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mavrintarou · 1 year

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Lord Miya Osamu [3-end]

One more series to cross off my bucket list! Thank you for hanging on to Lord Osamu's bandwagon! I'm not sure who is next but stay tune! If you're new, this is the last part and you can find the first two in my masterlist or the link below. I do have other Lord series for some of the other characters, check them out!

Warning: angst; fluff; explicit smut

Second part

The engagement to the Imai’s daughter ended mutually and shortly after and their daughter met and married her husband.

After being dismissed from the Matsui’s, Osamu returned home completely devastated.

His parents has never seen their youngest son in such a state that they didn’t know what to do.

He slept his pain away and spoke to no one. His food would return untouched and cold.

The colors in his life slowly fading by the day.

Atsumu and his sister-in-law were the only ones who could really talk some sense into him.

After two months, Osamu finally left the compound.

That was only at the request of Lord Aran.

He is guided to the main room where he can hear mumblings of two people.

“He needs to know…”

“I know, dear, but you mustn’t stress –“

The servant announced Osamu’s arrival.

He greets his old friend and his wife and wasn’t surprised when his eyes landed on her bulging belly.

“Congratulations Lord Aran and Lady Aran.” Osamu said with excitement, the most excitement he’s heard in his own tone.

The gentle giant gives Osamu a soft smile but not his pregnant wife. She turns away, one hand resting behind her back and one hand at her belly.

Osamu looks at Ojiro with confusion.

“We have… uh – you see… Saeko she asked for –“

“I demanded, Ojiro. Demanded.” The pregnant woman corrected.

Ojiro nod and sighed, “she demanded that you come here immediately because she has something to…” he glances back at his wife who narrows her eyes at him before he turns his attention back to Osamu. “We have something to tell you.”

Osamu’s eyes switches from his friend and to his wife. What could the pair have to tell him?

“You see,” Ojiro struggles, “my brother-in-law has returned and he has informed Saeko –“

“Oh, for goodness’ sake!” Lady Aran shouted, wobbling over to the two men.

Osamu still confused at the tension in the room. “I don’t understand? Is there something I should know –“

“Yes!” She rests a hand on Ojiro’s shoulder for support. “Y/n is pregnant!”

Ojiro inhales sharply, mumbling a what happened to letting me do the talking.

The blank look on Osamu’s face had Saeko waving her hand in front of his face. “Lord Miya? Did you hear me?”

Osamu flinched hearing his name. “Yes,” he uttered. Hearing Y/n’s name put him in a state of shock, but hearing she is pregnant nearly made him brain dead.

His Y/n, pregnant by another man.

“Did you… hear me?” she repeated.

“Yes,” he answered, slightly annoyed. “Yes I heard you, I am… happy for her.”

Lady Aran tilt her head, her ears turning red by the second. “Happy… for… her?”

Osamu wasn’t sure why she was growling, “if you want me to congratulate her, Lady Aran, I cannot. Quite frankly I am not really happy for her either –“

“You fool!” she yelled, grabbing an orange from the fruit bowl, and chucking it right at Osamu’s chest.

He gasped, a hand rubbing the sore spot she just threw the orange at. Ojiro immediately tries to console his wife, but she pushed him aside and grabs two more fruits before swaying around the table. Osamu quickly gets up, retracting and hands out in a defense mechanism as the heavily pregnant woman charges at him at a turtle’s speed. She throws another orange and Osamu dodges it before it could hit him in the face. “You impregnant her and left her bear the pregnancy alone?!”

Osamu immediately stunned at what she just said that he was too slow to dodge when the second fruit came flying at him. The extremely ripe red apple knocked him right above his left eye.

It was as if he didn’t feel the pain or noticed the apple residue now dripping from his face. “What?”

Ojiro grabs a cloth, handing it to Osamu before trying to calm his wife down.

With one swipe, Osamu tosses the cloth aside and tries to get to Lady Aran, but Ojiro blocks him. “I need to talk to your wife, Ojiro, please move aside.”

“Just… have a seat.” Ojiro pleaded desperately.

Osamu takes a seat and impatiently waits for the couple to stop whispering to themselves. He heard bits and piece of their conversation.

I told you that Lord Osamu would not have known. I know he is not like that…

Why hasn’t he answered her letters then?

I’m not sure, that is something we need to ask him and not jump to conclusion that he did not care about Lady Miyazaki.

Osamu clears his throat, getting both their attention. “Lady Aran, please explain yourself. What do you mean by you impregnated her and left her to bear the pregnancy alone.”

She spends the next two minutes, trying to sit down across from him. “A few weeks ago, my brother did propose to Y/n again after your engagement with Lady Imai was announced.” She reaches for an apple and a knife and Osamu shifted backwards without realizing it. She begins cutting the skin of the apple, continuing, “with you marrying, Y/n thought it was the right thing to do and marry my brother since he proposed a second time.” She takes a bite out of the apple, “my brother respected our cousin Tadashi and when he passed away from his illness, he brought it up our parents offering to marry Y/n but said no the first time.”

Ojiro reaches over to take the small knife out of her hand since she was waving it as she was speaking. “Let me cut the peel for you, love.”

Lady Aran pushes other apple towards him and return her attention back to Osamu, “since he asked a second time, she said she consider it, but she wanted to return home to her family for some time.” Her palms slams down on the table making both men flinch. “But Satoshi took her home and things began to change!”

She took a deep breath, “she confirmed what she already suspected that she has been pregnant for some time and declined to marry my brother.”

Osamu’s breath hitched.

“My brother offered to still marry her and raise this child…” she looks straight into his eyes, “your child as his own –“

Osamu’s face darken and the atmosphere in the room changed instantly. Ojiro quickly intervened and assured, “but nothing happened, Y/n still did not proceed to marry Satoshi.” He assured with a forceful smile and chuckle.

“She stayed in her hometown with her family, she wrote to you – are you ignoring her?”

It was Osamu’s turn to slam his hands on the table, “what? She sent me a letter?”

“Yes! Letters apparently, that is why my brother is here to deliver them since you weren’t responding to her.” She snatched the apple Aran is holding out to her and chomps angrily.

Speak of the devil.

Lord Matsui Satoshi walks in hearing his sister’s upset voice. “What is going on?” His eyes falls upon her guest, “I presume Lord Miya is being informed of Lady Miyazaki’s condition?”

“Correct,” Osamu growled, standing up and walking to him. They stood shoulder to shoulder, “let’s talk in private.”

“Things changed during our journey back to her family home. She couldn’t keep food down and was unwell the entire time until we got to her home.”

Osamu remained quiet, refraining himself from asking questions and to listen to what he had to say.

“Even in the comfort of her own home, she wasn’t getting better. I sought a doctor and she refused, saying a doctor would not be able to assist and it was something she needed to get over.” He sighed, “I believe she knew then of her condition.”

“A few weeks past and sure enough, she did get over it. Her appetite increased and I noticed and was happy to see she had gained weight and color to her face.” He chuckled, looking straight at Lord Miya. “It wasn’t long before she was not able to hide the bump.”

Osamu’s eyes shifted to the servant that just entered the room, handing Lord Matsui a box before exiting.

Satoshi’s fingers grip hard at the box before thrusting it towards Osamu. “She wrote you letters but didn’t have the courage to send them to you. I stole them and I’m here to deliver them to you.” Osamu’s hand slightly tremble as he accepted the box. Satoshi sighed deeply, “I faith you know what you should do, but, if you do not take any action…” Satoshi move to stand shoulder to shoulder, facing the opposite direction. In a low voice, “I will.”

. .

Lifting the box cover there were a handful of letters with his name neatly scribbled on the top.

Miya ‘Samu,

I am sorry to write you this letter. As I am a coward, and I was not able to truly tell you about my feelings from the bottom of my heart.

I shouldn’t be thinking about you. I shouldn’t be wanting you. I shouldn’t even be writing you this letter.

But here I am, writing to you, ‘Samu.

I regret not telling that I love you and if we there is ever another opportunity in the next life time that I will come find you.

Miyazaki Y/n

His eyes reread the entire letter again, and again before he opened the second letter.

Miya ‘Samu,

Tonight, I dreamed of you.

But it is every night that I wish everything was different.

I wish I had the courage to tell you that I am with child, my love.

And I’m so scared.

Miyazaki Y/n

Osamu’s hands tremble as he tries to comprehend everything. “I need to go to her.”

. .

Y/n learned to ignore the whispers and the obvious glances in her direction.

She is the talk of the town, a widow, pregnant and unwedded.

Placing a protective hand around her belly, Y/n continued shopping for the necessities.

Satoshi had returned home saying he would return in a few days.

As much as she tells him she can manage, she is forever thankful of his presence. Just having him there by her side regardless of her always tell him not to.

At one point she believed she could have returned his feelings but after discovering she is with child; she couldn’t do that to him. Or Osamu.

Guilt sat heavy on her shoulders as the last time she saw Osamu, he spilled his heart out to her and she wanted badly to forget all the right things she should do and allow her heart to lead. To go wherever as long as it was with him. She had already suspected she was with child then, but she wasn’t quite sure.

Her family has been nothing but supported of her, she was prepared to be disowned. Y/n was shocked when her mother hugged her, telling her there is nothing to worry about and that she will be there beside her.

Her body changed every day, and she logged letters to Osamu. It was her only source of comfort. Satoshi caught her writing these letters and inquired if she would send them to him, but she answered him with a simple no. She just needed a way to offload the feelings of knowing she’ll be alone during the pregnancy.

Y/n would talk to her unborn baby, describing their father and assured them they will be loved.

It was her first pregnancy; she didn’t know what to expect but she knew enough that when her tummy protruded immediately and immensely…

“Either you are much further along or… could you be expecting twins?” Her sister-in-law noted, nursing her 6-month-old baby. “I didn’t show that much until I was at the end of the pregnancy.”

The village midwife came to visit and confirmed what they all suspected, Y/n was expecting twins. “It will be much difficult but not impossible. You are at higher risk, but I have delivered many twins, have faith in me.”

Y/n paid the lady, placing the two cabbages in her basket and tightens her scarf around her head before returning home.

Her 4-year-old niece greeted her around the corner of their compound. “Aunty!”

“Iya,” Y/n smiles but her smile ceased when the look on her niece’s face alerts her. “Is something wrong?”

“Someone is here for you.”

Y/n didn’t need to ask who it was, the person appeared around the corner.

Osamu’s expression was unreadable. She could feel his eyes burning at her belly.

“Iya, can you tell your mother I’m going to go for a walk with him and I’ll be right back.” Y/n hands the basket to her, “can you take this to grandma?”

Once the little girl was out of sight, Y/n exhales softly, “Lord Miya.” Her heart thumped loudly as he stalked towards her. When he showed no sign of stopping she held her hands out to stop him, but he over powered her, pulling her into his arms. She melted into his touch for a few seconds before struggling to escape. “We mustn’t –“

Osamu pulls away and cups her face, forcing her to look right at him. “I did not marry Lady Imai.”

“What?” Her voice faintly whispered.

His eyes gaze at her longingly before he noticed the eyes of bystanders and they sharpen immediately. “Let’s find somewhere to talk in private.”

The first thing Osamu did was kiss her senseless the moment they walked into the empty kitchen. A large hand protected the back of her head as he backed her against the wall. He

He breaks away and they both gasp breathless.

Osamu pulls her tightly against his chest, cradling the back of her head. “I missed you. Missed you so much.” He pulls away and looks down between them before dropping down on to one knee. He presses both his palms to her belly, staring at it silently before looking up at her.

Y/n nods her head and places her hands over his, silently answering him.

Yes, yours…

Tears prick his eyes, and he blinks letting them slip at corner of his eyes. “I can’t… I can’t let you two go now…” he chokes on his words. “Please Y/n…”

With one hand, she wiped away his tear and smile. “Three.”

He frown confused, “what?”

“There may be two babies in there,” she answered softly.

“Two?” he gasped, and Y/n nodded. He pressed his forehead against her belly, hot tears spilling from his eyes. “I will give up everything… just – just don’t leave me again.”

The guest room door slides open, and Y/n looks up at her mother walking in with a tray of food. One glance at the sleeping figure on the futon, she shook her head with a smile. She quietly stepped in and sets the food on the table. “He must be hungry, wake him up to eat. Dinner won’t be served for another few hours.”

Y/n nods and quietly thanks her mother who exits.

Looking down beside her, Osamu slept deeply away. After a meltdown she had to beg him to get up. Even though he was almost a whole head taller than her, he look like a child wiping away his tears. Once his tears was dried you can see the tiredness in them.

“When was the last time you slept?” Y/n asked cupping his cheek.

He leaned into her hand, “I was in a rush to get here, probably slept a total of like ten hours in my two-day ride?”

She took him to the guest room and made him change his clothes. She ordered him to rest, and she’ll come back for him at dinner time.

Y/n looked down at the hand that’s holding her back. “Stay with me.”

“’Samu –“

“Please?”

She couldn’t say no to those eyes.

She ran her fingers through his hair and watched him fall into a slumber, his grip on her other hand was firm, as if he was afraid she would run for it once he slept.

It has been over an hour since he’s fallen asleep. Running her fingers through his hair and she leans down whispering, “’Samu… wake up.”

He hums, turning his head to kiss her palm. “I’m not dreaming, right?”

Y/n giggles, “open your eyes and check for yourself.”

His eyes open and he smiles, “this is real, right?”

She nods, “yes, you, me and us.” He shifts his head onto her lap and nuzzle against her belly. “You should eat before the food gets cold.” He mumbles something against her pregnant belly. She pushes his head back, “what did you say?”

With no shame, “I want to eat you.”

Her eyes widen and she smacks his shoulder, whispering, “’Samu! Don’t say things like that.”

He bites his lower lip and hiding his smile. “Fine…”

. .

Y/n feels her face heating up by the second feeling the eyes of her family members burning at hers and Osamu’s locked hands.

Her family gathered to one side of the room while Osamu and Y/n sat on the other side. It was clear as day that he was the father of her unborn babies with the way his aura was spreading in the room.

Osamu would move mountains just to be with Y/n. He would no longer allow anything to get in his way to be with her and their unborn babies.

Her father was the first to speak after clearing his throat. “My Lord, you… you are aware my daughter here is a widow, right?”

“Yes, father, I am aware.” Osamu answered without a heartbeat.

Y/n’s head dropped as her face flushed into a darker pink at Osamu calling her father, father.

She could hear her mother and sister-in-law’s giggle and her brother and father’s gasp.

“Uh…” her father choked; he too begin to blush.

Osamu pulls his hand away from Y/n and bow, head to the floor.

Everyone in the room, including Y/n gasped.

“Please my Lord!” Her family shouted all in union.

He ignores Y/n’s attempt to lift his head. “Please forgive me, I am here to take responsibility and ask for your approval and blessing to marry Y/n.”

“My Lord, please lift your head and sit up.” Y/n’s mother pleaded.

With a deep sigh from her father, “yes, I forgive you. Please lift your head.”

Osamu lifts his head, “and your blessing?”

Her father cleared his throat again, “as long as you… are aware of her status– we have nothing else to say.”

“You will give us your blessing, father?” Osamu asked again.

Her father nodded, a growing smile on his face, “you have my blessing.”

Osamu immediately looks at Y/n with gleaming eyes.

“Y/n, look at me,” her father softly ordered. His eyes soften at his daughter, “be happy.”

. .

Her hand is sweaty against Osamu’s as they now sit in front of his parents, twin brother, and also pregnant sister-in-law.

Osamu’s mother burst out in tears. “Forgive your father and I, Osamu,” she looks at Y/n with tears falling. “And Y/n too, we hope you two will find it in your heart to forgive us and allow us to move forward from here.” She dabs her eyes with her sleeve, “I want to be part of my grandchildren’s life.”

“Of course,” Y/n softly answered.

Osamu’s father breaks his silence, “yes, please forgive us.” He looks at Y/n, “we welcome to the Miya family, Y/n.”

Y/n inhales, eyes becoming wet, “thank you, I am honor.”

“We forgive you,” Osamu answers quietly and looks at Y/n, “we would like our children to be part of their grandparent’s life too.”

Lady Atsumu smiles at Y/n and rubs her belly that seems to be the same size as hers. “Welcome to the family, Y/n.”

Osamu’s twin smiles identically to Osamu, “welcome to the family sister-in-law.”

. .

Osamu’s grunts fill their room with Y/n’s soft quiet moans.

Her belly has tremendously grown to protect his unborn babies and Osamu quickly discovered his wife looks amazingly beautiful pregnant.

She became tired from bouncing on is cock, so Osamu took over, shifting her on to her back and lifts one leg to hug it while thrusting slowly into her sweet pussy.

Osamu rubs her puffy clit bringing her over the edge as she cums around his cock.

“’Samu!” She moaned his name loudly, trembling and clutching onto the pillow.

He was close too, rolling his hips a few times he stilled as he shoots his load inside of her.

After a few seconds, stares down where his cock is still jerking from sensitivity. He loved staying buried inside of her, especially now when her pussy seemed to be more sensitive then usual.

“I love you,” he kisses her ankle before setting her leg down. He leans over to kiss her but stopped when he noticed something milky leaking from the tip of her nipples. With a closer look, he sees beads of milk forming. “Are you… lactating?”

Eyes closed and energy depleted, Y/n muttered, “for the last couple of days it’s been doing that.” It was fine until Osamu suckled her bosoms moments ago, stimulating the nipple to leak. She was just about to slip into slumber when she feels a pair of lips latch on to her tit and a hot tongue suckling.

Her hand slips into his messy hair, pushing his face further into her breast. “What – what are you doing?”

He mumbles something incoherent and continues to suckle and slurp.

After a few seconds Osamu lifts his head, tongue licking the corner of his lips. “Must take my share now before I have to start sharing.” He switches over to the other side.

Y/n covered her mouth with the back of her hand, to cover her moans. With Osamu still embedded inside of her too she was unconsciously clenching around his cock that became erect again.

. .

“For you.”

Y/n accepts the box wrapped in red ribbon from Lady Atsumu. “Thank you, sister-in-law.” She opens the gift, to reveal a beautiful wind-chime. “Oh my! It’s so beautiful.”

“Every home need one.” Lady Atsumu smiles.

Osamu and Y/n was gifted an estate as their wedding gift, and recently just settled in.

“May I touch your belly?”

Y/n gasp, “oh, yes!” Lady Atsumu presses her palm against her belly. “Osamu tells me you are expecting twins too. What are the odds of both of us pregnant with twins? Do you hope for boys or girls? Or one of each?”

“Ideally, one of each would be nice but many experience mothers who birth twins is telling me that I may be having boys.” Lady Atsumu pats Y/n’s belly, “how about you?”

“I want one of each too,” Y/n answered with hope, “but deep down, I have a feeling they will be boys, which is fine too.”

Lady Atsumu laughs, “what will we do with all boys?”

“Osamu and I will definitely get a taste of our own medicine then.” Lord Atsumu answers from behind. He hugs his wife and rubs her belly.

“If we do end up having boys, it will be they will be gentlemen for sure.” Osamu promised, coming from behind Y/n and hugging her close. “Boy or girl, I hope they will look like their mom.”

A few weeks later, Y/n gives birth to their twin sons two days later after Lady and Lord Atsumu who welcomed their twin sons.

The set of twins are a carbon copy of their twin fathers.

Like Atsumu, Osamu is over the moon with his sons. He is on his toes at any sort of movement or cry, ready to love and pamper his babies, including Y/n.

“They are adorable, you did well Lady Miyazaki.” One of the nurses said looking down at two infants in the same cot.

Osamu had his arms wrapped protectively around his wife. “Miya.” Osamu corrected, “Just Miya. Lady Miya Y/n.”

E/n: #happytears. Again, thank you for being patient with me through my crazy imagination. I have requests for Tsukishima and Akaashi - so those two are on the list. I know I've mentioned Kuroo... and maybe Ushijima. Oh, I don't think I can leave Oikawa out. Or Iwa... the list will go on. I am getting back in touch with Wipe Your Eyes - I think I have it figured out where I want to go with that series. I may release a Naruto one-shot in between...

>>>@hellatrashdontask @queenelleee @wrongimagine @eadyladlegard @mfreedomstuff @erintaro @callmeraider @chaotic-fangirl-blog @wolffmaiden @satoritendoucultsacrifice @yourgonvermnethooker @littlemochi @cloud-lyy @pana-dolle @basmamme @haitanifxn @itsroseally @warrior-of-justice @jmnfilter @captainchrisstan @natriae @haikyuubiggestsimp

#haikyuu lords #haikyuu osamu #haikyuu miya osamu #miya osamu smut #miya osamu fluff #miya osamu angst #miya osamu x y/n #miya osamu x reader #osamu smut #osamu fluff #osamu angst #osamu x y/n #osamu x reader #haikyuu atsumu #miya atsumu #haikyuu miya twins

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imaginethathaikyuu · 11 months

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don’t lie to me - part one

akaashi keiji x reader

a con-artist, lovers-to enemies-to lovers au

the GUIDEPOST the MASTERLIST

synopsis: You have nothing to lose, and that’s exactly why you love to go after those who do. Lying is as easy as knocking down a house of cards, revealing truths of corruption underneath. You and Akaashi are leaders of your own team of Robin Hoods, but you can’t keep up the act forever, can you? When you threaten trading this life in for something more romanticized, you and Akaashi fall right back into your old, hateful ways.

tags: lying stealing robbing etc., lovers to enemies, con-artist/spy!au, haikyuu x the great pretender crossover, not very relationship forward, but a lot of fluff sprinkled in, arguments, fights, angst, a break up

word count: 8535

Hitoka Yachi was a liar. She was a thief. She was a con artist. And she could not tell you how she got to this point in her life.

And there she sat in the living room of an affluent old lady who knew nothing about the telephone package Yachi was trying to sell to her.

That’s what made her the perfect target, an ideal victim to scam out of a few hundred bucks. Just like the others in this neighborhood Yachi had already meticulously gone after.

“Let me make it simple for you,” Yachi told her, putting on her best and brightest smile, “You can give me a down payment now - of eight hundred dollars - and when our team comes for the installment, you can make your decision then. We can deduct any extra payment from next month’s bill.”

The woman took a deep breath and used the pause for thought to adjust her shawl on her shoulder. “Well…”

“And this is the last day for this offer! Remember, this is a huge holiday discount. Even if you wait until tomorrow - it would be triple the price!”

It wasn’t a holiday or anywhere near.

“I probably shouldn’t pass this up, then…”

The woman reached for her large purse and Yachi shot out of her seat in excitement, raring to snatch the payment from her.

“Thank you! We’ll be in contact about the installation day! Thank you!”

With the money in her hands she darted out the door, leaving behind every pamphlet and example photo she had brought with her. All she cared about was getting outside so she could do her happy dance in private.

What she was doing wasn’t wrong. These people already have enough money to afford their nice homes and retirement dreams. Yachi was simply taking advantage, and she was doing it to survive.

She started walking in a random direction and stopped at the first restaurant she came to. She stuffed her hand deep in her pocket to tuck her money inside - first, she pulled out a sliver of paper. Written on it was the name and phone number for the woman she just had a meeting with.

As she walked inside, she wadded the note up and threw it toward a trash can nearby. It bounced off the edge and landed on the ground.

Yachi’s only friend was a woman older than her, cooler than her, and meaner than her. Tanaka Saeko played drums for a band, drove a beat up van, and frequented all the restaurants Yachi loved. That made them friends by default.

She was telling Saeko all about the recent job and how she made a new eight hundred bucks, while Saeko was barely listening, stuffing her face and kicking rocks under the picnic table.

“I actually need a favor.”

Saeko grunted.

“Help me out, and I’ll give you half.”

Yachi pulled a brown wallet out of her back pocket.

Saeko rolled her eyes. “Again? Really?”

The two of them did this every day.

“Come on,” she whined, “it’s fun! Look, the woman in the purple ordering at the counter - she’ll be perfect for it.”

The street was nearly empty, save for the few people eating at tables or walking by. It was the perfect day for making more money, and Yachi would do just that.

You were standing in front of a food stall sipping lemonade when you got a tap on your shoulder.

“Excuse me - did you drop this?”

“I’m sorry?”

“This wallet was on the ground, it’s yours, right?”

The girl opened the wallet and showed the cash inside, knowing it would pique your interest, and then let you take it from her hands.

Yachi put on a sweet smile until Saeko came over to wipe it off.

“It’s mine. Hand it over.”

Saeko took the billfold from you, but Yachi snatched it right back from her then stuffed it in her back pocket.

With her arms up in innocent defense, “You know what, I’ll just take it to the police.”

“I told you, it’s mine.”

“How am I supposed to know that?”

“What, do you want a reward or something?”

While they bickered, you finished your drink. Then, you pulled two twenties from your purse.

“It is mine, actually. Here’s your reward.”

And Yachi smiled at you, pulled the wallet out, and handed it over to you as she took your money.

“Thank you so much,” you said, being so sweet it felt fake, and then you wrapped your arms around her, giving her the most awkward hug of her life. “I appreciate it so much, thank you. Have a great day.”

Then, you walked off.

You were hardly out of earshot when Yachi started laughing to herself as she pulled the real, money filled wallet out of her pocket.

“It’s just so easy these days!”

Saeko held her hand out expectantly. Yachi slapped a bill in her hand.

“Thanks for playing,” she said, and Saeko said nothing. “You still hungry? It’ll be my treat!”

Just to brag, she pulled the wallet open, showing Saeko her earnings. The extra twenty she just stole from you didn’t seem like much in comparison to the hundreds in the pouch, but it all adds up. Every cent counts when you’ve got rent to pay.

And Saeko was laughing. Cackling like a bird.

“What? What’s so funny?”

“What are you going to buy?” she said through bursts of laughter and tears, “free samples?”

“What are you talking about?”

She looked down at the wallet and -

- it was empty.

Empty.

Her money was gone.

“You gave away the wrong one!”

Yachi felt her heartbeat in her ears. Her eyes nearly popped out of her head and landed right in the money pouch. She could have laughed, too, out of pure anger.

“I didn’t. I didn’t - I’m not stupid! I wouldn’t mess up that badly - did she…?”

She turned around, looking all over for you, then went running in the direction you had gone.

Yachi already figured out what you had done.

When you hugged her, you pick-pocketed her.

You knew she had given you an empty wallet, so you took the one with the money.

That’s the only explanation.

She ran down the block and easily found you, standing in front of a stall selling jewelry. And she was more than ready to make a scene in order to get her money back.

“Hey! Hey!”

You ignored her until she was standing right next to you.

“You stole my money!”

You glanced over at her, then said, “Hm? Aren’t you the one who found my wallet?”

“It wasn’t yours!”

You let a smile slip. “It wasn’t?”

“Look, just give it back.”

You walked away from the jewelry booth, but Yachi peddled behind you.

“Why would I do that? You gave it to me, said it was mine - so, it’s mine.”

“Well, it was a mistake! It wasn’t yours - it was mine, so I need you to return it.”

“Are you trying to steal from me?”

“What? No! I’m trying to get my money back!”

You didn’t reply, and Yachi didn’t know what else to do, so she kept following you.

She was stuck walking in your footsteps, letting you guide her wherever you were going, because she had no other ideas.

The only thing she could do was nag you until you gave in.

“All of my money was in that wallet. Like, all of it. At least eight hundred dollars. You’re stealing all of my money, and I’m already poor, so you’re just making me even more poor. Are you really okay with that?”

You said nothing.

“My name is Yachi, by the way. Hitoka Yachi. I’m pretty popular around here, actually. Are you new to town? I could show you around. For a price, anyway. Hey, if you give me my money back, I could show you how to make all the money in the world - I know the easiest ways.”

She meandered around you, stopping you in your path, finally getting the chance to speak to your face. She gave you a smile that was as genuine as it was frustrated; all you could do was laugh.

“How long do you plan on following me?”

Her smile fell. “Until I get my money back.” She was pouting, looking like she was trying too hard to look angry. You gave her a look that turned her anger up higher. “The money you stole from me.”

“In the wallet you said was mine?”

She stomped her foot; you didn’t hold back your laughter at her.

“What a con artist you are. Aren’t you clever?” you joked as you walked ahead of her, and her footsteps quickly followed yours.

“Look, I don’t know who you are, or who you think you are, but I know what I’m doing here. So maybe you should watch your tone.”

You tried not to laugh, you really did, but the sound erupted from your lips before you could seal them shut. Yachi stopped in her tracks at the sound.

You turned around, continuing to walk backwards as you said, “It seems like I’ve scammed the scammer, then, haven’t I?” And then you turned again, not stopping until you reached your destination.

Neither of you said a word until you were opening the gate outside of a quaint home.

“Where are we? What are you doing here?”

“I’m going home,” you said. “Do you want to camp out here, or come inside?”

Yachi peered behind you to look at the house, but the only thing that caught her eye was a man standing at the door. He stood there like he was a guard.

“Who is that?”

“Who?”

Yachi pointed, and you turned to glance behind you.

“He’s just someone I work with. I’m not sure what he’s here for… maybe something I owe him.”

You sighed, and Yachi got the idea that you weren’t happy to see this guy. She was immediately intimidated by the man - his gaze alone was enough to send her shrinking into herself. Dressed in all black, his strong looking arms crossed, and his jaw locked - according to Yachi’s low standards, he looked like someone she wanted nothing to do with.

You began walking away, into your gate and toward the house.

“Hey! What about my money?!”

“You mean my money?” You walked back over to her then pulled an ink pen and an old receipt out of your purse. “Here’s my name and number. Call me if you need anything, alright?”

You shoved the paper in her hand and then you left, into your house, and the man didn’t follow. He stood in the same spot, watching Yachi’s every move. She kicked herself out of his eyesight, fast.

The money in that wallet you stole was for a late rent payment. Her shitty apartment wasn’t worth what she paid for it every month, but it held her few belongings and kept her warm enough. And it was getting harder and harder to lie her way out of paying the bills on time.

And now that money is gone.

She could have just followed you into your home, but even she isn’t stupid enough to walk into a situation like that one.

Besides, that guy was scary enough that she was grateful for being out of his sight.

She’d just have to cut her losses. You can’t win ‘em all - she’d happily lose this time if it meant she never had to see that guy again. And that wasn’t the first time she had less than a dollar to her name. She’d just have to work a little harder tomorrow.

She looked down at the note you gave her. It did in fact have a name, and a few numbers written down, but it wasn’t enough to make a phone number. Of course. Yachi didn’t expect any better, but she swore the next time she saw you, she wouldn’t let you go.

Her walking was directionless, and she didn’t know where she was, but eventually the neighborhood turned familiar enough that she felt alright to slow her pace and catch her breath. She was only wandering, looking for something to stop her, when -

“Oh my god! There she is! Right there! That’s her - that’s the girl!”

One second she was kicking a pebble down the street - the next, she barely had the time to turn and run from the two cops chasing her, who were directed by the old woman from the telephone scam.

It was one thing after another.

She turned one corner then another before she found her escape. It looked like it was placed in front of her by God himself - too good to be true - and, of course, she took the path that was laid out: a taxi stopped on the side of the road with a familiar person getting into it - you. Yachi dived into the door you had left open and slammed it behind her.

“Let’s share the ride!” she said, trying to hide how out of breath she was. Your mouth hung in surprise but you only nodded, and the driver took off. Yachi looked back - not a cop in sight.

Safe at last.

“Back already?”

Yachi sat back in her seat and relaxed, because she finally could. But the silence took over fast, and she had to strike up conversation.

“Seriously, who was that guy?”

“Oh, don’t mind him. I took care of him.”

“You - did you -”

“Kill him?” Yachi gasped, you laughed. “No, god no - who do you think I am?”

“I have no idea who you are,” she said, and you laughed. Then, she realized, “Where are we going?”

“The airport,” you replied. You turned to look at her, your makeup still perfect, your hair only slightly messier than it was before, red lips in a sweet sneaking grin. “Then to LA.”

“LA?”

You nodded.

In the rush of the series of events, Yachi thought of this as an offer. A way out. A new market.

Technically, she was on the run now, and she still had to get back what you took from her, and she had nothing here to leave, anyway. Most of her things were in the tattered backpack she took everywhere with her.

“I’ll come with - if you buy my plane ticket.”

You refused. But she’d convince you.

“What are we doing here, anyway?”

“I’m here for work - I don’t know where you’re going. I need to make a stop by my place.”

“Well, you’ll let me stay with you for the night, right?”

There were hours of traffic between the two of you and your destination, and Yachi got to sleep through it until you forced her awake and brought her inside of an extravagant house. She didn’t get the chance to examine the outside - you walked too fast for her to keep up.

She developed a quick habit out of following you around. She didn’t know what else she was supposed to do, and her one goal was to take her cash back from you, afterall.

But when you led her into a big, open room, it seemed like you had enough of having her as your shadow.

“Can’t you go somewhere else?”

“Where?”

“Anywhere,” you sighed. You plopped down on the long velvet couch that faced the large window, then said, “Show yourself around. I’m waiting for company.”

“Fine.”

Looking as if she was trying to be passive aggressive, she trotted back out the door the two of you came through. Outside of it was a long hallway with many doors on either side; she didn’t know which room she should go into first.

With the blue carpet catching her footsteps, it was a soft walk to the first door. Yachi swung it open brazenly to find - a bathroom.

Plain and boring as they come. A stark opposite from the rest of the house that she’d seen - the main room was lavish, filled with furniture and decorated perfectly, windows lining an entire wall with beautiful paintings hanging on the rest of them.

She thought mansion bathrooms were meant to be fancy - with toilets made of gold and water fountains rather than sinks and a swimming pool for a tub.

Maybe you sunk your budget in the living room.

She decided to leave the door open, just to be rude, before she went to the next one.

There wasn’t time for her to open it before a door at the main end of the hallway opened seemingly on its own. Yachi was curious, wondering what kind of person would be walking through it.

When she saw him, she ran, and she loudly encouraged you to do the same.

The lazy way you stood up made it obvious that you weren’t bothered at all.

“What are you doing?”

“Running away, because that scary man followed you all the way here and it’s probably because he wants to kill you,” she said, all in one breath, the entire sentence sounding like one word.

You only crossed your arms. Yachi didn’t understand.

“Excuse me.”

The sound of his voice behind her made her yelp, and she ran straight to hide behind the couch.

“Whatever she did has nothing to do with me!”

The only part of her body visible was her eyes, peeking out just enough to see what this man’s next move was.

He completely ignored her, gunning straight for you. He reached his arms out and Yachi didn’t want to look - she couldn’t bear to see what he was about to do to you.

The man looked strong, and maybe you were capable of fighting but Yachi wouldn’t bet her stolen money on it. You weren’t even stepping away, in fact - you were stepping toward him.

He wrapped his arms around you and that was it, Yachi thought - he was probably going to squeeze you until you popped. She clamped her eyes shut, but then opened one of them because she couldn’t help herself. She just had to watch as he -

Kissed you.

Yachi really did not understand.

“Keiji, I missed you to death.”

“You couldn’t stand a couple days apart?”

“It felt like forever. I think I should just stitch myself to you, I’d be happier that way.”

Yachi shot up out of her hiding spot.

“I thought this was the guy you owed!”

“I did owe him. I told you I took care of him, didn’t I?”

The wink you sent Yachi’s way had her dropping her jaw in a realizing, disgusting anger.

“By the way,” Keiji said, “Where’s the big scary man who’s trying to kill you?”

Yachi didn’t care about a thing the man said, and she didn’t care about the joyous look on your face. All she cared about was getting answers.

“Who the hell are you? What do you want from me?”

“I told you who I am. You’re the one who’s been following me around this entire time - remember?” You weren’t even looking at Yachi. Instead, you were busy straightening Keiji’s collar. You kissed him once again and then stepped away, saying, “Could you bring me that briefcase, babe?” and he did as he was told.

She stood on the couch and then jumped over it, landing on her feet with a punctuating thud. “Because you stole my money. All of my money! And I want it back!”

“Right - about that money… Where’d it come from, exactly?”

Keiji sat the briefcase on the table in front of you. You opened it and pulled out three different things.

Yachi didn��t try to explain herself. You already had all of the answers, and you held them up for her to see.

The terrible pamphlet for the phone company she handmade, the contract signed by the woman she had scammed, and the crumpled note she had thrown away.

And she felt like a child again, being scolded by her mother for her bad grades. Like she was small, like you were bigger than her so that meant you were right. It didn’t feel fair.

“Where did you get those?”

You offered no explanation. “That poor, innocent woman,” you said with a tut. “But she wasn’t the first, was she?”

“So what? Are you going to rat me out or something?”

“No. Honestly, I couldn’t care less about it.”

“So what is this for?” Yachi took a loud step toward you, trying to make herself feel bigger, stronger, smarter. “Just give me my money so I can leave.”

“I never said I had your money.”

Yachi froze.

“What?”

You shrugged. “I don’t have it. You assumed I did.”

“Then who does?!”

“The girl you were with - she got a hold of it.”

“Saeko?!”

Then, Keiji stepped into it. “I think you might’ve taken this one too far, sweetheart.”

“But she knows what she’s doing,” you said, and the sweet voice you used with him sounded like nails on a chalkboard. “I didn’t do anything. Every choice she made was completely independent.”

The worst part?

You were right.

Yachi chose to take that old lady’s money. She chose you out of the crowd to play the wallet scam against. She chose to follow you home, to leave you at your house, to seek refuge in the taxi you were in. And then, on top of it all, she followed you to a brand new city.

And you didn’t suggest she do a single thing. You just let her.

It was her own fault. So she crumpled to the ground, because there was simply nothing left for her to do.

She fell for every word that left your mouth - and you didn’t even ask her to.

It was pathetic. She was pathetic.

You stood in front of her, tossed the pamphlet on the ground for her to look at. “It doesn’t feel good, does it? Being stolen from?”

Yachi didn’t reply.

“Do you want some advice?”

Yachi watched as you knelt down in front of her. She looked up at you, at your too sweet smile. Still, there were no cracks in your image. It was strange, and it was enticing, and it was maddening.

“Learn how to choose your targets, sweetheart. Maybe you should pick a different line of work.”

You wadded up the note and threw it down in front of her, just like she had thrown it to the trash. Your words were cutting, even as you got up and walked away. You had just given her a failing grade on the one thing she felt like she was good at - it hurt.

And she was all alone now, on the floor in a random home in this strange city. And she wished she had somewhere to go.

Until a hand reached out to her.

Keiji.

She took it, because she didn’t have any other choice - besides sitting there forever.

“She can be a little mean sometimes. Don’t take it too personally.”

Yachi didn’t know what to say, so she said nothing.

“Do you want to make your money back?”

Yachi nodded.

“Then let’s go. We’re already late.”

Maybe you were too mean to the young girl, but it definitely wasn’t your fault. It’s just the way things happened to play out.

Keiji obviously believed otherwise.

“I’m just saying - she’s just a kid. You didn’t have to go so hard on her.”

“I was teaching her a lesson!”

“You could’ve been a little nicer about it. That’s all I’m saying.”

“Keiji, you were in on it.”

“Hey, you were the boss - I was just doing what I was told!”

“Can you stop talking about me like I’m not right here?”

The both of you turned around to see Yachi behind you, tagging along like a third wheel. Keiji mumbled a quick apology; you continued walking without a word to her.

“Where are we even going?” the girl asked.

“To strike up a deal,” you said, feigning excitement so it would get her in a better mood.

And it worked like you were rubbing paint off your hands onto her. She piped up immediately, getting a spring in her step.

“Okay, what’s the plan?”

“You’ll see.”

“Nothing you need to know yet,” Keiji said as you all stopped in front of a large ornate gate; behind it, the biggest house Yachi had ever seen.

“Whoa. Is this some door-to-door scam for millionaires or something?”

You groaned loud. “Something like that.”

Keiji dropped your hand and moved to press a button on the intercom next to the fence. In less than a minute, three men came walking down the path on the opposite side; one of them used a key to open the gate.

All of them looked rough and mean. Dressed in leather jackets and lazily buttoned patterned shirts, gold chains around their necks and rings on their fingers, Yachi could easily assume these guys were cheap security for whoever lived in this mansion. She didn’t like the look of them.

The man in the center pulled his sunglasses off then shook Keiji’s hand.

“About time,” he said, then started leading your group inside.

Around the back of the house was a pool and a party. The bright blue water looked refreshing enough to jump into fully clothed, and all of the beautiful girls in bikinis had Yachi feeling self conscious of the little effort she put into her appearance. You had thrown a button up shirt and black pants at her and made her get changed in the car, and she was feeling far from herself.

She watched you and Keiji shaking hands and making conversation with the person who seemed to be the owner of this house - a tall woman who wore glasses and had long, pin straight, jet black hair.

Yachi wasn’t doing such a good job at following your conversation, but she heard the tail end of what the woman was saying.

“...This will be so great for both of us, I’m so excited to finally be finishing this deal. Um - where is the… supply?”

“The delivery should be here soon,” Keiji said, checking his watch. “Set to arrive around back.”

“Right - of course. No point in risking traveling alone with something so important.”

“In the meantime,” you said, and you wrapped your arms around Yachi’s shoulders and pulled her to stand in front of you. “This is an intern of ours - the one we were telling you about. She has been paramount in developing the new product.”

Yachi forced a fake, awkward smile at the woman.

“Oh, it’s amazing to meet you!”

“The two of you should get acquainted. Just don’t spill any secrets.” You winked at her and then took a step back. “The two of us will head over to the warehouse and we’ll give you a call when the goods arrive. Sound good?”

Leaving no chance for Yachi to reply, you and Keiji left her alone, walking past the party down a path that led behind the house.

Keiji asked you, “How do you think she’ll do?”

You shrugged. “She can’t fuck it up too badly. We’re already in the homestretch.”

The warehouse was exactly that - a large building with two garage doors and no windows, with its only entrance door guarded by two men. One of them short, thin, and balding; the other tall, with salt and pepper hair and too much muscle. You greeted them both then swung the door open and walked into the fluorescent lights inside.

The building was mostly empty now; Ten, your current client, had gotten rid of nearly all of her inventory after the first meeting she had with you. To make room for the stock you’d promised.

Arms wrapped around your waist and pulled you in. “We’ve got time to kill, baby.”

You looked back at him, kissed his cheek. “Not as much time as you need.”

“You only need five minutes.” He pulled away just enough to turn you around, then pulled you right back against him, teasing a kiss against your lips. “I thought you missed me?”

He kissed you soft, just enough to get you to want more - to remind you what you were missing. As headstrong as you were, Keiji was the only one who knew how to crack your resolve.

You let him kiss you as much as he wanted to, because you weren’t ready to put up a fight yet.

“You know I missed you,” you whined against his lips. He caressed your pouting bottom lip with his thumb.

“You’re a sweetheart. My sweet girl. Why don’t we just get this over with so I can show you how much I missed you?”

You kissed his finger, then his palm, and looked up at him with bright eyes and a swelling smile.

“I think we have five minutes to spare.”

Yachi had been alone with this woman for half an hour, and getting through the conversation felt like swimming in putty.

At this point, she felt like she deserved a fucking degree in bullshitting, because even though her words made no sense to herself, the woman ate them up like candy.

Yachi had learned very little, and yet way too much about the business practices here.

The woman’s name was Ten, and she’s worked in Hollywood as a film director for nearly twenty years, and the product she was buying off of you was… drugs. All of her money didn’t come from the shitty movies she’s made, but from the drugs she’s been peddling.

So Yachi had gotten tied up with drug dealers. She could handle your lying and stealing, but this was too far for her.

She wouldn’t realize the irony in that sentiment.

“I was skeptical before, to be honest. But after meeting you, I’m nothing but excited,” Ten told her.

It all felt surreal even though she was clueless of the situation. She had Ten convinced that she was a pharmaceutical technician who lacked experience but had an abundance of knowledge - a great mind who would become a pillar in the industry, someone who would change the drug industry and make people like her even richer.

Your call to Ten was a saving grace.

“Perfect. Send one of the guards up to escort me with the money. I’ll be right down.”

Yachi joined Ten, a muscular guard, and four briefcases to the warehouse around back. On the walk, Ten explained how she did all her business in cash, because it was easy payment with no risk of being tracked - even though Yachi never asked.

When they entered the building, Yachi held her breath, preparing to witness her first ever drug deal, and she had no idea what she was in for.

It was a giant room that was completely empty. There was a table in the center, a briefcase on top of it, and the fluorescent light shining directly onto it looked like a spotlight.

Yachi was confused, and Ten seemed even more so.

High heels echoed on the concrete floor as the woman walked to the case. She opened it, and then she snapped her head around to glare at Yachi.

The briefcase was empty.

“What’s going on here?”

She made her way back to Yachi quickly; arms came out to grab her, and she ducked underneath them. She fell onto her hands and knees, turned around, and crawled toward the door before clambering back up to her feet.

“Honestly, I have no clue!” she called back.

She pushed the door open, she saw safety in the sunlight outside. She only got to take one step on the grass before she was cut off by the guard who was with them before, still carrying the cases of money under his arm.

There was no way she was fighting him off, so when he picked her up, she let him. He threw her over his shoulder and all she could do was beat on his back with small fists.

“Let me go!” she cried. “I have nothing to do with this! Seriously! I don’t even know those two! Just let me go!”

When he finally put her down, it was onto warm metal. She opened her scared eyes to find she was in the bed of a pickup truck and so was her kidnapper.

With the truck moving she had almost no balance, but she was able to find her way to her hands and knees so she could look through its back window.

You stared at her in the rear view mirror. You even gave her a little wave, one that was all confidence and cockiness and made Yachi want to scream.

“What the hell was that?” She turned around, glared at the man who had captured her. “Who are you?”

He laughed, grinned wide, and stuck his hand out for her to shake.

“Bokuto - nice to meet ‘ya!”

You had been pulling the wool over Ten’s eyes for months now, building a relationship and rapport that seemed fruitful for the both of you. Ten shared secrets with you that you never needed to know, because you already had a plan scratched out before you ever met her.

She dealt the kind of drugs that killed people. The deeper the cut, the bigger the profit - that’s how she spoke of her cheap sales. It was easy to take advantage of her greed, convince her to only buy from you, pretend you were bringing something to the table she couldn’t pass up. So she cut her ties even though she was already bleeding money, and she put her last couple millions into the briefcases you stole from her, and if she ever recovered you’d give her a round of applause.

Maybe she would learn her lesson. Or maybe she wouldn’t. But your work with her was finally done.

The group of you were gathered on the terrace, drinks in hand, for an evening celebrating a job pulled off.

“All that work for one day of fun,” Bokuto sighed.

You were quick to scold him, “It’s not meant to be fun, Bo, it’s supposed to be work.”

The night sky was clouded by city lights; the stars were replaced by lampposts and neon signs. This town was alive beyond the balcony rails ahead of you. But you were only watching Yachi, who sat across from you, on the ground behind the table. She had her knees up, hugging them like she was afraid of taking up too much space, as if she had ever seen a terrace this large.

You sat up from your seat - which was Keiji’s lap - and placed your drink on the table, before sitting down on her level.

“How much did you say was in that wallet?”

She huffed and avoided your eye contact.

“I don’t know… eight hundred dollars.”

You slid a stack of cash across the table to her. Her eyes grew, and she sat still.

“For your work today,” you said.

“How much is that?”

“A few thousand. You weren’t too integral - just a distraction, really - so it’s not much.”

“...Thanks.”

“You could stick around, if you want.” It was a delicate offer, one that didn’t mean much to you, just like the money you handed over. “We always have room.”

She didn’t reply, not at first, but after a moment she gave you a meek nod.

“And I’ll get paid more?”

You stood back up then sat next to Keiji, and he pulled you in close; a kiss on your head, then your cheek, then your neck, and you were ready to forget about the world and only think about his lips.

“There’s always more to be paid,” you told her. “If you’re going to stick around, you should probably get acquainted with everyone.” You pointed to your left, “That’s Bokuto. You already met him, I think. He’s the muscle.” You meant it as a joke, but he flexed a bicep that proved your words. Then, you gestured to your right, looking at the old man laid across the wicker couch. He still wore the security guard disguise. “That’s Kudo.”

He gave a weak hearted salute. “Sure am.”

“There’s others, but they don’t always come around. You’ll meet them if you’re on the team long enough.”

“Team?”

It was innocent, the way she said it - with her head turned to the side and her eyes squinting. You were sure that you had felt the way she was feeling, back when you were five years younger and just meeting this group for the first time.

“Yeah, we’re a team, I guess. That’s the best word for it.” Try as you might to be nonchalant, you couldn’t completely cover the pride in your tone. “You’re in, if you want to be.”

You already knew she would stick around, because she had nowhere else to go. Anybody else who offered her refuge wouldn’t have good intentions, and you weren’t sure if she knew that or not - and that’s why you were making this offer in the first place. When you had heard about Yachi from Saeko, you knew she needed a place to fit - and that you had just the spot.

Even if you had to teach her a tough lesson the hard way, you meant well. And those lessons were far from over.

“Think about it,” you told her, and that was all of the time you were willing to give for the moment - because the alcohol had you buzzing, and Keiji’s arms around you were pulling you away.

So you let him take you off your seat and toward the door, but you had one more bit of information to share with Yachi.

“Oh, and - remember the old woman you stole that money from?”

Yachi perked up.

“She’ll be here tomorrow.”

Something about spending the evening outside made you wish to be swallowed up by the night time. Your bedroom was perfectly warm yet your hands were frigid. You were completely relaxed but your shoulders still felt tense.

Nights like those carried a different feeling. One free of planning, lying, and conning; it was the release of all of those things settling in the celebration of success. Like the clouds finally parted and you could see the stars with childlike relief. You no longer had to worry about getting away with something.

With your back to Keiji, you let your face fall. You took a breath and held it, because no one was waiting for you to exhale.

“What a day,” you said to yourself. “Now that it’s over it feels like a perfect night for running away.”

“Away from me?” Keiji joked.

You turned your head only slightly. Enough that he could see that your guard was down, but you didn’t dare give him your eyes.

“With you.”

He pulled his t-shirt on and came to sit next to you. “And where would we go?”

“Anywhere,” you said with a shrug. And you thought about his question, and if your answer would be the right one. If it should be the truth, or another lie. “Somewhere normal, maybe.”

Keiji laughed. “Normal? You’d get bored of that in a day.”

“I would not,” you replied, “not if you were with me.”

“Don’t get all romantic on me now.” He got up, got into bed.

You might have been sitting on the edge of something you didn’t want to fall off of.

“You don’t want to run away with me, Keiji?” You couldn’t tell if you were making a joke or not, and you didn’t know if you wanted to hear his answer at all.

Because, in reality, you knew what his real answer would be. You knew his honesty was ugly and that’s why he showed you half truths.

You guessed he decided to ignore it all together. “Come to bed with me, baby.”

You stood up, walked around the bed and sat too close to him. He pushed your hair back away from your face, held you and looked at you.

“Why are you pouting?

“I’m serious,” you said.

“About what?”

“I don’t know.”

He laughed at that, all lighthearted and soft, and kissed you like it’d make you drop it. “Let’s talk about it later, baby - turn around, let me unzip your dress for you.”

“No, Keiji,” and you pulled away just enough that you didn’t have to look at him. “You don’t ever think about what it would be like?”

“It feels like we’ve talked about this before,” he said. “What are you getting at?”

“I just think it would be nice if things changed.” You stood up, and for a split second you thought about dropping it.

The last time you had a conversation like this was years ago, when you finally had enough money to retire and live easy. Keiji had brought it up, just offering the idea, and you had to remind him that it would never work out. Not with the two of you, anyway - not with the relationship you had.

Because nothing lasts forever, and you’re better than settling down, and you weren’t going to let yourself get hurt again. You promised each other that either of you could walk away any time, so don’t get too attached.

And if a break up never came, well - both of you had been scarred by the vision of death, witnessing it literally - viciously. You don’t have a particularly safe job, and history tends to repeat, and it was easier to move on if your life didn’t revolve around the other’s beating heart.

But it was too late for those sentiments to matter anymore. It had been almost three years since then, and you didn’t fear the future anymore. Keiji stayed, even though you thought he never would - even though no one ever stuck around that long - and you were starting to think that, maybe, he was going to be there forever. Maybe it was okay for you to ask him to.

So you wouldn’t let it go.

“We could have more than just… this. You know? What if we just bought a big house in a suburb? We could have pets, and… We could get married, even! And go on a honeymoon to some place nice - and we’ll be there to have fun instead of - I don’t know - rigging sports bets or stealing paintings! And it would all be so simple and easy!”

“Where is all of this coming from?”

You didn’t even know. But you meant it, all of it, and you wanted him to understand.

“I just - I… I want to have a life with you, Kei.”

“We have a life together,” he said, like he was confused, and he got up and walked over to you, he tried grabbing at you like he could put you back together. Like he could fit you in his hands. “This is our life. Can you seriously imagine us living like that? Getting married?”

“Can’t you?”

He knew his answer, he just didn’t want to say it.

“This is too much,” he said. “We’ve talked about this. I thought you didn’t want that.”

“What if I changed my mind?”

“I don’t know what you want me to say -”

“I want you to agree with me!”

“I don’t! And you know why - I…” He reeled his next words in, it seemed. He took a breath and calmed down and tried to speak softer. “You just want to… quit?”

He pulled you closer, like he could tell you were trying to run away.

“We’re so close to figuring everything out. We can’t just give up.”

“I know that.”

“Okay?” You looked away from him and he let you. “That’s why we’re here. That’s why we’re together.”

“Have all of these years together just been a waste, then? If you can’t even entertain the thought of having a life with me other than this?”

You were holding onto him so tight and you didn’t care if it hurt. Keiji had been your one constant for years now - there was no way he was still afraid of committing to you, when he had basically already done so.

But it was like tying down a wild dog. You couldn’t.

“Why didn’t you bring this up sooner? Our goal was never to settle down and have kids some day - it’s not - we’re not like that!”

“Not like what?” you asked. You were completely disheartened, now, dropping the grip you had on him. “Not serious? Not real?”

“Not normal!” he said, loud, and then he laughed, like he thought you were being funny. “I mean - we’ve never even been an actual couple - did you really think we would end up like that?”

“Maybe I did. What’s so wrong with that?”

“You know I don’t want that,” he said. “We aren’t together to have some happy ending - I never wanted that with you.”

And that was it. The last push.

But it was into anger rather than sadness; a rage instead of a broken heart; a free fall instead of a straight plummet.

“You did a great job at acting like it, Keiji.”

He laughed again, and you realized the irony in your words. The fact is that all he ever does is put on an act for other people because lying for money was his job, and you had the heart to believe he’d been real with you.

“I was never acting - obviously you can’t say the same.”

For the first time in your life, you let him have the last word. You were quick to collect some of your things and leave the room with a slamming door, and you stormed to a guest bedroom without a thought in your mind.

You didn’t cry, you didn’t let yourself feel sad. You were angry and annoyed and exhausted - maybe even a little embarrassed. And that anger kept you distracted, so you latched onto it and let it burn.

The next morning, you assumed everyone had already left. When a job was over and everything finally settled, most of the crew found other places to go - because they had money to spend. So you weren’t expecting to interact with anyone.

But Yachi was waiting in the hallway, still in her pajamas.

“Finally! I’ve been waiting forever for you to wake up. What took so long?”

“Don’t ask.”

“Fine. Gosh.”

“What do you want?”

“Well, I just had a few questions.”

You walked to the bathroom and she followed you into it. She closed the door behind her and then hopped up onto the counter next to the sink.

“Now that I have my money back I need to figure out what to do with it. I think I should get some new clothes, but mostly I just want to find some good food - what are the best restaurants around here, by the way? Honestly, I think you owe me lunch for the last few days. It’s the least you could do to make me feel part of the team.”

Out of nowhere, the door opened. Keiji was standing behind it.

“Can you knock?!” you immediately said, making him scoff.

“Can you learn to lock the door?”

You slammed the door in his face, and it made you feel marginally better. Then you looked over to Yachi, remembering her existence, and opened it again.

“Can I get some privacy? Please?”

“Yeah,” she said, stumbling over her words to land on her feet. “We’ll catch up later, I guess.”

You hoped later never came.

And instead of a peaceful, empty home, you were met with a full house of expectants, because you had already promised them more work to do.

“I thought you liked to get an early start.” It was Keiji, and he was talking like he wanted to start a fight. “It’s noon.”

“You could have started the meeting without me. You have all the information I do.”

“This one was your idea.”

“They’re all my ideas,” you said.

You pushed by him and went into the living room where everyone was waiting for you.

The only silver lining was seeing Ms. Kim, who had finally arrived sometime last night. She sat on the couch with a giant ball of yarn next to her, and the makings of a blue scarf sat on her lap as she knitted away. Her straight hair was shorter than it was a few weeks ago, and she had new glasses that sat on the tip of her nose, but she had the same familiarly grumpy look that always made you smile.

If you were honest, you didn’t even know what you were supposed to be talking about with them. Keiji always helped you get things in order, line up plans, and work out the tempo of meetings like these.

“Do you have the layout of the bar?” you asked him.

He was just sitting down on the couch when you looked at him. “No,” he said, arms crossed.

“Why not?”

“You didn’t tell me to get it.”

“I shouldn’t have to tell you. Did you do nothing? Where’s the list of the employees?”

“Do you think I’m your assistant? Do you think I spend twenty-four hours a day doing shit for you?”

“Am I supposed to do it all on my own?”

“It’s not that difficult, I’m sure you’d figure it out if you put in some effort. But it might take a few tries.”

“Fine,” you said. You looked around the table in front of you to see empty folders and blank papers. “Since Akaashi didn’t do his job we’ll just have to delay this a few days. And everyone can thank him for that.”

“Just because you say it’s my fault doesn’t mean it’s true. You haven’t figured that out already?”

“Since you don’t want to help I’ll just go ahead and cross you off the list of team members needed for this job - does that work for you?”

“Sounds great,” he said. “It sounds wonderful, actually - I can’t wait to see you try to do something all on your own.”

“And I can’t wait to stop hearing your voice!”

Both of you stormed out of the room at that, and slamming doors were heard on opposite sides of the house.

The silence in the living room was deafening.

“Did something… happen?” Yachi eventually asked among the group.

Ms. Kim was the first one to speak up, “They used to act this way… Must’ve had a fight.”

That made Kudo perk up with a gravelly laugh, “Oh, a lover’s quarrel.”

Honestly, Yachi couldn’t believe it. She had never seen the two of you act any way other than repulsively in love. She would have thought you had never fought before - everything seemed just perfect between the two of you.

But she was immediately interested in knowing about your past. No one had told her anything about how they got started, or what kind of work they did before now, and she was dying to know something.

“What do you mean? They used to argue a lot?”

“Ha - you could say that.”

“They were unbearable,” Bokuto said. “More unbearable than they are now, if you could believe it…”

“I don’t,” Yachi said. “Tell me about it.”

Her request was directed at Ms. Kim who did nothing but blink at her.

“Can’t you ask someone else? I’m not a storyteller!”

“Come on, Kim,” Kudo said, “we all know you love reminiscing on the good old days. Tell the newbie all about it.”

“Five years ago aren’t the good old days,” she said. “Fine. I’ll give you the quick version and spare the details. Don’t get comfortable.”

... ... ...

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