Ichimatsu X Reader - Tumblr Posts

Pinefield-Matsu x Demon!Reader

(got lazy a bit in, forgive any errors I'll edit when my brain isn't mush.)

Deep in the library, a book of the dark arts lay dormant, untouched by many who passed it by.

Now, in the hands of a new holder, there was no telling why or how they found such a book as no system had it on file. Strange old, dusty book.

Far beyond the tree line, he flipped through the pages, skimming each page for what it had to offer. After what seemed like ages, his hand stopped at an interesting page. While the book and its contents were tattered and old, this one singular page looked preserved--torn through time itself.

Placing candles carefully around the circle of old bones, tossing salt and who knows what else into the small circle. Chanting in the incantation and then... ... Then...? Nothing happened. Checking the page, before looking at the circle. Once, somehow, a small fire was lit, to their surprise, it grew into a large fire pooling from the summoning circle, concealed safely inside.

Once the fire died down, a figure remained, glowing eyes staring back at them.

Osomatsu !!

Orson - Slacker !!

-After the summoning didn't work, he sighed to himself, lighting up a cigarette. Shaking off most of the fire from the match, he tossed it off to the side and it so happened to land inside the circle.

-He didn't expect it to work. Not at all. But, in a drunken state, who cared if it worked or not. Worst case scenario the forest would burn down... Right?

-WRONG. Because, once the fire died down, here you stood, your eyes staring back at him.

-Orson didn't really think it'd work to begin with, but it seemed his fate had other plans for him.

-Does freak out, but once he's more calm, he's asking all sorts of questions about you and what kind of devil you are, if you catch my drift.

-Orson isn't really the...ambitious type. Figuring out how to aid him was going to be difficult.

-So, after a long moment of silence, he offers you a beer.

-You both end up talking about you, about him, about whatever it was that seemed to pop up in your heads in the moment.

-In the end, you are stuck with him. But, maybe he isn't that bad.

Karamatsu !!

Karla - Geek

-Karla was forced into doing the ritual by some people who wanted to 'hang out' and 'become friends'. Karla was skeptical, but it'd would be so rude not to accept the offer! He just had to!

-This poor idiot. (Affectionately)

-Whether you were summoned or not, he was absolutely terrified. Though, when you didn't appear, he was almost a bit...disappointed.

-One of the tormentors shoved him forward, and nearly caught himself on fire, of course he didn't but the circle sure did!

-The others ran off leaving only Karla behind, stunned by the beauty of the growing fire--his eyes are glued to the figure standing amongst the smoke.

-Probably too scared to scream, and unsure if he should be impressed, he managed to will such a being to be in his presence or absolutely terrified of you.

-He's very cautious, and more wary than most on this list. Regardless, he's enamored by you and tries and fails to play it cool.

-At least he's cute!

-Regardless of your gender or appearance or anything like that, he thinks you're beautiful.

-He stays out in the woods with you for a while until he finally realizes he doesn't know how to send you back.

-Karla apologizes profusely.

Choromatsu ...

Charlie - Nerd

(i dont like him im sorry..)

-Charlie didn't think it was going to work in the slightest. In fact, he was doing it specifically to prove a point to one of his brothers that there was no such thing as witchcraft and that they were just being idiotic or something.

-So, when it didn't work, a smug grin splayed on his lips, though he couldn't help but feel a twinge of disappointment deep down as he adjusted his glasses.

-Comically, his glasses accidentally lit the center on fire. He was stuck watching and panicking as the fire erupted before fading into grey smoke leaving a silhouette in its wake.

-On one hand, he's frozen in a state of fear and on the other hand, he's pissed that the summoning ritual actually worked.

-He thinks you're cute, regardless of gender/appearance. How could he be mad at you? Clearly it wasn't your or his fault!! Had to be something else to blame..

-Oh, right. It's the book's fault. It should've at least put a warning or something--anything to prevent scary demons being summoned. Just, not you though.

-At the end of the day, you can't go home, and neither can he. Charlie can't imagine what his brothers might say if they knew he actually did it..

Ichimatsu !!

Itchy - Goth

-Itchy found that book, and decided to crack it open to scare a prep that found their way wandering into the words.

-He was convinced this book was made by some witchcraft guru and that it wouldn't actually work. So, he wasn't let down when the initial ritual failed.

-Though, to drive the scare home, he tossed a small firecracker into the circle, and watched as the flames only got brighter before they died and only you remained.

-He is absolutely stunned. Staring, it takes him a moment to react. To which, he definitely loses his shit like most of everyone on this list.

-He didn't think to get this far or that it would even work. Itchy is unsure whether to apologize, panic, or bathe in the ego boost.

-Kinda just stands there and stares, unsure what to do or say. Itchy does eventually get more talkative, he just needs a minute.

-Well, at least he did manage to scare that prep in the end.

-Like Orson, he doesn't really have any ambition. It might be difficult to aid him more than most on this list, but who doesn't like a challenge.

-Trick question, but you have zero choice!

Jyushimatsu !!

Juicy - Freak

-How he got this book into his hands was unknown. He did show it off to Itchy looking for his opinion.

-Itchy didn't really think it was real, so Juicy thought it'd be fun to try out all sorts of cool things he saw.

-After maybe the third or fifth spell or something, trying and failing until his eyes caught onto the summoning page.

-Unlike his brothers, he wasn't discouraged, and kept tossing things in, changing things around before he eventually lights some book (hopefully not the spell book) on fire, and tossed it in when you finally appeared.

-He's ecstatic you finally made your arrival, and honestly is just happy it worked.

-Once you explain what you are and your lifelong purpose, it goes one ear and out the other. The first thing he asks after is how good your baseball pitch is.

-Well, at least he knows what he wants, unlike everyone else on this list.

Todomatsu !!

Todd - Messenger

-Poor Todd, similar to Karla was peer pressured or rather forced into doing the summoning ritual.

-When nothing happened, he was relived, though one of the tormentors wasn't happy with this and decided to try and light the book on fire.

-Surprise surprise, it didn't go well. Once the smallest hint of the match go close to the circle, flames erupted from the center. Eerier noises and screams before everything fell somewhat silent aside the scampering of the gaggle of guys who had left Todd behind.

-He is absolutely stunned. Unsure if it was the fact that it work or that you seemed to take him as your summoner. It was the other boys, really it was. But, apparently to you, that's not how it worked.

-You are now here to help him. A boost to his shiny ego.

-He wants revenge, not a moment too soon. A short-sighted way to see things as you are stuck with him.

-No, he doesn't want you to murder them. That would bring too much attention. What he wants is to destory their careers. Make sure they're outcasted and ruined beyond help! They might have to move towns..

-You'll help him right? Well, you kinda have to.

(Tbh I just wanted an excuse to show off these goobers more..)

Thinking about doing a poll so I can figure out what I wanna write. Obviously, Osomatsu content. I have no reason for it.

Anyways, here is where I'm asking please give me some au or little idea for some multi (separate) matsuno brothers x reader to put on the poll and make people fight so I don't have to choose.

As long as it applies to my rules, we're good. Sfw/Nsfw allowed anyways yeah, thank you person reading this.

Anyways, i love them sm.

Ideas or smth !!

(mainly hurt/comfort lmao)

- Injured!Reader

- Kidnapped!Reader

- Crying/Sad!Reader (comfot)

- Your (abusive/dickweed) ex wants you back (ex is not matsu!brothers !!)

- Jealous Hcs

- Dating Hcs

- Cuddle Hcs

Vote, comment or send an inbox request whatever you feel like doing.

Yokai!matsu kidnapping reader..? It ticks a few things at once. Oh! Oh! They're kidnapped cos they were found injured, but even after they've healed the yokai brothers (seperately) refuse to let them go.

Cough, cough. I love this, cough.

You're getting hcs too.

Ahem

Slight notice! I did some minor research for this, but even then I'm still unsure !! If anything is wrong please do tell me !!

(Uh so, really bad weather rn. Wifi going in and out and tornadoes lurking around, so, like that's rad ig !! Forgive me.)

Tw/Cw: Injuries, slight mention of blood, kidnapping, Stockholm syndrome if you squint, manipulation(?), desperation, spelling/grammar(?), probably a little or a lot ooc I'm terrible at telling !! Forgive me !!

Youkai!Matsu x Injured!Reader

( Yokai!Matsu but used Youkai for letter colors..:D )

Small reader context !!

For whatever reason you're in the mountains doing whatever your mortal self does up there. A sharp pain shoots through your leg causing you to slip. Your foot set off a bear/fox trap. A group of bandits or just overall bad people--who one would assume set the trap--find poor injured you.

You don't have much on hand. Maybe you have a weapon, maybe you don't. But, regardless of how hard you fight, there are just more of them the there are of you.

Osomatsu

Oni

-He doesn't hate humans, but he doesn't actively like them either. He's more neutral about it.

-Like, he wouldn't go out of his way to help/save them, that's way too much work for him. But, he also wouldn't go out of his way to kill someone unless they really pissed him off.

-Doesn't really understand humans, but somewhat understand and takes a small liking to bits of their culture and activities.

-Actually fairly in with the times, but doesn't really try enough to be in with the times, y'know?

-Obviously takes part in gambling with the humans regardless of the time period.

-He finds that you're injured and probably not going to make it out of the situation alive.

-While at first he's slightly indifferent about your situation, he recognizes you from the village below. He probably asked for money and you gave it to him, or maybe you work at one of the place he frequents, but for whatever reason, he may be persuaded to help.

-You're already unconscious and he can't help but feel pity for you. Pretty nasty leg injury. Maybe he should help.

-And, so, he does!

-After attending to your Injuries best he could, he decided to wait for you to come around. He'll admit, the patch up was sloppy, but it did the job, that's what matters.

-Eventually, you'd come around and find yourself face to face with the devil himself. Whether fearful or not, this would take some...adjusting.

-Compared to the known sterotype, he seems more lax and less...demonic.

-He finds you interesting. Somehow, that curiosity hadn't faded one moment since he's found you. Expect some questions personal, even perverted, or not.

-Dislikes when you get up or move around without his help. Though, more chill and just lightly scold you for straining yourself.

-Then, soon, one day you're all better. But, he doesn't want you to leave. How strange. He didn't think he'd be this...attached to someone like yourself. Not like that, bit it's weird to him.

-He had seen humans come and go--grow old and die. He's never been this comfortable with humans before he'd met you. He doesn't want you to leave. Will you ever see each other again after you part ways? Probably not, but he doesn't want to take that chance.

-So, you can't leave just yet.

Karamatsu

Shikigami

-Karamatsu loves humans/humanity the MOST out of this list. He often tries to be 'in' with the culture no matter the time period. He goes through many "phases" trying to be what the humans deem is cool in certain points of time.

-He loves to collect and tell stories that humans tell, though can sometimes stretch it a little for a more theatrical performance.

-He often tries to interact with people and walk amongst them. But, it usually never goes well.

-His brothers often tease, but he's restless in his search for a human Karamatsu boy or girl.

-When he found you in the snow plains, a red staining the snow around you, he didn't hesitate to check out the scene.

-A group of people trying to take advantage of a defenseless Karamatsu boy or girl !! Of course he felt the need to intervene and help the poor soul.

-He manages to scare off the bandits, but by the time he gets to you, you're already out. It pains him to see such a beauty in so much pain.

-Karamatsu, without so much as a second thought, takes you somewhere much safer. A nice small cabin deep in the woods. That's where he nurses injured you back to health.

-At first, you're probably shocked, but maybe around the first week mark, you'll probably get used to it. If not, don't worry! You'll have a long time to adjust!

-He's very curious about you and the humans you surround yourself with. His knowledge of the culture is a little outdated, not by much. Still, it's nothing compared to understanding the real thing.

-He doesn't like when you try to get up. You need to recover. You'll probably hurt yourself! Don't worry, he'll do it for you!

-Honestly, just wants you to be safe. By far, you're the first human that he's ever gotten this close with--both metaphorically and literally.

-He just wants to keep you safe. There are monsters lurking both human and spirit. Surely you know.

-Karamatsu had already taken a liking to you since he met you, but over the time of your recovery, he's grown too attached to let you leave.

-You'll stay, won't you?

Choromatsu

Tengu

-Also kind of neutral, more lenient towards pretty humans. It's so painfully obvious, his brothers tease him about it, though he's incredibly indenile.

-While claiming he doesn't have an obvious leniency towards pretty humans, it is obvious to literally anyone. Including the mortals down in the villages.

-Choromatsu won't go out of his way to harm anyone he considers "pretty or cute", though his idea of pretty and cute is complicated! Not always about looks, but mannerisms, actions, etc.

-He spots you before. And, he folds at first glance. It's not difficult to be encouraged to help you. You're practically a sparkly treasure to be collected and safe guarded.

-But, then he watches as you're injured self begins to get surrounded by the group that seemed to have caught you.

-Choromats had quickly intervened, chasing off the group (probably off a cliff), before returning back to you.

-Laying in the snow, you were out cold and didn't seem to respond at all, your pulse being the only thing noting you're still alive.

-Won't deny, he was absolutely panicking at first, figuring out how to clean your injures properly.

-Eventually, he does somewhat figure it out, and once you're stable he takes that time to breathe. And, well, admire your sleeping form. Not in a creepy way, but just studying you.I

-When you do come around, he's trying and failing with his words for a moment.

-Takes care of you, and while he does often nag you, he's more so worried about how your recovery is coming along.

-Tends to kinda hover, keeping a close eye on you, telling you to lay down and get rest and that he can do whatever it was you wanted to get up to do.

-Will refuse to let you get up and do anything for yourself. Why have you do it when you have him? A literal waste, really!

-Even if he sees your coming around and the healing process is moving quicker than he wants, he still refuses to let you do anything.

-Now comes the time when you're ready to leave the nest. Pun.

-He obviously begs you to stay, much without words. Choromatsu doesn't want you to go now that he's oh so attached! You can't go. You won't leave, will you?

-Please don't leave .

Ichimatsu

Kitsune

-Ichimatsu, opposed to Karamatsu, probobly hates humans/humanity the most on this list.

-Often times, he was the cause of some humans lost or missing on the mountain. Though, he wouldn't go out of his way for anything unless angered or maybe he just felt malicious that day.

-Humans find him captivating despite his dislike for them. Even so, he won't admit it, but they do fascinate him on some occasions.

-He spots the bandits first, then you after he gets rid of those loud bandits that woke him from his nap. He considers getting rid of you, too.

-But, you're asleep. And, it seemed your leg is caught pretty badly. It doesn't seem like you'll be able to move far with your leg like that. You'll probably be dead in a matter of hours. He doesn't have to do a thing.

-No, he doesn't feel bad for you. Not one bit. You're just an unlucky human caught by the foot like some poor rabbit.

-Ichimatsu does somehow end up carrying you off elsewhere--somewhere more comfortable. Don't be mistaken, he may be helping you, but no further than this.

-Once you're safe in the small cabin, he does the bare minimum with your injuries and once your stable, he leaves.

-You'll wake up alone, and it'll probably be like that for maybe a few hours before you're visited by a stranger.

-Ichimatsu takes care you you between visits, though he doesn't speak to you often. You're probably scared being so close to a monster like himself.

-But, you grow comfortable in his presence and attempt to talk to him. Something he finds real odd, but almost sweet. He still doesn't talk to you though, but he almost wants to.

-His visits grow more frequent, and he even began bringing you gifts. Like dead animals. But, it's the thought that counts!

-He ends up more attached than he would've liked to admit. And, unlike some people on the list, he's more blunt that you remain here with him.

-You'll be stuck with a monster trash like him, but at least here he can keep you warm and fed.

-You're staying put. There's no reason for you to leave anyways.

Jyushimatsu

Inugami

-Honestly, it doesn't matter to Jyushimatsu. He's fairly friendly to any and all who walk in his path. Many run, but it doesn't bother him much.

-Though, if he had to love one thing about them, he absolutely loves their sports and activities. Often goes with Karamatsu to go take part in "human activities".

-But as one can assume, they get comically outed.

-Is fairly kind opposed to some on this list. He won't go out of his way to harm humans regardless how he feels, though when it comes to helping it's a 50/50. Normally at least tries. But, if he doesn't like you, he'll probably just watch with a lead stare.

-When he found you in the snow, you were surrounded, and he had accidentally hit one of the people with a baseball. Completely by accident. But, kinda thinks maybe the accident wasn't that much of an accident.

-Ends up completely making a fool of the group when leading them away. But, he quickly returns to where you had been laying.

-Similar to Choromatsu, he panics at first and is so unsure about how to go about this situation. Obviously he doesn't want to make it worse, but he really doesn't want you to die.

-He carries you off to the small cabin to tend to your wounds. It's sloppy patch-job, but it's alright.

-Watches you while you sleep. Pokes you now and again. When you don't move for too long Jyushimatsu does tend to panic a little but settles when you finally take in that breath of air.

-When you do wake up, he's happy you're up and not dead. Sure, he may not feel too bad if you died, but only because he didn't have a close enough connection to care, but that wouldn't mean he wouldn't care.

-Jyushimatsu tries to stay the entire time your recovering. While he does hover a little, he's more considerate of your space.

-Does whatever he can to make you laugh. Whether it's acting out a skit, telling jokes or just being goofy.

-Doesn't care if it makes him look dumb. As long as he at least gets a smile out of you it doesn't matter.

-Gets way too attached way to quick. And, when you're all better, he gets a little (lying) clingy.

-Whines and may even howl like a kicked puppy. Might even do tricks if it gets you to stay.

-Don't leave yet!!

Todomatsu

Baku-Danuki

-Todomatsu doesn't hate them, but he doesn't care for them either, similar to Osomatsu. However, he's more in with their culture, more so than Karamatsu. Only because he thinks it's cute.

-Prefers some time period clothing to others and can tend to stand out, but language is definitely up to date.

-He views humans/humanity as beneath him, or simply to play into his enjoyment. He has no issues getting rid of anyone that doesn't gives him what he wants out of an interaction. Absolutely stone cold.

-He spots a few humans gathering around, and grows curious as to what grabbed their attention.

-Their wares seem to interest him. Then, there's you. After disposing of the others, he's left with unconscious you. What to do with you.

-Well, you could be useful. You'll pretty much be indebted to him for saving you. Or, at least you should be.

-So, he drags you away from the scene, tenderly caring to your wounds, putting on a sweet and kind persona.

-When you awaken, he greets you gently, coming forward as the one who saved your life after he found you on the brink of death in the snow.

-Skeptical or not, you come around and thank him however you would. Already gaining praise from you. Admittedly, the praise feels...nicer than it should. He brushes it off, what else can he get from you.

-He slyly asks you questions, gaining more information of your personal life over a week, maybe two.

-You get up to do something, and being the ever so kind savior, he takes you back to bed, doing the task for you instead. Not that he wants to. He's playing the long game with your little life.

-But, you thank him, telling him just how kind he is. Todomatsu can't help but grow addicted to that feeling. Being appreciated and validated.

-Slowly, but surely, he begins to grow a bit (a lot) attached. He didn't think it was possible. But, soon he doesn't see you as just a human, but as you.

-Once you get better, he does contemplate poisoning you to get you to stay. Not much to kill you, but enough so he could still take care of you.

-Todomatsu doesn't do it. But, he has heavily considered it.

-He will try his damndest to get you to remain in this little cabin with him.

-You can't go yet! You need him!

So funny that Osomatsu and Karamatsu are my favorites in general, but Todomatsu is my favorite to write for, and Jyushimatsu is my favorite to draw. What.

I still dislike Choromatsu. There is no reason for it.

Anyway if you're here, try Arizona RX Energy Herbal Tonic Tea. It's so damn good. That's all lmao !!

𝐌𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭:

「 𝐐𝐮𝐢𝐞𝐬𝐜𝐞𝐧𝐭 ⇀ 𝑴𝒂𝒕𝒔𝒖𝒏𝒐」

「𝐇𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐝𝐚𝐲 ⇀ 𝑶.𝑴𝒂𝒕𝒔𝒖𝒏𝒐」 [OLD]

「𝐌𝐨𝐨𝐧𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 ⇀ 𝑲.𝑴𝒂𝒕𝒔𝒖𝒏𝒐」

「𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐁𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐫𝐲 ⇀ 𝑪. 𝑴𝒂𝒕𝒔𝒖𝒏𝒐」

「𝐌𝐚𝐠𝐢𝐜 𝐖𝐚𝐲𝐬 ⇀ 𝑰. 𝑴𝒂𝒕𝒔𝒖𝒏𝒐」

𝐎𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐭𝐬:

𝐑𝐮𝐥𝐞𝐬

✧ Osomatsu - Cool down

✧ Osomatsu - Cherry Boy

✧ Osomatsu - Consequences

✧ Osomatsu - Courage

✧ Osomatsu - Deal

Osomatsu - Monster?

Osomatsu - A Promise I'll Break

Osomatsu - Something Eternal

Osomatsu - 'Hymn for the Missing'

✧ Karamatsu - Ravenous

✧ Karamatsu - Warm

Karamatsu - Prepared?

Karamatsu - Cold!

Karamatsu - Lycoris Radiata

Karamatsu - Dark Forests

Karamatsu - Learn

Karamatsu - My Love For You

Karamatsu - Special Treatment

✧ Choromatsu - By The Pool Side

✧ Choromatsu - Sweet Stimulation

✧ Choromatsu - Surprises

✧ Choromatsu - Slightly Sadistic

✧ Choromatsu - 'Tell Me'

Choromatsu - A Gracious Green

Choromatsu - Attention Seeker

Ichimatsu - Gamble

Ichimatsu - Distant Future

Ichimatsu - A Winter Carnival

Ichimatsu - Patch You Up With Kisses

Ichimatsu - Reaching You, Finally

✧ Jyushimatsu - Our Little Secret

Jyushimatsu - "It's Okay."

Todomatsu - Nice And Simple

Todomatsu - Kill her? Why Would I?

Todomatsu - Malicious Deity

✧ Matsuno - School Grounds

✧ Matsuno - 'Ragdoll'

✧ Matsuno - Take Care Of You

Ichimatsu - Gamble

𝘊𝘢𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘰!𝘐𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘮𝘢𝘵𝘴𝘶 𝘟 𝘙𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘳

'Was it really a good idea for me to come here?'

That was the only thought that ran through your mind as you stood nervously inside the buzzing Casino beside your friends, who were gushing in awe at your surroundings.

Your eyes darted nervously from person to person, table to table, ceiling to floor. Anything to keep you distracted from the absurdly large amount of butterflies fluttering in your stomach.

"Look, you guys!" Homura gasped, catching your attention. She directed your gaze upwards, towards the upper floor of the Casino. Just behind the glass balcony stood six figures, all dressed extremely wealthy (or extravagantly, in some cases) with styled hair. Their identical gazes were directed downwards onto the mass of people below them, watching carefully.

"The Matsuno sextuplets! I told you they would be here!" she squealed, cheeks slightly red.

You gulped, eyes studying them carefully. Of course they would be here, it was their Casino, after all. You weren't even close to them , yet you could feel their powerful and intimidating aura from where you stood. You shuffled closer to your friends, your timidness kicking in.

They weren't bad to look at, if you were being honest. Well, that was another reason why they were so famous. Not only were they filthy rich because they owned the biggest Casino in Akatsuka, but they were also very attractive. Although, you had heard rumours that their personalities were what drove people away, which was why they still couldn't get girlfriends.

'That can't be true though, right?' you thought to yourself as you continued to gaze at them, not even listening to the plans your friends were making right beside you.

'Surely they're not still virg-'

Your train of thought came to an abrupt stop as your eyes connected with one of the sextuplets. The bottom half of his chin was covered by a black face mask, his mouth still visible. His brown hair was slicked back, leaving his hooded eyes to bore into your own, his deadpan expression not changing in the slightest as he straightened up from his slouched posture.

When you realised you were staring, your face burst into a deep red hue, feeling thoroughly embarrassed. You quickly averted your eyes, only to have Homura cling onto your arm, pulling you into the mass of people to get the night of gambling started.

If only you understood the games; then maybe you would be having fun at winning or losing a few hundred Yen. Instead, you muttered to your friends that you wanted to sit down instead, making your way over the bar and taking a seat on one of the stools.

You rested your chin in the palm of your hand, sighing. If only you were as outgoing as your friends, or if you paid attention to them when they explained how to gamble. Maybe you would also be confident enough to sit at the table and have a few rounds of fun. Or maybe you'd be able to have a few drinks and really allow yourself to let loose. If only you weren't so shy, and timid, and anxious, and nervous, and-

"Drink."

You paused. Slowly turning in your seat, you see the same man from before sitting beside you leaning against the countertop. He continued to stare at you with the same blank expression.

"...S-Sorry?" was all you could say whilst you were still confused.

"Drink. I'll buy you one." His voice was deep and gravelly, a little tired but still authoritative.

'It suits him.' Was your immediate reaction, only for you to remove it swiftly from your mind so that you didn't accidentally blurt it out.

"I-I, uh..." you swallowed thickly before trying again. "S-Sorry, I don't drink much..."

"Water, then." He pulled out a couple of bills from his dark pinstriped trousers, placing them onto the table with his gloved hands. The bartender placed your drinks in front of you- water for you and some kind of alcoholic beverage for the sextuplet.

...Were you supposed to say something? Were you supposed to be treating them a certain way because of his status? You had no idea what to do as you stared adamantly at your drink, nibbling away at the skin of your lower lip.

'I don't even know his name!' you panicked internally, feeling your palms becoming slightly clammy. Was it warm in there? Or was that just you?

"Matsuno Ichimatsu."

"Huh?" you almost gave yourself whiplash as you snapped your neck over to look at him. His drink was gone, but he didn't even look like he had moved an inch. Realising that he had given you his name, you opened your mouth too, looking like a goldfish.

"[L-L/N] [Y/N]. Nice t-to meet you!" you squeaked, cursing yourself for stuttering.

Silence, the only noises coming from the people chattering and cheering around the Casino.

"Let's go." Ichimatsu spoke finally, standing up from his seat, staring at you expectantly.

"Where?" you replied, hesitantly getting out of your seat.

"Over there," he pointed to a corner of the Casino, with a large sign dangling overhead saying:

'VIP LOUNGE.'

"M-Me? But I don't have a VIP ticket!" you told him. "Besides, I don't know how to gamble! It'd be a waste of time to take me..." you trailed off as you watched him take a step closer towards you. You realised then that, despite him slouching, he was still taller than you.

"I want you to come with me. Watch me play against my shitty brothers."

With that, he took a hold of your hand, clasping it firmly in his own before leading you over. Even with the millions of thoughts rushing through your head, your feet still followed his figure, and your fingers curled around his tightly.

Maybe this man, Matsuno Ichimatsu, could teach you how to break out of that shell and have some fun.

Ichimatsu - Distant Future

𝘚𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘮𝘢𝘵𝘦!𝘈𝘜 - 𝘙𝘦𝘥 𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴

"Tch. You just had to show up, didn't you."

It came out more of a statement than a question, emphasised with a hot glare that Ichimatsu shot your way. You sat down heavily beside him on the bench, keeping your distance.

"Shut up. I really don't want to deal with your pissy attitude right now..." You muttered. Mumbling your order to Chibita, you leaned a hand against your forehead, rubbing your temple with a grimace.

"Then why are you here? Go back home or something," Ichimatsu retorted, raising a brow.

"Just shut. Up."

Chibita remained silent, hesitantly placing a bowl of Udon in front of you as he glanced quickly between you both. He prayed that you both wouldn't start fighting and tear his stand to bits.

"... Rough day?" Ichimatsu surprised himself, a rare occurrence for the fourth eldest Matsuno. His breath caught in his throat as he mentally yelled at himself. Why did he care? Why should he care? You both hated each other. Why did he suddenly feel so... sympathetic? He visibly cringed at the word.

You didn't reply for a while, occupying yourself by chewing away at your warm dinner. You sighed again.

"If you had a job as a receptionist in the only hospital in Akatsuka, you would know that it's more than 'rough'..." you rubbed a hand down your face, feeling your skin warm up from the friction.

Ichimatsu hummed, silently fiddling with his chopsticks. An awkward silence hung over the stand. Taking a deep breath, he knew he was going to regret this.

"...Do you... wanna... talk about it...?"

The reluctance in his voice was visible. You glanced at him from the corner of your eye, the corners of your lips twitching slightly.

"Am I actually talking to Matsuno Ichimatsu? Or is this one of your brothers in disguise?"

"Shut up." was his only answer, facing away from you entirely. You chuckled, although you were confused. This was... different. Usually, you both would've started arguing by now yet, here you were, opening your mouth to spill your troubles onto the table for the one person you hated most.

Was that a good or bad thing? Nobody would know the answer in that moment. Not even Chibita, who had taken refuge under his stand, sweating profusely at the sudden turn of events.

"... Soulmates." You started. Ichimatsu winced, slouching further in his seat. "It's hard not to think about that sort of stuff when I have to see them everywhere at work... And considering my own situation with it, I just..."

You worried your bottom lip between your teeth. Should you say it? Maybe you shouldn't. Maybe you should stop.

"It just hurts, y'know?"

'Stop..!'

"Knowing that I'll never find anyone to care for me like everyone else..."

'That's enough!'

"I'll never know what it's like to love someone, romantically, or to have them love me back..."

The silence was different this time. Heavy, full of melancholy, full of heartache. Even so, you continued with a hollow smile stretched forcefully across your cheeks.

"But I guess that's how life works. Some get it lucky, and some... don't."

You didn't want to look over at him, knowing that his heavy lidded eyes were staring at you, burning holes into your skin. You couldn't tell what he was thinking. You didn't know why you said all that, to Ichimatsu of all people. However, there was no going back. You waited for the humiliation t be thrown your way.

"... I guess we're not so different, huh?"

"Wha-?"

"I still hate you, don't get me wrong," You stared in bewilderment at the back of his head, mouth wide open. "But... Life was never fair to begin with. If there was anyone who didn't deserve this kind of life with no red string, it would probably be you."

"...Ichima-"

"Put this on my tab, Chibita. I'm outta here..."

He swiftly stood up from his seat, pulling his hood tightly over his head before practically running away from you into the dark streets. Leaving you (and Chibita) dumbfounded.

You wouldn't be seeing him until two days later, when you woke up from your slumber with a scream.

You had rushed to get dressed, an ugly scowl permanently resting on your features, scaring people away from you as you ran frantically through the streets of Akatsuka, stopping heavily in your tracks the moment you spotted purple in an alleyway.

"You bastard!" You yelled, not caring about the cats scampering past you. Ichimatsu stood silently, his dark aura multiplying ten fold.

"I could say the same to you," he muttered.

"What the fuck did you do?" You stalked towards him, raising your hand in front of his face. "How did you do this?"

The red string of fate dangled with a faint glow in front of Ichimatsu's eyes, tied neatly around your pinkie finger. He didn't respond, although his own suspicions were confirmed.

"Why you?" you whispered, tears forming in the corners of your eyes.

"Why you, of all people...!" you grabbed fistfuls of his hoodie, leaning into him with a shaky sob.

"I don't... understand... I-I've been horrible to you.." you were bawling now, sinking to your knees, dragging the wide-eyed man down with you.

"I don't deserve any of this...! I should've just stayed alone for the rest of my life!"

You continued to mumble despair into his shoulder, your body racked with sobs and heavy breaths. Neither of you knew how long you had sat there on the dirty alleyway floor. Neither of you knew when Ichimatsu began rubbing your back, holding you closer.

Eventually, your cries died down to sniffles and hiccups, but you didn't want to move away just yet. You just wanted to stay there, not wanting to think about what kind of future that awaited the both of you.

»»-----　♔　-----««

"Ichimatsu? Are you okay?"

He blinked, turning towards you.

"Were you thinking about something?"

"...Yeah." He smiled softly, wrapping an arm around your waist, nuzzling his face into the top of your head. You giggled, leaning into him.

"Oh yeah? What was it?" You linked your fingers with his, bringing them up so plant soft kisses across his knuckles. Ichimatsu locked onto the red string connecting you both together, watching as it began to glow, beating in sync with your heartbeats.

"...We really used to hate each other, didn't we?"

Ichimatsu - Patch You Up With Kisses

A few soft knocks on your front door alerted you from the living room. You stood up with a stretch, ignoring the slight dizzying head-rush as you made your way over.

You smiled immediately at the sight of your boyfriend, who stood with one hand in his pocket and the other over the side of his neck. You tugged him inside, greeting him with a gentle kiss.

"This is a nice surprise," you started, leading him inside to settle on the couch. "Planning to stay over again?"

"Why not.." Ichimatsu mumbled, leaning heavily into the cushions behind him. His hand still hadn't left his neck, making you curious.

Carefully, you began crawling over onto his lap, surprising him as you pressed your knees into his hips and wrapped your arms around his neck. You leaned in and placed a soft kiss on his lips. He hummed, pressing back into you, his own hands coming to rest on your waist.

You smirked into the kiss as he took the bait, slowly trailing your lips down to his neck before moving away. You gripped his chin, making sure he wouldn't be able to move back as you examined his skin.

He had been trying to cover a patch of small scratches, each mark leaving his skin red and burning. However, it didn't appear to have broken the skin.

"Did a stray cat do this?" You asked, brushing a finger gingerly around the wound. Ichimatsu flinched at the touch, nodding.

"It was a kitten. I think I scared it on accident, but it's fine," he tried to remove his head from your grasp. "It doesn't hurt or anything. Trash like me probably deserved it."

You raised a brow down at him.

"Again with the 'trash-talk?'" You sighed, placing another chaste kiss to his lips. "Just for that, I'm gonna have to treat this. Stay here." You left the red faced Matsuno on your couch as you got up and headed into the kitchen, rummaging through your cupboards until you found your small first aid kit.

Upon returning, you smirked at his cherry-red face, his eyes staring hard at the floor with his knees tucked to his chest. You refrained from teasing him any further, knowing he would most likely end up running away like the stray cat he appeared to be. You seated yourself beside him, gently cupping his warm cheek and turning him to you. His lip was trembling slightly as your brushed your thumb lightly over the skin.

You began busying yourself with disinfecting the scratches and placing a band-aid over it, covering the red markings. All the while, Ichimatsu stayed silent, wincing slightly at the pain but keeping his eyes focused on you this time, tracing over the curve of your brow, your bright eyes, your enticing lips, the plumpness of your cheeks. His fingers trembled, aching to hold you, yet he kept them clutched against his hoodie.

Once you were done, you smiled, satisfied.

"All done! See, that wasn't so bad now, was it?" Ichimatsu said nothing, seemingly in a trance as he continued to gaze at you. You raised a brow, then rested your hands over his, making him jerk in surprise. "Good boys deserve a reward though, don't you think?"

You leaned closer, your lips barely brushing over his own, and paused. Half-lidded eyes glanced towards his, waiting for him to make a move. "Take it," you whispered. You both sighed in relief as he quickly pressed against you, lips fitting together oh-so perfectly. He slowly moved against you, taking his time to savour the moment.  His hands finally pressed against your sides, grasping desperately at your clothing to try and hold you close to him.

You brought a hand up to his hair, scratching soft, small circles onto his scalp, just the way you knew he liked it. He broke away with a whine, resting his head into the crook of your neck, shaking all over. His flustered reaction made you giggle as you eased back into the sofa, allowing him to use you as a cushion. He hugged you tightly, not planning on moving anytime soon, but you didn't mind. You held him just as tight, pressing small kisses on his crown.

Ichimatsu - Reaching You, Finally

I altered the ages a slight bit, I hope that's okay! Ichimatsu - 26 | [Y/N] - 19

It was getting harder and harder for you to sleep. Laying on your back, your eyes roamed your dark and plain ceiling as you sorted through your pile of thoughts.

Ichimatsu. His name stuck to your mind like glue. An image of his rare soft smile and lazy eyes formed in front of your eyes. The ache in your heart grew stronger.

With a sigh, you turned to your side, reaching out to clutch at a large cat plushie, holding it tightly to your chest. This particular plushie was one he had won for you at the arcade a few days ago. It was soft, like him. Cute and cuddly.

'I should be happy,' you think with a frown. This is what you wanted, wasn't it? Being infatuated with him since you first met him, you waited an agonisingly long time until you had finally plucked the courage to confess. And what a dream come true it was for him to say he felt the same.

That day seemed so far away, now.

Peering down at your plushie, you began to wonder. Did he still see you as a child? You were younger than him by handful of years, after all. You were at the beginnings of your own adulthood, and yet here you were. Pouting over some issue you had conjured up in your mind, and holding onto a stuffed toy.

Whereas he was an adult. A man. He could be right next to you, but he would feel so far away. Miles away from your reach. Sometimes, just as your fingertips would grasp at the back of his shirt, he would slip away from your hold, as if he were never close to you at all.

'He loves me, though...' you think next, biting at your trembling lip. Of course he did. He hasn't said it yet, but he shows he loves you. By taking you on dates, buying you small presents, little shows of affection. So of course he loves you. Right?

Another sigh fell through your lips. Hesitantly, you pushed away the toy, turning away from it and choosing to hug at your arms instead, knees curling to tuck in tightly to your chest.

It was a long night for you.

»»-----　♔　-----««

Twirling a lock of hair around your finger, you glanced around the small park. The clock looming beside you ticked on. He was late. Or maybe you were just early?

You shook your head. You were thinking too much. Overthinking. This entire morning, your mind was working too fast for you. You couldn't seem to take the time to think straight for a minute.

Constant questions came and went, laying on your lips but unspoken. Where was he? Was he even coming? Was he bored of you? Was it because he saw you as a kid?

You tugged harshly on your lock of hair.

'Stop,' you scolded yourself. Nothing was wrong. So what if he's a few minutes late? It's fine. It doesn't mean anything. Calm down.

A streak of purple entered the crowd, and you eyes instantly latched onto the colour. So familiar. So comforting. It came closer until he stood before you, his slouched stature still taller than you. His signature purple hoodie was swapped out for a purple turtle neck sweater instead, covered by a black coat. He was wearing glasses. They looked really good on him.

"Hey," he murmured. As always, he raised a single finger to run down the side of your burning cheek, barely touching you, the light trail of his tracing finger leaving a gentle tingle.

You would respond the same in a breathless, quiet voice. Your hands twitched, wanting to run your fingers through his messy but soft tresses.

Without another word, he took hold of your hand, his skin significantly warmer than yours, and began leading you away. Your mind was still in a flustered, uncertain daze, but you soon found yourself in a secluded area of the park, situated under a thick canopy of trees. It was quieter here.

"How have you been?" He started. He slowly intertwined his fingers with your own. You contemplated how you should respond.

"Fine," you threw in a small smile for good measure. You were an adult, too. You could handle your issues on your own.

Your reassuring thoughts were promptly dashed out the window when you saw his brow raise slightly. His flat stare scrutinised your face, from the twitch in your brow to the smile that fell at the corners.

"...You can tell me, y'know." He tugged your hand, urging you to sit closer. "You don't have to, but I wouldn't mind if you did."

Your resolve was thinning quickly. Maybe you should. It would be easier to talk about it. But it was a stupid thing to worry about. He wouldn't care. But if he loves you, then he would. Clearly he would.

'Make a choice, idiot!' You glanced down at your hands. The soothing rub of his thumb over your knuckles caught your attention. He was always so caring, so gentle with you. The smallest of things meant so much from him. Your heart thumped harder in your chest the more you realised just how far you had fallen in.

"It's... Well, it's stupid, really.." you couldn't look him in the eyes. Not until he tucked a hand under your chin, raising your head to face him. His expression hadn't changed.

"I don't care if it is. If it's bothering you, then you should talk about it with someone."

The firm resolution in his voice was what sparked it. The light sheen of water in your eyes made him panic for a moment.

"Do you see me as a child?"

What a way to start the conversation, but you were too far into your emotions to care.

"It's just... you're older than me, and I'm barely an adult myself, and I... I just can't stop thinking about how you must see me as immature, or something... I mean even now!" You gestured to yourself, your voice rising as you blubbered on. "I'm crying like a big baby over nothing, and I-I wouldn't be surprised if... If you want to l-leave me.. or somethin'..." you repeated yourself.

Your throat was burning. You tried to control your breathing, but it just hurt more. He wasn't responding. Your vision blurred further. This was it. This was goodbye, wasn't it? You weren't ready, but for him, you would be strong. You had to be. You could be an adult, too...

"[Y/N]."

His warms hands cupped your cheeks, turning you to face him. His thumbs brushed at the tears streaming down your skin. They pooled up more, but he didn't seem to mind.

"You're right. That is kinda stupid."

His bluntness never ceased to surprise you.

"It's stupid, that you think this slight age difference between us is going to stop me from loving you."

A strangled whimper left your throat. Your fingers came forward to clutch at his coat. He was here, with you. Not just beside you, but within reach. His warmth flooded your senses. He was with you now.

"And I don't care if you come to me crying like a baby. I'll just take care of you until you feel better. I'm not gonna leave you over a small reason like that. I love you too much."

"You love me..?" Your hoarse voice barely above a whisper. He came in close with a curved smile, so rare and so pretty each time you saw it.

"I do." He rested his forehead against your own. He finally said it.

"I love you, too..." you held the hands that rested in your cheeks, revelling in the feeling of holding him close.

You met his gaze, his blank gaze holding something you were sure you hadn't seen before. They flitted down to your lips, then back your eyes. You did the same.

He slowly closed the gap, his smooth lips caressing your own in a sensual, passionate kiss.

You were together now. Side by side, under the shade of tall oak trees.

✧ Matsuno - School Grounds

𝘋𝘦𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘲𝘶𝘦𝘯𝘵!𝘔𝘢𝘵𝘴𝘶𝘯𝘰𝘴 𝘟 𝘚𝘤𝘩𝘰𝘰𝘭 𝘊𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘤𝘪𝘭!𝘙𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘳

You let out an exasperated sigh, rubbing your temple with your fingers. It did nothing to stop the yelling coming from just outside the classroom window, however.

They were at it again. Those six idiots that you had scolded countless times had once again abandoned all your rules and were now causing a ruckus on school grounds. This was already the fourth time this week, and it was only Wednesday. Your hips were still aching from last time.

Readjusting your school tie and straightening your blazer, you took a deep breath before leaving the room and heading out past the school entrance, hands resting angrily on your hips.

"What the hell are you doing, you shitty delinquents?!" You hissed through clenched teeth. Six boys with the same face stopped mid-argument, whipping their heads to face you. Almost immediately, identical smirks crossed over their mouths as they eyed you up and down.

"Well, if it isn't [Y/N]. Did we disturb your precious studies?" Osomatsu drawled cheekily, taking slow steps towards you. You frowned up at him as he leaned over your smaller form.

"I barely even got to start before you started fighting again!" You glared hotly towards the others. "You're still on school grounds! Don't you at least have any decency to take your pointless arguments home? You're ruining the-!"

"-Ruining the schools reputation, yeah, yeah," Todomatsu stepped up next, a sly look in his large eyes as he peered down at his phone. "Y'know, you talk a lot for someone who can get just as loud as we can." He flashed a quick picture towards you, causing your eyes to widen and cheeks to flare.

You did your best to ignore the burning of your cheeks at his teasing comment, opening your mouth to speak before feeling a pair of arms wrap around your waist.

"Don't we still have a deal, Prez?" Ichimatsu muttered into your ear, chuckling darkly as he felt a shiver run through your body. "These bruises here are still fresh, you know. It's like you just want us to keep bending you over..." you grit your teeth as he swiped his tongue over the small hickeys littered across the back of your neck.

"S-Stop it..! The only reason I agreed is because you all promised you'd tone it down!" You whined with a pout. A pair of fingers tucked themselves under your chin, raising them to look into a pair of eyes peeking over dark sunglasses.

"My rose, we really did try to keep to our promise, but we simply can't get enough of you," Karamatsu winked, rubbing his thumb gently over your lower lip. Your legs wobbled at the attention; you really wished you weren't so easily swayed.

Your hands that had clutched tightly onto the fabric of your skirt were each taken into the hands of Choromatsu and Jyushimatsu, who both brought the palms of your hands up to their mouths, pressing chaste kisses down to your wrists.

"Don't tell me you're going to back out now, [Y/N]?" Choromatsu pushed.

"I want to you hear you scream more for us," Jyushimatsu mumbled against your skin, locking his dark eyes onto your own.

You bit the inside of your cheek, attempting to avert your gaze. But no matter where you looked, you could see their satisfied grins, knowing already that they had won you over.

»»-----　♔　-----««

You could feel their hands all over you, rubbing and squeezing your most sensitive parts. Your hips and neck were surely covered in bruises and red markings, but at this point, you couldn't feel anything other than an insane amount of pleasure.

Karamatsu was beneath you, lifting your body up and down over his length, hitting deeper inside of you with each thrust. He revelled in the faces you made, watching each bounce of your breasts as he fondled with one in his free hand.

"You look stunning from this view, darling," he purred, your moan of response spurring him on.

From behind, Osomatsu was filling you up just as much. You could feel his grin against your skin as he bit down on the back of your neck, his hands playing with your ass with no shame.

"See? You totally wanted this, didn't you? You enjoy this just as much as we do, right?" He continued whining sweet words of filth into your ear, knowing full well that you couldn't form any kind of coherent sentence to reply.

Your hands were guided back and forth over Choromatsu's and Todomatsu's cock, pumping mindlessly from the base to the tip. They each wore drooling smiles on their faces, playing with the strands of your hair every now and then as they showered you in praises.

"You're taking us so well, [Y/N]! You're used to us by now, aren't you?" Todomatsu cooed, panting heavily as he felt himself getting closer and closer.

"You're so good, [Y/N]...!" Choromatsu babbled, leaning over to plant kisses over your hot cheeks.

You continued to moan over and over, the sensation running through Ichimatsu's and Jyushimatsu's hardened lengths that they prodded into your mouth, muffling your screams. You could barely wrap your tongue around their shafts, but they seemed completely satisfied with the feeling of your warm cavern around them.

"So warm... So nice..!" Jyushimatsu huffed, his ever present smile only growing larger at your overstimulated body.

"You can take more, can't you, kitten? You're gonna take turns with all of us, like a good girl," Ichimatsu laughed, his wolffish smile shaking of his sharpened teeth.

You had lost count of the amount of times you had climaxed, unsure of whether the wetness between your thighs belonged only to you or to one of the boys in the room. However, your brain was scrambled.

The only thing you knew was that everything felt so good. You were close to passing out from exhaustion, feeling wet tears trickle down your cheeks and neck, but you didn't want it stop.

"You wanna know what I think, Prez?" Osomatsu panted, pinching at one of your perked nipples.

"I think that tomorrow, whether we do anything or not, you're gonna come crawling right back to us."

If you could speak, you would repeat the word yes, over and over and over again.

✧ Matsuno - 'Ragdoll'

𝘚𝘸𝘦𝘦𝘵 𝘝𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘢𝘪𝘯!𝘔𝘢𝘵𝘴𝘶𝘴 𝘟 𝘔𝘢𝘨𝘪𝘤𝘢𝘭 𝘎𝘪𝘳𝘭!𝘙𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘳

The Matsu's villain names (from eldest to youngest): Mr Simply Mr Shocking Mr Day Mr Deep Mr Mo Mr Floyd

TW: NON-CON ELEMENTS, MENTIONS OF DRUG USE. feel free to skip this chapter if it makes you uncomfortable.

It was a long and rough battle. You were covered in cuts and light bruises, dusted over with a layer of dirt and rubble. Your clothing was torn roughly, barely hanging onto your body.

You stood up slowly with shaking knees as you glared furiously up at the villains laughing down at you.

"Give up, doll," the pink haired man, Mr Simply, stepped forward, resting a hand confidently on his hip. "It would really be a shame if you forced us to kill you."

You straightened your back at his words, teeth gritting tightly into a snarl, desperately ignoring the stab of pain in your chest and the heaving breaths you took.

"No." You seethed, taking a step forward, wobbling dangerously. "I won't stop... until you're all defeated..."

Another laughed mockingly.

"You can say that all you want, girl, but you look like you're about to faint right here and now." The blonde Mr Floyd sneered, his earrings glinting in the sunlight.

"She's super weak!" Mr Mo boomed loudly, bouncing on the spot as if the previous battle hadn't exhausted him at all, his purple hair swaying with each move.

The grip you had on your wand tightened as you lifted it up towards them, face scrunching up as you concentrated on letting out a powerful attack to take them down. Only for the burst of magic to fizzle and pop like an old lightbulb, fading away in an instant. The laughter only grew louder, the deep pit in your stomach growing bigger.

"I must say," Mr Shocking began, sliding his dark sunglasses down to the bridge of his nose, "I find your determination quite endearing, Miss Sugar Sweet." He practically purred your heroine name, rolling each syllable off of his tongue in a deliberately deep baritone.

"I do agree. When she's all ruffled up like this... It suits her, don't you think?" Mr Day chuckled lowly, staring you down over the rim of his own swirled glasses. Your voice was hoarse by now, leaving you unable to speak a single word back to them.

Mr Simply took a few steps forward suddenly, stopping just a few feet away from your swaying form.

"Let's have some more fun, shall we?"

You shuddered as you watched his eyes rake your body up and down with a smirk, lingering on all the exposed skin on your chest and legs. You grimaced, wrapping your battered arms around yourself and taking a step away, only to crash into something solid behind you.

A hand came over your mouth, clasping a cloth tightly over your mouth and nose, barely budging as you began to struggle violently in the person's hold. You glanced upward through bleary eyes to see the turquoise locks of Mr Deep's hair cascading over your face as he grinned wildly, his eyes dark and full of a dangerous glint.

"We'll definitely be having our far share of fun tonight..." he murmured into your ear, however the words were barely registered as your body became limp, your eyes closing and your breathing steadying into slow, shallow breaths.

The six men stood around your sleeping form, each bearing the same toothy smiles as Mr Mo picked you up and swung you onto his shoulder, following his fellow villains away to their secretive base.

»»-----　♔　-----««

Heavy. You felt really heavy.

Groaning, you moved your head from side to side, struggling to open your eyes. Your limbs were numb weights for you, unable to move them apart from a few twitches of your fingers and toes.

Slowly, you began registering something warm pressed up against you. Soft murmurs echoed around you, gently waking you up from your slumber. A pleasant shiver ran up your spine as something else massaged you from somewhere lower down. You whined softly, hands beginning to grip at whatever was beside you.

"So innocent..." a voice purred into your ears, it's warm breath tickling the skin on your neck. Warm tingles were peppered against your other shoulder. It made your stomach coil up pleasantly. Something hummed against you from below, making you whimper again.

The tingling turned into a pleasurable pain as the thing bit down onto your skin.

"That's gonna leave a nice mark on you," you heard it chuckle, the vibration running through your body.

You could feel something slick between your legs now. You tried to rub your thighs together, but they were held apart by what felt like multiple hands.

Through your hazy mind you began to question:

'What's.... happening..?'

Slowly, your eyes fluttered open, blinking against a light coming from somewhere before adjusting.

"Ah, she's waking up!" Another voice, louder than the other two, spoke from somewhere around you.

Calloused fingers took hold of your chin, facing you towards the one you were holding on to. His red hair was slightly tousled, and his upper torso was bare, revealing his toned body. Your mind began to recognise who it was, but your body was too slow to pull away from his grasp.

He leaned in, pressing a chaste kiss on your lips, eyes half lidded.

"I'm sure you will be as glad as we are that you're finally awake, darling." He dove back in for another kiss, tilting his head before nipping  at your lips, slipping his tongue into your mouth. Pleasant sensations were continuously being felt all over your body, making you moan into the kiss.

"We can hear you a lot louder now, kitten," the other voice of Mr Deep came from the other side. You felt his hands roam around your chest before settling onto your bare breasts, fondling and squeezing at the mounds as he grazed his teeth across your shoulder and sensitive neck.

"Guess I can tell you how fucking good you taste, babe." You recognised that voice to be Mr Simply. You took the spare moment to catch your breath to look downwards, seeing the man's face between your parted legs, grinning cockily up at you. His lips had a light sheen to them, although you couldn't identify right away what it was.

Another face was beside him, pressing kisses and bites to the inside of your right thigh. His v-shaped grin made you heat up. It was then that you realised something poking at your entrance, parting your folds to run up and down your wet pussy.

"You're so tight... Looks like we get to be the first ones to ruin her." He suddenly pushed two of his fingers into you. You cried out a lewd moan, panting as he curled his fingers inside of you. A hand curled around your neck tightly, just loose enough for you to still breath. The lack of air made you dizzy, the sensations of Mr Day's fingers multiplying tenfold.

"Make that noise again, pretty kitty," Mr Deep growled, and you obeyed. Your tongue lolled out of your mouth as you panted harshly. Mr Shocking took a chance to take your tongue into his mouth, continuing his assault of long kisses.

Without warning, the knot in your stomach was released as you began to cum hard, your body spasming as your attempted to ride out your orgasm. Someone's warm tongue latched itself to your clit, suckling on the sensitive bundle of nerves rapidly. You cried out as the pleasure turned to pain from overstimulation, but they didn't stop until your came a second time, your juices spilling into their mouths as they lapped up every droplet.

You weren't given a second to rest as you were suddenly lifted off of the sheets beneath you and held against something firm. You were pushed down onto all fours, your arms and legs shaking dangerously. Hands settled onto your hips from behind, another hand tugging at your hair and lifting your face upwards.

"I know that pretty mouth of yours can do more than screaming," Mr Floyd grinned before pressing the tip of his cock against your mouth. Without thinking, you opened up and closed your lips over the head before slowly moving down to take as much as you could, your tongue running against the underside of his shaft.

"Such a good girl..." Mr Mo groaned from behind as he lined himself up against your dripping core, pushing into with a quick snap of his hips. Your walls tightened further around him as his tip was pushed right up against your g-spot. "You're taking me so well..!"

The heavy cloud over your mind refused to lift as you were lifted into the arms of these sweet villains, their hands caressing you and giving you sweet release as you begged for more, more, more.

A small bottle stood on a table nearby, the cap loose. It would go unnoticed by you for a very long time. And even then, you wouldn't care about what it was. Not when you could have everything you wanted when you were with them.

The six men grinned at your sleepy form, bite marks and slight bruises littering your neck, hips and thighs. You were truly as sweet as sugar. They weren't planing on giving up their ragdoll any time soon.

𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘭𝘰𝘨𝘶𝘦

𝗡𝗢𝗪 𝗣𝗟𝗔𝗬𝗜𝗡𝗚:

𝙢𝙖𝙜𝙞𝙘 𝙬𝙖𝙮𝙨 - 𝙩𝙖𝙩𝙨𝙪𝙧𝙤 𝙮𝙖𝙢𝙖𝙨𝙝𝙞𝙩𝙖

ı𝗹ıı𝗹ıı𝗹ıı𝗹ıı𝗹ıı𝗹ı

ᴠᴏʟᴜᴍᴇ : ▮▮▮▮▮▮▮▮▮▮

𝟭:𝟰𝟬 ─●──────── 𝟰:𝟰𝟴

◁ 𝗜𝗜 ▷

══✬✩══╡˚✧✬✧˚╞══✩✬══

𝙸𝚌𝚑𝚒𝚖𝚊𝚝𝚜𝚞 𝙼𝚊𝚝𝚜𝚞𝚗𝚘

❝𝑴𝒂𝒈𝒊𝒄 𝒘𝒂𝒚𝒔, 𝒎𝒚 𝒇𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒏𝒅,

[𝚈/𝙽] [𝙻/𝙽]

𝒀𝒐𝒖 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒈𝒊𝒓𝒍 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒎𝒂𝒈𝒊𝒄 𝒘𝒂𝒚𝒔,

𝑨𝒏𝒅 𝒊𝒕'𝒔 𝒕𝒓𝒖𝒆.❞

❛𝑨 𝒇𝒂𝒏𝒇𝒊𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒃𝒚 𝒔𝒉𝒊𝒎𝒎𝒆𝒓𝒊𝒏𝒈_𝒄𝒍𝒐𝒖𝒅𝒔❜ 月

꒰ 𝗣𝗟𝗔𝗬𝗟𝗜𝗦𝗧⁺˚*

══✬✩══╡˚✧✬✧˚╞══✩✬══

‧͙⁺˚*･༓☾

'𝙢𝙖𝙜𝙞𝙘 𝙬𝙖𝙮𝙨 ' - 𝙩𝙖𝙩𝙨𝙪𝙧𝙤 𝙮𝙖𝙢𝙖𝙨𝙝𝙞𝙩𝙖

' 𝙨𝙥𝙖𝙧𝙠𝙡𝙚 ' - 𝙩𝙖𝙩𝙨𝙪𝙧𝙤 𝙮𝙖𝙢𝙖𝙨𝙝𝙞𝙩𝙖

' 𝙛𝙧𝙖𝙜𝙞𝙡𝙚 ' - 𝙩𝙖𝙩𝙨𝙪𝙧𝙤 𝙮𝙖𝙢𝙖𝙨𝙝𝙞𝙩𝙖

——

' 𝙛𝙖𝙣𝙩𝙖𝙨𝙮 ' - 𝙢𝙚𝙞𝙠𝙤 𝙣𝙖𝙠𝙖𝙝𝙖𝙧𝙖

' 𝙙𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚 𝙞𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙢𝙚𝙢𝙤𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙨 ' - 𝙢𝙚𝙞𝙠𝙤 𝙣𝙖𝙠𝙖𝙝𝙖𝙧𝙖

——

' 𝙖𝙣𝙠𝙡𝙚𝙩 ' - 𝙩𝙤𝙨𝙝𝙞𝙠𝙞 𝙠𝙖𝙙𝙤𝙢𝙖𝙩𝙨𝙪

' 𝙢𝙖𝙮𝙗𝙚 𝙞𝙩'𝙨 𝙡𝙤𝙫𝙚 ' - 𝙩𝙤𝙨𝙝𝙞𝙠𝙞 𝙠𝙖𝙙𝙤𝙢𝙖𝙩𝙨𝙪

——

' 𝙨𝙝𝙞𝙖𝙬𝙖𝙨𝙚 𝙣𝙤 𝙢𝙤𝙣𝙤𝙨𝙖𝙨𝙝𝙞 ' - 𝙢𝙖𝙧𝙞𝙮𝙖 𝙩𝙖𝙠𝙚𝙪𝙘𝙝𝙞

' 𝙮𝙪𝙢𝙚 𝙣𝙤 𝙩𝙨𝙪𝙯𝙪𝙠𝙞 ' - 𝙢𝙖𝙧𝙞𝙮𝙖 𝙩𝙖𝙠𝙚𝙪𝙘𝙝𝙞

——

' 𝙞 𝙬𝙖𝙣𝙣𝙖 𝙗𝙚 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙮𝙤𝙪 ' - 𝙮𝙪𝙧𝙞𝙚 𝙠𝙤𝙠𝙪𝙗𝙪

——

' 𝙡𝙖𝙨𝙩 𝙨𝙪𝙢𝙢𝙚𝙧 𝙬𝙝𝙞𝙨𝙥𝙚𝙧 ' - 𝙖𝙣𝙧𝙞

‧͙⁺˚*･༓☾

「𝐌𝐚𝐠𝐢𝐜 𝐖𝐚𝐲𝐬 ⇀ 𝑰. 𝑴𝒂𝒕𝒔𝒖𝒏𝒐」

── ❝ 𝗬𝗢𝗨 𝗖𝗔𝗦𝗧 𝗔 𝗦𝗣𝗘𝗟𝗟

𝗢𝗡 𝗔𝗟𝗟 𝗠𝗬 𝗡𝗜𝗚𝗛𝗧𝗦

𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗗𝗔𝗬𝗦 𝗪𝗜𝗧𝗛 𝗬𝗢𝗨𝗥

𝗦𝗪𝗘𝗘𝗧 𝗠𝗔𝗚𝗜𝗖 𝗪𝗔𝗬𝗦 ❞

〡𝑰𝒄𝒉𝒊𝒎𝒂𝒕𝒔𝒖 𝑴𝒂𝒕𝒔𝒖𝒏𝒐 𝑿 𝑹𝒆𝒂𝒅𝒆𝒓〡

◉ ┅ ┅ ┅ ┅ ┅ ┅ ┅ ┅ ┅

𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘭𝘰𝘨𝘶𝘦

꒰ 𝗣𝗟𝗔𝗬𝗟𝗜𝗦𝗧⁺˚*

𝕮𝖍𝖆𝖕𝖙𝖊𝖗 𝕺𝖓𝖊 ||

Chapter 2

'Another day wasted.'

It was the first thought to come to your mind when you had awoken the next day, the sun already high above the horizon and glaring through your windows.

You didn't feel well rested, despite having slept for hours on end. Your mind was tired, your heart still ached, you didn't feel as if you had the strength to open your eyes. You just lay there on your bed, unmoving and unbothered.

You would have stayed there all day, had it not been for your hunger. Clutching at your stomach in pain, you remembered how you had barely eaten anything the previous day, too busy wallowing in self pity to even think about eating.

With a groan, you slowly sat up on the edge of your mattress, blinking away the sudden head rush that came with the movement. The floorboards felt cold beneath your feet, sending shivers up your spine as you placed them flat on the wooden flooring. You rubbed at your eyes as you stood up, stumbling out of your bedroom to go and wash up.

It was unbearably hot in your living room, prompting you to open up the patio doors to allow some air inside, the humidity increasing as a new wave of warm air wafted into the room. The echoing sounds of cicadas that rested on tree trunks beyond your fencing filled the air, buzzing and buzzing until that white noise in your mind was finally cancelled out.

You chewed slowly on your food, maybe to waste more time so that the sun would go down and you could go back to sleep. But it was barely noon and the sun was still hovering high in the sky, scorning you with its intense rays as if to punish you for wishing it to leave. It was going to be a long summer's day, and you were already sick of it.

Sick.

You suddenly placed your half-eaten plate of food down with a clatter as you scrambled to your feet, slapping a hand desperately over your mouth as you felt it rise and boil in your throat, barely making it to the bathroom as your stomach spewed out bile into the sink.

It was happening again, you realised as you continued to gag, fumbling to turn the tap on to wash away the disgusting sight before you, prompting you to choke again. It was all going so well, and now it's happening again. Tears welled in your eyes as you squeezed them shut. Just make it stop. Please make it stop.

Your legs finally collapsed from beneath you and you tumbled to the tiled floor, hands still clutched to the edge of the basin as you crouched down, head low and breaths heavy. A cold sweat had broken out over your skin, leaving you shivering and abnormally feverish.

It wasn't fair, you thought miserably. Nothing had happened. Nothing had gone wrong. But apparently something did go wrong. Things always go wrong. You can never seem to be at peace, no matter what you try. The sudden waves of anxiety that hit you when you least expected it wasn't your fault. And yet it was entirely your fault. Nothing made sense. Nothing ever made sense. You were too stupid to understand. You could never understand.

'If only I didn't go outside yesterday.'

But it still would have happened. This would still have happened. You didn't know why, but it would have. Because that's just how it works. It's not supposed to work that way. But for you, it does. You didn't need to understand. You just needed to let it happen. Even if you didn't want it to. You have no power, no control. Just fall to your knees and cry, as you always do. That's how it always works.

You stood up shakily, hesitantly staring back at the face in the mirror. She looked better than you did. Smiling, happy, glad she was behind the glass and wasn't there with you.

You blinked, and the image changed. That was you. You, with the messy hair and the dark, tired eyes, the sickly skin and pinched cheeks, frail and weak, gaze sullen and dazed. Lost and confused. Sad and pitiful. That was who you were.

Unable to look any longer, you twisted the faucet back on, cupping handfuls of cold water and splashing it over your face multiple times, scrubbing harshly at your eyes and mouth, rinsing it out to get rid of the sickening taste of bile. You didn't dare look back into the mirror as you grabbed your towel, rubbing it over your face and tossing it aside before exiting the bathroom.

Breakfast didn't sound appetising anymore, and you regretfully threw the rest of the food away. You stood in the middle of your living room, glancing around from the couch to the TV, to the console next to it, to the small bookshelf stuffed with a few books you had decided to keep for whatever reason, your fingers furling and unfurling against your palms.

They finally landed on a slim, black, hard-cover book shoved lopsidedly into the bottom shelf, it's ringed binder hanging out over the edge of the dark wood.

You reached for it, gingerly pulling it out of the shelf with the tips of your fingers, holding it at arms length as if it were some kind of wild animal. The first few pages were frayed and withered, but the rest were crisp and clean, untouched and unused.

You stared and stared at the tough cover, running your gaze over the blank darkness, as if you were searching for something. But you knew everything you were searching for was inside the book. The courage to look was dwindling away as time tricked by.

You suddenly grasped the corner of the cover, flipping it open with force and coming to a halt at the sight of the first page. All you saw was coloured blotches, streaking across the otherwise empty paper in messy lines. The blues and greens merged together in a disgusting mesh of hues, the watery disarray of paint unable to form any real structure.

After staring at it for a long while, face stoic, you flipped over to the next page. The paper was stiff and wrinkled, less like paper and more like cardboard, crackling with the slightest amount of pressure applied to it.

It was just the same as the previous one, if not, worse. You couldn't look at it for longer than a couple of minutes before moving on, and that time hastily shortened down to a few seconds until you finally reached a blank page.

With a shaky breath, you grabbed a pencil from one of the pots on your shelf and silently seated yourself down at the low table behind you. You hovered the lead over the white canvas, carefully moving it along with your hand, the sound of the pencil scratching against the paper filling your ears.

Your arm made jerky movements, wrist flicking left and right as you attempted to make an outline of something you had seen before, with the lead eroding away ever so slowly with each stroke. You watched your hand wander to every corner of the paper, pausing with a flinch every now and then when it moved just a little too far off the intended path.

The clock ticked on and on, seconds to minutes to hours, with you sat at the low table in the bright light of the sun in your living room, scratch, scratch, scratching away, even as your pencil became blunt, forcing it to mark out the lines of a seemingly misshapen landscape, thin and delicate lines becoming thick and crooked veins.

It wasn't until the pencil began stabbing the paper with its splintered tip that you finally stopped, moving your hand off the page to look down at the horrible mess you had made. It was the same picture as the others, only much, much more awful, with less colour and less sense of mind.

That same stoic face stared down at the page. Your grip on your pencil was now limp, your hand dropping to the floor by your side and the tool now slipping from your fingers, rolling over the floor and out of your reach.

You can't do anything right, can you?

The sting of tears in your eyes was going to drive you mad. You stood back up, ignoring the needle-like numbness in your lower limbs as you staggered to your bedroom, the urge to get out of the deathly silent house growing stronger.

You changed out of your clothes into an oversized beige hoodie and shorts, thinking that it wouldn't draw attention to yourself, only to realise that it would draw attention because what kind of idiot would wear a hoodie in the middle of summer? So you tossed it aside and pulled on a white vest and a grey dress-shirt on top instead, thankful that the loose fitting clothing would at least cover your curves.

You slipped on the first pair of sneakers you saw and left the house, your keys, purse and phone stuffed into your back pockets. You stood in front of your door for a moment, unsure of where to go, then ultimately decided that it really didn't matter, and you turned left and started walking.

You kept your head low, hands awkwardly swaying by your sides, unsure of where to put them because you had no other pockets. The sun was lower in the sky now, gently stretching your shadow behind you as you walked further and further down the street, following it wherever it took you because who cares where you would end up?

As always, there was no one outside besides you. The gentle patter of your footsteps against the cobbled pathway was the only sound you could hear besides the familiar twitter of birds above you. It was moments like these when you began to miss the sounds of the city, with its constant bustling streets and roads filling that emptiness in the air and somewhat reassuring you that you weren't completely alone in this world.

But here, you were. You were entirely alone.

You always thought you would be okay with that, and yet you were now hating it more than anything. How pathetic.

Glancing upwards, you noticed with a blink that the houses in the village were now far behind you. You paused, turning to look over your shoulder to see the shrunken structures in the distance, and your surroundings were instead replaced with rolling green fields of tall grass, mutely swaying in the breeze. How long had it been since you had started walking?

Despite your confusion, you turned back around and continued onward. You shouldn't think about it too much. You didn't want to think at all anymore.

And so, you walked. You walked and walked and walked. You had no idea where the road was headed towards, you had no idea if you were even in the Akashika District at that point, but that was fine. The unknown was welcomed with open arms. Anything to keep your mind quiet.

Unfortunately for you, though, all good things must come to an end. That end came far too quickly when your legs and feet began to ache. Your body was becoming tired — most likely due to you not having any food in your system — and your shortness of breath under the brutal summer heat was making your head spin. You needed to stop soon, unless you wanted to faint.

With great reluctance, you steered yourself to the side of the road, kneeling down with your knees tucked into your chest and your forearms hanging over them. You pushed your hair away from your face, disliking the sweat accumulating on your temple. Whilst you caught your breath, you looked back again down the road you had walked up, and the town was now a lot smaller than it was before.

You would have to walk back there eventually, you reminded yourself, and you outwardly groaned. You didn't want to do that. But you guessed it was your own fault, anyway. You deserved this. It's the consequence of your actions, isn't it? You acted irrationally, and now you had to suffer further.

The sound of a car horn startled you from your thoughts. You whipped your head over to your right with wide eyes, watching as a white car rolled to a stop a few feet ahead of you, its tires crunching against the dirt. The engine died down into silence as you heard the clutch being pulled into place with a squeak, catching a brief glimpse of a shadowy silhouette through the windscreen as it shuffled to get out of the car.

You were frozen in place as you watched a man step out of the vehicle, brushing his dark hair out of his eyes as he regarded you with a curious look, raising a brow as he stepped closer. His rounded face looked so familiar, as well as those large, half-lidded eyes, but you couldn't quite put your finger on it. He wore a white shirt complete with a deep blue tie, which hung loosely under his unbuttoned collar. His hands were tucked into the pockets of his black slacks, the sleeves of his shirt rolled up to his elbow, exposing his forearms.

"Are you okay there?" He asked, sauntering to a stop as he stood over you. You stared up at him, breath caught in your throat, unsure of what to say. No, you were not okay, but you couldn't just tell people that, could you? You had to be okay, you had to be normal.

"Yes, I'm fine, thank you." You attempted to smile, the strain of forcibly stretching your lips across your cheeks paining you greatly, and you would have kept it up if the man hadn't frowned at you. The smile that was more akin to a grimace slowly slipped off of your face, replaced by a nervous pinch to your lower lip instead.

"You don't look 'fine' to me," he stated bluntly, leaning down a little so that his head was mere inches away from your own. "What are you doing all the way out here on the ground?"

You inched yourself back slightly, wobbling under the uneven balance on your limbs. Excuses, you had to come up with excuses, but that was becoming an increasingly difficult task when the man interrogating you seemed to know that you were lying before you even spoke.

Just as you were about to lose your balance in your crouched position, he grabbed onto your upper arm to steady you. The warmth radiating from his palm seeped through your sleeve, your already boiling skin heating up further from the touch. You felt your cheeks heat up, too, the unfamiliar touch of this (admittedly attractive) man leaving you in a slight daze.

"I-I was just out for a walk, and I got tired, that's all," you quickly stammered, unable to look him in the eyes lest you burst into flames. His scrutinising look didn't falter, instead increasing as he squinted at you harshly.

"You look like you're gonna faint. I think you're a little more than tired, lady."

Your heart pounded painfully in your chest at his words. You were fine, totally fine, why couldn't he just accept that?

You gasped as you suddenly felt yourself being lifted off the ground, your arms pulled forward as he forced you to follow behind him. He was leading you to his car, his grip on you firm as if to say that you didn't have a choice.

"Where are you taking me?" You couldn't exactly trust a man you had just met so easily. He stopped in his tracks, turning to look back at you with a sheepish grin, rubbing the back of his neck.

"Ah, sorry! I'm gonna look weird if I just start dragging you over here, huh?" He released your arms to bow mockingly, peering up at you through one eye as the other closed in a wink.

"The name's Akashika Ozo. Taxi driver, at your service." He grinned widely, seemingly proud of himself for the little skit he had pulled. Ozo straightened back up, taking a hold of your forearm tenderly this time and gesturing towards his car. "I was just planning on giving you a lift to wherever it is you're going. If you want one, that is."

Chapter 3

A cold beer can was pressed against your cheek, the cool water droplets smearing across your skin as you sighed blissfully. Ozo released his hold on you as you settled down onto the back seats of his taxi, leaning against the door frame as he brushed away the hair from his eyes.

"The AC doesn't work in here, so this is all I can do for you." You nodded, quietly thanking him before he shut the door, moving towards the driver's seat and strapping in. "You were headed for Iriabi, right?"

You paused, glancing at the back of his head.

"Iriabi...?"

"Yeah. That's where this road leads to. Want me to drop you off?"

"Uh.. N-No, I live in Akatsuka, so..." You were too embarrassed to say out loud that you had never heard of Iriabi before, and you shrunk down a little into your seat to try and avoid his gaze in the rear view mirror. Ozo raised a brow at your reaction but shrugged nonetheless, starting up the car and getting it into gear as it began rolling slowly down the uneven road, gradually picking up speed.

"Akatsuka, huh?" he continued, not wasting the opportunity to start some small talk with a pretty girl, "I've never seen you around before! And I never forget cute faces like yours once I've seen 'em." He winked back at you through the mirror, chuckling at how your mouth feel agape at his obvious flirting.

"Maybe a name for your face might help me remember?"

The sensible side of your brain was already screaming at the man for being so shameless with those dumb and cringe-worthy pickup lines, as if he had the audacity to think that they were good. But after being alone for so long, after having virtually no one to talk to like this for months on end, and especially after being complimented so nicely for the first time in who knows how long, as sad as it may sound, your heart jumped for joy and craved for more.

"It's [L/N] [Y/N]."

"[Y/N]..." he murmured, as if tasting the word in his tongue curiously, his lips twisting into a cheeky grin, "Suits you! Pretty name for a pretty girl!"

You stammered out another word of thanks, pinching the skin of your arm as a reminder to not to get ahead of yourself. You pushed away the hopeful thoughts from your mind, knowing that he wasn't serious. No one had ever been serious before, and this wasn't any different. Right?

The car ride back to Akatsuka village was a lot shorter then the walk would have been, and you found yourself re-entering the town after around ten minutes. Ozo had filled that small silence with gentle hums of a song you didn't recognise and tapping his fingers against the steering wheel, his demeanour a lot more relaxed and slack compared to your tense form.

"What's your address? I'll drop you off!" His sudden question startled you out of your quiet stupor, and you quickly gave him the street name.

"Do you need directions?"

"Nah! I know this town like the back of my hand," he bragged, making a quick right turn as he rubbed his index finger under the bridge of his noise. True to his word, he managed to navigate his way through the wide and empty streets until he finally pulled the car to a halt outside your front door.

"Here's your stop!" He chuckled to himself, watching as you began to clamber out of the car, beer can still in your grasp. You came up to his window, too busy taking out your purse to notice him eye the meter momentarily before turning to you with the same curved smile.

"Did I forget to tell you? First timers get a free ride!"

You paused, staring at him wide eyed. Surely that wasn't a real thing?

"A-Are you sure? I have money--"

"Don't worry about it! You don't need to pay me a single yen."

"I... Well, thank you," was all you could say. You barely had enough energy to continue interacting anymore. You just wanted to go inside and lie down in front of your fan for the rest of the day. The air was stifling.

"It's nothing..!" Ozo's mind flew to his boss, knowing he wouldn't approve of him doing this, but then again there were many things his boss didn't approve of. This one would just have to be swept under the rug.

"Have a nice day," you bowed hastily, turning on your heel and heading to your front door, keys already grasped tightly between your fingers. Ozo flailed for words, not wanting to let you go just yet, but you were already halfway through the door, your face obscured by your strands of hair.

"You too, sweetheart! Maybe I'll see you again sometime!"

»»-----　♔　-----««

He never got a verbal response, only the sound of your door shutting behind you, the noise bouncing off the walls of nearby buildings and echoing around him. He sat back in his seat, rubbing his finger once again under his nose, grinning to himself.

"Nailed it."

Ozo began manoeuvring his car away from your home, sending one final glance back to your house through the side mirror before it disappeared from view.

Now that he was alone again, the quietness in his car and the town was really starting to bore him. It hadn't even been that long since he finished his break over at Iriabi with his youngest brother, but he felt as if he deserved another. It wasn't like there were going to be many people who needed a lift around here, anyway.

With a soft hum, Ozo diverted his car from the main road and set off down a smooth stone pathway instead, the grass on the edges of the road now becoming more clean cut and less wild and untamed.

Over the line of trees that were bunched together in the distance, he could make out two large and familiar houses, the sun glinting off of their grey tiled roofs. His eyes drifted over to the one on the right, with the roof being slightly lower and flatter compared to the other.

A smirk spread across his face as a thought drifted through his mind, and he pressed his foot down further onto the gas.

Rolling up in front of white stone fencing with the entrance carefully carved into a large circular shape, Ozo wasted no time in driving the car through the entrance and parking it in front of the wooden sliding doors at the front of the house. He left the car to sit in the gravelled driveway, whistling as he swung his keys around his index finger before allowing it to slip into his pocket.

He knocked loudly on the door, rocking back and forth on his heels as his brown orbs wandered around his surroundings, noticing the same coloured flowers and neatly cut hedges that were there the last time he was there, which seemed like such a long time ago. The sign with the words 'Midorito Estate' carved into it looked as if it had just been freshly polished, the wood surface shining smoothly under the sun.

The heat was starting to really irritate him by the time the door was slid open, revealing a man dressed in a grey yukata, whose eyes were narrowed and lips pulled into a scowl at the sight of Ozo on the other side of the door.

"Chorosuke! Long time no see!" Ozo cheerily greeted with a lazy wave of his hand.

"You were literally here just last night, Ozo," Chorosuke growled, his words turning into a strained yelp as Ozo simply walked past him.

"Well, it's been a long day for me." Kicking his shoes off with little grace or care for where they landed, Ozo swiftly evaded the angered hands of Chorosuke as they attempted to throttle him, easily navigating his way to the main sitting room and flopping himself down onto the tatami flooring in front of a large fan.

"Who said you could come in here?!" Ozo grumbled lowly, ignoring the man as he shut his eyes and relished in the cold wind as it breezed across his face, sifting through his hair and traversing down his neck. The collar of his shirt flapped noisily under the fan's wind, the whirring of its many hands almost enough to drown out Chorosuke's berating.

Almost.

"You're lucky I don't call the police on you! Do you have any idea what that would do to my family name?!"

"Yeah yeah, I heard ya' the last time you told me. Just relax.... We're brothers, anyway, aren't we?" Ozo's voice was already groggy with sleepiness, the whole ambiance of the room very close to lulling him to sleep.

Chorosuke stood by the door, a tense look in his eyes as he registered Ozo's words.

The word 'brother' was still foreign to him. It left an odd taste on his tongue whenever he spoke the word, and an equally odd ring in his ear when he heard it. All his life he had been brought up with his one and only younger sister, but now over the past two years, a handful of men show up with the same face as him, and one of them claiming them all to be long lost brothers.

It might not be far from the truth, especially with the fair bits of evidence he had seen, but even so...

"Hey, you got any beer? My stash ran out."

...Even so, how could he be related to such an idiot?

"Is that all you ever come here for?" Chorosuke grumbled, reluctantly moving over to a door on the far left wall which lead to the kitchen and grabbing a beer can from the fridge. He shut the fridge door, only to open it a moment later to grab a can for himself. He was going to need it if he was now forced to deal with that in his living room.

"If it's free, I'll take it," Ozo chuckled as the other returned, gladly taking the beverage and briefly pressing it to his warm neck before cracking it open.

"Then I'll charge you next time."

"You're already rich enough!"

Chorosuke hid the small smile threatening to break onto his lips behind his drink, turning his head away to peer outside of the opened doors revealing his vast and beautifully decorated back garden. It was the same blue sky, he noted, and it looked just as serene as it did when he saw it last.

"I'm surprised Toshio isn't with you today. Actually, that's probably a good thing..." Chorosuke began. He was more used to the two menaces storming his house at the same time instead of on separate occasions.

Ozo shrugged, "I haven't seen him all day. Who knows what he's doing..." A stretch of silence passed before Ozo suddenly snapped his fingers, his eyes lighting up. "Oh yeah! Did you make the call yet?"

"I managed to reach them this morning," Chorosuke nodded. "They'll be here by tomorrow night, if they're not swamped with work."

"That quick? I thought they'd be here by the end of the week!"

"Well, Hajime is unemployed, so he has plenty of time on his hands, and Karatsugu is barely paid attention to in his office. I'm not too surprised."

Ozo made a small noise of agreement. A soft smile stretched across his lips as he gazed at the fully grown maple tree sat in the centre of Chorosuke's garden. It had been a while since he and his brothers had gotten together, and he would be lying if he said he wasn't excited. The memories of the last time they gathered together under the same roof made him giddy with anticipation as to what havoc they would wreak this time around.

His thoughts swirled back and forth through his mind for a while before one particular thought lingered in front of his mind, allowing his smile to morph into an impish grin. He elbowed Chorosuke beside him to garner his attention, who only stared at him with an unimpressed grimace.

"Guess what, guess what?" He was already snickering. Chorosuke knew he didn't want to hear whatever this story was going to be, but he had no other choice, unfortunately.

"....What?" He sighed.

"I'm pretty sure I picked up a hitch hiker off the road today," Ozo began, "and she was super pretty. Like, gorgeous."

"And why are you telling me this?"

"Because! Don't you wanna hear about how big her boo-"

"Shut up!" Chorosuke hissed, grabbing a newspaper from nearby and smacking the roll over his target's head. Ozo only chuckled, barely moving away from his attacker. "What if Dayoko was to hear you?! You have no manners whatsoever, you dolt!"

"You say that, but your face is so red!" Ozo began to cackle with laughter, his free hand smacking his knee. Chorosuke stammered, a sweat now breaking out on his temple as he attempted to right himself.

"I-It is not! Just stop talking about it!"

"Aww, but I'm serious! It's been so long since I've seen a new face as cute as hers," Ozo sighed dreamily, his gaze now distant as he remembered your features, your voice, the little ticks of nervousness throughout the whole taxi ride... "And I know where she lives, too! So I can visit her whenever!"

"Please don't. That's just creepy. Borderline stalking," Chorosuke shook his head. He went to take another sip of his beer, only to find the can already empty. Ozo shook his, also finding it devoid of his favourite alcoholic drink. He gave Chorosuke a pointed look, eliciting a groan from him.

He stood up to fetch another beer. Maybe something stronger this time.

Chapter 4

The train journey was excruciatingly long, just as they remembered it to be. Karatsugu peered out the window beside him, his eyes stuck to the darkening sky above, which was also tinted a slight shade darker due to him wearing his large aviator sunglasses. He watched as the scenery outside gradually changed from strictly endless waves of tall green grass and trees to small buildings in the far distance and flat earth.

Across from him, Hajime sat silently, slouching in his seat as he clutched his large backpack to his chest to rest his chin atop it, his eyes shut as he slept quietly. A small smile came to Karatsugu's lips before he yawned, covering his mouth with the back of his hand whilst his other arm stretched up above his head. He let it fall down onto his lap lazily as he went back to staring out the window, his leg jumping up and down lightly as he inwardly became impatient.

It had been quite a while since he had last come to Akashika District; a year, to be exact. He still remembered the first time he had visited that place like it was only yesterday, as well as the interesting adventure he and his newfound brothers took part in. Karatsugu smiled fondly at the memory, wondering just what else they would be getting up to this time.

He was quickly snapped out of his daydreams as a voice spoke over the intercom, and although it sounded very fuzzy and full of static, he could just about make out what the voice said:

'We are now arriving at Akashika Station. This is the train's final stop. Please ensure you have all your items of belonging before leaving the train. We are now arriving at...'

The voice repeated itself several more times before it fell silent, and Karatsugu could feel the train begin to slow down. He carefully, and very cautiously, leaned forward to nudge Hajime's knee, attempting to rouse him from his nap.

"Hajime... You need to wake up now, we're here..." he mumbled, gently calling for his younger brother. He could feel a bead of sweat beginning to accumulate on his temple as Hajime didn't stir, prompting him to nudge a tad bit harder whilst also bearing in mind to not push his own luck, lest he want a fist to the face.

Thankfully, that didn't happen, and Hajime grumbled against his backpack as his eyes sluggishly cracked open. His dark gaze landed on Karatsugu for a moment before it wandered around the train compartment, shifting slightly in his seat and raising his head. He rubbed a hand against the back of his neck, wincing at the soreness from the awkward position he had fallen asleep in.

"... We're here?" he mumbled, barely audible over the ruckus of the train still moving against the tracks. Karatsugu nodded, taking his phone out of his pocket whilst Hajime stretched his arms. Karatsugu swiped through the group chat one of his brothers had created, skimming over his unread messages from hours ago to begin tapping away at his screen.

── SEX🤤🍆tuplets

12:24

[Chorosuke💐🌹] Who changed the group chat name?

[Takashi🍰🍬🍭] Who do u think lol

[Ozo🍺🚖] its gr8 right! sexxxxxxxxxxxx tuplets HAHAH

[Chorosuke💐🌹] Please shut up.

[Ozo🍺🚖] ur alwas so booooooring chorosuk e lolol anyway! karatsugu n hajime! wya?

[Hajime🐈‍⬛🐾] train

That is correct burazzas!~~😎😎✨✨ Our travels have only barely just begun!💫💫 We will be arriving later tonight! I'm sure you are all very excited for our arrival, hmm~~? 🥀🥀🥀🥀😎😎😎😎

[Takashi🍰🍬🍭] We get it plz stop with those ugly ass emojis

[Jyushimatsu🌻🌼☀️] KARAMATSU NIISAN ICHIMATSU NIISAN HIHHIHUHIHUU!!!!! HIRRY UP I WANNA PLAY!!!!!!

[Chorosuke💐🌹] I don't want to kick you out again, Jyushimatsu. Please don't spam.

── SEX🤤🍆tuplets 19:03

[72 unread messages]

We are arriving at the station!✨✨ Ozo, burazza, would you be so kind as to give us a lift?😎😎😎

[Ozo🍺🚖] sureeee its abt time u guys got here!

[Jyushimatsu🌻🌼☀️] YAYYYYAYA!!! YOUR HERE YOURH ERE!!! OSOMATSU NIISAN CAN I CUM A SWELL????!!!!

[Takashi🍰🍬🍭] oh my god eww

[Ozo🍺🚖] Yh! the more the happier as they say

[Chorosuke💐🌹] It's: 'The more, the merrier.' Honestly, how do you not know?

[Ozo🍺🚖] I ain't no nerd anyway ill be there in 10!

──

Satisfied with Ozo's response, Karatsugu put away his phone and stood up, reaching up to the overhang and carefully sliding his suitcase out and onto the floor. He also did the same for Hajime's suitcase, having a sneaking suspicion that the man wouldn't get it himself, but he wasn't bothered by it.

They waited for the train to pull to a stop, the metal wheels against the tracks squeaking and groaning loudly into the air. The voice over the intercom spoke again, signalling that all passengers were now allowed to leave.

So, with their suitcases in hand and their backpacks slung over their shoulders, the two brothers exited the train and stepped onto the same barren and quiet platform. The warm evening air pushed into their faces, the heat a lot tamer than it would be during the day. Hajime looked up towards the sky for a moment, witnessing the final shreds of sunlight melt away into the night as a dark blanket covered the sky.

"We should head outside," Karatsugu spoke up, his baritone voice echoing around the area, "they could be here any minute, now." He had already begun walking towards the exit, and after a few seconds, he heard his brother's footsteps shuffling along the concrete ground, following him from behind.

Karatsugu stepped out first, taking a deep breath of fresh air as a soft breeze picked up around him briefly before it died down. He smiled at the scenery, already feeling at home with his excitement growing by the second.

"Karamatsu-niisan."

The man screamed, jumping on the spot and tripping over his own feet as he tumbled to the ground, his mouth agape and sunglasses askew on his face, eyes darting around to see where that sudden voice came from, only to find a man standing to his right with a brown paper bag over his head and the roughly cut holes where his eyes should be dark and devoid of life.

Hajime stepped out next, taking one good look at Karatsugu on the ground and raising his brow before looking over to the paper bag man. He barely reacted, only giving a slight nod and saying:

"Long time no see, Jyushimatsu."

"Aha! Same here, Ichimatsu-niisan!" Jyushimatsu laughed, rocking back and forth on his heels giddily. Karatsugu, still on the ground, gradually collected himself and cupped his chin with this thumb and forefinger, smirking as if he hadn't just screamed like he had seen a ghost.

"Heh! Jyushimatsu! It has been some time since we last spoke in person!" Unsurprisingly, Karatsugu went ignored as the other headed towards a car that was parked a little further down the road, with the engine still running and the lights beaming down onto the gravelled path. Karatsugu only hummed amusedly, standing up and brushing himself off, making sure to readjust his glasses before grabbing his things and following behind them, listening in on their conversation.

"A lot of things have changed around here since you last visited, you know!" Jyushimatsu swung his arms back and forth as he walked, the smile in his voice heard through his words.

"Yeah? Like what?" Hajime readjusted his backpack on his shoulder, throwing a side glance towards Jyushimatsu. The paper bag man only giggled, his head now swaying side to side, as if nodding along to some unheard tune.

"Things!" Was all he said as they reached the car. The trio paused as the driver's door opened, and out clambered a grinning Ozo with a beer can in hand.

"Finally! I thought you guys were never gonna show up!" He complained, though there was no bite behind his words. Hajime shook his head as he watched Ozo take a large swig from his can.

"You couldn't wait until we got to that otaku's house to start drinking? I don't want to die because of your shitty driving..." he shuffled over to the car, opening the trunk and pushing his suitcase in there as Jyushimatsu sat in the back seats.

"I'm not a lightweight! I can handle more than one can, y'know!" Ozo sat back down in his seat, and Karatsugu also went over to place his suitcase in the trunk before closing it. Hajime sat in the back with Jyushimatsu, leaving the passenger seat up front available. Once they were all settled in the car, Ozo manoeuvred the car out of its parked position and back onto the road.

"Let's chuck your stuff at that guy's place, and then we can go drinking!" Ozo cheered, Jyushimatsu matching his excitement. Karatsugu couldn't help but laugh, and even Hajime couldn't control the small smirk that crept its way onto his face, which he quickly hid behind his backpack.

It was nice to be back.

»»-----　♔　-----««

You sighed softly as you wiped down the bar top with the slightly damp cloth in your palm. Glancing at the small clock on the wall behind you, you took note of how it had been just over an hour since your shift at Bang Bang Chicken Bar had started and, as per usual, barely anyone had entered the bar. There was that one regular customer who had already came and went — a man with very large front teeth who asked for the same drink every other night, attempted to flirt with you, then would leave with the promise of coming back as a rich French man... whatever that means.

Another sigh escaped you. It was now just past nine o'clock, and you had a strong feeling that the hours were going to slip by a lot slower than you would like. That, and coupled with the fact that you would be the only one working at the bar at this hour (aside from your boss, who would be cooped up in his office until early hours of the morning), you knew it would be yet another boring night ahead.

Well, maybe not entirely boring.

The sound of drums suddenly filled the silence in the bar, which was soon followed by the sound of heavy strums of electric guitars and keyboards. A woman's voice began belting lyrics into the microphone. You watched the band, Killer Fish, perform on the raised platform in the centre of the room, the seven women on stage lost in their own world of death metal music as their heads nodded along violently to the beat.

When you had first started working at Bang Bang Chicken Bar — an obscure bar at the end of a long, winding and empty road on the outskirts of Akatsuka Village — you did not expect the seven quiet and well-dressed women on the stage to start singing death metal. It scared you half to death the first time you heard the screech of guitar strings echoing through the desolate bar. Even the lead singer, Totoko, dressed in a formal Japanese yukata with her hair styled up in an old-fashioned bun, her face stoic and serious, shocked you with her booming voice and scratchy vocals of a true death metal singer.

It was all so unexpected, and the tremors of the music had left you slightly shaky once the first performance was over. Now, though, you had become used to the music, and although it wasn't your preferred choice of music, you began to enjoy the performances. It made the whole bar feel so much more alive.

By the time you snapped out of your thoughts, the performance was over and the group was setting themselves up for another song. You, with nothing better to do, decided you would turn to the shelves stacked with all kinds of alcoholic drinks behind you and sort through them again, making sure they were presented with their labels faced towards the patrons and that they were organised neatly, despite the fact that you had already done this. Three times.

Whilst you mindlessly traced your fingers along the glass bottles, the music started up again, drowning out the sound of the door to the bar opening.

In walked six men, each dressed in black suits, and each of them boisterous and excited to begin their night of drinking. They awed at the group on stage for a moment before one of them took charge and pushed them over to an empty table in the middle of the room. They took their seats and began conversing with each other, laughing at some joke someone made or at another's crazy antics.

Eventually, two of them stood up from their seats, one seemingly more casual with his hands tucked into his pockets whilst the other, donning a black yukata, seemed more uptight with an annoyed frown pressed onto his upturned lips. The two began making their way over to the bar, where you were stood with your back still turned, oblivious of what was happening behind you until your ears picked up the sound of two men conversing.

You tilted your head slightly, squinting your eyes as if it would help with figuring out whether you were hearing things or not, but as the voices grew closer, your eyes widened as you realised no, this wasn't your imagination, and there were actually other customers in the bar.

Turning on your heel, you physically felt your brain fizzle and pop like an old lightbulb at the sight of the two men coming closer towards you, their faces still fresh in your mind from the first time you had encountered them on separate occasions.

"Come on, Chorosuke! You're loaded! A couple of drinks with your money won't hurt anyone!" It was that taxi driver from the other day who was talking, that same sleazy grin displayed proudly on his face as he poked fun at the man next time him; that man from the store who had given you that watermelon, which actually was sweet.

"You and I both know you won't be having 'a couple of drinks!' And you have your own money! Pay for yourself!" He shouted over the music, his eyes narrowing in frustration as he knew all too well that he would inevitably be paying for the drinks. You could only stand in silence as they grew closer and closer, neither of them truly paying attention to your presence as they continued to bicker back and forth until they were stood right in front of you.

Ozo turned to you first, his mouth opening to make his request until his half-lidded eyes locked onto your face. He frowned for a split-second before his eyes widened, the smirk on his lips stretching into an excited grin as he instantly recognised you. Chorosuke, confused by his brother's odd reaction, turned to you as well, only for his expression to fall into a look of horror, his pale cheeks flushing a bright crimson.

"It's you!" They exclaimed together, their tones completely opposite to one another. Pausing, they whipped their heads to look at each other confusedly. "Wait, what?" they questioned in unison.

"How do you know her?" Chorosuke quickly demanded, his eyes flitting between your nervous form and the man beside him.

"I told you, I met a pretty girl yesterday!" Ozo reminded him, "And what about you?"

"I-I, well... We bumped into each other at the market the other day..." Chorosuke's voice trailed off, secretly hoping you would remember him so that he wouldn't be humiliated in front of the one man who wouldn't let something like this go. Lucky for him, you did remember. You remembered that interaction all too well.

"Really?! Wow! Small world, right?" Ozo turned to you, leaning against the bar top with one arm as he gave you a quick once over, a flirtatious look in his eyes that only served to make you shrink into yourself. "Do you remember me? I dropped you off yesterday! Man, if I knew you worked here, I would come by more often!"

They seemed to be waiting for some kind of reaction from you, so you took a minute step back from the countertop and chuckled nervously, an odd smile on your face that probably didn't look like a smile at all.

"Aha... Yeah! Hi... again..."

This was going to be a long, long night.

𝕮𝖍𝖆𝖕𝖙𝖊𝖗 𝕺𝖓𝖊

You sighed wistfully, gaze stuck on the large window to your right, watching as people ushered themselves past the Sweetsu Cafe you were sat in.

How long had it been, you began to wonder? It felt like an eternity since you last saw his face, or sensed his familiar and comforting presence.

Your heart ached, and your brows furrowed. How much longer until this pain would end? All you wanted was to see him again, his reassuring smile directed towards you as he offered you his hand...

Your thoughts were cut short as you felt a sharp knock reverberate through the wooden table your arms were resting upon. With a slight jolt, you looked over to your left, seeing the familiar figure from your thoughts. It was your older brother, standing there with a knowing smile. Your face immediately lit up, eyeing him briefly before settling on the item in his hand.

"Chocolate and vanilla swirl sundae," he spoke, quickly signing along with his hands as you practically snatched the dessert from his palm. "With extra whipped cream to top it all off!"

A small hum of delight wormed it's way past your lips as you took a large mouthful from the top of the glass. You gave him an exaggerated thumbs up before delving back into your food, your feet swinging slightly under the table.

It had been so long since you had last got together with your brother like this, at your favourite location with your favourite sweet delicacy. He hadn't been able to get a break from work for a while, but now that he had finally come back to you for the weekend, even if it was a short while, you were determined to spend the long hours of the summer weekend as catch up as much as you could.

A gentle tap to your knuckles brought your attention away from your sundae and to your brother, who had settled into the seat across from you. With a warm but hesitant smile, he began moving his hands along with his lips clearly for you to see.

"So... It's been a little hectic around Akatsuka lately, hasn't it?"

You suckled on your spoon as you thought for a moment, staring at him, before placing it back into the glass and shaking your head with a hard stare.

'No, Haru. We are not having this conversation. Again.'

"No, no, wait! Just this once, please? It's serious!" Haru pleaded, clasping his hands in front of him as he leaned in slightly closer. When you didn't respond, he reached into his back pocket to take out his phone. He scrolled through it for a moment before pausing, turning the screen towards you.

You squinted your eyes slightly as a long article popped onto the screen. The title was in large bold and black lettering, saying:

'PHANTOM THIEVES STRIKE AGAIN!'

There was a picture beside it, although it was very blurry. You could barely make out the humanoid figure running off into a dark and shady alley, a brief streak of purple followed by a cat covered by darkness darting behind it.

Skimming over the articles paragraphs, you slumped back into your seat with a roll of your eyes.

'Haru, these articles are just full of crap and you know it.'

"No, they aren't!" Haru's brows creased with worry as he placed his phone back down. "There are six of these guys that have been spotted all over Akatsuka, and one of them showed up only a few miles away from where you live!"

You only shrugged again, going back to eating your sundae.

"You don't honestly think that they are good people, do you?" Haru pushed, moving into your line of sight. "They've stolen so many valuable items already! What if they do something to you, and I'm not there?"

'As if I have anything valuable in my tiny apartment,' you shook your head. 'I bet they'd take one look through the window and then leave. I've got nothing to worry about.'

"That's not the point," Haru ran a hand through his hair, exasperated. "I don't live here in Akatsuka anymore, neither do mom and dad. No one is here to protect you while you're alone like this."

'I'm not alone...'

"The stray cats that follow you around don't count in this conversation." Haru paused as he watched a ginger cat walk up the window and sit patiently by it, watching you with its large eyes marked with greyish fur as it waited for you to come outside. With a rub to his forehead, Haru continued.

"Look, just... come live with me, okay? You know I have my own house, and even with Ei moving in, we still have a spare bedroom for you. It'll be safer for you over there."

'First of all,' you glared at your brother. 'I can't do that to you and Ei, your fiancé.' You emphasised the word with the harsh tapping of your fingers against your skin. Haru opened his mouth to retort, his hands following close behind, but you continued.

'Second of all, I don't want to leave! I know you guys are all far away from me now, but I'm not completely alone. And I'm not talking about the cats. I do have real friends, but I don't want to just up and leave this place. I like it here far better than where you're living.'

Haru paused, a look of guilt on his face as his shoulders fell.

"I..."

'Trust me, Haru. I'll be fine! I promise. And you know I don't break those.' With your final input, you signed for him to just drop the topic, wanting to enjoy your scrumptious dessert without the sugar tasting bitter on your tongue. Your brother allowed you to do so with a small nod, resting his chin on his palm as he watched you. Slowly but surely, your food disappeared from the large glass, leaving only streaks of cream running up and down the inner surface.

The two of you stood up from your seats, Haru leading you out of the cafe with his hands stuffed into his jean pockets, although you could still see a faint outline of his hands twitching against the fabric, knowing he was still anxiously thinking of your previous conversation.

You felt a sudden brush against your left leg, and you glanced down with a small jolt to see the ginger cat had come to greet you. You huffed, a smile on your lips as you briefly bent down to scratch behind the feline's ears before standing upright. You caught Haru's eyes, grinning wider as he pouted in jealousy at the attention you were given from the stray.

'You can pet them, you know.' You told him as you walked past, you now taking the lead as you strolled back to your apartment.

"As if. My allergies would kill me..." Haru grumbled under his breath, making sure to walk on the other side of you so as to keep a distance between him and the cat, who was still following at your heels, briefly nudging against your ankles every now and then with a chirp.

When you finally reached your home, you decided to wait outside as Haru went in, taking the elevator up to your floor, taking your keys with him. After a few moments, he re-emerged with a suitcase and duffle bag in hand, tossing you your keys as he rummaged through his own pockets for a different set. Your smile that had appeared whilst you pet the stray ginger cat gradually disappeared as you watched your older brother place his bags into the back of his car, closing the trunk with a shove.

'...Do you have to go so early?' You tugged his shirt sleeve. 'At least stay for dinner?'

"You know I've got work tomorrow," He smiled apologetically, "If I want to sleep before then, I should get going now instead of later. Besides, Ei's waiting for me. You know how she gets when I change plans on her so suddenly."

You lowered your head in defeat. The wind rustled past as you felt a pair of warm arms wrap around you, pulling you into his chest, and you gladly returned the hug, holding him for as long and as tight as you could. You felt a deep rumble travel across his chest and you reluctantly moved back to see what he said.

"My offer still stands... But I know you're not going to say 'yes' right now," Haru chuckled at you souring expression. "Our door is open for you, always. Just say the word and I'll come get you, okay?" You nodded, releasing him and already missing his warmth as he clambered into the driver's seat. You saw the car vibrate the slightest bit as the engine came on, and a window lowered so Haru could pop his head out. His bright smile reached his eyes, twinkling as he held a hand out for you.

With a roll of your eyes, you stepped forward, a grin crossing back onto your face as you performed a series of handshakes before ending it with a quick rock-paper-scissors match, laughing quietly as you easily won. Haru threw his head back as he laughed along, sending a goodbye your way before he set off, sticking his arm out the window to continue waving, you doing the same until he disappeared around the corner, the bright yellow of his car no longer in sight.

You stood there for a moment longer, staring at the corner he had hidden behind, the smile on your lips slipping away the longer you stood there. You only snapped out of it when you felt the familiar brush of fur on your ankles, and with a heavy sigh, you turned to head back to your apartment, keeping your eyes pointed to the floor as the elevator doors closed.

Standing in your small home, you could already feel the heavy emotion of missing your sibling as you looked around, finding small reminders of him being there once again by the simple shift in placement of the cushions on your couch, or the crumbs of bread by the toaster which he had used for breakfast that morning. He had visited countless times, stayed many nights, and yet him leaving was always just as painful as the first time.

You shook your head, running a hand through your hair as you straightened the cushions before sitting on the couch yourself, switching the TV on. You knew he hadn't actually said goodbye. It was always a 'see you later', and you always did see him again eventually. You knew you didn't have to get upset over it, you knew it was a childish thing to do. You could even text or call him right there and then, and he would answer straight away. There was nothing to worry about, and yet, the worry stayed all the same.

You could feel your food from earlier churn and twist in your stomach uncomfortably, a sick feeling crawling up your throat as you fidgeted in your seat. Now was not the time, you angrily told yourself, and you desperately began distracting yourself with random YouTube videos, trying to get yourself comfy by changing into your pyjamas. You startled as you felt a heavy pressure suddenly fall onto your lap, looking down to find the stray cat had followed you inside. You allowed it to get comfortable, running your fingers through its fur gently, finding its fur to be surprisingly clean.

The day steadily turned to night as you spent the rest of your day indoors, ordering takeout when you got hungry and only getting up to feed the stray some cat food that you had kept in your home out of habit, now. A bright light flashed in your living room, startling you briefly as you paused your movie and went to the door, cash in hand. Bowing politely to the delivery guy, you brought your food inside after making sure your door was locked, sighing with content as you took a bite out of the warm food.

You allowed the cat to steal a few bites before shooing it away playfully, huffs of laughter leaving you as it stared up at you with wide and pleading eyes. A sudden buzz from your thigh caught your attention, and you quickly wiped your fingers with a tissue before taking your phone out of your pocket, finding that it was Haru who had texted you.

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[20:44] cat allergy

heyy, just got home. did u eat yet?

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You tapped away at your screen, catching the cat out of the corner of your eyes begin to slink away towards the door.

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[20:44]

yup, just finished. took u that long to get home this time?

[20:46] cat allergy

nah, soon as I got home I had to go run a lot of errands, and there was loads of traffic. apparently some kind of traffic accident happened so the roads were blocked, but its all cleared up now.

u btter not have gotten more takeout! >:(

[20:47]

;)

---

You chuckled cheekily as you switched your phone off, ending the conversation there. Standing up, you noticed the cat was now pawing quite cutely at the door, its mouth opening and closing in what you assumed to be a 'meow', and you got the message. You slipped on a pair of black sandals and threw on your jacket over your pyjama top, grabbing your keys and unlocking your door. The cat immediately exited your apartment, and you locked your door again before leading it towards the elevator and pressing the button for the ground floor.

Upon reaching it, the cat practically dashed for the exit, and you had to jog just to reach the doors quicker and push it open. It passed the threshold, the light illuminating from the lobby of the building making the fur of the cat glow. It turned to stare at you, tail high in the air, as if expecting something. Curiously raising a brow, you took a step forward, and to your surprise, the cat took a few more steps before stopping, turning to look at you again.

You repeated this motion until you were standing completely out on the empty street. Looking up and down the sidewalk, you stared up at your apartment complex before turning back to the cat, who was still waiting for you. It obviously wanted you to follow it, that much you gathered, but why? And to where, this late at night? It would be dangerous and - as your brother would say - incredibly stupid of you if you started following a stray cat to who-knows-where.

But what was life without a little mystery?

With a grin, you followed behind the cat, who led you down twisting roads and pathways, between bushes and over small fences, your grin growing wider as excitement fluttered through your system. Eventually, it led you to a dark alleyway. You paused at the entrance, eyeing the cat who had once again turned to you, its mouth opening and waving one of its paws as if it were beckoning you.

'This is crazy...' you thought to yourself as you inched down the alleyway, barely able to see the cat, and it was then that you realised how useful the flashlight on your phone would have been if you had brought it with you. Nevertheless, you were still grinning like a child, your nerves turning into adrenaline and pushing you onward.

Deeper and deeper you went into the steadily thinning space, to the point where you had to start side-stepping down the corridor, pressing your back against the wall that you prayed was at least decently clean, eyes trained on the moving blob in front of you. You glanced up from the ground and, to your pleasant surprise, there seemed to be a light at the end of the cramped space, which wasn't too far away. You could also feel a breeze begin to pick up, steadily becoming stronger as you reached the opening. There was a hum in the air, vibrating against the ground and traversing through your body, goose bumps prickling your skin.

The light blinded you momentarily when you finally reached the end, the wind now harsh and whipping your hair and clothes around. You raised your arms up to shield your face, but when you opened your eyes, you were not prepared for what was in front of you.

It was... some kind of flying contraption. Not a helicopter, nor a hot air balloon. This was more steampunk, with its mechanical gears and tubes exposed and a giant fan attached to the back, whirring away and being the source of the wind that was wafting violently around you. All of it was built around a single seat with a light on the front acting as a headlight, and in that seat sat a figure dressed in a black suit and cape, a top hat over his dark hair and half of a golden cat mask over his left eye.

You stared at him, and he stared at you, wide eyed and mouth slightly agape, and if it wasn't so dark, you would have been able to see the deep blush on his cheeks, and he would have been able to see yours.

Staring into his eyes, in that moment, if only for a moment, it felt... magical. There was a feeling within you that you couldn't describe, only feel. You could feel it buzz in your chest and fill you with warmth. You could feel your heart begin to thump faster against your skin. You could feel everything.

However, just as quickly as that moment started, it was over when the ginger cat who had led you there in the first place jumped into the man's lap, snapping him out of his daze. He sent you one last look before lowering his top hat over his eyes and pulling a lever to his left, and the machine lifted off into the sky, leaving you to stand in the small clearing as you watched in awe as they literally flew away into the night.

You placed a hand over your heart, feeling it thrumming faster now.

The stars above you seemed to twinkle brighter than they ever have before.

You wanted to feel all of that again.