#like this was supposed to be the romance chapter masa!

[vroomian]

Puts on my clown shoes and red nose sadly: so I think bbp is gonna need at least one more chapter.

[casspurrjoybell-15]

EN of LOVE - LOVE MECHANICS

Chapter 31a - Confidence 

*Warning: Adult Content*

After their haircuts, Vee Vivis and Mark Masa walk out of Zen's Salon to walk side by side throughout the Mall. They don't go straight to the carpark but stroll the plaza, looking into shop fronts every now and then, not really looking at anything in particular, their minds elsewhere. Mark knows that Vee is feeling jealous because he likes to say and show it, like all the time. Vee had called Mark today looking for his attention and the younger boy feels like he had bent his resolve to accommodate him. When he had told Vee that he was at Zen's he was actually in his car going home, having already had his hair cut by Toby's junior, Mel. Vee had said he was coming to see him, at the Salon, Mark had done a quick U-turn and had headed back to the Mall. Embarrassing himself to the boss of Zen's, Mark had said he was catching up with a senior in his faculty who wanted to meet at his salon. When Toby found out who this senior was, his face had light up, like a Christmas tree. He cancelled his next client, or rather palmed the appointed customer onto another staff member, on the off chance his handsome Vee wanted him to style his 'glorious hair'. All this had taken place before Vee had arrived, so that's why he had found Mark sitting in a styling chair facing the mirror, already coiffured head, bent and looking at his phone. Unbeknownst to Vee, Mark was trying to quell his jealously over Toby's gushing appraisals of the 'Moon of the University' that the flamboyant Hairdresser was an Alumni of. Mark asks Vee what's the matter and why he's being so angry and distant.

"What's the matter, Vee?"

"You're the matter."

"What did I do?"

"Sorry, I didn't mean it like that. I was upset that you talked to that dude, Tony," Vee apologises, acknowledging he was jealous of the handsome man flirting with his boy.

"I didn't realize I was still acting in a mood, noticeable enough for you to get upset about," Mark asks Vee if he knew that he was feeling jealous of him as well.

"You were jealous? Of who?"

"You kept talking and smiling sweetly at Toby. I was already jealous of you before you even walked into Zen's. Toby couldn't stop gushing and googling about how wonderful and handsome you are."

"He was gushing and googling, was he?"

"Shut up dickhead."

"Listen baby, Toby was my senior at uni last year. He did my hair for the Moon and Star competition last year, that's all."

"Well that Tony started talking to me first. What was I suppose to do? Ignore him? Not talk to him?" Mark replies, trying to sound as indifferent as Vee had.

"You should have said that you were there with your boyfriend."

"My boyfriend," Marks asks, raising a brow questioningly.

"Shit." 

Vee lowers his head and adds softy...

"I love you Mark. Please be my boyfriend."

"Vee," Mark calls the older boy's name, embarrassed at Vee's second confession in a public place.

"If I hadn't acted like an idiot that day we might have..."

"Vee..." Mark interrupts, knowing that this direction of conversation will end up with him nursing another headache.

"I'm sorry..."

Mark looks into Vee's eyes and realizes he is not only apologizing for his behavior today but for everything that had happened in the past. He was apologizing for his actions that had separated the boys from a romance that had just started to bloom.

"I didn't say anything..." Mark says, stepping towards Vee, not wanting the handsome boy in front of him to dwell in the past.

‘That fateful day had left me crushed and heartbroken, thinking that Vee didn't like me anymore and that he had decided to get back together with his ex-girlfriend, Ploy. I was mentally and physically sick for a long time, only being able to return to society by going home to lick my bleeding wounds and nurse my broken heart. But actually, If I'm really honest with myself, I had forgiven Vee the first time I had seen his face again on the third day of the new semester. I had never stopped loving him and now I think I won't ever stop loving him.’

"If I try to hold your hand, will you scold me..." Vee asks. 

Mark doesn't answer him, he just holds out his hand for Vee to clasp onto. The moment they touch, the electricity that forms between them has them both looking into each others eyes, not caring who was witnessing this beautiful exchange. Mark realizing that this is it... the love and passion between them is so real and tangible. When Vee realises that Mark's small gesture of holding out his hand to him had meant that the boy had forgiven him of his past sins and that they were now an official couple, a smile as wide as an ocean spreads across his handsome face. Vee is quick to ask Mark if he could take him to the fancy Japanese restaurant at the front of the Mall to celebrate them becoming boyfriends. The younger boy agrees eagerly, informing Vee that Japanese food is his favourite. Vee already knows this and that is why he had suggested that restaurant in the first place but is too embarrassed to tell him. Soon after the boys have been seated at their table and have been given time to examined the menu, a waitress comes over to take their order.

"Let me order for you, Vee," Mark offers, knowing all the dishes, having had tasted all of them at one time or another. 

Mark tells the waitress his order but before he can tell her what he had selected for Vee, she turns to older boy, batting her eyelashes at him and asks...

"What about you..." the waitress says to Vee trying to get his attention, but failing.

"He's going to order for me," Vee tells her, not paying her attention, much to her displeasure.

"Can you eat raw fish, Vee?" Mark asks, amused and pleased with the older boy's behaviour.

"Sure."

"Really?"

"Really."

"And you don't have any allergies?" Mark asks seriously, knowing this to a real issue, being the nephew of a doctor.

"I'm only allergic to you, babe. I'm only weak for you."

Embarrassed but not wanting to seem flustered in front of the waitress, Mark tells her to double the order because Vee would be having the same as him. When she walks off, Mark turns to Vee to scold him, but not convincingly.

"Vee.."

"Hmm... Yes..." Vee feigns ignorance.

"Don't you have any shame?"

"What do I have to be ashamed about?" he answers with confidence. 

Mark just rolls his eyes ay him, not angrily but in fun, enjoying their flirty banter. Their meals arrive and Mark picks up his chops ceremonially deciding to savour this meal. The food and the decoration around the restaurant remind him of his Grandmother and a knot tightens in this throat. He places the first piece of raw fish into his mouth and closes his eyes in appreciation of the divine texture and delicious flavour. When Mark opens his eyes again, he is meet with the nauseous look on Vee's face. The older boy doesn't eat or spit out the mouthful of raw fish, he just looks to Mark with a pained expression and furrowed brows. His Adam's apple going up and down is the only signal that he has finally swallowed it, probably out of good manners.

"You said you could eat raw fish."

"I thought I could," Vee answered.

"Have you never eaten it before?" Mark inquires.

"I had it once. I had Shabu I think, but I also remember being really drunk at the time, so...say no more."

"If you can't eat it, don't force yourself, I'll order you something else."

" It's probably just raw fish on it's own I can't eat, I can eat it in sushi," Vee said weakly, feeing a bit silly in front of his boyfriend.

"Then why didn't you say anything when I ordered it."

"You looked so pleased ordering it and I thought, it's just raw fish...how hard could it be to eat it. I remember watching you eat it at uni and thought it looked delicious and I wanted to give it a try sometime," Vee shares, giving Mark a hint of the attention the older boy had been paying him.

"Vee," Mark giggles, nodding his head in disbelief.

"But you are right I do love it."

"You eat it often?"

"My family went to Japan for holidays, nearly every year. My grandma lives there and she would take me to all her favourite restaurants. She also made and showed me how to make family recipes from her home town. Most of my friends here don't like raw seafood and just because my parents have a Japanese surname doesn't mean they like Japanese food."

"I really want to go to there."

"You want to go to Japan?"

"Yes. I want to go to Japan with you. I want to go to Japan with my boyfriend and come back with a wife."

"Vee... please stop. Oh my goodness your.. your...."

"Yeah. I'm what."

"You're an idiot, that's what you are. We have just agreed to become boyfriends, you dickhead. Why are you talking about marriage already? And why am I the wife. I'm a boy you know? I'm nobody's wife."

"Not yet you're not."

"Vee, I warn you..." Mark calls over the waitress to order a sushi plater for Vee, a no raw fish sushi plater. 

He pulls Vee's plate towards him and grinning widely exclaims...

"Good, more for me..."

Mark opens his mouth to place another strip of raw fish onto his awaiting tongue, swallowing the delicious morsel with his eyes closes.

‘Why is this dish more sweeter than I remember. Maybe it's the sweeter company.’

When Mark opens his eyes again, Vee has a very different look on his face than before. Confident in his seduction techniques, Mark licks his lips and looks under his eyelashes at his boyfriend. Vee, getting hot and flustered, demands to where his damn food was and that if it didn't arrive within the next ten minutes, they were going to ask for a doggie bag. Luckily Vee's sushi plater arrived in five minutes, so Mark got to eat his meal in luxury at the restaurant and not out of a cardboard box at home.

[tarralin]

Fraternization

a Clauses and Contracts story

Chapter One

TW: Adult situations, implied nudity

~☆~

Warm morning sun streamed through the window, pulling Duchess from deep slumber. She shifted slowly, stretching as far as her muscles could reach to clear the morning mental fog from her mind. Crisp spearmint wafted through the air on steaming puffs from the nearby bathroom accompanied by the familiar sound of a running shower. The mirror fogged slightly but the open door prevented full cloud coverage.

Duchess sat up to finish her morning stretch when a metallic squeak rang out, signaling the shower’s occupant exiting the stream and stepping into full view of the mirror.

Oh… Good morning to you too!

Her brain raced to remember the name of the honey-eyed best man that could very well put Adonis to shame should the famed god ever wish to experience the sting of failure. Many things from last night crossed her memory; the two glasses of champagne she nursed to keep her wits about her, the dimly lit dance floor of the reception hall, the warm arms she allowed to guide through dances. Those same arms being the ones she spent the night in.

But, damn, what was his name?!

“Like what you see, Duchess?”

A flash of heat crossed her cheeks at the realization she had been caught staring, averting her gaze immediately to the floor. “Oh, I'm sorry! I didn't mean-- I was just--”

His warm laughter at her flubbering was oddly soothing. “It's ok, otherwise I wouldn't have left the door open.”

It was her turn to laugh at her own awkwardness. “I should probably be getting up. I need to sneak back to my room to get ready to see the happy couple off on their honeymoon.”

“You don't have to do that. You can get started here and I’ll get your luggage.” He dressed quickly in fresh clothing and was out the door in the next instant with her key card in hand, but not before twirling a lock of her hair on his way out and motioning toward a covered breakfast.

Certainly know how to treat a girl, don't you, Hideyoshi?

Hideyoshi! That's his name!

She rushed through the fastest shower on her personal record once the door clicked behind him, utilizing the complimentary toiletries provided by the hotel and stepping out just as Hideyoshi returned with her overnight bag. Pointedly focusing on her own reflection, she couldn't help the slight tilt of her lips as she saw him freeze in his tracks through the mirror at the same vision he had given her moments ago.

“Like what you see, Hideyoshi?”

Okay, so maybe he hadn't purred her name like she just did his but the pink coloring his features was definitely worth the effort.

“You might want to text Princess.”

“Why?” Her brows knit in confusion for only the second it took him to cross the distance separating the two of them.

“We're going to be late seeing them off.”

~*~

They weren't terribly late to the departure party. Princess and Nobunaga hadn't even shown up yet by the time Hideyoshi turned in his room key to the receptionist. After their morning interlude, Duchess had agreed it wouldn't be ideal if they arrived together and made her way to the lobby ahead of him. She’d already made herself comfortable in the sunny waiting lounge with a prepared coffee in hand, engaged in lively chatter with the other two bridesmaids as well as Mitsuhide and Masamune-- who was currently taking up the whole couch with his legs dangling off the other end and head rested in the fair haired bridesmaid lap.

“Really, Masa?” Hideyoshi scolded as he halfheartedly kicked Masa’s boots off the edge.

“Really, Hide?” Masa mocked as he resettled in place, tucking the woman under his arm and resting his head on top of hers.

Hideyoshi arched an eyebrow at the duo but kept his thoughts to himself as he sat across from Duchess. She had also noticed the closeness of their friends but continued to sip her coffee with indifference before sitting up and continuing the conversation. “So, what all do you guys do for a living? Princess hasn't said much other than Nobu being a business CEO she met while tailoring his suits.”

“Yes,” Mitsuhide answered. “Of a technologies corporation.”

Duchess sat straighter and her eyebrows arched with new interest. “What kind?”

Mitsuhide simply smirked. “A little bit of everything. Ieyasu is head of a med-tech firm, Masamune is in charge of military research, and I control the communications and security properties.”

A laugh escaped the second bridesmaid who had remained silent until now. “So let me get this straight… Nobu is CEO of a corporation involved in medical, military, and security advancement. Is he trying to be the next Batman?”

Amicable laughter rang through the group a moment and then Duchess’s smiling emerald eyes fell back to Hideyoshi. “What about you?”

“Vice President,” Hideyoshi sat a little taller as he boasted his own title with a grin.

“Don't be shy,” Mitsuhide sneered. “Mother Dearest here doubles as head of Human Resources. As well as meddling in all of our own work.”

A crumpled napkin flew across the open space, pelting the silver haired kitsune between the eyes. “If you kept me updated, like you're supposed to, then I wouldn't have to meddle.”

A familiar chuckle resonated from the other side of the lobby, alerting the group to the newlyweds’ arrival. “Should have known the lot of you couldn't go long without discussing work.”

“Duchess!” Princess scowled down at her friend. “I thought I told you no business talk.”

“We're not discussing my work.” Her emerald depths glittered with such mischief, Hideyoshi could have thought she were related to Masamune in that moment and that edge of challenge was back in her voice. The same one that reignited last night’s flames within him when she purred his name that morning.

“Close enough,” Princess huffed. “I would like everyone to relax and avoid anything business related.”

“You do realize you're talking to Duchess, right?” This from the friend sitting next to Masamune. “You know, borderline workaholic? I'm surprised she's survived this long without checking in at work.”

“Baroness, you know well why I do...”

“Yes, and I also know there are two capable VPs to handle things should the ice queen himself refuse to emerge from his frigid fortress.”

“Eh… ‘capable’ may be a questionable term right now with everything.”

“Anyway!” Princess butted back into the conversation. “It's getting late in the morning and our driver will be here soon so let's get some final pictures done!”

The receptionist was more than capable of taking a few group shots before the gathered bunch split to finally wish the couple well on their honeymoon.

“Hideyoshi, be sure to send me the minutes from the shareholder--” Nobunaga attempted one last order but Princess was quick to shut it down by covering his mouth her hand.

“No. You. Don't. The company will be fine without you for a short time.”

Light hearted laughter echoed through the car drop off. Masamune clapped Nobunaga on the back. “Don't worry, Devil King, it will take more than two weeks to bring down Oda Tech.”

Baroness and Countess gasped sharply at that just as Princess cowarded behind her husband. Duchess froze stock still, all color draining from her face.

“O-oda Tech?” She blinked twice before her thoughts seemed to catch up with her, breaking the spell as hysteria laced giggles bubbled from within. “I am so fired!”

“They can't dictate what you do on your own time!” Princess squeaked from her behind Nobunaga's shoulder.

“I have a competitors fraternization clause, they most certainly can! Oda Tech is listed by name. I have no idea what they did to my boss but that man hates Oda and-- oh God.” All the fury left her as suddenly as it came, freezing her in place with an emotionless mask. “I won't even be eligible for severance… I--I have to go.”

Turning again on her heel, Duchess snatched her bag off the ground and started toward her car before marching back when she realized her mistake. She pulled Princess into a tight hug despite the wrinkle still etched into her forehead. “Have fun! I love you. I'm upset with you right now, but I love you. I have to go. I have to call the photographers to make sure they don't post any pictures yet. Ah, hell! Social media!”

The frazzled ball of nerves continued muttering to herself as she settled into her car and drove from the parking lot. A heavy silence surrounded the three remaining women as they gazed after the tail lights of their friend while the men glanced to one other, each failing to make sense of the scene they had witnessed until Nobunaga finally addressed his new wife.

“Princess, mon amour, would you like to explain and translate what just happened?”

“Uh, no. Not really.”

The fair haired bridesmaid known as Baroness rolled her eyes. “Duchess is a higher-up at one of your rival companies.”

“And Princess thought it a good idea to keep that fact from everyone.” Countess finished.

“Shame,” Mitsuhide smirked. “I do so enjoy networking… from whence does she hail then? What does she do?”

Countess and Baroness pointedly glanced to Princess with tilted heads and strained smiles, preventing her from escaping the topic.

“I was just trying to avoid any awkwardness and, personally, I feel I succeeded. But, if you must know, Duchess is an Executive Assistant.”

“To who?” Nobunaga persisted.

The forced innocence of her smile faltered as she realized avoidance was no longer an option, releasing a single name on a defeated sigh. “Takeda Shingen.”

Hideyoshi had been mid sip of his own coffee when the name choked him, causing him to double over in a coughing fit to push the liquid back out of his lungs.

“Oh?” Mitsuhide’s eyebrow rose with the corner of his smirk. “Looks like one of us networked quite well after all.”

~☆~

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~☆~

Prologue

Master List // Ao3 // Ko-Fi

Bookmark Fraternization on Ao3!

[darkmindsthinktwistedthoughts]

Devil’s Temptation pt11

Warnings: Mob Styling warlords, Strong language

Masterlist

---

Chapter 11 – Spiral

“I don’t care about any of that just find her!” Takahiro’s voice roared in the loft space. He had been on his phone non-stop since discovering her disappearance. He snapped his cell phone shut and threw it on the coffee table as he took a crouched seat on the edge of the couch and ran his hands through his black hair in frustration.

It had not been easy to get out of that tunnel after the authorities had started to show up. Whoever had created such a disruption was clearly a very capable fixer. Who did this? Seriously the more I think of it the more it points to a professional. Once the official flashing lights and sirens turned up it was only thanks to the lingering smoke in the air that Takahiro and his men had managed to slip past them and returned to their vehicles. When the police knocked on the doors to check on the occupants it was easy enough to blag their way through the questions and be sent home pending further enquires.

There was no coverage in the local papers. The police had at least locked down that possibility. It was deemed an attack by an activist group and it was widely accepted that publicising such a thing would only generate the result that was desired for them by giving them publicity so the whole incident was covered with a gag order. It was one less thing to arrange. That worked just fine for him. 

At first, he had thought that she had just been spooked and had left the limo even though he had told her not to because of the gunfire. She was always running. He remembered her as a child when the families got together for talks all the children were thrown together and told to socialise. We were the futures of our families. Each one of us had an insane level of pressure and responsibility on our shoulders. There was no denying that it was a different and easier time though. Although even back then he was aware of the shadows. How they shifted in favour of one child above the others. As different as those times were, they were still riddled with dangers. Grr… where is she?

“Here’s your coffee.” The soft chink of the mug being placed on the table dragged Takahiro out of his thoughts. “You might want to charge that soon that battery must be almost dead.”

“Probably right. At this point, it's less a cell phone and more a space heater.” Takahiro sighed as he picked up the freshly brewed coffee and took a sip. The bitter taste did nothing to remove the already bitter feelings that had been surging in him. Where in the seven hells is that girl? Not one of the people out searching for her can find any trace of her. The CCTV feed doesn’t show her leaving the tunnel from either direction. So, she either didn’t leave the tunnel or she was taken out some other way.

No doubt his men that were out searching will report back soon. If there was a different route out, he would soon know. But if someone took her… His mind wandered to the agreement.

“Is there a chance she ran away again?” Shin asked the concern he felt beginning to show more as he watched how unravelled his partner had become in his increasingly frantic search. It would not be long before news of the runaway fiancé got back to the supposed to be father in law, and that was going to start a whole new issue. Shin knew it as much as Takahiro did. When agreements go bad its terrible. When official agreements go bad, you might as well as never been born.

“There is always a chance but I don’t think so.” Takahiro muttered staring into his mug.

“Because it seemed like it was planned?” Shin pushed a little. If there was any way he could help he wanted too. It was his duty as the right-hand man but also his privilege as a lover to relieve the stresses of a situation if it was within his ability to do so.

“That and the circumstances are different. This time she agreed. No, this has to be something to do with someone else. It has to be.”

---

Whatever colour the food had been it was now a swirling indistinguishable mess. The more the spoon dredged through the mixture the greyer it became. Mitsuhide did not have an appetite, and it was similar for the other men in the room too.

Breakfast was as lavish as ever. Masa had not exactly been eating more than usual himself but one thing the guy did when upset was cook. There was always a lot of food but right now it looked like he could have fed every member of staff in the building.

“[Name]’s hardly touched this tray either. I can understand her being upset but I wish she’d eat more.” Hideyoshi announced as he re-entered the room after collecting yet another tray. “She hasn’t opened the door to say anything since then either. I hope she’s ok.” Mitsuhide kept his eyes trained on the swirling mess in his bowl. Of course, she isn’t eating much, She’s feeling terrible again and it's all our… no, it’s all my fault.

“The Lass is in shock she’ll come around eventually.” Masa looked concerned as well.

Glancing over at Mitsuhide who had been sitting in the same position for what felt like forever. Masa grimaced at the sight of the breakfast he had prepared being reduced to… well, whatever that was. It certainly wasn’t food anymore. It took talent to turn something edible into something that just looked like lumpy grey paste. He didn’t have it in him to call the other man out on it and instead averted his eyes over to the food at the side wondering what meals he could make with the leftovers.

“I hope she feels better soon. Did you see her face when she left? It looked like she was crying.” Mitsunari sounded as if he was a lamenting prince that had stepped right out of a romance novel. Always the reliable good guy. I wonder if you have ever broken a girl’s heart into a million pieces. Or perhaps you have and just never noticed. How many girls had been broken by little oblivious Nari?

“How is it you can pick up on that and you are incapable of seeing how annoyed you make me?” Ieyasu sighed in frustrated wonder.

One thing you could count on when surrounded by this group was that at some point something like this was only ever one comment away from travelling down the path of family squabbling.

“Thank you for pointing out my failures Ieyasu I shall try harder so you can be prouder of me.” Mitsunari beamed with all his optimism at the fluffy haired blonde sitting next to him.

“At no point have I ever said I was proud of you.” Yasu instantly went on the defensive. How cute, the fluffy hedgehog is playing with the puppy again.

“Is that so? Well, I shall try to live up to your expectations in order to change that.” Mitsunari gazed down at his plate as he mulled over what he had just been told.

In all their years working together, he was the one out of the group who always strived for improvement. He was diligent to a fault. The fault usually being that he would be so totally lost in study that he failed to survive without interference from Hideyoshi. He really is like a pet.

“What might help is if you hang around each other more.” Masa chuckled as he added to Yasu’s torment.

“Kill me now.” Yasu sulked looking a little like someone had just poured a whole basket of lemons on his head and told him to suck one.

It was a strange atmosphere. no one was what you could call happy, so there was no lively light-hearted feeling to the room. But at the same time, everyone seemed to be attempting to make an effort to remain as normal as possible. The phrase “damned if you do and damned if you don’t” crossed Mitsuhide’s mind as he sat there poking his blended meal around its bowl.

“Mitsuhide.”

“Mm?” Mitsuhide looked up at Hideyoshi who had moved next to him at some point during the morning’s entertainment.

“How are you holding up?” Hideyoshi’s worried gaze was too much. There he is in all his mothering glory. Oh no, you don’t its unsettling when you look at me like that. I neither want nor deserve your pity.

“Oh? Do I qualify for mother’s attention? I’m touched… truly.” Mitsuhide smirked. There is a limit to how much of this… treatment you can take. It is not so much a question of how, but when do you blow up? Are you aware that this is one of my most favourite games?

“You might be able to pull everyone else’s strings but it doesn’t work on me.” Yoshi stood tall in an attempt to be intimidating. Do you really think such tricks work on me? In all these years have such tactics ever worked on me?

“Really? And there was me about to compliment you on being a rather good marionette.” The spark in his yellow eyes flashed as he delivered his retort.

“If you can tease, you’re probably fine.” Hideyoshi visibly tensed. “Honestly I just wish she was…” It was clear he was too tired and full of concern over all the events that were still playing out like a badly orchestrated soap opera to really wish to retaliate. And that was just fine with Mitsuhide. All the joy I derive from such digressions I find has curiously left me bereft of a desire to pursue them today.

“You wish she was the little girl you remembered? All smiles and gumdrops and rainbows? You cannot turn back time Yoshi dear… as much as we may wish too.” Mitsuhide finally let go of the spoon in his hand and picked up his now stone-cold coffee, drinking it as he looked out the window at the storm clouds closing in. You aren’t the only one to wish things were different Yoshi. I would give anything for things to be different right now.

---

Food was flavourless. It hadn’t been like that since, well since she thought she had processed everything from back then. Any semblance of normalcy she had regained evaporated the minute she saw that spectre in the tunnel. I tried telling myself what happened wasn’t my fault. Every time I woke up for that brief moment when I was happy, caught between sleep and consciousness I thought I could feel him next to me. How many times did I pray to just be left in that state?

It was raining pretty hard outside now. The heavy droplets pelted the glass and trickled down.

“Tears from the sky.” She traced a finger on the glass following the traces of moisture as they fell. “I no longer have any left in me to shed.”

Trays of food were brought and left at her door it was the same as before and yet different. This time they weren’t strangers. She knew them. She also thought that they were her friends to a degree. But what kind of friend sees the pain you are going through, knows something that could make it better and doesn’t speak a word? Was it as they said and they didn’t know until after the funeral? Even if it’s the case they could have still said something when they sent over her things. Anything would have been better than nothing at all. wouldn’t it? Would it?

Her thoughts were all messed up. Nothing seemed to be following a single path of logical thought for long before it was derailed and sent off in a spiralling tangent. Appetite was gone, her mind likewise. Seriously what next? I feel like I managed to escape the frying pan only to jump head first into a towering inferno. [Name] picked up her cup of forgotten tea and realised all the heat of it had gone. How symbolic.

She sighed as she moved to the kitchen and poured the contents down the sink. I could make another but I think I’d rather take a bath and see if that helps. Just as she was moving to the bedroom to undress a firm knock at the door interrupted her plans. If I ignore it, they will go away.

– Knock, Knock –

Or not…

“[Name]”

Huh? What can he want?...

“[Name] I am not in the habit of repeating myself. Open the door.”

---

[hetaliaweekinreview]

Week of 9/9/2018 - 9/15/2018 USUK!

Total fics: 39

FFN: 8

AO3: 31

fanfiction.net :

Silence by Pyb World 

—El silencio es la forma más elocuente de mentir —leyó Arthur y resopló con indignación—. Qué estupidez más grande; que no quiera hablar sobre algo no quiere decir que esté mintiendo. Alfred sonrió y le quitó su cuaderno de apuntes: —El silencio guarda secretos. AU Humanos.

Rated: T - Spanish - Romance/Drama - Chapters: 7 - Words: 69,635 - [England/Britain, America] N. Italy, Germany

Cardverse: If you're gone by susarian 

"If you are gone, what am I supposed to do?" Cardverse Hetalia contains a slight bit of yaoi and violence. Update every two days.

Rated: T - English - Fantasy/Friendship - Chapters: 18 - Words: 24,793 - [England/Britain, America] Japan, China

dulu dan sekarang by Cinerraria

Alfred menyukai benda yang baru, sementara Arthur memuja masa lalu. [drabble]

Rated: K+ - Indonesian - Chapters: 1 - Words: 1,071 - [England/Britain, America] - Complete

Enemigo mío by Steel Mermaid

Estados Unidos ha recibido el informe del Escuadrón 731 por parte de Japón, comenzando un camino siniestro contra sí mismo y envenenándose desde adentro para alimentar su enfermedad junto con un proyecto siniestro que lo llevará al límite. One-shot. Leve UKUS. Ambientado en el proyecto MK Ultra. Guerra Fría.

Rated: T - Spanish - Drama/Horror - Chapters: 1 - Words: 1,701 - [America, England/Britain] - Complete

补偿恋爱 by lena891125clover

众所皆知，仲夏夜之梦是场喜剧。 一个仲夏的夜晚，受妖精捉弄而陷入迷恋的人们，和最后所有人都得偿所愿的结局。 而同样人尽皆知的，伊卡洛斯是场悲剧。 一个阳光普照的日子，受囚多年重见阳光的少年，以及他无人不晓的坠落。 亚瑟对阿尔弗雷德的单恋便是如此，生于莎翁的仲夏，却以希腊悲剧作结。 一直到那个将世界翻转的夜晚，他才发觉，即使夏日已逝，故事却还未到尾声。 一个做错事的人与假装错误未曾发生的人，在下一个夏日里，两人的心思将去往何方。

Rated: M - Chinese - Romance - Chapters: 8 - Words: 22,591 -  [America, England/Britain]

What a Shame is Love! by Igirisuisaqueen

When a group of rebels, including the spunky Alfred, attempt to steal from Crown Prince Arthur, what will happen? Add in the fact that Alfred is totally crushing on Arthur and you have the drama of the century. (First fic on this website.) Rated T for safety. There's a little bit of violence. USUK.

Rated: T - English - Romance/Drama - Chapters: 3 - Words: 2,051 - [England/Britain, America]

The return of the Queen by gxgirl-93 

For 15 years the Kingdom of Spades has been missing their Queen. The King has never given up hope that his love will one day return to him and their Kingdom. But what happens when he does return with no memory of being a Queen, but instead a country. USUK, one sided FRUK

Rated: T - English - Romance/Fantasy - Chapters: 9 - Words: 25,435 - [America, England/Britain] France

Masquerade by moonlighten 

The Kirklands have been supervillains for generations. They're rich, powerful, and no superhero has ever been able to defeat them. Until now. Maybe. If he ever manages to control his powers properly and learn a little subtlety, then the newest superhero on the scene might have a fighting chance, at least. (Superhero AU; America/England, Scotland/France, Wales/Romano.)

Rated: T - English - Crime/Mystery - Chapters: 9 - Words: 22,670 - [America, England/Britain] [Scotland, France]

archiveofourown.org :

Cardverse: If you're gone by Susarian

"If you are gone, what am I supposed to do?" Cardverse Hetalia contains a slight bit of yaoi and violence. Update every two days. This is set in an alternate universe.

Rating: General Audiences

Archive Warning: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings

Category: M/M

Fandom: Hetalia: Axis Powers

Relationships: America/England (Hetalia), China & Japan (Hetalia), China/South Korea (Hetalia), North Korea/South Korea (Hetalia), Japan/South Korea (Hetalia)

Characters: England (Hetalia), America (Hetalia), China (Hetalia), Japan (Hetalia), South Korea (Hetalia), Hong Kong (Hetalia), Macau (Hetalia), North Korea (Hetalia), Taiwan (Hetalia), Germany (Hetalia), North Italy (Hetalia), Hungary (Hetalia), Austria (Hetalia), Russia (Hetalia), France (Hetalia), Switzerland (Hetalia), Liechtenstein (Hetalia), Belarus (Hetalia)

Additional Tags: Cardverse, Major Illness, Alternate Universe

Language: English

成人限定 by Violaoi

Rating: Mature

Archive Warning: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings

Category: M/M

Fandom: Hetalia:Axis Power

Relationship: America/England (Hetalia)

Language: 中文

Recording by antagochigo

In which Arthur finds out about his roommates part time job...

Rating: Mature

Archive Warning: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings

Category: M/M

Fandom: Hetalia: Axis Powers

Relationship: America/England (Hetalia)

Characters: England (Hetalia), America (Hetalia)

Additional Tags: Alternate Universe, Alternate Universe - Boarding School, USUK - Freeform, AmericaxEngland - Freeform

Language: English

Spades by motoroilfreeway

The Kingdom of Spades is in current need of a queen. For Alfred Jones though, its current reigning King, he thinks he can rule the kingdom just fine on his own with a Jack who doesn’t stop with pushing him into marriage interviews, hoping to change his King’s mind. That is, until a man comes along, brought ashore by the waves. We’ll see how this goes from there.

Rating: Teen And Up Audiences

Archive Warning: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings

Category: M/M

Fandom: Hetalia: Axis Powers

Relationship: America/England (Hetalia)

Characters: America (Hetalia), England (Hetalia), China (Hetalia), Portugal (Hetalia)

Additional Tags:, Cardverse

Language: English

dulu dan sekarang by Cineraria

Alfred menyukai benda yang baru, sementara Arthur memuja masa lalu. [drabble]

Rating: Teen And Up Audiences

Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply

Category: Gen

Fandom: Hetalia: Axis Powers

Relationship: America/England (Hetalia)

Characters: England (Hetalia), America (Hetalia)

Additional Tags: semi canon, platonic, Drabble

Language: Bahasa Indonesia

Tiene Sith by ChemiToo

Betrayed and exiled, one of the Fae finds himself in the care of a rather peculiar human and his brother. Rating subject to change, maybe possibly.

Rating: Mature

Archive Warning: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings

Categories: F/M, M/M

Fandoms: Hetalia: Axis Powers, Celtic Mythology

Relationships: America/England (Hetalia), Past France/england

Characters: America (Hetalia: Axis Powers), England (Hetalia: Axis Powers), Canada (Hetalia: Axis Powers), France (Hetalia: Axis Powers)

Additional Tags: Celtic Mythology & Folklore

We're Only Liars (But We're The Best) by ForLoveOfLiberTea

No Matter What by Miscellaneous_Ink

“Every morning, someone walked up and down Matthias’ street playing the violin, as though trying to wake the quiet neighborhood up with song. It was a beautiful song that belonged to an even more beautiful man.” – Matthias Køhler has only ever wanted two things: to be loved, and to be able to love himself. Perhaps, the mystery man would be able to help him with that.

Rating: Teen And Up Audiences

Archive Warning: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings

Category: M/M

Fandom: Hetalia: Axis Powers

Relationships: Denmark/Norway (Hetalia), Hong Kong/Iceland (Hetalia), China/Russia (Hetalia), Austria/Prussia (Hetalia), America/England (Hetalia)

Characters: Denmark (Hetalia), Norway (Hetalia), Hong Kong (Hetalia), Iceland (Hetalia), Finland (Hetalia), Sweden (Hetalia), America (Hetalia), Prussia (Hetalia), Other Character Tags to Be Added

Additional Tags:, Punk!Norway, trans!Denmark, Implied/Referenced Self-Harm, Transphobia, I AM NOT A TRANSPHOBE I AM FTM MYSELF, Hurt/Comfort, Fluff, Fluff and Angst, Nor is kickass at the violin, Den plays piano like a boss, Gender Dysphoria, Body Dysphoria, Eventual Smut, Eventual Romance, Eventual Relationships, Eventual Happy Ending, Prostitution, Tattoos, Piercings, sub!Denmark, dom!Norway, because I like NorDen more >:) ehehehehe, DenNor, NorDen, Denmark has freckles, Fin is supportive, So is Sve, Awesome Trio (Hetalia), Nordics, Nordic 5 - Freeform, Unrequited Love, True Love, Cute, Iceland is being Iceland, Ice and Nor are prostitutes, But they aren’t by the end,:D, Denmark is a smol child

Language: English

Series: ← Previous Work Part 4 of the No Matter What series

Hearts can heal by extrastellar

João and Cheng get married, at long last. And Antonio? Antonio tells everyone that Tim couldn’t make it to the wedding, not mentioning their bad fight and that Tim had been sleeping at his sister’s place for two weeks already

Rating: Teen And Up Audiences

Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply

Category: M/M

Fandom: Hetalia: Axis Powers

Relationships: Netherlands/Spain (Hetalia), Macau/Portugal (Hetalia), Minor or Background Relationship(s), Austria/Prussia (Hetalia), France/Scotland (Hetalia), America/England (Hetalia)

Characters: Spain (Hetalia), Netherlands (Hetalia), Belgium (Hetalia), Prussia (Hetalia), Macau (Hetalia), Portugal (Hetalia), England (Hetalia), America (Hetalia), France (Hetalia)

Additional Tags:, Alternate Universe - Human, Hetalia Countries Using Human Names, Fights, How Do I Tag, Breaking Up & Making Up

Language:English

Series: ← Previous Work Part 3 of the Hetalia Rare Pairs series

Demonic Romeo by Pastaaddict

A demon and an angel meet in battle and a forbidden love blossoms but how long before the wrong people find out and both are put in danger?

Rating: Teen And Up Audiences

Archive Warning: Major Character Death

Category: M/M

Fandom: Hetalia: Axis Powers

Relation ships: America/England (Hetalia), Canada/Prussia (Hetalia), South Italy/Spain (Hetalia), Lithuania/Poland (Hetalia), Finland/Sweden (Hetalia), Germany/North Italy (Hetalia), implied France (Hetalia)/Jeanne d'Arc | Joan of Arc

Characters:America (Hetalia), England (Hetalia), Canada (Hetalia), Russia (Hetalia), Prussia (Hetalia), France (Hetalia), Spain (Hetalia), North Italy (Hetalia), South Italy (Hetalia), Germany (Hetalia), Ancients (Hetalia), Poland (Hetalia), Hungary (Hetalia), Estonia (Hetalia), Lithuania (Hetalia), Latvia (Hetalia), China (Hetalia), Norway (Hetalia), Denmark (Hetalia), Iceland (Hetalia)

Additional Tags: Devil and Angel brothers, Starcrossed Lovers, Inspired by Romeo and Juliet, Character Death, Originally Posted on FanFiction.Net under same name, more tags may be added

Language: English

Chasing the Moon by Anubis_2701

The efforts made by Matthias and his crew to rescue their friends have resulted in them being imprisoned. Trapped and unable to negotiate, some among them may have to strike hard bargains with their rebel captors in order to win their own freedom.

Lukas and Emilia have fought tooth and nail to get to the resistance, and fought even more to restore order within its ranks. But with their vital secret hanging in the hands of a group of criminals, their future looks more uncertain than ever.

Lovino and Feliciano have struggled to keep their identities concealed for years. With the secret of their birth out between the two, their bond is stronger than ever. But with the arrival of a talented mercenary on Rela seeking the great bounty on their heads, the two may be forced to abandon their place of sanctuary to evade capture.

As empires begin to fall and death spreads like a plague, only the brave bother to keep going.

Rating: Mature

Archive Warning: Graphic Depictions Of Violence

Categories: F/F, F/M, M/M, Other

Fandom: Hetalia: Axis Powers

Relationships: Denmark/Norway (Hetalia), America/England (Hetalia), Canada/Prussia (Hetalia), Lithuania/Poland (Hetalia), Bulgaria/Romania (Hetalia)

Characters: Norway (Hetalia), Denmark (Hetalia), China (Hetalia), England (Hetalia), France (Hetalia), South Italy (Hetalia), North Italy (Hetalia), Canada (Hetalia), Prussia (Hetalia), Female Lithuania (Hetalia), Poland (Hetalia), Svalbard (Hetalia), Female Iceland (Hetalia), Switzerland (Hetalia), Kazakhstan (Hetalia), Hong Kong (Hetalia), Taiwan (Hetalia), Hungary (Hetalia), Spain (Hetalia), Finland (Hetalia), Romania (Hetalia), Bulgaria (Hetalia), Austria (Hetalia), Sweden (Hetalia), Ancients (Hetalia), Egypt (Hetalia), Seborga (Hetalia), Female Germany (Hetalia), Turkey (Hetalia), Peru (Hetalia), Belarus (Hetalia), Russia (Hetalia), Estonia (Hetalia), Original Characters, Background & Cameo Characters

Additional Tags: Space Opera, Alternate Universe - Science Fiction, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Space Pirates, Bounty Hunters, Rebels, Sequel, LGBTQ+ characters, Explicit Language, Telekinesis, Elemental Magic, Mind Manipulation, Healing, Rape/Non-con Elements, Aged-Up Character(s), De-Aged Character(s), Guerrilla Warfare, Rescue Missions, Slavery, Sexual Slavery, Assassins & Hitmen, POV Multiple, Snow, Past Child Abuse, Terminal Illnesses, Secret Identity, Military Training, Strong Female Characters, Original Universe, Lore - Freeform, Buckle up motherfuckers because this has the s l o w e s t o f b u r n s, who ever thought i would write enough of this shit for a sequel, Not me that's for sure

Language: English

Series: ← Previous Work Part 2 of the Hunting the Stars series

[nol-overwatch]

Writer’s Callus, Chapter Two

Fandom: Durarara!!, Baccano

Pairing: Shizuo Heiwajima / Original Female Character

Tags: Mystery, Romance, Drama, Slow Burn, Strangers to Friends to Lovers, not too sure what else to put without it spoiling too much.

Synopsis:  A foreigner visits Ikebukuro for the first time. She’s only supposed to be there for a few days and then return home, but this is Ikebukuro after all. The city of gang violence, flying sign posts, and unorthodox sushi. Those aren’t the only things keeping her entranced; it’s when she met a certain blond in a bartender’s outfit, that she started wanting more out of her mundane life.

You can read it here on AO3 and FanFiction.

—

‘My memory is not like the other one

Turn to strike my face

Always second place’

The young woman calmly turned off the alarm clock. She would’ve let it play for a bit longer, but the events of yesterday came rushing back at her, and she smiled at that.

She slowly sat up, her green eyes blinking slowly as she surveyed the hotel room she’s staying in. Her hotel, Sunshine City Prince, was a little too fancy for her tastes, despite it being a 3-star hotel. She very much preferred staying at a local bed and breakfast, but of course, her family wouldn’t allow it.

The sky outside her window was a pale blue color, with a slight pink tint and light gray clouds dotting the distance. ‘It’s a nice day to go out exploring,’ She thought as she carded fingers over her messy auburn locks. As she stretched her limbs, her hand landed on the familiar leather bound journal she kept at her side.

Her fingers skimmed the surface; the large print on the cover read ‘READ THIS’ and she figured ‘no, there’s no need this time’. Not with how the day started like this. With a satisfied sigh, she picked up the book and set it aside on the table next to her bed.The time on the clock read 7:03 am. She can grab her breakfast at the convenience store by the park, as she wanted to eat while watching the people of this city.

Ren turned on the TV, managing to catch up to a local morning show, while she washed up, changed out of her negligee and into her usual shirt and slacks. She packed light, knowing her family would provide her some appropriate clothes for the funeral, but she also thought of shopping for clothes here, as well as the souvenirs she’s bound to bring home.

“...the Slasher has claimed two more victims—”

The young woman looked up from the sink just in time to see a glimpse of the TV through the bathroom mirror. ‘A slasher? In a place like this?’ She wondered as she dried her face and let the towel rest on her neck. She then leaned on the doorway of her bathroom and watched the news.

What looked like a pixelated mess was first shown on the screen, until Ren realized it was just a close-up shot of the victim’s bodies. “I’m here at the west entrance to Ikebukuro Station where the crime happened.” There was a reporter in front of the ambulance, and behind her was a haphazard mess of yellow tape and police officers. It might be the camera angle, but Ren knew the place must be swamped with commuters and onlookers, especially since it’s situated at one of the busiest subways in the country. Traffic must be a pain in the ass right now.

She sat back on the bed and picked up her journal out of reflex. She was already rifling through the pages when a frown creased her face. The news of a slasher in the area worries her a lot. Should she write that down, just in case?  ‘Might be a good idea. Who knows, it might save my life.’ She thought as she reached over her bedside table for a pen, when the telephone rang.

She tilted her head, curious as to who would call her at this time, and reached for the phone instead. “Hello?” Ren said, then realized she spoke in English rather than in Japanese. She coughed awkwardly and apologized in the appropriate language. “Sorry, do you need something?”

“Good morning, Miss Shiori. This is the reception desk of Sunshine City Prince. We hope you’re having a wonderful stay.”

“G’morning. You have something for me?”

“Yes, you have a call from Mr. Masa Shiori, shall I refer the line to you?” Ren suddenly gripped the phone a little too tightly. ‘To think he would be calling already.’ Her eyes narrowed as she resisted grinding her teeth. Right, this is something she’s bound to face since coming here anyway.

“Miss?” She clicked her tongue and forced herself to smile. Yeah, it’s inevitable, but that doesn’t mean she has to face them right away. “...No, tell him I went out.”

“Understood, miss. Have a pleasant day.” There was a soft click, and the call ended. Ren then threw the phone on the bed with more force than necessary and massaged her temple. What an awful start to what should be a nice day. The family meeting’s not until the day after tomorrow, but not even a full day has passed and that annoying miscreant of a brother of hers is already ruining it for her. She wanted at least a few days to herself, but now she has to figure out a way to avoid him until then.

“Okay, first things first.” She said as she grabbed her journal once again. It’s imperative that she must write this down. At least, she was about to, when a loud growling sound from her stomach distracted her thoughts. Ren sheepishly smiled to herself; weirdly enough, that seemed to calm her nerves a bit.

“First things first,” She instead grabbed her coat, her wallet, and most importantly, her journal, and strode out of her hotel room. “Let’s get some breakfast.”

—

It didn’t matter that he turned in early, Shizuo was still late for his job.

He chanted a mantra in his head, urging himself to calm down before he’d get infuriated over something as trivial as a delayed train. Honestly, he should’ve just walked in the first place. Then he wouldn’t have to think of turning the place upside down, that would make things a whole lot worse.

Shizuo stalked the streets with a half-lit cigarette, his hands stuffed deep into his pockets. He already texted Tom, but even that guy’s also late because of the delayed trains. ‘What a shitty day.’ He bitterly thought as he impatiently waited for the pedestrian light to turn green.

Sunshine 60 shopping street is just as busy as it usually is. The morning rush was starting to die down, despite the chaos that happened this morning regarding the Slasher. Shizuo thought, since it’ll be awhile til Tom-san meets up with him, he might as well get something to drink. Ah, right, he should stock up on his cigarettes. A few nights ago, he once smoked through a whole pack after chasing a certain flea out of the city. That really stressed the hell out of him.

Shizuo slipped into the first convenience store he saw, right across the usual place he and Tom would often meet. “Welcome,” The store clerk greeted him just as the blond nodded and immediately headed over towards the vending machines selling his favorite brand.

It was then he saw that person again, his whole world slowing to a momentary pause.

They were still wearing the same outfit as yesterday, though it looks like they didn’t style their hair properly; it was tousled to the side revealing more of their face. Now that he’s standing so close, he can see that they’re probably a young woman, around his age. She looked as if she was contemplating something, and stood in front of the vending machine he was aiming for.

‘Her eyes are closed again.’ Thought Shizuo, and immediately he shook his head. The hell was he thinking all of a sudden? Who gives a damn whether he can see her eyes or not. He sighed loudly, moving to the next vending machine so he could get his cigs then get out. This day’s not going into his favor, huh.

He started punching in buttons, when suddenly, he heard her speak up. “...Blue American Spirit.”

“Ah?”

He swiveled his head to her side, and he was shell-shocked once again. Frankly, she wasn’t even looking at him, but at the vending machine he was using. And it was only then he got a clear view of those pale green eyes of hers, ones that continue to stop him in his tracks for god-knows-why.

It really was a question that has plagued him since last night. Why? Why is he acting like this towards a complete stranger? It was a surreal, almost familiar feeling.

Kinda like...the first time he met Celty, his mysterious transporter friend. No, he’s quite sure, it felt exactly like that feeling.

Unaware of the emotional turmoil brewing at this guy’s head, the young woman tapped her chin and continued to stare at the row of different cigarette brands in the machine with remarkable interest. “That brand seems to be incredibly popular here. That must mean their investment would do well then.” She said quietly, her gaze unmoving.

‘What a weird woman.’ Shizuo concluded. This city is full of strangers and weirdos, and this one didn’t seem to be an exception. “Lady, I don’t know what you’re talking about,” He grumbled as he adjusted his blue sunglasses. “But lemme just buy my shit, alright?” He turned to face her, but suddenly flinched when he found her looking at him directly.

What, did he assume wrong? Is she actually a pretty boy? He mentally shuddered. Tom, and even that oddball Shinra, did tell him to be careful when addressing someone based on their looks. A lot of people would take offense if they were addressed wrongly, however this one didn’t seem the slightest bit offended. Rather, her lip curled into an apologetic smile as she slowly shook her head.

“Mhm, go ahead then. Please excuse my rambling.” She bowed politely and walked off to another aisle. Shizuo slowly went back to buying his pack, his mind rewinding back to what just happened. That was definitely a foreigner; her Japanese is perfect but there’s an underlying accent there that he can’t quite place. Unlike Simon, his Russian friend who works at a sushi place and has a distinct accent, she sounded American.

His brow ticked in annoyance. There he goes again, thinking about this stranger. He should tell Tom when they meet up, ask for his advice on what to do before this becomes a problem. Shizuo finally got his pack, and went towards the back where the refrigerated drinks were kept. He grabbed a carton of milk, and sauntered over to the counter to pay for it.

That auburn-haired woman was there too, having her items checked out. She got a carton of milk as well, albeit it’s the fruity one, and three spicy tuna onigiris. It also looked like she was rummaging wildly into her pockets, “That’s odd. I swear I brought it along with me…” She muttered to herself as she started emptying her pockets. Both Shizuo and the store clerk deadpanned at the stuff she was placing on the counter: candy wrappers, spare change, a book, a brochure for a museum, two subway maps, and what looked like hotel keys.

‘Why can’t she just use a bag to hold her stuff?!’ The both of them had the same thought.

“Ah! Here we go.” Finally, she procured a small, colorful card with a flourish. “I can use this point card here, right?” She beamed as the clerk hesitantly separated her stuff from the food on the counter.

“Y-yes, miss…”

The cashier started putting her items in a plastic bag just as she began cleaning up the mess she made. If Shizuo didn’t think she was unusual before, now he thinks she’s got a few screws loose. ‘Not the first time I met someone like that. ’ He thought as he silently watched their exchange with a bored expression.

“Here you go, miss. Please come again.”

Plastic bag in hand, she thanked the cashier and, to the blond’s surprise, tilted her head to face him once again. Still that apologetic smile on her face, but a little wider and much more relaxed, she gave him a small, informal salute. “Sorry to keep the line waiting!” She chuckled before quickly leaving the store. The man stared after her, eyes blinking in confusion.

‘That a tourist thing?’ He wondered as he paid for his pack of cancer sticks and his milk. He declined the plastic bag, deciding to consume it immediately after buying it. That, and Tom must be waiting for him at the usual place.

“Oh,” The voice of the cashier snapped Shizuo from his thoughts. “That woman forgot this.” He said, holding up a worn-out, leather bound book. The blond recognized it as the one she was digging out from her pockets, and it looked like the same one she was reading last night too.

Without thinking, he grabbed the book out of the cashier’s hands and bolted out of the store. He almost bumped into someone in his hurry, but Shizuo didn’t give it any thought as his gaze swiveled up and down the shopping street, looking for that particular auburn head. He’s tall enough to look over the heads of the average person, but damn, there’s still so many people walking by this way. “Damn it…” He cursed as he squinted at the distance. She can’t have gone too far, but…

“Huh, Shizuo?” He heard a familiar voice and he followed it to one Tom Tanaka, who was curiously looking at him in front of the store. “What’s up? What are you—”

Shizuo interrupted him. “Tom-san, did you see someone walk out just now?” His sudden question made the man in the dreads scratch his chin in contemplation. “Huh? No, not really. I just got here myself.” He replied as Shizuo continued to look up and down the street. No good. There really is no sign of her. Usually by now he would have noticed that certain hair color, or that mysterious aura of hers.

Or even just the uncanny way her eyes would stare, as if she’s seeing the depths of his soul.

Sighing, his shoulders drooped while he rubbed the back of his head. Tom frowned at him, then looked down towards the book he’s holding. “Does that...belong to them or something?”

“Yeah...idiot forgot it on the counter.” He clicked his tongue as he tucked the book under his armpit. He and Tom stood by the shade of a newspaper kiosk as the blond explained the situation to his boss.

Now, he’s stuck with that person’s possession. Should he return it to the store and have them take care of it? He pondered over the thought until the older man spoke up, “Well, if it bothers you so much, why not try and read it? Their name might be in there, or maybe an address.”

“Oh, yeah. You might be right.” Said Shizuo, who grasped it on hand again and rifled through the pages. His eyebrows then shot up above his glasses, and the next, frowned deeply. Tom was in the middle of checking out a magazine from the kiosk stand when he noticed his bodyguard’s alternating expressions.

“What’s wrong? Is it not there?”

“...No, it’s just...” The blond then held the book wide open and showed it to him, who peered at it carefully then did a double take.

“Don’t suppose you can read english, Tom-san?”

“Hell no, I didn’t even take it seriously during high school.”

“Me neither.”

He forgot he was dealing with a foreigner here. He sighed as he gingerly flipped through the pages. Even though it’s written entirely in english, what surprised him the most was the content of this book. He couldn’t understand a single word, but every page, every line, it’s written and filled completely to the point that the page started thinning under the weight of the ink. He figured, that person must’ve cared for this book a lot. She’s written on it so often to the point that it's sagging under the weight of overuse. When she finds out it’s missing, would she remember that she left it here? Is it actually a good idea just to leave it to the convenience store staff then?

Shizuo reached the last page, or what he thinks is the first page considering it’s a western book, and there on the very bottom of the page was a single line, two words. This must be her name, and he racked his brain trying to remember how to fucking read it.

Tom watched him glare at the page with intense concentration and sighed. He tried hiding an incoming smile, so as not to embarrass his subordinate. “We’re gonna be in Sunshine 60 for the whole day, so when they come back looking for it, you’ll spot them right away. Sound good?” He said in a reassuring tone, causing the other to finally calm down. Some of the tension left Shizuo’s face as he looked away and awkwardly adjusted his glasses.

“...Sounds good.”

—

It did sound like a good idea, until the sky darkened to a burgundy orange, and soon night would fall over the city of Ikebukuro.

And there’s still no sign of that weird foreigner lady.

He and Tom went through their usual routes. The pachinko parlors, the manga cafes, nondescript bars and clubs, each time had the same situation as the last. His boss would inform their clients of their debt, they’d bargain for another day or two, Tom would persist, and they would bring out some sob story explaining why they couldn’t pay today. And that’s where Shizuo would finally step up, at least, Tom would mention his name first, and if they didn’t budge, then yeah, he would step in and wreak havoc. He always hoped their clients would finally start thinking with their brains first and just pay up front already, but then again if they keep doing that, he might not have a job anymore.

Anyway, it was only after Tom told him it was the last client of the day that Shizuo then noticed the setting sun. He stopped by the same convenience store for the 5th time, and asked the clerk if she’s dropped by already. And every time, he received the same answer, “No, sorry she hasn't come back yet.”

Now he and Tom were having a late afternoon snack in front of the very same convenience store he kept visiting. Tom got himself a hot cup of coffee, and Shizuo with his usual bottle of cold milk.

He didn’t think this would already be a pain in the ass. Lugging it around was okay, but keeping an eye on it, making sure it doesn’t get lost, during their rounds, was something else entirely. Maybe he should’ve looked for someone who could understand the language. “Mhm,” Shizuo took a long drag out of the fifth cigarette he’s smoking today. “Does Celty know english..?” He contemplated out loud, as Tom started lighting his own after finishing his coffee.

“Why not try contacting her? As for me, I’ll see if anyone at the office knows the language.” The man in the dreads said as flipped open his phone, already typing in a text. Shizuo’s relieved that Tom’s on the same page as him; he didn’t even need to explain much. This is why he’s one of his few friends in this city.

The blond unflipped his phone, ready to text the Urban Legend herself when, just as quickly as the thought crossed his mind, he heard it. It’s the rush hour; people are coming home after a full day of work, or at least, hitting up Sunshine street. One would be hearing all sorts of things at this hour, the general conundrum’s almost deafening. However, he heard it immediately, the separate sound of running footsteps, light but hurried and obviously in a panic. Shizuo inclined his head towards that sound, and sure enough, it’s that woman again.

Her hair askew and matted with sweat, her green eyes were wildly looking around until she caught sight of the convenience store she stopped by earlier. She was about to run inside, when she realized too late she was going to crash into someone. “A-ah!” She gasped, stumbling over her feet as if she tried to stop herself, but in the end that person’s body’s becoming closer and closer she’s going to crash—

“Whoa, there.”

The woman blinked. For some reason, she was completely halted. She didn’t fall over too. What on earth..? “Hey, you okay?”

Shizuo gripped her shoulder, easily stopping her from crashing onto him. He crossed the street as soon as he saw that familiar auburn head, intending to call her out as soon as she’s within earshot, but saw instead that she might get into an accident with that kind of speed. Good thinking on him, to use his own body as some sort of wall.

Tom put down his phone, his bespectacled face surprised to see that the owner of that book is a woman, and a woman that seemed to make an impression on the blond as well.

She was panting, clearly out of breath from running, but she stared up at Shizuo with the mildest surprise. “Y-yeah, thank you…” She slowly said, finally standing up straight to look at him properly. The blond could see that she was scrutinizing every detail on him, and that drew a frown out of him. “Something on me?” He didn’t intend for it to sound menacing, but it did anyway, causing her to shake her head hurriedly.

“N-no, that’s not it! It’s just that….If I remember correctly, you’re that guy from this morning, right? Buying cigarettes at this store?” She gestured to the shop while he nodded along. “I know it’s far-fetched but have you seen a journal around here? It’s leatherbound, it has some printed letters at the front—” She went on to describe the appearance of the book, the very same book still tucked under his arm, and he wondered if she ever spotted it on his person.

She was still explaining, her voice growing frantic and weary. Doubts and hopeless thoughts were filling up her head, prompting her to trail away in her words. She looked as if she was on the verge of breaking down right in front of him.

Without another word, Shizuo handed her the book. She had stopped talking then, the mere appearance of the book sent her mouth agape, her lower lip quivering as she gripped it a little too tightly. “This...this is…” She started as she visibly shook.

The blond blinked. ‘Is she going to cry? Over this book of hers?’ He put up his hands, as if to calm down whatever’s coming, but then she looked up at him with a wide smile, tears pin pricking her viridescent orbs. “Thank you! Thank you so much..!” She exclaimed.

“Uh, I—”

“You have no idea…” He paused. “You have no idea how important this is to me…” She uttered as she brought the book closer to her chest. Shizuo rubbed the back of his neck. He always seemed to be tongue-tied around this woman. Not that she was a difficult person to deal with, rather it was as if he didn’t know how to interact with her. He looked at Tom for advice, but for some reason the dreadlocked man was looking away, his back turned on them while looking at some magazines on a nearby kiosk.

“Uh,” He awkwardly began. ‘If Tom won’t help me, then I might as well finish this on my own terms.’ “Sorry, I tried going through it.” She tilted her head at him, as he explained further. “I was looking for a name, or at least, an address, but then I couldn’t read english.”

She hummed thoughtfully at that. “Mhm, that’s okay. I know you’re only trying to help.”

She then rummaged into her pockets and procured a pen. Stepping closer to him, she opened the book right on the first page, where he thought the only two words there were her name. She calmly smiled at him, her otherwise spent appearance looking quite serene right now. “My name is…” On top of those two words, she wrote her own name in kanji.

Ren Shiori.

Shizuo read it over and over again. He thought that name fits her so well. “And you are?”

“The name’s Shizuo Heiwajima.” He replied bluntly. It’s been a while since he had to introduce himself, usually people in this city knew his name before he even got to do normal introductions. His name became a warning to those who are new to Ikebukuro, a warning to stay away from him.

So was it okay? For a foreigner or a tourist, to know his name so casually? That looks to be the case because Ren nodded at him with a tiny grin, the barest signs of apprehension visible on her face. “It’s nice to meet you, Shizuo.”

And in turn, she thought that name suited him well.

[darkmindsthinktwistedthoughts]

Devil’s Temptation pt8

Warnings: Mob styling warlords

Masterlist

---

Chapter 8 – Leverage

He could have gone to his office. Well, it was where he was supposed to go but he found himself returning to his own private rooms. Being around others at the moment would be a bad idea.

Closing the door, he tossed the paper down on the coffee table and went to the kitchenette to find a strong drink to calm his rattled nerves. Only she had ever been able to make this happen to him. That little mouse was still under his skin. A wry smile crossed his lips as he realised the hold, she still had on him. Even if he was unable to see her or touch her right now, that feeling was enough to soothe him. All he needed was to remember her, the sensation of her touch on him, and his raw emotional state melted. Even after all this time, it's still you [Name].

Locating a bottle of strong sake, he took it and a cup through to the living room and sat there pouring and drinking just staring at the paper on the table. He didn’t want to touch it but he also couldn’t take his eyes off it. He felt a little like a spectator at a terrible accident. You know you shouldn’t be gawking but just can’t avoid it. How would they have found you? I suppose you did show up on Nobu’s arm during that time we had issues before. Would that be enough to make them believe a connection was strong enough?

“All I wanted was to see her safe. And now this… I don’t know if I can forgive him.” Mitsuhide muttered as he drank. His words drowning in the afterburn from the alcohol in his throat, but the memory of them lingered. Am I mad at him or me? Mitsuhide reached out a single finger and dragged it lightly over the image before him. “[Name]…”

---

The room provided was beautifully furnished and looked like it might have fallen from a page in a fairy-tale princess book. The bed had a lace canape and all of the furniture looked like that antique French style you saw in all those romance movies. There were no windows to the room, instead, light from a large skylight filled the space making it feel even larger. Well, I suppose as prison cells go this one looks to be pretty comfortable. Although I have no idea why he went for the total princess treatment. It’s like he is working in extremes.

“This shall be your private room here.” Takahiro announced as he all but pushed [Name] further into the room, closing the door behind them. Patience is a virtue… guess someone missed that.

“I thought you said that you would let me go home as one of the conditions to this agreement?” [Name] asked what she knew would prove to be a futile question.

“I did. I didn’t say who’s home though.” Takahiro chuckled like a child that just won a game. [Name]’s face lost its sparkle of wonder from looking at the room, lips pursed in a thin line as they attempted to control their tongue. “Don’t look so angry, it really isn’t my fault if you fail to use even basic perception during a conversation. But you also must understand that you being here following such an announcement also makes the most logical sense.”

“You mean because I’m going to be a target now?” [Name] gave a faint glare. And who’s fault would that be if I am a target now? Although I suppose this time, I did sort of agree to it. Was I given much of a choice though?

“Oh? So, you do get it.” Takahiro closed the distance faster than [Name] could react. Grabbing her and staring at her face. There was a hunger in his eyes as if he had just found his favourite treat. “I was right you have become much more interesting.”

“I told you to keep your hands to yourself.” [Name] swiped away his hand and backed away fast. You already told me you don’t see me like that… besides nothing gives you the right to do that to me.  “Anyway, I still have my own apartment and…”

“That was already taken care of.” Takahiro smirked at her obvious attempt to deflect but he was not really bothered by it.

“What? When?” [Name]’s eyes opened wide as she processed this new information.

“Insignificant details.”

“Insign- how can you say that? It is my life you just showed up in and…” [Name] blustered at Takahiro’s blasé response. I wasn’t stupid enough to think I wouldn’t have to spend some time here like this, but I did think I would be allowed to at least take part in arrangements with my own apartment. Oh… no. What about?...

“I have to return to the office. Now be a good girl and stay put. I have men outside so don’t try anything… childish.” He gave her a meaningful look as he opened the door again. “Oh yes, one more thing.” He retrieved a plastic container with a handle from outside the room.

– Meow –

“Keep it in your room. If Shin sees it, he’ll have a heart attack.” With those parting words, Takahiro handed over the pet crate and left the room without looking back. The door clicked softly shut in the now silent space.

[Name] waited a few minutes before opening the pet crate. The jade green eyes of her beloved cat locked on her as it jumped into her arms. “It’s ok… I’m sorry you were scared huh? You and me both buddy.” [Name] said as she hugged the creature closer, stroking the soft silky fur. Her fingers touched the collar on the cat’s neck. “Well, I guess if anything counts as an SOS this is probably it.”

The decorative design of the collar was pretty but it also served to make the collar look less special. It looked like any imitation gem encrusted pet collar. But that was where the similarities ended. As [Name] clicked and twisted the clasp in a different way and a small light blinked three times before stopping. “And now we wait.”

---

The solemn atmosphere in the room was palpable. Around the large black glass table sat the inner circle of Azuchi Corp. each one of them was a leader of their own families and allied for the same common goal. The information received now hung so heavily in the air it was suffocating.

There was no doubt that a meeting like this had to take place, but for at least one man at that table, none of the finer points under discussion were sinking in. His mind had been going in circles chasing “what if” scenarios as if they were ghosts.

“So where does this leave us now?” Ieyasu asked as he looked Nobunaga directly in the eye.

“Negotiations are a total wipeout. This means we could be back to square one right?” Masa leaned forward resting his elbows on the table looking at Nobunaga as well.

“It is true that we currently do not have a solution to the current open market issue.” Nobunaga kept his voice level as he returned the questioning looks.

There was an undercurrent in the room. It spoke volumes of all the things that were still not being said. No one was happy with the news. It had taken years to get to the point where even the small turf wars had virtually stopped. Naturally, they still happened, some boundary lines were sketchy in places but it didn’t turn into a gunfight as much as it had done in the past. The idea that their peaceful time was under threat was one that all the men in the room felt.

“So, we are facing a declaration of war?” Mitsunari nodded slowly. The glasses he had on his face as he continued to look through some printouts caught the florescent lights in the room and glinted.

“Great just when things were getting nice and peaceful.” Ieyasu grumbled as he pulled back from the edge of the table to slump in his chair.

“You mean boring.” Masa copied the gesture.

It was rather amusing when Azuchi Corp. was first founded the two men had been close. Whether that was due to the closeness in age or territory it was hard to say.

Yasu being the resident contrarian would never admit to being close to anyone. Masa would joke that he was popular with everyone, which of course he was but somehow with these two it was different. They really were like brothers.

“I meant what I said.” Ieyasu glared at Masa, and if looks could do anything you would be forgiven for thinking that Masa might very well turn into a bug.

“Guys this isn’t helpful.” Hideyoshi attempted to drag back the attention of the meeting from the spiral that it had taken.

– Thwap –

The room fell silent once more as a stack of tabloids materialised on the table, scattering as they landed. Each one was a section relating to the new announcement.

“Is that the Princess?” Mitsunari asked as he looked at one of the pages that had settled near him with a look of wonder.

“No way. How the hell did the Kitten get mixed up with that guy?” Masa snatched up a paper scanning the page quickly as if he hoped the information he wanted would just jump out and bite him. Mitsuhide watched the various reactions around the table in silence. He was keeping his mask up, but under it all, he was seething. I wish gathering information was that simple.

“Your ability to show concern whilst also turning my stomach is one I should research more so I can create better anti-nausea drugs.” Ieyasu mumbled as he too picked up a different paper and started looking at it. It was amazing that not one of the men at the meeting seemed to be aware of such a development. But then again news of happy unions that do not have something to do with their own family’s tends to be ignored.

“Hey man, you want nausea you should try talking to Takeda.” Masa retorted with a little thump to the arm of the other.

“It is rather unfortunate.” Nobunaga spoke after looking for a few minutes at one of the photographs. The dispassionate response was the spark that ignited a touch paper inside him. Mitsuhide saw red.

“Unfortunate!?” His usually low baritone voice practically roared in the room as he confronted Nobunaga. “That is all you have to say?”

“Mitsuhide…” Hideyoshi looked at him. He would have snapped as usual but it was clear even he was fighting his own concerns over the girl. During her short stay, she had been treated as a sister to the rather unconventional group.

“No, you can shut up for a minute Yoshi I want to talk to the organ grinder, not the bloody monkey.” Mitsuhide turned his poisonous yellow eyes on the right-hand man. The venomous gaze coupled with the insult provoking an instant response. The last thing I want right now is for you to try to make me feel better. I don’t want pity, empathy or someone telling me it's going to be alright. I want answers.

“Why you!” Hideyoshi pushed hard off the table, his chair scraping loudly on the floor as he stood up in a rage.

“Hideyoshi… Mitsuhide is right, even if his timing leaves a little to be desired this is indeed a conversation between us.” Nobunaga did not raise his voice he barely raised his hand to still the situation. All the time he maintained his observation on the cool, calm and increasingly murderous looking Mitsuhide.

“Yes, Sir.” Hideyoshi did not like it, but he followed the order and took his seat again. Good boy, such a well-trained monkey.

“You knew there was a high chance they were looking into us or planning something.” Mitsuhide continued after being sure that the room was once again not going to interrupt.

“Naturally it is after all standard in our circles to perform such a thing. But it was You who confirmed it in your reports.” Nobunaga’s show of apathy was annoying. He just sat calmly staring back unwavering as if nothing going on involved him in the slightest. How can you be like this?

“Did you think they would go after her?”

“Now how would I have reached such a conclusion? As omnipotent as you seem to believe me to be Mitsuhide I am not however entirely infallible.” Nobunaga’s eyes sparked with a silent warning. One strike…

“I do not believe you to be some sort of deity at all Nobu, I never have. Do I think you have the ability to perform tasks that make others question if you are in fact the devil incarnate? Of course, I do. But I am also aware you are also a man.” Mitsuhide’s words held on to the atmosphere in the room bringing it further into the cold.

“Then you agree that even I am capable of making mistakes?”

“Mistakes yes. But you are far from stupid. That grand master plan you pulled on Takeda proves you are capable of thinking more than just a few steps ahead.” Mitsuhide was stringing together his words admirably given the fact that he was almost totally blinded with rage. “She… [Name] is in this mess because of us… because of you.” The choice of wording was not lost on anyone in that room. They all knew what had happened before it was decided that Mitsuhide should go on a little business trip to benefit the company. The eyes that focused on him now all saw the fractures in his armour. God knows I am far from innocent in this matter. I did this to her… me… I brought her here that night… I had her involved in this twisted world… me. [Name] forgive me…

“As I said it is rather unfortunate that events have taken this turn.” Nobunaga returned to his original statement. He hadn’t moved once during the entire barrage of words and accusations being thrown at him. Do you seriously not care? How can you be so completely devoid of emotion?

“That really is all you have to say?” Mitsuhide tensed as he retreated a little, giving up enough ground in this mental game of warfare to be called an organised retreat whilst still holding his ground.

“What more would you have me say?” Nobunaga could see the shift. He had hoped they had moved to a point after all this time where Mitsuhide could separate himself more from the situation than this.

In all the years they had spent together he had always been the calculated assassin. He could keep his head where others couldn’t. His work was at times the stuff that made nightmares look like a childhood fairy tale. He knew his past and he could see how it had changed him, almost as if something had unlocked that day and it made him one of the best weapons. But now. Now it looked as if the lock was no longer just unlocked it appeared to be totally smashed. Did everything that happened last time affect him so much? Is this what they call it when a highly trained person goes “off the deep end”?

“Nothing. Sir.” Mitsuhide spat out the words with as much venom as he could whilst retaining his now completely expressionless face. Without waiting for anything further he walked out of the room leaving behind the rest of the men who felt powerless to do anything in his wake.

“Where are you going?” Hideyoshi’s concerned voice called out unanswered.

Where indeed?

---