a sprawling penthouse that now—somehow—belonged to you. Yours. The word felt foreign, like it didn’t belong in your vocabulary, especially when tied to something so extravagant.

Remy had watched you closely, that ever-present smirk playing at his lips, though there was something different in his eyes now—something softer, more thoughtful, like he was letting you in on a secret he wasn’t quite ready to share fully.

“Take the afternoon off,” he’d said, his voice casual, almost nonchalant. “Get acquainted with y’r new place. I’ll even show y’ around.”

And now, here you were, wandering through this breathtaking space with him at your side, his familiar presence both grounding and surreal. Every room you walked into seemed more luxurious than the last, each corner of the penthouse designed to exude a level of elegance and sophistication that was almost dizzying. It was a world of gleaming marble, soft lighting, and the kind of quiet opulence that felt like it belonged to someone else.

But Remy didn’t seem to think so.

At some point, you found yourself in the master bedroom—an expansive space that was flooded with natural light, the tall windows offering a view of the city skyline that could steal anyone’s breath. It was here that Remy lingered by a set of double doors off to the side, his eyes gleaming with amusement.

“Now, chère,” he drawled, that teasing tone of his thick in the air, “I think y’r gonna like this part.”

You followed him inside, and the moment you stepped through the doors, your breath caught in your throat.

The walk-in wardrobe was like nothing you’d ever seen before.

Rows upon rows of clothes lined the walls, from designer dresses to tailored blazers, each piece arranged with meticulous care. There were racks of shoes—hundreds of them, from stilettos to boots—spanning an entire wall, all displayed like rare artifacts at a museum. At the far end of the wardrobe, glass-topped dressers gleamed under the soft lighting, each drawer filled with accessories—delicate jewelry, silk scarves, sunglasses, all perfectly organized beneath the glass. The whole space was a shrine to luxury, a closet that seemed to belong to someone who lived in a world far removed from your own.

You stood there, frozen in awe, unable to process the sheer grandeur of it. “Remy…” you breathed, your voice barely above a whisper. “This is… this is insane.”

He chuckled softly behind you, stepping closer so that his frame loomed just over your shoulder. “Y’ like it?”

You turned to face him, still trying to wrap your head around the opulence of it all. “Like it? This is beyond anything I could’ve ever imagined. But…” You hesitated, the question pressing at the back of your mind. “Why? Why would you do this?”

Remy’s smirk softened, his eyes gleaming with something deeper, something more sincere than you were used to seeing from him. “Because I think this life suits y’, chère. Whether y’ think so or not.”

You blinked, caught off guard by the sudden shift in his tone. "I… don’t know if I fit into this world, Remy. I mean, look at this place—look at all of this. It’s beautiful, but this isn’t me.”

He studied you for a moment, his expression unreadable, before stepping closer, his voice dropping to something more intimate. “Y’ think y’ don’t belong here, but I’ve known for a while now that y’ do.”

You frowned, your pulse quickening as his words hung in the air between you. “What do you mean?”

Remy’s gaze softened, and for once, that mischievous glint in his eyes faded into something more serious, more vulnerable. “Ever since that night with Norman Osborn,” he said quietly, his voice steady but filled with an unspoken weight. “I saw how y’ handled yourself. The way y’ didn’t flinch, didn’t back down, even when that snake was tryin’ t’ rattle y’. Most people would’ve folded under that kind o’ pressure, but not you. And that’s when I knew.”

“Knew what?” you asked, your voice barely above a whisper, your heart pounding in your chest.

“That y’ fit into this life,” he said simply, his eyes locking onto yours. “That y’ belong here with me. Y’ ain’t just some pretty face or someone who’s along for the ride. Y’ got strength, chère. Y’r sharp, y’r quick on y’r feet… and y’ make all this—” he gestured vaguely around the penthouse, “—seem like somethin’ more than just the usual bullshit.”

You felt your breath catch in your throat, the weight of his words sinking into you like a stone. You had always seen yourself as an outsider in this world, someone who didn’t quite belong, someone who was just trying to keep up. But Remy—he saw something different. And hearing him say it, hearing him tell you that you fit in a way you’d never believed you could, it stirred something inside you—something warm and terrifying all at once.

“I don’t know if I believe that,” you said quietly, your voice wavering as you met his gaze.

“Y’ don’t have to believe it,” Remy replied, his hand coming to rest gently on your arm. “But I do. And I wouldn’t be offerin’ y’ this—” he motioned to the wardrobe, the penthouse, the life he was slowly opening the door to, “—if I didn’t think y’ deserved every bit of it.”

He stepped closer, and for a moment, the air between you felt charged, like something unspoken was simmering just beneath the surface. His hand gently brushed over your arm, sending a shiver down your spine, and when he spoke again, his voice was so soft that it almost didn’t feel real.

“Y’ bein’ here, chère,” he murmured, “bein’ by my side on all these trips, all these dinners and lunches… it’s done more for me than y’ realize. Y’ make this life worth livin’.”

You stared at him, your heart pounding in your chest, overwhelmed by the sincerity in his voice. You had never imagined that being around him—just being with him—meant so much. But here he was, telling you that you had made a difference in ways you hadn’t even considered.

“I don’t know what to say,” you whispered, your voice barely audible.

Remy smiled, a soft, almost bittersweet smile that made your chest tighten. “Y’ don’t have t’ say anythin’, chère. Just… let me take care of y’.”

You looked up at him, your heart swelling with emotions you weren’t ready to name. This wasn’t just about the penthouse or the wardrobe. This was about Remy opening up in a way you hadn’t expected, about him letting you into his world, his life, in a way that felt much more permanent than you had ever anticipated.

For a long moment, neither of you spoke, the silence between you heavy but comfortable.

Finally, you smiled softly, your gaze flicking over the wardrobe one last time before meeting his eyes again. “You really think I fit into this life?”

Remy chuckled, his eyes sparkling with that familiar warmth. “I know y’ do.”

And with that, something inside you shifted. Maybe it was the weight of his words, or maybe it was the way he looked at you, but for the first time since you’d stepped into his world, you felt like you might actually belong. After the initial shock wore off, and the reality of what Remy had just given you began to settle in, you found yourself standing in the middle of a sprawling penthouse that now—somehow—belonged to you. Yours. The word felt foreign, like it didn’t belong in your vocabulary, especially when tied to something so extravagant.